The Plaid Horse - May/June 2022 - The Young Horse Issue by The Plaid Horse

NORTH AMERICA’S HORSE SHOW MAGAZINE • PUBLISHED SINCE 2003 • MAY/JUNE 2022 FEATURING: Redwood Tack • Washington State Hunter Jumper Association • Five Strides with Juju VDM

Foxcroft School’s Virginia Bonnie • Equestrians of Color Photo Project • Expert Take with Dr. Barb Blasko

The Young Horse Issue COVER STORY

VIOLET TATUM

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“As a showjumper and member of the Exceptional Proficiency program, I spend three to four months away from school each year. I have now been away from school for one month and in all my years of prolonged absences at different schools, I have never felt more loved and looked after than I do at Foxcroft.” — Wilhelmina M. ’23

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Exceptional Talent Deserves an Exceptional School Developing a talent takes concentrated focus, discipline, and time — lots and lots of time. Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program enables a student with demonstrated talent and passion — like showjumpers Wilhelmina and Virginia — to spend time away from school to train, compete, and pursue her personal dream, while receiving the academic support to fulfill our high educational standards. Past participants of the Exceptional Profiency program also include:

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Contact our Admission Office today to learn more about the opportunities that await at Foxcroft School. ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE October 7, 2022 December 2, 2022 April 28, 2023

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Celebrating 20 years

MAY/JUNE 2022

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

20 Things You Didn’t Know About Piper Klemm, Ph.D. SPOTLIGHT

Redwood Tack: A One-of-a-Kind Saddle Shopping Experience

Tyler Bui

SPOTLIGHT

Washington State Hunter Jumper Association Tyler Bui

SPOTLIGHT

Foxcroft School’s Virginia Bonnie

EXPERT TAKE

How Riders Can Feel Their Best on Show Days

Dr. Barb Blakso

COVER

Violet Tatum: Fast Track to the Top Tyler Bui

INITIATIVE

Equestrians of Color Photography Project HORSES

5 Strides with Juju VDM RIDERS

It Happens! With Ailish Cunniffe, KC Klaffee, and Nada Wise RIDERS

TPH Questionnaire with Colleen Acosta

The back of the Devon program c. 1968 featured Holly Atkinson and Perrevan Forget Me Not

Piper’s first show was on a pony named Pumpkin Pie. Piper loves eggs for breakfast and eats them every morning she can. Adam only eats eggs when she is at home. Piper has been to over 450 shows and equestrian events with The Plaid Horse. The big show Piper feels most at home at is The Devon Horse Show. The show that still intimidates Piper the most is Wellington International (formerly “WEF”). The thing Piper thought she wouldn’t have to do by now but still does on occasion is sleep in her car. Piper drinks her coffee black and drinks tea only after noon. The second half of the previous sentence is not true. Piper has not worn any make-up, for any occasion, in several years and puts moisturizer on at night and sunscreen in the morning. Something Piper does a hundred times a day is laugh. Piper’s favorite he The uncooked vegetable is peppers, which she bites into whole on for Maximum Performance for Maximum Performance the road. Piper reads about A Happy Horse is a Nibbling Horse! 30 fiction books every year in • Veterinarian used and recommended print, along with a large pile Veterinarian and • Proven to •reduce ulcers & used stall vices of equine books and other The Original recommended (90% of performance horses have ulcers) non-fiction. Piper has listened extends feed time NibbleNet ® • Simulates•grazing Proven& to reduce ulcers & • Extremely safe & durable to the same book on Audible stalland vices (90% of perfor• Ideal for shows travel over 900 times—the first time, mance horses • Over 30 different styles and have sizes ulcers) she was headed to United States Pony Club National • Created, designed and manufactured • Simulates grazing & in the USA by Deb, a horse owner Championships as a kid to compete in Knowdown (now EST HAY BAG ON THE MARKET extends feed time Quiz). If you want to know the book, walk up and ask Nibble Net by Thin Air Canvas, Inc.• Extremely safe & durable Piper to tell you (no texting!). Piper considers it the • Ideal for shows and travel perfect book after all these reads. Piper often leaves Creating innovative products since 1980 helpful notes to herself that say things like “magazines.” • Over 30 different styles (What does that mean?) Piper will never give up wanting and sizes 772.463.8493 www.NibbleNet.com to write the great American novel, but one that is not • Created, designed and The a horse story. Piper has made no progress on that. manufactured in the USA forA Performance Piper is most grateful for her husband, Adam Hill. Piper AMaximum Happy Happy Horse Horse is isbyaaDeb, Nibbling Nibbling Horse! Horse! a horse owner considers the perfect food to be the cheeseburger, A Happy Horse is a Nibbling Horse! •• Veterinarian Veterinarian used used and and recommended recommended although she will substitute an Impossible Burger at • Veterinarian used and recommended NibbleNet by ulcers •• Proven Proven to to reduce reduce ulcers && stall stall vices vices • Proven to reduce ulcers & stall vices times. Piper earned her Ph.D. at age 24 and wallows in The TheThe Original Original Original Th in Air Canvas, Inc. (90% (90% of of performance performance horses horses have have ulcers) ulcers) (90% of performance horses have ulcers) • Simulates grazing & extends feed time NibbleNet ®® •• Simulates Simulates grazing grazing && extends extends feed feed time time her self-pity by watching television. Piper has watched a Creating innovative NibbleNet NibbleNet ®• Extremely safe & durable lot of television. Piper is most at home on an adventure •• Extremely Extremely safe safe &1980 durable durable • Ideal for shows and travel& products since behind the wheel of a station wagon. • Over 30 different styles and sizestravel •• Ideal Ideal for for shows shows and and travel • Created, designed and manufactured ••the Over Over 30 30Deb, different different styles styles and and sizes sizes in USA by a horse owner 772.463.8493 www.NibbleNet.com TOUGHEST HAY BAG ON THE MARKET •• Created, Created, designed designed and and manufactured manufactured Nibble Net by Thin Air Canvas, Inc.-Deb, in in the the USA USA by by Deb, a a horse horse owner owner ST STHAY HAYBAG BAGON ONTHE THEMARKET MARKET

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THE PLAID HORSE COMMUNITY

In honor of The Plaid Horse’s 20th Anniversary, we asked the 7,000+ members of our Adult Amateur Lounge on Facebook…

What makes The Plaid Horse Community special?

Janice Carter

on her purchase of Quixotic

The Plaid Horse

Here are some of our favorite answers.

Celebrating

YEARS For someone on the west coast who does all her own horse care, having a place for questions, advice, and experience is such an asset. And a comfort to know that I’m not the only crazy person that prefers to do everything on my own. —ASHLEY BLACK

Megan Wurpel on her lease of Firatostha R

The community is such a vast source of information from people of very different backgrounds and experiences.

on her purchase of It’s Top del Maset LINDA EVANS • K I M FERRO

413-530-9685 • orionpny@aol.com Massachusetts • Wellington, Florida

—AMANDA RABIDUE BOZACK

ALL-INCLUSIVE.

I love that the Plaid Horse community values differing opinions. Perhaps it’s the intent behind journalistic integrity, but I have always appreciated the openness to discuss new ideas & controversial subjects!

—JASON ALLAN JAKYMOWYCZ

—ALEXANDRIA REED

—KYNDALYN POWELL

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One member invited me to her barn to try her saddle because I was looking for a feature hers had. We were total strangers except for our connection to TPH! I was so grateful.

My niece invited me to join the Plaid Horse and I love how supportive people are to each other no matter their level of experience. —MARY CHASE

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SPOTLIGHT

Providing Riders with a One-of-a-Kind Saddle Shopping Experience

REDWOOD TACK WORDS: TYLER

BUI

LE AH MATANKY turned her passion for horses into

an unexpected career. Redwood Tack, which she established in 2014, offers the highest-quality saddles and tack through a personalized shopping experience. While her showroom and business are based out of Nicasio, CA, Matanky ships to any location in the country. And she caters to all. “It’s just me, so every customer can have as much communication as they want,” says Matanky, CEO and owner of the company. “I try to cater it to what people prefer—we can text, we can talk on the phone, we can message on Facebook, I offer custom fittings at the showroom as well. One of the things that I love is the wide variety of clients that I get. I can cater the experience to whatever the customer needs.”

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

PHOTOS: COURTESY LEAH MATANKY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Redwood Tack’s showroom in Nicasio, CA; Matanky and her late horse Eclipse after a successful day at the Sonoma Horse Park; Robin, Matanky’s 8-yearold son, helping with the shipping process

As a young child, Matanky lived in Colorado and often had horses walk right up to her backyard looking for treats. She began taking Western lessons around age five, and eventually switched to riding English. Matanky leased her first pony, Dinah, and began showing in the pony hunters and medals with her. Not only did she love horses, but she loved that she was able to share that passion with her mother, who began riding shortly after Matanky. “We used to show together, and we ended up buying a horse out of someone’s backyard. Her name was Silkie, so my mom would ride Silkie and I would ride Dinah and we got to do everything together,” says Matanky. “We would go pick the horses up at the barn at three or four in the morning, trailer them, lunge them, braid them, and show. My trainer had us do a lot of the prep work ourselves, which I’m really grateful for because it was the right way to start.” Matanky attended the University of Colorado Boulder and moved to San Francisco for a job in the music industry after graduation. While she took a break from riding, her mom still owned horses so she was able to ride on occasion. “It must have been maybe four or five years after moving that I really started wanting to ride again,” says Matanky. “I looked on Craigslist to find horses for lease, and I found an 18-hand dressage horse. Eventually, my mom agreed to send me her horse, Johnny. He was just a jack of all trades. I got a lot of confidence from him and started having a lot of fun.” After a few years of having Johnny out in California, Matanky got pregnant with her son and took a break from riding. During that same time, she realized that commuting into the city wasn’t something she wanted to do, and that is where the idea of Redwood Tack began to emerge. “I started to explore what else I could do, and experiment—I was doing some graphic design and also I decided to try and sell a couple of things on eBay.” After having her son, Matanky purchased another horse to get into the hunter/jumper world and began taking lessons at a barn with some friends. “I had never seen anything like that [facility] in my life. I couldn’t even believe the horses,” says Matanky. “That was my intro

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

into this world. Through that, I learned about all of these higher-end brands.” After leaving her job, Matanky began selling more out of her eBay shop. She would go to consignment shops, purchase items, and resell them through her store. “I joked that it was like my side hustle, but it actually worked pretty well,” she says. “I had a lot of success because at that point, I had figured out what brands everybody wanted and I learned by trial and error what prices I should pay for things in order to still have room to turn it around.” “The saddles were a scary thing to jump into because they’re expensive,” she says, adding that her business philosophy, “has always been that I don’t do consignment, I just buy and resell. My sister, who is a graphic designer, set up a basic website for me so I was able to start posting all my inventory on this site.” Within Matanky’s first year of business, she was fully able to support herself and her family through Redwood Tack. Today, she has at least 150 saddles in inventory at any given time. “I’ve met all these great people through the network—I have sources in France, I have sources in Belgium and Germany, and now, people seek me out because they know there’s no fuss, it’s just an outright purchase.” Matanky has three main saddle sources: Individuals who want to sell or trade their saddle, saddle reps, and sources in Europe. “I do work with the reps of most of the major high-end French brands. I also have some sources in France and Belgium who regularly send me big lists of saddles to choose from. I’m happy to accept trade-ins from clients, as well as clients coming to me with saddles to sell. That’s a big part of my inventory and I enjoy facilitating a ‘one stop shop’ for clients to unload their unneeded saddle and acquire a new one all in the same transaction.”

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? Selling your saddle to Redwood Tack is a simple and straightforward process. After contacting Matanky, all it takes is a few photos to receive an offer. She is open to negotiation, and once the price is agreed upon, the saddle gets shipped and the payment is processed.

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

An early ride As for buyers, “If somebody fills out the wish list section on my site, it’ll send me an email,” says Matanky. “I create a profile for that person as far as what they’re looking for, and every time that I get a new saddle listed onto my site, I’ll go through my entire database of people looking for saddles and see if that particular style matches with anything that they’re looking for.” Once a client finds a saddle they are interested in, they make the purchase on Redwood Tack’s website and the saddle will arrive to them within a few days. Once it arrives, they will have five days to test the saddle and see if it’s the right fit. “I think an integral part of why the business works is because saddles are so individually fit for the horse and the rider,” says Matanky. “Without the trial option, my business would be limited because you can’t spend such a large amount of money not knowing if it’s going to be the right fit.” Matanky believes that tack should be considered more than just equipment, and she hopes that the Redwood Tack experience will leave a lasting impact on her clients. “Tack is handmade, they’re like works of art. You don’t have to have the fanciest

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Matanky riding her

first pony Dinah; Matanky and Eclipse at The Horsepark at Woodside; at age 3 with her father

tack in order to enjoy horses, but when you do invest in equipment that fits you and your horse, you’re setting yourself up for more success,” says Matanky. “My mom and I used to sit, watch movies, and clean our tack on the coffee table growing up. I learned that it’s fun to take care of your equipment and to know what you’re using, if you take ownership of your things and you take care of them. It’s a really beautiful part of the sport as a whole.” Looking back at the evolution of Redwood Tack, Matanky is thankful for the opportunities the industry has given her. She has been able to advance her own riding career, and has been able to share these experiences in the industry with her now eight-year-old son. “I’m so immersed in the horse world— it’s my entire life. As with most horse people, I live and breathe it every day,” she says. “There’s not one day that goes by without probably saying ‘horse’ and ‘saddle’ at least 100 times. I’m very proud that I’ve been able to turn my passion into something that completely supports my family.” To view Redwood Tack’s inventory, visit redwoodtack.com, or contact Leah Matanky at (415) 846-2136 or leah@redwoodtack.com.

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SPOTLIGHT

WASHINGTON HUNTER JUMPER THE WASHINGTON STATE HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION (WSHJA)

was created to promote the hunter jumper sport in Washington and to provide its members and professionals with opportunities to further their involvement in the sport. This year, the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary. WSHJA is a state-run organization by volunteers that runs and owns six USEF-sanctioned horse shows offered throughout each season. Nora Thomas is the President of WSHJA, and serves alongside a board along with representatives, members at large, and volunteers.

Thomas and her husband Morgan are the head trainers at Parkside Stables in Bellevue, WA. Thomas has been a professional in the industry for over 30 years, and brings an extensive amount of knowledge and experience to WSHJA. WSHJA has been working to improve the overall horse show experience for its members. They have recently installed new GGT Footing, in hopes to not only provide a better environment for their horses and riders, but to also bring in a higher level of competitors. WSHJA has had their WCHR status for decades, though it was lost briefly before acquiring their new GGT footing. “We worked hard over the years to get the Evergreen State Fairgrounds to let us bring in this footing. I’m so proud of the fact that we got our WCHR status back and that we got this new footing,” says Thomas. “I couldn’t do it without such a great group of individuals on our board and our members. I’m hoping we can bring in more upper level-riders back to the northwest by having this quality footing.” Combining WSHJA’s USEF-sanctioned shows and their outreach horse shows, the organization offers a total of 10 shows each season for their members. “We have two shows in April, they’re both AA rated, and one is WCHR,” says Thomas. “We offer hunters, equitation, and jumpers, and

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

hopefully with the new footing we will offer higher-level jumper classes.” In May, they offer their Pacific Northwest horse show, followed by their Evergreen show in August and their Northwest Autumn Classic in September. “Evergreen is a nostalgic show— it’s held sometimes at different venues. Our show in September is probably our biggest horse show, it’s where Maclay Regionals and USHJA Zone 9 Hunter Finals are held. We have a really fun show in October, with a costume class, it’s a super fun horse show for the kids especially.” The USHJA Outreach Program horse shows provide WSHJA members with a more introductory experience into horse showing. “The Outreach Program is geared towards those kids, clients, and adults that don’t want to compete at a national or state level,” she says. “The outreach shows provide them with more of a relaxed, fun way and much lower cost avenue to attend horse shows. Hopefully, participants will be interested in getting into horse showing more seriously or competitively and if not, it’s just a nice lower level to introduce the sport that’s not so cost-prohibitive.” Whether a rider is just starting their first lessons or is an active competitor, being a WSHJA member provides individuals with opportunities suited for all levels of riding.

Bringing

STATE ASSOCIATION

education and opportunities to the northwest WORDS: TYLER

BUI

As a professional doing this my entire life, I still feel like you never stop learning with this industry and to me, that’s what keeps me going.” — NORA THOMAS, WSHJA PRESIDENT

BOTTOM RIGHT:

WSHJA annually offers the Dianne Johnson Legacy grant is for those junior and amateurs who exemplify hard work, dedication to the sport of equestrian, good sportsmanship, and leadership

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

2022 WSHJA SHOWS • Pacific Northwest May 11-15, 2022 (WCHR) • May Outreach May 14-15, 2022 • Evergreen Classic August 4-7, 2022 • Northwest Autumn Classic September 14-18, 2022 (WCHR) • October Classic October 12-16, 2022 • October Outreach October 15-16, 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

“Our website makes it easy to join either online or by calling Mary Cristy directly. She’s extremely friendly and helpful with getting people involved not only with memberships, but with the tons of volunteering opportunities as well,” says Thomas. “Volunteers are key to keeping our industry going. It’s important to do something for the good of the sport, and that’s why we feel passionate that the kids need to donate their time. When the young riders donate a certain number of hours, they’re eligible for these grants that are available to them.” The Diane Johnson Legacy Grant honors Diane Johnson, a prominent figure in the equestrian community. She received the USHJA Lifetime Achievement award in 2017 and the WSHJA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Johnson served as the USHJA Vice President and Chair of the USHJA Hunter Working Group. She remains actively involved in the sport and continues to share her passion for horses. The grant is given to one junior rider and one amateur rider and consists of $1,200 in credit for one horse at each of the WSHJA shows for the following season. “Diane has given so much to the sport— she has formally managed the WSHJA horse shows for decades, she’s served on many USEF committees, and just continues to be a voice in the sport,” says Thomas. “The grant came because we just really wanted to honor her. At the same time, we wanted to make it so that we can give opportunities to kids and adults in the sport. It is so neat to read all the [applications.] We really wanted it to be need-based so that it can go to the right people who will thoroughly enjoy it and that maybe could not do it otherwise.” In addition to the grant, WSHJA also offers National Finals Event Scholarships for riders who will compete in national finals, such as the ASPCA Maclay Final, the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, the Ariat Adult Medal Final, WCHR Finals, and USEF Pony Hunter Finals. WSHJA acknowledges the importance of education in the sport, and works to provide ample opportunities for their members to gain more knowledge and exposure. “We hold clinics, bringing in professionals and riders who are really qualified in the sport, to get their perspective and insight,” says Thomas. “One of the clinics we have coming up is for kids who are considering

A TEAM EFFORT “As president, I get to work alongside a great board,” says Thomas. “Our vice president, Laina Summers, oversees the horse show logistics. Julie Kotler is a member at large and is my right hand man. Nicole Stern, our secretary, is in charge of education committees, so she helps come up with our educational seminars. Quan Ralkowski is in charge of marketing communications, and she’s invaluable as far as the contribution she provides with all of our social media. Mary Cristy is the committee chair for the points and membership services, and she’s very passionate about it. The banquets and awards are fun, but in addition to that, we really are passionate about education as well.”

intercollegiate riding. We will have a panel of NCEA and IHSA student-athletes, and students can call in and ask questions to see if they’re interested in the program. It’s great for them to see what the whole process is, what it’s like being on a team, how they balance their schoolwork, questions like that.” Another unique learning opportunity that WSHJA offers is during Maclay Regionals, where they hold a Q&A session with the judges the night before the final competition. Riders and spectators are able to ask questions and receive feedback from nationally-recognized judges and riders. “As a professional doing this my entire life, I still feel like you never stop learning with this industry and to me, that’s what keeps me going,” says Thomas. “I feel like there’s always something new to learn and that’s how you grow and improve and become a better person. There’s so many different opportunities and WSHJA as an organization, we want to provide more to keep educating our membership.” To learn more about WSHJA, become a member, or donate, visit wshja.org.

Happy 20th Anniversary to The Plaid Horse! BEST OF LUCK

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SPOTLIGHT

Horsewoman, Scholar, Champion:

V IRGINIA BONNIE ’22

Succeeds in the Show Ring and Beyond This month, The Plaid Horse introduces readers to a standout school and one of its standout students: Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency program, and student-equestrian Virginia Bonnie

FOR OVER 30 YE ARS, Foxcroft School’s Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program has enabled students to pursue their passions and spend time away from campus to train, compete, and grow their talents. Equestrian Virginia Bonnie, a senior at Foxcroft, embodies the determination of an EP scholar/athlete, showing at a high level as she pushes herself academically while earning ribbons and medals at show jumping venues around the country and the world. While away from campus, Bonnie keeps up with her school work through the support of her teachers and tutors. Her academic rigor is as impressive as her efforts in the show ring. She currently carries a challenging course load including three Advanced Placement classes—AP Chemistry, AP English Literature, and AP Spanish Language & Culture—and she is a talented artist and writer as well, says her AP English teacher, Dr. Lindsay O’Connor.

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May/June 2022

ABOVE : Bonnie (fourth from right) and her winning U25 team on the podium. RIGHT: Bonnie and Heldorado took the championship title at the High Junior Jumpers during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival

“In the time that I have known her, Virginia has grown into a talented creative writer through curiosity and dedication to the craft,” says Dr. O’Connor. “Even as a distance learner attending classes over Zoom for her junior year, she showed consistent engagement with her learning. An able goal-setter and strategist, Virginia makes the most of whatever task she takes on.” Bonnie had a very successful year in the show ring. In September, she earned gold at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in Kronenberg, Netherlands, as part of the prestigious U.S. Junior Jumping Team. In February at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, she and her U25 team took the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series Team Event title and she was champion in the High Junior Jumpers. At the Junior Nations Cup last fall, Bonnie and her teammates—Ansgar Holtgers, Jr., Caroline Mawhinney, and Zayna Rizvi—competed alongside 12 of the top teams across the world. Riding Efodea, Bonnie scored a clear 1.4 m round on Wednesday, and overall her team sat in third going into Saturday. Scores were wiped going into the final rounds, and Bonnie once again had no faults—the only member of her team to do so in both rounds. The team had just four faults and edged out Spain to take the gold medal. Bonnie took much away from the experience. “With some of the wisest voices in U.S. show jumping present, such as Anne Kursinski and Dr. Geoff Vernon, there was just so much to learn,” says Bonnie. “It was also fascinating to be able to watch other countries and their training methods. I believe that I was able to leave the show as a wiser and more experienced rider and horsewoman.” In the U25 team event during Week 4 of WEF, Bonnie rode Efodea well once again, with whom she has partnered in a number of Grand Prix events. The pair had two good rounds, accumulating just four faults for their team with a first round rail, the second best score among her teammates. Overall, the team—Bonnie, Eva Fisherman, Alexander Alston, Natalie Dean, and Chef d’Equipe John Brennan—had nine faults total (the

PHOTOS: SPORTFOT (LEFT); SHELBY BONNIE

May/June 2022

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SPOTLIGHT

lowest score) and stood proudly together with their blue ribbons on the podium. During WEF 6 competitions in the High Junior Jumpers, Bonnie rode Heldorado to the championship title. On Feb. 18, the pair won the $1,500 High Junior Jumper (1.4 m) class and followed two days later with a second-place finish in the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior Jumper Classic (1.45 m). In addition to the impressive medals and ribbons she’s earned, Bonnie was recently honored for her academic achievements. In the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, she earned three Silver Key awards for works in several categories—“A Good Hair Day” (painting, uniquely crafted entirely out of horse hair), “Trout” (print), and “I am a Woman” (poem, which also earned her second place in the poetry slam competition of Foxcroft’s Paul K. Bergan Poetry Festival in 2021)—and an Honorable Mention for her critical essay “Love to Hermes.” She was also elected to the school’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society, which is modeled on the collegiate Phi Beta Kappa. The election recognizes a student’s superior academic record and demonstration of a serious interest in the pursuit of knowledge and academic integrity. Bonnie will be officially inducted into the Society at the Cum Laude induction ceremony held during Foxcroft’s awards assembly in May, the day before she earns her diploma. A lot of planning and dedication is required of Bonnie, who maintains high aspirations both in the show ring and in the classroom. She is talented, but she works hard for her success and is honest about the challenges of taking on such a heavy load. “Realistically, it’s hard,” she says. “On both fronts, it’s going to take a lot of effort, and there’s no easy way to make it all flow seamlessly. Some days are going to be more difficult, some days are going to be much easier. But generally, balancing riding and academics has required me to maintain a sense of discipline. You don’t get a lot of time off from the days at the show, so in the time that you have, you need to get your work done, follow through on assignments,

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May/June 2022

“What I really want is to continue growing and building strong relationships with animals and all the great people I’ve met in the sport.” — VIRGINIA BONNIE

LEFT: Bonnie (far right) and teammates at

the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Finals. ABOVE: Bonnie and Heldorado at the U25 event

and keep up with the emails.” Through it all, Bonnie is becoming a more well-rounded young woman, and she sees the value in the experience. “In my eyes, school and academic curiosity are invaluable in achieving a healthy balance. While I love the horses endlessly and I want to continue to learn and develop, being able to step back and think about something else makes me better and more thoughtful on both fronts.” Experiential Learning Coordinator Beth O’Quinn serves as the conduit between EP students, their tutors, and the faculty at Foxcroft throughout the year. She witnesses first hand Bonnie’s efforts and commitment to all her endeavors. “Virginia is an extraordinary rider and horsewoman and an outstanding student,” says O’Quinn. “It is worth noting that even with all her talent, she always remains humble and is reliably kind to her peers. I know that Virginia will find great success in whatever path she chooses in life.” EP participants represent a wide variety of backgrounds—equestrians, musicians, ski racers, figure skaters, a competitive swimmer, a motorcyclist, a rock climber, an emergency medical

technician, and a certified doula, and more—each of whom balances pursuit of their personal dream with the high academic standards of the school. Through her participation in the EP program, Bonnie sits alongside world class equestrian alumni, including Alison Firestone Robitaille (No. 1 alternate for the 2004 Olympic games in Athens). What’s next for Bonnie as she ages out of the junior rider ranks and graduates from Foxcroft at the end of May? “While I plan to become a professional, I want to remain a student of the sport, because I understand that there’s so much left for me to learn,” says Bonnie. “There are so many ways that I can develop. While my aspirations in terms of results and accomplishments are certainly high, what I really want is to continue growing and building strong relationships with animals and all the great people I’ve met in the sport.” “I do want to compete on senior show jumping teams, including in the Olympics, World Cups, Nations Cups, top-level Grand Prix riding, but up until then, and even after that, I just want to keep learning.” May she never stop learning.

PHOTOS: ANSGAR HOLTGERS, JR. (LEFT); SPORTFOT

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EXPERT TAKE

How Can Riders Prepare to Feel Their Best on Show Days?

ShowMD’s Dr. Barb Blasko provides her top tips AS EQUESTRIANS, we are often guilty of taking better care of our

horses than ourselves. But focusing on your own optimal performance conditions will only improve your days in the show ring. We asked Dr. Barb Blasko of ShowMD, horse show onsite urgent care and concierge medical services, for her top three tips.

1. STAY HYDRATED It’s easy to forget to drink water, especially when it’s not hot out. Bring your own water to the show, and try to drink at least three liters a day on show days. More accurate calculations can be based on individual body weight and intensity of activity. A show day would be a moderatehigh intensity day, or activity that raises your maximum heart rate by 75% or more. The amount of water needed could be calculated as follows: Body weight x 1.0 = Fluid ounces/day (IN POUNDS)

If you weigh 150 pounds, your daily water requirement would be 150 fluid ounces.

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

To determine need in liters, you would multiply by 0.03. 150 fl.oz. /day x 0.03 = 4.5 liters/day Often athletes wait to drink until they are thirsty, which is not an accurate indicator of how much fluid has been lost. Athletes who wait to replenish body fluids until feeling thirsty are already dehydrated. Most individuals do not become thirsty until more than 2 percent of their body weight in water is lost. When athletes only drink enough to quench their thirst, they may still be dehydrated, which can affect their performance. The American Council on Exercise has suggested the following basic

guidelines for drinking water before and after exercise: Drink 17–20 ounces of water 2 to 3 hours before you start exercising. Drink 8 ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising or during your warm-up. Rehydrate after every event by drinking a minimum of 16 ounces. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol as these will dehydrate you rather than hydrate. Having a celebratory adult beverage won’t hurt, but save those for when you’re back at the hotel to avoid any unwanted side effects.

PHOTO: ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

2. EAT Proper nutrition at a horse show is important. Some riders either forget to eat or say they don’thave time to eat, but skipping meals could mean a blood sugar crash mid-class and prevent you from performing your best. Breakfast should have a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Multigrain or whole wheat bread/toast with any kind of nut butter Hard boiled eggs, egg bites, or Frittata Lunch should combine protein and complex carbohydrates. Wraps and sandwiches are great on the go options Snacks should have a combination of protein and carbohydrates. This gives whatever you’re eating more staying power. Carrot sticks and sliced apples—a dualpurpose treat for you and your horse. Add nut butter for a little fat and flavor Almonds Hard boiled eggs THE EXPERT

BARB BLASKO, MD Dr. Barb Blasko is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician with 22 years of experience working in multiple Emergency Departments throughout the US. She is a passionate entrepreneur who has created ShowMD to improve the lives of her patients in equestrian settings. Her expertise spans medical fields including specialty in clinical strategy, Emergency Medicine, telemedicine and biomedical informatics. With her own horses, she actively competes in USEF show jumping competitions across the west coast, and truly understands the needs of equestrian athletes.

Protein bars/shakes Bananas

3. DOWN TIME Get enough sleep! Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness for both athletes and nonathletes alike. Sleep allows your heart to rest and your body to repair itself. It can also help your body recover after physical exertion and promote cardiovascular health. Adequate sleep also helps you recover from illness and can prevent you from getting sick in the first place. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, which are hormones that help the immune system fight off infections.

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

EXPERT TAKE

bedtime. These beverages can interrupt sleep or lead to more disturbed sleep. Stay away from electronics in the hours before bedtime. This includes TVs, cell phones, and computers. The blue light that these devices emit can affect your circadian rhythm. Have a wind-down routine. Activities such as reading, taking a bath, or meditating can help you relax and get ready for sleep. Get out of bed if you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes of trying. Do a quiet activity in another space until you feel sleepy.

These restorative effects are collectively important for athletes’ recovery and performance. When athletes practice or learn new skills, sleep helps form memories, and contributes to improved performance in the future. Sleep is also essential for cognitive processing. Loss of sleep is associated with a decline in cognitive function. While quality sleep has positive effects specifically on athletic performance, a lack of sleep is detrimental to performance and can impact many things including: Inhibited ability

Sleep recommendations for athletes’ range between seven and nine hours nightly. Elite athletes are encouraged to get at least nine hours of sleep nightly and to treat sleep with as much importance as athletic training and diet. Sleep hygiene tips: Creating an appropriate sleep environment. Your sleeping space should be dark and cool with little to no noise. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before

Visualization Find some alone time before your class or your course walk without your phone. When I walk my course (I do jumpers) I leave my phone in my trunk or my ShowMD trailer. I try my best to not carry it with me. Take some time and visualize your ride. Visualization allows you to run through the course before you ride. That way, there are minimal surprises in the ring. If you can picture the course in the new environment in your head, you’re not dealing with as much new stimuli when you should be focusing on performance. Many athletes have also reported that they are less nervous and anxious before events because they have already seen themselves performing the way they want to. Athletes with performance anxiety are better able to shut out the crowd and have increased confidence in their performance ability with visualization.

Decreased accuracy Quicker exhaustion Decreased reaction time Difficulty with learning and decisionmaking Risk for injury Risk for illness or immunosuppression

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May/June 2022

Drinking enough water, providing your body the nutrition it needs, getting enough sleep, or taking a time out to visualize are all essential components in athletic performance. Every athlete is different and each athlete has different needs, but these basic guidelines can help guide in achieving optimal performance. PHOTO: ADAM HILL

Congratulations Meredith Miller Wishing You All The Best for a Successful Season

Family, Farm & Friends

CONGRATULATIONS & GOOD LUCK AT DEVON Gracelyn Haydel

Luna Valobra Joie De Vivre Farm

Happy 20th Anniversary to The Plaid Horse! "Pick Me"

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“Horses love Violet Tatum. She is sympathetic, accurate, and a total animal lover. She appreciates every step, jump, and breath horses take.” —ARCHIE COX, BROOKWAY STABLES

WORDS: TYLER

BUI

PHOTOS:

SARA SHIER PHOTOGRAPHY

OP-R ANKED JUNIOR RIDER VIOLET TATUM HAS

amassed an impressive collection of championships and victories in the five years she’s been riding. And she’s only 13 years old. Taking after her mother Jenny, Tatum started lessons at age seven in the same riding arena where her mom rode as a young girl. Tatum began with a pony named Annie, who she still owns, and started showing in 2' divisions at local shows. Next, she got a retired jumper named Ed. “He carried me around my first jumper class at .65 m and we went up to .85 m,” she tells The Plaid Horse. Early horse showing was well-rounded for Tatum, who, in addition to the jumpers, also showed in the 2'6 hunter and equitation divisions. Her riding career shifted in 2020, as she moved up from local shows to winning classes at the top A-rated horse shows on the west coast.

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May/June 2022

Tatum and Valedictorian (a.k.a. Brooks)

May/June 2022

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COVER

“Violet is a great rider to work with—she’s not only talented, but also puts in the hard work that it takes to be at the top of the sport.” —JOHN BRAGG, BRIDGEPORT FARMS

The pandemic also prompted a change in barns—riding was restricted at Tatum’s first barn, so she moved to Brookway Stables with Archie Cox in April 2020. The move “quickly turned into a permanent situation,” says Tatum. “When I first moved to Brookway Stables, the highest I had ever shown was 2'6, and the highest I had ever jumped was 2'9. I got a horse named Fred, who I still have, and the first show I did with him I competed in the 3'3 Junior Hunters. By my fifth lesson on Fred, I was already doing 3'6 courses.” A quick study, Tatum was eager to spend every moment of her free time at the barn or on the road traveling to horse shows. Today, she still rides with Cox, as well as John Bragg of Bridgeport Farms, competing on several different mounts, and now mainly focusing on the hunters while searching for an equitation horse. Her two horses, Valedictorian (‘Brooks’) and Fiorucci (‘Ru’), are stabled with Cox. When she got Valedictorian in 2021, he was just seven years old, and had only done the 3'0" with a professional. At 12 years old herself, Tatum did her first 3'6" class with him, and the pair were champion in their first show together. That was only the beginning of their success. Tatum and Brooks won the 2021

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS • 2021 Horse of the Year: National Champion Small 15 & Under 3'6" Junior Hunters – Valedictorian • Las Vegas Horse National: Champion 3'6" Junior Hunters – Fiorucci • Desert International Horse Park: Mid Circuit

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Horse of the Year National Champion in the Small Junior Hunters 15 & Under. “I was really proud of him. It’s probably my biggest accomplishment so far,” she says. “Every time we go around a course, I always know that he is trying 100 percent of the time. He’s really sweet and willing, and he jumps his heart out over every jump.” Fiorucci ended up fifth nationally in the 3'6" Junior Hunters. He took Tatum to her first Junior Hunter Finals, and they were champion in the combined 3'6" Junior Hunters at the Las Vegas National in 2021. Tatum rides two other horses with Bragg at Bridgeport Farms. “One of the horses is named For Fun, or Rupert, and I’m really excited to bring him to the national shows this season,” says Tatum. “Since August 2021, I have also been showing a horse named Northstar in the Large Junior Hunters 15 & Under, who is owned by Colleen Harp. He’s a great horse, and we’re really excited to show him at Devon. I’m so grateful to Colleen for trusting me with him.” As an emerging catch rider, “I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities already, and I am so thankful for them.” The seventh grader, who goes to school in Los Angeles, balances her academics and riding through practiced

Champion Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3'6" – For Fun • Mid Circuit Reserve Champion Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3'6" – Valedictorian • Week 1 & 2 Holiday Desert International Horse Park: Champion Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under 3'6" – Northstar

May/June 2022

• USEF Junior Hunter National Championship: $1,000 Small Junior Hunter 17 & Under 3'6" Classic Winner – Fiorucci • USEF Junior Hunter National Championship: Small Junior Hunter Overall 17 & Under 3'6" – Fiorucci • Ranch & Coast Classic: 3'6" Junior Hunter Grand Champion – Fiorucci

time management and communication with her teachers. “A typical day for me starts with school, and then I do study hall so I can get as much work done as possible so I have more time for riding,” she says. “I usually go ride my horses after school, and then if there is a show I leave on Thursday for the weekend. Riding has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication—I think it’s really important to always let your horse know that you love them so they’re willing to try their hardest, too. It’s also important to be coachable, to listen to your trainers and be open to any instruction to help improve your riding.” For the remainder of the season, her competition schedule includes Devon, Junior Hunter Finals, Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show, and The National Horse Show in Kentucky. Tatum notes that her goal is to stay consistent with her riding—and to be champion at one of the aforementioned shows. Her parents, Jenny and Mike, wouldn’t be surprised if she achieves those goals. And more. “We are in awe of everything she achieves,” says Jenny. “I’m very proud of her and how much of herself is dedicated to the sport. It’s mind-boggling to see how much she has accomplished at such a young age and in such a short amount of time.” “Learning is a part of this humbling sport, and I think the biggest life lesson out of this is that no one ride defines you. I hope Violet is always proud of herself.”

FROM FAR LEFT: A victory snuggle for Northstar; Tatum and For Fun (a.k.a. Rupert); Showing Fiorucci (‘Ru’) at the Desert International Horse Park

HORSE POWER VALEDICTORIAN • 15.3 ½ hh • Bay, KWPN, Gelding • Cassini Gold x Goldika XI FIORUCCI • 15.3 ½ hh • Chestnut, Hanoverian, Gelding • First Edition x For Fame FOR FUN • Owned by Troy Christiansen • 16.3 ¼ hh • Bay, Hanoverian, Gelding • For Edition x Revanche NORTHSTAR • Owned by Colleen Harp • 16.3 7⁄ 8 hh • Chestnut, Hanoverian, Gelding • Carrico x Astrid FRED THE HORSE • 15.3 7⁄ 8 hh • Bay, Belgian Warmblood • Arko III x So Nice De La Brisse FREEPORT: • 14.1 1/4h • Dark Bay, Mare, Welsh Pony Cross • Meadowbrook’s Special Edition x Cindy Lou Who

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

Back-to-work plan Step 1 �

Step 2 �

�

Ensure good biomechanics and balanced hoof landings. BEFORE YOU BEGIN

●

Utilizing slow motion video, watch for heelfirst, balanced landings. This helps to ensure there is less strain on soft tissue. Firm footing is better for soft tissue damage rehab. If your horse is rehabbing from laminitis, thin soles, or a weak hoof capsule, they may prefer softer footing.

NOTES

Step 3 �

Step 4 �

�

Work up slowly, starting with hand walking.

Incorporate tacked walking and riding as strength improves.

HAND WALKING (up to twice a day)

WALK UNDER SADDLE

●

Day 1-3 / 5-min

●

Day 28-31 / 30-min

●

Day 4-7 / 7-min

●

Day 32-36 / 35-min

●

Day 8-12 / 13-min

●

Day 37-41 / 40-min

●

Day 13-15 / 15-min

●

Day 16-19 / 18-min

●

Day 48-54 / 50-min

●

Day 20-23 / 21-min

●

Day 24-27 / 25-min

●

Assess soundness before continuing. Do not go on to trot if unsound.

If all is going well, continue on to the next step!

NOTES

horse How is your

Adapted from a plan by Dr. Martina Neidhart t

heel-firs

flat

foot? landing bare

ADD CANTER WORK

●

Day 55-57 / 25-min walk, 3-min trot

●

Day 58-62 / 30-min walk, 7-min trot

●

Day 63-65 / 30-min walk, 10-min trot

●

Day 66-69 / 35-min walk, 12-min trot

For soft tissue rehab, at this time, try working on deeper footing or softer ground for 10 minutes at a time. This will challenge tendons and ligaments, ideally without allowing for strain.

●

Once your horse has shown that they can comfortably trot at the paces above, canter can be introduced at 3 minutes, increased by 3-5 minutes every week.

●

Day 70-73 / 35-min walk, 15-min trot

Reassess if any soreness or setbacks occur.

●

Day 74-77 / 40-min walk, 17-min trot

●

Day 78-81 / 40-min walk, 20-min trot

Soft footing should be introduced in the middle of the work session– try a 15-minute walk on firm footing, 5-minute walk on soft ground, back to firm footing, etc.

●

ral extension and website

if they have hay test averages and

What are you feedin Forage-based carrier Supplement choice

THE HUMBLE HOOF REHAB GUIDE PAGE 43

heel-first

(look for � ts).

of 150mg �

zinc per day to meet frank deficienc ies.

NDF

Considerations

ESC

Horses typically meet or exceed daily iron requirements with their forage and water.

Starch

Calcium (Ca)

More may be needed, high iron areas.

especially in

t �

limiting amino acids.

sweeteners. �

Methionine, lysine, and

E HOOF REHAB

Phosporous (P)

Low DE or protein can cause topline loss or weight issues ADF should be < 40% NDF should be < 60% ESC + starch should

be < 10% Starch should be < 4% Ca:P:Mg - 2:1:1

Magnesium (Mg)

threonine are

needed to properly utilize protein in the diet. Supplements should be in grams per day, not milligrams.

Copper (Cu) Zing (Zn) Manganese (Mn)

During hoof rehab, try to stick to starch < 4% and ESC + starch < 10%. Alfalfa, wheat, soy, etc. can cause hoof sensitivity in some horses, even if they are not metaboli c.

THE HUMBLE HOOF

Considerations THE HUMBL

Iron (Fe)

Include importan

Source: Dr. Kellon’s NRC NRC Requirement for Plus, Horses

Your results

Protein

ADF

copper and 450mg

Avoid fillers and

PAGE 18

balanced

lateral

medial

Deciphering your hay test DE (calories)

THE HUMBL

"ferrous" in ingredien Look for a minimum

take your best guess.

g? balanced

unbalanced

some * Please note that may have a laminitic horses heel first very exaggerated accompanied landing, often movement. with stiff and sore

GUIDE E HOOF REHAB

Reading labels Avoid added iron

databases to see

Increase time on soft footing by 5 minutes every week.

NOTES

Veterinarians, farriers, bodyworkers, trainers, and others that are involved in your horse's life are invaluable during rehabilitation. Make them a part of the process!

d, g, uneven groun � Deep footin es, or “lazy” inclines, declin affect landings. movement will

Check your local agricultu

●

NOTES

gs, � To assess landin n at film in slow motio THE HUMBLE HOOF REHAB GUIDE PAGE 42 the from ground level, front. the and side

flat

If you can’t test you r hay

� FOOTING CHALLENGE

Always include your rehab team in your decision making.

el surface, horses d walk, on a flat/lev ed. � At a forwar laterally balanc rst and medio should land heel-fi

toe-first

Step 6 �

Enjoy your horse!

Take footing into account and begin to carefully challenge soft tissue.

ADD TROT WORK

Day 42-47 / 45-min

NOTES

Landings

Step 5 �

⏭

Watch for setbacks – only move forward if soundness is improving.

Fe:Cu:Zn:Mn - 4:1:3:3 If iron or manganese is too high, consider re-sampling. Shake any surface dirt from the hay and pull samples with clean tools. If the iron amounts are not simply dirt contamin ants, the hay may be incredibly difficult to balance for hoof rehab and it may be necessary to find another hay source.

REHAB GUIDE PAGE 10 THE HUMBLE HOOF

REHAB GUIDE PAGE 11

19 GUIDE PAGE

toe-first

INITIATIVE

THE EQUESTRIANS OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

BRITTANY HAZZARD

THE PLAID HORSE

QUINNTEN ALSTON

May/June 2022

The Plaid Horse is proud to introduce some of the photo project’s featured equestrians to our readers in each issue

LARA RAHMAN

IN 2020, a group of photographers

came together to create the Equestrians of Color Photography Project, a weekly blog that promotes inclusion and amplifies the voices of equestrians of color ready to openly share their story with the community. Learn more at equestriansofcolor.com.

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

INITIATIVE

THE EQUESTRIAN

QUINNTEN ALSTON How did you get into horses and what is your current position in the industry? I was bitten quite early. I started riding when I was 5 years old and continued recreationally through high school and college. College turned out to not be my thing, so I found myself back with horses and turned it into a career. I started by cleaning stalls and relatively quickly began handling professionally for breed shows and inspections on the East Coast which helped me set roots. With my husband, Jonathan, I

currently manage our small breeding program Quantico Sporthorses, along with working full-time as an in-house rider and the sales manager for Iron Spring Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. What is your happiest or proudest moment as an equestrian? It is difficult to pick just one! The gratification of watching a breeding decision culminate in a live, healthy foal is unmatched. I recently backed our first homebred under saddle myself which has been

an otherworldly experience, and that mare also had the highest inspection score for the year within the US for her respective breed registry. I also hold dear many moments from Dressage at Devon, but especially our own horses being named Champion Young Horse in 2016 and Champion Mature Horse in 2019. The “Fabulous trot and the horse is nice too” meme has been fun to be a part of, and what’s more, it has been a good vehicle for BIPOC representation within the equine community.

May/June 2022

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

PURPLE HORSE DESIGNS LEARN MORE equestriansofcolor.com/ quinnten-alston

THE PLAID HORSE

INITIATIVE

THE EQUESTRIAN

BRITTANY HAZZARD

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

BETHANY P PHOTOGRAPHY

LEARN MORE equestriansofcolor.com/ brittany-hazzard

How do horses take part in your life today? After some time working in the industry and living the farm life I realized it really wasn’t for me. I love horses and working with horses— even doing farm work is enjoyable to me. But I could no longer see myself doing it as a career. Despite this, I couldn’t give up horses entirely and still spend the bulk of my free time at the barn. As a Ph.D. student, things can get a bit hectic, but I can’t see my life without horses. I see many of my colleagues working themselves to the bone, stressing over every little thing, anxious about what’s around every corner, and I couldn’t be more thankful for my barn time. Horses are my getaway and my stress relief. When I ride, that is all I’m thinking about. Not work, not the future, just what I’m trying to get the horse to do in the moment. No matter how bad things went in the lab that day, or how bad I messed up, none of it matters once I’m at the barn. What would you like people to know about your experiences as an equestrian of color? I personally find writing about this kind of stuff difficult. Whether that is some internalized racism or somehow not feeling “authentic” enough, I’m not sure. I’m mixed race, though I absolutely cannot pass for white. I’m very well educated (BS, MS, and halfway

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

through a Ph.D.) and have experienced very little actual hardship. I cannot stress enough how privileged my upbringing was. My parents weren’t, and still aren’t, rich by any means, but they afforded me a life of minimal struggle. I don’t think this invalidates my experiences, but may help others understand that the barriers to increasing diversity in the equestrian world are not limited to the financial. I’ve seen far too often discussions in the equestrian community be shut down simply by saying, “Well, the sport is expensive and inaccessible in more urban areas,” without addressing the very real prejudices that perpetuate that reality. It took me a long time to realize that, for many people, being the only one who looks like you is a deterrent in and of itself. I’ve always been able to look past this and not let it stop me from doing something I love, but understanding this reality has made me more aware of the impact representation has in our sport.

SHARE YOUR STORY If you are an equestrian of color (16 years or older) interested in sharing your story through The Equestrians of Color Photography Project, you can connect with a local photographer ally via the project website: equestriansofcolor.com

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

INITIATIVE

THE EQUESTRIAN

LARA RAHMAN THE PHOTOGRAPHER

SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY LEARN MORE equestriansofcolor.com/ lara-rahman

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

How do you describe yourself as an equestrian? I have been riding for almost eight years and for most of that time, I was a very timid rider. The fear of “what if this could happen” slowed my progress down. In the last three or four years, I have learned to let go of the fear and embrace the unknown aspect of our sport. I am always pushing to learn more and how to become a more effective rider. I learn both by watching others ride and then doing it myself. I fell in love with the horse years ago and that has never changed. I feel as if I am a determined rider, who loves those

lightbulb moments in a lesson and tries to have fun every time I step into the barn. What words of encouragement would you have for other equestrians of color or people of color considering becoming equestrians? Do what you love and hold your head high, you deserve to be here. Sometimes I have felt that I do not deserve to do this beautiful sport due to interactions I have had. [But] you do deserve it. Surround yourself with a community of people who will encourage you, support you, and be there when you need a shoulder to cry on.

May/June 2022

THE PLAID HORSE

JUJU VDM The 13-year-old Warmblood mare won the $25,000 EPIC Sporthorses Grand Prix at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

How did it feel to win on your home turf in Texas? Very special—it was our first Grand Prix win together. There was a large crowd so I knew it was a big deal. My rider was worried about the time allowed in the first round, but I told her not to worry (per usual). I knew she hadn’t won a Grand Prix before, so I needed to give it my all.

What’s life like at home when you’re not competing?

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May/June 2022

I love going out in my pasture and relaxing when we’re at home, but I don’t like when my rider makes me work. She lets me go on lots of trail rides around the barn, though, which makes up for it. I like being at the horse shows way more!

If you could eat any human food, what would it be?

I love donuts! Glazed donuts with vanilla icing and sprinkles, to be exact.

What do you enjoy most about the jumper ring? Big jumps and large crowds. I will jump anything and having everyone watching is so exciting.

What’s your favorite part of a jump off? Wait…I thought every round was a jump off? I never understand why my rider tries to hold me back; going fast is way more fun!

PHOTOS: ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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RIDERS

We all make mistakes. But horse people, as a group, aren’t always the best at handling them. So TPH reached out to some top riders to share their own show ring bloopers to prove, once and for all, that mistakes really do happen to the best of us!

Hear more It Happens moments on the #Plaidcast at theplaidhorse.com/listen

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May/June 2022

AILISH CUNNIFFE

KC CLAFFEE

When I arrived in Mexico, none of my equipment showed up, and as a 5* Nations Cup debut, that was a little stressful for me. I actually showed the first day in the 1.40 m with everybody else’s tack but my own…I used Tanner’s saddle and Maria’s stirrups and some other girl’s bit that I don’t know. At that moment in time I was very thankful for my teammates who lent me all of the stuff I needed to complete the course and prepare for Sunday. It was slightly stressful, but there’s always hiccups and bumps in the road so you just have to make do.”

This was about five or six years ago on Snowy, who’s a really reliable 3’6” horse. We were at Fairfield during the WCHR week, and I had won both over fences classes the day before, and was feeling great. They were offering warm ups because they weren’t able to do the ticketed warm up on Tuesday because of rain. I opted to not do the warm-up, because it’s Snowy—he’s reliable, he never spooks at anything, usually my first trip is the best trip. I go trotting across the diagonal, and all of the sudden I’m on the ground. Because Snowy had caught sight of a baby carriage all the way across the ring and spun right out from underneath me. I got right back on, won the handy, but because of that I ended up reserve champion instead of champion. Horses are horses, things happen.”

PHOTO: SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY (CLAFFEE); ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY (WISE)

NADA WISE My very first A show was in Colorado. I was probably 13 years old and I had the biggest crush on Hap Hansen. He was standing at the in-gate and I jumped the first six jumps better than I have ever jumped in my life. At fence seven, it’s this huge swedish oxer and my horse stops and lands in the jump, and I go flying to the other side and the bridle flies across. I can’t get my horse out, and I just walk to the in-gate holding the bridle because I’m not sure exactly what to do. Hap Hansen is staring right at me and he goes, ‘Your horse…’ and I’m so horrified, I go running back to my horse, and I have to get the bridle on to walk him out of the ring. I have been horrified my whole life about this.”

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BOOK EXCERPT

“As I stared into the depths of his eyes, I sensed his fear and distrust. But beneath that, I perceived a glimmer of hope.”

MILO’S EYES By Lissa Bachner Reprinted with the permission of Behler Publications

NOW, WHILE OTHERS were toasting the New Year, we were in a

barn in our down parkas and warm boots, waiting for two horses from Germany. Bob had another client who had purchased a horse, but she had opted out of spending her New Year’s Eve in a stable. Just as the cold began to penetrate my core and numb the tips of my toes, we heard gravel crunching beneath heavy tires and the unmistakable squeal of brakes.

We hurried to the van and walked up the ramp into the dark interior. It was difficult to clearly see the two occupants, so I grabbed one horse’s halter while Bob took the other and we carefully led them out. The horse I was leading was bundled in blankets that stank of urine and sweat. He was skittish and snorted as we walked from the van to the barn. It was clear that he hated the chain around his nose, but I didn’t dare take it off. All I could do was try to soothe him by patting him and running my hand down the length of his dirt-encrusted neck. Don’t panic, I’m sure this one isn’t mine. Once inside the barn, the horse continued snorting, only now it sounded like he was hyperventilating. Concerned, I put him in one of the stalls designated for

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

the new horses, expecting that with two fresh buckets of water, some fluffy shavings for bedding, and a few squares of hay, he’d settle down. Usually, a horse will look for some source of food in its stall, but this piteous animal was far too frightened. All he could do was stand by the wall, trembling. I decided to give him some time to himself and walked to the stall where Bob was removing the other horse’s halter. This horse was also travel-worn, but in far better shape than his companion. He wore a new blanket and seemed fairly clean. Yes, he was a tad bug-eyed, but his breathing wasn’t coming in short spurts and he certainly wasn’t shaking. When Bob came out of the stall, I blurted, “Please tell me that the train wreck at the other end of the barn isn’t mine.”

When he responded with a grin, I knew that the train wreck did, in fact, belong to me. Then, becoming serious, he said, “He is not a train wreck. He’s just scared, exhausted, and trying to cope with his new surroundings.” “Look, I understand that he’s been through a lot in the past week, but this horse,” I said, pointing to the one in front of me, “seems pretty calm. The Reillys have never seen him, and they’ll never know if we just…switch them.” Bob stared at me, dumbfounded. “Lissa, I can’t believe you’d even suggest such a thing. No way would I do that. These two horses are completely different.” I turned away, feeling trapped, embarrassed, and frustrated. What had I gotten myself into? “Just trust me,” Bob called out as I went to check on the horse I was stuck with, hoping he hadn’t passed out. As I began to resign myself to the idea that this quivering animal was mine, my nurturing instincts took hold and I decided to try to bond with him. I approached him slowly and spoke to him softly, and, to my relief, he began to calm down.

PHOTO: ISABEL KUREK

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During the next hour, I brushed away layers of filth from his coat, feeling his thin body tense every time I moved the brush to a new position. Eventually he relaxed, seeming to enjoy the attention, until I moved on to another area. As I removed the grime, I was appalled to see spur rubs and whip marks all over his body. I applied medication to the wounds and whispered to him, “What did they do to you?” Poor thing. I began to wipe his face with a towel. It was then that I noticed the color of his eyes: burnished mahogany melting into amber, then turning a velvety brown in the center. As I stared into the depths of his eyes, I sensed his fear and distrust. But beneath that, I perceived a glimmer of hope. With the back of my hand, I gently smoothed the worried creases around his eyes and, this time, he didn’t shy away from me. Instead, he lowered his head

and I smiled up at him. “You’ve been through a lot in a short time, haven’t you, boy? I have, too,” I said quietly. “I guess that makes us survivors. We do what we have to do to get through. Maybe you are supposed to be my horse, after all. “I think it’s time you had a name.” I took a step backwards so I could regard all of him. “Hmm,” I cupped my chin in the palm of my hand while I attempted to conjure the perfect name. He stood still, never taking his eyes off me. I began listing some of my favorite literary characters. “Hamlet?” I asked him. “He was wise beyond his years and, like you, tormented, but in a different way. Maybe not,” I vetoed the name. “Heathcliff ?” I mused. “He was a complex character, not unlike yourself.” My new horse looked unimpressed.

The Canadian Sport Horse Association Presents Developing Riders and Horses for Competition

“You’re right,” I agreed. “Besides, that name has already been taken by a cartoon cat.” Suddenly, the name was right before me. I had always been partial to the political satire of the comic strip Bloom County, and I especially loved the young star of the series, Milo. “Milo,” I said, trying the name on for size. I allowed it to resonate before saying it again. “Milo,” and this time, the horse’s ears twitched at the sound of my voice. “I like it,” I said, smiling with satisfaction. “Hello, Milo. You and I have a long road ahead of us, but I promise, no matter what, you will never know cruelty again.” Early the next morning, armed with carrots, apples, and new blankets, I ventured out to visit my new horse, determined to win him over. Only a handful of people were in the barn, allowing Milo and me some quiet time to get acquainted.

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I am most proud of my horsemanship. • I would most like to improve on organization. • I’d be lost without spurs in my tack trunk and sticky spray in my ring bag. • I think the biggest misconception about our sport is you have to be ‘rich’ to do it.

My favorite horse book is Black Beauty. • My favorite non-horse book is Julie of the Wolves. • I’m a sucker for a sweet horse. Once I bought a horse because he was talking to me and hugged me.

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On Mondays, you’ll find me at the barn. • I sometimes wish I had the time to learn more business. • I’m afraid of failure. • Something I say ten times a day is graze your ponies. • One of my greatest show ring victories was jumping the World Cup class in Fort Worth with one rail down in December. • One of the best horse names I’ve ever heard is Captain Underpants. • My absolute favorite show is Otomi in San Miguel, Mexico, because it has great grass, great hospitality, and it’s a very prestigious horse show. • My motto is work hard, play hard.

THE HORSE PERSON I MOST ADMIRE IS:

My groom, Simon, because he is a super horseman.

MY BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG RIDERS IS:

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BEAU WAS A big-bodied, large bay pony with two white socks and a snip. He was adorable to look at, and had a personality to match. Tally got him ready on the cross ties behind Mac, who had her own medium pony, Joey, on the next set of cross ties. “My mom got the video of my round at Pony Finals,” Mac told Tally as she pulled Joey’s half pad up under the pommel of her saddle. Tally smiled, recalling her friend’s nearly flawless trip around the enormous Walnut ring at the Kentucky Horse Park, culminating in an uncharacteristic rail at the very last jump. Tally was so impressed by Mac’s ability to laugh

THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

it off and appreciate all the good that came from her round, rather than focus on the mistake at the end. “Ryan watched the video too, and he thinks I came back with my body a little early, which could be why Joey hit the back rail with a hind foot,” Mac continued, pulling her blonde hair down over her ears and securing it in a low ponytail. “Plus, Joey had to be a little tired by then. That ring is like a football field!” “It didn’t look like you came back early,” Tally told her, buckling the throat latch on Beau’s bridle. “I don’t remember doing it either, but Ryan says it can happen at the end of your trip, or when you’re excited—and I was definitely excited that we got around that course.” Mac rubbed Joey’s neck and he turned to face her. “No treats right now, buddy,” she told him, scratching his forehead. “Workout first!” The girls walked their ponies out of the boarder aisle and up the hill toward the outdoor ring, situated just outside the farm’s large indoor. Before Tally started going to horse shows off the property, she didn’t realize how lucky they were to have two indoor rings and a large outdoor ring. Plenty of riding facilities didn’t even have one indoor to use when it was raining or during the winter months. Ryan was sitting on a jump in the center of the outdoor ring when Tally and Mac arrived with the ponies. He explained to Tally that Beau had been a little off in his right hind for about a week— likely the result of too much fun in turnout with his buddies. The vet didn’t suspect it was anything serious, and she recommended that Ryan watch the pony under saddle

every couple of days and note the pony’s progress. “Take a nice long time walking around the ring, Tally,” Ryan said. “A full lap on a loose rein and then you can pick up some contact, okay? Walk around the jumps, make some circles, and get him moving off your leg and bending. But just at the walk. He’s been standing in his stall since all the horses came in this morning, so I want him really warm and loose before we trot.” Tally double-checked Beau’s girth, mounted up, and walked toward the long side of the ring on top of the hill, overlooking the paddocks. She glanced down at the empty turnout fields in the valley below and up the hill in the distance. She smiled as Beau let out a big breath. Tally loved when horses and ponies did that—a sign that they were feeling relaxed and content. Behind her, Tally heard Mac and Ryan talking about where they would show next, once Joey had another week or two off after Kentucky. As Tally and Beau completed their lap on a loose rein, Tally changed direction and began to slowly gather up her reins. Mac was standing atop the mounting block and Joey looked like his usual sweet self, almost half asleep since he hadn’t started to work yet. Mac put her left foot into the stirrup and Joey stepped away from the mounting block. That’s when they heard the crash. A truck had smashed through the fencing around the turnout fields, noisily snapping and splitting the wood. The ponies heard it, too. Tally felt Beau shoot forward underneath her, away from the sound of the crash. And out of the corner of her eye, she watched Joey leap sideways. Mac, with only her left foot in the stirrup, never had a chance to swing her right leg over. She hit the ground hard as Joey raced for the gate.

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HORSE SHOWS

DEVON BINGO Eat tea sandwiches

Enjoy a lemon stick

Drink an iced tea

Try some fudge

And some ice cream

Ride the ferris wheel

Play a game on the midway

Watch the Grand Prix

Buy a Devon blue souvenir

Meet a famous horse

Meet a famous rider

Cheer for a round scoring 90+

Sit in the grandstand for Leadline

Find a parking spot

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Go to Wawa

Sit thisclose to Dixon Oval

Take a selfie with the ‘Where Champions Meet’ sign

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Cheer on the pony riders like Tally in Show Strides

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THE PLAID HORSE

May/June 2022

The legends of our sport are all on the Plaidcast. Are you listening? TRACI BROOKS • CATIE STASZAK • STACIA MADDEN • LAURA KRAUT • PATRICIA GRIFFITH • JULIE WINKEL • SAMANTHA SCHAEFER • AUGUST IWASAKI • ROBIN NWOOD • MIMI GOCHMAN • ANNE KURINSK • MEGAN MCDERMOTT • GRACE DEBNEY • LINDA AN DRISANI • KAREN HEALEY • BLISS HEERS • MEGA MCCUTCHEON • DR. ANGIE YATES • LESLEY KAGEN • JENNIFER BURGER • BRANDI CYRUS • HANNAH ISOPURA WASSERMAN • DR. SELINA WATT • PAM COWAN • LETTIE TEAGUE • JENNIFER BAUERSACHS • MISSY CLARK • TRICIA BOOKER • STEPHANIE KALLSTROM • ZOSIA MAMET • AMY HASSINGER • TRACI K • STACIA MADDEN • LAURA KRAUT • PATRICIA GRIFFITH • JULIE WINKEL • AUGUST JAYNE • SAMANTHA SCHAEFER • ROBIN GREENWOOD • MIMI GOCHMAN • DIANE CARNEY • MOLLY ASHE • GRACE DEBNEY • LINDA ANDRISANI • KAREN HEALEY • BLISS HEERS • CARLEE MCCUTCHEON • DR. ANGIE YATES • ROBIN GREENWOOD • LESLEY KAGEN • J JENNIFER BURGER • BRANDI CYRUS • HANNAH ISOP • LAURA WASSERMAN • DR. SELINA WATT • LISA COWAN • MISSY CLARK • LETTIE TEAGUE • JENNIFER BAUERSACHS • TRICIA AUGUST IWASAKI • STEPHANIE KALLSTROM • GER • MEGAN MCDERMOTT • KERI KAMP ZOSIA MAMET • TRICIA BOOKER • SALLY IKE • SUSIE CAWLEY • MARGIE GOLDSTEIN-ENGLE • LAINIE WIMBERLY • LAUREN HOUGH • RACHEL KENNEDY • PAM BAKER • DIANE KAGEN • RACHEL KENNEDY • PEG SEALS WINKEL • SUSIE SCHOELKOPF • MAVIS SPENCER OTT • SYDNEY SHULMAN • LYNN JAYNE MAVIS SPENCER • LENDON GRAY • BRANDI HEERS • MOLLY ASHE-CAWLEY • LESLEY ES • VAL RENIHAN • ANNE KURSINSKI JENNIFER BAUERSACHS • KERI KAMPSEN Hosted by Piper Klemm, Ph.D., Tonya Johnston, M.A. and Friends

WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify

theplaidhorse.com/listen

Congratulations to Our Over 150 Ponies Sold or Leased in 2021!

Stonewall Farm • Text: 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

Congratulations to Our Over 150 Ponies Sold or Leased in 2021!

Stonewall Farm • Text: 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

EDUCATION

WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE

Equestrian Studies College Courses Online This Summer

A Q&A with Plaid Horse publisher Piper Klemm HE PLAID HORSE publisher Professor Piper Klemm, Ph.D., is

offering her equestrian studies online courses for college credit again this summer. The courses run in June and July, and are being offered through Clarkson University: • Business and Bias in the Equestrian Industry • Grit, Toughness, and Contemporary Equestrian Coaching • English Riding: History, Culture, and Industry Evolution

Prof. Klemm earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2012 and became publisher of The Plaid Horse in 2014. She has run her own pony-leasing business since 2011. In addition to teaching in grad school, she has been teaching university-level courses since 2018. Klemm is also the co-author of Show Strides, an equestrian middle grade novel series. Tianna Vestri, one of Klemm’s students last summer, said, “I am loving every book, article, lecture, podcast and more that we’re engaging with, and it’s really providing depth to my equestrian experiences and helping me make some great connections. I’m so glad I decided to take these three courses.” Want more info on the classes? Read on for more in our Q+A with the professor herself and visit www.theplaidhorse.com/college.

What made you decide to teach equestrian courses in the first place? I think our industry lacks a lot of structure on how to learn within it. Like most people in the horse business, I have learned much the hard way. Through these courses, we use traditional academic framework to approach the equestrian business and our own knowledge systemically, and using a building block approach.

Who would benefit from taking these courses?

The great thing about these courses is that everyone can take responsibility for their own learning and equestrian experience, and take away valuable knowledge and data. Riders as young as middle school to parents of riders and excited amateurs all benefit from the courses while adding a great mosaic of experiences to class discussion. The class size is small enough that we can focus on specific situations and tailor the material to be of the most interest to each individual class.

My child is horse-obsessed but college isn’t on our radar yet. Can I still enroll them? Can I enroll myself?

Absolutely! Young riders can earn college credit to transfer to the eventual college of their choice while learning about their sport, strengthening their connections, and enhancing their resume. We welcome parents as well!

I’m not majoring in anything equestrian-related. Is this course still for me?

Want more info? Visit theplaidhorse.com/college

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THE PLAID HORSE

Yes! These courses are to expand your knowledge

May/June 2022

“The book impressed me so much that The Plaid Horse wanted to be a part of its new life with a new printing in order to get it into as many equestrians’ hands as possible. Geoff ’s work remains as strong and relevant as ever. As much as things have changed in our sport, so much about riding hunters, jumpers, and equitation has not. ‘Classic’ still wins in the show ring.” NOTE TO THE READER BY PIPER KLEMM, PHD

of the sport, yourself, and how to best manage hobbies, business and your approach to our sport. They are a great tool for all majors. They can be transferred per your college’s policies to use credit toward graduation or specific distribution requirement.

I’ve already graduated from college! How would I benefit from these courses? This sport is unique because it is a lifelong sport. Handling decision making, finances, emotions, and understanding the market forces can always be improved upon. This investment will benefit you for decades to come!

What sort of feedback did you get from students last summer on how they were able to implement what they learned into their lives with horses? Students were able to use decision-making processes to further their careers—including evaluating facility purchases, horse purchases, and investing further into our industry and using techniques learned in class. Klemm also co-hosts the #Plaidcast and runs various entrepreneurial projects. Her mission is to educate young equestrians in every facet of our industry, and to empower young women in particular to find their voice and story and share them. She shows in the amateur hunter divisions with her horse of a lifetime, MTM Sandwich.

Get your copy at theplaidhorse.com/teall

TAKE COLLEGE COURSES ONLINE with

Professor Piper Klemm, Ph.D. THREE COURSES:

Business and Bias in the Equestrian Industry Grit, Toughness, and Contemporary Equestrian Coaching English Riding: History, Culture, and Industry Evolution TWO SESSIONS:

June 1 - 30, 2022 July 5 - August 3, 2022 All 3 courses held in both sessions. Limited registration.

MORE INFORMATION AT:

theplaidhorse.com/college

Pick up a book & READ! What readers are saying about SHOW STRIDES, BOOK 1 and 2: “My 10-year-old daughter started reading this series over the summer and hasn’t put it down. She is able to identify with a lot of the characters in the books and is excited for the 3rd book of the series to be available.”

Rider Keira Lancelle Bates reads SHOW STRIDES, BOOK 1: School Horses & Show Ponies

A ARE YOU DES I R SHOW STER? D A E R g to self readin

o of your Email a phot @theplaidhorse.com es rid e! ShowSt ith us onlin or share w esReader rid St w ho #S

—AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

“CLEARLY WRITTEN BY PEOPLE WHO KNOW HORSES!” —AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

“I loved the messages the book portrayed about hard work, dedication and learning to handle disappointment. These concepts were woven in throughout a great story that had me reading from cover to cover. If there is a horse-crazy kid in your life, don’t think twice, buy it now!” —AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

“This story is about working hard to achieve athletic and personal goals. A great read for young women, athletes, and horse-lovers.” —AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

“Great listen for rides to horseshows and lessons. This book is for serious, young riders, written by serious riders! Read by the author, which is cool.” —AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

Read all three!

ALL 3 BOOKS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON (Kindle & Audible too!)

PHOTO: KRISTINE LANCELLE

Without the care and support of our professional team, success would not be possible. Thank you Genaro and family for everything you do! • CHAD MAHAFFEY • • EMILY TROWBRIDGE, MARLA AMORMINO, CAROLYN BECKER - TRAINERS • • MARIE MEYERS - DRESSAGE CONSULTANT • • 2200 MULHOLLAND HWY • CALABASAS, CA •(310) 428-9253 • WWW.CMSTABLES.COM •

SOPHIA HANKEY & POSH CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN IN YOUR SHORT STIRRUP DEBUT!

DORYL BROOKS & GENUINE

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TALENTED BRAIDER! YOU’RE AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE WHEN YOU SLEEP.

DESERT CIRCUIT IV, CHAMPION USHJA HUNTERS TEMECULA VALLEY PREMIER II, CHAMPION USHJA HUNTERS

BRIGHTON FARMS CONGRATULATES CHAD MAHAFFEY & PAPERBOY • CHAD MAHAFFEY • • EMILY TROWBRIDGE, MARLA AMORMINO, CAROLYN BECKER - TRAINERS • • MARIE MEYERS - DRESSAGE CONSULTANT • • 2200 MULHOLLAND HWY • CALABASAS, CA •(310) 428-9253 • WWW.CMSTABLES.COM •

WINNERS OF THE $15,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL DERBY AT TEMECULA VALLEY NATIONAL PREMIER I HIGH PERFORMANCE CHAMPION - TEMECULA VALLEY PREMIER II - RANCH & COAST CLASSIC • CHAD MAHAFFEY • • EMILY TROWBRIDGE, MARLA AMORMINO, CAROLYN BECKER - TRAINERS • • MARIE MEYERS - DRESSAGE CONSULTANT • • 2200 MULHOLLAND HWY • CALABASAS, CA •(310) 428-9253 • WWW.CMSTABLES.COM •

Thank you to all of our service partners and the professionals who help take exceptional care of our horses and us! • CHAD MAHAFFEY • • EMILY TROWBRIDGE, MARLA AMORMINO, CAROLYN BECKER - TRAINERS • • MARIE MEYERS - DRESSAGE CONSULTANT • • 2200 MULHOLLAND HWY • CALABASAS, CA •(310) 428-9253 • WWW.CMSTABLES.COM •