The Plaid Horse - August 2016 - The Pony Issue

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North America’s Premiere Horse Show Magazine

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Ramble On FaRm

PRemieRe Facility OF the PhiladelPhia main line Dominique H. Damico ~ Berwyn, Pennsylvania ~ 484-325-0380

best OF luck at useF POny F inals

Bit of Laughter & Gabrielle Sokolow

Supercool & Gabrielle Sokolow

Upworthy & Lauren Reid

Blue Moon & Haley Ray

Kingston & Gabrielle Sokolow

Small Pony Hunter

Medium Pony Hunter

Medium Pony Hunter

Small Pony Hunter

Large Pony Hunter

cOngRatulates

Rockette & Katie Williams

Nemesis 11 & Dominique Damico

Large Junior 15 & U Champion at The Devon Horse Show

Overall Grand Hunter Champion at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Ask about our horses and ponies for sale, from small pony hunters to junior hunters

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Congratulations & good luck to “The Olivias” SHOWING BENLEA MIZZOU, GLYNHAFAN RED KESTRAL AND JESSANDI FAMOUS AMOS!

We are endlessly proud of you and love you with all of our hearts. Have a great time at Pony Finals 2016!

Thank you to Littlewood Farms’ Joanne Kurinsky and Katie Kunk. We wouldn’t be here without all of your help and guidance. We are also grateful to have the best grooms in the world with us. Thank you Adrian Meraz and Jose Ontiveros for all that you do for us every day!

Love, The Stoeckel and Markman families

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S a n M a rc o s T r a i n i ng

Best of Luck

to rider John French

Photo © McCool Photography.

Ph Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

in the 2016 pre-green incentive finals.

Kaleidoscope

Corinne Bevis

Monaco

Santa Barbara, ca

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S a n M a rc o s T r a i n i ng

Thank You

f or yo u r pa rt

Photo © McCool Photography.

in developing these young horses

Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

Stylist

Adonis

Corinne Bevis

Patriot

Santa Barbara, ca

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IS PROUD TO WISH OUR FOLLOWING HORSES GOOD LUCK at this year’s USHJA International Derby Finals:

BOSS’S BENTLEY Owned by Ashely Hurteau

LITTLE MANHATTEN Owned by Fairy Tale Farms

BEST OF LUCK to our Pre-Green Incentive qualifiers as well:

CONFIDANT Owned by Grace Angelino

C. THEODORE Owned by Cannon Thomas

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

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Sapphire

RIDING ACADEMY

Offering 22 stall heated modern stable • Heated indoor riding arena Large outdoor arena • Grass field with natural obstacles All-weather and grass paddocks • Secure tack room • Viewing lounge

Calido's Son, owned by Mimi Rothman.

Champion at Spring Spectacular weeks 1,2 & 3 and Winner of the USHJA National Hunter Derby.

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

Conveniently located off Interstate 94, just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and 25 minutes to O’Hare International Airport!

15141 Little Saint Marys Road • Mettawa, 60048 847-984-2209 • www.sapphireridingacademy.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW OUR SELECTION OF QUALITY SALE AND LEASE HORSES.

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FIRST BLUE LLC

© Shawn McMillen

ALWAYS A SELECTION OF QUALITY PONIES AND HORSES FOR SALE AND LEASE.

JENNA WEINFURT 631-379-9489 Bridgehampton, NY • Bronx, NY • Wellington, FL

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4TH ANNUAL

August 19-21, 2016 Washington County Fair Park * West Bend WI

JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND OF DERBY FUN FRIDAY:

Ride or Audit Clinicians John McQueen (Hunters) & Teri Knowlton (Jumpers) followed by the exhilarating Cedar Creek Equestrian 4 Bar Challenge & Antares Pizza Party

SATURDAY:

Enjoy a relaxing morning with Coffee and Bagels hosted by Blue Gate Farm Hunter Derby Day Stonewall Ponies Ice Cream Social LIVE AUCTION CALCUTTA at 5:00 p.m. for Hunter Teams Derby and Jumper Sweepstakes Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital Exhibitor and Bidders Party ***Proceeds to Benefit Local Member Grassroots Showing and Healing Haven of Wisconsin***

SUNDAY:

UlcerGuard/Gastro Guard Brunch Barbara Biever Memorial Equitation Challenge Jumper Derby Day

Sweet Sumertime Horse Show Before The Derby August 17-18, 2016 Washington County Fair Park * West Bend WI

WHJA Local Member/USHJA Outreach Show Proudly Presented by: Old Seoul Equestrian PRIZELISTS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: www.oldseoulequestrian.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Hayden-Fromm cshayden@yahoo.com (414)-688-8888

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Congratulations Emy! Congratulations to you and Eleanor on an absolutely amazing year together!

To watch you ride together is both magical and majestic!

Congratulations on Qualifying for Pony Finals and the Marshall & Sterling Pony Medal!

We are all so proud of you and can’t wait to watch you both ride for your dreams!!

Love from Mom, Dad, your sister Ava, and your friends and family at Judgement Farm!

BEST OF LUCK TO THE LUCIBELLO SISTERS!

Congratulations Ava!

Congratulations to you and Molly for a spectacular year together!

We have enjoyed watching you learn and grow through the year and know you and Molly will be absolutely AMAZING at Pony Finals this year! Congratulations on Qualifying for Pony Finals… we are so very very proud of you!

Ride like the wind sweet girl!

Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography

Love from Mom, Dad, your sister Emy and your friends and family at Judgement Farm!

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&

d r a k c i R E a K n i O l a M t S a K LY W O O D

L O H E T I EL

CONGRATULATIONS & GOOD LUCK!

2016 US Pony Finals: Medium Pony Hunters & US Pony Medal Finals Thank you Micaela Kennedy for this fantastic pony!

Proudly offered for sale at Indoors.

Kate Considine | 818.406.1686 | katewillowbrook@aol.com | La Cañada Flintridge, CA Photos by Captured Moment Photography and Laura Wasserman | EquestriSol Ad Design

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IVY GATE FARM

Congratulates J en n y k ar az issis

on a stellar year in the hunter derbies .

♦

b est of luck to l egacy at the ushJa i nternational d erby f inals

PHOTO © SOFIA JAIN.

Ivy Gate Farm ♦ San Juan Capistrano, California ♦ 949.443.1903 Mary Morrison ♦ 949.300.5049 ♦ www.IvyGateFarm.com

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Asunción VAlley FArms OFFers FOr sAle

DUSTED SKIPPER 3 YO Welsh X gelding. Shown in-hand at Devon.

Full sibling winning o/f & u/s on the East Coast. Currently in training in Virginia.

Started lightly under saddle. USEF lifetime registration.

AVF’S BLONDE AMBITION For sale or lease.

11 YO top of the line Medium. Gorgeous, flashy pony mare. Extensive show record with many champion & reserve champions to her name. Lovely mover and easy disposition. USEF lifetime registration.

TALISKER STORM Sold: Asunción Valley Farms, along with Gracelynd Hills Farm & Alanna Snowden, would like to congratulate Benchmark Farm on their purchase of Talisker Storm.

Best of luck in the show ring!

AVF’S KALEIDESCOPE KHROME 4 YO Welsh Sec B gelding.

Imported bloodlines (*Wedderlie Mardie Gras x Skellorn Chantilly Lace). Going under saddle & jumping small courses.

Great opportunity for an investment pony. Will mature top of the line medium. USEF lifetime registration.

BIG LOVE 6 YO imported Holsteiner gelding. Shows potential to be a Jr/AA 3 ring horse. Shown lightly in CA in all 3 rings.

2015 Camelot Classic Low Ch/AA Champion, 2016 SBCRC Champion Adult Equitation, Reserve Champion Ch/AA Hunter Classic, 2016 Gold Coast Reserve Champion Baby Green Hunter, USEF lifetime registration.

MIDNIGHT MERCEDES 4 YO Welsh Sec B mare.

Started under saddle and jumping small courses with ease.

Full sibling to Talisker Storm. Will mature top of the line medium.

Great investment pony. USEF lifetime registration.

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

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

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STONEWALL FARM

Offers for Lease

S T O N E WA L L B L AC K P E A R L

Short Stirrup through First Division Small Pony 12.1 h, 2006 Mare Qualified USEF Pony Finals 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016 Can be seen and tried at USEF Pony Finals

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N S I N PHOTOS © ADAM HILL/DECASECONDS PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Offers for Lease

V E R M O N T RU BY FOX

Medium Pony Hunter 13.2 h, 2007 Mare Top 30 Overall USEF Pony Finals 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015 Can be seen and tried at USEF Pony Finals

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N S I N PHOTOS © ADAM HILL/DECASECONDS PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Offers for Sale or Lease

V E R M O N T H E R E ’S T H E G O L D

Eligible Green Large Pony Hunter 14.2 h, 2010 Gelding Full brother to Vermont Show Me the Gold Can be seen and tried at USEF Pony Finals & KY Bluegrass Festival

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N SI N PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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SHOP

THE PLAID HORSE AT PONY FINALS OR ONLINE theplaidhorse.com/shop

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D. Publisher

P. 60 TPH TRAVEL, VERSAILLES, KY:

Betsy Kelley

LISA DALY Art Director

P. 75 OLYMPIAN GREG BEST HEADS HOME FOR DANA HALL: Sissy Wickes P. 80 COVER STORY: STEFANIE MAZER'S PONY PARADISE: Sissy Wickes

SISSY WICKES Editor

P. 84 JENNY KARAZISSIS IS KILLING THE WEST COAST HUNTER CIRCUIT: Irene Elise Powlick

BETSY KELLEY Web Director NANCY HALVEY KATIE COOK MALORY SCHALL Advertising ELIZABETH HOWELL Marketing Partner

P. 88 BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE

Photos by Tausha Dickinson

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic Street, Canton, New York 13617 • CALL: 541-905-0192 EMAIL: theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER @PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag PINTEREST: pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR: theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

P. 90 GOCHMAN GRANT AWARDED FOR USEF PONY FINALS: Irene Elise Powlick P. 92 JULIA TOPS THREE TIPS FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Emily Riden P. 94 TESSA’S ON TOP:

Jordan Cobb P. 111 SAPPHIRE CLONES SPOTTED IN SARATOGA: Heidi Keeney

ON THE COVER: STEFANIE MAZER AND MIA GREEN AT FORGET ME NOT FARM IN WELLINGTON, FLORIDA. PHOTO © ERIN GILMORE.

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LizaJane

Offered for Lease 14.1 1/2h Welsh cross with proven show record.

Liza is the hack winner, 10+ jumper, honest, auto changes, and she has a slow easy stride.

Liza was Champion or Reserve Champion in the Children’s Hunter Pony division at almost every “A” rated horse show she attended in 2015. Liza was

the 2014 & 2015 Year-End Large Children’s Hunter Pony Champion in Zone 1 and won the 2015 CHJA Children’s Hunter Pony Classic Finals.

Serious inquiries only to Donna Pace at 203-948-8201. www.nautilusfarm.com

As we come into Finals season, it is so easy to get swept up in the excitement and the potential. Whether you are a parent, friend, relative, trainer, groom, or rider, congratulations on your success. You have qualified over so many others to make it to this coveted spot. Now it gets much more challenging. Every other rider enters the ring with a winning record. Only one rider will walk out with the top spot.

In this issue, TPH authors offer you (riders seeking their personal bests) expert advice about values, perspective, and balance in the competitive arena. Olympic medal winner and celebrated international trainer Greg Best sums it up so well, “It is supposed to be fun.” Trainer and pony-meister Stefanie Mazer echoes these sentiments when she urges riders to relax and have a sense of humor.

Tonya Johnston, mental skills coach, urges competitors and parents to take a long range perspective and address the question of “How does this competition advance your goals?” Junior competitor Bailey Doloff uses perspective to tame his nervousness. And international competitor Julia Tops talks about balancing the competing interests in your life.

Custom Leather Purses & Tote Bags To r i @ To r i A n n a D e s i g n s . c o m 2 07. 6 5 0 .12 6 8

F

Wiscasset, Maine

Yes, we all would like to win. But we also compete for fun, the challenge, the love of the sport, to improve our skills, and to join in the camaraderie of the day.

Happy riding and reading,

◼ TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

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THE SYKES FAMILY CONGRATULATES MARIAN SYKES AND BLUE JAMES BLUE ON AN AWESOME 2016 SHOW SEASON.

Love and hugs to Marian and Blue as they compete at Pony Finals 2016!"

HEMLOCK HILL FARM A Family-Owned Business • Established in 1972

Mon-Wed-Thurs-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-3pm Closed Tues & Sun

• Hay, Straw, Feed, Shavings, Wood Pellet Bedding.

Horse & Pet Supplies

WINNIE’S SPECIAL:

15% OFF

SHOW SHEEN quarts & gallons

732.842.5270

260 Phalanx Road Colts Neck, NJ 07722 • Visit us online at www.hemlockhillfarmnj.com

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1.

2.

4.

3.

5.

Wasatch Horse Shows Summer Classics I & II, South Jordan, UT July 2016. 1. Amy Brubaker had banner weeks with her two mounts Frascati (pictured) and Popular J taking first and second in the Children's/Adult Amateur Hunter Classic both weeks, and winning the USHJA National Hunter Derby Week I. 2. Kari Swainston rode Toy Story, a pre-green horse, to 9th in the USHJA National Hunter Derby in addition to ribbons in the pre-greens and long stirrup with owner, Tammy Schenchinger. 3. New professional Josephine Brooksbank rode her own Bird of Paradise in the Pre-Green Hunters.

4. Mary Poelman's Superiore and Michael Knight in the 3' Open Hunters. 5. Kayla Dixon and her new mount Gatsby took on the Children's Hunters to great success despite a brand new partnership. PHOTOGRAPHY © IRENE ELISE POWLICK

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The Indomitable

Bailey Doloff

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DEVON PONY JUMPERS 2016.

PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.

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B

ailey Doloff is a rider on a roll.

With his Wishlea Star Dasher, the seventeen year old Doloff has won almost every class entered in the Pony Jumper and Children’s Jumper divisions in 2016, including a masterful performance at the Devon Horse Show.

Often overlooked and undersubscribed, the pony jumper division was formed as a stepping stone for pony riders endeavoring to learn to compete in the jumper division. With few shows offering pony jumpers, these young riders often compete their ponies against horses over courses designed for a horse size stride. While often problematic for ponies, Doloff and the 11 year old Welsh/ Thoroughbred cross have excelled in the 1.10 meter and 1.15 meter Children’s Jumper classes. In 2016, they won in Gulfport, MS, Lexington, VA, Atlanta, GA, Gettysburg, PA and Upperville, VA as well as Devon, PA. (see box) While Doloff sits atop his game, he is deeply cognizant of the struggles he has overcome. The road to success has not been smooth for the quiet, friendly Doloff and his spirited partner, Dasher. A Maryland native, Doloff grew up riding in every discipline available: foxhunting, pony racing, and horseshowing. Bred by Bridgid McMurtrie, Wishlea Star Dasher (Glencoe Nimbus x Acknowledge Me) was originally acquired to be Doloff’s 3' jumper and pony racing mount. He raced at Shawan Downs, Timonium, and Pimlico race courses. Asked if he won, Doloff replied with his usual optimism, “We were never last!”

Moving from flat racing to foxhunting camp, Doloff realized that the courageous and athletic pony could run and jump. “He easily cleared all of the big hurdles used by the steeplechase trainers. That’s when I knew he was a quite a jumper.”

As a young pony, Wishlea Star Dasher had a successful career in the Welsh Pony horse show circuit. As he aged, he became the competitive, bold athlete that now excels over large, fast tracks. The transition from Welsh shows to racing to jumper classes was not easy. In 2014, Doloff took Dasher to his first show in Culpeper. “He would not walk into the ring at all. He would stand at the gate and rear up.” Doloff spent the next few nights walking the pony in and out of the ring after the conclusion of the horse show. “Peter Foley helped me and we spent every night in the ring jumping little jumps.

By the last day, we jumped a 2' course, and won!”

Despite an inauspicious start to their showjumping career, Doloff and Dasher formed a successful bond. The rider discovered a way to tap into the energy and scope of his equine partner. With Joe Fargis and Dorna Taintor as their coaches, the pair won the majority of the classes they entered. Doloff arrived at the 2015 Pony Finals on a wave of success.

Yet, as often happens in the horse business, the road was neither straight nor easy. “I was in the jumpoff at Pony Finals for the Bronze Medal, and I went off course. It was heartbreaking. That started a real downward spiral for me,” explains Doloff. After the 2015 Pony Finals, Doloff competed in Culpeper, VA, where he went off course three times. In October at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, he was victorious in the first Children’s Jumper class out of 73 entries. The duo seemed to be back on track. As the winner of the first class, Doloff had the pressure

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of going last in the Championship Class at night in the Prince George’s Equestrian Center coliseum.

Clean in the first round, he began the jump-off on his lightning fast partner. “I had a rail down in the combination and just lost my head. I did a crazy inside turn, and deer-jumped a fence. Then I ran down to another and crashed through it. I had to pull out and stop and then finish the course.”

From a rider’s abyss comes self -realization. “My coach (Taintor) sent me a few sports psychology books: The Mental Game of Baseball and The Champion’s Mind. They really worked for me.

The books gave me some ideas about mental skills and different methods of preparation. At first, I followed the preparation routine too intensely.

Then, I began to understand perspective. I could tell myself that this is just a horse show; it is not life or death. And everything has been a lot easier.” Doloff has adopted the mental strategy of less analysis and more quiet concentration. He has a pre-class playlist that he listens to along with a meditation routine that helps him focus.

Going into Devon, Doloff felt excited and well prepared. He and his coach had planned a show schedule that would help the duo peak at Devon.

The plan worked as Doloff and Dasher were consistently clean and fast with clear rounds in every class, resulting in two firsts and a second to make them Pony Jumper Champions. “I was a little nervous, so I tried to think of it as just another horse show,” explained Doloff, “It was so much fun.”

Multiple Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis is a man of simple method and few words. His training program- and that of protégé Dorna Taintor- builds on the basics of horsemanship with the use of pole work, gymnastics, and

BEST OF LUCK

to Emma and Sir Dragon on their first Pony Finals!

Thank you to Clair Kellner, Bibby Farmer Hill & Emily Elek for pairing

Emma & Sir Dragon!

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trotting jumps. For Doloff and the mercurial Dasher, the Fargis regimen is a recipe for success. The horse and rider benefit from the quiet, slow work which promotes softness and accuracy. Fargis praises the attitude and work ethic that his pupil brings to their sessions. “He is a very talented kid and he has a tremendous regard for the horse. He thinks of his horses first, and is very meticulous about his preparation.” Fargis went on to praise Doloff’s style of riding.

“He rides in what we call a forward seat. He is not trying to do anything fancy, just stay out of the horse’s way and stay as light as he can. It is a breath of fresh air for me.” Fargis emphasizes the challenges that Doloff faces in piloting Dasher. “[The pony] is like Pegasus, a winged-creature that you have to guide gently, and he does it beautifully. He does not disturb the pony.”

Doloff and Wishlea Star Dasher will complete their last junior year by again competing at Pony Finals and the Zones 3 & 4 Children’s Jumper Championships. They currently lead the Zone 3 High Children’s Jumper standing by a large margin. The Washington International Horse Show will be Doloff’s last show on Dasher.

Hoping to attend a college close to his trainers, Doloff will compete next year in the Amateur Jumper division with his horse, Diva. Mentally tough and buoyed by success, Doloff will cross the start flags ready to win. ◼

LEFT: DEVON PONY JUMPERS 2016. PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK. TOP RIGHT: GSVH PONY CAMP; ABOVE RIGHT: UPPERVILLE CLASSIC 2016. PHOTOS © TAMARA DOLOFF. BELOW: AT THE MARYLAND JUNIOR HUNT CUP AT SHAWAN DOWNS. PHOTOS © TAMMIE J. MONACO.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 53 DEVON PONY JUMPER CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY. PHOTO © TAMARA DOLOFF.

Bailey Doloff’sWinning Highlights: 2016 Upperville Horse Show:

Children’s Jumper Champion and Classic Winner

Devon Horse Show:

Pony Jumper Champion and Classic Winner

Blue Rock:

Children’s Jumper Champion

Lexington Spring Encore:

Children’s Jumper Champion

Lexington Spring Premiere:

Pony and Children’s Jumper Champion and Classic Winner

Atlanta Spring Classic 2:

Children’s Jumper Champion and Classic Winner

Gulf Coast Premier:

1st Children’s Jumper Classic

2015 Capital Challenge:

1st Children’s/Adult Jumper Welcome Speed Class

USHJA Zone 3 Finals:

1st Children’s Jumper Welcome Class

Constitution Classic:

1st Children’s Jumper Classic

U.S. Pony Finals:

Clean Individual Phase 1

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After watching her pony have great success in 2015, this year Parker Peacock will have the chance to show Glenhaven Astoria in her first Pony Finals experience!

Wishes Good Luck To:

Austin Bauman &

Prince Caspian Small Pony Hunter

Natalie Hinz &

Rumour Has It

Zone V Pony Jumpers

Alexis Bauman &

Blinged Out

Medium Pony Hunter

Two For The Bunny Medium Pony Hunter

Stoneledge Foxfire

Small Green Pony Hunter

BEST OF LUCK PARKER PEACOCK! Matilda

Small Pony Hunter

Many thanks to Kristi Watson, Lynn Forgione, and Peacock Acres!

Brownland's Last Call Medium Green Pony Hunter

Small/Medium Green and Regular Ponies For Sale or Lease

Amber Bauman • 815-790-2151 • woodstock, illinois

valleyview8@yahoo.com

PHOTOS © AMBER BAUMAN AND ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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

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

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

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

STUD FEE $650

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

(LFG – FRESH, FROZEN, OR LIVE COVER)

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

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Orion Farm Offers for Sale or Lease PERSEPHONE

Large Green Pony Hunter Qualified USEF Pony Finals 2016 Eligible for green reinstatement.

ANDERIN’S MOMENTO

Medium Pony Hunter, 5th overall at Pony Finals 2015, Over 3000 pts for Indoors

ZIVA

Large Pony Hunter, Qualified USEF Pony Finals 2016

•

All three ponies can be seen and tried at the Kentucky Summer Classic and USEF Pony Finals.

LINDA EVANS • KIM FERRO 413-530-9685 • orionpny@aol.com

MASSACHUSETTS • WELLINGTON, FLORIDA

Always a great selection of nice horses & ponies available

Marketplace Sales LLC FAY E T T E V I L L E , T E N N E S S E E

HUNTERS • JUMPERS EQUITATION • PONIES 9 Matt Martin • 404-683-1869 • marketplacesale@yahoo.com Jamie Terhune • 919-215-1551 • Jmtbrokering@aol.com

Dreamers & Schemers is a fledgling company

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that opened a few months ago, offering a unique selection of socks. The socks are made in America from a hybrid nylon fabric to make them thin and durable, and are available in styles from ankle to knee high. We caught up with the founder of the company, Kristina Lake, as she walked her dog in her hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

SHOP D&S AT PONY FINALS! GET YOUR LIMITED EDITION TPH SOCKS AT PONY FINALS! TPH: Kristina, why socks?

KL: Socks are for everyone! They are fun and accessible to everyone. I used to own a tack shop and I found that kids always came in with $20-$40 in their pocket for the day. They all wanted to buy something. Fun socks are perfect.

TPH: How did you come up with the name Dreamers & Schemers?

KL: That phrase describes me. I always have 100 ideas swirling around in my head and am constantly scheming and hustling to make things happen.

TPH: Who is your market?

KL: We appeal to everyone who wears socks. Our main focus is the under 30 crowd, but we are inclusive, not exclusive.

We offer fun patterns or we can customize for the client. If the client has a specific pattern in mind, I will help them design it. I can either show them stock patterns and clip art, or we can design a unique pattern just for them.

TPH: Are you able to offer barn or school logos on socks?

KL: Absolutely! We can do any logo in any style of sock: crew, ankle, and boot socks. We offer them for college teams, clubs, or individual barns. They make a unique gift or prize for a horse show.

TPH: Are your socks available in retail stores as well as on your website dreamersandschemers.com?

KL: We do have a retail presence with several stores and are now ready to increase our retail partnerships.

Currently, our retail partners are Equ Lifestyle Boutique, Horseman’s Exchange, Riders Boutique, Gallops Saddlery, Leveza, Willow Equestrian, Poplarlane Equestrian, Abby Saddle Shop, and Brennans Bit and Bridle.

TPH: Tell me about your customer collaboration program.

KL: I work with customers on their particular ideas for a sock, and I welcome their input. We design and create their unique, personalized sock for which they receive points for each sale of their design. The points can be used toward free socks.

TPH: Do you have any new sock styles in mind?

KL: I am launching a “party on the bottom” sock soon. For clients who would like to dress more conservatively, we will offer solid black or navy blue socks with our fun pattern on the bottom. A subtle on the top, crazy on the bottom sock.

www.dreamersnschemers.com facebook.com/dreamersnschemers instagram: @dreamersnschemerssocks twitter: @dreamerschemers #dreamschemeteam

60 • THE PLAID HORSE

Woodford Reserve Distillery

TPH Travel

Located in Versailles, KY (just half an hour from the Kentucky Horse Park) Woodford Reserve Distillery is a must visit while you are horse showing in Kentucky. Tucked back in the hills, this small batch distillery has been in operation since 1812. Sweet aromatics, spice, fruit and floral, wood, and grain are just a few of the flavors you may enjoy through a tasting of Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon. Enjoy some true Kentucky Bourbon while soaking in the beautiful views and historic buildings at this breathtaking destination. Distillery tours are available all week long - visit them online at www.WoodfordReserve.com to read more or view the weekly tour schedule.

PHOTOS © ADAM HILL/DECASECONDS PHOTOGRAPHY.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 61

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62 • THE PLAID HORSE

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Top Junior

Rider

Highest Ranked Junior Rider During WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular

June 17, 2016 – Del Mar, Califoria – The second to last day of the Blenheim EquiSports June Classic I, which was also World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week, featured the $25,000 USHJA WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, where juniors, amateurs and professionals alike vied for the coveted title, prize money, and bragging rights.

Unusually cold, windy conditions and dark skies rolled in during the Saturday afternoon two-round classic, but that didn’t stop Gaby Cinquini, of Dana Point, California, from shining aboard her horse of two years, Coffeetalk.

Cinquini, despite being only sixteen years old, was the highest placed junior rider, and was awarded a stunning, custom, wool cooler by The Plaid Horse. She has been riding since she was four years old, and currently trains with John Bragg at Bridgeport Farm in San Juan Capistrano, California.

Riders could choose whether they wanted to do the course, which featured bending lines and lines set at eleven or twelve strides apart, set at 3'6", 3'9" or 4'. The majority of

participants, including Cinquini, decided on the 3'6".

“John said to ride it like a basic hunter course. I had been doing the Juniors that weekend, and they were all being really good. He basically just said, ‘It’s not a huge deal. It’s a regular course, with a couple of extra jumps.’”

Cinquini had solid trips with all three of her mounts, and just missed the cut-off for the second round by one point with Coffeetalk, who is known as ‘Tommy’ in the barn.

“Tommy was the one that ended up placing the highest, and he was just having such a good time. You could tell he was having a lot of fun out on that field. It was just kind of a relaxed class and I really liked it,” Cinquini recalled.

He was Cinquini’s first Junior Hunter, and the pair has had success in the Small Juniors ever since.

She said, “He’s so happy, never barn sour. He never does anything wrong. He just has a “go get ‘em” attitude. He’s perfect and he loves doing his job.” One thing that Tommy is not a fan of? Chip bags! “He has a phobia of chip bags!”

Cinquini laughed. “If one goes flying, he is not happy! It’s funny. He doesn’t really do anything wrong, though.”

Flirt is Cinquini’s newest partner, who she first tried in October at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper

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Marlboro, Maryland. “We just knew he was perfect. We ended up buying him a couple weeks later.” Flirt excels in the Small Junior Hunters, and is around fourteen years old.

“He is so cute and he loves attention. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him act grumpy,” Cinquini noted. “He is the sweetest little horse. He’s really lazy, but he loves doing his job.”

The third horse that Cinquini currently rides and took in the prestigious WCHR Spectacular was Bragg’s West Street. Originally purchased from Europe as a jumper, ‘Tino’ found his niche in the hunter derbies and the Large Junior Hunter division. “I’ve been riding him for about a year now. We got him last Thermal and he’s awesome.” She continued, “He has been progressing amazingly. I love, love riding him. He’s super super fun to ride.”

Cinquini said she doesn’t usually get too nervous

when showing, even before an intimidating class like this one. The rare times she does, Cinquini has found that moving around is a healthy and effective way to clear her head and shake off the nerves. “I don’t really get too nervous, but if I do, this is kind of weird, but I will run,” she said. “You can’t shake or anything once you run and it calms your nerves down. So I’ll do that sometimes. But usually, once I enter the ring I calm down immediately.”

Winning The Plaid Horse Top Scoring Junior Rider award and cooler was something that has been on Cinquini’s radar for quite some time. “I’ve been in the magazine a few times.

I really like it.” “I know Katie Cook has been wanting to give me that cooler for a while now, so it was really exciting that I finally won it,” Cinquini beamed. “I was really happy!” ◼ BY CAROLINE NICKOLAUS

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Top Junior

Rider

Equitation Star Shines in USHJA International Hunter Derby.

It was Nina Vogel, of Pacific Palisades, California who swept the competition amongst the junior contenders in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby held during the Blenheim II June Classic. She received The Plaid Horse High Scoring Junior Rider award and a custom, wool cooler to match her fifth place overall ribbon.

Vogel piloted Jamestown, her horse of almost four years, around the elaborate Grand Prix field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. She presently trains at Far West Farms in Calabasas with Jenny Karazissis, and has been with the Far West Farms team for six and a half years.

While she normally uses

,

James mostly for the equitation divisions, the group decided that she and James should give the international hunter derby a shot. Originally, Karazissis was planning to show him.

“The day before, we were talking about it and I decided to [enter the derby]. He’s for sale, and I’m going to school so I only have so much time left,” Vogel said. “And I’m so glad I did it. It was so fun!”

James’ handiness from his equitation background meant that Vogel could make some tighter turns, and it paid off in the end.

The judging panel was impressed and they awarded Vogel a total score of 183 for her handy round.

The duo received an overall score of 342 to claim a fifth place prize. Winning The Plaid Horse title was extra special for Vogel.

“I am so honored – I love The Plaid Horse!” She added, “It was special that it was from them.” ◼ BY CAROLINE NICKOLAUS

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 65

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Top Junior

Rider

12 year-old Pony and Junior Hunter Superstar Takes on Hunter Derbies

A Calabasas, California native, Augusta Iwasaki is a prominent fixture in the pony hunter ranks having risen to fame with her top wins on multiple ponies. The twelveyear-old talent trains with her mother, Liz Reilly, and well-respected hunter rider and trainer, John French, at Makoto Farms. She has been riding since she was four years old. Most recently, Iwasaki piloted Gail Ellis’ Spot On in the International Hunter Derby at Blenheim to claim The Plaid Horse Best Junior Rider Award.

“He is very sweet. He’s very adjustable and he is a really nice horse,” Iwasaki said of

the eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, owned by West Coast Equine Partners, LLC. Iwasaki can usually be found on the West Coast show circuit competing in the Junior Hunters on top mounts such as Illusion, Small Affair, Small Gesture, and Small Adventure. Iwasaki, who is a fan of The Plaid Horse magazine, said, “It was exciting. There were a lot of people in that class and I was happy that I did as well as I did.” This summer, Iwasaki qualified to compete in the West Coast USEF Junior Hunter Finals Championship and the USEF Pony Finals in Lexington, KY. At the conclusion of the summer, she will participate in the indoor circuit, including Capital Challenge.

Look out for Augusta Iwasaki and her hunters as she competes on both coasts at some of the best shows in the country. ◼ BY CAROLINE NICKOLAUS

66 • THE PLAID HORSE

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67 • THE PLAID HORSE The USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program is an exciting example of programmatic success in a world grown cynical of administrative innovations. Proposed in 2012 by then USEF Hunter Committee members Geoff Teall and Colleen McQuay, the program was initially met with skepticism. Why would owners pay yet another entry fee for a special pregreen class? How could young hunters sustain the focus of the industry throughout the year? How many horses could the program draw to yet another finals competition in Kentucky?

The industry looked at the program with a weary and jaded eye. Yet, about to stage the fourth Championship event in 2016, the Pre-Green Incentive Program has fulfilled all of

INCENTIVE INSPIRES INDUSTRY California and Oregon struggled to gain the requisite numbers to qualify for the Championship Show. The 2013 finals hosted only a few entries from the West Coast ridden by premier riders John French and Hope Glynn.

Subsequesntly, the marketing efforts of the USHJA- lead by an impressive amount of prize money awarded at the Championships and a national media blitz- resulted in a jump in popularity of the program.

The numbers of horses enrolled increased in 2014, thereby causing an increase in money awarded (65% of enrollment fees and 50% of entry fees make up prize money), and spiking popular response in the industry.

The cycle of growth began. As more trainers and exhibitors endeavored to participate in PreGreen Incentive classes, show managers responded with the addition of the class to more show schedules. As Colleen McQuay explains, “This was totally predictable. When you have a national program that creates enthusiasm in one area, it sparks regional interest.”

Corinne Bevis, a trainer based in Santa Barbara, CA, praises show managers for their support of the program.

“The Pre-Greens have gone from Ring 2 or 3 to the Main Ring at many shows. The Pre-Green division has become quite competitive, with 30-plus entries in it week after week. It has become a heavy division and the West Coast is trying to support that.”

THE CALIFORNIA- BASED GABLER FAMILY WAS SEVENTH WITH MARITIME IN 2014 AND WILL SEND MONACO IN 2016.

its promises. The number of pre-green horses enrolled has increased every year to over 350 in 2016. The amount of prize money awarded at the Championships topped $230,000 last year, and will increase again this year. Held the same week as the International Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, KY, the Pre-Green Incentive Championships is a seminal event in the hunter industry.

In the 2013 inaugural year, the Incentive Program was well supported in the more populous east coast zones, while offered less frequently in the western zones where the pregreen divisions had less entries. Exhibitors from states such as

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 68 Over the last three years, the Championships have grown into a full national event. Many Mid- West and West Coast based trainers bring entries to contend for the Championship’s prize money and awards. Bevis herself is flying in six horses for John French to ride. In 2014, she trained seventh placed Maritime, owned by Elizabeth Gabler and Meadow Farm LLC. “It was a fun and special class. The jumps were beautiful; it was like a mini-derby for these young horses.” She and her owners appreciate the press and recognition of the Championship event and have made it a destination for their young horses.

“Since 2014, we wanted to come back to Kentucky, but needed the right horses to compete in the Incentive Championships.

Quarter Horse, Four & Five Year Old, U.S. National Hunter Breeding Championship Alumni, and Thoroughbred. In addition to the Championship, the USHJA will offer $10,000 in prize money to the top ten Tier II riders, those who are 31st or below in lifetime Pre-Green Incentive Program rider money earnings. McQuay praises the tiered rider structure, “This is a great way to promote young riders and for a young horse to win more money. It keeps the clients happy and it helps young riders. At some point, the [veteran riders] won’t want to ride eight or ten in a class. They will need up and coming riders.”

Elite hunter rider John French concurs. “Horses and people both need a feeder program. Horses and riders can’t just show up in the big classes at the ‘A’ shows. They need a place KALEIDOSCOPE IS RECENTLY IMPORTED AND to start and develop.”

VERY GREEN, BUT WITH HIS TALENT AND With the development JOHN’S GUIDANCE HAS PROVEN TO BE A TOP CONTENDER IN THE PRE-GREEN CLASSES. of the young horse and the young rider in mind, the Pre-Green Incentive Championship Series has had a profound and sustainable effect on the hunter industry. The paradigm of buying older jumpers in Europe and aiming them directly at the First Year Green division has shifted. Currently, there is a strong market for younger horses- either imported or American bred- for our trainers to develop in our American system, rather than retrain from a European based system. U.S. trainers have, in essence, taken the young hunter industry back. The At the start of 2016, it looked like we had a good group and recorded number of entries in the Pre-Green hunter classes structured our schedule to ensure that they would be prepared has substantially increased over the last few years. The national for the class.” She is optimistic about her group this year, a few base of pre-green hunters has expanded to include a larger of which are for sale. For sales horses, the class is a significant West Coast presence, as evidenced by the growing number marketing tool. For non-sales horses, the event is an exciting competing at the Championship event. In creating the Preway for owners to compete against the best young horses in the Green Incentive Program, the vision of the USHJA was to country and win substantial prize money. increase growth in and focus on our young hunter divisions.

This year, the Championships will offer additional prize Its success will trickle up toward enhancement of our money opportunities with five bonus categories totaling Performance, Amateur, Junior, and Derby divisions. Good luck $14,000 to the highest scoring American bred horse, American to all Championship competitors! ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

69 • THE PLAID HORSE

PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

70 • THE PLAID HORSE

From having peppermints in your pocket at crucial moments, to your job as iPad videographer, to helping organize healthy eating habits—your days as a horse show parent are packed. Perhaps you aren’t the one in the spotlight, but don’t underestimate how much influence your energy, behavior and attitude affect your young athlete as you move through your day. There is so much potential for you to model confidence and composure, as well as be a positive force on the team.

As you know, this can be a challenging job at times (or always). Therefore, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a variety of strategies to help you take advantage of your opportunities.

Have a Plan in Place: Although last minute things will always come up, having a plan for how you can help before everyone is in the (literal and figurative) heat of the moment is invaluable. Ask some questions of your athlete prior to the show to establish and define your role.

“How can I help you before each class?” “Tomorrow is going to be really hot, how do you want me to help make sure you eat and drink throughout the day?”

“How can I support you when you come out of the ring?” Starting with questions before the show can open a dialogue that conveys respect and honors that you will both have good ideas about managing the routine. This open communication and team approach will also lead to a mutual understanding of the plan—helping you all feel comfortable during the important moments of the day.

Trust the System: A show day is the time to demonstrate trust in both your trainer and your child. At this point your athlete’s mental and physical skills are what they are, all of the training and warm-up methods are in place, the horse or pony is set and ready, and your job is to simply support what everyone has brought to the party.

This concept is best actualized by reminding yourself that you believe in all of the players on your team, and that you trust the experiences of the day to be valuable in the growth of your rider. To demonstrate this trust to your rider you can say things like, “Trust yourself, all of your hard work and practice goes with you into the ring!” or “You are prepared to ride your

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 71

plan, I trust your focus and determination.” You can provide encouragement to your child’s trainer such as, “I know all of your hard work gives ______ a wonderful opportunity to shine, thank you.”

schedule, while taking care of yourself will not only boost your resilience it will show your child the importance of self-care. You will also find that you have greater patience and lower stress levels when you create some balance in your day (no matter how small) to address your own needs.

Monitor your Energy Level:

Keep a Long-Range Perspective:

Everyone can get nervous, worried or stressed by the uncertainties of a horse show—parents included! It’s perfectly understandable to feel a storm of emotion from time to time; the most important factor is how you deal with it. Making an effort to maintain your composure is essential to demonstrate to your child that it can be done, and gives them examples of how to handle the ups and downs of competition gracefully. Utilize breathing techniques, centering and self-talk as needed to maintain positive, proactive attitude. Is it easy?

No. It takes awareness, effort, maintenance, and attention, but it is very, very important.

Keeping a long-range perspective about your child’s growth as an athlete benefits you both immensely. Remember that the real top prize in any class is improved skills, a deeper level of awareness, fun and getting to experience the exquisite teamwork inherent in riding a horse. Winning is great too, but it is icing on the cake, not the whole dessert.

Follow Your Own Healthy Routine:

Tonya Johnston, MA is an equestrian mental skills coach, author and A-circuit competitor with a master’s degree in sport psychology.

Her book, “Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse” is available on Amazon.com. Tonya can be reached through her website TonyaJohnston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tonyajohnstoncoach.

Whether it’s early morning yoga or stretching in the hotel room, a long walk or run at the horse show, or working on a project of your own that can travel with you (reading, writing, work, knitting, etc)—creating time for your own healthy routine is valuable on many levels. Being flexible about your methods and

Appreciate and discuss how each show-ring experience advances them toward their goals due to the lessons learned (be sure to ask about what those were) and the opportunity to be in the show ring. No one class or ride is the be-all end-all because one class, good or bad, will never define them as a rider. Sharing what you are proud of in their behavior and effort, both in and out of the ring, is another excellent way to provide a stable, calm foundation for your rider to lean on.

72 1. • THE PLAID HORSE

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Nottinghill Show in White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa, June 2016. 1. Hannelize Kamffer on African Whizzbar. 2 & 7. Liz-marie Crous on White Waters Only You. 3, 4 & 6. Natasha Whyte on Brandenburg Special Assignment. 5. Hannelize Kamffer on Shadow Fly. PHOTOGRAPHY © NEIL WHYTE, SHADES OF WHYTE PHOTOGRAPHY.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 73

#notjustahorseshowphotographer

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

74 • THE PLAID HORSE

Vermont Summer Festival: Manchester, VT July 2016. 1. Vermont Summer Festival Grand Prix. 2. Devin Bokert. 3. Jimmy Torano. 4. Sarah Kennedy.

PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 75

Greg Best is coming home. The horse show world is abuzz with the news; finally, a bright spot in our vista. The celebrated 1988 Olympic dual Silver medal winner is returning to his homeland after decades in New Zealand. Best has agreed to be at the helm of the equestrian program at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA, which houses the beautiful Karen Stives Equestrian Center.

Best will oversee the training program of the 45 stall outdoor and indoor facility for six months of the year, from May to November, and return to New Zealand for the remainder of the year. He is excited for the opportunity to “create a program that will define my career.” Since his meteoric success on the legendary Gem Twist, Best has spent the majority of his career as a clinician. He travelled the globe teaching clinics to groups of all levels. He acknowledges the difference between the quick evaluation and advice perspective of a clinician and the long term training and program development of a

trainer. “Setting up residence at Dana Hall will be a learning process. I have really strong ideas about how to approach riding and training horses, and I hope to get [the students] to appreciate my approach.”

Best embraces different types of riding: from hunters, jumpers, and equitation to eventing and pony club. He encourages a varied experience for his riders. “I want to get these kids out of the ring and go cross country schooling, perhaps have the hunter kids do an odd jumper class, and the jumper kids do an equitation class.

The experience will make them better horsemen.”

Management and horse care are critical to Best’s program at Dana Hall. Last year, he went to a one- day show with Dana Hall and had all of the kids arrive at 3:30 AM to prepare their horses for the show. They bathed, bandaged, and cared for the horses for the duration of the show day. Best believes that “this is a really healthy process and something that I will emphasize. I want to create good riders and I, more importantly, want to create good horsemen.”

Ironically, the announcement of Best’s return to the United States came at the same time as the death of his trainer and mentor, Frank Chapot. Best is quick to explain the profound importance that Chapot and Greg’s mother, Maxine Best, had on his riding career. Maxine Best was a woman before her time, raising a family while running a successful horse show barn. Tough, smart, and admired by all who worked with her, Maxine instilled a clear sense of perspective in her children. One of Best’s strongest memories was as a 5 year old leadliner in 1969.

He came out of the ring with a fourth place ribbon and burst into tears because he had not won. “My mother pulled me off the pony and told me that if I ever cried again over something as silly as that, I would not ride anymore.” Maxine instilled the sense of a larger picture in her children and her students. They were taught to

76 • THE PLAID HORSE

do the best that they could do on any given day. If they were judged to be good enough to win a ribbon, they were pleased. If they did not have a banner day, there was always another chance tomorrow.

While horses were part of the lives of Greg and his sister, Leigh Ann, they were taught the value of the outside world. Education was crucial, and Best made time in his riding career to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Maxine’s legacy is embodied in her son, who hopes to instill the same grounded philosophy in his pupils. “You have got to remember that we are just riding horses here. It is supposed to be fun. It isn’t always fun, but you have to keep it real. In the context of the world, this is recreation.”

Best describes Frank Chapot as “a lot more than just a coach and a riding instructor for me. He was a mentor and a friend.” He claims that his mother kept dropping him off at Chapot’s barn, trying to convince him to take Greg on as a student. “My mother was pretty persuasive, and finally one summer, Frank realized that it was easier to go with it than to fight it.” This began a fifteen- year relationship between Best and Chapot that produced the greatest horse in the world: Gem Twist. Chapot’s minimalist style of teaching suited Best’s personality and well instilled basics. Chapot would let the young rider develop horses with little intervention. Best learned to try different methods and not to worry about mistakes. “He let us figure it out…And, the reality is that when you walk in the show ring, it is just you. There is no one whispering in your ear what to do.

That approach is something to recognize as an important part of riding. I encourage riders to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes.”

The Dana Hall School, in Wellesley, MA, is a boarding school for girls in grades 5-12. Situated in a bucolic setting just 12 miles from Boston, Dana Hall has approximately 450 students, most of whom are day students. It is a college preparatory school that “provides female students with a particularly advantageous environment for both education

Best has integrated the life lessons of the two most important influences in his career. He is humble and committed to his profession, while firmly grounded in the importance of family. His decision to come back to America is an attempt to curb the travel demands of life as a clinician. With six months in the U.S. and six months in New Zealand, Greg, his wife, and two children will be able to spend time together. “I am known as a clinician and the rider of Gem Twist. Now, I want to be known as a father, a husband, and a good mentor to the kids at Dana Hall.” ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

and self-development.” The Karen Stives ’68 Equestrian Center was completed in 2007. The Equestrian Center boasts a 45 stall barn, two indoor rings, large outdoor ring, grass paddocks, new jumps, and mirrors, and provides a unique equestrian experience for the riders at Dana Hall.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 77

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One in a Million “Bosco” is a 14.1 3/4h, 15 year old Large Pony Hunter available for purchase or lease after US Pony Finals. Some of his highlights: Qualified 2016 Pony Finals • Champion – Spring Spectacular II • Champion – Lake St. Louis Reserve – Spring Spectacular III

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78 • THE PLAID HORSE

JUDY DETORRE KJequestriancreations kj_equestrian_creations

WINS

GOCHMAN GRANT

TO ATTEND PONY FINALS

Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com

Thanks to the Gochman family, the USHJA Foundation is able to award up to three lucky young riders with the opportunity to participate in the USEF Pony Finals in Lexington, KY. Without the financial assistance provided by the Gochman Grant, these young riders would not be able to experience the finals.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 79

The grant was established in 2015 when the Gochman family supported Matthew Bravo as the inaugural recipient of the grant to show two ponies at the championship show.

He successfully placed in the top twenty on one of them. In addition to the opportunity, recipients also receive products and services from USHJA sponsors.

One of three recipients in 2016, Judy Detorre received the grant to ensure that she will get to show at US Pony Finals.

The thirteen year old shows tremendous dedication to her sport. She rides with Lane Shaw and is a working student to help pay for part of her board and training. In addition, she catch rides ponies for other trainers.

“The help she has given me with my ponies has been exceptional; she has such a natural talent that [the pony] is better for it,” said Shaw. In addition to working five days a week with Shaw, Judy also catch rides and schools ponies at shows, often green or hard ones. “[Judy] is always happy to ride any pony and make the best of it,” said Olivia Golden, who Judy often helps on the weekends and at shows.

“The hot ones, spooky ones, hard changers do not fase her. She rides each pony with compassion, poise, and style.

They never look hard when she’s on top.”

In addition to riding and working every day, Judy has maintained honors throughout middle school, and also helps her family. She is one of six children of which two have disabilities. Managing her school, home life, and riding is not easy, but she perseveres. Thanks to the Gochman Family Grant, Judy now has the opportunity to compete at USEF Pony Finals – a lifelong dream. ◼ BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK

“The help she has given me with my ponies has been exceptional; she has such a natural talent that [the pony] is better for it…” ~ TRAINER LANE SHAW

80 • THE PLAID HORSE

Stefanie Mazer Knows

Stefanie Mazer’s Forget Me Not Farm is every pony-crazy child’s dream.

The driveway is lined with small paddocks and clean, white fencing.

Ponies of all shapes, colors, and sizes graze contentedly and acknowledge visitors with a lazy glance. The beautiful, clean barn is scaled to its inhabitants, with low crossties and grooming boxes, and small grip brushes. Fat, shiny ponies stand patiently and await their diminutive riders.

Out in the sand ring, long, lean Stefanie Mazer watches as a young child canters around the ring, her expert eye assessing every detail. The jumps are horse show caliber- walls, boxes, and flowers- scaled down to best suit the riders and ponies who jump them. It is a Lilliputian mecca for pony riders. Mazer knows ponies and has built her business in Wellington, Florida primarily as a pony training and sales facility. With 22 stalls, her business is busiest during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit when the area is flooded with equestrians from all over the world. Mazer loves her job, equally enjoying teaching young riders, training, and sales. Single, with no children of her own, Mazer is dedicated to those that ride with her. “I call them my kids. If they need to spend the night, they do. If we need to pick them up at school, we will. We just make it work.”

Mazer’s year starts in mid-December with the pre-circuit WEF shows and continues at a strong pace through the Devon Horse Show in May. After Devon, she slows down until the frenzied week of

PHOTOS © ERIN GILMORE.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 81

Ponies

Pony Finals which feeds into a busy fall circuit. Mazer trains kids of all levelsfrom beginner to elite- and focuses on selling ponies. “People send ponies to me to sell because I get a lot of phone calls. There are some buyers who will shop with me and no one else.” Her reputation for honesty, hard work, and marketing acumen have made her a success story at the pony ring.

Mazer utilizes method and logic in sales. When a pony arrives to be sold, she first assesses it physically. “I go over them as soon as they arrive.

We check their teeth, soundness, and conditioning.” A pony must be in optimum physical health in order to maximize value. Once the physical status has been addressed, Mazer rides them first before putting a child in the stirrups. After getting a feel for the pony, she decides which of her available riders is best suited to the animal. Her goal is to market the ponies in the show ring. “No pony will get sold standing in the barn.” Mazer discusses options and strategies with the owners as she navigates the dynamic and complicated pony sales market.

For ponies which will be offered as “packers” for less experienced kids, Mazer will use a similar rider to showcase the pony’s suitability. If she is selling to the high end of the pony division market, Mazer will use one of her top catch riders, who have included Emma Kurtz and Augusta Iwasaki.

In every scenario, Mazer endeavors to “frame the pony in the best way possible.” Her goal is not only to market

82 • THE PLAID HORSE

the pony successfully, but to match it with its next rider successfully. Mazer works closely with the buyer’s trainers and representatives toward a positive outcome. When showing ponies to prospective buyers, she is careful to be respectful of other trainers. She will work with them to conflate the rider’s ability, goals, and financial criteria in order to match them with a suitable animal. Further, Mazer will network with trainers all over the United States in hopes of finding the right pony.

In spite of a seller or agent’s best efforts, matching a pony, rider, and trainer sometimes does not work out.

Mazer is committed to attempting to resolve the situation in a mutually satisfactory manner. First, she will attempt

LEFT: AROUND FORGET ME NOT FARM IN WELLINGTON, FL. ABOVE, TOP: TRUE COLORS WINNING IN THE MEDIUM PONY HUNTERS IN WELLINGTON. ABOVE: TASMANIAN DEVIL IN THE SMALL PONY HUNTERS AT USEF PONY FINALS 2015.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 83

to ascertain the cause of the discord (is it a physical problem or a training issue?).

Then, she will work with owner and trainer toward a positive outcome.

As a trainer, Mazer embraces the basics of riding: straightness, rhythm, and position. She believes in the importance of equitation as good form leads to better function. “More leg, less hand, no perching,” she teaches her students.

Fun is paramount to Mazer. In the often intense pressure of the pony ring, she tries to get her riders to relax and “keep a sense of humor.” Often, she has to field the competitive aspirations of parents as they pressure their kids to succeed. Always, she endeavors to exemplify ethics, dedication, and commitment to her students.

Mazer believes that the pony market is healthy and active. As the complexion of the market changes, so do prices and sales cycles. “The crazy prices of a few years ago are gone.” The top ponies are still in demand for both the pony hunter division and the children’s hunter division.

As an alternative to immediate purchase, many buyers choose the lease or lease/ purchase option. As a buyer’s agent, Mazer is thorough and patient in her approach to identifying “the proper vehicle for the kids to learn to ride and show successfully.”

As a seller, she espouses full disclosure, explaining “the good, the bad, and the ugly” to the potential buyers. On either end of the sales cycle, Mazer desires happy riders and well placed ponies.

Coaching winners from USEF Pony Finals and Winter Equestrian Festival to the Blenheim Pony Challenge and West Coast Pony Finals, Stefanie Mazer knows ponies. Whether as a trainer or a sales agent, she has dedicated her professional life to the pony ring and the success of both its two legged and four legged competitors. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

Stefanie Mazer found Diamant (formerly Lagos), a Holsteiner gelding (Argent x Gorr), in Germany as a 3 year old. She sold him as a 5 year old, where his success in the professional divisions took him to Madison Square Garden in the First Year Green Hunters. When shopping for a client five years ago, Mazer tracked down Diamant, then 15 years old. At age 17, he was sold to a client of Kerin Benson’s Briar Field Farm, where he has successfully been showing for three years.

Benson says, “He is such a great horse we got everything we wanted working with Stefanie. At 20 years old, he is successfully showing in the Children’s Hunters and is as sound as a 12 year old.”

Stefanie Mazer sold Brighton My Day (Brighton Glo Again x Rivergates Liberty) this year after a successful Medium Pony Hunter division at The Devon Horse Show. With new rider Georgia Schmidt, Brighton My Day jumped right into the winners circle at Country Heir II (Kentucky) with the WCHR Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunter Championship.

Garland Alban, Georgia’s Mom, explained, “This is my daughter’s first medium pony and she has already had so much success. After doing the Children’s the first show, they have already moved up to the Medium Pony Hunters. The pony is so sweet and Stefanie represented her very well.”

Briar Field Farm trained With Applause and Jessie Spade to the USEF Horse of the Year Grand Green Pony Hunter in 2015, as well as Reserve Champion at USEF Pony Finals 2015. They purchased “Colby” from Stefanie Mazer in the Spring of 2015. “Colby has been easy to work with and is such a great pony,” says Benson. With Applause successfully transitioned to the Small Pony Hunters this year with top ribbons at The Devon Horse Show in May, Briar Field looks forward to USEF Pony Finals in the Small Pony Hunters.

84 • THE PLAID HORSE

PHOTO © LINDSAY MCCALL.

ON WEST COAST CIRCUIT Veteran hunter rider Jenny Karazissis meets midsummer on a winning streak. Based out of Far West Farms in Calabasas, CA, Jenny and her husband of 32 years, Kost, offer riding and training in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Kost is Jenny’s ground man and a large part of her success.

“I have a lot of respect for him and really feel like he gets the best out of me and the horse that I am riding.” Her greatest notoriety comes from riding storied hunters such as Undeniable, Red Panda, and Touchstone. In 2005, Karazissis won the coveted World Championship Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. In 2006, she was awarded the Winters Run Sportsmanship Award by the WCHR membership.

Recently, Karazissis has had repeated success in the National and International Derbies. Run in a two round format, these classes offer obstacles reminiscent of the hunt field with a variety of unusual appearances. The first round is judged on jumping style, movement, and performance. The second handy round is scored on brilliance and handiness.

The National Derby offers fences set at 3', with four

high-option fences at 3'5". The International Derby presents the most challenging courses for show hunters. With base heights of 3'6", these classes build impressive high option jumps at a minimum height of 4'3".

In 2016, Karazissis has scored impressively in Derbies throughout southern California. At the Blenheim Equi Sports Spring Classic II, she was first on Briana Sukert’s Felix and third on Joann Golterman’s Exclusive. A few weeks later, she won the hotly contested $10,000 International Hunter Derby at the Showpark Ranch and Coast Classic aboard Emily Sukert’s Legacy. Most recently, Karazissis scored a big win in the $30,000 International Hunter Derby at Franktown Meadows in Reno, NV, aboard Nonchalant, owned by Briana Sukert.

While the jumper divisions consistently offer more prize money and receive more attention than the hunter divisions, this model is slowly changing due to the growth of the International Derby. Karazissis was appreciative of the opportunity to compete for a high purse. “Franktown Meadows, which is a stand- alone event and held for charity, [awards] $30,000, which

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 85

JENNY AND HER HUSBAND KOST (FAR LEFT) PLAN HER COURSE STRATEGY TOGETHER. PHOTO © SOFIA JAIN.

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JENNY AND NONCHALANT, WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S $30,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY AT FRANKTOWN MEADOWS. PHOTO © LINDSAY MCCALL.

was really great. I would hope that we will get more coverage with all of the money that is being offered out there now.”

Karazissis receives many of her catch rides from trainer Mary Morrison of Ivy Gate Farm in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Morrison has high praise for Karazissis. “Jenny is always so professional and positive about each horse’s progress. She really wants the work to translate to the owners and riders. It is a process of meeting goals for everyone involved and that’s really important to her.”

Always appreciative of those who support her, Karazissis states, “I feel very lucky and

BURRATA IS ONE OF JENNY’S TOP DERBY CONTENDERS. PHOTO © GRACE TUTON.

fortunate to ride the horses I’ve been able to ride, and a thank you to Mary Morrison and her clients, as well as the other owners, and Far West Farms.”

In August, Karazissis looks forward to travelling to Kentucky to compete in the International Hunter Derby Finals aboard Legacy and possibly another mount from Morrison’s barn.

In addition, she will pilot Puissance R, owned by Lisa Hankin, in the Pre-Green Incentive Championships.

Following Kentucky, Karazissis plans to contest the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Finals offered by HITS n Saugerties, NY and the WCHR Professional Challenge at The Capital Challenge Horse Show.

◼ BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 87

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90 • THE PLAID HORSE

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92 • THE PLAID HORSE

The Best of Both Worlds:

Successfully Balancing School and Riding with Julia Tops Ask many young equestrians how they like to spend their free time when not riding and competing, and they’re likely to mention hanging out with friends or spending time at the gym.

Now ask 18-year-old Julia Tops.

Instead of hearing about her favorite hangout, you’ll learn about her role as a lead analyst for the G20 Research Group, dedicated to studying compliance to goals put in place at the annual G20 Summit.

Not many teenagers could even tell you what the G20 Summit is, let alone tell you which countries are complying.

After she’s beautifully articulated on her past year’s work researching gender policy compliance in various countries and her time spent studying government files and reports, Tops may next mention her love for reading. Among her favorite recent reads are History’s People: Personalities of the Past by Margaret MacMillan, which offers an in-depth look at how world leaders and their individual characteristics have shaped our history, as well as Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes.

Tops is not one to boast about her impressive accomplishments but ask a bit more, and you’ll learn that the University of Toronto student is part of competitive, 25-person

family’s breeding program at Zeidler Farm, headed by her mother and Canadian Show Jumping Team veteran, Tani Zeidler.

And while the soon-to-be second year college student makes doing it all seem effortless and easy, she is the first to admit that it is a difficult balance to strike. She has, however, picked up a few tips that have made it easier, and she shared three of them with us.

1) Be open to enjoying your first year. program dedicated to studying International Relations and is also minoring in Contemporary Asian Studies. She’s also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, a JustWorld International rider ambassador, a Kingsland-sponsored rider, and, of course, a highly competitive young equestrian.

Tops has spent the summer successfully competing throughout Europe, including on the Longines Global Champions Tour, founded by her father and Dutch Olympic gold medalist, Jan Tops. Among Julia’s current mounts are Zamiro 16, recently acquired from Kara Chad, and several young horses bred and owned by her father and and business partner, Kamal Bahamdan.

She also has a soft spot for India Blue ZF, the first product of her

“I went in to my first year with the mentality of ‘I love riding, and I’m going to leave at every opportunity I can to ride.’ I quickly learned that it’s okay to enjoy your first year.

Nothing is ever going to be like your first year of university again.

I've made such great friendships, and I have great relationships with my professors. I joined a bunch of clubs. All of that really builds your character and, in the end, helps you be a better person mentally and even with riding.

You don’t need to have a really rigid plan. I had come in with a plan to attend about five shows in Europe in my first semester, but physically I didn’t find that possible. I found that I was doing a half-hearted job at both, and that’s not my personality at all. I reorganized myself; I showed

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Don’t put as much pressure on yourself the first year because you’re just starting to figure everything out. Everything is totally new. Just be open to that first year experience and then make a plan from there. Do not be completely set in your ways is my biggest advice. I’m the type of person that puts so much pressure on myself to do what I think is supposed to be done, but in my first year and in relaxing my plan, I don’t regret the choices I made along the way.”

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a little bit less but when I went, I was competitive. I was there to win.

I found that way more rewarding than maybe going seven weekends and being stressed about ‘I need to run and study, I need to hand this in.’ I learned to do both to the fullest extent that I could, just less often.

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2) Prioritize what’s important to you.

“My biggest struggle is missing out on things or feeling like I’m not in either place enough. You have to learn to prioritize. You’ll likely still feel like you’re missing out a little bit or you’re not doing something to the full extent at some points, but it’s about finding a balance.

For instance, I will go riding one weekend while my friends take a trip to a lake cabin. So I’m missing out on spending time with them and enjoying that friendship, that

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94 • THE PLAID HORSE college experience. But then another weekend I have an exam, and I can’t ride in a grand prix that I really want to ride in. Either way, it often feels like a bit of a give and take. At that point, you really just have to prioritize.

This year, we had a banquet for the teachers and alumni at school, and that lined up with a weekend that I was supposed to go to Florida. I ended up not going to Florida and staying for the banquet because, to me, that was really important. Another time, going to Florida for a particular week was important to me, so I talked to my professors and missed class. It was more just a matter of prioritizing what was important in both places.”

3) Seek the benefits in both worlds.

“Once you’ve set your priorities and found a balance, see the benefits in having both. I love the balance. I don’t know it any other way. It makes me love each a little bit more. I have to work a little bit harder at school because I’m not there all the time and I need to get ahead. I need to be organized. I write drafts way in advance because if a paper is due the Monday

PHOTO © JUMP MEDIA.

after I get back from a show, it has to be edited and done before I even leave. It makes me be a little bit sharper for school. And for riding, the mental aspect and ability to focus is improved. In university, you’re often taking three-hour exams which are mentally exhausting. I find it’s similar to riding that way. They complement each other well. The balance has made me a more well-rounded person because it has brought both worlds together.

You can also get encapsulated in the horse world, and it’s really nice to have non-horse people as friends to kind of bring you back to reality.”

Tops will continue to put her own advice into practice as she returns to the University of Toronto this fall. With her background in International Relations, she hopes to one day work in International Development or in International Law for an organization such as the United Nations. As for her riding, it’s clear that Tops will find a way to balance her priorities. ◼ BY EMILY RIDEN

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 95

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Showplace Productions Spring Spectacular, Chicago, IL, June 2016. 1. Teagan Vaszquez.

2. Claire McKean. 3. Mary McCausland. 4. Caroline Roethlisberger. 5. Briley Koerner.

PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

98 • THE PLAID HORSE

Carol Fensholt

Nierenberg: BRONZE ARTIST

Carol Fensholt Nierenberg is an accomplished sculptress currently living near Phoenix, AZ. The subjects of her work are primarily animals- horses and dogs- of which she has intimate knowledge. Carol and her husband are owners and riders of two Lusitano stallions and several Arabians. She calls these horses her “yin and yang,” comparing the concave, refined and explosive nature of the Arabians to the thick, convex, profiled look of the Lusitanos. She brilliantly captures the musculature and movement of both breeds in her work.

Carol’s process begins with what she calls “a motion or emotion.” Her inspiration is visual as in watching a Scottish Deer Hound view a deer, as depicted in her sculpture, “The Sighting.” She owned deer hounds and would marvel at the rigidity of their backs and tension of the muscle sinew before they took off in pursuit. The athleticism and keen focus can be seen in this piece as well as their lovely hair coat and features.

Her extensive study of equine anatomy and physiology can be observed in her horse sculptures. The two bronzes that she calls “She’s Just Not That Into You,” perfectly portray the arched neck and powerful masculinity of the stallion offset by the crouched, protective rejection by the mare.

Nierenberg describes the collaborative and ancient process of making a bronze sculpture. “Except for a few modern updates, it is the same process as used 5000 years ago.”

It begins with an idea, becomes a wire frame that embodies the idea, then becomes a clay model which is expanded and refined over a period of months. The artist claims that the best piece of advice she received from another sculptor was, “remember that your best tool is your fanny. Just sit on it and look at [the sculpture.]” Carol learned to walk away from her work for a period of time, and return to it with new perspective. “Walk away, return, look again.”

When the clay piece has been refined and finished to her satisfaction, it is sent to the foundry to be formed into a bronze. The process is a fascinating and complicated eight to twelve week process in which many people are involved.

Nierenberg’s beautiful work is available on her website: www.silver-box-studios.com She accepts commissions and has completed everything from life size depictions of people’s pets to national award trophies.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 99

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At 11 years old, Tessa Downey is learning a crucial lesson: horsemanship and competition must walk hand in hand.

Waking up next to a goodluck cube filled with personal photos from a friend, Downey starts her show day at 5:30 A.M. in order to be one of the first to the barn. Checking the courses, Downey gets ready to show in the Small Pony Hunters. After a secret handshake with her father and tying her number string around whichever color coat will give her good luck that day, Downey grabs her crop and spurs and is ready to ride.

Once mounted, Downey exhibits crystal clear focus, always able to note exactly how her mount is feeling that morning, especially long time partner Bringing Home Blue or “Tinker.” Stepping into the ring, the pair strikes off their even canter and the rest appears seamless. For Downey, her focus lies in listening to her pony to keep the pace, path, and plan made with her trainer, Peter Pletcher. After she finishes showing, Downey uses her free time watching lots of other divisions, taking photos, and allowing her horses very long grazes.

Hailing from Houston, TX, Downey tries to get to Pletcher’s PJP Farm nearly every day during the summer, except for days when her mounts rest.

Downey reports that she tries to ride as much as possible before shows. Most of the schooling consists of flat work in order to save her ponies for the shows and to reinforce the basics of even and straight.

Downey and her family then load up their trailer and drive to the show.

With a near flawless record of over 25 championships and the number one slot in the Horse of the Year standings, Downey and Tinker have

had a long journey together.

After receiving the pony for Christmas in 2013, the pair worked their way from cross rails up to the Small Pony Hunters. Recalling the learning curve with Tinker, Downey laughed. “ I fell off Tinker the first day I owned her, after which she got loose.

She's taught me a lot. Tinker is amazing. I didn't even really know how to count strides when I first started showing, but she was always there. I have definitely come a long way, but I have her to thank for being good every step of the way.”

The pair’s first goal for the year was to qualify for Devon Horse Show, which they not only achieved, but won two second places and a fourth place against the best ponies in the country. The pair is soon headed to Lexington, KY next for USEF Pony Finals and then a few shows to prepare for the indoor circuit this fall.

Downey confessed, “I try to be a good sport.

I'm so competitive, so sometimes I have to remind myself what's important if I don't do well in a class or something happens. I'm still learning to shake that off, but Devon really helped me with that when I got moved back in conformation. I was frustrated because I was so close to a Devon Blue, but I remembered how grateful I was just to be there. I really just want to take care of my animals the best I can.”

We are all still learning about sportsmanship, and young Tessa Downey is no exception. We are wise to pay close attention to the lesson offered: sportsmanship is not achieved in a day, but is a lifelong process. Sportsmanship is constantly tested, and a person’s response to the challenges will define them. Stick to the basics and stand up for your animals. Never forget to be grateful.

◼ ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY TPH INTERN JORDAN COBB

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104 • THE PLAID HORSE

Royal West | October 20-30, 2016 | Host to a leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping – North American League, this world class tournament features 6 FEI competitions during the 10 days of Royal West, as well as numerous national hunter, jumper and equitation competitions. Once again, Royal West will be staged at the downtown Agrium Western Event Centre at the World Famous Calgary Stampede Park.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 105

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106 • THE PLAID HORSE

Makayla Bylund and Orchard Hills Park Avenue Doll, Pony Hunters at the Vermont Summer Festival, July 2016, Manchester, VT.

Can you find at least ten differences?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

Answer Key: 1. Helmet logo is missing. 2. Crop was removed. 3. Pony’s star is gone . 4. Bracelet is a different color. 5. Girth letters are missing. 6. Oxer in background was removed. 7. Eye color changed from blue to green. 8. Shirt turned blue. 9. Martingale. is completely gone 10. ARP appeared logo on rail.

theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 107

108 • THE PLAID HORSE

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theplaidhorse.com • August 2016 • 109

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Pacific Crest Open Horse Show, Cle Elum, WA, July 2016. 1. Sydney Mutch and Caribian Blue competing as friends look on. 2. Remy Tait and Naya Patterson enjoying the Young Horse issue of TPH. 3. Amy Berman and Morrison. 4. Ben Robertson and Joy Ride won blue in both the .85 Jumpers and Low Children’s .90 Jumpers. 5. Sydney Mutch and Caribian Blue. 6. Stanley with his new friend Jamie. PHOTOGRAPHY © BETSY KELLEY.

110 • THE PLAID HORSE

Equestrian Watch: Sapphire Clones Seen in Saratoga

“She was one of the greatest horses of the century,” American show jumping icon George Morris says of the late Sapphire. The horse of a lifetime, the ultimate competitor or companion, one of a kind, irreplaceable- if only they could be replicated. With the advent of new genetic technology, the option of cloning is available to the public.

What is a clone? Technically, a cloned horse is not an exact replica of their DNA donor. It is defined as “an organism developed asexually from another and genetically identical to it, such as an animal produced from an egg cell into which the nucleus of an adult individual has been transferred.” To achieve a horse clone, the DNA of one horse is transferred into a donor mare egg which has had its genetic material removed. The resulting embryo is implanted into a host mare for gestation. If all goes well, eleven months later she will produce a foal that is a clone of the DNA donor.

While clones are genetically similar to their DNA donor- in this case, Sapphire- they are not identical. As the embryos develop, they receive the mitochondrial DNA of the donor egg. After birth, the mitochondrial DNA reproduces and distributes new cells, creating a road map for a genetically unique horse. The resulting offspring will have traits of the DNA donor, but will not be identical.

Sapphire has two six year old clones, named Kidjaz BC and Kara BC. Both owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock, owners of Sapphire, these mares are debuting on the American showjumping circuit. Kidjaz BC bears a striking resemblance to her famous relative, with her rich, chestnut color and unusual star and stripe. Ridden by Senan Hayes, the mares competed in the Training Jumper division at the Saratoga Classic Horse Show in Saratoga Springs, NY. Cloning is a hotly debated topic. Many question the ethics of genetic manipulation or claim an unfair advantage to breeders using the cloning process.

Others laud the opportunity to perpetuate the “one in a million” genetics of champions. Either way, the American equestrian world will always hold Sapphire dear and root for the success of these two young horses. ◼ BY HEIDI KEENEY

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