The Plaid Horse August 2023 - The Pony Issue

5501 Balcom Canyon Road, Somis • Two Equestrian Estates on 20 Acres • Offered at $8,500,000

This beautiful farm is nestled between Moorpark and Camarillo, providing cool ocean breezes and a perfect atmosphere all year for both horses and riders.

15634 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark

20 Acres of Equestrian Property

Offered at $6,599,000

This extraordinary equestrian estate property is the ultimate combination of recreation and tranquility, with breathtaking views of the mountains, valley and grounds.

WOODLANDS AGAINST THE WIND MERRITT MENIS

Large Regulars

Sea Hunter Farm proudly offers:

WOODLANDS AGAINST THE WIND Available Sale or Lease

MONROYALE Available for Lease in 2024

Available to be tried at KY Summer Classic and Pony Finals. For more information visit us on social media @SeaHunterFarm

PHOTOS BY: TYLER GRAHAM EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY, LIZ CRAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, NATALIE SUTO PHOTOGRAPHY

THERE ARE PIECES THAT FURNISH A BARN THEN THERE ARE PIECES THAT DEFINE IT.

Congratulations

Pony Finals!

The Plaid Horse has been published since 2003. This is Piper Klemm’s 84th issue as Publisher since 2014.

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

PIPER KLEMM, PH.D.

Managing Editor

RENNIE DYBALL

Art Direction

L/BAILEY DESIGN

Online Editor

APRIL BILODEAU

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CLARE CIANCIO

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PHOTO: ADAM HILL

25604

BATTLE GROUND, WA

HORSE FACILITY FEATURES FOR A VIDEO OF THIS PROPERTY

FARM

QUARRY RIDGE FARM

• 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath

• 3360 Sqft

• Daylight Ranch

• Recent Renovations In 2021

• Architectural Grade Finishes

• Hardwood Floors

• Inground Swimming Pool

• Meticulously Maintained Patio

• On Year-Round Manley Creek

• Two Fireplaces

• Country Studio

• 11.29 Acres, 2 tax lots, Fenced and Cross Fenced

• 70 x 150 Indoor Riding Arena, Overall Size 120 x 150

• Sand and Fiber Footing

• 3 Tack Rooms and Wash Rack

• 15 Stalls w/ Paddocks

• 110 x 220 Outdoor Arena

• Pole Barn 52 x 50

• Hay Storage 20 x 30

• Compost Barn 48 x 70 With Cement Skirting

Jared Ritz, Broker

360.612.2079

jared@unitedcountrynw.com

The Pony Issue

“That’s what is so special about riding, you can take all of the lessons you learn into life.”

PHOTO AT RIGHT: ADAM HILL

MAIN PHOTO BY ADAM HILL

INSET PHOTO BY SPORTFORT

HG Mud Puddles sticks his head into the courtyard at Kristen Carollo’s Courtyard Farm in Bedford, NY

Increase Your Frustration Expectation

WE ALL CRAVE FAIRNESS. We all want our days to go exactly how we planned them. It is an o en-told story in my family that when I went to my rst pony camp at age 8 or so, I came home and announced that the brochure had said there would be an hour of riding time each day and I only rode for 58 minutes.

In a world that demands perfection from each and every one of us, everything we face in any given situation is just so…imperfect. We have to be prepared, and have to adapt. These are two skills that, in many ways, are not complementary.

When we ride, whether our ponies are young or old, we all face challenges and things going wrong. Perfectly trained ponies falter, green ponies need a bit of an extra hug with the leg down to a new jump, and surprises and frustration are always coming.

As I try to run a business, every single day I tackle new problems that I have never seen before. Last Fall, the printer we use had a re and 20,000 freshly-printed, ready to ship copies of The Plaid Horse were burned to the ground. A sta member said to me, “I didn’t plan on working on this today.” I didn’t plan for that re, either.

But in the case of ponies and businesses, we are able to handle so much. We are able to tackle things we didn’t know we could. We tackle them because we have to. We are faced with barriers to our goals, and that can take many di erent forms. It could mean spending the time to gain the knowledge to better train an animal. It could mean building a trusting relationship so that your pony will go forth with you to tackle any arena. It could mean meeting tens of thousands of people at various horse expos when you might actually be pretty shy.

Therefore, I propose that we spend the remainder of our summer

working on our personal frustration expectations. Knowing that frustration will come every day. Challenges will set us back. Crying might as well be mandatory. And then we handle it. We know stu is coming. We know our ight will probably be delayed, our green pony will require grace and patience, and our children are going through the ebb and ow of deep and lifelong learning.

Be prepared for the fact that the unexpected will be expected, and for frustration with ourselves and others. We will be hot, rained on, sleep deprived, and the daily frustrations will multiply. Excitement, work, and dreams will all culminate in many mixed feelings, lists of things to improve on for next year, and a daily requirement to act with compassion and integrity.

Take on hard challenges and hold yourself accountable to face your limitations—and expand upon them. Feel your feelings while taking on the next challenge. Own where you are in your own process and your own outcomes. Watch the people whose integrity you admire and see what you can emulate in your own program.

Piper Klemm, Ph.D. TPH PUBLISHER Follow me on Threads at @piperklemm

At BreyerFest with Carrie Seim

On TikTok

Heading out to judge a horse show

Where Each Girl Can Pursue Her Passion for Riding

Imagine taking a riding lesson in between science and English class. Whether a beginner or competing on a national level, Foxcroft School supports every girl’s passion for riding. Riders of all skill levels can find joy in our top-tier equestrian program and 500-acre campus. Girls new to riding will have an exciting world of horsemanship to explore under the guidance of our expert instructors. Experienced riders can qualify for our Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program and train for greatness while receiving an outstanding education.

540.687.4340 | admission@foxcroft.org

“I would’ve never imagined that I’d grow my riding abilities to the extent that I have at Foxcroft and with the help of my amazing trainers.”

©Erin Gilmore Photography

— Valeska F. ’26

©Erin Gilmore Photography

COURTYARD FARM’S KRISTEN CAROLLO

“Integrity Has Always Been My Longevity”

WORDS: APRIL BILODEAU

WHEN MANY SUCCESSFUL equine professionals share their journey, they often say that it was always their dream to train horses. For Kristen Carollo of Courtyard Farm, that wasn’t quite the case.

Carollo’s late husband, Jerry Carollo, started Courtyard Farm in 1984. When she met him, she was riding as an amateur with limited experience in the show ring in her 20s. While the two were growing the business together, her husband was unable to ride the ponies, giving Carollo the opportunity to train them.

With her new rides in place, she came to the realization that there was a need in the business for someone to teach the pony kids and start bringing them up the levels.

From there, her new business model began.

TOP ROW FROM LEFT: Kathryn McCarthy and Frosted at US

Equestrian Pony Finals

2016; McCarthy and Canterbrook Prince Charming earned the WCHR Pony Hunter Reserve Champion in 2014

CENTER ROW: Emily Aitken and Cleverist at Pennsylvania National Horse Show in the Medium Pony Hunters

2016

PHOTOS: SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, AL COOK PRODUCTIONS, CAROLLO

ABOVE:

tack room is is resurrected from a round silo on the original cow farm. The entire property has been lovingly restored piece by piece over the last two decades

Carollo’s

FAR RIGHT: Emery O’Keefe and Smallwood Mystic in the Winter Equestrian Festival Pony Derby 2023

MY HUSBAND was my biggest mentor and trainer. He was a great teacher,” Carollo tells The Plaid Horse. “Even as an old-school program, he always talked to the horse. So I teach my kids to always talk to their horse and listen. When you learn to communicate with your horse, that’s when you’re going to be successful.”

In 1999, her husband passed away but she was committed to continuing the legacy that they had built together. Two years later, with her sons Daniel and Nicky in tow, she embarked on a multi-million dollar project to renovate a condemned cow barn in Bedford Hills, NY, and turn it into her dream property.

Today, Courtyard Farm is known as a top-level training facility. Sitting on 32 acres less than an hour’s drive from New York City, the farm is equipped with 55 stalls, brand new indoor and outdoor riding arenas with Travel Right footing, a Grand Prix field, and a derby field.

While the facility can accommodate even the highest level client, Carollo’s training and commitment to her riders brings the experience for students beyond expectation.

STARTING OUT STRONG

Known for starting many successful riders on a lunge line, Carollo takes on the full education of her students, focusing on the whole experience and timeline of their careers. Being one of the few lesson barns in the area, she has built a strong school program.

“My most successful students are the ones who began their riding careers with me,” says Carollo. “I’ve developed most through Short Stirrup and brought them through the

ranks. I feel like I’ve really started all these kids that have become successful in the larger divisions.”

Courtyard Farm also has an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team, and holds camps and mini camps that teach and promote horsemanship to young riders.

ALL ABOUT THE PONIES

While Carollo has riders who have successfully competed in the Big Eq,

hunters and in the adult ring, her specialty is in the pony ring.

The list of pony winners that Carollo has trained at national finals is almost too long to count.

First there was Paddington, the first pony that brought her the most success in the Children’s Pony Hunter and Short Stirrup rings.

There was Canterbrook Prince Charming, who won at Pony Finals six months after import, followed by a reserve championship at World Championship Hunter Rider finals.

The most successful pony under her tutelage was Woodlands Stevie Ray. Carollo trained him to the win at US Equestrian Pony Finals in 2016 in the regular medium division, and he was champion everywhere from the Washington International Horse Show to Wellington Equestrian

“It’s never the horse’s fault, we’re the ones that are telling them what to do.”

—KRISTEN CAROLLO

PHOTO, RIGHT: SPORTFOT

PLAID HORSE

Festival. One of Carollo’s riders won the award for Best Child Rider at Washington on him as well.

Cleverest, Frosted, Everyday Enzo, Cosmo…her list of winners goes on and on.

Carollo has had Sportin' Around in the past, and now has him back in the barn years later as a Short Stirrup pony; they teach the next generation of young riders together.

“My experience in doing the pony hunters for so long and my success in those years is what I bring now to the kids,” says Carollo. “What has worked and what hasn’t. We work with the ponies on the ground.

Most of the kids that do the higher level shows in my barn do camp, so they get that experience as well.”

INTRODUCING EMERY

One of her current pony riders, Emery O’Keefe, took her very first lesson with Carollo and is now showing in the pony hunters on multiple ponies.

“I gave Emery her first lunge line lesson,” says Carollo. “There was just something about her. In 20 minutes in her first lesson, she was posting. I said to her parents immediately, ‘you’re in trouble’.”

From there, with the guidance of Carollo, O’Keefe flourished. She

has won numerous championships from WEF to Old Salem to Vermont. With the help of HG Mud Puddles, she was third her first time out at Pony Finals in the over fences, finishing in the top ten in her division overall, and has qualified for Indoors and Devon multiple years in a row.

“She’s so balanced, she’s so talented,” says Carollo of O’Keefe.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE HORSE Carollo strives to produce riders who show the same dedication that O’Keefe does both in and out of the saddle.

“Because we’re a smaller, boutique barn, the students get very

“My goal as a pony rider is to be consistent and have fun. Kristen’s just the perfect trainer.”

—EMERY O'KEEFE

PHOTOS: SPORTFOT

individualized attention,” says Carollo. “We don’t typically do group lessons, but if we do, they are flat lessons. We dedicate a lot of one on one attention to each rider.”

And while developing strong riders who possess the form to be competitive is important to her, teaching horsemanship and how to listen to your horse is a key part of the Courtyard program.

“Yes, you have to have your equitation, but you have to listen to your horse to be a good horse person,” says Carollo. “It’s never the horse’s fault, we’re the ones that are telling them what to do.”

LIFE LESSONS

Carollo believes that everything she teaches in the barn is a life skill that can be used in any environment.

“My students and staff call my words of wisdom ‘Kristenisms’”, Carollo says with a laugh. “That’s what is so special about riding, you can take all of the lessons you learn into life.”

While Carollo has certainly worked hard to develop the program Courtyard has today, mentors such as Judy Richter, Carol Maloney, Kim Stewart, and Jennifer Bieling all supported her and taught her a lot.

Carollo praises the longstanding commitment of her entire dedicated

staff, especially her core team of Biz Carney, Narcizo Lopez, and Justo Lorenzo, who have all been at Courtyard for between 15 and 20 years.

“I’m the first person to say that I did not do this on my own,” says Carollo. “I’ve had a lot of great people along the way to help me.”

For those that wish to follow in her footsteps, Carollo advises young professionals to learn from and watch the best trainers and riders, and to always display integrity.

“For me, my integrity has always been my longevity,” says Carollo.

To learn more about Courtyard Farm and Kristen Carollo, visit courtyard-farm.com.

LEFT: Emery O’Keefe and HG Mud Puddles show in the Small Pony Hunters at the Winter Equestrian Festival and with Smallwood Mystic during circuit

RIGHT: Carollo takes an individual approach to each pony’s daily schedule to plan for both daily progress and longevity

1 Emery O’Keefe wins the Pony Hunter Classic at the Fairfield County Hunt Club Horse Show • 2 Discussing a great round at the Winter Equestrian Festiva • 3 Woodland's Stevie Ray and Natalie Jayne were Medium Pony Hunter Champions at the 2016 US Equestrian Pony Finals • 4 Sir Dragon & Emery O’Keefe • 5 Retired horses grazing at the farm • 6 Canterbrook Prince Charming and Hana Bieling were Small Pony Hunter Champions at the 2013 US Equestrian Pony Finals • 7 Celebrating a win at the Winter Equestrian Festival • 8 Courtyard Farm

PHOTOS: SEL PHOTOGRAPHY (1); SPORTFOT (2,7)

What are your best tips and tricks for keeping stock tanks clean?

Any creative ways to fill a tank that isn’t reachable by a hose? One of our members posed these questions in our Facebook group, and we appreciated the clever, helpful responses.

SCRUB THE TANK WITH BLEACH WEEKLY, RINSE WELL, AND ADD A COUPLE OF TEASPOONS OF BLEACH TO THE WATER. MY TANKS ARE IN THE BRIGHT SUN WITH SUMMER TEMPS IN THE 90S-100S. I HAVE LESS ALGAE IN THE METAL TANK THAN THE PLASTIC ONE.

—STEPHANIE PECK

I have a small freezer in my feed room. Twice a day I take a frozen two-liter bottle and toss it in the trough. I put the old bottle back in the freezer. Keeping the water slows the growth of algae.

—MELISSA SANDNESS

2 capfuls of straight bleach in my filled-up tanks usually gets my tanks through 4-5 days in the GA heat and sunshine until I have to clean & refill. It won’t hurt them, we drink chlorinated water.

—NAN BUCKNER

Dump, bleach, scrub every few days or at least once a week. Please don’t add fish. Seriously. Let them drink it down, dump it, spray bleach and scrub. Refill. As for no hose,

consider getting the “camping” bladders. I have one for my horse trailer to be able to haul “home water” with us. Note: This requires that you have a gator, tractor, or truck to

Our

HORSE ADULT

LOUNGE on Facebook is 9,000 members strong. Come join us!

haul as you sure as heck don’t want to be doing it with a wheel barrow. And maybe consider putting in a hydrant so you don’t have to keep hauling. My two cents.

—SARAH YOUNG

A lled tank lasts about three days for my herd, so I just scrub before lling every time and there’s never any algae issue but it’s also mostly in the shade.

—KATY MCFARLAND

Excellent riders make exemplary leaders.

Excellent riders make exemplary leaders.

Earn an Equine Studies Certificate with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation.

Earn an Equine Studies Certificate with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation.

Extensive on-campus facilities include a 130-acre riding center, a 120’ x 300’ indoor arena, boarding opportunities and newly renovated stables

Extensive on-campus facilities include a 130-acre riding center, a 120’ x 300’ indoor arena, boarding opportunities and newly renovated stables

• Hunter/Jumper riding program

• Hunter/Jumper riding program

•

•

NCEA, IHSA and ODAC competitive teams and lessons for all levels

NCEA, IHSA and ODAC competitive teams and lessons for all levels

• 100+ years of equine excellence

• 100+ years of equine excellence

Learn more at sbc.edu/riding.

Learn more at sbc.edu/riding.

Garrison Forest School’s Equestrian Institute

ONE BIG FAMILY

WORDS: APRIL BILODEAU

ORIGINAL. EDUCATIONAL. ELEVATED. This is the Equestrian Institute (EI) program at Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, MD. Founded in 1910, Garrison Forest is an all-girls, independent, private boarding and day school set on 110 acres just outside of Baltimore. Students range from kindergarten through 12th grade.

While education is at the forefront of student life at Garrison Forest, the school is also well-known for their equestrian program. The EI is designed to provide equestrian athletes a chance to pair their day-to-day educational obligations with riding.

“The Equestrian Institute is different in that it is part of the curriculum for these riders,” Rick Harris, director of riding at Garrison Forest School, tells The Plaid Horse. “All of the lessons are private and during the school day.”

The program is designed for competitive athletes who not only want to progress as riders, but

also to gain horsemanship skills. Students become eligible to apply for the program in the 6th grade.

“This program offers so many benefits outside of riding,” says Harris. “Our students learn about accountability, time management, collaboration, and resilience. These are all skills that will serve them well as they continue their journey, both in and outside of the ring.”

EI AT A GLANCE

In the EI program, riders receive one-on-one attention as well as the opportunity to horse show during the school year.

While the full program for the EI

7:30AM • School Starts

7:30 - 10:00AM

Morning Classes

10:30AM

Private Riding Lesson

12:00PM • Lunch

1:00 - 4:00PM

Afternoon Classes

4:30PM

• Back to the barn to groom and spend time with horses and friends

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Caroline D. ’23, Sophia B. ’28 and Grayson F. ’23 enjoying a walk in the field after their lessons; Molly S. ’26 riding Garrison Forest’s Bently Du Vernay; A view of the Garrison Forest Equestrian Center

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF GARRISON FOREST SCHOOL

includes some of the regular basics such as board, a training ride, and three lessons per week, additional amenities include several weeks of winter circuit showing, mandatory field trips and speaker opportunities, approved tutors, and excused absences from school for students attending horse shows. The program also requires that students compete in a minimum of one horse show per month.

For the athlete looking to work in exchange for some of the added expenses such as additional horse show day care and coaching, the school offers the opportunity for students to work off these costs on a first come, first serve basis.

A COMMITTED STAFF

Among the program’s student athletes is rising tenth grader Molly Stout.

“I joined this program because it allows me to ride and be at the barn more than ever before, and there are learning opportunities outside of just riding,” says Stout. “The program is super organized, and I can fit riding into my school day. The EI also has opportunities to show more often and at ‘A’ shows.”

While it can be challenging for some young equestrians to balance school and their riding careers, Garrison Forest ensures that each member of the staff is understanding of the commitment that comes with being an equestrian athlete.

Students of the program compete both locally and nationally, all year round.

“The school supports the program, including my teachers,” says Stout. “This program allows my teammates to also be my classmates and creates strong bonds among the riders.”

“A favorite memory is probably taking Kathryn Obrecht, ‘21, to the NHS finals,” says Harris. “She rode at GFS from Lower School through her graduation and was in the first group of riders to join the Equestrian Institute (EI).”

Other students have gone on to compete in Ocala, FL, HITS Vermont, Tryon, and Pony Finals, among other top shows.

SUPPORTING ALL RIDERS

Madeline Mohn, a rising senior, grew up riding as an eventer and joined the EI two years ago.

“I joined the program because I wanted to be able to continue to ride in college,” says Mohn. “To get there, I saw the need to ride more frequently, so I decided to start riding at Garrison and joined the Equestrian Institute.”

Mohn has spent time on the road with Garrison Forest, competing successfully at shows in Ocala, FL, and Tryon. With the assistance of the hands-on coaches in the EI, Mohn has progressed in her riding and will be competing in the High Children’s Jumpers this year.

“This program is a great fit for me because my coaches really know how to accommodate people of all skill levels and different equestrian backgrounds,” says Mohn. “When I joined the Equestrian Institute, I had just moved from an eventing barn, and I had no clue what the hunter/equitation/ jumper world was like. With the help of my trainers and their pushing me to do my best, I became who I am today. I now have experience in all three rings, but what is most important is that I am challenged every day to do things I never thought I would be able to do.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

While students have had success in the show arena, one common theme among students is the family environment that Garrison Forest provides. Students in the EI program are treated with kindness and support not only as riders, but as young women.

“A big benefit of this program is the relationship these riders develop with their horses and trainers,” says Harris. “Riding is about personal relationships; the traveling and field trips we do helps students develop their skills as horsewomen, not just riders.”

To learn more about Garrison Forest School and the Equestrian Institute, visit gfs.org/riding.

“Our students learn about accountability, time management, collaboration, and resilience.” —RICK HARRIS, DIRECTOR OF RIDING

Madeline M. ’24 showing her horse, Caracas, (BELOW ) and completing schoolwork with Kaitlyn B. ’25 (RIGHT ) at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL

R I D E R Z O N

a school horse, it’s my job to teach people how to ride.”

great pride in giving riding lessons, moves to a new barn that’s full of he begins to doubt himself and his world—all while his rider is doing story of self-acceptance and friendages, Good Boy, Eddie captures the we form with animals, and what about ourselves along the way.

GOOD BOY, EDDIE

By Rennie Dyball

Order your copy at theplaidhorse.com/books

CHAPTER 1: NEW BARN

Up, FLOP. Up, FLOP. Up, FLOP.

“That’s it, you’re starting to get it: Up, down. Up, down. Up, down. That’s how you post the trot,” says the instructor. “But try to sit more lightly on Eddie and not come crashing down like a sack of potatoes, okay?”

I’m teaching my first lesson at New Barn and things are going pretty well. I am a school horse, and it’s my job to teach people how to ride. The instructor, Melissa (she’s the person who teaches the lesson with me), is standing in the middle of the ring while I trot around her in a big circle. The way my rider flops down in my saddle doesn’t hurt, it’s just a little uncomfortable. But I can tell that she’s new to riding, so it’s fine with me. We go around and around the ring. There are walls on every side to keep the wind out. Wooden beams crisscross the high ceiling and I think I can see some birds’ nests tucked up in the corners. Before I came here to this New Barn, I taught lots of riding lessons at a place much bigger than this one. I was one of about fifteen school horses back at the Old Barn. I had so many riders I

EDDIE DYBALL

RENNIE DYBALL

Good Boy, Good Boy,

eventually lost count! I really liked it back at Old Barn and I’m not sure why I had to leave, especially because I thought I was good at my job.

My new rider—Melissa keeps saying “Kennedy,” so I suppose that’s her name—was very nice to me in my stall when we were getting ready for the lesson, chatting the whole time. She smelled like soap and flowers. I don’t know exactly what she was talking about, but she had a lot to say. And I was happy to listen.

You might be surprised to know that horses understand about seven to ten spoken words. I call them spoken words, rather than English words, because the people I know speak more than one language. I personally know nine words. But the really great thing is that I don’t need a whole lot of words to communicate with people because I can interpret so many emotions. I get body language, too, and I always know kindness when I feel it. Basically, I understand much more than people think.

The specifics vary from horse to horse, but I personally understand all the following words when they are said aloud by people:

entirety. I love a good boy, Eddie. We walk a lap around the ring before Kennedy steers me to the center. Melissa pats my head. Gallagher, one of the horses who gets turned out in the paddock with me, is also in the ring now. His lesson is about to start. We give each other a look, like a changing of the guard.

It’s his turn now to take care of his rider. I love what I do, but I’m still a bit relieved when the lesson is done. It’s hard work to keep a rider safe. Also, the end of the lesson means I get a nice brushing, and sometimes a carrot.

gripping the saddle with both hands as she allows her body to slink down to the ground. When her feet hit the dirt, she stumbles back a few steps as she regains her balance. I may not be very big for a horse, but it’s a long way down when you’re not very big for a person.

Kennedy gives me a big pat on my neck. It was a good first lesson. Melissa leads me out of the ring, and we walk outside on the way back to my stall. An evening breeze rustles the leaves on the trees all around us. I watch as a few of them float lazily to the ground.

I think I’m going to like this place.

When you take the words that Melissa just said to Kennedy, for example, all I really got out of that was trot. So, I kept trotting. Melissa’s voice also sounded kind and encouraging, which are good signs that I should continue what I’m doing; that I’m helping my rider learn.

As I walk past Gallagher, I wish him good luck. Horses don’t communicate out loud the way people do, but I can hear what other horses are telling me, and they can hear what I tell them, especially once we get to know each other. People don’t pick up on this, of

I also know the meaning of two sounds that aren’t technically words. I know that the clucking sound—when people suck down tight on their tongue and then release it—means to move forward. If I’m already moving forward, then the “cluck” means to go faster. (I’ve come to learn that people can mean more than one thing based on a single sound. It gets a little confusing.) I also know the sound of someone shaking my grain in a feed bucket, which means it’s time to come into the barn to eat.

ALL of us know that sound, even from two paddocks away.

I feel pressure as my rider pulls on the reins, drawing the metal bit back into the corners of my mouth. I slow from a trot to a walk before I even hear Melissa say whoa.

“Good boy, Eddie,” she says with a laugh. Now that, I understood in its

course. If they did, we’d all understand each other with a whole lot less fuss! Horses do “speak” to each other from time to time, but mostly it’s just listening and feeling. If you ask me, I think people could probably benefit from less talking and more feeling.

Horses use our bodies, too, to show what we are thinking. People can usually decipher our body language, if they’re paying attention. Pinned ears means we’re angry, and ears perked forward means we’re concentrating on something. One or both ears cocked gently back means we’re listening.

It all seems much easier than the way people communicate.

Kennedy takes her feet out of the stirrups and swings one leg over the back of my saddle. Melissa is taking her through the steps of dismounting. Next, Kennedy slides down my left side,

Rennie Dyball is the co-author of the Show Strides novel series and managing editor for The Plaid Horse magazine. Rennie grew up riding school horses and now shows on the A circuit in the adult hunter and equitation divisions. She hopes that Eddie will remind readers of all the “schoolies” they’ve known and loved. Learn more about Rennie at renniedyball.com.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE PLAID HORSE AND RENNIE DYBALL

I can interpret so many emotions. I get body language, too, and I always know kindness when I feel it. Basically, I understand much more than people think.

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EQUESTRIAN CENTER

JOIN US AT THE BARN!

• Founded in 1869, Stoneleigh-Burnham School (SBS) is a boarding and day school for girls in Grades 7-12 and Postgraduate (PG).

• Located in historic Greenfield, Massachusetts, SBS has been a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) since its official inception in 2002.

• The School boasts five National Titles featuring Middle School and Upper School IEA teams that compete within the largest zone in the country.

SCHEDULE AN IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL VISIT AT SBSCHOOL.ORG/ VISIT

• Director of Riding Mina Payne ‘78 is one of the top 50 riding instructors in America by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA).

• Offering 7-day boarding, 5-day boarding, and day enrollment options, we invite you to explore SBS!

THE ENBARR HO

HORSE SHOPPING can be a draining process for even the most seasoned professional. When buyers and trainers sit down to discuss the qualities of the rider’s next mount, the hope is that a horse can be found almost instantly, but usually this isn’t the case.

Phone calls, scrolling through websites,  scanning social media posts, reading signs in  horse show bathrooms … the search can go on and on.

But with a newly created app by Maggie  Clancy, an interactive, one-stop-shop is here to make shopping easier for buyers, and more  streamlined for sellers.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Clancy started riding when she was 10 years old in Sydney, Australia after begging her parents for lessons. After some time, she was known as the scrappy kid at the barn that would ride anything.

“If a horse was trying to buck someone off, they would ask me to ride it,” Clancy tells The Plaid Horse.

At 16, she bought a 6-yearold Swedish Warmblood mare who wasn’t halter broke. Clancy worked with the mare

to make her into the horse she wanted while working off board at the barn.

When it was time to go to college, Clancy refused to go to a school where she wouldn’t be able to bring her horse. With that priority in mind, she attended California State University, Fresno, where she competed on the school’s Division 1 hunt seat team for three years. In her senior year, she switched to the western team with her friend and roommate to try out a new discipline.

WORDS: APRIL BILODEAU

Maggie Clancy has made it possible to “swipe right” while horse shopping

Buyers Match Screen allows you to view horses by location on the map

RSE SALES APP

Buyers match screen allows you to swipe right and add the horse to your favorites tab, view details and more

Seller’s Screen allows you to add all pictures, video and horse information in one spot

PHOTOS: SCREENSHOTS COURTESY OF MAGGIE CLANCY

After college, she had plans to continue her education in medical school.

A PIVOT IN PLANS

Her plans to go to medical school were disrupted when people started paying her to ride and train their horses. “I figured people were already paying me to do something I love, so why do anything else?” says Clancy.

Now, Clancy owns Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma, CA, just twenty minutes from Sonoma Horse Park. With up to 100 horses on the property, Clancy has built a multi-trainer facility that offers lessons, training, and schooling shows to riders in Northern California.

While riding was the original business plan, starting a family made Clancy rethink her model and she now focuses on teaching riders in her riding academy. Strides Riding Academy has 25 school horses, an Interscholastic Equestrian  Association (IEA) team, an IHSA team and many more programs that make riding accessible to the next generation of equestrians.

While Clancy doesn’t do a lot of sales herself, the idea for Enbarr came to Clancy years ago alongside the increasing popularity of dating websites. At the time, she was regularly searching for horses for her clients.

“It was a painful process,” says Clancy. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to have something like a dating app for horse sales?’”

Clancy held onto the idea for the app for a long time, until about ten months ago when she decided it was time to put the concept to work and create the Enbarr app.

The name Enbarr came from an Irish mythical creature, which is a horse that travels on land and sea and is faster than the wind.

HOW IT WORKS

For buyers, the process starts with downloading and registering for the app. Immediately, buyers can scroll through all horses listed right from the home screen. Buyers can also put in their own criteria to refine their search for more specific matches.

Users have the option to add a horse

to their favorites, forward a horse to a trainer or friend to view, or use the now-traditional dating app directions of swiping left or right on a horse. Messaging between buyers and sellers is done all through the app, so you won’t need to keep track of which form of communication you’re chatting on with different sellers. The app is currently free to all buyers.

For sellers, horses can be listed on the app almost instantly. All a seller needs to do is add the basic information on the horse and upload videos and pictures. As soon as they click ‘Submit,’ the listing is live.

The app will remain free to use for all sellers until Clancy reaches her goal of up to 100,000 horses listed on the app, after which membership fees for sellers may begin to apply at a low rate.

“My goal is for the app to be the go-to tool for buying and selling horses” says Clancy.

Enbarr is designed to be used anywhere in the United States and

developed for international use which will be released in phase two, making importing more accessible for those who may not know where to start. “My plan is to get to 100,000 horses listed within the United States pretty quickly,” says Clancy “then, reach across the pond and add International horses!”

REVOLUTIONIZING SALES

No matter where buyers and sellers are connecting, Clancy made sure that Enbarr would be user-friendly to all people in the equine world, young and old.  “The horse industry is cutting-edge in so many ways, it’s time for the horse buying and selling technology to catch up,” says Clancy.

With Enbarr she is hoping to bridge that gap.

PHOTO: CHELSEA SQUIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY

The app officially launched in August 2023 and is available on Android, iOS, and online. To download the app look for Enbarr in the Apple and Google Play store.

“The horse industry is cutting edge in so many way, it’s time for the technology in the horse buying and selling process to catch up.”

—MAGGIE CLANCY

THE GRIER SCHOOL

A Triple Threat in the Equitation, Dressage, and Western Rings

WORDS: APRIL BILODEAUT

IT’S PRETTY rare to see a rider crossover from the hunters to dressage to western disciplines. At Grier School, however, that’s just another normal day in the arena.

Grier School is an all-girls boarding school in Birmingham, PA, that’s home to 250 students in grades 7-12. Students are able to not only take advantage of top tier education (Grier School students have been demonstrating academic excellence for 170 years), but also an array of extracurricular activities, including their multi-award-winning riding program.

The riding facility boasts two outdoor arenas, two indoor arenas, a heated viewing area, and a 62-stall barn filled with boarder horses and school horses. The program is multi-disciplinary with students riding in the hunter/jumper, dressage, and western rings.

“We have kids that compete as beginners all the way through the Junior Jumpers, Junior Hunters, and Big Eq,” Chrystal Wood, the Director of Riding at Grier School, tells The Plaid Horse.

“We have riders compete at USEF Finals, Maclay Finals, All American Quarter Horse Congress, Zone 2 Finals, Pony Finals, Capital Challenge, Devon, AHA Sport Horse Nationals, and more.”

While the program mostly consists of hunter/jumper riders, students in

the western program focus on reining, horsemanship, and ranch riding, while dressage riders go on to compete at the USDF National Finals, FEI North American Youth Championships (NYAC). and Dressage at Devon.

CREATING CROSS DISCIPLINE RIDERS

Many of their riders compete in multiple disciplines and have brought home ribbons at national finals, like Anleigh Ahlert, winner of the Open Flat and Over Fences at the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Hunt Seat Finals this past year. Ahlert also placed in the IEA National Dressage Finals and was the Varsity Open Horsemanship winner at IEA National Western Finals. Ahlert won the Crossover Rider award at the 2021 National Finals,

accumulating the most points across all three disciplines at the national finals.

“When I first came to Grier, I was only familiar with riding lesson horses from my own barn, going to schooling shows, and not feeling confident in my riding,” says Ahlert. “I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing team and to be given the opportunity to ride the most incredible

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: Cassidy Rein • Marian Pownall, National Champion Novice Horsemanship • Sydney Richmond and Liam, owned by Grier School • Cathryn Reachard and Myle Hi, owned by Grier School, at WEC Ocala • Anleigh Alhert, Team Open Fences • 2023 IEA Western Nationals, Champion Upper School Team • Lily Cushman and Gaugin, owned by Grier School • Upper School Hunt Seat Team National Champion

horses. Grier has most definitely changed my riding career for the better and I feel Grier will be my ticket to success.”

Another student, Marian Pownall, competes in all three disciplines. She placed seventh in Team Novice Fences and was Reserve Champion in Team Novice DSE. She also competed in the western finals, winning the Novice Horsemanship.

“I am really honored to have been able to be a team rider on all three national championship teams this year,” says Pownall. “The memories that we have made this year I will remember forever!”

Catie Reachard was this year’s winner of the Crossover Rider Award. Not only did she win every single regular season class in the hunt seat on the flat, she won the top prize at Nationals in the Individual Varsity Intermediate Reining class, in addition to the team awards.

“When I came to Grier in the eighth grade I had very little confidence and lacked experience,” says Reachard. “In just four years, I have grown exponentially not only as a rider but as a person.”

Taylor Allen rides on both the dressage and hunt team teams. She won the Team and Individual Open Dressage

Test and was Leading Rider of the IEA National Dressage finals.

“To be able to come to Grier and grow my confidence in the show ring has been something I will be forever grateful for,” says Allen. “When I first came to Grier my freshman year, I had really bad show anxiety, but with the encouragement from Chrystal and the amazing horses at Grier, I am now able to flourish in the show ring.”

CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER CHAMPIONSHIP

The Grier School is the only school in history to win national championships at all three IEA finals. In fact, they have been the IEA National Dressage winners since the inception of the program. This year at the hunt seat finals, they won the national title for their upper school.

This past June, the Grier School was awarded National Champion Upper School Western Team honors at the Western National IEA Finals. Grier made history by becoming not only the only team in the 21 year history of IEA to win National Champion in all three disciplines, but won all three in one season, securing the only triple crown in IEA history.

The team has also won the Team Spirit

award multiple times. “We’re known as the rowdy bunch,” Wood says with a laugh.

HORSEMANSHIP FIRST

Their secret? Working hard and teaching all of the students that come through the riding program to do things themselves.

“They ice their horses, wrap them, poultice them,” says Wood. “We really make sure that they learn the horsemanship aspect of the sport.”

While horsemanship is a key pillar in how they build future riders, time in the saddle is also structured for each rider depending on how involved they would like to be.

“You can ride for fun two days per week in our recreational program,” says Wood. “To ride in our junior varsity program, it is a 4-6 days per week commitment with an IEA requirement. Our varsity program requires participants to ride in a minimum of 4 lessons per week.”

While the program can be intense for the serious riders, Wood says that there is really something for everyone.

“It’s a very down to earth program,” says Wood. “Grier is what you want it to be.”

To learn more about Grier School, visit grier.org.

“In just four years, I have grown exponentially not only as a rider but as a person.”

—CATIE REACHARD

LEFT: Taylor Allen, USDF National Finals, National Champion, 2nd Level RIGHT: Cathryn Reachard, Champion Team Intermediate Flat

FROM HUNTERS TO ROADSTERS

hunter ring. She then began competing in roadsters after her father bought her Heartland Janie as a Christmas present in December 2022.

IT WAS A CLEAN SWEEP for ten-yearold Brynn Garrett at the 127th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Garrett has shown in the hunters for years, but just recently started riding roadsters. Garrett and her pony, Heartland Janie, won the $250 Roadster Pony Under Saddle class, returning the following day to compete in the

$500 Roadster Pony Under Saddle Championship, where they claimed the top title.

Roadsters are unique in that they are suitable for both driving and riding. Many roadster classes are shown at a jog trot, road gait, and then at speed. Throughout the class, roadsters are judged on suitability, manners, and performance. The differences in riding styles between the disciplines vary immensely, so it is not easy to pick up both, let alone compete in both with great success.

“I had the best time,” Garrett tells The Plaid Horse. “It surpassed my expectations of what Devon would be.”

GARRETT’S JOURNEY

Garrett’s riding story began on her family farm in North Carolina. With her mother, Taryn Garrett, competing in the hunter/jumpers and her father, Dr. Brian Garrett, DVM, training and owning World Champion Roadsters, Garrett seemed destined for both avenues of the sport.

Garrett first followed in her mother’s footsteps at a young age, starting her riding career with many wins in the

“Janie is so sweet, fast, and loves to give hugs,” says Garrett.

After just five months of getting to know Janie, Garrett got the chance to show off her hard work at Devon.

The young rider spends the majority of her free time in the saddle, doing barn chores, and training ponies herself. She even started two miniature ponies at her farm, training them from the ground up. Garrett also took on the responsibility of breaking and training her four-year-old pony, Cinderella.

UPCOMING ADVENTURES

While Devon was a huge success for Garrett, it was just the start of a summer full of travel for her and the ponies in both the hunters and roadsters.

Garrett’s show plans with Heartland Janie include The Blue Ridge Classic in Asheville, NC, and the World Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY, followed by showing in Ocala, FL, in October. Garrett also plans to show her hunter ponies, Odyssey Cassiopeia and Odyssey Orion, at the North Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Annual Show, the Aiken Horse Show, and at the USEF Pony Finals.

PHOTOS: HELEN CHIMBOS, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM LEFT)

WORDS: HELEN CHIMBOS

After years of showing in the hunter ring, Brynn Garrett, 10, cleaned up in the Roadsters at the Devon Horse Show

LEFT AND ABOVE: Garrett at The Devon Horse Show; BELOW: Showing in the hunter ring

The Gochman family congratulates and wishes the best of luck to the 2 023 recipients of the USHJA Foundation Gochman F amily Grant for US EF Pony Fi nals, presented by Honor Hill Far ms.

USEF PONY Fl

North America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering

NOV. 9–12, 2023

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA Eastern States Exposition

• An Unparalleled Educational Program.

• The Largest Horse-Related Trade Show in North America.

• The Marketplace Consignment Shop.

• The Fantasia (sponsored by Absorbine) — Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

• Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, Horses for Sale and Demonstrations — Enjoy meeting horses of all breeds, colors, and disciplines!

• Equine Fundamentals Forum — Educational presentations, exhibits, and activities for new riders and horse owners.

• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition — An exciting race through an obstacle course with $5,500 at stake!

• Adoption Affaire — Fall in love with your next horse at the Adoption Affaire.

• Drive A Draft — Experience the thrill of a lifetime and learn to drive a draft horse!

• A Horse for Heroes — Enjoy equine assisted activities and therapies for veterans, active-duty, and first responders, through Operation Horses and Heroes.

• Youth Activities and much, much more!

Featured Clinicians (General Training & Horsemanship)

Mike Major

Julie Goodnight

Brandi Lyons

Jason Irwin

Chelsea Canedy

Phillip Dutton (Eventing)

Steffen Peters (Dressage)

Andrew Welles (Hunter/Jumper)

Lynn Newton (Western Dressage)

Greg Robinson (Ranch Horse, Reined Cow Horse)

Mark Bolender (Mountain Trail)

Bronwyn Irwin (Pole Bending)

Carl Bledsoe (Easy Gaited Horses)

Sam & Kellie Rettinger (Draft Horses)

Jim Masterson (Equine Bodywork)

Copper Hill Vaulting Team (Vaulting)

Additional presenters to be announced soon!

For all you need to know, visit equineaffaire.com

Proud sponsors of this Equine Affaire:

© 2023

Affaire, Inc.

I wanted to show the equestrian community— and the world—that there is no certain way that an equestrian should look.”

Inclusivity MATTERS

EACH MONTH, THE PLAID HORSE IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE READERS TO EQUESTRIAN BRANDS THAT VALUE INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY IN THEIR PRODUCTS AND THEIR ADVERTISING

—SHELLY WATTS, CEO OF MUIRNEEN EQUESTRIAN

INCLUSIVITY MATTERS

CAVALIERE COUTURE

HOW MY PERSONAL STRUGGLES WITH BODY IMAGE INSPIRED A CLOTHING LINE THAT HONORS RIDERS OF ALL SIZES

As a younger girl, I was bullied in school for my weight. So much so that my mother pulled me out of school and wound up home schooling me. But, the rami cations of that made me lose weight (many of the body shamers are probably saying well, GOOD! That’s healthier!). Well…no. It wasn’t.

I developed unhealthy, disordered eating and did whatever I could to lose that weight. Whatever pill, powder, lack of food, over-exercise….you name it, I did it. And it worked. I was so thin for my height, it was almost unhealthy looking. All the way up until I was about 30, when one day I started gaining weight with no change in exercise or eating habits.

Fast forward six months and I had gained over 100 pounds. My self-worth was shattered because it was all tied to the size on my clothing tag. Suddenly I felt I couldn’t ride anymore—the way people treated me was terrible. I couldn’t nd clothes to t me, though I taught spin classes still, and was [very] t…though between chronic illness and a newfound metabolic disorder, I certainly didn’t look it.

So I created Cavaliere Couture. Comfortable clothing for equestrians of ALL sizes. Whether you are a size 0 or a

size 24. There is no right size, and no one knows your health or your horse’s health but YOU.

My riding tights are sized from size 0-24 and the majority of our tops are from S-2 or 3XL (some 4XL!) Most other brands stop at size 16/18, so we are proud of our size 24.

Cavaliere Couture’s tagline is “Every body is an equestrian body,” and so it will always be! Every new product I create will always be with inclusivity in mind.

LEARN MORE & SHOP ONLINE: cavalierecouture.com

THOUGHTS FROM LELA REYNOLDS, FOUNDER

PHOTO: KAT SHOOT (CENTER IMAGE)

HORSE

INCLUSIVITY MATTERS

MUIRNEEN

INSPIRING INCLUSIVITY IS THE MISSION of Muirneen. When my Taiwanese-American daughter begged me to take horseback riding lessons, I was over the moon.

My enthusiasm turned into sheer disappointment when we were shopping for equestrian clothing.

No one looked like us. Website a er website, magazine a er magazine. The models were just like the Victoria’s Secret models I was accustomed to growing up, making me feel insecure about my body as a teenager. Most equestrian brands stop at size 14—not even accommodating the average woman.

I knew things needed to be di erent for my daughter and the next generation of equestrians. Muirneen goes up to size 24; ve more sizes than most equestrian brands. Recently, we did a blind model casting call and asked for zero photos. We accomplished the most diverse and inclusive photoshoot in the history of horse sports with twenty-four equestrian models.

I had no idea what most of the models looked like until the day of our photoshoot. It turned out amazing! I felt happy seeing so many models exchange phone numbers to stay in touch. We love building relationships in the equestrian community.

As an immigrant, I have felt the need to assimilate to feel included in di erent communities. Our barns and show grounds should be welcoming, thoughtful, and considerate of the vibrant, beautiful cultures and traditions that exist. This includes hairstyles, clothing, languages, and tattoos. I wanted to show the equestrian community—and the world—that there is no certain way that an equestrian should look.

You can be black or brown, wear your hair in braids, dye your hair purple, cover yourself with tattoos, use a wheelchair, or have one arm and still feel included and seen as an equestrian. We can depict this in our photoshoots, but as equestrians, we have to make these dreams into reality at our local barns.

Muirneen also hosts monthly townhall conversations with the equestrian community around important topics of diversity, body positivity, and kindness. The townhalls give an opportunity for the horse community to discuss important topics in an authentic and un ltered way. All townhalls include an ASL interpreter sponsored by Via Nova Training.

I started this company when shopping for riding clothing for my Asian-American daughter. But, it has become more than just a company. It has become a mission.

“Growing up riding, I was o en the only brown girl,” says Muirneen model Krystle B. “My rst job out of college was with a well-known equestrian retailer, and I noted that businesses owned by people of color were basically nonexistent. I love that Muirneen is owned by a person of color. I truly admire the diversity and inclusivity that Muirneen showcases, but especially love that the little brown girl in me is seeing other BIPOC women being represented in the equestrian community.”

WHO WAS SELECTED AS A MUIRNEEN MODEL?

• Over 650 applications were received

• 60% of Muirneen models are BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color)

• 50% of Muirneen models are curvy or plus-size

• 20% of Muirneen models are mature

• 10% of Muirneen models are para-athletes

THOUGHTS FROM SHELLY WATTS, CEO OF MUIRNEEN EQUESTRIAN

Our barns and show grounds should be welcoming, thoughtful, and considerate of the vibrant, beautiful cultures and traditions that exist. This includes hairstyles, clothing, languages, and tattoos.”

PHOTOS: SHERRI HOLDRIDGE; PRINT DESIGNER: MARCELINE GUYETTE August 2023 THE PLAID HORSE 67

R.J.CLASSICS

Why does inclusivity matter to your brand?

At R.J. Classics, we prioritize inclusivity in our brand because we believe that every rider should feel comfortable and con dent in their clothing, both on and o the horse. We have always been committed to o ering a wide range of sizes and lengths, including extended sizing which overlaps into plus sizing. However, to further support the plus-size equestrian community, we are proud to introduce a new, dedicated line just for them. This line is speci cally designed to meet the needs of plus-size riders, allowing them to celebrate body positivity and nd riding apparel that promotes con dence.

Our new Ladies Plus Size line combines modern and timeless styles that are designed to last. We have incorporated durable materials and advanced technology to ensure that our products not only look great, but also provide long-lasting performance. R.J. Classics’ longstanding history of providing quality products with an impeccable t ensures that no matter what R.J. style you are riding in, you will always look and feel your best.

What sets you apart?

We are incredibly proud to provide inclusive sizing options that cater to a diverse range of riders. What sets us apart, however, is our commitment to developing a complete out t collection speci cally designed for the true plus-size gure. Rather than simply adding sizes to our existing missy-size collection (00-16), we created our Ladies Plus line based on the shape and needs of plus-size individuals. Our extensive development process for this line included using experienced,

THOUGHTS FROM JENNIFER EISENBERG, CO-OWNER OF R.J. CLASSICS

plus-size t models, and a hiring a pattern maker who was experienced in developing plus-size lines for many ready- to-wear brands.

Our show coat and breeches are o ered in sizes 18W-24W, and our shirts are o ered in 1X and 2X. These sizes align with the sizing that plus-size riders typically look for in everyday clothing, creating a familiar and comfortable shopping experience.

By o ering a comprehensive range of sizes, we aim to be a one-stop-shop for this customer, providing them with all of their riding wardrobe essentials. Our focus on inclusive sizing and attention to the needs of plus-size riders sets us apart and allows us to better serve them.

What’s Next?

To further expand our brand and reach more equestrians of all sizes, we hope to partner with and support a plus-size athlete who can serve as a powerful spokesperson for body positivity on behalf of R.J. Classics. We strongly believe that all riders deserve high-quality clothing that ts them in a way that only helps them continue to pursue their passion.

Additionally, we are committed to expanding our line to o er a wider variety of options for all riders. This includes introducing fashion colors that are fresh, vibrant, and suitable for building a year-round riding wardrobe. By staying attuned to evolving trends and the needs of our diverse customer base, we aim to ensure that our brand messaging embraces inclusivity and inspires con dence in equestrians of every size.

The R.J. Classics complete Ladies Plus Size line will be available in stores and online in September 2023.

We strongly believe that all riders deserve highquality clothing that fits them in a way that only helps them continue to pursue their passion.

The Art of Horsemanship

PraisetheofMonth

PRESENTED BY

“It’s hard to be a rider, a trainer and a coach. A lot of people are good people trainers and not good horse trainers, a lot of people are good horse trainers and can’t talk to people. Carleton can do all of that. He can train people, he can teach people, he can teach the horses, and then being a coach is even a different thing. You’ve got to know when to have a little iron hand, you’ve got to know when to feed them a little sugar. Carleton knows the right time to do all of it.”

—Jack Towell, from Carleton’s USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony

It Happens!

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

HANNAH ISOP

‘It Happens’ moments happen a lot when you’re working with horses, but one of mine has stuck with me through my whole life.

It happened at Pony Finals—I brought my pony, Mickey LaLa, who was a great jumper and a beautiful mover, and a little swaybacked. So, I was most nervous about the model. But somehow, we were top six in the under saddle, and I think we were eighth in the model, so I was going into the jumping class looking pretty peachy and very excited. And then, having a winning trip, I go to the last jump, a single oxer, and I chipped. Bad. To the point where I heard a person standing next to the rail say, ‘Oh sh-t.’

It was one of the worst moments. And it still sticks with me, 20-something years later. That was one of my not finest moments. We’ve all been there.”

EMI RICHARD

One of my most memorable ‘whoops’ moments was when I was riding a pony for someone a couple years ago at WEF. I was going up the first line in the course that was going away from home. I started to move up a little too late and the line got away from me, so when the pony landed, she got a little excited and started broncing a bit.

I guess I was more worried about that than the turn, so I wanted to use the fence to slow her down. But instead of slowing down, she just stopped right in front of it and I ended up getting launched right onto the fence. Nothing bad happened, I just grabbed the fence and ended up just sitting there, and the pony just looked at me. I think I fell off two other times…an unlucky week. It happens sometimes!”

PHOTO: ELEGANT EQUUS PHOTOGRAPHY (RICHARD)

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!

Young Horse Show Series

JUNE 17, 2023

• LOCH MOY FARM, ADAMSTOWN, MD

PHOTO GALLERY

1 Rock Steady SH, owned by Sugarday Farm LLC, Jump Chute

Two Year Olds • 2 Taproot Cashew Crunch, owned by Taproot Stud, Under Saddle Three Year Olds • 3 Delta Dawn PVF, owned by Ellen Ziemer, Jump Chute Four Year Olds

4 Onassis BWF, owned by Christina Burke, In Hand Four Year Olds • 5 Compass, owned by Caroline Chaney, Jump Chute

Three Year Olds • 6 Faramour, owned by Jessica Chappell, In Hand Yearlings • 7 Reveille, owned by James and Grace Maxwell, In Hand Two Year Olds • 8 Orchard Hills Honeywhyte, owned by Allison Wilkie, In Hand Three Year Olds

PHOTOS: AMY FLEMMING WATERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Congratulations and Best of luck

Trained by Christa and Mike Endicott at Pegasus Show Stables

Bit a Whiskey

Kathryn Padilla and Celebration

Kathryn Padilla and Heavenly Patch of Blue

Bit a Country

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF

How am I going to make sure my pony has the best Pony Finals experience possible? I w l...

“We use NibbleNets exclusively in our stalls and round pens. I love the XL size. We fill them twice a day and almost feed a bale of alfalfa hay a day. We have young Thoroughbreds, all right off the track, who can be hard on things. These last unlike any other product!”

—JESSICA REDMAN Owner/Trainer, Benchmark Sport Horses

Photos by Carmen Elisa Franco

Red Pine’s Golden Gate

Equestrian Center Hunter/Jumper Show

PHOTO GALLERY

1 Teamwork setting poles • 2 Rachel Wolf & Chops • 3 Caroline over the lollipop jump • 4 Make a wish • 5 Just a little mud • 6 Victory lap • 7 A much needed rain • 8 Concentration

JUNE 23-25, 2023 • JORDAN, MN

PHOTOS: CARMEL HUPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY

From The Plaid Horse managing editor Rennie Dyball, a picture book that encourages kids to accept and celebrate ALL bodies …

Rennie is the co-author of Show Strides with Piper Klemm, competes in the adult amateur hunter and equitation divisions, and is a passionate believer that all bodies are good bodies.

The legends of our sport are all on the Plaidcast. Are you listening?

Hosted by Piper Klemm, Ph.D., Tonya Johnston, M.A. and Friends

FARFETCHED FARM

By Aimee Wells

RIDING, GIRLHOOD, AND A LIFELONG LOVE AFFAIR WITH HORSES

MY BELOVED (AND CRAZY) QUEST

With an outgrown pony and ambitions to show in the 3-foot, 11-and-under division at rated shows, this 10-year-old needed a horse with talent enough to compete, but at a budget my non famous family could afford.

According to Mrs. Jones, one solution to this dilemma was to find a promising, younger “green” horse to bring along. Similar to purchasing a fixer-upper and hoping your sweat equity will pay off when you trade up to another house down the line, the goal was to find a horse with potential and the right demeanor to put up with a still-learning rider while in training, who might eventually be worth several times her purchase price. With that goal in mind, we traveled down to Los Angeles to try a 7-year-old Quarter

Horse mare who looked to fit the bill.

Pretty sure I fell in love with Quest the minute she walked her out of the crossties. Standing 15.3 hands with a glossy blood bay coat, three white socks and a lightning bolt-shaped white stripe down her face, along with beautiful almond-shaped eyes, she was unquestionably striking. And her personality on the ground and under-saddle was sweet, calm and honest. While she’d never jumped more than a cross rail nor competed in

a single show, she sailed calmly and easily over everything I put before her that first day. Mrs. Jones declared her form over fences — knees tight and together, neck arched — to be excellent, and her gaits, especially at the trot, to be lovely. “She’s an amazing mover,” Mrs. Jones exclaimed as she watched us trot around the arena. For $2,500 —a bargain price for a horse of her quality even in 1978 — this was a Santa Barbara-worthy mount in the making.

It wasn’t long after we got Quest home, though, that we started to learn at least one big reason why her price had been so reasonable. Possibly due to prior abuse or a horrible accident, Quest was insanely, irrationally head-shy. The mare would simply not allow anyone to touch her ears. No amount of coaxing, soft cajoling, carrots or any other treat worked. This was a major obstacle primarily when it came to getting her bridled, a task that required lifting the leather headpiece and browband up and over her ears. Such a job is never easy

for children, but this took it to a whole new level. So there we were. The proud owners of a horse that effectively could not be ridden other than in a halter.

We tried sending her away for a couple of weeks to a “cowboy” who was said to be a horse whisperer/miracle worker for difficult cases like her. It didn’t work. She came back exactly the same. I cried. My mom cried. Pretty sure Mrs. Jones cried, albeit behind closed doors.

That’s when we decided to get creative. Why not simply lose the browband and fasten the bridle via the side straps, forgoing the necessary task of pulling her ears under? For shows, we created a browband that included Velcro on the underside that could be removed and added after the bridle was on without touching her ears.

The system wasn’t perfect, of course, and we hadn’t ever fixed the underlying issues. For example, before every show when we needed to trim the fuzz around her ears — or do any kind of grooming on the top half of her face really — we had to have our vet tranquilize her before we could get anywhere near them. One time, while getting her usual pre-show trim, the drugs started to wear off and Quest suddenly woke up, jerking her head up and rearing out of the crossties

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until she bashed her forehead into a lightbulb on the barn ceiling. The resulting gash requiring several stitches certainly didn’t help this issue.

Despite this one complication, Quest quite immediately became the love of my young life. From the minute I woke up until I went to bed at night, all I wanted to do was be on her or by her side.

More than ever before riding had become an oasis and escape from many of the more stressful things in my young life, and Quest was one of the best friends I had. At home, while the loud nighttime fights between my mom and dad had somewhat subsided since our move to Diablo, there was still often an undercurrent of strife and sadness between them. My dad traveled often, leaving my mom to manage Zak and me on her own, and she often seemed lonely and depressed or preoccupied with some new diet or exercise regime.

Meanwhile, at school, I struggled with bullying and taunts from other kids who teased me about being tall, wearing glasses, being a dorky “teacher’s pet” (aka, straight-A student, so uncool) — as well as being obsessed with horses. While I longed to be one of the cute, petite, popular girls with tons of friends, I spent most of my school days feeling like an ugly outcast and oddball.

“What’s wrong, you big oaf? Did you lose your glasses? Why don’t you go try to find them on the playground?” shouted a girl named Ann as she shoved me out of the girl’s bathroom onto the playground asphalt where a boy named Jamie was waiting to pummel me with his fists. This was just one of many instances that would be labeled “bullying” in today’s more enlightened times.

Another time, on the last day of school on a hot June day, I found a folded triangle of paper with a note on my desk reading, “Better watch out. We’ve all got water balloons in our desks.” I looked up and around. Most of the boys and a few of the girls were giggling and staring back at me with cruel, taunting faces as we all

awaited the final bell. After appealing to the substitute teacher for sympathy, I was allowed to leave class 10 minutes early that day to avoid being pelted by two dozen 11-year-olds wielding water balloons. I hid in the kindergarten playground behind a slide until seeing my mom’s Toyota Celica pull into the pick-up zone.

But at the barn, all of those troubles and insecurities dropped away. From atop Quest, peering through her ears down the path to the arena or headed toward a fence, I was invincible. No one else at my school had this — this skill, this bond with an animal and the life filled with accomplishments and older friends. I hugged my horse and buried my face in her warm coat, knowing that when I was with her, she made me feel that I was the luckiest girl in the world.

QUEST ON THE RISE

To Mrs. Jones’ credit as a talent scout and with the help of frequent catch rides from her superstar equestrian daughter Brooke, Quest progressed fairly quickly within our first year together. In our lessons at Farfetched Farm, Quest picked up most of the basics with ease, including flying lead changes. Brave and willing, she had what trainers like to call “a great brain,” meaning she could figure out where to take you and how to find her way out of any distance in front of a fence, from a solid half-round to the

brick wall and the chicken coop in our arena. Within a few months, it was time for our first show together.

It was a sunny morning in Bakersfield, California, as I studied the course of freshly painted and flower-adorned fences from the back gate. Not only was this technically an A-rated show, it was also our first time “off the property together” as they say, and I could feel the tightness through my chest signaling anxiety. With the exhale of a deep breath, the back gate swung open and I walked into the arena.

“Next on course, number 220, Sing Softly and Aimee Grove.”

Circling at the canter past the judge’s stand as Mrs. Jones had advised, I forced myself to take a deep breath. Heels down, eyes up, count, stay in rhythm, “One-two, one-two, one-two.”

Quest’s black-tipped, long ears pricked expectantly as we headed to the first fence on the course: a 3-foot white gate on the diagonal headed away from the back gate. Propped up off her back, maintaining a steady canter step and eyeing the top of the fence then the ground in front of it, I tried to focus only on distance. “Where’s my spot, god, where’s the spot?” I panicked inside, then let out a breath of relief when I saw it, knowing my mare was headed just to the perfect “spot” for taking off in front of the fence.

On this day, at our very first show in our very first class, Quest and I seemed perfectly in sync. We rounded the far side of the arena, ignoring the flapping paper bag outside the fence and the shuffling bystanders in the bleacher seats, headed down the five-stride line on the outside. Jumping into the line required clearing a set of white poles stacked above a brush box with fake pink flowers then cantering

But at the barn, all of those troubles and insecurities dropped away. From atop Quest, peering through her ears down the path to the arena or headed toward a fence, I was invincible.

LEFT: “Quest” aka “Sing Softly”

ABOVE: Falling off Quest in first 3-foot class at Bakersfield Horse Show

straight down the middle to a hefty looking roundtop topped with another white pole.

“One-two, one-two, one-two, jump.” We were over fence one of the line, opening up in a robust canter down to the second fence, “one, two, three, there it is, four, five, go,” I thought as we easily sailed through the line and began to round the corner again.

“Good girl,” I whispered to Quest as we headed up through the middle of

the arena on the diagonal toward what seemed to be a massive three-foot oxer. “Should I lengthen my stride? Should I close my leg and just simply grab the mane, fix my gaze at some point over the jump and simply let fate take over?”

These thoughts raced through my head as I headed toward that evil oxer.

In the end, the final decision I made turned out to be the wrong one, as Quest lost confidence in her equally green rider and skidded to a halt, toppling me from

her back straight into the center of the two fences. I held onto the reins as I crashed and tangled in the poles, afraid the mare would run off and somehow hurt herself.

Brooke and Mrs. Jones quickly ran over to pluck me from the wreckage and walk Quest away from the scene. “It’s OK, you’re OK, she’s OK,” said Mrs. Jones as we walked out of the arena and back to the barn. “Everybody falls. The important thing is to get back on and fix it. And remember, she’s just a baby.”

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB

Entering a New Era

ON A BALMY, BREEZY MORNING in June, banners swayed and plants rustled amid the impeccably-manicured grass field as the scene was set for the 99th annual Fairfield County Hunt Club June Horse Show.

Clients of the club’s equestrian team, each dressed in their shadbelly, followed dutifully behind head trainer Jenny MartinRudaz as they walked the course. Land Rovers dotted the otherwise naturally-decorated derby field, and crisp white linens were draped over VIP tables. The stage was set for the International Hunter Derby.

And the venue was set for the next 100 years of horse showing. The Fairfield County Hunt Club has been a pillar in the equestrian community since 1923, making it one of the longestrunning equestrian clubs in the country. Fairfield has spent much of this year celebrating its centennial anniversary, with the annual June Horse Show as its premiere event.

A time-honored and well-loved tradition, this year’s horse show proved its commitment to the growth and excellence of hunter competition with the addition of the featured $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Land Rover of Fairfield. It was hometown hero and thirdgeneration Fairfield County Hunt Club competitor Hannah Isop who earned the headlining honors of the day.

The club has offered a place for members to refresh and recharge from the stresses of everyday life with a variety of events and activities, including the club’s founding equestrian events. As with many club venues, the Fairfield County Hunt Club was born from an afternoon of equestrian fun that grew into something more. Averill Harriman commissioned a famous sculptress to design and create a polo

WORDS: SUMMER GRACE

medal. Immersing herself in her work, the artist grabbed a polo mallet and mounted up, which quickly attracted attention to the estate. Soon, polo matches were being held onsite and within the year the idea was floated to form a club that would include horse shows, polo, and hunting.

In the 1940’s, Emerson Burr began his training career at Fairfield. No one was aware at the time, but in the coming years, the club would become the birthplace of one of the most prestigious and revered competitions in young rider history—the United States Pony Finals. At the time of Burr’s employment, children were still commonly mounted on horses of a smaller stature, but the rise of the pony had begun to take hold in Europe.

Burr soon found himself face-toface with the small creatures when

his neighbor acquired them into her backyard. Intrigued and encouraged by the children’s response to the pony, the once-reluctant Burr dove headfirst into the particular discipline, and by 1960 he had a strong lineup of elite ponies taking top placings at competitions across the country. As word of Burr and his harem of winning mounts spread, so did the club’s world-wide recognition.

The venue has played host to multiple top-level finals but their role as a premiere event host began with the first ever United States Pony Finals in 1967. With Burr’s passion for creating a perfect pairing of child and pony mount, the club quickly became a mecca for prestigious ponies and pony riders and secured itself another important role in history. The oversight of the club by Burr was a game-changer for the program, and with the likes of

fellow esteemed athletes such as Grand Prix rider Leslie Burr-Howard in the mix, the club quickly set the standard for horsemanship in the surrounding area and beyond.

THE NEXT 100 YEARS

Today, the club continues to offer lessons in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines for members of the club, now under the tutelage of Martin-Rudaz. The Fairfield riding program has had a long-standing foundation of success for developing horses and ponies starting from the beginning of their careers.

From the time of Emerson Burr’s leadership, the program was wellknown for its role in developing some of the most well-known ponies in the sport, including High Fly, Woodland’s Silver Lining, Satin, and Kiss Me Not.

PHOTOS: SEL PHOTOGRAPHY; THE BOOK LLC (BLACK AND WHITE IMAGE)

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Melania Smirnoff and Bellefour’s Steel Fox; Emerson Burr with students; Hannah Isop winning the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Fairfield representatives Wynatte Chu and Sean Hogan, and Ryan Ambrifi of Land Rover of Fairfield

Throughout the past century, Fairfield has prided itself on bringing up the next generation of exceptional equestrians, starting from Leadline to the ponies and moving up the ranks through the hunter, equitation, and jumper disciplines. Fairfield places an emphasis on not only developing a solid riding background, but also a ground foundation in horsemanship.

Many of the club’s young members have not only gone on to produce top results at various equitation, hunter, and jumper finals, but have also become top-level professionals in the sport.

Alexa Pessoa, Cody Quintana, Vivian Yowan, and Kelly Goguen, among others, have all been participating athletes at the club.

Martin-Rudaz has brought the

longstanding, prestigious club into modern times in equestrian sport. Her time at the club spans over 30 years, and her riders continue to take top placings at the national and regional levels, from the Children’s ponies to the Medal and Maclay. A prime excellent example of the club’s program is Martin-Rudaz’s own daughter, Isabel Rudaz, who took top honors in the 2021 Zone 1 Maclay Regional aboard her self-produced mount Diasandro.

In the show program, riders have the opportunity to compete at the most prestigious events across the country, but also have the unique opportunity to enter multiple events in their own backyard. The June Horse Show has been a pillar of the venue’s calendar each year, and the 2023 show was both

a step forward into the future while paying homage to the club’s illustrious past. There are plans to revitalize the venue’s grass field—one of the few left in the country for competition. While primarily focused on the hunter discipline, the June Horse Show featured a select number of jumper and equitation classes.

To add to the celebration, the club hosted a variety of events throughout the week including a ‘Woof and Hoof’ derby benefitting the Equus Foundation, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, and the SPCA of Westchester, as well as a Sip and Shop featuring vendors and delights from Nômade Westport, and a highlyattended Cocktails and Carburetors evening, featuring classic cars from across generations.

“As we continue forward, we really want to make this a boutique horse show catering more to hunters and equitation,” explained Wynatte Chu, a long-standing member of the Fairfield County Hunt Club, hunter competitor, and board member of the June Horse Show Committee.

“Our goal is to give the exhibitors, trainers, and families that special touch that many horse shows are missing now.”

“Our goal is to give the exhibitors, trainers, and families that special touch that many horse shows are missing now.”

—WYNATTE CHU

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The showgrounds; Margaret Huber & Danton du Houssolf; Jenny Martin-Rudaz (right) with her daughter Isabel Rudaz and legendary and longtime Fairfield Horse Show Ringmaster John Franzreb

PHOTOS: COURTESY FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB; LESLIE NEWING; SEL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, THE BOOK, MACKENZIE SHUMAN, & GRACE SALMON

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, THE BOOK, MACKENZIE SHUMAN, & GRACE SALMON

Photos © Amy McCool

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