The Plaid Horse - September 2017 - The Fashion Issue

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The Plaid Horst (Print) ISSN 2573-9409 • The Plaid Horse(Online) ISSN 2573-9417

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SporthorSe Scouting Europe • Canada • USA

Showjumpers Hunters Equitation

647.975.3410 beata@equestrianinternational.horse

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THE FALL FASHION ISSUE

Publisher

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.

P. 18 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Piper Klemm, Ph.D.

Editor-in-Chief

P. 24 RIDERS BOUTIQUE

Sissy Wickes

SISSY WICKES

P. 32 AVA GIRDUSKY

Laura Hanson

Art Director

P. 36 CELEBRATING HUNTERS COURT

Sissy Wickes

LISA DALY

P. 40 THE 2017 STYLE EDITOR FINALISTS

in their own words

Web Director

BETSY KELLEY Digital Media Director

STEPHANIE ROLOFF Advertising

NANCY HALVEY LIZ DAVOLL

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic St, Canton, New York 13617

CALL 541-905-0192 WEB theplaidhorse.com EMAIL piper@theplaidhorse.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER @PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag

INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag

PINTEREST pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com SNAPCHAT theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

P. 46 SOCK HOROSCOPES

Betsy Kelley P. 51 PA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW

October 12-21, 2017 P. 55 TODD MINIKUS

Sissy Wickes P. 70 IN OUR MEMORIES: BUCKY REYNOLDS Timothy Wickes P. 72 GOLD: WILL SIMPSON

Timothy Wickes P. 82 COMPETITIVE & HEARING IMPAIRED

Irene Elise Powlick ON THE COVER: EQUO BREECHES.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

Those who say “kids these days” to me already know that they’re

in for an earful. Most “kids these days” that I know are doing their best, confronted with excessive expectations and access at younger and younger ages, a lack of constructive confrontation for their actions, and a world that is seemingly not thrilled to greet themwhether it be in the show ring, the workforce, or high academic achievement.

So, while I mentor The Plaid Horse interns, young riders on the circuit, and do my annual tour of college speaking engagements, what bothers me about “kids these days”? I would say that many young people today have very linear expectations. Given the nature of PHOTO © ADAM HILL.

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social media and instant gratification, their brains are conditioned to see A -> B. If I’m not getting B, why put in A? What about doing for the sake of doing or putting yourself out there for something that may work over time (could be days, weeks, months, or years), or may be a complete flop? For example… why write the article unless you’re sure it is getting published? Why buy that horse unless you’re sure it can move you up to the 3'6"? Unless B is on the table and mapped out, why begin a process?

This has many surrounding effects on academics, horsemanship, and to a big extent, adventure.

Adventure is saying yes, when you’re not sure what you’re getting into. It is what makes brave horsemen, lifelong competitors, and entrepreneurs. Jumping in with two feet on a minor scale (e.g. taking photos you hope might get published) or a major scale (e.g. buying that horse) is how you learn, how you grow, and how you determine which cautions are necessary or frivolous for you personally.

What can we do to push ourselves and others to step into the unknown, to risk failure in order to experience personal success? The same process we use to educate – encourage, mentor, and lead by example. Riders – face your challenges with courage, not fear, in this Finals season. And we must explain the difference to the young people in your lives.

Take the mystery away – show them what they’re going to confront and give them a framework for contextualizing the experience. Encourage your young equestrian to ride and love the process as much as the competition. Love to write and create as much as being published, experience the satisfaction of photographing a truly incredible moment.

So, go out there. Be kind and gracious without expectation. Give and be pleasantly surprised when things come back your way. Live in a manner that makes the world more palatable, pay back what you owe people, and leap straight from intention to action.

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BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

(FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT @PIPERKLEMM)

“Adventure is saying yes, when you’re not sure what you’re getting into. It is what makes brave horsemen, lifelong competitors, & entrepreneurs.”

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The Perfecta Farm “B” Show, Ledges Sporting Horses Facility, Roscoe, IL, August 3-6, 2017. 1. Claire Patterson. 2. Emily Solan. 3. Becky Kozma.

4. Avery Carlson. 5. Jen McDonald. 6. Karen Hester. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Riders Boutique: Unique One Stop Shopping

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Riders Boutique is a modern mobile equestrian apparel and equipment store based out of Illinois with a travel radius of hundreds of miles and a user friendly website. At Riders Boutique, equestrians can trust the selection of clothing, equipment and accessories to be current and of the highest quality.

Currently, we are so fortunate that equestrian clothing can be as fashion forward as street clothing. New seasonal looks in jackets, breeches, and show shirts are available throughout the year.

Occasionally, the sheer volume of fresh looks available can be overwhelming and hard to navigate. Which new items are trendy and which are passé?

What is acceptable to judges and what is not? Let sales representative Krista Schneider guide you through the maze of competition apparel choices. Riders Boutique features established labels such as Essex Classics, Pikeur, and Grand Prix. Also highlighted are newer popular names such as Cavalleria Toscana, Struck, Parlanti, and Iago Dhalia. At Riders Boutique, shoppers will find dynamic brands unavailable in other stores. Find your individual style with the help of their knowledgeable staff. “We try to bring in brands that are unique and that other people in our area don’t have. We have brands like Cavalleria Toscana which is Italian based. We also offer Iago,

another Italian line that we have exclusively,” said Maggie Schrader, the manager at Riders Boutique in Balmoral Park.

Dressing for competition does not have to be boring and uniform. Jackets made from breathable, stretch material in a variety of colors adorn the racks at the mobile store.

Breeches with different waist heights, colors, and grips are also available. Shirts with innovative designs and front panels are offered in wicking and cooling fabrics suited to the athletic lifestyle equestrians lead.

In addition to rider apparel, Riders Boutique offers fabulous rider accessories such as handbags, hats, and jewelry. Atelier CG, a luxury accessories brand based in Los Angeles, offers beautiful leather handbags and wallets reminiscent of the color pallet and texture of riding tack. Bracelets resembling curb chains and reins designed by Atelier CG make perfect jewelry for the horsey set. Unique sun visors and chic baseball caps, de rigueur for long, hot horse show days, are also readily available at Riders Boutique.

For our trusted equine partners, the store offers the best in tack and horse care products. Lovely bridles

by Nunn Finer, RC, and Butet will adorn the heads of both hunters and jumpers. For bit aficionados, Riders Boutique offers an array from classic to modern. Browse the “bit rack” at the store or online to find the perfect

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bits for your horse. Butet saddles are available through Riders Boutique, including the opportunity to rent the unique Butet Practice saddle. The Butet Practice saddle is the ultimate educational tool for teaching riders of every level correct position and correct balance in the saddle. With its ergonomic shape and technical characteristics, the Butet Practice saddle immediately allows the rider to intuitively find the “right” riding position. Legendary coach George Morris enthusiastically endorses the saddle.

“This new exercise saddle is half way between riding without stirrups and riding bareback. We all grew up riding bareback, and this is as close to riding bareback as you’ll get in a saddle.” Test ride in the new Butet Practice saddle through Riders Boutique and dial your eq!

As Krista Schneider states, “We offer a unique selection of equestrian apparel, tack, and accessories for the discerning shopper. At Riders Boutique, new fashion or classic fashion, you can trust our brands.”

Shop at the mobile store or online. Please send inquiries or requests to ridersboutiquesales@gmail.com. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

riders-boutique.myshopify.com

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Equifest I, Lamplight Equestrian Center, Wayne, IL, July 26 - 30, 2017.

1. Charlotte Novy. 2. Ava Lucibello.

3. Lauren McCaulley. 4. Gia Rinaldi.

5. Kennedy McCaulley. 6. Hailey Royce.

7. Mattie Hatcher. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM CONGRATULATES Mia Green & Forget Me Not Farm on the lease of Vermont Here’s the Gold

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 PHOTO © TORI WEED.

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STONEWALL FARM CONGRATULATES Emma Hechtman & Sir Dragon 3rd Overall USEF Pony Finals 2017 SMALL PONY HUNTER

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 PHOTO © MACKENZIE SHUMAN.

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STONEWALL FARM CONGRATULATES Alexandra Miller & Top That 11th USEF Pony Medal Finals 2017

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 PHOTO © MACKENZIE SHUMAN.

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STONEWALL FARM CONGRATULATES Isabella Fabrizi & Petrie Show Stables on the lease of Stonewall Eleanor

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 PHOTO © MACKENZIE SHUMAN.

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AVA & KINDA FUNNY OR “PEPE”- LAKE PLACID LARGE PONY CHAMPIONS

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TOP: THANKING PEPE FOR A GREAT ROUND IN THE RING. BOTTOM: TAKING A MOMENT TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR ONE ANOTHER.

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TOP: AVA GIVING PEPE HIS DAILY HUGS. BOTTOM: REWARDS FOR A GOOD RIDE.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF IN THE SHOW RING.

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Inverness Ridge Stables CONGRATULATES

Leigh-Ann Kazolas on the purchase of her lovely new gelding,

Soul Mate.

Looking forward to many years of success!

Many thanks to Peter Pletcher For MAKING THE SALE A PLEASURE

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Molly Brock • 916-505-8808 www.invernessridgestables.com Costa Mesa, CA

PHOTO © CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Hunters Court In 1977, a young trainer named David Wright started a hunter/jumper training business at a walking horse farm in the section of the U.S. known to southerners as Middle Tennessee. Armed with boundless energy, work ethic, and unparalleled love for the horse, David created the now iconic show stable Hunters Court. For forty years, Hunters Court has been synonymous with quality, integrity, and success. David was a consistent winner in the hunter and jumper rings and his students found success at the top levels of the sport.

Fast forward four decades to 2017 and the Hunters Court banner still hangs proudly at horse shows

throughout the United States. The difference is that the name of Dani Grice is embroidered on it as trainer. In a tragic twist of fate, David died from a brain tumor in July, 2014, leaving his beloved horses and farm to partner, Linda Seay. Determined to honor David’s legacy, Seay has tended to the farm and business at Hunter’s Court – including hiring the perfect fit in young trainer, Dani Grice. Grice stepped into the position in the winter following David’s death. Respectful of the feelings of both clients and employees, Grice moved slowly and deliberately to make the business hers. She has deftly learned to manage the large facility, its loyal clients, and the 35 horses that happily live there.

The Hunters Court property is a staple in the Tennessee equestrian scene.

Established in 1997, the Murfreesboro facility boasts 101 acres, 53 stalls,

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40 Years and Counting indoor and outdoor rings, and spacious turnout. The size and structure of the property enable Grice to offer numerous options for her clients. Hunters Court offers a riding school with wonderful schoolmaster horses for children and adults who would like riding lessons. For the more experienced riders, Hunters Court offers full care and training for their boarders. While some clients ride on a pleasure basis, many are competitive horse show exhibitors.

Grice enjoys teaching all levels of riding. Having been a competitor in both the junior and amateur ranks, she has a great affinity for her students. Dani grew up in Minnesota riding in the jumper and equitation rings. On her successful Junior Jumper, The Boy Wonder, she was a competitor in the USEF North American Junior and Young Riders Championships. Riding the agile little Appendix

Quarter Horse, she was successful into the Grand Prix level as an amateur. Under the tutelage of trainer Holly Shepherd, Grice’s hard work culminated in the Amateur Owner Jumper Championship at the National Horse Show.

In 2005 Shepherd asked Grice to become her assistant trainer.

Grice turned pro and hit the AA circuit with Shepherd’s successful show stable, Accolade Farm. As Shepherd’s assistant for eleven years, Grice benefitted from exposure to all levels – Grand Prix jumpers to hunters, advanced riders to less experienced. She taught, trained, and rode as well as learned valuable management and horse care skills. Currently, Grice has an exceptional team of employees at Hunters Court, including manager Emma Price.

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As a teacher, Grice holds the connection between the horse and rider as crucial to success. “I like to open lines of communication with the horse and rider. There has to be an understanding so that the horse knows what you want him to do.” She explains the mechanics of riding to her pupils so that they can grasp the concept of cause and effect. As an example, Grice cites the concept of inside bend. “I ask my pupils for inside bend as they turn to a jump and explain that the horse needs to see where he is going. Inside bend is not arbitrary. I try to give the horse an opportunity to do the right thing.”

Grice thoroughly enjoys teaching at all levels. “I have ladies aspiring to return to showing after a long break who are dealing with nerves. I teach them good communication with their horse, and the nerves go away and riding becomes fun. I also have some very competitive riders who are really trying to win. I enjoy all levels.” Grice drills her riders on pace, track, and position. Hunters Court averages around two shows per month throughout the year.

As a rider, Grice has had a long career in the jumper divisions, and has recently found success in the hunter divisions. On Allison Reichenbach’s High Life, she has won in the Green Hunter divisions and took first place in USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show.

Grice’s first passion is bringing along young horses. “I love to bring along the young ones! I get them after they have just been started, teach them to jump, and get them off to their first horse shows.” She laughingly calls these first shows for the green horses “field trips.”

Grice’s approach to training youngsters is slow and deliberate. “I am a horse trainer. I take my time with them and let them tell me how much and how fast they can go.” Grice wants her young horses to enjoy their job and feel no pressure to progress. “David [Wright] always used to ask, ‘Where are the young horse trainers?’ Well, here I am!” Grice exclaims.

In the increasingly fast paced, competitive equestrian world, professionals who put time and a personal stake in young horses are becoming scarce. Hunters Court benefits from a trainer who values horsemanship and careful training over quick results.

As Grice looks toward the future, she realizes that change is inevitable. The present Hunters Court location has been sold to developers who have leased it back to enable the business to run in its usual form. Although Grice hopes to stay at the facility for some time, she is looking forward to owning a property of her own which would include less stalls, a smaller tract of land, and room to include her mother’s small breeding program. While there is no timeline for any move, Grice is confident that the transition will be smooth when the time comes.

Grice is extremely grateful to Linda Seay for the opportunities offered to her at Hunters Court. She respects and understands Seay’s sale of the facility as Seay plans to move closer to family.

“I am proud of Linda for being able to move on, “ Grice explains. “She kept this place and wanted to keep David’s legacy alive. I hope to do that for both of them by training horses well and treating customers like family.” David Wright used the slogan “Hunters Court – Teaching horses and riders to be their best.” With Dani Grice at the helm, Hunters Court is in good hands to continue its legacy for another forty years.

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BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

PHOTOS: RANCE ROGERS / WWW.3RDSHUTTER.COM, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, AND FLASHPOINT PHOTO.

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We are so proud of your accomplishments this year!

Love, Mom, Dad, & Paige

And a special thank you to Gretchen Lof and Karen Healey for their amazing coaching, mentoring and friendship.

Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

Good luck to Lanie & Citadel at Capital Challenge!

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Help us choose our new TPH Style Editor! Read about the following three talented and stylish ladies, and stay tuned to TPH social media to cast your vote!

I started riding hunter/jumper when I was five years old in Wisconsin where I grew up. I rode under several trainers and went to a fair amount of horse shows as a junior in both the hunter and jumper rings. My college did not have a riding program, so I took a little break from riding to focus on school. (My parents thought I was done riding for sure, sorry Mom and Dad!) After I got my degree in Strategic Communication in Ohio, I got married three weeks after graduation to my handsome “Instagram husband,” Ethan (Head photographer for MES) and we moved out to Los Angeles to pursue my love for the fashion industry.

While we were in LA for two years, I worked for a celebrity jewelry line as a stylist, but the office environment wasn’t for me. Eventually, I heard from Nick Karazissis of Far West Farms in Calabasas, CA and he offered me a job as a full time rider and trainer of their Riding School.

While I would ride 24/7, I also know I need a creative outlet. My husband Ethan and I had been wedding photographers since college, and I had a lot of experience photographing fashion bloggers (because every girl in LA is a fashion blogger... I love it!) So I decided to combine my love of blogging, riding, and fashion into My Equestrian Style. MES is an equestrian lifestyle blog that takes fashion, horse riding, training, equestrian fitness and lifestyle to a whole new level. I’ve always thought the equestrian world was a little behind the times in terms of fashion and aesthetic, but with the help of social media, photography and styling, I hope to use My Equestrian Style to showcase amazing clothing and lifestyle brands that prove how cutting edge, elegant and applicable riding can be to everyday life. So that is a little bit about me!

Thanks for listening and showing your support; if you would like to be apart of the MES journey, give me your email and I will keep you up to date on the new goodies I get my hands on!

BETHANY LEE Read my style blog post on

theplaidhorse.com/READ

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I am a young hunter and jumper rider from Southern California. With a life long passion for horses and a fresh perspective on the equestrian world, I strive to provide the most effective connection between companies and riders.

Though my riding career bloomed late in life, my blood runs rich with equestrian ancestry and an intimate understanding of the financial struggle this passion can have. I was born into a family that was deeply rooted in horses. From racehorse owners to cowboys, from barrel racers to show jumpers, my drive for the equestrian life comes from a loving background of competiveness and horsemanship.

From a busy childhood in “the industry” and an athletic, artistic teen in high school, priorities other than horses took a strong hold in my life. However, nothing could ever rid me of the seven year old girl that fell in love with ponies. When I was eighteen and a half, I made the choice to give up all other activities and fully pursue my dream of becoming a competetive equestrian, all on my own budget. This ultimately lead to earning the affectionate nickname “frugal filly”. I have all at once narrowed down and broadened my search for the right balance of how to afford and what to afford in one of the world’s most expensive sports.

KAIT CRUZ Read my style blog post on

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I began my riding career at age 6 on the infamous pony Cinnamon, at Quiet Run Farm, in Middle Grove, NY. Melissa Morrell and Maureen Gilloly masterfully guided me throughout the ranks of short stirrup through pony hunters, to the equitation and jumpers beyond. In college, I competed for the Morrisville State College IHSA hunt seat team as an open rider.

After graduating with an Equine Business degree, I was hired in St. Augustine, FL for my first professional riding job. In 2011, I was honored to accept a position with Todd Minikus until I moved on to ride for a beautiful private facility in Naples, FL. After an injury in 2014 temporarily sidelined my professional riding career, I turned to my second passion, fashion, in hopes of finding a life out of the saddle. I founded my fashion blog kaelya.com as a way to showcase and document my attainable style.

Styling looks and creating photo shoots was my way of coping with chronic pain. After completing an incredible pain rehabilitation program at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL in 2016, I was able to return to horses full time. Equestrian style became a natural progression. I love branching my attraction to deals to everything horse related and enjoy sharing all of my tips and tricks for creating the perfect ROOTD on a budget! Currently, I work with the super talented horses at Brookwood Farm Sport Horses in Conyers, GA. They are a sales operation that works strictly with rehoming and retraining off the track thoroughbreds, something that is close to my heart, growing up in Saratoga Springs, NY. I live with my husband in Atlanta, GA with our two rescue dogs, Daphne and Pancake. We hope to someday have a farm of our own and start an animal rescue!

KAELYA MARKL Read my style blog post on

theplaidhorse.com/READ

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Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax, MA, August 16 - 20, 2017.

1. Farm Cup Winners. 2. Competitors enjoyed jumping on the large grass field. 3. Allie Burak. 4. Melissa Rudershausen.

5. Jordan Coyle. 6. Kayleigh Frenier. 7. Amanda Gellis. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Vermont Summer Festival, East Dorset, VT, July 4 - August 13, 2017. 1. Alexa Schwitzer. 2. Emily Gilbert. 3. Carly Ruff.

4. Leah Rodman. 5. Grace Dayton. 6. Melissa Foster. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW, PRESENTED BY THE LINDSAY MAXWELL CHARITABLE FUND October 12-21 • Competitors Vie For More Than $500,000 in Prize Money and Eight National Championships THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW, PRESENTED

BY THE LINDSAY MAXWELL CHARITABLE FUND, RETURNS ON OCTOBER 12-21, 2017 TO THE PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW COMPLEX AND EXPO CENTER IN HARRISBURG, PA, THE HISTORIC HOST VENUE SINCE 1946.

The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) has been one of the largest and most prestigious horse shows in the U.S for over 70 years. As one of the largest indoor horse shows in the United States, this premier equestrian event attracts the nation’s top hunters and jumpers, and features many top riders.

During the national competition, 1,400 qualified Junior and Adult competitors from the U.S. and abroad will vie for more than $500,000 in prize money and eight national championships – including the prestigious Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, and Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Individual and Team Championships. “Junior Weekend” will take place October 12-15, followed by “Senior Week” October 16-21, culminating in the $100,000 Prix de Penn National Grand Prix Presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, which will feature Olympic and international riders.

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This year’s horse show will once again feature The Therapeutic Riding Championships. These will take place on “Foundation Friday,” October 20, and will include two riding championships – assisted and unassisted. “Foundation Friday” will also include the presentation of the Foundation "Therapy Horse of the Year" Award.

“Last year was our first year welcoming these riders to our show and it was a huge success,” said Susie Webb, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. “We have expanded our qualifying classes to include two new venues – Thorncroft Equestrian Center and Friendly Horseman’s Club. We can’t wait to host these championships again and to honor this year’s PNHS Foundation Therapy Horse of the Year.”

ADMISSION INFORMATION Junior Weekend (October 12 -13): Daily admission FREE for all ages the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING! Junior Weekend (October 14 -15): General Admission - $12, Students & Senior Citizens - $7, Family 4-pack General Admission (all ages) - $30. Children 10 and under FREE. Saturday, October 14 – 12:00-4:00 pm: Family Fun Day - Fun for ALL! Mascots, Crafts, Pony Rides, Chipper the Pony, Story Telling by two Local Authors and featuring the Neue Schule Junior Jumper Championships During Junior Weekend, “Saddle Up Against Hunger” with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank: Attendees purchasing tickets AT THE DOOR and bringing two non-

perishable food items, preferably peanut butter, will receive a $5 discount.

Sunday, October 15 – Medal Day – featuring the Dover Saddlery/ USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final.

Tickets: Adult $12; Students & Senior Citizens $7; 4-Pack $30 October 16-18 - Daily admission FREE for all ages the ENTIRE DAY AND EVENING! Thursday, October 19 - Pony Up for Pink with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Free Admission for Survivors! Tickets: Adult $15; Students & Senior Citizens $10; 4-Pack $40 Friday, October 20 - Foundation Friday featuring Therapy Riding Championships and Therapy Horse of the Year award. Tickets: Adult $15; Students & Senior Citizens $10; 4-Pack $40.

Saturday, October 21 - Grand Prix Day featuring the $100,000 Prix de Penn National Presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Tickets are good ALL day; re-entry w/hand stamp General Admission: $25 each – 4 pack $75; Reserved Seats Red Level: $40 each – 4 pack $130; Reserved Seats Blue Level: $50 each – 4 pack $175

For further information about the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, a schedule of events, promotions, ticket info and more please visit www.PANational.org or call 717-770-0222.

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

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Rated Sept. 24 “C” Sept. 30 “C” Oct. 21 “C” Nov. 4 “C” Nov. 18 “C”

For more information call:

Dec 15-17 “A”

(845) 564-6658

Dec. 21-23 “A”

GARDNERTOWN FARM EST. 1979

822 Gardnertown Farm Rd. Newburgh, New York 12550 Two indoor arenas, lessons, and indoor arena polo

VISIT US AT:

www.gardnertownfarm.com

Bay State Classic MHSA Adult Medal Finals, McDonogh, MD, August 5, 2017. 1. Champion Rio Parker & Turner. 2. Best Turned Out Emily Williams & Charakter. 3. 3rd Overall Katie Groomes & Iceman.

4. Reserve Champion Brittani Director & Rococo.

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PHOTOS © JULI PHILLIPS, VISPERA PRODUCTIONS, www.visperaproductions.com.

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Schooling Nov. 25

Schooling/ Hunter Derby WHVPHA

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My husband, Tim, and I crouched closer to the computer screen as we waited for Todd and Quality Girl to enter the ring for the jump-off. There was a $1 Million purse at stake for the horse of which we owned a small very small - piece. (See goo.gl/5uVE8R) It was a huge class in all aspects with only six to jump off. The difference between first and sixth was A LOT of money. “Couldn’t he just ride for second?” I pleaded. “Just this once?”

The little bay mare galloped into the ring. She lunged and plunged forward, looking back at her rider until you could see the whites of her eyes.

Minikus looked over his shoulder at the clock and then aimed for the start flags. “Not today,” Tim said.

TODD MINIKUS NEVER SLOWS DOWN PHOTOS © MARIA DONOVAN, ESI, HITS AND SPORTFOT.

56 • THE PLAID HORSE

THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT TODD MINIKUS, Thirty two years of riding at the Grand Prix level, over 130 National and International Grand Prix wins, 2014 Equestrian of the Year, 2014 Horse of the Year, numerous Nations Cup wins, $1 Million Grand Prix win, multiple Pan American Games Bronze Medals, and alternate for the U.S. Olympic Team. Most recent highlight? The $5000 USHJA National Hunter Derby in Tryon, NC. For all of his past successes and acclaim, Todd Minikus is still fighting his way to the top. Every day is a chance to ride better, to train better, to learn more about the horses to which he has dedicated his life. At 54, he is as fearless and hungry as he was when he first rode out of the Midwest decades ago aboard the aptly named jumper, Thrilling, to take the showjumping world by storm. He has had a string of great horses: Pavarotti, Quality Girl, Babalou 41, Macoemba, Sweetheart, Oh Star. But, as he states, he has yet to meet his horse of a lifetime. “I haven’t met that horse yet. For me, every horse has a significance and a purpose.”

Todd hails from Iowa, which he jokingly refers to as a “hotbed of showjumping.” More cowboy than not, he quickly realized the value in learning from all disciplines. “Good horse people are good horse people; it doesn’t matter what discipline. My driving force is to be a better horseman every single day, and to keep my eyes, ears, and mind open to what horses are telling me.”

Minikus listens and watches those around him, ready to learn from everyone. Thoroughbred racehorse trainers, Standardbred trainers, bull riders, old horsemen, young horsemen- everyone has something to offer. “I keep my eyes open,” he explains. “Every horse and every situation can be educational.”

Paramount to Minikus is good horsemanship. “I was blessed with some ability to ride. But, horsemanship is the most important part.” Every trainer should know how to do every job in a barn. From mucking stalls to wrapping legs to understanding the anatomy and psychology of a horse, a consummate horseman participates in all. Minikus believes that a healthy future for the show horse industry is tied to young trainers’ commitment to horsemanship. “My advice to young professionals is to be responsible for their own thing. Don’t give the management of your business away to a foreman who may know less than you. The blacksmith, vet, feeding, and care of the horses are the rider’s and/or trainer’s responsibility. They have to be involved.”

“You make your own luck,” Minikus claims. “Through sacrifice, decisions, and choices.” Young trainers should do any job that needs to be done without believing it is beneath them. Successful young professionals David Jennings, Craig Starr, Daniel and Mark Bluman, and Brian Walker came up through the Minikus system of starting at the bottom and moving up. With no job too menial, these young men worked hard and positioned themselves for the opportunity to gain their own clients and professional careers.

Has the horse show industry become too exclusive and elite as recent conversation debates? While Minikus acknowledges that financial privilege may smooth a career path, he believes that money is not the deciding factor in professional athletics. “There is a certain percentage of people – wealthy or not – that have a burning desire to be good.” He explains that many sports face the same dynamic with young participants who can afford lessons, specialized training, and the best equipment- and those who cannot. The “havenots” with steely determination to succeed will find a way to their goal. The “haves,” despite their financial advantages, will only ascend as far as their talent and determination take them.

As Minikus puts it, “If this is your burn, if this is what grabs you in the stomach and keeps you up at night wondering how you are going to make it happen, you will make it no matter what your background.” He points out that horse sport has always had a component of wealth at its core. Yet, talented, committed, and hard working horsemen find a path to success regardless of economic status. “At some point it all comes out. Even if you buy Pegasus, at some point, Pegasus is going to think that oxer is too wide and you are going to have to ride the hair off of him to get him to jump it. Money can’t buy that desire to dig in and put your body on the line.”

Risk of injury is a part of the business that Minikus knows well. Cracked bones and bruises are part of the game. He has been broken and sidelined, but never daunted.

“I am still hungry and I am still capable,” he states plainly.

From young jumpers to Grand Prix horses and, most recently, a young hunter, Minikus is still riding for the win.

Aboard his six year old, Exceptional, he has been tearing up the hunter ring of late. “I started in the hunters and I do love competing there. This is a very special young horse that keeps getting better and better. He is going to make someone a top-notch horse. Selling horses is our business

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 57

THE GUY WHO NEVER RIDES FOR SECOND. so I would love to find the right buyer for him.”

With no plans to slow down, Minikus continues to compete, train horses and riders, and spend time with his wife, Amanda, and two kids, Colt and Langley. Amanda is a force behind the scenes, keeping all of the moving parts of home and business operating at optimum efficiency.

Together, they operate their farm in Wellington, Florida and coordinate Todd’s riding and training career. Always in the mix is the endeavor to find good clients to enable them to buy great horses. “Owners who love this sport are important.

We have to keep track of those who are in this for a lifetime. “ Todd and Amanda are vocal proponents of American buyers

PHOTO © ADAM HILL.

for American riders. They believe strongly in the quality and efficacy of the American equestrian system. As Todd opines, “Throughout history, Americans have dominated because we have had the best horsemanship, riding skill, and technique while Europeans have had a better breeding program. We are very patriotic.”

As the fall show season approaches, Minikus will have his sights set on the next in-gate, the next set of start flags, the next horse- hunter or jumper, and the next winner’s circle. Undaunted by the effects of time and toil, Minikus doggedly continues his race to the top.

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BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

58 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 59

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

Equestrian Clothing Hits the Streets

Essex Classics shirt, Coming this fall to your local tack store. essexclassics.com

Not long ago, fashion conscious equestrians would never be seen in their favorite public places in their riding clothes. A quick trip home to change or a packed bag with extra clothes were de rigueur. Today, the latest trends in equestrian apparel easily cross into the world outside of barn life. Comfortable and form fitting breeches in a variety of colors are matched with fashion forward tops to create a look for day or night. Riding shirts feature beautifully patterned cuffs and collars appropriate for any social or professional activity. Sun shirts in a rainbow of colors are perfect for outdoor activities with a cool, vented look. Belts, socks, boots, jackets- all can be repurposed from the aisle to the sidewalk, the riding ring to the lunch table, the barn to the bar.

60 • THE PLAID HORSE

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

Essex Classics shirt, Coming this fall to your local tack store. essexclassics.com

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 61

www.fluffmonkey.com kathy@fluffmonkey.com 717.779.5438

MADE IN THE USA

62 โ ข THE PLAID HORSE

Ace Equestrian belt, $40.

For fashionistas on a budget. ace-equestrian.com

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

Konia Kari Jacket in Espresso, $880 CAN. Piper-approved for Upstate New York to minus 20ยบ F and for Ixonia, Wisconsin pony viewing all winter long. koniaequestrian.com

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 63

64 • THE PLAID HORSE

Katherine Page Devon Sandals, $375. katharinepage.co

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

GhoDho Cruelty Free Belts, $68. ghodho.com

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 65

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66 • THE PLAID HORSE

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

RJ Classics shirts, from $59. rjclassics.com

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 67

Equestrian Clothing Hits the Streets Alessandro Albanese jacket, $160. equlifestyleboutique.com

From the Saddle

to the Street

Equestrian Fashions

THAT TRANSCEND BARN LIFE

RJ Classics shirt, from $59. rjclassics.com

Ellany Equestrian belt, from $18. ellanyequestrian.com

WelshWear Lagoon Blue V-Neck sweater, $60. welshwear.com

68 • THE PLAID HORSE

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North American Young/Junior Rider Championships, HITS Showgrounds, Saugerties, NY, July 19 - 24, 2017. 1. Nicole Meyer in Kask, Manfredi, & Animo. 2. Lexi Ray in Samshield, Equiline, & SSG. 3. Annabeth Athey & Briley Koerner in Samshield Premium. 4. Charlise Casas in Animo, Ogilvy, Equifit, GPA First Lady, & Parlanti Roma. 5. Brian Moggre in Samshield, Roeckl, Animo, & Fabbri (Professional Choice girth). PHOTOS © JORDAN COBB.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FROM PAGE 77: ACROSS: 1. LAKE ERIE COLLEGE 7. FLOATS 8. RINGWORM 9. OXER 1O. LEATHER 13. MEDIAL 14. SNAFFLE 17. SKIRT 18. SARCOID 19. GLUEONS 21. CURB 22. THREE DOWN: 1. LATERAL 2. KENTUCKY 3. CARDIAC 4. LIGAMENTS 5. BORIUM 6. POLL 7. FROG 11. EGGBAR 12.

THIRTY 15. FORGING 16. STIFLE 17. SPIDER 20. EIGHTY

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 69

70 • THE PLAID HORSE

J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds II the ultimate horseman’s horseman, died on Monday, July 24, 2017, of complications from esophageal cancer.

From the 1950’s right up to 2017, Reynolds, 78, was major influence at the top of the hunter jumper sport in this country and was recently inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. A great rider in his younger days, Bucky also had success in the jumper ring, winning the Cartier Grand Prix at Madison Square Garden on Steve’s Poppet. But, for the most part, hunters were his strong suit. From Gozzi to Stocking Stuffer back in the day to Estrella and Rosalynn of recent days, Reynolds spent a lifetime finding them, riding them, making them – and then stood back and watched as horse after horse went from greenhorn to great under his patient, watchful eye.

Reynolds’ talents as both rider and trainer were first nurtured by his legendary National Show Hunter Hall of Fame father, J. Arthur Reynolds, Sr. After graduating as an English major from prestigious Wofford College, Bucky moved to Virginia and found a second mentor in another legend, A.E. “Gene” Cunningham. Cunningham’s quiet, persistent patience with young horses rubbed off on Bucky and the structure of his horsemanship was born.

Reynolds found four-time National Horse Show Champion Gozzi as a yearling and trained him into a First Year Green horse as a three year old before selling him and moving on to the next project. His horses made others famous. Names like Traurig and Beard, Wheeler and Weaver, Oare and Farmer – all benefited from being next in line for one of Bucky’s graduates.

Bucky Reynolds was more than a creator of horses; he was also a creator of horsemen. Tosh, Towell, Farrell, and Karazissis are among the greats of our business who were lucky enough to learn from his system. “As a rider, he had

maybe the best hands I ever saw. As a trainer, he was meticulous- kept a diary of every horse and every show,” said great friend and protégé Jack Towell. “But, he was more than that. He loved his horses; he was a great teacher. And, well, he just told me stuff, hours and hours of stuff. He knew more about horses than anyone I ever met in this business.”

For the legions of champions Bucky trained through the decades, the horse and rider combination that resonated most for him was the great mare Estrella, piloted by his sister and fellow National Show Hunter Hall of Fame member, Betty Oare. He claimed that his proudest moment as a trainer was that dynamic duo winning the Amateur Owner Grand Championship at the Devon Horse Show. He beamed, “I think that [Estrella] would have to be a first ballot Hall of Famer (she was)... She was almost

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 71

unstoppable when she was on her game.”

Bucky also had enormous influence outside of the ring. Often accompanied by wife, Linda, he judged virtually every prestigious horse show in America over the past few decades. In the Thoroughbred sales world, Bucky Reynolds, along with Lee Eaton and John Williams at Eaton Sales, created the modern day template for how auction horses are prepared and presented. “He got down to the essence of who a horse was,” said Meg Levy, owner of the very successful Bluewater Sales. “But more than that, he was a great guy to work for. He would notice and point out something someone did well with a horse every day. Always the positive. He literally wrote a handbook on standing horses on the line,” Levy recalled. “I think of him every day.”

Reynolds is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Jay, a recent graduate of the Darden School of Business of the University of Virginia, and his daughter, Lydia, of Charleston, SC. Also surviving him are his sister and lifelong compatriot, Betty Oare, and his brother, Bobby.

J. Arthur “Bucky” Reynolds II – handsome, ageless, impeccably dressed – was the rarest of all breeds. A man of tremendous talent, instinct, and success, he was always gracious and humble. He allowed his horses and riders to be his megaphone. To say that we won’t see the likes of him at the ingate for quite some time may sound trite. But, we won’t. As Betty put it, “I still can’t picture the world without him.” ◼ BY TIMOTHY WICKES

72 • THE PLAID HORSE

“So, I finish my warm-up and all of a sudden, George and McLain come running up and say, ‘All you gotta do is jump clean and we got the gold!’” Just another jump off for 49 year old Grand Prix veteran Will Simpson? Not so much. This is 2008, this is Hong Kong, and, yes, this is the Olympic Games. If Simpson and his mount, Carlsson vom Dach, execute a fault free round in the jump off versus Canada, they seal the deal for the U.S.A… Gold… Thirty eight years after Simpson’s riding journey began on a farm in Illinois, he was about to ride into the ring for

TU

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SE

TOP: WILL SIMPSON AT THE 2008 SUMMER GAMES. BOTTOM: WILL SIMPSON, BEEZIE MADDEN, LAURA KRAUT, & MCLAIN WARD ON OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL PODIUM IN CHINA.

• HISTO

GOLD.

the moment of dreams. “The first thing that came over me was ‘Wait a minute, these fences are like houses.’ But, my second thought was ‘I got this. Jump offs are my favorite part of the sport.’” And so began a ride into destiny.

By the time 2008 rolled around, Will Simpson had been making news as a rider for 31 years. As a junior rider in Illinois, Will and The Roofer jumped 7’5” in front of 40,000 people at Arlington Park Race Track and, as fast as you can say “big wall,” a career was born. Eight years later ID HO A in Cincinnati, Will and Jolly Good set a world high R PL jump record at 7’9” that stood for nine years. But, as Midwest gave way to West and the lights dimmed on the 20th century, Will Simpson became famous not just as a Puissance specialist, but as the guy between Spruce and San Diego that you just didn’t want RI A walking in the ring after you in the jump off. He was CAL FE fast, he was accurate, and he was fearless.

With top mounts such as Ado Annie and Tosca, Simpson racked up over 75 Grand Prix wins and three World Cup appearances. But, until Carlsson vom Dach came into his life in the spring of 2007, there was very little time spent on the international stage. For the self-described “national rider,” the concept of an Olympic team was as foreign as Hong Kong itself. But, as spring rolled into summer and into autumn, Carlsson began to show himself to be less of the 1.50 meter horse Will thought he had bought, and more of a 1.60 meter horse- the kind of horse that makes a veteran rider whistle the National Anthem when he gets up in the morning.

After wins at Spruce Meadows, Del Mar, and Los Angeles, Simpson heeded the advice of Chef d’Equipe George Morris and headed south to Argentina for some international experience. Clean rounds and consistent performances in South America led Will and Carlsson’s principal owner, Eva Gonda of El Campeon Farms, to put their heads together and come up with a plan for the Olympic Trials in 2008. With a 2007 travel schedule like George Clooney in Up, the duo went from Europe to Cali, then to Canada, back to Europe, back to Cali, down to Argentina and back to Cali. Simpson and Gonda decided that it was time for a break and to train the horse at the farm with no horse shows before shipping to Wellington, FL in February for the Olympic Trials.

After a few downed rails in the first trial, Carlsson and Will caught fire. “We started jumping clear rounds and won three in a row. He was great there,” Simpson remembers. In spite of missing the last trial in Florida due to getting cast in his stall the night before, Carlsson made the top ten, and he and Will were off to Europe.

Gold Medal Olympic veterans Beezie Madden on Authentic and McLain Ward on Sapphire seemed a lock to make the team again, and Laura Kraut and her young ping pong ball of a mount, Cedric, were right there with them. Will and Carlsson were fighting it out for the last seat on the bus with Jeffrey Welles on Armani, Olympian Anne Kursinski on Champ 163, young upstart Charlie Jayne on Urbanus, and Will’s wife, Nicole Shahinian Simpson on SRF Dragonfly. “We went to Europe and did the first three shows, La Baule, Rome, and St. Gallen, and we were clean in the first rounds at all three, double clean at Rome, and then they wanted to see us at Aachen.” After Armani injured a tendon, it came down to Will

Simpson and Anne Kursinski- and Simpson got the nod. As a primarily national rider, Simpson had never before been on a team, much less an Olympic team. The moment was not lost on him. “For my story, it was, ‘Wow, make the top ten, what an accomplishment.’ Then, it was, ‘Make the Team. What an incredible feat. Represent the country…’” Simpson’s voice trails off remembering the enormity of the experience. And so it was, off to Hong Kong.

“The horses jumped great all week, all of them, and we started to think that maybe we’ve got a chance here. We could win this thing,” he recalls. After the final jumping round, the oddest of things happened: there was a tie. Laura Kraut was, by her own admission, in the rider’s tent chomping on a hot dog when she and her sister, Mary Elizabeth, realized that there would be a jump off against Canada for the Gold Medal.

Full stomach aside, Kraut and Cedric gave a fault free round, as did Ward and the great mare, Sapphire. The Canadians had a four fault score, meaning that if Will and Carlsson slithered around just right, the band wasn’t going to be playing Oh, Canada.

So, this is the backdrop for Morris and Ward running up to them in the warm-up arena. As Simpson puts it, “After 35 years of doing circles in the sand, this was it.” And, like he says, jump offs are his thing. The jumps were still as big as houses, so they found a good forward rhythm. A tough liverpool liverpool one stride combination leads the way into fourteen strides to destiny. Simpson let Carlsson roll right down to the base of the last big oxer, and the horse exploded off the ground, as Simpson knew he would. “And, the next thing I heard was ‘U.S.A. gold!’” Simpson recollects. “After the victory gallop, I started saluting my son, Ty, something we started in Rome. But, I didn’t know where he was, so I just saluted everywhere.”

As many know, Carlsson vom Dach was sold to Double H Farm immediately following the Games. In the bittersweet irony of history, that victory gallop was Simpson’s last ride ever on Carlsson. Their thirteen plus month odyssey from strangers to Olympic Gold partners was over. But, what a ride it was.

While Carlsson vom Dach’s career never again approached that magical year, Simpson keeps on winning, including nine Grand Prix wins at the 2015 HITS Thermal circuit alone. As he concluded the interview, Simpson added, “And, after all this time, this morning I showed a horse for the first time in a 1.30 meter class that I bought myself and that has all the talent. His name is Chacco P and this time, instead of thirteen months, I have three years.” Will Simpson only glances in the rearview mirror because he still has his eyes on the road ahead. ◼ BY TIMOTHY WICKES

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 73

1532 Riverside Drive Glendale, CA 818-242-2841

From the paddock to the show ring!

@damoorstackandfeed

74 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 75

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USEF Junior Hunter National Championship - East, Saugerties, NY. July 31 - Aug. 1, 2017 1. Miles Holman in Parlanti, Animo, Roeckl, & Samshield.

2. Gia Rinaldi in Charles Ancona, Parlanti, Ghodho, & Essex. 3. Hallie Grimes in RJ Classics, Samshield, & Parlanti. 4. Kaitlyn Williams in Charles Ancona, Samshield, Parlanti, Tailored Sportsman, & Ruespari. PHOTOS © JORDAN COBB.

76 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.

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Oregon High Desert Classics, Bend, OR. July 18 - 30, 2017 1. Nicole Bourgeois & Duck Duck Goose in the $10,000 International Hunter Derby. 2. Camille Leblond on Category in the 16-17 Large Junior Hunters. 3. Double Play & Missy Froley in the Green Hunter 3'6/3'9. 4. Maggie Kehring & Ithaca placing third in the $2,500 Mini Grand Prix. 5. Kelli Johnston & WT Lightyear in the 5 year old jumpers. 6. Maggie Kehring & Collin 4 in the $2500 Mini Prix. 7. Nicole Dicort Bush & Twixton in the 1.20m Jumpers.

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PHOTOS © GRACE SALMON.

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theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 77

Crossword inspired by the

CROSSWORD BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge.

Learn more at ushja.org/HQC – and be sure to register for HQC 2017! Post your completed crosswords and tag @theplaidhorsemag on Instagram for a chance to win cool prizes!

Clue for 14 down

Clue for 9 across; PHOTO © MACKENZIE SHUMAN, QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Location of HQC Finals An equine dentist ___ teeth Fungal skin infection Don’t jump this backward Tack is made out of...

Anatomical location to the inside of a limb Upper ring on a Pelham bit Part of saddle covering stirrup bars Benign tumor Shoes without nails Lower ring on a Pelham bit # of members on Olympic Equestrian Team in 2020

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Anatomical location to the outside of a limb Site of USEF Pony Finals Type of muscle found in the heart These connect bones to each other Metal welded to shoe to give traction Place between the ears Part of hoof shaped like a “V” Type of shoe for heel soreness Whips cannot be longer than ___ inches Hitting front foot with toe of hind foot Highest joint on a hind leg Type of stabilization bandage Score required in Level 1 HQC test to qualify for Level 2

See page 68 for answers!

78 • THE PLAID HORSE

THE EVOLUTION of Equestrian Fashion Over many, many centuries, those who have ridden horses have utilized several different types of clothing in order to satisfy form or function. From cavalry units to the most elegant dressage horse, equestrian apparel is ultimately very important. We looked back in time to present the most simple historical snapshot of what riders wore from the very beginnings of equestrianism to the modern sport…

THE BEGINNINGS (500 BCE): Though it is largely unknown as to when humans first began to mount and ride horses, the first evidence dates back to the fifth century BCE, as the Persians began using horses to deliver messages. These Persians, whether they had saddles or much tack at all, wore what any other messenger of their time wore. Their long coats were open in the front, with soft under garments that covered them head to toe, tailored perfectly to their bodies. Though the long coats were bulky, the pants provided enough flexibility for the messengers to be able to ride for long hours on horseback.

CHINA (340 BCE): The next evidence of humans riding horses dates back to a little over 2,500 years ago when the Chinese started using horses in warfare. Their infamous Mongolian archers were feared by anyone who crossed their path and were, for a period of time, deemed indestructible because of their abilities to cover large distances and wage war for many miles while mounted on their horses. These warriors wore nothing out-ofthe ordinary from the unmounted warriors and archers. Wealthier soldiers wore heavily armored suits of bronze, and later, of cast iron. The less wealthy wore lamellar cuirass, suits made of hundreds of small overlapping metal plates acting as metal armour. Over these metal suits, some men would be required to wear the uniform of their allegiance. Those within the Han dynasty, for example, would wear classical Hanfu cloaks.

THE MIDDLE AGES (5TH - 15TH CENTURY): Though the Middle Ages is a broad time frame, little change actually occurred in the way horses were used and ridden over the previous thousand years and up through the Renaissance. Horses were split into three general groups: chargers or war horses, palfreys or riding horses, and packhorses or work horses. While aboard the war horses, the men would wear war armor. The “knights in shining armor” stereotype originated during this period. Palfreys, on the other hand, were mostly ridden by women and men of royalty who wore the dress of their nation, often adorning themselves, as well as the horses, in lavish colors, ornaments, and drapes. Horses became increasingly popular for simply riding rather than for war or work.

1500’S: When Hernan Cortés invaded Mexico in 1519 and conquered the Aztec Empire, he opened up a whole new world for the Spanish empire.

The Spaniards, known as the crusaders of their time, were fond of their horses and knew they needed them to help them conquer the new land.

So they brought them over to the New World (modern-day Mexico).

These horses were used to carry messages over long distances, to wage wars, and as riding companions. While aboard their trusty steeds, the Spaniards donned full body armor while in the cavalry, or simple cotton long-sleeved shirts and long cotton pants. This was both practical and affordable at the time.

EUROPE, 1600’S - 1700’S: As the civilized world began to expand, horse breeding drastically changed. Horses began to be used for transportation of goods which expanded routes of trade. Horses were bred for strength and mass, as well as for speed, grace, and elegance. As the horse racing industry boomed in the early 1600’s horses began to become items for the wealthy. Those who were lucky enough to own a horse as a pleasure animal instead of a work horse wore lavish clothes while riding. Women would don large elegant skirts paired with masculine coats. Men wore great military costumes showing their rank or prince-like coats to show wealth. While the women’s large skirts may seem unpractical, their skirts were actually considered “safety skirts.” If a woman fell off her horse while riding, her skirt would detach so it wouldn’t snag and become a safety concern.

theplaidhorse.com • September 2017 • 79 1.

NORTH AMERICA, MID TO LATE 1700’S: As the Spanish came to the Americas with their horses, they traded with the Native Americans and thus began a whole new era of horse use. These horses were generally used for transport of goods, as companions, and to hunt. Native Americans valued horses on a religious level and treated them with great rspect. Clothing worn on horseback was much like the everyday clothing the Native Americans wore.

Traditional wear consisted of the buffalo hide, leather from cows, and other assorted suitable skins – a minimalist but effective approach to protection from heat, rubbing, and dust.

THE 1800’S: The previous era’s lavish and elegant fashion for horseback riders toned down considerably in the 1800’s. Women began wearing more conservative, masculine coats that look much like the ones worn today. Women wore pants as well so they could ride more comfortably (although, at first they were still worn under skirts). Wealthy women were expected to ride aside, or sidesaddle, as riding astride was thought to be inelegant.

Soon, a new age in horse sports was born. In 1869, ‘horse leaping’ was a spectacle at the Dublin horse show, with riders wearing tweed coats in dark tones as well as pants and boots, much like what is seen today. Helmets weren’t yet considered necessary. Instead, riders wore small, fashionable plastic or velvet caps.

THE 1900’S: By the end of the 1800’s, the new horse industry was blooming with great potential. Horses were still used as work horses, but industrialization was creating better machines that could do a horse’s work in less time. With industrialization came the mass production of clothes, so new styles and colors began to emerge. This was seen in the horse industry through the introduction of jodhpurs, a new style of pants that was more comfortable and flexible to wear while riding. Coats became more form-fitting and new fabrics were also introduced making coats more comfortable to wear. Men kept the traditional shirtand-tie look, while women began to wear high-collared white shirts that presented a more refined and feminine look. The helmet was also introduced in this time, though safety was still not a primary concern.

THE 21ST CENTURY: Though the overall look- helmet, tweed jacket, beige pants, and black boots- has not changed much, the details have taken a great turn. Technology has begun to be incorporated into the fabrics and design of the clothing worn by riders, with safety, comfort, and flexibility being the top concerns.

The jackets have slimmed down to become more form-fitting, the pants have also gotten tighter with fabric that stretches and moves with the rider. Helmet safety has become of primary concern in the industry, with new technology and research coming out every year. Custom boots mold to a rider’s foot and leg, creating a slimmer appearance and also coming with a zipper for convenience.

The evolution of equestrian apparel has mirrored the path of history as horses moved from beasts of work and warfare to their current role as sporthorses. The suit of armour has been replaced by clothing made from technologically advanced materials, fashioned for maximum efficiency and comfort.

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BY TPH INTERN MACKENZIE SHUMAN, IMAGES COURTESY

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

CHJA Estes Park, Copper Penny, July 19-23, 2017.

1. Elizabeth Brewer & Fun Tickets in the 1.15 jumpers. 2. Lexie Karet on Camelot in the mini Prix.

3. Madison Arellano in the Short Stirrup aboard the One and Only.

4. Jillian Jensen in the Columbine Jr Medal. 5. Amanda Hume in the Deborah L. Donoghue Memorial Equitation Challenge.

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PHOTOS © TORI WEED.

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Kentucky Summer Classic, Rolex Stadium, Kentucky Horse Park, KY. August 1 - 6, 2017. 1. & 5. 3' Green Hunter. 2. Terry Brown in the 3'6" Performance Hunters.

3. & 4. 3'6 Green Hunter. 5. Sarah Demane & Seuss in the 3'6 Junior Hunters.

6. Vermont Here’s the Gold. PHOTOS © GRACE SALMON.

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DEAF IS NOT A DEFINITION: Riders Who Don’t Allow Hearing Loss to Define Them Hearing loss and deafness can often be debilitating in the professional world, and procedures such as cochlear implantation do not always work.

Equestrian sport does not exclude riders with hearing impairment. The US Equestrian Federation allows for accommodations to be made for those with an impairment, as seen in article EQ114, which states that “exhibitors with a permanent hearing impairment are permitted to use an electronic communication device upon submission of a written certification from a treating medical professional’s office…” This communication device is generally used for flat classes, so that the rider can clearly hear the instructions given by the judges announcer. It does not, however, permit the trainer to coach the competitor while they are in the show arena. With appropriate accommodations and the fact that riding is a solo sport by nature, deaf riders can thrive in the equestrian world.

Raleigh Hiler Raleigh Hiler, of Sudbury, MA is a talented young rider who competes in the hunter, equitation, and jumper rings. She’s just like the other riders at Holly Hill Farm, where she trains with Caitlin Venezia White. She hangs out with her friends, manages her time between school and riding, and she’s also deaf.

Raleigh was born hearing, but after a bout with meningitis at the age of 8 months, she became deaf. She got cochlear implants in both ears, the first at the age of one year, and another at 3 years old. With implants in, Raleigh has 75% of her hearing in one ear, and little to none in the other. Intensive speech therapy and additional support throughout grade school has allowed Raleigh to lead the life of a typical teenager. She attends her local high school and looks forward to college.

As an equitation and hunter rider, Raleigh is required to compete in classes on the flat. Due to her limited hearing, Raleigh and her trainers take advantage of the rule allowing hearing impaired riders to use communication with their trainers, but it’s not necessarily an advantage.

“I can tell her what to do in the flat class – walk, trot, canter,” explained White. “But I cannot coach her at all. She actually gets less input as she canters by than the other kids. I can’t tell her to add leg or slow down or anything.”

While issues with her hearing can be managed within the show ring, navigating the areas outside of the ring can often be more problematic.

With no peripheral hearing, Raleigh cannot hear another horse or a tractor coming up behind her. White and the other trainers at Holly Hill have to keep a close eye on Raleigh, ensuring that she can safely navigate the chaotic horse show grounds. “We used to not let her walk from the barn to the ring alone,” said White. “We were very protective, but as she’s gotten older and more aware of her surroundings, we’ve relaxed a bit.”

Despite everything against her, Raleigh has become confident in her abilities in and out of the arena. “My confidence has grown so much through riding,” said Raleigh. “I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do that others can.”

RALEIGH COMPETING IN THE HUNTERDON CUP AT THE USEF JUNIOR HUNTER FINALS - EAST AT HITS SAUGERTIES. BELOW, LEFT AND RIGHT: RALIEGH COMPETING ON HER OWN CANTOBLANCO AT THE DEVON HORSE SHOW.

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Matthew Burtard

MATTHEW SHOWING JENNIFER GREY AT THE USEF PONY FINALS IN THE SMALL PONY HUNTERS.

Matthew Burtard is the 9-year-old son of pony trainer and owner of Stonewall Farm, Emily Elek Burtard. Spunky and free-spirited, Matthew has ventured into the equine world under the guidance of his mother, where he races around the children’s and regular pony hunters.

Unlike Raleigh, Matthew was born with profound hearing loss in both ears, which Elek and her husband were notified of at his newborn hearing check. Upon receiving coverage from their insurance, Matthew got cochlear implants done in each ear, but they haven’t been completely successful for him.

Unlike the popular Facebook videos when a baby hears for the first time and smiles, Matthew instead cried. “We have struggled with the cochlears because if he doesn’t want to do something, or if he doesn’t want to listen to you, those cochlears come off. [His] eyes are closed, and so you can’t sign at him.” Despite both implants working, Matthew only chooses to wear the right side, when he wears them at all.

Because of his difficulty with cochlear implants, Matthew often relies upon sign language to communicate. At school, he is in a mainstream classroom, but attends a class twice a week for speech and language, as well as meeting with a specialized teacher. Additionally, in the middle of the past school year, Matthew got a sign language interpreter in his classroom, which has allowed him to stay focused for longer, and has also taught him new signs, which he then teaches to his parents.

Thanks to his mother’s business, Matthew and his brother have always had ponies to ride. When he was little, Matthew had a Shetland pony called Spot, which he could handle by himself, making him comfortable with horses at an early age.

In the past year, Matthew has gotten more serious about riding, after taking a break due to a fall when he was six. “I decided to bribe him,” laughed Emily. “I told him I’d give him a quarter if he jumped the jump. He jumped a jump and then a gymnastics, and then expected a dollar. So, that’s how I got him jumping!”

Because of his spitfire personality, combined with his hearing loss, Elek is careful about his riding at horse shows. She tries to find a quiet warm up ring, where they spend a short amount of time getting ready, and then sends him into the ring in hopes that he actually knows his course. Additionally, Matthew only recently started doing flat classes. Elek has not gone about getting permission to communicate electronically with Matthew, and so he must rely on watching what others are doing instead of hearing the announcer.

In 2017, Matthew attended his first USEF Pony Finals, where he successfully competed in the Small Pony Hunter division on Jennifer Grey. To his and his family’s delight, he was awarded a Betsy Fishback Sportsmanship Ribbon and his pony won the Best Turned Out Pony for the Small Division. Matthew is a well known character at the horse shows, loved and amused by all.

THIS PHOTO AND BELOW: MATTHEW AND JENNIFER GREY AT THE NEW HITS BALMORAL.

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Andie Aviv Andie Aviv, 13, is a junior rider who rides with the Karazissis family at their Far West Farms in Calabasas, CA. The young equitation and hunter rider has been successful across California and manages her hearing challenges well both inside and outside of the horse world.

Andie was born deaf, but was not diagnosed in the hospital.

Her parents did not know of a hearing loss until she was 7 months old. She wasn’t properly diagnosed until almost one year old. She got her first cochlear implant at the age of 14 months, and the second around 24 months, which her parents insisted on. “We really hustled to get them in to prevent the closing of the Language Acquisition Gap,” explained Katie Aviv, Andie’s mom.

One challenge for the talented rider has been finding a helmet that would fit around her cochlear implants. “I had helmets that would give me a headache because they were too tight around my [implants],” explained Andie. “We got the Samshield, and that fits perfectly.” The new helmet fits so well that most people don’t even realize that Andie is wearing implants, and are often surprised to know that she’s deaf.

For Andie, cochlear implants were the best option, and she has campaigned for others to give them chance. She helps to mentor other hearing impaired children in her area, and even has tried to convince Grand Prix rider, Jamie Barge, who competes with a severe hearing disability, to give implants a try. Katie also helps to mentor families when possible, and the pair enjoy meeting other families that have gone through the struggles of cochlear implantation.

ANDIE COMPETING IN THE CPHA FOUNDATION MEDAL FINALS AT BLENHEIM SHOW PARK IN DEL MAR, CA.

ANDIE PREPARING TO HEAD INTO THE SHOW RING.

Andie, unlike Matthew, responded very well to the implants, and never learned to sign. Her success is due to hard work and the commitment of Andie and her family to the process.

Katie quit her job in order to work with Andie full time in teaching her to understand sound and language. Intensive speech and language therapy, combined with Katie’s extensive efforts, and the noise associated with having two older siblings, have helped Andie thrive in the hearing world.

Successful and smart, Andie doesn’t let her deafness stop her.

Between starting a new school and moving up the ranks in the equitation, Andie is optimistic. “With my hearing aids, [my deafness] honestly, doesn’t change anything for me.”

Now, Andie is a successful student and rider. She began riding three years ago after pestering her parents to let her have riding lessons. After they gave in, she quickly found her way to the Karazissis’ farm, where she has stayed ever since.

With her own Splendid, Andie has been tackling the 3'- 3'3" equitation classes, as well as hunter derby classes despite having only been showing for a little more than a year.

Despite hearing loss, all three of these young riders have paved a way for themselves to be successful in equestrian sport. For Raleigh, awareness of her surroundings, a strong support team, and the accommodations provided by the USEF have led to a stellar equestrian career. For Matthew, grit and boyish energy keep him going under the watchful eye of his mother and trainer. And for Andie, her disability does not separate her from any other young rider climbing the ranks of the equitation. These three young riders are testimony to the power of determination combined with love of horse sport to transcend physical challenges. ◼ BY TPH INTERN IRENE ELISE POWLICK

PHOTOS: JORDAN COBB, IRENE ELISE POWLICK, MACKENZIE SHUMAN / QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY, ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY, AND KATIE SCANLAN.

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Showpark Racing Festival, Del Mar Horsepark, Blenheim Equisports, Del Mar, CA, July 2017. 1. Looking ahead. 2. Tina Yates. 3. Soaring. 4. Mavis Spencer. 5. Pats for a job well done.

PHOTOS © TREENA HALL EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Giant Steps Charity Classic, Sonoma Horse Park, Petaluma, CA, August 2-6, 2017.

1. VDL Wittinger & Amanda Flint preparing for their round in the $40,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix. 2. Cabana VDL & Hope Glynn with a great effort in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. 3. Firestone S & Kristin Hardin sail over the Charleigh’s Cookies oxer in the Grand Prix and into second place. 4. Boss & Brooke Morin demonstrate perfect form over the single oxer in the International Derby. 5. Sambuca & Shannon Beck enjoying the spotlight and a beautiful ribbon after their second place finish in the International Derby.

PHOTOS © LAUREN AUBERT.

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EQUO’s Anna Dulin Talks Passion, Endurance, and Fashion EQUO co-founder Anna Dulin knew from an early age that her passion was in the barn- riding and caring for the horses that brought her comfort and strength in what she describes as a challenging childhood.

“From an early age, I realized that my only true place in this world was with horses.

Perhaps my earliest memory was when I was five or six and cried because I had to miss a horse show to go to a birthday party,” explains Dulin. “By the time that I was in junior high, this passion had cemented itself. I was a rebel growing up, but in the barn, none of the pressures of adolescence mattered. There was no pressure to perform, only a love for my equine partner and a drive to teach the horse and push myself to improve step by step every day.”

Now, Dulin looks back on her riding career with pride and gratitude. She has successfully parlayed a passion for the horses and clothing into an equestrian lifestyle company, EQUO, that claims a number of amateur and professional

and accessories to a fervent demographic of equestrian professionals and amateur enthusiasts whose hectic and demanding schedules create a need for apparel that translates seamlessly from the barn to the street.

As a working mom and lifelong rider who grew up on a horse farm, Dulin knows first hand the demands of balancing the busy schedules of career, parenting, and equestrian. It was this personal experience, combined with her drive for success, that led her to find a solution to this common struggle.

riders as fans, as well as A-list Hollywood

“We have found a unique space in the market,” explains Dulin. “While the

celebrities.

equestrian market is very large, it’s also quite segmented. Our goal is to build

Dulin and her husband, Andrew Filipowski, founded the company with the goal of bringing high quality, technologically advanced lifestyle attire

a premium line of lifestyle and athleisure equestrian wear that will allow our customers to feel their best- whether they’re training at the barn or running errands between meetings or extracurricular activities.”

Launched in 2016, EQUO brands itself as a premium “barn life” brand, catering

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our passion and love for horses, and we all understand the unique bond between a rider and her partner.”

The line, which includes a range of apparel, from riding pants to sun shirts, caps, hoodies and more, hopes to continue to expand their line in the coming seasons.

The company has plans to launch a competition line for both men and women, as well as a children’s line. These goals, according to Dulin, come after a lifetime of preparation to compete and succeed. “I’ve had to overcome a number of obstacles in

to women’s, men’s, and junior’s apparel. The clothing balances the demands of the ring with the social style and premium quality that their customers expect. From inception, the team has developed a series of stylish, yet practical, pieces that transition from training and barn work to everyday life. Each new piece that is introduced to market undergoes rigorous testing by a team of equestrian ambassadors who provide feedback at every step of the design and manufacturing process. Prototypes are tested in both the schooling ring and in social and professional settings.

“I am truly proud of the line we created,” adds co-founder Andrew Filipowski.

“Perhaps the sun shirts are our favorite piece, because they address a lot of the issues that similar products on the market do not.”

Equally inspirational to Dulin is the authenticity of both her brand and the team behind it. “All of our team members have their own ties to the ring,” she adds. “We have all worked tremendously hard over our lifetimes to support

my lifetime, and I’ve learned a number of valuable lessons in the face of adversity.

These lessons and principles have guided me through every step of my career,” she explains. “I’ve learned that sometimes, the best strategy is to accept that certain goals are impossible. Also, it’s important to set attainable goals and fight with every breath you have to achieve them. I’ve also learned the importance of loyalty – to my husband, to my horses, and to the staff, ambassadors and fans that have worked incredibly hard with me to build the brand we have today.”

These life lessons, she adds, offer as much insight for small business owners and adults as well as young riders who may be facing their own uphill battles. Hard work and perseverance carry tremendous weight

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EQUO’s product COLLECTION in building a path to success – both in and out of the ring.

“My advice for young riders would be – don’t get caught up in ribbons, and don’t get caught up in finances. This sport is as much about bonding with your partner and experiencing the thrill of that bond as it is about awards,” Dulin advises. “Love your horse, love the learning process, and take steps and set goals every day to perfect yourself.”

For fellow female entrepreneurs, Dulin has similar words of advice: “Start, and function. No matter how tired, confused, or overwhelmed you are, the most important step you can take is your first – because you can never get to the finish line without crossing the starting line.”

Perhaps her most important piece of advice applies equally to all: ignore the naysayers, block out the doubts, and use the negativity as a driving force to push harder and improve yourself.

To learn more about EQUO, or to shop their product line, visit equo-us.com.

Women’s schooling pant: The ultimate saddle to sofa experience Our thoughtfully designed Schooling Pant perfectly blends the equestrian life with everything else you have going on. The forgiving fold over waistband is finished on both edges to prevent “ride up”, and provide an adjustable flattering fit.

The grip extends further up the leg to give you grip where it really counts, while remaining chic and subdued. The fabric is not only comfortable, leaving you feeling like your wearing your most comfy pajamas, but also breaths, and prevents odor and the growth of unwanted bacteria, fungi and mold.

At EQUO we only use the latest technology and high performance fabrics to let you look good while being the athlete that you are. These schooling pants feature: MAX-DRI moisture management technology: A quick dry fabric, that keeps the skin dry to increase endurance in the ring or around town.

MICROBlok anti microbial technology: Prevents odor and growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold, for a healthier and more hygienic active lifestyle.

EQtek grip: Our grip has been designed to maximize surface area as well as the coefficient of friction. You’ll stay on your teammate no matter your discipline. $199.99.

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Barn Hat: Show your love for the BARNLIFE by sporting our new and stylish hat. Available in three fun and versatile colors that go with any outfit, whether at the barn, around town, or at a competition. $24.99.

Competition Coverup – Finding a Distance: Who hasn’t had anxiety finding a distance? We have all been there – that moment when you see the perfect distance, and then you don’t. This coverup is made of a super soft viscose blend, and is loose and flowy in fit. The wide neckline is perfect for throwing on over your helmet to keep your competition clothes clean between classes.

The coverup can also be worn alone, or over anything you like. $49.99.

Light Weight Hoodie: Perfect for those cool mornings while warming up with your partner. Our lightweight hoodie has an updated collar for the perfect athleisure look, both in and out of the barn. The cotton blend fabric is super soft and stretchy, while being cozy at the same time. This hoodie was designed to not be cumbersome while training with your teammate. If you prefer a more relaxed, true hoodie fit, we recommend ordering one size up. $79.99.

Saddle Pad – Exclusive offer to our Ambassador’s and Sponsored Athletes: We know how quickly you go through saddle pads. Purchase additional EQUO Saddle Pads to show your love for our gear while schooling, competing or just on the trails.

Equestrian Long Sleeve Shirt: Show your love of the sport.

This might just be the most comfortable shirt that exists. The ultra-soft cotton blend fits perfectly, and the sleeves are long enough for anyone. The bust of the shirt is ready for your own personal touches, from your barn or school logo, to anything else you might desire. Perfect for layering under a vest or a sweater. This is also a great option for male athletes or horse show parents due to its relaxed fit. $39.99.

SunShirt for Women (not shown): Finally the perfect sunshirt. After dozens of prototypes we have created the perfect sunshirt. One that is designed to flatter instead of flaunt any flaws. Utilizing proprietary materials this new marvel will keep you 10 degrees cooler no matter where you are. Like all of our items comfort, style, and functionality drove us to create what we consider the perfect sunshirt. Once you try it on we know you will agree with us! $99.99.

Durable, economical and available in EQUO’s stylish colors, this Quilted Cotton Pad will be the daily favorite of you and your teammate. This all-purpose pad has a soft cotton top and bottom with foam/ poly fill inner cushioning and attractive 1.5" diamond quilting in self-colored thread. Cut with a slight contour at the front to accommodate your saddle flap, it has billet and girth loops to keep it in place. This saddle pad holds up to the rigors of everyday schooling and repeated washings – you’ll want one in every color!

Measures 22" x 36". 35% cotton/65% poly. $39.99.

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USEF Pony Finals Presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, The Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, August 2017. 1. Valentino & Chandler Wilks, winner of the Large Pony Hunter Over Fences. 2. Seeing Blue. 3. Emma Hechtman & Sir Dragon, Reserve Champion Small Welsh Pony. 4. Rocketman & Josephine Rose. 5. Overall Grand Green Pony Hunter Champion and High Point Overall Pony Small Wonder & Libbie Gordon.

PHOTOS ©MACKENZIE SHUMAN/QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

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USEF Junior Hunter Championship - West, Blenheim Equisports, Del Mar, CA, August 2017. 1. Sorbet, winner of the Leading Mare Award, & Grace Tuton. 2. Alexa Rose Wallace & Elitere. 3. Marielle Fries & Incorino. 4. Breanna Bunevacz & Surf’s Up. 5. Skylar Wireman & Captivated in the Small Junior 3'3". PHOTOS ©MACKENZIE SHUMAN/ QUINTESSENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Evolution

OF THE

SHOW

COAT

SHOW COATS ARE A HUGE STAPLE IN THE HORSE SHOWING WORLD. From black to blue, long to short, vented or not, they come in all shapes and sizes. As with any fashion item, show coats have evolved greatly over the years. Now, they involve a great deal of technology and innovation, whereas just 15 or 20 years ago show coats were solely wool coats with little to no shape to them.

“The biggest change is from the all wool coats to the coats with the technology in them. I don’t think any wool coats are still even on the market,” said Peggy Murray, brand manager at English Riding Supply.

One of the largest and first innovators in this aspect was Charles Ancona, the owner and manufacturer of Charles Ancona Equestrian Show Coats.

“When I came to this industry from the ski industry where I had been designing and making ski racing suits, I saw that this industry was at a standstill. Riders would stick to tradition rather than putting comfort and safety first,” said Ancona. To put the industry in motion, Ancona brought more than 30 years of technical fabric and stretch fabric knowledge to work.

His coats bring in new technology, which is important for the riders, as it keeps them cool and able to move in all directions, all the while keeping them looking sharp in the show ring. “I listened to the people, I talked to judges, riders, trainers, everyone, and listened to what they wanted in their jackets,” he said. Ancona also was one of the first coat manufacturers to bring in an edgy and more contemporary style, with the piping colors, new body colors, and different colors on the collars.

“Something that has really stuck has been the different colored collars on the coats or the collars with some piping,” said Murray. This

trend has become increasingly popular, even in the hunter and equitation rings. However, these different colors can make some of the more traditional and conservative judges and trainers balk.

“On my score sheet I’ll write down ‘grey horse, loud coat,’ then I’ll remember who it was,” said accredited judge and trainer Rachel Kennedy. Though there isn’t a rule against creative colors showing up in the equitation and hunter rings, judges like Rachel Kennedy do notice them as soon as they walk into the arena.

As judge of the 2016 ASPCA Maclay Finals, Kennedy said,“I do my best to ignore [added colors on coats], but it’s not really something that I want to see.” The backlash from judges on these edgier concept coats is obvious, and it is difficult to find a judge who feels any other way.

However, much like the other judges we had talked to, renowned judge and trainer Carleton Brooks said, “I notice it subconsciously, and if it is really noticeable, I’ll write down ‘ugly coat.’” This new concept of colors popping out on the collars, pipings, seams, on the inside lining, and in other areas has not quite met with the judge’s approval.

Though it may take time for the conservative judges to accept these non-conservative coats, the equestrian apparel industry is booming. Riders of all levels are heading into stores to find the latest and greatest in coat innovation, and often times looking to put a spark in their getup with flashes of color. Much like any other industry, modernization occurs over time, and perhaps that time is now for the show coat industry.

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BY TPH INTERN MACKENZIE SHUMAN

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