The Plaid Horse September 2021 - The Fashion Issue by The Plaid Horse

NORTH AMERICA’S HORSE SHOW MAGAZINE • PUBLISHED SINCE 2003 • SEPTEMBER 2021 FEATURING: The Clothes Horse • Haute Equestrian • Martha Jolicoeur • Cavaliere Couture • Pulse Vet Arena Saddlery • Kerrits • Stable View Farms • Hadley Zeavin • George Mason Mortgage • Lauracea

The Fashion Issue COVER STORY

DJUNA-BEAR LAUDER On Winning, Learning, and the Illusion of Perfection

$8.99 (ISSN 2573-9409) theplaidhorse.com

CONGRATULATIONS Gabriella Goshtigian

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Best of Luck at Capital Challenge, NHS Finals, & Indoors

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luxury is in each

There’s something so elegant about the perfectly turned out horse in a custom cooler.”

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Director’s Chair With Custom Seat And Back, With Custom Logo Embroidery

Custom made bespoke horse garments and equipment that can't be delivered from a local warehouse in 24 hours. That is the very essence of our company. There is something about waiting for just the right thing to be made exactly the right way especially for you that is satisfying in a different way than the instant gratification that modern life so often delivers. A slower pace. Always worth the wait. Tack Rooms In Any Color And Style

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To us, horse clothes are more than just something to keep to keep them warm or the rain off their back. Our sheets and scrims are the love and respect that we wrap our beloved partners with. They are a nod to equestrian traditions that date back hundreds of years, re-imagined with a flourish of modern technology and design. Velcro Front Closures

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At The Clothes Horse, our custom made bespoke horse garments are handcrafted with artistry and integrity. Each time. Every time.

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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief:

PIPER KLEMM, PH.D. Art Direction:

L/BAILEY DESIGN Online Editor:

LAUREN MAULDIN, MFA Advertising:

CONTACT & CONNECT WITH THE PLAID HORSE WEB:

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WRITE:

Subscriptions & Plaidcast Manager:

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CIRA PACE MALTA Online Manager:

CATIE STASZAK Editorial Manager:

RENNIE DYBALL

32 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

TWITTER:

@PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag

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

INSTAGRAM:

CALL:

PINTEREST: pinterest.com/theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag SUBSCRIPTIONS: subscriptions@theplaidhorse.com

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Perfect in any Arena

Beautiful Comfortable Practical…

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With saddles for every discipline and conformation priced at just MSRP $1599, there is an Arena saddle that’s perfect for you. View the range and locate your nearest stockist at arenasaddles.com

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Djuna-Bear Lauder with Deja Blue (“DJ”)

34 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

PHOTO: ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

SEPTEMBER 2021

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s Time to Get Off the Timeline

Piper Klemm, Ph.D.

Martha Jolicoeur

SPOTLIGHT

Cavaliere Couture: Comfortable Tights for Equestrian Athletes

George Mason Mortgage & Grace Maxwell

SPOTLIGHT

Rennie Dyball

Tori Sheehan SPOTLIGHT

Hanley Morrison

Djuna with Deja Blue and Miller’s Cove

INITIATIVE

Jennifer Finch

Inside the Equestrians of Color Photography Project

SPOTLIGHT

Bethany Pastorial

Karli Postel Schroeder Thrives Under Pressure at The Capital Challenge Horse Show

100

102

SPOTLIGHT

Glenda Monkarsh: Chasing Her Hunter Dreams Despite Partial Blindness

Phoebe Brown

RIDERS

Questionnaire: Kendall Meijer HORSES

Happiest at the Horse Shows: Griffin Thrives at 27 Hadley Zeavin

118

SPOTLIGHT

PulseVet: The Basics and Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy for Horses

$8.99 (ISSN 2573-9409) theplaidhorse.com

HORSES

5 Strides with Blaze of Glory II

Kerrits & EQL Combine Innovation and Comfort

On Winning, Learning, and the Illusion of Perfection

RIDERS

Stacy Bromley Hamilton

Haute Equestrian: Helping Business Owners

The Fashion Issue COVER STORY

DJUNA-BEAR LAUDER

Judy Richter

Lillian Kent

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering Kip Rosenthal, 1951-2020

It Happens! Stephanie Bowers, Julie Winkel, Catherine Tyree, Lisa Wu

Tori Bilas / Jump Media

Annie Birmingham SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

6 Ways to Make Your Farm Shine in the Real Estate Market

SPOTLIGHT

ShadyLady: Sun Protection Looks to the Future Lindsey Long

124

COVER STORY

Djuna-Bear Lauder Rennie Dyball

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

The Art of Horsemanship World-class equestrian center. Exceptional equestrian studies program. National championship team. Your future is bright at SCAD.

To learn more about SCAD equestrian or explore other award-winning programs, visit scad.edu or email admission@scad.edu.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

in Kentucky was one of the happiest times I’ve had in a long time. There was joy and there was laughter and there was a culmination of many years of work at friendships, relationships, and, of course, horses. There was some success, but we all know success in this sport does not THIS SUMMER

Reuben and Piper celebrating their win with David Vega of Balmoral Farm

38 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

define happiness or content feelings with your life. The happiness came from the true satisfaction of sustained hard work. Two full years after my first show with Reuben, also at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, we’re clicking. He’s so solid in so many situations now

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

that I can really amateur—I can focus on my track, and my plan, and not quite as many “what if ” scenarios as I used to. I felt at home with him, and he felt like family with me. Almost a decade since I entered and started training with the vortex that is the Emily Elek experience, I am still in awe of her instinctual calm in all scenarios, her work ethic, and her perspective’s honed moral compass. Her guidance and humility have allowed me the confidence to never dip into all the negative temptations in this sport. Over half a decade has also passed with Traci and Carleton Brooks, David Vega, and the whole Balmoral team. They have kept me pursuing (at my own pace) the upper end of this sport, and believing that purposeful hard work can materialize over very long timelines. And, most importantly, happiness came from getting to enjoy a summer with my husband, Adam Hill. With his research schedule, summertime trips are usually rare or cut short, but this year we used the opportunity to spend the time together that we don’t always have. Happiness came from all the work we have put in to create sustainable habits, and to treat ourselves and each other better. When I discuss how we can make this sport work for ourselves, just like friendships and relationships, I’m always surprised by people’s hurry. The great friendships that we might not have even known a few years in. The great horses—a year is a blink of an eye in trying to figure out what they could be. Allowing your trainer to mold you as a rider does not happen overnight. Give your partnerships the gift of time to build and play out and see what they will become. This is a lifelong sport. Join me in relishing that we can make decisions in the timeframe of our entirety. See you at the ring!

Piper Klemm, PHD TPH PUBLISHER

(Follow me on Instagram at @piperklemm)

40 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

ABOVE AND BELOW:

Two friends at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows (Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY)

th The 28

Capital Challenge Horse Show October 1—10

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Painting of Isha Swani’s Bond by Sharon Lynn Campbell

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

BELOW: Reuben and

Piper getting re-acclimated to each other as Emily Elek expertly sets them up for success

RIGHT: Reuben with Laila Murad at Piper’s birthday celebration at Equus Run Vineyards (Midway, Kentucky) on August 2

42 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

Congratulations Glenda Monkarsh on the purchase of Speechless

Special Thanks

To Frontier Farms, John Zambrano & Peter Lombardo

SPOTLIGHT

CAVALIERE COUTURE Comfortable Tights for Equestrian Athletes

WORDS: ANNIE PHOTOS:

BIRMINGHAM BRANDY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN LELA REYNOLDS mounted up for a

dressage lesson with trainer Kimberly Monk in 2017 in a pair of Lululemon leggings, she had no idea that her outfit choice would inspire her own equestrian athleisure brand. “I’ve been a lifelong hater of breeches, so I was going against the grain,” says Reynolds, who would go on to create Cavaliere Couture. “My yoga tights had a cell phone pocket, and the phone was sticking out of the top. Kim was watching me ride, and I heard her yell, ‘Are those riding tights?’ I said, ‘Nope, they are Lulus.’ She responded with, ‘Darn it!’ After I got off the horse, I was like, ‘darn it’ is right.”

44 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

ABOVE: Motherbucker Tank in Black and Grand Prix Riding Tight in Black

As Strong Tank in Black and Grand Prix Riding Tight in Cheetah

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

Reynolds, who had just sold her first company, was itching to find a new creative outlet. After about a year of researching distribution options for her unique design idea, Cavaliere Couture was launched in 2018 with their flagship product—riding tights inspired by athletic wear for equestrian athletes. Says Reynolds, “The mission of Cavaliere Couture is to create truly comfortable equestrian wear. Equestrian wear made for athletes, because that is what we are. Athletic wear is comfortable—not stiff and tough to move around in. As a spin instructor and fitness enthusiast, creating ‘barn to gym’ equestrian wear was at the forefront of my mind.” Cavaliere Couture’s riding tights have the feel of yoga tights, but feature silicone grips for the saddle, and side

Grand Prix Riding Tight in Black

46 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

“As a spin instructor and fitness enthusiast, creating ‘barn to gym’ equestrian wear was at the forefront of my mind.” —LELA REYNOLDS, FOUNDER pockets deep enough for even the largest of cellphones. The material is not only moisture-wicking, but also sweat resistant, stretchy, and comfortable. As the founder of an equestrian athletic brand, Reynolds also notes the significance of promoting body positivity in an industry that often glorifies thin bodies, noting how difficult it can be to find clothing that both fits properly and makes you feel good. Cavaliere Couture is size-inclusive throughout their product lines of riding tights and other apparel, offering

sizing from 0 to 22. The riding tights are high-waisted to provide provide “contouring without suffocation,” notes Reynolds, to allow riders to feel comfortable and confident both in the saddle and on the ground. In addition to their signature riding tights, Cavaliere Couture has expanded to offer casual wear, such as tees and tops, as well as home goods and jewelry and a line of saddle pads coming soon. To find out more information or to shop, visit cavalierecouture.com

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SPOTLIGHT

George Mason Mortgage & Grace Maxwell:

A UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS WORDS:

STACY BROMLEY HAMILTON

TO HELP EQUESTRIAN CLIENTS GR ACE WILKINS MAXWELL

used a chance meeting at a random Thanksgiving dinner table to fall in love with her future husband Jim and their partnership and love of horses would open many new conversations and opportunities for the pair. Jim, who has a background in law and accounting, began to introduce Grace to his friends and clients. As others came to know Grace, they found a dedicated equestrian who makes her career in the mortgage industry as a Loan Officer for George Mason Mortgage.

50 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

Grace Maxwell, Loan Officer at George Mason Mortgage in Glen Allen, VA

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

This unique combination of life in the horse world with a lending background presented Grace with many opportunities to solve complex residential lending challenges for her equestrian friends.

SOME DAYS IT HELPS TO BE AN EQUESTRIAN Grace says there are rarely dull days in her industry. She recently enjoyed a good laugh when one of her loans returned from Underwriting with a red flag because the borrower had many regularly scheduled payments to a single person via Venmo. To the processing staff, it appeared that the client was most likely making payments to satisfy a debt. When Grace heard the person’s name who was receiving the payments, she laughed out loud because her client was actually sending

payments to her farrier. Her client’s show horse has an expensive, four-week farrier rotation, but to the underwriter it appeared to be an undisclosed child support payment. Grace knew how to help move the file through the process because she understood the circumstances and could speak to the regularly scheduled farrier payments. In the equestrian world, financing property can be a huge challenge where strict loan guidelines with no room for exceptions is the norm. Grace uses her expertise in equestrian sports, as well as the mortgage industry to help guide her clients through unique residential mortgage lending territory with ease. Working closely with George Mason Mortgage and its parent bank, United Bank, Grace has been able to unlock a wide range of funding options for unique properties including equestrian facilities.

“I always enjoy working with horse people.” —GRACE MAXWELL LEFT: Grace’s small pony, Dewey Decimal

52 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

FLEXIBILITY MATTERS A recent client made an offer on a home with an equestrian farm in northern Virginia. Lenders were cautious approaching the situation and even appraisers had declined to offer an appraisal because of the acreage, size of the home, full barn apartment, hot water, wine cellar and various outbuildings. The property had many features and it was difficult to find a suitable lender. Fortunately, George Mason Mortgage was ultimately able to provide the financing on this property with one of its specialized portfolio products with the help of the client’s loan officer, Grace. The client now calls a beautiful horse estate home. REAL LIFE Grace loves to ride but more recently has refocused from her own training to her toddler son’s horse experiences. Just this summer, she watched him compete in the Leadline class at the Upperville Horse Show as the next generation of Maxwells in the show ring. Grace says the long, hot day was all worth it because the pictures were priceless. Grace currently has two horses under her care. After seeking a young horse to serve as her own mount and striking out in the search, the Maxwells ended up with Pongo, a 10.2hand Pony of the Americas. Pongo seems to be the perfect first pony for her son to learn the sport. She recently secured a young colt that she will be training as he matures. Grace can easily navigate between the challenges of the equestrian world and the mortgage needs of her clients, many of whom are in a situation where they need the expertise of an attentive and problem solving lender. Because of the strong backing of her team at George Mason Mortgage and United Bank, Grace can bring mortgage solutions from normal properties to even the very challenging ones. In the end, she says, “I always enjoy working with horse people.”

LEFT PHOTO: SARAH BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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SPOTLIGHT

ABOVE: Haute Equestrian & Co. Recruitment signage located at Angelstone Tournaments in Rockwood, Ontario BELOW: Haute Equestrian & Co. sponsored jump at the Hamilton Hunt Club in Caledonia, Ontario

HAUTE EQUESTRIAN Helping Equestrian Business Owners, Promoting Inclusivity, and Fulfilling a Dream WORDS: TORI

54 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

SHEEHAN

& CO. LIKE SO many adult riders, Caitlin Dance made

the decision to come back to horses. After countless hours of early mornings and long drives to ice rinks throughout Canada, Dance traded in working weekends as a hockey scout for a return to her passion. PHOTOS: COURTESY CAITLIN DANCE

ABOVE AND FAR LEFT:

Some examples of Haute Equestrian & Co. partner accessories and products.

“Just for the goodness of my soul, I wanted to get back into riding. Not just for the activity, but emotionally and mentally,” Dance tells The Plaid Horse. Dance had been riding since she was four years old, but took a break in college to pursue her studies and eventually start her career. Once she returned to horses, she soaked in every part of being back in the equestrian community. Then, in March, she had an epiphany.

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

“There’s always room to grow in the industry.” —CAITLIN DANCE

Founder Caitlin Dance with her first horse, Odie and competing with her pony partner, Champy (above).

MEET THE FOUNDER Cailin Dance’s path back to the equestrian world gave her the perfect perspective to help equestrian businessowners • Former OHL, NHL Hockey Scout • Worked in inventory management and purchasing before and while starting Haute Equestrian & Co. • Grandparents raised racehorses, she started riding at 4 years old • Owns an 18h Warmblood named Moe (Short for Slo Mo)

Caitlin Dance as a 5-year-old

“One day, I joined a group on Facebook where it’s just horse-related jobs, and I saw some Canadian Olympians actually hire via Facebook groups,” says Dance. “That was mind-boggling to me! I just thought: How many messages do they get from people who wouldn’t be qualified? There’s no screening, so now everybody has your contact information, and now they’re going to follow up with you every week for the rest of your life if they want?” Dance had pinpointed a long-standing issue with the way hiring, sales, and information has been shared in the horse world. In April, Haute Equestrian & Co. was born. What started as a platform to safely post jobs and administrative work has expanded to a multi-faceted company. Haute Equestrian & Co. focuses on giving equestrians the tools they need to be successful—from help with managing a business to educational resources to sustainably-sourced equestrian fashion. “Fashion is something I’ve always enjoyed about the equestrian world,” says Dance. “Personally, I don’t go out to be super stylish, but everyone always gives me compliments on what I buy, and I thought this company could be a one-stop shop.” Through Haute Equestrian & Co., The Essentials Boutique was created to connect consumers with businesses who are creating equestrian fashion and staying true to core values that Dance holds dear.

56 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

“I’m lucky enough that I already had a website and a platform to be able to expand, so I wanted to do that with a focus on North American companies, other small businesses, women-owned etc. that have good core values like that,” says Dance. “So, people can know they’re supporting those good values and being very transparent.” On Haute Equestrian & Co., one click is all it takes to provide customers with clear insight into where their money is going. Each product is labeled for whether it is sustainably made, if it’s from a minority-owned business, or if it’s made from organic materials. “It gives the ‘feel goods‘ about your purchase so that you actually know what you’re supporting,” says Dance. Dance sees potential for equestrian fashion to provide something more than just great style. Along with quality materials that provide comfort, form and function, one of Haute Equestrian’s top priorities is inclusivity. “Equestrian fashion needs to be branched out into something that works for everyone,” says Dance. “And that is our goal.” Along with the Essentials Boutique, Dance and her business partner, Andrea Conway, are creating a clothing line for the site called Cavalleti & Coach. Together they are designing clothing like riding tights and breeches that riders would want to wear to and from the barn. “We want it to be something that is comfortable, so if you need to get groceries afterward, you can,” says Dance. “It’s materials that you can feel good wearing. We’re working really hard on getting a bunch of different kinds of test fabrics and we’re going to order a few pairs for ourselves and ride in them and run them through the grinder of all that we can at the barn and make sure that we’re really happy with what we put out.” Dance and Conway aren’t just focused on the materials of the clothing, but on how it will make their customers feel. Size inclusivity is a major concept for the two partners and

PHOTOS: COURTESY CAITLIN DANCE

something they keep in mind with every step of their clothing line. “I think the biggest we’ve seen so far is like maybe a 2X in terms of larger sizes, but [we’re thinking about] smaller sizes as well. A lot of riders who are petite get told, ‘Okay, now you have to go look in the kid’s section,’ and as women, you want to feel like a woman. You don’t want to feel like you have to just wear what all the kids wear,” says Dance. “It’s being able to offer something to make everybody feel included.” Conway and Dance hope to revolutionize their sizing by not attaching numerical values as sizes. Instead of numbers, words like ‘Confident’ would be a size. “So, you don’t need to worry about if it says ‘extra small’ or ‘4x.’ Instead, you find based on your size a word, and then you know which word is your size.” Instead of a sole focus on profits, Haute Equestrian & Co.’s goal of inclusivity doesn’t just mean helping riders feel comfortable finding clothes that fit. The company also strives to provide educational tools for anyone who wants to learn. Haute Equestrian’s site boasts more than ten specifically curated educational links and resources, including discounts to top video tutorials and horse care classes. “There’s always room to grow in the industry,” says Dance. “In terms of inclusivity and things of that nature, I like being able to say I’m actively working to be a part of this

WHY INCLUSIVITY MATTERS Dance’s business partner Andrea Conway recalls an emotional moment when she couldn’t find a pair of half chaps that fit her at a local tack shop. She started to cry in the fitting room, struggling to get the zipper to come all the way up. “I kept thinking, ‘I’ve been a dancer as long as I can remember, my calves are so strong.’” But the experience didn’t make her feel strong—it made her question whether she belonged in equestrian clothing. That feeling was the motivation to make sure size inclusivity was at the forefront of Cavalleti & Coach, and Haute Equestrian & Co. as a whole.

and contribute to it and pave the way to show people and other companies that it’s not that difficult. You put the work into it to be inclusive and break down barriers.” When Dance imagined her dream job, it involved a vision of mixing and mingling with equestrians of all kinds at horse shows of many levels. Now, her dream is part of her reality as she spends most of her time researching and talking with people in the horse community. “I ask for people’s opinions and hearing everyone’s different experiences. I’ve really enjoyed it. I might talk to a few people and be like, ‘Okay, this is what we need for the recruitment side,’ or ‘This is what people are really wanting from a fashion side.’ Someone else may have a completely different experience, and I never thought of it. The horse industry is so diverse in terms of how things are run, and it always keeps me on my toes. But it’s never dull, and it’s work that I enjoy doing.” Haute Equestrian & Co. is already in the process of taking a percentage of their net profits and giving charitable donations to youth and inclusivity programs within equestrian governing bodies. Giving back is something that Dance feels has been passed down to her from her family. Her grandmother traveled frequently to war-ravaged Sierra Leone and helped women and children flee violent conflict and civil unrest. While the equestrian world has very different needs, the example Dance’s grandmother set is still present. Because of her upbringing, Dance has learned that it is imperative to use the tools you have to make the world you love a better place. “It definitely takes it to the next level for me,” says Dance. “I think of all the great life lessons that being around horses has taught me. Whether it’s when you fall in the dirt you get back on, or just even the work ethic of having my own horse and making sure he’s taken care of … and I think of children that may not be able to afford to do that because this sport, in any capacity, isn’t cheap. So being able to give back and give [others] an opportunity to get involved and have a chance, it means a lot.” Dance knows that Haute Equestrian & Co. has a chance to be more than a company, and she takes care to stick to priorities that have made her successful throughout her life. “This is not just a business,” says Dance. “It’s a passion.”

3 DIVISIONS, 1 GOAL Helping Equestrians Make Trusted Decisions Recruitment Includes a free job board, VIP recruiting services and educational resources to help equestrians of all levels grow and find their path in the industry.

Management Help with day-to-day operations for any equestrian business owner needing help with their business. Whether in a specific area like administration, management, or social media, or helping to streamline aspects of the business, Haute Equestrian & Co. can help.

Essentials The Essentials Boutique provides high-quality products and clothing that support small businesses and ethically sourced material, not to mention a jumping off point for a clothing line specifically for Haute Equestrian & Co.

Additional Ways Haute Equestrian & Co. is Making a Difference... Member of Wren.co Calculates and helps to offset Haute Equestrian & Co.’s carbon footprint

Part of the No Issue Eco Packing Alliance For every order sent, a tree is planted in areas of need

Supporter of the Indigenous Ally Toolkit Acknowledges that work is conducted on traditional territories of indigenous people and provides resources for people to better understand indigenous culture and respect

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

Combine Innovation and Comfort This Fall With

KERRITS & EQL Look and feel your best with the latest in athletic wear technology, regardless of the weather WORDS:

JENNIFER FINCH

PHOTOS:

COURTESY KERRITS

AS THE SE ASONS CHANGE, equestrians’

closets change, too. Sweat-wicking fabrics are often pushed aside for fleece-lined breeches and quilted vests. And the team at Kerrits has worked hard to bring their customers the best of both worlds. Versatility, style, functionality, and comfort are at the center of every design, regardless of the season. From show apparel created for cold weather to schooling wear made to be worn in the barn or in the saddle on a cold day, every piece is designed with riders in mind.

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In addition to new winter products that will make riders both look and feel good in the ring, Kerrits is bringing back one of their customers’ favorite products this fall. The Coach’s Coat was designed to be the ultimate combination of functionality and comfort for trainers, riders, grooms and everyone else in the barn. Windproof, waterproof and seamsealed, this coat insulates the wearer from inclement weather and contains multiple pockets to fit a cell phone, horse treats, and anything else a rider needs to carry. It’s high-neck design also features a hood, adjustable cuffs and a two-way front zipper. While the jacket was created to stop at (or below) the wearers’ knees, it was still created with riding in mind. A split back gusset allows the back of the coat to open and internal leg straps hold the sides of the coat in place against the riders’ legs while they’re in the saddle. This prevents the coat from flapping while the rider schools their horse.

FAST FACTS It’s a long road to bring a product to the shelf. New fabrics and designs can be tested for months, or even years, to ensure they meet Kerrits’ quality standards. They’re often tested in the varied weather of the Pacific Northwest, where the company is based. Kerrits athletic clothing is award-winning. Their Stretch Denim Knee Patch Breech won the 2021 DriRelease Innovation Award for its use of technology in activewear. The new Element Insulated Paddock Boot is a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. With seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers, insulated lining and a sole designed for ice, snow, and slush, these paddock boots were created to make comfort look easy. They also feature a rubber-like coated heel and spur rest to help spurs stay in place, and a Kerrits logo-patterned tread so you can leave carrots wherever you go.

SPOTLIGHT This fall, Kerrits is also introducing a new shirt to their collection–the Winter Circuit Show Shirt. Created with cold weather warriors in mind, it looks like a traditional long-sleeve show shirt but features a cozy fleece lining that will keep you warm when the temperatures drop. With fun print on the inside of the cuffs and the magnetic throat closure that competitors have come to know and love, this shirt combines the timeless quality of Kerrit’s show apparel with the latest winter riding technology. Combine this shirt with your favorite Kerrit’s Stretch Competitor Koat for warmth and style on the winter show circuit. For a complete show outfit that’s fit for any weather, try Kerrit’s 3-Season Breech. Fleece-lined and made with a stretchy woven fabric, they look like a traditional breech but feel like a riding tight. They’re also wind and water-resistant to help riders stay dry and comfortable.

N THE FALL AND WINTER, you may go from an insulated barn to the chilly outdoors several times a day, and your clothing should be able to change with your needs. That’s why dressing in layers is one of the best style strategies for cool weather. With lightweight base layers that provide fast drying technology and stretchy vests designed to retain heat, Kerrits has everything winter riders need to be comfortable inside and out. For many equestrians, horses aren’t just a hobby, they’re a passion. Kerrit’s line of lifestyle apparel, EQL, balances the needs of everyday life with fashion, comfort, and equestrian-inspired designs. Every fabric in the EQL line was thoughtfully chosen to have a minimal impact on the environment and every piece is designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of wardrobes. Whether you’re at home or at the barn, Kerrits and EQL are designed to combine comfort and technology to help riders perform at their best. “We’re constantly innovating,” says Sara Florin, senior director of branding and marketing at Kerrits, “That’s part of meeting the changing needs of riders. We try to be approachable but still innovative with different grips, cuts, and fabrics so riders really feel like they’re getting a good value at a reasonable price point.” Flattering silhouettes, extended sizing, and innovative clothes that retain classic elements of equestrian style have made Kerrits stand out in equestrian retail for years. Whether you’re showing, schooling, going to the gym, or mucking stalls, Kerrits and EQL have outfits that will keep you warm, comfortable, and feeling your best.

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When creating a barn-ready layering strategy, one of the most versatile tools is a vest that’s supportive and light while still being warm and functional. Insulating fabric without added bulk is one of the keys to staying comfortable on the coldest days. Kerrits has been designing vests for layered winter wardrobes for years. Their Acclimate Quilted Vest is created with a unique ultrasonic quilting technology that doesn’t require needles or stitching. It also features a plush fleece interior that adds warmth without weight, handwarmer pockets and stretch panels for a flattering fit.

The new Turtleneck Poncho Sweater from EQL is a warm, stylish pullover that flatters a variety of body types. With slimming arms, playful fringe and a snaffle bit design, this sweater is cozy without feeling stiff. Pair it with EQL’s super-stretchy, certified organic cotton In Motion Bootcut Jean, and you’re dressed to work from home, walk the dog or meet friends for happy hour. The EQL Wrap It Up Scarf instantly dresses up any outfit, whether you’re headed to the gym or out for dinner. Gorgeous, equine-inspired prints add a hint of color to any outfit. Equestrians will love the bold design featuring reins and poppies draped against a black background.

If you’re looking for another way to keep warm without adding heavy layers, the EQL Wild Horse Wrap Sweater offers the versatility you need. You can wear it with a dress or shirt, and keep it open or fully wrapped, depending on your style. Drape it over the back of your office chair this fall so it’s easily accessible if you catch a chill, or snuggle up in it on the couch whilePHOTOS: watching a movie. TKTKTKTTKTKKTKT

SPOTLIGHT

How Capital Challenge Taught Karli Postel Schroeder to

THRIVE UNDER PRESSURE WORDS: TORI PHOTOS:

BILAS/JUMP MEDIA JUMP MEDIA

SINCE ITS INCEPTION in 1993, the Capital Challenge Horse Show has held prestigious year-end finals, allowing the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders to shine. In 2008, Capital Challenge began emphasizing the up-andcoming professionals in the hunter industry by offering the World Championship Hunter Rider Developing Pro Challenge. Since then, 13 riders have earned the title and gone on to successful professional careers. This year’s event will be no different, as the Capital Challenge Horse Show returns to Prince George’s Equestrian Center from October 1-10, in Upper Marlboro, MD. Capital Challenge annually invites the top developing professionals for the $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge, presented by The John R. Ingram Fund, which will be held this year on October 6. The class offers professionals the chance to compete on a level playing field and showcase their potential as top hunter rider superstars. For many of the past WCHR Developing Pro Challenge winners, like Karli Postel Schroeder, the class has served as a valuable springboard for their professional careers.

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After winning the 2018 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, Schroeder and Banksy topped the field of 34 in the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge at Capital Challenge

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

In 2018, Schroeder, of Westlake Village, CA, won the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge out of 34 entries aboard Banksy, a 2010 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Grace Russo. It was Schroeder’s second time competing in the class and at Capital Challenge, and taking the win was a goal two years in the making. Schroeder, born and raised in California, learned the riding ropes at her family’s Foxfield Riding School in Westlake Village. Though she did not compete on the “A” circuit growing up, she rode for the equestrian team at Goucher College in Towson, MD, then spent time training with professionals in Malibu before taking a job with Archie Cox of Brookway Stables in California. It was Archie who helped her set her sights on the WCHR Developing Professional program and the class at Capital Challenge. “As I started to learn more about the AA circuit, Archie gave me the opportunity to show top-quality horses,” says Schroeder, now 30. “I was leading the country in points, and I came to Capital Challenge in 2017 for the first time ever to compete in the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge. I was extremely nervous because it was a big stage and there was a national title at stake.” Her nerves ended up leading to a mistake at fence two that resulted in a refusal, costing her the class and the overall national title as WCHR Developing Professional of the Year. “I was really disappointed, but I think it was actually a blessing in disguise,” Schroeder says about her performance during her first time at Capital Challenge. “I learned how to handle high-pressure situations and it made me hungrier for a win.” With her sights set on qualifying and earning her spot in 2018, Schroeder was able to pack her show schedule with high-pressure environments, including the WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, which she won, as well as the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships. Both events taught

64 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

After a disappointing finish in 2017, Schroeder returned to Capital Challenge hungry to win the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge

her how to handle the nerves that come along with a major hunter stage. Returning to Capital Challenge in 2018, Schroeder had the ride on Banksy, a horse she showed with John French. “Banksy was a horse that won the Spectacular and competed in the Green Incentive with me, so I felt comfortable despite the pressure,” she says of the gelding. “He performed incredibly; he jumped two beautiful rounds, winning the class and helping me win the national title. The WCHR Developing Pro program really kickstarted my career and led to a level of confidence I’d never had before.” Schroeder went on to earn reserve champion honors in the High Performance Hunters at the Washington International Horse Show behind Scott Stewart, which was a result beyond her wildest dreams. Twelve months later, she returned to Capital Challenge, an established professional, and won the Professional World Champion Hunter Under Saddle Class aboard Favorite, owned by Teton Farms. Schroeder

credits her success to the time she spent qualifying for and winning the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge at Capital Challenge. Since then, Schroeder’s career has shifted gears, as she and her husband, Simon Schroeder, have started a business in Moorpark, CA, focusing on sales and training clients in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. Although her business is operating at a smaller scale than what she knew at Brookway Stables, she credits Cox for her training philosophy and purpose. While her husband is a top-level show jumper, Schroeder primarily enjoys the hunters because of the intricacy and skill required to make the horses stand out. “I think I have a true appreciation for the hunters because I was given the opportunity to do it at the top level of the sport,” she says. “Sitting on talented hunters makes you realize it is equally as hard as the jumper ring. It’s an entirely different skill set; it teaches you finesse, determination, and consistency. Now

“The WCHR Developing Pro program really kickstarted my career and led to a level of confidence I’d never had before.” —KARLI POSTEL SCHROEDER

LEFT: Banksy, a German Sport Horse gelding owned by Grace Russo, was only eight years old when the pair took the win

that I’m on the ground teaching, I know that consistency is really hard for people. I find it fun to give my clients the tools to produce consistent rounds.” Capital Challenge will always be a favorite show on the calendar for Schroeder. On the west coast, few events replicate the special feeling you get when you’re in the Show Place Arena competing under the lights. “I’m a goal-oriented person, and you can set your sights on Capital Challenge at the beginning of the year and there’s something special about being able to get there and accomplish it,” Schroeder says. “I would say it is 100 percent worth the trip, even from as far away as California.” While the trip is every bit worth her time and effort, she will be sitting it out in 2021 because she and her husband are expecting their first child in October. “Though I’m sad to be missing it this year, I’m definitely going to be cheering everyone on from afar and watching the live stream,” adds Schroeder. “It’s an amazing event, and you really feel

important when you’re showing at Prince George’s Equestrian Center.” For those taking on the 2021 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge, Schroeder’s advice is to avoid catch riding or riding an unfamiliar horse. “If you have the opportunity to show a horse you are comfortable on, that helps tremendously,” she adds. “Often developing professionals end up catch riding or riding something already at the show out of convenience, and I do think having a partner you feel confident with is crucial.” The future is bright for Schroeder and her growing family. Her primary goal is to get back in the saddle after her baby is born and to adapt to life as a mother. Longer-term, she aspires to develop a horse to compete at USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships one day. Schroeder sees herself coming back to Capital Challenge for years to come and being a top competitor, as well as helping her students rise to the caliber of shows like Capital Challenge and beyond.

WINNERS OF THE WCHR DEVELOPING PRO CHALLENGE The Bittersweet Perpetual Trophy donated by Rachel B. Kennedy • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2008: Megan Edrick, Lyle 2009: Katherine Newman, Day Dream 2010: Molly Sewell, Maddox 2011: Tara Metzner, Rumba 2012: Melissa Feller, Serafino 2013: Greg Crolick, Grey Street 2014: Brian Feigus, Quinn 2015: Alexis Taylor Silvernale, Citation 2016: Amber Henter, Si Bene 2017: Dominique Damico, Rockette 2018: Karli Postel, Banksy 2019: Sara Taylor, Noah 2020: Julia Rose Rossow, Chantilly

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

Congratulations to Our Over 100 Ponies Sold or Leased in 2020!

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

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

Congratulations to Our Over 100 Ponies Sold or Leased in 2020!

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

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

For Sales•Demos•Rentals

info@soundnesssolutions.com

www.soundnesssolutions.com

Jaime Collins 239-777-1166

SPOTLIGHT

GLENDA MONKAR Chasing Her Hunter Dreams Despite Partial Blindness WORDS:

LILLIAN KENT

PHOTOS:

KATIE BROWNE

72 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

The Las Vegas adult amateur rider has fought through repeated setbacks in her equestrian journey FROM THE outside looking in, Glenda Monkarsh has the picture-perfect

set up. Riding two talented geldings, Monkarsh has clinched the 2021 World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Southwest Region Adult Amateur Championship after only a year and a half back in the saddle. Her success began in 2020 with a smattering of top-ten finishes in the Adult Amateur Hunters with the help of trainers Peter Lombardo and John Zambrano of Frontier Farms, and her supportive husband Larry. But what you wouldn’t know watching her ringside is that an aggressive facial and eye infection in November 2017 left her with compromised sight in her left eye, sometimes making it difficult to find distances to the fences. Her sight problems, coupled with an old pelvis injury and the demands of a family, meant she had to fight to get back in the hunter ring.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Monkarsh with Speechless (left) and Monaco

Raised in Pepper Pike, Ohio, Monkarsh became a self-proclaimed “barn rat” at Maypine Farm’s after school program. Riding with Jeff Gogul, Monkarsh spent every possible moment at the barn, hacking, feeding, blanketing, and turning out. She grew up riding the local circuits, watching Gogul head out to A Circuit events. “My parents didn’t have a lot of money, so it was a real sacrifice for me to be able to do the horses. The trainer never made me feel like I wasn’t part of the group even though I didn’t have the money to travel with everyone,” Monkarsh says. Her first pony, owned by Debbie and Laura Bass, couldn’t change leads and struggled to get down the lines, according to Monkarsh. From there, she moved onto bigger and more challenging horses. In high school, her family lost their business and consequently, the horses. Monkarsh had her heart set on getting back into riding and studied at Cleveland State University until an offer was presented she couldn’t refuse—move to Las Vegas to work with a family member in the billboard industry. She dropped out her sophomore year. “I didn’t feel like college was going anywhere for me,” says Monkarsh. “I worked

my butt off for three years and we ended up selling the company to a public company.” With the funds from the sale, 25-year-old Monkarsh dove back in to horses.

ACCURATE ADULT AMMY Living in Vegas and wanting to compete at a higher level than ever before, “I bought two incredible horses; I showed my butt off. I was on the road all the time and in 2006 I went to Capital Challenge,” she says. With Los Angeles trainer Archie Cox, Monkarsh arrived at Prince George’s Equestrian Center, ready to conquer. “First jump, first day when I landed, the horse bucked and I fell off and broke my pelvis,” Monkarsh says. According to Monkarsh, Cox stayed at her bedside after the accident. She still holds their friendship dear to this day. For many, the experience would have permanently stained horse showing. Monkarsh bided her time, healing and ultimately marrying Larry. According to Monkarsh, she got four “bonus children” from the union and she and Larry had a daughter named Lila together, now 8 years old. With her pelvic injury and newfound family, getting back to horses was going to be more challenging. Then in November of

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

works out if I am having a vision issue. It’s not usually around the entire course.”

EQUINE TEAMMATES

Matching blues for Speechless (left) and Monaco at Blenheim

“I feel like when I’m involved in the horses, my soul is complete. Showing and competing is fun for me, but the love for my horses is truly what it’s about for me.” —GLENDA MONKARSH 2017, a cosmetic procedure gone awry left Monkarsh with an infection beneath her left eye that nobody in Las Vegas could treat. An encapsulated staph infection beneath Monkarsh’s left eye needed dissolving agents and intense care to resolve. The battle was six grueling months, which included hospital stays as professionals attempted to get the infection under control. Monkarsh adds that the extended stress of the infection lead to a secondary issue. “I ended up with shingles on my cornea, so I lost partial vision in my left eye. I can see, but the secondary infection on my cornea eroded part of it. I have a double stigmatism in my left eye and depending on the lighting, I see double,” Monkarsh says.

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RIDING WHILE PARTIALLY BLIND Partial blindless is a tall hurdle to overcome in any equine discipline, but artfully jumping a course full of fences and lighting changes is particularly challenging. According to Monkarsh, shiny water droplets on the jumps from the arena drag are particularly disorienting. “If the light hits it just right, I just see a blob,” Monkarsh says. “I needed to learn how to see in different lighting.” Monkarsh can close her left eye when approaching a jump, but says her depth perception can be altered as a result. So she sometimes relies on her seasoned horses to get her over safely. “At that point it’s, grab your ass and pray and just stay out of their way! If I’m seeing double I go off the rhythm, keeping it the same and pretty much hope that it

Monkarsh is quick to praise her two geldings, Speechless and Monaco, for their stylish flair and individuality. She says the horses couldn’t be any more different from one another. “Speechless is a beautiful, graceful, traditional hunter and Monaco is an athletic hunter. They’re night and day from each other. Depending on the judges’ ‘type,’ I’ve got both types,” Monkarsh says. Speechless is a 12-year-old chestnut Hanoverian sired by Quaid and out of St. PP. Hauptstutbuch. In 2020, Monkarsh and Speechless were 8th in the NAL Adult Hunter Finals. Grey Oldenburg gelding Monaco is says to be flashy with his own engine. “Monaco is manly and strong, super talented, jumps beautifully and demands stage presence. Peter [Lombardo] always describes him as an Olympic hunter. He’s super athletic,” Monkarsh adds. Sired by Chirivell, 9-year-old Monaco is out of the mare Acordia. In 2020 he and Monkarsh finished 3rd in the Zone 10 Horse of the Year Adult Amateur 36-49 division. Together, Monkarsh and her boys rounded up a 5th place finish in the 2020 WCHR National Rider Standings in the Adult Amateur. This year they’ve won the WCHR Southwest Region Adult Amateur Championship and at the time of publication, they’re sitting in 2nd place nationwide. “I need a horse with miles and knowledge that, when put in a bad situation, will help. It’s really breathtaking, to be able to walk into the ring with two incredibly talented horses. You dream about this. Never in my life did I think I would own one this talented, but two?” As Monkarsh looks forward to the Capital Challenge and Pennsylvania National Horse Show this fall, she says no matter the outcome, she’s won. “I feel like when I’m involved in the horses, my soul is complete. Showing and competing is fun for me, but the love for my horses is truly what it’s about for me.”

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SPOTLIGHT

PULSEVET

The Basics and Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy for Horses WORDS:

PHOEBE BROWN

HORSES CARRY the dreams, hopes, and goals of equestrians in all disciplines. Riders, owners, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, and countless others work hard to put horse welfare first. In the equine industry, various modalities are used to maintain the health and well-being of horses, including shock wave therapy. The term shock wave is a bit of a misnomer because there is no shock delivered. The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and improve how horses feel and heal. However, while these therapies appear similar, they are vastly different.

76 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

Dr. Paul McLellan, US Equestrian Dressage Team Vet

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Molly Bellefeuille, DVM (owner, Northern Star Equine Veterinary Services)

While shock wave therapy offers many health and healing benefits to horses, PulseVet’s Director of Client Education, Trudy Gage, says, “Not all shock wave is the same, and not all shock wave is created equal. Find one that is made in the U.S. and backed by science.” Understanding shock wave therapy and where to find licensed veterinarians providing this treatment are added tools in the horse welfare toolbox for horse owners and veterinarians.

SHOCK WAVE THERAPY BASICS According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), shock wave therapy for horses, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a noninvasive treatment option which uses sound waves to promote the healing of joints, ligaments, tendons, and wounds. It is completely noninvasive. Instead of going straight to invasive procedures, such as injections, licensed veterinarians can deliver a safe and effective treatment that helps the horse’s body regenerate healthy tissue to promote healing from within. Pharmacological treatments mask pain and may have side effects, such as ulcers. However, shock wave treatment has no negative side effects. The goals of shock wave therapy include increasing blood flow, improving the growth of new blood vessels, providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healing environment in the treated area.

HOW SHOCK WAVE THERAPY WORKS Shock wave treatment is provided using a machine that has a probe attached to a generator unit. This unit sends the sound waves directly to the treatment area through the probe. Typically, shock wave machines have a few probes to deliver shock wave treatment to various depths of tissue. Having an assortment of probes gives the veterinarians the ability to treat differing tissue depths

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and indications, from superficial injuries close to the surface to deep injuries of the muscles, joints, or even the spine. Because of the high-energy treatments and immediate pain relief offered, only licensed veterinarians should prescribe treatment. Horse owners researching shock wave therapy need to be aware of anyone claiming to provide a shock wave treatment who is not a veterinarian. Additionally, equestrian governing bodies across disciplines have rules about when shock wave treatments can be performed. According to ScienceDaily, a study published with the University of Pennsylvania found that racetracks require shock wave treatments to be performed more than 10 days before a race due to the lasting effects of treatment. Since shock wave therapy provides a powerful pain-relieving anti-inflammatory effect, some organizations have guidelines in place to prevent accidental injury in the period immediately following treatment. Check with your governing body rules to ensure optimal clinical results and safety following shock wave therapy treatment. Always check rulebooks for all equestrian disciplines regarding shock

wave treatments before and during competition.

CONDITIONS TREATED BY SHOCK WAVE THERAPY This type of therapy can be used for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and as a prophylactic for general wellness. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of shock wave therapy. Many common equine conditions benefit from shock wave therapy, including: • • • • • • •

Tendonitis Ligament injuries and inflammation Osteoarthritis Fractures and bone injuries Navicular disease Muscle pain Wounds

In fact, studies have found that horses treated for suspensory injuries using electrohydraulic focused shock wave treatment showed the injury healed in a linear fiber pattern and the suspensory ligament looked as though no injury had occurred. These horses experienced anti-inflammatory pain relief from treatment and often did not reinjure the area once back in work. This study compared horses treated

with shock waves to those treated with rest. The horses treated with rest also showed healing to the suspensory ligament, but the fibers did not line up and appeared jumbled with patterns of scar tissue. Horses with this disrupted pattern of fibers who did not receive shock wave therapy often reinjured themselves. In order to innovate and expand the shock wave therapy offered, PulseVet continues to perform studies around the world at universities and clinics. Collaboration and education ensure horse welfare remains the top priority. In addition to being used for injuries, shock wave therapy is often used for horses in heavy work with owners looking to help avoid injury, maintain elasticity in tendons and ligaments, and keep horses from being sore. Many equine organizations utilize the proven, studied shock wave therapy options offered by PulseVet. In fact, PulseVet is the official shock wave therapy provider for the US Equestrian Team Vets and travels around the world with them. While traveling, the PulseVet team provides education to horse owners, riders, and veterinarians because horse welfare always comes first.

“Protect your horse and your pocketbook. Know what you’re paying for because the results will not be the same if you go with an unproven, not covered treatment.” —TRUDY GAGE, DIRECTOR OF CLIENT EDUCATION

USING PULSEVET TO GAIN GREATER HEALING

THE PULSEVET SHOCK WAVE DIFFERENCE PulseVet uses electrohydraulic focused shock waves to deliver treatment to surface tissue and deep tissue. In fact, PulseVet shock wave therapy can reach tissue depths of 110 millimeters, offering effective anti-inflammatory, regenerative healing to spinal joints and deep muscles. Like humans, the body of a horse is mainly comprised of water. While therapies utilizing light waves can help with healing, the light is dispersed across a superficial area and cannot penetrate deep tissue. Light therapies require many treatments as well. Gage describes the difference between light therapies and electrohydraulic focused shock waves like this: “When a light is shined into a pool at night, it does not reach the bottom and dissipates quickly. However, a sound made underwater at one end of the pool can be heard at the opposite side clearly. Water (and tissue) carries sound waves effectively.” Because PulseVet’s studied and proven electrohydraulic focused shock waves can treat superficial and deep tissue

noninvasively and effectively, veterinarians only need to treat horses between one and three times to achieve full effectiveness. Additionally, treatments are spaced out 14 days. After completing the one to three treatments, horse owners can enjoy several months of lasting results. PulseVet’s innovative electrohydraulic focused shock wave treatment is generally included as a fully covered therapy with equine insurance for three sessions. With results lasting several months and insurance covering the cost, shock wave therapy is a cost-effective treatment. As Gage says, “Protect your horse and your pocketbook. Know what you’re paying for because the results will not be the same if you go with an unproven, not covered treatment.”

PULSEVET BENEFITS The healing effects of PulseVet’s therapies include: • 90% success in treating chronic back pain and kissing spines • Faster healing of tendon/ligament injuries • 81% improvement in horses with navicular syndrome • 50% faster healing of collateral ligament injuries Additionally, PulseVet treatments offer: • One to three treatments for full healing • An average treatment is 1000 pulses, which takes less than 5 minutes to complete • Energy penetration of up to 110mm in the body

PulseVet’s shock wave treatment products are made in the USA with quality materials. If something breaks or needs repair, veterinarians can count on PulseVet to address and solve the issue promptly. The horse always comes first, and PulseVet’s electrohydraulic focused shock wave treatment takes horse welfare to the next level through continually studied treatments. Unlike other shock wave providers, PulseVet offers horse owners a vet locator online to find licensed PulseVet shock wave therapy veterinarians in their area. This helps ensure horses receive the best possible treatment from a licensed veterinarian, and horse owners can submit a claim to their insurance provider for a covered treatment. PulseVet helps the horse’s longevity through promoting healing naturally within the body, slowing the progression of arthritis, and bringing in the good proteins to aid in cells talking to each other. Horses carry more than riders; they carry hopes, dreams, and joy. Keeping them healthy and pain-free is an important job that takes a team of dedicated people. Learn more about how PulseVet starts the healing process by contacting a PulseVet representative today at (800) 245-4417 or info@pulsevet.com. Read more about the research at: www.pulsevet.com/research/equine

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

THE PLAID HORSE COMMUNITY

What’s the Best Advice You’ve Gotten from a Trainer? This month in The Plaid Horse Adult Amateur Lounge on Facebook (come join us!), our members discussed their favorite trainer sayings that have improved their riding. Here are some of our favorites …

FORWARD IS NEVER A BAD CORRECTION. —SARAH PARNELL

One of my childhood trainers would sing, “One, two, one, two, let the jump, come to you…” —JENNIFER STONE RYPEL

Moving is better than standing still for an anxious horse OR rider!

Strong core, soft elbows. Start with more pace than you think you need. And the one I think of every time I get on a horse is “even weight in both feet, even weight in both seatbones.”

“SHE’S STILL A CHESTNUT MARE!” In other words, stop looking at your horse.

—TAMI CARDEN

—JESSIE LOCHRIE

—MEG RAE MURPHY

“The stronger you are, the softer you ride.” This one always stuck with me.

—KENNEDY HAMILTON

It’s ok if you make the wrong decision. Right decision or wrong decision is better than no decision at all.

Stop worrying about the fence height. You are not the one jumping it. You job is the pace and the path to the fences.

—MISTY PLEINESS

—MARIE PALMER

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—ANNIE CAMPBELL YUNGINGER

The warm up is to prep your horse for your show round. It’s not a reflection of how your show round will go.

You’re just jumping a farm animal over sticks in a sandbox —there’s no need to over think it. —LINDSEY MARIE

Stop riding the horse you had a month ago. He’s a different horse now! —JANET ROARK

That fence is just 3 sub sandwiches tall! —KAT NORTH

PHOTO: RANDOLPH PR

SPOTLIGHT

FROM THE OUTSIDE, IN Six Ways to Make Your Farm Shine in the Real Estate Market IF YOU ASK leading Wellington real estate agent Martha Wachtel

Jolicoeur what property buyers are looking for these days, her answer without hesitation would be, “a house.” The housing market is sizzling due to low interest rates. Everyone seems eager to become a homeowner, making home buying a tricky endeavor with inventory being low across the nation. It sounds easy enough to sell a home these days, but in Wellington, FL, many buyers are looking for a place their horses can call home as well. Equestrian real estate is also a hot commodity, and there are particular trends and styles that can be incorporated to help a farm property sell even faster. According to Martha, selling a farm is like selling a horse. If it checks most of the boxes, it’s a quick sale. It’s easy to sell something attractive and well-maintained that also serves its intended purpose. The price also needs to be right; if it’s too expensive, the pool of interested buyers will shrink and the sale may take longer. The property that’s priced right, clean, and well-located will sell right away. Keeping these things in mind ahead of time will help the selling process move swiftly and easily. WORDS: TORI PHOTOS:

BILAS/JUMP MEDIA COURTESY MARTHA JOLICOEUR, KATHY RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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ABOVE AND NEAR LEFT:

The pool and neutral interiors complete this home in Palm Beach Polo FAR LEFT:

A stunning barn interior in Palm Beach Point

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

SPOTLIGHT

WHAT DOES it take to

get a farm sale-ready? Martha offers six tips for bringing a farm property to the market.

FOCUS ON CURB APPEAL

When it comes to preparing a farm for the market, Martha says to start with the exterior. Curb appeal is crucial when showing a property because it’s what the buyers see first. A simple landscape design featuring clear walkways with manicured trees and plenty of privacy goes a long way. Adding simple upgrades like new flowers and mulch will pay off in the long run.

FOCUS ON YOUR FARM’S SELLING POINTS

When it comes to farm amenities, remember that every buyer will step onto a property with different priorities in mind. Some will prioritize the footing, others will want an ideal turnout situation, while still others will prefer a stylish barn, meaning a newer building with built-in storage and high ceilings with tongue and groove wood paneling, which is beautiful but difficult to maintain. Other significant barn selling points to keep in mind include water access to every stall, superb footing, 12'-by-12' stalls at minimum, and excellent ventilation throughout the barn. Emphasize your farm’s selling points and consider whether it’s worth the investment to add a few more desirable items before listing.

3 ABOVE: The kitchen and landscaping at a serene Saddle Trail property ABOVE RIGHT: The front exterior of a South Wellington property

84 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

MAKE NECESSARY UPDATES

“As a general rule of thumb, newer is better in Wellington,” says Martha. “I used to sell antique farms often when I was working in real estate in Virginia, but homebuyers in Florida typically prefer new.” If it can’t be new, modern updates always go a long way. Replace dated appliances and update kitchens and

“I often find that by the time their property is ready for the market, they’re thinking to themselves, why did I ever want to sell it?” bathrooms with new counters, hardware, and cabinetry, if needed. When considering updates, remember that simplicity sells. Light exterior colors, especially white, are preferable over dark colors, and a simple coat of paint can drastically improve curb appeal. Roof updates are worth considering, too. Barrel roofs are not as popular as they once were, and now people are opting for metal or cement tile roofing. Installing a new roof is a daunting project for a prospective homebuyer, so updating to a simple, desirable roof could go a long way in a sale. Addressing any functional issues with the facility is also crucial prior to hitting the market, as a poor inspection could cause a sale to fall through or force the seller to make a significant price reduction.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS

On the inside of both the home and barn, focus on allowing potential buyers to picture themselves in the space. With the interior, less is more. It should not be completely empty, but don’t overload the space with personal touches and photographs. Even when top riders list their properties, they may only keep their Olympic medals on display to give the space a sense of aspiration while still allowing prospective buyers to envision themselves living there. Eliminate bold colors and patterns to avoid distraction. Bold furnishings can be overbearing and draw viewers’ eyes away from the rest of the space, both in person and in photographs. An antique oriental rug, while beautiful in person, may not photograph well, so you may want to put it in

storage or avoid using it in photos. White carpeting can also be distracting and off-putting for pet owners, as it gets dirty easily. When considering flooring, think of what’s easy to mop and maintain, such as light hardwood or a good quality laminate, and even marble for bathrooms.

HIRE A STAGING EXPERT

If your property is empty, or if your furniture doesn’t help your property look its best, you can hire a designer to stage the space to show it off for buyers. When a home is professionally staged, the furniture is often available for sale so a buyer can choose to purchase the home furnished or select certain pieces to match their taste.

KEEP IT CLEAN FOR SHOWINGS

This can be tricky for farms, but try to keep everything in its place while it’s on the market and, ideally, use storage containers to conceal the things needed around the barn on a daily basis. Try to show the farm after feeding time once everything’s been put away and swept clean. If you have boarders or clients, communicate the importance of keeping things neat and organized and arrange for them to not be present while the farm is being shown. “My number one piece of advice would be to start outside and work your way in,” says Martha. “Spruce up the landscaping, declutter, apply a new coat of paint, and keep everything clean. Once a seller does all that, half the time they don’t want to sell anymore. I often find that by the time their property is ready for the market, they’re thinking to themselves, why did I ever want to sell it?”

Meet the Expert:

MARTHA WACHTEL JOLICOEUR Buying or selling a property with Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur assures the highest level of professional real estate consultation in the Wellington, FL, equestrian community. Jolicoeur understands the importance of customer excellence and prides herself on dealing honestly and fairly while creating relationships with her customers that continue far beyond a transaction. Jolicoeur first established herself among the equestrian community as a world-class show jumping competitor.

Since then, she has combined her passion for horses with her career as one of the area’s top-ranked real estate agents catering exclusively to equestrian clientele. Jolicoeur serves her clients by consulting and guiding them to make the right real estate choices. She prides herself on her work within the global equestrian community, and her international competitive background helped lay the foundation for many relationships that have proven to be the building blocks of her impressive equestrian real estate clientele.

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING

Kip Rosenthal Rider, Trainer, Judge, Horsewoman 1951–2020 KIP ROSENTHAL’S lifelong passion for horses began officially at age 10 when she began taking riding lessons once a week from Anne and Frank Grenci at Fox Hill Farms in Pleasantville, NY. She went on to train with Victor Hugo-Vidal at Cedar Lodge Farm in North Stamford, CT. Under Hugo-Vidal, she rode her own Goodboy Dee to the 1966 and 1967 American Horse Shows Association Small Junior Horse of the Year titles. Rosenthal finished her Junior years with George Morris who guided her successfully to numerous championships in the Equitation and Jumper Divisions. With her partner, Rome Dome, she won the AHSA National Junior Jumper Horse of the Year title in 1968. Then they moved up into the open divisions and competed as a member of the UU Equestrian Team. At Bennett College she worked with Carol Molony and Jim Fallon. Before turning professional, she also trained with Bert deNemethy, Dave Kelley, and Frances Rowe. In 1977 she became the senior trainer at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, CT, where her interest in training and judging further developed. Her passion for Sports Psychology began when she befriended Dale Hueber, a learning disabilities specialist and reading consultant. Rosenthal went back to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, two master’s degrees in education and psychology, and a Ph.D. in psychology from Fordham University in New York. She developed her own sports psychology WORDS:

86 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

system, wrote articles for various publications, and she published a book, Kip’s Tips, in 2020. In 1985, Rosenthal opened her own training business Benchmark Farm, first at Cedar Lodge Farm and later at Coker Farm in Bedford, NY. Her students won several national equitation finals and multiple Horse of the Year awards. As an “R” judge, she also officiated at many major events. She also served in governance as an active committee and task force participant. Rosenthal held a special interest in the EAP (Emerging Athletes Program), where she served as an honored clinician for regional and national sessions for many years. Despite failing health, she continued her life’s work until close to the end. Rosenthal is survived by her sister Jo Michaels, brother-in-law Jerry, and nieces Lauren and Abby. Kip Rosenthal’s legacy in the horse world will live on with a memorial trophy in her name—see the sidebar at right for details and how to donate toward its related costs.

JUDY RICHTER

Attention

JUNIOR EQUITATION RIDERS AND TRAINERS! Kip Rosenthal Memorial High Score Equitation Award Trophy to be presented to the junior rider accumulating the most points in the competition year at the following national equitation finals: USEF Show Jumping Talent Search East/West Finals USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals WIHS Equitation Finals ASPCA Maclay National Championship Finals Total points to be calculated using the following system for places first through tenth: 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 DONATED BY

PHA, collegues, family and friends PRESENTATION AT THE

Annual USEF National Awards Dinner DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Money will go toward trophy, trainers’ picture frame, photo, one-time maintenance fee to USEF and appraisal fee for trophy. PLEASE MAKE CHECK OUT TO PHA

and mail to Christine Dwyer PO Box 566, Shenorock, NY 10587-0566

TROPHY PHOTO: RICHARD KILLIAN

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

RIDERS

It Happens! 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! BY

RENNIE DYBALL

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

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STEPHANIE BOWERS

JULIE WINKEL

I’ve prepared tons of kids for the show ring, but apparently it’s a different story when the kid is your own daughter! When Maclay (pictured, and with her mom, inset) was little and showing in the Short Stirrup, I once put so much sticky spray on her saddle that when she posted, her pants stuck to the saddle! Another time, I oiled her bridle so much that she couldn’t steer.”

Years ago, I was late to the jumper ring to walk my course. The Grand Prix ring was situated on a huge grass field with a white plastic chain fence enclosing it. I raced over in my golf cart and as I slammed on the brakes when I reached the arena (everyone else was already walking), my two dogs that were on the seat with me flew off and landed on the gas pedal. The golf cart went flying through the fence and the entire fence went down like dominoes! I was so embarrassed as the announcer made a joke about me not being late anymore because they now needed to rebuild the entire arena before the class could begin.”

CATHERINE TYREE

LISA WU

I went to Spruce Meadows for the first time in 2013. There were two derbies I was doing one day. Both rounds were going great—until I got to the grob. I fell off of both horses at the grob on the same day! It was a very long walk back to the ingate the second time.”

I was showing with Kosti and Jenny Karazissis at The Oaks. I went into my first 3’6” Amateur-Owner class and went off course. I was dying of embarrassment because here I was, showing with the greats, and I couldn’t even remember a hunter course. It was back to back rounds, so I went in again after just one other rider and proceeded to go off course again over the same wrong jump. That time, as I was just about to go over the wrong jump, I saw Jenny off in the distance frantically waving her hands around, I could see her mouth making the word, “Noooooooo!” and then a look of absolute amazement on her face as I sailed over the same wrong jump. I wanted to just crawl into a hole in embarrassment. And anyone who knows me knows I don’t really ever get embarrassed.”

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: COURTESY STEPHANIE BOWERS; GRANDPIX; PHELPS MEDIA GROUP; SARA SHIER PHOTOGRAPHY

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

Living room.

LOANS FOR BUILDING A COUNTRY LIFE Financing for Farms • Home Construction Land • Equestrian Facilities Whether purchasing land or a home in the country, our lending experts specialize in financing rural properties. Farm Credit East NMLS No. 522993 7397 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 800.762.3276 • CountryLivingLoans.com

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1/12/21 8:11 AM

ATHLETIC EQUESTRIAN R i d i n g

i n

C o l l e g e P o d c a s t

The Combo Boot takes care of the Hoof and Leg at the same time. Double Ice Cells at the bottom of the Boot help prevent Foundering. Reduce swelling and soreness with Ice Therapy. For Hock, Tendon Wraps and Hoof Packs, Check these locations for sale price: Dover Saddlery, Jeffers Pet, Valley Vet, Big D, SmartPak or ezice.net

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92 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

BLAZE OF GLORY II The 14-year-old gelding, who goes by Blaze at the barn, recently finished fifth in a $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, among other top Grand Prix ribbons while at Lamplight

What’s a human food that you’ve always wanted to try?

What do you love most about the show ring?

Where do you love to show the most?

I’ve always wanted to try my mom’s Red Bull but she tells me I can’t … because I already have wings!

I love the show ring because every time I try my hardest, there are always endless cookies waiting for me at the in-gate.

I love the shady grazing areas filled with wildflowers at Lamplight Equestrian Center. And my hometown venue, Great Southwest Equestrian Center, has so many great classes, friends, and I am close to my pasture at home!

PHOTOS: HOPE MEINEN

Tell us about your rider.

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

I found my current rider by accident when I showed up at a new farm after jumping many successful classes with so many cool people! She is a young professional in her twenties with big dreams to jump in the Grand Prix. It’s easy for me, and I can jump whatever, so we made a pact: She treats me really well—massages when I want, treats when I want—and I jump for her … even when she’s nervous.

When I’m home I spend as much time as I can in my pasture. It’s covered with shade trees and my dad always makes sure the grass is perfect. When I’m not there I enjoy hacking all around the property with my mom. My job is easy at home, just settling my flame until the next show! September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

INITIATIVE

Inside the

EQUESTRIANS OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT BETHANY PASTORIAL EQUESTRIANS OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT WORDS:

PHOTOS:

Bethany Pastorial of Bethany P Photography

94 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

The organization focuses on better allyship in the equestrian community IN THE WAKE OF George Floyd’s

murder in May 2020 and the resulting nationwide racial unrest, the equestrian community began buzzing with the call for more diversity, more inclusion, and more representation. Among those voices were four equine photographers who felt strongly pulled towards action. Shelley Paulson (Shelley Paulson Photography), Bethany Pastorial (Bethany P Photography), Anna Smolens (Purple Horse Designs), and Erica Hills (Erica Hills Photography) met via the all-too-common video conference to openly discuss how current events had impacted them—the sting of racism, the guilt of white privilege, and the desire to take action. The group felt drawn to open that conversation up to others who may not feel heard or seen. They knew that was the path forward towards inclusion—to

Shelley Paulson of Shelley Paulson Photography

give everyone a voice. The discussion led to the creation of the Equestrians of Color Photography Project, a weekly blog amplifying the voices of equestrians of color ready to openly share their story with the community. Photographers across the nation applied to join the project as an Ally. “Each of us is an ally first, and a photographer second,” says Smolens. “It’s only by working together that we can bring positive developmental change to our industry on a large scale.” The project’s goals are twofold with the first being to provide a safe space for equestrians of color to share their story. They do so through an honest interview regarding their experiences as a diverse member of the equestrian community and in front of the camera with a project ally.

The resulting images and interview responses are combined in a blog published every Monday at equestriansofcolor.com. Each participant has had such a unique experience, some positive and some negative. But every one of them has generated genuine conversation about the issue of discrimination in our communities and encouragement for other equestrians of color. Speaking from personal experience, when I was a young rider, the Internet didn’t exist, but I wish I had had something like this to help me identify my place in the equestrian world. The second project goal is to raise awareness regarding the lack of representation in equestrian visual media and support an inclusive, diverse community of horse lovers. Over the last year, major brands and publications have paid more attention to their imagery used in marketing collateral and advertisements. Even photographers participating in the project have had to take a hard look at their portfolio. Paulson, whose commercial work is widely renowned, says, “A few years ago, I was contacted by a major stock photo library about becoming a contributor. After a call with the team, one of them spoke up and

said, ‘We have one piece of feedback for you. We would like you to explore the idea of adding more racial diversity to your work. From your website, it looks like horseback riding is for rich white girls.’ He wasn’t wrong. As my library grows and more brands and publications are using images on a regular basis, I feel an even greater responsibility to offer photos that show diversity.” Participating ally Rachel Griffin (Rachel Griffin Photography) adds, “It’s easy to point to larger businesses and media as the root of representation problems, but as portrait photographers we are just as responsible for perpetuating or fighting racism. While my heart has always been inclusive, this hasn’t been reflected well in my portfolio of work. As an ally I’m committed to changing that.” Now, a year later, the project has published over 50 stories from breeders, trainers, non-profit organizers, riders, barn owners, and horse lovers across the nation. There are currently 53 photographers across the United States and Canada seeking stories to share with a readership of over 10,000. And the impact is significant with increased diversity seen in publications, advertising campaigns, associations, and nation-wide movements.

Erica Hills of Erica Hills Photography

The group is moving into year two with persistence and plans to expand stories to non-profit organizations serving communities of equestrians who are racially diverse. “The work we’re doing with the project and blog is too important to come to an end after one year,” says Hills. “Our roles may change over time, but our compassion and dedication to the project’s mission will be life-long.” If you are an equestrian of color (16 years or older) interested in sharing your story through The Equestrians of Color Photography Project, you can connect with a local photographer ally via the project website at: equestriansofcolor.com. The Plaid Horse also plans to feature these stories in future issues.

Anna Smolens of Purple Horse Designs

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

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

96 THE PLAID HORSE September 2021

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

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

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

Get your copy at theplaidhorse.com/teall

PHOTO GALLERY

The Hillside Center Ulf Wadeborn Dressage Clinic SEDALIA, COLORADO • MARCH 27-28, 2021 Hillside and Noble Dressage welcomed International S judge, gold medalist, and SWANA board member Ulf Wadeborn for a quarterly clinic event attended by trainers and AA riders from third level through Grand Prix. The two-day clinic offered insight from the renowned judge who shared what he looks for in top FEI competitors as well as his approach to young horse development. Based out of California, Wadeborn brings a wealth of knowledge from breeding and young horse development to judging riders at the highest levels of competition. The Hillside Center is a premier dressage facility set in the heart of the scenic Plum Creek Valley in Sedalia, Colorado. PHOTOS:

KATIE DAMON OF CLEVER LARK PHOTOGRAPHY

2 3

1 Jennifer Diamond & Elisabeth Sara B 2 Maureen Sterling & Califa Da Cambuhy 3 Jenny Brauer & Lennon US • 4 Anna Jensen & Teddy • 5 Jenny Brauer & Bianco 6 Maureen Sterling & Fürsten Ríochas 7 Jenny Brauer & Royal Galaxis

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4 5

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RIDERS

KENDALL MEIJER RIDER STATUS: AMATEUR • HOMETOWN: GRAND RAPIDS, MI • TRAINERS: CATHY AND HILLARY JOHNSON • As a horsewoman, I am most proud of winning the 2017 Championship at the National Horse Show in the 3'3 AO’s aboard Moonwalk; winning the 2020 NAL finals on Elliot. • As a horsewoman, I would most like to improve on developing young horses with confidence and patience. • I’d be lost without Advil in my tack trunk and extra gloves and spurs in my ring bag. • I think the biggest misconception about our sport is that it is glamorous. While there are moments of pomp & circumstance, the work and effort that take place behind the scenes and at home in preparation for show ring success are sometimes forgotten.

MY ADVICE FOR YOUNG RIDERS:

Be open to other endeavors and opportunities. Riding can be an important part of your life, without being its entirety.

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• My favorite horse book is Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation. • My favorite non-horse book is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, or anything True Crime. • The part of riding I struggle most with is keeping my fingers closed around the reins—I have champagne pinkies! • The part of riding I’m best at is having a soft feel and keeping my composure under pressure. • I’m a sucker for beautiful grey gelding! Some of my best horses have been grey. Another subtle trait I love is the notorious double swirl (cowlick). Two of my favorite horses in the barn have the double swirl! • On Mondays, you’ll find me sleeping in, playing tennis, taking conference calls, and going out to lunch. • I sometimes wish I had the time to learn how to speak more languages. • I’m afraid of the schooling ring. • The horse person I most admire is McLain Ward because he has overcome challenges with sports psychology and he demonstrates beautiful equitation while navigating the most difficult courses. • Something I say ten times a day is “Hey Siri...” PHOTOS: ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP); THE BOOK LLC

My greatest show ring victories are winning the last class in a huge Adult Hunter division in Kentucky to secure the championship after a traumatic fall in the schooling ring. • One of the best horse names I’ve ever heard is ... well, I am the resident “name girl” around my barn! I even keep a list of potential future names on my phone. I love Moonwalk, Lonesome Dove, and Suede, and I think Catch Me is a pretty epic name as well. My absolute favorite show is The National Horse Show, because it’s the quintessential event that we work towards all year. I also love the hospitality and atmosphere of GLEF in the summer months. • My motto is Higher Standards, Lower Prices.

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

theplaidhorse.com/listen

HORSES

‘HE IS HAPPIEST AT THE HORSE SHOWS’

Hadley Zeavin on Why Her 27-Year-Old Horse Griffin Is Still Thriving THE EIGHTEEN MONTHS before I got

WORDS: PHOTOS:

HADLEY ZEAVIN IMAGE BY KATIE

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Griffin in 2013 were the hardest of my life due to a bad riding accident and my dad’s unexpected death. When my trainer Mark Watring found me Griffin, I felt the tiniest sliver of hope for the first time in a while. Griffin saved me, and I like to think that he’s the last (and best) gift my dad ever gave me. I showed Griffin in the Adult and Low Adult Hunters and he’s made so many of my dreams come true—most importantly he helped me love riding again. Griffin has a long history of show ring success. He was originally purchased from Morgan Thomas for Travis Lubow as an equitation horse in 1998. When he didn’t care for the open water, Karen Healey and Archie Cox determined he would make a better hunter. Travis’s younger sister Jordan Lubow, with whom I’ve been friends with for over 20 years, started showing him when she moved off of ponies. Jordan and Griffin were reserve National Horse of the Year in the Small Junior Hunters 15 and under, and he went on to have success with other riders and trainers including Corinne Bevis and Michael Leon before he came to me. He is the kindest, most forgiving horse with a great sense of humor, and he comes out every day excited to do his job. Griffin loves to be fussed over and groomed, and he is happiest at the horse shows. He told Mark and I a few years ago that he needed to step down, so he’s leased out in Santa Barbara, CA, to clients of Courtney Cochran, whom I’ve known since I was ten years old. At 27, some horses would do well being retired, but Griffin genuinely loves having a job. Thanks to amazing care through his whole life, he’s still showing in the crossrail divisions and enjoying his job. I feel unbelievably lucky that Griffin and I found each other, and so honored to be Griffin’s forever home.”

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HORSE SHOWS HORSE SHOWS

The The highs highs and and lows lows at at shows shows from from coast coast to to coast coast NORTH SALEM, NORTH SALEM, NEW NEW YORK YORK HOME OF OLD SALEM FARM

WAYNE, ILLINOIS WAYNE, ILLINOIS HOME OF LAMPLIGHT EQUESTRIAN CENTER

HOME OF OLD SALEM FARM

HOME OF LAMPLIGHT EQUESTRIAN CENTER

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°F) AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°F)

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80° 80° 60° 60° 40° 40° 36 36

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61 61 39 39

72 72 48 48

81 81 58 58

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74 74 53 53

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63 63 42 42

51 51 34 34

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JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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20° 20° 13 13

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46 46 26 26

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70 70 48 48

80 80 58 58

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75 75 52 52

63 63 40 40

48 48 30 30

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JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC SOURCE: USCLIMATEDATA.COM SOURCE: USCLIMATEDATA.COM

The EDUCATION Issue ADS & ARTICLES DUE NOVEMBER 5

Contact piper@theplaidhorse.com for more info.

Andrew Ryback Photography

About the

College Preparatory Invitational Horse Shoew College is one of the most important decisions of your life! The CPI can help you explore your options and discover the choice that’s right for you. The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show offers young equestrians, in grades 8 – 12, the opportunity to explore the college equestrian experience through comprehensive education, competition, and scholarship/community service program. During the CPI Horse Show event, athletes experience the college equestrian competition format; they can explore an equestrian-focused college fair, attend educational presentations and take advantage of the opportunity for direct conversations with college admissions representatives and equestrian team coaches. The CPI saves families the expense of transporting and stabling a competition horse by providing suitable horses, saddles, and tack, so participants need only bring their show clothes, helmets, and crops.

Phoebe Martin phoebelovesporkchop@yahoo.com

RESUME

Rider

Graduation Date 2022

EDUCATION: Harry D Jacobs High School, Algonquin, Illinois Senior- GPA: 3.46

WORK EXPERIENCE: I am currently employed by an Animal Rescue where I monitor, feed and exercise dogs. I am also in charge of keeping the facility clean. In addition to the animal rescue, I assist my trainer with grooming and preparing horses at horse shows.

LEADERSHIP: As a role model to many, I enjoy the opportunities to mentor young riders and support their passion of horses. From camp counselor to IEA Team Captain I lead riders to never give up on their goals.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE:

AWARDS/CERTIFICATES:

Volunteering is something that I am very passionate about. I am a strong supporter of Feed My Starving children which entails packing and shipping food packages all around the world, as an effort to break the cycle of poverty. I am also a volunteer at a local elementary school where I assist with fairs and other events.

2017-2018 IEA Zone 5 High Point Rider in the Future Intermediate Division.

SKILLS/ACADEMIC ACHEIVEMENT: Hard Working Committed Trustworthy Strong Communication Skills Ability to multi-task

2018-2019 IEA Zone 5 Region 9 High Point Rider in the Varsity Intermediate Fences Division. 2018-2019 IEA Zone 5 High Point Rider in the Varsity Intermediate Flat Division. 2019-2020 IEA Zone 5 High Point Rider in the Varsity Open Fences Division. 2019-2020 Invitee to the IEA National Finals for Varsity Open Championship Class. 2020-2021 IEA Zone 5 Region 10 High Point Rider in the Varsity Open Fences Division. 2020-2021 IEA Zone 5 Open Championship Class Winner. 2021 Zone 5 3’3” large Junior Hunter 16-17 Top 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: My riding career began at the young age of 5. Who would have thought that my love for Breyer horses would have turned into a life long passion. The horses have become my life and I would not change it for the world. Everyday I am presented with new obstacles that have taught me trust, patience and composure. The life lessons that have been instilled in me are ones that only the life of an equestrian could have given me.

College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show

CPI Florida January 14 - 16, 2022 Jim Brandon Equestrian Center West Palm Beach, Florida Applications/Entries Available online at www.collegeprepinvitational.com

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund The CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund is a Public Charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and was created to encourage student-athletes to educate themselves about the charitable organizations in their communities, lay emphasis on horsemanship and sportsmanship as key elements needed for equestrian success, and promote higher education as a foundation to future success in life. Through the CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund, the CPI Horse Show is able to offer scholarships to student athletes who registed to participate in CPI Horse Show events. Additional information on our scholarship program and all the information to submit entries to be considered for a scholarship can be found on our website at collegeprepinvitational.com under the “CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund” tab.

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund Jr. Ambassador Program Fund My Ride Program Through the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund – Jr. Ambassador Program, you can raise money to cover your entry fee for a CPI Horse Show while fundraising for the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund, using the “Fund My Ride” program.

Community Service Program Participants in the CPI Junior Ambassador Program embody the spirit of giving back through fundraising and community service efforts to support the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund. Through the CPI Junior Ambassador Program, volunteers in grades 5-12 have an opportunity to earn community service hours while learning valuable life lessons working behind the scenes at a CPI event.

Green Is the New Blue and the College Preparatory Invitational Partner to Promote Environmental Education and a Sustainable Equestrian Sport Green Is the New Blue, a non-profit organization that strives to reduce the environmental impact of horse shows and call equestrians to action for a more sustainable sport, is proud to partner with the CPI (College Preparatory Invitational) Horse Show, an organization that allows young riders to explore the college equestrian experience through a education, competition, and college recruiting opportunities.

Photo: Split Rock Jumping Tour

Founded in 2019 by amateur rider Stephanie Bulger, Green Is the New Blue has partnered with horse shows around the country including the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, Hampton Classic Horse Show, and Split Rock Jumping Tour, among others. Green Is the New Blue’s established initiatives include the Refuse to Use Campaign, which highlights the need to eliminate single-use plastics. The Plastic-Free Ingate offers compostable bamboo cups, reducing the use of plastic and paper. In the hunter ring, the featured Living Jump includes carefully selected plant species native to the horse show's geographic region, which are replanted onto the showgrounds following the event to benefit the local ecosystem.

A rider over the Green Is the New Blue jump at CPI Florida 2021.

As part of the partnership with CPI, Green Is the New Blue developed an Environmental Essay Scholarship, Environmental Steward Championship, and a college fair feature to promote environmental studies. The Environmental Essay Scholarship is designed to inspire new ideas and raise consciousness of action in regard to our relationship with the planet. The Environmental Steward Championship, which will be awarded following CPI New Jersey 2021, is designed to give students resume writing experience and identify those serving as environmental leaders within their communities.

The inaugural Environmental Essay Scholarship Presented by Green Is the New Blue was awarded to Olivia Jurado of Massachusetts during the CPI Florida Horse Show 2021. In her essay, Jurado wrote about her experience working with a sustainable living organization, where she learned about waste management. I was just starting to think about how I can expand and cross my new-found passion of sustainability more into the horse world... and that's what you do with Green is the New Blue!" Green is the New Blue aims to inspire young riders to develop careers that better our planet, ideally returning to the equine industry in the future to improve the sustainability of the sport. To further this goal, CPI and Green Is the New Blue have compiled a list of environmental programs for each school attending the college fair, available within the event program and the CPI website. At the college fair, students can visit the Green Is the New Blue table to ask questions about environmental studies, learn about initiatives at the horse shows, and have productive conversations around sustainability.

The Living Jump at the 2021 Aiken Spring Classic. Photo: A&S Photography

Olivia Jurado, winner of the Environmental Essay Scholarship Award at CPI Florida 2021.

BECAUSE THERE'S NO PLANET B

For more educational content on environmental topics, follow Green Is the New Blue on social media and visit the website. To learn more about the partnership between Green Is the New Blue and the College Preparatory Invitational, visit the “Green Partners” section of the CPI website www.greenisthenewblue.org @Green_Is_the_New_Blue Green Is the New Blue

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund CPI Essay Scholarship Award Winners

2021 CPI New Florida - Carly Stasio, Davie, FL. Class of 2023 2020 CPI New Jersey - Maya Dishmon, Winston-Salem, NC. Class of 2023 2020 CPI Florida – Monica Egnezzo, Verona, NJ. Class of 2020 2019 CPI New Jersey – Monica Egnezzo, Verona, NJ. Class of 2020 2019 CPI Florida – Emme Wilson, Orange, CA. Class of 2021 2018 CPI New Jersey – Karli Sunnergren, Georgetown, DE. Class of 2019 2018 CPI Florida – Ashley Gregory, Southwest Ranches, FL. Class of 2018 2017 CPI Texas – Celeste Fazioli, Seabrook, TX. Class of 2019 2017 CPI Florida – Sarah Buchhotz Austin, TX. Class of 2018 2016 CPI California – Madison Luker, Coto de Caza, CA. Class of 2017 2016 CPI Florida – Mollie Green, Broadview Heights, OH. Class of 2017 2015 CPI Florida – Samantha Bowden, Boxford, MA. Class of 2016 2014 CPI Florida – Isabel Pickett, Hoover, AL. Class of 2015 2013 CPI Florida – Cassie Crotty, Coral Gables, FL. Class of 2015 2012 CPI Florida – Cassie Crotty, Coral Gables, FL, Class of 2015 2011 CPI Florida – Lauren Abunassar

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund

CPI Horsemanship Test Scholarship Award Winners 2021 CPI Florida - Ian McFarlin, Tallahassee, FL. Class of 2022 2020 CPI New Jersey - Natalie Dresdow, Overland Park, KS. Class of 2021 2020 CPI Florida – Gabriela Bogaczynska, Weston, FL. Class of 2024 2019 CPI New Jersey – Paige Kennedy, Purcellville, VA. Class of 2020 2019 CPI Florida – Emily Forshee, Erieville, PA. Class of 2019 2018 CPI New Jersey – Rylee Lent, Carroll, OH. Class of 2019 2018 CPI Florida – Emily Johnson, Chandler, AZ. Class of 2020 2017 CPI Texas – Julia Gross, Tulsa, OK. Class of 2018 2017 CPI Florida – Sarah Lewis, Windsor, ON. Class of 2018 2016 CPI California – Kate Bonham, La Canada, CA. Class of 2017 2016 CPI Florida – Caydee Dickensheets, Austin, TX. Class 2016 2015 CPI Florida – Caydee Dickensheets, Austin, TX. Class 2016 2014 CPI Florida – Haleigh Townsend, Chandler, AZ. Class of 2015 2013 CPI Florida – Chloe Hatch, Vero Beach, FL. Class of 2014 2012 CPI Florida – Madison Specht, Winter Garden, FL, Class of 2015 2011 CPI Florida – Evelyn Smith

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund

CPI Champion of Service Scholarship Award Winners

2020 CPI New Jersey - Shea Ehrhard, Darien, CT. Class of 2021 2020 CPI Florida – Halley Moak, Estes Park, CO. Class of 2021 2019 CPI New Jersey – Paige Sutton, Wyckoff, NJ. Class of 2020 2018 CPI Florida – Megan Gasparaitis, Hampshire, IL. Class of 2020 2017 CPI Texas – Brooke Grindinger, Dallas, TX. Class of 2018 2017 CPI Florida – Anna Baskevich, Staten Island, NY. Class of 2018 2016 CPI California – Julia Stone, Santa Barbara, CA. Class of 2019 2016 CPI Florida – Ellie Tradup, Highland Village, TX. Class of 2017 2015 CPI Florida – Sophia Koolwick, Ortonville, MI. Class 2015 2014 CPI Florida – Cassie Crotty, Coral Gables, FL. Class of 2015 2013 CPI Florida – Alexandra Adams, Jacksonville, FL. Class of 2014 2012 CPI Florida – Natasha Walters, Paoli, PA, Class of 2016 2011 CPI Florida – Kelsey Swanson

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund

CPI Photographic Scholarship Award Winners

2019 CPI Florida – Lara Kendall, Sanibel, FL. Class of 2023 2019 CPI Florida – Ayden Turner, Ft. Myers, FL. Class of 2023 2019 CPI Florida – Emme Wilson, Orange, CA. Class of 2021 2019 CPI Florida – Monica Egnezzo, Verona, NJ. Class of 2020 2019 CPI Florida – Alexandra Picard, Bolton, CT. Class of 2020 2016 CPI Florida – Chloe Bellerive, Keedysville, MD. Class of 2016 2016 CPI Florida – Molly Bentley, Dade City, FL. Class of 2017 2016 CPI Florida – Barbara Banchik, New York, NY. Class of 2017 2015 CPI Florida – Carly Nasznic, North Kingstown, RI. Class of 2016 2015 CPI Florida – Alex Daskam, Southbury, CT. Class of 2016 2012 CPI Florida – Paige Vinson, Mystic, CT, Class of 2013 2012 CPI Florida – Austin Harrelson, Vero Beach, FL, Class of 2012 2012 CPI Florida – Olivia Stibolt, Severna Park, MD, Class of 2014

CPI Scholarship & Educational Fund

CPI Overall High Point Rider Scholarship Award Winners 2021 CPI Florida - Olivia Jurado, Great Barrington, MA. Class of 2023 2020 CPI New Jersey - Bailey Moriarty, Nokesville, VA. Class of 2021 2020 CPI Florida – Amanda Tom, Oxford, NJ. Class of 2020 2019 CPI New Jersey – Sarah Tom, Oxford, NJ. Class of 2022 2019 CPI Florida – Audrey Schulze, Ridgewood, NJ. Class of 2021 2018 CPI New Jersey – Lucy Frisch, New York, NY. Class of 2022 2018 CPI Florida – Delaney McDowell, Ocala, FL. Class of 2019 2017 CPI Texas – Ruth Watts, Flower Mound, TX. Class of 2020 2017 CPI Florida – Mackenzie Suffy, West Milford, NJ. Class of 2018 2016 CPI California – Fallon O’Connell, Scottsdale, AZ. Class of 2018 2016 CPI Florida – Ashley Gregory, Davie, FL. Class of 2018 2015 CPI Florida – Abbie Poss, Locust Grove, GA. Class of 2017 2013 CPI Florida – Brianne Link, East Islip, NY. Class of 2016 2013 CPI Florida Dressage – Ashley Guidry, Wisconsin, Class of 2013 2012 CPI Florida – Barclay Powell, Gainesville, FL, Class of 2014 2012 CPI Florida Dressage – Rachel Robinson, Orlando, FL, Class of 2014 2011 CPI Florida – Victoria Griffith

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

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

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

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

—AMAZON REVIEWER ★★★★★

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

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

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

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

Read all three!

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

PHOTO: KRISTINE LANCELLE

SUN PROTECTION 101: DID YOU KNOW? • Experts recommend that your skin be protected by SPF or UPF 30 at all times • A plain cotton t-shirt has an average UPF value of only 5 • Skin cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women 25-30, and the second leading cause in women 30-35 • Young women have higher rates of skin cancer than young men • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with 9,500 people being diagnosed every day

ShadyLady’s newest product, the Sun Shirt, features UPF 50+ fabric combined with a sleek and stylish fit unique to sun and athletic wear

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SPOTLIGHT

SHADY LADY Sun Protection Looks to the Future WORDS:

LINDSEY LONG

EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONAL and founder of ShadyLady Alysia Lynch-Sherard

did not set out to start a clothing company and she never thought she’d be in the position of championing for sun protection. Those who know her describe her as a fun, lighthearted and passionate person, and Lynch-Sherard herself admits she’s more of a live-and-let-live type than an evangelist. “As I learn more and more about the consequences that UVA and UVB rays have on the body if not protected properly, it’s hard to not want to share with people what I have learned, especially when tiny changes in people’s habits can truly be the difference between developing skin cancer or not,” says the Canadan native. LynchSherard moved from Toronto to California in her early twenties and quickly noticed the effect the intense sun had on her skin—but most of all, her lips, which would burn on a regular basis. As a hunter-jumper trainer at Oceancrest Farms in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, she wondered how to best combat long hours in the sun. Lynch-Sherard would do her best to wear visors and reapply sunscreen often, but in the end

PHOTO ABOVE: KATIE BROWNE

,she just accepted this was a way of life in the horse industry. While getting her yearly skin check with her dermatologist, her doctor gave her the good news that her body was clear but he showed concern about her lips. Lynch-Sherard’s lips were showing early signs of skin cancer. He said sunscreen and visors were not enough and told her that the best strategy was to cover up with a fabric that blocks UVA and UVB rays with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30 or higher. She set out to find a face cover for herself that met those requirements in addition to being breathable, comfortable, and easy to take on and off. But nothing she tried fit the bill, so she decided to make her own, perfecting the design through trial and error and

UPF 50+ coverage for hands is perfect for driving, long days in the sun at horse shows. All ShadyLady items can be personalized with barn or company logos

September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

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SPOTLIGHT

after discovering that traditional sun fabrics that she found available are sprayed with a chemical that can wash out in as little as five washes. So it wasn’t just the design that needed to be perfected; she also needed to find a better fabric—and she did. LynchSherard found an amazing proprietary fabric that provided everything she wanted: chemical-free sun production that never washes out, plus soft and breathable. The simple but clever, self-created scarves satisfied Lynch-Sherard’s need to protect her lips without giving up style and ease of use. Soon, other equestrians took notice and requested their own. ShadyLady Sun Protection became a successful enterprise despite the fact that it was not Lynch-Sherard’s intention. I just made them for myself and my friends at first,” she says. “I didn’t anticipate turning it into a business.” When face coverings were mandated in public spaces to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, ShadyLady scarves became a natural choice for equestrians, even those who may have never considered one for sun protection. ShadyLady sales skyrocketed. “All of a sudden, a lot of people needed them, and it just kept building and building,” says Lynch-Sherard. As someone who believes people should be allowed to make their own choices, it was difficult for Lynch-Sherard to come to terms with the fact she was now selling an item that was a government requirement, and also that the sun protection she had worked so hard to create was now a secondary consideration for many equestrians. “At first, I hated that the business was exploding because of this horrible thing, COVID, but I had so many people tell me how their ShadyLady scarves made their lives better during that time,” she says. While Lynch-Sherard would have preferred that her scarves become popular for non-pandemic related reasons, she recognizes that the mask mandate normalized neck scarves as part of equestrian attire at a rate that otherwise would have been much more gradual. “I think that it gave people a chance to try. Before COVID, some people would look at me wearing a scarf and say they don’t know how I could wear it all day. But then they had to.” As a result of the incredible demand due to COVID-19, every inch of the fabric

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WHAT MAKES SHADYLADY FABRIC SPECIAL The secret to the long-lasting protection of ShadyLady products is in its unique fabric. Many fabrics that claim to provide ultraviolet protection are simply sprayed with chemicals which do provide some sun defense, but the coating breaks down with every wash cycle, and can disappear completely after as few as five washes. This fabric uses a patented technique in which the threads are soaked in oil before the fabric is weaved. Unlike spray-on coatings, the oil becomes part of the fabric and does not wash out. The ability to wash clothing frequently without degrading is vital to equestrians. The fabric is also naturally antimicrobial, chemical free, quick drying, and wrinkle resistant. Lynch-Sherard could obtain was utilized for scarves. Fast forward to fall of 2021 and scarf demand has stabilized, allowing Lynch-Sherard to use her proprietary fabric in new ways. ShadyLady gloves are currently available in six colors, and the first style of the company’s newest product, sun shirts, has just hit the market in four colors. Just as with the scarves, the concept and designs were influenced by LynchSherard’s desire to find stylish sun shirts for herself that truly protect. “All I wanted was a clean design that is comfortable, fits right, and does what it is supposed to do,” says Lynch-Sherard. “Most brands either have shirts that are stylish and well-fitting, or they have ones that provide effective sun protection. Typically, those things do not go hand in hand, so I’m marrying those two things together by creating fashionable, comfortable styles using this amazing chemical-free sun fabric.” Lynch-Sherard intends to make the

sun shirts available at an accessible price point, and also to offer a trainer discount for professionals who spend all day in the sun. “I talk to a lot of the younger girls in the industry, and I don’t want them to just have one shirt. I want them to have four, so they can wear them every day for protection.” In addition to helping those who work in the sport, ShadyLady is helping sponsored riders extend their reach to nonprofits they love. ShadyLady Gives Back was created at the height of the pandemic, stemming from Lynch-Sherard’s desire to do even more to contribute at a time that was so hard for so many people. Every month a sponsored rider gets to choose his or her favorite nonprofit, and ShadyLady gives $1 for every product sold to that organization. Past recipients have included Shelter to Soldier, a group that trains shelter dogs to provide support to veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other psychological injuries. Grand Prix rider Mandy Porter chose this organization and personally matched

“Most brands either have shirts that are stylish and well-fitting, or they have ones that provide effective sun protection. Typically, those things do not go hand in hand, so I’m marrying those two things together by creating fashionable, comfortable styles using this amazing chemical-free sun fabric.” —ALYSIA LYNCH-SHERARD ShadyLady’s donation. Other groups that have benefitted from this program include the Kevin Babington Foundation and the Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center. If you purchase any ShadyLady products during the month of September, you’ll be helping Metavivor, which raises funds for research for Metastatic Breast Cancer. This organization was chosen by professional rider Katie Taylor who was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 30 but is now cancer-free. While many new entrepreneurs—especially those who never intended to start a business in the first place—would have

been overwhelmed by the rollercoaster of demand that ShadyLady experienced, Lynch-Sherard has been able to adapt, thrive, and stay true to her core values. “I’ve put so much work and time into ShadyLady and what people gave me back was just so amazing. The customer service aspect was naturally very important to me and people have really responded to that,” she says. “I’ve put so much work and time into ShadyLady and what people gave me back was just so amazing,” she says. “The customer service aspect was

very important to me and people have really responded to that. I would receive messages daily with people telling us how happy they are with the product and speedy customer service provided by us. It gave me so much confidence in myself and it’s really shown me that I can do anything. I was extremely happy with my life before ShadyLady, but now can’t imagine a life without it, and I’m so excited to see where it ends up going.” Lynch-Sherard is looking forward to ShadyLady’s future and is thrilled about its new additions to the ShadyLady Sun Protection line. “I’m creating products that I would want for myself, and if they speak to other people’s needs then great, and if not, that’s okay too. We’ve gotten such a positive response from the horse community. I have really enjoyed helping to educate my friends and peers in the equestrian world about sun protection, and filling a need is what being an entrepreneur is all about!” September 2021 THE PLAID HORSE

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HORSE SHOWS

Select Champions TRIANGLE FARMS HAPPY TO SHOW Raleigh, NC AUGUST 13–15, 2021 Low Children’s Hunter

Curiosity & Skylar Oldham

98TH ANNUAL BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW II Blowing Rock, NC AUGUST 4–8, 2021 Jr/AO Jumper 1.25 m

LA SUMMER CLASSIC Burbank, CA AUGUST 12–15, 2021

9TH ANNUAL WISCONSIN EQUINE DERBY WEEKEND West Bend, WI

1.30 m Medium Jr/AO Jumpers

AUGUST 13–15, 2021

Cezanne B & Amelie Bittar

$500 Cedar Creek Equestrian 4-Bar Challenge

1.20 m Low Jr/AO Jumpers

Vindicating & Forest Franzoi

American Hero & Harper Vance

Low Adult Jumper 1.0 m

Herma & Brooke Mostman

Hopeful Hunter

Performance Hunter 3'6"

0.90 m Modified Ch/Adult Jumpers

Bascom Hill & Claire Gurican

Jr/Am Hunter

Win a Date & Judy Sutton Zacca Zoeloe & Allyson Pace

Land Shark & Ava Alves Low Hunter

Barina & Lindsay Goff

Barbara Biever Memorial Equitation Classic

Walk the Moon & Lynn Seithel

Southern Eclipse & Melissa Katz

$2,500 Blue Gate Farm 1.10 m Jumper Derby

Conformation Hunter

0.85 m Pre-Child/Adult Jumpers

$500 Le Cheval 2'6" Hunter Derby

Necofino & Caroline Willard Briles

Rated Aug. 28 “C” Sept. 26 “N” For more information, call:

(845) 564-6658 GARDNERTOWN FARM EST. 1979

Oct. 2 “N” Oct. 23 “C” Nov. 6 “C”

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Djuna and Deja Blue (“DJ”) in the 3'6 Small Junior Hunters at Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in Traverse City, MI

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DJUNA-BEAR LAUDER RENNIE DYBALL RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY WORDS:

PHOTOS: ANDREW

UNIOR RIDER Djuna-Bear Lauder has had many show ring successes competing in the 3'6" Junior Hunters and the Children’s Jumpers. But it was a recent not-so-spectacular moment in the ring that she considers the most memorable. At the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in July, Djuna was coming out of the ring after making some mistakes on her Small Junior Hunter, Deja Blue (“DJ”). Tori Colvin, of all people, had been watching her round.

Djuna, Traci Brooks, and DJ at a GLEF awards presentation

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“I was embarrassed and being hard on myself,” Djuna, 14, tells The Plaid Horse. She tearfully talked over the round with trainer Carleton Brooks and they made a plan for Djuna’s next round. That’s when Colvin came over. “My heart was going a thousand miles an hour,” Djuna recalls with a laugh. “Tori is one of my biggest inspirations—I look up to her so much. So, she started talking to me and she was just so kind. She said that tough rounds happen to everyone and she told me, ‘You may not see my bad rounds, but I have them, like everyone else. It happens to all the good riders.’ Being hard on myself was one of my biggest flaws, so hearing that from Tori, it meant a lot. Like, the greatest thing that ever happened.” It’s a mature perspective for a 14-yearold, but also not a surprising one if you know her. “Djuna is always eager to learn. She is wise beyond her years and sees the value in all of her experiences, both on and off the horses,” says trainer Traci Brooks. “She takes the time to think through things that happen and how to improve, and asks excellent questions in her quest for more knowledge.” Djuna (who’s got riding in her blood— her maternal grandfather Howard Stein trained with Joe Fargis) began riding at Traci and Carleton Brooks’s Balmoral near her home in Southern California before she was three years old. Her lessons in “the big girl ring” began when she was nearly five. “I’ve always been really social, and being five years old and making friends with the big kids, I just loved it.” In addition to being social from a young age, she was also tough from the start. “I had a pony named Mowgli and we cantered out of the ring by mistake and he tripped,” Djuna recalls. “We rolled over into these bushes and he looked like a beetle flipped on its back. It was a mess. Traci comes running over and I got up and said, ‘I want to do it again.’ I’ve never been timid about anything having to do with horses.” One of the biggest stepping stones in her riding education, Djuna says, came on a pony named Dust Bunny. The pony took her from the Crossrails division into the Short Stirrup, and ultimately into the Small Pony Hunters.

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Djuna with Deja Blue (“DJ”) in Traverse City, MI

DJUNA’S 2021 SHOW RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS • GLEF Grand Champion Junior Hunter: Miller’s Cove • Thermal Desert Circuit: Deja Blue—Full Circuit Champion, 3'6" Small Junior Hunters • Thermal Desert Circuit: Miller’s Cove—Full Circuit Reserve Champion, 3'6" Small Junior Hunters • Thermal Desert Circuit: Deja Blue—Mid-Circuit Champion, 3'6" Small Junior Hunters • Thermal Desert Circuit: Miller’s Cove—Mid-Circuit Reserve Champion, 3'6" Small Junior Hunters • Blenheim Equisports Grand Hunter Champion: Deja Blue • Blenheim Equisports Grand Junior Hunter Champion: Deja Blue • USEF Pony Finals: Betsy Fishback Sportsmanship Award

“I want to be able to communicate with the horses just by looking into their eyes.” —DJUNA-BEAR LAUDER

“He taught me everything that I needed to know for each level as we stepped up. He’s always been my favorite because of his personality. He was like a drag queen,” she says with a laugh. “You’d get on him and feel like, ‘I got this. I might get bucked off at the end of this round, but we got this.’ He would always lighten your mood.” Today, Djuna’s accomplishments (see sidebar) reflect both her bravery and all those hours spent in the saddle moving up the ranks. At home, she rides anywhere from two to seven horses or ponies each time she’s at the barn. Djuna’s hunters Deja Blue and Miller’s Cove have claimed numerous championships and reserve championships, both with her in the Small Junior Hunters as well as in the professional hunter divisions. She’s successfully dabbled in derbies and medal classes on Capitulum II (“Moose”), found top placings in the Children’s Jumpers, and she’s being asked to catch-ride ponies, including one at Pony Finals. “Djuna is a talented, thoughtful, and effective rider,” adds Traci. “Her attitude, determination, and work ethic serve her well in the sport.” Djuna’s newest horse, Calamity Jane Rumel (“Cali”), will be her partner to move up from the High Children’s Jumpers to the Junior Jumpers, and she plans on taking both DJ and Clooney to all of the Indoor finals this fall. “My goals are to put in consistent rounds that I’m proud of,” she says. “Even if that means I don’t win.”

I JUST WANT MY HORSES TO KNOW I LOVE THEM Djuna lights up when she talks about her horses and their personalities. “Clooney is the friendliest horse you’ll ever meet, with an adorable, humble personality. He knows he’s handsome but he’s not very showy,” she says. He also knew just what to do when Djuna faced a disappointment on the Desert Circuit last winter in Thermal, CA. After getting in trouble with her parents for incomplete homework, “I had to go home from the horse show a day early, which was so disappointing,” Djuna says. “I sat in Clooney’s stall, crying, and he just

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gave me kisses. He melts my heart. With all of my horses, I don’t care if they love me. I just want them to know I love them.” For DJ’s part, “he’s different from Clooney. He knows he’s a freaky mover and such a good horse. He’s not humble! When Carleton’s on DJ, I like seeing him walk. He walks with a purpose, holding his head up and bobbing his head. He has the greatest, proudest walk. And if he sees me giving Clooney kisses, he’ll get jealous. He’s a massive personality.” As for the human personalities at her barn, Djuna says she admires both of her trainers in their own ways: “You cannot go anywhere with Traci without someone coming up to her and chatting with her. She’s so charismatic and so smart. She’s my second mom. And Carleton cares so much for the horses. He understands them and they get the best care. Carleton is really special. He’s my mentor.”

Djuna and Miller’s Cove (Clooney) in the Junior Hunters at GLEF

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An ideal mentor, given Djuna’s own career aspirations. After college, she hopes to ultimately become a professional—and to not only ride, but know her animals inside and out. “I want to get to the point where I know so much about the horses, like Carleton,” she says. “I want to know the grain by heart, and to be able to communicate with the horses just by looking into their eyes.”

DEFEATING SELF-CRITICISM When you’re a teenager prone to being hard on yourself, the illusion of perfection on social media doesn’t make life at the barn easier. But Djuna took notice when her barn posted a “perfect” picture of their former Conformation Hunter, Pritchard Hill. Balmoral’s caption read: “For every photo like the one of Pritchard Hill there are 400 others where we hit delete. So

much of what we all see is the photo of the perfect moment in time, video footage edited to perfection … The grass isn’t greener and someone else’s situation isn’t better just because it appears that way online. Our horses aren’t always perfect, our rides aren’t always flawless. Our mission going forward is to show more of the story on social media … We challenge you to share your real, too.” Djuna took her barn up on that challenge, posting an enviable jumping photo of herself with Moose, alongside an awkward chipping photo. “1 good picture = 1,000 bad ones @balmoralfarm #teambalmoral,” Djuna captioned the shots. “I wanted to be a role model,” she says of posting the photos. “I wanted to be really brave for once and share how it’s okay to have those moments. It’s a horrible picture! People made fun of it. But I’m not taking that down. When people see those photos online, they act like they’ve never had one of those jumps.” But just like Tori Colvin, Djuna knows better. “I’m human, so I’m not perfect,” Djuna says with a shrug. “When I’m hard on myself, I talk to Carleton and Traci. Sometimes I cry. But I am working on learning how to channel these feelings. Taking a deep breath with my horse always helps.” And while she showed for several weeks this summer at GLEF, far away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Djuna learned to appreciate the quiet moments with her horses even more. “Clooney and DJ, they’re pretty perfect. But Moose and I, we’re both trying to get somewhere,” she says. “It’s been the best feeling just walking around the show park, through the trails and up the hills. Just taking time alone with my horse, not all braided up with my coat and my hairnet and my boots. Moose and I are both a work in progress.” “Watching Tori show in the 4' Performance, and get a rail and be okay with it, was more than enough encouragement for me,” she adds. “It happens, it’s not the end of the world. Part of riding is learning to be okay with that. That’s my biggest takeaway from this sport: Everything’s gonna be okay. And if it’s not okay, then you’re not finished yet.”

“She’s a talented, thoughtful, and effective rider whose attitude, determination, and work ethic serve her well in the sport.” —TRACI BROOKS

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The Plaid Horse September 2021 - The Fashion Issue

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