The Plaid Horse - October/November 2017 - The Equitation Issue

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Ramble On FaRm

PHOTOS © HOOF PRINT IMAGES.

PRemieRe Facility OF the PhiladelPhia main line

Dominique H. Damico ~ Berwyn, Pennsylvania ~ 484-325-0380 Ask about our horses and ponies for sale, from small pony hunters to junior hunters

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Ramble On FaRm

PRemieRe Facility OF the PhiladelPhia main line

Wishes best OF luck at indOORs

Balouette & Kaitlyn Williams Small Junior Hunter 16-17

PHOTOS © THE BOOK, LLC, PAWS & REWIND PHOTOGRAPHY.

Oxford & Katie Ray Medal and Maclay Finals

Rockette & Kaitlyn Williams Large Junior Hunter 16-17

Shaq & Kaitlyn Williams Junior Jumpers

Dominique H. Damico ~ Berwyn, Pennsylvania ~ 484-325-0380 Ask about our horses and ponies for sale, from small pony hunters to junior hunters

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Photos © Kristin Lee Photogrphy, Captured Moment Photography, and ESI Photography.

Storia Stables would like to thank our beautiful barn family for their dedication and love of the sport.

We would also like to thank our amazing horses for all they give us. Congratulations to each and every rider and horse on all your success. We look forward to a strong finish to this wonderful year.

STORIA STABLES • Trainers Victoria LaCagnin & Michelle Arellano Barn: 818-890-1922 • Victoria’s cell: 818-795-0720 • Email: storiastables@gmail.com Website: storiastables.com • Facebook: /StoriaStables

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PHOTO © CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO © HOLLY CASNER EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER

CONGRATULATIONS LANIE WALKENBACH on your lease of CONTENTO. Good Luck at Indoors!

SICILY IS OFFERED FOR SALE OR LEASE 2009 Oldenburg Mare. Sicily is a beautiful mover and has been successful in the 3' Green, Children’s Hunters, and Low Children’s Hunters. ▶

SOCIALITE IS OFFERED FOR SALE OR LEASE 9 Year Old Hanoverian Mare. Successful in the Low AO Hunters and Children’s Hunters.

Great potential as an Equitation horse. ◀

STORIA STABLES • Offering a Eurosizer Walker • 8 lush grass paddocks • Olympic sized Nike footing arena Hunter Derby Grass Field • Grass Grand Prix Field • Luxury Stalls • Beautiful trails surrounding the property STORIA STABLES • Trainers Victoria LaCagnin & Michelle Arellano Barn: 818-890-1922 • Victoria’s cell: 818-795-0720 • Email: storiastables@gmail.com Website: storiastables.com • Facebook: /StoriaStables

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GC PONIES

Ava Catherine Hayes & GC Ponies’ Center Field Winner, USEF Pony Medal Finals 2017

Robin Greenwood, Southern Pines, North Carolina 914-282-9898 • Robin@hunterponies.com

Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Congratulates

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GC PONIES WISHES

Best of Luck at Indoors…

Photos © Sporfot, Andrew Ryback Photography, The Book LLC, and Mackenzie Shuman.

Valentino & Chandler Wilks

Timoteo & Erica Felder

Large Pony Hunter

Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under

Glenhaven Astoria & Parker Peacock, Small Pony Hunter

Woodlands Misty Rain & Elle Gibbs Large Pony Hunter

AND CONTINUED LUCK TO OUR SALES GRADUATES

Our Song & Annabella Bozzuto Winner, Central Park Pony Classic Caves Farm, Trainer

Elegance & Zola Thompson Finally Farm, Trainer

Astro Boy & Abigail Gordon Winner, The Devon Horse Show 2017 Medium Pony Hunter

Robin Greenwood, Southern Pines, North Carolina 914-282-9898 • Robin@hunterponies.com

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Sheffield Farms photo © the Shawn McMillen Photography.

Specializing in Hunter and Derby Horses

photo © the book llc.

Offered for Sale: CAPRI 16.3H 2009 Gelding 3'6" Green Hunter and Derby Mileage • Super Ammie friendly 1st in Zone II 3'6" Green Hunters Good mover, great jump • Huge step with plenty of scope to move up

Offered for Sale: CANDY 16.1H 2008 Mare 3'3" Green Hunter mileage • Ready for Junior/AO partner 4th in Zone II 3'3" Green Hunters Good mover, great jump • Big step and scope to move up

130 Shaw Road, Middletown, NY 10941 • Landline 845-361-4171 See our website for more photos, information and videos. www.sheffieldfarms.com or info@sheffieldfarms.com

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CONGRATULATIONS

to Kevin Babington on winning the Welcome Class sponsored by GGT-Footing™ at the Silver Oak Jumper Show at Fieldstone Show Park in Halifax, Massachusetts

Cynthia Brewster-Keating, National Account Manager 864-804-0011 • www.ggt-footing.com

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THE EQUITATION ISSUE

Publisher

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief

SISSY WICKES Art Director

LISA DALY Web Director

BETSY KELLEY Digital Media Director

STEPHANIE ROLOFF Advertising

NANCY HALVEY LIZ DAVOLL

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE

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

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

INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag

ON THE COVER: MEGAN MURRAY-TENUTA OF BUENA VISTA FARM. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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

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26 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

by Piper Klemm, Ph.D. 32 EMILY GOLDBERG SHINES

by TPH Editor Sissy Wickes 36 PAYMYBRAIDER.COM IS THE FUTURE

by Sissy Wickes 40 BENEFAB®BY SORE-NO MORE® Lauren Mauldin 50 SHAWNA SIMMONS: EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHER

by TPH Intern Irene Elise Powlick 66 IS EQUITATION A PREREQ?

by Kirstie Dobbs & Hailey Johns 70 COVER STORY: MEAGAN MURRAY-TENUTA

by Sissy Wickes 78 THE WIHS IS A MUST-SEE

by Sara Cook, Jump Media 80 FAREWELL ONIRA

by TPH Intern Annie Birmingham 82 MEET OUR NEW STYLE EDITOR BETHANY LEE

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84 PLATINUM PEFORMANCE

by Laura Owens 87 TPH CROSSWORD

by Sissy Wickes 90 THE HANKINS: UNDENIABLY ALL IN

by Sissy Wickes 92 EQUIFIT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

by Sissy Wickes

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Six divisions ago, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to ride anymore. I have always loved this sport and always will, but my love is only somewhat related to saddle time. I love spending time with my fleet of ponies – the quiet mornings hand grazing as the sun rises fill me with as much joy as anything that happens in the ring. I love being an owner – watching young riders advance in their own riding, horsemanship, and career from the sidelines with a guiding hand. I don’t publish The Plaid Horse out of any gift or ability I have in the saddle.

If I never were able to ride again, I would still happily thrive laying down in a pony’s stall with him while I answer a horde of emails on my phone, holding treats out as they emerge from the ring, and grooming an ever-more-beautiful animal.

And my nervous pony-mom tick – rolling wraps. When I’m back at the barn, there is never anything unrolled. Ever.

So, six divisions ago, I was in a lull. I was seldom riding and when I did, I spent my time scared, nervous, in my head, and not having much fun. I felt unfit and struggled through the most basic exercises. I knew what I needed to do – I knew how I should coach myself but the magazine monolith led every decision, every action, every late night and early morning, and I just couldn’t bring myself to do better.

I knew I wasn’t enjoying what was happening and I knew none of the horses were either.

While I puttered around not riding through indoors two years ago, Fall turned to Winter and I had no plans to make another go at it. But at Thermal opportunity knocked. I walked in the first week and Traci Brooks said, “Hey! Are you going to come show with us this year?” And I just said

yes. I didn’t say I haven’t sat on a horse in months.

Or, I’m in a funk. Or, I’m a terrible, incomplete, shade of a rider right now. I just said yes.

My mom got home to our condo that night to find me doing squats in the kitchen. To her queries, I tried to explain… I might get to ride (if Traci was serious – I didn’t even know) and they’re going to think I’m such a buffoon. Morning and night, before and after the horse show each day, I tried to get as fit and/or strong as I possibly could within a span of a few short days. I had a goal. It was potentially not even a real goal, but it was enough to prioritize me slightly over phone calls, texts, and endless emails.

And then the most magical thing happened – I got on for the first time in months, about half hour before showing, and I learned. I made mistakes and was walked through correcting them. I felt improvement. I started riding the correct track. I got on the right pace and rhythm.

I felt occasional glimmers of confidence. I walked up to the in-gate and – still terrified – knew that I had already won.

The next week, I kept improving. I felt like I was accomplishing. All hope was not lost on me as a rider and I felt like I shouldn’t throw it all away. Quite the contrary, now was the time to buckle down and become. As those of you who follow my journey know, it was not meant to be last year. Business success led to business stress led to my inability to see past my computer and just when I was able to say ‘ride’ again, my

Be bold, say yes, and be the grassroots change you expect to see in yourself! appendectomy put me square back in the nonriders camp.

One year of ‘noodling’ on how to ride better and attempting to get fitter was derailed by having to spend weeks not lifting anything and moving slowly. Despite my best intentions, I arrived at Coachella this year at roughly the same place as last year… not having ridden a horse in months and physically weak. (cont’d on pg 29)

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Riding on the first day, I felt lost and nervous and stressed again. I had reverted and was overwhelmed in the schooling ring. We moved slowly and built my confidence to be ready to walk up to the ring and somehow, Sundae pulled out consistency for me when I brought none to the table. The second day, when I walked into the show ring and cantered down to the first jump, I took a deep breath and smiled. I saw the distance from so far out and rode down to that jump and it was perfection. I hope I remember that one jump for the rest of my life. It was the best feeling in the world.

With much larger success than ever before, I started to add riding into my life, to squeeze in more days at the gym, and with the help of my husband, Adam, to eat better at home. And by larger success, I mean I rode almost once or twice a month on average this year. We’re improving on an incremental level here – life is a grassroots campaign and my riding is a grassroots rally.

With the encouragement of my team, I took the plunge again. I decided to show at the Maryland Horse and Pony Show. I arrived on Friday to have two (TWO!) lessons on two different horses. I really enjoyed riding a beautiful hunter named Amasing F or ‘Foster’ to his friends. I made mistakes and he was unconcerned and I tried to match his spirit. We showed the next day to exciting rounds and fun success.

As any good streak goes, all you can do is wait for the inevitable end. It outwardly came on my second day with Foster. He was tired, I was much more tired, and my inability to communicate what I wanted could not have been more evident. He tried his best, but his mind reading and override buttons were a little too rusty to bring home top calls. However, as my goals are to learn, it was a satisfying attempt, division, and day. I felt myself getting physically stronger while fighting through fatigue, heat, and trying to use my legs and aids more effectively.

The funk is over… for now. I’m sure it will happen again, but I will have better strategies in place to work out of it. For now, it’s all about putting myself out there, making mistakes, challenging myself, and thinking of the long term goals: becoming a real rider and horseman in the saddle again. So, here’s to doing the extra class, taking the harder option, one more interval at the gym, and trying to keep up with the world spinning around me.

This year, 2017, I’m wrapping up ten years of consciously saying yes to opportunity and being game.

Through no real intention or planning, this year has been the year of Piper. I’ve enjoyed success like no other time in my life and appreciated all of the interactions that have led me to this place. I’m not sure what is coming, but I will always smile with the rides I’ve had the opportunity to have.

I hope saying yes and being game to new adventures yields a fraction of these riches in the years to come.

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BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

(FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT @PIPERKLEMM)

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St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, National Equestrian Center, St. Louis, MO, September 13-17, 2017. 1. Sarah Mechlin Duhon and Family.

2. Amanda Pennington. 3. Susan Hibbard. 4. Karen Cudmore. 5. Nicole Noland. 6. Sydney Swarr. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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California-based amateur rider, Emily Goldberg, has a message for young riders: there is life after the Junior Divisions!

Goldberg is an extremely successful rider in the Amateur Owner Hunter and Adult Equitation Divisions. Aboard her horses Sambuca and Sinatra, Goldberg has garnered numerous top ribbons and championships, ranking her high in the USEF Horse of the Year standings. A full time student at Pepperdine University, she is a part-time rider who juggles the rigors of academia and high level equestrian competition. Like many who participate in equestrian sport, her life is a balancing act of time, concentration, and energy.

“A less-than-fulfilling junior career doesn’t mean that you can’t be a top amateur,” Goldberg explains. “I rode a lot as a junior, but never really got going until I was an amateur.”

Her junior career was spent primarily in the hunter divisions, culminating with the positive experience of making up a young horse into a reliable, seasoned competitor. Solomon’s Mines is a horse that Goldberg bought as a six-year-old. She brought him up through the Junior Hunters, and he is still today competing in the Equitation Divisions in California. She fondly refers to him as a “schoolmaster.”

As her junior career ended, Goldberg moved into the next phase of her riding career with a new trainer, new location, and new horses. She began to ride with Victoria LaCagnina at Storia Stables in Santa Susana, CA. On her old junior hunter, Goldberg competed in a few Adult Equitation classes. “I knew it was time

Emily Goldberg Shines as

an Amateur to look for a top Amateur Owner Hunter horse,” she states. “I was ready to really break into the hunters with some amateur horses.”

Her first foray into the A/O’s was on Emma Snow, described as her “starter” horse. As her skills and success grew, so did her ambition.

With the guidance of LaCagnina, Goldberg traveled to Europe and purchased a six-year-old, Sambuca. Shown a few times in 1.10 meter classes in Europe, the beautiful bay gelding proved to be a quick study in the hunter discipline. Arriving in September, 2015, Sambuca began his career that fall in the Baby Green division with LaCagnina in the irons and the Low Adults with Goldberg aboard. The next few months saw the horse move up to the 3' Pre Green and 3' Adult Hunters. Early in 2016, Goldberg began to show Sambuca in the 3'3" Amateur Owner Hunters, a quick ascension for a young horse. “It is easy for him and he uses his body well,” she says proudly. “He is like a puppy until it is show time; he knows when it is time to win!”

theplaidhorse.com • October/November 2017 • 33 To round out her Amateur Owner Hunter string, Goldberg purchased LaCagnina’s horse, Sinatra. The trainer had imported him as a four-year-old and took her time developing the gorgeous chestnut. “The first time I sat on him, I knew we were a match.

He has a great work ethic and is so versatile.” Although Sinatra’s looks and way of going are classic hunter, he can also double as an equitation horse. At last year’s highly competitive Ariat Adult Equitation Finals, Goldberg substituted Sinatra for her customary equitation horse to finish fourth. “He has so much quality and the perfect expression. This class was the highlight of indoors for me.”

In 2017, Goldberg fulfilled a lifelong dream and participated in the illustrious Devon Horse Show with both Sambuca and Sinatra. In addition, last year was Goldberg’s first trip to the storied eastern indoor horse shows. She qualified for the Pennsylvania National and Washington International on both hunters. It was the maiden voyage around the indoor rings for all of them, and the trip was successful. “I was so nervous,” Goldberg admits. “But, the more we did, the less nervous I became. My horses were just great.” The experience of last year’s circuit will certainly benefit the string at this year’s competitions.

LEFT PAGE: EMILY SHOWING CARPALANO IN HIS FIRST MEDAL FINAL, CPHA AMATEUR FINALS 2017.

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SINATRA IN THE LOW A/O HANDY AT WIHS 2016; EMILY AND SINATRA FINISHING 4TH IN THE ARIAT ADULT NATIONAL MEDAL FINAL AT CAPITAL CHALLENGE 2016; SAMBUCA IN THE LOW A/O’S AT THE MENLO CHARITY HORSE SHOW 2017; EMILY AND SINATRA SHOWING IN THE ARIAT FINALS AT CAPITAL CHALLENGE. PHOTOS © CAPTURED MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY, SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY, AND GRAND PRIX PHOTOGRAPHY.

“2017 is my favorite show year,” Goldberg exclaims. “It has been so nice to have the same group of horses for a full year.

I have had the opportunity to get to know them and not have to learn a new horse.”

She has worked hard under the tutelage of LaCagnina. Now with three hunters and an equitation horse, Goldberg’s riding days are arduous. Her trainer emphasizes the importance of connection, finesse, and trust in hunter riding. “I have learned so much from Victoria,” she explains. “She taught me the difference between a manufactured ride and a good ride. Before [Victoria], I had a hard time forming a partnership with the horse. I have learned that riding is not dominance, but a partnership.”

LaCagnina’s teaching theory includes helping her riders understand the horse’s point of view and the cause and effect of a rider’s actions and aids. Goldberg describes her trainer’s program as “feel based.” She compliments LaCagnina’s ability to pair horses and riders successfully. “A good match of horse and rider is the first step toward success. The second step is practice and communication,” Goldberg explains.

She also appreciates her trainer presenting riders with challenges more difficult than what they will encounter in the ring.

Having conquered tough exercises at home, the courses in the hunter ring look less intimidating.

Goldberg’s horses show under the name Lasorda Holdings, an homage to Goldberg’s mother and grandfather. “My mother has been my biggest supporter. Her last name is Lasorda, so we established an LLC in the same name.” The family buys and sells the amateur horses as a business.

With her mother as cheerleader, sponsor, and business advisor and an effective trainer in LaCagnina, Goldberg is an impressive competitor in the Amateur Owner Hunter ring. Her riding career is soaring as she nears graduation from Pepperdine with a degree in Journalism. She is proof that there is equestrian life after the age of eighteen – that higher education and a career do not preclude riding. Take heart junior riders!

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BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

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Parents, you left the house and forgot to bring a check for the braider.

Juniors, your braiding bill is the only one left taped to the tack room wall.

Trainers, how much money will you have to shell out to cover clients’ braiding bills this week?

Lisa Rossi and daughter, Anna, are intimately familiar with the horse show routine. Lisa grew up riding and did all of her own work, including braiding.

When Anna began to show, Lisa braided sometimes but came to rely on professional braiders. As she explains, she “understands both sides of the ladder.” She knows the stress of remembering to bring an extra check to the show and understands braiders’ frustrations. “I never wanted to see a tired braider marching into the schooling area on Sunday morning looking for a check,” she states.

With the advent of PayMyBraider.com, all of these scenarios are obsolete.

PayMyBraider.com is a digital payment platform that is safe, effective, and very easy to use. In the 21st century, checks have become a thing of the past. Finally, horse shows are moving toward digital processing of fees and PayMyBraider.com is one more innovation to be welcomed into the horse show industry.

Lisa and Anna have spent many hours interviewing trainers, clients, and braiders in order to gain feedback for their start up. “We wanted to do more than provide just a payment platform. We wanted it to be fast, easy, and secure from invoicing to payments,” Anna explains.

PayMyBraider.com is easy to join for braiders and clients. Their website provides a step by step set up process whereby braiders provide their banking information and a clients enroll by providing their name and credit card information. After a horse show, braiders input the charges for each client, invoices are emailed, clients’ stored credit cards are charged, and the braider’s bank account is credited with the funds. For clients, clear and timely invoices arrive after each horse show as well as a receipt once their credit card has been charged. For braiders, billing is a one step process involving a name and an amount. The rest of the collection operation is taken care of by PayMyBraider.com.

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PayMyBraider.com is the future

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Good Luck at Indoors Over the Hill Farm

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Benefab

by Sore-No-More

®

®

Bringing Eastern Medicine to Your Barn

Benefab® by Sore-No-More® is a research-backed company that provides holistic healing products for the horse and rider using technology that mimics traditional Eastern medicine.

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“No” isn’t a word that stops Kat Chrysostom, owner and designer of Benefab®. It didn’t stop her from beginning riding lessons on her 4th birthday, even though the barn’s official starting age was five, and it didn’t stop her when a riding accident fractured her C2 vertebrae.

“I spent a little over three months in a halo traction device… bedridden for most of those three months, and in an out of paralysis. My right Kat Chrysostom, Owner and Designer of Benefab® by Sore No-More® side was immobile,” Chrysostom said about her injuries from that fall. When these symptoms, plus excruciating migraines, lingered long after the halo device was removed, a neurosurgeon from Dartmouth College suggested she try a holistic approach – infrared light therapy.

Commonly known as red light therapy, this Eastern based all natural treatment vibrates the Oxygen atoms within water molecules in the body, helping to reduce swelling in joints, tendons and ligaments. When this non-invasive, holistic treatment reduced the inflammation on her spinal cord and helped free Chrysostom from crippling migraines and partial paralysis, she headed to Shanghai to learn more. After a year of intensively researching ceramic-infused fabrics, which mimic the effects of red light therapy, the first Benefab® product line launched in 2012.

With offerings ranging from boots & wraps to sheets & saddle pads, Benefab® offers a wide variety of ways to reduce inflammation and benefit your horse’s overall health.

Products are created from permanently infused ceramic fabric, all sourced from the same certified manufacturer. They’re machine washable, and never lose therapeutic value.

While ceramic fabric products mimic the effects of red light therapy, Benefab®’s ‘Smart’ combination line imitates another form of Eastern medicine – acupuncture.

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In acupuncture, many times, a needle is used to draw blood out of the body and that same blood is injected over pre-determined points. That blood serves as a stimulant to those areas to relieve inflammation, reduce pain and provide an array of other benefits.

You will see this same philosophy replicated with Vitamin B12, also.

By placing medical grade, neodymium magnets over acupuncture points in items like the Rejuvenate SmartScrim, Benefab® gives horses benefits from both infrared therapy and targeting acupuncture points in a completely non invasive way with no harmful side effects.

“Our customer promise is increased mobility and less pain in three weeks, guaranteed,” Chrysostom stated about the products.

In 2015, Benefab® formed a partnership with Arenus®, the makers of Sore-No-More®. It’s an ideal pairing, and together the two provide a comprehensive customer service experience for their clients.

“You’re not going to call us and get a generic answer. If you have a specific case, we really can look at the whole horse and be able to recommend things from a standpoint of totality,” Chrysostom said.

Rejuvenate SmartScrim

Therapeutic Fitted Saddle Pad

Therapeutic Poll Pad

With a veterinarian and animal nutritionist on the team, Benefab®

by Sore-No-More® is a company with a strong foundation of research and science. Recently, they completed a six-week clinical trial studying the SmartScrim’s effect on back soreness in horses with comprehensive results to be published in early 2018. “We’re a research backed company,” Chrysostom stated regarding the trial.

“Just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s hocus pocus.”

Chrysostom is a strong believer in her own products, using them in her daily routine at the barn where she enjoys bringing up young horses. “I use every product. With young horses, they’re constantly in and out of growth spurts and they get a little bit body sore here and there, so I use the SmartScrim a lot and the Poll Pad is just an every day necessity,” Chrysostom said of her routine. She’s not the only one enjoying the benefits. In their four years on the market, Benefab® has been growing in popularity across a variety of disciplines. Positive reviews from customers continue to roll in, praising leg wraps for reducing stiffness and poll pads for creating happier, more relaxed horses.

With new items launching this November including Smart hock boots, pastern wraps and an additional size for the SmartScrim, Benefab® by Sore-No-More® maintains their commitment to holistic horse health. “Western medicine is wonderful for treating symptoms.

Eastern medicine is wonderful treating the cause. If you combine the two, you’re going to have a happy, healthy horse,” Chrysostom said.

To see how Benefab® by Sore-No-More® can help your horse, visit www.benefabproducts.com to shop online or find a local tack shop near you. ◼ BY LAUREN MAULDIN

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Maryland Horse and Pony Show, Upper Marlboro, MD, September 2017. 1, 2 & 4. Ponies warming up before their division. 3. Tom Brennan in the Thoroughbred Incentive Finals 5. Piper Klemm and Amasing F warm up with Katie Cooper and Katie Francella of Caves Farm. 6. Sandy Ferrell wins the $1,000 Thoroughbred Incentive Finals. PHOTOS © MORGAN GEELHAAR

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The Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridgehampton, NY, August 26 - September 2 2017.

1. The beauty is in the details at The Hampton Classic Horse Show. 2. Daniel Blumanv wins the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI presented by Sovaro. 3 & 4. Decadent VIP table settings. 5. Kevin Babington. 6. McLain Ward. 7. Stephanie Danhakl and First Light.

8. Daniel Blumanv in the Victory Gallop. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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SHAWNA SIMMONS: Equine Photography Shawna Simmons has a natural eye for photography and editing, apparent in the immense variety of work that she can call her own. Simmons fell in love with photography in high school, where she shot on film and developed in a dark room. While in high school, Simmons dived into fashion photography, regularly using her sister as a model. She continued her passion throughout college at the University of South Carolina, where her pieces were regularly featured in the student magazine. After college, Simmons traded Columbia, South Carolina for New York City to pursue fashion photography.

In New York, Simmons had a variety of work, including working for Anthropologie as a photo editor, Christie’s where she ensured online images accurately portrayed the art for online bidders, and most notably for Macys.com, where she was the first social media photographer hired by the company. Throughout her two years at Macys.com, Simmons increased online engagement of the 15 million Facebook and Twitter users by more than 150%.

In 2015, Simmons moved to Loudoun County, Virginia, commuting to work in Washington, DC. Simmons, like many, grew up riding, but stepped away from it for many years while pursuing a career. Now back in horse country, Simmons has horses again, including a yearling she bought, trained, and is now showing, and has branched out into equine photography.

Using her immense knowledge of lighting, timing, and editing, Simmons creates gorgeous equine fine art. She creates not pictures, but pieces of art to be displayed in the home of the loving owner or admiring rider. She has been especially successful when shooting horses and dogs to be combined in a single picture. Pictures are shot separately, posing is important, and Simmons can make even the smallest dog fit into an equine portrait. Simmons can be found at shows across the east coast, both showing and shooting. So, be on the lookout to schedule your equine portrait session for your favorite show ring partner.

For more information on Shawna Simmons’ photography, visit shawnasimmons.com, email at shawna.simmons@ gmail.com, or contact via phone at (540)327–3693.

◼

BY TPH INTERN IRENE ELISE POWLICK

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St. Lawrence University Summer Series, Canton, NY, September 2017. 1. Getting ready. 2. Children’s Eq on the Flat. 3. Healey Farm. 4. Allie Fox and House of Cards. 5. Piper Klemm and Jailbreak. 6. Megan Healey-Shaw.

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PHOTOS © ADAM HILL/DECASECONDS PHOTOGRAPHY

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54 1. • THE PLAID HORSE

Kentucky National Horse Show, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, September 2017. 1. Virginia Ingram riding Figeac de Reve. 2. David Beisel guiding Call Me Hannes in the Grand Prix. 3. Roberto Daza aboard Biscayo in The Betsy Grand Prix. 4. Theo Genn riding Bugatti. 5. Paige Matthies and Justified in the younger large junior hunters. PHOTOS © VYLA CARTER.

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56 • THE PLAID HORSE

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Showpark Summer Classic, Blenheim EquiSports, San Juan Capistrano, CA, August 2017. 1. Richard Spooner. 2. Will Simpson on board Chacco P. 3. Amy Hess onboard Topaze Blue. 4. Finishing touches at the gate. 5. A well-earned scratch. PHOTOS © TREENA HALL.

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St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, National Equestrian Center, St. Louis, MO, September 13-17, 2017. 1. Enjoy Life & Amanda Pennington.

2. Amanda Pennington & Cumano Boy Z. 3. Grace Klein & Nabuco. 4. Brooke Brombach & Classico. 5. Hillary Devlen & Cashmann. 6. Natalie Jayne & Cracker Jack. PHOTOS © EMY LUCIBELLO.

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IHJA B Medal Finals, Ledges Sporting Horses, Roscoe, IL, August 2017. 1. Grace Pickut Achenbach. 2. Natalie Bertoglio. 3. Megan Cotte. 4. Lynnie Barlow. 5. Alexis Knurowski.

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Spruce Meadows Masters CSIO 5*, Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada September 2017.

1. International Ring at Spruce Meadows Masters. 2. Suspens Floreval ridden by Vladimir Tuganov (RUS) before the start of the AKITA Drilling Cup. 3. Olivier Robert (FRA) and Eros during the BMO Nations Cup. 4. Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and LB Convall win the $3 million CP International presented by Rolex. 5. Charlie Jacobs (USA) and Cassinia during the BMO Nations Cup. PHOTOS © REBECCA BERRY.

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Showplace Fall Classic, Ledges Sporting Horses, Roscoe, IL September 2017. 1. Emily Reuter. 2. Monica Possekel. 3. Kathryn Withers.

4. Emily Slotwinski. PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

66 • THE PLAID HORSE MCLAIN WARD

MCLAIN WARD

IS THE EQUITATION A PREREQUISITE TO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS? KENT FARRINGTON

KENT FARRINGTON

PHOTOS © AL COOK AND ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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With three Maclay Regional Championships already in the books and five more to come in the next few weeks, it is arguably the most stressful time of year to be a junior equitation rider. The pressures associated with equitation regional, zone, and national finals are enough to throw even the most seasoned riders off their game.

Why do we place so much importance on one’s success in the equitation finals? Is the equitation a prerequisite to professional or amateur success?

In order to answer these questions, we must first examine the intense pressure placed on junior riders to succeed in the equitation finals. In the same way that high school students are often told that essays and standardized tests could determine their academic future, junior riders are often told that the equitation finals could determine their competitive future. This pressure to be exceptional can come with unintended adverse effects such as severe anxiety and a devalued sense of self.

Furthermore, the immense amount of prestige and value that we as an industry place on the equitation finals could have longterm macro level consequences.

ABBY BLANKENSHIP It some cases, young people even turn away from riding after their junior careers in the equitation ring because of the “end all be all” mentality that often accompanies the year end finals.

Many young riders compete at the finals, but very few will make the top ten or call back lists. The extremely competitive nature of the finals coupled with the mentality that they are the culmination of one’s junior career can leave young riders feeling disenchanted with competitive show jumping. The goal of this article is to offer some perspective on the “true value” of the equitation as well as insight to its normative implications for young competitors.

To start, we must ask ourselves, is the equitation the only foundation on which a successful professional or amateur career can be built? In fact, the equitation is found solely in the United States; the rest of the world competes only in a jumper format. This is a differentiating point, and the results produced by American riders support the claim that the equitation is important to professional success. Two of the top three ranked riders on the

Longines Global Champions Tour, the highest level of international showjumping competition, are American riders. These riders, Kent Farrington, currently ranked first, and McLain Ward, currently ranked third, both have strong backgrounds in the equitation. Kent Farrington won the Washington Equitation Finals and the USEF Medal Finals during his junior years, and McLain Ward was only 14 when he won the USEF Medal Finals.

They are shining examples of how the equitation provides a necessary foundation for those looking to find success beyond their junior years.

Because the equitation focuses on the correctness of the rider down to the smallest details, it encourages perfectionism. This extreme attention to detail is very important at the top levels of competition, whether it be on the Longines Global Champions Tour, at the USHJA International Derby Finals, or anywhere in between.

The courses seen in equitation classes, particularly the finals, also prepare riders for competition as professionals. They are typically challenging and technical, like jumper courses, but they require precision and style, like hunter courses. As the fences go up and the classes become more competitive, jumper courses require more precision and style and hunter courses become more challenging and technical.

However, at a more entry-level, the equitation effectively combines aspects of both. The pressure faced by equitation riders at the finals is also preparation for the pressure that any top professional will face in the course of their career. If riders learn to cope with different stresses and pressures as juniors, they will be better equipped to handle them as professionals.

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KALVIN DOBBS. PHOTO © ELIAS SMITH

While the equitation provides an undeniably solid foundation, is it the only route? Top riders such as Todd Minikus and Ali Wolff are living proof that it is not a necessity for achievement. These riders and many others have found success without a background in the equitation. Todd Minikus has over 130 national and international Grand Prix wins, and Ali Wolff won Individual Gold at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championship and has been extremely successful since. When we look outside of the United States, no top professionals have a background in the equitation. From a global perspective, since the United States is the only country to employ the use of the equitation, it is clearly not the only path to professional success. In fact, Belgium has the most riders ranked in the top thirty of the Longines Global Champions Tour. Belgium boasts five top thirty riders, with no equitation background, compared to the United States’ three top thirty riders. There are also other finals, in both the jumpers and hunters, that help junior riders learn to cope with immense stress and pressure. Finals like the North American Junior and Young Rider Championship and Junior Hunter Finals carry just as much weight for many junior riders. There are alternative ways to gain many of the unique experiences provided by the equitation, particularly the finals.

If the equitation ring provides a sufficient but not necessary experience for promoting successful riding after a junior career, what other factors contribute to a rider’s success? After talking with young professional showjumper Ali Wolff, successful amateur rider Kalvin Dobbs, and accomplished professional rider and trainer Abby Blankenship, some common themes emerge. Despite their different junior backgrounds, with Wolff having never competed at any equitation finals, Dobbs placing ninth at the Washington Equitation Finals, and Blankenship winning the USET finals during her junior career, they all emphasized the extreme importance of broadening one’s education by watching other riders and listening to the horses. Dobbs says that good days and bad days in the ring do not have much relevancy to your long term success. It is all about how you improve upon and build your relationship with your horse.

ribbon, so be present and do not focus on winning.” Blankenship reminds junior riders that the “equitation finals do not define you in this sport. They serve as a stepping stone to the next level in whatever direction you choose.

Win or lose, you learn important life lessons either way.”

In conclusion, the equitation ring serves as a foundational platform in which to learn important riding skills, but an individual’s success in riding is dependent on so much more.

The emphasis on a rider’s ability to broaden their education with feet on the ground is an important lesson.

Improving and building upon one’s horsemanship knowledge should be a major focus of any ambitious rider.

There is no equation or formula that is proven to turn a junior rider into a top professional or amateur rider.

Each individual has a unique path that will lead them to where they are meant to be. Follow your own path, and do what is best for you. The equitation provides an undeniably solid foundation, but it is not a prerequisite for professional or amateur success.

There are many routes to becoming a professional and many ways to define success. And for all of the junior equitation riders, whether you flourish or flop, there is a life after the equitation finals.

So what advice does a young professional, a seasoned equitation rider and trainer, and a young amateur have for junior riders competing at the finals this year? Wolff encourages riders to understand that riding is all about building blocks. The equitation is just one building block on your way to your own ◼ defined version of success. Dobbs says, “Equitation finals are the beginning of your riding career where you obtain important skill sets. They are not about the

BY KIRSTIE DOBBS AND HAILEY JOHNS

theplaidhorse.com • October/November 2017 • 69

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MEAGAN MURRAY-TENUTA ASCENDS TO THE TOP “Sometimes, I walk out of the ring, look around, and can’t believe how lucky I am.” Thirty four year old Chicago based Meagan Murray-Tenuta is a fresh face on the horse show scene. With recent top placings at premier horse shows, including eleventh overall at the 2017 International Hunter Derby Finals, she has ascended into the rarified air of top hunter riders. Hardly an upstart, Murray-Tenuta has climbed the ladder the hard way – through grit, talent, and perseverance.

Meagan Murray grew up in Chicago showing on the local circuits. She trained with promising young professional, Jeff Katz. When she was sixteen, Katz was killed in a car accident. Her goal of competing on the “A” circuit was put on hold as she regrouped from the tragedy. Murray-Tenuta began a stint as a working student for a nearby sales barn, and her real education began. “I catch rode whatever I could get my hands on. I rode a whole variety of talent and ability. It was quite a learning experience,” Murray-Tenuta explains. She rode hot horses, green horses, and naughty ponies. She learned the skill of sitting on a horse for the first time and figuring him out in minutes in order to present to clients. She learned the challenge of a big sales barn and life on the road at horse shows.

With characteristic equanimity and focus, Murray-Tenuta persisted. She took something away from every riding experience as she built her horsemanship base.

She became known as a talented and multi-faceted rider and trainer. In 2011, she was awarded the WCHR Midwest Emerging Professional Championship. Armed with a growing reputation and the desire to be independent, Murray-Tenuta started her own business called Buena Vista in 2012 at a fabulous facility in Zion, IL.

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Today, Buena Vista Farm resides at the same facility, now owned by client Becky Price. With 62 stalls on 47 bucolic acres, Buena Vista is a place most horsemen dream about.

Well-constructed barns and a heated indoor ring stave off the worst of Midwestern winters. A huge outdoor ring with all weather footing, lovely pastures, and a grass jump field provide all of the best amenities for horse and rider. “This has been a life long dream of mine,” said Price. “The farm is such a special place and was truly built with the care and comfort of the horses as a top priority.” Every horse at Buena Vista receives top care and training. Murray-Tenuta and her able assistant trainer, Sana Abbas, carry out individualized programs for both horses and riders at the farm. Their training regimen consists primarily of flat work for horses and patient teaching of junior and amateur riders.

Becky Price serves as landlord, client, owner, and friend for Murray-Tenuta. A family therapist residing in Colorado, Price has had a lifelong passion for horses. In her youth, she spent most of her time trail riding off the track Thoroughbreds. As an adult, she began to take lessons and formalize her training.

In 2009, Price purchased Paramount, a beautiful 17 hand white horse, which she calls a “celebrity” at the shows because of his fame. Before Price bought him, Paramount had a successful career with notable professional riders such as Jay Matter, Rob Bielefeld, and Tim Goguen, as well as a roster of amateur riders. Price adores him as “the horse that taught me to ride.” Without previous horse show experience, Price rose quickly through the ranks on the able Paramount, soon arriving in the Low Amateur Owner Hunter division. Throughout graduate school and a move to Colorado, Paramount stayed in the

theplaidhorse.com • October/November 2017 • 73

diligent care of Murray-Tenuta. “You know that I trust Meagan and the staff at Buena Vista, because I leave my horses with her and only get to visit a few times per month,” Price laughs.

Along with Paramount, Price owns several other horses like the successful gray International Hunter Derby contender, Editorial, and the up and coming Cheeky, a green horse by the popular stallion Carrico. Price loves to ride and compete, finding success in the Amateur Owner Hunter ring on Diamante D’Heure ABF and Paramount. In 2017, she garnered the Reserve Championship in the Adult Hunter Division during WCHR Week at the ultracompetitive Winter Equestrian Festival.

But, important to Murray-Tenuta, Price also loves to own horses. Owners supporting their professional riders is an essential component to the equestrian industry and seems to be a waning situation.

Price explains, “I am an owner first and a competitor second. I love to ride at home, but when it comes to showing, I enjoy watching Meagan campaign the horses more than I enjoy competing myself. It is such a thrill to watch my horses in the Derbies and to see the young horses develop.”

While Price looks forward to continuing success in the saddle, her priority is promoting Murray-Tenuta. “My goal is to promote Meagan and get her name out there. I believe that she has the talent and work ethic to be a top professional. It will be important to get more skin in the game in the Derbies, so that is what we are focusing on.”

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Price and Murray-Tenuta have teamed up to buy and compete several very successful horses such as Cheeky and Logic. With valuable ties in Europe, the pair has availed themselves of top equine talent. Editorial is a familiar name in International Hunter Derby top results. Murray-Tenuta found the handsome grey ten year old gelding in Canada as an eight year old, and intended for him to be an amateur horse for Price. But, when the gelding kept jumping higher and rounder, the pair decided to dedicate him to a Derby career. The decision has been validated by the tremendous success of Editorial. In 2017, he won the Classic round of the hotly contested $50,000 International Hunter Derby at Deeridge Farm in Wellington, FL. The pair ended up with an impressive 12th place finish overall. In addition, Editorial has had numerous top placings in the High Performance Hunter Division all over the country, including the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Showplace Spring, and Kentucky Spring.

© SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

© SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

© ANNE GITTINS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Their shining moment came at the most difficult hunter competition in the United States: the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, KY. The courses are not for the faint of heart – equine or human.

Brave and scopey, Editorial rose to the occasion in the Rolex Stadium. After a solid trip in Friday’s Classic Round, he stood 25th going into the Handy Round on Saturday. With the pressure on, Murray-Tenuta maneuvered the flashy grey around the course with precision.

The pair finished in eight place, with their combined scores elevating them to 11th overall. Against more seasoned horse and rider combinations, Editorial and Murray-Tenuta held their own, cementing their place as a duo to watch in the Derby landscape.

Buena Vista, Murray-Tenuta, and Price have had a stellar year. Their string is deep with quality young horses, a seasoned Derby horse, and Buena Vista hosts many lovely client owned hunters and jumpers. The system of good horse selection, careful, non-pressured training, and a positive outlook has produced successful horses and riders. MurrayTenuta and Price both embrace the idea of balance and an even keel. “I promote balance between our horse lives and our lives outside of horses,” Price explains. “We aim for longevity as a goal, not burn out in people and horses.

You need to take your time and see the potential,” Murray-Tenuta concurs.

Meagan Murray-Tenuta has taken her time rising up through the ranks of the equestrian world. Without a flashy junior career or a string of famous horses to give her a leg up, her success is made the old-fashioned way – hard work, humility, and drive – all mixed with a large dose of talent. Appreciative of the invaluable support of people who have helped on in her journey, especially Price, Murray-Tenuta is poised for continued success in the equestrian world.

◼

STORY BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES, PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW RYBACK

2017 COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS Deeridge $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 1st Place Classic Round - Editorial HITS Balmoral $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 4th Place - Editorial Showplace Spring Spectacular Pre-Green Incentive Stake Reserve Champion - Cheeky Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Champion Green Hunter - So It Goes Winter Equestrian Festival $50,000 International Hunter Derby 8th Place Overall - Editorial USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals 11th Place Overall - Editorial HITS Balmoral USHJA National Hunter Derby 2nd Place - Cheeky HITS Balmoral USHJA National Hunter Derby 1st Place - Cheeky

BUENA VISTA FARM UPCOMING EVENTS November 2017 Clinic – Candice King December 2017 Clinic – Liza Boyd Visit buenavistaequine.com for details.

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FIVE REASONS THE WASHINGTON

INTERNATIONAL “The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund is proud to support the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals,” said Lindsay Maxwell, a successful California-based amateur rider and philanthropist. “The Finals are one of the truly great national-level equestrian competitions and represent the culmination of years of dedication, countless hours of practice, and are definitely a highlight of a junior rider’s career.”

Do not wait! Get your tickets to the 59th annual Washington International Horse Show now for a week sure to be filled with exciting sport and entertainment for all!

The Washington International Horse Show returns to the heart of Washington, D.C. on October 24-29, 2017. The event attracts more than 26,000 spectators annually as riders compete for prize money totaling more than half a million dollars. For a complete schedule of events and more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

HORSE SHOW IS A MUST-SEE

More than just a horse show, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is a week filled with entertainment and activities for horse lovers and those with no prior exposure to the sport. This year, from October 24-29, the world’s top riders will gather at the Capital One Arena in the heart of Washington, D.C. for one of North America’s most beloved equestrian events.

HERE ARE FIVE REASONS WIHS IS A SHOW YOU CANNOT MISS!

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Horses competing in costume? Shetland ponies steeplechasing?

Group contests with your fellow horse-loving friends? You can find all that and more at WIHS Barn Night, held on Thursday, October 26, and presented by U.S. Equestrian, Enjoy Yums, The Equiery, The Clothes Horse and United Metro Golf Cart. The feature class is the always-engaging $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator, presented by Equestrian Sport Productions. Competitors get creative as they dress themselves and their horses in costume for the class. Where else can you see a horse jumping as a cheetah or a full-grown man competing dressed as a baby girl? Prior to the Costume Class, the hilarious WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will take place. Barn Night is always a fan favorite. Young riders, barn mates, and horse lovers can attend in groups for the chance to win prizes and enjoy a fun night out.

This year’s contest theme is “Equestrians Around the World.” A few of the fabulous prizes include a group riding clinic with Laura Graves, presented

by BarnManager, a custom stable drape set from The Clothes Horse, and $2,500 in Dover Saddlery gift certificates. And the fun doesn’t stop there – top riders will be on hand to sign autographs for spectators to take home.

Winner of last year’s Jumper Accumulator, Catherine Tyree, describes the atmosphere on Barn Night, “It is always really fun to do the costume class.

We all secretly have a lot of fun with it. The crowd creates a really special atmosphere for all of us. It is not something we see a lot in the States so it’s really special to compete at Washington with a crowd like that.”

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The pinnacle of WIHS is the $130,000 Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup held on Saturday, October 28. The event has been selected as one of only seven Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping classes held in the United States as part the North American League East. It serves as an important

theplaidhorse.com • October/November 2017 • 79 qualifier for the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Final, to take place in Paris, France, next April. Top riders from around the world will vie for the highly respected President’s Cup title. Over the years, the class has drawn spectators like First Lady Nancy Reagan, President John F. Kennedy, and First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

Past winners include McLain Ward (USA), who has won the class an impressive four times and is currently ranked #3 in the world, and Kent Farrington (USA), the number one ranked rider in the world. Last year’s winners, Lauren Hough and Ohlala, have been on fire during the 2017 season. The pair has notched several key victories and been a part of a winning Nations’ Cup team. Hough looks forward to returning to Washington, D.C. to defend her title!

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Children and families rejoice! Kids’ Day, presented by Discovery Communications & EQUUS Foundation, returns to WIHS on Saturday, October 28. This free, fun, family-friendly event gives the local community a chance to interact with and learn about horses. Activities take place inside the Capital One Arena and on a closed street in front of the Hotel Monaco (700 F Street NW) as children participate in a horseless horse show, horseshoe painting, pony brushing lessons, pony rides, and the Horse Stars Hall of Fame interactive exhibit (just to name a few of the fun and educational expositions offered). Giveaways from Georgetown Cupcakes will also be up for grabs.

Junior star and leader of the WIHS Equitation standings, Taylor St. Jacques, recalls attending Kids’ Day when she was young. “My earliest memory of Washington would be when I was little and went to watch. I remember they would bring the mini ponies in, close off the street, have a pony kissing booth, pony rides, and a horseless horse show. I absolutely loved it!” she said.

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The International Jumper Puissance – an equestrian high jump contest over an intimidating wall. The Boeing Company presents the $25,000 International Jumper Puissance as the feature event of Military Night, held on Friday, October 27.

The thrilling and historic class holds the current North American Puissance record, set in 1983 by Anthony D’Ambrosio and Sweet N’ Low. The pair cleared an astonishing 7' 7 1/2". In recent years, famed international riders Aaron Vale, McLain Ward, Jos Verlooy, and Jessica Springsteen have won the class, respectively jumping incredible heights of 7’ (Vale and Ward tied), 6' 11" and 6' 10".

❺

The WIHS Equitation Final returns with a new title sponsor – the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund. The Hunter Phase takes place on Friday, October 27, and the class will conclude on Saturday, October 28, with both the Jumper Phase and the Final Work-Off. Junior equitation riders spend the entire year trying to qualify for the prestigious event, which invites the nation’s top 40 based off a points system. Previous winners include the likes of two-time Olympic goldmedalist McLain Ward (1993), Olympic silver medalist Kent Farrington (1999), and recent Nations’ Cup winner Lillie Keenan (2010). Many winners of the class embark on careers as riders or trainers and go on to represent the United States in the highest level of international competition.

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BY SARA COOK/JUMP MEDIA

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Onira’s Farewell Tour

BRIANNE GOUTAL WINNING THE 2013 $50,000 CSI2* GRAND PRIX AT THE STADIUM IN WELLINGTON, FL WITH VETERAN PARTNER ONIRA.

TPH INTERN ANNIE BIRMINGHAM CAUGHT UP WITH BRIANNE GOUTAL AT THIS YEAR’S HAMPTON CLASSIC SHORTLY BEFORE THE RETIREMENT CEREMONY OF HER FAMOUS SHOWJUMPER, ONIRA. THE CLASSIC WAS THE FINAL STOP ON ONIRA’S “FAREWELL TOUR”, WHERE THE PAIR FINISHED SECOND IN THE $30,000 BOAR’S HEAD OPEN JUMPER CHALLENGE. GOUTAL SAT DOWN WITH US TO ANSWER SOME OF OUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 21-YEAR-OLD GELDING.

What makes Onira different from your other horses? “Everything. Absolutely everything. I

think he’s beautiful, and special in every way. He’s always been a major competitor and partner. Through up and downs, he’s always consistent. Everyone who has ever come into contact with him will tell you he’s on a human level of intelligence. He has the most beautiful hazel eyes, which is really uncommon in horses, so you really see him looking at you, and can tell where he’s looking and what he’s judging. He’s always one step ahead of everyone whether

it’s in the grooming stall, the ring, or prize-givings.

He’s ‘officially legal’ now, and ultimately just the most kind, giving, brave… whatever positive word you can come up with, it fits him.”

How did you acquire him and when? “Krista Freundlich, the barn manager at

Beacon Hill, rode his mother K.Ylona D and kept in contact with the owner. She connected us and we went to New Jersey to try him… I don’t even know if we vetted him, I took him over a plank that Frank [Madden] had set up, it was probably 1.40 meters, and I basically ran him right to the base and he still jumped it amazingly. We bought him then and there.

He was seven and I was fourteen.”

How has his showing and training schedule changed as he aged?

“When he was younger we used to compete him more. For sure, we’ve done less as the years have gone on, but he, even as a young horse, never really needed

theplaidhorse.com • October/November 2017 • 81 all that much. He was always ahead of the game at all points.

The main difference is probably just the number of shows… he had a couple of injuries that sidelined him, and every time he had an injury we really made it a point to do double the time they told us. If they said six months, we rested him for a year. I always made sure to respect those injury timelines and him as a horse. He’s a pretty small horse and very thoroughbred-ish, so with that comes all the perks of speed and agility, but also with fragility,” Brianne laughed. “We tried really hard to manage his soundness and be very respectful of where he was physically all of the time. Otherwise, he never needed that much training and so not much has changed through the years.”

him much, maybe three or four classes in Florida, then a few at Tryon. He did a class at Old Salem, then Silver Oak, and now here. It was maybe ten classes since January, since we never do more than two classes at one show. Out of those ten classes, he won four and was second in two. So, even though he’s still at the top of his game as far as performance results, I felt at this point that I was having to drop him down a level, and we don’t want to go down another level. I’d rather have him finish out at the top of his game. As for the Hampton Classic, it’s just such a special show. It always marks the end of our summer. The field here is so important looking and we always did great out there, he deserved a special place to mark his retirement.”.

What are some of Onira’s biggest accomplishments throughout his career?

What were some of the highlights of Onira’s Farewell Tour? “He won a 1.45

Photo © ProEquest.

“Oh man, he’s won so much. As a junior, he was one of the most decorated junior jumpers, probably of all time. He’s won multiple team Young Rider and Prix de States Gold Medals, as well as individual Young Riders and Prix de States Gold’s… really every major title. Indoors, Devon, Circuit Championships at WEF, the NAL Speed Finals; all as a junior. He really wasn’t supposed to be a major Grand Prix horse, just a junior jumper, but he then migrated and evolved into a really respected team horse. He represented the United States on numerous occasions, probably around ten Nations Cups, and I’m sure he won at least half. If you look at everything he’s competed in, most of the time he won. When he goes in to compete, he’s ready to win. He also won the Talent Search when I was a junior sort of on a whim. Before we were supposed to leave my horse just wasn’t feeling right, and since he was the only other one I had that had done the open water, we threw him on the trailer and he won there as well.”

in Tryon, a Mini- Prix in the beginning of August, and he was second in the big class here on Opening Day,” Goutal beamed.

“Although, he definitely would’ve liked to win that class! But I think that second place finish was definitely a highlight for me!”

Why did you choose this show season for his “Farewell Tour”, and what prompted the Hampton Classic to be the final stop? “I always said that I would retire him

when I felt that I was having to question him. I never wanted to push him to a point where he would leave the ring not as a contender. This is the first year that I really didn’t compete

What will you miss most about competing Onira?

“Everything. Absolutely everything” Goutal sighed, “I’m trying to think of the best way to word it and I really don’t know… he just makes every show fun; every class winnable. Simply put he is just so special.”.

What is the plan for him going forward? “To be honest,

we don’t really know yet! The goal is to be able to get him to retire so that he can be just a horse out in a field… but I’m not too sure he’s going to like that very much,” She laughs, “We’ve tried it once before when he had a big injury, maybe three years ago, and we thought it would be career ending, so we tried for about a month and he definitely did not want to stay out. He’s been pampered his whole life so he was waiting for his turn to come back in! I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

And with that, Brianne was off to get Onira ready for his retirement ceremony in the storied Hampton Classic Grand Prix field. A big thank you to Brianne for taking the time out of her busy schedule to sit down with us, and congratulations to Brianne and Onira on a wonderful 15 years together! We wish Onira many years of big grass fields and lots of treats!

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BY TPH INTERN ANNIE BIRMINGHAM

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$100,000

Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Finals For years, it has been a dream of mine to compete in the big money Derby Finals at HITS Saugerties. This year, that dream finally came true. I was lucky enough to make the trip from California to New York to show Michelle Decker Rumanes’s horse, Goodnight Moon, in the $100,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.

It was a tremendous experience and I was thrilled to make it into the Top 25. Congratulations to my barn mate, Augusta Iwasaki, who won the Overall Championship on Iwasaki & Reilly’s phenomenal mare, Small Adventure, and was the winner in the first and second rounds on her second mount, Iwasaki & Reilly’s legendary Illusion. At just thirteen years of age, “Gussie” is consistent and beautiful on any horse she rides. It is a true testament to her skill that she could be so successful on both of the horses she competed on in the Hunter Prix.

For those who are not familiar with the format of this class, there are four rounds in total. All riders compete in the first two rounds, held Friday and Saturday respectively, and their scores are combined to determine the top twenty-five riders, who compete in a third round on the big Grand Prix field on Sunday. Following the third round, the top four riders compete over a shortened fourth course.

Their overall scores are added to determine the winner.

As a rider coming all the way from the West Coast, it was great to have more than one round in which to prove myself! I thought this was a really fun format for the final.

After the first round, I was standing 23rd. I finished 4th in the second round, moving up to 13th overall going in to Sunday’s third round. Although I wish I could go back in time and ride some parts of the third round differently, I was happy to have achieved my goal of making it to the final day of competition.

I would encourage three-foot Children’s Hunter and Adult Hunter riders to make the $100,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix a goal. It’s an awesome feeling to compete in a class with so much prize money and so many talented riders. My goal is to compete at a higher level and I felt this was a great stepping stone. The courses were very well-designed, with beautiful, natural-looking fences and lots of long approaches to single jumps. HITS made the class feel even more special by giving beautiful embroidered jackets to all of the riders who competed in it.

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The location of the show also adds to the special feeling of the class as there are few places as beautiful as New York in the fall. The weather was ever-changing, going from 75 degrees and sunny at the start of round one to freezing and raining by the end of it! Saugerties is a small town, about two

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hours north of Manhattan and easily accessible by train or car. Accommodations within ten minutes of the show were somewhat limited, but there were plenty of places to stay in nearby towns like Kingston. I thought the food around the area was outstanding and I had especially good meals at Red Onion and Frank Guido’s Little Italy.

My experience at HITS Saugerties was one I will always remember and well worth the trek from San Francisco.

I can’t thank the team at Makoto Farms enough for their support. It was a great start to the East Coast shows for me and Goodnight Moon. I feel well prepared to compete at Capital Challenge and Harrisburg after competing in the $100,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. I look forward to coming back in the future!

◼

BY LAURA OWENS, PHOTOS © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY

Look for us at upcoming shows!

Old Salem Gold Cup and PA National Horse Show.

Hingham Square Needlepoint • (781) 836-5200 132 North Street, 2nd Floor, Hingham, MA 02043 www.hinghamsquareneedlepoint.com

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Crossword inspired by the

CROSSWORD BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

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

Clue for 16 down

Clue for 23 across; PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.

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

ACROSS 2.

4.

8.

10.

15.

17.

18.

19.

20.

22.

23.

Dark chestnut color Artificial aid Laminitis Type of shoe hunters commonly wear Disease caused by parasitic migration in spinal cord Blanket used to keep hindquarters warm Strap attached to noseband and around mouth Spread jump made of 3 sets of standards Bottommost bone in horse’s foot Another name for jumping seat Name of horse that won 2017 International Hunter Derby Finals

DOWN 1.

3.

5.

6.

7.

9.

11.

12.

13.

14.

16.

21.

23.

Abbreviation for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication Small callous area at bottom of fetlock Commonly-used type of hay Attached to shoes to provide traction Dun with no dorsal stripe Number of pairs of ribs on a horse Vaccinations required within 6 months of any competition Upcoming equitation finals Saddles are built on a…

Bottom layer of hoof Brush that loosens hair and dirt Size blades used to clip out ears Foot with narrow sides and a dished appearance

See page 89 for answers!

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Steve & Lisa Hankin:

UNDENIABLY ALL IN Californians Steve and Lisa Hankin endured the rainy, cold conditions of September in Saugerties, New York to watch their beloved horse, Undeniable, compete in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix. The chestnut was one of only three California based horses to ship in to contest the storied event. Owned by Hope Town Farms and leased by the Hankins, Undeniable and his long time partner, Jenny Karazissis, faced stiff competition from the other 52 contenders. Undaunted by pressure, the duo performed brilliantly in Rounds 1 and 2 to make the cut of top twenty five going into the final day. They were in the lead after Round 3 and into Round 4 where the top four placed horses compete in a head-to-head, nail biting format. Undeniable had to pull off one more extraordinary trip for the win.

Lisa recalls. Ten years ago, at the urging of her husband, Lisa began to ride again. Initially while still living on the east coast, she only had time to take lessons on the weekends. When the couple relocated to the west coast for Steve’s work two years ago, she began to ride at the Karazissis’ Far West Farms. “The training that I have received at Far West has been incredible. I have been able to learn so much and move up faster than I thought I could,” she explains.

Steve Hankin paced and weaved through the stands like a shark unable to stop swimming. Every so often, he stole a glance at the ring, not focusing too long as the beautiful chestnut and his elegant rider entered the arena. Lisa Hankin, conversely, sat in her golf cart on the other side of the ring with an air of calm confidence. They had placed a big bet on the equestrian roulette wheel in traversing the country for one class . All of the variables had to go just right- pace, distance, style. Undeniable and Karazissis glided around the Grand Prix Stadium flawlessly, earning a class high score of 92 points. From opposite sides of the ring, the adrenalin filled, elated voices of the Hankins rang out with whoops of approval.

Across the continent and into the annals of glory, Undeniable rose to the occasion to win the biggest hunter purse in the United States.

Steve and Lisa Hankin are passionate fans of horse sport. Lisa rode as a child, self-taught on horses at home.

When education and work led her away, she did not have the opportunity to ride much. Yet, her love for the sport never waned and she followed it loyally, even attending various local shows to spectate. “I loved to sit in the stands all day and watch amazing riders like Rodney Jenkins, Joey Darby, Bernie Traurig, and George Morris ride these gorgeous hunters. I remember thinking that I wanted to be a part of that because it’s a beautiful thing,”

Lisa Hankin on Undeniable; Lisa and Steve Hankin with Undeniable (photos © Beth Taylor). Undeniable (photo © Alden Corrigan).

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Enter Undeniable, or “Nemo,” as he is called in the barn. Leased from Noah Cyrus and Hope Town Farms, the eleven year old gelding has a C-suite resume for the entirety of his six year partnership with the talented Jenny Karazissis. Numerous USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies, the East Meets West Hunter Challenge, WCHR Professional Challenge, WCHR West Coast Spectacular as professional division wins combined with recent consistent success in the Low Adult Hunter division with Lisa belie a perfect combination of talent and temperament. Lisa gushes, “He is perfect to ride. He’s happy, has a little bit of motor, and perfect balance. And he is so cute that people notice him!”

Steve Hankin has the bug. After 27 years of marriage, he describes himself as the “perfect pony Mom for Lisa.” Even before Lisa began to ride again, the couple would go together to watch shows throughout the east coast. Steve laughs, “I think that I have been to every horse show venue in the east.” At his wife’s urging, he began to ride himself two years ago. Learning to ride as an adult is a very difficult endeavor, as all equestrians know. It takes grit, determination, a willingness to risk your body, and a very, very special horse. Steve has all the characteristics and Maxwell Bay, or “Footie,” fits the bill of unicorn.

Lisa Hankin, Jenny Karazissis, and Undeniable at the 2017 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular (photo Beth Taylor).

Steve Hankin and Maxwell Bay (photo © Jodie Resnick).

Footie is a 24 year old horse owned by Lexie Looker. He is so smart that he can almost talk, at least according to his greatest fan, Steve Hankin. Footie has done it all- Equitation Finals, Junior Hunter Finals, Short Stirrup, Long Stirrup, Jumpers, Hunters. At 24, he looks spry and happy, and looks forward each day to his latest project: Steve Hankin. “He has the most energy of any of the horses at the barn,” Hankin states. “He looks amazing, everyone loves him, and he loves his job.” Steve is fascinated with learning to ride and determined to horse show. The quest has not been without its setbacks. In two years, Steve has had three injuries, including a recent broken hand. “In two years, I think I have only ridden for a year and a half,” he jokes. But, his love for the sport and his self-proclaimed “bromance” with Footie leave him undeterred. Steve and Footie plan to make their horse show debut at an upcoming show in Thermal that The Plaid Horse will certainly cover.

Beyond his love for riding, Steve Hankin is committed to improving the show scene in Los Angeles. A successful business manager, he continues to evaluate the horse industry and to strategize about innovations to better the industry. Much to the benefit of horse sport, Lisa and Steve Hankin are all in. Having bought young horses to develop, they are happy to be owners and supporters of their professional rider, Jenny Karazissis. They are competitors, advocates, and horse lovers who are in for the long haul. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

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WHERE IS

TEAM

PLAID?

Here at The Plaid Horse, we are not just people sitting at desks. We are equestrians, fully invested in the industry and sport that we love. We are passionate about the mission of The Plaid Horse not just because we believe in education, but because our lives revolve around the industry.

Web Director Betsy Kelley and her mare, Diva, reside in the PNW. After an exciting show season, they recently added Eventing to their already eclectic resumé! Photo © Jennie Condon.

Editor-In-Chief Sissy Wickes is both an ‘R’ Rated Hunter Judge and a highly respected trainer, and can be found at shows across the country, as well as Caves Farm.

Publisher Piper Klemm and Katie Cooper’s Amasing F (“Foster”) take Champion in a huge 2'6" Child/Adult Hunter class at the Maryland Horse and Pony Show.

Advertising Executive Liz Davoll lives in Wellington, Florida and found herself in the path of Hurrican Irma.

She evacuated to the beautiful Promenade Farm in Athens, GA. Photo © Lee Hughes.

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