The Plaid Horse - November/December 2015 The Holiday Issue

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

America’s Premiere Horse Show Magazine

Inside

Stephanie Ray Peters • Holiday Gift Guide • Peter Wylde The Education Issue 2015 • CPI International • Adam Fox Heidi Keeney in Ireland • St. Lawrence University Derby

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CONGRATULATIONS HANNAH & ANISETTE

WIHS RESERVE CHAMPION MEDIUM PONY

PNHS: 2ND PLACE WINNERS STAKE, SCORE: 89

WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR TRAINER KATIE KUNK

LITTLEWOOD FARM • Littlewoodfarm.katie@gmail.com • 847-338-7730 INDEPENDENCE FARM • Lindsay@independence-farm.com • 717-821-6082

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American University Equestrian Team Pursue a collegiate riding career while achieving academic success in the Nation’s Capital.

Training out of Oatland Stables, under Coach Astrid Dalley www.americanuniversityequestrianteam.weebly.com • aueqteam@gmail.com Instagram: @aueqteam | Facebook: American University Equestrian Team | Twitter: @AUEquestrian

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Trillville & Farah Rizvi • Winner WCHR Pony Challenge Glynhafan Red Kestral & Farah Rizvi Large Pony Hunter Champion • Washington International Horse Show • Pennsylvania National Horse Show Best Child Rider on a Pony • Pennsylvania National Horse Show • Washington International Horse Show Swingtown & Zayna Rizvi Medium Pony Hunter Champion • Washington International Horse Show • Pennsylvania National Horse Show • Capital Challenge Horse Show LEFT: YASMIN RIVZI COMPETES IN USEF MEDAL PHOTO © AMY CORETZ.

FINALS IN HARRISBURG, PA.

Peacock Ridge LLC Dominates the Pony Ring at Indoors!

PHOTOS © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

SINCE

1975

HARRISON K-9

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12 • THE PLAID HORSE

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2016 Rated Regional II Shows: All USEF, M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA, NAL December 5 (2015) • January 10 January 16 • February 14

2016 Schooling Shows: All M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA December 13 (2015) • January 24 February 28 • March 19

Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation

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RESCUE STARTS WITH YOUR HELP Finbar today

Finbar before

Red Bucket Equine Rescue is a non-profit organization committed to saving, rehabilitating, and turning around the lives of slaughter-bound, abused, and abandoned horses.

TO DONATE OR APPLY TO ADOPT PLEASE VISIT www.RedBucketRescue.org

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is this you or someone you know?

You want to compete in Wellington for the season and your full-time school says OK, but you have to withdraw for the time you’re away. So you withdraw. Then what do you do for school? What about your GPA? What will your transcript look like for colleges? How can you stay on track with the work from your full-time school and get grades and credit for your work?

Individual, One-on-One Accredited Academics Now Available for Seasonal Students!

Partnership between Signature Tutoring and Wellington Preparatory School Launches

For the many students who have to withdraw from their full-time schools to train and compete in Wellington during the winter, there is (finally!) an accredited option that allows each student to: • Follow the exact curriculum of the full-time school; • Receive accredited grades and a transcript for completed work; and, • Return to the full-time school in the spring having learned the same material as his/her classmates!

Thanks to an innovative partnership with Wellington Preparatory School, Signature Tutoring Services is offering an expanded range of accredited high-level academics for seasonal Wellington students. “This has been a long time coming,” said Wendy Salomon of Signature Tutoring. “Every year, we have at least a couple of students who need to withdraw from their fulltime schools to compete during the season,

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academic work. Our students are high achievers Wellington Prep and Signature Tutoring offer with elite college ambitions, and have to be sure that individual, custom, and accredited curricula, grades, they need an their option that makes it possible Preparatory School, located at theirand transcripts reflect consistent, quality work forand Wellington transcripts for seasonal equestrians.

Wellington for the entire school A with Pass/Fail does not also provides access to additional educational them to stay onyear. track theirquarter classwork, while Prep9135 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, Florida, is workalso for them. ” away with an official and accredited resources student might need, including science coming fully aaccredited

by AdvancEd (SACS) andlabs the and music and art studios.

For more information or to transcript for their academic work. Our students National Independent Private Schools Association Jeff Altschuler, the founder of Wellington contact us, please go to www.signaturetutoring.com and are high achievers with elite college ambitions, and (NIPSA). Signature Tutoring Services, with Preparatory School, stated, “We’re thrilled to start www.wellingtonprep.org. have to be sure that their transcripts reflect their seasonal locations in Wellington and Ocala, working with seasonal equestrians. They are hardconsistent, quality work forattend the entire school year. offers custom academic programs and tutoring working, motivated students who top high A Pass/Fail does not work for them.” for high achieving student-athletes, with a focus schools during thequarter rest of the school year, making them a good match for our school’s focus on top academics.” on equestrians. Together, Wellington Prep and Jeff Altschuler, the founder of Wellington It’s a natural next step for the independent, nonSignature Tutoring offer individual, custom, Preparatory School, thrilled to sectarian day school to findstated, ways to“We’re meet the academic and accredited curricula, grades, and transcripts start working with equestrians. needs of Wellington’s hugeseasonal equestrian community.They are for seasonal equestrians. Wellington Prep also hard-working, students who attend top “After all, “ Altschulermotivated added, “We’re neighbors!” provides access to additional educational resources high schools during the rest of the school year, a student might need, including science labs and Wellington Preparatory School,for located at 9135 focus making them a good match our school’s music and art studios.

Lakeon Worth Road, Lake Worth, Florida, is fullystep for the top academics.”

It’s a natural next accredited by AdvancEd (SACS) and the National independent, non-sectarian day school to find Enrollment has Started!

Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA). waysTutoring to meet Services, the academic needs oflocations Wellington’s To contact us with questions and to set up Signature with seasonal huge equestrian community.

“After all, “ your custom, accredited academic program, in Wellington and Ocala, offers custom academic Altschuler added,for “We’re neighbors!” programs and tutoring high achieving studentgo to www.signaturetutoring.com athletes, with a focus on equestrians. Together, and www.wellingtonprep.org

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Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 FEATURES:

EDITOR’S NOTE

Pg. 24 Peter Wylde Pg. 30 Private Tutoring Services Pg. 42 College Preparatory Invitational Pg. 54 Style Native: Brandi Cyrus Pg. 58 Cover Story: Stephanie Ray Peters Pg. 64 Heidi Keeney in Ireland Pg. 71 The Plaid Horse Holiday Gift Guide Pg. 82 IHJA B Finals Pg. 85 USEF Medal Finals Pg. 91 SLU Derby Finals ON THE COVER: STEPHANIE RAY PETERS AT SOME DAY FARM LLC IN BEND, OREGON. PHOTO © BETHANY UNWIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE: WRITE: Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic Street, Canton, New York 13617 CALL: 541-905-0192 EMAIL: theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com WEBSITE: theplaidhorse.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER: twitter.com/plaidhorsemag @plaidhorsemag INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag @theplaidhorsemag PINTEREST: pinterest.com/theplaidhorse TUMBLR: theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY FIRST LADY LYNN FOX, TPH'S PIPER KLEMM, & TPH AMBASSADOR SARAH LEWIS PRESENT ALYSSA BOKOR AND CARAFINO WITH THE WIN IN THE $1,000 SLU HUNTER DERBY FINALS (CANTON, NEW YORK).

This has been a “show, show, show” year for me.

Flights, hotel rooms, long nights driving through to mornings – I’ve attended over 50 horse shows around the country already. I write this note to you scheduled to leave in four hours. I’m hitting the road again – my first trip in three weeks… an eternity for me.

But, the pause was essential. There will always be more horse shows, more ways to push yourself, your staff, and your animals. Stopping and setting an example of regrouping is essential for the leaders in our sport.

Time at home allowed me to catch up on my own riding, eat healthier, hit the gym, get some sleep, and spend some time with my favorite Pony Dad. It also helped me to remember why I love this sport so much. I can’t wait to get back in the thick of it tomorrow!

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TPH CONTRIBUTORS

ADAM HILL, PH.D., of Canton, NY, is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University, where he is also the faculty advisor to St. Lawrence’s IHSA Team. He runs the photography blog Decaseconds.com. @adohertyh

ARMAND LEONE, of Glen Rock, NJ, is Founding Partner at Leone Equestrian Law and provides legal services and consultation to equestrian professionals.

He has prior service as a Member of U.S. Nations Cup Showjumping and FEI World Cup Finals Teams, and is currently a Member of the FEI Tribunal.

ALLIE FOX, of Canton, NY, operates her training and sales business out of CelMarSOL Ranch in Potsdam, NY and Fox Rust Stables in Canton, NY, which she owns with her husband Dr. Adam Fox.

ADAM FOX, PH.D., of Canton, NY, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Lawrence University. He specializes in Behavior Analysis and conducts research aimed at reducing stereotypic behavior in horses.

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TPH INTERNS

IRENE POWLICK, 15, of Salt Lake City, UT, is a Sophomore in the IB program at Skyline High School. She travels to horse shows across the country to photograph and shows her horses in the Junior Hunters, equitation, and jumpers. @ireneelisepowlick @jumpersthrumylens

AMY CORETZ, 18, of Tulsa, Oklahoma is a Senior in high school who competes in the children’s hunters. She trains with Libby Barrow at Farewell Farm. @amycoretz @core.equine_photography

MARGOT HIRSCH, 18, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, is a Senior at the Benjamin School and competes with her horse, Zider in the Small Junior Hunters. @margot_lynne_hirsch

HEATHER VAXER, 17, of Delray Beach, FL, is a senior at G-Star School of the Arts in the IB program. She has a passion for filmmaking and is currently riding in Wellington. @heatherrmichelle

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ADVICE TO YOUNG RIDERS:

Get an Education

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BY PETER WYLDE ■ I’ve been riding all my life. I started when I was 7 years old. I would braid my pony and load him on the trailer in the morning. Then I’d go up to the house and wake my parents with the question: “Please, will you take me to a horse show?” Even then, I was a very passionate rider.

By the time I was 15, I was riding full-time, missing a lot of school, going to horse shows every weekend and spending the whole summer riding. At 16, I won the Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden, and riding sort of took over everything I did. I think my parents were a little bit concerned that this was all I was doing.

At the time, I was attending a good small high school. As a junior I told my advisor that I wasn’t going to college because I was going to be a professional horse person. I planned on riding for the rest of my life and felt pretty strongly about it. Then during the second semester of my senior year – when all students had the opportunity to do an apprenticeship in a profession that interested them – I arranged to spend the three months in Florida, riding and showing. I lived the life, day in and day out. When I returned to school for the month of May to finish the year and graduate, I realized I didn’t know many of my classmates and they didn’t know who I was either. I thought to myself, I’m really missing out on a lot. I decided I wanted to attend college. My parents were willing to pay for me to go to school. I was certain I was going to ride every day of the rest of my life, but I also knew it would be really foolish for me to pass up the opportunity to go to a good university.

When it was time to start college (I attended Tufts University just outside of Boston), I said to myself, No more leaving every Thursday and going to a horse show during school. I had two horses, and instead of playing a sport while I was in school, I would ride – only ride.

I would not allow myself to show except during the summer when we were on break, and then I showed as an Amateur.

I went to all my classes – I don’t think I missed one.

I got involved in as many different club activities as I could and I met some of the most fascinating people in my life. Many are still friends. I try to keep that connection with people who have nothing to do with horses because it is interesting, and life is too short to be focused on only one thing.

The day after I graduated, I opened a business. I got a small stable, and I’ve been a horse professional ever

’Tis the Season Be Thankful Be Giving Be Positive

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PETER WYLDE AND LEWIN 5 AT THE VERMONT SUMMER FESTIVAL. PHOTO © ADAM HILL.

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since. But I am so happy and so thankful that I made the decision to go to a university and be exposed to a variety of things. It was so much different than my high school experience, which was very narrow-minded. I encourage everyone to go to a university if you have the opportunity. You can pursue a degree in a traditional subject like liberal arts or science or whatever. (I studied history and sociology, which had nothing to do with horses.) It’s also possible now to take courses in whatever horse-related area interests you: marketing, business and public relations to name just a few. Plus, there are some fantastic universities that have great riding programs.

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During my time at Tufts University I was a member of their Equestrian Team and participated in the IHSA program.

I won the Cacchione Cup when I was a Sophomore. It was a great experience being on the Tufts team – I had a lot of fun and met some fantastic people from all levels of riding.

The equestrian industry is big, and there are many opportunities.

College can give you a leg up on whatever it is you want in your horse-related career. Horses are difficult and they take a lot of time and a lot of passion. But if you have that passion and work hard, you can succeed. Don’t ever think that you can’t.

PHOTO © NICOLE TORCHIA.

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Wylde Ride: A Horseman’s Story by Joe Dotoli

There are horsemen, and there are riders – and occasionally someone special comes along who excels at both.

Wylde Ride: A Horseman’s Story is the biography of Peter Wylde, a boy who won the Maclay Finals at age sixteen and later became an international equestrian superstar. Author Joe Dotoli chronicles his thirty-year relationship with Wylde as his trainer and friend, sharing the inspirational journey of

a horseman who viewed his own accomplishments as second to those of his horse. From Dotoli’s stables to the Olympic games in Athens, the story of Wylde’s evolution into an equestrian superstar will inspire young riders to choose the honorable track and, above all else, become horsemen first.

“Peter followed his dreams and pursued the quest for knowledge through all its hills and valleys to become one of the best in our sport.”

- Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum

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INSPIRING TOMORROW

by Joanne Weiner, Founder & Executive Director, PBIA

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL

ACADEMY

• 13421 South Shore Boulevard Wellington, FL 33414 • 561-338-3811 info@privatetutoringservices.com privatetutoringservices.com

When I first began working in the equestrian community over 25 years ago, only about 100 horses were competing at WEF. Young riders travelled back and forth from their schools on the weekends, or had to miss school all together. Students who wanted to leave school to pursue their riding on a full-time basis had few options: They could choose to quit school, get a GED, or enter a correspondencetype program. When I saw how awful the educational options were, I decided to create a program – Private Tutoring Services – that not only fit the training and competing schedules for student athletes, but also allowed them to get a great collegepreparatory education.

The process was not without its challenges. It took some time to figure out how to work with different students from different schools, how to create a different type of schedule for each type of situation, and how to work with all the different personalities involved in the equestrian community.

Our goal was to attract great educators to Wellington and Ocala, Florida, as well as to Gulfport, Mississippi – educators who for 3 or 4 months could teach any subject imaginable and travel to the many horse shows where we set up temporary tutorial centers after winter season. As much as Barnes and Noble loved having our students and tutors in their coffee shops, we also really needed to establish our own centers.

Today, Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) is a thriving academic institution embedded not only in the equestrian community, but also in tennis, hockey, golf, acting, artist, and other communities. PBIA offers one-on-one and small group classes to students from all over the world and is located literally around the corner from the show grounds in Wellington.

We have an 8000-square-foot facility that creates, organizes, and oversees hundreds of students’ educational programs in our centers in Wellington and Boca Raton, Florida, and remotely, around the globe. PBIA’s highly-evolved system works with each student’s school during season and schools know they can trust that their students will return home ahead of the curve after studying for 3 or 4 months with us. We also offer an exceptional college preparatory program for students who choose to attend school full-time with us. This ‘blended-learning program’ has proven to be an incredible option for the many students enrolled. Our partnerships with universities also allow students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. The educational possibilities are endless.

The generosity of the equestrian community throughout the years is helping to transform education throughout the United States and world as well. PBIA is in the forefront of using the latest findings in mind-brain science in teaching, using technology as a tool for learning, and helping to turn students into global citizens. Our students have grown-up to be among the top riders in the world, as well as leaders in their professions and communities. They are beginning to send their children to us as well, and many of the top riders and trainers who never had these options also see the benefits of having their children a part of our student body.

As an educator and artist who began this service with $300 and a cell phone, I am thrilled and proud to be the Executive Director of Palm Beach International Academy. With over 200 educators currently working with us, beautiful centers for hundreds of students to learn, and an incredible group of families and students believing in us, we all look forward to what the future holds. We are busy preparing for WEF, Ocala and Gulfport, and look forward to being at Tryon and North Salem in the Spring. As more and more people understand that education can – indeed, should – happen anytime and anywhere, students will be able thrive in this modern world. Their minds will be active and attentive and their imaginations will be stimulated and inspired. This is, after all, what helps make the difference between the blue and red ribbons!

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STONEWALL FARM

& the Woods Family Congratulate Elizabeth Woods and Hidden Springs Woodstar on two great years together!

• 23 Large Pony Hunter Champions & Reserves • Top Ribbons Devon, Harrisburg, & Washington • 77 classes won in 33 horse shows

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © THE BOOK, LLC.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

Deerwood Farm on the purchase of Mack Blue

Jack Kalm on the lease of The Best Man

The Broderson Family on the lease of Olney Pandora

Lillard Pruscilek on the lease of Stonewall Stratus

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

Brooke Farrell on the lease of Stonewall Last Cloud

Isabelle Collister on the lease of Elite Spring Daisy

Anna Richardson on the lease of Vermont Ruby Fox

Maya Thomas on her new pony Until Tomorrow

Always a selection of small, medium, and large ponies for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © EMMA DUBINSKY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates Our USEF Zone VI Year End Winners

Small Green Pony Hunter Champion: Woodlands Padmé

Medium Green Pony Hunter Champion: Celtic Melody

Large Green Pony Hunter Champion: Top That

Small Green Pony Hunter Reserve Champion: Helicon Country Rose

Medium Green Pony Hunter Reserve Champion: Born This Way

Large Green Pony Hunter Reserve Champion: Stonewall Eleanor

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY AND LIBBY POLLOCK.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates Our USEF Zone VI Year End Winners

Small Pony Hunter Champion: Sir Dragon

Large Pony Hunter Champion: Hidden Spring’s Woodstar

Children’s Hunter Pony Champion: Stonewall Stratus

Small Pony Hunter Reserve Champion: Hillcrest’s Lorelei

Large Pony Hunter Reserve Champion: Top That

Children’s Hunter Pony Reserve Champion: Stonewall Hazel

Always a selection of small, medium, and large ponies for sale and lease.

S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, ADAM HILL, AND CYNTHIA WOODS.

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Lynn Walsh: A Woman of Distinction Houston, Texas, September 2015 – Lynn Walsh, president of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, has been named one of 10 2016 ABC 13 Women of Distinction.

In addition to the Women of Distinction, a Rising Star and Ambassador will be honored at the “Age of Aquarius Winter Ball” on Jan. 23, 2016. The event is hosted by the South Texas Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

Jana Arnoldy and Susan Arnoldy Hansen are chairing The Winter Ball. ABC 13, a major sponsor of The Winter Ball, has also been a loyal media partner to The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show for many years.

Although Walsh did not seek this award, those who know her well say it is perfectly suited for recognizing and celebrating the monumental volunteer role that she has filled for close to 15 consecutive years. Walsh is a resident of the Magnolia suburb of Houston. She is an accomplished equestrian, wife, mother, business owner, former advertising agency executive, longtime community volunteer, and lover of children and animals. She has a proven knack for getting others to align with her and to stick with her to support her causes!

Walsh began serving on The Woodlands Advisory Council of Texas Children's Hospital in 2014. She also has served as a past president of the Texas Hunter Jumper Association (THJA) from 2006 through 2008. She has served as the chair of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Competition Standards Committee and as a member of the USHJA Owners Committee and the USHJA Amateur Committee. She also served on the board of the Washington International Horse Show in 2004 and 2005

“I am proud to have been associated with Pin Oak for more than 30 years. I am honored and, at the same time, humbled to have been named one of the 2016 ABC 13 Women of Distinction. I am accepting this award on behalf of thousands of people who support The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in our mission to help heal sick children.

I consider myself as a lifelong volunteer and ambassador for The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show –

and the passion I feel for this horse show and its mission is shared with our board members, volunteers, staff, sponsors, riders, trainers, judges, media partners like ABC 13 and many others who make The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show one of the most prestigious charity horse shows in the nation,” Walsh commented.

Walsh was completely surprised to learn she had been nominated for and selected as one of the 2016 Women of Distinction. Mary Jones, Pin Oak’s charity liaison, marketing director, and board member, secretly nominated Walsh for the award.

Chris Tresten, past president and current chair of the Pin Oak board of directors, fortified the nomination with a letter of recommendation.

Jones and Tresten partnered in keeping Walsh from knowing about the nomination and the real reason for the recent “reveal” event.

“A quiet lunch at Masraff’s served as the backdrop for the surprise announcement. Jana Arnoldy entered with an armful of flowers and a beaming smile to share the news with Lynn. It was pure joy filling the air thereafter,” Jones said.

“I can’t imagine anyone who deserves this award more than Lynn Walsh. It is truly miraculous to witness Lynn’s leadership and unwavering focus in action. She is completely dedicated to The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and our mission to heal sick children. My fellow board members and I watch in awe as Lynn masterfully extends the resources of Pin Oak’s one full-time paid staff member to accomplish so much. She has a gift for rallying a virtual team in various cities and from all walks

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of life to follow her, and she does it with grace, kindness, clarity and commitment,” explained Tresten, a Pin Oak board member and competitor since 1995. She served as Pin Oak’s president for three consecutive years – from 1997 through 1999. Tresten has been the board chair and a member of Pin Oak’s executive committee since 2012.

Tresten added: “Lynn provides the solid foundation and framework from which all of us associated with The Pin Oak Charity Horse are able to produce one of the top 25 horse shows in the United States. We are proud to be in a position to deliver an annual contribution of more than $225,000 to our three children’s charities. I can’t say enough about her. I am truly honored to know and work with her.”

Walsh’s past experience as a vice president working with multibillion-dollar companies at a global advertising agency and owning a family business with her husband and sons have been instrumental in guiding her to make decisions and take actions that have elevated the profile and impact of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in a meaningful way.

Jones weighed in: “I am thrilled that Lynn Walsh is in the spotlight as one of the 2016 Women of Distinction, especially because she is not one who seeks center stage.

She is extremely inclusive and collaborative. Lynn has made The

Pin Oak Charity Horse Show a huge priority of her life as a way to make a difference in the community and to grow this historic event that has shaped Houston’s landscape.

As the mother of a teen who is a patient at Texas Children’s Hospital and of two girls who compete in Pin Oak show rings every March, I know that Lynn is engaging thousands of people to make a positive difference for sick children and those who love and care for them.

I am grateful for the seed planted by the hoof print of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show that has become the Texas Children’s Hospital that we know today. “

Jones added: “Lynn has truly raised the bar for Pin Oak and has enhanced its prestige in the equestrian world. We sell out each year in terms of capacity to accommodate horse and riders, who come from all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to compete. And, under Lynn’s leadership, Pin Oak has garnered a long list of awards and honors in equestrian, medical and charitable circles.”

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $6 million for children’s charities since its inception and contributes approximately $7 million annually to the greater Houston area economy. In 1947, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show provided the first donation toward the building of what is now the world renowned Texas Children’s Hospital. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show benefits Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Texas Children’s Hospital, and Candlelighters’ Childhood Family Cancer Alliance. Please see www. pinoak.org for more information on The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. All proceeds from The 2016 Winter Ball will go toward research and Patient and Professional Services throughout the South Texas CCFA Chapter.

Learn more at www.ccfa.org/chapters/southtexas/ Media contact: Laura Pennino, Senior PR Consultant for The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show 281-286-9398, 713-419-1776 mobile • lp@penninoandpartners.com

38 • THE PLAID HORSE A VIEW FROM THE ROAD – STATELY OLD OAKS AND THE WALKER AT THE END OF THE BARN.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE OFFICE AT JOHN MADDEN SALES, INC. THE DINING ROOM – CENTERED AROUND A PORTRAIT OF AUTHENTIC, ONE OF BEEZIE’S OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL MOUNTS WHO IS RETIRED AT THE FARM. WORLD CUP CHAMPION SIMON TURNED OUT AND BEING A HORSE. THE END OF THE MAIN BARN. INSIDE THE WALKER. PHOTOS © ADAM HILL.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 39

SNOW FELL THE NIGHT BEFORE WE ARRIVED AT CAZENOVIA, NEW YORK. WHAT WE FOUND AT JOHN MADDEN SALES IS THE CORE CONCEPT THAT HORSES COME FIRST. JOHN AND BEEZIE MADDEN’S PROPERTY IS DOTTED WITH ENORMOUS PADDOCKS AND SPACIOUS RUN-INS, AS WELL AS APPLE ORCHARDS AND HINTS OF THE FACILITY'S AGRARIAN PAST. THIS ISN'T A FACILITY BUILT TO SHOW OFF; IT'S A FACILITY BUILT FOR WINNING.

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A Horse Trainer Marries a Behavior Analyst:

Equine Research to Improve Horse-Human Relationships

By Allie Fox with Adam Fox, Ph.D. Coming from a family deeply involved in the horse industry, I have experienced a lot. Growing up in a 30-horse show barn and equine hospital, there wasn’t a lot my sister and I did not see (or do) when it came to helping with the horses.

Now, as a horse trainer out on my own, I always draw from my experiences growing up. I use the knowledge my veterinarian father taught me about how to keep the horses healthy so they can perform comfortably and happily. And, I use the knowledge taught to me by my mom and sister, and by other trainers that I have worked for or with, when I train and teach.

It may come as no surprise that after all of that I married an animal behavior researcher.

Together, we have become more curious about equine behavior, idiosyncrasies between horses, and how to improve the relationships humans have with horses.

Why do horses react differently in different situations? Why are some horses dangerous? What type of training techniques might be most effective to reduce and

increase certain behaviors? How can we enrich environments to reduce stress on the road? Can we make the horse world a better, more ethical place through behavioral research?

One question we have been particularly interested in is how to reduce behavior that has no obvious cause. These behaviors are sometimes referred to as stereotypy or vices. In two published studies my husband and his colleagues reduced biting and chewing behavior and pawing behavior in horses using a positive reinforcement technique known as “differential reinforcement of other

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 41

Merry Christmas from Orion Farm!

S LINDA EVAN @aol.com ny np io or • 413-530-9685 ida Wellington, Flor Massachusetts •

PHOTO © SARAH LEWIS.

LEFT & ABOVE: ALLIE SHOWING HOUSE OF CARDS, A PERFORMANCE HUNTER WHO WAS A SUBJECT IN ADAM FOX'S CLINICAL EXPERIMENTS.

behavior,” or DRO. Though we are excited when a study has been published, our goals are to foster a better horse-human relationship by increasing our understanding of horse behavior, and to enrich equine environments and training methods through empirically validated methods.

Collaborating on these studies with my husband, his colleagues, and students has really sparked my interest in this seemingly small area of horse research—especially in regard to performance and training horses. We can

guess why a horse might bite, paw, crib, kick, run-off, rear, or buck.

But instead of guessing, what if we took a different approach to these behaviors? An empirical approach designed to identify causes and manipulate environmental variables that affect behavior has been productive and produced meaningful results in the form of behavior change.

The most recent study, “Reducing pawing in horses using positive reinforcement”, will be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Allie Fox operates her business out of CelMarSOL Ranch in Potsdam, NY and Fox Rust Stables in Canton, NY, which she owns with her husband Dr. Adam Fox, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. He contributed to this article. Her family, Dr. Kim Braeutigam, Chris Braeutigam, Ehrin and Matt Rittmueller own Four Winds Farm and Equine Hospital in Bridgeport, MI and Ocala, FL.

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The Student Rider: How Matt Drohan Got a Leg Up on His College Career

BY CANDACE FITZGERALD Through his remarkable drive and passion for learning, Centenary Sophomore Matt Drohan has taken charge of his destiny and positioned himself for success in the equestrian industry.

Matt grew up in urban Brooklyn, New York, where he learned to ride at Jamaica Bay Riding Academy, ultimately becoming a member of their IEA team. When it was time to look at colleges, Matt already knew that he wanted to pursue an education that involved horses, which helped to shape his school search. Eager to find a way to learn more about the colleges he had targeted, he discovered the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) through his trainer and IEA coach, Jane DaCosta, who was the CPI Alumni Challenge Champion in 2011.

According to Matt, two of his teammates had competed at CPI in 2012, and came back with great reviews so he applied for the 2013 event in Wellington. He was motivated to apply because it was midway through his junior year and while he had done serious research, he really wanted to meet the various coaches to narrow down his choices.

Matt describes showing at CPI in 2013 as a “rewarding experience.”

Like many of the students who apply to CPI, he had already been exposed to the IEA competition format so he was quite comfortable with the notion of drawing a randomly donated horse and only having two warm-up fences before going on course.

He notes that being exposed to the many college representatives at the CPI College Fair offered him an invaluable opportunity to meet potential coaches, ask questions and learn more about their various programs. Matt recalls that “speaking

with the different coaches made it easier to visualize which program I could see myself immersed in.”

According to CPI President Lindsay Martin, this is a typical experience as representatives from more than 35 colleges attend the CPI event each year. “The CPI is a really unique way for students involved in equestrian sports to showcase themselves to colleges, and to learn more about the schools they might be interested in attending.

It can even be an opportunity to discover schools they hadn’t known about before.”

The following year, Matt jumped at the opportunity to intern as the Assistant to the CPI Horse Show Manager, Mr. Peter Cashman, of the United States Military Academy.

Matt describes the internship as an opportunity to differentiate himself from other candidates “…this was such a beneficial opportunity, because I was able to be behind-the-scenes as horse show management and showcase my strong work ethic to observant college coaches.”

The CPI now offers students the opportunity to participate in their Junior Ambassador Program, where they can earn community service hours for volunteer service work at CPI events and by hosting fundraising events for the organization’s Scholarship and Educational Fund.

While different factors aided in his decision to apply to Centenary – he had known of the school’s excellent reputation and IHSA success, he also listened to stories from his close friend, then junior Katie Ambrosio, (now graduated and working for Stonehenge Stables) His interest was further increased by spending time with Centenary’s coach, Michael Dowling, at the CPI event.

Dowling describes Matt as a

FIRST FALL 2015 SHOW. PHOTO © MORGAN WORKMAN.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 43

ABOVE LEFT: CPI INTERNING UNDER PETER CASHMAN. ABOVE RIGHT: MATT AND PETER. PHOTO © CEALY TETLEY.

44 • THE PLAID HORSE

rider that hadn’t had the privilege of owning his own horse, but he had a strong coach who had helped him develop a solid base and good horsemanship skills. He credits organizations like the IEA and programs like CPI as instrumental in developing riders that are better prepared than ever for IHSA competition.

After the CPI event, Matt planned school visits and applied to High Point, Findlay, Randolph and Centenary. Ultimately he chose Centenary and so far he is very enthusiastic about his experience there. “Through hard work and dedication, I’ve encountered countless opportunities at Centenary and I’m only in my first year and a half!”

Centenary is an IHSA powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top as a team, producing riders that have won the Cacchione Cup several times in recent years.

Dowling now coaches Matt on the Centenary team and has him as a student in his classroom as well.

According to Dowling, Matt came in to the Centenary program “very driven” and has emerged as an asset to the team by being enthusiastic, proactive and involved at every level.

Last season, Matt made it to Zone Finals individually in the Walk Trot Canter division and ended the year third in the Zone. He was also accepted onto the newly founded IHSA Student Leadership Committee as a representative for Centenary’s region/zone. Matt also had the opportunity to travel to the Big E with the team for IHSA Nationals as a groom, a Student Leadership Committee representative, and as a reporter for Practical Horseman.

At the first show IHSA this year he earned a 1st in Novice over fences.

He has become the second treasurer of the Centenary IHSA team and the gate-keeper at home shows when

PHOTO © KAYLA FADLER

it’s not his time to show. He’s also an Equine Tour Guide through the Centenary Admissions department, and a senator on the campus’ Student Government Association.

Matt has put his time out of school to good use too. The summer before coming to Centenary, he was a working student for Eric Hasbrouck at Spruce Meadows and Eric’s home barn in North Salem, NY. During his Freshman year Winter break from Centenary he found a great opportunity to groom for Darragh Kenny at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

This year, Matt landed a summer working student position at Peter Leone’s Lionshare Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut. A strong supporter of the IHSA, Leone was willing to give Matt an opportunity to join the Lionshare team as a working student.

During their initial discussion Peter remembers Matt as “bright, energetic, open and honest about what he did and didn’t know about horses and what his abilities were.” Leone recalls what struck him about Matt “he was hungry – he was very serious about becoming a professional and about gaining the knowledge and experience necessary – and that impressed me.”

The position gave Matt a very important chance to learn from Peter and his group of assistants, and to gain exposure to every aspect of the horse business from riding to training and teaching, from horse care to client service, facility maintenance

and administrative duties as well.

Matt describes working for Peter as “an invaluable opportunity. I was able to ride six to nine horses each day and receive several lessons each week.” He recalls the highlights of his summer as being part of the Lionshare team at Bromont, where he helped Peter prepare for the World Cup Qualifier, and again, being part of the Lionshare team at the iconic Hampton Classic.

And thanks to Matt’s hard work and Peter’s generosity, their relationship continues. In fact, Peter and Matt are now discussing the continuation of that working student position over Matt’s school break this Winter, when Lionshare moves their operation to Florida for the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

We asked Matt to share some advice to students looking for the right colleges and in preparing for a life within the equestrian industry.

1. Research & compare different college programs, and make an educated decision in deciding on a major.

2. Reach out to potential college coaches of schools you are interested in with any questions or to introduce yourself before an upcoming campus visit – it shows initiative and that you’re taking the process seriously.

3. Your education is extremely important, as so many college courses are relevant to the equestrian industry – Principles of Management, Economics, Equine Health, Social Media Strategy etc. – all these will help you after college, so be diligent in taking notes because you will find them valuable later!

4. And in general, aside from the college process – always remain professional with a smile on your face, Take something positive from every experience and just follow your dreams!

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 45

46 • THE PLAID HORSE

CONGRATULATIONS TO LITTLE MANHATTAN AND MEGAN ROSENTHAL on a successful show at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in the 16-17 Small Junior Hunters!

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 47

Fairy Tale Farms would also like to congratulate Madison Syfert on her recent purchase of “Monumental.” Look for this pair in the Large Juniors 2016!

• Congratulations as well to Ashely Hurteau on the purchase of “Boss’s Bentley.”

We can’t wait for this pair to start competing in the 3'6" Amateur Owners.

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

48 • THE PLAID HORSE

congratulates

All our Sales Graduates on an Amazing 2015!

GOOD LUCK TO THIS YEAR’S SALES GRADUATES 1 Newhaven's Magnum 2 Copperfield 3 Sweet Life 4 Hudson Bay 5 Batman 6 Copperfield 7 Something Blue 8 Shananigans 9 Sunny 10 Oompa Loompa 11 Just Blackie 12 Skippin' School 13 Lollipop 14 Short Story 15 Sweet William 16 Maui 17 Best Kept Secret

18 Summerwoods Rhythm N Blues 19 Justamere La-do-da 20 Rollingwoods Stick Around 21 Prince Caspian 22 Enchantment 23 All Natural 24 Dante 25 Star Perfect 26 Woodlands Velvet Touch 27 Espresso 28 Love Note 29 HG Mud Puddles 30 Stoneledge Special Request 31 Jump In 32 Mackay's Show N Tell 33 Rumour Has It

34 More Like It 35 Mackintosh 36 Woodlands Jubilation 37 One Hot Pepper 38 Pumpkin Patch 39 Heart to Resist 40 Daylight 41 Lands End Wye Me 42 Sparkle Plenty 43 Cover Story 44 Farnley Planet 45 Top Hat 46 Just Imagine 47 Quicksilver Butterfly 48 Pocket Aces 49 Read All Over 50 That Girl

Olivia Golden • Double G Stables • 917-549-7303 olivia@doublegstables.com • www.doublegstables.com • Reading, PA

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 49

Olivia Golden • Double G Stables • 917-549-7303 Like us on Facebook @ Double-G-Stables

50 • THE PLAID HORSE

Land’s End Adagio 13.1hh

Barkmeadow Black Gold 12.2hh

Quicksilver Farm OFFERING STALLION SERVICE, FANCY SHOW PONY PROSPECTS, TRAINING AND LESSONS Melinda Zalesky • 440-487-7746 quicksilverponies@gmail.com

Charleston, SC www.quicksilverponies.com

Smoke Tree Shameful Thief 14hh

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 51

52 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 53

Grady Lyman & Sinatra’s Ruhm.

Photo © Katie Browne.

The choice of champions.

Ranch, Farm & Equine Contact: Stacey Cinquini Direct/Text: (949) 289-4722 Fax: (949) 429-8097 Email: stacey@cinquiniins.com Web: www.cinquiniins.com Facebook: Cinquini Insurance Services LLC Twitter & Instagram: @CinquiniIns Lic #0G96286 / 0I72676

54 • THE PLAID HORSE

I’m so excited about this competition jacket by Manfredi! The collar is interchangeable and they have SO many pretty colors and unique prints.

I like to plan my show attire based on which ring I’m riding in, what color my horse is, what mood I’m in that day – the list goes on! So having the opportunity to wear different collars with one jacket is an absolutely fantastic idea. Not to mention, this jacket is super lightweight and stretchy, and it’s vented to keep you cool.

LOOK #1 – WHAT I’M WEARING:

Manfredi Airflow Detachable Jacket with grey suede collar (manfrediequestrian.com) Kingsland white breeches (usa.kingslandstore.com)

For the first look, I picked a traditional dark grey suede collar and went with white breeches for a monochrome look which I always love to go for on my grey horse. This jacket also has a pretty aqua lining and bold stitching that sets the jacket apart from any other.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 55

BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE PHOTOS BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

56 • THE PLAID HORSE

For the second look, I switched out to the snakeskin print collar and paired it with tan breeches for a classic look with a little edge. Snakeskin print has been a huge trend in fashion this year so it’s great to have the option of wearing it into the show ring in a subtle way!

LOOK #2 – WHAT I’M WEARING:

Manfredi Airflow Detachable Jacket with snakeskin collar (manfrediequestrian.com) Tailored Sportsman tan breeches (thetailoredsportsman.com)

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 57

Brandi Cyrus stylenative.com IG @brandicyrus

LOOK #3 – WHAT I’M WEARING:

Skull Cashmere ombre sweater (facebook.com/Skullcashmere) Kingsland white breeches (usa.kingslandstore.com)

I recently got this cashmere sweater from one of my favorite brands, Skull Cashmere. I’ve been wearing these for awhile to ride in and i’m starting to see them on other girls at the horse shows now too which is so awesome!

They come in so many different colors and prints from preppy to edgy and everything in between. They also offer some that are 100% cashmere which is great for Winter, but others that are mixes and blends that are more appropriate for warmer climates. I love this new ‘ombre’ color and got tons of compliments on it when I wore it into the jumper ring for my warm up classes last month at Brownland!

58 • THE PLAID HORSE

Stephanie Ray Peters Shines in 2015

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 59

BY PIPER KLEMM • PHOTOS BY BETHANY UNWIN PHOTOGRAPHY When you watch Stephanie Ray Peters in the show ring, even if you don’t know her, you just want to cheer for her. Her riding is textbook, her connection with her horses is evident, and there is a glow of how much passion she has for the sport.

This year has been a breakout year of success for

Stephanie, with tricolors from Thermal throughout the West Coast in both the amateur hunters and jumpers, as well as a successful trip back east for HITS Championship Weekend in Saugerties, New York.

“The success that I've experienced this year is the result of lifelong commitment. I think

you have to have the passion behind the hard work and behind the interest. I enjoy showing up every day. I enjoy seeing my horses – they are the delight of my life,” says Peters.

Peters, of Bend, Oregon, takes three lessons five days a week at Some Day Farm and flats her fourth horse on her own.

STEPHANIE RIDES HER FOUR HORSES AT SOME DAY FARM IN BEND, OREGON FIVE TIMES A WEEK.

60 • THE PLAID HORSE

Whenever she isn’t traveling, she is riding her own horses and doing the homework for the ring herself.

“Every day is the same horses, but different lessons. You never know what you are going to get – every day is a little different.

That is what I look forward to than others – the days that are more fresh, more quiet – that surprise keeps me interested,” says Peters.

Peters credits the intensity of instruction of Some Day Farm’s trainer Catherine Cruger for her ability to prepare for whatever happens in the ring. “I really feel like I know exactly how my horse needs to be right from the moment I enter the ring. I know which horses like to be more forward and who needs a big canter to the first jump and who likes more of a feel in the ring.”

Growing up in the San Diego

area, Stephanie started riding at 6 years old and never looked back. She got her first pony a few years later and embarked on a successful pony career, which was followed by the junior hunters and jumpers.

Beginning her amateur career, she made the move to Bridgeport Farms to train with John Bragg.

With Bragg, she stepped right into the 3'6" Amateur Owner Hunters and the High A/O Jumper ring all over California.

After seven years at Bridgeport, Peters and her husband moved to Bend and she started training with Cruger in 2013.

While her incredible success and passion are certainly enviable now, it wasn’t always the case for Peters. As a child, riding and her horses were an outlet for her.

“When I was a kid, I was really

teased for being heavy. I never wanted to go to school. It caused a lot of issues. I was always smart and the academic part came easily, but I never fit in.

But when I was with my horses, I didn’t think about my negative experience at school. My horses have always been my best friends.

I was happiest at the barn,” explains Peters.

With the equitation and hunters as a junior, Peters continued to be compared to a body image that she didn’t conform to. “For a long time the judges were very critical. I did a clinic with George Morris when I was younger and he criticized me for being heavy and I remember just crying because I was so upset.

But it never stopped me – I just kept focusing on riding better,” said Peters.

PHOTO © BARBARA DUDLEY.

STEPHANIE AND CASTLE HILL COMPETE IN THE HITS SAUGERTIES $250,000 PLATINUM PERFORMANCE HUNTER PRIX FINAL IN NEW YORK. RIGHT: WITH TRAINERS KENDALL ENTLER AND CATHERINE CRUGER AT SOME DAY FARM.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 61

PHOTO © BARBARA DUDLEY.

62 • THE PLAID HORSE

“I think that some people assume that plus-sized gals aren’t athletic, or don’t take care of themselves, or are not healthy. There is so much that people think when they see a bigger girl, especially in this sport. I am proof that a plus-sized person can be good at it too and a rider does not have to be 120 pounds to do well or to love this sport. It’s an important message. Size does not have to matter in this sport,” says Peters.

Peters says, “My horses have been such a positive thing in my life, not only for my self-esteem and my body image. There is no better feeling than knowing you have put so much hard work into it, you have done your homework and you have done what it takes to be at the top level, no matter what you look like.”

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64 • THE PLAID HORSE

ANDREA ETTER ∷ BELMONT HOUSE STUD

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 65

SEPTEMBER 25 – 26, 2015 • BY HEIDI KEENEY When you see a horse sleeping, their eyes blinking and muscles twitching, their hooves moving as if they are they are going through the motions of being in a different place and time, do you wonder “what are they dreaming?”

There’s no doubt in my mind the horses born at or who have spent time at Belmont House Stud will dream of it forever. Envision seemingly endless green pastures, small herds of friendly mares and curious foals peacefully grazing and napping under the cottony clouds and warm sun rays streaming through. This, so typical of an Irish summer day, is not just a painting a pretty picture, this is the way of life at Belmont House Stud.

I came to Belmont House Stud with my friend and trainer, Kelli Reilly, on the recommendation of Erin Gilmore, the internationally renowned Equestrian Photographer, by way of Piper Klemm, who you may know as the owner of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Kelli and I began talking about visiting Ireland during the Spring of 2015 during my Sunday morning riding lesson at AppleCreek Farm where Kelli is the Assistant Trainer under Proprietor, Lisa Marie Foley. Ireland was just talk, but somewhere along the line it became a reality and the idea evolved quickly. Our plan was a 2 week adventure beginning September 15 including a 4 day unguided ride in Sligo, a little sight seeing, a horse show and visits to a number of horse farms including Belmont House Stud, owned and managed by Andrea Etter.

We were welcomed at BHS by Gabi Schurmann, and were given a quick tour of the house followed by the impeccable grounds and rolling pastures of the large breeding and training farm. Part of BHS home is used as a Bed and Breakfast where guests and clients can stay while they experience life on the farm and perhaps find the perfect horse. From my room’s large windows, mares could be seen grazing with their young foals playing nearby. On the other side of the pasture the island can be seen. The island is staged as a cross country course for training with large, natural obstacles for jumping and galloping up and down as well as being surrounded by a river for cooling off and giving the horses natural water in their day to day life.

RADOLIN TROTTING WITH ROBERTO LUBRANO.

Belmont House is of Manor style architecture typical of Ireland and is noted throughout the stone courtyards with rounded archways, large sheds and stall barns. Tall stone walls surround the property and iron gates welcome guests.

Through the archway and in the paddock to the right, we were introduced to “the cuddly 4 year olds”. Casually walking over to us are ten or so 16 to 17 hand “in your pocket” type sport horses coming over for attention. They were so warm and friendly it’s too bad they wouldn’t fit under my seat on the plane, I would have liked to bring

66 • THE PLAID HORSE

RADOLIN

BRINGING

PEEKING

A MARE IN

OUT OF

FOR AN

HIS STALL.

ULTRASOUND.

MARES AND FOALS GRAZING IN THE LARGE PASTURE.

COMING IN FOR A CLOSER LOOK.

A THREE YEAR OLD GETTING CUDDLES FROM KELLI.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 67

one home for a house pet they were so docile. Andrea’s approach is to allow the horses to be pastured in social groups/ herds. The theory of growing horses this way is natural and not stressful on them thereby creating a more balanced horse.

The demeanor of the horses at BHS undoubtedly proves the balance between pasturing, training and handling makes for a more well rounded horse.

Our tour continued with the barns and greetings with the few horses that were not turned out. We met Radolin, O-Piloth and Stetter, all KWPN stallions. Later, Roberto Lubrano, Andrea’s resident trainer, would take Radolin out for a trot on the lead so we could see how fabulous he is. Radolin seemed to know this and wanted to strut his stuff. Why be humble when you’re the number 32 stallion in the world? Without wasting time it was out to the pastures to see the young horses and the broodmares with foals. After walking and searching over a knoll to the right and then through a wooded area to the left in a vast pasture, hidden away like the treasures they are, we found a couple small herds of broodmares and their foals. Once spotted up on a hill a hundred yards away, some mares stopped grazing and slowly walked down to greet us. The mares seemed as pleased to have us as guests as we were to be visiting and came right over for some attention as their foals stood nearby, curious and unafraid.

When Andrea returned from the horse show in Cavan, where she had been showing off some sale horses to clients, we all gathered in the kitchen for tea and coffee and learned more of the Etter family horse business and how Andrea came to be in Ireland. Andrea celebrated her 23rd Anniversary at Belmont House Stud this past September, having come to Ireland all those years ago to work on her English for 6 months and then decided to stay. Both her parents are in the horse business, you may be acquainted with her father, Gerhard Etter for being selected twice for the Swiss Olympic team as well as being internationally known as a top

sport horse dealer. To his credit you will likely recognize the team of Reed Kessler and Cylana, Gerhard Etter brought them together. Andrea’s mother, Hedi, also an accomplished equestrian, works tirelessly at her parent’s farm in Switzerland keeping the business in order. The two farms, Andrea’s in Ireland and her parents’ in Switzerland, share a partnership, helping all levels of equestrians find the right horses for their discipline. Andrea’s siblings are also all in the horse business, your homework for this assignment is to look them up to see what key roles they all play in the Etter family business, they are all equally impressive in the top levels of the sport.

Andrea has a a lengthy equine resume, having competed on the European and young riders teams with training from her father and other top trainers as Daan Nanning in Holland and Katie and Henry Monahan-Prudent in the U.S. Andrea’s coaching style is rounded out by having spent time training with George Morris, Thomas Fuchs, Michel Robert and Philippe Guerdat. Andrea boasts an EFI Level 2 Coaching certification for showjumping, eventing and dressage. She studied equine science at the University of Limerick and has years of experience in the industry. Andrea employs Roberto Lubrano, an integral member of her team, who breaks and prepares the young horses with help from the students. For a young equestrian looking to learn and improve their skill, being a working student at BHS, the educational opportunities are immeasurable.

BHS is an equine photographer’s dream, coincidentally, Andrea is an impressive photographer. Our conversations drifted from equines to exposure and lounging to Lightroom. On the second day we were treated to a ride on the island during a cross country training for some of the young horses. I was entrusted to their retired jumper pony, Finmore Lady, a perfect match for me as she was willing to stand still as I shot slo mo videos with my cell phone! For some of the young

horses, it was the first time jumping on the course. I was impressed with how brave and willing they were and the tenacity and skill of their riders. Kelli rode Mr. Pokerface B. and had a grand time jumping on the course.

The last activity we were a part of at BHS we were invited to watch as Andrea performed ultrasounds and checked mares to see if they had been successfully bred/were with in foal. Each mare is led into the small shed to the left of the gate, equipped with the sterile supplies needed to prep the mare and perform the procedure. She is placed in a straight stall where there is an area at her head for her handler and her foal. It was my first time viewing a horse ultrasound and was mesmerized seeing the form of the foal’s fetus and heartbeat on the screen in the dark room.

My short time at BHS left me with many more questions than there was time to ask. Instead of asking too many questions, I found myself shooting photos of Radolin being a handsome stud and the foals being cute and plotting with myself how I could make a return visit at some point in the future. Until then, whenever I see a horse named with the Belmont House Stud trademark “B”at the end of their name, I will wonder if their dreams are replaying the times of growing up happy and free at Belmont House Stud.

Andrea’s photos from around the farm and horse shows are updated regularly and can be seen on her Facebook page: facebook.com/Belmont-House-Stud.

For more information on Belmont House Stud visit belmonthousestud.com A SLEEPY FOAL IN THE LARGE PASTURE.

68 • THE PLAID HORSE

Less Risk,

MORE

REWARD

Get the Most

Out of Your NEXT LEASE

BY ARMAND LEONE

Leasing is an attractive alternative to buying or selling a horse for many riders and owners because it is able to accommodate a wide range of needs. As with any form of contract, leases vary in complexity depending on the particular needs of the individuals involved, from simple form agreements to detailed individualized provisions.

These documents can be complex – what is the level of the horse? How much money is involved? How much risk are the lessor and lessee willing to take? These questions and more help to determine how in-depth the lease agreement document needs to be. This is important because leases effectively reallocate risks and rewards between otherwise traditional horse sellers and buyers. This article looks at ways that lessors and lessees can work through some common lease problems that may otherwise prevent a pairing.

TO BUY OR TO LEASE? Leases effectively increase a purchaser’s “buying” power by a factor of 5, 10 or more while reducing risk. Purchasing a top hunter or equitation horse can cost up to $200,000, which is cost prohibitive for many parents, let alone parents whose children are looking to ride for only one or two years before going off to college. If they have to purchase the horse for a last junior year, the horse will then have to be

sold at the end. Board and training costs at the top levels easily add another $25,000 in annual cost, which parents have to carry until the horse is sold. After the child goes to college, the parents are left with little control or input over the sale of the horse, pay ongoing costs and get minimal to no enjoyment out of it. If the horse is injured, they are left with continuing bills and a horse they cannot sell.

Leasing a horse changes all of this and can provide benefits for both sides. Top equitation horses can be leased in the general range of $2,500 to $6,000 per month and offer a very attractive alternative for parents who want to give their child an opportunity to compete at the top level for a year or two. Lessor riders pay a premium for the shorter use of a top quality horse, and lessen their risk of being left with an injured horse they can’t sell and get to stop paying bills when it’s over.

Owners receive a premium price per month and relief from all interim bills during the lease and get the horse back at the end.

The owner’s reward and risk is that if the horse does well and stays healthy during the lease, the owner gets to re-lease the horse for another period at a premium price, while if the horse does poorly or is injured, the owner is stuck with the cost of rehabilitation and possibly retirement.

MORE HORSES TO GO AROUND All leases deal with the basic terms, such as the parties, the horse, the term, the money and insurance coverage, but some situations are not easily captured with standard clauses. Because it is difficult to find a perfectly suited, sound horse within an acceptable price range, there are two situations that often arise and require special handling: a known pre-existing but now “healed” injury and the older “been there, done that” horse.

A rider can lease a horse that will not pass a prepurchase exam because of an old injury, if it is otherwise appropriate for the rider and sound. The concept of serviceably sound is not the same as a horse that vets clean.

Horsemen know that many horses are capable of returning to the show ring after rehabilitation from an injury, but are not easily sold despite their ability to perform at the highest level because there is always risk of re-injury. Rather than retire them to the field, such horses can be wonderful horses for lease provided the risk of re-injury is addressed.

When the vet exam identifies an old injury that is a risk of re-injury, the release should provide an escape clause for the lessor if the horse becomes unable to compete for that reason. The lease allows the lessor to return the horse to

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 69

the owner rather than continue to pay costs. The lease payments can be made short term with multiple options to renew, so as to limit the lessor’s risk of monetary loss if the horse becomes lame. Alternatively, the lease can have a non-refundable payment and a payment that is conditional upon the horse remaining sound through a specific date or even end of the lease. These arrangements can allow the matching of more good horses and riders than would otherwise be possible if a pre-purchase level veterinarian clearance is required.

Owners can use the lease to protect older horses and those with old injuries and still allow these horses to provide excellent opportunities for deserving riders. The acceptability of a lease deal should be very dependent on the owner’s assessment of the trainer who will be responsible for the horse while in the lessor’s care. A horse that requires management should only be leased under circumstances where the owner knows the trainer in charge is capable of providing it, and leases should specify who the trainer responsible for the horse will be. The lease should also indicate who can ride the horse, such as only the rider of interest, the trainer and others authorized by the trainer. The owner may need to specify the maximum

height the horse may compete over and other limitations important to proper management, such as a maximum number of shows per month. A lease can also protect the owner’s horse from abusive treatment by specifying the trainer and riders, as well as placing appropriate limitations on the horse’s use to prevent breakdown. Provisions such as these prolong the useful life of many excellent horses who are in the latter halves of their careers.

In a perfect world, there would be enough horses to go around for everyone, but top performers in any division are hard to find at any price. Finding one without a blemish reduces the numbers further. Leases allow more horses to perform for more years with more riders than would otherwise be possible. Provided risk is apportioned appropriately, leases can be a win for the owner, the rider, and the horse.

Have questions or need legal help with your next horse transaction? Leone Equestrian Law is available for consultation at 201.444.6444 or Info@EquestrianCounsel.com.

Visit equestriancounsel.com or Leone Equestrian Law on Facebook for more information.

70 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.

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theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 71

The Plaid Horse’s Picks 2015 - Gifts Piper thinks are just great!

“I absolutely love to give gifts,” Piper Klemm explained as she went through everything she has gifted and planned to gift for the 2015 holidays.

Starting on the next page, see what she’s chosen!

HERE’S PIPER WITH A SURPRISE GIFT SHE RECEIVED FROM TPH INTERNS THIS FALL – A PAINTING OF HER SMALL PONY STONEWALL BLACK PEARL.

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72 • THE PLAID HORSE

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74 • THE PLAID HORSE

Show your love for riding in & out of the saddle with these super cozy and stylish shirts from Cavalliera.

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76 • THE PLAID HORSE

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78 • THE PLAID HORSE

Abbey

Acteur

Amadeus

Anchor Man

Philanthropy is all about finding what you are passionate about and turning that passion into a way to give back.

BY AMY KNOX • I have loved horses my whole life and started riding at the age of nine. By the time I was eleven, my life practically revolved around horses and I was competing at the “A” show level.

When I was thirteen years old, however, I became aware of the hundreds of thousands of abused, neglected, and slaughter bound American horses. I wasn’t aware, like many, that 92% of these discarded horses are perfectly good and sound. I was extremely moved by the articles and videos that I watched online and I begged my mom to let me volunteer at a horse rescue. After much research, I found Red Bucket Equine Rescue in Chino Hills and I pleaded with my mom, who was slightly reluctant at the time because of the drive, to take me out there. In the summer of 2012, we met with Susan Peirce, the founder of Red Bucket. After meeting her I knew this is what I wanted to do. I influenced Susan to let me volunteer in any way I could despite my age and she agreed to give me a chance and I started volunteering and working there every Sunday. In the midst of a stressful week, I would find my escape and sanctuary with the horses, where I didn’t need words to communicate my feelings.

I watched as shattered and broken horses came through the gates of Red Bucket and left with a new purpose, a

Baldwin

Batman

Behren

Bilek

Blossom

Bonnie

Brooks

forever home, and a sparkle in their eyes. It wasn’t until a year later, in 2013, that I truly came to understand the meaning behind rescuing and the importance of granting second chances.

In early July of 2013, I was able to help rescue three starving mares from the San Bernadino riverbed. They held their scrawny heads low and didn’t even flinch when they saw us. One could easily count every one of their ribs and they had scars lining their legs and necks. These scars were most likely from being tripped — a cruel sport where people run horses at wires low to the ground and watch them fall to their faces. I thought about my own two horses with their softly bedded stalls and full bellies as I tried to comprehend the horrifying scene that lay before me. My feet felt glued to the ground as I watched Susan Peirce quickly start moving thorns and tree branches aside to free the three starving mares from the man-made cage that held them captive.

She finally broke my trance when she handed me a halter, pointed to one of the mares and said, “Here take this one.”

We hiked the three emaciated mares out of the riverbed while continuously having to stop to move trash and brush aside. The little palomino mare I had walked out of the riverbed was so ready to get on the trailer and leave behind the life of fear and imprisonment she had lived that she walked right on without any hesitation. She knew that wherever she was going was better than where she had just been. She had faith in us despite having been abused and starved by humans; she had faith that we would bring her somewhere better than where she had been. When the horses were all loaded up, Susan looked at me smiling, holding back tears of happiness and said, “I want you to name her.” Without thinking, I said, “Faith. I want to name her Faith.”

To witness the true meaning of faith is to take a walk down the barn isle at the rescue and see these horses, who all have their own stories of abuse and neglect, stick their necks out towards you for a scratch or treat. Faith is seeing horses like Sawyer, who at the age of three was tied up as bait for dog fighting and then left abandoned, barely alive with four fleshless legs, learn to trust again. To me faith is scratching Baldwin, one of the oldest residents on the ranch, who was about to be sent to a mountain lion rescue where he would be used as prey. Faith is working with the horses that have been through the unimaginable, trust again despite being betrayed by humans.

After rescuing Faith and being inspired by her progress, I felt like there was even more I could do to give back. After talking with Susan

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 79

Buffy

Casey

Cash

CeCe

Charity

Chili Dog

Cindy Lee

Cohen

Cover Girl

Darby Joe

Faith

Peirce, I learned about the numerous other kids who wanted to volunteer and make a difference despite not having much knowledge about horses. I was inspired to create a program where kids could not only work with the horses but also learn how to become a leader and advocate for something they are passionate about.

In April of 2014, I reestablished the Jr. Reds, a youth leadership program designed for teens (13 -18) who are passionate about horses, philanthropy, and want to learn team building and leadership skills. In serving the horses, the Jr. Reds raise awareness and funds to support the Red Bucket mission, vision and values. They also learn the importance and significance of serving the horses, one another, and our community. The Jr. Reds mission is to inspire leadership, responsibility, and hope in the hearts of young adults looking to give a voice to the voiceless.

Since the Jr. Reds founding, we have raised over seven thousand dollars and grown to over twenty members. Through the Jr. Reds program, and volunteering at the rescue, I have found my voice and passion. I hope that the Jr. Reds program inspires kids to follow their passions and realize their full potential to change the world. I truly do believe that giving back is all about finding your passion and turning that into a way to help others. If you would like to know more about Red Bucket Equine Rescue visit our website at www.redbucketrescue.org.

AMY IS A SENIOR AT SAGE HILL HIGH SCHOOL AND IS THE CO-CAPTAIN OF THE EQUESTRIAN TEAM. SHE ALSO COMPETES ON THE “A” CIRCUIT IN THE EQUITATION AND HUNTER DIVISIONS. WHEN SHE IS NOT COMPETING SHE SPENDS MOST OF HER SUNDAYS AT RED BUCKET RESCUE CONDUCTING TOURS, GROOMING HORSES AND LEADING THE JR. REDS. AMY IS PLANNING TO STUDY COMMUNICATIONS WITH AN EMPHASIS IN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN COLLEGE.

80 • THE PLAID HORSE

“Anne’s Night” Remembers Anne Heyman and Introduces Uryadi’s Village

JENNIFER CROOKS AND FRIENDS IN ETHIOPIA. PHOTO © CATHRIN CAMMETT.

BY JENNIFER WOOD MEDIA, INC. The second “Anne’s Night” event will be held on January 9, 2016, at Double H Farm in Wellington, FL, and it will honor equestrian and philanthropist Anne Heyman along with introducing the non-profit, Uryadi’s Village.

The first “Anne’s Night” was a fantastic success and enabled a generous donation to Anne’s organization, the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). ASYV has taken in over 500 orphaned Rwandan children and provided them with food, shelter, nurturing, and education. With incredible support from the equestrian community, the upcoming “Anne’s Night” will “pay it forward” by benefiting another worthy cause.

Cayce Harrison and Quentin Judge of Double H Farm are close friends of Jennifer Crooks, co-founder and executive director of Uryadi’s Village, and brought it to the attention of “Anne’s Night” organizers, Steve Weiss and Sally Slater.

The idea of “Anne’s Night” has evolved, in that it will benefit a different charity annually, in addition to continuing to benefit all prior honorees. Everyone at “Anne’s Night” is excited to plan for this event for years to come and to promote long-term philanthropy.

“With the enthusiasm and resources of our community behind this annual event, the ripple effect will be enormous,” said Harrison.

This year’s Anne’s Night will be a tented, “Safari Style” evening at the gorgeous Double H Farm featuring the sounds and entertainment of local African musicians and a special DJ set by Hannah Bronfman. There will be dinner served and guests can participate in a live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences.

Uryadi’s Village is a non-profit organization founded by equestrian Jennifer Crooks in June of 2014. The goal of Uryadi’s Village is to support multiple orphanages in rural Ethiopia to create self-sustainability within a three to five year period through viable agriculture and different entrepreneurial avenues for the women in the community. Orphans make up more than 5% of Ethiopia’s population; Uryadi’s Village is dedicated to the betterment of those children’s lives. The parallels between ASYV and Uryadi’s Village are evident, as both charitable organizations were founded by fellow equestrians who are passionate about saving children and providing a loving environment where their basic needs are met.

Crooks, whose own family has five children and has adopted five children from China and three children from Ethiopia, founded Uryadi’s Village to help the children and families who are struggling to survive, and in many cases, to stay together.

She explained, “Having spent months on the ground in Ethiopia arranging for the adoption of my three Ethiopian children, learning about many of the problems, and being with the people, it became very clear that Ethiopia is the place to start. The only country in Africa never to

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 81

be colonized, Ethiopia has a strong and rich culture populated by a hospitable and proud people. It is undergoing the changes necessary to prepare it for the development of sustainable local solutions. However, it cannot achieve the needed improvements on its own. It needs outside, professional, and competent help from a deeply committed team.”

Crooks is thrilled to have Uryadi’s Village involved with “Anne’s Night” and feels a kindred spirit with Anne Heyman. “To have the support of the equestrian community in Wellington is huge for us,” she noted.

ANNE HEYMAN AND HER BELOVED GALANT DREAM.

PHOTO © CATHRIN CAMMETT.

For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Denise Maynard at 516-429-6318 or maynarddee@aol.com. Please “Like” the Anne’s Night Facebook page and visit www.AnnesNight.com to learn more!

82 • THE PLAID HORSE

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Beezie Madden and Simon at the FEI World Cup Finals 2015, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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84 • THE PLAID HORSE

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theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com THE PLAID HORSE: Piper Klemm PhD LLC (Publisher of The Plaid Horse) is not responsible for obtaining permission to use any photographs for either advertising or non-advertising use. All responsibility and liability regarding copyright and any other issue as to right of use shall be the submitters. Be sure you have the right to use the photograph(s) before you submit them for publication.

When a photograph is submitted to use for publication, the submission of such photography is a warranty by the submitter to us that the submitter has the legal right to have such photograph and that the submitter will hold Piper Klemm PhD LLC harmless as to all costs incurred by Piper Klemm PhD LLC, including defense costs such as counsel fees, which Piper Klemm PhD LLC incurs as a result of publishing such photographs. Piper Klemm PhD LLC reserves the right to refuse anything which we deem unsuitable for our publication. We assume no liability for errors or omissions of advertisers copy and/or photos.

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“This is the most horse-friendly course they have ever built here at Harrisburg. It makes the competition so much better and so much more enjoyable to watch.”

Gary Duffy, Little Brook Farm, Ithaca, NY

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 85

GABRIELLE BENDALL, 15, AND GAME ON COMPETE IN USEF MEDAL FINALS. GAME ON IS A 7 YEAR-OLD BELGIAN WARMBLOOD GELDING (OBUS DELCOURWISBECQ X PIOBE) IMPORTED BY TROY HENDRICKS. PHOTO © AL COOK, WWW.ALCOOKPHOTO.COM

Pennsylvania National Makes Medal Finals Inviting HARRISBURG, PA • At this year’s Pennsylvania National Horse Show, trainers were buzzing about how inviting the course was. With so many options for striding and choices, riders with many horses had confidence-building experiences and still the cream was separated from the crop.

Gabrielle Bendall was one of these riders competing in her first USEF Medal Finals with her young horse Game On. Bendall, who has trained with Troy Hendricks for three years, brought Game On along through the ranks with a mix of limited professsional showing and plenty of home professional traing.

After a successful Devon Horse Show, the pair came back to the Dixon Oval for 11th in Hunterdon Cup. While both horse and rider can still have green moments, expectations were for a solid round for the pair to gain experience.

Troy Hendricks explained the course: “I thought that the course posed some really good questions and it really was a riding test. You could take almost any level horse and complete the course. You did not have to have a highly-schooled, really expensive horse. The worst thing was you might add a stride in the first broken line but everyone sort of got that figured out pretty quickly.

The rollback turn to fence #3 was 2015 USEF MEDAL WINNER a real challenge, but that was more of KELLI CRUCIOTTI IN THE TEST.

a flatwork question because everyone had to stay out and move the horse off the inside leg to set him up. Even my horse fell in a little bit there and I thought that oxer came in a little bit rough.

But then again, nothing more dangerous than a Swedish oxer where horses could see the back rail. There was just a broken line down to the next gate. It was kind of fun to have the option of which panel to jump at the post and rail at the end of the ring. It certainly created conversations with the trainers and the riders. You had to ride a little forward.

The two-stride was one of the bigger questions – oxer to oxer – you had to ride forward there. I don’t think it was a dangerous place, but that was certainly a big question. You couldn’t ride backwards anywhere – it really created forward riding, but nowhere was it dangerous. It just sort of asked different questions. Flat work questions, riding questions – where do you see yourself in the broken line to make it work? I really liked the course.”

86 • THE PLAID HORSE

STAY FOCUSED WITH BETSY TOMANSELLO

Kaylee Cannon with her horses Tuxedo and Veritas, on the beautiful grounds of Silver Spring Farm in Ashland, Oregon. The relationship between girls and our equine partners is one of pure magic and beauty. Being so close to such a unique, powerful, spirit-filled being is such a gift. And when your communication is so good that they choose to trust and willingly work with you, it's liquid joy...an astounding one-of-a-kind connection.

Being able to capture that connection and illuminate the joy it brings, in a photograph, is an unparalleled feeling.

Each photography session is unique, just as is each partnership, and I adore each one!

PHOTOS © BETSYBLUE.COM

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 87

88 • THE PLAID HORSE



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90 • THE PLAID HORSE 1.

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St. Lawrence University Derby Finals, Canton, New York, October, 2015 1. Katharine Hankin. 2. Mary Beth Burnham and Mary Dreuding.

3. Jane Powers. 4. Madison Brandy. 5. Annie Lufkin. 6.Allie Fox, Amanda Hall, and Katharine Hankin. 7. Kaitlyn Pierce. PHOTOS © SARAH LEWIS.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 91

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The Plaid Horse $1000 Hunter Derby at St. Lawrence University On October 3, The Plaid Horse was thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for Derby Day at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. The culmination of the unrated, monthly summer show series, was held at the Elsa Gunnison Appleton Riding Hall and included a luncheon with the year-end awards banquet. Year-end awards were presented for 13 divisions, including Open Hunters, Ch/Adult Jumpers, and Maiden Equitation.

For the third year in a row, the $1,000 Derby and Equitex Plaid Horse cooler was won by SLU Senior Alyssa Bokor and her Carafino. Carafino, a 12 year-old gray gelding, is coming off of a summer that included 6th Overall in the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Genesee and wins in the National Hunter Derbies at Buffalo Showtime and State College Classic.

The SLU Derby fielded 19 competitors, the largest to date. Other classes throughout the day included Equitation Finals, a Mini Prix, and the Cross-Rail Derby, which attracted competitive riders of all levels from all over St. Lawrence County. The Derby course featured custom jumps built for the occasion, including a straw bales, large decorations, and shrubbery all over the course, which varied with different height options.

Special thank you to prize sponsors Equitex Custom, Belle & Bow Equestrian, Equi-in-Style, Kim Ablon Whitney, Model Horse Jumps, Mary Pagones, and Welsh Wear.

CANTON, NY, OCTOBER 3, 2015 • 19 ENTRIES 1st Carafino – Alyssa Bokor 2nd KT Four Seasons – Casey Zuraitis 3rd Inferno – Casey Zuraitis 4th House of Cards – Allie Fox 5th Miss Ellie Z – Betsy Catlin 6th Luna – Katharine Hankin 7th Locotelli – Isabel Hall 8th Tatum – Annie Lufkin Cross-Rail Derby Champion: Just Imagine – Jane Powers Reserve Champion: Violet – Madison Brandy Walk-Trot Champion: Just Right – Grace Theodore Reserve Champion: iWin – Al’Lainya Dumas Walk-Trot-Canter Champion: Sorcerer – Kaitlyn Pierce Reserve Champion: Farasi – Mary Beth Burnham SLU Equitation Challenge Champion: KT Four Seasons – Casey Zuraitis Reserve Champion: Carafino – Alyssa Bokor SLU Mini-Prix Champion: Crafty Commuter – Breda McCormick Reserve Champion: Mountain Dancer – Sabrina Osuch

92 • THE PLAID HORSE

Mike Hunter Horse Transport Trips made from the Chicago area to NY weekly

630-885-8095

Amy Coretz, an intern for The Plaid Horse, accepts the WCHR National Childrens Hunter Championship at Capital Challenge aboard Don Ramiro.

theplaidhorse.com • November/December 2015 • 93

Happy Holidays!

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94 • THE PLAID HORSE

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96 • THE PLAID HORSE

Join us in Wellington this Winter!

Sophia Calamari and Unforgettable Winner USEF Pony Finals Medium Green Model & Under Saddle 2015

Isabella White (age 7) and Clovermeade My Boyfriend’s Back at USEF Pony Finals 2015

Mia Green (age 8) and Farmore State of the Art at USEF Pony Medal Finals 2015

Caroline Passarelli and True Colors Winner USEF Pony Finals Over Fences 2014

photos © briar field farm, shawn mcmillen photography, and Sportfot.

Limited space available for training with Stefanie Mazer and special rates for top quality sale ponies during Pre-Circuit and the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Stefanie Mazer • (561)-346-4228

Stefanie@ForgetMeNotFarmFl.com • www.ForgetMeNotFarmFl.com Forget Me Not Farm, Wellington, Florida