APPOINTMENTS April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 1
Volume 6 Issue 4 April 2012
Dierks recounts Trainer’s Challenge
Conkle excels in new role
Hunter Derby series returns to Tryon
IN THE STABLES
Table of Contents
4 Calendar
13 Dudley
5 At a Canter
15 HH Classical
9 Hunter
Derby Series
11 Rider
Ashley Conkle
Dressage
16 Eric Dierks on the Trainer’s Challenge
17 Palmarosa Farm
20 Country Living
22 Gallagher family
23 Artist’s
Image - tribute to a unique equine
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April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 3
Local horses strong at World Cup Olympic Pentathlon Erin Gambrell’s horse Sampson competing at the World Cup Olympic Pentathlon in Charlotte, N.C. in mid-March. Meanwhile, Kayleigh Spicer from Landrum competed with her horse, Socks, and won the event. The pentathlon was a qualifier for the Olympic team selection and included entries from 34 countries competing in five categories. Spicer later went down to Florida to show in the jumper divisions there with her horse. (photo submitted by Erin Gambrell / information by Barbara Childs)
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OUT & ABOUT
March 3/23-25 USPC Dressage Rally at FENCE from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 3/30-4/1 FENCE Horse Trials. Info: horseshow@fence. org, 828-859-9021.
April 4/1 Winter Rope Series at Hillside Farms and Arena. Info: 828-584-7716 or www. hillsidefarmsandarena.com. 4/1 Tryon Hounds Spring Hunter Pace. Info: www. wchpace.org 4/6-8 Progressive Show
Calendar of Events
Jumping at Harmon Field. Info: psjshows@aol.com, 803-649-3505. 4/10-15 Robert Zanvoort Clinic. Info: Joy Baker at 828-817-0315. 4/13-14 Dressage Clinic with Cindy Sydnor. Info: Jeanne Ahrenholz at 864457-3776, jmahrenholz@ yahoo.com. 4/13-15 Dressage at FENCE, managed and promoted by Borderline Dressage. Info: Kay Whitlock, kaydg@hughes.net, 910692-3504. 4/21 RVPC Pony Races. Info: tmdoubek@yahoo.com. 4/21 66th Block House
Steeplechase. 4/22 FRC Cross Country School Day at FENCE from 8:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: Margo Savage at redgate@ windstream.net. 4/23 Sixth annual FENCE Golf Tournament being held this year at The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg. Info: 828-859-9021. 4/26-29 Dog Agility Show at FENCE. Info: Jane Abbot at 828-713-3278. 4/28 RVPC Ride a Test with Carolyn West at Renovatio Farms. Info: Trayce Doubek, tmdoubek@yahoo.com. 4/28 Latigo Farm, Ranch Sorting. Info: 864-505-2846;
praisinandgrain@gmail.com
May 5/4-5 Latigo Farm. Bulls and Barrels Rodeo. Info: 864-505-2846; praisinandgrain@gmail.com. 5/4-6 RVPC Eventing Rally at Carolina HP. Info: tmdoubek@yahoo.com. 5/5-6 BRHJA Mothers’ Day at Harmon Field. 5/6 FRC Schooling Horse Trials from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Info: Margo Savage at redgate@windstream.net. 5/12 RVPC D Mounted at Harmon Hopeful Show (preparation for show jumping rally and rating).
AT A CANTER Greenville Foothills Pony Club
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 5
Top: GFPC members (left to right) Audrey Poltorak, Mallie Moore, Jordan Johnson, Amanda Fisher, Kaitlyn Bardos and Coley Gibson learn from Philip and Emmie Osborne about teaching their horses good manners. Bottom left: GFPC members (left to right) Elizabeth Baucum, Amanda Fisher, Audrey Poltorak and Kaitlyn Bardos show younger members how to do a proper safety check. Bottom right: GFPC members (left to right) Sidney Jeffcoat and Alena Poltorak make sure the required equipment trunks are ready for the rally competition season.
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
Foothills Foxes Horsemasters member Casey Delap at River Valley Pony Club’s cross country clinic at Stoneridge Equestrian Center. Photos by Denise Gould.
River Valley Pony Club
by Krista Just, 11-year-old RVPC member (D2/D3 HM rating)
goes cross country
On Sunday, March 11, River Valley Pony Club had a fun day of cross country riding at Stoneridge Farm in Liberty, S.C. It was a warm and sunny day, perfect for riding our horses and ponies. I had five people in my group, taught by Eric Dierks. He did an awesome job teaching us about the three zones of cross-country riding – the galloping zone, the preparation zone and the jump zone. We learned the proper galloping position and the need to shorten our stirrups when riding fast. The stirrups felt really short at first, then we got used to them. My stirrups were at the top hole. Stoneridge has a ton of cross country jumps and big open fields. I loved riding in the open. We jumped over logs and stacks of wood. Dierks gave us a course of four jumps and watched to make sure we went through the three different zones for each jump. My
pony, Frodo, likes to go fast, so I had to make sure to slow him down for the preparation zone. In the preparation zone we make sure the pony is heading straight to the jump and at the right speed. In the jumping zone we look forward past the jump. All my friends riding over the jumps did great. We learned how to jump a ditch. We rode our horses next to the ditch to get them comfortable with the ditch. Then we jumped the ditch several times and from both directions. The older girls also jumped over an open pit. At the end of our lesson we rode our horses in the water. We performed suppling exercises while riding in the water, like taking our feet out of the stirrups and raising our hands. We rode together in a circle. You must have good balance or you might get wet! After the ride, I galloped Frodo up the hill, leading up to the barn.
AT A CANTER
RVPC cross country event
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 7
Members of the River Valley Pony Club at the Eric Dierks cross country clinic in Liberty on March 11.
River Valley Pony Club member Samantha Firby.
Krista Just with Eric Dierks at RVPC’s cross country clinic.
RVPC member Shelby Ritacco at the Eric Dierks cross country clinic at Stoneridge Equestrian Center.
RVPC member Krista Just.
AT A CANTER Western Carolina Hunter Pace - 10th & 11th series
Riders run up the hill into the finish line at the Greenville Foothills Pony Club Hunter Pace. (photos by Lou Smith)
First place field hunter Thomas Pluemper.
Field hunters Rene Broaddus and Doug McMillan.
Joey Cabaniss’ familiar sidekick, Fonzie.
Field hunters Amy Gantt and Lisa Tyler.
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 9
SC Hunter Jumper Association, The Tack Room renew Hunter Derby series Article submitted by Jennifer St. John, SCHJA President The South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association and The Tack Room of Camden, S.C. announced earlier this year they would renew one of the most lucrative local hunter derby series in the nation for the second year. Five qualifying classes will be held in North and South Carolina, including two in Tryon. The top 20 money earners from these qualifiers will be invited to participate in the $5,000 SCHJA Hunter Derby Finals. Last year’s SCHJA Hunter Derby series drew 50 entries in the final qualifying class. The class specifications are modeled after those of the USHJA Hunter Derby and encourage unique course design, forward riding and a spectator-friendly atmosphere. Jump heights range from 2’9” to 3’ with 3’3” option jumps, making the class attractive to professionals, juniors and amateurs.
SCHJA Hunter Derby series June 17 $2,500 SCHJA Hunter Derby Tryon Harmon Classics Summer Challenge Aug. 4 $1,500 SCHJA Hunter Derby PSJ Back To School
Tryon
Aug. 11 $2,500 SCHJA Hunter Derby Harmon Classics Summer Fun
Huntersville, N.C.
Sept. 22 $1,500 SCHJA Hunter Derby PSJ Mullet Hall Fall Classic
Johns Island, S.C.
Nov. 3 $1,500 SCHJA Hunter Derby PSJ Medal Finals
Aiken, S.C.
December $5,000 SCHJA Hunter Derby Finals Palmetto Finals
Camden, S.C.
For more information about the SCHJA Hunter Derby Series, visit www.schja.org or contact Jennifer St. John at 864-314-5944. For more information about the Harmon Classics derbies and horse shows visit www. harmonclassics.com or contact Lewis Pack at 864-706-8116. For more information about the “PSJ” Derbies and horse shows, visit www.psjshows.com or contact Cathy Cram at 803-649-3505.
Photonic Red Light Therapy course at Biltmore Estate Dianne Jenkins will present an information and demonstration evening on Photonic Red Light at Redgate Farm in Tryon on Wednesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. The five-day course associated with the presentation studies the integration of traditional Chinese medicine practice with science using a modern and safe technology, Jenkins said. As Photonic Red Light Therapy is complementary to veterinary medicine and all other known therapies, the course attracts professional students, veterinarians, physical therapists, human and equine massage therapists, chiropractors, farriers and dentists, as well as horse owners, trainers and horse caregivers who wish to broaden their skills to support equine health. Students learn gait analysis, reading the equine body, strategies for emergency first aid – shock, colic
and bleeding control – and protocols for movement dysfunction and a number of systemic conditions. A guided externship/field work is then undertaken post course for certification.
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
Hidden talent at Blue Ridge School of Equestrian Arts by Kirk Gollwitzer The next time you’re traveling west on I-26, artwork that literally just below the North Carolina border, look off to the surrounds you as you right and catch a glimpse of  the Blue Ridge School move through the of Equestrian Arts. building.  The school sits on a gorgeous piece of “Sue made these land complete with rolling hills, picturesque herself,� people ponds and horses peacefully grazing. whisper, as they notice Near the center of the property sits a huge covered sculpted horses, birds, arena, dressage center, numerous paddocks, barn dresses, costumes and and a conference hall. glamorous hats that Large water fountains, carefully manicured trees she creates each year and artwork surround every aspect of the property, for the Block House Sue Spiegel all designed to create a relaxing environment for Steeplechase. Every riding and artistic creation. creation comes complete with imaginative forms, While outside there is plenty of equestrian activity, shapes and colors.  inside students are quietly discovering a hidden “I find it relaxing and stimulating, I even dream talent they never dreamed they had, all under the about it. I feel closer to God when I’m creating insightful guidance of Sue Spiegel. art,� Spiegel said during a recent interview. Spiegel welcomes everyone to the school in a quiet Spiegel transfers her position of an artist to and unassuming manner, rarely showing off her that of the actual subject while she molds, forms and stretches her media into a lifelike creation. “Sometime I find myself actually thinking like a water lily, reaching for the light and moving in the EAUTIFUL EW RT RAFT OTTAGE water,� Spiegel said. While many artists hide their abilities, keeping ELL PPOINTED ENTAL LEEP their methods close to their vests, Spiegel opens up to her students, sharing her talent and ARDWOOD LOORS technique, during her regularly scheduled art classes. Her students also learn from each other RANITE COUNTERTOPS during their hours of relaxing creation, surprise EILIN S themselves with artwork they never dreamed they would ever be able to produce but now can with I I ANDLINE Sue Spiegel’s help. During the year Spiegel’s designs are put on display during “learning lunches,� fashion shows and benefits. She is currently designing plaques for the River Valley Pony Club. I TLY For more information, call Spiegel at 864-4572478 or follow her blog at brsea.blogspot.com. EEKENDS
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April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 11
Ashley Conkle riding Riley. Conkle now works at Motlow Creek Equestrian Center riding and training horses. (photo by HoofClix.com/Mark Lehner)
Conkle excels in new role by Barbara Childs Ashley Conkle was brought to this area when she was offered a lifetime opportunity to ride and train with Lincoln Russell. This opportunity arose when Russell suffered an injury in February 2011 that prevented him from riding and competing for a long period of time. Conkle was honored when Sally Frick and Russell approached her to help them and Motlow Creek during this time. With the support of many, especially Suzanne Russell, they were able to come together to keep the horses fit and competing. Russell is a third generation professional horseman and trainer who has competed both nationally and
at Motlow Creek internationally, and Conkle said she couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and teacher. “I have been able to raise the level of my riding skills thanks to Lincoln’s vast knowledge and experience that he has shared with me in horsemanship,” said Conkle. Conkle’s role at the Motlow Equestrian Center is always evolving depending on what is needed to achieve the highest quality of performance from the horses and riders. Conkle’s main role and responsibilities are to the competition show horses (Continued on page 12)
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April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 12
APPOINTMENTS April 2012
“I have been able to raise the
level of my riding skills thanks to Lincoln’s vast knowledge and experience that he has shared with me in horsemanship.” – Ashley Conkle • Conkle
(continued from page 11)
for shows in the hunter/jumper world. “I am fortunate enough to be entrusted with the care and exercising of these amazing athletes under the guidance of Russell. It gives me great joy to see horses enter the ring, and not only look and perform to the best of their ability, Ashley Conkle wins at recent Harmon Classics event (photo by Erik Olsen) but to see them enjoying what they do,” she said. “We have had a successful show season classes, too. I also had the opportunity to compete in 2011, and we look forward to a strong season in on Motlow’s Pangloss, a Westphalian stallion out of 2012.” Potsdam/Angelique owned by Sally Frick. I rode in Conkle rides five or six horses a day, depending on my first Puissance class with him and placed third, what the horse’s program and needs are. clearing a solid wall set at 4’9”. I am always growing “I personally own and ride a 10-year-old gray and striving to improve my skills.” gelding Irish sport horse named Cruising Blue. He Conkle looks forward to turning professional in the is out of a World Cup stallion, Cruising, and his dam future. She said she is ever grateful for being part was a silver medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games in of the Motlow Team, and she said she realizes it’s Atlanta,” Conkle said. a family that has been given to her. Coming from Conkle has shown Riley for the past two years. Orlando, Fla. to a smaller town has been refreshing While competing in the low-level jumpers divisions, for Conkle. Conkle said she saw immense potential in him. “It’s homier here and the horse world equestrians “This past summer has been a learning curve are strongly integrated. This is something I’m for both of us. We set goals in the Amateur Owner experiencing for the first time, and it has been an Jumper divisions, and successfully won the series at ideal lifestyle for me. I cannot begin to express my the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club shows here,” Conkle gratitude for the support and confidence that Lincoln said. “We were division champion and won our and Suzanne Russell, Sally Frick and the entire Motlow team family have extended to me,” she said.
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April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 13
DUDLEY Dudley and Madeline. (photo submitted)
Welcoming a new friend My friend Madeline is here! I am so happy to have a buddy to graze with and share my territory and plans. She even likes the news I help report - my kind of girl. Madeline sniffs my ears and in the evening we share munching hay and observe the moon, the stars and listen to the frogs in the stream nearby. Life is good... Here are some newsworthy items in the equine world for you. The Foothill’s Humane Society has acquired several horses, including two older horses (18-20 years old). They are quarter horses and a mare, too. There is a donkey with this group and they need to be adopted as pasture companions. The donkey wants to be a good donkey and needs a human. There is also a pony. Applications are being taken for their adoption. Contact FHS if you are interested at 828-863-4444. Contact Judith Kearns for info at Green Gait Farm in Tryon for the Colt Starting Clinic with Dave Seay. A local French chef will prepare lunch. 828-859-5456 Carolyn West will be at Renovatio Farm on April 27 for Ride a Test. If you are interested in riding a dressage test and getting critiqued by her judging,
By Barbara Childs
contact Trayce Doubek for times when you can ride a test of your choice: tmdoubek@yahoo.com On Saturday, March 31, Suzy Stafford, a world champion in carriage driving, will give a clinic for the Carolina Carriage Club at Foxbrier Farm in Laurens, S.C. Getting feedback for your upcoming dressage tests in the competitions will be important in this clinic. This is also a great ADT for beginners, and there will be many people around to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. The dressage will be in the 40x80 grass arena. There is an entry fee. Contact Carol Ann Burns to sign upcabooh@aol.com. There is a working student position available at Windbrook Farm in Gowensville. Classical hunter/jumper lessons and training with natural horsemanship is being offered for a talented hard working young rider. Contact Amanda and Lee Cone at 864-237-8744. Dale Govus is organizing the April 21 Block House Steeplechase Parade in Tryon. (Continued on page 14)
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APPOINTMENTS March 2012
• Dudley
(continued from page 13)
Nikki Guerazzi has recently suffered a compound ankle fracture and we wish her a speedy healing. Clear View Farm at 105 Smith Rd. in Landrum will hold a benefit for this local rider and competitor on March 31 at 6 p.m. There is new footing at Latta Plantation in the schooling arenas. All the stalls have new floors in the barn. There is no service charge for entries this spring at the Latta Spring Challenge. This is in acknowledgment of the community’s support at the Harmon Classics in February when mother nature was full of wicked winds and rain. Holly Hansen is planning a classical symposium on May 12. Hansen is dedicated to preserving the classical art of dressage. Her horses are purebred Portuguese and Spanish in their bloodlines. Contact her at hhclassical@sbcglobal.net Did you check out the wine at LaBouteille in Tryon? It’s called 14 hands and is from California vineyards. A portion of this wine’s purchase goes to the Wild Mustang Foundation. This wine will also be served with cheese and munchies at FENCE for the reception of the Equitrekking Star Darley Newman this month. Nicole Watts’ stallion, Zeus, will have three foals coming this spring The mares he covered all have jumping lines. Zeus is a full registered Percheron stallion and gorgeous. He is 3 years old and has been in training with Holly Hansen in classical dressage. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jodi Lees on the passing of her beloved Legato. I’ve been showing Madeline my recipe box and she has graciously chosen this one for you all - this friend of mine likes her greens.
GRAZING
Mushrooms stuffed with rice and greens ingredients: 2 tsp. olive oil 1 white onion, chopped 4 cups escarole or Swiss chard 2 large cloves of garlic, minced 1 cup brown rice, cooked 1/2 cup of roasted bell peppers 4 large Portobello mushrooms, no stems 1/2 cup prepared hummus 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and saute onion, garlic and add the escarole or Swiss chard. Remove from heat and stir in rice and peppers. Spread hummus on the mushrooms and spoon the rice mixture over the top. Arrange tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan. You can also add chopped walnuts if you like.
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 15
HH Classical Dressage by Ginger Leavitt
keeping tradition alive
HH Classical Dressage emigrated from Fort Worth, Texas to Polk County in June 2011 with its group of Andalusian, Spanish and Lusitano horses ranging in age from young prospects to highly trained school masters. The equestrian maestro of this school and its horses is Holly Hansen. Her interaction with horses and people is simple, quiet and graceful. During lessons, Hansen helps students develop tact and finesse while riding. Hansen applies teaching methods steeped in 1700s French history, sometimes referred to as the golden age of equitation. Her standard of excellence is derived One of Hansen’s students at a 2008 symposium. (photo submitted) from the courts of French King Louis XV. There at the School of Versailles, positive training techniques accordingly “in the moment.” Riding students may became art expressed through outstanding athletic choose to learn on a master horse who knows rider performance from horse and rider. nuance. The student can then more confidently apply Learn more about the masters and see Hansen’s skills gained with the master horse to their own horses at www.hhclassicaltraining.com . horse. Hansen’s training philosophy and teaching practices Hansen’s passion for classical horsemanship was border on the metaphysical. Rather than describing the impetus for her involvement in the Foundation for Hansen as a trainer, teacher or coach; one might call Classical Horsemanship. The foundation is dedicated her an advocate for the horse. Her teaching goal is to preserving and passing on, through public for the rider to “feel oneness” with the horse. Rider education, time-tested principals of horsemanship. relaxation is a primary building block. The foundation’s third annual symposium will be With history as her guide, Hansen works with her held at Hansen’s farm in Columbus on May 20. It students to awaken the rider to the horse’s point of will be an afternoon of learning and quiet celebration view. Instruction focuses on relaxation techniques for of the old masters of the art of horsemanship. the rider to guide the horse’s movement. She takes The symposium will demonstrate how classical “nuance” and turns it into “how-to-dos” in the riding horsemanship is much more than riding. arena. For more information, about the symposium, email Hansen observes how the horse receives signals Holly Hansen at hhclassical@sbcglobal.net or call sent via the rider’s aids and corrects the rider 817-320-7581.
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
A personal moment from Trainer’s Challenge by Eric Dierks
It was 2:30 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Horse Expo and I was sitting on Brazilian Wedding, along with the other two trainers on their mounts, about to enter the indoor arena to demonstrate what Brazilian Wedding was capable of after one month of training. You could hear the crowds gathering in the stadium as we waited in a narrow aisle of committed fans and concrete. I felt like a gladiator about to enter the coliseum for the first time, unaware of what we may see or how our horses may react. All we heard were the crowds gathering and the Fresians exiting the premises. It was our turn. Upon arrival Brazilian appeared a little nervous. There was so much energy in the air from multiple disciplines, the multiple breeds and multiple personalities. When it came time to perform, she was more comfortable under the saddle than in the stall. With all the seats filled and people jammed in standing, everyone was respectful of the fact that
we were on horses that retired from racing and had one month of training underneath them. Steuart Pittman acted as the ringmaster as we warmed up, describing the mission behind the Retired Racehorse Training Project, and Brazilian was digging into work the moment I took up the reins. The clapping from the crowd distracted her and kept her on edge; however, the intention was to be on best behavior. When it was our turn to showcase our strengths, Brazil was all business. When demonstrating in front of a large crowd, I like to educate, so my nerves were calm. I like to talk to the crowd when riding so I may keep them entertained. Meanwhile I converse with the horse into keeping balance so nobody makes a judgment based on a snap shot in time. Brazilian peaked in performance while demonstrating balance over every one of her jumps in good form. We had five minutes to show what we can do, and I believe Brazilian and I demonstrated just that with structure and tact. And when we ended with a halt after the last fence jumped, and she took a big sighing breath, I felt it was then she realized the race was over. Receiving all the generous compliments from the judges and fans was winning enough for me. Seeing the masses in the arena intently listening and watching to discover what these horses are and always were capable of on the final day of the Trainer’s Challenge was the finish line for the Retired Racehorse Training Project. It was a successful maiden race, if you ask me.
B ONNIE L INGERFELT Country Homes & Fine Equestrian Properties
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 17
The Gordons’ daughter, Laura Bierly, making jumps with Jewel. (photo submitted)
Palmarosa Farm
Aiming to be new training ground for champions
by Barbara Childs Tom and Katie Gordon of Palmarosa Farm in Landrum have expanded their professional horse world through participation in breeding and horse racing interests. After joining the S.C. Thoroughbred Horse Racing Association, they have made a commitment to providing a new home and life for a good future to former racehorses. Tom is a firm believer in giving a new life and job to these horses when they come from the racetrack. “These lovely animals have so much to give us as
trail horses, event and show horses, dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines, too, if professional and proper schooling is provided for them,” said Tom. The Gordons have had pleasure horses for most of their lives. Katie’s horse, Diamond, is the queen of the barn, together with her companion, Fancy (Tom’s quarter horse), and show jumper Sheik. Diamond was rescued as a premarin PMU foal by Katie, and she has (Continued on page 18)
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
Right: Trainer Danny Sommo with Bierly. (photos submitted)
• Palmarosa Farm
(continued from page 17)
grown into a gorgeous mare, who is Katie’s pride and joy. As Katie’s devoted partner, she has blossomed into an elegant show and pleasure horse. Most recently, Tom brought one of his racehorses to the barn, Eyes of the Jewel, to start a new career. Jewel has been training with Danny Sommo for the past eight months, and Tom and Katie’s daughter, Laura Bierly, has been riding and jumping her. Jewel made her debut in the show ring at the Harmon Hopefuls earlier this year. “She exceeded our expectations, bringing home ribbons in every class she entered. We couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Sommo. “Having very limited experience with navigating a full course, she was poised, quiet, well balanced and was a pleasure to work with. She is going to become a special horse in the hunter and jumper ring as her training progresses.” The horses at Palmarosa Equestrian Center are trained and shown by Sommo. He relocated to this area about six years ago after a long and renowned show career at his training facility in New Jersey. “In addition to the venues at FENCE, Harmon Field and the new equestrian center in Green Creek, there
“You have to unlock the secret to each horse, and allow the horses to realize their potential both on the track and beyond.” – Trainer Danny Sommo will be an increase of horse enthusiasts who will meet and compete in this area,” said Sommo. Sommo learned about the horse industry from the bottom up, working at Monmouth Racetrack for several years. There he became fully immersed in the development of young racehorses. He passionately believes “horses have to be taught the skills of successful racing, which can be achieved through conditioning and training. You have to unlock the secret to each horse, and allow the horses to realize their potential both on the track and beyond. All thoroughbreds can run, but you have to teach them to race.” Following his time on the track, Sommo applied (Continued on page 19)
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 19 Left: Tom Gordon and daughter, Laura Bierly, in front of the family home at Palmarosa Farm in Landrum. (photo submitted)
• Palmarosa Farm
(continued from page 18)
his experience to all levels of the hunter/jumper equestrian equitation divisions. His busy schedule included participation in shows at Devon, Pennsylvania National, Sussex and the HITS, as well as international events in Europe. Meanwhile, horses have been a lifelong passion of Bierly, the Gordons’ daughter, who shows the Palmarosa horses. “I received my first horse, Sports Desk, when I was 12 years old. He was a thoroughbred and raced for 10 years on the track,” said Bierly. Bierly’s first accomplishments in the show ring were logged at New York State University at Cobleskill, where she competed as a member of the intercollegiate riding team and graduated with a degree in animal science/horse husbandry. It was there she met her future husband, Brett, who participated in the western equestrian team at the college. Their mutual love of horsemanship became a steadfast family commitment. Today Brett and their 13-year-old daughter, Rachel, fully support mom’s equestrian endeavors. Bierly moved here 19 years ago after honing her skills of horses at the Camden racetrack. Her experience there provided a perfect foundation for her current objectives. Bierly currently rides and shows her quarter horse gelding, Sheiks All Rugged. They are planning to compete in the 3’ to 3’6” jumper divisions this year. “Sheik has been both a challenge and a great teacher to me as I expand my riding career in the show ring. He’s sensitive and an over-thinker,” she said. “You can’t get ahead of him, and you have to give him the
confidence he needs to jump well. You know when you get it right because he gives you a big clean jump.” Sommo and Bierly have their sights set on expanding the show program at Palmarosa. They will devote their time to several shows here and then devote time to selecting several show horses in Holland and Germany. Their established contacts in Europe with excellent trainers are invaluable as these masters have a long record of preparing horses and riders for top quality show venues in Europe, including the famous Grand Prix in Aachen, Bierly said. Their horses will allow Bierly to advance in the upper levels of jumper competition. Sommo and Bierly place particular emphasis on the harmonious relationship between horse and rider. They believe an optimal team can be created through identifying and developing strengths for the human and the horse. The nurturing of this relationship is key to the success of mastering the challenges of competition.
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
Aah, comfort Why is comfort so important? It’s probably more important than anything else when you begin to think about it. Of course, we want beauty and continuity in our lives. We also look for some excitement or adventure – some fun, a reason to laugh – but it’s the place where we belong that is the most important. And that’s what comfort is, a place where you feel at home. Comfort is different for different people. I know a man who is most comfortable out on his horse on a misty November morning chasing a fox. Now, that wouldn’t suit all people, but it suits him. His friends and family often find themselves waiting for him to return before calling 911. More often than not, he’ll ride into view, whistling away with a big smile on his face. He’s comfortable, even though the rest of us have been terrified! But for many, the idea of comfort usually has something to do with a warm and cozy corner where we can ease the stress and strain of the day. Some people like to curl up and others stretch out, but the idea of comfort usually has to do with a private image of peace and serenity. For me, comfort is having Sunday to myself. Spending a whole day puttering is entirely pleasurable. I’m also addicted to a truly comfortable bed. It’s not just that the mattress has to be right; it’s also that the sheets have to be soft, the pillows down, the blankets and quilts pretty and personal. With my clients I express comfort through design. One of the first questions I ask a client is, “In what room do you feel the most comfortable?” Often, it’s the bedroom or the study, but it could be the kitchen or a study. If the whole house is my project, I’ll start with areas of comfort first. An elegant dining room is very impressive, but a comfortable corner is a necessity. And since a comfortable bedroom is what most
Country Living / by Gillian Drummond
people long for, I’ll describe how I make it the most inviting room of the house. I start by doing my homework. First I do some research on the type of bed my client needs. This is not as easy as it may seem, since nothing could be more individual then the way people sleep. Personally, I prefer a queen-size bed. I like its proportions, which always look good no matter what kind of headboard or canopy. However, many enjoy king-size beds and I’ve been successful creating special ways to make them look appropriate in any size bedroom. Mattresses and box springs are the next consideration. There is no such thing as extravagant when it comes to a good mattress and box spring. Once the practical decisions have been made, we have the fun of dressing the bed. This is a diverse and as personal as it can be. The Countess de Ribes once filled her bedroom with a fantasy bed that had tall willow posts and yards of tulle swathed around it. You may not have that particular dream of a bed, but you probably have another. Is it so tall that you need a step stool to get in it? Is it under a window or skylight so that you can see the stars as you fall asleep? Whatever your imagination dares to conjure, it has the most freedom in a (Continued on page 21)
April 2012 APPOINTMENTS 21
• Country Living
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bedroom. I like to recommend large pillows and bolsters so that you can read in bed, which is what I like to do. Good lighting is also important, for the same reason. The most beautiful chandelier is out of place in a bedroom. I recommend that my clients have their bedside lamps lined in pink because the light is so flattering. This is a lovely idea for the living room as well. We refer to sheets and pillowcases as “linens” because until the machine age, sheets were made of hand-stitched linen. That meant much time and attention when it came to laundering, so in this convenience age we settle for cotton. Sheets should be 300-count cotton for a silky feel. Living rooms, the showplace of the house, can also be comfortable. Good chairs and sofas, with well-made pillows and soft upholstered seats, are as functional as they are beautiful – another place worth spending money! They can stamp the room as being elegant, but whisper comfort. If a seat doesn’t offer a place to curl up it’s not
a seat to a 15-year-old. On the other hand, my very English, straight-backed father, with his long legs and perfect posture, would much prefer a straight-backed chair to sit in. Remember when you’re picking furniture, you may want to include a good straight chair for an aging parent or friend with a bad back. Although often a hodge-podge of old furniture, it’s the family room that brings out the creative streak in my clients when it comes to comfort. It is in rethinking this room that I suddenly find a client, who has never said a word about color, suddenly expressing a strong preference for contrasting shades of red while looking longingly at a wild zebra print rug. Or my most conservative client will suddenly clamor for a strikingly modern coffee table. This is also the room that brings out the hedonist in all of us when it comes to comfy couches and oversized armchairs. I say, go for it, for you have only yourself to please! And isn’t that what comfort is all about? Gillian Drummond has her design firm, Drummond House Co., in Tryon. You can view her work at gilliandrummond. com or reach her at gillian@gilliandrummond.com.
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APPOINTMENTS April 2012
Gallagher family
grows through riding
by Barbara Childs The Gallagher family, horses included, found a home amongst the peace and serenity of the mountains surrounding Heartwood Farm near Tryon. There the mountains embrace the farm and pastures with a mist of beauty in all seasons. Heartwood Farm has been a wellspring and mainstay for family riding for many years, as John and Jane Gallagher’s daughters grew up with pony club, eventing, trail riding and cross country, as well as jumping with Holli Adams. “When I first met my husband, John, I introduced him to my horse, General, and he rode him and loved the connection of the horse. He would often come and see me so he could ride General,” said Jane. Jane loves to ride Aaron, a retired event horse with which she trail rides and does some lower level dressage work. The Gallaghers still own General, who at 31 years, is retired and doing very well, grazing in the pastures and loving life with the herd. A love of riding and family horses didn’t end with the eldest Gallaghers. Their older daughter, Natalie, rode her horse Valentino as a pony clubber with the Greenville Foothills Pony Club. Natalie is now in college and aims to become a cardiologist like her father. Once she became entrenched in college academics, she passed Valentino on to her younger sister, Bridget. Horse and teen have high hopes for their future in riding, too. Bridget likes to event and she is working on that goal with coach Beth Perkins. At 15, she is an active Greenville Foothills Pony Club member. Valentino is a bay, 11 years old, and an Oldenburg. Bridget is now a C-2 level in her pony club rating and she is going for the C-3 level. Bridget hopes to be an equine veterinarian like Dr. Anne Baskett and she is holding tight to that future calling with working and helping horses. Heartwood Farm is on the trail system where hunter paces, the foxhunts and trail riders enjoy the
The Gallaghers. (photo submitted)
scenic landscapes and beauty of the area. “My future dream with horses is to purchase a broodmare that has been raised in Germany and is in Canada at the present time. She is 16 years old, Hanoverian bay, and she stands at 16.3 hands. This mare is out of Fuerstenball and is in foal. The foal is due in April. I would like to have a young horse to work with, train, and handle. The girls would love the new energy of the youngster and it would be a great family affair to raise the new foal,” said Jane. Jane has had experience with training and handling young horses, so she looks forward to having the new foal as part of the family farm. Jane said she thinks having the 31-year-old General, who she has owned since he was 7, and the mare and young foal at the farm would be a good contrast of the old and young growing together and happily learning from each other in the herd. Jane also owns and rides Lover Boy, a 12-year-old Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross. Lover Boy is a tricolored paint and is like a big teddy bear, according to Jane. The secret to General’s longevity, she said, is eating well, much retired freedom in the pastures, having the herd near him and having a buddy, too. Much love and good care are top priority for General as he grazes comfortably in his pastures.
Artist’s Image
Article submitted by Deborah Bundy
A once in a lifetime equine
If, you are lucky and a horse lover, you have a dream and perhaps the joy of experiencing a once-in-alifetime equine. I was one of those lucky people. In 1985, a 6-year-old thoroughbred, housed in a shed in a backyard in Indiana, poked his head out the window and I fell in love. He was lame, had rain rot and an engine so big that I, a novice rider, couldn’t control him. My trainer said “walk away,� the vet said “walk away,� friends said, “run,� but I couldn’t. The handsome fellow had snatched a piece of my heart and if I left it would stay with him. I named him Artist’s Image. He never refused a fence and carried me as high as I dared go in the eventing world. Image then carried our daughter to the upper ThreeDay levels. The horse loved to gallop and jump. He was bigger than any dream I ever dreamed and gave me years of joy. Today (Monday, Feb. 27), at the age of 33, in a pasture showing a promise of spring, beneath the warmth of the sun, I couldn’t refuse him one last fence into a pain-free tomorrow. I wish I could have been on his back when he took it, experiencing the power and courage beneath me one more time. I knew he’d gallop it fearlessly, as only he could, without my help. He’d never needed my guidance; I’d only been a passenger. This time, I said a reluctant good-bye and walked away.
1979-2012
Deborah Bundy’s longtime equine companion, Artist’s Image, passed on Monday, Feb. 27. Bundy had owned the horse for 27 years. (photo submitted)
That piece of my heart he’d snatched so many years ago? It stayed behind and went with him.
Twin Oaks Veterinary Clinic
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Sean Eastman, DVM Sarah Silver, DVM, CVA * Special interest in small animal dentistry and equine lameness * Practicing high quality small animal and equine medicine
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