World Equestrian Center Magazine Volume I 2024 by World Equestrian Center

Quality. Class. Distinction.

VOL I 2024

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Contents 15

Welcome to WEC

Scene at WEC

Coming Soon to World Equestrian Center – Ocala

The 2023 Fall Classic Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington by Bailey Beal

An Odyssey in Exploration of Wine and Culture: Stirrups Wine Series by Lea Brayton

by Lea Brayton

Stable Spotlight

24 Hours in the Life of Erynn Ballard

Ècuries Nova Stables: Paul Halpern by Bailey Beal

by Brianna Miller

Junior Rider Focus

Inspiration

Chef's Corner

Poulin's Travels: A Salute to 50 Years of Horsemanship

featuring Lily Kosal as told to Bailey Beal

Improving the Quality of Lives of Others by Ben Baugh

A Sweet Collaboration on a Southern Staple by Karla Campbell

by L.A. Sokolowski

The Tech Equestrian

Equestrian Style

Top Training Apps to Help You Choose Your Digital Trainer by Juliana Chapman

More Than Merchandise at A Sudden Impulse Boutique by Brianna Miller & Lea Brayton

106

Behind the Course

110

Across the Globe

116

Hot Properties

featuring Guilherme Jorge by Bailey Beal

with Natalie Dean by Brianna Miller

Real estate available now at Golden Ocala

Cover Photo: Ashley Neuhof

VOL I 2024

Welcome to WEC

orld Equestrian Center welcomes equestrians from around the world, uniting them through one common interest. As we gear up for the North American qualifier for the Longines League of Nations™ from March 19-23, 2024, and prepare to host the world’s best 40 athletes, we reflect on the global influences that help bring recognition to the name “World Equestrian Center.” In this edition, we delve into recent experiences, journeying alongside international competitors as they explore dreams and travel the globe. Our Stable Spotlight takes us to Montreal, Quebec, where we meet Canada’s Paul Halpern and learn more about his Écuries Nova Stables. The decorated professional athlete has worked alongside some of the best horsemen in the industry and used his abundance of knowledge to develop his boarding, training and sales operation. Since the launch of Nova, World Equestrian Center – Wilmington has become a frequent destination for Halpern and his barn family. We spend 24 hours with Erynn Ballard, a professional show jumping athlete from Ontario, Canada. Ballard's deep-rooted passion for the equestrian sport was cultivated from her earliest years under the guidance of her grandfather and parents. Since the age of five, she has been upholding the family legacy, leaving a mark in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines, securing prestigious titles worldwide and steadily climbing through the international ranks. Her remarkable career stands as a testament to the acclaim she has earned, now channeling her expertise into Ilan Ferder Stables, where she excels in the sale and development of top-tier show jumping horses. Our Junior Rider Focus spotlights Lily Kosal, a committed young rider from Washington, Michigan. Since the beginning of her equestrian journey, Kosal has honed her skills at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington. She opens up about her connections with her two horses, Castlebridge Cassius and Grandville, while also sharing her future goals and aspirations, as she

Photo: Ahmed Al Maawali

looks forward to riding on the NCAA Division I Equestrian Team at Delaware State University. In our exciting new feature, 'Across the Globe,' we follow the journey of American U25 athlete Natalie Dean as she embarks on a globetrotting adventure from April through July in 2023 with the Paris Panthers, a team in the Global Champion League™. Dean explored numerous destinations, including Miami Beach, Mexico City, Madrid, Ramatuelle Saint Tropez, Cannes, Stockholm and Paris. Alongside her travels, the talented athlete showcased her skills in the Longines Nations Cup™ as part of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team, competing at renowned venues in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Aachen, Germany; and Falsterbo, Sweden. We draw inspiration from The Foundation of the Horse, the charitable arm of The American Association of Equine Practitioners. Over the past three decades, this foundation has been instrumental in making a positive impact on both horses and humans through its grants, scholarships and work around the globe. With a focus on education, altruism, aiding those in need, as well as fostering innovation and discovery, the foundation has significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for equids worldwide.

For Editorial: Justin Garner | justin.garner@wec.net Quality. Class. Distinction.®

We go ‘Behind the Course’ with world-renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. The FEI Level IV course designer has traveled the world crafting some of the most prestigious tracks in the history of show jumping. He assisted with tracks in five Olympic Games and served as the main course designer at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is slated as the Technical Delegate for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Jorge shares his thoughts on the evolution of equestrian sport, his strategies behind-the-scenes and his experience at both World Equestrian Center facilities. Throughout 2023, we traveled the world by way of food and wine at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with the Stirrups Wine Series presented by Wheels Up. In this ‘Scene at WEC – Ocala’ we remember a culinary journey around the globe and embark on an adventure to four renowned destinations to celebrate the food, wine and culture that makes them extraordinary. We hope you find enjoyment in your journey through the pages of this issue as you explore the lives of those whose passion travels with them through their ambitions and experiences. God bless,

The Roberts Family

For Advertising: Karla Campbell | karla.campbell@wec.net

Adam Bray | adam.bray@wec.net VOL I 2024

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VOL I 2024

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VOL I 2024

scene

at wec

2023 THE

FALL CLASSIC Series

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at WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – WILMINGTON Photos by Winslow Photography

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The 2023 Fall Classic Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington showcased top-tier equestrian competition, drawing elite athletes from across the globe. The series also hosted numerous costume contests, adding a festive flair to the circuit. Both horses and riders embraced the spirit of the fall season inside and outside the ring, culminating the 2023 show season in style. We are grateful to our exhibitors for contributing to a fantastic year and we look forward to welcoming competitors back to WEC – Wilmington for the upcoming 2024 show season! by Bailey Beal

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PROVIDING PREMIUM FORAGE FOR PREMIUM PERFORMANCE VOL I 2024

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scene

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Wine & Culture An

Odyssey

in EXPLORATION of

By Lea Brayton

Photos By Maven Photo + Film

s 2023 has closed and we enter the new year, we remember a culinary journey around the globe with the Stirrups Wine Series presented by Wheels Up. Together, we embarked on an adventure to four renowned destinations to celebrate the food, wine and culture that makes them extraordinary. PASSPORT TO FRANCE

The year began with Passport to France in February, where attendees were treated to an evening of utter elegance on the terrace as they sampled over 100 offerings from the terroir of the world’s most prominent wine-producing region. With a long and storied cultural tradition of vinification, the French gave rise to many of the world’s most famed and successful grape varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The night featured offerings from iconic regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, and influential areas like the Loire and Rhone Valleys. PASSPORT TO GERMANY

The journey continued with Passport to Germany in June, where we embarked on an exploration of an ancient wine-making tradition that can be traced back to the Roman Empire.

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German viticulture and cuisine, especially the sweet and dry white wines, top even the most scrutinized of lists. Those in attendance tried a diverse collection of vintages and German varieties, like award-winning Rieslings, Pinot Gris, Spätburgunder and Silvaner, among others, and tasted traditional food from Deutschland. PASSPORT TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

In September, we landed in the Pacific Northwest, where the region’s diversity was on full display. As one of America’s most lush and abundant growing regions, the wine of the Pacific Northwest reflects its tremendous topographical diversity. From the rugged alpine mountains and sprawling valleys, arid deserts and jagged coastlines emerge wines representative of the region’s bounty, including selections from Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, Washington’s Columbia Valley and many in between. The vibrant and earthen food culture of the Pacific Northwest was also a key feature of the event, with highlights including a raw oyster bar and foraged morel mushroom orecchiette.

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PASSPORT TO CHAMPAGNE

Travels culminated in December for the series’ grand finale. Returning to France with Passport to Champagne, attendees discovered the prestige and tradition of sparkling wine. Under the glow of the holiday lights, guests tried offerings from celebrated Champagne houses, as well as iconic sparkling wines from around the world, including Prosecco, Cava, Cremant and Franciacorta, among many others. Led by esteemed Master Sommelier and Beverage Director, Roland Micu, with Culinary Director Chef Ryker Brown and Complex Director of Food and Beverage, Jeremy Gow at the helm, the Stirrups Wine Series events exemplify the pinnacle of hospitality. Looking back at the 2023 series, Micu shared what he feels makes the Stirrups Wine Series so special: “The events are a complete immersive experience – everything from décor, wine, food and even music takes our guests to each specific place.” Chef Brown echoed the sentiment, adding: “We get a chance to showcase a wide variety of skills and flavors, which makes me excited for each one of these events. In creating the menu, I get to draw on my own travels and the experiences of my team and that allows us to recreate the tastes of a

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destination, like wood-fired Carbonara pizza in Sonoma for the series’ next destination.” From the live-action stations reflecting the culinary heritage of the featured region to the live music, and of course, the wine, the Stirrups Wine Series is an unforgettable odyssey. “I can say confidently that there is nowhere in NorthCentral Florida where anyone can come close to experiencing something like this.” adds Micu

Journey with us in 2024, as we explore four new destinations: April 5 June 14 Sept 27 Dec 13

Passport to Sonoma Passport to the Mediterranean Passport to Oceania Passport to Burgundy

2024 tickets are available now for all four events in the series at Stirrupsocala.com

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Quality. Class. Distinction.®

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coming soon to WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – OCALA:

a look ahead at exciting new development World Equestrian Center – Ocala aims to continue enhancing the property experience for exhibitors, visitors and guests frequenting the 378-acre campus. Explore recent updates and discover what exciting developments are in the future plans. By Lea Brayton

The Riding Academy Hotel Coming April 2024

The Riding Academy Hotel is the newest, 390 room addition to the impressive campus of World Equestrian Center – Ocala. With a blend of superior comfort and equestrian charm, The Riding Academy Hotel will offer upscale, pet-friendly accommodations and authentic hospitality. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and sundeck, two high-caliber fitness centers and a gourmet lobby marketplace playfully dubbed "The Tack Room", as well as the nearby resort spa, more than thirty boutiques and retail shops, future event center and world-class equestrian exhibition, all just a golf cart ride away. Photo: Artist's Rendering Now accepting reservations for dates starting in

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April 2024. Visit ridingacademyhotel.com to learn more and reserve your stay.

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Quality. Class. Distinction.®®

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The Event Center

Indoor Arena 6

Coming Summer 2025

From top-of-the-line technology to the finest finishes throughout its five stories, the Event Center at WEC will bring over 180,000 square feet of traditional meeting space and four additional dining concepts to the property, including two rooftop restaurants and bars. As an impressive new venue, the Event Center will be equipped with a grand ballroom for 500 guests, meeting rooms of varying sizes and prefunction space, dedicated bridal suites, banquet space, covered balconies and an expansive outdoor event lawn and pavilion. Photo: Artist's Rendering

Coming April 2024

A sixth climate-controlled indoor arena is anticipated near the existing Indoor Arena 5. Intended to serve as the primary competition site for the ever-growing base of FEI-level dressage exhibitors, the new indoor arena will be accompanied by seven additional outdoor rings for schooling and exhibition. Curious about sponsorship opportunities at

World Equestrian Center? Please contact Jim Wolf at jwolf@wolfsportsgroup.com.

Photo: Artist's Rendering

The University of Florida Health Family Medicine Center Coming April 2024

UF Health, a founding partner of WEC, will provide guests with the world-class expertise of academic-based medical care from a new, state-of-the-art 10,000-squarefoot complex on property. The UF Health physician office space is part of a larger complex featuring an additional 10,000 square feet dedicated to retail storefronts, which will join the WEC network of more than 30 established retailers on property. Photo: Artist's Rendering Interested in leasing space for your practice or

learning more about the facility? Connect with Mark Sherman directly by emailing leasing@rlrllc.com or calling 800.543.5589.

The Shoppes Oﬀ 80th

JOIN a World-Class

The Shoppes Off 80th Avenue, an 80,000-square-foot outdoor shopping venue, will be situated adjacent to The Riding Academy Hotel and the Event Center at WEC. Effectively doubling the property’s existing retail with 28 new units, visitors and guests will be able to browse a swath of unique storefronts featuring luxury brands, all in one convenient location. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Opportunities abound for a career in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, among many others. Visit the Ocala careers page at wec.net to discover current opportunities, explore benefits and learn more about the culture at WEC.

Coming Fall 2025

Team

Photo: Artist's Rendering

Interested in reserving a future retail space?

Connect with Mark Sherman directly by emailing leasing@rlrllc.com or calling 800.543.5589

stay up to date on future development online at wec.net

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QUIC COLOR

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9/23

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We take a moment to shine the spotlight on a featured barn or stable to learn a bit about their business, their philosophy and just hear their story ...

Paul Halpern and Esra.

Écuries Nova Stables: Paul Halpern By Bailey Beal | Photos by Winslow Photography

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The horses and everyone at the barn are a part of my family.

he serendipitous purchase of an unbroke, two-year-old gelding became the catalyst in Paul Halpern’s journey from lessons at a local barn to the top of show jumping sport. “I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There is a school barn right in the city, where my sister and I started taking lessons. I was 11, my sister was 13, and we really loved it. One thing led to the next and we bought an unbroke two-year-old, obviously a horrible recipe, but this was a fabulous, one in a million horse. His name was Prince of Thieves, known as Robin in the barn.” Halpern’s riding evolved as Robin developed as a young horse and the pair grew stronger and stronger over time.

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“We bought him for $5,000, and then, we were responsible for it all. My sister and I started working at the local stable mucking stalls and doing turnout to pay for the whole thing. It was a lot of work. She played an important role in me sticking with it.” “Our trainer was tough on us. My sister and I would take Robin to the horse shows. I would do him in the jumpers and she would do him in the hunters. Ultimately, I was able to progress to the point of jumping my first grand prix on him.” Halpern progressed further than he ever thought possible with his special young horse and earned enough to support his family. “When my sister went to college and I went on to be a working student, he was leased out for years. He ended up being one of the best hunter/equitation horses in the history of Canada. He was a blessing to our family. The lease fee was able to put my

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Stable Spotlight: Title of Article

Developing Stars at WEC - Wilmington

anessa Lee is an integral part

of the team as Nova barn manager and owner of Halpern’s top mount, Esra. The 11-year-old Holsteiner mare by Bratt Z out of Ulibra has exceeded all expectations. “She is my star! I'm lucky enough with Vanessa letting me ride her, I don't feel any pressure. We basically listened to her all the way along from the beginning. She started a bit as a six year old, we didn't do much. She was a little bit quirky, but I could really feel the quality from the first time I rode her. She has this amazing gallop and you barely feel her touch the ground. She is opinionated, so I never fussed with her, I just let her come to me. As a seven year old, we started to do some more serious things. The first time I ever really tried to win a class was the seven-year-old final and she just so happened to win it.” Halpern has accumulated a long list of wins aboard the talented mare at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington, including the Seven Year Old Jumpers, Welcome Stakes, Futures Prix and Grands Prix. Not only has Halpern used WEC – Wilmington to aid in the development of Esra, but also to aid his business at Nova. Having attended the facility since the opening, Halpern continues to make the road trip from Montreal to show in the climate-controlled facility and escape the harsh Canadian winters. “Like any horseman, I think footing and stabling are probably the most important things for the happiness of the horses. Over the years, the development at WEC has been incredible. You get 100% on everything here, from the stalls, footing, jumps and course designers. Coming indoors gives the horses a different experience. It makes some a bit shy, and then, they grow to the occasion. They learn from overcoming the impressiveness of it all and it gives them confidence. The same goes for the students. The quality of everything is second to none.” “I can’t say enough good things about it. The people are extremely friendly at the horse show, the exhibitors, the staff and even around the cute town in Wilmington! There is no stone unturned here.” VOL I 2024 32

sister through school and help pay my mom’s mortgage. He really saved our family. I owe everything to that horse. He is how it all started. He enabled us to do this sport that we never thought we would be able to do.” Halpern was inspired by his achievements and it ignited his passion for the sport. His love for the horses never wavered and his hard-working background set him up for success as he fulfilled his desire to turn his passion into a career. Halpern went on to travel and work under some of the best horsemen in the industry, gaining invaluable experience from acclaimed Olympians, such as Jill Henselwood, Ian Millar and Chris Kappler.

“I moved to the United States when I was 17 and was a working student. I moved to Europe about a year later and spent a few years working for multiple barns, including the Hendrix’s. I had a lot of different jobs throughout the years flatting and grooming. When I came back to the States, I went on to work for Jill Henselwood, who gave me the first real opportunity to show and develop horses. I brought along the horse that she took to the 2008 Beijing Olympics all the way from the beginning to the 1.40m level. He was called Special Ed,” said Halpern. “After that, I worked for Ian Miller. He was my main mentor and still is to this day. He taught me everything from riding to the business

I think I developed her by minimizing my mistakes. She is so careful, so I always tried to give her the best experience possible. Then she really grew on her own. Jumping is so easy for her. She jumps all out of heart because she loves to do it. ®

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aspect of the industry. He is like a father to me now. I can’t thank him enough for everything. I then had the opportunity to train under Chris Kappler. It was the first time that I had a trainer that was actually paid to be my trainer, I was always a working student, so it was really incredible for me to have that opportunity.” A few years later, Halpern’s priorities shifted from traveling and riding at the grand prix level to growing a business and focusing on his young family. “Ian inspired me to start my own business. At the time, he told me it was now or never,” said Halpern.

The abundance of knowledge Halpern acquired over the years set him up for the new stage of his life and the development of Écuries Nova Stables. “My wife and I moved back to Montreal to be closer to family and that was when I started Écuries Nova Stables. I partnered up with an associate of mine and we bought the facility. Rather than focusing my business on jumping at the grand prix level, I wanted to focus on students and everything for my family.” Nova sits on 40 acres of scenic landscape, just 30 minutes north of Montreal. Twenty-five acres of

I owe everything to that horse. He is how it all started. He enabled us to do this sport that we never thought we would be able to do.

Kerrits Quality. Class. Distinction.®

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Stable Spotlight: Title of Article

the property consists of picturesque, wooded trails with pristine natural footing through the hills and the stream. The unique, modern style barn boasts 27 stalls and a large, attached indoor riding arena. The barn is accompanied by a large outdoor arena, numerous green pastures for turnout and a walker. Since moving to Montreal for his family, Halpern is eternally grateful for his additional family members that keep the operation at Nova running smoothly.

“It is the crew around me and the people around me that mean the most to me. I wouldn’t be successful without them. I can’t say enough good things about the staff. Everyone says that you are only as good as your weakest link and my team always teases me that I am the weakest link! The horses and everyone at the barn are a part of my family.”

It is the crew around me and the people around me that mean the most to me. I wouldn’t be successful without them.

OTW Safety 36

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Quality. Class. Distinction.®

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IN THE

HOURS LIFE of

by Brianna Miller Photos by 38 Maven Photo + Film

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rom her earliest years, Canadian, Erynn Ballard has embraced her love for the equestrian sport, a passion nurtured by her grandfather and parents. Ever since the age of five, Ballard has carried forward the family legacy, making waves in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines, earning prestigious titles and steadily climbing the ranks. Her extraordinary career is a testament to the recognition she garners and the skills she now dedicates to Ilan Ferder Stables, where she excels in the sale and development of top-tier show jumping horses.

Ballard’s career began on ponies and she believed that one had an influential role in her career, “My large pony was special. Laura Kraut, McLain Ward and Rusty Holzer also rode him. He was a pony that made championship riders.” From there, Ballard went on to a remarkable junior career, being the second Canadian rider to ever win the prestigious Maclay National Championship at Madison Square

Garden in 1998, and the following year, the individual gold medal at the North American Young Rider Championships. In 2006, Ballard made her Nations Cup™ debut at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ tournament, helping Canada achieve victory for the first time in the event’s history. With this remarkable accomplishment, along with her other successes, Ballard was named 2006 Equine Canada ‘Equestrian of the Year.’ “My entire career, from start to now, has been about goals. Every time I was able to complete a goal, it was a huge accomplishment. It didn’t matter if the goal was small, every single one had its own importance. That goes to say a lot for my parents and the support they gave me, all while running their own business at home. They gave me so many opportunities along the way, and gave me the motivation to keep working,” said Ballard. About six years ago, Ballard was offered a job by Ilan Ferder, riding some of his talented horses during the winter circuit in Wellington, Florida. “My style of riding suited Ilan’s business. I rode the sales horses well and really enjoyed the development of young horses. The opportunity allowed me to become a championship rider.”

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24 Hours in the Life of NAME

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For the first three years, Ballard traveled back and forth from Canada to Wellington, and to horse shows all over the world with Ferder. Once COVID-19 hit, Ballard made the decision to relocate to Florida full-time, “The travel to Canada was becoming too difficult, and at the same time, the business in Florida was growing. We were getting incredible horses and even more amazing opportunities, so I knew it was time to

make a decision and make Florida my permanent home. You only get opportunities like that once in a lifetime and I had so much support from my parents and Ilan to make my dreams come true.” Ballard piloted several of Ilan Ferder’s talented horses to large championships, including the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018, in 2019 the Continental/ Regional Games in Lima, and in 2022, the World Championship Herning. Most recently, she competed in the FEI World Cup Final™ in Omaha, Nebraska.

Today, Ballard rides and trains over 50 horses and often brings about 40 to compete. A day in the life for Ballard isn’t a typical day at the barn or at a horse show. She believes World Equestrian Center – Ocala is changing the face of the equestrian sport and doing something spectacular to the development of horses in a short period of time.

Day Showing with

at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Waking up at The Equestrian Hotel I stay in the hotel, so everything is so convenient. The rooms are beautiful, and I spent half of my Monday at the spa, so there’s no horse show quite like it. During the 2023 Summer Series, we brought 38 horses to compete for two weeks and I think I left the property twice. The interesting thing about this venue: you come and you don’t have to leave.

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Time to Head to the Barn Coffee is a must and I try to do a little bit of yoga in the morning to get stretched and ready for the day. Once I’m at the barn, I look at the schedule for the day with the team. Every horse show has a different routine, but here, we are able to make our plan the night before.

24 Hours in the Life of NAME

Competing at WORLD

EQUESTRIAN

CENTER – OCALA It’s a championship feeling. The stands are packed, the crowd is cheering and the horses need that exposure, because sometimes they might shrink, but they also might grow. It’s rare you put a horse in several different atmospheres at just one location. Here, you have the indoor arenas, the WEC Grand Arena, the giant Stadium and nice outdoor jumper rings. The exposure the horses can get here in just one day is influential. I know I am a better rider after showing here for just a short time. I am riding fast and I know I am bringing horses home even more developed than when they stepped off the trailer.

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24 Hours in the Life of Erynn Ballard

Horse Show Time We have a pretty good system. It’s easy to say, I have eight horses in the class, but I also have to be respectful of the horse show. When I’m on one horse, one of our riders is warming up the next. It’s not sustainable to warm up each horse for 25 minutes, then head to the ring. The ring would never finish. “When I am hopping from horse-to-horse, I think about what my dad told me when I was little, ‘The one thing you have to remember when you’re riding so many horses, you have to make that horse believe that is the best horse you’ve ever sat on, even if it’s

not, because you’re going to get more from that horse if they believe you have confidence in them. If you get on a horse and try to pick it apart and make them something they’re not, then they won’t show you their true talents.’” With the help of my team, I am able to ride 10 horses in a class without holding up the in-gate. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the incredible team behind me and the support from Ilan. We have two barn managers, several grooms and seven riders, including myself and Ilan. Some would say we are overstaffed, but we can’t do it any other way.

The luxury of my job: there are no cut corners. I think it shows in our presentation and the quality of horses we produce. Ilan has a vision that he has to sustain and it’s our job to make sure we do our best to stand out in that respect. Back to the Barn After we get done running from ring-to-ring and showing 38 horses, it’s time to get everyone set for the night. We make sure all the horses are fed, bathed, wrapped and ready for bed. Then,

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24 Hours in the Life of Erynn Ballard

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

the whole team gets together and we go over the schedule for tomorrow. Usually, we do this before the final count is out, but we have a general understanding of the day.

Erynn Ballard 's

Must Haves

Time for Bed After I know tomorrow’s schedule is set, I head back to the room. I traded an Arena View room for really nice bathtub, so I can relax with a nice bubble bath at the end of the day. Then, I order myself room service and get all my things I need for the next day ready. Then, I finally go to sleep and do it all over again the next day.

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Equestrian Lifestyle Inspired by Pénélope Leprevost

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Lily

Ko s a l Kosal

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Junior Rider Focus: NAME

as told to

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Lily Kosal Junior Rider Focus: NAME

WEC LK

Castlebridge Cassius & Lily Kosal

When did you begin riding? I started riding when I was eight years old. We went on a trip to Ireland and I rode a horse there and I haven’t stopped since! I got competitive when I was 12. I started riding with Just A Folly Farm around two years ago. Tell us about your horses, Castlebridge Cassius and Grandville. Castlebridge Cassius, also known as Cass, is my equitation horse. I have had him for about a year. He moved me up through the 3’3” and now the 3’6”. He is so fun and was a great confidence builder for me because he loves jumping and was exactly what I needed to move up the levels. Grandville is my hunter. He is really different than Cass, but he is really talented and loves jumping. He is so fun to ride. What division do you show in?

Grandville & Lily Kosal

I show in the 3’6” Junior Hunters and all of the big equitation classes with my horse Cass. I just got a new horse, Lando, that will be my hunter. I am currently doing the Children’s Hunters and hoping to move up to the 3’3” Junior Hunters in the future. What is your favorite riding accomplishment? My favorite accomplishment is my round from the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show in 2023. I was really happy with my round, and I thought I handled the pressure well. I put a lot of preparation into it, so I was very happy. What grade are you in and what is your favorite subject in school? I am a senior and my favorite subject is AP Government. Any government or law related classes are always my favorite ones to take. What are your plans for college? I am going to Delaware State University. I will be riding on the NCAA Division I Equestrian Team there and I am thinking of majoring in Business or Management. How do you balance school and riding? I always talk to my teachers before shows to get all of my work. I try to get a lot of it done the Wednesday before the shows. I do some work after shows if I have to.

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What are your future riding goals? I will keep riding on the side during college. I want to try and qualify for Maclay Finals and all of the other medals with Cass. I want to go to Junior Hunter Finals with my hunter and make the most out of my final junior year. In the future, I would love to go to USET (United States Equestrian Team Foundation) finals. I think that would be really fun. Who has influenced your riding? Melissa Donnelly and Dorothy Campbell have helped my riding a lot. When I moved to them, they gave me a lot of opportunities to improve and they let me ride a lot of different horses and different types, which allowed me to improve.

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LIVES OF OTHERS The Foundation of the Horse’s mission continues its impact in a variety of ways. Character and integrity. The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ charitable arm, the Foundation for the Horse’s outreach mission has been making a difference in the lives of both horses and human for the past three decades, through their grants and scholarships. It’s their emphasis on education, altruism and helping those who are in need, innovation and discovery that has helped improve the quality of lives of equids globally. Initially known as the AAEP Foundation, the Foundation for the Horse’s grant programs cover horses at risk and also serves as an umbrella

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for disaster relief, helping educate owners and stakeholders globally in preparing for a potential disaster. The organization is especially helpful to those with working equids and equines in Third World countries and in the U.S. on Native American reservations or those who don’t have access to medical treatment, providing better veterinary care for those horses. “It also encompasses improving the health and the welfare of horses and nonprofit organizations that need the necessary medical care and those funds are always there,” said Summer Wyatt, Foundation of the Horse development officer.

“We have a first-time $1 million gift that will allow us to open up grant making opportunities to even more of those nonprofit organizations that are bringing in horses, mules and donkeys and trying to give them a second life, if you will.” The $1 million gift from equine enthusiasts and horsemen Bob and Toni Mallet is the largest in foundation history and is a welcome resource, one that will provide options in the form of lifechanging grants, groundbreaking initiatives and a call to action for horses in need in the United States. In the late spring of 2024, the monies will be used for the following grants, Equine Support

By Ben Baugh

Photos are courtesy of The Foundation of the Horse VOL I 2024

57 II

Inspiration: Title Improving of Article the Quality of Lives of Others

Grant, Equine Rescue Response Grant, Equine Vet Care Grant and Equine Intake Care Grant. “Whether they need medical treatment to be adoptable or medical treatment because they’ve been through abuse and neglect, we’re going to be able to do so much more in this space because of this first $1 million gift we’ve received,” said Wyatt.

educating people with the preparation part, with water training and large animal containment and preparing disaster teams ahead of time is so important. Being able to educate owners about what we do in the wake of a hurricane, flooding or other natural disasters, but also in the aftermath,

Whether they need medical treatment to be adoptable or medical treatment because they’ve been through abuse and neglect, we’re going to be able to do so much more in this space because of this first $1 million gift we’ve received. The organization’s grant fund money has played a critical role in helping with equids that have faced untoward situations nationwide and globally. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit has been involved in a number of projects recently, including providing $50,000 in assistance to help equids in Ukraine and neighboring nations, including working in concert with the British Equine Veterinary Association’s charitable arm, BEVA Trust. The group also provides financial assistance to the Namibian Animal Welfare Association for its initiative, Project Donkey Harness, funding harness making, which included two trips to the African nation allowing for care to be administered to 150 donkeys and working equids, while also providing 80 humane harnesses, 133 human bridles and 122 human bits, as well as educating the local caretakers. “We just sent some grant funds to help with feed and forage in Hawaii for those horrendous wildfires that affected so many there,” said Wyatt. “From

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whether it’s providing feed or forage or veterinary care. Whatever we can do to help with those teams that are educated and know what they’re doing, if we can provide extra funding to make that a little bit better. We’re happy to do that whether it’s here or abroad.” In addition to the Foundation’s regular scholarships, there are student educational programs for student chapters, which play a huge role in helping both students and graduated veterinarians stay informed and up-to-date. “We also have within most of our working equid programs and grants under horses at risk, those veterinarians and teams that are going out to native reservations or to places in Third World countries where they’re providing veterinary care, they’re also providing education to horse owners.” said Wyatt.

Promoting the education of aspiring equine veterinarians is paramount for the overall wellbeing of horses. Annually, The Foundation sponsors vital skills workshops at nearly 40 veterinary schools, emphasizing podiatry and equine dentistry.

Supporting working equines is a crucial element of The Foundation's commitment to caring for horses at risk. In this effort, equine veterinarians provide education to both owners and fellow veterinarians while tending to horses in Mongolia.

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GENERATIONS TO BREAK DOWN Inspiration: Title of Article

GENERATIONS TO BREAK IN

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Inspiration: Title Improving of Article the Quality of Lives of Others

Right: Helping working equines around the world is just one of the areas The Foundation supports annually, especially in underdeveloped countries such as pictured here in Nicaragua. The working equine is important to the lives of the people in these areas as they help them do the work that a truck or other heavy equipment might do in developed countries.

I believe everyone interested in the welfare of horses and other equids loves the work that Foundation for the Horse is doing and our mission.

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“One of the most important components of keeping horses healthy is educating owners how to exactly treat minor wounds and to keep those horses, mules and donkeys as healthy as they can, with the limited resources that they have.” The Equine Disease Communications Center is another of the programs within the Foundation of the Horse that’s an important resource for exhibitors, owners and anyone who participates in equestrian sport. “It’s an absolutely incredible program that protects horses, especially those who are traveling for competition, or those who leave their farm from the threat of infectious disease within North America,” said Wyatt. “If you follow EEDC on

Facebook or go to their website, you’ll see alerts reporting these infectious diseases, how to report breakouts and learn more about biosecurity and the health of your own horse.” The nonprofit charitable organization is dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through education and research, encompassing all horses and equines. “I believe that every person interested in horses can find something, if not everything, they love about the Foundation’s work,” said Wyatt. “Whether they’re passionate about research and treatment and care, and those programs are dependent on funding, scholarships for equine veterinarians, because they realize their horses

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In times of natural disaster, such as pictured here following hurricane Irma in 2017, The Foundation supports veterinarians and first responders helping horses and other animals impacted.

need the best veterinary care, horses at risk and working animals in Third World countries, they love all of those things that we do. I believe everyone interested in the welfare of horses and other equids loves the work that Foundation for the Horse is doing and our mission.” To learn more about the organization, visit foundationforthehorse.org or contact Summer Wyatt directly at swyatt@foundationforthehorse.org.

We also have within most of our working equid programs and grants under horses at risk, those veterinarians and teams that are going out to native reservations or to places in Third World countries where they’re providing veterinary care, they’re also providing education to horse owners.

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VOL I Photo: 2024 Courtesy of Ethel M®

by Ka rla Ca mpb ell

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Photo: Maven Photo + Film

Photo: Courtesy of Ethel M®

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hat happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. For Chef Yohann Le Bescond and World Equestrian Center – Ocala, this wasn’t a bad thing. Although Las Vegas might be known for its luxurious, large casino-hotels, it is also the home of the Ethel M® Chocolates Flagship store, Factory & Cactus Garden. The Ethel M® Chocolates Factory invites guests on an exciting journey through the world of premium chocolate craftsmanship, all just a short distance from the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. As part of the MARS Inc. family of brands, Ethel M® Chocolates can often be found on-site at World Equestrian Center in the iconic sweet shop, Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, and within The Equestrian Hotel. Through the partnership with MARS and the Ethel M® Chocolates team, a collaboration idea was born, creating the ultimate dessert for Stirrups Restaurant.

Flourless Chocolate Cake 4.5oz Melted Ethel M® Dark Chocolate Bar 2.5oz Melted Butter 6ea Egg Yolks

1.6oz Powdered Sugar 4ea Egg Whites 1.6oz Granulated Sugar

Photo: Maven Photo + Film

The first step in this process involved sending our very own Chef Yohann to the Las Vegas factory itself to learn more about the product and technique of creating the magnificent chocolate. Mark Mackey, chief chocolatier at Ethel M® Chocolates, and his team would work in an assembly line transforming raw product into the chocolate consumers are familiar with. Both the procedure and the scale of production stuck to Chef Yohann during his trip. Whereas he might make a few dozen pieces, Mackey and his

Prep a 10 inch round cake pan with liner and pan spray. Over boiling water, combine butter and chocolate and melt it down.

Chocolate Mousse

In the bowl of the mixer, combine egg yolks and powdered sugar. Whip until the mix doubles in volume and whitens. Set aside. In the bowl of the mixer, start whipping the egg white and add ⅓ of the granulated sugar. Keep on whipping the eggs and slowly add the remaining ⅔ of the granulated sugar until firm peaks form. Fold the egg yolks mixture in the chocolate mixture, mix until smooth. Fold the Chocolate/Yolks mixture in the firm peak egg white. Pour the batter to the half of the cake pan, bake 20 min at 350°F. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.

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2tsp .5qt 3oz 1ea

Plain Gelatin Heavy Cream Powdered Sugar Vanilla Bean or 1tsp vanilla extract 10oz Melted Ethel M® Chocolate Bar 14oz Whipped Cream

team were producing 5,000, while simultaneously managing temperatures and the cooling process. Aside from learning the production process of the mouthwatering chocolate, he also had the opportunity to explore Ethel M® Chocolates history. The story centers around Forrest Mars Sr. and why he chose the heart of the Mojave Desert to be the home of his vision, bringing a fresh perspective to small-batch chocolate-making, as well as his mother, Ethel Mars, for which the brand celebrates. With this newfound information, the real work began. How can Chef Yohann and Mackey bring a taste of the Nevada desert to Ocala, Florida?

Spring gelatin into cold ice water to bloom, or moisten, for approximately 10 minutes until dissolved. To a pot on a stove, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla bean or extract and bring to a boil.

Once chilled, fold in the whipped cream. Add the mousse onto the cake pan with the baked flourless chocolate cake. Set in the freezer for 6 hours or until fully frozen.

In a mixing bowl, weigh out the Ethel M® milk chocolate bar, and pour over the boiling heavy cream.

Heat up the sides of the cake pan to melt down the sides and remove the cake from the pan.

Mix together to make a ganache, then chill in the fridge until it reaches room temperature.

Transfer the cake onto a cutting board and slice in 12 slices. ® ®

Chef's Corner: Title of Article

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Photos: Maven Photo + Film

After some time, Chef Yohann and Mackey decided on the perfect southern staple to feature Ethel M® Chocolates, the Mississippi Mud Pie. “We wanted to stay true to the southern cuisine that Stirrups is known for and the Mississippi Mud Pie felt natural choice because the desert includes multiple components that include chocolate,” Chef Yohann explained. Mackey also noted during the deconstructing phase, that the dessert had different textures as well, which was another component that made the Mississippi Mud Pie the natural choice to experiment with. It was then Mackey’s turn to make the journey to World Equestrian Center – Ocala to assist Chef Yohann in Stirrups’ kitchen. As with all experiments, there were a few adjustments Chef Yohann and Mackey had to make in their journey to bring the dessert from conception to reality. “Great tasting chocolate can be enjoyed in bar form or in a tasting square, but that does not always translate into a baked dessert in the same way, so

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I can’t wait to come back,” it was a fun experiment, playing with the different recipes and allowed us to really select the best chocolates that paired best within this dessert,” Mackey commented on the process. Mackey had worked on the research and development side most of his time after

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Chef's Corner: Title of Article

Photos: Maven Photo + Film

graduating from culinary school, so for him, it was exciting to be in the kitchen creating a plated dessert, something he does not get to do as often. Both Chef Yohann and Mackey have enjoyed taking on the challenge of starting from a basic concept and all the emails, meetings and samples to finally bringing the final project to life. Although Mackey has worked on some other collaborations

with other MARS confectionary brands, none of those have compared to this most recent project. “The collaboration between World Equestrian Center, MARS and Ethel M® Chocolates is just phenomenal. During my time on-site, the entire team was incredibly welcoming and I think we are only just beginning. I can’t wait to come back,” Mackey shared. “Getting to work with MARS and Ethel M® Chocolates has been such an incredible opportunity. Sure, everyone knows MARS, but I think what makes this partnership so wonderful is the strong ties to which MARS and the Mars Family have to the equestrian community. They have been such great supporters of World Equestrian Center in the sport with sponsoring grands prix, and our culinary programs as well, and I look forward to what we can continue to do together in the future,” Chef Yohann shared of the partnership.

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POULIN’S

TRAVE

A SALUTE TO

50 YEARS

by L.A. Sokolowski

Photos are courtesy of the Poulin Family

OF HORSEMANSHIP

”F

or although, since my unfortunate exile, I had compelled myself to tolerate the sight of yahoos, yet my memory and imaginations were perpetually filled with the virtues and ideas of those exalted Houyhnhnms.” Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift (1726) Over a 50-year tenure as a clinician, trainer, coach, USEF Senior Dressage Judge and USDF ‘L” program instructor, serving that beloved, competitive sandpit known as the dressage arena, Tom Poulin, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, has probably been called a lot of things. Since 1968, he has served his sport in one capacity or another through five Olympic competitions, including as assistant team coach to squads for

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Mexico and Sweden, and as chairman of the USDF Freestyle Committee. With retirement, we’d like to add one more description: Modern-day Gulliver. As a young man, like Swift’s philosophical adventurer, Tom really did choose for a time to eschew the company of his own kind, to embrace a vow of silence, and to live instead among the horses, in the family’s Hillside Farm barn in Maine. After eight years away, immersed in an education that encouraged and elevated “abstract thinking,” he confessed, “I just couldn’t interact with other humans…” So, by the warmth of a tiny heater in a tack room, his journey into horsemanship began, with a book and mindset he still, half a century later, lauds

for recognizing “the quality and art that go into horsemanship and bring out the beauty of the horse.” Dressage in America would never be the same.

Enter at X

Pioneer is a word frequently chosen to describe those helming a sport since its earliest organizational beginnings, but rarely does it apply more eloquently than when citing the seeds planted through his commitment to growing dressage in America. It is no understatement to say organizations like the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) would not have been possible without people like him. In featuring its resident trainer, Pine Knoll Center for

Tom Poulin and Phoébus ride their test alongside an Illinois cornfield in the 1980s at an early edition of Lamplight Equestrian Center.

Tom Poulin, with Vouvray, accepting one of three Lufthansa Trophies he has won over his competitive dressage career.

ELS Tom Poulin in Germany in the 1980s, where he applied what he had already learned from ballet about body control to his riding.

Integrated Horsemanship in Lexington, Kentucky, noted, “With the leadership of people like Mr. Poulin, the American Dressage Institute morphed into the United States Dressage Federation.” He was an original member of the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) and served as advisor in conjunction with such notable fellow horsemen as Jonathan Burton and Jack LeGoff. “I’m in their company?” Tom would ask only half in jest. “What am I doing here?” Major General Jonathan R. Burton (1919-2019) rode for his country in Olympic show jumping

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(1948) and three-day eventing (1956), wrote the first rulebook for combined training, served as USET executive vice president (1975-1985), USCTA president for three years, and was an FEI “I” judge and technical delegate for three disciplines. Jack Louis Joseph Marie Le Goff was a French horseman who coached the U.S. three-day eventing team (1970-1984) to 18 international championships, 1984 Olympic Team Gold and Individual Silver, and shaped the direction of horse sport as director of the USET Training Center and as an Olympic appeals judge, FEI judge and committee member.

“I don’t think we ever relaxed,” Tom reflected on their time together developing a sport, a training program and an organization. “Jack was a wonderful coach. Jon helped with symposiums. Our minds were never idle.” Riding Forward Tom’s knack for keeping good equestrian company included joining Dr. Max Gahwyler and Margarita ‘Miggie’ Serrell as original members of the American Dressage Institute (ADI), the Saratoga Springs, New York-based organization

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Poulin’s Travels: A Salute to 50 Years of Horsemanship

Tom Poulin on the Hanoverian, Sondheim. Yes, after the composer.

that garnered attention (including from The New “We’d have them work in the studio, and then, York Times) for its clinics and demonstrations, put them on the lunge and use similar language. We and for fielding the all-female U.S. Olympic wouldn’t say, ‘Sit up straight.’ We’d say, ‘Lift,’ and they Dressage Bronze medal-winning team of Hilda knew exactly how because we had accomplished Gurney/Keen, Dorothy Morkis/Monaco and those exercises in the studio,” Tom says. Edith Master/Dahlwitz. As a testimony to its timelessness, in 2015, While ADI Vice President and Director of Barnmice.com blogger Paula Stevens wrote, “The Instruction, Tom, and Robert Thibodeau, coTom Poulin Dressage Method is brilliant. Dressage is founded and taught the Body Control and referred to as the ballet of the horse world. It makes Discipline for Riders sense that horse and rider program. Tom tapped into need to know how to do this his training in ballet and dance properly. It is, after all, Dressage movement (thank you, poetry in motion.” in America “abstract” education). “How,” Tom asked, “are you would never With Miggie’s going to control a 1,200 or be the same.” organizational help, the 1,400-pound horse if you don’t program was introduced in have body alignment? If you 1973 as a six-week course don’t know where your body is at Skidmore College in the city known (no small and can give coordinated aids? How are you going to coincidence) as the summer residence of George control the beautiful animal underneath you?” Balanchine and the New York City Ballet. The principles of Body Control taught at ADI still Moving Up the Levels resonated two decades later when her book on Meanwhile, ‘Dr. Max’ was a friend of Col. Hans dressage fundamentals, ‘Forward and Straight,’ Handler, director of The Spanish Riding School published in 1991. since taking the reins in 1965 from Col. Alois “Who would go to a [dance] studio to learn to Podhajsky. Col. Handler, in recommending Dr. ride?” Tom laughed. “That’s crazy, right?” Max try dressage, not only launched one man’s Crazy like a fox: Riders at barn and barre were devotion to the discipline but expected to work out in front of mirrors. (fortuitously for ADI members)

“

assured each the privilege of learning classical dressage from true Spanish Riding School masters. “I got the greatest teachers God could put on this earth for riders and judges,” Tom said, and it is no overstatement. Col. Handler himself did the coaching when ADI presented a judges’ clinic at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPA). It may not have been the Vienna that the “oberreiter” called home, but the pas de deux entranced SPA onlookers nonetheless. Sadly, on June 23, 1974, The New York Times reported, “Dressage Unit Disbands Upstate Training Facility,” but it did not thwart Tom or the sport from riding forward. If ADI closed a door, NEDA opened a window, soon became a charterfounding member of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). Tom participated in the inaugural USDF annual meeting and spearheaded the process merging the respective ADI and USDF educational systems into one official U.S. standard within one organization, and continuing in a leadership capacity with the first USDF-developed judging and trainers programs. “We need one system,” he said then and now. “Not a variety of ways. Otherwise, pretty soon, you get a confused rider and horse. We need methods proven by many, many years of experience under the best trainers in the world.” The NEDA homepage tips a hat to the artistic sensibility of such pioneers: “NEDA’s early leaders recognized dressage was an art, as well as a sport, whose basics were to be learned over many years and turned to European trainers steeped in the sport for generations.” Beth Jenkins, director of NEDA Competitions from Sherborn, Massachusetts, says her memories of Tom start with how instrumental he and his brother, Michael, were in the creation of NEDA in the early 1970s. “Priscilla Endicott (NEDA co-founder) understood how critical a flexible and balanced rider is to effective riding. Somewhere along the line, she learned of Tom and Michael doing body work that was effective in helping equestrians and up they all went to Maine!”

“Who would go to a [dance]

Quality. Class. Distinction.

studio to learn to ride?” Tom VOL I 2024 79 laughed. “That’s crazy, right?”

Poulin’s Travels.

That, Beth says, “Started a long NEDA relationship with the Poulins. I was a dressage ‘nobody,’ running stabling for NEDA shows in the late 1970s when I met Tom. I remember a kind and soft-spoken man who was very nice to me.”

His Horses, His Friends

Classical training and its horses left their impression on Tom: “My mentors – our mentors – were the Spanish Riding School. We learned on well-made horses, donated by dressage benefactors. I had a good classical beginning.” It gave him a leg up studying in Europe, where he honed his skills training with Franz Rockowonsky in Holland, Walter Christensen in Germany, and gifted trainers including Werner Platzer, Ernst Backringer, Arthur Kottas and Hans Moeller. “I would go to Europe annually to keep learning. I travelled so I could watch the best in the world. I was able to move up to ‘S’ level judging by watching how the best horses moved up through their levels.”

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Tom Poulin and Phoébus competing in the 1980s at Dressage At Devon.

Poulin’s Travels

He never stopped learning, or winning, most notably delivering a dressage hat trick as threetime winner of the Lufthansa Trophy for excellence and as an invited rider for the USEF International Judges Forums. Looking back on his time of quiet study in the horse barn, the world traveler recalls a great experience. “By living with horses, I got to learn the character of each of them.”

“He always

promoted fairness and kindness to the animal. The horse always came first.”

And what of the book with him? First published in 1956 (out of print until recently), it was ‘Horsemanship: A Comprehensive Book on Training the Horse & Rider,’ by Waldemar (Vladimir) Seunig, an individual dressage rider for Slovenia in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Trafalgar Square Classics places it among the “most comprehensive and enduring books ever written on the training of horse and rider from the basics to haute école.” Fifty years a horseman would also not be complete without a nod to some of the horses partnered with him on that ride. Like early mentor, Caprice, a black mare acquired in California and sired by a stallion owned by Hilda Gurney. “It took a year to get a piaffe/passage from her,” he laughed. “When she thought it was her idea, she would do it. She had a beautiful, natural cadence. I could throw the reins away and she’d stay bent. That was really classical dressage.” Or his bay Dressage at Devon partner and Lufthansa trophy winner, Phoébus, whom he warmly describes as, “A gifted European horse. He took me all the way.”

A Teacher at Heart

Tom’s name is most likely to be carved into the hieroglyphics of the dressage pyramid as

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always be, devoted to dressage and the horses that generously partner with us.” “I began riding when I was four. Under my father’s tutelage, I grew up riding varying breeds, ages, backgrounds and abilities that allowed me to learn how to feel and develop a horse correctly at a fair pace. To me, his posture and alignment were something to aspire to. “He always promoted fairness and kindness to the animal. The horse always came first. To create a harmonious team, the rider’s posture and body awareness were continuously addressed. He stressed how a correct seat, independent from the hands, allows a horse to offer brilliance. That can be accepted by the balanced rider rather than restricted by an unbalanced one.” “That’s the thing I remember him being hardest on the dedicated teacher behind countless lectures me about,” she grinned. “My posture on and off the and symposia, author of the handbook for a horse and how it affected the horse under saddle.” transcontinental North As Tom’s professional American Dressage career goes on the Institute seminar series buckle, he sees There’s for riders and trainers unlimited possibility nothing to stop in Bermuda, England, still ahead for the art of us from being Hawaii and South Africa, riding: “We started with the best.” and for adding a fine nothing in the 1960s. In branch to the family tree. the 1970s, we had USDF, Among his star pupils has by the 1980s, USET been his daughter, licensed USEF ‘r’ judge and USDF Through American dressage programs, we’ve “L Graduate with Distinction,” Elizabeth Poulin. progressed immensely. There’s nothing to stop us “For the Poulins, dressage is the family business,” from being the best.” Free Rein she said. “Dad trained so many horses to grand “My horses understand me tolerably well; they prix we lost count. Over time, he focused on live in great amity with me, and friendship to each teaching. His passion is teaching others and other.” – Gulliver’s Travels elevating the sport while making it accessible to We wish no less for Tom Poulin in retirement: To any rider on any horse.” live in great amity and friendship with his horses She saw the family farm transformed into a from -- maybe this time -- inside the house. world-renowned American School of Dressage: “My dad and his brothers, and other family members, worked together to build the business and offer training equal to the standards of European methods.” “The impact of those endeavors has been fundamental to the development of dressage in the United States and helped create the foundation for what has become competitive success at the highest level of the sport. He has been, and will

“

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VOL I 2024

Top

Training ƒpps

to Help you Choose

your Digital Trainer

by Juliƒna Chƒpmƒn

t “The Tech Equestrian,” a technology and equestrian lifestyle blog, we cover a wide range of equestrian apps, online tools and wearables, but there is one category that has grown recently, and that is digital training. We know for most equestrians, learning is essential in this sport, and luckily, technology has opened the door to new and accessible training tools from across the globe. With so many choices, it’s not easy to find the right solution for your needs. To help you navigate your digital training journey, we put together a comprehensive view of the top applications on the market that are specific to educating the rider. We also encourage you to take advantage of the free trials to confirm the right fit.

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® ®

Tech Equestrian: Title of Article

RideIQ

Unlock your Riding Potential with On-Demand Lessons

Heƒdquƒrters Brooklyn, New York Co-Founders Jessƒ & McKinsey Lux Lƒunched 2021 Description

Designed for

Expert equestrian coaching while you ride – choose from hundreds of on-demand audio lessons across disciplines to improve your ride.

Founding principƒl At RideiQ, we believe that everyone should have access to the best coaching in the world.

Ride iQ is for riders of all levels, ages and aspirations from all walking to top level dressage movements.

Pƒrtnerships Official partner of USEA, USPC and RRP.

Top Feƒtures § Robust Lessons

450+ lessons with new lessons and podcast episodes added every week, including lessons for dressage, eventing, showjumping, groundwork, sports psychology and rider fitness. § ƒudio

Audio to support you through every part of being a rider - it's real-time guidance during schooling rides and support when you're off the horse (100+ ‘Ask An Expert’ podcast episodes on a range of topics).

§ Top Reviews

4.9/5.0 stars in the app store 5.0/5.0 stars on Facebook. § ƒccess to world-clƒss coƒches

Learn from 28 top coaches who were chosen for their proven ability to produce exceptional riders and for their reputations of outstanding horsemanship.

§ Connections

Membership connects you to an online community of other riders to share the experience with you. The coaches are in the group to share advice and encouragement.

ƒpp ƒvƒilƒble

Investment Two-week free trial

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Monthly $2999 Yeƒrly $29900

ƒt RideiQ, we believe thƒt everyone should hƒve ƒccess to the best coƒching in the world.“

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Ridely

Your Digital Training Partner

Heƒdquƒrters Sweden Co-Founders Ingrid Sundqvist Tottƒ Ogƒnder Erikƒ Hjertén

Lƒunched 2017 in Sweden 2020 in the US

Description Ridely is the leading equestrian training partner on the global market.

Founding principƒl To create a robust digital tool that will help equestrians develop and reach their greatest potential, no matter if they want to compete or simply have fun with their horse.

Designed for Any equestrian looking to advance their training and horse management journey.

Extrƒs Blog resource and view video exercise trailers.

ƒpp ƒvƒilƒble

Top Feƒtures § Trƒining videos

Gain access to a library of 450+ ‘bite-sized’ videos across disciplines. Home to 11 Olympians, 65 world-class trainers, including Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Henrik von Eckermann, Ingrid Klimke, Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum, Lillie Keenan and more. § Sƒfety first

The innovative AI Riding Coach called ‘Ridi’ and the new GPS ‘RideSafe Tracker’ shares a live map of your ride with a nominated person and calculates important training statistics.

Investment Free Version (limited features) seven-day free trial with PRO plan

Monthly $2999 Yeƒrly $11900 Lifetime $34900

Gift Ridely PRO 12 months for $99 use discount code EQƒPP20

§ Trƒining progrƒms

15+ step-by-step training programs for individual sessions and homework. § Interƒctive cƒlendƒr

Track training and receive relevant stats in real-time. § Community Groups

Users discuss training, horse care, training programs and seek advice from qualified experts.

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Ridely is the leƒding equestriƒn trƒining pƒrtner on the globƒl mƒrket.”

® ®

Training Apps – ƒt-ƒ-glƒnce RideiQ

Ridely

wehorse

Originated

USƒ

Sweden

Germƒny

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Online Courses

450+

130+

Disciplines

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Whƒt’s New?

Officiƒl pƒrtner of USEƒ, USPC, ƒnd RRP

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wehorse

The Online Riding Academy

Heƒdquƒrters Hƒmburg, Germƒny Co-Founders Christiƒn Kroeber, CEO

Sophie Schwƒrz, Co-CEO Lƒunched 2018

Description A horse-first online education platform with 40+ world-class trainers across disciplines and 130+ professional online courses.

Founding principƒl The wehorse mission is to connect horse lovers worldwide with the best trainers who can inspire, educate and advance their ride.

Designed for wehorse is designed to serve the needs of equestrians globally.

Extrƒs The Equestrian Connection Podcast that broadcasts every two weeks, features host Danielle Crowell interviews trainers and industry experts from all over the world to talk horses.

Top Feƒtures Video Trƒining

40+ World-class trainers and experts across a range of disciplines. Online Courses including New! Super Courses

Gain access to 130+ professional online courses, plus, learn from a generation of deep and profound courses, called Super Courses. It is a knowledge download from the wehorse trainers and includes quizzes, long and short text, memory lists and more. New courses added each month.

Live Events

Designed to answer your questions in an interactive way. ƒccessibility

The download option within the app allows you to download the videos to your device and watch them from anywhere.

The wehorse mission is to connect horse lovers worldwide with the best trƒiners who cƒn inspire, educƒte ƒnd ƒdvƒnce their ride.“

ƒpp ƒvƒilƒble

Investment seven-day free trial Monthly Yeƒrly

90 V

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$2699 $19900

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Tech Equestrian: Title of Article

Equilƒb: The Equilab app was launched in 2016, designed for riders of all levels. Now, the app boasts more

The Originƒl Trƒining ƒpp

than one million users worldwide and features ride tracking, a daily planner, a robust equestrian community and the popular live safety tracking that sends a notification when a rider starts using the app and when training is completed. The idea for Equilab came from one of the co-founders who has a background in triathlons and was exposed to all kinds of technical measuring tools and wanted to replicate that for equestrians. Not only does the app make it easier to set goals and follow them, but it also provides the rider with a deeper understanding for what is happening during the training. This information will build a profile and find patterns in the

trainings and alert riders to problems they might not have been aware of. Equilab offers a seven-day free trial and two premium packages to choose from on a monthly or yearly basis. Visit equilab.horse for more details.

Deb Marett Painting Juliana Chapman Palm City, FL · thetechequestrian.com Juliana is a technology marketing professional and lifelong equestrian who grew up in Rhode Island and showed in the pony and children's hunter divisions and now resides and shows in Florida. She is the founder of The Tech Equestrian, a technology and lifestyle blog that is designed to provide insights on the latest technology solutions in the horse world. Juliana has written articles for Horse & Style, EQ Living, Sidelines and other top industry publications.

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THAN

ANDISE I M P U L S E by Quality. Class. Distinction.®

Equestrian Style: Article of Title

Come visit us on-site in Ocala in the corner of Indoor Arena 4. Photo: Maven Photo + Film

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B O U T I Q U E

BRIANNA MILLER & LEA BRAYTON VOL I 2024

Women’s full zip lightweight Equestrian fleece-lined jacket, WEC baseball Style: Article of Title cap and Arista UV protection V-neck short-sleeved shirt. Photo: Maven Photo + Film

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earing the World Equestrian Center brand is about more than just donning a logo—it's an emblem; a declaration of your affiliation with the equestrian elite. Every time you pull on that favorite zip-up emblazoned with W-E-C, it’s an invitation to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest, to proudly wear the insignia on your arm, collar or chest. What it represents isn't merely fashion; it's acknowledgment of membership in a community where hearts beat together to the rhythm of a four-beat gait. As you navigate the aisles of everyday life, the unmistakable recognition of jodhpur-clad riders at Publix or catching a glimpse of a horse head on the back of a sleek black jacket becomes an instant connection, an unspoken recognition of shared passion. It's the thrill of discovering your tribe in unexpected places, a nod to the unspoken camaraderie that binds equestrians together beyond the barn and arena. In embracing the World Equestrian Center brand, you're not just choosing apparel; you're embodying a lifestyle defined by commitment to quality, class and distinction. It's a nod to excellence that transcends ordinary standards. Join us in celebrating what is so much more than just a venue; join us in embracing a culture designed for equestrians everywhere. Your Official WEC Merchandise A Sudden Impulse Boutique is the premier source for official WEC merchandise. Discover an exquisite collection of performance and leisure apparel for women, men and children, as well

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Left: Heavyweight crewneck and quarter zip sweatshirts featuring a chenille patch. Photo: Maven Photo + Film

Equestrian Style: Article of Title

CHAMPIONING H E A LT H C A R E F O R A L L Champions are forged through dedication, resilience, courage and sacrifice. As Team USA athletes strive toward greatness, they will not get there alone. They will have world-renowned doctors, researchers and specialists to support them. The team behind THE team. UF Health will be there to champion their health, as a proud U.S. Olympic & Paralympic National Medical Center, providing elite athletes access to the same world-renowned health care available to you and your family every day.

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Photo: Winslow Photography

Come visit us on-site in Wilmington in the R+L hallway. Photo: Winslow Photography

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as home (or barn) accessories, jewelry and gifts. Customize your selections with custom embroidery, engraving and screen printing for limitless options to define your own equestrian style. Explore the boutiques located at both World Equestrian Center venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio, or browse the curated online store featuring hand-picked favorites and digital promotions. Embroidery & Engraving There’s nothing equestrians love more than achieving that matchy-matchy look. Elevate your barn's aesthetic with personalized show coolers, scrims, banners and drapes. From personalized logos to custom monogramming, you can find thoughtful gifts and sharpen your professional edge with embroidery, screen printing and engraving services from A Sudden Impulse.

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Behindthe

Course

Guilherme

JORGE by Bailey Beal

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

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Photos: Winslow Photography

uilherme Jorge has traveled the world crafting some of the most prestigious tracks in the history of show jumping. In his hometown in Brazil, Jorge’s passion for equestrian sport began in the saddle as a junior and continued over the years as a veterinarian. Parallel to his career as a vet, Jorge took up his interest in course designing and began working on tracks at smaller horse shows and eventually made it his entire career, “Slowly, I shifted completely to course design. In 1998, I stopped practicing veterinary medicine as a whole. Every time there was an international course designer that came to Brazil, I would try to work under them.” Jorge is now established as one of the best in the industry, having participated in the build of

Quality. Class. Distinction.®

five Olympic Games. Jorge was the main course designer at the 2016 Rio Olympics, two Pan American Games and is slated as the Technical Delegate for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. In 1999, Jorge built tracks in the United States for the first time and never looked back. “I moved to the states after the Rio Olympics in 2016, but I have been building courses here since 1999. I started doing six to eight shows a year and then it grew to about 12 to 15. I met my wife and we decided that the only place that we would be able to stay without traveling so much would be Wellington.” Since basing in the United States, Jorge has spent time bringing his knowledge and excellence to both World Equestrian Center facilities. “As a course designer, it is always great to be at both World Equestrian Center venues.

I think right from the start, WEC had the best guidance as far as the technicalities. The footing is always great and the jumps and crew are top international quality.” “Wilmington is as good as it gets in the world as far as size and footing of an indoor arena. You could hold an international competition any time you want, the conditions are top notch. Of course, the WEC Grand Arena in Ocala is very special. I did the first CSI3* down there and it was a really nice class to have the opportunity to build in that atmosphere.” Through his time designing at international venues, Jorge has continuously adapted his strategy as he has watched the quality of horses and riders evolve over time.

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Behindthe

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Course

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

“The maximum height at Rio was 1.60m and now it is 1.65m for a class like that. I was only allowed to use 12 jumps in the final and now we can use up to 14 or 15 because the level of the sport has evolved so much. That was what we saw in Rio. It was really incredible. It gives the course designer options to build a course that is appropriate for the level of horses. You don’t need to make one specific jump extremely difficult. You’re able to spread your questions out around the tracks. It is a modern way of designing. The difficulties are more subtle, and at the end of those courses, the horses are in better condition.” The technicality of show jumping has progressed, but Jorge sticks to his philosophy for every course that he builds. “When I am starting to design a course, I know the specs of the class, the layout of the ring and the experience of competitors. I like to have a very

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Photo: Winslow Photography

accurate plan because I think it helps to go from paper to building. I think the track is the most important thing and something that I really pay attention to. I like my courses to require a lot of concentration from the horse and the rider. This way, it isn’t just a straight line of jumps, one jump is consequence of the previous jump.” Jorge will bring his expertise back to Wilmington and Ocala for the 2024 show season at World Equestrian Center.

Photo: Winslow Photography

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Photo: Ashley Neuhof

Natalie with

by BRIANNA MILLER

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DEAN ®

n 2023, U25 Jumping athlete, Natalie Dean spent April through July traveling the globe with the Paris Panthers, a Global Champions League™ (GCL) team. Dean visited several incredible destinations, such as Miami Beach, Mexico City, Madrid, Ramatuelle Saint Tropez, Cannes, Stockholm and Paris. Along her journey, the talented athlete also produced results in the Longines Nations Cup™ on the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team at world-renowned venues in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Aachen, Germany and Falsterbo, Sweden. Dean's riding career started at the age of 11 and her passion for Jumping ignited at 16. Guided by trainers Butch and Lu Thomas at Willow Tree

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Farm in Portola Valley, California, Dean worked her way through the levels from 1.0m jumpers to the 1.40m level in just one year. Five years ago, Dean found her way east to Wellington, Florida, and started to train with Ilan Ferder. Since then, Dean has gathered a string of top-level horses with the help of Ferder and has produced incredible results all over the world. “I am living the dream of any rider and I am so grateful to every person that has helped make it possible,” expressed Dean. Miami Beach, Florida – April 14-16, 2023 Dean brought four of her top horses on the tour, Acota M, Chance Ste Hermelle, Nespresso Van’t Laekhof and Chadora Lady. She kicked off the tour in Miami Beach, showing Chance Ste Hermelle and Chadora Lady. Dean took home an impressive third place finish in the 1.45m ranking class aboard Chadora Lady, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare by Chacco-blue x Nintender. Mexico City, Mexico – April 20-23, 2023 From there, Dean went to Mexico City with the same two impressive mares. “Mexico City was a

blast and probably one of the coolest venues. It was a special show because Chadora Lady was just stepping up to the five-star level.” San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – April 27-30, 2023 Dean took a detour to San Miguel de Allende to compete on the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Mexico, “I took Nespresso Van’t Laekhof, a 2013 Belgian Warmblood gelding, who we’ve had since he was seven. He was just moving up and we actually won a 1.50m class,” said Dean. “I also brought Acota M, who is probably my top horse right now. She came from World Cup Finals™ [in Omaha, Nebraska], which wasn’t our best show, but she jumped a super round in the grand prix with one small mistake to finish on four faults.” Madrid, Spain – May 12-14, 2023 Next up, Madrid, Spain. Dean piloted Nespresso Van’t Laekhof and Chance Ste Hermelle. “Madrid was a very fun venue. It’s a large, beautiful grass field with stunning jumps. The crowd was amazing all week and I felt like the horses really grew in the atmosphere.”

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Top photo: Ashley Neuhof Top left photo: Courtesy of Natalie Dean Left photo: Ahmed Al Maawali Above photos: Ashley Neuhof

Ramatuelle Saint Tropez, France – June 1-3, 2023 Ramatuelle Saint Tropez was the next location on the trip. Dean cinched impressive results, including a top three finish with Chadora Lady in the 1.50m ranking class and a top ten finish in the CSI5* Grand Prix with Acota M. Cannes, France – June 8-10, 2023 The following week, Dean journeyed over to Cannes, France, with the same two horses and competed Chadora Lady in her first 1.60m class. Stockholm, Sweden – June 16-18, 2023

Photo: Ashley Neuhof

The penultimate Global Champions League™ stop for Dean was at Stockholm, Sweden. Chance Ste Hermelle assisted Dean with more consistent rounds and new experiences. Paris, France – June 23-25, 2023 Dean’s final stop was unforgettable, situated right under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Nespresso Van’t Laekhof earned a seventh-place finish in the 1.45m Two Phase Special CSI5*.

the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Germany and Falsterbo Horse Show CSIO5* in Sweden. “Aachen was my favorite show. It’s one of the top equestrian venues in the world. Jumping under the lights on the grass with completely packed stands in the Nations Cup™ is something I will never forget. Everyone was cheering and the horses loved it,” shared Dean. “I brought three horses, ‘Acota,’ ‘Nespresso,’ and ‘Chance.’ My worst score of that week was four faults. It was the most amazing experience and I couldn’t have been happier with the results. My main horse, Acota M, then went on to jump double-clear in the Nations Cup™ in Falsterbo to help our team finish third,” she added. “I am always so honored to represent the U.S. and to be selected for big European Nations Cups’ is a testament to my horses and my team - I owe it all to them.” In just four months, Dean traveled around the globe and made memories that would last a lifetime, “Showing on the Paris Panthers gave me so many opportunities and competing on the [NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team] is always an honor. The shows and the tour were all so competitive. I was competing with some of the best riders in the world. I knew going into it, I was going to come out a better rider, with better horses, and I did, with even more knowledge and experience than I ever anticipated.”

Aachen, Germany – June 27-July 2, 2023 Falsterbo, Sweden – July 13-16, 2023

Photo: Ashley Neuhof

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Although Dean’s tour with the Paris Panthers ended, she was chosen to be part of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for

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