World Equestrian Center Magazine Volume II 2023

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Adequan® i.m. actually treats degenerative joint disease, and not just the signs. Ask your veterinarian if Adequan® i.m. is the right choice for your horse. Learn more at adequan.com.

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BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

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All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc. © 2022, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-0373 (v2.0) 05/2022

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Photo: Q2 Photography

Photo: Maven Photo + Film

Photo: Winslow Photography

I Welcome to WEC

n this issue, we meet extraordinary people who have taken many different pathways to finding and defining their mission in life. Sometimes those journeys are direct and straightforward, sometimes they are winding and require a restart or a leap of faith. In the end, it is often the experiences of the journey that help define the mission. Read on for this and much, much more!

Our Stable Spotlight shines on Anna Marek, a Nations Cup Gold Medalist and upper-level dressage rider whose love of training and taste for winning has fueled her rise in the sport. She shares her journey from a scary fall as a child to a renewed passion as a teen and a ride that brought her to international competition.

We spend 24 Hours with seven-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa and learn how he approaches the balance between training, competition, traveling and family life. He shares his passion for the sport and his dedication to remaining at the top of his competitive game. We photographed him at the stunning winter headquarters of his Amethyst Equestrian in Wellington, Florida.

Get to know Josh Winslow of Josh Winslow Photography who sees horse shows through the lens of his camera, capturing the deep understanding between horse and rider and the transformative moments that define equestrian sport.

We’re inspired by Olivia Alcorta, founder of Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary whose serendipitous concern for an Amish cart horse called Abe helped established her mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome America’s forgotten horses (and many other animals) at her charming family farm in Vermont.

Our Equestrian Style columns take us behind the scenes with Rebecca Ray Designs. The iconic brand has carved out a niche as purveyors of authentic, bench-crafted handbags and totes made in American by women artisans. With designs that

embody the sporting lifestyle and a commitment to creating “honest luxury,” the future is bright for Rebecca and her team.

FEI Level-4 course designer Alan Wade headlines our new Behind the Course feature, where we meet the creative people who design intricate jumping tracks at horse shows all over the world. Alan shares his perspective on designing for the $150,000

For Editorial: Candace FitzGerald | candace.fitzgerald@wec.net

We hope you enjoy the issue!

God bless, The Roberts Family

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

Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3* in the World Equestrian Center Grand Outdoor Arena during our 2023 Winter Spectacular circuit.

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo: Myra Hudson Photography

Photos by Winslow Photography

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We take a moment to shine the spotlight on a featured Barn or Stable to

Nations Cup Gold medalist and upper-level dressage rider Marek strides toward success.

n obstinate horse, the courage to get back on a horse after a fall and a shared passion with her mother all played a role in directing upper-level dressage rider Anna Marek on an odyssey that has taken her to the highest echelon of the sport.

The native Michigander had a deep love for animals at an early age, but didn’t grow up in an environment replete with sprawling green space.

“I lived in a suburb or Detroit and there weren’t a whole lot of farms in the area,” said Marek. “It wasn’t as if I grew up on a farm.”

However, her mother had ridden when she was younger and wanted to share that experience with her daughter, and provided her with that opportunity, not knowing it would lay the foundation of what was to come.

“My mom grew up riding, and oddly enough, the same barn where she grew up riding was still in business when I was young,” said Marek. “For one of my birthdays, I think I was around seven, she got me riding lessons and we went once a week. We took riding lessons together, group lessons at this hunter/jumper barn.”

It was while at that barn that Marek had the opportunity to see several different breeds and equine athletes who were involved in a number of disciplines, providing her with some early exposure to the possibilities associated with the equine industry and equestrian sport.

“They had all sorts of horses, mainly it was jumping horses, but they taught people that didn’t own their horses and they had a whole bunch of school horses, so my mom got back into it because I showed interest in it,” said Marek. “And so, we started riding together.”

But an unexpected turn would test Marek’s mettle, leaving the young rider to question whether she was suited for horses.

“I was put on a horse early on that was too much horse for me,” said Marek. “I ended up falling off and getting really scared. It was so funny because my mom wanted to take me back and put me on a horse, but my dad was like, ‘you’re not taking her back to the barn until she asks to go.’”

The future upper-level rider did take a respite from riding, but it was through a propitious set of circumstances that would see Marek return to the saddle.

“I remember the fall and not wanting to ride, but I don’t remember my parents saying anything about it, obviously when they were talking about it, I wasn’t able to hear,” said Marek. “I don’t quite remember how long it was before I started riding, it was definitely months (before she started riding again).”

“I met a girl in school who had horses, western horses, and she invited me out to the barn and I started riding with her. I ended up leasing a horse at the barn and we just kind of messed around and did kids stuff with the horses. We just played, rode bareback, trail rode and played games. We were barn rats.”

The opportunity to be around horses, have fun and be with friends who had similar interests suited Marek. And like her friends, her intent was to jump as well. But fate would find her going in a different direction.

“What was funny was that this horse came along at the barn, she went through an auction and I just fell in love with her,” said Marek. “I had to have this horse. After a while, my friends got me this horse and it was my first horse.”

However, Marek soon found out the horse was less than pleased with the idea of having to go over verticals and oxers.

“He would refuse the jumps and I would fall off all the time,” said Marek. “So, then I started riding more tentatively, which made him stop more. I started to get scared because of it because of this horse.”

But it was Marek’s love for Oskar that allowed for the connection to continue, and it was there

she would make a life transforming decision, one that she hardly knew at the time would change the direction of her life. She transitioned to another discipline that led her to a path that she’s still on to this day.

“I went to this schooling, this little, tiny dressage show and I won a blue ribbon,” said Marek. “And I decided that it was way more fun to win a blue ribbon than it was to fall off and be scared.”

Her sojourn with the sport began when she was 11 years old. Marek would end up getting her United States Dressage Federation Bronze medal on Oskar; but realized she had reached her limit with the horse. She worked with several trainers in Michigan and then had the opportunity to

grow as a horsewoman, accepting a position in Pennsylvania as a working student.

“I was a teenager then and really didn’t have a horse at the time,” said Marek. “The lady who hooked me up with being a working student let me take her horse. So, I took her horse, worked, learned and I took lessons.”

As Marek continued to evolve as a horsewoman, she took on greater challenges and her progression would ultimately lead her to the horse who would change her life.

“When I came home, there was a horse in the barn that the owner was scared of, a 5-year-old Warmblood,” said Marek. “I was a kid at the time. I was excited to ride everything and decided to ride this horse for this lady. She was the first horse that I had ridden from the beginning, it was Unico G. I showed him training level. He was the first horse that I showed Prix St. Georges and got my USDF Silver medal on him. I showed him at I1 and I2 (Intermediaire), grand prix and got My USDF Gold medal on him.”

The bond and connection between horse and rider continued to produce optimal results, which included a regional championship and two grand prix championships, and this despite the challenges Marek faced as Unico G could be difficult.

“He was a talented horse and when I could get it out of him, he was amazing,” said Marek. “He really taught me to stick with it. Maybe if he had been at another stable, somebody may have not been willing to put the effort in because he was tough, but he was all I had. I was going to make it happen.”

However, at the time Marek was enjoying success with Unico G and he was starting to show at the Prix St. Georges level, his owner wanted to sell him, but knew that the horse and rider combination needed to keep their partnership intact.

“She said, ‘Anna, you really need to keep going with this horse.’ And I said, ‘Amy, I can’t afford to buy this horse.’ I was a college student (at Michigan State, a Spartan as were both her parents). I had no money. And she was like, ‘well, let’s figure something out. You need this horse.’ We picked a number,” said Marek. “She gave me something crazy, like two or three years to pay it off. I don’t even know if I did a down payment. It was such a generous thing she did for me.”

Once again, fate and a propitious set of circumstances provided Marek with an opportunity to go forward with her career, building on the progress she had previously made with a partner who was more than up to the task, creating additional opportunities for the young rider.

“What ended up happening was that I had all this time to pay off Unico and I had a young horse that I had bought for super cheap that was unbroke,” said Marek. “I broke him and sold him, and then, I was able to pay off Unico. I kept going with him. I had other horses, training horses in between, but he was the first horse that I showed in the CDIs in Wellington. He gave me so many experiences.”

The future was beckoning, and once again, Marek was faced with a difficult decision, the kind that comes with success, but leads to additional growth. It was a conversation with the man she was working with at the time that would lead to the next phase of her career.

“He loved Unico and everything, but he said to me, ‘Anna, you and Nico, that’s what I called him, you’ve kind of done everything that you can do.’ Nico was 15 years old at the time and he was still worth a lot of money,” said Marek. “Unico was doing Grand Prix and Dee Clair was coming up the levels.”

Dee Clair was a 4 year old when Marek began working with her and the man she was working for suggested to Marek that she sell Unico, so she could continue moving forward with her career as a rider/trainer. It was a difficult decision, as she would never imagine selling the horse that had given her so many incredible memories. But a new star was beginning to emerge in the barn.

“Holiday was in training with me, he was 4 years old; and Nico was 15 years old and doing grand prix,” said Marek. “I said to the man, ‘what are your thoughts about trading Unico for Holiday, plus the difference in money for what they’re worth? He sat back and thought about it, and he said, ‘if we were shopping for this horse, meaning

Holiday, we wouldn’t be able to afford him. You should see if the lady would trade you.’ And that’s what we did. That’s how I got Holiday. I traded Nico and got some cash to go along with it.”

Dee Clair had reached the upper levels and was nearing showing at Grand Prix. At that same time, Marek was doing Grand Prix with another horse Warina (KWPN mare). She loves the psychology part of working with the horses, getting the best

out of them so they can reach their optimal best, while they’re working their way up the levels.

“That’s the thing I love about this sport, I love training the horses,” said Marek. “My current Grand Prix horse, Firefly (gelding owned by Janet Simile), I didn’t train from a young horse. It’s a different journey than riding Nico, Dee Clair and Holiday, and all of these other horses that I’ve been with for years. It’s so much fun for me. Nico,

Dee Clair, Holiday, Donauwelle P. that I have are all so different and it’s so fun to realize that all of the horses are your trainers and you never stop learning. Because as soon as you think you have it figured out, a horse will come along that will prove you wrong.”

Marek’s passion for the sport and for horses is palpable and her enthusiasm is contagious as is her outgoing personality and genuine smile. However, it’s her humility that sets her apart.

“It’s so funny because I love to work and I love to do this,” said Marek. “The biggest reward for me is riding and training my nice horses. Wherever this takes me, I’m going to work as hard as I can and learn as much as I can and see where I end up. I’ve been very fortunate with the people who’ve come along and given me opportunities. You have to work when you get those opportunities. That’s the special thing about this job for me is that I can’t wait to get up and ride my horses every day. I can’t wait to go to the barn. I fall asleep thinking about it.”

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The opportunity to work with some outstanding coaches and horsemen have also played a role in Marek’s success, which include a U.S. Olympian and USDF Hall of Famer.

“I came down to Florida to work for Belinda Nairn-Wertman,” said Marek. “I rode for her for about three years. In that time, I met Anne Gribbons. A woman named Rene Isler helped emerging young riders at the time. She sponsored me to have one lesson a month with Anne Gribbons, this was back in 2011. Once I started on my own, I continued training with Anne. She’s been my coach since then.”

The affable rider has a number of sponsors, including Devoucoux Saddles, Ecogold Saddle Pads, Hallway Feeds, Funky Unicorn Treats and Grand Performance Solutions.

The challenges that come with being a horse trainer, professional athlete, upper-level rider, wife and mother keep Marek focused and her steady demeanor keeps things balanced. The mother of two has not only a great support team in the barn, but at home with her husband, James, in-laws and parents playing critical roles.

"We have a lot of help with the kids and the grandparents love being so involved with the kids,” said Marek. “We’re so fortunate that way. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing as much as I am at this level.”

The opportunity to show so close to home has been an added bonus for Marek, who will still be going out of town on occasion to Wellington, but will be competing routinely at World Equestrian Center, a place that she loves.

“It’s so funny, because I’ll say to James, when we drive out there that I can’t believe this place is in our backyard,” said Marek. “The nicest facility that I’ve ever been to or could have imagined is 15 minutes away from our farm. It’s so comfortable to go to a show there, everything is set up so well for the competitors. It’s easy and convenient. You don’t have to leave there during the day, with all of the restaurants. The stalls are so friendly for the horses and the footing is state-of-the-art. They really did an amazing job. It’s such a huge thing for us in Ocala. I can go to a high-level show, see the kids and sleep in my own bed those days.”

IN THE LIFE Rodrigo of

PESSOA

P hotos by Andrew Ryback

Photography

Seven-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa is an influential figure in modern day show jumping, having amassed an impressive resume of more than 70 international victories.

on of five-time Olympian, Nelson Pessoa, Rodrigo’s decorated career started at an early age with his first Olympic Games appearance at 19. Ever since, the Brazilian athlete has illustrated his talents and showcased his knowledge as the Senior Performance Coach of the Irish Show Jumping team, where he led the team to a string of successes in three years.

“For the past 30 years, I am lucky to have had an international career and fantastic moments with great horses and owners. I’ve made so many memories along the way; receiving the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, winning at the World Championships and World Cup™ Finals,” shared Pessoa about his most memorable moments.

“Winning and doing well is always good, but at the bottom of it all, we are all real competitors and real competitive junkies,” laughed Pessoa. “There is a point where some riders are not keen to compete and win anymore, but at the moment, I am still very keen on competing and doing well. I am fortunate to have a stable of incredible horses and owners that allow me to do what I love. It’s work, but doesn’t feel like work – it’s a passion.”

Today, Pessoa continues to focus on his international career, along with Amethyst Equestrian, the boarding and training business he shares with his wife, Alexa Pessoa. Amethyst Equestrian is based out of North Salem, New York,

during the summer and fall months, then in Wellington, Florida, during the winter.

“We travel 40 weeks out of the year. Whether it is within the United States, Canada or Europe. We are in a very fortunate position where we are able to go to all of these wonderful places and meet wonderful people. It’s a bit of a gypsy lifestyle, but we get to come to world-class venues like World Equestrian Center – Ocala.”

Pessoa is frequently seen at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

during the Saturday night grands prix. He made his first grand prix appearance during the inaugural 2021 Winter Spectacular Show Series.

“I had been hearing a lot about World Equestrian Center. We came when they broke ground and what they created here is something incredible. The facility is world-class and it is unique in the world – there is no place like it. It’s picking up more and more, getting more international dates and becoming well known around the world. Everyone is talking about it.”

There is a point where some riders are not keen to compete and win anymore, but at the moment, I am still very keen on competing and doing well. I am fortunate to have a stable of incredible horses and owners that allow me to do what I love. It’s work, but doesn’t feel like work – it’s a passion.”

A Day in the Life of

Rodrigo Pessoa

7:30am – 6pm

We have a preestablished schedule of lessons and the horses that need to be ridden. I can ride anywhere from two to three, to seven to nine horses a day. There are always moving parts, but we have an incredible staff and great manager that keeps everything moving in the right direction.

Teaching is a part of our business that my wife and I focus on. We have three students that all have a few horses each. If you want to do things well, you have to set aside time. Our clients and owners are very committed and enjoy being a part of the process. It’s our job to make sure that we give everyone the time they deserve.

There is a lot of logistics because our horses are constantly showing and traveling. We have horses that travel across the country, and even the Atlantic,

so there is a lot of planning that needs to happen. Not to mention, the weekly visits from the farrier and vet to check on our horses.

A Saturday Night Grand Prix with Rodrigo Pessoa

On any given show day, we constantly have moving parts, so I am on the move until I step into the ring. We have students that compete on the weekends in the junior or amateur divisions and each show more than one horse. We will also go back to the barn to ride a few, then I try to ride my grand prix horses around 3pm or 4pm to exercise before the class. 7pm is the time to get to business and try to do well.

Showing under the lights at World Equestrian Center – Ocala is always a thrill. It’s incredible for the athletes and the horses to be able to compete in such an atmosphere with a great crowd and stunning jumps. The WEC Grand Outdoor Arena is very impressive, the lighting is very good and the crowd is always interactive. The class has as much buzz as big championships. It’s really great to be able to compete at a facility like this and we are always so eager to compete here.

Official Dressage Arena Provider and Sponsor of the World Equestrian Center Wilmington, OH

Rodrigo PESSOA’s MUST HAVES:

I have been lucky to have partnered with some great brands throughout the years.

ROLEX

The oldest partner for me is Rolex, it has been almost 25 years together. Rolex is a remarkable company that has given myself and the equestrian sport tremendous support. It is a worldknown brand that is very unique and captures the essence of being an equestrian athlete.

EQUIFIT

EquiFit is an American brand that has quality protective and riding equipment for our horses. We use their gear like boots, girths and exercise equipment and we trust that it will keep our horses safe and in good shape.

CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS

We use Connolly’s Red Mills, an Irish brand with quality and nutritious food for our horses.

TRM

For supplements, we use TRM to help our horses perform to their full potential.

HERMES SADDLES

We have ridden in Hermès saddles for many years. They have been an incredible supporter and the custom-made saddles are top quality.

DY'ON

I also use Dy’on for our bridles and other leather parts. It is important to have long-lasting partnerships. I am so grateful for the support of our sponsors.

I had been hearing a lot about World Equestrian Center. We came when they broke ground and what they created here is something incredible. The facility is world-class and it is unique in the world – there is no place like it.”

Memorable OLYMPIC GAMES

My favorite Olympic Games had to be my first. I was in Barcelona in 1992 and I was 19 years old. It was an incredible experience. To get to see all of the other athletes in the village and see the dream team, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley play basketball was so much fun. I love basketball, so it was an incredible experience to be one of the athletes in the mixture.

Over the years, whether it was Atlanta, Sydney or London, all of them had a different flavor of their own particularity, which is really nice. I have been lucky to have been able to compete in seven of them and hoping to go for my eighth next year in Paris.

Hours in the Life of Rodrigo Pessoa

Photo: Jennifer Wood Media Inc.

Photo: REUTERS Photographer

Two Times Two Times

a Charm for

Times a Charm for EGANKate

EGAN ate

Winner of the 2023 Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeoman's Ford

as told to Brianna Miller

Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography

ince 2020, Kate Egan has been making her way up through the equitation ranks, racking up a list of accomplishments, including second place at Zone 2 Maclay Regionals, third place at Medal Finals and a 10th-place finish at the 2022 Maclay Finals. World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s 2023 Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeoman's Ford marked the talented young athlete’s first championship win.

Junior Rider Focus:

Junior Rider Focus:

’

Winning Trainer Emil Spadones Thoughts

Kate Egan’s trainer, Emil Spadone, winner of the 2023 Premier Equitation Cup Championship $100,000 Trainer Bonus shared his thoughts about the prestigious event.

Our rider, Kate, has a winning mindset. She sets the bar high in the goals she wants to reach and this was certainly one of her biggest accomplishments. One round at a time, one jump at a time brought her to the top of the class and she navigated a very difficult test where she hung onto the lead.

It goes without saying that this was a very exciting night for our Redfield team, to see our Kate driving her new car around the arena waving to the crowd with her gleaming smile was something very special!

The World Equestrian Center Premier Equitation Cup Championship is a Finals-level competition. We are all so grateful to the Robert’s family for this facility and support of the entire industry. With their help, Ocala has risen to a standard comparable with the best places in the world.

WEC

KE

When did you begin riding?

I started riding when I was about 4 or 5 at a nearby farm after my sister started riding. I moved to Redfield Farms when I was 7 and have been riding there ever since. I am from Califon, New Jersey, so Redfield was just 10 minutes away. I showed locally until I was about 12 years old, then switched over to rated shows. I showed up through the 3’3” hunters, then about three years ago, I transitioned over to the 3’3” equitation. In 2020, I competed in my first 3’6” equitation class and I competed in my first equitation final in 2021.

Tell us about the horse that you rode in the 2023 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship.

‘Kashmir’ is a horse that I lease from Emil Spadone. He is a nine-yearold Warmblood gelding. Emil originally imported him as a Junior/ Amateur Jumper, but he was a bit too slow and lofty in the air. He wanted me to make him an equitation horse and it ended up being his calling. I began leasing him last April and I am going to finish out my final year with him. He’s super brave and gives you his best every time you step into the ring.

Tell us about the three phases of competition in the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship.

Round one reminded me of the Washington International Jumper Phase. It was technical, but not too crazy. After the first round, I felt very confident.

Kate Egan and her trainer, Emil Spadone, sharing smiles after being presented with the winning car keys from Krissy Chalk of Gary Yeoman's Ford.

WEC KE

The closest commercial airport to the World Equestrian Center, GNV is a quick 45-minute drive from Ocala, offering nonstop service to ATL, CLT, DFW and MIA and hundreds of destinations around the world in one stop!

PERFORMANCE,

Create

I knew the flat phase was going to be a challenge from the start. We all took our irons off our saddles, so it was a no-stirrup test the entire time. Last year, during this class, I broke into the canter during the flat phase, so this year was my redemption.

The second round was much more technical than the first. There were so many tight and blind turns, you really wanted to land your leads. We met every jump perfectly and I felt like I rode the best I’ve ever ridden.

When it was time for the work-off, I was coming back on-top. After I watched the other girls go, I knew I had to have a smooth round. Once I finished, the crowd went crazy.

Junior Rider Focus: Kate Egan

WEC KE

How did you feel after you realized you just won a brand-new SUV?

I was overwhelmed with excitement. That was a huge class with some of the best junior riders in the country. When I stood atop the podium and was handed the Premier Cup trophy and keys to the car, I was in disbelief. It’s not a year lease on the car, I was given the title to sign. It’s truly your car that is under your name. It was so much fun to drive it around and honk the horn. It’s such a beautiful car, and I can’t thank my trainer and parents enough for allowing me to follow my dreams. World Equestrian Center – Ocala is the best facility in the world and I am so grateful that they offer this class for junior athletes.

Junior Rider Focus: NAME

Junior Focus: Kate Egan

Wilmington Dogs: Photos by Winslow Photography

Ocala Dogs: Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography

LEADS Serendipity When

toaMISSION:

storeybrook farm sanctuary provides a safe haven for the forgotten

by CANDACE FITZGERALD

Photos by Myra Hudson Photography

Olivia Alcorta grew up on a farm in Connecticut where she started riding at the age of 3. “My mother has instilled a love for horses in all of us from an early age and that love stayed with all of my sisters and I ever since,” she recalls. Her pony years included competing her family’s beloved Playing for Keeps aka Archie. She attended Foxcroft School in Virginia, where her junior career focused on show jumping. Later, her studies at Boston University allowed for flying down to WEF when possible, to compete as an amateur. After college, traveling replaced competing, but the pull of a revered childhood and farm life was always there.

“One of my main objectives for purchasing a farm in Vermont was to have a place for our show jumper Woica van Overis to retire. She had been in my family for 19 years. She enjoyed life at Storeybrook for almost 4 years before we lost her this winter. It was immeasurably special to be by her side in the end.”

After saving Abe, and getting to know his incredibly gentle soul, I knew I had to save more like him. So, from there, a mission was born.”

A panoramic view of the soft Green Mountains in the foreground and the more dramatic Adirondack Mountains in the distance provide a stunning backdrop for the healing journey of the animals there, “I knew I wanted Storey to grow up on a similar farm to the one I had, but I love the mountains and wanted to be close to them as well. When we saw this farm, our hearts stopped, and we knew this was it.”

When asked about her motivation for founding Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary, Olivia acknowledges that there was no master plan. “It started as an impulsive purchase of an emaciated 18-year-old Amish cart horse, Abe, and slowly built from there. Abe completely opened my eyes to the horrific treatment that happens to America’s forgotten horses. After saving Abe, and getting to know his incredibly gentle soul, I knew I had to save more like him. So, from there, a mission was born.”

Olivia trusts her gut instincts as a horsewoman more than a prescribed methodology for choosing which animals to bail from the slaughter pipeline. “There is no rhyme or reason to the horses that we choose. We usually try to scan the pages for the most medically intensive ones, since they are least likely to be saved. But most of the time, it is just a feeling that I get when I see them. An expression they have I can’t get out of my head, or the look of defeat. Haunting images that stay with me for days and won’t let me move on until I have their

Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary is situated high on a hill in picturesque Waterbury, Vermont.

Every day, I learn a new thing in horsemanship from our rescues and that is not an exaggeration. These horses have taught me more in the three years I have had rescues than in all my prior years of riding."

I get this question a lot and the truth is that there is no master plan. This sanctuary and its mission are built brick by brick every day, without a master plan or blueprint. Our mission is fueled every day by the horses we have saved and the ones with the empty eyes still at the kill pen that we can’t get out of our heads.”

"bails paid and their transport to the sanctuary lined up. The hardest part of choosing who to save, is looking at all the faces you leave behind,” she shared. Most of the abused and neglected animals arrive at Storeybrook in rough shape, and after an initial assessment, they typically require medical and dental care, farrier services and a program of worming and re-feeding. Some may need special treatments or even surgery. Although Olivia is a lifelong horsewoman, there is still an education process to rescue and rehabilitation.

“Every day, I learn a new thing in horsemanship from our rescues and that is not an exaggeration. These horses have taught me more in the three years I have had rescues than in all my prior years of riding. The biggest lesson that I have learned from the rescues though, is the art of time and patience. Letting these horses feel safe and comfortable around us is a huge priority. It is amazing how much they take in just by watching how the other horses interact with us. We don’t rush them to work in our model or people’s expectations, we wait until they tell us they are ready and we will always wait for as long as each individual horse needs.”

Olivia has created a team at Storeybrook Farm Sanctuary that is vital to the work they do. “We have three wonderful women who help me at the farm every week. Logan Macdonald is our barn manager, Katie Mae Cohen is our

Days of Beauty 364

One of our original rescue horses, Beauty, taught me so much in such a short amount of time. Beauty was a stunning black Percheron mare with a big white star on her head. I found her at an Oklahoma kill pen, hobbling around with a man on her back. She was super skinny and her eyes empty with defeat. She reminded me so much of Black Beauty, one of my favorite childhood movies, and I bailed her immediately.

When she got to our farm, she completely fell off the trailer and the reality that I had taken on more than I could handle alone sunk in like a ton of bricks. She was emaciated and crippled from founder. My vet was there when she arrived and let me know that it was unlikely that she would survive the next few days. But Beauty was a fighter and showed us that from day one. When it came time to address her founder and farrier needs, we were overwhelmed again, since Beauty was too weak and in too much pain to stand on three legs. In an act of heroism, Josh, my farrier, personally trailered in a set of 1,000 pound “stocks” just for Beauty (stocks are a contraption that holds a horse’s weight so that they can stand on three legs). Josh and Joey worked miracles to give Beauty every chance at her new life. Their efforts lead to her having an incredible summer galloping around, but the damage her previous life had done to her was too much. We had 364 days with Beauty before we lost the fight against her damaged body.

At first, after we put her down, I was furious that we didn’t get more time with her. But after the initial sting of loss had faded, the gravity of her story and life here at the sanctuary sunk in. In just 364 days we had given Beauty a whole life. Like a perfect story, her time started off with her being forgotten and broken, then tenderly cared for and fixed, peaking with a month of summer time spent galloping with friends, and then slowly, her body told us it had reached its end. She got to leave this world with pain meds, a full belly and surrounded by people telling her they loved her. Entirely different from the ending she almost had in the overcrowded trailer heading to Mexico for slaughter.

Beauty brought my vet and farrier together, first as coworkers, and then as friends. She taught me that alone I may feel overwhelmed, but as a team, nothing is impossible. Beauty gave me more in 364 days than I ever thought imaginable.

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Inspiration: When Serendipity Leads to a Mission

barn employee and trainer, and Olivia Gentchos is our weekend employee. These three ladies not only keep the sanctuary running, but they help me in immeasurable ways. Dr. Joey Wagner of Sugar Run Equine is our vet and a true miracle worker for the animals here. Josh Early, our farrier, has moved mountains for several of our rescues and taken on incredibly difficult cases for us. Without these two men, I would not have had the courage or strength to start the sanctuary. I am forever indebted to them for their kindness and generosity. And lastly, we have an amazing community of volunteers that help with the horses every day. They do everything from daily chores to grooming and they give the horses the individual love they all deserve.”

Much of horse rescue work is living in the moment, dealing with medical and behavioral issues and making sure that the animals are making positive strides in their recovery journey. When asked about future plans and goals for her sanctuary, Olivia takes a practical stance.

“I get this question a lot and the truth is that there is no master plan. This sanctuary and its mission are built brick by brick every day, without a master plan or blueprint. Our mission is fueled every day by the horses we have saved and the ones with the empty eyes still at the kill pen that we can’t get out of our heads.

While we may not have a master plan, I definitely have dreams for this farm. More acres to fill with rescues, more training facilities to help horses find their new home, and above all, doing everything in our power to spread more awareness about America’s forgotten horses and shine a light on the conditions and treatment these horses are in all over our country. Awareness brings change and change is our biggest goal for the future.”

like, follow, share, support and donate to STOREYBROOK FARM SANCTUARY www.storeybrookfarmsanctuary.com storeybrookfarm@gmail.com on

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n the first floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Stirrups Restaurant has quickly become a top dining destination in Ocala. With an impressive 27-page wine list and a master sommelier on staff, the caliber is hard to match. But beyond the impeccable service and the down-home hospitality that’s the cornerstone of traditional Southern cuisine, it’s the unusual menu for a fine-dining establishment that keeps guests coming back time and time again.

Starters like fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs, she-crab soup and black-eyed pea salad are artfully served on crisp white platters and bowls.

Comfort foods, like hot chicken and grits and bananas foster French toast are best-sellers on the brunch menu. The Mississippi mud pie was recently named the best chocolate cake in the state by Eat This, Not That. With such a repertoire of elevated classics, I wondered: how does a dish make the menu at a restaurant like Stirrups? I sat down with the World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s Director of Culinary, Chef Ryker Brown, to get his take on bringing the menu to life.

Reinventing Southern Classics

Chef Brown has years of experience in the kitchen as an accomplished executive chef and he’s spent the last decade overseeing successful food and beverage programs at resorts including Nashville’s prestigious Omni Hotel & Resort, Park City’s Waldorf Astoria, and Robert Redford’s

famed Sundance Mountain Resort. Though he’s admittedly not a Southerner, he and his team have dedicated themselves to researching the flavors, history and culture of the South as they built the menu at Stirrups. Each season, they refresh the offerings, making adjustments to bring in new ingredients, paying homage to tradition while making room for innovation.

From start to finish, for every plate, the research and development process involves essential steps to ensure that considerations for the menu meet the expectations of ownership and, of course, taste great and feel authentic to the Stirrups brand. There are certain staple menu items that the chefs say are foundational for a restaurant in the South: deviled eggs, shrimp and grits and

Creamy deviled eggs, garnished with pickled mustard seeds, are a staple on this southern fine-dining menu.

The impressive hot fried chicken at Stirrups. Served with pickles and grits for a true southern taste.

buttermilk biscuits – “They will likely never come off the menu,” Chef Brown tells me. “They feed the identity. We want to strike a balance: Have guests wonder what this season will bring, but also have those core items that say ‘this is Stirrups.’”

As a rule, any new dish added to the menu must illuminate a part of the identity of the Southern steakhouse. Differing greatly by region, “Southern” food has always been multicultural. The scope of what’s considered Southern can include a range of flavors from Floribbean (a newera combination of “Floridian” and “Caribbean”), Lowcountry, Appalachian, and Cajun cuisine, just

to name a few. Techniques and ingredients carry influence from indigenous, African American and European cultures. But nailing that identity down can be illusive.

“We’ve had several dishes that just simply didn’t work.” Chef Brown explains, “I can look back and remember our first chicken entrée. Originally, we tried it as a roasted chicken, but we couldn’t get the flavors to where I wanted them. The execution and presentation were wrong. Then I asked the question, “Is this our concept? What is Southern chicken?” and the answer was simple – fried chicken. And that’s what we set out to do.

We made several different versions of the brine, dredge, temperature of the oil, bone-in or boneless chicken, and finally arrived at the buttermilk fried chicken that’s a staple at Stirrups today.”

But it’s not just about what ingredients to choose. Sometimes, the key is in the technique. The smoked bone-in short ribs, for example, are smoked long and low using pecan and apple wood – a traditional Southern cooking method. Then, the dish is elevated by slowly cooking it in beef tallow, or fat, using a French technique called confit. This fusion and elevated vision for the Southern classic is part of what makes the restaurant concept so special.

The Process at Work

When coming up with options for a new menu item, Chef Brown gathers the team, including Resort Executive Chef, Vincent Cani, and Sous Chefs Denise Sukes and Kenya Minott.

The team of chefs innovating the menu at Stirrups. Left to Right: Vincent Cani, Kenya Minott, Denise Sukes, Isai Coca, Ryker Brown

“ They feed the identity. We want to strike a balance: Have guests wonder what this season will bring, but also have those core items that say ‘this is Stirrups.’”

Commitment to EXCELLENCE

Together, they work from a handful of recipe options, often survivors from previous research and development phases that they haven’t yet gotten quite right or new recipes inspired by industry trends, and most importantly, seasonality.

Southern food carries with it an attention to ingredients from the earth and from the sea, and the team tries to honor that appreciation for harvest in their selections. Recent considerations for the summer menu included trial and error with the seasonally-inspired starter, ramp and crab beignets with green goddess dressing and prospective entrée, red trout with a duck fat potato pavé.

To begin developing, they work at minimum a full season ahead to provide enough time to consider a host of complexities like where to source ingredients, how to develop the flavors and trial presentations for guests that feel aesthetically pleasing, functional and relevant. They start with foundational flavors, usually a broth or a sauce, because these flavors will drive the decision making process for the rest of the dish.

For the green goddess dressing, Executive Chef Cani says to start with the herbs. “You have to taste the herb and know what kind of crab you want to use, decide if you’re fortifying it with scallions or green garlic, then you think about what kind of flour. Is it mixed, or do you use something else?" Then come questions about portioning, consistency, and so on. By the end of this process,

the team might have tested the same recipe in hundreds of variations. They keep a collection of the sub-recipes that make up each core part of the dish so they can continue to make tweaks and adjustments over time. Finally, after they have a couple of strong contenders, they’ll collectively sample and decide which they are all happy with as an option for the menu.

Shrimp and grits: one of the most popular southern-style dishes on the menu at Stirrups.

An elevated take on the traditional, the black-eyed pea salad is both beautiful and bright.

“ Then I asked the question, ‘Is this our concept? What is Southern chicken?’ and the answer was simple – fried chicken. And that’s what we set out to do. We made several different versions of the brine, dredge, temperature of the oil, bone-in or boneless chicken, and finally arrived at the buttermilk fried chicken that’s a staple at Stirrups today.”

Though the process can sound cumbersome, it’s creative and artful at the heart. “The story of a dish is an important consideration.” Chef Brown tells me. “I’m attracted to things like hoecakes because they’re so deeply rooted in the story of what it means to have a place at the Southern table.” Hoecakes, a type of thin cornmeal pancake, were said to have been baked over the fire on the blade of a hoe. The incredible minimalism of the hoecake – just cornmeal, water and salt – reflects the poverty of the laborers who were typically eating it, but over time they became a part of the regional gastronomy of the South.

While it’s Chef Brown who drives new menu considerations, he explains that it’s really the creativity of his team and the interpretations of each chef that bring new dishes to life in novel ways. “The team executes in a better way that I could have even imagined. They take the dish and they interpret it and make it even better… I am so grateful for each member who is extremely talented and dedicated to their craft. They make this process successful.”

Make a reservation to dine at Stirrups to get a taste of what this Southerninspired restaurant will feature next.

CRAB and RAMP

Ingredients:

1 Cup

1 Each

2 Each

Red Pepper, Small Dice

Serrano Pepper, Small Dice

Wild Ramps, Cleaned & Minced

Kosher Salt

Bourbon Worcestershire Sauce

Tabasco Sauce

2 Ounces

1 Pound

1 Cup

2 Ounces

1 Tbsp

1 Cup

To Taste

Method:

1 2 3 4 5

Mayonnaise

Crabmeat, Colossal Lump, Drained

All Purpose Flour

Cornstarch

Baking Powder

Amber Lager Beer

Old Bay Spice

Combine peppers, ramps, crabmeat, mayonnaise in a medium bowl;, season with salt. Gently fold to combine. Set aside. (The crab mixture can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep covered and chilled until use.)

Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the thermometer registers 350°f.

While the oil is heating, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the beer, just to blend (batter will be thick).

Working in batches of about 4, measure 1 heaping tablespoon crab mixture per beignet, roll into a ball, and drop into batter. Using a fork, toss to coat and lift from batter, letting excess drip back into bowl. Carefully lower beignets into oil. Fry, turning occasionally, until crisp and deep golden brown, about 4 minutes, making sure to return oil to 375° between batches.

Transfer beignets to a paper-towel – lined plate and season with salt and Old Bay spice.

Crab and ramp beignets with green goddess dressing, a new candidate for the Stirrups menu.

Above: The chefs collaborating to bring to life a new recipe being considered for the summer menu at Stirrups.

Right: Deep frying isn’t a technique found in every fine-dining restaurant!

“ The team executes in a better way that I could have even imagined. They take the dish and they interpret it and make it even better… I am so grateful for each member who is extremely talented and dedicated to their craft. They make this process successful.”

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Samantha Schaefer riding In the Know at World Equestrian Center - Ocala.

CONNECTION: Capturing the WINSLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

by BAILEY BEAL

Photos by Winslow Photography

Josh and Karrin Winslow established Winslow Photography with a passion for sport and a focus on telling the entire story through the lens. Josh brought a background in sports photography, having mastered his craft on the sidelines of Ohio State football games. Karrin shared her experience as a trainer and love for equestrian sport with Josh. Once introduced to each other’s complimentary passions, the concept for Winslow Photography was born, and in 2013, they merged their two passions to form a business.

From the Football Field to the Grand Prix Ring

As a diehard college football fan, Josh’s postgraduate plan turned toward a sports-oriented focus. He began his photography career covering All-Star Games and recruiting events. “Fans spent a lot of money tracking where high school players were going to play in college, so there is a huge industry for that. I got my foot in the door and I started going to camps and games by myself and developed a following. I went to an Ohio State spring game super early one day to get the best seat. I photographed the game and submitted it as a portfolio and was hired a year and a half out of college to cover all the OSU home football games.”

Complementary Backgrounds

Karrin graduated from the University of Findlay with three degrees in Equine Science, Marketing and Business. Josh moved to follow her to Columbus, Ohio, for her job at Bookmark Farms and filled his time with graphic design work, until he learned that his calling was in equine photography. Karrin taught him from the ground up what it meant to be in the equestrian industry, and from there, they combined their knowledge into not only a career, but a life together.

“Before Karrin's senior year at Findlay, she was a summer camp instructor at Bookmark Farms. She invited me to a Showtime Series show in Delaware to meet a puppy named Snickers that needed rehomed. While I was there, we adopted the puppy and I photographed a few of her ground pole students. This blossomed into a second job for many years, in addition to

“I love that we get to chase this dream together; to travel and see God's beautiful creation; to find our calling and to have it be something that brings people so much joy and laughter.”

my full-time school photography position and separate OSU photography job. Karrin retired as a trainer and worked as the operations manager at Equus Now! while running more and more horse shows on the weekends with me. Eventually, it became clear that we both needed to step back from all other work and put our whole heart into equestrian photography.”

Seeing the Relationship Between Horse and Human Through the Lens

Josh believes that the enjoyment of the sport through the connection between the rider and the

horse also extends to the groom and the family, and that it transcends the height of the jumps. “It can be just as special no matter what level you are at. The importance of what was done in the ring is emotional and awesome. No matter what happens in the ring, I aim to capture the entire story between a horse, rider and everyone behind the scenes.”

Winslow Photography became the official photographer of World Equestrian Center – Wilmington in 2017, when the Winslow’s permanently switched gears to equine photography. The team has expanded to over a

dozen employees behind the scenes across multiple states and has made a home base in Wilmington, Ohio. Though the team is often spread out amongst various horse shows, the quest for quality, for capturing special moments and for excellent customer service is a constant. With his background in football coverage, Josh has a longtime compassion for competition and the moments behind-the-scenes that make sports special.

“The suspense, emotion and performance are always exciting to cover, but it's more than just the big moments that you see on the cover of a magazine or social media. I hunt for the quiet scenes,

We

“

I hunt for the quiet scenes, the calming of nerves before it begins, the emotion after it's over, and how they pick each other up in the harder moments.”

Capturing the Connection: Winslow Photography

the calming of nerves before it begins, the emotion after it's over, and how they pick each other up in the harder moments.”

The Journey of Winslow Photography

There were many people that saw potential in the husband-and-wife duo before they realized it on their own. Beginning in 2013, working with major horse shows like the Showtime Series catapulted Winslow Photography into the industry. One recommendation after another, they were introduced to World Equestrian Center –Wilmington and their relationship with the facility and the equestrian industry blossomed. Since then, they have emerged into a full-time official photographer of 58 shows across 12 states.

“I love that we get to chase this dream together; to travel and see God's beautiful creation; to find our calling and to have it be something that brings people so much joy and laughter.”

Josh explained the Winslow Photography ethos, “We work really hard to find the right people, especially behind the scenes as much as behind the camera. The shooters must be good, but there are so many other things that play into the business.

We are managing the show, swapping cards, putting out fires, and especially working hard to create a relationship with the customers that come to look at photos. We want people to come to the booth and enjoy their photos. Whether or not they buy them, we want to be there to support them and enjoy those moments with our customers.”

“It can be just as special no matter what level you are at. The importance of what was done in the ring is emotional and awesome."

Capturing the Connection: Winslow Photography

Accidents happen, and as equestrians, we know the risks associated with riding a thousand-pound animal. So how can technology help advance the safety of ride tracking to bring peace of mind to our loved ones? At The Tech Equestrian we were excited to learn more about this invaluable new horse tech innovation launched last year called EquineTrac from President and Co-founder Tanner Oliphant.

Agri Background

Tanner grew up on a cattle ranch in Kansas and enjoyed spending time outdoors in the saddle and knew what can go wrong. His professional work in the agricultural tech space, which has exposed him to the advancements of remote monitor control and automation of large farming operations, combined with his wife, an equine veterinarian and eventer, gave him the background and motivation to create the EquineTrac app. “With my line of work and my wife’s vocation, it made sense to put safety first and develop a solution that can apply to any discipline,” Tanner said. “Since my wife is a competitive eventer and mom, I wanted her to have that extra level of security when she starts her ride.” Tanner also shared that his uncle passed away from a horseback riding injury, another reason the app is all about safety.

In developing EquineTrac, I wanted to make it easy for the rider to use. You need an app that is intuitive, easy to navigate and serves its purpose...”

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How it Works

“In developing EquineTrac, I wanted to make it easy for the rider to use. You need an app that is intuitive, easy to navigate and serves its purpose,” he said. Launched in September 2022, the safety solution is a breeze to set up and use. “The beauty of the EquineTrac product is that it is a small wireless sensor paired with the EquineTrac iOS mobile app that uses state-of-the-art smart technology to detect if the rider separates from the horse during a ride.” If a fall occurs, the device immediately alerts the rider's emergency contacts and the GPS location of the fall.

The sensor can be mounted essentially anywhere on the saddle. “The sensor gets turned on one time and it doesn’t have to get turned on again.” The sensor has a unique ID

assigned to a user’s account. So, if you have multiple people that have sensors at the barn, each has their own account and unique ID. Once a user gets their account set up; they sync the sensor with their account and it is ready for use. At that point, the rider can set up multiple contacts and alerts within the app; or there is an option for ‘start/stop alerts.’ The sensor uses Bluetooth to connect to the phone. If the signal is strong enough, it will push out an alert; however, if there is no cell signal, you

The beauty of the EquineTrac product is that it is a small wireless sensor paired with the EquineTrac iOS mobile app that uses state-ofthe-art smart technology to detect if the rider separates from the horse during a ride.”

can set the stop/start ride feature before your ride which alerts your assigned contacts – giving you another level of safety. You do have to have your phone on you for this technology to work and it is an ideal companion for trail and evening rides.

Industry First: A Safety Timer

The app not only has a primary safety feature, but it also tracks ride time - miles/distance and ride history and now includes a first-of-its-kind safety timer. The timer functionality was recently added to the app and allows the user to set a timer within the app. If the user fails to stop the timer before it expires, an alert will be sent to their emergency

contact notifying them that the user failed to clear the alarm along with the user’s location. Whether you’re doing groundwork, cleaning stalls or even out for a quick ride, the safety timer allows the user peace of mind that if something were to happen, help would be on the way. The EquineTrac sensor is not required for the safety timer feature.

“We are committed to getting out and talking to users – because this will help adapt and evolve the solution – and reaffirm we are building a product riders will continue to use.” EquineTrac is a vendor at well-established venues, including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and Equine Affair. “In speaking with our customers, we’ve also found there are other uses for our app besides horseback riding, including cycling,” Tanner added. shop.equinetrac.com

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 later rode adult hunter in the Bahamas. 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.

The app not only has a primary safety feature, but it also tracks ride time - miles/distance and ride history and now includes a first-ofits-kind safety timer .”

Rebecca Ray: An Authentic American Story

by Bailey Beal

ebecca Ray Designs emerged as Rebecca Smith of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, began individually crafting handbags to find a sense of belonging.

As the luxury equestrian brand has expanded, it has grown into its core values of quality and authenticity.

Rebecca began her career with an undergraduate degree in political science and constitutional law and a Master’s Degree in Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. With experience working with high-risk students in the nonprofit sector of education, Rebecca used her organizational skills and passion for the circus life of the equestrian industry to merge her desires into a business.

“My husband and I lived in California. We had moved so much for his career and I was at loose ends. I started making these bags one by one because it was fun and gave me something to do,” said Rebecca. As a longtime equestrian, she knew that showing horses would not be practical throughout her life, so her artistic vision blossomed into a designer handbag company targeted at busy equestrians.

Rebecca began sewing each fabric-based bag by herself through ideas based on pictures and antique art in her home. After entering a contest in “Country Living Magazine” for women entrepreneurs, her product was one of six winners selected and catapulted the brand to national publicity. Later, Rebecca was introduced to the Oprah community and was selected to be featured in the “O, The Oprah Magazine” on the Best Made in America list twice. Not long after, Rebecca Ray Designs took off into the authentic, luxury collection that it is today.

One of the main core values of the organization is giving back to the community. Rebecca Ray Designs filters goodness back through philanthropic organizations and giving back to schools and universities in ways such as training employees in valuable transferable skills.

Products ranging from handbags, totes, belts, jewelry, home décor and notepads are all carefully crafted. “Everything is made by hand; we call it bench made. There is no automatization in the process in which these materials are made. One person cuts the design out, does the individual

Photos by Helen Abrams and Kristen Lee Photography LLC

piece work and sews the materials together bag by bag. They are all done by the Amish without electricity, so it is a very labor-intensive process,” Rebecca explained.

The leather used in Rebecca Ray products is made on the East Coast and all fabric on soft products is made right around the corner from Rebecca’s hometown in Cleveland, Ohio. Rebecca shared details on the authentic hardware pieces of the bags, “Harness makers may use the solid hardware on these bags for a lead rope in the morning, and then later, the snaps go on a bag! The clips and snaps on all our bags are directly from real pieces in the barn.”

Each product is evocative of traditional equestrian sport, however, brings a fresh perspective to the fashion aspect of the industry. With the use of bits, halter pieces, name plates, horse head prints and proprietary artwork, the brand has incorporated tradition into modern fashion on all its pieces. With designs ranging from solid colors with simple hardware pieces and fully decorated custom fabric, the brand encompasses authenticity and originality.

Rebecca emphasizes the authenticity of her brand as she has always been animal oriented and continues to grow her love for the sport as she

Everything is made by hand; we call it

There is no automatization in the process.

bench made.

STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD

now raises driving horses in her hometown. “My husband and I both grew up riding hunters. We have always been very oriented in animals and I think that part makes our brand very authentic. The brand is very traditional, but at the same time, very fresh.”

It’s easy to see why Ritchie Waterers stand out from the competition. And it’s not just because they’re red and yellow. Find out how at ritchiestandsout.com

Rebecca Ray Designs flourished into a staple brand that exemplifies “The Style of the Sporting Life.” The luxury brand now boasts an equestrian village of nearly 30 employees that help in the production, design, sales, customer relations and operations. Rebecca Ray was founded by a woman entrepreneur and remains true to being

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Horses thrill us as athletes, inspire and empower us, grace our lives as companions and perform miracles for people with special needs, but tens of thousands of horses are victims of abuse and neglect and shipped across our borders for slaughter each year.

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managed by talented women from all corners of the equestrian world.

Rebecca spoke on her vision for the future of the brand, “I want to keep making the most luxurious equestrian inspired accessories and continue to grow the company. I want to reach out to more people that enjoy our product and be able to give back to the communities where we are made.

I often pick up the phone and call our customers if they have questions or concerns. I like to emphasize the authenticity of the pieces we make as well. We are so authentic, we all do our own stalls and handle the care and well-being of our own horses every day. We know how all of these products and pieces are used in the horse world.”

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I want to reach out to more people that enjoy our product and be able to give back to the communities where we are made.

W o r l d E q u e s t r i a n C e n t e r O c a l a R e t a i l e r s

E x c e p t i o n a l E q u e s t r i a n | T h e F a r m H o u s e T a c k | A r e n a 4

e x c e p t i o n a l e q u e s t r i a n c o m | f a r m h o u s e t a c k c o m

Behind the Course

by Brianna Miller

Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography

World-renowned course designer Alan Wade of Tipperary, Ireland, is regarded as one of the best in the business, having set tracks at some of the most prestigious show jumping events around the world. His work has appeared at the FEI World Championships, the Nations Cup™ at the Dublin Horse Show, FEI World Cup™ Finals, the CSI5* Major League Show Jumping Finale at the Desert Horse Park and much more.

World Equestrian Center – Ocala hosted Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* competition during week IX of the 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series, where Wade was the lead course designer. He designed the tracks in the WEC Grand Outdoor Arena with assistance from Bobby Murphy, Kevin Holowack and Michael Pegg.

Wade began with simple illustrations, “In the beginning of the week, we started with pencil drawings on pieces of paper. Then, we began

to scale on the computer when we had more of a definitive design. Bobby did a lot each day to change the look with new fences and different sponsor jumps. It’s about fitting the bases together and putting jumps in that we think would complement each other.”

“We wanted to mix up the tests throughout the week and highlight all the elements in the grand prix track. For example, in the beginning of the week, we knew we were going to use the Butterfly jumps for the triple combination because we had ten standards, so we kept those fences away and used them very sparingly. We had the riders

ade Wade

Behind theCourse

jump the double wide wall on Wednesday, and on Saturday night, we put the wall back in as a skinny,” shared Wade about how his design process evolved throughout the week.

The week culminated with the $150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3*, where Wade set an awe-inspiring course, “The goal was to set a track where the riders and horses could take away something and have a good night of the sport.”

“From one to two it was a nice bending in nine, three to four was a bending in eight to the triple combination where it was a vertical one-stride oxer

one-stride and a seven. It was six to the double combination and bending eight or nine to a long five. Then, a left rollback to a single airy oxer on its own. The last line started with the widest jump on course, the FEI triple bar, which was the in to a steady four and a related seven to the last oxer with a time allowed of 79 seconds. The course asked many different questions to showcase the athletes’ talents.”

Wade discussed considerations for designing in the WEC Grand Outdoor Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “With the scale of the [WEC Grand Arena] you have to be careful to not

have the competitors out there for 90 seconds. You have to be respectful and mindful of the size of that arena, it’s so huge you want to use all sides of the ring, but not have a track that’s 590 meters long, because that can easily happen here. So, you have to come up with some unique ideas and create something that is realistic for this atmosphere.”

Wade returns to World Equestrian Center –Ocala to lay the international tracks in the WEC Grand Outdoor Arena once again during the 2023 Ocala Summer Series.

The Art of Horsemanship

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Your future is bright at SCAD.

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

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