World Equestrian Center Magazine Volume III 2023

Protect Your Passion®

RIDERS AND OWNERS COMPETE WITH PEACE OF MIND.

ShowPlus® is the first of its kind horse and rider benefits program. Designed to reimburse out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered by insurance, ShowPlus® allows riders and owners alike to compete with peace of mind.

VISIT SHOWPLUS.COM OR SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

@ShowPlusProtection

It’s Good to GO.

For nearly 70 years, E-Z-GO® has been leading the charge with industry-leading products, class-leading innovations and advanced technologies. Wherever your adventure takes you, E-Z-GO provides you with the little luxuries that brings you a world-class experience. With E-Z-GO, you can find your perfect ride.

Bolero CXLVIII

Old Job: International Grand Prix Competitor, USEF U25 Nations Cup Team Member, Top 10 Nationally Ranked Grand Prix Horse in Spain

New Job: HGF Breeding Stallion...

Girl’s Best Friend...

REMIBLOT.COM

HAMPTON GREEN FARM • HORSE FOR LIFE

Ocala, FL • Fruitport, MI

hamptongreenfarm.com

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Welcome to WEC

Our cover story pays tribute to Hannah Serfass, the talented young rider who lost her life in a riding accident on April 30, 2023. During her touching memorial service, Hannah’s family shared a heartfelt message to all: keep on riding for Hannah. Scores of equestrians from all over the world responded online with their own #rideforhannah tributes. In addition to a memorial donated by her friends at World Equestrian Center –Ocala, Hannah’s parents honored her legacy with an award at the prestigious Devon Horse Show. In this issue, we remember Hannah and salute the shared passion of so many equestrians around the world. A chance encounter with a field of neglected dwarf and miniature horses changed the course of Josh Dolan’s life. Dolan realized that rescuing just one wasn’t an option and overnight he became the owner of more than 40 neglected dwarf and miniature ponies; that’s when The Peeps Foundation was born. Learn about how Josh’s love of the tiny souls and his talent for corrective trimming has helped heal hundreds of them since that fateful day.

A long family history of equestrianism and Daniel Geitner’s can-do attitude has served him well as he systematically built his dream of owning his own business. DFG Stables opened in 1997 Aiken, South Carolina, and today, his 157-acre property is home to more than 80 performance horses and a thriving training, show and breeding operation. Spend 24 Hours with Daniel Geitner and learn more about his recipe for success.

Our Jr. Rider Focus introduces us to Luke and Lizzie Rinehart who have grown up in equestrian sport as the children of trainers Richard and Catherine Rinehart at their Carmel, Indiana-based Rinehart Farm. As they move up the ranks, the talented siblings are developing into successful horseman and competitors in their own right.

Jim and Suzanne Cantrell share a love for Paso Finos that transcends breeding, training and competition. The elegant horses with the unique gaits have become a shared passion for the couple

that fuels the success of their Fox Hill Farm, in and out of the show ring.

Our Stable Spotlight shines on Nicole Loochtan and her Stone Creek Stables. The Georgetown, Kentucky-based professional has created a beautiful environment and supportive oasis for clients and horses in her care. With an emphasis on horsemanship, transparency and creating a happy place, Stone Creek Stables is poised for success.

The Chef’s Corner celebrates WEC Executive Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond as he reflects on his discovery of baking at age six, his apprenticeship, his career so far and his recent experience as a contestant on the inaugural Food Network Summer Baking Championship. Find out what he presented and how he fared and what’s next for the rising star.

In Equestrian Style, we feature Florida-based photographer Nick Tamposi as he turns World

Equestrian Center – Ocala and The Equestrian Hotel into a destination for high fashion with stunning models, amazing couture and glamorous art direction. With a backdrop that oozes elegance, the result is two sublime layouts in VOGUE and Harper’s Bazaar.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and that more importantly, that you continue to cultivate your passion for horses and ride for Hannah.

God bless, The

Roberts Family

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

he spring season at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington welcomed young, aspiring athletes, as well as seasoned international competitors. It was an incredible opening to the season with top hunter and jumper competition. This issue of Scene at WEC captures the most special moments at our family-friendly facility. We look forward to seeing you all again and are grateful for the opportunity to make more memories during the Fall Classic Series!

by Bailey Beal

Photos by Winslow Photography

Scene at WEC: The Wilmington Spring Season

with a CONVERSATION

US Olympic

Dressage Rider Sabine Schut-Kery

by jennifer wood

Sabine Schut-Kery stepped into the international spotlight in the lead-up to and during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which were postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. She and Sanceo made headlines in the world of dressage when they helped the U.S. Dressage Team win the silver medal. The pair also finished fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music to become the top-placed U.S. combination individually.

While the pair had also won a team gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Olympic experience propelled the modest rider and her stunning Hanoverian stallion into the spotlight. Sanceo, owned by Alice Womble and Dr. Mike Heitmann, has since retired from competition and Sabine continues to work with young horses and students in California. Sabine traveled to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the first time in April 2023 for her “Through the Levels Masterclass”

A poignant moment for Sabine Schut-Kery following a phenomenal performance with Sanceo at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: Eurodressage

Sabine Schut-Kery and friend Adriana Popovich of Castle Rock Wines in Napa, California, celebrated a new line of wines called "Dressage" that came out in 2022.

Photo: Courtesy of Sabine Schut-Kery

U.S. Olympic Dressage team silver medalist Sabine Schut-Kery. Photo: Elena Lusenti

symposium to impart decades of dressage knowledge and horsemanship experience to riders and auditors. We sat down with her for a conversation about growing up in Germany, the horse as a partner and what she aims to teach in clinics. Read on to learn more!

WEC: How did horses come into your life?

Sabine: Equestrian sport is big in Germany where I grew up. My sister took me to the barn for pony club when we were little and I just got hooked. I think as a kid I really connected almost more with animals than with people. I was often known to be shy and I always felt really comfortable around horses and animals in general. I was very fortunate to grow up with a lot of various horse activities. We did dressage, jumping, and then, as a teenager, I learned how to

teach horses different tricks like to bow, Spanish walk or to rear on command. We learned to ride in sidesaddle and drive four-in-hand. It was a lot of variety, which, looking back, I really enjoyed.

WEC: How has that breadth of knowledge helped you in your riding career?

Sabine: Each horse has a different personality and a way they learn best. When the horse has a difficult time, how else can I make it easiest for them to understand? You have to go a little bit outside the box, which my background helps me do. A lot of people are so attracted to dressage because of the beauty and the harmony and the

partnership with the horse and it’s the goal that you don’t see the communication; that it’s invisible. The training is a long road, especially with a grand prix horse, but that’s really a fun and super interesting aspect.

WEC: You moved to the United States from Germany in 1998 to work for Proud Meadows in Texas with Friesian horses and became a U.S. citizen in 2005. While you brought two Friesians up through the levels to Grand Prix, how did your focus evolve to include the Olympic Games?

Sabine: Sanceo actually brought that dream to me. His owner, Alice Womble, bought him as a three year old and I started training him. We didn’t specifically buy a horse to go to the Olympics, but the scores and the results bring you in that direction, so it happened naturally. It’s the dream of everybody of course, but yeah, it happened!

Each horse has a different personality and a way they learn best. When the horse has a difficult time, how else can I make it easiest for them to understand?"

Sometimes, I wish somebody would have told me the things that we have to figure out with hard hours of work. I think it’s rewarding to pass on what I have learned. "

Top scores at U.S. dressage competitions helped Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo catapult into contention for the U.S. Olympic dressage team after a 12-year partnership. Photo: KTB Creative Group

Scene at WEC: A Conversation with U.S. Olympic Dressage Rider Sabine Schut-Kery

WEC: When you came to the U.S., did you think you’d be an Olympian?

Sabine: No. Never. I always thought that was for others.

WEC: What do you enjoy about teaching and giving clinics?

Sabine: Sometimes, I wish somebody would have told me the things that we have to figure out with hard hours of work. I think it’s rewarding to pass on what I have learned. It’s also just as rewarding to see somebody succeed and to see a good horse trainer as it is to succeed in riding yourself. I enjoy the challenge of working with new horse-and-rider combinations at clinics.

WEC: What did you focus on in your Masterclass clinic at WEC?

Sabine: It’s always really important to me to have a good foundation, meaning I’m big on the basics and teaching the rider how to best have the horse go in balance. A good rider’s position is always important because that’s the language we use to talk or communicate to the horse with. It is an ongoing thing, even for me. I still, to this day, ride without stirrups sometimes and I look out for my position so that I have the best communication with my horse.

WEC: What are your thoughts on visiting World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the first time?

Sabine: When I saw WEC, it made me want to move, and because the area around it in Ocala is beautiful, with the big trees and Spanish moss. I understand why it’s called World Equestrian Center; it’s an equestrian paradise. It’s also very conveniently and thoughtfully built. In our sport, behind each horse is a whole team so it’s important as riders to include, celebrate and spend time with them. Here at World Equestrian Center, you can totally celebrate, having access to different restaurants, different hotel options—with the new hotel coming—and you can also really spend quality time with your team. You have good food for everyone that works behind the scenes, but also owners and sponsors, so that’s a huge aspect and to have all that in one facility is unheard of. Plus, obviously, it’s so beautiful here at WEC.

I understand why it’s called World Equestrian Center; it’s an equestrian paradise. It’s also very conveniently and thoughtfully built.

Scene at WEC: A Conversation with U.S. Olympic Dressage Rider Sabine Schut-Kery

coming soon to

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – OCALA:

Future Development to Bring ocala even more worlD-class oFFerings

By Lea Brayton

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.

The Riding Academy Hotel

Coming Summer 2024

Joining The Equestrian Hotel, The Riding Academy Hotel will offer nearly 400 additional rooms and suites to visitors, guests and exhibitors looking to stay on-site. The pet-friendly hotel will include expansive, upscale accommodations with separated sleeping and living quarters, as well as desirable in-room amenities, such as coffee makers, microwaves and pull-out sofa beds. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and sundeck, dual fitness centers and lobby marketplace pouring Starbucks coffee, all just a golf cart ride away from the thriving complex center. Construction is currently underway.

Artist's Rendering

The Parking Deck

Completed July 1, 2023

In response to popular demand, WEC has brought visitors and guests peak convenience with the addition of 144 paved parking spaces at the heart of the property. Adjacent to Filo’s Mexican Cantina, the newly added parking deck provides central access to some of the property’s most trafficked sites, including The Equestrian Hotel and the WEC Grand Plaza for shopping, dining and events. Now open for use!

University of Florida Health Physician Offices

Coming 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-square-foot 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.

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 Ext 1426.

The Event Center at WEC

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 pre-function space, dedicated bridal suites, banquet space, covered balconies and an expansive outdoor event lawn and pavilion. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Artist's Rendering

The Shoppes Off 80 th Coming 2025

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 31 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.

Artist's Rendering

Interested in reserving a future retail space? Contact Mark Sherman directly by emailing leasing @rlrllc.com or calling 800.543.5589 Ext 1426.

Join a World-Class TEAM

With tremendous growth comes incredible opportunity. Already the largest equestrian complex in the United States, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is currently home to a 248-room luxury hotel, seven restaurants and over 30 on-site retailers. With future growth on the horizon, opportunities abound for a career in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, among many others.

Visit wec.net/careers to discover current opportunities, explore benefits and learn more about the culture at WEC.

Arena 6

Forthcoming

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 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.

Your program:

• Follow a consistent feeding schedule.

• Provide lots of good quality forage.

• Manage daily stress.

Your supplement: Neigh-Lox® Advanced

• Contains the true probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and a broad spectrum of prebiotics.

• Maintains proper pH levels and a healthy gastric environment.

• Supports a balanced hindgut and a resilient microbiome.

Comes in an easy-to-feed, tasty pellet!

Photo by Rachel Sowinski

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 ...

STONE CREEK STABLES STONE CREEK STABLES

Photos by Winslow Photography

By Bailey Beal

tone Creek Stables is a tranquil destination for equestrian athletes in the heart of the Bluegrass State in Georgetown, Kentucky. Established in 2019, the state-of-the-art facility became home to professional Nicole Loochtan. Since the beginning of her riding journey at eight years old in her hometown of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, Nicole has traveled the country training with some of the best in the industry, laying the foundation for her professional career and growing her passion for the sport.

“I first started riding when I moved to a neighborhood that had a farm across from it. I begged my parents to ride and eventually they gave in, and I started taking lessons. When my parents couldn’t take me to my lesson, I would just cross the street and walk there myself! Eventually, after plenty of lessons, I got my first pony.”

During her junior and amateur years, Nicole rode under trainers such as Ronnie Beard, Michael Dorman, John Roche and Sharn Wordley. “I moved to Florida when I was 16 to work with some of the great people that put a true foundation in my

riding. When I turned 19, I went to ride with Sharn Wordley, and then in time, became a working student there. I don’t believe I would be where I am today without that opportunity. He was one of the first people to take me seriously when I said my goal was to be a professional. I learned so much from that experience and he helped me be the horsewoman I am today.”

At the age of 20, Nicole turned her lifelong goal into a reality and acquired Stone Creek Stables. “I dedicated my life to the sport for so long that it was the only thing I could imagine myself doing forever and truly enjoying every day. The main reason that I decided to make a career out of riding is because I wanted to be able to help people learn the good that the sport has to offer.”

The property sits on 45 acres of picturesque land with 22 stalls between two exquisite barns. The stables are accompanied by the oldest stallion barn in Kentucky that is now used as a quaint bungalow, as well as a unique cross-country field set aside from the arena. The property features a plethora of paddocks for the horses to enjoy the Kentucky bluegrass and a pristinely crafted outdoor arena.

MY ULTIMATE LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO CONTINUE RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, TO CONTINUE LEARNING FROM EVERYONE AROUND ME AND TO ALWAYS DO RIGHT BY THE HORSES.

“I had only dreamed of Stone Creek Stables turning into what it is today. I didn’t want to turn professional until I took the right steps to truly be ready to take on the role. I had my personal horses on the farm for two years before officially starting my career. I wanted to be able to not only be a good rider but also a great horsewoman. I have structured my business a few different ways over the years through trial and error. Success is not always linear, and riding is such a mental sport, so I had to learn what would work best for me to achieve my goals.”

When Nicole turned 22, she officially began her professional career. Over the years, Stone Creek Stables has expanded to the pieces of the operation that make it what it is today. After building an additional barn on the property, Nicole has welcomed numerous clients and sale horses, and her personal horses that she competes at the top level of the sport.

Through her experience riding at an elite level around the country, Nicole saw a need for more boutique training and sales

operations, and a show environment that welcomes all. She has made her vision come to life at her farm and has combined the will to be competitive with the ability to always remain kind to the horses and riders.

“I always envisioned creating a place for people to learn all aspects of the sport. A place that could be an honest, trustworthy and safe place for people

and business. I want my farm to be a happy place for not just me, but my clients, my team that I am so fortunate to have, and for friends and family.”

Nicole has taken a strategic approach to ensure the utmost success of each horse and rider. With 12-15 horses in her training program, Nicole knows each horse like the back of her hand and treats each one like her own.

I ALWAYS ENVISIONED CREATING A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN ALL ASPECTS OF THE SPORT. A PLACE THAT COULD BE AN HONEST, TRUSTWORTHY AND SAFE PLACE FOR PEOPLE AND BUSINESS. I WANT MY FARM TO BE A HAPPY PLACE FOR NOT JUST ME, BUT MY CLIENTS, MY TEAM THAT I AM SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE, AND FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

“My stable is unique because I look at every horse and rider as individuals. I don’t believe in making every horse go the same way and teaching every rider the same way. It is important not to interfere with the way that a horse naturally goes, but to improve upon their natural and comfortable way of going. The same goes for riders, what one person needs is different from what another person needs.”

With a long record of successful national and international debuts, Nicole continues to pilot her top mounts at the grand prix level of competition; Goblin (Baltic VDL x Catascha Z), a 12-year-old

KWPN gelding and It’s Me Du Bosquetiau (Dayton Sitte x Mirette Du Bosquetiau), a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion.

Nicole has spent much of her amateur and professional career honing her craft at both World Equestrian Center facilities. She has claimed numerous placings at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington in the featured show jumping classes, including her first ever career grand prix win in the Sanctuary Arena with her heart horse, Caiman Des Sequoias (Radco D’Houtveld x Sublime De La Cour), a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding.

Most recently, during the 2023 Winter in the Midwest Series in Wilmington, Nicole claimed three consecutive wins in the $30,000 Grand Prix aboard her talented, It’s Me Du Bosquetiau, also known as “Marvin.” Nicole also spent her first summer as a professional at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with her string of horses.

Nicole has grown her personal riding record alongside her business and never fails to put in the extra work. “I am so excited to move up with them

I HAD ONLY DREAMED OF STONE CREEK STABLES TURNING INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY. I DIDN’T WANT TO TURN PROFESSIONAL UNTIL I TOOK THE RIGHT STEPS TO TRULY BE READY TO TAKE ON THE ROLE.

I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO NOT ONLY BE A GOOD RIDER BUT ALSO A GREAT HORSEWOMAN.

Stable Spotlight: Title of Article

in more FEI classes this year. I also have some young horses that have great potential and I can’t wait to see how they develop.”

The future of Stone Creek Stables is bright and the farm continues to succeed with the expert guidance of Nicole and the hardworking team of women behind her. Stone Creek Stables is co-managed with Nicole’s stable managers, Alizé Naud and Bridget Connors.

With the wellbeing of the horses and the riders at the forefront of Nicole’s training program, she looks forward to the future of her career and her farm. “My ultimate long-term goal is to continue running a successful business, teaching, continuing to learn from everyone around me and to always do right by the horses.”

Stable Spotlight: Stone Creek Stables Brewed

IN THE LIFE HOURS

daniel

®

Geitner

By Brianna Miller

Photos: A&S Photography

Professional hunter/jumper athlete and trainer Daniel Geitner began his boarding and training operation, DFG Stables, in 1997 in Aiken, South Carolina, with his wife Cathy Geitner. In the beginning, the couple focused on flipping horses and training any discipline that would come into their stable. Now, the 157-acre property boasts more than 80 performance horses and is home to a small breeding operation.

Daniel Geitner came from a family of equestrians, with his mother and father focused on the Saddle horse industry. Throughout Geitner’s childhood, he dabbled in almost every equestrian discipline from fox hunting, to racehorses, to eventing and steeplechase and then began to show horses in the hunters, where he found his calling.

Geitner rode throughout college focusing on the hunters and equitation at St. Andrews College in North Carolina. After graduation, he rented a farm close by the school and taught lessons at the college part time. During his time teaching, he was able to make ends meet traveling to horse shows, where he fell in love with Aiken, South Carolina. So, the couple packed up and headed there to start their dream of owning and operating a training and boarding facility.

“When we first started out, I would do what anyone wanted to pay me to do. We had no money, but I had a few Arabian horses that we were trying to turn into hunters to sell. We would do anything to make a living. We would break racehorses for

people, train western horses, really just about anything to pay the bills. Along the way, we were lucky to meet the right people and it grew from there,” Geitner reminisced.

As DFG Stables became more established in the hunters, show jumping was also burgeoning in the United States, so the business evolved to focus on both disciplines. Today, the farm houses a variety of performance horses, including three-year-old horses that are newly broke, premier ponies, baby

green hunters, international derby horses and fivestar grand prix horses.

Geitner enjoys riding the variety of horses at the farm. “It is amazing to be able to ride so many different types of horses. A good horse is a good horse. I get the same amount of excitement with a Baby Green Hunter that I do with a 1.60m Grand Prix jumper.”

Photos: A&S Photography

“ It is amazing to be able to ride so many different types of horses. A good horse is a good horse. I get the same amount of excitement with a Baby Green Hunter that I do with a 1.60m Grand Prix jumper.”

After 30 years, Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is still the only FDA-Approved equine intramuscular PSGAG joint treatment available. And still the only one proven to:1, 2

Reduce inflammation

Restore synovial joint lubrication

Repair joint cartilage

Reverse the disease process

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.

www.adequan.com

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.

Please see Full Prescribing Information at www.adequan.com.

1 Adequan® i.m. Package Insert, Rev 1/19.

2 Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703.

All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc.

© 2022, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-0373 (v2.0) 05/2022

First of its kind. Still one of a kind.

Within the past few years, the Geitners’ started a small breeding operation, “We have a few broodmares that were either top hunter or grand prix horses. We try to pick American sires and we have just one European sire. A few foals are due this year and I think we are going to stick with that amount, because we already have a lot going on,” laughed Geitner.

With so many horses, the DFG Stables team is always on the move, not to mention the 40 weeks they are traveling to horse shows.

“We are based in Aiken, so we do a lot of showing here during the spring and fall months. We have made Ocala our second home. We show at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in the Summer and we come for the full duration of winter. Our clients love it and the horses do too. I mean how can you not with a facility like that,” expressed Geitner.

Although Daniel and Cathy Geitner have a full barn to manage, they always make family their number one priority. Their daughter, Lilly Geitner,

has followed her parent’s footsteps riding hunters, jumpers and equitation horses. Their son, Wyatt, just recently graduated high school with top honors and gives a helping hand on the farm when needed.

Daniel Geitner’s Must Haves

We have been blessed to have some incredible sponsors.

Voltaire design

Starting with my longest sponsor, Voltaire Saddles – they fit hunters and jumpers. I am a traditionalist and don’t like a lot of unnecessary padding and I think Voltaire does an incredible job with the make of their saddles.

parlanti boots & Charles Owen helmets

I like the Parlanti Boots and Charles Owen helmets. They are both top notch.

banks mill feeds

Banks Mill Feeds is a local company in Aiken and it’s very neat. They make all of their feed fresh and they specialize only in horse feed. They make your feed to order, so it’s not sitting in a warehouse for six months. They also started to deliver to us in Ocala, which is incredible.

A Day in the Life at

Good Morning

In the morning, I wake up around 6am. I grab a cup of coffee and watch the news. In the summer, we will start riding at 7am, so I get moving to go head to the barn.

Time to Get Riding

DFG Stables a day

Everyone starts at 8am. We have seven riders, plus Cathy and I. All of us ride eight to 10 horses a day. We are lucky to be surrounded by 400 acres of woods, so we switch up where to hack almost daily. Although we have beautiful rings, we spend most of our time on the fields or trails. During the off season, we pull our horses’ shoes and have them trot for five miles on the sand. I think it’s super important to give our horses a different atmosphere, so they don’t get ring sour.

Lunch Time

When we are at home, I like everyone to have an easier time, because when it’s time to show, it’s always busy. So, our grooms take a big lunch from 12pm-3pm when we are at home and we try to sneak in a lunch before we get back to work.

Teaching & Training

Cathy will usually mix in some lessons and I have a few that ship-in for lessons, for either me to ride their horse or having a training lesson.

When school is in session, the kids come for lessons until about 6pm. In the summer, we are able to wrap up around 4pm or 5pm.

Night Check

Around 8pm, it’s time for night check. I hop on my John Deere Gator and top off everyone’s water and throw hay. I make sure to put an eye on each horse to make sure their habits are normal and they look comfortable for the night. My favorite thing to do is drag the ring after a long day. I find it very therapeutic. I grab a beer and relax.

showing at

world equestrian center – ocala

e usually bring 30 to 40 horses with us. Most mornings, we get to the barn at 5am and start riding. The guys by that time have fed and are starting to work on the stalls.

wI like to ride all the hunters in the morning to help stretch their legs and clear their minds. I try to get each one in the ring so they can get comfortable with their surroundings.

Once 8am hits, it’s a lot of showing. I’ll do anywhere from 30 to 75 trips a day myself. I ride my own horses, but then I do a lot of catch riding for clients.

We also have a lot of students, but luckily for me, Cathy is the most organized person I know and she keeps everyone in line. I’ll buzz around and catch our students at the rings. The in-gate starters are also fantastic, they are a big help keeping me on task.

I am little bit scatterbrained and I am always rushing, so it’s good that I have a team behind me helping me out.

When I compete myself, I find that I ride my best when I am rushed. Sometimes, I’m purposely late, so I don’t have time to overthink. Even when I ride in the grand prix, I do a quick five-to-ten-minute course walk, so I don’t get nervous.

I love showing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, whether it is in the green hunters in Hunter 1 or a baby green class in one of the indoors, to the big derby on Friday nights in the Stadium to the Grand Prix on Saturday night. It’s incredible to be able to show at WEC and we made it our second home.

Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography

Luke Siblings

&LizzieRINEHART

The Rinehart siblings are top junior competitors and part of a Midwest equestrian family legacy.

as told to Candace FitzGerald

Photo: Winslow Photography

Junior Rider Focus: NAME

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo: Winslow Photography

Tell us about your current horses and about a pony or horse you’ve had that have had a big impact on your riding career so far.

My current main horse is Billy Cromwell. One of the horses I had that had a big impact was Lavana or “Rika.” I showed her in the 2’6 and 3’0 and she taught me a lot.

My current horses right now are Hero, who is my junior hunter, and Captain, who is my jumper. One pony that has had a big impact on my riding career in Tango Shoes. He is the small pony that took me from the cross rails to the Small Pony division, which lasted roughly four years.

WEC LIZZIE LUKE

Photos: Winslow Photography

What divisions do you currently show in?

Currently, I am showing the 3’6 and 3’3 equitation and the Junior Hunters.

Right now, I am showing in the Small Junior Hunters and the Low/Media Junior Jumpers. I also enjoy doing the NonPro derbies and the Futures Prix classes at WEC.

What are some of your riding accomplishments?

Some of my riding accomplishments are being reserve champion in the 12-14 Equitation at the National Horse Show, finishing in the top ten at Pony Finals and being reserve champion for the Claire Mawdsley scholarship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Getting second at Harrisburg, winning a 1.30m Futures Prix at WEC and winning the $15,000 Non-Pro Derby 3’ at WEC – Ocala.

Photo: Winslow Photography

What are your riding goals?

One of my equitation riding goals is to get a ribbon at an equitation final. And my hunter goal is to qualify for Devon 2024 in the junior hunters.

Some of my hunter goals are getting top placings at Junior Hunter Finals and Harrisburg in the 3’6”. Some of my jumper goals are getting more consistent in the 1.30m and to do well at Young Riders.

What grade are you in? What’s your favorite subject at school?

I am in seventh grade at Carmel Middle School. My favorite subject is Art.

I just finished my freshman year in high school and my favorite subject is probably science because of the experiments.

Photos: Winslow Photography

How do you balance school and riding?

Balancing school and riding while attending public school can be kind of difficult, but I try to make sure all my work is complete before going to the barn/horse shows.

Usually I go to school Monday – Thursday and go to the show Thursday after school. I try to keep up with my work when I am not at school.

What are your hobbies outside of riding?

Outside of riding, I like to run and hang out with my friends.

I like golf, riding dirt bikes, driving and watching football.

Who are some people that have helped or influenced you?

Don Stewart and Tammy Provost have helped me by giving me lessons and extra horses to ride.

My parents have definitely helped me a lot with my riding career. Other people that have helped and inspired me are Don Stewart and Tammy Provost. They have provided me with endless opportunities to further my riding career.

What is it like riding and working as part of a family show stable?

Riding and working with my family is a fun experience because I get to help out at the barn a lot and ride all different kinds of horses.

It’s definitely a fun experience because you get to ride all kinds of different horses and ride whenever you want.

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, FLL, and MIA and hundreds of destinations around the world in one stop!

Junior Rider Focus: Siblings Luke & Lizzie Rinehart

Photo: Winslow Photography

Andrew Ryback Photography

Winslow Photography

by Bria a Mi

Phot by An ew Ryback Photography

Nine years ago, a dwarf miniature foal inspired Josh Dolan to create The Peeps Foundation, a sanctuary focused on rescuing dwarves and re-homing miniature ponies. Dwarves are the result of poor breeding in miniature horses. They suffer from deformities such as a shortened neck and limbs, a distended abdomen and a domed forehead. Due to their tiny limbs and heavy body weight, it is common to see angular deformities in their legs. Many dwarves end up with owners who do not understand how to properly take care of a miniature horse with special needs. If not properly taken care of, dwarves can develop leg deformities so severe they become extremely emaciated, rapidly shortening their life expectancy.

As owner and founder of The Peeps Foundation, Josh Dolan made it his mission to give the small but mighty minis a chance to live a pain-free and happy life, “They all have the will to live and it’s only right that they have someone fighting for them.”

They a have wi to live and it’s only right that y have someone fighting f m.

To date, The Peeps Foundation has re-homed and rescued more than 1,000 miniature ponies and the sanctuary houses more than 60 dwarves.

In 2014, Dolan was horse showing in Lexington, Kentucky, when he stumbled upon a field of more than 60 neglected and malnourished miniature ponies. Sadly, there were also several dead.

Dolan knew he couldn’t just stand by, “I was with my family when we saw the field and lost my mind when I saw how neglected the minis were. I called animal control and the police immediately, but we didn’t have much luck.”

“When we came back the next day, we saw that another baby mini had died, so I left a note to the owner, asking if I could purchase all of them. He called me that night and I bought 21 from him the next day. In total, I ended up buying 44,” said Dolan.

Dolan acted quickly, rearranging his almost full show barn to house as many as he could to nurse them back to full health. One of the minis rescued on that fateful day was a dwarf that they had named ‘Peeps’ and the foundation was created around her.

Inspiration: Tiny Hearts, Mighty Cause

“Peeps was the first one I saw in the front yard that day. As a dwarf, she was a little funny looking, and those candies have a unique shape, so we found the name ‘Peeps’ fitting,” shared Dolan.

“We re-homed so many, but I knew I wasn’t going to let Peeps go. We ended up finding out that she had a disease called Rhodococcus equi which is endemic to the soil. It’s a bacteria that foals ingest that causes cysts on their abdomen and lungs. Most foals die from it and Peeps almost didn’t make it. Vets told us to not bring her to Florida because they didn’t think she’d last, but I was determined to give her a fighting chance. She was on extremely strong antibiotics and she fought every step of the way. That’s the whole reason we wanted to start the rescue because of her fight and her will to live.”

“For six or seven years, we focused on rescuing and re-homing the miniature horses, but during that time, we were seeing more and more dwarf cases. Eventually, people started reaching out to us because they were seeing extreme deformities in the hooves and legs,” shared Dolan about his operations of The Peeps Foundation.

Dolan began to work on corrective cases himself about six or seven years ago.

“I remember the first corrective case I ever did by myself. His name was Gummy. He came to us during a horse show and was so bad. He could barely stand up to nurse off his mother, so I knew I had to take action right then,” said Dolan.

“Curtis couldn’t come to help, but I had been watching him do the corrective cases for so long, I felt confident that I could help, but I didn’t have any of my stuff. I improvised and got a plastic sweat scraper and melted it. I glued the front to the toe and ran the back up with padding. Then I wrapped the leg to help him stabilize so he was able to nurse. That’s when my corrective shoeing journey began.”

“Throughout the years, I have come up with my own technique. Each case is different, but I have a trained eye and can determine what the mini needs just by watching them stand and walk,” shared Dolan about his consultation process for his corrective cases.

“We don’t tranquilize any of our minis. We blindfold them and make sure they are comfortable laying down on their side.”

“Step one is to take off all the foot, as close as you can get it. Then, I assess and picture what the leg looks like when it’s loaded with all the weight. What you’re trying to accomplish is what you’re building, an extension platform shoe that is a mirror image of the deformity.”

“If they are swept laterally, you have to bring that same issue back to the other side and build the support to anchor it. Hind fetlock corrections are the hardest to do, but we have come up with a technique that helps trick their leg into thinking it’s straight.”

“The process can take anywhere from two months to two and half years, depending on severity, but we fight for all minis no matter how young or old they are.”

“After sessions, it’s incredible to see just how much change their legs have gone through and then soon you see them galloping around with the group, living their absolute best life.”

Corrective shoeing became a major focus at The Peeps Foundation due to the number of deformed cases that would come to the sanctuary. With the help of Farrier Curtis Burns, the team at Peeps Foundation created a technique to successfully restructure the hoof with glue to help support, straighten the limbs and retrain the growth.

Throughout the years of working with Burns, Dolan began to take on corrective cases of his own, “Curtis had a very influential role in teaching me how to assess each mini to give them the proper tools to help correct their deformity. Since then, I have developed my own technique and process, where we can now help minis to live into their 30s.”

Dolan and his herd of dwarves live right across the street from World Equestrian Center – Ocala. “I never thought I would move to Ocala, but I fell in love with World Equestrian Center (WEC). We came the first winter and thought it was fantastic. We ended up finding an opportunity to lease the place across the street. There was something about it, it’s a very special property. Eventually, I asked if we could buy it, and now, we have 10 acres in the best location,” Dolan explained.

I want to nev have to t n down a mini beca e of fun . I want to fight f each mini in same way that y fight to live.”

Dolan is currently in the works of building a barn just for the minis. “Hopefully, within the next six months, the minis will have one whole side of the property to roam free, but it’s a work in progress.”

The Peeps Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, but it almost fully self-funded by Dolan. “In the last couple of years, we have had some very generous people donate to us. We have never focused on fundraising, but it is something that I would like to try to do. We can’t keep up with the volume we have. We know we are the only hope for these guys, so no matter where the mini is, I make it a priority to try and save them.”

The Peeps Foundation is not only a sanctuary for dwarves and miniature ponies,

but to a plethora of other unique animals, such as a kangaroo, ostrich, dwarf mule, tortoise, lemur, donkeys and Pygmy goats.

Dolan wants to share The Peeps Foundation with everyone in the future, “One day, I hope we can have public tours, but right now, we are focusing on giving our animals the best life.”

Peeps Foundation welcomes volunteers and accepts donations. Visit PeepsFoundation.org to

donate and/or volunteer to help Peeps Foundation reach their overall goal, “I want to never have to turn down a mini because of funds. I want to fight for each mini in the same way that they fight to live.”

The Peeps Foundation also offers adorable merch to help raise funds! Check out their available merchandise on their website at PeepsFoundation.org.

FOLLOW THE PEEPS FOUNDATION TO MEET ALL OF THE MINIS!

@THEPEEPSFOUNDATION

STANDS OUT IN ITS FIELD

Braveheart is the front runner for an amazing case. He was so bad. I had contacted his owner six months before he came to us to help her farrier. We gave her the best information we could. I offered to take him for free and fi x him, then she could take him back, but she said she loved him too much.

Six months went by, and she called asking if I could take him because she was afraid he was going to die. Luckily, at the time, our manager was in Chicago with her aunt and they went to pick him up. They immediately took him to the Chicago Equine Hospital. His temperature was 91 degrees; he was dying of colic.

They told us to put him down, and at that point, I hadn’t even seen him yet. I felt like if he had made it this long, he deserves a shot to live. He had a broken leg, one was completely twisted and grown around the other, but he was a fighter and wasn’t ready to give up.

His corrective process was long, but now if you look at him, you would never know he was fighting for his life. He’s the fastest mini on property. Each mini has a will to live and I feel like it’s my responsibility to fight for them.

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

10 % Sugar

& Starch (NSC)

ideal for horses with sensitivities, such as metabolic conditions, hyperactivity, digestive challenges or tying-up issues

with essential nutrients to support your horse’s health and well-being

Emma’s Patisserie is Chef Yohann’s home base at WEC. The French concept offers an array of delectable desserts.

Photo: Maven Photo + Film

WEC’s Executive Pastry Chef

Yohann Le Bescond may not be an equestrian exhibitor, but he certainly proved himself a fierce competitor on a popular Food Network baking series this year.

Chef Yohann hard at work as he out-baked the competition.

Photo: Food Network

IIn case you missed it, Food Network aired the all-new Summer Baking Championship, the most recent spinoff in the popular Baking Championship franchise, this past May. Summer Baking Championship joins the ranks of several other seasonally inspired series, including the Spring, Halloween and Holiday Baking Championships. Chef Yohann competed against eight of the country’s top chefs for a $25,000 grand prize, baking it happen all the way to the show’s finale. Each week, the contestants were challenged to create desserts with ingredients and themes inspired by summertime. In Episode 1, competitors were asked to create donuts that looked like inflatable pool floaties and Chef Yohann’s mango-cream cheese swan donut made a splash. Other challenges kept the playful theme alive and Chef Yohann showed off his creativity with Floridafocused bakes, including a Silver Springsinspired cake and his revolutionary new take on ice cream sandwiches, alongside a symphony of seasonal flavor combinations, like lemon-blueberry.

Any WEC visitor who has tasted one of the French-born chef’s specialty croissants or seen the supreme shine of his glazed entremets can confirm why the chef is on a path to enjoy some celebrity from his next-level creations. Before coming to WEC, Chef Yohann served as the Executive Pastry Chef at Miami’s Le Macaron, where he created dessert experiences for top names, including pop icon Bruno Mars.

The chef’s impressive creations are marked by a high-level of technique and classic French design, honed through completion of the esteemed Brevet Technique des Métiers Pâtissier program at just 20 years old and by training under industry legends such as revered Sugar Master, Stephane Klein. Shortly after, Chef Yohann embarked on a global adventure, emigrating from France to the United States where his mastery in execution earned him the honor of an Extraordinary Ability Green Card from the U.S. government. This year, Restaurant Hospitality named him to their 2023 Power List of notable chefs around the world.

Back at WEC, following his time on the Summer Baking Championship, Chef Yohann continues to prove his culinary prowess by overseeing the teams of bakers, pastry cooks and chefs that produce thousands of smile-generating delights each day across all seven of WEC’s restaurants. We caught up with him to find out more about his time on Summer Baking Championship and what it’s been like returning to WEC as our own celebrity chef!

WEC Where did you grow up and how did you get into pastry?

YLB I grew up in Finistere, France, in Treffiagat, a small town of 2,500 people. While in elementary school, we toured the local bread bakery—I must have been just six years old. After visiting that

kitchen, it was clear to me that I wanted to be a baker. The kitchen felt like a magic place. A couple of years later, the bakery was bought by a pastry chef and he added a line of desserts and petit gateaux. From there, dessert became the direction I wanted to go, and at 15 years old, I started my pastry apprenticeship in the exact same bakery I visited as a child.

Being on the show was reinvigorating and I’ve brought that passion back with me to WEC as a reminder of what I love to do most: creating and baking.

Chef Yohann and an array of his authentically French creations.

Photo: Maven

Photo + Film

Photo: Food Network

The competition!

Photo: Food Network

WEC What did you enjoy most about the experience as a contestant on the Summer Baking Championship?

YLB Being on the show, or in “pastry camp,” as we jokingly called it, was a breath of fresh air. It was such a caring and positive environment. Being around other professionals who love baking and understand it and relate to it as much as I do felt amazing, like being around family.

WEC How has your time at WEC prepared you for competition?

YLB I have been with WEC for nearly four years now. I was one of the first hired and got to experience the property right at the inception.

I was educated during opening through recipe development for each of the restaurants. For instance, the candy making process at Tilly’s

includes making caramel apples and fudge—two things I had never done before. And the lemon meringue pie for Ralph’s was difficult to get the meringue to hold. Everything we created was made from scratch, and when we had a recipe that worked, we had to make them repeatedly so that the entire team could reproduce them flawlessly. Going through that experience and building diverse skills turned out to be a strength because of how important versatility in baking style is for contestants on the show.

WEC What stood out to you most about competing on Summer Baking Championship?

YLB The experience was an incredible adventure and I’m grateful I was part of it. I think the reality of how complex the challenges were surprised me the most. On the show, there are challenges each week that sometimes don’t make sense when you

The chef’s Silver-Springs-inspired cake from Episode 2.

Photo: Food Network

Photos: Maven Photo + Film

After visiting that kitchen, it was clear to me that I wanted to be a baker. The kitchen felt like a magic place.

first hear them. For instance, in the first episode we had to create a cake with a gelatin-based water feature that represents a summer memory. What do you even do for that? Whatever you create needs to be beautiful, taste good, be easy to execute and in-line with the challenge. Those things aren’t necessarily combined that often! With the added pressure of the clock and the camera on you, it’s easy to stress. At home, if you make a mistake, you just redo it. If it’s not good that day, you can take it off the shelf and try again. On the show, there’s no option not to present something. It’s all or nothing!

WEC Which challenge was the easiest for you? Which was the hardest?

YLB I was most proud of my no-bake cheesecake with mango mousse from the main heat of Episode 6 during the Pride Challenge. I had so much fun creating it and the rainbow mirror glaze looked gorgeous—and I won the challenge! I think the hardest was the main heat of Episode 4, the Watermelon Challenge. My macarons didn’t bake well and I struggled with the watermelon feature. As a French baker, watermelon isn’t a flavor profile

I use often and it was challenging to come up with an idea that met all the criteria. Then the execution went wrong every step of the way. But I was able to hang on and stay in the competition.

WEC What was the most powerful part of the experience for you?

YLB The most powerful part was pushing my limits and finding out what I was capable of. I didn’t think I had it in me to bake, run, measure

and build so quickly! It allowed me to rediscover my love of being in the kitchen and reconnect with baking. The life of an executive chef isn’t all “hands in the flour.” It’s production meetings and ordering and scheduling and, at the end of the day, sometimes there’s not time to actually bake. Being on the show was reinvigorating and I’ve brought that passion back with me to WEC as a reminder of what I love to do most: creating and baking.

Chef Yohann’s Go-To Ganache: SALTED CARAMEL & WHITE CHOCOLATE WHIPPED GANACHE

As seen in Summer Baking Championship, Episode 8

Ingredients:

Heavy Cream – 350gr (separated, 50gr pour reserved for later steps)

Glucose – 10gr

Salt – 3gr

Sugar for Caramel – 100gr

Butter for Caramel – 10gr

White Chocolate – 280gr

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring the sugar to a light brown caramel, then add the butter.

In a second saucepan, boil the heavy cream, glucose and salt. Once boiling, immediately pour the hot mix onto the caramel and bring it to a boil again. Pour the caramel cream in a bowl and add the white chocolate. Using an immersion blender, blend the white chocolate caramel cream until smooth. Then, add the second part of the heavy cream, cover and let cool overnight.

Transfer the cooled cream into a mixer and whip the ganache until soft peaks form.

Top left: Chef Yohann presents a patriotic Fourth-of-July-inspired cake in the show's finale. Bottom Left: Chef Yohann’s celebrated “Mango Tango” swan donuts, featured on Episode 1. Photos: Food Network. Right: Multi-tier custom cakes are one of the chef's specialties. Photo: Maven Photo + Film.

hannon Sullivan began her equestrian career in the backyard of her childhood home in Orland Park, Illinois. From a young age, Shannon knew that horses would always be a part of her life. At the age of 19, Shannon moved to Frankfort, Illinois, to start her own business, Downtown Equestrian Center.

“I moved to the property with my three horses in 2003 and slowly grew the business, very, very slowly! After years of hard work and determination, my business began to grow. Today, we have a full barn of 50 clients and lesson horses. Between myself and two other instructors, we teach 120 students each week and travel to approximately 30 shows per year. Running a farm is work 24/7, but it’s a lifestyle that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Shannon spent her most recent winter season competing at both the 2023 Winter in the Midwest Series in Wilmington, Ohio, and the 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series in Ocala, Florida. With her mighty partner, “Downtown’s Main Event,” also known as “Aplauz,” Shannon has successfully accomplished her career goal of competing

at the grand prix level at both World Equestrian Center locations aboard the 16-year-old Polish Warmblood gelding.

“After a year of looking for a horse, I knew Aplauz was the one. He lives by the phrase ‘work hard, play hard.’ He spends most of his days at home playing with his friends, but when he steps into the competition ring, he comes alive. He knows his job, but more importantly, he loves his job! He loves the crowd, and the bigger the class, the better he jumps. He has taught me so much and has allowed me to follow my dreams of competing at the grand prix level. He will forever be my best friend.”

Shannon and Aplauz stepped up to jump their largest track yet in March of this year, taking on the $250,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix, the finale of the World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s 12-week Winter Spectacular circuit. “I was excited and intimidated walking the course. The jumps were massive and the track was very technical, but overall, I felt good about it. It was the most beautiful course I have seen and I was excited to be out there competing with that group of riders.”

Shannon and Aplauz entered the Grand Outdoor Arena with confidence and poise. The longtime partners rose to the challenge of the daunting track and completed the most technical pieces of the course with ease. As they landed through the timers with just a four-fault score, they were met with the loudest applause of the entire class. “We

He loves the crowd, and the bigger the class, the better he jumps. He has taught me so much and has allowed me to follow my dreams of competing at the grand prix level. He will forever be my best friend.

loved the lights, the energy, the announcers and the crowd. I am so grateful for the best and loudest cheering section!”

The duo, proven to be a dominant force in the WEC arena, shined in the spotlight of the most anticipated event of the series at WEC

– Ocala. The expressive bay gelding lived up to his name, demonstrating a foot-perfect performance for the crowd. “Aplauz jumped his heart out for me. I left the ring happy and proud to have held our own out there with the biggest and most challenging track that we have ever jumped.”

Running a farm is work 24/7, but it’s a lifestyle that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Art of Horsemanship

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to a breathtaking view of the mountains or feeling the peaceful calm of a lake? Well, why not have both? Landmark Realty Group’s expertise in real estate and vacation rentals guides you in owning a beautiful mountain or lake house while generating passive income through our vacation rental program.

|

Hannah Serfass

2007 - 2023

IN MEMORIAM

Hannah’s passion for horses, her legacy and impact will resonate in perpetuity.

By BEN BAUGH

Photo: Victoria DeMore Photography

I want to grow up to be like Hannah. Those powerful words describe a junior rider whose profound influence will be felt by generations to come.

The unthinkable happened on April 30, 2023, when Hannah Micayla Serfass went to be with God, as the result of a tragic accident, doing something that she loved. Hannah’s passion was palpable and continues to resonate with those who knew and loved her, touching lives globally through her spirit, lifting up people she had never met through her faith and courage.

A Celebration of Life for Hannah was held May 8, 2023, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

Hannah’s quiet confidence, demure demeanor, humility and love for the Lord, were all inherent parts of her character. She had an innate spirit that allowed her to connect with her surrounding environment.

“It always amazed me that she could get up in front of an entire church and say her memory verses,” said her father, David Serfass. “She wouldn’t even question it. She was really comfortable. I think it gave her a lot of peace. She spent so much time outdoors with animals and nature…she just liked life.”

IHowever, it was her love of everything equine that continues to resound with a powerful message with those who knew her and her dedication to her partners in the barn, self-discipline and organization, helped define the person that she was.

“You see a young kid who gets up early and some of her friends who would spend the night, she would say to them, ‘Hey, do you want to get up and do the horses with me?,’” said David. “And they’re like, ‘Sure.’ And at 5 o’clock in the morning, she was trying to wake them to go do the horses. And they’re like, ‘no, you’re not serious, are you?’ And she was like, ‘I’m going.’ And they’re like, ‘we’re not.’ She would say, ‘Well, I’ll be at the barn.’ That was Hannah.”

Her father would have to text her to come eat breakfast because she would rather be in the barn with the horses than anywhere else.

The Serfass’ have two other children who are both hard workers, but at times need a bit of encouraging, whereas with Hannah, she showed the initiative and possessed a special quality that kept her motivated and focused.

“It was obvious with Hannah that her passion was with the horses and animals in general,” said Janine Serfass, her mother. “She had dogs that she absolutely adored too. I would go to the barn and help her muck stalls, and sometimes she would say, ‘Mom, I just don’t want you here. I just want to do this by myself and be with the animals and do this alone. Maybe she was talking to the animals and didn’t want me to hear what she was saying. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be with me, she just wanted that time with them.”

Hannah’s sense of responsibility and the depth and intensity of her feelings of affection for her horses were palpable.

“She didn’t mind doing the work for them,” said Janine. “I kind of compare it to when you first

become a mom, you don’t mind changing the diapers and doing the work that you’re not used to because you love them so much. That’s how she felt about her horses.” However, she didn’t just apply that discipline and commitment to the horses, she had the same focus and dedication to her schoolwork and cross-country and track training, with the objective of achieving personal records each time she competed or took a test.

“She put the time into her running, when she could fit it in after the horses to go for a run and do what she needed to do, if she had to miss practice because of a show,” said Janine. “She’d still go for a run. She was just a very consistently hard worker that wanted to do her absolute best at everything she did. Her passion just happened to be the horses.”

This past winter, Hannah placed 12th in the prestigious Premier Equitation Championship at World Equestrian Center, in a deep field that featured the nation’s most outstanding junior riders.

“ We’re overjoyed with all the love and support and the witness that Hannah got to be. She was a very quiet girl and we just have to believe that God must have wanted to bless her with a better life than we could give her at this point and what she left behind is a legacy for others because this has gone around the world. ”

Hannah Serfass – In Memoriam

The first Hannah Micayla Serfass Best Overall Performance Trophy was awarded at the 2023 Devon Horse Show & County Fair. Left to right: Wayne W. Grafton CEO & Chairman of the Devon Horse Show & County Fair, Janine and David Serfass, winner Carlee McCutcheon, David Benjamin Serfass, Kate Egan, Marc O’Neil and Don Stewart. Photo: Kind Media

To learn more, visit BuckeyeNutrition.com.

100% med-free facility 100% equine-focused company

100% traceable, pure ingredients

“For her to get that placing was unbelievable,” said Janine. “At 15, most of the girls on that stage were 17 and 18. Even her trainer (Robin Swinderman Mitchell) marveled because she said Hannah skipped grade levels in riding. She went from like third grade level to about 10th grade level in riding horses because she found her knack, she had the ability and Robin just went with it and let her move on up.”

“If a trainer told her to do anything, and even Don (Stewart, Don Stewart Stables, who also worked with Hannah) mentioned this, she absorbed it and did it right away. She was trying to please you and trying to get better with the horses. She would come out of the ring after getting a firstplace ribbon and would still be critiquing her ride because she wanted it to be perfect and she wanted to be one with the horse.”

It was her sense of holding herself accountable, her humility and acceptance of her responsibility while exhibiting that struck a chord with those more experienced riders and trainers. Her maturity in the show ring was admirable and refreshing.

“She never blamed the horse,” said David. “If she had a bad ride, she would say that she put the horse in the wrong position. She would always take it on herself.”

Do

runners

What also set Hannah apart was her willingness to learn and accept constructive criticism, never holding the horse accountable, always accepting responsibility for the outcome in a class. She rarely missed out on a ribbon, often winning or placing as the reserve champion. Her thirst for knowledge and how to improve belied her age.

“She still had a few things to work on and a few things she missed in those other levels, but it was very few and she was a good learner,” said Janine.

Hannah’s ascension up the ranks was uniquely impressive. Her trainers told her parents that the opportunity to exhibit in some of the nation’s most prominent shows was a way to get experience and not to worry about placing in the ribbons. Hannah’s talent and ability once again found her not only placing, but earning champion and reserve champion status in different indoor classes at the historic Pennsylvania National Horse Show at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Hannah Serfass – In Memoriam

“We were amazed at it,” said Janine. “We didn’t understand it. At first, we were like, ‘you can ride horses, but we’re not going to get caught up in this.’ And then as we started going, we realized this is a gift she has.”

Hannah also enjoyed the challenge of the psychology part of it, unraveling the puzzle of each individual mind, and even though she was humble and demure outside of the show ring, she was fiercely competitive.

“She liked to ride as many horses as she could, just to figure them out,” said David. “We have little Chincoteague ponies and she liked to learn how to break them. She enjoyed learning how to do western, trail stuff and make them do different things because each horse is an individual.”

Her parents marveled at Hannah’s patience. Hannah, when she was little, would make hunter, jumper and equitation bridles out of baling twine for her stick horses. She loved all things equine. When she was watching the Olympics or the riding channel, she would take meticulous notes, and after the rider was done exhibiting, she would make a comment on the position of their hands. Starting gymnastics at age four, a sport she was involved with for four years, she placed a great emphasis on detail and it helped with her focus, which she was able to implement while exhibiting in the show ring. She had all the makings of a professional.

“I think as parents that’s what we’re struggling with, was why did you have to pick her out of everyone you could’ve picked?’’ said Janine.

“She had the gift. The only comfort we have is the horses that she must be riding in heaven right now. They have to be absolutely stunning and spectacular. She’s probably way happier doing that then what she would be doing here right now.”

The Serfass’ have received hundreds of letters and texts since Hannah’s passing. The quiet and humble rider was remembered as someone who always had a smile on her face, would say hello, encourage and inspire others and possessed a maturity not often seen in someone her age.

Fellow rider Kate Egan, who won this past winter’s Premier Equitation Cup at World Equestrian Center, started a GoFundMe as a way of remembering Hannah and was among those competing against Hannah in the class when she passed.

Photo: Victoria DeMore Photography

Photo: Victoria DeMore

Photography

“For Kate to do that, especially after competing against her and being there with her, I’m just so touched that Kate’s able to do this,” said Janine. “I’m just thankful that Kate’s able to do this and we want to thank her and Emil (Spadone, her trainer), and just everyone. He’s a wonderful man. What they’ve done to continue Hannah’s memory…we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Hannah’s passing has resonated globally. She qualified for the iconic Devon Horse Show and will be recognized at the show with a perpetual trophy that’s been named in her honor.

The outpouring of support and from people who knew Hannah and from those who love the sport has been amazing, and the Serfass’ have been extraordinarily touched by the kindness of others.

“When we wake up each morning, we get upset that Hannah isn’t there each morning and that’s the time of day we deal with our own emotions in private,” said Janine. “We’re just amazed at what we encounter throughout the day, all the love that there is.”

A tree has been planted to honor Hannah’s memory at World Equestrian Center. A place where people can go to reflect, pray and bring solace to their lives.

“The outpouring of the Roberts family has been amazing,” said David. “They’ve been very nice, over-the-top with their support.”

The presence of the tree, its significance and powerful gravitas will serve as inspiration for those who knew Hannah, but for future generations who aspire to be like her and emulate the high standards and moral values that were a deep part of her character.

“They’re the most generous people; the most loving people we’ve ever met in our lives,” said Janine. “We feel like we’re friends now. I can’t say enough nice things about them. They’ve uplifted us a lot of times. I get texts from them with Bible verses that just blow me away, they’re very timely, it’s what I need that day. They’re very supportive in trying to help us get through this. Having this tree is amazing. It’s something that we can watch grow, and that everyone else can enjoy.”

However, the weight of the untoward experience can be overpowering, the human spirit’s resilience is capable of elevating oneself and in doing so serve as an inspiration.

“Obviously, this is something that we would’ve never wanted, we would rather be talking about Hannah’s successes and not how this happened,”

said Janine. “We’re overjoyed with all the love and support and the witness that Hannah got to be. She was a very quiet girl and we just have to believe that God must have wanted to bless her with a better life than we could give her at this point and what she left behind is a legacy for others because this has gone around the world.”

“You raise your children, so when you go out into the world, they’re a better person than somebody else and can uplift other, and to know that she did that and she’s only 15. I hope I can grow up and be like Hannah.”

Photo: Victoria DeMore Photography

By Ben Baugh

or Jim and Suzanne Cantrell, owners of Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm, their union came together in a unique way. Both of their spouses had passed away. Their story is a romance on so many different levels.

They established their farm in 2006 in Illinois and relocated the operation to Ocala in 2012.

Four-Beat Lateral Gait nd its At Fox Hill Paso Fino,

It was love at first sight for Fox Hill Farm’s Suzanne Cantrell, the first time she laid eyes on a Paso Fino horse. An Aussie by birth, Suzanne had her introduction to the breed in the States. Jim was involved in the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred world and was introduced to the breed by Suzanne.

“I knew nothing about Paso Finos, because in Australia, we didn’t have that kind of gaited horse,” said Suzanne. “There was a big gap when I wasn’t

it’s more than a smooth groove.

All photos courtesy of Jim and Suzanne Cantrell of Fox Hill Paso Finos

living in Australia. I hadn’t ridden a horse in a very long time. I lived on a yacht and sailed around the Pacific before settling in the US.”

When Suzanne and her late husband bought some property in Illinois, she knew she had to have a horse, and the breed she chose was the one that had caught her eye. “I fell instantly in love with just the look of the Paso Fino horse,” said Suzanne. “And then, when I rode one, I was completely sold. It was such a glide ride. No trotting, ever!”

The breed may be diminutive in size, between 13 and 15 hands, but they make up for that in a number of ways, including their character, courage and larger-than-life personalities.

The Cantrells compete and have bred numerous champions, competing in the Pleasure,

Jim and Suzanne Cantrell

Suzanne Cantrell and Caprechio, winners of the Pleasure Amateur Colts: Stallions Championship. Photo: Cody Parmenter Photography

Four-Beat Lateral Gait and Its Mesmerizing Rhythm

Performance and Fino classes routinely, achieving optimal success.

“Each class requires the horse to demonstrate a four-beat lateral gait, but there are differences in each class,” said Jim.

“The pleasure class is what it’s supposed to be,” said Suzanne. “’We have a horse that’s a pleasure to ride, smooth, easy, quiet, calm. We have to be able to demonstrate the walk and what they call a corto, which in other breeds is similar to a trot; and then we do a largo, which is similar to a canter. It’s still always about the four-beat lateral gait and that’s what Paso Finos are all about.”

“The largo is just the same footfall as the walk, only it’s faster and more extended.” said Jim.

The Performance class calls for the four-beat lateral gait, but they’re high in the front, and those who perform at the elite level have a lot of hock and power.

However, the most sought-after Paso Finos are those who can compete in the Fino class, with only about 10% of the breed being able to exhibit at that level.

“It’s still the four-beat lateral gait, but the average footfall is six to eight inches, 100 beats a minute or more,” said Jim. “They’re almost marching in place.

Each horse is different, each horse rides differently, but they’re still in that four-beat lateral gait.”

The breed’s versatility has also made them a desirable horse for those who actively exhibit in the show ring, or for other endeavors outside the world of competition.

capable of performing, but primarily, it’s because of the competition from the younger horses. However, some Paso Finos have the ability to compete into their high teens.

“It’s quite amazing to look back at the really famous Fino horses, going back 20 years, and

“They also make great trail horses and endurance horses,” said Suzanne. “They’re extremely surefooted. They’re like riding a mountain goat, if you’re riding in the mountains, they’re fantastic.”

Pasos are also renowned for their durability and longevity in the show ring. They stop showing at about 12 years of age, not because they’re not

seeing those same horses compete today, they would be considered a good pleasure horse now,” said Suzanne. “They would never make a Fino horse because they’re too slow. As it’s evolved, the horses have gotten faster and faster. These Pasos work so hard in the show ring. They’re so unique. The gait is natural. A lot of people think that we’re

It was love at first sight for Fox Hill Farm’s Suzanne Cantrell, the first time she laid eyes on a PASO FINO horse.”

Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm is home to an outstanding breeding program.

manipulating the horse to make the horse do that, but there’s just no way…when they have a foal, lots of times that foal comes out with that gait.”

“The four-beat lateral gait for the Paso Fino is natural and all that the trainer and rider can do is refine it,” said Jim.

“The Pasos prefer the four-beat lateral gait over the trot,” said Jim. “They can trot and canter and they will run like the wind, but they prefer the four-beat lateral gait.”

Uncomplicated and full of vitality, Pasos are appreciated and valued on so many different levels.

“Pasos are a very forward moving horse,” said Suzanne. “They have a lot of energy we call brio and so many people who ride them for the first time are a little intimidated by it.”

It’s the ability to harness that enthusiasm and then see the results in the show ring that serves as the impetus for many who become involved with exhibiting the breed.

“Most of the time, that energy is very controllable,” said Jim. “It’s not scary or spooky, it’s really exciting to ride.”

“Each horse is so individual and they all have to be ridden differently,” said Jim. Concentration is a critical component in being able to ride them

correctly and one has to be at their top of their game when exhibiting their horse, demonstrating that harmonious relationship, where they’re in sync mentally and physically; there has to be that connection between horse and rider.

“The Pleasure horses are different than the Performance horses,” said Jim. The Finos are all about collection. The horses have to be energetic and so precise, and the slightest move can alter their performance. Even if you just move your pelvis a bit, it changes that horse.”

Fox Hill Farm stands two Paso Fino stallions, with Caprechio del Richuelo being the more renowned of the two. Caprechio del Richuelo has won more than 20 national championships, where he either placed first or was reserve champion, with the preponderance of those wins coming in the Performance horse category. The other stallion is El Filarmonico de United.

“Caprechio del Richuelo started his career as a three year old and I just retired him as an 18 year

Four-Beat Lateral Gait and Its Mesmerizing Rhythm

Left to right: Jim Cantrell, Suzanne Cantrell and Pauline Hartogh competing at WEC – Ocala on Fox Hill horses.

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

old,” said Suzanne. “He never missed a year showing. He’s never been lame. He’s just a phenomenal horse. He lives to compete.”

Portalinda de Shelbran, a Grand National Champion Fino mare, is an important part of Fox Hill Farm’s breeding program. Portalinda has established herself as one of the nation’s leading broodmares, with outstanding offspring placing her fourth in the Top Ten dams in the nation.

“The Association calculates how many show points her offspring have earned for that year,”

said Jim. “Portalinda is now retired from the show ring and is enjoying being a mother to her colt she had earlier this year. She has produced many National Champions over the years. Most recently, Portalinda was inducted into the Miami region’s Hall of Fame.”

The Paso Fino shows are vibrant and bustling, full of music, cheering crowds and activity, a departure from some of the other disciplines, where the atmosphere is more serene. The Cantrells often compete against one another in the show ring,

I fell instantly in love with just the look of the Paso Fino horse, ... And then, when I rode one, I was COMPLETELY SOLD. It was such a glide ride. No trotting, ever!”

but in the end, it’s all for the same team, Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm. Their granddaughter, Kalli Votava, also shows, sometimes even winning classes while exhibiting against her grandparents. The Cantrells have a string of seven horses that they compete, their collective efforts earning impressive results for Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm.

Over the years, the Cantrells found themselves routinely on the move when competing, and while they were living in Illinois, it was routine for them to compete in six or seven shows a year, in places like Asheville, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia on the itinerary.

“Jim and I really like to compete,” said Suzanne. “We don’t always have to win, but we want to

Commitment to EXCELLENCE

be competitive. We work hard throughout the year, attending four or five shows, and hopefully peaking for our Grand National show which is held at World Equestrian Center – Ocala in late September.”

World Equestrian Center’s presence in Ocala has been a welcome addition to the area’s landscape for the Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm and has been embraced by the Cantrells and their operation.

“The first time we showed at WEC was the 2021 Extravaganza Paso Fino show.” said Jim. “We were in Arena 3 and the bleachers were full of spectators, many who had never experienced a Paso Fino show. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to learn about the Paso Fino breed.”

The Cantrells, like so many other horsemen, are thankful to the Roberts family and what they’ve done for the community, making the area an international destination for equestrian sport and commerce.

“Everybody is grateful to the Roberts family for their vision,” said Suzanne. “The World Equestrian Center has made Ocala the ‘Horse Capitol of the World,’ where people from all walks of life can come out and enjoy this amazing facility.”

and full of VITALI , Pasos are appreciated and valued on so many different levels.”

Ridely App:

Your Digital Solution for TRAINING, TRACKING and GOAL SETTING

Your Digital Solution for TRAINING, TRACKING and GOAL SETTING

by Juliana Chapman

TThe training app Ridely launched in the United States in October 2020 and has one goal: to make riders better. “Ridely originated in Sweden in 2017 and they were looking to expand globally, with the US market being a natural fit,” said Nicole Graf, US Country Manager of the app. In the last year alone, the app has had 380,000 video plays and 150,000 unique users providing access to training videos and step-by-step programs. In addition, it incorporates an innovative, calendar-based journal where users can track training and everything around caring for their horse — including GPStrack riding, setting goals and monitoring progress through photos and video.

•

•

•

•

Trainer Advantages

The app provides trainers the ability to transfer their knowledge and establish a legacy. “This solution connects riders with trainers to appreciate the basics and so much more,” Nicole said. There are even segments from top grooms, including ‘super-groom’ Alan Davies, sharing best practices. “Our users have the ability to send videos of their rides to the many experts in the app, which broadens their learning and techniques.”

The Ridely team creates short promo clips for trainers to use on their own social media platforms, which in turn creates content for them to tag their sponsors and create more brand awareness. “It’s very important to us that the trainers/riders feel comfortable and proud of their videos in Ridely and they get to approve their videos and photos before we use them in the app or in promotion,” continued Nicole. “We always have their best interest in mind and want to make each rider shine.”

PRO Features

Ridely offers a freemium and a paid PRO version to accommodate budget and need. At just 27 cents a day, the PRO version is basically the cost of a onehour private lesson (depending on where you live). “Combined with the new features and star roster of trainers, the app offers a much more personalized experience than similar training apps,” Nicole points out. There is no shortage of topics to feature on the app and Nicole finds the young horse exercises and bit fitting are a big draw.

Live Tracker

Wouldn’t it be great to know that someone had your back if something should happen when you

ride alone? For that reason, Ridely has developed a new live-share functionality, which allows you to share your ride with a family member, friend or trainer, so they can follow you on a map live! They even get notified if you stop moving for five minutes and when you return safely to the stable. Peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Community Groups & Affiliations

The Ridely app features community groups to help equestrians feel comfortable asking questions and getting real answers. “We've got certified trainers that participate in the groups as celebrity guests. Giveaways are a popular feature in the

Targeted Nutrition for Gastric Ulcer Management

Do you have a horse in your barn that is prone to or recovering from gastric ulcers?

Developed by Kentucky Equine Research, ReSolvin EQ™ is a revolutionary blend of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

GLA, EPA, and DHA. ReSolvin EQ is research proven to provide potent anti-inflammatory protection for horses predisposed to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS).

17

Learn more today at ker.com/resolvin.

Developed by Kentucky Equine Research® World Leaders in Equine Nutrition™

859.873.1988 • info@ker.com

This solution connects riders with trainers to appreciate the basics and so much more...

groups and we encourage riders to share videos or make suggestions.” The groups are a positive virtual place used to cultivate that feeling of being a part of something and helping equestrians get to their goals faster. Groups focus on dressage, jumping and there is even one for young horses.

“We are proud to be the official app of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA), giving their riders a discount and we also support their National Championships. We've also started incorporating opportunities for colleges and universities, including giving coaches free access to the app which allows them to use the videos in their training programs. Students with the colleges that we work with receive a special discount code for 50% off, making Ridely an affordable and educational tool,” Nicole shared. Ridely is also a sponsor of US Equestrian and is part of their Members Perks program where members get a 30% discount.

Top Brands to Grow With

“I’m excited to share that we are partnering with top brands, including Charles Owen, LeMieux, and Ruxbury to provide diverse content on the platform and additional functionality,” Nicole said. Charles Owen will incorporate their educational videos

mainly around helmet fitting. Ridely partners enjoy the visibility alongside their sponsored riders that are featured in the app and receive recognition in e-blasts to users and can participate with their brands in the groups as well.” Nicole shared that the platform has marketing power and reach with 35,000 on Instagram, close to 10,000 on Facebook and 5,000 on TikTok, plus an email list of more than 100,000.

The new partnership with Ruxbury, a part of Global Equestrian Group, will soon feature a fitness tracker for horses. When using the Ruxbury tracker with Ridely, riders will be able to monitor the horse’s heart rate during the ride, get a visual summary and live-share the information with a trainer or friend while riding.

Advancing Tech Adoption

In the consumer world, products are much easier to sell because people can touch and feel them, in the tech world, that is not the case. “As a start-up and horse tech company, our challenge is to engage with riders in new and different ways, from scanning QR codes to receive a chance to win or sample our videos.” Another unique aspect of the Ridely app is that not only is their video library expansive, but their videos are short – anywhere

from 5-10 minutes. “It's not like a master class where you must sit there for 45 minutes or an hour. We offer a different type of content for equestrians on the go,” Nicole highlighted.

Nicole feels that equestrians are starting to see the benefits of technology with their horses. She does recognize that even though horse sport lags in technology adoption versus mainstream sports, people are realizing that horses and riders are athletes who can benefit from the tech advancements.

“Ridely is excited to be on the horse tech journey of giving equestrians access to the best in the business to help them advance their skills both in and out of the saddle,” Nicole shared. This digital tool is ideal for helping equestrians stay motivated by setting goals and sharing with their supportive team.

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.

Ridely is excited to be on the horse tech journey of giving equestrians access to the best in the business to help them advance their skills both in and out of the saddle...

Learn from the experts including: Left: Henrik von Eckermann

Top Right: William Fox-Pitt

Bottom Right: Charlotte Dujardin

LOCATION at

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER - OCALA

Normally a mecca for the horsey set, World Equestrian Center – Ocala switched gears to provide a dramatic backdrop for the glamorous world of haute couture as stylists, photographers and models gathered to create two fabulous international fashion magazine layouts produced by Florida-based Dragonville Studios.

With Nick Tamposi shooting for Harper’s Bazaar (Serbia) and Elio Nogueira for VOGUE – Turkey, the photographers told magical stories through their photoshoots that transformed the World Equestrian Center - Ocala resort and The Equestrian Hotel into a fantasyland.

Instead of tailored equestrians in shiny tall boots striding the World Equestrian Center grounds, stunning models posed in designs by Dior, Alexander McQueen, Fendi, and replaced riding boots with towering heels by Christian Louboutin.

What a wondrous way to see World Equestrian Center – Ocala through an entirely different lens!

by CANDACE FITZGERALD

Office: 859-744-2270

Web: www.kraft-horsewalker.com

Kraft Horse Walkers 950 Rolling Hills Ln Winchester, KY 40391 Follow

E-mail: Felix@kraft-horsewalker.com

PROVIDING PREMIUM FORAGE FOR PREMIUM PERFORMANCE

CREDITS

VOGUE TURKEY

Magazine Model Agency

Photo Beauty Styling

Production Location

@vogueturkiye

@danielaboterofficial

@thedragonsmgmt

@elionogueiraofficial

@mariannetamposi

@newheartnyc

@nicholastamposi

@dragonvillestudios

@worldequestriancenter

@theequestrianhotel

HARPER'S BAZAAR SERBIA

Magazine Model Agency

Photo Beauty

Styling

PA

Production Location

@harpersbazaarserbia

@skaiste.c

@thedragonsmgmt

@nicholastamposi

@mariannetamposi

@lauren.smith.official

@taylorjoffical

@dragonvillestudios

@worldequestriancenter

@theequestrianhotel

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

Kevin

Behind the Course Holowack

It was a night to remember as the 12-week 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series culminated with 42 of the world’s best show jumping athletes competing over a jawdropping track built by an elite team of course designers led by FEI Level II course designer Kevin Holowack of Vancouver, Canada.

The $250,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix showcased an awe-inspiring course consisting of a beautiful double waterfall wall, butterfly triple combination, two-stride tea party conservatory, installation of an imposing hedge arch, Japanese

art inspired jumps from the Tokyo Olympic Games and much more.

The skilled team of designers consisted of Holowack, Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Kentucky, Bernardo Costa Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal, and Chris Barnard of Reddick, Florida. The team worked diligently together months prior to the finale, making sure the night was something that no spectator or rider would ever forget.

Holowack, the young skilled designer was recruited by Murphy during the 2022 Maclay Finals in Lexington, Kentucky, in November.

Holowack started planning right away, “I began drawing immediately and eventually I started to find a track that I thought could work with all of the elements that we wanted to include,” shared Holowack about his design process.

“The triple was a big discussion, we placed it right next to the one pond, so you had a beautiful reflection of the butterfly standards and the live stream had a perfect view,” said Holowack.

“When I was working with Bobby, we knew that the waterfall that was such a big hit last winter during the final week had to make its return.

A Spectacular Finish to end a Spectacular Circuit

Holowack

by Brianna Miller

Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography

Behind theCourse

This time, we added another waterfall and stuck a gorgeous handpainted arched wall in between.”

With so many standout elements, Holowack and the team made sure to slowly introduce eye-catching obstacles throughout the duration of the 12-week circuit. “Once the course was built and everything was in place, I couldn’t have been more pleased.”

The night turned into a spectacle, the course walk became an event with champagne served in the two-stride conservatory and every single seat was filled. Only five top-notch combinations managed to find their way to a clear first round, to qualify for the jump-off.

“I think the search for the clear is what keeps the suspense in show jumping. You could see that in the crowd, you could hear a pin drop when riders were nearing the end of course with all rails still in their cups. Once we knew it was going to be

an exciting jump-off, everyone was on the edge of their seat,” stated Holowack.

The night came to a thrilling close with only two double clear rides with the fastest time going to Geronimo Marcello Viana Ciavaglia of Brazil and HST Cartouche and second place to Olympian Sharn Wordley of New Zealand and his brand-new partner, Bull Run’s Risen. Olympian Andre Thieme of Germany, who won last year’s $200,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix, rounded out the top three.

Thieme shared his thoughts about the track after that night, “I wanted to say that the course was a dream for every rider. The designers had a lot of material to work with an absolute incredible facility and the way it was done without making it huge or unjumpable, it was perfect. I have been to the Olympics and this feels just like it. The flowers,

waterfall and incredible décor, it makes it so special. There’s a reason I am coming all the way from Germany, this place is unimaginable.”

The night was everything Holowack could have hoped for, “WEC is one of the few facilities in the world where you can take these grand ideas and know that the facility and management has the willingness to allow us to bring a course like this to life. To be able to design something like that night takes resources and a great team; an incredible jump crew and trusting management. Bobby Murphy is an incredible designer to work with; his vision for that night, from the jump designs and décor was next level. I am so grateful to have been able to be part of that team and it is something that no one will ever be able to forget. Our goal is to continue to bring that level to the sport in the future!”

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE

Numerous top brands advertise their products and services to our audience in the World Equestrian Center Magazine.

Add your business to our growing list of sponsors!

To inquire for rates, contact:

Karla Campbell

412.326.7325 | karla.campbell@wec.net

Adam Bray 937.672.0858 | adam.bray@wec.net

Farm and Luxury Estates

As the exclusive brokerage of Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Center and the World Equestrian Center, we are experts for farms and luxury real estate. Golden Ocala offers a unique lifestyle that includes bridle trails, championship golf, tennis, resort-style pool, health club, spa, and three on-site restaurants. The World Equestrian Center is conveniently located adjacent to Golden Ocala so you’ll never miss an exciting event or competition at one of its multipurpose arenas. Our properties extending into the surrounding areas feature sprawling pasture land, agriculturally-zone acreage, and additional gated-community options. It’s time to live a golden lifestyle.

80 ACRE FARM | $7,500,000

Impeccably Maintained on Rolling Hills

Frank Lloyd Wright Style 6 BR, 5.2 BA

English Garden, Pool, Outdoor Kitchen

GOLDEN OCALA | $4,999,900

352.361.0424

MLS# 632474

5 BR, 6.3 BA on the 14th Hole

Near World Equestrian Center

Screened Lanai w/Resort Style Pool

310.926.8527

MLS# 659060