THE HORSE ...
The horse…. nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave. “ ”
Ronald Duncan
Campanero HGF
Photos:
Photo: Andrew Ryback
Welcome to WEC
We are honored to share that World Equestrian Center – Ocala has been named one of TIME's World's Greatest Places for 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and excellence of our entire team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our visitors, competitors, and partners. Your support, participation, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping WEC into a destination that attracts equestrian enthusiasts and travelers from around the globe. Thank you for being a part of our community and helping make World Equestrian Center – Ocala one of the World’s Greatest Places.
The journey to the Paris Olympics in 2024 has been exhilarating. This year, World Equestrian Center – Ocala hosted the Longines League of Nations™ in March, serving as the grand finale of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series. This event brought together the best athletes and horses from around the globe, with over half of the riders selected to compete for their respective nations in the Olympics. In this issue, we delve into the stories of standout athletes, the dedicated individuals behind the scenes, and the key players who contributed to this unforgettable event.
We spend 24 hours in the Life of Daniel Coyle of Derry, Ireland, Ariel Grange’s right hand. We follow him through a day at the Longines League of Nations™, where he played a pivotal role in Team Ireland’s victory aboard the renowned Legacy.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Coyle shares insights on strategy, the pressures of competition, and the emotions of their win on that memorable day.
In this special edition of ‘Across the Globe,’ we travel with three individuals: Martin Fuchs of Switzerland, a two-time Olympian at the young age of 31; Sweden’s Chef d’Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona; and Andrea Hönack, a groom for Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli. We explore their lives as globetrotting professionals in the equestrian industry.
We go behind the scenes with Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Kentucky, who brought his innovative course-building and architectural designs to the Longines League of Nations™ qualifier in Ocala, Florida. He transformed the WEC Grand Arena into an impressive stage for the world’s best horseand-rider combinations.
Our Stable Spotlight features Lothlorien Farm, owned by Ariel Grange with a main base in Cheltenham, Ontario, and a new winter base in Ocala, Florida. Since taking over the reins in 2017 after her mother, Sue Grange, passed away, Ariel has continued her mother’s legacy. Grange’s main
rider, Daniel Coyle, secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics representing Team Ireland aboard Grange’s top horse, Legacy.
This issue is filled with incredible talents across various disciplines, from a junior rider determined to grow in the sport to a dressage rider who transformed a failed driving horse deemed dangerous to ride into an international competitor. We hope this issue highlights the hardworking equestrians who combine passion and motivation to make events like the Longines League of Nations™ unforgettable.
We look forward to continuing to create exceptional experiences and welcoming you to one of the World’s Greatest Places.
God bless, The Roberts Family
Santiago Lambre
Oscar Mujica Gutierrez
Comes to WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – OCALA LONGINES LEAGUE OF NATIONS™
March 19-23 was a historic week for World Equestrian Center – Ocala as it played host to the only North American qualifier for the Longines League of Nations™. With a new format in 2024, the top 10 nations compete with four riders per team at four qualifiers around the world. In the battle to move on to the final in Barcelona, Spain, it was Team Ireland that ultimately secured the win as the crowds in Ocala cheered them on.
Get a sense of the sights, sounds and spectacle of the international event and gear up for the North American qualifier to return to Ocala every year through 2027.
by Lea Brayton
Photo: Maven Photo + Film
Photo: Jump Media
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Scene at WEC: Longines League of Nations™ Comes To World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Photos: Maven Photo + Film – 1, 2, 4, 6, Andrew Ryback Photography – 3, 5, 7, 8
Scene at WEC: Longines League of Nations™ Comes To World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Standings Heading into Finals in Barcelona
1. Ireland (IRL)
2. Sweden (SWE)
3. Germany (GER)
3. Switzerland (SUI)
5. Brazil (BRA)
5. France (FRA)
7. United States of America (USA)
7. Netherlands (NED)
9. Great Britain (GBR)
10. Belgium (BEL)
Lake Glenville, North Carolina
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Ireland’s Daniel Coyle is no stranger to the high stakes and pressure of international jumping competition. Hailing from Derry, Ireland, Coyle was born into an equestrian family where his passion for horses was nurtured from a young age. With his father and older brother competing in the top level of the sport, competition runs in the family.
Coyle DANIEL Coyle
by BRIANNA MILLER
Coyle’s journey began at local competitions in Ireland, and now, the talented 30-year-old has been named to the Olympic Team for Ireland with Ariel Grange’s top horse, Legacy. Rising through the ranks with remarkable speed, Coyle made a name for himself on the junior and young rider circuits. Determined to pursue show jumping professionally, he sought opportunities to advance his career. “A well-known horse dealer in Ireland, Barry O’Connor, helped me find a job,” he shared. “One morning, he called and said, ‘I feel like Santa Claus; I just got you a job in Wellington, Florida with Conor Swail.’”
In Wellington, Coyle met Sue Grange and her daughter, Ariel Grange. After his first winter circuit with the Grange’s Lothlorien Farm, he traveled to their home base in Cheltenham, Ontario, where he competed with the farm’s top string of jumping horses. Following the passing of Sue Grange, Ariel Grange took over the farm and she and Coyle have continued their successful partnership, achieving numerous World Cup™ and international wins. Today, Coyle is recognized as one of Ireland’s premier jumping athletes, known for his kindness, speed and exceptional horsemanship. Together, he and Grange have a group of horses that consistently top leaderboards wherever they compete.
In 2023, Ariel Grange chose Ocala, Florida, as their winter home base to compete at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). The team excelled in the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show
Series, with Coyle securing five grand prix wins and playing a key role in Team Ireland’s victory in the Longines League of Nations™ qualifier.
Coyle provided a glimpse into his daily routine on this memorable day at Longines League of Nations with Team Lothlorien and Legacy.
Early Morning Preparation – 6:30am
The alarm rings early on competition day for Coyle. “When it’s a big competition, I get up early, and sometimes, I even wake up a few times during the night,” he admits. By 7am, Coyle is already at WEC, checking on Legacy and riding the other horses, before it’s their time to shine.
Course Walk and Initial Impressions – 1pm
Coyle headed to the WEC Grand Arena to walk the course with other members of Team Ireland, Chef d’Équipe Michael Blake, Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam and Darragh Kenny, going over
every jump and turn. “I thought it was a nice course, very cleverly built. There were a lot of challenges in the beginning and I thought it was going to be more difficult at that point,” he recalls.
Game Plan with Michael Blake – 3pm
Before the first round, Blake gathered his team for a planning session. "Michael had a very good strategy. Usually, we have four riders and decide after the first round which three will return for the second because the second round has no drop score."
After Coyle, Sweetnam, and Kenny all went clear in the first round, Blake decided to have O’Connor sit out the first round with his horse Maurice. O’Connor’s withdrawal served as the drop score for round one, allowing Coyle, Kenny and O’Connor to return for round two. "Michael had decided a few days before that if everything went well in the first round, only three riders would compete in the second round, saving one horse from jumping again."
continued on page 32
Photos: Jump Media
The First Round – 4pm
Entering the first round, Coyle was laser-focused. “There were a lot of strong performances from the beginning, so everybody followed the same, simple plan: jump clear.” His preparation paid off as he completed the first round with Legacy clear and within the time allowed.
After the round, Blake shared his simple yet effective strategy, ‘just keep jumping clear rounds,’ which echoed in Coyle’s mind throughout the second round.
The Nail-Biting Second Round – 7:30pm
With one clear round under his belt, Coyle prepared for the second round with Blake's clear plan: repeat what he just did in the first round.
“I needed to ride exactly the same as I rode the first, which sometimes doesn’t happen. But this time, it did.”
Coyle and Legacy delivered yet another clear round, keeping Team Ireland on the top of the leaderboard. Watching his teammates perform is a different kind of pressure. “I find watching much more nervewracking than doing it myself. Especially Cian’s last round, because if he jumped clear, we knew we were going to win.”
of Daniel Coyle
Photos: Jump Media
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The Thrill of Victory – 9pm
As O’Connor cleared the final round, sealing the victory for Team Ireland, the tension broke. “The feeling was great. I mean, there’s no other way of saying it. When you win, there’s nothing better,” Coyle beamed. The innovative format of the Longines League of Nations™, which originally garnered questions from athletes, has proven to enhance the excitement and challenge of jumping competition. “To make three riders come back and have all scores count, especially having four riders with the drop score in the beginning, I actually think it's better than just having three scores or four. It makes it a little more exciting and also requires the full team to be quite strong.”
Reflecting on Legacy
“There’s no horse that tries harder than her, no matter whether she wins or loses. That has to be the main attraction for me.”
His longstanding partnership with Ariel Grange and Lothlorien Farm also plays a crucial role in his success. “I’ve had a long relationship with Ariel for years and years, and her mother before that. When things don’t go well, that’s when you see how strong the team is. Ariel is one of, if not the best, owner in that scenario.”
Celebrations and Future Aspirations – 10pm
As the day winds down, the team’s spirits are high, “If you want me to tell lies, I’ll say I go straight to bed, but of course, we all went and had a good time and a few drinks to celebrate at the Yellow Pony,” Coyle said with a laugh.
The triumph at WEC – Ocala solidified Team Ireland's dominance in the Longines League of Nations™ series, securing their top position as they advance to the final in Barcelona. Adding to Coyle’s remarkable season, he showcased his exceptional talent at the Paris Olympics, delivering three flawless clear rounds with Legacy. Soon, the pair will return to Ocala for another successful winter circuit.
Photo: Jump Media
Photo & bottom right: Andrew Ryback Photography
Globetrotting Equestrians
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Andrea Hönack and Cornest at the Longines League of Nations™ horse inspection at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
Photo: FEI/Liz Gregg
Amanda Landeblad (left), Henrik Ankarcrona (middle), and world number one, Henrik von Eckermann (right) discussing the Longines League of Nations™ course.
Photo: Jump Media
A Look Inside Their Travel
By Brianna Miller
The Longines League of Nations™ event, held at World Equestrian Center – Ocala March 19-23, welcomed the best Jumping teams in the world to compete for the winning title in the second leg of the series. In this special edition of ‘Across the Globe,’ we travel with three individuals: Martin Fuchs of Switzerland, who was ranked number four in the world during the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala, Sweden’s Chef d’Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona, and Andrea Hönack, a groom for Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, to see what life is like as a globe-trotter.
Martin Fuchs – Switzerland
Two-time Olympian Martin Fuchs is an internationally recognized name in the world of Jumping. At the young age of 31, this accomplished Swiss athlete has shot through the ranks, achieving remarkable victories along the way. Some of his accolades include individual wins at the 2022 FEI World Cup™ Final in Leipzig, Germany, and the 2023 $3 Million CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix CSIO5*, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Just recently, Fuchs made his trip to World Equestrian Center – Ocala a memorable one, jumping clear rounds with the
unstoppable Leone Jei all week long to take the Grand Prix CSIO5* win on Thursday night and helping Team Switzerland land a silver podium finish during the Longines League of Nations™ Team Competition on Saturday.
“I travel about 42 weeks out of the year. Most of my travels take me across Europe, and maybe five times a year, we travel outside of Europe,” he shared.
“I would say that’s the hardest part about our job, to be on the road so much. I never even unpack my bag,” laughed Fuchs. “I only take the laundry out, wash it and repack.”
With a base situated between Zurich and St. Gallen, Switzerland, Fuchs enjoys convenient travel. He credits much of the ease to his team and family behind the scenes, which includes everyone at the home barn that keep the horses fit and happy year-round, as well as girlfriend Simone Pearce, an Olympic dressage rider who has helped improve his riding.
“Our barn is in a perfect location because it’s about 35 minutes to the Zurich airport. My groom, Sean Vard, handles everything for the horses, which is a huge help. My mom takes care of booking the flights and I typically coordinate with her to align with my schedule,” he explained. “Sean ensures that the horses get to where they need to go. It’s a team effort and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
His trip to Ocala, Florida, marked one of the rare occasions he ventured beyond Europe, which turned out to be a very successful excursion. “I came to WEC about two or three years ago just to visit and it was fantastic. The infrastructure, the
Horses make people better, so if we can go around the world and show ourselves from our best side, then the sport will continue to evolve.”
— Henrik Ankarcrona
footing, the indoors – everything is exceptional for both the athletes and the horses. We don’t have facilities like this in Europe.”
Henrik Ankarcrona – Sweden
Sweden’s Chef d’Equipe, Henrik Ankarcrona, stands as a revered figure in the world of Jumping, leading a team of globally acclaimed riders, including Henrik von Eckermann, who was the number one-ranked rider in the world during the Longines League of Nations™, to a string of successes. Under Ankarcrona’s guidance, Sweden currently holds the titles of Olympic, European and World Champions.
Ankarcrona assumed the role of Chef d’Equipe for Sweden in 2016 at the young age of 37 and experienced success almost immediately. “I wanted to try something new and it was a chance,” said Ankarcrona of becoming the team leader. “It was the year of the European Championship at home in Gothenburg, Sweden. No pressure! The result was team silver and individual gold, and it just took off from there. I experienced years I could have never imagined.”
Today, Ankarcrona travels the globe with Team Sweden, orchestrating a series of podium finishes.
“I think the best way for Sweden or any country of riders to develop and get the horses more experience is to do Nations Cup™ events,” he said. “I am always pushing for us to do more. We’ve gone from doing 10 to 12 to now maybe even 20 this year.
“It’s difficult for a sport to grow,” continued Ankarcrona. “While globalization is very good, it comes with challenges and sustainability concerns. We have to explain why we fly horses around the world. Horses make people better, so if we can go
around the world and show ourselves from our best side, then the sport will continue to evolve.”
When the new Longines League of Nations™ was announced, Ankarcrona hoped it would come to World Equestrian Center – Ocala. He remarked, “We’ve all heard about Ocala for some years now. You see the pictures and wonder, ‘When are we going to get a chance to go and compete there, because we want to witness this.’”
“We had very high expectations coming here, but they have been exceeded,” he added. “We are so privileged to be able to travel around the world and meet new people. To have this as a destination is everything our sport could have hoped for.”
Andrea Hönack – Groom for Brazil
Grooms play a pivotal role on any equestrian team, operating behind the scenes to ensure horses are well cared for and ready for competition. Originally from Germany, Andrea Hönack is a dedicated groom who supports Brazilian athlete Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and travels the world with him and his top horses.
“I was drawn to horses early and always knew I wanted a job in the industry once I finished school,” recalled Hönack. “My mom tried to talk me out of it, but I followed my passion around the world. I went to Belgium 12 years ago and started working with Marlon, and I’ve been there ever since.”
“I had very little elite sport experience when I started working with Marlon,” continued Hönack. “I kind of grew with the job and grew with him. He was just starting his career at the higher levels when
My mom tried to talk me out of it, but I followed my passion around the world. I went to Belgium 12 years ago and started working with Marlon, and I’ve been there ever since.”
— Andrea Hönack
I started working with him. Once we started doing the five-star competitions, it just kept going and going. Now, I travel probably 40 or more weeks out of the year.”
Hönack assists with the horses’ travel, planning schedules and making sure all the necessary paperwork is completed before they hit the road or take flight. “If we are traveling in Europe, I organize the stops on the way,” she said. “When we fly, I am there to make sure everything is loaded and the horses are comfortable. Once we are at the show, I manage the horses.”
At World Equestrian Center – Ocala, Hönack groomed two of Zanotelli’s top horses during a busy week of competition. She found the facilities to be a big help, making her job a bit easier. “The facilities are amazing,” she expressed. “The stalls are so nice and the aisles are huge. We have enough room for lunging, flat work and jumping, and we were able to be inside or outside. The hotels are very nice and the food is amazing. It made the week easy and a lot of fun.”
The Longines League of Nations™ at World Equestrian Center – Ocala showcased a new era of equestrian sport, uniting top professionals like Martin Fuchs, Henrik Ankarcrona and Andrea Hönack in a remarkable display of skill, teamwork and dedication. The series signifies ‘one nation,’ and although each professional represents a different country, they all have the same love and passion for equestrian sport. As they continue their journeys throughout the year, we wish them safe travels and continued success. World Equestrian Center – Ocala eagerly anticipates their return in 2025.
Henrik Ankarcrona leading Team Sweden in the Parade of Nations during Longines League of Nations™ at WEC – Ocala. Photo: Jump Media
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Behind the Course
Growing up in a family of horsemen in Lexington, Kentucky, Bobby Murphy started his equestrian education early in life. At the age of 15, he tried his hand at course design for the first time. This initial experience sparked a lifelong career, one that’s progressed to designing some of the most prestigious tracks in the United States.
Murphy is well known in the industry for his creative jumps and courses at championships such as the annual ASPCA Maclay Finals and the USHJA Markel/Platinum Performance International Hunter Derby Finals. Since 2016, Murphy has been an instrumental team member of the World Equestrian Center (WEC) family in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida.
Most recently, Murphy brought his innovative talent to the Longines League of Nations™ qualifier at WEC – Ocala, transforming the WEC Grand Arena into an impressive stage for the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations.
“We really wanted to showcase the facility in its entirety. Any challenges that we had, we had the support of the Robert’s Family to overcome them and showcase the best possible event at World Equestrian Center to the rest of the world.”
FEI Level IV course designer, Alan Wade (IRL), led the charge of crafting the technical tracks for the week, including Thursday’s $330,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSIO5* and Saturday’s $770,000 Longines League of Nations™ team event. Wade worked closely with Murphy to integrate the creative elements that brought the tracks to life.
“The main goal from the very beginning was to showcase a masterpiece. But you can’t just create a magnificent look; you also have to tie in course design that goes past the theme. It needed to be able to test the capabilities of some of the world’s best horses and riders.
“Alan [Wade] was on one end of the spectrum, and I was on the other, so we really utilized both our skill sets to meet in the middle and create
by Bailey beal
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography
Behind theCourse
something as perfect as the [Longines] League of Nations course on Saturday came out to be. His focus was to make sure that we built correctly for the horses and riders. We found a common ground that came out great for every day of competition.”
Murphy’s construction of the jumps and the details of the arena began a year in advance and he watched his vision grow into the stunning final design over time.
“The planning process for this event began a year in advance with the entire team. We were all in constant communication. We started out with an animal theme, but in August, we switched to the secret garden idea to tie in the surroundings of The Equestrian Hotel and the property’s spectacular landscaping.”
As he encompassed the style and character of WEC, Murphy incorporated numerous statement
pieces into the CSIO5* tracks. He included elements such as elegant chess piece standards, stylish star topiaries paired with American Flag rails and planks, and exotic animal standards including foxes, lions and floral butterfly topiaries. Of his many handcrafted jumps, one stood out as his favorite.
“As far as a statement piece, the orca with the open water really tied everything together. The process that we went through to put all of the white roses on it took a lot of time, so I certainly spent some quality bonding time with the orca. It definitely wins as my favorite element.”
Along with the visual appeal of the courses came the technical elements, “We studied the movement of the sun and how it was going to play into the combinations on Saturday. After we had already made the course, we went to test the reflections
under the lights. We didn’t like how the scoreboard was reflecting off the water jump, so we redid the track and moved the elements around at 11pm to ensure the best experience for horses and riders.”
At the conclusion of the very first week of fivestar competition at WEC – Ocala, Murphy was left feeling inspired for the event in 2025 and looks forward to igniting his passion to continue raising the bar for jumping sport at WEC.
“I run off the adrenalin rush in those moments. It was surreal to see it all come together throughout the week. Everyone involved knew that there was a level of passion needed to create something like we did. We set a bar, and now, we have to keep raising it.”
®
TM 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 ...
Building on the
– Lothlorien FarmLegacy
By Brianna Miller
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
If you’re here for glory, you’re in the wrong place. It’s about making sure the horses are happy and you respect the people that you are working with and take pride in what you do.”
In 2017, Ariel Grange stepped into the role of owner at Lothlorien Farm, a thriving breeding and training operation originally founded by her mother, Sue Grange. A renowned Canadian equestrian athlete and advocate for the sport, Sue Grange passed, leaving behind a remarkable heritage. Ariel Grange took the reins, continuing the farm’s long-standing tradition of excellence while adding her unique touch.
Since its establishment in 1974, Lothlorien Farm has gained a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest horses. In 2016, Ireland’s Daniel Coyle assumed the role of primary rider for the string of top Jumping horses, and under Grange’s guidance, Lothlorien Farm continues to thrive in all aspects, including breeding, training and competition.
Growing up at Lothlorien, Grange’s childhood was filled with memories of exploring the farm, riding tractors and helping with daily chores – experiences
her son now shares. When her mother became ill, Grange knew she would eventually take over and she aimed to preserve her mother’s legacy while adding her own passions and insights.
“My mother was a great person in the industry,” Grange shared. “She was a champion in every aspect of her life. Those are big shoes to fill. I’m not trying to rebuild the legacy; I’m focusing on honoring it and I think I’m doing a good job so far.”
Grange’s confidence in her role stemmed from years of learning and working alongside her mother. She paid close attention to the behavior of foals, observing their traits to their lineage. “I started to notice differences based on whether they took after their sire or dam. I found a fair amount had more traits
Photo: Jump Media
Top photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
from certain mothers, so that’s what we specialize in more now. The foals that we breed not only have top sires, but have just as successful mothers that have competed at the same level, if not higher than the sire.”
Most of the breeding and training takes place at the flagship location of Lothlorien Farm in Cheltenham, Ontario. Spanning 550 acres and featuring over 20 paddocks, two indoor arenas, a large jumping ring and a grass arena, the impressive set up provides everything needed for breeding and training top-quality horses.
In addition to the main Canadian base, Lothlorien has connections around the globe. In Ireland, Grange and Coyle share land and breeding stock. When traveling in Europe, the team sets up at Jeroen Dubbeldam’s farm in Holland, before they go off in search of young talent or show on the European circuit.
Back in Canada, the original property plays as a central role. Grange’s family is local; her father still lives on the farm and she lives just five minutes away. “No one strayed too far. It’s still the same color, same style, just nicer machines,” laughed Grange.
Grange's deep understanding of the horses is a key factor in the farm's success. "I make a point to know every little thing about the horses that we own— their favorite treats, where they like to be scratched, if they have a funny lift when they take off, or a shift to one side.”
While Grange enjoys breeding, she also has a passion for buying young promising horses and putting her own twist on them. "Watching one of our horses go to their first five-star or big competition is like watching my kid walk for the first time.” The combination of breeding and training successful horses creates a sense of pride and achievement for Grange, one that is deeply rooted in her commitment to honoring her mother's legacy. With such a large operation, Grange has handpicked a solid team to keep the operation flourishing, “Lothlorien isn’t a place you come and go,” she said. “If you’re here for glory, you’re in the wrong place. It’s about making sure the horses are happy and you respect the people that you are working with and take pride in what you do. ‘Team Lothlorien’ is a big slogan of mine. We are, at the end of the day, a team and that goes for the guys that cut
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography
My mother was a great person in the industry,” Grange shared. “She was a champion in every aspect of her life. Those are big shoes to fill. I’m not trying to rebuild the legacy; I’m focusing on honoring it and I think I’m doing a good job so far.”
the fields at home to my father, brothers, husband and son, and Daniel and his children. Everyone is important to me and I want everyone to love what they do.”
The team has so much confidence in Grange, when she shared that she was selling the south locations of Lothlorien Farm and moving to Ocala, everyone followed suit. “I wanted a quiet place where I could raise a family. We wanted a location that was great for the horses and their development, and that’s what WEC is.
We have five-year-olds that start at 8am then others throughout the day and then we bring some of our top horses to compete in the Saturday night grands prix. We don’t have to stress about footing or the heat, it’s perfect.”
Lothlorien South is now nestled on a quiet and scenic property just minutes away from World Equestrian Center – Ocala. In April of 2023, Grange purchased nearly 50 acres with large spacious paddocks and built onto the barn to create 17 stalls.
A new walker and brand-new ring was created to make the farm the perfect winter destination.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo: Jump Media
The 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series marked the team’s first winter circuit in Ocala and it turned out to be quite the successful one.
In the beginning of the year, Coyle and the team went overseas and scored two World Cup™ wins with Legacy, one of Grange’s top performing horses. Shortly after their impressive streak overseas, Coyle returned, and continued his winning ways in Ocala, racking up victories and earning another World Cup™ victory with another top horse, Incredible.
Team Lothlorien finished out the winter circuit with the most memorable win. Coyle was
the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series. He and Legacy produced two clear efforts and Team Ireland took their right spot on the podium. In 2024, Team Lothlorien has scored three World Cup™ victories and the Longines League Nations™ Ocala winning title.
As Lothlorien Farm returned to Canada after a triumphant winter circuit, the team began their
preparations for the Paris Olympic Games, where Daniel Coyle and Legacy would go on to jump three clear rounds. Grange’s journey with Team Lothlorien is just getting started, with a fresh string of future superstars ready to make their mark in the Jumping world.
Above & right photos: Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo: Jump Media
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r&Spring Summer SERIES at
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER – WILMINGTON
by
Beal
World Equestrian Center – Wilmington welcomed exhibitors back to its upgraded outdoor facilities for the 2024 Spring/ Summer horse shows. During the fiveweek series, we saw top hunter and jumper competition and welcomed new faces and loyal competitors. We look forward to the upcoming winter season and cannot wait to see our WEC family back onsite to continue making new horse show memories!
Scene at WEC: 2024 Spring & Summer Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
Bailey
photos by Winslow Photography
Scene at WEC: 2024 Spring & Summer Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
Brooke Barket and Surf's Up
as told to Bailey Beal
BB WEC Tell us about yourself.
I am from Columbus, Ohio. I am 14 years old and I am in eighth grade. My mom rode horses when she was little, and one day, I just decided I wanted to ride a pony! A boring story, but that is how I got started. I ride at Training Wheels LLC with Sarah Guidice now and Erika Heintschel-Githens LLC.
What division do you show in?
I show in the Medium Pony Hunters and the Large Green Pony division.
WEC
Photos by Winslow Photography
WEC
Tell us about the ponies you show, Surf’s Up and Land’s End Electra.
My medium pony is Surf’s Up, also known as Finn. He is a Palomino. I had him for his green year and I took him to Pony Finals. He placed in the over fences and overall. He is still a bit green but he is really cool and so fun to ride.
Land’s End Electra is the large green that I have been showing. Her barn name is Ellie. I am showing her throughout her green year. She is really green, but we are getting her going and she is doing great! She is really cool and always the hack winner. She is so fun to ride.
Tell us about your experience at World Equestrian Center (WEC).
I really love how close WEC – Wilmington is to us. The ponies only live 30 minutes away, so we can take them home and turn them out sometimes. We went to WEC – Ocala last year and I really loved it there. It was different competition. I loved Emma’s Patisserie!
I love that WEC has Starbucks and a ton of food places. I have learned so much at WEC because this is where we show the most. The ponies are green, so it is good to get them in the rings here. I have made a lot of friends that come here too. I always have a lot of people to hang out with at WEC.
What is your favorite thing to do at WEC – Wilmington when you are not showing?
I love to watch my friends show and I love to go shopping at all of the stores in Vendor Village.
How do you balance school and riding?
It is a lot easier to balance now that I am doing online school. Our barn is an hour and a half away from home, so it makes it easier because we can travel during the day. It makes showing easier too. I like that I can ride more and get more experience. My favorite subject in school is ELA, my English class.
What are your future riding goals?
This year, I want to place again at Pony Finals. I want to go to Junior Hunter Finals, Maclay Finals and the WEC Premier Cup. I really want to place at all of those one day.
Junior Rider Focus: Brooke Barket
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!
Lifestyle Inspired by Pénélope Leprevost
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport?
My trainer Sarah [Guidice]. She has a pony business and I really like getting opportunities to ride so much.
What is your favorite part about riding?
My favorite part about riding is how sweet my ponies are in the barn! I love doing the model because my ponies always like to snuggle. I like the over fences too. My ponies help me out a lot, but I have had to learn a lot too. I have loved growing in the ring with both of them.
Junior Rider Focus: Brooke Barket Junior Focus: Brooke Barket
Brooke Barket and Land's End Electra
Research Is Our Key Ingredient
ALLISON ZAREMBOWICZ’S to INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE
EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY
A “hot and crazy” failed driving horse is helping make Zarembowicz’s dressage dreams a reality
by Alice Collins / Jump Media
Photo: Allison Zarembowicz
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Not many riders make their international dressage debut at age 33. Fewer still do it on a failed driving horse deemed dangerous to ride that was bought on the cheap. Then again, not many dressage riders take the circuitous route that Ocala-based Allison Zarembowicz has carved. She was a teenage horse trader, a racehorse exercise rider, handled a string of pack horses in Utah, competed in eventing, worked at a therapeutic riding school and as a veterinary technician, taught camp, and was a four-in-hand driver’s groom in Europe, which took her to the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. It’s an extraordinary CV.
Zarembowicz is bemused and delighted to now find herself competing on the CDI small tour dressage scene on a horse she only began riding when he was 10 and whose specialty was spinning uncontrollably. Over the 2024 Easter weekend at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC), the pair hit the magic 70% mark in their Intermediate I Freestyle – a level new to both horse and rider. It represented a high-water mark in Zarembowicz’s eclectic career, which is characterized by zigging and zagging like a pinball – until now.
“ She puts much of her success down to never being afraid to try something new and believes that her years of riding horses of all breeds, shapes and sizes are now paying dividends.”
She puts much of her success down to never being afraid to try something new and believes that her years of riding horses of all breeds, shapes and sizes are now paying dividends. She grew up in a family of seven children in Utah, and when her parents told her she needed to fund her new-found horse obsession herself, the dogged 12-year-old managed to persuade the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give her a $4,000 loan to start a business.
As a teenager, the enterprising Zarembowicz would purchase ponies at auction, then back and ride them, and sell them on. With the proceeds, she managed to keep an off-the-track Thoroughbred and do Pony Club.
As a young adult, she spent time as a working student in Idaho before she serendipitously heard a segment on NPR Radio about a pack horse guide. Despite having no firm contact details, Zarembowicz sent a letter to a P.O. box and was stunned to receive a reply and a job offer. She backed and rode the pack horses and “basically lived in a cave in Southern Utah.”
“In Utah, I could have been a cowgirl or barrel racer, but I was obsessed with English riding. I wanted to move to Florida and had
Photo: Allison Zarembowicz
Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography
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Inspiration: Allison Zarembowicz
worked as a driving groom before; I didn’t know how else to get into a paid job – and I really needed the money – so that was my first job in Florida, 10 years ago,” explained the 34-year-old.
She subsequently met her husband Torsten Zarembowicz, a FEI Single Horse Individual World Champion in driving for Germany and former USEF Combined Driving Coach. Together, they now run the sales business Zarembowicz Sport Horses, which by necessity has meant nice horses have never stuck around long. Then came Happy Khan, an unassuming bay gelding recently imported from his native Holland. He had a driving background and noteworthy lineage: sired by the Rousseau son Zjengis Khan. Luckily for Zarembowicz, he was a serious handful.
“Every time a horse gets fun, I have to sell it,” she explained. “But during COVID, Happy was sold as a dressage horse to the U.S., and it did not go well at all, which is lucky because
“ I would have never gotten this horse if he wasn’t such a punk.”
I would have never gotten this horse if he wasn’t such a punk. The lady called and asked if Torsten could sell him as a driving horse, but he was so hot and athletic and really a professional’s horse, plus they had almost $100,000 into him at that point and we weren’t going to get close to that for a driving horse.”
“I had just sold a horse – we needed the money – so I didn’t have anything interesting to ride. I started with Happy to see if we could find a job for him. Getting into the arena was a challenge. Every time I tried to go in, he would spin in circles and rear and run backward in panic – it was pandemonium. He had a flying change from all the driving, but it was late and he would get super crazy. Everything was hyper,” added Zarembowicz. She subsequently discovered from a girl who had ridden him in Holland that the only way she had found to get Happy into the arena was to coax him in backward. Slowly, Zarembowicz managed to channel the horse’s abundant energy in a more positive direction and build an understanding.
“I’ve mostly had Dutch Harness Horses because that was the only thing I could afford,” explained Zarembowicz. “I’ve never had a nice warmblood. Once Happy calmed down, he was pretty fun. I thought about how much to offer the owner – I didn’t want to offend her – but he wasn’t worth much and was honestly dangerous. I offered her $10,000 and she said, ‘Yes, please!’ She was thrilled and so happy that he had a job.”
“I knew that if I could work with him then I could have a decent dressage horse. Getting him to relax and do the clean changes was a huge milestone and I brought him up from Second Level to Prix St. Georges in a year,” she recalled.
The result is partly thanks to Zarembowicz’s tremendous breadth of horse knowledge –there is little she hasn’t seen – coupled with her husband’s daily eyes on the ground and help from locally-based trainer Anna Marek. Zarembowicz completed four national Prix St. Georges classes with Happy before taking the plunge and entering a CDI. They have finished first or second in all four of their CDI small tour starts to date.
Despite her breakthrough success with Happy, there was a moment at the end of 2023 when the Zarembowiczs were on the verge of relocating to Europe, but a timely advertisement and the magnetic draw of WEC made them change their mind.
“We sold our place and the horses were booked on the plane, but we saw this property advertised
Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography
Inspiration: Allison Zarembowicz
“ We’re always doing something a little bit wild, but it’s the only way to make it work and I’m not afraid to try something new...”
just 15 minutes from WEC and we changed our minds and decided we needed to stay in Ocala,” she explained.
Their new property is a work in progress. It was 10 acres with just a polo barn and the Zarembowiczs are in the process of finalizing the fencing, adding stalls and putting in an apartment and an arena. It’s no small undertaking.
“We’re always doing something a little bit wild, but it’s the only way to make it work and I’m not
afraid to try something new,” added Zarembowicz, who still has to fend off her husband’s threats to steal Happy back as a driving horse. “I know I’m not the best and I don’t have the background, but I feel like all those difficult horses that I broke and
rode made it so I could have the skills to do this with Happy. I could be jealous of the other riders with a half-million-dollar horse, but here we are just a couple of percent behind and I don’t feel bad at all. I feel lucky.”
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
…And Then Some! Tow The Whole Stable…
Gary Yeomans
TEAM BEHIND TEAM: The The
WORLD CHAMPION GRANDVIEW CLYDESDALES
by Lea Brayton
photos by MAVEN PHOTO + FILM
Drive through any thoroughfare in Marion County and it’s easy to see why Brick City has laid claim to the title Horse Capital of the World®. Yet, despite the incredible diversity of disciplines and top-level riders in the Ocala area, Clydesdales are still few and far between. In fact, the iconic Clydesdale is underrepresented around the world. As a threatened breed, the Livestock Conservancy estimates the global Clydesdale population to be fewer than 5,000. But Shannon and Karen Cobbs of Grandview Clydesdales are trying to help change that.
Grandview Clydesdales is a world-class Clydesdale breeding and training operation in Dunnellon, Florida, just 20 minutes from World Equestrian Center. A testament to tradition, the 26-acre farm is a true working operation with 40 head of champion Clydesdale draft horses.
As world-class driving trainers, Shannon and Karen hold an incredible 327 national championships and 36 world championships between them – all on wall-to-wall display at Grandview. Both grew up on farms where they learned to drive the six-horse hitch – Shannon on a dairy farm in rural Indiana and Karen on a grain farm in Manitoba, Canada.
A natural horseman, Shannon was driving competitively at a professional level by the age of 15. He said it’s always been instinct: “From the time I was young, I was in the barn driving and training. I started the horses from day one and took them all the way through to the show ring. I wanted to know that horse and what they were good at and not good at so I could take them through that journey. I feel like it was what I was put on this earth to do.” They had both visited the Ocala area since childhood and finally made the move to bring their family and farm to the horse capital in 2013.
Now, the Cobbs open the doors of their home and farm to thousands of visitors each year who jump at the chance to experience one of the world’s most successful Clydesdale farms firsthand. Visitors are served a snapshot of current world-champion Clydesdales.
“It’s a one-on-one opportunity to stand among the very best, right now” said Karen, noting that providing education and showcasing the breed are part of what makes the tours so special.
Three times a week, their year-round guided tours offer guests the opportunity to learn about the history of the Clydesdale breed, witness the daily routines and care of the horses and even interact with the gentle giants, including baby Clydesdales at the right time of year. “Some of the people who visit us tell us that they’ve
“From the time I was young, I was in the barn driving and training. I started the horses from day one and took them all the way through to the show ring. I wanted to know that horse and what they were good at and not good at so I could take them through that journey. I feel like it was what I was put on this earth to do.”
never touched a horse before,” Shannon shared. “We get to create that connection and foster the experience for them by bringing a horse into their lives.”
For a little extra magic, Grandview offers nighttime Christmas tours over the winter holidays. The barns are decked out with Christmas wreaths, trees and lights, and the groups can watch a braiding demonstration set to holiday music. The special experience starts in early November and runs through early January.
The VIP horse show experience at Grandview World Nights is unmatched.
Karen Cobbs and son, Stone in the middle of the action at Grandview World Nights.
“I relate it to basketball all the time because you can have a great player in basketball. But if they never pass the ball, then they're not a good teammate, right? So in what we do, if we have six or eight horses together, they have to work together as a team.”
A Grand Legacy
Established with a passion for preserving the legacy of the Clydesdale, Grandview is a testament to the Cobbs’ commitment to maintaining the breed. Originating from Scotland, Clydesdales have a storied history as the backbone of agriculture where the sport of team driving has roots. From its inception, Grandview has remained dedicated to upholding top qualities of the Clydesdale for sport, but there’s more to the making of a team than just great bloodlines. Athletic ability, how they carry themselves, their presence, how bold they are and how much animation they have in their movement all factor into the making of a champion, but for the six-horse-hitch, teamwork is just as important.
The crowd takes in the competition at Grandview World Nights.
Top left: Karen Cobbs greets a nighttime tour group on the Christmas holiday tour.
Left: Shannon Cobbs shows off one of the team!
“They have to flow as one unit. There's times you might have a horse that's just an exceptional athlete, but he doesn't want to get along with the rest of them,” explained Karen.
“Some of the horses don’t want to work as a team,” Shannon added. “I relate it to basketball all the time because you can have a great player in basketball. But if they never pass the ball, then they're not a good teammate, right? So in what we do, if we have six or eight horses together, they have to work together as a team.”
Beyond keen training instincts and an exceptional breeding program, the Cobbs enjoy another leg-up on the competition as a family-run-and-operated farm. Both Karen and Shannon are involved in every aspect of care. They breed, break and train, groom and tack up their own team, crediting the attention to horsemanship as their winning edge: “We do all of our own training. We are the ones tacking them up, harnessing them, going out to the arena to figuring out the puzzle of where everybody's supposed to go,” Shannon said. “And then, we're the ones that are taking them into the ring for competition. When you really learn a horse is when you're washing them and when you're putting their tack on
“When you really learn a horse is when you're washing them and when you're putting their tack on and when you're bridling them. You know what kind of day they're going to have and know them on an individual level.”
Shannon
and when you're bridling them. You know what kind of day they're going to have and know them on an individual level.”
World-Class Shows
In addition to running a successful breeding and training operation, managing their educational outreach programs and maintaining a full-time show schedule, Karen and Shannon have also brought two major draft horse competitions to Florida with their own Grandview Invitational, held at the Florida Horse Park, and Grandview World Nights, held at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Heading into their seventh and fourth years respectively, the events comprising the Draft Horse Florida Series are two of the only premier Clydesdale shows on the East Coast calendar and bring out hundreds of spectators to witness the breed at work.
“We’re always looking down the road,” says Shannon. “Our vision five years from now: we are looking to be the premier draft horse and Clydesdale shows in the world, based out of Ocala and right here at World Equestrian Center.”
The 2025 Grandview World Nights will return to WEC –Ocala February 5-8 with the exciting addition of the World
Series Championship where the best in the sport will go headto-head with the global champion crowned on the final day of competition. “We put a lot of thought into how to do it right,” said Karen. “The best of our industry will be here competing
and all the champions will be crowned. It will be exciting to watch a true head-to-head driving competition of this caliber.”
To learn more about the Grandview Clydesdales operation or to book a tour, visit Grandviewclydesdales.tours.
Two teams await results in the ring.
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Get Rider Fit WITH THESE TOP SOLUTIONS
By Juliana Chapman/The Tech Equestrian
Haybales & Barbells, Jamie Lau creates programs that are specific to equestrians.
Photo: Tyler Barks Photo & Video
The ‘strength through length’ Equibody methodology gets you competition-ready.
Photo: Astrid Appels, EuroDressage
The Train Your Seat fitness programs are uniquely designed to enhance communication with the horse.
Photo: Train Your Seat Equestrian Training
The Tech Equestrian has been covering the horse tech space for more than six years and there is one category that has been consistently gaining momentum: rider fitness. If you are like me, you prioritize your horse’s health over your own, so it is refreshing to see so many options available to improve your fitness and overall health. Here we share some of the most sought-after solutions to get you started.
Haybales & Barbells: Fitness for all Equestrian Athletes
Jamie Lau’s fitness journey began in her late teens as a desire to improve her mental health through physical activity. “I saw fitness as a way to maintain my well-being and as a potential career path. This passion led me to pursue a master's degree in recreation therapy, where I was drawn to the concept of using physical activity, to empower individuals with disabilities,” shared Jamie. Combining her love for horses, fitness and therapeutic recreation, Jamie worked as an equine assisted recreation therapist,
The mission for Haybales & Barbells is to shine a light on not only the physical benefits, but mental benefits for equestrians.”
facilitating equine-assisted learning sessions and leading fitness programs for clients.
In 2020, she took a leap of faith and launched her own business. “The mission for Haybales and Barbells is to shine a light on not only the physical benefits, but mental benefits for equestrians.” Jamie doesn’t focus on weight loss or counting calories, instead, her aim is to enhance strength and balance in the saddle and to help equestrians develop confidence and improve well-being.
Jamie created an equestrian fitness training philosophy based on riders equally training their balance, cardiovascular fitness, strength, mobility, and flexibility to become well-rounded athletes. The holistic approach is applied across all the programs including
Equestrian sport needs specific training focused on balance, strength and mobility.
Photo: AMF Photography
Haybales & Barbells creator Jamie Lau. Photo: Lily Margaret Photography
Raise Your Standard
workshops, 1-to-1 training, bootcamps and the 2-week up to 12-week programs.
“Haybales & Barbells is now featured on the Ridely app. I recently launched my 8-Week Core Strength and Stability program on their platform, and it has been a great success,” said Jamie.
Train Your Seat: A Holistic Approach
Alysen Starko-Bowes uniquely designed the rider fitness programs at Train Your Seat to enhance communication with the horse. Through targeted exercises and techniques, riders cultivate strength, balance, and body awareness, enabling them to convey subtle cues and signals to their equine partners effectively.
Targeting exercises are infused with mind-body exercises.
Photo: Train Your Seat Equestrian Training
Alysen has a background in developing comprehensive movement training programs and quickly adapted them for equestrians. The program became a cornerstone for riders seeking a new approach. Alysen expanded the methodology to include rider biomechanics, imagery – uses mental images to help with alignment and horse movement, and the dynamic partnership between horse and rider.
“Rider fitness should go beyond physical conditioning and include mind-body exercises,” highlighted Alysen.
shoulder, spine, lower leg, and pelvis diplomas, and for equestrians looking to improve overall there is a breathing in balance online course in addition to a ball workshop series.
In essence, rider fitness transcends conventional physical training by encompassing a holistic approach. By integrating mind-body exercises and prioritizing feel, riders can elevate their performance and deepen their connection with their horses, to achieve greater harmony and success in the saddle. Alysen’s motto is, “If you want to help your horse change, start by changing yourself.”
Train your Seat courses for trainers include
Equibody Fitness:
1-to-1 ‘strength through length’ methodology
Jack LaTorre kick-started his fitness future as a rock climber at the age of 12, the same time he started riding. “I soon realized I couldn't do both, so I made the right decision and chose horses,” he shared. His focus was strength in the saddle, which led him to study weightlifting, calisthenics, and programming, to help shape his body.
If you want to help your horse change, start by changing yourself.”
Owner & Trainer Alysen Starko-Bowes of Train Your Seat
Photo: Train Your Seat Equestrian Training
The fitness business came about because Jack was too stiff and tight in the saddle. “I was a big ball of tension and my horses felt it...which was not a good thing.” He then took the time to become informed on ways of achieving flexibility and mobility. His physical transformation attracted friends and strangers seeking guidance, and the business grew from there. Jack incorporates in his customized training exercises that help a rider be supple, fluid, and soft. “You need to be tone without any tension,” said Jack and added, “That's why we put together our ‘strength through length’ methodology, to help create that suppleness in riders.”
Equibody Fitness features a 6-month personalized workout program to help teach your muscles to strengthen their positions, allowing them to become soft, supple, and toned – ideal for alleviating tight hips and developing core strength. You will also receive analysis and feedback on your form videos from every workout. Each week you’ll have a call with your coach to encourage and help achieve your goal of better riding.
In most sports, strength = winning, but in equestrian sports, supple, fluid and soft are the winners.
Photo: Ibach Media
Haybales & Barbells
OWNER/FOUNDER Jamie Lau
Home Base Minnesota, MN
Launched 2020
Subscribers More than 3,000 equestrians have utilized the programs.
Most Popular Programs Home workout programs
Program Types • Workout guides
• app-based fitness programs
• 1 on 1 training and clinics
• (featured on Ridely)
Pricing $50 to $194 (depending on duration & type)
Promo code: WELCOMEHB
haybalesandbarbells.com
@haybales.barbells
@Haybales & Barbells
and stretching are key to a better ride. Photo: Jump Media That's why we put together our ‘strength through length’ methodology, to help
Train Your Seat
OWNER/FOUNDER Alysen Starko-Bowes
Home Base Canada Launched 2019
Subscribers 350 equestrians
Most Popular Programs • Pelvis Trainer Diploma
• The Complete Rider Program: Breathing in Balance
Program Types
• Online courses
• workshops
• clinics
Pricing Programs start at $55
trainyourseatonline.com
@trainyourseat
@trainyourseat
Juliana Chapman
Palm City, FL · thetechequestrian.com
Juliana is a technology marketing professional and lifelong equestrian who grew up in Rhode Island and showed in the pony and children’s hunter divisions and later rode adult hunter in the Bahamas. She is the founder of The Tech Equestrian, a technology and lifestyle blog that is designed to provide insights on the latest technology solutions in the horse world. Juliana has written articles for Horse & Style, EQ Living, Sidelines and other top industry publications.
Riders learn to convey subtle cues and signals to their equine partners.
Train Your Seat Equestrian Training
Equibody Fitness
OWNER/FOUNDER Jack LaTorre Home Base Wellington, FL Launched 2021
Subscribers 60 active clients (1-1 coaching)
Most Popular Programs A tailored model and method to the individual
Program Types 1-1 remote coaching (an app for workouts) Pricing Pricing depends on individual needs equibodyfitness.com @jack.equibody.fitness
Photo:
Kentucky Performance Products
GENERATIONS TO BREAK IN
Racing’s B A R R E L
B E S T L O O K S
BY L.A. BERRY
Barrel racing is a dynamic event that delivers eye-catching speed, power and plenty of style. This thrilling display of western horsemanship sees horse-and-rider navigate a cloverleaf pattern around a trio of barrels while racing against the clock to lock in the fastest time. It’s not just the thrill of the sport that makes barrel racing special – it’s the stage it sets for trends and fashion statements across the western riding community.
2024 isn’t just a good time in barrel racing. It’s a great time in western fashion, according to riders who really know their patterns.
THINK PINK
There’s no denying it, the “Barbie” film has influenced the color of the moment: Pink. But in the western world, this color ropes in a much bigger statement.
“Thanks to the Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) campaign, it’s not surprising to see both men and women in pink at a rodeo,” says barrel racing rider McKenna Andris, digital content creator for the National Barrel Horse Association and 2020-2021 Miss Rodeo Florida.
TETWP began in 2005, the brainchild of breast cancer survivor Terry Wheatley, of Purple Cowboy wines and Karl
Make a statement in Chi Rho’s Southwestern-inspired Santa Fe Slit Skirt.
Photo: Chi Rho Ranch
There’s no denying it, the “Barbie” film has influenced the color of the moment: Pink. But in the western world, this color ropes in a much bigger statement.
Stressman, then-Director of Special Events for Wrangler, who came up with the idea of asking rodeo athletes to wear pink on one night of the Pro Rodeo Finals to raise awareness about breast cancer.
“The concept of wearing pink may sound odd, but that’s what makes Tough Enough To Wear Pink so special. Pink symbolizes courage, strength and determination when the western industry comes together in the fight against breast cancer. If the most rugged and courageous of American icons, the cowboy, can wear pink to show support and respect, ask yourself, Are You Tough Enough To Wear Pink?” explain Jill Gregg and Casey White-Zollman, co-chairs with the Pendleton Round-Up, an active TETWP participant for almost 20 years.
“I’m not flamboyant. I’m a cowgirl who happens to run barrels,” says Kacee Willbanks Colletti, podcast co-host for the Western/English Apparel & Equipment Trade Shows (WESA). As a western model and mom of a horse-loving daughter, she sees more of a merger than ever between the fashion and western worlds. “It’s a look
that has evolved for me and my daughter that has transcended from competition into any style.”
A VINTA G E ADVANTAGE
The ‘ranch life’ look is all the rage. Kacee confesses to borrowing her dad’s circa 1970’s buckle to complement her own old-school Old West styling. “Just don’t lose it, he told me!” Vintage buckles from the mid- to late-20th century are proving to be a trend. Rather than opting for prize buckles or the “dinner plate” sized styles, riders are favoring these nostalgic pieces.
The more forward-looking choice for cowboys and cowgirls who want to make a self-defining statement is the “Match Box buckle.” This compact buckle measures 2-by-4 inches and features an edge that encloses the belt and reduces the risk of getting hung on a saddle horn. Its size and shape (hence the name) are reminiscent of matchboxes from the 1840s.
“Buckles are smaller than in the past. We’re going to see more, often custom-made, Match Box buckles,” McKenna predicts, citing style setters like 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Famer Trevor Brazile who (coincidentally) sticks with a theme when it works: He stood the reining stallion Show Me The
The ‘ranch life’ look is all the rage.
It’s the color of the season thanks to the Barbie movie and this National Barrel Horse Association rider and horse both look pretty in pink. Photo: NBHA
Kacee and daughter Kingslee bring a feminine touch to their barrel racing family. Photo: LMV Photography
Buckles, who sired of one of the top-earning rope horses of all time, Tuckin Away Buckles.
THE C UTTING E DGE
Western wear isn’t western until you put your boots on and the trend here really is cutting edge, as in the “cutter-toe.”
While the pointed toe has been a traditional look since the 1950s, ranging from the “needle toe” to more gently rounded “snipped toe,” it was the broad squared toe that led a 21stcentury resurgence until this hybrid rode into Dodge. The cutter-toe cowboy boot has a narrower, square-toe box, offering more wiggle room than a pointed toe but narrow enough to slide in and out of stirrups.
“The cutter is more narrow. There’s a little more heel slant trending, too,” says McKenna, who sees boot heights increasing to knee high concurrent with ‘English rider’ looks.
Kacee also sees cutter-toe and knee-high boots trending, and suede making a comeback.
“Suede is in,” she says, preferring cognac suede to complement her own, more neutral clothing preferences, while rough-out suede is showing up aplenty in light, bright colors.
“In the western world, cowboy boots never go out of style,” says Amanda Reese, owner of Chi Rho Ranch (XP Ranch), located in Indoor Arena 3 at WEC – Ocala. “Now, they are trending throughout the fashion industry.
Designers like Ralph Lauren include cowboy boots on the runway. Hollywood icons are showcasing cowboy boots in everyday wear and showing them on the red carpet!
“’Cowboy’ is in style and nothing speaks ‘cowboy’ more than a great pair of cowboy boots. Our top-selling riding boots include a cutter-toe that is both practical for riding and stylish,” she adds. “Another hot trend is pairing
boots with cropped wide leg, rolled or cuffed jeans. I am seeing this throughout the western fashion industry.”
YELLOW THANK YOU N
CORRAL THAT CORAL
The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz, which aligns with the coral color story in this season’s arenas.
Streaming series like “Yellowstone” see vintage floral patterns blooming on shirts and the revival of pearl snaps over buttons. Kacee also sees a return to more feminine, ‘70s style looks, especially long, flowing ‘prairie-style’ dresses and muted turquoise tones.
Yep, cowgirls and cowboys can be superstitious too. Like never, ever wearing yellow. The connection between the color and bad luck has several origin stories, from how egg yolk yellow is equated with lacking bravery (as in “yellow-bellied” or being “chicken”) to how going belly-down in sand (like a coward) stains a shirt a dirty yellow.
On the flip side, cowgirls say it’s supposed to be good luck to wear mismatched socks. So, go ahead, get that really cute second set. We won’t tell.
McKenna vouches for the look of teals, blues and browns in and out of the pen. “I’m big into native turquoise. I’ve always accessorized with rings, Navajo pearls or squash blossom necklaces. They can dress up even a pair of jeans and sneakers. “After the races, I see women wearing their cowboy
Equestrian Style: Article of Title Equestrian Style: Barrel Racing’s Best Looks
Western wear isn’t western until you put your boots on and the trend here really is cutting edge, as in the “cutter-toe.”
hats all night out on the town, especially colored hats, with ribbons as bands or a distressed/burnt ‘boho’ look.”
“Turquoise is timeless, need I say more?” adds Amanda. “Navajo-made and inspired jewelry are Chi Rho Ranch bestsellers. We bring authentic, handmade Navajo jewelry to World Equestrian Center. Our Navajo makers take pride in crafting beautiful, authentic pieces.”
“Turquoise never goes out of style,” agrees Kacee, who honors her grandmother’s memory by wearing some of her favorite pieces. The only thing this barrel racing cowgirl ever wanted was, “To be rough and tough – and be a lady.”
In 2024, that’s a pattern worth following.
Kacee, shown here competing in the 2023 Rodeo All-Star Semi-Finals, has seen her influence extended into fashion, having worked as a consultant for a major national western clothing company, as a magazine cover model, and as a stuntwoman on ABC Family’s ‘Wildfire.’
Photo: Michael Pintar
Barrel racers love their patterns and this colorful striped shirt is no exception, as this National Barrel Horse Association rider demonstrates.
Photo: NBHA
A barrel racer makes two patterns her own – on her shirt and on course during the 2023 NBHA World Championships in Perry, Georgia.
Photo: NBHA
Samantha Schaefer riding In the Know at World Equestrian Center - Ocala.
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