Equine Flair magazine premier issue by Elite Equestrian LLC

EQUINE Luxury Living For Equestrians

Flair

Volume 12 Issue 1 Complimentary

Michael P. Sommers Tribute To The Military Horse

��

�� •��

The New Show By

��

Atlanta - Midtown (Spring & 8th Street) - 1.866.999.8111 � cavalia.net

“REMEMBERING”

Exquisite Equestrian Jewelry Featuring Antique Riding Medals By

Donna Snyder-Smith Commissions Welcomed

www.DONNASNYDERSMITH.COM 510-487-9001

ontent

Puma Tall Boots Charros: Riding In Mexico

Horses At War Tribute In Oils

Equestrian Medals Crafted Into One-Of-A-Kind Jewelry

6 â&#x20AC;˘ Equine Flair

Lifestyle Spotlight Ann Kursinski

Gift Ideas For Horse Lovers By Dr. Lori, Fine Art & Antiques

Decorating 101 For Horse Lovers

Spurred By Style

Bottoms Up! Champagne Know-How

Secretariat Licensed Jewelry Commemorates A Legend

Odysseo Theatrical Journey of Horses & Humans Through Nature

www.EquineFlair.us

at Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center

2011–2012 Show Season

©SusanJStickle.com

Wellington Classic Fall Challenge I & II September 17-18, 2011

Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I January 6-8, 2012

Wellington Classic Spring Challenge CDI3* February 9-12, 2012

Wellington Classic Dressage In Tropics I & II July 21-22, 2012

Wellington Classic Autumn Challenge October 23, 2011

Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3* January 26-29, 2012

Wellington Classic Challenge II CDIW March 8-11, 2012

Wellington Classic Fall Challenge I & II September 15-16, 2012

Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge December 10-11, 2011

World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach January 26-29, 2012

Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge III April 21-22, 2012

Wellington Classic Autumn Challenge October 20-21, 2012Flair • 7 Equine

Luxury Has Progressed at Thompson’s Audi Warrington

rom the beginning, advanced technology has been at the very heart of Audi. In practice, this means the relentless pursuit of new and better solutions to the automotive challenges of an ever-changing world. Equally important is Audi’s collective responsibility to be acutely aware of their impact on the planet. Audi uses the lessons of past endeavors to provide insights into the future. This is progress, and it’s essential to everything Audi does. The same holds true at Thompson’s Audi Warrington.

When Audi says “Luxury Has Progressed,” they are referring to exciting innovations and unparalleled handling. Audi takes all the innovative and intrinsic inﬂuences of Germany to create an undeniably potent truth. Audi incorporated diesel engines into their lineup more than 20 years ago, and they have only improved on their power, their fuel mileage and their emissions. These are the cars that contain this truth, available now at Thompson’s Audi Warrington. These inspirations. These innovations. They are the proof behind the Truth in Engineering. 8 • Equine Flair

The 2012 Audi A6 The road is now an intelligent place. With a host of available technologies, the all-new 2012 A6 easily outsmarts today’s driving environment. Its integration of Google Earth connects the vehicle to destinations in ways not previously possible; its ability to transform into a Wi-Fi hotspot means your passengers stay connected no matter where they are. Finally, an intelligent build makes the 2012 A6 the lightest, most powerful, most fuel-efﬁcient A6 yet, proving once and for all that brawn and brains are anything but mutually exclusive.

www.EquineFlair.us

2012 Audi A7

The 2012 Audi A7 The all-new Audi A7 is the perfect fusion of style, luxury and technology. Every detail – from the sensuous curvature of the body to the impeccably crafted interior – delivers a striking visual statement. Combining intelligent, lightweight engineering with a wealth of power under the hood, the A7 offers superior handling, efﬁciency and performance for pure driving pleasure. In the A7, the vehicle’s inherent vitality and evolved technologies combine to carry the Audi legacy forward in a bold expression of progressive luxury.

The 2012 Audi A8 A new benchmark in the luxury vehicle category, the Audi A8 is the new pinnacle of automotive design. It represents the best in engineering, technology, design and performance, and is undoubtedly the ﬁnest sedan to wear the four rings. The all new A8 has moved luxury forward, solidifying the Audi commitment to excellence and refusal to settle for anything less.

Equine Flair • 9

2012 Audi A6

About The Thompson Organization Since 1969, our success at The Thompson Organization has been built upon our commitment to customer service and excellence. Jack Thompson opened the ﬁrst local Toyota dealership in 1969, and with hard work and perseverance, additional dealerships were acquired: BMW in 1986, Lexus in 1989, Scion in 2004, and Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi in 2010. Our original motto has remained the same throughout all these years: “We won’t meet your automotive needs, we’ll exceed them.” Thompson provides you the very best experience - from the moment you walk into our showrooms, for the life of your vehicle and beyond.

Experience The Thompson Difference! www.1800Thompson.com 10 • Equine Flair

Audi Warrington

1607 Easton Road, Warrington PA 18976

www.EquineFlair.us

The Chisholm Gallery established 1978

SEATTLE SLEW Miss Todd-Tivey has become known among horse enthusiasts and art connoisseurs as one of the foremost horse sculptors in America today. Her much-admired bronzes of Northern Dancer, Raise A Native, Seattle Slew, Nashua & Clem Brooks, and Secretariat as a foal have established her in the collections of the most knowledgeable art experts in the world of horse racing! (Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, and Secretariat were executed as private commissions for the owners and have been widely acclaimed as the most important bronze racehorse sculptures since John Skeaping died in 1978) The embodiment in bronze of the very soul of a thoroughbred horse is an accomplishment of which few living artists are capable. This high intellectual grasp of a mood, a gesture, a character, a quirk is the stock-in-trade of Liza Todd-Tivey, unquestionably one of the finest, if not the finest, equine sculptors in the U.S.A. Mrs. Penny Chenery for whom she modeled Somethingroyal and her foal, Secretariat, Spendthrift Farm, Mrs. Jacqueline Getty, Windfields, Farm, and Claiborne Farm amongst many others have commissioned Liza. Miss Todd is of course a member of one of America’s most distinguished film and theatrical families. (Elizabeth Taylor & Michael Todd!) All of the bronzes were cast in the Lost-wax, molten bronze tradition with the patinas created by hand with a blowtorch and bronze heat darkened for points, mane and tail. The bases are Solid American Walnut, Oil-rubbed by hand. Green felt padding. Solid Brass Plaques. The original molds were destroyed when the final casting was completed. These are all SOLD OUT Editions so only 75 admirers per edition in the entire world have the pleasure of owning these splendid and original bronzes. ( the bronzes have returned to the gallery from artist’s studio for hand waxing and buffing so they look particularly handsome.) The artist has personally guaranteed the excellent condition of the collection.

2012 Audi A8

215-343-1600 or 1-800-THOMPSON

www.chisholmgallery.com info@chisholmgallery.com 845-373-8370

PO Box 1383 • Millbrook, NY 12545 Equine Flair • 11

Luxury Living For Equestrians

Editor in Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Marketing Director: Bill Vander Brink Art & Antiquest Editor: Dr. Lori Home Design Editor: Vicky Moon Lifestyle Editor: L.A. Pomeroy Wine Editor: Toby Rowland-Jones Contributing Writers Ange Dickson Finn Jenny Schroeder Karma Kitaj Marsha Schloesser Pa�i Schoﬂer Donna Snyder-Smith Michael Pirre� Sommers Contributing Photographers Kelly Huddyman Toby Rowland-Jones Karma Kitaj Elite Equestrian Photo Services Account Executives Jessica Coates Kathy Dress Rebecca Wodrich Interns Social Media: Vanessa Vander Brink Oﬃce PO Box 764, Brodheadsville PA 18322 570-646-9340 info@EquineFlair.us

www.EquineFlair.us On the cover... Michael Pirre� Sommers oil of the Napoleonic Wars, story on page 24

Equine Flair is a registered, trademarked name owned by Elite EquestrianLLC. No article, photo, or part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Management reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertiser or contribution for any reason. EF does not endorse any product or advertiser and is not responsible for accuracy of information provided by advertisers or article content. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval. ©2011

12 • Equine Flair

Winter, January-March 2012 Volume 12, Issue 1

elcome

to the ﬁrst issue of Equine Flair!

Since our earliest planning stages we have received much encouragement from all areas of the equestrienne industry. The consensus being that there is a need for an equine magazine that showcases the essence of an equestrian oriented lifestyle.

EQUINE

Flair

Michael P. Sommers Tribute To The Military Horse

Luxury Living For Equestrians

Flair

EQUINE

��

To kick-off our premier issue, I’ve included a nice variety of topics. I’m sure you’ll be inspired by the story of Ann Kursinski’s journey to super stardom in the show jumping world. We will be showcasing lifestyle highlights of prominent equestrians in every issue. Every equestrienne loves horse jewelry and apparel, and so EF will feature some of the most original and stunning pieces you will find anywhere. We start with Donna Snyder-Smith’s creations which are not only beautiful and unique, they are a fragment of history. Who wouldn’t be proud to wear a piece of jewelry that when someone comments on, they have a wonderful story to tell with it? You will love Master Saddler Claire Painter’s original belts that are hand-cra�ed with actual hardware such as hoof picks, bits and quick releases. The quality of these pieces is impeccable. For those who ride, being on a horse is as much a necessity as breathing. Incorporating equine activities into a vacation, or be�er yet, planning an equine theme get-away is a priority. Exotic, sun drenched Mexico not only offers tremendous scenery for riders, it’s rich history of classic, original Mexican cowboys known as Charros is a most interesting learning opportunity. Our next issue will highlight wine country- Vineyards and Wines that celebrate the horse. LA Pomeroy and Toby Rowland-Jones are ecstatic about preparing this topic, and it will be sure to please! No equine lifestyle is complete without bringing horses into the home. The exquisite work of Michael P. Sommers, featured on our cover, is a stunning compliment for any home, and also has a deep, reverent story. Sommers depicts the brave horses who served in the military throughout history. With such a multitude of possible subject ma�er, his collection is far from complete. Featured by the Chisholm Gallery in Millbrook, NY, we eagerly await his additions to this series as Sommers completes them. For now, we feature the first three, and to punctuate this poignant topic, L.A. Pomeroy has given us a superb updated review of War Horse, the hit Broadway play that Spielberg has produced as a very moving film. You can see her review on our web site at www.EquineFlair.us. Our company has proudly produced Elite Equestrian magazine for four years now. Still growing with a secure place in the equine media industry, it is a labor of love to continue to produce such a well-rounded, original equine publication. We at Elite Equestrian LLC are equally pleased to now offer the equine community another unique product to showcase and enhance the best of equine lifestyle elements for discriminating equestrians around the globe.

��

www.EquineFlair.us

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 13

THE DEVIL WEARS PUMA TALL BOOTS by Ange Dickson Finn ��

Well, get ready for equestrian fashion in the 21st century. I realized things are changing when, not long ago, I found myself staring at a really outrageous new version of tall boots. Tall boots haven’t changed all that much for centuries, have they? I mean, they may have new “technology” to make them more comfortable, or easier to take on and off, but a black or brown tall boot still looks pretty much the same as in Napoleon’s day, correct? Sport-shoe-maker Puma has changed all that. Enter the new Tretorn Riding Boot. It comes in black and—you may need to sit down—red. Bright, audacious, lipstick red. And how to describe it? It’s got sneaker styling on the bottom, a dressage boot silhouette on the top, laces on the sides to adjust the fit, and a zipper down the back for easy on-off. It’s made of “high-tech micro-fiber” but lined with calfskin. It’s got to be the first major style change to riding boots since, well, ever. Faddish fashion faux pas, or fashion forward footwear revolution? Emily Esterson, editor of Equestrian Retailer magazine, who got hers in Europe (more on that later) says, “I don’t

14 • Equine Flair

know that I would ever wear them in the show ring. But I can tell you that they are really comfy.” Equestrian fashion doesn’t usually change that quickly, or that dramatically. But we all have our favorite ways to stand out in the ring, whether it’s a pale turquoise ratcatcher or leopard print Western blouse encrusted with bling. And what was outrageous two years ago is “old school” this year as we try, each season, to spiff up our show look. For the ladies who ride, spring means casting a jaded eye over last year’s show jackets and breeches/chaps, shirts and belts, and thinking, ‘I need a new look’. Step two is casting a longing look through every catalog, website and equestrian magazine in sight and sighing over the latest styles. Oh, if you only had those low-rise breeches…or that subtle grey-and-bubblegum pink plaid jacket…or a That 70s Show psychedelic print Western shirt…your show season this year would be perfect. Have you ever thought about who deﬁnes these visions of show ring loveliness for us?

www.EquineFlair.us

Turns out, nine times out of ten, it’s the Europeans. Seems they have a lock on the equestrian fashion scene, which they export to us, except for the Western equestrian fashion scene, which we export to them. When I asked Emily who decides what will be in the catalogs and on the racks of our favorite tack stores each spring, she explained it to me. “The equestrian fashions follow mainstream fashion, and mainstream fashion in the US follows European fashion.” Who do the Europeans follow? No one knows. So, if (as Equestrian Retailer’s web site said last fall) “orange is the new black”, and we’re going to see shades of tangerine and kumquat and all kinds of soft citrus fruit colors in our show clothes this year (which Emily says we are), it’s because the Europeans, those swanky dogs, have been wearing them for a while now. Sometimes the fads ﬂop. For schooling and “fun” wear, plaids are back in favor now, but muted. Savvy fashionistas note that they came around a few years ago in breeches with big, bold primary and neon plaids that

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 15

Women of a certain age we women of a certain age were not likely to want to wear on, shall we say, the more expansive portions of our anatomy. So we didn’t. The marketers are hoping we’ll wear the more delicate versions this season. “Fashion’s funny,” says Suzanne Vlietstra, founder and President of Hobby Horse Clothing Company for Western riders. “It’s hard to say how it evolves. But certainly, top riders wearing custom clothing that is then seen in magazine advertisements help create trends. What is seen in magazines and in the show ring affects what is seen in magazines and in the show ring... It’s a long, slow, spiraling process of subtle suggestion.” Or not so subtle. The fact is, we take our cues from the top riders, the ones who win gold medals, or the most money at the Futurities. And top riders, like the top runway models, often wear things that are simply outrageous, because they not only get away with it, they can become known for it. When I asked her to recall the craziest trend she could think of in Western fashions, Suzanne said “Feathers.” She was thinking of a “fabulous” Quarter Horse rider who used to be known for her flamboyant outfits that seemed to be heavily inspired by Vegas showgirl headdresses, and who pulled off, according to Suzanne, “some really wild looks.” Really wild looks can depend on what discipline you’re riding in. Just for fun, I decided to check into the veddy traditional world of dressage to find out what qualifies as a wild look in the dressage arena. I had an idea it would not be feathers.I spoke with venerable dressage coach and musical freestyle maven Ruth Hogan Poulsen to get the low-down on fashion trends among the shadbelly set. First of all, we went over the basics of dressage coutoure: black tall boots (why not brown? It’s just not done for the arena); cream or more commonly white breeches; light-colored or white ratcatcher, stock tie, black or navy jacket. Shadbellies (a coat with tails, for us non-dressageliterate types) for Prix St. George or above. Top hats or helmets, depending on your level In such a tradition-bound environment, then, where do the trends come from? How does one stand out in the dressage ring, get a buzz going, make a splash? Ruth had a ready answer: “Well, I will tell you what my limit of creativity is--my expression of my own self in the arena. On my jacket the collar is piped with blue—between a royal blue and a navy blue, I would say—and my shadbelly has blue [vest] points as opposed to yellow points, and my horse’s brow band is blue beads.” 16 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

Radical?

Blue points! That sounds radical, I told her. Ruth said, demurely, “It is, a little bit.” But she also informed me that she makes sure to wear her radical outﬁt only when she’s expecting to be at the top of the pack, and that in Europe (naturally) they wear more brightly colored piping and points than we’re used to.

Look Your Best, It’s Showtime!

Then I asked Ruth what was really on my mind: if one is a dressage queen, (not that I would call Ruth Hogan Poulsen a dressage queen) is it ever appropriate to wear a tiara under one’s top hat? Ruth liked the idea. “Absolutely. If you are the dressage queen of dressage queens, and you wanted to wear a tiara under your top hat that nobody could see, have at it.” So, colored vest points and piping, and perhaps a beaded brow band, are the limit of smart fashion in the dressage arena. Tiaras, only where they can’t be seen. Unlike, say, the crystal explosion in other rings—noticeably the Western ones. Is it just me, or have Swarovski crystals started to replace the actual fabric in our show garments? I wondered, who is this Swarovski and why are we so obsessed with his crystals? I posed the question to Suzanne, the duchess of dazzle, who explained, “Daniel Swarovski was an Austrian glasscutter who invented new ways to coat and cut glass.” His lead-glass crystals shimmered more than others, so thanks to Danny S., our show chaps and slinkies glitter like disco balls now. And so do our brow-bands, spur straps, and ball caps. A Western outﬁt just isn’t stylish, these days, without a liberal dusting of crystals.

showtime stall rentals is your #1 choice for quality, temporary stabling. fully covered portable horse stalls for your next event, clinic or show.

But what does the future hold? How many different versions of spangly jackets and tasteful plaid breeches can we stand? The future, my friend, is in bamboo. And plastic water bottles. That’s right—eco-friendly materials. Your next show outﬁt could be made entirely of fast growing, invasive grasses and the tossed-away water bottles you drank from at last year’s show. I myself have acquired a pair of Kerrits’ G.R.A.S.S. breeches. My new breeches consist of recycled fabric made of bamboo and lined with charcoal, for “superior moisture management” and “odor-resistance”. Although it sounds unglamorous, they are comfy, clean up easily, and make me feel deliciously self-righteous—not to mention odor free. So I predict the next trend will be shadbellies made of poly carbon plastic, with colorful piping and points made of bamboo, ﬁnished by red tall boots with sneaker styling and just a touch of Swarovski crystals. Are you listening, Europeans? Ange Dickson Finn is a freelance writer, Western Pleasure competitor and connoisseur of quotes. Visit her at www.theingate.com and send her your favorite horse quote.

john st. cyr 508-943-9709 774-230-8216 showtimerentals@aol.com offices in: dudley, massachusetts, ontario, canada, & lady lakes, florida

showtimestallrentals.com Equine Flair • 17

The term “charro” describes a riding style that has been handed down from Mexican cowboys. They would compete against each other to showcase their skills in ranching, such as riding and roping broncos. Today, charro riding is mainly reserved for entertainment during events known as Charreadas. A popular recognized event in Mexico, the Charreada, which basically translates to rodeo, is an official sporting event. It is a part of Mexico’s living history because it was developed from the life of working on a ranch. Here, the charreada is viewed as form of living art. Charro riders, both men and women, are allowed to compete in these events; there are nine events for men and one for women. During the Charreada there is a strict dress code for the charro riders which incorporate colorful costumes with many silver accents, and of course a wide brim sombrero.

Charros

Riding in Mexico

By Jenny Schroeder

The Charreada originated with Spanish Conquistadors, who introduced bull fighting and riding horses to the new world. The Indian and mestizo who worked on the Spanish colonial plantations added their own unique style and contribution to the sport. Charro saddles are different then the common western saddle, they have a wider horn which is used to help the charro rider from becoming pitched off. The saddle is also designed with two back grips that the Charro may use if he needs to hold on while riding a bucking bronco.

18 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 19

he Events of the Charreada

Cala de Caballo is a reining and training demonstration where the charro rider shows the ability and obedience of his horse. The demonstration of horse is shown though a talents in the canter, gallop, slide stop, spins on its hind legs as well as backing. Plates show heeling and roping a horse while the charro rider is mounted on horseback. Colas is steer tailing. Jineteo de toro is more commonly known as bull riding. This is where our charro riders show the riding skills my staying mounted on top of a bucking bull until he stops.

20 â&#x20AC;˘ Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

Terna en el Ruedo is an event where a charro team of three use different maneuvers and techniques to lasso both horns and the hind leg of a bull so that he remains under control. Jineteo de yegua is where the charro must stay on top of a bucking bronco until he stops. The real art of this event is that the charro rider does it all bareback! Manganas a pie, the charro rider must lasso the foreleg of a horse while he is on the ground. Note: Horse tripping is banned from this event and any charro who attempts this is fined accordingly. Managanas a Caballo is the same sequence as manganas a pie except this event is done from horseback. The ninth and final event for charro men is known as Mexico as Paso de la Muerte or the jump of death.

In this sequence the Charro rider must jump bareback from his running horse on to the back of a bronco. There is no tack on either horse and the rider must stay on top of the bronco until he stops bucking. The event for women is known as Escaramuza. Ay Caramba! It is the most beautiful aspect of the Charreria! Without this the La Fiesta Charra would not be considered an authentic, Mexican Fiesta. In this event there are eight women clothed in intricately custom handmade dresses. The Escaramuza Charra, also known as the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mounted drill team, execute a series of precision maneuvers riding sidesaddle and at various speeds. It is said by many that the Charro rider is an important part of MexicoÂ´s history. They are the warriors of the past who fought for their independence and freedom. Today they are brave and strong icons of Mexico, whose antics are immortalized in paintings, movies and folk songs. Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 21

Charra refers to female and Charro refers to male Mexican cowboys.

22 â&#x20AC;˘ Equine Flair

Escaramuza

www.EquineFlair.us

��

Photos and story courtesy of Rancho Las Cascadas located in Mexico. At the ranch, their wranglers are trained in the charro style of riding, and they use authentic saddles. Guests at Rancho Las Cascadas can ride in an authentic charro saddle as well, and the surrounding countryside makes them feel as though they were in the olden days. Day trips to a Charreada can be arranged at any time, as many events are offered throughout the year.

For more information, please visit www.ranchomex.com

��

� ��

��

Equine Flair • 23

��

A Tribute in Oils to Horses at War ��

“I paint the horse as I know the horse, from the saddle, and what I recognise of their unique power and agility” �� 24 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

DRESSAGE SUPERSTARS WORLD DRESSAGE MASTERS PALM BEACH CDI 5*

T HE MASTE RS JANUARY 26 TH – 29 TH 2012 PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL EVENT ORGANIZER

D RE S SA E SU PE RS RS RES UP ER RS DR ES S AG GE S UPER S TA TAR TO TII LA S LAS OT L AS RAVEL R AVEL PO P AR POP ART S ALI AL I N ERO ER O C ALE CT LEC TO V CA L ECT FAVO URII T FAVOUR VALEGRO ...AND MORE!

Matthias Rath and Totilas ONLY US APPEARANCE IN 2012

Steffen Peters and Ravel Photo by SusanJStickle.com

Photo by PhelpsPhotos.com

Event Photos by Lila Photo

�� Equine Flair • 25 ��

Michael Sommers Commemorates and Honors

The Military Horse...

��

A resident in the Lincolnshire Wolds, England, Michael Pirrett Sommers is an oil painter whose passion lies in portraiture, the human form and equestrian art. In the 1960’s he attended art school, where his fascination for Impressionists and Old Masters alike was to influence his work in later years. As a graphic designer his work included murals and illustration. But it’s at the easel Michael claims to be more in tune with his creativity. At intervals his works have appeared in UK regional and national magazines, including England’s Equestrian and Ireland’s Equestrian. Rarely does he exhibit his paintings, yet between 1996 and 2000 he won three coveted oil painting awards and has paintings with collectors in the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, Dubai and the United States of America. His notable portraits include: Admiral Sir Jeremy Black GBE, KCB, DSO (2010); the actress Fiona Fullerton (1989); World Super Bike Champion, Carl Fogarty in action on Ducati 916 (1996); TT Isle of Man legend, Steve Hislop; and the oval head and shoulder portrait of Britain’s legend of the turf, Red Rum, shown on previous page. Michael began riding and purchased his first horse in the 1970’s. This led to him painting equine and becoming much more horse orientated. Over the years, Michael became more and more intrigued, not only by the noble steed, but of its noble accomplishments. It has been said that wherever man has left his footprint in the long and difficult ascent to civilisation the hoof print of the horse is beside it. Today, inspired to honour the effort and sacrifice of the mighty equus, Michael has begun a series of oil paintings dedicated to those brave and gallant horses that accompanied man in wars across the globe. 26 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

��

Equine Casualties 1.1 million British horses were engaged in the great conﬂict of WW1 (1914 - 1918). Only 65.000 of them returned - a mere 17%. Horses suffered greater casualties than did soldiers by over two to one. Eight million horses perished on all sides. The total strength at the start of the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava (1854) was accepted as 673. Of the horses 475 were killed and 42 wounded, and 43 shot later as unserviceable through wounds. Fewer than 200 men were killed in the Russian crossﬁre. 30,000 horses died during the Second Boer War (1899 - 1902). The average life expectancy of a British horse on arrival in Port Elizabeth, was about six weeks. Horses and mules killed during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865) amounted to more than one million. Vast numbers died of disease and exhaustion. At the beginning of the war more horses were being killed than men.

Read L.A. Pomeroy’s review of WAR HORSE on our web site at

www.EquineFlair.us �� E

Equine Flair • 27

��

�

��

28 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 29

��

30 • Equine Flair

��

www.EquineFlair.us

��

Original Horse Bead Designs

www.janeheart.com 1-888-703-0503

B & B Sterling Custom Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry Brenda Butters Braidie Butters LeBlanc

517-568-4188

bandb@bandbsterling.com

www.bandbsterling.com

Cowgirls Wanted ��

��

Equine Flair • 31

Anne Kursinski,

Olympic Show Jumper, Remains Humble ��

I met Anne Kursinski, 5-time Olympic show jumping competitor, esteemed trainer, and author, when I was collecting life stories of famous equestriennes for my book, Women Riders Who Could… and Did: Life Stories of Top Level Equestriennes (2010). We met at her pristine equestrian property, called Market Street Farm, located on 130 rolling green acres in central New Jersey. “Market Street” is derived from the street in York, PA, where her maternal great-grandfather operated a huge mule and horse dealership. 32 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

�

Ask your Farrier About the New

MUSTAD EQUI-LIBRIUM ALUMINUM HORSESHOES Lighter, Faster, Safer for your Equestrian Athlete Ingrid Klimke, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal

EQUI-LIBRIUM ALUMINUM Almost immediately upon introduction, the Equi-Librium horseshoe became the premier choice for top sport horses and for those wishing to enhance performance and reduce injuries. And now Mustad is proud to unveil the EquiLibrium Aluminum—equal in performance with significantly less weight. Your farrier understands the stress that high performance competition puts on your horse’s limbs. Make sure they know about Mustad Equi-Librium Aluminum horseshoes, because your equestrian athlete deserves the very best.

mustad.com

mustadhorseshoes.com

Premium Equine Feed for All Life Stages

Available from the Southern Tip of Florida to New England! - Nine Super Premium Feeds - Low Starch Nutrition - Veterinarian Approved - Chelated Trace Minerals ��

Ranch Gates ��

��

�� Equine Flair • 33

��

34 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

��

Equine Flair • 35

What are Anne’s days like? ��

F 36 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 37

��

Art & Antiques by Dr. Lori

�

ou have certainly heard the old saying… “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. When it comes to finding just the right gift for your favorite horse enthusiast, fine objects that relate to horses and have the quality to serve as a good investment can be hard to come by. This year, you can easily find that perfect gift for your favorite equine aficionado if you consider presents that are both heirloom-quality antique and state of the art contemporary. As an art and antiques appraiser and savvy shopper who knows how to find the best objects at the best value, here are some tips. Since I know quality and I never pay too much, consider my expert suggestions for the best horse gifts for any occasion.

From the ancient world, a Chinese Tang Dynasty (circa 618-907 A.D.) horse tomb figure could be a gift grounded in world history. The earthenware ceramic horse and rider has a longstanding place in China’s history as a funerary object. Tombs and their contents were important in honoring the dead in Chinese culture. Since it was believed that the dead would continue onto the next world, the living provided the dead with objects to make the journey to the next life and show their status. Society attempted to cross the boundary between this world and the next by calling upon the ancestors of both rulers and ordinary people, so this horse figure suggests that rulers would recognize an equestrian figure and aid in the transition for a loved one. You can purchase this sculpture which is more than 1,100 years old and own an important piece of history. If you still want to purchase a piece of horse history, but you need to fill that bear space on the great room wall, perhaps a piece of British racing art will suffice. Shortly, one of the most important works by one of the greatest horse-racing artists of all time will be offered at Christie’s auction house in London. 38 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

��

The great racing picture by one of art history’s best equine and sporting art painters, that is George Stubbs, depicts Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with a Trainer, a Stable-Lad, and a Jockey. Stubbs’ painting from 1765 features two scenes where the horse is victorious at the race and is exhausted with veins pulsing as the animal is rubbed down. With a provenance that connects the painting to Lord Bolingbroke, this painting captures the personality, small stature (just 14 hands), and stamina of one of the most popular racehorses of the day. For that ultra-cool collector who is all about what’s new and what’s hot, I suggest you visit The Ferrari Store online as it has just released a limited edition sculpture of the famed logo model prancing horse. In a limited edition of 99, this silver prancing horse sculpture stands on a plexiglass base, weighs 850 grams, and stands 8 inches tall. This is a perfect ornament for the desk or chest of the equestrian or classic automotive collector in your life. If jewelry is your sweetheart’s second love-- after horses, of course-- then Tiffany has just the thing. The Tiffany horse charm bracelet is offered in 14 karat gold and sterling silver and it is a mainstay of any jewelry collection. The delicate piece features a group of equestrian-related charms in Tiffany’s customary classic design. This bit of bling will be a big hit. Straight from downtown Manhattan, every girl smiles when she sees that famous blue box!

Photos- Previous page: Ferrari horse sculpture, silver, circa 2011, $6,700.00; Chinese tomb ﬁgure of horse and rider, circa 1,100 AD, $2,200.00 Above- George Stubbs, Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, With A Trainer, A Stable-lad, And A Jockey, 1765, oil on canvas, pre-sale auction estimate of £20 million (USD $32.7 million). Horse charm bracelet by Tiffany & Company, sterling silver, $795.00

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. As seen on NBC’s The Tonight Show and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, watch Dr. Lori weekdays on Lifetime Television. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www. Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call (888) 431-1010. E

F Equine Flair • 39

decorating for horse lovers 101 ��

If you are reading this we know your horse crazy! I don’t have a horsey friend whose home is not decorated with our favorite animal in some fashion or another. ��

Getting Started

�� 40 • Equine Flair

��

Decisions

��

www.EquineFlair.us

��

�

� ��

��

�� Equine Flair • 41

��

Get Organized ��

Great Ideas From Wyoming Home We thought long and hard when we named our store “Wyoming Home”. The very word “Wyoming” conjures up images of the west, old and modern. One thinks of the value of a handshake, rugged individualism and the meaning of hard work. . .the romance of the old west juxtaposed with the newest technology and energy production.

��

You can ﬁnd that spirit here at Wyoming Home. For example, you may see a table made of wood recycled from an ancient barn, but accented with copper or tooled leather for a modern touch. That very table will ﬂatter anything in your home, from an oriental rug to a sculpted leather sofa. Additionally, every time you look at the table, you will know that it incorporates the value of something built to last.

��

At Wyoming Home you will see furnishings from well-known craftsmen like Western Heritage as well as pieces hand designed by local artisans. You might fall in love with a print by a ﬁne western artist like Chris Owens or a Pendleton blanket designed by Ben Nighthorse Campbell. In addition to home décor, you can ﬁnd unique Native American jewelry as well as old favorites from Montana Silversmith. Remember us when you’re looking for western tabletop like True West or Bamco. For a more sophisticated table we carry Match, a beautiful line of pewter accented dishes, glassware and serving pieces.

��

The “Home” part of our name, stands for the service we provide and the feeling we evoke when you enter our store. The coffee’s always on and we’re here to make you feel at “home”. www.wyominghome.com See Our Ad Previous Page E

F 42 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

                   

Why Hire W. David Shearer, Jr. As Your Equine Arbitrator Or Mediator? No one enters into a transaction or agreement expecting problems. Unfortunately, issues do arise and often seem insurmountable. Finding solutions to these difficult problems requires experience and expertise. Mr. Shearer has extensive knowledge and exposure regarding the equine industry, particularly with owning, showing, breeding and racing. He can help you solve tough problems and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.

Equine Flair • 43

Spurred by Style: Equestrian Haute Couture Then & Now By L.A. Pomeroy Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel said of her childhood: “The only happy times were those I spent on horseback. I didn’t know people; I knew horses.” Her romance -- with Paris socialite and polo player, Fulcran Étienne Balsan, heir to Châteauroux industrialists who outfitted the French army (originating the famous cloth known as “blue horizon”) -- spurred her signature style of incorporating men’s jodhpurs and riding jackets into everyday women’s sportswear. For more than a century, fashion has been the better for the pioneering French designer’s equestrian influences. But Chanel was not – and is not -- the only designer to find inspiration from the simple elegance of the equestrian lifestyle… Geoffrey Beene: The 2002 recipient of the ‘American Original’ Award from the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum once famously disparaged that, “Models walk like horses now.” But more than 30 years earlier, his New York City seamstress, Anne Manzie, responded to the laments of her granddaughter, Lisa, that it was difficult to find riding clothes to fit her svelte frame, by designing her own breeches. Lisa grew up to marry Andres Lendoiro and launch one of today’s most successful riding wear companies, Devon-Aire, whose modern jackets and breeches were celebrated in the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) 2011 exhibit, ‘Sporting Life,’ in its Fashion and Textile History Gallery in New York City. Cartier: Long synonymous with equestrian sports sponsorships, from racing and polo to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (before its Cartier Cup was replaced with the Cacchione Cup, after IHSA founder, Robert Cacchione), the jewelry giant has been rumored to be considering halting its 27-year relationship with British summer showpiece, the International Polo Tournament at Windsor Great Park after 2011, purportedly because the event is getting “too chavvy.” Those in the know say Cartier executive chairman Arnaud Bamberger has been disappointed with an eclectic celebrity roster, low-brow audience, and lack of attendance by H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth. This year’s Cartier International Day (July 24), featured the 100th anniversary of the Coronation Cup, but failed to draw the same media attention as 2008’s three male streakers, or brouhaha when model Katie Price claimed she was turned away from an after-party at London nightclub, Chinawhite. Nonetheless, still sparkling as brightly as its jewels, Cartier equestrian events continue to draw such luminaries as David Hasselhoff, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, and society uppercrusters like the Bransons and Rothschilds.

44 • Equine Flair

Coach: One of the best recognized accessories brands in America, Coach was founded in 1941 as a family-run Manhattan loft workshop, with six artisans handcrafting a collection of leather goods using skills handed down through generations. Coach attributes the prominence of its horse-and-carriage brand to a unique combination of all-American attitude and design, heritage of fine leather goods and custom fabrics, superior product quality and durability, and commitment to customer service. Over the last decade, Coach has emerged as a preeminent designer, producer, and marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men including handbags, business cases, luggage and travel accessories, wallets, outerwear, eyewear, gloves, scarves, fragrance and fine jewelry. As of July 2011, there were nearly 500 Coach stores in the U.S. and Canada, plus Coach lines at over 970 U.S. department stores, 211 international department stores, retail store and duty-free shops in 20 countries, 169 department store shop-inshops, and retail and factory store locations operated by Coach Japan, Inc. Gucci: Prior to his death in 1995, Paolo Gucci maintained a 23-acre Arabian horse farm in the United Kingdom, continuing a legacy begun in 1921 when Guccio Gucci, noting the equestrianinspired fashions of English nobility at London’s Savoy Hotel, opened a leather shop in Florence, Italy. As Gucci’s popularity grew in the 1930s, his leather goods house expanded to saddles, shoes, belts, gloves and women’s handbags. A horse’s bit symbolized his nod to riding’s influence and the quintessential green-red-green stripe pattern on Gucci saddle girths was added to its handbags, gaining instant status among his elite clientele. A Gucci handbag as status symbol was cemented in the 1960s when former First Lady and lifelong equestrienne, Jacqueline Bouvier-Kennedy-Onassis, adopted its shoulder bag (later dubbed the “Jackie O”). Today, the legendary house of style

www.EquineFlair.us

is among international show jumping’s strongest sponsors, annually hosting the Gucci Masters CSI1*/CSI2*/CSI5* in Paris. Hermès: Its Duc carriage-and-horse insignia traces to 1837, when Thierry Hermès opened a Paris harness shop to serve the carriage trade of European nobility. His son, Charles-Emile, relocated the shop in 1880 near the Palais de l’Elysée and launched saddlery and retail lines; with the turn of the 20th century, a haut à courroies (“upper belts”) bag was added for riders to carry their saddles. When Charles-Emile retired, sons Adolphe and Émile-Maurice renamed the company Hermès Frères and, in a brilliant stroke of foresight, Émile-Maurice obtained exclusive rights to the zipper for leather goods and clothing, becoming the ﬁrst designer to introduce the device to France. Hermès bags became iconic with American chic through the “Kelly,” after Princess Grace (nee Kelly) of Monaco, and “Birkin” (after actress Jane Birkin), favored by Friesian owner and lifestyle doyenne, Martha Stewart. Since 1937, Hermès has produced over 2,500 scarf designs, with horse motifs still staunchly popular. Per pound, a Hermès scarf (woven from the silk of 250 mulberry moth cocoons) is estimated to value at $1,965.00 (U.S.), compared to $0.19 for a pound of steel. Equestrienne fans of Hermès scarves include Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie “O,” Madonna, and Oprah Winfrey. Calvin Klein: The son of a Brazilian rancher, Francisco Costa is the Women’s Creative Director at the Calvin Klein Collection. Costa twice (2006, 2008) won the Council of Fashion Designers America (CFDA) award for Womenswear Designer of the Year and the National Design Award in 2009 in Fashion Design. The former assistant to Tom Ford at another equestrian-inspired fashion house (Gucci), Costa became principal designer for the women’s Calvin Klein Collection in 2003 after

Klein sold his company to Phillips-Van Heusen. A ledger-size mood book in his studio is replete with equestrian imagery, including photographs of horses by Max Eastman, and Costa admits to finding inspiration in the coats of horses, especially in his palettes of sepia and cream. In reference to photographs of Lauren Hutton and Charlotte Rampling from the 1970s posed with ponies and stallions. Costa has been quoted as saying, “These women are thoroughbreds.” Ralph Lauren: Born Ralph Lipschitz, in Brooklyn, NY, in 1939, the American entrepreneur launched Polo Fashions in 1968. Blessed with an innovative imagination and high regard for packaging and presentation, Ralph and his older brother chose the name Polo because of the power, style and intrigue its equestrian image portrayed. Lauren captured the luxury lifestyle of preppy tweeds that resonated with Anglophiles while striking a Western Americana chord through his use of perfectly tailored denim, straddling perhaps better than any modern designer the best of the English and Western riding worlds. Founder, designer, and chairman of a $900 million company, Lauren became not only the first fashion designer to have his own store, but the first to sell the concept of a complete “lifestyle” that continues to invite global consumers to share in his image of a world of sophistication, class and taste. The Pink Pony Fund is Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation’s worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer. Pink Pony supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment and research and is dedicated to bringing quality cancer care to medically underserved communities. Alexander McQueen: Hailed as 21st century fashion’s ‘enfant terrible,’ McQueen was the son of a London cab driver. Though his design career officially began at the age of 16, he often recalled his earliest memory, at age three, as drawing a picture of a dress on the wall of the family home in the East End of London. Succeeding John Galliano as head designer at Givenchy in 1996, they parted ways in 2001 when, with the help of the Gucci group, McQueen launched his fashion empire, often describing himself not as a designer but simply as an artist whose choice of medium was fashion. Integral to the McQueen culture was the fusion of contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity. His inspirations varied from the dark to the bizarre, including Sydney Pollack’s film ‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?’ His untimely suicide at age 40 in February 2010 rocked the style world, but left behind a legacy of extraordinary designs, many inspired by the natural and equine worlds, including the incorporation of leather, horsehair, and snaffle bits in his Cabinet of Curiosities, one of the featured Continued on page 48...

Equine Flair • 45

Bottoms Up!

��

The winner’s cup is raised, and as cameras flash, committee members press forward with the six liter bottle of Moet et Chandon Champagne and press it to the captain of the team. For a moment, he holds the bottle aloft and then eagerly rips off the foil, untwists the metal cage and then shakes the bottle, urges the cork loose, with a loud pop and a rousing cheer from the gathered crowd. The huge spray of Champagne catches the sunlight as well as the first few rows of celebrants and then glasses are offered for the remaining bubbles. A grand celebration, and well deserved, as always – polo is the sport of kings and Champagne is the drink of kings!

e all know the history of Champagne – the mid 1700’s and famed monk Dom Pierre Perignon, along with neighbor Frere Jean Oudart, deﬁned the sparkling wine that would soon become synonymous with prosperity and celebration. It’s the secondary fermentation in the bottle, along with careful nurturing of the wine, degorgement, addition of more Champagne and then off to the cellars for “nap” until it’s ready for shipping. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the three primary varietals, and the two latter grapes are the ingredients for the exquisite rosé, which, when crafted well, is the most sublime variation on this wondrous theme. Many consider rosé to be a sweet wine, but far from it! It can be as dry as anything else, and in particular, the vintage Billecart brut roses, are especially favored among the cognoscenti. Where and When? When is the best time for Champagne? Well, for this writer, any time, and always in reasonable moderation! Champagne tends to lower alcohol levels, so it won’t do you in like a lot of heavier reds or stiffer alcohol. A nice half glass of cold (always store and drink your Champagne at 45-48 degrees or lower) bubbles early in the morning is a lovely way to start the day - and potentially beneﬁcial to you - On 18 April 2007, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a joint study by the University of Reading and University of Cagliari that showed moderate consumptions of Champagne may help the brain cope with the trauma of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Good news for us Champagne-ophiles!

Champagne IS the preferred wine for celebration, far more than any other, but it need not be confined to such – just look at those who quaff it at the sidelines of most equestrian events or at the races – or as an apéritif before any meal. And of course, though the story goes that the traditional Champagne glass (coupe) is shallow because it was modeled after the shape of Marie-Antoinette’s breast, Champagne should always be sipped from a tall thin flute, as this encourages concentration of the bubbles and bouquet. The coupe quickly flattens the wine, and should be eschewed whenever possible! As you drink, try not to grasp the glass itself, but hold it at the base - this will keep the temperature cold and the flavor crisp. It also looks far more elegant! Houses of Fame. We all know the great “marques” – Krug, Moet, Pol Roger, Bollinger, Louis Roederer,

Deutz, Billecart-Salmon, Ayala, Heidsick, Salon, Perrier-Jouet, to mention a few of this author’s favorites, but there are over 12,300 houses that make Champagne, so there are more than enough to choose from. Ask your wine merchant what their particular favorites are, and do not be misled by expense. Yes, the greats such as Salon and Dom Perignon are well worth it, but venture out and try something in the $25-30 range – you will not be dismayed. However, it is all about personal; preference and what you’re used to. Bollinger (Bolly) is one of the UK’s most respected and consumed Champagnes, and Lilly Bollinger had one of the most delightful quotes about her wine: “I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I triﬂe with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty.”

Continued... 46 • Equine Flair

www.EquineFlair.us

The Hay Lady In Pennsylvania Specializing In All Hay Needs • Timothy • Orchard Grass • Alfalfa • Orchard/Alfalfa Mix

WE DELIVER !

Home: 717-352-8689 www.hayladyinpennsylvania.com

Mobile: 717-658-8371 summers104@embarqmail.com

Looking To Buy Or Sell A Horse Property?

“Let me put my real estate and equestrian experience to work for you!” New Listings Arriving! Check Web Site For Details!

Jane Heart

��

“Keep The Big Red Flame Burning”

��

www.HomesByMariaTaylor.com Maria Taylor Equestrian Property Specialist Prudential Fox & Roach 6319 Lower York Rd New Hope PA 18938

Cell: 215-317-3062

Direct: 215-862-7674 Main: 215-862-3385

Thinking About Your Horse’s Value? No Matter What The Issue... Insuring - Selling - Donating - Litigation - Taxes We’ll take care of your needs. Call for your Free Consultation.

www.equineappraiser.net Christine Rolando

Certiﬁed Senior Equine Appraiser

Cell 845-494-6257

Ofﬁce: 845-544-2226

Catch A Breeze Farm

A Family oriented Facility, Located in Beautiful Hunterdon County NJ • English Lessons • Western Lessons • Driving Lessons • Birthday Parties • Trail Riding • Mini-Camp • After Care Programs

��

Free 1/2 hour lesson to new students! �� Equine Flair • 47

EQUINE

Continued from page 44

Continued from previous page.

couture collections in the exhibit, ‘Savage Beauty,’ presented in 2011 at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and drawing record attendance while honoring the full scope of his fearless vision.

The great Dom Perignon is a cuvée prestige, as are Roederer’s Cristal, and the Cuvée Winston Churchill from Pol Roger, to mention a few. These are the leading wines from a speciﬁc house that they feel is the very best quality, and was instituted by Moet et Chandon back in 1936, with the exquisite 1921 vintage.

Claire Painter:

Another modern product of the U.K, Claire Painter knows Scotland has rarely been synonymous with haute couture, but no one understands leather like a saddler. After nearly a decade devoted to training in London, and apprenticing in the time-honored tradition of saddle making under a Scottish master, Claire came to America in 1992 and opened Clever with Leather in the heart of Thoroughbred bluegrass country: Versailles, Kentucky. Realizing that an appreciative audience sought accessories embodying tradition with a subtle cool factor, the amateur rider transferred her command of leather from saddles to style. Her belts bear the numbered holes familiar to polo stirrup leathers; brass hoof picks are transformed into elegant buckles, and her sensibilities are pure “green,” working with Wicket and Craig Tannery of Pennsylvania to deliver English bridle quality, vegan-tanned leather. Still a young company, Clever With Leather is following in the hoof steps of history’s high fashion trendsetters. “If Ralph Lauren can do,” says Painter, “maybe I can, too.”

Where equestrian inspiration leads, clothes horses are sure to follow.

See Clever With Leather Advertisment on Page 2

Some vintages can last for the longest time, and the great vintages are prized for their durability. Many of the top-tier vintages are kept a minimum of 8 years before being released, some as much as 25 and more. In 2012, Champagne found in a shipwreck in the frigid waters off the Baltic was opened and found to be tight bubbled, and sweet and still eminently drinkable – and this was Cliquot (now Veuve-Clicquot) dating back to the 1780’s! What to look for Tastes are all different. Some prefer Earl Grey to English Breakfast, or perhaps pheasant to duck, or even red to blue. With Champagne many consider it to be all about the dryness and chill on the bottle, which often drives away complex tastes. Served at the right temperature, Champagne will exhibit ﬂavors that run the gamut from light honey, apple, pear, candied lemon peel, chamomile, and in the case of the great Bruts, have a dry, crisp ﬁnish. For those who prefer a sweeter or not so arid experience, then the Brut Extra or Extra Dry have a little more “dosage” (addition of sugar) and then one gets into Sec and then Doux, which are less and less popular these days. Take a sip. Let it sit on the tongue a moment and feel the bubbles – are they nice and tight and small? You’ll have gotten an indication in the glass by the thin stream of racing bubbles – if they are large and slow-moving then you’re in for a less than stellar experience most likely, not to mention a much lower-quality wine. Take in a little sip of air into your mouth - and really savor the years and years of dedication that have gone into the making of this wine. Take in the uniqueness of the grape and what it has become after perhaps years of being in the bottle, now to be released for your pleasure and celebration, or perhaps not – maybe it’s just a time to escape for a moment and enjoy the world’s most celebrated wine! Toby Rowland-Jones is founder and President of the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival and owner of Sommelier Services. Toby lives in Big Sur, CA and is a hedonist at heart.

Flair Spring issue

Bridal Paths Equestrian Wedding Theme Ideas

Intoxicating Steeds Vineyards & Wines Celebrating The Horse

Facility Trends First Australian Venue Speciﬁcally Designed For Western Riding Disciplines, Highlighting It’s Unique Building System and Design Aesthetics

Call or Email for a media kit. 570-646-9340 info@EquineFlair.us Deadline March 9th, 2012

Equine Flair â&#x20AC;˘ 49

��

by Patti Schoﬂer

In this traveling theater, the horses are stars more than ever. Odysseo features 40 horses at a time performing on a stage that, at 27,000 square feet, is 2 ¼ times bigger than the Cavalia stage. The world’s largest touring big top, the Odysseo tent is engineered so that no supporting structure or metal post obstructs the audience’s view of the multi-dimensional stage. On the stage horses and artists tell the story of what the two species have accomplished together – traveled across the globe -- as the audience follows Normand Latourelle and Gorion them on an odyssey through nature. In an enchanted three-dimensional forest, soon covered by a canopy of moving clouds, a blue mist rises from the earth. A herd of horses appear grazing and enjoying the se�ing sun. Suddenly, the ﬂat surface of the stage begins to curve and undulate, growing into rolling hills from a distant desert as horses appear, searching for an oasis. Through stunning natural landscape se�ings complemented by creative technology, the audience discovers the staged space in layers, through curtains and projections. “You have the impression that the mountain is not real, until you see, oh my God, there are real horses going over the mountain,” says Latourelle. “There is so much depth that you feeling like you’re on the Mongolian steppes, as in National Geographic photography viewing the most amazing landscape in the world.” To the stars – the horses – the stage is a playground. “The horse is the most beautiful animal we have on earth. It is easy to appreciate them aesthetically, but also how they react to life and live so closely to nature,” adds Latourelle. “They are so powerful and yet they are not predators. Humans want to eat everything that moves. They do not. They ﬁnd their peace in going away from whoever challenges them. This is a great lesson about life and peace. If someone is aggressive to me I have the choice of being aggressive back or turning away and saying this not for me. The horse has taught me that peace is beautiful. Yes, yes, sometimes they bite and don’t like each other. But they are giving you a daily lesson about balance in life.” This philosophy extends to the training of horses for Odysseo and Cavalia. “If you push too much, they are unhappy or aggressive. If you are patient, one day the horse will understand and then do what you have asked in order to please you. Horses don’t make mistakes. Humans do. If you are gentle, they will be your best friend. And then the work becomes play.” The Odysseo and Cavalia horses’ enjoyment became quite clear when the show installed a sound system in the stable. One morning, a groom played

Odysseo: A tribute to the journey -- the odyssey -- that humans and horses have traveled together through the natural world. The story is told on stage by 71 horses, 26 of which are stallions, and 54 acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians, and riders through original music and choreography, spectacular lighting, stage se�ings and multimedia technology. Odysseo as theatre has taken a giant step in creativity and vision, moving touring theatre beyond what was once thought of as its limits. Yet however amazing the production, its vision is founded upon an awestruck respect for horses. Making its U.S. debut in Atlanta, Ga., this show is a fabulous journey of horses through nature. “My dream was for a stage se�ing in which the audience felt like the horses were galloping in nature, through a big ﬁeld, over a mountain or through a lake,” explains Normand Latourelle, founder and artistic director of Odysseo and Cavalia, and a co-founder of Cirque du Soleil. “I wanted a traveling show that looked like a permanent show you would ﬁnd in Las Vegas, and the result is a feast for the eyes and the ears. I’ve made no concessions on how far we go to create the most amazing traveling theater in the world.”

music from the show. “The horses came to their windows as if to say ‘time to go!’ We decided it was be�er not to play show music in the stable.” One could imagine many horses standing in line for the job that two horses have in the last scene of show. These Arabians literally run though the onstage lake of 80,000 gallons of water. No one is with them. They just run and run with their tails in the air, bounding with joy – until they decide they have had enough. That could take 30 seconds or two minutes. And when they are tired, they just walk oﬀ stage. “It’s simple, but you let the horse be a horse and there is the magic.” Part of this magic is the sheer beauty of the show. “I know this is my show, but I am not just saying this,” says Latourelle. “There is not one place in the show that is not beautiful. Yes the stage is big, but it is very intimate. It is so beautiful and peaceful. It is like Avatar with no ﬁghting! “We pay tribute to the relationship humans and horses have forged over thousands of years. With our faithful companions, we have travelled to the four corners of the globe, built bridges between cultures and brought people from all over the planet closer together. Odysseo is a singular expression and celebration of this exceptionally moving journey,”

Let the horse be a horse and there is the magic.

50 • Equine Flair

�� E

www.EquineFlair.us

• Antique Rocking Horses • Unique Horse Decor

• Custom Life Size Horses • Carousel and Coin-Operated Horses

Equine Flair • 51

Thea Stinnett

Susie Stevenson

215 493 1877 ext 122 office 267-253-7754 mobile

215 493 1877 ext 000 office 215-630-5095 mobile s.stevenson@cbhearthside.com

Thea.stinnett@coldwellbanker.com

COLDWELL BANKER HEARTHSIDE 1187 General Washington Blvd., Washington Crossing, PA

www.BucksEquineRealEstate.com Bedminster, PA

$685,000

A Bucks County Circa 1885 farmhouse on a beautiful 10 acre lot. Watch the horses grazing in the pasture from your wrap around covered balcony. Farmhouse has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Well maintained bank barn offers 7 large 12x12 stalls with rubber mats, a groom stall, a wash stall, tack room, and large hayloft w/drop downs into each stall. There are 2 pony stalls in separate barn off the pastures. Fences are in good condition and the lush pasture has been well graded draining into a pond on the property. Plus, a 12' x 21' dog kennel with 3 runs complete with all the amenities. Call Thea 267-253-7754.

Pittstown, NJ Lease - $6,300

Wonderful opportunity to lease a minimum of 12 stalls ($525.00 p/12 x 12 dry stall) in premier top of the line equestrian facility. Lease includes private use of stalls, wash stall, groom stall, hayloft with drop downs, one grass paddock for every 4 horses, use of indoor and outdoor GGT jumping blend arenas, and available jumps. Extra a la cart offerings: private interior room for office or tack room, shared use of Equine walker, and furnished apartment option for groom/ staff member employed by tenant. Brand new facility. Call Susie 215-630-5095

If your in the market for equestrian properties we have many private large and small equestrian listings that are available as well. Call us today. 52 â&#x20AC;˘ Equine Flair