Equestrian Living - Feb/Mar 2016 by Equestrian Living

EQUESTRIAN LIVING

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

JANE SEYMOUR HOLLYWOOD AND HORSES P LU S : S P RI NG FA S HI O N FO R E C A ST F E B R U A RR YY / M / A MRACRHC H2 021061 6

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 10, 2014 DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 1, 2016

Fine Gifts • Bridal Registry • Interior Design • Corporate • Trophies

531 WEST SHORT STREET

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

866-225-7474

www.lvharkness.com

Gen-X 2™

Nelson does more than just dream about making the ultimate affordable jumping saddle. The Gen-X Series is the result of his obsession with creating professional grade saddles for riders of every level, so they can accomplish their dreams. With a Gen-X you’ll neither struggle with your two-point, nor suffer in your flatwork. With more than 50 years of savvy and horse sense packed into the design, every model has the heart and soul of a competitor. Ride better in a Pessoa. From $1995-$2395.

We are the proud sponsor of the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal.

www.PessoaUSA.com

EQ I N S I D E

FEATURES F E B RUA RY | M A RCH 2 0 1 6

JANE SEYMOUR

Throughout her illustrious acting career, Jane Seymour has played many horsewomen including Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Today, she is also a successful designer, writer, painter, producer, and grandmother.

SPRING FASHION FORECAST

With the change of season comes exciting changes in equestrian and mainstream fashion. A panel of designers gives us a hint of what to expect in Equestrian Living’s fashion forecast. PEDAL TO THE MEDAL

Dressage rider Kim Herslow feels just as comfortable in her 1963 split-window Corvette as she does on her national champion horse, Reno. INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMES TO CHINA

SNOW MOTION

An extraordinary new era for equine sports has begun in China with three new international events. And the horse world has discovered the opportunities. SNOW MOTION

Winter is Lisa Cueman’s favorite time to photograph horses. Chilly temperatures, falling snow, and a perfectly white stage are joyous, yet sometimes challenging. BOBBY G IS HAVING FUN

Bobby Genovese has enjoyed a lifetime of success in both business and on the polo field. His global portfolio of properties includes polo and equestrian destinations. RECREATING TUSCANY

Priscilla and Dick Marconi invited EQ to visit their amazing property, Villa Marconi. From an eyeball collection to the giraffe sanctuary, the surprises just kept coming. HORSES IN THE GARDEN

A California artist brings equine style to the landscape with classic fountains and sculpture. 4 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

RIDE THE LINE Performance and elegance. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum in the Monaco LX with ATS®technology — premium leathers built for peak performance. For more information visit Ariat.com

KNOW WHERE YOU STAND.

EQ I N S I D E

DEPARTMENTS F E B RUA RY | M A RCH 2 0 1 6

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Equestrian Living. STYLE

Stubbs & Wootton add wit and whimsy to the evening slipper.

Orange handbags add a pop of color to your look.

TRAVEL

23 28

Where can you find the perfect weather for riding? GIVING BACK

Helping children from homes affected by substance abuse. FAVORITES

Equestrian style has gone to the dogs. PEOPLE

John Nicholson brings new life to the Virginia Horse Center.

SCIENCE

A horse’s stride inspired a forefather of cinematography. FASHION

Elegant bracelets, hand-woven from your horse’s hair.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

Special real estate section: Fabulous farms and ranches. FOOD/DINING

100

ON THE COVER Jane Seymour, photographed at her Malibu, California home by Charles Bush.

A fun cookbook helps horse-loving kids entertain their friends. RESOURCES Look for

100 6 | E Q U E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

105

to find the products and services in this issue. BARN DOGS

106

Homeless golden retrievers come to Atlanta.

www.KarinaBrez.com | 561.400.4085 Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Wellington, FL | Old Salem Farm Spring Show , Salem, NY Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, NC | Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridgehampton, NY American Gold Cup, North Salem, NY

EQ F R O M T H E E D I T O R

WELCOME

C.W.MEDINGER

Equestrian Living editor Stephanie Peters enjoyed a moment of fantasy when EQ visited Kim Herslow and her Corvette collection.

hose closest to me know I’m not always quick to embrace change. I frequent the same restaurants, tend to order my go-to favorites, and I’m typically the last of my peers to update my array of out-of-date digital devices. But these personal idiosyncrasies rarely filter into my role at the magazine. The transition from Equestrian Quarterly to Equestrian Living is a change I embrace. It’s been an evolution in the making, and the timing and bi-monthly frequency feels comfortable. It feels right. It feels like what the magazine was meant to be. EQ has always been an equestrian lifestyle magazine, but Equestrian Living makes it a solid declaration. Horses will continue to be at the core, and the elegance and excitement of equestrian sport, along with fashion, décor, people, and places, will thread through each issue cover to cover. We’ll also tap into the burgeoning realm of art, architecture, travel, and style.

8 | EQU EST R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Our mission continues to be discovering untold stories, introducing you to fascinating equestrians—both in and out of the show circuits—and presenting intriguing visits with people you may already know. For instance, in this issue we feature two highly accomplished and recognized equestrians who have risen to the top ranks of their discipline and happen to share the same zeal for another form of horsepower—performance race cars. Both dressage-star Kim Herslow and Saddlebred-champion Priscilla Marconi are fearless, determined, and have the need for speed. Actor Jane Seymour entertains us with candid stories of her long and colorful career with horses. After claiming she could ride for a role early in her career— and quickly learning on the fly—she recalls her memorable television and movie roles and the lush life filled with horses that followed. Our fashion advisor, Renee Spurge, assembles a diverse panel of designers and directors from an impressive mix of equestrian-apparel and lifestyle brands to answer the quintessential questions regarding fashion: What’s new, what’s on the horizon for 2016, and what inspired the new collections? Of course, our first issue of Equestrian Living is also filled with captivating stories about equestrians, entrepreneurs, artists, and the generosity of those giving back. 2016 promises to be an exciting year. As an election year, there is a sense of anticipation and change. At Equestrian Living, it feels like a year of endless possibilities.

EQ S T Y L E

SLIPPERS GET CHIC AND CHEEKY Stubbs & Wootton’s founder, Percy Steinhart, adds WIT AND WHIMSY to the EVENING SLIPPER. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

troll the horse-show grounds or the streets of metropolitan cities and you will quite likely see chicly dressed men and women, young and old, sporting a pair of Stubbs & Wootton evening slippers or a version thereof. Percy Steinhart, founder of Stubbs & Wootton, opened his first shop in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1993. After years of working at Citicorp in the international private banking division, he decided to explore career options that wouldn’t require constant travel, and Stubbs & Wootton was born.

Kent Black Needlepoint $450. Crest Techno $450. Gatsby Nitik $150. Nitenday $450. Crest Color $450. Verdure $315.

Steinhart had spent a lot of time in Palm Beach and noticed men wearing the traditional velvet slippers for evening wear that were so popular in London. He decided to expand upon the eveningslipper concept but design a more unique and whimsical version. “We didn’t invent the velvet slipper, we just gave it new life,” he said. The original collection included mostly velvet slippers, but they were embroidered with running fox, monograms, and fishing flies rather than the static fox head or coat of arms. Today, a full scope of velvet and needlepoint slippers, leather slip-ons, heels, espadrilles, and a variety of accessories round out the brand. Originally relegated to evening attire and special occasions, Stubbs & Wootton shoes are now part of everyday streetwear and often paired with jeans, blazers, or casual dinner clothes. Even the younger set recognizes the chic and cheeky appeal. Steinhart is always considering creative ideas to fashion into his shoes. “I’ll see a certain piece of fabric or an emblem on a sign or some quirky piece of ironwork, and I’ll envision it as a focal point of a new shoe. That’s the fun part,” he says. Stubbs & Wootton stores are in Palm PAGE 105 Beach and New York City.

5 10 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

EQ F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H

EQ U E S TR I A N

LIVING

EQLiving.com

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie B. Peters DEPUTY EDITOR Jill B. Novotny PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR George Kamper EDITORS AT LARGE Georgina Bloomberg and Ann Leary DESIGN MANAGER Mary A. Stroup SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Carly Neilson EDITORIAL MANAGER Rose DeNeve ASSISTANT EDITOR Abigail Googel EQ SPECIAL EVENTS Jennifer Pearman Lammer CONTRIBUTORS Kendall Bierer, Dawn Harris Brown, Carol Cohen, Melissa Lu, Emily Riden, Renee Spurge INTERN Yeting Shen PUBLISHER C.W. Medinger CONSULTANT George Fuller PRINT John Spittle, Lane Press TECHNOLOGY Matt Tarsi NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION Richard Trummer, Curtis Circulation Co. GLOBAL PARTNER PUBLICATIONS EQUISTYLE, Germany; HORSEMANSHIP, China ADVERTISING SALES NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Debb Pyle, 434-806-6685, pyle@eqliving.com EAST-COAST SALES DIRECTORS Lynn Lehmkuhl, 917-370-5787, lehmkuhl@eqliving.com Jane Newman, 212-920-0145, newman@eqliving.com EQUINE & WESTERN REAL ESTATE, Rodney Brooks, 510-695-5254, brooks@eqliving.com REAL ESTATE & SOUTHEAST, Joyce Jones, 954-796-1809, jones@eqliving.com SPECIAL ACCOUNTS, Dick Holcomb, 770-740-7120, dickholc@bellsouth.net EQ ADVISORY BOARD Bob Cacchione, Founder IHSA Carol Cohen, Dressage, Wellington, Fla. Deborah Deutsch, Polo, Beverly Hills, Calif. Melissa Ganzi, Polo, Wellington, Fla. Peter Leone, Lionshare Farm, Greenwich, Conn. Colleen and Tim McQuay, Reining, Tioga, Texas Mindy Peters, Arabians, Los Alamos, Calif. Chris Pratt, Hunter Jumper West, Los Angeles, Calif. Renee Spurge, Fashion | LA Saddlery, Los Angeles, Calif. Chester Weber, Combined Driving, Ocala, Fla. EQUESTRIAN QUARTERLY became EQUESTRIAN LIVING magazine in 2016 and is published six times yearly. It is distributed at selected equestrian locations, newsstands, and is available for home delivery for $19.95 | Canada $36.95. Subscribe at eqliving.com/subscribe or EQ, Box One, Brownsville, VT 05037. To purchase past issues or find newsstands offering EQ, visit eqliving.com/where-to-buy Subscription management and address changes: eqliving.com/manage-subscription Editorial inquiries and letters to the editor: info@eqliving.com ©2016. All rights reserved, Wynnwood Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in print or online without written permission. ® Equestrian Living, Equestrian Quarterly, and EQ are registered trademarks of Wynnwood Media.

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE. Get EQ delivered right to your mailbox. Scan to SUBSCRIBE or visit eqliving.com/subscribe

EQ was chosen OVERALL BEST EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE in its inaugural year by American Horse Publications.

12 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

CURTIS CIRCULATION COMPANY

Diamond Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor colorLOGOaikenhorseshow2011.qxd

2/4/2011

11:10 AM

Page 1

COURTNEY CONGER LISA & MIKE HOSANG

Silver Sponsors

Deirdre Vaillancourt

VisitAikenSC.com

EQ S T Y L E

POP A FRESH ORANGE INTO YOUR BAG! Shades of this CHEERY HUE continue to be a FASHION FAVORITE.

14 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

1. Halzan 31 in clemence taurillon by Hermès. $5,150. 2. The Maryann Tote, Fancy Blue Ribbon in orange by Rebecca Ray Designs. $149. 3. Evelyne Bag in clemence bull calfskin by Hermès. $1,800. 4. Nonna-Road calf leather bag with horsehair tassel by Âme Moi. $1,640. 5. The Paddock Correspondence Envelope in butter-soft leather with crème topstitching by Oughton Limited. $95. 6. Orange, Suede Fringed Envelope with tri-color horsehair tassel by Rebecca Ray Designs. $79. 7. Garden Party in cotton toile and country calfskin by Hermès. $2,323. 8. The Dressage Tweed Manor Tote in black-and-chestnut, pebble-grain leather by Tucker Tweed. $219.

8 PAGE 105

Equestrian Facilities

Old World Skill & Craftsmanship

Quality isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a goal; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life. At B&D Builders, we believe that the success of any building project rests on quality materials, professional service, craftsmanship and expert engineering. We are committed to bringing you quality in our attention to detail and our eye for design, giving you a building that performs for many years to come. You can depend on B&D Builders for professional planning, scheduling and management of your project.

Request a quote at 717.687.0292 or by visiting our website.

Discover More at CustomBarnBuilding.com

EQ T R A V E L

IT’S RIDING WEATHER SOMEWHERE The

PERFECT WEATHER

ow often do we find that wherever we live, it’s either too hot, freezing, raining, snowing, or much too windy. But we go riding anyway.

for riding: 67 degrees, sunny, slight breeze.

Suppose we wanted to seek out a perfect riding climate, or at least our best chance of some really amazing weather. Where would that be and when?

High Pointe International Equestrian Tours owner Cathy Mann devised a calendar outlining the best months and ideal places to take an equestrian vacation.

•••Sweden

••Iceland ••Scotland •••Wales ••England ••France

•••Spain

•Germany •••Austria

•Albania

••Mongolia

•Greece

•••Portugal

•Italy

••••••Ecuador •••••Peru

••Israel ••••India

••••Chile •••Argentina

••Brazil

•••Australia ••••New Zealand

JAN. Brazil Chile Ecuador India

FEB. Brazil Chile India

MARCH New Zealand

APRIL Italy New Zealand

16 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

MAY Albania Austria France Israel Mongolia Peru Portugal Spain Wales

JUNE Austria Argentina Ecuador France Iceland Israel Mongolia Peru Portugal Spain Sweden Wales

JULY Argentina Ecuador England Iceland Peru Scotland Sweden

AUG. Argentina Ecuador England Iceland Peru Scotland Sweden

SEPT. Australia Austria Ecuador France Germany Greece New Zealand Peru Portugal Spain Wales

OCT. Australia New Zealand

NOV. Australia Chile India

DEC. Ecuador Chile India

EQ G I V I N G B A C K

HORSES HEALING HEARTS Changing

CHILDREN’S LIVES

one equine at a time.

BY KENDALL BIERER

were so afraid of labels and how the ne thing is children and parents would feel for certain, regarding the stigma attached to children capalcoholism and substance abuse.” ture our hearts. Horses Healing Hearts curThere are 28 rently works at sponsor barns million children in Florida, and it is the only of alcoholics living among us, but i. k organization in the United there is only one organization that zews iz Ols with L e in States using horses to serve the k uses horses to brings smiles to their Ers R B IE R E Sugar d DA L L n a N E K e k children of alcoholics. With the nearby faces—Horses Healing Hearts. Jeff Bla layers equestrian community of Wellington, Founded in 2009 by Liz Olszewski Polo p and mentors, she would Florida, Horses Healing Hearts has had of Wellington, Florida, the non-profit have followed in her parents’ the incredible opportunity to welcome organization helps ease the pain of kids footsteps. members of this influential community as growing up in a home with substance “My aunt had rescued a young musambassadors. Among them are Olympic abuse. Horses Healing Hearts provides tang and spent a lot of time developing show-jumpers Peter Wylde and Lisa these children with the opportunity to heal and bonding with him,” Liz explained. Jacquin, Pan American Games medalist emotionally by working with horses while “That was the first time I ever was really Marco Bernal, and professional polo playhaving fun, learning positive life-coping involved with horses. I saw all our paralers Jeff Blake and Sugar Erskine. skills, responsibility, and confidence, and lels—the horse’s scars on the outside and The organization’s mission hit close starting on a path different from their mine on the inside. He survived and went to the heart for Erskine, who had no parents. on to accomplish great things; I hoped I difficulty in recognizing the potential Both Liz’s mother and stepfather were could have the same fate. I knew I wanted struggles that can take place in a home alcoholics. Her stepfather became sober to be with horses and use them to make a with addiction. His own triumphs over when she was 12, and she began learning difference for me and for others.” addiction have led him to want to give about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The Years passed, and after volunteering back to children who may be struggling man who had once caused her bittersweet with a therapeutic riding program, Liz in their home environment. memories soon became her mentor. Sober, saw that she could use the horses with Wylde, Jacquin, Blake, and Erskine he was the opposite of the person he had an entirely different group, the children have all given generously of their time once been. of alcoholics. “Everyone thought I was and talents, offering clinics, demonstraAt her stepfather’s suggestion, Liz crazy,” Liz laughed. “People tions, events, and working with the kids. spent time with her aunt and a rescued Horses Healing Hearts’ operating mustang. While there, she learned that funds come from donors, grants, and her mother was diagnosed with cirrhofundraising. “After six years, people have sis of the liver. Every day Liz was faced gotten to know us and support us. We’re with the thought of losing her, and it very grateful. Our goal is to have affiliates was only the love of her aunt’s horse nationwide,” Liz said. that kept her connected to reality. “We’ll get there,” she smiled. “It’s like That was where she first understood I tell the kids—anything worth having is the love a horse can provide, and Liz Olympic go ld medalis PAGE 105 worth working for.” believes that if it were not for horses KE N DA t Peter LL BI ER ER

18 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Wylde wit h Hannah Bentz.

LEGEND® (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution

PURE LEGEND is the first FDA-approved IV joint therapy. And it’s backed by decades of experience deriving ultra-pure hyaluronic acid (HA) – so you can have confidence when it counts. Made in the U.S.A.

Now a Merial Equine brand.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety of LEGEND has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares. The following adverse reactions have been reported following use of LEGEND Injectable Solution: Following intravenous use: occasional depression, lethargy, and fever. Following intra-articular (LEGEND Injectable Solution — 2 mL only) use: lameness, joint effusion, joint or injection site swelling, and joint pain. Legend® Multi Dose (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution, Legend (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution, BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Legend® Injectable Solution and Legend® Multi Dose Injectable Solution are indicated in the treatment of equine joint dysfunction associated with equine osteoarthritis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications for the use of Legend® Injectable Solution and Legend® Multi Dose Injectable Solution in horses. RESIDUE WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. ANIMAL SAFETY WARNING: For Legend Injectable Solution 4 mL and Legend Multi Dose Injectable Solution – Not for Intra-articular use. The Intra-articular safety of hyaluronate sodium with benzyl alcohol has not been evaluated. PRECAUTIONS: Complete lameness evaluation should be conducted by a veterinarian. Sterile procedure during the injection process must be followed. Intra-articular injections should not be made through skin that is inflamed, infected or has had a topical product applied. The safety of Legend Injectable Solution and Legend Multi Dose has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares. ADVERSE REACTIONS: No side effects were observed in Legend Injectable Solution clinical field trials. Side effects reported post-approval: Following intravenous use: Occasional depression, lethargy, and fever. Following intra-articular (Legend Injectable Solution – 2 mL only) use: joint or injection site swelling and joint pain. For medical emergencies or to report adverse reactions, call 1-800-422-9874. ANIMAL SAFETY SUMMARY: Animal safety studies utilizing Legend Multi Dose Injectable Solution were not performed. Legend Multi Dose Injectable Solution was approved based on the conclusion that the safety of Legend Multi Dose Injectable Solution will not differ from that demonstrated for the original formulation of Legend Injectable Solution. Legend Injectable Solution was administered to normal horses at one, three and five times the recommended intra-articular dosage of 20 mg and the intravenous dose of 40 mg. Treatments were given weekly for nine consecutive weeks. No adverse clinical or clinical pathologic signs were observed. Injection site swelling of the joint capsule was similar to that seen in the saline treated control horses. No gross or histological lesions were observed in areas of the treated joint. For customer care or to obtain product information, including a Material Safety Data Sheet, call 1-888-637-4251 Option 2. ®LEGEND is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2015 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIOLG1512-A (03/15)

EQ F A V O R I T E S

STYLE UNLEASHED Fashion has GONE TO THE DOGS with these equestrian-inspired accessories.

The Medici collection by Mungo & Maud is designed for slim-necked hounds and available in sable and pewter. Price available upon request.

A French-inspired horse-bit pattern adds refined style to the Deauville Dog Leash by Harry Barker. Your pup will love this lightweight, quick-drying, durable dog leash that is made from recycled plastic bottles. $26.

Hartman and Roseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Natural Tan Leather Collar is understated, elegant, and lined with black Italian leather. $50.

The Belmont collar from Hartman and Rose is handcrafted in Canada with Italian leather and polished nickel. $70.

The Belmont lead from Hartman and Rose, shown in buckskin, includes a classic horse bit on Italian full grain leather. $80. The Natural Rope Collar is locally sourced and hand-made in Brooklyn, New York, by Found My Animal, a small company that supports several animal rescue organizations. $56.

In Monogram canvas, the Baxter Dog Collar by Louis Vuitton has a leather backing and ID tag and can be accompanied by a matching lead. $345. PAGE 105

20 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

DISTINCTIVE SANTA BARBARA PROPERTIES

w w w. S U Z A N N E P E R K I N S . c o m Recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a Top Producing Real Estate Agent in America for the Last 10 Years

Soth Soth thheby’ by’’s Inntte by bys by’ tern e atio ational al Real eaal a tyy annd thee Sothe o by’s In Interna Int ernatio tional Realty a lo ogo o aree rregis eggis egis i tere tered (or uunnreg te reeg ster re regi tered) edd se serv eerv rvvic ice c mar arrk rks us u eed with it perm permissi ission. onn. O Oper per eerat aated ted edd byy Sothheby’ byy s IInte bys Innte te aatio tern ter tio io onal n Re Real R Rea ealty, tyy Inc. nccc. Rea Reall esta tate agen agent geeent nntts affi ffiliat liat aattedd with Soth theby’ e s Intern eby eby’ Intern rnnatio tio onal nall Real a ty, Inc. are ar ind in epen pen ende en end ddent eent nntt con co tr ttra rac raac torr sale saless asssoc ssoci c ates ate tes e and es anndd are aarre re nott emp empplloye oye yeess of So otheb thebyys th y’’s Inte nnteern rrnat n iona nat ionall Re R alty ty, In Inc. c. | CalBR BR RE Li L cens cenn e # 01 0111 651 0110 6512 511

EQ P E O P L E

FROM ONE LEXINGTON TO ANOTHER After years of leading the Kentucky Horse Park, JOHN NICHOLSON brings new life to the Virginia Horse Center. BY EMILY RIDEN

22 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

EMILY RIDEN

hen it comes to leading the nation’s finest equestrian venues, few know what the job takes better than John Nicholson. Nicholson stood at the helm of the Kentucky Horse Park as it rose to prominence on the global equestrian stage, as it won the bid for and hosted the United States’ first World Equestrian Games (WEG), and as it became the leading, internationally known venue and tourist attraction that it is today. Now, following his successful 17-year tenure in Lexington, Kentucky, Nicholson plans to do something similar in a whole new Lexington—Lexington, Virginia, the beautiful home of the Virginia Horse Center.

Top: The 600-acre Virginia Horse Park includes 19 show rings, a 4,000-seat coliseum, 8 barns, cross-country and combined-carriage-driving courses, a tractor pull, campgrounds, special event spaces, and full café services. Above: John Nicholson addressing a group at the horse center.

In early 2014, Nicholson announced his retirement from the Kentucky Horse Park. (See Equestrian Quarterly’s visit with Nicholson in Lexington, Kentucky, in the Summer 2014 issue.) That announcement coincided with the news of great shifts happening within the leadership and structure of the Virginia Horse Center. A highly respected member of the Virginia equestrian community, Ernie Oare, had been appointed the new Virginia Horse Center Foundation president, and it was Oare who first made the call to Nicholson, asking for his guidance as a consultant to the center. Nicholson said, “I got a call from Ernie a few weeks before I retired in Kentucky. I did not know him personally, Continued on page 24

PLACE HOLDER

HORSE POWER One great performer deserves another.

New • Pre-Owned • Parts • Finance

885 E 149th St Bronx, NY 10455 (888) 691-4508 mileatruck.com Also visit us at our Queens and Brooklyn locations.

EQ P E O P L E

NICHOLSON Continued from page 22

but I knew of him because he’s one of the many people with a great reputation in the horse industry. I thought, ‘Okay; if you want to hire me as a consultant, I’ll come.’”

icholson came on board as a consultant in May 2014, and by April 2015, what Nicholson thought would be a short-term consultant role transformed into a whole new venture, when he was named the horse center’s chief executive officer. In 1986 ground was broken for the creation of the Virginia Horse Center, and for 21 years the center operated as a public-private partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia—similar to the way the Kentucky Horse Park operates. In 2007, the partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the horse center was dissolved, and, through a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, the center was awarded wholly to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The USDA loan required substantial debt service, and by early 2014 it had become increasingly apparent that the horse center was in financial trouble and that the entire organization needed re-examining and re-organization. That’s where Nicholson came in—but he will be the first to humbly express that he is in no way alone in paving the way for a bright future for the Virginia Horse Center. “Previously, we were not interacting with our customers,” Oare said. “When I say customers, I’m not just talking about exhibitors; we weren’t interacting with our horse-show managers. If you don’t have interaction with your customers, it’s not hard to realized that it’s not going to work. That was addressed head on, and what we didn’t have that we do now is a chief operating officer (COO).” Leigh Anne Claywell now fills that much needed COO role, after joining the full-time Virginia Horse Center team at the same time as Nicholson. Claywell brings to the team an extensive background within the equestrian industry, having served as the director of competition licensing, evaluation, and safety for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) from 2006 to 2014 and as a competition and event planner for HITS horse shows. Rounding out the chief executive team is chief financial officer (CFO) Sandra Thomas. Thomas’ impressive resume includes serving as the CFO of First Avenue Networks, as the co-founder and CFO of MuseumCompany.com, and 14 years with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. With Nicholson, Claywell, and Thomas all on board, the Virginia Horse Center has created a dream team, prepared and

EQ P E O P L E

Reliable Powerful Trustworthy Dependable The Virginia Horse Center leadership team including, (left to right) CFO Sandra Thomas, COO Leigh Anne Claywell, CEO John Nicholson, consultant Glenn Petty, and Virginia Horse Center Foundation board president Ernie Oare.

equipped to bring the center to the forefront of the equestrian industry, not only in the United States, but internationally. Credit is also due to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation board president who brought them all together, Ernie Oare. “Ernie is a great leader in Virginia’s horse community and has really taken this as a personal mission,” Nicholson said. “I think we all acknowledge, had Ernie not stepped on the scene—and he didn’t have to—it’s fair to say that we wouldn’t be here today.” mong those numerous good things already accomplished by Nicholson, Oare, and the new Virginia Horse Center leadership team is the increase in the allotment of the local occupancy tax to the horse center from two percent to three percent to allow for the payment of the center’s debt service to the USDA.This also allowed the center to secure a loan to be used for long overdue maintenance and capital improvement projects. As the Virginia Horse Center moves into 2016, new events have been added to the calendar, maintenance improvements have been made, greater financial stability has been reached, and both the local and equestrian communities have stepped up to support of the center. “We’ve re-energized our constituent base of people who, for so many years, supported the horse center but perhaps were concerned for awhile,” Nicholson said. “Our family is reunited. The energy is there again. There’s a real sense of optimism about the future that perhaps wasn’t there previously…This ride that we’re going to be on, we’re going to ride together, and it’s going to be wonderful.”

MileaBuickGMC.com 3211 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 MileaSubaru.com 3201 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 347-748-1441

EQ S C I E N C E

THE HORSE IN MOTION Photographer EADWEARD MUYBRIDGE answered the age-old question: Are all four of a horse’s hooves off the ground at the same time?

adweard Muybridge was born in England in 1830. He became a professional photographer after emigrating to America. His photographs of Yosemite and the American West during the 1860s established his reputation as a world-famous photographer. In 1872, former California governor Leland Stanford hired Muybridge for an interesting project. A racehorse owner, Stanford had taken a position on the popularly debated issue of the day: whether all four of a horse’s hooves were simultaneously off the ground at a trot. The human eye could not distinguish movements at that speed, and the cameras of the day were not equipped to capture that kind of movement. So Muybridge experimented with a variety of techniques to capture a horse’s stride, using an array of 12 cameras set up to photograph in sequence. Stanford supported the position of “unsupported transit,” which meant that at both the trot and the gallop, there was a point in the stride when no hoof was on the ground. In 1872, Muybridge settled the question with a single image showing his Standardbred-trotting horse airborne at the trot. The image won an award at the San Francisco Industrial Exhibition. Muybridge continued his studies and improved his equipment to have faster shutter speeds and emulsions so the photos could capture action more clearly. On June 15, 1878, at Stanford’s Palo Alto, California, farm (now the campus

26 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

BY JILL NOVOTNY

of Stanford University), Muybridge performed a now-famous experiment. He placed several large, glass-plate cameras in a line alongside the track, which was lined with white cloth to make each image as clear and bright as possible. As the horse galloped down the track, it tripped a series of threads, each of which triggered a camera shutter to capture the precise moment that the horse passed. In the presence of the press, Muybridge captured 24 images of the Kentucky-bred mare, Sallie Gardner, at a gallop. He copied the photos onto a disc which could be viewed in his invention, a Zoopraxiscope. This device rapidly projected a series of images from a rotating glass disc, giving the images the illusion of movement. Many consider the device the first movie projector. There are 72 surviving Zoopraxiscope discs, all of which are reproduced in the book, Eadweard Muybridge: The Kingston Museum Bequest. The Zoopraxiscope is considered to be one of the primary inspirations for Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope, which became the first commercial film exhibition system. While those who supported the theory of unsupported transit were proven right,

many people were surprised to find that the point when all feet left the ground was not when the legs were stretched out to the front and back, as imagined by most illustrators and artists at the time. Instead, all four hooves were seen to leave the ground at the point between strides, while the legs are gathered beneath the body before they reach out to take the next stride. While Muybridge travelled back and forth to England and Europe to publicize his work, Stanford asked his friend and fellow horseman, Dr. J.B.D. Stillman, to write a book called The Horse in Motion, which used Muybridge’s photographs and research. No credit was given to Muybridge, and as a result his funding in England was withdrawn and he was accused of plagiarism. Consequently, Muybridge continued his studies in America and was sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia he made over 100,000 images of human models, often nude, as they performed simple actions such as hammering nails or walking up stairs. He also photographed animals at the Philadelphia Zoo to study their movement. In 1871 he published a massive portfolio of over 20,000 images entitled Animal Locomotion: an Electro-Photographic Investigation of Connective Phases of Animal Movements. This work is still used today as reference by artists. Muybridge, inspired by the stride of a horse, will be remembered as both a scientific researcher and a forefather to modern cinematography.

WI N N I NG doesn’t happen by

A C C I D E N T.

A rub. It’s all that separates a flawless round from “better luck next time.” But you’re not depending on luck. You’re depending on countless hours in and out of the saddle. And you didn’t come here for just a ribbon. You came for the championship ribbon. So ask yourself, does your horse have the stomach to win?

Time for a gut check. TheStomachToWin.com

When administered for 8 or 28 days, just one dose a day of ULCERGARD is proven to effectively prevent performance-robbing equine stomach ulcers in horses exposed to stressful conditions.

Save on your next purchase and take rewards to the MAX. www.max.merial.com ®ULCERGARD is a registered trademark, and ™MAX, Merial Awards Xpress is a trademark, of Merial. ©2015 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIUGD1425-D (09/15)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: ULCERGARD can be used in horses that weigh at least 600 pounds. Safety in pregnant mares has not been determined.

EQ F A S H I O N

WEAVING MEMORIES Textile designer NANNA SALMI hand-fashions elegant HORSEHAIR JEWELRY from your horse’s hair.

innish textile designer Nanna Salmi creates exquisite horsehair jewelry with skill and imagination. The unique collection is meticulously crafted, utilizing precious metals such as silver, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum and reflects a sophisticated style that is both modern and old world. Nanna first experimented with weaving horsehair while spending countless hours at her stable. She explained, “While grooming, I wondered if I could actually weave horsehair, and eventually, because of a commitment, I was forced to figure that out. I actually started by making a miniature fabric out of horse’s hair.” 28 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Top row: (Left to right) Cassiopeia ring, Carus ring, narrow stripe weave. Middle row: (Left to right) Naomi necklace, Coco ring, Noora necklace. Prices available upon request.

Textile designer Nanna Salmi

Gradually, Nanna began to merge her horsehair weavings with silver and gold. The metal parts of Nanna Salmi jewelry are cast by the oldest jewelry-casters in Finland, and top professionals handle the finishing touches of her metal and gemstone settings. “My goldsmiths and casters are perfectionists,” Nanna added. Nanna’s jewelry is displayed at prestigious horse shows around the world, and her clients range from pony kids to Olympic champions. Nanna said, “I feel privileged to do this work, especially when I see the reaction of customers looking at the finished piece and realizing I have surpassed their expectations.” Continued on page 30

STEVE GUERDAT

NEW GENERATION, SAME EMOTION

The outer shell of the XJ is made of carbon ﬁber, a composite material providing an unbeatable strength/weight ratio. The inner shell is made of polystyrene with variable density which provides a better dissipation of the energy produced upon impact. inte The internal comfort ‘‘memory’’ pad which ensures a constant thickness over the years of use and the semi-rigid leather chin strap cancel out all risks of tipping the helmet in case of a violent movement. Equipped with two front air inlets the XJ helmet provides exceptional ventilation.

Next One LLC - Samshield America - 18 Old Mill Road, Redding CT 06896 O: 203-587-1400 - samshieldinfo@gmail.com - www.samshieldamerica.com

www.samshield.com

EQ F A S H I O N

WEAVING MEMORIES Continued from page 28

“I ACTUALLY STARTED BY MAKING A MINIATURE FABRIC OUT OF A HORSE’S HAIR.”

Top row: (Left to right) Cassiopeia pearls, Scirocco bracelet. Bottom row: (Left to right) Polo cuff links, Marieke ring, Scirocco Otto bracelet. Prices available upon request. PAGE 105

30 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Portfolio of Fine Properties in Wellington, Florida

4Br, 3Ba working farm with two barns, guest cottage and pool on tranquil 5-acre lot. Offered at $1,200,000 Weston Gracida +1 561-345-1366

Functionality & luxury designed to appeal to the most discerning palate. 5BR/5.5BA. Offered at $729,000 Debra James +1 561-762-8214

Equestrian Club home adjacent to polo. 5Br, 4.5Ba with gourmet gas kitchen, pool & spa. Offered at $815,000 Michelle Hall +1 713-303-7369

4BR/3.1BA home on 3.6 acre horse farm. 3BR/2BA grooms qtrs. Under construction. Offered at $4,300,000 Matt Johnson +1 561-313-4367

Private 5 acre home with 4BR/3.1BA. One of the largest parcels in Saddle Trail. Lots of turnout paddocks. 5 stall barn with brick paver aisle way with ability to have up to 20 stalls. True hacking distance to WEF. Offered at $6,500,000 Matt Johnson +1 561-313-4367

10.95 acre estate with 20 stalls ability to have up to 24 stalls. Hack to showgrounds. Offered at $6,800,000 Matt Johnson +1 561-313-4367

Private 15 acre custom designed 6,226 sq ft. main home with top equestrian facilities. Stunning stable, riding arena with underground watering system, hot walker and round pen. There are 3 staff apartments. Offered at $11,000,000 Matt Johnson +1 561-313-4367

The real estate agency with the international network: wellington.evusa.com

©2016 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Carr Sollak Realty, LLC licensee of Engel & Voelkers Florida Residential, LLC. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Jane in her studio in Malibu, California. 32 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

HORSES AND HOLLYWOOD

JANE SEYMOUR We visit with the busy actor, producer, artist, philanthropist, and businesswoman.

WITH STEPHANIE PETERS AND JILL NOVOTNY PHOTOS CHARLES BUSH

ANE SEYMOUR

has

learned that adversity can lead to positive outcomes, including a leg up in the saddle. She was on a career path of becoming a professional ballet dancer until, at age 17, she sustained a career-ending knee injury. So, she decided to pursue acting. Seymour has appeared in over 125 movies, stage productions, and TV shows, ranging from the Bond Girl in Live and Let Die, to the starring role as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. One of her early roles was in a film called The Four Feathers, starring Robert Powell and Beau Bridges. “The producers asked me if I rode horses, and of course, as all actors do, I said, ‘Oh yes!,’ having never really ridden horses,” Seymour told us. She quickly learned to ride for the role, FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 3

Personal photographs courtesy of Jane Seymour.

Watching the hunt near Bath, England, on her horse, James. 34 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

“I’m either so terrified or so happy when I ride that my teeth usually show.”

and a love of horses has remained a large part of her career and life ever since. In The Four Feathers, she learned to ride sidesaddle, which she remembers fondly. “As an ex-dancer, it was perfect for me,” she said, “because we’re very good at crossing our legs and rotating our backs.”

what was entailed, and I got to drive a team of four. “Driving is something I really love to do,” continued Seymour. “It seems safer than riding because I like the idea of not being thrown over the front, which has happened. I’ve landed on my head. Plus my legs aren’t quite long enough from knee to ankle, which makes wrapping my legs around the horse difficult. Both of my daughters became great equesD R . Q U I N N , M E D I CI N E WOMA N trians. They got the long legs I ordered! So, I can see how it’s The next time Seymour’s career connected her with horses was meant to be done, but I was just not given the equipment,” she on her hit show, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, which ran from laughed. “However, I’ve always looked good on film on a horse, 1993 to 1998. She starred as a physibecause I do sit up very straight.” cian who left Boston in 1867 in search In fact, Seymour had to ask each of adventure in the American West. of her stunt riders to sit up straighter Seymour rode regularly on the show, than they normally would. “I’m though she is quick to clarify that either so terrified or so happy when I some of the more dangerous riding ride that my teeth usually show,” she was done by stunt riders. “They had laughed. “So I’d also have to tell the forbidden me from doing anything stunt riders that, even at a distance, to dangerous,” she said. “Whenever you match me, their teeth would have to can recognize my face, it’s me. But if show.” it’s the size of a pin in the background, Seymour has dabbled in every disand someone’s going hell for leather, cipline imaginable in different roles and they’re jumping major things, throughout her career. One of her that was definitely not me. new films is called Sage Paints the Sky, Jane on the set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. based on the American Girl dolls, in “You never knew what to expect,” which she plays a grandmother and Seymour laughed, remembering, “I had a horse on Dr. Quinn called Flash, who was a rescue horse rides dressage. In another project, a Hallmark film called A Royal from the circus and had been trained there. If you made certain Christmas, Seymour’s daughter Katie plays her at age 30. They movements with your hands, even very slight movements like both ride horses in that movie, as well. you might be talking and inadvertently just lift your fingers, In Touching Wild Horses, Seymour is a photographer working Flash would suddenly show his teeth and make this sort of silly with the wild horses of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. “I didn’t ride and ridiculous smile. If you did another little gesture, he would those horses; you’re not even allowed to touch them. But the just lie down and roll. So you had to be very careful of what you horses were galloping right at me and around me. It was really did near Flash. He had his tricks!” fantastic,” she said. “I’ve ridden Arabians, dressage, hunter While playing Dr. Quinn, she also learned to drive a carjumpers. I’ve even ridden draft horses. I have a photo of my riage, sometimes even a pair of horses. “I have actually, believe whole family on one of the Budweiser Clydesdales.” it or not, learned to drive four-in-hand,” she said. “I had the “We also once had a polo team,” she continued. “I don’t special opportunity to interview Prince Philip for Good Morning really play, but I rode the polo ponies and swung the mallet. I’ve spent a lot of time in Argentina, Palm Beach, Santa Barbara, and America when he was going to be at a driving competition in Scotland. I thought that to prepare, I’d like to show him I was England at polo events. That’s how I met Prince Charles and serious about it, so I took a lesson with one of the pros to see Daphne Kent and all those people. I’ve been all around the horse FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 5

Jane riding in Bath, England, on her horse, James.

Jane’s father’s only experience on their horse, Sydney. 36 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Riding sidesaddle in Enslavement.

“I look a lot better on a horse than I actually am, let’s put it that way.”

world,” she paused before adding coyly, “But I look a lot better she develops new techniques and tackles different subject maton a horse than I actually am, let’s put it that way.” ter. “I’ve been working on a slightly more abstract collection For many years Seymour also kept horses at her house in the recently,” she explained. English countryside near Bath. Her creative vision also extends into home décor (with the Though her passion for horses is obvious, she rides less now launch of Jane Seymour Designs) and her lines of skin-care prodthan when she was younger. “I lost my confidence a bit after ucts, candles, lighting, and handbags. my very close friend, Christopher Reeve, had his accident,” she admits. “Now I ride very carefully and mainly for movies. CHARITABLE CAUSES If I’m riding for pleasure, I ride with a trainer nearby in a safe Seymour is known for her extensive charitable work, most notaenvironment.” bly the Open Hearts Foundation Reeve was godfather to her that she launched in 2010. Its son Kristopher, who is currently mission is based on supportpursuing a career as a profesing worldwide communities and sional baseball player. Seymour’s provides funds to charitable health, son, Johnny, (godson of Johnny arts, education, and sports organizaCash), is a musician in Nashville. tions. For the first time this year, the Her two daughters both competed Open Heart Foundation will choose in hunter jumper, and her son, the three charities that best meet the Sean, played polo. She now has criteria of the Open Heart. These five grandchildren. “They keep me three charities will receive a donayoung!” she exclaimed. tion in person from Jane Seymour. Seymour’s projects are seemingly The public will then vote on the countless. Her roles range from best of the three, and that charity raunchy comedy—like Fifty Shades will receive a major donation on Jane takes her son, Johnny, for a ride aboard Flash on the set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. of Black, a just-released film parody Mother’s Day this year. “What we’re of Fifty Shades of Gray starring Marlon Wayans—to intense dratrying to inspire people to do is to take a challenge in life and mas, like Bereave Me Not, the story of a woman whose husband is use it as an opportunity to help others,” Seymour explained. dying. Many critics are pointing to this as her best work in years. Many of Seymour’s creative projects are inspired by the idea of In addition to her upcoming movies, including one in an open heart. Her Open Heart line of jewelry for Kay Jewelers, which she is the lead and another for which she is an execubased on her design of two connected open hearts, has become a tive producer, she has also guest-starred on the hit television symbol of giving and receiving love. It has also become the most series Jane the Virgin. successful line of jewelry currently on the market. She has also written several inspirational books based on this concept. A P RO L I F I C ART I ST Jane Seymour’s boundless energy and passion show no signs Seymour’s creativity extends far beyond the film set or the of slowing down. She will continue to entertain us with her Broadway stage. She began painting nearly 25 years ago and upcoming movie and television projects and open our hearts sketches and paints at her Malibu studio, on movie sets, and on to her ongoing work with her charitable organizations. What her travels. Over the years she has created an intimate world of we definitely won’t see is Jane riding off into the sunset anytime delicate watercolors and colorful, vibrant oil paintings. She was soon. “Do you ever sleep?” we asked. “Oh,” Jane laughed, “I selected as one of the official artists of the Torino, Beijing, and sleep very well!” Vancouver Olympic Games. Her work continues to evolve as FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 7

SPRING

FASHION FORECAST

Our diverse PANEL OF DESIGNERS gives us a hint of what to expect in 2016.

SKETCH COURTESY OF MAKEBE

BY RENEE SPURGE | LA SADDLERY

WITH THE CHANGE OF SEASON comes the launch of exciting new forecasts in equestrian and mainstream fashion. This year, equestrian designers will embrace the abundance of technological fabrics at their creative fingertips to produce well-fitted and flattering performance and barn wear. In the hunter jumper arena we will see impeccably tailored show coats in predominantly deep navy and black over crisp white fitted shirts. The dressage crowd will continue to wow in 2016 with pops of color and eye-catching design details. While barn wear takes its lead from mainstream fashion with bold color palettes and prints, our beloved lifestyle brands remain enamored with all things equestrian—yielding new collections that are nothing short of fabulous. We recently sat down with some of our favorite equestrian and lifestyle designers to discover what excites them about our growing industry and to ask how they have evolved their 2016 collections to reflect current fashion trends and pave the way for new ones.

38 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

OUR PANEL NOEL ASMAR NOEL ASMAR EQUESTRIAN VIVIAN BOLMAN WINSTON EQUESTRIAN USA LORNA GOODE GOODE RIDER KATHERINE HOOKER KATHERINE HOOKER LONDON ANTONELLA LAURETTI EQUILINE ITALIA KIMBERLY McCONNELL MIDDY N’ ME TARA ROEMKE ARIAT INTERNATIONAL CARIN RÖNNER RÖNNER DESIGN

Action Vest in pewter by Goode Rider. Perfect for schooling, this lightweight, streamlined vest includes reflective stripes in zipper tape and zip pockets with horse-bit pulls. $125. FE B RUA RY/MA RC H | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 9

Tiffany Jacket in 100 percent wool by MakeBe. Technical fabric inserts for comfort and movement. $470. Long-sleeveed Grace Shirt with blend of cotton and technical fibers. $190. White, half-grip Jessica Jump Breech. $240. BB Bag in corteccia/bark combination features beautifully designed details. Made in Italy with Tuscan calfskin. $3,115. All items listed by MakeBe.

from UV rays. They are fashionable— featuring built-in stock ties and elegant buttons. High-tech fabrics in everyday barn wear are a must. One of our most exciting new programs is our seamless designer tights and shirts for spring ‘16. Go from the barn to yoga or for a run in these most comfortable, yet stylish seamless-compression fabric tights. The fabric includes silver for anti-odor. Try them for yourself. You won’t want to take them off! Antonella Lauretti | Equiline Italia: For

EQU E S T RI A N A PPA R E L D E S I G N E RS What do you consider the most exciting trends in equestrian-show apparel and everyday barn wear, and how does your spring/summer or new collection showcase them? Noel Asmar | Noel Asmar Equestrian:

Every new season brings with it a burst of excitement for a new collection, colors, and styles to offer to our clients. The most exciting trend in equestrian apparel is blending functionality with urban style, and our new spring 2016 collection is our biggest yet. Our spring 2016 Sun Shirts in long- and short-sleeved styles will be featured in amazing colors and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50. We launched our new Italian leather two-sided belts in both gold and stainless

40 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

hardware that are absolutely gorgeous and so well priced. Color combinations include orange/pink, navy/brown, black/ white, black patent/black matte, and midnight navy/red. Vivian Bolman | Winston Equestrian USA:

The new performance-friendly fabrics and fitted styles for show and barn apparel are exciting trends. We use lightweight, breathable, stretchy, form-flattering materials throughout our collection, and our designs are not only stylish, but also comfortable to wear and completely machine washable. Lorna Goode | Goode Rider: Technology

is king! From show shirts to breeches, we are seeing the benefits of new technologies embraced by riders everywhere. Show shirts are made from technically advanced fabrics that wick moisture and protect

spring 2016, we continue to see the use of lace overtones enhancing the femininity of sporting apparel. Elegantly embroidered crests adorn many items and add a rich, softening detail. Pastel colors evolve into brighter, bolder tones in the Equiline contemporary collection. Shiny bling gives way to subtle, matte-metal studs that highlight design lines with refined splash. Ergonomic cuts continue to be finely tuned to enhance the functionality of athletic apparel, and new fabrics that increase comfort and improve performance are always being introduced. Equiline, for the first time, has designed a signature collection in conjunction with sponsored rider, silver team medalist Helen Langehanenberg. With her own strong sense of style, Langehanenberg was delighted to work with the Equiline design team on a fashionably chic collection for female dressage enthusiasts. The collection is scheduled to debut this March. Tara Roemke | Ariat International: The

strong trend for technical fabrics is what I find most exciting these days. It keeps your show apparel looking traditional and well put together, but wicks away sweat, breathes well, and offers a lot of stretch for all the movement required in the saddle. Obviously those same features are great for everyday barn wear, too; you just have more room to play with your style and color for every day.

Our spring line showcases some of the best in technical fabric innovation. You won’t find more premium and practical fabrics for the show ring than the super, high-stretch woven fabric of our new Aero Show Shirt or our incredible Platinum Show Coat. In previous seasons, our Sunstopper one-quarter zip has been a huge hit for around the barn, and we’ve punched it up this year with some great prints and pops of color. Those in the market for something really new will have to try our seamless Odyssey one-quarter zip. It has no side seams and is body mapped for an incredibly flattering, contoured fit.

Do you follow or integrate mainstream fashion trends when designing your spring equestrian collection? Noel Asmar: Asmar Equestrian is about respecting the traditions of our sport but infusing modern fashion into each design with technical properties that ensure each garment is made with a purpose. We are very excited to announce that our fashion label, a modern, contemporary women's brand with subtle hints of equestrian influence, will launch fall 2016. You can count on Asmar Equestrian to always be ahead of the fashion curve when it comes to equestrian apparel. Vivian Bolman: We follow our own phi-

losophy and ideas of timeless elegance and clean designs. Our main focus is using high-quality materials to create well-manufactured classic apparel. We do not follow the fashion trends of other designers but rather we stay committed to the Winston style and aesthetic and therefore carve out our own market within the equestrian world. Classic Hunter Jacket in dark blue by Winston. An elegant competition jacket with classic-wool appearance. Made from non-creasing, extra-light fabric. $560.

Lorna Goode: Goode Rider always imple-

ments the trends from the real fashion world. That’s the world our designers come from. We shop around the globe— often in Paris, Florence, London, Hong FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 4 1

Kong, New York, and Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to see what trends are emerging. We look at fashion forecasts from the major trend and color services, and then we design with a nod to the equestrian industry and make it relatable for our clientele. Antonella Lauretti: Equestrian show

apparel is taking more and more influence from general fashion. Tradition has given way to new technical, functional fabrics, and even street designs, colors, and trims are making their way into equestrian style. The Equiline design team proudly integrates fashion trends into their riding apparel. Traveling to major trade and fashion shows in Milan, Florence, and London, the designers identify trends and seamlessly blend them into equestrian fashion. Paolo Marchetto, the proud owner of Equiline, whose career began in the textile industry, oversees every aspect of apparel development. The Equiline design team continues to be on the leading edge of equestrian fashion, style, and design. Tara Roemke: Our design team is always

keeping their eye on the mainstream market as well as the outdoor-active market and integrating those trends into our equestrian line. Trends like micro-zipper pulls in technical outerwear or bold, gold trims on a lifestyle piece are something we strive to use to keep the line current and relevant.Â This spring season put us in a preppy, '60s-retro vacation mood. It drove the color palette to be bold and awakening, but with a relaxed surfer vibe. We included mini-geo prints and sporty colorblocking. However, the big trend for us was a practical one, Respire. We took a three-pronged approach to help our riders beat the heat this summer: breathable ventilation, cooling finishes, and moisture management. Our mesh ventilation at the shoulders and mid-layers offers maximum movement and breathability. We added heat-zone ventilation to our outerwear 42 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

ARIAT IMAGES COURTESY OF ARIAT INTERNATIONAL

Opposite page (clockwise): Noel Asmar Bamboo Rider Hoody in black. Eco-friendly, luxuriously soft, and perfect for layering. Contrasting fabric on zippered-welt pockets, hood lining, and elbow patches. $178. Details of Equilineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scila Tailcoat from the Helen Langehanenberg collection. Shown with the Daiana Stocktie from the same collection. $149. The Scila Tailcoat by Equiline. Italian style and modern design, accented with embossed micro-suede and silver piping on the collar, combine to make this elegant tailcoat from the Helen Langehanenberg collection. Equilineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique breathable and water-repellent fabric is designed to provide the utmost comfort and mobility. $1,429. This page (clockwise): Equestrian-inspired Stable Jacket by Noel Asmar. This jacket is perfect over breeches or jeans and has plenty of street style. Concealed zipper creates a smooth fit. Button-up cuffs, two welt pockets, and patch pocket details. Made with water-repellent cotton twill and nylon fabric. Detachable, button-off hood included. Black Aero Show Shirt in white/bluebird. Shirt features lightweight woven fabric with moisture movement and sun protection. Wrap collar with snap closure. $99.95. Caprilli Waterproof Jacket by Ariat. Waterproof, windproof, and seam sealed. Removable hood sized to fit over helmet. Zippered hand pockets with saddle vents. $189.95. Paired with Triumph Knee Patch Breech in tan. $219.95. Long Sleeve Sun Shirt by Noel Asmar. Modern silhouette with flattering fit and UPF 50 sun protection. Semi-fitted longsleeve top with three quarter zip-up collar. Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant technical fabric offers the ultimate performance sun-shirt for year-round riding.

Above: The Clara Shirt with silk cuff by Rönner. Classic equestrian details and gingham texture define this easy-to-wear shirt. Available in long- and three-quarter sleeve and made with semi-fitted stretch cotton. $189. Below: Rönner’s Philippa Blouse in 100 percent printed-silk twill. This versatile shirt is perfect for day or evening. $249.

Goode Rider Happy Polo in indigo. Silky yet technical polo in functional, moisture-wicking cotton/bamboo/spandex combination fabric. Three-quarter sleeve with contrast embroidery. $83.

that maintains warmth without trapping heat, and we included mesh insets in our knit tops that offer the full-sun protection of a long-sleeve top while creating the comfort of sleeveless. Additionally, our special-fabric finishes, including moisture management, will help to keep riders feeling cooler and drier all summer long.

LIFESTYLE DESIG NER S What do you consider the most exciting trends in fashion for 2016 and how does your spring/summer or new collection showcase them? Katherine Hooker | Katherine Hooker London: The most exciting trend this year

has been the use of color. Using pink, mustard, and orange, in the different prints that we have in silk, have brought a different depth to our spring line. Kimberly McConnell | Middy N’ Me: Skirts

are trending really strong for 2016, especially midi and tea lengths, with both lengths being shown with a puffy or full silhouette. We debuted our little Holiday Skirt this holiday season, and it was a smashing success. We will be offering the spring/ summer 2016 skirts in knee, midi, tea, and floor lengths in our signature equestrian prints as well as our fun lobster, gingham, and floral patterns. Carin Rönner | Rönner Design: Once again

it is interesting to see how history influences fashion trends and how they are enhanced through time. For 2016, I am particularly excited to see how Victorian era silhouettes and details have an influence on styles for this year. Looking into our 2016 trends for Rönner, you will find influences from historic scenes, such as sidesaddle riding,

FE B RUA RY/MA RC H | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 4 5

This page (right): The Stafford Skirt with Paneled Shirt by Katherine Hooker. The skirt comes in mustard, army green, and dusty blue morocain silk for a beautiful line and an easy match with the Paneled Shirt. Both pieces are 100 percent silk that allows for a light feel, and work perfectly together or separately. (Below): Katherine Hooker's Wrap Skirt is a flattering style made with a hand-painted paisley printed on 100 percent morocain silk. Made in silk dupion, the Lolo Shirt is perfect with a skirt or pants and is offered in chinchilla or ivory. Prices available upon request.

46 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Clockwise: Holiday Skirt in Gone Riding by Middy N’ Me. A perfect little skirt in 100 percent premium cotton poplin with contrasting sash, box pleats, and pockets. $295. Signature Leather Belt with chrome accents by Noel Asmar. Made in Florence, Italy. Belt flips to offer two color options. $148. Le Grand Frisson signature Middy N’ Me riding shirt structured with 100 percent cotton. Flattering fit makes it a perfect choice in and out of the show ring. $395. The Hunting Dream Bag by Rönner. Printed-cotton canvas bag with Cabalina motifs. 100 percent leather handles and details. Easy to carry and a real get-away essential. $379.

beautiful feminine silhouettes, and graceful manners that accompanied these activities. From this inspiration point we developed our prints, color palettes, and textures. You will find a lot of suede, which is big on trend for 2016, and the classic, button-down shirt, which will never go out of style, keeps reinventing itself. Expect to see gingham patterns, details that come in the form of embroideries and application, and, as in every season, our iconic prints that speak for themselves.

racehorse trainer, who has impeccable style and elegance. Ascot is one of our busiest times of year. Equestrian events in the U.K. are an exciting time to dress up, and we love to cater to that customer. Kimberly McConnell: I feel very lucky to

Your lines are very popular with the equestrian customer. Do you follow or integrate equestrian fashion trends when designing your collections?

have the luxury of offering both riding and resort collections and yes, as a lifelong rider myself, everything I design is equestrian inspired. Our riding collection offers the perfect shirt for the show ring or an afternoon lunch with friends, and our resort collection is designed with equestrian-inspired prints, bits, fox, and horses, along with beachy lobsters, seahorses, starfish, and floral prints.

Katherine Hooker: Equestrian fashion

Carin Rönner: We love everything related

is never far from my mind. In the U.K. everyone dresses to go to the races. We dress Venetia Williams, a renowned

to the equestrian world and are always looking for sources of inspiration, either in history or current events. We put a big

emphasis on designing our prints as well as the illustrations and shapes on them. This involves a lot of research to ensure we have cohesiveness in the story we are telling. We do take equestrian trends into account, but since Rönner is equestrian inspired and not exclusively focused on a rider, we try to keep a balance between stable, street wear, and party attire. PAGE 105

LA Saddlery has opened the California equestrian market to companies from all over the world. The store presents new clothing lines that challenge the traditional riding outfit with fresh ideas, highperformance fabrics, and fashion-forward details. LA Saddlery’s main store is located in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, Calif., and their mobile boutique frequents many of the top California horse shows. www.lasaddlery.com LA Saddlery owner Renee Spurge

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 4 7

PUTTING the P E DA L to the M E DA L BY C A RO L C O H E N PHOTOS C.W. MEDINGER

48 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / M ARC H | 2016

V I S I T I N G K I M H E R S LOW

in rural New Jersey

is not for the faint of heart. Whether she is driving the winding back country roads in her precious â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kimtini,â&#x20AC;? a split-window 1963 Corvette, or practice-galloping an extended canter on her gallant horse, Reno, for the next Olympic Games, Kim is always pushing full throttle.

im Herslow grew up a tomboy, the middle child of five. She wanted to be with her father, who raced superstock TransAms in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, so she traveled with him to every race and hung out in the pits, where she learned all about cars. She was mesmerized by a famous female drag-racer who drove a pink roadster, so Kim would spend hours in her family’s office parking lot speeding around in her go-kart and dreaming of being the next top female racer. From age 5 until her early teens, cars and drag racing with her dad were all consuming. HORSES GAIN ON RACE C A R S

Previous page: Kim on Reno at her Stockton, N.J., Upper Creek Farm with her Corvettes. The 1963 split-window (front) originally had a 327/340 HP motor, but she replaced it with a 350 high-performance crate motor that has Vortek heads and produces 427 horsepower. She says, “It looks stock but it has a little more gumption! I spent the last 10 years restoring it to this condition, with paint being the latest improvement last winter.” The two newer Corvettes are limitedproduction 2013s with 427 engines that put out 505 horsepower. They are the last of the true “big-block” Corvettes and have the suspension and chassis of the ZR1, carbon-fiber hoods, lighter body panels, and 6-speed manual transmissions. Above: Freshly-shaken Kimtinis for the Equestrian Living crew. Below: Kim in her 2013 red 427 convertible.

But when she was 9, horses began to enter Kim’s life, and eventually they stole her heart. “It started at 9, because at that age the local barn allowed the kids to ride alone, without someone leading them,” she recalls. Little by little there were fewer trips to the races, and more and more often she had her father drop her off at the barn. By age 15 her family had leased a horse, and a year later she owned her first horse, a 3-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred mare. Virtually every day her mother or father would drive her to the barn, 45 minutes from their home. In summer they dropped her off at 5 a.m. and picked her up at 6 p.m. She rode anything and everything that was available, and she trained with whomever she could. There, she learned not to force a horse into a certain discipline, but rather to try to understand what best suited the horse. Initially Kim began as a hunter rider, then moved onto equitation, and soon graduated to jumpers. She was introduced to dressage at college in Delaware. Everyone thought she would be a threeday-event competitor because she could jump, but her real love is dressage. She says, “Dressage is the basis of all schooling, and it fits my personality.” FINDING RENO

Eight years ago, her clients offered her the opportunity to find a horse in Europe, where Kim found Reno (Rosemarin). “He was in the middle of the herd,” she says, “but I just knew he was the one.” Kim says that every horse she has owned has been special, but it is Reno who holds her heart. Their partnership is something she knows is unique, and she loves his full-throttle response. She says, “I am always happy and grateful when I ride him 50 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / M ARC H | 2016

im says that when she sits in special cars she gets the same feeling as riding. At the barn she overheard a conversation about a woman who had a rare 1963 split-window Corvette, and Kim asked if she could see it. The car had been in the woman’s garage since 1967, and she was happy that another woman was interested in buying it because it’s quite unusual for women to own race cars. It was serendipity. They hit it off, made the deal, put the car on a trailer, and brought home what we now know as “Kimtini.”

Right: The gold-medal winning U.S. team at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, (left to right) Kimberley Herslow, Steffen Peters, Sabine SchutKery, and Laura Graves. Below: Kim on Reno at the 2015 Pan Am Games, where they earned a personal best with her test, taking home a score of 77.158.

GEOFF BURKE-USA TODAY SPORTS

because he could never disappoint me. Any mistake that is made—I made it, not him. His heart is so huge. All he wants to do is take you down the centerline. He can’t wait to get into the ring.” In 2013 Kim was national champion, and in 2015 her ride on Reno at the Pan Am games in Toronto, Canada, was instrumental in securing the USA team’s gold medal and a spot at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

S MI L E S F RO M CH I L D H OOD

Kim recalls that growing up, her father always gave her enough freedom to make her independent and appreciative. “This car brings me back to that time,” she says. “All I need to do is start up the engine, hear its ‘grrrr,’ smell the exhaust and the leather seats, and I’m 5 years old again. It makes me smile ear to ear.” Also making her smile are Reno, Kimtini and her other cars, horses, family, friends, and her wonderful boyfriend Lenny Neugarten (who doesn’t dare drive her because, he says, “Kim is a terrible back seat driver.”) So, where did the name Kimtini come from? It’s her famous and delicious cocktail. “Shake it up!” Kim says. “It will always put a smile on your face! But please don’t ever drink and ride or drive!” T HE KIMT IN I

1/3 blueberry vodka 1/3 cranberry juice 1/3 pineapple juice

Lenny, Kim, and Equestrian Living editor Stephanie Peters enjoy a Kimtini. FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 1

INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMES TO CHINA BY MELISSA LU COURTESY HORSEMANSHIP CHINA

The equestrian-sports market in China has enjoyed a growth spurt in recent years. An extraordinary new era for the sport has begun, and the horse world has discovered the potentially immense opportunities that China offers.

nglish is the most prevalent style of riding in China, and top-tier international competitions are now being held. The most significant events include the Longines Beijing Equestrian Masters, FEI World Cup Jumping League, and the Global Champions Tour (GCT) Shanghai. These three events have changed the landscape of equestrian sport in China, have greatly increased awareness, and have created new-found interest among the general public. Top-level talent has raised the standard of competitions as well as inspired a new generation of amateur and professional riders. In China, horse riding is considered a noble sport, and with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emphasis on healthy living, the sport has gained mainstream appeal.

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 3

INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMES TO CHINA BY MELISSA LU COURTESY HORSEMANSHIP CHINA

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 3

Although high-level competitions and elegant venues are common abroad, a competition of this scale and quality is still relatively new in China.

LO N G I N E S B EI JI N G I N T E RN AT I O NA L EQU E S T RI A N MA ST E R S

LONGINES FEI WORLD CU P CHINA LE AGUE – JUM PING

LONGINES GLOB A L CHAM PIONS TO UR OF SHANGHAI

irst launched in May 2011, the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters began a new breed of competitions in China. It heralded a string of firsts to the showjumping community. Held in China’s National Stadium (The Olympic “bird’s nest”), the competition was the first time an equestrian event would be presented in this prestigious venue. Although high-level competitions and elegant venues are common abroad, a competition of this scale and quality is still relatively new in China. On many levels, this event drew new dimensions for equestrianism in China that would elevate the sport and change it forever. To add to the event’s excitement, top international show-jumping elites such as Ludger Beerbaum, Nick Skelton, Scott Brash, and Laura Kraut were just a few of the athletes who made first-time appearances in China. Top Chinese competitors, including Chinese Olympic riders and members of the national team, had the opportunity to ride with the world’s best. Another special feature was that young riders had the opportunity to learn by walking the course with five-star international pros. The competition was the first CSI3* show in China. Now in its fifth year, it has become a much-anticipated event on the show-jumping calendar. beijingmasters.com

ith momentum building, 2011 also marked the first FEI World Cup China League–Jumping competition. The league brought longawaited opportunities for local riders, including FEI standardized competitions, international riders, and the development of new jumping competitions. Five years ago, the absence of FEI-organized events in China meant that there were few local jumping competitions. The FEI event was originally held at the Beijing International Equestrian Club and has now evolved to venues in Beijing’s Chao Yang Park, which is often considered equivalent to New York’s Central Park. Founded in 1978, the FEI World Cup has a total of 16 events around the globe. At each, riders accumulate points that qualify them toward reaching the championship final. In the international equestrian community, winning a worldcup final is a major career achievement for professional riders. As the only official international FEI event in China, riders’ accumulated points are credited to the FEI world ranking system. feiworldcupchina.com

he Global Champions Tour (GTC) is internationally renowned for both its highcaliber competition between the greatest talents in show jumping and the tour’s reputation for big prize money. Negotiations to bring the GTC to Shanghai took place over several years, and the team finally was able to break through a gamut of challenges, such as inspection, horse transportation, and event organization. The biggest issue was overcoming quarantine restrictions. Finally, in 2014 the Shanghai event was launched on the circuit, and its success has impressed both riders and spectators. The GCT reached another milestone in China’s equestrian sports as the first CSI5* event in China. A 5* rating is the most technically challenging and rigorous—the difficulty is equivalent to that of the Olympics. At last year’s event in Shanghai’s World Expo, spectators enjoyed fierce competition against the iconic backdrop of the China Art Museum. The highlight event, the Grand Prix, was completely sold out. Only the world’s top 40 riders can qualify to compete in a GCT competition, and no Chinese riders qualified to compete in Shanghai. However, for many local riders, the chance to see the best equestrian athletes in the world along with their partner horses proved to be a true inspiration. lgctshanghai.com

Opposite, top row: The Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters. Middle row: Competition at the Beijing International Masters; Chinese actor Pu Cunxin and his horse, Zhiqing; Longines Global Champions Tour of Shanghai. Bottom row: Taiwanese actress Lin Zhiling and competitor Wang Xuedong, both at the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters. FE B RUA RY/MA RC H | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 5

SNOW MOTION

PHOTOS BY L I SA C U E M A N

I LOVE A VERMONT WINTER. I love the pristine scen-

ery recreated after each snowfall, the clear air brought by the crisp temperatures, and the peaceful stillness of the white, snowy landscape. It is also my favorite time to photograph horses. Chilly temperatures, blustery winds, or the quiet calmness of a softly falling snow will find me with a camera in hand and horses nearby. A snowstorm simplifies the image by providing a white stage on which my equine models can perform. The cold and wind bring out a fast-paced energy in the horses. They run and cavort in these conditions, clearly enjoying the freshness of the air and softness under foot. Winter also creates some of the toughest working conditions. Cold and falling snow are not kind to digital cameras or exposed skin. Add limited finger dexterity, cumbersome layers of clothing, impeded mobility in the deep snow, and it becomes a very challenging experience. Yet with these challenges I find a great degree of satisfaction. My images are a result of an instinctive response to what I see. I am successful when I can preserve a fleeting moment of high-energy rollicking or a quiet period of stillness in a storm. These moments provide the connection and aesthetic Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m seeking. They are joyous slivers of time made sweeter by the effort undertaken and the PAGE 105 unpredictable nature of it all.

56 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

FE B RUA RY/MA RC H | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 7

58 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 9

60 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 1

EQ T R A V E L

PHOTO: GEORGE KAMPER

62 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

EQ T R A V E L

“WHO HAS MORE FUN THAN US?”

hat’s the headline on BOBBY GENOVESE’S website. And apparently, it’s quite accurate. Dolce magazine described Genovese as “blond and blue-eyed and living the American Dream.” The magazine also said that Genovese, aka Bobby G, travels the world on his private Lear jet to attend his meetings. Genovese says with a grin on his face that “it’s such a big world with so much to do, and I haven’t even started.” Born in Toronto, Canada, Genovese founded his first company at age 25; today it has grown into the BG Capital Group.

To bring reality to his “having more fun” motto, Genovese translated his love for adventure and the preservation of natural resources into the creation of BG Signature, a global portfolio of extraordinary travel destinations, parks, and experiences. Some offerings include BG Luxury Retreats, estates that range from a 4,000-acre English Cotswold manor to opulent ski and beach homes; BG Yachts, luxury travel on three mega-yachts, including a 154-foot Feadship; and BG Experiences, private jet travel and VIP access to exclusive events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Wimbledon. A seasoned equestrian, Genovese enjoys the same level of success as a polo player and team owner as he does in business. His passion for polo and a full array

Portions courtesy Horsemanship Life, China.

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 3

EQ T R A V E L

of equestrian activities led him to create the BG Polo and Equestrian Collection, which features four teaching and competition centers for all skill levels in Canada, Argentina, and the U.S. oth Genoveseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. resorts can be found in Florida. The BG Ocala Polo and Equestrian Club is a 100-acre, all-season luxury polo and equestrian retreat that features world-class stables and beautiful accommodations for serious horse enthusiasts or those simply looking to relax in the laid-back environment of Ocala. The club is one of the best-appointed equestrian facilities in central Florida, catering to the needs of high-end show-horse trainers as well as guests who come to enjoy the pristine riding trails of the 100-mile-long Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The classically designed accommodations offer spectacular views of the paddocks and include a lavish 10,000-square-foot, eight-bedroom great house, five threebedroom guest cottages, and a three-bedroom farmhouse. The polo program is led by veteran Argentine player Marcos Bignoli, who has played professionally in 15 countries. As captain of BG Vancouver International Polo, Bignoli led the team to numerous wins, including the prestigious 20-goal Canadian Open and Boca Ratonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 22-goal Sunshine League. He currently maintains a handicap of six

64 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

EQ T R A V E L

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 5

EQ T R A V E L

66 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

EQ T R A V E L

outdoors, seven indoors, and he is currently rated at three. “Our goal,” says Bignoli, “is to make the fun and exciting sport of polo accessible to both adults and children.”

o the southeast and nestled in the desirable seaside village of Vero Beach, BG Vero Beach Polo & Equestrian Resort offers polo matches, clinics, and instruction. This smaller 36-acre equestrian compound is located just south of the polo grounds at Pointe West. The equestrian director, Patta Conboy, and renowned polo player and British Open finalist, Max Secunda, lead the operations. The property features a main barn clubhouse, 3 barns with 46 stalls, 2 jumping arenas, 23 paddocks, 3 turnout pastures, a 3-acre bridle path, and an 11-acre polo field. It is within close proximity to Wellington’s many horse events. The two Florida resorts offer equestrians more than just polo. Genovese says, “Both BG Ocala and Vero Beach also deliver world-class training and competition opportunities for our guests in hunter jumper and dressage. Our goal is to be a No. 1 equestrian facility and local leader in education, training, and events.” And you can be assured that he’ll be PAGE 105 having fun, too.

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 7

RECREATING

TUSCANY THERE’ S ONE SURPRISE AFTER ANOTHER AT THIS 2,000-ACRE SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA RANCH.

BY JILL NOVOTNY PHOTOS C.W.MEDINGER

eaders may recall EQ’s trip to the Qatar royal stables with television personality Carson Kressley (see Equestrian Quarterly, Fall 2013). We were joined on that trip by Priscilla Marconi, who had purchased the journey in support of the American Saddlebred Museum at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Priscilla had invited us to visit her in Orange County, California, and we recently had the opportunity to take her up on her invitation. We had no idea of the interesting and surprising experiences that awaited us. We should have had a hint when she gave us directions and explained that the driveway was about five miles long, in case we might think we were lost, and that the home was called Villa Marconi.

68 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

About six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, we pulled up to a rather ordinary, metal-pipe ranch gate and began our journey upward through theCalifornia desert. The dirt road wound along steep drop-offs and through rocky canyons, and the vast landscape was barren in every direction as far as one could see. After miles of nothing but rocks, scrub, and dirt, we rounded a bend and were so surprised that we actually began to laugh. Greeting us was a lush landscape and imposing pillared entrance gates worthy of an Italian villa. We continued past formal gardens, sculptures, fountains, and Italianesque buildings with columned porticos and were welcomed by Priscilla and her husband, Dick, a founder of a multibillion-dollar vitamin and nutrition company. They suggested that we immediately jump aboard a four-person ATV and get an initial overview of Villa Marconi. We drove higher up the hills, past thousands of lemon trees drooping

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 9

70 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

heavy with fruit. “I’m a farm boy from Indiana,” Dick explained, “and I didn’t know what the heck I was doing with lemons in the beginning. I lost most of them the first year, but now there are 23,000 trees.” We proceeded upward into a grove of 2,000 olive trees. The Marconis press

Opposite: Priscilla in the citrus groves; Dick providing a guided tour of the property; several ponds are located to retain flood runoff and prevent damage. Below: The wildlife sanctuary is home to zebras, ostriches, a giraffe, African antelope, gazelles, and camels.

the olives into extra-virgin oil which is reserved for themselves, friends, and a few select restaurants. As we pulled off at an overlook, Dick explained that, while the property is 2,000 acres, because it borders public land, it is part of over a million uninterrupted acres. Now we understood why we couldn’t see any hints of civilization in any direction. here was another sight equally as astonishing as the Tuscan entrance gate. A zebra casually strolled by the ATV trail, followed by a giraffe. “In Indiana,

I used to be an avid hunter, but after a safari trip to Africa, I was moved by the ‘circle of life’ I witnessed up close,” Dick said, “I decided I would never again kill animals.” He pointed out the zebras, ostriches, giraffe, African antelope, gazelles, and other creatures grazing on the hillsides and laughed, “There is so much land here, it seemed a good idea to use some for a sanctuary. These animals were unwanted at animal parks and other places. We’re strictly monitored by the state, and this is one of California’s last permitted sanctuaries.” As we headed down the hill, we passed Continued on page 74

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 1

72 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 3

The Marconi Auto Museum in Tustin, California.

Continued from page 71 a tractor parked along the path. “I was at a collector-car auction and an unusual orange-and-blue Lamborghini that was originally owned by Mario Andretti came up for bids,” Dick looked sheepish. “I knew I wanted to have it and bid way too much. Then I found out it was a Lamborghini farm tractor. Oh well.” Our next stop was the main house, where we enjoyed Italian wine and the lovely lunch Priscilla prepared. As we ate by the grand windows overlooking the gardens, she and Dick explained how they came to own such a unique property, “We were living on the beach in 1992 and needed space for the Marconi racing team. We saw a real estate listing for a ‘self-contained 80-acre property with an 18-car garage’ and decided to 74 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

check it out.” Dick added, “It seemed like a perfect weekend place for our cars and Priscilla’s horses.” The house was a simple, rustic camp, originally built by surfing filmmaker Bruce Brown of the Endless Summer movies. Another owner was Rick James, the famous surfboard carver for Holmby Surfboards. Priscilla and Dick decided that, rather than demolish the building and start from scratch, they would keep and rebuild the original structure because they liked preserving the home’s history.

ick said, “With a name like Marconi, my friends used to make fun of me, and say things like

‘Marconi–macaroni.’ I was born in America, but I wanted to visit Italy to see the family homeland. I was smitten. Both Priscilla and I love it, and we go at least once a year. The landscape in Orange County is much like the coast of Italy, and I decided I wanted to create a Tuscan villa. So we began work on Villa Marconi.” Priscilla and Dick both have a love of details. The river stones that embellish the home and property were found on the grounds and carefully sorted by size and color. Every tree and piece of art was carefully placed. “I would sit in the house with my walkie-talkie looking over the landscape and tell the workers exactly where to position the Italian Cypress trees and sculptures we collected

in Italy to create the perfect vistas,” Dick reminisced. Dick and Priscilla are both avid car collectors and race-car drivers. Dick began in formula Fords and raced professionally until 1994. He was the oldest man ever to qualify for the Long Beach Grand Prix, where he began in the 18th position and finished eighth. He was 60-years-old at the time and blind in one eye from an accident at age 12. Dick worried that Priscilla’s interest in his favorite pastime, racing, would wane if she remained on the sidelines, so he encouraged her to get involved, and she enrolled in the Bondurant Racing School. Quickly, Priscilla was in the top five in formula Fords. “Men don’t always appreciate women passing

them,” she laughed. She was the only woman driver in the inaugural Ferrari Challenge Series and again ended up in the top 5 out of a field of 40 men. She had the only car that Ferrari allowed to be painted blue; people called it the Atomic Blueberry. This caught the attention of major sponsors, who offered to bring Priscilla to the big leagues of Indy racing. She might have been an Indy champion today, but, she said, “I was offered an opportunity where they were looking for a woman that had the ability to gain womenrelated sponsors, and they obviously needed somebody with some talent. Prior to that, there had been several women who had tried their hand at Indy cars but weren’t very successful. To date, the

only woman who has been is Danica Patrick. I was pleased to have been offered the opportunity, but I decided that I didn’t want to risk my life and be away from Dick 10 months out of the year, and I decided not to continue.”

he couple’s love of cars extends to the Marconi Auto Museum in Tustin, California. Over the years they have amassed a collection of more than 75 cars, ranging from American muscle cars to high-performance streetcars such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris. They built the collection to the tune of $30 million and then donated it to the Marconi Foundation for Kids, Continued on page 78 FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 5

Priscilla Marconi in the barnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trophy room.

76 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

THE AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE The high-stepping

PEACOCK

of the show ring.

he American Saddlebred is known for being highstepping and elegant, but it is also an intense athletic competitor. The characteristics that have contributed to the American Saddlebred’s reputation as the peacock of the show ring also make it a versatile horse.

Top: Graceful Surprise, World Champion of Champions 2015 in Pleasure Driving. Center: Laces Last Tango, 2009 World Champion of Champions–Amateur Fine Harness, and 2010 World Champion of Champions– Ladies Fine Harness. Bottom: Robert E. Lee, 2002 World Champion– Morgan Ladies English Pleasure.

Smoothness of gaits, speed coupled with intelligence, and powerful muscling enable a Saddlebred to do whatever is asked. They have excelled in many non-traditional disciplines such as dressage, eventing, show jumping, combined driving, and endurance, as well as in recreational and competitive trail riding. An American Saddlebred is capable of almost any task it is asked to perform and will do it with extraordinary style. Perhaps the breed’s most distinguishing trait is its mental acumen. Happy, alert, and curious, they possess that quality called personality, endearing them to their owners and admirers. A Saddlebred registry was formed in 1891, and now there are almost a quarter-million American Saddlebreds registered. They competed in the first U.S. national horse show in 1856, and in 1917 the world championship

began to be held at the Kentucky State Fair. Today, American Saddlebreds compete in four primary divisions in the show ring: five-gaited, threegaited, fine harness, and pleasure. The three gaits are the walk, trot, and canter, and the five adds two four-beat gaits in which the lateral pairs of legs leave the ground together. In the show ring, Saddlebreds should be alert, showing with neck arched, head up, and ears forward, projecting an attitude of “Look at me!” They are judged on performance, manners, presence, quality, and conformation. Saddlebreds have held starring roles in My Friend Flicka, National Velvet, and Fury, and a half-Saddlebred played TV-favorite Mr. Ed. They are shown by Carson Kressley, (see Equestrian Quarterly, Fall 2013), and William Shatner. —American Saddlebred Horse Association

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 7

Continued from page 75 which has raised millions of dollars for organizations for at-risk-children such as Olive Crest, Drug Use is Life Abuse, ChildHelp, Orangewood, Covenant House, and many more. We asked Dick about his favorite car to drive, and he chose his red 550 Maranello: a front-engine V-12 twoseater that was built by Ferrari from 1996 to 2002. It was Ferrari’s first frontengine, rear-wheel-drive car in 23 years. He joked, “When I want to take it out for a drive, I ask the guys to point it in the right direction for me, because it’s really hard to backup with only one eye.”

alk turned to Priscilla’s love of a different kind of horsepower. She grew up in rural Oregon and rode her neighbor’s horses as a child. In 1983, she saved her money and bought her first horse, a Morgan, and rode with a local trainer. “But,” she said, “somehow I always enjoyed buying and selling horses more than competing myself. I moved from Morgans to Saddlebreds, and I hit a home run right out of the gate with the first horse I bought, trained, and sold. He became a five-gaited champion. He was undefeated, and sold for big money.” That launched her Saddlebred business with trainer, Jim Cherry. Some of their well-known successes are champions Catalyst’s Work of Art, Laces Last Tango, and Graceful Surprise. “Right now, I enjoy carriage driving more than riding,” she said. After lunch, we visited some of the 10 other Tuscan-style buildings on the property, including Priscilla’s lovely horse

Left: Dick with some color-fusion paintings; details from his painting studio. Opposite: A replica of the Pieta; a portion of Dick’s museum, including antique medical replacement eyeballs from the Civil War.

78 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

barn, with its sunny stalls and an amazing trophy room filled with her Saddlebred trophies and ribbons. But, as you might expect by now, more surprises were to come. We came upon a small chapel that featured a copy of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, the Pieta. Of course, as we expected from the Marconis, it was not a mere replica. When the original Pieta in the Vatican was damaged by a vandal, the Vatican’s sculptors repaired it and created three duplicates. The first is in the Vatican, another is at a museum in Italy, and the third sits in the Marconi’s chapel in the California desert.

e discovered Dick is also an accomplished artist, and we were thrilled to be able to tour his studio and gallery. He studied art when he was young and began painting seriously later in life, creating the seascapes and landscapes of California, Oregon, and Italy. His technique has evolved into what is known as color fusion—an organic marbling of colors and abstract forms. His art is in on display around the country, as well as in his gallery in Newport Beach, California. Lastly—and almost as an afterthought—Dick said, “Let me show you my museum.” We entered a room that was directly out of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The vast space was filled with eclectic collections ranging from trays of replacement eyeballs used by Civil War doctors and intricate and very rare micro-mosaics to famous paintings and unusual antique weapons. As we prepared to say goodbye to Villa Marconi at sunset, we happened to walk past an elegant Tuscan-style guest house. Together, the Marconis offered to have us stay there anytime. After a full day of enjoying their amazing warmth and hospitality, we believe they actually meant it. FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 9

80 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

HORSES IN THE GARDEN California artist

PATRICIA BORUM

brings equine style to the landscape.

(Opposite) “I have always loved the massive old fountains in Europe, especially the ones with horses. My first idea was to have the fountain be a tranquil, two pure-hearted horses sharing a drink, side by side, with a quiet trickling of water. The European fleur-de-lis and sea shell combined with a bit of Northern California wine country in its grapes make this fountain unique.” — Patricia Borum

fountain brings to a landscape both the benefits of a striking visual focal point and the refreshing and peaceful acoustics of a splash, trickle, or gurgling stream that invites relaxed lingering. California-based artist Patricia Borum says, “Whether adding interest to a landscape setting or your own garden retreat, equestrian details can add that special touch that is both timeless and

ornamental.” Borum is an accomplished horsewoman and equestrian artist who captures the spirit and very essence of the horse in her art. She is the daughter of an artist mother and U.S. Army Colonel father, and during her early life of living overseas, her classrooms were the museums, churches, palaces, and castles of Europe and FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 8 1

the Middle East. This exposure has enabled her to master classical forms and fine-tune her work to portray horses with spirit and emotion.

orum’s masterly equestrian work ranges from small studies to huge pieces of heroic scale. Her largest sculptures are a 17-foot Spanish Horse and Rider, a focal point in the city of La Quinta, and an 11-foot-tall horse leaping out of the fountain gates in Rancho Mirage, both in Southern California. Borum’s art is available in bronze and stone as well as in materials that appear heavy and substantial but are made of strong, lightweight fiberglass or resin. Designs can be customized with a variety of faux finishes. Colors include patinas such as agedcopper verdigris, bronze, concrete, Carrera marble, and faded Italian frescos. It is also possible to personalize the fountains with clients’ favorite horses. —Article and photos courtesy of PAGE 105 Horsemanship Life, China.

82 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 8 3

(Left) “Arabians are such popular horses that I just had to make another fountain, one featuring an Arabian horse drinking. This fountain has the feel of the California Mission revival, as many of the horses brought by the Spaniards to California were Arabians.” — Patricia Borum

Example pricing: $695 in cast resin. Dimensions: 32” tall x 26” wide x 12” deep. 84 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

A M E R I C A’ S F I N E S T H O M E S , FA R M S , A N D

RANCHES FROM EQUESTR IAN LIVING

EQU E STR I A N P R O P E RT I E S EQLiving.com

Febrauary/March 2016

LUXURY LIVING IN W E L L I N GTO N SEE INSIDE BACK COVER

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

WELCOME TO EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES, a new feature section in Equestrian Living magazine. Every issue will include a selection of the finest homes, farms, and ranches from all across America—showcasing an array of amazing places for you and your horses to call home. Take a moment and peruse these outstanding real estate offerings, ranging from New England, to Florida, to Virginia. Plus, each Equestrian Properties feature section will include resources tailored to the needs of the equestrian-real-estate enthusiast. We’ll also highlight visits to interesting and unique properties, like this edition’s polo star and model Nic Roldan’s Wellington, Florida, barn on page 90. Whether you’re looking for your next home, interested in selling your current farm, or simply finding inspiration, Equestrian Properties is the place go. As this section grows, we’d love to hear from you. Please email Joyce Jones (jones@eqliving.com), Rodney Brooks (brooks@eqliving.com), or me (cwm@eqliving.com) with your thoughts, ideas, story suggestions, or special properties. It’s your life: Equestrian Living.

Wynn Medinger Publisher, Equestrian Living

How about the beautiful cover of this section (page 85)! This luxurious home in Wellington, Florida, and other equestrian properties are available through F R AN C I S H O E T a nd W EL L I N GTON P RO P E RTI E S . Francis is the person to help you find the right home for you and your horses!

86 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

HISTORIC CASTLE HILL | KESWICK | VIRGINIA “The very floorboards of Castle Hill echo with the footsteps of history. James Madison danced in the parlor to the fiddle playing of Thomas Jefferson. British raiders left their mark on the house; and the gilded age literary phenomenon, Amélie Rives, held court here and married a Russian prince. Few Virginia houses have richer or more sensational history than Castle Hill.” ~ Donna Lucey, Author Archie and Amélie. 600 ACRES - UNDER CONSERVATION EASEMENT - PRISTINE CONDITION - NESTREALTY.COM/CASTLEHILL

Bob Headrick

Associate Broker BHeadrick@NestRealty.com Mobile: 434.242.8501 Office: 434.566.0121 126 Garrett Street, Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22902

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

E xq uisite Eu r ope a n eq u estri a n pr opert y i n Îl e -de -Fr a nce, Fr a n ce This over 14-acre property features a 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, and an attached guest apartment. The extensive equestrian facilities include a 50-stall barn, 1 riding sand arena, 1 grass field, 2 indoor arenas, one of them equipped with solar panels, several apartments, clubhouse, 2 offices, 7 tack rooms, and veterinary facilities. Extensive pastures are also available for your horses to enjoy, as well as direct access from the property to the magnificent forest of Rambouillet, making this an equestrian’s dream property. This property is a rare find, product of years of hard work and careful planning. The ultimate country farm with an exceptional location, close to major horse shows in France and a short drive to Paris, the city of lights! Listed at €4,000,000

WELLI NG TONPR OPE RT IE S. COM

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

14 5 3 3 Belm on t Tr a ce New Eq u estri a n Fa ci l iti es, Ha ck i n g Dista n ce To PBI E C

SE A SONAL RE N TA L 2 016 -20 17 This over 4-acre Saddle Trail farm offers two professionally furnished pool homes and two brand new barns. One of the main homes features six bedrooms and five bathrooms, and the other main home features five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Equestrian facilities include two barns, totaling sixteen stalls, one built in 2015 and the other one to be finished in 2016, two sand arenas, two lounge rooms and paddocks. Confirming your stay for next season will allow you to personalize to your needs. Listed at $400,000

FRANCIS HOET

561. 729. 85 1 8 WE LLI NG T ONPR OP E RT I E S. C O M

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

A PALACE FOR PONIES Polo player NIC ROLDAN’S Wellington, Florida, barn is a paradise for ponies.

ur readers may remember EQ’s Spring 2015 issue with polo player and model Nic Roldan on the cover and, inside, a visit to the beautiful home that he designed. Nic is one of the world’s best polo players. As an eight-goal, third-generation polo player, he consistently tops the American standings. Nic grew up surrounded by the sport: He is the son of Raul Roldan, a professional who played with the sultan of Brunei. Raul moved the family from Buenos Aires to the polo hub in Florida when Nic was 2 years old. Though Nic enjoys the lifestyle that comes with polo, he is as much sportsman as model. In a profile in The New York Times, he is described as the sport’s “most potent combination of athletic ability and good looks.”

90 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Add to that amazing design ability. Nic is a natural talent with an outstanding eye for architectural design and details. Home for Nic’s horses is as beautifully envisioned as his own residence. The contemporary barn is on four acres in Grand Prix Village, a lush equestrian area in Florida’s Palm Beaches. With spectacular architectural features, the barn is just steps away from the prestigious International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of WEF. This is the epicenter of the equestrian world during the winter season—from December through May—as riders, owners, players, grooms, trainers, and more than 15,000 horses descend upon Wellington for high-goal polo tournaments and the international show circuit. Continued on page 92

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

Continued from page 90

In this neighborhood, the daughters of Bill Gates, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Bloomberg, and BET TV network cofounder Sheila Johnson ride the horse trails and compete for top prizes in fierce equestrian competition. At last count, the area boasts 70 private polo fields where the world’s best polo players practice and play, vying to win America’s most acclaimed polo tournaments at the renowned International Polo Club (IPC). Basically, this area is horse heaven. Nic’s grand-prix compound is a masterpiece, featuring 20 stalls with countrified chandeliers, two tack rooms, 92 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

a laundry room, a show ring, and six paddocks, all spread out on four acres of lushness. The owner’s apartment is a lavish living suite complete with smart technology, an expansive great room for entertaining, a full kitchen with

state-of-the-art appliances, designer detailing, and top-quality finishes of imported marble and bleached-mahogany wood floors. A fireplace adds warmth, while soaring floor-to-ceiling windows take advantage of both the views and the winter sun. A 220-by-120-foot competition ring with superior custom footing is the centerpiece. Separate grooms’ quarters, with four bedrooms, a modern kitchen, a living area, and an outdoor covered porch, are detached from the main living area and barn. Nic designed the project and entrusted fellow equestrian and private real estate advisor Carol Sollak, of Engel & Völkers Wellington, with the real estate listing.

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

IN E P RO FI N E FPROPE RTIPEESRTIE S I NN TA ET RI N I N T E R O AN TA I LO N A L

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

Pine Crest Farm

Page Hill Farm

Triple “C” Ranch

Picture perfect renovated 1872 New England farm, over 11 acres of open pasture, paddocks, state of the art horse barn and tack room. Caretakers apartment, pool, and more!

Absolute peace and quiet and only 35 minutes to Hanover at this renovated farmhouse on 114+/acres. Excellent outbuildings including barns, guest house, and caretakers apartment

Just a short drive beyond Manchester, this pristine custom-built home sits on 7.94 level acres with a four-stall barn, pastures, sweeping lawns and a pond.

THETFORD, VT | $549,000 | MLS#4401409 CHRISTOPHER LANG | 802.274.4048

CORINTH, VT | $1,399,000 | MLS#4418713 MARCUS RATLIFF | 802.356.2258

SUNDERLAND, VT | $785,000 | MLS#4389340 COURTNEY LEGGETT | 802.779.1703

VT Farm Estate with Mountain Views

Horse Lovers' Paradise

Stunning Equestrian Property

Picturesque estate with a six bedroom renovated and energy efficient farmhouse, three bedroom guest house, 9 stall horse barn with paddocks, a 13,280 sq. ft party barn and basketball court.

Charming Bow Cape on 10 Pastoral Acres with Majestic Mt. Mansfield Views! Rumford fireplaces. Custom detail. Horse Lover's choice 4-Stall barn. Lovely 3-season room.

A 113.4 acre equine property with 29 acres of open pastures, and over 82 acres of forestland with riding and walking trails. 17 stalls, 5 paddocks and an indoor riding ring.

WILMINGTON, VT | $1,499,900 | MLS#4435589 BETSY WADSWORTH | 802.464.4608

UNDERHILL, VT | $474,900 | MLS#4447115 EILEEN WARNER | 802.233.3385

BERKSHIRE, VT | $524,900 | MLS#4255774 JAY STRAUSSER | 802.578.2094

24-Stall Equestrian Center

North Hill Farm

Washburn Hill Farm

Successfully established equestrian center with a 2-bedroom apartment, a heated barn with attached indoor arena, an outdoor ring with lights and 157 acres, centrally located.

246+ acres with pastureland, timbered hillsides, two barns,swimming pool, productive orchard, extensive trails and more. Close to town, Dartmouth College. Endless privacy and tranquility.

Splendid country estate on 86 acres, offering a handsome, turn-key home with privacy and views, just 10 miles from Dartmouth College. Barn, pond, tennis court, trails and pastureland.

PITTSFORD, VT | $650,000 | MLS#4379286 SANDI REIBER | 802.345.0713

LYME, NH | $2,695,000 | MLS#4436586 CELINA BARTON | 802.291.4106

LYME, NH | $3,200,000 | MLS#4450194 CELINA BARTON | 802.291.4106

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

Cornish Horse Property This masterful post and beam home is the focus of a tidy horse farm on 92 acres. Surrounded by protected land, the farm has a great barn, outbuildings and a beautiful pond.

D'Vine Farm

Appleton Manor

No expense has been spared to create this unique property. Upper and lower pastures for horses and other animals plus views of the Belknap Mountains to the south.

This Federal Colonial with a Mansard Roof was built in the early 1800's. This home sits on 20 +/- acres, with beautiful outbuildings including a heated 4 car garage, carriage house and 12 stall antique barn.

CORNISH, NH | $1,100,000 | MLS#4453251 EDYE SCHEIER | 802.356.0979 BERNA REXFORD | 802.291.0479

WOLFEBORO, NH | $3,250,000 | MLS#4427448 STEVE PATRIQUIN | 603.387.2532

NEW IPSWICH, NH | $995,000 | MLS#4464712 STEVEN MCDONOUGH | 603.582.8747

Equestrian's Dream

Sanborn Farm

Black Dog Farm

This property has everything an equestrian could want! A new fully-equipped 10-stall barn with loads of space for tack and hay plus 54 acres with level areas and turn outs.

This unique, antique 1773 Georgian Colonial Gentleman's Farm offers wonderful privacy in a parklike setting with views, open fields and pastures and a 50x100 2-story barn on 45 acres.

Renovated in 2010 with utmost quality throughout, this equine property features 130 acres with 40 acres cleared and 20 acres fenced. 36x120 horse barn and 40x60 maintenance building.

BRIDGEWATER, VT | $499,000 | MLS#4339092 ERIC JOHNSTON | 802.779.1903

BROOKFIELD, NH | $989,000 | MLS#4445683 LINDA ROSENTHALL | 603.455.1252

UNITY, NH | $2,750,000 LINDA ROSENTHALL | 603.455.1252

The fine art of living.

HANOVER 603.643.6400 FourSeasonsSIR.com

HANOVER

603.643.6070

WEST LEBANON 603.298.5155

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

Southfields - This beautiful 5+ acre property is perfectly situated adjacent to the Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Quick hack to the Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival. This facility is wellequipped with two, two bedroom, two bathroom apartments, three tack rooms, and three feed rooms. There are two barns on the property that contain a total of 38 stalls. Offered at $3,750,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Kensington - Volume ceilings throughout the home and tons of windows allow natural light to flow through the open floor plan. The seamless Clive Christian kitchen employs top of the line appliances (including 2 Miele dishwashers), and a 6burner Viking gas range (with grill top). The home includes a wine room equipped with subzero refrigerator. Offered at $3,450,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Winding Oaks - This lovely 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Winding Oaks home is perfect for entertaining. The house includes an open kitchen with a breakfast bar, a 6 burner gas cooktop, as well as an informal dining space that has sliding glass doors that open up nicely to the outdoor living space. The rear of the house boasts pool & spa with superb views of the lake and golf course. Offered at $1,999,999

Aero Club - Custom built 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home located in the Aero Club. A beautiful 1.06-acre lot with expansive views of Wanderer's Club golf course. This home is great for entertaining or for a family lifestyle. It is located near all the equestrian venues, ''A'' rated schools, hospitals, superb dining and shopping. Offered at $975,000

Equestrian Club - Centrally located to Wellington's equestrian venues, this light and open 5 bed 4.5 bath home sits on a one-of-a-kind lot that backs to Field 1 of the International Polo Club. Floor plan conveniently has master suite and guest bedroom on main floor, and 3 additional bedrooms plus loft on upper level. Gourmet kitchen equipped with natural gas and stainless steel appliances. Offered at $815,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Las Casitas - This private end unit has been fully renovated and is move-in ready. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open floor plan, this charming home is offered furnished. Beautiful wood floors flow throughout the main living areas, with carpet in the bedrooms. This unit also has a nice sized fenced and private backyard with a pool. Offered at $735,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Muirfield - Beautiful concrete floors flow throughout the 3 bed, 3 bath home with vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light. The modern and sleek kitchen is masterfully equipped with all of the bells and whistles, including a breakfast area and French doors leading out to a private patio. Offered at $735,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Las Casitas - Fully renovated with two bedrooms and two bathrooms this bungalow is an absolute must see. Gorgeous French doors leading out to the screened-in porch with lake views accentuate the open and airy floor plan. With vaulted ceilings, this home is a true showpiece with a modern design, furniture, and concrete floors. Offered at $675,000

Palm Beach Polo ∙ Hurlingham Condos - This lovely two bedroom, two bathroom condo has undergone a complete renovation. Both bathrooms and the kitchen have been totally and tastefully redone. Beautiful new floors flow throughout the living spaces and bedrooms. The doors and windows have been replaced and are now hurricane impact glass. Offered at $495,000

Amy Carr • Phone +1 561-662-0728 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.amycarr.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Amy.Carr@evusa.com

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

Grand Prix Village - The gorgeous two-story barn includes 16-stalls, four wash/groom stalls, two tack rooms, laundry room with commercial grade Miele equipment, a feed room, fly spray system, and half bath. The second story holds a modern and sleek owners’ lounge with two sets of French doors that open to balconies. Offered at $23,000,000

Mallet Hill - Walking distance to the Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage Festival grounds. The magnificent property boasts four bedroom suites, as well as a custom office and a new 16-stall equestrian facility. The state-of-the-art show barn includes fourbedroom groom’s quarters, custom tack rooms, 250 x 180 ft all-weather ring and storage garages. Offered at $14,950,000

Grand Prix Village - With six-acres of land, an 18-stall center aisle barn, gorgeous lake views, and hacking distance to the Winter Equestrian Festival, this property has everything a discerning equestrian could desire. There’s a spacious owners’ lounge with vaulted ceilings and skylights. Grass Grand Prix field and all weather ring in place. Offered at $12,750,000

Across from Horse Show - 4.5 acre farm boasts solar tunnel lighting, solar panel power, gorgeous bamboo wood Rower & Rub Stalls, Nelson automatic waters, and a luxurious detached owners lounge overlooking the ring. The home has a pool with outdoor kitchen and balcony that overlooks the farm. Offered at $12,750,000

Grand Prix Village - Situated on 4-acres of lush land, is an amazing 20-stall barn with 4 wash stalls, 2 tack rooms, a laundry room, and a feed room. The owners’ lounge has a beautiful fireplace as the focal point, as well as a kitchen with great room for entertaining and a wonderful view of the 220’ x 120’ competition ring with superior custom footing. Offered at $11,900,000

Palm Beach Point - 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom masterpiece with state-of-the-art amenities, soaring ceilings, and spectacular architecture. The 11-acre compound boasts a first class equestrian facility designed by a renowned equestrian. Magnificent 14stall barn with grooms’ quarters, professional ring with all-weather footing, and 10-oversized paddocks. Offered at $11,500,000

Saddle Trail - Customizable 30 stall farm with 3bedroom, 3 bathroom pool home on 6.25 acres in Saddle Trail. This superbly designed professional farm is complete with a huge sub-irrigated (Riso System) Ring with Martin Collins CLOPF Footing, grand prix jump field, lounging ring and a 6 horse covered walker. Short hack to WEF showgrounds. Offered at $8,000,000

Las Palmas Ranch - 24+ acres in gated Las Palmas. Close to the WEF and Global Dressage. This custombuilt home includes 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and gourmet kitchen. Brilliantly appointed with Stone, Granite and Hardwood throughout. The property has a total of 20 stalls between two barns, grooms quarters, Bermuda grass field and bridle path. Offered at $7,950,000

Saddle Trail - 30 stall equestrian facility with 5bedroom, 3.5 bath pool home on 6.2 acres in Saddle Trail. Farm is complete with a new Olympic all weather sub-irrigated ring, grass jump field, 6 horse Kraft covered walker and a detached storage garage. Offered at $7,250,000

Carol A. Sollak, P.A. • Phone +1 561-818-9476 • Fax +1 561-791-2221 www.carolsollak.evusa.com • Wellington, Florida • Carol.Sollak@evusa.com

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

LOOKING OUT FOR YOU Across America, the EQUINE LAND CONSERVATION RESOURCE supports our equestrian heritage and helps ranch and farm owners.

98 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

They also support localgovernment planners with information about incorporating horses into zoning. Some of the other tools the ELCR offers are free templates for letters, outreach materials, and how-to guides for engaging in conversations with private landowners, public land administrators, and other key audiences. In addition, their staff is happy to provide personal guidance and advice. The ELCR can claim numerous successes. They worked with a group of Missouri farm owners to prevent the closing of 23 parks in St. Louis County. They assisted equestrians, conservationists, and landowners in northeast Napa County, California, to keep 61,000 acres of public land open to trail riders. And in Kentucky, they helped conserve 900 acres for trail riding by building relationships between landowners, the National Park Service, and the Bluegrass Conservancy. The resources on the website elcr.org are free. You can join the organization for only $28 per year. You will help ELCR continue to provide assistance for people acting locally to keep land open for horses and horse-related uses, you’ll also help protect the land we all need to enjoy and care for our horses for generations to Visit elcr.org come. BETSY STEIN

GEORGE KAMPER

ccording to the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. is losing 6,000 acres of open land every day. Large open spaces and contiguous tracts of land are critical to providing the space we need to support our nation’s equestrian heritage and economy. With the current rate of loss, we may not have enough land to support our horses and equestrian-related activities in as few as 15 years. These are the places that feed, shelter, and provide space to raise, compete, recreate, and care for our horses. The revitalized real estate market threatens horse facilities in cities and suburbs. Horse parks and horse access to public lands are facing increased competition for space. And as non-equestrians move into traditionally horsey areas, they may complain about the presence of animals—and access can be lost. In 1996, members of the United States Pony Club’s Task Force for the 21st Century identified loss of land and access as the greatest threat to the future of that organization and to equestrian activities in the U.S. The result was the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR). Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the group provides an array of valuable

tools for horse lovers and owners, including articles, guides, webinars, and videos to help protect and conserve land for horses. Since 2007, ELCR has assisted in the protection of more than 200,000 acres and more than 1,200 miles of trails. They have helped dozens of small farm owners in urbanizing areas work through planning and zoning challenges to keep their horses on their property. They help explain the economic and lifestyle benefits that horses bring to their communities.

E Q U E S T R I A N P R O P E RT I E S

AMERICA’S FINEST EQUESTRIAN REAL ESTATE LUXEQUESTRIAN.COM ®

® We offer specialized property acquisition and consulting services through designated representation. As uniquely qualified real estate professionals, rely on us when you need to be there, but can’t. When the cost of your time away is too great. When confidentiality is necessary. When you need a trusted, independent opinion. Or when you need to identify, vet and select a buyer’s agent that’s just right for your situation. Learn more before you buy. It could be the soundest decision you make. woodruffgroup.net | 573.823.5680 FE B RUA RY/M A RCH | 2 0 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 9 9

EQ D I N I N G

PARTIES & PONIES

Author DAWN HARRIS BROWN shares AMUSING ANECDOTES about creating a children’s cookbook with kids, ponies, and clowns in the Louisiana heat. PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRIS BROWN AND RACHEL CHOTIN LINCOLN

Party animals are the theme of this fun cookbook for kids. It is divided into eight imaginative themes and uses cute ponies and burros as party guests. Each of the eight chapters features childfriendly recipes—from drinks and appetizers to main courses and desserts. It’s filled with beautiful images and step-bystep instructions and is perfect for horse-loving kids who want to entertain their friends. Dawn Harris Brown recalls colorful, behind-the-scenes scenarios while creating the book with partner Rachel Chotin: “

ey Rachel,” I said. “Let’s do a cute children’s cookbook with party menus that kids can make themselves. How hard could it be? Our friend Bonny has ponies and riding students that we can use for the models. It will be a piece of cake.” And so we began…in the middle of summer in the Louisiana heat where you wear the air. The clown’s face paint was melting in the sun. The kids were trying on costumes and shedding tears about wanting to be a princess instead of a clown. Bonny was working on the table manners of the painted pony, Chubby Checkers, for the cover shot. His hearty appetite aptly reflected his name. Chubby was busy eating the teacakes as well as his carrots and apples, so Bonny quickly plopped the table in front of him. In a flash the children grabbed their chairs, sat, smiled, and Rachel’s camera snapped away in top-speed mode.

10 0 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I NG | FEB RUARY / MARCH | 2016

Top: Julia Knight reads to Whiskey the pony. Above: Parties & Ponies Children’s Menu Cookbook by Dawn Harris Brown with Rachel Chotin.

Next was our set up for the “Cowpokes and Cowponies” chapter. A table was set with the menu goodies, and we started the shoot with everyone in their places. Oops, one of the cowpokes had eaten the days-old props. Luckily, he didn’t have any ill effects. He was one tough cowboy! Then we needed some burros for the “Fiesta Burros” chapter. Bonny told us that her neighbor had two. “Great,” we said and asked her to bring both over for the next day’s shoot. When I arrived in the morning, the burros were pulling the neighbor down the road. “Ummm, this doesn’t look good,” I said to Rachel. Once we got the burros through the gates, I asked the owner if they were trained. She replied, “Actually someone just gave them to me.” It was immediately apparent that my saddle-basket idea might be a little trickier than I thought. When I gently tightened one of the burros’ cinches, he responded with a huge buck and gave new meaning to “tossed salad.” If you’ll notice, there were no children in those images. Ole! What is the actors’ old saying about working with children and animals? Well, the most important lesson I learned for both kids and animals is that bribery is the best motivator. Large amounts of carrots, apples, juice, cupcakes, and ice cream worked wonders to keep everyone content in the steamy Louisiana heat. PAGE 105

EQ D I N I N G

MA N DA RI N OR A N G E I CE D T E A 4 4 1 1 2

cups water mandarin orange herbal tea bags tablespoon honey cup orange juice oranges (sliced)

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add tea bags, remove from heat, cover and steep 4-6 minutes. Discard tea bags and stir in honey. 2. In a heat-resistant pitcher add orange juice, orange slices, and top with ice. Pour sweetened tea into pitcher and serve. Serves 4 P RE T Z E L PA I N T PON I E S Mini pretzels Rolo candies (unwrapped) Pecan halves

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pretzels in a single layer and top each with 1 rolo candy. Bake for 4 minutes. 2. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. While still warm, press a pecan half onto each candy-covered pretzel. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

M Y PONY ’ S PEPPERM INT TRE ATS 2 cups rolled oats 2 cups bran 2 cups (self-rising) corn meal 12 ounces molasses 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup (self-rising) flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup warm water Red and green peppermints (unwrapped)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Mix all ingredients together except the peppermints. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. 3. Bake for 16 minutes or until golden brown. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. While still warm, press an unwrapped peppermint into the middle of each treat. Allow to cool completely. Makes 24+ Suggestions: Stencil horse designs on burlap, glassine, or paper bags. Fill bags with treats and feed to your pony friends!

Dawn Harris Brown was born into a ranching family in Texas. Her first culinary influences were barbeque and Mexican food. She attended cooking schools in France, England, Morocco, the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, and Australia. When not hunting her 12 lurchers or foxhunting, she is cooking for friends and family. She has written two books: Stable to Table and Parties & Ponies Children’s Menu Cookbook.

FE B RUA RY/MA RC H | 20 1 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 1 0 1

2016 M ARCH 22

APRIL 3

G R E A T S O U T H W E S T E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R , K A T Y, T E X A S BE PART OF THE 71 YEAR TRADITION OF EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE, SOCIAL ELEGANCE, AND HISTORIC GIVING THAT IS

THE PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW. From olympic-level show jumping to the high stepping American Saddlebreds and international flair of the Andalusians and Lusitanos, Pin Oak is a display of equine majesty – all to help sick children.

GET INVOLVED SPONSOR - VOLUNTEER - SPECTATE J O I N T H E P I N OA K C L U B !

PRESENTING SPONSOR

pinoak.org

SUPPORTED BY

TO BENEFIT

THE

HILDEBRAND FUND

USEF PREMIER, THJA-A USEF LEVEL 5 JUMPERS

M E D I A PA RT N E R

EQ R E S O U R C E S

WHERE TO FIND IT Look for the symbol throughout the magazine to find out about featured products and services.

STYLE Page 10 Stubbs & Wootton stubbsandwootton.com Page 14 âme moi amemoi.com Hermès hermes.com Oughton Limited oughtonlimited.com Rebecca Ray Designs rebeccaraydesign.com Tucker Tweed tuckertweed.com GIVING BACK Page 18 Horses Healing Hearts horseshealingheartsusa.com FAVORITES Page20 Found My Animal foundmyanimal.com Harry Barker harrybarker.com Hartman & Rose hartmanandrose.com Louis Vuitton louisvuitton.com/Pets Mungo & Maud mungoandmaud.com

FASHION Page 28 Nanna Salmi Horsehair Jewelry nannasalmi.com JANE SEYMOUR Page 32 janeseymour.com FASHION FORECAST Page 38 Ariat ariat.com Equiline equiline.it Goode Rider gooderider.com Katherine Hooker katherinehooker.com Makebe makebe.it Middy N’ Me middynme.com Noel Asmar asmarequestrian.com Rönner ronnerdesign.com Winston winston-equestrian.com GALLERY PAGE Page 56 Lisa Cueman lisacuemanphotography.com

BOBBY GENOVESE Page 62 BG Signature Luxury Retreats bgsignature.com bgpolo.com HORSES IN THE GARDEN Page 80 Patricia Borum patriciaborum.com

TRAV E L | D E S IGN | PE O PL E

S TY L E | FAS HION | DEC OR

EQ U E S TR I A N

LIVING

EQLiving.com

Read every issue online! tinyurl.com/EQissues

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES Page 90 Nic Roldan nicroldan.com Carol Sollak, Engel & Volkers carolsollak.evusa.com DINING Page 100 Parties and Ponies Children’s Menu Cookbook Dawn Harris Brown browncroftpublishing.com BARN DOGS Page 108 Adopt a Golden adoptagoldenatlanta.com adoptagoldenknoxville.org

Hundreds of stories and videos! EQliving.com Follow us for giveaways and the latest happenings! –Facebook @EquestrianLivingMagazine –Twitter @eqliving –Instagram @eqliving

Free InnerCircle eNewsletter! tinyurl.com/joinEQInnerCircle

WESTERN WEEK April 21–24, 2016 NIGHT of the HORSE