Equestrian Living January/February 2022

EQ

P EO P L E | T R AV EL | D E S I G N | FA S HI O N | S T Y L E | D É CO R

EQUESTRIAN LIVING

EQ U E S TR I A N LIV I N G

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JA NUARY /FEB R UARY 2 0 2 2

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

THE DESIGN ISSUE DISPLAY UNTIL MAR 8, 2022

ALSO: SNOWY GETAWAYS AND HORSING AROUND WITH SOLEDAD O'BRIEN

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Read 50 issues at eqiving.com/newsstand

A limited number of past issues are available for purchase at eqliving.com/shop

EQ I N S I D E

FEATURES J A NUA RY | F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 2

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SIX SNOWY GETAWAYS FOR EQUESTRIANS

POLO A LA TROPIZIÉNNE WITH THE GAY POLO LEAGUE

32 Editor at large Rebecca Baldridge takes readers on a lighthearted jaunt to the South of France to attend the Gay Polo League’s premiere tournament in St. Tropez. Her animated narratives bring her tales of polo pros, ponies, and parties to life.

SOLEDAD O’BRIEN

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PHOTO PAUL LOCKHART

Long recognized for her award-winning journalistic work on major networks and her thought-provoking CNN documentary series, Soledad is also a long-time equestrian who is committed to excelling in the saddle.

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DESIGN

SIX SNOWY GETAWAYS FOR EQUESTRIANS

46 While many travelers eschew the winter season in exchange for warm sunny locales, the tempting list of wintery getaways with equestrian sport and beckoning fireside settings may present a change of mind. From Iceland’s northern lights to Norwegian sleigh rides, it may be time to embrace the season.

DESIGN

52 Spark your imagination with the diverse portfolio of homes and stables in the 10th edition of the Design feature. The expanse of projects ranges from tropical modern estates to three-stall barns and barn-style houses that seamlessly mesh with the surroundings—whether situated in New Jersey or California.

PHOTO JENNIFER HUGHES AND PETE ALBERT

PHOTOGRAPHER RAPHAEL MACEK FOCUSES ON AN ARTISTIC VISION OF HORSES

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76 Raphael Macek’s primary objective is capturing a horse’s emotions and energy and conveying them in his photographs. Powerful and captivating and at times unconventional in composition, his large-scale, evocative equestrian images hang prominently in homes worldwide.

Build Your Story

Legendary Design. Infinite Possibilities.

Unlock your vision and create a structure enriched by the beauty, sustainability, and strength of wood. Get inspired and connect with our experienced team today!

timberlyne.com

EQ I N S I D E

DEPARTMENTS J A NUA RY | F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 2

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FAVORITES

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Champion show jumper and Olympian Ashlee Bond shares some of her favorites with EQ, from a proudest horse moment to a favorite getaway and what’s on her playlist.

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In a horse-book roundup, our editors have chosen 10 equestrian titles that range from memoirs and novels to self-discovery that are bound to inspire and amaze you.

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An organized and well-stocked tack trunk lets you focus on the horse show and your riding. Find must-haves from wraps and pads to clippers and halters.

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In an excerpt from The Gates to Brilliance: How a Gay, Jewish, Middle-Class Kid Who Loved Horses Found Success by six-time Olympian Robert Dover, you’ll discover how sharing his deeply personal stories were fundamental to his evolution.

DÉCOR

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Add traditional equestrian accents to your décor with English fabrics of country estates, leather baskets with brass details, and Victorian-era rocking horses.

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FASHION

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Feel confident heading outside for an enjoyable winter ride.

Fashion brands are committed to keeping you warm in the saddle with cold-weather apparel that provides warmth and comfort in all the right places.

FOOD + DRINK

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Max Secunda, the equestrian director of Windsor, a luxury residential community in Vero Beach, Florida, reveals the Mallet, the signature cocktail of the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup.

22 ON THE COVER

IN EACH ISSUE The Wye River Barn House located in Queenstown, Maryland, Architect: Kimmel Studios Builder: Lynbrook of Annapolis Photographers: Jennifer Hughes and Pete Albert See “Design” on page 52 for the full project description.

EDITOR’S NOTE 8 Welcome to Equestrian Living.

RESOURCES

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Look for CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102 to find the products and services in this issue.

BARN DOGS 106 Meet Amanda Steege’s bossy corgi and Tim Delovich’s laid back rescue at Ashmeadow Farm.

6 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I NG | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

STYLE

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Rooted in the rich history of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Southwestern traditions of master silversmiths, Tom Taylor’s belts, buckles, and bags have attracted discerning customers for decades.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

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Fabulous farms and ranches.

CUSTOM HAND KNOTTED RUGS - THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

LW5 1 B, DARK BROWN

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

PHOTO GEORGE KAMPER

WELCOME

On location in Dutchess County, New York, with award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien (left) and editor Stephanie Peters.

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s we welcome in 2022 and finesse the editorial lineups for the year ahead, Equestrian Living is also celebrating the magazine’s 10th anniversary.

In our minds, this milestone is an accomplishment worth noting—and maybe a little back-patting—particularly amid the constant chatter that “print is dead.”

To reminisce and call to mind the scope of adventures and occasional madcap mishaps in our pursuit of engaging features seems to me a well-earned indulgence. I discovered early on that having a sense of humor is an asset at Equestrian Living. It comes in handy in myriad scenarios and has saved me on more than one occasion. One for the EQ annals was my Texas initiation into fire ants. Envision the city slicker who finds herself atop an ant mound and provoking the ire of its inhabitants while stopping to capture that “perfect shot.”

On the other end of the spectrum was an extravagant hosted trip to Qatar to visit Al Shaqab, Doha’s ultramodern equestrian center, and the Royal Stables. Our team was greeted at the airport by Rolls Royces that whisked us to our five-star hotel with

personal butlers awaiting our arrival.

Stocked with fresh sushi in the refrigerated armrests, the fleet at our disposal conveyed us to our various destinations in royal style.

I consider it a privilege to have been with the magazine since its launch as Equestrian Quarterly in 2012 and to work alongside the publisher and a team of individuals who have been integral to its success. Throughout the years, we have remained anchored in a commitment to our readers and advertisers to showcase the best of equestrian life on the pages of Equestrian Living, the EQLiving.com website, and across our social media platforms.

Over the course of 10 years, we’ve traveled extensively—here and abroad—to attend high-profile events and meet with equestrians of all disciplines and levels of accomplishment at their homes and barns. We’ve featured junior riders now competing at international CSI 5* events.

We’ve met young professional riders who currently manage their own training barns and have had children who are already winning ribbons in the pony classes. And, at the pinnacle, we’ve had the privilege of sitting down with numerous Olympians.

At the core of Equestrian Living is our overriding mission to produce unique and memorable content that resonates with our readers.

I N THIS ISSUE

We roll out this issue with our 10th annual Design feature, which is always a visual feast; however, this year’s is particularly sumptuous and informative. Within the feature, we include several inspiring small barn projects—often requested by our readers—showcase an innovative tropical modern equestrian estate, and highlight a barn home with walls of glass.

8 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I NG | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

We were delighted to spend time with Soledad O’Brien, the award-winning broadcast journalist, network TV executive producer, and CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions, and experience her boundless energy firsthand. Maybe it was the coffee (her brewed coffee is not for the meek) or the limited time factor for the interview. Still, I’m convinced it was her sheer enthusiasm about the article’s focus: the lesser-known fact that she has been crazy about horses most of her life.

And for equestrians who embrace the winter season and are eager to travel, we’ve assembled an alluring mix of snowy getaways from Lake Placid, New York, to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Immersed in a balmier climate, Rebecca Baldridge, our contributing editor and travel writer extraordinaire, pens an infinitely enjoyable account of her recent trip to the Gay Polo League’s tournament in St. Tropez, France.

In keeping with our tradition of balancing our content, we present the spectacular photographs of Raphael Macek, department pages highlighting winter-fashion options, a favorite books round-up, décor ideas, and much more.

I learned today that this is our 50th issue. It was stunning to see the number in writing. I marvel that I have written 50 of these letters and that our talented team has maintained the high caliber of editorial we envisioned for Equestrian Living with unshakable enthusiasm. It never gets old. We try to keep things lively, notwithstanding the fire ants.

HISTORIC

Runnymede Farm

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n extraordinary and rare New Hampshire estate, Runnymede, is comprised of five individual properties with 58 stunning acres of ocean views, river frontage, rolling meadows and marshes, all protected by extensive conservation land. 4 Dancers Image Lane, its surrounding pastoral grounds and carefully conceived, beautifully built residence and outbuildings, constitutes one of the most distinguished historic estates in coastal New England. The property is sited to take advantage of its exceptional location providing ocean views, river and marsh frontage.

A peaceful seaside landscape with unparalleled attention to detail offers a unique and multifaceted lifestyle unlike anywhere in the Northeast. The rambling property bestows equestrian, agricultural, farm, and aquatic opportunities while providing private jet access just 20 minutes away and easy access to Boston.

Runnymede Properties

4DANCERSIMAGELANE.COM OFFERED AT $17,500,000 Originally owned by MA Governor Alvin Fuller, Runnymede Farm is located on the banks of Little River, an estuary that provides access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Farm, originating as a dairy farm in the 1920s, gave way to raising thoroughbreds in the 1960s where, Peter Fuller, a well-known businessman, philanthropist and thoroughbred expert bred and kept horses there until the early 1980s. During this time, Fuller owned the famous, albeit contentious, 1968 Kentucky Derby Winner Dancer’s Image and later, the 1985 New York Filly Triple Crown winner, Mom’s Command.

This offering constitutes the substantial working equestrian Farm at Runnymede. The Farm is comprised of a 4080 sf barn, 3000 sf caretaker residence, expansive paddocks, a riding/jumping arena and other high-end equestrian amenities. The barn boasts 12 stalls, a central hay drop, bathing bay with hot and cold water, heated tack room, office, kitchen and two 1/2 baths. There is an outdoor kitchen and fire pit to enjoy during the Seacoasts warmer three seasons. An additional 1150 sf barn provides further equestrian possibilities and storage.

1968 Kentucky Derby Winner, - Dancer’s Image © Associated Press

Tony Jalbert Principal Broker 566 Washington Road, Rye NH 03870 m 603.498.6241 I o 603.964.8028 tjalbert@tateandfoss.com

EQ J A N UA RY / F EB RUA RY 202 2

EQ U E S TR I A N EQLiving.com

LIVING

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VOLUME 11 NUMBER 1 EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie B. Peters SENIOR EDITOR Jill B. Novotny PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR George Kamper EDITORS AT LARGE Rebecca Baldridge, Carol Cohen-Hodess, Judy Richter DESIGN MANAGER Mary A. Stroup SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB CONTENT Maggie Carty EDITORIAL MANAGER Theresa Cardamone EQ SPECIAL EVENTS Jennifer Pearman Lammer UK & LONDON EDITOR Bridget Arsenault CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tim Delovich, Emily Holowczak, Allyson Lagiovane, Amanda Steege, Nancy White PUBLISHER C.W. Medinger PUBLISHING CONSULTANT George Fuller PRINT John Spittle PUBLIC RELATIONS Carrie Wirth, EQmedia.agency NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION Boyd Mulholland ADVERTISING SALES General: 929-262-0347, info@eqliving.com Joyce Jones, 954-796-1809, jones@eqliving.com Dick Holcomb, 770-331-7788, dickholc@bellsouth.net Blaire Baron, 215-439-8259, baron@eqliving.com Europe: Rosa Zampini, zampini@eqliving.com EQ LIVING ADVISORY BOARD Bob Cacchione, Connecticut Deborah Deutsch, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Melissa Ganzi, Wellington, Fla. Carson Kressley, New York, N.Y. Peter Leone, Lionshare Farm, Bedford, N.Y. Colleen and Tim McQuay, Tioga, Texas Mindy Peters, Los Alamos, Calif.

David Sloan, Millbrook, N.Y. Renee Spurge, LA Saddlery, Los Angeles, Calif.

Chester Weber, Ocala, Fla. EQUESTRIAN QUARTERLY (EQ) 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 $24.95 | Canada $39.95.

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12 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

EquestrianLivingMagazine

@eqliving

@eqliving

EQ F A V O R I T E S

Favorite getaway: Kauai We usually go every year during Christmas or New Year, and it’s heaven on earth with the beautiful beaches, hiking, ziplining, and amazing food.

A riding discipline you’d like to try: Cutting. My Dad used to do it, and I got to ride some cutting horses with his past trainer, Bobby. It was sooo much fun.

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Favorite horse: Tough question. It’s between Cadett and Donatello (below, in the Tokyo Olympics jumping qualifier.)

Favorite show: I loved The Queen’s Gambit. I’m not a chess player but she made me feel like I could be.

MY FAVORITES

Favorite book: Redeeming Love is a fave and my mom just made it into a movie.

Proudest horse moment: Jumping clear at the Tokyo Olympics and ending 11th.

Favorite exercise to complement riding: Yoga and Hotworx.

ASHLEE IN ASMAR EQUESTRIAN SHOW SHIRT

MELISSA FULLER

Favorite way to relax: Bubble bath and a glass of moscato.

Favorite fragrance: Stella,

by Tocca.

ASHLEE BOND Favorite charity: Operation Underground Railroad.

Favorite show apparel: My Free Ride Equestrian Leggings.

Favorite Michelin restaurant: Providence, amazing seafood in Los Angeles.

Favorite breakfast: First Watch, in Wellington, Florida.

Favorite sushi: The best is Shibuya, near our home in Calabasas.

Favorite show/venue: Thunderbird. It’s so beautiful, the horses are treated impeccably, and the management is hands-down the best in the business!

My playlist: I listen to Pandora, so I play top Christian hits.

PAGE 102 JA NUA RY/FE B RUA RY | 20 2 2 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 1 3

2 EQ E S S E N T I A L S | D É C O R

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The leather Alexandria Basket by Stylish Equestrian is functional and stunning with brass hardware, braided handle, and buckle detail. $344.

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A TOUCH OF TRADITION Add vintage EQUESTRIAN ACCENTS to your décor with bridle leather, brass buckles, and fabrics of country estates.

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1. One Kings Lane Antique English Riding Boots Display with boot trees on wooden base. $795.

2. The Equestrian English Tapestry Pillow with saddles, riding hats, and gloves by Huntley Equestrian includes cover and pillow. $85.99.

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3. Stylish Equestrian’s large Buckle Velvet Pillow features an equestrian-inspired pattern in rust, midnight navy, and taupe. $184.

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4. The Bit Chain Trim Pillow (in stone) from the Kensington Manor Collection at Equine Luxuries adds a tailored backdrop to any décor. $168.* 5. Add a distinct equestrian feel with the Bridle Leather Strapped Tall Glass Table Lamp at Equine Luxuries. $635.* 6. The Huntsman’s Plaid Bedding Collection in soft brushed cotton plaid with textured chevron fabric at Equine Luxuries is dressed to impress. Queen Set $690.* 7. The Wooden Victorian-era Rocking Horse at Equine Luxuries is a full-sized replica of originals from the 19th century. The handmade saddle and tack are from bridle leather.

Slightly distressed to create an aged appearance. $3,750.* *Contact Equine Luxuries customer service for current stock status.

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CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

SETTING THE STANDARD SINCE 1978 Complete design services and fine craftsmanship Custom barns, arenas, garages, and living quarters

1-888-354-4740 | www.kingbarns.com

EQ E S S E N T I A L S | F A S H I O N

STAY WARM IN THE SADDLE Head outside for an enjoyable winter ride in STYLISH AND VERSATILE cold-weather apparel.

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PHOTOGRAPHY KYLE WEEKS FOR TOMMY HILFIGER

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PHOTOGRAPHY KYLE WEEKS FOR TOMMY HILFIGER

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1. Horse Pilot’s Celsius sleeveless jacket (in gray) is designed to provide warmth where riders need it most: the chest, shoulders, and back. In duck down and polyester insulation mix. $340.

2. The Cadi C feather-padded down jacket by Equiline is designed to keep you warm, from riding to streetwear. Includes a hood and two zip pockets. Shown in deep brown. $360.

3. Horse Pilot’s airbag compatible Bomber jacket is a new take on equestrian attire and designed to fit over an inflated air vest. Shown in black. $380.

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4. Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian’s down jacket (in moonstone) is filled with 100% recycled down and has a removable hood and water-repellent outer material in matte and gloss finish. $328.

5. Ariat’s Respond jacket (in Eurasian teal) provides excellent coverage and protection. The bolero creates a two-in-one garment designed to weather the elements however it’s worn. $179.95.

6. The Desert Sky water-repellent down jacket

by Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian includes detachable hood and storm cuffs. In 100% recycled down. $328.

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

EQUESTRIAN ART TODAY

Wish 40x60

W W W. S A N D R A M E Y E R G A L L E RY. CO M

4537 & 4535 La Orilla Rancho Santa Fe, CA

7 Bed 9 Bath 3 Half Bath 9,692 SF of Living Space 3,670 SF Custom Barn $16,900,000

Newly constructed single-level equestrian estate in the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant’s most coastal location exemplifies sophisticated design and quality in every detail. The very private main home features a stunning open kitchen, soaring vintage barn wood ceilings, custom French Oak flooring and walls of glass that open to pool, lawns, spacious pool house, outdoor kitchen and living areas. The 7+ acre estate includes a separate 2 bed, 2 bath guest home with full kitchen and patio plus a 3,670 SF custom barn with clubhouse all built to the same impeccable standards. Additional horse amenities include a large, competition-sized arena with top footing, round pen, eurowalker, large paddocks and direct access to miles of RSF’s best trails. Solar power and an excellent well with filtration system make this estate as operationally efficient as it is beautiful.

Caren Kelly 858.350.1018 caren@equestrianre.com equestrianre.com DRE 01003787 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.

EQ E S S E N T I A L S | F A V O R I T E S

HORSE-BOOK ROUNDUP Looking for YOUR NEXT READ? Our editors have chosen 10 equestrian titles to inspire and amaze you.

HORSE GIRLS Recovering, Aspiring, and Devoted Riders Redefine the Iconic Bond, by Halimah Marcus.

Contradicting the idea of “horse girls” as rich, white, and thin, the book takes a nuanced look at the bond between horses and girls of all kinds.

CROSSING THE LINE A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport that Changed Their Lives Forever, by Kareem Rosser. An inspiring memoir of defying odds by the captain of the first allBlack team to win the National Interscholastic Polo championship.

THE RIDE OF HER LIFE The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America,

by Elizabeth Letts.

In 1954, after a 63-year-old woman is given two years to live, she and her dog pack up and ride 4,000 miles across America to find kindness in the hearts of strangers.

JOEY How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See, by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley. An organization that helps abused and neglected children by teaching them to care for rescued animals finds Joey, a blind Appaloosa with lessons to share.

GALLANT The Call of the Trail, by Claire Eckard. A young adult/teen novel of love, adventure, and self-discovery is interlaced over the backdrop of the sport of long-distance endurance riding.

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THE COMPTON COWBOYS The New Generation of Cowboys in America’s Urban Heartland, by Walter Thompson-Hernándaz. A story of trauma and transformation, race and identity, and pushing back against stereotypes as Black men and women in Los Angeles connect to the rich legacy of Black cowboys in America.

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HORSE CRAZY The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal, by Sarah Maslin Nir. Part journalism, part memoir; this story woven together with wit and heart explores the nature of horse-obsession.

DARK HORSES By Susan Mihalic. A raw story of the courage and resilience of a 15-year-old equestrian prodigy working to reclaim her life from her abusive father.

LEAP OF FAITH by Frankie Dettori. The legendary jockey shares his remarkable life story in this astonishingly intimate autobiography.

LAND OF THE HORSES A True Story of a Lost Soul and a Love Found,

by Chris Lombard. An intensely moving memoir of a young man who left heartbreak in Maine to seek healing out West in the company of horses. .

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

Your barn is the setting of your horse’s story.

We ensure every ride, every bath, every moment is a chapter to remember.

Built Right or Not at All

717.687.0292 | BandDBuilders.com

EQ E S S E N T I A L S | F O O D + D R I N K

LUXE LIBATIONS F L AVO

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Equestrian director MAX SECUNDA of WINDSOR reveals the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup Signature Cocktail.

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PENED IN JANUARY 2021, Windsor’s new Cabana

Bar offers breathtaking pool-to-ocean views.

Flanked by a central bar, the space was conceived as a casual lunch or pre-dinner venue where members can enjoy refreshing cocktails and small plates in the beautiful natural surroundings. It served as the perfect setting for a tasting of the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup Signature Cocktail with Windsor’s Director of Equestrian Operations, Max Secunda.

Presented by PNC Bank, the Windsor Charity Polo Cup is recognized as the premier charity sporting event of the season in Vero Beach. In addition to world-class polo, the event showcases an array of interactive events and exhibitions including an elegant luncheon, themed tailgate, specialty retail village, luxury automobile concours, and a high-end raffle. The 2022 event will raise funds for two local environmentally focused charities—the Ocean Research & Conservation Association and the Environmental Learning Center.

“The signature cocktail crafted by our talented Clubhouse Bar staff is a highly anticipated feature of the event, and I think this year’s cocktail, aptly named the Mallet, will certainly prove to be another crowd-pleaser,” said Secunda.

PHOTOS ARIC ATTAS

TR UN CO ITES E RS OR H O FAV

THE MALLET INGREDIENTS 11/2 ounce Beluga Noble vodka 3 ounces lemonade 1/2 ounce Chambord A splash of Fever-Tree club soda PREPARATION 1. Pour over ice 2. Garnish with a honeydew and cantaloupe ball on a bamboo skewer CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

22 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

THE QUINTESSENTIAL KITCHEN

800 620 8490 | OFFICINEGULLO.COM

WELLINGTON SOUTH · $8,750,000 Private 10-Acre Farm · 2 Barns with 15 Stalls in Total · Grass Jumping Field · Large All-Weather Arena · Spacious Paddocks · 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 2 Half-Bathrooms · Lovely Renovations · Gas Range · Impact Glass

WELLINGTON SOUTH · $5,495,000 Meticulously Updated 4-Bedroom Pool Home · Lush Landscaping · Custom 14-Stall Barn · Lavish Owners’ Lounge · 2 Staff Apartments · Oversized All-Weather Ring · Spacious Shaded Paddocks · 5 Acres

MARTHA W. JOLICOEUR, PA BROKER ASSOCIATE 561 797 8040 www.marthasproperties.com

SADDLE TRAIL · $5,199,000 Almost 4-Acre Estate · 5-Bedroom Home with Two 2-Car Garages and Golf Cart Garage · Additional Luxury 1-Bedroom Apartment · Saltwater Pool & Tennis Court · 7-Stall Barn with Staff Quarters · Grass Jumping Field · Hack to PBIEC

PALM BEACH POLO · $4,950,000 5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, 2 Half-Bathrooms · Air-Conditioned 3-Car Garage plus Additional Garage · Spacious Backyard with Updated Pool & Jacuzzi · Outdoor Cabana with Full Bathroom & Double Shower · Smart Home System with Lutron Lighting & Aqualink Spa Control · Impact Glass HOME IS WHERE YOUR HORSE IS

THE NEXT MOVE IS YOURS 1111 LINCOLN RD, PH-805, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139. 305.695.6300 © 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE BROKER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO SOLICIT THE OFFERINGS OF OTHER REAL .

ESTATE BROKERS. WE COOPERATE WITH THEM FULLY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

EQ E S S E N T I A L S | S T Y L E

The Turquoise Bolo is handmade in New Mexico in sterling silver and turquoise inlay. $1,555.

Precious stone inlay and silver work on the Mahogany Jasper Buckle is executed by seasoned Native American stoneworkers in the New Mexico studios of B.G. Mudd. $1,095.

TT Signature Two Tone Bag in red is hand cut and sewn from premium leather and lined with pig suede. Includes zippered pockets and compartments. By artist Kim Spiers. $775.

T

TOM TAYLOR

B.G. Mudd’s stunning Stone Inlay Cuff in sterling silver is handcrafted by Native American artists in Mudd’s Gallup, New Mexico, studio. $2600.

Tom Taylor’s history is rooted in the rich artistic history of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the

Southwestern tradition of master silversmiths

and leather workers. Initially a belt and buckle

business, Tom Taylor has grown to become one of the country’s top providers of exotic skin

and premium leather belts and bags. For years, the smell of leather, walls of multi-colored and textured belts, and the shimmer of silver have

Artist Billy Sunday’s Crossbody Saddlebag is constructed of chap leather from the finest North American steer hides. All hardware is solid brass. $625.

Kim Spiers’ handmade ladies Wallet Clutch in vegetable-tanned leather offers card slots, change purse, removable strap, and cellphone pocket. $350.

drawn in shoppers from the sidewalks of Santa Fe for a closer look.

The casual yet traditional handmade and hand-carved Oak Leaf Western Leather Belt is sold without buckles. $360-$450.

Handmade in New Mexico, Billy Sunday’s Two-toned Leather Backpack is made of chap leather and stitched with heavyduty thread. All solid brass hardware. $650.

26 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

The Sioux Saddlebag Handbeaded Belt is loomed in the New Mexico studios of artist Wendy Capek. $575-$950.

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

EQ E S S E N T I A L S | F A V O R I T E S

Classic Equine Standing Wraps

ShowSheen

Tough1 Quilted Leg Wraps

UltraCruz Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler

Suffolk Everyday Reins

Intrepid International Short Bat

SmartPak Triple Stitch Halter

Leather Hole Punch

Toklat TechQuilt Show Pad

Centaur Scrim Dress Sheet

Absorbine Liniment

Jevule Vet Wrap

Horse Health Record Book

Weaver Leather Grooming Kit

Noble Outfitters Ringside Backpack

Schneider Saddlery Large Vinyl Wood Tack Trunk

Heritage Show Gloves

A To Z Horse Cookies

Absorbine Hoof Polish

Kiwi Boot Polish

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Greetings from

POLO A LA TROPIZIÉNNE WITH THE GAY POLO LEAGUE

BY REBECCA BALDRIDGE PHOTOS SARA COLE

FOUNDED IN 2006 BY POLO PLAYER CHIP MCKENNEY, THE GAY POLO LEAGUE (GPL) IS THE ONLY LGBTQ POLO ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD.

REBECCA BALDRIDGE is a contributing editor at Equestrian Living and quite possibly the world’s worst polo player. She lives in North Salem, New York.

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t’s impossible! You’ll plunge down a crevasse! Have you gone screwy?”

This from Tom, my long-suffering and insufferable friend.

“Don’t ask questions when you already know the answer,” I snapped.

“I’m getting to St. Tropez by Thursday even if I have to crawl on my knees like a pilgrim to Fatima.”

Tom sighed; he knows me. I was headed to France for the Gay Polo League’s first-ever tournament in St. Tropez, and nothing short of a divine apparition was going to stop me.

Why all the brouhaha, you ask?

For reasons mundane, I couldn’t get a flight into Nice without enduring an 18-hour layover in Lisbon. Fly to Milan, rent a car and drive. I thought, it’s only five hours, so what if I never sleep on a plane. Nothing’s impossible if you drink enough espresso, and there’ll be no shortage of that in wired-up Italy.

As it turned out, it was seven hours to St. Tropez. On a positive note, the

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highway passed through the Apennines, making for some fine scenery. Less positive were the endless toll booths; talk about highway robbery!

By Monaco, the texts were rolling in: “Where are you? You can still make dinner.” I pictured the scene: the jolly GPL gang roosting in a rustic bistro. I could practically smell the boeuf bourguignon.

But as I rolled into St. Tropez, Waze, my fair-weather friend, led me in circles.

I whipped past the same McDonald’s three times. A McDonald’s in St. Tropez?

Well, I don’t suppose you’ll find Alain Delon there. How McDo, as the French call it, can exist in the land of haute cuisine, I simply cannot fathom.

At last, the saints interceded. A long smooth drive curved past a vineyard. I came to a halt at a wrought iron gate that opened onto a small park. An impressive effusion of shrubbery hid the hotel from view.

At last, the Mas de Chastelas.

A mas is a traditional Provence

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farmhouse—farmhouse, my Aunt Fanny!

The view from my rental car revealed an ivy-covered mansion. I leapt from the voiture. In the lobby on my left, a limestone fountain was set into a weathered brick wall. Commodious sofas and soft chairs were artfully arranged around a stone fireplace. Through the rear door, a swimming pool glowed blue in the darkness.

I was ushered upstairs. I’d requested a traditional room, something old-timey.

The accommodation didn’t disappoint; blaring Manhattan was forgotten amidst the tranquility. I pulled pajamas out of my bag and passed out atop the white counterpane—sweet, saintly relief.

The phone rang. It was Chip McKenney, president of the Gay Polo League, “Come to my room. We’re having a nightcap.”

How could I refuse our dear leader?

Too tired to dress, I found a plush robe in the bathroom and staggered downstairs.

Chip’s suite was in a separate annex, modern in design, set in a lush garden.

It was near midnight, but the party was swinging. Nightcap, indeed. Never underestimate the GPL’s capacity for

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1. Rachel Spencer.

2. GPL St. Tropez Perpetual Trophy.

3. Scott Hartzell and Rachel Spencer.

4. Cherry Knoll (clockwise) Chip McKenney, Scott Hartzell, Mariano Darritchon, Gus Larossa.

5. Chip McKenney.

revelry. “Well,” huffed Chip. “Thank God you’re here; take this.” A glass of red wine was pressed into my hand.

“You missed the most spectacular night in Gay Polo League history! This restaurant, L’Opera…It’s right on the harbor. It was de-licious! The walls are covered in art, so avant-garde. The food was amazing. It looks like a typical elegant restaurant at dinner, but it transforms into a nightclub when the evening show starts. It’s wild; the performers dance on the tables! We soon joined them—liquid-fueled, dearest—and shut that place down!”

I broke into song, “It’s fun to stay at the Y-M-Tropez!” Leave it to these guys; they’ll always find the disco.

As a lubricating sequel, they’d taken a wine tasting trip to Domaine de la Croix.

Unfamiliar with the Cðte de Provence appellation, I was desolate to have missed their tastefully intoxicating excursion.

I swilled a hearty burgundy until 2:00 am, yet arose with the dawn. I was darned if I’d miss any more fun! I passed an eye-popping buffet, but it held no temptations. I had a date with St. Tropez and couldn’t get there quickly enough.

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photographers), and I set off in the hotel van, hardly romantic, but no worries about parking or piling in a ditch. The city center was just ten minutes away.

Leaping cinematically from the van, I spotted a barrel gracing the curbside and topped with decorative Champagne bottles. The barrel stood sentry under a sign proclaiming, “purveyor of champagne and caviar.” Pressing my nose against the glass, I saw a refrigerated cabinet filled with pâtés and stacked cases of fizzing ambrosia. My pilgrimage had led me to the Promised Land.

We ambled through a park bordered by cafés, where locals sipped Ricard and smoked. In the park’s center, knots of men and boys dressed in red and white tee shirts stood on a rectangle of hard earth. A grognard bowled a silver ball.

They were playing pétanque, a game that originated in Provence. I moved in for a look at this ancient tradition, known for its silent yet fiery competition.

A mustachioed son of Gaul released a

1. GPL tournament participants, left to right, Gordon Ross, Peter Secor, Scott Hartzell, Chip McKenney, Rafik Bougadou, Gus Larossa, Alexandre Rata, Saïd Ait-Ouaraz, Rachel Spencer.

2. Team Alpilles: David Bouclier, William Prestise, Aurelian Crochon, and Dr. Eva Marquard.

3. Saïd Ait-Ouaraz.

4. Alexandre Rata.

5. Rafik Bougadou and Gus Larossa discover La Serena.

6. A festive luncheon at La Serena.

7. Sculpture at the St. Tropez Polo Club.

8. Gordon Ross.

9. Rafik Bougadou moves in on Gus Larossa.

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torrent of Provençal French. I fathomed something uncouth about blundering tourists. Oh Lordy, I was blocking the pitch.

Mortified, I legged it.

We strolled off the square and entered a maze of picturesque lanes. The streets wound to the harbor, where a fleet of white yachts, gleaming gems in the sunlight, rocked gently at their moorings. One behemoth overshadowed the more modest tubs, demonstrating its superiority via the helicopter perched on the deck. A tanned young sailor in whites, balanced in a dinghy, was washing the side of an already pristine vessel.

Across from the yachts, a rank of sidewalk cafes tempted. Time for some refreshment with a prime view of the toothsome swabby. Then decency intruded, as I spotted a sign: harbor tour, only six euros, with a free beer.

“Let’s go for a boat ride!”

Instant assent was given, then all aboard. The little red boat’s deck was lined with stout wooden benches. A teenage waitress handed out drinks­—perhaps this is legal under the law of the sea. Sunlight danced on the water, wiping away thoughts of the cool autumn Stateside.

The boat accelerated, and I lifted my face to the breeze. “Keep your seagoing fivestar hotel and helicopter, pal,” I sniffed.

“We are one with the sea.” Rachel, Sara, and Chip, accustomed to my affinity for

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melodrama, rolled their eyes simultaneously.

The captain narrated the tour, alternately speaking French and English.

We saw mega-million-Euro villas that concealed St. Tropez’s celebrity denizens.

I saw Brigitte Bardot’s pile, the dreamy palace of a fantasy goddess. St. Tropez was a rustic fishing village when she arrived with husband/director Roger Vadim to film And God Created Woman.

Her instant stardom became St. Tropez’s, making it the place for fame-seekers stylish and chic, talented and glamorous, even salacious and infamous.

On Bardot’s 83rd birthday, the town revealed a bronze statue in her image. It stands before the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma. She sits on a scallop shell just as God made her, knees drawn up for modesty. She looks heavenly, if not quite saintly.

A quick lunch of croque monsieur and café crème (three cups), and thus fed and animated with caffeine, we charged off to our goal: the St. Tropez Polo Club.

I’ve seen lots of nice polo clubs. I’ve been to Guards to see Her Majesty present the Cartier Cup. I’ve seen Cowdray Park, and of course, Wellington’s IPC. Yet this was a dream. A pool shimmered in the sunshine next to a verdant grass tennis court. We filed into the lobby, posed for a group photo, and then passed into a gym—hardly my preferred habitat. Beyond a glass wall was the polo field; inside, ranks of clanking machines intimidated the unfit. Yet this gym was all business. ‘Polo Players at Work;’ take your Zumba class elsewhere.

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ext door was the clubhouse and a field of bright green velvet. It made me want to lie down and roll like a freshly groomed horse.

Sofas beckoned from the clubhouse terrace, and roses bloomed along the rails. The bar was comfortingly close, and dining tables teased with the promise of our evening festivities.

The inimitable Mariano Darritchon, the Argentine professional who had arranged our visit, herded us over to the practice field, a short drive from the club.

Mariano had assigned the players their horses, and a bay gelding named Tomaso was tacked up and waiting for me. Call me eccentric, but I always take a second

to introduce myself to my mount. Tomaso eyed me suspiciously. He’s French; perhaps failing to kiss him was a faux pas.

Social niceties completed, I heaved myself up in the saddle. Beyond the far end of the field, a Ferris wheel reared to the sky. An amusement park by a polo field? A clear invitation for an epic spook.

Tomaso stepped over the boards and ambled toward center field. I gave him some leg, but he played stubborn. I tried with more vigor; he continued to slowpoke. Third time’s a charm, thinks I. Tomaso flicked a fly with his tail. Now I was getting steamed.

All over the field, my friends were cantering, sending balls whipping toward the goal. Chip raced by: “GIVE HIM SOME LEG.” I gave what I thought was leg. Juan, another Argentine pro, rode up to me. “You’ve got to kick him. Hard.” I flailed like a three-year-old having a tantrum. Tomaos stopped dead.

“HARDER,”Juan said again. His expression floated somewhere between disgust and pity. I knew who he wanted to kick, and the targeted backside was not equine.

In Tomaso’s mind, a canter was out; even a trot seemed a long shot. Putting on my brave face, I decided to practice a few nearside shots. Try those at a continued on page 88 JA NUA RY/FE B RUA RY | 20 2 2 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 5

SOLE

EDAD

BY STEPHANIE PETERS PHOTOS GEORGE KAMPER

SOLEDAD O’BRIEN, THE AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST, WRITER, AND PRODUCER WAXES POETIC ABOUT HORSES.

Soledad with the family’s two rescues Teddy and Coco.

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Both pages: The Franklin, Tennessee, home of Christian’s parents, Agneta and Brownlee Currey.

At right, a portrait of Robert Brownlee Currey, the first mayor of Nashville. Lower left, Agneta Currey.

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D

uring a brief interviewscheduling call, Soledad O’Brien casually mentions, “In the television business, eight o’clock means eight zero zero.” Copy that. Be punctual. Despite arriving at eight zero two, Soledad greeted our team with a coffee in one hand, a hearty handshake in the other, and a smile that defied the soggy, chilly day.

We had a lot to accomplish in a short timeframe—something Soledad has mastered and perfected over the course of her career.

As a broadcast journalist and executive producer for major networks including NBC and MSNBC, CNN, HBO, and PBS, O’Brien’s accomplishments accrued an astonishing list of honors and accolades, ranging from Peabodys to Emmys. She is currently the host of “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” a

Opposite: The spacious, light-flooded living spaces are accented with a global mix of art. This page: A collection of objets d’art is displayed atop an antique lithographer’s table; the exterior of the circa 1940s house.

nationally syndicated talk show produced by Hearst Television. A graduate of Harvard University with a literature degree, she has tackled countless social issues and advocated for people from diverse minority backgrounds who face challenges of inequity.

She brought the issues to the fore through her “Black in America” and “Latino in America” CNN documentary series, and as CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions, she continues to produce empowering stories that inspire discussion and generate change.

During the pandemic shutdown, Soledad, her husband Bradford (Brad) Raymond, the head of investment banking for Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, and their four children, Sofia (21), Cecilia (19), and twin boys, Jackson and Charlie (17), temporarily moved from their Chelsea residence in New York City and JA NUA RY/FE B RUA RY | 20 2 2 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 3 9

The open floorplan, vaulted ceilings, and neutral palette serve as an ideal backdrop to showcase the large-scale paintings, sculptures, and unique objects Soledad has collected on her worldwide travels—from Cuba, Bali, the Congo, and beyond.

S O L E D A D encamped at their weekend home in Dutchess County, New York. Rounding out the household are two rescue puppies, Teddy and Coco, and a skittish, senior cat who quietly ambled by from time to time.

A WE LC O MI N G R E T R E AT

Soledad and Brad wanted a getaway within 90 minutes of the city that would satisfy their individual preferences for a rural and suburban environment. “Most of the surrounding properties were farms,” notes Soledad as she gestures out at the rolling green expanse behind the house. Although built in the 1940s, the house has a decidedly open loft feel. The residence has had several owners who modified the structure over the years, yielding a spacious layout idyllic for a decent-sized family.

The home is relaxed and inviting with muted tones and a striking art collection that reflects a life of world travel, with pieces acquired in distant locations, including the Congo and Bali. Subtle nods to an affinity for horses—equine sculptures on the mantel, a red rocking horse in the studio, and other strategically positioned objets d’art confirm the lesser-known fact about Soledad. The award-winning journalist is crazy about horses.

Tantamount to her determination and commitment to excel in her journalistic endeavors is her unwavering desire to spend time with her horses and become a better rider.

Soledad started riding when she was 13 years old and took lessons at the Harry deLeyer farm. It was famous for “Harry and Snowman,” the true “Cinderella” story of a Dutch immigrant and his rescued Amish plow horse that won the Triple

Crown of show jumping. “Harry’s horse, Snowman, was in the front paddock, but I didn’t ride him. He was probably 30 years old by then. There must have been 10 people in the group lesson in a giant indoor ring, and we would all hop on a horse. It’s so funny as I look back now. What were my parents thinking?” laughs Soledad. “They didn’t come to the farm again. They just said, ‘go ahead. It sounds like fun.’ And it was. It made me love riding, and I was absolutely bitten.”

Soledad started mucking stalls so she could pay for more lessons. “With five brothers and sisters, my parents were not going to pay for expensive lessons.

And $20 a lesson was considered expensive at the time,” admits Soledad. “I think I got paid $35 a week, and I had to spend $20 of it on a lesson. So, I brought home $15 a week. I loved mucking stalls and working with the animals. It was a great experience, and it’s one of the reasons why when my daughters Sofia and Cecilia decided they wanted to ride, I was all for it.”

Like so many young riders, findSoledad with Coco. ing time to ride and having close access to horses became increasingly difficult while Soledad was in college and launching her career. She quit for a long time. With the schedule and travel demands of television anchoring and producing, at times working the 2:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. time slot, she laments, “I just couldn’t do it.”

Comparable to the successful CEO who started in the mailroom, Soledad’s first job in media as a production assistant at WBZ-TV in Boston entailed getting people coffee, answering phones, and running scripts. “I was also supposed to remove staples from the bulletin board that were left behind after people JA NUA RY/FE B RUA RY | 20 2 2 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 4 1

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S O L E D A D ripped off the papers,” muses Soledad. “My parents, who spent all this money to send me to Harvard, were like, ‘I’m sorry, you do what’?” In actuality, the more significant part of her job was getting the show on the air, and she loved it.

Her career took an upward trajectory from there. She went to NBC to be a researcher and associate producer and eventually became a producer. A reporting role followed in San Francisco, and after a few years, she assumed an anchor position at the same station.

She returned to NBC in New York City to anchor the weekend “Today” show, and after 16 years with the network, she moved to CNN, where she honed her craft for another 10 years. “That was the first time I could get a horse,” Soledad explains. “I had a job, I had regular hours with weekends off, and I could afford it.”

NORTH SALEM , NEW YORK

To advance their riding levels, she and her daughter Sofia started training with Lainie Wimberly at Brigadoon Show Stables and Stony Creek Horse Farm in North Salem, New York. Lainie’s lifetime riding accolades parallel Soledad’s journalistic accomplishments, having won revered championships at most of the premier horse-show events.

It appears to be a successful partnership for Soledad, who admits to being a goaloriented, albeit nervous, rider. “Lainie wouldn’t ask me to do something I can’t do, but she will ask me to do something she’s well aware that I can do,” Soledad continues. “She has to know whether or not you want to get to a certain level. She has to know what you are mutually aiming for. It’s not just doing lessons; it’s about setting goals. She has ltimately, so much great advice a more and so much great accomexpertise.” modating Soledad draws analowork gies between Lainie’s schedule approaches to navigatpaired with her 4-and ing a jumping course 5-year-old daughters’ and the TV business. interest in riding got “When I was doing my her back in the saddle. first horse show, one of “I would ride with the the things Lainie was girls on Saturdays, but they just became much better saying was ‘once you’re done with the fence, you Opposite: Soledad at faster than I did. As a parent, you’re watching your Stony Creek Horse Farm have to be done with that fence.’ And I thought, kids riding, and your head is elsewhere, which is not oh, I can do that because TV news is very much like with Krispin, her Italian Warmblood. Above: optimal,” admits Soledad. that; let it go and move on. It might have been a Taking a quick ride on In the last couple of years, she has carved out the great show or a terrible show; it was over, and you her daughter’s horse, time and taken her riding more seriously. “My hushad to start from zero the next day.”

Baron Von Der 1 (Rex), at band is not really a fan of horses,” Soledad shares. “I Sofia, who also continues to train with Lainie has Brigadoon Show Stables. don’t think he has any interest in horses, but I think advanced considerably in the jumpers and will comhe is a big believer in that if there’s something you love, and pete at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, in 2022. it’s your thing, go for it. Go do it. For him, it’s tennis. For me, it’s riding.”

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S O L E D A D The family, puppies, and a few horses will head South this “For me, the more people you can get invested in your winter. Soledad takes lessons with Ki Juan Minors and does sport, the better, whether they’re watching at home or comdressage work with him. “I found that when I was anxious, peting at the highest levels. There are barriers to entry at the doing dressage was great.” She thinks understanding the highest levels. It’s super expensive, and the horses are amazing mechanics and nuances of your movements helps nervous ridathletes themselves, but there are so many inroads for people ers understand the cause and effects. “He’s also the king of no who are never going to compete at high levels. I think in the stirrups, and at the end of the season, you have a solid core,” aftermath of all of that has been intentionality. And I do think she laughs. if you want to open up a sport, you have to be very intentional Soledad purchased her current horse, Krispin, an Italian about it. You just need to tell people ‘this is for you. Maybe warmblood, in June of 2020. you don’t think it’s for you.

“I got better at figuring out But this is for you.’ You have what I needed and what was a to make them feel that it’s good fit. My goal was to jump. inclusive.”

He’s sweet, patient, and a great Let’s make sure we’re nurhorse for me,” smiles Soledad. turing the love of something “Nothing phases him.” or at least something that they Earlier in her family’s ridwant to try. We can make sure ing pursuits, they adopted that they get an opportunity to two horses from the Akindale try it. And I think for that you Thoroughbred Rescue in must be intentional. There are Dutchess County. One was great plenty of people in riding today from the get-go, and the other who were not to the manor was a little skittish and made it born.” hard for novice riders. If a horse ligned with doesn’t work out, the rescue Soledad’s miswill take them back and rehome sion to help them. those who Soledad has supported struggle with Akindale Thoroughbred’s work emotional and and has hosted panels and financial challenges achieve interviews on their behalf. “It’s success, she and her husband expensive, and it’s a lot of work initiated the PowHERful to care for those horses,” she Foundation. The foundation explains. “I think they’ve done a Opposite, clockmentors low-income collegereally good job in rescuing and wise: Soledad with aged girls—providing emotional and financial making sure that they have a whole social media Krispin, who she purpresence. These are horses that can be ridden and chased in 2020; Soledad support as they enter and go through college. The with Lydia Sarro (top) foundation strives to motivate students to excel in should go to new homes. So, we’ve always been very owner of Stony Creek college, recognizing that education is paramount to happy to support them.”

Horse Farm and Sam success and a happy life.

Colt, Stony Creek’s B RE A K I N G DOW N B A R R I E R S Soledad has no plans of slowing down any time barn manager; Soledad’s Not averse to addressing the ongoing diversity and soon. She is impassioned by so many causes—around trainer and head trainer at Brigadoon inclusiveness discussions surrounding equestrian the globe and across the street. She’s got content to Show Stables, Lainie sport, Soledad comments, “I think some of the produce, horses to ride, and fences to clear.

Wimberly; Soledad conversations that have happened have been tough, We covered a lot of topics and terrain in our on Baron Von Der 1 right? Honestly, discussions about race in America allotted time for the interview. Undoubtedly, (Rex). Above: Kate Abajian, Lainie’s assistant, Soledad’s seasoned efficiency helped us wrap up the are hard. They’re awkward; they’re uncomfortable; with “Tux” The Tuxedo they’re difficult but necessary. details with minutes to spare.

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Pomeranian.

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H VO L S V Ö L L U R , I C E L A N D Though most travelers opt for a sunny beach vacation as winter drags on, let the following list of destinations persuade you to embrace the season and cozy up to one of these snowy getaways.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. ICELAND

xperience an authentic Icelandic horse farm at Efri-Úlfsstaðir, a working family farm on the south coast of Iceland with over 600 acres of beautiful fields and a salmon river.

Hörður Bender, or “Mr. Iceland,” keeps 60 horses available for retreats, which include a trail ride along the river and to the country’s largest black beach, followed by an authentic, locally made dinner. Enjoy an evening viewing the northern lights at 360 Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel about 35 miles west.

BERKSHIRES, MASSACHUSETTS

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stay at the peaceful and secluded Wheatleigh in Lenox, Mass., is the perfect snowy New England escape. One of the smallest Leading Hotels of the World, Wheatleigh has just 19 guest rooms and suites that are understated, yet artfully designed. Wintertime in the Berkshires offers crosscountry and downhill skiing, horseback riding in the snow, ice skating, and much more.

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S T. M O R I T Z , S W I T Z E R L A N D

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PHOTOS THIS PAGE ANDY METTLER

fter a year without the unique, exclusive, and top-class competition, noble Thoroughbreds will once again gallop across Lake St. Moritz at White Turf 2022. The spectacular event is characterized by gourmet catering, lively music, and inspiring art exhibitions, all taking place in winter sunshine on the frozen lake, surrounded by the stunning, snow-capped mountains of St. Moritz. With glamour and excitement, the race brings out a lively mix of spectators and competitors.

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L A K E P L A C I D, N E W YO R K

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n AA Four Diamondrated resort on the Lake Placid lakefront, Whiteface Lodge offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing at Whiteface Mountain, which was home of the alpine events at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The lodge has amenities such as a 56-seat movie theater, bowling alley, fishing pond, and daily campfires with s’mores.

The area also offers dog sled rides, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, as well as ample opportunities for horseback riding.

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L A K E L O U I S E , C A N A DA

Sleigh riding at Lake Louise is a Christmas card brought to life. Offered by Brewster Adventures, the sleigh ride follows a trail along the banks of Lake Louise, beneath Victoria Glacier. The traditionally styled sleighs feature cozy upholstered seats and blankets to keep you warm as you enjoy the views of the Ice Falls at the end of the lake in the afternoon or the nightime glow of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which opened in 1890.

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G E I L O , N O R W AY

PAUL LOCKHART

This ski resort town between Oslo and Bergen sits half a mile above sea level, and is known for its luxurious holiday cabins and resorts. With several mountains to ski, as well as many other winter activities, such as sleigh rides, snowshoeing, night fishing, and husky sledding, the charming and historic town draws visitors from around the world. The Geilo Mountain Lodge was built in 1917 as a two-story log house and later rebuilt into a guest house that today offers modern Nordic luxury.

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CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102 G

SEE PREVIOUS WINTER DESTINATIONS: eqliving.com/winter-201516

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DESIGN MASTER CLASS

LEARN FROM A M E R I C A’ S PREMIER DESIGNER S

Des

Spark your imagination with this portfolio of beautiful homes and stables—from modern to traditional, from

PHOTO: JANA BANNAN FOR B&D BARNS.

small barns with just three stalls to large facilities, and from New Jersey to California wine country.

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EQ D E S I G N

AN UNFORGETTABLE BARN HOME

WYE RIVER BARN HOUSE Location: Queenstown, Maryland Architect: Kimmel Studios Builder: Lynbrook of Annapolis

PHOTOS JENNIFER HUGHES AND PETE ALBERT

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iver views and sunshine in this twobedroom home are maximized through careful solar and wind studies, and the home is firmly based on the local vernacular. The contours of the barn evoke the architectural language of the rural area and the river-adjacent side features expansive windows, creating an entire glass wall. This transparent wall blends indoor and outdoor rooms while framing the views of the river. The location also ensures the preservation of existing trees while promoting additional native plantings and shoreline restoration. The owners envisioned an environmentally sensitive guesthouse to be enjoyed by their extended family and young children.

They desired a contextually sensitive home that would simultaneously maximize views of the river.

Founded in 1707, Queenstown is located next to one of the many tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Its history is characterized by its two-fold connection to the bay and agrarian traditions. Agricultural production has been a historic nucleus to the region from the time of the first colonial settlements on the Eastern Shore. This agricultural backbone is still evident through farmhouses, barns, and active crop fields peppered throughout the area.

A carefully crafted floor plan blends the indoors with the outdoors; a shaded outdoor porch extends living and dining across a large expanse of the main level. This outdoor room relates to the central indoor gathering space of the house, composed of the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Both inside and out, these gathering spaces offer direct access to panoramic views of the Wye River. The second floor is accessed by a custom spiral staircase in a silo adjacent to the living room. The stairs lead to sleeping quarters on the loft, one of which has custom-designed triplebunk beds. A dialogue with Chesapeake tidewater vernacular tradition inspired the vertical wood cladding, the silo wrapped in corrugated steel, and the two-story barn doors on the gable end. While the house evokes history and tradition, it offers a future path forward for the ever-evolving design vocabulary of the Chesapeake Bay region.

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BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER

DESIGNING SMALL BARNS

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mall horse barns are usually created so owners can bring their horses home, and since most have a sole caretaker, labor-saving design considerations are important.

Some choices include a loft with drops for hay and bedding, hinged feed doors on stall fronts, and automatic waterers. Stall mattresses (because they greatly reduce bedding needs) are tremendous labor savers and provide cushioned comfort for the horses. Stalls are cleaned more quickly, and the waste disposal volume is greatly reduced.

About lofts—hay from dealers is well cured, so spontaneous combustion is not an issue, but owners who bring hay directly from the field should plan for separate hay storage.

Primary design consideration must always be to provide comfort and safety for the horses. Stalls should be very solidly built and provide good floor space. Stall cameras allow monitoring from anywhere, and a fire detection system provides early warning. Windowed Dutch doors contribute more natural light and ventilation, and in an emergency, they will allow the horses to be quickly evacuated without entering the barn.

Few things are more important to a horse’s well-being than good lighting and ventilation. How the barn is constructed will determine whether it will have adequate air movement and air exchange and the overall design will determine the amount of natural light.

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Large aisle doors with windows, stall fans, and a venting cupola will all contribute to a healthier environment.

The electrical system is central to safety because nearly all barn fires are electrical in origin. The installation must be appropriately sized to prevent overloading, include GFI receptacles, and have arc-fault protection. Electrical wiring needs to be horse- and rodent-proof; all fans and fixtures must be rated for agricultural use because those intended for residential or commercial climate-controlled areas can be a fire hazard.

Site the barn with consideration for prevailing winds, sun exposure, and proximity to turn-out. When excavating the site, elevate the barn pad so it will not flood during heavy rains, and install a curtain drain to take water away from the building.

The drain system will also take run-off from the roof gutters; with a little planning, this resource can be reclaimed and used for a variety of needs.

Whether your horses are for pleasure riding, showing, breeding, companionship, or a combination, their living environment plays an important role in their well-being, their performance and their longevity. The decisions you make when planning and building their new home will determine how well it functions.

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Location: Virginia Builder: King Construction

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he owner of this exceptional small barn wanted a multi-function building with fine horse facilities and additional space for family gatherings and entertaining.

The footprint is 36 by 60 feet with a front gable that creates additional space for the 16-by-22-feet climatecontrolled wine cellar inside the center entry and a staircase that leads to a spacious and well-appointed lounge.

The fully finished interior of the barn provides both convenience and comfort, featuring four spacious European stalls, each with a stall mattress, automatic waterer, stall fan, and windowed Dutch door with yoked gate. The large tack room has a half bath; there is a laundry room, a grain room with custom bin, a hay and shavings room, and a blanket closet.

The exterior architectural details include porches, dormers, pentice roofs, and a large custom cupola. The siding is a combination of Hardi-board-and-batten siding and stone, and the roofing combines Continued on page 58 cedar shakes with metal standing seam.

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BITTEN BY A ZEBRA PHOTOGRAPHY

ith its blend of a stone gable and stone walls, stucco, and cedar clapboard siding, this charming barn would be equally at home in the English countryside. The design planned for a future apartment on the second floor, accessed by its own entry. The footprint is 36 by 36 feet, with the attached mudroom entry and stairwell space of 8 by 22 feet.

The fully finished barn interior includes three horse stalls with full mats, hay drops, automatic waterers, stall fans, and windowed Dutch doors with yoked guards. There is a wash stall, tack room, and a grain room with a built-in feed bin.

The exterior architectural features include six custom-made Spanish cedar doors and gates, cedar shake roofing, three windowed dormers, and a venting cupola.

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Location: New Jersey Builder: King Construction

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epurposing an existing building for horses can be challenging, but this completely redesigned former garage (24 by 36 feet) has been reborn as a light and airy horse barn with true curb appeal.

The barn interior is fully finished, with two mahogany-fronted European stalls, a wash stall with rubber footing, a mahogany-lined tack room, and a full loft with hay drops. The stalls have automatic waterers, stall fans, matted floors, and Dutch doors with windows and yoked gates. The center aisle has rubber brick pavers.

Porches were added front and back; the loft is accessed via a staircase with custom railings. New cedar siding, cedar shake roofing, a cupola, custom windows, and custom-made Spanish cedar carriage doors completed the transformation.

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CODY WORTMANN | TIMBERLYNE

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A BARN WITH HORSE(POWER)

THE HEMI HIDEOUT Location: Houston, Texas Builder: Timberlyne Group

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he Hemi Hideout outside of Houston, Texas, is one of the most spectacular timber frames in North America. John Hovas partnered with Timberlyne (formerly Sand Creek Post & Beam and Texas Timber Frames) to design and install the 21,000-square-foot frame. The Douglas fir structure is over 50 feet tall and features all mortise and tenon joinery. Thanks to the use of SIPs (structural insulated panels) on the roof and walls, and a geothermal heating and air-conditioning system, the building is surprisingly energy efficient.

Hovas always had a love for Mopars and the Hemi Hideout was a dream come true. It houses over 20 of the most desirable Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars, along with over 600 porcelain and neon signs and collectible motorcycles, tractors, and memorabilia. What started as a personal collection has turned into a venue that can be toured or rented for special events. There is also a 1950s-style diner, soda fountain, and state-of-the-art kitchen.

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AESTHETICS AND AMENITIES

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN Location: Wayne, Pennsylvania Builder: B&D Builders Architect: Neil K. Johnson Architects

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he owners of this Wayne, Pennsylvania, estate wanted to create the perfect equine space, blending traditional aesthetics with the modern amenities they (and their horses) deserve. For the horses, the stable space and custom stalls that serve as their home are outfitted with rich, warm, wood tones and exquisite metalwork that is both beautiful and durable.

Exterior Dutch windows allow the horses to access fresh air and mental stimulation, which is especially important on days when they are stabled for long periods.

Custom double doors complement the horse barn’s traditional design and create an inviting grand entrance for all who enter. A fully stocked tack room boasts plenty of organization, as well as a sink and laundry area for the owners to keep things clean and tidy. Black counters, storage spaces, and fixtures provide a dramatic contrast to the surrounding stone and wood walls.

The heart of the barn features sky-high ceilings and a loft used to store hay and supplies. Windows lining the loft’s catwalk deliver uninterrupted views overlooking the property and allow natural light to pour in.

The result is a light, airy space with welcoming timber tones and custom details that offer the utmost comfort to the owners and horses alike.

Continuedon page 64

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JANA BANNAN

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JANA BANNAN

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN Wayne, Pennsylvania Continued from page 62

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PHOTOS: DANIEL NEWCOMB

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THE FIRST TROPICAL MODERN EQUESTRIAN ESTATE IN WELLINGTON

A NEW MODERN ERA Location: Wellington, Florida Architect: Annie Carruthers/In-Site Design Group Builder: W Development

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n 2019, Annie Carruthers’s clients, Paul and Marie Studd, had the foresight to embark on a contemporary vision for their new equestrian estate. “We began with discussing basic objectives,” Carruthers says. “The style needed to be impactful and warm. The spaces needed to be functional, open, and infused with organic materials.” Carruthers created a linear open stable with horizontal roof lines emphasized by dark metal veneers, reminiscent of California coastal styles. The intersecting stone walls resonate in both the stables and the home and create a statement that is unapologetically modern. A serene lake embraces the site and echoes indoor and outdoor spaces. Framing the views of the lake and riding arena are walls of floor-to-ceiling glass.

Wood ceilings, organic accents, and exterior veneers alongside the tropical landscape enhance the organic feel of the clean lines.

“Building the first tropical modern equestrian estate in Wellington, Florida, might have had some risks, but others will be forthcoming, adding to the city’s diverse architectural styles,” says Carruthers. “Several more contemporary projects are in the design stage and scheduled to begin construction in 2022, ushering in a modern era for Wellington.”

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

Continued on page 68

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A NEW MODERN ERA Wellington, Florida Continued from page 66

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A TIMELESS LANDSCAPE

MODERN BARN HOUSE Location: Roxbury, Connecticut Landscape Design: Janice Parker Landscape Architects

NEIL LANDINO, JR.

Architect: Edward Sunderland

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he 10-acre site, a large and lovely, gently rolling piece of rural countryside, had been a farm with a house, barns, fields, woodlands, and the remains of a fruit orchard.

The design intent was to take a simplistic barn house, and with clarity and vision, work it into a timeless structure, completely in tune with the client’s values. The client requested a large pool and a rustic yet elegant and finely detailed landscape.

The new 80-foot infinity-edge pool was designed for lap swimming and spa use. The masonry at the pool was planned to be simple and rustic. An outdoor shower was created from local fieldstone with windows that expose a view into the fields beyond.

Before being seeded for haying, the farm fields were reinvigorated by adding more topsoil and amendments. An old split-rail fence that divided the property into small sections was removed, and paths were mowed through the newly joined fields. An old pond at the low point of the land—between the fields and the woodland—was dredged and replanted.

Privacy plantings were added along the road and wrapped around to the front of the old house.

This road is a historic travel route, lined with old

and declining sugar maples that were augmented with new rows placed the traditional 35 feet apart. Janice and her team added two old-specimen Malus sargentii—Sargent crab apples at the barn entrance. These trees are full of character and very hardy. All of the clumped and ornamental plantings around the house were removed, and simple grass was used. Corten steel planters were made for herbs and annual plants, placed in hidden corners away from the main view from the house and terraces. The steel planters continue to weather and add patina as well as a sharp and disciplined edge to the exuberant herbs and flowers.

The plantings are in tight, massed areas, but there is a subtle interplay of foliage form and textures, with consistent flower color. You have to look closely to see the purposeful and symmetrical planting among the grassy fields when you are on the property.

Color appears in singular forms—in furniture, paint, and sky. Starting a new fruit orchard was a respectful way to reveal the farmers’ historical shaping of the land, using grids and geometry, with the addition of graceful arcs.

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A HOME FOR HORSES AND RESCUES IN WINE COUNTRY

A SONOMA COUNTY DESIGN Location: Geyserville, Caifornia Architect: Blackburn Architects

BY NANCY WHITE

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n Geyserville, California, rescue goats, donkeys, and horses are afforded blissful sanctuary at this unique private estate.

Clustered in small herds, the animals graze in the sunshine, nursed to well-being by the light, the olive-scented breezes, and the overall tranquility. Wild pastures of native grasses and rustic split rail fencing complement the property.

Land to the east, south, and west is planted in vines. Francis Ford Coppola owns a vineyard nearby; others scattered about are too numerous to name.

In 2006, the owners hired Blackburn Architects to master plan their wonderful property. Eventually, Blackburn’s design became a courtyard barn complex for clients intent on

having an elegant country residence in keeping with the local vernacular. They wanted their property to blend with naturally weathered agricultural buildings synonymous with the area.

Over 14 well-used years, the buildings have weathered and mellowed into a perfect visual representation of the spirit of California’s Wine Country way of life.

Blackburn’s design—arranged around a central open space—allows its four-legged inhabitants free range when possible. Wide overhangs cover the stone walkways to keep every element of the facility as open, casual, and healthy as possible.

There are six 12- by 12-foot horse stalls, hay and bedding storage plus additional covered parking. The complex includes stalls or pens for

additional rescue animals, but these are rarely used. The owner prefers that the animals live outside as much as possible. Building materials include CMU (concrete masonry units) in the wash stall areas. Stone walls and walkways complement the tactile aesthetic. The roofing is corrugated metal over rigid insulation and plywood sheathing.

There were elements of Blackburn’s original design that never came to fruition (the Great Recession timing brought an end to construction), including a second-floor loft apartment, and an 80- by 180-foot covered arena with an observation area, which was to be built along one side of the courtyard. Continued on page 74 CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

PHOTOS: CHAD JACKSON

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SONOMA COUNTY DESIGN Geyserville, California Continued from page 73

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JOHN BLACKBURN’S SECOND PROJECT

RUTLEDGE FARM Location: Middleburg, Virginia Architect: Blackburn Architects (in 1984)

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estled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 113-acre Rutledge Farm is aptly situated in the heart of horse country in Middleburg, Virginia. Following a rich colonial past, with the original house dating back to 1740, beloved Washington D.C. developer and philanthropist Hermen Greenberg took over Rutledge Farm in 1984 with his mind set on turning it into a premier breeding facility to raise award-winning Thoroughbreds.

Commissioned as Blackburn Architects’ second project, the vision for Rutledge Farm was clear—blend the storied past of the existing buildings with new structures that fit right into the fold. Known as Smith Blackburn Architects in the 1980s, partners Robert Smith and John Blackburn brought Greenberg’s ideas to life through restoring the original stone house as well as building

a carriage house and new barns for the horses.

“The design for Rutledge Farm picked up on the existing architecture of the property, but also the architecture of Middleburg.

It’s a distinctive look,” Blackburn mused.

“Hermen [Greenberg] wanted the barns to be smaller and simpler, not over the top, but he wanted it to blend with Middleburg.

I think that hit the nail on the head for us. That was our approach to design and still is to this day, to fit the project to the environment and context.”

He added, “Our method of lighting and ventilating barns naturally was applied at Rutledge Farm, and it worked. If you go look at Rutledge Farm today, the white colors on the inside of the barn just bring so much reflective light into the building.”

After Greenberg passed away in 2010, his son Aleco Bravo-Greenberg took over the property to maintain and modernize his family’s beloved farm. Bravo-Greenberg brought Rutledge Farm into the 21st century, developing it into one of Virginia’s leading hunter/jumper training facilities.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he restored the polo field, added an all-weather outdoor riding arena and derby field, completely redid the indoor riding arena, and rehabbed all of the barns. Blackburn said, “Aleco has maintained it and developed the property, and I think he has done an excellent job of stewardship for the farm. It is a showcase; it’s beautiful.”

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

As he steps into the next phase of his life with his wife Sandra and son Maverick Preston James, Bravo-Greenberg proudly offers Rutledge Farm for sale. Info page 102

SEE PREVIOUS DESIGN FEATURES: eqliving.com/jan-feb-2021 | eqliving.com/decemberjanuary-2019-20 |

eqliving.com/decemberjanuary-2018-19 | eqliving.com/decemberjanuary-2017-18 | eqliving.com/summer-2013 JA NUA RY/FE B RUA RY | 20 2 2 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 7 5

PHOTOGRAPHER

RAPHAEL MACEK FOCUSES ON AN ARTISTIC VISION OF HORSES.

AN INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE PETERS 76 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

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“MY IMAGES ARE NOT ONLY FOR THE HORSE COMMUNITY, BUT FOR PEOPLE WHO ADMIRE THIS MAJESTIC ANIMAL.”

Artist Bio In 2007, Raphael Macek earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in New York City. In the years that followed, he published work in Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the U.S. Over the course of his career, Macek has become known for his unique ability to capture the beauty of animal subjects, conveying their emotions and essence. Horses of different breeds have served as his models. His work has been recognized worldwide in important art exhibitions, art fairs, private showings, and publications.

Today, Raphael Macek is at home around the world. He is dedicating himself to his own projects. His ongoing mission is to show animals in all their splendor—horses, in particular, representing his true passion.

What led you to horses as primary subjects for your photos?

I’ve lived surrounded by horses on my family’s farm since my childhood, and this proximity to horses created a special relationship of respect and admiration. When I started to take photographs, it was natural for me to choose them as my models. My mantra, “Interaction without interference,” exemplifies how calmness, dedication, and patience play key roles in my approach. Horses are one of the most important animals in human history. It wouldn’t have been possible to develop our society as it is today without horses. So, for me, presenting them in the best way possible is a matter of gratitude and acknowledgment.

Why do you think your large-scale equestrian images prominent in home décor have such appeal to an audience beyond those of equestrians?

I’m in a very happy stage of my career, working with art galleries, art fairs, and collectors worldwide. We have many partnerships with architects and interior designers who present my images to their clients and exhibit my work together with masterpiece decorations. It’s interesting because I normally sell a lot to people who don’t have horses. My images are not only for the horse community but for people who admire this majestic animal—even without day-to-day contact with horses.

I believe now more than ever that the world’s situation emphasizes how important it is to preserve our environment and how great it is to have a little bit of that inside of their houses in 78 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

the form of art. Through my 17 years of working professionally, I was invited to exhibit in countries like the U.S., Germany, Belgium, Italy, Dubai, Brazil, France, Turkey, Morocco, and more. Every place has a special memory in my life, and that inspired me to create a different series of images based on the culture of these countries.

Do you think the appeal is an emotional reaction or more of a visual response?

Capturing emotions is my first priority in photography. I’m always trying to bring the same feeling I have at the moment of the shoot to the spectator. I arrive at every photoshoot focused, passionate, and dedicated to honoring this fantastic animal who deserves all of my love and passion. I think that is the secret of a good photographer. Producing beautiful images is not difficult to do if you study and are dedicated, but a photographer who can feel the emotions of the animals and can convey that through the images is an emotional photographer, and I’m happy to be one of them.

Do you envision the impact your photos will have in an interior environment when you compose an image, or is that a secondary consideration?

When I go to photograph a horse, I usually have an idea in my mind of what I want to capture and what kind of emotions I want to evoke. But horses are unpredictable, and they can surprise you during the photoshoot. I think that’s one of the most exciting parts of being an animal photographer. As I mentioned, we work with different cultures that influence the kind of décor where my artwork will be displayed, so the primary focus is to create an emotional and compelling image. Each image will have a different feeling depending on the environment where it will be displayed.

Have you become fond of a particular breed? Are there specific equine statures or physical traits that inspire you?

I went to so many countries with different kinds of cultures, looking for the most beautiful animals and landscapes to compose my images. My love for horses does not pertain to a specific continued on page 82

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continued from page 78

breed. For me, a wild horse is as beautiful as a super champion Arabian horse. They just present different kinds of beauty to explore with innovative approaches. I always try to bring different types of horses with unique characteristics to my work and focus on an artistic vision rather than the morphological pattern of specific breeds.

the world. My goal with these images is to bring a different feeling and draw the spectator inside of the picture so they can feel the essence of the horse. I look for different angles, unusual at times because I don’t want to present something you’ve already seen. That’s the magic of another person’s experiences in life and how that molds our vision.

As a photographer, what motivates you the most? Is it the subjects or the challenges in capturing them in the most dynamic way?

Do you have a desire to explore photographing subjects other than horses?

While looking at my images, viewers can sense the vital force of a horse and its expressions, which are close to humans’ expressions. The warmth of perfectly balanced light creates shapes and contrast, revealing my heightened sense of aesthetics and ongoing communication with nature. “A good photograph is more than a beautiful picture; it encompasses a wide range of emotions that tell the entire story of a unique moment frozen in time.” I want to feel the horse’s energy even if I’m not in his presence anymore and bring that experience to people around 82 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

My focus now is helping to preserve our wild horses, who, unfortunately, are becoming increasingly rare in the natural environment. I’m producing a new project in association with companies dedicated to protecting these horses. I’m going to donate a portion of the profits from that project to continue the effort to help the wild horses in our world. So, my vision as a photographer now relates much more to using my relationships and networks to make a difference. This is something that really touches me as a person, even more so than only as a professional photographer.

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 102

T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , FA R M S , A N D

RANCHES FROM E Q U E ST R I A N L I V I N G

EQ U E STR IAN EQLiving.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

PRO PERTI ES

GEM TWIST WELLINGTON , FLORIDA PAGE 84

®

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

GEM TWIST Wellington, Florida

| 2016 E Q UE I ANNLLI V I VI NG I N G| |J AN OCUARY TOB ER/ N RUARY OVEMB ER 884 4 | |EQU E SSTTRRI A / FEB 2022

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

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: – 4+ Acres – 20 Stalls – Covered Walker – Commanding 3 Bedroom Owner’s Quarters – Large Arena – Short Hack To WEF

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questrian Perfection! This spectacular 4+ acre 20 stall equestrian compound is just minutes to WEF. Designed by a true equestrian this property has it all. A welcoming 3-bedroom owners’ quarters all with en suite baths, top of the line finishes, commanding views and convenient location are the hallmark of this exquisite property. There is a large 2 bedroom / 2 bath staff quarters with 3+ garage below. The large riding arena is flanked by the paddocks and a covered walker. The oversized arena has premier footing and drainage. Truly a must-see property for the serious equestrian! Asking $11,995,000

DAVID WELLES, P.A. Founding Associate 561.313.9123 dwelles@equestriansir.com wellesproperties.com 12180 South Shore Blvd.

Suite 102 Wellington, FL 33414

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

Wellington, FL

Skara Glen Wellington Offered at $14,650,000

21.4 Acres | 14 Stall Stable | Luxurious Owner's Quarters | 4 Bay Equiptment Garage 9 Acre Bermuda Grass Jump Field | 1/2 Mile Sand Exercise Track | Tennis Pavillion

Consistently Listing and Successfully Selling Wellington.

With over $100 Million in sales in 2021, David Welles continues to lead Wellington’s equestrian property sales represeting both sellers and buyers alike.

David Welles

Global Real Estate Advisor 561.313.9123 dwelles@equestriansir.com

wellesproperties.com

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Wellington, FL

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

Wellington, FL

Cypress Island | Palm Beach Polo Offered at $12,500,000 British West Indies Style Estate Home 10,000 SF | 4 BD Home with Ensuite Baths 3 BD Guest House | Double Lot Incredible Golf Course & Water Views

Palm Beach Point Blvd. | Palm Beach Point East Offered at $3,849,500 5 Acres | 2 Barns | 23 Stalls |132' x 270' Riding Arena GGT footing | 9 Paddocks | 3 BD, 1BA Owner's Quarters

wellesproperties.com

Wellington, FL

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POLO IN ST. TROPEZ The GPL raises a glass to St. Tropez.

continued from page 35

canter and I’d eat dirt for sure, I rationalized.

Gus, Chip’s frighteningly athletic Argentine husband, cantered past and rocketed the ball 40 yards downfield. My embarrassment locked horns with unsaintly envy. Repentantly, I hummed the equestrian’s mantra: it’s never the horse’s fault.

Yet I’m stubborn, you know; I never give in. Even for a horse.

“I’ll be bamboozled if I leave this field without cantering.” I hailed Juan. I knew Tomaso would canter if another horse came up to lead—that’s the horsey mind for you. Juan gave me a break, as did Tomaso, if with little zeal. The canter required strong leg, insistently applied. I squeezed as hard as my near-useless limbs would allow, and to my amazement, the horse cooperated. We drew ahead of Juan. Tomaso had some life in him after all.

Post-practice, we repaired to the clubhouse for an evening of dining and drinks, followed by dancing. Two glasses of champagne dimmed any embarrassment lingering from the polo field.

The buffet helped lift my spirits, too: the menu was Argentine, a staggering variety of grilled steaks, freshly baked meat pies, and a panoply of potatoes.

Empanadas make everything better, I always say.

The only French inflection came at dessert: the regional specialty, Tarte Tropézienne (Ms. Bardot gave the pastry its name). Layers of brioche alternate with generous lashings of cream. I did not stop at one piece.

During dessert, a flash DJ took the floor. Engrossed in my tarte, I was the only GPL member who didn’t leap up to dance. The music pounded, lights

swirled, and the dance floor heaved.

Rafik, a tall Algerian possessed of impeccable style and winning charm, bore down on me. I knew what was coming: he manhandled me onto the dance floor. It was gay fun at first, but when Rafik tried to teach me to twerk, I fled back to my dessert plate.

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aturday dawned with excitement: the first day of the tournament.

The Gay Polo League fielded three teams: Cherry Knoll Farm, Gordon W. Ross ReMax Real Estate, and Passport Magazine. They faced a French team from the Alpilles Polo Club in Saint-Andiol that posed a real threat.

They were playing on their own horses; they knew each other’s style from playing together regularly. Their pro, William Prestise, tall and muscular, was bigger than your average polo player, intimidating as a tank on the polo pitch.

In the first match, Cherry Knoll met Passport Magazine, and Gordon W. Ross ReMax Real Estate faced off against Alpilles Polo Club in the second.

Alpilles unsurprisingly advanced to the final, though ReMax put up a stiff fight.

Cherry Knoll downed Passport, punching their ticket to the final.

A hard-fought polo match demands a good luncheon. We set off for La Serena on the storied Pampelonne Beach. The beach club is true St. Tropez glamour.

We sat at a long table looking over the beach at rows of sun loungers hosting tanned girls in bikinis and fit men in impossibly small trunks.

Near our table, a beautiful couple canoodled. Their shameless passion hardly distracted from the exceptional

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food: we sampled ceviche, rich lobster rolls that Maine would envy, and the piece de resistance, truffle pizza.

Sunday offered another spectacular day, with a stiff breeze and an impossibly azure sky. I sat in the stands with Dr. Scott, whose husband (also named Scott) was playing for Cherry Knoll. We were prepared for the worst. We need not have been. Cherry Knoll beat favorite Alpilles by a tight 5 to 4, with Gus Larossa scoring the winning goal on a penalty in the last 10 seconds.

In the runner-up match, Passport Magazine defeated Gordon ReMax by 3 to 1.

The ceremony awarding Cherry Knoll the tournament trophy ended with the predictable champagne spray, sticky but jolly. A traditional asado, or Argentine barbecue, rounded things out in the clubhouse.

The smell of beef grilling whetted our whistles. The celebratory champagne was Perrier Jouet—only the nicest bubbly will do at St. Tropez Polo Club. Chip told me that 40 bottles of red wine were imbibed, and let’s not discuss how much champagne; heaven forbid we might give an impression of intemperance.

Chip gave the final speech, thanking all involved for an incredible experience.

The wonderful Mariano Darritchon and St. Tropez club manager Julio Zavaleta were solely responsible; they more than made our dreams come true.

It was perfect, the ponies and fields, the pros and the parties, the glistening white sand. Yet it was the gracious hospitality that made the tourney a success. In a city known for excess, our revelry raised no eyebrows, and I’m thrilled to say we’re invited back for another tournament in 2022. I’m hoping that, with considerable practice, I’ll be able to take to the field next year. But you’ve got to be pretty good to play with the GPL. The only downside? I’ll lose my title as the worst polo player in the world.

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

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An excerpt from THE GATES TO BRILLIANCE by six-time Olympian ROBERT DOVER.

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am famous for having absolutely no sense of direction. I can get lost anyplace. There is a show in Paris I’ve been to many times, and I know where the stables are in relation to the hotel where I always stayed. But there is one traffic circle that I always ended up driving around and around, at least eleven or twelve times, trying to figure out which exit would take me to the park where the show is held.

Invariably, I’d take the wrong exit and have to turn back and go around again. The ten-minute drive always took me an hour.

It can even happen in Wellington (Florida) where I’ve lived for years! One client sent me an address to a back gate entrance with a keycode to enter. I drove myself to the gate, but try as I might, the code wouldn’t work. Luckily, someone exited as I was struggling to enter, so in I drove…only to find myself in an entirely different—and wrong—gated subdivision. I took a different route to my client’s address for the next lesson, figuring there was no way I could get confused again…believe it or not, I ended up in the same (wrong) subdivision.

I never had a sense of direction. As eventing and Pony Club rallies became my life in my teens, I was a shoo-in to do well in the dressage arena, but once

This excerpt from The Gates to Brilliance by Robert Dover is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.

I broke into anything faster than a working trot out in the fields and forests, all bets were off. It didn’t matter how many times I walked the crosscountry course—I could pretty well be counted on to get lost somewhere along even the bestmarked path, and the penalty points for time faults would come flying off my score!

Finally, when I was a young “A”-level Pony Clubber, our regional supervisor (who also happened to be future Olympian Lendon Gray’s sponsor), Mrs. Peggy Whitehurst, took me quietly aside at my last national rally and said, “Robert, darlin’, you’re really good in the dressage arena, but you were just not made for runnin’ about the countryside. You need to listen to me and stop this nonsense! Stay inside that rectangle, ya hear?”

Mrs. Whitehurst was absolutely right, and I did listen to her.

As a kid, I did not have, from the beginning, the goal of being an Olympic rider. Rather, I wanted to become a great rider and trainer, like my mentor, Colonel Ljungquist, and like other idols of mine: Willi Schultheis, Reiner Klimke, and Herbert Rehbein. I was very lucky to have trainers who “produced me”—early on I had no thoughts other than to Continued on page 94

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

Serenity Farm 1162 Gantt Road Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

Experience Serenity Farm

Located in the heart of Georgia’s horse country, Serenity Farm is an extraordinary haven offering world-class equestrian facilities along with the privacy and security of 40± acres of nature trails and lush pasture.

•

14-Stall Barn

•

110x225 Covered Arena

•

Custom Tack Room and Owner’s Tack Room

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Two-Bedroom Apartment

•

Guest House

•

Two Wash Racks

•

Equipment Barn

•

12± Acres of Trails

•

Vet/Farrier Area

Offered for $6,750,000

Michele Gallagher c. 678.910.4310 o. 770.442.7300 michele@atlantafinehomes.com

atlantafinehomes.com | sothebysrealty.com Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

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E QEU P RPORPOEPRE- RT I E S QEUSETSRTI A R INA N

8231 Bridle Path, Boca Raton

$3,750,000 Listing Price

3 Beds 3.5 Baths 3,268SQ. FT. 4.71 Acres

The serene equestrian lifestyle you have always dreamed of beckons you with this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home and farm. Resting in Horseshoe Acres, a private Equestrian Community in the heart of Boca Raton, this breathtaking property is full of character, charm and elegance. Outside you are greeted by the alluring pool with separate spa & decking and look out to the expansive, fully fenced in backyard. This 5 acre gated property hosts 3 barns, 14 total stalls, each with its own walkout, all weather footing, 5 paddocks, a grassy round pen, a sand ring, and a tennis court. This unique property could be the fulfillment of all of your equestrian dreams.

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

WELLINGTON LUXURY

15661 Imperial Point Lane

EQUESTRIAN STYLE

$5,000,000 Listing Price

4 Beds 3.5 Baths 8 Stalls 4,559 SQ. FT. 5.68 Acres

Imagine yourself in the premier gated equestrian community of Palm Beach Point with bridle path access to the horse show. This gorgeous stacked stone 4 bedroom/4 bath home has been impeccably renovated and features expansive living and entertaining space. Relax in the spa or the spacious heated pool while taking in the amazing panoramic views of your equestrian paradise. This property is perfectly situated on 5.68 acres of breathtaking landscaping. Enjoy a winning combination of the Martin-Collins footed mirrored arena, 6 generously sized paddocks and barn. The stylish and fully equipped 8 stall center aisle barn with breezeway is well appointed and includes a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom staff apartment.

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follow their instructions and achieve that which they set in front of me as a plan. I was so in love with the process of riding, and improving and making my trainers proud, there was really no time to focus on long-term dreams.

With each stage I got to, whether it was within the Pony Club—going from “C” to “B” and finally to “A”—or moving up in eventing or dressage, my goals were to excel and seek perfection at the level I was riding. My expectations of myself were similar in school and in all other aspects of my life. In other words, I was extremely focused, even at a very young age.

Looking back, it seems that my life was more driven by fate and circumstance than by my will or understanding. I also was fortunate to have great parents and other mentors, like Anne Reiley, who was like a second mother and allowed me to live with her and her super family in Virginia for stretches of time. We met the Reileys in Florida where Beth, their daughter who was my age, and I were both riding in Pony Club. My mother and Anne would take turns driving us to the barn, which was about forty-five minutes away from where we all lived. I was immediately comfortable with Anne, who had been an Olympic-level pairs skater (something I admired) and was both fantastic as a kind of “life coach” and an incredibly caring mom. The Reileys moved to Fairfax, Virginia, where they bought a farm on ten acres, and told my parents that I was welcome to come and stay there anytime and for as long as I wanted. To be sure, I took them up on this and was there

practically half of each year, from the age of sixteen to eighteen.

Anne, my folks, my trainers, and my friends helped keep me moving forward on the correct path and were always there to push me in the right direction when I needed it.

When I was twenty, I trained at Patience Priest’s Sugarland Farm in Poolesville, Maryland, where I had a great group of clients I thought of as friends. I was truly living hand to mouth and working very hard just to get by. With the farm as my home base, I drove my red 1972 MG all around the Capital Beltway to other barns, giving lessons for ten dollars an hour, half of what Colonel Ljungquist charged. I felt that this was fair and showed proper respect for what was clearly the difference between being trained by an Olympic coach and me, a very passionate and hard-working kid.

Inevitably and with regularity, my car broke down or ran short of gas, and I had to use all the money I’d earned that day—or sometimes even had to borrow from a client—to get myself and my car home, only to repeat the whole thing the next day. (Looking back, I would not have traded those times for anything, though I did finally trade in the MG for a nice, reliable Honda Civic.)

One day my client and good friend Ruth Barish and I took a drive down to November Hill Farm in Virginia where Gert Zuther was bringing in German horses to sell. He showed me Continued on page 96

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E S S E N T I A L S | T R AV E L

THE LEADER IN

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a bay three-year-old that I instantly fell in love with and then talked about all the way home. I now had the dream of becoming great, and seeing this young horse made me realize that in order to become a top competitor, among the best in the country, I needed just such an amazing animal in my life.

Ruth was a no-nonsense lady who was also a genius and not afraid to let you know it. She never hesitated to explain that while I was fairly intelligent, I should always remember that she was extremely intelligent! On this day her words of wisdom, which ultimately changed my life forever, were: “Robert, you had best toughen up and figure out a way to buy this horse!”

But even back in 1980, “this horse” was a whopping $20,000!

The sum far exceeded the little I had managed to save, and I felt defeated and envious of those rich enough to buy top horses and make their dreams come true.

Upon our return to our farm, I proceeded to tell anyone who would listen about our day and the great young horse, “Federleicht,” I had ridden, but how I could never afford him.

And this is where fate and love interceded in the form of one beautiful lady, Caroline Muldoon.

Caroline was a student of mine. She, her husband Joe, and

their three kids owned a string of dressage horses, polo ponies, and jumpers. Caroline always seemed to wind up with horses that other people didn’t want—they often bucked her off, and over the years, broke almost every bone in her body, it felt like.

But she always kept smiling and continued to love her horses, her lessons, and learning.

She also became the answer to my prayers when she followed me out to my car, asked me how much this super horse Federleicht cost, and proceeded to write me a check for $20,000.

INCREDIBLE! I was speechless at first, and then promised I would pay her back, which I did over the next year.

Feder went on to become the horse that took me to an Olympics, World Championships, and two World Cups. He won the top title in the Western European League, as well as the Grand Prix Freestyle at Aachen (in 1987), where we stood in front of 50,000 spectators as they played the national anthem and the American flag was raised in the stadium. This horse, Ruth’s advice, and Caroline’s generosity gave me the direction I needed to choose a path toward a dream.

INFO | PAGE 102

AN INVITATION TO REALTORS

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

2355 Saddlesprings Drive M I LTO N , G EO R G I A 3 0 0 0 4 Welcome to Chateau de Soleil, a 12.19± acre gated estate exuding European style and elegance. This private sanctuary offers tranquility and is an easy five-minute drive to Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon and top-rated schools. An additional 6.11± fenced acres featuring a run-in shed/two-stall barn with water is available for purchase. The gated entry with a motor court and beautiful Italian marble fountains bring you into this timeless estate with a pool, pool house and a private vineyard overlooking the lake. The main home holds a designer kitchen, six bedrooms, six full and two half bathrooms, a main-level owner’s retreat and a large apartment over the three-car garage and porte cochère with a separate entrance and a full kitchen.

For the equestrian, the eight-stall barn is outfitted with climate-controlled tack and feed rooms, a washer and dryer, a half bathroom, a hot and cold wash rack, a hayloft, an additional storage room, an integrated fly system, a large upper-level climatecontrolled barn office and an extra-wide aisle.

The oversized stalls feature French yoke vented doors and reconfigurable dividers for breeding or lay-up. A two-bedroom caretaker’s apartment above the barn offers vaulted ceilings, a separate fenced yard and a covered deck overlooking the vineyard.

An additional spacious bedroom/office is located in the loft with a spiral staircase and impresses with sunset lake views.

The fenced and lighted 90’ x 190’ arena with river quartz sand footing was renovated in 2019. Multiple expansive pastures, a run-in shed/two-stall barn, a three-bay hay storage/ equipment shed and a 12’ wide x 190’ long free jumping area complete the equestrian facilities.

9 B R • 8 BA • 3 H B

Offered for $3,750,000

JENNY DOYLE + ASHLEY SMITH jd. 404.840.7354 as. 404.734.6322 o. 770.442.7300 jennydoyle@atlantafinehomes.com ashleysmith@atlantafinehomes.com Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

OC TOB E R/NOVE MB E R | 20 6 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 9 7 thejennydoylegroup.com | 1atlantafinehomes.com

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Cindy Polk & Brandy Greenwell Realtors® Cindy Polk: 703.966.9480 | cindy.polk@compass.com Brandy Greenwell: 540.974.7791 | brandy.greenwell@compass.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 6809 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 400, McLean, Virginia 22101 | 703.310.6111

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

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

FAVORITES Page 13 Ashlee Bond Tocca tocca.com Thunderbird Show Park tbird.ca Free Ride Leggings freerideequestrian. com Operation Underground Railroad ourrescue.org Providence, Los Angeles providencela.com First Watch, Wellington firstwatch.com Shibuya, Calabasas 818-225-1560 Page 20 Horse Books Roundup Crossing The Line Kareem Rosser Paperback, St. Martin's Griffin (2022) Dark Horses Susan Mihalic Paperback, Gallery/ Scout Press (2021) Gallant Claire Eckard Paperback, Mill City Press (2021)

Horse Crazy Sarah Maslin Nir Paperback, Simon & Schuster (2021) Horse Girls Halimah Marcus Paperback, Harper Perennial (2021) Joey Jennifer Marshall Bleakly Paperback, Tyndale Momentum (2020) Land of the Horses Chris Lombard Paperback, Trafalgar Square Books (2022) Leap of Faith Frankie Dettori Hardcover, HarperCollins (2022) The Compton Cowboys Walter ThompsonHernándaz Paperback, William Morrow Paperbacks (2021) The Ride of Her Life Elizabeth Letts Hardcover, Ballantine Books (2021)

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Page 90 Between the Covers The Gates to Brilliance Robert Ross Trafalgar Books 2021 horseandriderbooks. com

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10 2 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

POLO A LA TROPIZIÉNNE Page 32 Gay Polo League gaypolo.com

Fairmont Lake Louise Lake Louise, Canada fairmont.com/ lake-louise

SNOWY GETAWAYS Page 46 Iceland Mr. Iceland Hvolsvöllur, Iceland mriceland.com 360 Hotel Mosató, Iceland 360hotel.is

Norway Geilo Mountain Lodge geilomountainlodge. no geilo365.no

The Berkshires Wheatleigh Lenox, Mass wheatleigh.com Switzerland White Turf St. Moritz, Switzerland whiteturf.ch Lake Placid Whiteface Lodge Lake Placid, NY thewhitefacelodge. com Lake Louise Brewster Adventures Alberta, Canada brewsteradventures. com

DESIGN Page 52 Wye River House Kimmel Studios kimmelstudio.com Lynbrook of Annapolis lynbrookofannapolis. com Small Barns King Bars kingbarns.com Hemi Hideout Timberlyne Group timberlyne.com Traditional and Modern B&D Builders banddbuilders.com

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MEET BEN AND TATUM The bossy corgi and laid-back rescue of ASHMEADOW FARM.

BY AMANDA STEEGE AND TIM DELOVICH

A

MANDA: My corgi’s name is Benjamin; we call him Ben. My first dog as an adult was a corgi named Charlie that I had for 13 years.

I purchased him on a whim one day at a horse show in Ocala, and when he passed away, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to get another corgi right away. But Tim and I were watching the movie Benjamin Button one night shortly after, and I remember thinking, “When I get a new dog, I’m going to name him Benjamin.” My first dog had been a tri-colored male corgi— black, brown, and white—and I knew that I wanted to get another tri-color and name him Benjamin. Then, a few weeks later, I got a message from a fellow horse person that they had had a litter of corgi puppies.

Tim Delovich, Tatum, Amanda Steege, and Benjamin

They sent me pictures of all of the puppies. Their kids had already named them, and they had the names with the pictures. There was only one tri-color male in the litter, and he was named...

Benjamin! It was fate. I had to get that puppy.

Now Benjamin is 11 years old, and he is a great farm dog, traveling up and down the East Coast with Tim and me to all the various horse shows.

T

IM: My first dog was a rescue puppy I got at the Devon Horse Show.

He became kind of like my right-hand man for years, and he was very protective. When he passed away from cancer, it was hard on me. For four years, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted another dog.

But I went to Danny and Ron’s Rescue,

10 6 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2022

and we kept in correspondence with Kim Tudor. I looked on their website for years, and Amanda joked because I knew the bios of all the dogs.

In 2017 Danny and Ron brought dogs to Middleburg, Virginia, and there were two specific dogs that I was interested in—two females that I had seen online and read their bios. The dogs were all divvied up in stalls, and I went in and sat down, and one dog came right over and said, “This is my guy.” She sat on my lap and just started licking me and wouldn’t stop. She goes, “I’m your dog.” Amanda said that Tatum, with her cattywampus ears, made the choice easy.

My first dog was very serious and protective, and I was looking for something more lighthearted. And that is truly Tatum; she’s a lover. Tatum and Ben travel to all the horse shows together. Ben has the bossy corgi mentality, and Tatum just loves him so much that even when he tries to boss her around, she just licks his face and says, “I love you.”

Tatum came to Danny and Ron from the Houston, Texas, floods from Hurricane Harvey. Last year in Ocala, we had two dog houses, one for each dog, that had nice beds and everything. But when it would rain, Tatum would get on top of her dog house instead of inside. Memories of the flood? We’d say, “Oh, she’s going high!”

They do a really great job at Danny and Ron’s. They know horse people and the lifestyle, and it’s not for all dogs.

They’re really good at placing dogs in the right forever homes.

KIM TUDOR

Amanda Steege, the leading show hunter rider and trainer, based at Ashmeadow Farm in Califon, New Jersey, and Ocala, Florida, has accrued an impressive list of hunter wins throughout her career.

Most recently, in 2021, she and Lafitte de Muze, the Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Cheryl Olsten, won the $50,000 World Champion Hunter Rider in Wellington, Florida. Tim Delovich is Amanda’s boyfriend of 17 years and Ashmeadow’s barn manager, responsible for keeping their champion derby horses fit and happy and strategizing their programs for competition. Their two special dogs are typically at their sides—at home and at the barn.

Discover the Path Less Taken DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE, RESIDENCES & HOMESITES GOLF CLUB • TENNIS • BEACH CLUB • EQUESTRIAN WINDSORFLORIDA.COM • 772 388 8400 OR 800 233 7656