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FEATURES
DREW DOGGETT
36
Photographer Drew Doggett’s latest book, Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World, invites readers along on a decadelong journey to capture the universal currents that define horses and their enduring appeal. With over 100 pages of meticulously rendered images from around the world, the book celebrates horses and their wild, ethereal beauty.
HORSE COUNTRY
44
For the last 54 years, owner Marion Maggiolo has built Horse Country, an incredible “theme park” of a tack shop in Warrenton, Virginia, into a mecca for horse lovers and the acquisitively minded.
A MAGICAL YEAR
48
In a two-part story, Georgina Bloomberg and her son, Jasper, journey to remote locations to share the extreme wonders of nature and return to Wellington, Florida, to welcome a new member into their family.
WEDDINGS 2024
62
With the guidance of experts from the industry, our annual wedding feature investigates the changing trends of weddings, from colorful styles, incredible customizations, and a movement toward environmentally sustainable practices.
BORN TO CREATE
76
Artist Henrietta Corbett provides a glimpse into her life as an artist and her exploration of color, mediums, and subject. Her work, characterized by bright colors and simple yet dynamic forms, is reminiscent of ancient cave paintings or animals carved onto a chalk hillside.
DEPARTMENTS
The July/August 2024 cover celebrates EQLiving’s 10th edition of the annual wedding feature. See the full feature, “Love Reins” on page 62.
EDITOR’S NOTE 10
Welcome to Equestrian Living RESOURCES 92
Look for CONTACT INFO | PAGE 92 to find the products and services in this issue.
BARN DOGS 98
Ensure your dog’s comfort and safety when traveling by plane, whether you’re in economy class or curled up together on a private jet.
FAVORITES
Lynn Coakley, founder and president of the EQUUS Foundation, shares her favorites, from TV and music to travel and horse show venue.
Timeless craftsmanship and the aesthetic appeal of heirloom tools connect gardeners with the past.
Combining fast, competitive polo with a fantastic party, the Lexus International Gay Polo tournament raised a recordsetting $111,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
With all eyes on France for the 2024 Paris Olympics, we celebrate a few of the French brands we’ve forged friendships with over the years. STYLE
An enduring symbol of elegance and style, the iconic bit shape adds polish to fashion, accessories, and décor.
Ariana Thomas of ExtraordinAri Gems merges the worlds of fine jewelry and equestrian elegance, creating timeless pieces that resonate with horse lovers and jewelry enthusiasts.
Olympic show jumper Dani G. Waldman uses her business savvy to launch the sport’s first highlight show, offering equestrians a chance to catch up on all the latest results and happenings.
BOOK
Read an excerpt from Ruth Cox’s Exodus, an adventurous tale of her ride across the Mongolian steppe with a ragtag group of bohemian misfits. D
Create elegant outdoor settings under the stars this summer, with refined accents and imaginative lighting.
Fabulous farms and ranches.
trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability, as florists’ and caterers’ adjustments in packaging, serving, and arranging all contribute to a leave-notrace objective.
As in prior wedding features, readers will be privy to a variety of equine-centric weddings, from lavish formal affairs to rustic destination celebrations set against the mountain backdrops of Patagonia.
The one inherent aspect of weddings is that they are constantly changing. With ingenuity and often the help of knowledgeable planners, they are reinvented year after year.
Senior Editor Jill Novotny has kept pace with the evolving trends of wedding planning since we began EQLiving’s annual wedding feature in 2014. In this year’s 10th edition, “Love Reins” (page 62), Jill assembled a roundtable of professionals on the pulse of essential aspects of planning unique and meaningful celebrations. The panel’s input keeps us updated on contemporary trends in flowers, dresses, cakes, and countless other details and how they can easily be tailored to an array of events, whether grand or intimate, at home, or in remote destination locations. A welcome new
In “A Magical Year” (page 48), I interviewed Georgina Bloomberg and took a slight pivot from focusing on her impressive show-jumping career and instead talked about what she referred to as an off-year. A year in which she was pregnant with her second child and unable to compete, and one in which she dedicated her time to sharing memorable travel experiences in extraordinary locations with her son Jasper. Impactful and inspiring, they both walked away from these trips with a heightened awareness of the planet’s fragility. As part of the interview, our EQLiving team visited Georgina and Jasper at her stunning Wellington, Florida, home following the birth of her newest child, Sebastian.
The beauty of Mother Nature also plays a significant role throughout photographer Drew Doggett’s newly released book Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World. Horses, an enduring
and compelling subject for Drew, are captured globally and cross-culturally amid their natural habitats. Drew’s photos educate and captivate, from Icelandic horses traversing breathtaking landscapes to detailed studies of the Camargue horses in southern France.
And veering from the subtle nuances of equine photographs, we present the bold canvases of U.K. artist Henrietta Corbett. Her minimalist yet imaginative depictions of horses emerge from enchanting and vibrant backdrops, with some observers noting that her imagery resembles ancient cave paintings.
To round out the issue, we visit Horse Country, the ultimate tack shop in Warrenton, Virginia, where ambiance and an embarrassment of riches lure equestrians of all disciplines. We get up to speed on renowned showjumper Dani Waldman’s new venture, Horse Bytes, and fill department pages with inspiration for gardening, decorating, and hosting outdoor soirées.
As I write this letter, we are weeks away from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics kick-off, where the world’s finest athletes will descend on the City of Light. I wish all the athletes—particularly our community’s finest equestrian competitors—great success.
Whether athlete or spectator, I share in Audrey Hepburn’s famous quote: “Paris is always a good idea.”
Cheers!
On location at Georgina Bloomberg’s Wellington, Florida, home.
From left: Property manager Ricardo Padilla, barn manager Barbara Lopez, Equestrian Living editor Stephanie Peters, Georgina Bloomberg, Equestrian Living photography director George Kamper, hair and make-up artist Leslie Munsell, and Clyde the sweet rescue.
BUON APPETITO!
Authentically Italian. From tartufati to tiramisu.
Join us for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at Polpo Palm Beach, the second location of the beloved Italian restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut. Let Polpo Palm Beach transport you to Italy with upscale fare, an Italian-focused wine selection, handcrafted cocktails, and classic aperitivos and digestivos. Salute!
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Happy Hour: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. daily. Half off drinks at the Piano Bar. Live Music on the Grand Piano: Friday & Saturday 5:30 - 9 p.m. Wine Down Wednesdays: Half off wine by the glass 11:30 a.m. to close.
Seaside Sunday Brunch
3-Course Prix Fixe Menu with Live Music on the Grand Piano 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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NUMBER 4
EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie B. Peters
SENIOR EDITOR Jill B. Novotny
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR George Kamper
EDITORS AT LARGE Rebecca Baldridge, Judy Richter (2015-2022)
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rebecca Baldridge, Henrietta Corbett, Sarah Lessler, Heather Purdy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Beth Berman of Dekker Photography, Jonathan Connolly, Alden Corrigan, Annie Lui, Heather K. Purdy
DESIGN MANAGER Mary A. Stroup
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB CONTENT Maggie Carty Golon
DIGITAL & CLIENT SERVICES Sarah Lessler
EDITORIAL MANAGER Theresa Cardamone
EQ SPECIAL EVENTS Jennifer Pearman Lammer
UK & LONDON EDITOR Bridget Arsenault
PUBLISHER C.W. Medinger
PUBLISHING CONSULTANT George Fuller
PRINT John Spittle
PUBLIC RELATIONS Carrie Wirth, EQmedia.agency
NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION Boyd Mulholland
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Favorite getaway: Any Beach.
Favorite movie:
The Lord of the Rings. I still have my paperbacks from when I was a teenager.
Another riding discipline you’d like to try: Reining. At my age, I would be fine with just riding a horse at the walk!
Favorite show/venue: Olympia Horse Show in the U.K. with one of my dearest friends who lives outside of London.
Favorite exercise: Pilates, and when I had horses, mucking out stalls.
MY FAVORITES
LYNN COAKLEY
Lynn Coakley is the founder and president of the EQUUS Foundation, a non-profit network that has saved countless horses’ lives and helped them find new roles and loving homes.
Sakura in Westport, Connecticut—it’s where my kids and I celebrated almost all their birthdays.
Favorite song: Desperado by Linda Ronstadt.
Favorite TV Show: Star Trek: The Next Generation. I am a Trekkie.
Place you might want to live if you could live anywhere: I like where I am, but Mexico or Canada, if it gets difficult
Favorite fragrance: Opium.
Favorite source for fashion: Ariat and Old Navy, they have the best jeans.
Favorite car: The Porsche 911 Targa. Back in the 1970s when I lived in Washington, DC, I have fond (and some thrilling) memories of driving through Virginia’s horse country!
Favorite travel destinations: I’ve always wanted to go to Greece and Spain. The best trip I ever took was a safari in Tanzania and Kenya with my parents, brother and sister-in-law, and my two daughters, Lauren and Shannon.
BETSY STEIN
• World-class equestrian center
• Exceptional equestrian studies program
• National championship team
Your future is bright at SCAD.
To learn more about SCAD equestrian or explore other award-winning programs, visit scad.edu or email admission@scad.edu.
SUBTLE BITS OF ELEGANCE
SYMBOL OF STYLE, the enduring popularity of bits adds polish to fashion, accessories, and décor.
topstitching,
essentials.
suede
1. Reversible Leather Belt by Ferragamo with double-Gancio buckle in Italian leather. At Nordstrom. $550. 2. AtelierCG Dorada Bit Necklace in stainless steel curb chain with custom EQ bit and solid-clasp closure. $198. 3. Adamsbro’s plaid Classic Bit Throw in rust/ orange and off-white in New Zealand wool. $220. 4. Rebecca Ray Design’s Blair Satchel Bag in charcoal and chestnut is a workhorse. In bridle leather and durable canvas, it’s ideal for a full day at the horse show. $469. 5. Tall Snaffle Bit Candle Holder Set by Adamsbro in durable solid brass. Designed for block candles. $300. 6. In2Green’s chic and sustainable
Equestrian Eco Horse Bit Pillow. $130. 7. Adamsbro handmade, stainless steel Snaffle Bit Serving Bowl. $170. 8. Gucci style Italian leather and brass Magazine and Mail Holder. Circa late 20th century, 1980s Italy. Boasts brass bit and horseshoe handle. At 1stDibs. $1,200. 9. Blair Mini Bag in orange by Rebecca Ray Designs features bridle leather,
and
interior. Perfect for
$299. 10. Gucci’s Italian-made Princetown Leather Slipper in black slip-on style with elongated toe and goldtone horsebit. At Saks Fifth Avenue. $920.
WELLINGTON • $6,790,000
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SADDLE TRAIL • $265,000 SEASONAL LEASE
4-Acre Equestrian Property • State-of-the-Art Barn With 16 Stalls • 7 Spacious Paddocks, 2 Feed Rooms and 4 Wash Stalls • Adjacent Cottage Features 2 Separate 2-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Apartments • 125/225 Riso Systems Footing Ring • 1/3 Mile Irrigated All-Weather Track • Also Offered For Sale
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Little Kings’ Bird Silo Feeder innovativley blends design and function. Made with nature-friendly recycled plastic and rope. Shown in red terracotta. $65.
Celtic Farm’s three-pint Haws Coated Metal Watering Pitcher (in graphite) functions as a vase or a waterer for potted plants. $59.
Little King’s large, Myrtlewood Garden Trug is handmade as a keepsake and is fastened with copper nails, air-dried, hand-sanded, and finished in oil. $130.
Higurashi Floral Scissors in durable carbon steel are perfect for cut flowers, dead-heading, and light pruning. At Little King. $59.
eADD AN AIR OF HEIRLOOM TO YOUR GARDENING
Timeless craftsmanship and the aesthetic appeal of heirloom tools connect gardeners with the past.
Sophie Allport rubber Bees Ankle Wellies are practical and stylish. Perfect for out and about in the garden or rainy days. $83.
Fisher Blacksmithing limited edition handmade, set-of-three Gardening Tool Set features slim walnut handles with stitched-leather finish. $288.
The Heirloom Gardening Vest by Duluth Trading Company boasts 10 pockets and a light, flexible, stain-shedding fabric. $79.50
e CONTACT INFO | PAGE 92
Haws two-pint Watering Can with tapered spout is constructed of unlacquered pure copper which will develop a patina over time. Made in England. $144.99 (at Amazon).
Bees Gardening Gloves by Sophie Allport have signature bee on a tan/ gold background with navy leather palm and finger detail for protection. $40.
Breathtaking Equestrian Luxury Estate
Welcome to Saratoga Stables – a magnificent gated 17+ acre equestrian estate featuring panoramic Southwesterly views of Saratoga Passage from the entire property. This exceptional offering includes a 5 bedrooms and 6 baths, 5,400+ square foot custom Hamptons-inspired home with recent tasteful, high-end restoration with 600 bottle custom wine cellar. Beautiful indoor 100’ X 200’ dressage riding arena and 9 stall barn with automatic watering stations, 2 grooming stalls with overhead heater, tack room and bathroom/laundry room. Fenced and cross fenced pastures, chicken coop & goat pens, and additional undeveloped 8 acres all on a total of 6 tax lots. Huge garage with custom cabinetry, commercial sized diesel generator on automatic transfer switch, full irrigation system throughout the developed portion of the grounds. Meticulously maintained and spectacularly appointed – and all with breathtaking views - this superb, one-of-a-kind property is the rarest of opportunities and will appeal to the most discerning buyer!
HORSE BYTES
Flying Feathers, DANI G. WALDMAN, launches the world’s first equestrian highlight show.
Have you ever tried keeping up with the latest happenings in show jumping competitions? It hasn’t always been easy. Dani Waldman, often known as “Flying Feathers,” recently retired from an illustrious grand prix career. Recognizing show jumping’s need for better coverage, she and her business partner Nicol Ramsay have launched the sport’s first-ever global highlights show.
Coming from a sports-loving family, Dani grew up watching SportsCenter to stay informed about various sports. However, when it came to show jumping, she found it tedious to sift through numerous websites to keep up with the latest event results. Acknowledging the lack of a highlight show for show jumping, she thought, “Why don’t I create one?” A natural in front of the camera, Dani always felt compelled to be a voice for the sport. She remarks, “Even when I was riding, I spent a lot of my career trying to broaden the sport and bridge
FLYING FEATHERS
Dani makes all her feather hair extensions by hand. As she began to ride with them, they became a symbol of individuality in a sport where everyone tends to look the same. The name Flying Feathers came about naturally and just stuck. Dani reflects, “It was a way to add a personal touch to a relatively conservative sport, and I continue to wear them because I think they are beautiful. I just love them.”
the gap between non-professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who are interested in the sport and the professionals who are deeply involved but don’t have the time to get through all the information.”
Horse Bytes, launched in January 2024, is a weekly, 10-minute show offering a comprehensive rundown of the week’s winners at top shows worldwide. It features in-depth analysis of industry happenings, behind-the-scenes footage, and a touch of humor and entertainment.
With no prior experience in media production and broadcasting, Dani had to learn on the job. To get Horse Bytes off the ground, she worked with Berlin-based consulting company The Next Now, which specializes in guiding startups. Dani reflects that The Next Now team has been instrumental in developing Horse Bytes. “They put me in touch with a lot of different professionals and companies along the way to determine what the production process would look like. They also aided in creating
Creating Horse Bytes has sparked so much creative energy in me that I never had the outlet for, and I get that buzz feeling when I am recording. “ “
a step-by-step path of how to actually run and launch Horse Bytes,” Dani says.
There have been hiccups and setbacks, but each has given Dani a deeper understanding of how to shape Horse Bytes into what it is today. She reminisced about the first episode’s recording date when a flight to get the team to the Berlin studio was canceled. With no other way to make it on time, she hit the road at three in the morning and drove six hours to Berlin. After a chaotic start, Dani found herself in front of the green screen, ready to film, only to realize that the iconic feathers she always wears in her hair matched the green screen perfectly. “I looked like I had a floating head,” Dani laughed. The team ultimately switched to a blue screen, but it made for a funny story. Since then, Dani has built an in-home studio where each episode is filmed.
energy in me that I never had the outlet for, and I get that buzz feeling when I am recording. It has been so rewarding and brought an immense amount of joy.”
Always a creative individual, Dani says that creating Horse Bytes has “sparked so much creative
Dani says, “My primary goal is to make our sport more accessible, modernize the media in our sport, and bring personal touches of connection to the equines and riders.” Horse Bytes has received positive feedback for filling a crucial void in show jumping, providing a dedicated platform for professional insights into the sport. Unlike much of the content in show jumping, which is typically behind paywalls, Horse Bytes is free to access on YouTube and Spotify, with show snippets available on Instagram and Facebook. Remarkably, Horse Bytes has already reached an audience of almost 13 million people. Dani hopes that the template of Horse Bytes can branch into other disciplines within the equestrian industry, such as dressage or eventing.
IN THE LAND OF GENGHIS KHAN
A group of MISFIT BOHEMIAN STRANGERS met on a beach in Thailand and decided to cross Mongolia by horse.
We arrived at some gers. Whilst the horses ate and Ozzy protected the cart, we had tea, cheese and cream. Mirko commented that since consuming all this dairy produce, he was having great difficulty defecating.
“I can’t shit; it’s been three days now. Things are looking critical,” he complained.
We all nodded in knowing agreement. It was indeed looking critical. With this in mind we all politely declined the next round of tea and cream, instead opting for farewells and thank yous.
Whilst guesting at gers you not once have to worry about your horses. The children are sent to saddle/unsaddle or water/ tether them. As we rolled out of the ger our noble steeds awaited us: Surprise saddled up and Exodus harnessed to the cart.
Mirko took Surprise while Stella, Jang, Katya and I jumped onto the cart. Just as Mirko mounted Surprise, a combination of outside influences (the flapping of an unusually large bum-bag and a pink rope flying in the breeze) caused an unfortunate series of events to unfold. The usually dormant Surprise jerked into animation. Jumping high into the air and kicking out with both hind legs at Exodus, he unseated Mirko, and galloped straight through the settlement’s collection of horses. Mirko’s foot was caught in the stirrup and his body was being dragged across the plains as dozens of horses were running around us in a panic.
It all happened in a millisecond. Exodus was totally spooked from all the chaos, tossed his head, ripping the reins through Stella’s grip and took off at
a gallop. This was so dangerous. All we could do was hold onto the cart whilst trying to pull him up. There was no stopping Exodus. Horses were running wild around us.
Surprise and Mirko had their own story going on somewhere in the distance and we were on a runaway cart heading straight towards a river.
“We’re going in the river, we’re going to die,” screamed Katya.
Stella’s hands were being ripped as she pulled on the rope reins.
“Use one rein, turn him!” I shouted as I threw myself towards her to take the reins. The fear was real and everything moved in slow motion. I could see the huge knoll in the ground ahead, as the cart wheels hit it we bounced high in the air and I heard Katya scream.
“Jang, it’s Jang, he fell off!”
There was no time to look behind. We really were heading straight for the river. There were two choices that lay ahead of us. Either we accepted that we were going to die, close our eyes and jump off the speeding cart, or try to think calmly and quickly.
Exodus was still at a full, fear fuelled gallop. I started to stretch myself along the shafts of the cart. My plan was to reach Exodus’ head and grab the cheek pieces of the bridle so as to bring his head round and gain some control through trying to make a circle. I edged my way along the shaft, hanging next to his powerful shoulder, his hooves pounding away beneath me. I was completely filled with adrenaline and fear. The river was dead ahead and Exodus was not slowing.
With my body stretched, I let my fingers reach out to try and catch the leather cheekpiece. I missed and lost balance. Then, gathering my breath and courage, I tried again and my fingers caught the bridle and I tried with all my might to bring his
An excerpt from Exodus, r eprinted with permission from Ruth Cox.
GARDEN GATHERINGS
Create ELEGANT OUTDOOR SETTINGS under the stars with refined accents and imaginative lighting.
1. Sculptural Sauvignon Blanc distinctive wine glasses by Zwiesel Glas are both durable and sleek. At Williams-Sonoma. $16 per glass.
2. Juliska’s five-inch Berry & Thread Ceramic Planter includes a drainage hole and matching saucer. In whitewash. $62.
3. The Lacey Perforated Iron Lantern by Pottery Barn adds a cozy sophisticated mood to evening events. Shown in 16 inch. $229.
4. William-Sonoma’s set-of-four, high-fired French porcelain Apilco Salad Plates are timeless and versatile. $107.95.
5. Ralph Lauren’s Bailey Flatware Caddy pairs hand-stitched leather trim with handwoven wicker. $250.
6. The six-inch Amalia Rose Bowl by Juliska is ornamented with a spiral design and single berry. $125.
7. Terrain’s playful and modern Upside Down LED rechargeable Table Lamp illuminates spaces up to 12 hours. Shown in Moss. $208.
head round towards me. It was working. He slowed, and began to turn. We cooed and told him what a good boy he was. His gallop became a canter, the bunched up muscles in his neck relaxing out as he lowered his head and slowed—we had managed to turn about 10 meters before the banks of the river and were now following it upstream.
Exodus fell into a trot and when he finally stopped he immediately put his head down to graze as if nothing had happened. We rolled off the cart giggling hysterically, relieved to see Mirko and Jang limping towards us in the distance.
“Oh my god! That was…oh my god that was so full power!” Stella declared.
“Shit, yes, that was seriously scary. I really thought we were going to die. I saw the river and all I thought was that we were going to die. But it was just so exciting also! Oh! Look at Jang’s face,” Katya ranted.
As Jang hobbled nearer, we could see a huge purple swelling that had taken over one side of his face. We took him to the riverside (a mere few feet away) and covered his face in cold stones. We stifled our laughter for at least thirty seconds, and then rolled around on the floor giggling and gasping for air, each of us recounting our version of events.
“That’s it, we’re renaming Surprise! Something a little more chilled - what about Chill?” I said.
We all agreed that changing his name would make us all feel better. In the sense that the name ‘Surprise’ carried its own energy and we were getting far too many of them.
“Oh, I know! Let’s change it to Shanti,” I said, knowing this would appeal to everyone as we’d all spent a lot of time in India. So, Shanti it was.
After an hour of tending to Jang’s myriad of injuries that he sported over his tiny Asian frame, we got ourselves together,
carried Jang to the cart and prepared to leave.
“Are you sure you want to ride again?” I asked Mirko the Berserko.
“Yes, there is no problem,” he replied, regarding Shanti with a kind of affectionate contempt.
Mirko had just taken a severe battering but he wanted to conquer the building mistrust he was feeling. He had his own story happening with Shanti, formerly known as Surprise.
We started moving. Half a kilometer later Shanti put his head down to snatch some grass and Mirko was on the floor again. He sort of rolled down Shanti’s neck. It was all too much for Mirko, as he had believed he shared some sort of affinity with Shanti. He resigned himself to walking for the rest of the journey.
We had done little more than 3 kilometers, it was already dusk and the rain was coming. We had to stop and make camp for the night. Our original idea of covering twenty five kilometers a day was becoming amusing. Good god, this was no easy trip.
“Up ahead, that log cabin,” called Mirko.
There were often abandoned log shelters scattered around the steppes. They were used during the winter months for keeping livestock. This one was locked up, but its presence offered some protection from the howling winds and the soon to come rain. Stella gave Ozzy some cheese and cream. I watered and tethered the horses (securely) whilst Mirko lifted the cart against the cabin creating a dry area for the fire. Jang was relieved of fire duties because he couldn’t walk or see properly.
Tents went up and as soon as we’d got the fire lit the rain came. Our only concern was to keep the fire going long enough for us to boil water for soup and noodles. It was freezing and everything was saturated. I was famished, cold and wet – again, yet sadistically happy and satisfied. No one wants it too easy. Five minutes later I was in my tent with a hot bowl of noodle soup listening to the rain hammering down around me.
Reserve stalls and learn more at PasoRoblesHorsePark.com
The next morning I was woken just before sunrise by Ozzy’s insane barking. I looked out of the tent to see we were entirely circled by a herd of enormous, curious yaks and Ozzy was furiously guarding our cheese bag against these huge hairy, horny bovines. After a few minutes of arm waving and name calling they decided to move on, much to Ozzy’s relief. The sun was high in the sky, everything was dry, we hadn’t lost any horses and we were itching to get moving.
The family at the last ger had told us there was to be a Nadaam at the next town - Ih Uul, about 80 kilometers away and this was something not to be missed, a real nomadic countryside Nadaam. So all efforts were required if we wanted to get there on time. We had five days to make eighty kilometers.
It rained the entire day. We all just had to accept being cold and wet. No one spoke, we were dealing with it in our own ways. I rode Shanti and was probably the least wet as I was wearing waterproof trousers. I was actually feeling pretty good even though my feet were blue. So I stayed a fair distance behind the cart and kept my happiness to myself. As I took in the landscape I noticed much of the vegetation was the same as in England, I saw rhododendrons, daisies and, no, it can’t be…
“Guys, guys, stop the cart! Oh my god! Yes!” I screamed deliriously. I jumped off Shanti and gathered armfuls of the stuff.
“What is it Ruth?” asked Katya.
“This, Katya, this is rhubarb,” I explained as it passed around and everyone had a taste. “I’ll make a campfire crumble.”
We hadn’t seen anyone or any gers all day. Everyone was looking ill and tired, especially Jang who, as well as being covered in bruises (maybe even a minor fracture) was having a rough time acclimatizing his tropical blood to the cold. Katya was feeling it too, and hadn’t really spoken all afternoon, except for the occasional: ‘It’s so cold!’
Night was drawing nearer, the darkness bringing with it more and more biting wind. The cold was firmly set deep into my bones and I was guessing that all this involuntary shaking and clenching was not a good sign. Finally, we caught a glimpse of two gers a few kilometers away in the distance; the smoke rising from the chimney beckoning to us.
“I don’t care about my bowels. If we get offered cream and cheese, I’m taking it all.” I said defiantly, having only eaten raw rhubarb since a breakfast of porridge eight hours ago.
“Yeah, me too,” said Mirko.
This from a man who spent his entire time lecturing the rest of us about the “poisonous aspect of dairy”, and how we should all be trying to evolve to an ethereal level where nourishment from consuming food is no longer required. Sometimes it took a Continued on page 90
LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GAY POLO
Combining fast, competitive polo with a fantastic party, the Lexus International GAY POLO TOURNAMENT raises $111,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
BY REBECCA BALDRIDGE
PHOTOS: ALDEN CORRIGAN
In April, the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by Douglas Elliman, set another spectacular record for fundraising. One of the highlights of the social season in Wellington, Florida, the tournament raised $111,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
Said tournament founder and Gay Polo League president Chip McKenney, “We are so grateful for the continued support of all. It’s always spectacular to see those who come from near and far to turn out for our event. We love to see the creativity of the tailgaters and the energy the guests bring. It is truly an event we look forward to each year.”
This year saw a new venue for the tournament, which was held at the stunning Patagones Polo Club in Wellington. In addition to fast and competitive polo, the 1,800+ guests were also treated to an exhibition of
equestrian sculpture by renowned artist Nic Fiddian Green (see January 2024 issue).
Cherry Knoll Farm (Jesse Lee Ellers, Santiago Wulff, Gustavo Larrosa, and Eva Marquard) took home the Senator’s Cup, with Larrosa also claiming the Most Valuable Player award. Violeta, played by Rachel Spencer, was voted Best Playing Pony. Jesse Lee Eller took the prize for Best Goal. Goshen Hill (William Ellis, Juan Diego, David Bouclier, and Joaquin De La Piedra) won the Founder’s Cup.
While next year’s tournament will be held April 3-5, 2025, polo fans won’t have to wait another 12 months for more exciting GPL polo. The GPL will host a tournament in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky this summer. From July 31-Aug 3, six teams will compete in two brackets of play at the Lexington Polo Club, in the grounds of the legendary Kentucky Horse Park. For more information and tickets, please visit www.gaypolo.com
GPL founder Chip McKenney, Margaret Duprey
F RENCH F LAIR
With all eyes on France for the Paris Olympics, we celebrate a few of FRENCH BRANDS we’ve forged friendships with over the years.
Grooming
Guibert Paris Polo
full-size black and white canvas and leather bag. $430.
Guibert Paris Riding Boots in box calf leather from a renowned French tannery. Cut and sewn by hand. $1,948.
Hermès cashmere and silk Cavalier En Formes Shawl 140 (in naturel/vert/noir) with rolled edges and elevated style. $1,300.
All Purpose Saddle by Atelier Pravins in high-quality French leather offering comfort, technical design, and solidity. Price upon request.
Tout Paris 11-inch Vase by Bernardaud. Crafted in porcelain and made in Limoges, France. $569.
Atelier Pravins Matching Dog Collar and Leash in full-grain leather tanned in France. Stainless steel loop for durability. In orange. $178.50.
Avalon H Club 16.9-inch Pillow by Hermès. Full cashmere cover finished with a blanket stitch. $1,275.
Atelier Pravins Mustang Handbag in French calf leather offers versatility and timeless style. $977.
EXTRAORDINARY GEMS
Ariana Thomas, owner and visionary behind ExtraordinAri Gems, merges the worlds of fine jewelry and equestrian elegance, creating timeless pieces that resonate with horse lovers and jewelry enthusiasts. As a GIA gemologist and first-generation jeweler based in Atlanta, Georgia, Ari specializes in crafting unique and custom fine jewelry inspired by the equestrian realm.
While traveling in Southeast Asia, Ari’s adoration and knowledge of the jewelry industry began to flourish. She connected with jewelers and mine owners to learn the complexities of the craft. Though not originally an equestrian, she was captivated by the equestrian world through friends. Attending prestigious events like Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival and the Pegasus World Cup deepened her appreciation for the equestrian lifestyle and community. “I love the precision of the sport,” Ari remarks, “and seeing the combination of grace and athleticism of horses and riders.” Ari then blended her passion for making fine jewelry with her enthusiasm for the equestrian aesthetic.
ExtraordinAri’s jewelry-design process evolves from visionary inspiration to detailed sketches, followed by careful stone selection and handcrafting by master craftsman Americo Izzo. Ari explains that her designs begin by observing horses and riders and then meticulously researching and refining each piece, paying great attention to even the smallest details. She aims to create subtle and timeless equestrian pieces for riders to
wear, both on the street and in the ring, as well as for equestrian enthusiasts. “I want to create pieces that resonate with people who love the sport,” Ari says. She describes how the subtleties of equestrian pieces can be conversation starters with people who are “in the know” and often bring up personal stories of how horses are, or were, part of people’s lives. She hopes to see someone wearing her jewelry on a red carpet one day, adding an equestrian feel to their attire.
Ari takes pride in discovering niche markets and forging personal connections with the people she meets. Her pieces are handcrafted and are cherished by her clientele. Her loyal customer base frequently returns for heirloom pieces to commemorate momentous occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and engagements. The traditional artisanship at the core of ExtraordinAri Gems is what sets her work apart. “Our process involves hand-pulling all pieces of the metal wiring for prongs, meticulously soldering each setting, and conducting detailed pre-polishes that transcend what the eye can see,” Ari explains. She collaborates closely with customers throughout the design process, ensuring each piece tells its own unique story. The trust and relationships she has cultivated often allow her some creative freedom, as many customers return for more custom pieces, relying on her personalized designs and recommendations.
“I hope my jewelry can not only celebrate but elevate the equestrian lifestyle,” Ari says, “with each piece a testament to the elegance and spirit of the sport.”
The sparkling equestrian collection of jewelry by EXTRAORDINARI GEMS.
UNTAMED SPIRITS
HORSES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Photographer DREW DOGGETT displays a decade of exploring horses worldwide.
As a photographer, I’m always searching for scenes of our world that transcend geographic or cultural boundaries. It’s a lot to ask of a photograph, yet I have found that the horse is one of the subjects that speaks to all walks of life.
My newest book, Untamed Spirits: Horses from Around the World, invites you on a decade-long journey with me to capture the universal currents that define horses and their enduring appeal. Published by TeNeues and printed in Italy, this book contains over 100 meticulously rendered images in my fashion-inspired aesthetic.
Within its pages, you’ll find photographs from the most breathtaking places in the world featuring many of the most storied and unique horses. From their strength to their innate sense of character, Untamed Spirits celebrates horses and what I’ve found evidence of no matter the breed or location: a wild, ethereal, and untamed beauty.
“I have yet to find another animal whose worldwide symbolic value in our society is as accurate as in our shared cultural imagining.”— Drew Doggett
Copies of Untamed Spirits are available through Drew’s website, including a signed version or an exclusive special edition in a luxurious cloth slipcase with an archival pigment print of your choice. www.drewdoggett.com Follow Drew on Facebook and Instagram @drewdoggettphotography.
CONTACT INFO | PAGE 92
HORSE COUNTRY
An equestrian
“theme
park” in WARRENTON, VIRGINIA, for 54 years.
BY REBECCA BALDRIDGE
We all have our talents. Some might say that mine is writing. Sure, I can wield a pen with authority, but there’s another art in which I also excel. One all-consuming passion, much to the detriment of my personal solvency, is shopping. Another is horses. And then, of course, there’s shopping for horses—all the accessories and accoutrements necessary to ensure that both horse and rider are resplendent.
From Bergdorf Goodman in New York City to Fortnum & Mason’s in London and Tractor Supply anywhere, I ply my trade with enthusiasm. Yet among this Pantheon of the worthy another name that stands out—one that sets my heart to pounding with acquisitive fervor—Horse Country in Warrenton, Virginia.
did me in. If your dreams center around the equestrian lifestyle, here you’ll find everything you need to make them come true, save for the actual horse.
“ THE TRUE ESSENCE OF HORSE COUNTRY IS MY DESIRE TO HONOR THE COMPLETE LIFESTYLE OF THE FOX-HUNTING WORLD. ”
—MARION
Years ago, I stumbled into this equestrian theme park of a store on my first trip to the Virginia Hunt Country. Learning to ride was only a cherished aspiration in those days, and even clapping eyes on a pair of tall boots could bring a lump to my throat. Horse Country nearly
Owner Marion Maggiolo fell into the business almost by accident. Her parents opened Horse Country in 1970 at the intersection of Routes 17, 211, and 15 in Warrenton. Marion was still in college at the time but lent her parents a hand during summer vacation. A year later, she graduated and returned home, planning to look for a job related to her major. As it turned out, the job found her, courtesy of her father. After Marion worked in the store for a year, her mother handed over the keys. A few months later came the checkbook and invoices; the rest is history.
MAGGIOLO
In the 54 years since, Marion has built Horse Country from a simple tack shop into a commercial powerhouse serving the equestrian community throughout North America. Put a hoof across the threshold, and you’ll immediately see that there’s something for everyone, even the non-rider. Forge straight ahead and inspect the housewares,
linens, fine tableware, coffee and tea sets, glassware, silver picture frames, and more. If you want a set of highball glasses emblazoned with a fox in a red coat, look no further.
Midships, there’s stationery and an extensive selection of books ranging from horse stories for children to fox-hunting histories and tomes on equestrian disciplines. Naturally, the Sister Jane fox-hunting mysteries by Virginia author Rita Mae Brown are kept in stock.
Horse Country is ground zero for fox hunters and North America’s leading purveyor of fox-hunting kits. Marion, an expert on the subject, served for 15 years as the chairman of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America in nearby Leesburg and remains a member of the museum’s advisory board. The store’s dedicated Hunt Room is a testament to her expertise and good taste.
Breeches, shirts, stocks, waistcoats canary and tattersall, and every style of hunt coat (in fabrics of varying weights to accommodate all climates) beckon the buyer. One wall is devoted entirely to pink coats. While Horse Country carries the most popular brands in hunt and show coats, Marion also offers a range of private label hunt coats, hacking jackets, and tweeds made in England to her specifications.
The Hunt Room alone establishes Horse Country as the ultimate go-to, but there’s much more on offer. Boots, bags, estate décor, equestrian art, Barbour jackets, and vintage jewelry all tempt the acquisitive-minded. Recently, Maggiolo introduced an expanded range of millinery for ladies in need of a suitable chapeau for the Kentucky Derby or a Virginia steeplechase. And if all this weren’t enough, head downstairs to the saddlery, where you’ll find a full range of saddles and tack, horse care essentials, stable accoutrements, and even antique stable fixtures.
Says Maggiolo, “The true essence of Horse Country is my desire to honor the complete lifestyle of the fox-hunting world.” It appears that she’s succeeding in doing that and then some.
Owner MARION MAGGIOLO’S parents opened Horse Country in 1970.
RICHARD FRASIER
A MAGICAL
BY STEPHANIE PETERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE KAMPER
TRAVEL PHOTOS | COURTESY GEORGINA BLOOMBERG
Jasper on Georgina’s shoulders on the expansive salt flats in Uyuni, Bolivia.
YEAR
In a two-part story, GEORGINA BLOOMBERG and her son, JASPER, journey to remote locations to share the extreme wonders of nature and return to WELLINGTON, FLORIDA, to welcome a new member into their family.
ALTHOUGH I AM NOT ONE to bandy about mathematical peculiarities, it’s worth highlighting that this, Equestrian Living’s third interview with Georgina Bloomberg, published six years after our second, which published six years after our first. To put it simply, unknowingly, we have checked in with Georgina at precisely six-year intervals, affording us a unique window into her ever-evolving journey of life.
Now 41 years old with two children, Jasper, 10, and Sebastian, approaching 1, Georgina has evolved in remarkable ways in this last six-year span, just as she had on our prior visit. Never one to rest on her laurels or be deterred by a demanding schedule, Georgina’s animal advocacy and environmental causes, among countless other charitable projects, continue to expand significantly in scale and focus. And the horses? They remain an integral part of her life.
Our interest in meeting with Georgina was twofold. She had recently welcomed her second child into the family and was enjoying a relaxed winter competition season at her Wellington, Florida, home. However, prior to the birth of her new baby, she and Jasper embarked on two extraordinary journeys, forging indelible bonds through shared experiences that were visually impactful and profoundly inspiring.
A YEAR OF UNPARALLELED TRAVEL AND DISCOVERY
During a recorded session of our twopart interview, Georgina, the doyenne of multi-tasking, took me on a virtual, rigorous dog walk as she efficiently huffed and puffed her responses to my questions, simultaneously building stamina and racking up her step count. Her responses were brimming with enthusiasm and reflection. Plans for her year away from the rigors of training and showing during her pregnancy with Sebastian in 2023 extended beyond the expectant addition to her family to how she could maximize the time for herself and Jasper.
I“Instead of having a party, I wanted to do something with Jasper that we would both remember.”
Above: Jasper on the lookout for whales prevalent in the deep waters of Tonga. Opposite, top: Jasper at ease while swimming side by side with mother whales and their calves. Below: Georgina joins Jasper in the unforgettable experience of jumping off the side of a boat into water thousands of feet deep to swim alongside Jasper and the whales.
Her time away from the show ring also coincided with her 40th birthday. She wanted to use the time to do something special and celebrate in a memorable way. “Instead of having a party, I wanted to do something with Jasper that we would both remember,” she muses. “Travel is something that
I really love doing, especially with him, and trying to see the world. Sort of randomly we came up with the idea of going to Antarctica and traveling a little bit [in South America] on the way down there. I thought, ‘What better way to be able to bring in 40 than being somewhere that I’ve never seen and be able to check off the last continent on my list.’”
Georgina has traveled extensively through Europe, particularly for horse shows, for 20-plus years, but she admits to venturing off the beaten path a little. “One of my favorite things about riding is that you don’t necessarily just travel to Paris, London, and Stockholm, but you get to go to some smaller towns that are interesting and just as beautiful and places that I might never have gone to,” she says.
Antarctica was a life-changing trip for her, not just for its beauty but also because it reflects the importance of learning about climate change and the environment. “To see the impact of it down there and how important the place is for the rest of the world, and how the [researchers] can gauge climate change and measure the effects on the environment was interesting for me,
“I’ll never forget jumping into the water and opening my eyes. I’m looking at Jasper, and he’s motioning under the water to say, ‘whale,’ ‘whale,’ ‘whale!’”
but especially impactful for Jasper. It was beneficial to see all these amazing things and to learn about the facts,” Georgina explains.
“I think it’s important for kids to see it to be able to care about it,” she adds. “For example, I’m a huge animal lover, and people always say, ‘Oh, you have to be against zoos and aquariums and things like that.’ I disagree because unless kids see things, they won’t care about them. You can’t expect kids to care about animals if they never get exposure to them or see them. I think for Jasper to be able to go and see things and to not just hear about why you should do something but to think about it and care about it himself was extremely important to me.”
IAbove: Georgina and Jasper stop in South America to take in the landscape en route to Antarctica. Opposite, Georgina celebrates reaching her seventh continent objective. Learning about and seeing firsthand the impact of climate change on the environment was a life-changing experience for both her and Jasper.
Eight months after their trip to South America and Antarctica, Georgina and Jasper joined her sister and niece on a journey to Tonga, an archipelago of more than 35 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It was during the period when the whales travel from Antarctica to the deep waters of Tonga to give birth and raise their young for a year before returning.
“It was kind of why Tonga was an appealing trip for us; because Jasper
had been really interested in whales in Antarctica,” Georgina notes. Only One, a marine-life-focused organization based in Tonga’s volcanic islands, invited them to see their work and to demonstrate how they protect the whales from environmental change and human predators. “I was hesitant to go because I was seven months pregnant and thought it was a
really bad idea, but I decided I wanted to take that risk because I didn’t want Jasper to miss out on it.” So, after a 24-hour trip to get there, Georgina found herself jumping off the side of a boat into narrow strips of water thousands of feet deep to swim with the whales and their calves. And they did this for five days.
“I’ll never forget jumping into the water and opening my eyes,” she exclaims. “I’m looking at Jasper, and he’s basically motioning under the water to say, ‘whale,’ ‘whale,’ ‘whale.’ Well, looking to my right and seeing a whale was one of those things that I’ll never forget. These days, we watch a lot of National Geographic shows, and it took a moment to realize this isn’t a TV screen; this is real!”
Georgina described it as one of the most amazing experiences; to see mother whales and their babies swimming just a few feet away, and for Jasper to gain a greater knowledge and first-hand respect for the oceans.
“It was such an amazing bonding experience for us, especially because it was right before he was going to become a big brother and some attention was going to be taken away from him,” she reflects. “It was amazing to have a trip where we
Georgina, Jasper, and new baby Sebastian relaxing at their Wellington, Florida, home. Joining the family is Clyde, a rescue from rural Georgia who Georgina met while doing rescue work for Animal Aid.
The trip was right before Jasper was going to become a big brother and some attention was going to be taken away from him.
Tgot to spend a lot of time with each other and to do something memorable together. But it was also a chance to push me out of my comfort zone. I’m so glad that we got to do it at a time when I didn’t have to prioritize horse shows, and I could take that time away to do something different and something I’ll remember much more than any win I’m ever going to get.”
Her trips to Antarctica and Tonga heightened Georgina’s awareness of environmental issues. She admits it’s very easy to get comfortable in the horse show bubble, but after taking a step away from that and taking a trip to Antarctica, you care about the environment more, and become more passionate about it. She admitted transitioning back into the “real world” was challenging.
“How do you go back to South Florida, ordering dinner on the phone and picking it up in Styrofoam take-out containers?” she asks metaphorically. “It’s difficult to go back to the real world, but obviously, you have to. The best thing you can do is go back and try to make a difference.”
She made small inroads at reducing the use of plastics at Wellington International during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) 2024 season. “I’ve spoken to some great people at WEF who want to make a difference and who want to help make changes. We’ve been working on generating some great ideas, and everybody’s on board with doing it,” she says. “That’s one of my big projects for the summer. To help them come up with ways that we can change WEF and be more sustainable as much as we possibly can.”
A QUIET WINTER COMPETITION SEASON
We also had a chance to visit Georgina at her Wellington, Florida, home shortly after having Sebastian. Synonymous with visiting the world-class champion show jumper, a slew of rescue and foster dogs of varying shapes and sizes met us with boundless fervor. Friendly and well-behaved, they exuded the comfort of knowing they had hit the motherlode of good fortune.
We migrated towards the buttery yellow barn ablaze with bougainvillea and well-tended impatiens. With Georgina’s vision and input, she and the late Denis Quinlan of Tara Management
Continued on page 61
Clockwise, from opposite page top: The quiet entrance to the property’s home; the 16-stall yellow barn is wrapped in bougainvillea and surrounded by mature plantings and vivid flowers; the jumping ring a few trots from the barn; the redesigned pond; front views of the barn; generous paths wend around the property.
In Wellington, it’s very different. Every week is a horse show week. Pretty much our entire life down there is about horse shows.
built the 16-stall structure from the ground up. “I wanted something that was really close to the horse show but that also felt private,” says Georgina. “The barn in Florida is very different than our farm in [North Salem,] New York. In New York, I kind of wanted a sanctuary and to be able to get away from the horse shows and crowds.
“In Wellington, it’s very different. Every week is a horse show week. Pretty much our entire life down there is about horse shows. I actually love walking around the horse show on the day off, and I enjoy the fact that I can hear the announcing in the pony ring when I’m riding on the weekends, yet it still feels quite separate. The best thing for me now with being a mom is the proximity to the show. I can go and show in an 8 a.m. class and still have time to take Jasper to school. Or, if I have a break between classes, I can pop home and see the baby for an hour. I can actually do it all,” she admits.
IOpposite: Georgina enjoys a shady spot in one of the Wellington property’s gazebos.
Above: Jasper on Rico Suave celebrating a great competition and reaching their all-time high score at Old Salem Farm during the 2024 Spring Show Series
of being far removed from the din of the horse show located merely steps away.
FAMILY MATTERS
Georgina also plied her creative skills with Hadden Landscape to create the property’s lush landscape populated with gazebos, towering trees and hedges, and a grand pond. Aside from the staggering beauty, the result is an uncanny sensation
Back on terra firma, Jasper embraces his role as older brother with wild abandon. The natural athlete and ribboned pony rider is smitten with Sebastian and loves spending time with him. “He loves being around him,” Georgina laughs. “He tries to sleep in his crib, and he waits
anxiously for Sebastian to wake up in the morning. He’s incredibly sweet.”
Jasper excels at riding. “In the beginning, I was concerned that he was just doing it because he thought that I wanted him to, but I can see he really loves the sport,” Georgina smiles. “That’s nice for me because it obviously means that we get to share that, and it gives us more time together and makes my life easier.”
Georgina is easing her way back into showing but being realistic about it and avoiding setting end-of-year goals. She hasn’t done that for the last couple of years, but she foresees setting those types of objectives again sometime in the future. “I don’t want to set a goal without really trying to accomplish it,” she explains. “I love the riding and working hard at it, and I love when it goes well, but for me, it’s just not my priority right now.”
Those who know Georgina are aware of her unwavering focus and commitment to numerous causes. Pondering whether she could assume more responsibilities, spearhead challenging initiatives, or return to world-class competition would be a futile endeavor. If our sixyear interview tradition persists, we can expect to find out in 2030
WEDDINGS 2O24
BY JILL NOVOTNY
LOVE
REINS
Weddings shed the bridle of tradition.
The world of weddings is constantly evolving, and for couples who share a love for horses, 2024 offers a wealth of exciting trends to consider. Whether they envision a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony or even an elopement, couples are incorporating their own personal story and style more than ever.
With a growing focus on social media-worthiness of events and on making events unique and customized, partners have new opportunities to build a wedding around their identity as a couple. For some, that means bringing horses into their celebrations by traveling to destinations where horses roam, like the mountains of Patagonia or a Mexican polo club. For others, it could mean riding their own horse to the ceremony or adding more subtle nods to equestrian style in their cake or décor.
A roundtable discussion with industry experts illuminates prominent trends in weddings for 2024, which can provide valuable insights, from eco-conscious practices to embracing bold colors, to help you plan a wedding that reflects your unique style and values.
EQ Living: There seem to be many ways weddings are letting go of tradition in favor of more personalized celebrations. What traditions have been the first to go?
Courtney: I always tell my clients getting married here in Mexico that the fact you are getting married abroad is untraditional, so anything goes! Our clients can make the rules to what suits them; nothing is off the table.
Heather: I have increasingly noticed couples forgoing many traditional elements that do not fit with who they are. This can include skipping dancing in favor of adding in board games, choosing to speak their handwritten vows in private before speaking their “I dos” in front of their guests, or even deciding to walk down the aisle together rather than have their parents walk them.
Annie: Couples want to share their unique
ASK THE EXPERTS
EQLiving speaks with industry experts to learn about the exciting trends and changes in weddings in 2024.
love story with their guests, so including personalized touches as a part of their celebration is getting more and more common while getting rid of archaic wedding traditions that don’t necessarily align with their values. Traditions like the bouquet or garter toss, long toasts and speeches, cake cutting, and so on seem to be getting less popular. On the other hand, some traditions can be modified to fit the couple’s values, like dances or walking down the
LUI, PHOTOGRAPHER.
Annie is a hybrid luxury wedding photographer based in the Midwest. She takes a fine art and documentary approach and often travels to destinations to compose exquisite, honest, and sentimental heirlooms for kindred hearts.
aisle, turning them into a memorable moment.
Dani: For too long, the reception, and in turn, reception décor, has been prioritized over the ceremony. We’re seeing more emphasis on the design of the ceremony itself as well as special guest touches, including fans and parasols and pre-ceremony cocktails or sorbets. While ceremonies may still follow traditional formats, couples are rethinking their seating plans and the
AND DESIGNER.
HauteFêtes founder/owner
Dani Blasena grew up in the international world of politics, entertainment, and design as the daughter of a diplomat and artist. Today, she leverages her experience to create elegant and sophisticated celebrations, with her individual brand of client dedication and signature European take on event design.
PURDY,
Heather K. Purdy is a multiaward winning wedding and adventure elopement photographer based on the West Coast and working worldwide. She specializes in cinematic imagery and believes in documenting moments, not just poses. She believes in the inclusivity of all forms, and has a passion for storytelling and capturing earthy shots.
Courtney is the owner and designer at Sunset Soiree, a wedding and event production company in Sayulita, Mexico. Born in Canada and raised in the U.S., she has owned numerous businesses in Sayulita, including a small hotel, grocery store, and bar; she also co-founded the 5-day film, music, and lifestyle Festival Sayulita.
COURTNEY BIALY, WEDDING DESIGNER AND PLANNER.
DANI BLASENA, WEDDING PLANNER
ANNIE
HEATHER
PHOTOGRAPHER.
furnishings and layouts of their ceremonies, from curvy aisles to guests facing inwards, to sitting “on the round” or simply standing, we’re seeing more inventive, immersive, and personalized wedding celebrations.
What is trending in terms of fashion for the bride, the groom, and the wedding party?
Courtney: I see brides having multiple dresses for the ceremony and reception, which is always fun. Grooms are using a mix, from the classic tux to custom-made colored suits. I personally love when the bridesmaids can choose their own dress from a range of colors. It adds interest and personality.
Heather: A hot trend right now is color. We are seeing a lot of bridal gowns that have colorful elements to them through floral embroidery or even print. Another big trend is bows and ribbons on bridal and bridesmaid gowns. Whether they be tied at the shoulder, in the back, or even as small additions on the hips or in hair, bows are huge this wedding season. They pair well with another big trend, which is a corseted waist. Unlike in years past, where you might only see boning on a ball gown-type bridal dress, we are seeing V-shaped corsets on many different dress structures. Another huge trend for grooms is that rather than a boutonniere, we are seeing full lapel floral designs, as well as pocket squares made of flowers.
in one. We’re going to continue to build on this multi-wedding-outfit trend, with brides (and grooms) expressing more of their personality through their wedding wardrobes.
Annie: Big bows, pearl details, colorful and mismatched bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits, non-traditional bouquets, and a lot of amazing trends going on. Many of them look modern yet classy and will definitely stand the test of time.
Do you feel things have changed since COVID or bounced back to where they were?
Dani: I think the one thing COVID really did for weddings was emphasize couples’ desire to create more intimate and personalized celebrations. While the size of weddings has rebounded, we are still seeing more emphasis on the details that were so important in intimate, micro weddings, which is leading to much more creative wedding designs. We’re also seeing the return of destination weddings as more couples embrace international travel, as well as multi-day wedding weekends.
Are there changing trends in the fashion of guests or trends in the dress codes couples are choosing?
Dani: Since COVID, couples, especially brides, have embraced fashion in all aspects of their wedding day, from gowns to little white dresses. Instead of feeling the need to prioritize just one outfit, the wedding dress, they’re going all out with sparkly reception gowns and ultra-mini after-party dresses. For those on a budget, consider the emerging trend of bridal separates: detachable pieces and transformative dresses that give brides the ability to have two dresses
Annie: Definitely. Guest attire is becoming a part of the couple’s wedding story. In order to create a cohesive and memorable wedding, couples are turning to guests to complete the big picture.
Heather: Overall, I would say that the biggest trend is to be all black, with a black tie. This creates such a chic look when it comes to photos, and I have often heard planners discuss how it is the easiest color for guests to shop for, thus creating more willingness to participate!
Heather: In the three years after COVID, a wedding boom was created as couples either met during lockdown via online dating apps, or decided to wait until loved ones could safely fly to their weddings. 2024 has had fewer weddings than the recent past, but if you examine the numbers, you see it is returning to more of the baseline established prior to COVID
Courtney: There is a bit of a decline now compared to the past few years, with smaller weddings and elopements. We love it all.
What trends are you seeing for flowers and decor?
Heather: So many floral trends are popping up right now. Again—COLOR!
Neutral florals were all the rage the past few years, but this year, we are seeing bright and bold uses of color choices. I especially love a monochromatic floral theme in an exciting color like red or magenta shades of all different types of flowers. Another fun element we are seeing is ombre floral installations. Think a large, floating flower arrangement that starts red, then fades to orange, and then yellow to white.
Courtney: I will say we love color. And disco balls have been all the rage as of late. Dani: For décor, it’s out with the “boho” and in with the “modern romantic.” Pared
For Pamela Flanagan, a passionate polo player, the first half of 2022 was all about work, spending time with family and friends, and winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Love wasn’t on the agenda, but destiny had other plans.
Louis Devaleix, a newcomer to the game of polo, had already won several notable tournaments and participated in the annual Gauntlet of Polo. Having only learned to ride a horse a couple of years prior, his launch into polo was all-encompassing and immediate. “My first time riding a horse, I
A WHIRLWIND ROMANCE ON THE POLO FIELD
took a polo lesson with Carlos Gonzalez, and as soon as I hit the ball one meter, I fell immediately in love with the sport,” he told ClickPolo USA in 2022.
Because of Louis and Pamela’s involvement in polo—Louis as an owner of La Fe polo team, and Pamela as the winner of four U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championships—a mutual friend was easily able to connect them when they caught each other’s interest at the International Polo Club in Wellington.
The wedding in June of 2023 was a sophisticated affair held at the Breakers, a majestic oceanfront hotel in Palm Beach,
Florida, steeped in history and elegance. “It was a magical event,” Pamela says. “We really wanted to incorporate nature and warmth. We filled the venue with flowers and even trees. Upon exiting the church, we released a thousand butterflies. The butterflies came from a local farm that focused on repopulating South Florida with healthy, native butterfly species. I have always felt that butterflies elicit a sense of natural beauty and symbolize metamorphosis, and both sentiments provided a lovely tribute to our special day.”
Louis’s young son, Ames, served as best man and wore a white jacket to match his
The wedding was a sophisticated affair held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.
father’s. A wedding party of 12 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen joined the celebration. The reception reflected the couple’s heritage: Greek (Pamela) and French-Brazilian (Louis) through food, decor, and music.
Later in the summer, Pamela was playing in a mixed 8-goal when the horse she was riding went down, and she sustained an injury. “I had to have surgery, with a screw put into my shoulder. I did a few months of rehab, and right when I was ready to get back to competing, I found out I was pregnant!” The couple is preparing to welcome a baby girl this summer.
A PATAGONIA ELOPEMENT
“To the ends of the earth” takes on a new meaning for this couple looking for adventure.
Caley and Brandon had always said they would go “to the ends of the earth” for love, and their elopement to Patagonia proved just that. Seeking an unforgettable adventure in a completely new place, they chose Patagonia’s Estancia Bonanza, nestled at the base of the majestic Fitz Roy range. This ranch wasn’t just chosen for its breathtaking scenery – it also boasted a resident gaucho who led daily horseback riding excursions. After we crossed the suspension bridge
Story and Photos by Heather K. Purdy
and dropped our bags in our cabins, we were introduced to our horses and taken on a long trail ride to determine our ability. Each day, we rode for hours to remote locations in one of the most remote places on the planet. Though some of the trails were treacherous, the sure-footedness of the horses was a truly beautiful thing to experience from a rider’s perspective.
For the elopement day itself, I knew I wanted to incorporate the ranch’s herd as much as possible into the photography. Caley had shared with me that her father,
who had recently passed, was quite the equestrian and often rode with Ronald Reagan, so I loved the idea of honoring her father’s memory by including one of his favorite things in their elopement images. Making sure to capture Caley and Brandon surrounded by horses in the corral and having Caley atop one in her wedding gown felt like the perfect nod to her father’s love of riding. To document Patagonia’s wild essence and show the magical land’s strong relationship with gaucho and equestrian culture, I wanted to create some images
with the ranch’s horses running through.
Having Caley and Brandon in a serene moment together, with the ponies running in the background also felt like such a great way to symbolize how wild the world can feel, but how when you are with the right person, you are in this cocoon of quiet, and the only thing that you notice is your connection. When I proposed my idea to our gaucho, he got the biggest smile ever and was so excited to help bring the vision to life!
Many of the resorts are seasonal, and their season is opposite of ours. Most bonanzas are only open from late October through early Spring.
It is a long trip. Plan to spend the night in Buenos Aires, fly to El Calafate, and then settle in for a long car ride to reach the base of the mountains. Bring anything you might need, as the only town near the base has very limited resources.
Stay at a ranch that has a gaucho so you are able to have an authentic horseback experience.
TIPS FOR ELOPING TO PATAGONIA:
HIRE A SHIRE, BORROW A BURRO
Meet Ruth Cox and her crew of animals for personalized celebrations at their farm in France.
As a child, Ruth Cox was obsessed with horses. “I’d ride the local farmer’s cow, and when I was allowed my own goat, I trained her to pull me around in my grandma’s wheelchair,” she remembers.
She went on to study equines and agriculture in college, before working at several Thoroughbred stud farms, as well as Twemlows, the first equine artificial insemination center in the U.K. She taught riding for disabled students, and then set off on a series of travels, working with camels and Marwari horses in India, and teaching English and coordinating equine and animal-based summer camps in Thailand. After seven years in Thailand, she and a group of young bohemian misfits she met on a beach rode across Mongolia (an adventure she captured in her 2022 book, Exodus. See page 26.)
In short, Ruth has some equine experience.
“We ended up in rural France because I am passionate about educating children in nature,” she recounts. “I wanted to create a forest school and to own some land where we could raise our son in a homestead-type environment. We traveled as a family in a van for a year to find the right country and the perfect piece of land.”
NICHOLE BABIEZ
Ten years later, when their son had outgrown his Shetland pony, Ruth got to thinking of fun ways to give the pony and their other animals a job and to make them more accessible to the public.
“I had been bringing along my young shire for use on the land and wanted to get her out to see the world,” she says. “The name Hire a Shire came to me before the actual idea of being at weddings!” she said. Launching during COVID, the business had a difficult start, but things have begun to pick back up. “I like to keep the
number of events modest and manageable so that it stays enjoyable for us all. I do mainly weddings, but I’m always open to all ideas.
“The horses are a great icebreaker,” Ruth continues. “Everyone loves to meet them and ask questions, and guests will often share their horse stories with me. A lovely older gentleman at one wedding was immediately drawn to Rosie, the Shire, and recounted his years working with the Brewery Shires in London as a boy. The bride later emailed me to say how special that moment had been for him. Those are the moments I love, sparking wonder and also dear memories in others through the horses.” In the future, Ruth says she hopes to take them into retirement homes or to visit city kids.
The team, Ted the cob, Rosie the Shire, Chippie the Shettie, and Aphrodite the donkey are all either rescues or personal project ponies. A new Clydesdale-cross
COURTESTY OF RUTH COX
named Joseph is currently learning the ropes there as well. Rosie also works at their off-the-grid farm: weeding, harrowing, ridging, and lifting potatoes with a traditional potato rake. The farm, a fully renovated 200-year-old French cottage, has hot water and heating run entirely off of their own small wood and solar panels. They grow their own vegetables using composted manure and waste hay as mulch. They raise chickens and a few pigs that are kept free range in the sweet chestnut woodland before dispatch. “We use all parts of the pig and use canning and curing techniques to store meat as well as freezing,” she continues.
The family’s next project is to develop their small lavender farm, Puy Jaillant Family Farm, into a venue hosting “ecofriendly, horsey, festival-vibe” weddings in the lavender fields surrounded by their lovely animals, set to begin next year.
BEYOND THE BEACH
La Patrona is an equestrian center and polo club nestled
Riviera Nayarit’s famed coastline stretches nearly 200 miles, but event designer Courtney Bialy had a vision that went beyond the expected. “It’s not all sand and beaches,” she says. “We wanted to showcase a unique place: La Patrona, an equestrian and polo center nestled in the Riviera Nayarit jungle.”
Courtney, along with Mac Event Group, with flowers by Flora Amor, hair and makeup by Jenn Chivers, model Karen Diaz, and Dekker Photography, worked to create inspiration for couples and designers seeking a distinctive destination wedding with an equestrian theme.
The shoot, which captured a polo match at cocktail hour and dinner in the stable, aimed to highlight the venue’s equestrian flair. “We did have to adjust for the sunset,” Courtney admits, “but we achieved the photographer’s vision by strategically moving some shots.”
La Patrona’s grandeur gave the team many options to work with while planning their shoot. While the venue can host weddings for over 250 guests, Courtney aimed for warmth and romance in this shoot. Inside the stables, they put together a tablescape for 40 guests, with the soft glow of over 150 floating candles on a glass runner. Flora Amor completed the look by bringing the florals to the base of the table, using the same geometric lines of the ceremony space, the copper-painted greenery, and the blush blooms.
La Patrona offers a variety of elegant event spaces, from intimate gatherings to grand receptions. Beyond the aesthetics, the venue boasts award-winning chefs creating family-style menus with fresh, local ingredients, some even grown on site. They also offer lessons and equestrian experiences for all levels, from beginner to expert.
in the jungle of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
JELGER AND TANJA PHOTOGRAPHY
CAKES THAT DAZZLE
World Equestrian Center’s Executive Pastry Chef brings a touch of France and a lot of creativity.
Yohann Le Bascond was born in France and moved to the U.S. at 20 after completing French pastry chef training, including everything from chocolate and croissants, to tarts and croquembouche. “I moved to Miami, which was great,” says Yohann. “You can imagine that to me, it was a bit of a culture shock. But that’s where I started experiencing American cuisine. I was working at a French company at the time. Fast forward to 2020, I got my green card to be able to find a job in the U.S. but three months later the pandemic started and no one was hiring. Thankfully, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) was looking for an executive pastry chef. I was employee #1, hired about seven months prior to the opening of WEC Ocala. I’ve been there four years now, and I honestly can’t tell you how incredible it’s been.”
Though Yohann doesn’t have equestrian experience, he learns on the job. “I’m learning about horses every single day, what different disciplines people do, from Western pleasure, Paso Finos, polo, and so on. I know who wakes up early, who shows late, and what people do depending on which activities they do,” he says.
Couples who marry at the World Equestrian Center go through the process by choosing their venue and menu, signing contracts, and working together with the team to manage all the details. When discussing the cake, Yohann meets with couples to help them choose a flavor combination. “They usually can take up to three different flavors of cake, as well as three different fillings based on the menu that we offer. We do a mix and match, where they can have little individual servings of cake and fillings. They have a special VIP experience at the tasting. We pay a
create their unique cake,” he continues.
Though many brides choose a traditional, white wedding cake, many others give Yohann a lot of freedom to build a cake he thinks will be one-ofa-kind, unforgettable, and fun. “One of my favorites was a cake where it was a seven-tiered cake, but three of the tiers were clear acrylic. So even though it was really only four layers of cake, it was five or six feet tall, and just really beautiful and unique,” remembers Yohann. “I’m always here to satisfy the bride and groom and make sure that whatever they want is what we deliver. It requires a lot of imagination and some technical skills and building skills; it’s really a lot of fun.”
lot of attention to detail in a private dining room at the restaurant. We make it a big deal because it is a big deal! We want them to feel taken care of,” says Yohann.
“Because at that point, they’ve usually spent about 90 minutes talking about and trying food, it usually makes sense to take a pause and come back later to talk about the design of the cake. I don’t want to miss details. So, in the second session, we discuss the cake’s design.
Brides nowadays usually spend a lot of time on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram coming up with ideas. I don’t want just to copy and paste a cake they find, I want theirs to be unique, so I normally encourage them to find about three to five photos they like, and we can put them together to
Often, the venue influences the choice of design. The center’s Paris room, which is dark colored with gold accents, leads many couples to choose gold highlights in their cake. Yohann also emphasizes the importance of the room’s size when considering the cake. “If you have a three-tiered cake by the Grand Arena on the Terrace, the cake will get lost. What we can do, if your cake is going to be for fifty people, for example, that would be a standard two-tier cake. But who wants a two-tier cake? We offer styrofoam, so the first three tiers of your cake could be a dummy cake, and the top two or three could be real. No one will be able to tell the difference, and it’s going to change the whole game. If you’re only planning to do this once, then you should do it right. Go big! Make it count, and don’t be scared to be a little adventurous.”
BORN TO CRE ATE
Artist HENRIETTA CORBETT applies her talents across multiple disciplines.
Purple Horse Standing
Derelict Barn
Henrietta Corbett earned a fine arts degree in sculpture, painting, and printmaking at the University of the West Midlands, formerly Wolverhampton Polytechnic, Wolverhampton, U.K.
During her time at university, she was taught by the artist Anish Kapoor and the sculptor Nicola Hicks. Both extremely inspirational characters had an enormous impact on Corbett’s method and creative process of working.
Her final degree show featured a blend of painting, printmaking, and sculpture, and these disciplines continue to shape her artistic endeavors, constantly evolving with different materials and techniques.
Corbett’s use of color is often compared to that of the Fauves, a group of artists that included Henri Matisse, André Derain, Raoul Dufy, and others during the period of 1905 to 1910, characterized by the use of strong colors. Others note her imagery as reminiscent of ancient cave paintings or animals carved onto a chalk hillside.
“AS A PRACTICING ARTIST, YOU DISCOVER YOUR OWN LANGUAGE AND YOUR OWN WAY OF WORKING.”
Flying Over Fields
Henrietta Corbett provides a glimpse into her life as an artist and her exploration of color, mediums, and subjects.
Over time, as a practicing artist, you discover your own language, your own unique way of working, and the methods that suit your individual style.
From early in my career, I have always documented nature, animals, and birds, whether by camera or sketchbook or written notation. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that horses began to appear in my drawings, and later in both print and sculpture.
I was teaching art at a secondary school on the south coast of England when I was struck down by a mystery illness. I was confined to bed most days with severe weakness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. It was a type of exhaustion that was extremely debilitating, and in the early days of the illness, I was unable even to pick up a mug of tea.
Months went by before I felt able to lift a pencil and start drawing in a simple drawing pad. I drew some landscapes from memory, and then horses started to infiltrate them. Usually, just one horse would feature among hillsides and valleys, all drawn in pencils, which I kept by my bed. I was slowly recovering and drawing most days. I managed to fill many
sketchbooks with landscape doodles, horses, birds, and viaducts, all images from my head and without ever questioning where they had come from. It was sort of therapeutic just to have a daily scribble. Just to confirm, I’d never kept a horse or even ridden one.
As my health improved, I was able to get up and about, and I started to experiment with printmaking. I used drypoint, collagraph, and monoprint methods. I worked from some of the images that I had produced in my sketchbooks, namely, the horse careening down a hillside or a single horse in a mass expanse of landscape. I exhibited a few of these new prints and discovered they were quite well received.
This, of course, inspired me to produce more, and as my confidence grew, I produced larger pieces, experimenting with differing techniques, including screen printing and painting. I painted directly onto the board with acrylics, roughed up the surfaces, and applied paint, slowly building up layers of color and then adding my horse image. I didn’t mind that sometimes my horse would be blue or pink! I wasn’t trying to replicate the horse in an anatomically correct fashion, merely addressing an emotion of stillness, quietness, strength, or sometimes speed.
Horse with Viaduct
Sea Bird ii (Raku)
Red Horse on Blue
Blue Horse Yellow Field
Blue Horse and Trees
Sam 1894
I live in rural Leicestershire, U.K., surrounded by farms and wildlife.
I grew up in similar surroundings, so it is no surprise to me that I find myself documenting these narratives. Rustic barns, hedges, birds, foxes, and hares all appear in my work. Quite often, they are stylized; a revised version of the original. I enjoy paring down the images to create a minimal line or a suggested shape.
Paring down also applies to my clay sculptures. The enjoyment of working with clay has never left me and of all the mediums, this is my favorite. I use a very gritty clay, which is suitable for the firing processes. A finer clay would not be able to withstand the sudden reduction in temperature, which is akin to the Raku method.
I build each clay sculpture by hand and use minimal tools:
an old craft knife and some wooden modelling tools, but mostly just my hands. The sculptures are fired in an electric kiln to about 850 degrees and then glazed using specialist raku glazes, which contain certain metals to eventually give the piece an aged, burnished look. After glazing, the pieces are put into a raku kiln and fired up to about 1,000 degrees. They are carefully removed at the 1,000-degree stage and plunged into sawdust or other inflammable materials. This reduction process can be very precarious, and I’m never quite sure what will appear from the ashes after one of these firings. No breakages are a good result; after that everything else is a bonus.
I am currently working on several new ideas for clay sculptures, including bird totems and horses with riders. If successful, they will be raku-fired and hopefully exhibited in one of the galleries I show my work in throughout the U.K. So, fingers crossed.
Trees, Barn, and Sun
DERRWOOD ESTATE
BATH, OHIO
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
•67’x180’ Amish built arena
•8 12’x12’ matted stalls - automatic Nelson waterers
•4 large grass pastures
•3 pastures include automatic Nelson horse waterers
•Home built by renowned architect Tony Paskevich
•Additional 2-story carriage house
Situated on 27 breathtaking acres in Bath, this exceptional estate provides every imaginable amenity for today’s modern equestrian. With four pastures, an Amish-built 67’x180’ riding arena, and an 8-stall stable with a tack room and lounge, plus an additional 2-story carriage house, this French Country Estate leaves nothing to be desired. Originally built by Tony Paskevich in 2001, with an elevator connecting all three floors, the sprawling main house features soaring ceilings, elegant features, and imported finishes including countertops from the Isle of Malta and an imported custom La Cornue range and reclaimed mantel from a French chateau. From the great room with distressed hickory flooring to the exquisite first-floor bedroom suite designed for relaxation and comfort, each element of the home was hand-selected with the finest attention to detail and care. The kitchen is a delightful mixture of reclaimed antique finishes and contemporary amenities, including the custom Amish-built cabinetry, reclaimed sink and backsplash, and heated limestone flooring. Off of the kitchen, the sunny breakfast nook features a fireplace, imported lighting, and French doors that open to
one of the home’s many covered patios. The first-floor primary wing includes a fireplace, a luxurious en-suite bathroom with two walk-in closets, and a private dressing room that could also be used as an office. Upstairs, there are three bedroom suites and a second kitchen, perfect for an in-law or guest suite. The full lower level is just waiting to be finished into an incredible home fitness center. Outside, the pristine, pastoral setting is equally suited for relaxation and recreation. Three out of four pastures are equipped with Nelson Automatic Horse Waterers, and the property connects to the 400+ acre Bath Nature Preserve for easy access to local bridle trails. $3,850.00
Listed by NICK ZAWITZ & DAVID AYERS
Contact Nick Zawitz: 440-567-7068
nick.zawitz@theagencyre.com
LOVE REINS ASK THE EXPERTS
back and clean silhouettes mix with romantic, feminine details such as ribbons and bows and lots of candlelight. We’re also seeing couples embracing what we call “residential design,” more emphasis on vignettes and unique lounge configurations using banquettes and booths; statement bars that draw inspiration from “bar culture” and mimic those found in swanky bars and nightclubs; and more creative takes on tented wedding designs that mimic physical spaces.
Is wedding photography changing? What do couples prefer these days from their photographer?
Courtney: I don’t think photography has changed. It is an amazing way to capture the day. But I’m a big fan of videography. The words, the moment, capture something a still camera can’t.
Annie: More couples are opting for a mixture of documentary and editorial approach to wedding photography, where genuine and candid moments are captured as they are, while very vogue-esque images are created at the same time. Many also value the importance of detailed images, which I feel is a direct result of how meticulous planning and customization has become.
seeing the rise of wedding “content creators.” Fortunately, with advances in photography, classic film looks can now be captured with digital presets. So, those couples who favor more traditional portraiture and light that is best captured with film can have their cake and eat it, too!
What about food, and are they opting for desserts beyond the cake?
Annie: Guests can often choose the type of meal they want on their RSVP card,
bite. We are seeing creative and artistic approaches taken to the presentation when it comes to the cake, too! Really on trend is having a long rectangular, low cake adorned with florals or cakes that have more of an old-fashioned, 1930’s look when it comes to the piped icing.
Courtney: Here in Mexico, we have all the options: churros, ice cream tacos, sweet breads.The traditional wedding cakes are few and far between and usually only serve around 15 guests.
Dani: The after-party has also spurred creative late-night snacks, from slices of pizza to In N’ Out Burger trucks for those late-night cravings.
Dani: We’re seeing a shift towards more of an editorial style in photography as social media has become more pervasive. Weddings have become “social,” with couples wanting the immediacy of digital photography for their Instagram or TikTok accounts, and with that, you’re
which creates a more inclusive environment for people with dietary restrictions. As for desserts, cakes are still an important part of the reception, but smaller desserts like macarons, mini cakes and tarts, and personalized cookies give guests more options to choose from. Heather: I see that cake is still quite popular, but couples are increasingly choosing to skip the tradition of gathering everyone around to watch them cut the cake and feed each other the first
Entertainment has always consisted of a DJ or a band, but today, there seem to be more options. Have you seen new ways of entertaining guests?
Courtney: A DJ is a must here. They provide ceremony sound and mics for speeches. But we love a band or mariachi to add a little flair during cocktails or the start of the dance party.
Heather: Couples are really thinking outside the box when it comes to the entertainment aspect of weddings lately, and it is so fun to see them choose elements that speak to who they are. I have one couple who will be bringing vintage arcade games for their guests and another couple who will have a live cigar-rolling station and tattoo artist.
Dani: Where fireworks are prohibited due to fire safety regulations, drone shows are an environmentally safe alternative. In addition, we’re seeing interactive entertainment including synchronized swimming, opera singing, and even Cirque du Soleil performances, becoming the norm in the ultra-luxury wedding market.
LOVE REINS ASK THE EXPERTS
Are couples hiring more help, such as planners or stylists, or are they doing more on their own?
Heather: Planners, stylists, and even day-of content creators are all here to stay and being hired in droves.
Dani: There will always be room for a do-it-yourself-er. But in the luxury wedding market, as weddings become more elaborate and creative you’re seeing more specialized wedding roles emerge, such as “day-of dressers” whose focus is to dress the bridal party and make sure they look their best; “wedding stylists” who create entire looks and wardrobes from the engagement shoot to the farewell brunch; and wedding content creators who, unlike a videographer or photographer, are focused on capturing the behind-the-scenes of a wedding day and adjacent events for a couples’ social feed.
Are there other details couples have been making their own?
wall featuring their favorite bubbly or even a little scavenger hunt to guide their guests, couples are showing their creativity and personality through these elements.
Have you noticed new ways for couples to include horses in their wedding? What other ways would you consider or recommend for couples interested in showcasing some equestrian flair on their special day?
to bottles of water to save plastic. We know weddings create a lot of trash, but if we can eliminate items like programs and menus that will only be looked at once and thrown aside, we are helping. Poco a poco!
Annie: There are more ways than ever to make an event more sustainable. Many florists are reducing their use of floral foams and are choosing to work with local flower farmers. At the end of the night, many couples allow their guests to take home some florals and donate any leftover florals to senior homes. Caterers are more open to packaging up leftover food so that the couple or their family can take it home. Couples are also opting to rent dinnerware, which not only adds a personal touch to their reception but also eliminates onetime-use plates and flatware.
Courtney: Brides coming in on horses is always a special entry. I personally love the idea of a polo match during cocktail hour. I mean, how fun would that be?
Courtney: The Instax or Polaroid camera is very popular for guest books. And because we are a beach surfing town, we have had couples sign a surfboard as a guest book to be hung at home over the mantel.
Dani: We’ve seen hot air balloon departures, unique signature cocktails and specialty bar ingredients, as well as custom welcome bags and creative invitation suites.
Heather: I always love when couples take a hands-on approach to some of their details. Creating a unique way for guests to find their tables is quite popular. Whether it be through a champagne
Heather: Horses being incorporated is always going to be a timeless and stunning element to add to a wedding. One of my absolute favorite things to capture is the couple’s portraits on or around horses. Couples also can include equestrian nods through their attire. A bride wearing her favorite riding boots beneath her dress would be stunning, as it would hold a wonderful juxtaposition between the softness of the gown and the sleek boot.
Have you noticed an increase in the concern for sustainability?
Courtney: Yes, definitely! A lot of clients opt for water dispensers as opposed
Heather: Sustainability in the wedding industry is always going to be a conversation and one that is essential to have. Anytime you can source something that holds more longevity, do it! Work with vendors who practice sustainability. This can be as simple as making sure your photographer respects the local environment and practices a “leave-no-trace” approach or using a venue that emphasizes plants that are native to the area.
Dani: The average wedding produces 400 to 600 pounds of garbage. That means that in the United States alone, there are 1.2 million pounds of wedding waste on an annual basis. It doesn’t have to be this way! One of the most eco-friendly choices you can make is selecting a beautiful wedding venue. Consider looking for venues that offer lush landscaping, beautiful gardens, lakeside views, or unique architecture facades. These features double as an incredible backdrop for your wedding and can take the place of a lot of disposable wedding decor.
Sky Farm
Sky Farm is a truly enchanting property for equestrian enthusiasts. Includes a charming farmhouse, and large timber frame barn with six stalls and three large turnouts with split rail and electric fencing. The property extends to encompass miles of pristine carriage trails for riding, as well as an outdoor riding area. Close to Green Mountain Horse Association.
Hudson Valley Horse Country Estate
Historic 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom estate in the heart of Saugerties, minutes to the HITS show and many equestrian facilities. Plenty of room to build out boarding on
Rustic Urban Living and Comfort
Welcome to your retreat nestled on 78 acres offering seven bedrooms and three bathrooms.There are tennis courts, many trails, and a stocked pond to enjoy the outdoors.
MARCY GRAZIANO | C: 518.491.4906
Spectacular Mountain View Property
Modern / Arts & Crafts style country home is set on 105 acres of remote wilderness, with two ponds, a 5-stall horse barn, and close to Hunter Mt Ski area.
Outdoor Enthusiast Retreat
Surrounded by Nature
2894 West Road, Manchester, VT
lot not to tell him to photosynthesize off. We needed to get there and get dry as soon as possible, preferably before Jang started tipping into pneumonia. An hour and a half later we were huddled around the stove with a bowl of salty tea in one hand and cheese and cream in the other. The family was wonderful; they put a bearskin down on the floor for us and told us to stay the night. This was perfect. We all looked and felt a lot better. Just then a huge roar of thunder rolled above and made us all jump. We poked our heads out of the ger to see an amazing light show in the sky and watched as the entire valley lit up with each bolt of lightning. The ger was warm and safe and we whiled away the evening with our hosts playing the “guess our age” game. There was no electricity, and the family had few candles, so we gathered around one, examining each other’s faces trying to politely guess how old we all were. We had lots of fun, and using the phrase book we found out that they would also be going to the Nadaam and we would see them there. Once the candle had burnt down we all fell into a deep slumber.
Tengri, the God of the sky, seemed to be in better spirits the next day. The rain clouds had gone and the sun was bright and warm. Yesterday the valley was bleak, cold, and uninviting, but today it was beautiful. Wild purple flowers covered the mountains, the river was flowing with fresh, clean water and the sound of grazing animals relaxed the soul. We were given some sweet porridge made from flour, butter and sugar; it’s absolutely delicious until the third spoonful, whereupon you really feel like you’ve just eaten three spoons of flour, butter and sugar.
As Stella was doing the photo session with our kind hosts, I got the horses ready and watched as the kids helped the father chopping and sawing logs, fetching water and herding the yaks. It was stunning to see the competence of these kids. Before we left, the wife gave us some cheese, and we gave them pocket Ludo.
I really didn’t want to leave that valley, it was so pretty, I would have liked to stay for a while learning more about this nomadic family’s routine. But we had a party to get to.
We spent the day following the grass track to
“The nomad’s vodka is strong stuff made by distilling yak or mare milk under sheet metal and leaving it in the sun. It comes in two varieties, low alcoholic content or high alcoholic content. We had the latter. It smelt and tasted exactly like yakflavored vodka.
“Ih Uul. The scenery was incredible, the magical openness of the steppes, winding rivers, lush grass and pockets of beautiful woodland. I spent most of the morning riding Shanti and loudly singing all the songs from my favorite musicals. Ozzy the dog had now become irreplaceable. Every ger had at least two or three angry protection dogs as security which, on seeing us pass, would usually greet us with foaming snarls and relentless barking. Ozzy was a big, male dog and seemed to command respect from the other canines. He would always lope over to the dogs and sort us our safe passage, each time he approached angry dogs they always turned and left us alone. It really was something special and it made us proud.
We passed groups of men preparing their horses for the Nadaam horse race—sleek, slender and worth huge amounts of tugrik. Mongolia is one among a few countries that prefer to use child jockeys. Boys and girls between five and twelve can race and it’s usually a grueling distance of about thirty kilometers across open countryside.
It was midday, the weather was perfect and we’d made good distance since the morning, so we stopped next to a river in a small wooded glade and decided to cook up a feast, as the last few days had been a tad desperate on the food front. Jang collected some wood, Mirko dug a pit, Katya filled the water bags, Stella mixed chapatti dough and I sorted the horses out.
We lay on the soft grass eating chapattis, tahini and potatoes, and Mirko mentioned that a perfect way to spend the afternoon would be to get drunk. No sooner had he said those magic words than five herders appeared carrying various receptacles filled with nomadic delights. They gifted us the most delicious fresh yogurt I have ever tasted, a pint of fresh cream and several pints of yak vodka.
The nomad’s vodka is strong stuff made by distilling yak or mare milk under sheet metal and leaving it in the sun. It comes in two varieties, low alcoholic content or high alcoholic content. We had the latter. It smelt and tasted exactly like yakflavored vodka and it was only Mirko who could stomach it. Jang, not being any kind of drinker, was never really taken seriously as a male by the nomads. In Mongolia being a big drinker is considered an important manly trait, much like in Britain.
Beautiful country estate just minutes from town, located in a private setting with 6 acres of water rights and views of the Sierra Mountains. When you walk in the front door, you are greeted with high ceilings, an abundance of natural light, and hardwood floors that lead you into the living room where you can relax by the fire and enjoy spectacular views. The property is fully fenced with vinyl fencing, gates, and a round pen. The large barn has 3 oversized stalls, tack room, and is plumbed for natural gas and water. Additionally, there is a shed barn that includes 4 stalls.
Contact Lauren today for a private tour.
WHERE TO FIND IT
FAVORITES
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Lynn Coakley’s Favorites EQUUS Foundation equusfoundation.org
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Add an Air of Heirloom
Celtic Farm shop.thecelticfarm.com
Duluth Trading Company duluthtrading.com
Fisher Blacksmithing fisherblacksmithing.com Haws haws1886.com Little King littleking.online.com
Sophie Allport sophieallport.com
Page 32
French Flair
Page 33
Extraordinary Gems
ExtraordinAri Gems extraordinarigems.com
EQUESTRIAN TECH
Page 24
Horse Bytes horsebytes.show
BETWEEN THE COVERS
Page 26
Exodus
Ruth Cox, 2022
Available on Amazon
DÉCOR
Page 27
Garden Gatherings
Juliska juliska.com
Ralph Lauren ralphlauren.com
Courtney Bialy Sunset Soiree sunset-soiree.com
Romance on the Polo Field Birch Events birchevents.com The Breakers thebreakers.com
Jonathan Connolly
Photography jonathanconnolly.com YSD Events ysdevents.com
Patagonia Elopement
Estancia Bonanza estanciabonanza.com
Heather Purdy heatherkpurdy.com
I have included a check for: (USA only; other countries please use website)
Atelier Pravins atelierpravins.fr Bernardaud bernardaud.com
NAME
Guibert Paris guibert.fr/en Hermès hermes.com
ADDRESS
STYLE Page 16
Subtle Bits of Elegance
Adamsbro adamsbroequestrian.com
Pottery Barn potterybarn.com
Hire a Shire Borrow a Burro Hire a Shire hireashire.com facebook.com/hireashire
$39.95 FOR 2 YEARS | 12 ISSUES SAVE $46 *
Terrain shopterrain.com
Williams Sonoma williams-sonoma.com
BOOKS OF NOTE
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Untamed Spirits
Drew Doggett drewdoggett.com
Puy Jaillant Family Farm facebook.com/profile. php?id=61553968782279
Beyond the Beach Dekker Photography dekkerphotographymexico. com
Flora Amor flora-amor.com
EMAIL (Required for subscription updates and gift giveaways.)
AtelierCG ateliercg.com
Ferragamo ferragamo.com
Facebook and Instagram: @drewdoggettphotography
TELEPHONE (Only in case of problems.)
Gucci gucci.com
$24.95 FOR 1 YEAR | 6 ISSUES *Off newsstand price. To pay by CREDIT CARD , please go to www.EQliving.com/subscribe
In2Green in2green.com Nordstrom nordstrom.com
Rebecca Ray Designs rebeccaraydesigns.com
Saks Fifth Avenue saksfifthavenue.com
HORSE COUNTRY Page 44
Horse Country 60 Alexandria Pike Warrenton, VA 800-882-HUNT horsecountrycarrotva@ gmail.com horsecountrycarrot.com
Mail coupon with your check to: EQ LIVING MAGAZINE BOX ONE BROWNSVILLE, VT 05037
WEDDINGS Page 62
Expert Panel
1st Dibs, Anne Dittmeier 1stdibs.com
Karen Diaz Model instagram.com/karendiazr La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Center Riviera Nayarit, Mexico tierratropical.com.mx Mac Event Group maceventgroup.com
Sunset Soiree sunset-soiree.com
Cakes that Dazzle World Equestrian Center, Ocala worldequestriancenter.com/ ocala-fl/social-event-venues
Heather Purdy heatherkpurdy.com
Or use your credit card online: EQliving.com/subscribe
Annie Lui annieluiphotography.com
Dani Blasena HauteFêtes hautefetes.com
GALLERY
Page 76
Henrietta Corbett henriettacorbett.co.uk
GEORGE KAMPER
3601 Grand Prix Farms
Rental | $420,000 | 32 Available Stalls
Fantastic opportunity to lease the best location in Grand Prix Village South! Have the ultimate privilege of practicing in your own private arena and then walking straight to the show ring! At the core of the property is a 225’x140’ fully irrigated, lighted arena with a GGT footing mix. There are 6 grassy paddocks providing ample turnout.
14371 Wellington Trace
$110,000 is seasonal price for 4 months. Annual/off-season price is $1,2500/stall per month.
Amazing opportunity to lease the perfect farm annually or seasonally! 10 stalls (14 stalls total) and one efficiency/apartment available at this beautiful facility!
229 HARP INNIS ROAD, Lexington, KY 40511 Offered
2440 Appaloosa Trail
Rental | $350,000 | 17 Available Stalls
Fantastic opportunity to secure a farm in one of the very best locations for the 2024-25 season! Located just under a 1/4 mile hack/walk to the WEF show grounds. A brand new 6 horse covered walker is currently being installed and it will have lunging capabilities. Tenant will have exclusive use of 4 large grass paddocks.
3371 RUSHING WIND LANE,
Lexington,
SAVE THESE DATES
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS I
SEPTEMBER 4 – 8, 2024
$120,000 Silver Oak Jumper
Tournament CSI3* Grand Prix
$30,000 National Grand Prix
USHJA Young Jumper Championship
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS II
SEPTEMBER 11 – 15, 2024
$340,000 Longines FEI Jumping
World Cup™ CSI5* - W Grand Prix of Traverse City
$40,000 CSI2* Grand Prix
Maclay Regional Championships
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS III
American Gold Cup
SEPTEMBER 18 – 22, 2024
American Gold Cup CSI5* Grand Prix
Major League Show Jumping
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$30,000 Traverse City Rider Bonus
BE THERE FOR THE SEASON'S GOLDEN FINALE!
M e n l o C h a r i t y
H o r s e S h o w
B e n e f i t i n g C o m m u n i t y C h a r i t i e s
Artwork by Weatherly Stroh
WINGS AND TAILS
What you need to know about FLYING WITH DOGS.
Traveling with dogs on airlines can be both exciting and challenging. Options range from flying private jets (obviously the best) to flying one of the new airlines just for dogs, bringing your friend into the cabin of a commercial flight or checking your pet, like luggage to fly in the hold. When flying commercial, airlines typically limit the number of animals permitted on a flight, which can ruin your trip if you don’t book early. A six-pet limit is usual, but some have limits as low as two.
IN CARGO OR CHECKED LUGGAGE
Fewer and fewer airlines allow your pets to fly as cargo or checked baggage. Currently, they are only Alaska, American, and Hawaiian.
American ($150), Delta ($95), Frontier ($99), and JetBlue ($125)
SPECIALIZED PET AIRLINES
IN THE PASSENGER CABIN
Many airlines allow a small dog in the cabin with you if they are in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Dogs must go with you through the metal detector during security checks. In the past, you may have traveled with your emotional support animal for free, but now all pets are subject to pet policies and fees on the major airlines.
Alaska Airlines is considered the leader in pet-friendly travel. It also has among the lowest pet fees for the main cabin, charging $100 each way. Like most airlines, the pet carrier also counts toward your carry-on bag allotment. Other airlines that make the top of the list are
Pooch parents love travel options that make bringing their beloved dogs along both easy and safe. Some of the new airlines answering that need are:
Bark
Air (air.bark.co)
Just launched by BarkBox, the “100% real airline for dogs” claims “white-paw service with treats, earmuffs, and beverages for its canine customers.” On the travel day, dogs and their people arrive at the airport one hour before the flight for a simple, efficient check-in process and security screening—no crates or stressful lines. Plus, there are no size or breed restrictions for dogs flying on their Gulfstream G5 jets. Flights are currently
offered New York, Los Angeles, London, and Paris hubs. Flights range from $6,000 to $8,000.
K9 Jets (k9jets.com)
K9 Jets is a private charter operator that welcomes your pets to be by your side in the cabin of a luxury private jet. No crates are required for dogs, regardless of size, providing a relaxed, stress-free environment for you and your four-legged friend. Destinations include Dallas, Dublin, Florida, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, and Paris.
Woof Wings (woofwings.com)
U.K.-based Woof Wings caters to both small and large dogs and offers a variety of travel options including in-cabin seating and cargo transport. They ensure that your dog’s needs are met. Plus, their loyalty program rewards with special perks like extra belly rubs and chew toys.
Tail Wind Air (flytailwind.com)
Tailwind Express focuses on regional travel connecting dog-friendly destinations across the Northeast. Their pet-friendly terminals feature grassy play areas and water stations. Destinations include Shelter Island, White Plains, New York City, Montauk, and East Hampton in New York; Boston, Nantucket, and Provincetown in Massachusetts; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Washington, DC.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on data available as of May 3, 2024. Always verify the latest policies directly with the airlines before planning your dog’s travel.
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