Equestrian Living - September/October 2024

FEATURES

GEORGINA PRESTON 34

Pursuit!, a new photobook shot over a 10-year period by photographer Georgina Preston, offers an authentic insight into legal trail hunting and a rural way of life in the U.K. and Ireland through her atmospheric photographs.

LE SAUT HERM È S 40

The breathtaking event returned to Paris this year, complete with spectacular design, exciting shopping and displays, and incredible competition. The elegance and proficiency of the legendary Hermès brand was visible in every detail, according to the travel accounts of contributing writer Betsy Stein.

THE BEERBAUM LEGACY 50

Legendary equestrians Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and her husband Markus discuss their long and illustrious equestrian careers, now proud parents and trainers to a successful show jumper in her own right, their 14-year-old daughter Brianne.

EQ’S ANNUAL GOLD LIST 60

The most influential equestrian survey of its kind, the longrunning Equestrian Living Gold List sets out to find our readers’ favorites of the equestrian lifestyle in a variety of categories from riders, venues, realtors, vehicles, and much more.

LA BAULE 72

This beautiful event, nestled along the famous French coastline, is a harmonious blend of fierce competition and stunning surroundings. Spectators are captivated from around the world to witness top competitors fight for the win.

CARSON JACKSON 76

Carson Jackson, a self-taught contemporary abstract artist, blends the unique styles he’s developed over his career. His fascinating life story is expressed through an interplay of dark and light and his effective use of mixed media and found objects.

GEORGINA

BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE

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DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER

IN EACH ISSUE

The Equestrian Hotel in Ocala, Florida, chosen as favorite hotel by voters in EQLiving’s 11th annual Gold List, graces this issue’s cover.

Photograph by Equestrian Living photography director, George Kamper.

See page 60 for complete Gold List results.

EDITOR’S NOTE 8

Welcome to Equestrian Living RESOURCES 90

Look for CONTACT INFO | PAGE 90 to find the products and services in this issue.

BARN DOGS 98

A selection of heartwarming books about rescuing dogs is sure to make you think again if your pack is yet complete.

FAVORITES 12

Danny and Ron, founders of Danny & Ron’s Rescue, share their favorites, from TV and music to travel, horse show venue, and their proudest achievement.

STYLE 16

Hermès, renowned for exceptional leather craftsmanship and ingenious features, reveals its Autumn/Winter collection, which includes silk and cashmere wearables, equestrian inspired porcelain tableware, and more.

18

Welcome the rich textures and warm hues of Autumn with an array of products, from cozy throws and handcrafted mugs to seasonal wreaths.

FASHION 22

Created by Caroline Boudier, Dada Sport is grounded in reverence for the beauty and resilience of the horse, while breaking with traditions and norms to offer fluid technical designs. Merging innovation and quality is a stringent mainstay of the brand, which offers apparel steeped in style and comfort.

BOOK 24

Read an excerpt from The Horses Who Made Me, Alizée Froment’s candid memoir chronicling her evolution from competitive dressage rider to a globally acclaimed liberty horse trainer. With raw honesty, she shares her journey toward mastering the art of horsemanship, with horses performing without the constraints of traditional tack.

FOOD+DRINK 28

Chef Randal White of Ocala’s Remington’s Prime Steakhouse shares one of his favorite recipes, a twist on the traditional Caesar salad.

PROPERTIES

83

Fabulous farms and ranches.

88

Are you planning a big move? Get some tips on making the journey easier for you and your horses.

WELCOME

This summer has been marked by striking contrasts—in politics as well as the definitive triumphs of world-class athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

I reveled in two weeks of competitions that exemplified the glory of athleticism with my usual bordering-on-obsessive focus. As nostalgic memories of my youthful years as a competitive swimmer surfaced, I had a renewed appreciation of the sacrifices and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of a sport.

Predictably, watching the equestrian events took priority. It was particularly exhilarating to watch several of the riders we’ve visited. Watching Boyd Martin and Bruno in the challenging cross-country phase against the backdrop of the Palace of Versailles and its meticulously manicured grounds was a standout moment. Equally thrilling was watching the U.S. show-jumping team—Laura Kraut, McLain Ward, and Karl Cook—secure a silver medal in a nail-biting finish.

Overall, the choice of Versailles underscored the Olympics’ commitment to showcasing a venue of historical and cultural significance, adding a layer of prestige and tradition to the equestrian events.

IN THIS ISSUE

The 11th annual Gold List votes are tallied, and while some gold-medal winners remain consistent year after year, this year’s list reveals a share of newcomers. Presented in an updated design, scores of voters presented unexpected results in countless categories and introduced us to up-and-coming brands gaining favor in fashion, luxury destinations, tack shops, and hangouts. The list, always an annual favorite, continues to encapsulate the heart and soul of equestrianism.

Without deliberate planning, this issue carries a subtle Vive la France theme. Contributing editor Betsy Stein takes us inside the Saut Hermès, one of Paris’s revered annual events. Amid the enchanting world of Hermès, top show jumpers converged at the Grand Palais Éphémère for a weekend of intense 5* competitions. While there, Betsy interviewed Swiss show jumper Steve Guerdat, who recently won an individual silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

On the French Atlantic coast, Alden Corrigan’s photographs beautifully capture the grandeur of the Jumping International de La Baule, a seaside horseshow event with a rich 60-year history.

With fall approaching, we have fun with autumn hues in décor and apparel,

look at layered riding options from Paris’s Dada Sport, and discover what’s new with Hermès’ 2024 fall and winter objects.

In “The Beerbaum Legacy” (page 50), contributing writer Sarah Lessler keeps us abreast of what world-renowned show jumpers Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum are up to and introduces us to their young daughter Brianne, who is already making waves in the show-jumping ring.

As I write this, the 2024 Summer Olympics have drawn to a close. From my perspective, the games delivered two weeks of world-class competitions and displays of consummate sportsmanship. While equestrian sport maintained its regard for tradition, it was fun to find Snoop Dogg, kitted out in a tailcoat, breeches, and half chaps paired with Skechers sneakers, with carrots in hand, spending considerable time at the equestrian events.

His interest in equestrian sports could influence its popularity and public perception. Given his vibrant personality, widespread fame, and diverse fan base, he can potentially infuse the sport with a sense of modernity, ultimately reaching a broader audience. That’s something else to cheer about.

In Wellington, Florida. From left: Hair and make-up artist Leslie Munsell, Brianne Beerbaum, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Equestrian Living photography director George Kamper, Markus Beerbaum, Equestrian Living editor Stephanie Peters, and photography assistant Jason Gonzalez.

All this. And so much more.

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Subscribe and get America’s premier equestrian-lifestyle magazine delivered right to your mailbox. And your inbox will be brightened too with a complimentary subscription to the magazine’s digital edition and the EQ Inner Circle e-Newsletter.

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 5

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, Sarah Lessler, Betsy Stein

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Alden Corrigan

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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Europe: Rosa Zampini, zampini@eqliving.com

EQLIVING ADVISORY BOARD

Bob Cacchione | Melissa Ganzi | Carson Kressley

Peter Leone | Victoria McCullough | Chip McKenney | Colleen and Tim McQuay

Mindy Peters | David Sloan | Kim Tudor | Chester Weber

EQUESTRIAN QUARTERLY (EQ) became EQUESTRIAN LIVING magazine in 2016 and is published six times yearly. It is distributed at selected equestrian locations, newsstands, and is available for home delivery for $28.95 | Canada $45.95.

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©2024. All rights reserved, Wynnwood Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in print or online without written permission. ®Equestrian Living, Equestrian Quarterly, and EQ are registered trademarks of Wynnwood Media LLC.

Let’s build a champion.

Your young equestrians deserve more than the standard horse barn. Build them a B&D equestrian facility, crafted for the champions of tomorrow.

Favorite book: Forever Home by Danny Robertshaw, Ron Danta, and Larry Lindner. We don’t have much time to read, but Danny listens to myster ies on tape.

Favorite hotel: Renaissance Hotel in Times Square, where Danny & Ron were married in 2013.

Favorite way to relax: On a float in the clear waters of Aruba. Danny also likes working in the flower garden and tending over 20 bird feeders.

Favorite TV show:  We love listening to such talented unknown singers.

Favorite charities:

Danny & Ron’s Rescue, Equestrian Aid Foundation, and Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding.

Favorite show/venue: We love the history and tradition of the Devon Horse Show.

Place you’d most like to live: If we had no horse business responsibilities we might retire to Wellington or Key West.

Favorite horse you’ve ridden: Protocol, the off-the-track Thoroughbred. Danny Robertshaw made history in 1989. Undefeated at 14 shows, he became the first rider to sweep wins in the Regular Working Hunters at Devon, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, the National Horse Show, and the Royal Winter Fair—all in one season.

OUR FAVORITES

DANNY & RON

Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta are both horsemen and are the founders of Danny & Ron’s Rescue, a unique dog rescue organization. Their journey, beautifully captured in the documentary “Life in the Doghouse,” showcases their dedication to saving abused and neglected dogs. They transformed their home into a sanctuary where each dog receives medical care, love, and a real home environment to prepare for adoption. Over the years, they have rescued and rehomed thousands of dogs, creating a better world for our furry friends.

Source for fashion: Brooks Brothers.

Favorite car:

If you weren’t an equestrian you might have been: Broadway performers.

Favorite music on your playlist: Broadway tunes especially Wicked or Les Misérables. We fly to NYC at least twice a year to go to Broadway shows.

Proudest achievement: As equestrians, we’ve both been named Horseman of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse. But as humans, we believe we are on earth to give back, not to take, and adopting over 14,000 dogs out of our house is one of our proudest achievements.

Another riding discipline you’d love to try: Reining. We are big fans of McQuay Stables and Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses. World Champions!

Favorite restaurant: Eagle Grill and Oyster Lake Worth, Florida. It looks like a dive from the outside but the best crabcakes in the world.

getaway:

Favorite food to cook at home: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce. Ron is an excellent cook and his sauce is Danny’s favorite.

Favorite

Marriott Stellaris in Aruba.

HERM È S OBJECTS

AUTUMN/WINTER 2024

The Hermès Autumn/Winter collection continues to delight with its myriad nods to the future and glimpses back in time. Renowned for exceptional leather craftsmanship and ingenious features, the brand merges sleek designs and practicality. This season, along with silk and cashmere wearables and equestrian-inspired porcelain tableware, the ultimate jewelry trunk, reminiscent of classic standing travel trunks, features mirrored doors and ample storage for treasured items.

Équipier bag in Barénia calfskin.

Ankle boot in calfskin.

Men’s H Perspective fringed rectangle in cashmere and silk.

Tressages équestres vase in porcelain.

Yo-yo MagSafe and Apple Watch portable charger in Swift calfskin.

Jewelry Trunk in cherry wood and three types of calfskin reinterprets the travel trunk with a contemporary spirit.

Mittens in printed silk.

Hat in felt and Swift calfskin.

Péle-Méle Sellier scarf 70 cm in vintage silk with lambskin fastening.

The Art of Horsemanship

AUTUMN’S COZY COMFORTS

Welcome the season with the RICH TEXTURES and WARM HUES of fall

1. Crate&Barrel’s hand-blown Aya Vase in layers of clear and amber glass.

2.

3.

4. Chloe reimagines the 70s classic-style Trench Coat in wool-blend tweed. At Net-a-Porter. $3,774.

5. Satara Australia’s eight-inch Soy Round Teak Bowls in handcarved solid timber with varying shapes and tones. Each $57.

6. The Dot Horse Wool Blanket by J.J.

depicts the design of horses with a series of dots woven into the wool/cotton mix. $153.50.

Victoria Egg’s Autumn Garden Mug, handcrafted in Cornish clay is part of a collection inspired by the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot. $24.

Adams & Mack’s handcrafted Bee Door Knocker with Autumn Wreath in quality brass. $190.

Autumn Leaves Merino Throw by Annabel James boasts a reversible leaf motif with cream fringe. $153.50.

$59.95.

The three-wick Harvest Candle by Crate&Barrel combines spicy aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin, and vanilla. $49.95.

TakaTomode’s retro-style corduroy Sticky Lemon Rucksack has adjustable shoulder straps, front pocket, and bottle holder. $75.

Textile

David Welles

DADA SPORT

Based in Paris, the French brand “AT THE CUSP OF LUXURY” organically evolves design and performance innovations through rider input.

Created by Caroline Boudier, DADA SPORT is grounded in reverence for the beauty and resilience of the horse. Merging innovation and quality is a stringent mainstay of the brand, which offers apparel steeped in style and comfort. Breaking with traditional norms, Dada Sport is built on the premise of offering fluid technical designs whether you’re on foot or horseback.

eco-responsible properties. The flattering,

technical

an

by the men’s wardrobe, the Janeiro

and tone-on-tone buttons adding a touch of refinement. $261.

a

placket and brand monogram. The jacket’s golden zip, reminiscent of a horse’s bit, complements the impeccable style. In

1. The Helios ML competition polo shirt is in a micro-perforated fabric with

long-sleeved

shirt has

rigid stand collar, front opening, and invisible buttons. In latte. $188. 2. The breathable Bianca competition jacket (shown in navy) boasts

elegant fitted design with blazer collar, gold buttons on the front and cuffs, and mesh underarm panels. Airbag compatible. $700. 3. Inspired

shirt in Baltic print embodies a unique style with oblique patch pocket, back pleat,

4. The Qalou equestrian jacket has a shirt collar with snap-button

red ocher. $405.

Slater

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Pinnacle Award

Top 3% of Agents Company Wide*

Voted Favorite Equestrian Realtor in the East by Equestrian Living 2022, 2023 & 2024

Coming Soon: Salem View Farms

Call Sally for a private showing of the most exciting, permitted 38-60+ acre parcels of ready-to-go farm land, totaling 400 acres, with breath-taking views. Masterminded by local Olympians, Daniel Bluman and Kent Farrington on the North Salem, NY border. Join fellow equestrians in this horse-welcoming, exquisite location with access to multiple FEI rated show venues and state-of-the-art veterinary clinicsjust over an hour to NYC.

IFROM CLASSICAL DRESSAGE TO LIBERTY

An excerpt from THE HORSES WHO MADE ME by Alizée Froment.

remember the moment: The stable was very dark. A very common-looking horse was led out of a stall. His back was too long, his hocks too weak, and he had a short neck that tied in poorly with his head. And yet, the man with him, Ismael Romero Arroyo, made the horse dance in complete freedom, right before our eyes. At the time, it seemed unreal that such a thing was possible, and I wanted to understand how he did it, I wanted to find out how to do it myself, I wanted to learn. Since I only knew a few words of Spanish, I asked Raymond to ask Ismael if it was possible for me to come with my horse Sultan to work with him for a week. His immediate answer was no. He did not want “the French girl with flowers in her hair” at his home. And he was not teaching anymore, anyway, only taking in some horses from clients to teach them liberty tricks before sending them back. What he did was his own method, and he chose to pass it on only to a very close circle of acquaintances. I was sorely disappointed, and absolutely convinced that adding this man’s knowledge to my classical dressage background was the next level I had to reach in my own education. Seeing my dismay, Raymond winked at me and told me to show Ismael videos of my work with Sultan and Mistral on my phone. I saw the man’s curiosity piqued, and he finally grudgingly accepted Sultan and me as students.

Two weeks and over 900 miles later, Sultan and I were back in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The arena was very small and sloping. There was no pasture. There were no paddocks, either. We were forced out of our comfort zone during our stay, but it was worth it. Together, Sultan and I discovered groundwork, its principles, its rules, its basics, its foundation.

Together, we took a new step toward freedom together. Of course, I already rode my white angel with only the neck rope, as I did his father, but liberty on the ground was a whole new world.

I also discovered the Spanish language, as it was not possible to use English with Ismael. It was one of the most interesting weeks of my life, where with the new knowledge and foreign language, my brain had to go faster, every single minute. Ismael became my friend. He taught me liberty work; I helped him with classical dressage. (We still help each other today, sharing our experiences and ideas to both continue to grow our understanding of horses.) What he taught me that week was the primordial driver of comfort and discomfort that I had never really intellectualized until then. He also introduced the concept of leadership. The horse is born with a gregarious instinct. He needs a leader to feel safe. If we don’t behave as such, then the horse will have to assume that role. It’s a matter of survival instinct. While I intuitively used these rules of the herd in a way, I didn’t fully integrate them. Putting words to them allowed me to learn the concepts differently and employ them with awareness and purpose instead of instinct, over time. Too many people confuse everything these days, thinking they are being nice to their horses, when in fact they are ruining them by behaving the wrong way around them. I see it all the time during clinics. Loving your horse means giving him straight lines and boundaries. For me, the main keys to horsemanship can be summarized in three words and in this order: trust, respect, love. Shared on both sides—horse and human. That’s how you build a strong, powerful, deep relationship with a horse.

After our very intense work in Spain, we went

This exclusive excerpt, adapted from The Horses Who Made Me by Alizée Froment, is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.

home. It was time for Sultan and I to start our journey toward liberty, only the two of us, groping for the right answers. As on all paths we’ve traveled, we had some ups and downs, but it was the lows that made us grow, evolve, and understand the most important key lessons. Always.

Month after month, Sultan began to open up again, regaining his trust, his self-confidence, and his personality. His “sparkle” came back. My white angel made me discover the importance of managing energy. Today, I see my body during groundwork as a musical instrument, with tones and notes. It is an accordion I am playing all the time, every single second. Sultan made me understand how much I needed to learn to control my own body before attempting to help him control his. When we are riding, we can compensate for misplaced energy with our aids. But at liberty, there is no way out. Each wrong action, each wrong placement or posture, each misapplied emotion has an impact. You can’t cheat.

But when you finally reach a deep mastery of it, your body becomes the most interesting instrument to work with, and it translates to the saddle, as well. Only there can you truly reach another level of feel and understanding, full of nuance.

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It’s true I was lucky enough to be born with some instinct for being with horses, but that’s not enough—far from it. It was necessary for me to learn to use my instincts correctly, to recognize my missteps and to analyze them in order to be able to overcome them. I had to learn to trust myself, as well, which was probably one of the most difficult steps for me. I had to learn to accept that I was allowed to make some mistakes, and I would surely make some, but that the worst thing I could do to Sultan was to doubt myself when I asked him to try an exercise, because a true mentor has answers to every question or situation; a true mentor wants to give confidence to those counting on him. If he wants to take them to the moon and back, he must first convince himself that it is possible. Doubting while asking something of a horse is betraying the trust of the one relying on you. Your horses will always forgive your mistakes, but they won’t forgive you if you let them down. You need to overcome your own issues, fears, and emotions. That’s why liberty work is so fascinating, and so important.

Having now made 90 percent of our groundwork discoveries working on our own, Sultan and I have, I believe, created a bit of our own rules, marked of course by the world from which I came—that of classical dressage. I am not ashamed

Continued on page 27

photo @elizabethhay_ | @sixteencypress

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“Beauty For Real is my go-to. I love the smudgeand smear-proof mascara and the SPF tinted moisturizer. Perfect for riders!” –Meredith Michaels Beerbaum

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Continued from page 25

to say that I have technical shortcomings in my liberty work, because what Sultan and I have built and achieved, and what I have done later on with others, thanks to him, we have done mostly out of instinct and trial-and-error. What we do on the ground is not based on established principles, such as those I can rely on in my classical dressage training. The truth is, I taught Sultan the movements I wished him to do at liberty mainly under the saddle, where I felt surer of my technique and knowledge, in order to help him feel them and understand them in his body so he could then be able to do it later on his own. It takes an incredibly smart horse to be able to do that…but that’s who Sultan is—a horse with a very special intelligence and the ability to handle his body and his balance on his own, with just a few indications of my voice and the whip to help him place his shoulders and hips, and find the right rhythm.

When I train a horse for liberty, I always seek the same sensations as I would experience on his back. I can feel him as if I was on his back. I want him to be “in front of my inside leg” (which is, on the ground, represented by my body). That’s the reason why I use a lot of micro-transitions, all the time, exactly the same way I do under saddle. It’s one of my favorite basic exercises to use daily to help the horse move “from back to front,” which is the way, in my eyes, to have the horse move in the most

comfortable, fluid, balanced, and smooth way possible. The horse is a bit like an accordion, as well. If we learn to “play” with him correctly, the melody is sublime, filled with intense emotion and poetry. But if we play with him in the wrong way, the notes are discordant, hard, unpleasant. That’s the image I always keep in mind while I am working with a horse.

To me, the basics of liberty work are exactly the same as those of classical dressage. It’s all about balance, withers freedom, and hip placement. I look for my horses to bend around my body on the ground, exactly the same way they would bend around my inside leg if I was in the saddle. I try to make them always work from back to front, and not the other way around. All these details make the difference in the end, at least in the work I have achieved with Sultan over the years, and in what I have continued to build with other horses ever since. I don’t pretend that my way is the right way. It is just the way I explore liberty. Sometimes, I wish I knew all the tricks so I could rely a bit more on recognized liberty methods rather than doing everything by trying, failing, thinking, learning, and doing it all again—til we find a way forward together. But that’s not how liberty came into my life,

BOOKS EQ

A GEM OF A SALAD

Chef RANDAL WHITE of Ocala’s Remington’s Prime Steakhouse shares one of his favorite recipes.

BABY GEM CAESAR SALAD

The combination of flavors makes this twist on a traditional Caesar a house favorite. Gem lettuce is a hybrid lettuce of Boston Bibb and Romaine, so either one of these lettuces can work for this recipe if gem is not available.

THE SALAD

1 head gem lettuce

1 ounce Manchego dressing

½ ounce Manchego, grated

8 to 10 pieces pickled grapes, halved

8 to 10 cherry tomatoes, halved Salt and pepper

1 ounce salami, julienned

In a mixing bowl, mix dressing well with the gem leaves and place neatly around the plate.

Top with the shredded Manchego cheese and then the pickled grapes and tomatoes. Garnish the top with salami threads and grated Manchego.

MANCHEGO

DRESSING

1 cup mayonnaise

1 lemon juiced

2 tablespoons pomace olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh grated parmesan

⅓ cup Manchego cheese, grated

2 tablespoons roasted garlic

½ teaspoon raw garlic

1 each anchovy

1 teaspoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

Mix all ingredients together and use a blender to emulsify.

THE TOMATOES

1 pint baby heirloom tomatoes

1 ounce kosher salt

A native Floridian, Chef Randal White, grew up fishing and hunting. The food he ate was fresh caught or fresh from the family farm. Life was simple, yet good. He launched his 40-plus-year culinary career upon completion of his service as a U.S. Marine.

He trained with renowned Belgian chef, Andre Crapps, at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and then honed his

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

3-4 Basil leaves

Salt to taste

Bring pot of water to boil. Cut an ‘x’ mark on bottom of tomatoes and place into boiling water for 45 seconds to a minute then remove and dunk into ice water to cool. Then peel the tomatoes. Toss everything together and place into

storage container. Top the tomatoes with basil leaves and cover. Store sealed contained in refrigerator until making the salad.

DRUNKEN GRAPE

1 quart red grapes, cut in half ½ cup apple-cider vinegar

1 cup red wine

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Place the grapes into a high-heat tolerant bowl. Bring apple-cider vinegar, red wine, sugar, and salt to a boil in a sauce pan. Remove from heat and pour mixture over grapes. Let it set for 30 minutes and strain liquid off. Let cool before using for salad.

SALAMI THREADS

6 slices salami julienned fine

1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning

1 teaspoon olive oil

In bowl mix the salami with the oil and everything bagel seasoning and pour onto sheet pan lined with parchment paper and toast lightly at 2750F until crisp. Remove from oven and let cool. Use as garnish on salad.

culinary skills at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, among other places. Chef Randal has worked as an executive chef for Hilton and high-end steakhouses in Tennessee and Florida. He authored a cookbook and hosted television cooking shows on PBS and Cox Cable for over a decade, sharing his love of Florida’s fresh and locally sourced cuisine with viewers through television and in the restaurant and catering world.

Chef Randal is proud of the culinary team he has gathered together at Remington’s Prime. He looks forward to presenting guests with a premier destination dining experience in Ocala and putting Remington’s Prime Steakhouse on the culinary map.

Littleton

Littleton Farm’s 153 glorious acres are graced with a beautiful 4 acre lake, 2 smaller ponds and Beaverdam Creek which traverses the property. Located in the heart of Upperville’s horse country, this estate is in the historic Piedmont Hunt territory with great ride-out. The main residence offers grand living and entertaining spaces with soaring ceilings, unique and inviting gathering areas and breathtaking views of horse country. For the car enthusiasts there is a 6-bay garage and a 4-bay garage. The farm features rolling acres of fine land, 2 horse barns with a total of 29 stalls, 4 run-in sheds, riding ring with competition footing of sand and fiber, multiple fenced paddocks with automatic waterers and riding trails. A few hundred feet from the main home is the pool and a pool house–complete with a steam room, large gym, and guest bedroom with a full bathroom. Additionally, there are multiple outdoor living spaces perfect for gatherings!

153 acres | $7,880,000

Rockburn

Tucked along a quiet gravel road, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is this idyllic farm anchored by a 10,000+ square foot estate house originally built in 1828. Notable Washington DC architect Merle Thorpe oversaw the extensive renovations, cultivating an understated elegance throughout both the formal and casual spaces. The gardens were brought to life by landscape architect Michael V. Barlett and local landscape designer Nicole Seiss. Mature hardwoods dot the yard, there are antique stone walls, an ornamental water garden, boxwood parterre and a pond. Other outbuildings include four tenant houses, a greenhouse, two separate horse barns with 15 stalls each, over 12 fenced paddocks many with run-in sheds and two workshops. A property with provenance such as Rockburn does not come on the market often. This is an opportunity to live in one the of Middleburg’s most prominent estates.

132 acres | $7,450,000

Photographer

GEORGINA

PURSUIT!

PRESTON authentically depicts the rich tapestry of trail hunting across the lush landscapes of the U.K. and Ireland.

Pursuit! explores the subculture of legal trail hunting across the U.K. and Ireland through atmospheric and emotive photographs, beautifully presented in a hardbound, linencovered photobook.

With words by Robin Muir, former picture editor of Vogue.

Georgina’s inside perspective offers a unique and intimate insight into a rural way of life, that despite facing increasing political pressure, remains resilient. Shot over a 10-year period with no-holds-barred access, this book offers an authentic and genuine depiction of hunting, stepping away from stereotypical photojournalism. It is an appreciation of a complex tapestry of tradition, idiosyncrasies, and characters.

The nuances of any subculture are fascinating to explore, but the historical, political, and social connotations attached to trail hunting (formerly foxhunting, adapted after the Hunting Act of 2005) in Britain make it an extraordinary practice to document in the 21st century.

LE SAUT HERMÈS

Join the EQLiving team in Paris for one of the world's most elegant celebrations of SHOW JUMPING.

A PERSONAL TRAVEL DIARY

TBY BETSY STEIN

ravel exhaustion quickly transformed into excitement as our limo navigated the streets of Paris and turned the corner onto the Champs-Élysées, lined with colorful banners of the Saut Hermès logo. As we crossed the Seine on the Pont Alexandre bridge, the ornate gilded statues on each pillar glimmered in the sunlight. With banners and larger-thanlife posters displayed everywhere, I realized this was no ordinary horse show; it was an event the entire city celebrated.

We continued our journey past the Grand Palais, the beautiful glass, metal, and stone monument building that usually holds the event but was under renovation in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Saut Hermès 2024 was relocated to the Grand Palais Éphémère, a uniquely constructed temporary venue for events held during the Grand Palais’ closure.

The new building is situated on the green expanse of the Champs de Mars, a large park between the Eiffel Tower and the historic military academy where Napolean studied. In view is a commanding equestrian military statue adjacent to an immense glass window reflecting the beautiful buildings behind it. As you enter the lobby, a massive Pegasus horse sculpture sets the tone for the event’s grandeur.

Continued on page 44

PHOTOS BY GEORGE KAMPER

What sets Le Saut apart from other horse shows is the elegance and design of its production. Hermès imaginatively transformed the stark and institutional temporary space into a colorful and festive backdrop for the weekend’s events.

Designed in partnership with GL Events, the concept included fabric in the signature Hermès colors, which covered the concrete walls and stretched across open spaces to create more intimate areas and displays of Hermès wares.

The dramatic design of the upstairs VIP areas was nothing short of amazing.

Enormous displays of color and fanciful equine-centric shapes festooned the ceilings, while themed fabrics transformed the walls. Despite the vibrant decor, nothing distracted from the stunning view through the vast window that frames a stretch of green lawn leading to the captivating presence of the Eiffel Tower. With the tower as their backdrop, chefs donned in requisite pleated toques were stationed behind rows of tables preparing and serving their culinary delights. In addition to being edible works of art, the meals were delicious.

Hermès specifically created a new scarf and fragrance for the event. The scarf, naturally equestrian-themed, and the fragrance, aptly named Paddock, were displayed by brightly colored lifesize horse models whimsically munching on stemmed carrots and flowers.

Without the distraction of sharing the Éphémère space with other brands, the overall effect of Saut Hermès is a beautifully unified and immersive experience.

A few trots away from the concourse, riders and spectators gather at the vast indoor paddock. Horses and riders warm up for their events in the airy space as onlookers line the split-rail fences to watch some of the world’s best equestrians go through their routines.

EVENT DAYS AT THE GRAND PALAIS ÉPHÉMÈRE

From morning until night, the stands and aisleways were packed for the competitions featuring the prestigious 5* classes. Hermès had assembled the finest showjumping talent to compete, reflecting their commitment to excellence in every facet of their brand. In addition to the top-tier events, there was a special division, Les Talents Hermès, for promising under-25 riders. These riders were paired with the seasoned athletes to be coached through the weekend, underscoring the event’s dedication to nurturing future stars of the sport.

The Saut Hermès itinerary also presented entertainment between the show-jumping rounds. “I Could Never Be A Dancer” brought acrobats, dancers, and horses together to visually tell a story.

On a lighter note, “Trot and Roll” featured youngsters and their ponies in a high-energy competition of teams on Nordic skates, skijoring style. In “Crazy Patterns,” matching spotted Appaloosa horses and Dalmatians demonstrated a choreographed pattern around the ring, including jumping in pairs.

The spotted ponies and horses that had performed in the arena were also stabled outside in the park, putting on shows during the day and inviting spectators to engage with them. In an adjacent barn, adorable miniature horses were delighted to have children take turns brushing and cooing over them, and they thrilled youngsters with rides in small carts.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT

I was star-struck when I spoke with renowned Swiss show jumper Steve Guerdat, who has partnered with Hermès for the past three years. With so many credits to his resume, including individual gold in the London 2012 Summer Olympics, he was humble and softspoken about his many achievements. It was clear to me that, for him, it was all about his horses. “All the credit should go to my horses,” he said. "They work and

The author and Swiss show jumper Steve Guerdat

Young rider Léon Pieyre

Chloé Nobecourt, Hermès Equestrian Metier

train hard, and they give me their all; the best ones love to compete.” He shared how horses had been a cornerstone of his life, from growing up in his father’s stable to the emotional well-being they have brought him, the life lessons he learned, and the opportunities horses have afforded him. Our conversation naturally led to his work with the association Regar2moi, which enables children with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and with horses.

The day after Le Saut, Steve was flying to Wellington, Florida, with 15 horses, mostly younger ones he is producing, to continue their training and exposure. He emphasized, “I have an amazing staff and support team, and I couldn't do any of this without them.”

Next, I chatted with one of the under25 riders, Léon Pieyre, who was thrilled

to be chosen and paired with one of the senior riders who would coach him for the event. He recounted, “It is a huge honor to be at Le Saut, and I’m going to make the most of it!” Léon has benefitted from the Swiss junior talent system, which is dedicated to shaping the next generation of talented riders. He explained that their activities include team building and skill development, providing opportunities to work with accomplished top riders. “Most importantly to me, I was taught the values of respect and listening to the horses,” he emphasized. When asked about his goals, Léon replied, “I like riding on a team, so to be chosen for The Nations Cups, or even someday the Olympics, is my dream.”

After the interview, Léon invited me to walk the course with him for the next class. Stepping into the arena and

experiencing the space and incredible design of the jumps was a treat. I was struck not only by the impressive size of the jumps but also by the technical challenges of the course. Set in an enclosed space so close to the crowd, it added another layer of difficulty for both horse and rider.

Ialso had a chance to visit with Chloé Nobecourt, Hermès Equestrian Metier. She explained how she joined the team in 2013 as a rider and came to this role from previous experience within Hermès. Chloé’s passion for Hermès and all that it stands for was evidenced by her enthusiasm as she spoke about what she does, elegantly yet casually dressed head to toe in beautiful Hermès clothing and signature jewelry. I enjoyed hearing her explain some of the company’s history

Carlos Eduardo

EQLiving Photography Director, George Kamper and Director of Public Relations at Hermès, Mark Recker

Hermès CEO Axel Dumas

Philippe Rozier

Ben Maher

Peder Frederickson

Young rider Léon Pieyre

Winner, Simon Delestre of France.

and her excitement about how things have evolved. “Harness maker Thierry Hermès first opened the Paris workshop in 1837. Now we have opened a second atelier in Louviers, Normandy, where we build the newest saddles, which utilize the newest technology yet are still expertly stitched by hand,” Chloé explained. “The Faubourg is a jumping saddle with a deeper seat. It has been developed using a unique ‘double bespoke’ process where each saddle is perfectly fitted to both the horse and its rider.” Chloé explained how vital the quality of leather is and how carefully it is selected. “It is important because the saddles will last forever if cared for properly. They must be able to sustain a lot of friction from the riders’ legs and conditions like sweat, rain, and sand.”

A key part of Chloé’s job, which she clearly enjoys, is working closely with partner riders to further the brand and help riders succeed. She welcomed their newest partner, British show jumper Ben Maher, and Paralympic star Chiara Zenati to this event. Nobecourt added, “Chiara has a long career ahead of her and will help us educate the public about this important Para discipline.”

During a break in the competitions, I meandered the quaint streets around Hotel Lutetia, my home away from home during the event. In addition to fascinating people-watching, I particularly enjoyed the beautiful flower shops and elegant storefronts. I happened upon an Hermès store steps away from my hotel and, of course, had to wander in. What a surprise! I realized this was the Left Bank's revamped flagship store. It is hard to describe how it feels when you first walk in. Part of the lower-level terrazzo floor gives hints of the grand old swimming pool, originally part of the Lutetia next door. As you walk down the stairs lined with wooden trellises

and look back, you'll find a beautiful golden statue looking down on you. As in any Hermès store, there was a tempting equestrian section where I exercised restraint. I was particularly impressed by an area where decorative furnishings were constructed from recycled saddletrees and leather scraps.

The EQLiving team was treated to yet one more beautifully presented luncheon with the ever-present Eiffel Tower backdrop before we headed to the featured event of the weekend, the FEI 5* Grand Prix, with two rounds and an exciting jump-off.

THE GRAND PRIX

There was so much going on all weekend that it was a pleasure to finally sit and watch an entire class, focusing on the course, how it was ridden, and marveling at the amazing horse and rider teams. The contest was demanding, with two rounds against the clock followed by an exhilarating jump-off. The jumps were high (1.60m), the course technical, and the jump-off was fast and thrilling. When the French rider, Julien Anquetin on Blood Diamond DuPont, claimed the prize, the Parisian crowd erupted with excitement. The energy continued to the award ceremony but silenced as "La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem, played for the hometown crowd, the air full of pride and sentiment. The victory gallop around the ring reignited the crowd’s cheering and applauding again, giving me goosebumps.

Next year, Saut Hermès will return to the newly renovated Grand Palais. It is certain to be an event with great fanfare, design, and exhilarating sport. If this year’s event is an indication, it would be well worth putting the Saut Hermès weekend on your 2025 calendar.

Chloé Nobecourt presents winning rider award.

The course walk with Léon Pieyre.

Some of the betweencompetition entertainment.

The Hermès wall jump.

EQUESTRIAN EXCELLENCE

THE BEERBAUM LEGACY

Markus Beerbaum and Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum, celebrated for their show-jumping prowess, are now training some of the sport’s top riders, including their daughter, Brianne, who is already making waves.

In the international equestrian community, the Beerbaum name is synonymous with success, accomplishment, and legacy. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, renowned for her remarkable achievements, etched her name in history as the first female rider to reach the number one spot in the show jumping world rankings. Her husband, Markus Beerbaum, is a prominent figure in German show jumping, hailing from a deeply rooted equestrian family. Their daughter, Brianne, is an emerging young rider already demonstrating exceptional talent, following in her parents’ footsteps.

As a long-time admirer of Meredith’s accomplishments, I found myself having to overcome a bit of nerves. However, as our interview began, her welcoming and easygoing demeanor instantly set the tone for an engaging and heartfelt discussion. We covered a gamut of topics, from their home life, career shifts, and lifetimes spent with horses.

TRANSITIONING FOCUS

Markus began his impressive show-jumping career at age 13, winning many prestigious European grand-prix events and achieving top placings in some of the world’s biggest competitions. Representing Germany in numerous nations’ team competitions, he brought home coveted gold medals.

Originally from Los Angeles, Meredith fell in love with horses and riding when she was 7 years old, despite not being from a

BY SARAH LESSLER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY GEORGE KAMPER

riding family. After a competitive junior career, she attended Princeton University with no plans of becoming a professional show jumper. Yet, her love for riding and grand-prix successes led her to pause her university career and move to Germany to train and ride in 1991.

In Munich, Meredith and Markus met and fell in love. They started their own training and sales business in Germany and married in 1998. Markus shifted his focus to training Meredith, playing a pivotal role in her ascent to becoming the world’s first female show jumper to achieve the number one ranking. Meredith’s admiration for Markus is evident; she considers him her best decision. Their mutual respect and loyalty are inspiring. Reflecting on their past and future, Meredith says, “We did it as

a partnership. Now, we are doing it as a family. It’s priceless.”

Today, Meredith and Markus have transitioned from competing to coaching some of the world’s most promising riders, including their 14-year-old daughter, Brianne. With years of experience coaching top international riders, Markus continues to thrive. Coaching feels like a natural fit for Meredith, especially when working with Brianne. Her eyes light up as she says, “I love being such a big part of my daughter’s life, and it has brought us so close.”

The Beerbaum family spends their winters in Wellington, Florida, and the rest of the year at their farm in Germany

and at competitions throughout Europe. They each have their roster of clients, often bouncing ideas off one another. Their training model is unique and individualized, with students from around the world, many of them American. Some students keep their horses with Meredith and Markus year-round, traveling throughout Europe together in the summer months and joining them in Wellington for the winter season. Meredith finds this approach particularly impactful for her students. For other clients, Meredith and Markus will train remotely from videos and arrange strategic meetups at important shows worldwide.

Meredith emphasizes that being in Wellington is superb for training because all their clients are centrally located.

“WEF [the Winter Equestrian Festival] is very concentrated, which is a huge advantage for training. We can train a lot more people as they are all on the same showgrounds,” Meredith explains.

BRIANNE’S JOURNEY

Initially a rather timid rider, Brianne’s confidence began to shine after a few challenging ponies. She attributes her growth to her first horse, Carlucci, who taught her the ropes and sparked her competitive spirit. “We started in .90-meter classes and have gone all the way to 1.45-meter classes together,” Brianne says with pride.

In addition to Carlucci, Brianne has four other mounts. With her horses Carrero TZ and Balotelli, who is proudly leased from Georgina Bloomberg, she racks up wins in High Junior Amateur

divisions and competes on Children’s Nations Cup Teams and in Children’s Grand Prix in Europe. Her ponies, Glow and Noriego, soar over jumps up to 1.30 meters and secure podium finishes in European Pony Nations team competitions. Most recently, Brianne won the German National Championship Preis der Besten (Prize of the Best) in both the pony and children’s division. She was nominated to represent Germany at the 2024 Youth European Championships in Peelbergan, Holland. After jumping four out of five rounds clear with her mount Carrero TZ, Brianne earned an individual Bronze medal out of 104 riders; a huge success demonstrating phenomenal riding, horsemanship, and determination. Additionally, Brianne has recently tied a German record for the youngest rider,

at 14 years old, to win 10 1.40/1.45-meter classes, granting her the German Goldene Reitabzeichen award. Balotelli helped her secure six of these wins.

In the region of Germany where the Beerbaums live, there are limited options for trainers compared to the U.S. Brianne quickly realized her mom would be her trainer, and with a laugh, Meredith said, “She realized I was fit and qualified for the job.” Brianne attends the International School of Bremen and is one of the few students with intense athletic commitments and the only competitive equestrian. She remarks that the school is very supportive of her obligations.

Germany has no pony hunters or equitation divisions, so Brianne has been competing in jumpers from the start and gaining unique experience. She has already achieved individual victories and represented her country, continuing her family’s legacy of exceptional riding. “My dream is to go to the Olympics and to win the Grand Prix at Aachen. These have been my dreams for a really long time,” Brianne says.

A MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP

One might assume that the daughter of top equestrians would naturally follow in their footsteps, but Meredith and Markus see it as a miracle that she has the love and passion for the horses that they have. They recognized the industry’s hardships and thought Brianne might choose a different path. “It’s been a gift to be such a huge part of her life and so rewarding. We have a great relationship both as mother and daughter and teacher and student,” Meredith muses. “I can give her personal insight; I have been through it all myself.”

Brianne benefits from her parents’ expert careers in the industry. “I feel like I have more experience through their experience. Even when I’m not at the ring, we openly discuss rounds and our future plans at home,” Brianne says.

Brianne and Carlucci winning the children’s team European Championship in 2023.

This page and at right: Brianne and Balotelli at WEF High Junior Classic 2024.

Brianne winning the individual German championship in 2023.

PHOTO BRIDGETTE NESS

Brianne and Meredith cherish their close relationship. Meredith treasures their daily drives to and from school, saying, “We talk, listen to music, and I get to learn about her day.” These moments are some of her most cherished times to connect with Brianne.

However, Meredith admits to being apprehensive when her daughter competes. “I get crazy nervous,” she says. Her nerves had started to improve, but now, with Brianne jumping in 1.45-meter classes, Meredith finds herself anxious again. “I’m thinking, ‘these are too big, and [I know] all that could possibly go wrong,’” she adds.

A DAY IN THE LIFE: WELLINGTON AND GERMANY

Meredith describes life in Germany versus Wellington as “a perfect combination of two totally different lives.” Life in Germany is slower-paced, allowing for more relaxed family time. Meredith starts

her day driving Brianne to school, then heads to the market or back to the farm. After picking Brianne up, they ride, prep dinner, and do homework. Meredith loves to cook, and the family enjoys sitting down to dinner together each night. On weekends, they travel to nearby

shows, loading up their lorry with their horses and belongings. Affectionately called “The Beast,” it serves as their home away from home.

In contrast, Meredith describes Wellington as “a small little world, with a lot going on.” Their winter months there are fast-paced and full of competing and social events. During the week, Brianne attends Upper Echelon Academy, where she remotely completes her schoolwork from Germany around her show schedule. Meredith and Markus are busy riding, teaching, or coaching Brianne and their other students. As a golf enthusiast, Meredith enjoys rounds of golf in Wellington when not at WEF.

The tempo of life in Germany is vastly different from Wellington. “In Germany, we have time to spend with the horse,” Meredith explains. “At many shows, parents and children are the grooms. The family takes care of the horse, making it part of the family. Wellington is often the

The relaxing setting at the Beerbaums’ farm in Germany.

In view, the retired horses graze in the field behind the family home.

A tribute to and site of Shutterfly’s ashes, one of the greatest horses to ever live.

other extreme.” The countryside life of Germany lends itself to a calmer pace at the farm.

HOME IS HOME

Meredith, Markus, and Brianne adore their home and farm in Germany. “We have an absolutely beautiful farm that we live on and love; it’s our nest,” Meredith exclaims. Located about 30 minutes outside the city of Bremen, their farm boasts 45 stalls, indoor, outdoor, and grass arenas, as well as large turnout paddocks. Their home is a renovated thatched-roof house surrounded by sprawling green pastures, blooming cherry blossom trees, lush gardens, and a pond. Brianne’s favorite thing about their home is seeing the horses from any window.

Their farm is a haven for beloved horses and ponies retired from competition. Meredith’s iconic partner, Shutterfly, who won three FEI World Cup Finals, the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen, and two

bronze medals at the World Equestrian Games, spent his retirement on their farm, remaining part of the family until his passing in January 2023. His gravesite on the property features a beautiful tree and an engraved rock.

“I cherish hearing the horses in the morning when I wake up and looking out and seeing our retired horses outside of our back porch,” Meredith expresses about their farm.

REFLECTION AND WORDS OF WISDOM

“No matter what level you are at, it is important to recognize the [value] of a good team. From a team of horses to good staff and people,” notes Meredith. Caring for sport horses requires a dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable team. Meredith proudly shares that two of their grooms, Ninna Leonoff and Anu Harrila, have been with them for over 26 years and currently groom for Brianne. Meredith adds

that Ninna was even Brianne’s nanny. Meredith’s advice focuses on understanding true horsemanship. She emphasizes that the fast pace of horse showing often leaves little time for people, especially young riders, to become true horse people. While aware that she and her family have the luxury of having their horses at their home in Germany, she feels there must be more balance between the horse being part of a family rather than just a machine.

Meredith gets a bit nostalgic during the weeks of competition at Aachen, her favorite horse show. Still, reflecting on her successes, she says, “I was able to enjoy an incredible career with my husband, Markus, by my side. And now, to be able to share it with my daughter is a miracle. I look back on my amazing career and I have achieved all the success I wanted. I am able to move on now and give to my daughter.”

BEST PLACES TO LIVE THE 2O24

SUMMER YEAR ROUND

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, offers an equestrian paradise for all kinds of horse-sport enthusiasts. The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1200-acre facility that showcases various breeds and disciplines, and its stadium and arena host all types of exciting events.

Home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, thousands of riders come from all around the world to compete in highlevel events in WELLINGTON, Florida and enjoy the weather, beaches, and Palm Beach fun.

Portola Valley, Calif. Santa Barbara/ Santa Ynez, Woodside, Calif.

Del Mar/ Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

BEST YEAR ROUND

H Lexington, Ky.

● San Diego, Calif. (Tie)

● Santa Barbara, Calif (Tie)

● Wellington, Fla.

BEST FOR WINTERS

H Wellington, Fla.

● Ocala, Fla.

● Aiken, S.C.

BEST FOR SUMMERS

H Lexington, Ky.

● Traverse City, Mich.

● Woodstock, Vt.

Woodside, Calif. Santa Barbara/ Santa Ynez, Calif.

Portola Valley, Calif.

Del Mar/Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Scottsdale, Ariz. Lexington, Ky. Asheville, S.C.

Ocala, Fla.

Traverse City, Mich.

Lexington, Ky.

GOLD LIST

Now in its 11th year, the Equestrian Living Gold List is America’s leading survey of equestrians’ favorite brands, people, places, fashion,

Wellington, Fla. Aiken, S.C. Tryon, N.C.

Middleburg, Va.

North Salem, N.Y.

Woodstock, Vt.

North Salem, N.Y.

Millbrook, N.Y.

Woodstock, Vt

Millbrook, N.Y.

Middleburg, Va.

Tryon, N.C.

Aiken, S.C.

Ocala, Fla

Asheville,N.C.

H HH AZUR, 22%

● TOUCH OF CLASS, (TIE) 15%

HH AZUR, a Belgian Warmblood mare, partnered with McLain Ward to achieve Olympic silver, won the FEI World Cup, and countless other top honors. Known for her talent and heart, she retired in 2023 after a stellar career.

NOTE: Percentages may total more than 100% because they are rounded to the nearest .5% and voters could choose more than one favorite.

● SAPPHIRE, (TIE) 15% JUMPING HORSE

● GEM TWIST, 14%

BIG BEN, 7%

IDLE DICE, 5%

H McLAIN WARD 52%

● BEEZIE MADDEN, 35%

● LAURA KRAUT, 30.5% JUMPERS

JESSICA SPRINGSTEEN, 22.5%

KENT FARRINGTON, 20%

MARGIE ENGLE, 17.5%

McLain Ward is a dominant force in show jumping, boasting multiple Olympic medals and countless Grand Prix wins. His recent successes, including a team gold and individual bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games, solidify his status as a global equestrian icon. (Visit McLain’s Farm in March 2023 EQLiving.)

SHANNON BRINKMAN

McLAIN WARD is one of the greatest show jumping athletes competing today. With a career spanning decades, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional horsemanship, strategic brilliance, and a competitive drive that sets him apart. His trophy cabinet is a testament to his dominance, boasting Olympic gold medals, World Cup victories, and countless Grand Prix triumphs. Ward’s ability to form exceptional partnerships with horses like Rothchild and HH Azur has cemented his reputation as a top equestrian. His successes, which most recently include a team silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, solidify his status as a global equestrian icon.

LIFETIME GREATEST

H McLAIN WARD, 22%

● BEEZIE MADDEN, 17.5%

● BILL STEINKRAUS, 10%

JIM WOFFORD, 7.5%

RODNEY JENKINS, 6%

KENT FARRINGTON, 5.5%

H STEFFEN PETERS, 50%

● LAURA GRAVES, 38.5%

● ADRIENNE LYLE, 32% DRESSAGE

ANNA BUFFINI, 23%

CASEY PERRY-GLASS, 7.5%

ALLISON BROCK, 5%

Steffen Peters, a German-born American dressage rider, boasts a stellar career marked by Olympic medals and consistent top placements. Renowned for his partnerships with multiple horses, Peters continues to be a leading force in international dressage competitions.

H BOYD MARTIN, 72%

● WILL COLEMAN, 29%

● PHILLIP DUTTON, 28% EVENTING

LIZ HALLIDAY-SHARP, 13%

TAMMY SMITH, 11%

BUCK DAVIDSON, 10%

Boyd Martin, an Australian-born American, is a top eventing rider. He’s a formidable competitor in the equestrian world with multiple Olympic appearances and Pan American gold medals. Recent successes include team silver at the 2022 World Championships and consistent top placings.

(Visit Boyd’s Farm in May 2022 EQLiving.)

H NACHO FIGUERAS, 80.5%

● HOPE ARELLANO, 28%

● NIC ROLDAN, 22% POLO

FACUNDO PIERES, 8%

POLITO PIERES, (TIE) 5.5%

HILARIO ULLOA, (TIE) 5.5%

Nacho Figueras, an Argentine polo sensation, is often dubbed the “David Beckham of Polo.” With a high handicap and numerous tournament wins, he’s a global polo icon. Beyond the field, Figueras is a successful model and philanthropist, enhancing polo’s popularity worldwide.

(Visit Nacho’s Farm in Oct. 2017 EQLiving.)

H MANDY McCUTCHEON, 64.3%

● TOM McCUTCHEON, 47.5%

● TIM MCQUAY, 35.5% REINING

SHAWN FLARIDA, (TIE) 21.5%

ANDREA FAPPANI, (TIE) 21.5%

CASEY DEARY, 7%

Mandy McCutcheon is a renowned reining rider and NRHA Hall of Famer. Daughter of reining legend Tim McQuay, she’s the NRHA’s highest-earning Non Pro, clinching multiple Futurity and Derby titles. As a multi-million dollar rider and matriarch of a legendary equestrian family, she’s a cornerstone of the reining world.

FASHION & DECOR

NOTE: Percentages may total more than 100% because they are rounded to the nearest .5% and voters could choose more than one favorite.

H HERMÈS, 24%

COACH, 13.5%

DOONEY & BOURKE, 9% H HERMÈS, 36.5%

DAVID YURMAN, 11%

GUCCI, 6%

RALPH LAUREN, 20.5%

ARIAT, 15%

CALLIDAE, 13.5%

RALPH LAUREN, (TIE) 7%

TUCKER TWEED, (TIE) 7% GUCCI, (TIE) 7%

RALPH LAUREN, 5.5%

(TIE) 4% URBAN EQUESTRIAN, (TIE) 4%

5%

3.5%

GOLD LIST VOTERS BY THE NUMBERS

23% say, “Buying riding clothes is my weakness.”

29% say, “Buying equestrian-style is my weakness.”

H HERMÈS, 43%

● RALPH LAUREN, 39%

● STYLISH EQUESTRIAN, 17.5% DECOR

KEENELAND SHOP, 15%

HORSE COUNTRY, WARRENTON, 14%

HORSE & HOUND, 13.5%

TACK & BOOTS

ONLINE TACK SHOP

H DOVER, 26%

● SMARTPAK, 23%

● CHAGRIN SADDLERY, 17.5%

MARY’S TACK & FEED, 12%

STATELINE, 10.5%

EQUILINE, 2%

ENGLISH RIDING CLOTHES

H ARIAT, 14%

● EQUILINE, 10%

● CAVALLERIA TOSCANA, (TIE) 8%

● CHARLES ANCONA, (TIE) 8%

TAILORED SPORTSMAN, 7.5% CALLIDEA, 7%

H ARIAT, 24%

● PARLANTI, 20%

● TUCCI, 15%

VOGEL, 9%

DER DAU, 5.2%

DENIRO, 4.5%

H ARIAT, 52%

● PARLANTI, 11%

● PENELOPE CHILVERS, 8.2%

TUCCI, 7.5%

BLUNDSTIONES, 6%

DER DAU, 5%

H DUBARRY, 20.5%

● HUNTER, 20%

● MUCK BOOTS, 16%

L.L.BEAN, 11.5%

BARBOUR, 9%

MOUNTAIN HORSE, 7%

H CHAGRIN SADDLERY, 24%

● VALENCIA SADDLERY, 8%

● MARY’S TACK AND FEED, 6%

TACKERIA, (TIE) 5.5%

ST. CROIX SADDLERY, (TIE) 5.5%

CALABASSAS SADDLERY, 4%

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

H ARIAT, 22%

● RJ CLASSICS, (TIE)15.5%

● KERRITS, (TIE)15.5%

● CHARLES ANCONA, 11%

BELLE AND BOW, (TIE) 7%

LE MIEUX, (TIE) 7%

H BUTET, 12.5%

● CWD, 11.5%

● VOLTAIRE, 11%

ANTARES, 9%

STUBBEN, 7.5%

HERMÈS, 7%

H ARIAT, 34.5%

● LUCCHESE, 21%

● TECOVAS, 9.5%

FRYE, (TIE) 8%

TONY LAMA, (TIE) 8%

JUSTIN, 7%

H SAMSHIELD, 33%

● CHARLES OWEN, 16%

● KASK, 13%

GPA, 11.5% TROXEL, 10%

ONE K, 3%

FAVORITE EQUESTRIAN REALTORS

KRISSY BLAKE

Sotheby’s International Realty

KATE CASSIDY

Sotheby’s

STANLEY

SALLY

CRICKET BEDFORD

Middleburg, Virginia

HEATHER DENGLER

Sotheby’s

SEAN CADDELL

ZACH DAVIS

Kirkpatrick & Co. Lexington, Kentucky

JAMIE McDEVITT

Atlantic Sotheby’s Virginia Beach, Virginia

MATT

CATHY

Pacific

CAREN KELLEY

Sotheby’s

JAMIE NYHEIM

SPECIAL MEDALISTS

DANNY & RON’S RESCUE

A repeat gold-winner every year, Danny & Ron’s Rescue is known for its incredible work and ties to the equestrian community. Since 2005, when they rescued 600 dogs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Danny & Ron have saved more than 14,000 abused, abandoned, and starving dogs, taking them in to live with them in their personal home—a.k.a. The Doghouse. Subjects of the popular Netflix documentary “Life in the Doghouse,” Danny and Ron have also published a series of children’s books.

RUTH KENNEDY

SUDDUTH LandVest Boston, Massachusetts

CINDY POLK

Compass Real Estate Middleburg, Virginia

DAVID WELLES

Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty Wellington, Florida

BRYAN LOVELESS

Windermere Real Estate, Kirkland, Wash ington

BARN LIFE

H FOUR STAR, 32%

● FEATHERLIGHT, 27.5%

● SUNDOWNER, 15% TRAILER ELITE, 2%

EXISS, (TIE) 1%

HAWK, (TIE) 1%

H SHOWGROUNDS LIVE, 57%

● EQUILAB, 11.5%

MY HORSE, (TIE) 8%

EQ MASTERCLASS, (TIE) 8%

HORSE RIDE TRACKER, 6.5%

H RANGE ROVER, 23%

● LEXUS, 13%

● AUDI, 10% SUV BMW, 8%

JEEP, 7.5%

FORD, 6%

● BARN MANAGER, 10% BARN DOG

H RESCUE MIXED, 40%

● LABRADOR RETRIEVER, 18%

● JACK RUSSELL, 11%

GOLDEN RETRIEVER, 7%

WELSH CORGI, 5.5%

FRENCH BULLDOG, 3.5%

GIVING BACK

H VINCEREMOS, FL, 11%

● FIELDSTONE, OH, 10%

● GALLOP NYC, 8%

ADAPTIVE RIDING PEGASUS, NY/CT, 7%

WINDRUSH FARM, MA, 3%

B.O.K RANCH, WOODSIDE, CA,. 3%

NOTE: Percentages may total more than 100% because they are rounded to the nearest .5% and voters could choose more than one favorite.

H Gold Winner

● Silver Winner

● Bronze Winner

FAVORITE CHARITIES

H FLEET OF ANGELS, 38%

● EQUUS FOUNDATION, 19%

● EQUEST. AID FOUNDATION, 11%

BROOKE USA, 4%

AMER. WILD HORSE CONSERV., 2%

COMPTON COWBOYS, 1.5%

JUMPING

The 500-acre World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, is a favorite for its world-class facilities, year-round competition schedule, and exceptional amenities for horses and riders.

H WORLD EQ. CENTER, OCALA, 28%

● WINTER EQ. FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON, 27%

● MENLO CHARITY HORSE SHOW, 20%

DEVON, 19.5 %

HAMPTON CLASSIC, 10.5%

SPRUCE MEADOWS, 9.5%

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, features international-level competition with over $650,000 in prize money and attracts the world’s top riders and horses.

H ADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE, 27%

● DRESSAGE AT DEVON, 10%

● US DRESSAGE FINAL, 6 % DRESSAGE

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER, 4%

GREEN MOUNTAIN HORSE ASSOC., 1.5%

U.S. DRESSAGE FEST. OF CHAMPIONS, 1.%

The 2024 Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event features thrilling equestrian competitions with challenging cross-country courses, and an electrifying atmosphere.

H LAND ROVER KENTUCKY 3-DAY, 85%

● MILLBROOK HORSE TRIALS, 8%

● MARYLAND 5-STAR AT FAIR HILL, 7%

REBECCA FARMS, 2%

GREEN MOUNTAIN HORSE ASSOC., 1% PLANTATION FIELD, 1%

Voters chose the equestrian event they would most like to attend.

H AACHEN, GERMANY 18%

● THE OLYMPICS, 15%

● UPPERVILLE, 8.5%

LONGINES PARIS, 8%

ROYAL ASCOT, 6%

DUBLIN HORSE SHOW, 5.5%

LAND ROVER KENTUCKY, 5%

NOTE: Percentages may total more than 100% because they are rounded to the nearest .5% and voters could choose more than one favorite.

REINING

The Run For a Million Reining event, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, attracts top-tier riders and offers a $1 million prize, the richest in reining’s history, underscoring its immense popularity.

H RUN FOR A MILLION, 76%

● NRBC, TEXAS, 11%

● NRHA, OKLAHOMA, 10.5%

HIGH ROLLER CLASSIC, LAS VEGAS, 7%

CACTUS CLASSIC, SCOTTSDALE, 6.5%

AMER. PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN, 3%

FAVORITE UNIQUE EVENTS

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, the oldest continual outdoor horse show in the country, features Saddlebreds and hunter-jumpers at North Carolina’s Broyhill Preserve.

H BLOWING ROCK, 10%

● GREEN MOUNTAIN HORSE ASSN., 16%.

● FIELDSTONE, MASS.,11%

THE RIDGE, WELLINGTON, (TIE) 10%

PASO ROBLES, CALIF., (TIE) 10%

BLENHEIM, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 6.5%

AACHEN, The Concours Hippique International Officiel (CHIO) Aachen is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious equestrian events, drawing fans from around the globe to Germany each summer to experience the World Equestrian Festival.

FAVORITE DISCIPLINES

Equestrian Living voters enjoy A DIVERSE MIX OF DISCIPLINES. While the majority of our readers enjoy hunter-jumper riding, there are many others that enjoy trail riding, eventing, dressage, and the western disciplines, as well as less common sports such as timber racing and fox hunting.

HUNTER JUMPER, 52%

TRAIL RIDING, 24%

DRESSAGE, 19%

EVENTING, 13.5%

WESTERN/REINING, 7.5%

POLO, 5.5%

RACING, 5%

SPECIALIZED BREEDS, 4.5%

DRIVING, 3.5%

ENDURANCE, 2.5%

Also Foxhunting, Saddleseat, and Timber Racing

H

HOTELS HANGOUTS

● THE COLONY, PALM BEACH, FLA., 13.5%, NATIONAL

EQUESTRIAN HOTEL, OCALA, FLA. 24.5%

● SALAMANDER, MIDDLEBURG, VA., 17.5%

WILLCOX, AIKEN, S.C., 12.5%

INN AT RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIF, 12.5%

STANFORD PARK, MENLO PARK, CALIF., 11%

RED FOX INN, MIDDLEBURG, VA., 9.5%

WOODSTOCK INN. VT., (TIE) 8.5%

HOTEL CHEVAL, PASO ROBLES, CA., (TIE) 8.5%

EQ voters favored the luxury at The Equestrian Hotel in Ocala, Florida, where elegance meets equestrian passion. Nestled within the World Equestrian Center, the premier destination offers unparalleled amenities for horse lovers, including state-of-the-art stables, competition arenas, and scenic trails. It was recently named one of Time Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places for 2024.” Gourmet dining options, lavish accommodations, and a spa for ultimate relaxation helped capture the win. Whether attending an equestrian event or seeking a serene getaway, The Equestrian Hotel promises an unforgettable stay surrounded by the area’s natural beauty and world-class equestrian facilities.

H JAKES, DEL MAR, CALIF., 29.3%

● TACK ROOM TAVERN, INDIO, CA., 27.5%

● VILLAGE PUB/BAKERY, WOODSIDE, CA., 24% WEST

HITCHING POST, BUELLTON, CA., 19%

MILLE FLEURS, RANCHO SANTA FE, CA., 17%

BUCK’S, WOODSIDE, CA., (TIE) 15.5%

ALICE’S RESTAURANT, WOODSIDE, CA., (TIE) 15.5%

PARKSIDE GRILL, PORTOLA VALLEY, CA., 8.5%

BROKEN SPOKE SALOON, AUSTIN TX., 3.5%

NOTE: Percentages may total more than 100% because they are rounded to the nearest .5% and voters could choose more than one favorite.

Travel experiences featured in EQLiving you’d most want to visit:

● CASTLE LESLIE, IRELAND, 24%

● GIRAFFE MANOR, KENYA, 17%

● PATAGONIA, 10% TRAVEL WISH LIST

RESORT AT PAWS UP, MONT., 7%

FOUR SEASONS LANAI, 6.5%

AMANGIRI, UTAH, (TIE) 4.5%

LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH, (TIE) 4.5%

ROYAL ASCOT, U.K., 3.5%

FLORIDA

H KALUZ, WELLINGTON, FLA., 33.5%

● YELLOW PONY, OCALA, 29%

● STIRRUPS, OCALA, 24%

OLI’S FASHION CUISINE, WELLINGTON, 23%

AVOCADO GRILL, WEST PALM BEACH, 17%

HORSE & HOUND, OCALA, 13.5%

MARK’S STEAKHOUSE, OCALA, 10.5%

JOJO’S RAW BAR, WELLINGTON, 7.5%

PIAFFE LOUNGE, WELLINGTON, 6%

H DUDLEY’S ON SHORT, LEXINGTON, 33%

● RED FOX INN, MIDDLEBURG, VA., 27%

● RED HORSE TAVERN, MIDDLEBURG, VA., 22% SOUTH

WILLCOX, AIKEN, S.C., 20.5%

CARSON’S ON MAIN, LEXINGTON, 14.5%

BLUEGRASS TAVERN, LEXINGTON, (TIE) 6%

POLO GROUNDS, AIKEN, S.C., (TIE) 6%

STABLE CAFE, ASHEVILLE, N.C, 5%

PARK AVE OYSTER BAR, AIKEN, S.C., 3%

H THE WHIP, COATSEVILLE PA., 23%

● WÖLFFER ESTATE VINEYARDS, NY, 18.5%

● HAYFIELDS, NORTH SALEM, NY, 16.5%, EAST

BEMELMAN’S BAR, NYC, 16%

RALPH LAUREN’S POLO BAR, NYC, (TIE) 14.5%

WOODSTOCK INN, VT, (TIE) 14.5%

121 RESTAURANT, NORTH SALEM, NY, 10.5%

SKUNK HOLLOW TAVERN, HARTLAND, VT, 8%

CHARLOTTE’S, MILLBROOK, NY, 6%

H Gold Winner

● Silver Winner

● Bronze Winner

An American victory amid coastal beauty in France.

TLA BAULE

Nestled along the picturesque French coastline, La Baule has long been a magnet for equestrians and horse enthusiasts. Its annual horse show, a harmonious blend of fierce competition and stunning surroundings, captivates spectators from around the world.

PHOTOS ALDEN CORRIGAN

For the first time in 14 years,

Americans won at La Baule. American Kent Farrington, riding his mare Greya, won the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, beating his young countryman Karl Cook in second place, and Belgian Grégory Wathelet in third.

La Baule owes its fame to its pristine beach—one of Europe’s longest—stretching over five miles from Pornichet to Pouliguen. This sandy expanse, framed by historic villas and luxury hotels, exudes elegance. The azure-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a serene backdrop, inviting both riders and spectators to bask in its beauty. Here, the world’s top horses take center stage. Seeing them leisurely strolling along the shoreline and in the ocean is a sight that defines the event.

The Nations Cup is a thrilling team competition that pits national equestrian teams against each other. The climax of this battle is the Rolex Grand Prix, a demanding 1.60-meter class with a €500,000 ($546,000) prize. Back in the first La Baule grand prix in 2010, McLain Ward rode Sapphire to victory, marking the first American win. Since then, for 14 years, the title has eluded U.S. riders—until now.

In a dramatic twist, Kent Farrington, astride his mare Greya, clinched victory, narrowly surpassing his compatriot Karl Cook. This American one-two finish resonated deeply, especially as it coincided with the anniversary of the D-Day landings—a poignant reminder of shared history.

Both Farrington and Cook represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Paris. Their top-place performances helped to solidify their positions on the U.S. Olympic jumping team.

La Baule’s unique horse show marries competitive spirit with coastal splendor, making it a must-see future destination for traveling horse and beach lovers.

INTERVIEW BY JILL NOVOTNY

Maine-based Carson Jackson, a largely self-taught contemporary abstract artist, has developed a distinctive style over his career by blending various techniques. His work challenges conventional interpretation, creating pieces that resonate with the interplay of darkness and light, often using mixed media and found objects. The son of a Cuban refugee, Jackson’s journey spans both geographic and professional landscapes, enriching his art with diverse experiences.

His travels have taken him from Ogunquit, Maine, to the surf of El Salvador, through Norway’s fjords, and to the Outer Banks. Before pursuing art, Jackson worked as a model in Central America and as a creative director, roles that deepened his artistic perspective. His previous career in healthcare, where he assisted in life-saving procedures, provides him with a unique insight into the fragility and resilience of life, infusing his work with emotional depth.

This October, Jackson will collaborate with the Boston Design Center for a landmark exhibition debuting his “Essence of the Untamed” series. This series will be showcased alongside globally acclaimed designers who integrate fine art into homes worldwide, marking a significant moment in his artistic journey.

“Dance of the Untamed” will be exhibited at Imago Gallery in Warren, RI, this October.

ARTIST

CARSON JACKSON

REDEFINING THE VISUAL LANDSCAPE

EQ: Your background is quite diverse, from healthcare to fine arts. How did these experiences shape your artistic vision and approach?

CJ: Each phase of my career has uniquely contributed to my artistic development. My time in healthcare honed my precision and attention to detail, qualities I transfer directly to my art, especially in the intricate textures and compositions of my pieces.

During my career in healthcare, the intense awareness of life’s fragility overwhelmed my creative spirit. Yet, it was the untamed spirit of the horse that carried me out of the fog and inspired me to dive deeper into my art. Their remarkable resilience and fight to maintain a wild nature, even when domesticated, resonates with me deeply. These qualities not only revived my artistic drive but enriched my work with profound empathy and emotional depth. This diverse background has allowed me to approach art with a holistic, detailed perspective, enriching my creative expression.

EQ: How did growing up the son of a Cuban refugee influence your perspective on life, and do you feel that it is reflected in your art?

CJ: Growing up as the son of a Cuban refugee deeply influenced my worldview and artistic expression. This background instilled in me a profound appreciation for freedom and resilience, themes that often permeate my art. It’s reflected in my choice of bold colors and dynamic forms, symbolizing the vibrancy and enduring spirit of Cuban culture. My heritage shapes my narrative, adding depth and emotional intensity to my work, inviting viewers to explore stories of struggle, survival, and triumph.

I can still hear Abuelo’s words, “Be a master at your craft,” which have guided me throughout my life. He, along with Abuela and their five children, fought for their freedom. They fled Castro’s regime to a country where they didn’t speak the language and were forced to leave behind their wealth in Cuba. My great-grandmother had to swallow her wedding ring when she left for Miami, or it would have been confiscated.

With nothing but drive and love for his family, Abuelo learned English and passed his medical boards to practice as a doctor in the United States, just as he had in Cuba. Starting over repeatedly, just as a blank canvas allows me to start anew. Even through my own storms, I find strength from my ancestors, and that drive has kept me running untamed into my own wilderness of the unknown. Abuela and Abuelo kept our family tight and together like an alpha leads a herd. Now, with my grandparents gone and no alpha to take the reins, our family

has struggled to withstand the storm. To stay together in the herd. My art is where I find my voice, my resilience. Wild horses, where I grew up in the Outer Banks, adapt to relentless change. This mirrors how my family navigated displacement and renewal, always persisting, forever adaptable. On my canvas, this connection intertwines—each brushstroke a tribute to both the natural wildness of these magnificent creatures and the unbreakable spirit of my ancestors.

EQ: You’ve described your art as a “treasure hunt of experiences, moments, and images.” Can you elaborate on this and how you translate these into your work?

CJ: My artistic process is like a treasure hunt, where each piece captures fragments of my experiences, emotions, and the visual cues of my surroundings. I collect these elements as I navigate through life, whether through personal interactions, music, moments in nature, or cultural experiences. In my studio, these collected ‘treasures’ inspire the textures, colors, and forms of my art. By embedding these experiences into my work, like poetry upon my canvas, I invite viewers on their own journey of discovery, encouraging them to uncover the layers and meanings within each piece.

EQ: You’re largely self-taught. What was the learning process like, and how did you develop your unique style?

CJ: Being largely self-taught has been both a liberating and intentional process. It involves a deep exploration of materials and techniques, trial, and lots of error. I learned to respond to the emotional and physical language of my subjects in my own abstracted way. Through this, I developed a unique style that infuses the immediate experience and sensory perceptions of my subjects into the fabric of my artworks, creating a vivid, experiential dialogue with the viewer. It has always been a grand experiment, a shifting tide, sometimes ending in beauty and sometimes having to start anew. Both are equally humbling. Both were needed to get to this exciting moment in my career.

EQ: You combine multiple styles in your work. How do you decide which styles to blend, and how do they complement each other?

CJ: I like pushing boundaries of what I’ve done previously with my art. To let the untamed spirit flow within my art. It’s individualized with each piece, how it speaks to me. If it is a commission or a situation where I’ve seen the setting in which the painting will live, I tailor it to its surroundings.

In blending multiple styles, I consider the emotional and thematic goals of each piece. This decision is intuitive, driven by the story I want to tell or the feeling I wish to evoke. For

Horses represent a blend of strength and vulnerability, qualities that resonate deeply with me and enrich my art with narrative potential.

instance, I might combine abstract elements with realistic details to highlight the contrast between the ethereal and the tangible. Each style serves a purpose, enhancing the narrative depth or visual impact of the work. This fusion not only enriches the immediate experience but also allows me to push the boundaries of conventional art forms. It also allows me to push my own boundaries and reach new levels of impact for each piece within the limits of the series.

EQ: Your use of mixed media and found objects is distinctive. Can you talk about your process of selecting and incorporating these elements into your art?

CJ: My selection of mixed media and found objects is highly intentional, often influenced by the narrative or thematic essence I aim to explore in each piece. I look for materials that resonate with the story I’m telling, whether for their texture, color, or inherent symbolism. Each element is chosen to add depth and context, enhancing the visual and emotional layers of the artwork. The integration process is purposeful, ensuring that each object contributes meaningfully to the overall composition and dialogue within the piece.

EQ: Can you describe your creative process? Do you have a specific routine, or do you prefer to let inspiration guide you?

CJ: Sometimes, I hang suspended in a yoga strap in my studio to hover over large paintings, changing my perspective and allowing gravity to influence my brushstrokes differently. Other times, I paint by headlamp only to limit distractions and emulate cavelike environments. I’m driven by inspiration and the unique demands of each piece. Occasionally, I invite a musician to play in my studio while I paint. At times, I may ask a child for their interpretation of a half-finished piece to see what I don’t.

EQ: What inspired you first to paint horses; do you have a connection to them in your life?

CJ: My initial inspiration to paint horses stemmed from my lifelong connection with them. Having ridden horses since childhood, these experiences significantly shaped my artistic focus. Horses represent a blend of strength and vulnerability, qualities that resonate deeply with me and enrich my art with narrative potential.

Growing up, I trail-rode through the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia and along the crystal coast of Beaufort, NC, before its development. Riding with an overnight pack, where intuition and senses align closely with horses in the untamed wilderness, offers a spiritual experience unlike any other. Horses live in the moment, guided by senses and instincts—a sharp contrast to humans, who often rely more on language and abstract reasoning. This profound connection

influences my studio work, where the depth of each painting evolves beyond my initial vision, capturing the essence of the moment.

EQ: As an artist with a deep connection to visual storytelling, how do you see horses as a subject matter?

CJ: Horses represent a unique blend of power, grace, and spirit, making them compelling subjects in visual storytelling. My personal experiences with horses—riding since childhood, sketching them in various settings, and attending equestrian events—deeply influence how I portray them in my art. They symbolize freedom, movement, and a deep connection with nature, resonating with the equestrian lifestyle. I draw inspiration from events like dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The untamed wild horses of the Outer Banks, with their rugged beauty and spirited independence, also inspire my art.

I love hearing and seeing firsthand from equestrians who have commissioned me to paint, about the unique connection they have with their horses. It’s never the same, and there’s always hidden inspiration within.

EQ: How has your work evolved, and where do you see your artistic career going next?

CJ: My artistic journey has seen a continuous evolution, both in technique and thematic exploration. Initially focused on more direct interpretations, my work has grown to incorporate a broader range of media and conceptual depth, reflecting personal growth and expanding worldviews.

Looking forward, I aim to expand further into immersive installations and large-scale projects that offer audiences a more interactive experience. I’m excited about the possibilities of engaging with new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to expand the reach and impact of my work. Additionally, my commissioned works for equestrians, capturing the profound bond between them and their horses, have been some of the most rewarding projects of my career. I eagerly anticipate expanding these artistic connections across the country.

I will continue to develop my “Origins” series, diving deeper into the themes of primal artistry by exploring the earliest cave painters. This series reflects a unique blend of historical reverence and modern abstraction, as I reinterpret ancient art through a contemporary lens, infusing it with my own abstract and contemporary style.

I plan to push the boundaries, hop continents, and elevate the untamed essence of my art to new heights abroad. Being untamed and uncomfortable has propelled my art to new levels, and that sentiment will carry through.

MOSS CREEK

BROWNS SUMMIT, NC

This serene estate is located in central North Carolina just outside of the Greensboro city limits and close to the Virginia state line. Originally, Moss Creek Stables was a private 22-stall equestrian facility. Horses were housed in the equestrian center until it was transformed into a residential estate in 2002. Now you will find a welcoming home on the 13-acre property for those who enjoy entertaining and appreciate the spacious rooms and soaring ceilings. This pastoral property features a 10,000-square-foot main house, a two-bedroom cottage, a barn, a five-car detached garage, a stocked pond, a resort-style pool with an outdoor kitchen pavilion, and a pool house. Perhaps this would be a great spot for a wedding venue or bed and breakfast? The possibilities are endless! The property is offered at $2,890,000.

and probably there is a reason for that. With time, Sultan gave me the basics of what has become “my way” of doing liberty. The liberty work I teach my students today is not mine, it’s Sultan’s.

Sultan didn’t have a chance to start on small stages. He didn’t have time to build himself quietly, in the shadows, where failure is noticed by fewer. His first performance was in March of 2016 in the huge stadium in Herning, Denmark, in front of 9,000 people who had high expectations after Mistral’s show the year before. He didn’t have the chance to take a bad step. From the moment he entered the spotlight, everyone—including me— expected him to behave just like his father at the peak of his career. It was a huge burden on Sultan’s shoulders, a burden that became heavier when I discovered that my gray did not like being on stage at all. Instead of blossoming like Mistral did, becoming two times bigger when he entered the arena, Sultan sucked back, froze, lost half of his ability, and had his eye on the exit all the time. He didn’t like it.

So, Sultan and I started a different journey together. As we were on tour, going from one show to another, in different countries, atmospheres, and environments, I started to take him for walks absolutely everywhere, several times per day, in any condition, with him free by my side. That was not easy at the beginning. I had to trust him first if I wanted him to trust me, too, but Sultan was a horse with very changeable emotions, which could lead sometimes to unexpected reactions or very grumpy moods. This was the reason why, a few months before our first performance, when I took Sultan again to Spain to meet another Spanish master from whom I wished to learn for a few days, I was told my gray would never, ever be a horse for liberty because he was much too “strong-minded” and “unreliable.” My unicorn proved him wrong. Time and dedication were the answers. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it, and Sultan and I built the most important part of our relationship out of our long walks together, just the two of us, side by side. Sultan helped me gain confidence in our work and in who we are together. And without realizing it, this horse, who I had at first refused a place by

“I used to try to “bring him to his senses” and asked him to deal with his emotions. That was a mistake.

“my side, became my closest partner—even more so than his father. It is hard for me to write such a thing because Mistral will always remain my one and only, and my heart will always belong to him, but the trust I have in Sultan is beyond words. The struggles we went through during our journey and the fact neither of us gave up on the other brought us together in an unbreakable way. We are linked by the strongest bond. One we worked and fought for. He has become my second half, and I couldn’t choose between the father and the son anymore.

Little by little, my gray has become my White Angel, albeit an angel who can have some very moody periods. The good news is that he never takes me by surprise. When he is having a bad day, you see it clearly on his face. He puts his “grumpy mask” on, and everybody is aware that Sultan is not available for the time being! During these episodes—which can last a few days, sometimes—every single thing, from cleaning his hooves to brushing his mane, from giving him a meal to working on an exercise, is a cause for grumbling. But here again, I now know that it’s okay, that it’s just who he is, and we—my team and I—have to accept his moods and let him be. The best answer I have found is to basically ignore it, just go easy for a couple of days and play outside, only doing things he usually likes, until he is back in a happier place. I used to try to “bring him to his senses” and asked him to deal with his emotions.

That was a mistake. Once I started leaving him to his moods when they showed up, respecting them without letting them “take up too much space,” they no longer came between us. I can now even see sometimes that he makes an effort on his own to overcome his bad temper—acknowledging it on his own, now that I don’t ask him to do it anymore. It took all the time we spent together and the trials we went through together for us to reach the level of understanding, inner peace, and mutual unfailing trust we now enjoy. We know each other by heart. Like an old married couple, I learned to love his flaws, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities, and I think I can say that he learned to love mine too.

A SMOOTH TRANSITION

How to prepare for a CROSS-COUNTRY MOVE with your horses.

Moving cross-country is a significant undertaking, ..and adding a horse into the equation is even more complex. Preparing your horse is crucial, and ensuring its safety and well-being during and after the journey should be a top priority.

Here are some essential steps to help you prepare for a crosscountry move with your horse:

BEFORE YOU GO

Start by researching the most horse-friendly routes for your cross-country journey. Look for highways and roads with adequate rest stops, horse-friendly accommodations, and minimal traffic.

Before your journey, it’s essential to consider your horse’s health. Schedule any vaccinations at least two weeks before the departure date. This timeframe allows your horse’s immune system to adapt and recover post-vaccination, ensuring they are protected once they reach their new home. Additionally, you’ll need a current Coggins test certificate and a health certificate to cross state lines, so plan to have these documents updated along with your horse’s vaccinations.

Keep all essential documents, such as health certificates, Coggins tests, and ownership papers, in a waterproof, easily accessible folder during the trip. You may need to present these documents at various checkpoints or accommodations.

Ensure your trailer is well-ventilated, has adequate space, is properly maintained, and is well-bedded with shavings. Shipping can be physically demanding, and well-bedded trailers help reduce the strain on your horse.

If your horse isn’t accustomed to traveling in a trailer, practice loading and unloading multiple times before the move. Doing this will help your horse feel more comfortable and less anxious during the journey.

Ensure you have enough essential supplies for your horse, including hay, feed, water, and grooming tools for the duration of the trip, as it may be challenging to find the products your horse is used to while on the road. Don’t forget first aid supplies and any medications your horse may need.

Proper hydration is crucial for your horse’s well-being during transportation. Give your horse electrolytes in the form of paste or powder once daily for three days leading up to the trip. Electrolytes encourage increased water consumption, which is essential. Ensure that fresh, clean water is available to your horse at all times before the journey. Pack multiple large jugs of water from your home because some horses can be selective about the taste of water, so providing a familiar source can encourage them to drink while on the road. Additionally, bring a few bales of familiar hay from

home and make it available throughout the trip. Before you leave, research and book horse-friendly accommodations along your route. Look for stables or facilities that offer overnight boarding for traveling horses.

ON THE ROAD

Horses need regular breaks during long journeys to stretch their legs, eat, and hydrate. Plan frequent rest stops at horse-friendly locations where your horse can safely graze and relax. During the journey, check them regularly, monitor their behavior, and ensure they are comfortable and relaxed. If you notice any signs of stress or discomfort, address the issue immediately. During transit, protecting your horse’s legs and providing comfort is essential. Consider using either standing wraps or shipping boots for leg protection. Pack a sheet or blanket if you anticipate cooler weather during the journey..

ARRIVAL AND ADJUSTMENT

Once you reach your destination, give your horse time to adjust to the new environment. Gradually introduce them to their new stable or paddock and maintain their routine as much as possible to ease the transition.

Upon arriving at your destination, offer your horse water and hay from home and slowly introduce new hay over the next two weeks to minimize digestive stress.

For seven days after the trip, look for signs of illness such as a loss of appetite, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, lameness, or a fever. If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian promptly. Safe travels!

WHERE TO FIND IT

STYLE

Page 16

Hermès Objects Autumn/ Winter 2024

Hermès hermes.com

Page 18

Autumn’s cozy comforts

Adams & Macks adamsandmack.com

Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk

Chloé chloe.com/us Crate&Barrel crateandbarrel.com

J.J. Textile jjtextile.co.uk

Net-a-Porter net-a-porter.com/en-us Satara Australia satara.com.au

TakaTomo.de takatomo.de/en Victoria Eggs victoriaeggs.com

FASHION

Page 22

Dada Sport dadasport.com

BOOK

Page 24

The Horses Who Made Me Alizée Froment 2024 Trafalgar Square Books

FOOD + DRINK

Page 28

A Gem of a Salad

Remington’s Prime Steakhouse remingtonsprime.com

BOOKS OF NOTE

Page 34

Pursuit!

Georgina Preston georginapreston.com

GOLD LIST

Page 60

Favorite Apparel, Tack/ Tack Shops

Ariat

ariat.com

Butet north-america.butet.fr

Chagrin Saddlery chagrinsaddlery.com

Charles Owen charlesowen.com Dover dover.com

Dubarry dubarry.com/us Hermès hermes.com/us/en

Ralph Lauren ralphlauren.com

Samshield samshield.com

Favorite Charity Danny and Ron’s Rescue dannyronsrescue.org

EQUUS Foundation equusfoundation.org Vinceremos vinceremos.org

Fleet of Angles fleetofangles.org

Favorite Realtors Cricket Bedford homasandtalbot.com/Agent/ Cricket_Bedford Krissy Blake krissyblake.com

Sean Caddell seancaddell.com

Kate Cassidy katecassidy.fourseasonssir. com

Zach Davis seancaddell.com

Heather Dengler sothebysrealty.com/ equestrian

Stanley Edwards landvest.com

Cathy Gilchrist-Colmar ranchcoastrealty.com

Matt Johnson mattjohnson.evrealestate. com

Martha Jolicoeur marthasproperties.com

Brian & Abby Jones dothebysrealty.com/ office/180.com

Carey Kendall careykendall.com

Caren Kelley equestrianre.com

Bryan Loveless

bryanlovelessrealestate.com

Jamie McDevitt

pinehurstgolfequestrian.com

Jamie Nyheim atlanticsir.com

Cindy Polk horsefarmsandcountryhomes.com

Sally Slater sallyslater.elliman.com

Ruth Kennedy Sudduth ruthkennedysudduth.landvest.com

David Welles wellesproperties.com

Favorite Shows and Venues Adequan Global Dressage gdf.coth.coom

Blowing Rock Horse Show brchs.com

CHIO Aachen

chioaachen.de/en Dressage at Devon dressageatdevon.org

Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day kentuckythreedayevent.com

Menlo Charity Horse Show

menlocharityhorseshow.com

Run for a Million therunforamillion.com

World Equestrian Center-Ocala worldequestriancenter.com

Favorite Hotel

The Equestrian Hotel equestrianhotel.com

Favorite Hangouts

Dudley’s on Short dudleysonshort.com

Jakes of Del Mar Jakesdelmar.com

Kaluz, Wellington kaluzrestaurant.com/ kaluz-wellington

The Whip thewhip.com

Favorite Dream Escape

Castle Leslie castleleslie.com

GALLERY Page 76

Carson Jackson carsonjackson.com

Located 45 minutes east of Fort Collins, and 90 minutes north of Denver, 80 acres with the equestrian enthusiast in mind and built in 2016.  Includes an open floor plan ranch style 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom home with breathtaking views.  Property also includes a 10-stall FCP barn, 120 ft x 140 ft covered Rhino Steel Structured arena, multiple continuous fence turnouts and corrals with shelter sheds.  This property is completely off-grid and is self sufficient.

Priced at appraised value $1,150,000.

Additional 240 acres of adjacent vacant land available for sale.

For more information please contact owners Ryan and Katie Crawford.  307-620-5900

I

$39.95

Extraordinary Equestrian Estate

RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIFORNIA

7 Bedrooms | 14 Bathrooms | 12,845 Square Feet | $ 15,995,000 | 4840ElSecreto.com

Located in sunny San Diego County, just minutes from the Del Mar Race Track, Del Mar Horsepark, beautiful beaches, and two airports, this luxurious property is part of the exclusive Rancho Santa Fe Covenant. The brilliantly crafted home offers new solar panels, a Savant Smart Home Automation, and a private resort-style setting complete with tennis court, sand volleyball, beach entry pool with water slide, full outdoor kitchen and dining pavilion, sauna, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas. Comprising two parcels spanning 12 meticulously landscaped acres, there is a separate gated driveway which leads to the spectacular barn with 6 in-and-out stalls, tack room, hay storage, feed room, industrial laundry facility, full bathroom, and air conditioned living space with closet. An Old West style saloon with kitchen opens up to the covered patio with BBQ and fireplace - a feature appreciated by both riders and spectators. With 3 pastures, riding arena, equipment garage, room for trailers, and easy access to the trail system, this property is a horse-lover’s haven. Your adventure awaits!s!

TERRI FEHLBERG

LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

858.705.1739 | DRE#00870069 terri.fehlberg@icloud.com terrifehlberg.com

JULIE PIERCE CASEY

LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

858.382.6728 | DRE#01224815

Julie@RanchoSantaFeCA.com juliepiercecasey.com

©Annan Hapner & ESI Photography

Best in the South | Zach Davis

“I

have the privilege of being a Kentuckian,” begins broker Zach Davis when asked to describe himself That heritage, solidified by his ancestors more than twelve generations ago, forms the foundation for his life’s work.

Childhood days spent wading in the waters of a nearby creek attuned him to the verdant beauty of the Bluegrass The seasons were measured not in months but were marked by the rhythms of his family’s small thoroughbred operation

Zach gained vast experience studying his mentor, Kirkpatrick & Co founder Arnold Kirkpatrick. Arnold understood that the purchase or sale of a property was not the end of a relationship, but a prelude He treasured the friendships he built with clients, offering a unique blend of industry expertise and Bluegrass hospitality to individuals both local and international Steeped in that tradition, Zach remains pleased to provide clients excellent – and gracious – representation

Zach’s particular expertise includes horse farms for a variety of disciplines & historic estates He is also pleased to consult regarding many aspects of farm ownership, including layout, staffing, construction & veterinary services, and conservation easements Zach frequently works in concert with a client’s legal & financial teams, offering guidance for estates and trusts

2 0 2 5 C o m p e t i t i o n S c h e d u l e

June 4–8

June 11–15

June 17–22

July 2–6

July 8

July 9–13

July 15

July 16–20

July 22

July 23–27

July 30–August 3

July 29–August 3

August 6–10

Spring I

National Hunters 6* CSI3*

Spring II

Premier Hunters and 6* CSI4*

Spring III

WCHR $100K Hunter Spectacular & Zone Jumper Championship| Premier Hunters 6* CSI3*

941-744-5465

info@mmg management

September 3–7

September 10–14

September 17–21

GLEF 1

Premier Hunters 6* CSI3*

Equitation Tuesday

GLEF II

WCHR Premier Hunters 6* CSI3*

Equitation Tuesday

GLEF III

Premier Hunters 6* CSI3*

Equitation Tuesday

GLEF IV

International Hunter Derby Regional Championships

Premier Hunters 6* CSIO3*

GLEF V

National Hunters 6* CSI3*

FEI North American Youth Championships

Show Jumping & Dressage

GLEF VI

$100K 3'6" Equitation Final and $50K 3'3" Equitation Final

National Hunters 6* CSI5*

Silver Oak Tournament/Young Jumper Championships

National Hunters 6* CSI3*

Traverse City International

National Hunters 6* Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™

Traverse City CSI5*-W/2*

American Gold Cup

National Hunters 6* MLSJ CSI5*/2*

SEVEN DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS OF TOP EQUESTRIAN SPORT

THURSDAY BARN NIGHT OCT 24

PRESENTED BY MARS

A fan favorite! Group Contests, Prizes and Autograph Signing

$63,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake

$32,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class Plus, surprise events!

FRIDAY MILITARY NIGHT OCT 25

PRESENTED BY BOEING

Honoring our military and first responders with an exciting night of electric equestrian power and speed.

New! International $32,000 Jumper Two-Phase

$63,000 International Jumper Speed Final WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase

HALF OFF TICKETS FOR MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS CONDITIONS APPLY

SATURDAY WORLD CUP NIGHT OCT 26

Five-star world cup jumping with top international horses and riders competing for the biggest prize of the show.

$340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W WIHS Equitation Finals

KIDS’ DAY LEARNING AND FUN SATURDAY 10A-2P

HEARTWARMING BOOKS

Unleashing Hope: How RESCUE DOGS are transforming lives and finding forever homes

Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too, by Carol Novello explores the profound, transformative impact of adopting rescue animals. Through personal stories and research, Novello illustrates how these pets not only find new homes but also bring unexpected healing and joy to their adopters. The book emphasizes the mutual benefits of adoption, showcasing how saving a homeless animal can significantly enrich and enhance one’s own life.

Available at: https://amzn.to/4fBeXna

Finding Home: Shelter Dogs and Their Stories by Traer Scott combines stunning photography with compelling narratives to highlight the experiences of shelter dogs. Through intimate portraits and heartfelt stories, Scott reveals the resilience and unique personalities of these animals, each awaiting a loving home. The book emphasizes the bond between dogs and their potential adopters, aiming to raise awareness about animal adoption and inspire readers to consider giving a shelter dog a second chance.

Available at https://amzn.to/3AetrsV

Second-Chance Dogs: True Stories of the Dogs We Rescue and the Dogs Who Rescue Us by Callie Smith Grant is a heartwarming anthology of over thirty true stories. It showcases the mutual rescue between dogs and humans, highlighting how both find healing, companionship, and a second chance at life. The stories emphasize the transformative power of love and adoption, illustrating how rescued dogs can profoundly impact their new families.

Available at https://amzn.to/4fBeXna

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings is a heartwarming children’s book featuring a lovable, homeless dog named Arfy. Through a series of letters addressed to various homes in the neighborhood, Arfy seeks a family to adopt him. His earnest and hopeful notes capture the attention of readers, leading to a touching and uplifting conclusion. The story highlights themes of friendship, hope, and the joy of finding a forever home.

Available at https://amzn.to/3LY1sQO

Photo: Shannon Brinkman Photo

equestrianhotel.com | wec.net