CLINIC SPOTLIGHTS: HARLEY BROWN & STACIA MADDEN

FEATURE

GucciMasters

Upping the Ante

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Adventures in Travel

Out & AboutCandid moments from

Paris to NorCal

Dear FashionistaWardrobe Switch

Thank you to

Stal Hendrix for

providing us with

quality horses

for all divisions.

We look forward

to new additions

in our fourth

show season!

Photos © JumpShot Photography 2011, Alex Afzal, Haley Roberson, Anwar Esquival and Peri Soyugenc

HUNTERS, JUMPERS, EQUITATION, PONIES, SALES

www.sandhavenfarm.com

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ONE WEEK IN DECEMBER: How Gucci, a masterful plan, and a girl from Northern California are upping the ante in show jumping

STYLE RIDERChelsea Jones stands out, and it’s not just because of her stylish blue coat.

10 | PRO POP QUIZ How do trainers keep their programs fresh in the off months?

15 | BEHIND THE SEAMS Le Fash brings the New York runway to equestrian wear

21 | TREND REPORT Kick off the 2012 show season in style!

53 | VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Italian Equestrian’s Jesse Holycross

38 | STYLE PROFILES When the weather turns cold, the equestrian elite migrate south

AP

RIL

|

MA

Y

34

BARN ENVYExplore Lindsay and Matt Archer’s tucked-away Alamo haven.

29 | ARTISTS WE LOVE Equine on canvas

Find us online at www.horseandstylemag.com 'Like' us on facebook /horseandstylemag

2 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Elise DeVoe Elise grew up in central New Jersey, riding hunters and jumpers with Callan Solem and Carol Thompson at Quiet Winter Farm. After her junior years, she took a break from riding to attend Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., where she graduated with a B.A. in Journalism. Since 2008, she’s worked at The New England Journal of Medicine while growing her freelance writing and copy editing business. She has written for PhelpsSports and Jennifer Wood Media, among others.

© 2012 HORSE&STYLE MAGAZINE 2012

PUBLISHER | Sarah Appelsarah@horseandstylemag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR | Erin Gilmore

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Ryan Anne Polli

ADVERTISING | Molly Knottadvertising@horseandstylemag.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS | SportFot, Christophe Bricot,Ryan Anne Polli, Luca Dragone, Eric Knoll, Tara Couch,

Christina Gray and Hope Glynn

CONTRIBUTORS

Molly Knott Molly Knott is a passionate lifelong rider, currently bringing along her six year old Warmblood, Fitch. A former policy researcher and writer, she is now the author of a curated equestrian style guide called DappledGrey.

Erin Gilmore Erin Gilmore is a freelance writer and equestrian journalist based in Wellington, Florida. She has worked in equestrian media since 2002, and is a frequent contributor to regional and national equestrian magazines. A lifelong horseperson, she trained hunter/jumpers, spent time on the international show jumping circuit, and worked in a variety of disciplines, from polo to dressage.

CONTENTS 5 | FROM THE EDITOR

7 | 10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT Max Von Zimmerman

9 | OUT & ABOUT Gucci Masters

12 | NORCAL CORNER Stacia Madden Clinic

18 | NEW PRODUCT ALERT EquiFit

24 | A GROOM’S PERSPECTIVE Keep Calm and Carry On

26 | BETWEEN THE LINES Books we love

32 | MEDIA Websites changing the face of the sport

41 | ASK CARRIE What’s a Mental Practice?

50 | CLINIC SPOTLIGHT Harley Brown

55 | DEAR FASHIONISTA Wardrobe Switch

56 | OUT & ABOUT NorCal Banquet

58 | BUSINESS DIRECTORY

60 | CAN YOU STAND IT? Technically Trendy

Horse & Style Magazine TM is a Hunter Jumper publication published bi-monthly and distributed FREE by Horse & Style Magazine LLC at Northern California hunter jumper horse shows, large training centers and participating tack shops. The written and visual contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is legally prohibited. Copyright © 2012 Horse & Style Magazine LLC.

Tanya Zilinskas Naouri Tanya has been working in fashion since 2005, when she launched her online womens wear boutique Maneater Threads. Tanya now divides her time between freelance writing, ecommerce consulting, and most importantly, being a mother to her new son Harris. Having grown up showing Quarter Horses at the national level, she is currently enjoying working with her green Irish-bred Thoroughbred, Luke, so that he’s ready for walk/trot classes with Harris in a few years.

3FEBRUARY | MARCH

ON THE COVERNo detail was neglected at the Gucci Masters in Paris, France in December. Custom ribbons tied the lavish award ceremonies together. Photo ©Christophe Bricot

FROM THE EDITOR

I was once told that you will never work as hard as when you work for yourself

5

Since the last issue of Horse & Style was published in December, I experienced the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me; I gave birth to my first child, Ella Jordan Appel.

Nothing can describe the feeling of seeing for the first time the child that you’ve carried and been in love with for 9+ months.

After I was home for a few days, I began reflecting on my labor and Ella’s birth and while there is nothing in the world I could compare it to, I did find myself noticing the similarities with my recent experience in starting this magazine.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have a natural and un-medicated birth. Like any unknown, I understood there was no guarantee for a perfect result and that everyone had an opinion about what I should do.

Creating H&S was certainly an unknown to me as well. While I did have a strong point of view and vision for how the magazine should look, I simply had no idea if I could pull it off. In my child preparation class I learned that there would

be a point when I would be challenged beyond what I thought I could do, and there might be another moment when I will be called to remind myself of my commitment to my goals. I ended up recognizing these moments in the launch of H&S, as well as during the birth of my child.

In both cases, one more physical then the other, I tapped into strength I didn’t know I had. No one was more surprised then me when I was able to stay committed to my plan and have the birth I wanted, and also produce the first issue of a magazine that got rave reviews!

Both were epic accomplishments in my life. And as we are putting together the 3rd issue of H&S, I am reminded how when passions combine with business they can become dream jobs. This month we feature Ashley Herman (page 34), who has built the Sonoma Horse Park into one of the best shows on the West Coast, and continues to expand her reach and strengthening equestrian sport in the U.S. by working at the Gucci Masters in Paris and debuting the New York Masters in 2013.

Or the inspired online entrepreneurs (page 32) who all saw something missing in the market and used their real life experience and knowledge of the equestrian market to develop websites like Equestrian Connect, ProEquest, Equestrian Life and Dappled Grey. Not because they thought they would make millions of dollars but because they had a love of the sport and an opportunity to combine two passions.

I was once told that you will never work as hard as when you work for

yourself, and in recent months I’ve learned that while that’s a very true statement, there is nothing that is more rewarding.

At Horse & Style Magazine our entire staff is made up of individuals who were able to take what they are good at: writing, editing, photography, publishing, etc. and make a career out of it in the equestrian world they know and love.

Now that I am a mother (even if it’s only been a few weeks) I am hopeful that my daughter will one day be able to devote herself to something that she is passionate about, whatever that may be.

Best,

FEBRUARY | MARCH

10 things you might not know about...

7FEBRUARY | MARCH

2.Is a f irst generation American.

3.Didn’t learn how to swim until he was 17.

4.Went to college to become a social studies teacher, before deciding on a career as a full time judge/announcer.

5.Dogs are his favorite animals, and his two dogs Yarbin and Hank were both adopted at horse shows.

6.Hasn’t been on a horse in nearly 5 years.

7.Worked at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta.

8.His favorite food is steak and eggs (with sourdough on the side).

9.He is an avid hunter and fisherman during the off-season, whenever that is!

10.He is a 4 handicap on the golf course.

Max von Zimmermann lives in Selah, Washington with his wife Dani and grew up in the horse show world. He started working as jump crew at 15; it was a good way to spend the summer for a kid looking to make some cash and hang with the horse show girls. He worked his first in-gate at 18 and continued to be a paddock master during the time he spent in college. With the job market slow upon graduation, Max decided to make the shows a full time gig for the next few years to save some money. He had already played the role of referee for many years in multiple sports, and decided that judging was his calling after realizing that show jumping is not so different from other sports!

Since becoming an R jumper judge, he has had the privilege to judge and announce some of the biggest shows west of the Mississippi. Max continues to judge and announce all year long, from Thermal, California, to his favorite shows in the NorCal region.

1.Was a DJ/Bartender in college.

8 FEBRUARY | MARCH

OUT AND ABOUTG U C C I M A S T E R S

1. Simonne Berg and Meredith Herman enjoy the VIP 2. Beezie Madden aboard Abigal Wexner’s Cortes C 3. Equestrian statues greeted spectators at the entrance 4. Richard Spooner finished his 2011 season at the Gucci Masters 5. Red carpet, stage lighting and impeccable design are hallmarks of Masters shows 6. Performers goof off on the red carpet 7. Billy Twomey celebrates after winning the IJRC Top Ten Final 8. Hope and Ned Glynn of Sonoma Valley Stables 9. Ashley Herman and friend 10. Shetland pony races were part of the entertainment 11. No cost was spared for elaborate performances before the competition 12. Simonne Berg and Limerick won the opening class at the Masters on Thursday, December 1st.

Photos © SportFot, Luca Dragone, Eric Knoll, Tara Couch and Hope Glynn

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PROFESSIONAL POP QUIZThis month’s

question:How do you

keep your program

fresh over the winter?

I keep my program fresh in the winter by encouraging my clients to attends lots of clinics, both away from the barn and at home. Frequent course changes to school over at home helps, as does videoing our lessons and reviewing the video afterwards.

Jan PearceJP Training

We stage ‘play days’ and ‘mini shows’ over the winter to change the routine. Our facilities and covered arena allows our riders to keep working on riding skills, but we also take ‘classroom time’ to review rule books, rule changes, basic horse care, anatomy and show prep.

Hilary JohnsonRoseHill Stables

Three things come to mind during the winter months: exercises, goal setting and clinics. Winter is a great time to get back to focusing on fun challenging exercises in the arena. I plan meetings with my juniors and their parents to review the next years goals...short and long term. Lastly, it is always fun and inspiring to have or attend a few clinics. In the end, winter seems to come and go quickly and I can confidently say that we are ready for 2012! Good luck to all!!!

Kelly MaddoxKelly Maddox Training

Every issue, a new question will be answered from

your Northern California professionals.

Have a question you want answered? Send it to

sarah@horseandstylemag.com

STYLE RIDER

Chelsea JonesAs a young professional, Chelsea rode for stables in Europe and Canada before moving to Northern California. Chelsea began working for Full Circle Farm in 2007, and has enjoyed much success in the show arena on Full Circle Farm horses, including grand prix wins and numerous championships in both the hunter and jumper arenas. Chelsea’s personal goals include continuing to compete in the grand prix arena and eventually work her way towards riding for the Canadian National team in international competition. Chelsea is a JustWorld International Professional Rider Ambassador and hopes to promote more awareness of the organization at Northern California horse shows.

Horse & Style: Describe your jumper style.Chelsea Jones: My jumper style is very understated and classic. I prefer to dress in traditional and professional show attire, even when competing in the jumper ring. Our sport has made huge progress in developing more forward-thinking attire to suit an athlete’s needs, and it’s so easy to have fun with your show clothes while still dressing appropriately.

H&S: What is your head-to-toe jumper outfit? CJ: Starting with my head, I’m never without my Samshield helmet. I always wear a helmet when mounted, safety first! My favorite jacket to wear is my JustWorld Grand Prix Euro-cut Soft Shell, which is machine washable. It’s so comfortable and easy to maintain, plus the royal blue color is really pretty and different. For shirts and breeches I adore Pikeur. Their short-sleeve, snap-collar show shirt is super cute and perfect for California weather, and I have yet to come across breeches as durable and flattering. My boots are La Mundial, they’re extremely comfortable and you can customize them however you’d like.

H&S: Do you wear any pieces of clothing or jewelry for good luck?CJ: I’m extremely superstitious, so you will never find me without a ring my mom gave me years ago. For some weird reason I believe it keeps me safe.

H&S: What are your favorite equestrian brands?CJ: Right now I am absolutely loving my Samshield helmet. It’s so comfortable and light, even after a long day I never have a headache. The fact that you can change the thickness in padding on the inside ensures a perfect, safe fit and the padding is washable! I’m a huge fan of CWD products as well. We have two horses right now that are extremely hard to fit and both have never gone better than when in their CWD saddles. The fit and comfort level, for both of us, is amazing! I also love the Equestrian’s Concierge. It’s not necessarily a brand but rather the tack store located at Sonoma Horse Park. They carry every brand I’m looking for and are always bringing in something new. So convenient!

H&S: How would you describe your non-horse show style?CJ: I would have to say simple. Skinny jeans, lots of white t-shirts, flats and I love scarves. I almost always wear a leather jacket, but occasionally I’ll mix it up with a blazer. And, like most girls, I have a rather large and unhealthy shoe obsession. My closet is absolutely bursting with them.

H&S: What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?CJ: For me, it’s been the ability to become a consistent and successful professional at a young age. I have had some incredible experiences in the last few years and feel so grateful to have the support and horses that I do with Dusty Blackwood and Full Circle Farms.

H&S: Can you tell us how you got involved with JustWorld International?CJ: After seeing a few Ambassadors on the West Coast, I did a little research to find out what exactly JustWorld was. Upon reading about their incredible humanitarian efforts to provide basic education, nutrition, health, hygiene, and vocational programs to children in impoverished countries, I knew it was something I’d love to be a part of. I went through the application process, hoping that if I became an Ambassador, I could bring more awareness of the organization to Northern California.

H&S: What does it mean to be a JustWorld Ambassador?CJ: To me, being a JustWorld Ambassador is about broadening the horizons of our sport and industry, while trying to make a difference in the world. Ambassadors represent JustWorld by wearing their colors in the show ring and acting as a spokesperson to raise awareness among friends, local community, at horse shows, and in the media. We create fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives that not only raise awareness for our cause, but the proceeds from Ambassador fundraisers go directly to the JustWorld projects! It’s so rewarding as a rider and person to be a part of such an amazing organization.

H&S: And lastly, what are your goals for 2012?CJ: In 2012 I hope to continue competing on the grand prix circuit with building success and to host more JustWorld events in Northern California!

11FEBRUARY | MARCH

STYLE RIDERby Sarah Appel

12

NORCAL CORNERby Vanessa Brown

NorCal’s willingness to fund the annual clinic is nothing short of impressive. Each year the committee goes out of its way to secure clinicians who are not only at the top of our sport but also are willing and able to share their wealth of knowledge with our members. Although most significantly reduce their fees in an effort to give back, NorCal still subsidizes with a hefty contribution to make it possible every year. In addition, several board members volunteer large portions of time to make everything run smoothly and Leone Equestrians graciously donates their facility, sound system and manpower for 5 days.

The 2011 clinic, conducted by Stacia Madden, was another great success. Stacia brought a patient, methodical and clear view to approaching training the Equitation horse and rider. Each rider I spoke with came away from the clinic feeling positive about their partnership with their horse and excited to continue their winter training.

We look forward to bringing another exciting clinic to our membership in 2012 which will be weighted towards our Jumper enthusiasts but, as always, available to all.

Stacia MaddenNorCal H/J Assoc. Annual Members Clinic

photos ©Ryan Anne Polli

FEBRUARY | MARCH

When I am riding, I am thinking way more about the rythym of the horse than the jump. If the horse feels good and the balance is good, there is

a high probability that it will be a good jump.

Rider Peyton Warren graciously allowed H&S to publish a progression of her improvement, ridden three times in a row. In the top photo strip, her horse looks hard at the obstacle and crashes through the left side. In the second photo strip, she has an improved, but tentative approach that makes for a nervous jump. By the third photo strip, she executes a confident, focused approach perfectly for a brilliant jump over this very spooky fence.

Helping you make and protect

lifetime dreams and legacies.

Let’s talk.

Kathleen Nemetz, MBAFinancial Advisor

180 Montgomery St., Ste. 1700San Francisco, CA 94104415.403.3608, fax 415.288.73371.800.832.0222www.ameripriseadvisors.com/kathleen.a.nemetzCA Insurance License 0E71423

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved. 129629MR0112

The clinic with Stacia was really great. She

helped me improve my balance and showed me how to adjust and keep a

quality canter.~Peyton Warren

BEHIND THE SEAMSby Tanya Zilinskas Naouri

As a young girl thinking of her future, hunter rider Arianna Anderocci was torn between her love of fashion and her love of horses, wanting to somehow combine them as a career. Her label Le Fash, launched in October 2011, melds the

two worlds seamlessly: show shirts that are traditional in design and perform like athletic garments, yet fashionable enough to wear sans hunt coat.

Anderocci got her start in apparel at the tender age of 15, when a friend of the family got her an internship at Nautica Enterprises, thinking it might give her insight into whether or not she would truly want to pursue a career in fashion. She worked for Nautica for four summers, and was particularly inspired by the runway shows and “seeing how a feeling turns into a sketch into a line of clothing.” Over the next ten years Anderocci continued to rack up experience in styling and fashion consulting, working for such illustrious names as Vogue, Elle, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

One day in 2005 Anderocci was driving with her then-boyfriend, now fiancé in Brooklyn Heights and saw a charmingly ramshackle antique store. Its decrepit store sign was hanging by a strand and torn so that all that remained was the fragment “The Fash.” Anderocci was struck by the accidental name, and decided to call her future equestrian label Le Fash to reflect its European materials and sensibility.

Despite her background in fashion, prior to starting Le Fash Anderocci had not worked directly in manufacturing. Through a combination of consulting with knowledgeable friends, her own heavy research and simple trial-and-error, Anderocci educated herself on the process necessary to create her highly detailed line.

She selected her shirts’ eco-friendly bamboo body after looking for a material that would act like a technical fabric but wouldn’t look like one. Feeling that other technical materials were more appropriate for running than the show ring, as soon as she received the first sample of the bamboo fabric she knew that she had found her material. “It was soft and beautiful and I was sold,” she says simply.

For the more traditional fabric visible under a hunt coat, she chose a Egyptian cotton fabric that can range from solid white twill to a traditional plaid, finished in Japan because “they are experts in getting color patterns and fabrics to match.”

Always ahead of the trends, Anderocci is particularly fond of black and white color combinations for fall and spring, as evidenced by Le Fash’s open placket show shirt in optic white twill with black bamboo.

It’s graphic and chic and New York, but also very European, and it crosses over well, she explains. Stylish equestriennes are snapping up Le Fash’s show shirts (sponsored riders include Maggie Jayne and Jen Alfano), but Anderocci has also had a great response from non-riders who love Le Fash’s equestrian style appeal.

Le Fash currently offers two women’s show shirt styles - open placket and covered placket - in multiple colors. Look for future Le Fash collections to also include men’s and children’s shirting, as well as jackets and pants. Currently Anderocci is focused on bringing Le Fash to horse shows rather than spending time in the show ring, but she does plan on showing her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood Zeus at some summer events, including The Hampton Classic.

More information on Le Fash, including a link to Le Fash’s online store, is available at www.lefashny.com.

Top photo: Le Fash’s covered placket show shirt in blue/ivory stripe on ivory.

Bottom photo: Open placket show shirt in army green stripe on army by Le Fash.

14 FEBRUARY | MARCH

www.charleboisfarm.com

photos by Brent Eriksen and Deb Dawson

Barn (650) 854-2607 . Cell (650) 303-2641 . Fax (650) 854-2607 . cowboyjc1@aol.com

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Providing Excellent Care, Training and Facilities for Horse & Equestrian

Hunters . Jumpers . Equitation . Sales . Clinics

Charlebois Farm

Portola ValleyTraining Center

100 Ansel Ln. Menlo Park. CAHorse Treadmill

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Laundry FacilitiesExceptional Footing

John Charlebois - Trainer, Owner . Michael Traurig, Haley Perkins & Jennifer Koval - Associate Trainers

See what we’re all about.

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all your riding goalsfor 2012 and beyond!

Michele Tobin & Deutsche Mark

Owned by JP Stables

photo by Applehead Design

Joey Pedroni - 707-953-0081Debbi Sereni - 650-888-4010

www.joeypedroni.comemail: joeypedroni@yahoo.com

Ride On!

NEW PRODUCT ALERTby Elise DeVoe

If you’re an equestrian on the competitive show circuit, you’ve undoubtedly heard of EquiFit – and you probably own at least one of their products. From its start with ShouldersBack™ and the widely popular T-Boot Series™ to the brand new GelCompression™ Therapy Line, EquiFit has provided the equestrian industry with some of its most innovative products. Alexandra Cherubini, president and CEO of EquiFit, Inc., has succeeded in merging the high tech world of human medical science with the needs of the equestrian industry, providing the sport’s elite with their first choice in equine health and fitness equipment.

“EquiFit’s mission to provide state-of-the-art leg care and performance equipment like the T-Boot Series has expanded to now include cold therapy treatment with the new GelCompression Therapy Line,” says Cherubini. “Riders, grooms and veterinarians alike have reported GelCompression to be a durable, easy to use and highly effective alternative to traditionally difficult cold-therapy applications.”

The GelCompression Therapy Line debuted in November 2011 at the American Association of Equine Practitioners annual convention in San Antonio, TX, to rave reviews. Using removable GelPaks that adhere to an outer shell, the product provides adjustable air compression via hand pump. The GelPaks can be used cold or hot and remain malleable for a unique fit to every horse’s legs or back.

The idea of temperature and compression therapy to reduce inflammation, control swelling and decrease risk of injury is not new, but the compact design of EquiFit’s GelCompression line is a much-needed upgrade to the proven therapy.

18 FEBRUARY | MARCH

GelCompression has become a staple in the pre/post-show routine for all my Grand Prix horses because these boots are easy to use and easy to transport, top professional riderCallan Solem said during the 2011 indoor circuit.

Long gone are the days of sitting on an overturned bucket in the wash stall next to your horse while the leaky hose freezes your hands and soaks your boots. EquiFit’s GelCompression Therapy Line is a viable option for all levels of equestrians, and is priced accessibly at $162 and up.

Along with GelCompression, EquiFit is adding a new product to the T-Boot Series, the RSL HindBoot™. The first of its kind, this new boot was developed with input from top professionals and encourages a superior jump with removable pressure points to accommodate every horse’s individual needs. The boot utilizes EquiFit’s incredible T-foam™, which absorbs 97% of shock and vibration under impact.

With products ranging from tail wraps and water buckets to leg protection and an Agion Silver line of horsecare products, EquiFit’s unique blend of high-tech science and equestrian knowledge, along with their commitment to quality and innovation, has kept them at the top of the leader board for over a decade. Hand-sewn boots, individually molded products and eco-conscious packaging have helped make EquiFit the top choice of the equestrian elite. Their team of riders includes Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward and British show jumping legend Michael Whitaker, along with California’s Mandy Porter and Susie Hutchison, among many others.

Opposite page: EquiFit’s GelCompression™ TendonBoot™

$269

This page: EquiFit’sRSL HindBoot™

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Julie Young, Trainer | 707-953-2831silverbaystables@yahoo.com . www.silverbaystables.com

Thank you Julie Young and

Silver Bay Stables for a fabulous year!

Good luck to SBS in 2012!

My deepest gratitude for being given the opportunity to show this special horse all year and to be part of such a amazing barn and family

Proudly Offered For Sale

Champion PCHA Region 2 Adult Amatuer Hunters 36 & OChampion NorCal Adult Amatuer 41 & O

Winner of the Lionheart Memorial High Point Amateur Hunter Rider TrophyWinner A/A NorCal Hunter Bonus 18 & O

Reserve Champion NorCal Equitation 36 & OReserve Champion PCHA 36 & Over Equitation A Circuit

Reserve Champion PCHA Region 2 Equitation 18 & O

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TREND REPORT

Travel in Style

Winter ‘12by Sarah Appel

Kick off the 2012 show season in style! Whether you’re staying local or escaping to

the desert, these items are the perfect pieces to complete a polished jetsetter look.

Carry-On CoutureCourse Tote, Oughton Limited $165

LeisurelyLuggage

Rolling Tack Trunk Oughton Limited

$750

Cozy ContinentalArmand Diradourian Strapped Travel BlanketBarneys New York$750

Inspired I.D.Luggage TagsRebecca Ray

$16

Audio AccessoryHeart-shaped earbudsMarc by Marc Jacobs$40

21FEBRUARY | MARCH

With a focus on quality and an unmatched ability to customize, High Pointe International Equestrian Tours offers something for everyone. From Inn-to-Inn rides to Horsemanship Holidays, to special events like the 2012 London Olympics, High Pointe strives to provide the most enjoyable and carefree equestrian vacation from start to finish. With travel assistance available 24/7, the consultants at High Pointe place themselves between client and tour guide to ensure proper arrangements and legitimacy.

After experiencing the joy of riding across open land on her first equestrian vacation, Cathy Mann was hooked and the seed for High Pointe Tours was sown. Her vacation to Argyll, Scotland, began as a solitary adventure and ended with lifelong friends. From a former royal photographer to an environmentalist based in Eastern Europe to a Scottish banker and everything in between, “the people were incredible,” Mann remembers.

Quality Over QuantityScotland might not be on every rider’s bucket list – especially those who prefer balmy weather and sunshine – but speaking with Mann

can make any rider dream of equestrian vacations all over the globe. She described the Argyll ride as “phenomenal” and “endless” while describing galloping over mountains and how the constant cloud cover gave the scenery a silver glow.

“Scotland will always remain my favorite; I loved the countryside and the people I met there were just so special,” says Mann.

In 2007, Mann decided that she could start her own equestrian tour agency and provide better service than other companies by combining her expertise in both the travel and equestrian industries, instead of just one or the other. Prior to founding High Pointe, she gained valuable experience working for Sheraton Hotels, arranging tours and other travel amenities. From the start, Mann’s mission has always been quality over quantity.

“We strive to offer the best ride in a region, rather than list every option available,” she explains.

All guides are interviewed and must have offered their tour for

TRAVEL

Adventures in Travel

by Elise DeVoe

High Pointe Tours puts the equestrian touch into your vacation

22 FEBRUARY | MARCH

several years and/or be recognized by their region’s tourist agency. The tour must also be rated by an equestrian organization or magazine.

They have to provide testimonials and we check for happy, healthy horses, friendly guides, and suitable accommodations, Mann adds.

London CallingSpecial for 2012, High Pointe is offering several 2012 London Olympic packages. Their 12-night Olympics 2012 Stadium Jumping Custom Package is scheduled to allow time to explore London and experience British culture, while spending several days captivated by the excitement of the Olympic Games. Whether they are interested in Dressage, Stadium Jumping or Three-Day Eventing, High Pointe can accommodate every rider’s needs.

For equestrians looking for a less urban adventure, High Pointe’s popular Celtic Ring of Kerry Ride and Golf tour is a wonderful option. This 6-night tour includes five days of riding and five days of golf, and is perfect for couples. During the day, the rider winds around the Iveragh Peninsula, which includes Ireland’s largest mountain range and the beaches at Rossbeigh, while the golfer plays at championship courses and links. In the evening, the two meet for dinner and take part in Irish cultural festivities, enjoying local music and food.

Smooth Sailing in Choppy SeasMann’s goal from the beginning was to offer the best tours of a region while providing second-to-none, around the clock service, including when things don’t run according to plan. Recently, a client’s riding equipment was delayed in Irish Customs.

“It was so bizarre,” she remembers. “We were finally able to determine that Customs wanted proof of citizenship for the ride guide.”

Fortunately, High Pointe consultants were able to locate a local tack shop for the client to buy necessities and worked with Customs to release the riding gear in time for the second day of their tour.

While High Pointe offers over 100 different tours, they understand that you may want something unique. Recently, they planned an anniversary ride for a client that included three non-riding days in Paris and Rome, and short rides in the Loire Valley and Tuscany.

“That’s what I find most gratifying; I’m able to share my wonderful [equestrian vacation] experiences with other people,” Mann says fondly.

For more information, visit High Pointe International Equestrian Tours on Facebook, YouTube and their website, www.highpointetours.com

Opposite page: The Loire Valley Castle Inn-to-Inn RideThis page from top: Tuli Safari, Africa; Celtic Ring of Kerry, Ireland; The Ceiling of the Americas, Argentina

23FEBRUARY | MARCH

A GROOM’S PERSPECTIVEby Ashley Rohmer via

No show barn is complete without its white board. The white board displays something that looks like an algebraic equation detailing the ring, time, order and other specific information on the activities of every specific task of every horse in the barn for that particular day.

It’s quite ironic though that the whiteboard can on one hand be likened to a Bible – we live by the whiteboard, etc. - and on the other hand, the game plan can be wiped off faster than a dirty shirt at the end of a day and completely re-jimmied. This is my life.

“Keep calm and carry on” and “it’s gonna be okay,” are sayings that serve me well in my general day-to-day life, but when I combine life and horses these sayings become a mantra.

My little sayings officially became barn slogans last year. I was set to head to Europe for a few horse shows in Austria and in France. The first two weeks of horse shows were to take place in Vienna, Austria and the day that my plane was leaving Calgary I received a call from my manager a few hours before I was to fly to Vienna, to tell me that the first week of the show had been cancelled.

Originally the horses were supposed to fly to Luxembourg and then be hauled to Austria for the horse shows. Since the planes were already booked we knew that we had to come up with a new show schedule in due time. I flew to Vienna and quite literally waited for a phone call to tell me where to go next.

By the end of the first day, I had hopped on a plane to Luxembourg, met up with the horses, spent what felt like 3 hours in the traffic circle outside the airport trying to reacquaint myself with how to drive a manual vehicle before hitting the highway aimed in the general direction of France where the horses would layover for ten days to find their bearings and allow for a new plan to be devised.

To some such an adventure might seem terrifying, but all I did was stay calm and carry on, not to mention, my co-pilots kept repeating, at a quick-fire pace, “It’s gonna be okay” – it’s true, it was okay. Perhaps the clutch on the rental car needed to be replaced, but horse showing in France at Chantilly and the new plan of showing on the Northern coast of Spain was quite fantastic!

This past Friday it was another one of those days, where we started at 3:00am in Calgary to get the horses on the truck headed to Thermal. Luckily the horse part of the day went quite fine, but a last minute staff change meant a new hire from the other side of Canada had to fly into Calgary before flying down to California with the group.

Though I hadn’t met this girl before, I liked her for doing what any non-horseperson would think was completely preposterous: flying to a different country to (as one of my good non-horsey friends puts it) “comb horses.” (I’ve tried explaining that grooms do considerably more than just “comb” horses, but it falls on deaf ears. This problem is probably furthered by the fact that “Rohmer the comber” just rolls off the tongue...)

The horses made the 36-hour drive down to California without incident and the only potentially catastrophic snag was the equipment trailer being held at the border. The barn I work for is VERY organized. Example: When grooms start, they are assigned a color. I myself am blue, which means there is blue duct tape on everything from sweat scrapers and pitchforks to lead ropes, but we do share… sometimes! We were told that in order to enter the United States everything had to be in sealed containers with barcodes that provided detail right down to the number of safety pins in a groom box!

Just when I thought the barn I worked for was a little OCD, I learn that Border Control is even worse! Luckily after what I believe was only a four-hour delay while Border Control carefully inspected our color-coded equipment for anything “unusual,” the truck was back on the road and made it to Thermal in good time. It’s gonna be ok, it’s gonna be ok ...

It’s always a wild time with horses, and you never know what to expect, but keeping calm and carrying on definitely helps the process. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that most things usually work themselves out, eventually. That lesson is coming in handy once again this week, as a nearby case of EVH-1 virus has caused great concern among the grooms, riders and show staff at Thermal. Keep calm and carry on, people …

Tomorrow my horses will start showing so time will tell what adventures and surprises will come my way as the next few weeks unfold! If you are competing at Thermal, than I wish you a successful Week One and if you see a girl walking a horse with some blue duct tape on her lead, don’t be afraid to say hello!

Ashley Rohmer is a writer, professional groom, and the author of “A Groom’s Perspective”, a weekly column on www.ProEquest.com. Want to read more? Visit ProEquest today to follow the ProEquest columnists, keep up with all the latest news in the show jumping world, and browse an extensive database of sales horses.

24 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Keep Calm and Carry On

How do you explain to border control that your horse needs an electric blanket to compete in California!?

Design by Dezraye Choi

Photo by Sheri Scott

Wishing our clients continued success in 2012!

26 FEBRUARY | MARCH

BETWEEN THE LINES

From a horsemanship classic to true tales of equestrian mystery, courage, and inspiration, these 10 books belong on every rider’s shelf.

Books we love

1. The Faraway Horses

Buck Brannaman: If you’ve fallen in love with the movie Buck, The Faraway Horses

will take you deeper into the philosophy that this real-life

horse whisperer forged from a childhood of abuse.

2. Phar LapGeoff Armstrong: Shrouded in mystery and tragedy, Phar Lap chronicles the life and death of one of horse racing’s most

legendary champions.

3. The Eighty Dollar ChampionSnowman, The Horse

That Inspired a NationElizabeth Letts: Hollywood

couldn’t write a more uplifting tale than this true story of a

slaughter-bound plow horse who, with unlikely owner/rider Harry de Leyer, turned into a champion

show jumper.

4. A Girl and Five Brave HorsesSonora Carver: The

autobiography of Sonora Carver, the daring young equestrian

and “diving horse girl” of New Jersey’s Steel Pier, about whom the popular film Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken was based.

by Molly Knott

27FEBRUARY | MARCH

5. Renegade Champion

The Unlikely Rise of Fitzrada

Richard Rust: Lovingly written by the son of equestrian Jane

Pohl, Renegade Champion is the true tale of her scrappy rise up the ranks of male-dominated US show jumping, ultimately paving

the way for the inclusion of women on the USET.

8. Sweet WilliamJohn Hawkes: Before there was

War Horse’s Joey, there was Sweet William, a poignant and all-too-true tale of the triumphs and tragedies of life through the

eyes of an old Thoroughbred.

6. RidersJilly Cooper: Once you’ve read Riders, you’ll never forget this

frolicking and, at times, shocking equestrian romance saga. More than half the fun is speculating on the thinly veiled identities of the main characters based on

famous European show jumpers from the 1980s.

9. Chosen bya Horse

Susan Richards: When Richards rescued a discarded racehorse she also rescued herself… and penned a deeply moving true story about the healing power

of horses.

7. War HorseMichael Morpugo: With its

adaptations now the hit of stage and screen, the fable of War Horse began as this children’s book about war, redemption, and a hero’s journey – told by

the horse himself.

10. Ref lections on Riding and JumpingWilliam Steinkraus: With pearls of wisdom dripping from every

page, Steinkraus’ thoughtful, definitive guide to show jumping

belongs not on the shelf but on the bed stand for easy and

frequent reference.

Katie AokiWest Coast 2’6” Medal

Challenge ChampionLet’s Show Fall Festival

Trainers: Jan and Emma Hainze

S C H E D U L E

For more information or prize list, contact Peggy Fackrell at letsshow@earthlink.net or 916.947.4305

LET’S SHOW BEACH PARTYJune 7 - 10

Brookside Equestrian Park • Elk Grove, CAPalm Tree & Flamingo Equitation Classics

$3,000 Trainer Equitation$10,000 Flamingo Mini Prix

Bitsy Shields Horsemanship ChallengeHunter Breeding & Pony Hunter Breeding

ALMADEN FARMSSUMMER SHOW

July 12 - 15Pebble Beach Equestrian Center • Pebble Beach, CA

NEW LOCATIONAlmaden Farms Medal Finals

Cross Country HuntersAlmaden Equitation Special

$5,000 Mini Prix Hunter Breeding & Pony Hunter Breeding

LET’S SHOW FALL FESTIVALOctober 4 - 7

Brookside Equestrian Park • Elk Grove, CACloverleaf Medal Finals

$2,000 Cloverleaf Mini PrixWest Coast/Zone 10

2’6” and 3’ Medal ChallengeHunter Breeding & Pony Hunter Breeding

LET’S SHOW HALLOWEENOctober 24 - 28

Murieta Equestrian Center • Rancho Murieta, CA$7,500 Hunter Derby

Carolyn Day Equitation ChampionshipsJake’s Place Hunter Championship

$12,000 Bubba Jumper StakeCostume Classes, Dog High Jump

& Dog Costume classes

www.facebook.com/appleheaddesignwww.appleheaddesign.com

saving the world visually...

one design at a time.

Equine on CanvasSam PriceDespite his deep love of animals and having grown up around horses, San Francisco-based artist Sam Price fell into his now well-known equine portraiture almost purely by chance. Roughly four years ago, a friend who was familiar with his dog portraits invited him to his first show – the Menlo Charity Horse Show – thinking it might resonate with the horse and dog loving crowd. Resonate it did, and Price soon changed gears to horses, feeling that he could bring the same artistic principles to his new subject.

Price believes in using everyday materials to create meaningful works of art. As a self-taught and up-and-coming artist, Price initially began utilizing magazines and newspapers lying around his studio out of sheer necessity. Using a technique called photo-montage, Price spends hours assembling, cutting and pasting hundreds of tiny pieces of paper from magazines onto canvas to create the finished product. The results are highly realistic yet nuanced works of art that reveal new details with each viewing.

Price starts with a photograph of his subject, using it to draw out a blueprint-like grid. He then studies the image to find what features make it unique, seeking to capture the spirit of his subject in the completed work of art. Price selects the magazine images used for each work accordingly, carefully choosing particular shades, colors and textures found in their pages to create each portrait.

Today, Price’s horse-related works are instantly recognizable for their unique and detailed composition. Price loves to capture a horse’s personality with a tight portrait, as he did with his recent commission of Drambuie, a dressage horse currently under the tutelage of Jeremy Steinberg. Noting that horses have always been a classical art subject yet are not commonly found in contemporary art, he now considers that first Menlo show to have been a somewhat serendipitous event.

Sam Price’s equestrian art can be found online at samuelpriceart.com.

Above left: Blue Saddlebred (2010)Above right: Untitled (2010)

California Artists Find Four-Legged Inspiration

2929FEBRUARY | MARCH

ARTISTS WE LOVEby Tanya Zilinskas Naouri

Linda DonohueExperimenting with color and texture in the medium of painting, Linda Donohue’s works reflect her dual love of horses and art, as well as an all around joie de vivre. An eventing and dressage rider since the age of 7, when Donohue started painting, horses became a natural subject.

In addition to her abstract works influenced by the rolling hills and coastline of Northern California, one particular equine subject is proving to be particularly inspiring.

“I love painting the Knabstrupper horse,”

Donohue says. I had a Danish Warmblood that had a lot of Knabstrupper in him and they are just so quirky and cool.

Linda Donohue’s works have been featured on HGTV and Extreme Makeover and can currently be found at the Artrageous Gallery in Novato and Shawna Stoney Showroom/Gallery in San Francisco, or online at lindadonohue.etsy.com.

30 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Above: Knabstrupper (2011)Right: Piaffe in Yellows (2011)

Michelle CaplanMichelle Caplan pairs her expertise of working as a graphic artist with a passion for collage, resulting in portraiture that is at once sweetly whimsical and possessive of a deeper sense of personal history.

Greatly influenced by old movies and musicals, a love instilled in her by her father at a young age, Caplan also drawsinspiration from everyday life: from spending time with her young daughter to seeing the works of other artists that she admires.

Caplan is constantly on the search for photographic images in need of a narrative to tell the story of the person behind the image.

Why horses? “All of my horse pieces are derived in a similar way to my people portraits,” she explains. “There is a personality in the photos that inspires the story.”

Michelle Caplan’s work can be found online at mcaplan.etsy.com.

31FEBRUARY | MARCH

Above: Allie (2011)Right: Lightening7 (2011)

32 FEBRUARY | MARCH

MEDIAby Erin Gilmore

Equestrian LifeIn 2007, Portola Valley residents John McGraw and Deana Bergquist made a big splash with www.EquestrianLife.com, a multi-use site and social network for equestrian enthusiasts of all disciplines. Part video network, part social media, part rider forum, Equestrian Life is a commanding presence for horse-related content online and on television. They are the official production partner of HRTV for its non-racing programming, and have produced a series of equestrian-themed shows for national broadcast.

Equestrian ConnectRiders Simone Coxe and Barbara Phillips started Equestrian Connect online horse show entry system after tiring of the repetitive nature of filling out multiple show entries. Equestrian Connect’s system links with participating horse shows to allow both exhibitors and show managers a seamless method of filling out and accepting show entries. Founded in Woodside in 2009, Equestrian Connect now provides a show entry system for over 800 USEF A & AA rated shows around the country.

Dappled Grey This online guide dedicated to equestrian style has quietly made its presence known ever since Bay Area native Molly Knott began the blog-style website in 2009. A classy, fresh compilation of equestrian style trends, inspiration, and occasional runway equestrian-style don’ts has earned Dappled Grey an enthusiastic fan base. And, did we mention the Knott is a regular contributor to H&S? It goes without saying that this stylish site has the H&S stamp of approval!

ProEquestIn less than one year, the membership-based website ProEquest has skyrocketed to popularity with its innovative take on online horse sales. By allowing only qualified professionals to join and post horses for sale, an unmatched database of high-level hunters and jumpers is available for the first time ever. With its finger on the pulse of current show jumping news around the world, and a growing social media network that strengthens by the week, the goals of ProEquest founder and Bay Area resident Allison Ekeroth are already being realized. And not to worry, the site may accept trainers only as members, but content is available to all for free!

It’s no small coincidence that as the world gets technologically smarter, many of the leading equestrian websites have come from the West Coast. The impact of the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley, home to Google, Facebook, eBay and other global powerhouses, has undoubtedly had a trickle-down effect when it comes to the horse world’s online presence. The following websites, all founded by West Coasters with strong Northern California connections, are each changing the horse world in their own special way.

Locally Grown Websites Are Making a Big Impact

Lesson and lease horses availableOur show schedule is tailored to our riders needs,

attending both ‘A’ and ‘B’ rated Northern California events

Teaching a love of horses and riding for over 25 years

to equestrians of all ages

Cottonwood Farm

Patrice Corbridge, Trainer p. 559-739-9999 c. 559-908-3894 cottonwoodfrm@comcast.net

It begins here...

The view from the VIP area was stunning. Photo ©Sportfot

ne week

in ecember

How Gucci, a masterful plan, and a girl from Northern California are upping the ante in show jumping.by Erin Gilmore

35FEBRUARY | MARCH

It was an unbeatable combination; the most romantic city in the world, the best of show jumping, and the impeccable style of a luxury designer. The Gucci Masters, held each December in Paris, France, is widely regarded as the best indoor show in the world, and its 2011 edition was no exception.

36 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Over three action packed days, December 2 – 4th, 2011, the Gucci Masters CSI-W 5* hosted such prestigious classes as the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club Top Ten Final, the Gucci by Gucci Challenge, and the Gucci Grand Prix. Although Europeans took the top spots, this year the show was well represented by overseas competitors, including the largest group of American riders ever to attend the Masters.

Thanks to This GirlTo further her experience in event management and international show jumping, local show manager Ashley Herman of Sonoma Horse Park traveled to Paris in 2010 to work with the VIP team at the Gucci Masters.

“I was overwhelmed with how amazing the show was,” describes Herman. “The execution, the television distribution, the glamour, was like nothing I’d ever seen.”

Herman is a 30-year-old former rider who debuted the brand new Sonoma Horse Park as California’s newest A-circuit show facility in the spring of 2010. The first two seasons were wildly successful, offering up many moneyed classes and a notable VIP area of its own. As the Sonoma Horse Park heads into its third year, the seven-week season over six months will host a North American Young Rider and Junior Trials, feature more prize money and specialty classes, and a fuller schedule of grand prix classes.

But, back to the Masters. The early winter event falls during Sonoma Horse Park’s off-season, and Herman was able to travel to Europe for two months to again manage the VIP division at the Gucci Masters. She also acted as the logistics coordinator for Americans traveling to France for the Masters, and with a familiar face to connect with, a large group of West Coasters made the trip, both to compete with their horses, and for a holiday-season vacation.

37FEBRUARY | MARCH

Opposite page, clockwise from left: West Coast rider Tara Couch and Ashley Herman pose on the Gucci red carpet; a performer watches the action from ringside. Photo ©Luca Dragone; Eric Lamaze placed 2nd in the IJRC Top Ten Final behind winner Billy Twomey of Ireland. Photo ©Eric Knoll; Pénélope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago HN won the prestigious Gucci Grand Prix. Photo ©Sportfot.

This page: Americans in Paris, Ashley Herman, Hannah Selleck, Laura Kraut, Paige Johnson, Georgina Bloomberg, Beezie Madden, John Madden, Alexandra Thornton, Caitlin Ziegler and Gwendolyn Sonthem-Meyer gather on the red carpet; Spectators lined the warmup ring rail to watch their favorite riders. Photo ©Sportfot

38 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Local RidersYoung rider Simonne Berg opened the show with a notable win in the first class on the schedule, early in the week. It was a thrill for the 15 year old who trains with Meredith Herman of Burgundy Farms in Sonoma, to win the Invitational 1.15m class aboard her own Limerick.

Amateur rider Gwendolyn Sonthem-Meyer, who is known as the owner of Southern California’s Coral Reef Ranch and many international-caliber jumpers, also finished in the top three in several classes.

Americans Caitlin Zeigler, Hannah Selleck, Alexandra Thornton, Mario Deslauriers, Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, and Richard Spooner also competed throughout the week. Spooner’s most notable finish of the week came during the finale class – the CSI

5* 1.60m Gucci Grand Prix, when he tied for third with German rider Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. They laughingly shared the podium after finishing on the

same exact time – a rare feat in show jumping.

Vast AudiencesWith a reputation for celebrity and glamour,

the Gucci Masters have become the most widely televised show in the world, and several feature classes were produced specifically to appeal to television audiences. Carefully scheduled action, multiple cameras and lively commentators added to the excitement inside the Paris Nord Villepinte, the location of the Masters near downtown Paris.

The Gucci by Gucci Challenge pitted the ten best male and female riders

against each other in a two round class (the men were victorious this year, taking the top three

spots), and the AMADE Style & Competition Challenge. This costume class of teams, each consisting of one CSI 5* rider and one amateur rider, competed against each other in the name of their corporate sponsor. The Gucci team of Edwina-Tops Alexander and Charlotte Casiraghi, who were decked out in disco costumes won the event, while Spooner and Berg followed in second place for Sonoma Horse Park.

In addition to the Gucci Grand Prix mentioned above, the International Riders Jumping Club’s Rolex Top Ten Final was a highly anticipated event that brought together the top-ranked riders in the world to determine the overall number one. With a grand prize of €50,000 (€200,000 total prize money was offered in just this class) and a Rolex watch, Irishman Billy Twomey sped to the victory with Tinka’s Serenade. Eric Lamaze followed in 2nd, and Ludger Beerbaum was third.

“I love big budget, big scale events,” adds Herman. “When you’re dealing with something like the Masters, you can get so creative and do so many beautiful things.”

“In France, show jumping is the third-biggest sport behind soccer and tennis,” she continues. “It’s the French population’s entertainment, their play, their sport. There’s a lot of pomp and surrounding it; and with 50,000 people in attendance throughout the weekend, there is a lot of effort put towards promoting the riders and the horses and explaining the sport to the general public.”

Spectators were welcomed with a red carpet entrance every day at the Masters. Corporations used the event to entertain their high-dollar clients, but behind that, the prestige of the show was driven by the high concentration of 5* riders competing against each other in one glamorous location.

Coming AttractionsThat concept, attracting the best of the best in a dramatic, made for television setting, is expanding to other cities around the world. Announced just before the Gucci Masters, Herman was part of

39FEBRUARY | MARCH

the team who officially unveiled the upcoming New York Masters, to be held in Brooklyn in 2013. As the lead project manager for the New York Masters, and a partner with EEM World, Herman will be closely involved every step of the way as the event progresses.

In 2010, Herman mentioned to EEM World, the event management company that coordinates the Masters, the possibility of bringing a Masters show to the United States. The brand new Barclays Center in Brooklyn is currently completing construction, and is now not only billed as the new home of the New York Nets basketball team, but also as the site of the first-ever stateside Masters.

The concept of the global Masters series of competition; show jumping hosted in the most influential financial and cultural capitals of Europe, Asia and America, automatically sets an unrivaled standard of VIP events, and the pull of the best riders world wide to compete for $4,000,000 in prize money. Upon its completion in September 2012, the Barclays Center will become the world’s most expensive arena ever built.

For Herman, a Masters competition in New York makes perfect sense; New York is the number one luxury capital of the world, and sponsors such as Rolex and Gucci showed immediate interest. With Americans more interested than ever in horses and in horse sports such as show jumping, and with two American riders ranked in the IJRC Top Ten list, the New York Masters has a bright future.

Herman and EEM World are also working on coordinating a third Masters location in Hong

Kong, tentatively scheduled for 2013 as well. Although it’s a fast-paced, high-pressure path that Herman has chosen, she sees balance in nurturing the Sonoma Horse Park towards bigger and better seasons, and becoming more deeply involved in international show jumping events.

And, she hopes to find ties to connect her two worlds in the coming years. Northern California is no slouch itself on the global scale of culture and luxury, and Herman hopes to attract more globally known sponsors and riders to the Sonoma Horse Park.

“In coming years, we hope that the Masters series will be as popular as the Grand Slam of tennis,” says Herman. “At the same time, I am enjoying being able to fine tune each event at the Sonoma Horse Park. Both shows are special to me, and I think that by working on both ends, I might have a chance to be a part of developing and growing the sport in America, so that hopefully in my lifetime, we might be on the same plane as the sport in Europe.”

By playing a part in bringing show jumping to an international stage, Herman might just see her hopes realized.

From left to right: Laura Kraut and Cedric placed 6th in the Gucci Grand Prix. Photo ©Sportfot; Pénélope Leprevost holds the Gucci cup after her victory in the Grand Prix. Photo ©Luca Dragone; a performer entertains the crowd. Photo ©Sportfot; H&M sponsors many equestrian events and riders in Europe. Photo ©Luca Dragone

Opposite page: Richard Spooner & Cristallo placed third in the Gucci Grand Prix. Photo ©Sportfot

All in the DetailsIndividual iPads, customized to open with live results and the Gucci Masters website, were made available for spectators at each VIP table.

Pierre Sarkozy, an up and coming DJ and the son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, performed at the Press Gala at the beginning of the week.

Every ticketed spectator could treat themselves to complimentary, salon-quality hair styling and manicures in the Vendor Village.

Gucci built a special satellite store that was unique to the Masters and featured its designer clothes and fragrances.

Food offerings in the Vendor Village ranged from Fois Gras sandwiches to fresh sushi made on site.

VIP guests dined on a Mise en Bouche course of carrots puree flavored with orange blossom, lemon and ginger cream, prepared by world-renowned 2-star Michelin rated chef, Jean-Pierre Vigato of Apicius Restaurant

Rosario Dawson, Princess of Carolina di Monaco, tennis super-star Martina Hingis, Georgina Bloomberg and Athina Onassis all walked the red carpet at the Masters.

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Q: How does animal communication work with horses?

A: Since your teammate is a 1,200 pound animal, specific communication is essential. Show jumping is a risk-taking endeavor that creates adrenaline in both horse and rider, which can be construed by the brain as fear. Learning to communicate with your horse can allow you to access optimum performance more easily.

Here are some of the basics. First, I am not a professional animal communicator but I do communicate with animals in my own way! Horses are prey in the wild; they survive by keeping fear in the forefront of their brains, which means they startle easily. This means that being aware of horses’ sensitivity will increase trust and communication. Horses communicate mainly through their senses and body language. Here are some steps for animal communicating with your horse:

Start by noticing your mood and how your body feels. Note if you have any soreness or pain anywhere. Keeping all this in mind helps you to know what is yours and what is coming from your horse when you communicate.

Ask your horse if he wants to communicate with you by offering a mental connection with your breath. Try to breathe in sync with him.

Begin with simple questions about the horse’s favorite food, or activity. You will get a picture or sense from the horse. Your imagination is the “phone wire” so don’t be concerned if you think you are making up the answers. As strange as it seems, the horse’s mind connects through your imagination.

Once you feel more confident with this you can experiment with sending pictures to your horse, sharing a mental video of the course you are about to execute together. Your horse might not respond with anything clear when you offer these pictures but will probably share a physical sensation like a deep breath or an adrenaline rush!

Eventually your horse will send you pictures or sensations in return. Since successful riding requires clear intention, communicating with your horse through pictures and sensations of what you do together allows you to be crystal clear with your signals.

Don’t expect your horse to communicate in English! The language of animals is through pictures, feelings, and body language. Becoming sensitive to the difference between your thoughts, pictures, and feelings and those you receive from your horse is what makes animal communication work. Also, be aware of your body language and how it affects your horse. Let your thoughts and movements set the tone for communicating with your horse. My animal communication mentor often quotes Rumi when she teaches me: “There is a voice that does not use words. Listen.”

For professional animal communication readings, contact my mentor, Nikki Cuthbertson nikkionewithnature@yahoo.com

ASK CARRIE

Carrie Wicks, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate

As a sport psychology consultant, I assist equestrian athletes to optimize their performance at all levels of competition. My varied background as an A-circuit Junior and Amateur competitor as well as mother of two daughters - a jumper rider and elite gymnast - has deepened my understanding of what a rider needs to grow and thrive. From medal finals to the grand prix ring, I support athletes to attain their goals while developing a mental practice that is useful both on and off the field.

If you would like to meet with Carrie to develop questions and comments for this column, please call or email. I am interested in learning about how riders of all levels prepare themselves for competition as well as how they connect with their horses.

707-529-8371carrie@carriewicks.com

www.carriewicks.com

Contact Carrie for individual and phone sessions.

41FEBRUARY | MARCH

STYLE PROFILESby Sarah Appel

42

Colors of the DesertWhen the weather turns cold, wet, and riding-unfriendly during the winter months, the equestrian elite migrate south to where the sun shines and the shows continue all season long. Bright colors of the desert are ref lected in these H&S Style Prof iles, to keep you looking sun kissed and properly accessorized this winter, on and off the show grounds.

Ambient AmateurGallop Tote by Loquita, $175 (as seen on DappledGrey.com)Bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $78Aine Thong Sandal, Tory Burch, $225

Jovial Junior:Fashion Watches, Toss Designs, $40

Iconic Polo, Goode Rider, $49Saddle Charm, Hermes, $620

43FEBRUARY | MARCH

Trendy TrainerChecked Cotton Scarf, Burberry, $325

Sun Hat, Primark, $17Belt, Dimacci, $170

Polished Pony Mom:Wallet, Balenciaga, $615Bristol Braid Belt, Ariat, $60Oversized Square Sunglasses, Gucci, $345

Pampered Pooch:Bright & Happy Dog Collar, Freya’s Studio (etsy.com), $15Barkin Bag, Haute Diggity Dog, $12

Embroidered Show SheetStable blanket w/nameScrim sheet w/nameWhite show saddle padsShipping wraps:

12”/14” for ponies14”/16” for horses

Shipping halter w/nameplateBridle w/nameplateMartingale w/nameplateGirth w/nameplateSaddle w/nameplateEq/Jumping boots for horseTack cleaning suppliesAPPROVED helmetCrop / WhipSpurs with sturdy strapsSupplementsMedicationsPaddock BootsHalf chapsSquare baby schooling padsPolo wrapsCheckbookFirst aid kit

horse show preparation guide

FOR YOUR

SHOPPINGCHECKLIST

TACK TRUNK

(707) 778 -1113www.EquestrianConcierge.com • info@EquestrianConcierge.com

blog.EquestrianConcierge.com

weeksBEFORE12

READY, SET, SHOWYou’ve got a lot to think about when gettingready for show season! Follow the timelinebelow and use the shopping list at right tohelp ensure that nothing is forgotten.

Tear at the dotted line,and bring this list to TheEquestrian’s Concierge.

ORDER CUSTOM BOOTS Custom boots (such as LaMundial) require a minimum of three months. Make an appointment to bemeasured and order your boots no later than three months before you’ll need them.

weeksBEFORE9 START SHOPPING Make your first pre-show shopping trip

to The Equestrian’s Concierge to determine other custom items you may need. If you need a tack trunk, tack trunk cover, or custom riding coat, this is the time to order them.

weeksBEFORE6 MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED Take inventory of your

show blankets. Send out blankets that need cleaning and/or repair. Order any new custom show blankets, sheets or coolers now.

weeksBEFORE4 OUTFIT YOURSELF AND YOUR HORSE Try on and

assess your show clothes. What needs replacing? Shop for breeches, helmets, show shirts, socks, gloves and other apparel. Make sure you’ve got new show pads and enough wraps for your horse. Order name plates for tack and send out any custom embroidery items.

weeksBEFORE2 GET IN CONDITION

Bring in your saddle, bridle or bootsfor cleaning / conditioning / polishing.Drop off any tack that needs nameplates affixed or that requires leatherstamping. Take care of any remainingitems on the shopping lists at right.

dayBEFORE1 PACK IT UP

Make sure your tack trunk is packed,covered and ready to load before youleave the barn. At home, pack your garment bag and personal items. Ifyou’re driving out of town, fill up yourgas tank and get some cash for the trip.

Jackets/CoatsShirts with collars Show breechesHair ties/netsGloves BeltClean bootsBoot socksBoot pullsBoot polishing kitFutis (boot covers)Sewing kit

FOR YOURGARMENT BAG

(707) 778 -1113

BARN ENVY by Erin Gilmore

46 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Four special acres are hallowed ground for the Archer family’s Shady Lane Farm.

Tucked into rolling hills amid the Bay Area community of Alamo, four special acres are hallowed ground for the Archer family’s Shady Lane Farm. Trainer Lindsay Archer was raised on the land, which was home to her parents’ Arabian halter breeding program during her childhood (between 1975 and 1985, they imported over 150 Russian-bred Arabian horses as part of the family’s very successful Arabian halter horse business.) As Lindsay grew up and showed an interest in hunter/jumpers that would later lead to her career, Shady Lane Farm was slowly converted from a breeding and halter operation to a training facility.

In 2003, Lindsay officially opened for business as an A-circuit hunter/jumper program with then-boyfriend Matt Archer. The couple, who married in 2007, have built their business together ever since, with Shady Lane Farm serving as home base to their full service training program.

47FEBRUARY | MARCH

Because we’re a smaller facility, we’re really able to customize the program for each horse and rider,” says Matt. “It’s a really unique family atmosphere we have, and it gives us time to do special things, like bring along young horses, which is a real passion of mine.”

“The farm is always evolving,” adds Lindsay. “We’re never complacent. We’re always brainstorming ways to make it better. It’s an ongoing process, and we never really rest!”

Previous pages, left: “Every inch of the farm has been thought out, designed and landscaped,” says Lindsay. “We were married on the farm, and this fountain was put in just before the wedding.”

Previous pages, right top: Airy, open-aisle custom MD Barns house a select group of hunters and jumpers.

This page, clockwise from top: The main drive is fittingly lined with sweeping shade trees on either side; head groom Crispin, shown with a horse in pasture, has been with Shady Lane for over 13 years; large green pastures are a welcome luxury for the Shady Lane horses; the shed row style barn faces landscaped foliage.

Opposite page, a gravel driveway is lined with the arena on one side, and the Anderson family home on the other; Matt and Lindsay with their 2 year old daughter, Addison; Shady Lane’s large arena includes an open water jump and is regularly set with full show courses.

48 FEBRUARY | MARCH

49FEBRUARY | MARCH

50 FEBRUARY | MARCH

All photos ©Christina Gray

I personally believe that to be a competent rider YOU have to make

the decisions. I am not intojust blasting into a distance

even if you know you will get there. Knowing you have

options at each element will make you a better rider.

CLINIC SPOTLIGHT

Grand Prix rider and trainer Harley Brown, of Harley Brown Equestrian in San Luis Obispo, CA traveled north on January 17th and 18th to conduct a two-day clinic at Eden Valley Stables in Saratoga. 

Brown taught select groups in three height sections on the fundamentals of keeping a steady connection on the f lat, over pole exercises, and over a course of fences. The information-packed, two day clinic was an ideal preparation for the upcoming winter shows.

HarleyBrown

Suzanne Muszala looks ahead for the next jump while schooling courses on Day 2. 

Don’t desert your horse in big open spaces in the arena, keep

contact and forward impulsion.

51FEBRUARY | MARCH

You can get away with murder,

but if you can’t canter you won’t get around a show

jumping course.

Group discussion. 

Douglas Novick, D.V.M. shows a soft connection with his horse.

Dana Pinto works on slowly collecting from an open trot stride with her 4-year-old Thoroughbred gelding

Stefan Parker jumps from a solid connection and forward pace on Day 2.

Harley Brown assists with a tack adjustment.

Successfulriders.

Happyhorses.

Contact:

Beverly JovaisTrainer

Barn: 707-792-2050

Cell: 415-297-4261

www.ChestnutHillCA.com

OFFERS FOR SALEATTICUS

Eligible First Year Green Hunter.

Ten year old, 15.3 7/8 hand, Thoroughbred/

Quarter Horse gelding by Absolut.

2011 Reserve Champion NorCal, 4th PCHA

in the 3’3 Amateur Owner Hunter division.

Owner off to college.

Horse & Style: When and where did Italian Equestrian start?Jesse Holycross: We actually were on a trip in Europe and found the brand Equiline. Once we got home we discovered that the brand was not sold in the U.S., and we decided to bring it here. After a little bit of work our first shipment came, and Italian equestrian was started in January of 2010.

H&S: What inspired you to import Italian brands?JH: I used to work for Neiman Marcus many years ago and know the wonderful quality and style that Italian brands produce. H&S: What are the most popular brands you carry?JH: Equiline is the focus of our company. It is top quality apparel for riders as well as horses. We carry things like black diamond bracelets, which are beautiful hand crafted bracelets made with all natural stones, and each bracelet has a genuine black diamond on it. We also are reps for the Milo Felline boot brand, they are beautiful hand crafted boots from Italy made to measure. H&S: Where do you find new products?JH: We are always looking for unique and quality products, especially when we travel to Europe. H&S: How do you stand out from other mobile tack shops?JH: Well I like to think of Italian Equestrian as a mobile boutique. We offer high quality products and focus on quality over quantity. I want people to feel like they are walking into a boutique, not into a trailer. I designed our space to be a place not just to shop but to also hang out and catch up and relax. H&S: What has been the most rewarding part of your experience since starting Italian Equestrian?JH: I would say that the most rewarding part of having Italian Equestrian is meeting wonderful new people all the time. H&S: What has changed about the business since you started?JH: The biggest change since I started was that the first year I was in a 10x10 pop up tent that was nice but very small. Now we have a beautiful trailer to take to the shows, and everyone seems to love it. H&S: What are your favorite shows to attend as a vendor?JH: My absolute favorite show to attend as a vendor is The Sonoma Horse Park Series. It is such a beautiful place and the team that runs the show are so friendly and are always trying to improve everyone’s experience.

H&S: What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far?JH: My greatest accomplishment for sure would be that in 2011 I sponsored The Del Mar International Horse Show, The Sacramento International Horse Show and The Sonoma Horse Park Series by providing them with all of the winners’ coolers. H&S: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own company in the equestrian market?JH: I would say, think outside the box, there are plenty of tack stores out there, find your own niche and be the best at it. H&S: What are your future and current goals for Italian Equestrian?JH: To provide a wonderful shopping experience for all the clients who visit us. As well as start to expand our shows that we attend throughout the year to a larger geographical area.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHTby Sarah Appel

Italia

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Jes

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53

Fall 2012

September 25 - 30Sacramento International

Welcome Show$20,000 Young Jumper Championships

North American Junior/Amateur Team Championships (1.20m)

October 2 - 7Sacramento International

Horse Show$50,000 Grand Prix of Sacramento

www.JumpSacto.com

photo by Flying Horse Photo

October 17 - 21Del Mar Fall Festival

$25,000* PCHA/Equine Insurance Children’s/Adult Amateur

Hunter Championships

$30,000 1.45m Grand Prix

October 24 - 28Del Mar Fall Festival

$25,000* PCHA/Equine Insurance Children’s/Adult Jumper Championships

*$24,999 Actual pay out per USEF Rules

$50,000 World Cup Grand Prix, CSI-W

www.JumpDelMar.com www.PCHAChampionships.com

DEAR FASHIONISTADear Horse & Style Fashionista,

I am a pony mom on the go and I never know what to wear to horse shows. What can I wear that can be both functional and fashionable?

~Drab & Dusty Mummy

Dear Drab & Dusty Mummy,First and foremost, H&S would like to express our appreciation towards you, faithful pony mom. A pony mom’s job often goes unappreciated, but without you, the Meredith Michaels-Beerbaums and the Beezie Maddens of the world wouldn’t be where they are today. A busy, multi-tasking pony mom knows no higher achievement than toting her child to the ring polished, prepared, and ready to rule at the pony ring, but it is equally important that the mom also dresses the part. While pony ring time is not exactly the venue for fashion over function style, moms can still look stylish and ringside ready, if they’re armed with the advice of a knowledgable fashionista (ahem!)

Stay with us now: match a pair of dark designer jeans, with a stylish paddock boot that features a classy embellishment. Choose an equestrian-inspired top but keep it subtle – we’re thinking more Ralph Lauren than rhinestone cowboy, if you know what we mean. This fashionista suggests Hudson jeans, Ariat Heritage Paddock Boots and a LeFash Open Placket Show Shirt. Top it off with a chic hat and your favorite tote. We like this Eric Javits Braid Dame Hat and this Lilo Collection Susana Scarf Handbag. We know this look will keep you in the ribbons.

Love,

Fashionista

Do you have an equestrian fashionquestion for the H&S Fashionista?

Send your questions toFashionista@horseandstylemag.com

Pony Mom Tote Essentials

55FEBRUARY | MARCH

1. The Open Placket Show Shirt, Le Fash, $195

2. Braid Dame Hat, Eric Javits, $95

3. Hudson Jeans, $184

4. Susana Scarf Handbag, Lilo Collection, $340

5. Heritage Zip Paddock Boot, Ariat, $109.95

sunscreen

tide pen

horse treats

hand sanitizer

extra hair nets

energy bars

the daily schedule

reading material(we suggest the latest issue)of H&S Magazine)

OUT AND ABOUTN O R C A L B A N Q U E T

56 FEBRUARY | MARCH

1. Blake Gardiner presents an award to Peyton Warren 2. Karl Ronn, Juliana Ronn, Tom Rattigan, Sue Sadlier, Elizabeth Ronn 3. NorCal board member Vanessa Brown & Debbie Stone glam for the camera 4. Nina & Mariano Alario and Juan Alconada 5. Ian McFarlane and Guy Thomas 6. Susie Dorsey & Alison Potter with NorCal board members Kelly Maddox & Connie Buckley 7. NorCal President Denize Borges 8. Leslie Wright and Haley Stone9. NorCal board member Lindsay Ramar 10. Dave Norris, Nicole Bloom & Buzz Nasey 11. Joan Carlson, Annika Hoy and Missy Carlson 12. Lily Swift, Tammy Steiner, Karen Biery, Katie Steiner and Rachel Hutches 13. Allison Fithian, Mady Fithian, Hannah Clevenger and Abby Jorgensen

Photos © Lindsay Ramar

4761 Hillcrest Ave . Fair Oaks, CA 95628916-844-9714 . www.bthequestrians.com

Wishing the best of luck to the BTH Equestrians

team in 2012!

14. Steven Pleasant Kara Mia Clark & Jason Quilici 15. Tylor Nowell16. NorCal board member Jill Humphery presenting an award17. NorCal board members Cindi Perez and Jeanette Gilbert-Gnaizda18. Joey Pedroni 19. Jeff Fields and Caitlin Azevedo 20. Benson Carroll,Ali Fithian, Margie Fithian, Hannah Clevenger, Madeline Fithian, Juan Polanco

58 FEBRUARY | MARCH

BUSINESS LISTINGS

John Charlebois100 Ansel Lane

Menlo Park, CA 94028Phone/Fax:650-854-2607

Cell: 650-303-2641email: cowboyjc1@aol.comwww.charelboisfarm.com

Private Sonoma Office/ Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Terri Lee Roberson Psy. D.Clinical Psychologist

707-771-0337tlroberson@mac.com

HUNTERS . JUMPERS . EQUITATION . PONIES . SALES

www.derbyhillfarm.com

The Red Barn . 100 Electioneer Rd, Stanford CA 94305 . (561) 758-3148

Buddy & Vanessa Brown, trainers

DEB DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY

59FEBRUARY | MARCH

BUSINESS LISTINGS

at

Impeccable Carefor your

Competition Horse

Amazing Beginningsfor your

Broodmares and Foals

www.JazCreek.com . 415.716.8905

CAN YOU STAND IT?

60 FEBRUARY | MARCH

Love that soft leather feeling of your favorite saddle? Now you can carry that look over to your iPad, with this subtle but sharply styled iPad case that is trimmed with a very familiar silhouette. Ride on!

Oughton Limited~Paddock iPad case $130

Technically Trendy

9439 C L AY S TAT I O N R D . W I LT O N , C A 95693

5 barns with 38 box stalls and double stalls

2 lighted outdoor arenas and lighted indoor with all weather

International level competition footing

11 large irrigated grass pastures

4 irrigated grass turnouts

Clubhouse for clients

15 min or less to multiple show facilities

2,500 sq ft on-site residence with pool

...and many more amenities!

This beautiful 23 acre facility is ready to accommodate equestrian

trainers and their clients

For more information,contact us 916.997.6493

or 916.997.6494