FEATURE ARTICLESBRITTANY HILDEBRANDCATHERINE TYREEEVENTSBLENHEIM EQUISPORTSFRANKTOWN MEADOWS HUNTER DERBYNILFORUSHAN EQUISPORT EVENTSTRAVERSE CITY HORSE SHOWSLENS ENVYKIKI KALTWASSERBRAND FOCUSVETBLUEWILLIAM GRACETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJULY/AUGUST 2021 ISSUE 34Photo ©Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
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July/August 2021 TCE 3________________________________ThECompETiTivEEquEsTrianJULY / AUGUST 2021The Competitive Equestrian© 2021 by Equestrian Communications USA LLC, all rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or quoted in whole or in part by any means, printed or electronic, without the written consent of the publisher. Submissions: Magazines will gladly consider all articles, news, letters, and photographs for publication, but assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Submissions may be edited. Letters are assumed publishable unless we are advised otherwise. All submissions should meet our ad deadline to facilitate inclusion in next issue.Publisher & Executive EditorLORNA LOWRIE6 Patience is a Virtue: Catherine Tyree’s Winding Road to Success By Georgie Hammond, Phelps Media Group16 Nilforushan Equisport Events Series Gallery Phelps Media Group52 A Delicate Balance: How American Show Jumper Brittany Hildebrand is Building a Business and Pursuing a Master’s By Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group60 LENS ENVY Kiki Kaltwasser 92 Product Focus: VetBlue By Phelps Media Group94 Traverse City Horse Show Gallery By Allyson Lagiovane and Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group Phelps Media Group146 Brand Focus: William Grace By Phelps Media Group152 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Gallery By Deb Dawson Photography178 Blenheim EquiSports By Belnheim EquiSportsContentOn the CoverPhoto ©Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media GroupThe Competitive EquestrianEquestrian Communications USA LLCeditor@TheCompetitiveEquestrian.com561-753-3389 | info@phelpsmediagroup.comevent management | website development | public relations | photojournalism | marketing | social media elevating your brand beyond the in-gate. world-class service, worldwide exposureCreative DirectorLORNA LOWRIEContributing WritersBLENHEIM EQUISPORTSLIBBY GREENE, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPGEORGIE HAMMOND, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPANNAN HEPNER, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPContributing PhotographersJENNY ABRAHAMSSON,WORLD OF SHOWJUMPING.COMOLIVIA AIRHART, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPDEB DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHYLIBBY GREENE, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPGEORGIE HAMMOND, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPANNAN HEPNER, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPEMMA MILLER, PHELPS MEDIA GROUPMCOOL PHOTOGRAPHYVETBLUEFEATURE ARTICLESWHEN WOEVENTSNILFORUSHAN EQUISPORT EVENTSBLENHEIM EQUISPORTSTCE LIFETHE BRAND FOCUSAME THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJULY/AUGUST 2021 ISSUE 34Photo ©Kiki Kaltwasser
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Patience is a Virtue: Catherine Tyree’s Winding Road to SuccessBy: Georgie Hammond, Phelps Media GroupCatherine Tyree and BEC Lorenzo at the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Georgie Hammond-Phelps Media Group.
Patience is a word all too familiar to international show jumping athlete Catherine Tyree. At only 27 years old, Tyree has worked tirelessly to build and maintain her career as a professional athlete, as well as a competitive string of horses using the knowledge and expertise she has gained throughout her time in the sport. Lessons in hard work, trust and resilience have played a key role in her road to representing the United States at some of the highest ranked show jumping competitions across the world. They are lessons she is sharing with young athletes eager to achieve the same.Catherine Tyree and BEC Lorenzo at the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Georgie Hammond-Phelps Media Group.
8TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comCatherine Tyree and Bokai at the 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Sweden. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson,World of Showjumping.com
9 TCEJuly /August 2021Catherine Tyree and Bokai at the 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Sweden. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson,World of Showjumping.com
10TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comcompete in. Looking back on it now, it taught me to not xate on single moments where you feel down in your ability and always remember the big picture, because if I listened to my self-doubt after Miami, I wouldn’t have gone to Europe. I would never have had that experience as a part of the team, which is one that I will never forget.” Tyree’s journey to the top was not one she embarked on alone, however. As with any component of the equestrian sport, having a reliable equine partner capable of rising to the occasion is equally as important as being capable as an athlete, which is why Tyree took careful consideration into building While her story with horses begins as a child and carries through to her undeniably successful career as a junior athlete, some of Tyree’s most valuable lessons have come from her time as an amateur, and now, her time as a professional. In 2019, Tyree celebrated an incredible season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Numerous top placings in some of the most dicult classes of the circuit left her feeling elated with the path she was on. Hot on the heels of one of her best seasons yet, Tyree and her team made their way to Miami for a leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, a show that would be entirely antithetical to her recent success in CSI5* competition.“One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that you’re going to lose a lot more classes than you’re going to win, and you have to try to block out what everyone else is doing. I barely qualied for the Grand Prix that weekend in Miami, and then I had 20 faults. It was denitely not something that I was expecting, but it was a very humbling experience,” she expressed. “Everybody gets from point A to B in a dierent way. Progress is not linear and it’s really dependent on you as a person and a rider. There’s a learning curve to a lot of things and some people pick up on them faster than others, and sometimes things fall apart, but if you just keep working at it and stay true to who you are and what you want, you will get there.”Just two weeks later, Tyree received a phone call informing her that the U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, Robert Ridland, wanted her to represent the United States at the 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Sweden at the Falsterbo Horse Show and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at the Longines Royal International Horse Show, two of the most prestigious competitions in the world. “I remember getting the call and because of my performance in Miami, I was really unsure if that was the best thing for me to do. I didn’t feel 100% condent that I could go and deliver a result that would be worthy of jumping on the U.S. team, and I was basing all of that on one weekend in Miami. I seemed to forget all of the good that happened during the winter season in Wellington,” Tyree explained. “With the encouragement of my trainers and parents, I decided to go to Europe and ended up jumping a clear round in the Nations Cup at Hickstead, which is one of the most dicult rings in the world to Catherine Tyree and BEC Lorenzo. Photo by Georgie Hammond,Phelps Media Group
11 TCEJuly /August 2021her string of high performance horses in the time leading up to her Nations Cup debut.“It takes a lot of time to build a string of competitive show horses. It’s not something that you can do overnight and it’s something that very much has to be catered to your style of riding, your goals and the team that you have supporting you,” said Tyree. “If you’re looking to step up a level and have access to horses that have already had the experience, that’s denitely a huge bonus. For me, the horses that I got to move up on were experienced veterans, so I felt very comfortable stepping into those bigger classes for the rst time with them. Down the line, that translated into building my condence and trust in my ability. It meant that the next time around, I could go with the younger, more inexperienced horse and still trust that I could get the job done.”As Tyree’s condence grew in her early years as an amateur, so did her ambition, and with that, the decision to add another horse to her string of talent was made. While this was not an easy decision, Tyree put extensive thought into the timing, what kind of horse would best suit her needs and how she could expand in a way that correlated to the goals she would like to achieve down the line.Tyree explained, “Knowing exactly when to add a horse to your string is something that is very personal. It really depends on what your goals and dreams in the sport are and it’s very rider dependent. Whenever I have decided it is time to add a horse to my string, it has always been an ongoing conversation between myself, my parents, and my trainers about what we want the future to look like. They’ve always been incredibly supportive of me, but it’s all about timing, where you see yourself going and what kind of gaps you need to ll in order to achieve that. You just have to remain patient, trust the process, and trust the timeline for how long it takes. Building relationships with certain horses and developing them into their own requires making sure that you are a team, and that takes time.”Deciding to put her patience and perseverance to the test, Tyree purchased a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding named BEC Lorenzo in 2017. A trip to Europe in search of her next Catherine Tyree and 8-year-old Camilla Z at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Georgie Hammond-Phelps Media Group
12TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comup-and-coming horse led her and trainers John Brennan and Missy Clark to stumble upon the talented gelding out of sheer luck when passing a close by farm. At the time, Lorenzo was on track in his development for his age, but more than that, Tyree saw potential in him, leading her to take a leap of faith, trust her gut and her ability as an athlete and purchase Lorenzo at the end of 2017.“I knew that I wanted to take a shot and have a younger horse to develop within my string. I had been really fortunate to Catherine Tyree and Enjoy Louis at the 2017 American Gold Cup. Photo by Phelps Media Group
13 TCEJuly /August 2021have jumped at big shows and done big classes with Enjoy Louis and Bokai, but in order to support them in the future, I knew that I needed to nd a younger horse and develop a partnership with them that would one day match what I have with my two veteran horses.”Her work with Lorenzo would come as no easy feat. Slowly and carefully, Tyree would develop the once 7-year-old with potential into an 11-year-old successfully competing at the CSI5* level, something she never imagined would be possible in just four years.“There is something really special about being able to work with a horse from a young age and bringing them all the way up to reach their fullest potential. Lorenzo jumping at the CSI5* level is the kind of the goal we’re all chasing when we acquire young horses, but it doesn’t always happen,” shared Tyree. “I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to grow and progress with Lorenzo while knowing that all of his ‘rsts’ were with me, and I think that’s really special. It’s always going to hold a very special place in my heart having done that with him.”Since developing Lorenzo and representing the U.S. Show Jumping Team, Tyree has continued to expand her competitive string of horses, adding three young horses to her barn in hopes of recreating her partnership with Lorenzo and continuing her own education as a rider and professional in the industry. Tyree also went on to create her own business in 2020, once again expanding her operation by adding three sta members to her team. With the addition of each member, Tyree’s appreciation for the people by her side only increased as it was proven again and again the importance of who you surround yourself with.“One of the most important things when growing in this sport is to try to set yourself up for success and surround yourself with the best people that you have available to you. What we do is very much a team eort and there are a lot of people behind the scenes: the grooms, the farriers, the vets, the dentist, your trainers, among many others. All of their hard work and eort towards the rider and horse culminates in those 80 seconds in the ring, so it’s important to surround yourself with the people that are going to be on your side, always rooting for you and always pushing you to be better,” Tyree explained. As she continues on the winding road of success, Tyree is excited to continue to develop her next generation of horses and further grow her business into training other athletes. While her work ethic, drive and sincerity are undeniable strengths in her character and professionalism, Tyree’s heart and love for the sport will continue to shine through each time she walks in the barn, puts her foot in the stirrup or steps in the ring.“What it really comes down to is making sure you cherish the special moments that you get to spend with the horses, because you never know when things could change, and that can happen so quickly - I’ve learned that the hard way,” she mused. “I try to remind myself to always be present in the moment and just enjoy it. I do this because I love the horses and remembering that is so important.”Catherine Tyree and Enjoy Louis at the 2017 American Gold Cup. Photo by Phelps Media Group
Your competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.HIDDEN CANYON FARM Quest for Success - Barb ChapinPHOTOGRAPH by Matthew Seed - The Horse Photographer| DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSA PROUD SPONSOR OFTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANYour competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.HIDDEN CANYON FARM Quest for Success - Barb ChapinPHOTOGRAPH by Matthew Seed - The Horse Photographer| DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSA PROUD SPONSOR OFTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIAN
Your competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.HIDDEN CANYON FARM Quest for Success - Barb ChapinPHOTOGRAPH by Matthew Seed - The Horse Photographer| DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSA PROUD SPONSOR OFTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANYour competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.HIDDEN CANYON FARM Quest for Success - Barb ChapinPHOTOGRAPH by Matthew Seed - The Horse Photographer| DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSA PROUD SPONSOR OFTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIAN
Nilforushan EquiSport Events GalleryPhotography: Phelps Media GroupAs much of the nation spent the early parts of 2021 integrating back into society following a long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to their respective horse show communities was top of their list. One of the highlights of spring hunter and jumper competition in California was the popular Nilforushan Equisport Events Series, held at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. As a top-level competitor himself, event manager, Ali Nilforushan had a vision to bring the boutique feel of European horse shows to the California competition calendar. Now entering their third year, Nilforushan and his wife Scenic views at Galway Downs. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupFrancie have immersed themselves in managing an event that grows in popularity annually. This year, Nilforushan Equisport Events challenged the traditional horse show model with comprehensive VIP amenities and world-class entertainment such as Ziggy Marley, Kevin Nealon, and Queen Nation, at the same level as the sport itself. The Nilforushan’s have successfully proven time and time again that their unique model is something the equestrian world was craving, and that they are more committed than ever to breathing new life into the industry and redening the horse show experience.
Scenic views at Galway Downs. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Taking a quick nap at the show after a long day. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupVIP. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Taking a quick nap at the show after a long day. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupVIP. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupArchie Cox and Starburst. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Derby winners, Jamie Taylor and Ever So Often. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Derby winners, Jamie Taylor and Ever So Often. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
USHJA International Hunter Derby. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
USHJA International Hunter Derby. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Everyone is family at Nilforushan Equisport Events. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Excited audience at Ziggy Marley concert. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupMarley Concert. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Excited audience at Ziggy Marley concert. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupMarley Concert. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group Ziggy Marley Concert. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupQueen Nation
Jamie Taylor and Cocoliche of Greenhill Z. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Young Riders Jog.Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupJamie Taylor and Cocoliche of Greenhill Z. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Fun and unique classes at Nilforushan Equisport Events. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Fun and unique classes at Nilforushan Equisport Events. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Making the most of the victory lap. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Making the most of the victory lap. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Michelle Morris and Lykke Li-Terma Z enjoying the new Grand Hunter Arena.Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Michelle Morris and Lykke Li-Terma Z enjoying the new Grand Hunter Arena.Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Striking a pose for the camera. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Striking a pose for the camera. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Top Competition at Nilforushan Equisport Events. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Top Competition at Nilforushan Equisport Events. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Sneaking a quick picture. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Sneaking a quick picture. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Testing out the open water jump in the Grand Prix Arena. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Testing out the open water jump in the Grand Prix Arena. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Job well done. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupShiloh Roseboom and Amanda Gomez, wining team of the $5,000 Hunter Jumper Team Challenge.Photo by Emma Miller, Phelps Media Group
Job well done. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media GroupDaily ringside happy hour and refreshments were a social highlight throughout the Temecula Valley National Series.Photo by Emma Miller-Phelps Media Group.VIP Views. Photo by Emma Miller, Phelps Media GroupShiloh Roseboom and Amanda Gomez, wining team of the $5,000 Hunter Jumper Team Challenge.Photo by Emma Miller, Phelps Media Group
New and improved Grand Hunter Arena. Photo Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
New and improved Grand Hunter Arena. Photo Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Professional rider in the making. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
Professional rider in the making. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
September 1 - September 19, 2021Flintelds Horse ParkTraverseCityHorseShows.comTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS HIGHLIGHTSFOR HUNTERS• All New Hunter Incenve Finals for Pro/Non Pro Derby, Performance Hunter, Green Hunter, Junior Hunter and A/O divisions, with a minimum guaranteed prize money of $275k!• 70% of enrollment fees used as add back money in each division. Enroll Now!FOR JUMPERS• TC Fall CSI3*• Silver Oak Jumper Tournament CSI3* featuring USHJA Young Jumper Championships• American Gold Cup featuring Major League Show Jumping CSI5*/CSI2*
September 1 - September 19, 2021Flintelds Horse ParkTraverseCityHorseShows.comTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS HIGHLIGHTSFOR HUNTERS• All New Hunter Incenve Finals for Pro/Non Pro Derby, Performance Hunter, Green Hunter, Junior Hunter and A/O divisions, with a minimum guaranteed prize money of $275k!• 70% of enrollment fees used as add back money in each division. Enroll Now!FOR JUMPERS• TC Fall CSI3*• Silver Oak Jumper Tournament CSI3* featuring USHJA Young Jumper Championships• American Gold Cup featuring Major League Show Jumping CSI5*/CSI2*
Brittany Hildebrand and Salitos 8Photo by Georgie Hammond, Phelps Media GroupA Delicate Balance: How American Show Jumper Brittany Hildebrand is Building a Business and Pursuing a Master’s By: Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
American show jumper Brittany Hildebrand is all too familiar with balancing life between helping to manage her string of competition horses at Hillington Farm and working to obtain her MBA in Marketing from Baylor University. Hildebrand grew up riding competitively in the hunters with Patty Roberts, where she competed at some of the country’s top venues, including the famous Devon Horse Show, where she successfully competed in the Junior 3’6” Hunters. While working for Roberts, Hildebrand was introduced to Becky and Conan Conway, who own and operate Blue Hill Farm out of Wellington, Florida. The powerful bond between Hildebrand and the Conway’s has later helped her transition from competing in the hunters to working her way up the jumper divisions to reach her goal of competing in international Grand Prix’s around the United States and Europe. “I met Becky Conway while she was helping my old horseback riding trainer, Patty Roberts, with her daughter, who was competing in the jumpers,” recalled Hildebrand. “I was working for Patty at the time, which is how we originally got introduced to each other. They helped me buy my rst low amateur jumper. So, I went from completely doing hunters to then not wanting to do hunters at all! After that transition, I made the choice to start riding with Becky and Conan full-time and started in the low adult jumper divisions.” The transition from the hunters to the jumpers was more dicult than Hildebrand had anticipated, but she was committed to making it successful. The Conway’s assisted Hildebrand in buying her rst Low Amateur Jumper horse, leading her to great successes in and out of the show ring. In addition, she learned the importance of atwork and trained closely with the Conway’s to understand the fundamental lessons needed to become successful in this new area of the sport. “I was not very good at eectively atting my own, so it wasn’t necessarily about the jumping and the height; it was more about the horsemanship and learning how to sit properly in the saddle. One of the most important aspects of riding is atwork, and just having Becky take the time to help me dive in deep on my atwork every day made a huge improvement in my riding,” said Hildebrand. “Becky and Conan spent many hours teaching me and giving me at lessons, pole lessons and crossrail lessons to help improve my riding skills. It was a new way of riding for me, and those fundamentals are something that we still have to work at every day.” Despite a challenging year for everybody in 2020 with COVID-19, Hildebrand took the opportunity to let her competition horses rest and took a step back to focus on the basics. Hildebrand worked with the Conway’s on her atwork and took the time to focus on fundamentals that sometimes get overlooked during a
Brittany Hildebrand and Clear Blue ZPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Brittany Hildebrand Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
busy show season. Time was a commodity during COVID-19, and Hildebrand decided to also focus on pursuing her MBA and continuing to run a successful business. Hildebrand was motivated to educate herself as much as possible to become successful as possible in all three areas where she was committed, the show ring, the classroom, and the business oce. “I think COVID-19 was hard for everyone because as equestrians, we are always building up towards a goal, and last year everything just stopped,” said Hildebrand. “Looking back on it now, I believe that COVID-19 allowed us some time to let the horses rest, reset, and really get back to square one and get focused. I got to spend a little bit more time doing things that I feel get overlooked because we are so busy traveling and being able to spend quality time with the horses was very meaningful for me.” In the ve years since the relationship between the Conway’s and Hildebrand began, she has quickly moved up the ranks, successfully competing in CSI1* and CSI2* classes aboard several of her dierent mounts, including, Salitos 8, Tahiti Island, ClearBlue Z and Calle Cool 14. Some of her most recent successes have included placing top-12 in the Tryon Summer 3 $25,000 Sunday Classic. These results support all of the learning and work she had done in 2019 when she rode Salitos 8 and Tahiti Island to several top 10 nishes in CSI1* and CSI2* competition in Europe. In addition, she has gained tremendous insight working alongside the Conway’s and has been able to get more involved in the details of managing her string of horses. Her increased comfort level at stable management has allowed Hildebrand to begin working towards putting together a successful group of sales horses in partnership with the Conway’s. “Becky and Conan have been instrumental in helping me learn how to manage my horses and having more of my own horses and what it all entails. I didn’t get to learn all of this until I started spending time with them,” said Hildebrand. “And since we spend almost every single day with each other, it has been something that has piqued my interest. Hopefully, through our partnership with some new sales horses, they will continue to educate me on how much commitment it takes to have a successful equestrian operation.” Today, Hillington Farm comprises a string of 5 competitive horses that compete at the CSI1* and CSI2* levels. Hildebrand’s sights are set on putting together a strong string of sales horses that will kick start her buying and selling business at Hillington Farm, nishing her MBA in Marketing, and combining her education and love for horses to make a lasting impact on the horse industry. “My goal for this year and in Europe is to consistently jump around the 1.40m, 1.45m classes and compete in more grand prixs,” said Hildebrand. “I always want to continue to try to keep going for bigger and more competitive classes, but I am also very aware that consistency is key for my success and that of my horses. Doing the best I can every time I put my foot in the stirrup is the motto for this upcoming season.” Brittany Hildebrand and Calle Cool 14Photo by Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
2021Nestled in the heart of California Central Coast Wine Country, Paso Robles Horse Park USEF-Rated horse shows are for competitors at all levels. Shows feature $40,000 Grand Prix classes, $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and unique incentive programs to support young horses, and Pony Club and IEA riders. Join us for a show experience in true Paso-style!2021Jump Paso Jump Paso Jump Paso PASO ROBLES HORSE PARK
2021Nestled in the heart of California Central Coast Wine Country, Paso Robles Horse Park USEF-Rated horse shows are for competitors at all levels. Shows feature $40,000 Grand Prix classes, $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and unique incentive programs to support young horses, and Pony Club and IEA riders. Join us for a show experience in true Paso-style!2021Jump Paso Jump Paso Jump Paso PASO ROBLES HORSE PARKEmail info@PasoRoblesHorsePark.com or visit pasorobleshorsepark.com/stall-reservations.RESERVE YOUR STALLSPASO PARK WELCOME CLASSIC April 21–25 • Classic SeriesPASO PARK SPRING CLASSIC April 28–May 2 • Classic SeriesROSÉ IN MAY May 27–30 • B SeriesPASO PUMPKINS & PONIES October 14–17 • B Series PASO PARK FALL CLASSICNovember 3–7 • Classic SeriesPASO PARK OAK TREE CLASSIC November 10–14 • Classic SeriesTURKEY TROT & JUMP November 18–21 • B SeriesUSEF-RATED SHOW DATESLet’s Jump Paso! Located in California Central Coast Wine Country.FRIDAY BRUNCHESClassicsMimosas & Breakfast for AllPASO PARK VIP FUNClassicsCharcuterie, Cheese, & WineSTALL DISCOUNTSB SeriesFor Young Horses & Developing Riders
KIKI KALTWASSERCheckers ©Kiki KaltwasserLENS ENVY
Kiki Kaltwasser is an equine behavior specialist and wild horse photographer and was born and raised in Germany. Her journey with horses started at 4 years old riding ponies and at the age of 10 she started taking professional lessons, Kiki still rides today. In 1999 she met Monty Roberts (the horse whisperer) and for 3 years she became a horse selector for his international shows. In 2005 she moved to France and founded the European Equine Academy where she teaches riders to train horses in a non violent way. But it was in 2009 at a horse fair when something really life changing happened, she heard about the Canadian wild horses and a week after the fair she packed her bags and ew to Canada. Kiki’s passion for wild horses had now started in earnest and in 2012 she immigrated with her daughter and 2 dogs to British Columbia, Canada. In conjunction with her European Equine Academy she started a privately funded research project to study the behavior and heritage of the last of the wild free roaming horses in Canada. Her main aim being to bring attention to these amazing creatures and to protect their natural habitat. The BC wild horses are very shy and do not let her get closer than about 2,000 feet, they reside deep in the forest as well as grazing in clear cut areas covering 13,000 square miles.For the past 10 years Kiki has been creating photographic “paintings” while roaming the Chilcot’in Mountains with her notebook and camera following the herd. In 2013 and 2014 she had the honor of exhibiting in the Touchstone Museum in Nelson, BC.“I feel very fortunate and grateful to observe these magnicent creatures. The wild horses give me a very intimate insight into how the horses are organized and how their behavior changes during the seasons of the year.” Kiki explained. Her insights are published and shared in her online courses and she has produced 7 books (in German and English) on the subject while her photographs share the beauty of these wonderful horses.TURNINGRESEARCHINTO ART
Mischief ©Kiki Kaltwasser
Kiki Kaltwasser ©Kiki Kaltwasser
Stallion In The Woods ©Kiki KaltwasserIt’s always amazing for me to observe how fast they canter over clear cut areas with wood and branches.
Brown Black Bear ©Kiki KaltwasserA lot of brown coloured black bears are roam-ing the Chilcotin mountains and they can get really huge. This one was stretching at a tree and I was lucky to get back to my car.
Born Free ©Kiki KaltwasserThis is one of my best sellers, it shows a mare captured in a round pen.
Blues Family ©Kiki KaltwasserAfter a long winter this was my rst sighting of stallion Blue and his family.SURVIVING THE ICE AGE“Every educational book states that all of the North American equids became extinct 10,000 years ago after the last ice age. It is written that horses were only re-introduced by Spanish invaders in the 1500s. My research project will provide proof that this is not the case and that a pocket population of horses survived in the Chilcotin mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Genetic testing supports this belief and I hope to soon publish the nal proof so that the heritage of equids can be rewritten.”THE FACTS ARE IMPORTANT“All horses on the North American continent are considered an “invasive species” and as such most of these wild horses have no protection, a protection that is provided to proven local wild life. Proving a local heritage would ensure such protection. My life long goal is make this happen.The sale of my educational courses, books and photographic prints nance this research aimed at securing the future of these beautiful wild horses.”Kiki Kaltwasser
My Tribe ©Kiki Kaltwasser
Ghost I ©Kiki KaltwasserI was observing a large meadow when he suddenly appeared beside me and we both were observing what was in front of us.
Bushre ©Kiki KaltwasserI was observing this large herd when they suddenly began to run. A wildre was coming towards us and suddenly we all had to run.
Herd on Gravel ©Kiki KaltwasserThe wild horses use the gravel and forest roads for commuting from one end of the area to the other. If I am lucky I can get a shot while they are on the road.
12©Kiki Kaltwasser©Kiki Kaltwasser
1. ResearchI’ll do research for the European Equine Academy. One thing is to document sightings, date, location and if possible measure the size of the hoof print. 2. Research In WinterTo get a better understanding of the live of the wild horses I also have to observe them in the winter. This was at -21 Celsius.3. Kiki Kaltwasser Taking PhotosThis was our old observation mobile (we upgraded last year to a pick up truck) the advantage is that the horses are not bothered by a parked vehicle. Horses view in silhouettes and as long there is nothing moving, they are ne. Standing on the hood was an exception. It was after my tire blew o. 4. My favorite road sign.34©Kiki Kaltwasser©Kiki Kaltwasser
©Kiki Kaltwasser
Winter ©Kiki KaltwasserWinter is of course a harsh season and every little bit of sun light is harvested
86TCE____________________TheCompetitiveEquestrianJuly/August 2021Blues Family ©Kiki Kaltwasser
87 July/August 2021TCE____________________TheCompetitiveEquestrianMr. Blue Eye ©Kiki Kaltwasser
88TCE____________________TheCompetitiveEquestrianJuly/August 2021Photomentary Photographic StyleThe creation of a soft painting like high resolution image where the main focus is on the documentation of a specic moment in the horses lifetime. Loved by an international audience the images add a special touch to homes from the contemporary to farmhouse.In collaboration with real estate agent Sally Gillies of Netix series Million Dollar Beach House in the Hamptons, NY. fame her photography can be seen at her open houses or followed on Kiki’s instagram page. Contact: Kiki Kaltwasser“Let me assist you, to nd the perfect piece for your home.”Website: www.kikikaltwasser.comShop: www.wildhorsesofcanada.comDirect: wildhorsesofcanada@gmail.comInstagram: @kikikaltwasserPop Up Shop: Next Venue Los AngelesBio: Kiki KaltwasserBorn in 1966 in Bonn, GermanyEquestrian Canada Dressage Level 2(International Trainer’s Passport Holder)Author Published by Mueller Rueschlikon, GermanyCertied German HorsemanagerCertied Equi-Gym TrainerCertied Equine Thermographer Founder and owner of the European Equine Academy EEA (www.pferdestudium.com)KIKI KALTWASSER
89 July/August 2021TCE____________________TheCompetitiveEquestrian©Carrie Cathleen PhotographyBorn Free ©Kiki Kaltwasser
OCTOBER 26-31, 2021SIGN UP TO START EARNING POINTS FOR 2021! JOIN TODAY! WIHS membership is required for points to count in the following divisions: WIHS Equitation Finals (East and West Coast Leagues)WIHS Pony Equitation Finals $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship QUALIFYING PERIOD: SEPT. 1, 2020, THROUGH AUG. 31, 2021 GO TO WIHS.ORG/MEMBERSHIP OR CALL 202.525.36796666662021WIHS_Membership_Beezie_Equiery.indd 12021WIHS_Membership_Beezie_Equiery.indd 1 8/13/2020 3:12:50 PM8/13/2020 3:12:50 PMYour competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 25INDOOR FINALS HIGHLIGHTS FROM COAST TO COASTDOUBLE H FARM’S ONGOING MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PAST AND FORGE THE FUTURE ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE FIERACAVALLI VERONA: THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON REINING LENS ENVYMATTHEW SEEDTCE LIFECLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTTHE COMPETITIV QUESTRIANMARCH / APRIL 2020 ISSUE 26THE SPECIALISTSJOHN FRENCH FINDS HIS NICHE ALONGSIDE KENT FARRINGTONBETTER TOGETHERHOW REBECCA BRUCE AND NED GLYNN NAVIGATE LOVE AND HORSESLENS ENVYELEGANT EQUUS - LINDSAY BROWNTCE LIFEPASO ROBLESPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTSLONGINES FEI JUMPING :WORLD CUP™ WELLINGTONNATIONS CUP™ OF USAWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS$50,000 MARS EVENTING SHOWCASE FEI CSI5* $401,000 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS GRAND PRIXMAY/JUNE 2020 ISSUE 27JENNIFER BURGER'S JOURNEYFROM RIDING AND OWNING HORSES TO HORSE SHOW PRESIDENTLENS ENVYMATTHEW DONAHUE PHOTOGRAPHYTCE LIFEANANTARAPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS$300,000 CSI5* CP PALM BEACH MASTERS FINALWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL CDIO3*THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANNovember / December 2019 Issue 24Washington International Horse ShowHampton Classic Horse ShowThe Run For A MillionThe Kids Are AlrightThe American Gold CupLens EnvyTaylor PenceBalancing ActAndrew and Alex Welles Talk Marriage, Business and Parenting COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANSeptember / October 2019 Issue 24 THE Business With Your Best Friend: Why It Works for Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell at Oakland StablesUSEF Junior Hunter National Championship WestFranktown Meadows Hunter DerbyLens EnvyDana GoedewaagenFarmhouse Inn & Spa Your competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 25INDOOR FINALS HIGHLIGHTS FROM COAST TO COASTDOUBLE H FARM’S ONGOING MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PAST AND FORGE THE FUTURE ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE FIERACAVALLI VERONA: THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON REINING LENS ENVYMATTHEW SEEDTCE LIFECLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTTHE COMPETITIV QUESTRIANMARCH / APRIL 2020 ISSUE 26THE SPECIALISTSJOHN FRENCH FINDS HIS NICHE ALONGSIDE KENT FARRINGTONBETTER TOGETHERHOW REBECCA BRUCE AND NED GLYNN NAVIGATE LOVE AND HORSESLENS ENVYELEGANT EQUUS - LINDSAY BROWNTCE LIFEPASO ROBLESPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTSLONGINES FEI JUMPING :WORLD CUP™ WELLINGTONNATIONS CUP™ OF USAWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS$50,000 MARS EVENTING SHOWCASE FEI CSI5* $401,000 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS GRAND PRIXMAY/JUNE 2020 ISSUE 27JENNIFER BURGER'S JOURNEYFROM RIDING AND OWNING HORSES TO HORSE SHOW PRESIDENTLENS ENVYMATTHEW DONAHUE PHOTOGRAPHYTCE LIFEANANTARAPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS$300,000 CSI5* CP PALM BEACH MASTERS FINALWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL CDIO3*THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANNovember / December 2019 Issue 24Washington International Horse ShowHampton Classic Horse ShowThe Run For A MillionThe Kids Are AlrightThe American Gold CupLens EnvyTaylor PenceBalancing ActAndrew and Alex Welles Talk Marriage, Business and Parenting COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANSeptember / October 2019 Issue 24 THE Business With Your Best Friend: Why It Works for Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell at Oakland StablesUSEF Junior Hunter National Championship WestFranktown Meadows Hunter DerbyLens EnvyDana GoedewaagenFarmhouse Inn & Spa Your competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 25INDOOR FINALS HIGHLIGHTS FROM COAST TO COASTDOUBLE H FARM’S ONGOING MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PAST AND FORGE THE FUTURE ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE FIERACAVALLI VERONA: THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON REINING LENS ENVYMATTHEW SEEDTCE LIFECLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTTHE COMPETITIV QUESTRIANMARCH / APRIL 2020 ISSUE 26THE SPECIALISTSJOHN FRENCH FINDS HIS NICHE ALONGSIDE KENT FARRINGTONBETTER TOGETHERHOW REBECCA BRUCE AND NED GLYNN NAVIGATE LOVE AND HORSESLENS ENVYELEGANT EQUUS - LINDSAY BROWNTCE LIFEPASO ROBLESPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTSLONGINES FEI JUMPING :WORLD CUP™ WELLINGTONNATIONS CUP™ OF USAWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS$50,000 MARS EVENTING SHOWCASE FEI CSI5* $401,000 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS GRAND PRIXMAY/JUNE 2020 ISSUE 27JENNIFER BURGER'S JOURNEYFROM RIDING AND OWNING HORSES TO HORSE SHOW PRESIDENTLENS ENVYMATTHEW DONAHUE PHOTOGRAPHYTCE LIFEANANTARAPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS$300,000 CSI5* CP PALM BEACH MASTERS FINALWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL CDIO3*THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANNovember / December 2019 Issue 24Washington International Horse ShowHampton Classic Horse ShowThe Run For A MillionThe Kids Are AlrightThe American Gold CupLens EnvyTaylor PenceBalancing ActAndrew and Alex Welles Talk Marriage, Business and Parenting COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANSeptember / October 2019 Issue 24 THE Business With Your Best Friend: Why It Works for Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell at Oakland StablesUSEF Junior Hunter National Championship WestFranktown Meadows Hunter DerbyLens EnvyDana GoedewaagenFarmhouse Inn & Spa SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE 29THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANPHOTO @ GIANA TERRANOVAYour competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 25INDOOR FINALS HIGHLIGHTS FROM COAST TO COASTDOUBLE H FARM’S ONGOING MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PAST AND FORGE THE FUTURE ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE FIERACAVALLI VERONA: THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON REINING LENS ENVYMATTHEW SEEDTCE LIFECLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTTHE COMPETITIV QUESTRIANMARCH / APRIL 2020 ISSUE 26THE SPECIALISTSJOHN FRENCH FINDS HIS NICHE ALONGSIDE KENT FARRINGTONBETTER TOGETHERHOW REBECCA BRUCE AND NED GLYNN NAVIGATE LOVE AND HORSESLENS ENVYELEGANT EQUUS - LINDSAY BROWNTCE LIFEPASO ROBLESPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTSLONGINES FEI JUMPING :WORLD CUP™ WELLINGTONNATIONS CUP™ OF USAWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS$50,000 MARS EVENTING SHOWCASE FEI CSI5* $401,000 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS GRAND PRIXMAY/JUNE 2020 ISSUE 27JENNIFER BURGER'S JOURNEYFROM RIDING AND OWNING HORSES TO HORSE SHOW PRESIDENTLENS ENVYMATTHEW DONAHUE PHOTOGRAPHYTCE LIFEANANTARAPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS$300,000 CSI5* CP PALM BEACH MASTERS FINALWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL CDIO3*THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANNovember / December 2019 Issue 24Washington International Horse ShowHampton Classic Horse ShowThe Run For A MillionThe Kids Are AlrightThe American Gold CupLens EnvyTaylor PenceBalancing ActAndrew and Alex Welles Talk Marriage, Business and Parenting COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANSeptember / October 2019 Issue 24 THE Business With Your Best Friend: Why It Works for Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell at Oakland StablesUSEF Junior Hunter National Championship WestFranktown Meadows Hunter DerbyLens EnvyDana GoedewaagenFarmhouse Inn & Spa NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE 30THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIAN © SHELLEY PAULSONLENS ENVY SHELLEY PAULSON
OCTOBER 26-31, 2021SIGN UP TO START EARNING POINTS FOR 2021! JOIN TODAY! WIHS membership is required for points to count in the following divisions: WIHS Equitation Finals (East and West Coast Leagues)WIHS Pony Equitation Finals $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship QUALIFYING PERIOD: SEPT. 1, 2020, THROUGH AUG. 31, 2021 GO TO WIHS.ORG/MEMBERSHIP OR CALL 202.525.36796666662021WIHS_Membership_Beezie_Equiery.indd 12021WIHS_Membership_Beezie_Equiery.indd 1 8/13/2020 3:12:50 PM8/13/2020 3:12:50 PMYour competitive option for business promotion in the equestrian marketplace.DESIGN by The Competitive EquestrianDESIGN SERVICESWEBSITE | AD | DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING MATERIALSTHECOMPETITIVEEQUESTRIAN.COMTHE COMPETITVE EQUESTRIAN DIGITAL MAGAZINETHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANJANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 25INDOOR FINALS HIGHLIGHTS FROM COAST TO COASTDOUBLE H FARM’S ONGOING MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PAST AND FORGE THE FUTURE ELEMENTA MASTERS PREMIERE FIERACAVALLI VERONA: THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON REINING LENS ENVYMATTHEW SEEDTCE LIFECLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTTHE COMPETITIV QUESTRIANMARCH / APRIL 2020 ISSUE 26THE SPECIALISTSJOHN FRENCH FINDS HIS NICHE ALONGSIDE KENT FARRINGTONBETTER TOGETHERHOW REBECCA BRUCE AND NED GLYNN NAVIGATE LOVE AND HORSESLENS ENVYELEGANT EQUUS - LINDSAY BROWNTCE LIFEPASO ROBLESPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTSLONGINES FEI JUMPING :WORLD CUP™ WELLINGTONNATIONS CUP™ OF USAWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS$50,000 MARS EVENTING SHOWCASE FEI CSI5* $401,000 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS GRAND PRIXMAY/JUNE 2020 ISSUE 27JENNIFER BURGER'S JOURNEYFROM RIDING AND OWNING HORSES TO HORSE SHOW PRESIDENTLENS ENVYMATTHEW DONAHUE PHOTOGRAPHYTCE LIFEANANTARAPALM BEACH MASTERS SERIES HIGHLIGHTS$300,000 CSI5* CP PALM BEACH MASTERS FINALWINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTSADEQUAN GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL CDIO3*THE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANTHE COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANNovember / December 2019 Issue 24Washington International Horse ShowHampton Classic Horse ShowThe Run For A MillionThe Kids Are AlrightThe American Gold CupLens EnvyTaylor PenceBalancing ActAndrew and Alex Welles Talk Marriage, Business and Parenting COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIANSeptember / October 2019 Issue 24 THE Business With Your Best Friend: Why It Works for Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell at Oakland StablesUSEF Junior Hunter National Championship WestFranktown Meadows Hunter DerbyLens EnvyDana GoedewaagenFarmhouse Inn & Spa
92TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comWounds. Challenging to heal in humans and often even more challenging in horses!Hydrofera Blue foams have been used successfully in human medicine for over 20-years and are now available to the animal industry as VetBlue. VetBlue foams have been used successfully on all types of equine wounds; summer sores, lacerations, surgical incisions, and successfully suppressing proud esh. Whether the injury is large or small, VetBlue can assist in closing the damage while simultaneously managing infection. Foams are infused with Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet, giving the dressings a unique blue color. When wound drainage is drawn into the foam, the dyes work to help manage bioburden, allowing the body’s PRODUCT FOCUS | VETBLUEBy: Phelps Media Groupnatural resources to heal the wound from the inside out. However, if the injury is infected and the dyes control the bacteria, the foam will turn white, signaling that it’s time for a new dressing. VetBlue understands that it is essential to get your four-legged family member back to feeling themselves, which is why we believe it is imperative to improve the way animal wounds are managed. VetBlue foams are not JUST for vets; you can purchase them without a prescription. Try it today! Product can be purchased directly at 1-860-337-7730 or at Equine Tack and Nutritionals 800-833-8225. ApplicationBandaging with VetBlue
93 TCEJuly /August 2021PRODUCT FOCUS | VETBLUEWound 21 Days After VetBlue ApplicationWound Before VetBlueVetBlue Hydrofera FoamApplication
Traverse City Horse Shows Spring GalleryBy: Phelps Media GroupViews of the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring from the VIP tent Photo by Phelps Media Group
Hosted at the picturesque Flintelds Horse Park and managed and operated by Morrissey Management Group (MMG), Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) has quickly grown into one of the most sought-after horse show events and venues in North America for vacationers and equestrians alike. Run by horse people and made for horse people, Traverse City, Michigan is now a staple stop on the annual event calendar for barns, riders, and families. Oering a unique and boutique horse show experience, there is something for every rider and exhibitor to enjoy. From classes oered for the youngest competitors, all the way to high-performance CSI5* show jumping competition, the TCHS series is a step above the rest. Traverse City will play host to several new events and championships throughout 2021, including the inaugural USHJA Young Jumper Championships, Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) CSI5* tour stops, the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), the Markel/USHJA Zone 5 & 6 Jumper Team/Platinum Jumper Championship, the USHJA Young Jumper Championship, as well as the return of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament and the 51st Anniversary of the American Gold Cup.
Natalie Dean and Don’s DiamantPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Karl Cook and Caillou 24Photo by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Tiffany Foster and Vienna Photo by Allyson Lagiovane Phelps Media Group
Nick Haness and G. ElevenPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Chloe Watrous and ExceptionalPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Margie Engle and RoycePhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Kate Conover and Small Social, Sam Schaefer and TrademarkPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Forget Me Not Farm Kid Jumping AreaPhotos by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Sydney Shulman and VillamouraPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Tiany Morrissey stands in the Amberway Equine Winner’s circle with Bon Ami and EastwoodPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Lillie Keenan and Agana van het Gerendal ZPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Sandra Ferrell and Big BusinessPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupAscerado Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupCharlotte Clivio and Ascerado Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Charlotte Clivio and Ascerado Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupNoa Diener and HeartbreakerPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupAscerado Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Ali Wol and CasallPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Victoria Colvin and AristocratPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupKaren Howey and Geronimo Van BerkenbroeckPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupVictoria Colvin and AristocratPhoto by Libby Greene , Phelps Media Group
Karen Howey and Geronimo Van BerkenbroeckPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Daniel Bluman and Cachemire de BraizePhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Augusta Iwasaki and Heaven’s DreamPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Jamie Sailor and Nick HanessPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Hillary Johnson and Lonesome Dove. Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTiany and Matty Morrissey celebrate a successful leadline class. Photo by Brooke GiacinTiany, Matty and Matt Morrissey. Photo by Brooke Giacin Kelsey Epperson and Didgereedoo VDL. Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Roger Turner and Aviator. Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTiany and Matty Morrissey celebrate a successful leadline class. Photo by Brooke GiacinKelsey Epperson and Didgereedoo VDL. Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTraverse City Horse Shows Arch. Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Tiany MorrisseyPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTiany Morrissey and RF KrossrePhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Tiany Morrissey celebrated a successful derby aboard Bon Ami with daughter MattyPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTiany MorrisseyPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Katie Laurie and Cera CarusoPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media GroupLindsay Archer and JarpurPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Nick Haness celebrates success in the $15,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by the Ingram FamilyPhoto by Brooke Giacin
Celebrating a win in the $15,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by the Ingram FamilyPhoto by Brooke Giacin
Roberto Teran hands his ribbon o to his daughter,Photo by Brooke Giacin
Roberto Teran’s daughter shows o her ribbonPhoto by Brooke Giacin
John Perez Bohm and Voodoo 10Photo by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Sterling Malnik and Rockette Photo by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media GroupKatie Morano and Business Time, Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupMartha Ingram and Ice TimeLibby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Katie Morano and Business Time, Photo by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupTiany Foster and ViennaPhoto by Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Madison Mitchell and FabriesPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Kyra RussellPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupPolk Family Hunter RingPhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media Group
Rider’s LoungePhoto by Libby Greene, Phelps Media GroupSouthern Arches PavillionPhoto by Brooke Giacin
TCHS GrazingPhoto by Brooke GiacinTCHS Grazing TimePhoto by Brooke Giacin
Tiany, Matty and Matt MorrisseyPhoto by Brooke Giacin
TCHS CelebrationPhoto by Brooke Giacin
146TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comBRAND FOCUS | WILLIAM GRACEBy: Phelps Media Group
147 TCEJuly /August 2021Founded in September of 2019 by entrepreneur Carrie Scharbo, William Grace is an American lifestyle brand inspired by all things Equestrian. William Grace produces high-quality, luxury products including masks, scarves and hats, handbags, jewelry and home accessories. Each product has a simple elegance to it, giving each element a sophisticated feel that ts in seamlessly at the barn, horse show or workplace. SHOP ONLINE at william-grace.comBRAND FOCUS | WILLIAM GRACEThe Essential Clutch is a genuine pebbled, Nappa leather carryall that exudes sophistication. The Essential Clutch is made to hold everything you need and keep it safe. Slip this clutch into your favorite tote, travel bag or simply carry it alone. It is always guaranteed to impress.
148TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comWilliam Grace’s Equestrian Gold Paperclip Link Necklace is sure to make a statement. This luxurious 18kt yellow gold plated paper clip link necklace is a must-have for anyone’s jewelry collection. We added our own elegant and Equestrian charm for a simple, streamlined look.William Grace’s Bengston Cutting Board features exotic woods such as myrtle and madrone. These cutting boards are both eye-catching and a rare nd. Handmade by a local artisan, each one is unique and can be used as a serving piece, for chopping food and when not in use, as a decorative addition in your kitchen.
149 TCEJuly /August 2021Perfect for every season, William Grace’s Everyday Cashmere Hoodie is a must-have for cool summer nights and chilly winter days. With long sleeves, this 100% Organic Mongolian Cashmere hoodie is perfectly cropped with a drawstring hood and ribbed cus. Also pictured (left to right) is William Grace’s Stemless Wine Tumbler, Zoe Beaded Bracelet, Nautical Rectangle Carving Board and Hydrating Hand Sanitizer.
Our Palais de Paris Scarf is an Equestrian themed 100% silk scarf in the color of the year: yellow. Versatile in the ways it can be worn, these silk scarves eortlessly add that “Je ne sais quoi” power look to your wardrobe. Also pictured is our Polo Pony Acrylic Tray and Classic Stemless Wine Tumblers, perfect for entertaining outdoors!
PHOTO GALLERY:FRANKTOWN MEADOWS HUNTER DERBY 2021PHOTOS BY DEB DAWSON
Lulavani & Sami Milo Winner of the $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby © Deb Dawson
Lulavani & Sami Milo Winners of the $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby © Deb Dawson
Lulavani & Sami Milo Winners of the $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby © Deb Dawson
Lulavani & Sami Milo Winners of the $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby © Deb Dawson
Highest Scoring Junior in the $10,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Noah Nelson & Odysseus© Deb Dawson
Winner of the 2’6” Hunter Derby Wendy Brownlee and Katena© Deb Dawson
Winner of the 2’ Hunter Derby Ashlin Bowen and Cooper© Deb DawsonWinner of the 2’ Hunter Derby Ashlin Bowen and Cooper© Deb Dawson
164TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comWinner of the 2’ Pony Hunter Derby Emerson Marone and Versailles© Deb DawsonWinner of the 2’ Pony Hunter Derby Emerson Marone and Versailles© Deb Dawson
Winner of the 2’ Pony Hunter Derby Emerson Marone and Versailles© Deb Dawson
© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
Class of2021Leadline© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
Silver State Pony Club © Deb Dawson
Red Rock Hounds© Deb Dawson
National Anthem© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
Noah Nelson & Odysseus Sterling Sennhenn & Franktown Heaven’s Sake© Deb DawsonRibbon Girl - MacLean Sennhenn© Deb DawsonOut & About
© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson© Deb Dawson
178TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comPhotos by McCool Photography2021 BLENHEIM EQUISPORTSEARLY SUMMER GALLERYSAREE GORDON SOLANKI SAILS TO VICTORY IN THE RANCH & COAST $25,000 MARKEL INSURANCE JUMPER SERIES 1.45M JUMPER CLASSICSaree Gordon Solanki rode Azuro 108 to the win in the $25,000 Markel Insurance Jumper Series 1.45m Jumper Classic during the Ranch & Coast Classic at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, San Juan Capistrano, CA.A starting eld of 21 entries contested the class, all vying for a piece of the prize money and qualifying points towards the Markel Insurance Jumper Series nale to be held at the Las Vegas National Horse Show in November.Solanki would ultimately take the lion’s share of both points and prize money, but not before being given a run for her money by eventual second and third-place nisher, Uma O’Neill.Solanki and O’Neill each qualied two horses for the jump-o, accounting for four of eight entries that jumped without fault over the rst-round track set on the Oaks International Grand Prix Field by international course designer Ivan Tagle of Argentina.In the jump-o, Solanki was rst to set the standard by jumping clear on Tomboy Farm’s Loro Piana Ebony MSF in 39.724 seconds. O’Neill and her rst mount, Edelweiss, were the second pair to return for the short course and they stopped the clock on a clear round in 39.490 seconds. That time would hold as the one to beat until O’Neill returned to best herself, nishing with a new leading time of 39.074 seconds aboard her second mount, Clockwise of Greenhill Z.O’Neill’s lead did not last long however, as Solanki and Azuro 108 entered the ring as the next and nal combination to return. The duo made quick work of the course, shaving more than a second from O’Neill’s time to take the win in 37.807 seconds. Despite valiant eorts by the other jump o contenders, Michelle Parker & Easy Does It; Brooke Morin & NKH Carrido; Sara Van Fleet & Council FZ; and Mariano Maggi & Quintago VA, it took a double clear ride to claim the top four prizes.Solanki, 39, who competes for Israel, has been partnered with Azuro 108 for the past four years and credits the win on their partnership.“It was a great jump-o; it was super fun! [Azuro] is like my security blanket,” said Solanki of the 15-year-old Westphalian gelding also owned by Tomboy Farms. “He’s really taught me how to ride at the grand prix level. He sent me to my rst Nations Cup for Israel. I really have him to thank for giving me the condence to go out there and jump clear rounds today.”Solanki’s fourth-place ride, Loro Piana Ebony MSF, is a newer partner for her, but she is equally excited about the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion.RESULTS$25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45M Grand Prix ClassicPlace | Horse | Rider | Faults/Time1. Azuro 108 & Saree Gordon Solanki – 0/0/37.8072. Clockwise of Greenhill Z & Uma O’Neill – 0/0/39.0743. Edelweiss & Uma O’Neill – 0/0/39.4904. Loro Piana Ebony MSF & Saree Gordon Solanki – 0/0/39.7245. Easy Does It & Michelle Parker – 0/4/41.1796. NKH Carrido & Brooke Morin – 0/8/41.7947. Council FZ & Sara L Van Fleet – 0/14/55.4258. Quintago VA & Mariano Maggi – 0/retired9. Tylientje Z & Shawn Casady – 4/71.19910. Aramis de b’Neville & Mariano Maggi – 4/71.27411. Edita & Zume Gallaher – 4/72.54112. Elicole & Jason McArdle – 4/72.945Right: Saree Gordon Solanki and Azuro 108 soared to victory in the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45m Grand Prix during Ranch & Coast Classic at Blenheim EquiSports
180TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comRight: Small Social and Augusta Iwasaki wowed the judges to win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Blenheim EquiSport’s Ranch & Coast Classic.AUGUSTA IWASAKI AND SMALL SOCIAL SHINE IN $15,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL DERBY AT RANCH & COASTAugusta Iwasaki and Small Social shot straight to the top of the leaderboard in the rst round of the Ranch & Coast Classic’s $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and they stayed there through to the end to earn the May win at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano, CA.The pair nished with a two-round total score of 386, while Nick Haness and Eclair, owned by Ecole Lathrop, claimed a close second on a score of 382. With Iwasaki competing four entries in the class, she also nished in third with a score of 371 aboard Small Kingdom, owned by Iwasaki & Reilly, and fourth with a score of 366 on Attendu de Lannois Z, owned by Ashland Farms. “It’s so amazing to win today,” said Iwasaki, 17, who earned her rst USHJA International Derby victory in the same class at the 2019 Ranch & Coast Classic riding Small Kingdom. “I’ve been showing at Ranch & Coast since I was doing the short stirrup, so it’s really fun to be able to continue to show here and move up the ladder a little bit.”Iwasaki and Small Social were one of 17 entries that took on the rst-round course, set for the rst time in the spacious Olympic Sand Ring and designed by Scott Starnes.“I really like the ring!” said Iwasaki, joining numerous other riders in oering rave reviews of the new home for featured hunter competition throughout the Ranch & Coast Classic. “It’s big and really nice to ride in. I thought the courses were really fun.” Second-place nisher Haness added, “Blenheim has revived and restored that special horse show feeling. The ambiance in the new Olympic hunter ring is grand.”Haness, who also won Thursday’s USHJA National Hunter Derby riding Morrison, continued, “The horses jumped beautifully with all of the extra space, and the ringside exhibitor lounges attracted people to want to watch and support the highlighted events for the week. It felt special again, and it felt fun to win in such a great place.”For Starnes, the large ring provided the chance to set an inviting and owing course for the classic round.“It’s a nice, very big ring, and it rode pretty much how I was expecting,” said Starnes, whose rst-round course made good use of naturally colored obstacles, substantial brush and foliage and fences reminiscent of the hunt eld, including a log jump. “The horses seemed to be able to get a nice ow.” Following the conclusion of the classic round, the top 12 riders returned to the Olympic Sand Ring for the second, handy round. To clinch the win as the nal rider to return, Iwasaki needed a handy-round score higher than 201, and Small Social delivered. With all four high options taken, handy bonus points of six and nine and scores of 93 and 89, the duo matched Haness and Eclair’s second-round score of 205 and guaranteed their victory.“He was so fun, and you can just feel how athletic and capable he is,” said Iwasaki of Small Social, an 11-year-old Oldenburg owned by Iwasaki & Reilly.The chestnut gelding had been competing in the jumpers with Will Simpson before Kate Conover found him in 2020 and transitioned the horse to the hunter ring.“I started showing him in December, and he’s been awesome ever since then,” said Iwasaki.With a trot fence and multiple opportunities to execute inside turns, the second round allowed riders to really showcase their horses’ handiness – something the two judging panels agreed that both Iwasaki and Haness did exceptionally well.Haness and Eclair’s slick inside turns helped them earn 10 handy bonus points from the two judging panels, made up of Jim Dahlquist and Sandy Aston and Harriet Bunker and Gary Young. When coupled with four high option bonus points and scores of 89 and 88, Haness and Eclair earned a second-round score of 205, enough to ultimately move them up the leaderboard from third to second.RESULTS$15,000 USHJA International Hunter DerbyPlace | Horse | Rider | Rd. 1 Score / Rd. 2 Score = Total1. Small Social & Augusta Iwasaki – 181 / 205 = 3862. Eclair & Nick Haness – 177 / 205 = 3823. Small Kingdom & Augusta Iwasaki – 175 / 196 = 3714. Attendu de Lannois Z & Augusta Iwasaki – 171 / 195 = 3665. Coraggio & Emma Lindstrom – 170 / 194 = 3646. Incandescent & Charlotte Murray – 169.5 / 178 = 347.57. Verdict & Alexis Meadows – 157 / 164 = 3218. Positano & Victoria Lacagnina – 165 / 152 = 3179. Diar Noir & Robert Leckie – 167 / 136 = 30310. Rolo & Augusta Iwasaki – 178 / 108 = 28611. Prince of Peace & Katrina Pattinson – 147 / 111 = 25812. Compliment & Peter Lombardo – 150 / 100 = 25
Nick Haness piloted West Coast Equine Partners LLC’s Morrison to another victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
LAURA HITE HITS THE GAS TO WIN $25,000 MARKEL INSURANCE 1.45M GRAND PRIX AT BLENHEIM JUNE CLASSIC IILaura Hite and Calypso vd Zuuthoeve cranked up the pace to win the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45m Grand Prix with less than two-tenths of a second to spare, during the Blenheim June Classic II.A starting eld of 23 entries took to the Oaks International Grand Prix Field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA, with ve horse and rider combinations ultimately advancing to jump-o over the Jack Robson-designed course.From there, speed was the name of the game. The crowd was treated to an exciting race against the clock, as every rider to return jumped clear and each one proved to be just fractions faster than the rider before them. When Hite entered the ring as the nal rider to jump-o, the time to beat had been set at 39.094 seconds by Portugal’s Luis Sabino riding Argan de Beliard. In an exhilarating nish, Hite and “Calypso” stopped the clock in 38.929 seconds to clinch the win, relegating Sabino and Argan de Beliar, owned by Equivarandas II LDA, to second place. Third place with a time of 39.188 seconds went to Keri Potter and Fenna, owned by Hannah Loly.With two horses apiece in the jump-o, Hite and Sabino also nished in fourth and fth, respectively. Hite’s fourth-place nish with a time of 42.033 seconds came aboard Chattanooga, owned by HF Farms LLC, while Sabino and Camino Imperio Egipcio, owned by Equivarandas II LDA, rounded out the top ve with on 43.072 seconds. “There’s a little bit of sibling rivalry there with Calypso’s brother Chattanooga!” joked Hite. “I had a clear round with Chattanooga, and then there were some very, very fast rounds from riders that I really admire. I’m not really known for my speed, so I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to push myself.’ Luis and Keri are so fast, and my coach, Cassio Rivetti, was really pushing me to land and go. So, I pushed it. I had friends here watching, and my family’s here, so I was like, ‘I’m going for it,’ and I did!”“He’s my Pegasus; he’s beyond a unicorn,” said Hite. “I’ve been blessed with some amazing horses and a great team behind me, so I had to just trust in that.” Laura Hite celebrating her victory in the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.45m Grand Prix during Blenheim EquiSport’s June Classic II
184TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comAUGUSTA IWASAKI RIDES ROLO TO VICTORY IN THE $10,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY AT BLENHEIM JUNE CLASSIC IIAugusta Iwasaki and Rolo bested the Blenheim June Classic II $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, June 19, marking the 17-year-old rider’s second consecutive international derby win at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA.A score of 388 secured Iwasaki and Rolo the top spot in Saturday’s class, while Jenny Karazissis and Picnic nished in a close second with an overall score of 387. Third place with a score of 371 also went to Iwasaki, this time aboard Small Social, the mount she rode to victory in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby held during the Ranch & Coast Classic in May. “Rolo’s so good at this!” said Iwasaki of the winning 10-year-old bay Luxembourg Warmblood gelding, owned by Ariya Nathu. “I’ve never seen him do a class that he isn’t good at. It’s really crazy. I just have so much fun with him. It’s really special because me and my friend Ariya get to do him together. It’s a really special experience, and obviously he’s amazing.”On her way to this week’s win, Iwasaki rode four of the 17 entries in the class, and the young rider qualied to return for the handy round on all four of her rides.As Iwasaki and each of the top 12 entries prepared to return for the second round, the inaugural ShowAssist Horse Show Hero Award was presented to Oscar Ahumada.Throughout the show, grooms, braiders, bodyworkers and other support sta were nominated as horse show heroes – people whose hard work and dedication help make one’s horse show experience a success. From more than 100 of these nominations, Ahumada was randomly selected to receive a $500 cash prize and gifts from ShowAssist, along with a bucket full of goodies from Mary’s Tack Shop. Ahumada is a longtime groom for Jenifer Paris Owen of Cheval Farm, and Owen says that, “everyone at the barn sees Oscar as the go-to groom and his nickname is the horse show dad!”While Karazissis smooth rounds earned her Style Award, Iwasaki narrowly edged her out for the overall derby victory.With riders coming back to the Olympic Sand Arena for the second round in reverse order of their standings, Iwasaki had the opportunity to contest the handy round course twice before returning aboard Rolo – something she was able to use to her advantage“Usually, my plan with the handy round really depends on who else is up there and how low I am [in the standings], but since I had four in it today, I kind of tested it out on the rst horse because I was a little bit lower,” explained Iwasaki, who rst returned aboard Deva, the mount she ultimately rode to the ninth-place spot. “I thought the turns were dicult but not impossible. So, I kept doing them, and I got more practice doing it. It worked out really well!”The slick inside turns that Iwasaki tried out on each of her horses were exceptionally well maneuvered aboard Rolo, earning the pair handy bonus points from the two judging panels of nine and 10. With all four high option fences taken and base scores of 90 and 89, Iwasaki and Rolo nished the round on a high score of 206, which, when coupled with a rst-round score of 182 shot them to the top of the leaderboard with a 388 total. Karazissis and Picnic, owned by Lisa Hankin, returned next to give Iwasaki a run for her money. The pair earned nearly equal second-round scores, including handy bonus points of nine and 10, base scores of 89 and 89.5 and all four high option bonus points for a 205.5 second-round total. Karazissis had similarly nished the rst round just half a point behind Iwasaki and Rolo on a 181.5, which gave Karazissis an overall score of 387.The nal pair to return were Iwasaki and Small Kingdom; they led the rst round on a score of 183.5, but an unfortunate rail in the second round would leave them with a 301.5 overall score and would secure the win for Rolo.Prior to the start of the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the Blenheim June Classic II also hosted the $5,000 USHJA Junior Hunter Derby Southwest Regional Final and the $5,000 USHJA Amateur Hunter Derby Southwest Regional Final. Earning the win in the Junior Hunter Derby was Skylar Wireman riding Baldeur, owned by Shayne Wireman, and in the Amateur Hunter Derby, it was Grace McReynolds who took the top call aboard her own Caruso.RESULTS$10,000 USHJA International Hunter DerbyPlace | Horse | Rider | Rd. 1 Score / Rd. 2 Score = Total1. Rolo & Augusta Iwasaki – 182 / 206 = 3882. Picnic & Jenny Karazissis – 181.5 / 205.5 = 3873. Small Social & Augusta Iwasaki – 172 / 199 = 3714. Icon & Jessica Allan – 169 / 192 = 3615. Mojito C & Lindsay Stefanko – 152 / 165 = 3176. Small Kingdom & Augusta Iwasaki – 183.5 / 118 = 301.57. Go & Jayme Omand – 137 / 155 = 2928. Verdict & Alexis Meadows – 179.5 / 107 = 286.59. Deva & Augusta Iwasaki – 162 / 107 = 26910. Positano & Victoria Lacagnina – 178 / 83 = 26111. Just Cavalli & Gabrielle Sokolow – 98 / 92 = 19012. Catoon & Zoe Wolf – 147 / 0 = 147Right: Augusta Iwasaki leading the victory gallop in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Rolo
185 TCEJuly / August 2021
186TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comAVERY GLYNN GETS THE WIN IN THE AMERICAN TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE EQUITATION CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY WHITETHORNEAvery Glynn, 15, topped a competitive eld of 81 entries to win The American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by Whitethorne, on Wednesday, June 23.Now in its fourth year, the two-day, three-phase event is held annually as part of the Blenheim June Classic III and attracts many of the West Coast’s top junior and amateur riders to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA.Glynn and Cocon 4 kicked things o on Tuesday morning with a rst-round score of 78.50 over the course set at 3’3” by Karen Healey. That score would put Glynn into 16th place at the conclusion of day one of competition, but the young rider returned on Wednesday to work her way straight to the top of the leaderboard with an overall score of 250. Finishing in a close second place with an overall score of 249.25 was Kaitlin Perry riding Figaro, while third place went to Hawaii’s Rebecca Beall with a score of 247.25 aboard Calino G.“This is the rst year that I’ve been able to do this class, which I was really excited about,” said Glynn, who trains with Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm and her parents, Hope and Ned Glynn. “I love that there were two riding phases and a work-o. My goal was to try to get in that work-o. I thought it was set up really well so that I could do all the tests and try and move up.”Amidst her climb to the top of the class, Glynn joined all of the riders at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Tuesday night for phase two: educational presentations and a Q&A session with the judges.During the course of the evening, riders heard from mental skills coach Tonya Johnston, watched the EquestrianCoach.com educational video, Form Follows Function, and participated in a discussion with the judges and course designer about phase one, the course and what the judges would be looking for in the second phase jumping round, as well as in the work-o. On Wednesday morning, all riders were then invited back for phase three, where they competed over a new course designed by Healey and got to put into practice what they learned from the judges on Tuesday – something Glynn did particularly well.“Avery didn’t give up; she kept ghting,” said judge Jimmy Torano who presided over the class alongside Emil Spadone. “She kept digging and clawing her way back.”At the conclusion of phase three, a score of 83.5 had helped Glynn climb 10 spots up the rankings into sixth place. Perry meanwhile sat in rst place on scores of 82.75 and 84.50 for a two-round total of 167.25, while Beall held second place on a score of 165.50.With the top six returning for a nal work-o, Glynn was the rst rider back in the ring. In a well-executed nal test, Glynn seamlessly landed and held the counter-canter to two fences and displayed a strong hand gallop to the nal fence of the test before exiting the ring at a walk. The ride would earn her a score of 88 and ultimately the overall victory. “The nal testing really made the dierence,” said Spadone. “Everybody really rose to the occasion today, but our winner, she walked in testing rst and really laid it down. They just couldn’t quite catch her. She had an excellent day, but all the other competitors did as well. It was a great class today. In the top six, if you looked at their scores, they were only ve points apart [after phase three]. It really could have been anybody’s day today, because I think they’re all quite good riders.”Glynn in part credited the format of the class and the phase two discussions with the judges for the way she rode the nal test of the class. “I have never successfully landed and held the counter-canter on that horse before,” Glynn said of Cocon 4, owned by Ned Glynn. “But last night, [after talking a lot about counter-cantering in the meeting], I felt like the meeting really inspired me. I knew I was going into the test in sixth, and it was basically all or nothing, so I decided to give it a shot. I’ve been practicing a lot at home, so I decided to try and land and hold the counter-canter on both jumps, and it ended up being successful so I was happy about that. I also really liked receiving the judges’ cards. I thought they were really helpful.” The class is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors like Whitethorne, which was represented onsite by Georgy Maskrey-Segesman.RESULTSThe American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by WhitethornePlace | Horse | Rider | Rd. 1 Score / Rd. 2 Score = Total*Only top six riders returned for work-o1. Cocon 4 & Avery Glynn – 78.50 / 83.50 / 88.00 = 250.002. Figaro & Kaitlin Perry – 82.75 / 84.50 / 82.00 = 249.253. Calino G & Rebecca Beall – 81.50 / 84.00 / 81.75 = 247.254. Quirin & Grace Belmont – 83.50 / 81.50 / 80.00 = 245.005. Clooney 62 & Elisa Broz – 80.00 / 83.25 / 78.00 = 241.256. Criminal Minds & Brooke Mostman – 77.00 / 86.00 / 74.00 = 237.007. Twizzler & Della Walker – 86.00 / 74.5 = 160.508. Edesa’s Cameroon & Ella Dyson – 81.75 / 77.75 = 159.509. Vondel DH Z & Stella Buckingham – 76.75 / 82 = 158.7510. Just Cavalli & Gabrielle Sokolow – 83.25 / 74.25 = 157.50Right: Avery Glynn rose to the occasion to win the American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by Whitethorne LLC
187 TCEJuly / August 2021RESULTSThe American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by WhitethornePlace | Horse | Rider | Rd. 1 Score / Rd. 2 Score = Total*Only top six riders returned for work-o1. Cocon 4 & Avery Glynn – 78.50 / 83.50 / 88.00 = 250.002. Figaro & Kaitlin Perry – 82.75 / 84.50 / 82.00 = 249.253. Calino G & Rebecca Beall – 81.50 / 84.00 / 81.75 = 247.254. Quirin & Grace Belmont – 83.50 / 81.50 / 80.00 = 245.005. Clooney 62 & Elisa Broz – 80.00 / 83.25 / 78.00 = 241.256. Criminal Minds & Brooke Mostman – 77.00 / 86.00 / 74.00 = 237.007. Twizzler & Della Walker – 86.00 / 74.5 = 160.508. Edesa’s Cameroon & Ella Dyson – 81.75 / 77.75 = 159.509. Vondel DH Z & Stella Buckingham – 76.75 / 82 = 158.7510. Just Cavalli & Gabrielle Sokolow – 83.25 / 74.25 = 157.50
188TCETheCompetitiveEquestrian.comKyle King has fun leading the victory gallop during the nal week of the Blenheim Spring Classic SeriesTRULY NOBLE, BUZZWORTHY, CHIANTI DE LUXE, AND BRAGGING RIGHTS WIN BIG IN THE BLENHEIM EQUISPORTS WEST COAST PONY HUNTER CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY USHJA ZONE 10Shiloh Roseboom on Truly Noble, Lauren Padilla aboard Buzzworthy, Laurel Piombo on Chianti de Luxe, and Emma Tangen with Bragging Rights were among the major winners of the week as the smallest competitors took to the biggest sand ring during the Blenheim June Classic III.In June the horse show featured the Blenheim Equisports West Coast Pony Challenge, presented by USHJA Zone 10, giving ponies prime time in the Olympic Sand Arena and attracting the West Coast’s top pony competitors.From among them, Roseboom rode to the Pony Hunter Grand Championship for the third consecutive time, this year aboard Truly Noble. “It feels awesome to be grand champion again!” said Roseboom, who added her name to the West Coast Pony Challenge Grand Champion Perpetual Trophy, donated by Willowbrooke Farm. “It’s denitely a great accomplishment for the ponies, and it’s a big deal for me.”“My favorite part of this week is that the ponies are prioritized,” continued Roseboom, who, like many of her fellow young competitors, utilized the sti pony competition and the format of the Blenheim Equisports West Coast Pony Challenge as preparation for the USEF Pony Finals, to be held August 9-15 in Lexington, KY. “They get to show in a nice big ring, and it’s a big deal for them.”On their way to the overall championship title, Roseboom and Truly Noble, a 24-year-old Welsh Pony owned by Pegasus Show Stable Inc., rst clinched the Medium Pony Hunter division championship with 31 points.Roseboom and Truly Noble then put the nal exclamation point on their exceptional week by winning the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship West Coast. “The Gochman family had [Truly Noble] for a few years, and he had a really successful career with them,” explained Roseboom, who trains with Michael and Christa Endicott. “He’s won almost everywhere, but he actually got hurt three years ago. We thought that it would be time to retire him, but he showed that he still wanted to come back! So, he’s 24, and he’s still loving showing around. We’ve been saving him just for this week!”Also nishing on 31 points was Large Pony Hunter Champion, Child’s Play Hot Topic and Emme Tangen; with 16 points over fences they were named the West Coast Pony Challenge Reserve Grand Champion Pony.In the Small Pony Hunters, it was Lauren Padilla who swept the tricolor honors, securing the championship with So Enchanted, owned by Highland Farm LLC, and the reserve championship with Buzzworthy. Padilla’s winning ways continued with Buzzworthy, as the pair also topped the West Coast Pony Challenge $2,500 Mary’s Tack & Feed Pony Hunter Classic, presented by Pegasus Stables.“Buzzworthy is one of the best ponies that I’ve ever ridden,” said Padilla, who led the way in the classic on scores of 84 and 86 for a 170 winning total. “He likes to go fast. That’s one of the reasons why they call him Buzz. In my favorite round, I wasn’t sure if I should do the inside turn to the fth to the last, and Buzz poked his ears forward like he was saying, ‘Let’s do it!’ So that was fun!”Finishing in second with scores of 83 and 85 for an overall score of 168 were Roseboom and Truly Noble. “This is a great week and event for the kids,” said Christa Endicott, who trains both Roseboom and Padilla. “It’s always something to look forward to all year. Everyone turns out for it. It’s big competition, and it’s great for the sport.”The Green Pony Hunters also took their turn in the spotlight, with the Grand Green Pony Hunter championship ultimately presented to Emma Tangen and Bragging Rights, owned by Billie Guerin.The duo earned two wins and a second-place nish over fences, as well as a second place under a saddle and a win in the model of the Large Green Pony Hunters for the overall victory. “[Bragging Rights] is the most perfect pony ever,” said Tangen, who will be heading to her rst Pony Finals in August. “It’s really fun showing in the big ring because everyone comes to watch you, and they clap for you.”Claiming the West Coast Pony Challenge Reserve Grand Green Pony Hunter Champion tri-color was Balmoral Farm’s Theme Song, ridden to the Medium Green division championship by Shiloh Roseboom on 35 points.Finishing with the win in the West Coast Pony Challenge $500 Mary’s Tack & Feed Green Pony Hunter Classic, presented by Pegasus Show Stables Inc., plus the reserve championship in the Large Green Pony Hunter division were Laurel Piombo and Chianti de Luxe, an 11-year-old mare owned by Nicasio Valley Barn, LLC. “Chianti de Luxe had been doing the jumpers, so she is new to the hunters. She’s just been great lately!” said Piombo, who earned scores of 82 and 80 for a total score of 162. “I think getting the bigger strides in the lines and using her big stride as an advantage was really helpful this week.”Right: Truly Noble, claimed the win in the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby West Coast Championship with Shiloh Roseboom
Dot Com, owned and ridden by Lexie Looker, jumped to victory in the $5,000 USHJA Amateur Hunter Derby Regional FinalsJenny Karazissis earned the inaugural Best Hunter Style Award aboard Picinic, owned by Lisa Hankin, during the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Blenheim June Classic II
Shawn Casady and Captain Jack, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian, competing on the Oak’s International Grand Prix Field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding ParkAugusta Iwasaki and Nick Haness celebrate their top placings in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Blenheim EquiSport’s Ranch & Coast Classic
Irene Neuwirth celebrates her multiple World Championship Hunter Rider Week awardsLauren Padilla rode Buzzworthy to the win in the West Coast Pony Hunter Challenge $2,500 Mary’s Tack and Feed Pony Hunter Classic, presented by Pegasus Show Stables
Katie Taylor and L’Con Reyes put forward spectacular rounds to win the $25,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Summer Hunter Spectacular at Blenheim EquiSportsSkylar Wireman praised Baldeur after their win in the $5,000 USHJA Junior Hunter Derby Regional Finals at Blenheim EquiSports
Small Kingdom enjoying his pats during the awards ceremony of the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter DerbyJamie Taylor and Ava Peck’s Ever So Often won the $10,000 USHJA Professional National Hunter Derby Southwest Regional Championship
Calypso VD Zuuthoeve and Laura Hite soar over the Markel Insurance signature fence during Blenheim June Classic IIVictoria Lacagnina and her own Positano claimed the $15,000 USHJA 3’6”-3’9” Green Hunter Incentive Southwest Regional Championship during Blenheim June Classic II
Luis Sabino and Argan De Belliard nd more success at Blenheim EquiSports in the $5,000 1.40m Jumper Classic, sponsored by CorroSophia Donald won the San Marcos Training Sportsmanship award during the West Coast Pony Hunter Challenge Week at Blenheim EquiSportsBruno Diniz Das Neves and his own Adele XIII won the second leg of the Interactive Mortgage “Ticket to Ride” High Performance Jumper SeriesVictoria Lacagnina and her own Positano claimed the $15,000 USHJA 3’6”-3’9” Green Hunter Incentive Southwest Regional Championship during Blenheim June Classic II
Caroline Bishop having fun during her rounds at #ThePlaceToJumpSophia Donald won the San Marcos Training Sportsmanship award during the West Coast Pony Hunter Challenge Week at Blenheim EquiSportsBruno Diniz Das Neves and his own Adele XIII won the second leg of the Interactive Mortgage “Ticket to Ride” High Performance Jumper Series
Each day, our equestrian athletes train relentlessly with a singular focus—to become better than they were the day before. The United States Equestrian Team Foundation takes this important cue from those we support. We embark on a campaign that is Raising the Bar, empowering ourselves, our friends, and donors to make a commitment to the future of American equestrian sport—a commitment to build stability and permanence for our United States Equestrian Teams. We call on you to consider with us our path forward. Your leadership of this initiative will define the future of our nation’s equestrian sporting tradition and underscore the importance of this historic Campaign.To discuss your commitment to Raising the Bar, members of the USET Foundation staff welcome the opportunity to meet with you to talk through the Campaign and your participation. To schedule a conversation, please contact us at (908) 234-1251.Riding faster, jumping higher, reaching further.Supporting Athletes Promoting International ExcellenceBuilding for the Future Photo by Elaine Wessel / Phelps Media Group