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

Honoring Paul Newman's

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CLEA NEWMAN Keeping Her Father’s Legacy Alive

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 4, 2026

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FEATURES N OV E M B E R | D E CE M B E R 2 0 2 5

PHOTO OWEN McCLAIN

CELEBRATING THE PERCHERON

SPRUCE MEADOWS

34 Celebrating its 50th anniversary earlier this year, the revered North American show-jumping venue welcomed a record number of attendees to watch world-class competition. Over 143 horses from 18 nations competed before dazzled fans.

MARK MINESS

36 Back in the saddle again, the equestrian is enjoying great success competing in the show-jumping ring and developing young horses. From cross rails to grand prix, his career includes a surprising full-circle moment at the 2024 Hampton Classic.

CELEBRATING THE PERCHERON

42 A towering Percheron draft horse, forged in five thousand pounds of steel, is the result of a collaboration between Norwood Development Group and renowned Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. Serving as a grand piece of public art, it celebrates the resilient spirit of the Colorado plains.

BOOK OF NOTE: GLORIOUS GARDENS

48 Wander through the enchanting outdoor spaces of celebrated interior designers. Find inspiration in images showcasing intricate details and sweeping vistas, from a New York City urban oasis to a magical hideaway in Morocco.

GIVING BACK: HORSES AND HEART

GIVING BACK 4 | EQU E S T R I A N L I V I NG | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

COURTESY SERIOUSFUN CHILDREN’S NETWORK

COURTESY IN-SITE DESIGN

In four stories of generosity, meet tenacious women committed to uplifting and enriching the lives of others, whether focusing on horse welfare, empowering children with medical challenges, or supporting para athletes.

THE DISTINCTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY OF SUSAN M c CLAFFERTY

80 The photographer’s love of horses merges with her creative interests in dance, music, flowers, and abstract patterns, all of which influence her images, cast in captivating light.

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EQ I N S I D E

DEPARTMENTS N OV E M B E R | D E CE M B E R 2 0 2 5

STYLE

Plaids square up as a seasonal favorite in items, from Tartan throws and slingback flats to festive dinnerware. FASHION

From a launch party in a college barn to nearly 100 retailers and a Wellington, Florida, flagship, Brianne Link’s Equisite brings modern elegance and performance to equestrian apparel worldwide. FOOD + DRINK

The Horse Thief, a multi-layered cocktail served at The Lodge at Blue Sky near Park City, Utah, was inspired by the rescue of an abused horse named Gracie.

DÉCOR

COURTESY AUBERGE RESORTS

Enhance the atmosphere and comfort in your barn while adding practical elements to the tack room without compromising style. PEOPLE IBACH MEDIA

SWEETGRASS STUDIO

Allyson Rogers, the CEO of Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch, is deeply rooted in regenerative tourism and developing strong equine connections. FAVORITES

Marty Bauman, founder of Classic Communications, shares some of his favorites, from greatest extravagance and fashion source to restaurants and getaway escape.

The founder of Svalinn Dogs, Kim Greene, has cultivated a lineage of dogs that are as refined and grounded as they are protective.

Horses, universally versatile, participate in regional traditions across the globe, from Mongolia to Michigan. GIVING BACK

ON THE COVER

IN EACH ISSUE Cover photo of Clea Newman with her father, Paul Newman. Photo courtesy of SeriousFun Children’s Network. For the full feature on Clea Newman, see page 56.

EDITOR’S NOTE 8 Welcome to Equestrian Living. RESOURCES 97 Look for CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 to find the products and services in this issue. BARN DOGS 98 Meet Otter and Cedar, two scruffy rescues that have joined the happy menagerie at their new California home.

6 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I NG | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

Nicole Smith founded The Exceller Fund dedicated to finding suitable retirements for “racing warriors.” BOOK

Read an excerpt from Do Puddles Eat Ponies: A Horse Seeks Answers to Life’s Fundamental Questions, by Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux. PROPERTIES

Making an informed decision: The pros and cons of riding arena styles.

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

ach year, I’m reminded how the timing of our November/ December philanthropy feature aligns with the arrival of the holiday season—a time heralded for generosity and collective goodwill. Of course, retailers would have us believe otherwise, tucking tinsel and ornaments onto shelves in September just behind the candy corn. But for me, the real season of giving begins when we share stories that lift others up. Given the fluctuating economy, the work of giving seems even more essential, whether focused on horse welfare, empowering children with medical challenges, supporting para athletes, or strengthening communities. And while there is an understandable degree of seriousness to philanthropic efforts, there’s also a spirit of ingenuity and determination blended with feisty know-how. You’ll see plenty of that resolve in the pages ahead. The five women highlighted in this issue’s philanthropy stories are inspiring and formidable—each resolute in her mission. Horses thread through their areas of focus, drawing from their early experiences in the competition ring or on family trail rides. As you read about the

PHOTO GEORGE KAMPER

WELCOME children whose lives they touch, you may find yourself wondering; How can I help? This issue’s cover featuring Clea Newman and her father, Paul Newman, harkens back to the philanthropic spirit of her dad and his launch of Newman’s Own Foundation and a network of camps for kids who just “happen to be sick.” Clea is carrying out his legacy, embracing her role as global ambassador of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, which has camps located worldwide. I had the pleasure of spending time with Rowan O’Riley and Paralympian Rebecca Hart at Rowan’s Wellington, Florida, farm and witnessing the rapport and respect they shared for each other. Part friendship, part partnership, it was easy to see how their shared goals powered their journey to gold-medal success. Beyond the philanthropic focus, we share the fascinating full-circle riding career of show jumper Mark Miness. And, in Colorado, a new community honors its Percheron heritage with a five-thousand-pound steel sculpture—an extraordinary collaboration between Norwood Development and sculptor Andy Scott. This issue brims with good energy and creativity. You’ll find stories that give back in unexpected ways—from a grassroots Thoroughbred rescue to a cocktail created to raise funds for equine-healing foundations. Our departments also spotlight the versatility of classic plaids, a photographer’s horses in luminous light, and an equestrian apparel designer on the rise. Before I close, I would like to acknowledge our senior editor, Jill Novotny, whose thoughtful storytelling anchors so much of this issue. Her

8 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I NG | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

insightful reporting and instinct for stories with heart—often grounded in environmental, humanitarian, and animal-welfare causes—add extraordinary depth to every issue. We ask a lot of Jill, and she always delivers. I’d also like to share some exciting changes for 2026! Beginning in the new year, EQ Living will publish four beautifully enhanced issues annually—each one more luxurious, immersive, and collectible. Expect deeper storytelling, expanded photography spreads, and an elevated design that will invite you to return to it again and again. Rising postage and print costs mean we’re concentrating our investment where it matters most—crafting more impactful magazines that deliver lasting value. The upcoming new and expanded website will bring readers even more stories, exclusive online content, and beautiful digital experiences—so you can enjoy the world of equestrian style and culture in more ways than ever before. Expect more curated content, enhanced production values, and a seamless print plus digital experience that honors the magazine’s equestrian heritage and future. As the holidays approach, I hope you’ll embrace the ripple effect of kindness. One generous act can spark another—and that’s the best kind of holiday spirit. I wish all of you, and the entire Equestrian Living team and their families a joy-filled holiday season. Cheers!

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VOLUME 14 NUMBER 6 EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie B. Peters SENIOR EDITOR Jill B. Novotny PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR George Kamper EDITORS AT LARGE Rebecca Baldridge, Judy Richter (2015-2022) PHOTOGRAPHER AT LARGE Alden Corrigan CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR Leslie Munsell, Beauty For Real CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lindsay Berreth, Jenni Kayne, Sarah Lessler, Beth Rasin, Betsy Stein CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Blue Owl Photography, Ibach Media, Lindsey Hurley, Richard Seldomridge, Owen McClain DESIGN MANAGER Mary A. Stroup SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB CONTENT Maggie Carty Golon DIGITAL & CLIENT SERVICES Sarah Lessler EDITORIAL MANAGER Theresa Cardamone EQ SPECIAL EVENTS Jennifer Pearman Lammer UK-BASED LONDON EDITOR Bridget Arsenault

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EQUESTRIAN QUARTERLY (EQ) became EQUESTRIAN LIVING magazine in 2016 and is published four times yearly. It is distributed at selected equestrian locations, newsstands, and is available for home delivery for $28.95 | Canada $46.95.

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EQ was chosen OVERALL BEST EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE in its inaugural year by American Horse Publications.

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EQ S T Y L E

LINES OF TRADITION

From blazers to bags, PLAID SQUARES UP as a seasonal essential.

1. Terrain’s Antique Tartan Recycled Throw, crafted in pre-loved wool for cozy nights by the fire. $198. 2, 3. Ralph Lauren’s Wexford Dinner Plate in green plaid trim ($75 per plate) and set-of-four Dessert Plates in full plaid pattern. $150. 4. The modern-designed Short Plaid Perfecto Jacket by Wolf & Badger blends style and sustainability in an organic cotton tartan print. $928. 5. The Italian-made Check Folding Umbrella by Burberry is finished with a carved wooden handle and palladium-plated cap. $680. 6. The Barbour Elm Tartan Crossbody Bag in finely grained leather and age-finished hardware features a saddle-inspired line. At Nordstrom. $185. 7. MindtheGap’s aluminum-made Woodstock Table Lamp in polished nickel. $439. Shown with the brand’s Monterey plaid green lampshade. $389. 8. The Cecile Plaid Cap-toe Slingback in camel multi by Veronica Beard features a square toe and oneinch heel. $300. 9. Penny for Your Thoughts compact red plaid crossbody bag for essentials by Betsy Johnson. $108.

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 12 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

Luxury Trail Horses

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SADDLE TRAIL • $21,500,000 Steps Away From The Horse Show • Stunning Architecture Designed for Privacy and Practicality • Spanish Bungalow Home Features Pool, Spa and Outdoor Terrace • Custom 28-Stall Center Aisle Barn • 2 Full Tack Rooms • Numerous Wash Stalls • Large Lounge With Kitchen • Owner’s Office With Spacious Balcony and Outdoor Fireplace • Expansive All-Weather Arena • 2 Storage Buildings Offer 6 Garages • 2-Bedroom Apartment With Porch • 8 Shaded and Spacious Paddocks

SADDLE TRAIL • $7,450,000 Stunning Custom-Built 4-Bedroom, 3.5-Bath Pool Home • High-End Appliances • Lanai With Travertine Flooring • 16-Stall Barn Features 2 Tack Rooms, 2 Feed Rooms and Laundry • 5 Paddocks and Round Pen • Fiber Arena by Drew Dirtworks • Separate Storage Garage • 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath Apartment With Kitchen

THE NEXT MOVE IS YOURS Home is Where Your Horse Is

1111 LINCOLN RD, PH-805, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139. 305.695.6300 © 2025 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE BROKER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO SOLICIT THE OFFERINGS OF OTHER REAL . ESTATE BROKERS. WE COOPERATE WITH THEM FULLY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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GRAND PRIX VILLAGE • $17,000,000 Exceptional 5.88-Acre Equestrian Training Facility • Direct Access to Wellington International Horse Show Grounds Via Private Gate • Luxurious 2-Bedroom Owner’s Quarters • Private Office and Lounge • 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Staff Accommodation • 16-Stall Barn • Tack and Feed Rooms • 4 Wash Stalls • State-Of-The-Art All-Weather Ring • Grass Grand Prix Field and Training Track • 5 Paddocks and Lunging Ring • Rare Gem in the Heart of Equestrian Excellence!

FOX TRAIL • $4,720,000 Meticulously Renovated 5-Acre Farm • 5-Bedroom, 4-Bath Home • New Kitchen With Quartzite Countertops • Heated Saltwater Pool • New Metal Roof and Impact Glass Throughout • 2 Barns Totaling 20 Stalls • All-Weather Fiber Arena • Round Pen and Walker • Extensive Trail System

MARTHA W. JOLICOEUR, PA Director of Luxury Sales Equestrian Homes and Estates of Distinction 561 797 8040 www.MarthasProperties.com

EQ F A S H I O N

ELEMENTS OF STYLE

IBACH MEDIA

From a launch party in a barn to a Wellington, Florida, flagship, BRIANNE LINK’S EQUISITE brings modern style and performance to equestrian apparel.

BY SARAH LESSLER

or Brianne Link, fashion and horses have always gone hand in hand. What began as a childhood love of riding on Long Island eventually evolved into Equisite Elements of Style, a brand that has quickly become a staple in eques-

trian style. Brianne was an Equestrian Studies major at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she found a way to merge her two passions—horses and fashion. “My senior thesis was on the evolution of equestrian fashion,” she recalls, a deep dive that gave her the confidence to launch her own brand. In 2020, during her final year at SCAD, Brianne hosted Equisite’s official launch at the university’s equestrian center. 16 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

Above: Equisite Founder Brianne Link Opposite: Clockwise, from top left: The perforated, sleeveless, mockneck Blaire Shirt in ultra-smooth fabric, with unrestricted movement. In powder blue. $78. The Lilliana Shirt in soft, breathable extrathin material with floral lace on the arms. In jet black. $145. The Alesia Shirt is a high-collar technical top ideal for active wear and everyday comfort. In eucalyptus. $98.

Originally specializing in customized team apparel, Equisite quickly gained traction through partnerships with colleges and barns across the country. But when COVID-19 put team competitions on pause, Brianne pivoted, expanding Equisite into a ready-to-wear line designed for life both in and out of the saddle. Riders embraced her versatile pieces, which soon found their way into major retailers, including Dover Saddlery. Today, Equisite is carried by nearly 100 retailers worldwide, along with close to 20 universities and 50 barns, including the prestigious Beacon Hill Show Stables. Brianne opened her first brick-and-mortar shop in Wellington, which doubles as a showroom and retail hub. Equisite has recently become the official apparel partner for the 2026 Wellington International, designing for the Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage Festival souvenir shop.

IBACH MEDIA

LINDSEY HURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

IBACH MEDIA

EQ F A S H I O N

The growth has been rapid, and Brianne admits the most significant challenge has been keeping up with demand. Expanding into a proper warehouse space has allowed her to scale production and continue supporting her wholesale and retail partners. “My favorite part is seeing the vision come to life— watching riders walk into the ring or practice at their barn, wearing something I dreamed up,” she says. Looking ahead, Brianne is focused on expanding Equisite’s reach into Europe and Canada while continuing to collaborate with riders and retailers worldwide. For her, success isn’t just about business growth; it’s about community. “It all comes back to the support of my family, trainers, classmates, and SCAD. I’m so grateful for everyone who believed in Equisite from the start.” CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 Use the code “EQLIVING” for 10% off online purchases at www.equisite-elementsofstyle.com.

NOVE MB E R/DE C E MB E R | 202 5 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 1 7

EQ F O O D + D R I N K

THE HORSE THIEF F L AVO

LOC

A western twist on a traditional margarita, this cocktail served at THE LODGE AT BLUE SKY near Park City, Utah, supports a valuable cause.

COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS

TR UN CO ITES E R S VOR O H FA

KERI POGGI is the creative force behind the bar at Yuta, the signature restaurant at The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection. A South Side Chicago native with a background in music, Keri moved to Utah in 2012 and quickly found her rhythm in bartending. Her bold creativity and passion for storytelling shine through in her signature cocktail, The Horse Thief—a multi-layered drink inspired by the rescue of an abused horse named Gracie, saved by lodge owner Barb Phillips (see page 74). The cocktail pays tribute to Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, based at The Lodge at Blue Sky, and is now served at Auberge Resorts worldwide, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. A champion of handcrafted ingredients and local flavors, Keri brings heart, spice, and soul to every pour—all while raising her daughter to love nature just as much as she does.

THE HORSE THIEF

ABOUT THE LODGE

INGREDIENTS 3 to 5 blackberries ½ ounce ginger syrup 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila ½ ounce High West Campfire whiskey ½ ounce green Chartreuse ½ ounce lime juice Tajín spice for garnish

Located on a sprawling 4,000-acre private ranch, The Lodge at Blue Sky offers a refined escape just a short drive from Park City, Utah. This Auberge Resorts Collection property provides an intimate and luxurious experience, seamlessly blending with its stunning natural surroundings. The lodge features a variety of accommodations, from private yurts to sophisticated suites, all designed with a rustic yet elegant aesthetic. Read the article on page 74.

PREPARATION Muddle blackberries in a shaker with ginger syrup. Add remaining ingredients and ice. Shake to chill. Half rim a rocks glass with Tajin spice. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

20 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

Extend your growing season. 10x14 COLONIAL GABLE WOOD GREENHOUSE WITH FLOOR

Made in the USA with Amish craftsmanship. 76.5” sidewalls with premium 2x4 wood framing to provide enhanced stability and strength. .....Crafted with high quality LP SmartSide siding and trim primed and ready to paint. Includes corrugated polycarbonate light-entry roofing designed to withstand extreme climates.

This greenhouse kit includes wood shelving for storage, rods for hanging baskets, louver screened vents for optimal airflow, and plenty of windows for abundant natural light. ......Easy assembly. All panels are pre-assembled and ready for installation, complete with detailed instructions and hardware. No additional cutting is required! Only $13,773.

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EQ D É C O R

STABLE ACCENTS Creatively blend form and function in BARN and TACK ROOM decor.

Wood Grooming Tote by Smart Equine. In solid pine with an easy-to-carry handle and adjustable divider. Made to order. $112.95.

MinkaAire’s Simple 65-inch Ceiling Fan boasts three medium maple blades in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. Price upon request.

Aragon 30 Light Chandelier in matte black mixes industrial and modern style. Hand-cut crystal globes and dimmable LED bulbs add to the sleek effect. At Lamps Plus. $5,598.

American Stall’s Double Hook in solid brass and a powder coat for an enduring finish, blends vintage charm and contemporary finesse. $40.

American Stall’s wall-mounted steel Saddle Rack is built for strength and long-term performance. Designed to support English saddles. $128. The durable, custom-order Phoenix West Grooming Box is an asset at a horse show or stable. Portable or can anchor on any wall. Price upon request.

Straight lines and sleek design enhance the contemporary, customizable Gold Medal Director’s Chair. Available in various wood and canvas colors. Shown in walnut/buckskin canvas. At the Chair Store. $139.95-$164.95.

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

Made in California, the custom Phoenix West Tack Trunk includes a wood grooming tote and removable tray. Select from a choice of wood or vinyl panels and metal trim. Price upon request.

22 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

The Essence HVSL Ceiling Fan in black by Big Ass Fans produces variable speed airflow. Includes remote control and optional LED light. $5,139.

11663 Maidstone Drive, Wellington, FL 6 Beds | 8 Baths | 5,698 SF | Price Upon Request

Completely renovated and ultra-private, this stunning estate on Maidstone Drive offers 5 bedrooms plus a separate, fully equipped 1-bedroom guest cottage. The spacious primary suite features a serene sun porch, while all three upstairs bedrooms boast their own private balconies. Perfect for entertaining or family living, it features a large pool area, lush landscaping, a striking live wall, and all impact glass throughout. Feels like a private resort--luxury, comfort, and style in the exclusive Palm Beach Polo and Country Club.

Home of the Finest Real Estate AMY CARR · BROKER, LICENSE PARTNER ENGEL & VÖLKERS WELLINGTON 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd | Suite 40 | Wellington | FL 33414

M +1 561-662-0728 | O +1 561-791-2220 amy.carr@evrealestate.com Learn more at amycarr.evrealestate.com ©2025 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

EQ P E O P L E

THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO LEAVE HER HORSES llyson Rogers of the Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch has overseen the evolution of her family’s land for over three decades, transforming it into a luxury eco-destination focused on regenerative tourism and deep equine connection. As a fourth-generation steward of the land, she has a philosophy rooted in a fundamental respect for nature. “Siwash has been in our family for over three decades, and the deep connection to this land has shaped everything,” Allyson explains. “We’ve always believed that humans are stewards, not consumers, of nature, and that includes the way we care for our horses. They’re not just animals here; they’re part of the family.” This philosophy is embodied in the signature Siwash Synergy with Horses program. This unique offering is designed to create a meaningful bond with the animals, moving beyond traditional performance-based riding. “Siwash Synergy is all about developing a meaningful relationship with the horses,” she says. “Guests learn to connect with horses in a way that’s not performance-driven, but deeply personal. We see people leave more confident, calm, and connected. Not just to the horse, but to themselves.” The matching process for guests is tailored to ensure a connection, prioritizing compatibility over just riding skill or experience. “We take the time to understand each guest’s experience level and energy, and

COURTESY ALLYSON ROGERS

The CEO of SIWASH LAKE WILDERNESS RESORT & RANCH stewards the land and protects the animals.

Above: Ally and Pocahontas; Riding in a post-fire regenerating landscape; Guest horse orientation; The Lodge.

24 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

then we match them with a horse that complements that. Our horses are intuitive and free range, which makes them especially attuned to human emotion. It’s less about ability and more about building trust.” The resilience of the ranch, its horses, and the family was severely tested in 2017 when a devastating wildfire swept through the area. With evacuation orders looming, Allyson made the controversial yet deeply instinctive decision to remain there with the horses. “They’d never left the ranch,” she says. “Putting them on a cattle truck and sending them three hours away to a rodeo ground would have terrified them.” Instead, she and her son, alongside a few staff, stayed behind. As flames approached, they moved the herd to a lakeside paddock, which was the calmest, safest space they knew. As the flames got closer, Allyson spent long hours being with the horses, reassuring them. Much of the land was decimated, and the ranch lost outbuildings and faced criticism from some locals, but in the end, every horse was safe. Today, the ranch is a living testament to ecological recovery. Allyson notes that the land’s regeneration is a central part of the visitor experience. She and her team have embraced the changes, designing every aspect of the ranch around how the land has evolved, from special stargazing accommodations to guided treks. “There’s a view now that never existed before,” she reflects. “Contours of the land we never knew were there. And at night, the sky is wider than ever. It feels like the stars came closer.” INFO | PAGE 97

EQ F A V O R I T E S

Your greatest extravagance: I guess it’s having some ice cream before going to bed.

What else might you have been in life? Realistic or not, my dream was always to play center field for the Yankees. (I’m starting to think it might not happen!)

Favorite car: My favorite car would have to be my 2004 Toyota Prius that lasted 13 years and 175,000 miles.

Favorite charity: The Show Jumping Hall of Fame, The Nature Conservancy and Autism Speaks.

Favorite TV show: No question, my all-time favorite show is Hogan’s Heroes from the sixties.

MARTY BAUMAN

GEORGE KAMPER ALDEN CORRIGAN

MY FAVORITES

Favorite app: WhatsApp is what my wife, son, daughter, and I use to stay in touch.

Bauman’s Classic Communications is a respected PR and event firm with a focus on equestrian sports. He served as USET’s PR director and is executive director of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Marty has been press chief for numerous top equestrian events, nine World Cup Finals, led media operations for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and served as Olympic equestrian press officer at three games.

Favorite getaway escape: I spend so much time traveling that I really like the chance to stay at home rather than go away somewhere.

Favorite source for fashion: If you asked my family, they’d say it’s horse show swag. They believe that every piece of clothing I own has a horse show logo on it, most notably my eight Hampton Classic ties (each one different, of course).

Favorite music on your playlist: My favorite music has always been Motown, especially the early groups like the The Temptations, The Miracles, The Supremes... Favorite hotel: Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid. My family and I have so many wonderful memories there.

Must-have items when traveling: I always make sure I pack sneakers and a bathing suit. Favorite way to relax: I think what I enjoy most is just sitting by the lake. Favorite town/place to live: I’ve never lived anywhere but Boston so I guess that must be my favorite.

Favorite food to cook at home: It’s simple, but what I like most is pasta and salad.

Favorite restaurants: I have two and they’re both in Lake Placid: Jimmy’s 21 and Players.

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EQ G I V I N G B A C K

A HOME IN THE HOME STRETCH Older, more seasoned RACEHORSES find a permanent home at the Exceller Fund. BY JILL NOVOTNY

icole Smith, executive director of The Exceller Fund (TEF), is dedicated to finding suitable retirements for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers. “I wanted to become part of the solution,” Smith said in an interview with Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). Smith’s interest in post-racetrack welfare for horses began in college, leadingher to a volunteer position and later a job with a retirement organization. In 2005, she joined the TEF board, eventually becoming its executive director. TEF is named for the successful racehorse Exceller, who, despite his achievements, was sold to a slaughterhouse in Sweden in 1997. This event inspired a group of racing fans to sponsor ex-racehorses at equine welfare organizations, and in 2001, they formally established TEF as a nonprofit. Today, TEF operates with a network of 17 foster farms across the country that care for 55 Thoroughbreds. “Our foster farms are managed by likeminded individuals who care greatly about our mission,” Smith said. Most of TEF’s horses come from owner surrenders or rescue situations. Once accepted, Smith and her team

The fund is named for the successful racehorse, Exceller, who, despite his achievements, was sold to a slaughterhouse.

assess each horse’s individual needs. Some require rehabilitation before adoption, while others become permanent residents. Smith said a long layoff— typically six months to a year—is crucial for horses to adjust to life off the track. “Their social skills need to be honed, and some need to get their confidence back,” she explained. Unlike many horse charities that focus on rehoming young racehorses for new careers in show jumping and other disciplines, TEF recently began focusing on taking in “racing warriors”—horses with 50 or more starts. “We felt we needed a niche,” Smith said. “We like to focus on the hard-knocking, blue-collar runners that have been at the track for years. They are the bread and butter of

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racing, and there is a certain class to a lot of these guys.” While most of these horses become permanent residents, some are adopted out. TEF works with retraining organizations like Friends of Ferdinand and CANTER to find suitable homes. TEF’s adoption contract ensures lifetime commitment, prohibiting resale and allowing horses to be returned to the program if needed. A recent success story is a 12-year-old gelding with 116 starts who, after a year and a half of downtime, was adopted into a loving family. For Smith, this work is a labor of love. “I love racing and I love horses in general,” she said. She credits TEF’s longevity to its dedicated volunteers and supporters, but believes more work is needed to raise awareness about post-racetrack options for Thoroughbreds. TCA is a proud supporter of TEF. In 2014, a TCA grant helped fund a therapy program for TEF’s horses at the Tulsa Boys Home. Smith noted that receiving a TCA grant provides a “stamp of approval” due to the organization’s rigorous review process, which aids in fundraising. INFO | PAGE 97

L EXI N G TO N , KY

KIRKFARMS .COM

Fine Horse Farm Brokerage in the heart of the Bluegrass since 1984

RETHINKING SECURITY

PHOTOS COURTESY SVALINN

EQ F A V O R I T E S

$125,000 can buy you PEACE OF MIND—and a best friend.

ecurity dogs are often thought of as loud, ferocious, snarling, and fearsome. On her Montana ranch, Kim Greene has quietly reinvented the idea of protection dogs, with a focus on family integration, keen awareness, and deep attunement. As founder of Svalinn Dogs, Greene has cultivated a lineage of dogs that are so carefully bred and trained that they are coveted by those in search of personal protection, from CEOs to celebrities, politicians, and more. Greene, a powerful female presence in the traditionally male-dominated field,

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BY JILL NOVOTNY

Kim Greene of Svalinn Dogs.

developed the concept for Svalinn out of necessity. While living in Africa and the Middle East, she sought protection for her two twin boys but preferred not to carry a gun. Her intuition and expertise led her to found Svalinn and to bring up dogs that are as refined and grounded as they are protective. Greene is crafting a new kind of dog—a true partner and guardian— that proves protection doesn’t have to be brutal or loud; it can be intuitive, soulful, and responsive. The dogs are not just trained to defend; they are also trained to become quiet companions attuned to the family, assessing the risks around them.

EQ F A V O R I T E S

The shepherd mixes that she breeds on her 167-acre ranch are given the canine equivalent of an Ivy League education, with thousands of hours of specialized training in their first two years. While physical training is intense, the program’s distinguishing feature is the psychological training, which hones the dog’s ability to discern human intent. Greene and her team focus on developing the dog’s skill to read biological rhythms and hormone spikes that signal anger, allowing the dog to help avert danger before violence occurs. “Aggression is the least important part,” Greene explained in an interview with Robb Report. “You can train any dog

in the universe to bite, if necessary, but that is not the appeal of what we do.” Instead, she likens her dogs to a certain kind of special forces operator. “You know the guy. He’s lovable, and volunteers at church, and has perfect manners, but he also has a very deeply ingrained skillset.” Svalinn dogs are hand-delivered, with Greene’s team of a dozen or so trainers spending several days instructing clients on handling what she calls a “new operating system.” Buyers must commit to annual refresher courses to maintain their handling skills. With a hefty price tag of about $125,000, the cost of a

Svalinn dog is on par with some of the highest-end custom home security systems on the market. Greene notes, “At the end of the day, technology can fail, but our four-legged security goes with you everywhere. It can sleep in your daughter’s room at night, or travel on your jet with you.” The company’s clients are diverse, with dogs living everywhere from a 37th-floor high-rise to a houseboat. While there are rules for owners, she admits that the family bond often prevails, noting that about 50 percent of owners ultimately allow their companions to sleep on the bed. INFO | PAGE 97 NOVE MB E R/DE C E MB E R | 202 5 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 2 9

WHAT’S COLD, WET, AND NEW IN TOWN?

EQ B O O K S

TH N S EE ER W V T O E C B

An exclusive excerpt from DO PUDDLES EAT PONIES? by Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux.

ould someone turn on the light, please? I had been hanging around in this dark place for ages. It had been warm, with sounds that were always the same and really calming. But then it started to feel pretty cramped in there, and a few hours ago it got really uncomfortable. I was unceremoniously kicked out! A cold breeze washed over my wet coat. I landed in a soft pile and had this pressing feeling that there was something I needed to do—oh, right, breathe! I tried to take a breath, but nothing came. A slimy buddy who had been with me in the warm place was hanging from my nose. In there, he had been good company, a fun bubble. But out here, he had gotten a bit clingy, like a wet cloth that was blocking my nostrils. I shook my head, a bit dazed. Something started to burn in my chest. Panic overcame me—was I going to make my exit right away? Help! Something soft saved me. It pushed the slimy buddy away, and finally air could get in. At last! I took a deep breath of relief as the soft thing licked over my wet coat, making it even wetter. It was so loving—that had to be my mom! I forced my eyes 30 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

This excerpt from Do Puddles Eat Ponies? by SarahKatrin Bourdeaux is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.

open a bit and saw that I was lying next to her butt. She really had to stretch to reach me. How kind of her! She sniffed at me, nickering softly. That was a pretty good distraction from the fact that the slimy buddy was still hanging off my butt. Mom then stood up and freed me. Wow—she was really big! And she was the most beautiful mom in the world! After I had been lying around for some time, she started to get nervous. I also had this weird feeling that I needed to get up. Instincts and all that. These silly legs—I had about a hundred of them, and none of them wanted to work properly—just did not want to do what I wanted them to do! After what felt like an eternity, I finally figured it out and managed to get all four of them to work. There I was, standing next to my mom. Those instincts kicked in again. I was supposed to look for something. But what? Mom pushed me gently toward her rear end. Which seemed weird, since I’d just come from there. But then I understood: she was showing me where the milk bar was! There was a little drink dispenser under her belly, and that’s what I nuzzled into. Pretty impractical, way up there. Couldn’t they have put that somewhere more reachable? But when I finally got a drink, it was all worth the effort. Mmmm! So yummy! But such hard work. After a super long, Continued on page 92

COURTESY SPRUCE MEADOWS

pruce Meadows is revered as North America’s premier show jumping venue, blending elite sport with heritage and hospitality. It celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer with record attendance and thrilling competition. Founded in 1975 by the Southern family on 80 acres near Calgary, Canada, it has grown to over 500 acres. Its mission—“good friendship, good commerce, and good sport”—makes it popular with riders and spectators. Over 143 horses from 18 nations competed, culminating in the $5 million CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. British rider Scott Brash won aboard Hello Jefferson, marking a decade since his first grand slam title at the venue. The Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ is one of four events in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, alongside Aachen, Geneva, and ’s-Hertogenbosch. It was the first to offer a $1 million grand prix, won in 2000 by Rodrigo Pessoa. The venue’s partnership with Rolex now spans over 35 years.

PHOTOS: ALDEN CORRIGAN

SPRUCE MEADOWS CELEBRATES 5O YEARS

2025 ‘Masters’ BMO Nations’ Cup Bronze Medalists Team USA (L-R) Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Elena Haas and Aaron Vale. 34 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

Laura Kraut and Tres Bien Z.

COURTESY SPRUCE MEADOWS

The International Ring.

Impeccably maintained grounds.

Life-size tribute sculpture with “Love Always Hickstead” inscription.

Peaceful moments everywhere you look.

The Casino dell’Orologio.

Aaron Vale and Styles.

Rose Garden Terrace gates to the hallowed ground of the International Ring

Elena Haas and Claude.

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ALDEN CORRIGAN

The main building is a 400-year-old Georgian manor. 36 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

BY LINDSAY BERRETH

FROM CROSS RAILS TO GRAND PRIX GLORY

rowing up on Long Island, New York, Mark Miness watched with wonder as his local horse show, the Hampton Classic, grew. He started riding on ponies at the historic show, held on Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton since 1982, then rode hunters and jumpers as a junior and amateur, and in 2024, in a full circle moment, his mare Corsica X won the Longines Hampton Classic CSI5* Grand Prix with Germany’s Rene Dittmer. A United States Equestrian Federation Heritage Show since 2009, the Hampton Classic draws top hunter and jumper riders from across the country for a week at the end of August. 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the modern horse show. First held as a local show in the early 1900s, it was revived after years of dormancy in 1971 at Dune Alpin Farm in East Hampton, then moved to its current location a decade later. When the show moved, Dune Alpin was developed with condos and homes, and the Miness family was one of the first to purchase a property. Their home still overlooks the original horse show grounds, so the Hampton Classic is never far from Mark’s mind. “I never would have imagined having that accomplishment on my resume. I

ALDEN CORRIGAN

MARK MINESS’ HAMPTON CLASSIC HISTORY

don’t think I ever actually dared to dream that big in the horse world,” said Miness of Corsica’s big win last summer. “I’ve always been sort of happy just developing young horses and then usually selling them to people who then take them on to do bigger and better things. It’s not that often that I get to actually be the owner of the horses when they accomplish the thing that they become famous for. I think part of the real pleasure of that was the fact that it happened at a horse show that was personally significant to me.” As a child, Miness and his sister, Stephanie, rode with Darren Finkelman, then Lisa Rex. His parents, Dottie and Michael Miness, bought him his first horse, a Thoroughbred named Count Nikolai, whom he described as “character

building,” with a laugh. Through Finkelman, Mark was introduced to the Wölffer family, who owned a farm on Long Island, as well as Wölffer Estate Vineyard. The patriarch, Christian Wölffer, had a daughter, Joey Wölffer, who showed alongside Mark on the circuit. Mark showed her pony, Trumpet, in the cross rails at the Hampton Classic’s current showgrounds when he was 10 years old and remembers how special it felt. “It was our local horse show in many ways, but it was also extremely fancy, especially compared to a lot of the horse shows we were doing. Going to the Hampton Classic was something that you looked forward to all year long,” he said. “I felt like I was jumping in the Olympics, basically. It was a real milestone. I remember being completely mesmerized by [the top riders], and I think probably looking back on it, I knew that horse sport and horses would always be a part of my life.” He went on to a successful junior and young adult career training with Leslie Howard and Molly Ashe in Fairfield, Connecticut. Then, in 2000, he gave up riding during college at Boston University so he could study business, finance, and marketing. “The very first day I got [to Fairfield], I remember both Leslie and Molly, as

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HAMPTON CLASSIC MARK MINESS

well as Emerson and Bruce Burr, telling me how talented I was and how well I rode, and it changed everything for me,” he said. “I struggled with confidence as a junior, and just knowing that they believed in me gave me a lot of self-belief as a result. I had a lot of success under them and had some really cool horses and got to do some really neat stuff. I also didn’t have your average family, and so in a lot of respects, Molly and Leslie were sort of big sisters/parental figures in my life.” While it was a hard adjustment selling his horses and leaving behind his horse friends, Mark built a career he’s proud of. He spent a few years working in Australia and New York before landing in his current home base near San Francisco, California, where he lives with his husband, Adam Ballard. Around 2011, the call of horses got louder, and Mark reconnected with Ashe while visiting family in Connecticut. He rode a few times with her, then, when he moved to California a few months later for work, he found a local trainer and bought himself an amateur hunter, Paloma. Firmly hooked on horses again, Mark traveled to Europe to buy some young horses to develop. Because of his busy job, he felt that hunters would be a new challenge and a safer option than jumpers. He had success in the ring with several other horses, including Call Me Maybe, a mare who earned the amateurowner, 36 and over, championship at the 2017 Pennsylvania National Horse Show. For Mark, competing is just the icing on the cake of a life with horses. He loves being in the barn and in nature and finds it helps ground him when times get stressful at work.

HAMPTON CLASSIC

...the person who owned the first pony I ever showed at the Hampton Classic was handing us the first-place ribbon 33 years later in the five-star grand prix...

“It’s just always been the thing that’s brought me balance and peace,” he said. “Although I’m a competitive person— I like to win; I definitely don’t like to lose—but for me, it’s always been about being around the animals. Whenever I have time, one of my favorite things to do, more than sometimes even riding, is just grooming the horses and spending time with them. One reason I’ve been drawn to buying younger horses and developing them myself or with a rider I’ve hand-selected is that I really like helping the horses realize their potential. It was always an inevitability that I would get back into it because I just need it in my life.” By 2020, Mark had gotten back into the jumpers and had some European contacts helping him find young horses to develop. He went to try Corsica, a now 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Connor 48 x Tiamo, Corofino II), for himself while on a business trip to Europe, and immediately loved her but knew she would be too much horse for him. He kept the mare in Germany under German rider Marten Witt, who developed her until she was 7. Then, he brought her to the U.S. and worked to find an appropriate rider for her, but had difficulty. He was introduced to German rider Rene Dittmer by Belgium-based Tom de Bel, a horse dealer who runs Equestrix Agency, sent Corsica back to Germany, and the pair clicked. “The thing about Corsica is she wants you to hold her hand,” he explained. “She wants to know that you’re there to support her, but she just does not want to be told what to do. And so, you need somebody who’s strong but soft at the same time. Marten was that for her as a young horse, and Rene

HAMPTON

CL ASSIC

Opposite: An early award presentation and jumping competition in 1979 at Dune Alpin; Mark Miness and Indi at the Hampton Classic. Top: Mark Miness and Blackbird; Corsica X and Rene Dittmer at The Hampton Classic. Above: The Dune Alpin showgrounds in 1979.

be able to support a rider he believes in. “Rene, who is, I think, by a lot of people’s standards, one of the talented riders in the world today, didn’t really have a string of horses that would allow him to go and do the things that he really wanted to do on an international stage,” he said. “I didn’t know at the time that Corsica would be a top five-star horse, but the idea that he really wanted it, and that it could, if it worked out, actually be something that changes the trajectory of his life—that was just really cool.” While Rene and Corsica didn’t place at this year’s big Hampton Classic grand prix, Mark will always remember last summer’s big win and the memories it created. He wasn’t able to be there in person, but his mother was at the awards presentation. “Joey Wölffer sponsored the class last year and was in the winner’s photograph with Rene and my horse,” he said. “Having that be truly a full-circle moment where the person who owned the first pony I ever showed at the Hampton Classic was handing us the first-place ribbon 33 years later in the five-star grand prix was surreal.”

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ALDEN CORRIGAN

has been that ever since we put them together.” Dittmer brought the mare along thoughtfully, and by 2023, they contested their first CSI5* in Hamburg, Germany. Later that summer, they competed at the prestigious Aachen CHIO in Germany and came to the States to compete in the Hampton Classic CSI5*. They picked up more top ribbons at indoors that season at Washington International and the National Horse Show, then headed to Wellington International in Florida for the winter season, winning a four-star grand prix. 2024 proved successful with another appearance at Aachen, then their big win at the Hampton Classic. This year has been another strong one. In July, Dittmer and Corsica helped Germany to the top of the podium at the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at Hickstead and have taken home several top placings at five-stars. Mark enjoys watching Corsica in person whenever he can and is proud to

ZHUSHUIBUXING

China

OUSSAMA LAABIDATE

86 MEDIA

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Morocco

FADHIL ABHIMANTRA

A WORLD OF HORSES AJIT SANDHU

AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY

Rajasthan, India

Equestrian traditions across the globe.

JOHN CAMERON

JASON ROJAS

Vienna, Austria MICHAEL JERRARD

Mongolia Doha, Qatatr

FADHIL ABHIMANTRA

Argentina

London, United Kingdom

Mongolia

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North Dakota, USA

DANIEL LLOYD BLUNK-FERNÁNDEZ AJEET MANANDHAR

SAID CAMLICA

CAROL HIGHSMITH

Patan, Nepal

Colorado, USA

Turkey

Y M ON UNSPLASH

Crow Nation, USA

HULKI OKAN TABAK

RAMSHA ASAD

London, United Kingdom

New York City, USA FADHIL ABHIMANTRA

SAMUEL GIRVEN

Mexico

Michigan, USA DASHA NOVIKOV

Uzbekistan

NICHOLAS TAYLOR

Argentina PHOTO CREDITS | PAGE 97

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A MONUMENTAL HERITAGE

The towering Percheron draft horse, symbolic of the resilient spirit of the Colorado plains, is the successful collaboration of Norwood Development and sculptor Andy Scott.

BY JILL NOVOTNY

n the expansive eastern horizon

community that shares its name, Percheron, and

of Colorado Springs, where the

serves as a timeless tribute to the resilient spirit

prairie begins its slow rise toward

that first tamed this land.

the distant mountains, a power-

The intersection of Woodmen Road and

ful new landmark has taken its

Banning Lewis Parkway, once a landscape defined

permanent post. It is a striking

by the vast, historic Banning Lewis Ranches, is now the site of the towering symbol. The choice of

Percheron draft horse forged in steel, named

artist, Andy Scott, was as intentional as the choice

“Belle.” This magnificent sculpture, commissioned

of subject. The Scottish sculptor is internationally

by Norwood Development Group, is more than

celebrated for his colossal, figurative works, par-

just a grand piece of public art; it marks a new

ticularly his equine subjects, which include the

PHOTO RICHARD SELDOMRIDGE

figure: a fifteen-foot-tall, five-thousand-pound

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PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY ANDY SCOTT

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breathtaking one-hundred-foot-tall “Kelpies” in his native Scotland (see Monumental Horses, EQ Living, Fall 2014). Scott possesses a singular ability to imbue cold, industrial steel with a sense of warm vitality and enduring grace, transforming tons of welded material into living, dynamic forms that seem poised between a moment of rest and an impending burst of energy. Scott, well-known for creating pieces that not only exist in but acknowledge the landscape where they’re placed, is also passionate about paying tribute to the horses that shaped the land.

A pioneer and an entrepreneurial force, Ruth Banning was anything but ordinary for her time. She was highly educated, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College. Following the death of her brother, she returned to Colorado Springs to assist with funeral arrangements before stepping into the family business. She took over the management of two critical businesses: the Banning Ranch and the Union Ice and Coal Company. This was a remarkable feat for a woman in the early 20th century, and Banning embraced the challenge, famously stating there was no reason a woman could not successfully run a manufacturing business.

Ruth with her horses

Above: Ruth Banning embodied the pioneering and entreprenurial spirit of the Colorado plains.

o operate her thriving coal and ice delivery service, Ruth Banning raised and utilized the strong, dependable Percheron horses on her ranch, employing their formidable power to haul essential goods across the Pikes Peak region. These horses were the living engines of her successful enterprise. Her influence was not limited to commerce; she was also a dedicated civic leader who was elected to the Colorado Springs City Council and served on the school board, with a lifelong commitment to the betterment of her community. As Tim Seibert, Senior Vice President of Norwood Development Group, noted, the sculpture deliberately honors Ruth Banning, whose accomplishments, like the Percherons, represented the hard work and fellowship of the region’s early pioneers. The Percheron community itself is conceived as an iconic mixed-use village, a thoughtful extension of the land’s storied past into a promising future. As the first major venture into a new land PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT.

cott meticulously crafted “Belle” from two-and-aquarter tons of galvanized mild steel, shaping its heavy frame and powerful musculature to convey both the brute strength of a working draft horse and the innate nobility of the animal. As he described his artistic intention, he sought to convey “the dynamism and strength” of the animal, sculpting the tail and mane as if they were caught in a perpetual prairie wind and setting a gentle turn in her head, so she appears to be looking down toward the viewer. The effect is immediate and powerful: “Belle” is not merely a likeness; she is the embodiment of sturdy determination, an ideal reflection of the pioneering characteristics that shaped this very region. The heart of this tribute lies in the rich and often unsung history of the land itself. The new Percheron community is deliberately rooted in the heritage of the sprawling Banning Lewis Ranches, which once covered thousands of acres across the plains. And at the center of that heritage was a unique visionary: Ruth Banning.

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ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE OWEN MCCLAIN

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holding of the former Banning-Lewis Ranches, the developers were meticulous in creating an aesthetic that speaks to the “richness of heritage” while providing modern sophistication and a connection to the natural environment. Residents will enjoy a blend of natural tranquility and urban convenience, where access to the Woodmen Regional Trail links the new village to the broader trail network, encouraging people to explore and engage with the land. “That’s how we create places that have a tie back to the richness of heritage and bring that forward in everything we do. It’s exciting for us that we have all these trails within the project, so residents are really connected to the open space and trails right outside their door,” Seibert states. The official dedication of the sculpture, held on a clear evening in September, formally introduced “Belle” to the community she is meant to symbolize and inspire. The permanent marker ensures the enduring legacy of Ruth Banning and the pioneering Percheron horses will greet every resident and visitor who travels through this piece of Colorado history, bridging the land’s storied past with a vibrant new era on the horizon. CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

PHOTO OWEN MCCLAIN

Sculptor Andy Scott

PHOTO BLUE OWL PHOTOGRAPHY

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BOOKS OF NOTE

GLORIOUS GARDENS Step into the lush, PRIVATE GARDENS of the world’s most celebrated interior designers.

Many of the stunning images bleed across the book’s oversized pages.

Published by Monacelli, this captivating book includes 21 gardens located in regions around the world, including England, Scotland, Mexico, Morocco, and both coasts of the United States.

Heavily illustrated with hundreds of stunning images, this new tome is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the intricate details and sweeping vistas of these extraordinary gardens. Opening with a thoughtful introduction by Dara Caponigro, creative director of Schumacher and editor-in-chief of FREDERIC magazine, Glorious Gardens will appeal to interiors and garden enthusiasts alike, and transform the reader’s perception of what a garden can be.

About FREDERIC: Unbeholden to trend and always open to the unexpected, FREDERIC showcases the work of the most interesting, meaningful, and adventurous figures in the world of interior and garden design, architecture, fashion, art, travel, and more. CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

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MAX KIM-BEE

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FRANCESCO LAGNESE

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All photos this page: FRANCESCO LAGNESE

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LAURA RESEN

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MAX KIM-BEE

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STRIA

N S

C GIVING BACK

Four stories celebrate the spirit of giving, highlighting generosity that uplifts lives, strengthens communities, and inspires enduring hope.

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Clea Newman BY BETSY STEIN

Honoring her father’s legacy, Clea impacts the lives of children worldwide.

talented and successful equestrian, Clea Newman is the daughter of actress Joanne Woodward and the American hero, Paul Newman. They are known not only for their incredible acting careers but also for their philanthropy. Paul founded SeriousFun Children’s Network, a network

of camps for children that he said were “not sick children, rather children who just happened to be sick.” He wanted to prove to the kids and their parents what they were capable of doing. Clea Newman has taken that goal

MIKE MARSLAND/MIKE MARSLAND/GETTY

and made it her own as ambassador of SeriousFun. It had been about 30 years since Clea and I had worked together at an adaptive riding program, so I was excited when Equestrian Living asked me to reconnect with her for this story. It was fun to speak with her and learn all she has accomplished since then. NOVE MB E R/DE C E MB E R | 202 5 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 5 7

STEPHANIE COWSER

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PHOTOS THIS PAGE COURTESY SERIOUS FUN CHILDREN’S NETWORK

GIVING BACK

Clea Newman Clea told how her parents encouraged her to volunteer at their Hole in the Wall Gang Camp one summer when she was in her 20s and how the experience changed the trajectory of her life. She has since dedicated her life to continuing her dad’s legacy and has been an integral part of a core team that has established programs and camps worldwide serving over 220,000 children and their families annually. SeriousFun camps and programs are specifically designed for children with medical challenges and their families. They provide on-site expert medical care and adaptive programming in a safe, supportive, environment. The kids can connect, build confidence, and have some “Serious Fun,” without limitations.

Clea continues her father, Paul Newman’s, mission to empower children living with serious medical conditions at fun, transformative SeriousFun camps.

he name “Serious Fun” comes from Paul Newman’s original mission statement of what he wanted for the campers upon opening The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut in 1988. When asked if she thought her dad would have imagined there would be 30-plus camps all over the world in the future, Clea responded, “He didn’t leave a lot of roadmaps as to where and what he wanted us to do, but there were a couple of things he felt really strongly about, I remember his saying, ‘Don’t rest on your laurels!’” She recalled, “That summer, my parents encouraged me to volunteer, I drove to camp knowing I needed a “reboot.” I literally left camp a completely changed person, 10 days later, after being with the kids. It made me realize what was important in life, and how lucky I was.” In addition, Clea commented on how

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the kids were all strong and kind, and that what she got back from just being around them was incredible. “I remember my dad saying, “You give 100% and you’ll get it back tenfold.”

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The camp’s equestrian programs build emotional connections between campers and the horses. The equine and animal programs are customized for the needs of every child.

GIVING BACK

Clea Newman

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lea has sacrificed her own riding career to put her energy into SeriousFun Children’s Network. She started her competitive riding career at an early age with her pony, Shenandoah Firestone, her parents cheering from the sidelines, before moving up to great success with her hunters, Playing Games, Equus, and What’s Up Doc. As an amateur, she moved onto the jumper ring with Tabella and Meteor. Clea recalled, “Tabella was a bit of a fiery one.” Now, with so much travel time visiting the camps and programs, she lacks enough saddle time to keep riding and competing. Currently retired from riding, she constantly fights her “inner rider self,” but says she can stay connected to horses and a wide variety of other creatures (cows, llamas, rabbits, and donkeys) at the camps. She also rides vicariously, watching campers on horseback. Many SeriousFun camps have adaptive horseback riding programs that provide the physical and emotional benefits of being on a horse. For children who use wheelchairs, being able to feel the movement of the horse and move through spaces not usually accessible to them is invaluable. A firm believer in the joy and benefits of human and animal connections, she credits the animal-related programs at

ALL PHOTOS THIS SPREAD COURTESY SERIOUS FUN CHILDREN’S NETWORK

Clea with campers at Double H Ranch.

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GIVING BACK

Clea Newman

Clea at Double H Ranch with campers.

the camps for helping children with serious illnesses gain trust and practice independence. “Seeing the smiles on their faces is enough for me for now,” she said.

hen The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was being built, I consulted on the creation of the facility for the horseback riding program. The site was built to look like an old-time western town, reflecting the feel of the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I asked Clea if the camps built since had the same theme, and Clea explained that the SeriousFun camps each have their own feel, depending on where they are. The camps take on the culture and essence of the community they are in, so the camp in Ireland with its castle looks different from a camp in Maryland on a lake. Along with programs including animals, SeriousFun camps offer other traditional camp activities: swimming, boating, campfires, crafts, and theater, helping families and campers imagine what is possible and build resilience and community. In addition to the residential summer camps, the SeriousFun network coordinates winter adaptive sports, hospital outreach day programs, family and sibling experiences, and activities for

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young adult former campers navigating life beyond childhood. The camps and services are all free of charge to the participants. Clea explained that her dad knew that families with ill children struggle with so many issues, especially financial. She feels lucky and privileged in her own life for being a major part of making this happen. Clea credits the 30,000 volunteers from all walks of life, each with different skills, who come together each year to staff all aspects of programs, from teens teaching swimming to nurses dispensing medications. She related how doctors have told her their experience with campers has changed the way they practice medicine. They see the kids differently: as individuals who can be their own person rather than just a patient, and they have learned to treat the child first and the illness second. She said, “When you see one of our top doctors in a tutu, singing and dancing on stage with the kids, you know all the time spent has been worth it. Camp just brings out the best in everybody.” Since 2013, Clea’s role in the organization has been as an ambassador, helping to elevate brand awareness and leading the team in raising money to support the mission. In addition to annual fundraising events for SeriousFun, each program is a 501(c)(3) and is responsible for gaining their own support. “My dad would say our camps will be an example of people’s generosity,” Clea said. “When I travel around the world, it’s impossible not to look up and say, ‘Dad, check this out!’” Clea also remarked on the coincidence that it was just near his birthday in January that they hit the 2-million mark of children served. To commemorate his 100th birthday this year, a special fundraising gala was held in his honor.

With 30 camps and programs across five continents, SeriousFun has impacted the lives of children living with serious illness, helping them find resilience and a sense of belonging.

Clea with campers at Double H Ranch.

ALL PHOTOS THIS SPREAD COURTESY SERIOUS FUN CHILDREN’S NETWORK

CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

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Harnessing The Caribbean Equestrian Community

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Heidi

hen Heidi Lalor embarks on a project, she has no intentions of playing small. When she started teaching young riders in Jamaica, she wanted a structured program and qualified instructors, so she established Caymanas Pony Club, an internationally accredited club with standards and badges. When she became involved in Caribbean horse sports governance, she soon found herself serving as President of the Equestrian Federation Jamaica (EFJ), where she’s now in her second term. Upon learning about the Fédération Equestre Internationale Solidarity’s World Eventing Challenge, she sought to revive the discipline in Jamaica, establishing and test-piloting the new FEI Eventing World Challenge Cat C Derby at Kingston Polo Club in 2023. Today, after 20 years in the Jamaican equestrian industry, her latest initiative involves inspiring equestrians to give back: she’s provided Starlink internet to local schools and is working to establish a partnership with JustWorld International to bring a new JWI project to Jamaica. Always committing full force, Lalor is also co-chairing the 2026 JustWorld International Gala on January 22, 2026, to raise funds for their work with children around the world. The event’s theme, of course, is Caribbean: One Caribbean Love. “[The internet] has been a game changer for the teachers,” Lalor said, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity to discover these incredible community schools. She hopes to partner with JustWorld to revive their computer rooms and much more. “Our equestrian community, which includes polo and racing, has joined forces on these projects based on the schools’ locations: two surround the Caymanas Race Track community, and the other is near the showgrounds and polo club.” She kicked off the initiative with a Night Under the Stars charity event at the Kingston Polo Club in June to share the message about JustWorld and show how equestrians from Jamaica and beyond are working with the community. The event, featuring a JustWorld jump and ribbon-cutting to initiate the collaboration, included a derby exhibition and a polo match between India and Jamaica. “[A Night Under the Stars] became a globally recognized event. It was a lovely backdrop for the ribbon cutting, and

BY BETH RASIN

GIVING BACK

JAMES MITCHELL OF LOCATED PHOTO

[British eventing legend] William Fox-Pitt was in attendance and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony with Samantha Albert [an Olympic eventer from Jamaica]. Equestrians from all over the world are coming together to make positive changes,” Lalor said. “It exceeded my expectations, and the kids will be the beneficiaries.” Lalor’s enthusiasm for uniting equestrians to give back began when she was in her 20s and a member of the EFJ board. During an FEI consultation visit to the island, the Director of Solidarity suggested engaging in local charity work. “I fully agree,” she said, determined to make it happen while she was EFJ president. “I tried different angles, but I couldn’t get it done. Then I met Jessica Newman and realized JustWorld could

open this door. Overall, it’s a lovely working community. The process was efficient, and we succeeded.” Like JustWorld, Lalor emphasizes teaching philanthropy to her riding students. “We teach philanthropy to kids as young as 5 in the British Pony Club to achieve the Fundraiser Badge,” she said. “We have the foundation to get kids involved, and the syllabus teaches the importance of giving back and how to organize a fundraiser. The vision, ideas, and basics were already in place.” Even as they learn animal welfare and horsemanship, take field trips to ride on the beach in Montego Bay, and learn about FEI sports, the young riders in Caymanas Pony Club also learn to serve their community.

Lalor

Lalor, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and later attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, developed her riding and competed in show jumping, dressage, and cross-country through her aunt Patrice Stollmeyer, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association. She first competed in Jamaica when she was 13 and fell in love with the island and its equestrian culture. In 2005, she moved to the island and coached at Kingston Polo Club until 2009. “The equestrian community is amazing, and we are giving back to the bigger picture,” she said. “It’s where we should be and what we should be doing while setting the global stage in sport. I’m very proud and honored to be aligned with JustWorld, the FEI, the national federation, and Olympians. It’s a small community but strong and powerful, and if we’re giving back to children, I get goosebumps; it’s incredible. How could you not CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 want to be involved?”

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Together, Rowan O’Riley and Rebecca Hart have taken U.S. para dressage from determination to historic gold.

BY STEPHANIE PETERS

owan O’Riley never set out to become a central figure in U.S. para dressage. For 25 years, she pursued her own riding goals as an amateur dressage competitor, splitting time between regional circuits in New England and Florida. Her dedication to the sport paid off in 2018, when she earned her United States Dressage Federation Gold Medal and the title of New England Champion Adult Amateur at Grand Prix. Yet it was her introduction to para dressage—a discipline she hadn’t known well—that ultimately changed the course of her equestrian journey. “My oldest daughter has a physical disability,” Rowan explains. “She was born with cerebral palsy, and it affects her by making the right side of her body weaker, but she’s very able and has gone on to have a full and very successful life. So, when I met people with similar conditions who make their lives evolve around athletic activity, I was fascinated. I thought, Wow, take your weakness and make it the primary focus of your life. That really takes stamina and guts.” Her first exposure to para dressage came through a para rider training with her coach. Curious, O’Riley attended a CPEDI, an international-level para dressage competition. There she met riders whose determination left a lasting impression. Among them was Rebecca Hart, already a three-time Paralympian (see A Q&A with Paralympic Champion Rebecca Hart page 71). Hart was sidelined at the time because her longtime competition horse was ready to retire. Even so, she remained a fixture at events, cheering on her teammates. Rowan says, “When I met her and got to know her a little, two things were clear: one, other riders loved her, and she was very generous with her time and advice, and two, she’s very confident within herself and mature in the best sense of the word. The worst I’ve ever heard her say when something is disappointing or difficult is that it’s character-building. She’s a person who has earned her own accomplishments, and she stands confidently within them.” At the time of their initial meeting, Rebecca was without a sponsor or a horse and unable to compete—a tough position for any athlete, but she continued to show tremendous team spirit and motivation for the sport. Rebecca invited Rowan to lunch and came prepared with budgets, timelines, and scenarios for how Rowan could 66 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

At the time of their initial meeting, Rebecca was without a sponsor or a horse and unable to compete—a tough position for any athlete.

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Rowan O’Riley Q

GIVING BACK

ALL PHOTOS GEORGE KAMPER

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GIVING BACK

Rowan O’Riley

help—whether leasing or buying a horse, supporting regional shows, or backing her on the path to the World Equestrian Games. The proposal struck a chord, and Rowan agreed to sponsor her. She also harbored a personal dream of one day going to the Olympics as an owner. Hart’s proven record made the decision clear. “She had the scores to get there,” O’Riley said. “I knew I wanted to be part of that journey.” Together, they traveled to Europe to compete and to find Hart’s next horse. It was the beginning of a partnership that would carry them across continents and onto some of the sport’s biggest stages. 68 | E Q UE S T R I A N L I V I N G | N OVEMB ER/ D ECEMB ER | 2025

In 2018, Hart delivered a breakthrough at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina, winning silver and bronze. The victories ended a 20-year medal drought for the U.S. para equestrian team. Three years later, at the delayed Tokyo Paralympics, Hart and her teammates captured a team bronze medal—another first for the United States. Momentum continued to build. Hart earned bronze, narrowly missing a silver, at the 2022 World Championships in Herning, Denmark, and followed with strong results in Doha, Qatar, and in European competitions throughout 2023. By 2024, she was winning selection trials in France and Germany,

Function meets beauty throughout at Rowan’s ROasis barn. The centerpiece is Piaffe, a sculpture by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, whose paintings also adorn the barn.

securing her spot at the Paris Paralympics. There, Hart and Floratina, a Hanoverian mare, made history, winning two individual gold medals and the U.S. team’s first-ever gold medal. When asked where watching Rebecca, Floratina, and the U.S. Paralympic team earn gold medals at the Paris Paralympics fell on the exhilaration scale, Rowan said, “It’s 11 out of 10. It was beyond our wildest dreams and the highest honor one could hope for. It’s like trying to catch a shooting star.” Her contributions extend beyond individual sponsorship. O’Riley has also been a key backer of para dressage competitions at Wellington’s Global Dressage Festival, helping to

ensure that American athletes can compete in stadium environments that mirror the atmosphere of international arenas abroad. “Exposure to those venues is essential,” she explained. “It prepares riders for the pressure and the grandeur of world championships and Paralympic Games.” Over the past decade, O’Riley has witnessed para dressage evolve into a more robust and respected discipline in the United States. She credits U.S. Para Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline and the athletes themselves for driving that growth, supported by a community of owners, trainers, and sponsors. NOVE MB E R/DE C E MB E R | 202 5 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 6 9

Rowan and Rebecca’s partnership carried them onto some of the sport’s biggest stages.

Her involvement has also deepened her appreciation for the sport. Though she continues to ride and train herself, she sees her role as a supporter and advocate as equally meaningful. “Being part of para dressage has changed me,” she said. “It’s expanded my view of what’s possible in life and in sport. The courage and spirit of these athletes inspire me every day.” Designing an oasis Away from the competition arena, O’Riley brought the same thoughtfulness to her farm, ROasis Riding Oasis, in Wellington, Florida. She chose a site near the planned expansion of the showgrounds and worked closely with builder Rob Wilson of Ventura Builders and project manager Bill Davis to create a barn that is safe, attractive, and highly functional. Her design addresses Florida’s unique challenges—hurricanes, fire hazards, and pests. “I insisted on poured concrete

Rowan O’Riley

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under all the stalls and feed storage areas,” she said. “It gives peace of mind knowing the structure is as solid as possible.” The arenas reflect equal attention to detail: a covered ring with an ebb-and-flow footing system and an outdoor arena with GGT footing. A hot walker saves grooms time, while paddocks are placed for easy visibility from the grooming areas. Even traffic flow was considered, with deliveries kept to the perimeter and the barn aisle aligned to catch the prevailing breeze. Function meets beauty throughout. The centerpiece is Piaffe, a sculpture by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, whose paintings also adorn the barn. Lush landscaping completes the park-like setting. “ROasis is more than a barn,” O’Riley said. “It reflects the values I care about—safety, respect for the horses, and beauty that inspires.” CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

Q & A with Paralympic Champion Rebecca Hart

Can you describe the bond you feel with your horses, and how that connection plays into your performance in the arena? I love to spend a lot of time with my horses on the ground to really get to know them and bond with them. I have such

Rebecca Hart

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hat first drew you to horses, and what has kept your passion alive through the years? RH: I always loved horses, but what really drew me to them was that they were an equalizer for me. They didn’t care that I was disabled. If I could come up with a way to communicate with them that they understood, they would work for me just as well as they would for an ablebodied rider. As a young rider, that really helped me come to terms with my disability. It allowed me to turn the anger and frustration I felt toward my disability into a passion for horses and sport.

Competing at the highest level requires resilience. How have you stayed motivated through challenges or setbacks? If I’m honest, being disabled means you experience challenges your entire life. My disability gave me the gift of teaching me the definition and importance of grit and resilience from a young age. I have transferred that skill to all aspects of my life, and it allows me to stay motivated even when things don’t go according to plan.

GIVING BACK

When you look back on your Paralympic journey so far, what moments stand out most vividly? Some of the most valued memories from my Paralympic journey are the community that I have been able to create and the amazing network of people that I wouldn’t have met without horses and high-performance sport. I will also forever remember hearing my name called as a Paralympic champion and standing on the podium in Versailles.

limited use of my body; I need that connection when I am on their back. I need to become a partner that they know and trust because I don’t have the physical strength to be able to force anything. I need and want them to work with me.

Can you describe the amazing attributes of Floratina, particularly in the 2024 Paris Olympics? Floratina is one of the most unique and confident horses I have ever met. She had been ridden by professional, able-bodied riders

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“Each Games has its own magic. But having stood on top of that podium and hearing my name and country called as champion makes me hungry to do it again.”

her entire life. When I got on her for the first time—I have no leg aids—she didn’t immediately understand what I wanted but, kept offering me answers to the questions I asked. The second she got the right answer, I told her, “Yes,” and she simply went, “Okay, that’s a bit strange, but we will do it like that from now on.” And you never have to repeat it. She is so honest. She also loves an audience. She walked into the Versailles stadium, and I could feel her puff herself up and start showing off. It felt like she went, “You didn’t tell me this was a big party, let’s go show them what we can really do.” Once you become her person, she fights for you in that arena. You said you felt like you were living in a dream after winning individual gold in Paris. Has that euphoria ever been matched? I have never experienced the feeling of Paris before, and now, having experienced it, it will be hard to match—just the magic of that day and the incredible setting and backdrop of Versailles. We had a strong team of women; I had Floratina and Rowan with me, and they made that moment possible. Hearing my name called as a Paralympic champion still feels like a dream.

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Are you hoping to reach that sense of accomplishment again at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics (LA28) if you qualify? Each Games has its own magic. But having stood on top of that podium and hearing my name and country called as champion makes me hungry to do it again, especially with LA28 being a home Games. Rowan O’Riley has been a tremendous supporter of equestrian sport. What has her sponsorship and friendship meant to your journey? Rowan is the reason I have gotten to experience the success that I have. She has supported me in the brilliant moments, celebrating the success with me. She has also been my rock when things didn’t go the way we wanted. She is just a truly generous and caring person and a blast to be around. She has supported not only me, but also the entire equestrian community. You can’t ask for a better person to stand beside you.

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GIVING BACK

Rebecca Hart Can you tell me about the Order of Ikkos award given to Rowan when you won Olympic Gold? The Order of Ikkos is a medal that you receive as an athlete after winning a medal in the Games. It is to be given to a coach or mentor who has given themselves to support your journey to the podium. It is a way to honor and acknowledge everything that they have done for you on the field of play. The equestrian world is built on partnerships, both with horses and people—how has your community helped shape your success? And your partnership with Floratina? Community has been pivotal to my success. I do not come from a “horsey” family. I created my horse family and community by finding amazing and generous people who were crazy enough to join me and turn my dream into their own. Without everyone, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. It is also the special horses that come into our lives and allow us to be able to be horsemen. Floratina was one of those horses. Horses gift me the temporary freedom from my disability and have helped me fulfill my wildest dreams.

How do you measure success beyond medals and podium finishes? I measure success beyond the medals by being a steward for my horses and making sure they are happy and content. In the end, they don’t care about the medals. That is a human determination of success. I also take pride and find success in the development and growth of the program. If I can help make the next generation of riders’ paths easier, I have succeeded. What goals or dreams are on the horizon for you, both in and out of the saddle? I am focusing on the Aachen World Championships and LA28. I want to see my team on top of that podium. I am also looking forward to doing some speaking and working with the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Foundation. So many times in our lives, we are encouraged to embrace the known and comfortable thing, but it is only when the unusual becomes normal CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 that the extraordinary can happen.

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The Horse Thief: How Barb Phillips Built Her Sanctuary

When the time came for Gracie to leave the clinic, Phillips made a bold, defining move. “I had taken responsibility for her care. I went and got her from the clinic when she was well, and at the time, I was not thinking I was actually stealing a horse,” she admits. In her mind, she had paid the bills, and the horse desperately needed saving. She took Gracie to an undisclosed location to continue her rehabilitation. She brought photographic evidence, letters, and testimony to the courts, a crusade that ultimately led to the owner of the neglectful ranch receiving a one-year jail sentence. Her audacious move to save Gracie marked the moment she went from observer to founder, and the Saving Gracie Foundation was born.

BY JILL NOVOTNY

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS.

Call to Action The situation came to a head when Phillips discovered one particular horse, whom she would later name Gracie, with a severe, infected, foot-long wound on her leg, standing in kneedeep manure. The owners were failing to provide proper care. Phillips, unable to leave Gracie there, took on the financial responsibility for her veterinary care.

any people who have built a career no longer dream about their future or find the courage to make a big change. Barb Phillips’ life story goes to show the value of an open heart and the bravery to take on a new challenge. Before becoming the founder of the Saving Gracie Foundation, a horse rescue operation now deeply interwoven with the luxury resort, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Utah, Phillips navigated diverse careers spanning graphic arts, retail, and two decades running a successful gym in Cincinnati, Ohio. Phillips and her husband, Mike, moved to Utah, drawn by the mountains and Mike’s expanding real estate business. In 2004, Mike purchased the land that would eventually become the Lodge at Blue Sky. At the time, Phillips was largely uninvolved with the property’s development, still commuting to her gym business. Horses were a peripheral interest—something her daughter enjoyed years ago—but not a personal passion. The turning point came as the property began to develop its trail riding program. Phillips, a lifelong animal lover, visited one day and witnessed a horse become injured on the trail. “I was just upset. I was like, how did you let this happen?” she recalls. And then, with a smile, “I didn’t yet know how often and easily horses can get hurt!” This feeling of protectiveness pulled her deeper into the equine program, where she slowly became immersed in the care and well-being of the herd. Then, in 2013, a horrific news report concerning a massive horse neglect and abuse case at a ranch in Spanish Fork, Utah—a ranch they had previously bought horses from—grabbed her attention. Phillips joined a small group of volunteers, initially just helping to provide food and water. However, the owners refused to surrender the starving animals, and Barb felt compelled to act.

Philosophy Woven into the Land The foundation quickly became more than a personal endeavor; it grew to be the heart of the Lodge at Blue Sky. As Phillips began sharing the story of the rescue and Gracie with the resort’s initial marketing teams, they immediately recognized its power. Since Barb and her husband own the Lodge, the two operations share a single, unifying philosophy: sharing the land, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the wildlife. The 17-acre property that Phillips purchased for the rescue, located at the bottom of the resort’s hill, now houses both the Saving Gracie Foundation and the Lodge’s farm, Gracie’s

Farm. The farm is led by a team of women known as FarmHers, who cultivate a regenerative agricultural system and foster a connection with the land and animals. The team uses time-honored, no-till farming practices to produce seasonal ingredients for the Lodge, offering guests farm tours, experiences like salve and fabric dying, and a farm-to-table dinner series. Integrating Philanthropy into the Guest Experience Unlike many high-end resorts, The Lodge at Blue Sky has created guest experiences that are directly tied to their philanthropic mission. Guests can book a “Rescue Horse Rehab” session, working alongside staff to participate in the physical rehabilitation of a

Phillips

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rescued horse. They learn about modalities like laser therapy and pulse electromagnetic therapy. Phillips notes that guests often form a deep connection with a particular horse, leading many to participate in the sponsorship program to donate monthly and support their care and medical expenses. This hands-on approach is intentional. “It’s become, I feel, just completely integrated,” Phillips explains. “Not only do they hear about it, and they know that that’s what we’re passionate about, they also get to participate, and they get to meet the horses and hear their stories.” The “horse thief ” nickname, which Phillips now embraces, is even immortalized in a specialty cocktail at the lodge’s bar

GIVING BACK

Barb Phillips

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(see page 20). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the “Horse Thief ” cocktail goes directly to the foundation, and guests receive a little card telling Gracie’s story. Sanctuary, Not Just Adoption Phillips’ model for rescue is not to cycle through as many horses as possible, as she feels a personal responsibility to each horse for their entire life. She focuses on providing sanctuary rather than just rescue and adoption. Her primary focus is on the medical side, ensuring the horses live a pain-free, comfortable, and peaceful life. Adopting them out, she finds, makes it difficult to monitor the meticulous care required.

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Gracie: The Living Legacy As for the horse who started it all, Gracie is still at the heart of the foundation. She’s healthy, although she cannot be ridden due to residual swelling and lameness in her formerly injured leg. Phillips is quick to point out, “I love when horses have jobs, but their having a job does not change their value to me.” Gracie’s role is simply to be the foundation’s spokesperson—a living symbol of its mission. Gracie and many other rescues on the farm often have an enduring wariness of strangers, which, Barb points out, can serve as a constant, poignant reminder of the vulnerability and sophistication of horses and the importance of the work being done to help them. The story of Barb Phillips is one of finding true purpose, a commitment to care that has transformed a piece of land into a sanctuary and established a powerful, integrated model of philanthropy, sustainability, and CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97 empowerment.

GIVING BACK

Barb Phillips Even for the few horses she has adopted out, she maintains an ongoing commitment, often supplying them with necessary medications, supplements, farrier, and dental care years later. This dedication is resource-intensive and limits the number of horses she can take in, forcing her to make difficult decisions. “I get so many requests and it’s really hard, but it’s just necessary for the type of work that I do,” she explains. Phillips runs the foundation with a very small, hands-on team of only two direct employees, made possible because of the overlapping resources she shares with the Lodge’s larger equine operation. She remains deeply involved, performing the same hard work as her staff: mucking stalls, providing rehabilitation, and performing daily checks. “Even when it’s my worst day, because it’s hard work, it’s sometimes heartbreaking... I wouldn’t change anything about it, because I love them so much,” Phillips says. Her ultimate goal is simple: “To just give horses the peace and the love that they deserve.”

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The farm is led by a team of women known as FarmHers, who cultivate a regenerative agricultural system and foster a connection with the land and animals.

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THE UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY OF

SUSAN MCCLAFFERTY DANCE, MUSIC , FLOWERS, AND ABSTRACT PAT TERNS WEAVE THEIR WAY INTO HER WORK .

INTERVIEW BY JILL NOVOTNY

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EQ: Your work is divided into distinct series, like “Botanical Beasts” and “Colorful Coats.” Can you discuss the conceptualization of these series and how they represent different facets of your artistic vision?

Artist Susan McClafferty

EQ: How has your background and personal connection to horses influenced your professional journey as an equine fine art photographer?

Susan McClafferty: My background as a lifelong equestrian is inseparable from my work as an equine fine art photographer. Long before I picked up a camera, I loved standing quietly and watching horses, noticing the smallest things: the flick of an ear, the way their expression shifts, how their energy changes from moment to moment. That curiosity has never left me. When I create fine art photography, I start with an idea of a shape or a pose, but then I let the horse respond in their own way. Handlers are encouraged to give them space, and I watch closely for those moments when their personality shines through. For me, horses always set the limit. If I sense frustration, stress, or simply that the horse has reached their limit for the day, I stop. No image is worth pushing a horse past what feels fair. My work is about celebrating them, not controlling them, and everything I create comes back to that core belief: the horse comes first.

SM: Much of what I do starts with combining the things I love with horses. Dance, music, fashion, bold colors, flowers, and abstract patterns all weave their way into my work. “Colorful Coats” began when I started experimenting with light. I had seen gels used as rim lighting behind a horse’s natural coat, but I hadn’t seen anyone use them to completely transform the coat itself. That approach opened up a whole new way of seeing the horse: familiar, real, yet entirely different. “Botanical Beasts” grew out of my love for flowers. Flowers are delicate, and while horses are large animals, they are also incredibly delicate in their own way. Putting those two together lets me explore that shared fragility and strength, and how those qualities live side by side. Right now, the series feels more commercial, but I continue to look for ways to bring it fully into the fine art space. Each series comes from a different curiosity. Some are about color, some about form, and others about the relationship between horses and their environment. Together, they show the many ways I see horses and how I hope others will see them, too. EQ: How do you approach a new equine subject to capture its unique spirit and personality? Do you have a specific process for building a rapport with the horses you photograph?

SM: I always start by introducing myself to the horse with a gentle voice and a soft stroke on their neck. That first moment matters because it gives me a sense of their energy, and from there I adjust how we move forward based on how they’re feeling. I’ve spent my life watching horses, so I trust my eye for

their behavior. If they show me they’re not comfortable, we stop. If they’re not ready, we wait. The horse decides when we begin and end. The studio is an unusual place for a horse, with big backdrops and flashes of light, so part of the process is letting them take it all in. They need to see it, react to it, and know it’s safe. What I love is that this introduction often becomes a positive experience. It can strengthen the connection between horse and handler and even build the horse’s confidence. From the outside, it might look like just a photo session, but for the horse, it can become something more, a moment of trust and growth. EQ: Your work stands apart from traditional equine photography. What sources of inspiration shape your vision, both within and outside the horse world?

SM: Most of my inspiration comes directly from horses themselves. I spend a lot of time simply watching them: how they move, how their expressions change, how they interact with their environment. Their behavior is endlessly fascinating to me, and that observation guides how I photograph them. I don’t look much to other equine photographers or artists for ideas, because I’d rather not be influenced by what’s already been done with horses as subjects. Instead, I look outside that niche. I’m inspired by painters like Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas, all of whom reimagined reality in interpretive and emotional ways. In photography, I admire Jake Hicks and Elliott Erwitt, and I also look to the modernist vision of Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston. Each of them, in their own way, shows how far you can stretch the medium when you stop trying to simply record and start interpreting. For me, it’s about staying curious and letting the horse lead the way, while also Continued on page 86

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Andalusian Antics: Elegant Equines Series

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Chromatic Weave: Lofty Look Series

Moonlit Mojito: Colorful Coats Series

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In Reverse: Lofty Looks Series

I Love Him: Lofty Looks Series Step Lightly: Elegant Equines Series NOVE MB E R/DE C E MB E R | 202 5 | EQ L I V I NG .CO M | 8 5

Ghost Pepper: Colorful Coats Series

SM: I want my techniques with light, color, and perspective to be what transforms the image, not my editing. For me, the thrill is in setting the scene and capturing it in camera. Post-processing is more about refinement. I’ll remove distractions like handlers, halters, or even cookie crumbs on the studio floor, and I’ll fine-tune color or shadow, but I don’t want to change the essence of the horse. They already bring so much presence on their own. The one area where I will alter the image is in the composition. Especially with a new idea, I’ll shoot a little wider because I know the crop and framing that I do later will bring something extra to the final piece. I will also do simple composites, such as combining both sides of the same horse in my “Lofty Looks” series. EQ: Can you discuss the inspiration, process, and progression of your “Lofty Looks” series?

Continued from page 82

borrowing ideas from art forms that give me permission to experiment and see differently. EQ: Do you compose the images in your mind before you begin, or do you aim to capture particular images? Or is the process more fluid?

SM: I usually start with an idea in my mind, but I don’t try to control the outcome too tightly, and I often ask the handlers to stop controlling as well. Horses aren’t actors you can pose on command, so the process must stay fluid. I might envision a certain shape or mood, but then I watch how the horse responds and let that guide the session. That’s where the real personality comes through.

I’m especially fascinated by odd or awkward shapes. Those moments catch my attention, but they often need time to sit with me before I know how to compose or present them. Most of my work happens with my mobile studio setup, where lighting is a precise science, but the horses bring their own randomness. I’ve learned to embrace that balance. It’s in the mix of control and unpredictability that the most powerful images come to life. EQ: How much post-processing do you use to achieve your aesthetic, and how do you find a balance between digital manipulation and the authenticity of the subject?

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SM: I really admired Andrius Burba’s “Underlook” series, but I’ve never been one to copy another artist. Around the same time, I had been experimenting with photographing horses from above at a few equestrian sports venues, and I’d also seen some creative drone shots. Those looked cool, but for me, drone photography never feels the same as holding the camera myself. I wanted that direct connection. I also knew I wanted to bring my studio skills into a new perspective. Eventually, I climbed up into the hayloft of a big Virginia barn and started working through a lot of odd, awkward images until I began to see what I was after. That was the start of “Lofty Looks.” The series grew from those experiments into something that really excites me: showing the horse from a viewpoint that feels fresh, sculptural, and a little surprising. CONTACT INFO | PAGE 97

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

RIDING ARENAS Making an INFORMED DECISION: Riding arena styles, pros and cons.

B&D BUILDERS

hen people enter a riding arena, they naturally look up to view the soaring space above. Will they see steel girders, glue-laminated arches, or wood trusses? The factors that need to be taken into consideration for an equestrian facility include cost, size, and—perhaps surprisingly—noise.

G LU E -L A M I N AT E D A RCH A R E N A S

For a sense of long-lasting grandeur, glue-laminated arch arenas have no rival. “Spectators and riders step inside, look up, and are immediately struck by how solid, heavy, and open those timber arches look and feel,” said Daniel Glick, co-founder and co-owner of B&D Builders. Glue-laminated timber offers unique contours and a natural wood look while also providing heavy-duty structural strength. While glue-laminated arches may not allow for quite the unobstructed span that steel girders can, they still accommodate surprisingly long spans. A 106-foot clear span is possible before a splice is required, which would increase the cost. This

often leaves plenty of space for all the action and spectators that most arenas would need to host. Support beams are spaced 12-18 feet apart, providing smaller window space than steel offers, but greater than a traditional pole barn. “In my experience, timber frame windows look so nice, people don’t mind the difference,” said Glick. At roughly twice the cost of a comparably sized steel rafter arena, the main disadvantage of glue-laminated arch arenas is cost. However, the durability and longevity of this style of structure mean it will house equestrian activities for generations to come.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 90

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 88

S T E E L A RE N A S

The most prolific choice in arena design for equestrian sports lovers also comes in at an entry-level cost—the steel riding arena. Given the strength of steel girding, this arena style offers the most flexibility in terms of size. Savvy designers take advantage of the longer rafters, wider purlin spacing, and wider bays that steel affords. “For example, we have a project in the bid stage that includes steel rafters,” said Glick. “It has a 185-foot clear span with not one mid-span support in sight. Wood trusses or gluelaminated arches just can’t do that kind of span without at least one mid-span support or splice.” With bay spacing of 25–28 feet between frame columns, the steel option offers the widest unobstructed spacing for open-air windows. Even at today’s steel prices, this style is a lower-cost option compared to glue-laminated arch arenas. There are steel arena kits available everywhere online, and traveling contractors will put one up for you faster than a circus tent. Unfortunately, steel arena kits frequently use lower-grade materials and fabricated parts. Even custom-sized steel arenas may use the same materials and fabrication methods. “They may look good and sturdy after assembly day,” said Glick, “but then the paint begins to flake, welds deteriorate, oxidation begins. Take great care when evaluating steel arena manufacturers.” Steel arenas are more prone to movement from heat expansion and contraction, so the sounds of groaning and creaking are common with this style. Timber riding arenas do not have this problem.

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POLE BARN ARENAS

The choice for generations of equine enthusiasts, the tried-andtrue pole barn arena still has many advantages. They are readily available, require less site preparation, and offer a lower-cost option. Many pole barn kit manufacturers generally feature standardized engineered roof trusses and painted steel siding. However, the buyer should be just as vigilant about material and component quality as they would with a steel arena kit. Engineered trusses also offer ample roosting spots for birds, which adds another layer of maintenance for consideration. Pole barn riding arenas, on the other hand, hearken back to legacy and craftsmanship. “We don’t do as many custom pole barn arenas as we used to,” said Glick, “but when we do, we love to build them well.” The exterior of this type of arena is a blank canvas for the designer who wants to give it a beautiful look. Up to 102-foot clear spans are possible with engineered trusses, and bays will generally be up to 96 inches wide. Unlike steel and glue-laminated arch arenas, pole barn arenas don’t require the initial expense of a reinforced poured concrete foundation. Support posts are buried directly in the ground. While this makes pole barn arenas easier and faster to put up, this also means anticipating potential ground movement. In terms of cost, a custom-built pole barn arena will generally cost less than a custom-built steel arena of the same size. INFO | PAGE 97

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EQ B O O K S

DO PUDDLES EAT PONIES? B

Continued from page 30

TH N S EE ER W V T O BE C

super tough drink, with my neck stretched out all funny the whole time, I needed to lie down again. A nap sounded good. A nice long nap. A very long nap. After a while, something unsettling showed up in front of the boxshaped place I was in with my mom, startling me out of my sleep. Strange beings that had no hooves and almost no fur were gathered there, staring at me. They were pretty definitely a threat!

gathered my legs beneath me and pushed myself to my feet. A glance at my mom calmed me a bit, because she didn’t seem afraid. She even went over to the beings and let them touch her. And she didn’t attack them when one of them entered our box carefully—she let it go past her. Toward me. I was still wobbly on my legs, so flight wasn’t really an option. I pushed my way farther into the corner. The being didn’t get too close, thankfully. It crouched down and I took a closer look. Its eyes were in the front of its head, not on the sides. How strange! But

Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux

the being probably couldn’t help that. Could it even breathe through those tiny nostrils? It only had fur on the very top of its body; the rest of it seemed to be bald, and was covered up. Poor thing. Its front legs were tiny, forcing it to balance on its hind legs. Incredible that it was able to do that, when I could barely get my four legs to work properly! It stretched its not-hoof toward me. Not a single hair on it! And the end had these weird little tentacles that moved. The being was making calming noises, and even though it was staring at

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me like a predator, it looked pretty nice. What did it smell like? My curiosity got the better of me, and I stretched out my nose to take a sniff. Weeeeiiiirrrrrd! The little tentacles brushed over my nose, and I pulled my head away quickly, hiding behind my mom. She put an end to the party, protecting me with her body. The being retreated to its friends outside of our box. They made a lot of strange noises at each other. I still thought they were strange, but after a few days, I decided the hoofless beings weren’t a threat. They let me sleep in peace, after all, and only tried to touch me with their tentacles occasionally. After a few days, Mom and I were allowed to leave the box-shaped place I had learned was our stall. I hid behind her tail at first, peeking out carefully. All that stuff outside our stall was called “The World”! It looked pretty warm, and pretty green. And there were all sorts of different textures on the ground—sometimes soft or slimy, sometimes knobbly or clattering. Some poked into my

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EQ B O O K S

hooves, and some threatened to swallow them up. My favorite was the soft thing. It tickled my nose, I could throw myself down onto it and run around on it, and Mom even ate it! I tried eating it too, but it didn’t work very good. I couldn’t really reach it, and when I did manage to get some of it, it would slip right out of my mouth again. That soft stuff just didn’t cooperate! How frustrating!

o I padded around a bit instead. There was plenty of room to practice here, after all, and I was able to make a few very exciting discoveries. Like the fact that, once you get your legs under control, you can even run! So I ran. Around my mom. A little away from her. And right back. Around her again. I tested out how high I could hop. Front up, tail up—every hoof was in the game! I almost landed on my nose once and hurried back to safety with

EVERYONE KEPT OOHING AT ME! THEY DIDN’T OOH AT MOM SO MUCH.

Mom. When I got bored, I would nibble at her mane or take a sip of milk. The soft green stuff was also great for napping on—perfect for it, really! A bright round thing in the sky made my belly feel warm and shone on my coat as I lay there, flat as a pancake. Could I just do this forever? Once I had gotten used to the hoofless, I learned that they actually were pretty okay. They brought food for Mom and let us out every day. Just, those sounds they made were still so strange. Everyone kept oohing at me! They didn’t ooh at Mom so much. And they sounded different again when they were just making noises at each other. And their ears! They couldn’t even move them! How weird was that?! How was I supposed to know what they wanted from me? There was one sound that they made a lot when they were around me: Sharif. I think that means me! INFO | PAGE 97

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GEORGE KAMPER

A LO N G S TRI D E B E YO N D T H E E X PE C T E D Planning and Strategy

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Event Press Centers

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EQ M E D I A The full-service media agency with an equestrian focus EQmedia.agency JU NE /JU LY | 2016 | EQL IV ING .COM | 27 612-209-0310

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

STYLE

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FASHION Page16

Elements of Style Equisite Elements of Style

PEOPLE Page 24

Allyson Rogers The Woman Who Refused to Leave er Horses

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GALLERY Page 80

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BARN DOG Page 98

Thrive Animal Rescue thriveanimalrescue.com

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A WORLD OF HORSES

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EQ B A R N D O G S

MEET OTTER AND CEDAR Two SCRUFFY RESCUES bring laughs and love to a California horse show family. BY JENNI KAYNE

ANNIE MACALLER

JULIE B

knew I wanted a smaller scruffy mutt, one that would be good with kids, other animals, and able to travel with us to horse shows. At home, we already had two big dogs, Chachi and Tag, both around 95 pounds, which made traveling more challenging. I’d been following Thrive rescue on Instagram for a long time, waiting for the perfect dog to come along. When I saw the first photo of Otter, with his adorable little face, one ear up and one ear down, I immediately sent it to my husband. He gave the green light, and I reached out to Thrive’s Cece Durante Bloum and filled out an application. Within a week, she met me at the Oaks Horse Show in San Juan Capistrano and brought Otter for a trial. He was exactly as described and truly the perfect addition to our family! Tagliatelle, or “Tag,” is our sevenyear-old Italian Spinone. He’s not a rescue, and he’s really big. He’s reserved, steady, and the quiet leader of the pack. We live on 2½ acres in the hills, so I love

JULIE B

Jenni Kayne is the founder of the California-inspired lifestyle brand, Jenni Kayne, and the clean skincare brand Oak Essentials. She grew up showing American Saddlebreds but stopped riding after high school. Her passion for riding was reignited at 30, when she began riding her sister’s retiring grand-prix jumper, Saphi, who was one of several talented horses she helped transition to retirement. She now rides most mornings for meditation and fun on Hermès, the jumper she shares with her 14-year-old daughter, Ripley. Her primary role is now a proud horse-show mom.

Top: Ripley and Otter. Above: Otter (L) and Cedar, rescued via Thrive.

having him around to protect the little ones from coyotes. He’s very much a gentle giant. Turning 4 this November is Otter, our perfect scruffy Thrive rescue. We did his DNA and it came back as American Staffordshire terrier, Chihuahua, pit bull, and miniature schnauzer. He looks like a schnauzer but has the strength and personality of an American Staffordshire terrier/pit bull. He’s full of endless energy, soulful, and loves adventure. He’s always ready to jump in the car, whether we invite him or not! He climbs trees like a cat, he loves hiking, and he is incredible with kids and other dogs. He loves to party!

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Cedar is our newest Thrive rescue, adopted in August at the Del Mar Horse Show, where Thrive hosted a pop-up. She’s about 5 months old, and she’s the only girl in the pack. Her DNA came back as teacup poodle, Chihuahua, cattle dog, and Australian shepherd. She’s scruffy but silky, and very smart. She’s super sweet and gentle, with a puppy’s playful energy. She gets along with everyone: kids, dogs, even our pig, Moo, whom we also recently rescued. Cedar and Moo are the same age and love playing together, which is adorable. Otter makes us laugh all the time. He climbs the oak trees in our backyard, chasing the squirrels. I think he thinks he’s a cat, it’s so funny! Both Otter and Cedar sleep upside down with all four legs up in the air, which just makes me laugh and appreciate how comfortable they feel in our home, considering their backgrounds. We bring the dogs to the barn, and Otter comes to every horse show. Cedar’s only been to one so far since she’s still so new to our family. It’s always been important to me to have dogs who are comfortable around horses. Otter loves kissing horses on the nose at shows. Some horses are more into it than others. At horse shows, Otter is up for everything: golf cart rides, watching my daughter, Ripley, ride, playing with other dogs, or collapsing into a hotel bed at the end of the day. At home, we have a little rescue farm with horses, donkeys, goats, and Moo the pig, so the dogs are always surrounded by animals. PAGE 97

thermal , california

desert international horse park

dressage final November 12-16, 2025

Be a part of the inaugural US Equestrian Open Dressage Final. Scan the QR code to learn more about the competition, including how to watch or attend the final in person this November.

In affiliation with Keeneland and Cross Gate Gallery Featuring Fine Sporting Art, American Paintings and Sculpture KEENELAND RACE COURSE | LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

JOHN FERNELEY SR. (BRITISH, 1827–1847), Priam With Sam Day Up And The Epsom Grandstand Beyond, Oil on Canvas, 34" x 42"

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 4:00 pm Notable lots in 2025 include works by LeRoy Neiman, Sir Alfred J. Munnings, and Vaughn Flannery.

Equestrian Living - November/December 2025