Category: Articles

Amateur Accolades

By Llewyn Jobe

Un-Expectations
In my last article, I addressed the EHV scare we were all experiencing in the world of equine activities. Since then, things seem to have calmed down with EHV. Scotty (my horse that I adore) and I competed in two of the six shows we had planned on this season. We were Champion in our Hunter Division at the first show and Reserve Champion in the second show. I do miss my barn and the shows in California, but I have to say that I have adjusted to my new barn, as well as the smaller shows here in North Texas and I can see the benefits of both.

I’ve mentioned that Scotty and I are very focused on our training since moving back to Texas. As our results indicate, training is going well and there are definite improvements in my riding and Scotty’s development. We are both stronger and more focused in the ring, with a better understanding of what needs to be done in order to accomplish our goals. However, it’s hard to predict what obstacles may come into play and how to overcome those obstacles when dealing with these magnificent, high-powered equine athletes. When I purchased Scotty, he was five years old with a lot of potential, but it was clear to me I had my hands full. Previous to me, he was destined to be a stud on a farm. The economy took a turn for the worse and plans changed. He was gelded at four years old and then began training as a jumper. When I tried Scotty, although he was well-bred, his training and ground manners had a long way to go. It was clear to me and my trainer that he could jump, but that was about all he could do, he was essentially uneducated on the flat. Knowing that there is a lot of flatwork that takes place in order to have a great jumper, we had our work cut out for us.

The first day Scotty arrived at my barn in California, his ground manners left a lot to be desired. He was not a mean horse, but he did not respect me or my space. He was very mouthy, impatient and had his own ideas about where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do. Truth is he acted like a stud that was cut late. Of course, the excitement of finally getting my own horse after all these years helped me to overlook this naughty behavior. He did show signs of improvement as time went on and I am grateful for the barn in California where they handled Scotty for me and taught him a bit more about manners.

Fast-forward to today. The barn we moved to in Texas is much more hands-on, I do a lot more of the handling and grooming myself. It offers the same high level of training as the barn in California, just not full grooming services. But that was the point of moving back to Texas, to spend less money and have more time with Scotty.

Well, Scotty is coming into his prime now, having just turned seven in April. He was bred to be a big athletic animal and he has grown into himself. Once under saddle and in the ring, he knows it’s time to work. Since he is still a youngster, getting him to focus at times is challenging, but he eventually comes around. It’s funny how karma works. Scotty reminds me a lot of myself a lot when I was growing up – at times disrespectful, willful and occasionally unwilling to be disciplined. However I would usually listen to reason and wasn’t a large, strong force when I misbehaved. At almost 17 hands, Scotty is too big to be disrespectful.

He still acts a lot like a stallion on the ground and lately he has started to exhibit some unseemly behavior. When angered or frustrated, because he is being reprimanded and asked to behave like a nice horse should, he has started to stand on his back legs. My instinct is to hold on to him and make him behave. But it is unnerving to see his large hooves high up above my head. So, the last two times he’s done this, I turn him loose and he runs off, calms down and I catch him. This is unacceptable behavior and must be addressed. So, what is the answer to my latest equine challenge? I don’t have the knowledge or experience to address such behavior. So my trainers in Texas helped me find a man who does.

Enter Roger Daly Horses in the Aubrey/Pilot Point area of North Texas. Roger is well known for his ability and success with horses. He preps up to 300 young horses for major sales and breaks about 100 horses per year. While I’m off to Spain for two weeks with my family, my trainers thought it would be the perfect time to send Scotty to Roger for some discipline training. When I delivered Scotty to Roger’s place, I was immediately impressed with his facility. Roger spent some time with me so I could ask a few questions and feel comfortable with leaving my sizable investment (literally and financially) with him.

Roger stated that, “A lot of the English discipline horses we get like Scotty are often times not broke properly, or started good to begin with… they lack a proper foundation. Bad behavior is tolerated as long as they win in the show ring. Typically in a case like Scotty’s, we achieve a high level of success with the majority of the horses we work with.”

I already look forward to returning from Spain. When I pick Scotty up, I will update you on his progress… So stay tuned!

In Living Color

By Erin Gilmore

The Benefits of Equine IR
Potential injury, questionable lameness, ill-fitting saddles – all these terms cause anguish and often unanswered questions for horse owners and trainers. When ‘saddled’ with a soundness issue, it can be comforting to literally get a picture of what is happening. In color no less. Enter Equine Infrared (IR) – an International Network of Certified Thermographers, trained in the application of Equine Thermography.

An underused technology in the horse world, Equine Thermography is a useful tool in diagnosing problems ranging from lameness, to chronic nerve damage, to poor saddle fit and more.

Thermal imaging is not a new technology; it’s been used in many different ways, outside of the horse world, for decades. With thermal imaging cameras that capture variations in temperature, firefighters can find people hidden by smoke, the military can see subjects across long distances, and electrical engineers can find hot spots in weakened structures.

Thermography is also used as a tool in human diagnostics, but its applications are just beginning to be put to use in the sport horse industry. In the early ’90s, attempts were made to put IR imaging into practice for horses, but with large, bulky cameras, and little knowledge about how to prepare an image, the method lost popularity.

Today, IR cameras have evolved to small, light devices that are easy to handle, and a certification program ensures that thermographers are specially trained to read, access and diagnose “hot spots” through Infrared images.

It’s still not as simple as looking at a rainbow-colored picture for answers. Certified thermographers also know equine bone and muscle physiology, and are trained to carefully prepare the surrounding environment so that the resulting image is as accurate as possible.

Dr. Joanna Robson, DVM is lead technical director of Equine IR, and in addition to training technicians in thermography, uses it in many applications in her own practice.

“The majority of my IR cases are saddle fit cases,” Dr. Robson explains. “But we use IR in everything from horses that have slipped and fallen and sustained nerve damage, to small fractures to hoof issues. When an area is inflamed, we can see it and then assess it further to find the source of the irritation.”

A fabulous technology for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, Dr. Robson explains that IR is an “additional, excellent tool that we use in our bag of tricks.”

When read correctly, the heat that gathers around an injured area can help solve many of the body’s mysteries. Red indicates irritation and swelling, and blue can show loss of circulation or nerve damage. “An IR scan can pick up a lot of things that other technologies can’t,” adds Dr. Robson.   For the average horse owner, an accurate IR scan is easier to comprehend in color than an ultrasound or MRI image. While IR images don’t replace those diagnostic tools, Equine IR presents an image of an issue in a way that owners and trainers can immediately understand, helping them ad their horses down the path to diagnosis, treatment and hopefully recovery.

Devon Journal

By Olivia Esse

Memories of Devon
I was excited to go to Devon this year, my first time back since 2007. I had shown the ponies there quite a few times, and I have such fond memories from those years. I will never forget how excited I was when my first year at Devon, 2003, I moved to the top of the Small Pony Stake Class on Budweiser. My trainer was crying tears of joy. We had to jog that class on the path next to the ring because the ring was too muddy. I remember the pony hunt teams, riding around in tandem to the American Idol theme song. I remember riding the ferris wheel with my very scared trainer, and winning stuffed prizes at the carnival games that are still in my room. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has always been a fun tradition, and I knew this year would be no different.

When we arrived the weather forecast included highs in the 90s with a chance of thunderstorms. Seemed pretty paradoxical to me, as I was used to cold and rainy weather at Devon. Thankfully it never stormed, but it was hot and humid all weekend, which was quite draining (especially in the flat phase of the Maclay). But I enjoyed the sun – it felt like summer. The “Devon blue” stands matched the pale blue sky, the lines for homemade ice cream were never short and the tea sandwiches were refreshing in the shade of the picnic tables. In the warm evenings the fair rides lit up, music was playing, and there were large crowds for the classes still going on.

Stepping in the ring, I felt part of a great tradition, a celebration of showmanship. This was, after all, Devon’s 115th year! There more than anywhere I feel that I am part of a show. I am not just competing in front of a judge, with my trainers and the other riders at the gate. There is a real audience, some horse people but some who came simply to enjoy the fair and to watch the show jumping, a fascinating and old-fashioned sport. The rails are lined with kids in face paint and families in full Devon gear, marveling at the beautiful horses going by. Although they occasionally spook a horse, I really appreciate how interested they are – their energy adds to the excitement. I want to perform for them whenever I am in the arena. I can’t remember the last time I walked into the ring at a big show to see the stands even halfway filled.

The Dixon Oval was a joy to ride in. It is nice and spacious, great for galloping around and hunting the fences, feeling my shadbelly tails flapping in the wind behind me. Between studying for AP exams and being sick, it had been a while since I had shown, so I was rusty and at times would over think my rides. My rounds weren’t my absolute best, but I earned some good prizes – a second, a couple thirds, a couple fifths – so I was quite content. Jogging was a bit of a drag in the muggy weather, but when I would get to the top of the ring and stand in line for my prize I often found myself looking toward the other end of the ring. The sign over top of the gate reads, “DEVON HORSE SHOW WHERE CHAMPIONS MEET.” Maybe it sounds a bit mushy, but the statement rings true – I do feel like a champion no matter what prize I win or don’t win at this horse show so steeped in tradition. To have the opportunity to compete there, against such great riders and in front of all those spectators, is something I’m not only proud of but I cherish.

Conversations With Equestrians: John French

By Selena Frederick

A Top Rider Mantra
 Do we ride to win or are we winners because we have the chance to ride? There is more to the A-Circuit show life than training and competition. Losing sight of what’s important often affects performance in the ring as well as in life. We all enjoy winning; it is how we define it that is key.

With show season in full swing, I, on behalf of EquestriSol, wanted to take a moment to reflect, and get insight on the importance of attitude and perspective – not only during show season, but also in life. As many equestrian enthusiasts understand, training and competing on the A-Circuit has its challenges, but deciding whether to learn or become frustrated from those challenges is up to the individual.

One of the most successful hunter (and jumper when he decides to give it a go) riders in the sport, behind John French’s long list of accomplishments are his share of mistakes, bad days and not perfect results. Pictured below is one such moment when his mount Clooney almost jumped him off during the Handy Round of the Hunter Derby this past April. He recovered, smiling, and finished the round. Not even certain he was going to go east in May this year, French recently returned from the 2011 Devon Horse Show, where he rode Davlyn Farm’s Come Monday to the First Year Green Championship.

EquestriSol first spoke with John at HITS Thermal in March, where he was per usual dominating the hunter arena. And holding his own in Grand Prix ring, ribboning in several classes aboard River Bird last year and Mountain Home Stables Chawi Du Laubry in Thermal. The desert was buzzing when one day French not only flipped between highlight events – Hunter Derby and Grand Prix – he excelled. Jumping off his Derby horse, he stepped up his game to complete the jump-off for a top prize.

“I believe a lot in this horse; he’s not scared at all,” said French of Chawi. During the winter, he competed Chawi de Laubry in the several grand prix events while his owner, Taylor Siebel, was studying at Stanford University. French took 4th in $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix (week V) and 9th in the $200,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix (week VI).

Finding French wasn’t difficult; it was waiting until he was on the ground and not on a back of a horse that was the challenge. Of course like many accomplished trainers, he has a number of clients and students that keep him on his toes when not in the saddle at horse shows. However, when I did have the chance to speak with John French, I found it to be a very calming, positive experience.

With all the success of his horses, as well as his students, one can’t help but wonder how this master maintains his happiness and sanity while trying to manage an incredibly busy show schedule, his daily training plans, and the never ending “to-do list” required for the proper care of his horses. When the nerves come in the warm up ring, how does he cope? What’s his philosophy or mantra for life that gets him through?

“Have an attitude of gratitude,” he answered with a smile, “Whenever I get nervous, I remind myself that it doesn’t help to be nervous about something I can’t control – a ride happening in the future – so I let go and focus on what I can control which is being in the present during the ride. I start to think about how lucky we are to do what we’re doing – winning is the main goal, but it’s not the most important thing.”

This relaxed and focused philosophy has brought him success with his horses as well as his riders in all arenas. His perspective in the midst of heavy competition is a positive example. “I don’t go out thinking that I am going to win – or that I need to beat somebody else. (I) just do the best I can – ride better than the last time.” Applying this approach to more than the show ring is undoubtedly something to consider.

Reflecting on why we choose to be equestrians, why we compete and how we handle the ups and downs of the ‘ride’, literally and figuratively, it would serve us well to think in the French frame of mind.

“Pick up the pace right away – don’t doubt yourself. To have a winning ride, you can’t think ‘am I going to find the distance’ you have to let that go. When you are tentative it interrupts the flow. Let the doubts go out of your mind – that’s when you ride the best. Take risks – believe in the ride.”

As we ride through life, it’s good to remember to go for it, believe in yourself and try to always maintain an attitude of gratitude. This makes you a winner.

SOME FRENCH FACTS

Rider: Hunt Tosh (Hunters) and Beezie Madden (Jumpers) Movie: Requiem for a Dream Book: Inner Revolution, by Robert Thurman (Uma Thurman’s father)Profession (if he weren’t an equestrian): A professional singer and/or work with the elderly in some capacity

Photos By Cheval Photos

North American League

Don’t miss the inaugural NAL West Coast Finals – qualify now!

Attention Adult Amateur Hunters, Adult Amateur Jumpers, Children’s Hunters, Children’s Jumpers and Low Junior/Amateur Jumpers – prepare to compete in Las Vegas in this fall. Spend your summer showing with Blenheim, earn valuable points and compete in the inaugural North American League Finals at the Las Vegas National.

What is NAL – The North American League?
Over fifteen years ago Lloyd Longenecker, President of Ryegate Show Services, Inc. took over the reins for an Adult Hunter Series. At that time he realized that exhibitors wanted more, so the program expanded to include numerous divisions and is now one of the most popular year-end championships on the east coast. With a finals at the Pennsylvania National in the fall it was a natural progression to add a west coast finals to the roster.

Why NAL?
The NAL West Coast Finals at the Las Vegas National gives top competitors in several divisions the opportunity to compete at a first-class venue for prize money and great awards. With up to $5,000 per division, trophies, championship coolers and more, why not NAL? Plus everyone who participates in the finals receives a special keepsake.

When NAL?
It is not too late! Most of the shows on the Blenheim schedule offer NAL qualifying classes. Including the Showpark Ranch & Coast Classic, there are approximately ten more Blenheim shows where you can earn qualifying points. Anyone can compete in these classes, but only NAL members will earn points. Qualifying period: September 1, 2010 – August 31, 2011

How NAL?
Membership is only $35 and you can join at the show or online through www.Ryegate.com. Horse and rider combinations are ranked, so a rider may earn points on multiple horses. An important detail to joining: With a 10-day grace period to join post the day of the class, you can join after you’ve competed in a qualifying class.

Where NAL?
Besides the chance to compete at the best horse shows in southern California to qualify, all those who are invited get the chance to show at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas.

South Point Hotel amenities include:
– Each hotel room has a 42″ plasma TV with live arena broadcast
– Room service available at the barn
– Nine restaurants on site
– Costa del Sur Spa & Salon
– 16 screen theater on site
– 64 lane bowling alley
– Fabulous exhibitor parties

See you in November!

 

NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE FAQ

Here is some additional information:
– Do I have to sign up the horse too? No, only the rider needs to join, not the horse or pony.
– Where can I find the standings? On the website, which is updated each Friday.
– How soon after I join is my membership active? Memberships are valid when received in the NAL office with full payment. Members will be credited with any points earned at NAL events held within the previous 10 days, and all future events. For other frequently asked questions, membership forms and more, please visit:www.ryegate.com/NAL/nal.htm.

Amateur Accolades

By Llewyn Jobe

EHV and Me
I am passionate about the hunter/jumper world and have been since I was a child. Not able to pursue my passion actively until now, as an adult I found and purchased the horse of my dreams. Living and working in Los Angeles, I had precious little time to do what I loved most, as my job, commute and life outside of horses took up a majority of my days.

I made a decision to move my horse, Scotty, and myself back home to Texas this past February so I could continue to focus on our collective training. The cost of everything equine is much less expensive in Texas, which means I can work less and ride more, a big plus. I returned to my childhood riding trainer. Excited about this new direction, I’ll be working with EquestriSol to bring you my Amateur Accolades.

As an adult amateur rider with a relatively green horse, I made a goal to aggressively prepare for the 2011 show season. Much to my dismay, my trainers took us down a few levels in the hunter ring to focus on strengthening and conditioning us both before moving back up to the level we were competing at in California. Persevering, Scotty and I have competed at several small spring shows in Texas and have been gearing up to do a series of six shows over six weeks during the second half of May and all of June. As you can imagine I was anxious to get to the shows and prove my ability to nail those eight jumps in the hunter ring, so I could move back up to the jumpers.

Enter EHV-1, equine herpesvirus, an infection which can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death, and/or neurologic disease. The neurological form of EHV-1 is called EHM, Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy.

Two days before the first of the shows in May, I received an email from the organizers stating that the show had been cancelled due to a lack of entries. My friends and I were very disappointed as we were all planning to meet up at the show and compete together. Within minutes of receiving the email canceling the show, I received the first of many emails about this EHV-1 disease. In my mind, it was too much of a coincidence – the canceling of the show due to lack of entries and these emails about EHV-1. Then the show we were scheduled to compete in on Memorial Day Weekend was cancelled as well. I appreciate the cautious nature of my trainers as well as the local show organizers here. Still devastated, I had a difficult time comprehending the severity of this EHV-1 problem. As much as I’d like to be showing after all the hard work we’ve been putting in, not to mention my desire to move up, I didn’t want to risk the health of my horse.

In my quest to find out more, I did a little research. What exactly is EHV-1? Apparently, there are nine EHVs that have been identified worldwide. EHV-1 is one of three EHVs that pose the most serious health risks for domesticated horses. A nasty little outbreak can cause a severe economic impact, as well as a lot of disappointed show goers hoping to prove to themselves and to their trainers that all of the long hours of training have meant something and yes, we can go into that show ring with a cool, focused head and accomplish our personal best. My trainer in California always told me, “it’s not about bringing me blue ribbons; it’s about doing your personal best.” Of course, I like to win and bring home the blue ribbons, but that’s another article for another day. I digress… back to EHV-1.

EHV-1 is the primary cause of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), another name for the neurological disease associated with EHV-1 that interferes with the blood supply and causes tissue damage and a loss in normal function of areas in the brain and spinal cord. EHV-1 is most commonly spread by direct horse-to-horse contact through the horse’s respiratory tract. It can also be spread through indirect contact such as tack, rags, feed and water buckets, and people’s hands or clothing.

Apparently there were several outbreaks of EHM at recent events. Equine professionals were concerned about the recent outbreaks of EHM, because of the severity and behavior of the virus. Even though the outbreak occurred at non hunter/jumper events, the concern clearly spread like wildfire.

Vaccines exist to control the respiratory and abortion manifestations of EHV-1; however, the currently licensed vaccines are not labeled for the prevention of EHM. Universities and private researchers are looking into several existing and new vaccines to determine if they can protect against EHM.

EHV-1, which is the cause of EHM, is not necessarily a new phenomenon. Who can say if the number of outbreaks has increased? Maybe it’s the number of cases being reported which has increased. Nonetheless a lot of precautions are in place right now to stop any potential spread. In talking with Scotty’s veterinarian, Dr, David Gilchrist at Lone Star Park Equine Hospital, he stated that “the EHV-1 and EHM outbreaks appear to have been managed correctly, however, it is smart to remain cautious. It’s true, an outbreak has occurred.” The way my barn in Texas took precaution is by locking down the barn. No horses in and no horses out.

It seems that all reported cases are directly related to horses that competed at two NCHA events (or horses exposed to infected horses). And my research tells me that if no new cases are reported over a 14-day period, we can be relatively certain the outbreak is over. This is good news on many levels. My trainer stated that we are going to consult with Dr. Gilchrist before attending any shows. However, if the next show we are planning to attend is cancelled, our decision will be made for us. We’re taking it one show at a time. Pockets of the horse industry have dealt with similar outbreaks in the past and they have recovered and gone back to business as usual.

In short, I am considerably bummed about not being able to show like we planned this season. I have grown to understand and respect my trainers’ decisions with these recent developments concerning the reported EHM cases in the western United States. After all, I depend on my trainers to protect the substantial emotional and financial investment I have made and will continue to make with Scotty. It’s good to know that they are taking good care of us, as I depend on them to do so. However, in order to continue my pursuit of accolades, perfect trips and personal best, my fingers are crossed that we’ll be back in the show ring soon!

EHV-1 Quick Notes:
– Keep Connected to Your Veterinarian to Assess Your Horse’s Level of Risk
– Follow Show Management Guidelines

Photo by Jennifer Jobe

Rolex Anyone?

What a World Cup – FEI Rolex Show Jumping WC Final, Leipzig, Germany
 While the World Cup in Las Vegas was touted for its exciting combination of two FEI disciplines, show jumping and dressage, Leipzig upped the ante this year. The 2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals hosted four finals for four FEI disciplines – show jumping, dressage, vaulting, and driving – in the same venue at the same time. As show jumping competitor Pablo Barrios (VEN), noted, “The venue was amazing. It was a super facility and a huge building. They had all sorts of different rings and things were run really, really well.” Quite a show.

Focus on Show Jumping
Germany maintained their victory status in another Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Finals this year, but with two Germans, one Canadian, two Dutchmen, two Americans, one New Zealander, one Swiss and one Frenchman, the top ten was not dominated by one country or continent. Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Taloubet Z scored a final clear round to take the top spot in show jumping’s individual championship. The Olympic champions, Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Hickstead, finished second overall after they rocketed up the standings following an exciting round two victory. Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) and BMC van Grunsven Simon finished third after an impressive double clear performance on the final day. The only other double clear on the last day, Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo made an impressive move up to place fourth.

On opening day, it was two other American women who started out strong. Margie Engle and Indigo were the first to go clear in the speed class and finished fifth. Ashlee Bond and Cadett 7 were also clear for eighth place.

Engle, who had a refusal in round two but finished 12th overall after having only one rail over two rounds on the final day, commented, “He’s a good boy, (and) he wanted to be good all the way through. It’s been a great learning experience for him as a young horse; it was a lot for him. One thing nice to see is that I still have plenty of horse left. He could go another round.”

The early pacesetters were Germany’s Marco Kutscher on the veteran Cash, followed closely by Marcus Ehning (last year’s World Cup Finals winner) and Sabrina, Ahlmann and Taloubet Z, and Gerco Schroeder (NED) on Eurocommerce New Orleans.

Frank Rothenberger of Germany set a more demanding test on the second day, and only seven riders out of 40 scored a clear first round to advance to a jump-off. The first of those was Pablo Barrios (VEN) and G&C Quick Star. However, their eight faults in the jump-off put them seventh that day.

Lamaze and Hickstead won in exciting fashion in 40.68 seconds over Ahlmann and Taloubet Z (40.86 seconds). They were four seconds faster than Schroeder and Eurocommerce New Orleans and Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) on Action-Breaker. Ward and his second mount, Antares F, were fifth when they had the final jump down, and Kutscher on Cash was sixth.

“It was fun, and it was fast – we were smoking!” said Lamaze. “We had some ground to make up after Thursday so we had no choice.”

“I didn’t take a chance on the first day, I went very casual,” said Lamaze, who noted that the World Cup Final was only Hickstead’s second indoor competition of the season. “I knew he wasn’t ready for those inside turns and to be competitive in that event. I was hoping for a clear and it didn’t happen. I had to come from behind. When you are on a sports car like Hickstead, anything is possible.”

On the final day, the points were close enough where one rail could change the results significantly. Riders had to contest not one, but two difficult courses in one day, with only 19 coming back for the second round out of the 27 who started the final day. With the fastest time but a heartbreak rail in the jump-off on day two, McLain Ward and Antares F, completed the final day with just one rail and 10th overall. “I’m thrilled with Antares. I couldn’t have been happier; he was amazing all week,” Ward said.

Lamaze and Hickstead were clear in the first round, as were Dubbeldam, Madden, and Kutscher. The pressure was on Ahlmann and Taloubet Z, and they finished with four faults after a rail in the final double combination.

As the second round commenced, Kutscher was the only rider with a score of zero, while Ahlmann had four, Lamaze had six, Katie McVean (NZL) had eight with Delphi, and Schroeder had nine.

Although Dubbeldam and Madden were double clear, their point total coming into the last day was too much to overcome for victory but moved the pairs up to third and fourth respectively.

Dubbeldam admitted that he was still looking for a win – which he accomplished, along with Madden, the only two double clear they tied for the win in round 3. “You have to believe it’s possible and I went in today thinking I would go up at least a few places,” he said. “I knew my horse was in top form.”

This was the first World Cup Finals performance for Coral Reef Via Volo. “She got better as the week went on and rose to the occasion (on the final day),” Madden said of her mount. “Coming into (the final day), you’re only halfway through. The new format has the second round just as long as the first, so a lot can happen. I expected her to be good, to say I expected double clear would be saying a lot right now. She needs experience at places like this. I’m really happy at our first one. She was amazing.”

 When riders in the top ten faulted or were carrying too many faults already, it all came down to the final two Germans. Kutscher and Cash had a devastating 12 faults, so the pressure was on Ahlmann. His final clear round gave Ahlmann the victory.

“I’m unbelievably happy that everything worked out the way it did,” Ahlmann exuded. “Taloubet did an amazing job all weekend and the only fault he made was his rider’s fault at the last fence in the first round. He has no experience of Championship competition so I’m delighted that he showed today that he can do it.”

Ahlmann added, “He has unbelievable power and scope, and he can do it over many days. I was lucky to have him.” Ahlmann said that after his European Championship gold medal, this win ranks as his most memorable.

Phenomenal Firsts – Royal & Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event CCI4*
The Brits celebrated quite a bit this week, from Royal weddings to Olympic Level wins. Depending on your tastes these amazing events are certainly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Hats off to the royal couple, HRH Duke William and HRH Duchess Kate, but the equestrian world congratulates “King Mary” who not only clinched the win on Kings Temptress in the Rolex 3-Day, she earned second place on Fernhill Urco. In her first event at the Olympic level, American Sinead Halpin was certainly a star. Speaking of firsts, the Reiners came to town during the Rolex 3-day for the inaugural Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup CRI5* and the crowds loved it.

Royal Champion

By Selena Frederick and Jackie McFarland

A Supplement is Reborn
With the competitive supplement industry, what is next for Royal Champion?

“It’s a classic product with an unparalleled history. And it’s experiencing a well-deserved reintroduction into the market,” explained company owner Tomas Harlan.

A pioneer from its inception, Royal Champion horse supplements introduced the concept of full supplementation 37 years ago into a market that had not seen anything quite like it. According to Harlan, not only is Royal Champion’s history unique, but most importantly the formulas are one of a kind, with a combination of ingredients not found in any other product. These two factors play an essential role in how RC differentiates itself from that of its many competitors.

The History of RC
At the appointment of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Dr. Trevor M. Cook developed the formulas for the Royal Family of England and for many years the products were used only by this elite group and exclusive clients in the British equestrian community. In 1990, Dr. Cook was released to sell the products commercially and brought RC to the US. Dianna DeCastro, a well-known figure on the California race circuit, had used the formulas on her own horses to great success and approached Dr. Cook for a potential partnership. From that meeting, she acquired the worldwide rights to the formulas and Dr. Cook stayed on in a research and product development capacity.

In 1995, Ms. DeCastro brought Royal Champion to the hunter/jumper and polo markets. Her marketing efforts targeted the top-level competition horses, riders, trainers and owners. After only a few months, Royal Champion saw an increase in its clientele from gains in this new market. Momentum of the product was gaining rapidly until 1999 when Ms. DeCastro was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident. The next seven years were a difficult period for the sustainability of Royal Champion as Ms. DeCastro struggled through multiple surgeries and a long recovery. Interestingly, some of the more passionate clients actually took initiative to get the product manufactured, packaged and shipped to themselves during that time period. These clients remain loyal to Royal Champion to this day.

Enter Tomas Harlan. As an acquaintance of Ms. DeCastro’s, Harlan was approached about the company in terms of ownership and after nine months of research, he ‘fell in love’ with the product. “While I had a background with horses from childhood, I didn’t realize what a strong impact a supplement could make. When I saw the results this product achieved, and heard from owners about how their horses simply ‘felt’ different with improvements in temperament, recovery and stamina, I knew that Royal Champion was something special.” In the end of 2008 Harlan purchased the company and since then has been actively reestablishing the brand on multiple levels, from local to global efforts.

RC Now and In the Future
In the short period since the change of ownership, RC’s reintroduction to the horse industry is well underway. Listening to and analyzing customer feedback, the staff at RC took into account what people value when making a decision about supplements for their horse, which led to the development of two new updates to the current complete vitamin and mineral formula, as well as a new complete joint formula for release later this summer.

The strategy is to “update the new line, continue moving the product throughout the US, continue to learn from customer feedback, and introduce the product to the equine market worldwide,” commented Harlan, who is in the midst of securing distribution in key foreign markets.

With the global market on the horizon and the continued success in the United States, RC supports top riders in several disciplines. The Royal Champion team of riders includes Hap Hansen, Joie Gatlin, Tom Foran, and Marco Bernal amongst several others. Their list of sponsored riders is constantly growing, as they keep their eyes on the next generation of up and coming talent in all disciplines.

Royal Champion has been consistently involved in supporting the world of show jumping, especially in Southern California. As the title sponsor of the $50,000 Royal Champion Grand Prix during the Blenheim Spring Classic II, and many more events throughout the season, the staff at Royal Champion continues to “connect with our customers and provide a top of the line formula to meet their horse’s nutritional needs. That is what Royal Champion is all about.”

  For more information about Royal Champion products, please visit www.royalchampion.com.

Orange County Register

By Selena Fredericks and Jackie McFarland
Register This – OCRC is Print, Online, PDA and Beyond
Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, Orange County Register Communications, Inc. (OCRC) is a leading news and information company that publishes a diverse portfolio of newspaper, magazine and internet products including The Orange County Register, a three-time, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. The area’s most trusted source of news and information since 1905, the company also publishes 24 community newspapers, including the Excelsior in Spanish.

However like many forward thinking companies in the fast-paced technological world in which we live, The Orange County Register is no longer just a print company. Sticking to tradition and reaching beyond, the OC Register has undergone a tremendous transformation to embrace the information media that their readers rely on. Reporters write stories for print and post articles online, as well as shoot video. They now maintain blogs, send tweets and update Facebook pages. The transformation has continued with smart phone apps and they will soon launch a new iPad app. Whether your news source is picking up the paper or checking your iPhone, the well-adapted twenty-first century OCRC is now a modern source of news and information available in many formats.

“This is an exciting time” says Lelani Bluner, Vice President of Marketing. “We are committed to delivering information to our consumers when and where they want it through traditional channels, such as print, and through technology, such as social media networks.”

As the company evolves, its deep-rooted connection to the community remains, according to Jackie Saragueta, Director of Community Relations & Sponsorships. “Community involvement is a fundamental part of our company mission. We have the privilege to give back and support organizations and events that strengthen our communities and enrich people’s lives.”

 

Over a century of milestones*:
1905  A group of businessmen launched the Santa Ana Register to serve Orange County’s 20,000 residents
1935  Raymond Cyrus “R.C.” Hoiles buys the paper after negotiating for nine months with owners Loyal King and J. Frank Burke. The 32-page evening paper cost readers 3 cents a copy.
1940s  With World War II, world and national news dominated the front page; local news moves to a second section.
1942  Hoiles opines against the internment of 110,000 Japanese-Americans, one of the few in the country to speak out against the forced relocations.
1949  Launches Sunday edition again. With a cost to readers of 10 cents a day, the paper has a circulation of about 15,000.
1955  Changes name to The Register.
1957  Moves out of downtown Santa Ana to a 6.4-acre orchard at 625 N. Grand Ave.
1959  Starts a morning edition.
1965  Circulation tops 100,000. Buys community dailies and weeklies in Orange, Brea, Anaheim, and La Habra.
1985  Wins first Pulitzer Prize, for photography of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
1985  Changes name to The Orange County Register.
1986  Circulation tops 300,000.
1989  Wins Pulitzer Prize for military affairs coverage.
1996  Wins Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting on fertility fraud at UC Irvine.
2005  The Register celebrates its 100-year anniversary.
2008  Santa Ana company renamed as Orange County Register Communications, Inc.
2008  Expands availability of its news content through Amazon Kindle handheld device.
2008  Begins delivering news updates to mobile phones through m.ocregister.com.
2009  Introduces revamped OCRegister.com with personalization capabilities and hyper-local content.

Conversations With Equestrians: The Simpsons

By Erin Gilmore

The Simpsons
When it comes to well-known show jumping couples, it doesn’t get much bigger and brighter than husband and wife team Will and Nicole Simpson. In the last several decades, the two international-caliber show jumpers have contested almost every major championship and competition around the world, and have brought some truly memorable horses through the ranks.

Like we see with many highly motivated, successful and famous families, there was a point in Will and Nicki’s history when the combination of career and personal pressures caused some strife. However, at a time when it seemed they might be growing apart, life, love and the pursuit of gold medals drew them back together. In 2008, both Will and Nicki were chosen to go on European tours and ended up traveling together. Realizing how much they truly missed each other’s company, their family together time and supporting each other’s equestrian talents, and ultimately how well they worked together, they reconciled, reunited and haven’t looked back since.

With an incredible combination of talent, Will and Nicki have a clear vision for Simpson Show Jumping. Committed to owners who enjoy the process of pursuing the ‘gold’, they support each other’s goals to continue representing the United States at Nations Cups, WEG and Olympic levels. Tremendous international experiences highlight their teaching methods, so young riders and amateurs with similar high-level aspirations excel in their program.

Whether they’re at their winter base in Wellington, Florida, back home in southern California or traveling to Spruce Meadows or Europe, these power parents focus on keeping their children, thirteen-year-old Sophie and nine-year-old Ty, grounded and on track. Even superstar international riders have to go home at night and make dinner, and lucky for the rest of the family, Nicki enjoys cooking, and Will is famous for his barbeque.

We caught up with them during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, where they spend half the year working out of Windsome Farms, a gorgeous private 80-acre facility, competing and enjoying the benefits of that close-knit equestrian community.

EquestriSol: How do you get the kids out the door and yourselves to the barn in the morning?
Nicole Simpson: Well, mornings are usually a little hectic, especially on show days if Will or I have the first class. Whichever one of us shows early will get dropped off at the barn, and then the other will run back and take Ty to school. This winter was Sophie’s first time doing online school. She usually starts the day with us – she likes to watch the horses show and ride in the morning and go to school in the afternoon.

EqSol: What’s your routine once you’re at the barn?
NS: Will and I look at the schedule, and for the most part we try to be there for each other at the rings. We balance it out so that we can put solid time into each horse. We go back and forth between the show and the barn, Sophie usually rides three or four and helps us hack another one.

EqSol: Do you think that Sophie shares your level of passion for the sport?
NS: Definitely. She’s very serious about it – she works really hard at riding and learning all that goes with it. Since the beginning she’s been exposed to every aspect. We think that’s important, for her to be aware of and part of the whole picture.

EqSol: How do you help Sophie balance horses and school?
NS: I ask her the same questions my mom would ask me – ‘Sophie, don’t you want to be able to have any career you choose?’ And she’s the same as I was; it’s all about the horses. But she’s finding a good balance, knowing that doing well in school and getting a good education is a priority.

She works hard for us, and knows what her commitments are and what we expect. Along with school and her riding, Sophie is also very involved with JustWorld International, and in California she volunteers with a therapeutic riding program.

Will Simpson: Like mother, like daughter – Sophie is so much like Nicki! Sophie is growing up, and watching her is like watching a mini-Nicki.

EqSol: And what about Ty? Is he interested in riding?
NS: Ty doesn’t ride – yet. We’ve kind convinced him into starting later. We think it’s important for him to do all sorts of sports, and if he wants to start riding once he’s played on other teams, he can. He is a great fan of our sport. The second he gets home he has a people-course all set up in the backyard. He knows all the horses in the barn, knows the lingo and all the riders. He likes to go to the grand prix and walk the course. He’s very analytical; maybe there’s course designing in his future…

WS: He loves to participate in all sorts of sports – soccer, football, etc. He’s like I was, I did all sorts of stuff as a kid. Guess you could say like father, like son. We’ll see…

NS: We’re very fortunate to have pretty easy, well-rounded kids!

EqSol: How many hours a day do you spend with the horses?
NS: At least one of us is done by the time Ty’s out of school. An alarm goes off every day to make sure we pick him up at 2:15, then we finish up lessons at the barn and we go home as a family. Our kids are with us 90% of the time. It’s really nice, and I have to say that along with the obvious equestrian pluses of the Wellington circuit, it is great for a family because you can stay in one place for six months. It’s very comfortable. We are grateful for this circuit in many ways, beyond just the horses.

EqSol: If you could each talk about one horse that improves daily, who would it be?
NS: We both have nine-year-olds that we’re really excited about.

WS: Obe is the one I’m bringing along… Anne Frankel owns him and knew she had something special. He’s a really smart horse by Cirka Z, one of Nicki’s good horses from years back. Because of our background with Cirka Z, we already know a lot about Obe and where he is headed. We feel that he definitely has a really good shot at the trials next year. And Nicki is developing a fabulous nine-year-old for Monarch International, Candle Light Van de Warande, by Parco. He’s coming along nicely, and has ribboned consistently in the 1.45m and 1.50m classes this season.

EqSol: Will, you are known for being able to get inside a horse’s mind and develop those “difficult” ones in a way that others can’t. Tell us more about that.
WS: Well, for example, Obe wasn’t very easy at first. I kind of felt like a little kid on a Thelwell pony. He would rear and buck, and when he stopped doing that he would just stand still. But now we’ve gotten to a place where we had six rounds fault-free. My daughter always laughs at me and asks me how I can say I can do the Olympic Trials if I haven’t done the 1.50m yet, but if you knew the horse and how his mind works, you’d know it’s the right plan.

What I work on every day is bringing the horses along in a way that is comfortable for them, teaching them how to compete and enjoy it, not fear it or resent it. If they enjoy their job, they perform well. Many pieces from their overall care to their training program play a role in their ‘happiness’. My career goal is to hopefully be considered a true horseman, not just a rider.

EqSol: You are both successful and focused on your individual and collective goals. How do you pass that on to your children?
NS: With a lot of communication and by keeping it real. Fortunately, our kids don’t ever feel entitled nor appear influenced by the world we work in. We are all very comfortable with who we are and how we fit in, so that translates. We stick together, work hard and keep looking forward.