Welcome Writers
  After a busy summer season, we are especially grateful to our contributing writers. We welcome Aimee Robinson who wrote about the amazing LA Pomeroy. Alexandra Pingree and Laura Thompson, who interned with us this summer, each penned an article. Alexandra's Strap One On is in this issue and Laura's IHSA Nationals piece was out earlier this summer. Jenni Martin-McAllister agreed to write about her hot time in Lexington this summer at NAJYRC. Erna Adelson had the pleasure of spending time with Barmen and Brooks of Balmoral Farm and she hopes to do more. Selena Frederick, who has worked with us for almost a year, had some "Conversations with Equestrians" – two in this issue – Nick Haness and Ali Nilfourshan. From Jennifer Wood we have two articles - one on the amazing Spruce Meadows Masters, where not only is the show jumping huge but so are the crowds; and the other about Unbridled Passion, a recently released book that we can all relate to.

Congratulations to the USEF Talent Search Final Four
  Considered a true rider's test, the USEF Talent Search Final Four finished this past weekend at the LA International. Sorry we weren't there to see it in person, we do want to congratulate the top four. Demi Stiegler (trainers, Archie Cox and Robyn Stiegler) topped the group, Sage Flynn (trainers Hap Hansen and Trudi Fletcher) placed second, Zoie Nagelhout (trainer Archie Cox) was third and Taylor Harris (trainers James Hagman, Katie Gardner, Kay Atheuser and Custis Ferguson) came in fourth.

West Coast Rocks the East Coast
  There are several special occasions that spur us to travel east for some keen competition. From a WEF winter in Wellington, Devon in May for those who qualify, Lexington in August for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final, Saugerties in September for the big money weekend and finally fall for the indoor shows, the west coast continues to make their mark each year.

  The most recent rally was the group who ventured to upstate New York for the two biggest money events of the year, the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix and the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. Top west coast riders in both the Hunter and Show Jumper arenas not only held their own but brought home big prizes. Although competing in superb weather is almost a given here, west coast horses and riders braved a deluge of rain while galloping on course on Sunday, September 11th.

  Out of sixty-two entries in the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix, Jenny Karazissis and Heidi Kane's Sin City won BOTH Round 1 and Round 2. Nick Haness and Jessica Singer's Cruise won Round 3 and finished second overall. Archie Cox and Stephanie Danhakl's After Five and Hope Glynn and Sabrina Hellman's Woodstock made the top twenty-five. And Erin Bland on Weatherly (12th), John French aboard Oscany's Illusion (7th) and Katie Taylor on Iwasaki & Reilly's Small Collection (5th) all finished in the top twelve.

  Following that feat, three west coast representatives finished in the top ten of the Pfizer $1 Million. As one of only two clean rides in the entire class, Duncan McFarlane and Simon Coxe's Mr. Whoopy were second. Coming back from a season in Europe, college hot shots Saer Coulter on Copernicus Stable's Springtime and Lucy Davis riding Old Oak Farm's Nemo 119 picked up sixth and ninth. Well-known riders McLain Ward, Margie Goldstein and Christine McCrea, who were also fresh off European tours and are heading to Guadalajara for the Pan Am Games (Margie is an alternate), placed third, twelfth and fourteenth.

  Congratulations to all on an outstanding showing, you represented the west coast with style.

HITS Revision
  When we sent out the HITS e-blast in August we had a misprint – the 2012 HITS Desert Circuit will have DC I-VI (no seventh week). Circuit dates are January 24th – March 11th, 2012. Check the HITS site for details.

BY SELENA FREDERICK & JACKIE MCFARLAND

Nick Haness is Living His Dash
  A friend once reminded me to live my dash - she wasn't referring to running or a type of seasoning, but the actual dash you see between the dates of a person's birth and their death on their tombstone. It means to live life to the fullest, as that dash represents your entire life. She didn't mean this in a morbid way, but as a reminder to live your dash with exuberance.

  With a tremendous amount of impressive accomplishments at a young age, including a recent second place in the biggest money class for hunters in history, the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix, Nick Haness is undoubtedly living his dash.

Equestrian Aspirations
  Coming from a family of five boys, every brother was busy with his own interest. Nick started riding at age five at Coto de Caza, near his home. Gradually he began moving from one lesson to three lessons per week and spent his summer days in the saddle. After juggling soccer and riding for several years, Nick chose his sport. The rest is becoming a solid history.

  Nick remembers feeling inspired as a young teenager while watching top riders like John French and Peter Pletcher compete. As his teenage years in the horse world progressed, his achievements further molded his future. One interesting milestone was choosing his first show horse wisely. Soon after he purchased a bay hunter named Carson, he got a Christmas present from his parents – the funds to compete for one week on the winter circuit in Indio, CA. Very excited about this opportunity, Nick didn't just compete but he earned a Reserve Championship in the Junior Hunters. That very week, a trainer on the circuit inquired about buying Carson for his client. With a tremendous offer on the table, Nick made a mature decision to sell his horse.

  His parents offered to give him the money from the sale to further his equestrian pursuits. Again making a decision that was wise beyond his years, Nick set up a small business. With the help of contacts in the industry, Nick would purchase a green horse in Europe, work with it and then sell it.

  About this time Nick also began working with Jim Hagman of Elvenstar. Another turning point, Nick refers to that time period fondly. "Jim put me on the map. He gave me a makeover – changed my tie, my huntcoat, got me new boots – and put on the finishing touches that finessed my ride. I had instant success in the equitation ring with his help." Nick also went to the east coast with Jim, including Devon and Indoors, garnering some valuable miles and making new contacts.

  One of his favorite memories was the first time he went to Indoors. "Ever since I was on ponies I knew about the east coast kids, so showing up as the little guy from California that no one had ever heard of was awesome." This experience mixed with the other teenage turning points sealed the deal for Nick.

  "My dreams and years of wanting to go back east and compete all came true at that moment, and I realized it," Nick explained. "I liked school and did well, but I knew I wanted a career in horses. I loved being a part of the horse show world." Nick decided to turn professional at age 18.

All Business
  Having business savvy from his junior experiences, Nick bravely jumped into not just the professional world but into having his own business by the time he was 20 years old. Not long after he connected with Richard Slocum at a clinic where they jokingly talked about how they should go into business together. Soon after they took their joke seriously.

  Covering all his company's bases was a priority for Nick who is the first to admit the value in having someone older and more experienced around. "I'm fortunate to have Richard as a business partner," said Nick. "It's nice to have the security of a knowledgeable and experienced horseman in the barn." Fortunately for both Richard and Nick, their strengths mix very well. Nick is the show rider while Richard handles the endless details of running a barn from the clients to the horses in training. Both have a knack for teaching and the clients have blossomed from their combined knowledge.

  Now with a handful of professional years under his belt, Nick notes the rewards come at many levels. "When a student wins their first Maclay and they feel accomplished in their riding goals, that's very rewarding for me."

  After a small but costly mistake in Round 1 of the CPHA Medal Finals this year, student Conor Perrin rallied and not only won Round 2 of that Medal Final but won every round of the CPHA Foundation Equitation Championships, 21 & under the following week. "I was proud of Conor. He learned a lot from that experience and we were all rewarded! When you help someone accomplish something they've been trying to achieve, it's a pretty awesome feeling."

Plans and Pursuing the Dream
  Myriad circumstances changed the plans for attending both the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Final (Lexington, KY) and the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final (Saugerties, NY) in August and September of this year. While competing on Havana at Devon in May, Nick was approached by Scott Stewart about purchasing the horse for his junior rider Victoria Colvin. "So I didn't go to Kentucky due to the sale. But knowing that Victoria Colvin was seventh overall on Havana in the Derby Finals was just as rewarding as going myself."

  As much as they were looking forward to the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, a few weeks before the event Nick and his client agreed to wait. "It was a long trip to make when we were uncertain about the weather. We didn't think it was a good choice for a sensitive horse to go all that way in unpredictable conditions." Taking it in stride, Nick wasn't planning to head east for the finals. About a week later, Archie Cox and the Singer family asked Nick if he would ride Cruise at the inaugural Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties. Nick had competed and won on Cruise in a Thermal Hunter Prix and had watched him go numerous times, so he knew the horse and was honored to accept the opportunity. "Jessica is in college at Skidmore, so she was there as well as her parents. They were just happy to be a part of it, they didn't put any pressure on me." The no pressure approach paid off, literally. Nick and Cruise represented the west coast well by earning a spot in the top 25, winning Round 3 of the Final (in the pouring rain) and coming in second overall, earning not just a beautiful ribbon but a check for $90,000.

  "Just being a part of the first year was a dream come true. Really it was. As a kid I dreamed of experiences like this – great riders, TV, press conference – it was overwhelmingly exciting."

  Nick continued, "All the California riders were rooting for each other. I was proud to represent the west coast in the top four."

  Speaking of the west coast, an impressive seven riders returned in the top 25 and four placed in the top twelve. Reflecting for a moment in the sweetness of the victory, Nick also discussed the agony of defeat. Jenny Karazissis experienced the high of winning Rounds 1 and 2 on Saturday. She was riding beautifully on Sunday as well. When she rounded the corner towards the end of the course, her horse's pace slowed suddenly and he took a brief trot step. The crowd gasped and scores reflected the pace change. "We were all shocked. It's amazing in sports how dreams can disappear in a split second. Jenny handled it with poise. She's such a fabulous rider and a top notch competitor."

  We know that Nick Haness is living his dash. And we congratulate him. Are you living yours?

BY LAUREN FISHER FOR JENNIFER WOOD MEDIA, INC.

Show Jumping's Newest Book Illustrates A Matter of the Heart
  McLain and Sapphire, Beezie and Authentic, Ian and Big Ben... These are just a few of the great partnerships in show jumping history that are detailed in Jeff Papows' new book, Unbridled Passion – Show Jumping's Greatest Horses and Riders. Released by Acanthus Publishing, Unbridled Passion made its formal debut during the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, September 14th - 18th. The book documents the incredible relationships between some of North America's most renowned horses and riders, telling the life-changing stories of their sacrifices for the love of the sport. Through the wonderful highs and heartbreaking lows both in and out of the ring, Papows gives readers an inside look at what it takes to be on top in the competitive world of show jumping.

  Telling many stories never heard until now, Unbridled Passion gives complete insider views and behind the scenes accounts of some of the sport's most poignant moments. The book features the awe-inspiring stories of 22 horse and rider combinations, with a foreword by legendary U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George Morris, and beautiful photography by Gretchen Almy, Tony DeCosta, and Bob Langrish.

  The book's author, Jeff Papows, is well known in the industry. A "tenacious" equestrian in his own right, Papows has personally been inspired by these athletes and their amazing equine partners. He has been a true ambassador for the sport of show jumping and has helped give the sport the recognition it deserves. As Papows so eloquently described it, the book was "a matter of the heart, born of the need to illustrate how truly special the sport of show jumping is."

  In addition to his successful equestrian career, Papows is known in the world of show jumping for his involvement with the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic. Papows explained his desire to participate in the sport, stating, "I got involved because of my love of horses first and foremost, and it went on from there. Later I wanted to give back and contribute to the sport, so I became the Chairman of the Jumper Classic, and found other ways to sponsor the understanding of the sport."

  He recalled when the idea first to write the book first came to him. "During the meet and greet panel at the Fidelity Investments Grand Prix every year I saw how thirsty for information the young riders were with respect to their idols, like McLain Ward and Margie Engle, and further how enthused the riders were interacting with them."

  When deciding whom to feature in the book, Papows declared, "The Who was easy. I simply selected the biggest North American contemporary stars then got the idea to add three high level amateur riders as well."

  Papows had his work cut out for him at the beginning, facing the challenge of getting in touch with not only the riders but also the owners, trainers, grooms and many other people that make up the support system of a top equestrian partnership. The sport of show jumping involves a lot of traveling and horses and riders are never in one place for long. The hard work quickly paid off as he saw the overwhelming enthusiasm that the participants showed for his project.

  "The travel schedules of the Olympians and the logistics of dealing with people at any point in multiple times zones and continents made it challenging," Papows noted. "Beyond that the biggest challenge was taking care to be sure that the fresh and real inside stories, not previously exposed, were told in each instance."

  "The easiest part of writing the book was staying on schedule, once started," Papows added. "Because of the enthusiasm of riders, support givers, owners, Geroge Morris and everybody involved, information flowed like it was coming from fire hoses. People really wanted these horses' stories told!"

  The ups and downs of competitive show jumping made the sport the perfect subject for Papows' book. The biggest surprise to the author as the book progressed became the pure reality of the stories.

  "The content ended up being better than fiction!" Papows expressed. "Case by case the drama, heart break, and inspiration in real life was more incredible than even I with all my friendships with the riders understood."

  The riders themselves are grateful to Papows for sharing the stories of their most treasured horses with the world. Many riders expressed their appreciation personally.

  McLain Ward, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, said it succinctly. "There is nobody in the sport who I trust more than Jeff Papows to tell Sapphire's real story."

  Grand Prix Show Jumper Debbie Stephens is featured in the book with Cosequin's CEO. Stephens acknowledged, "Unbridled Passion has shown what no other book has been able to capture, the opening of hearts for everyone to see, the real story between horse and rider."

  Grand Prix rider Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui are featured as well. Farrington explained, "Jeff has captured the real story of Show Jumping. It goes beyond all the victories and the frustrations. Jeff tells what the sport is truly about - having a special bond with a horse."

  An inspiration to many in the sport, nine-time Olympian Ian Millar summed it up perfectly with his praise for Papows, "Jeff is both rider, friend, and perhaps one of the sport's most articulate voices - he tells our stories beautifully."

  More details and online ordering available at: www.unbridledpassion.net

	An excerpt from Unbridled Passion:   Several years back, I had a bad fall, caused entirely by operator error. I miscalculated a distance, forced it, and we flipped over a fence. Roxett and I ended up on the ground. A horse hates nothing more than being put off his feet; in nature, that makes him defenseless. In his natural environment, the horse would flee because being on the ground is a frightening, unnatural condition. Roxett did not get up and run as years of evolution and instinct would mandate. All of us in the sport have seen that happen too many times - a horse and rider go down, and the horse gets up and runs out of fright. Roxett got up, walked over to where I was lying, got down on one knee, and prodded me with his nose. "Come on, Jeff. That was nasty! Are you okay? What are you doing on the ground? Get up!" he seemed to say.   I had broken my shoulder. It took several people to separate him from me so that I could get to the emergency room.   While they were taking the x-rays, and during the entire hospital drama, I had an overwhelming paranormal sensation that made me frantic to get back to the show grounds to be with Roxett.   I walked out of the hospital with a bone protuding from my shoulder and exposed under my coat, enraging the emergency room staff. I was a mess. Having escaped from the hospital, I returned to the show grounds. Roxett was screaming, his nose bleeding slightly, and he was completely frantic, which was totally out of character. I ran over to him and he calmed down instantly. "Rocket," his barn name, buried his face in my arms and seemed interested only in staying as close to my aching and bruised body as he could. I was equally relieved to see him. What waited for me at the hospital was a trivial concern at that point. I was at peace and happy to be reunited with my horse of a lifetime.   I've heard people unfamiliar with horses, and our sport in particular, denigrate their inherent intelligence. How then, do you explain this experience? For my part, nobody will ever convince me a horse's intelligence and heart are not extraordinary. I know better and experience living proof in my barn every day of my life.   - Jeff Papows

More about Jeff Papows:
  In addition to pursuing his equestrian exploits, Jeff Papows is also highly respected as a software industry executive and has written two widely popular books in the field. He now resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts with his wife, Patricia, and he is the proud father of three grown children. Papow's now retired horse Roxett 7 lives at his Hampton Falls, NH barn with his other competition horses, and remains his pride and joy.

STORY BY JENNIFER WOOD
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER WOOD MEDIA, INC.

Lamaze Lights Up the Masters and Three Frenchmen Sweep the Nation
  It was the Eric Lamaze Masters, much to the delight of the tens of thousands of fans at the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament. Lamaze won three classes during the week plus was the only entry to go double clear to help Team Canada win the silver medal in the BMO Nations Cup. Lamaze and his superstar stallion Hickstead brought the crowd to their feet when they performed the double clear dance, once again the only couple to do so, to win the CN $1 Million Grand Prix.

Nations Night
The Saturday highlight was the BMO Nations Cup. The French three-man team, anchored by veteran Roger-Yves Bost and Ideal de la Loge, truly rode to the occasion with a win for their country. With the European Championships the following week, France sent three less experienced riders or riders with younger horses along with Bost to represent them at the Masters. When one horse couldn't compete, they had to go with just three and therefore having no drop score. French Chef d'Equipe Thierry Pomel said, "Our hopes were not high, but the team is very strong with good horses. Since the beginning of the competition, we believed we could do something, and today you see the result."

Lamaze helped Canada to the silver medal along with veterans Ian Millar and Jonathan Asselin. Nations Cup newbie Tiffany Foster made her first team appearance and couldn't contain her excitement. "I was a little nervous. I just tried to pretend it was a normal course. My horse is so nice. I knew Ian and Eric were coming after me, so that was nice padding," explained the exuberant Foster. "I was happy that I didn't make a huge mistake!"

Third place went to the Swiss team, while a disappointing performance from the Americans left them in last place.

BY AIMEE ROBINSON & JACKIE MCFARLAND

From a Notion to a Name With Publicist Extraordinaire L.A. Pomeroy
  As one of the equestrian world's most talented and passionate publicists, L.A. Pomeroy can single-handedly skyrocket an under-recognized individual and safely, as well as successfully, launch them into recognition. Outspoken yet complimentary, Lisa Ann (L.A. to the world) took the time to talk to us about how she came to this place.

  On her birthday, no less, we discussed her humble beginnings and the journey that made her into the professional woman she is today. "You couldn't catch me in a more philosophical or reminiscent mood!" she exclaims.

Horse Crazy
  Like many who jump head first into the horse world, "It is possible to be a horse crazy little girl and to grow up and work in the industry," L.A. explained with a passionate tone.

  The journey began when L.A. hosted her own Breyer horse races and 'covered' the results on spiral-bound notepaper with two of her closest grade school friends. Through her father's encouragement, she published a newsletter for her 4-H group at age 10. A writer from the start, her beginnings paved the path toward a significant career in the field of equestrian journalism.

  L.A.'s father was a journalist during WWII, and would bring home the New York Daily News every day to follow the horse racing scores. After finishing the paper, L.A. would read the very same lines and stories. "While following the Daily News, I was able to follow the society and sports journalists' alliterative, colorful styles, and horse racing news, from Canonero II to Secretariat."

Passionate
  Growing up in a time where it was unusual for women to compete equally with men, L.A. developed an even deeper fascination with equestrian sport when she realized the even playing field.

  "For a woman, equestrian sport is one of the only sports where men and women compete on the same level. You really can't be a woman and not want to follow that. It's the most level playing field a woman can ask for."

  Throughout her equestrian evolution she always relished being an all-around horsewoman. She competed in several different disciplines, including dressage and reining. "To this day I hold fast to the reason I took dressage. I still believe it is the best building block to any riding style."

  Laughingly she describes how she was training in dressage at age 9, before many others could even pronounce the word. To give an idea of when that was, on this day of her birth she quoted a French Proverb during our interview, "'The 40s are the old age of youth – the 50s are the youth of old age.'"

  In June, L.A. earned the honor of an American Horse Publications 2010 Editorial and Graphics Award in the category of best Freelance Writer Equestrian-related Journalism (print). The article that landed her this accomplishment was a moving piece published about Tracy Kujawa, the owner of Angel Heart Farm, an Arabian facility that provides therapeutic care to children facing cancer and other life-threatening diagnoses. As a three-time cancer survivor herself, the thought of starting a therapeutic farm came to Tracy in a dream.

  "[In the dream] she was teaching riding lessons to bare-headed children. She had this clear picture in her head and knew this is what she was supposed to be doing," L.A. recounted. "Compared to what I do, she is absolutely heroic." And so L.A. brought her story to the horse world. The award was icing on the cake, not only for the reward of recognition, but also the expanded exposure it brought for Angel Heart Farm, including securing a $5,000 grant to help continue its programs.

An 'A' List
  Some of L.A.'s past and current clients include the 1996 Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Arenus/Sore No-More, EquiSearch.com, Holistic Horse Media, Horses in Art, Modern Arabian, NRHA The Reiner, Northeast Reining Horse Association, Reeves International/Breyer, Today's Equestrian and the U.S. Equestrian Team.

  Two years ago she accepted a Media Liaison position with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Aside from the obvious promotional tasks with the organization, she suggested nominating IHSA executive director, Bob Cacchione, for the 2010 USEF/Equus Humanitarian Award as well as the 10th annual Pfizer/AHP Equine Industry Vision Award (EIVA). Relying on her grant-writing experience as a development director, she crafted proposals that led to Cacchione, and the association he developed, earning both awards this year. Her notion led to honoring his name.

Memorable
  Being on a first-name basis with riders whom she idolized growing up marks right up there as among the most memorable experiences of her career.

  L.A.'s talents were put to work as J. Michael Plumb's personal voice for the Belvoir Publication's monthly magazine, Mike Plumb's Horse Journal, now called Horse Journal.

  "I would drive to Mike's facility north of Boston, he'd usually be finishing a ride or a lesson so I'd hang out, watch that, and then when he was done he'd dismount and I'd join him in the tack room and he'd philosophize about training or whatever the specific topic was. I'd take the notes, then go back to my desk and craft his advice column.

  Being the 'voice' for one of the best athletes in the equestrian world was a highlight.

  "Mike is still one of the very few American athletes, of any sport, to have represented his country in multiple (eight) Olympic Games and he is the first rider ever inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. So to be the mouthpiece for the greatest eventing rider of our generation was tremendous."

  Some moments she calls "full circles," where she began as a young, horse-crazy girl and now years later, is at the same place as a professional journalist.

  "When I was a little girl, my folks would take the drive into Manhattan to the National Horse Show. Years later I was on the press team promoting the National, and it was a beautiful full circle."

  When asked what else she would like to accomplish during her career, she laughingly sighed and said, "It would be nice to be able to own a horse." Other than this remark, she said her career to date, and it is far from over, has been a fulfilling journey.

  Heroes like L.A. are the behind-the-scene storytellers who give our industry and the people in it well-deserved recognition. She has a true dedication for the sport, the horses and the people who love them as she does. Coming full circle repeatedly in a lifetime is a passionate person's dream come true. L.A. is living that dream. We had a notion that her name deserved recognition.

  Thank you L.A. for speaking to us on your celebratory day, so we could in turn celebrate you!

BY ERNA ADELSON

Traci Barmen, Carleton Brooks and Balmoral
  The relatively recent marriage of Traci Barmen and Carleton Brooks was a celebration of passion on many levels, but most certainly on the equestrian front.

  Their nuptials resulted in the expansion of Balmoral Farm, named for the street that Traci grew up on and the name of her first horse business. Both Barmen and Brooks hail from the Midwest yet connected on the west coast, where their paths crossed and re-crossed. And now they are on the same path.

  After two years of cultivating their business on the west-side of LA, (so idyllic is the area that I was delayed in getting to the farm by a Volvo commercial being filmed in the neighborhood), the couple will now also run a training facility as an expansion of Balmoral Farm about 15 miles up the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, an equally iconic location but with a slightly different feel. They look forward to adding names, both equine and equestrian, to their roster. With the added space, Traci and Carleton, or CB as he is affectionately known, also look forward to adding more diversity to their program and the opportunity to expand their barn to include bringing along younger horses - Carleton's specialty.

  The new site will allow the couple and the business to accommodate a wide variety of clientele. Both locations are full service, from pony hunters to adults, Barmen and Brooks work together to craft the ideal program for each person they teach. Each location has unique advantages as well; nestled in the heart of Brentwood, adjacent to Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Sullivan Canyon is private and membership based, fostering an intimate community of equestrians close enough to the city that riding can be more easily worked into a packed schedule. "Most of our kids are serious students and can't miss too much school," Traci explains. During the summer, though, it is not uncommon to see girls hacking around bareback on their ponies after a day of lessons in equitation and horsemanship. In addition to Barmen and Brooks, Courtney Miller and Octavio Godinez are essential players on the Balmoral team.

  "Courtney does everything from riding and teaching to horse show planning and beyond," says Traci. CB adds that Courtney has helped bring along horses and riders in her own right. Octavio oversees the day-to-day care of the horses at home and on the road.

BY JENNI MARTIN-MCALLISTER

Through the Eyes of a Trainer: Jenni Martin-McAllister
  Jenni-Martin McAllister was one of a handful of Zone 10 trainers who ventured to Lexington for the North American Junior/Young Riders Championships this year. After a little coaxing she agreed to write about the experience.

Greetings of Grass and Horse Heaven
  Landing in Lexington, KY is an experience in itself. Acres of green pastures and expansive barns greet you as you slowly descend. Driving from the airport to the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) confirms that this is horse heaven. KHP is an ideal place to host a championship competition, with 1200 acres, multiple arenas and fantastic footing. A competitor couldn't ask for more, other than maybe a little California weather – cooler and a lot less humid.

  As a former competitor at the Young Rider Championships, I return many years later in a different position, as a coach. I remember the excitement I felt, and the amazing amount of effort and hard work that went in to qualifying just to be there. To qualify and compete here is an honor. This is the only FEI championship competition held in North America for young riders and is a great stepping stone for young talent to gain valuable experience, before true international and team competition.

Day One
  New this year, competitors at NAJYRC could not also participate in the horse show going on at the park. When the championship begins, there is no show jumping so we just school our horses and watch some of the dressage. Another nice aspect of this event is the opportunity for the young riders to have exposure to other disciplines. We took a tour of the KHP grounds. It truly is an incredible place, with miles of Kentucky blue grass, impressive cross country jumps from Rolex, plus great exhibits of art and horse history. I learn some very interesting facts about the evolution of the horse in the permanent exhibit. There is a lot to absorb here, even for experienced horsemen.

  The Alltech indoor arena is amazing. Again I have to say that it seems an ideal place for The National Horse Show coming here for the first time in November.

  It's a tradition to decorate a team golf cart, and to finish the first day, after the opening ceremony, there is a golf cart parade that ends at Spy Coast Farm with a small party. Team camaraderie begins as the girls, parents and trainers meet and enjoy dinner on the first night.

Day Two
  The second day starts with the jog and a warm up class. All eight of our Zone 10 riders jog and warm up without trouble. Our Junior team this year, Brittany Albreqc, Hannah Ward, Madison Bradshaw, and Kilian McGrath, is the most inexperienced team we've sent in a few years. But all are talented and well-mounted.

  Our Young Rider team, Danielle Korsh, Kendall Skreden, Sage Flynn, and Cayla Richards are more experienced and act as guides to our younger group. Each one with the exception of Sage has been here before.

  We sneak in some time to tour a few farms and end up on a fantastic country road. We drive by farm after farm that have giant gorgeous green pastures with horses grazing and playing. The barns are magnificent and the architecture blends nicely with the land.

Day Three
  Our first competition day starts with a speed class. The Junior Team is scored as a timed first round; basically the fastest with the least amount of jumping faults is the winner. However, each day's faults are carried through to the individual final, without time being a factor. So a clear round today is important. All the girls ride well. Brittany, and Kilian come home with 4 faults, and Madison and Hannah are both clear. Hannah puts in a very solid round. Canasucre literally jumps out of her shoes, to take an early lead, but in the end two others are faster and she settles for 3rd place.

  In the Young Rider division the class is scored as faults converted, so any knock down is 4 seconds added to your time. At the end of the class the winner receives a score of zero. Everyone else's time is cut in 1/2 and the difference between that score and zero is converted to faults (it can be confusing, just like the World Cup Final). They carry that score through each round to make up an individual final score.

  Cayla is our best Young Rider - she has a beautiful round adding no faults. She holds the lead for a while but in the end settles for 2nd place. Kendall also puts in a fabulous round and ends up in 10th place. Danielle has an unexpected spook and a drive-by at fence 3 but still does not touch a rail and ends with just her time score. Sage is the most nervous, lowering two jumps but still managing a good enough time to stay in the middle of the pack.

  The courses are inviting, and the height not as daunting, since they are riding a speed format, but the next day will bring more technical questions, water with no rail, a tight time allowed, and of course all the nerves of riding for your team.

Day Four
  Team competition day starts at 7am in an attempt to beat the heat. Junior Teams ride first. First for our team is Kilian and my heart goes out to her as I see her struggle with her nerves; she puts in an uncharacteristic round and ends with 16 faults. Madison is next; she rides well and brings home a clear round. Brittany also rides well but two small mistakes leave her with a score of 8.

  Hannah is last to challenge, and she is ready. She rides flawlessly and produces a clear round. We make it to round two.

  The top six teams come back for round two. Kilian pulls it together and rides a respectable round with just a foot in the water and a light rail; she comes home with 8 faults. Madison continues her strong riding and has an unlucky rail for 4 faults. Brittany stays consistent, but is a little slower this time and brings home 9 faults. Hannah rides well, but a few small mistakes and maybe her shoe pull from the first day catch up with her - 12 faults is her final score.

BY SELENA FREDERICK

Formidably Able Ali Nilforushan
  We all know Ali Nilforushan – he's been a part of the California equestrian scene for some years and can be a formidable force when defending his views. I caught up with this International rider earlier this year to find out more about his history as well as what's on the horizon for this professional and his clients.

Dreaming of Horses
  Ali has dual US-Iranian citizenship. Born in Tabriz, Iran, he started his riding career at the age of seven. After moving to the US at the age of 12, Ali continued his riding. "All I dreamed about was riding – no, I literally had dreams about horses – I'd close my eyes at night and imagine that I was on a horse galloping, and I knew, it was all I wanted to do." After playing football and baseball (he excelled in both), Ali knew his passion would always be in equestrian sport.

  Later, Ali moved to Holland to train for three years. During his time in Holland, he qualified for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney as the first and only equestrian competitor for Iran. "That was quite an achievement" Ali explained, "I rode a horse that I got for nothing and people had written him off. We qualified for Sydney and made the Finals, which was incredible. Unfortunately, he couldn't pass the second vet check and was unfit to compete. Even so, it was a thrill first to make the Olympics and then make it to the Finals. It was a huge accomplishment for my career." Ali completed his pre-Olympic training in France and then spent one season post-Sydney prior to returning to the states to compete in the West Coast League.

Talk About Formidable
  There's a new horse in Ali's life – his new prospect Formidable (barn name "Able"). After selling both his grand prix horses, Ali purchased the approved 6-year-old, Holsteiner stallion in December 2010 (Sire is For Pleasure, with Cartago on his Dam's side). Rebecca Lewis of Lewis Circle of Horses, LLC also owns a percentage. As a four-year-old, Able was Champion of Verband in Germany. "He's the best horse I've ever been around, talent-wise. I never imagined I would have a horse this nice," said Ali of his well-bred prospect.

  Able has competed in over 35 classes this year – of those, he's had a total of three rails. Incredibly wise beyond his years, Able is just learning how to control his big body. "The biggest thing with him is that I have to take my time and let him grow," Ali explained.

  Standing at 17h, his bravery, his jump, and apparently his personality, are all as big as he is. "When you're walking around, he's like a trail horse. During warm-up I have to kick him, and the minute you get into the show ring, his barrel doubles in size and you have to sit dead quiet because he becomes a machine!"

  Humbled by his Formidable partner, Ali continues. "He's the real deal. The only thing you have to do is make sure he doesn't jump you off. He thinks it's the coolest thing ever to launch you into the air – he really likes to jump hard."

Politics
  Steeped in California culture, it is easy to forget that Ali is from another country, speaks three languages – Farsi, Turkish and English - and has family who live in a place that the United States is at times politically at odds with. Settled in San Diego and realizing his equestrian dreams, Ali stays clear of politics. "It's very important to respect all cultures – I respect all cultures. I'm proud to be Persian – proud of my heritage, but I also respect who and what I'm around now. I leave the politics for politicians – if you're a good person, it doesn't really matter where you're from."

Plans
  Short term plans for Able include the 2011 Wild Turkey Farm Young Horse Championships. His long term plan: the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

  I inquired about Ali's plans for his show jumping students. "We have a very good group of riders at the moment. It would be really exciting to see Francie [Snedegar] and Katie [Harris] get on a Nations Cup Team. I would love to get them on a developing riding tour to experience the international scene." For these two "hungry and talented" competitors, Ali believes their experience in the international arena will refine them as riders and take them to the next level.

  He continued explaining how riding and competing in Europe is a completely different experience. "The exciting part about competing internationally is that when you go over [to Europe] and swim in deep waters, you go to a whole different level." Getting to that next level is every rider's goal, and seeing progress (big or small) is Ali's favorite part about this sport. "Watching the horse and rider progress and reach for the next training level," said Ali, "I'm a believer that results come by a product of good work. I constantly push myself, my riders, and my horses because I was told a long time ago that it isn't practice that makes perfect, it's perfect practice that makes perfect."

  With a formidable attitude and a Formidable ride, the future looks phenomenal.

  Thank you Ali for your time and your insights.

BY ALEXANDRA PINGREE

You Should Always Strap One On
  The decision to strap on a helmet before mounting a horse is a decision that could save your life. Without a doubt you should strap one on before getting on.

  Ever since well-known Dressage rider Courtney King Dye's accident many riders have seen the helmet light. Courtney was in a coma for a month after her horse slipped and fell. Not wearing a helmet at the time, she suffered severe head trauma. Her fall started an avalanche of riders who decided to change their ways and start strapping one on.

  I will never leave the barn without my helmet after what happened to my mother. She was out hacking one day, luckily with her helmet on, and her horse stepped on its front shoe and fell to the ground. She left the fall with a couple broken ribs, a broken ankle, and no recollection of what happened. It took her over a month to get her head back to normal after hitting it that hard. I shudder to think of the outcome if she hadn't been wearing a helmet.

Can Riders Rise Up and Buck Tradition?
  One rider noticeably changing her ways is Alison Springer. As a top event rider, she would wear a top hat during dressage like every other FEI rider. During the dressage phase at the 2010 Rolex event, Alison shocked the crowed when she entered the ring wearing not a top hat but her ASTM/SEI approved helmet. For her this was just a simple choice, but it was one that sparked major rule changes in equestrian sports. The USEA has now made it mandatory that all riders wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet during dressage. This rule has not reached the FEI level yet, but many riders in the 2011 Rolex event choose to leave their top hats behind and strap on a helmet.

  Another noticeable statement made by a rider was the one Steffen Peters made during the WEG. He dedicated his ride on Ravel to Courtney King Dye and choose to strap on a helmet. He became the first American to win two individual golds at the world championships. Ever since Courtney's accident he has become a advocate for wearing a helmet. He hopes many other dressage riders will follow his lead and start strapping on.

  Seems to be happening slowly but equestrians are beginning to realize the importance of wearing a helmet.

  Two areas in the horse world that this trend has yet to reach effectively are show jumpers and western riders. Show jumpers are known for hacking, even warming up over jumps, without a helmet on and then putting it on to compete in the ring. Since an accident can happen at any time, not just in the show ring, it seems these riders should be protecting their head whenever mounted. There is a select group that is riding the helmet train (see the EquestriSol article on Beezie Madden), but their numbers are limited. Hopefully many will learn that wearing a helmet is a better decision, and it won't take an accident like Dye's in the jumper world to wake people up.

  For years cowboys have been riding around on the ranch with just a cowboy hat. The symbol of a western rider lies within that weather-beaten hat, but unfortunately it does not protect their head. Bull and bronco riders have smartened up and begun wearing protective helmets. However many western riders have not switched to helmets because to them it is not proper attire. It's time for this discipline to stop risking their lives for fashion and tradition. Troxel has come out with an approved cowboy hat, however this cowboy hat does not look traditional. I believe it is going to take the construction of an approved but tasteful cowboy hat to protect the heads of the western riders.

Brainy Statistics
  Statistics show that horseback riders are hospitalized more often then football, soccer, and boxing athletes. Did you know that a fall from just two feet can cause brain damage? When mounted on a horse we can be elevated to a height of eight feet and a fall from that height, without proper precautions, can potentially mean death to a rider. Statistics also show that at speeds of 7-10 km the brain can shatter. A horse can travel up to 65 km at one time. This information alone should make riders aware that riding is inherently dangerous. Horses are unpredictable animals. Unforeseeable events can occur at anytime, no matter how well you ride. Is the risk of your brain shattering really worth leaving the helmet behind?

  I ask myself this question often yet I still hear different excuses amongst riders that are unwise enough to go without a helmet. The top excuse that gets me is, "It's too hot to wear a helmet." This one I find funny because many helmets are designed with air vents that cool the rider's head off. Aside from that is protecting your brain not worth the slight increase in heat? Another excuse I have heard is, "Helmets look dumb" or "Only beginners wear helmets." The truth: 'dumb' is the rider who fails to wear a helmet.

  Now there's a site called Riders4helmets. This campaign started after Courtney King Dye's accident to make people aware of the importance of wearing a helmet. Riders4helmets sponsored a national helmet awareness day on June 11, 2011 to increase people's awareness of the importance of wearing a helmet. Helmet makers ranging from Charles Owen to GPA offered large discounts on their helmets on this special day. See the website for all the strapping on action.

  The next time you decide to leave the barn with a bare head I hope you think twice. You are allowed to make your own decisions, but don't we pride ourselves on making intelligent ones? Think about your friends and family. No matter what, you should always strap one on when getting on.

About Alexandra Pingree
  I grew up in Hamilton, MA on a horse farm with my family. Riding since age six, I started out in the Hunter Jumper discipline and switched to Eventing when I was 11. I have reached the FEI CCI* level with my Irish Sport Horse, Toy Master. I currently compete on my two Irish horses. I have earned my silver medal at the preliminary level and I am hoping to move up to intermediate soon. I would like to make horses my career and to represent the United States at the Olympics someday.

  I don't hesitate to always strap on a helmet when I get on a horse. I don't feel fully 'dressed' without protecting my head. My mother made sure that wearing a helmet became a habit for me and I am forever thankful.

References:
http://horse.on.ca/news/2005_conference/helmet_safety.html
http://Riders4helmets.com