The Saddlebred Industry on the Edge: Where did we make the wrong turn?

I’ve been in the Saddlebred industry since I was six years old and my mom followed the industry since she was a little girl, seeing the greats like My My, Imperator, and Skywatch. She tells me stories of going to the World’s Championship Horse Show on Saturday night to see these horses, saying everyone was “dressed to the nines” and there was “not an empty seat” in Freedom Hall. Today, the upper level is not even half way full. The event used to be “the thing to do” during the Kentucky State Fair. Now it is mostly people in the Saddlebred industry that attend.

WGC CH My-My. Photo from faithfulfriends.asha.net

2014 Saturday night crowd at the World's Championship Horse Show

Not only does the industry need to find a way to get more people involved, it needs to find a way to keep entries up as well. While some classes like the pleasure divisions still see many entries, other higher divisions like three gaited and five gaited are losing entries. It is also becoming harder for the middle class to compete in the Saddlebred industry. While the more expensive horses used to be in different divisions, they have started coming into the pleasure divisions, making it harder for those competing on a cheaper budget. It is not uncommon for pleasure horses to cost six figures now, making the middle class less competitive in the show ring.

Back when the World’s Championship Horse Show didn’t include pleasure classes, top competitors spent their money on horses that were able to show at the World’s Championship Horse Show. Now they can drop six figures on a very nice horse that is nearly guaranteed a world championship win in the pleasure division. The qualifying rules for pleasure classes at the World’s Championship Horse Show, which takes place in August, state that a horse must have shown in six pleasure classes at three different shows by the end of June. Qualifying classes start after the previous World’s Championship Horse Show. Before this rule, people would show up to the World’s Championship Horse Show with a horse that competed in three gaited all season long and show in the pleasure classes for an easier win. Though the qualifying rules changed this from happening, there are now pleasure horses that once competed or easily could compete in divisions such as park or three gaited, giving those true pleasure horses and their riders a smaller chance of being competitive.

All this is not said to discredit the good work that has been started in the industry. The Bluegrass Select Series, for example, started in 2015. These classes are designed for horses competing in Kentucky and not attending the World’s Championship Horse Show. It allows riders to be more competitive because they don’t have to compete against the bigger show horses going to the World’s Championship Horse Show. Similar in its goals, the Carolina Summer Circuit was started not long before the Bluegrass Select Series to support smaller show circuits in the Carolinas.

While these efforts are great, it still makes it hard for riders competing on a cheaper budget and still wishing to show at the World’s Championship Horse Show. As of right now, there is not a way to keep more big show horses from dropping into the pleasure divisions and knocking down the true pleasure horses. I believe that if we want to continue to see this industry grow and stop going backwards, we must find a way to keep competitive showing more affordable and not let the six figure horses take over all the divisions.

Gypsy Vanners: A Fairy Tale Horse with a Fairy Tale Beginning

Not long after World War II, the gypsies in Great Britain sought out to create an ideal horse for their caravan. They wanted “a small Shire, with more feather, more color and a sweeter head.” To create their “vanner” horse, they began using selective breeding methods. For more than 50 years, the gypsies’ horses and breeding methods went unnoticed until an American couple, Dennis and Cindy Thompson, happened to spot a unique looking horse in the English countryside.

The Thompsons were very curious about the black and white stallion with the flowing mane and feathered feet. His name was The Log. When they took their inquiries to his owner, Roy Evans, they got an invitation to Appleby, the oldest horse fair in the world for gypsies. They spent ten days talking to gypsies who were buying and trading horses so they could do research on the horses and record their findings. They studied the selected herds of quality horses and found the similarities between them before deciding to bring this undiscovered breed back to America.

Cindy Thompson meeting Cushti Bok, then named The Log. Photo from gypsygold.com

In doing so, the Thompsons acquired The Log and a stallion named Bill, owned by Tom Draper, after some negotiating. The Log was renamed Cushti Bok, which means “good luck” in the gypsies’ Romany language, and Bill was renamed The Gypsy King. Cushti Bok became the first registered horse for the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, founded by the Thompsons November 24, 1996. The Thompsons imported a total of 16 horses, the two stallions plus 14 mares. With these horses they opened Gypsy Gold Farm in Ocala, Florida.

 

Cushti Bok. Photo from gypsygold.com

The Gypsy King. Photo from gypsygold.com

Using the knowledge they gathered, the Thompsons used Gypsy Gold to reproduce the magical horses they saw amongst the gypsies. They have been an inspiration for others to start breeding farms or become involved with the Gypsy Vanner breed. Gypsy Vanners are seen today showing in driving, western, hunt seat, dressage, and in halter just to name a few of their uses.

Though Cindy passed away in 2002, Dennis and Gypsy Gold are still breeding top horses today using the descendants from the original 16 imported horses. The farm lost Cushti Bok in 2014 and The Gypsy King in 2015 at the ages of 22 and 23 respectively, but their legacy still lives on. Five stallions currently stand at Gypsy Gold, two being sons on The Gypsy King and one the son of Cushti Bok. The farm still has some of the original imported mares and daughters of the late stallions as well.

There does seem to be something fairytale-like about the Gypsy Vanner, beginning with their hidden origins and the gypsies. Today the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society continues their mission to preserve the beloved horse of the gypsies and share the magical breed that captured the hearts of Dennis and Cindy Thompson in the English countryside.

Photo from wrranch.net

Horses: A Glimpse at Beauty, Power, and Spirit

It is often said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." Horses give us a glimpse of beauty, power, and spirit. There certainly is something about them that strikes awe in humans. I have no fancy camera and sometimes I only capture these moments with my eyes, but occasionally I have been lucky enough to catch the moments that you wish you could see in person over and over again,

A view of the Smoky Mountains between the ears of Munch, a Shetland Pony/Quarter Horse cross. The moment was breathtaking. Thank you Munch for the pleasure.

Carpe Diem after winning the 2015 Blue Grass at Keeneland. This is quite possibly one of the most handsome horses I have ever laid eyes on. I didn't notice until after I snapped the picture that I caught the race fractions and final time in the background.

Miss Believin' strikes a pose as something catches her attention while grazing. I feel so grateful to own this horse. She is my pride and joy.

Smoky leads American Pharoah out to exercise. This was when Pharoah was training at Churchill before going on to be the 12th Triple Crown winner at Belmont. The horse breezed by so fast you missed him if you blinked.

WGC Courageous Lord shined in his retirement. One of the most talented Saddlebreds I have seen in my lifetime, winning the Five Gaited World Grand Championship three times.

Frivolous the day she won the Locust Grove at Churchill Downs, She may not have captured a grade one, but I really liked this beautiful mare. She always tried hard and I can't wait to see her foals.

Got Lucky, Untapable, and Yahilwa in a close finish for the Juddmonte Spinster at Keeneland. Dark from the sun glaring at the grandstand, and photobombed by the excited spectator, but that is what horse racing is all about.

As sad as this picture is, it shows a beautiful friendship between horses. Bella gave her final goodbyes to her friend, WC CH Ima-Starbuck. Starbuck taught many five gaited lessons to youngsters. He was the first horse some of them got to slow gait and rack on.

Beholder greeting her fans and posse at Keeneland.

I've never seen a horse love a camera as much as Honor Code. I had a simple phone yet the handsome man couldn't stop from trying to turn around and get his picture taken. What a ham!

Effinex certainly did prove himself in 2015.

The incredibly handsome Tonalist with Effinex in the background.

Keen Ice

American Pharoah certainly was a happy horse after his Breeders' Cup Classic win.

It was dark and I had a bad phone camera, but this is one of the coolest moments of my life.

Ahh Chocolate after winning the Falls City at Churchill Downs.

Ahh Chocolate could be on a Thanksgiving Day card. I didn't realize I caught the message in the background until after I snapped the camera.

A Kentucky sunset is always more beautiful with a horse in view (especially if it's Bella).

To all the horses that have created memories for me, thank you.

"Horses: If God created anything more beautiful, He kept it for Himself."

A Thanksgiving Celebration: Ahh Chocolate Wins the GII Falls City Handicap

Stoneway Farm had more than the everyday reasons to be thankful this holiday as their three year old filly Ahh Chocolate, by Candy Ride and out of Ahh by Saint Liam, won the GII Falls City Handicap at Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving. Ridden by Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr., “Chocolate” comfortably sat in second behind Gambler’s Rose for most of the race through fractions of 24:12, 48:31, 1:12:77, and 1:37:40. She took the lead coming out of the final turn and held off late runners Theogony and Call Pat, crossing the wire in front by one and a half lengths in a time of 1:49:68. Going off at 6-1 odds as the third choice, Chocolate paid $14.20 to win, $7.00 to show, and $4.20 to place.

Chocolate was very large as a foal, and even though she was broke at two, Terri Burch of Stoneway Farm said “we had to give her a couple months off during two periods last year to let her grow.” Chocolate made her debut in winning style February of this year in a six furlong maiden special weight at Fair Grounds. From there she went on to win a one and one sixteenth miles allowance race at Keeneland before finishing third in the GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico. “Before her first start she had been working well and we were not at all surprised she won,” said Burch. “Her gallop out in that race was so strong we spaced her next race about eight weeks later at Keeneland.”

Chocolate seems to have taken a liking to the Churchill surface with a record of two wins and a second from three starts on it. She came off of a second place finish in the GII Chilukki before her victory in the Falls City. Burch commented “Ahh Chocolate always tries hard and is maturing into the filly we knew she would be. We are very excited for 2016 and hope she has a big year.”

The race was marred with the unfortunate break down of Claiborne Farm’s Blame filly, Chide, who was euthanized after suffering a serious injury to her front left leg coming out of the final turn. Morning line favorite Frivolous was scratched with a sore tendon according to trainer Vicki Oliver. The Falls City would have been the finale for the Empire Maker mare, who won the 2014 edition of the race and is now retired.

Trained by Neil Howard, Ahh Chocolate claimed her first stakes win with her victory in the Falls City. She now holds a record of 4-1-1 from nine starts. “She is coming to the farm for a 30 day break before she heads to the Fair Grounds to prepare for the 2016 season,” said Burch. “We are hoping she starts filling out and slows down growing taller.”

 

26th Galbreath Recipient Steve Day: President & CEO of Dover Saddlery

“I have a confession. I am a serial entrepreneur.” This is how Steve Day, President and CEO of Dover Saddlery, describes himself. Day was this year’s recipient of the Galbreath Award. It is given by the University of Louisville to someone they believe is an entrepreneur in the equine industry.

Photo from bizjournals.com

Photo from news.maryland.gov

Day started his entrepreneurial days at a young age. While attending Purdue University, he and a few friends started up a motorcycle rental. He also got a program started at Purdue where students could take horseback riding lessons and receive their physical education credit.

Day later went on to attend Harvard, but before he was accepted he found himself in a very unique position. When Day was finished with his degree and military commitment, he took a job as a riding instructor at Coach House Stables in Chicago, Illinois. One of his riding students was the wife of a man opening a resort for Playboy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Day was invited to come and start a trail riding operation, which he stayed at until his Harvard acceptance letter came.

After spending time in construction and real estate, Day turned his career back to the equine field when he heard State Line Tack was booming. He wrote a letter to the owner, Dave Post, who also started State Line Tack, about buying the company. Three weeks passed and there was no response, so Day decided to give Post a call. Post said the company was not for sale, but Day was invited to have a talk with him.

Post was very proud of his company. He told Day that if he listened to how the company was built up and the future plans for it, he may be allowed to buy it. When Day finally received permission to buy the company, he brought in five other firms to help. After four and a half years, the firms were ready to get their money back, and Day had to let the company go to PetSmart for $18 million. PetSmart wanted to put State Line Tack in their big box stores instead of separate buildings and it failed. As Day said, no one trying on expensive breeches wanted to walk through dog waste.

In 1998, Day acquired Dover Saddlery. The company made $14 million per year when he bought it and it now makes over $100 million per year with 28 stores open and each averaging $2 million in sales. Day is hoping to open up a Dover store at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and if not there then close by.

Since the age of twelve when Day first started riding, he has always found a way to keep doing what he loves while being successful, though it wasn’t always an easy route. “Trust me, you will fail,” he said, but Day has gone on to prove that you can make a career out of your passion.

The Retirement of Miss Believin': My Once-in-a-Lifetime Horse

Every horse person dreams of having their own “once-in-a-lifetime” horse at some point. I don’t necessarily mean the greatest champion who wins countless times or who breaks many records; I mean a horse that you have a special bond with. A horse that teaches you many lessons. A horse that has helped you advance as a rider and overcome struggles, whether that be on horseback or personally. A once-in-a-lifetime horse is one that you emotionally bond with and you are completely comfortable with. I am lucky enough to say that I have found my once-in-a-lifetime.

2014 ad from Shelbyville Horse Show.

On October 27, 2007, Miss Believin’ (Bella) was presented to me with a big bow around her neck. She became the first and only show horse I have ever owned. It’s not often that a horse will carry a thirteen year old rider all the way to the ranks of the amateurs, but that is exactly what Bella did. Our first show season together was in 2008. We showed mostly in Junior Exhibitor Three Gaited and also took a couple seasons to show in Equitation. After aging out of Junior Exhibitor and into Amateur status, Bella and I switched into the Country Pleasure division for 2014 and 2015. Throughout our eight seasons together, we not only won in all three divisions, but took our turn at beating horses with World Champion titles.

2013 ad from Dayton Horse Show.

Here’s the thing about Bella. She may not have been one of the top quality horses costing six figures, but she always showed up ready. When the big dogs didn’t bring their A game, we were right there to catch them. There were always bigger and better horses at the shows, but that didn’t necessarily mean they had as much heart as the smallest mare in the class. One of Bella’s former owners, Dee Thomas, called her “small, but mighty,” and she couldn’t have been more right.

Julia Shelburne-Hitti Photo. Mercer County Fair 2015.

Our last show together was the Kentucky Fall Classic at the Horse Park earlier this month. The Bluegrass Select Series Country Pleasure Championship would be our final performance. The script could not have been written any more perfectly. Bella and I had one of our best shows together. The mare was feeling game and she did every single thing that I asked her to. Even though I was feeling great about our performance, you never how a class will be tied. When Bella and I were called as the champions of the class, the tears didn’t stop flowing. I was too ecstatic to have Bella go out on top with such a great performance. She received many well-earned hugs before we took our final victory pass together and exited the show ring for the last time.

Bella exiting the ring for the last time with her blue ribbon.

I can’t thank this mare enough for all the great years she has given me. She’s taken me to some of my favorite memories and picked me up from my low points. She’s gone from being a versatile show horse to a companion I can bareback on, and I would not be the rider I am today without her.

So here’s to a well-deserved retirement, Miss Believin’! You earned it every step of the way.

Barebacking on Bella at Kismet Farm.

World's Championship Horse Show 2015

I know I'm posting this nearly two moths later, but enjoy it anyway!

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American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, and Road Horses travelled from all over the country for the 112^th World’s Championship Horse Show. It is one of the most prestigious Saddle Seat horse shows of the year. The three World’s Grand Champion titles for the Saddlebreds (Fine Harness, Three Gaited, and Five Gaited) are the most anticipated classes of the eight day long show. Three new victors earned these titles this year. Two of them have been trying for a few years, and one a young and upcoming superstar.

 The first World’s Grand Champion title was in the Fine Harness division. Fine Harness horses are very animated and pull a four-wheeled buggy at the park trot and animated walk. At just four years old, Lady Mandolin MS (Undulata’s Nutcracker x Suddenly Summer) took this title with two first place votes from three judges. Earlier in the week she won the junior division for the mares. She was guided under the hands of Jim Stachowski (who won the honor last year with Nutcracker’s Nirvana) for owner Hellen Lacey Reed. Lady Mandolin is poetry in motion. When she enters the ring it is hard to even look at any other horse. She moves as if it is the easiest thing in the world to throw her legs above level, and she carries an air of grace as she goes.

WGC Lady Mandolin MS

The Three Gaited title went to HS Daydream’s Heads Up (Undulata’s Nutcracker x A Daydream Believer (BHF)). Scott Hagan showcased his homebred under the Silver Brook Stables banner, with Debbie Foley as the trainer. This is the fourth year Heads Up has shown in the Three Gaited championship. He was shown as a three and four year old with Tre Lee aboard and finished second both times in the class. Scott showed the gelding last year, finishing fourth. Now, in the horse’s six year old year, it seems as if the team of Heads Up and Hagan have really come together. The judges tied them 1-1-2. Heads Up exemplifies what a Three Gaited horse should be and many have followed the horse since his reserve in the Championship as a three year old. He trot is strong and fluid with a great headset to compliment it. It is hard not to look at the gelding with his neck back and high, but still carrying a perfectly rounded poll.

WGC HS Daydream's Heads Up

The crowd finally got what they have been waiting years for in the Five Gaited championship. Lionel Ferriera presented Marc of Charm (Santana’s Charm x Pretty Ribbons) for Riverdreams LLC in the finale of the show for the fifth time and finally racked his way into history. The nine year old stallion had won the junior championship as a four year old and has been trying to earn a blanket of roses since then. Six horses were called back in a workout after the class had finished. As the other horses seemed to tire out, Marc of Charm reached no bottom. Lionel Ferriera continued to show off his mount while others were gearing down on the rail. Marc of Charm grabbed the victory with two first place votes. The crowd erupted into a roar, and Marc of Charm closed out the show when he racked out of Freedom Hall with his blanket of red roses.

WGC Marc of Charm

My Triple Crown Experience (Better Late Than Never)

I’m a little late to write about the celebration, but it’s really a celebration that will never get old. For the first time in 37 years, America has a Triple Crown champion. And I don’t think it could be a more fitting horse than American Pharoah.

The first time I saw this horse in person was Kentucky Derby Day. I have lived in Louisville my entire life, but never had anyone to go to Oaks or Derby with. I attended my first Derby this year my boyfriend, Andrew, who works in the Thoroughbred industry. The horses I wanted to see in the top three were American Pharoah, Carpe Diem, and Materiality. I had the feeling that American Pharoah would be the horse to do it but couldn’t be sure. Andrew had been following Carpe Diem closely and got a button that said “MY DERBY HORSE IS CARPE DIEM.” He got me the same one, but mine read “MY DERBY HORSE IS AMERICAN PHAROAH” instead. I told him after the race that I was really glad he got me the American Pharoah one and that I wasn’t trading him.

During the first stretch, I saw that Materiality didn’t break well and lost sight of him after that. After the race turned for home, I lost sight of Carpe Diem as he began to quickly fall back. That left my eyes on American Pharoah. He was pulling away with Dortmund and Firing Line, and then it became just Firing Line left to challenge him. I was rooting on American Pharoah as they drew closer to the finish line and was excited to see him win. Then I knew who I would be cheering for in the Preakness.

I had been watching other races on the TV prior to the Preakness. I knew it was American Pharoah’s race when that downpour came. He had already proven he loved the slop when he romped in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. And sure enough, American Pharoah won it easily. The next Triple Crown winner was now on the line.

I saw American Pharoah four times when he came back to Churchill Downs to prepare for the Belmont. The track was allowing the public to come in the morning and watch the Belmont horses work. I missed American Pharoah’s first breeze and was mad I didn’t get up early enough after watching the video of it. I made sure to get back and see him after that. After all, I could be looking at a future Triple Crown winner.

The first day I saw American Pharoah work he jogged clockwise on the track with his faithful sidekick, Smokey. Pharoah was chomping at the bit and getting sideways. He wanted to do more. I also got to see him gallop twice. He would jog onto the track with Smokey and wouldn’t quit fussing with the bit until he turned around and took off at a faster pace galloping.

American Pharoah’s final breeze was really something to see. He wanted to go as soon as he got onto the track. It was incredible how much rail he passed so quickly. While every other horse looks like they are digging in, American Pharoah looks like he is skimming over the ground. He stride is long and fluid.

After watching that final breeze, I had faith that it was possible for American Pharoah to win the Triple Crown. It would be hard, as the mile and a half and short time span of the Triple Crown races have stopped many before, but I knew American Pharoah could do it if he brought his A game. The horse chomped at the bit until he was at least in a gallop while working. He was not showing any signs of fatigue. He still wore his happy ears too. That was another indication to me that he felt good. 

This was totally worth standing out in the rain for.

I was at the Rock Creek Horse Show during the time of the Belmont. There was a small TV mounted outside the ring on the stands for the cameras filming the show for live feed. Normally it showed the live feed, but it had been turned to the Belmont on this particular night. Most of the show was gathered around this small TV with a bad glare from the sun. It was just clear enough to make out. My trainer had just showed my horse and of course I was there to see and find out the results, so standing in front of the TV was not going to be an option since the crowd had already gathered. I got the idea to squeeze through the crowd with some of my barn family members and crouch down so I wasn’t blocking anyone’s view. This also helped to take away some of the glare. My friend, Kaeli, and I held hands during the race to try and calm the nerves. There were people cheering for American Pharoah saying “C’mon” before the gates opened. The cheers and yells got more and more hectic as the race went on. By the end everyone was screaming for this horse and when he crossed the line first the screams continued. My barn family and I were hugging. I couldn’t help but cry. I never thought I would see a Triple Crown winner in my life time. And I had seen this horse in person too. I’m convinced that if I couldn’t be at Belmont to watch in person, then being at Rock Creek and watching with the crowd at the show was the second best place to be.

I’m even happier now that Andrew got me that American Pharoah button at Derby. And I’m still never trading him.

The Pharoah Reigns

Small but Mighty

The University of Louisville's Saddle Seat team may have had a small team this year, but they didn't let that affect them at the Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association championships. The team not only put hours into practicing equitation and drilling patterns, but spent a great deal of time planning for the show to host it. On April 4th, UofL's team packed up everything and headed to the Kentucky Horse Park. They brought home more than just horses and equipment though. A sense of pride came back with them as well.

Graduating riders, Kristen Smith and Jenny McGowan (a medical school student), finished first and second respectively in the open rail class to kick off the show and Christine Oser placed second in open limit rail. These three later showed in the open/open limit pattern class where Christine placed first, Kristen third, and Jenny fourth. Riders Tori Gray and Emily Robinson competed in the novice rail and novice pattern classes. Tori won both classes, making her senior high point rider of the show. Emily finished a strong third and second in the same classes. Alex Sowell, showing in the advanced rail and pattern classes, finished first and third. To top things off, their coach, Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer, won the coaches class with ease.

After points were calculated, UofL's team picked up several year-end awards. To add to her senior high point win of the day, Tori also won reserve senior rider of the year and reserve novice rider of the year. Jenny was the open/open limit high point rider of the year and Christine was right behind her in reserve. Alex finished as high point rider for the advance division. UofL's team also showed well enough to be the reserve high point team of the show, despite only having six riders.

UofL’s team improved greatly throughout the year. Every rider finished with at least one second or first at the championship show. The team may have been small, but they certainly were mighty. Not only did they have strong rides, but they had a strong team spirit. It will be hard to replicate another team as special as this one.

The two Zubrod boys I showed, Colty and Archie.

Tori after her first win with Darcy.

Jenny, Alex, Emily sharing some pizza with Zubrod boys Archie, Oscar, and Colty.

Jenny and Butch.

Emily and Liza.

UofL's Saddle Seat team: Jenny, Christine (me), Alex, Emily, Tori, Kristen, and coach Deveau.

My pattern win with Colty.