A Welcome Reflection

  As we reflect on another busy horse show season and look ahead to making the Las Vegas National the best yet, everyone at Blenheim EquiSports would like to take the time to thank all involved for your support. From the horses and those who work tirelessly to bring them to the show ring, to the commitment of the owners, to the passion of the competitors, to our superb sponsors – you all play a starring role in horse show production. Already planning for 2012, we appreciate all your feedback. Recounting the exciting aspects of summer into fall, Blenheim EquiSports is pleased to be on your show calendar.

Blenheim EquiSports Highlights

Jumpin' July, Awesome August and Super September...
  July was superb from the intimate setting of our inaugural Surf & Turf Classic at Blenheim Farms to the series of July shows at Showpark in Del Mar. We eased into August by wrapping up at Showpark and heading north to the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano for two weeks, where we welcomed the USEF Junior Hunter Finals, West Coast and more. The grass field was all dressed up for the occasion and we congratulate all who had the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event...
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Summer into Fall
  The competition is hotter than ever as we jump into more FEI classes and Regional Medal Finals. The first of the three World Cup Qualifiers in our season, the $50,000 Grand Prix of Showpark, was September 3rd, on the International Grass Grand Prix Field. A little less than two weeks later, we went Indoors for the $50,000 Blenheim World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix in the Blenheim Covered Arena on Friday night, September 16th...
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EquestriSol News

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 – on 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...
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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.

Conversations with Equestrians

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...
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Unbridled Passion

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...
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Spruce Meadows Masters

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...
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Industry Innovators

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...
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Conversations with Equestrians

Traci Barmen, Carleton Brooks and Balmoral
  The 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...
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Lexington and the NAJYRC

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...
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Conversations with Equestrians

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...
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It's High Time for Helmets

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...
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