Socrates de Midos

BY ERNA L. ADELSON

The Equestrian Aid Foundation: At the Heart of Horse Sport
  With a membership made up of some of the world’s best known equestrian athletes and a mission dedicated to supporting the needs of those in the equestrian industry suffering from life-threatening medical conditions or injuries, the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) is certainly at the heart of horse sport.

  The EAF was borne out of a casual dinner conversation among friends driven by the desire to help fellow equestrians in need. The collaboration of friends soon became the Equestrian AIDS Foundation, providing direct support to equestrians living with HIV/AIDS. These friends, who became EAF’s first board of directors, are also established influential equestrians: R. Scot Evans, six-time Olympic Dressage rider Robert Dover, Gene Mische, Mason Phelps Jr., Robert Ross and Kim Tudor.

  “When we started the foundation 15 years ago, we wanted to support our fellow horsemen,” said R. Scot Evans, President of the EAF and well known judge, clinician and consultant to the equine industry. “At that point, HIV/AIDS was considered the most threatening because the symptoms are so debilitating and the medical insurance is so expensive.”

  Over time, the purpose of the EAF evolved to also include basic medical needs assistance for those suffering from catastrophic illness and injury. “Everyone who works with horses is taking a risk for their passion,” Evans noted. “So the idea is to help equestrians in their time of need so that they are once again able to return to their passion.”

  One such recipient, world-class eventer Ralph Hill, testified that the EAF was very important to his peace of mind as he underwent a long recovery. “The EAF [took] a lot of pressure off me,” he said. “Getting hurt and losing my way to make an income was quite a financial burden...

  I am starting to be able to teach again now and hopefully I can get my body back enough so I can train again.” “Our EAF recipients are strong, independent people who possess a strong work ethic,” Evans added. “Many don’t want to ask for assistance. These are people who have made sacrifices to be a part of the horse community, it can be extremely difficult for them to come to us and ask for help.”

  Not all EAF recipients are riders. They have few similarities, other than a need for assistance and their love of horses. Recipients come from all walks of life – riders (professional and amateur), farriers, show organizers, breeders, trainers and managers; diverse disciplines – both Western and English; well-known competitors and pleasure riders; ages ranging from 14 to 56; and living in all parts of the country – both urban and rural.

  The EAF’s youngest recipient is Gary Johnson, a teenager from East Orange N.J., who is a competitive mini driver. Living with cancer and cerebral palsy, Johnson’s involvement in the horse sport has both brightened and broadened his horizons. “Driving my mini [horse] has proven to me that I can do anything. My dream is to be a professional driver. The EAF is helping me make my dream come true,” Johnson said. Evans notes that throughout the years, learning the extraordinary stories of passionate equestrians has been a cherished part of his profession. Through the EAF and as an equestrian consultant, TV personality for the Hampton Classic and producer for Equestrianlife.com, he has the voice to share these stories with the equestrian community and beyond.

  Recently, Evans visited the west coast to celebrate a once in a lifetime horse story. In the first event of its kind, the EAF honored the contributions of Steffen Peters’ fabulously successful mount Ravel. The fundraiser was held at the home of Peters and Ravel in Del Mar. The evening was generously hosted by numerous sponsors, including Cavalor, Back on Track and Elegant Events Catering.

  Others are encouraged to engage in a similar manner through the EAF’s event outreach program. “As we expand, we are taking steps to build presence with events such as this and with strategic partners,” Evans said. Other west coast partners who represent multiple disciplines include Larry Langer (hunter/jumper), Robert Kellerhouse (eventing) and Mandi Brumley (reining). Each manages shows held at The Horse Park at Woodside.

  Additionally, the EAF’s Young Riders Committee plays a significant role in creating awareness and engaging others in fundraising and educational events. Brianne Goutal, Stephanie Riggio and Caitlin Ziegler are active members of the team.

  Ziegler generously hosts and manages a carnival for young riders and their families as a break from the busy Winter Equestrian Festival shows in Wellington, Fla. Individual efforts like that of junior dressage competitor Jessica Deimler have also made an incredible impact. In honor of her competing at the NAJYRC, the 17-year-old wanted to signify the moment by giving back to the equestrian community. Jess, with support from her mom Dian and trainer Karen Lipp, sent letters asking family, friends and fellow riders to support her commitment to the EAF. “We were blown away by the efforts of Jess Deimler,” Evans said. “She really spread the word and she raised more than $1,500 just to give back to the equestrian industry.” Young Riders are encouraged to donate services and time to EAF through event outreach, content generation and social networking.

  Whether a seasoned competitor or simply an equestrian enthusiast, membership is the first step to involvement with the EAF. “Our organization is membership-based. All of the information necessary is available on our website, so the first step to helping fellow equestrians in need is to become a member,” Evans suggested. “Having dedicated members helps create more awareness and funds, which helps more people who are struggling. We send a monthly newsletter that keeps all of our members informed of events and contribution opportunities and stories like Jessica’s.”

  With a low overhead and minimal operating costs, the EAF is able to provide support directly to the petitioning equestrian or their representative. Funds donated to the EAF are used to provide various essentials that may include medical needs, health insurance, food and housing, transportation, physical therapy and more. Evans anticipates that in the upcoming years, as finances are reevaluated for many, the EAF will be called upon more often and for more assistance than ever before. The staff is gearing up for expansion and increased efforts.

  “Our members, donors and sponsors understand the passion that drives us all and they understand the responsibility and need for caring for those who share that passion,” Evans concluded.

  The horse is at the heart of a large community of people who do truly care about one another. It is good to know that the heart of this sport is beating strong, and when equestrians come together in aid, fellow souls and bodies gain strength and heal too.

  For more information and to become a member, go to: www.equestrianaidfoundation.org

Taking Ownership

BY JACKIE MCFARLAND

Iwasaki & Reilly: There’s Nothing Small About It
  When it comes to horse ownership we can sometimes overlook those who take a giant leap financially and emotionally to send a horse down the path to potential success. As with any sport, there’s only a select few who make it to the top and continue to stay there. Of course every horse is special, but when our passion for finding that fabulous horse results in national recognition, the rewards are that much sweeter.

  Now tasting the sweetness of success with their first year horse, Small Affair, owners Liz Reilly and Chris Iwasaki are riding high. Small Affair and John French made a strong statement at Indoors this season, earning the Reserve Championship honors at both Harrisburg and Washington. The collective team also won two prestigious World Champion Hunter Rider Awards at Capital Challenge – the Jeffry Katz Award and the Rox Dene Award. The first is actually awarded to the rider of the WCHR high score horse who, in this case, was the phenomenal John French. And the second award, established in the name of the famous hunter Rox Dene, is awarded annually to the owners of the WCHR high score horse.

  Although not listed in the awards, trainer Scott Wilson also deserves credit for helping Liz and Chris attain their goals this year. This is not the first time they have experienced the thrill of victory, as Small Town continues to win under the tutelage of Keri Kampsen and Joe Thorpe of Sovereign Place, first with Nicoletta Von Heidegger and now with her younger sister, Hannah, in the irons. And the newest hunter on the field, who’s been holding her own quite well in the pre-green division, is Small Collection.

  Some of us know Liz and Chris from their hard work in the industry. For many years both have made a living in parts of the horse world that go unnoticed. Liz manages the books of a number of west coast professionals and Chris manages Scott Wilson Stables, with upwards of 20 horses on the road throughout the year. By means of his relationship with Liz, Chris now shares in the thrills and chills of horse ownership.

  We spoke with Liz about her passion for horses, which of course fuels the fire for both career and commitment to finding, buying and developing top hunters.

EqSol: Naturally the first question: What is your horse history?
LR: I started riding when I was 11 years old on Long Island and continued until I was 19. I was lucky to have a great mix of experiences from pony club, cubbing with the foxes, to horse showing. I loved the horses and basically lived at the barn. After going to college at Hollins College in Virginia for my freshman year, I then transferred to UCLA and never left California.

EqSol: When did you start buying young prospects?
LR: About twelve years ago. We’ve purchased maybe six to eight horses over the years. Ultimately, I try to buy horses that I will enjoy riding, owning and if they sell that is a bittersweet conclusion.

EqSol: Talk about the pros and cons of being an owner.
LR: The pros are easy – I love horses, love to ride and I truly enjoy the process. It is a childhood dream come true. The cons aren’t so easy to express. The responsibilities of owning can be challenging – to me it’s worth all the risk because I get to ride. This isn’t our livelihood, it’s a passion – some we’ve sold, some we’ve given away.

  We also get really attached to each horse, so it’s actually a bit difficult to lease or sell one and have it leave home. I adore Small Town. I feel so lucky that he got leased to Sovereign Place, as they have been absolutely wonderful with him. They have really allowed me to remain involved and be part of all his huge successes.

EqSol: Tell us about the journey from prospect to champion with both Small Town and Small Affair.
LR: Small Town – ‘Ollie’ – was my friend Abby Vietor’s horse. As soon as I saw him I loved him. I thought, ‘This is a horse that Scott Stewart would own.’ He had all the pieces – a gorgeous horse with the most beautiful gallop and a great jump. When Abby moved and couldn’t take Ollie to the east coast, I offered to help her sell him. When he didn’t sell as quickly as I’d hoped, I was able to get him through the help of Jim Hagman, who has always been a great supporter of all my equine endeavors. Very talented but very slow to mature, he was the kind of horse that if something spooky was going to happen – it would happen while he was in the ring, or at least he would notice it. He wouldn’t do anything scary - he was just spooky back then (I rode him when I was seven months pregnant and never worried).

  In his second pre-green year he started to win everything. The following year he got sick at Indio after winning in the First Years week one, but by spring he was winning again. I rode him in the adults that summer and took a break when I was pregnant with Augusta. Nicoletta leased him in 2005 and he has remained in Keri and Joe’s barn ever since.

  Small Affair – Mary Morrison (Ivy Gate Farm) imported ‘Poker’ from France where he was successful in the young jumper championships. I originally saw him when looking at horses with Jim but he was way too green for his client. Then Scott and I went to try him last year. His form over the first little jump was the best I’d ever seen. When we got in the car, Scott, who is usually mister talkative, wasn’t saying a word. Finally he said ‘If you don’t vet him I will have someone else in the barn vet him.’ In 2008 he did the pre-greens as a six year old with Alissa Smith and Keri Kampsen and only won a few ribbons here and there. He was young and all over the place. We asked both John French and Jenny Karazissis to show him this year in the first years. He was champion or reserve almost every time, and won a class at Devon. He’s won a class at every major show he’s competed in, and often wins the under saddle. Next year is his Hunter Derby year, plus I’m going to start showing him.

  Small Collection – ‘Daisy’ – is a pre-green horse, our latest purchase. Unlike when we found ‘Poker,’ we tried fifteen horses in Florida. She was the second to the last horse we sat on. I jumped one jump and said this is the horse. Jenny K showed her this year and has been champion or reserve several times.

  Trainer Scott Wilson sat with us for a minute and I asked...

EqSol: You’ve been at the top of the hunter ranks many times in the past. How has it been with Small Affair?
SW: I think he’s one of the most athletic horses I’ve ever worked with, possibly one the best hunters in the country and he also wins a top ribbon in the hack. It was clear on the first day I saw him that he was special. Liz has a good eye for horses – she knew. He was relatively easy to bring along and proved to be better over a bigger jump. He’s brave and should be a great derby horse.

EqSol: How does it feel after Indoors is over?
SW: It was a dream come true – a real Cinderella story.

EqSol: How do you know that any particular horse is ‘the one’?
LR: How do you know? Ollie had the ‘look’ and the talent. Poker has that incredible jump. I knew Daisy was the kind of horse that anyone could ride. After all I do want the luxury of the horses being for me. I have always felt confident sitting on all of these horses. Of course I know when to step back and let the horse be trained – I don’t ask for the horse to be an amateur horse out the door. Do I hope it becomes a great one? Sure.

  And yes it’s expensive. We manage to afford it through a lot of hard work and some trade, which saves us money. It’s rewarding to be successful, but in the end I really love the horses.

  Thank you Liz – congratulations on a great year and we wish you continued success.