The monster-sized garbage truck was headed straight for the horse I was riding down busy Columbus Avenue, at the height of evening rush hour on New York City’s Upper West Side. Gears grinding loudly, the vehicle kept chugging toward us as I maneuvered my horse as close as possible to the parked cars along the curb in an attempt to avoid a truck-horse-human collision.
The perpetually rearing wooden horse still stares out the enormous picture window oblivious to the constant bustle of New York City, just as he’s done since 1912. All around him, the world has changed. The once plentiful shops offering equestrian accouterments to clients with names like Rockefeller and Kennedy have disappeared, leaving Manhattan Saddlery as the sole surviving tack shop in the borough.
It was 8:45 p.m. on a Thursday evening. It was dark, wet and cold outside. I had 24 hours until the chili cook-off fundraiser I’d been planning for the Area II Young Riders, and the anxiety was setting in, as it always does before any function I plan.
I was doing my best to balance my time between my full-time job at Sinead Halpin Eventing, my part-time job at Prestige Saddles, my commitment to Young Riders, my part-time job teaching at River Edge Farm, and my personal commitment to fitness.
Damien, a CCI**** event horse, was euthanized on July 11 in his pasture in Vass, N.C., after he suffered a severe colic episode. He was 17.
Damien, a 7/8 Thoroughbred—1/8 Dutch Warmblood by Dynamite Cap was bred and owned by Mari and Roger Secrist. The Secrists knew he was special from the day he was born.
Mari started and competed him through the preliminary level before turning the ride over to Phillip Dutton, who swiftly brought him up through the three-star level, placing third at the Bromont CCI** (Que.) and the Foxhall CCI*** (Ga.).
Lila Blakeslee experiments with diverse mediums and techniques to capture the “behind the scenes” moments at horse shows and the general horse show experience.
Horses have been a constant focal point in Blakeslee’s life. She spent many years in Dallas (Texas) as an instructor before moving to Florida to pursue a full-time career as an artist. Even during her time as a trainer, she had numerous commissions for portraits and paintings.
Working from her studio in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, artist Janet Crawford depicts the equestrian lifestyle. After graduating in 1991 from Rhode Island College with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Crawford embarked on her career.
Focusing on the world of horse shows, Crawford captures images familiar to all involved in the sport. She said the candid moments outside of the show ring are her particular favorites. Crawford often lends her work to horse shows for program covers and promotions.
Artist Jean Requa Lubin was born in California but grew up in American Samoa and Juneau, Alaska, where she developed a passion for wildlife and the beauty of nature.
Lubin studied at the Scottsdale’s Artists’ School, where she earned awards and honors from plein air festivals and regional and national juried shows.
Jack Le Goff, the man who defined the eventing program in the United States, died July 24 in France. He was 78.
The legendary horseman revolutionized the United States equestrian program and defined an era with medals and championships.
Mr. Le Goff’s coaching record at international championships was exemplary. His teams won medals at four consecutive Olympic Games and three consecutive World Championships. He brought some of the biggest names in the sport over the past three decades to fruition.
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