This past August, we were lucky enough to visit the wildly popular Thunderbird Show Park in British Columbia for just one of their six major Hunter and Jumper tournaments held annually. The popularity of “Tbird” borders on cult following; known for their combination of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a gorgeous venue, and quality classes, Tbird’s show rings routinely draw everyone from the local weekend warrior to the seasoned Olympian.
What: CSI 3* & WCHR Summer Fort Festival, Aug 24-28, 2015
Where: Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Claim(s) to fame: Voted 2nd best venue in North America by NARG (North American Rider’s Group), which is a big deal on it’s own, but pretty extra-impressive considering 1st place is held down by Spruce Meadows. Also, they do a pretty killer pancake breakfast. Tell your friends.
Vibe: Chill, yet outgoing. Friendly, but also ambitious. Plenty chic, but west-coasty. Sportsluxe reigns supreme. You can mix your Arcteryx and your Hermes here, and you will have to. It rains. Like woah.
Samantha Buirs (CAN)Ellicia Edgar (CAN)
Jennifer Gates (USA)Jenn Serek (CAN)Alexander Grayton (CAN)
What: The London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour
Where: Syon Park, London
Why you care: Do you know what beauty is? Have you eyes? Ok, but on a more serious note. Lovely atmosphere, world class talent, riding kind and confident tracks. Very clean and chic. Footing looked fantastic. First rate vendors. Absolutely top Americano at the coffee stand and Pimms available by the jug, which is, of course, our favourite serving size.
KEY ATTENDANCE INFORMATION: See infographic, and then photos below, for more on the biblical curse that is London weather.
Kevin Staut (FR) and Elky van het Indihof HDC.Staying dry.Ben Maher (GB) and CellaMeredith Michaels-Beerbaum (DE) and Comanche 28Edwina Tops-Alexander (AU) and Lintea TequilaWilliam Whitaker (GB) and Mersley ChakotayLudger Beerbaum (DE), ChamanMeredith Michaels-Beerbaum (DE) and Comanche 28John Whitaker (GB) and ArgentoLaura Renwick (GB) and Heliodor HybrisJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonAthina Onassis de Miranda (GR) and AD ContangaSheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QA) and Viena OlympicDarragh Kenny (IE) and PicoloAthina Onassis de Miranda’s AD ContangaLaura Renwick (GB) and Heliodor HybrisJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonParis Sellon (US) Street HassleJane Richard Philips (CH) Pablo de VirtonLuciana Diniz (PT) Fit For Fun 13Luciana Diniz (PT) Fit For Fun 13Paris Sellon (US) Street HassleBehind the scenes.Bruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Christina Liebherr (CH) and L.B. Eagle EyeChristian Ahlmann (DE) and Taloubet ZBeezie Madden (USA) and SimonBruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Kevin Staut (FR) and Elky van het Indihof HDC.Christina Liebherr (CH) and L.B. Eagle EyeRoger-Yves Bost (FR) and Sydney Une Prince#1. Scott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosChristian Ahlmann (DE) and Taloubet ZKatherine Dinan (US) and Bijou de BalouBen Maher (GB) and CellaWilliam Whitaker (GB) and Mersley ChakotaySheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QA) and Viena OlympicKatherine Dinan (US) and Bijou de BalouAt the gate.Bruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Pénélope Leprevost (FR) and Ratina d’la RousserieScott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosGregory Wathelet (BE) and AlgorhythemLudger Beerbaum (DE), ChamanPilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyEmanuele Bianchi’s Isco de AmorandaScott Brash (GB) and Hello SanctosPilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyEmanuele Bianchi (IT) and Isco de AmorandaMark Armstrong and Nuggets l’AmandourGregory Wathelet (BE) and AlgorhythemBassem Hassan Mohammed (QA) and Eurocommerce CaliforniaFaleh Suwead Al Ajami (QA) and Come SoonBeezie Madden’s SimonBruce Goodin (NZ) and Centina 10Pilar Lucrecia Cordon (ES) and HarleyJessica Springsteen (US) and LisonaMaikel van der Vleuten (NL) and VDL Groep Verdi Tn N.O.PFaleh Suwead Al Ajami (QA) and Come SoonMark Armstrong’s Nuggets l’Amandour#1. Scott Brash (GB) and Hello Sanctos
We spent some quality time bonding with a venue from our childhood dreams, the legendary Hickstead, for their iconic Derby meet. The rest, as they say, is history. Scroll on for our takeaway points for next year, and browse our visual diary of our visit below.
What: Hickstead Derby Meet 2015
Key knowledge points: Get conversational in your knowledge of Eddie Macken’s Boomerang. The pair won four consecutive Hickstead Derbies (1976 to 1979), an accomplishment yet to be matched. They also won like, everything. Anyway, Boomerang. Big deal. They’ve named everything after him. Quote to drop into casual conversation:
“…take my speed horse Boomerang for the time being until you get something better.”
Paul Schockemöhle, after Macken’s top horse, Easter Parade, suffered a
freak fatal accident in 1975. Boomerang and Eddie went on to top
the world rankings for 1976-1979, winning over £911,000 in 2007 money
Do: Bring a picnic. Put it in an adorable wicker box. Pop out some tables and plop your children on the top of the Land Rover. Pimms. Champagne. Cheese. Comfortable shoes; it’s all grass. We suggest a nice pair of Sperrys. The vibe is chill; do not look like you are trying too hard. Natural waves ladies, save the irons for Ladies Day at Longines. Extra points awarded to rainwear that is chic and un-fussed, because obviously it will rain.
Don’t: Skip the Speed Derby. The 1.60m gets all the attention, but the British Speed Derby on the Saturday is big enough at 1.45m, and with time penalties awarded for rails in lieu of faults, things get hectic real quick. You might casually mention at the 2016 meeting that Guy Williams set the speed record this year. Oh, and under no circumstances are you to fail to book your taxi prior to the presentation on the Sunday. Getting out of that place is a terror and cabs are hot currency. Better yet, drive. In fact, just rock up VIP and get ideal parking. You have a year to set that up, start soon, probably.
Winner of the 1.60m Trevor Breen makes a young fans day with an autograph.Mark Dorgan and Centamiro hop off the bank.Billy Twomey and Diaghliev.Clark Glasgow pumps the brakes.A swing and a miss for Shane Breen into the grob.Jade Hooke and A New Era.Support personelle on point.Joao Charlesworth and Harleymanor Venus getting out of the liverpools.Steven Franks and Carlow Cruiser.Starting them young.Billy Twomey and DiaghlievJoao Charlesworth and Hartleymanor Venus.Napping = encouraged.Officially chic course management.Joao Charlesworth and Hartleymanor Venus.Ellen Whitaker and Locarno 62.Photo op, anyone?Billy Twomey.David Simpson’s Gotti Van PaemelHarriet Nuttal gives some neon- nailed love to A Touch Imperious.David Simpson and Gotti Van PaemelDermott Lennon and Vampire atop the bank.Shit un-happening.A thumbs up from Billy Twomey in the parade.
Trevor Breen parading.
Jump crew looking fresh on Sunday.Because everyone likes a marching band.Pony power.Picnic win.Someone take us foxhunting like yesterday.Seriously.Just so classic. All the hounds pls.Eager ponyclubbers watch the hunting demo.Ribbon parades.In-gate hangs.Leather and ombre.Ribbon parades.Gypsy fever.Devil’s in the details.Keen.At the gate.Champagne always.At the gate.Shades of grey.
Bliss[ed] Out : A Master Class in Californian Cool
This week, we caught up with the definition of charm, show-jumping darling Bliss Heers, to grill her on some pressing issues: namely, how did she get so chill, and why do we suddenly want to be her bff?
Athletic, determined, and enviably chic, this girl has got her sport- and style- ducks in a row. Game like this is made to inspire. Behold, your how-to on California cool, via it-girl, Bliss Heers.
Basic Stats
with Wilson // via Toffi images
Name: Bliss Heers
Age: 27
Vibe: American, but abroad. Blonde bombshell with a side of girl-next door. The ultimate argument for being able to remove the girl from California, but not California from the girl.
Quotable: “Style is wearing your own personality.”
Sport: International Show-Jumper
Passport: USA (Olivenhain, California)
Currently mapped at: Riesenbeck, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
Mounts: Contendra (12), Prado K (12), Cortina (10). All German bred, all jumping the Grand Prix.
Daily necessities: “Coffee x 3, my french bulldog Wilson, my daily morning message from my dad.”
Showing in Thermal, California.
wilson via instagram
❤
Cortina
details 1
On her fantastic gene pool:
“I am a total daddy’s girl. My whole family is very athletic and both of my parents compete in show jumping. My dad retired from the show ring years ago, but my mom still rides in the hunter divisions. My mother, father, and my brother are all ridiculously fit. My mom has never lifted a weight in her life and looks like she works out everyday and my brother and father actually modeled for Iron Man magazine and have numerous athletic accolades ( Dad competed in Iron Man triathlons, my brother played College-level American football). I’m just grateful that I even look related to them.”
via Facebook
“One of the main influences on my style growing up has been my amazing mother. Last month, at 54, she could have potentially modeled for Nannette Lepore while she was re-tiling the kitchen. I don’t know anyone who can be so strong and elegant at the same time.”
Quality over quantity:
“Because I’m constantly on the road, I travel light and carry my favorite staples with me. I mix and match constantly…and I’m definitely not afraid take a risk once and a while, like mixing Dubarry boots with a sundress. My basic wardrobe lives in my suitcase: my favorite skinny jeans, flats, a classic sweater, blouse, little navy dress (which I find more versatile than black) and a blazer. Throw in my show whites and I’m good to go anywhere in the world. “
details 2
with Phillip Weishaupt in Cabo, San Lucas
details 3
mid-show cuddles with Reed Kessler // pc Joe Norick via Facebook
Classic office uniform, with a twist:
“A couple years ago I was give the opportunity to do some modeling for Pikeur. Since then, I have ridden in nothing but them. They are practical and oh so comfortable. On top I wear a simple shirt with long sleeves (I hate tan lines) and a crew neck sweater. For riding at home I have a collection of Lulu Lemon shirts and pullies. At the show, I’ll add a bright cashmere sweater.”
Keep it fresh:
“I hate thinking that I look as tired as I feel. I keep a good moisturizer, lip gloss, and a NARS blush/ bronzer duo with me at all times. Even you can forget that you’re tired when you put some color back in your cheeks.”
with Prado K
Workout vibe:
“Normally my gym shirts have some witty saying on them, like “come to the dark side, we have cookies”. And my running shoes are obnoxiously bright.”
Never look like you’re trying too hard:
“Whether it’s to the barn, nice dinner, or dancing, I keep it simple. I love looking and feeling natural, like my clothes were made for me. My accessories are minimal and my shoes are comfortable. Period. I have one favorite pair of black peep toe pumps that I usually bring along. They’re ‘Nike Air’, just in case I just HAVE to dance the whole night… I love wearing classics, but I don’t do boring.”
Abroad closet essentials:
“Winter jackets have become my ultimate indulgence. Being from Southern California and living the last 3 winters in Germany, I know that I invested wisely. I’m sure I’ll have them for years to come, and I feel that I’ve already gotten my money’s worth out of them. My favorite barn jacket is a dark blue, zip up Bauer. It’s fantastic to ride in. It’s so light and comfortable. My favorite non-barn jacket is either my simple Marc Jacobs black leather jacket, or my handed down Denim jacket from my mom.”
Goofing around with her LA Masters winnings, 2014
The last word
“I find that everyday is an opportunity for us to be inspired by something. It’s exciting to think when we get up in the morning, that we have a chance to reinvent ourselves as we would like to be, both inwardly and outwardly. We learn and share, bettering ourselves and people around us. Fashion trends are not different then social trends. I’m a firm believer in suede and empathy.”
2. linen dress Calypso, boots Dubarry, jean jacket Saint Laurent, fringed bag Proenza Schouler, hat Iverni, watch Kate Spade
3. lace dress JOIE, belt Dolce & Gabbana, d’orsay flats Nordstroms, aviators Ray Ban, frenchie ring Nach Bijoux, blush/bronzer duo NARS, lip balm Rosebud Perfume Co, hat Ally
What: The Royal Windsor Horse Show, from the flip side.
Highlights: Strawberries and cream in adorably tiny cups. Carl Hester ribbing Charlotte Dujardin during her exhibition ride (watch it here). Champagne. Holland Cooper, generally. Frighteningly athletic children riding in the Gymkhana. Land Rover trials over a terrifyingly impressive mechanized obstacle course. Hermes.
Vibe: Country fair, heavily Londonized. White denim. All the champagne. Men in brogues.
Have: A driver, or appropriate footwear (there is a healthy foot-jaunt from the parking). One fantastic, well-fitting tweed item. Cheeky caps and floppy sunhats ok; baseball hats not ok. Access to chic layers should it rain, which it will. Oversize sunnies recommended, aviators at a minimum. A vigorous credit card for falling down the retail rabbit hole.
Never ever ever: Unfitted outerwear. E-cigarettes. Backpacks not containing a helmet. Sport sunglasses. Fussy hair. Apparel emblazoned with competitions you have participated in or won (exceptions: The Olympics; WEG; GCT). The sales rack vendors; this will only dishearten you, or lead you astray. Do not wear your actual riding boots, this reads dreadfully Pony Club (exception: short boots, but only if Italian). If you absolutely must wear your breeches, at least wear your most pristine whites (sock-bottomed), and have the remainder of your look purely civilian. For the love of god, do not wear your cotton jods. Actually, why do you own cotton jods? Toss those yesterday and never speak of it again.
What: Highlight reel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ready to Wear Fall 2015.
Why you care: Classic equestrian club vibes. Have you seen polo? You care so much. We’re going to the club right now. Get in the Rover. Ralph Lauren forever.
Takeaway points: A neutral palette will go all the way. Keep it simple but layered. Acquire a blanket duster-length coat, as well as Joni Mitchell’s entire discography. Forget that “refined” and “leather fringe” used to be mutually exclusive terms. Strongly consider a beret, but wimp out at the last minute and buy an aubergine beanie. Temporarily lose your flatiron. Fall in love with dark moody jewel tones. You are a forest gypsy wildling schoolgirl nymph princess. Resist the urge to let your stable grow long manes; do not resist the urge to make daisy chains.
Need. Need this coat. Hyperventilating. // via style.comTouch of Americana Fringe // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comThe new uniform // via style.comA stylized set of tails for Sundays // via style.comTweed overcoat for the win // via style.comLayers + Visibly bunched socks // via style.comtextures and jeweltones // via style.comAn unfussed blazer is gonna get necessary + a pop o’ neon // via style.com
Why you care: The ultimate marriage of athleticism and lifestyle. Also, junk food.
General rules: Color is ok. It is not to be feared. Bonnets often do not match saddle pads and no world ends. Embrace your inner triathlete, but under no circumstances are you to shirk the pub. Bonus points given for inexplicable fitness in the face of regular bangers and mash washed down with pale ale.
Standing out whilst blending in: Do not dress for the jog. Focus on layers. Think industry insider; perhaps you are jumping the Grassroots Championship, and had to hack one out first thing, so. You will be cold in the mornings, since your mornings will look more like nights, so bring your puffer, hopefully in a neutral palette. Pick one color to pop. A pedometer is a must, but one must never discuss the results nor produce less than 30,000 steps per day. Wellies, but not the tall ones, you’re not some city civilian. Never languish anywhere; you have no spare time. Always appear hurried yet frightfully energetic.
Current plan of attack.William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Chilli Morning pinches Jackie Potts’ hat after winning Badminton // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia CosmopolitanJoelle Price with Classic Moet // via badminton-horse.co.ukAlexander Peternell & Asih // via badminton-horse.co.ukJonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise // via badminton-horse.co.ukNicola Wilson’s lovely One Two Many and Beltane Queen // via badminton-horse.co.ukBen Hobday (GBR) with Mulrys Error, looking like his milkshake brings all the girls to the yard // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia badminton-horse.co.uk
What: Classic Americana rock royalty, add twist of Jersey, spritz of Society. Muddle with leather and serve on the boardwalk.
Have: A soft, forward hand. Fantastic brows. Work ethic. Undergrad degree from respectable Americana institution. ASPCA Maclay Title. Sense of humour. Famous industry friends that legit like you.
Vibe: Unbothered, workmanlike. Classic pieces, nothing too trendy, natural fibers. Tasteful but undeniably sexy. Girl-next-door-in-a-shampoo-commercial hair.
Get amongst it: Poppa Bruce’s Wrecking Ball, 2012, all the way through, while you deep condition your locks and vow to only salon color from now on. Cultivate a centre part. Aquire fantastic abs but in no way flaunt them. Maintain a first-rate instagram account. Be so down to earth everyone wants to be your bff.
Springsteen Twist // On the Rocksvia Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenSpringsteen // Gucci Masters 2014via Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenJersey Girl Vibes // via getty imagesvia Editorialist
What: Showjumper queen, but tidy. Think sportof kings, stuff of dreams, love of life, scene of scenes. Never fussy, always classy. Manifestation Exercises: Imagine everything you do is in slow motion and also black and white. Visualize that every handbag you own is lined in Baker plaid and smells of polo mints and Miss Dior. There are spare pearl earrings in your left breech pocket which you do not worry about as they are freshwater. You are going to spin and hot yoga on the off-day. Inspo: Tiffany Foster, Reed Kessler, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco. Always: Tone on tone dressing. Navy. Conservative layers (NO BANGS). Wide brims (hats; helmets; visors). Pearls. A good watch. Working knowledge of wine pairings. Avoid: Tequila. Prints. Unbraided manes. Soundscape: James Bay, the new Mumford, the National Anthem.
Vibes.Vintage Kessler // via horse-tales.comT-Fost // tone on tone.Charlotte C, for Gucci.Tiffany Foster // Tripple X
Stats: Held annually since 1943 on the Crown Estate currently known as Home Park at Windsor, Berkshire, England.
Reasons to freak out: Ben Maher’s Cella will be making her comeback. Also, Ben Maher, generally. Also the only show in the UK to have all the sports, and by that we mean dressage, showjumping, endurance and driving.
Things we plan on doing: Champagne; wearing all our sunhats because it’s actually supposed to maybe not rain constantly; pretending to not fangirl completely out whenever Cella is out; lying about how many ice creams we’ve had.
Current style vibes: Red breeches, light cashmere, aviators always, brogues because sass.
Saturday Plans.Audrey Hepburn forever.via Ralph Lauren 2014.Via savvyhorsewoman.com
equestrienne.co 