Hoof Beats with Pat Murphy
News From the Horse’s Mouth
Why is this column called Hoof Beats? First of all, of course, it reflects the sound of a horse’s hoofs and that sound is one of the heart beats of this beautiful Valley. Our gentle country lifestyle is precious to us. Strangely enough “beats” also means to become “victorious over,” and our never ending parade of victories at horse shows is also a part of the Valley culture and agriculture. We now celebrate fifty-five different breeds of horses in the Santa Ynez Valley and you’ll be able to access the list when the last two horseshoe crosswalks are completed, which will be very soon.
Kottas Held Position Longer Than Any Other Rider
Carey and Alix Kendall have recently been honored to host Mr. Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg, one of the world’s great masters of Dressage. He was the renowned former First Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School and hails from Vienna, Austria. Kottas not only held that celebrated position longer than any other rider in the 450 years of the school’s history, but he was also the youngest.
He began as a student (an “eleve” as they are called) at the age of fifteen. Apparently, as a devoted student of fine horses, it was the precision, discipline and purity of this historical place that strongly appealed to him. He is devoted to classically correct training. Kottas is very active in coaching teams of young riders for international competition and FEI competitors. His 24-year-old daughter is number one on the Austrian team.
This famous gentleman came to share his forty-three years of classical training and knowledge with ten riders, who brought their horses to the Kendall’s Angel’s Landing Farm in Los Olivos. Only riders with a solid set of skills and experience were accepted so that they were able to take advantage of the nuance and finesse of Kottas’ world class training. During the lessons, one could see the compassion and sensitivity he expressed for the horses.
The Kendalls first met Mr. Kottas when they went to Vienna to purchase a 12-year-old Austrian Warmblood, Liberte, in 2003. Alix was able to train with Kottas for two weeks, at that time. Liberte had been owned and ridden by Kottas internationally and the horse is a licensed 100 day tested stallion for breeding. Another fine horse, Lacredo, who was purchased by the Kendalls, is still in training in Austria. He is Liberte’s full younger brother. Alix will return to Austria this spring to ride Lacredo under Kottas’ careful tutelage. Kottas teaches forty-three clinics each year in such places as Finland, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and the U.K. but says, “Los Olivos is my second home.” He’ll be returning to the Valley June 23-27th.
Thoroughbred News
Winemaker Louis Lucas and his brother George have acquired the fine new Thoroughbred stallion-Kelly Kip. He is one of New York’s top juveniles and sprinters. He’s a multiply Grade 2 winner with winnings of $1,157,142,000.00 His sire was Kipper Kelly and dam-Marianne Theresa. Kelly Kip will be available for breeding both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse mares. He’s standing at Vinewood Farm contact- 559-689-3111.
Real Estate News:
“The Santa Ynez Valley is like a candy store for horse people” says realtor, Claire Hanssen.
And she should know. Not only is she one of the most successful realtors in the Valley, she’s been involved with horses since childhood, having grown up on a ranch near San Diego. She started with Quarter Horses, showing in equitation, pleasure and trail classes and has really never let them go.
But she was always open to new horse adventures and so went on to experience hunter-jumpers. Then Reined Cow Horses looked fascinating and after showing them for a number of years she had a National Champion Reined Cowhorse.
But when one of the vicissitudes of life stepped in, a back problem grounded Claire for a while. However, as all horse people know, when you love horses it’s usually a permanent love affair. So Claire bought an Arabian horse who was a grandson of the famous Raffon- an Arabian stallion that was owned and shown to many championships by the Hemming family. Claire could show her horse in halter classes without any problem. However, she’s now aboard a horse once again
When you ride horses, you enjoy company on those trails so a few years back Claire helped found the “Fillies” ladies equestrian club. This noted club is very active in the Valley and is responsible for many happy times and bonds of friendship.
“I love showing properties to horse people,” she says, “and amazingly about 75% of my clients have horses. They are seldom pretentious and they usually like dogs too.”
These characteristics often go along with people who appreciate the gentle natural beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley. Claire has found that people who wish to live here often decide to get some horses even if they are involved in other pursuits like vineyards or business ventures. It is after all, a great way to fully enjoy the country life-style and get acquainted with stimulating people.
We have a new feature called “Horse of the Month”
Our first honoree will be CD Survivor, who just won the NRCHA Stakes Open Bridle Spectacular, in Nampa, Idaho. He is trained and ridden by Jake Telford of Caldwell, Idaho and owned by Valley resident Nancy Crawford-Hall, Holy Cow Performance Horses LLC. This six-year-old- Quarter Horse has presently won over $90,000.
He acquired his name when he was just a young foal still nursing his mother. Unfortunately, she died as a result of surgery, leaving her orphan colt. But he was absolutely determined to become a “Survivor” and has plenty of get-up-and-go. His dam was Have a Lil Lena and his sire is CD Olena.
For this new horse feature in Hoof Beats, we invite our readers to nominate their horse for “Horse of the Month.” It does not have to be a show horse, just a horse well loved. Please submit a photo if possible.