Equestrian

The clip-clop of hooves echoes across pristine arenas, the glint of sun-kissed bridles catches the light, and the air buzzes with cheers for athletes—both human and equine. Welcome to Wellington International, a place where world-class competition and vibrant community spirit collide in an epic celebration of equestrian sport.Founded in 1974 by Gene Mische, the visionary behind Stadium Jumping, Inc., Wellington International began as a dream to bring the glamour of elite show jumping to U.S. soil. Nearly five decades later, it’s a global icon, drawing top riders and horses from over 42 countries to its arenas. Today, Wellington International stands as a unique, world-class destination, hosting Olympic-caliber athletes and competitions. With over 42 weeks of competitions each year, it is considered one of the largest and longest-running equestrian events worldwide.

A family known for transporting horses across the globe is charting the course of greatness for one of their own.

The globe’s top-ranked, twenty-four-year-old dressage rider and her “dance partner” captivate audiences with their signature blend of power and playfulness.

In the world of equestrian sports, where precision, performance, and passion reign supreme, CWD Saddles has emerged as a global icon. From international competition arenas to private barns, CWD’s name is synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. But what sparked the birth of this prestigious brand, and how has it remained at the forefront of the industry?  The story begins in 1998, when CEO Laurent Duray recognized a gap in the market for premium equestrian equipment. His mission was to create products that combined artistry with performance. Starting with bridles, CWD quickly gained recognition for its superior craftsmanship and innovation, collaborating with top athletes to refine and perfect its products. This focus on excellence positioned CWD as a leader in the field. In 2012, CWD joined the Leather In Motion (LIM) Group and earned the prestigious “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (EPV) label, recognizing its artisanal expertise. Controlling every aspect of production, from conception to after-sales service, has cemented CWD's status as a global leader in equestrian luxury. What sets CWD apart? The key lies in its control of the value chain. From sourcing ethically-produced hides to manufacturing, CWD ensures every step meets the highest standards. Their process begins in Birmingham, England, where advanced materials like Kevlar and carbon are incorporated into the saddle's design. The Dordogne workshops in France maintain artisanal integrity, ensuring every saddle blends aesthetics with performance. CWD’s innovation goes beyond craftsmanship. Their global network of expert saddle fitters ensures that every rider and horse get a perfect, custom fit. The introduction of the FlexMotion line, with ergonomic designs that prioritize comfort and freedom of movement, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of equestrian equipment. Creating a custom-made saddle at CWD is a blend of art and science. The process involves understanding the biomechanics of both horse and rider to enhance performance. The fitting, overseen by a team of experts, merges science and craftsmanship. CWD’s revolutionary Optim tree, made from advanced composite materials, offers flexibility and comfort, allowing horse and rider to move as one. Each saddle is crafted from the finest leather, designed to age gracefully and develop a unique patina over time. The result? Saddles that not only perform at the highest levels but also become a true extension of the horse and rider. Maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation is key to CWD’s success. The company stays true to its roots in leather craftsmanship while embracing modern technology. Their sustainable sourcing practices, including a pure vegetal tanning process, ensure that every product is environmentally conscious without compromising quality. This method makes CWD saddles twice as resistant to UV rays, ensuring durability and beauty. Ongoing research into materials like lightweight carbon fiber and advanced ergonomic designs keeps CWD at the cutting edge of saddle innovation. The patented 2Gs Dynamick® tree, made entirely from composite materials, revolutionized saddle design by allowing it to move with the horse for optimal performance. CWD’s close collaboration with top athletes is perhaps the most crucial factor in maintaining its status as a leader. Feedback from world-class riders has helped shape the brand’s products. Olympic champion Scott Brash and Grand Prix legend McLain Ward, among others, have praised CWD for its innovation and responsiveness. McLain Ward explains, “They meet all needs,” reflecting the trust athletes place in CWD to enhance their performance. This sentiment is echoed by riders like Kent Farrington, who says, “Nothing is better than a good saddle,” and Georgina Bloomberg, who highlights how a well-designed saddle improves communication between horse and rider. For CWD, the bond between horse and rider is at the heart of its mission. Saddle expert Julie Walters notes, “Watching riders connect through the saddle and improve their performance is what saddle fitting is all about.” This dedication to enhancing that connection is what sets CWD apart from other saddle makers. As CWD continues to push the boundaries of equestrian technology, it remains firmly rooted in its values of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. With a keen eye on both tradition and modernity, CWD is poised to lead the equestrian world for years to come, providing riders with the tools they need to achieve greatness.

A Conversation with Equestrian Photographer Amy Lanigan

by Dorian May  Like many of the most notable high-goal polo players in the world, 33-year-old Pedro Falabella grew up with polo pulsing through his blood. In the Argentine town of San Antonio de Areco, which has for centuries been home to the traditions and customs inspired by the Gauchos, Falabella was raised on a horse farm in a family of polo players, where learning to ride a horse came before the bicycle. With family ties breeding polo ponies in Canada, Falabella began traveling with them and learning about the international circuit. By age 12, he was competing professionally while finishing school and knew this was the lifestyle he craved. "I loved the idea of traveling around the world, learning about new places, and making new friends and connections." The Senvest team member has played in the highly esteemed Argentina Open, won the Pacific Coast Open as well as The Hamptons Cup where he hopes to help bring his team to victory again this 2024 season. "I love the Hamptons and imagine myself going there every summer for polo season." Currently, he divides his time between polo hubs of Argentina, the Hamptons, and Wellington, where he and his family have just completed building the American outpost of their original Argentine polo farm, "Triangulo." "I really appreciate the opportunity polo gives me to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people around the world," says Falabella, who also takes advantage of doing business with them parallel to the sport. One aspect of the industry that has recently seen growth is horse cloning, especially for the purpose of breeding the most competitive polo horses. While not legal in the United States, The Argentina Polo Association has no restrictions on how many cloned horses can play in a game. Biopolo, one of the biggest embryo centers in Argentina, is operated from inside his family farm there. "That is where all of my horse breeds begin. Then, I make the journey from the farm to the competition and travel to the United States," explains Falabella, who has seven clones of his best mare, Margarita. While competing takes up most of his time, Falabella still enjoys bringing new people to the sport both to teach them and provide them everything they need to become players. He has had the unique opportunity to play with and teach celebrities and kings from around the world but on the field, everyone is an equal judged only by their game. While for many, the "sport of kings" still conjures up images of posh charity parties and aristos, polo is seemingly experiencing a transformation in the United States, breathing new life, new fans, and a breed of high-profile professionals like Falabella into the future. WHERE TO FIND PEDRO FALABELLA OFF THE FIELD

Welcome to our exclusive Q&A series, “ Meet the Rider,” hosted by Jenna Steffens.

Nestled within the prestigious grounds of Global Dressage, The Horse of Course beckons to equestrian enthusiasts with its seasonal presence. Yet, this is more than just a tack shop; it's a testament to a legacy of passion, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.  In the heart of the equestrian world, Beth Haist and Marty Haist established The Horse of Course in 1995, initially a humble venture rooted in their Oklahoma family farm. However, it didn't take long for their shared zeal for all things equine to propel their enterprise beyond local borders. Beth's globetrotting adventures unearthed exclusive equine treasures, igniting a spark within the local dressage community. With Marty's background as a saddler, honed through rigorous training in Germany, The Horse of Course quickly became synonymous with quality and expertise in saddle fittings. Their collaboration birthed a haven for riders seeking precision and comfort, particularly with the renowned Sommer Saddles. Marty's retirement in 2023 marked a transition, but his legacy endured through the training of James Houston, a seasoned horseman with a lifelong dedication to equine pursuits. James seamlessly stepped into Marty's shoes, ensuring continuity and upholding the shop's esteemed reputation. Beyond saddlery, The Horse of Course is a beacon of knowledge in all facets of equestrianism. Beth's engagements with organizations like the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and appearances on platforms like Dressage Radio and Horse Radio Network's Healthy Critters Radio Show have solidified their authority in the industry. From discussions on bit education to trends in show attire, their expertise knows no bounds. The recent expansion into Wellington, Florida, marks a new chapter for The Horse of Course. Their depth of knowledge in equipment, fitting dressage clothing, and show attire continues to attract discerning riders seeking nothing short of excellence. As The Horse of Course continues to evolve and expand its horizons, one thing remains constant: a dedication to enriching the equestrian world, one rider at a time. With each saddle fitted and each piece of equipment carefully selected, they stand as a beacon of quality, passion, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of horses.

The life of Kerstie Allen : professional poloist, movie wrangler, and equestrian extraordinaire. Rooted in a childhood brimming with dreams of horses, her journey has unfolded into a career and lifestyle that embodies the joy of an endless holiday.