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Flying Changes |
Sandy Webster Joins the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center Fran Joswick started the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in 1978 with one therapy horse, one rider and two volunteers. Thirty years later, the Shea Center teaches 225 riders per week and has a six-month waiting list. This year the staff at Shea is pleased to announce that that former race horse jockey and therapeutic riding director Sandy Webster has joined the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center as Program and Education Director. Barbara Kimler says “Nancy brings a wealth of experience in therapeutic riding and has a unique background.”
The Stork Stopped at Royal Oaks Stables Timothy and Erin Rayner (Wolfe) of Royal Oaks Stables in Rancho Santa Fe welcomed a new addition to their family and farm in 2007. Rose Mary Rayner was born on Dec. 6, 2007; and at 8 pounds and 2 ounces she is a very healthy and happy little girl.
Little Jumper, Huge Heart: Enzo Popular show jumper, Enzo, peacefully passed away on Jan. 4, at his home barn, Susan Artes Stables, in Los Angeles. He was found in his stall by barn staff early in the morning, with no obvious signs of distress. Enzo was 17 years old. Grand Prix rider and trainer, Susie Artes, purchased Enzo as a 6-year-old from Lisa Stroway in 1997. Susie initially brought Enzo along as a hunter, but immediately recognized the young horse’s talent. But she admits that she didn’t initially see Grand Prix potential. His size, standing at only 15.2 hands, and an unorthodox jumping style made him a favorite to watch, but it was unclear how far he could really go. What the small Thoroughbred gelding lacked in size he made up for in heart, determination and absolute faith in his rider. During their years together, Susie and Enzo developed a profound bond and successfully moved through the jumper ranks, eventually reaching the Grand Prix ring and even a few World Cup qualifiers. In Enzo, Susie not only found herself a determined competitor, but also an equine friend with whom she felt as if there was nothing they couldn’t do together. After six years together, Susie handed over Enzo’s reins to one of her own students, junior rider Sophie Benjamin. Still under Susie’s guidance, Sophie and Enzo enjoyed numerous championships and classic wins, starting in the Children’s Jumpers and eventually the High Junior Jumpers, including the $10,000 Seahorse Jumper Classic at the Portuguese Bend Horse Show in 2004. In 2005, Sophie and Enzo were team bronze medal winners at the 2005 North American Young Riders Championship.
Susie recalls, “Whenever they entered the show ring, people would rush ringside to watch this beautiful pair in action.” In 2007, Enzo came into the life of another student of Susie’s, Sarah Willet. Sarah and Enzo were off to a great start together, earning Reserve Champion in the Children’s Jumper division at the prestigious 2007 Del Mar International Horse Show in May. Sadly, their partnership came to an unexpected end after Enzo underwent major colic surgery last July, and was subsequently given a grave prognosis. The talented jumper who loved to show would probably never be able to jump again. Enzo’s care was then focused on ensuring that the special horse, who had brought so much joy to so many people throughout the years, remained happy and comfortable. During his final days, Enzo was healthy and surrounded by all those who felt privileged to have known him. Susie Artes remarks, “I feel so lucky to have been a part of his life and career for almost 12 years. We are all very saddened at the death of our wonderful athlete and will remember him always with the fondest of memories.” Thank you to Lena Tito for submitting Enzo’s memorial.
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