SoCal Riders Ready for Indoor

By Julia Seltz September 30, 2015

The 2014 inaugural Longines Masters of Los Angeles was a tremendous hit for many young West Coast riders new to the excitement and quality of a European indoor horse show.  While the centerpiece of the show were the FEI Masters classes, event organizer EEM also included 1.20m classes for less experienced horses and riders, opening up a very elite event to those who wouldn’t normally get to compete in such an environment.

Local participants, many of whom train and ride at Southern California barns, described it as an incredible experience, and this year EEM has added 1.10m classes to further expand opportunity at the Oct. 1-4 event, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Amateur riders were thrilled to be mingling, in the warm-up ring and around center-stage, with some of the most elite athletes and equine superstars in the world.  The Los Angeles Convention Center was completely reinvented as a stadium arena, surrounded by the upscale Prestige Village shopping arcade (complete with a chef’s row and champagne bar), a night club and art exhibits. The competition ring is beautifully appointed with stunning fences, the presentation enhanced by exciting music.

But there is a high bar to entry, and not every aspirational rider can punch the ticket. Sizable entry fees aside, there is a performance question. Several trainers expressed that while their students were capable of handling the 1.10m and 1.20m courses, putting their horses in that type of lively, indoor environment — supercharged with lights, people, music — is so different than the casual outdoor training to which they are accustomed, it is not an option. Indeed, the vibe at the Lognines Masters of Los Angeles is so intense it is unlike any other U.S. indoor. For those West Coasters who have younger horses they are bringing along with hopes of competing abroad, or even at the many East Coast indoor events, it’s an invaluable training opportunity.

 

The 2015 Longines Masters of Los Angeles has tripled the amateur opportunities by doubling the number of classes ranging from 1.10m to 1.30m.  By adding the 1.10m, the show has created a wonderful way to introduce novice riders and young horses to this elite event, enabling them to experience this exotic environment while rubbing shoulders with the best riders in the world (link to FEI 5* riders list).

Among the many Los Angeles riders returning to the Masters of Los Angeles  after a positive first year experience are young riders Sophie St. Clair, Julia Otter and Alyce Bittar. There are also many who like Avery Kim, Jennifer Sims and Diana Simonds are making their Masters debut.  The Equestrian News asked some of these amateur riders to share their unique perspective on what it’s like to participate in a world class event. (Full disclosure, as a children’s trainer at Sterckx Stables, I interviewed quite a few students from our barn, where the excitement for the Masters has been building for months — mainly because they were easily accessible. Many top trainers and riders from show barns throughout the Southland are participating and we look forward to talking to those riders at the show).

 

Sophie St. Clair – Sterckx Stables, South Pasadena, CA

Riding her Selle Francais mare, Ottavia Des Hayettes, 16-year-old Sophie St. Clair of South Pasadena, last year placed in each of her 1.20 Masters classes. She took Second Place in the the 1.20m Masters Grand Slam Trophy on the final day of competition. “This year I will be going up one level competing in the 1.30M with my Ottavia and then in the 1.10M with Dutch Warmblood gelding Saturn V owned by Jennifer Sims.”

So far, 2014 has been a great show year for Sophie, who managed a top-10 placing in her first grand prix ever, the $15,000 Flintridge Grand Prix on Sept. 27. Sophie’s Trainer, David Sterckx, has been invaluable to her career for the past six years.  “As my trainer, I know that on any day David will put together the best strategic plan for my ride. I feel confident with him,” St. Clair said.

“My favorite part of riding in the Masters last year was being able to see all of my favorite riders up close, to study them and learn from what I observe. It’s incredible to have that level of national and international level of talent in one room. Riding at the Masters as a junior is an incredible experience because this is what I want to do as a professional. Taking these opportunities to be a part of the sport at this level is priceless.”

Sophie went on to say, “Last year I learned the pressure is real. You can let it overwhelm you or you can deal with it. I’ve learned over the last year that preparation both physical and mental really works. Since last years Masters I have really tried to focus on eating right, getting sleep and visualizing when I compete.”

Lily Blavin, Meadow Grove Farm, Lakeview Terrace, CA

This second annual event marks Lily Blavin’s return to the Longines Masters of Los Angeles, and she describes her first trip there as a signal experience. “It’s like no other horse show that I’ve been to before. It was the best,” said the 18-year-old Brentwood resident, who has ridden every major California circuit and also competed as a hunter rider on the indoor circuit back East. Pressed as to what is so special about it, the first thing she offered is prosaic: “I’ve never been to a show where the class is scheduled for 9:10 and it actually starts at 9:10,” she states, sounding amazed, even a year later. “It’s a very professional, well-run show. And the atmosphere is very energizing. There are quite a few distractions, and people moving around. It really helped with my focus. And the horses ride a bit differently there – they’re more alert. My horse needed a more confident ride, and I think he jumped better, because it was a very exciting environment and the jumps were new so he was paying close attention.”

Blavin, who has been training with Dick Carvin and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin at Meadow Grove for the past two years, returns with Natural Ability and a second horse, Olympe de Breacey, and will ride both in all three 1.20 meter classes, for a total of six rounds. “I want to do the L.A. Masters every year,” said the full-time student who is heading to college next year. “It’s so convenient. The Oaks is an hour drive, and Thermal two and a half hours. When you’re in school, every minute counts.”

 

Alyce Bittar –  Bittar Stables, Los Angeles, CA

Fourteen-year-old Alyce Bittar, of Hollywood, has “been riding since before I was able to walk.”  Her prowess in the show ring is unstoppable, placing first in almost all her divisions at California shows ranging from  Blenheim Showpark to the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal.

Last October, Alyce was the youngest rider to compete at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles, where she won the the 1.20m Euroasia Grand Prix and she went on to compete in the competed at the Masters of Paris in December.  She trains with her father, Georges Bittar,  a Lebanese show jumper who has been competing on the international circuit for 35 years. This year, under his watchful eye, she will jumping both Cara B and Lucky Spot B in the 1.10m and 1.20m divisions heights.

“The best part of competing at the Masters last year was being able to compete alongside recognized world class professionals. I am always seeking new experiences to set a strong foundation for my riding career and I believe competing at the masters last year has really allowed this to happen. I have learned the different environments the horses need to adapt to in able to do well while in competition and how to help them do so.”

“This is an amazing event. I’d be challenged to even describe it,” said Georges Bittar. “We’re very lucky to have something like this here in our backyard and I think this year is going to be even more successful.”

 

Julia Otter – Sterckx Stables, South Pasadena, CA

After moving from France to Los Angeles eight years ago, 16-year-old Julia Otter of South Pasadena will be returning with her barn mates to the Masters this year. Another Sterckx student, she has been training with him for eight years.

At the 2014 LA Masters, Otter rode her Selle Francais mare, Emilie DR  and  placed  2nd, 4th and 9th over the three-day competition in the 1.20m classes. This year, Julia will be riding Emilie DR in the 1.30m class, and in the 1.20m riding her newest horse, Qwintus de Kreisker, who landed in America last week from France.

She learned to ride at San Pascual, and has quickly progressed under the watchful eye and coaching of David and his sister, Caroline Sterckx.  “David likes putting an equal emphasis on form and technique,” Otter said. “Caroline concentrates on the ability to win… two complementary approaches that make me a more accomplished rider.”

Otter characterized last year’s Masters as “an impressive experience. Being surrounded by first class riders in a prestigious environment was for me was outstanding. I had to learn to contain my stress and stay focused in such a competitive environment.”

Diana Simonds – Brookway Stables, Lake View Terrace, CA

Another young rider, Diana Simonds, 13, on her horse, will compete in the 1.10m division Thursday through Saturday.  Diana has always trained in the hunter classes, but moved to Brookway Stables  in July to transition to the jumpers under the supervision of Archie Cox, who has guided many Los Angeles riders to the world stage.

“To compete in The LA Masters has been a goal of mine since the day it came to Los Angeles, last year and getting the privilege to compete in it this year is an incredible accomplishment in my career. Hard work and persistence are two of the most important things to remember (as well as practice) while riding and prepping for such an elite show as the Masters, and I am so fortunate to have such a great horse and team throughout this journey.”

 

Avery Kim- Sterckx Stables, South Pasadena, CA

This year marks the Masters debut for 13-year-old Avery Kim of South Pasadena, riding her Belgian pony, Joel, who in August placed Silver at the USEF Pony Finals (ridden by Sterckx student Stephanie Don).

After riding Joel  for only six weeks  Avery took part in her first 1.00M class, the Low Child-Ad/Am Jumpers Los Angeles Equestrian Center’s Gold Coast Series Labor Day Horse Show, placing second in a field of eight very competitive riders.

For Kim, “the best part of riding in the Masters is the opportunity to learn from the best riders in the world. I feel very lucky and overwhelmed by the chance to participate in such a prestigious event.”

 

Jennifer Sims- Sterckx Stables, South Pasadena, CA

Jennifer Sims of Los Angeles will ride her first Masters of Los Angeles this year, competing in the 1.10 division. She is Sterckx Stables’ first adult student to ride the Masters, and has been riding for 20 years. “For me, my riding career is just beginning,” Sims said. “Although I have been riding for awhile, I only started competing on a regular basis two years ago when I purchased Rocket.  At first my goal was just to compete at the 1 meter height, but now that I’ve reached that I am aiming for 1.20.  I’m currently competing in the 1.10 division.”

Like many of Los Angeles’ most accomplished riders (including world champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum), Sims started on her equestrian path with lessons at Foxfield. She continued as a junior, riding as a working student for Mark Watring. Five years ago, Sims began training at Sterckx Stables and has been moving up the levels there.

In the middle of a great 2015, Sims won the 1.10 class at Portuguese Bend National Horse Show this summer and placed 4th in the 1.05 Classic at Gold Coast out of 17 riders.

Owner of Saturn V (aka Rocket), Sims is giving Sophie St. Clair the catch ride on her horse for the 1.10 classes because St. Clair is a more advanced rider who already has experience at the Masters. At the Masters of Los Angeles, Jennifer will be riding Summertyme, owned by Jordan Lee, in the 1.10 division. She could not be more excited about riding at the Longines event. “Being surrounded by some of the top riders and horses in the showjumping sport — what an incredible opportunity!,” she enthused.

 

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