News

April 2, 2008

So Much Happening at Susan Artes Stables

Susan Artes Stables, a top-level hunter, jumper and equitation show stable, has returned to their home barn in Lake View Terrace, California, after enjoying a fabulous winter circuit at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California.

Not only did riders bring back tons of ribbons from Thermal, they also brought home some exciting new additions to their barn. While back East, Artes’ student Sophie Benjamin continues her winning ways in the jumper and equitation ring.

Accepting a working student position for Beacon Hill Stables during the 2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival, Sophie Benhamin, trained by Artes, traveled to Wellington and has since collected top ribbons in the Junior Jumper and Equitation divisions. During the end of week 6, Benjamin won the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic aboard a new mount, Marga, an entry of Beacon Hill Partners. The eighteen-year-old from Rancho Santa Fe, California, hopes to return to California this April with Marga to continue training with Artes.

At the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California, Artes and riders were highly competitive in the Jumper ring. Artes and Presto B, owned by Alix Fargo, posted top results in the Level 7 and 8 Jumpers. During Weeks IV and VI, the pair competed in the $7,500 PCHA Jimmy Williams Classic finishing second and seventh respectively among a large field of top-level competitors.

In the lower division open jumpers, Gretchen Privett, aboard Timberland, placed second in the $4,000 Modified Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic during Week III and put in multiple clear rounds in the Modified Amateur Jumpers. Karen Ford’s Vivid also placed consistently well in the Level 3, 4 and 5 Jumper divisions. Ristara, ridden by Artes and owned by Sarah Willett, picked up blue ribbons and the reserve championship in the Level 4 Jumpers during Week II. Sarah Willett also learned that she was the 2007 Zone 10 USEF and PCHA Children’s Jumper Champion on her other jumper, Luke.

Artes rode Toska, a new horse for rider Victoria Hobbs, to the championship in the Level 4 Jumpers during Week III. The Hobbs family also acquired a talented, five-year-old, gelding Grand Noir, from John Endicott and Apollo Farms.

Artes left the desert with a new Grand Prix mount, Felix 380, purchased by Alix Fargo from Equistar, LLC. The 17-hand, Zweibrucker gelding, previously ridden by Jill Humphrey of Leone Equestrians Inc., qualified for the World Cup Finals in 2007 and ended the year as the PCHA third overall money earner. Artes and owner Alix Fargo, are excited about the new partnership and look forward to a thrilling year of Grand Prix show jumping!

Susan Artes Stables focuses on the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines and is currently accepting a limited number of students and horses. The full-service show barn maintains an active horse show calendar that includes AA shows in Southern California as well as in select shows on the West Coast and Canada. Susan Artes and students are currently showing at the Oaks Blenheim Spring Classic horse shows until April 13th, 2008.

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April 1, 2008

By Steve Brand | UNION-TRIBUNE

LJCD senior isn't horsing around

Benjamin has paid her dues and traveled far pursuing equestrian dream

Sophie Benjamin may be the most dedicated athlete at La Jolla Country Day, but she probably won't be invited to the spring sports awards banquet.

Didn't attend the fall or winter banquets, either.

Although her training routine begins well before sunrise and usually ends by midafternoon, often thousands of miles from her Rancho Santa Fe home, the Torreys senior doesn't own a high school letterman's jacket.

Never earned a letter.

That's because Sophie Benjamin's sport is equestrian show jumping. It's nowhere to be found on the California Interscholastic Federation's list of approved sports.

But don't try convincing the 18-year-old senior it isn't a sport, requiring all the physical and mental steeliness of a quarterback or a pitcher.

Like many other athletes, Benjamin has had her share of bumps and bruises. Instead of dodging linebackers and line drives, she has to assess the mood of her horse.

“I've been lucky because I haven't had a major accident,” Benjamin said. “Of course, I've fallen off and landed on my butt and I did injure my back, but nothing major.

“When I think back to when we used to race ponies in our backyard and out onto Morgan Run Golf Course without a helmet, bridle or saddle, now that was crazy.”

Naturally, Benjamin has had balky horses that took a dislike to one of the eight to 12 barriers in the show ring she confronts during competition.

“There are times when the horse refuses, when you jump and they don't,” she said. “It's just luck that I haven't been hurt.”

That doesn't count the times ornery horses having a bad day have tried to buck her off.

“You can tell when you've done this for a while if the horse isn't ready,” Benjamin said. “If you're in a competition, though, you have to just suck it up.”

She is about to finish a three-month stint at Beacon Hill Stables in South Florida, where she's training and riding Marga, a syndicate-owned horse. Benjamin was befriended by Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden and her husband John in Canada last summer, which helped her land the job in Florida.

Benjamin has been competing in the Junior Jumper division of the Winter Equestrian Festival, a 12-event series in which she stands fourth among 60 riders and has won three classes. If she finishes in the top 12, Benjamin will be able to compete for the championship that offers $30,000 in cash prizes.

As in thoroughbred horse racing, the owners receive the purses and that's fine with Benjamin, who maintains her amateur status in order to be eligible to compete in college.

Despite missing days and often weeks of school for competition, with LJCD's approval, Benjamin earned an SAT score of 2,260 out of a possible 2,400, including a perfect 800 in the verbal portion.

“Only one of the schools I applied to had equestrian sports,” Benjamin said. “Like most people my age, I have no idea what I'm going to study and I want a backup. The way I see it, I can ride wherever I go.”

Benjamin said she's never had what she considered a perfect ride.

“In fact, once I leave the ring I'm my harshest critic,” she said. “I just blurt out what I think I did wrong before I talk to anyone.”

Benjamin started asking for a pony as soon as she could talk. Her parents enrolled her in riding lessons when she was 6 and weighed slightly more than 40 pounds.

When Benjamin was 12, her parents agreed to let her board as many as a dozen horses on the property, but she would be responsible for their upkeep. Training and caring for others' horses was a way to earn money for her own lessons.

That allowed her to extend her work to places like France and Canada, where she gained hands-on experience from Olympic medalists at world-famous farms.

According to Sophie's mother, Andrea Benjamin, part of the learning curve included mucking stalls just to have a chance to ride or train a couple times a week.

“She's a working student,” Andrea said. “She has been able to ride with the best trainers and riders in the world. It's not just the horses, it's the life lessons she's learned.

“There were a lot of times when I wish she'd taken up tennis or something else, but this is her passion. She has had to work 12 hours a day just for the privilege of learning for a day or two.”

After Sophie works with a horse anywhere from a week to a year or longer, the owner often takes the horse back just as it begins to become successful.

“You know going in what's going to happen so it's not usually a big deal,” she said. “You need to really know the horse and that takes time. But there was one horse in particular I really liked and it was pulled once I was doing well.

“I remember when I was 9 or 10 I trained a pony and I cried and cried when it was returned. Now I see horses I've worked with in competitions and it's nice to see them do well. It's kind of selfish, but I want people to see I've done a nice job.”

Benjamin also has developed a realistic view of a sport whose pinnacle is the Olympic Games, but, unlike other sports, its competitors reach their prime in their late 30s and 40s.

It's a sport that she acknowledges is expensive – horses can be worth millions and even a show jacket can cost up to $1,000 – and she has the utmost respect for the riders.

“None of them own their own horses – they ride for a syndicate – but they've all cleaned stalls and done whatever it takes,” Benjamin said.

“This sport can be very humbling. It can take you down very quickly. If (the Olympics) happens, it happens, but the important thing is that riding is a lifelong sport. If you're just in it to win Olympic gold, you'll quickly burn out.”

In it for Olympic gold or even a varsity LJCD letter.

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Feb 18, 2008

Susan Artes Stables Relocates But Stays Within Middle Ranch

International Grand Prix rider moves show stable up the road to Middle Ranch’s Main Ranch

Susan Artes Stables, a top-level hunter, jumper and equitation show stable, is currently settling in to their new stalls and tack rooms at Middle Ranch’s Main Ranch, located in Lake View Terrace, California.

The move did not take the show barn very far from its previous location, also within Middle Ranch. For a number of years, Artes operated her business out of Middle Ranch’s First Ranch and did not plan to relocate in the foreseeable future. However, when the opportunity came to move over to the Main Ranch, she jumped on it.

“This is a very positive change for our barn,” says Artes. “With easy access to the first class amenities and facilities of the Main Ranch, we can continue to provide our horses with the best in care and accommodations, while our riders are able to enjoy all the benefits of training at a high-end facility.” A state-of-the-art home training facility has always been a key element to Susan Artes Stables’ successful training program. Middle Ranch’s beautiful Main Ranch boasts large arenas, a European hotwalker, turnouts and large pastures. Clients are also able to enjoy the Ranch’s Clubhouse facilities, which include air-conditioned lounge areas, locker and shower rooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court. Susan Artes Stables at Middle Ranch is only minutes from the freeway and is centrally located to many cities in the Los Angeles Area.

Susan Artes Stables focuses on the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines and is currently accepting a limited number of students and horses. The full-service show barn maintains an active horse show calendar that includes AA shows in Southern California as well as in select shows on the West Coast and Canada. Artes and clients are currently competing in Thermal, California, at the HITS Desert Circuit until March 16, 2008.

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Jan 10, 2008

Little Jumper, Huge Heart
Enzo: 1991-2008

Popular show jumping competitor, Enzo, peacefully passed away on January 4, 2008, at his home barn, Susan Artes Stables, in Los Angeles, California. He was found in his stall by barn staff early in the morning, with no obvious signs of distress. He was 17 years old.

Grand Prix rider and trainer, Susie Artes, purchased Enzo as a six year old from Lisa Stroway in 1997. Initially brought along as a hunter, Susie immediately recognized the young horse's talent to jump big, but 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. During their years together, Susie and Enzo developed an impenetrable bond, successfully moving up through the jumper ranks, eventually reaching the Grand Prix ring and even a few World Cup qualifying events. What the small Thoroughbred gelding lacked in size, he made up for in heart, determination and absolute faith in his rider. 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, talented 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, impressively winning 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, held in Virginia. 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 as sure of himself as ever, surrounded by all those who felt privileged to have known him, including Susie Artes, Sophie Benjamin and owner, Sarah Willett. Susie 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.”

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Susan Artes Stables Wins Big at Del Mar National:

May 8, 2007–– Susan Artes Stables celebrated numerous victories at the 2007 Del Mar National Horseshow during Hunter/Jumper Week.

Sophie Benjamin, from Rancho Santa Fe, CA, received the prestigious Shalanno Style of Riding Award and perpetual trophy at Saturday night’s Grand Prix event. The award is presented to the top junior rider for horsemanship and sportsmanship. Benjamin, 16, dominated the equitation division at the horseshow, scoring 90 and 92 points (out of 100 possible points) in the first two rounds of the $25,000 Open Equitation Show Jumping Championship, eventually finishing 4th after 4 rounds. She was the highest placing junior rider in the pro-am event. Other wins included the highly competitive USEF Show Jumping Medal, receiving the top score in the Washington International Medal Hunter Phase, and strong places in the USEF Hunt Seat Equitation Medal, the ASPCA Maclay Medal, and the CPHA Junior Hunt Seat Medal. In April, Benjamin won the challenging pro-am $5,000 Open Equitation Classic at the Oaks Blenheim Spring Classic III.

Sarah Willett (16) from Pasadena, CA, finished 2nd and 10th in the $1,500 Children’s Jumper Classic, aboard her two jumpers Enzo and Luke.

Susan Artes offers a select, exclusive training program specializing in hunters, jumpers and equitation. In 2006, she was selected to represent the United States in the West Coast Active Riders’ show jumping tour of Europe. Her operation is located at Middle Ranch in Lakeview Terrace, CA

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April 16, 2007

Junior Beats Pros: Sophie Benjamin Wins 2007 Oaks Blenheim Open Equitation Classic

April 16, 2007—Sophie Benjamin (16) of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, won the Open Equitation Classic at the Oaks Blenheim Spring Classic III on April 12, 2007.  The prestigious class is one of only a few “open” equitation competitions where top professionals and amateurs compete on equal footing. 

The event was judged by Timmy Kees (Norwalk, CT) and John Roper (Franklin, TN) and held in the Oaks Blenheim indoor area over a 3’6” course.  Competitors were judged on their individual performances.  Benjamin led after the jumping phase, held her lead during the flat phase, and stayed on top after additional testing required of the top six riders.  This year, professional competitors included Jenny Karazissis (a past winner), John Bragg, Jenni-Martin McAllister, and Jill Cornaggio.  Other past winners, who participated in the awards’ presentation, were Erin Duffy and Archibald Cox III.

Sophie Benjamin, a junior at La Jolla Country Day School and riding out of Wits’ End Farm (Rancho Santa Fe), is trained by Susan Artes (Los Angeles).  She won the class aboard Testarossa, owned by the Woodgrove Farm of Rancho Santa Fe, CA.  She has enjoyed riding the 7 year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding with continuing successes in the equitation divisions throughout the California winter show circuit.  A top junior competitor, Benjamin’s past accomplishments include a team bronze medal at the 2005 North American Young Riders Championship and winning the highly competitive Onondarka Medal Final.  She has placed third in the PCHA Medal Final and, in 2006, was third in the West Coast 15–17 Equitation Final.  She has won numerous junior jumper championships and classics aboard her popular horse, Enzo.  

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August 9, 2006

United States Riders “Survive” for 4th in Very Difficult Nations Cup at Gijon CSI 5*

August 9, 2006 Gijon, Spain - The second of three stops on the West Coast Active Riders (WCAR) current European tour has been completed, with competition at the CSI 5* event at Gijon, Spain ending on Monday.

The WCAR team is comprised of Joie Gatlin, Francie Steinwedell Carvin, Jenni Martin, and Susan Artes. Bernie Traurig is George Morris’ associate Chef d’ Equipe for the West Coast.

The team came up with a hard fought fourth place finish in the Nations Cup and Jenny Martin grabbed two top placings as well.

Associate Chef d’ Equipe Bernie Traurig said that the Nations Cup test in Gijon was formidable, “Spanish course builder, Avelino Rodriques Miravelles set a course that asked all the questions. Difficult technical lines that demanded immediate ride ability including a short approach off a turn, to a scopey oxer – oxer – vertical triple combination, and again also a short approach to a very large triple bar. The last line, at the end of the course, by the total results of the class, was possibly too difficult,” admitted Traurig. “A big triple bar off the short turn combined with an extremely short 5 to a vertical oxer double. A tall vertical going in to a super short square 1.60m oxer over a liverpool claimed many faults,” he said.

“Many of the foreign riders thought the test was not only demanding, but possibly a bit too hard. Walking the course, I had survival on my mind,” he said. “Our California girls pulled it off admirably though, and I was very proud of them. I was happy with the fourth (out of eight) place finish. The French were first and the Spanish second, both with their World Championship teams,” he added.

On Saturday night, Jenni Martin, riding La Pinto, was 3rd in a speed and handy class with over 50 starters. Traurig described the course. “This was a very interesting, tricky 1.40m speed class that offered so many interesting options,” he said. “A triple combination on a curve that could be jumped four different ways, two different lines of planks that literally came down every time every time the wind blew, a big water and a very fast track.”

La Pinto is a new mount for Martin. Traurig detailed how the speed class unfolded. “Jenni went late in the class. Michel Robert from France was leading with a super fast time. Jenni who has has gained a lot of confidence in La Pinto's footspeed and carefulness already, put in a really perfectly calculated fast ride only 1/10 off Michel's time,” he said. “One more French rider went right behind her and took the lead leaving Jenni with a well deserved 3rd.” On Sunday, Martin notched a fifth place finish with La Pinto in the hit and hurry class.

The California girls talked about their experiences on the WCAR tour so far.

Martin said, “It’s a great feeling to be in the prize giving with these great riders.”

Joie Gatlin noted. “It's been a great experience to be here with all my teammates and our Chef d' Equipe, Bernie Traurig. For my first time showing over here, it’s been a amazing. I am grateful to have had the opportunity.”

European veteran Francie Steinwedell Carvin said she was glad to be back. “I'm very grateful for the opportunity to come back to Europe, and being on a California all girl team is very exciting. We've all learned a great deal, and what a wonderful learning experience for our green horses and for the riders. It helps us focus on what we need to do to in order to be competitive in the world and I'm very thankful for everyone who made this possible.”

It has been a learning experience for novice Susie Artes. “I'm pretty green to be here at this stage of my Grand Prix career. I've learned some hard lessons that will pay off for me in the future and I'm really glad I came.

Traurig set the scene in Spain. “It was yet another beautiful show grounds and the crowds were incredibly large and enthusiastic, especially since they can wager on the riders here,” he said with a laugh. “The organizing committee and the staff were super friendly and accommodating. It’s a top competition, as five star shows go, and just getting into the victory gallop is quite a feat.”

The WCAR sponsored team will wrap up the tour in Valkenswaard, Holland.

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July 24, 2006

WCAR Riders Wow Canada and France

West Coast, USA - West Coast Active Riders left their mark at Spruce Meadows and the West Coast European Team rocked Royan, France.

In the inaugural year of Spruce Meadow’s new summer schedule, including the new addition of the Junior/Amateur Skyliner Tournament, West Coast Riders showed their stuff.  The 1.10m Prix de Nations Team took 2nd place after numerous clean rounds which led to a jump off.  They were fast and careful!  The 1.20m Team again took a close 2nd place.  This was a tough division and the West Coast Active Riders team was superb! The 1.30m Team came in a very respectable 6th after facing a very difficult course.  The 1.40m Team took over the 3rd place position.  This team was great.  They stayed strong all the way through a long evening with a tough track and even tougher competition. 

WCAR Prix de Nations organizer extraordinaire Tammy Chipko commented, “I cannot congratulate everyone enough!  Not only was each team successful but the turn out, the team spirit, and the genuine horsemanship was truly something to be proud of. The best part about the whole event was the WCAR camaraderie – it was our day.” And the Prix de Nations Teams were not the only stars!  A multitude of West Coast riders came home with glowing results, including impressive wins and placings by Will Simpson, Rich Fellers, Susan Artes, Joie Gatlin, Francie Steinwedell-Carvin, Eva Gonda, Katherine Bardis and Eva Gonda. 

WHOA – don’t stop there.  The four women WCAR European Team of Joie Gatlin, Francie Steinwedell, Susan Artes and Jenni Martin with Bernie Traurig as Chef d’Equipe just completed their first international stop in Royan, France.   Day one results included Joie and Suncal’s King winning the 1.5m class and finishing 4th in the very fast 48 starter speed class on Cruisemaster.  Jenni and La Pinto were just barely edged out of the ribbons.  Francie was 5th in the 1.45m on day two and in the Grand Prix on the final day Francie was 2nd, Joie 6th and Jenni 12th.  And to top it off, Joie was awarded Leading Female Rider. Magnifique! 

“Competition was very tough.  The Grand Prix was big, very technical and at night under lights.  They were great. Horses are well and Dr. Thea Legaarden is doing a great job.  Team spirit is high and working well,” remarked Bernie.  

Next stop is Gijon, Spain and the final leg is in Valkenswaard, Netherlands.  

Stay tuned as WCAR continues to raise the bar out west and beyond.  For more information, up-to-date news and results as well as to become a member, go to www.westcoastactiveriders.com 

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