When you think of the Kentucky Derby you think of two things: big horses and big hats. Women’s hats. There are plenty of other big racing days, but none of them in the United States are associated with the millinery grandeur the same way as this longest consecutively running sporting event on the first Saturday in May and began in 1872. The first editorial mention of hats at the Derby was in a 1926 edition of Time Magazine. It wasn't much of a mention, and was stuck in the middle of an extremely long, convoluted sentence describing the start of the race. “… hats and parasols and a foam of faces…”

For those of you who are new to the sport, the Kentucky Oaks is run the day before the Derby. Unless otherwise stated, most other races including the Kentucky Derby are open to both genders. Although, the general public is probably not as familiar with it, it too is a “hat” affair.

The Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby were founded at the same time by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. in 1875. Thoroughbred racing, which started in Europe, set the trend as a fashionable event across the pond, and those attending adhered to the trendy styles of the day. However, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride in America: in the beginning stages of American racing, women had a tendency to think the racetrack may not be the proper place for a lady. Meriwether, with the help of his wife, decided that they should present the experience as a picnic outing, which would require what is called “full morning dress” for both men and women. For women it was not overly formal, but respectively presentable. For men, it was job attire. Hats were more in the style of simple bonnets to keep the sun off women’s delicate white skin, as tanned skin was considered to be a lower class attribute, for those who worked in the fields.

Read more: The Kentucky Derby and Its Hats

by Patricia N. Saffran

The most spectacular scenes in the live-action remake of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, 2017, feature stunning horses and a variety of carriages.There are many breeds and crossbreds represented and each horse is turned out to perfection. Emma Waton as the heroine, Belle, rides the svelte white Philippe, and Luke Evans as the villain, Gaston, rides the black Magnifique.

Philippe, Magnifique and the other horses in the movie come from Steve Dent, based outside of London in Buckinghamshire. Mr. Dent is one of the main sources of horses, carriages, armor and stunt riders to the film and TV industry. Steve Dent’s carriage supervisor for the movie, Haydn Webb, also has a custom wedding and events business in Berkshire which he characterizes, "We at Haydn Webb Carriages pride ourselves in presenting our original carriages exactly as they would have looked at the height of Edwardian elegance. From the horses’ carefully oiled hooves to the beautiful silk top hats of the liveried coachmen, the quality is in the detail."

Read more: EIE Exclusive Interview: Haydn Webb, Carriage Supervisor to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

by Patricia N. Saffran

“Tale as old as time, True as it can be,” so sings the animated tea pot to her tea cup son in both the animated 1991 and live-action 2017 remake of Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. When the song writers first wrote this Oscar winning song for the animated version, they could not have foreseen just how old the fairytale really is.

Recent research reveals that the tale is 4000 years old, around the period of the spread of horse domestication from the grasslands of Kazakhstan, and the western Steppe to Europe and Asia. Horses were used for riding and as a source of milk and meat. Other recent research shows that horses’ cognitive and communicative behavior around humans, in evidence today, may have made them valuable in the distant past. The magnificent white Spanish horse, Philippe, belonging to Belle and her father in the latest film version of the fairytale, behaves in magical ways that are not just from an enchantment but hark back to the ancient mystical bond between humans and horses.

Read more: Gorgeous Horses Dazzle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

"Note from the Editor: August 14, 2017
In light of the recent events in Charlottesville, we are featuring this article by Patricia Saffran which was originally published several months ago on Feb 21, 2017. "

by Patricia N. Saffran

Some of the most beautiful Beaux Arts equestrian sculptures ever created in North America are now being threatened with removal and obvious damage, many believe, to satisfy the political agendas of certain city councils in the South. Recently, on February 6, 2017, the Honorable Bob Fenwick, one of five on the Charlottesville City Council, VA, cast the deciding vote to remove a multi-ton cast bronze and granite base equestrian statue of Robert E. Lee from Lee Park in downtown Charlottesville. He declined to comment when asked about the fact that his vote to remove meant certain damage to the statue. The vote was three to two.

Read more: National Historic Landmark Civil War Equestrian Statues Under Attack by City Councils

Equestrian artisan and entrepreneur, Jeni Benos, of Jenuinely Jeni Inc. created a striking pendant to honor her great grandmother, Angeliki. Learning about the many hardships her great grandmother faced throughout her life inspired Jeni to focus her artistic efforts to honor Angeliki’s memory and ultimately help to fight abuse.

In designing the Angeliki necklace Jeni set out to create something both beautiful and compelling to honor her great grandmother properly. She also made the decision upfront to donate 100% of the profits from the sales of the pendant to women’s charities. A considerable amount of thought went into each aspect of the design with meaning behind every element included.

The only thing that Jeni knew her great grandmother truly loved was riding horses. Riding was something she did frequently while growing up in Greece on a small family farm. Therefore the decision to use a horse to represent her seemed quite fitting.

The sterling silver mare has the bold roached mane of a warhorse to embody strength and empowerment. The texture of her mane mimics the rays of a rising sun in hopes for a brighter future for women in need. Her mouth is open to encourage those who find themselves in abusive situations to speak out.

The graceful folk art pattern adorning the design is reminiscent of art in the old world where she spent her childhood. Symbolically, Jeni set out to tell a story of strength over adversity. May Angeliki’s memory not only represent her personal struggles, but also the millions of women whose lives and oppression have been forgotten.

Read more: Jewelry Designer Creates Pendant for Charity as Tribute to Great Grandmother

by Patricia N. Saffran

When a loved one does not return from being in the military, the grieving process for the surviving family can be overwhelming. Realizing the difficulties that these relatives and families endure, military veteran, Bonnie Carroll, founded and is president of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS, in 1994. She is the surviving spouse of the late Brigadier General Tom Carroll.

Since its inception, the charity has helped over 70,000 family members with sensitive care in the form of support programs and events for the families of fallen American military heroes. President Barack Obama recognized TAPS and Bonnie Carroll’s outstanding work by awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, November 24, 2015.

Among the TAPS activities are grief counseling, camps, and gatherings for all ages held around the country, and a range of activities surrounding horses, a special interest of Major Carroll, who holds a degree in equine sciences. The charity takes advantage of horses as natural healers. TAPS has been designated the Official Military Partner of the Washington International Horse Show. On Military Night during the horse show, riders in the International Jumper Speed Final compete to “Jump for TAPS” — each time they clear the TAPS jump, a thousand dollar donation is made to the organization. TAPS is also the official charity beneficiary of the Potomac Hunt Races, a yearly event held in Poolesville, MD. These races feature steeplechase, pony races, and the appearance of the local hunt with their hounds.

Since 2009, TAPS has had a relationship with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Old Guard Caisson Platoon, of Fort Meyer, VA, which is part of the Old Guard, the oldest active duty unit in the Army, from 1784. The ceremonial cavalry platoon participates in official parades, special events and presidential inaugurations, and it accompanies funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. They maintain constant vigil at The Tomb of the Unknowns. This platoon is the only full time US cavalry unit left after federally funded cavalry training was mainly abandoned around the time of WWII, when cavalry units were changed over to tanks. The caisson platoon, which has been in existence since 1948, participates in funerals at Arlington on a daily basis, usually thirty per day.

Read more: TAPS and the Old Guard Caisson Platoon

I received a pair sized XL and several of us on the staff tried them on. They were ample for a sized 14 rider and a bit large on our test rider (height/weight) who test rode the breeches.

It was a cold day in Upstate New York at ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption, an organization which does a wonderful job retraining and rehoming off-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs). Riding a horse who was formerly trained by Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito, (who supports thoroughbred aftercare and finds homes for all his horses in their next career), we found the breeches were comfortable and even for a full seat, they didn’t bunch up! They were warm and comfortable, extremely suitable for the cold weather.

The fabric was warm yet breathable as well as water repellent. We sprayed water on the breeches and the water rolled right off! The side pockets are functional and integrate well with the design of the breeches. No bunching pockets near the hip.

These breeches have a soft brushed fleece interior and are so comfortable, they can also be used as a fashion pant in the cold weather.

Read more: Review: Plus Size "Sit Tight N Warm" Pocket Fullseat Breeches from Kerrits

Equestrian Organizations in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Parade

On January 20th, the transfer of power in Washington, DC officially begins with the traditional Inaugural Parade. Over 3,000 organizations applied to march in the parade, with only 40 being selected. Of those 40, nine of them are equine organizations.

“We are pleased to see the equine community being well represented during the Inaugural Parade,” said American Horse Council President Julie Broadway. “Equines were an integral part of the foundation of the United States, and Presidents throughout history have appreciated and admired the grandeur of the horse.”

The most recognized equines in the parade will be the Caisson Platoon from Fort Myer, VA. In addition to their well-known, solemn duty of military funerals, the Caisson Platoon also participates in numerous historic processions performed by the Old Guard, as well as the notable honor of being included in Presidential Inaugural Parades.

Read more: Horses, History and the Inauguration

November 17-20, 2016
by Patricia N. Saffran

This year’s Equus Film Festival opened November 17th with a celebratory party at the Equus Pop-Up Gallery in the Ukrainian National Home. Created by Lisa Diersen four years ago in St. Charles, Illinois, the festival relocated and is now in its third year in New York City. Filmmakers, actors, authors, and artists flew in from all over the world to attend. The catering was provided by sponsor Lucas Oil Estate/Protect the Harvest with Executive Chef, Todd Shidler presiding.

Panel discussions on a variety of topics took place at the same venue the following two days while screenings of the 149 films were held at the nearby historic Village East Cinema. The panel discussion of International Filmmakers showcased a variety of equine subjects. The travel effort by the producers was appreciated by attendees who viewed this diverse group of films. Panelists included:

• Stefan Morel, from Canada, described his film, HERD, “It’s about eight individuals who went on a retreat with horses as their healers.” The film was shot in the gorgeous mountains in British Columbia with interviews of the participants. HERD won Equus Equestrian Director Full Length.
• Florian Figge from Germany told the audience about his entries: an ad for German Racing, and Maxios, a short about continuing the bloodlines of the best German Thoroughbred who died, and also Lomitas, His Story, about Monty Roberts’ amazing rehabilitation of the racehorse. He said, “Lomitas had us all in tears.” This film won Equus Equestrian International Documentary.
• Sam Fleet, director from the UK, described his company’s films, “For some films we used a specially designed jockey cam for more exciting action to interest the public in racing, as in Many Clouds”- about the Grand National winner trying at win a second time. Fleet’s Horsepower for the UK Jockey Club was another of his films being shown. His The Island Project won Equus Equestrian Director International.
• Ralf Schauwacker, director from Germany, told the audience about his movie, FREI [Free], “Working on FREI gave me a sense of peacefulness and changed the way I look at riding.” The film showcases liberty training, as well as riding and jumping with no bridle. FREI won Equus Best of Festival International.
• Luiza Jacobsen from Brazil, characterized her eight short ads for the Rio Olympics using a horse, Billy to Rio, “It was a social media campaign with a big following to get the public’s attention for the horse events and other competitions.” Billy to Rio won the Equus Commercial On Line Judging.

An Australian entry, The Four Horsemen, directed by Peter Davies, is the fascinating true story of the four brave Ashton polo playing brothers who in the 1930s traveled to England and became a surprising success. Wal Ashton, who commissioned the movie explained, “I’m the son of the captain, Jim Ashton, the oldest of the brothers. I decided to do the film because if I didn’t do it the information would be lost.” This movie won the Equus Equestrian International Full Documentary award.

Read more: Fantastic Films Emerge Amidst Controversy at the Equus Film Festival in NYC