Spotlight - Chloe Holmes & BrookeMarie Jarvis

Name: Chloé Holmes

Age:18

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

Trainers: Bob Battaglia and Jim Lowe

First prize ever won: 5th out of 5 when I was five in Walk/Jog at my first Scottsdale Show

Biggest prize ever won: UPHA Arabian Breeders Cup 14-17, HA Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17, and PB Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17, all were equally important to me

Favorite show and why: I love all horse shows for many reasons, but my favorite would have to be Youth Nationals. I feel like I speak for the majority of junior riders when I say that Youth is what we work for and look forward to all year. The competition is extremely deep, and the challenge it presents makes the event so exhilarating. From roses to pranks, Youth brings everyone together. I am sad that I have aged out, however I don't plan on missing out on Youth for a long time!

Favorite all-time show horse, why?: I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride and work with many different horses. This last year, thanks to Sharon Chauncey and Brie Reiter, I was able to show two of my favorite horses and accomplish great things with them. Everyone has that horse they dream about riding and for me that horse was PapaRhazi. Every time I saw him shown or ridden I was blown away, not only by his talent but by his personality as well. He is by far one of my favorite horses not only to ride, but also to watch. The other horse I showed this year was TC Matador. I've known Mat since he was at his mother's side, and together we have won three National titles. We have been through so much together and I have never been closer with another horse. When I walk in the barn I love to call his name and listen to him nicker and wait anxiously at the front of his stall. Mostly he just cares about the treats I bring, but I like to think he enjoys seeing me as much as I enjoy seeing him. Matador is my favorite horse, and he will always have a special place in my heart.

Favorite class to watch, why?: This is a very biased answer, but Saddle Seat Equitation is my favorite class to watch. No matter what age division, I love to watch the riders working towards perfection in their riding skills, and understanding the challenges they face. I have been told countless times "Equitation is not how you look, but how you ride your horse," and I enjoy seeing other riders strive for this as well. They only thing I do not delight in when watching Saddle Seat are the patterns, solely because they are much less nerve wracking to watch than to ride.

Most inspirational person and why?: Since I began riding I have been taught by many different people. From each of these lessons I have gained experience and knowledge and also inspiration. I am inspired every time I see a little girl or boy leave the ring with no ribbon and a big smile on her face, as well as when a trainer puts on a stunning performance. My Dad and Melissa have been the most inspirational of anyone. Watching my dad and his friends taught me about sportsmanship, and Melissa's encouragement taught me about being the best I can be. I am inspired every day by the passion they have for what they do and how they do it. I have learned about the importance of friendship and morality by following in their footsteps. They have both shown so much support and love to me, I would never have accomplished anything I have without them.

What motivates you to show Arabian horses?: "When God created the horse, he said to the magnificent creature: I have made thee as no other. All the treasures of the earth shall lie between thy eyes. Thou shalt cast thy enemies between thy hooves, but thou shalt carry my friends upon they back. Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me. And thou fly without any wings, and conquer without any sword." (The Qur'an) Arabian horses are timelessly beautiful, incomparably smart, athletically talented, and possess exceptional personalities. This is what motivates me to show the Arabian horse.

Favorite celebrity?: Audrey Hepburn

Favorite movie?: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Moulin Rouge, and every classic Disney movie ever made.

Favorite food?: Good food.

 

 

Name: BrookeMarie Jarvis

Age: 19

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Trainers: James and Peter Stachowski, Sharon Blendinger, and Gabriel Desoto

First prize ever won: Astonishingly enough it was a blue ribbon in Walk/Trot Western Pleasure 10 & Under with my first show horse Karidan Kosmos at the Ohio Spring Show with judge Chris Bickford. Jo Ann and Ralph Brown at JoRal Stables paved the way to my future success.

Biggest prize ever won: I have been privileged enough to have achieved more than my dreams could fathom. Just last year I won the Region 14 Arabian Open English Pleasure that was made possible by my sensational purebred mare, Pheobe Afire. Many of my accomplishments have had a direct relation to the horses and when I was in school I was a contender in the National History Day project. My teacher scrutinized me heavily for using the story of Witraz II, a pure Polish Arabian who was a used as a war trophy in World War II for General Patton. My teacher claimed my project was fiction. But with the help of Director Marek Trela from Janow Podlaski Stud I was able to win Districts, States, and received an honorable mention at Nationals. Needless to say the judges didn't agree with my teacher.

Favorite show and why: I'm not sure that I have a favorite show; I love them all. For me the Buckeye, is an incredible show because it's the first show of the season that I am an exhibitor at and the Buckeye's organizer, Cindy Clinton always ensures that there is fun to be had by all.

Favorite all-time show horse, why?: As anyone that knows me well knows that I think the world of my Pheobe Afire. In the beginning of our relationship we didn't jive, we were more of a cantering train wreck. But we learned and we grew together. With our accomplishments aside, she's the horse that has taught me how to be a horsewoman.  Every ride whether it be at a horse show or at home is thrilling, she's truly electrifying.

If you could own/show any horse from the present or past, who would it be, why?: Although she's not a performance horse, Elandra is a timeless beauty. As a young girl I saw her show in Poland, she was captivating then and she still is now. Although I do not show in hand I would have loved to be at the end of her lead. In my own opinion, she's the closest example of the perfect Arabian horse. This summer I had the privilege of meeting her at Mrs. Watts farm in England. In the show ring and in the pasture she is everything I love in a mare; the perfect combination of affectionate yet self-assured and dignified.

Favorite class to watch, why?: In performance; English Pleasure is where it's at. In halter; the Arabian Mares Open championships. Aside from those classes I love cheering on friends in anything they are showing in.

Most inspirational person and why?: Russ Vento was one of the most intelligent businessmen/horsemen I've ever met. He was always going the extra mile for me regardless of his own adversities. He taught me that obstacles are not there to prohibit you but to engage you to go further. He supported me and held my hand whenever I needed it and even when I didn't. Since his death he has been with me every ride and he is the one person I think about every time before I go into the ring. As he does in mine, I'm sure he lives daily in the hearts of others.

What motivates you to show Arabian horses?: The horses themselves, my mother, my aunt, and my uncle have engaged this love all my life. My mother is hands down the most amazing woman I've ever met. My aunt is the best cheerleader anyone could ever ask for. And my uncle Stu, is just uncle Stu, he loved me like he was my father and gave me all the love in the world. The horses have had my heart from the moment that my mother introduced me to them when I was just months old. My mother, aunt, and grandmother have worked to provide me with the very best horses even when it wasn't "in the cards" for us.

Favorite celebrity?: Betty White with her efforts towards animal rights and her uncanny ability to make anyone laugh amazes me. Even at her age she's witty and sharp yet caring and compassionate; a true lady. I've never heard of anyone not liking her. It doesn't hurt that she resembles my grandmother.

Favorite movie?: Citizen Kane, it joins a powerful and relatable storyline with incredible cinematography; a rare find in modern day movie making.

Favorite food?: Laduree Macroons, ice cream, and pesto pasta are three of my favorite simple pleasures.

 

Do you know someone who deserves to be in the spotlight? Let us know!

Eric Mendrysa - Eric@KnightMediaNetworks.com - 480-471-1715