A Dedication to Dads

When we think of horse-show parents, we often think of moms.  However we wanted to give adequate credit to the fathers, the sometimes-silent backbone of the horse world.  Their support envelops us in many ways, whether they are there with us in person or in spirit, to provide encouragement in ways only a father knows how.

For Father’s Day, we asked several riders and professionals in the industry to take a moment to reflect on their journey with their fathers, the laughs and love, ups and downs.

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Josephina Nor-Lantzman: Professional

Father: Fabio Nor

Josephina is well known on the California show jumping circuit, riding to the winner’s circle on a regular basis with her talented Zangersheide Chello Z. She operates Josephina Nor Stables at her home base of Del Mar, California.

Her father, Fabio Nor, is knowledgeable in two distinct areas - the thoroughbred racing circuit and in show jumping, growing up riding in his native Brazil. Nor can be found assisting his daughter from the back gate while continuing to prepare thoroughbreds for the winner’s circle.

Did your dad get you started in riding?  

Josephina Nor-Lantzman: Yes. I remember my dad getting up early to go train at the racetrack and I always wanted to go. I love the smell of the horses and was hooked at an early age. 

What's your first memory of you and your dad at the barn and/or at a horse show?  

JNL: I would go with my dad and ride the exercise pony around the barn at the track. I was really young but always wanted to ride! 

A funny moment with your dad at a horse show?  

JNL: I used to ask my dad to come train my pony when I was nine. On Sundays, he would come to barn and set exercises for “Bloomers” and me. I remember the next day the trainers asked, “Who jumped that?” The answer was “Oh, Phina and Bloomers--Fabio was here.” I think it was 3 ft and I guess that was big for a nine year old on a little white pony. I never thought so! 

What is the best thing your dad has done to help you with your riding?  

JNL: My dad always pushes my sisters and I to strive, to be better than the norm, to not follow but lead. I am so grateful to him for that.

Did he also make you do your homework?  

JNL: He would always make us do our homework. If we didn’t, we would be in trouble and we didn't like making dad mad.

What would you like to say to your dad on Father's Day?  

JNL: Thanks, Dad, for being so special to us. We love you so much. You are truly the best dad in the world!
NOTE: Josephina also won the $30,000 June Classic Grand Prix and said it was for her dad!

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Chris Fellers: Amateur

Father: Rich Fellers

Chris has grown up around the horse industry, with both a mother and father who compete show jumpers at all levels. He attended Linfield College in Oregon and graduated with a degree in Business Management. Since graduation, Chris has been competing in the amateur jumper divisions with his father’s barn Rich Fellers Stables LLC.

Olympian Rich Fellers became a household name when he rode to 2012 World Cup Finals victory with his beloved partner Flexible, just months before competing on behalf of the United States at the 2012 London Olympics. He owns and operates Rich Fellers Stables LLC with his wife Shelley in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Did your dad get you started in riding?

Chris Fellers: Yes, my parents have been training horses since before I was born, so it is something I have always been around. I didn't have a lot of interest in competing myself, but after high school I changed my mind. Watching my dad compete definitely played a large part in motivating me to try the sport. 



What's your first memory of you and your dad at the barn and/or at a horse show?

CF: I don't actually remember it, but we have videos of my dad sitting me on his horse when I was about six months old and talking me through the imaginary Grand Prix course I was about to jump. 



A funny moment with your dad at a horse show?



CF: At the Olympics we had some down time before the jog, and all decided to eat dinner together. Then my dad got a call that the United States team was next to jog. He had to run from our apartment to the Olympic stadium and barely made the jog. He didn't have his tall boots on, and all the countries waiting behind the US got to see George Morris yell at my dad as he came running in to the wrong end of the stadium.

What is the best thing your dad has done to help you with your riding?

CF: The best thing my dad has done to help me with my riding is being a great role model. He exemplifies discipline, dedication, an incredible work ethic, and most importantly, a deep appreciation to the amazing animals that serve as our partners in this sport.

Did he also make you do your homework?

CF: My dad always encouraged me to stay on top of my schoolwork and would help me with my homework when he could. 



What would you like to say to your dad on Father's Day?

CF: Thank you for being an incredible role model throughout my life. You are the person I look up to more than anyone else, and someday I hope to be as great a dad as you have been to me.

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Erin Stewart: Professional

Father: Don Stewart

Erin grew up competing under the tutelage of her own father, riding to numerous accolades such as the title of 2002 ASPCA Maclay Finals Winner and 2009 WIHS Leading A/O Rider.  After finishing out her successful junior and amateur career, Erin followed in her father's footsteps and turned professional.

Don Stewart is one of the foremost hunter-jumper trainers on the East Coast, training countless riders to championships in all divisions. He owns and operates Don Stewart Stables out of Ocala, Florida, but between his job as a trainer and judge he is a personable presence on both coasts throughout the year.

Did your dad get you started in riding?  

Erin Stewart: My dad did get me started with the horses. We lived on our farm in Ocala and I would walk down to the barn with him every morning. I loved the horses more than anything.

What's your first memory of you and your dad at the barn and/or at a horse show?  

ES: I remember doing the lead line at Devon and coming in second. I got very upset and said, "Daddy always wins.” He taught me that very second about sportsmanship!

What is the best thing your dad has done to help you with your riding?  

ES: As I grew up he would get frustrated with me for not being mentally competitive enough. I would ask him to let my friends show my horses and most of the time, he would agree to it. The best thing he's taught me with my riding is that every horse is different, just like we are. He taught me to listen to all horses as individuals and train them the way they learn best.

Did he also make you do your homework?  

ES: Yes, he is a strong believer in education, so school always came first for me. I grew up in Florida and could not miss more than 10 days in a semester.

What would you like to say to your dad on Father's Day?  

ES: My dad has taught me to love unconditionally. His compassion for the animals has definitely been passed down to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance.

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Alex Wilson: Partner at Revolution Farms

Father: Scott Wilson

Alex rode as a child under his father at Scott Wilson Stables, giving him the opportunity to view all aspects of the industry from a very young age. He won his first lead line class at Devon at the tender age of two before going on to earn many pony championships. Alex has worked for many of the top names in the industry and is now a partner at Revolution Farms in Southern California.

His father, Scott Wilson, was a well known presence on the California show circuit, as well as on the East Coast, importing and training many famous horses, ponies and their riders before passing away unexpectedly in 2009. His passion and dedication to the sport will always be remembered and we are grateful to Alex for sharing these memories.

Did your dad get you started in riding?

Alex Wilson: Yes, I was on a horse before I could walk. My dad didn’t want me to do anything but ride since I was born.

What’s your first memory of you and your dad at the barn and/or at a horse show?

AW: There are a lot. I would have to say the last two years of his life were probably my favorite. Those were probably the best years that we spent together and I love all the memories that they include. We traveled a lot, and won a lot of classes, but also had fun, which is the most important. 

 A funny moment with your dad at a horse show?

AW: He made every moment funny. There was one time when were at a show when I was a kid and I didn’t want to show, so I sat in the mud fully dressed in my show clothes. My dad walks to the rental car, grabs a whole extra pair of riding clothes for me, and said, “I was ready for this moment.”

What is the best thing your dad has done to help you with your equine education?

AW: In general, the best thing my dad did to help was being hard on me and teaching me how to appreciate everything in life. He made me earn everything I was given. 

Did he also make you do your homework?

AW: He wasn't a big stickler about school. As long as I passed and graduated he was happy. He taught me an education in horses that serves me to this day. 

What would you like to say to your dad on Father's Day?

AW: I would love to say Happy Father's Day, and that I love you and miss you. I have so much to tell you and hope the big guy is treating you well up there. 

Do you have any other special messages you can share?

AW: I would like to tell all those who still have their fathers with them to appreciate and cherish all the moments you have with your father, because you never know when it might be your last. 

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Photo Credit: Phelps Sports

Guy Thomas: Professional

Father: Graeme “Butch” Thomas

Olympian Guy Thomas is part of a rich family history in show jumping, growing up in Califnonia riding under his father Graeme “Butch” Thomas and his mother Lu. Guy represented New Zealand at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the 2008 World Cup Finals and the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Guy owns and operates Willow Tree Stables out of Woodside, CA.

Butch Thomas passed on his Olympian genes to his son, competing for New Zealand in several Games before coming to the United States to continue his successful jumping career. Butch is also a prominent trainer and breeder, operating Willow Tree’s breeding farm in Burson, CA with Lu.

How did your dad get you started in riding?

Guy Thomas: Dad had me riding in front of the saddle with him before I was even a year old.  I think we have a photo somewhere at the farm of Dad winning the Grand Prix in New York.  He took his winning photo with me in front of the saddle when I was maybe 8 or 10 months old.

What’s the best memory of your dad at the barn and/or at a horse show?

GT: Being picked for the 2004 Athens Olympics.  We did the CSIO Falsterbo in Sweden since the team was supposed to be picked after the show.  Well, they didn’t pick the team then, so my dad and I flew home a bit confused and concerned.  When we stepped off the plane in SFO we got the call that we were on the team! In addition, making the Gothenburg World Cup Finals was a special moment for us. I had done quite well through the qualifiers, but when it came down to the last one in San Juan Capistrano, jumping clean the first round to stamp my ticket in was quite a feeling.

Funny moments with your dad at the horse show?

GT: We have plenty of arguments!  He is right 99% of the time – and I’ve slowly figured that out through the years as I’ve gotten older.

How has he helped you move through the ranks of jumpers to the 1.50/1.60 classes?

GT: By providing me with confidence.  He has always given me a crazy calming factor while being at the ring, warm-up fence, walking the course, etc.

How are horse trials together?

GT: We usually have quite a lot of fun trying horses together.  There were a few times in the beginning where I suggested a horse and my dad would say, “What do you actually like about it?!”. My father has always been amazing at picking out horses; it’s really an art. I try every day to pick his brain and figure out what he’s looking for.