To the victors belong the spoils, which is particularly true among the gilded barns of Wellington. Equestrian Arriana Boardman invites six men and women on the world champion show circuit to share the profound relationship between horse and rider.
TIFFANY FOSTER & HAMILTON
Earrings by Tiffany & Co.
“My most fond competition memory of Hamilton is when he jumped clear in the second round of the Nations Cup in my home town of Langley, British Columbia, last year. We had a rough first round because he lost a shoe at the third jump and it was pouring rain, so the grass was very slippery without his shoe and studs. He really rallied and came back so well for the second round. It meant a lot to me.”
DANIEL BLUMAN & LADRIANO
Jacket and belt by Hermès.
“At the end of 2020, Ladriano had a front leg injury. The vet said there was nothing more they could do. At first, I said OK, because he had already been number one in the world, been in the Olympics, and had won numerous grand prix. But I just had the feeling that he didn’t want to be done. When you’re able to bond with a horse that has that strong of a personality, they’re with you forever. They know who you are. You grow and you nurture that bond.”
LAURA KRAUT & CONFU
Diamond earrings in 18k white gold and link bracelets in 18k white gold by David Yurman.
“I’ve had Confu for eight years, and now he’s a little bit a member of the family. He’s sweet but not overly sweet. He’s too proud to be that. You kind of have to suck up to him a bit and then he’ll be nice. For me, he’s kind of like the little engine that could. He’s probably not the most talented in the world, but he tries really, really hard.”
ADRIENNE STERNLICHT & CRISTALLINE
Link bracelet in 18k gold by Hermès.
“I fell in love with horses at a young age, but Cristalline’s always represented something far more. I’ve not only accomplished more than I ever believed was possible, but because of her I’ve gone through such a journey of personal growth, and found my own strength. She’s become my other half. I like to think she’s symbolic of the best parts of me.”
JOHN FRENCH & BABYLON
“He’s always happy, and he loves to work. He never pins his ears back. He’ll go out in the field and stand on the second board of the fence, just to look over to see what’s going on. And he’s a real talker. When I ride him in the morning, when I go out on a trail, he’s whinnying. Not to other horses. Just to let everyone know he’s coming. He’s like an innocent child.”
KENT FARRINGTON & GREYA
Watch by Rolex.
“Greya is very smart. No matter how much raw athleticism a horse has, it’s not very useful if they don’t have the intelligence to match. She’s still in the early stages of her career, but she recently won her first little grand prix. Hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come.”
Sittings editor: Harriet Mays Powell
Production: Stephanie Julia Bargas and James Francis Trezza, Hemlock Productions
Makekup: Woody Michleb Beauty Salon
See more images in PALMER Vol. 3, available for purchase now.