68 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Happy Trails: Ravel’s New Career
By Lauren R. Giannini
R
avel, the dressage star ridden by Steffen Peters,
is living the good life that all horses deserve: he
has changed careers from international superstar
to trail horse and schoolmaster for owner Akiko Yamazaki.
Ravel has the reputation for being a generous horse and one
of the nicest horses that Steffen has ever ridden. His agreeable
temperament certainly comes in handy on Akiko’s Four Winds
Farm in California where the superstar passaged gracefully into
the good life.
“He came to my farm about two weeks after coming home from
London,” recalled Akiko. “He got off the trailer and walked straight
into his stall without batting an eye. The next morning, we put him
in the small grass paddock. Even though he had not had turnout
during his competition years, he put his head down and started
eating grass as if he had always done it.”
It’s equally impressive that an equine who knows how to piaffe,
passage and pirouette didn’t have any problems adjusting to the
trails. Four Winds Farm borders 100 acres, open to members of the
trail riding club. “The frst time we took him out, I went with a friend
just to be safe as there are deer and many outdoor sculptures,”
explained Akiko. “Ravel just walked calmly through it all. By the
third trail ride, I was so confdent he would be fne by himself that
this became the norm. He goes through ditches, walks next to a
herd of deer, and we watch hawks land on branches together. I
really cherish these quiet beautiful moments with him.”
Ravel – aka His Majesty – knows he is a star. When he frst
arrived at the barn, he received visitors all the time. “We have
many visitors who come to say hello and bring him apples and
carrots. I think he really enjoys posing for photos,” said Akiko.
“Whenever there is an audience, even if it is two people that have
come to watch him, he puffs up a bit more in the arena. Ravel
never begs for his treats – you must come to him!”
Like any royalty, Ravel has a mind of his own. Akiko recalled
that the frst time she brought him to the mounting block, he
stopped fve feet short and refused to move. “I was sad about this,
thinking he doesn’t want to work any more,” admitted Akiko, “until
Steffen told me Ravel did this to him every single day.”
Akiko grew up with horses in Costa Rica and competed jumpers
as a teenager. Her frst dressage experience took place when she
was in high school. Then shemoved to California to attend Stanford
e
Cover Story
Ravel and Steffen at the World Equestrian Games.
Photo by Lauren R. Gianinni
Ravel
Photo by SusanJStickle.com