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Friday, March 02 2012 / Published in Sidelines Feature

Five Questions for Erik Wright

Whether it’s arena dirt, or the flying turf of an outdoor field, Erik Wright’s 20 year polo career has seen its share of hooves and boots alike, interacting with some of the country’s best, both equine and human.  Founded in 1998 as a multi-faceted teaching, leasing and playing program, Wrightway Polo and its namesake have become a reputable source for all things polo up and down California’s Golden Coast.  From Northern California’s wine country to the sunny beaches of San Diego and the posh appeal of Bel-Air’s Polo Club, Erik works diligently as an instructor, businessman and polo professional with players at all levels to promote his sport.  Whether at the indoor arena at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center or the winter fields of Eldorado and Empire Polo Clubs in Indio, California, you’ll likely see Erik, one of his students, or one of his horses taking to the field. 

Photo courtesy of Rachel Faierman

Sidelines:  What do you love most about polo?

EW:  The people and the horses!  I think we all get into this sport because of the horses.  When you stop to think about it, it is absolutely astounding what they allow us to do, as competitors and as teammates.

 

Sidelines:  What do you feel is the most important lesson a student should take away from polo?

EW:  I think the most important lesson is to enjoy the journey of polo.  As a student, it is easy to get frustrated with your progress.  I tell my students to measure their progress in weeks and months, not days and weeks and that if instant gratification is your thing, polo probably isn’t your sport.  So, enjoy every minute of it, whether you had your best day playing or maybe not your best day.  I figure any day we are on the polo field is a gift.  Certainly those of us fortunate enough to play should consider ourselves blessed.

 

Sidelines:  What is your most memorable moment in polo, on or off the field?

EW:  There have been so many important moments in polo for me.  I won the 4 goal with the Coldwell Banker team last year and it was a special moment for me because the sponsors were Lyn Jason Cobb and her daughter Madelyn Cobb.  My first job in polo was with Lyn’s mother and father (Madelyn’s grandmother and grandfather), Mack and Madelyn Jason. I started as a groom for them and have been taking care of the family for 23 years.  I knew Madelyn when she was a toddler.  Mack had been in poor health, but he was able to attend the final, so it was a full circle/family kind of thing to have the three generations represented on the team.  They both passed away this year so that was a treasured moment in time.  We also had a great 10 goal league last January in the Desert at Empire Polo Club with Jef and Katie Graham and their Barossa team where we went undefeated throughout the month.  I started them both in polo and they are like family, so it’s very fulfilling to see where they are now with their polo. And most important, any time I can play with my two sons is a great moment in polo for me.

 

Sidelines:  You mentor hundreds of students a year.  Who was your most important mentor?

EW:  I’m a student of the game so I have had some great mentors over the years.  My teaching style is heavily influenced by Rege and Janet Ludwig, who have been great supporters throughout my career.  But I would have to say my greatest mentors have been Corky and Kathy Linfoot.  I draw most of what I know in polo from them.  I couldn’t have done it without them.

 

Sidelines:  Which has been your favorite horse to play, and why?

EW:  I am so fortunate to have played some amazing horses.  Tina 4 (we had 1 through 6 for the Jasons-all full sisters) Bayacoa, Fabulosa, Fresas.  I’m the best mounted I have ever been right now – Bigote, Cholo, AP, Noticeable,  Cayenne- I have no right to be this lucky.  My favorite all time is Cayenne. She probably isn’t even the most talented of that group, although she is amazing in her own right, but she is a warhorse and we have been through so many battles together and she never once let me down.  I feel like Superman on her.  I got her from the Linfoots.  I went into overtime the day after I bought her and played her back in overtime.  Kathy was videoing the game and she laughed and said: ‘well that didn’t take long.”  It’s been like that ever since.

-By Danika Rice

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Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

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A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here The✨April issue✨ of Sidelines Magazine is here and we are so excited to feature three-day eventer Liz Halliday on the cover! Big thanks to photographer Melissa Fuller for the beautiful photo of Liz and Cooley Nutcracker- Liz Halliday-Sharp - HS Eventing. Liz and her horses have taken the eventing world by storm - and find out how Liz is at the top of the sport as a female eventer! As the horse world gears up for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event 2023, it's the perfect time to enjoy our eventing issue!! We also feature eventer and woman entrepreneur Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who is not only an eventer, but also runs Athletux and FRANKIE CAMERON handbags and accessories. And don't miss our eventing story on Robert "Bobby" Costello, who will be leading the US Eventing team to the 2024 Paris Olympics- and US Equestrian has named Bobby the eventing technical advisor/chef d'equipe!! Liz, Frankie and Bobby all have GREAT stories - don't miss any of them and don't forget to get your tickets for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day event! We are also excited to introduce you to hunter-jumper rider Casey Lorusso Smith, who is not only a talented rider but also a psychotherapist and incorporates horses into her career. If you are up for adventure, then read the story on dressage rider Priscilla Baldwin who certainly doesn't let any grass grow under her feet! We also head to the west coast to catch up with hunter-jumper trainer Jim Hagman of Elvenstar Farm, we feature beautiful art by equestrian artist Tammy Tappan, and we get to know Miranda Jones and her family. Miranda is not only an attorney who spends a lot of time in the courthouse, but she's a rider and spends lots of time riding, and is joined by her daughters also! We are excited to feature Stephanie Lightner in our Unbridled column, and don't miss our columnists George Williams, Robert R.L. Jacobs and Margie Sugarman! It's a great issue - and you can read it online, but don't forget to go to the website and order a subscription and get every issue delivered to your mailbox!! Enjoy this issue and enjoy the ride: Link in bio!!
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