SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Tuesday, July 16 2019 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Juri Ito: Finding Shangri-La

Juri and T.H. Sage

By Britney Grover

Photos by Shawna Simmons

Juri Ito discovered horses by accident while visiting a nuclear power plant in her home country of Japan. She didn’t know then that horses would not only become her life, but that they would lead her to Shangri-La: a little slice of heaven on earth where animals and people live in harmony.

“I was a month away from turning 6 years old,” Juri remembered. “My family and I were looking for an activity that we could do as a whole family; both of my parents worked long hours and we didn’t spend lots of time together.”

Juri Ito with her horse Bill Clinton

Her father had blocked off a weekend for family time, but was unexpectedly required to attend a meeting at a power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture. Juri and her mother went with him, intending to visit the plant’s educational museum — but something else caught their attention. “My mom and I noticed the Palomino Pony Club directly across the street. While my dad was in the meeting, I took a lesson on a chestnut pony named Urchin and the rest was history.”

A New Lifestyle

Despite Palomino Pony Club being nearly two hours away, Juri’s mother signed the whole family up as members and they all began riding. Juri always loved animals but didn’t have the opportunity to be around them as she grew up in downtown Nagoya, Japan. “I was very fortunate to be able to join a riding club that offered ponies for kids to ride in Japan,” she said. “I’m still not tall, but I was very short back then!”

Palomino Pony Club imported ponies to breed, train and compete. While riding and learning there, Juri met her lifelong best friend, Chiharu Nakajima. “I competed in the gymkhana classes until they made a pony jumper division for Chiharu and I to compete in — we would switch ponies to fill the class because we loved riding so much.”

Juri enjoys her little slice of heaven at her Shangri-La Stables with her homebred horse Jericho SLS and rescue dog Hazel.

Juri began acquiring experience in different disciplines early on, and loved galloping through fields and jumping natural obstacles in hunter paces with her father. “I learned to jump in different terrain by following my father with my pony, Benjamin,” she said. “My father would be having so much fun that he would often forget that I was following him on a 13.2-hand pony! I’m so glad that my pony was so brave and such a great jumper that we could follow him!”

When she was 10 years old, Juri’s family made another jump: this one life-changing. “My grandfather always told my parents that I needed to be educated in the United States. My parents followed his wishes and our family moved. It was very difficult for me at first: I didn’t speak, read, or understand English! I didn’t have any friends, and I was too young to speak with my friends in Japan. My friends and I often wrote letters to each other to stay connected.”

Riding had been a hobby for Juri, often taking backseat to other sports. Growing up, she loved tennis and skiing, and played volleyball, soccer, hockey, golf and even football as the kicker. “When I moved to the States, school was very difficult for me,” she said. “I didn’t speak English well, so I was often made fun of and teased. I spent a lot of time at the barn because of that — it was the only place I could go to get away from all of the negativity at school. Riding grew into a lifestyle for me.”

Juri’s miniature horse Mattis was only 14 inches tall when he was born.

Diversity and Focus

Juri showed her pony in hunter and equitation classes — divisions that didn’t exist in Japan. Her father urged her to explore other disciplines, and supported her when she was offered a working student position. She left home at 13 years old to learn from Pavel Blaho, a trainer near Ocala passionate about diversity as an equestrian and for his horses.

In addition to developing young show jumpers, Pavel also concentrated on giving off-the-track Thoroughbreds second careers — something that excited Juri after watching racing as a child in Japan with her grandfather. “He wanted his program to be more diverse than what others might expect,” Juri said. “We’d experience a little bit of everything, which made them very good horses at the end of the day.”

It also made Juri a great rider: She got to try barrel racing, cross-country, hunter paces, show hunters, equitation, dressage, driving and even horse racing as an exercise rider. “During my stay at Mr. Blaho’s farm, I met so many incredible people from all over the world, who all impacted my life in so many different ways. I’m so thankful to be given that opportunity and I will hold on to and cherish those experiences for the rest of my life.”

When it came time to choose a focus, show jumping won out — as did pursuing horses into the professional world, with the help of her mentors and role models. “I was at a point in my life where I needed to make a decision with my career,” Juri said. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made thus far. But my horses made the decision easier for me: They really stepped up and gave me the confidence to continue this journey.”

Juri, now 32, has already found success as a young professional. In 2017, she began riding for Japan with her own grand prix horse, Bill Clinton. “He’s been a wonderful horse for me, who opened many doors I never imagined!” Juri said. “I’m so thankful to be riding this amazing horse — he’s definitely my ‘once-in-a-lifetime.’”

When founding her farm in the Back Mountain area of Dallas, Pennsylvania, Juri wanted a name that reflected her Asian culture. “Shangri-La is a utopia where people and animals come together in unity, without any distractions, enjoying the bond between one another,” she said. “That’s why I chose the name Shangri-La Stables.”

Juri, with T. H. Sage, fell in love with horses as a young child while living in Japan.

Cultivating Utopia

Shangri-La Stables certainly lives up to its name. In addition to more than 20 horses, Shangri-La is home to Juri’s four cats, two dogs, three goats, four mini donkeys and 12 miniature horses. The minis are more than just cute — Juri’s two well-bred miniature horse stallions will be showing at American Miniature Horse Association shows.

“The minis are small enough that they can be used in therapy, so I’m learning about doing therapy programs with my minis,” she said. “That’s what I’d love to do with them, as well as drive them. They make great companions to the show horses, too. It all started with a miniature donkey named Briana. She’s great with everybody; all the horses know her, she roams free at the farm and says hello to every single horse that comes to the farm. I purchased her from my friend and it’s probably one of the best choices I’ve ever made. She’s quite the character.”

The other “full-size” horses of Shangri-La range from 4-year-old jumpers to grand prix horses, including young jumper T.H. Sage owned by Juri’s still-best-friend Chiharu all the way back from Palomino Pony Club in Japan. Juri is passionate about the care of each one. “I’m really thankful for my sponsorship with Biostar,” she said. “As everyone knows, this sport is never easy, and we always want to do the best for our horses. Any change can trigger issues, but with the knowledge and support of Biostar, I’m able to manage my horses and they’re able to perform their best.”

Juri’s other valued sponsors include Voltaire Design, Elemental Equine, Diamond K Equine Transport, LLC, Impact Gel Pad “Sterling Heller,” TheraPlate Revolution, Stance Equine USA, Kentucky Equine Research, Zandona, and Nupafeed USA — all with premium products that she painstakingly chooses. Juri feels honored and blessed to be surrounded by understanding clients and owners, generous sponsors and invaluable mentors as she expands her business. She recently became sponsored by and will be riding for Grace Hill Farm in Millbrook, New York, where she will be based. Juri continues to pursue her own equestrian education, and this year began training with Team Millar at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario.

Juri’s donkey Fiona hanging out with her goats. Juri named her goats after vacuum cleaners, Hoover, Dyson and Rumba, because they like to eat everything.

Though she was too young to understand her parents’ decision to move at the time, Juri’s grateful now to live in the U.S. even as she pursues international competition under the Japanese flag. “I can’t say enough about the tremendous support and education my horses and I are getting in the Millars’ program,” she said. “As many have said before me, it takes a village and great support from owners, trainers and sponsors to reach the international level in show jumping. I hope to be able to perform to their expectations and make my trainers proud in the upcoming events!”

Photos by Shawna Simmons, www.sasequinephotography.com, unless noted otherwise

 

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: britney grover, Juri Ito, Shangri-La, shawna simmons

What you can read next

Spreading the Word on the Power of Light 
Unbridled With Harold Chopping
Elli Yeager Can’t Be Stopped

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
Standing at Ryan Pedigo Sport Horses, in California

For more information, you can contact 
🖥Ryanpedigosporthorses.com
🖥Ryan.p.f@hotmail.com
☎️(714) 357-2714

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

@ryanpedigosporthorsespf_

#stallion #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equine #dressage #pferd #equestrianlife #mare #hengst #horseriding #instahorse #cheval #pferde #equinephotography #horselove #dressagehorse #pony #horselover #caballo #foal #quarterhorse #aqha #arabianhorse #sidelinesmagazine
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

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
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!!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER
    GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER Premier Equestrian Center of the South Katy, Texas gswec.com

    [Read more]

  • PENNINGTON FARMS, INC.
    Ann Pennington, USEF "R" Judge Hunters/Jumpers/Ponies Fort Myers, FL 33966 Cell 239-850-2085 annpfinc@yahoo.com www.penningtonfarms.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • 2023 Upperville Colt & Horse Show Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Returns for 170th Year on June 5-11
  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!