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Saturday, September 11 2021 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Unbridled With Charles Ancona

By Jan Westmark

Charles Ancona started his fashion career in skiwear while teaching skiing in Aspen, Colorado, specializing in technical stretch garments. When he made the jump to the equestrian world more than 11 years ago, he discovered equestrians are just as passionate about their riding clothes.

For the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, Charles outfitted the U.S. Dressage Team, U.S. Eventing Team, U.S. Show Jumping Team and U.S. Para Dressage Team with show jackets and tailcoats. “We do each jacket custom fit with the rider name monogrammed inside, and signed and serial numbered inside as well,” Charles said. “We make them in record time as the teams are always announced at the last minute. It’s truly an honor to have been invited to work with the best riders through the U.S. teams, and we do our best to produce the best-fitting show jackets for each individual.”

Charles went to business school and learned the fashion trade in Milan, Italy. “I did all of my manufacturing there and then learned more in the New York City garment center, where we manufacture now. We are one of the few companies with a MADE IN USA label. We are opening a New York City showroom shortly,” he said.

Within the fashion industry, Charles also worked as a designer for many magazines. “I had full editorial pages as a designer in Vogue, Mademoiselle, Bazaar, GQ, Rolling Stone, Ski magazine and others. Mostly the interpretation of skiwear as fashion.” 

Where do you live now and where did you grow up?

I grew up in Connecticut, but I’m a Florida resident now. I had a great family growing up—just me, my sister and the best parents. Now it’s just me and my dog, horse and pony.

When did you start Charles Ancona in the equestrian world?

Right at the point that the stretch technical jackets were taking over the market. I took a big risk, as I didn’t really know any equestrian people or anything about the riding disciplines, so I listened closely to my customers and used my technical knowledge of stretch fabrics and production techniques to win over my first customers.

What do you like about being in the fashion industry in the horse world?

I always liked to do more intricate, high-quality products, and the equestrian people not only appreciate it, but want the best. I really enjoy seeing how much my customers love the products. I have a very loyal customer base of both pony riders and adults in all disciplines, and am very lucky and grateful for this.

Since you’re in the equestrian world, do you ride?

As a kid I always wanted a horse but we weren’t able to have one. My interest then turned to dirt bikes and cars, which I now collect. Now, I have a farm and a horse and a pony, but I don’t ride.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?

I truly feel that my jackets have a true effect on performance and winning. In the jumpers, the level of stretch allows complete, full movement, and the lightness and breathability control temperature, which affects reflexes and thus performance and safety as well. In the equitation, hunters and ponies, you are being judged so the fit in the shoulder, the back, the built-in white cuffs and the number of holes all contribute to a better fit and look. The judges notice the difference.

If you weren’t involved with outfitting the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked?

Ice hockey—maybe a racecar driver. I was always an athlete. I was a ski instructor, tennis pro, swim instructor, black belt, motocross racer and played many years of baseball and ice hockey. I truly enjoy what I do now, and will probably never retire.

If you had a week off, what would you do?

It will never happen.

What talents do you feel you have?

I am a problem solver. To run a business with all the daily decisions that need to be made and to be creative with functional garments requires it.

Do you have a personal motto or catch phrase?

Do it right!

What’s your favorite item of clothing to wear?

Training/race jackets that I make. They look sporty.

What three items can usually be found in your refrigerator?

I don’t cook, so simple items that are ready to go: avocados, water and apples.

What’s your favorite meal?

Breakfast. I have the most energy and think better in the mornings.

What would be the best gift in the world?

A long, healthy, happy life

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To help people in difficult situations. I always like to help others.

What’s something everyone should try at least once?

Working hard. A work ethic is so important. 

How would you like people to remember you?

As a generous and caring person and for making the #thebestshowjacketsintheworld

Photo:

Charles Ancona

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Tagged under: Charles Ancona, fashion

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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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