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Friday, August 21 2020 / Published in Weekly Feature


Guy & Sharon McElvain: Hearts for Horses

By Laura Scaletti

Portraits by Kristie Nichols

There’s nothing quite like life when you have love in your heart. From their very first meeting, Guy and Sharon McElvain have let their hearts lead the way in everything they pursue. Together they are not only carrying out the McElvain family tradition of breeding, developing and showing Holsteiner sport horses at their Rancho Corazon, they also have an eye towards the future of the sport with their HIPICO Santa Fe Horse Park.

The stars aligned to bring Guy and Sharon together, even before their first actual meeting. “Sharon and my late brother, Mac, were roommates while both working at the Taos Ski Valley area one winter. Mac told Sharon, ‘One day you should meet my brother Guy; you two would fall in love, get married and have kids,’” Guy said.  

A year later, Guy went as his cousin’s “wingman” to take Sharon’s roommate on a date. “Sharon and I met that evening, went on our own date the next day and have been inseparable ever since,” Guy said. “I guess Mac saw the future.” 

From the beginning, Guy and Sharon knew the key to a happy and lasting relationship would require them to embrace each other’s passions. “Guy and I have always lived for adventure. We had a deal early on in our relationship, that he would teach me how to ride horses and I would teach him how to ski,” Sharon said. A fair deal, the passion for horses has been not only been passed to Sharon, but also to the next generation, by way of children Chenoa and Clayton, who are also looking to expand on the family business.

Family Tradition

Guy learned through watching his parents, Tim and Betty McElvain, that the best path you can take in life is with those you love. Avid foxhunters, classical dressage and hunter-jumper riders, Tim and Betty worked very hard to make a life with horses. While Tim has always been a big outdoorsman and scholar, Betty has had a huge passion for horses her entire life.

At their cattle ranch in Texas, Tim and Betty began to experiment with crossing various horse breeds in an effort to create the perfect mix of conformation, temperament and athleticism. A visit to Europe changed the trajectory of the McElvains’ breeding program. Just like Guy with Sharon, when Betty saw the Holsteiner stallions at the Verband in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, it was love at first sight. The Holsteiners embodied every attribute Betty had been attempting to breed for back home in the States.

After that fateful trip, Tim and Betty purchased a Holsteiner stallion and two mares and began their newly revamped breeding program, which has now been going strong for 35-plus years. Shortly thereafter, the pair relocated to New Mexico and bought Rancho La Querencia, “Favorite Place,” where Betty still lives today.

Once Betty got her Holsteiner operation up and running, she experienced a lot of success. “My mother was breeding horses with great minds, strong conformation and great movement,” Guy said. “She was picking mares that matched well with her stallion, Columbus (Corde La Bryere X Merano), and using classical dressage methods for breaking and training. The journey my parents went through together with horses from western saddle to cross-breeding Arabians, Thoroughbreds and Percherons to Holsteiners was quite beautiful and amazing.” 

Rancho Corazon

Adventurous by nature, Guy and Sharon decided to try their hand at the family business shortly after they wed in August 1990, thanks perhaps to a little nudge in the way of a gift from Betty. “My mother gave me a Holsteiner she had bred named Corazon. Sharon and I then went out and bought Sharon a retired Thoroughbred mare we named Anasazi,” Guy said. Young and passionate about horses, Guy and Sharon spent as much time as possible outdoors enjoying their horses, whether it was riding in the mountains or foxhunting with Guy’s parents.

“Early on in our marriage, we decided we should either start an outdoor adventure company or move down and help my mother with her breeding farm. After our daughter, Chenoa, was born, we decided to make the move and eventually bought land next to Rancho La Querencia for our own operation,” Guy said. “We named our place Rancho Corazon after the horse my mother gave me, and for our love of the horse and the passion we shared.”

While Betty focused on producing quality dressage horses at Rancho La Querencia, Guy and Sharon wanted to breed horses for the hunter and jumper rings at Rancho Corazon. “We started using Thoroughbred mares because they crossed so well with Columbus. He genetically overpowered the mares, so as long as you bred him to a mare with a nice big frame, the result was a quality sport horse that had his attributes of good conformation, incredible topline and quiet disposition,” Guy said. In fact, Sharon bred her own Anasazi to Columbus five times. Two of the offspring, Courchevel and Chamonix, turned out to be incredible grand prix jumpers.

“When we first introduced the Holsteiner to the jumper shows in New Mexico, many people were still riding Thoroughbreds. Once warmbloods became prevalent, the sport demanded faster, lighter, more careful horses with the same good Holsteiner mind,” Guy said. “So we had to retool our breeding program to meet that demand.”

Rather than using the same foundation stallions and mares for the long haul, Guy and Sharon realized they had to use younger breeding stock with modern bloodlines they liked, breed them for a few years then put them into the show ring. “This way, we’re continuously focusing on the quality of our offspring while keeping up with what characteristics buyers want,” Guy said.

As amateur jumper riders themselves, Guy and Sharon love the fact that the horses bred at Rancho Corazon are capable of reaching the top levels of equestrian sport in an amateur-friendly package. With help from Chenoa, now a Rancho Corazon trainer, both Guy and Sharon have seen their fair share of success in the show ring.  

On occasion, Guy and Sharon compete against each other. “We are very competitive, but are truly the best of friends, supporting each other to always be the best we can possibly be. We make the best team by complementing each other,” Sharon said. 

Guy chuckled in response, “I don’t always enjoy going head to head against Sharon. She’s very competitive when we compete against each other. Enough said.”

HIPICO Santa Fe

In 2015, Guy and Sharon, along with business partners Brian and Phyllis Gonzales, bought HIPICO Santa Fe. “As a family of equestrian innovators and trailblazers, what motivated me to purchase HIPICO was to try and complete the circle,” Guy said, “ — have a place where we could show, network, innovate, market, participate, enjoy the fruits of generations of labor and create a legacy.”

Like Guy, Brian was also born and raised in New Mexico and has a passion for horses and the equestrian community. Prior to purchasing HIPICO, Guy and Brian ran a charity event, Grand Prix de Santa Fe, at the same facility for six years. The first grand prix to be held in New Mexico, this one-week event did a lot for the local equestrian community.

“We decided when the property came up for sale we would buy it and try to take it to the next level. We wanted to put the equestrian industry in New Mexico on the map, show the rest of the world how enchanting New Mexico is and highlight how important horses are to the New Mexico culture,” Guy said. “It’s always kept a low profile, but you can fly fish, jump in a grand prix, watch an ancient Native American rain dance and experience an opera under the stars all in the same day, with a red or green chile enchilada somewhere along the way.” 

In addition to strengthening the horse scene in New Mexico, HIPICO has also provided career opportunities to Chenoa and Clayton. Chenoa runs her training business through Rancho Corazon, but is based at HIPICO. She has developed a great group of dedicated riders and owners supporting her, Rancho Corazon and HIPICO. “It’s a great mix. She’s able to campaign a group of show and sales horses, continue her competitive riding career and achiever her personal goals, all through HIPICO,” Guy said.

Though Clayton doesn’t step in the show ring like the rest of his family, he rides for pleasure and spent time working as an outfitter and guide for Acacia Riding Adventures.  Where he does join the family endeavors is through his work with his business, CM Footing Services, where he installs arenas and footing. “Clayton has used his many years working at HIPICO and other shows learning footing and construction. He’s put that extensive experience and knowledge to work building beautiful arenas via his business,” Guy said.

Lasting Legacy

As amateurs, Guy and Sharon embark on every equestrian endeavor with love for the horse and sport first. “The horse industry is now totally dependent on the amateur, so it’s important for us to be supportive, innovative and do our part to assure it not only survives, but that it thrives,” Guy said. From conception to competition, the McElvains are making their mark in the next generation of horses competing in America and providing riders with a venue to showcase their talents. “Being a family together out there doing what we love is a dream come true,” Guy said.

“I want everyone to know it’s possible to be successful breeding quality horses here in the United States. We can create an industry for our children where we aren’t so dependent on European imports and influence,” Guy said. “If we build the right infrastructure and support, our children can go into the horse industry as professionals and be able to not only financially support themselves, but flourish.”

Although it hasn’t always been easy — there’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears along the way — the duo wouldn’t change one step of their journey. Whether it’s been watching Guy’s parents perfect their passion of breeding or working as a family with Chenoa and Clayton, they’ve cherished every minute spent together pursuing their common passion.  “This year marks our 30-year journey of marriage, with many great adventures in love,” Sharon said. “Rancho Corazon truly is our sanctuary holding our hearts together with love and horses.”

For more information about Rancho Corazon and HIPICO Santa Fe visit ranchocorazon.com and hipicosantafe.com.

Photos by Kristie Nichols, moonfyrephotography.com

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Tagged under: arabians, breeding, dressage, hearts for horses, hipico santa fe

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❗️George Williams column❗️ The FEI World ❗️George Williams column❗️
The FEI World Cup Final in Omaha is coming up quickly. That means that it’s starting to heat 
up as the end of the qualifying period for both the Western European League (WEL) and the 
North American League (NAL) nears. I started to write this column before the Amsterdam CDI- W, and I was using the FEI Ranking List from January 15 as a reference. As I sit down to finish 
my column, I’m now looking at the results from Amsterdam. While the list of the top contenders 
for the WEL hasn’t changed, they’re definitely moving around on the ranking list. The WEL has 
three more legs, as they’re referred to: Neumünster February 16–19, Goteborg February 23–26, 
and ’s-Hertogenbosch March 9–12, and they could change things dramatically.
Looking at the top 12 athletes from the WEL as they were ranked on January 15, there are five 
from Germany, three from the Netherlands and one each from Great Britain, Denmark

➡️Read Georges's full column by clicking the link in our bio, and never miss an article by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine 🦄 

#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
Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
📸 @esi_photography 
#horseshow #horses #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horselove #horsestagram #instagram #showjumping #equestrianlife #equine  #horsebackriding #dressage #horselife #pony #of #horserider #horseshoe #horsemanship #horseshowlife #riding #instahorse #horseaddict #horseofinstagram #sidelinesmagazine
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
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