By Pam Maley and Jackie McFarland
Father’s Day almost always falls during the four weeks of the Blenheim June Series and this year is no different. June 19th is the final day of Week II, and Sidelines asked two California father-daughter pairs for some insights into their bonds as horse show partners.
Augusta Iwasaki is a young rider crossing over from ponies to juniors, and Josephina Nor Lantzman is a professional show jumper who rides for her father’s native Brazil. Both are Southern California girls, both have fathers closely involved with their riding careers, and both will be competing at Blenheim on Father’s’ Day.
Augusta Iwasaki
Augusta, more often called Gussie, was born in Santa Monica, currently lives in Calabasas and is 12 years old. Now an experienced pony rider, she has moved into the Junior Hunters and Big Eq just this year.
Augusta and Small Affair
Photo by McCool Photography
Tell us about your first memory of being on a horse.
My earliest memory was riding the most wonderful pony at Elvenstar named Harry Potter.
At what age was your first horse show?
I did leadline at the Menlo Charity Horse Show when I was a year old.
What role did your dad play in these early memories?
My dad was always so much fun, whether he was walking around with me on his shoulders or helping me with my jumping.
What’s the most important thing your dad has shared with you about horses?
He taught me always to put the animal first, because if you do that, everything else will fall into place.
What’s the best memory that you and your dad share?
My dad and I both loved my pony Grand All Over, and he was as excited as I was when we were Champion at Devon.
Chris Iwasaki
Entering the horse world through working with Scott Wilson Stables over a decade ago, Chris has learned horse care from the ground up. Caring, thoughtful and thorough, he’s not only a strong support for Gussie, but a key partner in Makoto Farms. He and his wife, Liz, have owned a string of successful horses and ponies, plus run a training business with a focus on hunters and equitation.
Chris and Augusta Iwasaki
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
When did you realize that your daughter had a special talent with horses?
I first realized she had talent when she was 5 years old and riding Joe Norick’s pony Just A Dream; she had an amazing sense of timing and balance.
Do you remember her first win?
I don’t remember her first win, but I remember when she got her first high score. She’d just started the Small Ponies. It was so unbelievable — all we could say was, ‘Wow!’
What are your shared goals going forward?
My goals for her are to continue to excel in school, and work hard at everything she does. She makes her own goals, as she should, and I’m here to support them.
Josephina Nor Lantzman
Josephina, known to most as Phina, was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents lived there in the 1980s and had a racehorse business at Turf Paradise. She moved to Los Angeles as a toddler and currently lives in Del Mar. A champion in each discipline as a child, Phina found her love for big jumps and speed as a teenager and excels in the jumper ring.
Josephina and Chello
Photo courtesy of the Nor Family
Tell us your first memory of being on a horse.
I have a lot of first memories on a horse. The very first was probably on the backside of Hollywood Park in a stall. I wasn’t even 5 years old, but I wanted to ride so much, my dad put me on the exercise pony — just in the stall. I then walked around the barn.
At what age was your first horse show?
My first show was at the Indio Desert Circuit (HITS) in 1991. I was 6 years old, and showing short stirrup with my pony Bloomers. I couldn’t have been more nervous — I wanted to win even then! The first successful horse show was the Santa Barbara National. That was fun.
What’s the most important thing your dad has shared with you about horses?
To read each horse individually. You can’t train a horse by the book; they’re each unique animals with their own needs and qualities. It’s important to connect with each of them.
What’s the best horse show memory that you and your dad share?
We have so many memories, but winning the Grand Prix on Father’s’ Day in 2014 at the Oaks (Blenheim June Classic) was a nice treat and a gift for my dad.
Fabio Nor
With a strong history in the racehorse industry, Fabio rode jumpers in his native country of Brazil when he was young. The best coach a daughter could have, he’s an important part of the team. Together, Phina and Fabio bring out the best in a horse, from impeccable care to custom training programs.
Fabio and Josephina Nor Photo courtesy of the Nor Family
When did you realize that your daughter had a special talent with horses?
When she was a 2-year-old. She loved everything about them.
Do you work together daily, or mostly at the shows?
We work together seven days a week.
Do you remember her first win?
Yes — I remember her first win was at Santa Barbara with Bloomers.
What are your shared goals going forward?
Our shared goals are to give the best opportunities to the horse and rider to perform to their best and highest potential.
