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
Monday, November 12 2018 / Published in Weekly Feature

Road to the Triple Crown – How American Equus Went from Startup to the Winner’s Circle with Jockey Mike Smith

David Shano, Triple Crown winning jockey Mike Smith and Chloe Shano

By Lenore Rees Phillips

Portraits by Kristin Lee

When David Shano decided to start his company, American Equus, in September 2016, he wasn’t thinking about Thoroughbred racehorses or their jockeys. In fact, other than being interested in racing during the six weeks in the spring when Triple Crown fever grips the United States, he knew very little about horses besides what he learned when he watched his daughter, Chloe, ride.

Chloe Shano competing Jax at Showpark in Del Mar, California, riding in stirrups created by her father.

A designer by trade, David knew about designing, machining and problem solving. When Chloe had repeated troubles keeping her feet in her stirrups, he knew he had found a project that they could work on together, and American Equus was born. In the two years since identifying that problem, American Equus has grown to a worldwide brand and this year the company’s signature stirrups carried jockey Mike Smith to the coveted Triple Crown title aboard Justify.

American Equus was born in Gilbert, Arizona, when David consulted with Chloe about why she had repeatedly lost her stirrups while riding. At 14 years old, Chloe was moving from ponies to horses and learning to jump, and her biggest difficulty was maintaining her balance and keeping weight in her heels. David analyzed Chloe’s every lesson, all while browsing the European stirrups available at the mobile tack stores at Chloe’s horse shows.

“I was looking at these stirrups, and I just knew that I could make something that was better and more effective,” David recalled.

A Solid Solution

David and his team set about to create a product that would both keep Chloe’s foot solidly in the stirrup as well as make sure that her leg stayed in line with her shoulders and hips. After several iterations, Chloe and David decided that they had built the perfect stirrup.

With his design perfected, David saw an opportunity in the stirrup business. With every new stirrup model he produced, he would post a picture to Instagram and Twitter explaining the engineering behind the design. After one fateful tweet, he was contacted by a young jockey apprentice who suggested that David try to make something exclusively for racing.

“I went back and forth with this young man several times, and eventually developed our first Thoroughbred Racing Iron with the traction pins,” David said. “The racing industry lives on Twitter, and every time I would post a photo I would hear from another jockey who wanted to try a pair. Eventually I was connected to Ricardo Santana, Jr., who rode in our irons in the 2016 Belmont Stakes, and after that the business really took off. I was taking calls from jockeys all over the country.”

2018 Triple Crown winners Mike Smith and Justify; Mike rode Justify in American Equus stirrups in all three of the Triple Crown races.

Many design facets make American Equus stirrups unique. All American Equus products are made from solid billet aluminum that is both lightweight and incredibly strong. A patent-pending footbed helps the rider find the stirrup without looking and feel secure. And, the stirrups’ traction pins help the rider’s foot stay grounded to the stirrup while optimizing their natural balance. To top it all off, American Equus products may be made in almost any color imaginable — perfect for jockeys who are always racing in someone else’s colors and rarely have an opportunity to express him or herself.

After a year in business, David was introduced to Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith by Drayden Van Dyke, a young jockey who was poised to become one of the riders to watch at Del Mar Racetrack outside of San Diego, California. Drayden had a locker next to Mike’s, and Mike took one look at Drayden’s American Equus irons and knew he needed a pair.

“I just liked the look of the irons and knew that they looked nothing like anything else available to us on the market,” Mike recalled. “Jockeys are in a unique position where we are doing something incredibly physical with very little gear. Everything has to be as light as possible, so I was really impressed by how light the American Equus irons were and how large the footbeds were.”

On a trip to watch Chloe compete in a horse show in Del Mar, David met Mike in a hotel parking lot and gave him the stirrups they had designed.

“Mike rode in the irons almost immediately and called me with things he thought would make the product better, and that’s how we came up with our Teardrop XL design that he rides in now,” David said.

Each pair of Teardrop XL irons is meticulously crafted out of a solid, lightweight billet aluminum alloy — the same material used to build airplanes — to provide extreme lateral crush strength and help to protect the jockey’s foot and ankle, especially in the gate. The footbed is extra wide and allowed Mike to stand up firmly and ride with greater confidence.

“He rode lots of races in them, including numerous Grade 1 stakes, and that’s when I knew that we had reached a whole new level,” David said.

Mike Smith has become great friends with the Shano family and Mike and Chloe spend hours talking about horses. From left to right, Mike, Chloe and David at Del Mar Racetrack

Good Standing

Inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2003, Mike has been a top jockey in American horse racing since the 1990s. Before 2018, Mike had won all three of the Triple Crown races individually and had more Breeders’ Cup Championship wins to his name than any other jockey in the history of the sport.

In January 2017, Mike stunned the world by winning the Pegasus World Cup on Arrogate, and a few short months later the pair came back to sweep the Dubai World Cup. In May of that same year, he won the Kentucky Oaks on Abel Talesman. In June, another American Equus rider, Jose Ortiz, took home top honors in the 149th Belmont Stakes aboard Tapwrit. For the rest of the summer of 2017, American Equus jockeys continued winning races and, by the time the Breeders’ Cup Classic rolled around, 16 of the world’s most elite jockeys were riding in American Equus irons. Although Mike was the favorite on Arrogate, it was Florent Geroux on Gun Runner who took American Equus to the Breeders’ Cup winner’s circle.

When spring arrived the following year, racing enthusiasts and horse lovers began their annual buzz around the Kentucky Derby, the first step in the Triple Crown. There were rumblings of a young chestnut stallion named Justify who had been unraced as a 2-year-old, but showed such dominance in his single race earlier in the year in California that he would be the favorite for the Kentucky Derby. Bob Baffert, Justify’s trainer, knew he could rely on Mike to give the stallion a smart and strong ride.

On a soaking wet and gray day at Churchill Downs, Justify ran a near-perfect race, besting a field of 23 of the world’s best racehorses to become the first horse in 136 years to win the Derby after not racing as a 2-year-old. The race also made Mike the oldest jockey to win the Derby, at 52 years of age.

David, along with the help of his daughter Chloe, created the American Equus stirrups after watching Chloe having trouble keeping her feet in her stirrups.

“I really depend on my irons in conditions like that,” Mike explained. “I don’t have to worry about losing my stirrups when I get bumped or when it’s wet, which allowed me to focus on giving Justify the best ride I could. That was critical in the Kentucky Derby and proved to be even more critical when we came back in the Preakness.”

The Preakness Stakes, held in Baltimore, Maryland, at Pimlico Race Track, saw another wet, foggy and treacherous track. Based on his showing in the Derby, Mike was confident that the colt could handle the conditions if he gave him room to run. Although the race was more competitive than the Kentucky Derby, with Justify only narrowly beating out Bravazzo and Good Magic, it was still a win that put him one step closer to being the next horse to capture America’s heart by winning the coveted Triple Crown.

“Mike sent me a text right after the Preakness that said, ‘I wouldn’t have been able to ride that race the way I did without my irons,’” David recalled. “In that moment, I felt like we had done something special that was really making a difference. I also knew that we might win the Triple Crown. It really drove home how far we’d come.”

Stepping Into History

The pressure was definitely on at the Belmont Stakes, the last race Justify needed to win before he could claim the Triple Crown and take his place in sports history. Only two years prior to that day, Bob Baffert had trained the great American Pharoah to a Triple Crown win, and he knew just how hard the young horse would have to fight to achieve the same victory.

After breaking smoothly from the gate, Mike guided Justify to the early lead in the longest race of his career, and luckily the pair didn’t have to contend with bad weather as in the previous two races. Justify led the race the entire way with his characteristic fluid strides. In a time of 2:28.18, he immortalized himself and Mike by adding his name to the short list of athletes that have won the Triple Crown and, in doing so, helped American Equus to be part of the most important horse races in the United States.

“I think that I stood in front of the television in shock. Honestly, I was so stunned that I don’t remember,” David laughed. “It was an incredible achievement for a man that my family now called a friend, and I knew as a business owner that it would add so much credibility to our company’s mission. Things would never be the same, and that’s  exactly what’s happened.”

“Winning the Triple Crown was a dream come true, not something I’m sure that I will ever top,” Mike said. “Justify is an incredible animal and it was an incredible opportunity. I am just so grateful that I was along for the ride and that I had so many people like the Shanos supporting me.”

The Shano family met Mike in Del Mar for dinner after his historic win and, although Mike had become one of the most famous athletes in the world, he and Chloe still sat closely together at the end of the table and talked about what they both loved more than anything in the world — riding horses.

“Mike has taught Chloe so much about riding and the art of getting to know a horse. They can talk for hours about riding, training, planning — the list goes on. She’s 16 years old now and turning into an incredible young woman. I’m so amazed that our family’s had this experience together. I think we have the gift of a lifelong friend in Mike, and I’m so grateful for that,” David mused.

Both the Shanos and Mike agree that the next thing to do is try and win another Triple Crown, and to continue being successful in the sport they love, aptly referred to as the “Sport of Kings.” Outside of Thoroughbred racing, American Equus has had the luxury of watching other riders, such as Victoria Colvin and Sharn Wordley, have incredibly successful summers in hunter-jumper rings, and is looking forward to what 2019 has in store.

For more information, visit www.americanequus.com.

Photos by Kristin Lee Photography, www.kristinleephotography.com

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: American Equus, chloe shano, david shano, justify, kristin lee, lenore rees phillips, mike smith, stirrups, triple-crown

What you can read next

Alex Banks: Finding Joy in Chasing Dreams
A Few Minutes with Axel Steiner
A Lions Roar: The Story of Mufasa

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
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!!
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • CHAMPION EQUINE INSURANCE
    Knowledge, Integrity, Service lfetterman@championequineins.com 561-596-5408

    [Read more]

  • EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC
    Equestrian and Country Properties Linda Fish-Brown 603-496-5437 LFB@equinehomes.com www.equinehomes.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

  • 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
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

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!