Untacked

C H R O N O F H O R S E . C O M FA L L 2 014 95 there was much of that this summer, with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France) looming. "I think Adrienne and I both feel the same way in that we want to go as far as we can this year, but if fate has it that the WEG doesn't happen, I don't think we would cry too long because of where we have to go back to," said Debbie. "at's the nice thing about loving where you live." Adrienne describes River Grove as "a Zen-like oasis" where efficiency and beauty are perfectly balanced, thanks to a carefully planned layout in the barn and the arenas' and trails' location in such a stunning natural environment. "It's a magical place," she said. "I really get quite emotional when I make that turn into the driveway," Debbie added. "It's a little piece of heaven. It's comfort, peace, tranquility—everything you want in your life. And even though we know we can only have it for a few months, we cher- ish it." e Queen In Her Castle Since her retirement, Brentina has happily taken to the resort atmosphere of the Sun Valley. She winters in Santa Barbara, but come summer, she's the queen of River Grove. Nights are spent in her beloved stall, followed by a grooming session with her longtime caretaker, Ruben Palomera, then 45 minutes on the walker and four hours out in her paddock. Almost always, there are visitors to greet. "It's a park-like setting, and the doors are always open," said Bob. Adrienne's top mount, Wizard, also owned by the omases, is gaining his own following as well. So is Dillinger, Brentina's first foal (via embryo transfer), by Leatherdale Farm's Damsey. Now 3, Dillinger took his first trip to Florida this past winter to start learning about the show scene. "Big Mama" may have her challengers for attention, but her status is clearly set forth at the River Grove entrance. ere, a modern bronze by the late Stephen Weiss stands guard. A dupli- cate of this Brentina bronze greets guests at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas; as is detailed in the book "e Quiet Kingmaker of Las Vegas," Parry omas played a huge role in that city's devel- opment. One of his many legacies is the omas and Mack Arena, where Brentina and Debbie debuted their famous free- style set to Aretha Franklin's "Respect," and it was also where the mare retired during an unforgettable ceremony at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals. e omases settled in Hailey in the early 1960s. eir fam- ily of five children includes Jane, the now-accomplished amateur equestrian who instigated the remarkable partnership between the omases and the McDonalds when she began training with Bob as a pre-teen in Southern California. Today, Peggy and Parry live in a home right near the barn, and Debbie and Bob live on their own property adjacent to the farm. Coming home to River Grove Farm after a winter circuit anywhere is literally a "breath of fresh air," Bob said with a laugh. "We're at 5,000 feet. It's open and fresh and clear, and the horses know they're home," he said. "It does take us all a few days to acclimate, when we leave and when we come back." But a few days of adjustment seems a small price to pay for the privilege of coming home to this haven, built on the solid foundation of an equestrian friendship that has changed the face of American dressage. Above: The 28-stall main barn had to be "workmanlike" and cope with Idaho's heavy snowfalls and cold temperatures. Below: Peggy and Parry Thomas in their element.

• Cover