The Bruggeworth home and now the Siren Song Stable is as mesmerizing as the mythical song from whence its name comes. Hauntingly beautiful, one must see it to absorb the mystical aura. The riverfront location of the home is a vision of loveliness. This view is enhanced by the rustle of the waving willow trees that surround the home and the rushing waterfall that flows into the stocked Koi pond that creates an audio backdrop as well. Double verandas encircle the New Orleans riverboat style home and its antebellum style architecture is encompassed by 15 fluted columns that support the decks. The driveway glides past the home and follows a four rail fence that borders the drive and opens up at the end to the gorgeous stable. Stormy grey and white like the home it complements, the stable is crowned by a large cupola wrapped in blue pearl granite like the tower in the front of the home. A kaleidoscope of colors is reflected off of both structures at the sunset of each day. The stable is encircled with the same gothic columns that the home is and has the same stately elegance of the house. Annika Bruggeworth had wanted to design the stable with elaborate lighting fixtures and beautiful textures to give the impression of a “house with horses in it”. She had gotten this idea from a trip her and Friesian Season partner Kim Deola had taken to Europe. In the Netherlands the most prized horses had luxurious stalls built right into the homes.

The arena at Siren Song is adorned with a magnificent chandelier, ceiling fans and skylights and the soaring ceilings are covered with a white material that lasts for years and requires no painting. The main aisle has smaller but still elaborate fixtures that run its entire length with ceiling fans, speakers and heating vents between them. The stalls are custom made like those manufactured in England with beautiful arched fronts and finials atop the stall doors. All the elements in the stalls are automatic, from the waterers to the fly system. There are no beams or rafters visible in the stable. The barn is built with a foundation structure that can withstand 160 mph winds.

The Tack room is lit by a colorful Tiffany style fixture. The beautiful lighting reveals the combination of Greenwell’s extensive collection of bits and equipment intermingled with the new pieces from the stable. It is an interesting display of past and present. The row of bridles adorned with caveson sets that are an original pattern that has never before been ordered from Fennels. The black tack trunks are subtly highlighted with a pretty pink outline that is surprisingly appealing to all who see them. In fact the Tack Room for the Horse Shows is extremely elegant with it combination of black and pink and drew compliments from all who have seen it. The inviting lounge is decorated with yet another chandelier, a wet bar, fireplace, leather couches and bar stools line the viewing window. There are stained glass wall hangings as well as a flat screen television in the lounge as well. All the wood in the stable is stained a subtle grey wash to accentuate the black iron stalls and iron and black décor. Two authentic carousel horses have been mounted on the walls of the entrance. They were a gift from an Atlantic City councilman and came from The Sands Casino.

Siren Song Stable was the culmination of many years of planning and dreaming on the part of Annika Bruggeworth and her husband of 15 years Dr. Scott Bruggeworth. After traveling and working as a photojournalist several years for industry magazines, Annika Bruggeworth had the opportunity to tour many of the country’s show stables. There were many aspects that she admired and some she would do differently. All these observations came to be an inspiration in the planning of Siren Song Stable.

Though a high volume stable is an admirable and necessary way of operating in the field, Annika had the vision of a more exclusive model. If it takes an hour to prepare, work and put up a show horse, why work more than 8 show horses a day? Therefore with a team of caretakers, a head Trainer and an Assistant Trainer, an eight hour day should be about right for 8 to 10 horses to be worked and cared for to optimum. In addition the full complement of consistently administered supplements and carefully monitored diet and exercise, coupled with ideal footing and a variety of work areas she felt like she had achieved perfection. The entire stable and business office are climate controlled with just the right light and air circulation. Music is played throughout the stabling and work areas with volume controls for each zone. The stalls are equipped with state of the art “stall mattresses”. Joint preservation and care and is always her top priority. She likes to call it her “ little science experiment” and sure enough every coat in the barn is gleaming and every horse appears comfortable. Having had horses in training with such great horsewomen as Jan Lukens and Melissa and Melinda Moore, she has always admired their techniques and now with this massive undertaking appreciates their service ten fold. She likes to say “ If I could take back every complaint I ever had about a Trainer I would, it has to be the toughest job on earth, what a way to make a living!”

The stable began operating in late July with the homecoming of several show horses from Jan Lukens, namely Gooitzen fan Teakesyl, Madeira and Bourbon, Sue Me and shortly after, Melinda sent home a two year old filly by Periaptor to Siren Song. She is Arrowhead’s Affairs Of The Heart. With the addition of a few school horses and a two year old Friesian prospect named Valentje, Siren Song was off to a start! The only thing missing was a headliner for the stable in the form of a special new horse.

The search for a Trainer was an interesting mission. The Bruggeworths embarked on the journey with a list of requirements but mostly seeking an individual with a history of Saddle horse accomplishments but with a desire to make new history as well. Discussions with Billy Greenwell began months in advance of hiring him and by the time Louisville rolled around they finally had an agreement in place. The relationship was sealed by Billy Greenwell acting as agent in the purchase of Limebank King of Clubs from DeLovely and Raymond Shively. This charismatic South African horse had caught Annika Bruggeworth’s eye in the Juvenile Gaited Stake with Tyler Miles. Looking more the part of an Open Gaited horse they purchased him for that role. The plan is for Billy to prepare King for Annika to ride next season at some point.

The Greenwell family, with Billy, wife Kelley and 16 year old daughter Katie, has made a lovely home above the majestic Siren Song Stable. Daughter Karen, currently works with Pat McConnell for Margo Baird as an instructor in the Chicago area. The Greenwell home at Siren Song overlooks the manicured, irrigated pastures and large outdoor riding ring with the landscaped center. Beautiful sunrises are visible from their viewing deck each morning. The entrance parlor opens upward to the tower of the cupola and reveals a crystal chandelier overhead as you enter the home.

The history of the Greenwell family is evident on the spacious walls of their foyer and in the rooms of their lovely home as Billy has fashioned a gallery of Saddle horse Achievements on the walls. Billy Greenwell needs little introduction, after all he has judged the World’s Championships three times. Greenwell’s experience with Saddlebreds began at an early age with his father Carol Greenwell being a respected and renowned trainer. He comes from the oldest family in the history of the breed. His great grandfather, Hiram, owned Easter Cloud, winner of the first $10,000 5-Gaited World’s Grand Championship in 1916. His grandfather, Welch, was a very successful trainer and was the owner of Broadacres Farm in Shelbina, MO. He showed many champions including the winner of all three big stakes at Louisville. Welch was also a licensed judge, marking the cards at Louisville a remarkable seven times. His father Carol also enjoyed the winner’s circle at Louisville including taking home the 3-Gaited Championship title in 1988 with Black Irish. He too was a licensed judge and officiated at the World Championship show in 1995.

Billy Greenwell’s list of accomplishments is long and the number of Champions he has trained is endless. Some notables are Imperator, CH Candle Dan, Fatal Charm, Superior Dream ,CH Jane Doe, Designed, Williwaw, Highland Commander, Chat, Radiant Dianna, Range Rover, Radiating and Family Jewels and his broodmare extraordinaire, Goodnight Irene. Teenage daughter Katie, has a photo of Black Irish and her Grandfather above her bed, now that’s a true Saddlebred girl! Katie is trying her hand at lessons and currently instructs the Bruggeworth’s two children, Scotty (8) and Winter Blaise (10). Though very successful in Huntseat and Dressage on the local circuit, the dream is to convert the kids to Saddleseat riders eventually. The two Bruggeworth children are riding and showing an adorable “mini Friesian” which is actually a Fell Pony. They are a rare breed that Annika and Scott Bruggeworth imported from England for the kids. The pony Greenholme’s Veronica won an unbelievable five times out of five classes at the Octoberfest debut of Siren Song in October.

OCTOBERFEST

The Octoberfest Horse Show seems an unlikely debut for Siren Song Stable. To the contrary, the show is actually a great showcase of the Northeast’s grit and always is the toughest Friesian show of the year for the Bruggeworths. Gooitzen fan Teakesyl has been at Siren Song just long enough for Annika to learn to really get with him. In the past the reins would be turned over to Jan Lukens when the going got tough but Jan was no where in sight at this show. When they called the class, 8 gorgeous black horses answered the call. Gooitzen and Annika won both the Qualifier and the Championship handily with their combined technique of diet, exercise, and practice. To add another jewel to the three time World Champion Friesian’s crown, he also won out of 5 the In Hand class at Octoberfest with Billy Greenwell and Eddy Johnson. Gooitzen has won this class 3 years consecutively. The stable’s debut continued with SA Limebank King of Clubs ridden by Billy Greenwell making his first appearance since his purchase at Louisville. Tearing a foot off just days before the show they decided to show the new Gaited horse anyway. King looked through the bridle and exhibited the presence and gameness of a true show horse and won the reserve Championship in both Open competitions. Madeira and Bourbon was the Reserve Champion out of several nice entries in the Saddlebred in Hand and Reserve out of many Park Pleasure Jr. horses. All in all Siren Song brought only four horses to the show and returned home with eight wins and four reserves.

SIREN SONG GRAND OPENING

On Sunday afternoon October 19, Siren Song began what culminated in a nine hour extended party. A cocktail reception serving Moet Chandon and butlered hors devours was enjoyed by a gathering of about 60 persons. The entertainment included a delightful presentation of a musical tribute for Gooitzen fan Teakesyl by Carson Kressley. Followed by a video compilation of Billy Greenwell’s lifetime achievements as created by his daughter Karen for his Birthday. As the first portion of the evening drew to a close, the limousine and cars were loaded and headed to Atlantic City for a respite of gambling and shopping. Morton’s restaurant and Caesars Casino was the location of the dinner in honor of Siren Song Stable. A table and private room was set for 25 guests and a full dinner was served in the Morton’s tradition. Several guests spent the evening in the Bruggeworth’s comfortable home. Other guests stayed at the charming Bed and Breakfast the Sugar Hill Inn nestled on the river and the nearby Abbot House.

By all accounts, the Grand Opening of Siren Song Stable was a tremendous success and a wonderful time was had by all that attended. We wish the Bruggeworth family, the Greenwell family and the crew of Siren Song Stable continued success. It appears they are off to a brilliant beginning. Poised to light up the Northeast show circuit , they plan to be great supporters of the horse shows in the area. There has been much talk about benefits for the shows of the region to be held at the stable over the winter but for now the sights of Siren Song Stable are trained on the Friesian World Championships in St. Louis on November 1st. This will be where the Friesian, Gooitzen fan Teakesyl will defend his titles from previous years. We wish them the best of luck.