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 new pieces from the stable. The row of bridles are 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. Therefore with a team of caretakers, a head Trainer and an Assistant Trainer, an eight hour day should be about right to work and care for all the stock to it's 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. In the coming months many top show horse have been added to the string, but the original horse remainas well.

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. A person with the skill to train and ride an stake horse and discuss his methodology as well. Eventually the trials and tribulationassociated wioth starting up an operation brought the Bruggeworths and the Hutsons together, the rest as they say will be history.

The Trainer's 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 Hutsons will reside in the lovely space for many years to come as Jerry brings his tremendous talents to the field and Cassidy expertly

instructs the Bruggeworth’s two children, Scotty (9) and Winter Blaise (11). Though very successful in Huntseat and Dressage on the local circuit, the dream has been to convert the kids to Saddleseat riders. This was quickly avcieved this year and culminated in a Reserve World's Championship title for Scotty after only two months riding saddleseat. The two Bruggeworth children havebeen 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. But both the kids have moved on to Saddlebreds, Friesians and walking, trotting and cantering in the showring.

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. 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, 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 2010 Show season.