Generations of Horsemanship
When asked about Chris’ equestrian heritage, many will point to his father’s World Cup placings and participation in the London Olympic Games of 2012. While his parents’ decorated careers in show jumping undoubtedly fed Chris’ love of horses, his equine-centric™ principles were forged generations ago.
Horse(wo)men are sprinkled throughout Chris’ family tree, from close relatives to ancestors who immigrated to the United States while importing Irish racehorses. It is clear that the human-horse link is genetic and has been lovingly passed down from parents to children for generations. ​
Mark Regan
FIRST LOVE
CAREER
LEGACY
Chris’ great-great-great grandfather on his mother’s side was Mark Regan (b. 1847), “a legend in anybody’s time.”
Unlike that of the the other boys his age, who dreamed of becoming river boat pilots, Mark’s first love was horses and his ambition was to become a Wells Fargo Stagecoach driver. His equine interests were undoubtedly inherited from his father, James Regan... Born in Ireland, the Senior Regan was an importer of thoroughbred horses. (East of the Gabilans)
Mark went on to realize his dream of driving a stagecoach for Wells Fargo. One of Mark’s favorite stories involved his horses. He recounted coming upon the San Benito River on a stormy night. Waves were crashing and his passengers were horrified. Mark was unphased. Smiling with pride, he shouted, “watch my beauties take to the water,” and seamlessly delivered his passengers to the other side. His childlike joy reveals his passion for his craft, while this performance evidences the hard-earned trust and rapport he established with his horses. ​
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After 40+ years at the helm of his coach, Mark became affectionately known as the Mark Twain of San Juan Bautista, sharing colorful stories of his adventures, passengers, and the land. Along the way, Mark had the privilege of driving and gaining the acquaintance of many historical figures, including Susan B Anthony and Charles Crocker, one of the founders of the Central Pacific Railroad.
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Even though he was a people person, he was a horseman first. Horses were the catalyst, inspiring his goals, infusing his life with meaning, and facilitating meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
CEMENTING A LEGACY
Chris carries on the family legacy by sporting Mark’s “lucky” stagecoach pin on Grand Prix days, which was gifted to him by his late Grandmother Ellen. While honoring both his horses and his heritage, Chris looks forward to establishing a legacy of his own.