by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
Diana Firestone, as well known in the horse show world as she was in the racing world, died in Florida Feb. 12 at the age of 91.
Mrs. Firestone and her late husband, Bert, had a racing stable that included 1980 Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk. She is the mother of show jumper Alison Robitaille, who has ridden for the U.S. team many times.
Diana Firestone.
Born in New Brunswick, N.J., she was the granddaughter of Robert Wood Johnson, the founder of Johnson & Johnson. Mrs. Firestone was the daughter of John Seward Johnson, an executive with Johnson & Johnson, and Ruth Dill Johnson. After learning to ride in England, Mrs. Firestone competed in shows and fox hunted in Virginia.
“She was an amazing mother and an amazing horse woman,” said Alison Robitaille.
“Pretty much every animal loved her. Whether it was dogs, horses, whatever; when it came to animals, she was like a magnet. She gave to me my love of horses and introduced me to them at an early age, which I am very grateful for.”
Mrs. Firestone received the Walter B. Devereux Trophy from the American Horse Show Association (the predecessor of the U.S. Equestrian Federation), for having exemplified good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service.
In addition to Allison, Mrs. Firestone is survived by her other children; Lorna Stokes, Christopher Stokes, Cricket MacDonald and three stepsons; Matthew Firestone, who was an eventer; Ted Firestone and Greg Firestone. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPSC) and English Riding Supply have recalled about 55,000 Ovation Protégé helmets for failure to meet the impact requirements of ASTM F1163-15. These helmets pose a risk of injury to someone who falls while wearing the helmet.
This recall involves Ovation Protégé model equestrian helmets manufactured from December 2020 through December 2022 and sold in multiple colors and finishes. The Ovation Protégé is an equestrian helmet that is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard. An SEI certification label, which includes the model name and date of manufacture, is located inside the helmets. “OV” is printed on the front of the helmets.
Riders should immediately stop using these helmets and return them to the retailer they were purchased from or to any Ovation authorized dealer for a free replacement Ovation Deluxe Schooler helmet or contact English Riding Supply for a $60 refund.
The replacement helmet or refund will be provided upon return of the recalled helmet or proof of destruction of the recalled helmet. It is not required to return the helmet itself to English Riding Supply.
To destroy recalled helmets, cut off the harness straps. Email a photo of the cut harness and a photo of the interior manufacturing label, clearly showing the manufacturing date and serial number, to helmets@englishridingsupply.com. The manufacturing label is located on the interior foam liner underneath the comfort liner, so you will need to remove the comfort liner to access the manufacturing label.
To learn how to destroy your helmet and receive a refund, or learn more about the recall, visit https://www.ovationriding.com/ProtegeRecall/
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
Last year’s inaugural Dressage at Devon Masterclass with Sabine Schut-Kery will have an encore this fall with the world’s number two-ranked rider, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark.
The session on Thursday evening Sept. 28 will include an assortment of riders with horses at various stages of training. Early bird pricing is available now, along with tickets for the rest o the show. Click this link to buy.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
After a two-year absence, John Ammerman is returning to HITS Vermont to manage the eight-week summer horse show with co-manager Joe Dotoli.
John produced the Vermont Summer Festival for more than 30 years before HITS took over that role in 2021. The 2023 Vermont Summer Festival will feature an extended eight-week schedule with six USEF National-rated competitions from July 5-Aug. 13. There also will be two Channel II weeks June 23 – July 2, as well as Equitation Tuesdays throughout the circuit to help riders qualify for national finals.
HITS Director of Horse Show Operations Rian Beals with Vermont series co-managers Joe Dotoli and John Ammerman. (Photo courtesy of HITS)
“No one knows the Vermont Summer Festival better than John, and we are excited to welcome him back to manage this venue,” noted HITS CEO Peter Englehart.
“This event has a special place in all of our exhibitors’ hearts, and we want to continue delivering top sport with the boutique feeling everyone has come to love at HITS Vermont.”
As John noted, “I am excited to work with the new management at HITS, as well as my good friend and co-manager, Joe Dotoli. I love the Vermont Summer Festival and believe in delivering an amazing event for all our customers. This incredible venue offers so many wonderful and unique opportunities, and I am thrilled to be a part of it again.”
HITS Vermont will continue to offer an all-inclusive horse show just outside Manchester, Vermont. The show offers every level, from the Short Stirrup Classic to the $40,000 weekly Grand Prix. Plans include an enhanced VIP experience and weekly exhibitor parties.
Information about the 2023 Vermont Summer Festival is available at www.HITSShows.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Trophies and ribbons are nice, but the World Equestrian Center’s Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford offers a whole lot more–an SUV for the winner and $40,000 for the winning trainer.
That new Ford Explorer XLT is being driven by Kate Egan of Glen Gardner, N.J., after she topped a field of 100 in the Ocala competition. Her trainer, Emil Spadone, who worked with Luke Olsen, Ashley DiBongrazio Pankow and Cassandra Kahle, also received $40,000 of the $100,000 purse that was split among the trainers of other leading finishers over the Bobby Murphy-designed courses.
Kate Egan and Ypaja Kashmir. (Andrew Ryback photo)
The final test involved Kate, Carlee McCutcheon, Jordan Gibbs and Ellie Aronson putting in one more round.
“When I walked the second round, the technicality increased a good bit from the first, but I didn’t let it get to my head,” said Kate, who was tenth in the 2022 ASPCA Maclay finals .
“I knew I was able to do it. I made a set plan and came up with alternatives in case something happened. I don’t remember much of the round now, but I do remember feeling incredible. I think that was the best I’ve ever competed,” continued Kate, who rode Redfield Farm’s Ypaja Kashmir.
“The work-off was very hard, and I was with three other amazing riders,” added Kate, who will be attending Texas A&M later this year.
“I wanted to take everything into consideration before I made my plan. I watched the other girls go, and knew I had to produce a good round to stay on top.”
Emil, whose Redfield Farm is based in Tewksbury, N.J., observed about the newest equitation championship, “I think all of the riders did an incredible job. I really feel like this class has developed into an important championship like the [Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final] and Maclay Finals. It is a class that we all look forward to, and to have such a prize for the kids and the trainers – it’s incredibly generous.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Everyone on the show jumping circuit knows Karen Golding. She was a longtime groom for Olympian Michael Matz and the caretaker of the great Jet Run, with a reputation so outstanding that she became the only groom in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Karen went on to work as an Olympic stable manager and then an FEI steward.
Karen Golding always was upbeat before her current situation. (Photo © 2013 by Nancy Jaffer)
But several decades ago, she fell and broke her ankle, which started a series of health problems that have spiraled and gotten much worse. Even though her issues included diabetes and heart concerns, she was able to control them and continue working.
Then three years ago, she broke her other ankle in a car accident. Despite that, she was still able to get around in her wheelchair and work. However, things got out of control last March. Then, after being hospitalized in the autumn when she fell out of her wheelchair, she eventually wound up in a rehab facility where she didn’t get the kind of care she needed.
“It’s just been a horrible, horrible situation for her for the last 10 months. She’s devoted her entire life to this industry, and I think we need to take care of her,” said Jimmy Herring, who is working with another friend of Karen’s, Maureen Pethick, in putting together a GoFundMe page and helping organize private donations to cover the enormous expenses of Karen’s care. The goal is to raise $120,000, which would cover her costs for a year.
“She’s done so much for so many over the years, and she needs us right now; she needs her equestrian family, she needs help,” said Maureen, who was the U.S. Equestrian Team’s director of dressage in the days when she worked closely with Karen.
Karen Golding with Olympic double gold medalist Joe Fargis when they were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. (Photo © 2007 by Nancy Jaffer)
After Jimmy went to Florida last summer to see Karen, he realized her condition wasn’t improving and was, in fact, getting worse, as she was suffering from bedsores. It got to the point where doctors had to amputate her right leg below the knee. Meanwhile, attorney Krysia Nelson, a friend of Karen’s also came into the picture to try and get things straightened out.
Krysia, who used to ride with Michael Matz, holds Karen’s power of attorney. She brought in Dr. Michele Hollis, a concierge physician who also is a rider. The doctor said Karen should leave the rehab facility and be treated at her Wellington, Fla., home. Michele advised she could find the right people to work for Karen there, which would help improve her patient’s health.
Karen, 72, who can’t get out of bed, needs wound care daily from Allstate Health Care, but also additional assistance, including two men who come every night to turn her in bed so she doesn’t get bedsores. They perform other care as well. Her housemate, Tracey Edge, also helps out in the evenings.
“When they say it takes a village; I’ve got a mini-city,” Karen said with a chuckle.
“I feel so lucky with the people that I have.”
The new regimen is working. Last week, she had a milestone when she was able to sit up on the side of her bed during her physical therapy session. Even though it was painful, she was determined to do it.
“I feel like I really, really achieved something,” she commented.
Karen works with weights on her arms to try improving her strength. She also is looking forward to getting a prosthesis for what previously was her “good” leg.
However, she has exhausted the long-term care she can receive under Medicare, and was spending so much money to get the assistance she needs at home that it rapidly emptied her savings accounts.
Karen has gotten help from the Matz family and other private donors, including USET Foundation Treasurer Philip Richter and jumper rider Teri Kessler, as well as the Equestrian AID Foundation, which gave her a grant (it is only permitted to assist with living expenses, not care).
Missy Shelley-Mello, who takes care of Karen’s German shepherd, Elton John, also helps by sitting in and helping sort things out when doctors are explaining various medical options and treatments.
“She’s up against so much,” said Missy, but she believes if Karen gets the prosthetic and can get back in the golf cart, she can resume the life she loves.
“There are quite a few people who have stepped up,” said Karen, expressing how grateful she is.
“We’re trying to raise as much as we can, so hopefully, with this better care, she can learn to get around in a wheelchair again,” said Jimmy.
“I know she wants to work again, I know she’s going to try, but one step at a time.”
Karen Golding (second from left, front row) at the 2022 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Dinner.
At the very least, the hope is that Karen can get well enough to live in her house with only a companion, rather than nurses and the rest of the current entourage.
Karen would like to go back to stewarding so she can interact with the riders, but most of all, she longs to be more indpendent.
As she explained, “I don’t like relying on people to do things for me.”
To help support Karen’s care using a check, make it out to Karen Golding and send it care of the lawyer who has her power of attorney–Krysia Nelson, P.O. Box 66, Keswick, Va. 22947. To contribute to Karen’s care using GoFundMe, here is the link
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Mclain Ward, who has had so many spectacular grand prix victories at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., delivered yet another Saturday night triumph with Callas, as fractions of a second separated the top three.
McLain Ward and Callas. (Photo by Sportfot)
He has a way with mares, and this 15-year-old Holsteiner by Casall secured his edge over Ireland’s Darragh Kenny in the nine-horse jump-off of the $497,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix, finishing in 44.03 seconds to 45.09 for the runner-up on the Selle Francais stallion Volnay du Boisdeville.
Another American who has a penchant for speed finished third; Kent Farrington, was clocked in 45.14 seconds with Landon, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding who is an up-and-coming prospect.
McLain has been aboard Callas for about a year after taking over from Annabel Revers on the mare owned by the Beechwood Stables.
“The jump-off was built for us,” said McLain, who gets along particularly well with mares.
“She cuts a little left and so one, two, I could take a straight line. I needed the Hermès to show up well off that rollback. As you saw with everybody, you had to make a sharp turn and it was a bit awkward, but I got away with that one. She performed brilliant.”
Five nations were represented in the nine-horse jump-off culled from a starting field of 40 over the course designed by Frank Rothenberger.
Darragh summed up what it was like to ride in front of a packed house at the Wellington International showgrounds, saying, “The atmosphere was unbelievable tonight and it’s hard getting a crowd like that, but this one was amazing.”
The buzz didn’t deter Landon, enough though it was his introduction to competing under the lights in the International arena.
Patient as always in developing a special horse, Kent has taken his time with Landon.
“I’ve brought him up slow. He’s an incredible jumper. His rideability was a bit difficult; that set some speed limits on me still for the jump-off, but he’s learning to go a bit quicker,” he said of the horse who topped a CSI3* grand prix on the derby field three weeks ago.
“It was a tremendous performance for him, and this was his first night class here in the big ring. I thought he jumped incredible, so I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Tribute was paid to the dynamic Gazelle by a big Saturday night crowd on Feb. 11 at the Winter Equestrian Festival, as the 17-year-old mare headed for retirement after a stellar show jumping career with rider Kent Farrington.
Kent Farrington and Gazelle. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Her owner, Robin Cleary Parsky, said, “After 10 years of extraordinary accomplishments at the most prestigious show jumping events in the world, it was a difficult decision for Kent and me to have Gazelle leave her sporting career, but I am delighted to report that she is in terrific condition and she will be heading for a well-deserved life of green pastures and sunshine.
“Kent and I had a great experience here in 2017 when Gazelle won the Fidelity [Investments®] Grand Prix, so we decided that we would let her retire at the top of her game here. To be able to have her fans thank her and know how much we appreciate her, that is what we wanted. Thank you to all of Wellington and everyone here at WEF for helping us do this wonderful tribute to an incredible horse.”
Throughout the mare’s international career, Gazelle grossed over $4 million in prize money and represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games with Farrington in the irons. Gazelle was also honored with the International Horse of the Year title by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2020.
“I’m obviously very proud of her results,” said Farrington. “Thank you to Robin and my team and all the people who have been a part of her journey. She made me a better rider and a better horseman, and for that I’m probably the most grateful.”
One of this century’s most outstanding horses in the discipline, Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof X Indoctro) won her last competition in September at Spruce Meadows. She earned more than $4 million in prize money, winning nearly all of the top 5* Grand Prix in the world including Rolex CSIO Aachen, Rolex CSI Geneva, GCT Madrid, Queen Elizabeth II Cup Spruce Meadows (twice), American Gold Cup (twice), Fidelity Investments CSI Wellington, Rolex CSI Tryon, Jumping International Valence (twice), Hubside St Tropez, Kentucky National WC and many other jumping events.
Robin Parsky, Kent Farrington and groom Denise Moriarity at Gazelle’s retirement ceremony during the Winter Equestrian Festival. (Sportfot photo)
Kent and I once had talked about Gazelle’s character and how he brought her along. Kent worked with Gazelle from the time that she was seven. As he noted, “A horse that is that careful just takes time. They need a lot of experience in the ring so they understand the job, understand how to jump the combinations and really know what’s expected of them. Horses like that have to have a lot of trust in the rider. That’s only built through time and experience.”
Kent knew what he was looking for when he selected her.
“She was very, very careful. In today’s sport, for professional riding, someone that’s accurate, that’s what you want–a horse that’s extremely careful. It takes a little extra time to produce them, but I think in the end you get a special horse.”
Watching Gazelle compete, you might be surprised to learn about Gazelle’s barn persona. As Kent explained it, “She’s really sweet in the stable, she’s very quiet; a little opposite of how she is in the competition arena. She’s a good pet; like a puppy, really friendly.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 7, 2023
Even as the decades sped by, the dedicated alumni of Junior Essex Troop never forgot lessons learned or friends made in the cadet auxiliary of the Essex Troop, 102d Cavalry, New Jersey National Guard. As youngsters on a 13-acre farm in West Orange, they experienced military discipline and the virtues of hard work; grooming horses, cleaning stalls and doing other chores that kept the place running.
They were trained in equitation, marching and marksmanship, sharing a brotherhood that became a lifelong bond. Troopers were easy to spot as they rode in competition, proudly wearing their regulation green uniforms. The JET drill team was famous for its star turn of having each rider, lance in hand, jump his horse safely through a ring of fire.
Troop alumni salute as their show ended its run at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Although the farm was sold in 1983 and the youth program ceased operations in 1987 amid changing times, those who had been part of JET stayed close. The Troop’s Garden State Horse Show continued to be staged by alumni, doing everything from announcing to serving as jump crew. The show also did double duty as an annual reunion for the men.
The Junior Essex Troop’s insignia was a regular feature at its horse shows. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
It was held at various locations, from Chubb Park in Chester to the Sussex Country Fairgrounds in Augusta and finally, in 2019, at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone.
But with no active organization for young people to bring troopers up through the ranks, the task of putting on a large show became too much for the aging former troopers, so their spring dates went to The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury.
The JET alums then were left with $140,000 and the question of what to do with the money as they undertook the process of formally dissolving their corporation.
“There was no sense in keeping it going,” explained Rodney Seelig, president of the 11-member JET board. At the same time, it was important to distribute the funds to organizations with the same values the troopers had learned.
“We got so much out of Troop,” he pointed out.
“It meant so much to all of us,” agreed another board member, John Walker, who is pleased that distribution of the funding was well thought-out.
After much due diligence, the board decided on donations to four organizations. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association, the USA’s largest youth equestrian organization with a reach across the country in 44 states, also will be receiving JET trophies for national championships in addition to funding.
The 14,550-member IEA offers programs for riders in grades 4-8 and 9-12, with the idea of promoting lifelong involvement in equestrian sports while developing an appreciation and understanding of them through competition and educational opportunities.
“IEA is quite like Troop in its mission,” said Tim Cleary, an officer of Troop who became its horsemanship instructor and is an associate professor of equine studies at Centenary University.
“The Junior Essex Troop, and riding organizations like it, were the foundations of the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association) and the IEA. We, as kids, experienced the format they are doing now.”
There is something for every level in IEA and even a variety of disciplines—it offers western and dressage competitions as well as hunt seat, and has a pilot program for adults.
It creates a lot of memories. John noted that the first horse show ribbon ever won by his son, Jack, now 27, was at an IEA show as he was inspired to go on with his riding and is training today to be a veterinary technician.
“I am so happy to have the Junior Essex Troop name live on in an organization that is so much like it,” Tim commented .
“The objective is/was to introduce those drawn to horses in a way that is affordable.”
The other beneficiaries of JET’s generosity are Project Forces for Horses in Long Valley, which helps veterans; Work to Ride in Philadelphia, introducing horses to children in an urban setting and Mylestone Equine Rescue in Phillipsburg, N.J. It is run by SusanKelly Thompson, a granddaughter of Solon Maxfield Palmer, a cavalry veteran who was a commandant of JET, incorporated in 1943.
IEA had a natural link with JET. Roxane Durant, IEA’s executive director and one of its founders, worked at JET shows in the early 2000s when her former husband, the late Mike Rheinheimer, was managing them.
“I did the ingate and whatever needed doing,” she said.
“I feel like I met the Junior Essex Troop and a least a piece of their history,” Roxane observed.
“In there somewhere, it planted some seeds for creating a similar program that also connects kids using horses,” she suggested.
JET team at the 1959 Junior Olympics at the Thomas School on Long Island: Ronnie Scornavacca, Pat Devlin, Pete Andre, Denis Glaccum.
Roxane views the Troop’s donation as “an incredible endorsement for us,” noting the two organizations talked for more than a year before the decision was made.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to carry on their legacy,” she said.
Kathy Dando, IEA’s resource development director, notes the organization offers many benefits.
While it helps increase revenue for lesson barns—which are vital but often have a tough time surviving, at the same time “it is really promoting good access to grassroots education for the sport,” she pointed out. In addition, it provides second careers for equine athletes and
“good safe instruction and positive promotion for getting our kids access to benefits of the sport and learning well.”
Stories about JET remind Roxane of how she grew up, going to a local barn and putting on horse shows, in a youth community centered around horses.
“Those were the dreams I always wanted to keep alive for other kids,” she mused.
She expects the JET funds will go toward IEA’s Benevolent Program, which supports both students and coaches in financial need. IEA helps between 20 and 40 riders a year with financial support.
It’s a win not only for IEA, but also for equestrian sport.
Roxane notes kids who might not otherwise be able to ride will get the boost they need from IEA.
“Those are the kind of kids that will step into this industry because they fought hard to be in it. That’s hugely significant and their (JET’s) funding will be a key to us being able to continue that program.”
Those interested in learning more about IEA can contact membership coordinator Jennifer Eaton at jenn@rideiea.org, or go to the website at rideiea.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 6, 2023
| Equestrian Land Conservation Resource is offering a program on equestrian trails at 10 a.m. EDT Wednesday Feb. 8. Among the panelits is ELCR Executive Director Holley Groshek, on why public equestrian trails are important to outdoor recreation, considerations for building and maintaining trails, safety measures when sharing the trail, working with equestrian groups in your area and more.
The audience for this presentation could include outdoor planning professionals, city managers, tourism and parks/recreation departments, as well as anyone in the general public interested in preserving outdoor access.
To register, click on this link |
