by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 5, 2024
A celebration of life is planned Jan. 22 for Alan Chesler, the owner of Sher-Al Farm, who was respected in the equestrian community. The gathering will be held from 2-5 p.m. at Wellington National Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest Drive.
Alan, 82, a native of Canada who spent winters in Wellington, died January 2 after an illness. His daughter, Frankie, remembered him as “such a great equestrian, he taught me everything and I loved every minute of it. I can’t believe I’m going to be riding again and not have him in the ring with me. It will not feel right, but I will be riding for him and thinking of him each and every time. I remember he always told me, “Just humor me.”
It got me so very far in riding and in life and I always trusted him and will continue to trust what he taught me so well. He was such an amazing teacher. He taught me to drive a car, stick shift, a horse trailer, a bus, how to back up a trailer and so much more. He taught me numbers, gosh he loved numbers.
“He was a human calculator. We used to drive from show to show playing math games, geography games and listening to the best oldies music. I sure miss those days. Time always passes way too fast when you’re having fun, and I can’t think of any time spent with my dad that wasn’t fun.”
Martha Hall recalled him this way: “Alan was a real winner! Those of us who knew him and were lucky enough to show with him were better off because he was all that and always so kind.”
In addition to Frankie, he is survived by his wife, Sherry, and daughters Mikala van Arnhem and Robin Chesler, as well as a son, Andrew Chesler, and four grandchildren.
Those who would like to remember Alan Chesler with a donation may do so by contributing to the charity of their choice.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 4, 2024
Christine Traurig, the heroine of the 2000 Olympics whose crucial dressage performance secured team bronze for the U.S., will be assisting others as they try for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She has been named by the U.S. Equestrian Federation to serve as the dressage team’s chef d’equipe for those Games, and also is taking the title of the USA’s dressage development coach in an update to the coaching structure. Her work in Paris is cut out for her, as the U.S. does not have a dressage rider among the current listing of the world’s top 50. However, it’s early days yet and a number of opportunities for rising up the ranks exist this winter and spring in Wellington and Ocala, Fla.
While a U.S. dressage medal in Paris is unlikely, the big goal is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, because it is a home Games, which means it’s most important that the country puts on a good performance at home. So what’s starting now is the building process for 2028.
“I am excited to be stepping into the Development Coach role for the program,” said Christine.
Christine Traurig. (Photo © 2012 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Our sights are set on the future and how we can continue to strengthen our development pipeline of talented horses and riders. It’s also an honor to be appointed as chef d’equipe for this summer, and a full circle moment for me in my career, as I hope to share my knowledge and past Olympic experience as an athlete and coach as guidance and support to our high-performance combinations on the road to Paris this summer.”
Christine, who has been part of the coaching program for nearly a decade, is taking over from development coach Charlotte Bredahl, who steps down April 1. With her appointment as chef, Christine will focus on supporting and working with athletes and their personal coaches who are aiming for Paris, as well as with USEF Managing Director of Dressage Laura Roberts.
U.S. Dressage Federation President George Williams will remain in his position as the high performance and pathway development advisor and youth coach. He assists with strategy development and working with athletes to identify opportunities, including enhancing the access to education and coaching through more clinics and competition opportunities.
Hallye Griffin, director of FEI Sport for USEF, said, “Christine is the right fit to support and will add invaluable expertise to the U.S. Dressage Team looking towards this summer’s Olympic Games. Additionally, Christine will be taking a more active role in the development program as we increase focus to our home Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
The USEF Dressage Coaches Support Network will be expanded and help provide greater support across the U.S. dressage program, in coordination with Christine and George.
A native of Germany who grew up on her family’s small breeding farm, after training in her discipline Christine went on to work at the Hanoverian Elite Sales. Christine came to this country more than four decades ago. She earned a training grant to ride with coach Jo Hinnemann in Germany, the start of a long-term student/mentor relationship.
She was previously married to show jumper Bernie Traurig and is the mother of two. The Californian became the USEF’s Young Horse Coach in 2015.
As a part of the feedback and discussion, and following the 2024 Olympics, the USEF will continue to strengthen coaching support through the Los Angeles 2028 Games with the appointment of additional coaches and educational opportunities to support across the programs.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 31, 2023
Helgstrand Dressage, the stable whose training practices came out in the open via a scathing Danish undercover TV documentary in November, is calling 2023 a year that has “been challenging, evolving and educational.”
In a new year’s statement, the company noted, “2023 has opened an important debate on horse welfare in sport.”
It added that with the airing of the documentary, “it became clear that we have mistakes to correct and can continue developing our animal welfare.”
The documentary revealed the use of whips and spurs that left marks, which workers tried to cover up. The scandal led to the Danish equestrian federation’s decision to ban Helgstrand CEO Andreas Helgstrand from its teams, at least until January 1, 2025, which means no Olympics for him.
Among improvements in the wake of the documentary, Helgstrand stated it is upgrading continuing education and has put a new camera setup in its arenas.
“It’s all in our efforts to achieve the highest level of welfare for our horses and best framework for our staff,” the statement maintained.
“We have appreciated the debate that has come up afterwards — both in the general public, but in particular, in the industry. We believe that there is a lot we can learn from each other, and therefore we would like to continue the conversation and together become wiser about how to lift the task.” (They may mean “elevate the task”; this is a translation from Danish.)
A lot of the ways in which the company can improve simply involves basic horsemanship, respect for animals and common sense. Hopefully, what happened to the Helgstrand organization provides a lesson for other training facilities that need to learn one.
Helgstrand Dressage is owned by Global Equestrian Group, which also owns the Wellington International showgrounds, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, in Florida. Plans for its expansion are tied to a hot issue about development in the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” That situation remains to be resolved in 2024.
Eurodressage.com has a story about the finances of both Helgstrand and GEG. Here is a
link to that piece.
For a review of 2023, go to the second featured item on this website, or click on this
link.
Those seeking more detail can read past coverage by clicking the “previous columns” icon at the top of this website (
www.nancyjaffer.com) or by going to the search function on the site. This website covered dozens of hours of proceedings on the development issue, beginning in June.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 30, 2023
The lull before the new year offers an opportunity to reflect on special memories of the people and horses we lost in 2023. Let’s recall their accomplishments and raise a toast to them as we head into 2024.
The first person who comes to my mind in that regard is Jimmy Wofford, the eventing Olympic medalist who eventually became more well-known for other achievements.
Jimmy Wofford loved his Labrador retrievers and the opportunity to go fishing. (Photo by Jim Wolf)
He took on an important role in governing horse sport (he was the president of the old American Horse Shows Association), coached a contingent of successful riders, was a brilliant speaker and went on to offer incisive views on things equestrian through his published work. An outdoorsman who became a celebrated author, he was intellectual without being pedantic, and had a wicked sense of humor.
Jimmy died in February after a long illness, something he fought with his trademark determination and bravery.
More medalists left us early in the year. They included Jimmy’s friend and 1972 Munich Olympics eventing silver medal teammate, Kevin Freeman; dressage rider Carol Lavell, most identified with the giant blaze-faced Gifted, the mount she rode to the team bronze at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, and Champ Hough, eventing team bronze medalist in the 1952 Helsinki Games, the first Olympics in which civilian equestrians represented the U.S.
From the hunter/jumper world, the losses included Marco Fuste, the FEI’s charismatic jumping director; enthusiastic jumper owner Mike Polaski; hunter trainer/rider Larry Glefke and Karen Golding, who was in a category of her own as an international jumper groom and eagle-eyed steward. Others we will miss include George Spellman, who did everything and was a friend and supporter of everyone at the Devon showgrounds in Pennsylvania, where the late trainer Susan Sisco so often excelled in side-saddle competition.
Karen Golding with Olympic gold medalist Joe Fargis on their induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. ((Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Also among those to whom we said goodbye were jumper owner Diana Firestone, mother of rider Allison Firestone; Ralph “Larry” Roberts, founder of the World Equestrian Centers; USEF judge Phil DeVita Sr. a pioneer of the sport and winner of the USHJA’s Lifetime Achievement Award; the outspoken Tiffany Teeter, an artist and knowledgeable horsewoman who was a supporter of the Amwell Valley Hounds.
This group also includes hunter legend Peggy Augustus, perhaps best known for her great champion Waiting Home; the 2005 Virginia Horseperson of the year, Meredith McLaughlin, who was involved in governance and had “a keen eye” for a nice equine prospect and Ellie Wood Keith Baxter, winner of the 1936 ASPCA Maclay Finals, who continued riding at age 100 and lived until she was 101. Kavar Kerr, “who lived a life of doing for others” came up with the idea of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation and was a noted horse owner as well as a rider, in addition to being a pillar of the Blowing Rock (N.C.) Horse Show.
Ellie Wood Baxter.
In dressage, those who departed included Elizabeth Madlener, a special trainer, judge and rider, who helped contribute to the popularity of the freestyle; Peggy Thomas, the owner of Debbie McDonald’s Olympic star, Brentina and Ellen DiBella, who focused on western dressage and Morgans. For information about dressage breeder Barbara Hay, see the current obituary in On the Rail section of this website.
Peggy Thomas, center, at the retirement of Brentina with Debbie and Bob McDonald; her daughter, Jane, and husbnd Parry Thomas. (Photo © 2009 by Nancy Jaffer)
In New Jersey, Buddy King, a friend to all and an all-around horseman and Ann David, owner of Hoopstick Farm (the first home of the Essex Horse Trials), have said farewell.
Others who are deserving of special mention include U.S Equestrian Team veterinarian Dr. Stephen Soule; Jeff Petska, chef d’equipe of the medal-winning U.S. reining team; Lars Sederholm, who played a key role in training U.S. eventing individual gold medalist David O’Connor; and JoAnne Postel, who founded the Foxfield program (known for its bareback and bridleless drill team) with her sister, Nancy.
Among those who sadly died in riding accidents, doing what they loved, were veterinarian Dr. Meg (Muggy) Mullin, jumper rider Hannah Serfass #rideforhannah, amateur show jumper Wayne Barr Jr. and eventer Jessie Aikman.
Wayne Barr Jr.
The horses we lost included Shutterfly, 30, ridden to three FEI World Cup show jumping finals titles by Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum; Primmore’s Pride, 30, who clinched first Rolex Grand Slam eventing title for Pippa Funnell; the Best Horse title winner at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Cortes C, 21, Beezie Madden’s Olympic and world championships show jumping medal ride, famous for jumping with his front legs crossed.
Beezie Madden and Cortes C at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France, where won the title of Best Horse. (Photo © 2014 by Nancy Jaffer)
Others are eventing star Mr. Medicott, competed by five people, including Phillip Dutton and Karen O’Connor and Solaguayre California, the mount of eventer Tamie Smith, who had to be euthanized after fracturing a knee in an accident at the Luhmühlen, Germany 5-star event.
It’s a long list, the roster of those to whom we said adieu this year. If it’s missing someone who meant a lot to you, apologies; please take the time to remember them in your own way.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 29, 2023
It’s time to recount the big stories from this website that made an impact in the year just past, in addition to some that weren’t earth-shaking, but are worth remembering nevertheless. If you want more details on any of these items, click the search box on this website’s masthead, or on the “previous columns” icon.
In New Jersey, the biggest story was the revival of the Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange. We ended 2022 with news that it was closing. But 10 months later, trainer Brianne Goutal-Marteau revealed she and her husband, Romain, had bought the venerable facility and would be refurbishing it.
The old Essex Equestrian Center.
The story got a huge reaction, with some people who hadn’t been there in decades rejoicing that an icon of their past wasn’t vanishing after all, while others were simply happy that the site would not be the scene of more housing in the suburban town.
There was no reprieve, however, for the iconic Tempel Lippizans. After 65 years, this wonderful stable and enterprise in Illinois announced it would shut down, as the family that owned it was going in a different direction.
Further afield, word that Aachen in 2026 would be hosting what in effect is a rebirth of the World Equestrian Games was welcome news; no one presents shows better than Aachen does.
We held our breath until the U.S. show jumpers finally qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, doing it in a last-ditch attempt at the Pan American Games in Chile. That was way too close for comfort.
It was announced that the new League of Nations (As I’ve often asked, why name something after an organization that couldn’t stop World War II?) will be making a stop at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, another boost for that amazing new facility.
Tamie Smith became the first American to win the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star event since 2008, taking the title with the intrepid Mai Baum.
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum scored a victory for the U.S. at Land Rover Kentucky. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The European championships highlighted the nations to watch at the Paris Olympics. The British were awesome in eventing, with team gold and individual gold and silver to their credit, and they also won team gold in dressage, as well as individual silver and bronze.
No one, though, has bested Germany’s Olympic and World Cup champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, who took the European freestyle title after finishing first in the Grand Prix and Special.
Sweden finished its triple crown of Olympic and world championships show jumping gold with a team victory in the Europeans, while Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat captured the individual title.
The FEI World Cup finals made its second appearance in Omaha, with vaulting included, along with show jumping and dressage. It was six years since the last U.S. Cup finals (also in Omaha) but it will only be three years until the next, in Fort Worth in 2026.
Lisa Roskens, the woman behind the Longines FEI World Cup finals in Omaha with winner Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, runner-up Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands and Hunter Holloway of the U.S. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Washington D.C. International Horse Show said goodbye to the puissance, noting it was hard to get entries, but jumping a big wall was still popular on the other side of the Atlantic, most notably at the Dublin, Royal Windsor and London horse shows.
An ongoing saga is the battle over constructing housing on a parcel of Wellington, Florida’s Equestrian Preserve. More than 40 hours of hearings were held on the matter, which is connected to plans for an expanded Wellington International showgrounds on another parcel. This story is continuing into 2024, with thousands of people protesting losing any part of the preserve, as the Village council gets ready to vote on the matter.
Equestrians in trouble included Andreas Helgstrand, whose dressage training center was the subject of a Danish TV undercover documentary on methods that involved rollkur, as well as use of whips and spurs that left marks. Andreas said the facility was cleaning up its act, but he was barred from the Danish equestrian team until at least Jan. 1, 2025, though it could be longer.
Show jumping World Cup champion and 2012 Olympian Rich Fellers was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for sexual abuse of an underage student.
Meanwhile, dressage trainer Michael Barisone was released in November from a psychiatric hospital, more than 18 months after a jury found him not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity in the shooting of a tenant at his New Jersey farm. He hopes to return to competing, but first has to deal with a SafeSport suspension.
Michael Barisone with partner Lara Osborne after his release. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
There was much more that happened in 2023, of course, and you undoubtedly have your own special equestrian memories of the year.
But for many people, one of the most special stories–a tearjerker that was amazing–involved Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish. We’re talking horse racing here, not this website’s usual fare of non-racing equestrian sport, but it’s worth some reflection.
Cody, a Kentucky resident, had a rare genetic disorder that caused seizures and left him unable to walk or speak; he communicated by using a tablet. In October 2018 Cody went to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm to meet a foal, a session arranged by the Keeneland racetrack and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The weanling to whom he got introduced was a son of Curlin who wasn’t afraid of Cody’s wheelchair and laid his head in the boy’s lap. It was an instant connection.
The colt was named Cody’s Wish, and Cody Dorman lived for the young horse. Following the thoroughbred as he grew became Cody’s mission, and he often was at the track when the colt ran. The horse always was drawn to Cody; the two had an unbreakable bond.
Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish.
At the Breeder’s Cup, where Cody’s Wish scored a narrow victory in the Dirt Mile and survived an inquiry in his last race, Cody Dorman was on hand to bring him luck. His mission accomplished, 17-year-old Cody died on the way home to Kentucky. The timing was such that many spoke of divine intervention. It certainly makes you think…
Cody Dorman is one of the many people in horse sport that we lost this year. We’ll be running a story about some of them on Sunday, so you can toast their memory while ringing in the new year.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 28, 2023
Barbara Hay’s life focused on raising young horses and training young riders.
She died at her Rainbow Ridge Farm in East Amwell, N.J., on Dec. 27, just three days short of her 72d birthday.
Barbara Hay on the farm with her horses. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
A national examiner for the U.S. Pony Club who was the chief horse management judge at many Pony Club rallies, Barbara never lost sight of what was important to her.
Although she was dealing with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, even in her waning days, Barbara “thought she was teaching Pony Club or doing a rating,” and would go out to the barn with her clipboard, said her daughter, professional horsewoman Bridget Hay.
“Horses were everything for her and Pony Club was such a part of her life,” Bridget explained.
Dressage professional Kim Herslow, who also has a farm in Hunterdon County, said, “Barbara was such a local horse hero. She will definitely be remembered by everybody who had horses in our area. Through all the Pony Club and all the time she has put into growing our younger equestrians, everyone knew Barbara.”
Added Kim, a friend for two decades, “She had such a passion for helping people learn and being involved with the horses as much as she could be. Bridget did everything she could to keep her mom in the saddle.”
Not too long ago, Kim recalled, Bridget had her Grand Prix horse on the longe line with her mother aboard. Barbara was “having a blast” doing piaffe and passage. “She kept talking abut it for days afterward.”
Trainer/judge Marilyn Payne said of Barbara, “in the horse world she was such a big name, especially Pony Club, she did so much for Pony Club. She was just fabulous, volunteering all the time and worked tirelessly. She was a very knowledgeable horsewoman.”
Marilyn mentioned Barbara had “a fabulous personality. She was nice to everyone; everyone loved her.”
Scores of people posted on social media after learning Barbara had passed away, many offering tributes about all the woman known fondly as “Baba” had done for the equestrian community.
Ralph Reilly commented, “Barbara was one of the kindest, most giving people I have ever known. Her encouragement and patience with all the Pony Club kids was remarkable. She touched so many young lives, leaving them all for the better. She is a cherished memory for us.”
Lucia Stout Huebner stated, “What a marvelous, beautiful and giving woman Barbara Hay was. Best riding instructor ever. She had a perfect balance of authority and kindness.”
Even before she could walk, Bridget began riding under the direction of her mother and was part of the Amwell Valley Pony Club. Together, the two bred dressage horses that Bridget went on to compete at Grand Prix, starting an impressive pipeline of American-bred horses who could excel in the discipline.
Bridget Hay and her mother, Barbara, cleaning tack during Dressage at Devon in 2016. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
Early in her career, Barbara worked for breeder Gordon Smith, starting all the babies of his Trakehner stallion, Parliament.
Their breeding project began with Ming, an Oldenburg mare by Weltstern, who Barbara got in trade by riding for Ilona English. Ming became the foundation of the Hays’ program, in which Barbara played a major role.
“Her thing was breaking young horses. She helped me start all the babies here,” said Bridget, noting her biggest challenge came when her mother wasn’t able to work with her anymore after her diagnosis in 2020.
Barbara Hay with Bridget on Faolan at the 2022 USEF Festival of Champions. (Susan J. Stickle Photography)
Barbara’s husband, James, died 11 years ago on Dec. 28. In addition to Bridget, Barbara is survived by her son, Ryan; four grandchildren, Ryder, Audrey, Amelia and Julianna, and her sister, Susan Gaukin.
Visitation is 5-8 p.m, Jan. 2 at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home in Flemington.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 3 at St. Alphonsus Church in Hopewell, with a reception to follow.
Donations in Barbara Hay’s memory may be made to the U.S. Pony Club (https://www.ponyclub.org)
A celebration of life will be planned at the farm in the spring, with a date to be determined.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 27, 2023
The prize money for the 2024 Longines FEI World Cup show jumping finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has been doubled by the organizing committee to a record 2.6 million Euros.
Another 100,000 Euros has been added to the purse for the dressage finals, bringing the total to 400,000 Euros. This is the first time the finals, set for April 16-20, will have been held in the Middle East.
In 2023, Riyadh hosted 11 FEI events, with 12 more planned for 2024. In 2026, when the other world championship disciplines will be staged in Aachen, the Saudi city of Al Ula will host the FEI Endurance World Championship.
The Saudi show jumpers will be competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia previously earned two Olympic medals in jumping, an individual bronze in Sydney in 2000 and a team bronze in London in 2012.
Unlike 2023, when the vaulting World Cup finals were in Omaha alongside show jumping and dressage, they will solo in Basel, Switzerland next month. The FEI Driving World Cup™ Final will be held in Bordeaux, France during February.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 26, 2023
Make sure you vaccinate your horses in 2024.
An unvaccinated 28-year-old mare in Ocean County, N.J., had to be euthanized after becoming the third confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the state for 2023 .
She suffered from depression, front and rear ataxia, disorientation and falling. EEE cases also were diagnosed in Gloucester and Salem Counties in September and October.
Although the disease usually appears during mosquito season, this case occurred beyond the expected mosquito-borne disease season for New Jersey. The horse had no recent travel history, indicating that the disease was transmitted within the state. Based off the clinical history, it is possible that exposure to EEE occurred during a period of warmer than average temperatures in the area at the end of mosquito season.
Livestock owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate against West Nile Virus, EEE, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not up to date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV.
“We continue to encourage horse owners to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against these diseases spread by mosquitoes,” New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Atchison III said.
“Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”
For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at this LINK
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting a horse’s neurological system, must be reported to the State Veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.nj.gov.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 22, 2023
Miss Molly can’t tell the story of how she wound up in two Texas auctions, just a short step from being sent to slaughter. But the scars on the palomino Quarter Horse’s face and legs; the way she bit at people, aiming to wound them, or kicked hard enough to leave more than a mark, spoke for how she had been treated.
A trainer who saw her photo bought Molly out of a kill pen, bringing her to a barn in Hillsborough, New Jersey, as a prospective lesson horse. But from the beginning, it was obvious Molly had big issues.
“Whatever you do, don’t take off her halter,” the shipper who dropped off the horse warned the trainer. And this was a mare advertised by the killl pen as “well-broke, extremely sweet, friendly and gentle.”
However, “It was very clear within a few days that she would never be a lesson horse,” said Christianna (CC) Capra, the co-founder of Spring Reins of Life (SRoL), a therapeutic organization that was based at the Hillsborough stable when Molly arrived. The mare’s tendency to bite and kick looked as if it would spell her doom. The prospect of euthanasia was right around the corner.
“She was not handleable. Anyone who came near her, she would react this way,” said CC.
There was one exception.
Veterans who had been receiving therapy with SRoL walked up to the round pen to see Molly and would pet her on the face.
“She had her ears forward and was like `Hi, how are you?’” CC recalled.
“I saw that out of the corner of my eye,” CC said, wondering at the time, “She hates people. How does she not hate you? There’s something about this horse and veterans.”
Just before SRoL moved to Hunt Cap Farm in Three Bridges six years ago, seven women joined together as Team Molly to pay the mare’s bills and give her a chance.
The trainer who owned Molly agreed to let CC take her, with this admonition: “If she doesn’t work out as a veterans’ horse, you’ve got to let her go.”
SRoL is an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Model Program offering equine-assisted psychotherapy for groups of trauma survivors. It uses horses for therapeutic intervention designed to reach veterans, teens, women at risk or others who have a hard time in traditional talk therapy.
Horses are selected for their capacity to work with troubled or suffering individuals. These clients are able to develop personalized coping skills from interacting with horses on the ground (the program does not involve riding.)
Molly with Christiana Capra and her Winnie award. (Photo © 2023 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Dr. Judith Shoemaker, a Pennsylvania veterinarian who specializes in integrative medicine (which includes chiropractic and acupuncture) worked with Molly to overcome her reflexive reaction of biting and striking. Also involved with Molly’s program is Dr. Maria Katsamanis of Hopewell, New Jersey, an author and dressage trainer who has a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Molly soon proved her worth.
“It was really the veterans who opened her up,” said CC.
“She’s highly intelligent. Molly would approach someone in the arena; if they’re really suffering, she would leave the wall and go to them.”
Perhaps the most dramatic example of how Molly connects with veterans involves Stephen Cherry, who was referred to SRoL eight years ago by the Lyons Veterans Administration Hospital.
The 65-year-old retired Air Force veteran had seen Molly at the Hillsborough farm, and asked CC if he could go in the ring with the mare.
He got permission, with the proviso that if Molly showed any adverse reaction, he would be pulled back.
Steve was advised to watch the mare’s eyes and ears; then he walked in slowly, as if he were rehearsing the wedding march. He approached Molly, kneeling in a submissive manner, and finally was able to lean on her shoulder. It was a special moment.
“I felt an instant connection right there,” said Steve.
That moment when veteran Steve Cherry made his first connection with Miss Molly, shortly after she came to New Jersey.
“The thought of being loved was something I could feel in that horse.”
Everyone who saw that breakthrough was so moved they were crying, noted CC.
Now each Tuesday and Friday, Steve visits Molly, so eager to get there that he wakes up at 4 a.m.
“I have a responsibility,” he explained.
Steve feeds and grooms Molly, takes her to the paddock, then handles another important duty: “One thing I love to do with a horse is give them a little kiss,” he confided.
At first, he was worried about approaching her, after finding out from a psychic how she had been mistreated. But he stayed with it.
“And she’s done nothing but respond to me. Miss Molly has brought out the best in me I’ve ever been,” he stated firmly.
“She has gone from being a frightened, uncared-for horse to one that’s willing to accept people. I’ve had days I get down on the ground and lie down and she would lie down, I would crawl towards her, give her a kiss and then I’m lying across her back.”
A glimpse of Steve Cherry sleeping on Miss Molly, as another horse stands watch.
“I have a slight form of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) I didn’t want to be around people at all. But now, the people that are involved with the horses — I’m talking to people, I’m working with people, I’m laughing. I’ve actually come out of my shell. I’ve gone from city boy to country boy.”
He owes so much of his progress to Miss Molly.
“It’s wonderful. She understands me. What I’m doing now is just a start, I plan on doing anything in the world I can for this horse, and any other horses after this.”
Sean Glynn, a volunteer at the barn, is another who greets Miss Molly with a kiss.
Volunteer Sean Glynn always gives Miss Molly a special greeting. (Photo © 2023 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“When she’s calm, I feel some type of energy from her. Whether she’s in a good mood or a bad mood, I can feel that vibe.”
He noted, “Just by her actions, It’s sad to say someone probably abused her, hurt her. Now that she’s here, I think she trusts people a lot more.”
Molly has gotten recognition beyond the accolades from those she has helped in the SRoL program.
In 2019, she was named the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/New Jersey Health Care System’s Therapy Animal of the Year. Her video story, “Miss Molly’s Journey,” won a Winnie award at the 2023 Equus Film & Arts Festival in the category of Horses for Mental Health.
Steve noted, “She seems to feel something in people like us: `Oh, I’m going to come over and stand next to you. Oh, you’ve got some kind of a problem? I kind of understand you’.”
But now Molly has a problem.
She hit her head on a stall door, which exacerbated what is possibly an old concussion, leaving her with what Dr. Shoemaker said may be comparable to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a human. That resulted in a loss of equilibrium when she walks. She has to move on a flat surface; it is difficult for her to step up, but Steve has no problem getting her in and out of the paddock with the incentive of treats.
Meanwhile, Molly is on hiatus from her therapeutic duties. The mare sees the world in a distorted way, due to a visual problem with her depth perception, so it isn’t safe for her to work with clients at this time.
Because SRoL’s mission is to rehabilitate people, that organization cannot spend money on helping a horse. After Team Molly ran its course, Dr. Maria’s Friends of Pegasus foundation has become the avenue for funding that can be used for Molly’s treatment, which includes special food, veterinary care and other therapy.
For a complete rundown on Miss Molly, a look at her award-winning video and how to help by contributing via Venmo and Paypal so she can get the help she needs, click on this LINK
To contribute by check, make it out to Friends for Pegasus (make the memo Miss Molly) and send to Friends for Pegasus at Mythos Farm 128 Lambertville Hopewell Road Hopewell, N.J. 08525.
“Head trauma or soft tissue injury as a result of training or mishandling and injury is not much spoken about,” Dr. Maria noted, but it can happen when “people get harsh with horses” or use poor equipment. Behavioral issues, she said, “can very well be untreated concussive injuries.”
The horse can perceive things in their space very differently than it would if their brain were normal.
“Then people deem it dangerous, or it gets itself into harmful situations,” she commented.
They put on more pressure, thinking it’s a behavioral issue, when actually the horse’s perception is off.
“Molly must have seen very harsh handling,” Dr. Maria believes.
She pointed out that “because we could see the injuries on her face, we could deduce there was some jostling of the brain.”
One way of addressing the situation was “a breathing protocol that we used to reverse her severe hyperventilation and poor breathing behavior,” combined with a visual motor process protocol.
As Molly progresses, said Dr. Maria, “People will see themselves in her eyes. They will cheer her recovery on and therefore, their own.”
Molly definitely makes an impression.
“She is truly an exceptional therapy horse,” said Dr. Shoemaker.
“She has appreciated the care and concern for her. She likes being touched now more than she did, and touch is such an important part of TBI programming. You want to reach as many corners of her brain as possible, and all those corners of her brain are connected to her body.”
A happy Miss Molly after a good roll and a treat. (Photo © 2023 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The veterinarian said she is hoping that “will open up other places in her brain to help her have a more enriched life. Look at all the people who come through this program that people have written off. Yet with the proper kind of therapy, it’s possible to see miraculous changes.
“She’s in the right place to give it a try. Her job is such she doesn’t have to be cross-country riding sound. She has to be upright, safe and happy.”
For a complete rundown on Miss Molly, a look at her award-winning video and how to help by contributing via Venmo and Paypal so she can get the help she needs, click on this LINK
To contribute by check, make it out to Friends for Pegasus (make the memo Miss Molly) and send to Friends for Pegasus at Mythos Farm 128 Lambertville Hopewell Road Hopewell, N.J. 08525.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 22, 2023
With the 2024 Paris Olympics looming large (the opening ceremonies on the Seine will happen in seven months) two new international-caliber horses have been purchased by Zen Elite Equestrian Center for American riders.
The farm near Fort Lauderdale has bought Bohemian, the son of Bordeaux ridden to fourth place with a mark of 87.507 percent in the Tokyo Olympics by Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark. The 13-year-old Westphalian gelding will be competed by Endel Ots, Zen’s resident trainer. He does not have any international results at Grand Prix level.
After the Tokyo Olympics, Bohemian was sold to South Korean rider Dong-Seon Kim, who finished 43d in the 2016 Olympics with Bukowski. Kim was a candidate for Paris, but he dropped that ambition and the horse came up for sale again. Bohemian was ridden since August by Patrik Kittel of Sweden. Their best score together was 75.872 percent for the Special in Herning, Denmark, two months ago.
Bohemian competing at the 2023 Global Dressage Festival with Dong Seon Kim. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
And Pan American Games team gold medalist Christian Simonson now will be riding Fleau de Baian, trained by the Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen. Christian trains with U.S. Olympian Adrienne Lyle. Fleau de Baian is a KWPN (Dutch) stallion by Jazz. That horse’s best score with Adelinde was 78.325 percent in May’s Grand Prix Freeestyle at Exloo, Netherlands.
Christian, a star in the Young Rider ranks, won both the I-1 and Prix St. Georges on the mixed team at the Pan Ams with Son of a Lady, but does not have any international Grand Prix results.
“We have some really amazing horse/rider partnerships that we are excited about this season, and we are so proud to be supporting USA Dressage,” said a statement from Zen
Zen owner Heidi Humphries explained her plan in creating the facility was to develop a world-class sport horse center with the feel of a spa, oriented toward Broward and Dade counties south of equestrian hub Wellington in Palm Beach County.
With a 20,000-square-foot insulated covered arena, two outdoor arenas and a rehab/spa/gym for horses and humans, Zen Elite Equestrian Center is a full-service facility in Southwest Ranches.
