by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 7, 2020
The 2020 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast has been saved. It is being transferred to the Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 23-25, 2020.
The championship, which was canceled earlier this week, was revived after Traverse City Horse Shows competition management stepped forward and offered to host and organize the competition. The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College also will be held in conjunction with the championship.
This is the third change of venue for the championships, originally slated to be held at the Brandywine show at Devon, which was cancelled, and then at the Kentucky Horse Park, where a variety of championships have been called off.
Entries are due next Friday, Aug. 14, for the condensed three-day timeline of the championship, which allows for a simplified transition of venues. Condensing the show provides management time to prepare for additional participants and appropriately sanitize the venue prior to the start of competition.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Traverse City Horse Shows management to host our Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast on such short notice,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney.
“It is important for our members and our sport to keep competitions viable during this pandemic and we’re looking forward to bringing this national championship back online for our junior members.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2020
EQUITANA USA’s live three-day trade fair and expo at the Kentucky Horse Park next month has joined the ranks of cancelled events at the venue (see the main story at this website). Planned for Sept. 25-27, it has been rescheduled for Oct. 1-3, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
The U.S. Eventing Association’s American Eventing Championships, scheduled for the end of August, also is cancelled as part of the organization’s concern about health and safety, with competitors from 41 states coming in to the Horse Park, where seven people tested positive after a show last week.
“EQUITANA USA is a shared place and time for all disciplines, breeds, ages and levels of the equine
industry,” said Meghan Margewicz, the event’s director. “But the safety of everyone associated with the
event is always our first priority.” After many discussions with the Kentucky Horse Park, exhibitors,
presenters and attendees, the organization made a difficult, but necessary decision.
All EQUITANA USA 2020 ticket holders will be refunded electronically. No further action by ticket holders
is required.
EQUITANA USA invites equestrian professionals, enthusiasts, and everyone interested in learning more
to follow its social channels and e-newsletters for updates on the live 2021 event, a virtual celebration
kicking off this September, and a year-round celebration of our community through digital education,
entertainment and conversation.
Exhibitors interested in the 2021 event, virtual celebration, or year-round promotional opportunities can
learn more at equitanausa.com or by contacting Kaitlyn Fritz at kfritz@reedexpo.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2020
You could see it coming.
A virtual Town Hall yesterday with U.S Hunter Jumper Association President Mary Babick highlighted the problems involved with the Covid-related cancellation of major competitions, such as the USEF Pony Finals, which were scheduled to start today.
So it was no surprise this morning to learn that the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships and the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, scheduled for August 11-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park, had been cancelled. At the same time, USHJA also called off its AON/USHJA National Championships, slated for Nov. 16-20 in Las Vegas.
People had complained about the short notice of cancellation given to Pony Finals competitors, some of whom had already come quite a distance to arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park before the show. When seven people at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show held last week were found to be Covid-positive, the last day of that show (including the USHJA Pony Derby Championship-East) was cancelled and the USEF Pony Finals also became a victim of the situation.
Medical advice called for a two-week gap between the time Covid-positive people were found on the grounds Aug. 1 and the start of the championships, but there were just 10 days between the dates of those shows. That was “the straw the broke the camel’s back,” said USHJA President Mary Babick, noting she has been told by medical professionals that a Covid “outbreak” consists of two people.
USHJA President Mary Babick.
During a USHJA board meeting last night, cancellation seemed to be the only alternative.
The board was following national health recommendations and the recommendation to cancel the championships presented by the USHJA International Hunter Derby and Green Hunter Incentive Taskforce.
“We feel strongly that we must take the necessary steps to help minimize risk and exposure of the COVID-19 virus to ensure our sport can continue in the future. Canceling was a difficult decision, but the Board believes that it was the correct, safe and socially responsible choice,” according to the USHJA.
“The health and safety of our members, staff, volunteers and their families is our priority,” Mary commented in a statement.
In an interview, Mary said she told the board, “Whatever we do, we need to do it all the way now. So if we’re cancelling, we have to let people know now, and if we’re going, we have to stick with our decision.”
Cancelling the Las Vegas show stemmed from the board’s feeling that people should not be encouraged to travel across the country, amid hopes riders will “stay more regional, and cancellation of all of our national championships was in our best interest at this moment.”
About 10 hours after the Green Incentive and International Derby championships were scuttled, the announcement came that the USEF’s East Coast junior hunter championships were also cancelled.
“This is a decision not taken lightly and we are mindful of the negative effect this will have on exhibitors’ plans and schedules, but feel this is the only way to ensure a safe outcome for all,” said a statement from USEF.
“No fees of any kind have been charged to anyone who has entered the shows. Exhibitors do not need to take any action with regard to the show office and all entries will be canceled. We hope that moving forward our exhibitors and members will place their safety and the safety of others above all else during these trying circumstances.”
Mary, who has been nominated for another four-year term at the USHJA’s helm, looks ahead to 2021 saying,”I don’t know what’s happening with Covid,so I think we’ve got to create a regional finals structure, to encourage people to stay more local If we can.
For next year, “I think we have to acknowledge that Covid might still be around. It’s best that we plan for regionals, Then, If we can do national (championships), great.”
At the same time, she added, “We can’t presume we’re going to be able to go forward with business as normal. I don’t think this disease understands the calendar year.”
Meanwhile, the board is working on is discussion of the always-controversial mileage rule.
“That will eat up a lot of our bandwidth,” she commented.
Ralph Caristo had two horses eligible for the International Derby, but wasn’t counting on having them be part of it.
“We were on the fence about going,” he explained. If his Quickborn 7 and Sedona competed in Kentucky with his daughter, Heather Caristo-Williams, aboard, she would have had to quarantine for two weeks upon returning to her home in New York, due to state regulations that affect people coming from Kentucky and 34 other states and territories.
Heather Caristo-Williams and Ralph Caristo
That might have meant she risked not being able to compete at HITS just down the road from her home in Saugerties, N.Y., during the big Labor Day weekend show that includes the Platinum Performance $100,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Diamond Mills $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.
But even if the championship in Kentucky hadn’t been cancelled, “It’s very likely we would have stayed home,” Ralph mused, saying he thought calling off the fixtures was the right thing to do.
“There’s a lot of disappointment in life,” he observed, “but there are a lot of things in life that are a hell of a lot worse than us missing a horse show.”
“I think it has opened a lot of eyes about what our business is vulnerable to and what our lives are vulnerable to. Hopefully, we won’t see this again in our lifetimes, but who knows?”
Top hunter competitor Amanda Steege, based for the summer at Pinnacle Farm in Califon, called the International Derby “usually one of the highlights on my schedule, something I plan my whole year around.”
Her team, however, made the decision in June to do shows “on a more local, regional level” rather than traveling to a venue like Kentucky, which is 13 hours away, as opposed to two hours for shows in Saugerties and Princeton.
With the five-year-old horses in her barn, she was able to take advantage of a USHJA provision for 2020 that will enable them to start their green careers again next year.
“This year, you make potential plans, but you cancel or adapt at any moment,” she observed.
When Kentucky became one of New York’s “quarantine states,” it got more difficult for people to travel, she noted.
Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze.
Discussing how she is handling 2020, Amanda said, “It feels like a year of practice, a year to catch up and see where you’re at.
“I enjoy going to a few more local events,” she added, noting that Lafitte de Muze, who would have been a threat in the International Derby Chapionships, won a $25,000 derby at Saugerties.
“I felt very comfortable there, they were enforcing (wearing) the masks,” she said, adding that the Princeton show was also well-run.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2020
Things were Covid-quiet at the USET Foundation’s Gladstone headquarters for several months while it was closed to visitors. So this week’s Summer Days Dressage shows, presented by the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, became a welcome return to normalcy–or at least as close as we can get to it in this unusual era.
Some riders in shirtsleeves, others bowing to tradition by wearing jackets, took the July heat in stride; they were just happy to be back at a show for two days, especially in the team’s historic arena. It seems Gladstone has extra meaning for everyone
“I love showing here,” said Lauren Chumley, a professional rider/trainer from Pittstown.
“I didn’t move to New Jersey until 2007, so I kind of missed the golden age of Gladstone, but I’ve read about it since I was a kid,” commented the native of Ohio.
“It’s so special to come here, even to do Training Level.”
She rode Grand Prix with 14.1-hand, 18-year-old Avatar’s Jazzman, a been-there/done-that Morgan who is immortalized as a Breyer model horse.
Lauren Chumley and Breyer horse model Avatar’s Jazzman. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“He’s a worker; he wants to work,” is the way she characterized him. In addition to handling the moves at the highest level of dressage, he can event, show jump and fox hunt.
“He did a pretty decent Grand Prix,” said Lauren, referring to a ride marked at 65.598 the day after Jazzman scored 67.375 percent for his freestyle.
“He tries so hard. He’s never going to get an 80, but we know that and he just does the best that he can. We’re just having fun.”
She made a point of wearing her brown tailcoat despite soaring temperatures.
When the judge asked why she chose a jacket instead of the cooler option, she said, “It looks nice, if I can do it.”
Jaime Dancer of Millstone, who also decided against going shirtsleeves, agreed.
Jaime Dancer and Viveur getting ready to focus during the hazy days of summer. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I just feel like it takes a long time to earn this coat and earn this spot and be able to be here,” she said, after getting 66.630 percent in the Grand Prix with Viveur.
“So I feel like I want to wear this coat for my judges. I’m lucky to be here.”
International competitor Catherine Haddad Staller, who has ridden at the most prestigious shows around the world, keeps a cherished spot in her heart for Gladstone.
“It’s where I fell in love with my husband,” the Califon resident explained, referring to veterinarian Greg Staller.
She won the Grand Prix with a percentage of 74.511 aboard Frankie on the show’s second day.
Catherine Haddad Staller and Frankie. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
I last saw Frankie at Gladstone three years ago when the mare was in the dressage development clinic there. Now 11, the Hanoverian has rounded out her resume.
“She’s so steady, she’s so reliable,” said Catherine.
“I’ve got a lot more power and strength in her than I ever had before, but I don’t have the brilliance yet. She picks up points with accuracy and correctness.”
Catherine decided to come to the show because, “I’ve been at home way too long. I felt I needed to get out and test myself and my horses a little bit. This is a very good outing for us close to home, where we can run through the test once and see where we’re at.”
Alice Tarjan is often the busiest rider at the shows she attends. With 11 horses in training at her Oldwick farm (Alice rides all of them every Monday), she has a lot to choose from when she goes to a competition.
Alice earned 71.304 percent in the first day’s Grand Prix and 71.5 in the Developing Grand Prix on Harvest. The Dutch-bred black stallion, who has been training at home for two years, is the sire of a colt (named Hamilton) foaled at Bridget Hay’s East Amwell farm as that rider was getting ready to go to the first day of the show.
Harvest, owned and ridden by Alice Tarjan. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Harvest, characterized by Alice as “super well-behaved and super-honest” is known around the barn as The Teddy Bear. In contrast, a feistier stallion, Glory Day, affectionately is called The Terrorist. Alice, an amateur, gave the ride on the 17.1 hand bay to professional trainer Marcus Orlob, who took him to a score of 81.1 percent in First Level Test 3.
On the second day, Alice was runner-up in the Grand Prix with, Donatella M (72.337). The black Oldenburg mare and Harvest are qualified for the Developing Horse Championships at Grand Prix and I-2. The Summer Days shows were qualifiers for next month’s national championships and also regional championships, which was convenient for Alice and other area residents.
“Going to local shows is easy, I don’t mind doing that at all,” she said, noting that with the virus situation, it gets a lot more complicated when travel, hotels and restaurants are involved for “away” competitions.
Masks for scribe and judge and a plexiglass barrier–standard equipment for officiating in the Covid era. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m really grateful the management is trying so hard to make competitions happen,” said Lauren.
“Put your mask on, it’s not that hard.”
Competitor Janice Turner, who lives in neighboring Bedminster said, “I’m happy to show. I’ll wear a mask any time to keep everyone safe. It’s been such a trying time, I think everybody’s put their priorities in a better place.”
As Lauren observed, “I’m glad we can go to a horse show and not just sit in our houses and eat pizzas.”
Living in Covid times can be extra difficult for some.
“Normal people who have normal lives and normal jobs are just panicking. Horse trainers are just, `It’s all up in the air? What’s that like,’’’ Lauren said with a sly chuckle.
Equestrians know how to adjust to whatever. As she points out, “You’ve got to roll with it when you have horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 21, 2020
Aware of public concern about the future of Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, the park commission and freeholder board have issued a statement to address the rumors, particularly speculation that the stable will be closing permanently.
While stable programs were suspended in response to the Covid pandemic, “there is neither a plan in place nor has any consideration been given to selling the Lord Stirling property to any third party,” according to a statement from the park commission.
Instead, the goal is “to reopen the stable in some fashion that makes sound fiscal sense.”
Even so, those who see the stable as an important part of the community have been worried about the situation.
Realtor Sharon Vopal, whose children ride at the stable, organized a petition signed by more than 4,000 people apprehensive about the facility’s future.
“Those of us in the community and the 4000-plus people who signed the petition will be closely following the plans to reopen LSS in 2021 and we hope that the public will be kept informed as those plans develop,” she stated.
The pandemic and the resulting restrictions to ensure the safety of staff members and the public have had an across-the-board “profound impact” on the park commission, not just the stable, according to the statement.
That situation resulted in an extreme effect on the financial well-being of the commission. According to the agency’s statement, “the loss of revenue experienced will, no doubt, result in long lasting aftereffects.”
To help ease the financial burden, the number of lesson horses in the herd was reduced during April and staffing cut to the minimum possible.
Despite those measures and efforts of stable management and staff to reduce costs, the expenses remained substantial and the deficit continued to increase. A month later, the remainder of the herd had to be dispersed, the commission said.
The plan for Lord Stirling, which is the same at many other commission facilities, is to “hibernate” for the balance of 2020.
Since the stable consistently operates at a significant loss, the commission “cannot afford to do much else,” the statement continued, adding, “the plan has never been to close the stable permanently.” There still are 30 horses boarded at Lord Stirling, many of whom were previously part of the lesson herd.
The majority of the property that is Lord Stirling Park (comprised of the Stable and the commission’s Environmental Education Center) was purchased by Somerset County in 1967, utilizing a combination of funds contributed by the New Jersey Green Acres Program, North Jersey Conservation Foundation (now known as New Jersey Conservation Foundation) and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The 1,105 acres that comprise Lord Stirling Park are listed on Somerset County’s Recreation and Open Space Inventory, and, as such, the property is subject to New Jersey Green Acres rules.
As Deputy Freeholder Director Sarah Sooy noted in an interview this month with the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce, “that land will never be developed.”
At the same time, she acknowledged the stable has been hemorrhaging money for the past 10 years–the park commission said the facility was losing $500,000 a year–and said the best way to approach this is with “an outside eye; bring in someone and look at ways to make this profitable.”
Since January, before the pandemic hit in March, commission staff and senior management, as well as park commissioners and county representatives, have met as a committee in order to explore alternatives to address the stable’s financial challenges.
“While one option could be to cease stable operations, the committee quickly and unanimously dismissed same and is now focused on a financially prudent plan of reopening Lord Stirling Stable,” according to the statement.
The freeholder board and park commission, according to the statement, “are working their very hardest to ensure that a herd of horses will continue to roam Lord Stirling’s pastures,” and that the stable’s programs will resume.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 17, 2020
Dr. Hilary Clayton of Mason, Minn., Gary Rockwell of Wellington, Fla., and Verdades, the 2002 KWPN gelding owned by Laura Graves, have been selected for induction into the Roemer Foundation/U.S. Dressage Federation Hall of Fame.
As the inaugural McPhail Chair in Equine Sports Medicine, Hilary is a world-renowned equine-biomechanics expert and researcher. Her research on gaits and movement were so influential that U.S. Equestrian Federation dressage rules had to be revised to reflect the truth of how horses piaffe and pirouette, to name two prominent examples.
Her groundbreaking dressage-focused efforts influenced the sport from the ground up, from choices of arena footing and the care given to young horses, to bitting, training, conditioning and veterinary work. She is also president of Sport Horse Science, which is dedicated to translating research data into practical advice for riders, trainers and veterinarians through lectures, articles and private consultations. She is a USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist; a longtime USDF Connection contributing editor and a past member of the USEF Dressage Committee.
Gary Rockwell is a USEF ‘S’ judge with Young Horse and Freestyle designations, as well as an FEI 5* Judge, having served at numerous Olympics and World Cup Finals. As a former member of the U.S. team, Gary and his Danish Warmblood mare, Suna, competed at CHIO Rotterdam in 1993 to earn a team silver medal, and a team bronze medal at the 1994 World Championships at The Hague in the Netherlands. Gary serves as a member of USDF’s L Program Faculty, as well as an honorary instructor for the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program. Gary was a member of the USDF Judges Committee from 2010-2012, and has been itschair since 2013.
Verdades (Florett AS x Liwilardo/Goya), who is known as “Diddy”, debuted with Laura, his owner/rider, on the international stage in 2014 at the FEI World Equestrian Games. The duo subsequently led the U.S. to multiple medal podiums, including the Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games and the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals. Laura and Verdades were still practically unknown when they placed second at the 2014 U.S. WEG dressage qualifying competition and proceeded to stun the world by finishing fifth individually as the highest-scoring U.S. pair at those Games in France.
Other major achievements include team and individual Grand Prix Special silver medals at the 2018 FEI WEG, team bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, silver medals at the 2017, 2018, and 2019 FEI World Cup Dressage Finals, and team gold and individual silver at the 2015 Pan American Games. On January 8, 2020, Graves–who bought Diddy off a video as a weanling–announced his retirement via social media.
Noting that the organization’s annual meeting is going virtual this fall, USDF President Lisa Gorretta commented that “with the current circumstances facing us as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, USDF has been presented the unique opportunity to open up the annual convention, providing the entire membership a chance to experience USDF governance in action, as well take part in the celebration of the year that was and to recognize luminaries within our sport. I hope that everyone will join us for what is sure to be an unprecedented convention experience.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 16, 2020
Nearly every week the Standardbred Retirement Foundation has revealed that nearly every week, it has found finds trotters and pacers tagged for slaughter who were either homed by past owners or trainers with good intentions, or were given to an organization for this purpose. So why are they now tagged for slaughter?
There are many terms and conditions by which a horse can be adopted. An organization having a 501(c)3 status does not mean a horse will be homed, protected and followed-up appropriately. Having a 501(c)3 status means that the federal government recognizes that there is a need for the service.
Horses live well into their 30s. SRF’s data compiled over nearly three decades indicate horses likely will need more than one home, or perhaps as many 11 homes in their lifetime.
Owners and trainers should understand every organization is different. One well- known organization entitled their adoption agreement “Conditional Bill of Sale and Adoption Agreement.” It states that if their adopted horse is in an unsatisfactory condition or environment, it is not obligated to take possession. That means they are not obligated to help the animal.
When trying to do what is right and moral for a horse and using an organization to help, SRF recommends looking into the adoption process; their adoption agreement; if they follow-up, how it is done, and for how long.
To personally home a horse, SRF’s adoption agreement at AdoptaHorse.org can be copied into a new agreement with the individual’s name replacing SRF. SRF’s preliminary application is also on the website. The full application is easily available by contacting SRFHorsesandKids@gmail.com.
Horse adoption is complicated. While SRF would like to know that every horse is safe after racing and breeding, it is financially unable to find loving homes for all of them. Until the racing industry can offer a means to provide safety for these animals, SRF recommends that “due diligence” be used. SRF is available to answer any questions to assist in someone personally homing a horse. https://www.adoptahorse.org/
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 13, 2020
The Covid crisis was far in the future when Christine Reupke came up with the idea for the Horsemanship Society International website in 2018. The concept of combining virtual showing with a lesson was designed for people who do not have access to regular riding instruction. That could be because they live in an area far from a professional trainer or because they can’t afford it.
But even without the help of a crystal ball, Christine’s program arrived at the right time this summer.
“It was serendipitous with the timing,” acknowledged Christine, director of breed and equestrian sport at Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair horse show.
Christine Reupke leads a sponsor group on a course walk at the Royal Winter Fair. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
She started building the site, https://horsemanshipsociety.org, through 2019, without an inkling that a virtual approach to so many aspects of the horse world would take off just a few months later.
The site, which debuted last month, is geared toward show jumping, hunters, young horses and equitation. Dressage and western may be added down the road.
The inspiration came from Christine’s childhood,,as she explained. “I never had access to good training when I was a kid.” Money was tight in her family; she was one of three children raised by a single mother. Christine worked on a horse farm and was “kind of self-taught for a long time,” lacking the advantage of working with a top trainer.
She is aware those circumstances apply to many other people, in addition to some younger coaches, “who maybe don’t fully understand why someone scores the way they do, but nobody wants to ask for fear of looking like they don’t know.
“I feel so strongly about giving everybody some sort of equal opportunity regardless of how much money you have or regardless of where you live, if you live in Alaska or the Yukon.”
Each class lists parameters for the fence heights and distances on the course that competitors should set at their own farm, along with rules on what kind of tack to use (for instance, in a recent pony class, exhibitors were advised no gag bridles or draw reins.) There is also a list of requirements for dress, which allows on the informal end a collared shirt tucked into breeches. Braiding is optional.
The program, which has attracted entries from Britain and Germany in addition to the U.S. and Canada, also offers an opportunity for riders to be critiqued for their horsemanship as well as their style in the saddle. Although the winners of each class get a ribbon mailed to them, the prize isn’t the point.
The ribbons are pretty, but they aren’t the point. In case you’re wondering, a red ribbon is first place in Canada and England; blue is first place in the U.S.
“I’m trying to take the focus off the ribbon and onto learning what you did in the ring…and why you scored what you did and what you could do to be better,” Christine explained.
Licensed by Equestrian Canada as a hunter, jumper and equitation judge (the equivalent of a U.S. Equestrian Federation R judge), she is working with Jon Garner, former sport director for Equestrian Canada.
He has experience as an international show jumper for the Spruce Meadows venue in Calgary, where he went on to serve as competition manager for all of that facility’s tournaments. Jon specializes in jumper equitation and evaluating the young horses on the site, with marks for scope, rideability and temperament.
Jon Garner. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
As the site ramps up, they are the only two handling judging duties, but Christine said McLain Ward has agreed to do a young horse class, and she has plans to ask some other big names for their viewpoint. The site also will have an educational component that includes video interviews with veterinarians and other experts on topics such as pre-purchase exams, lameness and how to get a horse ready to be shipped for a long trip.
“I want to prepare kids, who are going to be our next generation, to get a little bit of an education,” said Christine.
“We don’t really have mentorship anymore. There are kids that hand the horses off and don’t do their own work. For a lot of these kids, it’s just another sport, like soccer or hockey. You look at someone like McLain and his horsemanship oozes from every pore on every horse he rides in the ring.
“Very few people are going to end up being like McLain, but it’s something we should all kind of strive for. I think being a better horseman makes people better riders.”
There is a free membership, with which the fee per class is $40 (Canadian), or a premium membership for $59.95 (Canadian), offering classes at $25 (Canadian) and access to educational videos once that content is created.
As Covid winds down and more shows are back “live,” Christine doesn’t believe it will really affect her site.
“I think with the group that horse shows heavily at AA shows in the U.S., probably it will fade a little bit. But I suspect with the ones that don’t have that access, they’ll stay on it.” At the same time, she added, “I think we’ll still retain a customer base on the people who show at the better shows. It’s a social thing, you download the course requirements, go to the barn on Saturday and maybe it’s something fun everybody does every few months.”
As she pointed out, pre-Covid, “the season never ends, we all show so much and practice very little.” The silver lining of the “break” is giving riders who otherwise would be completely immersed in showing a chance to improve their skills outside of the pressure from competition that too often involves short cuts
Here is an example of a critique HSI did for a rider. Identifying characteristics have been removed .Note that criticism and encouragement are effectively combined.
Class #21 – JR/AM Jumper Equitation .90m
Final Score –
Final Placing –
Turnout: As a pair, you were very neat and tidy, and the dark coloured breeches are suitable for schooling/training. The saddle pad is very clean, and the horse’s boots appear to fit well.
About the Round: You look like a very strong, capable rider and my first impression is that you are comfortable in the ring and you know what you are doing. Your pace was lightly forward and positive without being too quick or hurried.
The first jump on course was excellent, with good use of your eyes. There was a hard rub at jump 2. It appeared that you were still trying to turn with the reins and it caused your horse to lose it’s balance when leaving the ground.
Jumps 3 and 4 were well-ridden; however, the course specifications called for a 4 or 5 stride line and unfortunately you put in 6 strides between fences 3 and 4. This would be considered an ‘add’ in the line which, at a competition, would reduce your overall score. However, as a single line, it was well-ridden!
The rest of the course was excellent and very well-ridden. Your pace was even and you finished with the same canter that you started on, resulting in a very consistent-looking round. You position stayed consistent and your soft hand was apparent and appreciated by your horse.
You received the highest score I would give a rider who added in a line.
Tips: When turning on the left lead, instead of using such a large opening left rein, try to use more right leg to push your horse through the turn, rather than pull him/her through. This will help your straightness and balance of the horse as well as help to maintain your line and pace on the way to the jump. This will result in a better distance and smoother, more polished ride.
Score without adding in the line – 76
Score without adding in the line and a better distance to jump #2 – 78
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 29, 2020
Want to get out on your horse and mingle (safely) with others, but don’t feel like going to a show? How about trying the Alexandria Equestrian Association’s Pleasure Pace July 11 (july 12 raindate). It’s being held at Vetter Farm on Spring Mills Road in Holland Township.
Pluses are the fact that all disciplines are welcome (but every rider must wear ASTM/SEI protective headgear) and there’s excellent footing for barefoot horses. Ride in teams of from two to four in the open and family divisions. Entries close at 8 p.m. July 10 and must be made electronically and in advance.
For details, go to .http://aeanj.com/trailpace.html
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 24, 2020
2020 is the year that masks became a “must” addition to every show-goer’s wardrobe.
“This for certain has been a crazy year that tested us all,” U.S. Equestrian Federation President Murray Kessler said as he opened the board’s mid-year virtual meeting Monday.
You can’t accuse him of exaggeration. It’s enough to cite the example he gave: When USEF licensed shows reopened the week of June 1 from their 11-week Covid lockdown, there were 29 competitions with 4,000 horses. During that week in 2019, there were more licensed shows drawing 11,000 horses.
But for that first week in June, more horses took part in the shows that were held than competed in those fixtures the previous year. At the same time, state and local regulations in many areas put a ceiling on the number of competitors and those associated with them who are allowed on the showgrounds.
It was emphasized that although USEF staff has been working from home, employees have been busy. To crank up the season again, it took more than 300 emergency rule modifications and rescheduling (there were 31 eventing competitions rescheduled, for instance.)
Despite losing revenue through the lockdown and the beginning of the start-up, USEF CEO Bill Moroney suggested it is possible the organization can get to the end of the year financially “at a break-even” by watching expenses as showing ramps up even more.
“If in the second half of the year you have 20 percent more shows, with 75 percent capacity, then you have an opportunity to make up a little ground,” said Murray.
But the federation to a great extent will be operating in unfamiliar territory.
“How in the heck do you plan next year?” Murray wondered.
“It’s going to be complicated. You’re going to have to think through this volatility.”
At the same time, he pointed out, “then it’s just how quickly the industry bounces back. At least from the organizers I’ve spoken to, there isn’t a demand-lack. The horse show community wants to get back to work. Most of the events that are running are sold-out.”
A new strategic plan went into effect when Murray was elected four years ago. As a corporate CEO (he now heads a health care products firm), he drew on his business background to energize USEF, which, among other things, has put the emphasis on a “greater consumer focus,” more than doubled its membership, dramatically increased benefits (including health care) for members and outsourced its drug testing after a controversy.
Leading the way to a solution for the troubled test lab was Tom O’Mara, who headed a task force that arranged for the University of Kentucky to take over the process. No surprise that Tom was selected by the nominating committee to succeed Murray and voted in by the board at the meeting, though he won’t take office until Murray’s term ends in January. (Find out more about Tom by clicking here.)
USEF President Murray Kessler.
Concerns brought forward to the meeting included the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s request that the USEF Pony Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park Aug. 3-9 be cancelled, but the decision at this point is to go ahead.
Bill noted there are 330 entries so far, and social distancing can be managed.
“If you can’t meet the protocols (like wearing masks when not on a horse) this is not the event for you this year,” Bill commented, noting “it will be a very different event this year.” That means no VIP or other extra-curricular opportunities. It will be focused on the competition itself.
Requests to revise the Horse of the Year Awards program did not prompt changes. As Bill pointed out, it was just “A shortened season,” with 11 weeks of competition missing. In the USEF archives, the results will come with an asterisk. Adjustments have to be made according to circumstances. Major League Baseball, for instance, will have its own shortened season.
Murray noted that people still got gold medals at the 1984 Olympics, even though the USSR and other Soviet bloc countries didn’t participate.
“People like to be inspired; people like to be recognized,” he said, speaking in favor of continuing the 2020 HOTY program.
The concept of giving riders who would age out in 2020 another year also was turned down. A move for “junior year reinstatement” would be complex because it would have to filter down to all the different age divisions, but it does appear to have stimulated discussions for more in way of Under 25 competitions in different disciplines.
Rule changes were not handled at the annual meeting as usual, but instead were moved to the mid-year session.
Those passed included dropping the age from 8 to 6 for a permanent measurement card for a horse or pony, a requirement that green hunters must compete three times for points and money to count, and a mandate that USEF must be notified within 24 hours if a horse at a show is placed in isolation due to illness.
Although there were no controversial major changes, discussing them and working out the nuances is always a process no matter what is on the table. Diane Pitts sighed over the proliferation of rules, comparing it to “creating a tax code.” Tom mentioned the possibility of organizing a small task force “to look at the rule book situation.” That should be a fun project.
Tom O’Mara with show jumper BEezie Madden at the USEF’s Horse of the Year awards.
“Diversity & Inclusion” was a hot topic, with a recommended action plan unveiled. It would include a Diversity & Inclusion website for USEF, along with a commitment statement, resource guides and training. There would also be a D&I Thought Leadership Group “across the industry to help inform and guide action planning.”
Although the number of minorities participating has increased since the organization was 96 percent white in 2000, there is room for encouraging much more involvement.
The action plan calls for evaluating grant opportunities and working with grassroots organizations. As board member Diane pointed out, “A lot of this may come down to access,” referring to the fact that many people across the diversity spectrum simply don’t have the opportunity to be near horses or take lessons that could get them started in the equestrian world. Finances often are a barrier to getting started.
She suggested, “if we could put our money where our mouth is” by providing grants or greater access, it would be “a huge statement.”
Lisa Gorretta, a board member who also is president of the U.S. Dressage Federation, thinks the increase in the number of minority participants is tied to the country’s economic improvement.
“This is an expensive sport regardless of the kind of activity you have in it. Where people without economic means have a problem participating in this sport is, unfortunately, the absence of what we had 40-50 years ago when I got involved in the sport, and that is a ton of riding academies,” she commented.
“There are some very successful…opportunities for youth, but there aren’t enough of them. The expense of maintaining those programs is astronomical.”
Murray, meanwhile, believes, “it’s more than access,” asking, “Are we truly an inclusive organization…?”
He said Vicki Lowell, chief marketing and content officer, will “get this resource center and section of the website up quickly that makes a statement that (diversity and inclusion are) a priority for our organization.”
