by Nancy Jaffer | May 24, 2022
It was a hit from the beginning.
Monmouth at the Team involved moving what had been an iconic horse show (the oldest in New Jersey) to the grounds of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in 2016. With lavish hospitality, an array of recognized and unrecognized classes over eight days and the backdrop of the famous stable in Gladstone, Somerset County, the competition was a perfect way to end the summer.
Ringside hospitality was a highlight of Monmouth at the Team. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
Then came Covid.
It was tough enough financially running a one-ring show, but in 2020, Covid made it impossible to offer the close-quarters ringside hospitality that was the show’s signature, so it was cancelled.
In 2021, quarantine issues at the foundation venue involving teams for the Tokyo Olympics made the special location a no-go, so the show was held at Centenary University in Morris County, about a half-hour from Gladstone. It was a nice show, but it lacked the special ambience that being at the USET Foundation provided.
This year, the show is being outsourced.
Claudine Libertore, who runs so many of the hunter/jumper shows in New Jersey, has leased the 2022 Aug. 15-18 dates and will stage it at the Horse Park of New Jersey, which is located in Monmouth County.
Bobcat ears on helmets were a fun signature of the Bobcat Derby during Monmouth at the Team show against the backdrop of the USET Foundation’s historic stable. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
According to Tucker Ericson, who ran the show with his cousin, trainer Michael Dowling, the first three-days will be A-rated and the fourth day will be unrecognized. He added that the tradition of the Bobcat Derby (with its trademark bobcat ear headbands), sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, will continue.
Michael Dowling and Tucker Ericson moved the Monmouth County Horse Show to the USET Foundation. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
Tucker, who works in the insurance business, and his cousin, an associate professor at Centenary, are too involved elsewhere to run the show themselves at this point.
“If someone steps up with a better gameplay for 2023, we will certainly consider it, but I am sure CJL will continue with the dates otherwise,” Tucker stated.
“Neither USET nor Centenary were willing to take on the endeavor and Michael and I are too busy with our careers to put the time into it that is required, not to mention the volatility of losing a lot of money due to viruses, weather, and the economy.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2022
You may regard the Horse Park of New Jersey as a place for competition, but it is also a place that is in competition–with state horse parks elsewhere that have similar missions.
They are located in Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and Florida (and don’t forget the refurbished Fair Hill, Md., site that hosts the country’s new 5-star event). Private facilities in North and South Carolina and New York also are among venues that are looking to attract exhibitors, and huge expenditures at Wellington International and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., have raised the bar even more.
One thing all these places have in common is up-to-date footing and stabling, while the New Jersey park in Monmouth County is working with footing in its rings that is not to the modern standard, and stalls from another era. The parks in other states “show off their state. New Jersey’s state animal is the horse, and our horse park is usable, but it’s sure nothing to show off,” said board member Marilyn Payne.
In its 35 years, the horse park has fallen farther behind because it hasn’t had the infusion of cash it needs to modernize.
“It’s a crisis for long term use and competition with other venues,” said Marilyn, a well-known trainer who has competed at the park as has her son, Doug, the highest-placed rider on the U.S. Olympic eventing team in Tokyo last year, and her daughter, Holly Payne Caravella, also a professional horsewoman.
Doug Payne taking a victory gallop in the grand prix ring at the Horse Park of New Jersey when he won at Jersey Fresh. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Marilyn cited the effort that went into the venue’s premier feature, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event for two decades, but “we lost it because other horse parks had far better (arena) footing and stabling,” she contended.
Complaints about those two items have kept some equestrians living in other states from coming to the park, while they also have been responsible for a number of New Jersey horse owners’ decision to show elsewhere, even though the footing on the cross-country course is ideal.
The situation is particularly painful with rising gas and diesel prices, since it is more cost-effective and convenient for New Jersey equestrians to show in-state rather than driving for hours to ride under better conditions in other states. She notes that other facilities offer “destination events,” explaining “that’s something you want to be able to qualify for and get there because it’s such a fabulous venue.”
But now there is an opportunity for improvements at the park, and New Jersey residents can make them happen by contacting their state legislators and urging them to vote for Assembly Bill 3982, a fiscal year supplemental appropriation introduced by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer of Cream Ridge (R-12th Dist.)
Assemblyman Ron Dancer.
The bill calls for a $2.5 million allocation for footing for three arenas and two warm-up rings, with stabling improvement if any money is left over. The assemblyman noted the time is right to seek funding from the state because it has “unprecedented surplus levels,” as tax revenues increased $13.4 billion in two years, more than 35 percent higher than what was collected in 2020, according to nj.com.
The assemblyman had asked for a wish list of improvements the horse park board wanted to see, and it came to a total of $8.5 million.
“From that. he came up with that proposal of $2.5 million,” said park board vice president Ellen Clark, noting he felt that was the park’s best shot for its most-needed improvements.
Stabling is an issue because at the time the park was developed, horses generally were smaller than they tend to be today, she said. It’s important that the horses have enough space, and in the interests of disease prevention also can’t touch noses with other horses while in their stalls.
However, Dancer knows more needs to be done. He wants to see work begin on drafting a five-year capital plan for further improvements at the park after the end of this fiscal year on June 30.
Footing First is the company that would supply SRS footing. The firm said the footing, which includes silica sand,
“provides excellent traction, cushion and durability.”
Silica sand, according to the company, creates a surface with longevity and is a “blend has proven itself to be an excellent choice for all disciplines.” That’s important at a facility used for everything from dressage, show jumping, driving and eventing to saddlebreds and western.
“We felt this is the best solution for the park and our needs, to serve all our constituents,” said Ellen.
Big names such as Boyd Martin were a fixture at Jersey Fresh. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The assemblyman, the son of legendary harness horse driver and trainer Stanley Dancer, was behind a bill that sought to eliminate the tax on horse board in 2020. Although that made it all the way to the governor’s desk, he didn’t sign it. The legislator is hoping for better luck this time, but first the bill has to get out of committee.
He advises the way to do that is for everyone who would like the Horse Park to be improved to write to the legislators in their own district, or even call their offices. This is a proactive step that should be taken by anyone who wants to see the park live up to its potential.
They should also contact Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (District 19) and Senate President Nick Scutari (District 22). Click on this link to find the names and addresses of your legislators; all you have to do is fill in the name of the town where you live. And a note or call to Gov. Phil Murphy also will be beneficial. Contact him via email with this link. Here is a link that will enable you to read the details of the bill. A sample letter you can send is on the Horse Park website at www.horseparkofnewjersey.com; or click here
“We’ve never had funding available to address the needs of the Horse Park. The horse is the state animal, and we need to make a statement we are supporting our state horse park financially,” the assemblyman said, noting he is unaware of any direct state appropriation for the park during its history, aside from supplying the land where it is located.
“When you have a state horse park that is drawing from other states and regions, we want to be proud of what we have in New Jersey. Number one, we want to make sure everything is safe. The emphasis here is on safety and recognizing that the state of New Jersey has a fiduciary responsibility to address the needs of a state horse park,” he added, commenting, “I think it’s overdue.”
Because of the park’s name, people think it is funded by the state, which doesn’t provide an incentive to give money to the facility. The park is actually a non-profit that has to pay for itself. Ellen noted there has been talk about rebranding–perhaps with a named sponsor–but that’s only a thought at the moment.
“We try not to raise the rates at the park so much that people can’t afford to use it,” Ellen commented. She noted the park is still seeking other grants, through “every possible avenue.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2022
The case of dressage trainer Michael Barisone, found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity last month, presents an unprecedented situation for the Center for SafeSport.
After he was charged in 2019, Barisone, had been listed as permanently ineligible based on criminal disposition, but SafeSport this week changed his status to a temporary suspension, while continuing a no-contact directive between the parties involved in the matter.
Michael Barisone competing in 2014. (Photo © 2014 by Nancy Jaffer)
When someone is temporarily suspended, that indicates the Center is conducting an investigation. Temporary measures are not a determination of a finding, but are designed for the safety of participants while the Center does its work.
The not guilty by reason of insanity verdict puts a new wrinkle in the SafeSport proceedings. Since opening its doors in 2017, the Center has not dealt with a similar type of matter, according to spokesman Dan Hill. The Center handles issues of sexual, emotional and physical abuse concerning individuals involved in Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Barisone was charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting of Lauren Kanarek, a student and tenant at his farm in Long Valley, N.J., and also indicted on a charge of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity in connection with that charge as well.
In addition, the Superior Court jury in Morristown, N.J., found the 2008 U.S. Olympic dressage team alternate not guilty outright on charges of attempted murder and weapons possession involving Kanarek’s boyfriend, Robert Goodwin.
Barisone had been trying to evict the couple from the farmhouse on his property, as the atmosphere at the farm became more and more toxic.
The defense contended that Barisone, who did not take the witness stand during his trial, was unable to remember the Aug. 7, 2019 shooting incident. The defense psychiatrist concluded in his testimony that Barisone not only suffered from delusional disorder but also was dealing with persistent depressive disorder. The horseman was in a situation where he felt physically threatened by Kanarek and Goodwin, according to the psychiatrist, and saw no way out as his life fell apart.
As the Center does its work, it can gather information it doesn’t have to this point, but can’t meet yet with Barisone because he is in quarantine after being moved a week ago from the Morris County, N.J., correctional facility to the Anne Klein Forensic Center in West Trenton for evaluation.
At the end of the evaluation period, he will appear in court for a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to himself or others, and how he can move on from there. That is a separate proceeding from any action that may be taken by SafeSport.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 19, 2022
Centenary University next month will present its highest honor to Octavia Brown, a pioneer and leader in the field of therapeutic riding.
Octavia will be honored with the Gold Dome Award June 2 during CU at the Stables, the annual scholarship fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. at the David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackttstown..
Octavia Brown at the Centenary University stables. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The professor emeritus of equine studies “has made a positive impact on the lives of so many through her tireless commitment to therapeutic riding,” said Bruce Murphy, the university’s president.
“Early on, she recognized the power that equine-assisted services have to promote confidence, independence, and healing. At Centenary University, we are proud to honor Dr. Brown with the Gold Dome Award for the tremendous impact she has made, both at our University and around the world.”
A longtime Centenary faculty member, Octavia is a founder of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Now known as PATH International, the nonprofit has 7,000 members worldwide who help support more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans, through a variety of equine-assisted services.
At Centenary, she is the former director of TRAC (Therapeutic Riding at Centenary), an accredited adaptive riding program that fosters beneficial interactions between horses and humans and provides training for professionals in the field of equine-assisted education and therapy. Through Operation Centaur, the university also provides the benefits of therapeutic riding to military veterans and their family members.
Born in England, Octavia emigrated to the United States in 1964. She earned a master of education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1971 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Centenary in 2008. A past president of the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International, She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the James Brady Award for Lifetime Achievement in Therapeutic Riding, PATH International’s highest honor. Most recently, she was honored in January by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
Centenary University has one of the nation’s leading collegiate equine studies programs, offering several specialty fields of study and competitive riding teams. Centenary’s ANRC team recently captured the 2022 ANRC National Equitation Championship, and the university has a near-perfect track record for student acceptance to selective veterinary schools.
CU at the Stables will help to raise critical unrestricted scholarships to provide financial support for Centenary students who may not otherwise be able to bridge the gap between tuition and financial aid. Each year, the University offers more than $14 million in scholarship support to Centenary students. Purchase event tickets here or email Elizabeth.Freeman@centenaryuniversity.edu by May 20.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 14, 2022
Michael Barisone finally has been moved from the Morris County Correctional Facility to the Anne Klein Forensic Center for evaluation.
Though he was supposed to leave the jail in Morristown shortly after being found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity on April 14, the delay of nearly a month in his transfer means a hearing on his fate will not be held as originally scheduled May 17. He will be evaluated at Anne Klein in West Trenton, but he will have to spend two weeks in isolation there first.
Michael Barisone hopes to be riding again soon. ((Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The evaluation and subsequent hearing will determine whether he is a danger to himself or others, and if he can pick up the threads of his life again.
The dressage trainer was charged with two counts of attempted murder involving the tenants at his Long Valley Farm. Lauren Kanarek was shot twice during an August 7, 2019 encounter with Barisone when he confronted her and her boyfriend, Robert Goodwin, as he sought to evict them. The not guilty by reason of insanity verdict applied to the attempted murder charge involving Kanarek,as well as a charge of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Barisone was found not guilty of attempted murder and possession of a weapon in connection with Goodwin.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 13, 2022
After the U.S. Equestrian Federation didn’t renew Erik Duvander’s contract as eventing performance director last December, he headed home to New Zealand.
But he didn’t stay away long, and now he’s back in the U.S. Read what happened at horsesport.com.
Erik Duvander at Land Rover Kentucky. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
by Nancy Jaffer | May 12, 2022
Did you miss watching the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star three-day event? Or did you enjoy watching it so much you’d like to see highlights again?
NBC television will be presenting the event Saturday May 14 at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Tune in to watch the masterful riding of superstar Michael Jung and the technique of his amazing mount, fischerChipmunk FRH. Cheer on Doug Payne, the highest-placed American rider and enjoy the opportunity to see competitors from around the world.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk master cross-country. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Commentary by Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor will offer insight into the action as one of the world’s toughest competitions unfolds. Enjoy seeing the beauty of the Kentucky Horse Park in the spring as a bonus.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 11, 2022
A memorial service will be held Tuesday May 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 North Alamo St., San Antonio, Texas for Helen Kleberg Groves, who was raised on the famed King Ranch.
An honorary lifetime trustee of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, she died in San Antonio May 6 at the age of 94. Among her children is grand prix show jumper Dorothy (D.D.) Matz, the wife of race horse trainer and former show jumper Michael Matz.
Known as Helenita, she graduated from the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Va., and attended Vassar College. She was passionate about ranching, fine horses, and family. She was a crack shot with her Colt pistol, often bettering the men around her and continued to be a keen and accurate dove and quail hunter into her nineties.
Helen Kleberg Groves
Helenita ranched her entire life, from overseeing King Ranch’s Buck and Doe Run Valley Farms in Chester County, Pa., to her own Silverbrook Farms in Staunton, Va., to Silverbrook Ranches in Texas, she focused on raising the best Santa Gertrudis cattle and Quarter Horses in the country.
She campaigned many champion cutting horses, including Miss Peppy Also and Pay 21. She was a skilled rider and loved competing across the country, winning many championship buckles and collecting limitless friends along the way. Known as the “First Lady of Cutting,” she was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1998.
Thoroughbreds were also a lifelong passion. She led King Ranch’s Assault into the winner’s circle after his 1946 Triple Crown victory, and went on to breed, own, and race numerous horses that carried her rust and lavender silks throughout her life.
She co-bred and owned the champion filly Althea, who won the Arkansas Derby, as well as numerous other Grade I winners such as Serape, Free Drop Billy, and Hawkbill. Later in life, she could be found in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in August, enjoying the races and regaling all around her with her tales from decades past.
A lifelong learner, interested in numerous subjects including history, politics, the arts and the sciences, Helenita was a voracious reader with a steely memory. She enjoyed lunching with many of the prominent scientists from the institutions she supported, continuously expanding her broad intellect. She also was devoted to her strong corps of “Monday Night Ladies,” who are known to be the catalysts for much of the important charitable and political work done in San Antonio.
Helenita was a philanthropist, who took her service very seriously. She served as president of the Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation until 2020 and continued on the board until her death. Additionally, she served on the boards of educational institutions as well as the National Sporting Library and Museum, in Middleburg, Va.
Her knowledge and acumen as a rancher, horsewoman, and cattle breeder made her an indispensable member and leader on many boards, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the National Cutting Horse Association and her beloved King Ranch, where she served as a director from 1956-1988, and where her influence was felt for the remainder of her life.
Predeceased by her ex-husband, Dr. John Deaver Alexander, and her second husband, Lloyd L. Groves. Helenita is survived by five children in addition to Dorothy: Helen C. Alexander, Emory A. Hamilton (Fred), John D. Alexander (Claire), Caroline A. Forgason, Henrietta K. Alexander. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Deaver, Cadell, and Robert “Berto” Alexander, Helen H. Cottingham (Charlie), James Forgason, Laird George, and Alex, Lucy, Robert, and Arthur Matz.
Honorary pallbearers will be Deaver, Cadell, and Berto Alexander, Helen Cottingham, James Forgason, Laird George, Alex, Lucy, Robert and Arthur Matz.
The family would also like to recognize the extraordinary care her caregivers provided late in her life, especially Araceli Sutherland, Flor Smith, Dominique Palomo, Julieta Chavez, Ana Cardoza, Stephanie Sutherland, Jessie Gutierrez, and Karel Hoffman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the King High Historical Foundation, the National Sporting Library and Museum, or any of the charities Helenita supported throughout her life.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 11, 2022
Adrienne Lyle and Salvino. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Alice Tarjan found herself in the company of such big names as Olympic medalists Steffen Peters and Adrienne Lyle today when the U.S. Equestrian Federation announced the Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team Short List for the 2022 FEI Dressage World Championships in Herning, Denmark, this summer.
“It’s an honor,” said Alice. The Oldwick, N.J., resident was chosen with Serenade MF, a 9-year-old Hanoverian mare that she has trained to Grand Prix herself.
“Her breeder, Maryanna Haymon, is absolutely thrilled because she’s the only American-bred on the list. That’s kind of exciting,” said Alice, who has a whole string of horses she bought as youngsters and developed.
“It is amazing how she can just bring up horse after horse to Grand Prix like that and have them do as well as they do. That is remarkable. No one has ever done that here,” said U.S. dressage development coach Charlotte Bredahl.
“All her horses are good horses. Alice has such a talent for putting piaffe/passage on all her horses. She does it really well and they come out doing it well. You don’t see any resistance in the piaffe/passage tour like you often see with others. Her horses are always ready to perform in that.”
Serenade is by Sir Donnerhall out of a Don Principe mare. Making the list is a dream come true from so many angles, and a little hard to believe for the always low-key and modest Alice, who spent some time working with former U.S. dressage technical advisor Debbie McDonald over the winter.
“Growing up, you read all the magazines and think, `Wow, that’s so cool,’ and when it’s you, somehow it’s like, `I’m not that good. Everyone else is awesome.’ I don’t know how I get up there.”
Of her mare, Alice acknowledges, “She’s gone well. She’s an interesting horse, really talented and pretty rideable.”
Even so, she pointed out “when you walk through the barn, she’s not the horse you would pick. It’s interesting because she’s the smallest one of the bunch (her nickname is Shrimp) but she sure does her job every time she goes out there.”
Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF. (Photo © 2021by Nancy Jaffer)
Last year, Alice finished sixth with Candescent in the mandatory observation trial for the U.S. Olympic dressage team candidates. Candescent, a Hanoverian Alice bought as a four-year-old, was on the short list for the Olympic squad and the top six from the trial were supposed to go to Europe before the Tokyo Games, but she didn’t feel her mare had enough experience to make that trip. So she was willing to wait for another opportunity down the road.
Her plans call for her to renew her focus on Candescent in the autumn, explaining, “You can only compete so many horses at once. She had an easy spring.”
The horses and riders on the list will compete at observation events in Europe before final team selection in July. Major shows where they will appear include the Rotterdam,, Netherlands, CDIO5* and the Aachen, Germany, CDIO5*/CDI4*.
It’s a little early to make the choice of which to attend, but Alice is leaning toward Rotterdam. She’ll be helped by her close friend Lauren Chumley, a professional trainer from Pittstown who groomed for her when she went to Aachen last year, and she expects her trainer, Marcus Orlob of Annandale, to fly over when she competes.
Others on the list are Katie Duerrhammer of Colorado with Paxton, a 2011 Westphalian gelding, and Quartett, a 2007 Bradenburg gelding, both owned by Kylee Lourie; Californian Ben Ebeling with Illuster van de Kampert a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by ACR Enterprises, Inc., and Indeed, a 2008 Danish Warmblood mare owned by Vantage Equestrian. Also named is Sarah Tubman of Wellington, Fla., with First Apple, a 2010 KWPN stallion owned by Summit Farm.
Former Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer of Wellington, now a U.S. citizen, was chosen with Valentine, her 2010 Hanoverian mare, while Charlotte Jorst of Reno is on the list with Kastel’s Nintendo, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Kastel Denmark.
Adrienne, a member of the Tokyo Olympic silver medal team who lives in Wellington, will be competing Salvino, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion owned by Betsy Juliano LLC. She is joined by her teammate, Steffen, of San Diego, riding with Suppenkasper, a 2008 KWPN gelding owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki.
The third member of the Tokyo team, Sabine Schut-Kery, had said her Sanceo was not ready to compete by the deadline for selection to the short list, but she may have another chance at selection for the championships down the road.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 11, 2022
Bouncing back is Tamie Smith’s specialty, and the same can be said of her Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event mount, Fleeceworks Royal.
The mare’s 5-star debut at the Kentucky Horse Park last month started with a dressage test that put her first in the division on day one, though she had dropped to eighth by the second day.
Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal in the dressage phase at Kentucky. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Her cross-country trip was cut short at the 11th obstacle when Tamie sensed the mare was injured and pulled her up. Rory, as the mare is known to her friends, underwent surgery on her left front pastern at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
She’s healing now, and “as long as she gets through all of it with no complications, she should make a full recovery,” Tamie reported about the U.S.-bred daughter of Riverman.
“She is the toughest mare you’ve ever met,” added the rider, referencing everything Rory has been through. That includes a corneal transplant, an airway obstruction issue and a minor leg problem that kept her off the 2019 Pan American Games team.
But no adversity has stopped her, which also can be said of Tamie.
“Yes, she is just like me,” Tamie agreed happily.
“I told her owner (Judith McSwain) we’re going to rename her “The Cockroach”, because you can’t kill her, you can’t keep her down. She’s going to keep fighting. She’s incredible.”
It’s such good news that Rory is on the road back. The other horse who had a bad fall on cross-country at Kentucky, Emporium, was not injured and went home after a short stay at Hagyard.
Despite ending the Kentucky 5-star with a disappointment, Tamie didn’t dwell on the negative and headed off to the Badminton, England, 5-star, where she finished ninth on Mai Baum to be the best-placed American last weekend.
“Badminton was super-competitive,” said Tamie’s trainer, Erik Duvander.
“The quality of the field was totally outstanding. You looked down the line of combinations that have won championships, Worlds, Europeans and of course previous winners of 5-star, so it was highly competitive.”
He called the cross-country course designed by Eric Winter, “possibly the best I’ve seen in a long, long time. It was a decent track, it was big, it was super well-presented; nothing trappy but demanding on the horses physically and mentally.”
In the show jumping, Tamie and Mai Baum were among only four entries in the field of 52 finishers to go double-clear over Kelvin Bywater’s challenging route.
Erik sees big things in Tamie’s future now, and the rider is, of course, hoping to be named to the team for this summer’s world championships in Italy.
“Now she is really, really ready,” said Erik, ,who has been working with her since 2017.
“With Tamie, it’s not just her riding skills, but it’ her mental skills to perform all three phases in the manner she did. I feel her future is really bright now.”
