by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 6, 2019
Fear of temperatures that could go higher than 100 degrees is prompting some schedule reshuffling of the Tokyo Olympics, with just seven months to go until the Games get under way.
It’s odd, when you consider that the summers in Tokyo are typically very hot and humid, so the International Olympic Committee knew what it was facing in 2013 when it awarded the Games to the city for dates in July and August. That was six years ago–why are they waiting until practically the last minute to make changes, especially since more than 50 people died in the city last summer due to high temperatures?
When I went to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, which is in the same part of the world, the Games were in September and October, when it is much cooler. But of course, the fall is prime time for football and the World Series on TV, and TV is the big player in the Olympics.
One of the competitions that will be affected is the three-day eventing cross-country, which will have to start between 7:30 and 8 a.m. in order to finish by 11 a.m., because after that time, heat could rise to a level that is dangerous for the horses. Despite provisions for misting sprays and cooling tents, horses can’t avoid stress from the conditions. And with delays usual due to falls and other mishaps on cross-country, the last rider may go past the finish line later than the optimum ETA.
In other sports affected by the heat, the marathons already have been moved to Sapporo, about 500 miles north of Tokyo. The men’s and women’s triathlon races at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo were moved up and will start at 6:30 a.m., an hour earlier than initially planned.
The FEI (international equestrian federation) undertook a study to collect data on how the horses did in the heat and humidity during last July’s Olympic test event, and a change in time zones as well as the stress of travel was also taken into account.
“High level equestrian competitions are increasingly taking place in parts of the world where the climate poses health challenges for both humans and horses,” FEI veterinary director Göran Akerström said.
“The study plays a crucial role in guiding Tokyo 2020 and other Organizing Committees on appropriate facilities and support, and will be used to advise and guide athletes and National Federations on the preparation of their horses in the build-up to and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 1, 2019
The Kevin Babington Foundation has set up a Facebook page to update people on the injured show jumper and his progress, share information regarding fund raising and to keep everyone current on what is needed for Kevin as he continues on his journey towards rehabilitation in the wake of his accident that left him with a critical spinal cord injury.
Here is a message from the Foundation: “As many of you know Kevin’s rehabilitation is going to be a long process. The KBF has been created to assist in generating funds so the large task of providing the best possible care for Kevin is viable.
“All of us at the KBF wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many people who have already donated. With the contributions received we were able to recently purchase a van for Kevin so he can easily be transported to and from physical therapy once he is released from Kessler and is down in Florida. Currently the date for Kevin’s arrival in Wellington is on or around December 5.
“If anyone has any questions, please send your inquiries here via private message on Facebook, or you can send an email to kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com
if you need bank details for donations.
Kevin Babington Foundation board member Shane Sweetnam wears a green ribbon on his jacket signifying his commitment to Kevin. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Additionally, the KBF hopes to be a platform where riders can access resources to obtain information on innovative safety equipment to aid in the prevention of catastrophic injury. Arguably our sport is behind the eight-ball in this area, and it’s time we look more closely at the many cutting-edge options in safety vests and riding coats, which are readily available.
“Many thanks for your continued support for Kevin. He and his family, and all of us at the KBF are so incredibly grateful for your interest and generosity.
We hope we can continue to count on all of you as Kevin faces his brave battle to recover.”
Missy Clark
John Brennan
Shane Sweetnam
Colm Mcguckian
Darragh Kerins
Maarten Huygens
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 26, 2019
Making things better for horses: Doesn’t everyone who is involved with these special animals want to see that happen? But the Rutgers Equine Science Center translates the desire into action. The research with which it is involved makes a difference in the well-being of horses and in turn, those who have dedicated their lives to them, whether for sport, work or pleasure.
The Center, funded by public and private contributions, also promotes best management practices that pay off in horse health and benefits for the environment– as well as recognizing those who have made contributions to the industry.
Dr. Michael Fugaro receives the Spirit of the Horse award from Rutgers Equine Science Center Founding Director Karyn Malinowski as Amy Butewicz,, co-chair of the leadership bord, looks on. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Center’s purpose was highlighted this month in New Brunswick during its Evening of Science & Celebration, where the keynote presentation dealt with research related to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding) in horses. The talk was delivered by Professor Ken McKeever, who holds a doctorate in animal physiology from the University of Arizona.
He is involved in researching a new drug, a Type-5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE 5), that could be an alternative to furosemide (Lasix), extensively used in racing, ostensibly to counteract respiratory bleeding. The company that put up $1.4 million for the research doesn’t want to go public at this point, and the name of the drug isn’t being revealed, since there is more research to be done.
However, the professor said, “It’s very promising, where things are going. The bottom line is that it’s a drug that reduces pulmonary artery pressure, the pressure that may be causing the capillaries to break. The next step is to see if it can actually prevent bleeding.”
After that, “It has to go to field trials and other questions the FDA (federal Food and Drug Administration) may ask,” noted the Center’s associate director of research.
He explained, “The controversy that’s out there is that Lasix (administered to bleeders on race day) doesn’t work very well. It doesn’t stop bleeding. It’s mixed as far as reducing the severity,”
The professor added, “It’s controversial, because it enhances performance.” He pointed out that in a study of 22,000 thoroughbred racehorses, the ones that were on Lasix won a greater percentage of the time.
“The best thing is to have a drug that works and doesn’t enhance performance,” he noted.
With his research into the unnamed drug, “We’re showing it has the potential to work and doesn’t affect the markers of performance.”
One of its pluses is the potential for giving it 24 hours out from a race. In most states, Lasix is administered four hours before the race.
The center’s executive director, Karyn Malinowski, cited the pressure on racing with all the breakdowns that have made headlines over the last year. She believes at some point, same-day medication will be banned “which would make this drug even more useful.” Discussing the prospect of a drug that can be given 24 hours out, she commented, “To me that’s really exciting as we continue to come under scrutiny of administering medication on race day.”
Ken McKeever called Lasix administration “the biggest controversy right now, other than the breakdowns.” He added scientific studies “strongly suggest Lasix enhances performance.”
As he pointed out, “If you lose a substantial amount of weight, you’re going to enhance performance,” and weight loss is one of the effects of using Lasix, a diuretic.
In addition, he said, it’s an alkalizing agent, functioning in the same way as a milkshake. (The milkshake used in racehorses involves several ounces of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in a gallon of water.).
“It changes the acid base status of a horse,” the professor stated.
“When you exercise really hard, people going for the burn (are) working their anaerobic side of the system. Anaerobic metabolism generates a lot of acid and so you get more acidotic. The way to counter that is by the body’s natural buffers or an alkalizing agent,” said Ken, who mentioned Lasix has a function like a milkshake.
If a horse is tested to see if it has been dosed with a milkshake, an allowance is made in the results if the animal has been given Lasix, he noted.
According to a report by veterinarian Sid Gustafson, writing about the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s hearing on race-day medication, Lasix alkalinizes horses. “The more Lasix, and the closer it is administered to the race, the more intense the alkalinization effect of Lasix.”
He reported that creates, “a competitive metabolic advantage similar to milkshaking, rendering the drug Lasix a clear and present doping agent. Lasix has significant potential to alter and enhance racehorse performance.”
Other research presented at the Evening of Celebration and Science included a study by 4-H members Skylar cooper and Morgan Wordleman, offering a little scientific drama (very cute) on whether home-made fly spray or pharmaceutical fly spray is more effective. The pharma version won. Another presentation on warm season grasses by Jennifer Weinert was part of a work in progress. The next step in the research involves the effect different grasses have on horses with metabolic conditions, such as Cushing’s Disease.
Mark Mullen and the 600-acre Fair Winds Farm in Upper Freehold Township received the Gold Medal Horse Farm Award. Although it has 40 trotting and pacing mares on the property and consigns yearlings to the Harrisburg sales, this award was presented for dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Fair Winds was cited for a number of protocols, including a well-maintained manure storage area, following state guidelines and beautiful vegetative buffers around its waterways.
Carey Williams, equine extension specialist, with Mark Mullen of Fair Winds Farm and Karyn Malinowski. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Spirit of the Horse Award, presented to someone who has made a difference for horses, went to Dr. Michael Fugaro, who has a veterinary practice in Long Valley and was recognized for his “lifelong commitment to horse care and education.”
“I was a kid who grew up in Cherry Hill, N.J., and wanted to be a small animal veterinarian,” Michael told his audience after accepting the award.
Taking a step toward pursuing his ambition, he made a cold call to a veterinarian whose name he found in the phone book.
” I’d never seen a horse or touched a horse,” recalled Michael, who remembers that Dr. David Meirs, a well-known large animal vet and Standardbred breeder, answered the phone himself.
“I said, I don't know anything about horses, but I want to go to vet school.' So he said, `Come and work with me for the summer. We’re going to halter-break babies and muck stalls,'” Michael recalled.
“We–I did that, he didn’t do that,” Michael chuckled, but that job made a difference in his life.
“It was somebody like that who just took a random cold call and offered that mentorship and guidance. I’ve tried to emulate that, I think, through my career,” he said.
“I’ve always enjoyed getting involved with the Rutgers Equine Science Center. They’ve been so supportive of allowing me to give my two cents when students would like to learn or hear what I have to gab on about,” he continued, saying when that happens, “I always think back to my start.”
Want to get involved with what the Equine Science Center has to offer? Next up, starting Jan. 21, is Carey Williams’ 14-week online equine nutrition course, which can be taken by barn managers, horse owners, trainers, feed sales reps or anyone who wants to know more about feeding their horses. To register online, go to https://ce-catalog.rutgers.edu/coursedisplay.cfm?schID=78458. For information, call 848-932-9271.
On Feb. 9, the Center’s annual in-person horse management seminar in New Brunswick will focus on race horse/sport horse care and rehabilitation.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2019
Patricia Duffy Murphy was always an elegant presence, beautifully turned out whether in a formal gown at Madison Square Garden for the National Horse Show; riding her favorite horse, Sean, with the Spring Valley Hounds, or while welcoming guests to her home at Spook Hollow Farm in Bedminster, which traditionally has hosted the Essex Fox Hounds’ opening meet each season for 40 years.
But more important, she was a warm person with a quick smile, who made sure you knew she was glad to see you. That’s how we’ll remember Patricia, who died Wednesday at age 89, surrounded by her family, the focus of her life.
Patricia Murphy with her daughter, Karen, in 2012 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation. (Photo © 2012 by Nancy Jaffer)
Patricia, the widow of U.S. Equestrian Team President Vincent B. Murphy Jr., was always there for her six children: Vince Jr., Patricia Stuebe; Michaela (Mikey) Hoag, a former grand prix show jumper; Dan, Karen, who is the joint master of the Essex Fox Hounds, and Kevin, who died in 2013.
Born in Germantown, Pa., Patricia graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Eden Hall and attended Pratt Institute in New York City. Patricia was one of the first women invested with the American Sovereign Military Order of Malta. She was also a long-time supporter of the Summit Speech School and the Midland School.
She was known for her devout faith, kindness and high moral standards. Oma, as she was affectionately called by her 20 grandchildren and Grand Oma by her 11 great-grandchildren, was the glue that kept the Murphy family together. Every child and grandchild spent holidays at the farm, where they felt her love, warmth and support. Family was paramount in her eyes and she instilled that deeply across the generations.
Like her late husband, Pat suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, which inspired Mikey to become involved in raising funds for research into this devastating condition. She started an organization called Part the Cloud, which works with the Alzheimer’s association, raising money for early stage human trials to find a drug that can slow, stop or ultimately cure Alzheimer’s.
The organization has had 39 trials around the world, with applications from 29 countries. The idea is to get a drug on the market as fast as possible, Mikey said. It took seven years to raise $30 million, which includes a $10 million donation from Bill Gates. She hopes that by April, another $30 million will be raised.
Mikey has staged Silicon Valley fund raisers every other year featuring celebrities performing pro bono, including Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffet, Chris Isaac and Idina Menzel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to Part the Cloud at alz.org/partthecloud or the Countryside Alliance of the Somerset Hills (https://greatnonprofits.org/org/countryside-alliance-of-the-somerset-hills).
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 13, 2019
Jane Gilbert’s contributions to New Jersey’s equine industry were eclectic and embracing, from eventing and showing, to thoroughbred racing and breeding.
She was all about being involved, leading the way for so many organizations while serving as president of the New Jersey-Bred Hunter Association, the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board, ReRun Inc. and the Horse Council of New Jersey.
In addition, she was involved in organizing the old Essex Horse Trials, had been secretary of the Horse Park of New Jersey and was a U.S. Equestrian Federation “R”-rated judge in the hunter, jumper and hunter equitation divisions.
So it was a shock and a tremendous loss when word arrived that Jane died Nov. 4 after a short illness. The 73-year-old Pennington resident gave freely of her time to insure a safe and useful future for former thoroughbred race horses.
Jane was a former president of the multi-state ReRun thoroughbred adoption group, but in 2012, she and Laurie Lane, its former executive director, decided to narrow the scope of what they were doing to concentrate on New Jersey.
“ReRun was focusing more on New York, we were already doing a lot of work at Monmouth Park,” Jane said at the time, so the women decided, “Why not become a whole new entity?”
The Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption & Placement program took off just a few months after its founding and is still going. Second Call’s mission is to find new careers for the racehorses, who are evaluated for soundness and potential, then re-acclimated and retrained.
Laurie Lane, and Jane Gilbert of Second Call with thoroughbred breeder Eileen Munyak of Millstone. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Lane)
“She was a visionary. She brought the horse community together,” said Laurie Lane, noting Second Call will continue because, “I’m sure Jane wouldn’t want it any other way. Jane’s legacy will live on in the work we do. We’re going to keep fighting the fight and make sure these thoroughbreds have a place to go post-racing.”
Karyn Malinowski, director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, knew Jane since 1965, when she was president of Karyn’s “Boots and Saddles” 4-H horse club.
“The New Jersey horse industry owes Jane much for her decades of dedicated service,” said Karyn.
“She opened many doors for all of us with wisdom and humor. Just an amazing person and top notch horsewoman,” stated Dan and Nancy Wolek of Millstone Township.
Survivors include Jane’s husband, Charles Gilbert, and her sister, Laurie Bradshaw. Those who wish to make donations in her name may do so to Second Call at https://sctap.com. A tribute to Jane is planned for the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event at the Horse Park of New Jersey in May.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 6, 2019
Kevin Babington’s wife, Dianna, shared an exciting update today about the New Jersey-based Irish show jumper, who suffered a critical spinal cord injury in a fall during a competition at the end of August. He is being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange
“Yesterday he was able to feel my hand when I held his right hand. He also managed to generate slight movement in his right elbow which is not spasm or shoulder-generated,” Diana stated on Facebook.
“What might seem to be a minor achievement, to me is like an open gate to a road that was once completely impassable. My understanding is hand and elbow are generated from nerves below the site of injury, C6 C7 C8–I believe is hand, I could easily be wrong–but it’s definitely below where the contusion is.
“So my deduction is this shows connection from brain to below ‘the traffic jam’ at C3C4. This has given me hope. Today is the first day I have actually enjoyed looking at fall leaves while driving my daughter to the dentist, I actually noticed them.”
She added, “Tears have been from joy instead of frustration and sorrow. I am afraid to be happy, but I can’t help clinging onto this small moment in such a long process. Kevin was so happy to demonstrate this for us and I could see in his eyes he was lifted in his spirits. He has been so amazingly strong and brave to date.
“I am in amazement of his personal fortitude. He never breaks. He just takes each day like a champion and speaks of returning to horses. If you are a doctor and feel the need to correct my analysis, please don’t. I have swallowed so much negative information I’ve had enough to last a lifetime. Let us have this moment because it is the boat we are clinging to in this storm. We believe, and so does he, that he will recover. We must believe it or we have nothing. Please keep praying and sending positive energy. I think it matters.”
On barn night at the National Horse Show, members of the Kevin Babington Fan Club showed their support. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Meanwhile, the shows at Ketcham Farm in Allentown, N.J., where Kevin Babington has been based, will offer a special fundraising opportunity for Kevin’s foundation each day of every horse show in its series, starting with Nov. 16-17,. The judge will be on the lookout for a rider who exemplifies good horsemanship and they will be the winner of the “Ride of the day”. It will cost a $20 donation to the Babington Fund to enter. Prizes will be awarded.
The other dates for the Ketcham shows are Dec 28-29 and in 2020, Jan 11-12, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 29-March 1. The hunters will go on Saturday and jumpers on Sunday. there is a huge indoor arena with GGT footing and the same footing is in the outdoor schooling area.
The board of directors of the Kevin Babington Foundation is accepting donations.
To obtain bank instructions for wiring money or an address to which checks can be mailed, send an email to kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com. All information will be shared through the email address in order to keep the wire information secure.
Be sure to make it clear who is making the donation when you send a check or money wire so organizers can keep track of contributions. All donations are tax deductible.
“We will continue to update everyone about our long term goals for the KBF,” organizers stated.
“Last but not least,” they said, “we’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting Kevin on his journey towards rehabilitation.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 2, 2019
One of New Jersey’s greatest assets for equestrians is the Rutgers Equine Science Center, where research and education have a home at an institution addressing horse industry issues and challenges.
To be part of the process, attend the center’s “Evening of Science & Celebration” on Thursday Nov. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cook Student Center in New Brunswick. The evening is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center.
Who goes to this annual gathering? Equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners, barn managers, educators, students, 4-H members and other equine enthusiasts. Those attending can do some social and professional networking while learning about current projects and research at a center that addresses horse industry issues and challenges through science and research.
This year’s keynote presentation will highlight research about the effects of performance-enhancing practices on the physiological responses of the equine athlete, and offer information about an alternative to Lasix for exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). That condition is seen most in racehorses, but also affects horses in other sports requiring strenuous exercise for short periods of time, such as polo, barrel racing and three-day eventing,
The talk will be presented by Dr. Kenneth McKeever, a professor in Rutgers’ Department of Animal Sciences, and associate director of research at the Equine Science Center, part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
His research has focused on comparative exercise and cardiovascular physiology, while looking at the effects of aging on the integration of the cardiovascular, renal and endocrine systems in controlling blood pressure and blood volume, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.
The evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation comparing the effectiveness of a natural homeopathic organic-style fly spray with a commercial-based pharmaceutical-style fly spray. Pasture research also will be updated.
Dr. Michael Fugaro of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services in Long Valley will receive the 2020 “Spirit of the Horse Award” for his lifelong commitment to horse care and education.
“Dr. Fugaro is most deserving of this award because of his dedication to the care and well-being of horses, the education about horse health to horse owners and his demonstrated leadership to the veterinary community,” said the center’s director, Dr. Karyn Malinowski.
“The Spirit of the Horse award represents the commitment that I have to the horse and the equine community, and I am honored to be considered alongside other dedicated professionals who have previously received this award” said Dr. Fugaro, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He is president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners and a member of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement.
The Center will also present its annual Gold Medal Horse Farm award to Mark Mullen and Fair Winds Farm. The award, part of the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program, gives recognition to outstanding equine farms for their dedication to environmental sustainability and management. Fair Winds is a 600-acre boarding and breeding facility in Upper Freehold Township. It maintains a broodmare band of trotting and pacing mares, whose offspring are primarily sold at the Standardbred Horse Sales Company’s annual “Harrisburg Yearling Sale” in Harrisburg, Pa.
To register for the event, go to http://bit.ly/2019Evening . The fee, which includes dinner, is $35 for adults and $15 for full-time students.
For additional information, contact the Equine Science Center at (848) 932-9419 or Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 23, 2019
The shows at Ketcham Farm in Allentown, N.J., where Kevin Babington has been based, will offer a special fundraising opportunity for Kevin’s foundation each day of everyhorse show in its series, starting with Nov. 16-17,. The judge will be on the lookout for a rider who exemplifies good horsemanship and they will be the winner of the “Ride of the day”. It will cost a $20 donation to the Babington Fund to enter. Prizes will be awarded.
The other dates for the Ketcham shows are Dec 28-29 and in 2020, Jan 11-12, Feb. 1-2, Feb. 29-March 1. The hunters will go on Saturday and jumpers on Sunday. there is a huge indoor arena with GGT footing and the same footing is in the outdoor schooling area.
The board of directors of the Kevin Babington Foundation is accepting donations for the show jumper who suffered a severe spinal injury in a fall at a show two months ago and is now in rehabilitation.
To obtain bank instructions for wiring money or an address to which checks can be mailed, send an email to kevinbabingtonfoundation@gmail.com. All information will be shared through the email address in order to keep the wire information secure.
Be sure to make it clear who is making the donation when you send a check or money wire so organizers can keep track of contributions. All donations are tax deductible.
“We will continue to update everyone about our long term goals for the KBF,” organizers stated.
“Last but not least,” they said, “we’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who are supporting Kevin on his journey towards rehabilitation.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 20, 2019
I was soaked this afternoon, which was not surprising and something to which I’ve become accustomed after 31 years covering the Dutta Fair Hill International three-day event, where rain has never been a stranger.
But you come to expect that while writing about and photographing a sport where inclement weather is looked on as just another challenge among many. And my state of drenching was nothing compared to the sodden jackets and slick tack that the riders had to deal with. Besides, compared to the incredibly sunny skies and moderate temps we enjoyed for yesterday’s cross-country test at Maryland’s scenic and hilly Fair Hill Natural Resources area, I couldn’t complain. No one would have wanted it the other way around.
Umbrellas and rain gear were part of the spectator dress code for those watching the awards ceremony at Fair Hill. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
So when the skies opened, that became part of the event’s final show jumping test for both the 3- and 4-star L divisions, though no one had to enjoy it.
“I really, really dislike show jumping in the rain, said Erin Sylvester, adding, “I just tried to hold on.”
She had a good grip, winning the 4-Star on Paddy the Caddy, a performer who’s been waiting in the wings to a certain extent. He finally took a big bow on center stage, cashing in with a clean show jumping round when overnight leader Waylon Roberts toppled four rails with Lancaster to drop to eighth place.
“It’s been my goal to get this event done, and done well,” said Erin. “We’ve hit a few bumps in the road during the season, so it was great to kind of put that all behind us and have a good weekend.”
A perfect show jumping round capped a winning weekend for Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. Photo © 2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
Eighth in the dressage phase Friday, Paddy moved up the standings after acing the cross-country segment yesterday with just 0.4 penalties, the fourth best performance over the route laid out by Derek di Grazia.
This afternoon, after finishing fault-free over designer Marc Donovan’s course in the big arena, Erin said of her mount, “He felt a little bit tired, but he has endless heart and tries to do the best every time he’s in the ring.” Before the awards presentation, she got a visit from USEF eventing performance manager Erik Duvander, who is always scouting talent for his team. He was enthusiastic about Paddy, saying with delight, “Look at that face” indicating that the horse’s lovely expression says it all.
Erin Sylvester, winner of the 4-star with Paddy the Caddy at the “A” part of the Chesapeake water complex. Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer
And how nice that Paddy is a thoroughbred, the breed that used to dominate eventing in the era of the classic format, when the “L” that stands for long today really meant long, before warmbloods became the fashion.
The horse was bred in Ireland by owner Frank McEntee, but his time at the racetrack with trainer Graham Motion demonstrated he wouldn’t have a future in that sport. Erin, a professional based in Pennsylvania, happened to be teaching Frank’s daughter when a new career was sought for Paddy, and the two were able to establish a relationship.
And what about the horse’s weird name? Frank told me he had asked the guys at the racetrack to name him. They were Irish, hence the Paddy part, and they liked to play golf, so there you have the Caddy.
Erin trains with Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin. The latter has been sidelined from the saddle by a broken pelvis, but he was on foot to help at Fair Hill as needed.
The top five in the 4-star all jumped fault-free, but Erin had a rail in hand with 34.3 penalties over BGS Firecracker (38.3) ridden by Mia Farley, a Californian who moved to Virginia to train with Karen and David O’Connor.
Kentucky-based Jenny Caras, had the biggest jump in the standings, going from 29th after dressage to third with 40 penalties on Fernhill Fortitude. Fourth was Sydney Elliott on QC Diamantaire (40.2) while Phillip Dutton was fifth with Fernhill Singapore (42.4).
Mia Farley, runner-up in the 4-star-L with Fair Hill sponsor Tim Dutta, winner Erin Sylvester and Jenny Caras, third. Photo © 2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
D.A. Duras, who was third after cross-country, did not appear for the horse inspection this morning. Rider Lauren Kieffer yesterday had expressed concern about horses being stung by hard ground (the area was going through a drought until Thursday) and worried the ground jury wouldn’t be lenient at the trot-up.
Mara DuPuy, who won the dressage with Congo Brazzaville C, took a tumble near the end of the cross-country course and was eliminated.
The 4-star standings got another shakeup yesterday when four riders were assessed 15 penalties for violating the flag rule, which involves what percentage of a horse’s body must go over a narrow fence as originally flagged in order to avoid a charge of 15 penalties. In cases where there is a question, it becomes a “let’s go to the videotape” moment to reach a conclusion. Martin Plewa, president of the grounds jury for the 4-star, said the jury had a discussion with the riders last night about the decision to penalize them, but that and watching the official videotape delayed the posting of results.
The obstacle involved for all four was the B section of the Farm House Corners, where the fence could be approached off a bending line for those taking the option of going the fast, direct way.
“It’s not the ground jury’s fault. They’re following the rule, but the rule is a stupid rule and they need to change it before the Olympics or else our sport will be in the courts for months afterwards,” said Phillip Dutton, who was second with Z after cross-country and dropped to ninth with the penalty. After producing a show jumping clear, he finished seventh.
“The course designers have to look at it so it doesn’t become more of an issue If the rule isn’t changed. They need to make it so a horse can get to them (a corner fence) on a straight line.”
Derek noted, however, “there were a lot of people who took the short way who did fine.”
Phillip benefited from the old rule on the issue at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where his horse’s entire body did not pass through the flags, but things have changed since then.
“As long as it’s very clear, I don’t think the riders would mind what kind of rule it is. At the moment you can knock down a flag and not get penalized, but then you (the judges) have to decide how much of the horse was inside the flag (ie, where the flag was posted originally). Most of the crowd left yesterday and they didn’t know who was in the lead,” pointed out Phillip. He mentioned that both Singapore and Z knocked down a flag, but the former wasn’t penalized and he latter was.
In the 3-star, Woods Baughman, who had been second in dressage with his parents’ C’est La Vie 135, won on 27.6 penalties, one penalty less than Canada’s Colleen Loach on Vermont.
Smiling broadly as he cleared the last show jumping fence, the 23-year-old noted, “I could finally breathe for the first time since yesterday.”
“Overjoyed” is the only way to describe Woods Baughman after finishing his clean show jumping round on C’est La Vie 135. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
Woods, who lives in West Virginia where he trains with Sharon White, spent a year working with Dirk Schrade in Germany. It’s no surprise, then, when he states his ambition: “I’d like to get on a team.”
Woods Baughman, the 3-star-winner on cross-country with C’est la Vie 135. Photo©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy
The standings for the top four did not change penalty-wise from Saturday, but a tie on 29.8 penalties for third place between Caitlin Silliman (Ally KGO) and Holly Payne Caravella of Oldwick, N.J., (Charm King) was resolved with Holly dropping to fourth because Caitlin won the tie-breaker, finishing closest to the optimum time on the cross-country course (and it was only a difference of three seconds between the two.)
This was the last time the Fair Hill event will be held on the grounds off Gallaher Road. Next fall, it will be the Maryland 5-star at Fair Hill, on property a short canter away, where new arenas and grandstands are being built. The course designer will be British Olympian Ian Stark.
“I was a little sad, thinking I’m not going to go around this track again,” said Erin, echoing a sentiment expressed by many as an era ends.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 16, 2019
The Readington Trail Association is offering family-friendly fun for horses and riders of all ages with an optional costume context and trail challenge Oct. 20 at the Round Valley Youth Center, 1124 Route 629, Lebanon,
The costume class starts at 10 a.m. followed by the trail challenge involving a course of eight to 10 trail obstacles, an opportunity to school horses on new challenges.
The cost is $40 per rider and includes optional costume contest and obstacle course. There are training level, open, junior (13 and under) and in-hand divisions, with prizes to third place and ribbons to sixth place.
Helmets and negatives Coggins tests are required. For more information, email ReadingtonTrailAssociation@yahoo.com or call (908) 797-9750.
