by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 5, 2021
Mane Stream is putting off its April 10 tack sale until the fall to give the organization more time to collect tack and horse-themed items. The new date for the sale tentatively is Nov. 7. Funds raised will go directly to caring for the horses and programs.The mission of Mane Stream is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine- assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives.
Mane Stream thanks those who donated tack so far this year, and asks people to continue bringing items that can be added to the sale. They may be dropped off at the stable at 83 Old Turnpike Rd., Oldwick during office hours. Those who have questions should contact Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org, 908-439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 29, 2021
During all the Covid-related down time, you’ve probably had many hours to weed out your tack trunk as part of your closet-cleaning spree.
So take your used tack, horse-related items, jewelry, knick-knacks, models and riding clothes (from those closets) to Mane Stream (adaptive riding and therapy services) in Oldwick, Mane Stream’s sale is April 10 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Proceeds from the sales at both 501c3 organization’s benefit their offerings and horses.
Items can be dropped off at the stable at 83 Old Turnpike Rd., Oldwick during office hours. Those who have questions should contact Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org, 908-439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2021
We wrote on March 10 that it looked as if only residents of Japan would be allowed to attend the Games in person, and that is indeed the case.
It was confirmed today that foreign spectators have been banned from the Games because of Covid fears. A majority of the Japanese residents polled recently said they thought the Games should be cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic. But the International Olympic Committee has said there is no Plan B and that the Games will go ahead. However, compromises have had to be made, and this is just one of them.
As IOC President Thomas Bach said in explaining he organizers’ position, “Every decision has to respect the principle of safety first. I know that our Japanese partners and friends did not reach this conclusion lightly.
“Together with them, the IOC’s top priority was, is and remains to organize safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everyone: all the participants and, of course, our gracious hosts, the Japanese people.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the side of our Japanese partners and friends, without any kind of reservation, to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games a great success.
“Together with our Rights-Holding Broadcasters, we will make every effort so that the fans from around the world will be able to experience the Olympic spirit.
“In this way, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be the light at the end of the tunnel and a safe manifestation of peace, solidarity and the resilience of humankind in overcoming the pandemic.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 12, 2021
A two-week extension of the shutdown of international events across mainland Europe until April 11 announced by the FEI (international equestrian federation) due to the outbreak of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1).has led to cancellation of the FEI World Cup Finals in show jumping and dressage for the second year in a row.
Although the shutdown of all FEI disciplines was originally scheduled to end March 28, two days before the World Cup had been set to get under way in Gothenburg, Sweden, the further blackout is designed to minimize the spread of the very aggressive strain of the virus with a goal of saving the rest of the show season. (For an update on the U.S. situation, look for the article in the On the Rail section of this website or click here.
Olivia Lagoy-Weltz and Lonoir, one of four North American combinations that were set to compete in the FEI World Cup Finals. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
The decision, which is based on scientific evidence from world leading epidemiologist Dr Richard Newton and a full risk assessment by the FEI Veterinary Department, will mean the cancellation of the FEI World Cup™ Finals for the second consecutive year following the loss of the 2020 Finals in Las Vegas (USA) to the Covid-19 pandemic. Four North Americans were scheduled to represent North America in the World Cup finals. They were Olivia Lagoy-Weltz (Lonoir), Charlotte Jorst (Kastel’s Nintendo) and Shelly Francis (Danilo) along with Canadian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (All In).
“It is very disappointing that it had to be cancelled, but it’s the right thing to do,” said U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor Debbie McDonald.
The extended lockdown applies to all countries that have international scheduled events in the period through April 11. They are Austria, Belgium, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portuga, Slovakia and Sweden. At the same time, the FEI again strongly recommends that all national federations in mainland Europe cancel their national events in order to minimize horse movement.
“The extension of the lockdown is difficult for everyone, and the loss of the FEI World Cup Finals for a second year is particularly devastating, especially for the qualified athletes and for our loyal Top Partner Longines,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “We know how much work Tomas Torgersen and his incredible team in Gothenburg have put into organizing the 2021 Finals, which would have been part of the 400th birthday anniversary celebrations for the city, so this is a desperately bitter blow.
The Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, known for its enthusiastic crowds (but not in the Covid era) was to once again be the home of the FEI World Cup Finals until they were cancelled today.
“We cannot eradicate EHV as it is endemic in many countries, but we need to work together to minimize the transmission of this particular strain, which has already caused the death of 12 horses in Europe. All of the original in-contact horses from Valencia, Vejer de la Frontera and Doha are already blocked on the FEI Database, but the whole community needs to be on the alert and monitoring their horses. We strongly urge all European-based FEI athletes to avoid travel with their horses during this prolonged shutdown, as travel is a very clear risk factor.
“Sadly this additional lockdown is crucial to slow down the spread of the virus so that we can preserve the rest of the season, get our athletes and horses back competing safely and allow as long a period as possible for those aiming for Tokyo to earn their Minimum Eligibility Requirements and confirmation results.
“Nobody wants to see an outbreak like this ever again. There will be a comprehensive and fully transparent investigation into every aspect of this outbreak and the way it has been handled, and the findings will be published so that, together with our community, we can all learn from this.
“We will be putting in place enhanced protocols to allow for a safe return to play once this outbreak is under control, and we will advise our community on those well in advance of the resumption of international events, but the priority right now has to be the treatment of sick horses and getting healthy horses back to their home countries in a safe and biosecure way. We all need to focus on safeguarding not just FEI horses, but the wider European horse community.”
Work on identifying the gene sequencing of this strain of the virus is already underway, and the FEI is continuing to monitor the evolution of the virus through the FEI Veterinary Epidemiology Working Group, which was formalised this week. The Group is composed of world-leading EHV specialists Professor Ann Cullinane (IRL), Dr Richard Newton (GBR), Dr Gittan Gröndahl (SWE), FEI Veterinary Director Dr Göran Akerström and FEI Senior Veterinary Advisor Caterina Termine. Reports from this Group will be published on a weekly basis.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 1, 2021
(updated)
The unpredictable nature of the Covid situation in England has led the Badminton Horse Trial’s organizers to cancel the 5-star event, even though it was to be held behind closed doors–that is, without spectators.
A statement explained, “Following consultation between Badminton, Public Health England and South Gloucestershire Council it has been deemed that due to the scale and location of the horse trials, it is not possible to secure the surrounding area in the proximity of the event site.
“The health and safety of all those involved in the event and the local community remains Badminton’s priority and the level of operational and public health risk posed by the horse trials was agreed by all concerned to be unacceptable.”
“The announcement of last October to run behind closed doors was with the optimism that it would be possible, so the decision that we are not in a position to continue to plan to run the event at the beginning of May has not been taken without significant thought and consideration,” said Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell.
“I am sorry that the 2021 event has become unworkable despite our best efforts, but I am so grateful to all those that have offered support and encouragement over the past few months.”
The Badminton development makes the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star in April even more important. Kentucky was cancelled until a grassroots fundraising effort led organizers to reverse their February decision and determine they could go ahead with the event, though likely without the spectators whose ticket purchases have funded a great deal of the cost. Last year, only one 5-star event was held, when Pau in France ran during the fall. The U.S. is scheduled to host a new 5-star in October at Fair Hill, Md.
Meanwhile, the Spruce Meadows summer series in Calgary, Canada, has been cancelled, as organizers explained the decision was made because of “the Covid-19 pandemic and its related impacts and restrictions.”
Spruce Meadows is committed to planning and organizing a series of CSI and CSIO tournaments, beginning in September. The revised calendar dates for competitions are currently scheduled to be September 2-5, September 7-12 and September 14-19.
Further detailed information will become available as the Organizing Committee continues to work with sport, health and government authorities in developing its plans.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 28, 2021
From the outside, much looks familiar this year at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla. The palm trees at the entrances sway in a slight breeze, amid inviting landscaping blooming with brightly colored flowers.
But inside the venues, it’s quite a different story. The Covid era is a difficult time to run a horse show; so extreme caution has to be the byword.
sign near the rings at the Equestrian Village where dressage is held. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Those in the select credentialed group permitted to enter the showgrounds at Equestrian Village and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center immediately are confronted by warning signs about mask-wearing and social distancing, the all-too-familiar Covid protocols.Temperature checks are mandatory, whether in a sophisticated walk-through tunnel or from a hand-held device.
If you fail to comply with the mandate of “keeping a horse distance apart” in the view of the green-vested security people, they will advise you to social distance, should they think you’re getting too close to someone during a conversation. “Loitering” is not allowed and instead of standing ringside to watch the action, riders and trainers are required to sit in socially distanced chairs around areas reserved for their use.
Management has to be careful–they don’t want an outbreak of the virus. The shows are being watched, and there is always the fear that the authorities could shut them down at any time.
Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, has worked with show manager Dave Burton since last spring to run shows according to state guidelines as well as U.S. Equestrian Federation mandates, which bar fans from the showgrounds.Only five people per horse (rider, trainer, groom, farrier, etc.) are allowed. Others who can enter are competition staff, service providers and support personnel, but not members of the general public..
.If you are not socially distanced, you will be reminded. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“It hasn’t been easy. To maintain the level of mask wearing, social distancing, has taken a lot of work and it’s costing us a lot of money,” Michael told me.
When shows first started up again, “there was a lot of pushback,” he acknowledged, both from people who thought showing was inappropriate during a pandemic and riders who disliked the restrictions.
Since then, however, the measures have been accepted..The hardest thing for some to understand, he mentioned, is the fact that people can go to dinner outdoors at a restaurant in Wellington without a mask, but at the show a few miles away, caution is the watchword.
As Michael emphasized, here’s what counts: “At the end of the day, the sport is happening.”.
“You’re always going to get cases, but we managed to keep them very low.. In general, people have been amazing how responsible they’ve been. Because they realize, it’s a sport, but it’s also an industry. Without the sport, we don’t have an industry,” Michael pointed out.
“Now they have gotten used to us, so because we’re so strict, they just accept it. It’s working.”
We all miss the electric atmosphere that has become a trademark of these shows, which until now have always drawn an enthusiastic crowd for their featured competitions. Efforts over the years have popularized the shows with the public in the area.,Now, sadly, the public has been dis-invited. In 2021, would-be spectators are warned even on the billboard at the intersection near the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center–a sign on which events have always been promoted–that spectators can’t come in.
At PBIEC, the site of the WEF show jumping grands prix, the grounds used to be packed with thousands on festive evenings, At last night’s grand prix, strapping tape covering every third and fourth seat on the side opposite the VIP area meant people didn’t need an enforcer to keep them apart.
The PBIEC carousel in early February 2020. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
A sad, empty carousel stands idle near the entrance to PBIEC. It’s a reminder of children’s laughter in past years while crowds once streamed past on their way to watch the competition,go shopping, buy a snack or grab a drink. The plaza where all that happened is now empty, and the popular taco restaurant is closed..
But as riders, officials and the folks who fill the myriad jobs it takes to run a competition will tell you, they are just grateful that the shows are going on, as they have in Wellington since last spring, while so many other fixtures in the U.S. and around the world have been cancelled.
A year later, the closed sign on the PBIEC carousel says it all. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Grand Prix Freestyle for the only 5-star-rated dressage show in the Western Hemisphere was run without the bleachers that are usually filled to capacity at Global. The VIP area on the other side of the ring had 350 in attendance, half of the usual number, and all were at socially distanced tables.
There was no standing at the bar (servers had to bring drinks to avoid crowding) and the buffet was definitely not serve-yourself. Even cookies were individually plastic-wrapped.
The small audience applauded the usual high-caliber performances, but without the cheers of hundreds in the grandstand, it felt a bit spooky.
Olympic medalist Steffen Peters remembered how it used to be under the lights, enjoying such a strong connection with spectators. After winning the 5-star Freestyle on Suppenkasper with a mark of 80.995 percent this weekend, he recalled wistfully how things used to be when he finished his test to a chorus of resounding cheers.
Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper on their way to winning the 5-star freestyle, with only a couple of people ringside where hundreds of fans used to be. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I loved to go at the end really close to the rail give a few high-fives.,There’s no better dressage fan than the American dressage fan.” said Steffen..
“I love to keep them involved, especially if there are kids on the side. I missed that for sure,” commented the rider after scoring his 19th victory in a row since January 2020.
Show jumper Todd Minikus observed that when there’s a crowd, “I think the horses feel it; for sure, the riders feel it. I think some of the horses really gain a little more ability, a little more scope, when they feel the buzz from the crowd.”
Crowd or no crowd, being able to have the shows is the most important thing.
“Everybody is appreciative. I’m glad the people in charge of this have had enough foresight to keep it rolling,” Todd commented. At the same time, he added, “I think it is time for people to come back and watch,” but that of course is up to USEF.
Bertram Allen of Ireland topped two of his countrymen, along with WEF perennial winner Daniel Deusser of Germany and Canadian veteran Mario Deslauriers in the $401,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix at PBIEC in its 5-star this weekend.
Bertram Allen winning the Lugano Grand Prix on Pacino Amiro. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Riding the Irishbred Pacino Amiro, Bertram finished in 35.32 seconds, 1.79 seconds ahead of another Irishman, Daniel Coyle on the Zangersheide mare, Legacy.
Bertram has no problems with the masks and social distancing..
:”We’re very, very lucky to be here competing,” he explained.
In regard to the protocols, Bertram commented, “If that’s all we have to do, it’s fine. We’re very privileged and getting a chance a lot of people don’t get and can’t do” ”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 17, 2021
A dispute involving the name of the Plantation Field Horse Trials in Pennsylvania may have been solved with a decision from the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
Cuyler Walker, the owner of the picturesque property where the event is held, last year cancelled his lease with the competition organizer over the implication that the name “plantation” linked his family with racism. The Eventing Nation website had stirred up a hornet’s nest by citing “troubling associations” inherent in the word, and suggested the event’s name should be changed, contending it was “insensitive at best” while working against increasing diversity in the sport.
In reaction, the U.S. Eventing Association announced it would not use the name Plantation in press releases. However, after a furor erupted on social media when Cuyler reacted to the situation by cancelling the lease, USEA reversed course.
Phillip Dutton heads through the picturesque ruins that are a feature of the Plantation Field venue. Photo © 2020 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
In a statement, USEA noted that “Having this historic competition close isn’t the right result for the sport,” adding, “this property has no known connections to slavery and was instead named after ‘plantings’ on the property.” Riders were upset at the thought that one of their favorite fixtures would be cancelled.
This week, while USEF CEO Bill Moroney emphasized the organization’s commitment to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, he noted in a statement that, “decisions regarding venue and competition names are ultimately at the discretion and the responsibility of individual organizers.” That means Plantation can have both its name and its licenses.
Even after Cuyler cancelled the lease, the event still had two years to run under its contract. The question now is whether the USEF position taking the pressure off the name issue will encourage Cuyler to renew the lease beyond that term.
“It may help,” mused Denis Glaccum, president of the Plantation Field Equestrian Events, which run from spring through the fall.
“Let’s see what comes out of it.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 17, 2021
U.S. Para Dressage Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline has been named 2020 Paralympic Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He was one of eight coaches from across all Olympic and Paralympic sports recognized by the USOPC in its annual Coach of the Year program.
Michel joined the U.S. Equestrian Federation as head of Para Equestrian Coach Development and High Performance Consultant in 2017, after 12 years as head coach for the successful British para dressage program. Under his guidance, the U.S. Para Dressage Team in 2020 became the top squad on the FEI’s ranking list for the first time in the program’s history. At the same time, U.S. athlete Roxanne Trunnell is the top-ranked individual FEI para dressage athlete across all grades.
Michel has focused on building a strong foundation for the future of American para dressage through outreach to dressage and equine-assisted therapy programs, bringing new coaches and riders into the para dressage arena and improving the pipeline to the internationally competitive level. He launched the USEF Para Dressage Coach Certificate Program in 2019, which has brought 32 new qualified coaches into the mix. In 2020, he successfully leveraged virtual coaching, online judging, and other technologies to help athletes continue to work toward their goals at home during the pandemic.
“The USOPC’s Paralympic Coach of the Year’s award is a huge honor not only for me but also U.S. Para Dressage,” said Michel.
“It truly reflects on everyone’s efforts and successes: a team effort. It is also a notable recognition of the equestrian discipline among all Olympic and Paralympic sports. This could never have been achieved without the drive, involvement and vision of every single athlete, groom, owner, sponsor, and our USEF support staff. In other words, it takes the whole team. Thank you, USPOC, and thank you to the entire U.S. Para Dressage community. Let’s continue the journey and propagate our coaching excellence.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2021
Rumors have been swirling about whether this spring’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be cancelled for the second year in a row due to the Covid situation. But the welcome announcement came today that one of the country’s most beloved shows is slated to be held May 25-June 6.
The famous Devon sign says it all at the entrance to the Dixon Oval. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The fixture on Philadelphia’s Main Line is ready to mark its 125th anniversary as the USA’s oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition.The show runs in conjunction with the Devon Country Fair, the production of more than 2,000 volunteers, offering a variety of boutiques, dining and special events, such as the annual hat contest.
The ladies’ hat contest is an annual highlight at Devon. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
With its accompaniment of lively organ music, the show has a delightful old-fashioned air, although the top-notch competition is cutting edge.
For many generations, Devon has been a highlight of the year that would be sorely missed if it went dark again, But “as of now, it’s a go,” said Peter Doubleday, who co-manages Devon with David Distler.
Although the prizelist is usually out by this time, it should go live March 1, Peter said.
“We’re planning on everything. We’re moving ahead and we’re very excited about it,” he noted.
At the same time, Peter cautioned, “But who knows what’s going to happen in another week or two weeks.”
He was referring to the way the Covid situation has a habit of changing everyone’s plans.The sticky wicket for so many competitions during the pandemic is whether spectators–the lifeblood of shows, including Devon, that are oriented toward the public–can attend. (See the story below on this website about how that affected the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star competition.)
The stands are always packed for the grand prix, but this year social distancing will have to be the rule. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
In Pennsylvania, it’s a question of how many people the state government will allow on the showgrounds. .Fans are an integral part of the show, whether they’re in the stands cheering, buying food, or visiting the vendors.
Looking at the state’s maximum occupancy calculator, if it’s assumed that 10,000 people are on hand for grand prix night in normal times, as some have estimated for the standing-room-only occasion, it appears to me that this year, perhaps 2,500 might be allowed at one time with social distancing on the 17-acre site. Naturally, that’s far from being an official calculation.
“The goal is to have a controlled number of people on the grounds, to have that atmosphere, somewhat,” said Peter.
“We’re trying to press on, regardless.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Equestrian Federation currently bans spectators under its Covid protocols, but is looking at easing the guidelines a bit further down the road. The question will be when, and how many people USEF permits to attend. The Kentucky three-day event got turned down by USEF in its request for 50 percent of its usual capacity, but Devon is a month after Kentucky..
Fan favorite McLain Ward is a perennial winner of the Devon Grand Prix, named in honor of his longtime mount, Sapphire. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
In response to my query about a timeline for the possibility of having spectators at licensed shows, USEF CEO Bill Moroney stated on Feb. 17, “The USEF COVID-19 Action Plan continues to remain in effect, including no spectators are permitted at USEF-licensed competitions.
“While we are hopeful that we will be able to allow a restricted number of spectators at outdoor competitions in the coming months, that decision is dependent on the evolution of the pandemic. In the meantime, USEF is developing protocols for limited numbers of spectators in order to be ready for when we determine this can occur. We continue to communicate with competition organizers and our members and recognize that fans are anxious to return to attending shows, but our collective goal is to protect the health and safety of the community first and foremost.”
At Devon, everything was rolled over from last year, from officials to competition offerings and tickets–if you bought a seat last year, it’s good for 2021.
According to the show’s announcement, online ticket sales start March 11. In-person sales begin April 1. For more information on tickets, click here
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2021
A plea offer will be made to dressage trainer Michael Barisone, indicted in connection with the shooting of a former student, Morris County, N.J., Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn said during a virtual court hearing today.
Barisone’s next appearance before Judge Stephen Taylor in Morristown is set for mid-April. The reserve rider on the 2008 Olympic dressage team has been incarcerated in the Morris County Correctional Facility without bail for 18 months, but supplemental discovery material is still being exchanged between the defense and the state. Schellhorn said he hopes to have more discovery for Barisone’s attorney, Ed Bilinkas, within six weeks.
“I also anticipate at some point before the next court appearance I will make a formal offer to Mr. Barisone, but I’m not at that point yet,” Schellhorn stated.
Barisone has been in custody since a fight at his Long Valley farm with Rob Goodwin and rider Lauren Kanarek, who lived at the facility and boarded horses there. She was hospitalized after being shot twice in the chest during the Aug. 7 incident.
Michael Barisone on Neruda in the Invitational at the World Cup finals in Las Vegas. (Photo © 2007 by Nancy Jaffer)
The trainer had been trying to get the couple evicted, but calls to the police had not resolved the matter.
Two days after the shooting, Barisone was added to the SafeSport and U.S. Equestrian Federation’s ineligibility lists. He entered a not guilty plea to a December indictment on two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The volume of material involved in the case meant delays as the defense dealt with mountains of evidence and social media posts.
During a hearing last March, Bilinkas said, “I want to make sure I have all the discovery before I start making any decisions” about how to proceed with the matter.
Judge Taylor said in January 2020 that were the case to go before a jury, speedy trial requirements would mean a June 2020 date for a trial. But with the onset of Covid restrictions, there have been no live trials and the courts are operating virtually, though the judge said he hoped by May that motions at least could be heard in the court.
