by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 17, 2020
Indoor competitions are in trouble in the Covid era, as cancellations pile up. This time, it’s the U.S. Dressage Finals.
The U.S. Dressage Federation’s premier event, scheduled for the Kentucky Horse Park in November, will not be held this year, it was announced today.
Although USDF President Lisa Gorretta explained that the board “considered every scenario and option,” she noted, “we simply could not be confident in our ability to overcome the obstacles beyond our control: the ever-changing picture of the pandemic from state to state, the requirements of the US Equestrian COVID-19 Action Plan to which the Kentucky Horse Park requires strict compliance, the stresses of deep cleaning the premises on the heels of the National Horse Show that would precede the arrival of our dressage horses, and the limitations of what we could provide for competitors, volunteers, and officials with the restrictions placed upon the Park itself.”
USDF plans to hold the finals at the park next year. Any competitor eligible for the 2020 finals, whether by placing or earning a qualifying wild card score, will be allowed to carry over their eligibility to the 2021 event. To be deemed “eligible,” competitors will still be required to complete a declaration and nomination for 2020. Declarations will remain open through the end of the 2020 regional championship season.
Prior to the announcement, trainer Heather Mason of Flying Change Farm in Tewksbury qualified her horse, Lincoln, for the I-2 class at the finals during today’s Region 8 competition. And then came the news.
“It’s disappointing for sure, but I do think it was probably the right move to make, because we don’t want to get down there and then have it cancelled, which happened to the Pony Finals,” said Heather. She pointed out that if the National Horse Show wound up experiencing Covid problems, it could have led to a last-minute cancellation of the dressage if plans were made to have it go ahead at the park.
The National is being allowed to utilize outdoor facilities at the park, but the dressage show is a week later when cold weather could really set in.
“It’s such a wonderful competition, but it’s not one you’d want to have outside,” Heather observed.
“A lot of people were torn about whether they were going or not. At least now people can focus on their Regionals and not be as stressed to try to qualify,” she noted.
Lisa stated, “I know that many of you are deeply disappointed, yet I hope that all of you will keep striving to achieve your riding and training goals. For some of you, perhaps this news will provide opportunities that were thought to be lost in the 2020 mayhem and now might allow you to plan to attend the Finals in 2021.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2020
A 4-year-old Atlantic County mare who had not been vaccinated was euthanized after contracting the state’s first 2020 reported case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a serious mosquito-borne illness.
EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than the West Nile Virus, which affects the neurological system.
The disease is transmitted by a mosquito. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are “dead-end” hosts for the virus. There have been no reported animal West Nile Virus cases in New Jersey this year.
In general, most regions in New Jersey have a reported mosquito population below the running five-year averages. The first EEE positive mosquito pool was detected in Atlantic County this year. Livestock owners are encouraged to vaccinate against WNV, EEE and other osquito-borne diseases.
“Animals that are vaccinated against EEE and West Nile Virus are much less likely to contract these diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said.
“We strongly encourage horse owners to stay current on vaccinations for their animals to help prevent them from contracting an illness that has the potential to be fatal to these animals.”
For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at: http://bit.ly/1VE8lsm.
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting a horse’s neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.nj.gov.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2020
As the weather gets cooler, you’re ready to take your horse on the road a bit, but don’t want to show. That’s why it’s great to be in hunter/trail pace season, with plenty of opportunities in New Jersey to try this low-key, fun competition.
The Monmouth County Hunt will have two more themed paces this fall starting at their hunt kennels, 50 E. Branch Road, Allentown. On Oct. 11, the theme is tack sale and meet a foxhound. The final pace Nov. 1 offers thoroughbred challenge awards and a tailgate contest. All jumps have go-arounds.
There are three divisions, with the fee $55 for adults and $35 for juniors. Both English and western riders are welcome, with protective headgear, of course. For more information, go to this link
The Essex Foxhounds have added a pace Oct. 25 at their usual venue, Cedar Lane Farm on Homestead Road in Oldwick. For more on Essex, go to www.essexfoxhounds.org.
The Spring Valley Hounds’ hunter pace is Nov. 1 in Allamuchy, Warren County. There are six divisions, including a “fossil” section for which the ages of the two riders on a team must add up to 110. The fee is $50 per rider. Teams go out from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. For details, go to http://www.springvalleyhounds.com/hunter-paces.html
There’s a grand prize of $500 for the best performance in two of the three Spring Valley paces this year.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2020
The Far Hills Race Meeting won’t be held this year, but people still have an excuse to come to beautiful Moorland Farm. American Express is bringing back the era of drive-ins by putting on three movie nights there this month, with admission set at $25 for a carload of friends or family.
Complimentary prepackaged concessions, including specialty popcorn, sweets, savory items and beverages from local businesses will be provided to four people in every car. Gates open at 7:30p.m., with the shows starting at 8:15 p.m.Sept. 10, 11 and 12. The films being screened are all family-friendly.
Tickets much be purchased using an American Express card. Proceeds will be donated to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as part of a long-standing partnership with the foundation and in support of small businesses. For information about which movies will be on the giant screen and to buy tickets, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2020
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Zone 2 (NY, NJ, PA) Horse of the Year Hunter Championship has been cancelled.
Scheduled for Oct. 18, it originally was supposed to be held in Harrisburg, Pa., at the home of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. But that show was cancelled and a search for another venue didn’t work out.
The Zone 2 Committee looked at several options to host the Zone 2 HOTY at a different venue before making the decision to cancel. The hunter championship joins the Zone 2 jumper championship, which was to have been held in September at the Devon. Pa., showgrounds, in the dustbin of 2020.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 21, 2020
A lifetime ban against hunter/jumper trainer Bob McDonald has been lifted by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, as the U.S. Center for SafeSport closed a case against him involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor in 1973.
McDonald was suspended in June, pending an appeal. While arbitration was pending, he provided more information to SafeSport on August 21. Then, a week later, he was notified that all sanctions had been lifted.
Robert McDonald. (Photo © 2015 by Nancy Jaffer)
He and his wife, U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor Debbie McDonald, were relieved that after more than two emotionally and financially draining months, their nightmare is over.
“The accusations were false, they were always false and were proven to be false. It’s simple enough,” said McDonald, who is semi-retired.
SafeSport is the “exclusive authority” investigating and prosecuting allegations of sexual abuse within Olympic and Paralympic sport.
While a spokesman for the organization could not comment on the specifics of the case, he stated, “SafeSport’s mission is to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of sport culture.
“It fulfills its critical purpose through policies, resources and tools aimed at preventing abuse as well as those that allow the Center to hold individuals accountable. Every matter is unique which is why the Center is equipped with tools, policies and procedures to account for the many variables inherent in this important and highly sensitive work. One such tool allows SafeSport to return to a matter when and if additional information is made available, including the participation of key witnesses. Such a decision is not taken lightly and is only made in the interest of fulfilling the Center’s mission.”
When contacted, the USEF said in a statement, “We do not have any details on the decision made by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All information with regard to the case remains confidential in accordance with the policies of the Center. Mr. McDonald has been fully reinstated as a USEF member.”
McDonald noted that when the case against him was made public, supporters stood behind him.
“They said they know me, and they know that this isn’t me. That’s what kept me going the whole time,” noted McDonald, 73, whose career also included time as a horse show judge.
“I got letters from people I taught 50 and 45 years ago, saying I had changed their lives and they wanted me to know they were the better for it. That let me know in 50 years of doing this, some good came from it.”
As his wife commented, “It was amazing to see how many names I’d forgotten who came forward and said (of the accusation) `There’s no way. If you need anything, let us know.’”
Bob and Debbie McDonald at Brentina’s 2009 retirement. (Photo © 2009 by Nancy Jaffer)
While thanking those who supported her husband and herself, she stated, “We are relieved and grateful to hear that the lifetime ban against my husband, Bob, has been lifted and that the case is closed, but we are by no means considering this a celebration.
“He has never wavered his position on the accusations being false and we are both appreciative of all of our family, friends and supporters who have encouraged us and supported us during this time. From the beginning we cooperated and allowed the process to take place with SafeSport. Bob understood the seriousness of the accusations and that is why we were committed to clearing his name. We do not take any type of abuse lightly. There is nothing worse than having your character, or the character of a loved one questioned.”
While the ban was in effect, Bob McDonald was prohibited from participating in any activities or competitions licensed, endorsed or sponsored by the USEF, and was not allowed to attend shows.
At the time the accusation was made, McDonald said, “It is beyond heartbreaking to see the reputation that I have painstakingly built throughout my career be tarnished by an allegation of misconduct from 47 years ago.”
Recognized for being a great spotter of equine talent, McDonald is best known in the dressage world for discovering the promising Hanoverian, Brentina. She was purchased by Parry and Peggy Thomas, who were clients of McDonald’s, and his wife got the ride on the chestnut mare. The duo became the top U.S. combination in dressage, taking double gold at the 1999 Pan American Games and going on to be part of the silver medal team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games. They also were on the bronze medal team at the 2004 Olympics, along with earning many other honors.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 21, 2020
The Covid cancellation of their sleepaway riding camp put a big hole in the summer for Charlie Brandy and Maya Green. But like others who have risen to the pandemic challenge instead of stewing about it, the teens found a way to keep busy while giving back.
The girls’ mothers, Carla Komar and Erika Green, worked with them to devise a plan.
“The first thing that came to mind was helping someone with cancer, or helping with Covid,” recalled Erika.
Charlie and Carla (left) with bracelet partners Maya and Erika (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
But the girls, who met when they rode at Watchung Stables in Mountainside, said, “We like horses. Why can’t we do something for horses?”
“Then the light clicked,” as Erika put it. The girls and their mothers regularly drive by Mane Stream in Oldwick, so while looking out the car window, they glimpsed the facility’s sign and asked, “Why not that?”
Mane Stream (www.manestreamnj.org) utilizes equine-assisted activities “to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges.”
It is a particularly suitable beneficiary because Maya, a 13-year-old seventh grader at the Warren Middle School in Warren Township, has a spinal condition that left her with permanent damage. She started her involvement with horses through therapeutic riding, getting a guiding hand from her stepsister, Jillian Leahy, who was involved with Mane Stream as a volunteer years ago and did a residency in equine therapy as part of her college curriculum.
Charlie, 13, an eighth grader at Columbia Middle School in Berkeley Heights, said she and Maya are hoping to volunteer at Mane Stream when Covid is over. But first, after deciding on the good cause they were going to help, the girls and their mothers had to figure out how to raise money.
“I came up with an idea of selling pet rocks,” chuckled Erika. “Everyone thought that was ridiculous, and I agree. They came up with `Why don’t we make these cool bracelets?’”
Carla, who designs apparel, said, “It came together better than I ever expected. With the packaging and stickers and logo and how the beads look, I think all of us were like, `This is not some kids’ project.’ It came out so professional-looking. We got so excited, which made us work harder on the bracelets.”
The summer version of the multi-colored beaded bracelets, which sell for $12, features a seashell; a gilded mini-horseshoe will sub for the shell in the fall line. So far, sales of the bracelets have yielded $2,000 that the girls will give to Mane Stream. They’re hoping to add another $500 by the end of the summer.
Charlie and Maya with their bracelets, supervised by a Mane Stream horse. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
This has been a tough year for Mane Stream because of the Covid. The stable was closed for 12 weeks and the number of clients has been limited since it reopened in June. But whether anyone is riding or not, the horses still have to be fed. Mane Stream can use all the help it can get.
“We’re running at 25 percent capacity but the horses don’t know that, so horses need the same care every day,” said Trish Hegeman, Mane Stream’s executive director.
“I think what’s just amazing is that the girls thought of this themselves and really researched an organization and something that was really meaningful for them. We’re just delighted they found us. The way we think about it, any gift is fantastic. It doesn’t matter the size; it’s somebody thinking about us and wanting to help.”
She explained most clients, aside from independent riders who don’t require a lot of assistance, are unable to come back to Mane Stream at the moment because of Covid.
“We have some people who need a lot of support, and we feel that’s not the safest thing for us right now, putting our volunteers and therapists really close to them for half an hour, 45 minutes at a time.” With that financial crunch, “People who think of something can make a little bit of a difference, pay for shoes, pay for feed,” Trish noted.
The colorful bracelets.
Alanna Flax-Clark, a Paralympic hopeful who is Mane Stream’s special projects manager, has been impressed by Maya and Charlie.
“Their love for the horses and what they’ve done for them personally really shines through,” she said.
“For anyone to bring good out of what’s going on currently and not just sit around the house watching TV all day is wonderful, but for two kids to stand up and say they want to do more to support the community is something even more special,” Alanna pointed out.
“They’re young, but have really thought this entire thing out on their own as to why they want to help during this time of uncertainty and really picked an organization that is connected to a cause that means a lot to them as well. I was just blown away by how they were able to talk about it all, but still be kids at the same time.”
As Carla noted, doing good has paid off in satisfaction while raising money for a special cause.
“It’s been really fun. We all love horses, so it’s made it even more exciting for us. We’ve all taken part in it,” added Carla, who has worked on the packaging.
The bracelets are nicely packaged.
Erika mentioned that everywhere the girls go, they take the bracelets with them and don’t hesitate to fill people in about their project. They approached show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, who has been involved in many good causes, and she told them she would promote the project by posting on social media.
When they meet new prospects, “The best thing is the girls talk about their experience about riding a horse. There’s something therapeutic about being with horses,” commented Erika, who is involved with recruiting. She took on a second job to make sure her daughter could continue to ride.
“I think it’s brought to light there need to be more places like Mane Stream and there has to be lobbying for insurance to cover it,” she stated. Citing the increase in teen suicides, she suggested that if high schools offered riding clubs “I truly think it would make a difference.”
The teens call their project Silly Girlzz after a song they heard on the radio. Their Instagram account is @silly.girlzz and email is silly.girlzz2020@gmail.com, for those who want to order the bracelets. They also are available through Horsemen’s Outlet in Lebanon.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2020
Did you ever think you’d like to try riding in a hunt? Here’s your chance.
The Monmouth County Hunt is presenting an introduction to hunting clinic Aug. 30. It presents an opportunity to get your horse used to hounds and riding in a group. There will be two levels of participation and all the jumps have go-arounds. After the ride, there will be an information session about hunt traditions and etiquette.
The fee is $100 for adults and $50 for juniors, but those attending will get a gift certificate to be used as a capping fee for participating in a regular hunt on a weekday or Sunday.
Those attending must wear a collared shirt, an ASTM/SEI helmet, footwear with a heel and where appropriate, hairnets.
Register by Aug. 28. Contact monmouthcountyhunt@gmail.com for more information and waivers.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2020
Just when you thought there was nothing left to cancel, the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2020 in Barcelona bit the dust.
Just considering travel restrictions alone, there was no way it could be held.
“The risks are simply too great,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
In April, “We were cautiously optimistic that even if the series fell victim to the pandemic, we would be able to save the Final in Barcelona, but sadly that has proved impossible,” he said.
The rule changes for the 2020 Final, announced earlier this year when the pandemic first started to impact the FEI Calendar, meant that 22 nations would have been invited to compete at the Final in Barcelona (2-4 October): 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation of Spain.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 29, 2020
Kasey Perry-Glass announced the retirement of her long-time partner, Dublet, on the day she thought she’d be riding him down centerline at the Olympics in Tokyo “for one final freestyle as a competitive pair.”
The 17-year-old Danish-bred son of Diamond Hit was part of the U.S. 2016 Olympic bronze medal team and the 2018 world championships silver medal team.
Kasey explained on Facebook that her heart is both heavy and joyful. Here is what she said about how for nearly a decade, Dublet affected her life and that of everyone around her.
As she put it, “He has given all of us inspiration, hope, love, beauty, and a sense of belief that everything and anything is possible. He has taught me to listen to my gut and I’ve learned to listen to what is best for HIM.
“We have been through so many ups and downs, countries, stadiums, award ceremonies, and quiet one-on-one times together. It is hard for me to believe that this chapter of our journey is closing, but it calms my heart knowing that another chapter is opening in our relationship. I am so excited to take what Dublet has taught me and apply it to a pipeline of future horses!
Kasey and Dublet. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“When I look back on our journey I see more than just his accolades and the ones he has given me. I see a horse with a huge heart to please, love, and try his hardest in everything he does. He doesn’t owe me anything and now I owe him the best retirement a horse deserves! I have come to the conclusion that pursuing another year at the elite level is not in his best interest. Representing the USA has been one of the greatest honors of our partnership. We never took it for granted and did it with Pride.
“Obviously, this is a lot harder for me than it is for him; he thinks he has the life with all-day turnout and easy rides. Horses teach us to take our own ambition and greed and put it to the side.
“Everyone knows that to get to where we’ve gone, it takes a VILLAGE. These people below have each had a part in where Dublet and I are today. NONE of this would have been possible without each person’s sacrifice, belief, and heart into Team Believe. My gratitude exceeds past these names to everyone who has supported my partnership and journey with Dublet. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
People she thanked included Dana Glass, her husband; her parents, her grandparents and Dana’s; trainer Christophe and Marie Theallet and Spokane Family; trainer/coach Debbie McDonald and River Grove Family, former coach Robert Dover, Helgstrand Dressage, Anette Ejlersgaard, Anne Gribbons, Juan Matute, veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell and Julie Keith Mitchell, as well as other veterinarians–Dr. Carole Holland, Dr. John Herning, Dr. Dave McDonald,Dr. Cricket Russillo,Tom Meyers and Dr. Jen Gullupo; Christie Dreessen and Aldo,Teddy Rékai-Nuttall; Lovell Fink, Jace Abbott; Steve Lorenzo and Tino for horseshoeing, James D. Burrell,Katherine Lyons, Hallye Griffin of USEF, Jenny Van Wieren Page, physio Andy Thomas, Kathleen McMannis;Sara Smith, Lauren Standridge McNabb,Cassie Benson, Meghan Laffin,Tomi Frate-Peterson and Jessica Cloyd Duane, Jim and Robin Bosler, as well asTom Hunt.
Also, Dutta Corp (all the amazing ladies! Especially Emilia Martin for making Dublet’s flights the best).
Teammates over the years: Steffen Peters, Allison Brock, Laura Graves, Adrienne Lyle, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, Shelly Francis, Kim Herslow,Sabine Schut-Kery,Katherine Bateson.
Sponsors: Equipe Saddles, USA Triple Crown Feed, Platimum Performance, Neue Schule, TheraPlate, Ltd Bridle2fit, EquiFUSE Sport, Innovation Owl Manor, Roeckl Equestrian, Brooke USA, Marise Bags, Respond Laser,Parlanti USA Exclusive Custom Riding Boots
