Citing the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown will be closed to horses for two weeks. That means cancellation of the Reindeer Run Dec. 7, barrel racing Dec. 6 and open schooling Dec. 2 and 9.
“While we are disappointed to be canceling our events, we want to ensure we are doing our best to keep everyone safe during these times,” said a Horse Park statement.
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, as of Dec. 5, there were 46 EHV-1 neurologic cases, up from 3 on Dec. 1. They have been reported primarily in western states and Louisiana. The most cases, 30, are in Texas, where the outbreak began at a barrel racing championship. Other states with neurologic cases as of Dec. 5 are South Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In the East, cases also have been reported in Maryland and Pennsylvania (Lancaster County), but they are not associated with the outbreak at the barrel racing championship.
Nearly two hours before the Essex Fox Hounds moved off through the countryside Thursday morning, tailgaters were streaming into the big field at Ellistan, the Peapack, N.J., estate that has hosted the hunt’s Thanksgiving meet for generations.
There’s always a crowd at the Essex Fox Hounds’ Thanksgiving meet.
It’s a turkey day tradition (like the Macy’s parade), except quieter and more refined, of course. Meredith Whaley remembers being at the meet as a child, 40 years ago. It was quite different then.
“There were very few people. You stood and you watched. There wasn’t the tailgating.”
Hundreds of spectators began coming when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was riding with Essex. She may have been the initial attraction, but the occasion’s appeal continues long after her passing.
Most of those in attendance are from the Somerset Hills or Hunterdon County. There’s no price of admission, no tickets. The gathering is informal and spontaneous.
Everyone is appreciative not only of the well turned-out riders on mounts with neatly braided manes, but also of the magnificent surroundings, offering scenic vistas in the USA’s most densely populated state.
It is a cherished occasion, but this year, the celebration was tinged with uncertainty. The hunt has met at Ellistan through rain, snow and even during Covid — though no spectators were permitted that year.
There was a special glitter to the 2014 Thanksgiving meet when snow fell.
The estate, listed at $14 million, is under contract in the process of being sold, and people question whether the new owner will want to host the hunt and the crowd that comes with it next Thanksgiving.
“It’s such a beautiful tradition for everybody. There’s nothing like it, nothing to replace it,” said Dana Sendro of Fox River Farm in Stockton. She’s a Thanksgiving regular who presided over two tables, one for champagne and the like, the other for food.
“Every year we look forward to it,” she emphasized about the meet.
Her friend, Nancy Spatz of Pittstown, seconded that sentiment, saying if it didn’t happen again, “I would be so sad.”
The name of the buyer hasn’t been revealed, since the closing on the more than 77-acre property is yet to come, but I have it on good authority that he is a resident of the Somerset Hills who was at the meet. Those with inside knowledge are optimistic that Thanksgiving 2026 will be at the same location.
Tucker Johnson, an honorary board member of Essex, carried out the custom of having a four-in-hand at the meet. He was driving a stunning team of black Andalusians imported from Spain.
A world championships medalist in combined driving, Tucker is now competing in coaching instead, at Royal Windsor in 2026 and perhaps Ascot when he goes to England.
Tucker Johnson and his team.
But Tucker, who has been involved with Essex for half a century, doesn’t forget his roots in the area, despite his travels abroad. When asked whether he thinks the Thanksgiving meet will be held again at Ellistan, he said, “I would think this would probably continue.”
Hank Slack, who has been the gracious host of the Thanksgiving meet for decades.
That assessment was borne out when I talked to Hank Slack, the current owner of Ellistan, whose wife, Sarah, is a joint master of foxhounds for Essex. I asked him the same question, “Do you think this tradition will continue?
He replied, “Of course. It’s been going since 1930. It can’t stop now. I think the new owner will do it, that’s my guess.”
All six of the couple’s children came to Ellistan earlier this month for “a last weekend together. Emotional but fun,” he recounted.
The Slacks, now empty nesters, will be moving to a house in Oldwick and another in England.
Hank noted for 40 years, his home at Ellistan “has been absolutely wonderful; a happy, happy chapter of my life and my children’s. We’ve had a really good time. But for two people to live in a house with nine bedrooms…” he said with a little smile that was easy to interpret.
(Click on the video below to learn more about Ellistan.)
Asked for her perspective not only on the Thanksgiving meet, but on the larger picture in the area, Jazz Johnson, another joint master of foxhounds for Essex, commented, “We’re hoping that we can try to continue good will among the neighbors and share in a mutual appreciation for the countryside and allowing countryside sports.
There was a good turn out for the hunt.
“I’m hoping for the best and hoping people who move into the neighborhood at large have a sensibility for the kind of land stewardship that surrounds hunting, which created the beautiful feel of all those properties.”
She added, “It’s ultimately the preservation of countryside sports, like fox hunting and foot basseting, (that) helped keep the space open. It is a challenge that faces many hunts today.”
Homeowners greeted the hounds and hunt staff as they came through.
After the hunt departed, tailgaters gathered up their buffets and got ready to leave, either following the horses by car or going home to get ready for their family dinner.
As Dana Sendro said goodbye, she told me, “Fingers crossed, we’ll see you next year.”
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy that began in Texas at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9 has spread to Oklahoma, Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Louisiana. A horse testing positive for the disease in Maryland had no connection to the world finals.
No U.S. Equestrian Federation competitions have been affected, but USEF notes this situation should remind everyone to take biosecurity measures at competitions. That includes ensuring compliance with USEF EHV-1 and Influenza vaccination requirement (within 6 months of entry to a venue), taking temperature twice daily and recording them and mmediate reporting of a horse with a temperature over 101.5 fahrenheit. That is a USEF rule.
Also, USEF advises observing clinical signs of disease and reporting them to the veterinarian, avoid sharing equipment without cleaning and disinfecting between uses, limit horse-to-horse contact, maintaining separation while walking, riding or driving
In addition, limit the individuals touching horses to essential personnel and make sure horse trailers are properly cleaned and disinfected between loads of horses especially those loads containing sick horses.
While EHV-1 most commonly causes respiratory disease, some strains causes neurologic signs as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels and activation of blood coagulation within the brain and spinal cord. Neurologic signs occur as a result of a lack of blood flow and resulting damage to the brain or spinal cord; this disease manifestation is known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy,
Classic clinical signs of EHM include fever, swelling/stocking up of the limbs, hind limb weakness, and urine dribbling. Some horses are more severely affected and display behavior changes, signs of cranial nerve dysfunction, seizures, and inability to stand. While EHM is a serious disease, the majority of cases are not fatal. In most outbreaks of EHM, 60-70 percent of affected horses recover with treatment and supportive care. Veterinary evaluation and isolation of exposed or affected horses is crucial.
A seminar for horse owners on EHV-1 updates will be held Nov. 25 from 8-9:30 p.m. It is being presented by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Disease Communication Center. Register at this link.
With the National Finals Rodeo starting Dec 4 in Las Vegas, the following precautions have been issued:
Las Vegas Events and the PRCA, in coordination with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission, have announced updated equine health guidelines for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. These measures are designed to protect the wellbeing of all participating horses, while upholding the highest standards of biosecurity and animal care.
The updated stringent equine health guidelines for the 2025 NFR include the following key points:
– All horses must have a Seven-Day Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a unique entry permit number obtained from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
– All participants and competitors are responsible for daily temperature monitoring of their horses.
– There is a no-travel advisory for all horses participating and competing at the NFR.
– Enhanced verification and check-in procedures will be in place at the Thomas & Mack Center.
– Biosecurity measures will be maintained throughout the event.
**The Junior National Finals Rodeo will follow similar safety procedures for the competition at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
5
The Miss Rodeo America Pageant issued the following press release on 11-21-25 regarding the horsemanship portion of the pageant…
Miss Rodeo America, Inc. announced today that, out of an abundance of caution following recent outbreaks of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), the 2026 Miss Rodeo America Pageant will proceed without the traditional live horsemanship portion at the South Point Hotel and Casino. The remainder of the pageant, which officially begins November 29, 2025, will continue as planned.
Explosion W, British show jumper Ben Maher’s “horse of a lifetime,” will retire next month in a ceremony that is sure to bring more than a few tears as the special horse says goodbye to his fans and amazing career.
“I always knew he had something special, an incredible will to win and a presence that captured everyone’s attention,” Ben said about the son of Chacco Blue.
“We have shared unforgettable moments together, and it feels right to celebrate his retirement in front of a home crowd at the London International Horse Show.”
Ben Maher and Explosion W.
The Dutch-bred gelding won individual gold with Ben at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and the European Championships’ individual silver and team bronze in 2019. He earned many other honors, among them the Super Grand Prix in Prague and the IJRC top 10 final.
The 16-year-old horse belongs to Ben, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
Discussing the Dec. 21 ceremony, London International Show Chairman Simon Brooks-Ward commented: “Explosion W is one of the greatest showjumping horses and his achievements with Ben have been a privilege for us all to witness on a global stage. We are honoured that Ben, Charlotte, and Pamela have chosen London International Horse Show as the place to celebrate this remarkable horse’s career. It promises to be an emotional and historic occasion for everyone who loves the sport.”
The mentor and his protege battled it out in the $400,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier at Santa Anita Saturday night, with only the narrowest of margins separating them in the standings.
While U.S. Olympic multi-medalist and World Cup champion McLain Ward finished on top at the Split Rock show in Arcadia, Calif., European Champion Richie Vogel of Germany was happy to have come so close, noting how important his friend has been to his performance.
“He’s always there for me. He always has a wise thought on the struggles I have,” said Richie, then added with a smile, “I’ll try to beat him next time.”
McLain was aboard High Star Hero, a 12-year-old Belgian sport horse, with whom he has had some ups and downs. After his top horse, Imperial HBF, was sidelined with an injury earlier this season, it was time for Hero to step up.
McLain Ward on his way to a win with High Star Her.
In the seven-horse tiebreaker, the partnership showed how well it is working now, finishing in 33.99 seconds after a time-saving sharp turn to the third fence, a vertical.
An extra stride may have cost Richie the title on Gangster Mondesir, a slick-looking bay 9-year-old Selle Francais, who finished so close behind the leader in 34.39 seconds. It was a pretty remarkable performance, since it was only their fourth class together and the first World Cup the horse had ever jumped.
The stallion has been getting better at each show, and as Richie pointed out, “every question we asked him, he has an answer to.”
After his ride, Richie generously shared some insights about the course with McLain before he went in the ring.
“It was great sport tonight and I’m happy for him,” said Richie.
“Unfortunately, I was too slow.”
Richie Vogel and Gangster Montdesir.
Third place went to Nina Mallavaey of France, number one in the world Under 25 rankings. She finished in the same range as the top two riders, clocked in 34.73 seconds with Dynastie de Beaufour. The USA’s Laura Kraut was further back with a time of 36.02 seconds on Bisquetta to finish fourth.
Although it might be intimidating for some young riders to be facing off against so many of the world’s best riders, Nina goes for it.
“I think I’m just surrounded by amazing people and horses and that gives me a lot of confidence. I’m really grateful to be here right now. I’ve been watching McLain since I was a kid, so to be a part of this now is a dream,” she said.
Nina Mallavaey and Dynastie de Beaufour
McLain called Hero “a very talented horse, incredibly sensitive.”
When Imperial was injured, McLain turned to Hero and told himself, “This is the best horse and he’s got a lot of good qualities and we’re going to dig in here.”
Hero had been getting “a bit tense in small arenas. This is probably the smallest arena and he performed well so I think he’s getting better.”
McLain is the leading U.S. rider in the North American standings for the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Ft. Worth, which also will be presented by Split Rock. The North American qualifying list is headed by Conor Swail, who is from Ireland but based in North America.
Santa Anita will host the equestrian portion of the 2028 Olympics, which adds extra excitement to the competition there.
McLain walked the course with successful race horse trainer Bob Baffert, who was impressed by what he saw.
“I didn’t know what they were doing,” he said about the walk.
McLain Ward gives racehorse trainer Bob Baffert a course walk guided tour.
“I thought they were looking for holes in the surface, or something,” Bob revealed.
“He showed me how they step it off. It’s pretty intimidating when you get that close to see how high the jumps are And the timing and everything that goes into it. They’re like jockeys, but they really have to think out their strategy. Watching these horses, they’re all sizes and different shapes. The athleticism they have to get over that high. It’s pretty remarkable.”
For the second year in a row, Jessie Springsteen won the $40,000 1.5 meter grand prix at Santa Anita Saturday afternoon, clicking around the jump-off course in 43.93 seconds on Naomi van het Kaisershof, her 2024 victor.
Jessie Springsteen and Naomi van het Keisershof
At the Split Rock 5-star show, Jessie had a good margin over runner-up Natalie Dean and Pedro van d Bariebuis, timed in 46.03 seconds.
Naomi, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood by Cardento, is in her element at 1.5 meters.
“I went early on in the course so I was really able to stick to my plan,” Jessie explained.
“Sometimes it’s a little bit easier when you just walk in and go with your gut instinct straightaway. She jumps great here. So excited to be back, it’s such a beautiful show, the view is unbelievable,” said Jessie, referring to the moody backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains, which changed color as the sun sank lower.
Jessie pats Naomi for a job well done.
Jessie revealed she has a new horse, an eight-year-old named Rock Star, which is so appropriate, considering her father is Bruce Springsteen. And the horse came with that name, so it obviously was karma.
In 2021, Jessie was on the U.S. silver medal Olympic team in Tokyo, and she would like to try for the podium again when the 2028 Games come to Los Angeles, where she was born.
“That’s something I’m always thinking about and working toward. I’m rebuilding my string right now. It would be a dream come true to compete here,” said Jessie, referring to LA28.
“The venue here is really unbelievable,” she commented.
“It would be so special to have my family and friends come out. They were all cheering at home last time,” she said, referring to the fact that the Tokyo Games were held during Covid, and spectators couldn’t attend..
With stars such as Karl Cook and Laura Kraut competing, the $25,000 National Welcome Grand Prix at Santa Anita took on importance greater than the amount of prize money it offered Friday night.
So topping a 62-horse field was a thrill for Della White, who guided Gucci to the win in 31.967 seconds. The runner-up in the class at the Split Rock 5-star show was U.S. team veteran Natalie Dean with Mr. Bombastic in 32.108.
“I was super nervous coming in, because obviously it was against some of best riders here,” said Della.
Della White and Gucci
“My goal was always to go fast, and I had a super smooth round,” she said of her trip on the 11-year-old Holsteiner by Casall.
“Gucci is truly a unicorn – she’s the best horse ever and she tries her heart out every time,” observed Della.
“I love that Split Rock makes every class so special, especially with the victory gallops, and they do an amazing job, especially here at Santa Anita.”
Laura had three horses in the class; her best finish was sixth on Una Mariposa. Karl did not ride in the tiebreaker despite a clean round with Foxy de la Roque because his time did not qualify him for the top 15 format.
The big excitement at the show will be Saturday night in the $400,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier that has attracted European Champion Richie Vogel and world number one Kent Farrington and Mclain Ward of the U.S., as well as Ireland’s Conor Swail, who won the World Cup qualifier at Toronto last weekend.
Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet “came to California to get the sun.”
Instead, he got rain; cold, pouring rain in Arcadia Thursday night during the 1/ST Split Rock show at Santa Anita Racetrack. But Gregory also got $30,000 for winning the $100,000 qualifier for Saturday night’s featured $400,000 World Cup qualifier.
A determined Gregory Wathelet had no problem going first in the class and the jump-off.
There were 57 starters over the course designed by Anderson Lima of Mexico, with Gregory being the first to go on Argentina La Machette. His clean round with the clever gray mare was replicated by nine other competitors in the class, despite the adverse weather conditions at the facility that will host the equestrian events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, three Americans — Karl Cook with Caracole de la Roque, Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) and world number one Kent Farrington (Toulayna) declined to return for the tiebreaker. They obviously were saving their horses for the big class on the weekend, but Gregory has a different mount, Ace of Hearts, for that assignment. Since Ace is 15 years old and had been busy competing this autumn on the East Coast, his rider gave him a break from the Thursday outing. And he was not about to follow the lead of the U.S. trio and bow out of the jump-off.
“The ground, even with the rain was amazing. I didn’t see any reason except to be wet (for) not riding,” he said, adding that the weather conditions at the 5-star show reminded him of weather in Belgium.
In the jump-off, Gregory said he “didn’t do crazy,” but he was sharp-focused on the clock and his time of 36.59 seconds was impossible to beat. Going first meant he could ride to his plan, without being influenced by what other riders did.
France’s Nina Mallavey with Dynastie de Beaufor came close in 37.08 to finish second, just ahead of Irish rider Michael Duffy on BE Skyhawk (37.13). The top U.S. competitor was McLain Ward on First Lady (37.35).
Nina Mallavey and Dynastie de Beaufor.
Gregory is pointing toward being in Ft. Worth during April for the Longines FEI World Cup Final, for which Saturday’s class is a qualifier. And he has an ambition beyond that to return to Santa Anita.
“It’s a really nice venue. We all know it’s going to be the Olympics in two years, I hope I can be part of it,” he said.
Conor Swail added more than a touch of drama to the finale of Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as he won the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier on Casturano with his trademark flair.
Conor Swail and Casturano. (Ben Radvanyi Photo)
In the first round Saturday night, he lost his right stirrup partway through the course but kept on going without attempting to get it back, laser focusing on the fences.
In the three-horse jump-off, the 53-year-old Irishman took off a heart-stopping stride early from the second fence, but sailed over the oxer and kept right on going. His opponents in the tie-breaker were two 21-year-olds from the U.S., Mimi Gochman on Inclen BH, who went off-course after her horse slipped, and Skyler Wireman with Barclino B. Skylar was timed in 42.08 seconds, but her opponent bettered that with a mark of 41.24 seconds.
“If I do my job correctly and give him a good opportunity to do well, he generally does,” said Conor of his mount.
Referring to his competition in the jump-off, he noted, “Both these kids are very good riders and they are great horsewomen. They’re tough to beat, so when I went in last and saw an opportunity there for me to win, I gave it my best shot.”
The tight time allowed of 70 seconds in the first round over the route set by Olaf Petersen Jr. put pressure on the riders. Rene Dittmer (Cody139) and Canadian favorite Nicole Walker (Panter JVH) each logged a time fault. New Canadian champion Kyle Timm (Casino Calvin) was just within the time but had the last fence down.
Conor now heads the list of North American qualifiers for April’s Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Ft. Worth, Texas, which is a coveted destination for most top riders.
“I really wanted to win this one,” said Conor.
“For me, there was a great opportunity there tonight to do it. I tried to grab it with both hands. I produced this horse, he’s my top horse. He’s an incredible athlete. As much as it’s a great win for me, he really deserves it more than me. He’s been knocking on the door.
“Today we got it all right together,” he observed. It was a relief, as he noted this hasn’t been a great season for him.
“A lot of weight lifted off of me just getting that win tonight. The horse deserves it. I really thought he did a lot for me there today.”
Conor wants to go to the World Cup Final, and believes his Holsteiner gelding is in a position to do well there.
“I feel he’s ready to do it. I think he can give it a good run. He’s an incredible athlete and he jumps an awful lot of clear rounds.”
Conor may well meet Skylar again at the Cup finals.
“This horse is only nine, so I’m very proud of him jumping double clear tonight,” said Skylar, who has ridden the Holsteiner for the last year after she and her mother, Shayne Wireman, bought him with a group of investors. During the summer, she rode him to double gold in the Young Rider section of the North American Youth Championships.
“I know that he’s fast,” said Skylar, “but I also knew Conor was behind me, so at that point my goal was to do a solid round and hope that it would be fast enough. He’s always right there with me waiting for me to tell him what to do. It is a real treat to be able to ride a horse like that.”
Ben Ebeling scored a personal best with Bellena to win the Grand Prix Freestyle Saturday night at the inaugural US Open of Dressage. He came oh-so-close to the treasured 80 percent mark with a score of 79.930 percent. Two judges actually gave him more than 80 percent, but that wasn’t enough to make the 80 percent mark with the entire panel.
Ben Ebeling and Bellena (Terri Miller/Desert International Horse Park)
His ride to music that offered a take-off on the famous Fiddler on the Roof song, redone as “If I Were a Wealthy Girl,” was executed with style and some daring, as in his canter pirouette to a piaffe fan.
“This freestyle really highlights [Bellena] as a sort of a diva mare and really a strong, powerful woman with artists such as Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna,” Ebeling said.
“Honestly, I don’t think that anybody does it better than a mare…I do feel like it’s a new freestyle for Bellena, but it feels like home for me.”
Ben was emotional after his victory at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif.
“It’s just been incredible,” the American said.
“I really do feel that this series has opened dressage…to a wider audience that can appreciate horse dancing. Who the heck doesn’t like that? I’m just so happy to be here at this final,” said the rider, who relocated from California to Florida, where he is based now.
Ben Ebeling takes his victory lap. (US Equestrian/Devon Trethewey)
“I’m really happy to be back in my home state. The first 5-star on the West Coast. It means a lot.”
Speaking about his Hanoverian mare, Ben said that to him, she means, “Everything. There’s not a lot of words; she’s spectacular. Every time I’ve asked her to come into the clutch, she always comes through for me. She’s a special mare.”
Ben Ebeling and US Open trophy. (Terri Miller photo/Desert International Horse Park)
He got eight marks of 9 or more for choreography, degree of difficulty and music and interpretation of the music.
It was a big night for the Ebeling family, as Ben’s father, Jan, finished fifth on Jubi’s Tenacity. Jan rode Bellena until Ben took over the mare this year.
German rider Felicitas Hendricks was the runner-up on Drombusch OLD, with 78.260 percent.
“He gave his all today,” she said of her mount.
“Drombusch was on fire in the most positive way he could have been. The crowd was amazing. For the final piaffe/passage, where they all started clapping and cheering, that’s what it’s all about, right?
“I love when the crowd gets going and likes the music we picked. I know Drombusch loves it,” said Hendricks, who, like Ben, is trained by Germany’s Christoph Koschel.
The USA’s Anna Marek, who won the qualifying series and Friday night’s Grand Prix on Fayvel, finished third on 77.830 percent. Her horse stepped in perfect rhythm to the X Ambassadors’ “Boom Boom Boom,” a song seemingly made for doing a freestyle.
Some big names were missing from the final. Marcus Orlob, the top-ranked U.S. dressage rider in thirtieth place in the world, has been taking his time working on training with Jane. Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle and her student, Christian Simonson, had other priorities. Kevin Kohmann, a perennial representative for the U.S. at the World Cup finals, decided to focus on last weekend’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico where he was fourth on Dunensee.
The final wrapped up the first year for the US Open concept of championships in the Olympic disciplines, put together under the auspices of the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Germany’s individual Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk won the first leg in show jumping on Checker 47 last March, while the USA’s Boyd Martin took the eventing competition on Miks Master C in October.
