by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 17, 2021
There couldn’t have been a better advertisement for the new Maryland 5 star event than having the charismatic Boyd Martin win it today by the narrowest of margins—just 0.1 penalties while his fans roared in unbridled delight. If the arena had a roof, they would have raised it as the country’s first autumn 5-star wrapped up a spectacular debut.
Boyd’s ride, On Cue, rubbed some rails around the show jumping course in the final phase of the competition at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, with the crowd gasping at each potential mishap.
“We bumped and thumped few poles and never heard one come down. I couldn’t believe I got a clear round. I think Lady Luck was on our side,” Boyd conceded, saying “On Cue gutsed it out.”
Boyd Martin and On Cue clearing the final show jumping fence as fans get ready to cheer. (Photo © 2021 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
He had gone into the ring in third place, with New Zealand’s Tim Price standing second and world number one Oliver Townend in the lead. Those riders had finished 1-2 at the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star in April, when Boyd was fourth on the Turner family’s Anglo-European mare by Cabri D’Elle.
Boyd called his rivals “super duper jumpers,” saying he was just hoping to finish in the top five.
But Lady Luck apparently went out for a drink after his round.
Tim had a rail at the second fence, a vertical, with Xavier Faer, adding four faults to his dressage score of 24.3 penalties.
“Having the second rail is not a great beginning to your round,” Tim pointed out, “but he’s a trier. If I get him to the fence the right way with the right energy, we can get away with it most of the time.”
As Boyd rode around the warm-up ring while the others ahead of him on the leaderboard jumped, he was surprised to hear the announcer say Tim had a rail.
“I thought to myself, `You never know, Oli might screw up as well,” he recalled with a smile.
Oliver remained faultless only a little longer than Tim, as his two-time Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class toppled a pole at fence number four. He finished on 25.1 penalties, putting four faults onto his dressage mark of 21.1 to finish second
It was that seemingly insignificant tenth of a point that made the difference between Boyd earning the $100,000 first prize and the $45,000 awarded for being runner-up.
Money aside, Boyd was honored to win in the company of “two riders that are so idolized and looked up to. Today was On Cue’s day and it’s great to win it,” he said about the mare he described as having “so much heart and desire.”
Oliver Townend, Boyd Martin and Tim Price on the podium with Boyd’s boys, Nox and Leo. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
In addition to leaving the jumps up, it was also necessary to be within the 82-second time allowed by course designer Ken Krome on his extremely influential route. Boyd came close there as well, finishing in 81.84, to become the first American since 2008 to win at the highest level of the sport. (That was a 4-star when Phillip Dutton did it at Kentucky on Connaught; the designation has since been upgraded to 5-star.)
And by the way, Boyd won the Adelaide 4-star (now upgraded to a 5-star like Kentucky) when he lived in Australia before emigrating to America, so it wasn’t his first victory at the top level of the sport. While riding in that competition, he palled around with Tim Price, who Boyd said was living in his trailer with a mattress on the floor at the time.
Saying he was happy for Boyd, Oliver commented, “Some days are meant to be your days, and some days aren’t meant to be your days. And to be again stacked both with Boyd and Tim to me is a privilege, because they’re riders that I actually have a huge amount of respect for.
“We’re working boys, we’re very normal lads and for all three of us to be in the position we’re in is a huge privilege.”
He maintained that if “normal people” work hard, “you can make it to the pinnacle of this sport. That’s the message I want to get out to any kid who’s thinking `I can’t do it because I’m not from a wealthy background.’ I think we’re all selling the sport ‘and (showing) it’s actually possible.”
Boyd deserves his popularity; he’s not only a talented rider and a hard worker, he’s engaging, a lot of fun and his rugged good looks make for compelling photos. And he’s even got cute kids to complete the picture. The crowd loved it when his little boys, Nox and Leo, joined him on the podium, though Leo kept losing his grip on the bottle of expensive champagne that would later be shaken up to soak everyone on the podium.
Having Boyd take the championship at the first competition in the Fair Hill Special Event Zone put a stamp of approval on the new venue from eventing insiders and fans.
Boyd Martin’s fans join in celebrating as he passes in his victory gallop. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
There were some kinks involving logistics and ticketing among other first-time issues at Fair Hill, but the competition rose above them.. As cross-country course designer Ian Stark put it, the event is “still teething,” but called it “impressive” nonetheless. You could say Boyd wasn’t the only U.S. 5-star winner; the event deserves that distinction as well.
Jeff Newman, the CEO and president of the event, noted it was tricky planning a new fixture in the middle of a pandemic.The four-day attendance total of 20,886, about half of which came on cross-country day, was gratifying but hard to foresee..
Next year, “We’ll have a much better idea on how to staff accordingly and (add) equipment accordingly. I think we’ll be better prepared in terms of anticipating numbers,” Jeff said, stating the goal is “to be better prepared for customer needs. It was very tough to predict what was necessary this year. We were pleasantly surprised by the crowds and now have a foundation to be able to anticipate that better.
“We had great crowd support, great athlete support and great sponsor support. What we hope next year is that we can just build on that.”
A better use for Veuve Clicquot champagne is toasting rather than spraying on fellow competitors. Oliver Townend, Boyd Martin and Tim Price clink glasses with Maryland 5 Star event CEO and president Jeff Newman. (Photo © 2021 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Twelve of the original 45 5-star starters did not finish the event, but the top 10 really demonstrated their ability. Making the biggest jump from the lower end of the pack was Doug Payne, tied for 33d on Quantum Leap after dressage, then moving up to a tie for 11th following a cross-country round that was clear except for 1.8 time penalties. He capped it all with a clear show jumping performance to wind up ninth..
“I can’t say enough really about Quantum. He tries his heart out,” Doug reported.
“For his second 5 star as a 10-year-old, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. They always say the first 5 star is nice to do; the second you know you have a real horse, and for sure, we’ve got a real one.”
Asked for his opinion about the event, Doug said, “It’s something I think the U.S. has needed for a very long time. I can’t imagine it doesn’t help us increase .our depth and be stronger and stronger, because we’re not breaking the bank every fall to find a 5-star to go to (across the Atlantic). It’s pretty special and I’m lucky to have the opportunity.”
RINGSIDE SEAT–It was good to hear the announcer give credit to Trish Gilbert, who started the first Fair Hill event that became the Fair Hill International in 1989, paving the way for this spectacular 2021 event on the other side of the acreage at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area…
This was a day for Martins. Kurt Martin (no relation to Boyd) won the 3-star national championship with Debbie Adams’ D.A. Lifetime. It’s quite a nice story; look for it on this website later this week…
Marilyn Payne, Doug’s mother, is an international judge who has officiated at the Olympics and other major events around the world. She was enthusiastic about the Maryland 5 Star, saying it was needed and fills a gap.
“This is a fantastic venue. It’s got great terrain,” she said, noting Ian Stark did a “fabulous” job laying out the cross-country route.
“It was really a true 5-star track.. We had a lot of fabulous horses and riders, so sometimes it makes it look easy, but not for the others. To develop our horses, we needed another track.”
Comparing this event to Kentucky, she said, “This is much closer to a Burghley or a Badminton.”.
For full 5-star results, click here
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 7, 2021
We’re more accustomed to seeing Heather Senia Williams coaching people outside the show ring, rather than riding in it.
But Heather, who works for Beacon Hill Show Stables in Colts Neck, had a chance to demonstrate her talent on a horse yesterday at the Capital Challenge show, where she won the $5,000 World Champion Hunter Rider Developing Pro Challenge. The 33-year-old competitor, who turned pro when she was 18, took the opportunity when Lillian Soroken offered her DiCaprio for the class. It was an impromptu decision. Heather didn’t even have the right clothes, and had to buy a shadbelly to be properly attired for the competition..
“A lot of times I’m not here during this week because it’s also the USEF Talent Search Finals,” said Heather.
“The stars just sort of aligned that I was able to be here, and I had the opportunity from the Sorokens to ride this great horse so I said I was going to take advantage and do it while I can.
“The majority of my professional career is really spent training,” she continued. “I don’t do a lot of competitive riding for myself; I do a lot of schooling jumpers and preparing horses. I would say that’s primarily what my riding entails, but I knew I was going to be here this week and it’s a rare occasion.”
Heather andDiCaprio 3, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Contender, scored 85.66 and 88.66 for a total of 174.32. Jared Depermentier and Brad Wolf’s Sebastian were second with scores of 85 and 87.66 for a 172.66 total. Vivian Yowan and Sazerac, owned by IMB of Jupiter LLC, finished third after they scored 86.41 and 86.16 for a 172.57 total.
Heather Williams and DiCaprio. (Shawn McMillen Photo)
Heather was in third place after the first round, but their second-round score propelled them up the standings.
“Coming into the second round, I took a peek at the scores before I got on and I saw that the top riders were all really within one point of each other,” she said. “I knew if I had a good trip, I would have a real chance at moving up. I tried to stick to my plan. I know my horse really well, and I had a road map of how I wanted to ride the course and luckily it panned out exactly how I’d hoped.”
It was a sweet victory for Williams, who was the first person to ride DiCaprio 3 when he arrived in the barn two years ago.
“We brought him home to the barn from Capital Challenge actually, and I took one lap around the indoor ring. She told her boss, Stacia Madden, “This horse has to stay!’” she recalled. “It’s full circle that I rode him the very first day he came to the barn and loved him so much. Now it’s two years later, and I feel like I helped him stay in the barn and he helped me win this class. To win a class like this is always special, but to do it on a horse I have such a relationship with makes it even more special.”
She added, “I’m very grateful to Stacia Madden for giving me the opportunity to do this class and Max Amaya (of Stonehenge Farm) for always being such a supporter of my riding and myself since I was a young professional. I’m good friends with Patricia Griffith (of Heritage Farm), so she was nice enough to help me today. Lydia Ulrich and T.J. O’Mara were also here, so between the three of them, I was really lucky to have a great crew help me.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 7, 2021
There is concern about the future of Dressage at Devon, though you might not have thought so after seeing the crowd that packed the grandstands for Grand Prix night last Saturday
The U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Show is always popular with spectators from the area along Philadelphia’s Main Line, but in recent years, Dressage at Devon has sought help with financial issues.
“As a non-profit, we operate on a very strict budget. Given several hardships the show has weathered in the past decade, we are now in a position (where) we must ask you and our community for help,” stated a 2019 appeal for assistance from DAD.
Then came Covid. It made the situation even more difficult because the show, which started in 1975, couldn’t run in 2020.
This year, entries in some divisions were light due to a variety of circumstances, including the postponed 2020 Olympics and Aachen’s move from June/July to September, with the German show ending just nine days before Dressage at Devon began.
I asked D at D President/CEO Lori Kaminski whether there is any danger the show won’t continue.
“I don’t know, to be totally honest,” she replied, then quickly added, “I hope this show continues well into the future. It’s a well-loved show, especially to spectators and our breeders for the breed show.”
Dressage at Devon President/CEO Lori Kaminski. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
She pointed out it takes $750,000 annually to administer and run the show, which offers 1-star and 3-star international classes, as well as national competition and a breeding division, but she also offered a hopeful sign. For the first time, DAD had a title sponsor, the ShowPlus benefits program designed to reimburse equestrians for out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered by insurance.
Lori also was enthusiastic about the new “Shoppin’ in the USA” initiative for breeders to sell horses in a showcase after the breed show competition ended. It’s a way for people to see a number of horses in one place, as opposed to driving long distances to look at just one, and then going elsewhere to scout another. Lori also noted, “If you say your horse won the filly class (at DAD), that filly is going to command a little more money than one that either wasn’t shown or was shown at some little breed show.”
Canadians, usually a key contingent at DAD, won the featured Grand Prix Freestyle three years in a row through 2019. But this year, only two Canadians competed at the Grand Prix level, both in the Grand Prix Special, rather than the Freestyle that is a qualifier for the FEI World Cup final.
The Aachen date change “had us worried and it kind of proved itself true,” commented Lori. The Canadian team moved on to Aachen after the Olympics, and none of those riders appeared at Devon.
The Covid regulation situation that affected border crossings between the U.S. and Canada also probably played a role. That certainly was the case for Tanya Strasser-Shostak, who found herself dealing with her mother’s two horses as well as her own mount when her mom, Evi Strasser, couldn’t get across the border because of Covid red tape. (Click here for a link to her story).
Grand Prix Special winner Diane Creech of Ontario noted Covid made things more complicated and expensive for Canadians traveling to Pennsylvania, because of testing requirements and dealing with the timing of those test results.
Meanwhile, the strength of the Wellington, Fla., circuit and shows in Tryon, N.C., both presented by the same management, have meant a change in the dressage show calendar. Some people from the Northeast have moved south permanently; others leave earlier in the year than they used to, and may be preparing for an October getaway just when it’s time for Devon.
While DAD’s Small Tour classes filled very well, others–such as the juniors and Young Riders, had few entries. The Special attracted only four starters and the Freestyle had just six horses dancing to the music.
But for many of the spectators, 10 horses made for a full evening, when coupled with shopping and a vaulting exhibition.
Fans always turn out for the Freestyle on Saturday night at Dressage at Devon to watch combinations such as Jannike Gray and Giraldillo Cen. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Although the big names who once competed in the DAD freestyle, when the likes of a Lars Petersen (Succes), George Williams (Rocher) and Adrienne Lyle (Wizard), were no longer on the start list, the crowd came anyway.
Dr. Mary Stapleton, who has been meeting with 10 of her friends at the show “for at least 20 years,” called DAD “a seed of continuity amidst constant change. I’m not even aware of the big names anymore the way I used to be. It keeps me from having any preconceived notions. I’m enjoying the movement of the horses and I think you recognize excellence. This is poetry in motion.”
But U.S. Dressage Federation President Lisa Gorretta thinks it’s important for elite riders to participate.
She believes that at DAD “growth in the CDI (international classes), support from the high performance riders, is what has sustained it and been the shoring-up. The thing that makes Devon, Devon, and fills those stands are the international riders.
“When you have the World Cup in the U.S., you have to support it. When you have Dressage at Devon, to me, if you’re in this sport, you have a certain level of responsibility.”
It’s a complicated issue; U.S. Technical Advisor Debbie McDonald sees it a little differently.
“I understand where Lisa is coming from,” she said.
At the same time, Debbie pointed out, “Lisa has to understand with our top riders, they can only do so many shows in a year.”
With the postponed Olympics in the mix, “This was a very busy, hard year on our top horses. The timing of this show and where it is located makes it very difficult. I do not think riders have a responsibility to shows, only to their horses and what is right for them.”
From Lisa’s perspective, “Devon represents everything in the history of dressage in this country. It is one of our few really significant Heritage Competitions; other divisions (disciplines) have a lot of them. If you look at the photos of old Devon, the people who have been the movers and shakers in developing dressage in the U.S. all came through Devon. Even if they were from the West Coast, they still at some point competed at Devon.”
She added, “Everyone I have talked to without exception has said how important this competition is for the sporthorse breeders, for the CDI riders and exposure to international dressage in this part of the country. I would really hate to see not having Devon happen.”
Maryland-based Michael Bragdell, who won the Freestyle last weekend with Qredit Hilltop, loves the response of the crowd, part of the reason why DAD is special to him.
DAD Freestyle winner Michael Bragdell on Qredit Hilltop. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“There’s so much history here, and under the lights, there’s no other place like it. It’s always a treat.”
International judge Linda Zang agrees, saying,.“I think it’s important to keep Devon. It’s the only CDI in this area.”
She thinks the absence of high-performance riders for the freestyle “has a lot to do with the strength of the Florida circuit. A lot of top trainers have gone south, that slowly takes away the base of making our riders. Everything’s there now.”
Even so, she emphasized, “There has got to be a way to keep this show going. It stands for the Northeast,” calling it part of the “inspiration cycle.”
She would like to see more sponsors, and have them increase prize money to help defray riders’ expenses “and give it (DAD) importance.”
But in any case, the importance of the show to its regular competitors can’t be overestimated.
Exhibitor Lauren Chumley, who brought nine horses to compete in both the breed and performance classes, called DAD “a destination. This is just the place to be; to show here and do well in this atmosphere, with the crowds and the vendors. Devon’s got a magic to it. It’s been around for so long and so many great horses have gone under those lights.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 5, 2021
Olympian Rich Fellers has opted to go to trial in Oregon on criminal charges of sexual misconduct involving a minor. Proceedings were scheduled for April after a case management appearance yesterday by the 2012 World Cup show jumping champion.
He has been suspended indefinitely by the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the Center for SafeSport. His wife, Shelley Fellers, has been suspended until Feb. 9, 2027 on charges of abuse of process, retaliation and failure to report
Maggie Kehring, a former student of Fellers, 61, has stated publicly that he had a sexual relationship with her while she was a 17-year-old minor. Fellers was arrested June 7 and held briefly in jail before being released on 10 percent of a $40,000 bail.
Another Oregon jumper rider/trainer, Jeff Campf, 56, was suspended by USEF and SafeSport Oct. 4 for allegations of misconduct.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 4, 2021
New Jersey dressage competitors made quite an impact at the U.S. Equestrian Federation national championships last summer, and they proved over the weekend during ShowPlus Dressage at Devon that was no fluke.
Even though multiple national champion Alice Tarjan of Oldwick wasn’t riding in FEI classes at Devon, since her top horse just came home from the Aachen, Germany, show, the Garden State’s dressage strength was evident at the Heritage competition on Philadelphia’s Main Line. (Alice’s Ice Princess did win the Materiale Three-Year-Old Fillies and the USDFBCS Filly Final during the breed show.)
The busiest Jerseyan during D at D was trainer Lauren Chumley, who rode in 14 classes. She brought nine horses from her Pittstown stable, and handled eight of them, while her groom, Jessie Hayes, rode the other one. Lauren and Jessie split the chores involved with the care and grooming of the horse at the showgrounds.The workload doesn’t faze Lauren.
These are only some of the ribbons Lauren had on display by her stalls at Devon. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I have more energy than anyone I know,” stated the 37-year-old, who is also an eventer and competed in the American Eventing Championships during the summer.
At Devon, she had to get up at 4:30 a.m. in order to fit everything in. The array of ribbons by her stalls showed how successful she was, with big wins in the breeding section of the show, and nice prizes in the performance section.
“I love Devon. It’s my favorite show,” said Lauren, who has been coming to the iconic location for 14 years. Discussing some of the horses she brought, Lauren said, “They’re a little green but I thought they were ready to try this, dip their toe into the bigtime. I think it’s a really good place to take young horses under saddle.
“It’s a lot of atmosphere, but they have to get used to that if they’re going to go on to FEI and do big things. I can’t hide in my backyard.This is a destination. This is just the place to be, to show here and do well with the crowds and vendors…Devon’s got a magic to it.”
Lauren and Kyro. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lauren just returned from her first trip to Aachen, where she groomed for Alice.
“That was amazing, but I’m still so excited about Devon. It’s a completely different kind of show.”
Lauren was thrilled about getting her first ribbon in a CDI, when Santa Barbara Dash took fourth in the Prix St. Georges.
“That’s a big deal to me,” she said
She won the Three-Year-Old Geldings Under Saddle with Notorious H20, bred by Kendra Hansis’ Running Water Warmbloods in Stockton (another Running Water horse, Fortunato H2O, won the Grand Championship and USDFBCS Five-Year-Old Materiale Championship for owner Lehua Custer).
Lauren also took the Materiale Four-Year-Old Test for stallions and geldings with Masterful Dream, who was the USDFBCS Four-Year Old Materiale Champion and won the USEF Four-Year-Old Test; the Materiale Five-Year-Old Mares with Leeloo Dallas and was second in Fourth Level Test 2 with Kyro, among other notable placings.
Lauren’s “life goal” is to compete at Devon in both the three-year-old class on the Tuesday and the Grand Prix under the lights on Saturday night.
“I think that would be so cool. You go to Europe, and you see the German A-team also showing in the stallion shows and the young horse shows,” she explained.
“That’s not how it works here. Europe has this formula riding three, four and five year olds and doing the Grand Prix at Aachen. I think it’s really cool to be a horseman and trainer, not just a rider of Grand Prix (horses) that somebody else trained. That’s what I’m trying to do, but I’ve got a long way to go.”
Other Jerseyans stood out in performance classes. Cesar Parra of Whitehouse Station won a very competitive 3-star Intermediate 1 class with a total of 70.981 percent on Belle Ami, by Bellissimo M. Marks over 70 percent were not freely given at this show, and two of the three judges put him at more than 71 percent for his efforts with the 12-year-old Westfalen mare owned by Brooke Centrella. He then went on to win the I-1 freestyle with 73.575 percent as the show came to an end..
He’s number one: Cesar Parra and Belle Ami. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Cesar worked with the mare when she was five, six and seven before Brooke took over. Then she passed the horse back to him this year. He qualified for Devon a few weeks ago at the Horse Park of New Jersey and noted proudly that Saturday’s class was only the third time he had ridden Belle Ami in a CDI.
“This is a good one,” he said, adding, “When she’s ready, I’m going to move her up.”
But he doesn’t want to rush, noting “at the very end for me, I’d rather have a wonderful sound Prix St. Georges (horse) than a nice Grand Prix lame. I can truly say it’s about the journey. At one point I think I was too much into the score. I care about scores, who doesn’t care, but it’s secondary to my horse is happy.”
He also won the FEI Young Horse Six-Year Old Finals with Fanta, scoring an 83.
Second place in both the 3-star I-1 and its freestyle went to Kim Herslow of Stockton with the Lusitano Elvis HI. She was marked in the first class on 68.921 percent for the horse she owns with Aileen Cascio.
Kim Herslow rocking with Elvis HI. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
At the USEF championships she learned that “definitely less warm-up is better. That’s huge. That’s the key to him.”
Replaying the first class, she said, “I wish I didn’t have the bobbles but I was trying to go for a little more expression, so you have that risk. In the freestyle, she earned 72.725 percent for her ride accompanied by–what else?–the music of Elvis Presley.
That was to be Elvis HI’s last start at Small Tour. Now she’s aiming him for Grand Prix.
Other New Jerseyans in the ribbons include Katryna Evans, who works for Cesar and won both FEI Young Horse Finals for Five-Year Olds with Mollegardens Fashion.
Bridget Hay of Ringoes was second and third with Shanahan in the Six-Year-Old Finals. She also was second in the Grand Prix Freestyle qualifier with Faolan, who was fourth in the freestyle itself. Third in the freestyle went to Shannon Stevens of Annandale, a CDI newcomer on Ferrari. Allison Nemeth of Flemington was a winner aboard Tiko in the FEI Young Riders category.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 3, 2021
The grandstands were packed with enthusiastic spectators cheering each ride in the featured Saturday night classes of ShowPlus Dressage at Devon, and the competitors rose to the occasion for their expectant audience.
The group that had ridden in the qualifiers for the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle the previous evening really stepped it up to put on memorable performances at the venerable showgrounds, where everyone felt the excitement of being back a year after the pandemic had cancelled the 46-year-old show on Philadelphia’s Main Line.
Michael Bragdell, who repeated his victory in the freestyle Short Grand Prix qualifier with Qredit Hilltop, savored the stallion’s recognition of the appreciative fans.
Michael Bragdell waves to the crowd. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“He’s really good with the electricity,” said Michael, the head trainer at Hilltop Farm in Maryland. He couldn’t stop smiling as he talked about the Oldenburg, who was grand champion at Devon in the performance division as a yearling 12 years ago. The memory brought tears to his eyes.
“From the day he came to the barn as a weanling, I felt like he was really special. He was so well-behaved.”
In the midst of a sea of European imports, Qredit who was bred by Judy Yancey, stands out for being born in the USA. (In case you’re wondering, the odd spelling of his name pays tribute to the breeding stallion’s sire, Quaterback),
“I loved how he felt in the ring and how electric he felt in the ring, in a good way,” Michael observed about his eager mount.
“It’s always fun when you do the freestyle and enjoy the music, we have so much history here, there’s no other place like it.”
A native of Sweden who has been in the U.S. for decades, Michael started as “purely a jumper rider” saying, “I never thought I’d do what I did tonight. To be here and wear the blue ribbon, it’s very special; especially on him.
Qredit Hilltop performs his one-tempis. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael earned a personal best of 72.995 percent from the five judges. His test in the World Cup Finals qualifier was heavy with marks of 7 and 7.5 for the various movements, but he got a bevy of 8s for his entrance, choreography and interpretation of the music from Blurred Lines and Coldplay.
The “dit, dit, dit” on his soundtrack reflected the rhythm of his horse’s piaffe and passage, and the music swelled appropriately for his powerful one-tempis along the diagonal as the crowd went wild.
Susanne Hamilton, who came all the way from Maine, moved up from fourth in the qualifier to second last night with 71.075 percent on Leseth, earning 8’s and a few 8-pluses for her bouncy music–“Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and its interpretation, degree of difficulty/calculated risks and choreography. She knew she had nailed it with her 12-year-old Hanoverian, flinging up her arms in triumph after her final salute, then pointing down to her horse as she gave him credit.
Susanne Hamilton gave credit to her horse for his “awesome” freestyle performance. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“My horse is very young at the grand prix right now,” said Susanne.
“He had a little bit of trouble with the stadium the first few days he was in here,” she noted, but Puttin’ on the Ritz is his inspiration.
“He loves his music,” explained Susanne, who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1984.
“The first time I played his music to him, he said, `This is it.’ I said, `Okay, we’ll go with that.’ And so today he let me ride him. Which was awesome.”
Third place on 70.990 was Shannon Stevens with the aptly named Ferrari. Shannon, who is married to trainer Marcus Orlob, works out of their stable in Annandale, N.J. Ferrari came in as a sales horse, but she took to the gelding and kept him.
It was Shannon’s first CDI with her “heart horse,” noting both she and Ferrari are green.
“We have a big operation at home,” said Shannon, noting there are 33 horses in training.
“Riding a horse like this kind of keeps that spark.”
There were only six starters in the freestyle, although it made for an evening that was just long enough, coupled with the preceding Grand Prix Special and a vaulting exhibition.
The show was lacking its usual contingent of Canadians due to difficulties crossing the border because of Covid regulations, and the burden of additional expenses involved. As a dual American/Canadian citizen, however, Special winner Diane Creech had no problems.
Her 18-year-old Chrevis Christo, a Danish warmblood she owns with Louise Leatherdale, received a score of 68.761 percent in the qualifier, then moved up to 69.659 percent, over second-place finisher María Alejandra Aponte Gonzalez of Colombia on Duke de Niro (66.745). There were four in that class.
Diane Creech and Chrevis Christo. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Between Diane and her daughter, Vanessa Creech-Terrauds, they gathered six blue ribbons.
“It was a perfect weekend for us,” Diane said.
She called Christo “a very young senior,” who got a little wild when he returned to the ring for the presentation. Maria, who came into the arena without her horse, immediately took hold of his reins and he settled down.
“He felt like a 12-year-old,” said Diane.
“The atmosphere—he rises to it.” He is so trained, she noted with a smile, that in the qualifier “I was preparing for the pirouette and all of a sudden, I was in the middle of the pirouette, because he knew what we were doing.”
Diane spoke for all the riders when she said, “We are so grateful to the organization of Devon despite all the challenges and everything that’s going on in this crazy world to still be able to make this go and come together in our community is even more special.”
There was a tribute in the arena to retiring steward and technical delegate Elisabeth Williams, as the Dressage at Devon crew, friends and admirers crowded around to wish her well.
Elisabeth Williams is honored on her retirement by the Dressage at Devon group. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Throughout her career,” observed U.S Dressage Federation President Lisa Goretta, “Elisabeth has brought a level of professionalism and vision for both dressage in the U.S. and our participation on the international front that is not duplicated by anyone else in the country. She’s been to multiple Olympics, World Cups, World Games, Pan Am Games, CDIs in this country and abroad. No one will be able to duplicate her experience.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 23, 2021
It’s tack sale time again. Two organizations that offer therapeutic riding are having fundraisers this fall, so why not donate your used gear for the horse, rider or the barn?
Riding with HEART (Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation and Therapy) in Pittstown has its sale at 639 Route 513 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 30 and from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 31, when most items will be half-price.
You can donate from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and from noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. Before you make the trip to donate, call 908-735-5912 to let them know you’re coming. Pick-ups are available for big donations within a one-hour drive of the facility. To arrange that, email tacksale@ridingwithheart.org. All donations are tax deductible.
On Sunday, Nov. 7, Mane Stream at 83 Old Turnpike Road in Oldwick will hold its sale from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to new or used bridles, saddles, blankets and tack boxes, as well as outgrown boots, breeches, jackets, horse-related models and knick-knacks will be accepted. All donations may be dropped off or donors may call to schedule a pick-up. For more information, contact Jen at 908-439-9636 or jen@manestreamnj.org.
Mane Stream’s mission 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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 23, 2021
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ has stepped up to serve as presenting sponsor of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, the British event that is making a comeback May 4-8 after two pandemic-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
“I am delighted that MARS EQUESTRIAN will be a presenting sponsor at Badminton 2022 and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year.” commented the Duke of Beaufort, at whose estate the event is staged.
“Through this partnership, we hope to honor the equestrian legacy of MARS and engage spectators with our iconic brands as we work to achieve our vision of a better world for horses, pets, and their owners,” said William Clements, vice president of global sponsorships and sports marketing for Mars Inc. Mars Wrigley U.S. has its headquarters in Hackettstown and Newark, N.J.
He described it as “a family-owned business that has been creating products and services that people, and their four-legged family members, love for over 100 years. Horses are deeply rooted in Mars’ history, dating back to the 1930s.”
Jacqueline Mars, a member of the family, is well-known as a successful owner of event horses and supporter of eventing on a personal basis. The Virginia resident is an honorary life trustee of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
Discussing the Badminton initiative, Clements said, “Through this partnership, we hope to honor the equestrian legacy of MARS and engage spectators with our iconic brands as we work to achieve our vision of a better world for horses, pets, and their owners. ”
Badminton Event Director Jane Tuckwell added, “MARS EQUESTRIAN Sponsorship increased commitment to Badminton is fantastic news for everyone involved. It’s very much all systems go and we are busy preparing to invite the exhibitors next month and will be opening the box office in January. We are all looking forward to a bumper Badminton 2022.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 22, 2021
The Alexandria Township barn tour will be held Oct. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.This fundraiser benefits the Alexandria Equestrian Association, and includes old and new barns, both dairy and equine. For tickets, click on this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2021
Services were held last weekend for Frank Gibbs of Allamuchy, a retired farmer and pillar of his community, who had served as joint master of the Spring Valley Hounds.
Mr. Gibbs, 82, is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan (Henry), whom he met when they were members of their 4-H horse club.
After studying animal husbandry at Cornell University, Mr. Gibbs co-owned and operated Gibbs Farms with his brother, the late James Gibbs, and subsequently with his sons in operating Gibbs Quest. As the third generation to run the family farm, Mr. Gibbs was a lifelong member of his community, located in the heart of Allamuchy’s valley.
Frank Gibbs with the Spring Valley Hounds. (Spring Valley photo by Charles Frase)
He was an active participant in community and civic life, serving as vice president of the Allamuchy Township Board of Education, chairman of the Allamuchy Township Planning Board, founding member of the Allamuchy-Green Rescue Squad, a member of the Allamuchy Historical Society, a founding member of the Friends of Rutherfurd Hall and member of its Key Communicators Committee and Wednesday volunteer group. He was also a Sunday School teacher and Trustee of Tranquility United Methodist Church, a member of Panther Valley Ecumenical Church and its finance committee, chairman of the Warren County Holstein Association, president of the New Jersey Holstein Association, president of NEDCO (Northeast Dairy Cooperative), a member of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, a member of the Warren County Agriculture Development Board (New Jersey Farmland Preservation), a member of the Ridge & Valley Conservancy, and a volunteer with Global Volunteer.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Gibbs is survived by his sons, Brant, and his wife, Cristiana Cooke-Gibbs and Keith and his wife Maryann Gibbs; his daughter, Jama, and her husband David Toung, eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. In addition, he is survived by a brother, Clifford W. Gibbs and his wife, Ruth Gibbs, as well as sisters-in-law Barbara Trought, Jane Gibbs, and Mavis Gibbs.He was pre-deceased by brothers James C. and Robert G. Gibbs; brother-in-law George Trought, and nephew Jack Gibbs.
Mr. Gibbs enjoyed adventure travel, preferably on horseback with family and friends. He rode western and English and was equally at home on a pack trip in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, rounding up cattle and horses, leading a trail ride up Allamuchy Mountain and hunting the hounds in the hills and valleys of Morris, Warren, and Sussex Counties.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in his memory to Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Route 517, PO Box 453, Allamuchy, NJ 07820
