by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 25, 2019
(See information about the funeral, survivors and memorial donations at the end of the obituary. Shelley Howerton Page, who will be going to the funeral, would like to print out email remembrances and give them to Ann’s family. Contact her at shelleyhpage@gmail.com)
One of the horse world’s very special people, Ann Rickard Haller, 56, died today after suffering complications related to an ongoing thyroid condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at the Great Meadow International event in Virginia this weekend when she felt ill and went to urgent care, before being hospitalized in Haymarket and then Manassas.
The ultimate worker and volunteer, Ann’s generous spirit was tirelessly devoted to the sport of eventing and brightened every competition where she was involved. If something needed to get done, she would do it, in style, efficiently and with a smile.
Ann Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Ann worked in the press office at many of events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, North American Youth Championships, the Jersey Fresh International, the FEI World Equestrian Games and the U.S. Eventing Association American Eventing Championships, among others.
While she often was the cross-country controller, wherever she was needed, there she was, lending her expertise and work ethic.
She had been married to Roger Haller, the cross-country designer for the 1978 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, who died in 2016. They were a formidable couple in their contributions to the sport they loved.
Ann and Roger Haller (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Roger and his family founded the Essex Horse Trials at Hoopstick Farm in Bedminster. It went on to become one of the most important events in the country after moving to the U.S. Equestrian Team’s Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, where it gained sponsorship from MARS Inc.
Essex was discontinued in 1998, but revived in 2017 at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, and Ann was on hand to be part of that.
Ann Haller with Ralph Jones, co-chair of the MARS Essex Horse Trials that was founded by her late husband, Roger Haller, and his family. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
An “army brat,” as she described herself, Ann was the daughter of the late Col. Daniel Rickard.
She grew up in various locations around the country. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. A longtime Georgia resident who had worked as a dietician before focusing on eventing full-time, she moved to Maryland recently.
A past member of the U.S. Pony Club’s board of governors who was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement, she continued to be involved in Pony Club for more than 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach and in many other aspects of that organization. Those she taught stayed very close to her, even after they moved on from Pony Club.
When she was nine, Shelby Allen met Ann at Pony Club camp for the South Region. Shelby rode with Ann until she went to college.
“After that, she helped me get basically every single job I’ve had,” said Shelby, who worked for Eventing Nation and is starting nursing school this week.
“She played a lot of roles in my life, from teacher to mentor and friend. She was just a really special person,” Shelby observed, noting Ann was practically a surrogate mother for many of the Pony Clubbers with whom she worked.
“Every single person she met felt very loved by he,” said Shelby.
“She made a huge impact, even if you only saw her briefly. She gave everybody that really special personal feeling.”
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. this Saturday, Aug. 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, First Avenue, Columbus, Ga., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked Ann’s friends to consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund (https://www.ponyclub.org/giving), or to the Roger Haller Education Fund (USEAFoundation.org/donate
Ann is survived by her mother, Meta Fooks Rickard of Columbus, Ga; her brothers Paul Rickard (Brooke) of Midland Ga., and Col. Tom Rickard (Elizabeth) of Ft. Meade, Md; her aunts Mary Alice “Tuke” Shoemaker of Belton, Tex. and Mary Bolling Fooks Whittemore of Falmouth, Me; and her uncles Robert Fooks (Peggy) of Norfolk, Va and James Rickard (Kay) of Traverse City, Mi.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 22, 2019
Whether you’re an equestrian or a member of the public, there is a lot happening at the seventh Annual Devon Fall Classic, presented by Bryn Mawr Hospital Sept. 12-15 on Route 30 in Devon, Pa.
A benefit for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, the event wasn’t held last year but is back this time with plenty to offer riders from the zone, which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Competition, which runs through the evenings, starts at 8 a.m. daily except Sept. 14, which begins at 7:30 a.m. That evening is the high point for riders, with the featured $25,000 Devon Fall Classic at a maximum height of 1.45 meters.
A fair offers carnival rides, more than 35 retail vendors, crafts, live music, food and drink, and a variety of entertaining events. They include:
● Yappy Hour: an opportunity to drink and dine with your dog in the picnic grove Sept. 13 from 5–7 p.m., featuring local beer, wine and spirits from Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works, White Horse Winery and Thistle Finch Distillery. Bar Spoon Beverage Co.will also offer special tastings of their craft mixers.
● Live entertainment that day includes classic rock with party band Knock One Back. The ticket includes free admission and special seating in the picnic grove.
● The next day, amateur chefs are invited to enter a Classic Chili Contest. More live entertainment will be presented in the picnic grove.
● Sunday brunch is available on the final day.
Special event tickets can be purchased online at http://www.devonhorseshow.net/fall-classic/. Admission tickets start at $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and those ages 6-18. Children 5 and under are free all week, and admission is free for all on Sunday. Pre-order tickets on the website, via email at tickets@devonhorseshow.org, or by phone at (610) 688-2554. Visit the website for the full schedule of events.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 17, 2019
The Spring Valley Hounds will present the SVH Polo Cup Aug. 31 at Grayfields Farm, 80 Long Bridge Road, Allamuchy (exit 19 off Route 80), with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
Gates open at 10 a.m. so you can get a start on the tailgating, with the match set for noon. There will be a champagne toast and half-time divot stop (it’s traditional), along with a contest for the best hat and best tailgate spread.
Admission is a suggested donation of $20 for those over 12. Rain date is Sept. 1. Call (973) 300-7742 in case of inclement weather. For more info, go to www.springvalleyhounds.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2019
Dressage trainer Michael Barisone, charged in the shooting of a former student, will remain in custody after a Superior Court judge expressed concern during a pretrial detention hearing today about what might happen if he were allowed to go free pending resolution of his attempted murder case.
Lauren Kanarek is still in the hospital after authorities say Barisone shot her twice in the chest Aug. 7 during the culmination of an ongoing dispute that had resulted in police being called to his Long Valley farm several times in the preceding week.
Kanarek and her fiancée, Rob Goodwin, who was injured when he wrested the gun from Barisone, were at odds with the trainer, who was trying to evict them from his home on the farm.
Wearing a yellow prison jumpsuit for his hearing in Morristown, with his left arm in a sling, Barisone heard Judge Stephen Taylor say, “There are procedures in place by civil society in resolving those disputes and if Mr. Barisone had followed those procedures, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Citing a police report that stated Barisone said after his arrest, “I had a good life,” the judge commented that he thought Barisone did pose a danger and “perhaps to himself as well.”
Kanarek’s attorney, Edward David, noted in a press release, “While there may have been a civil disagreement between Lauren and Mr. Barisone, such things never justify the use of a gun.” He noted that her family “expects that he (Barisone) remain in custody pending his trial.”
Barisone’s lawyer, Jeffrey Simms, said that prior to the incident, his client had contacted another attorney about starting civil proceedings against Kanarek and Goodwin in order to evict the couple. Simms said Kanarek and Goodwin refused to obey fire marshals who came to the house and told them to leave. Calling Kanarek a “grifter,” Simms contended she is “more of a villain than a victim,” and asserted the couple was harassing his client.
He noted the altercation took place after an investigator from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency came to investigate a call about possible abuse involving two youngsters, the children of Barisone’s girlfriend, after the agency was contacted. Simms believes that call was made by Kanarek.
As for the abuse charges, Barisone’s attorney said “there is no substantiation whatsoever to that.”
Simms said Barisone, his girlfriend, who is also a trainer, and her children were living in the house with Kanarek and Goodwin at one point. But noting Barisone felt “extraordinarily threatened” by Kanarek and Goodwin, Simms said his client moved with his girlfriend and her children into a barn office/apartment away from the house.
While investigation into the case is continuing, the next step involves referring the matter to a grand jury. Simms is planning to ask that the detention hearing be reopened within the next few weeks in an effort to get Barisone out of jail.
Kanarek is still hospitalized in serious condition recovering from her wounds. Doctors have performed several procedures to enable her to breathe, since her lungs were damaged in the assault. Her fiancé underwent surgery to repair the hand that was broken when he disarmed Barisone, who was also injured in the incident.
Barisone, who faces two counts of attempted murder and weapons offenses, was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic dressage team. He also trained Allison Brock, who was a team bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games on Rosevelt.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2019
New research on nutrition, pasture management, manure and other topics will go down easy with a glass of wine Aug. 20 at the Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539, Cream Ridge. Wine tasting begins at 5 p.m. followed by speakers at 6 p.m.
The program will provide research-based information on how to manage diets and pasture, along with some other environmentally friendly horse farm practices directly from experts performing the research. This will also give you a chance to network with managers and owners of New Jersey horse farms. The program is free, but wine is available for purchase.
RSVP by Friday August 16 with Carey Williams at carey.williams@rutgers.edu or Mike Westendorf at michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 8, 2019
The announcement Monday of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s lifetime ban against 81-year-old former U.S. show jumping Coach George Morris triggered immediate outrage from top show jumpers and a host of others in the horse industry.
George Morris has been a popular clinician over the years, known for demonstrating techniques on a student’s horse. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
During the days that followed, however, the focus turned to what many perceived as the inequities of SafeSport itself and the way it handles such cases. The entry on the SafeSport website for George, whose offense was listed as “sexual misconduct involving (a) minor” shows a highlighted penalty that reads, “permanently ineligible.” Yet the page also includes a notation: “subject to appeal/not yet final” which leads to the question of how someone already could be banned rather than suspended while waiting for the outcome of an appeal.
The center reacted to comments—many of them angry–from some of the thousands of people who have visited the new “I Stand with George” Facebook page that sprang up after news of Morris’s penalty.
“The culture of sports must shift to one that makes athlete well-being its top priority,” responded SafeSport spokesman Dan Hill. Asked about changes that can be made to the SafeSport Code, he noted it is on its third revision.
Morris had issued a statement, saying he is “deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972.
George Morris was a familiar face in the world’s most famous equestrian stadiums during his time as U.S. show jumping technical advisor. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful.”
Former U.S. dressage technical advisor Robert Dover said the Safe Sport process is what he is “deeply concerned about and feel is in need of desperate change,” a sentiment echoed by many on Facebook.
Packy McGaughan, a lawyer and former eventing team member, has commented often on SafeSport.
“The problems we have with SafeSport do not turn on our belief that Mr. Morris is or is not guilty. Our discomfort comes from SS ability and willingness to burn someone at the stake using a process that is flawed and that cannot be reviewed by the people subject to it. This, to be blunt, is un-American and will only work to undermine SafeSport’s activities. Indeed, I think it already has.
While some have questioned why the actions of SafeSport have not been taken to court (always an expensive process), being associated with the negative side of “#Me Too” is unlikely to get many contributors.
“There is an enormous outcry for reform of this seriously flawed system as can be viewed minute by minute on social networks. Perhaps if we all get behind George both morally and financially, we together with George can make a change in this system,” said Bernie Traurig, who competed in the jumper, dressage and eventing ranks during a long and successful career.
While noting, “I applaud the efforts of all to protect our children from sexual abuse as well as any other abuse associated with imbalances of power,” he announced on Facebook that he is relinquishing his memberships in the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and California Professional Horseman’s Association, all of which are under the SafeSport umbrella.
He noted that he is a member in good standing of the organizations, emphasizing, “I have committed no offenses of any kind, neither current or past, that would fall under the jurisdiction of Safe Sport.”
Bernie, who runs equestriancoach.com, continued, “Having said that, the issue is, and this goes for all members, anyone can make a false accusation and I/we are not protected to defend ourselves by due process. Currently, our federation cannot protect us from false accusations. If an accusation is believed by SafeSport, we go on that list immediately. As you know, there is a tremendous outcry to reform SafeSport from many, many people and other organizations. I believe and hope that one day it will be reformed and can gain the support from all for the great cause it represents.”
SafeSport does have a mission to fulfill in protecting those who are abused or bullied, and there is concern that victims may be blamed when someone is accused by SafeSport.
As SafeSport’s Dan Hill commented, “We are troubled by many of the responses to this matter which is why we remind all participants that abuse in any form, including bullying, especially of claimants/victims is not tolerated.”
In line with that, a posting on dressage rider Lauren Kanarek’s Facebook page of last Friday states: “I’m being bullied by a 6-3 man. Bullied to the point I’m afraid. It’s very complicated–I’m not sure of what I can say here—but it seems as if SafeSport was created for exactly that reason.”
Six days later, the rider who wrote the posting was shot twice in the chest during a dispute at dressage trainer Michael Barisone’s farm in Washington Township (Morris County) New Jersey. She was taken to Morristown Medical Center, where she originally had been listed in critical condition.
Michael Barisone in 2009 at his farm, where the shooting took place. (Photo© by Nancy Jaffer)
The Morris County Prosecutor’s office said Barisone, the alternate for the 2008 Olympic dressage team, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, which are crimes of the first degree, and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, crimes of the second degree. The weapon was a handgun.
Barisone is in the Morris County Jail in Morristown and the the victim’s condition was upgraded to stable. The victim’s fiancee suffered a broken wrist and Barisone also was injured in the scuffle. He was hospitalized before being transferred to the jail. Barisone faces a pre-trial detention hearing on Wednesday.
Barisone has been absent from the show ring for nearly three years. His last FEI (international) victory was in 2014, when he won the Grand Prix Special on Ellegria in Saugerties, N.Y. In 2016, he trained Allison Brock on Rosevelt at the Rio Olympics, where she was part of the bronze medal team coached by U.S. Technical Advvisor Robert Dover.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 5, 2019
George Morris, the world’s most famous show jumping trainer, is in the process of disputing a lifetime ban by the U.S. Center for SafeSport on charges of violating the SafeSport Code between 1968 and 1972.
Based for years at Hunterdon Inc. in Pittstown, the 81-year-old former technical advisor for the U.S. show jumping team said in a statement today, “I contest these findings wholeheartedly and am in the process of disputing them.”
The decision, relating to charges of “sexual misconduct involving minor” is subject to appeal and not yet final.
Morris, an Olympic silver medalist and popular clinician, is “deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972.”
Now a Florida resident, he said, “I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful.”
According to the U.S. Equestrian Federation, “The Center investigated the allegations against Morris, found them credible, issued their ruling, and banned Morris for life. US Equestrian and its affiliates will enforce this ban, which is subject to appeal.” Morris is listed as “permanently ineligible” on SafeSport’s disciplinary database.
The appeal process involves requesting a hearing within five days of the notice of decision. It generally takes 45 days to develop after that. Any hearing would be in front of an independent arbiter.
Morris maintained, “I share our community’s commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our athletes who need reliable guidance and encouragement at every level, of which I have provided for over 50 years. I will continue, as I always have, to proudly support equestrianism and its continued development around the world.”
Ironically, a memorial service was held today for Rob Gage, the California show jumping trainer and course designer who took his life earlier this year as he awaited an appeal on SafeSport accusations.
The federation noted that since 2013, it “has had policies and procedures in place to protect and educate our members about safe sport. We want every athlete, parent, coach, support staff, and trainer to know, if you are a survivor of abuse or suspect abuse of any kind, there are resources and people to help at usef.org/safesport.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 26, 2019
The Tewksbury Trail Pace, one of the most popular paces in the state, is returning this year for its silver anniversary. It will be held Sept. 15 at the Hill & Dale Preserve to benefit the NJ Conversation Foundation.
Last year, the pace took a break and a pleasre ride was held instead. But the 25th promises to be as good as previous editions of this competition.
The foundation and the TTA continue their efforts to develop the Ten-Mile Trail. Once completed, the Ten-Mile Trail will form a cohesive greenway throughout northern Tewksbury, which will connect the following preserves:
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Tewksbury’s Hell Mountain
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NJCF’s Hill & Dale Preserve
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Hunterdon County’s Cold Brook Preserve
The Ten-Mile Trail traverses some of the most spectacular areas and natural preserves the township has to offer! Significant work is still needed to secure some of the key pieces to form a continuous Trail.
To highlight the beauty of the trail, the TTA’s annual pace will incorporate several miles already acquired for the project.
The pace offers adult and junior short (6 miles) and long (9 mile) divisions. The fee is $45 for TTA members and $55 for non-members.
The action runs from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the corner of Hill & Dale Road and Parsonage Lot Road. Helmets and Coggins tests are required. Participants are asked to bring water for their horses.
Go to www.tta-nj.org for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 26, 2019
The year’s first reported New Jersey case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness, was found in a mare vaccinated against the disease in April. The mare, who was about 12 years old, was euthanized this week.
“Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”
Unfortunately, that was not the situation with the mare in this case. EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile virus infection. West Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses’ neurological system. The disease is transmitted by a mosquito bite. 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 considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
In 2018, New Jersey had five cases of EEE and one case of West Nile.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 23, 2019
The Pittstown Trail Association is presenting its Trail Obstacle Challenge Aug. 17 at Finn Park, 36 Perryville Road, Pittstown from 8-11 a.m.
The course of approximately 3.5 miles will offer several fun and unique trail obstacles. Children are welcome. The event is beginner- horse and -rider friendly, with go-arounds for all obstacles.
You may ride alone or in groups of up to five, but riders are judged individually.
All finishers will get one raffle ticket for each completed obstacle. Raffle tickets will be used for prize raffles. The drawing is at noon. Winners must be present or have someone available to pick up the prize.
To pre-register (optional) or for questions, email Sandy at SANDY.HOWLS@GMAIL.COM or call 908-303-7955.
