by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2021
Rumors have been swirling about whether this spring’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be cancelled for the second year in a row due to the Covid situation. But the welcome announcement came today that one of the country’s most beloved shows is slated to be held May 25-June 6.
The famous Devon sign says it all at the entrance to the Dixon Oval. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The fixture on Philadelphia’s Main Line is ready to mark its 125th anniversary as the USA’s oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition.The show runs in conjunction with the Devon Country Fair, the production of more than 2,000 volunteers, offering a variety of boutiques, dining and special events, such as the annual hat contest.
The ladies’ hat contest is an annual highlight at Devon. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
With its accompaniment of lively organ music, the show has a delightful old-fashioned air, although the top-notch competition is cutting edge.
For many generations, Devon has been a highlight of the year that would be sorely missed if it went dark again, But “as of now, it’s a go,” said Peter Doubleday, who co-manages Devon with David Distler.
Although the prizelist is usually out by this time, it should go live March 1, Peter said.
“We’re planning on everything. We’re moving ahead and we’re very excited about it,” he noted.
At the same time, Peter cautioned, “But who knows what’s going to happen in another week or two weeks.”
He was referring to the way the Covid situation has a habit of changing everyone’s plans.The sticky wicket for so many competitions during the pandemic is whether spectators–the lifeblood of shows, including Devon, that are oriented toward the public–can attend. (See the story below on this website about how that affected the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star competition.)
The stands are always packed for the grand prix, but this year social distancing will have to be the rule. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
In Pennsylvania, it’s a question of how many people the state government will allow on the showgrounds. .Fans are an integral part of the show, whether they’re in the stands cheering, buying food, or visiting the vendors.
Looking at the state’s maximum occupancy calculator, if it’s assumed that 10,000 people are on hand for grand prix night in normal times, as some have estimated for the standing-room-only occasion, it appears to me that this year, perhaps 2,500 might be allowed at one time with social distancing on the 17-acre site. Naturally, that’s far from being an official calculation.
“The goal is to have a controlled number of people on the grounds, to have that atmosphere, somewhat,” said Peter.
“We’re trying to press on, regardless.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Equestrian Federation currently bans spectators under its Covid protocols, but is looking at easing the guidelines a bit further down the road. The question will be when, and how many people USEF permits to attend. The Kentucky three-day event got turned down by USEF in its request for 50 percent of its usual capacity, but Devon is a month after Kentucky..
Fan favorite McLain Ward is a perennial winner of the Devon Grand Prix, named in honor of his longtime mount, Sapphire. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
In response to my query about a timeline for the possibility of having spectators at licensed shows, USEF CEO Bill Moroney stated on Feb. 17, “The USEF COVID-19 Action Plan continues to remain in effect, including no spectators are permitted at USEF-licensed competitions.
“While we are hopeful that we will be able to allow a restricted number of spectators at outdoor competitions in the coming months, that decision is dependent on the evolution of the pandemic. In the meantime, USEF is developing protocols for limited numbers of spectators in order to be ready for when we determine this can occur. We continue to communicate with competition organizers and our members and recognize that fans are anxious to return to attending shows, but our collective goal is to protect the health and safety of the community first and foremost.”
At Devon, everything was rolled over from last year, from officials to competition offerings and tickets–if you bought a seat last year, it’s good for 2021.
According to the show’s announcement, online ticket sales start March 11. In-person sales begin April 1. For more information on tickets, click here
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2021
A plea offer will be made to dressage trainer Michael Barisone, indicted in connection with the shooting of a former student, Morris County, N.J., Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn said during a virtual court hearing today.
Barisone’s next appearance before Judge Stephen Taylor in Morristown is set for mid-April. The reserve rider on the 2008 Olympic dressage team has been incarcerated in the Morris County Correctional Facility without bail for 18 months, but supplemental discovery material is still being exchanged between the defense and the state. Schellhorn said he hopes to have more discovery for Barisone’s attorney, Ed Bilinkas, within six weeks.
“I also anticipate at some point before the next court appearance I will make a formal offer to Mr. Barisone, but I’m not at that point yet,” Schellhorn stated.
Barisone has been in custody since a fight at his Long Valley farm with Rob Goodwin and rider Lauren Kanarek, who lived at the facility and boarded horses there. She was hospitalized after being shot twice in the chest during the Aug. 7 incident.
Michael Barisone on Neruda in the Invitational at the World Cup finals in Las Vegas. (Photo © 2007 by Nancy Jaffer)
The trainer had been trying to get the couple evicted, but calls to the police had not resolved the matter.
Two days after the shooting, Barisone was added to the SafeSport and U.S. Equestrian Federation’s ineligibility lists. He entered a not guilty plea to a December indictment on two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The volume of material involved in the case meant delays as the defense dealt with mountains of evidence and social media posts.
During a hearing last March, Bilinkas said, “I want to make sure I have all the discovery before I start making any decisions” about how to proceed with the matter.
Judge Taylor said in January 2020 that were the case to go before a jury, speedy trial requirements would mean a June 2020 date for a trial. But with the onset of Covid restrictions, there have been no live trials and the courts are operating virtually, though the judge said he hoped by May that motions at least could be heard in the court.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 11, 2021
Greg Tryon wrote a beautiful piece about the passing this week of Poggio II, the favorite horse of his late wife, Olympic and world championships eventing medalist Amy Tryon. She bought the former pack horse, a rugged thoroughbred, after spotting a classified ad about him, Pogi was a valiant and reliable mount when Amy and the team needed him. Like his rider, he never gave up.
Here is what Greg had to say:
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
On February 9th at 21:30 Amy got an early birthday present, her beloved Poggio.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more.
I met him for the first time nearly a quarter of a century ago. “See my new horse!” Calling the orange and grey, half clipped, long-haired caterpillar a horse was in my eyes a bit optimistic. Knowing what her intentions for the horse once known as Chester’s Time to Fly in the racing world were, calling him a horse was way out of the box thinking, even for Amy. You thought he was a bit unorthodox later in life, wow, you should have seen him that first day.
Poggio II, yes, there was a Poggio in the world prior. Whether he was called Poggio, Pogi, or just plain P, he left an indelible mark in your heart. There were no bad days with P, he was eager each and every day, and he usually let you know about it from the get-go.
He did not like to be last, oh how the other riders didn’t enjoy going on gallops with the effervescent P bounding by their horses’ side as they prepared for some event around the world. P thought it was a game, “please, can we go again?!?”.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
Oh, the places Poggio showed us. Traveling across the US and Canada. From the west coast to small towns in Pennsylvania and the rest of the Eastern seaboard. A passport that would take us on journeys through England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Greece, Germany and China. All to return home to small towns in Washington State to live a life with his miniature donkeys.
Amy and Poggio II at Kentucky 2004. (Photo © 2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
He astonished people left and right. That’s the horse that jumped double clear? He’s so, so, so… downhill? He’s so short. He doesn’t have a trot, or other gaits for that matter. You’re riding him in a hackamore?!? Please have him stand still… Please make him stop cribbing, he’s teaching my horse bad behavior…
I prefer to remember the time an international show jumper walked up and offered a “blank check” for him in those early days. During Pogi’s first trip to Ocala, the rider apparently sat and watched P jump into and out of his paddock all day long, just for the sheer joy of jumping.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
But as I hear from people around the world, some known, and most unknown, the power of Poggio was his ability to bring people together, for his personality reminded all of the beauty of horses, our “Why”. Horses are expensive, we get hurt, they get hurt, they break our hearts, but I can see why some child gets lost in the world of the horse from a very early age.
Pogi and Amy at the 2008 Olympics. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
When I received the call on Friday, “hey, Pogi isn’t feeling so hot, all should be good, just wanted to let you know…” It caused me to be mindful of the old man’s age. It caused me also to think how lucky I have been to know him, and to meet all the amazing people he has introduced me to. From every starred event, to Pan Am’s, to World Games, to Olympics, to neighbors back yards, Poggio was a statesman operating far above his station in life.
The phone call yesterday came with much emotion on the other end. A decision needs to be made, or nature will make it for us. There are the details, the what ifs, but in your heart you know the first responsibility is to be as faithful and loyal a friend as he. I assure you as I sit here typing, I am unable to stop the tears that stream down my cheeks.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
Sitting in his stall that last evening, surrounded by some of those who have loved and taken care of him over the years, was both tough and peaceful. There were tears, and there was laughter. I promised him his forelock would never have to be braided again, no dreaded dressage a
s the courses would only be x-country and show jumps. I noted of course, he could jump them in whatever particular order he chose, as he was wont to do anyways. Most importantly, Mom would be waiting for him with open arms and an endless supply of Mrs. Pasture’s cookies.
Amy and Pogi in the horse inspection at Kentucky, 2005. (Photo © 2005 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
I have left out so many of his accomplishments, and I have deliberately left out the names of so, so many people that have cared for and loved Poggio. He has become the linking point amongst a great many of us. He is neither the end all or be all… and as one person wrote: “Another chapter of life closes, but he leaves behind for us so many memories and connections he made happen”. Let us celebrate that about Poggio the Second.
Last night, I kissed his ear one final time whispering my thank you’s and telling him what a good boy he was.
The Old Man’s Heart Beats FOREVER More!
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 10, 2021
They cancelled the cancellation!
The Land Rover Kentucky 5-star Three-Day was called off last week because U.S. Equestrian Federation Covid protocols prohibited spectators and the event needed revenue from tickets to proceed. But then a grassroots fundraising effort turned things around and now the highest level of the sport will be held along with a 4-Star Short April 22-25 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Read all the details and what the people who helped save it have to say about how it happened. You can just click on this link
When it’s on the live stream and broadcast TV, look forward to seeing more moments like these that are highlights of the special event–but probably without any spectators in the frame, unless protocols ease so a limited number of fans can attend. But big crowds will have to wait until 2022.
New Zealand’s Tim Price and Xavier Faire on cross-country. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
U.S. Eventing Performance Director Erik Duvander and rider Boyd Martin are Kentucky regulars. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
There are always hijinks at the first horse inspection. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Sara Gumbiner had a polished outfit that matched her well-behaved Polaris during the first trot-up in front of the ground jury. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Lauren Kieffer and her dog waded through the Head of the Lake in 2019, the last year the event was held. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael Jung always drew a crowd during the years he rode at Kentucky. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Remember top hats? This was Britain’s Piggy French in the dressage phase, back when intercontinental travel was taken for granted. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Britain’s Oli Townend was a two-time Kentucky winner on Cooley Master Class. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 8, 2021
The group trying to save the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky 5-Star Three-Day Event got another reprieve today. They now have until Wednesday at 6 p.m. to raise a bit more than $300,000 to wrap up the $750,000 goal set by Equestrian Events Inc., the competition’s organizer, as one key to reviving the fixture.
“If we get to that point now, that would give us enough comfort to continue on,” said EEI Executive Director Lee Carter, noting the $750,000 doesn’t cover all expenses. Another $750,000 will be needed to pay for the cost of running a bare-bones 5-star, but he pointed out EEI staff already is working on money-saving adjustments.
The 5-star was cancelled last week when EEI stated it couldn’t run at the top level of the sport without funding from ticket sales. Since U.S. Equestrian Federation rules still ban spectators from its licensed competitions due to Covid protocols, the 5-star appeared to be off the books for the second year in a row.
Zara Tindall of Great Britain is among the many foreign riders who have had the goal of competing at the Kentucky 5-star. (Photo © 2017 by Nancy Jaffer)
But eventer Sara Kozumplik Murphy and her husband, show jumper Brian Murphy, decided they should try to save the 5-star, and the eventing community enthusiastically joined them.
EEI originally said the $750,000 had to be raised by Sunday night Feb. 7, but the board decided that if $400,000 came in by that date, the deadline could be extended by a few days. With more than $432,000 pledged already, extra days to reach the $750,000 goal were granted.
Lee explained more time to find the money could not be given after Wednesday because riders need to make plans about what they will do with their horses as the season progresses and EEI has to start putting things together in earnest. Sara is confident, however, that the $750,000 goal can be reached. Although she conceded that a few days ago, the fundraising effort “seemed like a complete Hail Mary,” she now is more positive about the outcome as the eventing community has rallied behind the cause.
“I don’t think we’re going to lose the event because we didn’t raise enough money,” she maintained. “I think the momentum is growing.”
For his part, Lee said about the fundraising initiative, “We are grateful folks have made the effort and care enough to do it.”
By Wednesday, “Hopefully we can celebrate together that we’re running the 5-star,” Lee said, “but if not, we can (come up with) the next plan and go from there.”
If the 5-star runs, a 4-star short likely will be held concurrently. Should the 5-star be cancelled for good, the 4-star short could still go, Lee said, along with a variety of national divisions that will allow qualified people who would normally be in the stands instead to be on course at appropriate levels for their skill at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Asked if sponsors have offered to step up with the extra $750,000 needed for the 5-star, Lee said they “have been tremendous; they, like the riders, like us, need confirmation about what the plans are. It’s just a matter of giving definitive direction so they can make their plans.”
The event will not be able to pay out $400,000 in prize money as usual, but there’s a question about how much would have to be offered, even though some riders have suggested running without any prize money to insure it will be held.
FEI rules, however, require $125,000 Euros (approximately $150,000) in prize money for a 5-star, yet a break there could be helpful. Although Lee said there have been some conversations with the FEI about that topic, he isn’t sure it will be pursued, figuring they wouldn’t want to make an exception for a single 5-star.
An FEI spokesperson explained any change in the mandated prize money would need to be reviewed by the eventing technical committee and then proposed to the FEI Board. During the Covid-19 impacted period, however, the FEI has already made exceptions to the prize money rule for certain show jumping 5-stars, allowing a drop down to 4-star money, provided the quality of the competition is maintained at a 5-star level.
Sara noted the Kentucky 5-star is even more important for U.S. eventing than usual because it seems unlikely any American riders will make it to England’s Badminton 5-star in May, given the British lockdown and travel restrictions. Meanwhile, she said, there more than 20 foreign horses “wanting to fly over to do Kentucky.”
Sarah Kozumplik Murphy is one of the leaders of the 5-star fundraising. (Photo © 2017 by Nancy Jaffer)
The prestige of the 5-star, she pointed out, is that it serves as the ultimate test, with a cross-country route that is longer and more difficult than the cross-country at the Olympics. This year, both the Kentucky and Olympic cross-country routes are designed by Derek di Grazia.
Those who donate to the “Save 2021” effort will receive recognition and benefits, including reserved tables and hospitality tickets at the upper levels of giving for the 5-stars in 2022 and beyond, to 2023 and 2024. If the 5 star doesn’t happen this year, donors can request a refund. Should you want to donate, here’s the link:www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/donate
The fund raising group, meanwhile, is asking people who bought tickets for the cancelled 2020 event not to request refunds. EEI has the funds to cover that, but not much else if everyone wants their money back, instead of donating it for 2021 or rolling it over for 2022.
Ticket holders who wish to donate the money they paid for 2020 toward having a 2021 5-star can link here.
Lee is confident that whatever happens this year, the 2022 5-star will happen, barring another Covid upsurge.
But as he pointed out, “If this pandemic never subsides, we all have bigger issues.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 2, 2021
Like so many other conferences, the Rutgers Equine Science Center’s annual horse management seminar is going virtual, with a two-hour session Feb.15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nutrition is the focus that evening, when “Fiber and its Importance in Horses” is first on the agenda with Burt Staniar of Pennsylvania State University. It’s followed by “Forage/Pasture Practical Research you can use” presented by Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota. The evening wraps up with an Ask the Experts panel.
Registration is free, but it is advised that those participating watch the program as it is presented, since there will be a delay in posting archived webinars to encourage a more engaged live audience.
To register, go to https://go.rutgers.edu/td5xpzd
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 2, 2021
(updated Feb. 3, 2021)
With today’s cancellation of the April 5-star Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, it was natural for people to question whether the Jersey Fresh International event will be held 11 days later at the Horse Park of New Jersey.
The answer is yes.
The 4-star Long at Jersey is a qualifier and selection trial for Tokyo Olympic team hopefuls, as is Badminton in Britain running in the same May 5-9 dates. Badminton is happening without spectators, and travel restrictions make it difficult to think of overseas competitors traveling there to participate.
The Kentucky 5-star couldn’t be staged without revenue from ticket sales because it is so expensive to put on a competition at that level, and the U.S. Equestrian Federation has banned spectators from its licensed fixtures in a bid to keep Covid at bay.While the 5-star was a qualifier and selection trial for the Tokyo Olympics, the 4-star Short that is licensed to take place in Kentucky is also eligible to fill those purposes.
Will Connell, director of sport for the USEF, explained “A CCI4*-S can be declared a selection trial under the existing selection procedures. The process of considering and announcing whether this will be a selection trial will start now, as will the process of working with the Kentucky Organizing Committee to see what can replace the CCI5*.”
For more details on the Kentucky situation, click here
Jersey Fresh, with 4-star Long and Short divisions at the top of its offerings, is in a different position from Kentucky. Although the popularity of tailgating around the water complex has grown in recent years, Jersey Fresh doesn’t depend on ticket sales in order to run.
Tailgating on cross-country day has been popular at Jersey Fresh, but it’s still a question as to whether it will be allowed this year. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“We don’t have to have throngs of people to open our doors,” noted Morgan Rowsell, the cross-country course designer and co-organizer with Jane Cory of the event in Allentown, which also includes a 3-star Long and a 3-star Short.
Current conditions do demand adjustments for competitions.
“We’re all trying to survive in this Covid world; it’s a strange new world,” said Morgan. He promises the Jersey Fresh effort is going full-throttle, noting that several horse trials were run last year at the Horse Park and they went well with everyone’s full cooperation in terms of masks and other Covid protocols.
“We’re looking forward to having the riders and owners come,” he said, adding, “We’ll see about spectators.” That will depend on what USEF and the state permit.
“We’ll have to discuss tailgating, whether that’s an option or not going forward. The sponsors are gung-ho with the understanding that we are in a Covid year. We’ll have to change and be as malleable as we can.”
Morgan also is the course designer and co-organizer of the Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills, set for July 17-18. Like Jersey Fresh, it was cancelled last year in the midst of the pandemic, but for 2021, “We are a go,” said Morgan, who co-chairs the event with Ralph Jones.
In terms of how many will be able to attend the spectator-oriented event, it probably helps that “it’s a little further away,” in the year, as Morgan noted.
The Essex Horse Trials is held at Moorland Farm, home of the Far Hills Race Meeting. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“If infection rates go down and the state opens up, then we’re all ablazing like we were two years ago,” he said, while cautioning, “It’s still a wait-and-see at the moment.”
Some things may have to be scaled back at Essex, where hospitality has been a big drawing card.
“Everything’s on the table, because we want to make sure we run and serve the riders’ needs,” said Morgan.
On the other hand, “Jersey is more of a competition than spectator-oriented; we’re not spectator-focused. We don’t necessarily get 3,000 or 4,000 local people to come, other than the tailgating, which is 34 spots. Running in Covid actually plays to our strengths, since we are totally driven by attention to owners and riders and their horses. Big events like Kentucky or Fair Hill, have to be spectator-driven to please their sponsors so they can open their doors.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 27, 2021
Ignore stories predicting cancellation (for the second time) of the Tokyo Olympics this summer due to the pandemic.
That’s the advice of Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, saying “we will not add fuel to this type of speculation.” In the past, insisting the Games will happen; he has been firm about stating that there is no Plan B, even though a poll showed that 80 percent of the Japanese people want to see the Olympics cancelled or postponed.
During a press conference last week following a meeting of the IOC executive board, Bach pointed out that more than 7,000 athletic events have taken place over the autumn and winter, with 175,000 people tested and only a 0.18 percent positive rate .
“This is why we are so confident,” he said, while noting that if the IOC thought the Games couldn’t be safe, “we would not go for it.” And they are going for it.
IOC President Thomas Bach
He said the Covid vaccine could not be considered a silver bullet and athletes will not be required to get their shots (but are encouraged to do so, as long as they don’t cut in line ahead of the vulnerable).
Instead, the IOC is counting on such counter-measures for safety as reducing the number of athletes lodged in the Olympic village at the same time. Other concepts are outlined in a playbook that will detail housing, transportation and similar matters. It is coming out next month and is first in a series.
IOC Vice President John Coates said in an interview with Sky News that athletes must stay in the Olympic Village when they are not at their venues, and cannot go downtown. They will not be quarantined on arrival, but would be subject to testing for COVID at the Games every four days. They also will have to follow a set of rules before traveling to Japan, when they must quarantine, and on arriving in Tokyo.
A decision on whether spectators can attend will have to be made by March or April, though no one knows how many people could be in the stands at this point. Doubtless there will be social distancing in the stadiums, which means less tickets available. But maybe it will go the way it did for the Super Bowl in Tampa, where the least expensive tickets are running $10,250 (per ticket, for a 2 pack of tickets, going up 10 percent in a week). That stadium is using only 22 percent of its seats for the big game.
Tickets aren’t the IOC’s first concern, however. Don’t forget, the Olympics have TV contracts and sponsors to pay the way. The priorities for IOC are the field of play and safe competition, according to Bach.
“Everything else has to have second priority.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 24, 2021
An advisory group working on a strategic plan for the future of the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge includes six volunteers with close ties to the facility, as well as two paid consultants.
Names of the group’s members were made public today during the annual meeting of the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, a support network for the operation that runs the retired school horse program.
Lord Stirling, which celebrated its 50th anniversary as a public stable in 2019, was closed in April during the midst of the pandemic. Although it eventually reopened for private boarders, the school horses were sold. Those who rode at the stable worried about if and when lessons will resume.
The county indicated earlier this month that the purpose of the advisory group is “to study and ensure future equine activities and programs” at the stable, which lost more than $500,000 in 2019. Such losses were subsidized by other park commission programs until the advent of Covid, when golf courses and other activities also were shut down. Nancy Brown, past president of the Friends and a member of the advisory group, said during the meeting that the stable is not being considered for a lease to a third party, which some had thought might be a possibility.
Speaking about the advisory group, Geoffrey Soriano, executive director of the Park Commission, believes his agency “ is exceptionally lucky to have folks like these willing to volunteer their time to endeavor to build a business plan aimed at reintroducing programmatic components to Lord Stirling Stable with a keen eye on fiscal prudence and sustainability. “
Karyn Malinowski, the founding director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, has been hired as a consultant for the project, along with a fellow Ph.D from the university, Robin Brumfield.
A Rutgers animal sciences professor, Karyn has spent time as an extension specialist in equine sciences at the university and served as a director of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. She has extensive experience in researching equine physiology in relation to the well-being of the performance horse, and also was successful as an amateur harness racing driver.
Robin is an extension specialist in farm management at Rutgers, where she works for the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. She also has expertise in management for farming business.
Nancy Brown, who owns a horse that boards at Lord Stirling, has been a leader or side walker with Somerset County’s Therapeutic Riding Adapted Instruction program for the disabled community. Nancy was in one of the first classes of women admitted to West Point and attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in executive leadership while serving as vice president of operations for Coldwell Banker Commercial Corporate Headquarters, Realogy.
Nancy was succeeded today as president of the Friends by Anna McLernon, retired from Johnson & Johnson after 34 years as an industrial microbiologist. Her final position was as director of industrial microbiology worldwide. Anna’s retirement plan was to renew her passion for horses, starting with a course in horse management at Rutgers. Her professor recommended she go to Lord Stirling, where she has been a volunteer stable worker for four years. She started riding as a child at Watchung Stables, Union County’s equivalent of Lord Stirling. Anna enrolled in the lesson program at Lord Stirling, appreciating programs offering the opportunity to work with and ride horses for those who are not able to have a horse of their own.
The new vice president of the Friends, Barbara Roche, was Somerset County’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year. When her daughter decided that horseback riding was her passion, Barbara dedicated hundreds of hours to Lord Stirling Stable, where she now boards two horses. She worked with Verizon’s C-suite executives for decades, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between audience, objectives and strategies. She is said to have a solid understanding of the type of programs that patrons at Lord Stirling Stable are seeking.
Also serving as an advisor is eclectic horse show judge Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax, who often has been as a clinician at Lord Stirling. Buttons is an expert in both English and western disciplines. He has officiated at shows round the world, and in 2018, received the “Spirit of the Horse” award presented by the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
Chuck Rosen, who has been associated with Lord Stirling for 45 years, has three horses boarding at Lord Stirling. He has volunteered for more than 35 years for the park commission, and is a past president of the Friends. A certified management professional, he is experienced in leading multi-million dollar commercial, government and non-profit projects. His areas of expertise, decision support and conflict resolution have been applied to various companies and organizations through strategic planning, systems delivery, organizational management and behavior and decision support.
Ravenell Williams has ridden and cared for horses for his whole life. He managed a YMCA summer camp riding program and most recently held part time-barn care positions at Lord Stirling. A longtime horse owner, he has an extensive background in fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, construction management, budget development, program development and public speaking. A career as a YMCA professional provided Ravenell the opportunity to work with mission-driven board and staff teams, conduct community relations initiatives, manage multiple facilities and implement successful marketing programs. He served as the president and CEO of the Plainfield YMCA from 2010 until his retirement in 2018.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 20, 2021
Monmouth at the Team is hitting the road.
The innovative one-ring show that debuted at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation to an overwhelmingly positive reception in 2016 will be held instead this year at the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Long Valley. The show was cancelled last year when Covid restrictions meant the ringside hospitality tent that is a focal point of the fixture couldn’t be offered
Hospitality in a tent alongside the ring has been a drawing card for Monmouth at the Team. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The U.S. squad for the Paralympics in Tokyo will be quarantining at the Foundation’s Gladstone headquarters during August, which means the Aug. 16-23 show can’t run there this year, either. It was a surprise to the organizers, but they quickly pivoted. Monmouth will take a different tack as it uses two rings and a grass derby field for competitors at Centenary, where it can include A-rated hunter classes for the first time.
“We figured instead of cancelling for two years in a row, let’s reinvent ourselves once again,” said Tucker Ericson, who owns the show with his cousin, trainer Michael Dowling, a member of the Centenary faculty.
Michael Dowling and his cousin, Tucker Ericson, are owners of Monmouth at the Team. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Will the show stay at Centenary in 2022 if it works well there this year?
“We’re open-minded. I think the consumers will make that decision for us,” said Tucker, who in any case hopes to host “something special at the Team still.”
But he cautioned, “We’re trying to hold off pressuring ourselves for any decision or foregone conclusions until after this year’s show. The Team is very special to us. We love the facility, I love the feel of one ring. Maybe there’s a whole other twist we could do with something there as well, and try to accommodate both concepts.”
He pointed out, “The one thing about moving to Centenary, it enabled us to apply for an A-rating. A one-ring horse show can’t support the cost of the prize money for an A-show, but a two- and three-ring show can. Maybe we just need to think outside the box and think of something unique to continue to have at the Team. We’ll re-evaluate at the end of this year and see what everyone wants.”
The show, the oldest in New Jersey, was a fixture at several locations in Monmouth County since the 19th Century until Tucker and Michael moved it an hour’s drive north. It gained immediate acceptance, as outstanding hospitality became a trademark and a drawing card.
Ribbons from the first Monmouth County Horse Show in 1895. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
While exhibitors had to pay for their meals at the Team, Tucker and Michael are thinking about having hospitality at Centenary be free of charge. That would make it easier to keep track of things in three separate areas. To cover the cost, Tucker said they probably will put the prizelist/program on line rather than printing it, for a savings of $10,000, and dispense with a scoreboard, for another $10,000 in savings. They also are hoping that barns, families and vendors will volunteer to sponsor meals.
“I find it hard to believe people will want a program and a scoreboard over free food and drink every day,” Tucker observed.
The end of Centenary’s indoor arena, where classrooms and a lounge are located, can be a hospitality hub since it has air conditioning and electricity. In addition, there will be tents along the side of the outdoor ring and the grass field. Tucker envisions the landscaped vendor village being a circle in what is now a parking lot, with tables and umbrellas in the middle where people can relax.
“We’ll just move the parties around, depending on where the special classes are,” said Tucker, noting, “for the special classes, they will be the only thing going on.” Those would include a mini-prix and the $10,000 Bobcat Derby for hunters.
The Bobcat Derby is a popular feature of Monmouth at the Team. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
At this point, USEF is not allowing spectators at the shows it licenses, but Tucker is hopeful that seven months from now, things will be “80 percent better.
If not, we have much more flexibility at Centenary, so one blessing in disguise for being forced to move is the flexibility of (room for) a lot more social distancing,” he said.
The flexibility also extends to the number of classes that can be held. For instance, there is a chance to do three days worth of Outreach, for those just getting into showing..
“That’s a lot of opportunity for the grass roots,” said Tucker. There should be more people in the hunters, too, since people who shied away from the show because they were going for points can earn them at Monmouth. And Monmouth won’t have to turn away entries due to lack of time in one ring during daylight.
The schedule is still a work in progress, since USEF approval just happened this month, but expect to hear more in February.
At the same time, he noted that “until we start getting feedback about the plan, we really don’t know if we’re going to change.”
Tucker noted that when he ran the idea of the move past two sponsors, the Nature Conservancy, which backs the Bobcat Derby, and Running S veterinary services, they were eager to be part of it again.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of energy because of everything being so quiet the past year,” said Tucker.
“Having things to look forward to will be really healthy for all of us. I think it will draw a lot of people if we do it right.”
Among the questions that need to be answered: What about the name? Instead of Monmouth at the Team, maybe it should be Monmouth at Morris County, as I suggested to Tucker. (Long Valley is part of Washington Township, Morris County, for those not familiar with the geography)
Despite the change of venue, Tucker said of the name, “We’ll keep it this year until we know the long-term future.
“If we stay at Centenary, we have to think hard about that. Maybe we’ll have a contest.”
