by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 16, 2020
Riding with HEART’s spring tack sale has become its summer tack sale. Postponed from March, it now will be held June 27 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and 28 (noon-3 p.m.) at 639 Route 513, Pittstown. Riding with HEART (Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation and Therapy) is a 501-3C charitable organization.
Most items are half-price on the Sunday. There are bargains to be had on kids’ riding clothes and gear for horse, rider and barn. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Call 908-735-5912 for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 12, 2020
Trainer Bob McDonald today denied an allegation involving sexual misconduct with a minor in 1973, following a decision by the U.S. Center for SafeSport that resulted in a lifetime ban from the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
The husband of U.S. dressage technical advisor Debbie McDonald is appealing in an effort to get the decision overturned through arbitration.
“It is beyond heartbreaking to see the reputation that I have painstakingly built throughout my career be tarnished by an allegation of misconduct from 47 years ago,” stated Bob, who became involved as a professional in the hunter/jumper industry more than half a century ago.
SafeSport is the “exclusive authority” investigating and prosecuting allegations of sexual abuse within Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Bob’s punishment means he is prohibited from participating in any activities or competitions licensed, endorsed or sponsored by the USEF. The sanction prohibits him from going to shows, which he often attends with his wife of 42 years, who once was the USA’s top dressage rider.
Bob McDonald
He noted it is “gut-wrenching” to watch “my loved ones being dragged through this as well. It is a terrible reality that we are living in a time when allegations alone would lead to the imposition of such a harsh public sanction.
“Unfortunately, the system in place does not allow for individuals to be given the opportunity to effectively defend any of the allegations prior to a ban, which is why I have requested for an independent arbitration on the matter.”
He added, “It would be inappropriate of me to comment more, other than to simply say that I categorically deny the allegations that have been made against me.
“Throughout my 50-plus year career in the sport, I have always acted in a professional and respectful manner towards all individuals that I have come in contact with, which is why I am shocked at the allegations that were made.
“While it is paramount for the sport to have a thoughtful and thorough avenue for our riders and trainers to address complaints and areas of concern, it is of equal importance that the process be fair and balanced,” Bob continued.
“That certainly has not been the case here. I am looking forward to the opportunity to present the facts and a fair defense at an independent arbitration. I stand firm on the reputation I have built over half a century and am confident that I will be fully exonerated when the arbitration is complete.”
Debbie is beloved, known for being as generous and warm-hearted as she is talented. Bob has guided her career and played an enormous and supportive role in her success.
Many people have come to Bob’s defense on social media, and he responded by saying, “I am humbled by the outpouring of support that Debbie and I have received during these past few days. It would be impossible to deal with this matter without your warm kindness and I wanted to thank you all for it. Your support has carried us the last couple of days and will continue to do so.”
On Facebook, dressage riders Laura Graves and Lauren Sammis called for change in the way SafeSport handles its cases.
“SafeSport has to go,” said Lauren, a Pan American Games team gold and individual silver medalist.
“Without due process, it is literally a witch hunt.”
Laura, who was trained by Debbie and is the only U.S. dressage rider to have been ranked number one in the world, noted, “I have spent a great deal of time with Bob and he has always been a supportive part of my career. I’m heartbroken to see them go through this.
“What can we do?” asked the Olympic team bronze medalist.
A group called Athletes for Equity in Sport, which involves representatives from other sports as well as equestrian, is seeking “to reform amateur sports’ disciplinary processes as well as the current inequity in SafeSport policy and procedures.”
Prominent equestrians who have gone through the SafeSport process and been banned include legendary hunter/jumper trainer George Morris and American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year Rob Gage, who committed suicide last year.
The McDonalds, who have a son and one grandchild, worked together even before they were married. Debbie originally was a hunter rider but after a jumping accident in which she was badly injured, Bob suggested she switch to dressage.
Known for being a great spotter of equine talent, Bob found the promising Hanoverian Brentina. She was purchased by Parry and Peggy Thomas, who were clients of Bob’s and Debbie got the ride on the chestnut mare.
Debbie and Bob McDonald with Brentina at her retirement in Las Vegas. (Photo © 2009 by Nancy Jaffer)
Debbie and Brentina rose to become the top U.S. combination in dressage before the turn of the century, taking double gold at the 1999 Pan American Games and going on to be part of the silver medal team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games. They also were on the bronze medal team at the 2004 Olympics, along with earning many other honors. Debbie was the first U.S. rider to win the FEI World Cup Dressage title.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 2, 2020
There’s still a chance that there will be a 5-star three-day event somewhere this year. While Kentucky, Badminton, Burghley, Luhmuhlen and Adelaide have fallen by the pandemic wayside, Pau in France and the new Maryland 5-star at Fair Hill are continuing to look at running in October.
According to Jeff Newman, the president and CEO of the Maryland 5-star organizing committee, “On our end, we are still evaluating, monitoring and listening, but hope to finalize a course of action very soon.” The event, to run Oct. 15-18, also includes the Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse championships.
The team from Pau “is going to spare no effort and do everything possible” to run the Oct. 21-25 event (which also includes the world driving championship for singles), a statement from that fixture said.
Even though it’s only early June, there’s already concern about the fate of indoor shows around the world this autumn. The Helsinki, Finland, show, slated for Oct. 22-25, won’t be running because it “faces too many challenges.” It’s the second leg of the 2020-2021 Western European World Cup League to be cancelled, after the Madrid Horse Week scheduled for late November was put off until next year. The World Cup finals in Las Vegas was cancelled in April; this makes one wonder what will happen to the 2021 final in Sweden, if qualifiers don’t happen.
Noted Helsinki event director Tom Gordin, “Having all facts currently available, and estimations based on discussion with numerous experts on health issues, as well as sports people, we face a scenario which has too many extremely high risk consequences.”
The fear, common to all shows that are stepping aside this year, involved “late cancellation due to new restrictions, on traveling, border crossing and especially restrictions on visitor numbers allowed” indoors. Sponsors and exhibitors withdrawing or decreasing input play a big role in the event budget situation.
“Less ticket sales, due to social distance challenges or lack of vaccine are essential risk factors too,” said Gordin.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 31, 2020
Organizers of the MARS Essex Horse Trials at Moorland Farm in Far Hills have made the “agonizing decision” to cancel the 2020 edition, due to the complications of running it under Covid-related restrictions from the state and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
Essex was greeted with great enthusiasm from competitors and spectators when it was revived during 2017 after an absence from the calendar of nearly two decades. Even though it moved from its original June dates to July 18-19 this year, a call on whether to hold it had to be made six weeks beforehand because of logistics.
“It’s a big production,” explained Ralph Jones, who co-chairs Essex with course designer Morgan Rowsell.
“It’s so uncertain, that’s the problem. Even though you know it’s loosening up a little bit…I can’t know in a month what the rules will be. Enforcing the rules is a big part of the challenge.”
Concern for the 300 riders, 182 volunteers and “the inability to invite spectators to such a big community event” also figured in postponing the event until 2021.
Will Coleman was the winner of the Advanced section at the MARS Essex Horse Trials last year. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Marilyn Payne, an international judge who has competed at Essex, said it is “very disappointing” that the event isn’t going, but understands why.
While other events, such as one planned for the Horse Park of New Jersey at the end of June, “can live without spectators,” Essex “is more of a community thing,” said Marilyn, who has a training stable in Tewksbury.
Marilyn Payne competing at Essex. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Citing the success of the Essex revival, she commented, “I’m sure it will come back just as strong next year, if everything’s normal.”
Marilyn mentioned that having events coming up in Maryland and Virginia will put more pressure on governors to reopen elsewhere.
“Everyone wants to just get out and do something,” she pointed out.
Marilyn’s daughter, Holly Payne Caravella, who runs an eventing training business in Chester, agreed that “it would be hard to do Essex without community involvement.” While Holly noted, “it’s sad,” she added, “it’s gotten such a good reputation and everyone wanted to come back. But it’s such a weird year and they wouldn’t be able to run it the way they’d want to run it, so it’s probably best to wait until next year.”
Since some of her students are working from home, they have more time to ride and are “super eager to do anything at this point; they’re very motivated.” She hopes they can compete at Plantation Field in Pennsylvania June 6 and 7. However, she added, those organizers won’t get word from that state until Tuesday as to whether their competition is a go.
Megan Kepferle, who had a blast riding Anakin in the Advanced section at Essex last year, was hoping the event could go; she was looking forward to running there again.
“We were all crossing our fingers and toes; we were getting a little excited,” said the trainer who runs a stable in Long Valley. Then came the letdown.
“Now that Essex is gone, she said, she doesn’t know what to prepare for.
“I think at this point, we’re all just rolling with the punches.”
The cancellation of Essex brings up the question of what will happen with the Far Hills Race Meeting, which is also held at Moorland. The October 17 steeplechase draws 30,000 people to a fixture that is as much social as it is sporting.
Guy Torsillieri, who co-chairs the race meeting with Ron Kennedy, said a decision will be made by Labor Day on whether the races can go this year.
He noted half of the reserved parking places already have been sold: “Everyone’s looking to have some sense of normalcy,” Guy pointed out.
If the races aren’t held, those who bought spots can get a tax deduction for letting the races keep the money (the event benefits six charities), the space can be held for next year, or a full refund is available.
Guy noted that “some sponsors have bailed, which is disappointing to me.” He said they were concerned about putting a lot of people closely together.
It will be decided by Labor Day if the Far Hills Races can go. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
He and Ron are looking at options to use Moorland more than twice a year, so they are considering both horse-related and non-related activities. Stay tuned on that one.
Meanwhile, Princeton Show Jumping in Skillman has had to cancel its June 7 and June 21 shows, because the state isn’t allowing outdoor non-contact organized sports until June 22. Demand is such that they got 750 entry requests for the June 7 date (the show can only handle 325 in one day).
So Princeton’s season now starts with June 24-28 and July 1-5 Level 4 jumper shows with outreach hunters and equitation. Pending USEF approval, AA Premier, C- Rated hunters, and National Equitation classes will be added to those shows.
The opening of hunter/jumper showing in New Jersey had been eagerly awaited. Colts Neck-based trainer Max Amaya was set to ship 29 horses to the June 7 Princeton show.
“It is unfortunate, because everybody is waiting to get going, and some states have loosened their restrictions and are allowed to do some showing. It is a little discouraging, but we want to keep positive and do more training at home.”
Max Amaya at Stonehenge Stables in Colts Neck. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
He feels badly for Princeton organizer Andrew Philbrick, citing the effort his crew has put into the show. Now Max will start the summer season for his riders at the Tryon, N.C., International Equestrian Center in June and come back to the Princeton shows in July.
“It’s a little bit of a setback, but the reality is there will be some obstacles on the way back to showing. It’s just the reality we’re living in. We just have to find solutions and do in a positive way what is the best in the situation we’re in,” Max said.
Princeton’s Summer Classic Charity Horse Shows begin with a welcome July 8-13, followed by shows July 15-19, July 22-26 and July 29-Aug. 2.
Andrew said he thought his June 7 show would be good to go because the governor’s stay at home order expired June 6. Once word about the June 22 date for organized sports came out, however, he said of the June one-day shows, “I couldn’t figure out how to make it comply,” even though competing on a 110-acre property, “is probably putting you at less risk than grocery shopping.”
He added the shutdown of showing has affected the entire industry.
For stable owners, he noted, “it’s incredibly hard to pay bills off (horse) board alone, and added some people aren’t even paying for their horses’ care.
Andrew pointed out that everyone from judges, water truck drivers, course designers, ingate people and many others have been out of work for more than three months in most instances.
So he’s looking forward to “getting the sport up and running in a safe and rational way.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 25, 2020
While more equestrian competitions are being called off because of the pandemic, others are running, enabling the industry to begin healing from months of inactivity.
There will be no Global Champions Tour in 2020. The GCT, a rich international circuit with shows from China to Miami Beach, announced today it has cancelled all competitions until 2021.
“In these exceptional circumstances, it is not realistic to safely stage a global championship circuit this year. We must follow the laws of national governments and public health authorities, which change regularly and at short notice, having a major impact on international planning,” GCT said in its statement.
Restrictions on travel mean not all riders would be able to compete, the GCT announcement explained.. The threat of a second wave later in the year and the lack of a cure or a vaccine also contributed to the decision.
The state of New York’s failure to lift restrictions in time for HITS to have its first show at Saugerties in early June has meant the series there will start later in the month than planned.
Meanwhile, Equestrian Sport Productions just held successful schooling shows in Wellington, Fla., with all kinds of precautions, including masks, taking temperatures and lots of sanitizing. That was a dress rehearsal for recognized shows that begin next month, after the U.S. Equestrian Federation lifts its restrictions on earning points and qualifying criteria.
David Burton Jr., the show manager at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, said, “I feel that we demonstrated that we can run our sport safely in the middle of this pandemic. It is my sincere hope that we have all begun to navigate our way forward without having to shut down our industry again.”
Yesterday, the Ocala Jockey Club announced about its CCI4-star L national eventing championship, “Based on what we know at this time, we feel confident that the 2020 event can run as scheduled.” Important for Olympics qualifying purposes, it is set for Nov. 12-15 in Reddick, Fla., and will be held in conjunction with three other FEI levels of competition, the CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and the CCI4*-S. Each of the levels also features special recognition and prizes for young horses and off-track Thoroughbreds, with the Thoroughbred Makeover Masterclass event showcased by the Retired Racehorse Project.
Plantation Field in Pennsylvania is hoping to hold horse trials June 6 and 7 (and possibly June 5) if the state’s stay-at-home order is lifted in time. No final decision will be made on whether to run until “the very last moment.” This organizer is also scheduled to hold an international horse trials Sept. 17-20. If things can’t run by then, we’re in big trouble…
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2020
Leslie Burr Howard and David Distler, who were just voted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, have been two of the most successful members of the equestrian community for half a century. They were set to be installed at the Devon Horse Show this month, but when it was cancelled the ceremony was postponed and will be held at a future date.
David Distler is truly the indispensable man of show jumping, both nationally and internationally.
He rose from in-gate starter in the early 1970s to show manager, Olympic judge and FEI Steward General, as well as being a valued member of key committees.
He has been involved with five Olympics games: Two as a judge (2008 and 2016), one as an FEI Steward (2012), one as event coordinator (1996) and one as starter (1984). He also has been part of three World Equestrian Games, two as a judge (2014 and 2018) and one as co-manager (2010). Had it not been cancelled, the Las Vegas World Cup Final would have been his 13th world indoor championship, six as a judge (including four as Ground Jury president), four as Steward, one as manager, and two as starter.
In addition, David has served as manager of several of the country’s biggest competitions, including the USET Show Jumping Olympic Trials; the Devon, Washington International and National Horse Shows, as well as the Winter Equestrian Festival and USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. He also held many positions, including technical coordinator, at the Lake Placid Horse Shows, where he was honored in 2019 for his nearly 50 years of service.
Highly respected for his encyclopedic knowledge of the rules, as well as his honesty and integrity, David is regarded as one of the leading show jumping judges in the world. David also serves the sport through his leadership roles with its major organizations including working many years as the FEI’s Steward General for show jumping and as chairman of the USEF Show Jumping Committee. He is also vice president of the USHJA and treasurer of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
David, a resident of Palm Beach County, Florida, and his wife, Sharon, have a son, Liam.
Leslie Burr Howard has been one of the most competitive and admired show jumpers in the world. “Leapin Leslie”.was an integral part of U. S. squads that won the team gold ,edal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the team silver at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also won team Gold and Silver medals in the Pan American Games and was the 1986 FEI World Cup™ Champion.
By the time she was four, Leslie already knew two things–that she liked horses and she liked speed. Leslie grew up riding ponies at Highfield Farm in Long Valley. She entered her first show at age six and in 1972, she won the ASPCA Maclay Finals at just 15 years old, the second youngest ever to take that title.
In 1983, Leslie was part of the gold medal U.S. team with Boing at the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela. She was also named the American Grandprix Association (AGA) Rider of the Year and her eventual Olympic mount, Albany, was Horse of the Year, a feat he repeated in 1984.
In 1986, she won the FEI World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden aboard McLain, and was honored as the AHSA Equestrian of the Year. Over the course of her career, Leslie has competed in 18 FEI World Cup™ Finals and is one of only five female champions in the event’s 41-year history.
One of Leslie’s career highlights was being named as Gem Twist’s rider after an injury suffered by Greg Best, who rode him to double silver in the 1988 Olympics. She successfully completed the 1992 season, helping Gem earn AGA Horse of the Year honors for a record third time. In 1994, Leslie rode Gem Twist and Charisma to first-place tie in the USET Show Jumping Championship at Gladstone and represented the U.S. at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in The Hague. Riding Jane Clark’s Extreme, Leslie was part of the U.S. team that clinched the silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
In 1997, the USET honored Leslie with the Whitney Stone Cup for long and meritorious service. Later that year, she won the world’s richest show jumping event at the Spruce Meadows Masters aboard Sblieft. In 1999, with Clover Leaf, she helped the USET win the team silver medal at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. She topped the USA East Coast FEI World Cup™ League in 2000, and that summer won the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows. She also earned the Leading Rider Award at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. In 2002, she was part of the U.S. Team at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Jerez, Spain.
Leslie has taught and influenced many top jumper riders, including Molly Ashe-Cawley, Debbie Dolan-Sweeney, Kent Farrington, Judy Garofalo Torres, Lisa Jacquin, Christine Tribble McCrea and Fernando Martinez. She was inducted into the Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Hall of Fame in 2018.
She and her husband, Peter Howard, split their time between Florida and Connecticut.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 18, 2020
Apply by June 1 to the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association for its new Feed Aid program that provides help in purchasing feed for lesson horses. The program is designed as short-term relief for businesses in the hunter/jumper community who provide lessons to non-boarders and may be suffering financially due to the impact of COVID-19. Through partnership with various national and regional feed companies, USHJA members may receive relief through discounted and fully supplemented feed purchases.
“We are pleased to offer this financial relief initiative to our members,” said Mary Babick, USHJA president. “We are committed to the well being of our equine partners and supporting our members during this unprecedented time. Our horses are the light in this pandemic, and we hope this initiative will bring much needed relief to those in need and encourage fellow equestrians to support our community during this difficult time.”
Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Feed vouchers will be made available to qualifying applicants as quickly as possible.
Individuals can also donate to help fellow equestrians in need due to financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The USHJA, through its Foundation, will match donations up to $300,000.
The USHJA thanks Buckeye Nutrition, Cavalor, Legends, Nutrena and ProElite for their partnership and support of this initiative. If you are interested in participating as a feed provider, please contact Whitney Allen at wallen@ushja.org.
For more information about the initiative and how you can help, visit ushja.org/foundation/FeedAid.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 14, 2020
The Lake Placid,N.Y., Horse Show, scheduled for June 23-July 5, has been cancelled for the first time in 51 years.
“We place the safety of our exhibitors, the Lake Placid community and everyone connected with the horse shows above all else and that made this the only decision possible,” said the show’s chairman, Philip Richter..
“This is incredibly disappointing and I assure everyone that this decision was not made lightly,” he said.
“We left no question unasked and no option unexplored. Our Board was unanimous that this was the only option. As tragic as this is, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lake Placid in 2021 when we plan to once again host the ‘Best Two Weeks of a Horseman’s Summer.”
Also today, the Boekelo 4-star Long event in the Netherlands, set for October, was called off. The event, which was to mark its 50th anniversary. always attracts a great international field, including many riders from the U.S.
The event explored the idea of having a competition without an audience, but that wasn’t feasible.
“Without the public and the largely lack of financial support, this is impossible to achieve. Moreover, the organization and its partners believe that it is in line with their own responsibility to put the health of society first in these times,” said a statement from the organizers.. The anniversary edition will now take place from October 7-11, 2021.
“Getting society slowly started is now extremely important. That is why we are not going to muddle through, but are postponing it for one year. Then everyone knows where they stand,” the statement added.
Earlier this week, the Brandywine Horse Show slated for the Devon, Pa., showgrounds from June 24-July 5 was scrapped.
“It is clear that the country is still in its recovery phase and it will be too soon to ensure the safety of our staff, participants and the wider community, as well as obtain the proper permitting necessary to hold such an event,” the show’s executive committee stated today.
Any payments that were processed will be completely refunded. Any entries completed online with a credit card submitted for payment will incur no charges. Any checks mailed will be shredded. According to a statement from the show, if you would rather have your entry and check returned, please contact Cindy Bozan at brandywinehorseshows@gmail.com by May 20. Any decision regarding the USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast and any possible new location will be made by U.S. Equestrian.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 6, 2020
Can’t get out to shop for a horse lover’s Mother’s Day present?
“Nuzzle Up” by Cynthia Sheptow
Teenage dynamo Shya Beth has created an online gallery of some really lovely equine art from around the world. She represents more than 40 artists from not only North America, but also Italy France and the Netherlands.
Featured is artwork for less than $150 (with a few special ones in the mix).. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Mylestone Equine Rescue in Warren County and Shya’s Blue Jean Horse project.
She has been working with UPS so collectors can have shipping costs calculated ahead of time, making it easier to shop. The gallery is at artofthehorsegallery.net. The art is available through Sunday, May 10, in case the date has slipped your mind.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 4, 2020
Remember when you were having fun at horse shows? It was back in the early days of 2020, a time during which you also could go to the beach, eat in a restaurant with friends and family or get your hair done.
Before the pandemic, showing could be a fun occasion.( Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
That was before Covid-19 (or as I call it, Covid 1984) changed everything, possibly including your employment status or the solvency of your business.
With all U.S. Equestrian Federation-recognized competitions suspended from March 20 through May 31, we wondered impatiently how soon there would be a way back. And finally the good news came today during a USEF webinar, when we got a glimpse of how shows can go forward after June 1–state and local regulations permitting, of course.
“Personal and community responsibility will be the foundation of the new normal,” USEF CEO Bill Moroney advised, saying it’s all about safeguarding each athlete, as well as the horses.
The webinar also featured USEF attorney Sonja Keating; Dr. Mark Hart, the USEF team physician and head of the medical committee for the FEI (international equestrian federation); trainer John Madden and Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, which puts on the Winter Equestrian Festival and a variety of other shows.
Dr. Hart noted this is a “dynamic pandemic,” estimating it will “be here for the next 12-24 months.” But he added that equestrian is inherently safer than some other sports because it doesn’t involve close contact (with the exception of vaulting and para-dressage). It will be up to organizers to assess their competitions and determine whether it is safe to proceed, such as determining whether the number of those at the show won’t adversely impact local medical providers.
He said some localities make wearing a mask mandatory, although without a mask, “if you’re on a horse, you’re in a safe position from a medical point of view.” The physician noted even if masks aren’t required, “wearing a mask is a respectful thing to do.” Some Covid carriers are asymptomatic, he explained, so a mask provides insurance against having them transmit the disease.
How will it be possible to have riders on the podium when social distancing is in effect? Will we see scenes like this again anytime soon? Perhaps champagne is effective against the virus… (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
In order to hold shows, there will have to be restrictions, formulated along guidelines developed by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control. They will bar spectators from sitting and watching. Attendance will be limited to “essential people.” In the case of ESP, Michael said, that is three people per horse in addition to the rider–the trainer, a groom and one more person, who would be a parent or guardian in the case of a minor. ESP will have “social distance officers” to make sure people don’t mingle closely.
“We have one chance to get this right,” said Michael. He warned that if mistakes are made and there is another outbreak, “it will be a long, long summer before we get going again.”
Michael Stone of ESP. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer}
John agreed, commenting. “We have to be really good citizens.” The pandemic is everywhere, “just part of our world.” He pointed out it isn’t like a hurricane or an earthquake, disasters that are more local or regional in scope.
“We have the opportunity to be part of the solution; we’re the front line leaders.” If something goes wrong, John continued, it goes downhill and “we’re where it ends up. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need to follow what the experts tell us. We’re uniquely suited to do this well.”
Doing it well includes everything from taking the temperatures of volunteers, office workers and staff when they arrive at the show, to buying extra equipment when necessary to minimize the risk of infection. A few things still need to be worked out, including how to have a scribe sit with a dressage judge under the new parameters.
As Sonja pointed out, since there is no way to eliminate all risk, the USEF’s Covid 19 action plan will be “a living document” that changes with conditions. Standard liability waivers will now include a provision about contracting the virus.
USEF is still working out some things in connection with the re-start, including whether age limits for junior riders and green eligibility for horses will be adjusted.
It’s obvious that the financial burden of showing will increase because of all the restrictions and what needs to be done to keep everyone safe; “the cost is going to be borne by everybody,” said Bill. “We’re going to see everyone putting together to maintain equestrian sport in this new environment.”
The Winter Equestrian Festival, which lost its last two weeks of hunter/jumper/equitation showing in March because of the pandemic, is adding a week in January 2021 to make its circuit 13 weeks.
The cancellation “was very hard on all of our stakeholders,” said Michael.
“We are very cognizant of the hardships created by the abbreviated schedule and also keenly aware of the difficulties everyone is facing as the pandemic continues. We wanted to find a way to add value back to our competitors, sponsors, vendors, and VIP table holders and feel that we can best accomplish this by being able to offer more with an additional week on the WEF schedule in 2021.”
Andrew Philbrick had to cancel his April and May shows at Princeton Show Jumping in Skillman, Somerset County, but he’s all set to go in June with two one-day B-rated shows and one four-day show. In July, he has five shows. As the webinar was going on, he sent out an advisory about Covid 19 procedure that follows USEF guidelines. It notes there won’t be a VIP tent, but shade tents and picnic tables will be provided for those who purchase take-out food service or items from the food truck. In addition, it says, “We ask that you not gather anywhere on the show grounds except with people you have been quarantined with.”
Riders may take cellphone photos of the jumper courses, but are asked to move away from the board so others can do the same, instead of standing in front of the board and studying the routes. Andrew is emphasizing that those in attendance be “respectful,” and they have plenty of room to do that on his 100-acre property, especially since entries will be limited.
There’s lots of room for social distancing at Andrew Philbrick’s show facility in Somerset County. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
He notes that in New Jersey, horse shows are accepted by the Department of Agriculture as part of the agriculture business, which means they can run despite restrictions on other businesses. He’s had plenty of big names — Rodrigo Pessoa, McLain Ward and John Madden’s wife, Beezie, take part in his shows in the past. Noting his facility is centrally located, he’s expecting more top riders at a time when people have told him they aren’t interested in competing too far from home because of the pandemic.
Acknowledging there are folks who don’t think horse shows should be held at a time when everyone is concerned about Covid. Andrew expressed concern for those who make the shows run.
Citing farriers, vets, course designers, judges and other officials, grooms, office staff and jump crew, he pointed out, “These aren’t rich people riding around in circles. Horse shows for these people are not a pastime and play toy, it’s essential to their livelihood.”
Added Andrew, although “we lost four horse shows, Princeton Show Jumping can survive that. I’m worried about people who depend on horse shows to survive.”
“You have to be compassionate about these people. This is an industry; there are people who are depending on this industry, and we’ve got to support them.”
He added, “We’re going through a very tough time. I think we can still have real communion with our horses. We can enjoy their training and competitive nature. Community is important, but your relationship with your horse is paramount. If you concentrate on that, you’re going to be rewarded. We’ll survive this and get back to where we were. But in the meantime, how lucky are we that we get to spend time with the horses?”
The webinar will be posted in its entirety on the USEF website at https://www.usef.org/. Information to help cope with Covid is also available on the site.
