by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 9, 2018
It’s never too early to plan for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s 2018 hunter, jumper and equitation championships. Here’s what’s happening for Zone 2.
The Side-Saddle Championship is set for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone July 17, while the Jumper Championship is part of the Devon, Pa., Fall Classic Sept. 13-17.
The Stirrup Cup Championships will run Sept. 29-30 at the Swan Lake Fall Regional in Littlestown, Pa. As usual, the Zone 2 Hunter Championship will be in Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 21, the day after the Pennsylvania National Horse Show wraps up.
The jumper, hunter and side-saddle championships have specific qualifying criteria.
The other championships are open to anyone who meets the minimum criteria.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 1, 2018
The American Horse Council Foundation’s 2017 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry, released today, revealed it generates approximately $122 billion in total economic impact. That is an increase from $102 billion in the 2005 Economic Impact Study.
The industry also provides a total employment impact of 1.74 million, and generates $79 billion in total salaries, wages, and benefits. There are 7.2 million horses in the U.S., with Texas, California and Florida continuing as the top three states with the highest population of horses. New Jersey ranks 39th with 59,400.
“Those involved in the equine industry already know how important it is to the U.S. economy. Having these updated numbers is critical not only to the AHC’s efforts up on Capitol Hill, but also for the industry to demonstrate to the general public how much of a role the equine has in American households,” said American Horse Council President Julie Broadway.
“While the number of horses in the US has decreased, this was not entirely unexpected due to the decline in breed registration trends over the last few years.”
A bright spot for the industry: 38 million, or 30.5 percent of U.S. households include a horse enthusiast, and 38 percent of participants are under the age of 18. Additionally, approximately 80 million acres of land is reserved for horse-related activities.
“For this update of the study, we wanted to get a better picture of the number of youth in the pipeline, which is a number that we have not previously included in our economic impact studies.
“Additionally, being able to put a number (on) the amount of land use for equine-related activities is essential to ensuring that we are able to continue to protect and preserve that land for its intended use,” said the AHC president.
The National Economic Impact Study is available for purchase through the AHC website here: http://www.horsecouncil.org/horsecouncil-publications/. Additionally, the 15 state breakouts will be available for purchase by the beginning of April. Those with questions can contact the AHC at info@horsecouncil.org.
View on AHC Website
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 20, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
February 20, 2018
It’s been discussed for years, but now the Horse Park of New Jersey really is on the verge of improving the grand prix arena, as well as performing deferred maintenance on its other two rings.
Wisely, the park has moved on from the impossible dream of raising $350,000 for footing with artificial components and instead is going down a workmanlike, more economical path with natural footing. It starts by changing the base of the ring from convex to concave and improving drainage, on the advice of a consultant. Masonry sand, which has a fine appearance, will be put on top of crushed stone and fill to achieve a surface that does not accumulate water. An auxiliary drainage area will handle runoff.
The grand prix arena at the Horse Park of New Jersey is nearly ready for its makeover. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“We’re going to take tried and true and just have a trusted, solid product we can put out and offer to people,” said Allyson Jeffery, president of the park’s board of trustees.
“The mixture will offer energy return and confidence to the horse while having the ability to be groomed for the many disciplines that share the park,” according to board of trustees.
An important consideration is the fact that the plan “comes within reach of funding that has been raised to date” through personal donations, pro bono work, grants and contributions from groups.
Recent gifts from Investors Trust and Ricki and Bill Neuberg have added $10,000 more to the pot of what already has been raised. An additional $20,000 will make the plan reality, and it can be given in various increments, from 20 gifts of $1,000 each to two of $10,000 or four of $5,000. You do the math.
Some might ask why they should focus on the Horse Park if their barn is not nearby or they don’t show at the facility in Allentown, Monmouth County. Here’s why: This is a non-profit on state land that serves New Jersey’s horse industry. Having a thriving industry benefits every horse owner in making this a better place to own horses and ride. It raises consciousness in government at both the local and state levels that the equestrian community is an important factor in the most densely populated state in the union. Do I have to mention the word zoning?
Also, the park isn’t going away, unlike some of the private facilities that no longer exist, where shows once were held around New Jersey. Some shows, such as Middlesex County and Four Seasons, formerly held at other sites, now call the Horse Park home.
The pressures of development are such that there are no guarantees your favorite place to compete will always be available in areas where land is at a premium. Although there are some lovely new showgrounds in the state, it’s possible things will change and owners could sell at some point down the road.
An investment in the Horse Park’s rings will insure it can attract more shows and activities, which will pay dividends for those who take advantage of them. (Case in point: look at this site’s On the Rail column, where we detail a unique March dressage clinic at the park by Olympic judge Marilyn Payne).
The park is working on a deadline for arena improvement, because the time to do the work and allow the ring to settle is before the show season starts mid-April. An important goal is to have it ready for the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event May 9-13.
Tailgating on cross-country day at the Horse Park is popular at Jersey Fresh International. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“We just have to be able to take the step forward to start and then maybe we’ll see some momentum,” Allyson commented.
This window is “the best we could possibly make it as far as exposure,” she pointed out. Jersey Fresh has prestige as a selection event for the FEI World Equestrian Games that will be held this September in Tryon, N.C. This year also is the 30th anniversary of the park, a venue many believed would never be built, but happily, the doubters were proven wrong.
Discussing what she sees as the importance of the Horse Park, Allyson notes it “provides a place for people to show the best of personal abilities, partnerships and perseverance in a challenging sport.
“From the grassroots to Olympians, it’s a venue that enables those who are willing to climb the ladder of goals and dreams through the care and training of equine partners, putting another’s needs before their own. That’s what the Horse Park has to offer and why we work to keep the doors open.”
Now it’s another crossroads for the facility, which serves anyone from those starting out to the higher levels of the sport in a variety of breeds and disciplines.
The next part of the plan after initial improvements requires more fundraising for the installation of rubber in the Grand Prix arena. All of the park’s three rings could get rubber for another $33,500, though less money may work if the rubber is added in increments.
Donors can be recognized through banners, social media promotion or special requests. The park is a 501(c)(3) educational charitable organization, which means donations are tax deductible.
Anyone wishing to donate can use PayPal or send a check to the park at 626 Route 524, Allentown, NJ 08501. Be sure any donation is clearly marked for the footing fund.
The park is always looking for volunteers, and trustees also urge attendance at schooling and educational programs, because they can’t be offered if they don’t draw participants.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 20, 2018
It’s all about spring cleaning, so clear out your excess tack, blankets, riding clothes, horse-related jewelry, models or knick-knacks and donate them to a good cause.
Mane Stream at 83 Old Turnpike, Oldwick, will hold a sale April 7. It helps support the organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine-assisted activities, therapy and educational initiatives.
Proceeds of the sale, which runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., benefit Mane Stream’s horses and equine-assisted programs including “Take the Reins” for Veterans and “Horses for Healing” for those living with, recovering from and coming back after cancer.
Those with items to donate can drop them off during regular office hours. Questions? Contact Holland Kochanski at holland@manestreamnj.org, 908-439-9636 or visit Mane Stream’s website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org.
On April 8, Mane Stream will have an open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. offering tours of the facility, see the in-house therapy clinic, take a peek in the barn and pet the horses and ponies. Parents can speak with trained therapists (occupational, physical, and speech-language pathologist) and PATH International Registered Instructors, camp director, volunteers and participants.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in a sampling of activities and crafts planned for our 2018 Summer Day Camp, while parents can learn more about the camp schedule of eight week-long sessions. No prior experience with horses is necessary. Anyone attending who registers for camp at the open house will receive a $25 discount.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 17, 2018
Wound management, preventive health care, equine insurance and rehabilitation are among the topics that will be discussed at B.W. Furlong and Associates’ 17th Annual Healthy Horse Seminar Feb. 24.
The event will be held from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Dr., Annandale. The fee is $45; for more information or to register, call the clinic at 908-439-2821.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 31, 2018
Gastrointestinal Health and Management will be the theme of the Rutgers Equines Science Center’s Horse Management Seminar, hosted with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11.
“I seem to be getting more and more gut health-targeted questions,” said Dr. Carey Williams, extension equine specialist and associate director of extension for the Equine Science Center.
“Our goal in presenting this workshop is to explain what some of the digestive concerns might be and how we can keep our horse’s gut, and therefore our horses, healthy. We will also go over some current and future research from Rutgers on equine gut health.”
The morning will start with topics including “How does physically effective fiber behave in the equine gut?–A visual tour” by Dr. Burt Staniar from Penn State. He will follow that presentation with news about research from his lab and others with “An overview of recent research studying physically effective fiber and equine gastrointestinal health.” Later in the morning, Dr. Mary Durando from Equine Sports Medicine Consultants, will focus on “Equine Gastric Ulcers Syndrome”.
The afternoon will start with “The Equine Microbiome” by Dr. Amy Biddle of the University of Delaware. A panel discussion from the three main speakers will follow. Carey and her doctoral student, Jennifer Weinert, also will offer presentations on research into “Gastrointestinal Health and Management of Eventing Horses: Survey Results” and “Microbiome and Metabolism of Horses on Pasture: Future Study”.
Complete program, registration information and the seminar brochure are posted on the Equine Science Center website at esc.rutgers.edu. Reach Carey Williams at (848) 932-5529 or carey.williams@rutgers.edu. Space is limited, so be sure to register.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 30, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
January 30, 2018
Tom O’Mara’s equitation championship-winning children once enjoyed more name recognition than he did.
But the former investment banker has become high-profile through his roles in the U.S. Equestrian Federation and helping insure that equestrian competition continues to be part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which organizes programs for 24 sports (including football, baseball and basketball) at 1,281 colleges and universities.
The Rumson resident did an artful job moderating the USEF’s inaugural Competition Summit in Lexington, Ky., earlier this month. That role fits him well.
Tom O’Mara moderating the competition summit at the USEF annual meeting. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I worked on Wall Street for 30 years, so there were a lot of contentious conversations with clients, customers, corporations, employees and regulators,” he explained.
While Tom is affable, with an engaging personality, at his core he is a serious negotiator and problem-solver.
“I’m pretty good at being in the middle of groups of people who don’t see eye-to-eye on things,” he observed, citing his experience in the financial world.
“I had to solve problems on a daily basis, which usually came about because people had a different opinion about something. I do think that’s one of my strengths,” continued Tom, who was managing director at Cowen and Co. and Credit Suisse First Boston. Now he works as a consultant, advising people involved in financial technology as to how it could be used.
His family has a long history with horses. Tom’s grandfather, Thomas Mason, who rode with the Essex Foxhounds, also was a hunter judge. In fact, when his children were planning to get married and each suggested they wanted to tie the knot on the last weekend in May, he turned them down because he was judging at Devon. The weddings had to be the Fourth of July weekend, he told them, “because that’s the only weekend there isn’t a horse show.”
Tom’s uncle Thomas Mason Jr., rode in the Maclay finals at the Garden, and he has cousins who are trainers and farriers. Although Tom’s time in the saddle involves just an occasional trail ride, his wife, Liz, rides, while daughters Casey, Abby and Meg were active in showing. Son T.J. won the Pessoa/USEF Medal and the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search as well in 2016.
Tom O’Mara (right) and his wife, Liz, with trainer Max Amaya and 2016 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search winner T.J. O’Mara. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Meg, who topped the Medal finals in 2012, rode NCAA at the University of Georgia, where she was the National Collegiate Equestrian Rider of the year in equitation on the flat and over fences. Abby also rode for Georgia, and the girls’ participation got their father involved.
There are seven competition outlets, including rodeo, saddle-seat and eventing, as well as hunt seat, for riders who want to compete while pursuing their higher education. The best known is the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, which offers English and western classes, permits both men and women to compete and is associated with 400 colleges.
In an effort to present more opportunities for female college athletes, the NCAA began an equestrian program in 2002. The goal was for the National Collegiate Equestrian Association to include 40 schools, but when the numbers fell far short of that, NCAA equestrian was on the verge of being dropped in 2014 at the recommendation of the Committee on Women’s Athletics.
Tom was among those who rode to the rescue of the program.
“I spent more time lately on equestrian things than not,” he said. Tom had seen the difference that riding made in his childrens’ lives.
“It helps develop character traits such as discipline. They have a commitment and they know not everyone in the world can do it and they are privileged to work with these animals and have the opportunity to have it be part of their life,” he observed.
In that vein, he realized how important it was for equestrian to remain as part of NCAA.
“That’s big time,” commented Tom, now co-chair of the NCEA’s national advisory board which is working to expand equestrian in the NCAA.
“The NCAA started something called an emerging sport to create more opportunities for women in collegiate sport,” he said. “There are only two designations, championship and emerging.”
The problem originally was that there was just one metric—participation–to measure the success of the program, which enables the schools to offer scholarships to riders. While equestrian was given 10 years to get to 40 member schools for NCAA, at the deadline, they only had 25. A two-year extension still didn’t get the number to 40, and the situation was serious.
At the same time, Tom pointed out, there are a number of championship sports that have 50 teams but only 200, 300 or 400 participants across the country. In contrast, there are 900 women riding on NCAA English and western teams.
Common sense prevailed over the metric.
“We’re not dropping a women’s sport. We’re in a Title IX world,” he said, referring to the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education, and is best known for breaking down barriers in sports for female athletes.
The recommendation to scuttle equestrian was tabled and it was decided to keep it as an emerging sport. Tom noted that four years ago, when colleges were approached about adding NCAA equestrian, the response was, “I thought they were dropping it.”
Now, however, that “black cloud” is off the sport, and “there are more conversations with universities about potentially adding the sport than ever before,” according to Tom. He said there are 23 schools signed up, with 20 actively competing, three new ones set to take part at nationals in April, and four more coming on next year.
Universities love the equestrians, said Tom, “and here’s why. They’re the highest quality student athletes that most of those schools have. Most are the number one GPA (grade point average) of all their athletic teams and the number one community service hours of all their athletic teams.”
Tom is one of two independent directors on the 19-member USEF board; in other words, he is not connected to any one group, breed or discipline. And he’s not in the horse business.
One of Tom O’Mara’s duties during the USEF annual meeting was presenting awards to Horse of the Year winners such as fellow USEF board member Elisabeth Goth. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“Tom is the perfect independent director,” noted USEF President Murray Kessler.
“Not only did he have a family that competed and multiple equitation finals winners…he also has been very, very involved in NCAA and has been a leader in that.
“When we look to balance out our board, we look at…how do we match the board against where we’re trying to go strategically? A huge leak in the bucket is when kids go off to college. We are trying to bring the entire intercollegiate and high school community into USEF,” Murray continued.
“Who’s leading that? Tom. Besides all of his value as a board member on moderating meetings…he’s been getting more and more involved on the world stage,” Murray pointed out, referring to Tom’s trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, last year to moderate an FEI (international equestrian federation) meeting on a new invitation system for riders to participate in shows.
Tom has more work cut out for him as the chair of a task force that will do a strategic review of USEF’s drug testing laboratory. It has been the target of criticism after a major mistake in handling a sample resulted in the nullifying of heavy fines and suspensions for a well-known trainer and rider, a year after an announcement that a horse they showed had tested positive for a prohibited substance.
The appointment is a mark of the regard with which Tom is held in the organization and the fact that he can play several key roles.
“What I just love about him is how connected he is to one of our major strategic priorities with building this sport and bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible,” concluded Murray, citing the USEF’s “joy” mantra.
That’s what Tom is all about as a board member.
“The intent is for an outreach of our sport to people who are not in our sport,” he said.
“It’s a great sport, whether you ride or not. Our sport is interesting. Everyone in our sport knows it’s interesting. We have to tell the story to people outside of our sport.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 24, 2018
Stars of the New Jersey horse industry were celebrated Jan. 28 at the Equine Advisory Board Breeders’ Luncheon in Eastampton Township wherei Maggi Romano was named Horseperson of the Year.
Maggi is no stranger to well-deserved recognition; her contributions to the industry have been honored for years.
She served two years as president and one year as show manager of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey and worked diligently as a board member of the New Jersey Horse Council, currently serving as its delegate to the American Horse Council. She was both vice chairman and chairman of the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board.
The Clarksburg resident is married to Anthony Romano, a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey.
Other honors presented included Standardbred of the Year, Ariana G, owned by Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, and Thoroughbred of the Year, Irish War Cry, owned by Isabelle de Tomaso. Fairwinds Farm was the Breeder of the Year.
Lather Rinse Repeat received the Standardbred Pleasure Award for superior achievement, and the pinto, A Classic Romance, got a superior title as well. Madeline Crisp is the Equestrian of the Year, while Chloe Baker received the Ernest Bell Scholarship Award and Brittany Smith took the Agricultural Achievement Award. Bridget Favjan received the Sara Dubnin Scholarship.Nancy Murray was recognized for the Horse Park of New Jersey Volunteer award.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 5, 2018
Working on your equestrian new year’s resolutions? Daniel Stewart can help. He provided an inspirational keynote speech at December’s U.S. Hunter Jumper Association annual meeting in Texas, and this month, he’ll be closer to home at Chelsea Nix’s Penwick Eventing in Sussex County.
He is featured in a clinic there Jan. 20 and 21. While the jumper riding slots are filled, you can always try—maybe someone will drop out. There is room in the dressage portion of the clinic and auditors are invited as well.
Daniel is both a riding coach and a motivational speaker. He talks about building a team, “trust is a must,” and mentioned how your head and heart are more important than your hands and heels when it comes to riding. One of his mantras is, “turn life’s little setbacks into life’s little comebacks.” You get the idea.
For more information about the session in Hampton Township, contact Chelsea@penwickeventing.com. For more about Daniel, go to www.pressureproofacademy.com
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 4, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
January 4, 2018
It’s going to be a year with potential at the Horse Park of New Jersey. There’s quite an opportunity on the horizon because its premier competition, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, offers a selection trial for the U.S. eventing team that will compete at the FEI World Equestrian Games in September.
More precisely, the trial and qualifier is the CCI 3-star division, but Jersey Fresh May 9-13 also presents a CCI 2-star, as well as CIC 2- and 3-stars that are part of the package at the Allentown venue, where big names such as Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Buck Davidson are regular competitors in the event.
Mark Phillips, the former U.S. eventing coach and a high profile name in the sport, took over as cross-country course designer last year and is making more changes for 2018. A new show jumping course designer, Chris Barnard, is coming on board to complete a fresh look with new fences for the event’s final phase.
It’s the 30th anniversary of the park, which means all eyes will be on the facility, where change has been slow but is proceeding.
Because of the anniversary and selection trial, “Publicity would be exponential this year,” believes Allyson Jeffery, president of the park’s board of trustees.
Phillip Dutton competing at Jersey Fresh on Mr. Candyman. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The park has been working toward improving footing in the grand prix ring, which is a major issue, but so far, just $60,000 of an estimated $350,000 required for the arena development campaign has been raised.
“A big step needs to be taken that involves money. What is needed is a corporate grant or matching funds,” said Allyson, who suggested this could be an opportunity for some entity that would like corporate naming rights to a ring is hoping work on the base of the grand prix ring can be finished before the show season begins in April.
Tailgating at the Jersey Fresh water complex is a big draw. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Even if new top dressing can’t be purchased at that point, those maintaining the ring have been prepped in how to work with the current footing more effectively. Now all that’s needed is an ATV to facilitate the grooming, and Allyson is hoping for a donation. Other needs are being examined before a formal request for more assistance is publicized.
Former Jersey Fresh winner Ryan Wood on Powell jumping in the grand prix ring. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“What we’re looking for is for people to come back to the park,” said Allyson. “We’ve worked on the footing we do have. We’ve had issues with the rings, so people are hesitant to come back until they hear we have all new rings.
“That doesn’t help. You’ve got to continue to support the park, as you know we’re working toward that goal. This is the New Jersey horse park.”
Yet despite its name, it receives no funding from the state and must pay for maintenance and other needs while conducting the capital campaign for refurbishing the footing.
Allyson became president at the end of June and Adam Furlong came in during October as the vice president. The trustees now have a united vision.
“Everyone on board is (using) all their skill sets. Everything is working together now,” Allyson said of the trustees.
Changes that have been implemented include the new winner’s circle in memory of Gwen Stableford, a longtime exhibitor at the park who left a bequest for that purpose.
The Horse Park winner’s circle
Mason Garrity, manager of the Four Seasons Show, is donating new fencing in the areas between the East and West rings. In the stabling area, maintenance has been done on the stall floors and stall panels will be replaced.
The park hosts a variety of disciplines and activities, including November’s popular Turkey Trot pleasure ride/drive, barrel racing, schooling for members and clinics. Eventer Sally Cousins, who competes at Jersey Fresh, is presenting clinics Jan. 21, Feb. 11 and March 18. Get more information via the park’s homepage, www.horseparkofnewjersey.
Auditors are admitted to the Cousins clinics free of charge.
Those who wish to participate can sign up by emailing jane@pleasanthollow.com. Include your name, address, the level of your horse, a cell number and any information that will help in assigning you to the appropriate group. Send a check and negative Coggins to Horse Park of New Jersey, 626 CR 524, Allentown, NJ 08501, att: Sally Cousins Clinic.
