by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2020
Sally Ike stepped down yesterday as managing director of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Licensed Officials committee, but don’t think for a minute that she is just retiring.
A multi-faceted pillar of the equestrian community, she will become a consultant for the USEF as an independent contractor, explaining about the change, “It’s what I’ve done my whole career, moving from one seat to another. I know when it’s time to pass the torch to somebody else and for me to do something else.”
Her lifelong dedication to horse sports took her from eventing at the top level to many aspects of governance and volunteer work. She handles everything with a deep understanding of the issues, at the same time demonstrating the type of organizational skills and leadership that benefit riders, owners and all the others on the equestrian landscape.
Sally Ike and her wonderful eventing mount, Evening Mail.
The Oldwick resident, who has served eventing as a Technical Delegate, judge and show jumping course designer, will continue in her spare time as a volunteer for that discipline and as chairman of the hunt committee for the Peapack-based Essex Fox Hounds. So while she heads toward her 76th birthday, retirement is nowhere in sight. She’s too valuable–and unique–an asset for the sport to lose.
The USEF’s CEO, Bill Moroney, recalled that when she approached him a year ago to discuss her situation, saying she needed to slow down, he responded: “Not so fast.”
He suggested that after leaving her licensed officials post, she could help with compliance, designed to insure shows meet USEF standards.
“One of the great things about Sally is her depth of knowledge of the sport,” noted Bill.“She’s not a one-breed or discipline person. She comes with a lot of history, which is especially useful in (knowing) did you try that before? What worked, what didn’t work when you’re trying to make changes going forward so you don’t waste time.
“She’s highly respected in the sport both on a staff level and a volunteer level and out in the field with participants. She will be very helpful in multiple areas, such as compliance and still mentoring the team in licensed officials and education.”
Sally with former USEF President David O’Connor as he presented her with the Sallie Busch Wheeler award. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
He also wants her to look at “the always continuing dilemma of, is our steward/TD (technical delegate) program what our competitors want, what our organizers want, what our officials want? Maybe,” he mused, “we will actually resolve a lot of those questions around that program.”
Bill added, “There’s quite a bit to keep her busy,” At the same time, he noted, “I think it’s great she’s able to take a little bit of time and enjoy life a little bit.”
Sally’s many achievements include having designed show jumping courses for eventing. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Those seem like contradictory statements, but Sally concedes the change, “will allow me to plan my own day.”
She’ll appreciate not having to wake up quite as early anymore to get in her morning run before heading to the office or watching equestrian competitions on the livestream.
In the office, she will still be found at the same desk at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, a spot she has occupied for years. And she will continue as secretary of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
An “A” Pony Clubber when she was growing up in Monmouth County, where her father was president of the Monmouth County Horse Show, Sally rose to be a top eventer in the 1960s.
After getting married, she became a mother and dedicated herself to volunteering as the District Commissioner of the Somerset Hills Pony Club. Although she also served as a regional supervisor and on the U.S. Pony Club board, she eventually was looking for a paying job. Sally found one in 1989 as director of eventing and show jumping activities for the USET. Such responsibilities today require a staff of nine or ten to execute.
At that time, the USET handled the training, fielding and funding of teams competing internationally. Her job responsibility was divided in 1992 when Jim Wolf took over eventing and she concentrated in her work life on show jumping, eventually becoming the USEF’s managing director for the discipline when that organization came into being in 2003.
After years traveling the world to Olympics, world championships and other marquee competitions, she handed the managing director of show jumping job over to Lizzy Chesson and went on to the challenge of dealing with USEF’s licensed officials and education in 2013.
“One of several little-known facts about Sally is what a good rider she was in her era,” said Olympic eventing multi-medalist Jim Wofford, noting she just missed being selected to ride on the 1968 Olympic eventing team.
“She had a modern mix of skills that was lacking at the time. She already had the show ring polish and the natural feel for the dressage. Besides being a fabulous rider, she has been a workhorse for the horse world ever since,” continued Jim who was a president of the American Horse Shows Association, one of USEF’s predecessors.
“When you look at her record, she has made a lifetime of taking a new position and changing, improving and expanding it.”
Sally always is thinking of the next generation. Her work chairing the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athletes Program has insured an alternate pathway for young people who aspire to rise in the sport but may not have the means to pursue that goal otherwise.
To Sally, it’s all a labor of love “because of the horses and what an incredible animal they are.”
Her efforts make an impression on everyone who understands what her work has meant to the sport.
Sally with Olympic eventer Phillip Dutton. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“She is so dedicated. She really cares about what she does, cares about the USEF,” said longtime friend Marilyn Payne, an Olympic eventing judge and member of the USEF’s licensed officials committee, a panel that was involved with Sally during her tenure as managing director.
Marilyn recalled working for years with Sally and the late Roger Haller on putting together a training program for eventing judges.
“If she believed in something, she put 150 percent of herself into it,” said Marilyn, noting, “her heart is still in it.”
Without her daily responsibilities now, Sally will have more time for family; daughters, Sara, who has worked for the USET Foundation and USEF, and Beth, employed by the Southern Environmental Law Center in Virginia and the mother of Willie, 11 and Tempe, 7.
Sally with daughters Beth (left) and Sara and Lizzy Chesson. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Sally also will be able to focus more on her interest in sporting art. After getting an appreciation of art from a teacher at Miss Porter’s School, she developed her discerning eye for paintings. Sally has her own collection of paintings, and often visits other favorites at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Her plans call for “continuing to be involved in the sport I love; I look forward to going to more shows and events, whether it’s working for USEF or as an official.”
Sally’s contributions have been recognized privately by many grateful people she has mentored, and also publicly, as when she won the USHJA’s Distinguished Service Award and the USEF’s equivalent of that honor, named for Sallie Busch Wheeler.
Her comment upon receiving the latter sums up Sally, her philosophy and her modesty: “I feel like I just do my job every day and lots of people do as good a job as I do.”
This afternoon, she added, “I don’t think of myself as anything special. I did what was in front of me and this is how it worked out.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2020
The Far Hills Race Meeting won’t be held this year, but people still have an excuse to come to beautiful Moorland Farm. American Express is bringing back the era of drive-ins by putting on three movie nights there this month, with admission set at $25 for a carload of friends or family.
Complimentary prepackaged concessions, including specialty popcorn, sweets, savory items and beverages from local businesses will be provided to four people in every car. Gates open at 7:30p.m., with the shows starting at 8:15 p.m.Sept. 10, 11 and 12. The films being screened are all family-friendly.
Tickets much be purchased using an American Express card. Proceeds will be donated to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as part of a long-standing partnership with the foundation and in support of small businesses. For information about which movies will be on the giant screen and to buy tickets, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2020
The Far Hills Race Meeting, an annual tradition that draws more than 30,000 spectators in October, has joined the Covid cancelled list on its 100th anniversary year.
A New Jersey state regulation limiting crowd size to 500, except for a protest or religious gathering, doomed the races, despite great interest from people buying tickets, with orders still coming in yesterday
The Far Hills Race Meeting has been a highlight of the year for many people over the last century. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“We tried and tried and tried to make this work, we looked at all different scenarios. We held out until the last,” said Guy Torsilieri, who co-chairs the race meeting with Ron Kennedy.
“We had set up a substantially reduced race card. Even with that, with the reduction of purses and all the amenities, the base cost to put on the event far exceeded what the income was going to be. I don’t have any angels to help us along. It’s very unfortunate, but it’s the right answer based on all the information we had.”
Those who had been looking forward to the steeplechase meet as one of the usual highlights of their year–many have been attending for decades–were understanding, but disappointed, as yet another event fell victim to the pandemic.
“It’s such a bummer to happen to them on their 100th anniversary,” said Catherine Norbury of Peapack, a regular at the races.
“We’ve been going since we were kids,” she noted. Her family, which owns F. Gerald New jewelers, always gathered in the same spot, number 304 in front of the announcers’ stand. They have been serving their guests the same food, “old-school chili, for a million years.”
Explaining the appeal of going to the races, Catherine explained, “It’s such a fun day, being with friends. You know what it’s going to be like, but different people are coming by who spend the day watching the races.”
While racing fans loved getting a close-up look at horses, jockeys and owners that isn’t available at the big tracks, many people were more interested in festive tailgating and mingling, with the races often serving as an occasion for family and school reunions.
The races were started by the Essex Foxhounds as an outreach to farmers and property owners. While it’s grown enormously over the years after being billed as “family day in the country,” Ralph Jones, who has served as a volunteer shuttle driver observed, “it still had a hometown feel.”
The cancellation is a double blow for Guy, who is also chairman of the National Steeplechase Association. After a successful run of racing in Virginia and at Saratoga this summer with the support of the New York Racing Association, he predicted that with no more races for them this year, all the stakes and novice horses will be turned out this fall.
“There will be maiden races and some amateur races for the young jockeys, we’re trying to make the best of a horrible, horrible situation with changing the racing conditions and the card,” he said.
“We don’t make any money on parimutuel wagering like the racetracks do. The racetracks can run without fans because they get a tremendous amount of income from the parimutuel wagering side. All of the income from race meets is either from donations, spectators or corporate businesses. They’re not going to socially gather until 2021.
“So the race meets are going to run either at a loss and they’re donating for the good of the game or they’re running with substantial charitable contributions from donors or subsidies,” Guy said, citing backing from the Virginia Racing Commission or the State of Virginia. He said steeplechase racing in that state was basically the reason that parimutuel wagering and horse racing had a resurgence.
Far Hills, he pointed out, is just one meet, as opposed to a series of races.
“We don’t have the historical horse racing and other revenues that subsidize horse racing in other states,” he pointed out.
Looking ahead to 2021, he commented, “We’re getting a tremendous outpouring of support from our very, very loyal fans. People really want this race meeting to happen and get back to some normalcy.” When the Covid situation ends, he is confident “we’ll come back bigger and better.”
Cancellation not only has been a letdown for the racing community and the many people who look forward to the event, but it also has affected the Far Hills Race Meeting Association’s charitable mission. The organization has raised more than $18 million to benefit local healthcare initiatives. These include cancer treatments and support, people suffering from substance abuse and opioid addiction, supporting at-risk youth and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Current space holders for the races can email office@farhillsrace.org for information about the status of their reserved parking space or private tent.Those who have sent their money in can donate it to the races. It is tax deductible and also will include a bonus of an extra ticket. Those who can’t do that may roll it over to a 2021 reservation. Others who need a refund can get one minus the processing fee. “We can’t be more fair than that,” said Guy. “We need to survive so that we can continue to give money for health care in the region. We hope people will be in the donating mode for this.”
Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone, noting his town’s centenary is next year, commented, “Needless to say, we’re very disappointed. There was a lot to celebrate. It’s certainly been a very important and prominent event here in Far Hills and throughout Somerset County and all of racing. The plan is to look forward to 2021 and have that as a spectacular event.”
Far Hills also missed hosting the MARS Essex Horse Trials at Moorland Farm in July, which was called off because of the Covid situation and state mandates.
For more information, go farhillsrace.org or find it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2020
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Zone 2 (NY, NJ, PA) Horse of the Year Hunter Championship has been cancelled.
Scheduled for Oct. 18, it originally was supposed to be held in Harrisburg, Pa., at the home of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. But that show was cancelled and a search for another venue didn’t work out.
The Zone 2 Committee looked at several options to host the Zone 2 HOTY at a different venue before making the decision to cancel. The hunter championship joins the Zone 2 jumper championship, which was to have been held in September at the Devon. Pa., showgrounds, in the dustbin of 2020.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2020
Heading west from Oldwick to Illinois for the Dressage Festival of Champions last week, Alice Tarjan had her own little wagon train. She was hauling four horses herself, while two were shipped commercially.
Asked about the challenge of dealing with half a dozen mounts at the six-day U.S. Equestrian Federation national championship, she acknowledged, “It was exhausting.”
But worth it. Her string came home with two championships and three reserves in an all-hands-on deck effort.
“It was a lot of work,” she acknowledged in a masterpiece of understatement, noting how her husband, Dennis Sargenti, pitched in, along with friend and fellow competitor, Lauren Chumley of Pittstown, groom Debbie Altland; trainer Marcus Orlob and his crew, as well as various other people who stepped up when needed.
Alice, Marcus and Abby Fodor of Bloomsbury made a mark for New Jersey at HITS’ Lamplight Equestrian Center with standout championship and reserve performances during the competition, which drew 175 entries from across the country.
With the Covid situation, Alice initially wasn’t sure about making the trek, but Marcus talked her into it, saying, “You need to go, the horses need the ring time.”
A mark of 88.400 percent won the first four-year-old class for Alice’s homebred mare Gjenganger, followed by Marcus second and third on Flambeau (88.220) and Alice’s stallion Glory Day (81.400). She’s handed Glory over to Marcus because “he’s more horse than I want to ride. It’s a fun horse to watch.”
Alice Tarjan and Gjenganger, her four-year-old champion. Photo © 2020 SusanJStickle.com
Glory, who like Gjenganger is by 2014 Danish Warmblood Society champion stallion Grand Galaxy Win, was first with an 88.400 in the second class, where the mare was second on 85.400. But Gjenganger’s cumulative score took the tricolor for the division’s championship honors, leaving Glory as reserve.
Commenting on her chestnut protege, Alice said, “She’s been very easy to bring along, she’s naturally talented.”
Although the mare was sent out to get started under saddle, Alice has done all the work on her since then. It’s unusual for her to be riding a homebred; she buys most of her horses after watching them on videos, and her competition record makes it obvious she knows what she’s looking at.
Donatella M won the Developing Grand Prix for Alice with a score of 71.708 on the final day, while her stallion, Harvest, took the reserve honors in that section with 70.208.
Alice Tarjan and Donatella M. (Photo © 2020 SusanJStickle.com)
That mare is a 9-year-old, “a little further along than Harvest,” said Alice, noting she put in basically a clean test on both days at the Festival.
“The changes took a long time for her to understand. I think I brought her to four different trainers to help me get the changes on her. It’s a credit to her rideability that she actually figured it out. She really works for you, she really tries.
“Harvest is really, really green. He’s only eight. We just brought him for ring experience,” Alice continued, noting he was focused on breeding duties in the spring.
“I’m thrilled with the result. It’s not what we were expecting. He doesn’t get worried about the work, but he can be a little spooky and the environment can be a little bit of an issue sometimes, so we really did want to get him some exposure. Once he goes down centerline now, he’s been very workmanlike about it. I love training horses, you have to figure out how to explain to the horse what you want. That’s the fun of it.”
Summersby II, second in the Five-Year-Old Young Horse division, was second in the Four-Year-Old section last year.
“I was happy to repeat. She’s going to be a fantastic Grand Prix horse, fun to bring along,” Alice predicted about the Oldenburg mare, who earned 80.400 percent in the final.
Alice won the FEI Grand Prix on Candescent (71.478 percent), but didn’t get a shot at the championship because the mare was eliminated under the blood rule from both the Special and Freestyle after she bit her tongue and a little blood showed. It was especially a shame because Candescent, who can be challenging at times was “fantastic. She was fighting on my side,” said Alice.
Candescent won the Grand Prix. Photo © 2020 SusanJStickle.com
While the eliminations were disappointing, the rider noted, “I’m a big proponent of the blood rule.
“Zero tolerance is the way to go,” added Alice, who is a lawyer. If the rule isn’t zero tolerance, she asked, “where do you draw the line?”
Although the “no spectators” mandate was in effect, as it has been at all USEF competitions since they resumed in June after a Covid break, Alice said there were so many divisions at the show “it had a championship feel to it.” Marcus noted for the young horses, however, relatively quiet surroundings were a plus.
Marcus, after being a reserve champion at the Festival twice, finally got his blue cooler for the Six-Year-Old championship on Spirit of Joy by Sir Calypso. Owned by Jeanette Pinard, who also owns the four-year-old Flambeau, he earned 86.800 percent in the final with the only horse in the class to break the 80 percent mark.
After the class, Christine Traurig, the U.S. dressage young horse coach, suggested he take Spirit of Joy to Germany in December for the World Championship for Young Dressage Horses. The competition was moved from August to the end of the year because of Covid.
Marcus Orlob and Spirit of Joy. Photo © 2020 SusanJStickle.com
“It’s so hard to make plans with this whole situation, especially for the young horses,” said Marcus about the pandemic, noting he had competed the horse only three times before the championship.
“I feel like he’s doing everything right,” Marcus said about the Westfalen gelding.
During his first season in Florida, Marcus came to the attention of Steffen Peters when the Olympic medalist worked with him in a demonstration clinic at the Global Dressage Forum North America in West Palm Beach seven years ago. Steffen urged him to become a U.S. citizen, thinking he could have a future with the team.
Marcus Orlob at the 2013 Global Dressage Forum where he was “discovered” by Steffen Peters. (Photo © 2013 by Nancy Jaffer)
Marcus wants to ride with the U.S. squad in an international championship, and emphasized Spirit’s owner has been very supportive.
“Jeannette would love to be part of the dream to go to an international event,” said Marcus, calling her “fantastic,” and noting she already turned down an offer for the horse.
“At the moment, I feel he’s doing everything right,” Marcus said of Spirit.
“The main goal is to bring him up to the Grand Prix. I just started with baby half-steps, the beginning of passage. Now it’s just a question of how well he will do it. At the moment, he does everything I hope for. The long-term goal would be the Olympics and World Championships.”
Marcus was thrilled by Alice’s invitation to ride Glory in the Four-Year-Old division. He admires what she has done.
“She can fill a whole U.S. team herself. She has so many fantastic horses coming up right now. She has a very good eye and is really good with the young horses.”
Of their collaboration he said, “I feel like we have a very good partnership going on. I give her credit, she’s so focused and tries 120 percent. At the moment, it works really great with us.”
He is a fan of Gjenganger.
“You can already see the power and swing in the trot and canter. Later on, the passage work will be huge for that horse and on top of that, she’s a beautiful mare. Wow, that she bred the horse, it’s like hitting the jackpot.”
Speaking of Jeannette and Alice he noted, “It’s great to have those two backing me up.”
Marcus and his wife, Shannon, met at Warendorf, the German national training center, when Marcus was getting his rider/trainer certification. The couple runs Elite Expression in Annandale.
While Marcus went to college for interior design and thought he would end up working in his family’s funeral home business, he wound up opting for horses. He rode with German trainer Hubertus Schmidt and Johan Zagers, coach of the Brazilian Olympic team.
Abby Fodor, who trains with Heather Mason, marked her last year in the pony division by taking the Pony Rider championship after finishing first in the team test on Slip and Slide with a score of 70.238. She was third in the individual test with 66.216, but topped the charts with her overall score. Since Heather didn’t come to Illinois, Abby worked at the show with former U.S. Dressage Federation President George Williams.
Abby Fodor and her former western reining pony Slip and Slide were champions at the Festival. Photo © 2020 SusanJStickle.com
Her 14.2-hand quarter horse/Halflinger cross was a Canadian western reining pony she bought sight unseen from someone who got him at an auction and started him in dressage.
When he arrived in New Jersey, the first time Abby laid eyes on him she saw a “fat little hairy pony, we didn’t know how he was going to work. Then I rode him, then I loved him.”
This was the pony’s third time competing at the Festival, where the duo won the children’s championship in 2017. In 2018, Abby and “Slide” picked up the reserve championship in the pony division.
The pony ranks aren’t the last stop for the 16-year-old chestnut. Abby, a 16-year-old junior at Immaculata High School in Somerville, has shown him at Prix St. Georges, and thinks PSG/I-1 “is his max.”
Whatever happens, he has a home forever at Abby’s family farm, where she takes care of him herself.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 22, 2020
Clark Shipley, longtime member of the John Madden Sales family, lost his battle with cancer today at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y.
A note from John Madden Sales and Beezie Madden stated that Clark, who was 61, grew up in rural Iowa, learning about horses through the world of harness racing. He went to work for his uncle, Iowa Harness Racing Hall of Fame’s Mike Arnold. Eventually Clark struck out on his own, racing and training Standardbreds, where he met his longtime girlfriend, Sue Schlegel.
Clark joined John Madden Sales in the early 1990s and often joked about how he was hired. In his own words, “What I tell people is that they wanted Sue so bad, they took me. I was the ‘player to be named later’ in the baseball trade.”
But Clark became the behind-the-scenes backbone of the team. Clark brought the balance and the fun to the high pressure moments that come with international travel and high stakes competitions. With top horses including Authentic, Simon, Cortes C, Darry Lou, Desilvio, Breitling, and many more under his care, Clark traveled the world, bringing his common sense attitude along.
Clark was known for his love of dogs, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Dr. Mcgillicuddy’s Mentholmint, and quiet mornings in his chair in the barn, drinking his coffee and reading the paper. Clark was always quick with a joke or story, often inappropriate, and not shy about sharing his opinion. He loved the horses best of all.
Even after a lifetime of experience, Clark would speak about how a horseman is always learning, saying to the Chronicle, “you meet a lot of people and see a lot of different things and ways of doing things everywhere you go. If you ever think you know everything, you’re in trouble. You can always learn something.”
If you had the honor of knowing Clark, take a shot of Doctor or Jack Daniels tonight, and take an extra quiet moment at night check or morning feed to appreciate the horses and dogs in your life.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 21, 2020
A lifetime ban against hunter/jumper trainer Bob McDonald has been lifted by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, as the U.S. Center for SafeSport closed a case against him involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor in 1973.
McDonald was suspended in June, pending an appeal. While arbitration was pending, he provided more information to SafeSport on August 21. Then, a week later, he was notified that all sanctions had been lifted.
Robert McDonald. (Photo © 2015 by Nancy Jaffer)
He and his wife, U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor Debbie McDonald, were relieved that after more than two emotionally and financially draining months, their nightmare is over.
“The accusations were false, they were always false and were proven to be false. It’s simple enough,” said McDonald, who is semi-retired.
SafeSport is the “exclusive authority” investigating and prosecuting allegations of sexual abuse within Olympic and Paralympic sport.
While a spokesman for the organization could not comment on the specifics of the case, he stated, “SafeSport’s mission is to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of sport culture.
“It fulfills its critical purpose through policies, resources and tools aimed at preventing abuse as well as those that allow the Center to hold individuals accountable. Every matter is unique which is why the Center is equipped with tools, policies and procedures to account for the many variables inherent in this important and highly sensitive work. One such tool allows SafeSport to return to a matter when and if additional information is made available, including the participation of key witnesses. Such a decision is not taken lightly and is only made in the interest of fulfilling the Center’s mission.”
When contacted, the USEF said in a statement, “We do not have any details on the decision made by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All information with regard to the case remains confidential in accordance with the policies of the Center. Mr. McDonald has been fully reinstated as a USEF member.”
McDonald noted that when the case against him was made public, supporters stood behind him.
“They said they know me, and they know that this isn’t me. That’s what kept me going the whole time,” noted McDonald, 73, whose career also included time as a horse show judge.
“I got letters from people I taught 50 and 45 years ago, saying I had changed their lives and they wanted me to know they were the better for it. That let me know in 50 years of doing this, some good came from it.”
As his wife commented, “It was amazing to see how many names I’d forgotten who came forward and said (of the accusation) `There’s no way. If you need anything, let us know.’”
Bob and Debbie McDonald at Brentina’s 2009 retirement. (Photo © 2009 by Nancy Jaffer)
While thanking those who supported her husband and herself, she stated, “We are relieved and grateful to hear that the lifetime ban against my husband, Bob, has been lifted and that the case is closed, but we are by no means considering this a celebration.
“He has never wavered his position on the accusations being false and we are both appreciative of all of our family, friends and supporters who have encouraged us and supported us during this time. From the beginning we cooperated and allowed the process to take place with SafeSport. Bob understood the seriousness of the accusations and that is why we were committed to clearing his name. We do not take any type of abuse lightly. There is nothing worse than having your character, or the character of a loved one questioned.”
While the ban was in effect, Bob McDonald was prohibited from participating in any activities or competitions licensed, endorsed or sponsored by the USEF, and was not allowed to attend shows.
At the time the accusation was made, McDonald said, “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.”
Recognized for being a great spotter of equine talent, McDonald is best known in the dressage world for discovering the promising Hanoverian, Brentina. She was purchased by Parry and Peggy Thomas, who were clients of McDonald’s, and his wife got the ride on the chestnut mare. The duo became the top U.S. combination in dressage, 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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 21, 2020
The Covid cancellation of their sleepaway riding camp put a big hole in the summer for Charlie Brandy and Maya Green. But like others who have risen to the pandemic challenge instead of stewing about it, the teens found a way to keep busy while giving back.
The girls’ mothers, Carla Komar and Erika Green, worked with them to devise a plan.
“The first thing that came to mind was helping someone with cancer, or helping with Covid,” recalled Erika.
Charlie and Carla (left) with bracelet partners Maya and Erika (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
But the girls, who met when they rode at Watchung Stables in Mountainside, said, “We like horses. Why can’t we do something for horses?”
“Then the light clicked,” as Erika put it. The girls and their mothers regularly drive by Mane Stream in Oldwick, so while looking out the car window, they glimpsed the facility’s sign and asked, “Why not that?”
Mane Stream (www.manestreamnj.org) utilizes equine-assisted activities “to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges.”
It is a particularly suitable beneficiary because Maya, a 13-year-old seventh grader at the Warren Middle School in Warren Township, has a spinal condition that left her with permanent damage. She started her involvement with horses through therapeutic riding, getting a guiding hand from her stepsister, Jillian Leahy, who was involved with Mane Stream as a volunteer years ago and did a residency in equine therapy as part of her college curriculum.
Charlie, 13, an eighth grader at Columbia Middle School in Berkeley Heights, said she and Maya are hoping to volunteer at Mane Stream when Covid is over. But first, after deciding on the good cause they were going to help, the girls and their mothers had to figure out how to raise money.
“I came up with an idea of selling pet rocks,” chuckled Erika. “Everyone thought that was ridiculous, and I agree. They came up with `Why don’t we make these cool bracelets?’”
Carla, who designs apparel, said, “It came together better than I ever expected. With the packaging and stickers and logo and how the beads look, I think all of us were like, `This is not some kids’ project.’ It came out so professional-looking. We got so excited, which made us work harder on the bracelets.”
The summer version of the multi-colored beaded bracelets, which sell for $12, features a seashell; a gilded mini-horseshoe will sub for the shell in the fall line. So far, sales of the bracelets have yielded $2,000 that the girls will give to Mane Stream. They’re hoping to add another $500 by the end of the summer.
Charlie and Maya with their bracelets, supervised by a Mane Stream horse. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
This has been a tough year for Mane Stream because of the Covid. The stable was closed for 12 weeks and the number of clients has been limited since it reopened in June. But whether anyone is riding or not, the horses still have to be fed. Mane Stream can use all the help it can get.
“We’re running at 25 percent capacity but the horses don’t know that, so horses need the same care every day,” said Trish Hegeman, Mane Stream’s executive director.
“I think what’s just amazing is that the girls thought of this themselves and really researched an organization and something that was really meaningful for them. We’re just delighted they found us. The way we think about it, any gift is fantastic. It doesn’t matter the size; it’s somebody thinking about us and wanting to help.”
She explained most clients, aside from independent riders who don’t require a lot of assistance, are unable to come back to Mane Stream at the moment because of Covid.
“We have some people who need a lot of support, and we feel that’s not the safest thing for us right now, putting our volunteers and therapists really close to them for half an hour, 45 minutes at a time.” With that financial crunch, “People who think of something can make a little bit of a difference, pay for shoes, pay for feed,” Trish noted.
The colorful bracelets.
Alanna Flax-Clark, a Paralympic hopeful who is Mane Stream’s special projects manager, has been impressed by Maya and Charlie.
“Their love for the horses and what they’ve done for them personally really shines through,” she said.
“For anyone to bring good out of what’s going on currently and not just sit around the house watching TV all day is wonderful, but for two kids to stand up and say they want to do more to support the community is something even more special,” Alanna pointed out.
“They’re young, but have really thought this entire thing out on their own as to why they want to help during this time of uncertainty and really picked an organization that is connected to a cause that means a lot to them as well. I was just blown away by how they were able to talk about it all, but still be kids at the same time.”
As Carla noted, doing good has paid off in satisfaction while raising money for a special cause.
“It’s been really fun. We all love horses, so it’s made it even more exciting for us. We’ve all taken part in it,” added Carla, who has worked on the packaging.
The bracelets are nicely packaged.
Erika mentioned that everywhere the girls go, they take the bracelets with them and don’t hesitate to fill people in about their project. They approached show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, who has been involved in many good causes, and she told them she would promote the project by posting on social media.
When they meet new prospects, “The best thing is the girls talk about their experience about riding a horse. There’s something therapeutic about being with horses,” commented Erika, who is involved with recruiting. She took on a second job to make sure her daughter could continue to ride.
“I think it’s brought to light there need to be more places like Mane Stream and there has to be lobbying for insurance to cover it,” she stated. Citing the increase in teen suicides, she suggested that if high schools offered riding clubs “I truly think it would make a difference.”
The teens call their project Silly Girlzz after a song they heard on the radio. Their Instagram account is @silly.girlzz and email is silly.girlzz2020@gmail.com, for those who want to order the bracelets. They also are available through Horsemen’s Outlet in Lebanon.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 20, 2020
Kip Rosenthal, a successful hunter and jumper rider who became a top trainer and respected mentor, died today after a long illness. She was 69.
Her sister, Jo Michaels, noted that Kip “loved her career of over 50 years working with horses and their people. In turn, the people loved her for the inspiration and knowledge that she imparted to them.”
Kip Rosenthal and Goodboy Dee (Photo courtesy of Jo Michaels)
Kip, based in Wellington, Fla., was very well-educated, holding a bachelor of science degree, two masters degrees and a doctorate in adolescent clinical psychology. Her riding resume was just as distinguished. As a junior, her Good Boy Dee was National Junior Hunter Champion, while her Rome Dome was National Junior Jumper Champion Horse of the Year, then went on to become her grand prix jumper on the U.S. Equestrian Team.
In 1985, she opened her training barn, Benchmark Farms. Her students won all of the national equitation finals. Many of the riders and horses with whom she worked went on to win Horse of the Year in several divisions. As an R-rated judge, she officiated at all the national equitation finals and served on numerous U.S. Equestrian Federation committees.
Recently, her focus had been sports psychology, working with juniors, amateurs and professional athletes in many disciplines. Kip’s first book, Kip’s Tips, was just published. Over the years, she has written articles that have appeared in publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse, Practical Horseman, and Equestrian.
As Jo, observed, “Kip has always been admired and loved by her colleagues for her great ability as a rider, instructor and friend. Her honesty and willingness to share her knowledge was known by all her associates.
“Kip has left her family, dogs, and friends for a period of time, but has always believed it is only a temporary separation,” said Jo, who was very important to her, along with Jo’s husband, Jerry Michaels; her first born niece, Lauren Lary; Lauren’s husband, Jon and their children, Ethan and Anna, and her dearest second niece, Abby Lowe. Also missing her is her best friend of 46 years, Dale Huebner.
Steve Price, a longtime friend who rode with Kip, noted that she “didn’t teach her students to ride: she taught us how to learn to ride. Learning to ride was our responsibility, with Kip ever ready, willing and able to provide the necessary tools, correct us whenever needed and applaud our accomplishments.
“One of Kip’s favorite images was `sponge.’ She prized students who were eager to soak up information. Indeed, Kip often said that she could easily spend the rest of her professional life not seeking the glory of horse-show competition, but alone in a ring with a horse and a `sponge’ of a rider on its back.”
Arrangements for services are pending. Contributions may be made in Kip’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 33105 or to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Rd. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 17, 2020
The Morven Park Fall Horse Trials in Virginia Oct.2-4 has cancelled its plans to hold FEI divisions, including the CCI 4-star Long that it was offering for the first time. It will only present national divisions.
The problem with the FEI competition was, as usual these days, COVID-19 concerns, including the additional cost of safety measures. A record number of competitors, volunteers, and officials were expected to attend from around the United States and other countries. Additionally, inaugural CCI2*YH-S and CCI3*YH-S levels had been planned to showcase up-and-coming horses.
“This decision was about safety,” according to the park’s executive director, Sheryl Williams. “Running an event of this scale is difficult, but to try to host FEI levels during a global pandemic proved to be too taxing on our resources and too risky for everyone’s health. This adjusted format allows us to move forward with competition and provide a great weekend of eventing.”
In addition to the Morven Park Fall Horse Trials, the 2020 calendar has been expanded to include the Morven Park Winter Horse Trials, scheduled for November 14–15, 2020. Beginner Novice through Preliminary competition will be offered.
