The Delaware Valley Horsemen’s Association is hosting Horses in Hunterdon Aug. 4 with demonstrations of driving, dressage, western, hunters and jumpers, along with vendors, crafters and rescues at its showgrounds, 299 Rosemont-Ringoes Road, Stockton (Sergeantsville)..
Admission to the event, which runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is $5 car.
Meet the Ponies, a program designed for young horse lovers from seven to nine years old, is being presented July 28 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. The activity runs from 3:30-5 p.m., and is designed for both riders and non-riders, as well as youth groups, such as the Scouts.
Participants will be hands-on with ponies. Under the guidance of experienced Lord Stirling Stable staff, students will be able to groom a pony, learn what ponies eat and experience the work involved in taking care of a pony. Participants may also take a pony ride.
The fee is $15 per child and $10 for each additional sibling in the same age group. Pre-registration is required online at www.somersetcountyparks.org; by phone at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010; or in person at the Stable office. Payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover is required at time of enrollment.
For additional information, call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
There had been speculation for months that the Rolex Central Park Horse Show would not be held this year, because entrepreneur Mark Bellissimo’s team was busy putting on the World Equestrian Games in the same time frame.
Word finally came that the show isn’t happening this year, with a promise that it will be held Sept. 18-22, 2019, with a 5-star jumper competition. Interestingly, however, the Longines Global Champions Tour has just announced it will be holding its first show in Canada on approximately the same dates (Sept. 19-22) in the Old Port of Montreal. The war of the watches continues… .
The Longines Global Champions Tour specializes in interesting and exotic locales, from oceanside in Miami Beach to the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is also listed on the 2019 FEI calendar with a show at Randall’s Island off Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. The park is a public/private operation that hosts many sporting events, including track meets at Icahn Stadium
The change for Central Park this year was due to competition conflicts in its time frame .The American Gold Cup, which was moved from its usual date earlier in the month to the last weekend in September, is running at the same time as Central Park would have been held. FEI rules would not allow the 5-star Gold Cup to be held during the WEG. And on top of that, the Nations’ Cup final in Barcelona is the next weekend.
The conflicts are “not conducive to our competitors’ schedules or for their horses’ welfare,” Mark explained.
The Central Park show debuted five years ago in the Wollman Rink, putting to rest doubters’ contention that such a competition could not be done. Highlights included jumpers, hunters and Grand Prix dressage, all against the backdrop of soaring skyscrapers. The 2016 show featured an exhibition by Charlotte Dujardin and her multi-gold medal mount, Valegro.
However, last year the show didn’t jibe with the high-level dressage riders’ calendars, so arena eventing was substituted. It has always been multi-discipline, with polo and Arabians among the presentations, along with a family day.
Thinking ahead to next year, Mark said, “With the new CSI 5* rating in 2019, we will attract some of the sport’s most notable athletes, as the Rolex Central Park Horse Show will join the exclusive list of CSI 5* equestrian competitions supported by Rolex.
“Our team is already orchestrating what we plan to be one of the greatest RCPHS experiences, which will bring top athletes from around the globe to compete in front of the world’s most iconic city skyline next fall.”
By Nancy Jaffer
July 14, 2018
It doesn’t really seem as if being held for just eight years qualifies a horse show as a tradition, but the Briarwood Derby Day is an exception to that rule.
Started by N.J. Horse Shows Association President Katie Benson in memory of her husband, Jack, Derby Day is a major fundraiser for the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. Jack was treated at the facility, and the ties have remained strong between the center and Katie, as well as her clients and the Bensons’ friends.
Last week’s Derby Day, held at the Princeton Show Jumping grounds in Skillman, raised $41,806 for its cause. All proceeds, less the cost of running the show, went to the charity. In addition to entry fees, sponsors and donors, money is raised by a jumper class, “Ride for the Pledge,” in which sponsors give as much as they like per jump for the riders they sponsor. Participants have 60 seconds to jump as many fences as they can.
“Derby Day started as a tribute to Jack and his contributions to the industry and how we horse show based on what he taught us,” said Katie.
The late Jack Benson, the inspiration for Briarwood Derby Day.
“We’ve certainly carried that torch along, but now a lot of people who are involved in the competition never met him. They feel the excitement of Derby Day because it’s a specialty horse show. The people who put this together, everybody pulls not at 100 percent, but at 120 percent.”
Sponsors included CWD Sellier; Dover Saddlery, for the first time and Horse Flight, which paid for a golf cart that provided rides from the parking lot to the arenas. The cart was driven by John William Benson Jr., Katie and Jack’s son, who came up from his home in Miami where he works in commercial real estate. The Bensons’ daughter, Elizabeth, was teaching a camp at Auburn University, where she was an NCAA equestrian star, and couldn’t get away.
The family link among the Bensons, Briarwood and those at the show extends beyond blood relations. Brian Livell, who designed the derby courses, has a long history with Briarwood. His grandmother, Shirley Grisewood, was the show secretary for years; his grandfather, Norman, was often the announcer.
“I grew up riding with Jack and Katie,” said Brian, who owns Hunter Hill Farm in Pipersville, Pa., where his wife, Corey Golden, rides and teaches. “So for me,” he noted, “this is a fun special day to be part of. It’s like coming full circle.”
Everyone at the show seems to have some connection with Briarwood. Kelly Matthews of Derby Day sponsor Brown & Brown Insurance, who was helping out with the awards, said the memory of Jack—a family friend—makes the occasion special.
“As a Briarwood family, we are here to help and make it a successful day,” said Melissa Ho of Princeton Junction, who was working the awards booth with Kelly. Melissa didn’t know Jack, but her 13-year-old daughter, Erica Lee, trains with Katie.
The five-ring show drew 250 horses and included several derbies. The feature was the $2,500 Rutgers Landscaping National Hunter Derby, won in come-from-behind style by Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne on the Mecklenburg mare, Carissima W. The class, which drew 52 entries, brought 12 back from the classic round for the handy round.
$2,500 Rutgers Landscaping USHJA National Hunter Derby winner Kianna Luscher and Katie Benson. (Photo© 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Kianna, a 20-year-old Fordham University Law School student, is a regular at hunter derbies with her 13-year-old mare.
“She’s very, very handy. She has a really big step and can turn on a dime, which I think is the fact that she used to be a jumper. I can go in and gallop; she’s easy to find a distance on, very sweet and no spook,” said Kianna, who trains at On Course Riding Academy in Lafayette with Katie Moriarty.
Kianna Luscher and Carissima W on course. (Photo© 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Carissima, her former junior hunter, now competes in the amateur-owner classes. Kianna keeps on her good side by bringing her munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts.
“She’s very food-motivated,” explained Kianna.
Daphne Smith, 10th in the national derby on Right O’Way, left Oley, Pa., at 5 a.m. to get to the show. But it was worth it for her.
“It’s always a fun event to come out here,” said 17-year-old Daphne.
“We always get a big crowd from our barn, Valley Mist Farm. A lot of people do the derby, there’s not a whole lot of derbies that we do, it’s for a good cause. We have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a far drive, but it’s worth it.”
If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your child to horses, Pony Pals could be the ticket.
The program presented by Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable for children and their parents is designed to get children and ponies together, while encouraging child-parent interaction. Pony Pals is scheduled for July 7 at the stable, 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
The program, which runs from 11 a.m.-noon, was created for 2- to 4-year-olds. It features a pony-themed story and a lead line pony ride. The fee is $10 per child/parent pair and $5 for each additional sibling age 2-9 years.
Pre-registration is required online at www.somersetcountyparks.org, by phone at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010, or in person at the Stable office. For additional information, call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.
Take a look at some of the people, horses and scenes from the Mars Essex Horse Trials at Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Relive a fun weekend in these photos taken at the second year of the iconic event’s revival, which enjoyed perfect weather that defied the gloomy forecasts of thunderstorms.
The energetic 17-year-old Sussex County artist Shya Beth is broadening the exposure of her creations. Her work has often been seen at jumper competitions, such as April’s Global Champions Tour stop in Miami Beach. But she reached out to the eventing community by displaying the latest iteration of her Blue Jean Jumper creation at the Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills.
Shya Beth and her newest Blue Jean Jumper at the Mars Essex Horse Trials. (Photo©2018 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Shya has been invited to exhibit at the September FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, N.C. She’ll be showing her five life-size sculptures representing show jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. The interesting twist is that they get signed by athletes and others prominent in the sports they represent.
She’s looking for sponsors to help her Blue Jean Horse Project get to WEG and other shows. Shya also needs blue jeans for her project, and has donation drop-offs at Coach Stop Saddlery, Bedminster; the Centenary University Equestrian Center, Long Valley; Horsemen’s Outlet, Lebanon and Tractor Supply in Sussex, Blairstown and Flanders.
In addition, Shya requires all kinds of tack and a cart of the type used for driving, none of which has to be in usable condition.
Her inclination toward horses and art was inspired by her mother, Mary Beth, a stained glass artist and horsewoman who home-schools her.
It was three years ago that Shya came up with the idea of making life-size horse sculptures, assembled on wooden frames, covered in denim from those donated used blue jeans.
“I think using denim to create these sculptures is not only a unique medium, but also a way that everyone–equestrians or not– can feel connected to this project,” she said.
“Nearly everyone wears jeans, whether they are a pair of NYC designer jeans or a farmer’s old Levi’s. Everyone can feel a connection to this project, which will ultimately help more horses.”
Eventually, the sculptures will be auctioned off after an exhibition. The money will go to equine charities—mustangs are a particular interest of Shya’s, as well as the working donkeys in Third World countries
Citing the abuse of horses around the world, she said, “I want to do as much as I can to help our equines.”
For more information, contact Shya Beth at thebluejeanhorseproject@gmail.com.
Be sure to attend this weekend’s Mars Essex Horse Trials, a special eventing competition at Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Although it’s only in the second year of its re-emergence on the scene, Essex has gained more than 40 entries over its 2017 total, and is drawing some very recognizable names.
Beginner Novice and Training divisions go on Sunday June 24.
The big news is that Essex will be making a huge leap in 2019 by offering an advanced division. It didn’t take long for this special competition to make it to the big time.
Essex runs in conjunction with a car show that has been switched to 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday June 24 (from Saturday). The show includes trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and race cars) contact gusandbuckys@gmail.com.
On June 24, highlights include the Tewksbury Foot Bassets giving an exhibition at 1 p.m.
The Essex Food Court will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., as will the Willow School Kids’ Tent
Essex was a respected fixture in the Somerset Hills and beyond through 1998, after which it disappeared from the calendar. Its return last year in a new location drew big crowds to watch riders over a brand new course on terrain best known as the home of the Far Hills races.
Tickets are available on line here
There’s an advantage to planning ahead. General admission tickets purchased in advance are $15 per person for two-day pass, while at the gate, they cost $20 per day, or $30 for two days. Children 14 and under are admitted free.
By Nancy Jaffer
June 18, 2018
The doors are locked at Beval Saddlery Ltd. in Gladstone, a fixture in the Somerset Hills for 63 years.
Beval Saddlery in Gladstone
Although a paper sign tacked up at the entrance said the store is closed “temporarily,” area equestrians are uncertain of what that means, since the shutdown began at the end of May. In April, the Beval store in New Canaan, Conn., was shuttered. The Beval website is no longer operating. The other Beval outlet, in North Salem, N.Y., remains open, however, and once again can be reached by phone.
The “temporarily closed” sign on the door of Beval’s in Gladstone.
Michael Joyce, Beval’s landlord in Gladstone, said the closure was due to non-payment of rent. He added he has been in email contact with Beval’s owner, Solera Capital LLC, about the company’s hope of reopening.
“I would hate to see them close permanently,” he said.
Solera, a private equity firm, has been in the headlines this month due to financial problems with one of its holdings, Latina Media. Both its co-presidents have resigned, according to an article in the New York Post last week. Another Solera property, Calypso St. Barth’s, went into Chapter 7 bankruptcy last November after vendors claimed they hadn’t been paid. Solera did not respond to phone and email requests for comment about the Beval’s situation
Founded in a garage in 1955 by Bev Walter and Al Merrill (hence the name), Beval Saddlery started off in Bernardsville before moving to what became its longtime home in Gladstone in 1984. Bev had learned to fix leather goods while he was in the armed services, and his equestrian background made the new enterprise a natural. While Beval’s started as a repair business, expansion into sales came fast.
Beval’s was a bold arrival in a time when the business was dominated by Miller Harness Co., H. Kauffman & Sons and M.J. Knoud, all in New York city. Eiser’s, first in Newark and then in Hillside, offered saddlery and equipment closer to home for those in New Jersey.
When Beval’s appeared on the scene, “it was on top of the trends but keeping with tradition,” recalled Sue Benson, who enjoyed visiting the store in the days she was showing, even though it was a bit of a drive from her Long Island home.
Al dropped out early, leaving Bev to implement his innovative concepts. Bev’s wife, Lois, and son, Mark, along with Tom Spinks, were involved in running the company as it expanded and its reputation for quality leather and furnishings grew.
Lois, who is retired in Arizona, remembered a few of the innovations marketed by Beval’s included saddles in tree sizes and stretch breeches. Of Bev, who died in 1993, she noted he was a born entrepreneur, who succeeded with “perseverance and dedication.” His talent played well in an area where opportunities to fox hunt, show and trail ride abounded.
“Maybe we were in the right place at the right time,” mused Lois. She noted that when Beval’s started, many items of tack and equestrian apparel were made overseas and they didn’t always fit U.S. horses and riders to the optimum. Bev visited factories abroad and helped improve fit and quality.
Sue Benson joined Beval’s in the mid-1980s, developing the direct mail business and putting together the company’s first catalogue. Beval’s was synonymous with quality, and people wanted what it provided.
“We started doing gangbusters; the growth was amazing,” said Sue, who now runs an equestrian branding site, somsersetequestriantrading.com.
In addition to the stores in Gladstone, New York and Connecticut, at its peak, Beval’s also had a mobile unit and shops on the HITS showgrounds in Saugerties, N.Y., as well as at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla.
When Sue started her original somersetsportart.com business, Beval was her client until 2007, when a private equity firm bought into the company. Solera became involved in 2012, she said.
Beval’s was an institution in Gladstone, a key player in the equestrian community. It was known for not having sales, with the exception of its once-a-year bargain days in February, when people would line up before the store opened and so many came looking for a bargain that valet parking had to be provided, Sue recalled.
Other highlights Sue mentioned were the big parties, especially the Equus in October fixture held to benefit the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders, now Mane Stream, in Tewksbury.
Beval’s hosted many fundraisers over the years, like this 2016 affair to raise money for Holly Payne’s trip to Burghley. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“We’d clear the space and have a silent auction, band and food,” she recalled.
“It was a great American success story, “ Sue observed about Beval’s.
“It’s where I learned so much of what I still use today. They were a great team and a great brand. They did so many things right. What set them apart from being a little tack store was that they were innovative.”
By Nancy Jaffer
June 5, 2018
He’s a character. He’s been a clown (literally). And now he’s a champion.
Who could ever forget Andy Kocher as a clown in the Washington International Horse Show’s 2016 costume class, where he won the prize for the best outfit. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Andy Kocher, a native of Pennsylvania who grew up attending the Devon Horse Show as a spectator (“I never showed”), rode into the Dixon Oval last weekend to receive the Leading Open Jumper Rider sash as members of the U.S. Olympic and 2014 World Equestrian Games Teams remained on the sidelines along with severa other short-listed competitors for this September’s WEG.
“For me, it’s a little weird. I never thought I’d be leading rider at Devon. It’s my favorite show,” said Andy, a scrappy guy who makes the most of whatever horse happens to come his way and calls things as he sees them. You’ll always get a laugh out of a conversation with him.
He only started showing at Devon two years ago; it took him a while to get into the ring there. “I’m 35 now, so it’s been a long time,” said Andy, who won the second jumper class of the show on MKO Equestrian LLC’s Zantos II. Andy was wearing a riding jacket lacking a top button that was held together with a blanket pin, the same one he had worn when he won the first class of the 2017 show. He’s focused on the game, not how he looks. That’s an afterthought—if it’s a thought at all.
Andy on Zantos in the winner’s circle at the Dixon Oval. (Photo© 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Zantos, 15, was out for a year with a tendon injury. “I nursed him back and turned him out for awhile,” said Andy, whose patience paid off.
The horse is a cribber, but Andy doesn’t hold that against him.
“I don’t think cribbing is a problem,” the rider explained. “He rips his stall doors down but I don’t care. He’s done so much for me, it wouldn’t matter what he does. I wouldn’t sell him–and I sell a lot of horses.”
Previously ridden by Great Britain’s John and Robert Whitaker, Zantos came to Andy through his British friend Paul McTeer. Andy calls him, “the most colorful man you’ve ever met in your life. He would be the most for me, and I’ve met a lot of weird people.”
He has two horses in Europe, where he prepared for his first Longines World Cup finals last spring.
“I couldn’t afford to fly all the horses home,” explained Andy, pointed out that in Europe, “It’s cheaper to show, I meet a lot of new people.”
Of Zantos, Andy said, “We bought him cheap because he’s a runway. He has one gear and if it goes well, he wins. Every time he jumps clear, he’s won a class. But he can get out of hand a lot, too. That’s a problem. He has a lot of classes that don’t go so smooth.”
At Devon, though, Andy pointed out, “He was going to be hard to beat. Someone was going to have to do something ridiculous to get him, y’know?”
Another of his victories came in the 7-year-old jumpers with La Luciole, a mare he rides for a new owner, Erica Hatfield.
Andy on his 7-year-old class winner, La Luciole. (Photo© 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I don’t have many owners. Most of the owners are me,” said Andy, who is number 101 on the world ranking list.
He wasn’t sure how the horse would go in her show ring debut with him. “I was hoping like, `Please jump these jumps’.”
He clinched his Leading Rider title with a victory on Kahlua in the $70,000 Idle Dice Stake on closing night.
“She’s a machine,” Andy said.
Andy and Kahlua. (Photo© 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
“She won two ranking classes in Kentucky and a ranking class in Wellington. Her first grand prix was the World Cup qualifier in Vegas (in January). I jumped her in a 3-star in Wellington and then a 5-star in Miami then New York (the Masters on Long Island). I really threw her to the wolves. She has lots of personality. She has her own way of doing things. Over time, I’ve gotten her to be more agreeable when I need her to be.”
Kahlua also tied for the show’s Open Jumper Championship with Mattias Tromp’s mount, Eyecatcher.
All the recognition in the Dixon Oval was a dream come true for Andy, who at one time would have been happy simply to compete in the grand prix at Devon.
“Now, I’ve gotten to where I want to win a lot of classes,” he said. “You always want to do more.”
