by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 2, 2017
With the prospect of bad weather on Oct. 8, the original date for the Mylestone Equine Rescue Open House in Warren County, organizers decided to hold the event from noon-4 p.m. Oct.15 instead.
This 23-acre farm is dedicated to taking the horses no one else wants; those with medical issues, the elderly, the long-neglected, the unloved. Few get adopted; most spend the rest of their lives at Mylestone, where Susankelly Thompson, her family, part-time staff and dedicated volunteers do their utmost to make life as good as it can be for these animals in need.
For more information,here’s a link: https://nancyjaffer.com/previous_columns/2017-09-28/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 21, 2017
Be warned: Under-age drinking, which has plagued the Far Hills Race Meeting for years, will be the focus of a crackdown by authorities at its 97th running Oct. 21.
In a joint effort, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, the State Police, race organizers, New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Far Hills are working to curb the problem by conducting identification checks of underage individuals suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages on the race grounds.
Those who are not of legal age to consume alcohol will be taken into custody, charged and ultimately released to an adult who is not intoxicated.
The initiative is going to start as soon as racegoers get to Moorland Farm. Any individual entering the event who is visibly intoxicated will be denied entry. Too many people in the past have gotten off the train at Far Hills station already drunk.
All racegoers over the age of 21 will receive a wrist band indicating that they are of legal age to consume alcohol. If an individual is observed consuming alcohol and does not have a wrist band, they will be required to show identification to law enforcement proving they are 21 or over.
If they don’t have it, they will be escorted off the property. Officers will be conducting roving patrols throughout the day to identify those who are highly intoxicated and being disruptive. Anyone found to be causing a disturbance, endangering the safety and welfare of others or otherwise not complying with this initiative, will be escorted from the property.
Noting that law enforcement and the race meeting committee have been concerned about underage drinking, which was highlighted in a newspaper article in 2016, the prosecutor stated, “This year, we are taking a new approach in an effort to curtail the abuse of alcohol by minors and provide a safe atmosphere for all the attendees.”
A crackdown on under-age alcohol consumption at the Far Hills Race Meeting is designed to enforce the law and let people enjoy themselves while watching the horses without disturbances from intoxicated youths. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Race organizer Guy Torsilieri said the latest initiative is the next step in the committee’s ongoing efforts to curb underage and excessive drinking at the annual race meeting, which draws some 35,000 fans annually. In addition to more efforts aimed at barring underage patrons from drinking, this year the committee has partnered with a ride-sharing company and others as part of an overall goal of making the race safe for all visitors.
“In past years, we have made significant strides in curtailing alcohol abuse at our event,” Guy said. “But with underage drinking on the rise, particularly at events that draw significant numbers of college-aged visitors, we are determined to ensure that our event remains a fun, family event to be enjoyed by all.”
Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone welcomed the partnership with law enforcement and race organizers, saying the Far Hills Race Meeting is an asset to the borough.
“It is our goal that by working collaboratively with law enforcement and Far Hills Race Meeting Association, each patron who visits will be offered a safe, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves.”
For more about the race meeting, go to farhillsrace.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 2017
The Essex Foxhounds are trying a new “mock hunt” format for their fall hunter pace Oct. 22. The hounds won’t be involved, as riders follow field masters in three flights. The first flight will go at a forward pace and take all the jumps. Jumping is optional for the second flight, which will go at a steady pace. The third pace will proceed at a gentle pace, but won’t jump.
The competition starts at 11 a.m., but participants who haven’t pre-registered must come at 10 a.m. to register and pay the $50/person fee.
At the post-pace party, ribbons will go to the best horse/rider combos in each flight, with an award for best turned-out overall. “Polite hacking attire” is requested.
The pace will be held at Cedar Lane Farm, 87 Homestead Road, Oldwick (but the GPS is Califon, NJ)
For early entries, go to www.essexfoxnounds.org.
Questions can be answered by Jim Gordon: (908) 337-2546.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 14, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
August 30, 2017
When the applause ends, after the crowds go home, what’s next for a top horse who has retired from eventing?
In the case of Ballynoe Castle RM, better known as Reggie, that question can be answered with one word: Paradise.
Reggie enjoying retirement at Apple Hill Farm with his pint-size companion, Barney. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The lucky 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who was saluted in an emotional retirement ceremony at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star in April, is now comfortably ensconced with his owners, Cassie and Carl Segal, at their picturesque 49-acre Apple Hill Farm in Pottersville.
Reggie, the U.S. Eventing Association’s all-time point earner, deserves his rest. His career, which began with Buck Davidson in 2006, ended last year. Now that’s all behind the sturdy son of Ramiro B. He is not only living a life of leisure in scenic surroundings, it’s a life of pampering as well.
Groomed to a glow every day, Reggie’s bay coat is as shiny as it was when he competed at the biggest three-day events, including the Burghley, Badminton and Rolex 4-stars, as well as two World Equestrian Games. When he’s not enjoying the pasture with its panoramic views; a cornfield, the handsome barn and the Segals’ house, Reggie appreciates variation to his days by hacking on the farm and along the nearby trails under the guidance of his caregiver, Jessica Kiener, who is married to the farm’s property manager, Matt Kiener.
Regie can just sit back and relax at Apple Hill. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Jess, who used to work in the barn at Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, has been a competitive eventer herself, training with Buck. Remember her mount, the Segals’ My Boy Bobby, who is also in retirement at Apple Hill?
Jess won the American Eventing Championships at Intermediate level with him, having started him at training level. A fond memory for the Segals and Jess is the time she won Groton House and led the victory gallop with, as Carl puts it, “all the red coats” of U.S. team veterans following behind her.
A typical day in retirement begins for Reggie at 7 a.m., when he gets three-quarters of a scoop of Ultium to supplement his grass diet, which also includes a little hay at supper time.
Living outdoors suits Reggie, who is turned out with Barney, a spotted pony Jess said is “obsessed” with the pasturemate who towers over him. If the weather is hot, Reggie and Barney can escape the heat in what the Segals call a shed, but which really is part of the barn, with rubber blocks on the floor and automatic insect sprayers to keep the bugs away.
The Segals bought Apple Hill because they wanted some land.
“We had never heard of the sport of eventing. We didn’t know from horses. We thought we’d get a couple of horses and do trail riding,” Cassie said. So much for that.
Reggie in the barn with Jess and Matt Kiener and Cassie and Carl Segal. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
As we chatted after Reggie’s grooming session, the talk naturally turned to recollections about this memorable horse.
“The first time we saw him was at Buck’s farm,” said Cassie, who noted Reggie was purchased sight unseen through Patricia Nicholson in Ireland.
“She called Buck and said, `I’ve got this really special horse I think you’re going to like.’ Buck talked to us and we said, `Okay, we’ll give it a try.’”
Although Reggie had competed up to the preliminary level in Ireland. Buck had never ridden him before the sale.
When the Segals were introduced to Reggie at Buck’s barn, there were no gasps of awe, no predictions of fame.
“He looked like all the other horses Buck has,” Cassie acknowledged, recalling her first impression of the gelding who would become the star of their stable.
Reggie and Buck Davidson on the way to winning the 2015 CCI 3-star at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I don’t think there was anything really special that stood out. He was just a nice event horse. We like the Irish horses a lot.”
Carl remembered, “We saw him compete at Plantation for the first time in 2006 at prelim. He won. There are plenty of horses at prelim who fizzle out and can’t do intermediate or advanced. We didn’t have any expectations of him being an advanced horse.”
So the Segals were just happy at the beginning that he “was beautiful and his disposition was good.” He was also fond of people.
“He’s just the sweetest,” said Cass, who rode him once and called the experience “thrilling.”
Reggie was Buck’s go-to horse, a friend as well as a mount. Buck misses him.
“When Jess and I went down to pick him up at Chesterland, Buck made sure he wasn’t there,” said Cass, noting Buck already has visited Reggie at Apple Hill.
Buck takes a final gallop on Reggie during the Rolex retirement ceremony. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
After Reggie’s retirement ceremony at Rolex, Buck and I talked about the horse, who had made did his final appearance in the dressage arena for the test ride at the 4-star with longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray aboard.
“We’re so proud of the horse, but more, we’re proud of the family and the team that has been behind him since day one,” said Buck.
“We’re as close as can be and we’re all brought together because of Reggie. He loves being part of the action. What a joy to have (him) in the barn for the last 11 years. There’s probably more talented horses out there than Reggie but there will never be another winner like him.
“My life is owed to him. It was a great career and I’m thankful I was actually able to be the one who steered him around. It was a joy every single day.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2017
The National Resource Conservation Service and the Rutgers Extension Service are partnering again in a free program geared to helping horse farm owners learn about environmental management and equine nutrition while enjoying vintages from New Jersey wineries.
Those attending will be told how to obtain funding for projects through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and find out about the latest in environmental research. All that is required from those who would like to attend is an RSVP to michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu or carey.williams@rutgers.edu.
The program runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.Oct. 11 at Hidden Hills Farm, 656 River Road, Hillsborough.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 29, 2017
A number of equine organizations are helping to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit by Hurricane Harvey.
The USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund is working with the Houston SPCA. According to USEF CEO Bill Moroney, “As part of our commitment to the health, welfare, and safety of horses, the USEF disaster relief fund was created to assist horses impacted by devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. The outreach and generosity of the equestrian community to support the ongoing emergency assistance in this and future disasters allows us to provide direct financial assistance to the groups involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.”
Click to donate. For more information, contact Vicki Lowell, vlowell@usef.org
The American Association of Equine Practitioners also is marshaling resources to help out. Donations by mail can be sent to: Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky 40511. Call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. only) or (859) 233-0147.
If you wish to offer assistance with supplies or other resources, please email Keith Kleine at kkleine@aaep.org and you will be contacted with further instructions.
PATH, the therapeutic riding organization, is also helping. For more information, contact kalm@pathintl.org or call 303-452-1212 x 107.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
The most testing of the national equitation championships, the four-part Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, will be held Oct. 7 and 8 in Gladstone at the U.S Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters off Pottersville Road.
There is no admission fee, so it’s a chance to see how some of the country’s best young riders face the challenges offered by the class. It starts at 8 a.m. Oct. 7 with the flat phase, then moves on at 1 p.m. to the gymnastics section, which is an interesting test of horse and rider. At 8 a.m. Oct. 8, all the riders will jump a course that tests their technical ability. At 1 p.m. that day, the top four will jump a shorter course, then switch off to ride each other’s mounts over the same route.
The class, which has 54 riders qualified to compete will be judged by grand prix riders Jimmy Torano and the 1990 winner McLain Ward, who is representing the U.S. in the FEI Nations’ Cup final the weekend before the Talent Search.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
There were days of silence after plans for the world-class dressage competition at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show was cancelled last weekend, but it is being replaced by arena eventing on the Sept. 23 Saturday night of the fixture.
The world’s three top-ranked dressage riders as of August, Isabell Werth of Germany, the USA’s Laura Graves and Carl Hester of Great Britain, where slated to compete at the Wollman Rink in the heart of New York city. But on the heels of the European championships, “recent unforeseen circumstances have impacted several competitors, forcing their withdrawal from the event,” according to a statement from the organizer of the event.
Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton are among those who have signed on for the 8 p.m. arena eventing, which combines show jumping and simulated cross-country at the intermediate/2-star level. It was a big hit in its debut at the Devon Horse Show last May, when the course was designed by Mark Phillips, who will also do the honors in New York. Other riders participating will include Jennie Brannigan, Holly Payne-Caravella and her brother, Doug Payne, as well as two exciting English imports, Burghley winner Oliver Townend and the great William Fox-Pitt. Sara Kozumplik-Murphy, who won at Devon, is also competing.
Meanwhile, the world’s highest-ranked riders in show jumping are set to compete at the show. Kent Farrington, number one in the international standings, and his friend and rival, McLain Ward, number two, will participate Sept. 21 in the evening’s $40,000 speed class, and the night of Sept. 22 in the $216,000 3-star Grand Prix.
A series of hunter classics is featured on the afternoon of Sept. 23, highlighted by the $50,000 Duchossois Cup.
The Central Park competition begins Sept. 20 with an Arabian show. It ends on Sunday, Sept. 24 with exhibitions and free admission
For tickets, go to www.centralparkhorseshow.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
(Don’t forget to check out the New Jersey Activities Schedule at the bottom of the On the Rail column)
The Tewksbury Trail Association’s Trail Pace, which draws more riders than any other such competition in the state, is moving into new territory Sept. 17.
Usually held at Christie Hoffman Farm Park in the township, it instead will start at the Hill & Dale Preserve North at Hill & Dale Road and Parsonage Lot, crossing Hill & Dale three times. The route also is going into the South Preserve and the Cold Brook Preserve, where farmer Scott Clucas has cleaned up the trails. There is a choice of a six- or nine-mile ride, with two divisions, adult and junior.
The ride benefits the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, which has been instrumental in preserving land on Hill & Dale and elsewhere. For more information, go to tewksburytrail@gmail.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 9, 2017
Comparing the first six months of 2016 and 2017, there has been more than a 25 percent reduction in positive doping tests performed by the U.S. Equestrian Federation for the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions.
Is that a result of greater publicity about violations this year and stronger penalty guidelines that were approved more than year ago?
“Some of it very well may be,” said a spokesperson for the organization.
“We certainly hope that US Equestrian’s firm stance on intolerance of these type of violations is being recognized,” she said.
Enhancement of penalty guidelines for abuse and welfare violations were voted on in July, so there is hope that those violations will be reduced as well.
Doing all this costs money, so USEF is increasing its membership fee for the first time in 10 years from $55 to $80. For reference, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s active membership is $85.
The increase “will allow us to address these issues and re-invest back into growing our sport at all levels, not just elite levels,” USEF President Murray Kessler said in a letter to members.
“A primary area of investment will be to bring unrated shows into the US Equestrian family and encourage the return of B- and C-rated shows. Our sport can’t be strong without a strong foundation. We will also continue to invest in education, learning center videos, communication tools, athlete pathways, trainer certification, and the like. Finally, developmental funds will be allocated to help grow the sport across all breeds and disciplines.”
