by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 25, 2017
Fair Hill International has been nominated to be the host of a new 2019 autumn 4-star three-day eventing competition. If approved by the FEI this fall, the competition at the 5,613-acre Natural Resources Area will be the second event at that level in the country, with the Kentucky event (formerly Rolex Kentucky) in the spring at the Kentucky Horse Park (Britain is the only other country with two 4-stars, Badminton and Burghley).
The U.S. Equestrian Federation named Fair Hill as its choice after a months-long selection process that finally was narrowed down to the Maryland site and Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. Fair Hill, where a number of eventing competitions are held during the season, got the nod this week after the state Legislature awarded a $100,000 grant for development.
A concept illustration of what Fair Hill would look like for the 4-star event.
The Fair Hill tract to be developed for the 4-star is on the other side of Gallaher Road from the current site where the October 3- and 2-star competitions are held.
“Fair Hill’s nomination to host this 4-star event in Maryland is a reflection of our rich equestrian tradition and establishes our state as a premier destination for equestrian events and equine activities,” said Gov. Larry Hogan.
“We are proud that numerous private sector organizations, boards, and state and county agencies and elected officials all worked together to get Maryland to this point in the process, and we are extremely optimistic that we will secure final approval.”
Plans also call for improvement of the racetrack area and the work is good news for steeplechase races, the Cecil County Fair and the Scottish Games, all of which are held there. The location of the former DuPont estate is geared toward drawing spectators from a wide area. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and less than a half-mile west of Delaware.
What remains to be seen is how things will work out for the designation of the fall event, if the FEI approves proposed changes to the rating system for eventing, which would add a 5-star and make revisions down through the levels.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 25, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
July 25, 2017
When she’s competing in the Novice or Training divisions, Marilyn Payne is far from being just another lower-level eventer.
The Tewksbury resident is unique in many ways, not least because she is an internationally known official, having served as president of the eventing ground jury at last year’s Rio Olympics, among her many other impressive credentials in the sport. Although she stopped eventing in 2001, she picked it up again six years later at an age when many riders contemplate retirement—if they haven’t already bowed out.
Marilyn Payne and Double Entendre competing at the Mars Essex Horse Trials this summer. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Now 68 and soon to be a grandmother, Marilyn continues her participation in a discipline that is demanding in many ways, with cross-country a challenge that can often daunt riders who are far younger.
Marilyn had event horses early in her career, at one point riding as high as the intermediate level, but sold them after she and her husband, Richard, decided to start a family. She remains involved in the sport through their business, Applewood Farm, where she has bred, trained and competed horses that were eventually sold.
Marilyn Payne is always looking toward the next fence. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“I really hoped that some day I would be able to keep a horse once it had been trained,” she said. Her decision to resume competing in the sport she loved came when she was driving home from an event with her children, Doug and Holly, both 4-star veterans. As they laughed and talked about their fantastic day, she came up with a plan.
“I was jealous of hearing about all the fun they had at these events. I decided that I had to get my own event horse and join them,” she said.
The mount she bought in 2007 was Safe Harbor, a sale horse that came from Doug, christened after the name of a retirement plan suggested by her sister, an investment broker.
Marilyn competed the mare from Beginner Novice up, through Training, doing the eventing championships and the Waredaca classic three-day event. When Safe Harbor hit 20, Marilyn started all over again in the spring of 2016 when she got Double Entendre, a horse that was being ridden by Doug’s wife, Jessica. Marilyn competed the young German-bred gelding, who has impressive Galoubet and Donnerhall bloodlines, at Novice in the Essex Horse Trials during June and is planning on moving him up to Training, contemplating Waredaca again next year when the horse will be seven.
Riding cross-country is still a thrill for Marilyn Payne. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I just want to take him as far as I can,” she said.
Although she comments, “I don’t compete to win,” the Payne family is notoriously competitive. Marilyn recounted that at one event, she, Doug and Holly all got the same dressage score, but since her cross-country clocking was closest to the ideal time, she was happy to finish ahead of them in the standings.
“It was great. I didn’t care if I beat anybody else,” she said with a chuckle.
“We have a great time. You want everybody to do well, but you just want to do that little bit more so you can say, `Ha! Here I am an old lady, and I’m still beating these kids.”
To some extent, she has a greater appreciation for her riding than she did when she was younger.
“I enjoy it more because I know more. I wish what I know now, I knew then. I’d like to get some of the horses back I rode earlier and see what I could do with them,” she commented.
Sally Ike, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s managing director of licensed officials, has known Marilyn since they both were district commissioners of their respective Pony Clubs; Sally at Somerset Hills and Marilyn at Spring Valley in New Vernon, where she used to live.
“I have so much admiration for her. Here she is, someone who has done so well as an FEI eventing official and is so well-respected, but she still loves the sport so much that she rides horses at Training Level,” Sally commented.
“She’s totally without ego,” observed Sally. “Somebody who has an ego wouldn’t want to put themselves in that position. Someone who has judged at the Olympic Games–a lot of people like that wouldn’t want to expose themselves to what others may perceive as their weaknesses. She does what she loves to do. High five.”
“It’s all about staying active,” added Sally. “Are you too old? Not if you stayed active. Carry on.”
Although Marilyn doesn’t ride as much as she’d like to because of her judging duties, she tries to keep fit between rides with other sports, including swimming, jogging and tennis when possible.
Marilyn with Martin Plewa and Christian Landolt, the eventing ground jury at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m always challenging myself,” she said.
Marilyn notes a plus to her equestrian participation is the fact, “The riders really appreciate that I still compete. They think it’s great. Other officials think it’s kind of cool,” she continued, while adding, “There’s probably people who think I’m crazy because I’m older.”
Well aware of the sport’s risks, Marilyn doesn’t go at it the way she might have a few decades ago.
“I’m much more sensible and careful. I don’t want to fall off,” she emphasized.”
“I’m not going to ride some of the difficult horses that I rode when I was younger. I want something safe. But on the horses I ride, I’m not nervous at all. I trust them because I brought them along. There’s really no fear there, it’s such a low level it’s not like I’m out there doing Rolex,” she said, referring to the Kentucky 4-star.
Plenty of assistance is always available. She goes to dressage clinics and Holly and Doug help with her jumping. In a quid pro quo, she helps them with their dressage if the whole family is at an event, and all of them can look at each other’s videos.
Marilyn Payne and her husband, Richard, with their son Doug and daughter Holly Payne Caravella. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Her children enjoy her involvement.
“I think it’s great,” said Doug who recently got a grant to compete at Great Britain’s Blenheim event.
“She got into this because she loved it. Safe Harbor was a perfect partner for her because she rode infrequently since she was judging so much, and the horse had a wonderful attitude.
“On the officiating side, it gives a much better perspective because it’s maybe not the top level, but she’s still in it. The moment you stop riding and only are officiating, it’s hard to stay cognizant of the questions being asked and how they will affect you,” said Doug. He noted another older high-profile official, Tokyo Olympics 2020 course designer Derek di Grazia, also tries to keep his hand in and won the 2-star at Rebecca Farm in Montana last week..
The riders appreciate having a senior official are out there with them.
His mother, Doug noted, “probably has one of the larger cheering sections when she’s out competing. My perception (of other riders) is that they all have the same respect that I do,
“It’s a lot of fun for us, too, when we’re able to compete at the same place. I’m pretty confident in her ability. She does a good job. She’s not going to push it beyond where she’s comfortable.”
Asked how he feels if she beats him in an event, he responded, “I guess you never like losing. But if you’re going to lose to somebody, that’s the first person I’d pick to lose to.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 23, 2017
The Eventing Riders Association of North America is accepting applications for the newly created part-time position of executive director. The position involves overall operational and administrative responsibility for ERAofNA membership programs, sponsorship development, communications, marketing & public relations, financial management and governance coordination.
The executive director will work closely with the organization’s president, executive committee, and board to execute the “mission of assimilating and leveraging the collective voice of North America’s riders, equine professionals, and owners in pursuit of enhancing and growing the sport of eventing in North America.”
A full job description can be found here. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Shannon Lilley at SPLilley43@gmail.com by Aug. 15. Learn more about ERAofNA here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 12, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
July 12, 2017
How many horse owners do you know who have left New Jersey for good over the past few years? What about trainers and managers who have shut down their barns? Judging from my experience, your answer probably is “Lots.”
But trainer Mark Leone isn’t among them. Instead, more than $200,000 recently has been put into refurbishing his family’s Ri-Arm Farm in Oakland, Bergen County, where he plans to remain.
The red barn at Ri-Arm Farm. (Photo by Eileen Hillock)
“Did I ever think about moving out of state?” Mark asked in response to a question, before answering with a definite “Never.”
“I love the Northeast. I love the change of seasons.”
He finds the location conducive to enabling competition horses can take a break occasionally with their shoes pulled. Mark also likes the fact that the major show season in the region has both an end and a beginning.
After a barn re-do and new footing for the outdoor ring, among other improvements at Ri-Arm, he’s especially busy not only with his training duties, but also with equestrian governance. Mark is the new president of the North American Riders Group (NARG), and chairs the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Zone II committee (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania).
Ri-Arm, named after his late parents. Drs. Rita and Armand Leone, started about 47 years ago breeding Welsh ponies when the couple’s three sons were just beginning their riding careers. It evolved along with the boys as they rose to the top level of show jumping.
Densely populated Bergen isn’t a horsey county like Monmouth or Hunterdon, but it got a spot on the equestrian map because of Mark and his older brothers, Olympic show jumping medalist Peter Leone and Armand Leone, who played a key role in formation of the U.S. Equestrian Federation. The trio even made up their own Nations’ Cup team years ago, an equestrian version of the three musketeers.
The brothers, Armand, Peter and Mark, during their “Team Leone” days.
Along the way, Mark won the AHSA Medal Finals and then made his debut with the U.S. Equestrian Team while still a teenager. Peter, who works out of a farm in Westchester County, N.Y., went to the Atlanta Olympics. Armand, a lawyer who is also a physician, and his wife, Alison, both ride at Ri-Arm, along with their son, David, and Mark’s children, Mark, 14, and James, 10.
“My boys are competing now, what a thrill,” said Mark.
His wife, Jane, also plays a key role at Ri-Arm, a compact but effective 17-acre facility, with an indoor ring and turnout as well as a Contagious Equine Metritis quarantine facility for imported mares.
“We still have the family togetherness. The horses were that phenomenal glue and chemistry that kept us connected in a great way,” he observed.
“My mom and dad gave us the opportunity, the facilities, the sport. Ri-Arm Farm, we’re proud of it. The policy was, `You can achieve more together than you can alone.’ ”
The brothers were indoctrinated into horsemanship and horse-keeping by their first instructor, the late Sullivan (Dave) Davis, who could train any breed or discipline. He taught them how to break in a horse and bring it along while picking up various aspects of care that are vital to a successful stable.
“We were so lucky growing up with Dave and learning the things we did as horsemen,” said Mark, noting the insights continued subsequently while training with George Morris and getting help from other big names in the sport. That included the late Frank Chapot, who helped design Ri-Arm’s grass ring and its natural fences. Frank, like George, was a former U.S. show jumping coach.
“We learned from great horsemen,” Mark observed.
His priorities these days, at age 55, are his business and his family, rather than his own riding.
“I love coaching, I love doing clinics,” he said.
At some point, though, Mark commented, “I hope to return to the grand prix ring before I get too old. But right now, there are too many other things going on. The sport now is better than ever. If you want to play at the top level, you need to commit. You can’t afford not to be training, training, training. You have to be realistic about what you chew off.”
Mark when he was competing in grands prix on Artos.
And in the governance area, that’s a lot for Mark. NARG took a hiatus for about a year after achieving its goals, including getting representation at the national level (former board member Murray Kessler this year became president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation) and the USEF current board is well-populated with the kind of people NARG feels should be involved in the sport. It also helped achieve improvement in shows with a well-received rating system that analyzed the pluses and shortcoming of the major shows on the continent.
But NARG, which proved so influential, has gotten back in the action with a voice in major issues. Mark wants the organization to be selective, though.
“When NARG first started, it was all things to all people. Now we’ve narrowed the scope of what NARG really is involved with. We’re really a reactive group now. We take positions on issues that are brought to our attention.”
NARG, allied with the International Jumping Riders Club, is looking at questions such as how riders get invitations to top shows. It’s also prepping to rate shows again, rating course designers and raising funds for its projects, along with campaigning for even more 4- and 5-star shows in North America.
NARG also is interested in seeing a national show jumping championship return.
“We’d like to bring that back to the forefront in terms of showcasing our riders. I feel like we have at least some contacts and connection with the federation; that we’re a part of some issues and processes as we go forward,” Mark commented.
“There’s got to be a way that some of our young national riders get to go against some of the top international riders; learn the sport, get involved,” he said in reference to a national championship
He noted, “The message for so long was, `leave America if you want to get better.’ Now we’re running more CSIs, international events. That’s made a big difference.”
In Zone II, one of his concerns is leading the way in saving the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The competition used to be in a single location for all its disciplines and had great spirit, but now it has split venues and frankly lost its cachet. He notes it’s difficult to get trainers and riders who are flying off to Europe or Spruce Meadows to participate in the NAJYRC show jumping, in which Zone II had a great record of success.
Mark in his own days as a junior with George Morris after winning the AHSA Medal finals.
USEF is also working on seeking an improvement of the NAJYRC program through a subcommittee. As Mark notes, NAJYRC was historically a great steppingstone, with winners in the past such as McLain Ward and Georgina Bloomberg who went on to grand prix success.
“Zone II is a very visible zone with membership, finances and we ourselves are struggling with this,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, he said Zone II’s main mission is to “give back to our membership” with initiatives such as children’s and adult championships. A low junior/amateur championship and a high junior/amateur championship have been added to the schedule of competitions. Clinics, the Emerging Athlete Program and forums (which he pointed out could be better-attended by members) are other focal points for the zone.
The gems of Zone II are the Devon, Pa., Fall Classic for jumpers and the hunter championships in Harrisburg, Pa., following the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
“As long as people feel we’re working for them,” Mark said, “that’s what this is all about, “giving back and keeping an eye on what’s good for our zone.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 4, 2017
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is seeking a Team Performance Director (previously Technical Advisor) “who will lead eventing in the U.S. to sustained success at World and Olympic Games level.
The title for the position is up for discussion as the process moves forward. The spot opened up when former USEF President David O’Connor, who had held it since 2012, resigned earlier this year.
Although the term of service is likely to run through the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, other terms may be considered.
Want to apply? As part of the interview process, present a draft plan and vision for the team’s sustainable international success, including World and Olympic Games level. Applicants are expected to have an understanding of the needs of athletes involved in elite and development programs and must have the skills and abilities essential to leading and motivating the athletes and their support teams.
An understanding of equestrian sport in the U.S. and eventing in particular is preferable.
Work will involve the development of the Eventing Pathway, programs and systems that support a comprehensive plan for sustainable international success, including the World and Olympic Games level.
Other criteria include, as one would expect, providing leadership, direction and motivation to participants in the Eventing High Performance Program–especially athletes in contention for selection to any senior U.S. Eventing Teams through Tokyo 2020.
The person selected would carry out the role of, or lead on the appointment of, the chef d’dquipe at the Olympic, World Equestrian and Pan American Games and other Nations’ Cups.
There’s lots more involved, so if you’re feeling ambitious, look at the request for proposal https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/syk7LTxxVNw/us-eventing-team-performance-director.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 1, 2017
The Liberty Network’s all side-saddle show is scheduled for July 22 and 23 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation’s Gladstone headquarters. It’s a good opportunity to learn about this graceful aspect of the sport, as practitioners are always glad to share their knowledge.
The feature will be the Zone 2 finals of the division. To learn more, get in touch with Dede Parisi (732) 363-3759.
Prior to the show, a side-saddle camp will be held July 18-21. Contact
Shelly Liggett at (908) 334-9334 for information.
It’s always a treat to watch someone ride side-saddle. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 1, 2017
The Rutgers Equine Science Center will have its summer showcase from 10 a.m.-noon on July 12 at the Red Barn on College Farm Road in New Brunswick. In addition to an equine treadmill exhibition, there will be activities for kids, an equine version of Jeopardy and an equine anatomy lesson.
Register at https://goo.gl/cx7lUt. For more information, contact Kyle Hartman at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, 848-932-9419
kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu .
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 1, 2017
The Amwell Valley Hounds will host a foxhunting clinic at their kennels on 290 Rileyville Road, East Amwell at 8 a.m. July 22 for those interested in learning more about riding to hounds. It’s a chance not only to ride with the hounds (jumping is optional), but also to meet the masters, staff and members.
The fee is $50 for adults and $30 for juniors and hunt members. Pre-registration is required; download forms at www.avhounds.org or for more information, contact avh.secretary@gmail.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 1, 2017
Entries close July 15 for the July 22-23 Applewood Farm cross-country clinic in Califon with Olympic eventing judge Marilyn Payne. And it’s for dressage riders as well as eventers!
This clinic will include a variety of obstacles, including banks, ditches, logs, water and other obstacles appropriate for each level. Groups of no more than six riders of similar experience will ride at levels ranging from Starter through Training.
A special group for dressage riders will consist of cavalletti only, and include such questions as bending lines, riding up and down gentle grades, lengthening and shortening stride and a shallow water crossing.
The fee is $100 per horse per session. Click the following link to access the entry form: 2017 Summer XC Entry Form
For more information, go to www.marilynpayne.com or contact Holly Cornell at hollywc@comcast.net or 732-208-8715
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 29, 2017
Several New Jersey riders were winners at the National Dressage Pony Cup Championshipin Lexington, Ky., which drew entries from 26 states.
Ana DiGironimo’s faith in her Arabian mare Ana Mariah C, paid off with a victory for their The Wizard of Oz-themed Third Level freestyle (66.83percent) at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“When I first saw ‘AM’ in a field, I could see that she was beautiful but was told that she was so bad that no one could ride her,” explained Ana, who owns DQ Performance Horses in Turnersville, N.J.
“I said, ‘I’ll ride her!’ They were right – she was really naughty – but we had a connection from the start, and so it began. I think there are many exciting things ahead for us.”
Lauren Chumley of Pittstown, a regular at the Pony Cup since 2010, was the only competitor to break 70 percent in the Third Level Open division on Friday as she won with Melissa Dowling’s German Riding Pony, Nikolas (70.25 percent). The pair then returned for Fourth Level and once again topped the leaderboard, earning 66.80 percent.
Nikolas, last year’s First and Second Level Open champion, took championships Saturday in both the Third Level Open (69.42 percent) and Fourth Level Open divisions (67.40 percent).
“We haven’t shown him in dressage since Florida, but instead got him qualified for this year’s American Eventing Championships (AECs) at the Novice level,” said Lauren.
“He’s quite the scopey jumper. This was the first time he’s done a Fourth Level test, but he’s just so naturally talented and rideable that it comes easily for him.”
She observed that Fourth Level Test 3 is challenging, but “he went in there and gave me what was perhaps the best Fourth Level test I’ve ever had. He’s just such a cool pony who just rolls with whatever we throw at him.”
Meanwhile, Jessie Hayes of Baptistown rode Lauren’s Fjord mare, FMF Liesl, to the best two-day average score of 67.798% to claim overall Pony Cup championship honors at Training Level.
Ana Digironimo and Ana Mariah C performing their winning freestyle at the Pony Dressage Championship. (Photo by Yellow Horse Marketing)
