by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 9, 2019
HITS, Inc. and CEO Thomas Struzzieri announced today that the Thermal, Calif. series of horse shows and the winter circuit in Arizona have been sold so the organization can concentrate on its Ocala showgrounds in the winter.
The California series founded in 1992, fills more than 3,000 stalls in any week, and offers the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix as its feature.
“The timing of this sale is perfect for both HITS and myself. My team and I have successfully shepherded this product from just an idea to one of the largest horse show franchises in the world,” said Tom Struzzieri.
The show series were sold to a group headed by Steve Hankin, president and CEO of the Desert International Horse Park, where the Thermal series is held.
“Three ingredients made this the perfect recipe for a sale,” said Tom.
“One, it allows me to travel a bit less and spend more time with my fantastic family. Two, this allows HITS to concentrate fully in the winter on the very important HITS Ocala Circuit.” The Ocala Circuit is the oldest program in the HITS collection of shows and its facilities are also the largest, spanning 450 acres.
Tom said the sale will allow him to devote significant financial and staffing resources toward ensuring that the Ocala facility remains an essential winter hunter-jumper destination. He added his clients will now see even greater innovation at the Ocala facility.
“The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix remains the crown jewel of prize money on the East Coast and I am confident that it will only grow because of this sale,” said Tom.
The third reason for the sale, according to Tom, is his certainty that the shows in Thermal are in good hands.
“This partner group, led by Steve Hankin, is committed to continuing to offer quality events in the desert in California. They have plans to continue to improve both the property and the event to ensure a great experience for all the existing and new customers.”
Asa result of the sale, Tom will do the same in Ocala, dedicating enormous resources to his own facility.
Ocala, in central Florida, is getting to be an ever-more popular show destination. Chester Weber offers a Longines FEI World Cup qualifier at his March Live Oak show there, and the new World Equestrian Center will begin offering shows in 2021 when construction is finished at its site.
Steve Hankin noted, “The Thermal and Arizona winter circuits are centerpieces of the show schedule on the West Coast, and we look forward to building on the strong success Tom has created. Tom and his team have been incredibly supportive of efforts throughout this process. We have an enthusiastic group of California equestrians committed to supporting the sport going forward and will be announcing more about our plans soon.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 8, 2019
The announcement Monday of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s lifetime ban against 81-year-old former U.S. show jumping Coach George Morris triggered immediate outrage from top show jumpers and a host of others in the horse industry.
George Morris has been a popular clinician over the years, known for demonstrating techniques on a student’s horse. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
During the days that followed, however, the focus turned to what many perceived as the inequities of SafeSport itself and the way it handles such cases. The entry on the SafeSport website for George, whose offense was listed as “sexual misconduct involving (a) minor” shows a highlighted penalty that reads, “permanently ineligible.” Yet the page also includes a notation: “subject to appeal/not yet final” which leads to the question of how someone already could be banned rather than suspended while waiting for the outcome of an appeal.
The center reacted to comments—many of them angry–from some of the thousands of people who have visited the new “I Stand with George” Facebook page that sprang up after news of Morris’s penalty.
“The culture of sports must shift to one that makes athlete well-being its top priority,” responded SafeSport spokesman Dan Hill. Asked about changes that can be made to the SafeSport Code, he noted it is on its third revision.
Morris had issued a statement, saying he is “deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972.
George Morris was a familiar face in the world’s most famous equestrian stadiums during his time as U.S. show jumping technical advisor. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful.”
Former U.S. dressage technical advisor Robert Dover said the Safe Sport process is what he is “deeply concerned about and feel is in need of desperate change,” a sentiment echoed by many on Facebook.
Packy McGaughan, a lawyer and former eventing team member, has commented often on SafeSport.
“The problems we have with SafeSport do not turn on our belief that Mr. Morris is or is not guilty. Our discomfort comes from SS ability and willingness to burn someone at the stake using a process that is flawed and that cannot be reviewed by the people subject to it. This, to be blunt, is un-American and will only work to undermine SafeSport’s activities. Indeed, I think it already has.
While some have questioned why the actions of SafeSport have not been taken to court (always an expensive process), being associated with the negative side of “#Me Too” is unlikely to get many contributors.
“There is an enormous outcry for reform of this seriously flawed system as can be viewed minute by minute on social networks. Perhaps if we all get behind George both morally and financially, we together with George can make a change in this system,” said Bernie Traurig, who competed in the jumper, dressage and eventing ranks during a long and successful career.
While noting, “I applaud the efforts of all to protect our children from sexual abuse as well as any other abuse associated with imbalances of power,” he announced on Facebook that he is relinquishing his memberships in the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and California Professional Horseman’s Association, all of which are under the SafeSport umbrella.
He noted that he is a member in good standing of the organizations, emphasizing, “I have committed no offenses of any kind, neither current or past, that would fall under the jurisdiction of Safe Sport.”
Bernie, who runs equestriancoach.com, continued, “Having said that, the issue is, and this goes for all members, anyone can make a false accusation and I/we are not protected to defend ourselves by due process. Currently, our federation cannot protect us from false accusations. If an accusation is believed by SafeSport, we go on that list immediately. As you know, there is a tremendous outcry to reform SafeSport from many, many people and other organizations. I believe and hope that one day it will be reformed and can gain the support from all for the great cause it represents.”
SafeSport does have a mission to fulfill in protecting those who are abused or bullied, and there is concern that victims may be blamed when someone is accused by SafeSport.
As SafeSport’s Dan Hill commented, “We are troubled by many of the responses to this matter which is why we remind all participants that abuse in any form, including bullying, especially of claimants/victims is not tolerated.”
In line with that, a posting on dressage rider Lauren Kanarek’s Facebook page of last Friday states: “I’m being bullied by a 6-3 man. Bullied to the point I’m afraid. It’s very complicated–I’m not sure of what I can say here—but it seems as if SafeSport was created for exactly that reason.”
Six days later, the rider who wrote the posting was shot twice in the chest during a dispute at dressage trainer Michael Barisone’s farm in Washington Township (Morris County) New Jersey. She was taken to Morristown Medical Center, where she originally had been listed in critical condition.
Michael Barisone in 2009 at his farm, where the shooting took place. (Photo© by Nancy Jaffer)
The Morris County Prosecutor’s office said Barisone, the alternate for the 2008 Olympic dressage team, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, which are crimes of the first degree, and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, crimes of the second degree. The weapon was a handgun.
Barisone is in the Morris County Jail in Morristown and the the victim’s condition was upgraded to stable. The victim’s fiancee suffered a broken wrist and Barisone also was injured in the scuffle. He was hospitalized before being transferred to the jail. Barisone faces a pre-trial detention hearing on Wednesday.
Barisone has been absent from the show ring for nearly three years. His last FEI (international) victory was in 2014, when he won the Grand Prix Special on Ellegria in Saugerties, N.Y. In 2016, he trained Allison Brock on Rosevelt at the Rio Olympics, where she was part of the bronze medal team coached by U.S. Technical Advvisor Robert Dover.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2019
The New Jersey Farm Bureau is presenting an Equine Town Hall Event Aug. 15 at the Gloucester County Dream Park, 400 Route 130 in Swedesboro. This is the South Jersey version of last year’s meeting in Chester, Morris County.
Topics will include the Right to Farm for Equine/Agriculture, Legislative and Regulatory matters for the equine industry; pasture management, presented by Rutgers University’s Carey Williams and Dr. Ernest Beier on equine health.
The meeting is billed as “an evening of networking and informative presentations focused on maximizing the viability and mutual success of the equine and agricultural industries.” Arrival and networking run from 6:30-7 p.m., with presentations from 7-8:30 p.m. There is no admission charge and light refreshments will be offered.
RSVP to 609-393-7163 or Melissaw@njfb.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 5, 2019
The Monmouth County Hunt is offering a Hunt Clinic on Sunday, Sept, 15 at 8 a.m. This is an opportunity to get out riding cross-country and find out about a new sport. The hounds will be hunting, and this is a great time for horses not accustomed to hunting to be introduced gently. All jumps have go-arounds. The clinic price of $50 per rider include brunch.
RSVP to monmouthcountyhunt@gmail.com. For questions, call Jen Donaldson at (732) 915-0492.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 5, 2019
George Morris, the world’s most famous show jumping trainer, is in the process of disputing a lifetime ban by the U.S. Center for SafeSport on charges of violating the SafeSport Code between 1968 and 1972.
Based for years at Hunterdon Inc. in Pittstown, the 81-year-old former technical advisor for the U.S. show jumping team said in a statement today, “I contest these findings wholeheartedly and am in the process of disputing them.”
The decision, relating to charges of “sexual misconduct involving minor” is subject to appeal and not yet final.
Morris, an Olympic silver medalist and popular clinician, is “deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972.”
Now a Florida resident, he said, “I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful.”
According to the U.S. Equestrian Federation, “The Center investigated the allegations against Morris, found them credible, issued their ruling, and banned Morris for life. US Equestrian and its affiliates will enforce this ban, which is subject to appeal.” Morris is listed as “permanently ineligible” on SafeSport’s disciplinary database.
The appeal process involves requesting a hearing within five days of the notice of decision. It generally takes 45 days to develop after that. Any hearing would be in front of an independent arbiter.
Morris maintained, “I share our community’s commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our athletes who need reliable guidance and encouragement at every level, of which I have provided for over 50 years. I will continue, as I always have, to proudly support equestrianism and its continued development around the world.”
Ironically, a memorial service was held today for Rob Gage, the California show jumping trainer and course designer who took his life earlier this year as he awaited an appeal on SafeSport accusations.
The federation noted that since 2013, it “has had policies and procedures in place to protect and educate our members about safe sport. We want every athlete, parent, coach, support staff, and trainer to know, if you are a survivor of abuse or suspect abuse of any kind, there are resources and people to help at usef.org/safesport.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2019
Boyd Martin spent a lot of time kicking himself for a cross-country refusal at a boat jump in the water during the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, where the U.S. team failed to qualify for a slot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
But he more than made up for it this weekend at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, with the same horse, Tsetserleg, nearly a year wiser and more in tune with his rider. There was another boat jump at another water this time around, but the two were totally unfazed at that reminder.
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg at the boat obstacle on cross-country in Lima. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
Boyd led the U.S. to its third straight team eventing Pan Am gold and its 10th overall, qualifying the U.S. for a berth in Tokyo, and took individual gold for himself.
He was followed closely by Lynn Symansky on RF Cool Play, who earned individual silver. They were the only two in the competition who had no jumping or time faults on Jose Ortelli’s demanding cross-country course, and thus the only two to finish on their dressage scores.
Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
With Tokyo in its sights, a lot was expected of the U.S. team.
“We came here and we were under the gun a bit, but we all stepped up and tried our hardest,” said Boyd, who moved up from second place after dressage.
“We’ve got good horses, great riders, the best coach in the world, great farriers, brilliant vets….there was no stone left unturned. Now we have to keep up the momentum, using every day we’ve got until Tokyo to keep improving… and then we’ll find out on the day, because competition is competition.”
Like Boyd, Lynn, who rode Donner at the 2018 WEG, felt redeemed.
Understandably, “We’re much happier with our performances here this weekend,” is how she put it.
It was a strong team, with each rider contributing shining efforts.
The U.S. gold medal Pan Am event team: Tamie Smith, Doug Payne, Boyd Martin, Lynn Symansky, coach Erik Duvander. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
Doug Payne finished just off the podium in fourth place on Starr Witness in his first international championships. Tamie Smith, who led after dressage with Mai Baum, had an uncharacteristic refusal on cross-country and then crossed her line at a fence later in the course, an error that also carries 20 penalties. Like her teammates, she was fault-free today over a show jumping route designed by Guilherme Jorge, who also laid out the demanding grand prix show jumping course at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Having all four U.S. riders go clean in show jumping was a big plus, because that phase too often been the team’s downfall.
Lima was the last chance for Western Hemisphere teams to qualify for Tokyo, with only the top two making the cut. Finishing second to the U.S. total of 91.2 penalties was Brazil on 122.1, as Carlos Parro took the individual bronze aboard Quaikin Qurious. The Brazilians lost the 2015 individual bronze medalist, Ruy Fonseca, when he was involved in a rotational fall cross-country with Ballypatrick Srs. The horse was fine, but Ruy broke a leg and several ribs.
Canada missed the boat for Tokyo with a third-place finish on 183.7 penalties.
Those who attended the Jersey Fresh International event at the Horse Park of New Jersey in May saw both Doug and Lynn on their Pan Am horses in the 3-star Long, the equivalent of the Pan Am test. If you’re still thinking in terms of 2018 and before, that used to be the 2-star. Doug—who grew up in Tewksbury and rode with the Somerset Hills Pony Club–won that one, while Lynn was second.
Doug Payne and Starr Witness in Lima. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
A big part of the winning U.S. formula was team coach Erik Duvander, who competed for his native Sweden and oversaw the New Zealand squad before coming to the U.S. He was at a real disadvantage with the WEG last year, since he’d only been on the job about 10 months before those Games began.
That was hardly enough time to get things spinning the way he envisioned them. But as was the case with Boyd, another 10 or so months made a big difference, with everything and everyone pointing in the right direction.
When I congratulated him this afternoon, Erik stated, “I have a great team of riders and support staff that deserves all the credit.” No, not all the credit Erik; you deserve your share of the applause; I’ve seen how hard you work. And I will never forget how gracious and graceful he was at the WEG when things didn’t go the USA’s way.
In summing up the USA’s achievement, Boyd, too, expressed gratitude for all the support the team received from so many quarters, “It’s so much work–we get to wear the fancy medal, but really it’s a massive effort from a lot of people.”
The format for Lima involved the traditional number of four riders per team, with a drop score allowed. The Olympics, which will be run at a higher level, only allows three riders under a new formula for the Games that is supposed to make things easier for spectators to understand (ha!) and enable more countries to participate. But while the three/no drop score works for Grand Prix dressage and perhaps in many instances for Grand Prix show jumping, the difficulties of cross-country have made many question the wisdom of not having a drop score for eventing and instead allowing a complicated system of substitutions with attendant penalties.
The loss of Brazil’s most experienced rider, Ruy Fonseca this time around, worked out for that team only because they had three others who could continue. Besides the top three countries, only two other nations, Mexico and Argentina, finished the event as a team. That portends much the same end in Tokyo for less powerful nations in the sport.
Caption for feature photo at the top of the page: The Brazilian, U.S. and Canadian teams on the podium at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. (Photo credit: FEI/Daniel Apuy/Getty Images)
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 26, 2019
The Tewksbury Trail Pace, one of the most popular paces in the state, is returning this year for its silver anniversary. It will be held Sept. 15 at the Hill & Dale Preserve to benefit the NJ Conversation Foundation.
Last year, the pace took a break and a pleasre ride was held instead. But the 25th promises to be as good as previous editions of this competition.
The foundation and the TTA continue their efforts to develop the Ten-Mile Trail. Once completed, the Ten-Mile Trail will form a cohesive greenway throughout northern Tewksbury, which will connect the following preserves:
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Tewksbury’s Hell Mountain
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NJCF’s Hill & Dale Preserve
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Hunterdon County’s Cold Brook Preserve
The Ten-Mile Trail traverses some of the most spectacular areas and natural preserves the township has to offer! Significant work is still needed to secure some of the key pieces to form a continuous Trail.
To highlight the beauty of the trail, the TTA’s annual pace will incorporate several miles already acquired for the project.
The pace offers adult and junior short (6 miles) and long (9 mile) divisions. The fee is $45 for TTA members and $55 for non-members.
The action runs from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the corner of Hill & Dale Road and Parsonage Lot Road. Helmets and Coggins tests are required. Participants are asked to bring water for their horses.
Go to www.tta-nj.org for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 26, 2019
The year’s first reported New Jersey case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness, was found in a mare vaccinated against the disease in April. The mare, who was about 12 years old, was euthanized this week.
“Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”
Unfortunately, that was not the situation with the mare in this case. EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile virus infection. West Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses’ neurological system. The disease is transmitted by a mosquito bite. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
In 2018, New Jersey had five cases of EEE and one case of West Nile.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 25, 2019
The terms “relaxed” and “horse show” would seem contradictory, but they meshed well in this week’s Summer Days dressage competition at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone. Presented by the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, it had something for everyone, from Grand Prix down to Training Level.
After the weekend heatwave broke, the temperature cooperated, enabling riders (with jackets waived) to try qualifying for regionals, practice for the Festival of Champions in Illinois next month or just enjoy getting mileage at a special venue. It also offered a convenient opportunity for local riders, who didn’t have to ship far for the experience.
One of those in that group, Alice Tarjan, rode 9-year-old Candescent to victory yesterday in the FEI Freestyle class with an impressive 75.450 in the Grand Prix. Candescent means “glowing or dazzling,” and this mare lives up to her billing. It’s a better name than her first two monikers, Celina and Curly Sue (huh?), neither of which were official. She needed to have a name starting with “C” and Alice found the perfect one for a mare whose trot extensions are stunning.
Alice Tarjan and Candescent. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Alice, an amateur who lives in Oldwick, was using Summer Days as a qualifier for Regionals. Candescent already qualified for the Festival of Champions in the Developing Grand Prix; she was reserve champion last year in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship.
The mare came from the Hanoverian auction as a 4-year-old. Alice bought her because she was looking for something she could jump.
“It didn’t go so well. She was really sour in quarantine, I was scared to death,” Alice recalled.
“By the time I finally got her to the point where I could ride her, I was like, `This horse is actually pretty decent, I should probably keep her as a dressage horse,’ ” Alice recalled.
Candescent is black with white socks, reminiscent of Alice’s first pony, the similarly marked Licorice, who was a brat but obviously meant a lot to his owner–she has had several horses with that coloring over the years.
Her other mount, Hester, was in her first show at Summer Days, earning 66.125 percent in Third Level, Test 3, as Alice was in the process of qualifying her for Regionals.
Hester debuted at Third Level with Alice Tarjan. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Second in the FEI Freestyle, riding Intermediate I (it was a test of choice) Betsy Steiner earned 73.500 percent with Swiss W. The mare is very special to Steiner, a professional based at George Morris’ former Hunterdon Inc. in Pittstown.
“She’s so good,” said Betsy. “She’s good-hearted, good from the inside out, she’s kind, she’s super-intelligent, she’s teaching me all the time. She’s made me a more intelligent and thoughtful trainer for horses and riders. She’s a very special soul.”
Betsy hopes to go to the Festival and is schooling Grand Prix with Swiss. “When she’s confident in it, then I’ll take her grand prix,” she said.
The mare, who belongs to Whitney Bailey, selected Betsy as her person. Shopping in Europe during 2015, Betsy saw Swiss staring at her intently.
Betsy Steiner and Swiss W. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Don’t look at me like that,” Betsy advised the Baden-Wurttemberger mare, but she already was hooked.
“I just enjoy every second being with her,” Betsy said. “She stole my heart.”
Veterinarian Wendy Furlong of Pittstown was all smiles showing home-bred Amazzing, a 19-year-old spotted former event horse, in the I-1 freestyle to earn a score of 65.850 percent.
“We’re just doing it for fun. It’s just a privilege to come and show at the USET. The fact that we can show here if we’re not trying to go to the Olympics is pretty cool,” said Wendy.
Former event horse Amazzing now specializes in dressage for Wendy Furlong (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
In 2011, she won the U.S. Eventing Association’s Preliminary Master Amateur Rider award with Amazzing and his half-sister, Jazzmine, 16, who also competed at the Gladstone show. Both are out of Wendy’s mare, Jazztime.
Wendy has done an informal pilot study with acupuncture (she’s a practitioner) on both horses. Neither has ever had a hock injection. “They’ve both been very, very sound horses,” she said.
Barbie Asplundh of West Amwell finished second in the I-1 yesterday with the aptly named Gorgeous on 69.412 percent.
Being gorgeous is only part of what her black gelding is about.
“He’s sweet, he’s a wonderful mover, he’s a very forgiving ride. I’ve had him for a year and a half and he’s done wonders for my riding. He’s fantastic. I can’t say enough about this horse,” said Barbie, who got him from Andreas Helgstrand, a Danish rider and horse dealer when he set up shop in Wellington, Fla.
The gorgeous Gorgeous and Barbie Asplundh competing at I-1. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Formerly a dressage professional who has been pursuing her discipline since 1979, Barbie took her amateur status back and is trained by Catherine Haddad-Staller. “It’s not about changing the horse; it’s about changing the rider and the horse follows,” she said of Catherine’s teaching style. Barbie generally practices without stirrups and shows in Catherine’s Stubben saddle that has neither knee rolls or leg blocks.
Gorgeous is qualified for the Festival of Champions in the Developing Prix St. Georges. Barbie has taken her time with him, since he only turned eight in June. Summer Days was his first time in the I-1. She’s also hoping to compete at Dressage at Devon this fall.
Califon-based Sara Schmitt was quite sick yesterday, but she fought through it, finishing third in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Abba music with the 15.2-hand German Riding Pony HB Dschafar on 67.250 percent. “He was good; I was not so good,” she said. “I did not ride well today. I was happy to remember everything.”
He’s qualified for regionals but after that, the professional trainer is probably going to sell him. “It’s a shame, but it’s business,” she explained.
Sara was fading later in the day but pulled out a 64.375 with another German Riding Pony, the flaxen mane and tailed First Date in Third Level Test 3. ”I take her out once a year and show her so she remembers what showing is. It was her first time at Third Level,” said Sara.
Sara Schmitt and First Date on the mare’s annual show ring outing. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The show nicely put in a para-dressage test for Alanna Flax-Clark, who rode El Paso to a score of 68.788 percent and is shooting for next year’s Paralympics in Tokyo. She’s been struggling with some kind of bronchial infection for a month and hadn’t been able to ride until last Monday, but did a great job with her test, even though there were moments when she had trouble breathing.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to trust your horse completely,” she said.
Alanna rides with Sara, who said, “She inspires everyone in the barn. It’s amazing, her poise, and how focused she is.”
Alanna was a special education teacher from Los Angeles who got a life-threatening infection with a temperature that spiked at 106 degrees. Afterward, she couldn’t sit up unsupported, experienced trouble breathing and had no use of her hands.
Alanna Flax-Clark in the USET Foundation stables. (Photo©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Riding has made a huge difference in her life, and I’ll write more about her later this summer.
Alana was thrilled to be competing at the USET Foundation stables.
“I think it’s a beautiful building and just to be able to ride in such a historic place is an amazing feeling,” she said.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 23, 2019
Young riders will have a chance to experience the college equestrian competition format and win scholarships at New Jersey’s College Preparatory Invitational Sept. 21-22 at The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury.
Founded in 2010, CPI not only educates hunter seat student-athletes about competition, it also provides them with resources to make connections and weigh options that can enrich their college experience. In addition, participants in grades eight through 12 can participate in clinics and educational presentations led by top competitors and leaders in the equine industry.
Academic excellence and social integrity are part of the equestrian experience through the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund. Student riders can earn scholarships via equitation competition at a CPI event, academic achievement and community service. CPI also produces CPI College Spotlight events for colleges and universities seeking to recruit equestrian students.
The CPI Horse Show requires that all participants have a trainer on site to coach them during a CPI competition. If a student’s trainer is not available to coach the participant, the CPI provides the option for an experienced coach such as Heather Clark, co-coach of the Centenary University equestrian team and assistant professor of equine science.
She will serve as clinician and CPI “Hire-a-Coach” at the New Jersey show.
“I feel CPI is a wonderful program,” Heather said. “It gives the students insight into what the colleges and universities have to offer in their equine programs. Being a coach for CPI, I will be able to share my approaches to and experience of catch riding.”
Since joining Centenary in 2007, Heather has helped coach its Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team to three national championships, and a reserve title and helped produce three Cacchione Cup champions.
Earlier in her career, she was a show and sales barn rider/trainer for dealer Alan Waldman in the Netherlands. Heather served as the assistant rider, trainer, and road manager for Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm, and also as the assistant rider/trainer for Nona Garson, who runs The Ridge at Riverview.
To learn more about the CPI, visit collegeprepinvitational.com.
