by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 18, 2024
Tragedy followed triumph tonight as Chromatic BF—who earlier had jumped to third place in the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals—collapsed in his stall and died in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Click here to read the competition story or go to the second story on this page.)
Ridden by Californian Jill Humphrey, the U.S.-bred Chromatic had shown no symptoms as he returned to the barn after the awards ceremony.
His owner/breeder, Kc Branscomb, explained on social media exactly what happened to the 13-year-old Oldenburg: “I am writing this to try to clarify what has already begun to travel as rumors surrounding events that happened here in Riyadh involving Chromatic after tonight’s spectacular performance. After hacking normally after the class, Chromatic returned to the barn happy and calm attended by his lifetime caretaker, Pepe Rodriguez, and Jill.
“After resting and refreshment, he was given a routine recovery shot of electrolytes by the U.S. team veterinarian. Upon returning to his stable to be wrapped, blanketed, and put away for the evening, with me (KC Branscomb) present, the horse…seizured and collapsed in the stall. He was immediately treated and examined by both the U.S. and FEI veterinarians and was pronounced dead shortly after. As owner and breeder, I want it clearly stated that no one was at fault. The horse did not suffer and there is no evidence that his passing was in any way related to his strenuous and spectacular performance with Jill well over an hour earlier, or the team veterinarian’s injection. A full autopsy report will be provided to me at some point.
“But what I HOPE people will take away from this freak accident and great tragedy is that it was a night of tears — tears of joy and tears of loss. If I would ask anything of those of you that knew or celebrated him, let’s remember him for how he lived and not for how he died. The sport lost a great one today.”
Chromatic and Jill Humphrey competing in the World Cup. (Helen Cruden Photography)
The FEI said samples were already taken from the horse and a full postmortem in line with FEI protocols will be conducted.
“The FEI, the organizing committee and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation send their deepest condolences to the rider, owners, groom and connections.”
People were posting condolences on social media. One of them, John Charlebois, wrote: “He was an amazing horse with a gigantic fan club and a folk hero in the horse world. He was more than a Superstar.”
McLain Ward said that he, his family and his team “send our heartfelt condolences to Kc Branscomb, Jill Humphrey, Rudy Leone and Pepe Rodrigues on the tragic loss tonight of Chromatic. What an incredible story this horse and his people have shared to the top level of the sport.
“I have always thought Jill was a top rate rider and to see the success she’s had, combined with the genuine love for all the positive aspects of our sport and our life with horses from those around Chromatic is inspirational. All of our hearts break tonight with you and know the entire horse world is with you.”
Jan Humphrey Hanson wrote, “My sister has been my riding idol since the beginning of time. There are few that have the natural feel and sheer talent she has. Thank you Chromatic for showing the world this week just how special she is, how special you were, and the unstoppable bond you two formed immediately. I know you’ll put in an impressive double clear round in the sky Saturday night.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 18, 2024
It was a Swedish showdown for the top placings on the second day of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals, but an American who hadn’t ridden in the event for 17 years impressed by moving up the ranks to take third in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.
As expected, world number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden successfully continued to defend the title he won in Omaha last year with the fabulous King Edward, galloping hard to the final fence in a seven-horse jump-off to top the leaderboard once again. His longtime teammate, Peder Fredricson, was behind him today in the number two spot with Catch Me Not.
“For two really nice rounds, the horse jumped first jump to the last both rounds, couldn’t be better,” said Henrik.
“It was an amazing feeling. Of course, it was a little bit nervous, but I really enjoyed just riding in there. Peder keeps pressure on me,” he added good naturedly.
Henrik von Eckermann explains it all to Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ancarkcrona during the course walk.
Californian Jill Humphrey also wowed the crowd with her exacting trips aboard the U.S.-bred Chromatic BF. She moved up from 12th after Wednesday’s one-round speed opener after putting in a perfect jump-off effort the next day, clocked in 48.36 seconds.
Although she was nearly five seconds behind Henrik’s time of 43.38, which in turn edged Peder’s mark of 45.45 seconds, she understandably was excited about coming very close to the world’s best.
“ I feel honored to be in such company. I am so thrilled with my horse,” she said.
“It was so exciting being out there. My horse was just fantastic, I’m so proud of him. He tried so hard. I had no idea what to expect, but he continues to surprise and impress.”
Sadly, Chromatic died in the stable shortly after the class. Read about it here or click on the featured story on this website.
The top-ranked U.S. rider in the finals, Kent Farrington, was ninth in today’s first round with the fastest four-fault performance on Greya after dropping a rail at the oxer that followed a demanding oxer/oxer/vertical triple combination. Even though he didn’t make the jump-off, his tie for fourth from Wednesday helped keep him in fourth place overall with 13 points, two ahead of Jill. French rider Julien Epaillard has nine points for third place overall, behind Henrik with zero and Peder with 4.
The third-best American is another Californian, 19-year-old Skyler Wireman, who outdid herself with a tenth place finish on Tornado the first night. Her luck ran out this time around, however as she had four rails down. With 28 points, she is in nineteenth place.
Meanwhile, Sophia Siegel, in last place on Wednesday, redeemed herself with just two knockdowns on A-Girl to finish twenty-second in the field of 34 starters this afternoon. She is twenty-ninth overall.
Thursday’s course.
The course designed by Frank Rothenberger with Alan Wade as technical delegate had several challenges that required pitch-perfect decisions from the riders. One was the two-stride to one-stride triple, where the B element caused trouble; the other was at the penultimate obstacle, a double with an A element vertical that had a delicate plank on top. It was between six and seven strides from the previous fence, which made the approach a tricky one.
This is the first Cup finals to be held in the Middle East. It is being presented superbly, with top class facilities. Dressage judge Janet Foy said it has the best horse show food ever. The native dress worn by some spectators and even the prince who presented trophies Thursday gives the competition and intriguingly exotic air. Of course, the home side went wild when Saudi rider Ramzi Al Duhamy on Untouchable 32 left all the rails in place (sadly, he had one time penalty for going over the 74-second time allowed, but he finished a respectable eighth in the class.)
Spectators dressed for the occasion at the World Cup Finals.
The knowledge that the Cup offers the largest prize money ever given for such a competition, approximately $2 million, adds to the energy.
The competition continues Saturday with a two-round finale. Only the top 20 horses will compete in the second leg. Friday’s action in Arabia will be the FEI World Cup Dressage freestyle.
Click this link for Thursday’s results.Click here for the current standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 16, 2024
Mary Knowlton, president of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association since 2016, resigned after an investigation and has been succeeded by Britt McCormick, who was president-elect.
The issue involved building a new, independent information technology system for the Lexington, Ky.-based organization and the matter of oversight on the project.
Knowlton explained, “I was the subject of a whistleblower complaint, which is fine, and I was investigated. After the report came out, I was not afforded the chance to answer questions or speak in my own defense,” she continued, adding, “I find that to be dreadful, cruel and unAmerican.”
She noted that perhaps the USHJA board would have felt the same about her and others mentioned by the whistleblower if they were able to speak to the panel “but we weren’t offered that chance.”
McCormick, who was elected last December but wasn’t scheduled to take office until this December, said the “extensive” examination was undertaken by independent investigators.
The Texan, who took over after Knowlton’s Friday resignation, addressed her contention that she wasn’t given the opportunity to speak to the board in her defense. He explained, “She was interviewed by the independent investigators and made many statements and the board received those statements. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Mary Knowlton and Britt McCormick in 2023.
Noting the project will continue, he commented, “We’re spending members’ money, so we have to be very diligent in how we do that. I’ll be involved in informing the board of every step along the way, every expenditure that we make, any changes to the project. All of that will be brought to the board’s attention in a timely manner.”
In an email she sent to fellow volunteers on Tuesday, Knowlton said the board had given her only two choices; to resign or face “forcible removal.”
She said she chose resignation because she wanted to leave with dignity and that route aligned with the core values she strives to uphold in her personal and professional life. In the email, she emphasized to its recipients, “I remain open to being a resource if you need me.”
Kevin Price, who served as executive director under Knowlton, will continue in that role, McCormick said.
“Kevin has been instrumental in this transition. I will say kudos to the entire USHJA staff because they have been amazing.”
While it’s a time of change in the organization marking its twentieth anniversary, USHJA Vice President David Distler said, “I have faith in Britt. I think Britt’s going to do a great job.”
Asked about goals he wants to pursue immediately, the new president said, “The number one thing is repairing our relationship with the membership and repairing the relationship with the Federation (U.S. Equestrian Federation) and working to become the absolute best affiliate we can be.”
He believes “we lost the faith of some of the membership and we for sure needed a better relationship with the Federation.” USHJA is the largest USEF affiliate organization.
He also mentioned working on sport growth “not only at the introductory levels, but really looking to grow the sport at the elite and upper levels as well. We’re growing by leaps and bounds since Covid and we just need to take a fresh look at what our products are and who our customers are and get feedback from our stakeholders and make sure we’re on the right path.”
McCormick encourages people to get involved, “and make their voice heard, whatever that looks like for them. We would like new, fresh faces and people from all over the country at every level and every interest level. Everybody that jumps a horse, we welcome you in.
The president noted he is an active trainer and competitor “so I’m actually in the field. I think that sets me apart from a lot of people.”
McCormick commented, “I wish Mary nothing but the best and hope she stays a part of our community,” saying, “It’s up to her, her level of involvement.”
He mentioned she’s currently a member of the nominating committee and serves on a couple of other committees.
One thing he would like to change is the yearlong lag between election of a new president and the time that person assumes office. He wants to go back to the old system of a September election and having the winner take over in December.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 10, 2024
Steve Kraus, head of Farrier Services at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, and Ken Estes, Ag Program leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension Livingston County, on April 16 will discuss mud management techniques for horse farms, including the effects of mud on horses’ feet and health and how to keep your equine facilities clean and safe.
The Zoom lecture is from 6-7 p.m. Registration is required, but it’s free. Go to this link.
This seminar will offer insight into specific horse health problems associated with muddy footing, as well as measures to take on your own horse farm to prevent mud and keep your equine facilities clean and safe.
Steve, a certified journeyman farrier, has served as the Cornell University Hospital for Animals’ Head of Farrier Services since 2010. A lifelong equestrian and polo player, Steve began shoeing horses in 1964, graduated with a degree in Animal Science from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1971, and has had a distinguished career since then. In 2016, he was inducted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame.
Ken is an expert in natural resources and environmental conservation who also operates a Lippitt Morgan horse farm. His passion for environmental sustainability and the equine industry are combined through his work and his commitment to improving the welfare of horses, while fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to horse management.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 20, 2024
Californian Skylar Wireman, who finished 10th in the first round of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final, will not be competing today as the show wraps up in Saudi Arabia.
In a an incredibly mature and thoughtful social media posting, the 19-year-old discussed her thinking:
“I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw from the final round of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals. Tornado, my horse is 100 percent well, sound and fit and I would like to explain why I have withdrawn. I came here knowing this would be an incredible learning experience and hoped to be competitive. I am at the start of what I want to be a long and successful career as a jumping athlete and to compete against the very best in the world has been an honor, and I have learned so much.
Skylar Wireman and Tornado. (Helen Cruden photo)
“I hope I have proven that I deserved to be here and that I will give my all to jumping clear rounds and being a winner. While I want to ride every round and grow my experience level, I care deeply about my horses. I love Tornado more than anything.
“I came here with a horse that is 10 and is very much still learning and his welfare will always be at the very heart of every decision I make. Without our horse, we are nothing, and they put their complete trust in us. Tornado was a rock star in the first round of the World Cup Finals, finishing 10th amongst the legends of our sport. He jumped his heart out in the second round on Thursday.
“Tornado is inexperienced at this level and having studied our round on Thursday and talked extensively to my coach and many others whose opinions and experience I have high regard for, I will not risk his welfare or his future in the sport by asking Tornado to jump a course he might not be quite ready for. The course today will be big and technical but fair for this level of competition: I knew it would be but I knew Tornado and I had the potential to jump it; that potential is still there but we need just a little more experience to realize it.
“I am so grateful to those that have supported Tornado, to my family Shayne Berridge-Wireman , my groom Alicia Marie, my coach Peter Wylde and the USEF who have put a warm blanket of support around all of us here in Riyadh. I look forward to representing the team in the future!”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2024
Services for Betty Correll Durling will be held at 11 a.m. April 20 at the Lamington Presbyterian Church in Bedminster, N.J.
Mrs. Durling, 94 died April 12 at her home in Whitehouse. She and her late husband, Carlton Durling were members of the Essex Fox Hounds for 40 years.
A resident of Vero Beach during the winters, she was a graduate of Kent Place School in Summit and Penn Hall College in Chambersburg, Pa.
An avid golfer, Mrs. Durling was a member of the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield. Prior to that, she belonged to the Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham. Her name appears on many of the trophies at both clubs. She was also a member of the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association and the Women’s New Jersey Golf Associations.
Mrs. Durling also was interested in bridge, and played her last game March 14.
She was a volunteer for several community services, including the Red Cross and Hunterdon Medical Center, and was instrumental in starting the Hunterdon County Office of Aging.
She is survived by two sons, C. Correll Durling of Hobe Sound, Fla., and Dean C. Durling of Whitehouse, a former master of the Essex Fox Hounds; her daughter, Denise T. Durling of Charlotte, Vt., nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Lamington Presbyterian Church, 355 Lamington Rd., Bedminster N.J. 07921
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday’s Grand Prix at the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offered a taste of what is to come in the Freestyle, the only competition that counts for the title, but it does offer some insights.
In her twenty-fifth Finals, Germany’s Isabell Werth had uncharacteristic mistakes with DSP Quantaz, who had trouble in the two-tempi changes and fell out in the canter between the two pirouettes. That left her fourth on 72.236 percent. She likely won’t make the same mistakes on Friday during her ride to music.
Isabell Werth and Quantaz.
But it all went well for world champion Lottie Fry of Britain on Everdale (75.388), who took the lead. Everdale, the son of her world championships mount Glamourdale, showed off his usual ground-covering gaits.
She had a nice little margin over Sweden’s Patrik Kittel with Touchdown (73.292). He’s ahead of Danish rider Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Blue Hors Don Olymbrio (72.904).
The highest-placed of the three U.S. riders competing was Kevin Kohmann on Duenensee, tenth with 69.332. Anna Marek finished thirteenth with Fayvel (68.354) and Benjamin Ebeling stands next-to-last, 16th on Indeed (65.14).
Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee (© Hippo Foto – Dirk Careman)
All 17 riders will start in the Freestyle.
Patrik said he was “a bit surprised” about “Queen Isabell,” noting she normally goes in and does a great job.
Charlotte Fry won the World Cup Grand Prix with Everdale.
“That’s sport, that’s how it is. I’m sure she’s going to fight for it on Friday .but so of course will I, and Charlotte and everyone else,” he noted, adding it has been “amazing sport” and a “super show.”
This is the first time a finals has been held in the Middle East.
Click here for results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2024
Defending champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and his peerless mount, King Edward, took the first leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, just as they did last year in Omaha.
“It was a great round today,” the world number one-ranked rider said with a broad smile.
Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward on their way to victory. (FEI Photo)
“It was a much better round than I had in Omaha, even if the result is the same after the first day. It was much more calm. King Edward felt like he jumped amazing from the first jump to the last. and i could do it without chasing.
“I could just keep his big strides going so the course was really my favorite that way.”
The class was a one-round speed affair, with each knockdown adding three seconds to a competitors time. The route was planned by Frank Rothenberger, with Alan Wade as the technical advisor, two gold-standard technicians.
World Cup Course number one.
For young riders with less experience, like 19-year-old Zain Shady Samir of Egypt, it was possible to go around at a careful pace to gain mileage at the top of the sport, trying not to risk a knockdown (he had only one with London Eye, and stands twenty ninth of 34 starters.)
For those who have been there and done that many times at the finals, a daring shortcut and careful planning insured a race around the clock that left the best high in the standings. Henrik’s time of 66.28 seconds was a full 1.12 seconds ahead of his countryman, Peder Fredricson on the aptly named Catch Me Not.
Not surprisingly, Kent Farrington was the best American, tying for fourth on Toulayna with France’s Julien Epaillard (Dubai du Cedre). They both had a time of 69.69 seconds but Kent had a clean round while always speedy Julien had a rail to add 3 to his original clocking of 66.69, which would have put him second if all the poles had stayed in place. They were behind Germany’s third-place Hans Dieter Dreher and the long-strided Elysium (68.49).
Kent Farrington and Toulayna.
Most of the U.S. contingent was young and riding in their first World Cup Finals. But 19-year-old Californian Skylar Wireman impressed, finishing tenth on Tornado (72.49) with no knockdowns. Another Californian, Jill Humphrey, jumped clean on the U.S.-bred son of Connor, Chromatic BF, in 73.79 seconds.
The Cup continues on Thursday with a time first jump-off test.
Click here for results
Click on this link for point standings
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 15, 2024
The U.S. dressage Olympic rankings got a good shake-up over the weekend, with candidates competing in shows on both coasts.
Candidates are looking toward being named next month to the eight-member contingent that will ride in European observation competitions prior to selection of the team for the Paris Games. There is one more show left that carries points in both the East and West
Steffen Peters leads with an average of 73.620 after a victories in Del Mar, Calif., on Four Winds Farm’s Suppenkasper, his Tokyo Olympics team silver medal partner.
Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The previous leader, 2023 Pan American Games team gold medalist, Sarah Tubman, sank to fourteenth after a difficult show at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Her average is now 69.583.
New combinations are on the rise, meanwhile.
Adrienne Lyle stands second and third with Helix (72.655) and Lars van de Hoenderheide (72.259), while Endel Ots is right behind on Zen Elite’s Bohemian (71.764). Adrienne’s horses also are owned by Zen Elite; both she and Endel didn’t start showing them until this year.
Another duo that is new to the show ring, Marcus Orlob and Alice Tarjan’s Jane, stands eighth on 70.060. To read more about Marcus and Jane, simply go to the main story on this website, or click here
Marcus is just ahead of Kasey Perry-Glass, several times the medal-winning teammate of Steffen and Adrienne. She is ninth with Heartbeat W.P. (70.543), the successor to her now-retired veteran, Dublet.
Another West Coaster, Anna Buffini, is fifth with her Fiontini (71.494), while Pan American Games individual bronze medalist and team gold medalist Anna Marek is one place behind in sixth with Janet Simile’s Fire Fly (71.040). She is in Saudi Arabia riding Fayvel in the FEI World Cup Finals this week.
Seventh is Katherine Bateson-Chandler, who seems to have found the key to Jennifer Huber’s Haute Couture (70.935), previously reserve for the 2021 Dutch Olympic team with Dinja van Liere.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2024
In an effort to increase support for equestrian athletes, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation has issued “a call to action” geared to 100 days before the start of this summer’s Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
USET Foundation Giving Day, set for April 17, offers an opportunity not only for making financial contributions, but also for spreading awareness and fundraising so the U.S. team can have an impact on the international stage. But response was so good that a match for giving has been extended to April 18.
The cost of sending a team to the Olympics and Paralympics is understandable when you consider that the U.S. is sending 16 horses, with plane fare running $20,000/horse; 16 grooms, four veterinarians, two farriers, two equine physiotherapists and two human physiotherapists, a team doctor,12, 345 pounds of equipment and, oh yes, 16 riders.
It can’t be done without generous contributions.
“Ultimately, this day embodies the spirit of community and generosity, uniting stakeholders behind a common goal of empowering American riders to shine on the global equestrian stage,” a statement from the Foundation emphasized.
The Foundation suggests posting on social media with the hashtags #PathwaytoParis and #USETFoundation GivingDay” to explain why supporting U.S. athletes is important to you. Think of what it costs to get riders, horses and support staff to Paris, as well as to the preparation competitions beforehand that will hone the competitive edge of the U.S. teams.
If you post about Giving Day on line, include this link.
