by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 1, 2016
The 18th annual Turkey Trot pleasure ride/drive is set for Nov. 20 at the Horse Park of New Jersey and the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Although day of competition entry will be permitted, advance entries close Nov. 13 for the event, which is presented by the Horse Park and the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association.
There are short and long courses for both riders and drivers.Contact the Horse Park by phone at (609) 259-0170, Fax (609) 259-0174 or email HorseParkOfNJ@aol.com, or Gary@esdcta.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 25, 2016
Andy Kocher of Stockton won the prize for the best costume in the $35,000 Accumulator Class at the Washington International Horse Show Thursday night.
Andy Kocher and Ciana won the prize for best costume at the Washington International Horse Show. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
He was quite a clown, and even his horse, Ciana, got into the act with a big red nose (slightly lopsided). Andy finished fourth (Laura Kraut, sweetly dressed as Little Red Ridinghood won on Andretti S) but the cheers of the barn night crowd were with the clown.
Andy made a great effort to entertain spectators, which really is what this class is all about. So we salute him.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2016
With victories in the Platinum Performance/U.S. Equestrian Federation Talent Search and last weekend’s Pessoa/USEF Medal in his pocket, T.J. O’Mara of Rumson is looking ahead to the Washington International’s equitation championship this weekend and the ASPCA Maclay finals at the National Horse Show in November.
T.J. O’Mara and Kaskade share a moment. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
His equitation horse, Kaskade, is enjoying some turnout R&R, and this weekend T.J. is coming back to New Jersey from the University of Kentucky, where he is a freshman, to practice with trainers Max Amaya and Stacia Madden.
T.J. is part of the first brother/sister combo to win the Medal (his older sister, Meg, took the title in 2012, but her best Talent Search finish was second place.)
If he can take the next two championships to cap off his equitation career with four in a row, T.J. will make history. He never in his wildest dreams thought he would be so successful at this point, though.
“As the year went on,” T.J. said, “I got some confidence. I knew I could have a chance at one of them (the championships), but I never imagined winning two.”
Being the favorite to take the two remaining titles is a lot of pressure, however.
T.J. concedes that, but notes as he head to Washington, “I’m going to treat it like another class and hope for the best. I would just be happy with getting a ribbon there again.” He finished 10th in Washington last year.
Looking ahead to the Maclay, he said those finals “will be emotional” as his last time competing Kaskade, who will be for sale as his equitation career ends.
“It would be nice if she could go home to New Jersey for a little bit,” said T.J., who would like to spend a little time with her after the Maclay before she heads to a new home.
When her career is over, he’s hoping she will return to him and perhaps become a broodmare. It likely will be a while before that happens. He started with her when she was seven, and now she’s only 10, which is young considering that many equitation horses continue competing until their late teens.
“I don’t know how long she’ll be showing for, but I for sure would like to be a part of her retirement and keep her in the family,” said T.J.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 6, 2016
It’s not enough just knowing how to ride and train if you’re in the horse business. From avoiding liability to dealing with immigration, insurance coverage and workers compensation, there’s a lot to know if you want your operation to run successfully.
The Equine Science Center at Rutgers University can help. It is hosting a “Symposium on Legal, Business and Insurance Issues Impacting the Equine Industry” October 10 at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset.
The symposium will feature legal experts speaking on topics including: “Basic Introduction of Business Formation for Equine Operators,” “Liability Avoidance from Bio-Security Issues to Stableman’s Lien Act,” “U.S. Immigration Law Basics & Recent Updates,” “Overview of Workers Compensation Law for Equine Operations”, “The Importance of an Equine Accountant” and “Basic Insurance Coverage for Equine Operations.”
The event brochure can be found on-line here.
“This symposium is a must for all professional horse people, irrespective of discipline or industry interest,” said Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center.
“Thanks to our Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement chair, Liz Durkin, for putting together another terrific panel of speakers. Last year’s symposium and venue were fantastic. Those who missed out on the opportunity last year now have the chance to hear information critical to anyone already in or contemplating being in the horse business,” she continued.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak individually with panelists at the end of the day in break-out sessions. Title sponsor Merial will provide a light breakfast, sit-down lunch and featured presentations on “The Importance of Managing your Sport Horse’s Pain” and “Care and Management of Ulcers in Horses” by Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, manager of Large Animal Services.
Registration for the symposium is $75. This registration fee includes the catered breakfast and lunch, as well as all of the conference materials. Students with a valid ID will have a discounted rate of $50. Seating is limited and will only be guaranteed upon receipt of payment in the form of a check payable to the Rutgers University Equine Science Center.
Please register at http://goo.gl/plAEP3
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2016
Meg Sleeper of Kingwood is in Slovakia, where she represented the U.S.in the FEI Endurance World Championships. It didn’t go well overall, but I’ll let her tell you about it:
Meg Sleeper and Rimbaud.
I had hoped my post today would be good news, but unfortunately it is not (although I am thrilled that Rabi and Fernando finished in a ride time of about 8 1/2 hours). Mr Ono was still out on trail when we left the barn, but was due to finish soon. Hopefully that will mean 2 USA horses finish.
Unfortunately, neither USA team horse finished. Tom and Reinman were pulled at the 3rd gate for lameness and Rim and I were eliminated at the 4th gate (88 miles) for lameness. Fortunately, neither lameness was severe and both horses will be fine to compete another day.
Rim was fabulous all day with very good heart rate recoveries and he ate like a pig at every check. I was really proud of him. It is hard to put into words how one feels after a pull at this kind of event. It is awesome just to be selected to represent the USA, but of course the idea is to do well and there are so many people that give so much to make it possible for us to be here, it is rather demoralizing to feel like you are letting everyone down.
However, there were good parts of the day. About 8 miles in on the second loop, the bolt of my stirrup broke and I had to ride about 3 miles without a stirrup (after dismounting to pick up what was left and then having a little difficulty getting back on the big guy. I basically just cantered as much as possible).
At the next PC stop, Carol Giles tried zip tying it back together, but that only held about 100 yards and I was back at square one. She ended up tying a loop of string though the stirrup leather and I put my foot in that. It gave me some support and I was able to make reasonable time, although I probably lost over 20 minutes all together (and my riding was definitely pretty bad for the next 12 miles until I got the stirrups replaced at the vet gate). That part was not good, but so many people tried to offer help and that part was great.
The ride volunteers at the water spots were also incredibly kind and helpful. Perhaps the worst part of the day, and something that many know who have followed on FB, is that a horse fractured his/her leg and was put down on the trail. I have avoided looking at any videos or pictures but it is horrific and I am so thankful that Rim and Rabi are safe. I feel my (our) sport has been usurped from us and it has become something that is not endurance. The most “endurance like” part of this ride for me was riding without a stirrup, but the trail itself was flat and fast…much more like an extended flat race than an endurance ride. I want my sport back and I hate that something like this had to happen, but I hope we can finally get change.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2016
The problem-plagued United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champion, which was set for mid-October in California, has been cancelled. The competition, which was to include the Grand Prix, Intermediaire I and Brentina Cup title competitions, had light entries after an intense year for competitors at the upper levels.
Steffen Peters was the only member of the U.S. Olympic dressage bronze medal team who planned to take part in the Grand Prix segment, and he was bringing Rosamunde, rather than his Rio mount, Legolas. The top goal for the best Grand Prix combinations in 2017 will be qualifying for the World Cup finals in Omaha March 29-April 2.
The USEF stated “there would not be an adequate number of qualified combinations to make a championship-level competition” at the festival. Another difficulty involved the change of venue from Epona Farms to Paso Robles, which would have involved additional cost.
Bids are being accepted through Sept. 15 from venues that want to host the 2017-2019 Festival of Champions. The Festival was held for many years at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone–maybe it’s time to bring the championships back to New Jersey.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2016
A preview of the film, “Harry and Snowman,” is being presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 to benefit Mane Stream, which offers equine-assisted activities for special needs children and adults.
The movie, slated for theatrical release Sept. 30, is a true story about Harry de Leyer and the horse he rescued from a slaughter truck who went on to become a champion show jumper. The movie’s director/producer, Ron Davis, is a native of New Jersey who competed for years in the show ring.
The movie will be screened outdoors at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, 1040 Pottersville Road, Gladstone. Those attending may bring their own chairs and blankets, or choose bleacher seating. In case of rain, the screening will be moved indoors.
Tickets are $20 for a family of four or $10 per person.
For information about Mane Stream, go to www.ManeStreamNJ.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 11, 2016
The Essex Horse Trials, set for June 24-25 2017 at Moorland Farms in Far Hills, is looking for volunteers.
All sorts of jobs are available, from dressage scribes and cross-country crossing monitors to decorating and hospitality, among a host of other opportunities. Some require expertise, but many do not.
It’s a great chance to be involved with revival of what was a major equestrian event in the Somerset Hills, coming back after an absence of nearly 20 years.
Interested? Contact Mary Lane at mary@essexhorsetrials.org or Lisa Mackintosh at lisa@essexhorsetrials.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 31, 2016
The seventh annual national juried NJEAA equestrian art show, “Art of the Horse,” runs through Nov. 20 at the Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge.
Backstage jitters by Julie Bell, one of the paintings on exhibition at the NJEAA show.
The exhibit features depictions of the equines interacting with people and each other. It’s open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, as well as by appointment.
The New Jersey Equine Artists’ Association was founded in 1999 by Sheila Barnes, who also served as the American Academy of Equine Art president for several years. Admission is free. For information, contact Sheila at xochitlb@comcast.net or (908) 284-9751.
The venue’s website is www.farmsteadartscenter.org
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 20, 2016
Question 1 on Tuesday’s election ballot asks whether two casinos should be allowed in North Jersey, at least 72 miles from Atlantic City. One possible location is the Meadowlands racetrack, which is lagging in competition with tracks in neighboring states that have “racinos” boosting purses and hence, attracting more horses.
Although revenue from the measure would go to a variety of beneficiaries,it is specified that “not less than two percentage points in each State fiscal year would be dedicated for programs designed to aid the thoroughbred and standardbred horsemen in this State.”
Racing is a major player for supporting businesses such as blacksmiths, tack shops, farmers growing hay, feed stores selling us grain, etc. All of the above are needed by the non-racing horses also. What would you do if your veterinarians left the state because their practices lost a high percentage of the horses they served when the animals moved elsewhere?
New Jersey’s horse industry is in trouble. If Question 1 passes, it will give an incentive for racing interests to stay in the state and boost the industry as a whole, including sport horses. Vote “yes” for your own self-interest.
