by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 12, 2018
All disciplines are invited to be part of the Spring Valley Hounds Annual Trail Ride at 10 a.m. Aug. 19. The setting is Loantaka Brook Reservation, 139 Kitchell Road, Morristown.
The trail ride will be followed by a BBQ and picnic lunch. The fee is $45 for the ride and BBQ; $25 for just the BBQ and $15 for Children 12 & under
Please RSVP and send payment to Erin Nebel, SVH Honorary Treasurer, 238 Old Farm Dr.
Great Meadows, NJ 07838. However, entries at the gate also will be accepted. Check in is been 9 and 9:30 a.m.
Event is weather-permitting. In case of inclement weather, please call the SVH Hotline at 973-300-7742. For more information, go to www.SpringValleyHounds.com or reach out to SpringValleyHounds@hotmail.com. (908)509-1075.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 12, 2018
The final observation event for selection of the U.S. FEI World Equestrian Games show jumping team wrapped up Sunday afternoon Aug. 12 in Dublin. So now I can make an educated guess about the only WEG contingent in the Olympic disciplines that hasn’t been named.
It’s necessary to note that “nominated entries,” which offer some leeway, must be sent to the FEI by Monday, Aug. 13, but definite entries for the squad of five don’t have to be in until Sept. 10 (show jumping is the last of the Olympic disciplines to compete at Tryon). While there needs to be a minimum of five entries on the “nominated” list, there can be more, and why not take advantage of the leeway?
That being said and all horses and riders remaining healthy at WEG time, figure on a spot for Long Valley’s Devin Ryan, who was ninth on Eddie Blue in the Longines Dublin grand prix with one time penalty in the first round.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
He should be joining McLain Ward and Beezie Madden, who would be the team’s pillars. I’m thinking Laura Kraut will get a berth after a redeeming double-clear in the Dublin Nations’ Cup on Zeremonie. And selecting Adrienne Sternlicht as reserve with Cristalline makes sense after she finished fourth in the Dublin G.P. with a rail and the fastest time. Coach Robert Ridland always likes to pick an up-and-coming less-experienced rider to his squads (a la Lucy Davis in the 2014 WEG and 2016 Olympics) so they can gain mileage. Even so, vastly experienced Margie Engle and Royce likely will find themselves among the nominated entries.
You know how it is with horses–if something can go wrong, it just might, so no one should think they’re a sure thing until the final deadline for team substitutions an hour before the first competition. I’m just throwing this out there for speculation.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 10, 2018
JJ the mini horse will be a guest at Lord Stirling Stable’s pony tea party.
It’s a morning just made for children under age 13 (and their parents) when Lord Stirling Stable hosts the Pony Tea Party Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.-noon at 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
The tea party will include lead-line pony rides for children; games including Little Tyke Horseshoes, Pony Tic-Tac-Toe, and others; a tractor-pulled wagon hay ride; a pony-themed story and light refreshments, including iced tea, lemonade, and cake. Guests also will have the opportunity to meet JJ, Lord Stirling Stable’s newest mini horse, standing only 9 hands high.
Children should be old enough to sit up and hold onto a pony without assistance. Guests are invited to wear “fancy” tea party garb (feather boas, frilly hats, gloves, etc.). Guests are requested to wear closed-toed shoes for safety and comfort.
The fee is $20 per child/parent pair; additional siblings under the age of 13 years may attend for $10 each. Please register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org using the code 80005-27 or call the office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 10, 2018
Lisa Lazarus, who served as general counsel of the FEI (international equestrian federation) has a new role helping equestrian competitors who seek legal counsel in connection with issues involving their sport.
The arbitration and litigation specialist has become head of the newly established equestrian division at the international sports law firm, Morgan Sports Law. The London-based boutique law firm is devoted to sports arbitration and litigation, handling a variety of cases, including those involved with doping and eligibility disputes. Morgan represents clients before national and international sport governing bodies and before domestic and international courts, such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
With nearly two decades of experience in sports law, Lisa has experience with the legal processes that apply to both athletes and governing bodies, including the equestrian world’s complex doping rules.
“I am excited to be joining Morgan Sports Law and look forward to helping equestrian athletes when they require legal counsel and representation,” said Lisa. “While the FEI and national governing bodies are generally represented by counsel with high levels of familiarity with the applicable rules and processes, this level of expertise from within the sport has rarely been available to individual athletes.
“I saw an opportunity to offer equestrian athletes the benefit of my experience from within the FEI and in particular with my deep understanding of FEI rules and regulations. I hope to contribute in some small way to the stability and reputation of the sport by providing support to its athletes.”
Lisa’s focus on equestrian sport began in 2009, when she became the FEI’s general counsel.. She oversaw all of the legal activities of the FEI, negotiated its key commercial and media agreements, represented the FEI before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and advised the FEI’s president, CEO and executive board. She also was instrumental in redrafting the anti-doping rules.
In 2013, she became the FEI’s chief of business development and strategy, heading its commercial activities, including broadcast and new media, sponsorship, licensing and business development, while implementing the commercial strategy to enhance revenue streams and fund development of the sport. She left the FEI at the end of May 2015 to establish her own firm, LFL Consulting, which provided commercial, strategic and business development support to equestrian industry clients.
Lisa may be contacted at Lisa.Lazarus@morgansl.com. Further information about Morgan Sports Law is available at www.morgansl.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 9, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
August 9, 2018
Over the decades, the farm on Schooley’s Mountain has had its ups and downs.
But now the 64 acres, dotted with pastures and a variety of buildings in varying states of repair, belong to an optimistic new owner.
A bucolic view of Snowbird with a hayfield in the foreground. (Photo courtesy Frank Carrajat)
“We’re fixing it, said Frank Carrajat, a self-described “local farmer” (his email says it all: imafarmer22@gmail.com) who grows hay and has a vision for the facility that once was a big part of the New Jersey horse show scene, while offering more hunter/jumper competitions than any other venue in the state
In a tribute to the past, Frank is calling the place Snowbird.
“Everyone knows the name,” he said. Snowbird was indeed a prominent farm during its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, when it was the New Jersey Horse Shows Association Show of the Year for 1993.
An old banner from Snowbird’s glory days. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
At one time, well-known trainers such as Bill Cooney, George Morris and Karen Healey were familiar sights at the showgrounds in Morris County’s Washington Township. By 2009, though, the farm had fallen on hard times after owner Vicki Siegel became sick and the shows were transferred to another organizer off the premises.
The Snowbird acreage went downhill from there, rented without supervision when Vicki moved into a long-term care facility. In 2015, the property was purchased by a Chester real estate entrepreneur who renamed it GG farms and started work on renovating the stables and indoor ring. A few years later it went on the market again, and Frank snapped it up. He went into high gear at the beginning of June as much-needed work on the property got under way.
It’s a project he’s pursing with his wife, Erin, a vet tech at EquiHeart Veterinary Services in Califon, and their daughters Charlotte, 12, a member of the Somerset Hills Pony Club who is involved in 4-H, and Annabelle, 5, who likes to ride a mini-horse. Son Grayson, 6, more interested in mechanical farm equipment than horses, is along for the ride.
The Carrajat family: Frank and his wife, Erin, with daughters Charlotte and Annabelle, and son Grayson. (Photo courtesy of Frank Carrajat)
The Carrajats are renovating stables and working on the indoor ring, taking out “18 inches of I don’t know what to call it,” said Frank, and installing new footing, removing particle board around the perimeter and replacing it with tongue-in-groove wood.
New gates are being put on the pastures—“the day we closed, the pastures hadn’t been cut since last summer,” Frank said–and stables are being refurbished as well. The family is looking for a trainer or two who wants to base at the farm. Meanwhile, Erin, who has a bachelor’s degree in animal science, is running a small boarding operation and Frank suggested Snowbird could also be a destination for retired horses.
Frank grew up in Long Valley, where he did some showing and participated in 4-H. In 2001, he moved to Mendham, managing Middle Valley Farms there. He ships hay up and down the east coast, returning from a run to Ocala earlier this week.
The farm that became Snowbird had a proud history. Bought in the 1940s by Dora Hardy Hamilton, it was known as Highfields, a top pony breeding facility. It later became the New Jersey Training Center, where Leslie Burr Howard worked for awhile, before the Siegel family bought it.
The Carrajats are ready to write the next chapter.
“We’ve been careful who we bring in,” said Frank. “We don’t want drama.” His concept is a “friendly, family-like environment” in a place where “everyone is enjoying their horses…in a fun and safe way.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 9, 2018
Have you been cleaning out your tack room this summer? Wondering what to do with the items that you no longer need?
Mane Stream, the facility in Oldwick dedicated to adaptive horsemanship and equine assisted therapies, is seeking donations of new and gently used tack or horse-related items for its Oct 28 Fall Tack Sale.
The facility’s special needs participants, horse and programs benefit from the proceeds. Items to be donated can include bridles, saddles, blankets, tack boxes, and outgrown boots, breeches and jackets. Horsey jewelry, models or knick-knacks, may be dropped off during business hours at the farm at 83 Old Turnpike Rd.
Mane Stream’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy and educational initiatives. Equine-assisted programs include “Take the Reins” for Veterans and “Horses for Healing” for those living with, recovering from and living life after cancer.
If you would like to make a donation or have any questions, please contact Holland Kochanski at holland@manestreamnj.org, 908-439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 29, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
July 29, 2018
Last weekend, Devin Ryan was jumping on the U.S. Nations’ Cup team in Aachen Germany, the most prestigious horse show in the world. This weekend, he was back home in New Jersey, coaching competitors in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers and riding at Princeton Show Jumping’s Princeton Classic.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue had the only double-clear performance in the Nations’ Cup at Aachen for the U.S. (Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography)
What a difference a week and an ocean can make. But Devin was happy to be doing what’s good for his business, River Run Stables in Long Valley, about an hour’s drive from the Princeton location in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township.
When I pointed out the contrast in his week, and wondered whether–as nice as the Princeton show is–Devin would rather still be in Europe, he was quick to reply.
“I’ve only grown up with one way of doing it and that’s developing my horses,” he explained.
Of Princeton he said, “great footing, great jumps. It’s great for doing what I’m doing. You can’t develop your horses at big shows. You have to take them everywhere.
“It’s nice to have the balance of it all, but the only way to the future is developing young horses,” he continued.
“Everybody will see me around these shows forever. Some of those riders who go to big shows, that’s why they don’t have enough good horses.”
To me, Devin looks like a lock to make the U.S. team for September’s FEI World Equestrian Games in North Carolina. After all, he and his top mount, Eddie Blue, have the points to be ranked as the number one horse/rider combination in the U.S. He was put firmly on the international map with a second-place finish in April’s Longines FEI World Cup Finals. At Aachen, Devin and Eddie had one of just three double-clears in the Mercedes Benz Nations’ Cup (only the second Nations’ Cup ever in which he’d competed), and theirs was the best score on the U.S. squad.
But Devin hasn’t actually been named to the team yet, so he’s keeping things in perspective.
“I take one day at a time. I have to keep my horse healthy and myself healthy and I think the rest will speak for itself,” he commented.
Devin had never been to Aachen (“what an amazing venue”) even as a spectator, but he wasn’t intimidated about riding at the famous location.
“I had the same feeling I had going into the ring for the World Cup finals. I have such confidence in Eddie and Cooper; those horses, I’ve had them for years. I feel I can go into any ring on either one of those horses and jump any class. It changes the game a bit when you’re sitting on a mount like that and you know you have a shot going in.”
While six months ago he was an unknown on the European scene, all that has changed.
“People who haven’t met me before come up and introduce themselves,” he said. “More and more people are knowing the name. It’s pretty cool, all the big people coming up and congratulating you and shaking your hand.”
At Princeton, he changed gears entirely to ride Sparcette Blue in the $25,000 hunter derby. It was a last-minute decision when he saw there were only 11 entries, and he figured it would be a way to make expenses for the show.
Devin Ryan and Sparcette Blue. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I never did a hunter derby,” Devin revealed. “My last time in the hunter ring was two years ago in Ocala.
Last year, he rode Amanda Marano’s Oldenburg mare in the 5-year-old jumpers, when she won the age group finals at Silver Oak, and in the 6-year-old young jumpers this season.
“She’s been in the hunter ring before,” he said, explaining why he picked her out as the only possibility for the class among the horses he had available.
“And then we show up and look at this,” he continued, referring to her blue ribbon and the championship sash draped around her neck.
$25,000 hunter derby winner Sparcette Blue and Devin Ryan. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Sparcette, who is by Spartacus out of a Chacco Blue mare, is smart enough not to be fazed by different-looking hunter fences, and has a hunter way of going.
By the time the class was held, there were 12 entries, compared to many more in the day’s other hunter derbies at lower heights.
“I think a lot of people are scared of jumping 4-foot options…especially in our local area,” said Amanda Steege, a top hunter rider who was fourth on Maitre D’. Without doing the options, she acknowledged, it’s hard to win.
She was happy to see the advent of the derbies at Princeton, known for its jumper classes.
“It’s nice to have derbies close by. I hope it will continue to grow in the future,” she said.
Devin was second in the derby’s Classic Round, where longtime show ring star Jeffery Welles was leading on Bilbao with a score of 95. In the handy round, just made for a horse with jumper experience because of extra points given for taking its 4-foot options and making neat turns, Devin earned 100 points for a two-round total of 192. As the leader, Jeffery went last and was having a nice trip until Bilbao stopped at the trot jump and he fell off, leaving the victory to Devin.
Jennifer Baumert, winner of the Boy O Boy Style of Riding Award on Pioneer. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Second place went to Jennifer Bauersachs on Pioneer with a score of 184.
“It was fun to compete against a Longines rider who pretty near won the World Cup,” Jennifer said.
“His horse jumped high and slow and pretty. He’s so smooth and did a really beautiful job,” added Jennifer, whose own ability was rewarded with the Boy O Boy Style of Riding Award.
With her friends Jennifer Hannon and Brooke Baldwin, the Frenchtown resident had seen the need to do something more for hunters in New Jersey. “There’s really nothing close to us,” she said, citing Kentucky and Tryon, N.C., as major hunter destinations.
“We really feel New Jersey needs to step it up.”
They required good footing at a show destination that also would provide something non-horsey for horse show husbands and kids to do. They approached Andrew Philbrick, the man behind Princeton Show Jumping, because he had what they required.
Despite his jumper focus, he was amenable to the idea of having AA-rated hunters in his July show. Andrew noted that for 25 years, he has been trying to get hunter licenses from the U.S. Equestrian Federation and its predecessors, and hasn’t had much luck.
He offers hunter classes in April, but he notes that’s “not a great date for them” because so many people are still coming back from Florida.
“You need hunters when everyone is out of school,” said Andrew, explaining a barn doesn’t want to come to an all-jumper show and leave the hunters at home, even if there were only one or two.
Andrew Philbrick of Princeton Show Jumping. Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer
He feels “the need is out there for a horse show at this level in this region.” Due to the complexities of the USEF mileage rule, the Classic ran on what is known as a waiver. The USEF is examining its licensing procedures and the mileage rule. Andrew is working on a proposal for that committee “because I want to give them my ideas about how they might fix it.” He also has thoughts about how they can open up the market.
“It’s clear, based on the response to this horse show and the data shows it, that people are looking for something different in our region and Princeton Show Jumping is supplying that,” said Andrew, who stages 12 national level grands prix a year.
Like the Jennifers and Brooke, he would like to see the Classic as a two-week show next year. Jennifer Baumert is hoping the $25,000 class can be a USHJA National Hunter Derby competition, which would attract more entries.
In organizing the hunters, the Jennifers and Brooke received help from Louise Serio and Geoff Teall, who founded the World Championship Hunter Rider group. Phil DeVita came in as the assistant manager and hunter course designer.
The show’s four hunter derbies had a total of $41,500 in purses. More than $100,000 in cash was raised, along with $35,000 in prizes.
The foray into the hunter ring was a one-off for Devin. He was back to the jumpers again in the $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton a few hours after the derby, but had to settle for second aboard Florida, behind the winner, Jazz Johnson Merton and Corona SB. Linda Sheridan was third with Vantina HPF.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 29, 2018
Have you been putting off buying that new helmet? You shouldn’t, especially if you’ve had a fall in your current helmet, or had it for more than five years.
The ninth annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day (actually days) to be held Aug. 18 and 19 offers opportunities for a minimum of 10 percent discounts on helmets at 340 retailers in 12 countries. Organizers expect as the final total will be more than the 680 retailers in 19 countries that participated in 2017 will take part this year.
“It is a testament to the continued need for educating equestrians on all aspects of helmet wearing that sees this year’s event on track to be our biggest event to date,” said Lyndsey White, the woman behind Riders4Helmets.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed at the continued support shown to the Riders4Helmets campaign by helmet manufacturers, retailers, and equestrians around the globe.”
“Back in 2010, when Riders4Helmets was founded and we hosted the first International Helmet Awareness Day, I never imagined that the campaign would inspire tens of thousands of equestrians to wear a helmet for the first time, and serve as a continued reminder to those who were already wearing a helmet, to ensure it is fitted correctly and that they replace it when appropriate.”
Riders4Helmets.com has teamed up with 17 helmet manufacturers this year, that will offer discounts on their helmets for two days only via their global retailer network. The brands that have committed are Champion, Charles Owen, Dublin, Eurohunter, Gatehouse, GPA, International Riding Helmets (IRH), Kask, KEP Italia, LAS helmets (Leslie Sutcliffe UK), One K, Ovation, Samshield, Tipperary, Trauma Void, Troxel, and Uvex.
Not only retailers in the U.S., but also Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and Zambia have registered to participate in this year’s event.
International Helmet Awareness Day was founded in 2010 in the wake of of U.S. Olympian Courtney King Dye’s accident, which left her with a brain injury when she had a fall while not wearing a helmet. The aim was to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitting, secured and certified helmet.
Only retailers who register with Riders4Helmets will be eligible for restocking discounts from the participating helmet brands (please note – participating brands vary by country). You must register with Riders4Helmets and not with the helmet brands.
Equestrians are encouraged to visit www.riders4helmets.com Aug.18 and 19 to view the most current update, as participating retailers will continue to be added on a daily basis.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 25, 2018
Jen Bauersachs was driving home from showing in Vermont last year when she wondered why she had to go all the way to New England to compete in the hunters at a big show. The Frenchtown rider/trainer and her friends, Jennifer Hannon and Brooke Baldwin “saw the need for something more in our area. There’s really nothing close to us,” she said, citing Kentucky and Tryon, N.C., as major hunter destinations.
The three decided they wanted to organize “a boutique kind of show where we’re really catering to the owners and trainers.” They needed good footing in a location that was a show destination which also would provide something non-horsey for horse show husbands and kids to do.
They found it in Andrew Philbrick’s Princeton Show Jumping site in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township, on the edge of Somerset County by Mercer County. Princeton and its attractions (restaurants, shopping, a museum) are nearby, and the Delaware River with its activities is a relatively short drive for a day trip.
They started working on it in the middle of March when they got the dates. Andrew “greeted us with open arms” and just as important, was open to what they were trying to do at the Princeton Classic show, which runs through July 28. The organizers also received help from Louise Serio and Geoff Teall, who founded the World Championship Hunter Rider group, and they have Phil DeVita as the assistant manager.
Jennifer Bauersachs
Their enthusiasm has been met by others as they raised money and got sponsors. The show’s four hunter derbies have a total of $41,500 in purses. More than $100,000 in cash has been raised, along with $35,000 in prizes.The $25,000 hunter derby on June 28 isn’t a USHJA national derby, however, since it conflicts with HITS in New York. But Jen and her friends are looking toward a possible two-week show next year
“We really feel New Jersey needs to step it up,” said Jen.
“Who knows? Maybe someday we can have the (USEF) Junior Hunter Finals here,” she said.
“We’re really hoping to make it special, something like an Upperville. When you win at those kind of places, it feels special. We want to do our part to keeping hunters as close to what it should be, what it was in years past” in New Jersey.”
For the jumpers at the Classic, the feature is the $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton at 1:30 p.m.July 28. Other highlights include a reception presented by Tito’s Vodka from 3-6 p.m. July 27. SAVE–A Friend to Homeless Animals, will hold a dog adoption event from 9-11 a.m. July 28.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2018
By Nancy Jaffer
July 24, 2018
The Tewksbury Trail Pace in Hunterdon County has been a favorite post-Labor Day destination for recreational riders from New Jersey and beyond since 1996, when it was introduced at Christie Hoffman Park. The well-organized Tewksbury Trail Association fixture usually draws more than 150 participants—making it one of the largest paces, if not the largest, in the state.
The Tewksbury Trail Association Pace was always a fun outing. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Last year, the pace moved to another scenic area of the township, giving participants a chance to ride through the Hill & Dale Preserve North at Hill & Dale Road and Parsonage Lot, as well as the South and Cold Brook Preserves for the benefit of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
This year, however, the pace is taking a bit of breather, giving a break to the dedicated volunteers who put on the event and stay busy year-round clearing the trails. In its place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 16 will be the Tewksbury Fun Ride over seven miles of marked trails at Christie Hoffman. The route is among the hundreds of miles of trails available to association members.
No one will be timed, as they would be in a traditional pace, and there are no prizes—“everyone’s a winner,” according to the organization’s flyer. Instead, the association promotes it as a chance to ride with friends and learn the trails at the same time. Go out alone or with as many as a group of four. The fee is $25. Entrants don’t have to be Tewksbury Trail Association members to participate, but members and those who join will get a trail map for future rides.
Vanessa Patterson, Beth Durden, Dawn Eastabrooks enjoy the trails in much the same way that participants will during September’s fun ride. (Photo courtesy of Tewksbury Trail Association)
Normally, riders have to be TTA members to use the trails, so the fun ride offers a treat for those who haven’t been on these routes.
Non-riders can take part in a new initiative, the Trail Blazers. Participants go out on foot—armed with clippers and gloves—to help trim the trails under the guidance of TTA veterans.
“Historically, it’s (the trail system) just been for riders,” TTA President Louisa Sargent said about offering hikers a chance to enjoy the countryside as well. They won’t be going out on the fun day, but plans call for groups of up to six individuals taking part in Trail Blazers once a month. There will be no fee as the program proceeds on a trial basis.
Louisa emphasized the organization is not giving up on the pace, but board members are thinking about alternating the pace and the fun ride in coming years. That makes sense in a year like this one, when the TTA and the Tewksbury Historical Society put on the Tewksbury Barn Tour. The barn tour, held every two years, ran last weekend and offered a wonderful selection of farms with many interesting buildings.
The terrain at Christie Hoffman has interesting features, like this little pond. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“To do both the barn tour and the pace the way we want to do it is a lot to do in three months,” she noted.
For more information, go to the association’s website at https://www.tta-nj.org/ Those who are interested in volunteering or learning more about the association can email tewksburytrail@gmail.com. And circle July 2020 on your calendar; you don’t want to miss the next barn tour.
