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 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 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
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 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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2018
The Longhorned tick has spread to a seventh New Jersey county. A little more than a month after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was found at Soldier Hill Golf Course in Bergen County, it also was spotted in Monmouth County and now in Somerset County.
Looks like a pattern here; the tick is probably aiming for all 21 counties in the state..
Previously, the tick was found in Hunterdon, Union, Middlesex and Mercer counties.Some of these findings were a result of a statewide “Tick Blitz,” led by the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology in May and developed primarily by professionals from New Jersey’s county mosquito control programs.
Public parks where the Longhorned tick has been found include Davidson Mill County Pond Park in Middlesex County, as well as the Watchung Reservation, Houdaille Quarry Park and Briant Park in Union County.
Like deer ticks, the nymphs of the Longhorned tick are very small (resembling tiny spiders) and can easily go unnoticed on animals and people. Although specimens identified in New Jersey have not been found to carry pathogens, Longhorned ticks in other countries have been shown to spread diseases. They are known to infest a wide range of species including humans, dogs, cats, and livestock.
“We want to emphasize that it is important that people continue to use normal tick prevention measures for themselves, their pets and livestock,” said Dr. Manoel Tamassia, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian. “We will work to continue to develop strategies to control the spread of the tick to other areas.”
As part of New Jersey’s investigation, counties have set up drop-off locations for the public to submit ticks they find on themselves, their pets, livestock or on wildlife. Information on these locations and how to submit a tick can be found on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website at http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/ah/
A phone line has also been established to leave a message if a tick is found and there is uncertainty about what the next steps are. If you need information about what to do if you find a tick on yourself, your pets or livestock call 1-833-NEWTICK (1-833-639-8425).
For more information on ticks and tick-borne disease visit: Rutgers Center for Vector Biology:http://vectorbio.rutgers.edu/news.php; Rhode Island Tick Encounter site: http://www.tickencounter.org/; or TickCheck Tick Testing: https://www.tickcheck.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 23, 2018
Want to support the Horse Park of New Jersey and enjoy yourself at the same time? Compete in the Aug. 5 fun show at the facility in Allentown, where the classes will include a hunter derby, western games, hunt teams, dressage, gambler’s choice and lots more.
All the money raised will go toward supporting the Horse Park. Judges, stewards, scribes, secretaries and jump crews all are donating their time. Prizes are donated as well, and every blue ribbon comes with a prize. Points will be given for the Thoroughbred Incentive Program and the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association.
Fine out more at www.horseparkofnewjersey.com.
