by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 14, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
August 30, 2017
When the applause ends, after the crowds go home, what’s next for a top horse who has retired from eventing?
In the case of Ballynoe Castle RM, better known as Reggie, that question can be answered with one word: Paradise.
Reggie enjoying retirement at Apple Hill Farm with his pint-size companion, Barney. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The lucky 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who was saluted in an emotional retirement ceremony at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star in April, is now comfortably ensconced with his owners, Cassie and Carl Segal, at their picturesque 49-acre Apple Hill Farm in Pottersville.
Reggie, the U.S. Eventing Association’s all-time point earner, deserves his rest. His career, which began with Buck Davidson in 2006, ended last year. Now that’s all behind the sturdy son of Ramiro B. He is not only living a life of leisure in scenic surroundings, it’s a life of pampering as well.
Groomed to a glow every day, Reggie’s bay coat is as shiny as it was when he competed at the biggest three-day events, including the Burghley, Badminton and Rolex 4-stars, as well as two World Equestrian Games. When he’s not enjoying the pasture with its panoramic views; a cornfield, the handsome barn and the Segals’ house, Reggie appreciates variation to his days by hacking on the farm and along the nearby trails under the guidance of his caregiver, Jessica Kiener, who is married to the farm’s property manager, Matt Kiener.
Regie can just sit back and relax at Apple Hill. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Jess, who used to work in the barn at Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, has been a competitive eventer herself, training with Buck. Remember her mount, the Segals’ My Boy Bobby, who is also in retirement at Apple Hill?
Jess won the American Eventing Championships at Intermediate level with him, having started him at training level. A fond memory for the Segals and Jess is the time she won Groton House and led the victory gallop with, as Carl puts it, “all the red coats” of U.S. team veterans following behind her.
A typical day in retirement begins for Reggie at 7 a.m., when he gets three-quarters of a scoop of Ultium to supplement his grass diet, which also includes a little hay at supper time.
Living outdoors suits Reggie, who is turned out with Barney, a spotted pony Jess said is “obsessed” with the pasturemate who towers over him. If the weather is hot, Reggie and Barney can escape the heat in what the Segals call a shed, but which really is part of the barn, with rubber blocks on the floor and automatic insect sprayers to keep the bugs away.
The Segals bought Apple Hill because they wanted some land.
“We had never heard of the sport of eventing. We didn’t know from horses. We thought we’d get a couple of horses and do trail riding,” Cassie said. So much for that.
Reggie in the barn with Jess and Matt Kiener and Cassie and Carl Segal. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
As we chatted after Reggie’s grooming session, the talk naturally turned to recollections about this memorable horse.
“The first time we saw him was at Buck’s farm,” said Cassie, who noted Reggie was purchased sight unseen through Patricia Nicholson in Ireland.
“She called Buck and said, `I’ve got this really special horse I think you’re going to like.’ Buck talked to us and we said, `Okay, we’ll give it a try.’”
Although Reggie had competed up to the preliminary level in Ireland. Buck had never ridden him before the sale.
When the Segals were introduced to Reggie at Buck’s barn, there were no gasps of awe, no predictions of fame.
“He looked like all the other horses Buck has,” Cassie acknowledged, recalling her first impression of the gelding who would become the star of their stable.
Reggie and Buck Davidson on the way to winning the 2015 CCI 3-star at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I don’t think there was anything really special that stood out. He was just a nice event horse. We like the Irish horses a lot.”
Carl remembered, “We saw him compete at Plantation for the first time in 2006 at prelim. He won. There are plenty of horses at prelim who fizzle out and can’t do intermediate or advanced. We didn’t have any expectations of him being an advanced horse.”
So the Segals were just happy at the beginning that he “was beautiful and his disposition was good.” He was also fond of people.
“He’s just the sweetest,” said Cass, who rode him once and called the experience “thrilling.”
Reggie was Buck’s go-to horse, a friend as well as a mount. Buck misses him.
“When Jess and I went down to pick him up at Chesterland, Buck made sure he wasn’t there,” said Cass, noting Buck already has visited Reggie at Apple Hill.
Buck takes a final gallop on Reggie during the Rolex retirement ceremony. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
After Reggie’s retirement ceremony at Rolex, Buck and I talked about the horse, who had made did his final appearance in the dressage arena for the test ride at the 4-star with longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray aboard.
“We’re so proud of the horse, but more, we’re proud of the family and the team that has been behind him since day one,” said Buck.
“We’re as close as can be and we’re all brought together because of Reggie. He loves being part of the action. What a joy to have (him) in the barn for the last 11 years. There’s probably more talented horses out there than Reggie but there will never be another winner like him.
“My life is owed to him. It was a great career and I’m thankful I was actually able to be the one who steered him around. It was a joy every single day.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 14, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
August 30, 2017
When the applause ends, after the crowds go home, what’s next for a top horse who has retired from eventing?
In the case of Ballynoe Castle RM, better known as Reggie, that question can be answered with one word: Paradise.
Reggie enjoying retirement at Apple Hill Farm with his pint-size companion, Barney. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The lucky 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who was saluted in an emotional retirement ceremony at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star in April, is now comfortably ensconced with his owners, Cassie and Carl Segal, at their picturesque 49-acre Apple Hill Farm in Pottersville.
Reggie, the U.S. Eventing Association’s all-time point earner, deserves his rest. His career, which began with Buck Davidson in 2006, ended last year. Now that’s all behind the sturdy son of Ramiro B. He is not only living a life of leisure in scenic surroundings, it’s a life of pampering as well.
Groomed to a glow every day, Reggie’s bay coat is as shiny as it was when he competed at the biggest three-day events, including the Burghley, Badminton and Rolex 4-stars, as well as two World Equestrian Games. When he’s not enjoying the pasture with its panoramic views; a cornfield, the handsome barn and the Segals’ house, Reggie appreciates variation to his days by hacking on the farm and along the nearby trails under the guidance of his caregiver, Jessica Kiener, who is married to the farm’s property manager, Matt Kiener.
Regie can just sit back and relax at Apple Hill. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Jess, who used to work in the barn at Somerset County’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, has been a competitive eventer herself, training with Buck. Remember her mount, the Segals’ My Boy Bobby, who is also in retirement at Apple Hill?
Jess won the American Eventing Championships at Intermediate level with him, having started him at training level. A fond memory for the Segals and Jess is the time she won Groton House and led the victory gallop with, as Carl puts it, “all the red coats” of U.S. team veterans following behind her.
A typical day in retirement begins for Reggie at 7 a.m., when he gets three-quarters of a scoop of Ultium to supplement his grass diet, which also includes a little hay at supper time.
Living outdoors suits Reggie, who is turned out with Barney, a spotted pony Jess said is “obsessed” with the pasturemate who towers over him. If the weather is hot, Reggie and Barney can escape the heat in what the Segals call a shed, but which really is part of the barn, with rubber blocks on the floor and automatic insect sprayers to keep the bugs away.
The Segals bought Apple Hill because they wanted some land.
“We had never heard of the sport of eventing. We didn’t know from horses. We thought we’d get a couple of horses and do trail riding,” Cassie said. So much for that.
Reggie in the barn with Jess and Matt Kiener and Cassie and Carl Segal. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
As we chatted after Reggie’s grooming session, the talk naturally turned to recollections about this memorable horse.
“The first time we saw him was at Buck’s farm,” said Cassie, who noted Reggie was purchased sight unseen through Patricia Nicholson in Ireland.
“She called Buck and said, `I’ve got this really special horse I think you’re going to like.’ Buck talked to us and we said, `Okay, we’ll give it a try.’”
Although Reggie had competed up to the preliminary level in Ireland. Buck had never ridden him before the sale.
When the Segals were introduced to Reggie at Buck’s barn, there were no gasps of awe, no predictions of fame.
“He looked like all the other horses Buck has,” Cassie acknowledged, recalling her first impression of the gelding who would become the star of their stable.
Reggie and Buck Davidson on the way to winning the 2015 CCI 3-star at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“I don’t think there was anything really special that stood out. He was just a nice event horse. We like the Irish horses a lot.”
Carl remembered, “We saw him compete at Plantation for the first time in 2006 at prelim. He won. There are plenty of horses at prelim who fizzle out and can’t do intermediate or advanced. We didn’t have any expectations of him being an advanced horse.”
So the Segals were just happy at the beginning that he “was beautiful and his disposition was good.” He was also fond of people.
“He’s just the sweetest,” said Cass, who rode him once and called the experience “thrilling.”
Reggie was Buck’s go-to horse, a friend as well as a mount. Buck misses him.
“When Jess and I went down to pick him up at Chesterland, Buck made sure he wasn’t there,” said Cass, noting Buck already has visited Reggie at Apple Hill.
Buck takes a final gallop on Reggie during the Rolex retirement ceremony. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
After Reggie’s retirement ceremony at Rolex, Buck and I talked about the horse, who had made did his final appearance in the dressage arena for the test ride at the 4-star with longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray aboard.
“We’re so proud of the horse, but more, we’re proud of the family and the team that has been behind him since day one,” said Buck.
“We’re as close as can be and we’re all brought together because of Reggie. He loves being part of the action. What a joy to have (him) in the barn for the last 11 years. There’s probably more talented horses out there than Reggie but there will never be another winner like him.
“My life is owed to him. It was a great career and I’m thankful I was actually able to be the one who steered him around. It was a joy every single day.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2017
The National Resource Conservation Service and the Rutgers Extension Service are partnering again in a free program geared to helping horse farm owners learn about environmental management and equine nutrition while enjoying vintages from New Jersey wineries.
Those attending will be told how to obtain funding for projects through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and find out about the latest in environmental research. All that is required from those who would like to attend is an RSVP to michael.westendorf@rutgers.edu or carey.williams@rutgers.edu.
The program runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.Oct. 11 at Hidden Hills Farm, 656 River Road, Hillsborough.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 29, 2017
A number of equine organizations are helping to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit by Hurricane Harvey.
The USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund is working with the Houston SPCA. According to USEF CEO Bill Moroney, “As part of our commitment to the health, welfare, and safety of horses, the USEF disaster relief fund was created to assist horses impacted by devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. The outreach and generosity of the equestrian community to support the ongoing emergency assistance in this and future disasters allows us to provide direct financial assistance to the groups involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.”
Click to donate. For more information, contact Vicki Lowell, vlowell@usef.org
The American Association of Equine Practitioners also is marshaling resources to help out. Donations by mail can be sent to: Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky 40511. Call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. only) or (859) 233-0147.
If you wish to offer assistance with supplies or other resources, please email Keith Kleine at kkleine@aaep.org and you will be contacted with further instructions.
PATH, the therapeutic riding organization, is also helping. For more information, contact kalm@pathintl.org or call 303-452-1212 x 107.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
Aug. 20, 2017
Monmouth at the Team may well be one of the friendliest shows you’ve ever attended—it seems as if a smile is the uniform of the day.
Christina Bond’s smile was mirrored by those on the faces of many other competitors at Monmouth at the Team. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“It’s like a neighborhood gathering, so we want to be open to everybody coming,” said Michael Dowling, the show’s co-organizer with Tucker Ericson.
Michael noted that after competing, some of the exhibitors go home to shower and change, then return to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone to watch, mingle and listen to the different bands that provide a toe-tapping soundtrack.
“We want people from outside the horse world too, local people who don’t have kids or people showing. We’re trying to embrace the community as a whole, not just the horse part. We want people to enjoy this place,” continued Michael, and the atmosphere is conducive to that.
No question is too silly to be answered politely, patience is everyone’s strong suit and there’s a general feeling of congeniality and fun. What was that word—fun? Yes, it’s a week-long horse show that’s more like a party, both in and out of the hospitality tent.
Michael Dowling, co-manager of Monmouth at the Team. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The show, New Jersey’s oldest, moved from its namesake county last year after Michael, who is a trainer, and Tucker, a horse show judge, bought it. The transition was seamless and it was named the New Jersey Horse Shows Association Show of the Year for 2016.
What’s the formula for this success?
“I think we keep doing what the people want,” said Tucker.
“They want an event, not a horse show. They want their family and friends to come and hang around and laugh and hear the music and drink great drinks and eat great food and watch their family members horse show in a venue that has a lot of history about our Olympians and our sport.”
Tucker Ericson, co-manager of Monmouth at the Team. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The show, managed by Creigh Duncan, puts new life into the grounds of the foundation where U.S. teams once trained for the Olympics and other major competitions. Names such as Steinkraus, Chapot, De Nemethy, LeGoff, Wofford, Ridland and many more are part of the facility’s tradition in the big ring behind the landmark stable.
“It’s a piece of history, an unbelievable facility,” said Ricci Desiderio, trainer at Tranquillity Farm in nearby Chester.
He assessed the show this way: “I think people love it. It’s a slower pace, you’re only showing one ring.” Ricci and his wife, Stephanie, made the show a family affair with son Michael and daughter Alexandria busy in the arena.
Liz Durkin’s Durkin Firm in Livingston is a show sponsor, but the attorney is more involved with Monmouth at the Team than simply fulfilling the role of a backer.
“I brought my hunters and my jumpers. We emptied our barn,” said Liz, whose stable is in Warren County.
“We’re really just loving it. For those of us who are in the hunter/jumper world and are local, there’s nothing that’s not spectacular about this horse show,” she commented the other day.
“This show has been going since 7 o’clock and everyone is in a great mood 12 hours later. Everything is just perfectly done. There are so many horse shows that are so routine. There’s nothing special about them. Everything about this show is special, from the venue on up.”
Maxime Tyteca and Niels Haesen of Stal de Eyckenhoeve in Belgium brought one horse, Sirlando, across the Atlantic for the show. The Dutchbred and Maxime competed in the hunters for the first time, the day after the six-year-old former dressage horse and show jumper got out of quarantine.
Niels Haesen and Maxime Tyteca present the award for the Round of the Day to Jazz Johnson Merton. The award is sponsored by Stal de Eyckenhoeve. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The couple, business partners in selling horses and building a farm in Ocala with Tucker, appreciates the character of the show. As Niels pointed out, it’s quite different from the multi-ring extravaganzas in Wellington and Ocala.
“It’s only one ring and everyone’s together around the ring,” said Niels. “Everybody’s here.”
“I love having one ring that we can all sit and watch and enjoy,” said trainer B.J. Ehrhardt,, a longtime Monmouth exhibitor who rode at the show when it was at Monmouth Park’s Wolf Hill Farm before it moved after 1971.
“The people all get to mingle, which we never get to do at horse shows, because we’re always too busy running around. I think they do a fabulous job.”
There are those who have suggested that the show could hold extra classes in the indoor ring, or in a ring in the North Field, but Tucker’s answer is short and sweet.
“Oh no. It’s all about this arena and the energy around this ring. We’ve got an amazing staff,” said Tucker, noting they have handled as many as 400 trips over fences in a day. Everyone contributes to the effort.
“Trainers and exhibitors have risen to the occasion. We have put together an amazing group of sponsors. The support is outstanding. They are trying to help us make this work,” continued Tucker, pointing out that the economics of a one-ring horse show are challenging, compared to a multi-ring show.
The good feelings start with the parking people. Telling showgoers where to park is a thankless job—everyone wants to be in the very limited VIP spaces or 10 steps from the ring—but Linda and John Ericson (Tucker’s parents) do it with a smile and the offer of a cold bottle of water.
John is a former Hunterdon County school superintendent. His wife, who was an assistant to an attorney at an insurance company, said cheerfully, “I never thought I’d have parking on my resume.
“We just love it, but it’s not easy. We get up at 4 in the morning and start working at 5:30 a.m.,” Linda reported proudly.
Tucker pitches in wherever he’s needed, too, often tending bar in the hospitality tent that stretches along one side of the ring.
The seven-day show proves that if you present a special product, it’s possible to attract exhibitors without extravagant heaps of prize money or the ultimate in U.S. Equestrian Federation ratings. Its highest rating is B, and the jumpers are Level 3.
The biggest purses are $10,000 each for the Sunday Aug. 20 mini-prix and the Bobcat Hunter Derby that was held Thursday, the one day of the show that is not recognized by the USEF. The Derby attracted 99 entries at a time when other shows are struggling to fill their classes, and the beautifully turned-out horses were top-class. Despite the feeling of informality that pervades Monmouth at the Team, this is no backyard show.
Jazz Johnson Merton, joint master of the Essex Foxhounds that are based just down the road from the foundation grounds, topped both rounds of the Bobcat Derby to win with Joe Cool, a lovely gray warmblood owned by her daughter, Willa. At age 12, Willa is a little small for the stately Joe, so mom got to ride him in the derby.
Jazz Johnson Merton, winner of the Bobcat Derby with Joe Cool. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“He’s just a really good, solid egg,” Jazz said of the gelding.
This is her first year competing at the show, but since she lives in Pottersville only a few miles away, “I was very pleased to be here this year. It’s in my backyard and such a lovely venue. I hope to see more competitions here again.”
Monmouth was Jazz’s prep for the Hampton Classic, where she will be riding Joe in the 3-3 hunters.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, she’ll be riding other horses in the Essex Foxhounds’ hunter trials at the foundation, so Monmouth was a good prep for that too.
While she hasn’t hunted Joe yet, “some of our show horses do foxhunt. All of the equestrian sports are so crucial in keeping the land open and keeping the countryside so beautiful in this area.”
Conservation actually was the theme of the Bobcat Derby. It was sponsored by the Nature Conservancy which wants to build “Bobcat Alley” for New Jersey’s last remaining wild cats. To survive, the endangered species needs land to roam. So the conservancy is trying to connect preserved land between the Appalachians and the Highland section of the state. The wildlife corridor will provide space for the animals to hunt, roam and increase their numbers.
In keeping with that mission, the Conservancy gave away headbands with tufted (fake) bobcat ears. They were the accessory to have. Some competitors even wore the ears on their helmets as they went over the fences.
Jennifer Petrisko shows off her bobcat ears during her round with Sri. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
I was interested in finding out why the conservancy wanted to have a sponsorship at the show.
“We look for people to help us out,” explained philanthropy assistant Jeff Burian.
“The show has a large crowd so it gets the word out, and that’s the primary thing.”
Mary Conte, who does marketing for the conservancy and came up with the headband concept, notes that the conservancy is located a few miles from the foundation in Chester.
“This is an opportunity for us to build awareness of the good works we are doing in our community,” she noted, detailing why the organization is involved with Monmouth at the Team.
Mary Conti at the Nature Conservancy table in the hospitality tent. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“A lot of people don’t know who the Nature Conservancy is and don’t know we’re working right here in New Jersey to help wildlife and people and nature. So we thought this was a great opportunity to meet people in our community.”
Monmouth at the Team is a refreshing fixture, proving what can be done when people who have both vision and expertise work hard and enlist like-minded folks to help them.
I have a habit of making suggestions, for what they’re worth, to show managers about what I think they could do to improve their events. But there wasn’t a suggestion I could make to Michael and Tucker–they did it all, and they did it right.
I look forward to the 2018 edition of Monmouth at the Team, and I know there’s a legion of showgoers who feel the same.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
The most testing of the national equitation championships, the four-part Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, will be held Oct. 7 and 8 in Gladstone at the U.S Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters off Pottersville Road.
There is no admission fee, so it’s a chance to see how some of the country’s best young riders face the challenges offered by the class. It starts at 8 a.m. Oct. 7 with the flat phase, then moves on at 1 p.m. to the gymnastics section, which is an interesting test of horse and rider. At 8 a.m. Oct. 8, all the riders will jump a course that tests their technical ability. At 1 p.m. that day, the top four will jump a shorter course, then switch off to ride each other’s mounts over the same route.
The class, which has 54 riders qualified to compete will be judged by grand prix riders Jimmy Torano and the 1990 winner McLain Ward, who is representing the U.S. in the FEI Nations’ Cup final the weekend before the Talent Search.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
There were days of silence after plans for the world-class dressage competition at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show was cancelled last weekend, but it is being replaced by arena eventing on the Sept. 23 Saturday night of the fixture.
The world’s three top-ranked dressage riders as of August, Isabell Werth of Germany, the USA’s Laura Graves and Carl Hester of Great Britain, where slated to compete at the Wollman Rink in the heart of New York city. But on the heels of the European championships, “recent unforeseen circumstances have impacted several competitors, forcing their withdrawal from the event,” according to a statement from the organizer of the event.
Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton are among those who have signed on for the 8 p.m. arena eventing, which combines show jumping and simulated cross-country at the intermediate/2-star level. It was a big hit in its debut at the Devon Horse Show last May, when the course was designed by Mark Phillips, who will also do the honors in New York. Other riders participating will include Jennie Brannigan, Holly Payne-Caravella and her brother, Doug Payne, as well as two exciting English imports, Burghley winner Oliver Townend and the great William Fox-Pitt. Sara Kozumplik-Murphy, who won at Devon, is also competing.
Meanwhile, the world’s highest-ranked riders in show jumping are set to compete at the show. Kent Farrington, number one in the international standings, and his friend and rival, McLain Ward, number two, will participate Sept. 21 in the evening’s $40,000 speed class, and the night of Sept. 22 in the $216,000 3-star Grand Prix.
A series of hunter classics is featured on the afternoon of Sept. 23, highlighted by the $50,000 Duchossois Cup.
The Central Park competition begins Sept. 20 with an Arabian show. It ends on Sunday, Sept. 24 with exhibitions and free admission
For tickets, go to www.centralparkhorseshow.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2017
(Don’t forget to check out the New Jersey Activities Schedule at the bottom of the On the Rail column)
The Tewksbury Trail Association’s Trail Pace, which draws more riders than any other such competition in the state, is moving into new territory Sept. 17.
Usually held at Christie Hoffman Farm Park in the township, it instead will start at the Hill & Dale Preserve North at Hill & Dale Road and Parsonage Lot, crossing Hill & Dale three times. The route also is going into the South Preserve and the Cold Brook Preserve, where farmer Scott Clucas has cleaned up the trails. There is a choice of a six- or nine-mile ride, with two divisions, adult and junior.
The ride benefits the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, which has been instrumental in preserving land on Hill & Dale and elsewhere. For more information, go to tewksburytrail@gmail.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2017
Racing in an informal atmosphere, from adult amateur competition down to pony and stick pony races, are featured at the Essex Foxhounds Masters’ Chase Sept. 30 at Natirar, the Somerset County park on Main Street in Peapack.
This is an event to which you can bring the family for a relaxing day to benefit the Countryside Alliance of the Somerset Hills. Pony rides, tailgating and a hound parade are part of the gathering.
Gates open at 10 a.m., with races at noon. General admission is $40 per car and tailgate spaces are $500/car. Since it’s a county facility, you can also leave your car in general parking for free and walk over to watch the action. For more information, go to www.essexfoxhounds.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2017
If you thought you’d heard the last of Omaha when the Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping and Dressage World Cup finals wrapped up, think again.
The Omaha Equestrian Foundation, which presented the incredibly successful Cup competition, is keeping busy.
It is offering an opportunity for anyone interested in the eight international disciplines (show jumping, dressage, para-equestrian, driving, eventing, reining, vaulting and endurance) to meet with the country’s top equestrian athletes, trainers, team managers, chefs d’equipe, coaches, veterinarians, physiotherapists and other leaders.
Lisa Roskens, who brought the Cups to Omaha and came up with the idea for the foundation, said it is committed to bringing more international-caliber competitions to the Midwest, developing opportunities for riders who aspire to perform at the highest levels of their equestrian discipline.
“We want those who are interested in these disciplines to have a chance to hear first-hand the vision held by the leaders and decision-makers of the sport,” she said, “and to be able to talk with other horsemen who share their interests in international equestrian disciplines. OEF is proud to host US Equestrian’s first-ever High Performance Review.”
Who will you see in Omaha? Show jumping coaches Robert Ridland and Anne Kursinski, dressage coaches Robert Dover and Debbie McDonald, as well as eventing individual gold medalist and coach Leslie Law.
“This will be the first time we have ever gathered representatives of all the FEI international discipline High Performance Programs together for the express purpose of determining how we can meet our goal of sustained success at the World and Games level,” said Will Connell, US Equestrian’s Director of Sport.
“We want to bring all perspectives together to determine how we are better able to meet challenges in the future, grab opportunities as they arise and ensure that we are truly focused on developing performance. If we are to be truly effective at supporting our athletes (human and equine) to deliver medal winning performances, then we must be willing to challenge the effectiveness of ourselves and our programs,” Connell said.
Those interested in attending the dinner, forums and clinic can find more information at www.omahaequestrian.com or by calling 402-930-3079.
Meanwhile, the foundation is starting the InIt2WinIt Speed Jumping Series, five nationally televised 1.40-meter speed jumping events that will culminate in the $100,000 Championship at 1.45 meters at the International Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska on April 13, 2018.
The InIt2WinIt Speed Jumping Series kicks off its first qualifying event Sept. 22 at the HITS Balmoral show in Chicago with a $25,000 Open Speed Class qualifier. The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri will feature a $25,000 InIt2WinIt qualifying class Oct. 13. Queenie Productions will host a $20,000 InIt2WinIt Open Speed class as a qualifier Nov. 11, 2017 at the St Louis Hunter/Jumper Show in the National Equestrian Center in Missouri. The final qualifying competition will be the $10,000 Monarch Casino jumper stake at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 12, 2018.
“The InIt2WinIt Speed Jumping Series is part of OEF’s mission to produce international caliber equestrian events that change the way the sport is presented in this country, and to develop Omaha into a hub of the sport horse industry,” said Lisa.
“We want to attract international championships as both educational and economic development opportunities for the community.” To fulfill its strategic plan, OEF seeks to create opportunities for high performance athletes from the Midwest and develop young riders with a clear path to higher levels in the sport.
The International Omaha 2018 will also feature its signature jumping competition, the $130,000 International Omaha Grand Prix. In addition, it will host high level team dressage competition and a Dressage Showcase in conjunction with the United States Dressage Foundation.
All events will be held at the World Cup venue, the CenturyLink Center Omaha, which won rave reviews from World Cup competitors, vendors and fans. The four-day event April 12-15, 2018 is designed to be the Great Equestrian Gathering in the Midwest, according to Mike West, CEO of the foundation.
For ticket, sponsor, VIP and vendor information, call 402-932-4124 or go to.www.internationalomaha.com
