by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 8, 2017
The Alexandria Trail Association pace Oct. 29 has been cancelled due to impending bad weather.
A statement from AEA said: “We cannot just reschedule, there are too many moving parts. Besides, we are running out of decent weather weekends.
“We have decided that we will run this new course next year, as the hard work of getting permission and working thru the issues and challenges are behind us.
“We wanted to cancel early, to save our wonderful volunteers from working two more days on the pace, only to see a washout on Sunday.
“Thank you all for your understanding. We are as disappointed as you are.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 3, 2017
Linda Dietz, president of Mane Stream’s board of directors, will be honored during a fundraiser Nov. 4 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. The party, dubbed A Starlight Soiree, is Equus XXVI, an affair with a long history of helping the Oldwick facility that helps so many people.
Also known for her ownership of Red Tail Farm in Bedminster, Linda is devoted to Mane Stream, which offers adaptive riding and equine-assisted therapies for a wide range of clients . For more about the party, go to this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 2, 2017
With the prospect of bad weather on Oct. 8, the original date for the Mylestone Equine Rescue Open House in Warren County, organizers decided to hold the event from noon-4 p.m. Oct.15 instead.
This 23-acre farm is dedicated to taking the horses no one else wants; those with medical issues, the elderly, the long-neglected, the unloved. Few get adopted; most spend the rest of their lives at Mylestone, where Susankelly Thompson, her family, part-time staff and dedicated volunteers do their utmost to make life as good as it can be for these animals in need.
For more information,here’s a link: https://nancyjaffer.com/previous_columns/2017-09-28/
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 21, 2017
Be warned: Under-age drinking, which has plagued the Far Hills Race Meeting for years, will be the focus of a crackdown by authorities at its 97th running Oct. 21.
In a joint effort, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, the State Police, race organizers, New Jersey Transit and the Borough of Far Hills are working to curb the problem by conducting identification checks of underage individuals suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages on the race grounds.
Those who are not of legal age to consume alcohol will be taken into custody, charged and ultimately released to an adult who is not intoxicated.
The initiative is going to start as soon as racegoers get to Moorland Farm. Any individual entering the event who is visibly intoxicated will be denied entry. Too many people in the past have gotten off the train at Far Hills station already drunk.
All racegoers over the age of 21 will receive a wrist band indicating that they are of legal age to consume alcohol. If an individual is observed consuming alcohol and does not have a wrist band, they will be required to show identification to law enforcement proving they are 21 or over.
If they don’t have it, they will be escorted off the property. Officers will be conducting roving patrols throughout the day to identify those who are highly intoxicated and being disruptive. Anyone found to be causing a disturbance, endangering the safety and welfare of others or otherwise not complying with this initiative, will be escorted from the property.
Noting that law enforcement and the race meeting committee have been concerned about underage drinking, which was highlighted in a newspaper article in 2016, the prosecutor stated, “This year, we are taking a new approach in an effort to curtail the abuse of alcohol by minors and provide a safe atmosphere for all the attendees.”
A crackdown on under-age alcohol consumption at the Far Hills Race Meeting is designed to enforce the law and let people enjoy themselves while watching the horses without disturbances from intoxicated youths. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Race organizer Guy Torsilieri said the latest initiative is the next step in the committee’s ongoing efforts to curb underage and excessive drinking at the annual race meeting, which draws some 35,000 fans annually. In addition to more efforts aimed at barring underage patrons from drinking, this year the committee has partnered with a ride-sharing company and others as part of an overall goal of making the race safe for all visitors.
“In past years, we have made significant strides in curtailing alcohol abuse at our event,” Guy said. “But with underage drinking on the rise, particularly at events that draw significant numbers of college-aged visitors, we are determined to ensure that our event remains a fun, family event to be enjoyed by all.”
Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone welcomed the partnership with law enforcement and race organizers, saying the Far Hills Race Meeting is an asset to the borough.
“It is our goal that by working collaboratively with law enforcement and Far Hills Race Meeting Association, each patron who visits will be offered a safe, friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves.”
For more about the race meeting, go to farhillsrace.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2017
Four Garden State competitors made the cut for the finals of the ASPCA Maclay hunt seat equitation championship at the Region Two ride-off last weekend.
The competition at Old Salem Farm was won by Madison Goetzmann on San Remo VDL, who led throughout the class. Sophee Steckbeck of Clarksburg finished fourth on Curt Z, with Nina Columbia of Kinnelon fifth on Checkland.
Laura Lindner of Warren came in seventh on Nino Nacho and Millburn’s Devon Thomas finished eighth with Cordino.
The Maclay will be held at the CP National Horse Show in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in November.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2017
A 9-year-old Atlantic County mare is the state’s second reported 2017 case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses. The horse, who had not been vaccinated against EEE for two years, is undergoing treatment.
“Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher. “Vaccinated animals are much less likely to contract deadly diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.”
EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than West Nile Virus infection. West Nile virus is a viral disease that affects horses’ neurological system. The diseases are transmitted by mosquito bite. The viruses cycle between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus.
The first EEE case in New Jersey in 2017 was a 5-year-old Cumberland County mare. That horse had not been vaccinated against EEE and died on August 28, 2017
Effective equine vaccines for EEE and WNV are available commercially. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians if their horses are not already up-to-date on their vaccinations against both EEE and WNV.
Late summer and early fall are the prime seasons for these diseases. In 2016, 4 cases of equine EEE occurred in New Jersey between mid-August and mid-September. There were no cases of equine WNV in 2016.
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting horses’ neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.state.nj.us.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 18, 2017
The Essex Foxhounds are trying a new “mock hunt” format for their fall hunter pace Oct. 22. The hounds won’t be involved, as riders follow field masters in three flights. The first flight will go at a forward pace and take all the jumps. Jumping is optional for the second flight, which will go at a steady pace. The third pace will proceed at a gentle pace, but won’t jump.
The competition starts at 11 a.m., but participants who haven’t pre-registered must come at 10 a.m. to register and pay the $50/person fee.
At the post-pace party, ribbons will go to the best horse/rider combos in each flight, with an award for best turned-out overall. “Polite hacking attire” is requested.
The pace will be held at Cedar Lane Farm, 87 Homestead Road, Oldwick (but the GPS is Califon, NJ)
For early entries, go to www.essexfoxnounds.org.
Questions can be answered by Jim Gordon: (908) 337-2546.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
Sept. 15, 2017
She’s never owned a horse. But Isabelle Heckler of Colts Neck has managed to get some pretty extensive experience in riding and equine care because, simply put, she’s a worker.
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athlete Program was designed for someone like Isabelle, the only New Jerseyan named to compete in November’s 2017 finals at Ohio’s Lake Erie College. There are 24 finalists, culled from a group of 180 who took part in regional training sessions around the country this year. The sessions include both riding and horse management, and always feature expert instructors in both.
EAP’s mission is to discover riders under 21 with ability, but lacking the opportunities of others in their age group who have been riding regularly in the elite shows. The concept provides education for young riders in their quest to become knowledgeable horsemen and women. It can boost participants in their aspirations to be professionals–or at least have serious involvement in horse sport.
One of EAP’s best-known alumni is Jacob Pope, who won the 2011 national finals after competing primarily in local and regional shows. He went on the next year to take the USEF Talent Search Finals East and the ASPCA Maclay title at the National Horse Show.
Isabelle brought a green horse to her training session this summer at Centenary University in Long Valley, noting, “It’s nice to be surrounded by peers who are coming in with horses they’ve ridden once before and wanting to show off their riding ability by showing how much they can improve in three days.”
Isabelle Heckler competing in schooling jumpers on Federico de Michelis’ Tlaloca Z (Photo by Sportfot)
As a veteran of a 2014 EAP training session in New York with Candice King, Isabelle went to this summer’s session “with the intention of helping everybody out and trying to re-create the experience I had in 2014, because everybody was so helpful and made my experience so easy. I could never have imagined making it to nationals.”
Anne Kursinski, the developing rider coach for the U.S. show jumping team, presided at the Centenary session, which also included extra-curricular activities, such as a tour of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone led Sally Ike, EAP committee chairperson. Sally, an eventer who rode with the team, is based in Gladstone as the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s managing director of licensed officials.
“It was incredible,” Isabelle said of her visit to the historic stables. “I hadn’t taken all the time to appreciate all the history that is so important to it.”
Her ambition for the national finals is typical Isabelle: “To just be the best teammate and rider that I can be.”
She’ll be getting real team experience this fall after trying out and being accepted as a new member of the varsity NCAA squad at the University of Georgia, where she is a sophomore and previously participated in Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association competition.
Isabelle Heckler in adult amateur hunter competition on Catrine Golia’s Royal Expectation. (Photo by Sportfot)
Isabelle started riding as a child when she and her mother, Margot, a veteran of the U.S. Pony Club, cared for a variety of animals at a farm in Middletown. “My mom put me on a horse one day, and I never got off,” Isabelle chuckled.
After she got really invovled in horses and started taking lessons, Isabelle recalled, “My parents sat me down and told me that if I wanted to keep riding, I’d have to figure out a way to do it myself.”
So she did.
“At the time, it seemed very life-shattering,” said Isabelle of her parents’ decision, but she realized in retrospect, “it was so instrumental in forming a work ethic and forming character.”
The 19-year-old spent a lot of time as a working student, for Bill Ellis and David Connors, as well as Max Amaya, among others, including Laura Bowery, with whom she rode in Wellington, Fla., last winter. One of her big moments was riding in the 1.20-meter jumpers at The Ridge show there.
Max called Isabelle “a very dedicated worker, passionate about the horses.” He added, “I think she’s going to be able to succeed in the industry because she’s doing all the right steps. She worked very well with others, she’s always ready to help, and she’s not shy about asking for help when she needs to. She’s a good team player.”
Still considering her future, business major Isabelle isn’t sure if she will be a professional horseperson, though that seems likely considering her lifetime involvement with horses, which also involved being a hotwalker for a racing stable.
Looking forward to the finals and learning from Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde in the riding segment and Anne Thornbury for stable management, she enthused, “It’s going to be such an amazing opportunity.”
What Isabelle has gotten from EAP, she observed, is “the emphasis on being a well-rounded horseperson. None of us are ever too successful to not have to clean a stall or groom our horses or wrap them at the end of the 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 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.”
