by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 20, 2024
The Dutch dressage team was victorious at that nation’s 5-star home show in Rotterdam, enjoying a margin of more than two percentage points over Denmark. Led by Dinja van Liere with the best score of the class on Hermes N.O.P. (77.8910), the Dutch earned a total of 222.392. They had supporting performances rom Edward Gal on Glock’s Total U.S. (73.196) and Emmelie Scholtens aboard Indian Rock (71.305). Edward’s horse is a son of his most famous mount, the sensational Totilas.
Dinja van Liere on Hermes N.O.P. (FEI Photo)
The Danes’ score was 220.349 to 219.435 for Germany. Isabell Werth enjoyed the top finish for the latter, earning 76.935 on Wendy de Fontaine, back from a small injury. The horse previously was ridden by Andreas Helgstrand of Denmark, who handed her over after he was barred from his country’s Olympic team following a scandal involving undercover TV coverage of training techniques at his stables.
The U.S. total of 194.848 included a disappointing mark of 59.044 from Ashley Holzer and Hansel, who had big resistance in the first piaffe, and fell out of the canter in their second pirouette. The horse’s tense state was reflected in his busy mouth.
They were a last-minute addition to the list of horse/rider combinations being considered for the U.S. Olympic team. That squad will be named next week after other contenders ride at Schafhofs dressage festival in Germany. Steffen Peters, who has led the standings from the start, is skipping that observation event and riding as an individual at Aachen next month.
At Rotterdam, Katherine Bateson Chandler on Dinja’s former ride, Haute Couture, had a score of 67.848 percent. The best of the U.S. contingent was Kevin Kohmann, who made his World Cup Finals debut in April but was not named as a contender for the Olympic team. His mark was 67.956 on Duenensee. The U.S. could not take advantage of a drop score because the team had only three members.
There apparently is a real homeside advantage at the venue. The Dutch have won four out of five of the last Nations Cups in Rotterdam, and lost only three times in the last 11 years.
Dutch chef d’equipe Patrick van der Meer commented about his team’s performance, “It’s always nice to win, but to win here in Rotterdam is very special. It was really nice. We also had some tests with some unexpected results. There were some mistakes, there was some tension, but at the end, especially Dinja—she lifted us all up. We won, and that’s super.”
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 23, 2024
In a cavalry charge of a 15-horse jump-off for the Grand Prix of Rotterdam, Laura Kraut and Baloutinue posted the best U.S. effort with a clear round in 38.10 seconds. It was good enough for fourth behind the Dutch winner, Marc Houtzager on Sterrehof’s Dante, more than two seconds faster in 36.07 seconds.
McLain Ward, the only other American in the tie-breaker, was tenth with a knockdown on Callas in 37.45 seconds.
The other U.S. competitors did not make the cut to ride against the clock. Callie Schott had a rail with Garant to wind up twenty-ninth, while Jessica Springsteen–who rode with Laura and McLain on the Tokyo Olympic silver medal team–logged 8 faults on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, which put her fortieth. Callie and Jessica were the only two American riders to go fault-free last week in the Longines League of Nations, where the U.S. finished last.
Rotterdam was a disappointing show for the U.S., with the dressage team also finishing last in its Nations Cup.
But for some encouraging news, be sure to read our feature story about American dressage victories in Germany. And get the story about both U.S. dressage and show jumping in Europe last week at this link. That story is also the second feature on our main page.
Click here for results of the Rotterdam Grand Prix of show jumping
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 18, 2024
Phelps, the bargain thoroughbred who has sailed around cross-country at the Maryland and Kentucky 5-stars, will compete at England’s Burghley 5-star in September.
His rider, Mia Farley, is looking for financial help in connection with the trip.
Mia Farley and Phelps at the 2024 Kentucky 5-star. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“We will work hard this summer to fine tune our strengths and weaknesses and look forward to putting our best foot forward in September,” she stated.
“With Burghley in mind, we are excited to open Phelps’ life to more people. Phelps will have memberships available, which will help offset his expenses overseas, as well as provide you with a glimpse into 5-star event ownership!
“With all donations being tax deductible, Phelps’ memberships will include merch, weekly emails and updates, personal visits and more.”
Phelps was tied for thirteenth after dressage at Kentucky, then moved up to fifth with one of only two double-clears on cross-country. His weak point has been show jumping, however and after toppling a rail at the first fence in the Rolex stadium, he had three more knockdowns and 0.8 time penalties to finish thirteenth over all. But Mia is working on that phase with David O’Connor, the owner of the horse he bought for $1 (though he apparently never handed over that dollar).
Those who are interested in being part of the equine Cinderella story can contact the rider at Miafarley6@gmail.com for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 17, 2024
The short collaboration of Marcus Orlob and Jane has been amazing. The Annandale, N.J., trainer on Monday was named to the Dutta Corp. U.S. dressage team for Aachen — arguably the world’s mot prestigious horse show– after a partnership of less than five months.
Also on the squad is Californian Anna Buffini with Fiontini, Floridian Anna Marek with her Pan American Games medal mount Fire Fly, and another Floridian, Endel Ots, with the most experienced horse of the group, Zen Elite’s Bohemian. In 2021, Bohemian was ridden to fourth place individually in the Olympics by Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark.
Jane, who is only 10, was trained and ridden by her owner, Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, N.J. But since Jane was rather strong for slender Alice, she turned the KWPN mare over to Marcus, who is her trainer. They proceeded to make the top eight in the rankings for a spot on the Olympic team, and have been competing in Europe during the observation process. Earlier this month, Marcus scored a personal best in the Grand Prix at Hagen, Germany, with a mark of 71.936 percent.
Marcus Orlob and Jane. (Susan J. Stickle Photography)
Steffen Peters, who led the Olympic rankings all the way through with Suppenkasper, has been excused from the other observation events and will ride at Aachen as an individual. He seems to be a lock for the three-member team that will go to Paris for the Games in July.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 13, 2024
Could an Olympic dressage gold medal be in the works for Great Britain? Its superstars dominate a just-released list of that nation’s nominated entries for the Paris Games that headlines with Charlotte Dujardin (Alive and Kicking and Imhotep); her mentor, Carl Hester (Fame and En Vogue) and world champion Lottie Fry (Glamourdale and Everdale). So each of these top riders has a back-up horse.
Charlotte Dujardin with Alive and Kicking.
There are six other horse/rider combinations on the list, but if the big three make the team, Germany will have a battle for gold on its hands. Anything can happen, though. Remember that Lottie was eliminated with Everdale from the World Cup Finals in April under the blood rule.
The additional riders named to the British list of Olympic hopefuls are Lewis Carrier with Diego V, Andrew Gould (Indrigo), Gareth Hughes (Classic Goldstrike), Becky Moody and the very interesting Jagerbomb, Susan Pape (Harmony’s V-bomb) and Annabella Pidgley (Gio).
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 14, 2024
Ashley Holzer and Hansel are being considered for the U.S. Olympic dressage team after finishing fourth in the 3-star Grand Prix Special at Hagen, Germany, this month with a mark of 72 percent, behind second place Steffen Peters with Suppenkasper (72.660) and ahead of fifth-place Adrienne Lyle on Helix (71.979).
The Special will determine the team medals at the Paris Games this summer.
Although she was tenth, rather than in the top eight in the original rankings for the Games, and therefore not part of the official U.S. Equestrian Federation trip to Europe this spring, Ashley traveled abroad anyway with P.J. Rizvi’s horse. It paid off in her being added on Friday to the short list. The team will be announced on June 25. Hansel is a KWPN gelding (Blue Hors Don Olymbrio X Metall). His original name was In Design.
In the Hagen Grand Prix before the Special, Ashley, an Olympic veteran, was eighth with a score of 71.456 percent. Steffen, who has led the U.S. rankings all along, was third on 72.869 percent.
Ashley and Hansel were named to the U.S. team for the Rotterdam dressage Nations Cup next week, where she will compete alongside another short-listed rider, Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Haute Couture.
The others on the short list include Adrienne, who has Lars van de Hoenderheide in addition to Helix; Endel Otts with Zen Elite’s Bohemian; Marcus Orlob and Jane, the mare he began riding only this spring; Anna Buffini (Fiontini); and Anna Marek (Fire Fly).
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 11, 2024
World number one eventer Oliver Townend and the owners of Ballaghmor Class have withdrawn the horse from Britain’s eventing nominated list for the Paris Olympic Games.
“As his preparation for a long-format event in the first half of the season was interrupted, we could not secure the final qualification for the Olympics without compromising his best interests,” Oliver and his team stated.
“This is so disappointing for the whole team, but Thomas (the horse’s barn name) means the world for us and at the end of the day, his welfare and happiness is more important than everything else.
“He is one of few special horses that has an Olympic gold to his name and while he will be aiming for an autumn 5-star, we hope that stablemate Cooley Rosalent (winner of the Defender Kentucky 5-star in April) will fly the flag in our bid to be selected for the Games. Huge thanks to British Equestrian, Thomas’s owners, our sponsors and the team around us who have showed unwavering support in making this decision.”
The British Eventing selectors will work with Richard Waygood to name a replacement combination to the nominated list sometime next week.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 11, 2024
The death of Chromatic BF shortly after a brilliant performance at the FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals in Saudi Arabia April 18 was a devastating development that seemed unreal.
The 13-year-old Oldenburg appeared to be in great condition as he flew over the fences under the guidance of rider Jill Humphrey, and his third-place finish in the class that evening was the best performance by a U.S. entry thus far in the competition that would wrap up three days later.
But 90 minutes after the class ended at 9:30 p.m., the horse was dead.
Jill Humphrey and Chromatic get their third-place trophy at the World Cup finals.
The loss of Chromatic as jubilation dissolved into tears cast a pall over the first World Cup show jumping final presented in the Middle East.
A report on the necropsy performed at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia included information that the horse had been treated at 10:41 p.m. with 4 milliliters of Legend, 5 of Adequan, 20 of Traumeel, 20 of arnica and 20 of Selevit, a selenium/vitamin combination.
At 10:44 p.m., Chromatic returned to his stall. A minute later, he began to stumble. Chromatic received dexamethasone at 10:48 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 10:59.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Equestrian Federation revised a statement about the situation that it had released on Monday.
“We have received the final necropsy report for Chromatic BF who passed away at the FEI World Cup Finals in April. The cause of the death was severe diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, which could be attributed to multiple causes, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (most commonly observed in severe sepsis and septic shock, according to the Medscape website); cardiopulmonary failure, shock, and exercise-associated fatal pulmonary hemorrhage. The report further indicates that the histopathologic findings raise the suspicion of fatal equine exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, despite Chromatic BF not exhibiting any overt signs of such condition. According to the final report, the administered medications were not identified as the cause of death.”
Dr. Stephen Schumacher, USEF chief veterinary officer, indicated the necropsy report is not conclusive as to the cause of the hemorrhage and edema.
Branscomb noted there was “some really upsetting information” in the necropsy report.
“It’s significantly different than what I believed to be true, and potentially (has) much more extensive consequences.”
She said the manufacturer’s label on Selevit says it can “cause anaphylactic shock and sudden cardiac death in horses. You have to have corticosteroids and epinephrine standing by and it’s contraindicated to ever give it intravenously.
“It’s only given to horses documented for selenium deficiency, which my horse was not,” she mentioned.
“Now I’m finding out there was more and that I was not told the truth.”
Branscomb said that originally, “I had thought it was just an honest mistake and that everyone was being transparent and forthcoming and genuinely interested in both the truth and preventing it happening again. Now I’m not so sure about any of that.”
She believes the horse was killed by a “shock reaction to the IV injection of unecessary and risky medications, done without anyone on my team’s knowledge…more than 90 minutes after my horse performed perfectly and returned healthy and fit to the stables with his lifetime groom. That is my truth and I stand by it.”
Branscomb noted, “This is unbelievably upsetting and I don’t even know where to go with it. Thirty-five years of breeding, the first American-bred horse in 37 years to contest the World Cup final. He was the flagship of my breeding farm.”
The Californian explained, “I kept him the whole 13 years and developed him so we could show the world what American breeding could produce. He was doing the job and he would have podiumed. They robbed me of it and that’s not okay.”
In the wake of Chromatic’s death, she had worked with USEF to come up with the draft of a revised horse participation consent agreement that said “no substances will be administered to the horse unless the USEF-appointed veterinarian first obtains written consent from the athlete,” unless it’s an emergency situation.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 10, 2024
When was the last time you went to a show where there were smiles all around, with exhibitors who weren’t scrambling for points or fretting about trying to qualify for a bigger show?
For me, it was yesterday–at the Alumni Tournament of Champions, presented by Alumni Equestrian Events. The show at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, N.J., was open to hunt seat and western riders who had competed on their Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association teams. Competitors who ranged in age from 21 to their 60s rode horses drawn by lot, just the way it’s done in IHSA competition.
The 80 participants, who had attended a variety of schools including the Ivy League, state universities and small colleges, were thrilled not only to have a chance to compete, but also to enjoy riding while making new friends and spending time with those they rode with or against in the past. It’s particularly special for alumni who can’t afford to have their own horses, because it gives them a chance to ride and show without spending beyond their budgets.
Camaraderie is a big part of the Alumni Tournament of Champions. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Tournament of Champions has been held since 2012, but Alumni Equestrian Events is a new group, formed last year after IHSA decided not to offer competition for alumni anymore, maintaining the association needed to put all its focus on undergrads. AEE stages alumni competitions across the country from August through April.
“What’s been great is we’ve had people who had never been exposed to us before coming and saying, `Ohmigosh, I didn’t know I could ride all year long,’ ” said AEE Chairman Lena Andrews.
A number of IHSA coaches also dropped by the championship show to see what was going on.
AEE, which has more than 100 members, would like to see 50 percent growth in the next year. Judging by the enthusiasm level, that seems likely to happen.
Meggan Rusiewicz, winner of the Alumni Flat championship, is a fan of how the new group has handled the alumni desire to compete.
“I love it. I think it’s great what they’ve done with it. I’m really happy that they’ve been able to carry on the legacy that was alumni IHSA riding and I’m happy to be able to participate still,” said the 26-year-old chemical engineer, who was on the team at the University of Pittsburgh.
Meggan Rusiewicz, winner of the Alumni Flat class, with Lena Andrews, AEE chairman. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
IHSA was “the only way I was able to continue riding through college,” said Meggan, citing finances and the fact that her own 20-year-old horse was five hours away near Philadelphia.
“I hope I am able to continue doing this. It’s been really a blast and I enjoy it, especially the catch riding and all the great horses we’re able to have here today.”
Noting she was disappointed that IHSA dropped the alumni, she added, “I’m glad we were able to keep it going with this organization.”
AEE Treasurer Jessie Ann Green, a Hofstra University alum, was active in IHSA and a finalist in the prestigious IHSA Cacchione Cup competition as an undergrad. The special events coordinator of Desert Horse Park in California, she also worked for the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association.
Jessie, who flew up to New Jersey for the show from her summer home in Kentucky, feels, “It’s always special to be here at USET. I love this show, the horses are great, I always have a great time and see my friends and it’s always a special weekend for me every year. I can’t believe how many members we have this year and I can’t believe how much we’ve grown in just a short time and how many shows we’ve had. We’re only going to expand next year.”
Among the featured offerings at the show were the reunion classes, for non-members of AEE, and the Future Alumni Cup, for recent graduates who just officially took on alumni status.
Emily Yonkes, second in the Cup, is planning to join AEE. She called the show, “a blast. It was an immense experience for me.”
The 21-year-old, who last month got her diploma from Long Island University, is planning to join AEE in order to continue pursuing her favorite pastime and having the opportunity to show.
“Riding is a very expensive sport,” she explained.
“Being a student who is in an immense amount of debt, I still get to do the things I love while transitioning into the adult world.”
Emma Venanzi, 22.who won the Future Alumni Cup, rode on the University of Pittsburgh IHSA team and wants to join AEE.
Emma Venanzi competing in the Future Alumni class. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“It’s a great opportunity for young adults who are in that weird in-between to still be able to ride,” said Emma, who works at a psychiatric hospital as a therapist on a child and adolescent floor.
“The horses are my break,” she said, noting she bonded with so many people when she was on the IHSA team.
Her aunt, Blanton Goll, who is 10 years older and works in human resources, inspired her niece to become involved with IHSA.
For Blanton, a Westchester University grad, the alumni shows are “a great opportunity to get another chance to put on show clothes, if you don’t have your own competitive horse.”
The initials of Alumni Tournament of Champions spelled out in horse show ribbons against the backdrop of the USET Foundation stables. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
After three years at the USET Foundation, the 2025 show will be at Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts, which has its own riding program and horses, which means mounts won’t have to be rounded up from area stables as they were this year.
Tammy Cranouski, AEE national director, discussed the effort that keeps AEE operating.
It’s a sisterhood that “runs on the enthusiasm that we all have for alumni competitions; and to ensure it keeps going forward is amazing,” she said, noting “we just built upon what Bob Caccione started. (He was the founder of IHSA).
“We’re continuing that legacy and making sure it’s available for alumni riders on a go-forward basis. A lot of times, this is their only opportunity to ride and compete, they may not have horses at home, they may not be able to maintain that type of lifestyle. So they get to create wonderful friendships and enjoy themselves.”
Tammy, a Connecticut resident who attended Westfield State University, wound up as reserve national champion in western horsemanship.
The tournament started when Lena, one of the IHSA zone chairpeople, and her friend, Jamie Windle, another chairperson, wanted a show where their riders could compete against each other.
” It’s a lot of work. It’s been worth it 110 percent,” said Lena.
The trophies presented are memorable, and the winners get to take them home but must bring them back the next year.
Emma Venanzi and Lena Andrews with one of the organization’s many trophies. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“A lot of them are eBay finds,” Lena revealed, noting one is part of her old kitchen sink, sanded down and fitted with a silver cowboy boot for the western division.
“My dad made some of these pieces. Some of the trophies over the years were smaller and grew,” Lena said.
“We had to put bases on them. I love awards and ribbons and I want everything to look beautiful for everyone. It’s a passion of mine.”
And so are AEE and the Tournament. As Lena explained, ““I call it my labor of love.”
(For more information on the alumni opportunities, go to https://www.alumnitoc.com.)
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 10, 2024
Two North American-based riders have been named to the Irish team for the Paris Olympics. Shane Sweetnam of Wellington, Florida, was selected with James Kann Cruz, and Daniel Coyle, who operates out of both Ocala, Florida and Canada, will be on the team with Legacy. The third member of the squad is Cian O’Connor with Maurice. Bertram Allen was chosen as alternate with Pacino Amiro.
Cian O’Connor and Maurice. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ireland is one of the medal favorites for the Games.
Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake noted, :”We are enjoying an excellent period of Irish jumping at the moment and it is a testament to the riders and all of their teams who look after the horses at home, and when they compete, that they have all reached such a high level. the athletes and horses I have chosen have been performing brilliantly week-in ,week out on the international stage and we’ll give it everything we have to achieve what we’re setting out to do.”
