by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 17, 2023
Red Tail Farm in Bedminster, N.J., is sponsoring an evening of freestyles Sept. 8 to benefit Mane Stream, a facility down the road in Oldwick that offers therapeutic riding and more.
The fun begins at 5 p.m. at 1100 Rattlesnake Bridge Road. Spectators may bring chairs and a picnic. They are admitted free, and can vote for their favorite performers with donations to Mane Stream at $1 a point.
Heather Mason, a nationally known competitor, will be doing the judging.
This is an exhibition competition, so lead line and walk/trot are eligible, along with all higher level freestyles, pas de deux and quadrille. There is no qualifying requirement and costumes are encouraged. There is no entry fee; however, competitors are asked to fundraise $100 (or more!) for Mane Stream prior to the event.
Since this is an evening event, there will be large portable lights set up around the outdoor dressage arena.
To enter, click on this link. In case of rain, the event will run the next evening.
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 services, and educational initiatives.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2023
Sweden, already the Olympic gold medalist and world championship show jumping team, completed its hat trick Friday in Milan with a team victory in the European Championships, but the individual title went elsewhere two days later.
The second-place Irish team accumulated nearly two times the penalties of the Swedish squad over Uliano Vezzani’s courses, with 18 faults to 9.51 for the winners. Austria took third place (22.7), the first time that country has made the podium at an international show jumping championship. The bronze also qualified Austria to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Germans, who had led going into the final day of team competition, were handicapped by having a three-man team after Aachen winner Stargold nearly flipped in the barn. Rider Marcus Ehning felt the stallion wasn’t right and withdrew. Without a drop score, the Germans finished fourth on 25.31.
Discussing his team’s victory, “I am lost for words,” said Swedish Chef d’Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona..
Keeping things in perspective, he noted, “The big goal is Paris,” explaining he tested different horse/rider combinations at these championships.
“I really tried to bring up new horses.
Going into the Sunday individual finals, the lead belonged to Jens Fredricson of Sweden (Markan Cosmopolit) with 0 penalties. Right behind him was Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat (Dynamix de Belheme) on 0.43, with third being held by Ireland’s Michael Duffy (Cinca 3), 2.18 penalties, who would not appear on the final day to give his mare a break. Oliver Perreau of France appeared to be in real contention on GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly (2.79) followed by Great Britain’s Olympic champion Ben Maher in fifth with Faltic HB (3.13).
But the final two-round test broke Jens’ lucky streak, as he had a rail in each segment to sink to fifth when his perfect record until then was marred by 8 penalties. Steve was fault-free across the board to take another gold medal, added to his 2012 Olympic title. Germany’s Philllip Weishaupt on Zineday had one rail Friday but was perfect on Sunday to earn silver, while France’s Julien Epaillard on Dubai du Cedre claimed bronze.
FEI Jumping European Championship, Milano (ITA) 2023. Individual Final. Steve Guerdat with Dynamix de Belheme (SUI). Taken on 3 September 2023 by Liz Gregg. Copyright FEI / Liz Gregg
“I brought the horse of a lifetime,” Steve said of Dynamix, a 10-year-old Selle Francais mare he has been producing for the last five years. “Today she was amazing, and it feels incredible to be here as a European champion.”
Since he was concerned that Dynamix was still a little green for such a major test, Steve said: “I tried to give her a little bit of my experience. Luckily, it worked out, and I’m delighted.”
He explained, “My main goal is to make my horse ready for the Olympics (the 2024 Paris Games).“I’ll be focusing on that.”
With Steve’s team score, Switzerland qualified for Paris by being sixth at the end of the Championships’ team competition.
Ben Maher moved up to fourth in the final reckoning. But an expensive rail in the triple combination during Sunday’s first round precluded a better finish. He he been able to go fault-free Sunday, he would have taken silver.
For Ben and Faltic, it would be a repeat of their fortunes at the World Championships in Herning, Denmark, last year: one step off the podium in fourth place.
“I’m disappointed,” said Ben
“It was an expensive fence down in the first round today. Maybe if I went back I’d do something different, but it felt good – just an unfortunate fault and that’s the way it goes.
“Faltic jumped incredibly all week. I don’t like to blame other things, but the fence down on the first day was definitely not helped by the ground situation here. He’s jumped incredibly since then, so, like I said, it’s a little disappointing. The team competition (where Britain was ninth) was a bit of a long haul this week, then I was out on my own today.
“I knew I probably had to be double clear to get a medal. But he’s fit, he jumped incredibly all week and it didn’t feel like it took a lot of out him compared to other championships, so I’m very happy to have him go home safe.
Click here for team scores. Click here for individual standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2023
Artist and horsewoman Tiffany Teeter died when her car and a truck pulling a trailer collided Aug. 29 in Southern Pines, N.C. She was 82.
Her many friends are swapping Tiffany stories as they remember an unforgettable character with a golden heart. She was always a live wire, telling tales of Studio 54 from her younger days, and had connections with many famous horses. They included the great Idle Dice, once ridden by her ex-husband, Bernie Traurig, and Sloopy, guided by Neal Shapiro to team silver and individual bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Tiffany Teeter with her beloved Lucas terrier, Snippet. (Photo by Anne Claire Christiaen)
A breeder of rare Lucas terriers, she once sold a dog to the great opera singer Pavarotti, according to Allie Conrad, who spent a lot of time with Tiffany. Allie noted Tiffany was always volunteering at the Carolina Horse Park, whether for hunters, eventing or whatever was happening.
“If you had a modicum of respect for her, she would do anything in the world for you,” said Allie, noting she was good at matching up people with horses.
“She loved making deals, and horse-selling was the best kind of deal around.
“She had so much knowledge. Sitting and watching her ringside was an education. If you could soak it in, it was amazing,” said Allie, who mentioned one of the things Tiffany sold at a tack sale she organized was Sloopy’s old halter.
Tiffany was a big thoroughbred racing fan who knew all the bloodlines and had racing on TV at her house “almost 24-7,” according to Allie. Tiffany produced a “painted pony” model of Secretariat for the Carolina Horse Park Foundation benefit art walk and auction. She got help doing the horse’s legs because she wasn’t able to bend down, but she painted from the stomach up, as she said.
In a note on Allie’s facebook page, Janet Sizelove said, “Tiffany could find a solution for any problem. She loved animals, people and her community. Adventure and living life to the fullest were her daily goals.”
A former resident of Stockton, N.J., where she lived at Plum Broke Farm, Tiffany was a founding member of Kingwood Foxhounds/Amwell Valley Hounds and became an honorary Master of Foxhounds.
Amwell President Joanne Possumato remembered that Tiffany’s many pastimes included car racing, and she noted her friend sold a Lotus to buy fencing for her farm.
Joanne called Tiffany “a tremendous force for decades, always promoting AVH, providing horses and her gorgeous farm for clinics, concerts, hunter trials and fabulous parties. She was a fundraising dynamo for our club, an artist and introduced many a fox hunter to hunting in Ireland and into her famous hilltopping field in her later years. No words can adequately describe Tiffany, but all who knew her know there will never be another.”
Discussion already is under way about planning a celebration of Tiffany’s life, something that might include wine, art and perhaps the type of outlandish sweaters she used to wear.
Survivors include a sister, VK Foster; her son Michael Traurig, a horse trainer and former steeplechase jockey, as well as a daughter, Bridget Bodine, and another son, Mitch Bodine. Tiffany’s husband, Jim Rigney, who was injured in the crash, remains hospitalized.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2023
The show jumping phase of the Defender Burghley 5-star was the decider big-time for the British event, with a reshuffling that left Great Britain’s Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class as the winners, after leader Tim Price had three rails down with Vitali to sink to fourth place with 38.7 penalties on Sunday.
Oliver Townend riding Ballaghmor Class for GBR during the show jumping Defender Burghley Horse Trials, in the parkland of Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire in the UK on the 30th August to 3 September 2023.
Oliver wasn’t perfect himself, dropping one rail on the Paul Connor-designed course aboard his Irishbred campaigner, which gave Tim a bit of breathing space he hadn’t had with his Holsteiner going into the final segment.
But as the last to go, he needed more than that to be on the podium when Vitali–after a record-setting dressage performance and 8 time penalties cross-country–struggled with falling poles to topple his chances for the coveted trophy and the first prize payout of 110,000 British pounds. Tim is a previous Burghley winner, having taken the crown in 2018 with Ringwood Sky Boy.
Oliver, who also won Burghley in 2017 with Ballaghmor Class, is a three-time winner of the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star, collecting the title in 2018 and 2019 with Cooley Master Class, and 2021 with Ballaghmor Class. He has quie the resume, on which you can add in his 2009, Burghley victory with Carousel Quest.
Another Brit, David Doel, was just 0.7 penalties behind Oliver’s 33 penalty score to take second on the Dutchbred stallion Galileo Nieuwmoed with a perfect show jumping effort. British mainstay Harry Meade was third with another clear show jumping round on the Irish mare Cavalier Crystal (37.4).
The USA’s best, Boyd Martin, finished ninth and tenth on his Olympic partner Tsetserleg, who had three rails, and with On Cue, who had two. Tseterleg moved down from seventh after cross-country and On Cue moved up from 12th.
Boyd called Tsetserleg “an absolute hero this weekend.”
After mishaps in two other 5-stars this year, he said, “it was a big relief to have a great cross-country round.”
In contrast, show jumping was “a disaster. I jumped fence one and made a turn to fence two, and then we were cross-cantering and then we fell to trot and then we were on a completely impossible distance and plowed fence two.”
He praised On Cue as “absolutely fantastic this weekend.”
Boyd noted she had not done a big 5 star since Maryland in 2021, which she won.
At Burghley, “She was pretty tired and had to dig deep for me on the cross-country day,” observed Boyd, who was happy for a top-10 finish.
In show jumping, “We had two poles down, she sort of gets in there and gets starstruck.”
All the same, he noted, “This horse has been such a fantastic partner.”
Jennie Brannigan Saville of the USA did a very credible job in her first Burghley to wind up 12th with FE Lifestyle after a rail and 0.8 time penalties in the final phase. Three rails moved the only other U.S. rider to finish, Will Faudree, down from 10th to 16th.His compatriot Grace Taylor, 16th after cross-country with Game Changer, did not present her horse on the final day. U.S. rider Tiana Coudray had been eliminated on cross-country with Cancaras Girl.
The demanding Derek DiGrazia cross-country course also was unlucky for Great Britain’s Ros Canter–who won the European championship just three weeks ago in France. She hit the ground when Penco’s Crown Jewel left a leg at a triple bar arrowhead in the 20ABC combination.
Luckily both horse and rider were okay, but that’s just another example of how fast things can change for even the most experienced riders.
Click here for final results from Burghley.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2023
A demanding Derek DiGrazia cross-country course at Burghley couldn’t derail overnight leader Tim Price of New Zealand on Vitali, but Great Britain’s Ros Canter–who won the European championship just three weeks ago in France, hit the ground when Penco’s Crown Jewel left a leg at a triple bar arrowhead in the 20ABC combination.
Luckily both horse and rider were okay, but that’s just another example of how fast things can change for even the most experienced riders.
Tim had a record-setting dressage performance on his Holsteiner with a mark of 18.7, but 8 time penalties cross-country brought his total so far to 26.7.
British riders are lined up close behind him, with Oliver Townend’s faster trip (4.8 time penalties) on the Irish veteran Ballaghmor Class leaving him less than a rail back of Tim on 29 penalties. Oliver had an unlucky break, literally, earlier in the day when a rein snapped while he was at the 17th obstacle with Tregilder and had to retire. He also retired his other mount, Swallow Springs. A total of 13 horses retired, and eight were eliminated from the field of 58 starters.
Tim has little bit of breathing room from third-place Brit David Doel. His score on the Dutchbred stallion Galileo Nieuwmoed is 33.7, so that’s nearly two rails, but not quite. Wills Oakden and the Irish-bred Oughterard Cooley are at 34.9. The top five is completed by Ireland’s Sam Watson, 35.8 with the Irish gelding SAP Talisman.
David and Wills had no time penalties, while Sam accumulated just. 0.4.
The USA’s Boyd Martin is seventh on his Olympic partner, the Trakehner Tsetserleg, with 37.7 penalties, only 0.3 behind Britain’s Harry Meade and the Irish mare, Crystal Cavalier.
Boyd is also 12th with On Cue (42.6). Other U.S. riders and their rankings are Will Faudree, 11th with Mama’s Magic Way (42.2), Grace Taylor on Game Changer, 16th, 46.5, and Jennie Saville, FE Lifestyle, 17th, 46.7. Tiana Coudray was eliminated with Cancaras Girl.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 30, 2023
Ellen DiBella, known for her contributions to western dressage and love of the Morgan horse, passed away Aug. 20 at the age of 79.
Her desire to build an equestrian community combining the Western traditions of horse and rider with classical dressage led to her becoming the founding president of the Western Dressage Association of America, which became a USEF Recognized Affiliate Association in February 2012. Mrs. DiBella served on the USEF board from 2005 to 2015, receiving the federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
The Parker, Colo., resident graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in sociology and a sub-specialty in medical social work. She worked with her husband of 58 years, Dr. Nicholas Di Bella, to build a successful medical oncology practice.
Ellen DiBella with USEF President Murray Kessler during the 2019 Pegasus Awards. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Mrs. DiBella was known worldwide for her love of Morgan horses over more than a half-century, originating with the purchase of her first Morgan in 1972. She was drawn to Morgans after seeing them used in the rehab program at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., following the Vietnam War. This encounter sparked her passion for horses and led to lifelong dedication as an owner and competitor, initially in Western Pleasure.
Her desire to build an equestrian community combining the Western traditions of horse and rider with classical dressage led to her becoming the founding president of the Western Dressage Association of America, which became a USEF Recognized Affiliate Association in February 2012.
According to Western Dressage Association of America President Cindy Butler, “Ellen devoted her life to service for equestrian sports and honoring horses. She inspired so many people, including me. Ellen DiBella had a way of making everyone she touched believe in themselves more and we are all better advocates for horse welfare and better people for having had her in our lives.”
American Morgan Horse Association President Carrie Mortensen recalled, “She was deeply involved with so many different organizations and gave of her time unselfishly for decades. Her contributions were countless. We will remember her not only for her ambassadorship of the Morgan horse and Western Dressage, but also for her impact on the entire equestrian community.”
Apart from her work for horses and equestrians, Mrs. DiBella helped found the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center Foundation, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in meeting living expenses while fighting cancer.
In an interview with the Western Dressage Association of America, Mrs. DiBella noted, “Horses offer us an opportunity to be much better people that we could ever be without them. Whether you ride English or Western, you have the opportunity to have a two-way trusting partnership. The tools and principles of classical dressage naturally make for better and healthier horses and make us a better human being. It really is about the journey.”
Upon her acceptance of the Lifetime Achievement Award, she advised, “I would say to everyone love your horses. Listen to your horses. Be partners with your horses. Share your horses with as many people as you can, because those horses will make you better and make everyone else better.”
Survivors include two daughters, Catherine (David) Lindsey and Christine Hamilton.
Donations in Mrs. DiBella’s memory may be made to the Ellen DiBella Western Dressage Scholarship at the American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust. There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Western Dressage Association of America’s World Championship Show Sept. 29 during the exhibitor party.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 24, 2023
Aachen, which in 2006 produced the most successful of the FEI World Equestrian Games™, has put in a bid to host every world championship but endurance in 2026.
Just as it does with its annual show, the German venue wants to present Jumping, Dressage Para-Dressage, Eventing, Four-in-Hand Driving and Vaulting.
Aachen offered a dramatic setting at its 2006 WEG.( Photo © 2006 by Nancy Jaffer)
The only other bidders for 2026 world championships are Burghley in Great Britain and the Netherlands’ Boekelo, both of which want only Eventing. Al Ula, Saudi Arabia and Samorin, Slovakia, are asking for Endurance.
The decision will be made in November at the FEI’s general assembly in Mexico City.
After three decades of the WEG, which began in 1990 and ran every four years through 2018, the FEI began accepting single and multiple World Championship bids, as opposed to seeking a WEG. Putting on a WEG is enormously expensive, so having just a few related competitions was the way to go for the 2022 world championships.
Herning, Denmark held Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, and Vaulting, while Eventing and Driving were at Pratoni Del Vivaro, Italy, which also hosted those disciplines during the 1998 WEG based in Rome.
“We are very pleased with the variety of bids we have received,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Following the outstanding FEI World Championships 2022 organized in Denmark, Italy and the UAE (which ran the endurance), we are confident this flexible approach with single and multiple bids serves not only the sport, but also the fans and the development of equestrian around the world, allowing different nations and venues to bid to host a major FEI event.”
The FEI World Championships 2026 in Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage and Eventing will be the first qualifying events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were held in Stockholm with the 1912 Olympic stadium as the main venue. On the initiative of the then-FEI President HRH Prince Philip, the World Championships in all the FEI disciplines were held in the same city from July 14 to August 5, 1990. Given the smooth organization and success of these Games, what should have been a one-off event, was extended and seven more editions took place in the Hague (Netherlands) in 1994, Rome in 1998, Jerez de la Frontera Spain, in 2002, Aachen in 2006, Lexington, Ky., in 2010, Normandy, France, in 2014, and Tryon, N.C. in 2018.
The opening ceremonies of the 2006 FEI Aachen World Equestrian Games were memorable. (Photo © 2006 by Nancy Jaffer)
Dressage is the FEI discipline with the longest tradition of championships. A Grand Prix de Dressage, organized in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1927, drew 12 riders representing five nations.
Official FEI Dressage Championships were organized on all non-Olympic years between 1930 and 1939 in Switzerland, France, Austria, Hungary, Germany, and Great Britain. The last such event took place in August 1939, days before the outbreak of World War II.
The FEI tried to revive the event after the war with limited success. Participation gradually improved and European Championships were organized in 1963, which led to the first FEI Dressage World Championship held in Bern, Switzerland, three years later.
The first Para-Dressage Championship, which took place under the leadership of the FEI, was held in July 2007, only a year after Para Equestrian came under the FEI umbrella. The event enjoyed a truly international representation gathering 133 athletes from 35 nations. Since 2010, FEI Dressage and Para Dressage Championships are being held concurrently.
The first FEI Jumping World Championship was in June 1953 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. The event was drastically different from its modern equivalent, as only 19 athletes from 11 countries, including Yugoslavia, Cambodia and the USA, competed. No women took part, since female riders would not be able to enter jumping competitions until 1956.
The first FEI Eventing World Championship was in 1966, the same year as the first FEI Dressage World Championship, at the estate of Lord Burghley in Great Britain. The championship included 39 athletes representing five nations: Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA and the USSR.
The previous year, the FEI had established the configuration according to which World Championships in the Olympic discipline of Jumping were held every four years in the non-Olympic even years and continental championships were organized in the odd years. This pattern is still in use today for all the FEI Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
The first edition of the FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hands was held in 1972 in Münster, Germany, two years after Driving had become an FEI discipline.
Endurance became an FEI discipline in 1982, one year before Vaulting. The championship histories of these two non-Olympic disciplines have run parallel from the start with World Championships organized every other year on even years.
In 1983, one year after Driving, Vaulting also joined the FEI. In 1984 the first FEI Vaulting European Championship was followed by another European edition in 1985. This second European edition was open to the rest of the world. A strong showing from the USA convinced the FEI the time had come for a World Championship. The first FEI Vaulting World Championship took place in in the Swiss town of Bulle in 1986.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 29, 2023
It is heartbreaking news: The family of Tempel Smith this month announced the closing of the ground-breaking Tempel Lipizzans program, which introduced so many in this country to dressage and this beautiful breed.
When Tempel and Esther Smith attended a performance of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during the late 1950s, they were so impressed that they decided to import 20 horses, mostly pregnant mares, and start a school of riding in Illinois, modeled after the Spanish Riding School.
Tempel and Esther Smith. (Photo courtesy Tempel Lippians)
At that time, classical riding, or dressage, was virtually unheard of. But it gained popularity with the Smiths’ efforts, as Tempel started to put on performances around the country that enabled thousands of people to appreciate these special horses, whose breeding program had its foundation in the Spanish Riding School’s Piber stud farm.
Located in Old Mill Creek, Ill., Tempel Lipizzans has been a full-time dressage training facility, with experienced trainers who adhere to the standards of training established hundreds of years ago in the classical schools of Europe.
Esther Buonanno, Tempel’s program director, explained the difficult decision to close down.
“For a variety of reasons, our ownership family is moving in different directions. For 65 years and three generations, promoting and preserving the Lipizzan breed and classical horsemanship has been a passion for our family, those who have worked closely with the horses and community members near and far.”
George Williams, now president of the U.S. Dressage Federation, is one of those who worked closely with the horses. He got his start at Tempel and spent two decades there.
“I am still a little numb after hearing the news that Tempel Lipizzans will be closing down,” he said.
“I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for the descendants of the founders, Tempel and Esther Smith, to make this difficult decision. I respect their decision, as I know it was not made lightly. ”
He pointed out, “Tempel’s contribution to dressage in this country has been felt in many different ways, perhaps most notably for introducing dressage to the general public through the summer performances at the farm and at venues as varied as the Belmont (Park) Racetrack, the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, Madison Square Garden and even the White House.
The Tempel Lippizan troupe gained fame for its choreographed presentations. (Photo courtesy of Tempel Lippizans)
“The promotional activities behind all of it included appearances on Good Morning America and news stories on other mainstream media outlets. In addition, Tempel hosted numerous educational dressage events, including the AHSA/USEF Judges Forums for 10 years and clinics with major names, such as Willi Schultheis, Reiner Klimke and Conrad Schumacher,” George continued.
“Several major trainers worked for them as well, making the farm a center for dressage in the Midwest. For a number of years, they put on Regional Championships and for over a decade, the North American Young Riders Championships.”
Esther explained that over the next one or two years, Tempel “will carefully place each horse and, as always, provide quality care for our horses. We will cease our public programming, including performances and tours, educational programs like lessons and rider training and boarding operations for horses outside of TLC ownership.”
On a personal note, she said “this decision did not come lightly for me. These changes will make space for me to grow in new directions and to have more time with my family.”
George noted that in the past, “Lipizzans have been classified as a rare breed. There is no doubt Tempel has been instrumental in the protection of the breed helping to ensure that Lipizzans will be around for future generations to enjoy.”
He appreciates the regal status of these special animals, commenting that they “truly are majestic. From my 20 years of experience with them at Tempel, they are usually full of personality and unlike many breeds, they still retain the same traits as their baroque ancestors.
“In so many ways, they are a living museum. That can create challenges, such as we are now seeing. However, I was delighted to read Esther’s statement; `The Lipizzan horse remains close to my heart and I’m certain I’ll find meaningful ways to support the breed in the future’.”
George acknowledged the role that Tempel and its horses played in his life, which included great success at the Grand Prix level, and his role as the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s dressage high performance and pathway development advisor.
“I can say that the Lipizzans and Tempel farm will always be with me,” he observed.
“They were a huge part of my life and played a major role in my career. I will always remember walking into the East Good Luck stable and seeing their noble history beautifully reflected in their faces. Lipizzans are definitely not a breed you forget.
“We have to commend the Tempel Smith family for their 65-year commitment to the Lipizzans and all they have done for the wonderful horses and dressage.”
Esther said she would provide updates on the organization’s progress and gems from its remarkable history. She asked those interested in purchasing a horse or wanting to confirm they are still in Tempel’s sales contacts to send their contact information.
Here is a link to the website: https://www.tempelfarms.com
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2023
Take a look at how British champion gymnast Joe Fraser takes a unique approach to checking out the cross-country course for the Defender Burghley 5-star in England.
His unorthodox approach without a horse may not be within the rules of competition (ya think?) but it certainly is entertaining. Just go ahead and click on this link to see how he did it.
Joe’s effort provides a whole new perspective on the route designed by Derek di Grazia that will be a test for horse and rider combinations attempting what many consider the world’s toughest 5-star. However, we don’t want to see them doing any handstands (hoofstands?), right?
The event runs Aug. 31-Sept. 3. For more info, click here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 27, 2023
How is the U.S. pipeline working to supply top dressage horses for future international competition?
A good barometer could be found during the USEF National Dressage Championships at the Lamplight Equestrian Center over the last seven days, where a wide range of talent–much of it on the rise–was showcased.
Look at our cover story on I-1 champion Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady (or click on this link) to see someone who’s just waiting in the wings to eventually make a senior team.
And in the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship, the title went to Sonnenberg’s Jersey, guided by the best finisher in the 2021 Olympics, Sabine Schut Kery. She is bringing along this 9-year-old Dutch warmblood now that her Games campaigner, Sanceo, is retired.
“It’s a really young, new partnership,” said Sabine, who has only been working with the gelding for three months.
“Just doing this, coming here, speaks volumes. I would rate him a 15 for his character, and rideability, too. He obviously had good training before, and he’s super talented.”
Sabine also had the seven-year-old champion, Sandi Mancini’s Dutch warmblood, Gorgeous Latino.
Sabine Schut Kery and Sonnenberg’s Jersey. (Photo by Leslie Potter/U.S. Equestrian)
“I’m just thrilled with my two stallions, having them come here and do so well. I don’t know what more I could ask,” Sabine said.
Talking about Jersey, she noted, “He’s super fun to ride. I love his gaits, and I look forward to the future.”
And what will that be?
“I want to give him a good break on our beautiful grass pastures, and then see and go to the next step,” she said.
So many riders at the show in Illinois demonstrated potential with their horses that will be realized not too far down the road.
To name just one more, the Adequan®/USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship went for the second year in a row to Quinn Iverson with Bille Davidson’s 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Beckham 19.
Brentina, the namesake of the award, was the storied mount of Debbie McDonald, a former U.S. dressage technical advisor. She is the mentor of Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle, who in turn has coached Christian and Quinn. That’s quite a family tree!
Quinn and Beckham keep improving.
“In the past,” Quinn said, “We’ve had lots of bobbles here and there, and we’re finally starting to smooth it out, and I’m glad that we could show things that we’ve learned since last year.”
In the Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, it wasn’t quite a sweep for Codi Harrison and her own Katholt’s Bossco, but she wound up with the tricolor anyway.
National Grand Prix champs Codi Harrison and Katholt’s Bossco. (Photo by Leslie Potter /U.S. Equestrian)
After Codi took the Grand Prix and the Special earlier in the week, the Saturday freestyle went to Lehua Custer and Wendy Sasser’s F.J. Ramzes on 76.350 percent, with World Championships veteran Katie Duerhammer and Kylee Lourie’s Paxton taking the runner-up spot in their dance to music on 75.775.
But a mark of 75.675 percent for third place was good enough to boost Codi and Bossco, a 16-year-old Danish warmblood, to the overall honors when added to their previous scores.
“He was great,” said Codi.
“I had a mistake in the twos, but other than that, he was right with me the whole way. The ones felt great. This drop in temperature helped him. He did great in the heat, but it was nice today to just be able to kind of sit back and relax and he took me around.”
Click here for full results
