by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 14, 2017
Tucker Johnson will be stepping down next week as the president and CEO of the Gladstone-based U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, as former Boeing CEO James McNerney Jr. steps into the position. Jim and his wife, Haity, have a house in Wellington and own jumpers with Kent Farrington. Their daughters compete in the hunter and jumper ranks.
Jim,, who became a foundation trustee in 2014, left Boeing last March. He has an MBA from Harvard, and as Tucker noted, he’ll bring a new dimension to the job.
Tucker will remain on the foundation’s executive committee and continue to chair its investment committee, as well as continuing on the U..S. Equestrian Federation board.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 13, 2017
The Kentucky Horse Park, which hosted the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, has dropped its bid fro the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Since the only other bidder was Samorin, Slovakia, that facility looks like the winner.
The Kentucky Horse Park needs $12 million in improvements.
“We are committed to being good stewards of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Tandy Patrick, chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. “We do not think it would be economically feasible for the park to host the 2022 games.”
The international equestrian federation (FEI) likes to spread its championships around, so having two WEGs in a row in the U.S. would have run contrary to that precept. The 2018 WEG will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C. There has never been a WEG in Eastern Europe, which is a nice feature for Slovakia.
The Slovakian entry is an exciting new venue that presented the world endurance championships this year. It was also in the running for the 2018 Games that went to Tryon after the original winner of the 2018 nod, Bromont, Quebec, withdraw when financial issues couldn’t be solved. By 2022, there will be more facilities at Samorin (it’s missing an eventing cross-country course at the moment). It’s location little more than an hour’s drive from Vienna also is a plus.
The first WEG in 1990 was held in Stockholm. There were only six disciplines showcased then, but the one-venue approach enabled people to experience a variety of different horse sports. The WEG was not supposed to be held every four years when it started (it took the place of independent world championships every four years in the Olympic sports) but it went so well that the concept continued. Subsequent WEGs had varying degrees of success, but the FEI considers this championship an important asset and as such it will continue.
In addition to the Olympic disciplines, the WEG includes four-in-hand driving, endurance, reining, vaulting and para-dressage. Those sports also have independent world championships in addition to the WEG, so they have title meets every two years.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 13, 2017
| It could have been problematical for all breeds, but new teeth in the Horse Protection Act regulations will be geared to eliminating the practice of soring in Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses, where stronger action is needed.
The original draft of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service document would have made it illegal to put liniment on the legs of other show horses, and also caused problems with shoeing with pads and a variety of other normal practices.
While supporting efforts to end soring and other cruel practices, the U.S. Equestrian Federation submitted a detailed document explaining why other breeds and disciplines should be exempt from provisions originally included in the “overly broad regulation.”
APHIS specifically recognized in the issuance of its final rule the USEF as setting “leading industry standards for equestrian sport” as part of the rationale for limiting the application of the proposed amendments to Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses.
Shortly after the HPA was passed in 1970, APHIS established provisions to implement the act, but “substantial noncompliance” continued. The new regulation will use trained and licensed Horse Protection Inspectors instead of private inspectors to make decisions about horses that show signs of soreness inflicted on them so they perform “the big lick,” that is a manifestation of abuse. |
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 10, 2017
By Nancy Jaffer
December 31, 2016
What will you remember about the equestrian year gone by, and what do you hope for in the equestrian year to come?
As 2016 takes its place in history and 2017 gets a turn on the calendar, let’s enjoy a break in the headlong rush of our lives and look at them both: what was accomplished over the last 12 months, as well as what’s coming our way in the upcoming year.
We’ll start with New Jersey. Those who appreciate seeing special equestrian competitions close to home have a lot to look forward to in 2017. Part of 2016’s good news was word that the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Grand Prix and Intermediaire I dressage championships, as well as the Brentina Cup, will be returning to the Gladstone facilities of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation May 18-21. It’s likely they also will be staged there in 2018 and 2019, offering continuing opportunities for volunteering, if sitting and watching isn’t sufficient involvement.
Laura Graves and Verdades made an impact on fans at Gladstone the last time the USEF dressage championships were held there. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
A redo of the interior of the foundation’s historic stable, which will mark its 100th anniversary in 2017, got under way in 2016 and will be finished in time for the dressage championships.
Monmouth at the Team moved the state’s oldest horse show to a new venue in August, and the turnout was amazing, both competitively and socially. Everyone wanted to be part of the action at the USET Foundation headquarters. Expect another great show there in 2017.
The Mars Essex Horse Trials will be held at Moorland Farm in Far Hills June 24-25, in the wake of a successful 2016 derby cross exhibition that gave the enthusiastic crowd attending a glimpse of eventing’s attractions, while demonstrating how eager people in the area are for more top-flight equestrian competition. That was the goal of the Gladstone Gathering, held at the USET Foundation in 2015. The re-emergence of Essex, last held in 1998, was a direct result of that initiative.
Holly Payne Caravella of Gladstone rode in the preview of the Mars Essex Horse Trials at Moorland Farm. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
There also was word that at some point, grand prix show jumping will be part of the scene at Moorland. The location has been best known for steeplechasing at October’s Far Hills Race Meeting, for which pari-mutuel betting in 2017 has been approved.
We learned that May’s Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event found some extra land at the Horse Park of New Jersey to use for its CCIs. That will answer the concerns of riders who felt insufficient acreage led to the necessity of laying out cross-country courses that doubled back on themselves too much.
Speaking of Jersey Fresh, the 3-star CCI in 2016 was won by a Jerseybred, Powell, ridden by Ryan Wood. Powell’s breeder, Ilona English of Ringoes, earned the USEF’s Leading Eventing Breeder title for the third consecutive year in 2016. Her Summit Sporthorses also produced Ruby, a half-sister to Powell who has distinguished herself.
Iona English and Powell. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
In the world beyond New Jersey, the Tryon, N.C., International Equestrian Center won its bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games after Bromont, Canada, dropped out due to financial reasons. The U.S. is the home of major championships for two years running, as the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and the FEI Dressage World Cup are set for March 29-April 2 in Omaha. Why not take the opportunity to see international competition without the cost of an overseas flight?
The CenturyLink arena in Omaha will be the host of the 2017 World Cup finals in dressage and show jumping. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The USEF will be starting 2017 proactively, as new president Murray Kessler, an amateur show jumper, unveils the strategic plan on which he and others have been working for months. While much of it is still to be revealed Jan. 11 at the annual meeting in Kentucky, Murray made appearances at various USEF affiliates in December.
There, he stated the intention of having the organization become more active with the base of the sport and adding members who don’t compete but are interested in horses to varying degrees. Education on line will be a big component of the USEF’s role. Compliance to show standards also will click into place, making it possible for the USEF to penalize competitions that don’t live up to requirements designed to make life better for competitors and, most important, their mounts.
Horse welfare continues to be a matter of concern and action on the competitive scene, from the USEF, the FEI (international equestrian federation) and other organizations.
If only there were as much interest in doing something about abuse and cruelty outside of the competitive ranks. Happily, horse rescues have proliferated and are doing their best, but they need help. So consider a contribution or volunteering to lend a hand. There are a number of such organizations in New Jersey that would welcome assistance.
The great equestrian moments of 2016 include the retirement of Valegro, the best dressage horse in history, as he performed once more before a packed house at Olympia in London. Will we see his like again? Maybe, but not soon.
Valegro up close and personal with his admirers in Central Park. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
My favorite equestrian moment of the year doesn’t involve Olympic medals or farewells, but it does involve Valegro. I will never forget how he stood so quietly when the crowd was invited for a hands-on visit in the arena at September’s Central Park Horse Show. His star quality involves more than strutting!
A moving moment at the Rio Olympics came when Great Britain’s 58-year-old Nick Skelton, a survivor of a broken neck, hip replacement and other medical issues, came through on Big Star (who also had recovered from injury) to realize his dream of winning individual gold.
Nick Skelton and Big Star. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
And don’t forget the amazing comeback of William Fox-Pitt, the British eventing star who was in a coma after a fall in the autumn of 2015. Against the odds, he worked to rehab from traumatic brain injury and rode up to his usual standard with the British team at the Rio Olympics.
There you are—special 2016 moments in all three Olympic disciplines. I hope you had some of your own. But while we’re on the subject of the Olympics, the decision to limit teams in all three disciplines to three members was very disappointing. Since there are limits on the number of athletes who can compete in the Games, a way had to be found to cut back so “more flags,” (ie representatives of more nations) can compete. That may not be a good thing in eventing, or even show jumping, if teams from countries new to the sport in the Games are not really qualified for the challenge. Three-member teams in dressage have been done quite a bit, but the likelihood of injury to either horse or rider there is miniscule compared to any sport involving jumping.
The International Olympic Committee wants sports to be easier to understand, but the idea of substituting an alternate when a competition already is under way will only complicate things. I fear the day is coming down the road when eventing will be out of the Games anyway, even though cross-country tends to draw great crowds. It’s expensive to put on, though. Let’s hope if the sport eventually is dropped, it hasn’t been so badly compromised in an effort to remain in the Games that it bears no resemblance to its former self.
I traditionally end my year in review stories by remembering those we lost during the preceding 12 months. There are always too many distinguished horsemen and women who depart, but here are a few we should take special time to remember:
Those with New Jersey connections include former USET Captain Frank Chapot of Neshanic Station, who rode in six Olympics and was the breeder of the great Gem Twist. Frank was saluted in a September memorial at the USET Foundation where the greats of several decades gathered to pay tribute.
Frank Chapot (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Roger Haller, who founded the Essex Horse Trials with his parents at their Bedminser farm, left us in March. But he will be remembered with the U.S. Eventing Association’s educational fund named in his memory.
Roger Haller (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Others we lost included trainer Sandy Sternberg, formerly of Colts Neck and volunteer Tricia Haertlein of Lebanon. The eventing community was shaken when rider Philippa Humphreys had a fatal fall at Jersey Fresh.
Elsewhere, Parry Thomas, the owner of dressage superstar Brentina and sponsor of her rider, Debbie McDonald, also left us, as did VIP tent hostess extraordinaire Kiki Umla, and Ron Southern, the founder of the famed Spruce Meadows showgrounds in Canada.
Nancy Jaffer Equestrian Sports marked its first anniversary this month. I appreciate the support and encouragement everyone has given my weekly efforts on the website. Please keep reading, and always feel free to contact me if you think you have a story. Even if it doesn’t work out, I enjoy hearing from you. Follow me on facebook at www.facebook.com/nancyjafferhorses or on twitter at Nancy Jaffer@NancyJaffer. And be sure to say hello when you see me at the shows and events.
Happy new year!
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 2, 2017
Consummate volunteer Larry Langer, one of the key figures in the hunter/jumper industry, received the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Kentucky.
He has been part of the sport for 66 years, ever since he was a knobby-kneed kid with glasses who discovered that unlike his parents and his sister, horses didn’t talk back. From there, his involvement with riding took off.
After time as a rider, trainer and show manager, judge and steward, he got into equestrian governance. Larry has served on a wide variety of boards, including that of the USEF, and was instrumental in the birth of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association. He was honored with its distinguished service award five times.
Tom Struzzieri and his friend, Larry Langer. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“You name it and Larry has been involved as a tireless volunteer,” said HITS showmanager Tom Struzzieri, who introduced his friend to the audience in a Lexington, Ky., ballroom where the Pegasus Awards were held.
Larry is always generous with his time and counsel. As Tom noted, Larry is characterized by “his loyalty and non-stop energy for the sport.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 2, 2017
He guided the U.S. show jumping team to medals at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, the 2015 Pan American Games and the 2016 Olympics, so it was no surprise that Robert Ridland just got another four years as the squad’s technical adviser/chef d’equipe, or the title he prefers, “coach.”
At this point, Robert is the only U.S. chef in the Olympic disciplines who is assured of staying through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Robert Dover guided the dressage team to bronze at the Rio Games, but wasn’t sure he wanted to stay on past the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
David O’Connor, whose eventing squad did not finish as a team at either the 2014 WEG or the Rio Olympics, got another two years to show what he can do.
But it seemed a cinch that Robert Ridland would be asked to remain in his post.
“I’m very excited to once again be given the unique opportunity of working with what I believe is the most talented group of horses and riders in the sport today,” said Robert, who had Kent Farrington (number three in the world this month) and McLain Ward (number four in the world) as half of his team at the WEG, Pan Ams and Olympics.
“Over the past four years, I have constantly been reminded of how fortunate we are to have the unrivaled USEF support team working behind the scenes with us to make it all possible,” Robert continued.
“And with the unwavering support of the owners, I look forward to continuing to help lay the groundwork for sustained success for our present and future riders throughout the next quadrennium and beyond.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 27, 2016
Carl “Doc” Simmons fell in love with hunting from the first day he tried it. He rode with Suffolk County’s Smithtown Hunt on Long Island, but took inspiration from the old, very social (and defunct) Meadow Brook Hounds in Nassau County, a hunt that counted Theodore Roosevelt as a member before he became president of the U.S.
Doc learned that a secretary would sit at a table every time Meadow Brook went out, taking notes on who was riding, the name of their horse, the grooms and guests, the weather conditions.
After looking at those write-ups, he started his own hunting diary. He kept notes of his first 500 hunts over a 10-year period, and then was able to figure out how the numbers mounted after he moved to Virginia and hunted several times a week. All told, he has hunted with 33 clubs in six states and seven countries.
On Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, the 70-year-old Bernardsville resident marked his 1,000th day of hunting. Before the field at the Monmouth County Hunt (mchconservancy.org) started off, he raised his flask and members lifted their stirrup cups, as he offered a toast, his “ode to the hunt:”
May the fox be sporting, and the scent be strong.
May your mount be willing all hunt long.
May the hounds be active, true to the line,
And upon our return, all’s safe and fine.
May the sun be shining, yet the weather cool.
And, above all else . . .
May your flask be ever full.
Carl “Doc” Simmons offers a toast to mark his 1,000th day of hunting, as other members of the Monmouth County Hunt raise their stirrup cups. (Photo by Bonnie Smith)
Doc noted his achievement isn’t unique. As he pointed out, anyone able to put in 50 hunts a year for 20 years can enjoy the same achievement, though that’s easier said than done.
“There’s probably a lot of people who have had 1,000 hunts, but they just never thought of it,” he commented.
With the pressures of work and other demands, difficult weather and the challenge of keeping horses sound, however, 50 hunts a year is not within everyone’s reach.
“He should be proud of it,” said Dennis Foster, executive director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, who has ridden with 408 different hunts in 11 countries, and logged thousands of times out with the hounds.
Of course, Dennis is in a singular position, but referring to Doc’s milestone, he noted, “It isn’t something most people can say they did. It’s an accomplishment, and if he took the effort to document it, (it’s) something very special to him.”
Doc, who has a doctorate in management, is president and CEO of Global Network Solutions, a consulting firm. Although he rode while growing up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, he stopped when his time was devoted to college, a stint as a small-college All American football player and playing with a New York Giants farm team. He then devoted himself to his career, and didn’t get back into horses until he was in his 40s.
He started hunting in 1992, after taking riding lessons at the C.W. Post Equestrian Center in Old Westbury on Long Island, territory that was used by Smithtown for a drag hunt. After looking at hunting pictures in the lobby of the Post facility he decided, “I want to do that. And that was it.
“I fell in love with it. I love to dress up, frankly,” he said with a chuckle, but then cited hunting’s physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual benefits.
“It gathers all of our senses that are alive,” he stated.
Monmouth Joint Master Meg Valnoski said Doc had just started hunting with Monmouth this season, and told her he would be reaching his milestone this winter.
“He brings great enthusiasm and really enjoys the traditions of foxhunting, which includes both the hunting and social aspects. He’s been a great addition to our hunt,” said Meg.
The other joint master, MJ Carey, agreed, adding, “He understands and respects the sport, and the tradition of the sport. That’s what’s kept our sport alive, the people who hold deep in their hearts the traditions of the sport.”
UPDATE:
I just learned that Doc achieved his milestone on Alex, a horse he leases from Kit and Shane Alley, the owners of Harmony Hill Stables in Allentown.
Here is Alex’s story, courtesy of Kit:
We are an approved partner farm for Turning for Home Retired Racehorses, Parx Racing, Bensalem Pa. We partner with Turning for Home to take off-the-track thoroughbreds to rehab, retrain and rehome them. In the program for just over a year, we have rehabilitated, retrained and rehomed 11 OTTBs.
Alex was one of the very first OTTBs that we took in from Turning for Home in October 2015. Alex had one of the worst bowed tendons I had ever seen, and in fact, the vet had recommended putting her down until TFH and our farm got involved. It took us almost one year to rehab Alex.
After her long rehabilitation, we started retraining her and because she had been “on the farm” so long she was stubborn to retrain. We got her out on some hunter paces. Finally, with a lot of patience and love, we built a solid training foundation so that Alex was ready for a second career and her forever home.
We advertised Alex for adoption and many people loved her conformation and her pedigree (Cat Thief) but absolutely no one would give her a chance because of her previous injury. Many people want a “perfect horse” with no injuries and so many excellent OTTBs, like Alex, get overlooked. We kept riding and training her because we knew how good she was and believed in her. Then Doc Simmons contacted us and was interested in leasing an OTTB for the hunt season and adopting an additional OTTB gelding as well.
He was unsure at first because of her size, 15.3 hands, which is another reason OTTBs are overlooked. I encouraged him to just give our girl a chance and he did and he loves her. In fact he refers to her as his “new girlfriend.”
When Doc achieved his 1,000th hunt milestone upon her trusty back and was giving his toast, tears were streaming from my eyes; tears of happiness, because I knew that we had brought Alex back and she had finally found her forever home and second career with Doc.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 21, 2016
The inaugural New Jersey Veterinary Foundation Veterinary Educator of the Year award was presented to Dr. Sarah Ralston. The Rutgers University professor, who is retiring, has mentored 113 students who have gone on to veterinary medicine careers since 2000 alone.
Her Young Horse Teaching and Research program provided hundreds of students from 1999 to 2013 the opportunity not only to learn some principles of doing scientific research, but also the hands-on experience of teaching young horses ground manners, but also being involved with marketing, promotion and team work in connection with the annual auction of the horses.
She has mentored more than 30 George H Cook Honors Scholars, about half of whom went on to vet school, with others going into human medicine or on to graduate school, veterinary technician or USDA positions.
Sarah’s research on glucose and insulin metabolism, young horse nutrition, senior horse nutrition and more recently metabonomic studies of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in horses has made an impact in how horses are fed.
Desite her retirement plans, Sarah will continue to be available for consults, advising students and doing research, collaborating with colleagues in Princeton.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 20, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
December 20, 2016
The enterprising artist juggles a lot of ventures, including wildly ambitious sculpting for charity, making carousels out of hobby horses, blogging and bringing together other artists at #equinearthour on Twitter.
There’s a lot more that Shya Beth is planning in terms of long-range projects, but she has time. Did I mention that she is only 15?
Shya Beth with a horse made out of greens. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The Sussex County teen’s interest in horses and art began when she would ride her Shetland pony in a basket saddle before she could walk, then picked up a paintbrush afterwards to express herself.
Her inclination toward horses and art was inspired by her mother, Mary Beth, a stained glass artist and horsewoman who home-schools her daughter.
“She’s always done something creative. She can see something and turn it into her own and it comes out fresh,” Mary said. Whether it’s charities or promoting other artists, Shya “just wants to help. She takes everything to heart,” her mother observed.
“I’m thrilled she’s doing what she wants to do. I let her have free rein,” added Mary, who helps out when needed, such as driving Shya where she needs to go for her work.
Shya has been involved in a lot of projects, but she hit the headlines two years ago with Fleur, her creation of a jumping horse composed of wood, bamboo, Styrofoam and chicken wire, all covered with hundreds of handmade paper flowers over a frame that is 6 feet, 10 inches tall and eight feet, 10 inches wide.
A year ago, she came up with the idea of making 18 life-size horse sculptures, assembled on wooden frames, covered in denim from donated used blue jeans. She is putting together creations depicting a variety of breeds and disciplines; race horses, jumpers and polo ponies among them. The plan is to have them autographed by top riders and officials, then auction them after an exhibition. The money will go to equine charities—mustangs are a particular interest of Shya’s, as well as the working donkeys in Third World countries
Citing the abuse of horses around the world, she said, “I want to do as much as I can to help our equines.”
And that led to development of thebluejeanhorseprojectdotcom.wordpress.com
Shya notes, “I think using denim to create these sculptures is not only a unique medium, but also a way that everyone–equestrians or not– can feel connected to this project. Nearly everyone wears jeans, whether they are a pair of NYC designer jeans or a farmer’s old Levi’s. Everyone can feel a connection to this project, which will ultimately help more horses.”
A blue jean jumper. (Photo courtesy Shya Beth)
Blue jeans to be used in the project may be dropped off at Beval’s Saddlery in Gladstone, Horsemen’s Outlet in Lebanon and Tractor Supply in Blairstown. They can have rips and tears, but shouldn’t be too ratty, she cautioned.
Shya is creating several films about the sculptures that include the history of the sport and/or breed they represent interviews with the people who sign them.
Her current efforts involve horsehead wreaths made out of cedar and other evergreens she collects with her Halflinger on her Lafayette farm. Sale of the horse wreaths will benefit her Blue Jean project; she also makes Doberman wreaths, with proceeds going to a Doberman rescue. For information about the wreaths, go to mistybrookmeadows@gmail.com. Misty Brook Meadows is also on facebook. They aren’t just for Christmas—they’re nice decorations throughout the winter.
Shya Beth’s horsehead wreaths. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Every Tuesday and Friday, Shya blogs at www.theflyingshetlands.wordpress.com, which is a showcase for equine art.
Artist Sue Ziegler (www.suezieglerart.com), who has painted champion race horse California Chrome and whose work is displayed at galleries in Versailles, Ky., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., started following “The Flying Shetlands” more than a year ago. She’s a fan of Shya.
“I was very impressed with the famous guests she interviewed on Equine Art Hour, and enjoyed learning more about the artists that were new to me. What she has accomplished is especially impressive knowing how young she is. After reading her Equine Art Hour interview about the Equus Film Festival, I entered their art contest and one of my works was chosen as a tour stop image for the festival.”
Shya said she was inspired by Sue, since she came to art late and has made quite a mark with her horse portraits.
Sue, in turn, commented on Shya’s energy and ingenuity, noting that participation in an art group to which she belonged had been low until Shya became the administrator.
“She changed the name to “Art of the Horse,” which was brilliant, and gave each day a theme, allowing artists to share their work, works in progress, successes, things they are grateful for. She has single-handedly turned the group into a community that supports each other in a very short period of time.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. She takes time to comment on everyone’s posts. She started a monthly banner contest that had over 100 works of art posted in the first week.
“When she asked me to be on the Equine Art Hour, I had to admit that I wasn’t on Twitter yet. She helped me with that, bringing me out of the dinosaur age, and when there was a free marketing seminar on line, she sent me the links to help me even more,” Sue added.
She called Shya, “A wonderful and creative artist in her own right. She’s an absolute angel and has done so much to enrich other artists’ lives. I am definitely one of them.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 18, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
December 14, 2016
He is, without a doubt, the best dressage horse in history—owning every world record and a slew of gold medals from the European Championships to the World Championships, the World Cup and the Olympics.
No matter where he competed, Valegro always was spectacular, as he was in winning the World Cup in Las Vegas last year. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
So it is fitting that Valegro entered his retirement from competition tonight in a moving performance at London’s Olympia Christmas show, watched by more than 7,500 fans with tears in their eyes as they stood to applaud and salute him.
“He is in every way a perfect horse…a joy to do everything with,” said his partner and rider, Charlotte Dujardin, after Valegro reprised his moving 2012 Olympic freestyle that incorporates the chimes of Big Ben. What a stage he had, surrounded by those who adored him, clapped in rhythm to his music and gave him a standing ovation.
“He’s the most incredible horse. He always gives me his very best,” commented Charlotte, who observed that this evening’s freestyle effort may have been his most impressive, possibly breaking his own record had it been judged.
But it wasn’t for the judges. It was for his team; Charlotte, trainer Carl Hester, groom Alan Davies, his proud owners, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott, but most of all, for his fans.
You’re doubtless one of them, whether you watched Valegro at the 2012 or 2016 Olympics, the World Cups he won in Lyon, France and Las Vegas or the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Or were you lucky enough to touch him in Central Park during September, when Charlotte invited everyone to come into the ring and meet him? Did you ever wash that hand? Maybe you just saw him on TV or on the livestream, but there is no doubt that whether you were near or far, you felt a connection to this great equine personality.
Valegro welcomed his fans in Central Park. (Photo by Lawrence J. Nagy)
When I interviewed Carl at the 2015 Cup finals in Las Vegas, he told me Rio likely would be the final competitive performance for Blueberry, as the Dutchbred is known, and that the retirement would take place at Olympia. He predicted it would be a real “crybaby” moment, and of course it was, not only for the thousands in the arena, but those across the world who watched the livestream.
Happily, this won’t be the last we see of Valegro. He’s going to have another farewell as he is saluted in the Netherlands and after that he’ll be performing exhibitions here and there.
Former British chef d’equpe Richard Waygood observed about Valegro, “Not only does he have all the technical skills, but he also has the character to go with it.” Without one or the other, the horse—also called “The Professor” for his command of the discipline and the belief that he “read the book” on dressage, wouldn’t have become the sensation he is.
Even in pre-show ring familiarization, Valegro looked fabulous. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“He taught us,” said Carl. In so many ways, Valegro is practically a person, with a wise eye and a sure knowledge of what he is and what he can do.
Former British World Class Dressage Manager Richard Davison said of Valegro, “He is the greatest. He is Muhammed Ali, whoever your great hero is, it’s him.” Citing the links that join Charlotte, Carl and Valegro,, Richard observed, “ the alchemy between those three has given us the privilege of watching the greatest combination in the world.”
Valegro was part of an effort that took British Olympic dressage from nowhere to the top of the podium. He was the standardbearer of the country’s amazing ascent in the sport, with endless effort from Carl, Charlotte and so many others.
How wonderful that somewhere, at some time in the near future, we’ll be able to see Valegro in action again. They didn’t pull off his shoes or remove his saddle, the usual routine at a retirement, because this is only the start of another phase for the horse.
“Now we can take all the pressure off, and just go around and really enjoy ourselves,” said Charlotte. From here on in, it’s fun.
Charlotte and Valegro won team and individual gold at the London Olympics. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
It’s wonderful that this superstar was retired while he is still at his best. I mean, how many gold medals do you need? But the regard for Valegro and his reputation prompted the wise decision. I look forward to the next time I watch Valegro wow the crowds again, and I’m sure you do as well.
