by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 15, 2016
One of the New Jersey equestrian community’s most active and respected volunteers, Tricia Haertlein, died Monday of cancer. A spirited worker with a “can do” approach who was extremely active with the Gladstone Driving Event, the Lebanon resident served as president of the Gladstone Equestrian Association’s Gladstone Driving board.
But you would often see her at competitions involving other disciplines in the state. She and her equally civic-minded sister, Barbara, took turns as president of the Hunterdon County Horse and Pony Association.
Susan Data-Samtak, president of the Somerset County Horse & Pony Association and another dedicated volunteer, noted “Tricia was a knowledgeable horsewoman, having been a carriage driver and rider most of her life. Early on, Tricia was a 4H leader for a “horseless horse club” before such clubs were popular. Tricia assisted in Octavia Brown’s handicapped riding program, organized driving and riding events, pre-dating the formation of the Gladstone Driving Event.
“Tricia was always there to help another horse person with advice or recommendations as to who might help if she couldn’t. We will miss her strength and support,” Susan concluded.
Contributions in Tricia’s memory may be made to the Hunterdon Land Trust, 111 Mine St., Flemington, NJ 08822, an organization with which she had been working before she became ill.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 15, 2016
Jerseyans in the spotlight at the U.S. Eventing Association annual meeting last weekend included course designer Morgan Rowsell of Long Valley, who joined the group’s board of governors, and Beth Battel of Roosevelt.
Beth is the co-owner of Stella Artois, the winner of the 2-star competition at the Fair Hill International in October. Stella’s rider is co-owner Jennie Brannigan, who accepted a $25,000 check for the Connaught Grant, administered by the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in memory of R. Bruce Duchossois.
Bruce, a great patron of equestrian sports, owned Connaught, who won the Rolex Kentucky 4-star with Phillip Dutton. The Connaught grant is given for a CCI one- or two-star horse that, like Stella, is seen as a potential candidate to represent the U.S. Equestrian Team internationally.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 14, 2016
Centenary University’s riding center in Long Valley is one of 10 locations around the country named to host the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athletes Program Regional Training Sessions next year. Centenary also has had the distinction of hosting such a session in the past.
“We had really incredible applications this year, which made selecting locations a challenge,” said Sally Ike, chair of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Committee.
“We’re very pleased with the locations and are looking forward to announcing the dates and opening applications in February.”
The national finals will be held in October at Lake Erie College in Ohio for the second year in a row.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 14, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
December 9, 2016
He was the superstar of American three-day eventing after making history by winning the individual gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. From there, he assured the end of a disruptive governance battle by breaking out of his comfort zone as the first president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, serving for nearly a decade to get the new organization on firm footing.
No one who was at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in 2000 will ever forget David O’Connor’s triumphal pass around the arena with the American flag and his gold medal. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Then he took the job he had always wanted and became the technical advisor and chef d’equipe of the U.S. eventing team. But the golden glow that lighted David O’Connor’s way for so long dimmed when his squads failed to finish at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2016 Olympics.
Even though Phillip Dutton earned individual bronze in Rio last summer and the U.S. qualified for those Olympics with a team gold at the 2015 Pan American Games, where cross-country was run at the 2-star level, there was a real question as to whether David would get a new contract to continue in the role he undertook four years ago.
Under USEF Director of Sport Will Connell, an exhaustive post-Rio review was launched with input from athletes and officials. But it finally worked out with the announcement this week that David would stay, though at this point only through the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, N.C. He will however, be employed with a slightly different methodology that’s stronger on the management side.
As the USEF statement put it, he will be working with eventing managing director Joanie Morris “in the development and implementation of eventing plans, pathway, program and systems that will help grow programs for developing and elite athlete.” His role, it said, “has been adjusted to focus more on management of the programs and the athletes’ personal programs and goals, rather than hands-on coaching.”
As David explained, “The personal coaches (of individual riders) are a very strong side of the program that’s going to be pushed, and the assessment of markers of what you expect within three months, six months, a year, for progression of horses and riders.
“These will be agreed upon with the rider and myself and documented, so there is a very clear path that we and they can judge whether the system that they have is actually working,” continued David, explaining the new format during an interview at the U.S. Eventing Association annual meeting in Hollywood, Fla.
David O’Connor at the U.S. Eventing Association annual meeting. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
For example, he said, “If someone is on a 53 dressage (score) and they think that’s a weakness and they say `I’ve got someone who’s going to help me,’ everyone’s on the same plan. But if six months later they’re on a 57, you’re like, ‘`Now wait a minute…’”
The idea is to have all those involved in working with horses and riders for top competition on the same page.
“The process will be more objective and the communication is clear and everyone understands what the communication is,” said David.
He wants to get more people involved, in the way a head coach gets information from various sub coaches. David plans to add observers at different fences on the cross-country day of championships who can give him information to help make decisions, noting Germany and France, for instance, have multiple people helping during major events.
In terms of why the teams failed to finish at the WEG and in Rio, a lot of factors are involved, but David didn’t want to rehash the specifics.
“I will never say it’s not my fault. I’m the captain of the ship. I’ll never throw riders under the bus,” he emphasized.
But he stated “I also think the program is halfway through its growth. When we look at four years ago, compared to what I look at now, I think we’re in a different place. I think about the younger kids coming up and showing consistency. I see good things in the future.”
At the time David started his job, he said, U.S. riders had a 48 percent completion rate cross-country. In 2015, it was an 89 percent completion rate, and this year it was 72 percent. “The game has shifted,” he contended, yet on cross-country day at the Olympics “it didn’t work.”
Overall, however, he commented, “I believe we’re on the rise. I have two years to prove it. And if I don’t prove it? Next stage.”
David competing at Rolex Kentucky in 2004. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
He reminded me of a conversation we had at the 2010 WEG, when he was coaching the Canadian team that brought home the silver medal against the odds. After I congratulated him, he reminded me that the Canadians’ success hadn’t come overnight, but had been a four years in development.
David pointed out U.S. riders generally finish in the top five everywhere they go, with the exception of the Badminton and Burghley 4-stars; in the Olympic Games, he pointed out, both Phillip and Boyd Martin were in the top 10.
Incoming USEF President Murray Kessler, who gave a presentation about his organization’s new strategic plan at the USEA meeting, said when asked, “Of course I’m happy David is coming back. I feel great about it.
“We had a committee that went through the process with it. I think the team put together a beautiful plan for the next two years with him, and if that delivers, I think you’ll see a very different performance on the team level at WEG.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 10, 2016
Proceeds from next summer’s Mars Essex Horse Trials will benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp, which offers day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths for six weeks during July and August.
The horse trials will return to the competition calendar June 24-25 after a 19-year hiatus.Essex will move from its former venue at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, where it was last held in 1998, relocating to the Moorland Farm in Far Hills. Essex will be the first equestrian event, apart from the Far Hills Race Meeting, to be held on the 230-acre property in the Somerset Hills.
The two days of scheduled competition at Essex also offer a classic car show, farm-to-table food court, the Essex Market– a high-end fashion and retail fair–picnicking, tailgating and a premium two-day entertainment package. It includes admission to the Hoopstick Club adjacent to the show jumping arena.
The Essex revival is part of a strategic plan developed by community leaders and local equestrian organizations, including the Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Gladstone Equestrian Organization, with a goal of revitalizing and growing high-level equestrian competitions, events and clinics in Somerset County and the surrounding region.
Mars Inc., the original sponsor of the Essex Horse Trials, will once again be the title sponsor. Presenting sponsors include Open Road Auto Group, Peapack-Gladstone Bank and RWJBarnabas Health.
The Life Camp movement began in 1887, when the original editor of LIFE magazine founded the Life Fresh Air Fund to aid inner-city children by sending them to the country. The current mission of LifeCamp Inc. is to empower children from Newark to succeed and excel in life by developing life skills, character and leadership through a summer enrichment program outside of an urban environment.
The LifeCamp campus, which opened in 1923, is located on 90 acres in Pottersville, a few miles from the horse trials’ new home.
Ralph Jones, president of the Mars Essex Horse Trials, said, “All of us involved with the upcoming horse trials are thrilled to begin this affiliation with LifeCamp. Its mission is clearly inspirational and we look forward to discovering ways that our organizations can work together to bring additional experiences to both LifeCamp campers and the Essex community.”
For more information about the Mars Essex Horse Trials, visit http://essexhorsetrials.org/.
For more information about Greater Newark LifeCamp, visit http://greaternewarklifecamp.org/.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 10, 2016
Lessons at a variety of riding facilities and equestrian schools can now be part of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Recognized Riding Academy Program.
The program is designed “to encourage the continued development and growth of programs across the country that cultivate well-rounded equestrians from their earliest riding experience,” said Kevin Price, USHJA executive director.
“Building strong foundations of horsemanship, sportsmanship and safety for equestrians benefits our entire sport, and we look forward to helping connect new or aspiring riders with programs that focus on those attributes.”
The academy will provide national recognition and exposure for programs meeting the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy criteria, which can be found on the USHJA website. Recognized Riding Academies can participate in the USHJA Affiliate Equitation Awards program and they receive discounts on USHJA Trainer Certification Program manuals.
Interested riding programs must meet USHJA requirements to become a Recognized Riding Academy. The requirements focus on minimum facility, operational, safety and staff standards. These programs must operate out of facilities that follow basic industry standards for horse care, offer hunter/jumper riding lessons of varying levels, unmounted instruction, and lessons with an instructor/student ratio that ensures safety, and follow a written curriculum for all instruction.
Additionally, they must make safety a priority, requiring ASTM/SEI approved helmets and approved footwear, as well as following a variety of other safety standards and maintaining at least $1 million in insurance coverage for the operation of their riding program. The programs must have at least one staff person who is a USHJA member in good standing, and their staff must demonstrate a commitment to continuing education.
Learn more about the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy and apply at www.ushja.org/ridingacademy.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
December 2, 2016
The last 18 months or so have been full of good news for equestrian fans and participants in New Jersey’s Somerset Hills, an area that is revving up to once again be a center of multi-discipline horse sports—which also is a positive for those much further afield who are eager to be part of it.
Following the announcement that the Essex Horse Trials will be revived in 2017 after an absence of 19 years, an exhibition competition was staged in June at Moorland Farm in Far Hills as a preview of the event itself. The fact that it drew such stars as Jennie Brannigan (the winner), longtime Essex competitor Buck Davidson and local favorites Sinead Halpin and Holly Payne Caravella was an indicator of great interest in the project, which also has drawn a good response as it seeks volunteers to help stage the competition.
This shot of Holly Payne Caravella at the Essex Horse Trials Derby Cross in June shows off the beauty of Moorland Farm. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
In August, the debut of Monmouth at the Team–relocating New Jersey’s oldest show from Monmouth County to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation’s Gladstone headquarters in Somerset County–drew a great entry for a triumphant debut.
Word last month that the Grand Prix, Intermediaire I and Brentina Cup U.S. Equestrian Federation dressage championships are returning to the foundation facility in May 2017 is another boost.
And now here’s one more: Moorland Farm could host a prestigious show jumping competition in 2018 if it is chosen as the site of a Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League qualifier. When the USEF asked who would be interested in bidding to hold such a competition, Guy Torsilieri raised his hand. Guy heads up the Far Hills Race Meeting at Moorland that draws more than 30,000 people to the venue in October.
“Moorland Farm threw our hat in the ring,” said Guy, who filed an expression of interest by the Nov. 16 deadline and is waiting for details in the formal Request for Proposal that is due to come out early next year. At that point, he noted, the requirements can be analyzed “and we can decide if we want to proceed, but I think we probably will.”
If Moorland gets the qualifier, Guy envisions a set-up something like the one for the highly successful show put on by Equestrian Sport Productions in Central Park, which is not involved with the World Cup series. Footing is trucked into Central Park for the competition, which includes show jumping, hunters and dressage, and then trucked out again. Guy pointed out that footing has a limited lifespan, so it’s better to lease a state-of-the-art surface when it’s needed, rather than letting it sit and deteriorate when it is used only once or twice a year. An infrastructure involving a base and drainage at Moorland could be used for Essex as well, along with any other competitions staged subsequently, Guy said.
The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping qualifiers, like the one where Kent Farrington was victorious in February at the Wellington Masters, have impressive signage as part of their program. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The Longines NAL cut a large number of qualifiers to focus on 14 in North America, with seven in the East and seven in the West. Shows involved in that program were selected for a three-year run, beginning with the 2015-2016 season. The 2016-2017 season ends with the final in Omaha March 29-April 2, and the third season begins in June 2017. The USEF is looking for candidates to present NAL classes starting with the 2018-2019 season.
The qualifiers are always part of a show, such as the Wellington Masters and the Live Oak International, both in Florida, and the American Gold Cup in Westchester County, N.Y. Guy noted that more than the one class would be offered if Moorland won the bid. While most shows bidding likely will have held jumping competitions previously—something Moorland hasn’t done—it’s worth noting that the Wellington Masters is at a site which did not have a history of offering a major show, though jumping classes had been presented there before it staged its first qualifier last February.
Asked about how many entities came forward before last month’s deadline, Jennifer Haydon, the USEF’s director of jumping for national programs, replied, “We had a fair amount. We had a lot of interest in that. The FEI is going to work with us on getting more information so these guys know what it’s all about before they actually submit a bid.” She noted that all the U.S. venues that already are hosting qualifiers (which is all the USEF deals with, since others are in Canada and Mexico) want to continue. A decision on the 2018-19 qualifiers is not expected until April.
Even if Moorland does not get a Longines qualifier, it still is likely show jumping competition will be held there eventually.
“It’s something that interests us,” Guy said of the qualifier, while at the same time noting, “We may not do it, but it’s showing everybody we’re not just going to stop at the Far Hills Races, Essex Horse Trials, Monmouth at the Team. There are going to be other opportunities. There’s going to continue to be substantial equestrian growth in this area. We don’t have any specific plans yet, but show jumping at Moorland Farm is definitely on the radar.”
The VIP tent was full of spectators during Monmouth at the Team. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Guy added, “It’s a continuation of this plan that Jimmy (Brady) and I and a bunch of us have been working on.”
The two men understand that there has to be something besides the equestrian portion of a competition to bring folks in the door, which is why there are plans for the Essex Horse Trials to have a car show and a vendor village, along with plenty of hospitality (also a hallmark of the Monmouth show).
In June 2015, the Gladstone Gathering at the USET Foundation headquarters brought together people from the community with an interest in seeing more equestrian competitions in the area. The Essex revival grew out of that party, which was spearheaded by Jimmy, whose family owned Hamilton Farm when it was a vast estate. He led the way in rejuvenating the Gladstone Equestrian Association, which in its heyday presented the landmark 1993 World Pair Driving Championships. Its new iteration, with a board drawn from several disciplines, is geared to “attract, promote and retain” equestrian activities.
So stay tuned. They say about stock funds that past performance is no guarantee of future results, but that type of warning doesn’t seem applicable to this initiative, which is in the right place at the right time and fueled by action as well as enthusiasm.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 3, 2016
It’s time for an encore–Robert Dover will be technical advisor for the U.S. dressage team through the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, while continuing to raise funds as he did so successfully before the Olympics.
“I am thrilled and honored to remain in the position of dressage technical advisor for the USEF,” he said after coming to an agreement with the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“I look forward to continuing to work with staff, volunteers and athletes to produce training and programs for sustained excellence for the U.S. Equestrian Dressage Team,” added Robert, who also will serve as chef d’equipe at certain competitions.
Dover amassed quite a record after taking on the chef d’ equipe/technical advisor role in 2013. In addition to winning a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics last summer, the squad under his leadership took team gold and individual gold and silver at the Pan American Games and finished fourth at the 2014 WEG.
“Robert has done so many positive things for U.S. Dressage. From returning our team to the Olympic podium to growing our development program, there is no one better to lead U.S. dressage,” said USEF President Chrystine Tauber.
“As an athlete, chef d’equipe, or technical advisor, it has been wonderful to see the amazing impact he has had on this sport and our athletes. I know Robert will work hard to build upon this success.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 29, 2016
The Fair Hill, Maryland, facility that hosts the 2- and 3-star fall national championship events and a variety of other equestrian competitions, is looking for an upgrade as it seeks to stage the USA’s second 4-star event.
Stakeholders have begun discussions with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources about the 2015 Maryland Horse Park System Study, which recommended Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area as an ideal equestrian field event venue.
The interest was prompted by new information about the economic value of Maryland’s horse industry as well as an invitation to submit a proposal to host the 4-star, which will be held in 2018 or, more likely, 2019, since the World Equestrian Games will take center stage in September 2018.
“New economic data shows that the state’s equine industry has grown 23 percent in the last five years and contributes $1.15 billion in annual economic activity,” said Jim Steele, chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
“Improving equine facilities at Fair Hill is a vital part of this industry-wide renaissance. We have to stay current and make sure our competition venues meet the needs of the equestrian community.”
Implementation of the study includes enhancement of existing facilities and infrastructure that would support improved conditions for a broad spectrum of activities and programming, including steeplechasing, timber racing, polo, 4-H, the Cecil County Fair and more.
As the partners in the implementation of the recommendations, Fair Hill International was given the opportunity to respond to a request from the U.S. Equestrian Federation to host the new 4-star. Rolex Kentucky, at this point the country’s only 4-star, is held in the spring at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
“Regardless of the outcome of the 4-star proposal, there remains tremendous interest and support to upgrade Fair Hill’s infrastructure for a variety of recreational uses,” said Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton.
“A community-led foundation is now being developed to begin identifying potential funding for critical enhancements and improvements at the racetrack and fairgrounds.”
Work continues with stakeholders, park users, and the community to develop and refine the proposed enhancements in the coming months. There will be opportunity for public comment and engagement. If the site is selected, Maryland would then join Kentucky as the only state to host both a Triple Crown race and a 4-star event.
Other contenders for the 4-star are Great Meadow and Morven Park, both in Virginia; the Ocala Jockey Club in Florida and the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C., where the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 29, 2016
Britain has a new performance management plan, utilizing a partnership with an emphasis on sports science and tailored coaching, while “building on excellence” in the existing coaching program.
Richard Waygood will become the world class eventing performance manager, an announcement that follows news of former German coach and British citizen Christopher Bartle being appointed to the newly created role of performance coach.
The new program for the eventing squad is part of a greater plan to continue improving performance for the next Olympic cycle. This concept will be “more individually tailored,” putting a greater focus on human and equine sports science, “as well as examining opportunities to improve the collective horsepower in Great Britain” and seeking to build on success.
Richard, who has been the performance manager for dressage, commented that holding his new position has been “ a lifelong ambition.”
Chris commented, “It’s exciting and yet daunting to be offered the opportunity to train the British team. On the other hand, it’s with sadness that I leave behind the German team and all those at the DOKR and the German Federation with whom I have worked over the last 16 years. I am equally delighted that Richard Waygood has agreed to come on board as performance manager for eventing. I can’t imagine a more suitably qualified person for this position.
Eventing Chief Executive David Holmes noted, “Following 17 successful years under Yogi Breisner, we are thrilled to have found such an experienced team in Richard and Chris to take the British eventing squad forward. This combination will not only help us advance our elite level athletes but also to use their knowledge and skills to enable us to develop pathways throughout our sport so that we can produce a stronger performance culture from ponies to podium.
“As we look towards Tokyo 2020, Richard and Chris will be key for eventing to ensure the World Class team has the skills, tools and support to reach its full potential.”
Clare Salmon, chief executive of the BEF, stated: “Other sports will also be a great source of inspiration as we strive for a winning culture across the disciplines with the quest for a new performance director being key in our new approach within the World Class Program.”
The World Class Program will begin recruiting a new performance director, who will be responsible for driving the process of change across the entire program. This role will be joined by a new position as they also seek a head of performance support.
Richard and Chris will take over in January, succeeding Yogi, who has been eventing performance manager since 2000.
