by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 7, 2016
The U.S., seventh after the first day of eventing dressage, moved up to a tie (137.5 penalties) for sixth with New Zealand today after the conclusion of the first phase at the Deodoro complex.
All is not lost, with a tough cross-country test slated for tomorrow, in which the riders must be as clever as French course designer Pierre Michelet. Expect a lot of glance-offs on tricky corners if they don’t deal properly with his signature style of distances.
So things could change, but perhaps more among the top four than below that. Germany leads the way as expected on 122 penalties, with 122.2 for second-place France (I told you to watch them in my Rio preview). Australia is third at 126.4, followed by Britain (127.7), whose William Fox Pitt held his first-day edge on Chilli Morning in the individual standings.
Nice to see Ireland in fifth (135.6), as eventing is the only discipline in which that country has a team this time around. (You remember all the controversy over them not qualifying a squad for the show jumping).
A lot was expected of the U.S. team, being coached for the first time at the Olympics by 2000 Olympic individual gold medalist David O’Connor. But it wound up with pathfinder Boyd Martin on Blackfoot Mystery being the discard score (47.7) in 35th place out of 65 starters. Lauren Kieffer stands 33d on 47.3 penalties after a slightly tense Veronica bobbled in the flying change sequence and was marked with 4’s for the collected canter.
Temperatures were in the low 90s, with uncovered grandstands that looked to me to be 70 percent empty (and I’m being generous here.) Beach volleyball, I noticed, wasn’t a sell-out either. The dressage arena still has plenty of atmosphere, which has affected some of the horses.
Lots of breaks in the trot, some jigging in the walk and distracted flying changes. Hey, even defending champ Michael Jung of Germany on Sam had a flying change problem yesterday that moved him down today to fifth place (40.9). His teammate, Ingrid Klimke on Hale-Bob OLD slotted in ahead of him in fourth (39.5).
A lovely ride from France’s Mathieu Lemoine on Bart L earned two 8’s and a 7.5 for his final flying change and he wound up third with 39.2. Do you think the French know how to ride Pierre’s cross-country courses? I’ll bet they do.
U.S. anchor rider Phillip Dutton on Mighty Nice was doing mighty nicely, getting 7’s for his extended and medium walk, and then had a scrambled flying change. That put him at 43.6, good enough for 15th place to become the top American. Clark Montgomery, who had that honor yesterday, moved down to 24th with his score of 46.6 from yesterday.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2016
William Fox-Pitt took the lead in Rio for the first day of eventing dressage. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Good on William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain for coming back from a devastating head injury that kept him off a horse for months last year. He had a lovely dressage test in Rio today with Chilli Morning to take the lead in the eventing with a score of 37 penalties.
“All along Rio has been my target, totally. It was unrealistic, but it was mine,” William said.
“I was in a coma for a couple of weeks and my sight was quite dodgy, I went from blind to seeing double, so when I started jumping, there were two jumps. It’s been a journey, but I’ve had so much support! Mentally I was very tired, I probably still am. I feel like I’m waking up, but slowly.”
With much respect, admiration and congratulations to William, I have to say that personally, I preferred the test of Australia’s Chris Burton, which earned a 37 on Santano II. I like the more flowing way that horse moves.
Everyone anticipated that defending Olympic champion Michael Jung of Germany would top William and Chris, but his score got a debit when Sam FBW anticipated a lead change and switched from the counter-canter in the serpentine, which earned him a lowly mark of 4 for that movement. He wound up with 40.9 penalties, good enough for third individually.
With half the riders on 12 teams gone (the rest ride Sunday), Germany as expected leads the way on 82.5 penalties. Australia is second (83.9), Britain third (84.2) and France fourth (85.4). The U.S. is seventh on 94.3. Boyd Martin earned 47.7 (17th place) with a competent ride on the thoroughbred Blackfoot Mystery, for whom dressage isn’t a strong point. The big anticipation was for today’s other U.S. rider, Clark Montgomery on Loughan Glen, touted by many (including me) as an individual medal possibility.
But Glen kept anticipating, breaking into the canter from the trot on the rail and in the half-pass, as well as switching off from the counter-canter to be marked at 46.6, good enough for 10th at this point.
Any hope of a comeback to medal territory for the U.S. will hinge on how tough the cross-country is and whether it can scramble the scores for those able to handle it. You probably can bet Michael Jung will finish on his dressage score, but what about the others?
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2016
It’s here, finally, the often-controversial but long-awaited Rio Olympics.
Saturday morning the eventers start off the equestrian competition with their dressage phase, so it’s time to offer my thoughts on who will win the medals.
The least-predictable of the equestrian disciplines is eventing, because cross-country can throw a wrench into the efforts of the most accomplished horse/rider pairing. And while sometimes the Olympic cross-country is considered a touch soft (the better for those from less-advanced eventing countries to get around without major disasters) the fact that Frenchman Pierre Michelet is laying out the route means this course should be quite decisive.
Pierre was the designer for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where his technical track and the hilly terrain took their toll. Deodoro, home of the equestrian competition in Rio, also has hills, and as in Normandy, a good number of riders doubtless will find they don’t know the answers to some of the designer’s questions.
The man with all the answers, however, should be defending individual titleist Michael Jung of Germany, a former world champion who will be aboard his most experienced mount, Sam FBW.
Will Michael Jung and Sam repeat their 2012 Olympic success in Rio? (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael is going for double individual gold. If he achieves it, that will be the first time it’s been done in the sport since 1988, when Mark Todd of New Zealand achieved it on Charisma.
At the same time, Michael is expected to lead the German team to gold. He will be backed up by current world champion Sandra Auffarth on Opgun Louvo and veteran Ingrid Klimke (her father was individual and team dressage gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and brought medals home from a bunch of other Games as well.) She will be on Hale-Bob Old.
Andreas Ostholt, the fourth member of the team, was replaced in the wake of So Is Et losing a shoe. Even though Andreas’ horse passed the jog, team officials didn’t want to take a chance. Julia Krajewski was chosen to take his spot with Samourai du Thot. But remember, only three scores count.
Even so, anything can happen, and there are other teams that have a good shot at the medals. Australia, New Zealand, fast-rising France and perhaps even Brazil, with the home country wind at this squad’s back.
Britain looks to be weaker than usual, though you can’t count out any squad that has William Fox-Pitt. Will he be the same William he was before a devastating accident last fall took him out of the game for months? We’ll see.
The U.S. has Olympic experience in Boyd Martin (Blackfoot Mystery) and especially Phillip Dutton (Mighty Nice), who earned Olympic team gold twice with the squad from his native Australia before becoming an American. Games newbies Lauren Kieffer (Veronica) and Clark Montgomery (Loughan Glen) should be well up to the task. Experts consider Clark the best chance the U.S. has for an individual medal, and the team shouldn’t be counted out of the medal race. But figure that after Germany, France and New Zealand have shorter odds to stand on the podium.
Dressage, in contrast to eventing, is the most predictable of the equestrian disciplines. As U.S. coach Robert Dover puts it, “regardless of whether it’s Germany, Rio or London, we’re still basically in a sandbox that’s exactly like the sandbox in Wellington or Aachen.”
Germany is incredibly strong, with numbers 1, 2 and 3 on the international ranking list offering an air of invincibility for its squad. Kristina Broring-Sprehe (Desperados FRH); Isabell Werth (Weiheigold OLD) and Dorothee Schneider (Showtime FRH) are unlikely to be nudged off the top step of the podium, even with a British team anchored by Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, the record holders for the Grand Prix, the Special and the Freestyle. Charlotte’s mentor and 2012 gold medal teammate, Carl Hester, will be right in there with Nip Tuck, and the two other members of that squad should support the stars admirably for silver.
Could Valegro end his competitive career with another individual gold for 2012 star Charlotte Dujardin? (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The Dutch could be contenders for the bronze, but if there is a weak link among the potential team medalists, they’re it. And the U.S. has been working hard for a chance to ascend that podium with an impressive squad of Steffen Peters (Legolas), the only Olympic veteran; Laura Graves (Verdades), Allison Brock (Rosevelt) and Kasey Perry-Glass (Goerklintgaard’s Dublet). Sweden would seem most likely to be fifth.
Individually, Charlotte looks as if she will claim her second Olympic individual gold in what likely is Valegro’s last competition. Pick two of the Germans for the other individual placings.
Show jumping also may go to the Germans to make it an equestrian clean sweep for that nation (Christian Ahlmann is the world’s number one at the moment), but this actually is the USA’s chance for gold. Kent Farrington (Voyeur) and McLain Ward (HH Azur) are fourth and fifth in the world rankings, behind France’s Simon Delestre and Penelope Leprevost. Also on the U.S. team — the same one that took bronze at the 2014 WEG, with the exception of HH Azur — is Beezie Madden (Cortes C), individual bronze medalist at the WEG, and Lucy Davis, who has turned in fault-free round after fault-free round on Barron in the selection observation events.
The French, obviously, are a real threat, but the British–who took gold in London four years ago–have only one returning rider/horse combination, Nick Skelton on Big Star. The Dutch, world champions, can medal if they ride up to their 2014 level.
Teams less likely to figure, but still in with a chance are Sweden, Qatar, Ukraine and maybe Brazil, with former U.S. chef d’equipe George Morris coaching.
The 2012 individual gold medalist Steve Guerdat of Switzerland (also the 2015 World Cup champion) is trying for his double on Nino des Buissonnets.
Perhaps 2012 individual show jumping gold medalist Steve Guerdat of Switzerland will have a repeat on Nino des Buissonets. (Photo copyright by Nancy Jaffer)
What are the odds of all three individual gold medalists repeating their 2012 London success in Rio, with the same horses, yet. It’s an interesting and exciting possibility.
But the USA could have a show jumping spoiler in McLain, who’s ready for the biggest moment of his career.
If you saw the opening ceremonies, you’re geared up for the Games. Whether it’s via computer, tablet, phone or TV, be sure to follow the equestrians and cheer them on.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 3, 2016
Marilyn Payne, president of the eventing ground jury at the Olympics, will be reporting on her experience at the Games at Beval Saddlery in Gladstone Aug. 20.
The occasion is a fundraiser for her daughter, Holly Payne Caravella, who is heading to the Burghley, England 4-star in September with Never Outfoxed. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 at the door. Other attractions are wine and beer, a buffet and hors d’oeuvres, as well as 20 percent off on shopping and a silent auction.
Holly got a grant that will help get her and Fox to Burghley, but she needs another $25,000 to make the trip.
Holly Payne and Never Outoxed completed cross-country in the rain at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star this year.
Tickets for the event, which runs from 5-8 p.m., may be bought in advance at Beval’s, the Gladstone Tavern, Somerset Grain in Benardsville, Applewood Farm in Tewksbury, the Oldwick General Store and Old Fox Farm in Chester. They also are available through facebook.com/foxsyndicate or https://www.gofundme.com/2fq3ey2s.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 1, 2016
The chatter at this weekend’s International Bromont show in Canada was that the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games might find a home in Eastern Europe. Word was, though totally unconfirmed, of course, that the Samorin Equestrian Center in Slovakia could be under consideration.
And today, Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, announced the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina is in play for the WEG in an effort to have it stay in North America after Bromont bowed out for financial reasons.
Bromont couldn’t get support from the Canadian government for its effort, but Tryon already has the governors of North and South Carolina on its side. Tryon also is working with United States Equestrian Federation to keep the WEG on this side of the Atlantic. It’s a lot less expensive for USEF to send horses and riders to North Carolina than to Eastern Europe.
Are there other contenders for the 2018 WEG? The FEI will only say at this point, “We are looking at all options and will make an announcement shortly.”
Samorin will be hosting the endurance world championships in September. Meg Sleeper of Frenchtown has been named to the U.S. team with Shyrocco Rimbaud, a 10-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding.
There’s more going on at Samorin than endurance, however. It just wrapped up a 3-star show where the U.S. developing jumper riders were competing. It is located near the country’s capital of Bratislava.
The center, which is two years old, has 640 stalls and six arenas, three grass and three sand. There are two indoor arenas, and the complex is surrounded by a racetrack.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 31, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
July 31, 2016
Sally Ike and her sister Muffin at the Monmouth County Horse Show in the early ’50s with the racetrack grandstand behind them.
Monmouth is New Jersey’s oldest horse show, but at the same time, it is also the newest.
Next month, a re-invented version gets under way at the sixth venue in its history, and the second outside the county where it was founded 121 years ago.
Entries close Aug. 1 for the multi-ring fixture that most recently was presented at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown. It has been repurposed for competition in a single, prestigious arena at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, Somerset County.
Now called Monmouth at the Team, the show that runs Aug. 15-21 is an example of thinking out of the-box. It offers a wide range of classes, from a $10,000 mini-prix and a $10,000 hunter derby to $5,000 children’s/adult jumper sections, C-rated hunters and an outreach division at the lower level, which introduces riders to being part of a U.S. Equestrian Federation-recognized show without having to pay dues to the organization.
Tucker Ericson and his cousin, Michael Dowling, the Monmouth organizers, hope to increase its offerings and rating in succeeding years during a new chapter in its long and storied history.
When Sally Ike started competing at Monmouth in the early 1950s, it was held at Monmouth Park race track before moving to the track’s adjacent Wolf Hill property that was used for training.
“It was my first show. It was in the walk-trot and my pony’s name was Hard Times.”” recalled Sally, who went on to become a top three-day eventer.
Sally Ike jumping Hard Times at Monmouth.
Monmouth was very much of a family thing for Sally, since her father, Joseph, was president of the show and her aunt, Nancy Howell, the wife of a racehorse trainer, was the secretary.
“Everybody in the community was involved organizing it. It was an old-timey horse show, the judges were professional, but everybody on the committee was volunteers and pitched in to make things happen,” said Sally, now the USEF’s Gladstone-based managing director of education and licensed officials.
“Wolf Hill was an old breeding farm, so there must have been 100 or so stalls and we stayed in permanent stabling.”
She added, “I have very fond memories. Those were the days; I can remember when Bert (U.S. show jumping coach Bertalan de Nemethy) used to bring the team down, (William) Steinkraus and (Frank) Chapot. It was an iconic horse show.”
Judy Richter has her own set of Monmouth memories. She and her late sister, Carol Hofmann Thompson, grew up in New Jersey, so Monmouth was a must.
“We rode in it when it was at the racetrack,” said Judy, noting with a chuckle, “we were lucky to get around the course on our rescue horses. It exposed us to what was out there.”
As they progressed, so did the show, which blossomed to be a regular stop for such big names as Rodney Jenkins and Bernie Traurig. Carol, who went on to join the USET, was always a big winner there.
Carol Hofmann Thompson and Salem competing at Monmouth.
Judy has fond memories of how her late husband, Max Richter, went on to win a jumper class at Monmouth on a careful, fast mare named Rationed Love over Frank Chapot–just back from campaigning in Europe.
“It was a high point in our equestrian career,” said Judy. “That was like a miracle.”
Judy also judged at Monmouth during the Wolf Hill era, and stayed in “what they called the Reading Room, the most fabulous place with hot and cold running maids and a huge, long banister that we all would slide down.”
Max Richter proudly displayed his Monmouth County Horse Show championship cooler 52 years ago at Wolf Hill.
Things changed when Monmouth Park needed the space at Wolf Hill and the show had to move. It spent a year in Readington at the old Four Seasons Farm, then moved to East Freehold Park for decades before heading to the Horse Park in 2012.
“It brings a smile to my face that Michael and Tucker care enough about the show to make sure it doesn’t die,” said Sally.
“In an ideal world, would it have been nice to have stayed in Monmouth County? Sure. But this is such a special venue. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m going to hang out at the horse show.”
Social life was always a big part of Monmouth, and the show at the team is going after that aspect in a big way.
“It’s half horse show, half social event,” said Tucker.
It’s all about hospitality, starting with a welcome tent to greet people and assist them, starting with ship-in day, Aug. 15, before the show gets under way, when there will be pizza and cocktails for all. In the days that follow, plans call for breakfast every morning, and light appetizers in the mid-afternoon followed by heavier appetizers from Flemington-based Chive and Thyme catering. There will be a variety of parties; one that is Mexican-themed, a barbeque, sustainable local New Jersey offerings, a mardi gras, a Kentucky Derby party out of season, and a brunch and Italian meal to send competitors home on the final day. Live music is scheduled for the last four days of the show, an eclectic mix of classical, jazz and pop/rock.
Tucker is grateful for community support from the Gladstone Equestrian Association and the revival of the Essex Horse Trials, and with that, the Far Hills Race Meeting. The show is partnering with Essex “to promote each other’s businesses,” with Mars Inc., the Open Road Auto Group and RWJ Barnabas Health sponsoring both competitions.
Precise Buildings will be donating $12,000-$15,000 of work annually toward a utility building for jumps and equipment storage. After that, it will begin on a judges/announcers pavilion with heat, air conditioning and a state-of-the-art sound system.
What’s been a challenge, Tucker said, is what to keep in the way of classes as the multi-ring approach is boiled down to one arena. Monmouth leased its Tuesday date from West Milford Equestrian Center to expand its offerings.
“The grass roots is really what this horse show is about,” said Tucker, who estimates between 300 and 400 horses will participate.
“All of the 2-foot through 3-foot divisions are people who don’t get to show in that arena and now will have the opportunity. The show kind of has everything, depending on what your need is,” he said.
From zone points to Marshall and Sterling points, schooling in the arena (which will host the USEF Talent Search in October) and jumpers, there’s something for everybody.
“Even though it’s not a typical A show, it affords more opportunity to the community that’s around it at that time of year,” said Tucker. He pointed out it’s the same week as the Pre-Green Hunter Finals and the International Hunter Derby in Kentucky.
“So the high-end A-rated hunters involved in those finals aren’t around anyway,” he pointed out.
“We felt strongly about getting the message out about what that facility means to our history and the future of our sport. I think we knew it would be a big draw. The exciting part is to see how the local businesses are thrilled to get involved because they are looking for outlets that bring the community together. They’re using it as an outlet to bring clients, get involve, and enjoy the sport. It seems like a win/win for everyone.”
For more information, go to http://www.monmouthattheteam.com
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
July 24, 2016
Footing at shows will be a key issue for the USEF’s new compliance department.
What bothers you most at a horse show? Bad footing, overcrowded grounds, poor stabling?
Generations of exhibitors have voiced complaints about those issues and others, too often without getting satisfaction. Sometimes, their only options have been to sigh and continue competing at a place that is substandard, or just stay home if they can’t find an alternative.
Finally, the U.S. Equestrian Federation is starting a program that has the muscle to work with shows on improving conditions or, failing that, taking measures against fixtures that don’t solve their problems.
The new compliance program was announced last week, utilizing compliance officers trained to evaluate shows. Slated to start this fall, the program is a key part of a strategic plan–most of which has yet to be revealed–that is charting the future of the federation and will be an engine for change.
“The goal is to have better competitions that do meet the standards, happier exhibitors; in the end happier organizers, healthier sport, happier horses, said Bill Moroney, the USEF’s CEO.
When it comes to dissatisfaction with shows, “Footing is the number one issue,” according to Bill, who noted each breed and discipline has its own standards for the surfaces on which its horses compete.
The first order of business?
“Is the level of footing appropriate for the level of competition that is going to take place in the ring,” he said.
Since the condition of footing can be a judgment call, the compliance officer needs to know the standards in the rulebook, but also must check with exhibitors as part of the evaluation process to see what they think. In the case of the jumpers, for instance, if it’s acceptable for the highest level of class being offered during the week, “you’re pretty assured it’s okay for children’s jumpers,” noted Bill, the former president of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association.
The USHJA was working on its own compliance program last year and devised a learning module for evaluators, while drafting and field-testing an evaluation form.
“That was very helpful in getting this launched,” said Bill, noting the USHJA is no longer running its own program because USEF stepped in.
The type of person who can be a compliance officer was discussed at both the USHJA and USEF conventions. The officers will be USEF employees, communicators who can work with both exhibitors and management to set the stage for improvement, and have no conflicts of interest.
“What we’re focusing on this first year is doing the evaluation and working with organizers so they understand what the non-compliance issues might be. Then there will be a period of curing that issue, of going in and fixing the problem,” Bill said.
USEF CEO Bill Moroney. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
A defined plan with a timeline will enable a show that only runs once a year to have remedied the problem by the following season.
Shows that can’t improve their footing to the degree required for the top level of competition they offer might “have to readjust their offerings,” Bill said.
If there’s a problem in the middle of a circuit running six or eight weeks, however, “they need to make an adjustment at that point, whether they move certain classes to different rings or adjust their schedule,” he pointed out.
“Part of being responsible is understanding that people should be granted the opportunity to cure the deficiency. If we get into a situation of multiple week events and we’ve got a serious issue, we’ve got to work with that organizer in how to remedy that situation…on a case-by-case basis,” Bill commented.
Should the situation be one that jeopardizes safety and the welfare of the horse, however, “we could say to you right then, `This is something that is completely unsuitable.’ I don’t think we’re going to find that very often; I think we’re going to be able to solve most of the issues as we go along.”
The 160-page strategic plan is the pet project of Murray Kessler, who will take over as USEF president next January.
The compliance program “addresses member concerns related to organizer non-adherence to competition standards in a mileage protection environment,” Murray commented.
“I expect a step forward in the fairness, safety and enjoyment of the competition experience in the United States, while at the same time preserving the mileage rule for its original good purposes.”
The number of shows that will be examined depends on the number of compliance officers hired.
“Certainly we can’t hit 2,500 horse shows a year, but I think the program will grow each year. In the first year, we’ll get somewhere between 30 and 50 horse shows,” Bill said. In five years, it could be as many as 500 shows across all levels, breeds and disciplines.
“I think our members want this, and I think good organizers will welcome an evaluation and inspection, because if they get a good mark and a passing grade, they’ll be able to say, `Look, we’ve been inspected.’ It will be a little bit of a Good Housekeeping seal.”
Enforcement for non-compliance will not begin until January 2018, unless the issues jeopardize welfare and safety. Remedying problems can be effective quickly because most shows now are licensed for one year, rather than three years as they were previously, allowing for movement in the marketplace.
If the footing isn’t repaired, for instance, the show may find it is not licensed above a certain level. Showgrounds that aren’t up to standards may find some shows that lease their property threatening to go elsewhere, to a facility that is in compliance.
“Sometimes, that’s just the kick in the hind end that some of these facilities need to be able to retain the people who are renting the facility,” Bill contended.
Shows that are overcrowded–with too many horses on too small a showgrounds with too little area to school, exercise and longe–could learn that opens the door to allowing a competitor in their vicinity to take up the slack through granting of a mileage exemption to hold their own show nearby. Shows with a large turnout also may need to implement measures such as monitors to supervise the schooling areas during high-traffic periods.
Safe paths to and from the competition and riding areas also are a concern. More and more horse shows are separating horse paths from motor vehicle paths, but where they cross during busy times, Bill said a crossing guard is needed to control the flow.
Many people may remember the discontinued “fed rep” program that made a stab at improving conditions at shows, but it “had no teeth in it,” as Bill explained, which rendered it ineffective. Using show stewards for the evaluations doesn’t work because they’re too busy with other things, and since they’re paid by the shows, they may be reluctant to criticize.
“Where I believe this initiative is somewhat different than previous attempts…is in its more holistic approach,” stated Matt Fine, the USEF’s senior director of competition operations, who was named as chief compliance officer.
“Rather than taking just (a) look at enforcement, the focus of the compliance department spans competition evaluations and standards compliance, investigating incidents at licensed competitions, and overseeing compliance with USEF internal policies and procedures,” he said.
“As we look outward to competitions and officials for compliance with our competition standards, we are also looking inward toward our (USEF’s) own policies and procedures,” noted Matt, an eventer who was involved with Pony Club. He has worked as a criminal defense attorney and is an officer in the Army Reserve’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
USEF President Chrystine Tauber called the creation of Matt’s position and the compliance department, “a significant change and a major step forward in the USEF’s governance process.”
When incidents occur at licensed competitions, Matt pointed out, “the compliance department will have the opportunity in the future to work collaboratively with other USEF departments, competition management, licensed officials and members to help develop our institutional knowledge and ‘lessons learned.’”
Although it will take a while to see how this works out, it has real promise to give members more for their USEF membership dues.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2016
Karyn Malinowski, director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, gave an address last week to the state Equine Advisory Board calling for a unified voice in the New Jersey horse industry, and a why the different facets of the industry must support each other.
She made some important points. Here is her entire address:
In New Jersey, where the horse is the state animal, the equine industry is invaluable as a major factor for improving the quality of life for New Jersey residents by preserving open space, providing outdoor sport and recreation, building a solid foundation for youth development, and providing mental and physical therapy to adjudicated youth and handicapped persons.
The New Jersey equine industry, valued at $4 billion, produces an economic impact of $1.1 billion comprised of the $278.2 million spent annually for racing-related operations, not including racetracks; $262.4 million spent annually by non-racing operations, $117.8 million spent annually by equine owners without operations, $502 million spent annually by New Jersey racetracks. The industry employs approximately 13,000 persons and generates $160 million in tax revenue, annually. Horses are found on 7,200 facilities on 176,000 acres in every county statewide. (The New Jersey Equine Industry: 2007 Economic Impact, Rutgers Equine Science Center).
Horse racing and the horse industry are essential to the well-being of New Jersey in many ways. There exists a delicate the balance between the future of horse racing, the preservation of the New Jersey equine industry and the importance of the equine industry to traditional agricultural, open space and quality of life for the residents of the state.
Why should non-racing equine interests care
about racing’s future?
Racing is not the only equine discipline that will lose if New Jersey racing does not receive the “shot in the arm” it so desperately needs, by expanding casino gaming outside of Atlantic City.
The future of young people who would like to make a living in the horse industry in New Jersey is in jeopardy. Why stay?
The New Jersey Equine Advisory Board’s (EAB) annual budget to support the Horse Park of New Jersey and the sport and recreation segments of the horse industry, predominantly, including 4-H Youth Development programs is correlated to a percentage of the pari-mutuel handle from racing. The EAB annual budget which was $498,000 in 1990 declined to a new low of $162,500 in 2015. This budget will disappear if racing is not saved in New Jersey.
The “top shelf” level of services New Jersey horse enthusiasts have come to expect such as equine veterinary clinics and feed and supply stores are at risk, because, while they are frequented and supported by sport horse competition and
recreational users, a predominant economic flow to these entities is from the racing industry.
The entire infrastructure supporting ALL segments of the horse industry is in jeopardy.
The racing industry was there to support the development of the Horse Park of New Jersey, which exists primarily for non-racing interests. It is time for the entire industry to rally around once and for all to let the public and the legislature know that the future of horse racing in New Jersey will impact horse owners of every breed and discipline; as it will open space, traditional agricultural production and quality of life. Use the tool kit (Economic Impact Report and the accompanying DVD; available at esc.rutgers.edu) provided by the Rutgers Equine Science Center to tell the story of the importance of the New Jersey Equine Industry to legislators and policy decision makers. YOU can make a difference.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 22, 2016
The FEI (international equestrian federation) pulled the plug today on the Bromont equestrian facility’s ill-fated effort to stage the 2018 World Equestrian Games. The finances just weren’t there to enable the Quebec venue to host the compilation of eight disciplines.
Now the FEI is exploring alternatives for the eighth edition of the often-troubled concept. It is handicapped by the fact that locations such as the Wellington, Fla., or Tryon, N.C. showgrounds, which could handle the WEG on short notice, have sponsorship from Rolex, a former FEI sponsor. The federation’s current sponsor is a rival high-end watch company, Longines.
Bromont, which is in the middle of its two-week jumper show, also hosts major eventing and driving competitions.
Why not scrap the total WEG package and host groupings of sports? The European championships, for instance, have held show jumping, dressage and para-dressage at the same venue. WEG, which has grown from six disciplines to eight since it began in 1990 with a successful run in Stockholm.
Prior to that, world championships in each discipline were held separately. In 1986, for instance, show jumping was at Aachen, Germany; eventing in Australia, dressage in Canada and driving in England.
The last straw in a history of financial turmoil for the Bromont effort was the federal government’s decision this month not to put any money toward the project.
While expressing sadness over the situation, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said, “We have been working very closely with the COJEM (organizing committee) board and all levels of the organization since the Games were allocated to Canada in mid-2014 and have known for some time that the Bromont team was facing major financial difficulties.”
In fact, after Bromont’s problems became evident early-on, the FEI reopened the bidding process but in the end, Bromont seemed to be the only alternative, so it was allowed to continue.
“This has been a very difficult decision to come to terms with,” said Rosaire Houde, chairman of the COJEM board. The recent departure of key board members signaled the beginning of the end for Bromont.
“Since the new board took over, we have left no stone unturned in our quest to find solid funding to support the Games, but sadly this has not been forthcoming.”
The two organization mutually decided to end the contract.
“It is something I personally bitterly regret but it was the only responsible course of action,” the COJEM chairman stated.
The FEI pointed out that when Ireland dropped out as WEG host in 1998, Rome stepped in with less than two years to go and held a successful WEG. However, it did not include endurance, which went elsewhere, or reining and para-dressage, which were not part of the WEG at that point.
The FEI is hoping to make an announcement “shortly” about an alternative. With the Olympics getting under way next month, riders around the world are already thinking about their next major international championship, so the WEG has a spot on the calendar that the FEI must hasten to fill.
At the same time, it will have to make sure the host, if there is only one (see my comment above about doing the world championships in groups instead of in one event) is viable both economically and in terms of its facilities.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 17, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
July 17, 2016
Pittstown trainer Lauren Chumley was a winner with Nikolas at one of her favorite shows, the National Pony Dressage Cup. (Photo by Jennifer Keeler)
It all started with a discussion on the issue of dressage ponies that Jenny Carol had with a friend over dinner in 2007.
“I never felt kids were getting the respect they deserved for riding the ponies,” she said, explaining that in dressage shows they were competing with long-striding warmbloods.
She had the answer: a dressage show just for ponies, “so ponies could be with other ponies. It would be a level playing field.”
So in 2008, the National Pony Dressage Cup was born. It was one of those, “if you build it, they will come” type of things, and come they did to Jenny’s home state, Ohio, from as far away as Kansas and Florida.
Eventually, the show ended up at the Kentucky Horse Park, which is where Jenny thought it should be all along.
The 32 ponies who took part the first year increased to 118 this year, representing 18 breeds in 23 divisions before the show wrapped up last weekend. And more adults than kids are riding. Jenny figures two-thirds of the competitors are grown-ups.
“The middle-aged woman is our target customer for ponies. They feel comfortable size-wise. It’s not as intimidating as a giant horse,” she said.
It’s one thing if a woman is very tall, she pointed out, but a pony “matches size-wise a lot of people a lot better. They can influence the movement of that animal much more effectively than on a really large warmblood.”
Jenny, who is 5 feet tall, noted that if she gets on a 16-hand horse, “my legs hardly come down to where they belong.”
The Cup is an annual highlight for many riders, including Pittstown trainer Lauren Chumley, whose clients are as enthusiastic as she is about the event.
“There was a really long time where there that wasn’t much for dressage ponies, but they’ve really worked to make this show a big deal and they’re doing a good job,” explained Lauren, who has competed in most of the Pony Cups over the years.
“She has been a devoted follower of the Pony Cup,” said Jenny.
“She’s an incredibly hard worker. She has so many ponies and does so much with them, they have such a well-rounded balanced career,” continued Jenny, noting many of them jump and event as well as doing dressage.
The 5-foot, 5-inch Lauren has been riding ponies for years, but the Cup is always a highlight of her season, and she praised the way it is run.
“They brought in some great judges,” said Lauren, observing, “Not all judges are pony-friendly,”
She cited Lilo Fore and Lee Tubman for doing a wonderful job, “They had great comments and great feedback.”
Jenny noted, “We try to encourage people at all ability levels to come and really enjoy the sport. We want to reward people no matter what their level of competition is.”
She mentioned that even introductory classes have money prizes.
Lauren competes ponies at all levels. Avatar’s Jazzman, a petite Morgan, has just started Grand Prix.
“It’s not a good Grand Prix yet, but I think it will be because he’s actually pretty gifted in piaffe and passage, which is unusual, but I’ll take it. We just have to get the whole thing cleaned up,” said Lauren.
She was reserve champion in the FEI open division with the Morgan, owned by Melissa Dowling.
Lauren has been getting help from veteran Grand Prix rider Jim Koford, who also competed at the show.
“He’s really helpful with the Grand Prix and very supportive. He’s told me when you start the Grand Prix, you’ve got a good year of messing it up before you get it right,” commented Lauren, noting she hasn’t had much experience at that level.
Unfortunately, adults can’t take a pony in CDIs (international equestrian federation dressage shows); the little guys are only eligible in pony classes restricted to juniors.
“There’s no way I can even fake being a junior,” chuckled Lauren, 32, who is based at Stonebridge Farm.
At the other end of the scale, she won the First Level championship with an overall average of 70.62 percent on Nikolaus, a 5-year-old imported from Germany 2 and 1/2 years ago.
“He’s just five years old, but he is super athletic and very naturally balanced. He has the best brain in the world. I event him too,” she said, noting he had his first beginner novice division outing the week before the Pony Cup.
The eye-catching dun, also owned by Melissa, is a branded Westfalen Riding Pony. He has a distinction in Lauren’s life.
“He’s the only horse in my entire career who has bucked me off when I was breaking him in Flroida,” she said.
“Not only did he buck me off, he bucked me off twice in five minutes. I remember lying under the palm trees saying, `Wow, I’m on the ground again.’”
Nikolas is nearly 14.2 hands, the limit for ponies, and she noted he might grow over that height (warmbloods often have a late growth spurt).
“But I’m fine with that. Then I could do a CDI,” she said.
In his first time showing at Second Level, Nikolas also claimed the open title there with an average of 67.456 percent. He edged Lauren’s second mount, Welsh cob mare Sham’s Chinaberry (67.444 percent), who took the Open Welsh breed award. Chinaberry was reserve champion at Third Level Open as well.
Lauren catch-rides Chinaberry for owner Liam Rowe and his mother, Pam Carter, of Ringoes every year at the Pony Cup; it’s the only show the mare does all year. Chinaberry is trained by Lauren’s friend Bridget Hay, but at 5-11 tall, Bridget “looks completely ridiculous on her,” Lauren said, so that’s how she got the ride.
Lauren is eclectic in her appreciation of breeds. She also enjoys Norwegian Fjord Horses, and her 5-year-old mare, FMF Liesl, finished with the reserve Training Level Open ribbon under the guidance of her assistant trainer, Jessie Hayes of Pittstown.
Their score of 67.509 percent brought them the Neil Sorum Memorial Award for the highest single score earned by a Norwegian Fjord. This sturdy breed has a dun coat and distinctive jaunty black mane edged with grey, cut so the hair stands up straight to emphasize the curve of the neck.
Lauren also trains the successful mother/daughter team of Alayna Borden, 17, a senior at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, and her mother, Karen, 48. Both ride Hakuna Matata, owned by Marsha Montgomery of Whitehouse, a friend of Lauren’s. Marsha, who bred the mare, trained her up to Prix St. Georges, but isn’t riding at the moment, so the timing worked out for Lauren to connect the owner and the Bordens.
Hakuna Matata did double-duty at the National Pony Dressage Cup with the mother-daughter team of Karen and Alayna Borden. (Photo by Jennifer Keeler)
Alayna, who stands 5-5, took the Third Level Junior/Young Rider title with a two-day average of 63.398 percent. Not to be outdone, her mother, who’s 5-8, rode the Oldenburg mare to the Third Level Adult Amateur Division Championship with 64.872 percent. Hakuna Matata also received the Oldenburg breed award.
“She’s such a blast to ride,” said Karen, who asked her daughter for permission, willingly given, to participate in the show too.
“It’s such a nice change of pace from your typical dressage show,” she said.
“For me, it underlines the whole idea of how dressage is for every single horse or pony. When you see those little Welsh cobs giving their all in the extended trot across the arena, it’s such a breath of fresh air from what we’re typically showing against.”
Karen, who works as a pharmacist, noted what fun it is to ride as a partner with her daughter.
“We’re not competitive against each other. We support each other. We ride a little bit differently, and when we’re trying to figure things out, we bounce ideas off each other.”
She added, “I’m very lucky, because she was born with the horse gene. I say to her, `I don’t know what I would have done if you were born with the cheerleader gene.’”
