by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 20, 2016
Herb Cohen, representing the U.S. Olympic Committee, presents an Olympic flag to Frank’s widow, Mary, and his daughters, Laura and Wendy at a celebration of the former show jumping coach’s life. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
By Nancy Jaffer
Sept. 20, 2016
A generation-spanning who’s who of American show jumping gathered yesterday at the Gladstone headquarters of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation for a smile- and tear-filled tribute to Olympian and coach Frank Chapot.
The celebration of Frank’s life drew everyone from his longtime teammates, George Morris, Kathy Kusner and Bill Steinkraus–who served as team captain before Frank, to Michael Matz, Joe Fargis and Anne Kursinski, among the stars of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, and current team members, represented by Rio silver medalists McLain Ward and Beezie Madden.
The crowd of more than 150 also included people whose lives had touched Frank’s in other ways; students, former grooms, show ring officials, governance figures and those who simply had been friends. Also on hand were his wife Mary, another former teammate; daughters Laura, a top grand prix rider and Wendy Nunn, an outstanding amateur rider; son-in-law Edward Nunn and grandchildren Frank, Mary and Cathleen Nunn.
Some of those who turned out for Frank Chapot’s memorial celebration, in the courtyard of the USET named for the 1960 Rome silver medal team on which Frank rode. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer) FOR A WHO’S WHO IN THE PHOTO, GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE STORY.
Speakers touched on multi-dimensional aspects of Frank’s life, which ended June 20 at the age of 84. They talked about his outstanding record as coach, with team gold at the 1984 and 2004 Olympics as well as the 1986 world championships, among many other international medals. And then there were his own accomplishments, team silver at the 1960 and 1972 Olympics, individual bronze at the 1974 World Championships and what likely is a record that never will be broken–riding on 93 Nations’ Cup teams, 46 of which brought home the win for the country he loved.
Frank at the 1986 world championships at Aachen, where the team won gold and Conrad Homfeld (pictured on Abdullah) won individual silver. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
As noted by U.S. Equestrian Federation President Chrystine Tauber, another former teammate, Frank was a strong proponent of the Nations’ Cup, pushing for better scheduling and prize money for these classes that embody national honor. He also brought along the World Cup, insuring the annual indoor championship’s survival and prominence, as current coach Robert Ridland (yet another former teammate) emphasized.
Frank was, above all, a true patriot. Red, white and blue were his colors, commemorated with the baseball caps resting on every chair for the ceremonies. The front was emblazoned with USA, in the fashion of his favorite headgear. The side was embroidered with an American flag and the back had his name and the dates and locations of his silver medals.
The U.S. and its team were everything to him, and he gave them his all. George noted that Frank usually was under-horsed for the big events, but his determination flowed to his mounts and often gave the desired results. When they didn’t, he took the fall and came back to try again, even if the odds were not in his favor.
The best horse Frank ever had was one he did not ride in competition. He bred and trained Michael Golden’s Gem Twist, part of the 1988 silver medal team, who took individual silver as well at those Games for Greg Best, a young man also trained by Frank. Gem was named Best Horse at the 1990 World Equestrian Games and won not only for Greg, but also for his subsequent riders, Leslie Burr Howard and Laura.
Greg Best and Gem Twist. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Leslie remembered getting to ready to ride Gem in the Dublin Nations’ Cup before a packed stadium when Frank put up a big oxer in the warm-up ring.
“Okay, this is your first jump,” he told her. She took it, “and then Frank says, `That was your last one,’ ” so she went in the ring off just one fence to jump clean.
Frank demonstrated the vision to take a bold chance when he cloned Gem, a gelding who couldn’t pass on his pedigree, at a time when cloning was not as accepted as it is now. When the clone, Gemini, came of age, Frank had to be the first one to ride him, even at the age of 78. Luckily, as Wendy noted, Gemini behaved.
Now standing at stud in France, Gemini is carrying on the great Bonne Nuit jumping bloodlines, exemplified in the mount with which Frank perhaps was most identified, Good Twist, the sire of Gem. Bill remembered that on one European tour, Frank had the fastest time with the gray stallion in the speed classes at every show that summer.
Frank Chapot on the speedy Good Twist.
The afternoon at the USET Foundation was a treasure trove of stories, rich with detail, humor and of course, nostalgia, for things gone by. Some could be repeated, while some, delivered with a wink, were for private conversation only. Others seemed therapeutic, bringing the speakers back for a moment or two to a time they shared with Frank.
As Chrystine pointed out, Frank had a winning attitude. Bill, who got a standing ovation for his remarks, noted that one of Frank’s favorite sayings (after the oft-quoted ingate advice of, “let him go clear”) was “that you can’t win them all unless you win the first one.”
Peter Leone put it this way: “Frank was the definition of a winner.”
Chrystine recalled you never needed to say to Frank, “Tell us what you really think.”
After meeting with a sports psychologist when that initiative was in its early days for equestrians, Frank told him curtly, “Anyone who needs this isn’t going to ride on my team.”
Chrystine noted that Frank had developed his own way of “mentally tapping into that peak zone,” rather than needing outside help.
I remember sitting in the stands at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where show jumping was the final competition. Frank came up to seats near me between rounds to discuss strategy with his teammates and coach Bertalan de Nemethy, and though I couldn’t hear the specifics, I was impressed to see a level of determination so strong in his demeanor that it practically sent out shock waves .
It interested me that George, in his speech yesterday, mentioned he thought before the Games that Frank’s Montreal mount, Viscount, was not really the right horse for that test. Yet they finished fifth, not far off the medals. Frank made it happen, as George said, with “accuracy, guts, leg, and that horse went beautifully.”
A view of the tent as Philip Richter speaks on behalf of the USET Foundation. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
Frank also had a big role in sport governance and rule-making.
“Part of being prepared, to Dad, was knowing the rules,” said Wendy.
“He prided himself on knowing the rules and making the judges and competitors play by those rules.”
As John Madden, the FEI’s first vice president, commented, “Everywhere he went he commanded respect. He was involved in every aspect of the federation and he was a tremendous influence on the FEI.”
John remembered a controversy over something at a show, where Frank had to make his case before the jury over an interpretation of a rule.
He was convincing.
“You may be right,” one of the judges finally conceded.
Not content with that, Frank retorted, “Of course I’m right. I wrote the rule.”
Frank had the backs of the team members when he was needed.
“He was always there when things were difficult,” reported John.
While Frank’s demeanor was usually no nonsense, he also had a side that was, as Wendy put it, “fiercely protective.”
His goddaughter, Robin Rost Fairclough, remembered riding for someone at a local show whose horse put in just one stride in a two-stride combination, alarming Frank. Although he was not training her that day, he marched up to the animal’s owner and informed him, “She’s never riding that horse again.”
After the formal proceedings of the memorial were over, guests moved from a tent in the arena into the stable that had played such a big role in Frank’s life. They enjoyed a drink or two and something to eat, renewed acquaintances and swapped stories. Each left with a new baseball cap and a lot of memories.
They all knew, as George said when he closed his talk, “You don’t ever replace Frank Chapot. There won’t be another one.”
Here is the list of those in the group photo: Front row–Jimmy Torano, Neal Shapiro, Peter Leone, Chrystine Tauber, Mary Chapot, Bill Steinkraus, Beezie Madden, Robin Rost Fairclough, Leslie Burr Howard, Anne Kursinski, Joy Kloss, McLain Ward, George Morris, Laura Chapot, Linda Sheridan, Michael Matz.
Back row–Mark and Armand Leone, Eric Hasbrouck, Joe Fargis, Chris Kappler (DD Matz, hidden)
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 13, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
Sept. 13, 2016
“Breeding is a humbling profession,” said Ilona English, stating a truth that goes with the territory for anyone trying to produce their own sport horses.
But at this point, Ilona is experiencing the flip side of that with her homebred, Powell. He added a victory in the Adequan Advanced Gold Cup Finals at this month’s Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships to his increasingly impressive resume under the guidance of U.S.-based Australian Ryan Wood.
Ilona English and her homebred star, Powell. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The AECs marked the debut of Mark Phillips’ cross-country course at the Tryon, N.C., International Equestrian Center, and that turned out to be quite a test. But Powell was up to it.
“Out on cross-country, he handled all of the questions very well. He read everything and was just spot-on there,” Ryan said.
Ilona did not attend the event, instead watching the live stream on her computer. The tension built in the final phase, the show jumping, and Ilona literally was on the edge of her seat.
“As we all do sometimes, I talked to the screen. I was so close to the screen over the last two jumps and when I watched the one (rail) rock a little bit and then it stayed, I completely started crying. I yelled, ‘We did it,’ I was so happy for Ryan and Powell. He’s an American horse and a Jersey bred.”
Next up for Powell, who won the Jersey Fresh CCI 3-star in May, likely is the 2017 Rolex Kentucky 4-star.
It’s all part of a long-held dream come true.
Ilona, 65, worked as a project finance officer for people building skycrapers, but “as a kid I always wanted to have horses. We couldn’t afford them. Later in your life, you should be doing what you really want to do,” she said, explaining her current devotion to breeding event horses.
She has had 40 foals arrive at her farm in Ringoes, delivering 38 of them (including Powell) herself.
Why eventing?
“I believe horses really have to be cross-trained to be competitive and have to have turnout for their minds and bodies,” stated Ilona, whose operation is called Summit Sporthorses.
Looking back on her own riding career, she observed, “When I started in the hunters, it was totally different than it is now. We used to jump out of the ring, jump back in, nobody counted the strides. It’s totally mechanical now.
“These horses are like potted plants. Even in the dressage world, they keep these horses in (their stalls). Horses need to be horses, that’s what makes them the best horses. Their ability is better because their minds and bodies are happy.”
When she was riding dressage, she took a jumping clinic with Bertalan de Nemethy the legendary coach of the U.S. show jumping team.
He told her, “A horse shouldn’t be jumping a fence unless they can do a solid Second-Level dressage test. They have to be able to move forward, backward and sideways.”
That comment stayed with her. By the end of the clinic, Ilona was jumping a big course (noting she never would jump a course like that again.) She was inspired, reading about the old masters of horse sport and spending time in Germany.
She participates in how her horses are trained, noting, “My partnership with Ryan is outstanding. He is a true horseman. We work together on the type of training for each horse.”
Powell, an Oldenburg, is by Pablito out of Dinara, one of Ilona’s homebreds. She notes that her bloodlines include thoroughbreds, of which she is a fan.
Although the mare never competed, “She’s like the goose who laid the golden eggs,” said Ilona.
Another Dinara baby, Powell’s half-sister Ruby (by Royal Prince), was 10th out of 54 in the Intermediate division at the AECs.
Waiting in the wings is another half-brother to Powell, Ben Nevis (by Bugatti), as well as a group of other interesting youngsters.
Ilona is on the board of overseers for the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, which has been taking a look at the demographics of the horse industry.
“The flats (thoroughbred racing) and the trotters are going down. There is going to be a void there that we (non-racing horse sports) could fill if we had the support of the states involved in this. This is an industry that is actually growing and has a lot of potential financially, especially here in New Jersey,” she declared.
She’s hoping to speak with the state secretary of agriculture, Douglas Fisher, about it.
Here is the message she wants to give him: “This is what we should be focusing on. We can fill the void We need to have a program and a plan for this.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 13, 2016
Mary Babick will take office as USHJA president in December.
Finally!
Mary Babick, a Middletown trainer, was in line to succeed Bill Moroney as U.S. Hunter Jumper Association president four years ago, when he decided not to step down at the end of his term after some members urged him to stay.
Instead of being offended and quitting, Mary just worked harder to learn more about good governance and devoted even more of her time to volunteering for both USHJA and the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Today, she was elected to the USHJA presidency at a meeting in Texas. She will take office Dec. 15. The other candidates for the post was Illinois trainer Diane Carney.
“It’s such an honor and a huge responsibility to be selected as president,” said Mary.
“I look forward to working in concert with other passionate volunteers to unite our industry, tackle our problems and, in so doing, assist in the development of our future leaders.”
Mary is a USEF registered judge. She earned her instructor certification from the British Horse Society and is a USHJA certified trainer. She has trained in certified management accounting and worked on Wall Street in the area of compliance.
Mary has been on the USHJA Board of Directors since 2010,, most recently serving as the Hunter Discipline vice president and a member of the executive committee since 2012. Additionally, she has been a member of the planning committee and the emerging athletes committee (on which she still serves), as well as chairing the youth committee. Her committee work dates back to the earliest days of USHJA. In addition to her USHJA service, Mary serves as chair of both the USEF National Breeds and Disciplines Council and Horse Identification Task Force.
“The USHJA has an incredibly bright future, and I look forward to Mary’s leadership continuing to improve our excellent member services while growing our sport,” said Bill Moroney, current USHJA president on leave of absence and CEO of the USEF, who presided over the election.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 11, 2016
The Amwell Valley Hounds are holding their hunter trials Oct. 1 at Black River Farm, 20 Boss Road, Ringoes. Featured are the B.W. Furlong Associates hunter derbies at 2-6 and 3-feet, but there are many other classes as well. Competitors do not have to be a hunt member. For information, go to www.avhounds.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2016
Meg Sleeper of Kingwood is in Slovakia, where she represented the U.S.in the FEI Endurance World Championships. It didn’t go well overall, but I’ll let her tell you about it:
Meg Sleeper and Rimbaud.
I had hoped my post today would be good news, but unfortunately it is not (although I am thrilled that Rabi and Fernando finished in a ride time of about 8 1/2 hours). Mr Ono was still out on trail when we left the barn, but was due to finish soon. Hopefully that will mean 2 USA horses finish.
Unfortunately, neither USA team horse finished. Tom and Reinman were pulled at the 3rd gate for lameness and Rim and I were eliminated at the 4th gate (88 miles) for lameness. Fortunately, neither lameness was severe and both horses will be fine to compete another day.
Rim was fabulous all day with very good heart rate recoveries and he ate like a pig at every check. I was really proud of him. It is hard to put into words how one feels after a pull at this kind of event. It is awesome just to be selected to represent the USA, but of course the idea is to do well and there are so many people that give so much to make it possible for us to be here, it is rather demoralizing to feel like you are letting everyone down.
However, there were good parts of the day. About 8 miles in on the second loop, the bolt of my stirrup broke and I had to ride about 3 miles without a stirrup (after dismounting to pick up what was left and then having a little difficulty getting back on the big guy. I basically just cantered as much as possible).
At the next PC stop, Carol Giles tried zip tying it back together, but that only held about 100 yards and I was back at square one. She ended up tying a loop of string though the stirrup leather and I put my foot in that. It gave me some support and I was able to make reasonable time, although I probably lost over 20 minutes all together (and my riding was definitely pretty bad for the next 12 miles until I got the stirrups replaced at the vet gate). That part was not good, but so many people tried to offer help and that part was great.
The ride volunteers at the water spots were also incredibly kind and helpful. Perhaps the worst part of the day, and something that many know who have followed on FB, is that a horse fractured his/her leg and was put down on the trail. I have avoided looking at any videos or pictures but it is horrific and I am so thankful that Rim and Rabi are safe. I feel my (our) sport has been usurped from us and it has become something that is not endurance. The most “endurance like” part of this ride for me was riding without a stirrup, but the trail itself was flat and fast…much more like an extended flat race than an endurance ride. I want my sport back and I hate that something like this had to happen, but I hope we can finally get change.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2016
The problem-plagued United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champion, which was set for mid-October in California, has been cancelled. The competition, which was to include the Grand Prix, Intermediaire I and Brentina Cup title competitions, had light entries after an intense year for competitors at the upper levels.
Steffen Peters was the only member of the U.S. Olympic dressage bronze medal team who planned to take part in the Grand Prix segment, and he was bringing Rosamunde, rather than his Rio mount, Legolas. The top goal for the best Grand Prix combinations in 2017 will be qualifying for the World Cup finals in Omaha March 29-April 2.
The USEF stated “there would not be an adequate number of qualified combinations to make a championship-level competition” at the festival. Another difficulty involved the change of venue from Epona Farms to Paso Robles, which would have involved additional cost.
Bids are being accepted through Sept. 15 from venues that want to host the 2017-2019 Festival of Champions. The Festival was held for many years at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone–maybe it’s time to bring the championships back to New Jersey.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 7, 2016
As the weather gets cooler, it’s time to think about hitting the trails, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that competitively in New Jersey during the coming weeks.
The Tewksbury Trail Pace is running Sept. 18 at Christie Hoffman Farm Park from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m., and there are always great prizes. The fee is $45 for adults and $35 for juniors, with a $10 discount for members of the Tewksbury Trail Association, which is presenting the competition.
Western and English riders both are welcome to ride in the pace, which has a choice of 6- and 9-mile loops. For information, go to www.tta-nj.org or email to tewksburytrail@gmail.com.
Come back to www.nancyjaffer.com in the coming weeks for news about more paces.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 7, 2016
Those who contributed to the kitty for Holly Payne Caravella’s trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials with Never Outfoxed saw their contributions validated last weekend, when she finished 19th in what many consider the world’s toughest 4-star.
Holly and Fox had no jumping penalties on cross-country, despite going near the end of the jumping order when the footing had deteriorated on a rainy day. They did have time penalties, but so did everyone else, and 28 horses were either eliminated or retired on cross-country. Only 38 from the starting field of 68 finished the event.
Holly, 50th after dressage, moved up to 17th with her thoroughbred after cross-country. She had four rails in show jumping that put her down two placings.
She’s staying in England to contest the Blenheim Palace International 3-star with another thoroughbred, Santino, this weekend. She got a Land Rover/U.S Equestrian Federation grant for this competition.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 4, 2016
By Nancy Jaffer
September 4, 2016
Chris Kappler at the schooling area of the Hampton Classic. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
You’ll still see Chris Kappler by the ingate or the schooling area at major shows, like last weekend’s Hampton Classic, but he won’t be on a horse.
His name used to appear regularly in the equestrian publication headlines. Now, however, his focus is on training others at his business, Chris Kappler Inc., run out of the former Hunterdon Inc. facility in Pittstown.
After working there for years with George Morris, Chris carries on the philosophy and tradition of the country’s most famous trainer. The facility is not flashy; it’s handsomely utilitarian and beautifully maintained, with attention to important details rather than meaningless frills.
Chris probably is best known to the public for his rides at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He earned a team gold on Royal Kaliber, a stallion he co-owned with Kathy Kamine that he brought to the top level of the sport. But in a jump-off for individual honors, Royal sustained a leg injury near the end of the course, where he looked as if he could have been on track to win, and Chris pulled him up. Chris got the individual silver medal, but that was overshadowed by tragedy. Royal went on to colic in the course of his treatment and could not be saved.
Chris Kappler with the 2004 Olympic gold medal show jumping team of Peter Wylde, Coach Frank Chapot, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“Somehow, he was put into my life and we together achieved an incredible result, and he never had to prove anything again,” said Chris, who treasures many photos and a special painting of the horse.
“I think about him every day. He was the coolest horse to hang out with and enjoy. He did not have a hole in him. He was beautiful to ride. he had scope he was careful. Almost anything after that is a letdown.”
While Chris, with 100 grand prix victories to this credit, still rides several horses a day, his main job is helping clients achieve show ring success. The 49-year-old trainer also has served as a selector for the Olympic and Pan American Games teams over the last two years. Citing patriotism in his wish for America to do well internationally, he explained, “I want to be able to help in any way possible. If I don’t have a student who’s aiming for it (a championship team), then I’d love to be part of the selection process.”
After riding VDL Oranta to victory in the 2009 American Invitational, which turned out to be his last major competition, he was finding he no longer had the drive to participate in the arena himself.
To succeed in the sport, “like any athlete, you have to have an incredible passion,” he pointed out.
“You have to wake up so hungry to win every class.”
When that no longer was happening for him, he said, “I knew my time for competition was winding down.”
Chris on Royal Kaliber at the 2004 Olympics. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
The world’s number four-ranked show jumper and Chris’ 2004 teammate, McLain Ward, noted that he learned a lot from his friend as he was moving up in his career.
“He’s been a consummate perfectionist and horseman and really an example of how the sport and horsemanship should be done,” McLain commented.
Chris, who splits his time between a condo in Flemington and a home in Wellington, Fla., turned some of his energy in another direction, serving as a founder and president of the North American Riders Group. A ground-breaking organization, it aimed to improve shows, naming the top 25 on the continent every year, with a critique about what they did right, and what they could do better. The shows at the top of the list crowed over their selection. Those further down on the roster aimed to improve.
“We stepped in as an advocacy group to promote the change we wanted to see in the industry. We tried to create a sense of competition and give the shows feedback. I think a lot of shows really welcomed it,” he explained.
Chris was joined on the NARG board by some big names; McLain, Beezie Madden and Murray Kessler, the retired CEO of Lorillard who will take office in January as president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Beezie and Chris also are on the USEF board.
“NARG raised the bar, stimulating creation of more FEI and 5-star shows. When we started (in 2009), I think there were four FEI events in America; now we have more than 20,” Chris said proudly.
The barn where Chris has worked for decades has an understated elegance. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
With that achieved, NARG is continuing “in a very quiet mode for the moment,” Chris said, noting it is taking “a one-year pause” from rating shows.
As McLain commented, “NARG was a grassroots organization to change the direction of the high end of the sport in this country and North America. It was highly successful. I think what’s happened is the leadership of NARG has moved into the leadership of the USEF.”
Chris noted, “NARG stepped in as an advocacy group to promote the change we wanted to see in our sport as riders. Through that process, we were able to get Murray Kessler involved. What I like most about Murray is he came on board and said, `What do you guys want to do? I can help you execute, but I don’t want to tell you what to do. I want your agenda. You guys are the riders in the sport.’
It was good news for NARG that one of the new USEF strategic plan’s priorities is going to put teeth into show standards with its new compliance initiative that will have trained officers judging whether the shows are meeting the standards. There will be help for those that want to improve and penalties available if they don’t come up to snuff.
Don’t assume NARG has been disbanded, however.
“We can fire this thing up at any time if we feel it’s necessary,” said Chris, who noted the board wanted to create something the federation and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association could pick up and run with.
Elections are planned for NARG, which will have its annual meeting in February as usual.
“We completed our agenda, but new blood may come in (at NARG) and pick up a different agenda,” he observed, adding that meanwhile, the leadership of USEF and USHJA has “become very dedicated, very focused and has a great vision for the future.”
There are still things that should be done. He believes it’s necessary to figure out how to keep shows under the umbrella of the USEF and the USHJA, and get those riding in unrecognized shows more connected to the sport.
“They need to know the value the federations (USEF and USHJA) bring. The rules are in their best interest, the welfare of the horse, the welfare of the people.”
Breeding and bringing along young horses is one of Chris’s interests. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
That future also includes “some really interesting up-and-coming riders” who are “going to Europe, getting on the tour.” He likes the fact that he recently saw several aspiring U.S. young riders at a 3-star show in Belgium, “trying to get European experience, developing their strings (of horses) and honing their skills.”
Chris also is involved in the USHA’s Emerging Athlete Program. When he went to Atlanta to give an EAP clinic earlier this year, he noted the kids were enthusiastic about having access to instruction from top trainers.
“They were so thirsty for the knowledge and the information and the riding opportunity. I could see the hunger in their eyes and the desire,” he said.
He hopes the young people who watched the Olympics and saw Nick Skelton and others getting their medals after years of work realize that competing isn’t enough to succeed; “you have to be a horseman.”
Much of his time, naturally, is devoted to the 28 horses at Hunterdon, most owned by clients, with a few sale horses and other prospects in the mix. Chris is assisted by Sarah Segal, who became a full-time rider after graduating from Princeton, and Kevin Mealiff, who is from Ireland.
Among the horses showing from Hunterdon are Cantara, who is jumping 1.50-1.60 meter courses; Performance, a 7-year-old and Zelda, bred by Allison Robitaille and owned by Robbie Greenberg Kabnick, a Hunterdon client for 24 years.
The stallion Maserati is in residence at Hunterdon, and Chris is involved in breeding “on a very limited basis,” noting, “it’s “so incredibly expensive to do.” He would like to see American breeding succeed in a big way.
“There are a lot of breeders in America, but they’re not connecting with the riders,” said Chris.
“The whole world flocks to Belgium, Germany, Holland and France to buy their horses. We’ve got to unlock that.”
He noted that Lisa Lourie of Spycoast Farm, whose main breeding facility is in Kentucky, “is starting to see the fruits of her labor in a good program. She’s a great model to follow. I do it on a very limited basis. We need to encourage America to breed.”
He’s a fan of the horse ID and microchip, knowing it’s so important to be able to see a horse’s lineage to know what’s working and what isn’t.
Overall, he said, “We’re trying to make showing better, more accessible and less expensive to develop horses and riders to keep people in the sport.”
He emphasizes its pluses, mentioning, “It’s a sport where there’s something for everybody on every level. It’s a sport where men and women compete equally. It’s a sport that’s always evolving, because the horses change, and it’s something families can do together.”
In the years that he’s been in the sport, one of the developments he appreciates is the growth of competition possibilities. In the old days, there were only a few divisions. Now, with a great variety of classes for every ability, people are “not having to wait to get to some minimum level to compete.”
Chris is “really hopefuf that the sport continues to grow, that we get more people participating and watching.”
Like other leaders of the horse world, he wants equestrian competition to stay in the Olympics, knowing there’s always the threat that it will be dropped.
“The acquired skils it takes to ride a horse around a course is why I believe it still belongs in the Olympics. It’s not just another sport. There’s no other sport that’s doing what we’re doing with another living creature. At all costs, we ned to protect our position with the Olympic games.
“It’s the ultimate sporting event. It’s the most immediate recognizable level of achievement at the highest level. You tell someone you won the American Invitational, and they say great. You tell someone you won a gold medal, and they say, `Wow, I’m standing next to an Olympic medalist.’
I felt like I achieved everything I was trying to work for. I’d love to help more people achieve that.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2016
A preview of the film, “Harry and Snowman,” is being presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 to benefit Mane Stream, which offers equine-assisted activities for special needs children and adults.
The movie, slated for theatrical release Sept. 30, is a true story about Harry de Leyer and the horse he rescued from a slaughter truck who went on to become a champion show jumper. The movie’s director/producer, Ron Davis, is a native of New Jersey who competed for years in the show ring.
The movie will be screened outdoors at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, 1040 Pottersville Road, Gladstone. Those attending may bring their own chairs and blankets, or choose bleacher seating. In case of rain, the screening will be moved indoors.
Tickets are $20 for a family of four or $10 per person.
For information about Mane Stream, go to www.ManeStreamNJ.org.
