by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2024
Will Coleman will be riding his back-up mount, Diabolo, rather than the more experienced Off the Record with the U.S. eventing team in the Olympics, where competition begins Saturday. No reason was given for the substitution announced Wednesday.
Will Coleman and Diabolo. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Diabolo was a direct reserve for Will, who will ride on the team with Boyd Martin and Caroline Pamukcu. Diabolo was impressive in the Cosequin 4-star at the Kentucky Horse Park in April, when he was the winner. Although he was sixth in dressage, Diabolo was the only double-clear on cross-country and finished double clear in the show jumping as well.
This was one of several substitutions before the Games get under way. Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz are out for Germany, replaced by the first woman to win individual Olympic gold, Julia Krajewski, on her Aachen winner Nickel. Bertram Allen is out as Ireland’s alternate following injury to Pacino Amiro, and Denis Lynch with Brooklyn Heights is in. Ingrid Klimke will miss her fifth Olympics after injury to Franziskus, but like Bertram, she was an alternate. Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi are replacing her.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 11, 2024
The U.S. squad for the Paralympics in Paris next month is a strong one that could well find itself laden with medals at the conclusion of the Games.
“Heading into the Paralympic Games with the highest-ever scoring team in U.S. history in the run-up to Paris 2024 is beyond our wildest imagination,” said Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline.
“It’s a very proud moment for the U.S. with all the work that has been invested into this program over the past several years. It’s our collective goal to honor this historical occurrence with pride and produce results that make our country proud.”
Those selected were announced Thursday. They include Rebecca Hart with Floratina, owned by Rowan O’Riley and cared for by Mackenzie Young. Fiona Howard will be riding Diamond Dunes owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann and cared for by Helen Claire McNulty.
Also named were Kate Shoemaker with Vianne, owned by Nocordia USA and cared for by Katherine Barrett, and Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H, owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo.
As Rebecca mentioned, “The four of us are the figureheads that are out on the field of play. I want to thank all of the people on our U.S. support team, as well as everyone on each of our own individual support teams for getting us to this point. Without all of you working just as hard as we do on the field of play, we would not be able to achieve our goals. Your effort and work does not go unnoticed.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 17, 2024
A two-way communication platform will be launched on Cornell Equine as its first phase of development, inviting horse owners, trainers and veterinarians to discuss their most pressing issues, ultimately guiding future research and education programs.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) has contributed $25,000 to support the development of the cross-campus program, rooted in Cornell University’s legacy of scientific research clinical care and education. Based at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell Equine aims to advance equine health and education through enhanced collaboration among interdisciplinary teams.
“We are so grateful for the support of NYTHA in helping us bring Cornell Equine to fruition,” said Dr. Mandi de Mestre, professor of equine medicine with the Baker Institute for Animal Health and Department of Biomedical Sciences at CVM.
“This gift will support us to take the first steps in leveraging the exceptional breadth of skills of Cornell faculty to tackle novel research questions in equine health and safety and build leadership capacity for the future. A coordinated equine program also will bolster the University’s efforts to recruit and retain the best veterinary students into equine practice through enhanced and coordinated access to educational opportunities, faculty support and industry.”
“The College of Veterinary Medicine has a long-standing history of driving research and clinical results that have had lasting impact on the Thoroughbred industry and equine health and care,” said Tina Marie Bond, president of the NYTHA.
“We are pleased to be able to support the college as it builds upon this legacy.”
Cornell Equine will enhance dissemination of research results to deliver benefits nationally to equine management and clinical services. This initial phase is anticipated to be available to the equine field at large by the summer of 2025.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 8, 2024
Want to try riding with the Amwell Valley Hounds? Here’s an opportunity to find out more about what it’s like.
They are offering a daylong clinic July 27 with an agenda of learning and fun. Ride with the hounds behind the Amwell huntsman, and go cross-country with a fieldmaster. Those activities will be followed by a luncheon and seminar on foxhounds, hunting etiquette and turnout at the kennels, 290 Rileyville Road, East Amwell, N.J. Jump heights range from logs to 3-feet, and jumping is optional.
Participants can attend any of the sessions, or all of them. To register, go to www.avhounds.org and navigate to events/hunt clinic. Those interested can also contact AVH Honorary Secretary Sue DeHaven at 908-338-1833 or avh.secretary@gmail.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 10, 2024
Can you imagine a country that leaves a world champion off its Olympic team?
That’s what Britain has done for its Paris eventing squad, putting Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir as its alternate combination. Britain announced Wednesday who will ride in the Games and who will be the alternates for its Olympic squad.
In my mind, the clear favorites for eventing team gold, Britain will be defending its Olympic title from Tokyo with two members of that squad, Laura Collett (London 52) and Tom McEwen (JL Dublin), as well as newly crowned world number one Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo). Ros was the traveling reserve for Tokyo, the position Yasmin is in now.
In the dressage, there was no question that Carl Hester, the architect of his nation’s rise to dressage stardom, would be on the team with Fame. Of course, Charlotte Dujardin, who will be Britain’s most decorated female Olympian in any sport if she gets a medal with Imhotep, will be riding, along with world champion Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Fry on the long-striding Glamourdale. There was no way they were leaving Lottie off the team; she was a big star with the black stallion at Aachen last week.
The promising Becky Moody and her Jagerbomb will be the alternates.
Paris is the fifth Olympic Games for Tokyo individual gold medalist Ben Maher (Point Break), and he is joined by Tokyo Olympians Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) and Harry Charles (Romeo). The reserve is Joe Stockdale (Cacherel), whose father, Tim, represented Britain in Hong Kong at the Beijing Games in 2008.
Team GB selected equestrian athletes (L-R) Ben Maher, Yasmin Ingham, Laura Collett, Scott Brash, Charlotte Fry, Rosalind Canter, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Harry Charles, Becky Moody, Joseph Stockdale, Tom McEwen ( Photo Jon Stroud)
Helen Nicholls, the equestrian team leader, commented; “I’m exceptionally proud of the 12 athlete combinations and their connections who will travel to Paris across the three disciplines of equestrian. We have an exciting balance of experience, talent and potential, and we head to the Games in a strong position, and with medal ambitions. The hours of preparation, enormous sacrifice and total dedication will now be put to the ultimate test. The teams behind the athletes – both equine and human – have left no stone unturned in their quest to support them to their very best performances.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 11, 2024
Rumors have been circulating that the timing malfunctioned during the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen on Sunday, and that runner-up McLain Ward actually had a faster time with Ilex than the rider who was declared the winner, Germany’s Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria.
But you know how rumors go; they may have a seed of truth, then they often head south.
McLain graciously ironed this one out on social media, saying, “We want to thank our colleagues, supporters and fans who brought to our attention their concerns regarding timing irregularities in this video of the Grand Prix of Aachen.”
McLain and Ilex in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. (U.S. Equestrian Photo)
“In conjunction with the CHIO Aachen organizers, their ground jury and our federation, these discrepancies have been fully and transparently investigated,” McLain stated.
“While it is clear the visual timing failed, it has been proven to our satisfaction that the computer timing record is correct and my final time was 39.86, .09 behind Andre Thieme and his phenomenal mare DSP Chakaria. (read the story of the class
here)
“Congratulations to them and on their incredible win and thank you to CHIO Aachen and its officials for working diligently to resolve these questions,” McLain concluded.
CHIO Aachen had not changed the times in the results portion of its website as of Thursday afternoon.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 12, 2024
The U.S. finished close to the podium Friday in the Falsterbo, Sweden, show jumping Nations Cup, just as a different American team had done at Rome in May. The fourth-place Cup result was the best for a U.S. squad since Rome.
The home side, featuring world number one Henrik von Eckermann (without his number one horse, King Edward) won in a jump-off with Germany after both nations finished with 8 penalties. Emma Emanuelsson with Canbella Blue PS had a knockdown in the tiebreaker. But Germany’s jump-off representative, Sandra Auffarth–who is better known as an eventer — dropped three rails to put her country second.
Ireland was third with two of its Olympic riders, Daniel Coyle and Cian O’Connor on the squad, but neither was aboard their Olympic mount. Ireland had 12 penalties, as did the U.S. squad, but Ireland’s total time was faster.
Spencer Smith on Keeneland was the only double-clear for the U.S. team. Mimi Gochman had 4 and 5 with Cosmos BH, while Adrienne Sternlicht dropped a pole in each round with Origa V/H Zuid-Pajottenland. Aaron Vale’s score was 0/4 with Carissimo 25.
Spencer Smith and Keeneland. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
“Overall, it was a good day, considering we came to Falsterbo with a mix of young horses, as well as the youngest rider in the class,” said Coach Robert Ridland, referring to Mimi.
“All gained the experience that is necessary for the future, and needless to say, Spencer kept us in the game all afternoon with his brilliant double clean.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 8, 2024
So much went on at Aachen while it showcased five disciplines, with the Rolex Grand Prix of show jumping being the big news (our piece is the main story on this website) as the International Equestrian Festival ended its 10-day run.
But we shouldn’t overlook the three 5-star victories by Isabell Werth, who confirmed her relationship with new ride Wendy de Fontaine at the show. She ended with a fantastic freestyle, in which the lyrics of one of Barry Manilow’s most famous songs, where the chorus begins with the line, “Oh Mandy” became “Oh Wendy.”
The performance edged close to 90 percent, marked at 89.095. The audience whistled and applauded in rhythm with Wendy’s foot-perfect piaffe and passage on the final centerline, a test rewarded with a standing ovation.
“Today was our day,” said Isabell.
“We grow closer together, day by day. Wendy was really totally cool, although it was so loud. She simply said: `Tell me what to do,’ and then she did it. I have been here so many times, but today was the best day ever.”
Isabell Werth bows her head after a fabulous freestyle that showed why she should be on the German Olympic team with Wendy de Fontaine.
There was no question when the German team for Paris was named that she would be on it with Wendy, along with world number one Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, who did not compete at Aachen. The only question was whether it would be Frederic Wandres and Blue Tooth Old or Ingrid Klimke and Franziskus for the final spot.
Frederic, second in the freestyle on 83.010 got the nod and Ingrid, third in the freestyle with 81.385 after her horse broke into a canter at the start of the extended trot, is reserve for the Olympics. She had said after Paris she would go back to concentrating on her main interest, eventing.
The highest-placed U.S. combination in the freestyle was Olympic reserve rider Endel Ots with Zen Elite’s Bohemian, who finished fourteenth on 74.665.
“Bohemian again gave me his everything, thank you my friend for taking me on this journey with you,” said Endel, who had never ridden in Big Tour international Grand Prix before this year.
“I truly couldn’t be any more proud of you and I am nothing but honored to be your partner.”
Anna Buffini, the only other U.S. rider in the freestyle, was fourteenth on Fiontini with a score of 74.065.
“Getting closer to where we want to be with each test,” she pointed out.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 5, 2024
The sudden death of Chromatic BF after a competition at the FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last spring will never be forgotten by the horse’s owner/breeder, Kc Branscomb, who is determined to ensure nothing like that happens to another horse representing the U.S. in competition.
She took issue with a massive injection that the 13-year-old gelding received before he collapsed in his stall at the show, and felt she was not getting the whole story about what killed him. Chromatic, who had finished third in his class 90 minutes earlier, received 4 milliliters of Legend, 5 of Adequan, 20 of Traumeel, 20 of arnica and 20 of Selevit, a selenium/vitamin combination. After he was prone on the ground and thrashing, by the time dexamethasone was called for and administered, along with IV fluids the horse was barely moving. Branscomb stated there was no epinephrine asked for or administered.
Rider Jill Humphrey accepts her trophy on Chromatic BF after taking third place in a class at the FEI World Cup Finals.
A necropsy performed at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia did not satisfy Branscomb,nor did the U.S Equestrian Federation’s explanation based on that necropsy report.
The USEF issued a statement about the report June 10 and revised it on June 11, saying, “The cause of the death was severe diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, which could be attributed to multiple causes, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), cardiopulmonary failure, shock, and exercise-associated fatal pulmonary hemorrhage.
The report further indicates that the histopathologic findings raise the suspicion of fatal equine exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, despite Chromatic BF not exhibiting any overt signs of such condition. According to the final report, the administered medications were not identified as the cause of death.”
It was noted that Dr. Stephen Schumacher, USEF Chief Veterinary Officer, indicated the necropsy report is not conclusive as to the cause of the hemorrhage and edema.
This week, however, USEF Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Sonja Keating talked for more than an hour about what might have killed Chromatic with Dr. John E. Madigan, professor emeritus of the Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California Davis school of veterinary medicine and board certified in the specialty of animal welfare. Branscomb was referred to Madigan by her own veterinarian as she looked for answers.
In an interview, Madigan explained, “These kinds of issues are what animal welfare is about, so it’s important to offer commentary when it might help improve things.”
He noted the necropsy report listed several possible causes of death, including “shock; cardiovascular, which would include anaphylaxis, and…exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage because the lung has hemorrhage in it. And that would be the fatal form of exercise-induced hemorrhage.”
However, he added, “In sport horses, the incidences of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage fatality is 0.05 percent.
When the condition is exercise-induced, he said, the bleeding starts during exercise. The hallmarks of that include impaired performance, a cough, then some bloody discharge from the nose, he continued, adding “It starts this cascade.”
Madigan pointed out, “In some horses, it could take an hour to die but they’re struggling all along because it started during exercise.”
The idea that Chromatic took a gleeful victory lap during the awards ceremony after his class is “inconceivable and not compatible with fatal-induced thing, which occurred about four or five minutes after an IV injection.”
He mentioned the horse was not brought to the veterinarian who injected him because of a problem, but rather received “these compounds that were supposed to help him recover or whatever the notion is there for the use of those.
“Two of them had label warnings that it could produce anaphylaxis. It’s very clear the other possible causes mentioned in there (the necropsy report); shock, cardiovascular collapse etc., which can be associated with anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction is a much more likely cause.”
In the wake of Keating’s conversation with Madigan, USEF issued a statement Thursday about the situation, saying, “USEF is committed to learning from the tragic loss of Chromatic BF and the circumstances surrounding his death to ensure it doesn’t happen again. While the results of the necropsy report were not conclusive, we are still trying to learn as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We worked closely with KC Branscomb to review and revise the horse participation consent agreement. Additionally, we are thoroughly examining research and education initiatives to enhance the management of sport horse recovery.”
Details on the initiatives are yet to be determined, according to USEF.
Branscomb said, “I’m heartened that the USEF appears to be taking this more seriously now. I look forward to cooperating with them to find a positive resolution to this tragedy that will be of benefit to all sport horses in improving their welfare and safety.”
The draft of the new horse participation consent agreement says “no substances will be administered to the horse unless the USEF-appointed veterinarian first obtains written consent from the athlete,” unless it’s an emergency situation.
Branscomb had been looking for a public statement from USEF that said, upon further analysis of the cause of death and bringing in expert testimony to figure out what really went on in Riyadh, “they’ve come to the conclusion that the horse most probably did die of anaphylactic shock and it probably was related to the medications given three to four minutes before (his death). While the veterinarian acted independently, because they (USEF) had full custody of the horse and because they took that responsibility, they are responsible for supervising the vets. They bear some responsibility for the death of the horse and making sure it doesn’t happen again to another horse. They need to acknowledge some level of responsibility.”
She wants USEF to work with the American Association of Equine Practitioners or a similar organization to make sure the vets treating horses at competitions are licensed and “trained to protect our horses in the sport.”
Branscomb is asking USEF to put $1.5 million into the Chromatic BF Fund for Sport Horse Welfare.
“I want them to fund research on what top show jumping horses need to live happy, healthy lives. I want them to put some skin in the game that says that the horse that died in Riyadh didn’t die in vain. He’s going to help fund what will make sure that horses of his quality in his sport will be well taken care of…and do the sport they love without fear of having someone kill them.”
Madigan observed, “if you’re using drugs that have on the label that it can produce anaphylaxis, you better be prepared with epinephrine and corticosteroids, IV fluids etc. or don’t do it. Then you’d have to say, `is it worth the risk to help enhance the recovery?’ ”
As he sees it, “Sports medicine went from treating sports-related injuries and things like that to trying to optimize performance of the equine athlete. But that shouldn’t really include the use of medications that produce at-risk.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 6, 2024
Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington and McLain Ward, all of whom rode on the Tokyo Olympic team three years ago, have been selected for the squad that will go to the Paris Games later this month.
Laura, the only rider to go clear in the Nations Cup at Aachen last week, will be riding Baloutinue, her Tokyo mount. Kent was named with the 10-year-old prodigy Greya, winner of the La Baule Grand Prix, and McLain was chosen with Ilex, a newer mount for him. He is riding that horse in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, where Laura is showing Baloutinue.
McLain characterizes ilex as “a very exciting horse and a big jumper.”
Kent Farrington and Greya.
The alternate is Karl Cook with Caracole de la Roque, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome in May. He was second in June at La Baule, France, where Kent scored his first international victory with the 10-year-old Greya over a course laid out by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo.
