Germany wins Rome Nations Cup; USA’s Cook takes grand prix: UPDATE

by Nancy Jaffer | May 24, 2024

Germany won the Nations Cup at the scenic Piazza Di Sienna in Rome with zero penalties Friday, as powerhouse Ireland finished second on 4 penalties, while Belgium was third with 8.

German chef d’equipe Otto Becker with Jana Wargars, Jorna Sprehe, Kendra Claricia Brinkop and Daniel Deusser. (Photo: Sport e Salute, Ferdinando Mezzelani)

The U.S. and Mexico also had 8, but slower cumulative times than Belgium to wind up fourth and fifth respectively based on their clockings over the course designed by Uliano Vezzani.

Sports technology company EquiRatings, which is a partner with the show, used data analysis to give the best odds for victory to Ireland,  a 26 percent win chance, but put Germany next-best at 13 percent, tied with Sweden pre-competition.

The Swedes, however, wound up seventh of the 10 countries that started, with a 16-penalty second round on Alcapone des Carmilles by Peder Fredricson after a disastrous 25-penalty trip in that round by Petronella Andersson claimed drop score status. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson’s Zuccero HV had a meltdown at the chariot jump with its white horses, ending his first round on the 54 penalty drop score. But he came back in triumph with a clear effort in the second round.

The USA and Belgium were both predicted to have an 11 percent chance of winning by EquiRatings.

But the U.S. was redeemed as the show came to a close with a victory by Karl Cook in the Rolex Gran Premio Roma on the speedy Caracole de la Roque, the former mount of French rider Julien Epaillard. Karl was one of six riders double-clear in the two-round class, clocked in 38.27 seconds. Max Kuhner of Austria was second on Electric Blue P in 39.58, ahead of Sweden’s Petronella Andersson on Odina van Klapscheut (39.78). The class was the first in a new Rolex  multi-show series that will end in Wellington, Florida, next March.

Having an advantage as last to jump, Karl said, “I was going to win it. Not like I was actually going to win, but in my head I went in there to do it. I’d seen Max go, and how crisp and clean all his turns were, I wasn’t thinking I could shave two strides off anywhere. I just had to be quick, clean and do the strides I hoped were possible. I didn’t leave any strides out different to Max, but Caracole is just so fast along the ground and over the jumps, she looks where she’s going, she gets very square right out of the turn and she’s just so fast.”

When he mounts up, Cook said, “it’s a bit like lighting a rocket, and you can’t turn it off so you just have to point in the right direction.”

Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque. (Photo Fotografi Sportivi)

“I started riding her in the middle of February last year so it hasn’t been very long and we’ve made some mistakes but we’ve learned a lot and it feels like we are almost there putting it all together.”

The other U.S. riders in the class, Lillie Keenan (Argan de Belliard) and Aaron Vale (Carissimo 25) were twenty-second and twenty-fourth respectively after having a single rail in the first round.

This show marked the eleventh time Germany had earned the Rome Nations Cup title on the spacious grass field in the heart of the city. Its riders — three of whom were women– finished double-clear, with the exception of anchor Daniel Deusser. But that was because he did not have to go a second time on Killer Queen VDM after his side had already clinched the honors under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker.

Germany’s anchor man, Daniel Deussser and Killer Queen VDM. (Photo: Fotografi Sportivi)

“This was absolutely brilliant with three double-clears from the three girls,” said Otto.

“I think we never had this before in Germany. And to win here in Rome at this special show, this special place, is something very special and I’m totally happy.” Otto wanted to celebrate the moment and declined to discuss German prospects for Paris in the wake of his country’s victory.

Germany’s Kendra Brinkop was thrilled with her young stallion Tabasco de Toxandria Z, noting, “Our day was great and we shouldn’t forget that my horse is only nine years old and jumping in his first Nations Cup. And also he showed how good the course was. He has not all the experience, but he gained experience on that course. It was a brilliant course.”

The only rider who achieved double-clear for the U.S. was Aaron Vale, who has risen in prominence as an Olympic contender since being paired last September with Carissimo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner. Two others on the U.S. short list for Paris finished with 4 penalties: Karl Cook (Caracole de la Roque) and Lillie Keenan (Argan de Baliard).

Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25. (Photo by Mackenzie Clark)

“Overall, I think there are a lot of positives to take away from the result today. To be tied for a podium position and just get bumped by a few tenths of a second is a tough pill to swallow, but we really had to fight to stay in it and everyone learned something today,” said U.S. Coach Robert Ridland.

“Aaron and Carissimo were impressive as a combination and put in our only double clear of the class, and both Lillie and Karl had an unfortunate rail in the second round after very strong, clear efforts in round one. Alise (Oken) bounced back to improve on her score in her second go, so I think all in all, it’s a good start to a very competitive few weeks for us here in Europe and sets the tone for us to be in the hunt for podium finishes at these major Nations Cup events.”

For complete Nations Cup results, click here. For complete grand prix results, click on this link

“Participation” is a key word for USHJA’s new president

by Nancy Jaffer | May 23, 2024

During the two decades since the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association was formed, Britt McCormick has served it in various capacities as a volunteer. But since becoming the organization’s first president from west of the Mississippi, he is working on developing a different perspective.

The Texan, who operates a training and showing business with his family outside of Dallas, was president-elect until last month, when former president Mary Knowlton resigned.

At his first Town Hall this week, Britt said he is looking for feedback on ways to improve service for members and stakeholders, “how we can do a better job at what we do to help drive participation in various USHJA programs to add a value to your membership and showing at every level.”

He explained, “One of the first things I wanted to do was kind of look under the hood of USHJA on the business side.”

Britt McCormick during the Town Hall.

USHJA is a nonprofit, and Britt pointed out, “if we don’t maintain the integrity of the business side, we’re not going to be able to function properly and serve our members.

“What is the foundation of our business model? It’s participation. Not just by people joining and recording horses, but by participating in various programs USHJA offers.”

The organization must make it easier for people to do that, in his view, removing barriers to participation.

“We need to encourage people to show in a recognized environment,” he believes. That includes having riders starting in Outreach, “but hopefully growing and for those people who have a goal of showing recognized, we need to show them the way to get there.”

Britt also wants to strengthen brand identity and “figure out a way to communicate with those in the system and those who are yet to become members. My goal is, if you ride a horse and jump a horse, that eventually you become a member of USHJA.”

Communication is vital.

“We have to make sure we’re not siloed in our own little worlds and we don’t look at things through our limited perspective,” he emphasized.

Britt wants to keep things fresh, and is ready to implement change where it’s needed.

“I feel like we’ve stagnated a little bit. We had this spark 20 years ago and we were really excited…we were creating all these things. Now we’re kind of in the maintenance phase,” he maintained.

“One of my goals is to have us take a look at all of our properties, take a look at all of our products, make sure they’re relevant, make sure they’re still exciting, that we still have a spark out there.”

That involves “a moment of self-reflection and seeing where we are, seeing what we created and making sure we’re still relevant. If we’re not, we need to address those issues and correct them.”

Citing the changes in the hunter/jumper world in the last five or six years, he noted, “we have some products that people are not that interested in. At some point, we’re going to have to cut those loose and make room for something new that nobody…has even dreamed up yet. That’s going to be my focus for sure for the foreseeable future; taking a look inward and making sure we’re doing the best job that we can.”

The process requires input from USHJA’s constituency.

“I’m relying on the membership to be vocal and let us know when we have it right and let us know when we don’t have it right,” he emphasized.

For the next six months, Town Halls will feature different topics, including the education side and its relation to the sports side. He envisions bringing in judges and other key players, including show managers, to discuss what they do and connect with members during the webinars.

A goal is to “try to inform the members and listen to the members, as well as to what we do what we offer and how we can do that better.

The Town Hall concept offers the chance to ask questions directly and get immediate answers.

For instance, Nancy Jones, a horse show judge from Arkansas who is on the USHJA amateur task force, asked what was happening with a measure that would permit amateurs to teach.

Britt explained the U.S. Equestrian Federation passed a rule across its breeds and disciplines allowing amateurs to teach for a limited number of hours weekly as a sport growth initiative, but not having amateurs involved with teaching for a living. Although USHJA’s board had no problem with the rule, the amateur task force wasn’t in favor of it, so USEF executed a carve-out for hunters and jumpers. The discussion on the subject isn’t over, with the new president calling it a “work in progress.”

The format of Britt’s Town Hall was different than the way it was done in the past. Those wishing to comment had to speak and give their names; previously members were permitted to type anonymous comments on the chat line.

Also, Britt brought in two USHJA department heads for the session. They were Lauren Klehm director of education who handles the instructor credential program, gold star clinics, the Emerging Athlete Program and also is involved with the very interesting Wheeler Museum. and sport director Katie Patrick. Her department handles competitive programs from Outreach through the higher levels and the International Hunter Derby, as well as jumpers and equitation.

There will not be a Town Hall in June because of Britt’s travel schedule. The next one is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m.

A pillar of eventing, Trish Gilbert, has passed away

by Nancy Jaffer | May 19, 2024

She was outspoken, determined and totally devoted to three-day eventing. The sport lost one of its most ardent advocates last week, when Trish Gilbert died at 83.

Doing it all, and doing it well, was the trademark of a very practical woman who was one of a kind. While in this era she might be identified by most as president of the Fair Hill International, and the emergence of the new Maryland 5-star, her contributions were far more numerous.

From Pony Club District Commissioner to involvement with governance at the national level, designing cross-country courses, organizing competitions, becoming a technical delegate and selector, as well as officiating at the Olympics, Trish knew every aspect of the sport and served it well. For her contributions, she was made a member of the U.S. Eventing Association Hall of Fame.

Trish Gilbert

“She was a remarkable individual and without ego,” said Sally Ike, who had been a friend of Trish’s since the mid-1960s when both were eventing at the USA’s highest level.

Their paths crossed often, beginning with their early days as riding colleagues. Sally became managing director of eventing when Trish was in charge of the discipline for the U.S. Equestrian Team. Then Sally designed show jumping courses for Fair Hill while Trish was at the helm.

“All she wanted to do was do the best for the sport,” Sally, emphasized.

Fair Hill event secretary Mary Coldren understandably still can’t believe she won’t be having her frequent phone calls with Trish, which were a big part of the mission they served together.

“I truly admired her knowledge and her practicality and her love of the sport. It was always for the good of the sport. That was always where her heart and focus was,” said Mary.

“The events at Fair Hill, the horse trials and everything else, have stood the test of time because of Trish.”

Jim Wolf, Trish Gilbert and Tim Dutta with Jan Byyny during a Fair Hill trophy presentation. (Photo © 2013 by Nancy Jaffer)

Mary noted Trish passed her love of eventing along in her family, first to her daughter, and more recently, her granddaughters.

“She was a great supporter of her granddaughters Ryan and Carlin who event also,” said one of Trish’s daughters, Rumsey Keefe.

“If she couldn’t make it to watch them ride, we would send her videos of competition and lessons, which usually was quickly followed up by a phone call to them or me to comment on what she saw and thought.”

Rumsey recalled that Trish would listen to people who sought her counsel, then she would “look at at the big picture and try to figure it out,” even if it involved “taking in people who needed a little more guidance and security in their life.”

A native of Virginia who was involved in running the Blue Ridge Horse Trials during the 1970s, Trish moved to Churchville, Md., in 1983 and became involved with equestrian activities at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Area. When the U.S. fall championship held at Chesterland in Pennsylvania ended its run after the 1988 edition, Trish was a member of the group that found it a new home as the Fair Hill International the next year. Those events always included a lively party.

In 2017, Trish headed the effort to bring a 5-star to Maryland. And in 2021, the USA’s second 5-star event debuted at Fair Hill. Although it is not run by Fair Hill International, Trish remained involved with the event.

On Facebook, Shelley Page conjured an image that brings to mind with a smile the thought of other eventing greats we have lost, and eases the pain somewhat.

“There is a bar in heaven with Roger Haller, Ann Haller, and Jimmy Wofford sitting at a table…. In walks Trish. Oh, the laughs they will have.”

Jane Thery, expressing her condolences on social media, stated, “Trish Gilbert. Now that is a woman who left a positive mark on our world. As she said in my Pony Club cross-country clinic many years ago, “Go forward. Do not stop.”

Trish’s husband, Bill, a racehorse trainer, died in 2011. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Elizabeth Looney (Gregg), Rumsey Gilbert Keefe (Tim) and Samantha Gilbert Brennan (Pete); a son, Raymond Richard Guest (Mary Pat); and stepson William Pepper Gilbert (Alice). She is also survived by her brother David Donovan (Teresa) and sister, Deirdre Donovan; 12 grandchildren, and seven step-great grandchildren.

Contributions in her memory may be made by check to Fair Hill International. 378 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921or online at fairhillinternational.org.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, possibly at the time of the Maryland 5-star.

Badminton ends with a come-from-behind victor

by Nancy Jaffer | May 12, 2024

The sixteenth time was the charm.

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell won the MARS Badminton Horse Trials’ Whitbread Trophy on Greenacres Special Cavalier after 15 previous outings in the event.

Caroline Powell of New Zealand with Badminton’s Whitbread trophy. (MARS Badminton Horse Trials Photo)

“I wasn’t ready for that,” said Caroline, 51.

“I thought third place would be great, but to win – wow. It’s awesome and it means so much – I’m not in my youth and just to get a horse to this stage is difficult enough, but to win – I can’t believe it.”

There was a huge shakeup in the standings during Sunday’s show jumping phase on the track designed by Kelvin Bywater at the seventy-fifth anniversary of the British fixture. Another New Zealander, Tim Price, dropped from first after cross-country to eighth with five knockdowns on Vitali, who is not known for his show jumping prowess. (To read about cross-country day, go to the second feature on this website or click here.)

Even more remarkable was the slide of Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, who went from a close second with Grafennacht following a brilliant cross-country trip, to an unlucky thirteenth after six knockdowns.

“I should have pulled the plug yesterday,” he said, referring to his wonderful cross-country ride, “but I have lived with a few moments in my career and it will all be fine tomorrow. I’m 55, I’m in one piece and I’ve been lucky.”

The mainstay of so many British teams, William had suggested that this could be his final Badminton, He confirmed it after his ride, noting the time has come, though he thinks he will still compete at a lower level.

As for Grafennacht, William said she will continue with a younger rider.

Caroline, seventh after dressage and sixth after cross-country, was among only three who achieved double-clear in the show jumping. She pulled it off on her 11-year-old Irish sporthorse mare (Cavalier Royale X Touchdown).

Caroline finished with a score of 43.2 penalties, ahead of Ireland’s Lucy Latta on RCA Patron Saint (45.2). Without just one of her two knockdowns, Lucy would have been the winner on a big day for the Irish.

But it already was special. Lucy is the highest-placed Irish rider at Badminton since Eddie Boylan won in 1965.

“I made a total rider error at the third fence, but my horse was phenomenal this week and I feel there’s loads more to come for him,” Lucy commented.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier on their way to Badminton victory. (Photo MARS Badminton Horse Trials)

An even bigger leap was made by third-place Alexander Bragg of Great Britain. He came up from fifty-first after dressage with Quindiva, moving to tenth following cross-country and elevated himself to the podium with one of the double-clear show jumping rounds. His total was the same as Lucy’s, but the tie was broken by her lower cross-country score.

Caroline, who retired her other mount, Aldo, on cross-country, came up with her victorious mare from forty-sixth place in dressage. But as they say, it’s not a dressage competition.

Vastly experienced, Caroline, a former point-to-pointer, first came to Britain as a groom for three-time Badminton winner Ian Stark. She won team bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games,  and was on her country’s 2008 Olympic team.

She finished thirtieth at Badminton last year on “Cav,” and sixth in the 2023 Maryland 5-star (where Ian designed the cross-country route) less than five months later. The Badminton trip was to get the mare used to crowds and atmosphere, in case she is picked for her nation’s Olympic team in Paris this summer.

Caroline and Cav going cross-country. (MARS Badminton Horse Trials Photo).

“Cav has had her tricky moments,” said Caroline, “but to be here, winning Badminton, is a dream come true.”

The top U.S. rider was UK-based Grace Taylor, who wound up eighteenth with 62.6 penalties, having moved up to nineteenth from her thirty-first place after dressage with a cross-country trip free of jumping faults.

But two knockdowns in the show jumping enabled her to rise only one place in the final tally. If she had been free of show jumping errors, she would have been just outside the top 10 in eleventh place.

Grace is the daughter of Ann Hardaway Sutton, who rode for the U.S. in the Seoul Olympics. Her father is Nigel Taylor, who like Ann, was a veteran of Badminton and Burghley, and is a British eventing selector, course designer and coach.

Three knockdowns and time penalties put another U.S. rider, Tiana Coudray on Cancaras Girl in the twenty-fifth spot. They had been sixth after dressage. Cosby Green and Copper Beach collected 28 jumping faults and 1.6 time penalties to place thirty-first.

Boyd Martin, who accumulated 60 jumping penalties on cross-country for a run-out and then crossing his own track on the way to the alternate route, was thirty-fourth with Tsetserleg in the field of 37 who finished the event. It was Boyd’s first Badminton completion, and like Tim Price, he has now completed every 5-star in the world.

He wound up on 122.6 penalties after dropping two rails in show jumping. Hopes had been high after he placed fourth in dressage with the horse he calls Thomas.

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