by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 19, 2024
From the moment that the majestic notes of “God Save the King” rang out as Lottie Fry entered the ring for her dresage Freestyle at the London International Horse Show on Thursday evening, there was a sense of a great occasion.
The British star didn’t disappoint, putting on quite a show at the ExCeL Arena with Glamourdale, the lustrous 13-year-old black KWPN stallion who collected marks of 10 not only for his trademark extended canter, but also received that distinction for music and choreography, with many 9s along the way in the Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier.
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale stretch it out in the extended trot. (Peter Nixon photo)
Lottie and the horse delivered a winning performance worthy of their 2022 world championship title, with just a minor glitch in the one-tempis, as they made up for a few mistakes that had placed them a surprising third in Wednesday’s Grand Prix. There she finished behind not onlyher Olympic teammate, winner Becky Moody with Jagerbomb, who won, but alsoNorway’s Isabel Freese, second in that class with Total Hope OLD.
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb.
As she started her Freestyle to the notes of “Another One Bites the Dust,” Lottie blazed into a powerful passage before her halt, then resumed passage and flawlessly transitioned to an energetic piaffe, earning a 9 and 8.5s for her entrance and halt.
The judges loved her, reflected in the winning score of 86.645 percent, with four of the five officials giving her artistic marks of more than 90 percent.
The crowd felt the same appreciation, enjoying watching the Netherlands-based rider demonstrate such expertise in her home country. Spectators were with her every minute, clapping along to her piaffe pirouette before her final halt.
At the awards ceremony, an overjoyed Lottie told fans, “The feeling I had in here tonight was something I’ve never felt before. He was absolutely incredible.
“He was on fire,” she said of Glamourdale.. I was so thankful to be able to do that in London in front of this crowd.”
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale
She added “I can’t thank you all enough for the support, not just tonight, but also the whole year running up to Paris (Olympics) and also in Paris. We could feel all your support; very, very grateful.”
As Lottie noted, “That makes it a little emotional to come back to England and ride in front of you all. It’s really an honor.”
Trainer Carl Hester consulted with Becky Moody after her Freestyle.
Becky was one of five British riders in the 14-strong field that did not include any U.S. riders.
She had made a huge splash with her homebred Jagerbomb in his 2023 debut at the show, and wound up competing on her nation’s bronze medal Olympic team last summer.
Her win in the Grand Prix this week was a good start, but mistakes in the Freestyle meant she wound up a disappointing fourth. A canter break in her right pirouette sank her standing with a mark of 3 and two 4s.
In the end, she got a decent score of 80.6, but not what she had hoped for. The crowd loved her anyway.
Isabel was second again with her consistent son of Totilas (83.270), who is out of Weihegold OLD, the World Cup champion of Germany’s Isabel Werth.
“This exceeds all my expectations,” said Isabel about her ride.
“I am so proud. It has always been a dream to compete here. I’ve just been eight weeks out of the saddle after a surgery, which made this result even more special. My groom took exceptional care of Total Hope, and perhaps the break was beneficial for both of us. He is in fantastic form.”
The Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere was further back in third on Hartsuijker (80.225), a big promotion from sixth place in the Grand Prix.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 19, 2024
The woman who led the U.S. Olympic dressage team for the Paris Games last summer will continue in that role through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Christine Traurig will be chef d’equipe while overseeing the Elite/Pre-Elite and Development programs for the U.S. Equestrian Federation. As a rider in 2000, she was the heroine of the team, securing a bronze for the squad at the Sydney Olympics with a great test under pressure.
Former U.S. Dressage Federation President George Williams will work with Traurig as the federation’s Dressage Program Pathway Development Advisor. Both will continue to support the Emerging Young Horse and Emerging Athlete programs respectively. At the beginning of next year, USEF will name additional coaches to support the programs.
Christine Traurig with Olympic veteran Steffen Peters and George Williams.
“I am excited about the next several years leading up to LA. The updated requirements for the Pathway Programs are in line with and support our goals on the road to the Olympics. There is no lack of talent in riders and horses in our country. It’s about bringing out the best in them. We have a plan, and our eyes are very much on the ball,” said Christine.
Next year will mark the start of USEF’s Dressage Training Series, which previously included Program Pathway clinics, and will consist of USEF funded clinics open to all FEI levels, except for two clinics restricted to youth participants only. These clinics will be taught under the guidance of USEF coaching staff and the coaches support network members. A preliminary calendar of these opportunities, as well as additional training options and evaluations for program members, is available on the USEF website, www.usef.org.
George will lead quarterly meetings throughout 2025 to increase collaboration among USEF coaching staff and personal coaches within the U.S. to provide more comprehensive support for program combinations.
Changes were made as of Dec. 1 to the USEF Dressage Program Pathway criteria across all programs. The idea is to strengthen transparency and accountability across the pathway through stronger focus on current competition results, USEF anticipates new program membership lists will be published no later than May 12, 2025, following the U.S. winter CDI season.
“This updated criterion improves upon the existing foundation of the USEF Dressage Program Pathway. I look forward to working with our coaching staff and support network to foster talent through our pathway programs and continue to grow and strengthen USA Dressage,” said Laura Roberts, the federation’s managing director of dressage.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 4, 2025
On Tuesday Jan. 14 at noon, Rodney Jenkins will be remembered during a ceremony on the second floor of the Laurel Park racetrack’s clubhouse, Racetrack Road and Route 198 Laurel, Md. The ceremony was postponed from Jan. 7 due to weather issues.
One of the greatest grand prix riders of all time anywhere in the world, Rodney also was legendary for his way with hunters. After retiring from showing in 1989, he went on to train racehorses with great success. He had 941 wins on the flat and his horses won $24.8 million during his tenure.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 18, 2024
Anyone involved with horses knows how valuable that connection is in many aspects of their lives. But those who aren’t lucky enough to have experienced such a relationship have no idea of its benefits, or how important they can be to so many people.
Quantifying the value of that link isn’t so easy. But British Equestrian has undertaken the challenge, researching the social value of equestrian activities, going on to highlight those benefits in a variety of areas, among them health, mental well-being, personal development, community engagement and social cohesion.
Why is this so important? Social license to operate. Public opinion can affect the way equestrians interact with horses and in a worst-case scenario, result in limits on equestrian activity. It’s the reason the equestrian portion of modern pentathlon was dropped from the Olympics after a coach punched a horse and the video made headlines around the world. Since many people today have never even touched a horse, they can’t decide for themselves if horses are being treated properly.
A case in point about social license involves the Danish Council on Animal Ethics, which states there are signs that the “welfare of horses is still under pressure,” despite equestrian groups’ efforts to improve the situation.
The council cites examples of sport horses showing “signs of discomfort, pain and conflict behavior.” Its recommendations on new legislative initiatives for sport horses will be considered by Denmark’s government. So the council has to be taken seriously. Its recommendations could include a ban on use of the double bridle, and dealing with issues such as riding behind the vertical, as well as other tack and training matters. And if the Danish government acts, you can expect governments elsewhere to consider following suit.
So it’s important that the public knows the positives of equestrian activities and involvement. The British study, being done In partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and the Sport and Recreation Alliance, involved a systematic search of academic databases, supplemented by a call for evidence that yielded 856 pieces of published literature and case studies. Now 290 of these have undergone the final analysis. Much of that focused on equine-assisted therapy and its transformative effects on participants.
it’s one of only a few types of physical activity to have the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
Mandana Mehran-Pour, head of Participation and Development at British Equestrian, commented, “These findings highlight the transformative impact equestrian activities have on individuals and communities across the UK, contributing to physical health, mental well-being and social development. The wealth of research we’ve gathered demonstrates the vital role equestrianism plays in enhancing quality of life.”
Professor Simon Shibli, director of the Sport Industry Research Center at Sheffield Hallam University said, “The volume and quality of literature we found were staggering and now provide a sound basis for deriving the social value of equestrianism.”
The work continues, with more progress expected in 2025.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 15, 2024
McLain Ward came close to topping a historically strong show jumping field on Sunday, but a heartbreaking rail at the last fence in the jump-off gave the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva to the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, who picked up a check for $419, 442 in the process.
It was the first-ever 5-star victory at 1.60 meters for Harry’s mount, Monaco, who had finished second 11 times outside of championships, according to EquiRatings.
The fastest time of 41.48 seconds in the 10-horse tiebreaker was recorded by McLain, riding his Olympic USA team silver medal mount Ilex, with whom he has partnered for a mere 10 months. His clocking would have beaten the winner’s mark of a clear trip in 41.74 seconds, were it not for that pole dropping from the Rolex vertical with a mere unlucky touch of a hind hoof.
McLain Ward and Ilex.
Harrie had the disadvantage of being first to go in the jump-off; McLain had the advantage of being last to go.
As it was, McLain finished fourth in a field that was the sport’s strongest grand prix in 14 years, ever since EquiRatings started keeping those stats. The contenders included two Olympic individual gold medalists, the European champion, the world-ranked number one horse and rider (who also hold the world champion title) and former European Champion Martin Fuchs, who had won the Rolex International Jumper Riders Club Top Ten Final Friday night at the Palexpo arena. (Click here to read this story.)
So fourth place in such a high-caliber class is impressive, but not much consolation for missing out on the big prize. “I’m always disappointed not to win a big event, but it was a brilliant way to finish off what I consider a great year with Ilex,” McLain told me.
“Only beginning to ride him in February and to be able to put together the season we have is a testament to his talent, and I am very appreciative to all of the people around us make that happen,” he said while also praising his Dutch-bred gelding.
McLain, who can now take a few deep breaths, added “I’m very much looking forward to a bit of a Christmas rest with my family and to a great 2025. I always remind myself I’m very fortunate to play a game for a living.”
As he accepted his trophy moments after his victory aboard his 15-year-old Holsteiner, Harrie enthused, “I’m extremely happy. Monaco really deserved this win. Fantastic what this horse has done for me.
Harrie Smolders takes the spotlight.
“To start the jump-off in a field like this I think it is nearly possible to go straightaway from the first rider to win this, all riders behind you can go faster. He’s (Monaco) in fantastic shape at the moment, he’s so smart, so experienced. What he showed today is outstanding.”
Harrie admitted to the situation being “nerve-wracking,” noting that the riders coming after him could watch what he did and figure out where to make up their time on the course so they could go faster
“I really took my chances. I didn’t know if it was enough,” said Harrie, “I really took my chances. I didn’t know if it was enough, especially in this ring horses with a bigger stride have a little bit of advantage in a jump-off.”
Monaco checks out his trophy.
Harrie now has the first segment of the four-leg Rolex Grand Slam to his credit and moves on in 2025 to the next, in his home town of s’Hertogenbosch.
All four Grand Slam grands prix must be won in a row, so Martin’s September victory at Spruce Meadows no longer counts toward the Grand Slam for him, and he must start over.
Second place went to Giulia Martinengo Marquet, who rides in the uniform of the Italian air force. Her clean ride on the Selle Francais Delta Del’Isle was timed in 43.75 seconds and kept her EquiRatings record for clean jump-off rounds at 100 percent, though this was only her third such trip.
Right behind her was the promising young Belgian rider Gilles Thomas, on the Selle Francais stallion Ermitage Kalone in 44.77. He is also rated by EquiRatings at 100 percent, though again, this only his third jump-off at this level with the horse.
The podium: Harrie Smolders still can’t believe he won; Giulia Martinengo Marquet was second and Gilles Thomas third.
The class wound up having as many twists and turns as the course designed by Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Gregory Bodo of France, who also did the Olympic routes in Paris with Santiago Varela.
The course for the Rolex Grand Prix
And speaking of Paris, the Alexandre III Bridge jump from the Paris Games wound up being a big time troublemaker. World Number One Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden had a run-out there with King Edward, mirroring a run-out he had in the second round of Friday’s Top Ten at a narrow fence of white rails. That’s on top of a disappointing fall at the Olympics.
Henrik’s compatriot, Peder Fredricson, also experienced a run-out at the Alexandre bridge in the Grand Prix jump-off with Catch Me Not to wind up sixth. Martin Fuchs broke a rail there with Leone Jei, who then not surprisingly dropped a pole at the first element of the double combination that came next. At a different fence, Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca came off Denver de Talma when the horse couldn’t negotiate the distance to the Rolex oxer that was the second-to-last obstacle in the jump-off.
Peder Fredricson at the troublesome Alexandre III bridge.
Two-time Rolex Geneva Grand Prix winner Kent Farrington of the U.S., had a rail at the oxer that was the B element of a double in the first round, and missed out on the jump-off with Greya, but finished twelfth as the fastest 4-faulter.
The first round was quite something. The list of eight riders who retired there after knockdowns included the USA’s Olympic team silver medalist Karl Cook with Caracole de la Roque following three dropped rails, and European Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland with Dynamix de Belheme, as well as other big names, among them Daniel Coyle of Ireland and Germany’s Marcus Ehning.
Click here for results
The big show as the year comes to a close is the London International, set to start Wednesday, with dressage and driving as well as show jumping, and a host of exhibitions.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 13, 2024
The video that showed dressage golden girl Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain getting after a horse with a longe whip in a private leson made headlines across the world, with the revelation artfully timed for maximum impact before the Paris Olympics. The resulting furor underlined once again the need for horse sports everywhere to get ahead on the issue of social license to operate.
British Dressage, which came out with a Charter for the Horse a year ago, is “determined to use the events of this year as a positive catalyst for change,” BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam announced. An Equine Welfare Action Plan is the core of BD’s strategy for the next four-years up to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Could it serve as a template for other countries to use in elevating and insuring how horse welfare is handled in all disciplines? Take a look at this summation and decide for yourself:
The plan’s focus is on governance, training and education, and also sport development, “fundamental to creating an environment where equine welfare remains paramount above all other considerations. Our primary aim is to promote the highest standards of health and well-being for our equine partners, while demonstrating the harmonious relationship that can be achieved between horse and rider through dressage.”
The goal is to insure “a long-term and sustainable future” for the sport, with a transparent approach to equine welfare at BD competition and training events. Members are encouraged to report any breaches they may have witnessed, so BD can investigate. A pillar of that approach is effective reporting for all welfare-related incidents, including eliminations and warnings issued by officials, with a framework in place to support the training and education for repeat offenders.
Disciplinary procedures will include the issuing of formal warnings for minor offenses, to encourage best practice at all times, while more serious breaches now have a clearly defined framework for the range of sanctions that apply.
A Welfare and Officials Officer will act as the initial point of contact for escalating any welfare-related issues, supported by the Sport Operations Manager and Training and Education Manager, to ensure that there is an integrated approach across the organization.
The education aspect is designed to ensure that all BD members have access to the training required to improve knowledge and understanding of equine welfare. This will include a range of modules covering the fundamentals of horse care, stable management, correct fitting of tack and equipment, and equine behavioral psychology. Equine welfare will be embedded in all training and development for BD officials and coaches, as well as fully integrated into our ongoing CPD activity.
A Steward Development Program will be part of BD’s commitment to promote and professionalize the role. Longer term, BD also is aiming to establish welfare marshals, who would work in a voluntary capacity to expand the presence of officials at shows.
A new BD Learning Hub incorporates a horse care program for all ages and levels that offers information on stable management, tack, equipment and husbandry. It eventually will include a program of online webinars and workshops focused on equine welfare and equine behavioral psychology.
Meanwhile, BD will work with the FEI and other equestrian governing bodies on a comprehensive review of the sport’s rules. This will include judging systems, content of tests and ways to ensure the recognition and reward for a harmonious partnership that accentuates the horse’s natural way of going. This process will also involve critically assessing the movements required in higher level dressage tests, and the impact of coefficient marks, to consider the demands that these place on horses.
The primary aim of all dressage competition must be to encourage correct riding and training, placing an emphasis on harmony and synchronicity over tension and submission. There will be clearer guidelines for officials on the correct use of aids, tack and equipment. This will help officials assess the input as well as the output, with the goal of rewarding combinations where there is evidence of good training practices and improving the level of consistency in judging.
The BD Sport Development Committee will also be exploring how to adapt rider skills tests to promote correct use of aids, seat, balance and way of going, with the potential for these tests to be used in future to qualify for progression through the levels.
BD emphasizes that members must understand their obligations and exemplify these values in their own actions. Chief Executive, Jason Brautigam commented: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of equine health, care and well-being. To achieve this, we must all consider our own values, attitudes and behaviors, whether that involves looking after horses at home, training them in preparation for competition, or riding in the arena.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to equine welfare, from officiating at a show to watching as a spectator –- we can no longer be passive bystanders.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 14, 2024
With a determined president and a repopulating of some key governance positions, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is ready to move ahead with renewed energy, focusing on the state of the industry and working to make the sport more accessible.
“Even though our sport is rooted in tradition, I think we have to start realizing that if we’re going to grow, and if we’re going to get new people to come in the door, we have to be open to new ideas,” said Britt McCormick, who took over the presidency in April after a leadership shakeup that promoted him from the role of president-elect.
Speaking at the organization’s convention in Arizona last week, he emphasized, “We need to start with new people, new ways of thinking — all of the things that a younger generation is going to bring to the table.”
This year’s achievements that he highlighted included adoption of a balanced budget, done without raising membership or horse reporting fees. Instead, a “pay-to-play” approach ensures fairness by aligning costs with program usage, while enabling reinvestment in vital programs and services.
“These are the things that allow us to reinvest into the association and reinvest into the programs, both educational and sport,” he explained. In his view, that points toward the path tor further growth.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of evaluating existing programs and fostering innovation. Britt challenged task force chairs and members to assess their initiatives by asking if they effectively serve the membership, are economically sustainable and remain relevant. The answers to these questions will shape the USHJA’s path as it begins work on the 2025–30 strategic plan.
Among the initiatives unveiled was the development of a comprehensive, tiered event calendar designed to streamline scheduling for competitors and managers while reducing conflicts, something Britt mentioned during a Town Hall session earlier this year. The goal is to provide a better member experience by enabling more people to compete in more places, more cost-effectively, while saving time and reducing wear and tear on horses and people.
Britt emphasized the importance of listening to members and fostering trust and collaboration across the sport’s many stakeholders —including members, staff, parents, show managers and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“We’re super interested in what the members have to say. We really want you guys to drive us forward. Call us out when we’re doing it wrong, applaud us when we’re doing it right, but most of all, working together,” he said.
“I think if we do that, we can show that we have something to offer. That this is a great sport, it’s a great lifestyle, it’s a great community, and, for me, there’s no better place to be than at a horse show.”
Rule changes must be passed by the USEF to take effect at licensed horse shows, but they were the subject of discussion and voted on during the convention. Key rule change proposals discussed and approved include:
• HJ106.2 Tracking #027-24 – requiring a show number be worn and visible at all times when the horse is outside of the stall
• HU106.1 Tracking #016-24 – permitting nose nets in the Hunter ring
• HU116.4 Tracking #017-24 and EQ107.9 – defining parameters in which an exhibitor can meet with the judge
• HU App. A Tracking #057-24 – detailing safe attachment of draw reins
• JP117 Tracking #008-24 – changing the Young Jumper sections to be defined by fence height instead of age.
Rule change proposals discussed and disapproved include:
• GR312 Tracking #046-24 – adjusting the Channel 2 competition formats, including classification requirements and points
• GR801.1 Tracking #051-24 – updating safety language regarding removing a helmet for prize giving and equipment with an upward pointing hook, such as stirrups
• HU124.3 Tracking #020-24 – changing the number of refusals before elimination to two.
Another set of proposed rule changes was disapproved; however, the board expressed support for the intent of these rules, indicating they would approve with further refinement of language. These include:
• GR839.1 Tracking #050-24 – updating the list of prohibited practices and equipment, including obscuring the visibility of horses stabled on competition grounds, excessive use of draw reins, and augmented nosebands
• GR843 Tracking #041-24 – requiring veterinarians providing services on competition grounds to be USEF members
• EQ104.1 Tracking #034-24 and HU100.1 Tracking #033-24 – defining excessive use of the whip
• EQ104.1 Tracking #058-24 – adjusting language regarding unethical treatment of the horse
• EQ106.3 Tracking #035-24, HU106.6 Tracking #036-24, JP111.3 Tracking #002-24 – defining spurs that are permitted for use.
The board voted to take no action on a proposed rule regarding the presence of blood on a horse during competition and the resulting consequences, but voiced support for the rule’s intent.
To view all the rule change proposals discussed, click here. Find a complete list of voting decisions here. Per the USEF rule change process, the USHJA Board of Directors will have until February 1, 2025, to finalize any tabled rule change proposals and submit recommendations to USEF for voting at that board’s mid-year meeting this coming summer.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 13, 2024
As of Nov. 30, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs was ranked number 11 in the world, which meant at the entry deadline, he didn’t qualify for Friday night’s Rolex International Jumper Riders Club Top Ten Final competition in Geneva.
But when number 10, Irishman Conor Swail, couldn’t get transportation for his horses from California to Switzerland, he dropped out and Martin (who was one point behind him in the FEI standings last month) dropped in to the Palexpo arena in his home country.
Martin made the substitution worthwhile, delighting a packed house when he and the Dutch-bred Leone Jei won the $556,702 competition, edging the USA’s Kent Farrington, a two-time Top 10 winner. Third went to Ben Maher of Great Britain, also a previous winner of the prestigious competition, who was double clear but slower than the top two with Point Break.
Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei salute the crowd after victory in the Top Ten class.
“It’s incredible,” said Martin after a victory that was understandably popular with the crowd, which was mostly Swiss. He used the word “fantastic” more than once in describing the achievement, which carried a $178,565 prize for his first victory in six tries competing in the class.
The former European champion called it a “nice win, especially (since) my loyal owner, Adolfo Juri…couldn’t be here tonight because he’s taken to hospital.. So Adolfo, I am sending my best wishes for recovery and say thanks for everything he does for me, for these amazing horses, for his incredible opportunity and for this long-lived partnership.”
Martin noted, “I received a call from Conor Swail on Sunday night saying his flight been cancelled, and that I was therefore in the class and I should try to win it. I carried these words with me for the entire week. I rode my top horse, Leone Jei, for this class because it is one that I really wanted to win. It was a big goal in my career so I am happy that tonight was my night.”
Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei on the way to victory.
The class consisted of two rounds, with faults from the first, which had 15 jumping efforts, carried over to the second, with 10 efforts and the clock ticking down who would win.
Martin’s double clear in a 47.02-second run presented quite a target, and aim was taken by the USA’s Kent Farrington, number four on the FEI ranking list, with the swift Zangersheide mare, Toulayna.
He fell short, however, finishing his fault-free effort in 48.05 seconds and blaming himself for not being able to catch Martin.
“I’m not happy,” said Kent.
“I’m very happy with my horse, I thought she was incredible. I thought I rode not so good.”
He said he got too far out as he pushed for speed and had to add a stride to get to the double combination “and it cost me the class today.”
Kent Farrington and Toulayna.
Kent added ruefully, “Great effort from my horse; she needs a better rider.”
For Sunday’s Rolex grand prix, he will be riding Greya.
“Same rider; hopefully, I do better.”
But things went better for him than for world number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and his partner, King Edward, the 2022 winners of the Top 10 and the leaders after the first round in the 2024 edition. This year, the combination had 17 clear trips in 24 competitions set at 1.60 meters before Friday’s competition, and they hoped to improve the percentage in Geneva.
The courses for the Geneva Top Ten.
But in the second round, the gelding stopped at a narrow fence with white rails, third from the end of the course laid out by Gerard Lechat of Switzerland and Gregory Bodo, one of the designers of the Paris Olympic routes. Henrik turned King Edward around and jumped the obstacle, but wound up seventh with the Belgian warmblood in 59.13 seconds—just within the 60-second time allowed. The incident was reminiscent of the shocking conclusion to his performance in the individual jumping at the Olympics, when King Edward went one way at a fence and Henrik went the other as they parted company.
“I felt I was a little bit behind on the wall and got one two many strides there,” said Henrik, analyzing why his horse stopped in the Palexpo.
“I knew I had to make it up somewhere, I didn’t get the turn in a good way.”
He noted, however, he had predicted Martin would win, saying wryly, “and he did, so that’s something, anyway.”
On the podium: Martin Fuchs, Kent Farrington and Ben Maher.
The only other U.S. rider in the competition was McLain Ward, fifth with his Olympic horse, Ilex. In the first round, they dropped a rail at the last fence, a vertical, and that scuttled his chances to win.
McLain called it “a little bit of a foolish fault,” noting it involved “a light touch on top (of the rail); frustrating but that’s the game” and he came back with a clear trip in the second round.
He called Ilex a “brilliant partner all year” and will jump him in Sunday’s grand prix.
Geneva is an impressive show, with lots of entertainment and style. The ring looked beautiful, with a miniature lake in the middle and interesting fences, including one topped by models of four Swiss cows. Ben Maher said that intimidated his horse, joking “he’s never seen a cow.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 11, 2024
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented Tuesday to two people who have contributed mightily to the horse industry through their dedication and energy that helped advance the hunter and jumper disciplines on a national scale.
Otis Brown of Ocala, Fla., has been with USHJA since the beginning. An active committee member, he is well known as both a trainer and a horse show judge.
“I’ve been devoted to the horse industry for all my life, basically. That’s why we do it, because we love the animals, and I’ve been so fortunate to have the great ones that I’ve had. I really think I owe my career to Patty (Stovel, who died earlier this year), the horses I’ve been lucky enough to have, and the people who helped me along the way,” said Otis, known fondly as “Brownie.”
DiAnnLanger, a North Carolina resident, was a top competitor who transitioned to a concentration on breeding horses and developing top riders for the future. Her contributions to the USHJA’s programs showcase her commitment to youth education and competition, as does her work with young riders for the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“I want to dedicate this award to the past generation of horsemen who taught me. Who also worked so hard to establish horse shows,” said DiAnn.
“I also want to push it forward to the current generation of horsemen who now took that show and made it into horse sport. And pass it forward to the youth, who will redefine it and become the guardians. But most of all, I want to give a shout out to all of us that have come through our life, touched our hearts, and especially that first one who grabbed ahold of us and said, ‘Come on, you’re now a horse family.'”
There would not have been a USHJA without the decisive action of David O’Connor as the president of the new USEF two decades ago. Fittingly, he received the William J. Moroney Visionary Award, named after the first president of the USHJA who is now the USEF’s CEO.
Speaking about David, Bill said, “He is one of those people that is constantly looking for opportunity out there. This organization and all the people who have ever been involved in it and all the people that have been members of it, he is the one that made this happen.. If anything, he is the father of USHJA.”
David, an Olympic eventing individual gold medalist who is the USEF’s chief of sport, said, “It’s been a great experience all the way through. I think every time you do one of these things, you end up learning more than you expect because of the people you get to work with. You always end up getting more out of all of the experiences and all of the people and all of the situations that you end up in.”
David O’Connor
The Plains, Va., resident added, “And this is such an unusual thing because it’s the horse, so we all get to wrap our lives around the horse, and we have to make sure that we never put the economics over the ethics over the care of the horse. And the elation and the disappointments of competition can’t overrun our basic love for what we do. And we all have to remember why we did it in the first place.”
Other awards at the USHJA convention in Tucson included Volunteer of the Year, which went to Robin Greenwood and the President’s Distinguished Service Award, received by Leea Bridgeman, Joe Dotoli, Steve Hankin, Rachel Kennedy, Cheryl Rubenstein and Andrea Wells.
Leea, a Kentuckian who is on the USHJA board, has shown dedication and a collaborative approach in helping the president advance the organization’s mission and priorities. Joe, who lives in Rhode Island, is a judge, trainer and has served as chair of the USHJA Safety Committee. Steve, the president and CEO of the Desert International Horse Park, was cited for his dedication to the sport and commitment to enhancing the exhibitor experience, transforming the landscape of West Coast competition.
Rachel, a Marylander, is a rider, trainer, and judge who serves on the Judge’s Task Force and the International Hunter Derby and Incentive Task Force, where she recently stepped into a key leadership role. She was recognized for her dedication as well as her expertise. Cheryl, a Memphis resident who serves on several USHJA committees as well as the board of directors, is the national vice president on the hunter side of the organization. Andrea serves on the Officials Education Committee, Judges Task Force, and Joint Equitation Task Force. In addition to her committee work, the Ocala resident has led numerous webinars for licensed officials and members.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 10, 2024
Equine Network LLC has acquired a controlling interest in Nilforushan Equisport Events with an eye toward further enhancing “the competitor experience in Southern California.”
“We have been looking for a partner in the Hunter/Jumper market that shares our values,” said Tom Winsor, Equine Network’s CEO.
“We feel strongly Ali Nilforushan and his team have the vision to create exceptional experiences in and out of the show ring.”
Nilforushan Equisport Events produces shows at Galway Downs in Temecula, Calif., that cater to both competitors and spectators. The company offers U.S. Equestrian Federation fixtures with prize money classes, affordable showing options and VIP experiences. The company strives to make its events fun, featuring entertainment, game nights and social events, in addition to the competition it offers.
In addition to being a show organizer, Ali Nilforushan, president of Nilforushan Equisport Events, has competed at the top level, representing Iran in the 2000 Olympic Games. He is “looking forward to joining forces with Equine Network, as we share a common vision for the future of equestrian sport in California.”
Equine Network’s majority stake in Nilforushan Equisport Events aligns with its growth plans. The company has made strategic acquisitions within the equine industry. Its offerings include competitions, roadside assistance for horse owners, subscription-based training and care products, online learning channels, and inclusive communities. The acquisition adds a new dimension to its Sports Group offerings with the creation of the Premier Equisport Group.
This collaboration also promises to attract more participants and spectators to Temecula’s Galway Downs, making the venue a destination for riders of all levels. Galway Downs is the proposed equestrian venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
For more information about Nilforushan Equisport Events, visit Jump-nee.com. To learn more about the Equine Network and its services, visit EquineNetwork.com.
