by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 5, 2024
Charlotte Dujardin, the former dressage heroine, was penalized Thursday by the FEI with a year’s suspension for a horse-whipping incident captured on video and publicized just before the Paris Olympics, when it gained worldwide attention and notoriety.
Britain’s multi-medalist from three other Olympics had voluntarily suspended herself in July after revelation of the video, ending her nation’s possibility of a team gold medal at the Games. She and Imhotep were replaced on the squad by newcomer Becky Moody with Jagerbomb. The team wound up with the bronze, keeping Britain from a sweep of all three equestrian team gold medals, as it won both the eventing and show jumping titles. Dujardin’s mount, Imhotep, had been regularly scoring over 80 percent in the Grand Prix and the Special used for awarding team medals at the Games.
Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep.
After an investigation into Dujardin’s case, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, citing three charges: abuse of horse, conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute, and breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
The gravity of the offense was balanced by the FEI with “relevant mitigating circumstances,” which included Dujardin’s prior clean disciplinary record and her voluntary withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The FEI imposed a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (U.S. $11,341) and is giving her credit for time served. That means her suspension will end July 23, but it is uncertain what the future holds for her in the sport. Until the end of the suspension, she is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or her national federation.
Meanwhile, she announced on Thursday she is pregnant with her second child, who is expected in February.
The video that came out on social media showed Dujardin aggressively hitting her student’s cantering horse with a longe whip, prompting the animal to kick out several times. The video was taken during a lesson at a private stable and made public for an anonymous client by a Dutch attorney.
Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep at the 2023 European Championships, where they won individual bronze.
“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse,” Dujardin stated on social media in the wake of the video.
“I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment,” she said.
“I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.”
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro at the 2012 London Games, where they were double gold and led Britain to its first ever Olympic dressage medal.
On Thursday, she posted a message on Facebook saying, “I fully respect the verdict issued by the Federation for
Equestrian Sports (FEI), released today. As the federation has recognized, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologize again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.
“This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. To those of you who have sent messages, emails and tried to reach me to check in on how l am – thank you. Every kind word truly has made a difference, more than you’ll ever know.
“What I was unable to share at the time is that I am currently pregnant, with my baby due in February. This was planned well before the Olympics and something my partner, Dean, and I have been excited about for a long time.
At the moment, the energy I have is focused on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we are all very much looking forward to the arrival of our new family member.”
Dujardin’s scandal came as horse sport has been focusing on “social license to operate” and seeking the acceptance of the public with an image that emphasizes equine welfare.
FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “It is regrettable that this case has put our sport in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially during a critical time leading up to the Olympic Games.”
She added, “These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences. We believe this outcome reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare and to its role as guardian of our equine partners.”
Meanwhile, the FEI has other cases pending that involve allegations of abuse. They include dressage rider Cesar Parra and eventer Andrw McConnon.
Jim Eyre, chief executive of British Equestrian commented about Dujardin’s matter; “We are confident that this has been a thorough disciplinary process and thank those involved for their professional approach.
“The welfare and ethical treatment of horses has always been a priority and no one involved in our sport should be in any doubt that we expect the highest standards at all times. We will continue to work with our member bodies tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our sports through enforcement, education, and advancement in our knowledge.”
Jason Brautigam, chief executive of British Dressage, stated: “We stand united with the FEI in taking a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of our equine welfare policies – and this case has proved that these disciplinary processes work, regardless of the status of the individual concerned.
“We launched the Charter for the Horse last year and remain totally committed to upholding these standards. Working closely with our colleagues across the Federation, we will continue to collectively put the health, care and wellbeing of the horse at the heart of everything we do, and proactively demonstrate that equestrian sport is conducted in an ethical and responsible way.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 4, 2024
Of course you have thoughts about the hunter division, what it should offer and how championships should run. The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association will be listening to your suggestions and feedback next year at venues in Florida and California.
Round table topics include the USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program, the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive, the USHJA International Hunter Derby and standalone championships.
The first forum will be from 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Wellington Club on the Wellington International showgrounds in Wellington, Fla., Jan. 13. The second on March 10 is set for 9:30 a.m. – 4. p.m. Pacific Time at the Palm Club at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif.
To reserve for the Florida session, use this link. For the California session, this is the link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 2, 2024
Darry Lou Z had quite a career with quite a cast of riders. The stallion, the U.S. Equestrian Federation Horse of the Year in 2019, was best known for his exploits with Beezie Madden as a member of the U.S. team. His crowning achievement was as the winner of the $3 million CN International Rolex Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows.
Beezie Madden and Darry Lou in their heyday. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
When he was bought by Evergate Farm, Darry Lou went on to win with Jennifer Gates’ husband, Nayel Nassar. Finally, the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders also was successful with the plucky chestnut. Now Studfarm Zangersheide has announced that he will be on their stallion roster for 2025, standing for a fee of €1,400.
Bred in the Netherlands by Roelof Bril, who rode Freelady, Darry Lou’s granddam, Darry Lou is by Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve, out of the Grand Prix mare Venus. He has a full sister, Beat Me, who jumped at the 1.55 meter level with Chad Fellows. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that Beat Me is the dam of F One USA, whose riders included Emily Moffitt, Ben Maher and Lorenzo de Luca.
Nayel noted, “It was a great joy and honor to campaign Darry Lou, despite our relatively short partnership. He has a remarkable personality, filled with a calm confidence and unwavering demeanor regardless of the task at hand. His unique mindset coupled with his athletic ability allowed him to truly thrive as a sport horse on some of the world’s biggest stages. I am very much looking forward to seeing him flourish in this next chapter of his career, and have no doubt he will continue to make us proud by passing on his exceptional genes to future generations.”n 2022, Darry Lou moved back to Europe to join Harrie Smolders’ stable, where he continued his impressive performances, including top ten finishes in Aachen and again in the 5* Grand Prix of Spruce Meadows.
For his part, Harrie observed, “It has been a privilege to be one of Darry Lou’s riders. To have him around and work with him every day was always a pleasure; his kindness but also his ability to listen to what the rider was trying to explain made him very unique and one of a kind. He will be missed by his fans all around the world for his empathy and particularly by our team as we felt a close bond and friendship with him.
“I will definitely remember his exuberance when we were out hacking — nothing could make him more happy, but he always behaved like a true gentleman. Now it’s time for him to fully focus on his next chapter and save all those exceptional qualities for the upcoming generations. Best of luck Darry, and thank you for all those beautiful memories.”
Judy Ann Melchior of Studfarm Zangersheide noted, “I have admired Darry Lou for a long time and I am thrilled to feature this iconic stallion in our stallion line-up! Not only is he a showjumping superstar, but also a golden opportunity for breeders, boasting exceptional valuable qualities and genetics.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 1, 2024
With the retirement of German multi-multi gold medalist TSF Dalera BB, the question has been who will take her place at the top of the podium. Last weekend at the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage competition in Sweden, Freestyle — shown by Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark — was unquestionably top of the line for that show.
The mare, previously ridden by Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin, scored over 90 percent with every judge but one in the Grand Prix Freestyle (her namesake). Second to Cathrine in in both the Grand Prix and GP Freestyle was Isabell Werth of Germany with Wendy de Fontaine. She did not break 90 percent in the latter, and only one judge awarded her over 80 percent in the former.
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle at the Paris Olympics.
At the Paris Olympics, Dalera and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl still reigned as the gold standard, but Isabell finished on silver, while Britain’s Lottie Bry and Glamoudale took bronze. Cathrine, who led Denmark to team silver, was fifth individually behind the Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere and Hermes.
In Stockholm, Dinja was third and Lottie did not compete.
Meanwhile, the new December FEI standings for dressage athletes have Isabell number one, seven points ahead of Cathrine. Lottie is third, but 117 points behind Cathrine. The rankings are the same for their horses.
Click here for Grand Prix results and here for Grand Prix Freestyle results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 28, 2024
Former Volvo chairman Pehr Gyllenhammar, who presided over creation and growth of the FEI Jumping World Cup series, has died at the age of 89.
Pehr Gyllenhammar
The series’ initial season was launched in 1978. The first final was held in 1979 at the Scandinavium arena in Gyllenhammar’s native Gothenburg, where Volvo has its headquarters. The Swedish city would to host 15 FEI World Cup™ Finals.
Gyllenhammar, who held the key position at the Swedish multinational manufacturing corporation from 1970 to 1994, put his support behind the Cup series. Volvo became the title sponsor of the qualifiers in all the Leagues and Finals until 1998. Believing that dressage would be a perfect complement to the jumping, in 1990 Volvo became the title sponsor of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ until 1998.
“The FEI is infinitely grateful to Pehr G. Gyllenhammar for his support with the creation of one the FEI’s most important series. Volvo’s sponsorship continued for 20 years and laid the foundation for the successful worldwide series the FEI Jumping World Cup has become today. He was also a great proponent of the FEI World Equestrian Games, the first edition of which was held to general acclaim in the Swedish capital Stockholm,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 28, 2024
It takes more than a little rain to put a damper on a custom that goes back decades.
A field of 20-plus riders braved the showers to ride their beautifully turned-out horses at the Essex Fox Hounds Thanksgiving Meet in Peapack, N.J.
“Rain, snow; we’re out,” said Lynn Jones, one of the four masters of foxhounds who serve Essex.
“This is a tradition that goes back 134 years, and we wouldn’t break tradition for a little rain. It doesn’t bother the hounds or the horses one bit.”
Essex Fox Hounds Joint Master Lynn Jones introduces her horse to a young visitor at the Thanksgiving meet. (Photo © 2024 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
She wore a “hand-me-down” black Melton wool coat, difficult to find these days, but generally impervious to inclement weather unless it’s of the natural disaster variety. There was only one raincoat among the riders. Dee Osborne decided to go that route, but she wore a Barbour, with a British sporting pedigree that made it perfectly acceptable.
A hardy group of spectators also was undeterred by ominous weather predictions for an occasion that many have celebrated over the years at the picturesque Ellistan estate.
Essex huntsman Bart Poole lead the way at the Thanksgiving hunt. (Photo © 2024 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
“We love it. We love gathering. We love seeing our friends every year. We like to see the horses,” said Susan McDowell-Harvey of nearby Bernardsville.
Scott, Scott, Susan and Jack McDowell-Harvey ward off the rain with mimosas. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“And it’s always nice to get out of the house,” added her son, Jack.
Susan and her husband, Scott, began coming for the meet in the days when daughter Sarah McDowell (who now lives in London) rode with Essex. As usual, the family was enjoying mimosas and oysters Rockefeller.
The menu for Linda and John Quinn of New Hope, Pa., who were parked down the row, included freshly made Irish coffee, topped with whipped cream.
John is a native of Ireland, so to him the conditions probably were like what his compatriots call a “soft” day, a cross between a mist and a drizzle, though this version was a little more assertive.
“We’ve come every year since our children were three and five years old, and now they’re in their mid-30s. It was always our tradition to come, and we see people we don’t normally see all the time,” Linda said.
Linda and John Quinn with an artful Irish coffee. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Some folks did look at the weather and decide to duck out. Suzann Johnson and her husband, Art Gertel, of Readington N.J., invited 10 people to the tailgate brunch they have staged for 30 years, but just one showed up. The conditions certainly didn’t deter an accomplished carriage driver, however.
“I compete in this kind of stuff,” explained Suzann, who was the Leading Lady Whip at the Orleton Farm Driving Competition in Massachusetts during August, when a hurricane was bearing down on that area.
Matt Tierney of Ramsey, N.J., was visiting his father, John, in Peapack and decided to bring his three children, ages 5, 3 and 1 to the meet. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “It was very special, very fun.” His kids really got into it.
“By the time the horses and hounds started going out of the gate and up the road, they expected to be able to follow them,” he reported. “So in the car we had some tears” when the vehicle went in the opposite direction from the animals..
Sally Ike, who chairs the Essex hunt committee, noted the rain was a bit inconvenient, but emphasized it is a badly needed blessing during the drought. She mentioned how important the hunt is for land conservation and thanked the landowners who allow the hunt to cross their property.
The chilly edge was taken off for riders and spectators alike by hot toddies courtesy of Ellistan’s owners, Hank and Sarah Slack (she is another of the Essex joint masters).
Ellistan estate manager Michael Webb.( Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
These stirrup cups are as traditional as everything else.
Ellistan estate manager Michael Webb doesn’t change the recipe from year to year. It consists of brandy, rum, sherry, “our apple cider that we make here and some of the honey we produce as well,” in addition to orange and lemon juice.“That’s it. Bring it to the boil and put it in a cup.”
Rain? What rain?
Essex honorary secretary Ruth Beesch and Dee Osborne in her Barbour rain jacket. ( Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Johnson family, which enjoys strong connections with the hunt (Jazz Johnson is also a joint master of Essex) had seven cousins riding. Christy Johnson Moynihan said her two sons, Rowan and Joe, took riding lessons for a month to up their game (they had only ridden as kids) so they could participate on Thanksgiving.
I, too, am a veteran of many years at the Thanksgiving meet, having written about it since Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis put it on the map in the days when she hunted with Essex and often brought her son, John.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis from the days when she rode with Essex. That’s her son, John, to her right in front of the house. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
While that’s how what otherwise would have been a routine holiday gathering of a local group became big news, once people came to see her, they kept coming, even after she rode off into history.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 26, 2024
Olympic eventing multi-medalist Phllip Dutton put his concerns about the dangers of his sport on social media, and they are worth sharing.
He stated: “With the 2024 eventing season coming to a close, I feel it has been a great year for our sport in many respects with some incredible performances at the CCI5*s throughout the world and with the showcasing of the sport at the Paris Olympics.
“The downside and tragic events of the year were two high-profile riders having cross-country falls. Namely, the death of Georgie Campbell and the life-changing accident of Liz Halliday at the AEC (American Eventing Championships) competition in Lexington, Ky.” (Liz suffered a traumatic brain injury when her horse fell with with her on cross-country. She is being treated at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.)
“Our sport has come a long way in regard to safety and horse welfare. Frangible pins have definitely prevented falls, and in doing so, have prevented major injuries to both horse and rider — and probably, in some cases, death. Course design and construction have also played an important part as well. It is in everyone’s best interest to embrace this new technology to further improve the safety of the sport.
“Both Georgie and Liz’s falls were at jumps without frangible pins. It is probably not practical yet to have every fence frangible, but as riders, we should be encouraging organizers and designers to aim for this. Other sports more dangerous than ours have made huge leaps in the safety area – Formula One and the NFL come to mind. Having the old adage that horses won’t learn if the fences come down is rubbish! If a horse needs to run into a solid fence to back off, you probably shouldn’t be riding him.
“On the other side of safety, riders have to make sure they have the right skills and their horses the right education before setting out on course. Aggressive riding definitely plays a part in keeping a horse confident on cross country. More importantly though, is being able to approach each cross-country jump with the required speed, line and take off distance on a forward-thinking horse. After watching some of the long-format events lately, it’s clear to me that many riders lack those skills and instead are relying just on speed and aggression and having a brave, genuine horse.
“As riders, we have to make split-second decisions, and it is not always going to be the right decision. That is sport and life. However, embracing improvements to jump design, frangible devices in future courses and riders who have a good grasp, understanding and the skills needed to ride safely at each jump will hopefully keep a bright future for our sport.”
Meanwhile,the U.S. Eventing Association Foundation is working to add more frangible devices to cross-country fences. It’s an ongoing process; the foundation pointed out it was less than 10 years ago that the first MIM-clipped fence was used at a British event. And now they are proliferating.
The Foundation has been instrumental in getting frangible fence kits into the hands of course builders across the U.S. And the technology continues to evolve with new approval of MIMS clips for Trakehners recently announced.The frangible technology programs have increased due to large donations from key eventing supporters, but they have also been made possible by the many smaller donations received from riders, trainers, and other horse lovers in the sport. The Foundation needs help to continue sharing of the technology and to support safety efforts in eventing. The organization is asking for donations toward that goal.
Click here to connect with the Foundation and find out more.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 25, 2024
The former majority owners of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie and Roger Smith issued a statement saying their new entity, WI FL Acquisition, LLC completed the purchase of Wellington International from Global Equestrian Group. They confirmed former USEF President Murray Kessler will be chief executive officer of the new Wellington International facility. The venue was known as PBIEC prior to GEG’s purchase and renaming of the showgrounds.
“We are grateful to have Wellington International back into a local and long-term ownership group, committed to ensuring the showgrounds thrive for years to come. All disciplines will continue to have a home here in Wellington including show jumping, hunters and dressage,” stated Bellissimo.
“These sports, along with polo, define this community and firmly establish Wellington as the premier equestrian destination in the world. We look forward to investing in the showgrounds and working with (Wellington International President) Michael Stone and the leadership team going forward. Special thanks to City National Bank CEO Jorge Gonzalez and Market Executive David Albright for stepping up in support of the transaction in such a short time frame and continuing our great partnership.”
Saying he welcomes the opportunity to work with the Wellington International team, Kessler noted his objective is to “capitalize on this remarkable growth opportunity for Wellington. While our investment plan is a multi-year journey, I’m pleased to share that we are already making some meaningful enhancements to improve the experience and infrastructure for the horses, athletes, partners and spectators for this coming season.”
WEF is the largest and longest-running equestrian competition series in the world,”hosting 42 weeks of competition annually across the equestrian disciplines of show jumping, hunters, dressage and para-dressage and welcoming over 350,000 spectators, 15,000 horses and 7,500 competitors. In 2024, WEF contributed more than $400 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County.”
Stone commented, “With the sale process complete, we can now turn to what we do best – focusing on the shows, the horses, the riders and the equestrian season here in Wellington with a renewed purpose and committed ownership group.
“Wellington International Horse Show is the anchor of the Wellington community. When it is strong, our community is strong,” commented Kessler.
“We are ready to turn our attention and resources to ensure that Wellington International remains the premier horse sports destination in the world.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 21, 2024
The U.S. Dressage Federation Finals for 2025 and 2026 are moving to the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, ending its run at the Kentucky Horse Park, where the competition has been held since its inception.
The weather at the end of October in Kentucky usually means cold and rainy conditions that were uncomfortable for exhibitors, since not all the championship competition could be held indoors in Lexington.
The move offers “competitors and attendees alike an equivalency of experience in all aspects of this highly revered event. The selection of WEC was based, in large part, on the facility’s over 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space, in which all championship classes will be held, more than 750 permanent climate-controlled stalls, delicious onsite dining, and numerous luxurious lodging options,” according to a statement from USDF.
“With over ten years of Finals experience under our belts, feedback from competitors, and extensive evaluation of options available that can accommodate the number of horses and arenas involved with the Finals, WEC seemed like an obvious choice to enhance an already exceptional event,” said USDF President George Williams.
“We value the long-standing relationship we have had with the Kentucky Horse Park. It is an amazing venue, and we appreciate the support they have provided over the years. Likewise, we are certain the WEC team will work in tandem with our Organizing Committee to ensure the honor, prestige, and experience matches that to which our competitors have become accustomed, as they take their turn down ‘the centerline of champions’.
“The Organizing Committee, USDF, and all involved in the Finals remain dedicated to providing a high-quality competition and experience.”
WEC General Manager TJ Campbell added, “We couldn’t be more thrilled for the opportunity to host the U.S. Dressage Finals and provide a national championship-level experience to the top dressage competitors across the country. Our facility is renowned as an equestrian sport destination and we have proudly hosted multiple championship events across several disciplines over the years, which makes us a perfect venue to serve as host for such a prestigious event.”
The dates will be Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in 2025 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in 2026..
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 12, 2024
The International Olympic Committee got a wave of petitions with 194,555 signatures during and after the Paris Games seeking to discontinue equestrian competition in the Olympics.
According to the FEI’s (international equestrian federation) update of the October dressage stakeholders’ meeting, the most signatures (83,510) came from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), with 30,000 in one week alone. Other petitions were submitted by such groups as the Animal Rescue Site and Change.org. During the Paris Games, there were 24 allegations of horse abuse, 19 of which involved dressage.
The FEI, which held its General Assembly this week in Abu Dhabi, is reviewing 20,000 photos from Paris in connection with abuse allegations.
But most importantly, the organization has established the Dressage Strategic Action Plan Working Group, with a framework of an Equine Welfare/Action Plan. That will involve rules revision, beginning the process of assigning an FEI registration number to all dressage trainers attending FEI competitions, developing a code of conduct for all dressage stakeholders and other initiatives.
FEI Sectretary-General Sabrina Ibáñez said during the Abu Dhabi meeting that the organization is emphasizing the role of humans as the protectors of horses, “a significant evolution in how we view human/equine relationships.”
Since dressage stakeholders noted a crucial aspect of the discipline is that it is practiced “without tension or resistance, ensuring harmony between the horse and rider,”
Sabrina has noted, “The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased the best our sport has to offer in competition, but also brought to light challenges that have prompted us to reflect and reassess in the post-Games period. To many, this vision of what dressage should embody may seem self-evident. But as highlighted during the meeting, over the years the discipline has moved away from its traditional purpose and this realization requires a necessary realignment to the foundational principles of dressage.”
Somesh Dutt, the FEI’s senior manager for equine welfare initiatives and implementation, outlined 37 items that are part of the new action plan. They run from corrections involving training, tack and equipment to accountability, enforcement and knowledge and many other items. Ten actions have been completed, while others — such as ethical training methods and hyperflexion/rollkur — are to be initiated, and a few, including “tradition vs. scientific knowledge”, are ongoing.
While the abundance of signatures against horse sport continuing in the Olympics may seem discouraging, it’s only part of the picture. For an example of the other side, dressage master classes and freestyle by trainer Lauren Sammis at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts last weekend drew a total of 17,000 people who were interested in learning more about dressage over the three days. Amy Howard rode Grand Prix and the demonstration movements requested by the audience as Lauren presided.
“The people who were there love horses. It was exceptionally well-received,” Lauren noted about the presentations, which included a musical celebration of the horse in the Fantasia evenings. Obviously, there are a lot of people who do want to see dressage and other horse sports continue.
