by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 5, 2024
The breed and performance competition is great during the week of Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon, but going beyond that, this Heritage show offers a fun experience combined with the opportunity to learn. It’s really a multi-dimensional festival, unique in reaching a far wider audience than just consummate dressage fans.
But those dressage fans will have plenty to enjoy, with an impressive list of entries for a variety of competitions, particularly Friday night’s Grand Prix for Freestyle, in which 21 are scheduled to go. Marcus Orlob and Alice Tarjan’s Jane are the headliners in this group, with Saturday night’s freestyle itself a qualifier for next year’s FEI World Cup Final in Switzerland. Marcus does a great job with Jane, and what a shame it was that a tiny scratch on the mare’s white right hind leg eliminated her from the Paris Olympics in the midst of an impressive test. So now we’ll get to see the whole thing at Devon.
Also in this class are Pan American Games medalist Sarah Tubman, who will be making RS Damon’s second international level start; Kevin Kohmann, who showed in the 2024 FEI World Cup Finals with Dunensee and a large Canadian contingent, including Paris Olympian Camille Carier Bergeron with Finnlanderin.
The list of 25 for the 1-star Prix St. Georges on Friday morning also has some recognizable names among 25 starters, including Olivia Lagoy-Weltz with Fade to Black, Silva Martin and Zaphir, Lauren Chumley (Leeloo Dallas) and Marcus’ wife, Shannon Orlob, with All in Harmony.
Marcus and Shannon Orlob at their Annandale, N..J., farm. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
In addition to competition, sessions on everything from veterinary insights to Western Dressage, and an educational Masterclass that’s also entertaining are highlights of this special show in a Philadelphia suburb. Anyone who thinks dressage is boring will enjoy having their eyes opened with the show’s variety and exciting dimensions. For detailed information about attractions and tickets, go to https://dressageatdevon.org/.
DAD, which will mark the fiftieth anniversary of its founding next year, offers enthusiasts from the Northeast a destination where they can immerse themselves in the discipline they love (or are getting to know) from Sept. 24-29. Those unfamiliar with dressage will get a feeling for what it’s about, while taking advantage of other offerings on-site. And oh yes, there’s also the chance to shop at a wide range of vendors on the historic Devon showgrounds.
DAD really offers a unique opportunity for the region.
We tend to think of Florida in the winter as the center for U.S. dressage, but DAD is a chance for Northeasterners to see some of the big names in the sport during a different season, as well as promising horseswho might well be candidates for the next world championships or FEI World Cup Finals (the show is a qualifier for the 2025 Cup in Switzerland.)
It may surprise some, but “A lot of us don’t go to Florida for the winter,” noted DAD President Anne Moss, “so it really is an inspirational show for all the spectators, whether they are owners or riders, or used to be riders. It brings the sport at the highest level to the mid-Atlantic area and inspires so many people to keep riding. I think that trickles all the way down to the grass roots.
Anne Moss, president of Dressage at Devon.
“When that happens,” she continued, “not only do the people get educated about riding and dressage and become better riders, but they also give their horses better lives.
“It does a whole lot for the welfare of the horse, for the sport to be successful all the way down to the grass roots. And then to have the opportunity to have horses at the top level of the sport brings all of us along with them in our dreams about our riding and then realities about improving. To see the breed show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and see some of the parents of these horses competing in CDI classes Thursday through Sunday, that’s really exciting.”
The Thursday night Masterclass, which requires a separate ticket, offers the opportunity to watch riders at a variety of levels get critiqued and improve in the process. Brett Parberry, who is giving the class this year, is an Australian who was a rodeo rider before he became immersed in dressage a quarter-century ago. He’ll be working with a group of participants that includes Anna Marek, the 2023 Pan American Games individual bronze medalist.
Anne Gribbons, the former U.S. dressage chef d’equipe, said of Brett, “A more outgoing and enthusiastic person is hard to find, and yet Brett is very humble about his success in promoting dressage `Down Under.’”
U.S. Dressage Federation President George Williams called Brett “a warm, well-loved, and talented expert…who is known for his ‘horse first’ approach. Brett combines classical dressage training with a unique background that is sure to deliver inspiring educational content for all.”
The Dance-Off, a feature that made its debut last year in front of an enthusiastic crowd, will be back this year with its outrageous costumes, glitter and lively music. Break dancers are also part of the scene, courtesy of the contacts made by Steve Graham, CEO of a private equity firm.
Glitter and costumes were hallmarks of the popular Dance-Off.(Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Breaking, as it is formally known, was a 2024 Olympic sport. Its head spins and aerial moves don’t have a direct relationship to piaffe and passage (but maybe to pirouettes?) yet the joyousness it projects was inspirational for the Dance-Off, where breakers were among the judges and celebrities at the competition. Riders performed to live music produced by a quartet right in the arena.
The husband of DAD board member Christina Morin-Graham, Steve was an athlete who had been involved in ski racing, but at Williams College, he met people who told him about breaking. Curious, he decided to check it out when he moved to New York City in the early 1980s to work at Goldman Sachs, and found himself getting involved in the sport after visiting the real deal for breaking in the South Bronx.
He developed “what I called my portfolio of good, very good, athletic college white boy breaking moves. It was sort of unusual to have somebody like me” doing that, said Steve, known at the time among breakers as Vanilla Shake. Now his breaking persona is called Silverback.
Steve said the breaking connection for DAD started because his wife was interested in “creating some sort of spectacle” a fun diversion at the event, and he agreed to have some breakers there. That was the concept in its infancy, but it will be more refined this month during the Friday evening portion of the show, when such famous breakers as Ivan and Nemesis will be on hand.
Lauren Sammis, winner of the Dance-Off last year, felt it was an important innovation.
“I think we’ve got to do things to pull in the crowd, because if you pull in the crowd, we have more money for our sport,” she said.
There’s always a great audience for the big classes at Dressage at Devon. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Speakers during the week include Lynn Palm on the Thursday discussing the increasingly popular Western Dressage and two lecturers from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center on equine health issues on the Friday, when there also will be a presentation on finances for equestrian from sponsor Kingsview Partners. Shawna Karrsch lecures about positive reinforcement for dressage horses on the busy Friday as well.
Other attractions include the Grand Prix Special and musical freestyle FEI World Cup Finals qualifier on the Saturday night, and a series of freestyles in other divisions on the Sunday.
For those between the ages of 14 and 25, the U.S. Dressage Federation is joining forced with the show to offer the Youth/ Young Adult Dressage Sport Horse breeding seminar Sept. 23 and 24.
It’s an introduction to the ProElite/USDF Breeders Championship Series and to teach them safe and effective handling techniques for showing in hand. Those between the ages of 14 and 25, are invited to attend.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 4, 2024
A spook in the canter near the end of Kate Shoemaker’s Grade IV test with Vianne Wednesday ended the USA’s medal run at the Paralympics in Paris, but her fifth-place finish guaranteed the new combination a start in the freestyle competition.
Shoemaker, ranked number one in the world in her grade, began working with the U.S.-bred Vianne this year. They made their international debut as a combination in Doha last February.
“The first day I knew that it was something so incredibly special and she just kept proving that show after show. It was a clear decision to bring her here,” said Kate.
Their test was trending around 75 percent until the spook. She ended on 72.222 percent.
“That was the first spook she’s ever had with me, but horses are horses, and if we wanted to ride something predictable, we would ride motorcycles, but regardless of anything – I love her more than anything in the world,” Kate said about the 8-year-old Hanoverian mare.
‘”She went into that stadium like she’s done it a million times and it was incredible. She’s allowed to be a horse and she’s certainly forgiven because there’s going to be a lot more beautiful days in the future.”
Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline emphasized, “Kate rode beautifully today. The two of them were incredibly accurate and in sync with one another – the picture was just beautiful.
“We have to remember horses are not machines, and sometimes things outside of our control happen in the arena. Kate handled the rest of the ride after Vianne’s spook perfectly and they still finished with a competitive score.”
It was a Dutch double for the top placings in the class, as Demi Haerkens took gold in her Paralympic Games debut. The 2023 European Championships gold medalist won with Daula on 78.722 percent.
“It was such a lovely ride,” said Demi.
“She was so focused, with such lovely quality and softness. We didn’t make any mistakes. She was with me and dancing with a lot of quality. She was amazing. Now I want to go to the stable and give her big cuddles.”
Her compatriot, defending champion Sanne Voets, who won double individual gold and team silver on Demantur in Tokyo 2021, rode the same horse to silver on 76.528 percent.
The bronze went to Germany’s Anna-Lena Niehues on Quimbaya 6 with 75.222 percent.
The U.S. team for Friday’s competition will be named Thursday.
There were no American competitors in the Grade V competition, won by Belgium’s Michèle George. It was her sixth Paralympic Games gold and seventh medal overall as she defended her Individual title on Best of 8. The double individual gold medalist at Tokyo 2021, was marked at 76.692 percent.
“I’m incredibly happy. She (Best of 8) was amazing. For me, it felt like a gold medal because I had nearly no mistakes and she was really dancing with me. I enjoyed every second of it. It means a lot,” the winner enthused.
Regine Mispelkamp of Germany on Highlander Delight’s, added a silver medal to her individual freestyle bronze from Tokyo, scoring 73.231 percent.
Sophie Wells of Great Britain rode LJT Egebjerggards Samoa to her ninth Paralympic medal by taking bronze with 72.257 percent adding to her four golds and four silvers from previous Games.
click here for Grade IV results
click here for Grade V results
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2024
It was time for U.S. riders to deliver their best in the Paralympics, and that’s what they did Tuesday, as equestrian competition got under way in Paris with 78 riders, the largest entry ever for such an event.
Rebecca Hart and Floratina secured individual gold in their first test, earning a personal best score of 77.9 percent in FEI Grand Prix Test A in Grade I for their first individual podium finish together. It is Becca’s fifth Paralympic Games representing the United States, but the gold marks the first individual Paralympic medal of her career.
Becca Hart and Floratina against the backdrop of the Chateau de Versailles. (US Equestrian Photo)
“It’s been 25 years of trying to get to this point and being close many, many times,” she said.
“To actually get it, I feel like I’m going to wake up at any moment. It’s just surreal. It feels like a dream.”
Meanwhile, Becca’s teammate, Fiona Howard, made her Paralympic debut a winning one that also was a personal best triumph, 76.93 on Diamond Dunes in the Grade II competition.
Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes (US Equestrian Photo)
“We haven’t been a partnership for that long – only since March when we did our first competition,” Fiona said.
“I just trusted him and he gave me everything in there. I am so proud of him. He’s never let me down.”
Roxie Trunnell earned silver in Grade I with 78 percent on Fan Tastico H behind Rihards Snikus of Latvia on King of the Dance (79.167), a silver medalist at the last Paralympics in Tokyo.
“It was a really beautiful performance, we enjoyed watching it,” said Latvia’s chef d’equipe Darja Tikhomirova, speaking on behalf of Rihards, who is also the reigning Grade I world champion and an active DJ.
“After Tokyo, we came home and said, `Okay, next time, let’s get gold.’ ”
Roxie Trunnell and Fan Tastico H (US Equestrian photo)
Roxie, who was a double gold medalist in 2021 at the Paralympics in Tokyo, said. “We’ve all been working so hard. It’s nice to see it pay off.”
She paid tribute to the influence on U.S. fortunes of Michel Assouline, who spent 12 years as head coach of Great Britain’s para equestrian team before joining Team USA in 2017 as head of para equestrian coach development and high performance consultant.
“He is really good,” Trunnell said. “He got us all straightened up, training harder, with better horses. We have evolved our training and been working so hard. It’s nice to see it pay off.”
U.S. Para medalists: Fiona Howard, Becca Hart, Roxie Trunnell (US Equestrian Photo)
All three U.S. medalists qualified for the freestyle competition later in the Games, where the top eight in each category will compete.
Even before the Paralympics, the U.S. was the number one-rated team in the world. The country looks set to keep that ranking after day one in Paris.
click here for Grade III results
Click here for Grade II results
Click here for Grade I results
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2024
Rene Dittmer, who made quite a mark at the Winter Equestrian Festival, translated his success to another season with a victory in the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5-star grand prix over the weekend.
The German and Corsica X, a Holsteiner mare by Connor he owns with Glen Haven Farm, topped a 40-horse field over a 17-effort course laid out by Nick Granat. How nice to have an American, instead of the usual foreign designers, doing courses at the Classic. That was where Nick worked 17 years ago with Conrad Homfeld when he was handling the duties on what was once a big grass field (now all-weather footing) at the classic Long Island show.
Dittmer’s clear round in 37.55 seconds during an eight-horse jump-off was a step up from his win last year in the show’s $39,000 5-star speed stake.
Rene Dittmer and Corsica X (Kind Photo)
“It really means a lot to me to win in front of this amazing crowd,” Rene said.
“My horse was unbelievable this week; she jumped five clear rounds and didn’t have a rail down all week. I’m super happy and still can’t quite believe that this win happened in such a prestigious event.”
Knowing that speedsters Jordan Coyle and McLain Ward, a perennial winner of the prix, were coming after he rode in the tie-breaker, he explained, “I had to do what I could to make them chase the time.”
It worked out because if McLain had gone clear, he would have been faster in 36.87-seconds, but two rails kept him in sixth place.
Young Americans Mimi Gochman (Inclen BH/38.58 seconds) and Alex Matz (Ikigai) were second and third, with Alex posting the fastest 4-fault round in 39.09 seconds aboard the Dutch stallion.
“I was really working on being consistent, clear and not too reckless in the jump-off,” Mimi said after her double-clear performance.
“I was super happy with my horse today. He’s an incredibly scopey, careful horse. I tried very hard to present everything to go smoothly for him, and I couldn’t be happier with him.”
For his part, Alex commented, “I have an unbelievable horse. Since I first got him, I’ve thought he is the best horse I’ve ever ridden. I’m so happy to have him with me at this level.”
For his overall record during the week, McLain won the Longines Rider Championship, a title he previously took in 2021. This time, he was on a new mount, High Star Hero.
“A very special thanks to Michael and Wendy Smith for the opportunity to ride this horse and for Thaisa (Erwin) for producing him to this level,” McLain said, referring to the Australian who was Hero’s previous rider.
“Getting to know him at the Hampton Classic is a bit of a sharp learning curve,” observed McLain who had started riding the horse only five days before the grand prix.
“I would have liked to have pulled up a little bit from home; maybe we came in a bit too fast there,” he said.
“I’m glad Nick Granat had the opportunity to be here and design the course. I thought it rode well, and the rollback to the final line created something of a bogey fence. It’s a shame the horse didn’t go clear, but there is a bit of luck involved in our sport. He is a great horse, and I think we’re going to have a great future.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2024
Jack Levy wasn’t a horseman to begin with. He was in the nursing uniform industry, where he did wholesale, retail and catalogues when he got a call from Miller Harness Co., which was looking for a CEO with his skill set..
His experience got him the job and in what would be typical Jack fashion, he was off and running a few days later, flying to Germany to get immersed in the business.
A savvy executive who made the equestrian scene his own — to the benefit of companies with which he was associated — his kindness, caring and guidance also benefited so many of the people in the horse industry. Whether they were employees or just those who got to know him along the circuit, they all enjoyed something special when Jack became their friend.
He died Saturday at the age of 88 after a fall following his battle with a long illness.
“He’s a fighter, and he wasn’t going to give in,” said his wife, Fran, noting he would go to his desk in their Pennsylvania home every morning at 6:30 to continue his work.
“He was such a voice for this industry and for people riding,” said Fran.
Although he had never ridden before taking the Miller’s job, Jack did get on a horse in Argentina when he went to see a saddlemaker, and rode a cutting horse at a market in Denver during the National Western Stock Show, Fran recalled. Jack went on to work for Weatherbeeta and most recently, as a consultant for Timmy Sharma at JPC Equestrian.
Wherever he was employed, Jack was someone who believed in helping others.
Jack Levy was always willing to help.
“He understood that the success of his team was far more important than any individual success of his own,” said Rosemary Staeck, who runs the online company EquusNow, which specializes in English tack and riding apparel.
She got her start at Miller’s with Jack, and credits him with her success.
“There was no greater leader than Jack,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Jack’s mentorship and faith in me. He could build a team that had such passion and drive. He celebrated others’ victories with such pride.”
She remembered that when she would go to him with a problem, he didn’t give her advice. Instead, he would tell her a story and in it, she would find the answers she was seeking.
“You never left a conversation with him without feeling better,” she recalled.
“He made you feel like you were the most important person on earth.”
Jack, who also had worked for Weatherbeeta, went on to be a consultant for JPC.
Timmy said he had received an email from Jack the day before he died. Work was what Jack did.
“He opened up a lot of doors for us,” said Timmy.
“He was a true visionary. I’m so blessed he came into my life.”
Of course, like so many others, Timmy deeply feels the loss of a man who was one of a kind.
“Now that Jack is no longer a phone call away, I will have to ask, `What would Jack do?’ His wisdom and guidance have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind, and I know many others feel the same.
“Until we meet again, my mentor and friend. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, and the music that will forever play in our hearts. Rest in peace, Jack. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his daughter, Donna Chirico; sons Robert (Julie), Justin (Shauna), Jon (Ferrin) and 12 grandchildren. He also will be missed by his Doberman, Fritzi, and cat, Max.
There will be a celebration of Jack’s life Sept. 22 in Westchester Country, N.Y., with details to come. Donations in his memory may be made to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation (USET.org). Click the donate button if using the website, specifying Jack Levy’s name when making the donation. Donations may also be made by mail at the USET Foundation, P.O. Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07934-0355, or call (908) 234-1251 for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 30, 2024
Michael Barisone made progress toward resuming his career as a dressage trainer on Friday, when a judge gave permission for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team alternate to leave New Jersey and travel to his Florida horse farm.
“I do think it is appropriate at this time to take the next step in relaxation of restraints on Mr. Barisone to allow him to return to Florida,” said Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor in Morristown, N.J.
“I need to figure out how I’m going to move forward,” said Barisone, 60, who is under an interim suspension by the U.S. Equestrian Federation for “allegations of misconduct,” so his legal issues are ongoing.
“We feel confident he will be reinstated,” said attorney Ed Bilinkas, who represented Barisone with attorney Chris Deininger.
It is five years since Barisone has been anywhere near a horse, after being arrested for the 2019 shooting of his student, Lauren Kanarek, at his Long Valley, N.J., farm. He said he doesn’t remember the incident, which left her clinging to life in a hospital Intensive Care Unit. Kanarek took two bullets in the chest during a confrontation, the culmination of tensions that had escalated for months between Barisone and his tenants, Kanarek and her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin.
In 2022, during a trial that drew international attention, a psychiatrist testified the horseman “became increasingly desperate, because he saw himself in a situation in which he was being physically threated by Lauren Kanarek and Robert Goodwin…He was afraid he’d be killed and wanted to defend himself.”
During the trial, Bilinkas asked Kanarek whether she was bent on destroying Barisone and threatening everything he held dear. She replied, “at some point, yes.”
After the jury deliberated for more than three days, Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity on a charge of second-degree attempted murder. Following his time in jail and psychiatric institutions, at a Krol hearing last fall the judge gave permission for Barisone to be released from Greystone Psychiatric Hospital and live at the home of a friend, Brenda Putnam-Higgins in Readington, N.J., where he has been busy doing repairs and driving her to doctors, grateful for her help.
Michael Barisone in his competition days. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
But the judge ruled at the 2023 court session that Barisone could not leave the state. Krol hearings are held periodically to determine the progress of a criminal defendant who has been confined to a psychiatric institution following a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. At Friday’s Krol hearing, Taylor imposed several conditions in connection with allowing Barisone to go to the farm in Loxahatchee, Fla., he shares with his fiancée, Lara Osborne.
Noting that Kanarek resides about five miles from Barisone’s property, Taylor said “the court does have some significant concern” about Barisone being there “because of its location close to where the victim lives.”
Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
He also noted that with Barisone’s return to the equestrian community, he might run into Kanarek somewhere.
“And there’s no telling what Miss Kanarek’s reaction may be to see Mr. Barisone,” nor the reaction of both people’s supporters, Taylor commented. For that reason, he wants to continue Barisone on Krol status, meaning he will have to return to New Jersey for hearings. The next is scheduled for February.
Taylor, who believes lessening of any restraint on Barisone should be gradual, specified that he cannot go to any state except New Jersey or Florida, he should continue with treatment by a psychologist and no guns can be brought to the Florida farm. The judge warned that should Barisone refuse to return for a Krol hearing, he could face a criminal contempt complaint.
After the hearing, Bilinkas said about his client, “I clearly think him being back with his family in his own home is going to help his mental health and he’ll progress to the point where he doesn’t need any more supervision. To me, this is the first big step and it’s extremely important.”
Michael Barisone and Lara Osborne with attorneys Ed Bilinkas (left) and Chris Deininger (right). (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn told the judge at the start of the hearing that the restraints keeping Barisone in New Jersey were appropriate in relation to a psychiatric diagnosis of delusional disorder. He contended that could present a risk because Barisone “will always believe at some level that Lauren Kanarek was bound and determined to destroy and kill him,” something Schellhorn said was a belief “not based in reality.”
Lauren Kanarek’s mother, Kirby Kanarek, said before the hearing that she was upset by the thought that Barisone could be moving to Florida.
“He’s never really apologized to us. He never apologized to my daughter. If he’s not apologizing, that means he doesn’t feel sorry,” insisted Mrs. Kanarek, who attended all the court hearings with her husband, Jonathan.
She is also disturbed that stories on social media posts “by some of the equestrian community are completely false and lies.
“I’m very upset that the equestrian community has gone after our family.
“We didn’t pick up a gun and shoot anyone. My daughter was shot. He came down to her house and shot her. Her body was significantly damaged.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 30, 2024
Eventer Liz Halliday was taken off the respirator Tuesday, a great step in her recovery from a head injury she sustained in a fall on the cross-country course at the American Eventing Championships .
Being able to breathe on her own means she can get more sleep, an important key toward getting better. She gripped a pair of reins in her hospital bed on Sunday, which was also an important sign about the improvement of the Paris Olympic team rider after surgery to ease pressure on her brain.
“She is continuing to make steady improvements and wowing her medical team with her grit and determination,” a message from her supporters said on Sunday.
The top three in the Advanced division of the AECs had Liz on their minds while they were on the podium Friday at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Winner Will Coleman, runner-up Boyd Martin and third-place Phillip Dutton held up a hastily improvised sign that said “Get Well Liz.”
They were thinking of the Paris Olympic squad member who underwent surgery at the University of Kentucky medical center to relieve pressure from swelling in her brain following her Thursday fall with Shanroe Cooley on cross-country.
Boyd Martin, Will Coleman and Phillip Dutton with a wish on the podium. (Annan Hepner/U.S. Eventing Association)
The horse was uninjured and now is happily grazing in his paddock.
Liz’s team said Saturday that when doctors asked Liz to wiggle her fingers and toes, in typical Liz fashion “she is going above and beyond by lifting her arms and legs, too. We are seeing improvements every day. She is constantly showing us that she is going to recover faster than expected.”
Will said he was thinking of Liz all day during the competition; hence the note written on the back of his winner’s check.
“Just really wishing her the best possible recovery and sending her family and all her connections as much support as we can give them,” said Will.
“Just hoping she’s going to be back, and just really pulling for her.”
Will finished on 36 penalties with Diabolo, originally his Olympic reserve horse until injury dropped him out of contention for the Paris Games. Boyd had the same score on his Paris reserve mount, Conner, but Will being closer to the optimum time on cross-country broke the tie in Will’s favor. Phillip rode Possante to third on 40.6 penalties, with 1.2 time penalties in the show jumping.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 29, 2024
Multifamily housing, a 200-room hotel, retail offerings, entertainment elements and youth sports facilities are slated for the 80 acres around Monmouth Park, where racing is slated to continue at the New Jersey track under an 85-year lease agreement.
It was announced today by the track that the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, along with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, has transferred the racetrack to Dennis Drazin’s Darby Development LLC. That entity had been operating the racetrack and now will have full control over the property. Groundbreaking for the new project is set for late 2025.
“Let me start by thanking Gov. (Phil) Murphy for entrusting me, and my entire team, with one of New Jersey’s most iconic landmarks and one of the nation’s top racing venues,” said Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby.
“While we have been operating the racetrack for just over the past decade, we can now implement our vision for the future, which includes, in conjunction with (developer) Morris Bailey, a world-class housing project with full amenities, sports complex, first-class hotel and much, much more. All of this will complement and support our main business, horse racing.”
Bailey, a horse racing enthusiast whose JEMB Realty owns and operates North American commercial and residential properties, as well as the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, will lead the development projects at Monmouth Park. Groundbreaking is set for late 2025.
“We are committed to providing fans with top-quality racing at a venue second-to-none,” Drazin said.
“Today’s actions will ensure a robust future for Thoroughbred racing in the Garden State and it’s with great pride and humility that we embark on a new future for Monmouth.”
Monmouth has 51 days of live racing at the track near the Shore in Oceanport, mostly on weekends, May through September. It also has 10 days at the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey during September and October.
“Monmouth Park Racetrack is an iconic New Jersey attraction,” said Gov. Murphy. “We are thrilled to see this project move forward, which will bolster the local economy and ensure that the area is a popular destination for generations to come.
“Through this important development, the history and legacy of this racetrack will not only be solidified but expanded and enhanced so that more New Jerseyans can experience its excitement.”
“The NJTHA have been great tenants and partners for the last 12 years,” said Paul Juliano, president and CEO of the NJSEA.
“I, along with everyone at the NJSEA, join the governor in taking great pride in securing sustainability and the long-term success of Monmouth Park Racetrack with the new lease for generations to come.”
Said Bailey, “We are embarking on the next phase of a journey that began over a decade ago when we developed plans to reimagine and reinvent the Monmouth Park experience that has brought so much joy to generations of horse racing enthusiasts.
“We have always been staunch advocates for returning the area to its rightful place as the premier destination for horse racing and family entertainment, while including important components that serve the community at large. After an intensive, complex and lengthy process, our plans will create a vibrant lifestyle destination for future generations and will put the racetrack on a trajectory for enormous growth,” he pledged.
Monmouth has roots dating back to 1870, but a state ban on parimutuel betting eventually closed it down. The track reopened in 1946 under Amory Haskell, who had led the legislative effort to permit wagering on horse racing again. The track’s featured race, the $1 million Haskell Invitational in July, is named after him.
In 1986, the state acquired the racetrack and operated it under the NJSEA until 2012, when the NJTHA took the reins as lessee.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2024
A new competition series with $1 million in prize money for dressage, show jumping and eventing is being launched by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, with an eye toward the 2028 Olympics in California.
The disciplines all will have qualifiers and a finals at three different venues that will name a U.S. Equestrian Open champion in each. The finals will be broadcast on ESPN.
“The launch of the U.S. Equestrian Open series has been a priority for us. There’s a purpose-driven need for equestrian sport to produce a more commercially significant and identifiable championship model within the United States, particularly focused around the Olympic disciplines,” said David O’Connor, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s chief of sport.
“We’ve seen new and creative branded series introduced across other mainstream sports, such as golf and tennis, which have experienced tremendous success, both from an athlete and spectator perspective. As an organization, we felt strongly we needed to move the needle forward in our sport by providing access to significant prize money and standing behind a unique model for each discipline, which encourages participation at the highest levels.”
The eventing final at 4-star Long with $200,000 in prize money will be held at Morven Park in Virginia, where the first qualifier will be staged this year.
The dressage final, with $200,000 in prize money and a $50,000 high point series incentive across the qualifiers, will be at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif. Athletes must complete a minimum of two Grand Prix Freestyles at designated US Open series qualifying CDIs during 2025.
The show jumping final, with $750,000 in prize money, will be held as part of the new Rolex series during the last week of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla.
“This series is a testament to the growing momentum and mainstream appeal of equestrian disciplines, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in its success,” says Michael Stone, president of Wellington International.
A dedicated microsite, live leaderboard tracking, publicly accessible and enhanced horse and rider information, as well as significant mainstream airtime on major sports broadcasting platform, ESPN, alongside live coverage via USEFNetwork powered by ClipMyHorseTV, will aim to generate increased media value and public recognition of athletes, horses, horse owners, and organizers.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2024
The name Kristi Mitchem may not be familiar to you, even though she has just been announced as the president and CEO of the Gladstone, N.J.-based U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
But you may well know of her daughter, Caroline Mawhinney, number 37 on the FEI jumping Under 25 rankings. Her mother’s interest in high performance equestrian sport stems from Caroline’s riding career. The family lives in California, but Kristi spends the winters at Triple M Farm in Wellington, Fla., home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Caroline has participated in several U.S. Equestrian Federation High Performance Pathway Programs, including the North American Youth Championships, where she earned several podium finishes. She has twice represented the U.S. at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in the Netherlands, winning gold medals.
“As an avid supporter of U.S. equestrian teams and athletes, I’m thrilled to take on the role of president and CEO of the USET Foundation and excited to leverage my work experience in a way that will contribute to the sport,” stated Kristi.
“I’m extremely grateful for everything that the USET Foundation has provided to my daughter, Caroline, and I’m delighted that I can give back.”
Kristi Mitchem
Kristi is replacing W. James McNerney at the USET Foundation in the roles he served for seven years. He remains as chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2019.
As USEF’s philanthropic partner, the foundation provides the resources to maintain U.S. equestrian competitive excellence on the world stage. The new president/CEO will be responsible for furthering support of that mission.
“Kristi brings a remarkable blend of passion for high-performance sport and a proven track record in business and financial leadership,” said her predecessor.
“Her appointment marks an exciting generational shift that will engage a new wave of donors and enthusiasts who share our dedication to the development of talented, hard-working athletes through the pathway programs. As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, I have every confidence that Kristi’s vision and expertise will propel the USET Foundation and our United States Equestrian Teams to new heights, ensuring our athletes are supported at every level in this country’s quest for sustained competitive excellence on the world stage.”
Kristi was elected to the USET Foundation Board of Trustees in June 2022 and the executive committee in January 2024. She also has been an active member of its finance and investment committees since 2022.
One of three managing partners at &Partners, she was previously the CEO and head of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Global Asset Management division. Prior to that, she served as CEO of Wells Fargo Asset Management and has more than 20 years experience in related roles at State Street Corporation, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs.
“Kristi’s knowledge of the sport coupled with her business acumen have demonstrated that she is prepared to propel the organization forward, particularly as we look toward a home Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028,” said USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins.
During Kristi’s time on the board, Bonnie continued, “she has gained a keen understanding of the USET Foundation’s important role in the sport and the expenses associated with competing at the highest levels. Through her daughter, she has also experienced the thrill of riding for the team. She understands firsthand that our athletes and U.S. equestrian teams require significant resources to maintain competitive excellence now and in the future. I’m very much looking forward to working with her to bolster and extend our mission.”
Kristi is especially keen to increase awareness of, and access to, USEF Pathway Programs and grow the endowment to ensure long-term support for U.S. equestrian athletes and teams.
“The Pathway is what initially piqued my interest in supporting the USET Foundation,” she explained.
“I thought it was fantastic that there were groups of individuals that would help young riders like Caroline progress from the junior levels to the senior teams. Ultimately, thanks to the guidance of the Pathway, some of the most talented riders go on to represent the U.S. on the world stage, whether that is in Nations Cup competitions or at Olympic and Paralympic events.”
Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College and a master’s degree in business administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she was an Arjay Miller Scholar. She is also a Fulbright Scholar and an Aspen Financial Fellow. She and her husband, Tom Mawhinney, have three daughters.
