by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 14, 2023
(An update on survivors and memorial arrangements is at the end of this obituary)
Legendary steward, stable manager and equine caregiver Karen Golding died Friday morning after a long illness.
Karen, 72, had been hospitalized recently after her condition took a turn for the worse.
Many knew her as the groom of the famous Jet Run, who was ridden to much glory by Michael Matz. But there was far more to Karen than that.
David Distler, who had urged her to get her steward’s license, recalled her generous nature.
“She would go out of her way to help anybody with anything,” he said about his friend of 52 years.
“She was such a good teacher. She took great joy in helping people and teaching them.”
Her focus “was always all about the horse, all about the animals.”
He added that she believed in taking care of horses in a natural way, without many of the gimmicks so popular today.
“It wasn’t about what would get them back to the ring; it was about keeping a horse around for a long time,” he emphasized.
Michael Matz called her “a consummate professional. People knew her around the world for it.” He said her horses were so well turned-out, noting “they looked different.” He added she took some courses in acupressure and used it when it would benefit the horses.
Karen Golding. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael met the native of England in the early 1970s when she worked for Bernie Traurig. Then she moved to Winter Place Farm before coming to Erdenheim Farm in Pennsylvania, where Michael rode for F. Eugene Dixon Jr. He then went on to found his own Vintage Farm.
“She did everything the right way with the horses,” he commented.
“She was good for the sport. Grooms who had a problem with something would go to Karen. I think that says a lot.”
Jimmy Herring recruited Karen for Erdenheim. He had been friends with her since he was 19; he is now 68.
“We were very close most of those years. It was just one of those friendships; sometimes we’d talk every week. But many times we’d go months without talking, and then just pick up where we left off,” he said.
Jimmy used to call her “Mama,” noting “she looked after the whole crew. There were many times we would not have made it to work if Karen hadn’t gotten us out of bed. So many people, she influenced their lives and left a mark.”
“I’ve had so many text messages from everybody who worked at Erdenheim and Vintage Farm, saying what an influence she was, not only in their horse experience, but in their human experience about her kindness and her love of people and horses and animals.”
Sydnie Eustace Goodrich, who was grooming Melanie Smith’s horses, remembers Karen as a team player. When the U.S. competed at the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico, the horses were bedded on straw. But that did not work for Melanie’s horse, Val de Loire, because he would gorge on it.
Although it was replaced with pellets, Syd said Karen noted they were non-absorbent. No good. Next was shredded newspapers, so dusty that they were a health hazard. Even though Val wasn’t Karen’s horse, she kept on the case, trying to find a solution.
Karen “stuck to it and kept saying `No,'” Syd recounted. Finally, shavings emerged from somewhere and became the answer.
Citing Karen’s fortitude, Syd said, “She had a sense of how important all the pieces were. She always made sure it worked. She was always part of the team.” And this team got the gold medal, with Jet Run taking individual gold.
Melanie observed that “Karen was a wonderful role model and influence on all the other grooms of her time. She was helpful to everyone and there was a tremendous camaraderie among them. Karen and her fellow grooms all loved their horses and enjoyed their work.
“They were fun to be around. It was a special era in the horse world,” Melanie added.
Joe Fargis and Karen Golding on their induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Several decades ago, Karen, a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, fell and broke her ankle, starting a series of health problems that spiraled.
Even though her issues included diabetes and heart concerns, she was able to control them and continue working. Then three years ago, she broke her other ankle in a car accident. Despite that, she was still able to get around in her wheelchair and work. However, things got out of control in March 2022.
After being hospitalized in the autumn when she fell out of her wheelchair, she eventually wound up in a rehab facility, where she didn’t get the kind of care she needed.
Earlier this year, she was able to come back to her home in Wellington, Florida, as friends contributed to the cost of her care.
She was very grateful for the help she received. At the time, she told me, “There are quite a few people who have stepped up. I feel so lucky with the people that I have.”
Karen is survived by her partner, Tracey Edge, and her nephew, Steven Golding (Lauren). A memorial gathering will be held June 1 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room beneath the stands at the Devon Horse Show. Everyone who knew and loved Karen is welcome to attend. Those who wish to make a donation in Karen’s memory may do so to the Equestrian Aid Foundation (https://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.), which was integral to her care.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2023
The competition was, of course, the focal point of the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, where show jumping, dressage and vaulting titles were decided. (To read about the competitions, click on the “previous columns” icon at the top of the main page. You can also watch the recap from 7-10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports)
But five days in the spacious CHI Health Center also offered plenty of learning experiences, entertainment and of course, lots of shopping involving mostly horse-related items. Riders warmed up in a ring surrounded by the trade fair, which enabled spectators to get an up-close-and-personal look at the contenders.
Germany’s Isabell Werth, who would finish third in the Dressage World Cup on DSP Quantaz, warmed up on ring familiarization day in front of a sign advertising her namesake saddle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Education ranged from Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin giving her special take on horse behavior, to groundwork and jumping tips from a team organized by gold medal show jumping Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor.
A demonstration arranged by Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor (second from left) featured Missy Fladland, Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and groundwork expert Alicia Landman. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Then there was plenty for kids to do in the Education Expo, where they could learn how to halter horses or braid their tails and much more, all on models at one end of the demonstration ring.It was encouraging to see how excited children were as they learned about horses and all that’s involved with them.
Kids didn’t need to be asked twice to learn about haltering these well-behaved horses. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Temple Grandin drew a crowd in the expo area. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Native Americans and the history of horses on the Great Plains were highlighted with a program by the Bluebird Cultural Initiative, complete with costumes and drumbeats. During the draw for order of go, several horses were blessed in a ceremony highlighted by a long chant from one of the elders. (I heard those who brought their horses out for the occasion were rewarded with bottles of Scotch.)
A Native American color guard opened the competition. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
It seems you can’t have a major show jumping event without wasting a bottle or three of champagne after the presentation. Finals runner-up Harrie Smolders got after winner Henrik von Eckermann, and third place Hunter Holloway didn’t escape the stream of bubbly and subsequent dry cleaning bills.
The mandatory champagne battle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
This was the second time Omaha hosted the Cup finals (2017 was the first) but this year, vaulting was added to the mix. The gymnastics on horseback were both graceful and exciting, a treat for many in the audience who had never seen this discipline.
Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven retired from vaulting after an eight-year partnership following their victory in the Pas de Deux. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The World Cup will have another U.S. outing, but not until 2026, when it goes to Fort Worth Texas. Next year, it heads for Saudi Arabia, the first time the competition will be held in the Middle East. Omaha, you did yourself proud.
Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and FEI President Ingmar de Vos present the FEI flag to representatives of Saudi Arabia, who will host the 2024 World Cup Finals. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 11, 2023
The funeral for revered horseman Jimmy Wofford in Virginia last month was packed with mourners who paid tribute to one of the sport’s most respected figures. But those who were unable to get to that ceremony can offer their respects with other like-minded friends at 6 p.m. Thursday April 27.
Jimmy Wofford. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at Spindletop Hall, a mansion just a couple of minutes from the Horse Park of Kentucky in Lexington, where the Land Rover 5-star three-day event is being presented that week.
Jimmy, who died in February after years battling pancreatic cancer, was an eventing Olympic medalist who became a sought-after trainer later in his career.
He also served as president of the American Horse Shows Association, the predecessor of today’s U.S. Equestrian Federation. A great writer, he produced several books on training and one on the story of his life, “Still Horse Crazy After All These Years,” his final volume.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 11, 2023
Civil lawsuits involving dressage trainer Michael Barisone have been settled after years of litigation following the shooting of Lauren Kanarek, the plaintiff who was also a defendant in a counter-suit filed by Barisone.
Kanarek was a student of Barisone’s and a tenant at his Long Valley, N.J., farm. Their relationship deteriorated to the point that they had a confrontation in August 2019, when she was shot twice in the chest and he was charged with attempted murder. Kanarek spent four days in a coma in Morristown Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit after the shooting took place in a scuffle, which also involved her boyfriend, Robert Goodwin.
In a trial last year, Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity of the attempted murder of Kanarek and a weapons charge. It is the first time in 30 years that a jury in the state of New Jersey had reached such a conclusion, according to Chris Deininger, one of Barisone’s attorneys. The jury also found Barisone not guilty in connection with an attempted murder charge, assault and possession of a firearm involving Goodwin.
Kanarek sued Sweet Grass LLC, a partner in the farm with Barisone, and Barisone individually in a separate action. The Sweet Grass matter concluded with a confidential settlement ending that entity’s liability in the case. Mark Silver, the attorney for Sweet Grass, did not return calls for comment.
After a lawsuit was filed against him individually, Barisone counter-sued. Both he and Kanarek last week agreed to drop their suits with prejudice, which means they cannot be filed in the future. Gregg Alan Stone, Kanarek’s attorney in that matter, chose not to comment.
Barisone, who had been diagnosed with delusional and depressive disorders, remains in Greystone Park State Hospital in Parsippany, N.J. Pending the outcome of a formal investigation and final decision, Barisone is on interim suspension for “allegations of misconduct” from SafeSport, an organization created by Congress to end sexual, physical, and emotional abuse on behalf of athletes.
Michael Barisone and attorney Chris Deininger. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Deininger said in a prepared statement, “On my behalf, on behalf of Edward Bilinkas and on behalf of all the other professionals working as part of Michael Barisone’s legal team, I’m pleased to announce the voluntary final dismissal of Lauren Kanarek’s claims against Michael Barisone and of Michael’s claims against her, which took place without the exchange of money.
“With the civil suit claims behind him, Michael can continue his recovery from the mental breakdown he suffered in August 2019, following the incidents recounted at the criminal trial.
“The extinguishment of the civil suit claims, in our view, is yet another important vindication of Michael. We are thankful for all the encouragement and support people have given Michael, with special thanks to those who testified at trial and those who bravely came forward to give crucial information important to the defense.
“We will now focus our attention on getting Michael out of the hospital, getting him back to his homestead in Florida and resolving his issues with SafeSport. Our fight will continue until the day when Michael is once again free to raise, ride and train horses, which has always been his calling and passion.”
Meanwhile, Deininger filed suit Monday against three insurance companies, contending they should have covered the costs of Barisone’s defense.In denying coverage, the companies contended that Barisone’s action was intentional and not reasonable, Deininger said.
“The jury came back saying it’s not intentional, so that’s gone, and the insurance company never investigated whether the use of force was reasonable, they just said that,” noted Deininger.
“I’m going to raise the issue of whether or not they should have paid his defense costs, because there were claims of negligence that are not intent-based, and I think they should have defended him on those claims.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 13, 2023
After a week at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Jonathon Millar is improving in the wake of suffering a head injury in a March motor vehicle accident.
A posting by Millar Brooke South stated Jonathon is starting to do more things on his own, such as talking and drinking.
“He is even regaining enough strength to begin standing up with some assistance. Even though these seem like small steps, they are all positive ones. He is definitely headed in the right direction. Jonathon would not be able to make this much progress without the expertise provided at the Shepard Center.”
Cassandra Kahle, who suffered traumatic brain injury during a fall in a jumper class last January, spent time at the Shepherd Center during her recovery.
According to the Millar Brooke South posting, “Overall, Jonathon is getting stronger every day, thanks to this incredible care. We are thrilled to see pieces of Jonathon coming back together slowly, but surely.
We would not be able to have this opportunity without the help and support from the Jonathon Millar Recovery Fund on GoFundMe, The Ziegler Family, The Fisher Family, The Kevin Babington Foundation and Equestrian Aid Foundation. The donations from the entire equestrian community have made Jonathon’s stay at the Shepard Center possible, and we feel hopeful that because of this he will make a full recovery.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2023
Should I buy this horse? That’s a question many prospective owners ask after hearing the results of a pre-purchase exam.
Get some advice from Dr. John Pigott on Tuesday, April 18, when he presents: “Pre-purchase Headaches in the Sport Horse: Risky Bone Chips, Lumps, Conformation and More!” as part of the Cornell Equine Seminar Series.
He will discuss common abnormalities and questions that veterinarians, buyers and sellers face during pre-purchase examination of the sport horse. If there is a bone chip, is it okay to buy the horse anyway? What are the chances of a conformational abnormality turning into a problem in the future? This seminar will explore the concept of risk assessment during pre-purchase and how to make the most informed decision when questions arise.
Dr. Pigott is a specialist veterinary surgeon and 2009 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. He completed his equine surgery residency training at Ohio State University and has performed research in equine orthopedics, regenerative medicine and upper airway disorders.
Before moving to Cornell, Dr. Pigott was employed by a private practice referral hospital in Wisconsin, where he worked in both elective and emergency orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, advanced imaging and lameness.
He joined the team at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in 2015 and has expertise in orthopedic surgery, upper airway surgery, complicated lameness, advanced imaging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Piggott also has an extensive history as a competitor in the hunter/jumper field and utilizes this unique knowledge daily as he approaches cases across disciplines. As a recognized specialist, Dr. Pigott is a regular speaker at both national and international conferences on the topics of orthopedics, regenerative medicine and lameness.
This seminar is part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Seminar Series, and will be presented on Tuesday, April 18, from 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom. Please register in advance at this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2023
The FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha ended with an intense two-round show jumping competition Saturday night, keeping spectators in suspense until the final horse faulted.
But after all that, it wound up with the most predictable victor, just as the Dressage World Cup had on Friday with Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndel taking the title for the second year in a row.
World champion and world number one-ranked show jumper, Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, didn’t waltz to his win in the Longines Cup. He started out with the lead on Wednesday, but missed qualifying for the jump-off in Thursday’s class.
Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
While it dropped him from first to third in the standings, he later realized that because his fabulous horse, King Edward, jumped one less round during the week, the circumstance may have helped him in the final two-rounder. Henrik noted the Belgian warmblood felt particularly fresh and ready to go when he took him to the ring on Saturday to fulfill a llfetime ambition.
Henrik von Eckermann and the trophy he always wanted. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“When I was very young, I always went to the Gothenburg Horse Show (in Sweden), and watched the World Cup,” Henrik recounted.
“It was always a big, big goal and a dream for me to be able to have my name on that trophy. So for me, it’s very special.”
Course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral and his team had routes that were both attractive and testing to the proper degree.
“It’s been tiring,” Bernardo admitted.
“We tried to make different tests every day, to have the speed with some options but not a flat race, they had to jump,” he said, referring to the first leg of the competition.
“It’s hard indoors to create nice options, not too small, not too tall. The
second day harder, more efforts, jumps quicker but not too big, just tall verticals, different lines, but they have to flow.
“I am very happy with the result and I think we had a great winner.”
“We had 18 four-faulters in the first round (on Saturday) and that’s the dream of the course designer. We want to be testing, we don’t want too many to be clean, but we want the horses to jump well. And when you have three clears, 18 four-faulters, and then six or seven clears in the second round after all this jumping. I’m happy with that.
It’s not easy to test these guys, and I try to be as good as them.
“It’s hard to create variation in rhythm. It’s one of the tools without attacking the horse. We always have a nice way out for the horse. Just that variation in rhythm creates problems to the rider, but not to the horse. They can have four faults or eight faults and still feel great and fresh afterwards and positive — and not take their heart out.”
Explaining the complicated Cup scoring, as I tried to do in my story after Thursday’s time first jump-off competition, is quite difficult. It’s easy to get placings in one leg of the competition mixed up with the overall score, and the way cumulative faults are counted over the course of the week. So I’ll keep that to a minimum while we look at the big picture.
Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, sixth in the first leg with Monaco, moved up from a tie for seventh overall after round two to second place in the final. And the USA’s Hunter Holloway, who had been consistent throughout the competition with the fiery Pepita con Spita, was third.
After toppling two rails in the first round of Saturday’s competition, Hunter was determined to continue reaching for the podium.
“I knew I really had to fight for that clear second round tonight, every bit of it,” she said.
“That’s what I tried to do the whole way around, fight for that clear round, every second of it, every inch.” She won the fight with a determined fault-free trip on a brisk clocking that put her ahead of Brazilian Yuri Mansur, who also was fault-free, but achieved that more than one second slower with Vitiki.
There were two other U.S. riders in the top 20; Devin Ryan with Eddie Blue, 13th, and Nick Dello Joio, 20th with Cornet’s Cambridge.
That made U.S. Coach Robert Ridland very happy in his continuous scouting mission for riders who could be important additions to teams for international competition.
“Hunter rode lights-out all week long, from start to finish. She was so focused it was unbelievable. For starters, the experience she got last year at the World Cup finals in Leipzig put her in really good stead for this year,” he said.
Hunter Holloway and Pepita con Spita. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lisa Roskens, who came up with the idea of holding the Cup final in Omaha (back when people would say “Oma-who?” ) has a long association with Hunter and was delighted with the way she finished the competition. Hunter is practically a local rider, coming from a farm in Kansas just a two-hour drive from the CHI Health Arena where the Cup was held. She has been a regular at the annual show presented there by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation.
“How awesome that a show she has supported for years–probably when it was inconvenient for her and we are most appreciative that she did–how awesome that this is her first time to have a big international podium finish,” said Lisa, the CEO of Burlington Capital Group.
Lisa Roskens with Harrie Smolders, Henrik von Eckermann and Hunter Holloway. ( Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I couldn’t be more thrilled for her and more proud of what she’s done. She’s a great representative of our part of the world. The fact that she did that here is that much more of an inspiration for the kids who watched her.”
Discussing Devin and Eddie, Coach Robert said, “I’m happy to see them back in the fold.”
Devin, based in Long Valley, N.J., had been second in the 2018 World Cup Finals and then rode on the gold medal World Equestrian Games team that year. But a bone bruise sidelined Eddie from consideration for the Tokyo Olympic team. Devin wisely has been conservative with his horse as he brings him back to the top level of the sport. He had one rail down in each round Saturday.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Devin emphasized that Eddie “was awesome” in Omaha.
“He jumped great all week. It’s really nice to have him back out there doing it. I felt like we weren’t coming into this on form, but I felt like he came on form here.”
McLain Ward, who won the Cup when Omaha first hosted it in 2017, didn’t have a good show with Callas. He made the cut to the top 30 who started in the first round Saturday night, but after dropping two rails, failed to qualify among the top 20 who jumped the second round. His final placing was 23d.
Click here for class results. Click here for total penalties. Click this link for final standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 8, 2023
Defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB soared on a glittering wave of fluid movement and perfect harmony to take the FEI World Cup Dressage Final last night for the second time.
Although their mark of 90.482 percent in Omaha was more than three points ahead of runner-up Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Blue Hors Zepter, the astronomical score–with 55 marks of 10 from the judges–wasn’t even a personal best for Jessica, who won the Cup in Leipzig last year with 90.836 percent.
The German rider’s music left no doubt about her goal for next year: Dalera danced to “I Love Paris” and an Edith Piaf vocal. Jessica, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic champion, said the audio accompaniment gave her goosebumps as she headed down centerline at the end of her ride.
While it looks like she and Dalera are all ready for the 2024 Olympics in the City of Light, Jessica won’t be resting on her resume.
“It’s always a challenge to do it again,” she said, “to be in the here and now and have everything together again.” Then she added an understatement–“it worked out.”
Discussing the mindset of her elegant mare, Jessica said that as soon as she lifted her hand, the signal to start her music, “I knew she’s 100 percent there with me.”
Jessica called Dalera her soulmate, someone with whom she loves spending time, as she has over the past eight years. The rider decided to forego sightseeing in Omaha in favor of hanging out with her horse during the week.
“She loves me as much as I love her,” Jessica declared.
The competition was basically non-stop excitement for riders and spectators, with each entry putting their own stamp on riding to the music that defined the talents of their mounts.
Jessica von Bredow Werndl holds up the World Cup, flanked by Nanna Skodborg Merrald, second and Isabell Werth, third. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The others who would share the podium with Jessica took a different approach from the winner, with horses that showed off their power. Nanna Skodborg Merrald, who rode last, said her 15-year-old chestnut gelding Blue Hors Zepter, “was really on fire. I had to be so careful all the way around. It was a bit difficult to come back after the extended canter, but I’m so thrilled.”
Nanna has been riding Zepter only fourth months, and this was just their third competition.
” I had the feeling that I can ask for so much more. I only pressed the accelerator at half. He’s amazing,” said the Danish competitor, who also qualified Zepter’s sire, Blue Horse Zack, for the Cup. (He did not attend.)
But while she called Zack “the king,” his son is still working on achieving what she believes is great potential. Even so, they achieved a personal best of 87.146 percent.
Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Isabell Werth is fondly remembered by those who came to Omaha for the 2017 finals, which she won with a flourish on Weiheigold OLD. Her fan club has grown this week, giving Isabell a standing ovation as she finished a compelling performance with DSP Quantaz, coming down centerline to the beat of “Nothing But a Heartbreak.”
Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The spectators weren’t the only ones having a ball.
“I really enjoyed my ride and this crowd,” said the German star, who was awarded 85.761 percent, and her smile echoed her assessment of the ride: “It was fun.”
It was also technically complex; Quantaz put in 22 one-tempi changes on a bending line and showed immense control with a walk into a piaffe pirouette that led into a double canter pirouette
The top American was Steffen Peters on his longtime partner, Suppenkasper, better known as Mopsie. They were not far off the podium in fourth with a mark of 83.921 percent. The crowd loved Steffen too, clapping rhythmically as Mopsie showed off his extended trot.
Discussing the changes that were made in his music, Steffen explained, “We had to try and top it from Tokyo (where the U.S got the Olympic team silver in 2021). We made it a little better. That’s very hard because it was already such a good freestyle to begin with.”
Steffen Peters acknowledges applause from the crowd. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
His music was his familiar “We Can Dance,” with “Staying Alive” in the mix and a very personal note added at the end, a vocal rap-style addition that began, “I’m from California.”
Mopsie rose to the music.
“Sometimes he gets a little low in the bridle. Today he was up there looking for every ounce of energy. It felt amazing,” said Steffen.
When Steffen walked into his hotel after the competition, he was greeted with a standing ovation and applause. He definitely was moved by the appreciation, offering a big smile for those who gathered to salute him.
Another Californian, Anna Buffini, reached new heights with FRH Davinia La Douce. They poured every ounce of athletic endeavor into the music from “Top Gun Maverick,” a favorite movie of Anna and her family, especially because of her late grandfather’s military service. She was sixth with a score of 77.843 percent.
Anna Buffini and FRH Davinia La Douce. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m thrilled. I couldn’t have asked for more. I couldn’t have asked for a better test. We were on purpose conservative on the first day (the Grand Prix) to have a clean test and we pushed more today. And to still have a clean test when taking more risk is everything you could want,” she said.
Anna, who is a singer, did the vocal portion of the music that played during the walk break in the freestyle.
She was thinking of the audience, saying, “I hope they loved it as much as I did. We made this for them and I hope we made them proud.”
The third American competing, Alice Tarjan, bounced back from last place in the Grand Prix to ninth with a mark of 75.207 percent on U.S.-bred Serenade MF, a mare she brought along through the levels to the top of the game. The Grand Prix problem involved a miscommunication that led to Serenade stopping twice in the piaffe.There was no such error this time.
Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Even so, “It’s still a work in progress,” said Alice of her freestyle.
“I’m really happy. The horse was super good, like she always is, and handled the atmosphere great.”
She was, she mentioned, sorry not to have pulled off a double pirouette to the (tempi) changes.
“I can’t count to two apparently. I did a single and I was worried, `Maybe I went around two times?’ and you can’t do three. `I better get out of here now,'” she thought and left it at one pirouette.
Her trainer, Marcus Orlob, offered some advice before she went in the ring, warning her not to focus on being perfect, which she tends to do. He told her, “Make it look easy, pretty. Smile, have fun.” And she did.
Marcus Orlob, Debbie McDonald and Alice Tarjan’s husband, Dennis Sargenti in the “kiss and cry” stand. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Debbie McDonald, the U.S. technical advisor for dressage, was thrilled by the performance of her riders.
“In my opinion, Steffen kind of won the crowd tonight.” When that happens, “No matter where you finish, you won. Anna was amazing. Alice did a great job, her first time here, amazing.”
The evening was filled with emotion, but perhaps one of the most poignant moments was Justina Vanagaite’s one-handed ride on Nabab down centerline toward the finish, as a dramatic Ukraine war song was playing. We all knew her sympathies; the first Lithuanian ever to compete in the final was wearing a light blue and yellow ribbon in honor of Ukraine on her shsadbelly.
“I am supporting the Ukraine with all my heart.You can hear it with my music. It’s nonsense what’s going on now,” she declared about the war. Justina finished 11th with 73.693 percent.
The field for the freestyle was reduced to 13 when Torveslettens Titanium RS2, a son of Totilas, had to be withdrawn after suffering signs of colic. He was ridden by the Netherlands’ Marieke van der Putten and finished eighth in the Grand Prix Wednesday.
He was the third horse to leave the line-up this week. Hermes NOP, another Dutch horse, was declared not fit to compete and did not start. Franziskus FRH, the mount of Germany’s Ingrid Klimke was fourth in the Grand Prix but was withdrawn from the freestyle after a “misstep.”
Even though the field was diminished in numbers, it was not diminished in quality. The overall standard should be given a mark of 10.
Betsy Juliano, whose Havensafe Farm sponsored the dressage in Omaha, said she backed the show because. “I felt that it was very important for this United States-based event to have a United States sponsor, and I’m proud to be that sponsor. It should not be underestimated, the inspiration and the fantastic enlightenment that everybody in this crowd saw with these riders over the last two days of competition. It’s really important to our sport in the world, in the United States, and this region.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 7, 2023
Christy Baxter has been named to a newly created post, director of equestrian operations at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Christy, who has a long history serving the sport has been establishing and managing strategic partnerships for World Equestrian Center – Ocala since 2020.
Most recently, she drove the concept work, logistics and management around the successful All for the Horses Expo sponsored by Ariat International, Inc. She has spent 17 years working in horse sports. From 2000 to 2017, after joining the U.S. Equestrian Federation, she served as assistant discipline director and then increased her responsibility to hold a management role within the organization.
Christy Baxter, Shelley Page, a giant piece of candy and Jim Wolf. (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)
She focused on planning, development and logistics for USEF and its athlete representation at major national and international championships as well as several Olympic Games. Since 2020, she also has been assistant manager for NBC Sports Group in their Olympic Operations Department, handling all logistics for NBC staff working at the Olympic Games.
In her new role, Baxter will oversee day-to-day equestrian operations of the facility including World Equestrian Center hunter/jumper and dressage horse shows and equestrian events hosted by the facility. In addition, she will drive the development of the venue’s new offerings including eventing, driving, polo, vaulting and para equestrian sports. Her appointment follows the resignation of Vinnie Card, director of operations, who helped set up the facility.
The Roberts family, owners of WEC, called Christy “a key team member who worked tirelessly on the retail infrastructure necessary to launch World Equestrian Center – Ocala and guide its continued growth and development.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 7, 2023
The deck was shuffled in the second jumping competition at the Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, with two riders on the move tied at the top, while Wednesday’s leader, world champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, found himself demoted to third. A downed rail kept him out of the eight-horse jump-off, an uncharacteristic mistake with the superb King Edward.
Richard Vogel of Germany, who ended Wellington, Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival with a win in the featured $500,000 5-star Rolex class on Cepano Baloubet, topped last night’s test with United Touch S, an 11-year-old Westfalen stallion he saved for his Cup campaign.
Despite his victory, he is fourth in the overall standings.
Andreas Schou of Denmark, third in the class, with the Holsteiner Darc de Lux is tied overall at the top of the standings on 0 penalties with Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer (Vancouver de Laniore), who was fourth in the class. They are two points ahead of Henrik, and five ahead of Richard, in the Cup’s complicated scoring system. I won’t even try to explain it; all I was told was that “fractions are rounded down” in determining placings.
Andreas Schou and Darc de Lux. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Interestingly, although Richard was advised by McLain Ward to come to Omaha (where McLain won the Cup in 2017), he couldn’t enter until someone else scratched.
Training with McLain was important for Richard’s success in Florida.
“Every step he takes, he thinks about first and that helped me a lot, because I am naturally more an instinct rider and don’t try to over-think it, so it’s a very good combination for me and I benefitted a lot from his support,” Richard explained.
Richard Vogel and United Touch S. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
United S was second at the German young horse championship, which gave him his claim to fame. But Richard pointed out, “To be honest, everyone thought he was a bit too slow. Scopewise, of course, he can jump everything, but was he clever enough in technical courses?”
I guess we now know the answer to that one.
“So I am happy that we have such a good relationship and he helps me out enough times and I try to help him as much as I can,” Richard continued. I
“It works very well, and we had some great results indoors and outdoors, so I think we have a very good partnership,” added Richard about the horse he started riding six months ago.
Richard’s fault-free jump-off round in 35.11 seconds was just a narrow 0.14 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Harry Charles of Great Britain on Balou du Reventon. If that horse’s name sounds familiar, it’s because until the end of last year, he was ridden by Brian Moggre of the U.S., who competed in the 2022 world championships on him. And if Harry’s name rings a bell, it might be because he’s the son of Peter Charles, a member of Britain’s 2012 Olympic gold medal team.
Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer on Vancouver de Lanlore. (P)hoto © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
A lost stirrup probably affected Harry’s time, the top Under 25 rider said, also noting that his mount is “not really a horse, he’s Pegasus.”
Hunter Holloway with the clever Pepita con Spita is still the highest-placing American, fifth overall, while Devin Ryan, on the comeback trail with Eddie Blue, is tied for ninth with Britain’s Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) and Norway’s Victoria Gulliksen (Equine America Papa Roach). They all have 10 penalties. But enough of the numbers; my head is spinning.
Hunter Holloway and Pepita con Spita. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Hunter, whose family is in Kansas, two hours from Omaha, is a regular at the Omaha Equestrian Foundations shows in this city, so she’s at home here.
Calling her mare “stronger than ever,” Hunter noted she “has really come this week to play and she’s definitely top of her game and I’m just trying to keep up with her. Round one was super today and she jumped great again and fought hard for me and we had an unlucky rail when I was a little deep in the jump-off, but she was excellent.
Devin hit the heights in 2018 when he came from seemingly out of nowhere to finish second at the World Cup finals in Paris before going on to ride on the U.S. gold medal team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. An injury to Eddie took Devin off the Olympic shortlist for Tokyo.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
But they’re back now, though Devin makes sure not to overuse his horse of a lifetime. Naturally, he was hoping to jump double-clear (Eddie can handle big fences, but he’s not a speed demon). The back rail at the final fence in the tiebreaker derailed Devin’s otherwise perfect trip as Eddie twisted in the air a little over the obstacle and touched the pole with his back toe. Devin felt in retrospect it would have been better to do seven strides to that oxer rather than eight. Nothing like 20/20 hindsight, as every rider can testify. True to form, he wasn’t fast, finishing on four faults in 38.95 seconds.
I saw Devin having a post-competition conversation with U.S. coach Robert Ridland, so that should tell you something about the future of this combination.
The course built by Bernardo Costa Cabral of Portugal used a lot of solid-colored rails, which can be harder for horses to see than poles with a pattern or stripes. There were also a couple of airy verticals, and even an airy wall (solid on top, pillars on the bottom).
Richard called the first round “pretty technical, there were enough short lines.” He termed it, “a tough enough class. Not too easy, not too soft. I think the course builder did a good job.”
McLain dropped from 11th–theoretically in striking distance of victory–to 30th, the cut-off to qualify for Saturday’s final competition. He toppled three rails with Callas and collected a time fault.
Even so, “It felt like quite a nice round,” McLain reflected.
“I could maybe fault myself a little at the first oxer (at fence 6). I was a little worried about the front rail and pulled her a little bit off the floor and she didn’t finish.
“She felt a little bit tired tonight,” he mentioned.
McLain Ward and Callas. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“She hasn’t done back-to-back days since I’ve been riding her. I thought the course was really good, I thought it was a much better course tonight than last night (Wednesday), which I thought was not challenging enough.
“The ground (footing) is average and I think that affects the horses a lot ,” noted McLain, who believes that may have caused Callas’ fatigue. Henrik had mentioned last night that he felt the footing was deep and tiring in spots.
Friday is all about the dressage freestyle. The jumpers have the day off and will come back on Saturday night for the two-round finale. Click here for the results of Thursday’s class. Click here for the overall Cup standings. Want to see the course? Click this link.
