by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 21, 2023
Ralph L. “Larry” Roberts, Sr., 77, patriarch of the family that owns the World Equestrian Centers, died March 19 in Ocala.
Mr. Roberts, known as “Senior”, was the founder of R+L Carriers. He started in the trucking business in 1965 with a single Ford truck, moving household furnishings in his spare time while working at Irwin Auger Bit. His warehouse was behind his home. After he linked up with Mayflower, the business grew exponentially.
Family, service, safety, and quality guided Mr. Roberts, who knew those values were shared by drivers, dock workers and office staff. More than 18,000 people are employed by his company.
Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife, Mary, whom he married in 1963; his children, Michelle Carpenter, Ralph L. Roberts, Jr.(Terri) and Roby (Jennifer); seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Roberts wished people to remember him for his legacy and did not want a memorial or funeral service.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 26, 2023
Riding with HEART in Pittstown, N.J., is running its spring tack sale next month. Want to donate? (Contributions are tax deductible.)
They will accept new and “gently used” equestrian equipment (for horse, rider, or barn) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. To schedule a different drop-off time or the pick-up of a big donation within an hour’s drive of Pittstown, email tacksale@ridingwithheart.org.
Looking to buy? The sale is March 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and March 26 from noon-3 p.m., witha half-price sale on most items that day.
Riding with HEART (which stands for Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation and Therapy) is located at 639 Route 513, two miles west of the Pittstown traffic light.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2023
There are some heavy hitters who were named today to the team for the May 14 U.S. Nations Cup, the country’s next step toward earning a berth at the Paris Olympics next year. Unlike the Nations Cup in Wellington earlier this month, the May Cup in California is a qualifier for the Barcelona Nations Cup finals this fall. One place from that competition will guarantee a country a team spot in Paris if it comes in ahead of countries that are already qualified for the 2024 Games.
McLain Ward and Laura Kraut, longtime pillars of U.S. success, are part of the team. Also selected were Lillie Keenan, Nick Dello Joio (son of Olympic medalist Norman Dello Joio) and Karl Cook, who has been on a winning streak this year.
McLain Ward’s mileage will be crucial for the team competing i California’s Nations Cup. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
If the Barcelona strategy doesn’t work in terms of a ticket for Paris, the U.S. will have one more shot later in the year at the Pan American Games. That competition in Chile should be a dilly for countries that haven’t qualified, a list that could include Brazil and Canada. Three countries from the Americas can make the cut at the Pan Ams.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 14, 2023
Instead of marking its 50th anniversary next month at the Horse Park of New Jersey, the Four Seasons show will be in limbo.
“We’re taking a year to regroup,” said show manager Mason Garrity as he announced cancellation of the fixture. However, he’s not making predictions about the future for what normally is the first big outdoor show of the year in New Jersey.
“We’ll see what next year brings,” he commented.
“Last year, the weather was gorgeous, in the 70s, but no one was there,” Mason recalled. Asked why that was the case, he noted that people are staying in Florida longer into the spring, with many not coming home until the week of Four Seasons. In addition, he pointed out, the Horse Park is showing its age, and leasing a facility is another expense for the show.
Stand-alone shows don’t have the resources of the big circuits.
“The landscape is changing,” observed Mason, who also owns a jumps company, announces and manages other shows.
Four Seasons was started in Readington in 1973 by the late Gary Kunsman, the father of Mason’s wife, AJ.
“Because of Gary, we ran it as long as we could,” said Mason. The show was also cancelled in 2020 along with most other competitions because of Covid.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2023
How do you decide when it’s time to end your horse’s life?
Dr. Lindsay Goodale, a lecturer in Animal Science at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Lynn Bliven, Agriculture and Natural Resources Issue Leader at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, will discuss equine euthanasia and making a plan for your horse in a Zoom presentation on March 21 from 6-7 p.m.
Goodall teaches courses in Equine Biology and Management, Domestic Mammalian Behavior and Animal Welfare Science. As Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Equine Specialist, she also serves as a resource for the state’s extension educators, horse owners, and industry professionals.
Bliven specializes in agriculture economic development, beginning farmer outreach and livestock production.
This seminar is part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Seminar Series. Please register in advance at https://bit.ly/ESS-Mar2023
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2023
Charlotte Dujardin has introduced her baby, Isabella, to another love of her life, her multi-gold medal dressage mount, Valegro. How long before we see Isabella coming down centerline?
Charlotte with Isabella and Valegro. (Photo by Jess Photography)
As Charlotte observed, “All I can say Isabella, is that this horse changed my life, as you now have, and I have so much love for you both and these precious times.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 14, 2023
Are you happy with the conditions for horse-keeping in your state? Or are you thinking of relocating to a more horse-friendly environment?
It’s a tough decision, but a company called Lawn Love has made it a bit easier by ranking the Best States for Horse Lovers. They compared all 50 states based on 27 metrics, such as equestrian programs, riding trails, horse shows and museums.(Not sure why museums would be a vital factor, but maybe some of the horse lovers referenced in the title of the study take the cultural aspect of their equestrian fixation seriously.)
Also considered were the availability of horses for sale, boarding facilities, veterinarians, trainers and affordability.
In case you’re wondering why Lawn Love cares about the Best States for Horse Lovers, it’s because grass is an essential component of equine diets, and pastures need horse-friendly grass types for safe foraging. Makes sense, right?
The rankings were put together to mark National Horse Protection Day earlier this month. Number one is California, ranked first for equestrian activities and equine care. Its overall score is 77.46, which puts it 13.71 points ahead of Texas, number two but with a number one ranking for equestrian education. Number three Florida has a score of 53.51, followed by Kentucky (39.92–number one in equine access) and New York (38.66),
New Jersey is 18th with a score of 23.56. Oddly, it was third-best in terms of affordability, which experience told me didn’t seem right, so I contacted the Lawn Love people about that. John Schmidt explained that New Jersey has the third-highest cost in the country, tied with California, but the metric was adjusted by income.
“We took the average salary of each state, as well as the average care cost, and figured what the average percentage of one’s salary would be used for equine care,” John said.
In relation to the average income, it has the third-lowest percentage, so it’s ranked third for that metric. I’m sure from most horse owners’ point of view in New Jersey, it may not feel like that.
It is 24th in equine housing and care, 15th in equine access and 12th in equestrian education.
The worst states? Delaware is at the bottom of the list, with Mississippi second worst, then West Virginia, Alaska and Hawaii. Why were they the worst? An overall lack of equestrian attractions and equine resources.
To look at the rankings of every state, click on this link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 12, 2023
The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping dream is still alive for McLain Ward, after winning the second leg at the Dutch Masters with HH Azur today.
McLain Ward and HH Azur on their victory lap at the Dutch Masters. (Photo Rolex Grand Slam/Thomas Lovelock)
There were 16 riders in the jump-off from a starting field of 35 over Louis Konickx’s course in the Brabanthallen, including world champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden on King Edward. But none could cover the ground faster than McLain, winner of the first leg in Geneva last September, on the mare who carried him to the FEI World Cup title six years ago in Omaha.
Henrik set quite a pace in 38.52 seconds, but was overtaken by Frenchman Julien Epaillard on Donatello d’Aug, who was 0.46 seconds faster. McLain was better in 37.86 seconds to remain “alive” in the race for the Grand Slam title.
Discussing his victory in the 1 million Euro class, McLain conceded “it was lot of stress, having to watch the remaining 12 riders in the jump-off. The level here so high, and I think later tonight I will realize what we have achieved. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has truly raised the bar of the sport and winning a Major is one of the greatest moments in a rider’s career. I am so proud of my team and my horse –- and a little proud of myself.”
He added about the 17-year-old mare, “She is smarter than everybody else and is truly a queen. I think she understands what is happening and really rises to the moment. She loves her job and the partnership that we have created is truly so special. We will now aim her for CHIO Aachen to try and win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.”
McLain emphasized, “It’s a great goal to aspire to.The challenge of the game is what gets you out of bed every day and it drives you, and at this point in my career, i realize that’s the most important part of it.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 10, 2023
Beloved veterinarian Dr. Meg Mullin, “dedicated her life to what she did and had fun doing it.”
That comment, from Will Connell, former U.S. Equestrian Federation director of sport, sums up the essence of Dr. Mullin, who died Thursday after weeks in a coma following a riding accident.
A sports medicine clinician at the B.W. Furlong and Associates veterinary practice, Dr. Mullin was the U.S. team veterinarian in several disciplines. Much admired for both her professional expertise and upbeat personality, she had an abundance of friends who mourn her loss.
Dr. Meg Mullin was an enthusiastic polo player. (Photo courtesy B.W. Furlong Associates)
“She meant everything to us,” said Dr. Brendan Furlong, who had worked with her since 1997.
“Meg was a force to be reckoned with. Her love of life and her dedication to the practice and to her colleagues and to the horses was phenomenal. She leaves a huge hole, certainly in our lives and practice, and also in the horse industry.”
Dr. Mullin, known to her friends as “Muggy,” had experience with all types of horses, but her favorite equestrian pastime became playing polo. She enjoyed it at the Cypress Polo Club in Lake Worth, Fla., during the winter, and during the summer at Tinicum Polo Club in Pennsylvania, near her home in Clinton, N.J.
Carolyn McKay, the Cypress club manager, was watching as Dr. Mullin mounted Antojito last month and began walking the horse at the beginning of a casual ride. Suddenly, the mare reared up, then fell to the ground dead, hitting her rider in the face with her head.
McKay rushed to the unconscious Dr. Mullin’s side after calling 911, holding her hand and talking to her until the ambulance arrived.
“I had the feeling Meg never knew any pain or discomfort; she was just riding until she wasn’t,” McKay said.
Shortly before her accident, Dr. Mullin was interested in buying another horse to add to her string, which also included Leona and Contessa. But ironically–considering what would happen a few weeks later–when the animal was vetted and determined to have a heart murmur, she decided not to buy it, McKay related.
Recalling the delight with which Dr. Mullin would enjoy getting out on her horses and letting her rough-coated Jack Russell, Scooby, run around at the club, McKay said, “She had it all here when she came out to ride. She just enjoyed every minute of being with the animals and being outside. She was smiling from ear to ear until she was done.”
Dr. Meg Mullin. (Photo courtesy B.W. Furlong and Associates)
Her charisma was felt by the club members as well, said McKay, noting she “gave encouragement and smiles to everyone, both on and off the field. She just made it fun.”
Dr. Mullin was known for her work with the USA’s youth show jumping teams, driving horses, occasionally event horses and most particularly, the para-dressage team horses.
“She was very much part of the team behind the para-dressage team that helped it go from out in the wilderness in Rio (Paralympics 2016) to the podium in Tokyo (2021). That’s without doubt part of her legacy,” said Connell.
“She was completely dedicated to her job,” he continued.
“She got on with people and was the right person for the para-dressage environment.”
Lizzy Chesson, the USEF’s manager of show jumping, called Dr. Mullin’s passing, “a huge, huge loss for us, the team and the industry.”
Dr. Mullin’s private clients also were tremendously fond of the veterinarian.
“All of us at Ashmeadow Farm are devastated about the loss of our dear friend, Meg,” said top hunter rider Amanda Steege.
“She was kind, smart, hard-working, upbeat and always put the needs of the horses first. She made me strive to be a better horsewoman. I will miss her dearly.”
A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Mullin fulfilled a long-held ambition when she was able to attend the Super Bowl and root for the Philadelphia Eagles this winter.
She attended Chestnut Hill College and the University of Virginia for her undergraduate studies, then received her veterinary medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
“She was always a horseman,” said her sister, Jennifer Kovacich, who wrote,”The night sky has one more star as Meg makes her way to heaven. Please carry forward a bit of her sparkle with you to share in abundance.”
In addition to Jennifer, Dr. Mullin also is survived by her brother, Raymond (Miriam Pugh); her sister, Kumari (Kumara Frank), and her nephews, Mitch and Nicholas Kovacich.
Arrangements will be made in the future for a celebration of Dr. Mullin’s life. Those who want to donate in her memory may go to a GoFundMe page put up by Pam Wildman for Dr. Mullin, which will expand into funding for equestrian sport safety.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 31, 2023
What’s the future of the horse industry in New Jersey?
Whether you’re a breeder, involved in racing or showing, or have pleasure horses, we all have our concerns, as development continues making inroads into the state’s remaining open land, while costs of feed, hay and everything else connected with our horses continue to rise.
The Rutgers Equine Science Center will address the situation at the New Jersey Equine Industry Summit on March 16, with the University of Kentucky’s Jill Stowe, offering the keynote presentation on the “Economic Analysis Of Equine Operations: Reducing Costs For Horse and Horse Farm Owners.”
The Summit is open to equine leaders, professionals, veterinarians, educators, owners, and enthusiasts throughout the tri-state area. Hosted by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the event will be held at the Cook Student Center, New Brunswick. There is no charge, but you must register here.
Breakout sessions will focus on horse health, the future of racing, land use policy, environmental stewardship, the integrity of equestrian sport and industry sustainability by engaging youth in equine activities and leadership roles. A just-completed needs assessment survey of industry participants will be a special feature of the program.
“This is only the second time in 20 years that the Equine Science Center has organized such a high-level conference focusing on the horse industry’s future,” said Rutgers Professor Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center.
“Our first Summit, held in March 2003, examined the challenges and opportunities facing the horse industry, resulting in many innovations and new programs for the field.
“Needless to say, the landscape has changed in the past 20 years and there are new opportunities – and challenges – for the industry,” she added. “The Center is here to help the industry create a roadmap for years to come.”
The formal program begins at 10 a.m. preceded by coffee service at the student center. Lunch will be served before the breakout sessions in the afternoon, with a wrap-up session prior to the conference’s conclusion at 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required at this link.
There are more horses per square mile in New Jersey than in any other state. An economic impact study of the industry showed that there were 7,100 facilities housing 42,500 horses and employing 13,000 people.
“It’s no wonder that over 40 years ago, the New Jersey legislature designated the horse as the state animal,” Malinowski said. “The equine business is an important economic engine for the state.”
Rutgers established the Equine Science Center in 2001, appointing Malinowski as the director, a position she continues to hold. The Center, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is dedicated to better horse care through research and education to advance the well-being and performance of horses and the equine industry.
Why not participate? It’s free. For questions, please contact Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.
