by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 16, 2023
If you own a fancy warmblood or a sleek thoroughbred, you may disagree with the premise of Cornell University’s Equine Seminar Series presentation entitled, “Why is the mule the most important member of the horse family?”
Want to draw your own conclusion? Go to Zoom from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 21, when Dr. Doug Antczak, the Dorothy Havemeyer McConville professor of Equine Medicine at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, will introduce you to the fascinating world of mules.
It’s free, but registration is required at this link
In case you don’t know, the Mule is a hybrid produced by a mating between two separate species, the horse and donkey. Mules have a long history of contributions to human society as a remarkable beast of burden and source of animal power.
Less well-known are the many ways in which the study of mules has advanced scientific thought and our understanding of fundamental biological principles. This seminar will introduce you to the fascinating world of mules.
The professor graduated from Cornell with a BA in biology in 1969, before receiving his VMD from University of Pennsylvania in 1973. He then completed a PhD in immunology at the University of Cambridge in 1978. At Cornell, his research program is focused on horse health.
Among other important projects, Dr. Antczak’s genetic selection and breeding of horses led to his continuing involvement in the international Horse Genome Project.
This seminar is part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Seminar Series, presented by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Hospital, the New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 19, 2023
Riders with California ties commanded the podium in Saturday night’s $100,000 WCHR Peter Weatherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, as John French won with the 8-year-old Hanoverian Milagro.
Hunter Spectacular winner John French and Milagro. (Photo Jump Media LLC)
The horse’s name means miracle in Spanish, and that’s what it was for John, who got his first victory in the class at age 60 with a total of 187.5 for the two-round test.
A longtime Californian who won the Pacific Coast Horsemen’s Aasociation Perpetual Troophy many times over three decades, he is back on the East Coast (he was originally from Maryland) riding for Kent Farrington LLC.
In second place was a rider 42 years John’s junior, the 2022 ASPCA Maclay winner Augusta Iwasaki. The Southern Methodist University equestrian team member was aboard Small Love, owned, by her parents’ operation, Iwasaki and Reilly. Her score was 184.49.
Nick Hanness, third on Glade Run Farm’s Queen Celeste, has been commuting back and forth between California and Wellington as he prepared for the big hunter week in Florida. He had a total for the two rounds of 180.41.
“I think riding in this kind of atmosphere brings out the best in all horses,” said John, who last year was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame.
“They were all jumping so well tonight, and I think the lights, the crowds and the jumps really showcased the hunters. There aren’t a lot of these classes left, so we get excited for nights like this and so do our horses.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
Diana Firestone, as well known in the horse show world as she was in the racing world, died in Florida Feb. 12 at the age of 91.
Mrs. Firestone and her late husband, Bert, had a racing stable that included 1980 Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk. She is the mother of show jumper Alison Robitaille, who has ridden for the U.S. team many times.
Diana Firestone.
Born in New Brunswick, N.J., she was the granddaughter of Robert Wood Johnson, the founder of Johnson & Johnson. Mrs. Firestone was the daughter of John Seward Johnson, an executive with Johnson & Johnson, and Ruth Dill Johnson. After learning to ride in England, Mrs. Firestone competed in shows and fox hunted in Virginia.
“She was an amazing mother and an amazing horse woman,” said Alison Robitaille.
“Pretty much every animal loved her. Whether it was dogs, horses, whatever; when it came to animals, she was like a magnet. She gave to me my love of horses and introduced me to them at an early age, which I am very grateful for.”
Mrs. Firestone received the Walter B. Devereux Trophy from the American Horse Show Association (the predecessor of the U.S. Equestrian Federation), for having exemplified good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service.
In addition to Allison, Mrs. Firestone is survived by her other children; Lorna Stokes, Christopher Stokes, Cricket MacDonald and three stepsons; Matthew Firestone, who was an eventer; Ted Firestone and Greg Firestone. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPSC) and English Riding Supply have recalled about 55,000 Ovation Protégé helmets for failure to meet the impact requirements of ASTM F1163-15. These helmets pose a risk of injury to someone who falls while wearing the helmet.
This recall involves Ovation Protégé model equestrian helmets manufactured from December 2020 through December 2022 and sold in multiple colors and finishes. The Ovation Protégé is an equestrian helmet that is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard. An SEI certification label, which includes the model name and date of manufacture, is located inside the helmets. “OV” is printed on the front of the helmets.
Riders should immediately stop using these helmets and return them to the retailer they were purchased from or to any Ovation authorized dealer for a free replacement Ovation Deluxe Schooler helmet or contact English Riding Supply for a $60 refund.
The replacement helmet or refund will be provided upon return of the recalled helmet or proof of destruction of the recalled helmet. It is not required to return the helmet itself to English Riding Supply.
To destroy recalled helmets, cut off the harness straps. Email a photo of the cut harness and a photo of the interior manufacturing label, clearly showing the manufacturing date and serial number, to helmets@englishridingsupply.com. The manufacturing label is located on the interior foam liner underneath the comfort liner, so you will need to remove the comfort liner to access the manufacturing label.
To learn how to destroy your helmet and receive a refund, or learn more about the recall, visit https://www.ovationriding.com/ProtegeRecall/
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 14, 2023
After a two-year absence, John Ammerman is returning to HITS Vermont to manage the eight-week summer horse show with co-manager Joe Dotoli.
John produced the Vermont Summer Festival for more than 30 years before HITS took over that role in 2021. The 2023 Vermont Summer Festival will feature an extended eight-week schedule with six USEF National-rated competitions from July 5-Aug. 13. There also will be two Channel II weeks June 23 – July 2, as well as Equitation Tuesdays throughout the circuit to help riders qualify for national finals.
HITS Director of Horse Show Operations Rian Beals with Vermont series co-managers Joe Dotoli and John Ammerman. (Photo courtesy of HITS)
“No one knows the Vermont Summer Festival better than John, and we are excited to welcome him back to manage this venue,” noted HITS CEO Peter Englehart.
“This event has a special place in all of our exhibitors’ hearts, and we want to continue delivering top sport with the boutique feeling everyone has come to love at HITS Vermont.”
As John noted, “I am excited to work with the new management at HITS, as well as my good friend and co-manager, Joe Dotoli. I love the Vermont Summer Festival and believe in delivering an amazing event for all our customers. This incredible venue offers so many wonderful and unique opportunities, and I am thrilled to be a part of it again.”
HITS Vermont will continue to offer an all-inclusive horse show just outside Manchester, Vermont. The show offers every level, from the Short Stirrup Classic to the $40,000 weekly Grand Prix. Plans include an enhanced VIP experience and weekly exhibitor parties.
Information about the 2023 Vermont Summer Festival is available at www.HITSShows.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Trophies and ribbons are nice, but the World Equestrian Center’s Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford offers a whole lot more–an SUV for the winner and $40,000 for the winning trainer.
That new Ford Explorer XLT is being driven by Kate Egan of Glen Gardner, N.J., after she topped a field of 100 in the Ocala competition. Her trainer, Emil Spadone, who worked with Luke Olsen, Ashley DiBongrazio Pankow and Cassandra Kahle, also received $40,000 of the $100,000 purse that was split among the trainers of other leading finishers over the Bobby Murphy-designed courses.
Kate Egan and Ypaja Kashmir. (Andrew Ryback photo)
The final test involved Kate, Carlee McCutcheon, Jordan Gibbs and Ellie Aronson putting in one more round.
“When I walked the second round, the technicality increased a good bit from the first, but I didn’t let it get to my head,” said Kate, who was tenth in the 2022 ASPCA Maclay finals .
“I knew I was able to do it. I made a set plan and came up with alternatives in case something happened. I don’t remember much of the round now, but I do remember feeling incredible. I think that was the best I’ve ever competed,” continued Kate, who rode Redfield Farm’s Ypaja Kashmir.
“The work-off was very hard, and I was with three other amazing riders,” added Kate, who will be attending Texas A&M later this year.
“I wanted to take everything into consideration before I made my plan. I watched the other girls go, and knew I had to produce a good round to stay on top.”
Emil, whose Redfield Farm is based in Tewksbury, N.J., observed about the newest equitation championship, “I think all of the riders did an incredible job. I really feel like this class has developed into an important championship like the [Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final] and Maclay Finals. It is a class that we all look forward to, and to have such a prize for the kids and the trainers – it’s incredibly generous.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Tribute was paid to the dynamic Gazelle by a big Saturday night crowd on Feb. 11 at the Winter Equestrian Festival, as the 17-year-old mare headed for retirement after a stellar show jumping career with rider Kent Farrington.
Kent Farrington and Gazelle. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Her owner, Robin Cleary Parsky, said, “After 10 years of extraordinary accomplishments at the most prestigious show jumping events in the world, it was a difficult decision for Kent and me to have Gazelle leave her sporting career, but I am delighted to report that she is in terrific condition and she will be heading for a well-deserved life of green pastures and sunshine.
“Kent and I had a great experience here in 2017 when Gazelle won the Fidelity [Investments®] Grand Prix, so we decided that we would let her retire at the top of her game here. To be able to have her fans thank her and know how much we appreciate her, that is what we wanted. Thank you to all of Wellington and everyone here at WEF for helping us do this wonderful tribute to an incredible horse.”
Throughout the mare’s international career, Gazelle grossed over $4 million in prize money and represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games with Farrington in the irons. Gazelle was also honored with the International Horse of the Year title by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2020.
“I’m obviously very proud of her results,” said Farrington. “Thank you to Robin and my team and all the people who have been a part of her journey. She made me a better rider and a better horseman, and for that I’m probably the most grateful.”
One of this century’s most outstanding horses in the discipline, Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof X Indoctro) won her last competition in September at Spruce Meadows. She earned more than $4 million in prize money, winning nearly all of the top 5* Grand Prix in the world including Rolex CSIO Aachen, Rolex CSI Geneva, GCT Madrid, Queen Elizabeth II Cup Spruce Meadows (twice), American Gold Cup (twice), Fidelity Investments CSI Wellington, Rolex CSI Tryon, Jumping International Valence (twice), Hubside St Tropez, Kentucky National WC and many other jumping events.
Robin Parsky, Kent Farrington and groom Denise Moriarity at Gazelle’s retirement ceremony during the Winter Equestrian Festival. (Sportfot photo)
Kent and I once had talked about Gazelle’s character and how he brought her along. Kent worked with Gazelle from the time that she was seven. As he noted, “A horse that is that careful just takes time. They need a lot of experience in the ring so they understand the job, understand how to jump the combinations and really know what’s expected of them. Horses like that have to have a lot of trust in the rider. That’s only built through time and experience.”
Kent knew what he was looking for when he selected her.
“She was very, very careful. In today’s sport, for professional riding, someone that’s accurate, that’s what you want–a horse that’s extremely careful. It takes a little extra time to produce them, but I think in the end you get a special horse.”
Watching Gazelle compete, you might be surprised to learn about Gazelle’s barn persona. As Kent explained it, “She’s really sweet in the stable, she’s very quiet; a little opposite of how she is in the competition arena. She’s a good pet; like a puppy, really friendly.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 30, 2023
Do you know how to take your horses’ vital signs to monitor their health? This is a really helpful article from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, . Even if you know how to do it, why not post this in the barn as a reminder or to give pointers to owners and employees.
A horse’s vital signs offer early clues into his overall health. Get to know your horse’s main vital signs and practice taking them. The earlier a potential issue is identified, the better; the chances for responding and preventing a larger issue from developing.
Temperature: 99 to 101.5 F
Like humans, horses are individuals and may have a slightly higher or lower resting temperature and it may vary with ambient temperature and exercise. Therefore, knowing your horse’s baseline is essential.
Take and record the horse’s temperature several times a month to establish what is “normal.” Exercise and weather can create fluctuations. Measure while the horse is at rest, after work, and in other common scenarios.
How to measure: Use a rectal thermometer and lubricant. Digital thermometers are available at local drug stores, tack stores, and farm supply stores. The inexpensive thermometer provides easy reading but requires batteries, which can be sensitive to cold weather. Check and change batteries as needed.
Mercury thermometers are another option but can be more challenging to read and aren’t readily available for purchase. The benefit is no batteries are required. With either model, you can attach a string to the end and clip it to the horse’s tail to avoid it getting lost.
What it means: A slightly elevated temperature can suggest a horse is fighting a mild infection or having an inflammatory reaction that could be the equivalent of a cold in humans. A mild fever after vaccination can be normal and just shows that the immune system is responding. Mild fevers can just be monitored while watching for any other clinical signs. If the fever persists and the horse stops eating, consult with a veterinarian about treatment with cold hosing or an NSAID.
“Bringing the fever down can help the horse resume eating and drinking but it’s important to remember that fevers have a purpose in terms of fighting infection so we don’t want to just mask them with drugs,” said Sarah Reuss, VMD, DACVIM, Equine Technical Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim.
Fevers that climb to 105 F or greater could suggest several different infections from Equine Herpesvirus to Potomac Horse Fever, influenza, etc.
“If your horse has an increased temperature, contact your veterinarian,” said Dr. Reuss. “They can guide you through the next steps based on the horse’s condition.”
Pulse: 28 to 44 beats per minute
The average pulse rate can vary based on the age and size of the horse. For example, a fit racehorse may have a resting pulse of 30, whereas a nervous pony may be closer to 40. Foals also have higher pulse rates at birth and through the first few months of life.
How to measure: Along the jawline and at the fetlock are the easiest places to locate a pulse. Place two fingers in either location and feel for pulsing. Count the pulsations for 15 seconds and multiply the result by four.
“If you have a stethoscope, you can listen for the pulse just behind the horse’s left elbow,” said Dr. Reuss. “Listen for a ‘lub-dub’ sound. Count for 15 seconds and then multiply by four.”
What it means: It’s normal for a horse to have an elevated pulse after exercise. However, if the horse has not worked or takes more than a few minutes to return to normal depending on the intensity of exercise, it’s time to call the veterinarian. High pulse rates can point to pain, dehydration, illness, and distress.
Respiration: 10 – 24 breaths per minute
How to measure: Count the number of breaths for 15 seconds. Watch the horse’s sides as he inhales and exhales. Again, multiply by four. Then, hold one hand or a mirror by the horse’s nostrils to feel for breath out of each nostril.
What it means: Horses in heavy work can take as many as 150 breaths per minute. In addition, heat, humidity, exercise, and fitness level can influence respiration rates. “Get to know how long it takes a horse to recover after exercise to establish a baseline for what is acceptable and to signal a potential issue,” said Dr. Reuss. “Continued rapid breathing can suggest respiratory disease, pain, or discomfort, and it is essential to work with your veterinarian.” Horses with fevers often have an increased respiratory rate as well, so be sure to check all vitals if you notice any one of them being abnormal.
3 additional vitals to know
In addition to T-P-R other physical clues can offer insight into a horse’s health.
Mucous membranes: Healthy tissues are pink and moist. These tissues are visible when the skin meets an opening on the body. The most common are the gums and the conjunctival sac of the eyes.
Capillary refill: This is how quickly blood returns to an area after applying pressure. This is best observed on the horse’s gums. Apply firm pressure to the gum and release. It should return to pink within one to two seconds.
Gut gurgles: Stand beside your horse and listen for intestinal sounds. Gurgling, growling, and rumbling-like noises indicate all is well. If it’s silent, the horse may be colicking or may have just not eaten for awhile.
“Knowing a horse’s vital signs make it possible to catch and diagnose a problem early, which allows for quick intervention,” said Dr. Reuss. “It’s always prudent to contact the horse’s veterinarian if they are off. Sharing the horse’s vital signs can help determine how quick the response must be and the next steps.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 7, 2023
Even as the decades sped by, the dedicated alumni of Junior Essex Troop never forgot lessons learned or friends made in the cadet auxiliary of the Essex Troop, 102d Cavalry, New Jersey National Guard. As youngsters on a 13-acre farm in West Orange, they experienced military discipline and the virtues of hard work; grooming horses, cleaning stalls and doing other chores that kept the place running.
They were trained in equitation, marching and marksmanship, sharing a brotherhood that became a lifelong bond. Troopers were easy to spot as they rode in competition, proudly wearing their regulation green uniforms. The JET drill team was famous for its star turn of having each rider, lance in hand, jump his horse safely through a ring of fire.
Troop alumni salute as their show ended its run at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Although the farm was sold in 1983 and the youth program ceased operations in 1987 amid changing times, those who had been part of JET stayed close. The Troop’s Garden State Horse Show continued to be staged by alumni, doing everything from announcing to serving as jump crew. The show also did double duty as an annual reunion for the men.
The Junior Essex Troop’s insignia was a regular feature at its horse shows. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
It was held at various locations, from Chubb Park in Chester to the Sussex Country Fairgrounds in Augusta and finally, in 2019, at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone.
But with no active organization for young people to bring troopers up through the ranks, the task of putting on a large show became too much for the aging former troopers, so their spring dates went to The Ridge at Riverview in Asbury.
The JET alums then were left with $140,000 and the question of what to do with the money as they undertook the process of formally dissolving their corporation.
“There was no sense in keeping it going,” explained Rodney Seelig, president of the 11-member JET board. At the same time, it was important to distribute the funds to organizations with the same values the troopers had learned.
“We got so much out of Troop,” he pointed out.
“It meant so much to all of us,” agreed another board member, John Walker, who is pleased that distribution of the funding was well thought-out.
After much due diligence, the board decided on donations to four organizations. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association, the USA’s largest youth equestrian organization with a reach across the country in 44 states, also will be receiving JET trophies for national championships in addition to funding.
The 14,550-member IEA offers programs for riders in grades 4-8 and 9-12, with the idea of promoting lifelong involvement in equestrian sports while developing an appreciation and understanding of them through competition and educational opportunities.
“IEA is quite like Troop in its mission,” said Tim Cleary, an officer of Troop who became its horsemanship instructor and is an associate professor of equine studies at Centenary University.
“The Junior Essex Troop, and riding organizations like it, were the foundations of the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association) and the IEA. We, as kids, experienced the format they are doing now.”
There is something for every level in IEA and even a variety of disciplines—it offers western and dressage competitions as well as hunt seat, and has a pilot program for adults.
It creates a lot of memories. John noted that the first horse show ribbon ever won by his son, Jack, now 27, was at an IEA show as he was inspired to go on with his riding and is training today to be a veterinary technician.
“I am so happy to have the Junior Essex Troop name live on in an organization that is so much like it,” Tim commented .
“The objective is/was to introduce those drawn to horses in a way that is affordable.”
The other beneficiaries of JET’s generosity are Project Forces for Horses in Long Valley, which helps veterans; Work to Ride in Philadelphia, introducing horses to children in an urban setting and Mylestone Equine Rescue in Phillipsburg, N.J. It is run by SusanKelly Thompson, a granddaughter of Solon Maxfield Palmer, a cavalry veteran who was a commandant of JET, incorporated in 1943.
IEA had a natural link with JET. Roxane Durant, IEA’s executive director and one of its founders, worked at JET shows in the early 2000s when her former husband, the late Mike Rheinheimer, was managing them.
“I did the ingate and whatever needed doing,” she said.
“I feel like I met the Junior Essex Troop and a least a piece of their history,” Roxane observed.
“In there somewhere, it planted some seeds for creating a similar program that also connects kids using horses,” she suggested.
JET team at the 1959 Junior Olympics at the Thomas School on Long Island: Ronnie Scornavacca, Pat Devlin, Pete Andre, Denis Glaccum.
Roxane views the Troop’s donation as “an incredible endorsement for us,” noting the two organizations talked for more than a year before the decision was made.
“It’s an honor to be chosen to carry on their legacy,” she said.
Kathy Dando, IEA’s resource development director, notes the organization offers many benefits.
While it helps increase revenue for lesson barns—which are vital but often have a tough time surviving, at the same time “it is really promoting good access to grassroots education for the sport,” she pointed out. In addition, it provides second careers for equine athletes and
“good safe instruction and positive promotion for getting our kids access to benefits of the sport and learning well.”
Stories about JET remind Roxane of how she grew up, going to a local barn and putting on horse shows, in a youth community centered around horses.
“Those were the dreams I always wanted to keep alive for other kids,” she mused.
She expects the JET funds will go toward IEA’s Benevolent Program, which supports both students and coaches in financial need. IEA helps between 20 and 40 riders a year with financial support.
It’s a win not only for IEA, but also for equestrian sport.
Roxane notes kids who might not otherwise be able to ride will get the boost they need from IEA.
“Those are the kind of kids that will step into this industry because they fought hard to be in it. That’s hugely significant and their (JET’s) funding will be a key to us being able to continue that program.”
Those interested in learning more about IEA can contact membership coordinator Jennifer Eaton at jenn@rideiea.org, or go to the website at rideiea.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 12, 2023
Mclain Ward, who has had so many spectacular grand prix victories at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., delivered yet another Saturday night triumph with Callas, as fractions of a second separated the top three.
McLain Ward and Callas. (Photo by Sportfot)
He has a way with mares, and this 15-year-old Holsteiner by Casall secured his edge over Ireland’s Darragh Kenny in the nine-horse jump-off of the $497,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix, finishing in 44.03 seconds to 45.09 for the runner-up on the Selle Francais stallion Volnay du Boisdeville.
Another American who has a penchant for speed finished third; Kent Farrington, was clocked in 45.14 seconds with Landon, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding who is an up-and-coming prospect.
McLain has been aboard Callas for about a year after taking over from Annabel Revers on the mare owned by the Beechwood Stables.
“The jump-off was built for us,” said McLain, who gets along particularly well with mares.
“She cuts a little left and so one, two, I could take a straight line. I needed the Hermès to show up well off that rollback. As you saw with everybody, you had to make a sharp turn and it was a bit awkward, but I got away with that one. She performed brilliant.”
Five nations were represented in the nine-horse jump-off culled from a starting field of 40 over the course designed by Frank Rothenberger.
Darragh summed up what it was like to ride in front of a packed house at the Wellington International showgrounds, saying, “The atmosphere was unbelievable tonight and it’s hard getting a crowd like that, but this one was amazing.”
The buzz didn’t deter Landon, enough though it was his introduction to competing under the lights in the International arena.
Patient as always in developing a special horse, Kent has taken his time with Landon.
“I’ve brought him up slow. He’s an incredible jumper. His rideability was a bit difficult; that set some speed limits on me still for the jump-off, but he’s learning to go a bit quicker,” he said of the horse who topped a CSI3* grand prix on the derby field three weeks ago.
“It was a tremendous performance for him, and this was his first night class here in the big ring. I thought he jumped incredible, so I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”
