by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 16, 2022
World Dressage Champion Lottie Fry of Great Britain picked the right place to be close to perfect with the magnificent Glamourdale, winnning the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle at the London International Horse Show tonight.
Her overall score was 90.995 percent, but one of the five judges gave the 26-year-old rider an artistic marking of 98 percent, totally amazing. Lottie’s total bettered her world championships freestyle mark of 90.654 on the 11-year-old black stallion.
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale enjoy their victory lap in London. (Photo courtesy FEI)
“The support from the crowd tonight was incredible, and to end this amazing year here is wonderful! It is almost impossible to sum up 2022–it has been incredible and coming to London and performing in front of my home crowd is the best feeling and the best way to end the year,” Lottie said.
Talking about Glamourdale’s performance tonight, she added, “I had such an easy, fun ride. He is better than he was in Herning (world championships) and we keep improving, so I can’t wait for the years to come. Paris (Olympic Games 2024) is for sure the goal, and we will see how it goes until then”.
Glamourdale and Lottie Fry at the World Championships, where they were stars.
Her countryman, Gareth Hughes and Classic Briolinca, also a Dutchbred, were second but far behind, even on a very respectable score of 84.590 percent.
Third went to Germany’s Ingrid Klimke, better known as an eventer, who finished on 82.170 percent with Franzikus FRH. Ingrid leads the Western European League as she seeks to qualify for the Cup finals this spring in Omaha.
To see all the scores, click on this link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 13, 2022
The new Channel System that went into effect this month for the 2023 season has nothing to do with TV. It’s an initiative for restructuring horse show competition licensing that takes some explaining, which is just what happened today during a forum at the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s annual meeting in Washington State
Britt McCormick, a member of the USHJA board, sees the system “as a way to broaden our sport, to grow the grassroots, a way to put something out there that is innovative; something different, something new.”
USHJA President Mary Knowlton, presiding at the State of the Association meeting, said the concept, implemented through the U.S. Equestrian Federation, started with the USHJA as an answer to the eternal question about showing, “Can we make a more affordable experience for exhibitors?”
The idea is “to open the competition calendar to more horse shows and to provide a robust program of awards for the regional level–an awards program equal to the program that exists now for the top of sport,” said Sissy Wickes, who served with Britt on the USEF Competition Task Force that created the Channel System proposal. It eases the mileage rule, which for decades had been an impediment to the growth of new shows.
Britt McCormick and Sissy Wickes. (USHJA photo)
Some find the Channel System a concept that they just can’t get their heads around, however.
“I would definitely say that there are moments when people are struggling with feeling overwhelmed and pushed down by the Channel System,” noted Mary.
It likely won’t be everyone’s choice, mused Britt, chair of the USEF’s National Breeds and Disciplines Committee.
“We’re going to have a lot of people that jump on board and go, `Yeah, we love it.’ We’re going to have people that just say, `This isn’t for me and I’m going to go somewhere else.’ ”
He added, “We’re not trying to be all things to all people. We’re trying to encourage people to collaborate in their area… the idea is that organizers…figure out how to do circuits….and how to share the limited pool of exhibitors that is in their area, if that’s the case.”
USEF President Tom O’Mara assured those at the meeting that they “can’t find a smoke-filled room where people sit making rules to make other people’s lives miserable.”
He noted the Channel System generated “huge feedback. thousands of surveys came back.” He called the effort to devise the rule “supercollaborative. If there are things that need to be adjusted, they will be adjusted.”
Shelley Campf, chair of the USEF’s Member Services Council, is concerned that the system could “really affect the viability of shows.” She noted that in her home zone in the Pacific Northwest, “there are not that many people to go around.”
“When the weather is such that you can show locally,” Shelley said, she would like “USHJA help foster local programs, even if it’s at the Channel 1 level.”
A rotating team of presenters commented on other matters at the meeting. Joe Dotoli, who shepherded the Helmet Ratings initiative, noted that with sponsorship from Jacqueline Mars, USEF and U.S. Eventing Association, the project wound up costing USHJA only 75 center per member.
“That’s a pretty good return,” said Joe.
“It is a huge jump forward in the safety of our sport,” he continued, noting USEF has come a long way since the first helmet safety rule in 2001.
To read about the helmet study, click on this link. For the helmet manufacturers’ reaction, click here.
So what safety project is on the horizon now? That would be a study of the air vests riders are wearing in increasing numbers.
“Many of us think the next logical step is airbags, which is what air vests are,” said Joe, who had compared the helmets to automobile seatbelts in the way they progressed. He noted, however, there is less information available on the effectiveness of the vests than there was on the helmets, so he expects that study “will take longer and probably be more expensive. But that’s the route I”m sure our safety committee is going to be promoting next.”
Another important development is the growth of the Outreach program, which introduces riders to USHJA and the USEF.
In 2014, there were 93 Outreach competitions with 318 riders. In 2022, with “Outreach 2.0,” that had swelled to 654 competitions and 7,500 riders. Some Outreach classes are part of a show; others are stand-alones.
“Outreach for us is a give-back to our the sport,” Mary said. “It’s not a money-making endeavor. It’s our way of reaching out to the unrecognized (show) world,” she explained.
“It’s a way to make connections.”
The USHJA is reaching out in many ways. As Mary put it, “We’re offering a lot of success to people across many, many platforms.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 11, 2022
With tears running down his face, McLain Ward talked about his stunning victory today in the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva, Switzerland, aboard the 16-year-old HH Azur.
A double exposure of a victorious McLain Ward on HH Azur juxtaposed against an overall shot of the Palexpo arena.
“It’s something I always dreamed of,” he said, after putting in an amazing time of 38.43 seconds to defeat hometown hero and defending champion Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Leone Jei, clear in 39.77 seconds.
Coming down to the final obstacle in the race against the clock, Azur put in an extra stutter stride that seemed certain to result in toppling one of the green and yellow rails.
Yet miraculously, everything stayed in place to assure McLain’s win in the prestigious class at the Palexpo Arena, which looked like Aachen moved indoors with its lake and trees.
“I don’t know how she cleared the last fence. Really amazing,” declared McLain, only the third American to win the featured class in the history of Geneva’s December show..
“But that’s what you have to do to beat Martin Fuchs.”
Rolex runner-up Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei.
His face a study in joy and amazement, McLain started celebrating as soon as he realized he had done it, waving and fist-pumping as joy washed over him.
McLain added about his 2017 World Cup champion, “Azur is an incredible partner and friend. ”
He offered thanks to her team and owners, mentioning the late Hunter Harrison and his father, Barney Ward, who he is sure was looking down on his effort today.
McLain had the fastest time with Contagious on Friday in the Rolex International Jumper Riders Club Top Ten Finals, but finished fourth with a rail down. He kept up the speed quotient of that performance today, going fastest in the first round of 40 starters, which gave him the advantage of running last in the 13-horse jump-off, where he aimed at Martin’s time.
Martin Fuchs and McLain Ward.
World Champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, winner of the Top Ten on King Edward, did not make the jump-off today when a rail near the end of the course scuttled his chances.
Germany’s Daniel Deusser, who was looking to clinch his second segment of the four-part Rolex Grand Slam after winning the competition at Spruce Meadows in September, wound up sixth on Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in 42.58 seconds.
The Grand Slam cycle starts again next year in s’-Hertogenbosch, Holland, and you can bet McLain will be there at the Dutch Masters, looking toward a sweep to take the bonus.
Scott Brash of Great Britain became the first rider to take the Grand Slam in 2015.
Despite not winning the featured class in Geneva, Martin had a special day, having said on Friday that his main focus this afternoon would be on the retirement ceremony for his great star, Clooney.
Martin Fuchs shows his fondness for Clooney during the star show jumper’s retirement at Geneva.
The horse he rode to the European Championship and individual silver at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games is headed for the pasture after recovering from a broken shoulder he suffered last year in the pasture.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 9, 2022
The answer to the question above became even more obvious this evening, as world show jumping champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden won the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club Top Ten Final on the amazing King Edward.
The excitement level was over the top for the competition, held in Geneva, Switzerland’s Palexpo, the world’s largest indoor arena.
It was packed to the brim with enthusiastic spectators, who were offered a view of a spectacular jumping test set in a landscape highlighted by a lake and trees. That brought a countryside ambience into the city, courtesy of designers Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Louis Konickx of the Netherlands.
Henrik was clear in both rounds, and his time of 48.42 seconds in the final leg just edged France’s Simon Delestre on Cayman Jolly Jumper in 49.35 seconds. That horse, who looked marvelous jumping his two fault-free rounds, is a son of Hickstead, Eric Lamaze’s 2008 Olympic individual gold medal ride.
Recalling his thoughts upon watching the class in the past, Henrik had said, “I just wish one day I could do this,” then added in awe “and I’m standing here today.”
The world’s top-ranked rider collected $171,000 (160,000 Swiss francs) for his victory.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Henrik, who admitted he was nervous as he watched Simon, the last to go. The Swede thought perhaps he had made a mistake by not taking one less stride to the final fence, but was able to breathe again when Simon fell just short, finishing in 49.35 seconds.
“The luck was on my side today and the whole year,” mused Henrik.
“An incredible horse, King Edward, just a fantastic feeling,” he said of the Belgian warmblood superstar by Edward 28.
His countryman and Olympic and world championships gold medal teammate, Peder Fredricson on Catch Me Not finished third after taking a gamble and going slowly, but carefully.
His plan worked, and the fault-free trip he took in a leisurely 57.30 seconds within the 60-second time-allowed got him on the lower level of the podium with just his 1-penalty time fault from the first round.
The winner, Henrik von Eckermann, and the man who is his regular teammate, Peder Fredricson, shake hands on the podium.
McLain Ward was the only U.S. representative in the field that included riders from seven countries. Making his third appearance in the competition, he came in as number 10.
One of only four riders who were fault-free in the first round, McLain moved up to fourth with Contagious for the second round, but there a turn that didn’t pan out to the third-to-last fence flanked by clock towers gave him a 4-fault total and an amazing time of 46.89 seconds —which would have enabled him to win the whole thing, had he jumped clean. As it was, he finished in fourth as the fastest of the 4-faulters.
McLain Ward and Contagious.
Discussing the mishap, McLain said, “It’s the one place I tried to slow down and got a little too rough. Rider error. I should have just trusted my horse.”
Several riders had a difficult time. Chief among them was Olympic individual gold medalist Ben Maher of Great Britain riding a new horse, Exit Remo, but his lack of familiarity with his mount meant he wound up with 31 faults in the first round.
He came back in a big way, however, jumping clean in the second round. The penalty burden from the first round, however, put Ben 10th and last. He said he’ll once again be aboard his Olympic ride, Explosion, in February.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
Spain’s Santiago Varela, who designed the memorable show jumping courses for the Tokyo Olympics, will work alongside Gregory Bodo of France to lay out the routes for the show jumping competition and eventing stadium jumping phase at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Olympic team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen of the USA over one of the imaginative jumps on Santiago Varela’s Tokyo course.
FEI President Ingmar De Vos noted that “As is always the case for the Olympic Games, we went through a thorough evaluation process and selected two individuals, both of whom hold a wealth of experience and are renowned for their dedication and impeccable work ethic.
“The designs created by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo are stunning and combine huge expertise with unique local flavor. Most importantly, they always put the horse at the core of their thought process and produce courses mindful of the welfare of both our equine and human athletes. ”
As he pointed out, the two have worked together on numerous occasions, including the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, where Santiago handled the courses and Gregory was the assistant designer.
“I am convinced that with their knowledge, creative spirit, and professional attitude, the equestrian community, the spectators and the fans around the world can expect jumping courses of the highest quality,” the FEI president continued.
“With the equestrian events scheduled to be held in Versailles with the historical château as the uniquely beautiful backdrop, these are set to be truly exceptional Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 7, 2022
The Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange, N.J., where thousands of riders were introduced to horses over the decades, is closing this month.
The stable, built in the early Twentieth Century, has been known by several names over the years, including the Woodland Riding Club, the Montclair Riding Club and the Suburban Essex Equestrian Center.
It also has been run by many different people, among them William Dunn, Marge Francis, Ben Purifoy, Marvin Ruddy and for the last 20 years, the Hall family.
Those who fondly remember their years riding at the facility are wondering what will happen to the property. Larry Hall did not respond to an email request for comment.
Joe Fagan, a spokesman for the township of West Orange, said the Essex Equestrian Center is in an R-1 zone. The minimum lot size is 80,000 square feet “per lot for potential single-family homes. It does not have to be used exclusively for recreational use. There currently are no pending applications for this property.”
In a statement, the Halls said, “We have been the starting place for kids and adults alike to find a passion and form irreplaceable bonds with other riders, trainers, and horses. From the very start of meeting the riders, pairing them together with our amazing horses, and watching the breath-taking growth and success they all achieve, has made our hearts so full. It breaks our hearts to announce that Essex Equestrian Center will be closing its doors for good on Monday December 19th.”
Word of the closing prompted an outpouring of memories from those whose lives had been touched by their time at the unique stable in a densely developed area.
Its location on Woodland Avenue in the heart of urbanized Essex County, just a few miles from Newark, offered an opportunity for people who didn’t live near farms to take their first riding lessons, then go on to improve their skills.
Stephanie Siegel, whose mother, Vicki Siegel, managed the facility for a few years in the 1970s when it was Suburban Essex, recalls riding with her friends to Pal’s Cabin restaurant a few blocks away. While one person held the horses, the others went in to get a take-out order they could enjoy when they were back at the stable.
Limited space meant there was, as she recalled, just one paddock for 100 horses, and access for trail riders to nearby Eagle Rock Reservation came through a concrete tunnel.
Starting in 1981, Ann Sullivan Scher spent nine years at Suburban Essex as a trainer and manager who imported horses from Europe, working with Olympian and former U.S. show jumping team captain Frank Chapot. The stable’s location helped make it very popular.
“We had 40 to 60 boarders at any one time,” she said.
Kim Hewitt Bonstein rode in shows there as a junior in the mid-1970s and as a trainer, gave lessons at the facility during the winter in the days when indoor rings were few and far between in New Jersey, except for private stables.
There was plenty of demand for the ring on cold days, so several lessons would be going on at once and self-defense was foremost in the mind of the trainers.
“We would grab jump standards to stand behind them so you wouldn’t get run over,” she chuckled.
Kim met opera star Luciano Pavarotti, and taught his daughter there. She remembered her trepidation one day as the hefty tenor set out for a trail ride on a questionable mount.
“He’s got two or three bandannas around his neck. He said, `Nothing should be happening to my throat,’” but as she noted, on the horse he was riding, that would be the least of his worries. Happily, he came back in one piece.
As a teen, John Walker III took lessons at the stable with noted instructor Walter White, and his mother, Maryl Walker, ran the Girls Mounted Troop there. The uniformed troop members were part of the Junior Cavalry of America that included the Thomas School of Horsemanship on Long Island and the New Canaan Mounted Troop in Connecticut. The Junior Essex Troop of Cavalry had a farm in West Orange, but it was sold in the 1970s, following the demise of several other stables in the area during an earlier era.
On Facebook, Morgan Jenkins called EEC “my favorite place in the whole world growing up and still holds a special spot in my heart. I remember my first ever lesson on Lots of Dots, school shows, lessons, the sound of melting snow falling in sheets from the roof on a sunny winter day and spending every free weekend moment there with friends as one of the resident barn rats.”
Bridget Eklund Carlson termed the closure “Just devastating…this place and the people here are so special, with so much history… a huge loss to the community and suburban kids who will no longer have a place to connect with horses.”
EEC offered everything from camp to showing and an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. Lola Fennimore, managing director of Rocking Horse Rehab, which is based at the stable, said her equine therapy organization will be moving after Jan. 1, but she could not reveal the new location at this time.
The Halls’ statement emphasized that, “All of our horses will be rehomed to only the best of homes and our older herd of ponies and horses will be going to retirement to enjoy a big grass field that they so deserve.
“Although this era is ending, we look forward to following and watching all the success of our trainers, staff, riders, horses, and lifelong friends that we have met over the years.”
The family thanked its staff and clients, while saying, “We owe the utmost of thanks and love first and foremost to our cherished horses, as we would not be able to make Essex such a special place without them. We owe them everything for all they have done for so many of us, what they have taught us in and out of the saddle, and for the love and healing they provide us every day.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 6, 2022
One of the greatest dressage horses, the fiery Salinero, died in retirement today at the age of 28.
“My heart has been broken,” said the Netherlands’ Anky van Grunsven, who rode her partner to two Olympic individual gold medals and four World Cup titles.
“Salinero my hero has left us in tears. The memories never fade away.”
As the Dutch federation noted about the Hanoverian son of Salieri, “Together with Anky, he was the icon of Dutch and international dressage sport for years.”
Salinero on his way to another freestyle gold medal with Anky van Grunsven at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympics. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Anky’s Olympic freestyle gold medals in Athens (2004) and Hong Kong (2008) with Salinero followed her gold in Sydney (2000) aboard Bonfire, but Salinero carried her to new heights.
She continued her rivalry with her German counterpart, Isabell Werth, making the first part of the Twenty First Century an exciting time for dressage enthusiasts.
While Salinero, who began competing as a jumper, had an impressive style, he also was impatient. His hot and sparkly character was reflected in not wanting to halt properly. And at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, he bolted during the team prize giving ceremony and seemed headed for downtown Aachen before he was stopped by a police horse barricade. But he was in fine form for the freestyle at the show in Germany, where he won again.
His long competitive career ended at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he and Anky helped the Dutch to a team bronze, and he was sixth in the freestyle. He spent the rest of his life in happy retirement.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 5, 2022
The Tewksbury Trail Association has received the Tewksbury Land Trust’s Ted Koven Conservationist of the Yea award. The distinction is a testament to the TTA’s extensive commitment to the community through volunteering time and financial resources to many local charitable organizations.
The Tewksbury Trail Association’s trail pace is always a highlight of the year. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
As an all-volunteer organization, the TTA’s help has been invaluable in meeting the Tewksbury Land Trust’s stewardship objectives, especially in providing safe public access for passive recreation.
The Land Trust’s president, Larry Ross, pointed out that the two organizations collaborated for nine months to hold the TTA’s annual trail pace across Land Trust preserves on Fox Hill, which included opening a new stretch of the Ten Mile Trail.
The Tewksbury Trail Association and the Tewksbury Land Trust working together.
TTA began its commitment to land and green space preservation over 25 years ago with 30 landowners and their horses. Since then, it has grown to over 250 members, with more than 180 generous landowners who support the TTA in its preservation efforts.
TTA’s commitment to the community is extensive through volunteering time and financial resources to many local charitable organizations. In addition to its collaboration with the Land Trust, it supports the Mane Stream, Raritan Headwaters Association, Tewksbury First Aid and Rescue Squad, Oldwick Fire Company, Oldwick Library, Hunterdon County ASPCA, Mylestone Equine Rescue, as well as other open space and farmland preservation initiatives.
In addition, TTA is responsible for developing, maintaining, and marking the trail network throughout the township. By linking them to TLT trails, the value of Land Trust preserves and easements to the community is increased significantly.
As an all-volunteer organization, the TTA’s energetic help has been invaluable in meeting the Land Trust’s stewardship objectives, especially in providing safe public access for passive recreation. Most recently, the two organizations collaborated closely for nine months to hold the TTA’s annual trail pace on TLT preserves on Fox Hill, which included opening a new stretch of the Ten Mile Trail. The event is open to both member and non-member horseback riders. As a result, equestrians could experience new trails and stunning views across the Raritan Basin.
For the community at large, the event drew attention to the progress of the nearly complete Ten Mile Trail and access to new, well-groomed paths for hikers and riders alike. It also demonstrated widespread cooperation among neighboring landowners who provided access to their properties to complete the six-mile pace. T
Testimonials supporting the TTA include a wide variety of community leaders and spokespersons for conservation organizations.
Sally Ike, the former managing director of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Licensed Officials committee, and recipient of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award, said “One could not find a worthier recipient of the Ted Koven Conservationist Award than the Tewksbury Trail Association.
“Their commitment to the preservation of the countryside we live in, their partnership with the Tewksbury Land Trust and the sense of community that TTA brings to the table means that the view out my kitchen window of the beautiful countryside we drive through and that I’ve lived in for 40-plus years isn’t going to change. I feel very, very lucky!”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 4, 2022
How could the result have been otherwise?
Cody’s Wish, the talented 4-year-old racehorse who shares a special relationship with teenager Cody Dorman, has been voted the public’s choice for the 2022 Secretariat Vox Populi Award.
Created by Secretariat’s owner, the late Penny Chenery, the annual award recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence struck a chord with the public and earned recognition for thoroughbred racing.
Cody’s Wish, by leading sire Curlin and out of the Tapit mare Dance Card, is a fifth-generation great-grandson of Secretariat. The thousands of votes in the online public poll for Cody’s Wish topped the other nominees, who included the undefeated Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Flightline, and Rich Strike, the 80-1 longshot winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
The story of the colt who connected as a weanling with a boy suffering from a rare genetic condition that has left him unable to speak or walk has touched millions of people around the world. The colt was named after Cody Dorman, who met him at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm during a Make-a-Wish day in 2018.
Cody and Cody. (Photo courtesy of the Secretariat Foundation)
When the colt saw Cody, he walked over to the boy, putting his head in the teenager’s lap, The connection was made, and the horse got a name.
Cody’s Dream was victorious in the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile last month, with Cody in attendance–the 16-year-old believes that the horse will win if he comes to watch him race, and the results have borne him out.
The occasion at the Breeder’s Cup was emotional; there were plenty of tears all around in the winner’s circle, where Cody sat in his wheelchair, draped in the blanket of flowers won by Cody’s Wish.
And there’s more good news. Cody’s Wish is set to race again in 2023, to the delight of his fans and of course, Cody Dorman
Godolphin Farm stated its team is “delighted that Cody’s Wish was voted by the fans to be the recipient of the 2022 Vox Populi award. The story of the two Codys’ bond for each other since the foal, Cody’s Wish, and the boy, Cody Dorman, first met in 2018 is a magical one.”
The Dorman family stated, “We would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations for winning the Vox Populi Award to a very special friend and horse that’s not only dear to our hearts, but to so many people around the globe as well. Thank you, Cody’s Wish, for not only having the heart of a warrior on the track, but even more so for having a heart of gold off of it.
“You have not only inspired an amazing young man in Cody Dorman but you’ve touched the hearts of thousands of people in many walks of life. You’ve provided tears of joy, warmed hearts and provided a simple smile to so many. Congratulations to Godolphin, and everyone involved in the care and training of Cody’s Wish.
The Vox Populi trophy presentation is scheduled to take place at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 14.
Cody’s Wish joins the roster of racing stars who previously received the Vox Populi Award: Hot Rod Charlie (2022), Authentic (2020), Bricks and Mortar (2019), Winx (2018), Ben’s Cat (2017), California Chrome (2016 and 2014), American Pharoah (2015), Mucho Macho Man (2013), Paynter (2012), Rapid Redux (2011), and inaugural winner Zenyatta (2010).:
“We would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations for winning the Vox Populi Award to a very special friend and horse that’s not only dear to our hearts but to so many people around the globe as well,” said a statement from the Dorman family.
“Thank you, Cody’s Wish, for not only having the heart of a warrior on the track, but even more so for having a heart of gold off of it.
“You have not only inspired an amazing young man in Cody Dorman, but you’ve touched the hearts of thousands of people in many walks of life. You’ve provided tears of joy, warmed hearts and provided a simple smile to so many.
“Congratulations to Godolphin, and everyone involved in the care and training of Cody’s Wish. And all of the people surrounding this magical story. And yes, that includes everyone that’s supported and cheered on Cody’s Wish! This is what makes this award even more special.
The love shown between Cody and Cody’s Wish is such a blessing. An instant blessing between a special boy and a special horse that will be cherished for years to come. God Bless you Cody’s Wish. You’ll forever be in the hearts of many.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 30, 2022
A true horsewoman with high standards and a generous soul, Judy Hofmann Richter always did whatever she could for those who crossed her path, whether they were people or animals. A great deal was lost when she died today, because, as her longtime friend Jimmy Lee said “There will not be another.”
Judy, 83, was hospitalized in Greenwich, Conn., after complaining about trouble breathing and double vision, dying peacefully a week later, November. 30.
On her Facebook page, she described herself as “author,” and indeed, she wrote several popular books, including the wistful memoir, “Some Favorite Days.” Judy also shared her vast equestrian expertise in “Horse and Rider: From Basics to Show Competition” (1979) and “Pony Talk: A Complete Learning Guide for Young Riders” (1993).
Judy was recognized by the horse industry many times. She was named American Horse Shows Association Horseperson of the Year in 1974 and in 2020, she received the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pegasus Medal of Honor from the AHSA’s successor organization.
Judy was multi-faceted, a USEF judge and successful trainer who had been a private school teacher after graduating from Smith College.
Andre Dignelli, a star student of Judy’s who won the 1985 U.S. Equestrian Team Talent Search Finals and a team bronze in the 1991 Pan American Games, described his mentor as “a strong person, a tall woman with real presence about her. She exuded strength and was giving of her time.”
Judy Richter with her son, Philip, left and former student Andre Dignelli. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Both Andre and his brother, Michael, who runs Heritage Farm in New York with him, considered Judy “very special.”
Judy and her late sister, U.S. Equestrian Team member Carol Hofmann Thompson, grew up in New Jersey and attended Kent Place School in Summit, where Jimmy was Judy’s prom date. He recalled that after the prom, he and Judy and their friends went down to Union County’s Watchung Stables a few miles away “because I had just gotten a new horse, and of course, we had to ride him in the dark. Judy mentioned that so many times over the years.”
Of course, Judy rode the horse in her prom dress.
Judy on her induction to the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame with her sister, Carol. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The Hofmann family was very involved with horses, not only hunting with the Essex Fox Hounds, but also competing in top-level showing. The girls’ mother, Mary, was joint District Commissioner of the Somerset Hills, N.J., Pony Club and their father, Philip, the CEO of Johnson & Johnson, drove a four-in-hand.
Judy married Max Richter and the two bought Coker Farm in Bedford, N.Y., named after Mr. Coker, the horse who brought the couple together. (Max was invited to ride Mr. Coker by Judy’s mother, and then asked Judy out on a date.) Judy lived at the farm until her death.
Over the years, she had a number of famous horses, including American Invitational winner Glasgow, ridden to great success by Olympic medalist Norman Dello Joio and subsequently by Judy’s son, Philip.
Judy and Philip Richter with Glasgow at the Hampton Classic. (Photo © 2011 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ellie Raidt, who rode with Judy as a junior, went on to become at trainer at Coker and compete on such wonderful horses as Johnny’s Pocket.
Among the other riders who excelled as juniors at the highest level under Judy’s tutelage were Alex Dunaif, Peter Lutz and Kara Hanley. Judy had a great deal of influence on many lives, including Ellie’s
“She was so encouraging and loyal. I wouldn’t be anything without her,” Ellie said. She recalled how Judy “insisted I learn to become a judge.” When Ellie received a pin from USEF commemorating her 40th year as a judge, she sent the photo to Judy.
Johnny’s Pocket was ridden to fame in jumper competition by Norman Dello Joio, who knew Judy.for half a century.
Judy Richter collected another honor as Norman Dello Joio gave a presentation speech in 2004. (Photo © 2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
“When she picked me to ride her horse, there were a lot more well-known, qualified riders,” said Norman, who went on to become an Olympic individual medalist..
“She stuck with me and believed in me and that was a game changer for me,” he continued, noting how they had interacted over the years.
“I’m going to miss that more than anything. She always said what she thought, and so do I. Sometimes it was great, sometimes there were fireworks,” he chuckled then added what so many knew about Judy, “She was one of a kind, that’s for sure.”
Expressing many common sense and thoughtful opinions made Judy an interesting conversationalist. Judy definitely was a person of character, as Jimmy remembers her.
“Judy stood up for what she thought was right, regardless of whether it was popular at the moment or not,” he said.
“Above all that, she was a good, good person. We’re very lucky to have known her.”
In addition to Philip, Judy is survived by another son, Hans (Jennifer), and two granddaughters, Maxine and Margot, as well as Richard Ten Dyke, her loving partner of the last few years.
A celebration of her life will be held at Coker Farm at a date to be announced in May.
Contributions in Judy’s memory may be made to the U.S. Equestrian Team and the American Cancer Society, because she was a cancer survivor.
