by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2022
From the start there were challenges–then the tests became increasingly difficult this weekend at the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East.
And that’s how it should be. After all, with competition running over three days, the Talent Search is the most arduous of the equitation championships, geared to finding riders who could compete internationally for their country.
So it shouldn’t have been a shock that athletes were expected to ride solo through nine different movements on the flat, complete a gymnastics competition offering a challenge in its very first line and then face a jumping course incorporating elements of the World Championships and the American Gold Cup.
The Talent Search East ended today (the West Coast version was last week) with a come-from-behind winner, Augusta Iwasaki, who was tied for 16th place after Friday’s very demanding flat phase, leaped up to third after the gymnastics and insured a spot in the Final Four with her stunning round this morning on her jumper, Freedom.
Augusta Iwasaki on Freedom getting her trophy in the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search East from judges Michael Morrissey and Alex Jayne, with trainer Ken Smith on hand next to DiAnn Langer, USEF youth coach. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Californian, who is on the riding team at Southern Methodist University, did not take a wrong stride on her own horse or those of her three rivals to earn the title at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, N.J.
“I knew if we got to the Final Four she had a shot at winning,” said her trainer, Ken Smith.
“She’s super-experienced at riding a lot of different horses and has a natural feel and empathy for a horse to just get on it and create a nice round. She’s very good at not giving up.”
Gussie, whose parents, Liz Reilley and Chris Iwasaki, are also trainers, showed what she’s made of by achieving her victory.
“She reassured me she can handle pressure situations,” said Ken, after I asked if he had learned anything more about her this weekend.
“She’s probably the most liked young rider on the showgrounds. She’s friendly, very admired by her peers, super work ethic. She’s going to go far in life.”
Freedom had never been used for equitation.
“He took me from the lows (low jumpers) to my first grand prix. He’s one of my favorite horses of all time. This is my first time here,” she said, explaining how much she liked competing on the historic foundation grounds.
“It’s so prestigious,” added the California native, who was third, 19 points behind Alexander, before the Final Four, but finished that segment on 377, 13 points ahead of runner-up Luke Jensen.
Alex Jayne, who judged the Talent Search with jumper rider Michael Morrissey, has long watched Gussie handling “thousands and thousands” of catch rides.
“She has ridden everything under the sun,” he said, adding he told Michael “I think Gussie might have an advantage over these other riders.”
He characterized her as “a very gifted rider. So if somebody had a pony that was a little bit of a rogue, they put Gussie on it. If somebody’s junior hunter wasn’t going great, they put Gussie on it. Any time the gate opens, I could see Gussie going to the ring. You can’t beat ring time. This rider is living proof.”
Augusta Iwasaki gets ready to take off on her victory gallop aboard Freedom. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The flat phase was an eye-opener for some of the 53 entries, who may have compared it to a dressage test. But Alex characterized it simply as “jumper movements strung together. and we were trying to see how well they were preparing the horse to do the gymnastics.”
The nine movements riders had to demonstrate included a turn on the haunches, holding the bend for the counter-canter and leg yields. An additional mark was given for presentation. Alex explained that by having each rider perform solo, rather than in a group, there was nowhere to hide mistakes.
“As judges and (course) designers, we tried to make every day prepare you for the next day. So the flat phase prepared you for the gymnastics phase and the gymnastics phase prepared you for what we called the grand prix day,” said Michael, who worked with Alex and Anthony D’Ambrosio on the courses.
The first line of the gymnastics required riders to canter the initial fence, a green, purple and white oxer, then trot the second and go on to canter the vertical double, 3A and 3B. Not everyone got that far. The judges were surprised at the refusals and problems some riders had at the trot fence. I called it lack of impulsion, Alex characterized the situation a little differently.
“Show jumping is all compression,” he said, citing the problem on that line as “a lack of compression. The leg wasn’t on the horse.”
He said he and Michael were surprised at how many riders had trouble there. Michael said in some instances, the riders weren’t getting the trot early enough before the second fence.
Alexander Alston won that phase and took the gymnastics as well, and then continued to lead after the jumping. But the Ohioan, who will attend Savannah College of Art and Design next year, had problems on Gussie’s horse in the Final Four, getting tight to two fences which would eventually drop him to fourth place. His score for that segment was 337; all the riders came in with a blank slate, the scores with which they qualified were only used to determine who got into the Final Four.
Alex Alston on Ferry van de Hoogeweg against the backdrop of the USET Foundation stable. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer}
When I wondered how he felt about leading for so long, and then losing the title, he conceded. “it was tough,” but added, “trust the process.”
As for what he learned from this weekend, he said, “I could be a little stronger riding different types of horses, I think.”
Luke, a Texan trained by Missy Clark and John Brennan with Maggie Gampfer, the trio that also coaches Alexander, won the third phase and was standing second overall by one point aboard Jamaica going into the Final Four. But he dropped rails at fence four, an oxer, on Freedom, and then toppled 7A, an oxer after the triple bar, on Alexander’s Ferry van den Hoogeweg. He wound up as reserve champion anyway, with a score of 364.
Luke Jensen on Jamaica. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“This is always a super special week showing here. I think the time to show off your ability to change your ride in the Final Four is a skill to demonstrate,” he said.
“The other three riders did an amazing job with that, too. It’s always a great experience to test that ability…to ride different horses.”
Judge Alex noted while the male riders had mistakes, both were stylists.
Another SMU student, Taylor Madden, coached by her parents, Jen and Frank Madden, was second after the flat phase and fifth after the gymnastics, but moved up to fourth following the show jumping round and finished third after the Final Four on a score of 358.
Her mount, Mac One, was named Best Horse of the finals. Riding him in the Talent Search was special to her because he had been her horse as a junior and is now leased out, so she appreciated being able to compete on him one more time.
Judge Alex said the weekend showed, “We had a very strong group.” He noted, “the future is very bright for the USA with these young riders coming up.”
Results: Rider, horse, horse owner, trainer, hometown.
| 1 |
Augusta Iwasaki |
Freedom |
Ali Nilforushan |
Chris Iwasaki |
Calabasas |
CA |
| 2 |
Luke Jensen |
Jamaica |
NORTH RUN |
John Brennan |
Denton |
TX |
| 3 |
Taylor Madden |
Mac One III |
TAYLOR MADDEN |
Frank Madden |
Wellington |
FL |
| 4 |
Alexander Alston |
Ferry Van Den Hoogeweg |
PLAIN BAY SALES |
John Brennan |
New Albany |
OH |
| 5 |
Isabella David |
Castlefield Spartacus |
WEST HILL |
Stacia Madden |
Holmdel |
NJ |
| 6 |
Avery Glynn |
Itteville |
JET SHOW STABLE |
John Brennan |
Petaluma |
CA |
| 7 |
Kate Hagerty |
Noche De Ronda |
THE HAGERTY FAMILY |
Valerie Renihan |
Terrebonne |
OR |
| 8 |
Zayna Rizvi |
Acer K |
NORTH RUN |
John Brennan |
Wellington |
FL |
| 9 |
Carlee McCutcheon |
HHS Hercules |
ABIGAIL WEXNER |
Max Amaya |
Aubrey |
TX |
| 10 |
Eve Westfall |
Artillero |
AMELIA RIEGEL |
Stacia Madden |
Boulder |
CO |
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 7, 2022
Now it’s Silva Martin’s turn, as showcased during Dressage at Devon last week.
The Martin who always had a franchise on the spotlight was Silva’s husband, Boyd, the Olympic eventer, with an outgoing personality that has won him friends and attention while riding with U.S. teams around the world.
Boyd Martin in action on cross-country. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Silva has been busy in the background with their two sons (if you’ve seen the videos of these lively kids, you know she has her hands full even with the assistance of a nanny), helping Boyd with his dressage and training a group of horses with potential.
That potential moved to the next level during DAD, most prominently with four-year-old Farouche’s title as the Young Horse champion, producing the best average score of any entry in the classes for four-, five-, six- and seven-year-olds. She hit 80 percent and above twice, receiving marks of 9 for trot (with rhythm and suppleness cited), submissiveness and general impression.
Farouche (Foundation X Carpalo 2) was discovered by Silva’s sister in Germany, who saw the mare in a video. Silva watched the video, then sent it to one of her owners, Christine Capano, who said, “You’ve got to get there.”
Silva flew to Germany right away and stayed for just 18 hours; trying the mare in the afternoon, catching a few hours of sleep, then riding her again the next morning. That was it. Christine bought the horse in the spring and “Lala” was on her way.
All eyes were on Farouche during the Sabine Schut-Kery clinic at Dressage at Devon. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
She is part of a developing string that is presenting opportunities Silva never enjoyed previously, but the trainer also has big responsibilities elsewhere.
“It’s a balancing act with the kids and with Boyd, trying to help him out, and do my own horses,” she explained.
At some point, perhaps, vying for a spot on the U.S. dressage team wouldn’t be out of the question.
“That was always on my radar; I kind of stepped back a bit when I had the kids and my head injury (which compromised her vision),” she said.
But now, “I have some beautiful horses, so why not? This is the time to do it, because I’ve never had that kind of group of horses that I have now.”
Of course, she has several years to wait with Farouche as the mare moves up the levels to Grand Prix.
“I’m going to take it a bit slow with her. She offers so much, I’m terrified I’m going to do too much with her,” Silva advised.
Meanwhile, she has other horses on which she can focus, with the help of Grand Prix veteran Tuny Page.
“She’s been so incredible. I think every person needs a person you can relate to and understand, and she’s been just amazing for me.”
Silva and Esperanto. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Silva earned two more blue ribbons at DAD with the seven-year-old Danish-bred Zaphir (Zodiac Z X Quaterback 6), owned by Janice Murdock. He was a star in his Fourth-Level classes, earning 68.552 in Test 2 at that level and 68.589 percent in Test 1.
While so many riders are looking forward to their winter in Florida to bring along their horses and compete, Silva can only go to Florida for two weeks because of the kids.
“I do have to be a mom,” she explained, noting despite the number of horses with which she competed, DAD was “like a vacation for me” because the kids were at home and all she had to do was ride.
Another winner for her was 14-year-old Esperanto (Jazz X Negro), also owned by Christine Capano.
“We call him Peanut, because he looks like a peanut,” she said of the chestnut.
“He’s a really good little horse for me, he’s really solid. He was a little bit wild when I first got him, but he’s really settling in. He’s really trustworthy now”
He was marked at 67.529 percent to win the 3-star Intermediate I and finished second with 69.363 in the Prix St. Georges.
“He’s ready to go Grand Prix,” said Silva, who may try some classes at that level next year. Eventually, Christine will take over the ride.
Then there’s Belrano Gold (Bellissimo X Serano Gold), who she calls, “a project. He gets very nervous in the ring.”
Competing under the lights with Belrano Gold. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Standing outside the arena, she said, “he works great out here but nobody wins the warm-up. If I can get him to relax and let me ride him, I think he’s going to be a good horse. I just have to hang in there.”
In the Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights, the horse owned by Pferdes LLC earned 69.130 percent, a big step up from his Grand Prix.
“I could not have been happier with how he went,” Silva said.
“This is very exciting and feel like I have something to work with now as we look ahead to the winter season.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 6, 2022
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, which in 2021 saved 733 Standardbreds from slaughter after they finished their racing careers, is expressing concern about the New Jersey state Legislature’s Bill A-4465, designed to set up a five-year grant program that will allocate funds to assist with the care of retired standardbred and thoroughbred racehorses.
“Wording in this bill is unclear as to eligibility requirements, and may also prevent these funds from helping race horses tagged for slaughter. After 33 years of efforts by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, we must be certain that these funds are directed correctly and ask for your immediate help,” the organization said in a statement.
It continued, “The current draft requires accreditation by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation; however, it is not clear if the SRF, being an accredited organization, will also be eligible for these funds. We must preempt this. Here is a link to the bill.
The current draft requires accreditation by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. However, it is not clear if the SRF, being an accredited organization, will also be eligible for these funds. “We must preempt this,” the organization stated.
Also, an additional accrediting organization that is noted in A4465 follows the The Right Horse Initiative. Under their guidelines, organizations must refrain from purchasing from “kill pens/bail outs”. This means that the Standardbreds in greatest need, tagged to ship for slaughter, will not be helped by this fund. https://www.aspcarighthorse.org/warmupringresources/
From Oct. 7-12, comment may be sent to Assemblyman Ralph Caputo to assure these funds reach the horses in need, according to SRF. In-person testimony has been delayed and will be heard into November in Trenton.
To email or call Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, use this link.
On Oct. 7, SRF will provide further information for supporters and the general public to register to testify before the committee. The window to do so is very short, SRF pointed out.
Assemblyman Ralph Caputo can be reached via this link
The SRF suggested this wording for communication with the assemblyman: “In regard to A-4465, I urge you to clarify that the accrediting organization, Standardbred Retirement Foundation, is eligible to receive funds. In addition, no organizations following The Right Horse Initiative can be approved (as funds will not be directed to the race horses in most need).”
SRF is the largest Standardbred adoption program in the U.S. and is feeding and caring for 512 Standardbreds. Visit the website at www.AdoptaHorse.org for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 5, 2022
Therapeutic riding pioneer Octavia Brown will be honored with the “Spirit of the Horse” award during the Rutgers Equine Science Center’s Evening of Science & Celebration next month.
Octavia Brown
The keynote speaker is Dr. Frank Andrew of Louisiana State University, whose topic is diestary management of gastric ulcers in horses, a topic to which so many horse owners can relate. The event will take place Nov. 3 from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Cook Student Center on the Cook Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
The eventing brings together equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners and barn managers, educators and students, 4-H members and horse enthusiasts so they can learn about current projects and research being conducted at the Equine Science Center. The Center aims to address horse industry issues and challenges through science and research.
The keynote speech will focus on risk factors, clinical signs, and how stomach ulcers can be diagnosed.
The speaker is the LVMA Equine Committee professor, head of veterinary clinical sciences and director of the equine health studies program at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
He is a clinician-scientist with a strong research background in the areas of equine gastrointestinal health and disease, and has been active in scientific investigation for more than 30 years.
Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center, will give her yearly update on the state of the Center, and the accomplishment over the last year.
Research updates will be provided by Ph.D. Candidate Ellen Rankins from the Rutgers Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, on “Co-regulation Between Horse and Human in Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) and its Effects on Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans”. Kenneth McKeever; associate director of research, Rutgers Equine Science Center, and a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences; will discuss his research into “Effect of Nasal Flairs on Thermoregulation During Exercise.” Daniel Gimenez, a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, speak on “Effects of Horse Manure-Sourced Biochar on Soil Nutrients, Carbon Sequestration and Hydraulic Properties of Agricultural Soils”.
The Spirit of the Horse award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed because of their involvement with horses and who have acknowledged the impact by giving back to the horse industry.
“Dr. Octavia Brown has been a stalwart supporter of the equine community in New Jersey and was an instrumental organizer and founder of multiple equine programs and initiatives throughout the state”, said Karyn Malinowski. “Tave is truly worthy of the ‘Spirit of the Horse’ award, as evidenced by her long-time commitment to the advancement of Equine Assisted Services nationwide.”
The 2022 winner of the Gold Medal Horse Farm award will be announced at the event.
The event requires registration that can be made online at https://go.rutgers.edu/Evening2022.
For additional information, please contact the Equine Science Center at 848-932-9419 or Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 29, 2022
More than two years after Lord Stirling Stable’s horses were sold as the facility was shut down during Covid, a plan to buy “a number of horses” and begin reintroducing equestrian programming before the end of the year at the Somerset County facility was announced today.
Trail rides will be coming back to Lord Stirling Stable. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Many of those who rode at the stables had despaired about whether it would operate again after such a long time.
The plan is part of a “new vision” for the future of the 1,015-acre Lord Stirling Park that will connect resources in support of the county’s “parks for all” goals while supporting environmental and historic sites tourism.
The stable in Basking Ridge long had an extensive lesson program, but the announcement did not say anything about teaching people to ride. The only specifics offered included “limited trail riding for more experienced patrons,” and providing lead-line rides for beginners. The stable’s ponies were not sold with the horses in 2020 and pony rides have been available during the interim. The stable also has several privately owned horses as boarders.
The plan was devised by the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable Advisory Group and county planning professionals.
“What began as the rebranding of the Lord Stirling Stable has evolved into a new vision for the entire Lord Stirling Park that includes equestrian, natural and historic experiences,” said Tom Boccino, Somerset County’s supervising planner/preservation.
“The plan outlines conceptually how all uses can be integrated into a single experience that highlights the valuable assets that exist in Somerset County–one park, many paths.”
In addition to the stable, the park includes natural waterways and open space in an area that is also home to the Environmental Education Center and the Revolutionary War-era Boudinot Southard Farmstead. These resources have been operated independently of each other, but the plan proposes connecting them with expanded trails and paths, integrated programming and newly developed community event spaces along Lord Stirling Road and at the Boudinot Southard Farmstead.
“Lord Stirling Park is a great, untapped resource for Somerset County residents and visitors, and I am extremely pleased with the work of the Park Commission, its expert advisory group and the county planning staff for putting together this vision for its future,” said county Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Park Commission.
The stable has a distinctive look. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“The integration of equestrian, environmental, historic and event spaces at Lord Stirling Park is vital to ensuring that Somerset County truly delivers the promise of ‘parks for all’.”
In addition to connecting the historic, recreational and environmental resources on the Lord Stirling Park property, the county is proposing to expand its trails network to connect to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Bernards Township’s Southard Park and Basking Ridge neighborhoods. Connecting local, county and federal resources supports Somerset County’s Walk, Bike, Hike: Connecting Vibrant Communities Plan and newly approved Preservation Plan efforts to encourage healthy, environmentally positive activities for everyone.
The advisory committee, formed in the spring of 2021, included equestrian experts and longtime stable volunteers. The panel was asked to look at increasing community engagement and cost-effectiveness to ensure sustainable stable operations. The stable reportedly had been losing as much as $500,000 a year when it was operating prior to Covid.
The Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy & Economic Development recognized that the advisory committee’s recommendation for rebranding and recreating the Stable at Lord Stirling Park gave it a unique opportunity to reimagine the entire park.
A boarder at Lord Stirling. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
With financial support from the Somerset County Park Foundation, the committee was able to procure the services of two experts from Rutgers University to lead the group: Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Extension Equine Specialist and Founding Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center; and Dr. Robin Brumfield, Extension Farm Management Specialist in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics.
“For all of us at the Park Commission, this was a mission to have a sustainable, viable future for Lord Stirling Park,” said Somerset County Park Commission President D.J. Hunsinger.
“These plans not only include the functioning and self-sustaining stable feature, but going forward will grow the park into a larger, more encompassing resource that maintains the nature and the personality that residents and park patrons love.”
The Somerset County Commissioners unanimously supported the reopening of the Stable at Lord Stirling Park this fall and will work with the Park Commission on implementing future expansion and recreation of Lord Stirling Park as a “park for all,” with its highlights connected by trailways, new community event spaces and integrated programming.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2022
A U.S. Equestrian Federation Hunter & Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judging Task Force will be named to address member feedback regarding judging in the hunter and hunter/jumping seat equitation disciplines, especially at the highest levels.
Over the past several months, numerous members have contacted USEF leadership to express their concerns. That has revealed the need to review several areas, including but not limited to the level of equestrian experience necessary to judge at each level, the education required to ensure and continuously improve the competency of judges at every level of the sport, the judge’s evaluation process, the need for clarity around the subjective nature of the judging system, and competitor behaviors towards competition officials and sportsmanship.
“As equestrian sport evolves, it is important to regularly evaluate the relevancy of our programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of our sport and expectations of our members,” said USEF President Tom O’Mara.
“The concerns raised by members indicate that a broad review of the existing programs against the desired environment is necessary, I look forward to getting some great minds in a room and hash out what we have, what we need, and how to bridge the differences if and where they exist.”
He added it will “take some time but, it will be work well worth doing.”
USEF will be working with the United States Hunter Jumper Association throughout the process, including obtaining recommendations on candidates for appointment to this task force. Th panel will conduct a thorough analysis of the judging, education and licensing programs, including engagement with the membership and making recommendations regarding any amendments to these programs and processes to ensure consistent quality and competency and to better serve the sport and USEF members.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 10, 2022
In the equestrian world, the emphasis understandably tends to be on performance, performance, performance. But there are other things that should be considered in addition to collecting the trophies and the prize money.
So when officers of Hollow Brook Wealth Management LLC decided they wanted their firm to help support horse sports, they chose to sponsor the live stream at Harrisburg and Washington during the finals, along with sportsmanship awards that would be presented to deserving young people at several competitions.
Hollow Brook co-chairmen Alan Bazaar and Philip Richter both have been involved in showing much of their lives, so they are well aware of the demands of competition and the importance of rising above them. The firm also deals with equestrian planning as one of its services, including information on everything from equestrian trusts to insurance.
At last weekend’s Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, Hollow Brook’s sportsmanship award went to Eve Westfall of Boulder, Colo. People around the showgrounds at the USET Foundation in Gladstone, N.J., had nominated contenders for the honor. Then the show stewards reviewed the stories of the five who got the most votes before choosing the winner.
Eve Westfall accepts the Hollowbrook Wealth Management Sportsmanship award from the firm’s CEO, Alan Bazaar. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Eve gave up the ride on her leased horse to Baylee McKeever, whose first-string mount was indisposed before the Talent Search. The horse Eve leased had been Baylee’s back-up. Eve and Baylee are good friends, so Eve did the generous thing and handed the reins to Baylee. That meant Eve wound up with a horse named Artillero, a jumper she had never ridden before last week.
Baylee didn’t place, but Eve’s reward was to finish 10th in the field of 53. The sportsmanship title was an extra bonus.
Hollow Brook makes a donation in the name of the sportsmanship award winner to the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Under 25 fund. The winner also gets a year of free financial education. That’s particularly important, since so many of those competing in the finals are considering becoming professionals and having their own businesses eventually.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 10, 2022
You don’t have to wait for April’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event to see a 5-star, the highest level of the sport.
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Presented by Brown Advisory is holding its second edition Oct. 13-16 at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, 4600 Telegraph Road, Cecil County (Elkton), Md. 21921.
Lauren Nicholson on Landmark’s Monte Carlo is competing in the 5-star at Fair Hill again this year. (Photo © 2021 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The small (26 riders) but select field includes the new world number one, Tim Price of New Zealand, who won the Boekelo, Netherlands, event last weekend. At Fair Hill, he’ll be aboard Coup de Couer Dudevin.
His wife, Jonelle, is the new world number two, but she won’t be competing. However, former world number one Oliver Townend of Great Britain will be on hand. He was the runner-up last year on Ballaghmor Class; this year, he’s riding As Is. His countryman, Harry Meade, brings Superstition. Another foreign rider of note is French star Astier Nicolas (Babylon de Gamma).
There was a bigger 5-star field of 38, and a few more riders from overseas in 2021, but that was at the end of the pandemic when Badminton and Burghley in England had been cancelled for the second year in a row, and there was no world championships during the summer.
Will Coleman, the top-ranked U.S. rider at last month’s world championships and now number five in the world, will be aboard Don Dante. Other members of the silver medal championships team competing at Fair Hill are Tamie Smith (Danito), Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Monte Carlo) and Boyd Martin. Boyd, number six in the world, does not have a 5-star horse in Maryland but will be aboard Miss Lulu Herself in the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship that also runs over the weekend and has drawn 59 entries.
Also featured is the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships presented by Dubarry of Ireland.
The Maryland Fresh Food Fest and the Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase is powered by Grow & Fortify. It features local wine, craft beer and spirits while watching the cross-country action on Saturday, Oct. 15, over courses designed by Ian Stark.
The horses and trainers from Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers return for Horseland at the MARS Maryland 5 Star during all four days of competition. Major League Eventing will operate the inaugural Maryland Corgi Cup on Sunday, Oct. 16.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to https://www.maryland5star.us/tickets/
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 3, 2022
The very inclement weather on Sunday did not cooperate with the Kevin Babington Benefit Horse Show in New Jersey, as heavy rain moved as many classes as possible indoors, while the turnout understandably was light. But the fundraising continues for the show jumper who suffered a severe spinal injury that left him paralyzed three years ago.
The benefit show has been a tradition at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County, since 2019, and the new owners, the Stout family, have continued it with their generosity.
They opened the doors of their refurbished facility to the cause that has involved so many people who want to help. Kevin is able to give lessons from ringside, but he is still undergoing therapy, and the costs of that and the care he requires are astronomical.
Because of the conditions for the show, there are still raffle and silent auction items left over. They will be available next weekend at the N.J. Professional Horsemen’s Association show at Duncraven Oct. 8 and 9.
The raffle will be held during the NJPHA show for those who are present. Bids for the auction items, a Bates Arena saddle from Bucks County Saddlery and a $1,000 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery, may be made via phone with Julie Koveloski at 609-439-8983.
Julie worked with Nancy Wallis, Jen Cassidy and many others who gave their time to put on the show. She said of the day, “We really made the best of it. Whoever was showing, they showed in everything. I think we really only had 38 horses and ponies showing. The trainers were fabulous who stuck around and pretty much ran the classes. It was pretty much a group effort.”
The jump donated by Mason Garrity.
As she mentioned, the thought in everyone’s mind as the rain came down was “what would Kevin do? Kevin would trudge on and make the best of it. Everyone kind of did the same.”
Julie said “we did really well, considering the weather. Can’t ask for more than that. Duncraven and the NJPHA Fall Finale were really generous, letting us keep the raffle and silent auction items through next weekend and hopefully generate a little more for Kevin.”
Raffle items include a horsehead painting by Cecile Bruck, a handmade cherrywood table from Liz Soroka, and a jump made by Mason Garrity. Julie will be upstairs at Duncraven during the NJPHA show to handle the raffle and auction bids.
Table donated for the raffle by Liz Soroka.
She said in addition to the saddle, Bucks County also donated the majority of the champion and reserve champion gifts.
“They were very very generous,” said Julie, noting Bucks County also donated Breyer horses for the kids.
Kevin’s wife, Dianna, responded to the incredible effort by saying, “Kevin and I are incredibly thankful and feel blessed to have such support from 1home.’
“We miss everyone so much and are always overwhelmed by the love and support that remains to help him with his journey. We are also extremely appreciative for the use of Duncraven,” she added, citing the new ownership.
The Babington’s are based in Florida, but formerly lived in New Jersey.
“We will see you all next year and I hope Kevin can someday make the journey home,” Dianna added..
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 2, 2022
The psychic’s sign.
Never before have I seen a psychic in a horse show’s vendor village, so it was a first for me during Dressage at Devon when I spotted the booth offering crystal ball reading ($35) and Tarot card reading ($45).
But I decided to save my money because I knew who was going to win the Saturday night Grand Prix Freestyle, even before a horse set hoof in the Dixon Oval for the class.
Alice Tarjan with Serenade MF (Sir Donnerhall X Don Principe) had to be a lock for the victory. After all, the two earned the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s National Grand Prix Championship little more than a month ago.
And with the petite mare nicknamed Shrimp, Alice was the alternate for the U.S. team at the FEI World Dressage Championships last summer.
She didn’t disappoint in front of the six-day show’s biggest crowd, earning 76.515 percent for her complex floorplan, despite a bit of a stutter start before getting in the groove and finding her direction.
“I rode a terrible test,” Alice freely admitted, when she discussed her performance after an ebullient victory pass aboard her game mare, who was bred in the U.S. by Maryanna Haymon.
Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I got lost the whole time; poor horse,” she sighed as she described her experience.
“I’ve got to be able to ride a bit better in my head, I think.”
But as Alice observed, since it’s a freestyle, mistakes are “not so obvious.”
She credited Shrimp for picking up the slack.
“That’s a really cool horse and she tries her heart out for you and she’s really on the aids, so you can ride a freestyle.”
The floorplan that showcased technical expertise was designed by her coach, Marcus Orlob, to music arranged by Boy DeWinter. Judges gave her marks of 7.9 to 9.2 for the degree of difficulty, so Marcus obviously accomplished his goal that enabled Alice to showcase what her horse can do so well. The Hanoverian mare has changed in the way she carries herself as she develops, so the freestyle will be tweaked accordingly.
When I asked Alice how it felt to win the big one at DAD, she responded that she was thrilled.
“It’s something I never thought was going to happen. It’s not something I ever expected.”
Huh? I expected it. (See my first paragraph above.)
But that’s Alice. She’s very self-critical, which is probably a key element to her success. As is the case with so many of her horses, she trained Serenade from the time she was a foal. The Oldwick, N.J., resident was inspired to ride at DAD in 2006 when she was being treated for cancer and decided to buy a foal with an eye toward riding it three years later in the Materiale class, which didn’t require qualification for entering.
She has continued buying horses young and educating them up the help of Marcus and several other trainers (Lars Petersen and Debbie McDonald immediately come to mind.)
Alice was assisted last night by Allison Nemeth, the winner of the groom’s award.
Canada’s Megan Lane on the 18-year-old Zodiac MW was second with 75.220 percent, and her admirable pirouettes were a high point. Two judges gave her 9’s and one a 9.1 for her test’s degree of difficulty and “calculated risks.”
Megan Lane and Zodiac MW. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Megan has been riding Deeridge Equestrian’s Dutchbred gelding (Harmony’s Rousseau X Amethist) for a decade, and the longevity of their partnership showed in what they accomplished.
Although Alice’s winning performance was popular with the crowd, it was not their favorite. Fans at the showgrounds on Philadelphia’s Main Line who were using the spectator judging app voted for last year’s winner, Maryland-based Michael Bragdell on Qredit Hilltop (Quaterback 6 X Dream of Glory). They gave him their top percentage of 77.136, compared to the judges’ 73.130 that put him third officially. Megan Lane was second in the hearts of the crowd (75.745). Alice was third in the fans’ opinion on 75.678.
Michael’s ride was exuberant, and the crowd roared in appreciation of his stallion’s no-holds-barred extended canter which really was a gallop. The music, a compilation of Blurred Lines and Coldplay. emerged as the liveliest of the evening. It was the same accompaniment he won with in 2021, but Michael noted he has tweaked his test since then, and made it more difficult, ending with a one-handed ride. His music and his interpretation of it ranged from marks of 8 to 8.3 from the judges.
Michael Bragdell and Qredit Hilltop in full gallop. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Correcting a mistake he made in getting the Oldenburg ready for Friday’s qualifier, he decided not to overdo the warm-up, which paid off in a horse that sparkled.
“I just want to come in here and have fun, and just be thankful to have the chance to ride here and enjoy this awesome crowd,” he explained.
“So I trimmed down my warm-up quite a bit and thought, ‘I’m just going to do something nice and easy.’
“I have to trust it, and it felt great, we finished so strong. And the crowd is just unbelievable, I mean, it’s so much fun. It’s a wonderful thing. I got my personal best in the CDI score, so of course I want to win, but it’s still fun to come here.”
The freestyle, presented by Kingsview Partner, was the first of 10 North American qualifiers for the 2023 FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha. The finals have not been held in the U.S. since 2017, so it’s a big goal. Megan and Michael are going for it.
“I’m sure everybody is aiming for Omaha, so why not?” Michael asked, saying, “That would be super exciting” and riding on home turf would “be extra special.”
Alice is headed to Tryon, N.C., as is Michael, for the next qualifier.
But Alice explained when asked about her goals, “I don’t set goals like that. I think you follow where the horses go and where they lead you, and all you can do is try to set the horses up as best you can and put them in the best situations. All I can do is try and train my horses as best I can and try to present them in the ring, and follow that. Sometimes they’re ready and sometimes they’re not.”
The freestyle wasn’t Alice’s only victory of the day. During the misty afternoon, she also rode eight-year-old Jane (Desperado NOP X Metall) to the blue ribbon in the FEI Intermediate A with a score of 71.500 percent. She wrapped up the show the next day with a win in the same range, 71.459 percent, for the Intermediate B.
Alice Tarjan and Jane. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Dutchbred mare, “who is hot and spooky,” is in her first year of showing, and she was “not so easy to bring along, but she’s really starting to shine now,” said Alice, noting that she is sufficiently trained to overcome her fear in the ring.
“She’s highly affected by the environment and very worried about it,” noted Alice.
Comparing her to Serenade MF, Alice said, “They’re complete opposite horses. Jane was on high alert this entire horse show and so worried, and Shrimp was like, `What’s the problem?’”
Entries were light in the Grand Prix Special, with just two competing in the qualifier and only one, Micaela Mabragaña, in the class itself. Her score on Diamond Rosso (Diamond Hit X Lauries Crusador) was 66.766 percent, which was a landmark for the native of Argentina.
Micaela Mabragaña was all smiles on the Hanoverian Diamond Rosso after her Grand Prix Special test. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
A U.S. citizen who has been living here since 2010, she still rides for Argentina. Micaela, who came to this country as a working student for Lendon Gray, operates a training business in Bedford, N.Y.
“The last time I was here (at Devon) was 2009 and the Grand Prix was a massive class,” she recalled. “But it’s okay, I got a blue ribbon. I’m not too disappointed.”
The rider wants to do the Florida circuit and represent Argentina at the Pan American Games.
She has been to those Games before. Micaela was there in 2015 (when it was in Canada) and that’s where she met her partner, Antonio Diaz Porras, who was the Argentine coach at that time.
Click here for results from Dressage at Devon
