by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 9, 2023
Wellington, Florida’s Equestrian Preserve Committee Thursday night unanimously rejected a proposal to change the land use and master plan on property slated for a much-needed addition to the Wellington International showgrounds, raising questions about the future of that expansion.
Wellington International is best known as the home of Global Equestrian Group’s Winter Equestrian Festival, which draws competitors from around the world and hosts 2,500 to 3,000 horses each week during its run from January through March. It also holds smaller shows in other seasons.
Will this land ever become part of the Wellington International Showgrounds?
This was the the second evening in a row that the Equestrian Preserve Committee turned down a rezoning proposal involving The Wellington, a two-segment project.
It is a major revision of a concept presented to the committee last September by entrepreneur Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of a group that owns the land involved. Bellissimo and his daughter, Paige, have since formed Wellington Lifestyle Partners with developer Nexus Luxury Collection, one of private investment firm Tavistock’s largest portfolio investments.
The Wellington South segment, where the Wellington International showgrounds expansion would be located, covers 269.39 acres at the northwest corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, east of Gene Mische Way. WLP also seeks to develop up to 197 single-family residential units on the eastern 173.46 acres of the parcel.
Wellington North, on the northeast corner of South Shore Boulevard and Pierson Road, is 101.87 acres that includes White Birch and Equestrian Village, home of the Global Dressage Festival at the Equestrian Village. That proposal calls for removing about 96 acres from the Equestrian Preserve Area and the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District, changing the land use to residential, and developing a 300-unit residential project. The committee was unanimous in its rejection of that plan on Wednesday.
Concern was expressed during the discussion that once acreage was taken from the preserve, it would be a slippery slope leading to more loss of land for equestrian purposes.
Expansion of Wellington International by another 80 contiguous acres would mean more space to spread out than is available in the current cramped layout, even as dressage is moved from the Equestrian Village to the current Wellington International grounds, which it would share with the hunters, while jumpers would be on the additional land. Expansion also would open the door to solving access problems causing current traffic woes and offer far more parking than is available on the 94 acres at the current site.
The Preserve Committee is only an advisory group. The Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board is slated to consider the project next month, and in August, the fate of the proposals are scheduled for a vote by the Village Council.
Michael Stone.
If the rezoning for the showgrounds expansion doesn’t go through, “We have to regroup and see what our options are,” said Wellington International President Michael Stone. That would involve looking at purchasing other lots close to the show, he suggested.
Committee members expressed concern that although they saw extensive plans for development of high-end homes and recreational amenities, as well as a golf course purchased for $35 million, they hadn’t been given any details about the showgrounds expansion, beyond construction of nine rings and a stadium that could seat 7,000.
“I do recognize that Global Equestrian Group’s plans need to be clearer and more tangible,” said Doug McMahon, managing director of the Tavistock Group, co-founder of Nexus Luxury Collection and the chief executive officer of Wellington Lifestyle Partners.
Although Nexus is not involved with what will be built at the expanded showgrounds, McMahon agreed, “That’s such a critical part. We’ll try to help them (GEG) get there.”
Stone said that Global Equestrian Group has a signed agreement for purchase of the showgrounds with Wellington Equestrian Partners, also headed by Bellisimo, but no money for the property has changed hands. Asked if the developer would be funding the horse show, Stone replied it would not.
Michael Stone and Mark Bellissimo at Equestrian Village when it was under construction in 2012. (Photo © 2012 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Wellington Equestrian Partners is holding the land hostage, will sell it if all of this approved. What that has to do with this Tavistock neighborhood — nothing, except they say they may get some people in here that might go to a horse show,” said Jane Cleveland, chair of the preserve committee.
“Global Equestrian Group is not in this application at all. If the applicant was really in favor of supporting the horse show industry, they would sell you the land…but you can’t buy it unless all of this gets approved. If the applicant was truly in support of the horse industry they would sell you the land without the strings.”
That comment drew applause from the audience.
Committee member Dr. Kristy Lund observed that “if you build and build and build, you lose the character of why Wellington people come here,” another remark greeted with applause.
“I don’t want to vote on the houses when I don’t know what’s going to happen with the new equestrian center they want to build. We need to see the plans, we need to see what’s going on,” said Carlos Arellano, one of seven preserve committee members.
Earlier in the evening, he commented about Wellington’s ambience, “We don’t want to change; we want to keep it the way it is.”
Dan Rosenbaum, an attorney for Wellington Equestrian Partners, said the developer “can bring to the table the infrastructure and the hospitality that’s needed in order for you to continue to be the (winter) equestrian capital of the world. You don’t see the other side of it, which is the fact that revenues are needed are needed to support these shows.”
Discussing the overall plan, McMahon noted that a luxury community “of this magnitude and magnetism we would bring” represents an incremental $200 million investment “before we even embark on selling real estate.”
Many of those in the packed meeting room appeared to be skeptical of the plans, saying what is needed are more four-acre farms within hacking distance of the horse show, rather than luxury houses.
McMahon responded, “I do think we would attract equestrians, I do think we would attract next generation equestrians, I do think we would attract patrons and sponsors and interested people to equestrian sport here if we create our kind of community.
He noted the majority of Wellington’s housing stock predates 2005 or even 2000.
“The most beautiful architecture and the most beautiful construction I’ve seen in the community are the barns,” he mentioned.
“There’s an opportunity to create a housing product and a club community here that is at the standard of what Wellington is as the horse sport capital.”
At the same time, he cautioned, “You cannot do a community of this size and scale and quality with 100 residential homes.”
Seventeen people spoke, with most expressing concern about maintaining the equestrian lifestyle that is the reason they live in Wellington.
Lynda Sirota, president of the Equestrian Club Estates Property Owners Association, said residents moved to that development because it was close to the horse show.
If the proposal passes, she said, “We are now going to engulfed by a residential area behind us,” adding traffic already is heavy in the area without more houses.
More than 3,000 people have signed a petition against the project.
Attorney Leonard Feiwus spoke as an “interested party” representing a “united coalition of hundreds of Wellington residents who strongly object to the land use application before this committee.”
He stated, “We cannot preserve a horse-friendly bucolic landscape by permitting developers to build conventional high-density residential and commercial space in the preserve,” adding the effects would include “excessive noise and pollution,intolerable traffic congestion overcrowded public spaces.”
“To the very limited extent that the applicant has provided vague, non-binding promises to expand the current showgrounds or promote equestrian activities in the preserve, has the applicant provided sufficient detail to greenlight the radical changes to the preserve and land use regulations that are requested by these applications?” the attorney asked.
He contended such changes to the village land use laws if approved “will destroy the unique equestrian lifestyle and landscape that is and has been the defining principle of this community.”
Asked what he thought about the tone of the evening, McMahon said, “I expected it to be charged and emotional, and it was more challenging than I expected. I think we did a better job communicating the second night, because we had a better understanding of the complexity of the environment. We are respectful of the process, and I tried to communicate that we’re listening and will continue to listen.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 22, 2023
Tamie Smith, the heroine of Land Rover Kentucky less than two months ago, now is facing tragedy as her Luhmühlen 5-star mount, Solaguayre California, was euthanized in the wake of a cross-country injury at the German event last weekend.
The mare sustained a knee fracture after hitting the third element of the water obstacle.
In a social media statement, Tamie said, “My heart is broken as I write this and say that Solaguayre California was humanely euthanized after a planned surgery to repair a slab fracture to her knee.
“As California jumped out of the C element of the water at the Luhmühlen CCI5L, I felt her hit the jump and what seemed to be just a sting and disappointing moment of having to pull her up to save for another day. Initially the assessment of her recovery was favorable as we stopped when we did and it seemed to be a simple fix. However it has turned out much more extensive and the damage was irreparable.
Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. (Photo courtesy Tamie Smith)
“This is devastating to our team; her owners and I cannot quite imagine life without our girl, however her tenacity and grit was the complete example of how we get through times like these.
“I find comfort knowing we were able to get her to the best surgeon with the best medical team. There were so many amazing people who helped facilitate this and no stone was unturned on trying to find a perfect plan to having her make a full recovery.”
Tamie continued, “California was a star in the making and showed the world, especially this season, how incredibly gifted she was. Our hopes and dreams for her were so high. Our hearts are broken.”
Tamie, who will be riding her Kentucky star, Mai Baum, on the U.S. team at Aachen next week, added, “I have to reflect at the incredible honor it is to have these partnerships with our horses. How lucky are we to experience such a bond with these athletes. I know that living……means you take the good with the bad. Life’s uncertainty can’t disable your life because you are afraid of the risk of living. It isn’t easy, but it is better to have experienced the moments and memories and to live for every moment than to just sit and be safe.
“California was the epitome of “Carpe Diem”…….so I take this meaning of living life to the fullest in her memory.
My brain is spinning, my heart is broken, but I know I have you all to keep me pushing on.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 30, 2023
Take the results from April’s Land Rover Kentucky 5-star, mix in a couple of more big names and you have the standings from the dressage phase of this morning’s Aachen, Germany, eventing competition.
It’s run in the same format as a horse trials, with show jumping following dressage (later today) and cross-country as the finale tomorrow, rather than show jumping as the finale, the way it is in the 5-stars.
Kentucky winner Tamie Smith on Mai Baum is fifth with 26.9 penalties, the top American in the standings. Leading are two British riders, world champion Yasmin Ingham (Banzai du Loir,23.5) and Tom McEwen (JL Dublin, 24.3), who was second at Kentucky.
Mai Baum struts in the eventing dressage at Aachen. (Photo courtesy USEF)
Michael Jung, of whom you may have heard, stands third for Germany with 75.56 on fischerChipmunk FRH, while Tim Price, winner of last year’s Maryland 5 star with Coup de Couer Dudevin, is fourth on Falco (26). Another U.S. rider, Liz Halliday Sharp, third at Kentucky, is right behind Tamie in the standings with Miks Master C (27.3). Will Coleman, who won Aachen for the U.S. two years ago, is seventh on Off the Record (28.1).
So you see how it sets up. The U.S. is looking good for this Nations Cup, although you should know it is not part of the league in which nations are vying for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. And the U.S. already qualified with silver at the 2022 world championships.
Tamie said the cross-country course is “Non-stop,” citing its technicality and noting, “you’ve got to be really smart and on your A game.”
For dressage and jumping, the Aachen stadium is “like no other atmosphere. The first time is a little awe-inspiring. It’s a really unbelievable magical feeling to be on that grass.”
Note that she said “grass.” Think of all the complaints you’ve heard from riders when they don’t have state-of-the-art artificial footing. And then see how well they do on Aachen’s grass, which admittedly is maintained beautifully, though that might not be the case elsewhere.
Phillip Dutton and Z were fault-free in show jumping.
With half the jumping finished, Phillip Dutton went clean on Z. He was the first U.S. team rider to compete in this phase, and was twenty-fourth after dressage.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 23, 2023
Dr. Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University, received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium in Grapevine, Texas.
The Distinguished Service Award in Equine Science recognizes outstanding contributions in the field. Award recipients must also have a record of significant accomplishments in teaching, research and extension or service as it relates to the advancement of the equine sciences and horse industry.
Karyn has served as a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences since 1978 and in various roles, including extension specialist in equine sciences, animal sciences professor, founding director of the Equine Science Center and the director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Her research and extension programs concentrate on improving the equine athlete’s well-being and quality of life, while ensuring the equine industry’s vitality and viability, both statewide and nationally.
After having the opportunity to drive the famous Niatross, she got interested in racing and spent several summers learning how to drive harness horses. In 2001, she acquired her first Standardbred racehorse, Could Be Magic, who took her to victory in her amateur debut in 2003 at Freehold Raceway.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from the Equine Science Society,” said Karyn.
“It has been my extreme pleasure to have worked for over four decades with top-notch young people and horses.”
At the same meeting in Texas, Dr. Kenneth Harrington McKeever, FACSM, FAPS, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers and associate director of research at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, was elevated to the rank of Fellow of the Equine Science Society. The rank of Fellow is an elite member status reserved for recognizing distinguished service to the horse industry and to the Equine Science Society over the member’s many years of service.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 25, 2023
New Jersey’s Essex Horse Trials earlier this month turned out to be a good warm-up for the 4-star Strzegom, Poland, eventing Nations Cup, as Caroline Martin Pamucku finished second individually to lead the U.S. team to the silver medal.
Caroline Pamucku on cross-country aboard HSH Blake at Strzegom, Poland. (Photo courtesy FEI)
Caroline, who won the Essex Combined Test competition with HSH Blake, was first after dressage in Poland with a score of 28.1 penalties. But time penalties with Blake on the cross-country course designed by Marcin Konarski boosted her total to 35.7. She was clean in show jumping to end on that score behind the winner, Lea Siegl of Austria on van Helsing P (33.3).
The Dutch team won on 133.8, even though the fourth member of the squad was eliminated on cross-country. The U.S. had 142.8 penalties under the guidance of Emerging and Developing Eventing Coach Leslie Law. The total was 166.1 for bronze medal Belgium.
The Dutch are hoping to win the Nations Cup series when it concludes this fall in order to qualify for the Paris Olympics. One Olympic slot is available for the highest-placed team that hasn’t otherwise qualified for the Games.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 14, 2023
The Governor’s Award for New Jersey Horseperson of the Year is plural.
It went to a the Wunderlichs, a Sussex County family involved in the horse industry for three generations. The trophy was presented at the 66th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Celebration at the Horse Park of New Jersey to mark the Month of the Horse in the state.
The Wunderlich family.
The family’s passion and dedication over 50 years has built a successful training business in Lafayette, at the same time as they have been busy volunteering in many locations across the state and country.
Since 2008 Amy, Emily and Lori have worked to build Amy Wunderlich Performance Horses into a successful lesson, training, and breeding facility. They have coached and trained over 40 National and World Appaloosa Champions. They teach more than 70 lessons weekly and have started more than 700 students with their innovative Mommy, Horsey and Me program, which has provided many families hands-on experience, especially throughout the COVID -19 pandemic.
Lori Wunderlich has been a 4-H leader in Sussex County for over 35 years, while Amy and Emily have been leaders for the past 20 years. The family has been involved at all levels of the 4-H program from local club events, officiating at state events, coordinating various contests and competitions, and acting as national team coaches and assistants.
Emily is a program assistant with the state 4-H equine program. In addition, Lori has been a director of the Garden State Appaloosa Association since 1988 and is currently a National Director for the Appaloosa Horse Club. She has served as the National President of the Club since 2020.
Other family members not directly related to the equine industry but integral parts to this successful family include Dan Gurick, Amy’s husband; Travis Vail, Emily’s husband; John Wunderlich, and Daniel Wunderlich. Daniel served for 14 years as a director of the Horse Park of New Jersey, and chairman of the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event for three years.
The third generation of Ryan and Nathan Gurick, and Mason and Wyatt Vail have started to followtheir parents’ lead, doing daily chores on the farm and competing in the show ring, where they have already earned year end awards in New Jersey and nationally.
After the trophy was presented, the family stated, “Today was a very special day. We can’t thank the members of the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board enough for this award. Many people don’t know how involved our entire family has been in the horse industry. We moved to New Jersey in 1988, and from that point on, we hit the ground running.
“In addition to operating the horse farm for the last 15 years, we have a combined 75 years of being 4H leaders, and volunteering countless hours at many different horse show venues, series and regional clubs across the state and Northeast. We can’t thank all of our current and past clients enough for your trust in us. We never would have had the chance at this award if it weren’t for you all.”
Other awards presented included New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year, Special Way, New Jersey Sire Stakes Premier Horse of the Year, owned by Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz, and Al Libfeld.
Also: the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey Horse of the Year is Oh Well, owned by the SRF Stable of Lighthouse Point, Fla. The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horse of the Year He’spuregold , owned by John Bowers Jr. Breeder of the Year is Dr. Seven Dey III of Heritage Hill Farm, which bred the winners of over $3.3 million in 2022, ranking 11th overall in North America.
The Horse Park of New Jersey Volunteer of the Year is Nancy Frenick, who has been a ring steward, jump starter, jump judge, dressage scribe and show assistant for many horse show organizations. Since the Horse Park of New Jersey opened in 1987, she has shown there, sponsored show classes, volunteered in many capacities, donated needed items and offered her professional services for many events. Nancy is the Volunteer Sponsorship Coordinator for the Horse Park and is working on obtaining corporate sponsors.
The New Jersey Youth Horseperson of the Year, Agriculture Achievement Award Winner is Gianna Tanzi, a sophomore at Howell High School, who competes on the 4-H circuit and at open dressage shows. She also volunteers at a riding program for people with disabilities.
The Bell Scholarship went to Alejandra (Sasha) Burns, whose passion for horses began at a young age when her family relocated to a small town in the countryside of Spain. With no prior exposure to horses, they took on three Andalusians and a Dartmoor pony. As a teenager, she began teaching riding to young children lessons with her Dartmoor pony to young children and as she got older her dream of pursuing a career in equine veterinary medicine began to solidify.
Sasha’s academic career at Rutgers University includes doing research work with Dr. Carey Williams and Dr. Karyn Malinowski. In addition to her academic curriculum, Sasha has worked at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center (MAEMC) as both a surgical and treatment technician. She hopes to get a degree in veterinary medicine and pursue an equine surgical residency. Additionally, Sasha aspires to create a non-profit equine rescue organization, combining her knowledge of veterinary medicine and equine-assisted therapy to better assist horses and people.
Superior Achievement Awards have gone to Entirely Smooth Movin and Sonnys Music Man. Entirely Smooth Movin is a 12- year-old Paint owned by Ava Stanker of Bridgeton. His accomplishments include Novice Youth Register of Merit (ROM), Western Horsemanship and APHA Youth Champion, among others.
Sonnys Music Man, a 17-year-old Paint is owned by Dawn Edmonds. In 2021, Sonny received numerous awards in Ranch Pleasure, Youth Color, and other classes.
The New Jersey Agricultural Achievement Award went to Ashley Presgraves of Millville, a senior at
Our Lady of Mercy Academy and an active member of Cumberland County 4-H.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 19, 2023
Buying a weanling as a sport horse prospect is a long road. But the trip has been worth it so far for eventer Arielle Aharoni, who earned the best placing of her career with the multi-talented Dutch Times at the MARS Equestrian Bromont 4-Star Long in Canada this month.
She finished second, just a little more than a rail behind eternal Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton and the exciting Azure, as that mare logged her first FEI victory.
“I definitely had a couple of tears in my eyes,” Arielle remembered about her reaction to a very special accomplishment.
“I was a little bit in disbelief of how well we did. It definitely didn’t feel real. I knew it was in there, but I definitely didn’t think it was all going to be put together,” commented the recipient of a Bromont Rising Under 25 development grant in 2019.
Her mother, Christina Barna Aharoni, said, “We were thrilled. It will put her on the map a little bit. Sometimes you have to wait for the stars to align for that perfect result. And you know what, how do you beat Phillip? But we’ll take it.”
Christina and Arielle Aharoni with Dutch Times at home. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
While Dutch’s Bromont ribbon was a milestone for Arielle, who finished 10th in that event last year, the 23-year-old Bedminster, N.J., resident is a long way from the finish line. The professional trainer is hoping to take her 15-year-old son of Good Times (by Nimmerdor) to the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star next year, and eventually ride on Nations Cup teams for the U.S.
That’s plural for a reason — “I have ambitions to make multiple teams,” said Arielle, referencing the inspiration of German superstar Michael Jung, who does it all. Dutch is a powerful show jumper, as well as an eventer.
Arielle and Dutch in May’s $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing competition, where they finished third. (Photo courtesy of Christina Aharoni)
Eventing and show jumping are in her sights at the moment. She admits, “dressage is not quite there yet but I’m thinking one day…”
Then she conceded with a smile, “We have to get a little bit more training in us.”
Arielle began sharpening that discipline this spring with respected trainer Heather Mason, who said, “I have been very impressed with her dedication to improving her dressage. It’s clear she works hard between lessons, and the hard work paid off at Bromont.” (Arielle was eighth in that phase.)
“She has a great relationship with her very talented Dutch. It’s nice to see a young professional training and riding their own horses up the levels.”
Erik Duvander, who is involved in training such top riders as Boyd Martin and Liz Halliday-Sharp, watched Arielle at Bromont.
“I am always talent scouting, and Arielle caught my eye a few years ago,” he said.
“The girl has grit! And you can’t teach that. With a decent horse and perseverance, you can learn the rest. This is Arielle,” he said, and at Bromont, “she did a super job.”
Arielle focuses on getting around the cross-country courses safely when she events, and that’s how she handled the Bromont route laid out by Olympic course designer Derek Di Grazia.
Arielle going cross-country on Dutch Times at Bromont. (Photo XO Girl Productions)
“I never really go for time, I never really pushed the envelope,” she said, explaining her priority is getting around safely, while she knows exactly where she could have made up time if that had been her plan.
Based at Aharoni Equestrian on a scenic Branchburg, N.J., farm, where she oversees care of 14 horses, Arielle works closely with her mother, who selected Dutch as a brash weanling out of the glamorous palomino Alino Queen (by Michellino) at Lauren Efford’s Goldhope Farm in Pennsylvania.
“He was just full of himself,” recalled Christina, “and I said, `This horse is going to be a star’.”
Arielle chuckled as she remembered the reaction of her eight-year-old self when Christina got Dutch.
“I did every sport under the sun except for riding,” she reminisced, citing ice skating, taekwondo and playing soccer.
“I didn’t want to do the same sport as my mom. And then she bought Dutch and I was upset she didn’t buy me a horse and that’s how I got started. (Toby, her first pony, still lives in the Branchburg barn.)
Christina began riding at the old Claremont stable in New York City, where she was born the year after her parents emigrated from Ukraine. She continued riding on Long Island before she wound up teaching at Winterbrook in Montville, N.J. and evented a bit, even competing at the Essex Horse Trials in its heyday. She had some lessons with Marilyn Payne and knew Denny Emerson, Bobby Costello and others still prominent in the eventing world.
Christina broke Dutch, and then turned him over to Tik Maynard, who went on to ride him in FEI competition in 2014 and 2015, before Arielle took over.
A member of the Amwell Valley Pony Club, Arielle got her A ratings in dressage and eventing. She has taught at Pony Club camp as a give-back, under the theory, “they gave you a start, you have to give them a start.”
Arielle graduated from Bernardsville, N.J., High School in three years by filling in blank spaces in her schedule with courses. She immediately got a Young Rider grant to work with Phillip Dutton for a month, then moved on to a working student job with Boyd Martin for two years before starting her own business.
Although Arielle is definitely in charge, her mother plays a major role, even though she works as a visiting nurse.
“She cleans, she organizes, she yells at me when I’m on my horse to put my heels down,” said Arielle.
“If there’s a horse with a cut, she tells us how to deal with it. She’s like a vet who hasn’t gone to vet school. Usually she’s right. She knows way more than I do, so it’s, `Yes, mother’.”
While it was a big decision to leave Boyd and go out on her own, Arielle reflected, “I’m glad I took the opportunity. It’s a long process building your own business. I’m glad I did it young, so could rely on my mom a little bit.”
She noted her mother handled the situation in such a way that “I didn’t notice I was taking over.”
Arielle’s father, Yuval, who emigrated from Israel, works for Torsilieri Inc. in Gladstone, N.J. That’s the company for which he has cut the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and put it up in New York City. But Arielle notes he pitches in with the horses, doing a bit of everything: “He knows how to groom, tack up a horse; he will feed, he’s quite handy, he fixes the fencing.”
Christina likes the fact that Arielle is involved with three disciplines, thinking that what she learns in each makes the others stronger.
Arielle hacking Dutch Times at home. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“On a whim,” as Christina put it, after Arielle got more into her relationship with Dutch, they went to Andrew Philbrick for lessons a year ago. Though these days he’s best known as the impresario of Princeton Show Jumping, Andrew also has been a rider and trainer.
Christina called that relationship, “The best thing that ever happened. That accuracy in show jumping pays huge rewards on cross-country. Dutch literally skips around the 4-star now like it’s a gymnastic. Andrew is very positive and that helps the rider’s confidence, which makes them ride better.”
Andrew called Arielle “a worker. She is not a dilettante of any kind and will get on a 3-year-old or just about anything that needs a ride.”
He mentioned she has ridden in FEI show jumping classes at Princeton. Her talent has been noticed in the right places and he thought there was a possibility the eventing team for this autumn’s Pan American Games could be on her horizon.
Christina noted the Aharonis have had offers for Dutch “that would make us financially solvent. And the answer is, ‘No thank you,’ because he’s a family member. All of our horses become family members.”
While Dutch is the lead player in Arielle’s band of horses, she has others who are coming along. A pair of 5-year-olds also came from Lauren. Notorious, a buckskin, is Dutch’s full brother. Veni Vidi Vici, also known as Pickle, is by Valentino out of Dutch’s half-sister. She hopes to get them to their first events by the end of the season.
Arielle with Notorious and Pickle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lauren believes in breeding all-around horses: “They can jump, they can think, they can move. And that’s what I think is so important.”
Then there’s Chumley, bought as a hunting horse for dressage rider Alice Tarjan, who named him after her friend, eventer and dressage rider Lauren Chumley. Arielle has evented Chumley, but feels his real strength is show jumping.
Arielle on Chumley at the 2022 Essex Horse Trials. (Photo © 2022 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
She also is involved with Fantom, who came to her from Andrew. She is looking for sponsorship to help support her relationship with that horse, a show jumper.
Andrew calls Arielle, “Extremely talented. She has determination and real talent and all I really needed to do was take someone that was really concentrating on cross-country and try to then educate her in the mind of a show jumper. She has the potential to ride for both teams. It’s not very usual, but she absolutely could do this.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 23, 2023
Two saddlebred at the Virginia Horse Center for the Shenandoah Classic competition tested positive for Equine Herpesivrus-1(EHV-1). Both were taken to a veterinary clinic where one was euthanized and the other is stable after receiving medical care.
Approximately 80 horses are under quarantine after being stabled in the same barn as the two positive horses at the Lexington, Va., facility. They are prohibited from competition and were placed in isolation by the State Veterinarian’s Office of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Each is being monitored twice daily for fever (temperature over 101.50° F) and other clinical signs.
No other horses at the show are considered exposed and the competition will continue. However, the unexposed horses also are having temperatures and clinical signs monitored.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Equine Health and Biosecurity Veterinarian, Dr. Katie Flynn, has been in direct communication with all parties regarding the response to the confirmation of EHV-1.
“I applaud the VHC staff, the show veterinarians, competition management, and show participants for their prompt response and collaborative efforts to immediately implement biosecurity measures to protect the health of all equines on the premises,” she said.
Based on the assessment of the premises by the Virginia State Veterinarian’s office, and the immediate activation of the VHC biosecurity and disease response plan upon confirmation of EHV-1, USEF supports continuation of competition with the enhanced biosecurity measures and monitoring of horse health through the twice-daily temperature recording and observation for signs of illness.
For more information on EHV-1 or the latest on disease outbreaks visit https://equinediseasecc.org/.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 18, 2023
Laura Collett and London 52 led from gate to wire at the 5-star Luhmuehlen, Germany horse trials to head a British podium parade Sunday.
Laura Collett and London 52 going cross-country in Germany. (Photo courtesy Luhmuehlen 5-star)
Impeccable throughout, Laura finished on her dressage score of 20.3 penalties, unfazed by Michael Etherington-Smith’s twisty-turny cross-country course. Second and third went to Laura’s countrywomen Kitty King (Vendreirdi Biats, 27.2) and world eventing champion Yasmin Ingham (Rehy DJ, 27.9).
“London is a sensational horse, a horse of a lifetime and I’m so lucky to get to ride him,” said Laura.
“He knows when it matters. He went like a dream in the dressage, was so brave in the cross-country and today, he showed off to the German fans. When the distance isn’t perfect he just jumps higher. Our partnership is the key, it’s all down to trust and a special bond – and I am so proud of him.”
The top American was Boyd Martin, fourth with Luke 140 (30.1). He also finished eighth with Federman B (36.4) and 25th on his Olympic partner, Tsetserleg (69.5), in a field of 38 who started on cross-country.
Boyd blamed himself for the cross-country refusal that dropped “Thomas” (his barn name) in the standings.
Boyd Martin and Luke 140. (Photo courtesy Boyd Martin)
After the competition, Boyd stated on social media that he is “incredibly grateful for my team here and afar, and everyone else who has supported us along the way. Going home with two newly minted 5* horses with a bright future and our little champion Thomas who gives it his all every time. I owe you one, buddy!”
Another American, Sydney Elliott, was 17th on QC Diamantaire (47.4).
Tamie Smith, who won the Kentucky 5-star with Mai Baum, retired Solaguayare California on cross-country. She had been 15th after dressage.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 18, 2023
Californian Christian Simonson was the freestyle runner-up on Son of a Lady Sunday at the Hagen, Germany, show, where the U.S. team took bronze earlier in the week.
His score of 79.167 percent was second to Germany’s Jana Lang on Baron with an 83.5.
“It was the last day that I would also be able to compete here ever as a young rider, so I know I hoped to deliver something special, not only for myself but also for the team,” said Christian.
Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady. (Foto Mhisen)
“Son of a Lady was just absolutely incredible. He was so supple and relaxed but powerful at the same time,” he said. Christian cited his teammates, Erin Nichols, sixth on Elian Royale (75.8) and Kat Fuqua, 11th on Dreamgirl (68.867).
“All in all, it was just a really special day.”
It was Christian’s third consecutive appearance in Hagen. The experience was particularly memorable because his Young Rider career ends when he ages out this year.
“It really has been truly special. I feel really fortunate that I have been able to compete here. I think having access to compete against the best young riders in the world is important,” said Christian, who is trained by Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle. (To learn more about Christian by clicking this link to read a story I did on him earlier this year.)
He explained, “These Hagen shows are the best preparation I have ever had for a senior Nations Cup because they do such an incredible job at a young age of educating you on how the process goes, how you are there to support your teammates, and it really is an incredible show for the pipeline that USEF has been developing.”
