by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2022
You may regard the Horse Park of New Jersey as a place for competition, but it is also a place that is in competition–with state horse parks elsewhere that have similar missions.
They are located in Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and Florida (and don’t forget the refurbished Fair Hill, Md., site that hosts the country’s new 5-star event). Private facilities in North and South Carolina and New York also are among venues that are looking to attract exhibitors, and huge expenditures at Wellington International and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., have raised the bar even more.
One thing all these places have in common is up-to-date footing and stabling, while the New Jersey park in Monmouth County is working with footing in its rings that is not to the modern standard, and stalls from another era. The parks in other states “show off their state. New Jersey’s state animal is the horse, and our horse park is usable, but it’s sure nothing to show off,” said board member Marilyn Payne.
In its 35 years, the horse park has fallen farther behind because it hasn’t had the infusion of cash it needs to modernize.
“It’s a crisis for long term use and competition with other venues,” said Marilyn, a well-known trainer who has competed at the park as has her son, Doug, the highest-placed rider on the U.S. Olympic eventing team in Tokyo last year, and her daughter, Holly Payne Caravella, also a professional horsewoman.
Doug Payne taking a victory gallop in the grand prix ring at the Horse Park of New Jersey when he won at Jersey Fresh. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Marilyn cited the effort that went into the venue’s premier feature, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event for two decades, but “we lost it because other horse parks had far better (arena) footing and stabling,” she contended.
Complaints about those two items have kept some equestrians living in other states from coming to the park, while they also have been responsible for a number of New Jersey horse owners’ decision to show elsewhere, even though the footing on the cross-country course is ideal.
The situation is particularly painful with rising gas and diesel prices, since it is more cost-effective and convenient for New Jersey equestrians to show in-state rather than driving for hours to ride under better conditions in other states. She notes that other facilities offer “destination events,” explaining “that’s something you want to be able to qualify for and get there because it’s such a fabulous venue.”
But now there is an opportunity for improvements at the park, and New Jersey residents can make them happen by contacting their state legislators and urging them to vote for Assembly Bill 3982, a fiscal year supplemental appropriation introduced by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer of Cream Ridge (R-12th Dist.)
Assemblyman Ron Dancer.
The bill calls for a $2.5 million allocation for footing for three arenas and two warm-up rings, with stabling improvement if any money is left over. The assemblyman noted the time is right to seek funding from the state because it has “unprecedented surplus levels,” as tax revenues increased $13.4 billion in two years, more than 35 percent higher than what was collected in 2020, according to nj.com.
The assemblyman had asked for a wish list of improvements the horse park board wanted to see, and it came to a total of $8.5 million.
“From that. he came up with that proposal of $2.5 million,” said park board vice president Ellen Clark, noting he felt that was the park’s best shot for its most-needed improvements.
Stabling is an issue because at the time the park was developed, horses generally were smaller than they tend to be today, she said. It’s important that the horses have enough space, and in the interests of disease prevention also can’t touch noses with other horses while in their stalls.
However, Dancer knows more needs to be done. He wants to see work begin on drafting a five-year capital plan for further improvements at the park after the end of this fiscal year on June 30.
Footing First is the company that would supply SRS footing. The firm said the footing, which includes silica sand,
“provides excellent traction, cushion and durability.”
Silica sand, according to the company, creates a surface with longevity and is a “blend has proven itself to be an excellent choice for all disciplines.” That’s important at a facility used for everything from dressage, show jumping, driving and eventing to saddlebreds and western.
“We felt this is the best solution for the park and our needs, to serve all our constituents,” said Ellen.
Big names such as Boyd Martin were a fixture at Jersey Fresh. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The assemblyman, the son of legendary harness horse driver and trainer Stanley Dancer, was behind a bill that sought to eliminate the tax on horse board in 2020. Although that made it all the way to the governor’s desk, he didn’t sign it. The legislator is hoping for better luck this time, but first the bill has to get out of committee.
He advises the way to do that is for everyone who would like the Horse Park to be improved to write to the legislators in their own district, or even call their offices. This is a proactive step that should be taken by anyone who wants to see the park live up to its potential.
They should also contact Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (District 19) and Senate President Nick Scutari (District 22). Click on this link to find the names and addresses of your legislators; all you have to do is fill in the name of the town where you live. And a note or call to Gov. Phil Murphy also will be beneficial. Contact him via email with this link. Here is a link that will enable you to read the details of the bill. A sample letter you can send is on the Horse Park website at www.horseparkofnewjersey.com; or click here
“We’ve never had funding available to address the needs of the Horse Park. The horse is the state animal, and we need to make a statement we are supporting our state horse park financially,” the assemblyman said, noting he is unaware of any direct state appropriation for the park during its history, aside from supplying the land where it is located.
“When you have a state horse park that is drawing from other states and regions, we want to be proud of what we have in New Jersey. Number one, we want to make sure everything is safe. The emphasis here is on safety and recognizing that the state of New Jersey has a fiduciary responsibility to address the needs of a state horse park,” he added, commenting, “I think it’s overdue.”
Because of the park’s name, people think it is funded by the state, which doesn’t provide an incentive to give money to the facility. The park is actually a non-profit that has to pay for itself. Ellen noted there has been talk about rebranding–perhaps with a named sponsor–but that’s only a thought at the moment.
“We try not to raise the rates at the park so much that people can’t afford to use it,” Ellen commented. She noted the park is still seeking other grants, through “every possible avenue.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 23, 2022
The U.S. is neck and neck with the Netherlands’ home team in the dressage Nations Cup at the Rotterdam Horse Show after today’s Grand Prix. They are tied on a score of 19 points each, with Sweden third on 29. Seven nations are competing, with the championship to be decided on Saturday after the Special and Freestyle.
Dutch rider Dinja van Liere leads the way individually on Hermes (79.739), while Patrick Kittel of Sweden stands second with Blue Horse Zepter (76.130 percent). The top U.S. rider was Ashley Holzer of Wellington, Fla., with Valentine (72.957). Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, N.J. was seventh in the field of 28 with the U.S.-bred Serenade MF (71.239) in the mare’s first European competition.
There were two other U.S. riders competing. Katie Duerrhammer on Paxton (70.456) finished 11th while Ben Ebeling on Illuster van de Kampert ended up 28th and last with a score of 57.152 after getting marks of 1 in the piaffe on two occasions in the test.
The Americans have been shortlisted for the team that will go toAugust’s world championships in Denmark, for which Rotterdam is an observation event. Other short-listed riders are slated to compete at Aachen next month.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 15, 2022
We get used to seeing U.S. show jumping teams on the podium, as they were in this 2020 competition. Nations Cup qualifier in Florida.
The U.S. team was victorious in a Nations Cup qualifier for Barcelona in 2020. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
But for the first time, the U.S. show jumping squad hasn’t qualified for this fall’s Nations Cup Final in Barcelona..
What happened? Read the story I wrote for Horse Sport by clicking on this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 14, 2022
An international dressage show scheduled for the Horse Park of New Jersey has been cancelled due to lack of entries and a complication involving withdrawal of one key official, but the Level 3 national Dressage at the Park show, scheduled in conjunction with the CDI, still will run July 7-10.
Jennifer Bateman, the show organizer, said only three people had entered the 2-star/1-star CDI, which was a qualifier at Intermediate I and Grand Prix (along with Para, Junior, Pony, Children’s and Young Riders) for August’s U.S. Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champions at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Illinois.
At the same time, the veterinary services manager required for the CDI by the FEI (international equestrian federation) had to bow out. Others with the proper qualifications—which are changing as of July 1—were not able to take the job due to a variety of conflicts in their practices or personal lives.
The entrance to the Horse Park.
“I asked for an exception from the FEI; they wouldn’t grant it. We tried everything,” show organizer Jennifer Bateman said.
“We cancelled earlier than optimum for some competitors, but we cancelled at the best time to make sure that all of our sponsors, should they choose to leave and do something else, and our vendors, and our officials all had enough time to get their money back on their air fare and those sorts of things.”
Under the Horse Park contract with officials, “If we cancel in less than a month (before the show) that travel is on the Park. We made the best decision for the financials of the Park, as well as giving all of our officials sponsors, vendors and competitors enough notice of what we were doing. Everything was done in our power within our budget within reason to make it happen. The rest of the competition is going on as planned.”
The grand prix arena at the Horse Park. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
She anticipates 150 horses being on the grounds of the Allentown venue each day.
So even though the closing date for entries was not until June 26, the writing was on the wall last week for the CDI, which costs more to run than a national show because of various FEI requirements.
“We decided to cut our losses instead of waiting until the very last minute and not having that (veterinary) official available,” said Jennifer, who was pleased sponsors decided to stick with the show anyway.
Competitors in most divisions hoping to qualify for the Festival can use scores from the national show, but in the I-1 and Grand Prix, they also need a score from a CDI. The only other CDI in North America before the entry closing date for the Festival is Caledon in Ontario, Canada, beginning July 22.
The cancellation was bad news for riders who had been planning to enter the New Jersey CDI and try to qualify for the Festival if they hadn’t done so in 2021 at Dressage at Devon or in Florida during the winter of 2022.
“You set your schedule around certain shows, so it’s obviously disappointing,” said trainer Lauren Chumley of Pittstown, N.J, who learned of the cancellation over the weekend.
A mare she had been trying to qualify for the Small Tour at the Virginia CDI last month was under the weather there, so the Dressage at the Park CDI seemed like her last chance.
She hadn’t entered because of a cash flow situation common to trainers, but was expecting a check in time to pay her entry fee before the original deadline.
“If they wanted everyone to enter early, they should have had changed the closing date and made it sooner,” Lauren contended.
“It’s very frustrating for me, because I don’t get to play in these (CDI) arenas very often.”
Lisa Gorretta, the show’s technical delegate and the former president of the U.S. Dressage Federation, said, “The closing date was a week before the competition. Why? Because competitors insist on not entering until the last minute.
“If you make your closing date too early, they don’t want to commit that early because something could happen to the horse and they won’t get their money back. If you ask any horse show organizer at any level in dressage…if you make it (the deadline) too early, then you have to extend it, which you can’t do for a CDI.”
Now Lauren is debating whether she can afford to pay $6.50 a gallon for diesel to get herself and her horse to the Canadian CDI. Naturally, she would have preferred the 75-minute trip from her barn to the Horse Park.
She wishes that as organizers were worrying about light entries, they would have told potential competitors, “If you’re coming, you need to enter, so we don’t cancel the show.”
Heather Mason, a trainer from Tewksbury, N.J., said she has a client who is hoping to compete at the Festival and now is wondering whether she should chase a potential score to Canada “but I’m not recommending that,” said Heather.
“The USEF can do wild cards,” she noted, wondering if they could be granted to riders for the Festival under these circumstances.
“It’s unfortunate more people didn’t enter early, because I know a good number of people were planning to do the CDI,” she said.
At the same time, Heather added, “The show’s not going to bank everything on three entries. It sounds like the show did not have a choice.”
Lisa Gorretta addressed the situation on Facebook, stating, “the dressage equestrian `village’ and `community’ concept simply must work and go both ways, or you will have but one general location and time of year in which to compete East of the Mississippi.”
In an interview, she explained, “I’m a huge advocate of getting these starter CDIs, not because there’s anything wrong with Florida, but because there are competitors and horses that aren’t ready to go there. I think it is an advantage for the future of the sport to be able to offer competitions throughout the year. The 2-star is an awesome place to do it. I’m a huge advocate of having it happen and therefore it pains me when it doesn’t happen.”
Elisabeth Williams, the retired dressage super steward, who is volunteering at the Horse Park show, suggested a concept that might help competitors and shows alike under similar circumstances. She’s seen it in Sweden at jumper shows run by her sister, where there is a non-refundable commitment fee of $25 or $50 that can be paid early in the entry process, and then a starting fee that could be refunded if necessary.
Elisabeth Williams (second from left) is saluted on her retirement during Dressage at Devon by her friends, including Lisa Gorretta on the right. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
She suggested riders need to be more proactive, “you’ve got to let everybody know you’re coming.”
What happened with the Horse Park CDI might prompt a new approach on both sides, she commented.
“Maybe now everybody learned a lesson from this one, and let’s hope that next year they can try it again.”
“We are considering doing it again,” said Horse Park Vice President Ellen Clark.
“I’m asking them to consider different dates,” she added, noting there also has been a thought of putting together a series with Centerline at Saugerties and Dressage at Devon.
“In order to make this a success, we need to do it either when people are on their way down to Florida or on their way back. And then they come.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 13, 2022
Hope Hand’s devotion to U.S. Para Dressage efforts over the decades paid off in three ground-breaking medals at last summer’s Tokyo Paralympics, part of the long process in which she played a key role as America’s status in the discipline was elevated to global distinction.
Three months after the Paralympics, the president of the U.S. Para Equestrian Association was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and on Sunday, June 12, she passed away.
Yet as was typical for Hope, she remained active in her devotion to the discipline until three weeks before her death, according to Laureen Johnson director of Para Equestrian for the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“The Para Dressage community world-wide has lost a legend and a true friend,” said Laureen.
“Hope not only knew every U.S. Para Dressage athlete, from emerging to elite, but also recruited many of them into the program.”
From a wheelchair on the ground, Hope rose to independence in the saddle. Starting as an active competitor, Hope was the first alternate for the U.S. squad at the 1996 Paralympics, when equestrian competition made its debut in those games.
She competed at the British Invitational in 1997, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 1998, she was one of four disabled riders riding on teams with their able-bodied peers at the USEF Festival of Champions. Her freestyle score broke a tie, earning her team the Bradshaw Challenge Cup.
The following year, as a member of Team USA at the 1999 World Dressage Championships, she won a bronze medal. Hope also competed at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, finishing fifth in the overall standings.
Rebecca Hart, a member of the bronze medal team in Tokyo, called Hope “the consummate horsewoman and advocate for Para Equestrian. I did this my entire career the past quarter of a century with Hope, either as a competitor or as advocate or as liaison among USEF, USPA and the FEI. She helped nurture the grassroots program in the U.S.”
The USA’s first paralympics medal team; Roxie Trunnell, Kate Shoemaker and Becca Hart earned bronze, realizing a dream of Hope Hand’s.
She recalled that when the U.S. wasn’t qualified for the 2012 Paralympics and needed one more score as the deadline loomed, Hope got four riders on a plane to Australia, scene of the last qualifier, put them on borrowed horses and watched as they were able to make the cut for London.
“We got it done; it was with Hope’s push and drive and dedication, we were able to do that.”
“I think almost every para rider competing on the circuit had some interaction with Hope Hand,” observed Becca.
“To lose someone with that much driving force is very difficult. The best thing we can do is keep the momentum that we have in our sport from all the success that we’ve gotten to experience in the last several years and carry that forward, and keep her drive and her passion moving.”
Laureen noted, “Hope was available 24/7 to everyone to advise, encourage and educate them on their journey to be the very best version of themselves, professionally and personally.
“I have lost a great mentor and friend. She is truly irreplaceable, with her extraordinary energy and warm, caring heart. Her beautiful smile, witty personality and laugh will always remain in my heart and mind.”
Hope Hand (seated) with Jessica Ransehousen and Krysti Wysocki. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Hope was the recipient of numerous honors for her leadership in promoting sport for athletes with disabilities. She was chosen by her community to receive the “Home Town Hero” award for her work in developing programs and opportunities for young equestrians in her home state of Pennsylvania. She was president of the Reins of Life therapeutic riding program in southern Chester County, Pa., and president of the recognized national affiliate of the USEF, the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association. She served on the USEF board and had chaired the USEF High Performance Committee.
Hope is survived by her husband, Stanley and their daughter, Amy (Eric Capozzoli. A memorial service will be held later in the year, probably in the autumn.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 9, 2022
The United States Polo Association has purchased the core assets of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Fla., including 161 acres comprised of Fields 1 through 5, the grandstand, the pavilion, the Mallet Grille, the Seventh Chukker, the USPA Clubhouse shop, the Outback Field, the Outback facility, and the IPC social club and its facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts.
The IPC property will be called The USPA National Polo Center-Wellington, realizing the vision of a USPA-owned “Sunday Field” that will serve as the permanent center of polo in America and set the standard for excellence in polo. That vision was first articulated by USPA Chairman Stewart Armstrong in an essay called The Sunday Field that appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Hurlingham Polo Magazine.
The polo field at IPC. (Photo ©White Fence Photography Company)
Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, the former owner of the facility, and Wellington’s largest private landowner, said, “The sale of IPC to the USPA is part of our ‘Wellington 3.0’ strategy which is focused on strengthening both the equestrian venues and the core lifestyle elements that are critical for Wellington’s long-term success.
“We chose the USPA over competing offers and real estate development strategies to ensure that this fundamental pillar of the Wellington equestrian domain will be here for the next 100 years. I was inspired by Stewart Armstrong’s vision and believe the USPA has the commitment and resources to take this venue and the sport of polo to the next level which is a win for all involved.”
Originally, there was talk that WEP intended that IPC would host a new dressage facility, but that never came to fruition. Previously, WEP sold the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to a group headed by dressage competitor and horse dealer Andreas Helgstrand of Denmark. This spring, the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival was renamed Wellington International. Andreas is also looking to buy the Global Equestrian Center, a dressage venue and show jumping site down the street from the facility where WEF is held.
The USPA will continue to host the Gauntlet of Polo® at its property, but it will also use the facility to support polo played at the medium- and low-goal levels. The USPA intends to keep substantially all the current IPC staff in place. Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse and three-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, will serve as Chairman of the Board of a newly-formed USPA subsidiary created to revitalize the social club and hospitality facilities.
With its ownership of the National Polo Center, the USPA has secured a perpetual home for polo in America. The facility will enable the USPA to showcase its tournaments, develop American players, and sustain an environment that will retain and attract new players and sponsors at every level. It will also secure the future of winter and spring polo in South Florida, which many of the sport’s key participants from throughout the country rely on as a major source of the annual income that allows them to participate in polo at their summer and fall club locations.
The USPA plans to open the annual Wellington polo season beginning with the Federation of International Polo World Championship, from October 26 through November 6.
“The investment in a high-profile Sunday Field will enable the sport and brand to control our destiny for future generations,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Association brand.
“With a global footprint across 190 countries, we view the Sunday Field as a unique opportunity to highlight U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection to the sport and build additional global brand awareness. Additionally, this opportunity will create an epicenter of polo to promote not only high-goal events such as the Gauntlet of Polo®, but also other best-in-class opportunities at all levels supporting key polo competitions and demographics, such as international, low-goal, medium-goal, women’s, intercollegiate, interscholastic, youth and many others.”
Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes said the village welcomes the USPA’s purchase of the former IPC facility and the establishment of the National Polo Center, which will ensure polo’s permanent and important presence in the village for the mutual benefit of the polo community and village residents.”
Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse and three-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship, will serve as chairman of the board of a newly formed USPA subsidiary created to revitalize the social club and hospitality facilities.
Until recentlhy, Wellington Equestrian Partners owned more than 1,000 acres in Wellington and has been the key driver of Wellington’s emergence as the premiere equestrian lifestyle destination in the world. WEP owned both the venues and the operating companies of the three primary pillars of the Wellington Equestrian scene: show jumping, dressage, and polo, which represented over 90 percent of the Wellington equestrian economy.
Wellington’s equestrian festivals host more than 10,000 participants and 250,000 spectators from 50 states and 43 countries. Its events contribute close to $200 million of annual economic impact for Palm Beach County.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 8, 2022
The Brandywine Horse Shows scheduled for June 29 through July 10 at the Devon, Pa., showgrounds have been cancelled due to low entries.
“While the Executive Committee considered many options, our best course forward is to take a year off, regroup, and return even bigger and better in 2023,” the show stated in a posting.
Refunds will be issued as quickly as possible. Deposit checks sent were not cashed and will instead be destroyed. Those who want their checks mailed back to them should contact Cindy Bozan at brandywinehorseshows@gmail.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 17, 2022
Pat Boyle and Phil De Vita Jr., two respected horse show managers who have experience with competitions across the country, will be at the helm for the 2023 Devon Horse Show, following the resignations earlier this month of the men who ran the Pennsylvania multi-breed fixture for decades.
David Distler and Peter Doubleday had a total of 85 years at the show between them when they stepped down on June 6. The two will continue managing shows elsewhere, but as Peter noted, he felt he and David were kept out of the loop on important discussions and decisions at Devon, a U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Show.
Pat runs dozens of competitions under the banner of Illinois-based Showplace Productions. They include the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, where he succeeded Peter Doubleday in 2021, and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s marquee year-end championship in Las Vegas. He is also a judge, course designer and trainer.
Phil, who lives in Florida, is a course designer and judge as well as managing the hunter/jumper portion of the Germantown, Tenn., charity show and the Menlo Charity show in California, among many other fixtures..
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2022
New Jersey’s 2022 Governor’s Award for Horseperson of the Year was awarded to Carey Williams, who has served the industry with Rutgers University since 2003. Carey accepted the award at the 65th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Celebration at the Horse Park of New Jersey to kick of the Month of the Horse in the state.
“Dr. Williams is a champion for the New Jersey equine industry and her love for horses and the people involved has been evident throughout her career,” NJDA Secretary Douglas H. Fisher said. “She is truly deserving of this honor for all of her years of dedication and service.”
Carey began at Rutgers University as an Equine Extension Specialist with the broad goal to establish a strong program in the field of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, while building relationships with the equine industry. She is a leader in researching antioxidant supplementation and oxidative stress in horses, and her research has positively impacted the field of equine nutrition. The results of her antioxidant work have been recognized nationally and internationally in the nutrition and veterinary fields.
New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III, Horseperson of the Year winner Carey Williams of Rutgers University, and Rutgers University Equine Science Center Founding Director Karyn Malinowski
She expanded her research into the area of forages, pastures and helping horse farm owners create an environmentally friendly farm. The award winner was the team leader for a large project that created a state-of-the-art equine Best Management Practice (BMP) showcase at the Equine Science Center’s facility at Rutgers University.
Her extension program has focused on improving equine nutrition, pasture management and horse husbandry. These programs have drawn professionals from many areas of the equine industry including veterinarians, feed and seed dealers, farm managers, horse trainers, massage therapists, 4-H leaders, volunteers, and youth.
She maintains her involvement in the equine nutrition industry as an active member of various scientific societies, including as a member on the board for the Equine Science Society, the organization of which she has been a member for 23 years. In recognition of her work in equine nutrition, she was recently appointed to the Coordinating Committee for the National Research Support Project (NRSP-9) of the National Animal Nutrition Program.
She is involved with several riding and showing organizations, including the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, and the Horse Park of New Jersey, where she has been engaged as a key volunteer.
Other awards included Horse Park of New Jersey Volunteer of the Year to Amy Butewicz, who started in the 4-H horse program on the local, state, and national levels. She has given hundreds of hours to events and park activities. In her spare time, Amy rides and is a licensed harness horse owner.
Jacqueline Tanzi, a senior at Howell High School, was named the New Jersey Youth Horseperson of the Year, Agriculture Achievement Award Winner. She competes on the 4-H circuit and at open dressage shows. Jacqueline, sponsored in the Youth Horseperson of the Year competition by the New Jersey Horse Council, is involved in training and exercising horses and has volunteered at Riding High Farm’s therapeutic riding program.
Katie Eick collected the $1,000 Ernest C. Bell scholarship presented by the state Equine Advisory Board and named for one of the panel’s founders, Ernest C. Bell, a horse breeder. Katie, who is from Farmingdale, , is a recent graduate of Rutgers University with an Animal Science degree with a concentration on Equine Science.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2022
The management team that kept the Devon Horse Show running and relevant for decades resigned today.
No one is more closely associated with the U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage fixture than David Distler, who began working there in 1974, and Peter Doubleday, who came on board in 1976.
Though David started out by handling the ingate and doing some announcing, while Peter originally was solely an announcer, they both gravitated toward management, with David taking that role in 1985 and Peter becoming co-manager in 1987.
Together, their experience totals 85 years at Devon.
Upon receiving gracious emails from the managers announcing their departure, one stunned board of directors member asked, “Is this a joke?”.
There had been whispers that something was up during the 11-day show, which ended yesterday on Philadelphia’s Main Line, but at the same time, it was also a shock, said hunter judge Linda Andrisani, who last officiated at the show in 2019 and knows the managers well.
“That’s a big pair of shoes to fill,” observed Linda, who has also been a vendor at the show, where she started competing on her pony in 1964.
“From an exhibitor’s point of view and a judge’s point of view, it’s very sad,” continued Linda, who noted how important it is to keep the tradition alive, noting that both managers were so well-acquainted with the roots of the show that they insured it would continue in a way beloved by exhibitors and spectators alike.
“There has always been a very special place in my heart for Devon,” noted David, who showed there as a junior, and is also an internationally respected steward and judge, as well as manger of the Washington International Horse Show.
“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” said David about leaving the job.
Former Devon co-managers David Distler and Peter Doubleday. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I used to joke that if I were cut, I would bleed Devon blue,” he stated in his resignation letter, referring to the unique shade that is seen on buildings throughout the showgrounds.
For his part, Peter said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a tradition. I will never forget Thursday nights, 12 coaches in the center ring line-up, arena eventing, etc.. I could go on and on. It has been a great ride.”
At the same time, he said, he has “missed too many birthdays, anniversaries, weekly family dinners…and with that in mind, I am going to step aside and retire from Devon. My family needs me home.”
He will, however, continue managing Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair, which marks its 100th anniversary this November, and also will be announcing at a number of shows.
Both managers were involved with the Devon Fall Classic, which began in 2016 as an all-jumper show at lower level than its big brother.
“It’s a chance to ride in the big ring, under the arch, under the lights. It’s a blast,” said Peter.
David said there was a balance in keeping Devon in tune with the times while guarding its tradition. Once-respected shows of another era that didn’t do that, including Piping Rock, Bloomfield Hills and Chagrin, just “thought they could sit on their laurels to carry them through,” he mentioned, but that didn’t work.
Devon, on the other hand, has remained relevant, even though it is in effect, “an indoor show that’s outdoors” because of its small footprint. What makes Devon even more difficult to run is juggling everything because it’s a multi-breed show, with saddlebreds, hackney ponies (the show’s symbol), roadsters and the coaches, as well as hunters and jumpers that are the bulk of the entry.
The pomp of presentations–this is McLain Ward on Contagious, the 2022 grand prix winner–is a big part of the Devon tradition. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
David noted over the last few years at Devon, he and Peter were “less-involved in the decision-making, more limited to the bones of show operations.”
He added that in the past, the two had more responsibilities, which was part of what produced the horse show.
Peter said, he felt it wasn’t a team effort anymore, as he and David were kept out of the loop on important discussions and decisions, with communications an issue. He added that when he occasionally was asked for his opinion, the decision was made by others.
Devon Chairman and CEO Wayne Grafton, who took over in 2014, did not respond to requests for comment.
