by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 19, 2023
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is requiring riders from foreign countries to become competing members of the organization if they want to enter its shows.
The deadline is September 1, giving these prospective members time to take mandatory SafeSport training if they are 18 or older. As a statement from USEF explained, “In our effort to strive for an environment that is safe for our participants and that is free from abuse, USEF aims to ensure all participants are properly trained in abuse prevention. Awareness of abuse prevention, how to recognize abuse, and how to report abuse is critical to our goal to safeguard our participants.”
The new mandate does not apply to foreign riders who are participating only in FEI competitions in the U.S.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 26, 2023
The first horse inspection at the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star Three-Day Event is always an occasion. There’s tension, of course, with riders wondering “Will my horse pass? Today, all 38 of them did. And it happened as usual in fine style, with competitors, human and equine, turned out meticulously.
There was fashion statement after fashion statement, and I was eager to find out who would win the Dubarry of Ireland award for the best-dressed male and female eventers. Alas, during last night’s welcome party at Fasig-Tipton, we were informed that the company would give only one award this year. As Dubarry’s Danny Hulse explained, since women and men are equals in equestrian competition, it felt more current not to make it an award for each sex.
So I decided to make my own selections. I liked Alina Dibowski’s demure belted tan capelet top with the fuzzy collar. The German matched it with white pants and tall black boots, a different take on what she wears when riding.
Alina Dibowski of Germany and Barbados 26, my choice for best-dressed female competitor. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The men usually aren’t too creative; they operate within more limits than the women, of course. (Though there was Boyd Martin’s red, white and blue Uncle Sam outfit at the final horse inspection here last year…) The Dubarry winner was Will Faudree, who wore a blue jacket with piping and a red tie.
But my pick was British rider David Doel. He was eye-catching in a claret colored bowtie with a matching arrow insignia on his shirt collar and the pocket of his short, two-button tan jacket. David has a sideline selling ice cream from his family’s Lacock Dairy, so this would be a good look for that job.
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, my pick for the best-dressed male rider. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The horses who sported quarter marks also looked sharp. I always enjoy seeing the different patterns.
Zara Tindall of Great Britain admired a beautifully marked Class Affair. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
An artful checkerboard decorated Classic VI, the mount of Britian’s Kirsty Chabert. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Oh, here’s something interesting. No passport, no problem. The horses’ identities were being checked with a scanner that picked up the numbers on their microchips.
World Eventing Champion Yasmin Ingham holds Banzai du Loir for his scan. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Will Coleman trotted up Chin Tonic, seen here, and Off the Record, his world championships team silver medal mount. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Doug Payne, last to trot up with Quantum Leap (who is starting in his fifth 5-star), had a little time to talk and a lot to talk about. He has a horse in the 4-star event that runs with the 5-star, and a ride in the 3-star show jumping competition as well. But it’s practically a vacation when you consider he had two horses in each eventing division here last year, and a jumper too.
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The top-placed American eventer at the Tokyo Olympics, he is looking toward the Paris Games next year.
“I would love it. We should have five qualified. I would love nothing more than to be able to represent the U.S. again,” he said.
I wondered if it is confusing to ride so many different horses at the same competition.
“The moment you’re in the saddle and focused on them, your only focus is that particular horse you might be on. You can start to make correlations between how one particular horse jumps something and how the other one might. That’s a bit of an advantage for sure.”
At the welcome party, former Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear a horsewoman who also is the mother of the current governor, paid tribute to Jim Wofford, the eventer, author and trainer .
“He was one of the most special people you will ever know. He certainly made an impression on every one of us. He taught us more than anything there is a partnership between horse and rider,” she said. Jim emphasized that if you are not doing everything you can to be a partner with a horse, then you are not doing your job.
“He taught us to be riders, he taught us to be horsemen, he taught us to be humanitarians, he taught us to have fun but he also told us to do our job,” she said.
Jane Beshear and EEI Executive Director Mike Cooper show off the new award in memory of Jim Wofford. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
In memory of Jim and all he stood for, the James C. Wofford On the Rise Award will be given to the highest-placed first-time 5-star rider and will be presented by Jim’s family on Sunday as the event comes to an end.
Jane asked everyone to raise their glasses in a toast: “We wouldn’t be where we are at this 4-star/5-star event were it not for Jimmy Wofford. We’ll miss you, Jimmy.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2023
The idea of establishing 3-foot/3-inch and 3-6 hunter divisions for adult amateurs who don’t own their own horses generally got a thumbs-down reaction during a U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Town Hall on Zoom Monday night.
The session, led by USHJA President Mary Knowlton, drew more than 200 participants, dozens of whom either spoke or wrote comments on line.
The biggest fear seemed to be that if such adult amateur divisions at those heights were created, they would be a “slippery slope” (in the words of professional Louise Serio) that eventually could lead to elimination of the amateur-owner hunter division.
It was pointed out that the suggestion was for adult hunters to be run at those heights “in addition to” the A/Os. And Mary noted that at this point, it is a “vague idea,” but she wanted to float it in a town hall.
Even so, the suggestion brought to mind the way the amateur-owner jumper division is now relegated to a Horse of the Year trophy, as amateurs who don’t own their own horses have taken a leading role in the section.
Mary characterized that as a different situation, however, explaining the problem in the A/O jumpers involved “struggling” with determining if the amateurs really owned the horses they were riding. It was easier to prove whether the rider was an amateur, she explained.
Many expressed trepidation about what could happen in the hunters with a big adult amateur change.
The A/O hunters, Louise pointed out, “have been the backbone of the sport for a very long time.” She worried that the new divisions could change not only the sport, but also the industry.
Noting how invested amateur/owner riders are in what they do, trainer Susie Schoellkopf pointed out, “they are not invested in someone showing against them on a horse they don’t own.”
“There’s no reason to change,” declared trainer Travis Lubow, which was also the sentiment of trainer Archie Cox: “Keep it as it is,” and a number of others who weighed in.
Niki Holtzman-Hays is a doctor who just wants to show her one horse over 3-3 on the weekends. She pointed out she can’t show during the week because of her work, “and never will be able to compete with college students who aren’t pros, but will be one day, or other `shamateurs.’ This change would totally defeat the purpose of being a true amateur.”
Alexandra Beaumont, a veteran of the adult hunters, took another tack. Saying that during her 40 years in the sport, she has seen “people jumping smaller and smaller jumps,” she believes that in part, the reason is that they can’t afford a horse or horses that would be competitive at a greater height.
“We are supposed to be a sport, and the sport part is dying. We need to find a way to encourage non-owner amateurs to jump higher. Our sport needs to be more accessible to more people. The A/O hunters have simply become too expensive for most in the sport now.”
A suggestion to offer both pro and non-pro classes in the Performance Hunters as an option got some support.
Shanette Barth Cohen, manager of the Hampton Classic horse show, said “it’s possible others could be brought into the sport at a higher level if they didn’t have to own a horse.”
At the same time, the concept raised concern because most show schedules already are so jam-packed that there generally isn’t enough time to squeeze in new divisions. One person mentioned that competition at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio hadn’t ended until 8 p.m. recently.
Among other subjects that came up during the town hall, there was word that an amateur hunter championship proposal is “under consideration.” If it happened, it wouldn’t be until 2025.
The cost of showing also was the subject of comment.
“I think we all agree it is quite expensive right now,” said Mary, but someone else pointed out it is only a fraction of the cost of buying horses and keeping them.
Joy Dunn cited the need for help to save the one-day horse shows, stepping stones that play so many roles in developing young horses and riders, are affordable and help support the farms where they are held. She pointed out those who have started competing in one-day shows often eventually move on to increase the bases of larger shows.
There was discussion about whether riders should be able to earn points for zone awards in contiguous states. It was pointed out that in some states, it’s closer for competitors to ride in adjacent states if there are shows nearby, rather than traveling a long distance in their own state. And it’s an issue in Wisconsin, where the closest shows are in Illinois, in another zone.
On the subject of zone awards, ideas to be discussed include whether they should only be champion and reserve, and having points count at just 15 or 20 shows.
The Town Hall was the first in a series of four. The next one will be at 7 p.m. on May 22. Others will be June 12 and July 24.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 20, 2023
A Thursday update from Millar Brooke South about Jonathan Millar, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident involving a motorized vehicle. The son of Ian Millar (Captain Canada) is at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for therapy.
“With a rigorous and intensive schedule, Jonathon has found his rhythm. With daily therapeutic activities, Jonathon is thriving here at the Shepherd Center. Practicing his walking skills, motor skills, and endurance, Jonathon has put in a ton of minutes, hours and miles to achieve his goals! With his determination, grit, fierce tenacity, and fighting spirit, Jonathon continues to show us all here`how to get it done!’
“In typical Jonathon style, his dry sense of humor entertains the nurses and staff, and his quick wit not only keeps everyone on their toes…but also keeps us all laughing. Thank you to Jonathon’s incredible team of doctors and therapists. We are grateful for the care that he is receiving. It truly is world class and we are so thankful for it.
As always, we thank each and every one of you for your love, support and generosity.
It takes a village, and we are so incredibly grateful for ours.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 14, 2023
(An update on survivors and memorial arrangements is at the end of this obituary)
Legendary steward, stable manager and equine caregiver Karen Golding died Friday morning after a long illness.
Karen, 72, had been hospitalized recently after her condition took a turn for the worse.
Many knew her as the groom of the famous Jet Run, who was ridden to much glory by Michael Matz. But there was far more to Karen than that.
David Distler, who had urged her to get her steward’s license, recalled her generous nature.
“She would go out of her way to help anybody with anything,” he said about his friend of 52 years.
“She was such a good teacher. She took great joy in helping people and teaching them.”
Her focus “was always all about the horse, all about the animals.”
He added that she believed in taking care of horses in a natural way, without many of the gimmicks so popular today.
“It wasn’t about what would get them back to the ring; it was about keeping a horse around for a long time,” he emphasized.
Michael Matz called her “a consummate professional. People knew her around the world for it.” He said her horses were so well turned-out, noting “they looked different.” He added she took some courses in acupressure and used it when it would benefit the horses.
Karen Golding. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael met the native of England in the early 1970s when she worked for Bernie Traurig. Then she moved to Winter Place Farm before coming to Erdenheim Farm in Pennsylvania, where Michael rode for F. Eugene Dixon Jr. He then went on to found his own Vintage Farm.
“She did everything the right way with the horses,” he commented.
“She was good for the sport. Grooms who had a problem with something would go to Karen. I think that says a lot.”
Jimmy Herring recruited Karen for Erdenheim. He had been friends with her since he was 19; he is now 68.
“We were very close most of those years. It was just one of those friendships; sometimes we’d talk every week. But many times we’d go months without talking, and then just pick up where we left off,” he said.
Jimmy used to call her “Mama,” noting “she looked after the whole crew. There were many times we would not have made it to work if Karen hadn’t gotten us out of bed. So many people, she influenced their lives and left a mark.”
“I’ve had so many text messages from everybody who worked at Erdenheim and Vintage Farm, saying what an influence she was, not only in their horse experience, but in their human experience about her kindness and her love of people and horses and animals.”
Sydnie Eustace Goodrich, who was grooming Melanie Smith’s horses, remembers Karen as a team player. When the U.S. competed at the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico, the horses were bedded on straw. But that did not work for Melanie’s horse, Val de Loire, because he would gorge on it.
Although it was replaced with pellets, Syd said Karen noted they were non-absorbent. No good. Next was shredded newspapers, so dusty that they were a health hazard. Even though Val wasn’t Karen’s horse, she kept on the case, trying to find a solution.
Karen “stuck to it and kept saying `No,'” Syd recounted. Finally, shavings emerged from somewhere and became the answer.
Citing Karen’s fortitude, Syd said, “She had a sense of how important all the pieces were. She always made sure it worked. She was always part of the team.” And this team got the gold medal, with Jet Run taking individual gold.
Melanie observed that “Karen was a wonderful role model and influence on all the other grooms of her time. She was helpful to everyone and there was a tremendous camaraderie among them. Karen and her fellow grooms all loved their horses and enjoyed their work.
“They were fun to be around. It was a special era in the horse world,” Melanie added.
Joe Fargis and Karen Golding on their induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Several decades ago, Karen, a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, fell and broke her ankle, starting a series of health problems that spiraled.
Even though her issues included diabetes and heart concerns, she was able to control them and continue working. Then three years ago, she broke her other ankle in a car accident. Despite that, she was still able to get around in her wheelchair and work. However, things got out of control in March 2022.
After being hospitalized in the autumn when she fell out of her wheelchair, she eventually wound up in a rehab facility, where she didn’t get the kind of care she needed.
Earlier this year, she was able to come back to her home in Wellington, Florida, as friends contributed to the cost of her care.
She was very grateful for the help she received. At the time, she told me, “There are quite a few people who have stepped up. I feel so lucky with the people that I have.”
Karen is survived by her partner, Tracey Edge, and her nephew, Steven Golding (Lauren). A memorial gathering will be held June 1 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room beneath the stands at the Devon Horse Show. Everyone who knew and loved Karen is welcome to attend. Those who wish to make a donation in Karen’s memory may do so to the Equestrian Aid Foundation (https://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.), which was integral to her care.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2023
The competition was, of course, the focal point of the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, where show jumping, dressage and vaulting titles were decided. (To read about the competitions, click on the “previous columns” icon at the top of the main page. You can also watch the recap from 7-10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports)
But five days in the spacious CHI Health Center also offered plenty of learning experiences, entertainment and of course, lots of shopping involving mostly horse-related items. Riders warmed up in a ring surrounded by the trade fair, which enabled spectators to get an up-close-and-personal look at the contenders.
Germany’s Isabell Werth, who would finish third in the Dressage World Cup on DSP Quantaz, warmed up on ring familiarization day in front of a sign advertising her namesake saddle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Education ranged from Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin giving her special take on horse behavior, to groundwork and jumping tips from a team organized by gold medal show jumping Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor.
A demonstration arranged by Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor (second from left) featured Missy Fladland, Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and groundwork expert Alicia Landman. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Then there was plenty for kids to do in the Education Expo, where they could learn how to halter horses or braid their tails and much more, all on models at one end of the demonstration ring.It was encouraging to see how excited children were as they learned about horses and all that’s involved with them.
Kids didn’t need to be asked twice to learn about haltering these well-behaved horses. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Temple Grandin drew a crowd in the expo area. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Native Americans and the history of horses on the Great Plains were highlighted with a program by the Bluebird Cultural Initiative, complete with costumes and drumbeats. During the draw for order of go, several horses were blessed in a ceremony highlighted by a long chant from one of the elders. (I heard those who brought their horses out for the occasion were rewarded with bottles of Scotch.)
A Native American color guard opened the competition. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
It seems you can’t have a major show jumping event without wasting a bottle or three of champagne after the presentation. Finals runner-up Harrie Smolders got after winner Henrik von Eckermann, and third place Hunter Holloway didn’t escape the stream of bubbly and subsequent dry cleaning bills.
The mandatory champagne battle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
This was the second time Omaha hosted the Cup finals (2017 was the first) but this year, vaulting was added to the mix. The gymnastics on horseback were both graceful and exciting, a treat for many in the audience who had never seen this discipline.
Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven retired from vaulting after an eight-year partnership following their victory in the Pas de Deux. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The World Cup will have another U.S. outing, but not until 2026, when it goes to Fort Worth Texas. Next year, it heads for Saudi Arabia, the first time the competition will be held in the Middle East. Omaha, you did yourself proud.
Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and FEI President Ingmar de Vos present the FEI flag to representatives of Saudi Arabia, who will host the 2024 World Cup Finals. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 11, 2023
The funeral for revered horseman Jimmy Wofford in Virginia last month was packed with mourners who paid tribute to one of the sport’s most respected figures. But those who were unable to get to that ceremony can offer their respects with other like-minded friends at 6 p.m. Thursday April 27.
Jimmy Wofford. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at Spindletop Hall, a mansion just a couple of minutes from the Horse Park of Kentucky in Lexington, where the Land Rover 5-star three-day event is being presented that week.
Jimmy, who died in February after years battling pancreatic cancer, was an eventing Olympic medalist who became a sought-after trainer later in his career.
He also served as president of the American Horse Shows Association, the predecessor of today’s U.S. Equestrian Federation. A great writer, he produced several books on training and one on the story of his life, “Still Horse Crazy After All These Years,” his final volume.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 11, 2023
Civil lawsuits involving dressage trainer Michael Barisone have been settled after years of litigation following the shooting of Lauren Kanarek, the plaintiff who was also a defendant in a counter-suit filed by Barisone.
Kanarek was a student of Barisone’s and a tenant at his Long Valley, N.J., farm. Their relationship deteriorated to the point that they had a confrontation in August 2019, when she was shot twice in the chest and he was charged with attempted murder. Kanarek spent four days in a coma in Morristown Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit after the shooting took place in a scuffle, which also involved her boyfriend, Robert Goodwin.
In a trial last year, Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity of the attempted murder of Kanarek and a weapons charge. It is the first time in 30 years that a jury in the state of New Jersey had reached such a conclusion, according to Chris Deininger, one of Barisone’s attorneys. The jury also found Barisone not guilty in connection with an attempted murder charge, assault and possession of a firearm involving Goodwin.
Kanarek sued Sweet Grass LLC, a partner in the farm with Barisone, and Barisone individually in a separate action. The Sweet Grass matter concluded with a confidential settlement ending that entity’s liability in the case. Mark Silver, the attorney for Sweet Grass, did not return calls for comment.
After a lawsuit was filed against him individually, Barisone counter-sued. Both he and Kanarek last week agreed to drop their suits with prejudice, which means they cannot be filed in the future. Gregg Alan Stone, Kanarek’s attorney in that matter, chose not to comment.
Barisone, who had been diagnosed with delusional and depressive disorders, remains in Greystone Park State Hospital in Parsippany, N.J. Pending the outcome of a formal investigation and final decision, Barisone is on interim suspension for “allegations of misconduct” from SafeSport, an organization created by Congress to end sexual, physical, and emotional abuse on behalf of athletes.
Michael Barisone and attorney Chris Deininger. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Deininger said in a prepared statement, “On my behalf, on behalf of Edward Bilinkas and on behalf of all the other professionals working as part of Michael Barisone’s legal team, I’m pleased to announce the voluntary final dismissal of Lauren Kanarek’s claims against Michael Barisone and of Michael’s claims against her, which took place without the exchange of money.
“With the civil suit claims behind him, Michael can continue his recovery from the mental breakdown he suffered in August 2019, following the incidents recounted at the criminal trial.
“The extinguishment of the civil suit claims, in our view, is yet another important vindication of Michael. We are thankful for all the encouragement and support people have given Michael, with special thanks to those who testified at trial and those who bravely came forward to give crucial information important to the defense.
“We will now focus our attention on getting Michael out of the hospital, getting him back to his homestead in Florida and resolving his issues with SafeSport. Our fight will continue until the day when Michael is once again free to raise, ride and train horses, which has always been his calling and passion.”
Meanwhile, Deininger filed suit Monday against three insurance companies, contending they should have covered the costs of Barisone’s defense.In denying coverage, the companies contended that Barisone’s action was intentional and not reasonable, Deininger said.
“The jury came back saying it’s not intentional, so that’s gone, and the insurance company never investigated whether the use of force was reasonable, they just said that,” noted Deininger.
“I’m going to raise the issue of whether or not they should have paid his defense costs, because there were claims of negligence that are not intent-based, and I think they should have defended him on those claims.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 13, 2023
After a week at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Jonathon Millar is improving in the wake of suffering a head injury in a March motor vehicle accident.
A posting by Millar Brooke South stated Jonathon is starting to do more things on his own, such as talking and drinking.
“He is even regaining enough strength to begin standing up with some assistance. Even though these seem like small steps, they are all positive ones. He is definitely headed in the right direction. Jonathon would not be able to make this much progress without the expertise provided at the Shepard Center.”
Cassandra Kahle, who suffered traumatic brain injury during a fall in a jumper class last January, spent time at the Shepherd Center during her recovery.
According to the Millar Brooke South posting, “Overall, Jonathon is getting stronger every day, thanks to this incredible care. We are thrilled to see pieces of Jonathon coming back together slowly, but surely.
We would not be able to have this opportunity without the help and support from the Jonathon Millar Recovery Fund on GoFundMe, The Ziegler Family, The Fisher Family, The Kevin Babington Foundation and Equestrian Aid Foundation. The donations from the entire equestrian community have made Jonathon’s stay at the Shepard Center possible, and we feel hopeful that because of this he will make a full recovery.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2023
Should I buy this horse? That’s a question many prospective owners ask after hearing the results of a pre-purchase exam.
Get some advice from Dr. John Pigott on Tuesday, April 18, when he presents: “Pre-purchase Headaches in the Sport Horse: Risky Bone Chips, Lumps, Conformation and More!” as part of the Cornell Equine Seminar Series.
He will discuss common abnormalities and questions that veterinarians, buyers and sellers face during pre-purchase examination of the sport horse. If there is a bone chip, is it okay to buy the horse anyway? What are the chances of a conformational abnormality turning into a problem in the future? This seminar will explore the concept of risk assessment during pre-purchase and how to make the most informed decision when questions arise.
Dr. Pigott is a specialist veterinary surgeon and 2009 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. He completed his equine surgery residency training at Ohio State University and has performed research in equine orthopedics, regenerative medicine and upper airway disorders.
Before moving to Cornell, Dr. Pigott was employed by a private practice referral hospital in Wisconsin, where he worked in both elective and emergency orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, advanced imaging and lameness.
He joined the team at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in 2015 and has expertise in orthopedic surgery, upper airway surgery, complicated lameness, advanced imaging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Piggott also has an extensive history as a competitor in the hunter/jumper field and utilizes this unique knowledge daily as he approaches cases across disciplines. As a recognized specialist, Dr. Pigott is a regular speaker at both national and international conferences on the topics of orthopedics, regenerative medicine and lameness.
This seminar is part of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Seminar Series, and will be presented on Tuesday, April 18, from 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom. Please register in advance at this link
