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.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 11, 2023
This weekend was quite a busy one both north and south on the grand prix show jumping front.
McLain Ward got himself back on his usual winning track in Virginia, after a miss in Devon’s big class earlier in the month, while Laura Chapot went 1-2 at Saugerties, N.Y. And then Colombian John Perez earned his first Spruce Meadows 5-star win in Canada.
McLain pulled out yet another entry from his vast string of horses, Quimi del Maset, to top a field of 30. There was a six-horse jump-off over a Nicholas Granat-designed course in the 4-Star $226,000 feature at the USA’s oldest horse show, presented by Mars Equestrian at Upperville, Va. His double-clear in 37.70 seconds edged Canadian star Tiffany Foster on Figor (38.11).
In Saugerties at HITS’ $100,000 Voltaire Grand Prix, Laura had the only double-clear to win with her reliable Chandon Blue.
Her Diadora’s Flying Dutchman was second with the fastest four-fault trip. He’s exciting to watch, and apparently, to ride as well.
“Diadora’s Flying Dutchman is such a unique horse because you can always have a plan going in the ring, but sometimes that plan just is not always followed,” she explained.
“You have to feel what’s under you, and one minute he might be leaving out a stride, the next minute he might be adding, but he tries very hard over every jump. He has a lot of energy and he has a lot of ability, but he just needs to stay focused on his job, and then he’s great.”
On the other side of the border, John Perez put in a lightning 45.32-second trip with Gigi-Carmen, which gave him a good margin over runner-up Darragh Kenny of Ireland on Arna ‘T Kruisveld (47.53).
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 7, 2023
Somerset County, N.J.’s former Lord Stirling stable in Basking Ridge is getting back into the swing of things after a halt to its major equestrian programs due to Covid in 2020.
An open house over the weekend for its new equine-assisted therapies program, Rocking Horse Rehab, drew scores of families and others interested in seeing what is happening at the facility now called the Stable at Lord Stirling Park.
Rocking Horse was based at the Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange for 22 years, but had to move when that facility closed down last December. The organization’s mission is to “enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and their families by offering innovative opportunities for clinical, educational and social development.”
Sheri Marino, founder of Rocking Horse, had boarded her own horse at Lord Stirling, so she knew it was “the perfect place for our program to reside and serve the community. It was just a dream come true that the county was willing to work with us…and make this happen for the community, especially those families with special needs who need services like this.”
She has bachelor’s degrees in speech pathology and audiology, and a master’s in communications sciences and disorders.
Octavia Brown, one of the pioneers in developing therapeutic riding in this country, has been a mentor to Sheri.
Octavia Brown and Sheri Marino at the stable. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“She inspires others to follow her lead,” said Octavia, who visited the open house.
“I sort of see her as one of my heirs, if you will.”
Rocking Horse brought five horses to the stable for a soft opening last month. The open house marked its grand opening “so we could make the county (residents) aware that we’re here and ready to serve,” noted Sheri.
In February, the stable began offering guided trail rides several times a week with six horses. Pony rides and grooming also continue. Hunter paces are being held, as are dog walks on a regular schedule.
Prior to Covid, Lord Stirling had a major lesson program, but the horses were sold during the pandemic and there is no indication when formal lessons could resume.
When asked whether the stable might offer riding lessons eventually, Geoff Soriano, the Somerset County Park Commission’s executive secretary/director, said the agency is thinking about starting lessons.
“The hard part is finding the right horses,” Greg noted. He said they are going to see if perhaps some trail ride horses can be converted for use in lessons.
County Commissioner Melonie Marano did not want to put a timeline on what will happen in terms of riding instruction at the stable.
“The mantra is `Right, not rushed.’ I can’t tell you what the future will hold,” she explained.
“We take it one step at a time. We get it to our task force, they explore those options, we see if we can get the right horses, the right instructors, the right mix, the right budget. All those things together have to be connected in a puzzle piece to make it right. We’re exploring everything right now.”
She added, “The job of Somerset County is to promote this location so that everyone in the county, from Franklin to Bernardsville to Branchburg to North Plainfield, knows that this is here for them.
“If the public has ideas that they wish for us to explore, let us know. I can’t make any promises, because I never know if we have the resources to execute those promises, but we evaluate them and we explore them.”
One thing she would like to see is getting veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD, to the stable for some therapy with the horses.
“That’s another long-term goal,” she commented.
Horses eventually will be taken out of the main stable, an old dairy barn, after 12 to 16 new stalls are built.
County Commissioner Sarah Sooy, who first sat on a pony at Lord Stirling, where she eventually learned to ride, likes the public/private partnership exemplified by Rocking Horse’s operation at the facility.
“It’s hard to keep this affordable and accessible,” she pointed out.
Somerset County Commissioners Melonie Morano, Sarah Sooy and Lord Stirling task force member Chuck Rosen. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“What’s the best way to do it? I think this is a prime example of how we can integrate that and still service our community.”
Geoff said the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, a support group that was active with the previous operation, will continue to provide a volunteer base.
During the open house, children were lined up to try on helmets so they could be led on pony rides in a tree-shaded paddock.
Diana Alvear of Bridgewater, said her autistic son, Sebastian, 7, has ridden in the past and “really enjoyed it.” When Diana learned about the open house, she jumped at the chance to attend, bringing her son and his sister, 3-year-old Anais.
“We might pursue lessons again,” she mused.
“It’s so lovely to come to the stable and have them ride horses and meet the animals. It’s a great event.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2023
There have been dozens of show jumping grands prix around the country since the beginning of the year. Do you remember who won them? It’s easy to take a guess–McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, Karl Cook, but as one show comes after another, it’s just as easy to forget which class was which in the mists of week-after-week competition.
The Devon Horse Show is different. Devon, which just ended its 2023 run in a suburb of Philadelphia, is a touchstone of the year. People may decide to go to HITS instead of WEF, or the Desert Circuit rather than WEC. But they’ll always make an effort to compete at Devon, because everyone remembers who won there (it’s engraved on the lovely sterling silver trophies) and it’s an experience like no other on the circuit. It harks back to a more elegant past, but with up-to-date footing.
Its country fair, set among shade trees; the little carnival with its merry-go-round; the Tea Cart with crustless tea sandwiches–the whole of Devon is a unique island of joy on a decidedly unglamorous strip of highway.
Shopping at the country fair is a popular Devon pastime.( Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
At age 127, Devon is the oldest multi-breed show in the country. At one time, it wasn’t unusual to see classes for saddlebreds and hackney ponies at the same showgrounds across the country as the hunters and jumpers, but that is no longer the case in the era of specialization. So Devon is an exception.
At Devon, every discipline–from the four-in-hands pulling coaches to those hackney ponies and the equitation–is enjoyed by the crowd. Many spectators spend all day on the blue benches at ringside as they watch class after class.
They also are entertained by various exhibitions, including the Budweiser Clydesdales this year. as well as the Shetland pony steeplechase and the Radnor Hunt Fox Hounds. The Orpheus Club, the oldest men’s singing group in the country, offered beautiful renditions of God Bless America and the Star-Spangled Banner on grand prix night.
From the blue benches to the grandstand, the crowd loves what happens at Devon. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Riders are appreciated here. Even though fans may only come to this one horse show a year, they remember their favorite athletes, human and equine, providing both congratulations and consolation as needed. They root for the riders, never more so than in the $226,000 Thursday night grand prix, where each downed rail brings a sympathetic “ooh,” while successful completion of a difficult triple combination elicits a cheer, only a bit more restrained than the eruption when a competitor produces a clean round.
The “King of Devon,” McLain Ward, calls the show “a very special place to my heart, and I think to many people.”
The 12-time winner of the Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, named after his favorite horse, explained, “It has such tradition, and the show has had a little bit of a rebirth in the last 10 years. That’s great to see. It’s always nice to be successful here.”
Ashlee Bond, who won the grand prix on Donatello 141, also enjoyed the crowd and gave back to fans, circling the ring at a walk several times after her victory gallop. She greeted spectators, letting the kids pet her horse and offering a bright smile that will remain with many onlookers as a treasured Devon memory.
Ashlee Bond, Sapphire Grand Prix winner, with Donatello. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“These special shows are so few and far between now,” mused Pat Boyle, who is Devon co-manager with Phil DeVita, succeeding managers David Distler and Peter Doubleday, who ran the show for a half-century.
When it comes to shows like Devon that are champions of tradition, Pat said, explaining why he accepted the post, “someone has to take the initiative to make them continue. Peter and David did a phenomenal job, it’s too important not to keep it going and thriving.”
Devon co-manager Pat Boyle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
For Pat, that’s what makes being a manager worthwhile, despite only grabbing three hours of sleep a night.
The most noticeable change this year was the glamorous archway at the Dixon Oval’s side entrance. It was produced by David Lauinger Equestrian Services, which also redid the footing where an upgrade was needed.
The new arch at the side entrance to the Dixon Oval really dresses up the ring. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The pony breeding was moved from the show’s first Thursday to the final day, making it “an all-breeding day.” The concept got mixed reviews, but Pat believes it was better not to have the distraction of pony breeding when the equitation competitors were riding in the most important classes of their young lives.
With other changes, he said, “it’s still Devon, but it’s Devon squared.”
“We want to keep building on the aesthetics,” explained Pat, citing improving the lighting as a priority and “constant upgrades to make the horse and rider safety experience even better.”
For showgoers, he believes it should be the case that “Every time they come back, there’s something new.”
After getting his face painted, Isiah Bradbury enjoys a lemon stick. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
That’s also what happens at the country fair, which is run by a separate group from the horse show. But tradition can’t be ignored.
Kids love the lemon sticks; a lemon with a candy stick stuck in it. It’s a classic sweet and sour combo.Then there’s the awesome Devon fudge and a host of special treats for the younger set.
Artist Rosie Carlino designed her pop-up shop to make it look like a little garden. It’s her first time being part of the fair.
Rosie Carlino and her pop-up shop in the country fair. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I grew up going to Devon. I’ve always admired Devon and I’ve been on a waiting list to get in,” she said.
Another important aspect of Devon goes beyond the competition and the shopping.
Wednesday is Ladies Hat Day, with some very interesting attractions sitting on various heads, along with the usual fascinators and feathered straw toppers.
Mrs. Cortright Wetherill, whose family has been involved with Devon for generations, wore a hat featuring the ferris wheel (part of the fair’s skyline) and several plastic horses nestled among flowers.
When it comes to hats, Katie Whaley, is the expert. Her Hats by Katie booth is always busy, as it has been for 31 years, but her offerings aren’t designed to be contest winners. They’re more sophisticated, perfect for anyone who is driving horses, which is her specialty.
Katie, who will be competing her pair of Welsh ponies in the world driving championships this summer, said hats are “much bolder” these days as customers get used to having something different.
“They used to be a little skittish about the dressy hat and the feathers. Now they come in and look for a Devon hat every year–something tasteful they can wear again, but something that’s got a little bit of a kick to it.”
Katie Whaley and her hats. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
As for the horse show where she and her mother both competed, she said, “Devon’s Devon, my favorite show of the year. We’re all scratching and kicking to keep it the same.”
People have worried for years that with Devon’s location in a commercial area, it might someday be sacrificed for development. But Pat Boyle said rumors to that effect are completely untrue and that the show, which benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, will continue at its same site.
“Why would it go anywhere?” he asked.
Interested in reading our Devon coverage? Click on this link or the Previous Columns link at the top of the website.
