by Nancy Jaffer | May 17, 2023
The wonderful folks at Equiratings, whose analysis always reveals new angles on horse sport, have a take we all should have come up with–but didn’t. They put all the statistics together and found that every major eventing championship since 2021 has been won by a woman. Oh, and all the reigning winners of Grand Slam 5-stars (Kentucky and Britain’s Badminton and Burghley) are women.
Julia Krajewski became the first female eventing gold medalist at the Olympics in 2021.
Start with Germany’s Julia Krajewski (Amande d’Bneville) taking individual gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the first woman ever to earn that title.
Then the unheralded British rider Yasmin Ingham (Banzai du Loir) ended up as World Champion last year. (And while it’s not in the same time frame, I remembered the 2018 and 2014 world champions, Ros Canter (Great Britain) and Sandra Auffarth (Germany) were also female.
World Champion Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Great Britain’s Nicola Wilson (JL Dublin) won the European Championship in 2021 as the third female titleist in a row (Ingrid Klimke is numbers one and two). Sadly, as we know, Nicola was badly injured in a fall at Badminton last year and “Dubs” has been taken over by Tom McEwen, second place at Kentucky last month.
Speaking of Kentucky, Tamie Smith (Mai Baum) became the first American since 2008 (and the first woman since 2011) to win there last month.
Tamie Smith was saluted by the fans at Kentucky last month. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Britain’s Piggy March (Vanir Kamira) took Burghley last September, the second female winner in a row (Pippa Funnell, another Brit, won in 2019, the last time the event was run before Covid.)
This month, we had Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo) become the fourth female Badminton winner in a row, after Jonelle Price, Piggy March and Laura Collett.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 21, 2023
People keep asking me about the tragic situation involving nine thoroughbreds who were euthanized at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, beginning during in late April up through May 20.
More hard questions at another venue came yesterday, when Havnameltdown was put down after incurring a non-operable left front fetlock injury during a race on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico in Maryland, where the second leg of the Triple Crown was being contested. Ironically, this is happening as racehorse deaths in the country are at their lowest level since tracking them began in 2009.
Lisa Lazarus, who the sport horse world remembers as general counsel and later chief of business development and strategy at the FEI (international equestrian federation), now serves as CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). She pointed out an important factor toward addressing the issue of horse deaths at racetracks is the fact that the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program resumes May 22 under the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU).
On May 12, Lisa issued an open letter explaining what HISA is doing about this heart-breaking situation. This is what she wrote:
“Our first priority is to support efforts to better understand, to the degree possible, the root causes of the deaths last week at Churchill Downs.
Here’s what you can expect from the team at HISA and our counterparts at the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) in the coming weeks:
The KHRC is leading an Equine Catastrophic Injury Review to investigate the circumstances of and potential contributing factors to each of the fatalities that occurred. The investigations are already under way, and involve, at a minimum, interviews with the horses’ connections and security personnel and review of the horses’ racing, training, veterinary and pre-race exam inspection records as well as video surveillance. This is in addition to the mandatory necropsies (the equine version of autopsies)that will be performed to further inform our collective understanding of the circumstances as outlined by HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program. All findings will be submitted to HISA upon the completion of the review.
HISA will conduct its own, independent investigation of each fatality to inform whether additional steps need to be taken. HISA’s investigation will include the following:
- A review of the records pertaining to each horse which died, including the necropsy report, Vets’ List history, past performances, exercise history, treatment records, pre-race inspection, and video records;
- A review of Churchill Downs equine fatality rates from the recent period, the same period the year prior, and the most recently concluded year; as well as training fatality data;
- A review of racetrack maintenance records, surface measurements, and testing data;
- Interviews with the Regulatory Vet, Attending Vet, track management officials, and other relevant third parties.
HISA’s findings, including the determination of whether any rule violations occurred to refer for potential enforcement proceedings, will be made public following the investigation’s conclusion.
The findings associated with these investigations will also be recorded and aggregated along with other industry-wide data for in-depth analysis to eventually establish a baseline for determining with greater clarity factors that may contribute to risk of injury.
While these changes take time and do little to address the immediate and pressing concerns we share as an industry, we have operational safety rules in place that by most accounts are making a difference. And soon, we’ll take another critical step toward an improved, more modern sport when the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program (ADMC) resumes on May 22 under the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.
For the first time in the storied history of Thoroughbred racing, there will be one set of uniform, consistent rules across all racing jurisdictions. Under the ADMC Program there will also be greater efficiency for all participants and real consequences for those who seek to break the rules for their own benefit and to the detriment of the horses under their care. The rules also create a rational, fair system for adjudicating penalties and taking into account environmental and other accidental contamination.
There is no doubt that the combination of the Racetrack Safety Program and the ADMC Program will make our sport safer for the horses entrusted to our care.
As we move forward from this collective low, I hope it is together, united with a renewed commitment to what matters most: the safety of our horses and our riders. We owe it to them to get this right. And we owe it to them to do it now.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 19, 2023
A property in Hunterdon County, N.J., has been quarantined by the state Department of Agriculture after one horse developed equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) and had to be euthanized.
The horse, an 8-year-old gelding, developed acute clinical signs of the highly infectious disease on May 12. EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection, however, it does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas.
Temperatures of the quarantined horses are being taken twice daily to monitor them. The NJDA is tracing and notifying the appropriate parties regarding recent horse movement.
“The Department took swift action to prevent the disease from spreading to other horses by enacting a quarantine, which stops movement of horses in and out of properties and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said.
The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, and spontaneous abortion in pregnant mares. The neurologic form of the virus can result in death. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days.
Clinical signs include respiratory disease, fever, nasal discharge, depression, cough, lack of appetite, and/or enlarged lymph nodes. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs typically include mild incoordination, hind end weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of sensation to the skin in the hind end. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials.
The virus is endemic in the country and while highly infectious, it does not persist in the environment for an extended period and is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sunlight.
The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist veterinarians with the EHV-1 testing. For contact information, go to the lab website: www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov. Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian prior to taking any action as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 (EHM) are common to many other diseases. EHM is a reportable disease in New Jersey. If an owner has a horse exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects equine herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 16, 2023
A new Judy Richter Trainers’ Challenge Class is being sponsored by the Fairfield-Westchester Professional Horsemen’s Association in memory of a remarkable horsewoman, who is recalled as “a dear friend of the PHA.”
A top trainer, author and mentor to many, Judy was celebrated at a memorial service Monday at her Coker Farm in Westchester County, N.Y.
The new class is open to professional riders with no restrictions on the size of the horse or pony being ridden. Horses may be rider-owned, or leased or borrowed, but show attire is required for the rider.
The class will be run at the PHA’s summer shows, and scheduled after the upper-level equitation classes. In addition, a championship class will held at the fall medals final show, which is being held at Kirby Hill Farm in Pawling, N.Y., Sept.10.
For this inaugural year, all who participated in this class during the season will be invited to compete at the finals.
Each segment of the new two-phase class counts 50 percent. The first phase will be run over a course of 3-foot fences and include two tests built into the course by the designer. They may include a trot jump, hand-gallop jump, and halting and backing. The second phase will be held on the flat,
Awards at the championship class will include the Judy Richter Memorial Trophy, champagne and other prizes and ribbons.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 14, 2023
Remember when thoroughbreds dominated the ranks of show jumping and eventing?
It was only a few decades ago. But they’re practically non-existent at the upper levels of those disciplines these days, though there are a few, and they deserve recognition.
In the Olympics, however, the lineage of thoroughbred ex-racehorses was not recognized, and they were only listed as “breeding unknown.”
For the Paris 2024 Games, however, any thoroughbreds competing will be documented with their lineage in starting lists and results, and this will carry forward for all FEI competitions.
The new approach is the result of discussions and an agreement among the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, the World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses, the FEI and the International Stud Book Committee.
The issue arose because under a Memorandum of Understanding between the FEI and the WBFSH, only member stud books of the WBFSH have historically been credited, and the WBFSH only has members that specifically breed horses for the Olympic disciplines.
Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit, a thoroughbred (Line of Departure-No Kissing) were 19th at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The arrangement was welcomed by Paull Khan, Secretary-General of the EMHF (which represents the governing bodies for thoroughbred horseracing in 26 countries) and a member of the Steering Group of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR).
Citing the efforts made to encourage owners of retired racehorses to explore second careers, he pointed out, “this recognition will both further the message that thoroughbreds do go on to compete with distinction in other equestrian disciplines and prompt more thoroughbred owners to consider this retirement option for their racehorses”.
Nadine Brandtner, general manager of the WBFSH added: “The WBFSH recognises the extensive influence the thoroughbred has had on sport horse breeding and development, and that undoubtedly the thoroughbred deserves recognition.
Citing current widely publicized concerns about the welfare of competition horses, she noted, “the initiative to encourage second careers for retired thoroughbreds is a vital effort to maintain the social license to operate. We believe that it is the entire equine sector that must stand together to face this challenge, and so it is natural that the WBFSH would support this”.
The FEI’s Director of Governance and Institutional Affairs, Francisco Lima, confirmed that this development carries the full support of the FEI.
Simon Cooper, vice-chair of the ISBC, added: “The International Stud Book Committee is delighted that Thoroughbreds will now be recognized for their participation and success in equestrian sports.
“Thoroughbreds have consistently shown that their athleticism, attitude and adaptability so often make for a successful second career in equestrian sports around the world. The ISBC’s 68 Approved Thoroughbred Stud Books across the world will be supporting IFAR, WBFSH and the FEI in promoting post-racing opportunities and ensuring recognition for these Thoroughbreds”.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) represents the governing bodies for thoroughbred horseracing in 26 countries –www.euromedracing.eu. It is the regional body of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) www.ifhaonline.org.
The main objective of the EMHF is to develop relations among European and Mediterranean Horseracing Authorities, to foster best practice in racing administration throughout the region and to represent Europe and Mediterranean countries before the IFHA and European Union bodies.
Further information:
Dr Paull Khan,
Secretary-General
paullk
by Nancy Jaffer | May 5, 2023
Spring Reins of Life is recruiting, restructuring, reinventing, revitalizing and rebooting as it sources new ways to secure donors and funding partners. It also is seeking to regain local strategic alliances, rebuilding its volunteer base and executive board.
In the midst of a national fundraiser for May, Mental Health Awareness Month, it is seeking to rebuild its veterans’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Programming.
Spring Reins of Life, based out of Hunt Cap Farm in Readington, Hunterdon County, has successfully funded, hosted and served more than 1,100 veterans since opening its founding in June 2012. New Jersey veterans were the first population served at SRoL, which is committed to keeping Operation Horse available. Although more than $200,000 was raised through private donors/public fundraisers until 2020, the pandemic wiped out the group’s base of support and traditional way of funding.
Now SRoL is involved with the Seen Through Horses Campaign 2023 and its sponsors Horses for Mental Health and Zoetis Equine. It highlights 55 organizations across the country; Spring Reins of Life is the only one in New Jersey.
Those who are interested in helping SRoL should contact the organization, which is a non-profit 501c3. It is an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model program offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. Here is a link to connect with SRoL.
It uses horses for therapeutic intervention in connection with promoting emotional growth and healing. A team approach features a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist and horses specifically selected for their capacity to work with individuals who are troubled or suffering.
The program does not, however, offer any riding or mounted activities. The EAGALA Model offers the emotional benefits of behavioral rehearsal combined with a rich experiential component, which naturally develops when observing clients interacting with the horses at “free will” or on equal ground.
Animal-assisted therapy with horses combines the positive emotional effects gained from the human/horse bond with opportunities to challenge and explore a person’s thoughts and internal struggles during activities with an equine partner. It is a therapeutic intervention that defeats the stigma often associated with traditional counseling, but more importantly, it is an intervention that works.
The organization would like to recruit New Jersey residents as volunteers. However, so much also can be done remotely.
“SRoL will welcome enthusiastic, passionate, revitalizing support from anywhere we can accept. We are looking for interested volunteers to join our herd and build our base back to where it was before March 2020. This includes becoming involved in starting over with new committees for fundraising, veterans’ advocacy, teens and youth advocacy and donor outreach. Additional executive board members also are needed.
“We are connected to and involved in the Seen Through Horses Campaign because we have seen the miracles that can happen when groups of internally wounded humans have the chance to find their place among the herd. Finding the trust within the horse and themselves, then leads to pathways of healing and personalized coping skills and self-leadership. Everyone has their own solutions to find, and each horse has shown the way uniquely to each situation. In the past decade we have witnessed the mending of families, rebuilding of marriages, personal life-shifts, and lives saved `because of that horse.’ ”
Operation Horse Wednesdays requires $35,000 in funding to host these sessions.
