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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2023
Bahrain has been stripped of the team world endurance championship, after a horse ridden by one member of the squad tested positive for a banned substance, stanozolol, 16-beta-hydroxystanozolol.
Hera Durances, ridden in the February race in the United Arab Emirates by Abdulrahman Mohammed Alzayed was eliminated and the rider has been fined and suspended for 18 months.
Team Bahrain’s results are void without the three required combination results to count for the ranking. That means second-place France gets the gold, third-place Portugal is silver and fourth-place Italy received bronze.
This places France as number one in the endurance record book for team titles, with five since the first championship in 1986, followed by UAE and Spain, each with three.
“While it is never optimal to have medals re-distributed following an event due to medication control and anti-doping related offenses, we view this as confirmation that the systems we have in place are thorough and effective,” said FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch.
“The FEI’s Clean Sport Program has extensive processes to ensure we not only educate the community, but also have the tools to follow up and uphold the rules at play in order to guarantee a level playing field, and safeguard the welfare of our human and equine athletes.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 5, 2023
A podium finish in Canada has enabled the U.S. to make the cut for the finals of the Nations Cup in Barcelona this fall, a key step in the plan to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The U.S. placed third of five countries in the Nations Cup of Canada in Langley, British Columbia. Ireland won and the home team placed second. The U.S. had two clean trips during the two rounds of the class, as Kent Farrington on Landon produced one in the first round and Karl Cook with Kalinka van ‘t Zorgvliet acheived the perfect score in the second.
“The mandatory all-out effort to get qualified for Barcelona was our goal from the first part of the year,” said U.S. Jumping Coach Robert Ridland.
“This was exactly what our plan was,” he added.
While of course he would have liked to win, “podium finishes are what we go for and we got it.”
The U.S. did not qualify for the finals last year. Show jumping is the only U.S. equestrian discipline not qualified for Paris.
There will be one slot for Paris available in Barcelona for countries that have not already qualified for the 2024 Games. If the U.S. does not qualify there, the last chance for the team is the Pan American Games in Chile a few weeks later.
The U.S. won the two previous North American Nations Cups in Mexico and California to top the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2023 North and Central America & Caribbean standings. Ireland is not a member of that league (because the country is not located in the Western Hemisphere), so it doesn’t figure in the overall standings.
The North and Central America & Caribbean League is going away in the 2024 season under a new format for Cup fixtures that will be qualifiers for the finals. That doesn’t include the prestigious Aachen Nations Cup, because it is sponsored by Rolex.
Click here for Nations Cup results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2023
Millar Brooke Farm South has updated Jonathon Millar’s status as he continues recovering from a non-horse-related accident.
Last month, the son of Canadian show jumping chef d’equipe Ian Millar underwent a cranioplasty at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wet Palm Beach. Jonathon has since returned to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for out-patient therapy.
“Although this road will be a long one,” the Millar Brooke Farm South statement said, “we are so grateful for the glimmers of light that continue to shine before us. We recognize, acknowledge and honor our `village’ of love and support and know without all of you, none of this would be possible.”
To donate to the Jonathon Millar Recovery Fund, follow this
link
