by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 29, 2022
Those in the global equestrian community we lost in 2022.
In their own fashion, each made an impact. The best way to honor them at this special time of year is to recall what they contributed, and raise a glass to their memory.
Whether they were royalty or trainers, riders, a merchant or a politician, they all were special and had something in common—the love of horses. I can’t mention everyone who left us during the year, but here are some people you will remember fondly.
While most of the world looked at Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom as a monarch (and of course she was), we prefer to think of her as a horsewoman She owned racehorses and was quite a rider herself. Who can forget her appearance on Burmese during the Trooping the Colors ceremony in 1981, when a teenager fired six blanks at horse and rider. While Burmese was startled, she kept her cool, as did the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II on Burmese.
In later years, the Queen continued riding the Fell pony Carltonlima Emma, serving as inspiration for anyone who wonders if they could ride into their 90s. She left us at age 96 in September.
Michael Clayton, the former editor of iconic British magazine Horse & Hound, died at age 88 this month. A veteran war correspondent who had worked for the BBC, he was an avid foxhunter who became an innovator at H&H while holding it to the highest of standards.
Jack Pemberton served as a pillar of the driving community. The Canadian embodied the very definition of a gentleman, and he always got things done. Competitor, judge, chairman of the FEI driving committee, he made a mark for the good on the horse world. Gone at age 99 in August.
German course designer Arno Gego was known for his work at Aachen, his country’s premier show, and he was a respected mentor who departed at age 84 in April.
Anneli Drummond-Hay rode Merely-A-Monarch to victory at Badminton and Burghley, but she also excelled in show jumping and was shortlisted for those disciplines and dressage for the 1964 Olympics. Gone at age 84 in July.
In the U.S., those we will miss include trainer and author Judy Richter, extremely admired and widely mourned when she passed at 83 last month. She was influential in the careers of so many top riders, including Andre Dignelli and Norman Dello Joio.
Others of note who departed this year included para-dressage advocate Hope Hand, who posthumously will be the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner next month. The former executive director of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Association and a two-time paralympian herself died in June at age 73.
Trainer Richard Picken was far too young when he passed away in August at age 53. He helped such top competitors as Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton.
Kay Meredith, a founding member of the U.S. Dressage Federation, died in November at 86. She was president of he USDF and a mentor to many.
Helen Kleberg Groves, who died at 94 in May, was raised on the famous King Ranch. A member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, she made a name for herself as a longtime thoroughbred, quarter horse and cattle breeder. She was the mother of D.D. Matz, wife of Olympic show jumping medalist turned racehorse trainer Michael Matz.
Maurice Ewing was a ringmaster for 50 years at North Carolina’s Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, where he was also a member of the board. He died in September at 76.
In January, we lost Audrey Bostwick, 91, a judge, steward, and technical delegate specializing in pleasure driving.
Nancy Whitehead, who died in April at age 72, was presented with the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Jane Marshall Dillon Award for devoting her life to teaching and mentoring riders.
Another beloved trainer, Jeff Wirthman, was also a respected judge. The winner of the Kavar Kerr Distinguished Service Award died at 69 in August.
In New Jersey, it seemed as if we lost more than our share of special people this year.
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, a champion for the horse industry in the state Legislature, left us in July at age 73.
Barbara Isaac, one of the country’s pioneers in therapeutic riding, died in November at 91. She was the founder, with her husband, Hanen, in 1979 of the Handicapped High Riders Club which became Riding High Farm in Allentown, N.J
Jim McCue of Sergeantsville Grain and Feed was much respected, and his departure at age 73 was keenly felt in November.
Driver Bill Orth, a singles winner in combined driving at Royal Windsor, had moved away but was fondly remembered by his friends in New Jersey, where he spent most of his life. He passed on in August at 90
The hunter/jumper trainers who died include Sandy Lobel and Joy Kloss. Sandy, the daughter of legendary trainer Clarence Nagro, died in April at 78. She was remembered as a complete horsewoman who inspired her students. Joy, who died in November at 71, was a judge and trainer who was involved in horse sales.
The hunting scene in the Garden State lost Joan Scher. Known for her work with equestrian charities and riding side-saddle with the Essex Foxhounds, she died at 86 in March. Louis “Tom” Gimbel, a member of both Essex and the Monmouth County Hunt, was gone at 93 in September.
Sale Johnson, 73, also died in September. She owned several of the USA’s top international show jumpers in the late 20th Century, Heisman and the General, and ran a breeding business in Bedminster.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 21, 2022
As 2022 comes to an end, it’s time to give recognition to those who made an impact during not only this year, but previous years as well. And until Dec. 29, you have an opportunity to participate in the honors that will be presented next month by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
Each USEF affiliate already has handed out its share of plaques and trophies at annual meetings this month. Go to the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association website to read about the salute to jumper icons Anne Kursinski of Frenchtown, N.J., and Floridian Margie Engle, as well as a host of other accolades for the deserving.
Anne Kursinski, USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award winner. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Margie and Anne, both Olympians, have contributed much during their long careers to the hunter/jumper industry. It is so nice to see people honored while they can still enjoy the recognition.
Margie Engle, winner of the USHJA Lifetime Achievement award. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
The U.S. Eventing Association installed a distinguished group in its hall of fame, including author and three-time Olympian Brig. Gen. Harry Chamberlain; Janie Atkinson, director of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event from 1984-2010; Badminton winner Eagle Lion, ridden by Bruce Davidson; Trish Gilbert, who played a key role in getting 5-star status for the Fair Hill International and Sally O’Connor, a judge and commentator (who also happens to be the mother of eventer David O’Connor and announcer Brian O’Connor.
The U.S. Dressage Federation named its former president, Lisa Gorretta, a governance stalwart and technical delegate as its Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and for its Hall of Fame selected longtime technical delegate and steward Janine Malone, a virtual walking rulebook.
The USEF will be giving out honors at its annual meeting in Kentucky next month where the late para dressage mover and shaker Hope Hand is remembered with the Lifetime Achievement Award (if only it had happened while she was alive to enjoy it.),
But you can have a direct vote in deciding who is getting the major titles for horse and rider of the year by voting using this link.
The international horse nominees include Salvino, the top U.S. finisher in the dressage freestyle at the world championships this year, with rider/trainer Adrienne Lyle, who is nominated for international rider of the year.
Adrienne Lyle and Salvino at the world championships.
The other horse/rider combination nominated for both awards is world number five-ranked eventer Will Coleman and his Irish Sport Horse Off the Record, seventh at the world championships.
Nationally, Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek, winners of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, are among those nominated.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 18, 2022
The EQUUS Foundation has estabblished the Judith Richter Memorial Horse Whisperer Award as a tribute to the trainer and author, who died last month.
A mentor to aspiring young riders, many of whom are professionals today, Judy was also a mentor to the EQUUS Foundation 20 years ago.
“The EQUUS Foundation was just a concept when I approached Judy for her advice about forming an organization to assist local equine charities based in Connecticut and nearby in New York ,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS foundation president.
“Without hesitation, Judy joined the inaugural board of directors to help raise awareness of our mission. Throughout the next 20 years, Judy continued to offer guidance–and kind words on our progress.”
“My mother added so much value to so many lives. This is a wonderful way to honor her,” said Philip Richter, Judy’s son.
The EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors designates individuals posthumously as Horse Whisperers in recognition of their life-long dedication to and impact on protecting America’s horses from peril and strengthening the horse-human bond.
The board also designates individuals and organizations as Horse Whisperers in recognition of their commitment to provide substantial and much needed resources to ensure that America’s horses are safe and live with dignity throughout their lives.
EQUUS Foundation Horse Whisperers are honored by the EQUUS Foundation with the establishment of an award in their names to be presented to equines charities selected by the Equus board from among grant recipients that best align with the interests of the Horse Whisperers.
The Judith Richter Memorial Horse Whisperer Award will be presented in September 2023 in recognition of her life-long dedication to horses as a horsewoman of the highest standards and mentor to aspiring riders.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
In the wake of Virginia Institute of Technology’s new helmet ratings (to read about them, click on this link) helmet manufacturers are replying.
Here is the comment from Tipperay Equestrian:
Now that the much-anticipated results from the Virginia Tech equestrian helmet study are available, Tipperary Equestrian can review and apply these learnings to our manufacturing process and continue to provide you with the best equestrian protective gear.
Product advancements in protective equipment often come from independent innovators, Mips® for example. A person or company has an idea that they study, research, and develop, then work with manufacturers to apply new technology or a concept to their products. The Virginia Tech study is a great example of this.
Much like we did with Mips®, it is our job to stay on top of innovations and update our processes accordingly. Regarding the VT results, we must explore how to incorporate the new learnings while ensuring that we continue to meet the ASTM F1163-15 equestrian standard; a requirement for us as a North American brand. Most importantly, the VT evaluation is weighted towards low velocity impacts, while the current ASTM standard focuses on high velocity impacts known to cause catastrophic injuries like a skull fracture, or worse. Both impact types are entirely possible and now that the importance of low velocity impacts has been brought to light by VT, addressing both vastly different fall scenarios is necessary.
Important for all equestrians to know, the ASTM standard is updated every 5 years to capture new research. We’re eager to see the update and subsequent changes in the equestrian industry, which is unfortunately often the last to see new innovations. Other sports get this treatment first; just as Mips® was initially seen in cycling, and the VT ratings began in Football. We encourage all organizations who have the ability, time, and resources to help make our sport better. Tipperary Equestrian is always open to new information; it is the only way forward.
This is One K’s response:
As you are likely aware, Virginia Tech has published a study of 40 equestrian helmets that have been tested and assigned a rating using their STAR evaluation system. The safety of our consumers is a top priority for One K , and they know that selecting the right helmet means finding one that performs on impact and is properly sized and fitted. We applaud the efforts of Virginia Tech to explore these helmet safety issues.
Please note that the VA Tech rating system is not a pass/fail system. OneK helmets have passed the safety standards for equestrian helmets set by ASGTM F1163-15. Those results are then certified by the Safety Equipment Institute “SEI. It is important to note that the ASTM standard is based upon high impact falls that could result in catastrophic injury. Helmets built to the highest levels of this standard often do not score high on studies that include low impacts. It has been our mission to supply products that meet or exceed those standards for protection. VA Tech expressly acknowledges that helmets pass ASTM F1163-15 and thus are considered safe. Additionally, they are tested to and certified by CE to the European standards EN 1384:2014 and VG1 01.040 2014-2.
One K in the prestigious 2021 Folksam’s test in Sweden earned top ratings for safety
We view the VA Tech test as an opportunity to take these additional learnings and apply them to continue to deliver safe, durable, and high-quality helmets to the English rider.
The Mips response from Sweden:
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has just released their ratings of equestrian helmets, the first time to apply their STAR evaluation system to them. At Mips, we welcome the new benchmark initiative to evaluate equestrian helmets, yet aspects of the test and rating methods leave room for improvement.
Mips, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, provides the Mips® safety system, which is intended to help reduce harmful rotational motion that might be otherwise transferred to the user’s head for certain impacts.
After carefully evaluating the test method and ratings process, Mips believes that the STAR ratings system should adopt additional testing methods. Mips Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer Peter Halldin further explains below:
● The Virginia Tech rating program conducts tests to the helmet that primarily include compression forces to the helmet, mimicking an accident situation where the rider falls straight towards the ground, a vertical velocity relative to the ground.
● However, even if rotational kinematics are measured, rotation is principally induced due to the head rotating around the neck, not at the first contact with the impacting surface.
● If a horse and its rider have a speed forward during their fall, there will be both vertical and horizontal velocity relative to the ground, and rotation could also be induced at the initial contact with the ground due to tangential force. To be able to replicate this phenomenon another test method is required.
● This could explain the discrepancy between Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s ratings, and those from Swedish insurance company Folksam; for example, a helmet rated 1-star by Virginia Tech are rated 5-star by Folksam.
● The Folksam rating program includes impacts that have a tangential force acting on the helmet, which we suggest Virginia Tech implements to complement their current test method.
● Additionally, the Virginia Tech rating system weights the front impact location and the lower impact velocity of 4.0 m/s higher than the impact velocity of 6.3 m/s. Therefore, the final rating of the helmets in the Virginia Tech rating program is more dependent on the performance of the front of the helmet and low velocity impacts.
While we appreciate the new initiatives to evaluate equestrian helmets and promote helmet safety more generally, we at Mips believe that the new rating systems may be cause for confusion.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 7, 2022
Virginia Tech just released the safety ratings for 40 equestrian helmets following an initiative undertaken with funding from eventing supporter Jacqueline Mars, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Eventing Association and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association.
The project involves the same system Virginia Tech uses for its football helmet ratings. The best helmets get the most stars. The interesting thing is the wide variance in price among the top choices. So yes, you can afford a top-rated helmet. Click here to see where your helmet fits in.
Over the past two years, Virginia Tech researchers analyzed over 100 videos of riders falling off horses, precisely measured the hardness of the sand, dirt, grass, and synthetic surfaces underfoot at equestrian events, and dragged dummy heads and other equipment — and boxes and boxes of helmets — out to Virginia Tech’s equestrian facilities to simulate falls.
Then the team of researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics took all that data back to the lab to recreate those events in a series of controlled, quantitative tests. They used those tests to assess 40 equestrian helmets from different manufacturers. The result is the first set of equestrian helmet ratings from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.
If a rider’s head hits the ground in a fall, their helmet can determine whether the rider makes it through without an injury. That’s why the Helmet Lab wanted to determine which helmets perform better than others. Of the 40 models included in this initial set of ratings, two earned the top score of five stars. Eleven earned four, and the rest earned three or below. Price isn’t necessarily a predictor of quality: One of the two five-star helmets retails for $460, and the other for $58.
The ratings apply to falls that occur at all gaits, as well as jumping.
The lab’s extensive testing also shed more light on what happens during real impact in the equestrian arena and illuminated some gaps between the required safety standards these helmets have to pass before going on the market and the actual impact they’re subjected to when a rider is wearing them.
“Standards for equestrian helmets are typically based on severe impacts,” said Stefan Duma, director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science at Virginia Tech.
“What we found is that a lot of riders come off at lower velocities, and many helmets are too stiff to effectively cushion those softer impacts. The helmets that perform better are able to deal with different energy levels.”
Virginia Tech’s ratings also go beyond the existing standards by using a formula that considers the rotational acceleration that occurs when a rider’s head hits the ground, in addition to linear acceleration.
This is the lab’s ninth major ratings release since researchers began rating helmets in 2011. They have tested and rated helmets for varsity, youth, and flag football; soccer; cycling; hockey; snow sports; and whitewater sports, transforming the science of sports safety by giving athletes, parents, and coaches unbiased, quantitative data they can use to choose the safest equipment.
“With every sport we look at we go through detailed analysis to make sure that the biomechanics we’re testing relate specifically to those athletes,” said the director.
“For these ratings, we determined what the acceleration profile would look like for a rider falling on the ground. Then we take that trace and bring it into the lab and recreate it, to make sure that our testing matches what a rider would experience if they fell off a horse.”
The pendulum impactor used for the equestrian helmet testing sits in a lab space outfitted with custom-built test equipment in the basement of the headquarters of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science.
When the pendulum strikes a head form protected by one of the helmets being tested, sensors inside the head form record the blow. Each helmet model was tested at three impact locations and two impact speeds that are representative of real-world falls.
T“The U.S. Equestrian Federation is not only fully committed to the welfare and protection of horses but also of our people,” said David O’Connor, chief of sport at the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“The launch of the rating system developed through the helmet research done by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is an exponential step in improving equipment in the world that will reduce the risk of injuries. We are proud to have supported this research and congratulate the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab on their progressive work for the benefit of all equestrians.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 8, 2022
The amazing blind Appaloosa Endo, who has the ultimate trust in his rider, is always busy. Now he has set the mark high again in the Guinness World Records. Read a story we ran about him in 2020 by clicking here.
To learn about this amazing horse’s current accomplishments in jumping and dressage, go to this link
