by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 21, 2022
Cody Dorman, a 16-year-old with a rare genetic disorder, got the attention of the nation when his namesake, Cody’s Wish, won the dirt mile at the Breeders’ Cup earlier this month.
Cody was on hand for that victory–the four-year-old thoroughbred he met as a foal always wins when he is present.
Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish. (Photo courtesy of Churchill Downs)
Recognizing the bond between colt and teen, the Turf Publicists of America have given their 2022 Big Sport of Turfdom award to Cody.
The honor has gone to a varied group of special people, everyone from Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, to author Laura Hillenbrand (“Seabiscuit”), recognizing those who enhance coverage of thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists.
Cody, born with the rare genetic disorder, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, is unable to walk or communicate without a tablet, but his story has captivated millions. The boy wanted to meet a thoroughbred, and got to do that as a result of Keeneland’s Make-A-Wish Day in 2018. The colt showed an interest in Cody from the start, and that’s how he got his name.
The handsome son of Curlin perks up when the boy is around, and has served as inspiration for the teen to get through some tough times.
“Cody has brought to the forefront what it means to be strong and brave in his personal life, as well as highlighting the extraordinary interaction that occurs between horses and humans,” said Wendy Davis, TPA president. “He gives inspiration to us all.”
The award will be presented at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s annual awards luncheon Dec. 6. The luncheon is part of the 2022 Global Symposium on Racing.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 16, 2022
The Rutgers Equine Science Center has established a scholarship in memory of former Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer, a champion of the New Jersey horse indsutry who died earlier this year.
He served the 12th Legislative District and was the deputy Republican Leader in the state Assembly. He had been a member of that body for 20 years. A horseman who was the son of the late Hall of Fame harness horse racing driver Stanley Dancer, he raced and trained harness horses professionally from 1968 through 1998.
Assemblyman Dancer was part of numerous equine-related boards and organizations over the years. He was director and vice president of the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, director of the state Department of Agriculture’s Standardbred Sire Stakes Board of Trustees, a director of the U.S. Trotting Association Director representing New Jersey, and as a state horse racing commissioner.
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer and Karyn Malinowski of the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
He worked to ensure the sustainability of the equine industry in New Jersey, sponsoring the legislation authorizing the state leasing of Meadowlands and Monmouth Park Racetracks to the private sector, and advocating for the state budget line-item grants that have been made to the Rutgers Equine Science Center over the years.
Assemblyman Dancer was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, and an avid supporter of the Equine Science Center’s research into equine assisted activities for veterans with PTSD.
In 2021, he was awarded the “Spirit of the Horse” award by the Rutgers Equine Science Center. This award recognizes persons whose lives have been impacted by their involvement with horses and who continue to give back to horses and the equine industry.
“For his incomparable work as a horseman, legislator, colleague, and friend of the equine industry,” said Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center, “We are proud to announce the Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of his steadfast commitment to the equine community, education, and giving back to those in need.”
The scholarship will be given to an undergraduate student majoring in Animal Sciences with an equine emphasis, who has dedicated their time through service and leadership, just as former Assemblyman Dancer did throughout his entire career.
Further information about the establishment of the memorial scholarship will be provided in the coming weeks on the Equine Science Center’s website.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 16, 2022
The USEF’s national advanced single horse combined driving championship for 2023 will be held at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown October 5-8 at the Garden State CDE.
All but one of the other national driving championships next year will be held in Ocala, Fla. They are the Advanced Ponies (Single, Pair, Four-in-Hand) and Advanced Pair Horses are set for the Spring Fling CDE February 23-26, along with all preliminary classes.
The Advanced Four-in-Hand for horses will be staged at the Live Oak International in Ocala, March 15-19.
All Intermediate Classes are set for the Tryon Fall CDE in Mill Spring, N.C., September 20-24.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2022
Kay Meredith, a founding member of the U.S. Dressage Federation, has died in hospice.
The president of USDF from 1977-82, the native of West Virginia was a mentor to many, and her Meredith Manor gave riders a leg up in the discipline.
Kay Meredith
She was the 1979 American Horse Shows Association Horsewoman of the Year, and awarded the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
An innovator who was instrumental in the growth of USDF, she rode internationally–becoming national Grand Prix champion in 1982–and was a USEF S judge. She also was in the USDF Hall of Fame, and an author in her spare time.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2022
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is advising competitors who intentionally under-perform in a class not to do it.
It might occur when someone is put in a class to fill it so that points count, and they need to make sure another exhibitor will place ahead of them. USEF has received reports of such behavior in the past, but recently, the frequency has increased.
The federation does not condone this behavior, and cautions members to refrain from engaging in any activity that deliberately affects the outcome of a competitive effort through Intentionally losing a class.
Actions against the basic tenets of sportsmanship and fair competition are violations of the USEF Code of Conduct, which prohibits behavior or actions detrimental to the image and reputation of the sport. The code explicitly mandates that all constituents “model fair play, respect, and the highest levels of sportsmanship.”
Deliberately under-performing in a horse show class is also considered competition manipulation, which is strictly prohibited under USEF’s recently adopted Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Policy. This has become more of an issue with the proliferation of sites where people can earn money betting on the outcome of a class.
Competition manipulation occurs anytime an athlete intentionally under-performs or loses on purpose. Even when money or another form of tangible benefit is not at stake, some form of advantage is always sought. Some may argue that manipulating an outcome by under-performing can be considered a virtuous effort in situations where a rider is instructed to “help” a barn colleague by intentionally losing a medal class so their barn mate can take home the top ribbon and qualification points.
However, intentionally losing a class and not providing your best effort in competition is unsportsmanlike; it is disrespectful of your fellow competitors and the officials, as well as supporters and fans of equestrian sport. When a competition is manipulated, there is nothing left to win for anyone; it renders sport meaningless and demoralizes those athletes who are competing with integrity and sportsmanship.
USEF competitors, as well as their support personnel, must refrain from engaging in any of these competition manipulation activities. By consciously and willingly under-performing in a class to affect the results or by instructing a competitor to do the same, you are engaging in activities that fall under the definition of competition manipulation.
Those activities are considered a violation pursuant to General Rule 702.1.d in the USEF Rule Book. These activities are clear violations of both the USEF Code of Conduct as well as the Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Policy and may be subject to action, which could result in an official warning, censure, fine, suspension, or other penalties set forth in General Rule 703.
USEF’s Code of Conduct also states that those bound by it are responsible for reporting violations. Licensed officials are obligated to report willful under-performance by a competitor or other tactics designed to “throw” a class so USEF can investigate the matter.
USEF acknowledges that willful under-performance can be difficult to definitively identify and is rare; most exhibitors invest their best effort when competing. However, if you witness an obvious, willful, and intentional manipulation of competition (i.e., blatant disregard for class conduct and specifications by never attempting to perform the required gaits or failing to follow a judge’s instructions), you should report the incident to USEF by emailing disputes@USEF.org.
By taking responsibility for their actions, fulfilling their duty to report misconduct, always providing their best effort while competing and practicing good sportsmanship, USEF members can collectively protect the integrity of equestrian sport and ensure a fair competitive experience for everyone.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 28, 2022
Wellington International, which took over the former Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, has reached an agreement with Wellington Equestrian Partners to run the 2023 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at the Equestrian Village facility down the road from the Winter Equestrian Festival of jumpers and hunters.
Despite having less than three months before the first dressage show Jan. 11-15, the Wellington International team intends to “work diligently to provide an enhanced experience for all participants, guests, and fans.”
Michael Stone, the president of Wellington International who previously was president of Equestrian Sport Productions, announced, “We know that dressage competitors and spectators have been eagerly awaiting news of the 2023 AGDF season, and we are happy to report that our team will once again be working hard to put forth an exciting, memorable, and safe event.
“Our staff is very familiar with the competition, hospitality, and other logistics of AGDF at the Equestrian Village venue, so we expect to be able to continue the tradition of excellence this upcoming winter.”
Wellington Equestrian Partners is applying for residential rezoning of the Equestrian Village, which would involve an arrangement to move dressage adjacent to the former PBIEC property, but that project is still in the process of seeking approval from the Village of Wellington.
In the meantime, said Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of WEP, that organization “has every confidence in the team at Wellington International to effectively operate the 2023 AGDF, and we are happy to be working with such a well-established partner in the equestrian and events industry.
“Our organizations will work together to ensure the success of the 2023 show, as well as continue to discuss and plan for long-term enhancements in order to elevate AGDF to an even greater level in the future.”
The 2023 AGDF will operate through March 31. If will offer eight weeks of international dressage competition and two weeks of international para-dressage competition. There will be eight Friday Night Stars freestyles under the lights held during AGDF, including two qualifiers for the FEI World Cup Finals to be held in Omaha during April. Another will be held Dec. 8-12 2022.
Anders Bjørnstrup, commercial director of Global Equestrian Group, the parent company of Wellington International, noted, “The founder and CEO of the Global Equestrian Group, Andreas Helgstrand, is a household name in the dressage world and has a passion for the discipline, so we are thrilled to finally have an opportunity to explore and promote a world-renowned dressage event.
“The AGDF is a respected brand with a storied history, and we are pleased to be able to play a role in the development of the event.”
For the second year, CDI5* dressage competition will be held for one week, March 15-19, at the Wellington International showgrounds, a short canter down the road from the Equestrian Village. A change of venue offers the opportunity for horses and riders to experience a different atmosphere during the winter season.
Here is the schedule for the 2023 winter dressage season:
January 11-15,
CDI4* & CDI-W
Lloyd Landkamer Memorial
January 25-29
CDI4*/CDI3*/CPEDI3*
February 8-12
CDI4* & CDI-W
February 15-19
NATIONAL
February 22-26
CDIO3* & CDI3*
March 1-5
CDI-W & CDI3*
Palm Beach Derby
March 8-12
CPEDI3*
March 15-19
CDI5* & CDI3*
March 22-26
CDI4* & CDI3*
March 29-31
NATIONAL
