by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 24, 2022
The FEI (international equestrian federation) will consider bids for the World Equestrian Games to be held in 2026.
The last WEG was staged in 2018 in Tryon, N.C., amid all kinds of problems (an aborted endurance race, a weather-cancelled dressage freestyle, continuing construction). The world championships cycle this year included two major joint competitions; dressage, para dressage, vaulting and show jumping in Herning, Denmark, during August, then eventing and four-in-hand driving at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, last month.
While bids may be submitted for a WEG, the FEI is also accepting bids for other world championships, whether solo or in a group (although dressage and para dressage must be run together).
The show jumping podium at the 2018 WEG: USA gold, Sweden silver, Germany bronze. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
The opening date for expressions of interest in a world championship or championships is Oct. 24. The deadline for formal submission of bids is April 14, 2023. Allocation of bids will be made in June 2023.
The WEG ran for the first time in 1990 in what was supposed to be a one-off celebration of multiple disciplines in Stockholm, Sweden. It was so successful that it continued to run every four years through 2018. Finding a location that can host all disciplines is difficult, however, since each has a variety of needs, and running the WEG is exceedingly expensive for the host.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 9, 2022
Are you looking for tack, horse blankets, boots, breeches, knick-knacks or other equestrian items?
Go to Mane Stream’s sale at 83 Old Turnpike, Oldwick. It will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6. Before then, drop off your items or call for a pick-up. Contact Jen at (908) 439-9636 or email to jen@manestreamnj.org.
Proceeds go toward Mane Stream’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 26, 2022
Joey Norick will take a new position at HITS, working as chief customer officer, focusing on the needs of owners, trainers, vendors and exhibitors, and being responsible for the customer experience.
His appointment reflects the consumer-oriented philosophy of Traub Capital Partners, the owners of HITS, which is making continued improvements to all six venues, as well as elevating the level of service and experience for the exhibitors.
“Equestrian sports are constantly evolving, and I am looking forward to working with the HITS team to exceed expectations of all of our exhibitors,” said Joey.
“My vision to enhance our facilities includes improving the drainage and footing in our competition areas, as well as upgrading our amenities, such as food services, exhibitor hospitality locations and even restrooms. We will be working to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere at every HITS venue for every HITS customer.”
He began training with Ralph Caristo on Long Island and then headed to California to continue his career at Foxfield Riding Club. A stint with Sam and Libby Edelman’s S&L Farms in North Salem, NY and Wellington, Fla., was the next step.
He went into horse sales and then the equine insurance business. He oversees a portfolio of farm and ranch properties, equine mortality and high net worth clients for Alliant Private Client, where he will continue to serve as an advisor.
“We are excited to partner with Joe, a clear thought leader in the equestrian world,” said Geoff Lurie, HITS’ interim CEO and managing partner of Traub Capital Partners.
“Joe’s long history and expertise in the industry, coupled with his dedication to customer experience, align with our philosophy and approach. We look forward to his contributions in helping the HITS team elevate the company’s position in the equestrian world.”
HITS revolutionized the industry when it produced three of what were then the richest grands prix in the world. HITS expects 65,000 horses to compete at its shows, which include 60 weeks of sanctioned Hunter/Jumper competitions at HITS’ six venues. HITS also offers six weeks of dressage.For more information, go to http://www.hitsshows.com
Traub Capital Partners is a New York-based strategic private equity firm specializing in building value in consumer companies using its unique combination of investment, strategic and operational expertise, as well as a culture-led, engaged approach. The fund targets investments in companies with revenue between $50 and $250 million.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 29, 2022
Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, N.J., took her second FEI Dressage World Cup Finals qualifying freestyle in a month as she won the Freestyle competition at the Tryon, N.C., show today with Serenade MF.
She was marked at 75 percent over the show’s Grand Prix winner, Julio Mendoza Loor of Ecuador on Jewel’s Goldstrike (74.185). They were the only competitors in the four-horse class to break 70 percent.
Alice also won the freestyle during Dressage at Devon at the beginning of October. She and Serenade were the alternates for the FEI World Dressage Championships last summer.
Alice and Serenade at Devon. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
While Alice will have to continue competing her U.S.-bred mare through the winter in order to earn one of the three North American slots for the finals in Omaha April 4-8, those who want to attend the Cup as spectators will have an easier time of securing their place at the Chi Health Center.
The usual show jumping and dressage competitions will be joined this time by vaulting, gymnastics on horseback that is a real crowd pleaser, with its costumes and music in the final rounds.
Omaha put on a heck of a show the last time it hosted the finals in 2017. Next year’s finals will be the first in the U.S. since then, because the 2020 finals scheduled for Las Vegas were cancelled due to Covid.
Some of the biggest names can be expected to compete, such as the 2017 winner, Isabell Werth in dressage and McLain Ward in show jumping.
Seating is limited, so if you want to go, this is the time to buy a ticket and reserve a hotel.
Click on this link for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 23, 2022
The Rutgers Equine Science Center is conducting the 2022 Equine Industry Needs Assessment Survey to determine what concerns are most important to those involved with horses.
The survey is available through Nov. 1. Anyone can participate if they are over 18 years old and involved with horses in the U.S., either through riding, owning horses, running a horse-related business, or in some other way. Use this link to share your views and opinions in the 10 minute anonymous survey.
“Everyone’s opinion matters for this project”, said Karyn Malinowski, director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
“The main goal of this survey is to help us better understand how the Rutgers Equine Science Center can best support members of the equine industry in New Jersey and nationwide. Other aims are to learn more about the different groups that are part of the equine industry with regard to their demographics, interests and the issues that are important to them”, she said.
Those who have questions about this project may email the study coordinator, Alisa Herbst at ach158@sebs.rutgers.edu or phone: (848) 932-3761.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 21, 2022
Tim Price, who won the MARS Maryland 5-star at Fair Hill last weekend on Coup de Couer Dudevin, has received a recorded warning from the FEI (international equestrian federation) for “abuse of horse/misuse of whip”
Asked about the situation, Tim stated, “After the penultimate and before the last cross- country fence, I ‘brushed’ my horse with the whip. It was not deemed abuse of the horse by the officials. I was merely using the whip as an enthusiasm aid to encourage him to stay up and gallop.”
He added, “My round was a very smooth round, with my horse’s enjoyment and confidence kept as paramount at all times. Anyone who watches the round I’m sure will agree.”
The penalty for three recorded warnings in two years is a two-month suspension.
Tim Price and Coup de Couer Dudevin. (Photo © 2022 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Other riders cited by the FEI in the Maryland 5-star include Woods Baughman, who finished twentieth on C’est la Vie 135, and Buck Davidson, twelfth on Carlevo.
Woods got a “yellow warning card/serious case of dangerous riding” and a recorded warning for “abuse of horse/misuse of whip.” He did not respond to a request for comment.
Buck got a yellow warning card for “abuse of horse/blood on the horse-severe bit rubs both sides of mouth.”
Buck said he accepted the decision and is “thankful my horse is healthy and happy in (his) paddock in Florida.”
Two yellow warning cards in a year bring a two-month suspension.
