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
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 4, 2022
Riders and their horses are front and center at competitions, so we all know their names. But what about the people behind the scenes? Mike Belisle is very effective at the type of organizing that has helped bring shows such as Split Rock and TerraNova to prominence. Click this link to read his story.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 9, 2022
How much do you know about equine nutrition? If you’d like to learn more, Cornell Univeresity is offering an online opportunity to improve your familiarity with forage, which could pay off in a bonus of a healthier, happier horse.
Nathalie Trottier, professor of animal science at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will explain the role of dietary forage on horses’ gastrointestinal functions and nutritional needs Nov. 15 from 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Equids have uniquely and successfully evolved with dentition and hindgut fermentation that have allowed them to use a diet higher in fiber and lower in protein compared with other grazing herbivores.
In the lecture, emphasis will be placed on explaining the classification of carbohydrates across common feed ingredients given to horses and the horse’s evolutionary feeding strategy in relation to its physiology. Roles of the oral cavity, the stomach and the large intestine in favoring forage over grain utilization will be described.
The event is free and open to the public via Zoom, but registration is required. Click on this link.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 5, 2022
Dreams of thoroughbred racing glory sometimes do come true, but when that happens for a special person on an international stage, it’s an unforgettable emotional experience.
“There’s a big story behind it,” trainer Bill Mott noted today at the Breeders Cup, and that’s an understatement.
The amazing tale of Cody Dorman, a 16-year-old with a rare genetic disorder called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and the thoroughbred he loves highlights the power of the equine-human connection.
The two met when the horse was a foal at Godolphin’s Gainsborough farm. It happened in connection with the Keeneland racetrack’s Make-a-Wish day. Cody’s wish was to be introduced to a thoroughbred, which is how he got together with the son of the great Curlin.
Cody’s Wish and Cody Dorman share a special relationship. (Photo courtesy WKYT)
The foal, who usually was a bit stand-offish, recognized a soulmate and put his head in Cody’s lap. Boy and horse bonded instantly.It was only natural for the farm to come up with the name Cody’s Wish for the colt.
Cody Dorman wanted to be at every race in which the horse was entered, believing that is a prerequisite for the colt to enjoy victory.
Although Cody can only communicate using a tablet that works with eye-tracking, he makes his desires known. The teen has had more than 40 operations and suffers seizures, but nothing keeps him down.
“You cannot talk about him without talking about his heart. It’s not in him to quit on anything,” said Kelly Dorman, Cody’s father, who considers the Godolphin crew to be family now.
Cody has been cheering the beloved horse on ever since the eye-catching bay first went to the track. When Cody Dorman comes to the barn, Cody’s Wish immediately locks eyes on him.
In August, Cody’s Wish won the Grade 1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga. The Breeders’ Cup was in his future, and Cody Dorman focused on that championship competition. Of course, he was at the track for it today.
The relationship with Cody’s Wish has brightened the teen’s outlook.
“We can see such a difference in him. Cody was in a very dark place and this horse has changed his life,” said his mother, Leslie Dorman.
For her son, the outcome of this afternoon’s $1 million Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile at Keeneland was never in doubt.
“He will win,” predicted Cody. And that was just what happened.
Cody’s Wish at the wire. (© Dylan Buell/Getty Images North America/TNS)
Cody’s Wish, a four-year-old carrying 126 pounds who was sent off as the favorite, and Cyberknife, the three-year-old winner of last summer’s Haskell Invitational carrying three pounds less, battled it out in the stretch until Cody’s Wish had the edge by a head at the wire.
It happened the way one would envision the storybook ending if it had been written to wrap up the script.
In the spirit of the moment, Florent Geroux, Cyberknife’s jockey, gave a post-finish line fistbump to Junior Alvarado, who rode Cody’s Wish. It was a magic moment, illustrating an understanding of how much the victory meant.
As Cody’s Wish headed toward the winner’s circle, everyone was crying; not just Cody and his family, but so many in the packed stands at the Kentucky racetrack who saw not only a great race, but what some might call a miracle. Can the movie be far behind?
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 4, 2022
The Delaware Valley Horsemen’s Association, a grassroots show series that ran for more than seven decades in Hunterdon County, N.J., has called it quits.
Founded in 1949 by veterinarian, Dr. Welling Howell, the organization in its prime offered competitions for everything from hunters, jumpers and dressage to western, thoroughbreds, draft and driving. It became a popular destination for riders beginning their show careers or those who simply wanted to compete in a low-pressure atmosphere.
Over the years, top professionals such as Frank Chapot and George Morris found it a good place to start their green horses. Olympic double silver medal star Gem Twist even competed there at the beginning of his career.
Dr. Howell’s commitment to DVHA was carried on by his widow, Wanda Howell, who died last year. The organization, which traditionally ran its shows with volunteers, had 50 life members, some of whom no longer live in the area, according to DVHA chairperson Judith Stratton.
This year, according to former president Sue Haydu, there were 35 members, down from an all-time high of more than 300 at one point.
There were not enough members to put on the shows, Judith commented, saying it was difficult to get people to come out and help.
But Jessica Brittain, who was president of DVHA until September, said, “no one was picking up the slack, so I decided to try.”
Of the shutdown, Judith said, “We knew it was coming; we held on as long as we could. We just didn’t have the support.”
A statement from DVHA said its board “sadly came to the realization that DVHA was no longer sustainable and voted to dissolve.”
“It’s very sad, but times have changed,” commented Denise Quick, who competed at DVHA for years.
There are others besides Jessica, however, who felt it should have kept going.
“I think closing it may have been a little bit premature,” observed Penelope Jo Schell of Valley Crest Stables in Annandale, who believes the DVHA shows were making enough money to cover the bills.
She remembers DVHA from the early ‘70s and the days when her parents were officers in the club.
“I grew up there and have since taken my students there for years and years,” said the trainer.
“I think we should have given it one last try.”
There are many reasons for DVHA’s demise, but a big part of it is the way the horse industry has evolved in parts of New Jersey and elsewhere as development continues to take agricultural land.
“Little shows are not able to make enough money, there aren’t many backyard horses,” Denise said, noting that at the same time, “there are so many horse shows.”
The show season, meanwhile, has transformed into a year-round enterprise. There was a time when few people would go south for the winter, so they trained their horses at home and took them to DVHA for an introduction to a show atmosphere before the season would start in earnest and they would go to bigger competitions. Now many competitors head for Florida as soon as the temperatures drop, while at home, several show venues keep running through the winter, but they are indoors.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation also has promoted its Outreach program for lower-level riders, which enables trainers to take their top riders to shows and also bring along beginners who they otherwise would have had to take to smaller shows or those that weren’t licensed by the federation, noted Sue Haydu.
At DVHA, “Entries were light, but I think entries are light everywhere because the pool is so diluted” with several shows to choose from on many weekends, pointed out Jen Cassidy, assistant trainer at Summerfield Farm in Pittstown.
The DVHA facility was “a little more old-fashioned” without fancy footing, she noted, “but I think the people who went this year tried to make it work.”
There were many things that led to DVHA’s demise, only some of which were unique to the organization.
In 2015, its treasurer was charged with embezzling more than $68,000, leaving the organization with only $500 to start the new season. Although the former treasurer’s sentence required her to pay back money, Sue Haydu said just $30,000 of that amount was received as the organization struggled to remain solvent.
“We owned the grounds…we needed to bring in enough money to cover taxes and insurance as well as running all the shows,” she said.
The Covid pandemic also hurt DVHA, in the same way it affected so much across the board.
Another factor in what happened to DVHA was dissension between two groups about how the association should be run.
When Jessica became president three years ago, Sue said, the approach was changed to let both members and non-members win high score awards.
With that model, Sue asked, “Why join?”
Jessica, who is the trainer at the Phoenix Rising Farm in Milford, runs schooling shows there and had experience managing the Briarwood shows, which were a popular series in Readington for years. She said she was forced to resign from DVHA in September.
Upon hearing that plans were to dissolve DVHA, her reaction was, “You can’t do that,” contending the decision was made by “this little band of older members. They decided they just wanted to close down; (they felt) it wasn’t worth trying anymore.”
Jessica saw DVHA as a place for kids to “get their feet wet” before going to bigger shows. She said at the last show, there were more than 100 entries and enough money was being made to keep the shows alive “until we made a better profit. We would have kept it going.”
The closure “wasn’t up for a true vote,” she contended.
The showgrounds of nearly 10 acres in East Amwell are for sale, and the hope is the property will go for agricultural use, rather than construction of the three houses that would be permitted on the property under the current zoning.
Proceeds will go to four beneficiaries named in a dissolution agreement, according to Judith. They include the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, a veterinary school within 50 miles, tuition for a local veterinary student and a therapeutic riding organization.
