by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 6, 2022
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, which in 2021 saved 733 Standardbreds from slaughter after they finished their racing careers, is expressing concern about the New Jersey state Legislature’s Bill A-4465, designed to set up a five-year grant program that will allocate funds to assist with the care of retired standardbred and thoroughbred racehorses.
“Wording in this bill is unclear as to eligibility requirements, and may also prevent these funds from helping race horses tagged for slaughter. After 33 years of efforts by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, we must be certain that these funds are directed correctly and ask for your immediate help,” the organization said in a statement.
It continued, “The current draft requires accreditation by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation; however, it is not clear if the SRF, being an accredited organization, will also be eligible for these funds. We must preempt this. Here is a link to the bill.
The current draft requires accreditation by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. However, it is not clear if the SRF, being an accredited organization, will also be eligible for these funds. “We must preempt this,” the organization stated.
Also, an additional accrediting organization that is noted in A4465 follows the The Right Horse Initiative. Under their guidelines, organizations must refrain from purchasing from “kill pens/bail outs”. This means that the Standardbreds in greatest need, tagged to ship for slaughter, will not be helped by this fund. https://www.aspcarighthorse.org/warmupringresources/
From Oct. 7-12, comment may be sent to Assemblyman Ralph Caputo to assure these funds reach the horses in need, according to SRF. In-person testimony has been delayed and will be heard into November in Trenton.
To email or call Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, use this link.
On Oct. 7, SRF will provide further information for supporters and the general public to register to testify before the committee. The window to do so is very short, SRF pointed out.
Assemblyman Ralph Caputo can be reached via this link
The SRF suggested this wording for communication with the assemblyman: “In regard to A-4465, I urge you to clarify that the accrediting organization, Standardbred Retirement Foundation, is eligible to receive funds. In addition, no organizations following The Right Horse Initiative can be approved (as funds will not be directed to the race horses in most need).”
SRF is the largest Standardbred adoption program in the U.S. and is feeding and caring for 512 Standardbreds. Visit the website at www.AdoptaHorse.org for more information.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 5, 2022
Therapeutic riding pioneer Octavia Brown will be honored with the “Spirit of the Horse” award during the Rutgers Equine Science Center’s Evening of Science & Celebration next month.
Octavia Brown
The keynote speaker is Dr. Frank Andrew of Louisiana State University, whose topic is diestary management of gastric ulcers in horses, a topic to which so many horse owners can relate. The event will take place Nov. 3 from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Cook Student Center on the Cook Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
The eventing brings together equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners and barn managers, educators and students, 4-H members and horse enthusiasts so they can learn about current projects and research being conducted at the Equine Science Center. The Center aims to address horse industry issues and challenges through science and research.
The keynote speech will focus on risk factors, clinical signs, and how stomach ulcers can be diagnosed.
The speaker is the LVMA Equine Committee professor, head of veterinary clinical sciences and director of the equine health studies program at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
He is a clinician-scientist with a strong research background in the areas of equine gastrointestinal health and disease, and has been active in scientific investigation for more than 30 years.
Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Equine Science Center, will give her yearly update on the state of the Center, and the accomplishment over the last year.
Research updates will be provided by Ph.D. Candidate Ellen Rankins from the Rutgers Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, on “Co-regulation Between Horse and Human in Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) and its Effects on Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans”. Kenneth McKeever; associate director of research, Rutgers Equine Science Center, and a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences; will discuss his research into “Effect of Nasal Flairs on Thermoregulation During Exercise.” Daniel Gimenez, a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, speak on “Effects of Horse Manure-Sourced Biochar on Soil Nutrients, Carbon Sequestration and Hydraulic Properties of Agricultural Soils”.
The Spirit of the Horse award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed because of their involvement with horses and who have acknowledged the impact by giving back to the horse industry.
“Dr. Octavia Brown has been a stalwart supporter of the equine community in New Jersey and was an instrumental organizer and founder of multiple equine programs and initiatives throughout the state”, said Karyn Malinowski. “Tave is truly worthy of the ‘Spirit of the Horse’ award, as evidenced by her long-time commitment to the advancement of Equine Assisted Services nationwide.”
The 2022 winner of the Gold Medal Horse Farm award will be announced at the event.
The event requires registration that can be made online at https://go.rutgers.edu/Evening2022.
For additional information, please contact the Equine Science Center at 848-932-9419 or Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 29, 2022
More than two years after Lord Stirling Stable’s horses were sold as the facility was shut down during Covid, a plan to buy “a number of horses” and begin reintroducing equestrian programming before the end of the year at the Somerset County facility was announced today.
Trail rides will be coming back to Lord Stirling Stable. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Many of those who rode at the stables had despaired about whether it would operate again after such a long time.
The plan is part of a “new vision” for the future of the 1,015-acre Lord Stirling Park that will connect resources in support of the county’s “parks for all” goals while supporting environmental and historic sites tourism.
The stable in Basking Ridge long had an extensive lesson program, but the announcement did not say anything about teaching people to ride. The only specifics offered included “limited trail riding for more experienced patrons,” and providing lead-line rides for beginners. The stable’s ponies were not sold with the horses in 2020 and pony rides have been available during the interim. The stable also has several privately owned horses as boarders.
The plan was devised by the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable Advisory Group and county planning professionals.
“What began as the rebranding of the Lord Stirling Stable has evolved into a new vision for the entire Lord Stirling Park that includes equestrian, natural and historic experiences,” said Tom Boccino, Somerset County’s supervising planner/preservation.
“The plan outlines conceptually how all uses can be integrated into a single experience that highlights the valuable assets that exist in Somerset County–one park, many paths.”
In addition to the stable, the park includes natural waterways and open space in an area that is also home to the Environmental Education Center and the Revolutionary War-era Boudinot Southard Farmstead. These resources have been operated independently of each other, but the plan proposes connecting them with expanded trails and paths, integrated programming and newly developed community event spaces along Lord Stirling Road and at the Boudinot Southard Farmstead.
“Lord Stirling Park is a great, untapped resource for Somerset County residents and visitors, and I am extremely pleased with the work of the Park Commission, its expert advisory group and the county planning staff for putting together this vision for its future,” said county Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Park Commission.
The stable has a distinctive look. (Photo by Nancy Jaffer)
“The integration of equestrian, environmental, historic and event spaces at Lord Stirling Park is vital to ensuring that Somerset County truly delivers the promise of ‘parks for all’.”
In addition to connecting the historic, recreational and environmental resources on the Lord Stirling Park property, the county is proposing to expand its trails network to connect to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Bernards Township’s Southard Park and Basking Ridge neighborhoods. Connecting local, county and federal resources supports Somerset County’s Walk, Bike, Hike: Connecting Vibrant Communities Plan and newly approved Preservation Plan efforts to encourage healthy, environmentally positive activities for everyone.
The advisory committee, formed in the spring of 2021, included equestrian experts and longtime stable volunteers. The panel was asked to look at increasing community engagement and cost-effectiveness to ensure sustainable stable operations. The stable reportedly had been losing as much as $500,000 a year when it was operating prior to Covid.
The Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy & Economic Development recognized that the advisory committee’s recommendation for rebranding and recreating the Stable at Lord Stirling Park gave it a unique opportunity to reimagine the entire park.
A boarder at Lord Stirling. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
With financial support from the Somerset County Park Foundation, the committee was able to procure the services of two experts from Rutgers University to lead the group: Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Extension Equine Specialist and Founding Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center; and Dr. Robin Brumfield, Extension Farm Management Specialist in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics.
“For all of us at the Park Commission, this was a mission to have a sustainable, viable future for Lord Stirling Park,” said Somerset County Park Commission President D.J. Hunsinger.
“These plans not only include the functioning and self-sustaining stable feature, but going forward will grow the park into a larger, more encompassing resource that maintains the nature and the personality that residents and park patrons love.”
The Somerset County Commissioners unanimously supported the reopening of the Stable at Lord Stirling Park this fall and will work with the Park Commission on implementing future expansion and recreation of Lord Stirling Park as a “park for all,” with its highlights connected by trailways, new community event spaces and integrated programming.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2022
A U.S. Equestrian Federation Hunter & Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judging Task Force will be named to address member feedback regarding judging in the hunter and hunter/jumping seat equitation disciplines, especially at the highest levels.
Over the past several months, numerous members have contacted USEF leadership to express their concerns. That has revealed the need to review several areas, including but not limited to the level of equestrian experience necessary to judge at each level, the education required to ensure and continuously improve the competency of judges at every level of the sport, the judge’s evaluation process, the need for clarity around the subjective nature of the judging system, and competitor behaviors towards competition officials and sportsmanship.
“As equestrian sport evolves, it is important to regularly evaluate the relevancy of our programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of our sport and expectations of our members,” said USEF President Tom O’Mara.
“The concerns raised by members indicate that a broad review of the existing programs against the desired environment is necessary, I look forward to getting some great minds in a room and hash out what we have, what we need, and how to bridge the differences if and where they exist.”
He added it will “take some time but, it will be work well worth doing.”
USEF will be working with the United States Hunter Jumper Association throughout the process, including obtaining recommendations on candidates for appointment to this task force. Th panel will conduct a thorough analysis of the judging, education and licensing programs, including engagement with the membership and making recommendations regarding any amendments to these programs and processes to ensure consistent quality and competency and to better serve the sport and USEF members.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 10, 2022
In the equestrian world, the emphasis understandably tends to be on performance, performance, performance. But there are other things that should be considered in addition to collecting the trophies and the prize money.
So when officers of Hollow Brook Wealth Management LLC decided they wanted their firm to help support horse sports, they chose to sponsor the live stream at Harrisburg and Washington during the finals, along with sportsmanship awards that would be presented to deserving young people at several competitions.
Hollow Brook co-chairmen Alan Bazaar and Philip Richter both have been involved in showing much of their lives, so they are well aware of the demands of competition and the importance of rising above them. The firm also deals with equestrian planning as one of its services, including information on everything from equestrian trusts to insurance.
At last weekend’s Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East, Hollow Brook’s sportsmanship award went to Eve Westfall of Boulder, Colo. People around the showgrounds at the USET Foundation in Gladstone, N.J., had nominated contenders for the honor. Then the show stewards reviewed the stories of the five who got the most votes before choosing the winner.
Eve Westfall accepts the Hollowbrook Wealth Management Sportsmanship award from the firm’s CEO, Alan Bazaar. (Photo © 2022 by Nancy Jaffer)
Eve gave up the ride on her leased horse to Baylee McKeever, whose first-string mount was indisposed before the Talent Search. The horse Eve leased had been Baylee’s back-up. Eve and Baylee are good friends, so Eve did the generous thing and handed the reins to Baylee. That meant Eve wound up with a horse named Artillero, a jumper she had never ridden before last week.
Baylee didn’t place, but Eve’s reward was to finish 10th in the field of 53. The sportsmanship title was an extra bonus.
Hollow Brook makes a donation in the name of the sportsmanship award winner to the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Under 25 fund. The winner also gets a year of free financial education. That’s particularly important, since so many of those competing in the finals are considering becoming professionals and having their own businesses eventually.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 10, 2022
You don’t have to wait for April’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event to see a 5-star, the highest level of the sport.
The MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Presented by Brown Advisory is holding its second edition Oct. 13-16 at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, 4600 Telegraph Road, Cecil County (Elkton), Md. 21921.
Lauren Nicholson on Landmark’s Monte Carlo is competing in the 5-star at Fair Hill again this year. (Photo © 2021 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The small (26 riders) but select field includes the new world number one, Tim Price of New Zealand, who won the Boekelo, Netherlands, event last weekend. At Fair Hill, he’ll be aboard Coup de Couer Dudevin.
His wife, Jonelle, is the new world number two, but she won’t be competing. However, former world number one Oliver Townend of Great Britain will be on hand. He was the runner-up last year on Ballaghmor Class; this year, he’s riding As Is. His countryman, Harry Meade, brings Superstition. Another foreign rider of note is French star Astier Nicolas (Babylon de Gamma).
There was a bigger 5-star field of 38, and a few more riders from overseas in 2021, but that was at the end of the pandemic when Badminton and Burghley in England had been cancelled for the second year in a row, and there was no world championships during the summer.
Will Coleman, the top-ranked U.S. rider at last month’s world championships and now number five in the world, will be aboard Don Dante. Other members of the silver medal championships team competing at Fair Hill are Tamie Smith (Danito), Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Monte Carlo) and Boyd Martin. Boyd, number six in the world, does not have a 5-star horse in Maryland but will be aboard Miss Lulu Herself in the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship that also runs over the weekend and has drawn 59 entries.
Also featured is the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships presented by Dubarry of Ireland.
The Maryland Fresh Food Fest and the Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase is powered by Grow & Fortify. It features local wine, craft beer and spirits while watching the cross-country action on Saturday, Oct. 15, over courses designed by Ian Stark.
The horses and trainers from Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers return for Horseland at the MARS Maryland 5 Star during all four days of competition. Major League Eventing will operate the inaugural Maryland Corgi Cup on Sunday, Oct. 16.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to https://www.maryland5star.us/tickets/
