by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 8, 2023
George Spellman is being mourned by his many friends, in particular those from the equestrian world who knew him through the Devon Horse Show.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Class of 1944 Chapel at the Episcopal Academy. In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be made to the Garrett Williamson Foundation or the Arbor Day Foundation.
“If you’ve shown at the Devon Horse Show in any capacity you know of George. He could be found making all of the `Devon Magic’ happen behind the scenes in his red shirt,” Nina Shaffer stated in a tribute on Facebook.
“Whether it was driving a tractor, the water truck, a golf cart, the skid steer, dressed in `Devon Drag’ for Dressage at Devon or…helping the food vendor; to say George wore many hats is truly an understatement.
“George was the kind of person that would always lend a helping hand, was a problem solver, friend, and an incredible businessman,” she continued.
“Devon will never be the same for those of us whose lives he truly touched in one of the most esteemed Equestrian venues.”
The 60-year-old business owner died in a work-related accident when a tree fell on him Jan. 4, A resident of Newtown Square, Pa., he founded his own contracting firm, George J. Spellman Inc., which specialized in landscape design. George was also an integral part of the Devon Horse Show for 35 years and was indispensable to the local equestrian community.
George was an avid gardener, a talented chef, an accomplished hunter,and a mentor to many. An outgoing and generous man who showed his love for family, friends, and neighbors through action. His acts of kindness ranged from baking custom birthday cakes to mitigating catastrophes of all sorts. On speed dial for many, George always made himself available for anyone that found themselves in a pinch. At times, George was there before you even knew you needed him.
He was the epitome of a self-made man and dedicated his life to helping others. A master of many trades, George was one of a kind. In his final moments, he was doing what he loved best: boots on, laced tight, he seized the day, guiding his team, taking on the latest challenge.
He is survived by his wife,Jodi; his daughter, Catherine, and his brother, Matthew Spellman.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 27, 2022
Starting this month, you can take a fully online equine nutrition course at Rutgers University from your home, with a 14-week undergraduate offering being presented in two different formats to horse owners, trainers, feed sales representatives or anyone interested in the topic. Each format has a different course workload, level of required interaction, completion documentation, and registration fee.
To earn a certificate of completion, students are expected to be fully engaged each week during the course, submit assignments, complete readings, watch videos, participate in discussions, and complete a final project. Those who receive a grade of 80 percent or more in the class along with the certificate, will also receive continuing education units (3.6 CEUs) rather than undergraduate college credits.
To earn a Certificate of Course Participation, course completion will be based on automatically graded quizzes and self-paced practice assignments but there are no deadlines or instructor interaction.
Click on this link for more information and to register for the course that runs Jan. 17-May 1. Questions? Contact Carey.Willliams@rutgers.edu.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 5, 2023
The FEI’s (international equestrian federation) popular director of show jumping, Marco Fuste, has died of a heart attack at age 60.
Marco Fuste.
He suffered the attack a few days ago and succumbed January 5.
Before he went to the FEI, he was chef d’equipe of the Spanish showjumping team and director of show jumping for the Spanish equestrian federation.
When Marco was appointed to the FEI post in December 2020, he called it, “absolutely my dream job.
“Horses and equestrian sport, particularly jumping, have been a part of my life for so long and I see this new role as the pinnacle of my career. Jumping is already the FEI’s largest discipline and, while I know the challenges involved, I also see great opportunity for further expansion, particularly in South America, so that we can develop the sport more broadly. I can’t wait to get started.”
Lisa Roskens, who brought the FEI World Cup finals to Omaha in 2017, with a return to that city slated this April, noted, “He was that special combination of knowledgeable but collaborative and provided us with great guidance as we prepare for the World Cup finals this year.”
Lizzy Chesson, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s managing director of show jumping, called Marco, “a good friend and an outstanding human being; but i am sure there are many around the globe saying exactly the same thing at this very sad moment.
“Marco was a friend and a mentor to so many and dedicated to equestrian sport and jumping in particular. As a chef d’equipe, he wore his passion on his sleeve and he has, in my firm opinion, been doing an amazing job in the very challenging role of FEI director of jumping,” she continued.
Marco Fuste, left, in his role as chef d’equipe with Spain’s 2018 winning Nations Cup team at Gijon, Spain. (1Clicphoto)
“I will always laugh when I think back to his ability to `embellish’ the English language when there were things going wrong or people making poor decisions. Most of all, I will remember a warm human being who I will miss greatly.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and also with FEI family, who have lost one of the good ones’.”
During his time at the FEI, Marco oversaw the full revision of the FEI jumping rules, the successful delivery of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due to Covid-19, and the FEI World Championships, World Cup and Nations Cup Finals. He worked closely with FEI Jumping Committee and Chair Stephan Ellenbruch (GER) to ensure the different stakeholders within the community understood the decisions, the reasoning and the decision-making process.
His eclectic background began in 1986 as event manager at the Spanish sports events company Organización y Gestión Deportiva S.A, before spending nine years with the World League of American Football, NFL Europe and NFL Europe League. Marco would go on to the tennis world, becoming general manager at the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, during which Spain scored its first Davis Cup victory.
“The FEI and the greater equestrian community have lost a true friend, loyal equestrian, mentor and aficionado,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
“Marco always gave it his all–he was not one for half measures or taking the easy option–and everyone respected him for his tenacity, his integrity and his good business sense.”
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.
