by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 30, 2021
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Owings Mill, Md., for John von Stade, who spent 50 years as co-chair of the Far Hills, N.J., Race Meeting.
Mr. von Stade, who died Nov. 28 after a long illness, presided over the Far Hills meet as it went from an event that attracted a few thousand spectators to the country’s richest day of steeplechasing, with more than 30,000 attending.
The ultimate volunteer, he did everything from bedding stalls in the stables to putting up snow fencing at first, and then managing hundreds of volunteers and setting the fixture’s course as it grew.
A resident of Peapack and Bernardsville until moving to Maryland six years ago, he was a member of a prominent racing family. His father, F. Skiddy von Stade was a founder of the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which Mr. von Stade served as president from 1989-2005–longer than anyone else has held that position.
Guy Torsilieri spent 35 years helming the Far Hills Races with Mr. von Stade, who retired from the co-chairmanship in 2014.
“He was an art lover, a historian. He was like an old school guy, but he managed to change with the times. He had an incredible way about him, so gentle and focused. He knew which way things needed to go and should go,” Guy said.
Mr. von Stade developed his interest in music and art while being educated at St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., and then Harvard University. A bass baritone, he attended the Aspen School of Music. He served in the Army Reserves and worked in banking before opening the Essex Gallery of Sport in Far Hills, just down the street from the race meeting.
Former Far Hills Meeting co-chairman John von Stade, left, and race meeting co-chair Guy Torsilierico presented a trophy in 2010 to race horse owner Morten Buskop. (Photo © 2010 by Nancy Jaffer)
Despite coming from a family that was deeply involved in thoroughbred racing, Mr. von Stade only dabbled in it briefly on a personal basis.
He good-naturedly described his Ivy Creek Stables as “a fantastic disaster.”
“He got into it and quickly got out of it,” Guy related.
Mr. von Stade dedicated his life to philanthropic venues and giving back.
Guy called him the “fabric and the glue” that held things together between the races and the foundation that donates to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville. It is the home of the Steeplechase Cancer Center and the von Stade lobby, built on $18 million from the races.
Mr. von Stade will be formally remembered on race day next year.
“We will clearly honor him appropriately,” Guy said.
Mr. von Stade is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his son, John von Stade Jr., and his wife, Ann, as well as Phyllis’ daughters and son-in-law, Anna DuVal, Olivia Duval, and Joseph Cutrone; grandchildren Lily, Talbot, and Charlie von Stade, and Orlando, Sophia, and Nico Cutrone. Also among the survivors are Mr. von Stade’s niece, famed opera singer Frederica von Stade.
Mr. von Stade’s first wife, Sandra, died in 2000.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 18, 2021
The Sonoma (Calif.) Horse Park announced yesterday it will hold six 2022 hunter/jumper shows from May to September under the auspices of the National Snaffle Bit Association, rather than the U.S. Equestrian Federation, a move that has USEF seeking further clarification in respect to USEF licensed events and pending mileage exemptions at the horse park.
Last week, word from the park was that it would not run USEF shows until that organization’s mileage rule, which currently requires 250 miles between shows in Sonoma’s region, instead permits shows within 50 miles of each other.
The circumstances brought to mind the situation between USEF and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., where the facility couldn’t get all the USEF hunter/jumper shows it wanted last winter and went with the NSBA instead. When WEC did get USEF dates for later in the year, it turned then down and signed up with NSBA again instead, a decision that also applied to WEC’s facility in Ohio.
Howard Herman, the Sonoma CEO, stated his case about the mileage situation at a Zoom meeting last week that drew approximately 50 riders, owners, trainers and other interested parties.
“We have known about the mileage rule for 30 years, but I didn’t really understand it until I got involved in the process,” he said.
Former Sonoma manager Sally Hudson of Headlands Management, the license holder for a number of the Sonoma shows, took her licenses to Rancho Murieta’s Murieta Equestrian Center, the state’s largest equestrian facility.
Sonoma then applied for USEF show licenses for the same dates as those held by Headlands, as well as a new competition at Sonoma, MGMT Giant Steps Charity Classics, according to USEF.
Murieta is about 100 miles from Sonoma, too close for the park to qualify for its own shows on the same dates as the equestrian center without a mileage exemption. As a result of the applications being for the same dates for both facilities, a mileage conflict was created and the two Sonoma requests must follow the mileage exemption processed contained in Chapter 3 of the USEF Rule Book.
Sonoma had three USEF dates, including an exemption for a May show according to Herman,, but he said his decision means giving up those dates because the park needs more than three shows for its circuit. He noted it is hard to plan without knowing well in advance which shows USEF will approve.
“Sponsors and vendors want to provide an adequate season,” he commented. Sonoma previously staged the Adequan/USEF Junior National Hunter Championship West and a week of World Championship Hunter Rider competition under USEF auspices.
“At 80 years old, I’ve been given a voice,” the CEO said, explaining he could not live with himself if people in his community were shortchanged because of the mileage situation.
He feels an area that is home to 13 million people should be entitled to more in the way of USEF shows. Herman cited how expensive it is for northern California residents and people from the Pacific Northwest to go to the Thermal circuit in Southern California.The Sonoma Horse Park presents a closer alternative.
With the NSBA shows, “We are committed to offering comparable prize money and special classes as we have in seasons past and a schedule that is consistent with what exhibitors and trainers have come to expect at shows that Sonoma Horse Park provides. We are looking forward to a new circuit, complete with circuit championships and prizes as per Sonoma Horse Park tradition,” stated Sonoma manager Sarah Appel.
According to USEF, Sonoma is currently licensed for two USEF competitions. Two additional mileage exemption requests have been received by USEF and are being processed in accordance with the applicable rules.
A USEF statement release today noted, “As part of this process, USEF staff held a Zoom meeting with Mr. Herman, Ashley Herman (Herman’s daughter) and Sarah Appel (Sonoma’s manager) on November 4th to obtain additional information about their request. After Mr. Herman discussed multiple competition scenarios, Ms. Appel indicated she would provide USEF with a list of the competitions SHP wished to operate immediately after this meeting. USEF has not received this list from Ms. Appel.”
The statement continued, “Even though Mr. Herman has publicly stated that SHP (Sonoma) is not interested in holding USEF licensed competitions until the rules governing mileage are changed to meet his needs, USEF has repeatedly communicated with SHP to confirm their interest in moving forward with the two active mileage exemption requests. To date, SHP has not responded to the outreach by USEF. The recent actions and misleading statements of SHP, as well as their lack of response to the USEF inquiries are impeding USEF’s ability to process the mileage exemption requests.”
The USEF added, “The rules governing mileage cannot be amended upon demand of the SHP. Amendments to USEF rules must follow the procedures contained in the USEF Rule Book. Unfortunately, it appears the SHP team has not availed themselves of these rules, which are readily available on the USEF website at www.usef.org.”
A call to Sarah Appel for comment was not returned this evening.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 23, 2021
What does the future hold for trotters and pacers who can no longer race or be used for breeding? In an effort to solve the problem, the Cream Ridge-based Standardbred Retirement Foundation is introducing its newest program, the Companion Horse Adoption Assistance Program (CHAPS).
SRF is offering some financial assistance to new adopters of a pasture mate (aka: companion/buddy). These are Standardbreds that may not hold up physically to riding or driving, though they are otherwise healthy. They can do so much to enrich an adopter’s life, while offering a friendly buddy opportunity to another horse.
SRF has more than 225 healthy trotters and pacers of all ages under its care and expense from the ages of 4 to 25 looking for a buddy home. They are located across the country– from Kentucky in the east to Michigan in the north Florida in the south and almost everywhere in between.
The program includes reimbursement for required vaccinations and dental care up to $250 annually, and additional reimbursement up to $350 annually for other approved veterinary care. For more information, click here
Standardbreds, who come in a variety of sizes, are known for their wonderful temperament and excellent manners. SRF has more than 400 under its care and expense, all in need of homes. Most require a home for light use, or as a buddy or they would likely still be on the oval–which is why so many are in need.
SRF also has many of its horses in wonderful foster homes. For those who wish to foster, accountants can provide information on the tax advantages it can provide. For information click here.
SRF can be contacted at (609) 738-3255.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 29, 2021
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Fla., has gotten a facelift.
“Much needed upgrades” have been made to the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival as the Global Equestrian Group invested in improvements to stabling and rings, including the center stage International Arena where the biggest show jumping grands prix are held. Global Equestrian Group, which includes Ludger Beerbaum Stables and the majority of shares of Andreas Helgstrand Dressage, is supported by Waterland Private Equity, which works with entrepreneurs to realize their ambitions for growth. The previous owners of PBIEC are also part of the Global group.
The grand prix arena at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has all new footing as a result of the upgrade. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
In addition to the arenas and stabling, improvements were made to fencing, in response to a survey of WEF competitors; longeing areas, seating and wash racks.
Other projects are set for completion by the beginning of the WEF in January.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 19, 2021
A week after Mark Laskin resigned as Equestrian Canada’s Technical Advisor-Jumping, he has signed on as chef d’equipe of the Mexican show jumping team.
“The combination of his experience, drive and integrity makes Mr. Laskin an ideal fit for our community and for the next stages of growth,” advised a statement from the Mexican Equstrian Federation, which noted he will also act as the main advisor for the Mexican youth teams.
For nine years, Mark had filled his role for Canada after succeeding Terrance “Torchy” Millar. Mark was working without a current contract, despite continuing to fulfill his duties at numerous events including the Tokyo Olympic Games and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.
Mark Laskin. (Starting Gate Communications photo)
“I was told during the first week of April that a contract would be forthcoming,” he said.
“Seven months later, the contract promised to me still hasn’t been delivered.”
Equestrian Canada is conducting a review of the Technical Advisor Jumping position led by James Hood, Equestrian Canada’s director of high performance and FEI Relations.
“When I was hired, the Jump Canada Board ran the discipline and EC handled the administration,” said Mark, 64.
“At that time, “Torchy” Millar was the chef d’équipe and I understudied with him for two years as assistant chef d’équipe. We worked so well together that Torchy stayed on for an additional two years before I moved into his role full-time. That was a successful succession plan, developed and managed by Jump Canada.
“I now find myself in a position where James Hood has told me that EC is doing a review of the role and will be compiling a job description and putting it out to tender. Almost as an afterthought, he added that I would be welcome to apply,” continued Mark.
Equestrian Canada stated that after two Olympic cycles, internal stakeholders and funders of the high-performance equestrian system in 2020 recommended during planning for the Tokyo Olympics a review of technical advisor roles.
“Mark Laskin’s contract was in extension, and he agreed to remain in the role during the process and his input and expertise were sought,” according to Equestrian Canada.
“Mr. Laskin resigned from his position prior to the publication of the leadership review postTokyo, the completion of the job description, and the move into the hiring process.”
The job description and skills competency are in final review with a hiring target by Jan. 1.
Mark cited interference from Equestrian Canada’s leadership group as another reason for his resignation, including recently being pressured as to which athletes are selected for Nations’ Cup team competitions.
“The leaders at our national federation need to have understanding and experience with our sport,” Mark stated.
“Unfortunately, Equestrian Canada has had many people in leadership positions that have no background in the equestrian field. That depth of understanding is integral to any future success of the organization. Equestrian Canada’s leadership group are making decisions that aren’t congruent with my philosophy. It is my opinion that the high performance program has been adversely affected and will continue to be in the future with the current leadership group at the helm. Consequently, I felt that I had no choice but to step down.
“I feel very sad to be resigning,” he continued. “The management of an international team is a complex task that requires the full support and understanding of the National Sport Organization, and that has not always been the case recently.”
Mark’s decision was fully supported by the EC High Performance Committee–Jumping, which includes former world champion Gail Greenough, Mike Lawrence, Beth Underhill, and Marni von Schalburg.
“We share Mark’s frustration at the lack of communication and consultation with our committee,” said Mike Lawrence.
“As the people who are ultimately responsible for guiding show jumping at the highest levels, we need to have a say in the high performance program and the process that is followed.”
Mark produced double clear rounds riding Damuraz to lead Canada to the team gold medal at the 1980 Alternate Olympics in Rotterdam. He is a member of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.
“I am Canadian through and through and have taken great pride in Canada’s success on the world stage,” said Mark.
“I want to thank everyone who has shown their support over the years, especially the riders with whom I’ve developed strong friendships and shared so many incredible memories and successes. I’ll miss them the most.”
which includes acting as chef d’équipe for the Canadian show jumping team at major games and Nations’ Cup team competitions.
He has been in the role for nine years after succeeding Terrance “Torchy” Millar. Mark has been working without a current contract, despite continuing to fulfill his duties at numerous events including the Tokyo Olympic Games and the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.
Mark Laskin. (Starting Gate Communications photo)
“I was told during the first week of April that a contract would be forthcoming,” he said.
“Seven months later, the contract promised to me still hasn’t been delivered.”
Equestrian Canada is conducting a review of the Technical Advisor Jumping position led by James Hood, Equestrian Canada’s director of high performance and FEI Relations.
“When I was hired, the Jump Canada Board ran the discipline and EC handled the administration,” said Mark, 64.
“At that time, “Torchy” Millar was the chef d’équipe and I understudied with him for two years as assistant chef d’équipe. We worked so well together that Torchy stayed on for an additional two years before I moved into his role full-time. That was a successful succession plan, developed and managed by Jump Canada.
“I now find myself in a position where James Hood has told me that EC is doing a review of the role and will be compiling a job description and putting it out to tender. Almost as an afterthought, he added that I would be welcome to apply,” continued Mark.
Equestrian Canada stated that after two Olympic cycles, internal stakeholders and funders of the high-performance equestrian system in 2020 recommended during planning for the Tokyo Olympics a review of technical advisor roles.
“Mark Laskin’s contract was in extension, and he agreed to remain in the role during the process and his input and expertise were sought,” according to Equestrian Canada.
“Mr. Laskin resigned from his position prior to the publication of the leadership review postTokyo, the completion of the job description, and the move into the hiring process.”
The job description and skills competency are in final review with a hiring target by Jan. 1.
Mark cited interference from Equestrian Canada’s leadership group as another reason for his resignation, including recently being pressured as to which athletes are selected for Nations’ Cup team competitions.
“The leaders at our national federation need to have understanding and experience with our sport,” Mark stated.
“Unfortunately, Equestrian Canada has had many people in leadership positions that have no background in the equestrian field. That depth of understanding is integral to any future success of the organization. Equestrian Canada’s leadership group are making decisions that aren’t congruent with my philosophy. It is my opinion that the high performance program has been adversely affected and will continue to be in the future with the current leadership group at the helm. Consequently, I felt that I had no choice but to step down.
“I feel very sad to be resigning,” he continued. “The management of an international team is a complex task that requires the full support and understanding of the National Sport Organization, and that has not always been the case recently.”
Mark’s decision was fully supported by the EC High Performance Committee–Jumping, which includes former world champion Gail Greenough, Mike Lawrence, Beth Underhill, and Marni von Schalburg.
“We share Mark’s frustration at the lack of communication and consultation with our committee,” said Mike Lawrence.
“As the people who are ultimately responsible for guiding show jumping at the highest levels, we need to have a say in the high performance program and the process that is followed.”
Mark produced double clear rounds riding Damuraz to lead Canada to the team gold medal at the 1980 Alternate Olympics in Rotterdam. He is a member of the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.
“I am Canadian through and through and have taken great pride in Canada’s success on the world stage,” said Mark.
“I want to thank everyone who has shown their support over the years, especially the riders with whom I’ve developed strong friendships and shared so many incredible memories and successes. I’ll miss them the most.”
