by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 17, 2020
The Morven Park Fall Horse Trials in Virginia Oct.2-4 has cancelled its plans to hold FEI divisions, including the CCI 4-star Long that it was offering for the first time. It will only present national divisions.
The problem with the FEI competition was, as usual these days, COVID-19 concerns, including the additional cost of safety measures. A record number of competitors, volunteers, and officials were expected to attend from around the United States and other countries. Additionally, inaugural CCI2*YH-S and CCI3*YH-S levels had been planned to showcase up-and-coming horses.
“This decision was about safety,” according to the park’s executive director, Sheryl Williams. “Running an event of this scale is difficult, but to try to host FEI levels during a global pandemic proved to be too taxing on our resources and too risky for everyone’s health. This adjusted format allows us to move forward with competition and provide a great weekend of eventing.”
In addition to the Morven Park Fall Horse Trials, the 2020 calendar has been expanded to include the Morven Park Winter Horse Trials, scheduled for November 14–15, 2020. Beginner Novice through Preliminary competition will be offered.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 14, 2020
Did you ever think you’d like to try riding in a hunt? Here’s your chance.
The Monmouth County Hunt is presenting an introduction to hunting clinic Aug. 30. It presents an opportunity to get your horse used to hounds and riding in a group. There will be two levels of participation and all the jumps have go-arounds. After the ride, there will be an information session about hunt traditions and etiquette.
The fee is $100 for adults and $50 for juniors, but those attending will get a gift certificate to be used as a capping fee for participating in a regular hunt on a weekday or Sunday.
Those attending must wear a collared shirt, an ASTM/SEI helmet, footwear with a heel and where appropriate, hairnets.
Register by Aug. 28. Contact monmouthcountyhunt@gmail.com for more information and waivers.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 10, 2020
Cleaning out your tack room or closet? Donations are being taken for tack sales at Mane Stream and Riding with HEART, two organizations involved with therapeutic riding.
Riding with HEART’s fall tack sale Oct. 24-25 at 639 Route 513 in Pittstown will accept a variety of items for the horse, rider, barn or farm, English or Western.
Bring your donations to the farm from 10 a.m.-3 pm. Mondays-Fridays or Noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. Call (908) 735-5912 before you come to the farm to donate. Email tacksale@ridingwithheart.org to schedule a different drop-off time or a pickup for a big donation within an hour’s drive. All donations are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit Riding with HEART’s 501(c)(3) program and horses.
The sale will be socially distanced, and is going to be held rain or shine, except in extreme weather. Shopping hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24 and Noon-3 p.m. Oct. 25, with most items half-price.
Mane Stream in Oldwick, a center for adaptive riding and therapy services, is seeking donations of new and gently used tack or horse related items for its fall tack sale Nov. 1 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Drop off unwanted bridles, saddles, blankets and tack boxes as well as out-grown boots, breeches, jackets and any horse related jewelry, models or knick-knacks.
Seven months into the pandemic, Mane Stream is only able to provide programs to a fraction of its regular participants. This means the facility’s earned income has been drastically reduced. Mane Stream needs support more than ever to ensure it survives the pandemic strong and able to serve all the children and adults with special needs who rely on its programs and horses.
All donations can be dropped off at the stable at 83 Old Turnpike Rd., Oldwick, during office hours. To make a donation or get the answers to your questions, contact Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org, 908-439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
Mane Stream is a 501c3 non-profit registered charitable organization whose mission is 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. Mane Stream is designated as a Premier Accredited Center of PATH, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, which provides education, accreditation and resources for the equine-assisted activities industry.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 7, 2020
The 2020 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast has been saved. It is being transferred to the Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 23-25, 2020.
The championship, which was canceled earlier this week, was revived after Traverse City Horse Shows competition management stepped forward and offered to host and organize the competition. The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College also will be held in conjunction with the championship.
This is the third change of venue for the championships, originally slated to be held at the Brandywine show at Devon, which was cancelled, and then at the Kentucky Horse Park, where a variety of championships have been called off.
Entries are due next Friday, Aug. 14, for the condensed three-day timeline of the championship, which allows for a simplified transition of venues. Condensing the show provides management time to prepare for additional participants and appropriately sanitize the venue prior to the start of competition.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Traverse City Horse Shows management to host our Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast on such short notice,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney.
“It is important for our members and our sport to keep competitions viable during this pandemic and we’re looking forward to bringing this national championship back online for our junior members.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2020
Just when you thought there was nothing left to cancel, the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2020 in Barcelona bit the dust.
Just considering travel restrictions alone, there was no way it could be held.
“The risks are simply too great,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.
In April, “We were cautiously optimistic that even if the series fell victim to the pandemic, we would be able to save the Final in Barcelona, but sadly that has proved impossible,” he said.
The rule changes for the 2020 Final, announced earlier this year when the pandemic first started to impact the FEI Calendar, meant that 22 nations would have been invited to compete at the Final in Barcelona (2-4 October): 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation of Spain.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2020
EQUITANA USA’s live three-day trade fair and expo at the Kentucky Horse Park next month has joined the ranks of cancelled events at the venue (see the main story at this website). Planned for Sept. 25-27, it has been rescheduled for Oct. 1-3, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
The U.S. Eventing Association’s American Eventing Championships, scheduled for the end of August, also is cancelled as part of the organization’s concern about health and safety, with competitors from 41 states coming in to the Horse Park, where seven people tested positive after a show last week.
“EQUITANA USA is a shared place and time for all disciplines, breeds, ages and levels of the equine
industry,” said Meghan Margewicz, the event’s director. “But the safety of everyone associated with the
event is always our first priority.” After many discussions with the Kentucky Horse Park, exhibitors,
presenters and attendees, the organization made a difficult, but necessary decision.
All EQUITANA USA 2020 ticket holders will be refunded electronically. No further action by ticket holders
is required.
EQUITANA USA invites equestrian professionals, enthusiasts, and everyone interested in learning more
to follow its social channels and e-newsletters for updates on the live 2021 event, a virtual celebration
kicking off this September, and a year-round celebration of our community through digital education,
entertainment and conversation.
Exhibitors interested in the 2021 event, virtual celebration, or year-round promotional opportunities can
learn more at equitanausa.com or by contacting Kaitlyn Fritz at kfritz@reedexpo.com.
