by Nancy Jaffer | May 1, 2019
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is opening a 3-foot section of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program during the Regional Training Session at Centenary University at its equestrian center in Long Valley June 24-28. The clinicians will be Karen Healey and Nanci Snyder.
It’s worth watching, even for those who are not participating.
The 3-foot sections give riders of all ages who meet the eligibility requirements the opportunity to experience the benefits of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program at a 3-foot fence height.
During the intensive five-day Regional Training Sessions, riders 25 and under have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and some of the country’s leading stable managers, where instruction focuses on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, as well as an intensive stable-management curriculum that incorporates proper care and grooming, horsemanship skills, and barn management.
“The EAP is an incredible learning experience for young athletes who are passionate and dedicated to the sport and want to advance their riding and horsemanship skills,” said Sally Ike, USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Committee chair.
“We are also incredibly thankful to our returning title sponsor, the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, and to our Regional Training Session hosts for their continued support of the program. Because of their support and commitment to education, our athletes will be able to learn in world-class facilities from leading professionals in our industry.”
For information, go to www.ushja.org/EAP.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 1, 2019
At age 72, iconic Canadian show jumper Ian Millar is retiring from international competition. After nearly a half-century riding at major events around the world, he will concentrate on coaching and developing young horses.
He has been a part of the Canadian team since 1971, representing his country in more than 200 Nations’ Cups. His 10 Olympic appearances are a world record for any athlete in any sport.
Ian Millar on In Style at the 2008 Olympics, where he was part of the Canadian silver medal team. (Photo©2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
In addition to his Olympic experience, he has participated in 10 Pan American Games and seven World Championships. He won his first Olympic medal, a team silver, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has 10 Pan American Games medals, including two individual and two team gold.
“Representing Canada many times over my career has been my greatest honor,” he said.
“Each time I wore the red team jacket was very special to me, and the fact that I was able to share this experience with so many great riders is a testament to the quality of horsemen and horsewomen here in our country.”
In addition to his efforts representing Canada internationally, Ian has won over 150 grand prix competitions over the course of his career, including the prestigious international grand prix three times at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ tournament in Calgary, Alberta.
He is a 12-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion and was the first rider to win back-to-back World Cup Finals, earning the title in 1988 and 1989. His most successful horse, Big Ben, was a household name throughout Canada and the U.S. in the late 1980s and 1990s and was a favorite to win everywhere he competed.
Ian built his home stable, Millar Brooke Farm, located in Perth, Ontario, into a powerhouse training ground for international show jumping. In addition to his development of over 100 grand prix horses, Ian has coached a number of other top international riders including Canadian Olympic teammates Mario Deslauriers and Jill Henselwood, as well as Richard Spooner of the U.S. He has also been instrumental in the successful careers of his son, Jonathon and daughter-in-law Kelly, as well as his daughter, Amy, a fellow Olympian.
While Ian is stepping back from international competition, he plans to be busier than ever working with up-and-coming athletes and horses.
“The bond formed between horse and rider is an amazing thing to experience, but the partnership has to be built the right way, with compassion, understanding, and care,” he said. “Over the past few years, I have found myself more and more drawn toward working with young horses and riders, and I am excited to expand my coaching to share my knowledge and passion with the next generation.”
At the conclusion of his international career, Ian paid tribute to those closest to him over the years.
“It has been the journey of a lifetime with so many dreams realized, so much due to the fantastic horses I was blessed to ride, to whom I am eternally grateful,” said Ian.
“I would like to personally thank my owners and sponsors for all their help and support during my show jumping career. While there are too many to name, my partnerships with owner Ann Matthews and sponsor BMO Financial Group had especially long and sustained successes. I would also like to thank all the members of my support team who have supported me faithfully over the years: my family, staff, veterinarians, equine therapists, chef d’equipes, and all my fellow riders.
“Finally, the biggest contributor to my success was my late wife, Lynn, with whom I shared my most cherished bond. Through our partnership, we achieved incredible success.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 23, 2019
You don’t have to be an eventer to take part in the new Preliminary Derby at noon May 12 during the Jersey Fresh International, which runs May 9-12 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown..
The class, sponsored by East Coast Equine Performance LLC, Dr. Ted Mazzarisi, offers $2,500 in prize money, with eight placings. It will involve a combination of seven cross-country-style obstacles and seven show jumping fences, approximately 3-feet, 7-inches high on a course designed by Chris Barnard and Morgan Rowsell in consultation with Mark Phillips. The action will take place in both the Grand Prix Ring and the East Ring, in front of the pavilion.
Results will be determined by time, and any rails or stops (four seconds will be added to a competitor’s time for either). The derby will run between the CCI 3-L and CCI 4-L divisions.
Entries limited to 25 horses. Limited stabling is available if the horse has proof of FEI-mandated vaccinations, and is seen by the FEI vet before going to stabling.
Those who want to participate can use the U.S. Eventing Association entry form and send it to the Horse Park of New Jersey, 626 Route 524, Allentown NJ 08501 with a fee of $125. Entries also may be made via www.evententries.com.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 7, 2019
Mylestone Equine Rescue’s Help A Horse Day is April 28 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Horsemen’s Outlet, 37 Molasses Hill Road, Lebanon.
A sanctuary for abused, neglected and unwanted horses, Mylestone offers lifetime care if the animals can’t be adopted out.
All donations, which are tax deductible, will go toward a $10,000 matching challenge. Donations can be sent by mail (Mylestone Equine Rescue, 227 Still Valley Rd., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865) through Paypal or made at Horsemen’s Outlet on the 28th, but all should be marked HAHD, meaning that they are for Help a Horse Day.
A silent auction will be part of the day’s activities, and the funds raised from that, as well as a bake sale, merchanisesales and food sales also will be matched.
Horsemen’s Outlet is offering a chance to win a $500 gift card to the store to all who bring one non-perishable food item for the Calvary Bible Fellowship food pantry. They will also offer a 20 percent discount on one item in the store. There will be vendors and a tack sale as well.
Bakers are needed. Those who want to volunteer should get in touch at info@mylestone.org or by calling (908) 995-9300. New items for the silent auction also are needed.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 7, 2019
Are you and your horse bored? Maybe an introduction to Working Equitation can give you both a new outlook.
Cornerstone Andalusians, 825 Route 579 in Flemington, is holding a WE clinic and show this month. Mindy Finelli, the owner of Cornerstone Farm, will be the instructor and judge. She has been riding and competing in Working Equitation for more than 10 years.
The clinic will start May 18 with an introduction to Working Equitation, explaining its origin and the basic components of the sport. Then it will be time to move on to the first phase, dressage. Riders will get the opportunity to ride their pattern several times with instruction. The afternoon will be devoted to the dressage phase of the schooling show.
May 19 will be the Ease of Handling Phase (Obstacles). Participants will practice over all the obstacles in the morning. In the afternoon, riders will take part in the Ease of Handling Phase of the schooling show. Lunch will be provided both days.
The cost is $50 per day or $100 for both days. Participants are asked to specify which day they will ride if they are only doing one day. The fee is $25 for auditors for both days. Pre-registration is required.
Email cornerstoneandalusians@comcast.net or call/text (908) 489-2069.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 3, 2019
The Jersey Fresh International three-day event at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown is on the list of potential selection trials for the U.S. team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. That would include this year’s competition May 8-12 and the 2020 competition.
U..S. team regular Boyd Martin, seen here riding Kyra at the 2018 Jersey Fresh International, competes annually at the Horse Park event and is hoping to go to Tokyo 2020. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Jersey Fresh, where the cross-country course has been designed by former U.S. coach Mark Phillips, has often been used as a selection trial for the Olympics and the WEG. The final list of trials will be published in the official team selection procedures for Tokyo.
While the U.S. qualified its show jumping and dressage teams for Tokyo at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, eventing has yet to qualify for the Games and is seeking to do that at the Pan American Games this summer.
The prestigious events that also are on the list of potential trials include several 5-star (formerly 4-star) events: Land Rover Kentucky; Badminton and Burghley in England and Luhmuhlen event in Germany
