by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 16, 2018
After the final observation event for selection of the U.S. FEI World Equestrian Games show jumping team wrapped up Sunday afternoon Aug. 12 in Dublin, I made an educated guess about the country’s only WEG contingent in the Olympic disciplines that hadn’t been named. And I was right, pretty much. (see the post below in On the Rail)
Long Valley’s Devin Ryan, who was ninth on Eddie Blue in the Longines Dublin grand prix with one time penalty in the first round, will be joining McLain Ward (Clinta and HH Azur), Laura Kraut after a redeeming double-clear in the Dublin Nations’ Cup on Zeremonie and Adrienne Sternlicht, fourth in the Dublin G.P. with a rail and the fastest time on Cristalline.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
Coach Robert Ridland always likes to pick an up-and-coming less-experienced rider to his squads (a la Lucy Davis in the 2014 WEG and 2016 Olympics) so they can gain mileage. That’s Adrienne this time around. But that makes World Cup winner Beezie Madden the alternate on Darry Lou; I had Beezie on the squad and Adrienne as traveling alternate.
You know how it is with horses–if something can go wrong, it just might, so no one should think they’re a sure thing until the final deadline for team substitutions an hour before the first competition.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 12, 2018
Monmouth at the Team–New Jersey’s oldest horse show–starts its third year in Somerset County on Monday, Aug. 13 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, where it runs through Aug. 20.
There is no admission charge, so it’s a good opportunity to view the historic facility while watching competitors–many of whom are local–take part in hunters, jumpers and equitation.
The hospitality tent offers a good view of the action during the Monmouth at the Team show. (Photo©by Nancy Jaffer)
Highlights include hunter breeding and young hunters under saddle close to noon on Aug. 13, the Eastern Hay and Grain $5,000 National Hunter Derby Aug. 14, young hunters Aug. 15 and the $10,000 Nature Conservancy Bobcat Derby on Aug. 16. The jumpers get under way on Aug. 17, with more of them on Aug. 18 and the $10,000 Horseflight Mini-Prix on Aug. 19. The show ends with a variety of children’s classes and young hunters Aug. 20.
Four of the days are B-rated, but the unrated days also are special to those competing. This is an example of what can be done with a show that doesn’t offer AA ratings and big money, but is popular because it is well-run and in a very special location. Interesting vendors and great hospitality are important factors in its success as well.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 12, 2018
All disciplines are invited to be part of the Spring Valley Hounds Annual Trail Ride at 10 a.m. Aug. 19. The setting is Loantaka Brook Reservation, 139 Kitchell Road, Morristown.
The trail ride will be followed by a BBQ and picnic lunch. The fee is $45 for the ride and BBQ; $25 for just the BBQ and $15 for Children 12 & under
Please RSVP and send payment to Erin Nebel, SVH Honorary Treasurer, 238 Old Farm Dr.
Great Meadows, NJ 07838. However, entries at the gate also will be accepted. Check in is been 9 and 9:30 a.m.
Event is weather-permitting. In case of inclement weather, please call the SVH Hotline at 973-300-7742. For more information, go to www.SpringValleyHounds.com or reach out to SpringValleyHounds@hotmail.com. (908)509-1075.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 12, 2018
The final observation event for selection of the U.S. FEI World Equestrian Games show jumping team wrapped up Sunday afternoon Aug. 12 in Dublin. So now I can make an educated guess about the only WEG contingent in the Olympic disciplines that hasn’t been named.
It’s necessary to note that “nominated entries,” which offer some leeway, must be sent to the FEI by Monday, Aug. 13, but definite entries for the squad of five don’t have to be in until Sept. 10 (show jumping is the last of the Olympic disciplines to compete at Tryon). While there needs to be a minimum of five entries on the “nominated” list, there can be more, and why not take advantage of the leeway?
That being said and all horses and riders remaining healthy at WEG time, figure on a spot for Long Valley’s Devin Ryan, who was ninth on Eddie Blue in the Longines Dublin grand prix with one time penalty in the first round.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
He should be joining McLain Ward and Beezie Madden, who would be the team’s pillars. I’m thinking Laura Kraut will get a berth after a redeeming double-clear in the Dublin Nations’ Cup on Zeremonie. And selecting Adrienne Sternlicht as reserve with Cristalline makes sense after she finished fourth in the Dublin G.P. with a rail and the fastest time. Coach Robert Ridland always likes to pick an up-and-coming less-experienced rider to his squads (a la Lucy Davis in the 2014 WEG and 2016 Olympics) so they can gain mileage. Even so, vastly experienced Margie Engle and Royce likely will find themselves among the nominated entries.
You know how it is with horses–if something can go wrong, it just might, so no one should think they’re a sure thing until the final deadline for team substitutions an hour before the first competition. I’m just throwing this out there for speculation.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 10, 2018
JJ the mini horse will be a guest at Lord Stirling Stable’s pony tea party.
It’s a morning just made for children under age 13 (and their parents) when Lord Stirling Stable hosts the Pony Tea Party Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.-noon at 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
The tea party will include lead-line pony rides for children; games including Little Tyke Horseshoes, Pony Tic-Tac-Toe, and others; a tractor-pulled wagon hay ride; a pony-themed story and light refreshments, including iced tea, lemonade, and cake. Guests also will have the opportunity to meet JJ, Lord Stirling Stable’s newest mini horse, standing only 9 hands high.
Children should be old enough to sit up and hold onto a pony without assistance. Guests are invited to wear “fancy” tea party garb (feather boas, frilly hats, gloves, etc.). Guests are requested to wear closed-toed shoes for safety and comfort.
The fee is $20 per child/parent pair; additional siblings under the age of 13 years may attend for $10 each. Please register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org using the code 80005-27 or call the office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 10, 2018
Lisa Lazarus, who served as general counsel of the FEI (international equestrian federation) has a new role helping equestrian competitors who seek legal counsel in connection with issues involving their sport.
The arbitration and litigation specialist has become head of the newly established equestrian division at the international sports law firm, Morgan Sports Law. The London-based boutique law firm is devoted to sports arbitration and litigation, handling a variety of cases, including those involved with doping and eligibility disputes. Morgan represents clients before national and international sport governing bodies and before domestic and international courts, such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
With nearly two decades of experience in sports law, Lisa has experience with the legal processes that apply to both athletes and governing bodies, including the equestrian world’s complex doping rules.
“I am excited to be joining Morgan Sports Law and look forward to helping equestrian athletes when they require legal counsel and representation,” said Lisa. “While the FEI and national governing bodies are generally represented by counsel with high levels of familiarity with the applicable rules and processes, this level of expertise from within the sport has rarely been available to individual athletes.
“I saw an opportunity to offer equestrian athletes the benefit of my experience from within the FEI and in particular with my deep understanding of FEI rules and regulations. I hope to contribute in some small way to the stability and reputation of the sport by providing support to its athletes.”
Lisa’s focus on equestrian sport began in 2009, when she became the FEI’s general counsel.. She oversaw all of the legal activities of the FEI, negotiated its key commercial and media agreements, represented the FEI before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and advised the FEI’s president, CEO and executive board. She also was instrumental in redrafting the anti-doping rules.
In 2013, she became the FEI’s chief of business development and strategy, heading its commercial activities, including broadcast and new media, sponsorship, licensing and business development, while implementing the commercial strategy to enhance revenue streams and fund development of the sport. She left the FEI at the end of May 2015 to establish her own firm, LFL Consulting, which provided commercial, strategic and business development support to equestrian industry clients.
Lisa may be contacted at Lisa.Lazarus@morgansl.com. Further information about Morgan Sports Law is available at www.morgansl.com.
