by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 10, 2016
Meg Sleeper of Kingwood is in Slovakia, where she represented the U.S.in the FEI Endurance World Championships. It didn’t go well overall, but I’ll let her tell you about it:
Meg Sleeper and Rimbaud.
I had hoped my post today would be good news, but unfortunately it is not (although I am thrilled that Rabi and Fernando finished in a ride time of about 8 1/2 hours). Mr Ono was still out on trail when we left the barn, but was due to finish soon. Hopefully that will mean 2 USA horses finish.
Unfortunately, neither USA team horse finished. Tom and Reinman were pulled at the 3rd gate for lameness and Rim and I were eliminated at the 4th gate (88 miles) for lameness. Fortunately, neither lameness was severe and both horses will be fine to compete another day.
Rim was fabulous all day with very good heart rate recoveries and he ate like a pig at every check. I was really proud of him. It is hard to put into words how one feels after a pull at this kind of event. It is awesome just to be selected to represent the USA, but of course the idea is to do well and there are so many people that give so much to make it possible for us to be here, it is rather demoralizing to feel like you are letting everyone down.
However, there were good parts of the day. About 8 miles in on the second loop, the bolt of my stirrup broke and I had to ride about 3 miles without a stirrup (after dismounting to pick up what was left and then having a little difficulty getting back on the big guy. I basically just cantered as much as possible).
At the next PC stop, Carol Giles tried zip tying it back together, but that only held about 100 yards and I was back at square one. She ended up tying a loop of string though the stirrup leather and I put my foot in that. It gave me some support and I was able to make reasonable time, although I probably lost over 20 minutes all together (and my riding was definitely pretty bad for the next 12 miles until I got the stirrups replaced at the vet gate). That part was not good, but so many people tried to offer help and that part was great.
The ride volunteers at the water spots were also incredibly kind and helpful. Perhaps the worst part of the day, and something that many know who have followed on FB, is that a horse fractured his/her leg and was put down on the trail. I have avoided looking at any videos or pictures but it is horrific and I am so thankful that Rim and Rabi are safe. I feel my (our) sport has been usurped from us and it has become something that is not endurance. The most “endurance like” part of this ride for me was riding without a stirrup, but the trail itself was flat and fast…much more like an extended flat race than an endurance ride. I want my sport back and I hate that something like this had to happen, but I hope we can finally get change.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2016
The problem-plagued United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Festival of Champion, which was set for mid-October in California, has been cancelled. The competition, which was to include the Grand Prix, Intermediaire I and Brentina Cup title competitions, had light entries after an intense year for competitors at the upper levels.
Steffen Peters was the only member of the U.S. Olympic dressage bronze medal team who planned to take part in the Grand Prix segment, and he was bringing Rosamunde, rather than his Rio mount, Legolas. The top goal for the best Grand Prix combinations in 2017 will be qualifying for the World Cup finals in Omaha March 29-April 2.
The USEF stated “there would not be an adequate number of qualified combinations to make a championship-level competition” at the festival. Another difficulty involved the change of venue from Epona Farms to Paso Robles, which would have involved additional cost.
Bids are being accepted through Sept. 15 from venues that want to host the 2017-2019 Festival of Champions. The Festival was held for many years at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone–maybe it’s time to bring the championships back to New Jersey.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 7, 2016
As the weather gets cooler, it’s time to think about hitting the trails, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that competitively in New Jersey during the coming weeks.
The Tewksbury Trail Pace is running Sept. 18 at Christie Hoffman Farm Park from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m., and there are always great prizes. The fee is $45 for adults and $35 for juniors, with a $10 discount for members of the Tewksbury Trail Association, which is presenting the competition.
Western and English riders both are welcome to ride in the pace, which has a choice of 6- and 9-mile loops. For information, go to www.tta-nj.org or email to tewksburytrail@gmail.com.
Come back to www.nancyjaffer.com in the coming weeks for news about more paces.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 7, 2016
Those who contributed to the kitty for Holly Payne Caravella’s trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials with Never Outfoxed saw their contributions validated last weekend, when she finished 19th in what many consider the world’s toughest 4-star.
Holly and Fox had no jumping penalties on cross-country, despite going near the end of the jumping order when the footing had deteriorated on a rainy day. They did have time penalties, but so did everyone else, and 28 horses were either eliminated or retired on cross-country. Only 38 from the starting field of 68 finished the event.
Holly, 50th after dressage, moved up to 17th with her thoroughbred after cross-country. She had four rails in show jumping that put her down two placings.
She’s staying in England to contest the Blenheim Palace International 3-star with another thoroughbred, Santino, this weekend. She got a Land Rover/U.S Equestrian Federation grant for this competition.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2016
A preview of the film, “Harry and Snowman,” is being presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 to benefit Mane Stream, which offers equine-assisted activities for special needs children and adults.
The movie, slated for theatrical release Sept. 30, is a true story about Harry de Leyer and the horse he rescued from a slaughter truck who went on to become a champion show jumper. The movie’s director/producer, Ron Davis, is a native of New Jersey who competed for years in the show ring.
The movie will be screened outdoors at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, 1040 Pottersville Road, Gladstone. Those attending may bring their own chairs and blankets, or choose bleacher seating. In case of rain, the screening will be moved indoors.
Tickets are $20 for a family of four or $10 per person.
For information about Mane Stream, go to www.ManeStreamNJ.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2016
Having a problem involving neighbors or your town about your horse business? The State Agriculture Development Committee has published a right-to-farm guidebook that will help everyone understand New Jersey’s right to farm act.
The act is designed to protect farmers “from complaints and sometimes overly restrictive local regulations that can be a financial drain on farming operations and drive them out of business,” said state Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher.
The guidebook explains the basics of the Right to Farm Act, including eligibility criteria, protected activities, the formal complaint process and procedures and commonly asked questions. It also offers agricultural mediation as an alternative to the formal Right to Farm dispute resolution process.
To obtain a printed copy of the Right to Farm guidebook or the SADC’s previously published agricultural mediation handbook, contact the SADC at (609) 984-2504 or sadc@ag.state.nj.us. Or go to www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/publications/.
