by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 16, 2023
At the very end of a five-hour Wellington, Florida, council meeting on the controversial Wellington North and South development proposals, Councilman John McGovern raised a key question Wednesday night.
At the heart of all the conversation about the development is the need for an expanded showgrounds at Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Developer Wellington Lifestyle Partners has agreed to put money toward the project on Wellington South under a scenario that would allow them to build housing and recreational amenities on Wellington North, now the home of the Global Dressage Festival at Equestrian Village.
That property and the neighboring White Birch polo fields are part of the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District, commonly known as the Equestrian Preserve, a designation which is supposed to mean it is safe from being overtaken by major housing developments. But remarks during a public hearing Wednesday and in a comment period Tuesday night raised the issue of how much the showgrounds project would cost to build, and where the funding would come from.
So a concerned Councilman McGovern asked Wellington International President Michael Stone, “We’ve heard a great deal about GEG (Global Equestrian Group, Wellington International’s owner)…and we’ve heard GEG is foundering, is not going to do any maintenance on the showgrounds. We’ve heard any number of things. And the most substantive of those that we heard, and we heard it several times tonight, is that GEG is up for sale and has been up for sale for two years. So I want to give you a chance to address whether GEG, Wellington International, any of that is currently up for sale today.”
Stone responded, “GEG has spent close to $12 million since they bought it (the showgrounds, in 2021). So for people to say they’ve invested nothing in the property is nonsense. GEG is owned by private equity, Waterland Group in Denmark, which has its headquarters in the Netherlands.
“I think most people involved in that level of investment businesses know most private equity is run on a five-year turnaround. So they try to improve the product and then they want to sell the whole thing. This is pretty typical of that sort of investment. So sure, it hasn’t been for sale for two years, but if someone wants to come and buy GEG, I’m sure Waterland will sell it. It’s not a secret and never has been.”
Michael Stone. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The council faces a big decision on whether to take 96 acres out of the Equestrian Preserve so WLP can build its project on Wellington North. WLP has the land for a showgrounds expansion on Wellington South, just down the road, but without permission to build on Wellington North, the property needed to improve the showgrounds won’t be available.
To repeat a comment printed here yesterday from a spokesperson for WLP: “If the residential units in our application are not granted on the North Parcel it simply does not make economic sense to give up the residential development rights we have on Pod F (acreage on Wellington South) in addition to the incremental investment of approximately $25mm+ in new equestrian facilities that we are committing to build on Pod F.”
When it comes time for a final vote, four of the five council members, a super-majority, would have to say yes on removing land from the Equestrian Preserve. That has many Wellington residents upset; more than 7,000 signed a petition against that action, and “Horses Not Houses” T-shirts were in evidence among those in the crowd at Wednesday’s meeting.
Scores of people either spoke against removing the land from the Preserve or wrote in on comment cards that they were opposed. Only a minority who appeared during the public hearing were for allowing development on Wellington North, because they felt improving the showgrounds is so important to the future of Wellington as the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.”
If the showgrounds is expanded, dressage would move there from Equestrian Village. The issue has been raised, however, that dressage riders don’t like the idea of being among the hunters and jumpers of WEF because that could distract their horses.
Olympic dressage rider Ashley Holzer said she originally was opposed to the project, but after conversations and consideration, she is in favor of it.
Ashley Holzer competing at the Global Dressage Festival. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Of WLP, she said, “They have changed their initial format. They are working with us. They really do want us to have a home for dressage. My fear is we could lose dressage. Period. The End.
“Before Global, there was not this world-renowned facility that we have. If dressage has no home, we’re moving to Ocala,” she continued, referring to the World Equestrian Center there, the facility with a 5-star hotel and the equivalent for horses in the stables.
However, Equestrian Village is private property, and the owners are under no compulsion to offer dressage shows there past Wellington International’s 2024 lease. If Equestrian Village and White Birch are not taken out of the Preserve, the owners could have a riding school there or open a restaurant, office building or “personal care” facilities, such as a nail salon or a chiropractor’s office on 45 percent of the property, according to municipal staff.
Drew Martin, who appeared on behalf of the Sierra Club in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, told the council, “We oppose this project. I have not heard a single solid argument why you would approve this.” Of the developers, he said, “There’s a question of whether they have the ability to finance this project.”
He believes there is enough in the way of assets in Wellington to improve the showgrounds without approving the Wellington North project.
“You don’t need to sell out to a developer to make it happen,” he contended.
“You cannot maintain a town as successful as Wellington if you don’t preserve something. I look at your logo and you have the horse and the trees. And I’m thinking if you approve this, you’ve got to change the logo. You’ve got to get rid of the horse and get rid of the trees. I don’t know what you’re going to put there, maybe a picture of a traffic jam.”
The derby field used by hunters and jumpers would be a huge loss in the view of some speakers at the Wellington meetings, as very few grass fields are available in the U.S. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Councilman Michael Napoleone was pondering the whole situation during the meeting.
“If the applicant wasn’t suggesting expanding the showgrounds onto Pod F, would staff have still recommended taking this land out of the EOZD to build this development,” Napoleone asked Tim Stillings, the village’s director of planning, zoning and building.
“I don’t believe so,” he replied.
Napoleone continued, “We wouldn’t be here today but for the fact that they’re promising to build an expanded showgrounds on Pod F. So maybe we should start talking about what that’s going to look like and what’s really going to happen, versus the Phase I we’re being guaranteed in Condition Seven (of the developer’s application) which really is just moving what we already have to a different footprint so they can build what they’re not allowed to build on the Equestrian Village/(White) Birch footprint with the hope and promise someone’s going to come in with a couple of dump trucks full of cash to build out the rest of it.
Horses not Houses T-shirts were worn by those like Drew Martin who are concerned about taking land out of the Equestrian Preserve.
“If they don’t build out the rest of it, we’re not really gaining anything, right?” Napoleone continued.
“This is not an easy yes or no. I’ve struggled with a lot of this But for getting the expanded showgrounds, I can’t envision why anyone would vote to take property out of the EOZD. I don’t know that I’ve heard anything in the months leading up today that I know I’m getting anything more than Phase I. So maybe we can hear more about how do we know we’re getting all of the equestrian expansion versus just Phase I, which you (WLP) said you’re going to put in $25 (million) to $30 million” which other people said at the meeting is not nearly enough to complete the project.
Traffic concerns and environmental issues involving the Wellington South parcel also were discussed, with conflicting information in comments from both sides.
The meeting will continue Thursday night, but that won’t be the end of it, as there needs to be a second reading and January was mentioned for more meetings in that time frame.
To read a previous story about the showgrounds, click here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 21, 2023
The equestrian portion of the Pan American Games in Chile this autumn was quite remarkable–some even called it the best ever, rising to a new, higher standard.
The delivery was coordinated by Cesar Hirsch, who has been re-elected to the presidency of the Pan American Equestrian Confederation. Out of 26 votes, 25 were in favor of the 51-year-old Venezuelan. He was unopposed for his second term, which runs through 2027.
Cesar Hirsch
Venezuelan National Federation Secretary General Maria Fernanda Faria said in a letter of support for Cesar that he “has led PAEC with exceptional dedication and vision, which has translated into remarkable success for our organization.
“We take immense pride in recognizing the significant achievements that PAEC has attained under his astute leadership. With full confidence, we believe he will continue to uphold the highest standards and deliver exemplary performance that has become synonymous with his tenure.”
Cesar commented, “I am truly humbled by the level of support I have received from our national federations and I pledge to devote myself to working tirelessly for the betterment of the sport in our region, with a laser focus on equine well-being.
“The quality of the sport at the recent Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, with its pathway to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, could not have been a better endorsement of the incredible improvement in standards throughout the Americas.
“Working together as a team, not just within the PAEC Board, but with all our national federations, we will face up to our challenges and build on the successes we have achieved over the past four years. We have a lot of work to do, and a lot to look forward to as well.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 11, 2023
Heather Mason and Lincoln RTF won the Open Grand Prix for the third consecutive time during the US Dressage Finals Presented by Adequan® at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and wrapped up the 18-year-old horse’s career with their third victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle as well.
It is the final show together for the winners, who earned 69.203 percent in the Grand Prix to finish 0.8 percent ahead of Shelley Van Den Neste and Eyecatcher. Nora Batchelder and Faro SQF were third on 68.007 percent.
In the Saturday Freestyle, Lincoln was marked at 74.942 percent (loved the one-handed pirouette). Shelley and Nora switched places from the Grand Prix, Nora was reserve champ in the Freestyle with 74.733 percent that came close to Heather’s total; Shelley got 71.525 percent.
Of Lincoln, Heather said after the Grand Prix, “He was a little bit tricky to ride but very good and did what he needed to do.
“It was a nice last Grand Prix for him. He was getting a bit hot at times and a little bit normal at times, switching back and forth, so when he does that, I have to be really tuned into him.”
She really enjoyed his last victory pass, letting him go in an uncharacteristic way.
“I’m happy because he had two really good rides at the show, and it’s nice to go out while he’s strong,” said Mason.
“I finally let him do what he’s always wanted to do in the prize-giving, which is run. I’ve never done that before because he always gets really hot and then I’m worried about the next test, but this time I didn’t have to worry about that. He’s really been amazing.”
Heather Mason and Lincoln on their way to Grand Prix glory. (Photo by Susan J. Stickle.com)
That comment cover a lot of ground.
“He can be many different ways in a test,” the Lebanon, N.J., rider explained.
“I’ve been riding this horse for a very long time, and I have no idea what makes him one way or the other. He can start dead quiet and then rev up, or start hot and then calm down — there’s no telling. I just have to be ready to ride eight variations at all times; it’s like having eight grand prix horses in one.”
Mason bought Lincoln as a foal, then sold him. She kept in touch with the owner and ended up buying him back for $1 when the new owner had to have a hip replacement.
She has built a relationship with the quirky son of L’Andiamo, carefully managing him with longeing, patience and custom-built thigh blocks on her saddle to help withstand his lightning-fast spins.
Another New Jersey rider, Lauren Chumley of Pittstown, was a winner with Leeloo Dallas in the Open Prix St. Georges championship, the only one among 21 starters to score more than 70 percent–on a mare who is just seven years old.
“My horse is awesome. She’s just a baby but she’s absolutely amazing,” said Lauren, marked at 70.833 percent.
She warmed Leeloo Dallas up for just 15 minutes before the test and then thought, ‘Let’s go!’ and she went. She rocked on.”
Lauren’s mare is by the Ravel son Gaspard De La Nuit DG and out of a Negro dam. The professional trainer selected her from a video when she was a foal.
“I bought her because she was little and black with four white socks, and I could afford her,” said Lauren, who trains with Michael Bragdell.
“She is born, bred, and trained in America. All the horses out of her dam are so rideable. They’re easy, smart, and sensitive but not stupid.”
For all results from the show, click on this link. For just the Grand Prix Freestyle Results, click here
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 14, 2023
“Is there anything I can do to prevent pregnancy loss in my mare?” That is a question too often asked, and the answers are elusive. But the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a webinar this month that should be helpful for those seeking to realize their dreams of a successful breeding.
Dr. Mandi de Mestre, professor of biomedical sciences at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, will discuss the possible reasons why a mare suffers pregnancy loss, including which are the most commonly found in clinical cases of pregnancy loss and what the signs are.
She will highlight new findings on novel genetic reasons a pregnancy might fail and how such cases can be identified. The talk will end with how this information can be used in the management of mares to avoid or minimize the impact of pregnancy loss on mare fertility.
This seminar, part of the Cornell Equine Seminar Series, will be presented Nov. 21, from 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom. Please register in advance: https://bit.ly/ESS-Nov2023
Dr. de Mestre’s clinical and basic research focuses on the immunobiology of the maternal-fetal interface with a particular interest in pregnancy-related conditions in the mare. She came to Cornell University from The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and previously earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney, Australia. She earned her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Australia.
The Cornell Equine Seminar Series is presented by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Hospital, the New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Held monthly, equine experts present on important equine health and management topics. The event is free and open to the public.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 1, 2023
Bergen County Horse Rescue is having a wreath sale Saturday Dec. 2. Order wreaths at wwwbergencountyhorserescue.org and pick them up at Hoofprints Gift Shop, 350 Ramapo Valley Way, Mahwah, NJ.
All wreaths are made by volunteers with your choice of ribbon. The fee is $40, with proceeds going to feed and care for the horses.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 24, 2023
Following a decision to ban dressage trainer/entrepreneur Andreas Helgstrand from consideration for the Danish Olympic team, the Danish Riding Federation and the Danish Riding-Instructor Association are canceling a cooperation agreement with Helgstrand Dressage as a training venue for riding education as of the end of 2023.
“We are obviously incredibly sorry about that decision. We are immensely proud of our riding students, and we consider them close and talented colleagues,” Helgstrand Dressage said in a statement.
The action came in the wake of an undercover TV documentary that showed harsh training techniques at the Helgstrand facility in Denmark, and detailed attempts to cover spur and whip marks on horses.
Saying the footage “has made a very big impression,” the statement continued, “We understand that the images that have been shown in Operation X should be responded to.
“We have done that ourselves too. We have therefore also given both Dansk Riding Federation and Dansk Riding-Instruktør Association an open invitation for dialogue and to come visit Helgstrand Dressage to see for yourself how our practice is as a training ground and how in the last year we have improved many of our practices.
“We are very sorry that neither association has chosen to accept. Our invitation is still open: both are welcome to drop by — also unannounced, where you can carry out the necessary supervision with horses, training and pupils.”
The statement added, “Of course, we will do everything we can to continue the dialogue, so that in the future we can also welcome back our talented students at Helgstrand Dressage, where we are convinced that we can offer a good training place with healthy values and a strong community.”
The Danish Riding Association last month said Helgstrand would be banned from its teams at least until the beginning of 2025 — after the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to a Facebook posting by the Danish newspaper Nordjyske.
Helgstrand is the CEO of Global Equestrian Group, which is part of Waterland Private Equity. In 2021, GEG bought the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The home of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, the facility was renamed Wellington International.
Hearings have been going on in Wellington since the summer about controversial zoning issues in connection with a proposed expansion of the showgrounds.
The Olympics “is completely out of the question,” said the acting chairman of the Danish Riding Association, Jakob Ravnsbo, who succeeded Helgstrand’s father, Ulf, in the position. In a comment to Nordjyske, Andreas Helgstrand wrote that he regrets the association’s decision, has always been proud to represent Denmark, and that he had been looking forward to the Olympics.
Denmark’s Olympic hopes should not suffer as a result of the ban, as only three can be on a team in the Games and the country has several top riders, including Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who recently got the ride on the spectacular Mount St. John Freestyle, previously ridden by Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin.
While the FEI, the international equestrian federation, commented that “any action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a horse constitutes a violation of our rules,” it did not take immediate action in regard to the revelations of the documentary.
It stated it will “collaborate closely with the Danish National Federation, and there is a mutual recognition of decisions and any sanctions imposed. We will continue to communicate as the situation develops, and want to assure the equestrian community, our stakeholders and the public, that we are rigorously addressing this issue.”
