by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 4, 2024
A spook in the canter near the end of Kate Shoemaker’s Grade IV test with Vianne Wednesday ended the USA’s medal run at the Paralympics in Paris, but her fifth-place finish guaranteed the new combination a start in the freestyle competition.
Shoemaker, ranked number one in the world in her grade, began working with the U.S.-bred Vianne this year. They made their international debut as a combination in Doha last February.
“The first day I knew that it was something so incredibly special and she just kept proving that show after show. It was a clear decision to bring her here,” said Kate.
Their test was trending around 75 percent until the spook. She ended on 72.222 percent.
“That was the first spook she’s ever had with me, but horses are horses, and if we wanted to ride something predictable, we would ride motorcycles, but regardless of anything – I love her more than anything in the world,” Kate said about the 8-year-old Hanoverian mare.
‘”She went into that stadium like she’s done it a million times and it was incredible. She’s allowed to be a horse and she’s certainly forgiven because there’s going to be a lot more beautiful days in the future.”
Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline emphasized, “Kate rode beautifully today. The two of them were incredibly accurate and in sync with one another – the picture was just beautiful.
“We have to remember horses are not machines, and sometimes things outside of our control happen in the arena. Kate handled the rest of the ride after Vianne’s spook perfectly and they still finished with a competitive score.”
It was a Dutch double for the top placings in the class, as Demi Haerkens took gold in her Paralympic Games debut. The 2023 European Championships gold medalist won with Daula on 78.722 percent.
“It was such a lovely ride,” said Demi.
“She was so focused, with such lovely quality and softness. We didn’t make any mistakes. She was with me and dancing with a lot of quality. She was amazing. Now I want to go to the stable and give her big cuddles.”
Her compatriot, defending champion Sanne Voets, who won double individual gold and team silver on Demantur in Tokyo 2021, rode the same horse to silver on 76.528 percent.
The bronze went to Germany’s Anna-Lena Niehues on Quimbaya 6 with 75.222 percent.
The U.S. team for Friday’s competition will be named Thursday.
There were no American competitors in the Grade V competition, won by Belgium’s Michèle George. It was her sixth Paralympic Games gold and seventh medal overall as she defended her Individual title on Best of 8. The double individual gold medalist at Tokyo 2021, was marked at 76.692 percent.
“I’m incredibly happy. She (Best of 8) was amazing. For me, it felt like a gold medal because I had nearly no mistakes and she was really dancing with me. I enjoyed every second of it. It means a lot,” the winner enthused.
Regine Mispelkamp of Germany on Highlander Delight’s, added a silver medal to her individual freestyle bronze from Tokyo, scoring 73.231 percent.
Sophie Wells of Great Britain rode LJT Egebjerggards Samoa to her ninth Paralympic medal by taking bronze with 72.257 percent adding to her four golds and four silvers from previous Games.
click here for Grade IV results
click here for Grade V results
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 22, 2024
Six years ago, the life of the Babington family changed forever.
Top international show jumper Kevin Babington suffered a disastrous fall with his horse in a grand prix, a crash that left him with a contusion of the spinal cord as a result of hyperextending his neck in the accident. The vertebrae hit the spinal cord, causing damage; it was a stretch and concussion injury from vertebra C3 to C5, which involves the diaphragm and mobility.
The man who had been the pillar of his family, wife Dianna and daughters Gwyneth and Marielle, suddenly found himself dependent on them and others. Not only was he unable to ride and earn a living the way he always had, he couldn’t walk, use his hands or do almost anything for himself. He’s also in chronic pain.
Kevin and Dianna Babington. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
With the primary breadwinner sidelined and in need of costly care, the family faced a future burdened with constant worry. Finances were a huge concern, but Kevin’s friends offered whatever aid they could.
One of the constants in the circle of help has been the Babington Benefit Horse Show, organized every year since a few weeks after his 2019 accident. It is held at Duncraven in Titusville, a scenic section of Hopewell Township, New Jersey.
This year’s show is Sept. 7, about a month earlier than usual due to various changes in the competition calendar, but that likely will be a blessing with better weather than the usual October date often brings.
All the labor for the show is done by volunteers. The Stout family who owns Duncraven enables use of the property free of charge, a tradition started by the previous owner, Tim Fedor. Kevin once had his business at that venue.
Kevin in the 2004 Olympics. (Photo © 2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
The judges, Creigh Duncan, Abbe Wolfe, Bri Quinn and Michelle Morasky donate their time, as does secretary Mary Norris. The show is approved by the N.J. Professional Horseman’s Association, so riders can earn points toward that group’s awards.
Special classes offered include the Handy Hunter Derby with fences ranging from 2 feet to 3 feet, so everyone can choose their preferred height. There’s also a bareback ride-a-buck, a nod to Kevin’s appreciation of riding bareback. Young competitors tuck a $5 bill under their knees ($10 or $20 in the case of adults) and the winner is the last one whose “buck” hasn’t fallen. The victor gets half the money that has hit the ground, but they can donate that amount if they choose.
Entry fees and proceeds from a raffle go to the Babington Family Trust. It helps pay for the many things Kevin and his family need to live that aren’t covered by the Kevin Babington Foundation, which also aids other equestrians with spinal injuries.
Kevin on his victory lap after winning the Devon Horse Show Grand Prix in 2016 on Mark Q. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
The show has three co-managers: Nancy Wallis, Jennifer Cassidy and Julie Koveloski. Entries are through horseshowing.com at https://horseshowing.com
“As soon as we start putting out notices,” said Jennifer, “everyone gets excited about this every year. It’s a lot of support from the community.”
Kevin taking a view of the course at Devon during his riding days. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The organizers are looking for volunteers, including those who can work two days before the show for set-up and the day after for take-down, as well as for jump crew on the day of the show. Nancy is happy to hear from anyone who wants to volunteer at (908) 256-3386. Jennifer’s number is (215) 954-9062.
The show also needs raffle items, which in the past have included gift baskets, tack and gift certificates for everything from horse transportation to dinners. Julie can be reached by those offering such items at (609) 439-8983.
Kevin, who rode for Ireland and tied for fourth in the 2004 Olympics, teaches from his wheelchair on the porch of his Loxahatchee, Fla., farm, where the family also has stalls for rent. Dianna also teaches to help support the family.
Nancy said every time she calls Kevin, he tells her he’s fine and doesn’t talk about himself. He works at his physical therapy and has been involved in a number of clinical trials. Kevin has not given up hope that he will walk again on his own, and perhaps be able to ride someday.
“We keep waiting for something to break,” Dianna said about innovative therapies that could make a big difference for her husband.
“We’re hopeful something in his lifetime will be available, but there’s still nothing. I think someday something will be able to fix this, but it’s just not far enough along now.”
She and Kevin are grateful for those who help, and note the benefit show has a special place in the couple’s hearts. A former resident of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Dianna said, “I love and miss the Northeast. It’s a community I wish I’d never had to leave. The people who are there are extremely special. I never feel like they have forgotten us.”
Other fundraisers have expanded from the Foundation to include special classes dedicated to Kevin at various shows, and even sponsorship of Kevin-related jumps.
Friends haven’t forgotten Kevin Babington. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
People who can’t make it to the show but want to donate may give to the Kevin Babington Trust, which goes directly to him for a variety of expenses that are related to his condition. Checks may be sent to Kevin at 13254 Casey Road, Loxahatchee, Fla. 33470.
Those looking for a tax deduction with their contribution can donate to the Kevin Babington Foundation. The 501(c)3 provides support not only to Kevin, but also to other show jumpers who have suffered spinal injuries. It helps pay for aides, which enables Dianna and Kevin’s girls to keep working.
Its mission for those seeking help includes outfitting vehicles for transportation and remodeling to make homes suitable for the disabled, but does not contribute toward daily expenses.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 30, 2024
Eventer Liz Halliday was taken off the respirator Tuesday, a great step in her recovery from a head injury she sustained in a fall on the cross-country course at the American Eventing Championships .
Being able to breathe on her own means she can get more sleep, an important key toward getting better. She gripped a pair of reins in her hospital bed on Sunday, which was also an important sign about the improvement of the Paris Olympic team rider after surgery to ease pressure on her brain.
“She is continuing to make steady improvements and wowing her medical team with her grit and determination,” a message from her supporters said on Sunday.
The top three in the Advanced division of the AECs had Liz on their minds while they were on the podium Friday at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Winner Will Coleman, runner-up Boyd Martin and third-place Phillip Dutton held up a hastily improvised sign that said “Get Well Liz.”
They were thinking of the Paris Olympic squad member who underwent surgery at the University of Kentucky medical center to relieve pressure from swelling in her brain following her Thursday fall with Shanroe Cooley on cross-country.
Boyd Martin, Will Coleman and Phillip Dutton with a wish on the podium. (Annan Hepner/U.S. Eventing Association)
The horse was uninjured and now is happily grazing in his paddock.
Liz’s team said Saturday that when doctors asked Liz to wiggle her fingers and toes, in typical Liz fashion “she is going above and beyond by lifting her arms and legs, too. We are seeing improvements every day. She is constantly showing us that she is going to recover faster than expected.”
Will said he was thinking of Liz all day during the competition; hence the note written on the back of his winner’s check.
“Just really wishing her the best possible recovery and sending her family and all her connections as much support as we can give them,” said Will.
“Just hoping she’s going to be back, and just really pulling for her.”
Will finished on 36 penalties with Diabolo, originally his Olympic reserve horse until injury dropped him out of contention for the Paris Games. Boyd had the same score on his Paris reserve mount, Conner, but Will being closer to the optimum time on cross-country broke the tie in Will’s favor. Phillip rode Possante to third on 40.6 penalties, with 1.2 time penalties in the show jumping.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 2, 2024
Rene Dittmer, who made quite a mark at the Winter Equestrian Festival, translated his success to another season with a victory in the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5-star grand prix over the weekend.
The German and Corsica X, a Holsteiner mare by Connor he owns with Glen Haven Farm, topped a 40-horse field over a 17-effort course laid out by Nick Granat. How nice to have an American, instead of the usual foreign designers, doing courses at the Classic. That was where Nick worked 17 years ago with Conrad Homfeld when he was handling the duties on what was once a big grass field (now all-weather footing) at the classic Long Island show.
Dittmer’s clear round in 37.55 seconds during an eight-horse jump-off was a step up from his win last year in the show’s $39,000 5-star speed stake.
Rene Dittmer and Corsica X (Kind Photo)
“It really means a lot to me to win in front of this amazing crowd,” Rene said.
“My horse was unbelievable this week; she jumped five clear rounds and didn’t have a rail down all week. I’m super happy and still can’t quite believe that this win happened in such a prestigious event.”
Knowing that speedsters Jordan Coyle and McLain Ward, a perennial winner of the prix, were coming after he rode in the tie-breaker, he explained, “I had to do what I could to make them chase the time.”
It worked out because if McLain had gone clear, he would have been faster in 36.87-seconds, but two rails kept him in sixth place.
Young Americans Mimi Gochman (Inclen BH/38.58 seconds) and Alex Matz (Ikigai) were second and third, with Alex posting the fastest 4-fault round in 39.09 seconds aboard the Dutch stallion.
“I was really working on being consistent, clear and not too reckless in the jump-off,” Mimi said after her double-clear performance.
“I was super happy with my horse today. He’s an incredibly scopey, careful horse. I tried very hard to present everything to go smoothly for him, and I couldn’t be happier with him.”
For his part, Alex commented, “I have an unbelievable horse. Since I first got him, I’ve thought he is the best horse I’ve ever ridden. I’m so happy to have him with me at this level.”
For his overall record during the week, McLain won the Longines Rider Championship, a title he previously took in 2021. This time, he was on a new mount, High Star Hero.
“A very special thanks to Michael and Wendy Smith for the opportunity to ride this horse and for Thaisa (Erwin) for producing him to this level,” McLain said, referring to the Australian who was Hero’s previous rider.
“Getting to know him at the Hampton Classic is a bit of a sharp learning curve,” observed McLain who had started riding the horse only five days before the grand prix.
“I would have liked to have pulled up a little bit from home; maybe we came in a bit too fast there,” he said.
“I’m glad Nick Granat had the opportunity to be here and design the course. I thought it rode well, and the rollback to the final line created something of a bogey fence. It’s a shame the horse didn’t go clear, but there is a bit of luck involved in our sport. He is a great horse, and I think we’re going to have a great future.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 28, 2024
The name Kristi Mitchem may not be familiar to you, even though she has just been announced as the president and CEO of the Gladstone, N.J.-based U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation.
But you may well know of her daughter, Caroline Mawhinney, number 37 on the FEI jumping Under 25 rankings. Her mother’s interest in high performance equestrian sport stems from Caroline’s riding career. The family lives in California, but Kristi spends the winters at Triple M Farm in Wellington, Fla., home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Caroline has participated in several U.S. Equestrian Federation High Performance Pathway Programs, including the North American Youth Championships, where she earned several podium finishes. She has twice represented the U.S. at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in the Netherlands, winning gold medals.
“As an avid supporter of U.S. equestrian teams and athletes, I’m thrilled to take on the role of president and CEO of the USET Foundation and excited to leverage my work experience in a way that will contribute to the sport,” stated Kristi.
“I’m extremely grateful for everything that the USET Foundation has provided to my daughter, Caroline, and I’m delighted that I can give back.”
Kristi Mitchem
Kristi is replacing W. James McNerney at the USET Foundation in the roles he served for seven years. He remains as chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held since 2019.
As USEF’s philanthropic partner, the foundation provides the resources to maintain U.S. equestrian competitive excellence on the world stage. The new president/CEO will be responsible for furthering support of that mission.
“Kristi brings a remarkable blend of passion for high-performance sport and a proven track record in business and financial leadership,” said her predecessor.
“Her appointment marks an exciting generational shift that will engage a new wave of donors and enthusiasts who share our dedication to the development of talented, hard-working athletes through the pathway programs. As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, I have every confidence that Kristi’s vision and expertise will propel the USET Foundation and our United States Equestrian Teams to new heights, ensuring our athletes are supported at every level in this country’s quest for sustained competitive excellence on the world stage.”
Kristi was elected to the USET Foundation Board of Trustees in June 2022 and the executive committee in January 2024. She also has been an active member of its finance and investment committees since 2022.
One of three managing partners at &Partners, she was previously the CEO and head of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Global Asset Management division. Prior to that, she served as CEO of Wells Fargo Asset Management and has more than 20 years experience in related roles at State Street Corporation, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs.
“Kristi’s knowledge of the sport coupled with her business acumen have demonstrated that she is prepared to propel the organization forward, particularly as we look toward a home Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028,” said USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins.
During Kristi’s time on the board, Bonnie continued, “she has gained a keen understanding of the USET Foundation’s important role in the sport and the expenses associated with competing at the highest levels. Through her daughter, she has also experienced the thrill of riding for the team. She understands firsthand that our athletes and U.S. equestrian teams require significant resources to maintain competitive excellence now and in the future. I’m very much looking forward to working with her to bolster and extend our mission.”
Kristi is especially keen to increase awareness of, and access to, USEF Pathway Programs and grow the endowment to ensure long-term support for U.S. equestrian athletes and teams.
“The Pathway is what initially piqued my interest in supporting the USET Foundation,” she explained.
“I thought it was fantastic that there were groups of individuals that would help young riders like Caroline progress from the junior levels to the senior teams. Ultimately, thanks to the guidance of the Pathway, some of the most talented riders go on to represent the U.S. on the world stage, whether that is in Nations Cup competitions or at Olympic and Paralympic events.”
Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College and a master’s degree in business administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she was an Arjay Miller Scholar. She is also a Fulbright Scholar and an Aspen Financial Fellow. She and her husband, Tom Mawhinney, have three daughters.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2024
Representatives from national federations and stakeholder groups (including athletes, officials, organizers, trainers, and veterinary experts) will meet Oct. 1 under the banner of the FEI to embark on a comprehensive long-term strategy for dressage to ensure its sustainability and growth.
The focus will address the challenges impacting dressage, while providing an opportunity to update the community on current and upcoming research and development initiatives, including a study of the oral cavity (otherwise known as the mouth.)
“While the FEI fully recognizes the challenges currently facing the discipline of dressage and has worked to address issues as they have arisen, the primary focus in recent months has been on delivering key events, as well as a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, which has required considerable attention and resources,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained.
“Our goal now is to collaborate closely with all our stakeholders to address the challenges facing dressage. While many in our community recognzse the urgency of the situation, others may not yet fully grasp the critical juncture at which equestrian sport currently stands.
“While the FEI is committed to seeking collective solutions and fostering consensus wherever possible, the safety and well-being of our horses remain our top priority. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that dressage is a discipline where the sport is conducted in a manner that focuses on the horse’s comfort.”
He added, “As the governing body, the FEI is prepared to take the necessary decisions to ensure that we are living up to our promise to ‘Be a Guardian’ for our equine partners, and to improve the standards of safety and care in our sport. We have shown in recent months that the FEI is ready to step in and take decisive action when the need arises.
“As the sport evolves, we must adapt and find effective solutions to current challenges. Our success depends on the community’s willingness to approach these issues with an open mind and work together toward common ground.”
The FEI introduced the Be a Guardian initiative in July, which calls upon members of the community to fully commit to their duties as ‘guardians’ of FEI horses.
Be a Guardian is the central message united the community around the FEI Action Plan developed from the recommendations outlined in the final report of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.
The term ‘guardian’ marks an evolution in the FEI’s narrative of the horse-human partnership, chosen to better represent the human role in caring for horses and to underscore each individual’s responsibility for ensuring horse welfare.
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