by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 30, 2024
The cross-country course designer for this summer’s Paris Olympics will fill the same role next year for the MARS Maryland 5-star at Fair Hill.
Pierre Le Goupil will succeed retiring course designer Ian Stark in 2025 and stay at least until 2027. Ian was the inaugural designer for the competition, which debuted in 2022.
Pierre Le Goupil. (Shannon Brinkman Photo)
“I am delighted to design for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill starting in 2025, and I am filled with gratitude towards the organizing committee for their trust,” said Pierre.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity for me, and it’s also a great honor to succeed Ian Stark, who in less than three years, has greatly contributed to the event’s reputation.”
The new designer, who is 61 and a former eventer himself, has also been lead course designer for last year’s Pan American Games in Chile and the 2023 FEI European Championships in Haras du Pin, France.
“We’re thrilled that Pierre has agreed to be our cross country course designer starting in 2025 for the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory building upon the incredible foundation that Ian Stark has created through this year,” said Jeff Newman, president and CEO of the Maryland 5-star committee.
“There is no position more important in eventing than the course designer, as it’s paramount both to ensure horse and athlete safety and the entertainment of our fans globally. We’re so fortunate and honored to have two of the very best supporting Maryland as we continue to build upon our legacy as a world-class event at the highest level of the sport.”
Ian is pleased with the choice of his successor, saying, “Upon announcing my retirement, there was obviously going to be a new designer and I’m thrilled for the event that Pierre will be the new man. He has the talent, the imagination and the flair to succeed and I look forward to following his plans for the future of the course.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 29, 2024
This summer’s Paris Olympics was a frequent topic at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, even though the mission of the weekend involved good performances in the 5-star and 4-star competitions. After all, those divisions were a chance to qualify, as well as make an impression and demonstrate the potential of horse/rider combinations for the biggest show of all.
A case in point is 4-star winner Diabolo, who impressed by finishing on his dressage score with Will Coleman in the biggest test of his career.
Diabolo and Will Coleman. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Riders had to decide whether to compete their top horses in the 4-star or the 5-star. The Olympics’ cross-country is at 4-star level, so you can understand why so many chose that route at Kentucky. Others, including likely members of the British team, didn’t want to forego the opportunity to make their mark at a 5-star.
I had a chance to chat with U.S. Chef D’equipe Bobby Costello about how things look at this point on the Paris perspective for American efforts and he told me that while we know “the horses that are available today, it’s a long time to the Olympics, and we may lose one or two.”
Both Will Coleman’s Chin Tonic and Tamie Smith’s 2023 Kentucky 5-star winner Mai Baum, who had been entered in the 4-star, did not compete due to physical issues. Each will be evaluated when their riders get home and come up with a plan for how they progress.
But Bobby advised, “Both of those are still such unknowns no one should get too excited or too worried today. So we can’t freak out because we actually still have really, really good depth. I think we have to stay positive.”
At the same time, he cautioned, “You have to keep building on it. Who knows what the next couple of months will bring?
“It is still so competitive for that Olympic team,” Bobby noted, saying “One good phase isn’t enough to get someone on the team.”
Following final selection trials at the Badminton 5-star and Tryon, N.C., the selectors will choose horses to be examined by USEF veterinarians, then use that report during the selection process.
Candidates will participate in the mandatory outing at Stable View Horse Trials next month to demonstrate continued competitive form and soundness. Three weeks later, the selected group will go to Pennsylvania for a mandatory gallop and veterinary evaluation before heading to the team training camp in France. They go to Versailles, the Olympic venue, July 24. Competition begins July 27.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 5, 2024
The late Debbie Haimowitz will be remembered May 13 in a celebration of her life at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, N.J. Everyone who knew her is invited to attend, and asked to bring their best stories about her.
The open house runs from 1-8 p.m., with speakers beginning at 4 p.m. An RSVP is required by May 7. Call Jonna Gaston at 845-893-2364 or email her at jonnagaston@gmail.com.
Deb Haimowitz
Debbie, who died of cancer in February, was “an extraordinary person whose determination to teach us surpassed even our own expectations, a human who wouldn’t let the student quit until they felt or understood even a mere second, a moment, of a concept,” Jonna commented.
“Deb’s perseverance both on and off a horse was exceptional in a patient, kind and feeling manner, she continued to coax you to another level you didn’t know was possible.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 1, 2024
The historic Potomac Horse Center in Maryland, which trained generations of horsemen and women, is closing this summer. stating it was unable to renegotiate its 1993 lease.
The 60-acre property is owned by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), which made the renewal contingent on PHC raising $3 million to $5 million to improve the infrastructure, with no assurance that PHC would be permitted to remain on the property, Potomac’s Nancy Novograd announced in a letter explaining the closure.
She explained, “PHC simply cannot ask our clients to pay for and invest in a rapidly deteriorating infrastructure that PHC does not own,” saying the terms of the lease are unsustainable under current economic conditions.”
PHC pays M-NCPPC a monthly base rent for use of the facilities plus a percentage of PHC’s net and gross income.
Additionally, PHC pays for capital improvements, repairs and maintenance of M-NCPPC’s property. Income from the lesson program also goes to veterinary care, farrier services, hay and grain for the horses; utilities, payroll, insurance, farm equipment maintenance, fuel, and tack.
“It has become nonviable for our programs to cover the increasingly higher and higher costs of the rapidly aging infrastructure, let alone allow PHC to build up the $3 million to $5 million required by M-NCPPC toproceed with negotiations,” Nancy said.
The closing is effective July 22, but lessons will continue through June 16.
Asked for comment, Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission responded that Potomac Horse Center, “a private business, recently notified Montgomery Parks of its intent to end its lease with Montgomery Parks.
“Since its lease began in 1993, PHC has been contractually responsible for all maintenance and capital improvements at the facility. However, structural assessments performed by an outside expert in the fall of 2023 showed major life safety and structural concerns on site.
“Montgomery Parks requested that PHC develop a plan to fund the necessary repairs and maintain a viable equestrian operation. However, PHC instead notified Montgomery Parks of its intent to cease operations and vacate the property. In the near term, Montgomery Parks will take steps to address immediate safety issues on the site,” the statement concluded.
Potomac Horse Center was founded in the late 1950s by F.G. “Stretch” Harting. News that it will not continue was greeted with sorrow by the many friends and graduates of PHC.
In an online posting, Diana Barnes said, “Betty Howett and Colette Stevens came with Porlock Vale experience in the UK, and modeled HorseMasters after the British course of study.”
PHC “Classed-up and stepped up our equine knowledge, `American’ dressage, and style of riding, not to mention improved equine care, both physically and psychologically.”
In another post, Suzanne Crowell stated, “The horse center was particularly important to those of us who had our intro to dressage there. Other than Morven Park there was really nowhere else in the ‘70s. It was instrumental in the accelerated development of the sport in the U.S. The quality of instruction and horses for a large operation was unsurpassed. The everyday clientele were women who worked for a living to support their horse habit.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the job market for women expanded dramatically then, such that women could support themselves with better-paid jobs and had some money left over.”
On June 17, 2024, all assets, including school horses, are available for sale to approved homes, by appointment only. Starting immediately, prospective buyers can try the horses and see everything that is for sale. The horses and equipment needed for daily use will remain on the property through June 16.
However, individuals may immediately purchase all other assets, including surplus tack and farm equipment. PHC will accept cash or certified funds only, but no personal checks and cannot arrange payment plans.
The Potomac Horse Center main number will not be fielding sales calls or making appointments. For inquiries, those interested may call (240) 614-3834.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2024
When you think about going to camp, activities like swimming, tennis and hiking usually come to mind. But there’s a different take at Centenary University.
Based in Hackettstown, N.J., with an equestrian center in nearby Long Valley, Centenary will have two equestrian camps that offer a wide range of learning opportunities this spring and summer.
Centenary University Equestrian Center. (Photo by Jenna O’Connor)
Centenary is fielding an NCAA equestrian team for the first time next season, in addition to offering students a chance to ride on an Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association squad, which includes opportunities beginning with walk-trot.
There is an emphasis on equestrian teams at Centenary, which will have a special camp for prospective candidates. (Jenna O’Connor photo)
For NCAA, candidates have to be able to perform such sophisticated movements as turn on the haunches or counter-canter. Whatever the level, being involved with a team is a big responsibility, so how does a student prepare for that?
Prospective participants will get a chance to find out if they have the necessary skill set and the desire to take part by attending an Elite Equestrian College Prep Camp May 10-11. Riding lessons on the flat and over jumps, as well as discussions with coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark will be offered. Riders will participate in a mock horse show to get the flavor of what NCAA and IHSA are like.
To participate, they must be high school students (or entering their freshman year in the fall) who are able to groom and tack up a horse and walk, trot and canter, as well as negotiate a 2-foot, 3-inch jumping course.
“The intent is to expose them to what would be required for one or the other (team),” said Michael. It gives the coaches a chance to assess potential team members, while offering the participating riders an opportunity to decide which of the formats they would prefer. He noted Centenary has room on a team for virtually any student who wants to be part of one, and opportunities to show at least twice in a semester.
The camp “gives them the feel of what intercollegiate riding is like and what we have to offer here,” said Heather.
While the camp is a recruiting tool for the university, students do not have to be committed to attending Centenary when they enroll. It’s expected that there will be great demand for spots in the clinic. Parents are invited to attend and participate in the meetings.
Applications must be in by April 22, and there is room for only 16 riders, so those who are interested are advised to apply early. Click here for registration information.
And for another opportunity to pick up horse-oriented knowledge, Centenary will present the Equine Science Summer Day Camp in July and August, geared to those 13 and up who have basic horse experience.
Proud grads of the Centenary camps. (Photo courtesy Centenary University)
There are two different camps under the supervision of Dr. Lynn Taylor.
Level 1, July 29-Aug. 2, will include not only the basics of safety, tack and grooming, but also delve into nutrition, health issues and therapies. This is the third year it is being held.
“All of the students, even the ones in high school who are fairly well-experienced, realize very quickly that they don’t know everything,” Lynn said.
Those who want to take Level 2, which is making its debut Aug. 5-9, must have completed Level 1 successfully in any year, or be certified in Pony Club levels H-A, C-3, B and A.
There’s no riding involved. The camp is for students interested in learning or practicing skills; some may be considering being a veterinarian or a vet tech.
The camps test participants with daily quizzes. On the Fridays, students can choose to have a hands-on evaluation. If they receive a score of 80 percent or higher, they will get a certificate of competency from Centenary’s Equine Sciences department. If they don’t want to be evaluated, they will get a certificate of completion, but Lynn said so far, everyone has chosen to be evaluated.
Although campers may know the basics of care, “they may not have an opportunity to learn how to take a temperature or monitor hydration in a reinforced way,” Lynn said. They also practice taking vitals (vital signs).
In Level 2, they delve into alternative modalities, such as shock wave, chiropractic or massage. All students have an opportunity to do a hematocrit (a simple test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample) and utilize Centenary’s laboratory facilities. Lectures and demonstrations fill out the camp programs.
“When I ask the kids what they are interested in, most do say being a veterinarian,” said Lynn.
“It’s a good kind of wake-up call. They really do see the level of involvement you’re going to have to have, even if you want to go to go to school for pre-vet, you really have to improve your handling skills and how things translate from the classroom to the barn.”
Click here to register for Level 1. Click on this link to register for Level 2.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 29, 2024
Will Coleman’s victory on Diabolo Sunday in the Cosequin Lexington 4-star Short started with an email from a woman in Australia who was marketing a horse.
“To be honest, I get emails like that all the time. I usually just take a glance,” Will recalled.
But his wife, Katie, thought the horse videos that came with the email were interesting and suggested Will look at them.
He ended up doing more than that, going to Australia with his father for three days to see the horse in person.
“It was pretty brutal; it’s a long way,” Will grinned.
“We had a great time. It was kind of a cool trip and ended up buying this horse. It was quite an adventure.”
But the adventure had just begun when the horse arrived at Will’s farm because Diabolo was on Southern Hemisphere time and had trouble adjusting to the reverse seasons on the other side of the world. So Will knew the 12-year-old Holsteiner had talent, but was biding his time “until he was ready to show it to the rest of the world.”
Will Coleman and Diabolo. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
And show it he did this weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park. Diabolo was the only one of 39 horses who completed the 4-star that finished on his dressage score. His 29.9-penalty mark was just 0.2 ahead of Boyd Martin and Commando 3.
Will said he was “pleasantly surprised but not totally shocked” by Diabolo’s performance, having felt that he was on the verge of being competitive at a big event.
Will Coleman enjoying his victory gallop with Diabolo. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Is he a candidate for the Paris Olympics? Yes, he’s qualified, but Will noted Olympic selection isn’t up to him. His original goal for this year with Diabolo was the Luhmuhlen, Germany, 5-star.
“We’re going to keep working toward Luhmuhlen unless something changes,” he told me.
Will also was third on his 2021 Aachen winner, the 15-year-old Off the Record, who finished on 30.9 penalties.
Boyd not only was second with Connor, as Commando is known, but he also finished fourth with Federman B after a second double-clear round.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3.(Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I think they’re about as good as each other,” he replied when asked which he’d prefer as an Olympic prospect.
“They’re very strong in all three phases. It’s a wonderful position to be in to have a couple of hopefuls. Like your children, you should never favor one more than the other.”
Boyd thought the show jumping course designed by Steve Stephens was a good track, though he mentioned “you had to scoot around the corners” to finish within the tight time allowed. Will also is a fan, saying Steve’s courses are “some of the best we jump. The way he uses the stadium is unique.”
The atmosphere in the Rolex Stadium is all part of the equation in seeing what horses can handle.
“There’s no question American crowds are the best anywhere in the world,” said Boyd, who speaks from experience, having competed nearly everywhere.
“They love this sport,” he said of the U.S. fans.
“They cheer you when things go well; they even cheer when things go bad. It’s almost a letdown when you go to the other 5-stars in Europe,” he said.
Fifth place went to Pan American Games individual gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake. She called him the top of her string and noted that her string is different from Boyd’s and Will’s; her oldest horse is only nine. She’s planning on a European tour this summer.
Miks Master C, who was in the lead after cross-country, had a rail in Sunday’s show jumping and dropped to seventh when 4 faults were added to his 29.2 total after cross-country. Elisabeth Halliday’s mount had been third in the 5-star at Kentucky last year, but like several other Olympic candidates, she chose the 4-star rather than the 5 this year. The thinking among those that went that route was that the 5-star might be an unnecessarily big effort in the lead-up to Paris, where the cross-country course will be at 4-star level.
Click here to see the 4-star results
