by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 24, 2024
It’s not everyone’s idea of a spectator event, but if you’re an eventing fan, the initial horse inspection at the Defender Kentucky competition is a “must” part of the entire experience.
Spectators line up along the rail at the Kentucky Horse Park to watch their favorites jog, and the bonus is seeing what the riders are wearing. This time, Boyd Martin—who once flaunted an outrageous red, white and blue Uncle Sam suit for the trot-up—was uncharacteristically boring in a gray sweater.
There were the usual choices of blah sportcoats among some of the other men, but no one could even dream of coming close to Will Faudree. He jogged Mama’s Magic Way while wearing a cowboy hat and pink suit worthy of Barbie’s Ken. That woke everybody up.
My favorite, however, was Germany’s Calvin Bockmann, who looked very sharp in his army uniform while presenting The Phantom of the Opera (who was a chestnut, rather than black, as I expected with that name.)
Calvin Bockmann and The Phantom of the Opera. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
The women generally try to make a statement with their clothing. The outfit I liked best was worn by Monica Spencer of New Zealand, a drapey belted light brown jacket that looked as good from the back as it did head-on, coupled with white pants and knee-high tasseled boots. The bay color scheme of her elegant horse, Artist, completed the picture.
Monica Spencer and Artist, the back view. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Jennie Brannigan also looked sharp with Twilight’s Last Gleam and FE Lifestyle. She wore a trenchcoat of sorts over a white top and a short, snappy skirt with rows of brass buttons.
Jennie Brannigan looked sharp for the horse inspection. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
All eyes were on Mia Farley and Phelps. Her outfit was low-key, but she didn’t need to be fancy to get everyone’s attention. She and David O’Connor’s clever thoroughbred were a sensation at last fall’s Maryland 5-star, especially after it was learned that he had bought the horse for $1. (Though I’ve been told he never actually anted up the dollar bill he promised to owner Joanie Morris.)
Mia Farley and Phelps. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Phelps should be a big-time contender along with world number one Oliver Townend of Britain and Cooley Rosalent. Oliver has been the champion at the Kentucky 5-star three times.
While the inspection was relatively uneventful, there was a general sharp intake of breath when Banzai du Loir, the mount of World Champion Yasmin Ingham, was sent to the holding box. He was passed by the ground jury upon his reappearance, so we’re looking forward to seeing the representative of Britain competing.
The other hold involved Doug Payne’s Quantum Leap, who also was accepted upon re-presentation.
Okay, so you’ve seen my choices for the best-dressed. Which do you think won the prize offered by Dubarry? Answer: None of the above. It went to Joe Meyer, one of the guys wearing a nice sportcoat; a muted plaid with a stylish pocket square..
Best-dressed winner high-stepping Joe Meyer with Harbin. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
As I do every year, I went over and talked to Danny Hulse from Dubarry, giving him my thoughts about the contest. He’s very good-natured about it. I objected when they made the award unisex (it used to be best-dressed man and best-dressed woman, but you can guess why that concept went south in this era.)
This time, I asked Danny why, with all these people in great outfits, someone wearing a very nice, but ordinary look won .I was told that the choice is made by a committee, members of whicch remains anonymous, I’m sure they wouldn’t want me dogging them asking why they picked as they did.
I was also told that there’s a long checklist of criteria they have to check off in making their decision. But then the real reason for the choice came out: the rider has to promise to be at the reception at Fasig Tipton where the prize is presented. And Joe was there to receive it.
I can understand why some riders aren’t able to put the reception on their schedule; they’re getting ready to do what they came here for. Competition in both the 4-star Short and the 5-star starts Thursday with dressage, which continues through Friday. The cross-country is Saturday and the event wraps in Lexington with stadium jumping on Sunday.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 22, 2024
Tamie Smith never planned to try for back-to-back 5-star wins with 18-year-old Mai Baum at the Defender Kentucky 5-star event this week, but she was going to put the 2023 winner in the 4-star Short event in Lexington as a prep for the Paris Olympics.
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum after their 2023 5-star victory. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Now, however, fans of the beautiful black superstar won’t get to see him at the Kentucky Horse Park. He’s staying at home in California.
Tamie announced on social media, “Sadly, Mai Baum will be sitting out this Kentucky 4S and resting up for an exciting summer. They say timing is everything and while I was away competing some of my other horses last weekend, Lexus was a bit wild and feeling exuberant and pulled away from his handler and tweaked himself.
“He wasn’t 100 percent in time to make the trip across the country to Kentucky and we have elected to withdraw him from the Defender 3-Day Event. It can be difficult to withdraw your horse from a key competition, especially leading up to this summer. However, this decision is in his long-term best interest and the one thing we’ve never wavered from is our commitment not to compromise the well-being of any horse.”
Fans if Tamie, the first U.S. rider to with the 5-star since 2008, can still see her ride, however, as she has two horses in the 4-star. Danito will go on the first dressage day Thursday, while Kynan goes last on the second dressage day.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 18, 2024
Tragedy followed triumph tonight as Chromatic BF—who earlier had jumped to third place in the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals—collapsed in his stall and died in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Click here to read the competition story or go to the second story on this page.)
Ridden by Californian Jill Humphrey, the U.S.-bred Chromatic had shown no symptoms as he returned to the barn after the awards ceremony.
His owner/breeder, Kc Branscomb, explained on social media exactly what happened to the 13-year-old Oldenburg: “I am writing this to try to clarify what has already begun to travel as rumors surrounding events that happened here in Riyadh involving Chromatic after tonight’s spectacular performance. After hacking normally after the class, Chromatic returned to the barn happy and calm attended by his lifetime caretaker, Pepe Rodriguez, and Jill.
“After resting and refreshment, he was given a routine recovery shot of electrolytes by the U.S. team veterinarian. Upon returning to his stable to be wrapped, blanketed, and put away for the evening, with me (KC Branscomb) present, the horse…seizured and collapsed in the stall. He was immediately treated and examined by both the U.S. and FEI veterinarians and was pronounced dead shortly after. As owner and breeder, I want it clearly stated that no one was at fault. The horse did not suffer and there is no evidence that his passing was in any way related to his strenuous and spectacular performance with Jill well over an hour earlier, or the team veterinarian’s injection. A full autopsy report will be provided to me at some point.
“But what I HOPE people will take away from this freak accident and great tragedy is that it was a night of tears — tears of joy and tears of loss. If I would ask anything of those of you that knew or celebrated him, let’s remember him for how he lived and not for how he died. The sport lost a great one today.”
Chromatic and Jill Humphrey competing in the World Cup. (Helen Cruden Photography)
The FEI said samples were already taken from the horse and a full postmortem in line with FEI protocols will be conducted.
“The FEI, the organizing committee and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation send their deepest condolences to the rider, owners, groom and connections.”
People were posting condolences on social media. One of them, John Charlebois, wrote: “He was an amazing horse with a gigantic fan club and a folk hero in the horse world. He was more than a Superstar.”
McLain Ward said that he, his family and his team “send our heartfelt condolences to Kc Branscomb, Jill Humphrey, Rudy Leone and Pepe Rodrigues on the tragic loss tonight of Chromatic. What an incredible story this horse and his people have shared to the top level of the sport.
“I have always thought Jill was a top rate rider and to see the success she’s had, combined with the genuine love for all the positive aspects of our sport and our life with horses from those around Chromatic is inspirational. All of our hearts break tonight with you and know the entire horse world is with you.”
Jan Humphrey Hanson wrote, “My sister has been my riding idol since the beginning of time. There are few that have the natural feel and sheer talent she has. Thank you Chromatic for showing the world this week just how special she is, how special you were, and the unstoppable bond you two formed immediately. I know you’ll put in an impressive double clear round in the sky Saturday night.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 18, 2024
It was a Swedish showdown for the top placings on the second day of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals, but an American who hadn’t ridden in the event for 17 years impressed by moving up the ranks to take third in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.
As expected, world number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden successfully continued to defend the title he won in Omaha last year with the fabulous King Edward, galloping hard to the final fence in a seven-horse jump-off to top the leaderboard once again. His longtime teammate, Peder Fredricson, was behind him today in the number two spot with Catch Me Not.
“For two really nice rounds, the horse jumped first jump to the last both rounds, couldn’t be better,” said Henrik.
“It was an amazing feeling. Of course, it was a little bit nervous, but I really enjoyed just riding in there. Peder keeps pressure on me,” he added good naturedly.
Henrik von Eckermann explains it all to Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ancarkcrona during the course walk.
Californian Jill Humphrey also wowed the crowd with her exacting trips aboard the U.S.-bred Chromatic BF. She moved up from 12th after Wednesday’s one-round speed opener after putting in a perfect jump-off effort the next day, clocked in 48.36 seconds.
Although she was nearly five seconds behind Henrik’s time of 43.38, which in turn edged Peder’s mark of 45.45 seconds, she understandably was excited about coming very close to the world’s best.
“ I feel honored to be in such company. I am so thrilled with my horse,” she said.
“It was so exciting being out there. My horse was just fantastic, I’m so proud of him. He tried so hard. I had no idea what to expect, but he continues to surprise and impress.”
Sadly, Chromatic died in the stable shortly after the class. Read about it here or click on the featured story on this website.
The top-ranked U.S. rider in the finals, Kent Farrington, was ninth in today’s first round with the fastest four-fault performance on Greya after dropping a rail at the oxer that followed a demanding oxer/oxer/vertical triple combination. Even though he didn’t make the jump-off, his tie for fourth from Wednesday helped keep him in fourth place overall with 13 points, two ahead of Jill. French rider Julien Epaillard has nine points for third place overall, behind Henrik with zero and Peder with 4.
The third-best American is another Californian, 19-year-old Skyler Wireman, who outdid herself with a tenth place finish on Tornado the first night. Her luck ran out this time around, however as she had four rails down. With 28 points, she is in nineteenth place.
Meanwhile, Sophia Siegel, in last place on Wednesday, redeemed herself with just two knockdowns on A-Girl to finish twenty-second in the field of 34 starters this afternoon. She is twenty-ninth overall.
Thursday’s course.
The course designed by Frank Rothenberger with Alan Wade as technical delegate had several challenges that required pitch-perfect decisions from the riders. One was the two-stride to one-stride triple, where the B element caused trouble; the other was at the penultimate obstacle, a double with an A element vertical that had a delicate plank on top. It was between six and seven strides from the previous fence, which made the approach a tricky one.
This is the first Cup finals to be held in the Middle East. It is being presented superbly, with top class facilities. Dressage judge Janet Foy said it has the best horse show food ever. The native dress worn by some spectators and even the prince who presented trophies Thursday gives the competition and intriguingly exotic air. Of course, the home side went wild when Saudi rider Ramzi Al Duhamy on Untouchable 32 left all the rails in place (sadly, he had one time penalty for going over the 74-second time allowed, but he finished a respectable eighth in the class.)
Spectators dressed for the occasion at the World Cup Finals.
The knowledge that the Cup offers the largest prize money ever given for such a competition, approximately $2 million, adds to the energy.
The competition continues Saturday with a two-round finale. Only the top 20 horses will compete in the second leg. Friday’s action in Arabia will be the FEI World Cup Dressage freestyle.
Click this link for Thursday’s results.Click here for the current standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 10, 2024
Steve Kraus, head of Farrier Services at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, and Ken Estes, Ag Program leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension Livingston County, on April 16 will discuss mud management techniques for horse farms, including the effects of mud on horses’ feet and health and how to keep your equine facilities clean and safe.
The Zoom lecture is from 6-7 p.m. Registration is required, but it’s free. Go to this link.
This seminar will offer insight into specific horse health problems associated with muddy footing, as well as measures to take on your own horse farm to prevent mud and keep your equine facilities clean and safe.
Steve, a certified journeyman farrier, has served as the Cornell University Hospital for Animals’ Head of Farrier Services since 2010. A lifelong equestrian and polo player, Steve began shoeing horses in 1964, graduated with a degree in Animal Science from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1971, and has had a distinguished career since then. In 2016, he was inducted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame.
Ken is an expert in natural resources and environmental conservation who also operates a Lippitt Morgan horse farm. His passion for environmental sustainability and the equine industry are combined through his work and his commitment to improving the welfare of horses, while fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to horse management.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 20, 2024
Californian Skylar Wireman, who finished 10th in the first round of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final, will not be competing today as the show wraps up in Saudi Arabia.
In a an incredibly mature and thoughtful social media posting, the 19-year-old discussed her thinking:
“I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw from the final round of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals. Tornado, my horse is 100 percent well, sound and fit and I would like to explain why I have withdrawn. I came here knowing this would be an incredible learning experience and hoped to be competitive. I am at the start of what I want to be a long and successful career as a jumping athlete and to compete against the very best in the world has been an honor, and I have learned so much.
Skylar Wireman and Tornado. (Helen Cruden photo)
“I hope I have proven that I deserved to be here and that I will give my all to jumping clear rounds and being a winner. While I want to ride every round and grow my experience level, I care deeply about my horses. I love Tornado more than anything.
“I came here with a horse that is 10 and is very much still learning and his welfare will always be at the very heart of every decision I make. Without our horse, we are nothing, and they put their complete trust in us. Tornado was a rock star in the first round of the World Cup Finals, finishing 10th amongst the legends of our sport. He jumped his heart out in the second round on Thursday.
“Tornado is inexperienced at this level and having studied our round on Thursday and talked extensively to my coach and many others whose opinions and experience I have high regard for, I will not risk his welfare or his future in the sport by asking Tornado to jump a course he might not be quite ready for. The course today will be big and technical but fair for this level of competition: I knew it would be but I knew Tornado and I had the potential to jump it; that potential is still there but we need just a little more experience to realize it.
“I am so grateful to those that have supported Tornado, to my family Shayne Berridge-Wireman , my groom Alicia Marie, my coach Peter Wylde and the USEF who have put a warm blanket of support around all of us here in Riyadh. I look forward to representing the team in the future!”
