by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2020
You could see it coming.
A virtual Town Hall yesterday with U.S Hunter Jumper Association President Mary Babick highlighted the problems involved with the Covid-related cancellation of major competitions, such as the USEF Pony Finals, which were scheduled to start today.
So it was no surprise this morning to learn that the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships and the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, scheduled for August 11-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park, had been cancelled. At the same time, USHJA also called off its AON/USHJA National Championships, slated for Nov. 16-20 in Las Vegas.
People had complained about the short notice of cancellation given to Pony Finals competitors, some of whom had already come quite a distance to arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park before the show. When seven people at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show held last week were found to be Covid-positive, the last day of that show (including the USHJA Pony Derby Championship-East) was cancelled and the USEF Pony Finals also became a victim of the situation.
Medical advice called for a two-week gap between the time Covid-positive people were found on the grounds Aug. 1 and the start of the championships, but there were just 10 days between the dates of those shows. That was “the straw the broke the camel’s back,” said USHJA President Mary Babick, noting she has been told by medical professionals that a Covid “outbreak” consists of two people.
USHJA President Mary Babick.
During a USHJA board meeting last night, cancellation seemed to be the only alternative.
The board was following national health recommendations and the recommendation to cancel the championships presented by the USHJA International Hunter Derby and Green Hunter Incentive Taskforce.
“We feel strongly that we must take the necessary steps to help minimize risk and exposure of the COVID-19 virus to ensure our sport can continue in the future. Canceling was a difficult decision, but the Board believes that it was the correct, safe and socially responsible choice,” according to the USHJA.
“The health and safety of our members, staff, volunteers and their families is our priority,” Mary commented in a statement.
In an interview, Mary said she told the board, “Whatever we do, we need to do it all the way now. So if we’re cancelling, we have to let people know now, and if we’re going, we have to stick with our decision.”
Cancelling the Las Vegas show stemmed from the board’s feeling that people should not be encouraged to travel across the country, amid hopes riders will “stay more regional, and cancellation of all of our national championships was in our best interest at this moment.”
About 10 hours after the Green Incentive and International Derby championships were scuttled, the announcement came that the USEF’s East Coast junior hunter championships were also cancelled.
“This is a decision not taken lightly and we are mindful of the negative effect this will have on exhibitors’ plans and schedules, but feel this is the only way to ensure a safe outcome for all,” said a statement from USEF.
“No fees of any kind have been charged to anyone who has entered the shows. Exhibitors do not need to take any action with regard to the show office and all entries will be canceled. We hope that moving forward our exhibitors and members will place their safety and the safety of others above all else during these trying circumstances.”
Mary, who has been nominated for another four-year term at the USHJA’s helm, looks ahead to 2021 saying,”I don’t know what’s happening with Covid,so I think we’ve got to create a regional finals structure, to encourage people to stay more local If we can.
For next year, “I think we have to acknowledge that Covid might still be around. It’s best that we plan for regionals, Then, If we can do national (championships), great.”
At the same time, she added, “We can’t presume we’re going to be able to go forward with business as normal. I don’t think this disease understands the calendar year.”
Meanwhile, the board is working on is discussion of the always-controversial mileage rule.
“That will eat up a lot of our bandwidth,” she commented.
Ralph Caristo had two horses eligible for the International Derby, but wasn’t counting on having them be part of it.
“We were on the fence about going,” he explained. If his Quickborn 7 and Sedona competed in Kentucky with his daughter, Heather Caristo-Williams, aboard, she would have had to quarantine for two weeks upon returning to her home in New York, due to state regulations that affect people coming from Kentucky and 34 other states and territories.
Heather Caristo-Williams and Ralph Caristo
That might have meant she risked not being able to compete at HITS just down the road from her home in Saugerties, N.Y., during the big Labor Day weekend show that includes the Platinum Performance $100,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Diamond Mills $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.
But even if the championship in Kentucky hadn’t been cancelled, “It’s very likely we would have stayed home,” Ralph mused, saying he thought calling off the fixtures was the right thing to do.
“There’s a lot of disappointment in life,” he observed, “but there are a lot of things in life that are a hell of a lot worse than us missing a horse show.”
“I think it has opened a lot of eyes about what our business is vulnerable to and what our lives are vulnerable to. Hopefully, we won’t see this again in our lifetimes, but who knows?”
Top hunter competitor Amanda Steege, based for the summer at Pinnacle Farm in Califon, called the International Derby “usually one of the highlights on my schedule, something I plan my whole year around.”
Her team, however, made the decision in June to do shows “on a more local, regional level” rather than traveling to a venue like Kentucky, which is 13 hours away, as opposed to two hours for shows in Saugerties and Princeton.
With the five-year-old horses in her barn, she was able to take advantage of a USHJA provision for 2020 that will enable them to start their green careers again next year.
“This year, you make potential plans, but you cancel or adapt at any moment,” she observed.
When Kentucky became one of New York’s “quarantine states,” it got more difficult for people to travel, she noted.
Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze.
Discussing how she is handling 2020, Amanda said, “It feels like a year of practice, a year to catch up and see where you’re at.
“I enjoy going to a few more local events,” she added, noting that Lafitte de Muze, who would have been a threat in the International Derby Chapionships, won a $25,000 derby at Saugerties.
“I felt very comfortable there, they were enforcing (wearing) the masks,” she said, adding that the Princeton show was also well-run.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 24, 2020
Things were Covid-quiet at the USET Foundation’s Gladstone headquarters for several months while it was closed to visitors. So this week’s Summer Days Dressage shows, presented by the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association, became a welcome return to normalcy–or at least as close as we can get to it in this unusual era.
Some riders in shirtsleeves, others bowing to tradition by wearing jackets, took the July heat in stride; they were just happy to be back at a show for two days, especially in the team’s historic arena. It seems Gladstone has extra meaning for everyone
“I love showing here,” said Lauren Chumley, a professional rider/trainer from Pittstown.
“I didn’t move to New Jersey until 2007, so I kind of missed the golden age of Gladstone, but I’ve read about it since I was a kid,” commented the native of Ohio.
“It’s so special to come here, even to do Training Level.”
She rode Grand Prix with 14.1-hand, 18-year-old Avatar’s Jazzman, a been-there/done-that Morgan who is immortalized as a Breyer model horse.
Lauren Chumley and Breyer horse model Avatar’s Jazzman. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“He’s a worker; he wants to work,” is the way she characterized him. In addition to handling the moves at the highest level of dressage, he can event, show jump and fox hunt.
“He did a pretty decent Grand Prix,” said Lauren, referring to a ride marked at 65.598 the day after Jazzman scored 67.375 percent for his freestyle.
“He tries so hard. He’s never going to get an 80, but we know that and he just does the best that he can. We’re just having fun.”
She made a point of wearing her brown tailcoat despite soaring temperatures.
When the judge asked why she chose a jacket instead of the cooler option, she said, “It looks nice, if I can do it.”
Jaime Dancer of Millstone, who also decided against going shirtsleeves, agreed.
Jaime Dancer and Viveur getting ready to focus during the hazy days of summer. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I just feel like it takes a long time to earn this coat and earn this spot and be able to be here,” she said, after getting 66.630 percent in the Grand Prix with Viveur.
“So I feel like I want to wear this coat for my judges. I’m lucky to be here.”
International competitor Catherine Haddad Staller, who has ridden at the most prestigious shows around the world, keeps a cherished spot in her heart for Gladstone.
“It’s where I fell in love with my husband,” the Califon resident explained, referring to veterinarian Greg Staller.
She won the Grand Prix with a percentage of 74.511 aboard Frankie on the show’s second day.
Catherine Haddad Staller and Frankie. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
I last saw Frankie at Gladstone three years ago when the mare was in the dressage development clinic there. Now 11, the Hanoverian has rounded out her resume.
“She’s so steady, she’s so reliable,” said Catherine.
“I’ve got a lot more power and strength in her than I ever had before, but I don’t have the brilliance yet. She picks up points with accuracy and correctness.”
Catherine decided to come to the show because, “I’ve been at home way too long. I felt I needed to get out and test myself and my horses a little bit. This is a very good outing for us close to home, where we can run through the test once and see where we’re at.”
Alice Tarjan is often the busiest rider at the shows she attends. With 11 horses in training at her Oldwick farm (Alice rides all of them every Monday), she has a lot to choose from when she goes to a competition.
Alice earned 71.304 percent in the first day’s Grand Prix and 71.5 in the Developing Grand Prix on Harvest. The Dutch-bred black stallion, who has been training at home for two years, is the sire of a colt (named Hamilton) foaled at Bridget Hay’s East Amwell farm as that rider was getting ready to go to the first day of the show.
Harvest, owned and ridden by Alice Tarjan. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Harvest, characterized by Alice as “super well-behaved and super-honest” is known around the barn as The Teddy Bear. In contrast, a feistier stallion, Glory Day, affectionately is called The Terrorist. Alice, an amateur, gave the ride on the 17.1 hand bay to professional trainer Marcus Orlob, who took him to a score of 81.1 percent in First Level Test 3.
On the second day, Alice was runner-up in the Grand Prix with, Donatella M (72.337). The black Oldenburg mare and Harvest are qualified for the Developing Horse Championships at Grand Prix and I-2. The Summer Days shows were qualifiers for next month’s national championships and also regional championships, which was convenient for Alice and other area residents.
“Going to local shows is easy, I don’t mind doing that at all,” she said, noting that with the virus situation, it gets a lot more complicated when travel, hotels and restaurants are involved for “away” competitions.
Masks for scribe and judge and a plexiglass barrier–standard equipment for officiating in the Covid era. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m really grateful the management is trying so hard to make competitions happen,” said Lauren.
“Put your mask on, it’s not that hard.”
Competitor Janice Turner, who lives in neighboring Bedminster said, “I’m happy to show. I’ll wear a mask any time to keep everyone safe. It’s been such a trying time, I think everybody’s put their priorities in a better place.”
As Lauren observed, “I’m glad we can go to a horse show and not just sit in our houses and eat pizzas.”
Living in Covid times can be extra difficult for some.
“Normal people who have normal lives and normal jobs are just panicking. Horse trainers are just, `It’s all up in the air? What’s that like,’’’ Lauren said with a sly chuckle.
Equestrians know how to adjust to whatever. As she points out, “You’ve got to roll with it when you have horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 13, 2020
The Covid crisis was far in the future when Christine Reupke came up with the idea for the Horsemanship Society International website in 2018. The concept of combining virtual showing with a lesson was designed for people who do not have access to regular riding instruction. That could be because they live in an area far from a professional trainer or because they can’t afford it.
But even without the help of a crystal ball, Christine’s program arrived at the right time this summer.
“It was serendipitous with the timing,” acknowledged Christine, director of breed and equestrian sport at Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair horse show.
Christine Reupke leads a sponsor group on a course walk at the Royal Winter Fair. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
She started building the site, https://horsemanshipsociety.org, through 2019, without an inkling that a virtual approach to so many aspects of the horse world would take off just a few months later.
The site, which debuted last month, is geared toward show jumping, hunters, young horses and equitation. Dressage and western may be added down the road.
The inspiration came from Christine’s childhood,,as she explained. “I never had access to good training when I was a kid.” Money was tight in her family; she was one of three children raised by a single mother. Christine worked on a horse farm and was “kind of self-taught for a long time,” lacking the advantage of working with a top trainer.
She is aware those circumstances apply to many other people, in addition to some younger coaches, “who maybe don’t fully understand why someone scores the way they do, but nobody wants to ask for fear of looking like they don’t know.
“I feel so strongly about giving everybody some sort of equal opportunity regardless of how much money you have or regardless of where you live, if you live in Alaska or the Yukon.”
Each class lists parameters for the fence heights and distances on the course that competitors should set at their own farm, along with rules on what kind of tack to use (for instance, in a recent pony class, exhibitors were advised no gag bridles or draw reins.) There is also a list of requirements for dress, which allows on the informal end a collared shirt tucked into breeches. Braiding is optional.
The program, which has attracted entries from Britain and Germany in addition to the U.S. and Canada, also offers an opportunity for riders to be critiqued for their horsemanship as well as their style in the saddle. Although the winners of each class get a ribbon mailed to them, the prize isn’t the point.
The ribbons are pretty, but they aren’t the point. In case you’re wondering, a red ribbon is first place in Canada and England; blue is first place in the U.S.
“I’m trying to take the focus off the ribbon and onto learning what you did in the ring…and why you scored what you did and what you could do to be better,” Christine explained.
Licensed by Equestrian Canada as a hunter, jumper and equitation judge (the equivalent of a U.S. Equestrian Federation R judge), she is working with Jon Garner, former sport director for Equestrian Canada.
He has experience as an international show jumper for the Spruce Meadows venue in Calgary, where he went on to serve as competition manager for all of that facility’s tournaments. Jon specializes in jumper equitation and evaluating the young horses on the site, with marks for scope, rideability and temperament.
Jon Garner. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
As the site ramps up, they are the only two handling judging duties, but Christine said McLain Ward has agreed to do a young horse class, and she has plans to ask some other big names for their viewpoint. The site also will have an educational component that includes video interviews with veterinarians and other experts on topics such as pre-purchase exams, lameness and how to get a horse ready to be shipped for a long trip.
“I want to prepare kids, who are going to be our next generation, to get a little bit of an education,” said Christine.
“We don’t really have mentorship anymore. There are kids that hand the horses off and don’t do their own work. For a lot of these kids, it’s just another sport, like soccer or hockey. You look at someone like McLain and his horsemanship oozes from every pore on every horse he rides in the ring.
“Very few people are going to end up being like McLain, but it’s something we should all kind of strive for. I think being a better horseman makes people better riders.”
There is a free membership, with which the fee per class is $40 (Canadian), or a premium membership for $59.95 (Canadian), offering classes at $25 (Canadian) and access to educational videos once that content is created.
As Covid winds down and more shows are back “live,” Christine doesn’t believe it will really affect her site.
“I think with the group that horse shows heavily at AA shows in the U.S., probably it will fade a little bit. But I suspect with the ones that don’t have that access, they’ll stay on it.” At the same time, she added, “I think we’ll still retain a customer base on the people who show at the better shows. It’s a social thing, you download the course requirements, go to the barn on Saturday and maybe it’s something fun everybody does every few months.”
As she pointed out, pre-Covid, “the season never ends, we all show so much and practice very little.” The silver lining of the “break” is giving riders who otherwise would be completely immersed in showing a chance to improve their skills outside of the pressure from competition that too often involves short cuts
Here is an example of a critique HSI did for a rider. Identifying characteristics have been removed .Note that criticism and encouragement are effectively combined.
Class #21 – JR/AM Jumper Equitation .90m
Final Score –
Final Placing –
Turnout: As a pair, you were very neat and tidy, and the dark coloured breeches are suitable for schooling/training. The saddle pad is very clean, and the horse’s boots appear to fit well.
About the Round: You look like a very strong, capable rider and my first impression is that you are comfortable in the ring and you know what you are doing. Your pace was lightly forward and positive without being too quick or hurried.
The first jump on course was excellent, with good use of your eyes. There was a hard rub at jump 2. It appeared that you were still trying to turn with the reins and it caused your horse to lose it’s balance when leaving the ground.
Jumps 3 and 4 were well-ridden; however, the course specifications called for a 4 or 5 stride line and unfortunately you put in 6 strides between fences 3 and 4. This would be considered an ‘add’ in the line which, at a competition, would reduce your overall score. However, as a single line, it was well-ridden!
The rest of the course was excellent and very well-ridden. Your pace was even and you finished with the same canter that you started on, resulting in a very consistent-looking round. You position stayed consistent and your soft hand was apparent and appreciated by your horse.
You received the highest score I would give a rider who added in a line.
Tips: When turning on the left lead, instead of using such a large opening left rein, try to use more right leg to push your horse through the turn, rather than pull him/her through. This will help your straightness and balance of the horse as well as help to maintain your line and pace on the way to the jump. This will result in a better distance and smoother, more polished ride.
Score without adding in the line – 76
Score without adding in the line and a better distance to jump #2 – 78
by Nancy Jaffer | May 22, 2020
Today the state of New Jersey has lifted pandemic-imposed restrictions on horseback riding, but that won’t mean the reopening of the lesson program at the Somerset County Park Commission’s Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge.
A month ago, the park commission decided to cancel until the end of the year all programming which involves events, clinics, lessons and camps at a variety of commission facilities, including the stable. The reason is financial, with the commission citing the loss of revenue due to Covid-related closure of its golf courses during March and April, and limits on the number of players who could go out during part of May.
Of the approximately $9 million in revenue generated by the commission, approximately $6.5 million comes from golf. Part of those proceeds pay much of the costs at the stable, which does not sustain itself financially. An estimate of revenue losses from golf just through the end of June came in at $2.5 million. In order to cope, $2.1 million in the commission’s operating budget was earmarked for cancellation.
The stable had a deficit of more than $500,000 in 2019, although economies made in running the facility brought that figure down from more than $700,000 12 years ago, according to an article by stable manager Marge Margentino. She was writing in the spring newsletter put out by Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, a volunteer group that supports the stable and the park commission’s efforts, along with the school horse retirement program.
Geoffrey Soriano, secretary-director of the park commission, said that while everything run by the Park Commission does not have to break even or make a profit, “the losses incurred at some of our facilities have caused the Commission to reconsider its business model.”
At the end of 2019, even before the advent of Covid, a downsizing decision for the stable was made. Marge noted in the newsletter that lesson registration at the stable was down 19 percent, part of a nationwide trend. According to statistics from the American Horse Council and the American Horse Publications association, since 2005 the equine industry as a whole has had a downturn, with fewer riders participating in pleasure and trail riding. Meanwhile, the state’s Covid-related prohibition of gatherings, such as pony parties, would hurt revenue as well.
After the cancellation decision, some horses were sent to be sold by Pond Hill in Vermont, the business from which they were purchased, some went into the retirement program and others were turned out on Lord Stirling’s pastures.
Lord Stirling’s lesson horses were put out to pasture before being dispersed for financial reasons.
This month, however, all the remaining lesson horses have been dispersed. One group went to Pond Hill, while others became part of the retirement program. The dispersal meant enough money was saved so employees on the staff of 12 did not have to be laid off. In addition to caring for horses, however, tight finances mean staff has to pitch in elsewhere by rotating out to different park commission facilities, where they do everything from planting flowers and weeding to other forms of maintenance.
In a letter explaining the situation that was sent this week to those who ride at the stable, Geoff stated that the decision to disperse the herd was made after much deliberation.
“Financially, there is no other option. The cost to maintain the remaining horses over the next seven months excluding labor, facility costs and utilities is more than $115,000,” the letter stated.
Including those items and equipment maintenance brings the total to just under $409,000, and it would have been even more expensive with additional costs if programming were to resume. An extra financial burden in the wake of Covid would have stemmed from the need to adhere to Centers for Disease Control guidelines and other government restrictions.
Five ponies remain at Lord Stirling–they are relatively low-cost to keep, and good ones are hard to replace. Boarders are staying and more will be taken in to fill the stable’s box stalls. Some of the retired school horses in the Friends program also are still at the stable.
Lord Stirling Stable has been honored by Rutgers as a Gold Medal Horse Farm for its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Although money has been set aside to purchase or lease horses in January, when lessons can start up again beginning with advanced riders to get the animals acclimated, questions remain about the stable’s future. (to learn more about Lord Stirling, click here)
“The Park Commission is responsibly and diligently looking at all options,” Geoff observed, noting a committee is examining alternatives for the stable, which could include having a private operator lease it.
There are eight county-owned stables in New Jersey in addition to Lord Stirling. They are located in Mercer, Gloucester, Essex, Bergen, Union, Passaic, Monmouth and Morris counties. Only Union, Somerset and Mercer have county-run lesson programs. Monmouth is limited to therapeutic riding and Gloucester is primarily an events-oriented facility with a private lesson purveyor, while the others are leased to private operators.
Asked whether the stable might close, Geoff responded, “Lord Stirling Stable has been in existence for over five decades. As such, any permanent closure would only occur after all other prudent options have been completely exhausted.”
Anything run by government has increased expense because bidding for goods and services is required, and costs for employees are higher due to benefits and pensions. A privately run stable doesn’t have to go out to bid for items, and can buy and disperse horses any way it chooses. But according to state law, Lord Stirling’s horses may be purchased only through an auction or licensed dealer, both of which must have a New Jersey registration certificate.
Horses must be dispersed through those avenues or the retirement program, which has eligibility requirements for the horses it takes. Current riders in this instance, however, may be able to purchase horses from the dealer, but must wait to be advised of how to do that, according to the letter.
Sadly, there are ever-fewer places in the country today where people can learn to ride, or be involved with equestrian sports if they don’t have a horse. Lord Stirling has developed a community of devoted riders, many of whom have been part of its program for years.
Trail rides have been part of the fun at Lord Stirling.
“What we’re doing for members is to try and keep them encouraged,” said Nancy Brown, president of the Friends, which has 150 members and access to mailing lists that can bring in volunteers as needed.
“We’re trying to keep our organization intact. We’re trying to look at increasing our online fundraising,” she said, noting an online gift auction will replace the facility’s holiday festival at the stable. It is the group’s largest fundraiser, benefiting the school horse retirement program.
As Marge noted, the riders aren’t the only ones feeling a loss.
“It’s been a very tough emotional time for the staff,” she explained.
“They spend eight hours a day, seven days week with these horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | May 20, 2020
The good word for New Jersey stables that have been stalled in pandemic lockdown is that as of Friday, May 22, Gov. Phil Murphy is lifting coronavirus restrictions on horseback riding, along with a number of other recreational activities such as tennis, which easily lend themselves to social distancing.
And this is the first day that all 50 U.S. states have reopened, though many are in different stages of the process at the moment. The timing is good, with U.S. Equestrian Federation-recognized shows set to start June 1 after a nationwide shutdown of such competitions that began March 23.
It’s time to get going with competition again. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Not every show on the calendar will be held, however. You have to remember, that to paraphrase Winston Churchill in another context, this is not the end of pandemic-related problems, and probably not even the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning. Thank goodness.
The Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association’s Memorial Day Dressage Show, which would have been a highlight of this weekend, has been postponed. Holly Cornell, ESDCTA’s president, is hoping that time for it may be added to the organization’s Summer Days show, now slated for July 16 and 17.
Summer Days has been scheduled for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone and is another competition that remains up in the air–as so much is at this point–until we see where the Covid restrictions are going.
The importance of shows like Summer Days has been increased with word today that September’s Dressage at Devon has been cancelled. Look in the On the Rail section of this website for details.
The June 5-7 Windy Hollow Hunt dressage show, slated for Sussex County, is another Covid cancellation, with organizers hoping things will be more settled in July so they can hold their next show.
Katie Benson at Briarwood Derby Day. (Photo © 2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
July’s Briarwood Derby Day, always a fun competition for a good cause, has been cancelled. It was founded a decade ago by Katie Benson in memory of her husband, Jack, who died of cancer. The competition has raised more than $275,000 for Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, and Katie assures us it will be back next year.
On the bright side, hunter paces are starting up. Windy Hollow has one scheduled for May 31 at 10 Dekay Road in Vernon, the Monmouth County Hunt has moved its June 14 pace to June 28, while the Amwell Valley Hounds plan to hold theirs on June 6 at Horseshoe Bend Park in Kingwood Township. Here’s a note, about something you probably will see often. There won’t be a portable toilet at this pace, by order of Kingwood Emergency Management, because under Covid standards it would have to be cleaned every time it was used. But don’t you have a manure bucket in your horse trailer?
The Horse Park of New Jersey is staging a soft opening, with barrel racing tentatively set for the holiday this Monday, but no outside spectators will be allowed and only 10 people can gather at a time for the competition.
Adam Furlong, president of the park’s trustees, said unmounted individuals can come to the park for walks on foot starting this Friday, but with social distancing and no groups.
Private groups of less than 10 people for lessons and training with anyone who holds a Horse Park professional membership can be scheduled, along with some cross-country schooling days, although trustees are still working on details about what measures are needed in terms of holding competitions as they consult with government officials. Adam is hopeful that eventually the 10-person cap can be raised “to bring a greater sense of normalcy.” Meanwhile, the park trustees are continuing to update and refine the facility’s Covid policy as they try to make the dollars work.
“The Horse Park runs on a slim margin in a good year,” said Adam, noting, “We’ve been aggressive in trying to reduce expenses and overhead while we’ve been closed.” But he added it will take time to firm up finances in the wake of early cancellations, including April’s Four Seasons show and May’s signature Jersey Fresh International eventing fixture.
Although the park applied for federal payroll protection funds, the money has not been received and employees had to be furloughed. That means the park is looking for volunteers to help board members do maintenance, everything from mowing the grass to various tasks involved in sprucing up.
“The trick from here,” said Adam, “is going to be allowing events to return so we can bring our employees back as quickly as possible and operate with new guidelines and protocols, which are obviously going to have their own financial ramifications as well.”
Morgan Rowsell, co-organizer of the New Jersey Horse Trials at the Horse Park, is hopeful they can take place June 27 and 28. Adam said June 5 will be the day when a final decision is made about that.
Pent-up enthusiasm is such that the event already has 100 entries, and attracted 15 Advanced division competitors on the day entries opened, which is highly unusual, according to Morgan. Riders are itching to get out after months of down time. But the number of riders allowed has to be such that events without spectators can still afford to run.
The event would be held under USEF protocols aimed at Covid safety, which includes all kinds of sanitizing and social distancing, as well as a requirement to bring your own food (it won’t be available on the grounds), online entries and no spectators. Morgan noted it won’t be difficult to have social distancing on the park’s nearly 200 acres in Monmouth County.
He is also co-organizer of the July 18-19 MARS Equestrian Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills, and is hoping that can be held. Parameters for such events should become clearer as the days pass. He said a decision on holding the 2020 edition of Essex likely is two weeks away.
Flora Lea in Medford was supposed to have its Spring Horse Trials this weekend but it cancelled. Its June Young Eventing Horse and Mini Horse trials also was cancelled. Flora Lea, which has been running a USEA event since 1975, hopes to stage its Fall Horse Trials in September.
USEF has offered webinars with various affiliates about how competition should resume. (See the story below this one on the main page of this website.) There is quite a list of requirements, but it is nothing compared to what was produced by Major League Baseball, which has a 67-page document outlining medical protocols to be followed once that sport begins again.
During the USEF/U.S. Eventing Association webinar this month, one of the panelists, USEA Vice President of Competitions Jonathan Elliott, warned he didn’t foresee awards ceremonies under the current conditions, envisioning that riders would pick up their ribbons from a table and shouldn’t count on a photo op.
Eventers just need to get out there, and qualifications for future events are important to achieve. USEA President Max Corcoran suggested it might be helpful for eventers to consider starting out a level below where they finished last season.
Riders in all disciplines have to think about whether they are prepared to compete. As U.S Dressage Federation President Lisa Gorretta put it, “If you are ready and comfortable to resume competition, you should. If you are not ready or not comfortable, that is okay too.”
It’s been a difficult spring for many riders, including some who have their own horses but were barred from coming to their barns for weeks due to state restrictions.
Stephanie Desiderio, who runs Tranquillity Farm in Chester Township with her husband, Ricci, and their son, Michael, as well as their daughter, Alexandria, said their 72-horse facility was on lockdown for four weeks, so they took the time to make improvements in the facility. The Desiderios and staff exercised the horses during that period, and the couple was able to keep their 10 employees on the payroll, even though they were denied a small business loan.
Michael and Stephanie Desiderio. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The Desiderios began allowing boarders to ride in lessons a month ago, but the riders were required to simply get on their mounts then leave immediately after the lesson ended. As of Friday, boarders can ride without taking a lesson. A program for those who don’t own their own horses will resume Friday.
As with the eventing, Stephanie noted there already is huge demand in the hunter/jumper ranks for when shows start again. Her riders could only get on the waiting list for the Tryon, N.C., show series because that was booked so quickly. They had better luck with Traverse City, Mich. But with limited entries due to the need for social distancing, many shows will not have their usual capacity to take exhibitors.
Another professional, Max Amaya said his Stonehenge Stables in Colts Neck had to cancel a European tour for 16 horses arranged in conjunction with Stacia Madden at Beacon Hill. European shows have been cancelled at the same rate as U.S. shows, and it’s not the time for equine air travel. Max was hoping the Lake Placid, N.Y., show would be held next month, but iit was cancelled. So his Plan A for the summer had to be scrapped “100 percent,” and he went to Plan B.
That includes two weeks at Tryon, two weeks in Kentucky and in between, visits to the Princeton Show Jumping competitions in Skillman. Being able to accept change is the order of the day.
“It’s a new era we’re living in,” observed Max.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 26, 2020
Virtual eventing? It’s even got its own T-shirt. These days in the horse world, it seems as if it’s virtual everything.
The USEF’s announcement that recognized competitions won’t run before the end of May is another push for equestrian sport to expand in the virtual universe. It’s not USEF’s fault that shows are on hold during the pandemic, of course; it’s a question in America of state restrictions that come first, but it’s also a worldwide problem. Equestrian organizations around the globe are following suit as even the venerable Aachen, Germany, fixture was called off.
For competition organizers who had hoped to start up in May, however, it’s a blow at the time when the outdoor show season across the country usually is in full swing. But this May, no one will ride under the famous “Where Champions Meet” arch at Devon.
So everyone is going to the internet (as if we don’t spend enough time on line already) to try scratching the horse show itch. USEF presented a virtual event “live”? of the 2012 Rolex Kentucky cross-country Saturday (when it should have been cross-country day for 2020 Land Rover Kentucky). The FEI is making its TV free “while live sport is on hold.” The Global Champions Tour is having a “Stay at Home Special” of replays from last year’s competitions and Tryon International Equestrian Center offered a bracketed social media jump-off tournament powered by votes on Facebook and Instagram.
In Britain, the Royal Windsor Horse Show has gone virtual, while Virtual Eventing is holding, well, a virtual event May 6-10, pre-recorded and live scored. Each rider will be raising money for the National Health Service in the United Kingdom or a charity that will benefit Covid 19 frontline medical staff in their own country.
The riders are videoed at home doing a dressage test, then jump cross-country and stadium without their horses. Those participating include Boyd Martin, William Fox-Pitt and Meg Kepferle.To watch, starting with the trot-up (expect some unusual outfits) go to www.virtualeventing.com.
Let’s hope this is not the wave of the future, but is simply something to fill in the blank until shows start up again, whenever that might be.
Nona Garson and her partner, George D’Ambrosio, are trying to do something virtual that’s more personal for their Garden State Horse Show, which can’t happen as planned at the Ridge at Riverview showgrounds in Asbury, Warren County. It would have been the first time they were to host what was once the largest horse show in New Jersey. But making the best of it, they came up with the Garden State Stay at Home Classic.
George D’Ambrosio and Nona Garson.
The prizelist has separate categories for video and still photo submissions, with classes ranging from Mother’s Day leadline, bareback, and horseless jumping (including poles on the ground). Grand prix classes will be judged on style, speed, agility and efficiency; hunters on performance, soundness and manners; equitation on execution and position. There will also be dog competitions.
How did the couple come up with the concept?
“We were sitting there every day watching what’s happening in the world,” Nona explained.
“It’s so disheartening. We thought it was a way we could interact and have people enjoy the thought of horse showing while they stay safe at home. It’s to give you the feeling that you’re showing without leaving the comfort of your living room.” She added with a chuckle, “There will be no drug testing.”
Nona, an international show jumper who has ridden for the U.S. team and judged intercollegiate shows, will be doing the judging, but has enlisted friends to help judge if the entries are more than she can handle.
“We’re learning as we go here,” said Nona. “I’m not sure what kind of response we’re going to get.”
The idea worked so well with Royal Windsor that it has thousands of virtual entries, so it will be interesting to see if it is as popular on this side of the Atlantic.
For the rules and how to enter, go to http://www.ridgeshowjumping.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Virtual-Show.pdf. The entry deadline is May 2.
All winning entries will be featured on the Ridge’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Ribbons will be mailed for first through fourth-place winners; fifth through eighth will get virtual ribbons. Other prizes include products from sponsors, including leather goods and feed, that will be awarded in some divisions, while champions will receive a coupon for 10 percent off their entries at one future show at the Ridge at Riverview during the 2020 show season. The leading trainer will have a free tack stall at one show at the Ridge at Riverview while the Hunter Derby winner gets 50 percent off one stall and 20 percent off their entries at one show.
Ribbons can’t be presented in person by Nona Garson at the Garden State virtual horse show, but they will get to prize winners by mail.
Garden State was supposed to run April 28-May3, but the Ridge was also scheduled to hold three other shows in May that can’t happen now. The first two June shows are unrecognized, which could offer some leeway if the Governor eases restrictions on what’s happening in New Jersey
Nona believes that there will be no problem holding shows on the Ridge’s 50-acre property while maintaining social distancing, as they did in their final Turf Tour show in Wellington, Fla., during March.
“I spread the schedule out and had people come in small groups all day long and it worked perfectly. There were never more than eight exhibitors and everybody kept their distance. They did their entries electronically so no one had to go in the office.” Classes ran for hours, so people cold schedule when they would come. Riders and trainers were able to walk the course in the middle of the class if they had just arrived on the grounds.
There are plenty of wide open spaces around the Ridge at Riverview.
Asked if she would consider doing the same sort of thing in New Jersey, she said, “100 percent.” She believes at such shows, people barely have to interact in person.
“I think we need to revisit how we do things, but making people stop entirely is not the answer either.”
Tom Struzzieri, the impresario of the HITS show series, already has a plan worked out on how to achieve appropriate social distancing when his competitions start.
Tom Struzzieri of HITS.
HITS has bought the Lamplight property in Illinois, where the USEF’s Dressage Festival of Champions is held. He noted that his previous Chicago-area property, Balmoral, wasn’t popular with exhibitors, who made a plea for him to go to Lamplight.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to reinvent ourselves again in the Midwest,” he said. “We’re going to expand, as we grow into the property, the money we spend” on jumper and hunter prizes.
He’s hoping to start his shows at Lamplight and Saugerties, N.Y., the first week of June if local authorities say he can go.
Meanwhile, Tom and his family are doing what they can to help during this crisis, having given away 5,000 meals last week to people who have been adversely affected by the pandemic situation.
He’s tailoring his shows to the current situation.
“We’re going to do a terrific amount of work for social distancing for everyone at the horse show,” he commented.
That includes modifying the computer program for entries so exhibitors don’t have to spend time in the office. The food service will be set up as a grab-and-go and stabling will be arranged in quadrants so exhibitors are in charge of their own areas. The schedule is still being written, but the idea is to have it organized as show-and-go, with days added to minimize density if the USEF permits. Everything is refundable because the situation is evolving.
It looks like this is going to be the new normal, and who knows for how long. It’s a challenge, but how encouraging to see the equestrian industry is stepping up to find solutions so we can move from the virtual to the real thing.
