by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 22, 2020
The International Olympic Committee is changing its tune and setting a four-week deadline to decide whether the Tokyo Games set for this summer should be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Although the IOC had been insisting the Games would go ahead as planned, pushback from athletes and national Olympic committees seeking a delay put pressure on the board to reconsider. The panel met today and said the “worldwide deteriorating situation” involving the disease has prompted another step in developing scenarios for the existing operation plan for the Games–or a change to its start date.
While the IOC is not considering cancellation, it will also look at the possibility of a “scaled-down” Games.
British Olympic Association Chairman Sir Hugh Robertson urged “rapid decision-making for the sake of athletes who still face significant uncertainty.”
He pointed out, “Restrictions now in place have removed the ability of athletes to compete on a level playing field and it simply does not seem appropriate to continue on the present course towards the Olympic Games in the current environment.”
USA Swimming and USA Track and Field were among the groups urging a one-year postponement of the Games. Athletes say that closed gyms, stadiums and pools have made it impossible to train properly for the Olympics. For horse sports, cancellation of competitions that were to be used for training and to select teams is also a problem. It particularly affects eventing, which has seen two 5-stars, Kentucky and Badminton, fall by the wayside along with other competitions that mean it is impossible for participants in that discipline to prepare properly.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said postponement would be necessary if the Games cannot be held in a complete way because of the pandemic.
“If the Olympics cannot be staged “in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, backed by their Athletes’ Commissions, National Sports Organizations and the Government of Canada, have decided Canadian teams will not be sent to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this July.
They “urgently call on the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee and the World Health Organization to postpone the Games for one year and we offer them our full support in helping navigate all the complexities that rescheduling the Games will bring. While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community. ”
The Canadian organizations noted, “This is not solely about athlete health – it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games. In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow.”
Australia also will not be sending a team to Tokyo if the Games get under way on their scheduled dates this year.
AOC Chief Executive Matt Carroll explained, “We have athletes based overseas, training at central locations around Australia as teams and managing their own programs. With travel and other restrictions this becomes an untenable situation.”
In a letter to athletes published today, IOC president Thomas Bach said that “we are in a dilemma” and “a final decision about the date of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 now would still be premature”.
He added that to postpone the Games “is an extremely complex challenge” and a cancellation would “destroy the Olympic dream of 11,000 athletes”.
In terms of a postponement, Bach warned: “A number of critical venues needed for the Games could potentially not be available anymore.
“The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle, and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted. These are just a few of many, many more challenges.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 8, 2020
The Live Oak International, named after its signature trees draped with Spanish moss, is a boutique horse show extraordinaire. Started 30 years ago as a combined driving competition, it is the only fixture in the U.S. that offers both grand prix show jumping and top-level driving (five advanced national championships were awarded this weekend).
Unlike the crowded grounds of the major show series, Live Oak offers thousands of peaceful acres where horses can relax, grazing and walking peacefully through wide open spaces in a setting that feels like what we call “old Florida,” before the days of high rises and retirement villages.
Horses feel peaceful standing under the live oaks. (Photo ©2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
The show is put on by the Weber family. Chester Weber is among the best four-hand drivers in the world, while his sister, Juliet Reid, formerly was president of the Washington International Horse Show. Her daughter, Chloe, is a professional show jumper who upheld the family pride by winning a class at this year’s show.
Since 2015, Live Oak has been the final qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final ™. That’s particularly exciting during the years riders aim for the final in Las Vegas (2015 and 2020), because everyone is so eager to ride in that glittering city.
It always puts a little extra excitement into the $100,000 qualifier, and today’s class was no exception. The course was artfully designed by Olaf Petersen Jr., who is also laying out the routes next month for the final at the Thomas & Mack Center. His trademark is putting together designs that challenge the best riders while not overfacing those who aren’t at that level. And his favorite number for a jump-off is eight, which is what he got today.
Even better, the rounds got faster and faster in the tie-breaker, where the top three were all clocked in 37 seconds and change.
Adrienne Sternlicht is still bringing back her fantastic mare Crystalline, who was injured when she was on the gold medal team at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games
Finishing the $100,000 class was a must-do requirement in order for Adrienne to be able to ride the 12-year-old in Vegas. But she did far better than that, with WEG teammate McLain Ward helping from the sidelines. Adrienne was clocked in 37.96 seconds, beating the previous mark set by Devin Ryan of Long Valley, N.J., 38.66 aboard Caspar’s Lasino, owned by Olympic multi-medalist Anne Kursinski’s Market Street in Frenchtown, N.J.
Devin Ryan and Caspar’s Lasino. (Photo ©2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
But when Margie Engle set off on Dicas, the crowd was leaning forward, riding with the famous speedster as she turned in a time of 37.37 seconds to move in front of Adrienne.
Daniel Coyle, the red-headed Irishman who rides for Canadian Ariel Grange, was last to go and managed despite a slip by Farrel to edge Margie in 37.05 seconds.
When Farrel slipped, Daniel thought he had lost and wondered if he would still be able to catch the leaders.
Winner Daniel Coyle of Ireland and Farrel. (Photo ©2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Both Margie and Adrienne have fantastic horses and are fantastic riders,” said Daniel. “Our plan was to go to come to Live Oak International with the hopes of qualifying for the Final and this win has done that for us.”
Farrel obviously was excited about his victory. He reared several times, as Margie distracted Dicas from the antics of Daniel’s horse with a few well-placed pats on the neck.
Farrel made sure everyone knew who won the big class. (Photo ©2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Adrienne, had a close call in terms of being able to compete in the $100,000 class after falling off in the Friday qualifier for the grand prix when the other horse she brought to Live Oak, Benny’s Legacy, took off long at a fence. Normally, she wouldn’t have been able to compete today, but since there were less than 40 vying for a spot in the big class, she got in.
Her performance this afternoon made her first in the Eastern sub-league of the Longines-sponsored North American League of riders qualified for the finals, with Beezie Madden second and 19-year-old whiz kid Brian Moggre standing third. Devin also won his ticket to Vegas, though he will ask the horse’s owner before making a final decision on whether to go West. But Margie is headed for Vegas with or without her horse; she loves to gamble.
The runaway winner of the Western sub-league is Karl Cook, while a seventh place finish today put Jenni McAllister into a Vegas slot, along with Alex Granato, who did not compete in Ocala.
The driving marathon Saturday drew a great crowd around the obstacles, where Chester (who had the best score in all of the hazards) drew the loudest cheers. He won his 17th national four-in-hand championship wire-to-wire, taking first in dressage and cones as well, while looking toward this summer’s world championships in the Netherlands.
Jacob Arnold drove a stunning duo of grays to claim the advanced pair horse trophy. Taylor Bradish took the advanced single horse title, as she aims for that division’s world championships for the first time. Katie Whaley (who designs the most intriguing hats) was the advanced pony pairs champ for the fifth time (while mulling moving up to a pony four-in-hand.) Three-time single pony titleist Jennifer Keeler is awaiting the first foal from her beloved Amazing Grace, whose offspring is arriving courtesy of a surrogate.
Chester Weber in the cones on the way to his 17th national championship. (Photo ©2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
So you can see that Live Oak is special, but it’s concerning that the show has lost its date on the calendar. Live Oak had kept the spot because it offered a World Cup qualifier, but as the list of qualifiers was cut from 14 to eight, starting in 2021, Live Oak did not get a renewal of qualifier status. So it will be the decision of the U.S. Equestrian Federation as to the show’s future.
It’s important to keep it going for show jumping, so horses can get a break from the all-weather footing at the big shows and enjoy jumping on grass. But it’s even more important for driving.
“This is the only (driving) event in the U.S. where we have more than one event (sport) happening at the same time,” pointed out Jacob, who is a member of the USEF board as an elected athlete. He noted, “It’s a great thing for our sport..We get more public, more attention, which helps obviously build driving’s name throughout the country. It’s a wonderful event, it’s very well put-on.”
Jon Garner, who took over as the show’s director of sport this year,said, “I think for the sport, this is a critical event to the calendar for sure. It changes the focus for the horses and riders, especially on the jumping side, because you’re on grass.
“For driving, it’s critical to have a high level event in your country. It’s going to raise up the skill level of the athletes. We have to find a way for 2021 where it fits and what the plan will be.”
The general opinion seems to be that a 3-star rating for Live Oak’s show jumping would fit in well on the schedule, particularly when the Winter Equestrian Festival across the state in Wellington offers a 2-star and a 5-star. A 3-star likely would draw more people, because it offers classes that are less difficult than a World Cup qualifier, I’ve been told.
Chester urged riders, drivers and anyone else who enjoys Live Oak to contact the USEF and tell the federation it’s important to get a date for next year.
“Without a date, we can’t have sport,” he emphasized.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 31, 2020
It’s the end of an era.
The Garden State Horse Show is heading this spring to the Asbury showgrounds run by Nona Garson and her partner, George D’Ambrosio, as the former Junior Essex Troopers who ran it with devotion for decades step aside from its management for good.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of this tradition” said Tim Cleary, who joined Troop in 1967 at age 10 and 1/2, then went on to manage the show for 33 years.
The show’s license has been transferred and it now will be called the Garden State Horse Show at the Ridge at Riverview, the name of Nona and George’s showgrounds in Warren County. It will be held April 29-May 3, with a pre-show the weekend before.
The Garden State Horse Show, which spent a year at the USET Foundation, is moving to a new location this spring. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Junior Essex Troop ran as a military-style organization for boys that had its own farm in West Orange. At one time, the organization presented the largest junior show in America. It became an open show in 1972, known for its fun and challenging outside course, which involved crossing a stream and going up and down a hill.
“It’s a horse show I’ve been going to since I was a little kid. I grew up there,” said Nona. Recalling galloping down “the mountain” and splashing through the water, she estimated she had been involved with the show for 50-plus years.
Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
She and George are “really excited about it,” appreciating the chance to host a show with such a long history that it is number 145 on the roster of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s 2,300 recognized competitions.
The troopers proudly wore their uniforms, taking care of the horses at the farm while relishing aspects of military life, including marching and riding with the organization’s well-known drill team, building an unshakeable camaraderie. Though the Troop disbanded as an active equestrian organization in the late 1980s, the former troopers enjoyed an annual reunion putting on the show, doing everything from announcing to management and serving as jump crew.
After the West Orange farm was sold in 1983, the show moved to Chubb Park in Chester and then to the Sussex County fairgrounds in 1987, where it became New Jersey’s largest horse show.
At every location, the former troopers, worked tirelessly to stage it. But handling everything was getting harder as the men got older. After the troop stopped functioning as an active equestrian operation, there wasn’t a legacy of younger people to bring up through the ranks, who could keep the show going in band of brothers style.
Troop alumni made their show an annual reunion. (Photo© 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Garden State last year relocated to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, where it occupied just one ring, compared with the eight it utilized at its previous home in Sussex.
That followed a similar move in 2016 by the Monmouth County Horse Show when it transferred to the Somerset County location, but the concept didn’t work as well for Garden State as it did for Monmouth.
Tucker Ericson, who guides Monmouth at the Team, ran Garden State in 2019 but estimated about half of the exhibitors at the troop show were different from the Monmouth competitors.
While Monmouth’s highest U.S. Equestrian Federation rating is B on several days, Garden State had a double-A rating for hunters and included Level 4 jumpers as well, highlighted by a $25,000 grand prix.
With only one ring, the show had to run nine days to include everything, and as Nona mentioned, it’s a quite a commitment to stay at one show for that long.
Tucker pointed out, “A one-ring horse show is very hard to break even. If not for the sponsors and the trainers supporting hospitality, then these shows can’t exist. It’s critical for that support to pull this off.”
When Tucker, who works in insurance, took a new job, he no longer had time for Garden State. At that point, it was obvious a big change was inevitable. Nona and George, who also run the highly succesful Turf Tour in Wellington, Fla., seemed to those involved with the show like the right management team to take over.
“We thought they were the best possiblity for continuing a show that was more in line with the way the Garden State Horse Show has been conducted, which was from the lead line to the grand prix riders, the expanse of talent and capabilities, not just an elite show,” said Rodney Seelig, who has served as Garden State’s chairman.
Nona anticipates this year’s show will have four or five rings. She and George are working on trying to get sponsorship for a $50,000 grand prix.
The troop organization will continue, but what it will do–aside from a reunion at this year’s fixture–is still under discussion.
“The show has been an all-encompassing operation of the organization for so many years,” said Rodney, pointing out that now, there is finally some breathing room and time to weigh whether troop alums should focus on giving scholarships or other philanthropic pursuits.
Whatever happens, none of those involved will ever forget their experience with the troop or the show.
The Garden State group at Sussex.
“My fondest memory of the whole time was working with such a good crew of people,” said Tim.
“When you are fortunate enough to be part of a great team, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in life.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 18, 2020
Equestrians too often are viewed as people of privilege—even if they’re struggling to maintain a single horse in a humble backyard barn. But what most of those outside the horse world don’t realize is that many charity efforts not necessarily related directly to horses are spearheaded by individual equine enthusiasts or groups, doing everything from helping in disasters (such as the bush fires in Australia) to rescuing dogs (Danny and Ron’s) and taking on land use issues (Equestrian Land Conservation Resource).
There is also, however, a wider vantagepoint in terms of the impact equestrians make around the world, which is even lesser-known by the general public. Jim Wolf saw an opportunity to highlight what is being done for a variety of wide-ranging causes, organizing a seminar on “The Equestrian Community’s Impact on Global, Environmental and Social Issues,” at the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s annual meeting in West Palm Beach this month.
Jim, who has worked for USEF and the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, is an entrepreneur who runs the Wolf Sports Group and knows key figures across the disciplines. With the sponsorship of MARS Equestrian, a major player on the scene these days, he organized the high-profile panel of thinkers and doers who operate independently with a broad range of initiatives.
The equestrian impact panel: Mollie Bogardus, Dave Vos, Jessica Newman, Joe Gerbino, David Jones and host Jim Wolf.
Anyone who sat in on or viewed the session (via the USEF network) would have agreed with Jim’s initial inspiration—“Wouldn’t it be interesting to harness the power of our equestrian community to help with some of these really important causes.
“To do that, it is necessary to let the public get a glimpse at how these organizations are helping in the big picture. I’m in a unique position to connect people and I’m going to do it, because it’s the right thing to do,” said Jim, who is planning similar forums, some with different participants, elsewhere in the future.
Jim noted, “The crowd that was here was incredibly engaged. There was a lot of passion about this topic within our community, but they haven’t had a voice to express it as a community that I’m aware of.”
Among the participating groups was Brooke USA, represented by veterinarian David Jones. Brooke USA and its associated organization, The Brooke, annually serve more than 2 million working equines in underdeveloped countries. Representatives bring veterinary care and teach owners how to properly care for their animals, a practice that benefits more than 12 million people who rely on the creatures for transportation and their livelihood. The welfare of their animals is directly related to the welfare of their owners and their families.
“There is,” the veterinarian pointed out, “a lot of effort that has been put into trying to make these communities that we work with, in a three-to-five-year period, sustainable and give them empowerment to look after their own needs.”
Jessica Newman, a former grand prix show jumper, spoke about her work as founder and president of JustWorld International, which has involved many other show ring competitors. Her organization funds educational and nutritional programs, in addition to medical resources for families in underdeveloped areas.
“When I graduated, I felt an incredible need to unite the global equestrian community, which I had grown up in, in order to effect positive change in the world that could fracture the cycle of global poverty,” she said. “I’ve always thought the power and influence of the equestrian community is enormous and I wanted to create a platform for philanthropy within the equestrian sector.”
Dave Vos, who owns eventing horses for Phillip Dutton, founded the Vos Foundation with a goal of planting more than 1 trillion trees before the year 2030 to eat up the rising concentration of global carbon emissions.
“We have a significant responsibility to address what we’ve done to the atmosphere, but we also have a remarkable opportunity to do that now,” said the native of South Africa.
Alternatively, he suggested “planting 13 trees a year for every person alive on the planet.”
Mollie Bogardus of Washington State started Aveterra, which deals with “creating value from waste.” She talked about sustainable manure removal and disposal, always an issue for equestrian operations.
“I’ve come to really understand the economics of manure and what happens when water hits our manure piles and our paddocks that aren’t cleaned. Nutrients in the manure leach out into the waterways and when there is access to these nutrients in the water, it feeds the algae that exists there and makes it go crazy, suffocating anything underneath of it,” she said.
One step toward alleviating the problem is a relationship with the local conservation district, she suggested, but technology and a good composting system can make a huge difference in the impact on costs and the environment.
Joe Gerbino, the global communications director of cocoa at MARS, focused on sustainability, a key factor as the company continues improving its global footprint. MARS hones in on three key areas: climate action, water stewardship and land use. The company wants to make sure the cocoa used in its products is 100 percent traceable. The goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050.
Bridgett McIntosh, director of MARS Equestrian who served as moderator for the session, noted the concept was the “most authentic way to expand on our partnership with the USEF and show our commitment to having a meaningful impact on equestrian sports and the
“At MARS, our approach to business starts with our purpose, and the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do our business today. This is our inspiration for pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves in the way we do business.” She pointed out that “horse health and environmental health go hand in hand. The equestrian element is the common passion we share as a community. It’s about doing the right thing, and horses tie us all together.”
The forum was just one of a number of informational opportunities at the convention, which for the first time focused on major issues rather than rule changes (rule changes will be approved at the USEF board’s June meeting.)
On awards nights during the convention, individual achievers were featured. Tim Dutta, whose company ships horses all over the world, received the Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy for distinguished service to equestrian sport.
Tim Dutta, winner of the Sallie Busch Wheeler trophy.
Not bad for a guy who came to this country from India and started working as a groom for Conrad Homfeld, before becoming a taxi driver in New York and finally founding his own successful business.
The National Equestrian of the Year was hunter rider Nick Haness, while the hunter El Primero, shown by Victoria Colvin and owned by Bryan Baldwin and Meralex Farm, was the National Horse of the Year. The Dutch warmblood won the 2019 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Tom Brennan with National Rider of the Year Nick Haness.
Five-time International Equestrian of the Year Beezie Madden captured the title again. Although the Olympic multi-medalist is best known as a great rider,
Beezie also earns kudos for dedication and commitment to her work as a USEF board member. She always shows up for meetings and contributes to the discussions. Few athletes come close to participating in governance the way she does. Beezie realizes how important it is and takes it seriously.
Darry Lou, the Dutchbred stallion owned by Abigail Wexner and ridden by Beezie, was the International Horse of the Year. His victories included the world’s richest show jumping competition, the $3 million CP International Grand Prix presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows last September.
He was far from Beezie’s first winner of the award—others she rode who have taken the title include Authentic, Simon and Cortes C.
Darry Lou belongs in their ranks because as Beezie put it, “He just does everything right. If I have a fault, it’s usually my fault, because he pretty much does everything I ask him to do. He’s special in that way. He has all the qualities you need.
Beezie Madden, center, scored a double by taking the International Rider of the Year title and the International Horse of the Year honors with her mount, Darry Lou.
“He’s maybe not as spectacular a jumper as others, but he’s very correct, he’s very careful, he’s scopey, he’s nice to ride, he has a super temperament. He’s a pleasure to deal with,” she said.
If Beezie had to pick a ride for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, she revealed (not surprisingly), Darry Lou “would be number one.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 7, 2019
So many former racehorses, both thoroughbred and Standardbred, face an uncertain–and possibly unhappy–fate when they leave the track. Although there are groups geared to finding new jobs and/or new homes for them (the Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance come to mind), many still fall through the cracks.
But Re-Elect is a lucky one with owners who cared about him–even after he spent 16 years away from them. Maggi Romano and her husband, Tony, who own a farm in the Clarksburg section of Millstone, Monmouth County, bought the black Standardbred gelding by New Jersey stallion Presidential Ball when he was three. He started racing for them at Freehold, and Maggi recalled how her friends all loved the horse with personality that she called Re-Re.
He went on to compete at Yonkers, Monticello and Colonial Downs in Virginia before things went wrong. In 2001, Maggi sent him to a farm so he could be refreshed from his work at the track, but against her wishes, the owners turned him out with other horses.
“They chased him overnight and he ran through the fence, cutting his tendon,” she said. Maggi realized the injury meant an end to his racing career, so she sought an alternative job for him when his tendon healed after a stay in New Jersey.
“I heard the Army uses black horses for their funerals and that a Standardbred who raced at Freehold was with the Caisson Platoon at the Arlington National Cemetery (the former trotter was Sgt. York, the riderless horse at President Reagan’s funeral). They had no openings, but someone put us in touch with the Indiana National Guard.”
That worked. Their horse was approved by the Military Department of the Indiana Ceremonial Unit that provides military honors at funeral services for active or retired members of the Indiana National Guard.
Reed on duty as an outrider’s horse with Chaplain Martha Lasher in the saddle and Sgt. Megan Mason standing by. (Photo courtesy Indiana National Guard)
“We set up an adoption contract, in case it wasn’t working out or they didn’t need him anymore,” said Maggi, the former president of the New Jersey Horse Council and chairman of the state Equine Advisory Board.
The Guard gave him his military name, Reed; picked him up and took him to the Midwest. And that seemed to be that.
“I tried to stay in touch, and my husband went to see him at their barn and at a parade,” Maggi noted.
“But his handlers were called for active combat overseas, and he was shuffled to different handlers and barns,” she said. “I thought of him and looked at his picture sometimes, but didn’t think I would see him again.”
Then, this August, events began moving toward having Re-Re, aka Reed, back in her life.
“I received an email from Chaplain (Martha) Lasher of the Indiana National Guard Ceremonial Unit,” explained Maggi.
The chaplain, who had only been with the unit for 18 months, found a file on Reed that included the adoption contract. It was providential, since the horse was ready to retire from his military duties at the age of 23. The chaplain just hoped Maggi still could be reached at the email address in the file.
“According to the contract, I had to be contacted if they should find a retirement home in Indiana or if I would like to have him back,” said Maggi, who was speechless when she got the email. She forwarded the notification to her husband, “and he voted to take him back.”
The chaplain explained to Maggi what Reed had been doing, noting that not everybody gets a horse at their funeral. The honor is reserved for those with the rank of sergeant major, chief warrant officers, colonels and generals, as well as governors and senators. The unit did not keep complete records, but there was enough available to know that Reed participated in more than 90 funerals, where draft horses pulled the caissons. Reed functioned either as an outrider’s horse or as the CAP horse (caparisoned in ornamental trappings with an empty saddle). This is the riderless horse that (like Sgt. York) walks behind the casket with a sabre, empty saddle and empty boots turned backwards in the stirrups, symbolic of a fallen warrior.
He also was in many parades and public events, in the color guard carrying the flag, in addition to numerous exhibitions and outreach events of the Caisson Platoon/Ceremonial Unit. Reed, who had been given the rank of Sergeant First Class, would meet and greet the public and let them touch him, a way for them to get a glimpse into the life of a military horse.
Rick Tarr, a retired first sergeant who is involved with care of horses in the Indiana unit (his wife, Shelley, a retired E-4 specialist is the stable manager), was very fond of Reed. He cited the horse’s playfulness, “he’d steal a glove right out of your pocket.”
A volunteer who also trains riders and horses, Rick noted that Reed “was at almost every event,” which included as many as 15 to 20 parades a year. Asked what he looks for in a potential addition to the unit’s eight-horse string, Rick said “their demeanor,” and Reed filled that bill admirably until his retirement.
Rick, who had been the non-commissioned officer in charge of the stable, called Reed “outstanding,” noting how well he stood at ceremonies. If he ever got a little restless, it only took a small circle and a chorus of “You Are My Sunshine” from one of the soldiers to get him back in the groove and standing still.
The pieces began falling into place for Reed’s return to the Romanos when the chaplain explained she was coming to New Jersey for a family event at the end of September and could bring the horse to Clarksburg.
But before that, there was an official retirement for Reed and his stablemate, Midnight, a Percheron who had served for 19 years and was being adopted by a Gold Star Mother. She planned to ride him and incorporate him in her therapy program for veterans.
The Romanos were invited to the Sept. 9 ceremony. Maggi started driving to Indiana Sept. 8, “making sure I would not miss any of it.” A reception was set for noon the next day, but she got permission to come at 11 and arrived a half-hour early, full of anticipation.
Maggi and Reed at his retirement ceremony. (Photo courtesy Indiana National Guard)
When meeting members of the military at the ceremony, “I wanted to thank them for their service,” she said, “but they were thanking me for sending him (Reed) to them, letting him be part of their unit for so many years and now being willing to take him back to his forever home.”
It would be nice to say that Reed whinnied and rushed over to see Maggi when they were reunited, but it had been 16 years and let’s face it, a horse often has different priorities than a human–even when the cameras are on him.
“I hugged him,” Maggi said, “but he wasn’t interested. He wanted to eat grass.”
During the ceremony, Chaplain Lasher described the backgrounds of Reed and Midnight, talking about their years of service. Their replacements also were part of the ceremony.
“Sgt. Amber Brown took the sabres that had been used with the two retiring horses and presented them to the two new horses,” said Maggi.
“We all lined up with the horses and the Adjutant General presented Midnight’s new owner and me with a picture box with the folded flag, his badges and a script: “Be it known, SFC Reed having completed 16 years of faithful service to state and nation, while serving as a member of the Indiana National Guard. Whereas having served with distinction, unselfish devotion to duty and total dedication has been placed upon the RETIRED Roll, Indiana National Guard.”
Then Reed was shipping to New Jersey in a big trailer with the official seal of the MDI Ceremonial Unit.
However, as Maggi observed, “Many Standardbreds don’t like retired life. He was lost the first few days at my farm. He missed his friends and the daily routine. The military horses in Indiana were ridden and driven by their handlers every week, even if there were no events. He had looked out for his stablemates at the farm in Indiana and felt like the protector of even the 18-hands Percherons.”
Reed back at home in New Jersey, where he can relax, roll in his paddock and just be a horse again. (Photo by Maggi Romano)
Eventually, he became attached to the Romanos’ racehorse, Wicked Business, so he has a new friend.
And he may be making a public appearance again in 2020.
“I have contacted the local veterans’ group,” she explained, “and Reed might be leading next year’s Memorial Day parade. We hope our plans work out and he will be ridden by one of his handlers from Indiana.”
Whatever happens, he has a home for the rest of his life.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 28, 2019
The Essex Fox Hounds’ Thanksgiving meet at the Ellistan estate in Peapack is as much a holiday tradition as turkey and football for those who return annually to watch the horses and riders gather. It’s fun and informal. There are no signs or advertisements; you just have to know it’s happening, or know someone who knows it’s happening.
Riders gather at Ellistan as spectators view the action. (Photo ©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
For 90 years, the gracious stone home with its multiple chimneys has made an impressive backdrop for the equestrian cavalcade on the sweeping lawn. Farther up the field, tailgaters put out the doughnuts, rolls, orange juice, cider and an occasional bottle of champagne, all very festive, but the silver tableware stays at home, waiting for the main event.
How long has tailgater Bryan Christian been coming to the Thanksgiving hunt as a spectator? All of his 45 years.
Tailgaters Bryan Christian (left); his wife, Allison, and brother Paul Christian and their families are regulars at the Thanksgiving meet. (Photo ©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
“We grew up in the area and now we have multiple generations coming down,” said Bryan, a resident of Tewksbury. “It’s a great family day to come out early before Thanksgiving starts and getting everybody together gets the blood going before you have some turkey.”
Brian’s brother, Paul, said his five kids (ages 23 down to 12) look forward to coming, even though they now live in Richmond, Va., nearly a seven-hour drive
The children always ask, he said, “`Are we going to go to the hunt Thanksgiving morning?’ It’s something to remember.”
Hundreds of people circle the roped-off area where the horses arrive before setting out, as riders take a cup of cider (mixed with something stronger for grown-ups) from a passed tray. In recent years, a yellow rope barrier has been put up, so visitors don’t swarm around the animals, which need their space for safety reasons.
A man next to me was enjoying the scene, remarking to his friends that “it’s great for community engagement,” but he added he had no idea how this custom started.
A chance to pat a pony is a demonstration of “community engagement.” (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
I filled him in, explaining the Thanksgiving hunt became a magnet in the area during the 1970s and ’80s when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis rode with Essex, often bringing her son, John, along.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis with her son, John (left on chestnut horse) at the Thanksgiving meet decades ago. (Photo ©by Nancy Jaffer)
It was a great opportunity for people to see the former First Lady in person, and newspaper coverage of her appearance led more spectators to mark it on their calendar every year.
Although she died a quarter-century ago, and didn’t hunt near the end of her life, the occasion stayed on those calendars and it no longer needed a celebrity to attract folks who wanted to get out in the country–even on a brisk, windy day.
There was a sad moment this time around, though, as Essex Joint Master Karen Murphy announced that Lou Piancone had died this morning. (See the On the Rail column on this website for details.) Lou, 90, often drove his coach and four to the meet, adding an extra touch of panache.
Lou Piancone and his four-in-hand at the snowy 2014 Thanksgiving Essex meet. (Photo ©2014 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
He was a well-respected member of the equestrian community in the Somerset Hills and beyond. Lou had been active with the Gladstone Equestrian Association and served as chairman emeritus of the Coaching Club of America, headquartered at the Knickerbocker Club in New York City.
He was a mentor to World Equestrian Games combined driving medalist Tucker Johnson, whose carriage pulled by a pair was on hand to see the riders off, with expert driver Jeromy Smith handling the lines and Tucker’s mother, Gretchen, on board.
Jeromy Smith driving Tucker Johnson’s pair, with Gretchen Johnson in the carriage. (Photo ©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
With dozens of riders assembled, huntsman Bart Poole and the eager hounds were off and running, taking the group across Fowler Road from Ellistan.
Although it has long been usual for the first fence to be a wood stack, not only has that been rebuilt, but there was a new, more solid option for those who felt like jumping a little higher.
Bart and the hounds covered a lot of territory as they led the way through the scenic countryside of New Jersey’s Somerset Hills. Estate after estate offers opportunities for good gallops, and the hope is that the fox cooperates.
Bart Poole is out in front over a sturdy fence during the Thanksgiving meet. (Photo ©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The hunt field had plenty of recognizable faces, including Ellistan’s owner, Hank Slack; Lizzy Chesson, managing director of show jumping for the U.S. Equestrian Federation (riding for the first time since she hunted on Thanksgiving a few years back); Dr. Brendan Furlong and his wife, Dr. Wendy Leitch and Ralph Jones, co-chair of the Essex Horse Trials.
Ralph Jones emerges from the woods near larger crossroads. (Photo ©2019 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Hunt followers, undeterred by the cold, drove along back roads, hoping to see some of the action and make the enjoyment of the countryside last a little longer before heading home for dinner.
