by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 26, 2023
The first horse inspection at the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star Three-Day Event is always an occasion. There’s tension, of course, with riders wondering “Will my horse pass? Today, all 38 of them did. And it happened as usual in fine style, with competitors, human and equine, turned out meticulously.
There was fashion statement after fashion statement, and I was eager to find out who would win the Dubarry of Ireland award for the best-dressed male and female eventers. Alas, during last night’s welcome party at Fasig-Tipton, we were informed that the company would give only one award this year. As Dubarry’s Danny Hulse explained, since women and men are equals in equestrian competition, it felt more current not to make it an award for each sex.
So I decided to make my own selections. I liked Alina Dibowski’s demure belted tan capelet top with the fuzzy collar. The German matched it with white pants and tall black boots, a different take on what she wears when riding.
Alina Dibowski of Germany and Barbados 26, my choice for best-dressed female competitor. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The men usually aren’t too creative; they operate within more limits than the women, of course. (Though there was Boyd Martin’s red, white and blue Uncle Sam outfit at the final horse inspection here last year…) The Dubarry winner was Will Faudree, who wore a blue jacket with piping and a red tie.
But my pick was British rider David Doel. He was eye-catching in a claret colored bowtie with a matching arrow insignia on his shirt collar and the pocket of his short, two-button tan jacket. David has a sideline selling ice cream from his family’s Lacock Dairy, so this would be a good look for that job.
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, my pick for the best-dressed male rider. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The horses who sported quarter marks also looked sharp. I always enjoy seeing the different patterns.
Zara Tindall of Great Britain admired a beautifully marked Class Affair. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
An artful checkerboard decorated Classic VI, the mount of Britian’s Kirsty Chabert. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Oh, here’s something interesting. No passport, no problem. The horses’ identities were being checked with a scanner that picked up the numbers on their microchips.
World Eventing Champion Yasmin Ingham holds Banzai du Loir for his scan. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Will Coleman trotted up Chin Tonic, seen here, and Off the Record, his world championships team silver medal mount. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Doug Payne, last to trot up with Quantum Leap (who is starting in his fifth 5-star), had a little time to talk and a lot to talk about. He has a horse in the 4-star event that runs with the 5-star, and a ride in the 3-star show jumping competition as well. But it’s practically a vacation when you consider he had two horses in each eventing division here last year, and a jumper too.
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The top-placed American eventer at the Tokyo Olympics, he is looking toward the Paris Games next year.
“I would love it. We should have five qualified. I would love nothing more than to be able to represent the U.S. again,” he said.
I wondered if it is confusing to ride so many different horses at the same competition.
“The moment you’re in the saddle and focused on them, your only focus is that particular horse you might be on. You can start to make correlations between how one particular horse jumps something and how the other one might. That’s a bit of an advantage for sure.”
At the welcome party, former Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear a horsewoman who also is the mother of the current governor, paid tribute to Jim Wofford, the eventer, author and trainer .
“He was one of the most special people you will ever know. He certainly made an impression on every one of us. He taught us more than anything there is a partnership between horse and rider,” she said. Jim emphasized that if you are not doing everything you can to be a partner with a horse, then you are not doing your job.
“He taught us to be riders, he taught us to be horsemen, he taught us to be humanitarians, he taught us to have fun but he also told us to do our job,” she said.
Jane Beshear and EEI Executive Director Mike Cooper show off the new award in memory of Jim Wofford. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
In memory of Jim and all he stood for, the James C. Wofford On the Rise Award will be given to the highest-placed first-time 5-star rider and will be presented by Jim’s family on Sunday as the event comes to an end.
Jane asked everyone to raise their glasses in a toast: “We wouldn’t be where we are at this 4-star/5-star event were it not for Jimmy Wofford. We’ll miss you, Jimmy.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2023
The idea of establishing 3-foot/3-inch and 3-6 hunter divisions for adult amateurs who don’t own their own horses generally got a thumbs-down reaction during a U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Town Hall on Zoom Monday night.
The session, led by USHJA President Mary Knowlton, drew more than 200 participants, dozens of whom either spoke or wrote comments on line.
The biggest fear seemed to be that if such adult amateur divisions at those heights were created, they would be a “slippery slope” (in the words of professional Louise Serio) that eventually could lead to elimination of the amateur-owner hunter division.
It was pointed out that the suggestion was for adult hunters to be run at those heights “in addition to” the A/Os. And Mary noted that at this point, it is a “vague idea,” but she wanted to float it in a town hall.
Even so, the suggestion brought to mind the way the amateur-owner jumper division is now relegated to a Horse of the Year trophy, as amateurs who don’t own their own horses have taken a leading role in the section.
Mary characterized that as a different situation, however, explaining the problem in the A/O jumpers involved “struggling” with determining if the amateurs really owned the horses they were riding. It was easier to prove whether the rider was an amateur, she explained.
Many expressed trepidation about what could happen in the hunters with a big adult amateur change.
The A/O hunters, Louise pointed out, “have been the backbone of the sport for a very long time.” She worried that the new divisions could change not only the sport, but also the industry.
Noting how invested amateur/owner riders are in what they do, trainer Susie Schoellkopf pointed out, “they are not invested in someone showing against them on a horse they don’t own.”
“There’s no reason to change,” declared trainer Travis Lubow, which was also the sentiment of trainer Archie Cox: “Keep it as it is,” and a number of others who weighed in.
Niki Holtzman-Hays is a doctor who just wants to show her one horse over 3-3 on the weekends. She pointed out she can’t show during the week because of her work, “and never will be able to compete with college students who aren’t pros, but will be one day, or other `shamateurs.’ This change would totally defeat the purpose of being a true amateur.”
Alexandra Beaumont, a veteran of the adult hunters, took another tack. Saying that during her 40 years in the sport, she has seen “people jumping smaller and smaller jumps,” she believes that in part, the reason is that they can’t afford a horse or horses that would be competitive at a greater height.
“We are supposed to be a sport, and the sport part is dying. We need to find a way to encourage non-owner amateurs to jump higher. Our sport needs to be more accessible to more people. The A/O hunters have simply become too expensive for most in the sport now.”
A suggestion to offer both pro and non-pro classes in the Performance Hunters as an option got some support.
Shanette Barth Cohen, manager of the Hampton Classic horse show, said “it’s possible others could be brought into the sport at a higher level if they didn’t have to own a horse.”
At the same time, the concept raised concern because most show schedules already are so jam-packed that there generally isn’t enough time to squeeze in new divisions. One person mentioned that competition at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio hadn’t ended until 8 p.m. recently.
Among other subjects that came up during the town hall, there was word that an amateur hunter championship proposal is “under consideration.” If it happened, it wouldn’t be until 2025.
The cost of showing also was the subject of comment.
“I think we all agree it is quite expensive right now,” said Mary, but someone else pointed out it is only a fraction of the cost of buying horses and keeping them.
Joy Dunn cited the need for help to save the one-day horse shows, stepping stones that play so many roles in developing young horses and riders, are affordable and help support the farms where they are held. She pointed out those who have started competing in one-day shows often eventually move on to increase the bases of larger shows.
There was discussion about whether riders should be able to earn points for zone awards in contiguous states. It was pointed out that in some states, it’s closer for competitors to ride in adjacent states if there are shows nearby, rather than traveling a long distance in their own state. And it’s an issue in Wisconsin, where the closest shows are in Illinois, in another zone.
On the subject of zone awards, ideas to be discussed include whether they should only be champion and reserve, and having points count at just 15 or 20 shows.
The Town Hall was the first in a series of four. The next one will be at 7 p.m. on May 22. Others will be June 12 and July 24.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 14, 2023
(An update on survivors and memorial arrangements is at the end of this obituary)
Legendary steward, stable manager and equine caregiver Karen Golding died Friday morning after a long illness.
Karen, 72, had been hospitalized recently after her condition took a turn for the worse.
Many knew her as the groom of the famous Jet Run, who was ridden to much glory by Michael Matz. But there was far more to Karen than that.
David Distler, who had urged her to get her steward’s license, recalled her generous nature.
“She would go out of her way to help anybody with anything,” he said about his friend of 52 years.
“She was such a good teacher. She took great joy in helping people and teaching them.”
Her focus “was always all about the horse, all about the animals.”
He added that she believed in taking care of horses in a natural way, without many of the gimmicks so popular today.
“It wasn’t about what would get them back to the ring; it was about keeping a horse around for a long time,” he emphasized.
Michael Matz called her “a consummate professional. People knew her around the world for it.” He said her horses were so well turned-out, noting “they looked different.” He added she took some courses in acupressure and used it when it would benefit the horses.
Karen Golding. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Michael met the native of England in the early 1970s when she worked for Bernie Traurig. Then she moved to Winter Place Farm before coming to Erdenheim Farm in Pennsylvania, where Michael rode for F. Eugene Dixon Jr. He then went on to found his own Vintage Farm.
“She did everything the right way with the horses,” he commented.
“She was good for the sport. Grooms who had a problem with something would go to Karen. I think that says a lot.”
Jimmy Herring recruited Karen for Erdenheim. He had been friends with her since he was 19; he is now 68.
“We were very close most of those years. It was just one of those friendships; sometimes we’d talk every week. But many times we’d go months without talking, and then just pick up where we left off,” he said.
Jimmy used to call her “Mama,” noting “she looked after the whole crew. There were many times we would not have made it to work if Karen hadn’t gotten us out of bed. So many people, she influenced their lives and left a mark.”
“I’ve had so many text messages from everybody who worked at Erdenheim and Vintage Farm, saying what an influence she was, not only in their horse experience, but in their human experience about her kindness and her love of people and horses and animals.”
Sydnie Eustace Goodrich, who was grooming Melanie Smith’s horses, remembers Karen as a team player. When the U.S. competed at the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico, the horses were bedded on straw. But that did not work for Melanie’s horse, Val de Loire, because he would gorge on it.
Although it was replaced with pellets, Syd said Karen noted they were non-absorbent. No good. Next was shredded newspapers, so dusty that they were a health hazard. Even though Val wasn’t Karen’s horse, she kept on the case, trying to find a solution.
Karen “stuck to it and kept saying `No,'” Syd recounted. Finally, shavings emerged from somewhere and became the answer.
Citing Karen’s fortitude, Syd said, “She had a sense of how important all the pieces were. She always made sure it worked. She was always part of the team.” And this team got the gold medal, with Jet Run taking individual gold.
Melanie observed that “Karen was a wonderful role model and influence on all the other grooms of her time. She was helpful to everyone and there was a tremendous camaraderie among them. Karen and her fellow grooms all loved their horses and enjoyed their work.
“They were fun to be around. It was a special era in the horse world,” Melanie added.
Joe Fargis and Karen Golding on their induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Several decades ago, Karen, a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, fell and broke her ankle, starting a series of health problems that spiraled.
Even though her issues included diabetes and heart concerns, she was able to control them and continue working. Then three years ago, she broke her other ankle in a car accident. Despite that, she was still able to get around in her wheelchair and work. However, things got out of control in March 2022.
After being hospitalized in the autumn when she fell out of her wheelchair, she eventually wound up in a rehab facility, where she didn’t get the kind of care she needed.
Earlier this year, she was able to come back to her home in Wellington, Florida, as friends contributed to the cost of her care.
She was very grateful for the help she received. At the time, she told me, “There are quite a few people who have stepped up. I feel so lucky with the people that I have.”
Karen is survived by her partner, Tracey Edge, and her nephew, Steven Golding (Lauren). A memorial gathering will be held June 1 from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room beneath the stands at the Devon Horse Show. Everyone who knew and loved Karen is welcome to attend. Those who wish to make a donation in Karen’s memory may do so to the Equestrian Aid Foundation (https://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.), which was integral to her care.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2023
The competition was, of course, the focal point of the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, where show jumping, dressage and vaulting titles were decided. (To read about the competitions, click on the “previous columns” icon at the top of the main page. You can also watch the recap from 7-10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports)
But five days in the spacious CHI Health Center also offered plenty of learning experiences, entertainment and of course, lots of shopping involving mostly horse-related items. Riders warmed up in a ring surrounded by the trade fair, which enabled spectators to get an up-close-and-personal look at the contenders.
Germany’s Isabell Werth, who would finish third in the Dressage World Cup on DSP Quantaz, warmed up on ring familiarization day in front of a sign advertising her namesake saddle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Education ranged from Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin giving her special take on horse behavior, to groundwork and jumping tips from a team organized by gold medal show jumping Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor.
A demonstration arranged by Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor (second from left) featured Missy Fladland, Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and groundwork expert Alicia Landman. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Then there was plenty for kids to do in the Education Expo, where they could learn how to halter horses or braid their tails and much more, all on models at one end of the demonstration ring.It was encouraging to see how excited children were as they learned about horses and all that’s involved with them.
Kids didn’t need to be asked twice to learn about haltering these well-behaved horses. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Temple Grandin drew a crowd in the expo area. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Native Americans and the history of horses on the Great Plains were highlighted with a program by the Bluebird Cultural Initiative, complete with costumes and drumbeats. During the draw for order of go, several horses were blessed in a ceremony highlighted by a long chant from one of the elders. (I heard those who brought their horses out for the occasion were rewarded with bottles of Scotch.)
A Native American color guard opened the competition. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
It seems you can’t have a major show jumping event without wasting a bottle or three of champagne after the presentation. Finals runner-up Harrie Smolders got after winner Henrik von Eckermann, and third place Hunter Holloway didn’t escape the stream of bubbly and subsequent dry cleaning bills.
The mandatory champagne battle. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
This was the second time Omaha hosted the Cup finals (2017 was the first) but this year, vaulting was added to the mix. The gymnastics on horseback were both graceful and exciting, a treat for many in the audience who had never seen this discipline.
Chiara Congia and Justin Van Gerven retired from vaulting after an eight-year partnership following their victory in the Pas de Deux. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The World Cup will have another U.S. outing, but not until 2026, when it goes to Fort Worth Texas. Next year, it heads for Saudi Arabia, the first time the competition will be held in the Middle East. Omaha, you did yourself proud.
Omaha Equestrian Foundation Chairman Lisa Roskens and FEI President Ingmar de Vos present the FEI flag to representatives of Saudi Arabia, who will host the 2024 World Cup Finals. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2023
The FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha ended with an intense two-round show jumping competition Saturday night, keeping spectators in suspense until the final horse faulted.
But after all that, it wound up with the most predictable victor, just as the Dressage World Cup had on Friday with Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndel taking the title for the second year in a row.
World champion and world number one-ranked show jumper, Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden, didn’t waltz to his win in the Longines Cup. He started out with the lead on Wednesday, but missed qualifying for the jump-off in Thursday’s class.
Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
While it dropped him from first to third in the standings, he later realized that because his fabulous horse, King Edward, jumped one less round during the week, the circumstance may have helped him in the final two-rounder. Henrik noted the Belgian warmblood felt particularly fresh and ready to go when he took him to the ring on Saturday to fulfill a llfetime ambition.
Henrik von Eckermann and the trophy he always wanted. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“When I was very young, I always went to the Gothenburg Horse Show (in Sweden), and watched the World Cup,” Henrik recounted.
“It was always a big, big goal and a dream for me to be able to have my name on that trophy. So for me, it’s very special.”
Course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral and his team had routes that were both attractive and testing to the proper degree.
“It’s been tiring,” Bernardo admitted.
“We tried to make different tests every day, to have the speed with some options but not a flat race, they had to jump,” he said, referring to the first leg of the competition.
“It’s hard indoors to create nice options, not too small, not too tall. The
second day harder, more efforts, jumps quicker but not too big, just tall verticals, different lines, but they have to flow.
“I am very happy with the result and I think we had a great winner.”
“We had 18 four-faulters in the first round (on Saturday) and that’s the dream of the course designer. We want to be testing, we don’t want too many to be clean, but we want the horses to jump well. And when you have three clears, 18 four-faulters, and then six or seven clears in the second round after all this jumping. I’m happy with that.
It’s not easy to test these guys, and I try to be as good as them.
“It’s hard to create variation in rhythm. It’s one of the tools without attacking the horse. We always have a nice way out for the horse. Just that variation in rhythm creates problems to the rider, but not to the horse. They can have four faults or eight faults and still feel great and fresh afterwards and positive — and not take their heart out.”
Explaining the complicated Cup scoring, as I tried to do in my story after Thursday’s time first jump-off competition, is quite difficult. It’s easy to get placings in one leg of the competition mixed up with the overall score, and the way cumulative faults are counted over the course of the week. So I’ll keep that to a minimum while we look at the big picture.
Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, sixth in the first leg with Monaco, moved up from a tie for seventh overall after round two to second place in the final. And the USA’s Hunter Holloway, who had been consistent throughout the competition with the fiery Pepita con Spita, was third.
After toppling two rails in the first round of Saturday’s competition, Hunter was determined to continue reaching for the podium.
“I knew I really had to fight for that clear second round tonight, every bit of it,” she said.
“That’s what I tried to do the whole way around, fight for that clear round, every second of it, every inch.” She won the fight with a determined fault-free trip on a brisk clocking that put her ahead of Brazilian Yuri Mansur, who also was fault-free, but achieved that more than one second slower with Vitiki.
There were two other U.S. riders in the top 20; Devin Ryan with Eddie Blue, 13th, and Nick Dello Joio, 20th with Cornet’s Cambridge.
That made U.S. Coach Robert Ridland very happy in his continuous scouting mission for riders who could be important additions to teams for international competition.
“Hunter rode lights-out all week long, from start to finish. She was so focused it was unbelievable. For starters, the experience she got last year at the World Cup finals in Leipzig put her in really good stead for this year,” he said.
Hunter Holloway and Pepita con Spita. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lisa Roskens, who came up with the idea of holding the Cup final in Omaha (back when people would say “Oma-who?” ) has a long association with Hunter and was delighted with the way she finished the competition. Hunter is practically a local rider, coming from a farm in Kansas just a two-hour drive from the CHI Health Arena where the Cup was held. She has been a regular at the annual show presented there by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation.
“How awesome that a show she has supported for years–probably when it was inconvenient for her and we are most appreciative that she did–how awesome that this is her first time to have a big international podium finish,” said Lisa, the CEO of Burlington Capital Group.
Lisa Roskens with Harrie Smolders, Henrik von Eckermann and Hunter Holloway. ( Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I couldn’t be more thrilled for her and more proud of what she’s done. She’s a great representative of our part of the world. The fact that she did that here is that much more of an inspiration for the kids who watched her.”
Discussing Devin and Eddie, Coach Robert said, “I’m happy to see them back in the fold.”
Devin, based in Long Valley, N.J., had been second in the 2018 World Cup Finals and then rode on the gold medal World Equestrian Games team that year. But a bone bruise sidelined Eddie from consideration for the Tokyo Olympic team. Devin wisely has been conservative with his horse as he brings him back to the top level of the sport. He had one rail down in each round Saturday.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Devin emphasized that Eddie “was awesome” in Omaha.
“He jumped great all week. It’s really nice to have him back out there doing it. I felt like we weren’t coming into this on form, but I felt like he came on form here.”
McLain Ward, who won the Cup when Omaha first hosted it in 2017, didn’t have a good show with Callas. He made the cut to the top 30 who started in the first round Saturday night, but after dropping two rails, failed to qualify among the top 20 who jumped the second round. His final placing was 23d.
Click here for class results. Click here for total penalties. Click this link for final standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 8, 2023
Defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB soared on a glittering wave of fluid movement and perfect harmony to take the FEI World Cup Dressage Final last night for the second time.
Although their mark of 90.482 percent in Omaha was more than three points ahead of runner-up Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Blue Hors Zepter, the astronomical score–with 55 marks of 10 from the judges–wasn’t even a personal best for Jessica, who won the Cup in Leipzig last year with 90.836 percent.
The German rider’s music left no doubt about her goal for next year: Dalera danced to “I Love Paris” and an Edith Piaf vocal. Jessica, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic champion, said the audio accompaniment gave her goosebumps as she headed down centerline at the end of her ride.
While it looks like she and Dalera are all ready for the 2024 Olympics in the City of Light, Jessica won’t be resting on her resume.
“It’s always a challenge to do it again,” she said, “to be in the here and now and have everything together again.” Then she added an understatement–“it worked out.”
Discussing the mindset of her elegant mare, Jessica said that as soon as she lifted her hand, the signal to start her music, “I knew she’s 100 percent there with me.”
Jessica called Dalera her soulmate, someone with whom she loves spending time, as she has over the past eight years. The rider decided to forego sightseeing in Omaha in favor of hanging out with her horse during the week.
“She loves me as much as I love her,” Jessica declared.
The competition was basically non-stop excitement for riders and spectators, with each entry putting their own stamp on riding to the music that defined the talents of their mounts.
Jessica von Bredow Werndl holds up the World Cup, flanked by Nanna Skodborg Merrald, second and Isabell Werth, third. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The others who would share the podium with Jessica took a different approach from the winner, with horses that showed off their power. Nanna Skodborg Merrald, who rode last, said her 15-year-old chestnut gelding Blue Hors Zepter, “was really on fire. I had to be so careful all the way around. It was a bit difficult to come back after the extended canter, but I’m so thrilled.”
Nanna has been riding Zepter only fourth months, and this was just their third competition.
” I had the feeling that I can ask for so much more. I only pressed the accelerator at half. He’s amazing,” said the Danish competitor, who also qualified Zepter’s sire, Blue Horse Zack, for the Cup. (He did not attend.)
But while she called Zack “the king,” his son is still working on achieving what she believes is great potential. Even so, they achieved a personal best of 87.146 percent.
Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Isabell Werth is fondly remembered by those who came to Omaha for the 2017 finals, which she won with a flourish on Weiheigold OLD. Her fan club has grown this week, giving Isabell a standing ovation as she finished a compelling performance with DSP Quantaz, coming down centerline to the beat of “Nothing But a Heartbreak.”
Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
The spectators weren’t the only ones having a ball.
“I really enjoyed my ride and this crowd,” said the German star, who was awarded 85.761 percent, and her smile echoed her assessment of the ride: “It was fun.”
It was also technically complex; Quantaz put in 22 one-tempi changes on a bending line and showed immense control with a walk into a piaffe pirouette that led into a double canter pirouette
The top American was Steffen Peters on his longtime partner, Suppenkasper, better known as Mopsie. They were not far off the podium in fourth with a mark of 83.921 percent. The crowd loved Steffen too, clapping rhythmically as Mopsie showed off his extended trot.
Discussing the changes that were made in his music, Steffen explained, “We had to try and top it from Tokyo (where the U.S got the Olympic team silver in 2021). We made it a little better. That’s very hard because it was already such a good freestyle to begin with.”
Steffen Peters acknowledges applause from the crowd. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
His music was his familiar “We Can Dance,” with “Staying Alive” in the mix and a very personal note added at the end, a vocal rap-style addition that began, “I’m from California.”
Mopsie rose to the music.
“Sometimes he gets a little low in the bridle. Today he was up there looking for every ounce of energy. It felt amazing,” said Steffen.
When Steffen walked into his hotel after the competition, he was greeted with a standing ovation and applause. He definitely was moved by the appreciation, offering a big smile for those who gathered to salute him.
Another Californian, Anna Buffini, reached new heights with FRH Davinia La Douce. They poured every ounce of athletic endeavor into the music from “Top Gun Maverick,” a favorite movie of Anna and her family, especially because of her late grandfather’s military service. She was sixth with a score of 77.843 percent.
Anna Buffini and FRH Davinia La Douce. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m thrilled. I couldn’t have asked for more. I couldn’t have asked for a better test. We were on purpose conservative on the first day (the Grand Prix) to have a clean test and we pushed more today. And to still have a clean test when taking more risk is everything you could want,” she said.
Anna, who is a singer, did the vocal portion of the music that played during the walk break in the freestyle.
She was thinking of the audience, saying, “I hope they loved it as much as I did. We made this for them and I hope we made them proud.”
The third American competing, Alice Tarjan, bounced back from last place in the Grand Prix to ninth with a mark of 75.207 percent on U.S.-bred Serenade MF, a mare she brought along through the levels to the top of the game. The Grand Prix problem involved a miscommunication that led to Serenade stopping twice in the piaffe.There was no such error this time.
Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Even so, “It’s still a work in progress,” said Alice of her freestyle.
“I’m really happy. The horse was super good, like she always is, and handled the atmosphere great.”
She was, she mentioned, sorry not to have pulled off a double pirouette to the (tempi) changes.
“I can’t count to two apparently. I did a single and I was worried, `Maybe I went around two times?’ and you can’t do three. `I better get out of here now,'” she thought and left it at one pirouette.
Her trainer, Marcus Orlob, offered some advice before she went in the ring, warning her not to focus on being perfect, which she tends to do. He told her, “Make it look easy, pretty. Smile, have fun.” And she did.
Marcus Orlob, Debbie McDonald and Alice Tarjan’s husband, Dennis Sargenti in the “kiss and cry” stand. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Debbie McDonald, the U.S. technical advisor for dressage, was thrilled by the performance of her riders.
“In my opinion, Steffen kind of won the crowd tonight.” When that happens, “No matter where you finish, you won. Anna was amazing. Alice did a great job, her first time here, amazing.”
The evening was filled with emotion, but perhaps one of the most poignant moments was Justina Vanagaite’s one-handed ride on Nabab down centerline toward the finish, as a dramatic Ukraine war song was playing. We all knew her sympathies; the first Lithuanian ever to compete in the final was wearing a light blue and yellow ribbon in honor of Ukraine on her shsadbelly.
“I am supporting the Ukraine with all my heart.You can hear it with my music. It’s nonsense what’s going on now,” she declared about the war. Justina finished 11th with 73.693 percent.
The field for the freestyle was reduced to 13 when Torveslettens Titanium RS2, a son of Totilas, had to be withdrawn after suffering signs of colic. He was ridden by the Netherlands’ Marieke van der Putten and finished eighth in the Grand Prix Wednesday.
He was the third horse to leave the line-up this week. Hermes NOP, another Dutch horse, was declared not fit to compete and did not start. Franziskus FRH, the mount of Germany’s Ingrid Klimke was fourth in the Grand Prix but was withdrawn from the freestyle after a “misstep.”
Even though the field was diminished in numbers, it was not diminished in quality. The overall standard should be given a mark of 10.
Betsy Juliano, whose Havensafe Farm sponsored the dressage in Omaha, said she backed the show because. “I felt that it was very important for this United States-based event to have a United States sponsor, and I’m proud to be that sponsor. It should not be underestimated, the inspiration and the fantastic enlightenment that everybody in this crowd saw with these riders over the last two days of competition. It’s really important to our sport in the world, in the United States, and this region.”
