Category: Articles

JustWorld International

Movement for Social Change in the Equestrian Community

  Today when we mention social change, we often think about social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. Although these entities have changed us socially, JustWorld International is reaching out to change the world for the better.

“Bringing Equestrians Together for a Just World” is the hallmark of JustWorld International, a non-for-profit humanitarian organization that supports life-changing education and nutrition programs for some of the world’s neediest children. Riders and horse shows on the West Coast, including the Blenheim Spring Classic II, are joining the movement to lend the passion they have for riding to their commitment to helping others.

Founded in 2003 by former grand prix rider Jessica Newman, JustWorld International acts as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by working with local partner organizations to provide basic education, nutrition, health, hygiene, and vocational programs for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Brazil. JustWorld raises funds throughout the international equestrian world, from individuals to partner horse shows to corporate sponsors.

JustWorld is unique with its origins in the international show jumping community and its focus on not only raising funds through events at horse shows but also on developing programs that allow riders to become compassionate and generous global citizens.

Significantly, JustWorld has built a community of active donors and volunteers who make annual pledges of “time, talent, or treasure” as JustWorld Ambassadors. Currently, there are more than 400 professional, junior, and amateur Rider Ambassadors representing 35 different countries. Technical Official Ambassadors (judges, course designers, stewards) from around the globe also represent JustWorld at international shows whenever they officiate. JustWorld also partners in fundraising with competitions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Europe.

Regarding the important partnership with horse shows, Executive Director Jessica Newman notes that the association “ensures that the link between equestrians and those in need will be a direct link as opposed to a connection through sponsorships and donations only.” Horse shows participate by holding fundraising events, exhibitor parties, Calcuttas, and special classes; donating parking fees and portions of entry fees; and hosting signature JustWorld Horseless Horse Shows. The JustWorld Horseless Horse Shows are special events, since they include younger children as participants, introducing them to charitable events as “Kids Helping Kids.”

Proceeds from JustWorld events help to develop long-term, sustainable education projects, targeting communities where local organizations have evolved to help children who often fall beyond the reach of government and large-scale humanitarian programs. JustWorld and its partners focus on creating and maintaining educational and vocational programs that will begin to equip the children for future lives of self-sufficiency, while providing health care, food programs, and clean water to immediately improve the daily lives of these children.

JustWorld Rider Ambassadors and donors are encouraged to visit the projects in Honduras, Guatemala, Cambodia, and Brazil, and more than 120 donors have done so. Newman, who leads these donor trips, is thrilled to offer other riders the experience of seeing the needs of so many poor children and the wonderful changes that JustWorld has brought about through the efforts of riders and other equestrians.

Newman explains that her equestrian connections have been especially beneficial to forming relationships with local, grassroots organizations. These connections helped to circumvent confrontation with some of the political unrest that is present in the countries where JustWorld gathers support. “We create reciprocal partnerships with our local establishments and all funding is monitored very carefully according to criteria mandated by international nonprofits,” says Newman. “This way, we avoid a lot of the corruption in developing countries.”

Recently, JustWorld has garnered official partnerships with Equine Canada (the Canadian national federation) and the European Equestrian Federation, and Newman was a guest at the FEI General Assembly in November 2010, where she had an opportunity to spread the word about JustWorld to the heads of national federations from around the world. Now that national federations are signing on and JustWorld is expanding, Newman notes, “Within the next five years, I hope to see JustWorld shows in every country where there is competitive horseback riding.”

JustWorld International is a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France. Local branches also have been established in Mexico and Honduras. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

The Charity Challenge

Liliane Stransky and Paulo Santana

By EquestriSol For Step By Step

On Sunday, March 13th, Olympic veteran Margie Engle and Step by Step Foundation’s Liliane Stransky joined forces once again to host the second annual All In For Charity Poker Tournament in Wellington, Florida. Although Santana has won his share of classes on horseback this season, on this particular evening he proved his poker game is also competitive.

For one night the action at the Winter Equestrian Festival shifted from fast paced show jumping in the International Arena to high stakes gaming in the Grand Prix Pavilion,when the place was transformed into a colorful casino. Stransky, the founder of the international children’s charity Step by Step, assembled a strong lineup of lovely ladies to play on her poker team. Top rider and player, Margie Engle, event organizer Kathy Andersen, grand prix veteran Hillary Dobbs, and 15-year-old Daniela Stransky, a seasoned poker player not to be taken lightly, joined her. After donning their orange Polo t-shirts, they sat down at the tables to play their best hands and help raise funds for children in need in Haiti

Sporting Team Brazil’s yellow polos, Santana was joined by Daniel DiPicoli, Adolpho Franco, Cesar Almeiea and Gustavo Amorin at the tables. When the last hand was dealt and all the chips were in, it was Santana who was named the 2011 All In Charity Poker Tournament Champion. He generously donated his winnings to the pot to help with Step by Step’s ongoing efforts on behalf of children in need.

Team Brazil

Others to show their support included Danielle and Jimmy Torano, the newest member of the Step by Step Foundation’s Advisory Board. “It is a real honor to have great riders like Jimmy (Torano) and Margie (Engle) support us,” said Stransky. “It helps us raise awareness and spread the word to equestrian enthusiasts everywhere. As we all know, the horse show community is truly an international one, and our goal with the foundation is global. We want to enhance the lives of underprivileged children worldwide by creating and supporting sustainable health, education, and wellness programs. We do this, literally step by step, donation by donation, rider by rider!”

Artist Josee Nadaue

As the cards were dealt, conversations flowed in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese and Italian, with topics ranging from Haiti to horses, poker to ponies. Grand prix rider Hector Florentino, Dutch horse agent Roy Wilten, amateur-owner riders Sarah Ward and Sarah Orberson Taylor, Andrea Amorin and Jennifer Santana were just a few of the familiar faces from the horse world. Some of the toughest competition of the night came from the younger set including Kelsie Britton and twin brothers Spencer and Clayton, who came with their mom Kristin and trainer Peter Pletcher, raising the stakes and upping the ante on seasoned pros.

Another event highlight was when impressionistic artist Josee Nadaue, whose fans include Clint Eastwood and Pierce Bronson, unveiled her larger than life piece created especially for the benefit.

More than $50,000 was raised for Step by Step during this special tournament. For more about this ambitious organization see www.stepbystepfoundation.com.

STEP BY STEP MISSION: To enhance the lives of underprivileged children by creating and supporting, health, nutrition, water, education and other programs that substantially impact the human rights and development of children worldwide, establishing holistic community development programs that can be replicated throughout Haiti, and other impoverished communities around the world. Step by Step Foundation, Inc., is a registered 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization registered in the State of Florida.

Photos by Jack Mancini

Full Disclosure

By Polly Hey Panos

California Equine Law Change Affects Trainers, Buyers and Sellers
The days of doing a deal on a handshake in the horse world are gone. While this practice has continued in the horse industry far longer than most any other industry, the Legislature recently amended a statute that now requires written documentation for horse sales. This change affects everyone buying or selling a horse or horses whether as a private individual or as a business.

 

California Business and Professions Code §19525 was modified and now requires the following: 
All horse sale transactions must be accompanied by a written bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller or their agents. If an agent is acting on behalf of both the buyer and seller this “dual agency” must be disclosed in writing. Any commission paid to an agent in an amount over $500 must be disclosed in the written bill of sale.

 

What happens if you are involved in a sale transaction and these new rules are not followed?

If a lawsuit is brought, a person injured by a violation of the statute will be able to recover treble damages from the other party. Treble damages are damages three times the amount of the actual damage. This is significant because a lawsuit that may not be worth bringing due to cost, all of the sudden has a much higher potential damages award.

As a law firm dedicated to the horse industry, we have been involved in numerous horse sales over the years. The following scenario is very common. Both the buyer and the seller have agents representing their interests. Both understand that commissions will be paid on the sale of the horse. The money is transferred through one of the agents, with the commissions being paid and the seller receiving his or her money. The transaction is either completed with no written documentation, or with a very simple bill of sale that does not specify the commissions that were paid. With this newly amended statute, an agent could be sued for not putting everything in writing even though there was an oral understanding of what was to be paid to each party. Not only that, but an agent could be liable for triple the amount of actual damages.

So, how do you comply with the new law? 

We recommend to all of our clients whether they are the buyer, seller, or agent, to use a properly written bill of sale for all transactions and to specify to whom commissions are being paid. Since the statute was recently amended, it still needs to be interpreted by the courts and our recommendations may change as that occurs. It should be noted, that simply because there is a written bill of sale disclosing commissions, the buyer or seller of a horse could still be involved in a lawsuit. The focus of the amended statute is on written disclosure of sales commissions and dual agency and does not address areas such as misrepresentation.

We understand that many of our clients feel this was an unnecessary change, however the fact remains that this is now the law. Times change, businesses change, and as in other industries those involved must keep up with the changes or be at risk for more serious consequences.

The revised statute can be read here.

Author Polly Hey Panos is a partner in Hey & Hey Attorneys At Law, LLP, and a horse owner. She welcomes questions and can be reached at (650)216-6012 or at [email protected].

Conversations With Equestrians: Rebecca Johanson Hofmann

By Jackie McFarland

Rebecca Johanson Hofmann of Blue Hill Farm
Young and settled. That defines the up and coming equestrian who has not only established her home and business in Wellington but will soon tie the knot. Becky Hofmann set her sights on this life long ago and now she is living it. Always looking to be at the top of her game, she develops her own horses. With partner and soon to be husband Conan Conway, she seeks and finds quality horses, keeping a select group for sale on her farm. Located in the equestrian neighborhoods that are literally a ride away from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Blue Hill Farm is not only a great little facility, it isthe place where everyone goes to test their poker skills on Monday nights during the season. The evening’s winner could walk away with a nice sum of money, and everyone has a great time.

After we toured the barn, Chloe had a chance to sit bareback on Corona, Becky’s great gray Grand Prix mare. We played in the grass with the barn mascot Uma, an irresistible English Bulldog, and then interviewed Becky.

EqSol: From what age did you know that this was your thing?
BH: I always knew I wanted to ride, but by age 12 I knew that I wanted horses to be my career. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah I didn’t have a lot of riding options. So at 15 I spent the summer riding with Betty Beran in Scottsdale, AZ. I wanted more. I convinced my mom to let me move to Scottsdale when I was 16. From that point my education was planned around riding – I graduated early both from high school and from college. I decided to go to Arizona State University so I could keep riding with Betty.

I rode with Betty and Renee Wasnik for from age 15-20. They definitely made a solid influence on my riding. I had a lot of opportunities to watch and catch ride. Betty and Renee introduced me to a lot of other professionals including Hap Hansen and Barney & McLain Ward.

EqSol: So you turned 20 and you had graduated from college. What next?
BH: During my last semester of college I was trying to qualify for the World Cup Finals with Corona. It was never really in the cards, but when I found myself in the top three qualifiers midway through the qualifying season, I thought why not give it a whirl? In the end I was named the alternate and stayed home. At the time I was disappointed, but now I know that I was a long way from being ready for that kind of competition. Everything happens for a reason. After graduation I moved to southern California for a short time to finish that season. Then I headed east.

I only planned to come out for The National Horse Show, which was in Wellington in December that year. It ended up being a huge transition in my life – riding was always a priority, but school had kept me so busy, with graduating early and riding too, that I hadn’t stepped back and made any decisions about what I was doing next. After watching top riders and seeing the tremendous opportunity to learn here in Wellington I decided to stay.

I had graduated from school and it was time for me to get an education in the world where I yearned to have more success. I had a lot to learn about the business and about riding. Spending time out here I was able to soak it all up – from all the perspectives – riding, managing horses – how the best do every step. My eyes were wide open and I realized all I didn’t know and was ready to focus on becoming a better horseman all the way around.

That was four years ago – 2007 – this is my fifth circuit here. A lot has changed.

EqSol: And now you are halfway through your twenties and you have an established business. What is the focus?
BH: I am a rider – I have big goals, dreams and aspirations as a rider. I’m not scared of hard work but I will have to work to get there. Conan and I find, buy, train and sell horses while always looking for those top young ones.

I’m paving the path, taking the steps – it’s a long road to the top. The means to the end goal is buying and selling. It is the best way to produce an income as well as develop myself as a rider.

Now with a few years under our belt, we are getting our plan under way. Every year Conan and I set a reasonable goal so sell “x” amount of horses, so far we have been really lucky and have been able to meet our goals each year. And of course the number grows as our business grows. Most of the horses we buy are to resell, but I always have my eye out for a special one for myself.

The focus is also to continue to challenge myself and improve my riding. Three years ago, after the Nations Cup in Buenos Aires and with the help of George Morris, I chose Jeffrey Welles as my mentor.

Jeffrey is a real horseman, and a great person. I try to watch him on all of his horses, from the young ones to the seasoned ones. He has an amazing feel for producing young horses. If I can absorb a small fraction of what he has to offer, I will be doing very well.

EqSol: Where do you find your ‘stock’?
BH: Our contacts are in France, Belgium and Holland. Those types of horses suit the way I ride. The horses that go similarly to my methods are easier for me to bring along and also sell. There is no point for me to buy something that doesn’t suit my way of riding.

Each horse has to vet well, be attractive and nice to ride, we don’t care which arena it will go in. They can suit any ring with those attributes. We keep a select group of these types. They are all nice horses.

EqSol: Tell us more about the ‘we’ part of you.
BH: Conan is my business partner and my fiancée – he is what Blue Hill Farm has been missing. He fills in all the gaps and is strong where I’m weak. He works with clients, is great with horses on the flat and works with me on the ground. It’s a whole different ball game for me now when getting ready for a big class – now I can just show up and think about the horse, my ride – I’m not handling every detail because Conan does it. This is the first time I feel like I have the right team – where everything falls into place. A match made in heaven.

We met for the first time at Spruce Meadows in 2007. We started dating later that year. We had a similar schedule – six months in the northeast, six months in Florida. We got engaged on Conan’s birthday just over two years ago and also decided to merge our businesses. We decided to establish our business before we planned the wedding. The operation is small enough that we both need to focus on it full time. Now the wedding is coming up – time flies!

EqSol: The Blue Hill Farm mascots?
BH: Biggz is an eight year old mini-pin. He’s a one-person kind of guy, so he tolerates Conan. Uma is our bulldog, just coming two years old. She’s our ‘baby’. Biggz could live without us, he is a very unique kind of dog. Uma is a lover and couldn’t survive without us. We love them both of course.

EqSol: The Blue Hill Farm horses…
BH: Corona – my great gray mare recently retired and is hopefully heading into motherhood. I’ve had her for close to eight years. She was my first grand prix horse – my entree into all the big classes. I rode her in my first NAJYRC, had my first grand prix win on her and rode her in my first Nations Cup. She’s the foundation. I have her to thank for everything.

I found her when I went to Barney’s to ride and try horses for a week. When I saw her there and tried her, she wasn’t the right horse at the time but I just had the feeling that she was the horse for me. I probably needed more of a ‘slave’ at that time, which she wasn’t. It took me a long time to get it together with her. But in the end we formed a great team. She taught me so much, and gave me a small taste of what I am setting my life up to work towards.

Corona is now living at my vet’s farm in Lexington, Kentucky getting ready to be put into foal to Chacco-Blue. And I can’t wait!

Twister – I was able to purchase Twister about a year ago. I had my eyes on him for a couple of years showing in the amateur jumpers with another rider. I just knew that he would suit my riding. When the opportunity came along to buy, I jumped at it. He is new to the Grand Prix Level. I had some very nice results with him last spring and summer. We are starting to gear him up for this season. I think he is a top 1.50 meter horse, a great mount for the spring and summer Grand Prix classes.

Zenith B – Blue Hill’s newest horse, he was purchased at the end of 2010. I have a very good feeling about this horse. He is coming seven this year, and still very green, but I believe he has all of the attributes to become a top horse. Now it is up to me not to mess with his natural instincts and abilities. I am learning to take it slow with him and keep the big picture in mind as he develops.

EqSol: So what does the future hold for Mrs. Conway?
BH: I love riding. I love being in the ring. It’s really hard to be at the top, but I’m going for it, one step at a time. I’m working on building a reputable business while I continue to work on developing competitive horses. I’m involved in every aspect. From a bug bite to a hot leg, there’s not one thing that goes on with my horses that I don’t know about it. I’ve learned so much about the business and even though I wish I could speed up the process, I would be skipping out on a lot of the education. Sure I want to be a contender and be recognized and have horses to compete on at the team level. I keep telling myself if I work hard, and keep learning, I’ll get there.

The goal is that when we are big enough I’ll have a string of four or five horses and Conan will handle the sales horses, we’ll always have a string of those too. That will come in time. Sometimes it is hard to be patient but I’m enjoying the journey.

Thank you Becky. We admire your commitment and it seems the path of passion, perseverance and patience you are paving is a road to success!

Our Own March Madness

For all the basketball fans out there, we’re not stealing your term, it just seems to fit. We are well into the madness of many horse show circuits as March comes to a close. The HITS Desert Circuit crowned its final champion on March 13th as Lucy Davis won not just one but four grand prix classes on her two mounts, Hannah and Nemo 119, during the final two weeks. More about the desert buzz in this issue’s Sporting Splendor. The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival is starting week eleven (out of twelve), with the biggest money class of the circuit, the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, on Saturday night. The circuit culminates on April 3rd with the Hunter Derby Finale as the final Saturday night class. By closing day, the three-months of consistent horse shows will have awarded close to $6 million dollars in prize money.

During the time when the world comes to Wellington, a number of social and charity events spread their wings to embrace the captured audience. Hosts of innovative occasions fill the calendar, including the Step by Step Charity Poker Tournament. Read a bit more about this international night that benefits a worthy cause.

Although always west coasters down deep, many not only flock southeast for the winter, some never leave. One of those converts is featured in this issue, Rebecca Johanson Hofmann. Although only in her twenties, this Wellington woman knows what she’s after. Take note – there’s a new California statute regarding the disclosure of commissions with sale horses. Read about it in Full Disclosure in this issue.

Santana Stables is seeking an “A” level show jumping rider, with American citizenship and fluent in Portuguese, to join their team. To learn more, visit the Santana site and click News.

As Wellington comes to a close, Blenheim EquiSports is just getting started. Opening with three shows in San Juan Capistrano, the Spring Series, their idyllic southern California season stretches into September. And it doesn’t end there. This year Las Vegas National in November will be even better than last year, with NAL finals and more. With 16 Grand Prix events, 4 Hunter Derbies, 6 Medal Finals and classes for every level in 3 fabulous locations over a nine-month period, when are you planning to come?

The Chronicles of NARG Continued

By Jackie McFarland

More on the North American Riders Group
This young yet robust organization seems to have a big stride and a great jump. Since forming in March of 2009, founders McLain Ward, Chris Kappler, Norman Dello Joio, Jimmy Torano, Kent Farrington and Beezie Madden added influential names to the Board, including Will Simpson, Andre Dignelli and successful CEO Murray Kessler. As of this year yet another powerful CEO, Hunter Harrison joined NARG as special liaison for Horse Show Management. An avid supporter of the sport, Mr. Harrison serves in an advisory position for several world-class equestrian events, including Spruce Meadows, The Global Champions Tour and the Winter Equestrian Festival. Dynamo Jen Markee serves as Executive Director. Clearly they represent a group that essentially makes the show jumping world turn – the owners, riders and trainers.

NARG Board Member Murray Ke

Serving the equestrian world as an activist and lobbying group that seeks positive change through action, each Board Member puts their money where their mouth is. Seeking global changes that start at the source, besides contributing countless hours to achieve collective goals (more on that below), each Board Member contributed a minimum of $5,000 to the organization.

The achievements this active group has accomplished illustrate that NARG seeks to work with, and preferably not against, the governing bodies and horse show managements.

AN AWESOME ANNUAL
On February 1, 2011 NARG hosted their third annual meeting at the Wanderers Club in Wellington, FL. Several hundred owners, riders, trainers, managers and members of the press attended and were duly impressed.

Olympic Gold Medalist and NARG
Board Member Will Simpson

Kessler Opens, Simpson Engages
Murray Kessler opened the meeting, reminding the audience of NARG’s mission to “unite professional riders and trainers to use their collective strength to make show jumping in North America the best in the world.” He then introduced Board Member Will Simpson, who went well beyond reviewing the NARG 2010 accomplishments; the Olympic Gold Medalist engaged and entertained the group with his narrative. During his descriptive tale, he mentioned how the management team from Equestrian Sport Productions had already responded to NARG “At WEF every ring has great footing, and you can hear the horses from here saying ‘thank you, thank you, thank you’.”

Onward and upward, NARG had a busy year nationally and internationally. The group re-submitted a prize money alignment rule change to the USEF that would uphold an avid NARG belief that like in other sports, the top level earns the biggest purses; continued discourse on the Mileage Rule; weighed in on the water jump debate; created a recommended course designers list; addressed the United States Olympic Committee regarding the top level of the sport; supported McLain during the incident at the 2010 FEI World Cup, including legal assistance, distributed the Young Riders handbook written by Kim Land which should ease some NAJYRC confusion, worked to get Katie Prudent elected to the IJRC (International Jumping Riders Club) Committee plus developed and presented evaluations to horse shows that resulted in significant improvements at major events like WEF, Hampton Classic, Devon, and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS). This initiative led to the inaugural NARG Top 25, a list of the top 25 horse shows in North America. Before NARG announced the results of that year long effort, several more important people addressed the crowd.

Peter Doubleday

Doubleday Delineates, Prudent Will Persevere
Next Simpson invited Peter Doubleday to speak. A long standing name in the sport, Doubelday explained how NARG influenced the PNHS Board, which has a large share of non-equestrian Members, to make some marked changes this year – notably a major investment in improving the footing as well as increasing prize money and improving award ceremonies. He encouraged other events to consider changes to improve the overall experience, ultimately to make North America’s top shows some of the best in the world.

Katie Monahan Prudent spoke about her election to the IJRC. She spoke candidly about how the FEI’s actions against McLain during the 2010 World Cup had ‘damaged our sport worldwide’. She felt that the incident was not only ‘disgraceful and unjust’ but there was no unity among the riders. These negative aspects mixed with her strong desire to improve the sport, increase support and introduce NARG’s ideas are the driving forces behind accepting her new international position.

Ward Remembers, Morris Insists on Excellence
McLain Ward approached the microphone. As painful as it may be to relive the nightmare he experienced through the unbelievable elimination of Sapphire in Geneva, he actually had some positive perspective. Ward commented on how good can come from bad, and that the unity he felt via NARG’s support during a difficult time was both effective and personally moving. “It was like having a bunch of pit bulls in my backyard. It was phenomenal.”

Ward then introduced a video where Board Member Jimmy Torano interviewed the iconic George Morris. With vintage images woven into the piece, the two generations spoke about what has become of our sport. When Morris speaks people listen and he insisted on excellence – to eliminate the ‘limited’ mentality, to put quality first, always be open to learning, pay attention to the details – no shortcuts, and don’t lower standards. He addressed both the trainers and the horse show managers for the notable decline and commented on how we need to re-establish meaningful breeding and horse sales in this country. Acknowledging the challenge of his decree, and even his own admission of succumbing to the ‘sexiness’ of traveling to Europe to buy horses, Morris upheld that the excellence factor is truly how ‘together we can improve our sport’. Board Member Norman Dello Joio then addressed the crowd with comments that reiterated the Morris message and ended with the explanation that “NARG is working hard to restore greatness to North American horse shows with their Top 25 initiative.” Which led to the big announcement.

The NARG Top 25, Winner & Special Guest Speaks
Via volunteer evaluators, NARG quantitatively analyzed over 50 horse shows last year. After numerous Board meetings to discuss the final results, NARG developed the Top 25 of 2010. Murray Kessler returned to announce the top events and to explain the importance of this effort. Labeling it the horse show version of Consumer Reports, he emphasized that although it is an honor to make this list it is important to note that after the top four shows all scores were below 80%, effectively a B- or lower. Certainly room for improvement. NARG feels that the key to improving our sport lies within this competitive structure and they seek to work with and not against horse show managements.

The NARG Board presents the Top Award of 2010 to
Linda Southern-Heathcott and Ian Allison of Spruce Meadows
With a score of 92%, Kessler proudly announced the number one equestrian events in North America, the Spruce Meadows Summer Series and Masters. Linda Southern-Heathcott and Ian Allison were present to accept the award. Stepping up to speak, Heathcott admitted that she has not been to Wellington for quite a few years (25 give or take) and that the management here has done an incredible job with the venue.
She said the NARG evaluation of Spruce was constructive and candid, essentially appreciated. Heathcott further inspired the audience by relating that several decades ago Spruce Meadows was her father’s vision and dream. That is how it starts. The Southern family ignored the naysayers who claimed no one would come to Canada, and that this vision of hosting some of the world’s top equestrian events would never work. She concluded by claiming, “There is no can’t, you can.” View the full Top 25 Report here.

Kappler Concludes
NARG President Chris Kappler wrapped up the meeting by highlighting NARG’s goals for 2011. They will again focus on their top 25 ranking as a way to continue to help North American horse shows improve, support the mileage rule and prize money realignment rule modifications, listen to their members – at their request NARG has added three open member meetings for 2011: At WEF on February 17, 2011, another at the Hampton Classic and a third on the West Coast (location and date to be announced). Kappler added that in 2011 NARG was creating an owner’s initiative with a goal to bring back the pride in owning a horse for our nation’s top riders. He closed with thanking the group for attending and asking for their continued support. He encouraged everyone to join and to be a part of shaping the future of show jumping. He ended with the resounding message of the evening “Together we can improve our sport.”

To find out more, go to NARG.org. Several in depth articles are also on PhelpsSports.com.

Photos By Erin Gilmore and Jackie McFarland

Industry Innovators: Innordic USA

By Jackie McFarland

Kompeet with Kenneth
After eight years with CWD, Kenneth Vinther has taken a leap of faith. The well-connected, experienced salesman and horseman started 2011 by launching a new distribution company, Innordic USA. No longer dealing in leather, Kenneth is now supplementing the horse world with products that are already taking Europe by storm. One of the revolutionary supplements is a natural energy product, Kompeet. Kenneth has already seen impressive results in a variety of horses in several disciplines since he recently introduced Kompeet here in the United States.

Knowing the proof is in the documented changes, he shared some of these success stories. With notable excitement in his voice, Kenneth further explained the reasons he chose this new route.

EqSol: So how did this career change come about?
KV: My good friend and old trainer Johnny Hansen has all of his horses on Kompeet and he put me in touch with the company. I’ve been talking with them since last summer and it evolved from there.

EqSol: What’s the product that changed your life and apparently can changes the lives of countless horses…
KV: The one product that inspired me is this new nutritional product for horses, Kompeet. The way it works is very interesting. It is an energy supplement that is derived from fat, not sugar. I’ll explain.

A horse’s digestive system can only physically breakdown so much fat, due to acids in the stomach. Horses are foraging animals, built to eat grass in a pasture all day. Due to this they have a naturally slow digestive system. Most injuries and stress in horses are due to lactic acid, lack of strength which all goes back to a lack of sufficient energy in their diet.

A European engineer developed a way to blend four types of digestive fat into a water-soluble vegetable fat. This provides a pure source of fat for both energy and weight gain. The key is due to the water solubility the horse will get 100% benefit. This is a huge benefit for high performance horses as well as hard to keep horses. This type of energy is called cold energy and it doesn’t have the highs and lows of energy derived from sugar.

EqSol: Don’t high-energy feeds provide this source of fat? Or what about other supplements?
KV: That’s just it – they don’t. It is not in any high-energy feeds. Yes the feeds have fat but it isn’t water-soluble. That is the simple but important key to how it works.

Kompeet can easily be combined with other supplements. It is 100% pure vegetable fat, derived to increase energy; it has no added vitamins & minerals.

There is no competing product available on the market that can do what Kompeet does for horses.

EqSol: You have testimonials. Tell us about these stories.
KV: Besides the great results from Europe, I’ve tried the product with several horses here. All different horses, different levels and different experience – all saw results in a month.

I tested it on a 17 y.o., 17h Holsteiner dressage horse. He required a ton of feed just to keep his energy up, especially when he was competing. Another test was with a warmblood mare competing in the 1.50m division. They had tried everything to keep weight and muscle on this mare without success. And the third was a young warmblood that also wouldn’t keep weight on and was low energy, lethargic.

From day one these three horses all had the highest amount recommended of 14 ounces per day. You can feed less but more than 14 ounces has no higher effect. After two to four weeks the results were phenomenal. ALL the horses improved. They look and feel great. The dressage horse is doing better than ever, plus his feed has been reduced by 1/3. The mare is not only more buff, with increased weight and muscle but she is less marish and more energetic about her job. And the young horse developed more muscles and his performance improved dramatically at the shows there after.

These results stem directly from the right amount of energy and balance in the muscle. Pure energy.

EqSol: And that is just on those few cases. Do you see more potential?
KV: The potential is incredible, from the retired horse that needs to keep weight on to the high-level performance horses in all disciplines. It acts fast. You can control the amount you feed. For example you can maintain and then during a competition you can bump it up. There are no side effects or negative aspects.

EqSol: How do you find out more and where can you purchase?
KV: It will be available through my company, Innordic USA; I am the only US distributor. I’m now working on having it more readily available through some exclusive retailers as well as through veterinarians. For example Kompeet is now available at Beval’s at WEF and Rolling Meadows in Thermal. I also had a booth at AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners). The response from the veterinarians was huge; a light went on they saw the potential right away. Innordic - Natural Horse Products

Other innovative products coming to the United States through Innordic USA include organic products for hooves, an Omega 3 Fish Oil as well as an organic treatment for riding arenas which eliminates the need of watering for up to 15 months. All products are scientifically based and engineered for the Equestrian world.

Thank you Kenneth for giving us the new supplement scoop. Congratulations on your business venture. Seems certain many will soon be seeking to Kompeet with Kenneth. 

The Great Charity Challenge

By EquestriSol for ESP

EVERYONE IS A WINNER
Seems everyone is a winner in this event. Based on the fundraising goal of $1 million, the charity matched with the winning team will win $150,000 with a sliding scale where even the last place finisher will win $10,000 for its assigned charity.

Equestrian Sport Productions, producer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival and the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®, donates the venue and its staff for this charitable event. Many of the team sponsors are not only vital to the equestrian sport but are international leaders in business, finance, the media, and politics.

CHARITIES AND FAMILIES UNITE
A record number of 161 charities serving Palm Beach County applied to be a part of the 2011 event. About 15% (26) of those were randomly selected to participate in a drawing during the Holiday HorseFest at the Meyer Amphitheater on December 12, 2010.

A handful of charities were pre-selected or pre-qualified, like YMCA of the Palm Beaches, who qualified based on their outstanding ticket sales from the 2010 event. The Wellington Community Foundation was pre-selected due to their initiative to act as a representative for Wellington non-profit charities. And finally, Home Safe was pre-selected at the discretion of the Great Charity Challenge directors to remain in accordance with the theme of “family.”

Upholding the generosity of this happening, numerous families sponsored teams this year. Recognizable equestrian names include Bellissimo, Bloomberg, Crown, Dammerman, Fleischhacker, Goldstein, Grange, Harrison, Bob Johnson, Kellogg-Sadrian, Kessler, Lourie, Mershad, Mirabal, Moran, Porter, Raether, Riley, Smith, Thatcher, Duchossois, Tisbo, Woschenko, Rodich, Ziegler, Burton, D’Ambra, Allen, Spogli, Mitchell-Innes, Gammino, Alali, Johnson, Pasmore, Boyer, Williams, and Stein. Now that’s charitable.

It takes a village, in this case the one of Wellington to raise a million in one night. We commend all those who are gearing up for a great cause.

More details in the next e-newsletter, after EquestriSol’s next trip to WEF.

For more information on the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® and on the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival please visitwww.equestriansport.com. Media please contact Heather Buchanan or Clara Belden.

Why I Wear a Helmet with Beezie Madden

By Erin Gilmore

Use Your Head – Wear A Helmet
Last winter Beezie and John Madden went on a skiing holiday. Between the busy schedules of an international show jumper (her) and an FEI official and coach (him), it had been at least six years since the couple had taken time off from horses to hit the slopes. Once suited up, the pair quickly realized they were missing an essential element. Halfway down their first run, John and Beezie became acutely aware that they were the only two skiers on the mountain not wearing ski helmets.

This realization made the vacationers feel uncomfortable on many levels. So much in fact that post that initial run down the mountain they went straight to the ski shop and bought helmets.

In January Beezie attended the Riders4Helmets Helmet Safety Symposium 2011, held in Wellington, Florida, and retold this story to illustrate a very important point. She explained, “If more people did it (especially well regarded Olympic level riders) more people would get comfortable doing it.”

Beezie was attesting to the importance of helmet use while riding horses, and pointed out that if a sport such as skiing, in which helmet use was nonexistent a decade ago, can experience a universal shift to helmet wearing, there’s no reason that the horse industry can’t do the same.

New Rules, New Trends
Recent rule changes by the U.S. Equestrian Federation to enact stricter helmet laws in the disciplines of dressage and eventing are a good step, says Beezie, but we still have more to do.

Referring to the recently passed rule change for dressage that requires helmets with the exception of those “competing only in FEI levels and tests at the Prix St. Georges level and above.” Beezie agreed with one exception. “I wish they [USEF] had gone so far as to say that dressage riders had to wear helmets at the grand prix level. It’s important that the top riders wear their helmets, and be seen wearing their helmets.”

The helmet-wearing campaign launched by Riders4Helmets.com in April of 2010 was initiated after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King-Dye fell from a horse and sustained a traumatic brain injury that left her in a coma for nearly a month. Thousands rallied around Courtney, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of her fall, in the weeks after the incident, and since then the discipline of dressage has seen a remarkable shift in perception towards helmet use. At the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games last fall, dressage bronze medalist Steffen Peters donned his helmet during the awards ceremony, and dedicated his ride to Courtney, who was in the audience watching.

Show Jumpers Should Strap One On
Currently sponsored by Charles Owen Helmets, and previously sponsored by GPA, Beezie has longstanding relationships with helmet makers. She became one of the first three riders in the United States to wear a GPA helmet back when the popular style still leant towards the velvet hunt caps of yesteryear. At that time, a GPA “skunk stripe” noticeably stuck out, but “I figured if it was a safer helmet, it was a good thing,” the top rider noted. “If it got a lot of people to wear safer helmets and if it saved one or two lives, not to mention maybe my life, that was a big deal.”

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and show jumping icon, Beezie is fully aware that thousands of horse enthusiasts look up to her and other grand prix show jumpers as role models. She believes that not wearing her helmet, even in the warm up ring at a competition, sets a bad example for the up and comers who watch her and tend to emulate her every move. “For the last four or five years, I’ve always had a helmet on, every time I’m on a horse.”

“I think that USEF has already gone a long ways in saying that juniors at hunter/jumper shows have to wear a helmet all the time, and lots of venues have helmet rules,” she commented. “Saying that everyone at hunter/jumper shows has to wear a helmet is the next step for sure.”

Old habits are hard to change, but as we all know a random spook or misstep can happen at any time, and can cause any level of rider to fall off unexpectedly. Beezie sincerely hopes that it won’t take a serious head injury incurred by a nationally known jumper rider to change rules and minds in her discipline. As skiers on the slopes can attest, global acceptance and change is possible.

RESOURCES:
Ride smart and strap one on. Everyone’s Doing it! Check out:
www.riders4helmets.com

Information on what’s happening with helmet rules and more:http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/whatshappenin/usef-passes-new-safety-helmet-rules-for-eventing-and-dressage-riders.html

USEF Press Release:
www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6569&star=true 

Dressage & Eventing Rule Changes:
www.usef.org/_IFrames/RuleBook/Changes/2011.aspx

 

Inside Indoors

By Whitney Campbell and Jackie McFarland

Capital Challenge, Harrisburg, Washington, and Syracuse
The excitement of the World Equestrian Games surrounding Lexington, Kentucky was nothing short of overpowering during the months of September and October. However many other year round competitors and enthusiasts of the sport instead found themselves at the most recognized and notorious end of the year championship shows. Many of the sport’s elite as well as up and coming hunters, equitation and jumper riders and their mounts traveled to the 17th annual Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland held October 2-10 for the beginning of a well-known and traditional fall series of competitive shows, the Indoor Circuit. A few days later, 1,200 top ranked horses and riders from all over the nation traveled to Harrisburg. The dates of October 14-23, 2010 marked the 65th annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

CAPITAL CHALLENGE CHAMPS
The Equitation weekend at Capital Challenge kicked off the season. West Coast highlights included 17-year-old division Equitation Champion, Samantha Harrison of La Canada, CA, who trains with Karen Healey. An interesting twist came out of the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals when riders were not asked to return as the judges had their final decision. Moving up from second in the second round was Molly Peddicord of Malibu, CA to take home the top prize. She rides with Far West Farms.

The Professional Hunter Division saw defending champion John French reclaim the Second Year Green Hunter Division, this year aboard Small Affair, owned by Iwasaki & Reilly. Small Affair dominated by winning three over fences classes. French returned for the Future Hunter 3’3″ North American Championships and walked away with another blue on Small Collection and the second to Small Kiss, both Iwasaki & Reilly horses. On a hot streak, John French aboard Small Affair earned top honors in the $15,000 WCHR Professional Challenge.

The California invasion continued when Meredith Darst and Wild Sky Farm’s Macy Grey earned Reserve Champion in the Medium Pony Hunter Division. Having a great year in the hunters, seventeen-year-old Hannah Goodson-Cutt, from Los Angeles, was both the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Champion and the overall Grand Junior Hunter Champion aboard her horse Caretano. Goodson-Cutt, who trains with Willow Brook Stables, was awarded the Spontaneous Perpetual Trophy and later named the Best Junior Rider.

Further Capital Challenge champion level competitions at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center included the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals, for all the press and details visit www.capitalchallenge.org.

HARRISBURG HIGHS
West Coast standouts included Hannah Goodson-Cutt, coming off a great showing at Capital Challenge, to claim the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship aboard her horse Caretano. Goodson-Cutt returned in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter Championships to claim the Reserve Championship honors on Leroy Brown.

With a score of total score of nine faults, the Zone 10 Junior Jumper Team of Jocelyn Neff/Gaja 20, Audrey Coulter/Roderburghs California, Lindsay Douglas/Pernot and Alec Lawler/Live Fire, were second in the $15,000 Prix de States. Jocelyn Neff was awarded the William C. Steinkraus Style Award. The award is presented to the Prix de States Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation, and the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman. Aforementioned Hannah Goodson-Cutt was named the Best Junior Rider, Horse Award.

Out of 208 riders, Lucy Davis, who trains with Archie Cox, finished in the top four of the prestigious Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals. Judges Julie Winkel and George H. Morris asked back the top twenty for the second round over fences and then the top seven returned for flat work. After top two riders Hayley Barnhill of Collierville, TN and Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD switched horses, Barnhill ended with the top honors.

The final event of the PNHS was highlighted with a win from defending champion Rodrigo Pessoa. Coming straight from a Final Four appearance at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, Pessoa of Brazil reclaimed his title aboard HH Ashley in the FEI World Cup Qualifier $75,000 Grand Prix de Penn National. For more results, stories and highlights, visit www.panational.org.

PNHS NAL PROGRAM EXPANDS
Members of the North American League (NAL) have the benefit of earning points in six hunter-jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper – that up through 2010 had qualified horses and riders for the Finals at the PNHS. However in 2011 there will also an annual North American League West Coast Final occurring at the Las Vegas National Horse Show. This event will represent an even bigger and more nationwide opportunity amongst competitors. The 2011 qualifying year began on September 1st and continues through August 21st at qualifying horse show across the Unites States and Canada. Membership and more information at www.ryegate.com/nal/faq_nal.htm.

WATCH OUT WASHINGTON
Next in the Indoor Circuit lineup is the world renowned Washington International Horse Show. Classes started on October 26th and continued through today. Jennifer Woods Media was there and gave us the daily scoop.

California junior riders Olivia Esse, Hannah Goodson-Cutt and Ashley Pryde rocked the Junior Hunter Divisions. Esse was Grand Junior Hunter Champion aboard Illusion. Goodson-Cutt earned the best Junior Hunter Stake round and was Small Junior Hunter 16-17 Champion on Caretano. Plus was Champion in the 16-17 Large Division on Superman, with Ashley Pryde taking home the Reserve Championship on Truly. Laura Wasserman and Overseas also won the Stake in the In the Amateur Owner Hunter 36 & over Division. Interviewed in an earlier issue this year, young hotshot Reed Kessler grabbed 1st and 3rd in the $10,000 Junior Jumper Stake. Pablo Barrios and G&C Farm’s Quick Star 11 topped the Puissance and McLain Ward aboard the priceless Sapphire rode to the blue in the $100,000 President’s Cup, a World Cup Qualifier. More at www.wihs.org.

SYRACUSE STYLE
The final Indoor extravaganza will be in upstate New York when the prestigious Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament commences on November 2 and continues through the 7th. Champions will be crowned in several divisions, grand prix events as well as in the ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals. Details at www.syracuseinvitational.com.