Photo by Taylor Stoecklein

Day 1: Get into town Saturday, June 22 just in time for the Double Dollar Horse Sale, and find yourself a top prospect or a ProRodeo-caliber horse. Check into your room at the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, then head up the mountains for a day at North Lake Tahoe. “We always play golf then hang out at Lake Tahoe and camp,” says World Champion Nick Sartain, who has the second-fastest time on one steer in the history of the BFI. At Lake Tahoe you’ll find golf, biking, hiking, water sports, beaches and fishing opportunities. You’re only limited by time. After a late lunch at Jason’s Landing and Beachside Grille in King’s Beach hop in the car and head back to Reno through Carson City. “Drive down through Washoe Valley and Carson Valley for beautiful old pristine ranching valleys,” Tallman says. “But be careful, if the speed limit is 55 and you’re going 56 you’re getting a ticket.” Do a little downtown sightseeing, and then head over to the rodeo grounds for the carnival and wiener dog races. The Reno Rodeo began in 1919 and in 1997 won the PRCA’s Award for Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. “Reno Rodeo is one of the most progressive rodeos on the planet. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” announcer Bob Tallman says. “If you buy a ticket, you’re going to watch a very impressive grand entry, there are 52 girls that ride in every performance, then you’ll see a great rodeo, every world champion will be there at one point or another.” Grab some carnival food before heading to the arena. After the performance, head over to the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino for a chance to rub shoulders with the cowboys, pull the one-armed bandit or roll some dice if that’s your game. Of course, be sure to check local listings for headliner acts in and around town that might catch your fancy. Country music star Scotty McCreery will perform at 8 p.m. in the Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall, so catch the tail end of the concert after the rodeo performance.

Day 2: The next morning, grab some grub at Pegs Glorified Ham n Eggs. Then make your way to the rodeo grounds for the Kid’s Dummy Roping, a big hit with ProRodeo cowboys and their fans alike. You’ll catch Derrick Begay there signing autographs, and the competition is free for the kids. Winners receive trophy saddles sponsored by the BFI and Heel-O-Matic Training Systems. Then stick around town and take the kids to ride go-karts or play putt-putt golf. “I’ve got two kids, and our little girl is 4. We played a lot of putt-putt before the BFI last year,” says Jake Long, who holds the record for the fastest run in BFI history with header Coleman Proctor. “And we always go to the BFI Cowboy Auction and Dinner at the Silver Legacy. It’s got a great atmosphere with all of the ropers there and it’s fun to watch, too.” The doors for the free event in the Silver Legacy’s ballroom open at 5 p.m. with the auction starting at 6. Then, don’t miss the rodeo that night, and catch the Businessman Steer Decorating. Teams of two find a business to sponsor them, then one person holds the steer with a rope and the other ties a ribbon around the steer’s tail. It can get a bit wild! “Obviously my favorite thing is the prestige of just the whole week in Reno,” says Patrick Smith, who won the BFI in 2005 with Clay Tryan. “With the BFI and the Reno Rodeo, it’s just an awesome week to team rope for a living.”

Day 3: It’s BFI day in Reno. You’ve got a long day of great roping ahead of you, so you’ll need food. Hit Café Central in the Silvery Legacy to enjoy a chili cheese omelet bright and early. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day, which is key because you’ll want to get to the Reno Livestock Center Arena around 7 a.m. to get your seats. The Grand Entry starts at 7:45 so you can see all the ropers before the event gets underway. The action starts at 8 a.m., so spend your day watching the best ropers in the country compete for thousands and thousands of dollars in prize money and awards. If you need a break from the arena-action, take a stroll around the Double R Marketplace to see what some 150 vendors have to offer for everyone in the family. While you’re shopping, make your way to D Bar M Western Store, where all the ropers and their families like to shop for the latest and greatest. But don’t spend too much time out of the arena. “It’s just the most prestigious jackpot, and I’ve watched it since I was a kid,” says Riley Minor, who was second in the average in 2012. “I like the set up, because it’s not a 4-second roping. You’ve got to let the steer out a ways, and even if you draw one that really runs you’re still in it because it’s a six-header. If you’re horse can run, it’s a great jackpot.” After you watch the winners get their thousands in prize money and awards, head back to the Silver Legacy and enjoy steak and seafood at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse.

Madison Harris is a senior at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, studying Business Management. As team member of the Berry Hunt Seat team, Madison has held the captain's position of Historian for 3 years as well. On top of team, riding her Appendix Quarter Horse mare, Sassie, and participating in the IHSA Media Internship, she also started and manages her own photography business called MHarris Photography. Photography and horses are two of her passions and she is incredibly excited to be helping out with the Practical Horseman coverage this year in Harrisburg.

Nicole Mandracchia has been riding for over 10 years and is a working student at James and Robin Fairclough’s Top Brass Farm in Newton, New Jersey. She helps tend to the farm's 25 driving and jumping horses. She grooms and shows at major horse shows on the East Coast, such as HITS Saugerties and Ocala, Garden State, the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National and Lake Placid. She attends Centenary College and is the senior captain of the IHSA team where she has been competing in the Open level for four years. Nicole is planning to graduate in May 2013 with an Equine Studies degree with a concentration in Communications.

For the latest results and information about the 2013 IHSA Nationals, click HERE. Watch live streaming of all the action HERE.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Nicole Mandracchia's Blog: Final Hunt Seat Day at IHSA Nationals: I heard one of my favorite songs, “Titanium” by Sia, come over the loudspeaker this morning while all our horses were out schooling. I sang along with it for a few bars and then turned to one of my teammates with a smile. “It’s going to be a good day—this is a good song.” He looked at me like I was crazy, but I was getting good vibes.

As the saying goes, it ain’t over until it’s over. It seemed as though Centenary’s luck finally turned around today. Senior Cori Reich won the coveted USEF/Cacchione Cup title, something she has been working very hard for. This is the third time in five years that a Centenary rider has claimed this title; graduate Lindsay Clark won it in 2009 and graduate Marissa Cohen won in 2011.

It was so stressful listening to the announcer list the riders’ names in reverse order of placing during the awards presentation. Our entire team was there to cheer for her when her name was called in first place—we were all in tears. After all the ribbon pictures were taken, we stormed into the arena and enveloped her in a group hug. There are so many of us that I’m sure it looked like a stampede! Cori is amazing and we are so proud of her.

Our Open Flat rider, junior Kathryn Haley, scored a win for us in Team Open Flat. The judges did not call the riders back for further testing like they did last year. Instead, they asked the riders to drop their stirrups to the right and perform flatwork without them, including a lengthening of stride at the canter. Katie rode beautifully and with the same grace and poise that she always has. I wish I could flat as well as she can!

That win brought us to a tie with Goucher College for 5^th overall in the team placings, which was the same placing we received last year. Being one of the top five teams in the country is pretty good and we’ll definitely take it! Skidmore and St. Lawrence deserved the win—their riders were exceptional all week. Stanford University jumped to the Reserve Championship, which was great for them! The Savannah College of Art and Design was third and Mount Holyoke was fourth.

The show always does three sportsmanship awards to recognize three individuals who have worked hard all week to make Nationals possible. Rebecca Folk of Lafayette College won the Rider Award, Erin Githens of Lafayette College won the Coach Award and Centenary’s very own Amy Gregonis won the Volunteer Award. Congratulations to them—all were very deserving!

There’s also a Horse of the Show award given to the horse that has been the most consistent all week and has been a favorite among riders and coaches. Centenary’s King won this award, and he proudly posed in the winner’s circle. He will receive free SmartPaks for a year and won a beautiful bridle, which we want him to wear in his lessons every day. Centenary has had King for 7 years, and he has been such a great addition to our program. He has taught countless riders how to ride and always comes to Nationals with us. He also does ANRC Nationals, IDA shows at Centenary, IHSA shows at Centenary and Hunter/Jumper team shows. He a professional and knows his job well.

After the award presentations, we packed up our equipment and horses to go home. This was the last IHSA show of my college career—I graduate from Centenary in two weeks. It’s so surreal and I do not know where the past four years have gone. IHSA has been a part of my college career from day 1; I have always been committed to our team. I have learned so many essential riding skills competing in IHSA shows in Zone 3, Region 3. As a captain, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and how to run horse shows successfully and efficiently. I have learned how to get the best out of my team and encourage them to work hard and never give up. I’ve made so many life-long friends that I will never forget and will always keep in touch with. And most importantly, I’ve learned horsemanship skills that will last a lifetime.

Ultimately, we had a great year and that’s all that really matters. We were undefeated, winning every show all semester and we claimed the Zone 3 Finals Championship. None of Centenary’s success would have been possible without the help of all 60 people on our team, and I thank each and every one of them for one of the best years our team has ever had. I can’t thank our coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark enough for all their support and dedication to the team. All those no-stirrup lessons and practices ultimately made us stronger riders. It has been an honor to work with each member of this team, and I hope that they will learn as much from IHSA as I did.

2013 IHSA Nationals ended in a tie this year between Skidmore and St. Lawrence. Both coaches had wonderful things to say about the other team. Mary Drueding (St. Lawrence): "I'd rather share than lose the title. I'm incredibly proud of Zone 2 in itself. We have strong riders, strong coaches, and we all fight until the 8th class on the last day." Belinda (Asst. Coach of Skidmore): "This was a really special camaraderie and we're both thrilled to share the title within Zone 2."

© Madison Harris

I have to share this photo of my own team, Berry College, who claimed 6th place today. On a personal note, we have fought the past three years of my college career to reach Nationals and haven't made it as a team past Zones. This year, after an undefeated season, my team made it to Nationals. I have never been a part of such a hard-working and supportive group of people before and I was proud to watch them accomplish this goal. This was probably the greatest present I could've received at the end of my senior year. Go Vikings!

© Madison Harris

King, the Dutch Warmblood from Centenary College, won Champion Hunt Seat Horse of 2013 Nationals. What a beautiful guy!

© Madison Harris

I had the chance for a quick word with Peter Leone after the Cacchione Cup final. He stated: "The Cacchione final testing was Maclay caliber of skill. All the coaches and teams should be incredibly proud of their riders. I was impressed."

© Madison Harris

We have some fantastic video footage provided from a number of sources this week!

© Madison Harris

Running the in-gate at a horse show, especially Nationals, takes a large amount of skill and multitasking. I caught our manager, Chris Mitchell, in the middle of a vary precarious situation involving the balance of coffee and calling riders.

© Madison Harris

Everyone has a tendency to stop and check out the coveted Hunt Seat National Champion trophy, I know I have a couple of times.

© Madison Harris

Meet Lucy! Lucy is a 12 year old, Dutch Warmblood, who is owned by the United States Military Academy. After speaking to her owners, Lucy was found by a friend of the family and shared with them her remarkable talent as a jumper. Lucy has been a show-favorite this week due to her floppy ears as she listens to her riders. As her owner said: "She's known for it, and sometimes you can't really help how big your head is!"

© Madison Harris

While we're here with our teammates cheering us on, we have a tendency to forget how proud our parents are of us. As our number one fans since we start our careers, countless hours are spent watching ringside. They stick with us through the highs and lows, the falls, the smiles, and most of all, the moments that matter most. I had the pleasure of capturing Flavia D'urso's father watching from the gate as Flavia received her Champion ribbon in Collegiate Open Equitation Over Fences for Skidmore College. Not a single person could help but smile as he pointed her out in excitement and pride.

© Madison Harris

The final 10 riders from the Cacchione Cup line up for the awards ceremony.

© Madison Harris

Peter Leone is present today at Nationals. Winning riders have been awarded his "Show Jumping Clinic" book as a prize here. All 10 of the Cacchione riders received a book as a token of competition. Peter is a Member of the United States Equestrian Team and has represented the United States on numerous occasions including in 1982 when he helped the U.S. finish fourth in the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland, and in 1996 when he and Crown Royal Legato were part of the USET's Silver Medal team at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.

© Madison Harris

Cori Reich, of Centenary College, becomes emotional as she is left standing in the lineup as the winner of the 2013 Cacchione Cup. After finishing 15th last year in the Cacchione Cup, Reich was ecstatic with this accomplishment. Speaking to her after the awards, she "thanked Heather and Michael for pushing her incredibly hard and expecting a lot out of her and her teammates. That's how accomplishments are made."

© Madison Harris

The Cacchione Cup is a wrap! Final standings were: Cori Reich, from Centenary (Champion), Flavia D'Urso, from Skidmore (Reserve Champion) and Blake Roberts from Virginia Intermont (Third).

© Madison Harris

Here's the mounting arena where the riders meet their horses. Afterward they make the walk through the tunnel to the competition arena.

© Madison Harris

With the support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Events, Inc., the Carr-Hughes network production of the Rolex Equestrian Championships will be broadcast on NBC Sunday, April 28 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Leading up to the NBC telecast, USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak will offer live, wall-to-wall coverage of the dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, which can be seen on computers, tablets and smart TV/Google TV devices in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Google TV users can go to http://www.usefnetwork.com/googletv for an enhanced experience.

For equestrian fans

throughout the rest of the world, FEI TV will air LIVE coverage of Saturday's cross-country and Sunday's show jumping competitions. To sign up for FEI TV visit www.feitv.org.

The broadcast schedule is listed below and is available under the Live Broadcast Schedule tab at USEFNetwork.com. Times are subject to change.
April 25: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
April 26: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
April 27: LIVE Cross-Country on USEFNetwork.com, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET

April 28: LIVE Show Jumping on USEFNetwork.com, 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Awards Ceremony on USEFNetwork.com, 3 p.m. ET

Rolex Equestrian Championships on NBC, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. and produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. The prestigious competition is part of the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to any rider who wins three of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing competitions in succession. The Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing competitions include the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, and Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Rolex Kentucky is also one of six CCI4*competitions that compose the HSBC FEI Classics™ and features riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will crown the 16th Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Champion. The only Four Star event in the Western Hemisphere, Rolex Kentucky will draw an estimated 70,000 spectators and be seen by millions more on the worldwide telecast.

Limited advertising opportunities for the television broadcast and on USEFNetwork.com are available through Scott Carling, USEF Managing Director of Sales and Sponsorships, at (859) 225-6928 or scarling@usef.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Classic Communications at (508) 698-6810 or info@classic-communications.com.

For more information about the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover visit www.rk3de.org.

The Gene Mische American Invitational, however, is completely different. Being in an NFL facility, Raymond James Stadium, (which has hosted the Super Bowl) IS A  key element contributing to a special experience for riders and fans alike.

Horse show judge Jimmy Lee, who has been to many Invitationals and attended the 41st last night, explained it this way to me:

"Just to walk into such an awesome place in the evening and the way they do the presentation, it's a great course and a lot of people from the community come to watch -- they really make it an event," he pointed out.

"Sometimes we just have a wonderful horse show, but it's just like the wonderful horse show the previous week, and the one we're going to have next week. With these long circuits, it's fun to say to someone, `What show were you champion at?'

`I was champion the fifth week.'

`But what was the name of the show?'"

Odds are, you won't get an answer to that one.

There's no such confusion with the Invitational; even riding in it without getting a ribbon is memorable. As Jimmy  said, "It's a production."

You just get one shot; there's no schooling, no warm-up class. It becomes a real test of horsemanship.

McLain Ward at the X-factor jump on the way to winning the Gene Mische American Invitational with Rothchild.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

This edition definitely was tough; only McLain Ward, on the hard-fighting Rothchild, and 18-year-old Reed Kessler, his 2012 Olympic teammate on Mika, made it from the starting field of 30 into the tie-breaker.

Steve Stephens, who has designed the Invitational since 1985 (with the exception of one year) put his usual amount of thought into the route he laid out. There were several new fences, including the American Invitational pedestal, raised up on a red X (Steve was inspired by The X-Factor TV show), as well as a vertical/liverpool/vertical triple combination near the end of the course that took a lot of prisoners.

Why is an arrangement like that so difficult here?

Listen: Steve Stephens

So now you understand the circumstances, and why, for McLain, winning his third Invitational since 1998 has special meaning.

"This class is an institution for this country, this sport. I really hope people in the industry rally behind this and keep it going," he said. "It almost died a few years ago. I'm so glad to see (organizer) Michael Morrissey and his group of people and sponsors who have really made great effort to revive it, because it's very, very important to us as athletes.

"This is something unique and special and when I grew up, this was the most important class to win, this is what we coveted. I think that's important for future young riders; my children, one day, I hope."

The show also is a great experience for spectators, who come out in droves to walk the course,

measuring the height of the fences against the top of their heads, spreading their arms in the middle of the oxers to see how wide they are.

The crowd of 8,500 was better than last year and comparable to the number who came to Wellington on Florida's east coast last weekend for the $500,000 grand prix that ended the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. They do look a bit lost in the cavernous facility, though as McLain pointed out, "In anything other than a 65,000-seat stadium, it would look packed. But I think the stadium also makes the atmosphere a bit."

He sees the Invitational's potential for becoming a "destination event," such as Devon or the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.

"That's what this event should be aimed to be," he commented.

"WEF is so great, but it gets so monotonous by the end, when you use the same jumps every single week. It's beautiful here," said Reed.

"They really put in that extra work to make it special, and it feels special from the moment you get here."

"There are so many things they do so, so well," McLain pointed out, noting that there are always different fences each year, and the organizers and Steve don't simply rest on their laurels.

His most memorable Invitational win, achieved during a 2008 night of rain, was on Sapphire. There will never be another like the mare, who retired last year at Devon in an emotional ceremony.

"For me, every horse is in the shadow of Sapphire. I miss her very much," said McLain, but Rothchild has found a way into his heart.

"It was a little bit of a lucky chance that I got him," McLain said, recalling he had gone to Europe seeking a horse for a student, and tried Rothchild.

"Francois Mathy, who we buy all our horses from, said, `I think it's a very careful horse.'"

McLain had a different opinion.

"I didn't like anything about him. All the way to the airport, I said, `No, no, no.'"

It apparently fell on deaf ears.

"I called my father to say I was home and he said, `By the way, we bought the chestnut horse. Francois says you don't know what you're talking about."

Well, look at how it's turned out. Rothchild is as competitive as his rider, and as he pins his ears back while he's clearing a fence, you can tell he's going for it.

"He's an every day competitor. He can go in a speed class, he can jump the American Invitational, he can jump a Global Tour grand prix, he can jump Nations' Cups," said McLain.

"He's very quietly amassed quite a record. In the end, he's become a very good friend of mine. He gives me everything he has to give me."

Rothchild, who is owned by the Dolan family's Sagamore Farm, also is "an unbelievable character. He's the sweetest horse in the world to deal with," said McLain.

That's when you're in the barn.

At the same time, "he's totally opinionated and it's going to be his way. He does not like other horses. He makes up for lack of classic style with determination. He can kind of do everything, which is a rarity in today's sport. You know, everything's a specialist. This horse is really the blue collar worker, but the blue collar worker won one for the team today."

McLain Ward hoists the Invitational trophy as second-place Reed Kessler and third-place Sharn Wordley look on.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Despite the fact that only McLain and Reed were in the jump-off, this was no easy victory, and there were a few others who came close to making the tie breaker. Sharn Wordley, a U.S.-based New Zealander, nearly did qualify but scored a time fault with Eric Lamaze's Olympic mount, Derly Chin de Muze, to wind up third.

And how did he get the ride on this horse?

Simple: "I got engaged to the owner (Ashley Fleischhacker)," he admitted, getting a laugh, as the beautiful blonde held the flowers he got during the awards ceremony.

Sharn had a mishap that put him over the 89-second time allowed.

"My horse drifted quite hard to the right at fence four and I rubbed my foot against the standards and I was kind of discombobulated and I kind of took a bit of time on that corner to get myself organized," said Sharn.

"I knew from then on it was going to be touch-and-go...I tried to catch up as best I could without jeopardizing having a rail. It was my first time doing the Invitational and I love it. It's going to be a focus for me next year. It's just so different...with so much atmosphere...it really is quite challenging."

McLain has gone from being one of the young guns to being the establishment, and they're all coming after him.

(Listen: McLain Ward

Invitational runner-up Reed Kessler on Mika

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Reed is having a great time as an 18-year-old; becoming the youngest equestrian to compete in the Games last summer, and now nearly winning the Invitational in only her second attempt.

She had the disadvantage of going first in the jump-off, and was faced with the always difficult task of splitting the difference between having a fast time and making sure the fences stayed up.

"McLain is so, so fast; Rothchild, especially," she said.

"So I tried to lay down a really competitive round...to go in my comfort zone with Mika to make sure I put in a clear round. I tried to put enough pressure on without making a mistake."

She accomplished that, but by leaving out one stride and making a smoother approach than Reed did to one fence, McLain was able to better her mark of 43.37 by more than a second by crossing the finish in 42.10.

"It's so huge, it's such a prestigious class. I love walking the course and listening to people like Katie (Prudent, her coach) and Leslie (Howard) talk about the different horses they've won it on and the years where they had this (jump) in the course," said Reed.

"It's just such a historic class and has so many great stories behind it. It's great to say I've been second in the Invitational once," she continued, then smiled.

"I hope I can add a win."

The top three all liked the course, and praised Steve.

"He had some very young and green riders in the class, as well as Olympic horses and riders, he had to find a balance and I thought it was a good balance test," said McLain. Two or three, but under five (in the jump-off) is the right number for this competition."

The first Invitational I attended was in 1984, the year of the Los Angeles Olympics. Leslie Howard won on Albany and I thought it was neat that as I walked toward the stadium entrance yesterday, she was the first person I saw. We reminisced a bit about that experience.

Listen: Leslie Howard

There's always something different and intriguing at the Invitational, aside from the jumping. One area of the grounds is devoted to kids, with a petting zoo, horseless horse show and face painting. A Percheron was pulling what I call a Cinderella carriage (round and enclosed by artistic white metal strips).

Katherine Bateson Chandler did a freestyle demonstration with Alcazar.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

During a break in the class, 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. dressage team member Katherine Bateson-Chandler performed a freestyle on Jane Clark's  Alcazar, not easy to do with jumps in the way and workmen pounding down divots all around her. But it was good practice for the horse, who will have to compete in a comparable setting (minus the jumps and workmen) if Katherine makes the squad for next summer's WEG in France.

Before everyone left the post-show party, always a relaxed affair and a good way to wind down from an exciting evening, I checked in with Michael Morrissey, head of Stadium Jumping Inc., which runs the show presented by G&C Farm.

Michael was Gene Mische's nephew, and devoted to him. Still is; he is keeping the Invitational going (and believe me, many people wondered if it could continue) in memory of Gene, the impresario who founded the Florida circuit.

Listen: Michael Morrissey

Don't forget to check out facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman for more photos of the Invitational.
This was my last trip to Florida for the year. Like nearly everyone else, I'm heading north for the start of the regular season. I'll be sending postcards daily from the Rolex Kentucky 4-star at the end of the month, so be sure to look for them.

Until then,

March 22, 2013--When Susan King’s 35-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Skipper, colicked in the fall of 2012, she knew she could count on her vet, Amy Plummer Weatherly, DVM, DACVS, to do everything in her power to help. Today, Skipper is still thriving under Dr. Weatherly’s attentive care.

In recognition of her dedication and hard work, Dr. Weatherly will receive the 2013 EQUUS Professional Horseman Award. Sponsored by Platinum Performance, Zinpro and W.F. Young, Inc., the award gave horse owners a chance to nominate a professional horseperson who has gone above and beyond to keep horses healthy and happy.

“Everyone always talks about how great they think their vet is, but I don't think they ever really let them know,” said Susan, who lives in Memphis, Tenn. with her three horses. “This contest came along at the right time. I wanted Amy to know how much she's appreciated by my horses and me.”

Dr. Weatherly will receive a plaque denoting her achievement and a personalized Wrangler jacket. For sending in the winning nomination, Susan will receive a 30-day supply of Platinum Performance CJ, a 6-container case of Zinpro ProCare-4, a gallon and a 32-oz. spray bottle of Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, and a gallon and a 32-oz. spray bottle of

UltraShield EX.

"At EQUUS, we know how hard veterinarians, farriers and other professionals work every day,” said EQUUS Editor and Associate Publisher Laurie Prinz. “With this award we want to offer a special ‘thank you' to those who go the extra mile to keep our horses happy and healthy."

Dr. Weatherly is based at Wolf River Veterinary Services in Grand Junction, Tenn. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she is a board certified large animal surgeon.

February 24, 2013--Week seven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Hermès , continued on Saturday with the $50,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Fifteen-year-old Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, took home her second win in a row in the prestigious class, this year riding Dr. Betsee Parker's Ovation to victory. Previous winners filled the second place spots; Liza Boyd and Brunello placed second, while Louise Serio and Castle Rock were third.

Hunter horses and riders have been showcased throughout week seven of the FTI WEF during WCHR competition, featured in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Saturday night's Hunter Spectacular competition saw the best of the FTI WEF's Professional, Amateur and Junior riders, who qualified for the class during competition for their respective divisions throughout the week.

Four panels of two judges each were on hand for the class, each stationed at different points around the arena. The judges for the class included: Panel 1 - Danny Robertshaw and Mary Lisa Leffler, Panel 2 - Scott Williamson and Bill Moroney,  Panel 3 - Rachel Kennedy and Scott Hofstetter, Panel 4 - Julie Winkel and Patrick Rodes.

The competitors with the top twelve scores from round one advanced to the second round of the class; among them was the 2012 Hunter Spectacular winner, Victoria Colvin (who won last year with Way Cool). Colvin returned this year on another of Dr. Betsee Parker's mounts, Ovation, and set the bar high for the night's competition with a score of 91.5 early on. The duo finished with a second round score of 90.37 for a top score of 181.87.

Colvin was elated to win the Hunter Spectacular two years in a row, especially in such good company as Boyd and Serio.

"Winning two years in a row is amazing. It feels really great. There's amazing riders in this class, including lots of professionals. It's great to compete against them," Colvin stated.

"This year, I was on a different horse. I think this was Ovation's first or second time under the lights, so I didn't know how he was going to be, but I felt strong going into the second round and was confident that he was going to be good," Colvin continued.

Colvin did not put any extra pressure on herself or Ovation to repeat last year's win. "I don't really get nervous," the fifteen-year-old phenom simply explained.
"Ovation is pretty straight-forward and very smooth across the ground," Colvin described of her winning mount, a thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding.

Brunello, a fifteen-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Janet Peterson and Boyd, was the only horse to compete at the four-foot height and was first on course for round two. The pair made their presence known in no uncertain terms, galloping to an impressive 91.5 right off the bat.  While no one caught their score, combined with their first round score of 86.5, their total score of 178 put them in second place.

"It was a little hard to go back to back," Boyd admitted. "He actually went better the second round. He's older now and he likes the pressure. I just went in I said, 'We're going for it, buddy.' We were sitting in eighth and both of us just weren't quite as pumped up the first round, and you have to get that way with him. You kind of have to give him blood and get him excited."

Boyd was incredibly impressed by course designer Steve Stephens' ingenious approach to the night's courses. "You had to be a rider. It wasn't just your typical outside, diagonal hunter course and I like to see that these days. I think that the hunters are going that direction and it makes them jump crisper and higher and it's fun. It makes us better riders in the long run. I think Steve has helped that in a very good way," Boyd stated.

Boyd likened tonight's competition to the World Cup Finals of the hunter world, emphasizing the importance of showcasing hunter competition. "It's a really big deal for us to have this show. It's nice for us to get highlighted," Boyd explained.

"All three of us wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our owners. We have great owners that believe in our program and we wouldn't be here without them. They're horses of a lifetime and we're just really lucky to have them in our lives," Boyd emphasized.

The only pair to beat Colvin and Ovation in round one were veteran competitors Louise Serio and Castle Rock, a fourteen-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Bryan Baldwin. Castle Rock and Serio also received a score of 91.5, but had a higher score from the tie-breaker judge's panel. Serio and Castle Rock couldn't catch Colvin and Ovation during round two, scoring an 86.18 for a total score of 177.6.

"Castle Rock was more relaxed the second round. I was a lot more nervous," Serio admitted. "It's hard [going last] when you're in that hot seat. He's just a wonderful horse and he just gives you confidence and always tries so hard."

Serio had equally high praise as Boyd did for Stephens' course design. "I think what's really fantastic is that he's done the Olympics and put as much time and thought into this for us as he did for that, or at least it feels like it," Serio stated.

"I think that course made the class. I think our horses rose to the occasion. They weren't taxed too much, but they were taxed enough to jump really well. The lines rode beautifully and he's just an amazing course designer," Serio continued.

Serio was equally complimentary of the WCHR showcase throughout week seven of the FTI WEF. "I think it's really amazing how important it is as a rider to get into this class. I've been doing this a long time and I stress every year about getting into this class," Serio emphasized. "You see everybody gearing up and working for it and trying to get in it. It's really fun to see that and I think it's really great

to see the class go so well."

The WCHR Calcutta, hosted in the International Club immediately prior to the class' start, raised $28,500. Proceeds will benefit the USHJA Foundation.

The Peter Wetherill Cup was awarded to Lynn Rice, owner of Gramercy Park. The Peter Wetherill Cup was established in October of 2011 to honor the life and legacy of well-known equestrian, Peter Wetherill, and to recognize the WCHR "Hunter of the Year." Rice was joined for the presentation by Gramercy Park's professional rider and trainer, Tom Brennan and Tony Workman.

Several other special awards recognized the night's top competitors following round one of competition. The Charlie Weaver Memorial award, which recognizes the conformation horse with the highest average score during round one, was awarded to Taken, ridden by Kelley Farmer and owned by Jessica Sttit.

Empire, ridden by Peter Pletcher and owned by David Gochman, was recognized as the Best Conditioned Horse of round one with the Mark Gregory Memorial Award. Empire is groomed by Gustavo Hernandez.

Final Results: $50,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

1   OVATION         VICTORIA COLVIN
92.00 90.00 92.00 92.00   91.50
92.00 94.00 86.50 89.00   90.37 181.87

2   BRUNELLO        ELIZABETH BOYD
87.00 84.50 86.50 88.00   86.50
93.00 93.00 90.00 90.00   91.50 178.00

3   CASTLE ROCK     LOUISE SERIO
95.00 92.00 89.00 90.00   91.50
84.00 86.50 87.50 86.75   86.18 177.68

4   MADISON         LILLIE KEENAN
90.00 88.00 85.00 87.00   87.50
85.00 92.00 88.00 86.50   87.87 175.37

5   QUATRAIN        ELIZABETH BOYD
88.00 86.00 86.00 86.50   86.62
87.00 90.00 87.00 87.00   87.75 174.37

6   GIA             PETER PLETCHER
86.50 85.00 87.00 84.00   85.62
88.00 88.00 86.00 84.00   86.50 172.12

7   QUOTABLE        HOLLY ORLANDO
83.00 83.00 82.00 85.00   83.25
86.00 87.00 85.00 86.00   86.00 169.25

8   LAPIS           HOLLY ORLANDO
82.50 83.50 82.50 81.00   82.37
82.00 86.00 82.00 85.00   83.75 166.12

9   PARKLAND        LILLIE KEENAN
85.00 84.00 79.00 86.00   83.50
75.00 79.00 81.00 82.00   79.25 162.75

10  EMPIRE          PETER PLETCHER
88.50 89.00 93.00 89.00   89.87
55.00 65.00 60.00 65.00   61.25 151.12

11  MYTHICAL        KELLEY FARMER
93.00 91.00 88.00 82.00   88.50
45.00 47.00 45.00 45.00   45.50 134.00

12  TAKEN           KELLEY FARMER
89.00 87.00 87.50 86.75   87.56
40.0    40.00 36.00 38.00   38.50 126.06

Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunter Division Champions

Amateur-Owner and Junior riders had qualified for the Hunter Spectacular only a few hours prior to competition, with divisions awarding championship honors earlier on Saturday.  The Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division saw championship honors go to Lexi Maounis and her eleven-year-old Hanoverian mare Sienna. Sienna and Maounis were first and sixth over fences during day one and secured the championship title with a first place finish in Saturday's stake round. Reserve champion was Humor Me and Stephanie Danhakl, who were fifth and first over fences.

Maounis was thrilled to secure a spot in Saturday night's prestigious Hunter Spectacular class. "It's so special to win during Hunter Week. She's been champion the past few weeks here [at WEF] and I'm just so happy we could do it again."

Maounis's always dependable mare was unfazed by the wide open spaces of the International Arena. "She was perfect in the International Ring. The handy was just really fun, especially getting to do the tight turns with her," Maounis commented.

Rock Steady and Katie Robinson triumphed in the Hunt Limited Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter division. Robinson and her thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding were first and second over fences during day one of competition and finished second over fences and third under saddle on day two. Reserve champion was Gia, ridden by Katie Gibson.

The pair was first and third over fences and seventh under saddle. Robinson described Rock Steady as her perfect match, and credited their success to his love of the show ring. "He's got just the right amount of sass. He gets to the jumps and has fun with it. He just enjoys showing," stated Robinson.

This week is the highlight for many hunter competitors at the FTI WEF, and Robinson welcomes the extra attention it brings to hunter riders and horses. "Hunter Week really is a special week. It's so nice to be showcased and to get out in the big ring.  It's nice to feel special and it's so much fun," Robinson described.

Junior rider divisions also competed throughout the day on Saturday for a spot in the night class, beginning with the Antares Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Tori Colvin and Dr. Betsee Parker's Inclusive were champions of the division after placing fifth under saddle and sweeping the over fences classes. Reserve champion was Kyle Owens' Cinema, ridden by Kirklen Peterson. The pair was fourth and second over fences.

Colvin also emerged victorious with Ovation in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Ovation won the under saddle class and placed second, first and third over fences. Reserve champion of the division was Whatever, owned and ridden by Vivian Yowan. Yowan and Whatever were fifth under saddle and third, second and first over fences.

Colvin is already a veteran competitor in the Hunter Spectacular despite only being fifteen, and was especially pleased to have two of her mounts qualify. "Every win is significant to me, but it's really special to win during Hunter Week. WCHR is the biggest show of WEF, and it's an honor to win at WEF in general," Colvin stated.
Colvin described her mounts - Inclusive, a ten-year-old Warmblood gelding, and Ovation, a thirteen-year-old Warmblood gelding - as an exceptionally talented pair.

"[Ovation] is an amazing mover, and he just sweeps across the ground. He may not jump as well as Inclusive, but he creates such a pretty picture that the judges always love him," Colvin described.

"Inclusive just has an unreal jump," Colvin continued. "He was great today and is an amazing horse. He's very easy to ride, you can just let go and let him do his job. He gets up to the jump and just snaps his legs up perfectly."

The older Junior divisions wrapped up the qualifying rounds for the Hunter Spectacular. Garfield and Alexandra Crown triumphed in the Antarés Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division after the pair jumped to first, second, and second place finishes over fences and fourth place under saddle.  Reserve champion was Chansonette Farm, LLC's Madison, ridden by Lillie Keenan. Keenan and Madison were second, second and third over fences and third under saddle.

Crown and Garfield have accumulated an array of championship titles at the FTI WEF, but edging out the competition at Hunter Week was especially meaningful for Crown.

"A lot of people wait to come [to the FTI WEF] this week just to show during Hunter Week. The judging is a little harder, the courses are harder, but Garfield was on it today. He's always perfect though," Crown grinned.

Keenan and Jennifer Gates' Parkland, another duo intimately familiar with the FTI WEF championship circle, unsurprisingly won the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division. Parkland, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding, and Keenan clinched this week's title with three blue ribbon finishes and one third place round over fences in addition to another first place prize under saddle. Reserve champion of the Small Junior 16-17 division was Good Humor, owned and ridden by Madeleine Thatcher.

"This horse makes me feel pretty confident all the time," Keenan admitted. "He was a lot of fun in the International Ring today. He has a huge stride, so to be able to go in a big ring like this and gallop around is a lot of fun for both of us."

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of nearly 180 students (grades 8–12) who traveled from all over the country to be a part of the third annual College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show, January 18–20, at the new Adequan Global Dressage Facility at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

The three-day event gives young equestrians a taste of hunt-seat equitation and dressage collegiate competition. They also have the opportunity to be recruited by collegiate equestrian team coaches, speak with representatives from some of the top equestrian colleges about their equine academic degree programs and get expert advice on how to find the academic and/or riding opportunities that will best suit them after graduation.

The CPI kicked off Friday with the opening of the Practical Horseman sponsored College Expo tent. Students then took a written horsemanship test, attended a presentation on Walking a Course and Basic Course Design by CPI Course Designer Pierre Jolicoeur and were given a brief introduction to the various governing associations of collegiate riding. Robert Cacchione and Peter Cashman spoke about the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Janet Harms about the Intercollegiate Dressage Association, Merrilee Wroten about the American National Riding Commission, and Ellen White on the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Saturday morning’s horse draw times started at 6:30 a.m., and hunt-seat competition began at 8 a.m. Judged by Olympian Nona Garson, Ian McCartney, Christina Jones and Beth Nielsen, students competed in Open, Intermediate, Limit and Novice Equitation classes throughout the afternoon both over fences and on the flat. Each wore a colored armband that signified their grade level (black=8th grade, white=freshman, burgundy=sophomore, gray=junior, gold=senior).

Riders lined up after class. Each rider’s grade level was indicated by the color of his or her arm band (black=8th grade, white=freshman, burgundy=sophomore, gray=junior, gold=senior).

Photo © Traci Donatelli

I spoke briefly with Nona Garson and Ian McCartney, and they agreed the most difficult part of their job was to create a level playing field with so many horses and riders of varying levels. They also tried to consider that many of these students were catch riding (riding an unfamiliar horse) for the first time. The judges watched the competition horses schooling the day before to help them discern each horse’s individual abilities and quirks. On competition day, students were allowed to ask the handlers about the horses before they rode, and in some instances, the handler was the horse’s owner. Horses were lent out for the event and some were sale horses looking to find new homes. Sale horses were featured in the event program, and by the end of the event, at least six had trials scheduled.

Brianne Link, a freshman from Long Island, New York, who went on to win the High Point Hunt Seat Rider award, told me after her ride on a horse named Leo that her strategy was to watch the way Leo had been ridden by competitors before her. “I noticed he was a strong horse and that they were riding him a little rough, but I thought he needed a little love, so I softened him up, and it worked.”

The dressage competition started at 1 p.m. and was judged by Lauren Sammis. It ran concurrently with the equitation classes. There were a few logistical problems that forced organizers to cancel the last few equitation classes. Show management promised changes would be made to avoid similar problems next year.

Sunday morning dawned warm and sunny as the students assembled for the final presentations and awards. Randi Healthman, an advisor who specializes in equestrian college programs, spoke on “Making the Grade—and the Team: Your College Riding Options Explained.” She said that there were 400-plus colleges and universities in the United States and Canada that have intercollegiate equestrian teams, and if you hope to find the right fit for you, you must ask yourself specific questions and create a timeline of when to do what.

Dressage judge Lauren Sammis speaks with a rider following her test.

Photo © Traci Donatelli

Karin Bump, professor at Cazenovia College, spoke on “The Right Program for You! Matching Equestrian Interests with College Options and Degree Offerings.” She explained to students that, in addition to the 400-plus colleges with riding teams, there are about the same number of different equine degree options, and there are many ways to combine your passions into a specialized educational program in the horse industry, whether it be in science, business, journalism or education.

CPI creators believe that every student should have the opportunity to be a part of a collegiate team, regardless of finances, and this year they were able to offer more scholarships than ever before. In addition to giving away a $1,100 helmet signed by Olympian Beezie Madden in a drawing, helmet maker and sponsor Charles Owen helped CPI double its High Point Rider Scholarships—allowing them to award High Point Dressage Rider Ashley Guidry (Class of 2013, Elkhorn, Wisconsin) and High Point Hunt Seat Rider Brianne Link (Class of 2016, East Islip, New York) each a $2,000 scholarship to the schools of their choice. Additional scholarships were given for:

Hunt seat judges Ian McCartney and Nona Garson agreed the most difficult part of their job was to create a level playing field with so many horses and riders of varying levels.

Photo © Traci Donatelli

• Reserve Hunt Seat Rider: Jessica Hall 11th grade, Verona, New Jersey
• Reserve Dressage Rider: Clare Burke 12th grade, Rolling Hills Estates, California
• Community Service: Alexandra Adams 11th grade, Jacksonville, Florida
• Horsemanship Test: Chloe Hatch, 10th grade, Vero Beach, Florida
• Essay Contest: Cassie Crotty 10th grade, Coral Gables, Florida

While attendees must apply for admission to the three-day program (submitting photos and, for hunt seat, video over fences) and pay their own expenses, support from the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and USHJA Foundation made it possible for Logan Fraser and Emma Karlson to receive a $1,500 travel grant to defray their travel expenses to this year’s event.

Applications for the 2014 CPI will be available online June 1, 2013 at www.collegeprepinvitational.com.

For more information on college riding, go to www.equisearch.com/college-directory.

]]> http://www.equisearch.com/news/the-cpi-horse-show-gives-young-riders-a-taste-of-collegiate-riding/feed/ 0 http://www.equisearch.com/news/uset-foundation-awards-2013-lionel-guerrand-hermes-trophy-to-reed-kessler/ http://www.equisearch.com/news/uset-foundation-awards-2013-lionel-guerrand-hermes-trophy-to-reed-kessler/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:44:35 +0000 Sandy Oliynyk http://www.equisearch.com/?p=66775 Feb. 1, 2013--The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2013 Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy is the talented show jumping rider Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY. Each year this award is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2012, Reed Kessler advanced to the highest levels of show jumping, competing during the Olympic Trials and winning the USEF Show Jumping National Championship. After her stellar performance throughout the Observation Events, Reed Kessler and her top mount Cylana were selected to represent the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Kessler, an 18-year-old graduate of the Professional Children's School, was presented with this prestigious award at the USET Foundation Reception on January 25th, in Wellington, Florida.

"The list of riders who have stood in this exact place giving this same speech is a truly exceptional group, and I am honored to join their ranks," stated Kessler. "One year ago, I sat in this audience, wondering how my first Florida show season, free from all the age restrictions, would go. I sat wondering if I would be ready for the approaching Olympic Trials, and most of all, who would make up the team that we would send to London. It did not cross my mind that one year later I would stand here, having been a member of that team. It did not occur to me that my new horse, Cylana, which we were still so unfamiliar with, would carry me to those Games. It is truly amazing what can happen in a year, and when I look back, this will probably be one of the best of my life."

Kessler continued, "Although my name is the one that will be inscribed on the trophy, I can only take a very small percentage of the credit. First. I have to thank the USET Foundation, who has supported me by funding programs like the European Young Riders Tour, without which the Olympics would have been my very first U.S. Nations Cup Team. I also have to thank the ladies behind the scenes that work tirelessly to take care of my horses. A thanks also goes to our vets and blacksmith, who are also critical members of our team."

"It is impossible to name everyone who has touched my career and that of my horses, so thank you to everyone who has helped along the way," acknowledged Kessler. "I would like to thank Andre Dignelli and Patricia Griffith and the whole team at Heritage Farm, who gave me a great foundation from Short Stirrup to Junior Jumpers. After I transitioned from Equitation to Jumpers, I began training with Katie and Henri Prudent. I jokingly call them my fairy godparents, because they transformed an ordinary young girl who loved horses and taught her how to make that passion a career. Their incredible teaching is further evident by the fact that I am their third student to receive this prestigious award. I cannot thank them enough for everything that have taught me and everything they continue to teach me. Next, I'd like to thank my parents, Murray and Terri Kessler. I doubt any parents could bestow any more love and support on their child than my parents have. Way before the grand prixs and the glory, my parents had the same enthusiasm for the sport and dedication to support me in whatever path I chose."

Kessler was the youngest person in Show Jumping history to compete at the Olympic Games. The team from the United States finished in sixth place, facing fierce competition from the other nations. She also represented the United States during the Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows. Later in the year, Kessler was the winner of the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix at the Washington International Horse Show, where she was also the Leading Jumper Rider. In 2011, some of Kessler's accomplishments included becoming a member of the U.S. Show Jumping European Young Riders Tour and winning the Young Riders Grand Prix and Young Riders Nations Cup in Lamprechthausen, Austria. She has now begun her professional career at Kessler Show Stables.

Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy Winners
Patrick Guerrand-Hermès established the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Memorial Award in 1983 in memory of his son, Lionel, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1981 at the age of 18. Lionel trained with the United States Equestrian Team and was talented enough to be considered an Olympic hopeful. A perpetual trophy designed by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès is inscribed annually with the winner's name and permanently displayed at the USET Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Previous winners are:

1983 - Mark Leone

1984 - Jeffery Welles

1985 - Holly Mitten

1986 - Gregory A Best

1987 - Susanne Owen

1988 - Christopher Kappler

1989 - Mollie Bliss

1990 - Kim Keenan

1991 - McLain Ward

1992 - Abigail Lufkin

1993 - Mark Combs

1994 - Gabriella Salick

1995 - Megan Johnstone

1996 - Jonathan Elliot

1997 - Alison Firestone

1998 - Bruce Davidson Jr.

1999 - Chad Geeter

2000 - Elise Haas

2001 - Marilyn Little

2002 - Clark Montgomery

2003 - Will Faudree

2004 - Kristin Schmolze

2005 - Brianne Goutal

2006 - Katie Hamilton

2007 - Carolyn Kelly

2008 - Hillary Dobbs

2009 - Laura Noyes

2010 - Jennifer Waxman

2011 - Tiana Coudray

2012 - Lucy Davis

The training obviously paid off; she seems to have found her niche.

Once an international show jumper, she has held administrative or governance positions in several equestrian organizations and worked as a judge and course designer. Chrystine was poised (and quite glamorous, actually) when speaking at the awards ceremonies, appeared well-informed while addressing various issues, listened intently to the views of others and built confidence in her leadership during the five-day annual meeting.

We chatted in the "quiet room" (as opposed to the room where the band was going full force) about her experience over the week.

Listen: Chrystine Tauber

David O’Connor got a standing ovation and a salute from Chrystine Tauber after ending his nine-year run as president of USEF

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

She led a standing ovation at the first board of directors session for her predecessor, David O'Connor, who spent nine years as the USEF's first and only president. Present at the creation of the organization, which ended a bitter fight for NGB (national governing body) status between the U.S. Equestrian Team and USA Equestrian, David got the new group functioning. Not only was his prestige as an Olympic eventing individual gold medalist key to the effort, but his diligence and persistence crafted a federation that overcame a beginning forged from turmoil into a well-functioning entity operating with a surplus, which isn't afraid to innovate and change as it works to oversee and improve the sport. And it still has plenty of work to do.

Although David walked to the back of the room after handing the gavel to Chrystine, he isn't going away. He is the chef d'equipe for eventing now, though I suspect his counsel often will be sought as the USEF continues to evolve.

I wondered what David, who was honored with the Sallie Busch Wheeler award for "distinguished service to equestrian sport," envisions for the future of USEF, since he'd done so much to forge it.

Listen: David O'Connor

A central issue among the many dealt with in the forums that occupied the daytime hours was the subject of horses who routinely have been over-medicated and over-supplemented. It's both an image problem and a long-running, multi-layered controversy and that at the moment is focused on the hunter ranks, where some trainers employ an unsavory variety of "calming" strategies, from supplements and medications to illegal drugs and interminable pre-competition longeing or riding.

A rule change took freshness, such as a tail swish or a head toss, out of the penalty category. Let's hope judges abide by that as they mark their cards.

A change proposal that could be enacted down the road (but not too far down the road) called for limiting injections of most permitted substances to 12 hours or longer before a class. Aside from all the other problems, giving a horse a ringside injection doesn't look good.

It was pointed out that many owners and amateur riders don't know what their horses are "on." Ask. Maybe you'll get the truth. Some horses are being given a basket of supplements or whatever, and who knows how the substances will interact. Always best to tell the veterinarian what your horse is taking; provided you have that information. It's likely medication logbooks will be available on the USEF website or as an app to help this situation, but the logbook is only as good as the person filling in the blanks.

Sally Ike, the USEF’s new “dean of education” with Jim Wolf, executive director of sport programs and high performance show jumping programs director Lizzy Chesson before the Pegasus awards

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Education is a key factor in changing the medication abuse culture, as well as informing the membership of so many things they need to know. Recognizing that, the USEF is expanding the role of education in an initiative guided by Sally Ike, a longtime managing director of show jumping. She will be developing an online curriculum with Georgetown College, near USEF headquarters in Lexington, Ky., that can update and inform licensed officials via computer, along with members, trainers and veterinarians, and deal with a variety of subjects.

Another important discussion centered around the need for a division between the juniors and the adult sections that is missing from the effort to create a pipeline to the top in the international disciplines. That will involve linking the national side with the high performance side, which is also going to be helped by a new governance plan. It's still developing, but it would cut the board of directors from 55 members to 20, and get working groups and FEI affiliates on the same page in a different format.

For some people, the annual meeting is all about awards, and the Pegasus ceremonies always stand out as a very special night. The USEF tried to make it more so by transporting everyone to Louisville's historic Henry Clay building a few blocks away. A different format was tried; holding awards before dinner, with hors d'oeuvres to tide everyone over, then having the meal and dancing uninterrupted by presentations. The concept was interesting, though it wasn't perfect.

In the effort to save time, some of the award winners were not given a chance to accept their trophy and make a speech. Their only moment in the spotlight came when video cameras (the event was live-streamed on the USEF network) were focused on them at their table.

The Equestrians of Honor deserve far more than that. For example, I was told that Anita Royston, the mother of leading Friesian trainer Bruce Griffin, had traveled 16 hours by bus from Virginia to see her son on stage. She just had to settle for sitting with him as a short video on his accomplishments was played. I'm assured that things will be different next year, but I felt for all those people who didn't get the recognition they deserved after traveling to Kentucky. But Bruce, I'm told, will be honored at the Friesian national show, so hopefully that will make up for the oversight. It won't help the others who missed out, though.

It was poignant to see the mother of para-equestrian Jon Wendt on hand as her late son was honored. Shortly after competing in the Paralympics and nearly getting a medal, this athletic young man was found dead in his apartment. Jon, who had started riding as therapy for cerebral palsy, was found to have had an "athlete's heart," a condition that can lead to cardiac arrest in young people.

He was among those from whom the Equestrian of the Year was chosen. The odds for that title were on Rich Fellers, the first American to win the World Cup show jumping finals in 25 years. The previous night, Rich's mount, Flexible, got the International Horse of the Year trophy. Flexible wasn't there of course, and neither was Rich yesterday; he got stuck in Denver due to plane trouble.

Harry and Mollie Chapman, whose Flexible won International Horse of the Year title, with Chrystine Tauber

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

But Flexible's owners, the good humored Harry and Mollie Chapman, were on hand. Harry recalled the first time he heard about Flexible, a son of the great Cruising. Rich was telling him about "an 'interesting' Irish horse" (a designation open to a variety of interpretations). The first time Harry saw the little stallion, he thought the compact chestnut was a pony.

Harry acknowledged there were some bumps along the way, but "once the road was smoothed out, I have to say it was a hell of a ride."

The National Horse of the Year honors went to Jersey Boy, winner of the USHJA International Hunter Derby. His rider, Jen Alfano, also was among those nominated for Equestrian of the Year.

Olympic double-gold medalist Joe Fargis, flanked by Susie Hutchison and Chrystine Tauber, wears the silver cowboy hat trophy for the USEF’s Lifetime Achievement Award

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

The biggest moment at the Pegasus dinner was no surprise. The Lifetime Achievement Award always is announced well in advance, so we know who will be trying on the iconic silver cowboy hat, the Jimmy Williams trophy, modeled on the headgear of the late trainer.

The fun comes from watching the video about the honoree, in this case, Joe Fargis, and hearing him speak. Joe, the 1984 Olympic double gold show jumping medalist (who will ever forget his final round at Santa Anita Park in Los Angeles on Touch of Class) and the 1988 team silver medalist in Seoul on Mill Pearl, is a reserved fellow.

His quiet dignity worked for him in the deliverance of his acceptance speech to his rapt audience, telling everyone to put the horse first and foremost and treasure our moments with them, as "one of the best ways to use one's time on earth." Joe also urged people to protect and guard the horse. Isn't that exactly what the USEF is supposed to do?

The ceremony is always preceded by a compilation of videos featuring previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners, a tradition started by former American Horse Shows Association and USA Equestrian president Alan Balch.

We talked about how it all began in 1985.

Listen: Alan Balch

Alan used to spend many hours assembling the videos, and is still involved in the process steered by USEF employees. With modern technology, of course, it's a lot easier than it used to be, but the early ones are still fun to look at, a wonderful archive of horse sport honoring so many greats; both those who are still living and others who have ridden off into the sunset.

With the convention behind us, the competition year is really starting in earnest. Be sure to check back next Sunday for my postcard from the World Dressage Masters in Wellington. It should be quite a show.

Until then,

Unlike domestic breeds, registering a foal in a warmblood registry can seem like a maze of rules and regulations. Because of this complexity, the ideal time to plan for registration is before the mare is bred. It is far safer to resolve potential registration issues before breeding than to wait until the foal is born and then discover that there is no way to get registration papers.

Why is registration so different for warmbloods? The difference comes from the fact that warmbloods, in general, are not pure breeds--in fact, most are open registries of horses that meet certain requirements. Historically these registries have been geographically based, i.e. in Hanover, they breed Hanoverians; in Westphalia, they breed Westphalians; and in Sweden, they breed Swedish Warmbloods. Horses are accepted into a registry if they meet the conformation, type, movement and bloodline requirements of the organization. The exception to this is the Trakehner, which is close to a pure breed; the only outside horses accepted into the studbook are Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Anglo-Arabs. Each registry has its own rules that cover which horses are eligible.

Registering a warmblood may seem confusing at first glance, but for the most part, it boils down to one very simple rule: both the mare and stallion must be approved for breeding by the same registry. By considering information on registration possibilities ahead of time, you can select the registry and approval options that will work best for your individual situation.