The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation's landmark Gladstone headquarters is slated to undergo “state of the art” renovations in time for the World Equestrian Games dressage squad trials this summer.
The USET Foundation Headquarters hosts several key competitions in a ring that will be refurbished, according to foundation chairman Armand Leone Jr., right, seen here at last fall's Talent Search Finals EastThe U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation's landmark Gladstone headquarters is slated to undergo “state of the art” renovations in time for the World Equestrian Games dressage squad trials this summer.Armand Leone Jr., the USET's chairman, said improvements “are long overdue,” noting there will be “complete refooting” of the main ring beginning March 1 and the old indoor arena will be replaced with a warm-up ring at one of New Jersey's greatest equestrian assets. Schooling areas in the north field also will get new footing. While the focus for the present is on the main arena, he said that eventually the Pine Meadow area of the property will be refurbished for driving, endurance and eventing. The plans are expected to be formally approved by the USET board next month.
Conditions in the arenas came under fire at the nearly century-old facility during the 2009 national dressage championships, when they were deluged by incessant rain and some complained about the footing, though others thought it was acceptable. The final day of the competition was called off _ just as the sun came out. Some suggested that the WEG trials should go elsewhere, but the excellent stabling and promises that things would be up to snuff at the internationally known site this year precluded a move.
“It's an asset for you to use,” Leone told discipline representatives at last weekend's U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meeting, suggesting that clinics in a variety of sports can be held at the facility.
“We are grateful,” said George Williams, president of the U.S. Dressage Federation.
The trials, run in conjunction with the national championships, are slated for Aug. 6-8 and Aug. 13-15. Once the WEG dressage team is selected, the riders will remain at Gladstone until shipping to Lexington, Ky., scene of the Alltech FEI WEG, in September.
ON THE RAIL – “The Road to Kentucky,” the USET Foundation's big fundraiser for its WEG efforts, is nearly sold out. The Feb. 5 gala at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Fla., offers an opportunity to spend time with outstanding equestrian athletes while recognizing them for their achievements.. For a reservation, contact Nancy Little at athe USET at nlittle@uset.org or call (908) 234-1251. More information also is available at uset.org.
When the weather is too cold or miserable to do much riding, make good use of that spare time to further your equestrian education. Opportunities abound in the state this month and next to learn about everything from veterinary matters to equine behavior and stable management.
An equine nutrition seminar presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates will be held Feb. 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Oldwick Fire Company's Oldwick Manor on Route 537 in Oldwick. Veterinarians will lecture on a wide variety of topics, including supplements and feeding strategies for performance and prevention and management of disease. Call (908) 439-2821 to register or for more information.
Centenary College is sponsoring an equine lecture series from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday in February at its equestrian center, 220 Middle Valley Rd., Long Valley. The series, which is free and open to the public, starts Feb. 1 with “Understanding the Nature of Horses,” given by equine facilities manager Rebecca Huestis. On February 8, the topic is ``Shaping Your Horse's Behavior,'' taught by Assistant Professor Tara Clausen.Assistant Professor Tim Cleary will discuss “Natural Horsemanship Techniques” Feb. 15 and the series ends Feb. 22 with “Safe Trailering Techniques” given by Clausen.For more information, call (908) 852-1400, ext. 7232.
On four Sunday mornings through Feb. 21 at Union County's Watchung Stables in Mountainside, non-riding clinics for everyone ages 9 and up are available for $20 per person each session. Sunday, from 9-11 a.m. information on grooming and tacking up will be offered. Next Sunday is equine behavior, followed by basic tack and its care Feb. 7 and advanced grooming Feb. 21. Space is limited, so call the stable at (908) 789-3665 or e-mail stablequestions@ucnj.org.
The Rutgers horse management seminar Feb. 7 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in New Brunswick includes information on a variety of topics, among them rehabilitating horses and responsible horse ownership. For more information, e-mail Carey Williams at cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu or call (732) 932-5529. Go to esc.rutgers.edu on the internet to dowload a registration form.
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is still seeking volunteers for the competition Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Opportunities include everything from taking tickets or serving as an usher to handling visitor information. Positions for competition-specific duties are being selected now, but thousands of general volunteers are still needed. Those interested can register at www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteers or call (859) 244-2996.
They can reconfirm interest if they registered previously by e-mailing volunteers@feigames2010.org. All volunteers will receive an official Ariat uniform and a volunteer credential, which will provide general admission entry to the park for all 16 days of the Games. Meal vouchers will be provided for volunteers during their shifts.
Everyone expected the news, but now it's official: Mark Phillips, U.S. high performance eventing's technical advisor and chef d'equipe, will retire after the 2012 Olympics is held in his native Britain.
A search committee to seek a successor is in the process of being named, but candidates to fill the post already are lining up. The most often discussed possibilities to replace Phillips include Phillip Dutton, named the USEF's developmental coach of the year for 2009, and USEF President David O'Connor, the Canadian team's technical advisor. Both are Olympic gold medalists in the sport. Eventers from Europe and New Zealand also have expressed interest.
Mark Phillips' riders have earned 23 medals in major championships during his run, which will have spanned two decades by the time it ends.
Those seeking positions in the horse industry should mark their calendars for an equine job fair April 28. Held under the auspices of the U.S. Trotting Association, it will run from 5-8 p.m. at the Harness Racing Museum 240 Main St., Goshen, N.Y. Employers slated to be on hand will include representatives of breeding farms, racing stables that are members of the Harness Racing Museum. Job seekers, who do not have to be members, are asked to bring at least 20 copies of their resumes. For more information, contact Katie Vermilyea at the Museum at (845) 294-6330, or by e-mail at education@harnessmuseum.com.
ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Sunday: Princeton Show Circuit, Hunter Farms, 1315 The Great Rd., Princeton; Woodedge at the Park, Horse Park of New Jersey, Route 524, Allentown;Tewksbury Farms Stable Show, Hidden River Farm, 745 Amwell Rd., Neshanic Station.
Saturday: Palermo Show Stable Show, 1555A Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster (through next Sunday); Woodedge Show, Gloucester County Dream Park, 400 Route 130 South, Logan Township (through next Sunday).
</tgc>Nancy Jaffer may be reached at nancyjaffer@att.net.
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