ESDCTA MAGAZINE
COLLECTIVE REMARKS
WWW.ESDCTA.ORG May 2020
Cover Photo by: Meredith Rogers “PJ Enjoying Time Off ”
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Change in Plans
News from Outside the Ring
COVID-19 and Our Local Equestrian Community – Results of the ESDCTA Survey
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The Amateur Dilemma
13 Horse Treats
Change in Plans
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Board of Trustees OFFICERS
Phone only before 9 p.m. please
President
Holly Cornell
president@esdcta.org
732.208.8715
Vice President
Ellen Brindle-Clark
vicepresident@esdcta.org
609.351.1054
Secretary
Ruth McCormick
secretary@esdcta.org
201.240.4505
Treasurer
Betty Audduci 260 Betty Lane Gilbert, PA 18331
treasurer@esdcta
610.564.9169
Dressage at Large
Jena Rondinelli
MAL@esdcta.org
732.814.1117
Eventing at Large
Jennifer Duelfer
MAL@esdcta.org
732.598.3077 201.874.0373
Executive Board
Dressage Competitions
Dr. Lisa Toaldo
dressage@esdcta.org
Eventing Competitions
Janice Pellegrino
eventing@esdcta.org
Marketing
Erin Gale
marketing@esdcta.org
Membership
Tamara Purdy
membership@esdcta.org
Membership
Heidi Lemack
membership@esdcta.org
609.306.8221
Finance
Gary Maholic
finance@esdcta.org
215.489.1557 6093511054
Education
Victoria Shilton
education@esdcta.org
Youth
Stephanie Warner
youth@esdcta.org
NJEAB Representative
Carolyn Montgomery
crunner141@comcast.net
Awards
Debra Tomajko
awards@esdcta.org
908.392.1774 TEXT ONLY
OFF BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS Calendars/Activities
Vacant
activities@esdcta.org
Grants
Debra Tomajko
grants@esdcta.org
Equipment
Wilma Pfeer
dressage@esdcta.org
Newsletter
Meredith Rogers
newsletter@esdcta.org
Nominating
Eliza Banks
chivalryhillfarm@aol.com
Omnibus
Mia Zimmerman
omnibus@esdcta.org
Show Results
Jean Goetz
results@esdcta.org 1
Become a friend of the ESDCTA on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @ESDCTA
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CROSS COUNTRY... News Across Our Region COMMUNITY NEWS
Milestone
If you’re reading this, you are probably a member of ESDCTA, but I’m sure you know of someone who rides dressage or events who is not a member. You know all about the wonderful things offered like educational programs, clinics with big name trainers, horse shows, year-end awards, and not least, that sense of being part of a community of likeminded people. The more members ESDCTA has, the better the programs we can offer. Our membership numbers are also important considerations when state and local governments decide on legislature that affects us (like open space), and we advocate for our sports (we’re working on better footing at the HPNJ). Please reach out to your equestrian buddies and tell them about all of the benefits of membership and have them sign up. The more the merrier!
Please Contact Linda Marciante if you know any ESDCTA members who have achieved any Milestones. Success at a show, regional/national/international award, new horse, or anything else you want to celebrate.
WHAT’S YOUR TALENT?? Let us know what you would like to help us with in 2020. All skills and interests wanted. Have an idea? We want to hear about it. Remember, this club is what YOU make it. Contact president@esdcta.org if you are interested.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Have a great article that you would like to share? Please send article to: Meredith Rogers: newsletter@esdcta.org All submissions are due by the 15th of the month. Due to space considerations, the editor reserves the right to edit submitted articles. If necessary, articles will be edited and returned for your review. AND YOU GET VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR EACH STORY!
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e-mail: lindalbbf@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS For membership questions including updating physical or e-mail addresses please contact: Tamara Purdy membership@esdcta.org
2020 ADVERTISING RATES
MEMBER NON-MEMBER FULL PAGE $100 $130 HALF PAGE $65 $85 QUARTER PAGE $40 $60 BUSINESS CARD $20 $30 CARD FOR 3 MONTHS $45 $65 CLASSIFIEDS $10 $15 Deadline: 15th of prior month Email: newsletter@esdcta.org Please have electronic ads in Adobe PDF or .jpg format
You will receive an invoice for ad via email. Send Payment to: Betty Adduci 266 Betty Lane Gilbert, PA 18331 Email: treasurer@esdcta.org
OPEN BOARD POSITIONS • Calendar
COLLECTIVE REMARKS
News from Outside the Ring COVID-19 update The only update is that equestrian events are getting cancelled right and left, and the list grows by the day, so I’m not going to put anything in writing here. Just know that all USEF events are cancelled through May 31. If you are looking for some equestrian-specific information on COVID-19 check out the United Horse Council at https://www.horsecouncil.org/covid-19-resouces/ and the United Horse Coalition at https://unitedhorsecoalition.org/covid-19-resources/. DO NOT take Ivermectin (a common horse dewormer) to treat COVID-19!!!!! Yes, stupid people are doing this. See https://thehorse.com/187168/dont-take-your-horsesdewormer-ivermectin-unproven-as-covid-19-treatment/. Want to help? A place to start may be Brooke USA https://www.brookeusa.org/, where you can donate to Brooke USA’s COVID-19 Crisis Response & Recovery Fund. These days there are a lot of shady characters trying to get your money under the guise of a COVID-19 charity (Brooke USA is real). Read this Forbes article so that you don’t get duped: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnwasik/2020/04/08/this-is-how-youavoid-covid-19-charity-scams/#1fd305937a68 and this blogpost from Charity Navigator (a good place to start whenever you’re looking to donate to a good cause): https:// blog.charitynavigator.org/2020/03/avoiding-charity-scams-during-covid-19.html. Have a horse farm or business? Race tracks are allowed to sign up for the Paycheck Protection Program and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and maybe you can too. See this article for additional information: https://www.ntra.com/covid-19/
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COVID-19 and Our Local Equestrian Community – Results of the ESDCTA Survey By Ruth McCormick
When a survey about COVID-19 and equestrian activities gets immediate responses from a third of our members, you know it’s a hot topic! More than 90 of you responded and 40% of the respondents wrote comments. When I read the comments, the first word that came to mind was “ambiguity.” Navigating ambiguity, and its first-cousin “uncertainty”, is a challenge to all of us. As the consequences increase, the ability to deal with ambiguity becomes more critical. In general, when we are skilled, we are able to appropriately decide and act without having the total picture and to better cope with change. So what does that have to do with COVID-19 and our survey? Everything! Risk and uncertainty have led to stay-at-home orders due to the bigger risk of healthcare becoming overwhelmed and more deaths from the coronavirus. No one knows exactly what will happen when restrictions are eased. Your responses will help our show organizers and others plan for the show season. Here is an overview of the survey’s findings. • Of the survey-takers, all were riding before the virus hit and almost all were planning on showing o 40% kept horses at home or at a barn where they worked; 60% boarded • Before COVID-19, almost all planned to show this year • More than two-thirds of the respondents are riding horses now, although a few respondents mentioned lighter work than normal or not pursuing all activities that they used to such as schooling cross-country o Of those who aren’t riding, and answered “why not?” most said that their barns were closed to nonemployees • In general, almost all trailer-in to shows, except in the case of bigger, multi-day shows • About 90% still plan to show, with almost 4 out of 10 ready to go the first weekend shows open; the rest are split between needing several weeks and needing several months o Just a few people won’t be ready to show this year at all 6
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• About 90% are willing to follow social distancing and advised sanitation processes as required by show management; 4% are not and 7% are undecided What does this tell us? Now it’s time to talk about the comments. Comments are always a gift. People take the time to share feelings, opinions, and concerns. But, just like presents from your great aunt, sometimes you like them, and sometimes you don’t. In this case, it’s not about liking or disliking them but the word “ambiguity” is brought to mind! There are competing priorities (no pun intended). Safety was the most common theme. It is clear that social distancing has come to the horse world. While social distancing in dressage sounds more doable than in some other disciplines, shows are not without risks. Overwhelmingly, survey participants favored preventative measures. In fact, some stated that everyone else’s adherence to them was a requirement for them to show. Does the concern about safety answer a question about when shows should be held or whether any person should show? Not exactly. Don’t forget, based on the survey question, most will be ready to show this season if riding restrictions are lifted in the near future. Assuming preventative measures are in place, most comments about showing were positive. There are also cautions to share. Will a subsequent wave of the virus close shows later this year? Another respondent, a trainer, worried that opening shows too soon will pressure people to show, potentially creating an unsafe situation. Someone else suggested that it is irresponsible to go to a show (seen as a luxury event) at this time and possibly endanger someone else in the process. Another mentioned being worried about judges and volunteers. Perhaps on-line shows could be an alternative. So, what comes next? At a minimum, USEF-related shows and events are canceled through May. For June and beyond, show organizers, including ESDCTA, will weigh the pros and cons, the restrictions in place, the interests of participants, and ways to implement preventative measures. Your feedback is critical to understanding what you want and what concerns you have. We truly thank you for answering the questions and sharing your thoughts. Whatever decisions follow, they will be better thanks to your responses. COLLECTIVE REMARKS
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Reasons why respondents are not riding (N=31)
Too busy (work, school, caring for family, etc.) Barn is closed to nonemployees
6.5%
Barn is open but not allowing any riding 29.0%
Other
58.1%
6.5%
Readiness to show (N=90) 0.4%
Ready to show first weekend shows are open Needs a few weeks to prepare Needs a few months to prepare
26.7%
Will not be ready to show this year
38.9%
30.0%
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Change in Plans By, Paige Zimmerman
Me with Buddy and Ducati This year I am a high school senior, and it would be an understatement to say that my class and I are disappointed. This is not the senior year we had envisioned and looked forward to. We won’t be allowed to walk at graduation and be presented with our diplomas. We won’t have a prom and we won’t get to participate in any school traditions or have any of the privileges that are exclusive to the seniors. Our first year at college might also be compromised, too. There are a ton of milestones that the class of 2020 won’t be experiencing. Even though we’ve worked hard and accomplished much and are proud of that, and we have earned our diplomas regardless, receiving them in the mail is certainly not as special as receiving them on stage in front of our peers, family, and friends. In the horse world, protective measures are being taken by the USDF, USEF, FEI, and local GMOs to keep the athletes, spectators, and horses safe during this unprecedented time. Certainly, competition comes second to ensuring that the environment for
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showing is safe. If a rider were to fall and be injured, will they be safe going to the same hospital as the unfortunate patients infected with COVID-19? Will a parent or coach be able to accompany them or will they have to go alone? Can show venues accommodate large groups of people and ensure everyone’s health and safety? These are all things we need to consider, and it surely is better to be safe than sorry. That being said, members the equestrian community worldwide, professionals and amateurs alike, cannot help but be deeply disappointed that this show season seems to be over before it has even started, and there is nothing we can do about it but wait it out. I am incredibly grateful that I am safe and I can still see the horses I ride fairly regularly (for now), but it’s hard not My class photo to be saddened by the fact that 2020 can’t possibly go as planned. I am riding as an 18-year-old this year, meaning that this is my last chance to ride in the FEI Junior classes, which was virtually the entirety of my goals for this year. I wanted to try to qualify for NAYC and USEF Festival of Champions as a Junior as well as compete in the national Dressage Seat Medal Finals. It is pretty crushing to think that my little dream of competing in national championships might not be realized. However, I am comforted by the fact that even if I age out of the FEI Juniors without being able to ride in it, I still am only 18. I have my whole life left to learn, ride, and show, and I definitely intend to compete in the FEI Young Riders and U25 Grand Prix classes in the future. It’s only the beginning of my journey, and I really feel that even if this entire show season is ruined and I can’t do anything, I continue to learn something new every time I get on a horse. I am learning skills that I will carry with me my entire life, including how to deal with and bounce back from disappointment! I feel like I’m acquiring the skills to use my seat and body in new ways every ride, and I am watching the horses that my coach Olivia Steidle and I ride get healthier and stronger day by day. Watching them blossom is truly rewarding. I am connecting with the horses more, appreciating all the time that I have with them.
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I am also greatly humbled by the resilience and mental fortitude that our top riders have exhibited during this crisis. I am so impressed by them. The 2020 Olympics have been cancelled and rescheduled for 2021, meaning that all the work and preparation that these professionals have put forth has been undercut by the pandemic. The future situation is certainly unclear. If the 2021 Olympics have to be cancelled as well, we don’t know if some of the horses and riders will ever have the opportunity to ride in an Olympics again. We don’t know if they will be in the right physical and/or mental state in the future, among many other concerns. Nonetheless, these amazing tenacious professionals all have displayed incredible resilience, grace and perseverance. I follow many on Facebook and not one has complained. They are not backing down from this challenge. Rather, they are looking to the future with optimism. They are most definitely the role models we need. They want to keep everyone safe while maintaining enough determination to push through the struggles. 2021, the wait will be worth it, and we will all be ready! In the meantime, I wish everyone good health and hope you all stay safe and optimistic. We’re all in this together!
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The Amateur Dilemma By, Meredith Rogers
PJ Enjoying Time Off As I write this it’s been 5 weeks and a day since I’ve been able to ride. It feels like forever. I had so many plans, showing and learning and experiences. Time is ticking, and I was already feeling like I was running out of it and now I have less. Leo’s training is on hold. I have no clue if PJ’s rehab would have been successful. I’m trying to make the best of it but sometimes it’s hard. Very hard. On the positive side, I’m still able to go to the barn to see my boys. Some of my friends cannot; either their barns are completely closed or they cannot leave their homes. I’m making the most of barn time by doing a lot of ground work with Leo that I hope will cement our bond when it’s time to ride again. And, I believe we will be able to ride again. PJ is getting the time off, which he’s enjoying. I’m spending the extra time watching a lot of online content and catching up on my equestrian reading list. So many trainers and riders I admire from around the world are putting out videos and doing live webcasts. It’s been an unprecedented opportunity to learn and even ask questions that was not available before this global catastrophe. But, I want my life to go back to normal. That’s not to say back to the way things used to be because I’m seeing a lot of good happening now. Friends and family are appreciating each other more. The people who work behind the scenes, such as grocery store workers, delivery drivers, restaurant staff, and healthcare personnel are finally getting the recognition they deserve. The earth is healing a little due to fewer combustible engines being used. But, time is ticking. 12
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Horse Treats By, Meredith Rogers
Word Search Time! Something to do while we’re all stuck at home. D A P R S S E F T S W O S A D A L C G K I E F Y N R B M I D R A E P I N J L R I Y G F O R W A R
P L E T J U E L M N R A G A L F A L A K Y N R T D L E E Y T L Y Z K S H T A C B L O L O V E W R D G X T S O G A Z E O U P M H H R G T O U V W H U K N X F B S H T Y Q R E H A N D E M B L O O D
How many of the words below can you find?
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alfalfa Bascule Bay Blaze Breeches Canter Dapple Dressage Eventing Fence Forehand Filly Grain Hoof Impulsion
M P E I F A X F S F N E A V F E F N L T E I D N T G P L B N H Y • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
E R J G M T Q Y R P L T U P N C G H I J N O G R A B E V W V F T
E A B B B A R I S E M C E P U C U L H L E E S Q S I U L O C C N A A I N M T T A D E Z O R R O T
Jumper Levade Lunging Oxer Paddock Piaffe Pinto Pony Jump Saddle Snaffle Thoroughbred Trot Walk Warmblood
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BUSINESS MEMBERS Blue Bridle Insurance Agency
Windy Hollow Hunt Club Sussex County Fairgrounds 37 plaines road Augusta NJ
PO Box 27 Pittstown, NJ 08867 1.800.526.1711 Nancyh@BlueBridle.com www.BlueBridle.com
AMY HOWARD DRESSAGE LLC
www.WindyHollow.org
Anjelhart Equestrian Center
338 Rileyville Rd Ringoes, NJ 08551 1.908.310.9384 Ashoward@hotmail.com www.AmyHowardDressage.com
Pleasant Ridge Farm LLC
Cheret Dressage
122 Barn Swallow Lane, Cresco Pa. 18326 570.856.4977 Brily17@ptd.net www.PleasantRidgeFarmllc.com
Good Times Farm
Flying Change Farm
425 Kromer Road Wind Gap, PA 18091 610.863.6616 mmorehouse@epix.net www.heartsjourneystables.com
Stone Horse Farm
60 Sutton Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833 908.797.2634 fcfnj@aol.com www.flyingchangefarm.com
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75 Back Brook Road, Ringoes, N.J. 908.208.6686 Cheretdressage@gmail.com www.CheretDressage.com
Heart’s Journey Stable
278 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 732.409.2882 gtts@optonline.net www.GoodTimeFarm.com
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Jersey Palms Farm
NJ Equine Imaging
177 S. Stump Tavern Road Jackson NJ, 08527 609.213.5745 KWLYNX@comcast.net www.jerseypalmsfarm.com
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8 Midland Drive Hackettstown NJ 07840 800.816.3882 info@horsedudsandsuds.com www.horsedudsandsuds.com
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Stacies Saddles
34 Centiennal Ave Holand Landing DC
1-905-898-8335 sabine@schleese.com www.saddlefit4life.com
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136 Springfield Meeting House Road Jobstown NJ 08041 732-208-2760 StacieSaddles@comcast.net Stacies Saddles
The Black Pony 1 Canterbury Lane Lebanon NJ 08833 908 507 8929 redroan1202@yahoo.com www.blackponytackshop.com
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