Today’s competition horses are under constant scrutiny to avoid even perception of doping and training abuses by competition officials and the public. The inability of a horse to protect itself from unscrupulous practices makes strict oversight of training and competition mandatory. This can create and adversarial atmosphere between riders, trainers, stewards, and equestrian regulatory bodies. […]
Read more...News
USEF Widens Responsibility for Horse Doping Offenses – The Chronicle of the Horse
A January announcement from the U.S. Equestrian Federation Hearing Panel suspending both the trainer (Larry Glefke) and the rider (Kelley Farmer) for use of prohibited substances is a step forward to eliminating drug abuse in competition horses. The days of restricting responsibility for drug offenses to the person signing as trainer on the entry blank […]
Read more...Armand Leone: From Nations Cup Teams to the Courtroom – Sidelines
Armand Leone of Leone Equestrian Law is an attorney by trade and a horseman by passion. A graduate of the Columbia Business School in New York and the Columbia University School of Law, he also received his M.D. from New York Medical College and his B.A. from the University of Virginia. While his professional endeavors […]
Read more...10 Things You Might Not Know About Armand Leone – Horse and Style
Armand Leone is the oldest brother on “Team Leone,” made up of fellow international talents Peter and Mark. While Armand still rides and trains at his family’s Ri-Arm Farm in Oakland, NJ, he also unveiled Leone Equestrian Law in 2014. It was a venture founded on expertise, passion, and necessity. An attorney by trade with a […]
Read more...LEASES & TRAINERS: More Than Meets the Eye – The Plaid Horse
Leasing a horse is to accept the responsibilities of temporary ownership. You are buying the horse for a specific period with all the good and bad, hoped for, and unexpected along the way. Like a purchase, the rider lessee’s trainer plays an important role in the lease venture, perhaps even a more important role than […]
Read more...The Dispute Between GCL And The FEI: Why It’s A Big Deal For The Horses – Chronicle of the Horse
Many people have heard about the FEI’s attempts to stop the Global Champions League team show jumping series, but few are involved. While the popular Longines Global Champions Tour operates under FEI rules, the GCL – a creation of GCT owners Jan Tops and Frank McCourt – seeks to operate as an unsanctioned event outside […]
Read more...Chronicle of the Horse Letter to the Editor – Hard Choices Ahead
I have received several thoughtful comments, both written and at the rail about my column “Why The USEF Drugs And Medications Policy Isn’t Working” (Oct. 26, p.40), and all are much appreciated, as it means a meaningful discussion has been started. The need to protect horse welfare and to protect fair play for all competitors […]
Read more...Less Risk, More Reward: Get the Most Out of Your Next Lease – The Plaid Horse
Leasing is an attractive alternative to buying or selling a horse for many riders and owners because it is able to accommodate a wide range of needs. As with any form of contract, leases vary in complexity depending on the particular needs of the individuals involved, from simple form agreements to detailed individualized provisions. These […]
Read more...Why The USEF Drug And Medication Policy Isn’t Working
A prominent court decision has highlighted some fundamental problems with the use of calmers in show horses and the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF)’s drug policies and methods of handling the issue. First, let me share some background on the case. After Betsee Parker’s Inclusive tested positive for GABA at the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby […]
Read more...Can Horse Shows Be Affordable?
An affordable horse show is an oxymoron, but making a horse show more affordable is not. Horse shows are expensive. Entry fees alone are costly, but when you factor in related expenses, the costs can become exorbitant, especially for riders desiring to show on a regular basis. While horse shows will never be inexpensive, these […]
Read more...