A Few Closing Thoughts About Jersey Fresh

There were numerous Katie Prudent sightings on Sunday

Here are a few last musings from a great weekend at Jersey Fresh:

1) Overall, Jersey was a really successful event.  They had the most entries ever, the course was very safe, more spectators than I have ever seen at Jersey showed up for Saturday and Sunday, the trade fair was bustling all afternoon, and I think everyone had a fun time.  The officiating and footing are really the only two issues I heard voiced all weekend. 

I’m disappointed that Jersey didn’t get more media attention and publicity.  This should be an absolutely marquee event for the US and I think it is already.  If the entry and attendance numbers keep climbing there’s no doubt that Jersey will be a staple on the US eventing calendar for a long time to come.

2) A number of US horses will be vetted by the USEF vets tomorrow to evaluate their suitability for Pan American Games selection. The actual list is a closely guarded USEF secret, but a Pan Am short list will be released sometime after Bromont for our reading pleasure.

3) One thing I especially appreciate about Jersey Fresh is that they consistently made this weekend about honoring our service men and women.  You probably noticed the red, white, and blue XC fences.  Announcer Brian O’Connor also made a point to thank our military personnel throughout the weekend, which was a really nice thing to do.  Furthermore, there was a therapeutic riding demonstration during the break between the 2* and 3* divisions with Air Force volunteers.

4) As usual, JER gets to the bottom of things and posted a link to an FEI yellow card, which in part reads as follows:

“7.2. Should the same Person Responsible receive one (1) more yellow warning card at the same or any other International Event within one year of the delivery of the first yellow warning card, the Person Responsible shall be automatically suspended for a period of two (2) months from the day following the Event at which the Person Responsible is competing. The Secretary General shall be responsible to notify the Person Responsible of such suspension.”

5) This isn’t a statement about Jersey specifically, but I wonder where all of the good competitor parties have gone.  The food was delicious at the Jersey party and I had a good time Saturday night but more because of a certain trip to a seedy pub down the road with a few select compatriots and Marmaduke.  But, in general, competitor parties are getting more and more lame, at least here on the east coast.  I’ve been thinking this all year.  It’s just an observation.  If you like it, you can take it. If you don’t, send it right back.

[The Chronicle’s SJ Recap]

6) I met an actual professional model this weekend, which is cool.

Lastly, a few random sights from throughout the weekend Jersey Fresh:

Nothing helps a dressage ride on a fiery thoroughbred like a flyover from two Cobra gunships