CAROLINA HORSE PARK FOUNDATION
MEDIA KIT
Compiled March, 2016
Media Contact: Abby Schlicht [email protected]
Table of Contents
About the Carolina Horse Park Foundation ...... 3
About the Stoneybrook Steeplechase ...... 5
History of Steeplechase Racing ...... 6
About the Carolina International CIC & HT...... 8
About CHP's Member Organizations ...... 9
Glossary of Terms...... 10
CHP Board of Directors and Staff ...... 12
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About the Carolina Horse Park Foundation …The Fact Sheet…
ABOUT: An equestrian “field of dreams”, The Carolina Horse Park Foundation (CHP) is a 250-acre nationally recognized, premiere equine competition venue located in Hoke County, North Carolina. As a 501(c)(3) not-for- profit organization, the Park is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian and recreational purposes.
MISSION: CHP’s mission is to provide a nationally recognized equine event facility leveraging the Carolinas’ rich and longstanding equine industry and history, while focusing on five key objectives: - Providing an unparalleled competitive experience from entry level to Olympians - Providing a facility with exceptional stabling and convenience for our customers - Enhancing the region as an outstanding residential location - Preserving the region’s open space - Growing the economy in our community and being good neighbors
FOUNDED: The Park was founded in 1998 by equestrian enthusiasts, dedicated to preserving open space for equestrian and community use.
THE FACILITIES Today, CHP is the only equestrian facility in the mid-Atlantic region with multi-disciplined capabilities suitable for championship level competitions. Our facilities include: - 192 exceptionally constructed and appointed permanent stalls - 2 show rings with outstanding footing - 3 acre derby field - Dressage area large enough for 5-7 arenas - 6 championship level cross country courses - Combined driving marathon course with 8 hazards - 7/8 mile steeplechase track - Extensive trails for running, biking and walking - Unlimited lunging, hacking, and warm up space - 33 RV slots
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ANNUAL CALENDAR: - The Stoneybrook Steeplechase - The Carolina International CIC and Horse Trial - Four USEA recognized horse trials - Two USEF recognized combined driving event - Two "A" rated hunter/jumper shows - NCDCTA Dressage Championships - Schooling and training days for equestrians of all disciplines - A multitude of unrecognized equestrian events and shows - Clinics with international and national professional equestrians - Local track and field meets - Cross country running meets and competitions
STONEYBROOK STEEPLECHASE: CHP's premier event, Stoneybrook, was founded more than six decades ago in Southern Pines, NC, and moved to CHP in 2001. Steeplechase racing put Thoroughbred horses over a variety of man- made fences in a rest of speed, stamina, and power. Stoneybrook is a day in the country for race goers and families looking for great fun in the outdoors.
CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL CIC & HT: CHP is proud to have added the Cloud-Eleven Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CIC & Horse Trial to its list of recognized events in 2014. In its second year, the Carolina International CIC will host international and national levels of competition drawing many Olympians and internationally renowned riders to compete at CHP. Horse trials are comprised of three phases where the same horse and rider combination perform in the areas of dressage, cross country and show jumping.
SOUTHERN PINES CDE: CHP hosts the nationally renowned Southern Pines Carriage Driving Competition, which includes 8 world-class permanent hazards. Advanced turf management coupled with a strong sand base makes for some of the best footing in the country for this important international competition.
IMPACT: The annual economic impact for the Sandhills region from CHP is estimated to be greater than $5,000,000.00. CHP’s influence includes the enhancement of land values in Raeford, NC, the preservation of 250 acres of invaluable acreage for equine and recreational purposes, and monetary benefits for the region.
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About the Stoneybrook Steeplechase
Known as the official “Rite of Spring,” Stoneybrook Steeplechase enjoyed enormous popularity from 1949 to 1996. Drawing as many as 20,000 spectators, Stoneybrook became a well-established stop for the best steeplechase horses, riders, and trainers on the East Coast.
That tradition of excellence began as the dream of one man—Michael G. Walsh. At the age of 18, “Mickey” Walsh escaped the poverty of his native Ireland and landed at the feet of Lady Liberty in 1925. Hoping to make it big in the land of plenty he found instead a harsh reality. Looking for a job, all he saw were signs that read, “Irish need not apply.”
Eventually, Walsh found work exercising and training horses for the owners of large estates on Long Island. He soon became one of the most successful riders of jumpers and hunters in the northeast. When Mickey Walsh first came to the Sandhills in the 1940’s while showing horses for Audrey Kennedy, he spotted the rolling land and stables in Southern Pines and knew he had to possess them. Little by little, with money earned the hard way, he bought a riding and training stable of his own. He called it Stoneybrook. In time it became a race track—then an institution.
Along the way, Walsh also became a legend in the world of steeplechase racing. His pony, “Little Squire” could jump the moon, and a barebacked Mickey Walsh made them both famous. He was inducted into five halls of fame and is widely regarded as one of the most influential equestrians of the past century. Walsh’s professionalism and reputation drew the best horses, owners, trainers and jockeys on the East Coast and Kentucky—Stoneybrook was a not-to-be-missed stop on the steeplechase racing circuit.
Stoneybrook was a family business. Mickey, his wife, Kitty, and their eight children kept the annual event going for nearly half a century. Behind the scenes, it was Micky’s wife, Kitty, who kept the details in order. It was she who organized and hosted the luncheon for hundreds of volunteers and friends every year. She also made sure her own household of eight children ran smoothly.
Kitty died at the age of 82, the Sunday before the running of Stoneybrook in 1991. The youngest of the children, Phoebe Walsh Robertson, says many thought the races that weekend should be cancelled. But, how she asks, “do you tell tens of thousands of people not to show up?” Instead, ‘That show must go on attitude’ worked. Her father was surrounded by supportive and adoring friends who helped him shoulder his greatest loss.
When Mickey died at the age of 86, it was time to fold the tent. As Phoebe puts it, “the wild, exciting roller coaster ride was suddenly over.” The land was sold in 1996. Now, with the growth and expansion of the Carolina Horse Park, the Walsh’s dream continues yet again.
The 65th running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase will take place April 9, 2016 at the Carolina Horse Park, now home of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase for over a decade. After last year’s success, CHP is expecting yet another year of record-breaking crowds.
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History of Steeplechase Racing
American steeplechasing traces its lineage to Ireland, but owes its life to nine men from New York. August Belmont, H. DeCourcy Forbes, Samuel S. Howland, James O.Green, Frederick Gebhard, A.J. Cassatt, Foxhall P. Keene, John G. Follansbee and Frederick H. Prince founded the National Steeplechase Association. The purposes of the organization, according to the original charter dated February 15, 1895, have changed little.
Those men created an association to keep records; govern, promote and hold races; advance steeplechasing throughout the United States; license individuals and race meetings.
Spawned from the foxhunting field, jump racing had occurred earlier, but never under such sanction. Meets took place on Long Island and in northern New Jersey before spreading south to the Carolinas and Tennessee.
In Europe, racing started much earlier. The first recorded steeplechase occurred in 1752 in County Cork, Ireland. Cornelius O’Callaghan and Edmund Blake engaged in a match race, covering about 4 ½ miles from St. John’s Church at Buttevant to St. Mary’s Church in Doneraile. Church steeples were the most prominent, and tallest, landmarks on the landscape. Though history did not record the winner of the O’Callaghan-Blake race, the sport took its name from this simple “chase to the steeple.”
Cross-country match races spread to England, where the first reported race involving more than two horses occurred in 1792. Steeplechasing then migrated to established race courses.
Though pointing out the first U.S. steeplechase is a difficult assignment (reports point to an 1834 event in Washington, D.C.), several of the oldest and most prestigious races are still run. The Maryland Hunt Cut, raced over tall post-and-rail fences, was first run in 1894. The American Grand National began in 1899. The National Hunt Cup in Radnor, PA dates to 1909.
The above-mentioned men could never have guessed at the future of their sport. Steeplechasing occurs in 12 states as far south as Florida and as far north as upstate New York, and offers more than $5 million in total purses. Thoroughbred racing raises millions of dollars for charity while being linked with some of the country’s most influential corporate sponsors.
Steeplechasing’s backbone from the start was a group of one-day meetings in rural communities. Gradually, the focus shifted to major tracks like New York’s Belmont and Aqueduct, and New Jersey’s Monmouth Park. That trend reversed itself in the 1970’s and 1980’s as race meetings run for charity expanded throughout the country.
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The National Steeplechase Association directs the racing season which begins in early March and continues through November, hosting an estimated one million spectators. Participants in American steeplechasing travel the circuit from pockets of steeplechase interest in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and the Carolinas.
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About the The Cloud Eleven-Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CIC and Horse Trial
The third annual Cloud Eleven-Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CIC will host international and national levels of competition at the CIC1*-3* and Training-Advanced levels. Many of the top eventing combinations from throughout North America will flock to The Park March 23-27, 2016 to contest one of the most important competitions of the spring season.
The Carolina International will provide a supreme opportunity for top horse and rider combinations to test their skill over world-renown course designer Ian Stark’s thoughtful tracks. In addition to hosting world-class competition, the weekend will provide a family friendly environment to be enjoyed by all.
International stars of the sport, including Olympians, along with World Championship and Pan American Games veterans intend to use the Carolina International in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.
"Every athlete dreams of representing their country at the Olympic Games and as riders we spend years diligently preparing to succeed on the World's biggest stage," said 2000 Olympian Robert Costello. The Carolina International will play a vital role for competitors as they prepare for medal winning performances in Rio. It will also be a great opportunity for spectators to see Olympic caliber competition first hand.
For those that cannot attend the 2016 Carolina International EQSportsNet will host a free online stream of the feature divisions. As the host broadcaster EQSportsNet will have wall- to-wall coverage of all three phases of CIC3* competition and the show jumping and cross country phases of the CIC2*.
Eventing (as it is known in the horse world) originated as a way to keep Calvary officers and their horses fit for duty by providing the ultimate test of “war horse” and “warrior”. An Olympic sport since 1912, eventing’s diversity and intensity are unparalleled in equestrian sports and it is often called the most exciting of equestrian competitions.
Previously known as the Southern Pines Horse Trials II, an event that has been in existence since 1991, this weekend will offer amazing fun in the country along with the most exciting of equestrian horse sport. Originating at the Walthour Moss Foundation in Southern Pines, the Horse Trials moved to the Carolina Horse Park in the year 2000. It is also a weekend used by many internationally renowned riders as preparation for the springtime Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event, which is the sport’s premiere US competition and other Olympic-preparing events.
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The Carolina Horse Park is a member of the following recognized organizations:
National Steeplechase Association (NSA)
The National Steeplechase Association, based in Fair Hill, Maryland, is the headquarters of American steeplechase racing. In its capacity as the official sanctioning body of U.S. steeplechase racing, the National Steeplechase Association licenses participants, approves race courses, trains officials, coordinates race entries, enforces rules, compiles an official database, and oversees the national marketing and public relations of the sport. The NSA takes its role as the guiding hand of this proud sport’s legacy very seriously, and is dedicated to preserving its tradition and history in the 21st century.
United States Equestrian Association (USEA)
The stated purpose of the USEA is to promote and advance the sport of eventing by positioning itself as the indispensable resource for education, safety, horse welfare, certification and training. Founded in 1959, USEA has approximately 14,000 members in all 50 states and over 100 locations outside of the US. The USEA has approximately 260 competitions annually nationwide and is a 501 C (3) corporation. Its goal is to promote the sport of eventing (horse triathlon) as a recognized spectator sport.
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
The USEF trains, selects, and funds our United States Equestrian Team which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games. The USEF also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year. Since its inception in 1917, the Federation has been dedicated to pursuing excellence and promoting growth, all while providing and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes.NC Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA) A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the equestrian sports of dressage and combined training. NCDCTA is a "Group Member Organization" of the United States Dressage Federation.
American Driving Society (ADS)
The premier carriage driving organization in the US, The American Driving Society is a non-profit 501 c (3), member organization that promotes the best interests of carriage driving both competitively and for pleasure. The ADS was founded in 1974 and is the guiding organization of the CDE or Combined Driving Event also known as Horse Driving Trials. In this equestrian discipline the driver sits on a vehicle drawn by a single horse, a pair or a team of four while going through a series of maneuvers patterned after the Combined Training of eventing. It is one of the ten international equestrian sport horse disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
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Glossary of Terms Steeplechase racing: Allowance: A race restricted to horses with certain records
Apprentice: A relatively inexperienced jockey. The NSA gives apprentice jockeys the following weight allowances (deductions): non-winners of one race, 10 pounds; of 15 races, five pounds. Jockeys must be at least 16 yrs old.
Claiming: certain races are designated as claiming races, where a horse may be purchased or claimed. The claim is made and money put up before the race sis run, and the purchase must go through, no matter where the horse finishes. Only NSA licensees may claim horses.
Furlong: The standard measure in U.S. Thoroughbred racing. One furlong is one eighth of a mile.
Handicap: A race in which the horses are assigned different amounts of weight, according to their respective abilities and past performances
Maiden: A horse that has never won a race.
National Fence: A synthetic steeplechase fence used at most stops in the U.S. Consists of a steel frame stuffed with plastic “brush” at a height of 52 inches
Novice: A horse in the early stages of its steeplechase career. Novice races are held at many meets, to give horses experience over hurdles before they compete with more-seasoned jumpers
Post Parade: When the horses leave the paddock to go to the start
Stewards: Presiding officials at a race meet, who have final decision on all matters pertaining to a race. Each race meet has three stewards
Thoroughbred: The breed of horse specifically used for racing; their bloodlines must trace back to three original sires: the Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, Byerley Turk
Timber Fence: Natural wooden structure of boards, rails, posts, or logs
Wings: Panels on either side of a steeplechase fence, used as guides
3-Day Eventing or Horse Trials: Eventing: An equestrian triathlon, combining three phases of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. An exciting international and Olympic sport, Eventing, which has its roots in a comprehensive calvary test requiring mastery of several types of riding, is unique in its demand and intensity of both horse and rider.
Dressage: The art of training a horse to maneuver in response to nearly imperceptible aids given by the rider’s hands, seat, legs and body. Often described as dancing on a horse.
Cross-Country: the endurance phase of eventing. A test to prove the speed, endurance, bravery and jumping ability of a horse as well as demonstrating rider knowledge of pace and ability to guide the horse.
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Glossary of Terms Cont’d
Show-jumping: Also known as stadium jumping or open jumping, show jumping is timed and tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider, including suppleness, obedience, fitness and athleticism and is generally held after the cross-country phase.
Gait: Describes a specific foot fall pattern or beat, i.e. walk, trot, canter
Lead: In canter or lope, the horse is on the right or left lead as indicated by the inside or leading foreleg; also the third beat in the stride
Refusal: the failure of a horse to jump a fence to which he/she was presented. This includes any stop in forward motion.
Run-out: when the horse quickly slides past or "ducks out" of a fence instead of jumping it, without stopping forward motion.
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Carolina Horse Park Board of Directors:
Jane Murray, Chairman Peter Doubleday Jo Ann Williams, Treasurer Rhonda Dretel Stephen Later, Secretary Shirley Gaither Marshall Glass Claire Reid Bryan Rosenberg Jennifer Shattuck Joe Silva Kelly Valdes Audrey Wiggins Cynthia Williams Lefreda Williams Rebecca H. Wood
Carolina Horse Park Staff:
Maureen Grippa, Executive Director Marc Donovan, Eventing Director Toby Edwards, Stoneybrook Race Director Abby Schlicht, Events & Logistics Manager Elizabeth McNeill, Bookeeper & Events Assistant Christine Phipps, Business Development & Fundraising Administrator Dan Nesser, Facilities Manager Angie Nesser, Assistant Facilities Manager
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