August 2022 Issue

Page 4 August 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation (TGSF) hosted a Developing Rider trip to Ireland, July 18 - 26, 2022. The Ireland trip was a hands-on experience for riders interested in a career in steeplechase racing. Participants were selected based on their riding strengths and history, career aspirations, recommendations from licensed trainers, and their profession- alism when interacting with TGSF board members and when observed during their time in the industry. Three participants, Eliza Edwards (West Grove, Pa); Taylor Kingsley (Camden, SC) and Thomas Young (West Grove, PA) were selected from Local Developing Jump Jockeys Visit Ireland a pool of seven highly qualified applicants. Former TGSF Chairman Sam Slater and wife Lornie Forbes are the masterminds behind the trip, which is based out of Slater's family Cahervillahow estate in the Golden Vale region of County Tipperary. “The intention of this trip," Slater says, "was to introduce young amateur American jockeys to how other parts of the world train flat and jump racehorses. We want these up-and-coming riders to have a chance to make connections with Irish trainers that they normally would other- wise not come in contact with. A few of the past attendees have gone to work in Ireland after their experience on the trip.” The trip was led by NSA licensed trainer Regina Welsh, the founder and director of U.S. Pony Racing, who has also led the four previous TGSF trips for developing riders to Ireland. Along with Slater and Forbes, Welsh will see to it that the riders meet, ride, and work for top Irish trainers. In previous years they have galloped for Gordon Elliot, Willie Mullins, Enda Bolger, Pat Doyle, and Jessie Harrington. The group hoped to tour top racing businesses and venues like The Curragh, Coolmore Stud, RACE School, and Ballydoyle, as well as take in the first day of the Galway Festival. The Temple Gwathmey Stee- plechase Foundation promotes the betterment of American steeple- chase racing and supports amateur and young rider programs to help ensure the future of the sport. For more information visit www.tgsteeplechasefoundation. org or email youngrider@tg steeplechasefoundation.org . Press Release| In May, a diverse group of equine industry and animal welfare organizations announced the “Final Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter”—a collaborative effort to permanently ban the slaughter of American horses. In an open letter to congressional leaders, including US Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and US Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Mitch Mc- Connell (R-KY), the alliance urged Equine Welfare, Racing Organizations Collaborate to Ban Horse Slaughter federal lawmakers to pass the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R.3355/S.2732) to permanently ban horse slaughter in the US and end the export of American horses for slaughter in other countries. The supporting members of the “Final Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter” include: The Jockey Club, the U.S. Trotting Association, the Stronach Group, the Breeders' Cup, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Associa- tion, The Jockey's Guild, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Maryland Horse Coun- cil, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation, and many other industry voices. Despite congressional efforts that have effectively blocked the operation of horse slaughterhouses on US soil since 2007, tens of thou- sands of American horses continue to be shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses that sup- ply other countries with horsemeat. In the open letter, the groups highlight a recent poll indicating that an overwhelming majority of Americans (83%) oppose horse slaughter. The letter explains how, despite robust, innovative partner- ships between equine industry and welfare groups to support horses transitioning between careers, the looming threat of the horse slaughter pipeline continues to significantly harm industry, enthu- siasts, and adoption organizations: “Racing industry groups have demonstrated real leader- ship in committing resources for aftercare and career transition programs, instituting and enforc- ing track policies against sale to slaughter, and spearheading state and federal policies prohibiting horse slaughter. These programs are critical, but until the law shuts down the slaughter pipeline itself, no horse, no matter how beloved or decorated, will be truly safe.” The SAFE Act would close this legal loophole to stop the funneling of American horses to slaughter for human consumption abroad. Introduced by a biparti- san group of federal lawmakers, the SAFE Act is currently spon- sored by nearly half of the US House of Representatives. (717) 509-9800  www.eastcoastequestrian.net Coming in the September issue! The Dressage at Devon Preview! ALSO!! BONUS DISTRIBUTION at the Dressage at Devon showgrounds, the Plantation Field International 3-Day Event, the Devon Fall Classic, Ludwig's Corner Horse Show, the Real Rider Cup at Fair Hill, and all September Swan Lake and Princeton Show Jumping events! Call today! Deadline: August 12