Jersey Fresh marred by tragedy two years in a row Aortic rupture said to have killed David O'Connor's horse BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer An international event held at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold from May 8-11 was marred by a tragedy. PHOTOS BY SEAN BRADY The Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold hosted the Jersey Fresh CCI** and CCI *** on May 10. Above: Rider Lauren Lambert of Goshen, Ky., takes Baba Creek across a water jump. Below: Hannah Whalen of Madison, Wis., takes Bungee over a log jump. For the second year in a row, a horse died during the Jersey Fresh CCI ** and CCI *** competitions. The official statement from the United States EventingAssociation regarding the incident states, "The organizing committee of the Jersey Fresh CCI*** regrets to announce the death of David O'Connor's horse, Tigger Too, ridden by Lauren Kieffer, at Fence 28, the Lighthouse, on the cross-country course today." Kieffer was uninjured in the fall, according to the statement. An investigative panel has convened to review the facts surrounding the incident and will release more information once the investigation is through, according to the statement. The statement continues, "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the O'Connor and the Kieffer families after the loss of this wonderful horse." At the press conference on Sunday, O'Connor, an Olympian from The Plains, Va., who also serves as president of the United States Equestrian Federation, said the 17-year-old thoroughbred died of an acute abdominal aortic rupture. O'Connor said he was watching the horse on course, about 100 yards from where the animal collapsed. "There was not one one-thousandth of a thought process going through my head that he was in trouble," O'Connor said. When he saw the horse on the ground, he thought the animal had suffered a heart attack. "He was always a good, careful jumper," recalled O'Connor, who said he intended to retire Tigger Too after the Jersey Fresh. Last year, Laine Asker's horse, Eight Saint James Place, died after crossing the finish line of the cross-country course. Eventing consists of three phases: dressage, cross country and show jumping. According to the program, precision, smoothness, suppleness and complete obedience show off a horse's gymnastic development. On the second day, horses and riders compete on the cross-country course, which is approximately four miles long, comprising 24 to 36 fixed and solid obstacles and is ridden at a gallop. The crosscountry course tests stamina, according to the program. The third test, show jumping, takes place in an arena on the third day and consists of 12 to 15 show-jumping obstacles, and is designed to test the horse's and rider's ability to negotiate a variety of fences of different heights, widths and technicality. Competitors came from all over the country and Canada to participate in the Jersey Fresh. The only local competitor was Wendy Lewis, who trains out of Golden Gait Farm in Millstone. She and Catalyst finished eighth in the CCI**. "The course was beautiful and the ground was perfect after the rain," Lewis said. "I am very grateful to Buck for giving me the ride on such a bold and talented mare." Show secretary Barbara Lang said that entries were down slightly from last year, with 43 horses in the two-star and 39 in the three-star event. Winners of both the two-star and three-star events came from Washington State. Maya Black won the two-star with Kejsarinna, and 2004 Olympian Amy Tryon won the three-star with Leyland. An event like the Jersey Fresh relies on volunteers, and many locals stepped up to the plate. CarolWingerter, ofMillstone, served as a judge at the 16th fence. Wingerter said, "In an event at this level, the riders are very educated and careful.We were judging a very difficult combination and there was only one run out. No other problems." Wingerter used to show in hunterjumper shows but said they took all day and a lot of waiting around. "I switched to eventing years ago because you get your times for the day earlier in the week and can plan your entire day," she said. Wingerter said she enjoyed the variety of eventing at the Jersey Fresh. "Eventers are very friendly to their competition and will help anyone who needs a hand, even a competitor at the same level," she said. "It is a sport for the athletic and committed, as it requires a great deal of fitness for both horse and rider. As long as the rider and horse are fit and trained for the level they wish to compete at, it is exciting and fun." Nancy Wolek, of Millstone, and other members of her family volunteered.Wolek served as a dressage steward. "It's a great event and I hope more people come out next year," she said. "The Horse Park is a wonderful venue." When asked how the heavy rain on Friday may have affected the Jersey Fresh, she said it didn't. Because the rain fell on the day dressage was held, it may have actually helped to soften the crosscountry course the following day.