Hunterdon riders make short list for World Equestrian Games team

By Lillian Shupe/Hunterdon County Democrat
July 01, 2014

Local equestrians are one step closer to going to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games later this summer.

Oldwick resident Sinead Halpin was named to the three-day eventing team. She will ride Manoir De Carneville Syndicate’s Manoir de Carneville. Halpin was a strong contender for the Olympic team two years ago but did not make the final cut.

Ballynoe Castle RM, a horse owned by Tewksbury Township residents Carl and Cassandra Segal, also made the team. He will be ridden by Buck Davidson.

Eventing has three phases — dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Tewksbury Township native Doug Payne had his eye on a spot on the three-day eventing team but did not make the list. He and Halpin however, were named to the High Performance Summer/Fall Training Lists.

Both made the “World Class” list, meaning the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) believes they possess the ability to be competitive anywhere in the world. They will participate in training sessions with US Eventing’s Chef d’Equipe, David O’Connor.

Dr. Meg Sleeper of Kingwood Township has been named to the “short list” for the endurance riding team by the USEF.

She is currently ranked third on the list aboard Syrocco Reveille, a 14-year-old Arabian mare. If something happens and that horse can’t compete, Sleeper’s other horse Syrocco Cadence, an 11-year-old Arabian mare, is the first alternate.

Sleeper was one of two riders who represented the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games endurance test event last summer. The ride was held at Sartilly in Manche, France.

Endurance rides are generally 50 to 100 miles long. Horses go through several thorough veterinary exams before, during and after a race. Heart rates, respiration and temperatures are closely monitored. Only horses deemed fit to continue at each vet check are allowed to keep going.

The World Equestrian Games will be held Aug. 21 to Sept. 9 in Normandy, France.

Hunterton County Democrat