The Maclay: Defining Prestige

~TRADITION THAT TRASCENDS TIME~

Recently I was reading a post on the USHJA Wheeler Museum Facebook group page that featured a picture of 1984 Maclay Champion, Francesca Mazella. The comments and responses were abundant compared to other images that appear on the feed.  Many of us reminisced about the two-part story documenting her journey to the Maclay that appeared in The Practical Horseman after her victory. These issues were coveted by an entire generation, as this was long before You Tube and the Internet. The article detailed how she prepared for the finals and specific details from her rounds. I remember being so inspired by this poised and dedicated young rider and the hands on support of her family to ensure that she had the opportunities to compete with the elite junior equitation riders. Her work ethic was evident both in and out of the stable. I even seem to remember it was the first time I had read about a rider running to stay in shape for this athletic sport, something I am a huge proponent of. Francesca responded to comments on the page several times with incredible grace and appreciation and it was obvious that many of those that posted clearly had idolized her in the 80’s.

                      FRANCESCA MAZELLA

Image source: http://equitating.tumblr.com

The post about Francesca and a recent article last week about the importance, or suggested lack there-of, of the WIHS finals made me consider "Why is the Maclay is the most prestigious equitation medal final?" After much research and reflecting I reduced it to three main components: functional equitation, respect for legacy, and American history.

~EQUITATION: The American Hunter-Jumper Forward System~

Entire books and videos have been written on the subject of The American Hunter-Jumper Forward Riding System, which is based on seat, control and schooling.  This equitation system was developed around the turn of the century by the cavalry overseas and was incorporated as the basis of the US equitation system. It serves as function to enhancing a horse’s performance, not just form of the rider.  The Maclay Championship rewards those that have diligently worked to finite this legendary system of riding.

Some of the most accomplished show jumpers in the US and biggest proponents of this system are also winners of the Maclay. A few of these legendary advocates include:

Clockwise from top left:  George Morris, Conrad Holmfeld, Frank Chapot, Mary Mairs Chapot,William Steinkraus, Bernie Traurig and Leslie Burr Howard.

Image Sources: "George Morris,", "Conrad Homfeld", "Frank Chapot" ,"Mary Chapot, showjumpingnostalgia.com , Image Source: "Leslie BurrHoward",mastersgrandslam.com; Image Source:"William Steikraus: horsecollectablesforsale; Image Source:"Bernie Traurig", 

The effect of the level of riders in the professional show hunter ring must not be overlooked.  The USHJA has done a tremendous job reinvigorating this discipline through programs like the International Hunter Derby, USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program and the Pre-Green Incentive Program.  The derby courses have become complex and large, while asking many questions. Developing young horses for this discpline depends on the foundations of the forward seat. Winners of the Maclay that have proceeded to become dominant forces in the hunter ring include Kelley Farmer in 1993 (McClain Ward took reserve), and many riders that cross between rings, including the accomplished and elegant Peter Wylde (champion1982).

Clockwise from left:  Kelley Farmer & Mythical, Peter Wylde, Kelley Farmer- WIHS Leading Hunter Rider

Image Source: "Kelly Farmer" wihs.org, Image Source: "Mythical, Kelly Farmer: Sidelinesnews.com; Image Source:"Peter Wylde", Tredstep Ireland

For more information about the basics of the American Forward System of Riding, including online lessons from top equitation coaches & riders including Stacia Madden (1987 Maclay Winner), Missy Clark, Zazou Hoffman (2009 Maclay Winner), Bernie Traurig (1961 Maclay winner) and the legendary George Morris (1952 Maclay Winner), please visit EQUESTRIANCOACH.COM.

~THE FOUNDER”S LEGACY: ALFRED B. MACLAY~

                          Alfred B. Maclay, Louise Maclay (Mrs. Alfred Maclay), and Dandy Dinmont at their home 

                                                                                Image Source: FloridaMemory.com

Since its beginning in 1933, the ASPCA Maclay has been the most prestigious and coveted award for junior riders.

The first Maclay equitation class was held in 1933 at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.  Alfred B. Maclay, an ASPCA board member and an accomplished horseman, established the class.  The class was conceived by Maclay “to inspire young riders to develop the best horsemanship skills and instill in them respect and compassion for their equine partners.” 

Mr. Maclay’s commitment to excellent competition created one of the most outstanding riding competitions for young jumping riders.  This coveted Championship has produced many of our country’s finest horsemen, past and present. SOURCE: http://www.rushshows.com/newsletters/april10.html

                       Conrad Homfeld wins the Medal & Maclay Finals in 1967

Image source: google images 

~“THE” NATIONAL HORSE SHOW~

Even if you never attended  “The Garden”, many stories continue to joyfully circulate about the glamorous audience, elegant parties, tiny arena and logistical complications.  It was one of THE New York society events of the year and attendees turned out in their finest evening wear. Coupled with the equestrian elite and finest caliber of sport horse, the environment of the Garden added even more prestige to the Alfred B. Maclay Finals.

                                                    Image Source: http://fanfreakingtastic.com

 “The National Horse Show (NHS) was founded in 1883 in New York by a group of affluent sportsmen. By 1887, the National Horse Show Directory, listing directors and 920 members, formed the basis for Louis Keller's first New York Social Register. The competition was featured regularly in illustrations for Harper's Weekly and other magazines by artists such as Howard Chandler Christy and Charles Dana Gibson.

Image Source: www.kentucky.com

In 1909, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, then president of the National Horse Show, made the show international by inviting British Cavalry officers to compete. Eleonora Sears became the first woman to ride astride at the National Horse Show, in 1915. (Prior to that, women rode side-saddle.) That same year, the show became an American military competition, until 1925. Notable competitors included Generals John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, William Billy Mitchell and George S. Patton. In 1926, the show moved to the third Madison Square Garden located on Eighth Avenue at 50th Street. Garden III would witness 40 years of National history and the show's continuing evolution.

                                                     Image Source: http://theboweryboys.blogspot.com

By 1942, the National Horse Show had reached such importance that even as America entered World War II, an abbreviated show was still held. The competition moved to the present Madison Square Garden on 34th Street at Pennsylvania Station in 1968." text source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Horse_Show

                    The National Horse Show Was A Formal Attire Affair

Image source: horsecountrychic.blogspot.com

Loretta Young (center) and Mr. and Mrs. Jock Whitney at the National Horse Show in Madison Square Garden (Christian Anderson Collection)

                                                                                                                 Image Source: TheMave.com 

Paul Newman and his daughter Clea

source: http://media.kentucky.com

                                For videos from the Maclay at Madison Square Garden, CLICK HERE.

The last two decades was a tumultuous time in finding a location for The National. The National Horse Show finally found a permanent home at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2011. The rich equine history of Lexington has deemed it by some as the horse capital of the world. The Horse Park has beautiful grounds, sponsors many world class events, provides exceptional “equine” infrastructure, and houses many exhibitions including those that rotate at the impressive Wheeler Museum at the USHJA headquarters. 

CURRENT EXHIBIT AT WHEELER MUSEUM FOCUSES SHOWCASES ICONIC U.S. HORSESHOWS

"From October 22, 2012, to January 31, 2013, the Wheeler Museum hosted a live exhibit filled with the history, memorbilia, and inspiring stories associated with the equitation finals and the impact they had on all of these legendary riders."(1) To visit the virtual celebration titled "Equitation" , CLICK HERE. 

                                                                                                                 (1) text & image source: virtualcelebration.com

The Kentucky Horse Park and the event managment have done everything possible to ensure that the prestige of the Maclay Finals and our National Horse Show remains in tact.  If you search for the show on Google, the result that comes up is: National Horse Show | Home of the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Although the glamour of the Garden is no longer feasibly possible in NYC, tradition and respect for equestrian sport is abundant and important to the history and culture of Lexington, Kentucky.

Image Source: http://www.kentucky.com

                                       {2014 MACLAY DETAILS}

Sunday Nov. 2, 2014

(Please be sure to set back your clock. Daylight savings time begins on Sunday)

7:00 AM  Maclay National Championship for the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class 

3:00 PM: Final Round  

USEF NETWORK will be live streaming the entire event. To watch, CLICK HERE.