Linda Allen’s Benchmark Program

By Linda Allen April 19, 2011

From the early 1960s through the mid 1980s, the U.S. was a dominant force in the world of show jumping. Represented by a dynasty of equestrian elite including Frank Chapot, William Steinkraus, Mary Mairs Chapot, Kathy Kusner, Conrad Homfeld and Joe Fargis, our team won at every major venue in the world. What is often forgotten is that these riders accomplished this feat on horses bred and trained right here in America!

Then, in the late 1980s that all changed; Americans became perhaps the largest importers of European horses in the world. We bought not only bloodlines but also the thoughtful and meticulous early training and ring experience that allowed buyers to take horses straight to the show ring; much of what we pay for when we purchase European horses comes from the good mileage that they receive as 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds.

Today, we have a new set of circumstances impacting our sport. Not only have American breeders brought the very best bloodlines to our own shores, the new economy makes the model of purchasing top-class experienced horses out of reach of the vast majority of enthusiasts. The absolute necessity of show ring mileage in the development of saleable horses, together with the growing cost of obtaining that mileage, has become a dilemma for American owners and trainers. Developing our own horses, therefore, is a bit of a lost art. The biggest handicap in bringing young horses along is the lack of opportunity to get the youngsters an appropriate, cost-effective introduction to the showing world.

As course designer of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the 1992 World Cup Jumping Final in Del Mar, Super Leagues in both Dublin and Rotterdam, three-time Nations Cup rider and judge for many National Medals, I’ve seen numerous horses catapult from “local” shows to international acclaim.

To address the lack of opportunity for appropriate and affordable mileage for young horses as well as for less experienced riders, I’ve developed the Benchmark Program. In rolling it out, I’m encouraged by the early support it’s received. In Southern California, Kevin McGinn, Lisa Westin and the people at El Sueño Equestrian Center in Somis stepped up early, agreeing to schedule four dates for 2011, beginning Jan. 4 and continuing April 3.

The facility and the people at El Sueño are ideal, the footing is excellent and a covered arena is available if needed. Samantha Valla, Lisa Westin and Kevin McGinn are all very capable and were very enthusiastic about kicking it off there. They do some quality schooling shows at the facility, and Somis is an area with a lot of barns of various sizes, including several breeders.

The plan is for one-day rallies that emphasize the development of a solid foundation, rather than on winning ribbons.

Yet each Benchmark rally is carefully designed to create an atmosphere comparable to that of a rated horse show, starting with the course. Jump height ranges from 70 centimeters (2’3″) to a meter thirty (4’3”). These courses are “horse-friendly” to encourage schooling. Riders will have the opportunity to ride multiple rounds at whatever height they choose, giving them the opportunity both to ascertain their horses’ current level of training as well as to ensure that every horse has gotten a full measure of good ‘mileage’ during the day’s outing.

While a critical aspect of the Benchmark Program is that it allows riders and horses to accumulate a legitimate score, issued through licensed judges, only the first round will count for scoring purposes. The “do-overs” are offered strictly on the basis of improving overall performance—and because I think it’s important for horse and rider to exit the ring on a positive note.

The scored first rounds at each height will accumulate points toward Benchmark Bronze, Silver and Gold achievement levels, creating increased visibility for young horses and giving trainers and owners an opportunity to showcase horses in a cost-effective way. Additionally, the Benchmark Program offers junior and amateur riders a way to accumulate show-ring mileage and reach individual performance goals.

The Benchmark Program offers an extremely cost-effective alternative to rated shows. Yearly membership for the program costs $50, whereas membership fees for rated shows can run in excess of $175. Riders will be charged $35 for the first round, and only $25 for all additional rounds. Non-member fees at rallies are only $5 per class; at rated shows, non-members are charged an average of $70 per show. There are no late fees ($35 at rated shows) or nomination fees ($50 at rated shows) for the Benchmark Program rallies.

Today’s horse shows are, rightly, geared to the competitive level of horse and rider; The Benchmark Program seeks to provide an opportunity similar to those found in European countries to put the foundation on horses and riders at a cost more equivalent to theirs. Good mileage, reasonable cost, better marketing, individual goals, in an inclusive atmosphere—these are the goals of the Benchmark Program.

2011 Rally Dates:

Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center June 11, July 8, August 26, Huntington Beach, CA www.hbhorseshows.com.

El Sueño Equestrian Center September 4, December 4, Somis, CA www.elsuenoequestriancenter.com.

For more information visit: www.www.thebenchmarkprogram.com

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