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Wednesday News and Notes

By on Sep 25, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Megan Edwards’ FB page.

One thing that makes this sport, or really any sport, so incredibly difficult is the mental struggle. The struggle of riding itself, paired with the struggle to make it to the top, to make a barn profitable, to keep operating from day to day, to find and keep owners and to come back after injury, both horse and rider. There’s been a few refreshing posts circulating on social media in the past few days, reckoning with where our choices lead. Regardless, ‘persevere’ seems apt, no matter which path of life it applies to.

National Holiday: National Comic Book Day

Major Weekend Events:

#Stable View: Website, Schedule, Entries, Times, Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Surefire Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Fan favorite Xam has been retired following his run at Blenheim. The 18-year old gelding started 16 long format 4* and 5* events under Harry Dzenis; although he rarely hit the award ceremony, his prowess on cross-country kept him coming back for more. [Xam Retires]

We often see some usual breeds in the eventing world but a Saddledbred in dressage is still a refreshing surprise. Patricia Borders rode Saddlebreds all of her life and bred selectively for fun. When one homebred filly hit the ground with some traits more suited to the dressage ring, Borders took up a new sport at the age of fifty. [Showing Saddlebreds at the FEI Level]

The YEH Championships will be held next month on both costs and it’s time to catch up with last year’s winners. With the prospect of a grant to Le Lion, the progress of the 5 year old winners are particularly worth following, as they tackle Preliminary and beyond in their quest to represent the US in France. [2018 USEA Young Event Horse Champions]

Wednesday Social Media: 

What a great weekend! Barry and I put in our personal best 4* dressage test by quite a few points. Big thanks to James…

Posted by Emily Hamel Eventing on Sunday, September 22, 2019

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Sep 18, 2019 12:01 am -

Plantation at sunrise. Photo by Maggie Deatrick.

Plantation Field at dawn is something both soft and surreal; the rings at the top of the hill are often clothed in heavy mist, thick and dense. The muffled thud of hooves are sometimes the only hint that riders are out there, taking advantage of the obscured views to stretch their horses’ legs. In an hour or less, the fog has burned off, the warm-up is bustling, and the venue seems on top of the world but for those few minutes at dawn, the universe is limited to just horse and rider.

National Holiday: National Cheeseburger Day

Major Weekend Events:

#Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, Entries, Times, Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Cedar Ridge H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Never OutFoxed has taken Holly to Burghley and back. The gelding, bought sight unseen by Holly off the basis of a video of him swimming in a lake, has a perfectionist streak that makes him tough on the flat but tremendous on cross country day. [Behind the Stall Door]

The Thoroughbreds of the American Eventing Championships were celebrated by top awards in the Bluegrass State. From experienced campaigners showing their riders the ropes to green horses displaying their talent, the Thoroughbred once again displayed their affinity for the sport of eventing at the AEC. [The Thoroughbreds of the AECs]

Jonelle Price has yet another horse to add to her star-studded string. Following the retirement of her fellow countryman, Sir Mark Todd, Jonelle has picked up the ride on his WEG mount McClaren. [Mark Todd WEG Mount to Jonelle Price]

Wednesday Video: 

Big thanks to Hicks Bros for spiking and slicing the summer footing on the cross country schooling field.

Posted by Boyd Martin on Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Sep 4, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Kevin Babington LLC Facebook page.

Our thoughts today are with the Babington family; Kevin Babington suffered a serious fall during the Hampton Classic on Friday afternoon, suffering serious spinal injuries. At this time it seems there may be permanent injury for Kevin and his family is about to undergo some major changes. If you would like to provide any support to the Babingtons during this time, please consider donating as they navigate the health care system, retrofit their home, purchase medical equipment, and deal with their loss of income.

National Holiday: Newspaper Carrier Day

Major Weekend Events:

#Burghley2019: Website, Schedule, Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Chardon Valley H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

The golden years of a horse’s career can sometimes be the best of all. Ebba Adnervik of Sweden just finished the European Championships on board the 17-year-old Chippieh. Chippieh has had quite the career, from attending the 2012 London Olympics with Kenki Sato to competing through CCI4*-L with Hedwig Wik. [Tales from European Championships]

As mentioned above, Kevin Babington is going through surgery following a severe fall in the Hampton Classic. Kevin’s surgery was successful, allowing him to be free of the cervical collar that was stabilizing him. [Babington Has Surgery]

In the aftermath of the AEC, we have to celebrate the accomplishment of the army of volunteers who pulled off the biggest event in North American history. Claire O’Dell was one member of that army, who kept the show running smoothly behind the scenes. She’s penned a lovely tribute to not just the volunteers but competitors and overall experience that is an absolute must-read. [With Love, From an AEC Volunteer]

Wednesday Video: 

Save of the Day at #AEC2019

Save of the day‼️ Kimmy Cecere Eventing almost went swimming today at #AEC2019 but held on to finish double-clear and move into 2nd in the Modified/Training division! 🙌

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Thursday, August 29, 2019

By the Numbers: American Eventing Championships Advanced

By on Aug 29, 2019 1:17 pm -

The masses have converged on the Kentucky Horse Park and not only are things in full swing, the Intermediate and Prelim divisions actually wrap up today. An eye-popping number of starters means we have full action through Sunday of this week!

The Advanced division at the AEC is designated as the USEF Advanced Horse Trials National Championship, in which the top-placed U.S. athlete will be presented with the legendary Jack Le Goff Trophy. It also serves as the first $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final. The Adequan USEA Advanced Final Champion will receive a $30,000 check, while competitors through eighth place will receive the remaining $30,000 of the prize money.

Advanced gets underway on Thursday with dressage beginning at 10:24 a.m. ET. Cross country takes place Friday beginning at 7:30 a.m. followed by a grand finale of show jumping at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Here are our predictions for who’ll be crowned champion!

#AEC2019: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, USEA’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Dressage Divas

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Shelby Allen.

  • Long Island T and Boyd Martin will be top dog on day one, having bested the 70% mark in eight of ten starts in 2018/19 and surpassed the 75% mark on two of those occasions.
  • Buck Davidson and Copper Beach aren’t hitting the sub-thirty mark as consistently as Boyd Martin, but have come close to the 75% mark twice in the last two years. Their solid average of 30.3 for the level in the 2018/19 season will have them stalking the leader after dressage.

Cross Country Machines

Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

  • Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt moved up to the Advanced level in 2017 and have been slowly gaining steam in the second phase. In their five A/4*-S runs in the last two years, they’ve finished as the fastest time of the day on three occasions, and only one second slower than optimum time at a fourth. In all five of those runs, they finished either within ten seconds of optimum or as the fastest time of the day.
  • Clark Montgomery has been quick to make his mark on day two with Caribbean Soul, who moved up to the level late last year. In three completed runs at the A/4*-S level, they’ve always finished within ten seconds of optimum time, and were the fastest pair at The Fork Advanced earlier this spring.
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are well known for their turn of foot in the cross country phase; in six A/4*-S runs over the last two years, they were either inside optimum or the fastest time of the day for four of them, and finished only two seconds over optimum on a fifth run.
  • Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise have utilized their speed to gain three high-profile top-three finishes in 2018/2019, including winning the Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L. At the A/4*-S levels, they’ve finished either inside the optimum time or as the fastest time of the day on three of five occasions.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore. Photo by Jenni Autry.

  • With the recent struggles of Z in the stadium phase, Fernhill Singapore has overtaken his stablemate as the best jumper in Phillip Dutton‘s string. In six rounds, the horse has never had a rail and only incurred time penalties in his very first start at the level.
  • Voltaire de Tre and Leslie Law are another set of prime jumpers in the field, scoring eight clears in eleven A/4*-S rounds. They’ve never had more than one rail at the level.
  • Congo Brazzaville C and Mara DePuy are the final pair of meticulous jumpers this weekend. In fifteen starts at A/4* they’ve only twice incurred a rail, both at the beginning of 2018. They haven’t had a rail since.

PREDICTED WINNER: Boyd Martin and Long Island T

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography courtesy of TIEC.

Keep Your Eye On:

  • Phillip Dutton and Z/Fernhill Singapore
  • Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul
  • Leslie Law and Honor Me
  • Hallie Coon and Celien

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Aug 28, 2019 12:01 am -

Settling into the KHP stalls. Photo via Lisa Marie Fergusson’s FB page.

The pilgrimage to the Kentucky Horse Park is well underway, with more than 900 horses riding down centerline from Tuesday through Friday, with stadium wrapping up on Sunday afternoon. Every competitor will have a chance to at least ride stadium in the Rolex Stadium, a huge reason so many of competitors have trekked to Lexington; it’s not every day one has a chance to ride on hallowed ground.

National Holiday: Race Your Mouse Day…

Major Weekend Events:

#AEC2019: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, USEA’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Attention #AEC2019 Intermediate competitors: the start of cross-country has been pushed back 30 minutes due to lighting concerns. Please check your ride times. [Ride Times]

The eventing community is still reeling from the sudden loss of superwoman Ann Haller. A small service for Ann’s family a few close friends will be this Saturday, with a larger celebration of Ann’s life planned for a later date. If you’d like to contribute something in Ann’s memory, please consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund or to the Roger Haller Education Fund. [USEA Foundation]

Meanwhile the American Eventing Championships are in full swing, with both Preliminary and Intermediate divisions riding dressage yesterday. Tamie Smith and Boyd Martin own the Intermediate division leaderboard but some new names top the charts in the Preliminary divisions. [Hoofprints Laid On Hallowed Ground]

Imagine growing up in Burghley’s backyard and standing on the top of the Leaf Pit, dreaming of jumping it one day. Eliza Stoddart is doing just that, making her first Burghley attempt next weekend on Priorspark Opposition Free. She grew up in a Pony Club right around the corner. [Burghley First Timers]

Wednesday Tweet: 

By the Numbers: MARS Great Meadow CCI4*-S

By on Aug 22, 2019 2:00 pm -

Now in its fifth running, Great Meadow International in Virginia is solidly ensconced as a top destination for summer eventing on the East Coast. A new August date sets pairs up nicely to kick off the fall season, as well as providing a well-timed final prep for any headed over to England to contest Burghley or Blenheim.

Photo courtesy of Great Meadow.

The Field

  • Although the first two runnings saw the dressage leader also taking top honors, in the last two years the winner has been in sixth after dressage.
  • The winner of this division has never finished on their dressage score; those who have finished on their dressage score have at best finished second.
  • Last year’s running saw 12.5% of the field finish inside the optimum time, an all time-high for Great Meadow. However, the clear jumping rate plummeted from 75% in 2017 to 40% in 2018.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

DRESSAGE DIVAS

  • Carlevo and Buck Davidson are the pair to watch for the first phase; these two have scored over 70% for 12 consecutive A/4* starts.
  • Harbour Pilot had an uncharacteristic test at Kentucky but is likely to rebound this weekend under Hannah Sue Burnett. Less consistent than Carlevo, they’ve also managed to break 75% in one of their last 10 starts at this level and flirted with that score again earlier this year, scoring a 26.4 at Red Hills.
  • Lynn Symansky has formed a formidable partnership with the mare Under Suspection and their lone start at this level in 2019 indicates that, with an impressive mark of 26.8. Their personal best of 25.7 was also at The Fork, but in 2018.
  • Vandiver has been no slouch in this phase under Doug Payne, despite some underlying tension at Kentucky. In three of their five A/4* starts in the past two years, they’ve broken 70%.
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation have had an abbreviated partnership, but in six starts at the level together, they’ve averaged 30.9 and broken into the 20s on two occasions.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Shelby Allen.

SHOW JUMPING POWERHOUSES

  • D.A. Duras has had limited runs under Lauren Kieffer in 2018 and 2019, but has continued his strong stadium record with two clear rounds in that time. They’ve jumped clear in 10 of their last 11 consecutive rounds at the level.
  • TKS Cooley has only two rounds at this level but has jumped clear in both under Will Coleman. His stablemate DonDante has clocked in clear rounds in all three of his starts as well. Their more experienced stablemate Tight Lines hasn’t had a rail at A/4*-S in the last two calendar years and has been six for six clear rounds in that time.
  • Doug Payne‘s ride Quantum Leap has jumped three clears in three rounds in his first year at this level.
  • Under Suspection has jumped clear in four of her five rounds at A/4*-S under Lynn Symansky.

Erika Nesler and Right Above It. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

CROSS COUNTRY MACHINES

  • Right Above It has had some time off in the last year but is back at it with Erika Nesler. In their three runs, they have finished an average of 1.67 seconds over either optimum time or the fastest time of the day.
  • Vandiver is another who can show great turn of foot, finishing inside optimum on two of his four A/4*-S starts in the last two years with Doug Payne and finishing only four seconds over optimum time on another occasion.
  • DonDante has finished no more than thirteen seconds slower than either optimum or the fastest ride of the day in all three of his starts under Will Coleman.
  • Prince Renan (Anna Loschiavo), Landmark’s Monaco (Kim Cecere), and Covert Rights (Colleen Rutledge) have all shown turn of foot when running clear on cross country, but have struggled with consistency over the fences.

PREDICTED WINNER: Doug Payne and Vandiver

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Keep Your Eye On:

  • Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation
  • Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo
  • Will Coleman and DonDante

MARS Great Meadow International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Order of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Aug 14, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński

Starting from Wednesday, jumpers, eventers and dressage riders will fight for medals in Strzegom. 153 riders aged from 12 to 16, representing 18 countries, along with their ponies will compete overall. Ponies are horses measuring up to 149 cm. These Championships will be a special event. Riders from three olympic equestrian disciplines: dressage, eventing and showjumping will compete alongside each other at the same place and time.
The championships start on the 14th of August, at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom, Lower Silesia Voivodeship. They will be preluded by a festive opening ceremony, with a presentation of all national teams.

National Holiday: National Creamsicle Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm August H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

The value of a getting an ‘A’. Not all kids who have access to Pony Club, but those who do really have an opportunity to learn not just horsemanship but independence and self-reliance. Gabby Dickerson, like many Pony Clubbers, lost interest in proceeding through the ratings just after high school but after a few years out in the world of professionals, took the time to go back and get the ‘A’ rating. [Why I Went Back]

The familiar faces of Andrew Hoy and Michael Jung are sitting atop the Olympic Test event leaderboard in Tokyo. Both riding promising youngsters, the two stalked the leader after the first phase, then tore across the country to move up to first and second respectively. [Hoy Snatches Lead]

Eventers can and do cross over to the highest levels of the other Olympic disciplines with great success. Irish eventer Esib Power not only started in her first five-star jumping competition this weekend, she ended up winning. Mounted on her 18-year-old former eventer Doonaveeragh O One, she finished more than half a second ahead of all other competitors. [Esib Power Wins Speed Class]

Wednesday Video: 

Mason practicing his rope skills before his dressage lesson today!

Posted by Will Faudree Eventing on Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Wednesday’s News & Notes

By on Aug 7, 2019 12:01 am -

Chinch preparing for a busy fall season.

Can we please talk about the insanity that is eventing this fall? We’ve got three U.S. entries at Millstreet, a whopping 11 North American entries at Burghley, Blenheim entries should be posted any day now, and meanwhile we have an Advanced or CCI4*-S/L running every weekend on this continent from mid-August through mid-October!

National Holiday: National Lighthouse Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA Festival of Eventing H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodside Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Area VII YR Benefit H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fair Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Gulch Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Applewood Farm FEH/YEH & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

For anyone who thinks you have to make a team by the time you’re 25 or your career will be over, take a hard look at Tamie Smith. Now 44, Tamie started out as a corporate career type, hoping to be CEO of some Fortune 500 company. Her non-horsey husband eventually urged her to go pro and she’s now realizing her dream of representing the U.S. for the first time. [Free Rein with Tamie Smith]

A missed deadline will result in the Royal Windsor losing its CSI5* status for 2020. The paperwork for the level was submitted late, and as a result the other two CSI5* fixtures held on the same date rejected the Royal Windsor’s request for an exception. Royal Windsor expects to regain the status for 2021, and the British Equestrian Federation has put guidelines in place to prevent the mistake from happening again. [Royal Windsor Loses Five Star Status]

Don’t try this at home! Madison Penfound had quite a scare when her horse QEH Ocean Voyage locked onto a fence at his first Advanced that was actually on the Intermediate course and jumped it…despite a photographer sitting in front of it. Luckily all parties involved were totally unharmed and the photographer Tracey Wilkinson even managed a head-on shot [Behind the Photo]

Wednesday Video: 

 

By the Numbers: Millbrook Advanced

By on Aug 1, 2019 9:13 am -

New York’s Millbrook Horse Trials has been the kick-off to the U.S. fall season for many years now, with riders using it as a key run for horses headed to long-format events in the coming months. As the only Advanced event on the East Coast in this timeframe, Millbrook consistently draws a large field with plenty of big names.

Two days of Advanced dressage kick off at 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by cross country on Saturday and show jumping on Sunday. EN’s own Abby Powell will be bringing us all the latest from Millbrook 2019, so keep it locked here!

#Millbrook: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

Millbrook as seen from above. Photo by Dan Cohen.

The Event

  • Only 2.1% of starters (five pairs) have finished on their dressage score in the last five runnings of this event, out of 229.
  • Only 10 pairs have made the time on cross country out of 209 cross-country starters over five years.
  • The winner of the Advanced hasn’t been worse than fifth after dressage since before 2014.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dressage Divas

  • Carlevo is the horse to beat in the first phase, ridden by Buck Davidson. This pair has scored in the 20s in every Advanced and 4*-S/L start since the fall of 2017. They own the best two-year dressage average in the field at this level of 28.0 penalties.
  • Buck Davidson also brings a heavy hitter forward in Copper Beach, who is less consistent than his stablemate but can get closer to the 75% mark. Although he’s had some scores in the low 30s this spring, he clocked in a 26.7 at Rocking Horse Advanced earlier this year.
  • Buck really performs well at Millbrook typically, and his Burghley-aimed ride Jak My Style should step up to the plate as well. In three starts at A/4*-S/L in 2019, the Thoroughbred has dropped his score with each progressive outing and sits on an average of 31.2 penalties for the level under Buck.
  • Business Ben and Allison Springer are another pair that prove Thoroughbreds can get top scores on the flat; in eight starts at the level since 2018, Business Ben has averaged only 31.9 penalties and cracked the 70% mark at Fair Hill earlier this year.
  • Whitney Mahloch and her (Thoroughbred!) Military Mind have been no stranger to the top of the leaderboard after the first phase as well; he’s cracked 70% in three of his five starts at the level over the past two years and rarely scores worse than a 33.

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cross Country Machines

  • Military Mind is the one to watch for the fastest round of the day; he and Whitney Mahloch have clocked in the fastest time of the day in six of their eight career clear cross-country rounds. In the two finishes that they weren’t the fastest of the day, they still finished inside the time.
  • Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise have garnered three top three finishes at this level in part thanks to their quick turn of foot; they have clocked in the fastest round of the day or made the time in four of their seven clear rounds at the level.
  • Buck Davidson has used Jak My Style‘s speed to good effect; for their three Advanced starts in the past two years they have finished within five seconds of the fastest time in two of them.
  • Will Coleman with DonDante and Phillip Dutton with Sea of Clouds have both shown quick paces in the horses’ first starts at the top level.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

  • Tight Lines is a very good show jumping horse at A/4*-S level; under Will Coleman he has never had more than one rail at these levels and they have jumped clear in their last five consecutive A/4*-S rounds.
  • Phillip Dutton has another crack jumper in his stable in Fernhill Singapore, who has now jumped clear in all five of his starts at the A/4*-S level.
  • DonDante under Will Coleman has added nothing in the show jumping phase in his first two starts at the level.
  • Ms. Poppins has added only one rail in four rounds at this level with Allie Knowles.

Buck Davidson and Jak My Style. Photo by Jenni Autry.

PREDICTED WINNER: Buck Davidson and Jak My Style

Keep Your Eye On:

  • Will Faudree and Pfun/Michel 233
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo/Copper Beach/Park Trader
  • Will Coleman and Tight Lines/DonDante
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan

By the Numbers: Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L

By on Jul 25, 2019 9:00 am -

An event perpetually on my bucket list, Rebecca Farm is the ultimate destination event, with long hauls for almost everyone and vistas to make the drive worth it. The Broussards’ incredible support for the sport includes travel grants to offset the costs to get there — one of many things the family goes above and beyond for.

THE FIELD

Rebecca Farm in the Flathead Valley. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

  • The completion rate at the Rebecca CCI4*-L has averaged only 60.4% since its inception in 2015, compared to a North American completion rate of 68.6% over the same time period.
  • However, a full 25.0% of cross country starters have made the time on cross country, compared to 16.0% for other events of the same time.
  • In four runnings, all of the winners have been in the top three after dressage.

DRESSAGE DIVAS

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

  • Stella Artois returns to this level for the first time since 2017, but as her recent Advanced dressage test at Essex indicates, she hasn’t skipped a beat. She and Jennie Brannigan average a 33.6 in the first phase which is equal best in the field.
  • Clark Montgomery returns to the level with a new ride, the Thoroughbred mare Caribbean Soul. In five outings they have also averaged 33.6, although their scores have floated upwards in their last two outings.

CROSS COUNTRY MACHINES

James Alliston and Pandora. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

  • Another young horse paired with an experienced rider will be expected to finish with the quickest time this weekend; in four outings with James Alliston, the mare Pandora has finished as the fastest round of the day in three of them.
  • Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul had a stop in the mare’s first attempt at the level last fall but have since made quick work of three big east coast tracks. They have finished within 10 seconds of optimum time in each of their three runs and had the fastest run of the day last time out at The Fork, with only four seconds over optimum.

SHOW JUMPING POWERHOUSES

Leah Breakey and Master Class. Photo by Aaron Sonego.

  • The majority of the field this weekend tends to have a rail, with Leah Breakey and Master Class having the best show jumping average, largely due to lack of opportunity. In only two runs at the A/CCI4*-S level, this pair has had only one rail.

PREDICTED WINNER: Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul

Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography courtesy of TIEC.

 Keep Your Eye On:
  • James Alliston and Pandora
  • Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois
  • Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 24, 2019 12:01 am -

Pre-Rebecca vibes. Photo via Madeline Backus’ FB page.

Rebecca Farm has been on my bucket list probably since 2009, when my then-trainer and another boarder trekked up there after the now-defunct Maui Jim and came back with tales of lake swims and mountain hacks and blue skies as far as you can see. Having moved even further away since that time and now balancing a full-time job means that item on my bucket list is not terribly likely to be fulfilled, so I just have to live vicariously through the social media posts of my friends.

National Holiday: World Emoji Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey II CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

For anyone who thinks you have to make a team by the time you’re 25 or your career will be over, take a hard look at Tamie Smith. Now 44, Tamie started out as a corporate career type, hoping to be CEO of some Fortune 500 company. Her non-horsey husband eventually urged her to go pro and she’s now realizing her dream of representing the U.S. for the first time. [Free Rein with Tamie Smith]

A missed deadline will result in the Royal Windsor losing its CSI5* status for 2020. The paperwork for the level was submitted late, and as a result the other two CSI5* fixtures held on the same date rejected the Royal Windsor’s request for an exception. Royal Windsor expects to regain the status for 2021, and the British Equestrian Federation has put guidelines in place to prevent the mistake from happening again. [Royal Windsor Loses Five Star Status]

Don’t try this at home! Madison Penfound had quite a scare when her horse QEH Ocean Voyage locked onto a fence at his first Advanced that was actually on the Intermediate course and jumped it…despite a photographer sitting in front of it. Luckily all parties involved were totally unharmed and the photographer Tracey Wilkinson even managed a head-on shot [Behind the Photo]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Great News!Attwood Equestrian Surfaces AnnouncedOfficial Footing Supplier at Fair Hill InternationalAttwood…

Posted by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces on Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 17, 2019 12:01 am -

Lovely Lexus. Photo via Tamie Smith’s FB page.

Mai Baum is just one of the most photogenic creatures I have ever seen and Tamie Smith gave us all a treat by sharing some lovely photos of Lexus on a summer evening in Chester County. Tamie and Lexus are hanging out at True Prospect until Pan Ams camp begins, and taking advantage of the copious greenery.

National Holiday: World Emoji Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Sometimes the grind is much more difficult than the challenge of riding itself. How many people do you know who have been grounded for a year or more because their one horse got hurt? Who battled back from injury only to incur a freak accident or a major life change or then injured themselves? Blogger Mara Santiz salutes those who grind away no matter the setback. [I See You]

If you’re investing in a visit to the AECs, know you’re in good hands. The team at the Kentucky Horse Park is making every effort to ensure that the cross-country footing doesn’t suffer from either heat or rain. With the irrigation system available from 2010, competitors can look forward to carefully managed turf no matter the challenges. [I’ve Never Ridden One Like Him]

Most people going through med school have to give up almost everything else in their life. Karley Koch refused to give up on horses though, and while she’s often short on sleep, she now balances showing her hunter mare Silvia with her job as a second year resident at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. [Koch Is Proving You Can Have It All]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 10, 2019 12:01 am -

Welcome to the world, wee one! Did you know your mama is a World Champion? The current reigning one? Of course not, you only know she’s your source of comfort and warmth right now. Congratulations to Ros and Chris on their new baby girl.

National Holiday: Cheer up the Lonely Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

For many, the hours spent getting fit out of the saddle are just as important as those in the saddle. Many turn to activities such as Barre or Crossfit but Kathy Davidson found success with an activity called Nia, which stands for ‘non-impact aerobics’. [How Nia Changed the Game]

We’ve lost one of the greats, as we wish godspeed to Armada. A former CCI4* ride of both Andrew Nicholson and Oliver Townend, Armada made his mark on the sport, particularly on the cross-country. Although his show jumping record didn’t quite equal his cross-country and dressage prowess, he still had multiple top finishes at the top level. [I’ve Never Ridden One Like Him]

Despite being low-key at home, Tsetserleg becomes bigger than life on the showgrounds. Thomas has grown into the attention of being a big time horse, enjoying the hoopla that other of Boyd’s top horses have found trying. A bit unassuming, Tsetserleg took about three months to get into Boyd’s good graces and has firmly ensconced himself as top dog. [Behind the Stall Door]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian

By on Jul 3, 2019 12:01 am -

Madison and Analise at age seven. Photo courtesy of Laura Haney.

Madison Haney and Analise SanClemente of Massachusetts first met when they were seven years old and decided to take up eventing. Fast forward seven years, the best friends were so pleased to be competing together at Groton House this weekend. They finished 1st and 2nd in a very competitive Junior Training division, making their dream a reality!

Madison and Analise finishing one-two in the Junior Training division at Groton House. Photo courtesy of Laura Haney.

National Holiday: Stay Out of the Sun Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Maryland CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Twin Rivers H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Round Top H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Powder Basin H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

It’s been five years since Paulank Brockagh won Badminton and she hasn’t slowed down. Now 16, ‘Brocks’ just added to her accolades with a top ten finish at Luhmühlen. The queen of Sam Griffiths’ yard is not exactly a cuddler but if you dangle a carrot in her general direction, she’ll make an effort to win you over. [Behind the Stall Door]

After the surprise loss of the Belton venue earlier this spring, British Eventing has found a replacement venue. With four well-prepared venues ready to step up and assume the important date as the final prep run before Badminton, the selectors had quite a challenging task to determine the best location. Thoresby Park will now assume the date and planning is well underway. [Belton Replacement Welcomed]

One of the best parts of horse show hangover is the residual excitement of show proofs being posted. I experienced this yesterday, hitting the refresh button every half hour as soon as I noticed other divisions were uploading. [Thought Riders Have Viewing Competition Pictures]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

#tuesdaytipdayYour footing will last much longer if you keep it clean. Meaning picking the manure off of it in a timely…

Posted by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces on Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

By the Numbers: MARS Essex Advanced

By on Jun 20, 2019 11:00 am -

The return of the Essex Horse Trials is upon us and quite a robust contingent has turned out to contest the revival of the historic show grounds. Although Essex has been hosting a Preliminary Challenge every year, this is the first iteration of their Advanced course.

THE FIELD

  • A fifth of the field will be horses who are stepping up to the level for the first time.
  • Three of those riders are making their first Advanced attempt as well.
  • On the other side of the spectrum, 12 horses in the field have completed five-stars in their career.

DRESSAGE DIVAS

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

  • OBOS O’Reilly and Will Coleman have the best A/4* average in the field over the last two years, sitting at 30.2. In the spring of 2018 they were on fire, scoring sub-25 at The Fork and clocking in two more sub-30 scores right after. But their last two starts have seen their dressage scores float up to the 34 range.
  • Buck Davidson and Copper Beach are another pair who were killing it in the first phase in 2018 and early 2019, scoring over 70% in three of four A/4* starts. However their last three starts have raised their overall average to 30.4.
  • Fernhill Revelation hasn’t been out at this level for two years but in his five starts under Phillip Dutton, he averaged 30.9 and scored above 70% twice.

SHOW JUMPING POWERHOUSES

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

  • With his last outing fresh in our minds, it may be easy to disregard Z in the stadium phase but the reality is that this is still one of the best horses in the country over the colored poles. Under Phillip Dutton, he has jumped clear rounds in 17 of 20 stadium rounds at the top and hasn’t had a rail at A/4*-S since early in 2017.
  • Islandwood Captain Jack is another to keep an eye on, with Caroline Martin having guided him to a solid clean show jumping record. They have never had a jump penalty in nine rounds at this level.
  • A plethora of young horses in this division have also jumped clear in their first one or two Advanceds; Fortuna, TKS Cooley, DonDante, Newmarket Jack, and I Bella have all been clear in their first couple attempts at the level. Meanwhile both Hannah Sue Burnett and Lukeswell and Bridgette Miller and Tsunami III have made new partnerships and clocked in clear rounds thus far with their experienced partners.

CROSS COUNTRY MACHINES

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

  • Military Mind and Whitney Mahloch have a reputation for speed and at this level — they are almost certain to get the job done. In eight career completions at this level they have either made the time or finished with the fastest round of the day in every single one of them.
  • OBOS O’Reilly is another horse who could make the time this weekend with Will Coleman in the irons. In his five completions at A/4*-S dating back through 2015, he either made the optimum time or was the fastest round of the day in four of them.
  • Jak My Style has shown a turn of speed under Buck Davidson. He’s finished within 10 seconds of the fastest time of the day in three of their five joint runs at this level.
  • In three completions at this level with Clark Montgomery, Caribbean Soul has never finished more than 10 seconds over the optimum time.

PREDICTED WINNER: WILL COLEMAN AND OBOS O’REILLY

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Keep an eye on:
  • Buck Davidson and Jak My Style
  • Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul
  • Sharon White and Cooley On Show
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation/Z

MARS Essex H.T.: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jun 19, 2019 12:01 am -

Future event rider of America! We love this photo from Area II adult amateur eventer Melissa Fox, who explains: “My son Jack, 2 years old, loves going to events to help his mommy. Here he’s helping with my horse Command Approval’s ice boots at Seneca Pony Club Spring H.T. on Saturday after a great cross country run in the Training.”

We’ve had Mother’s Day and Father’s Day but now that those are behind, we should take some time to thank those patient kids of ours who show up to the shows with their parents and find endless ways to entertain themselves. For that matter we should also thank the patient horses who tolerate these knee-biters despite that patently not being what they were bred or trained for.

National Holiday: National Kissing Day

Major Events:

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Kent School Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Essex H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stable View Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Best of the Blogs: The Pain of Rehab. Camilla Mortensen knew something wasn’t quite right with Cairo last fall but thought she got to the root of the problems when her mare was diagnosed with a minor strained check ligament and ulcers. In the midst of a rehab though, Cairo went lame and after the dust settled, it seems that the hind proximal ligaments were the actual culprit. [It’s Not Over Until the Fat Mare Sings]

Nana Dalton had quite the trip to Tattersalls with her young horse. Between a dead car battery, running short on fuel for both the generator and the lorry, broke lorry steps leading to a crashing fall and some unexpected jet lag for a homebred mare, Nana had her hands quite full on what was supposed to be a quiet trip. [It Could’ve Been Worse]

Does this sound like movie magic? A rider develops a horse from the beginning up through the Olympics, then almost loses the ride. Pioneering a new method of funding, he raises a record breaking amount to keep the ride, only to fall and suffer a catastrophic head injury a year later that leaves him in a coma. Fighting back to ride again, he and the horse go on to (fill in the blank…). [Jonty and Art: The Film]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

#tuesdaytipdayWhen you are up against the clock to get your horse show arena perfect, call Attwood. Last week the…

Posted by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces on Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrians Surfaces

By on Jun 12, 2019 12:01 am -

Papa Coleman shows his support for Will at Tattersalls. Photo via Will Coleman Equestrian FB page.

Show moms seem to get a lot of shout-outs but let’s not forget the show dads out there! My parents are both great at holding things and handing me things on a hot day but my father always had a special knack for being led around by my horse (who only needed someone nominally connected to him at a show if there was grass in his range) and doing his damndest to brush a tail. Life pro tip: never ask a man who never had long hair to brush the tail of a horse without specific instructions.

This Sunday is Father’s Day so make sure to thank the special Horse Show Dad in your life!

National Holiday: National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Major Events:

Luhmuhlen: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Aspen Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Honey Run H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Golden Spike H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Valinor Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Many riders dream of Badminton but few are dreaming of the Grassroots Division. British rider Kira Simpson had that exact goal in mind when breeding her Fjord mare to a Thoroughbred stallion. Kira is hoping that the resulting foal, Winnie, is her ticket to ride on hallowed grounds, in the championship BE100 division. [Owner’s Badminton Dream]

Another pair of Hylofit Classic Series winners were crowned at IEA last weekend. Amateurs and off track thoroughbreds ruled the day at IEA, with Erin Walsh and Notice the Trick taking home top placing in the Training 3Day and Caroline Charette and Moondance claiming the title at the Novice level. [Classic Series Visits Hoosier State]

What would you do if you won a CCI4*-L and the prize was a yearling? Stuart Tinney is probably well equipped to handle an extra equine mouth and will take home a nicely bred yearling colt by Roaldik out of Falvelon, bred by Melbourne International sponsor Davidson Equestrian. [Stuart Tinney Wins Melbourne CCI4*-L]

Surefire has extended extended their closing date to June 12! The competition will be held June 21-23 in Purcellville, Va. It’s always a favorite on the Area II summer calendar. Get those entires here! Click here for more information.

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

#tuesdaytipdayIf you have to build a 40,000 square foot arena to FEI standards in 36 hours… you better call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces. The Upperville Colt and Horse Show made one call and the rest is history. #oneforthebooks #nochallengetoogreat #thehorsescomefirst #safety #performance #innovation

Posted by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces on Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

By the Numbers: MARS EQUESTRIAN Bromont CCI4*-L

By on Jun 6, 2019 9:32 am -

With the MARS EQUESTRIAN Bromont CCI Three-Day Event serving as the last CCI4*-L of the North American spring season, the competitors are a mixture of newcomers to the level, experienced horses taking a crack at a Pan American Games qualifier, and combinations re-routing after hiccups at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event or the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event. With an unusually large percentage of seasoned horses here, it’s likely that the winner will be an experienced combination.

THE EVENT

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

  • No one has ever broken the 75% mark (25.0 penalties) in dressage in the CCI4*-L at Bromont.
  • With the jumping phases always proving influential at Bromont, recent winners have won the CCI4*-L from as low as eighth place after dressage.
  • In the last four runnings of this division, only two pairs have finished on their dressage score, both in 2016: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett and Kylie Lyman and Sacramento.

DRESSAGE DIVAS

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

  • Carlevo and Buck Davidson hold the best two-year dressage average at the Advanced/4* levels; they haven’t scored below 70% since 2017. They hold the only two-year average in the field that sits in the sub-30 range.
  • Copper Beach is hot on the heels of his stablemate though, averaging 30.0 over the same time period. He’s scored sub-30 in each of his Advanced tests in 2018/2019 but hasn’t cracked that threshold in his 4* starts.
  • Boyd Martin hit the 20s in two of On Cue‘s first three Advanced starts but has only achieved low thirties in her two 4*-S starts.
  • Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras achieved the 75% mark at Little Downham in the Advanced division in 2017, but haven’t quite broken 70% in the horse’s six starts since.
  • Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico have been chipping away at the first phase. Although their two-year average sits at 32.5, they’ve scored in the 20s in their last three consecutive starts.

CROSS COUNTRY MACHINES

Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

  • Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt have been quietly gaining experience on the West Coast. In eight career runs at the level, they’ve never had a cross country penalty. Over the last year, they’ve finished within 10 seconds of the optimum time or the fastest time of the day in every single run.
  • Landmark’s Monte Carlo has a reputation for fast rounds at the long format. In six clear career runs at the 4/5*-L levels, he and Lauren Kieffer have finished within five seconds of either optimum time or the fastest time of the day in every single one of them.

SHOW JUMPING POWERHOUSES

Jennie Brannigan and I Bella. Photo by Shelby Allen.

  • I Bella has been lightly competed at the Advanced/4* level, but in three show jumping rounds at the top level, she and Jennie Brannigan have yet to have a rail.
  • D.A. Duras has jumped clean in nine of his last 10 consecutive stadium rounds at the Advanced/4* levels. He and Lauren Kieffer have had only one rail since 2016.
  • Jakobi and Emilee Libby had one rail in the horse’s first Advanced and have since jumped clear in four consecutive Advanced/4* rounds.
  • In nine rounds at Advanced/4* together, Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico have only tipped a rail on two occasions.

PREDICTED WINNER: BUCK DAVIDSON AND COPPER BEACH

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Keep an eye on:
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo
  • Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico
  • Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo
  • Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras

#BromontCCI: Website, Entries, Schedule, Dressage Start Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jun 5, 2019 12:01 am -

The rabbit hole I disappeared into yesterday. Pedigreequery.com

Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole of searching through your horse’s family tree to find available relatives still racing? Presuming your horse is a JC registered TB, you can really get in the weeds finding half sibs, 3/4 sibs, similar looking horses by the same sire, and of course pestering the farm who stands the stallion if they’ll offer frozen semen doses. Spoiler alert: it’s live cover only.

National Holiday: World Environment Day

Major Events:

#BromontCCI: Website, Entries, Schedule, Dressage Start Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Plantation Field H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The Middleburg H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Queeny Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Have you ever heard of a disqualification being overturned well after the fact? The very rare occurrence happened at the CCI4*-S at Poland, which ran in early April, when Romanian eventer Viorel Bubau was disqualified for having boots that were longer than 20 cm in the stadium round. Not only did officials take photos of the incorrect boots, mistakenly documenting Viorel’s cross-country boots instead of his stadium, the rule in question did not even apply to eventing. [FEI Rule Disqualification Overturned]

In times of wet weather, everyone needs to do their best to stay civil. Last year was Area II and IV that saw torrential downpours and multiple cancellations; this year Area V has already had two events cancelled and another abandoned for the UL. In the age of social media, it’s all too easy to let frustrations boil over. [Show Cancellations and Refunds]

Would you ever get in an unmarked van in a pub parking lot in hopes of seeing a potential 5* horse? Feena Machin did exactly that, going with a stranger who overheard her conversation in an Irish pub on a horse search. The result was a horse later dubbed ‘Chance Remark’, whom Willa Newton competed up through five-star for Feena, and is now retiring. [Chance Remark Retired]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

View this post on Instagram

#tuesdaytipday If your additive comes in bales that need to be mixed into the footing, chances are more than good that it will not be consistent. You will have pockets where there is more fiber, and spaces that there is very little. Safe footing is consistent with just enough grip, just enough glide, so your horse can move comfortably. Wondering what’s in your ring? Give us a call. . . #ringenvymuch #hunterjumper #horses #equestrian #jumper #dressage #showjumping #equitation #hunter #equestrianlife #equine #jumping #horselover #thoroughbredsofinstagram #attwoodequestriansurfaces #trainonthebest #safety #performance #innovation #goldstandard #footingnerds #horsehour #horsechathour

A post shared by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces (@attwoodequestriansurfaces) on

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on May 29, 2019 12:01 am -

Curly hair, don’t care. Photo by Maggie Deatrick.

My patience finally paid off this past weekend when, three years after I bought him, I got to finally run Prelim on my second OTTB. My first OTTB was precocious and ran Prelim at the end of his six-year old year; this one is now nine and finally at the level. I’m so glad I’ve taken my time though, because it’s resulted in a bold, confident horse charging around cross country like it’s no big deal.

National Holiday: Learn About Composting Day

Major Events:

Tattersalls: Website, Entries and Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Poplar Place Farm June H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

IEA H.T. & Classic 3DE [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Colorado Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

NJ Region H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Fitness is a battle we all fight in the horse world; often riding just isn’t enough. Sinead Halpin gives a candid look into what it was like to give birth and then struggle to return to the fitness level she needs to be at for career success. It’s something more of us can identify with. [Making Time for Fitness Outside the Saddle]

Deborah Burell, mother of five, uses riding to relieve stress. She competed two horses at the Houghton Festival of Eventing this part weekend, participating in her first three-day event. Horses have helped her stay balanced after her family went through a leukemia scare with one of her sons last year. [Mother of Five Contests First Three-Day]

An equine vet also had their first three-day experience at Houghton. As a vet, Jo Gynne doesn’t have much time to spare and after losing two horses close together, had almost given up riding all together. Enter Sublime Talent, and OTTB warhorse whose body needed her as much as Jo needed him. [The Vet Who Nearly Gave Up Riding]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on May 15, 2019 12:01 am -

Filly by Upsilon out of Anna Bella. Photo via Kurt Martin Eventing’s FB page.

It’s officially spring now that my social media feed is littered with photos of foals. I love seeing their spindly legs and tiny faces. We’ve got a few superstars in the making landing this spring, including this adorable Upsilon filly out of Anna Bella, Kurt Martin’s 4* mount.

National Holiday: National Chocolate Chip Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Otter Creek Spring H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fair Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Gulch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

On Wednesday, May 15th, there will be an Open House Informational Session held at Fair Hill, to present information about the proposed projects and improvements to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. This will include information about the enhancements to the steeplechase track. The Open House is from 6 – 8 p.m. [Fair Hill Improvements Open House]

Speaking of Fair Hill, they are still looking for volunteers as jump judges for this weekend’s horse trials. Come out and enjoy the sunshine for what should be a beautiful weekend … unlike the last two weekends. Bonus is being entered in a raffle for a free Starter Horse Trials entry! [Fair Hill Looking for Volunteers]

Vanir Kamira has won Badminton. Chilli Morning has won Badminton. Meet their offspring, a filly born via embryo transfer due to a prize offered at Burghley to the highest placed British-based mare inside the top twenty. The prize offers two embryo transfer breedings so that these high performing mares can continue to compete while simultaneously passing on their talent. [Vanir Kamira’s Offspring]

 

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

By the Numbers: Jersey Fresh International CCI4*-L

By on May 9, 2019 3:49 pm -

As one of six CCI4*-L events in North America, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event is one of the few opportunities for riders to get those all important 4*-L qualifiers needed to move up to the 5*-L level. With Fair Hill both adding a 5*-L and losing their 4*-L in 2020, Jersey Fresh’s significance will become extremely important in the spring schedule.

#JFI3DE: Website, Entry Status, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

The famous Jersey Shore at Jersey Fresh. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Field

  • Since Capt. Mark Phillips took over the course design two years ago, no one in the 4*-L division has made the time.
  • The dressage leader has gone on to win this division in three of the last four runnings. Every winner this decade has been inside the top five after the first phase.
  • The winner has had a rail in the final phase four times this decade.

Allison Springer and Business Ben. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dressage Divas

  • Allison Springer has been no stranger to the dressage leaderboard over the years. Under her tutelage, the Thoroughbred Business Ben holds the best two-year Advanced/4* average in the field. He has scored as low 28.0 but more importantly has never scored worse than 34.0 at this level.
  • Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q have only started twice at the Advanced/4* level, but in two tests, they’ve averaged 31.7.
  • Caroline Martin has Danger Mouse ticking along well in the first phase. In the horse’s first year at the level in 2018, he broke the 70% barrier twice and has never scored worse than a 34.5 at Advanced/4* level.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Cross Country Machines

  • Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini are a pair to keep an eye on for fastest of the day. They had the fastest round in this division last year and haven’t finished more than 15 seconds behind the fastest in five clear runs in 2018 and 2019.
  • Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise jumped to a third place at Plantation Field last fall on the basis of their speed, posting the quickest round on a day when the mud slowed everyone down. In their four clean runs last year, they either made the time or were the fastest pair of the day in three of them.
  • Olney Uncle Sam hasn’t yet actually made the time at Advanced/4*, but he’s been within 10 seconds of either optimum or the fastest run in four of his five clean runs at this level under Emily Beshear.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

  • Fernhill Singapore has quietly become another show jumping superstar for Phillip Dutton. In five rounds at Advanced/4* level, the horse has yet to have a rail and has posted four consecutive rounds inside the time.
  • Doug Payne has started Quantum Leap in three Advanced/4* competitions this year in the horse’s first season at this level and has yet to have a single penalty — rail or time — in this phase.
  • Il Vici and Arden Wildasin have one start this year and two back in 2016 at Advanced/4* level. In their three rounds at this height, they have yet to have a rail.

PREDICTED WINNER: Caroline Martin and Danger Mouse

Caroline Martin and Danger Mouse. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Keep Your Eye On…

  • Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore
  • Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise
  • Doug Payne and Quantum Leap

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on May 8, 2019 12:01 am -

Bedtime snack. Photo by Maggie Deatrick.

Now that the weather is good, it’s been a huge benefit to have my Thoroughbred turned out all night instead of fighting the flies and the sun all day. Not only am I thrilled that his bay coat won’t get bleached by sun and sweat but I generally think giving as much turnout time as possible to the horses is the best possible thing for them.

National Holiday: No Socks Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Jersey Fresh CCI [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Winona H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

One of the horses I was most excited to see in Kentucky was Quarrycrest Echo. I’ve been a fan since his top finish at Tattersalls and knowing he is a ‘crafty bugger’ as Piggy fondly puts it just makes me love him more. Because he was cut late, this horse has oodles of personality. [Behind the Stall Door]

We jokingly refer to a tough Novice course as the ‘Novice Olympics’ but Britain legitimately has something similar. The Mitsubishi Motors Cup is a BE90 (the equivalent of Novice) championship course running concurrently with Badminton. Check out the course to see what these competitors face. [Mitsubishi Motors Cup BE90 Course Walk]

Vanir Kamira actually started her career with Piggy French but spent some time in other riders’ yards as well. Izzy Taylor rode the mare for a year before Paul Tapner took her on, bringing her to the top levels. Piggy only regained the ride in 2017, when Paul Tapner took a step back from the full-time competition scene. [Vanir Kamira in Photos]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.