Leslie Wylie
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Dandelions in the Park

Originally published on EN in 2012, this essay’s relevance has remained intact over the years. On the eve of this year’s event, we thought it appropriate to re-share as a reminder that this collective experience we know as Kentucky is much bigger, and more complex, than we sometimes give it credit for. We’d like to dedicate this year’s sharing to Jimmy Wofford, and we invite each of you to blow a dandelion this weekend in his honor.

Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos on course at Kentucky in 2011. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Some people believe there are spiritual vortexes scattered around the world, energetic super-centers so powerful that you can practically feel the stuff circulating in the air. Mystics and metaphysicists flock to them — Stonehenge, the Giza pyramids, ancient Inca ruins — hoping to catch a whiff of the divine.

I don’t know how much I buy into that crystal visions claptrap, but I do think there’s something to the idea of a place retaining its history in mysterious ways. The Kentucky Horse Park, in particular, is a plot of earth that I’ve always sensed had more going on than meets the eye. There’s a magic to it, and it’s more than just the pastoral combination of majestic oak trees, plush bluegrass and pristine rural air. Rather, it’s layers upon layers of emotion, saturating the soil and rustling through the leaves.

The poetry of a flawlessly executed dressage test, the cheer of a crowd gathered round the Head of the Lake, the thunder of a victory gallop — that energy lingers in the air long after everyone has packed up and gone home. But the source of the Park’s magic is more multidimensional than that.

On Jimmy Wofford’s cross country walk at WEG in 2010, he told the crowd that there was a dandelion on the course for every heart broken at the Park. I remember looking down, seeing a patch of the weed’s sharply scalloped leaves, and wondering in earnest whose tears had fertilized them.

I’m sure I’ve got a few dandelions out there myself, not from the four-star, but from other Horse Park events that felt equivalently serious at the time. When you’re 13 and you’ve saved your $4-an-hour stall mucking wages all summer to compete at some event, only to have your pony jump out of the dressage ring … dandelion. When you’re 17 and your horse hangs a leg in the water complex at Pony Club championships and you feel like you’ve let down your entire team … dandelion. When you’re 29 and you pull up halfway around the course with the sinking realization that you’re simply not prepared … dandelion.

I could go on and on, and I’m sure some of you could, too. Certainly these moments weren’t the end of the world, but perspective is a function of the mind, not the heart.

This weekend there are going to be riders who don’t make it around the course. They’ll make the same long walk back to the barn that so many have before them, replaying a split second over and over again in their minds, trying to figure out what went wrong. Some of them will get a leg up on their next ride or have the opportunity try again next year. Others might not get a second chance.

If you’re at Kentucky this weekend, take a quiet moment at some point to look around you. Acknowledge the dandelions and the horses and riders who planted them there. Remember that it’s all connected. Without attempt, and the risk of failure that goes with it, there can be no glory. The hit and the miss both begin with a leap.

Go Eventing.

USA, Represent! Gillian Beale King Finishes Two in Millstreet CCI4*-S Top 6

Gillian Beale King and Rebeliant. Photo by Bit-Media.

Continuing her streak of Irish success, Gillian Beale King jumped her way into the top tier of CCI4*-S finishers at Millstreet Horse Trials in County Cork over the weekend. The American transplant rode two horses, Rebeliant and RCA Royal Summer, to 4th and 6th places respectively. A third horse, Derena Super Star, leapt up the scoreboard with each phase, ultimately claiming 11th.

What makes Gillian’s finishes even more impressive:

“This is only my second four-star, and my first four-star with a couple of those horses,” says Gillian. While the 30-year-old evented through what is now the three-star level as a young rider, show jumping has been her focus for the better part of the past decade. She has produced horses through the Grand Prix level via her program, Main Line Sporthorses in Chester County, Pa. “It has really has helped me jump right back into eventing. With my training, sales and boarding business I rode and jumped so many different kinds of horses.”

In 2021 her life saw a plot twist, as she left her business upon the invitation to ride for the Belline Estate, owned by Richard and Tanja Ames, in Kilkenny. (Read more about her journey to Ireland, and back to the sport, here.) Gillian inherited responsibility for a string of horses with varying degrees of experience, including the horses she brought to Millstreet. Contesting the CCI4*-S:

  • Derena Super Star, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer – Miss Dallas)
  • Chance Encounter, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Creevagh Grey Rebel x Camedia)
  • Rebeliant, an 11-year-old Polish gelding (Carry Son x Ratafia)
  • RCA Royal Summer, a 9-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Royaldik x Summers Mist)

And in the CCI3*-S:

  • Ballyvillane Obos, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Obos Quality x Gleesons Coolcorran)

Since developing relationships with them, things have been coming up roses — or rather, rosettes. This weekend marked Gillian’s second crack at Millstreet, having won the CCI3*-S in 2021 with Chance Encounter. She remembered it as a big-gulp track that felt even more so since she was just returning to the sport. “Having been out of the eventing game for nearly a decade, I had forgotten how difficult cross country really was. So let me tell you, coming to Millstreet this year I knew what to expect!”

Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.

First things first, dressage. “With the four-star test everything comes up a bit quicker,” Gillian says. “There’s certainly room for improvement but three of the four of them gave me some of their most wonderful tests.”

Gillian Beale King and Derena Super Star. Photo by Bit-Media.

Gillian’s honed skills shined in show jumping, wherein she guided three of her four rides — Chance Encounter, Rebeliant and Derena Super Star — to clear rounds inside the time, which she notes is always tricky to make at Millstreet. Her top-placed horse after dressage, RCA Royal Summer, had one rail down and a just smidge of time, but Gillian was thrilled with the Belline Estate homebred nonetheless. “Show jumping is 100% his weakest phase so I’m just so proud of him.”

Then it was on to cross country, a tightly-wheeled gauntlet of technical questions with beefy obstacles in between.”The time was tight enough but I stayed against the clock the whole way around,” Gillian says. “The weather and footing was great … everything sort of worked in our favor to run and gallop.”

Gillian Beale King and RCA Royal Summer. Photo by Bit-Media.

Logging just 0.8 of a time fault, Rebeliant moved from 13th after show jumping into fourth. RCA Royal Summer produced one of only two double-clear cross country trips to finish 6th, and Derena Super Star had just 3.6 time to finish 11th.

Of course, no proper event is without its hiccups. Gillian and Chance Encounter parted ways when he slipped coming off the Normandy Bank, and the 3* horse Ballyvillane Obos “went a bit green on me,” Gillian says.

Looking ahead, Gillian and her herd will be heading to the National Championships in a couple weeks, then head to Blenheim, followed by Ireland’s last international of the year. A trip to Boekelo, the Dutch CCI4*-L, is the end-of-season goal.

Gillian Beale King and Ballyvillane OBOS. Photo by Bit-Media.

“I’m such a believer that you have to go after your dreams and give it your best shot when you really believe in something,” Gillian says. Her leap of faith seems to be paying off, and she is effusive with her gratitude for the opportunity.

“I love the country and feel really at home here,” she says. “I love the countryside and the people and of course I love the Irish horses. I have the most wonderful string of horses to ride … what is not to love?”

“We do this sport for the horses because we love the horses, so to see them have fun and be successful is really meaningful. They do so much for us and we’re really lucky. I’m proud to be over here representing the States.”

Millstreet International H.T. (Cork, Ireland): [Website] [Results]

CCI4*-S Final Top 15:

Saturday Video: Preserving a Tradition at Millbrook

Preserving a Tradition from Marion Latta de Vogel on Vimeo.

As sad as it is to see long-time eventing fixtures missing from the competition calendar, there’s comfort in knowing that equestrian tradition is being preserved on these important tracts of land. Millbrook Horse Trials, a popular fixture on the Area I calendar and perennially among the first late-summer Advanced offerings each year, announced earlier this year that it was vacating its Aug. 4-7, 2022 event due to a conflict with a landowner. We hope to see it return in 2023; in the meantime, it’s wonderful to see this beautiful area being enjoyed by fox hunters with the Millbrook Hunt. Marion de Vogel shared this video with us: “At the very least, it brings your readers to Millbrook for the weekend.”

Gillian Beale King, Avery Klunick Represent USA at Millstreet

Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.

Among several marquee events this weekend is Millstreet Horse Trials in County Cork, Ireland, where dressage has wrapped and jumping phases are now underway. The U.S. counts two of its countrymen among the competitors: Gillian Beale King, who has four rides in the CCI4*-S, and Avery Klunick, who is contesting the CCI3*-S.

Gillian has stormed the Irish eventing scene since moving abroad in 2021, when she seized an opportunity to ride for the Belline Estate, owned by Richard and Tanja Ames in Kilkenny. EN caught up with her that fall (you can read our profile here) following a hot streak of wins that summer. First there was her CCI2*-L hat trick at Kilguilkey, finishing first with Derena Super Star, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer – Miss Dallas); second with Ballyvillane Obos, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Obos Quality x Gleesons Coolcorran); and third with Chance Encounter, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Creevagh Grey Rebel x Camedia). Yet another horse, Rebeliant, an 11-year-old Polish gelding (Carry Son x Ratafia), finished 8th. And, on the very same weekend, she took the CCI2*-S win with RCA Royal Summer, a 9-year-old British Sport Horse gelding by Royaldik out of Summers Mist. A month later, she bested the 2021 CCI3*-S at Millstreet with Chance Encounter.

Gillian’s string has been gaining momentum in the year since, with successful outings at the three-star level. Derena Super Star and Rebeliant moved up to the four-star level at Kilguilkey last month, jumping clear cross country with time and collecting one rail apiece in show jumping. This week she is circling back to Millstreet to contest the CCI4*-S with four horses, who are placed as follows after dressage: 14th – RCA Royal Summer (34.3), 18th – Chance Encounter (36.1), 20th – Rebeliant (36.7), 31st – Derena Super Star (39.2). She and Ballyvillane Obos are sixth in the CCI3*-L (34.1). Busy gal!

We’ll be following along closely. Do also check out Gillian’s guest appearance on the Equiratings Eventing Podcast Millstreet Preview episode here.

Avery Klunick and Pisco Sour. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

 

Another American to cheer on: Avery Klunick, who is contesting the CCI3*-S with Pisco Sour, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Metropole x Heathlawn Cailin, by Clover Park). They sit 51st after dressage on a 39.4.

The former Area V young rider, who made her five-star debut at Kentucky in 2016 with her memorable late partner In It To Win It, moved to the UK in 2021 with her young up-and-comer Pisco Sour to base with Australian riders Emma and Kevin McNab. The pair jumped around the Millstreet CCI3*-L last year and went on to the Young Horse championships at Le Lion d’Angers — they’ve posted clear-with-time cross country rounds in their past four three-star starts. We wish them the best of luck in their return to Millstreet!

Millstreet International H.T. (Cork, Ireland): [Website] [Timing & Scoring]

 

CCI4*-L Dressage Results: 

CCI4*-S Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI3*-L Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI3*-S Top 10 After Dressage: 

Update: How U.S. Eventers Are Faring on Day 7 of the 2022 Mongol Derby

Renee Senter and Julie Wolfert leaving HS13. Photo by Bayarsaihan Ochiroo.
Renee Senter and Julie Wolfert leaving HS13. Photo by Bayarsaihan Ochiroo.

Julie Wolfert is among a fierce contingent of U.S. eventers contesting the 2022 Mongol Derby. Julie, of Chaps Equestrian Center in Kansas City, has been on a tear this year on the eventing circuit. Earlier this month, she secured three top-10 FEI finishes at the Maryland Horse Trials and won the CCI3*-L at The Fork at Tryon before that. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Eventers have historically fared pretty well in the Mongol Derby, not because we know the first thing about endurance riding but because as a lot we’re generally tough, scrappy and just psychotic enough to think we can skirt the occasional disaster. Lucinda Green’s niece, Lara Prior-Palmer, won the race in 2013, and several more have found their way to the finish line over the years including (by the skin of my teeth) yours truly in 2017.

The 10th annual race, a sort of 1,000-kilometer Hunger Games on horseback, is taking place as we speak somewhere in Mongolia. Contested by 46 riders from 10 countries, the U.S. has thrown to the wolves its biggest ever contingent — 19 riders from the U.S. A special shout out goes to our USEA members taking the Mongol Derby head on. By call letter, and where they’re at tonight: Renee Senter (RSE – HS19), Morgan Kelly (MKE – HS19), Kristin Carpenter (KCA – HS20), Julie Wolfert (JWO – HS19), Brandy Dobbyn (BDO – HS19 – Adventure), Claire Vile (CVI – HS19), Ashton Garner (AGA – HS20) and Allison Kohlberg (AKO – Blood Wagon).

Let’s check in on where they are resting their weary heads tonight, following some six previous days of adventure and misadventures — recaps here:

Mongol Derby Day 1 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 2 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 3 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 4 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 5 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 6 Blog
Mongol Derby Day 7 Blog

Horse Station 19: RSE, MKE, JWO, CVI and BDO (adventure class) are hunkered down for the night at HS19. Maybe also KCA … the tracker has her listed as camping at HS20 but the blog indicates that she hung back at HS19. In true Derby fashion, the time-space continuum is collapsable; who even knows what is real. Except one thing we know for sure, which is that it’s been a big day for everyone. According to the blog:

CVI, RSE and JWO, deciding the conventional path wasn’t for them, headed off into the mountains between HS16 and HS17 last night in search of something a bit more adventurous. RSE explained that they had been having such a jolly time aboard some “fabulous galloping horses” heading out of HS16 that navigation had seemed like an unnecessary distraction, resulting in the missing of a few crucial turnings. Finding themselves lost in the hills, they had stumbled across a camp of 30 gers in a mystery hidden canyon. Edging closer, they were soon adopted into a summer camp for local Mongolian children, offered ger-service for dinner and even managed a spot of shopping for CVI at the camp shop, still lacking her gear. Not all those who wander are lost. Having got back on track this morning, they rode into HS17 with fantastical tales to tell, blissfully unaware they were about to have to turn to their GPS again to negotiate some testing sand dunes en route to HS18. 

Slightly further on the course, a monumental thunderstorm rolled into HS19 just as RSE, CVI, WJO and KCA were pondering whether to ride on for the day. Squinting in the direction of HS20 and the impenetrable wall of steely rain blocking their path, the ladies decided they had better just stay put for the evening, thank you very much. Sensible call.

Our closing shoutout for the day once again goes to the remarkable BDO, the only rider on the Blood Wagon to ride the full day today, and with a set of broken ribs at that. We are in awe of you, Wonder Woman.

Renee Senter is also hardy Kansas eventing stock, who finished 6th in Master Beginner Novice at the 2021 AEC. Renee Senter & Regina. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photo.[/caption]

Horse Station 20: AGA (and possibly KCA) are one-up, calling it a day at HS20.

Ashton Garner (AGA) also made it into HS20, having taken shelter from the storm in a convenient nearby ger.

At the very tip-top of the field, on Derby Day 7, the overnight leaders are Chris Walker (CWA) of Australia and Patrick Heffron (PHE) of Ireland, who are camped at Horse Station 25 with just three stations to go before the finish. Which means, we’ll have a winner shortly!

If you want to join us in dot-watching, you can do so here. Each rider carries a GPS chip that allows race organizers and fans to follow their positioning in real time. There are quite a few eventers from around the globe contesting the Mongol Derby this year, and you can pick out your favorites to keep track of here.

 

US Equestrian Accepting Applications for Eventing Technical Advisor & Chef d’Equipe

Bobby Costello provides some encouragement. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It’s been eight months since US Equestrian gutted its Eventing High Performance leadership team, declining to renew the contracts of former Chef Erik Duvander and Managing Director of Eventing Jenni Autry on the eve of a World Championship year. In the meantime, a Performance Advisory Team (PAT) and Eventing Elite Program Task Force (EETF) were appointed to establish budget, funding and timelines for the team leading up to WEG, and later on in the spring Bobby Costello and Max Corcoran were appointed as Interim Chef d’Equipe/Team Manager and Eventing Elite Program/Team Facilitator respectively.

Today, US Equestrian announced that it is now accepting applications for the Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe position:

Following the conclusion of the Eventing Elite Program Task Force, appointed by the US Equestrian President, US Equestrian is pleased to release the job description and begin the recruitment process for the Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe. This individual will lead High Performance Eventing and specifically the Elite Program and Team in the U.S. to sustained success at World Championship and Olympic Games level. The Federation endeavors to partner with a leader who will drive strategic direction in the Eventing Elite Program and foster strong communication and team culture.

Interim Eventing Chef d’Equipe and Team Manager, Robert (Bobby) Costello, began his role in April and he will continue to lead the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team through the upcoming FEI Eventing World Championships in Pratoni, Italy, this September.

Eventing Elite Program and Team Facilitator, Max Corcoran, began her role in May and will continue to support Bobby and the incoming Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe through the 2023 Pan American Games, after which the position will be reviewed.

Interested? Lol, good luck! You can view the job description on the USEF website. Questions may be submitted to [email protected] and declarations of interest are required by Friday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. ET.

#FlashbackFriday: A little EN wayback machine time travel journey to the year 2011, when Phillip Dutton and Bobby Costello applied jointly to lead the US Eventing Team, with Phillip applying for the Technical Advisor position and Bobby applying to be the US Chef.

[US Equestrian Seeks Applications for Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe Position]

 

Volunteer Nation: Four Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

Whatcha up to this weekend? There are plenty of opportunities to give back to the sport you love by volunteering. See four below!

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

2022 USPC Championships East – July 29th to 31st, 2022

Hunt Club Farms USEA Recognized Horse Trials – July 28th to 31st, 2022

Other Events

Town Hill Farm Schooling Show – July 30th, 2022

Stone Gate Farm July Mini Trials – July 29th to 31st, 2022

Watch The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream

Photo via EN.

In an ideal world we’d all be in Kalispell, Montana this week, watching eventers do their thing beneath bright blue skies that seem to go on forever. A warm breeze fluttering our hair, lavender-hued mountains towering in the distance, maybe looking forward to a little dip in the lake at the end of the day … Sadly, Montana is, like, REALLY far away for most of us. Thankfully event organizers in cooperation with Ride on Video have gone above and beyond to provide extensive live stream coverage so that all of us stuck at home can follow along.

Here is a link to the schedule (add +2 hours to convert Mountain Time to Eastern Standard Time).

The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream

Riders, be sure to support our sport’s hardworking videographers and photographers by purchasing your official Rebecca Farm videos (Ride on Video) and photos (Shannon Brinkman Photo). Please visit The Event at Rebecca Farm Facebook Event for more information.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: 
WebsiteRide Times/Live ScoresLive StreamEN’s Guide to Rebecca Farm, EN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

Volunteer Nation: Three Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

Photo via Full Moon Farm on Instagram.

Time to dig that Hawaiian shirt out from the back of your closet (or hula skirt, or lei, or whatever you feel moved by the beachy spirit to wear) … it’s Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. week! Volunteers will get a front-row seat to the action, so head on over to EventingVolunteers.com to get signed up for a shift.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T. – July 22nd to July 24th, 2022

Full Moon Farm Aloha Horse Trials – July 24th, 2022

Other Events

Barnstaple South Schooling Show – July 23rd, 2022 to July 24th, 2022

Weekend Winners: Champagne Run & Maryland H.T.

 

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A post shared by Peyton Klein (@peytie0)

Some victories earn you a blue ribbon. Others — safely and successfully moving up a level, for instance — earn you something even more important: that feeling of accomplishment that comes when your hard work pays off. To everyone who experienced victory this weekend, congrats!

An extra high-five to this weekend’s lowest scoring winners in the country: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Maybach, who won their Preliminary/Training division at Champagne Run on their dressage score of 22.1. And an honorable mention to Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summer Soldier, winners of Open Novice, who scored a 22.2.

And now, your weekend winners!

The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD): [Results]

Open Intermediate A: Nicholas Beshear & Rio De Janeiro (34.4)
Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton & Hachi (32.2)
Open Preliminary: Lauren Nicholson & Landmark’s Monte Carlo (32.2)
Preliminary Rider: Noah Stanlaske & DHI Showman (36.0)
Modified Rider: Gianna Fernandez & Excel Star Vero Amore (35.8)
Open Modified A: Courtney Sendak & Where’s My Tail (25.3)
Open Modified B: Erin Kanara & Royal Empress (36.2)
Junior Open Training: Lainey Phillips & Global Exellencia Z (31.7)
Open Training A: Michael Pendleton & Rathmoylan Bay (25.0)
Open Training B: Mia Farley & Newtown Ziva (26.2)
Training Rider A: Shona Ensign & Emmelie (33.6)
Training Rider B: Kaylyn Cunningham & Ollivander (29.2)
Junior Open Novice: Quidley Kellermann & Cruising Along (23.9)
Novice Rider A: Elizabeth Davis & Road to Redemption (27.2)
Novice Rider B: Maci Finley & Doc (Classified Mission) (28.3)
Open Novice A: Jasmine Hobart & Jumpin’ Jack Flash (30.8)
Open Novice B: Krissy Smith Shellenberger & Quantum K (24.7)
Open Novice C: Elizabeth Stewart & Speedy M (28.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Megan Nock & Breezy (27.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: AJ Carter & Texas Avalanche (23.2)
Junior Open Beginner Novice: Lillian Weidner & Just Keep Swimming (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Victoria Miller & CCS Falathiel (28.8)
Future Event Horse – Two Year Old: Joe DeSantis & Alla’Gancze NBF (78.8)
Future Event Horse – Three Year Old: Joe DeSantis & Utah Beach (78.4)
Future Event Horse – Four Year Old: Caitlyn Ballas & Windy Mosh (77.55)
Future Event Horse – Yearling: Bill Payne & VV Aniyah (75.4)
Young Event Horse – Four Year Old: Nicholas Hansen & Excel Star Montgomery (79.55)
Young Event Horse – Five Year Old: Diego Farje & Sky Moon (78.55)

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY): [Results]

Preliminary/Training: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Maybach (22.1)
Modified/Training: Sara Irvine & Tiz True (30.0)
Junior Training Rider: Hannah Willford & Kontiki (30.2)
Open Training: Julia Spatt & Uptown Funk (29.3)
Senior Training Rider: Gabbie Van Scoy & Cuernsey Z (29.1)
Training/Novice: Kimberly Hicks & Warwick Clover (33.1)
Junior Novice Rider – A: Katherine Stern & M & M (34.7)
Junior Novice Rider – B: Paige Borylo & Talisker (24.2)
Novice Horse: Alison Zeitlin & Royal Report (24.2)
Open Novice: Hannah Reeser & Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (22.2)
Senior Novice Rider – A: Elliana Sanchez & Chronicles of Jabez (28.1)
Senior Novice Rider – B: Alyssa Cairo & Paddington (25.0)
Senior Novice Rider – C: Sydney McHorse & Sound Prospect (27.2)
Beginner Novice Horse – A: Emily Aschbacher & River’s Edge (34.1)
Beginner Novice Horse – B: April Hays & Anteros HSH (23.7)
Jr BG Novice Rider – A: Sophie Donohoo & Redfield Riptide (24.7)
Jr BG Novice Rider – B: Claire Rigney & Ballyerk Comet (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Sarah Redmond & Security (30.6)
Sr BG Novice Rider – A: Laura Schweigert & Nash Badash (29.4)
Sr BG Novice Rider – B: Alexandra Riddle & Rock Shandy (29.7)
Junior Starter – A: Audra Pierce & Jubilicious (30.7)
Junior Starter – B: Claudia Pouncey & Birdie (29.3)
Senior Starter – A: Kimberly Bradley & Rosalind Franklin (33.3)
Senior Starter – B: Corinna Lewis & Antebellum Potrakka (28.3)
Senior Starter – C: Jessica Gaston & Charades (27.3)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

I’d hang his bad boy on my fridge.🖕 Photo via EN secret sources.

“Tossing head and then gave you the middle finger.” Yes! Love it. Not to get all English Major-y on you, but my concentration was in Creative Writing and nothing pleases me more than when dressage judges phrase things in a way that hasn’t been already done ONE MILLION TIMES before.

Because, accurate as those rigamarole comments might be (“on the forehand/against the hand/tense/etc.”), it only takes a few same-old same-old adjectives for your eyes glaze over, and then you’re onto the more fun jumping bits, and the test ends up rotting in the bottom of your tack trunk with all the others you don’t remember. But what if judges phrased comments in a way that was more memorable, more engaging and even a little bit more humorous sometimes? Dressage judges, use your words — we love to read ’em!

U.S. Weekend Action

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Results]

The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD): [Website] [Results]

News & Notes

Any updated omnibus for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup and Bromont CCI-S has been posted. Two national divisions (Open Training and Open Prelim) have been added to the weekend. Bromont CCI Three Day Event]

Moving up to the big leagues? For its last few editions of “Rule Refresher,” USEA has been sharing a deep dive into each level and the performance expectations of each phase. Next up: Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced. [Rule Refresher: What Will Be Expected of Me at the Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced Level?]

Trainer/student duo takes USEA Classic Series wins at The Summer Coconino H.T. The Flagstaff, Arizona event (July 8-10) featured two USEA Classic Series divisions at the Beginner Novice and Novice levels. The trainer/student duo of Brittany Caflisch and Jaeli Uselding of Amarillo, Texas brought home the win in their respective divisions. [Trainer and Student Celebrate Victories at Coconino USEA Classic Series Event]

Video: The British eventing videographer who goes by Harvey Wet Dog on YouTube gives us a preview of the Hartpury University showgrounds in Gloucestershire in advance of the Junior/Young Rider Europeans taking place there in a couple weeks. He explains, “Following the Festival of Dressage I took a walk to the Hartpury cross country course to see how it was looking. It’s amazing to think how this space is going to transform in the next couple of weeks in the run up to the official course inspection on 26th July and competition on Saturday 30th July. But for now enjoy the views across Gloucestershire and into Wales.”

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Baby Fever

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Got baby fever? Don’t worry — we aren’t talking about the goo-goo gah-gah, spit-up-spewing, diaper-filling, sleep-deprivation-inducing variety. We’re talking about lil baby horses, ranging all the way from still-in-mum’s-tum to toddler-ific four-year-old future superstars. Coincidentally all four horses we’re featuring this week are Irish: three Connemaras (ages in-utero, four and four) and one Irish Sport Horse foal. Squee! Come check them out.

Photo via SHN.

Connemara Sport Horse In-Utero TBS Declan Pondi x Flexible x Grange Finn Sparrow

2023 Connemara Sport Horse foal in-utero by the eventing & foxhunting stallion, *TBS Declan Pondi, and out of Brambleridge Reflexion (Flexible x Sparrow’s Tiptoes x *Grange Finn Sparrow).

This foal should have an ammie friendly temperament and be a super athlete with loads of scope over fences. An ideal youngster for an AA with aspirations or a professional looking for something to take up the levels.

Declan is successfully competing at Training level with his AA owner and has a number of wins under his belt, mostly on his dressage score in the 20’s. He has not been shown a lot the last couple of years but consistently finishes in the ribbons and is usually at the top of the leaderboards with GDCTA, Area III Eventing and the USEA/ACPS Connemara HOTY awards. He is a sensible, willing pony and passes on his temperament.

Brambleridge Reflexion, ‘Pippi’, unfortunately had her career cut short by a foaling injury with her first foal. Her full brother, Brambleridge Flex Ability, is eventing in Australia with Advanced rider, Katlyn McMorris Fletcher. Obviously her sire, Flexible, needs little introduction – most people know the story of the little show jumping powerhouse and his Olympic & World Cup fairytale stories. Flexible’s sire, Cruising, is internationally renowned for siring some of the best eventers and show jumpers in the world, often having offspring on multiple teams at the Olympics or at 5*’s throughout the world. Pippi’s damsire, *Grange Finn Sparrow, was a sire of prolific eventers and sport horses in his own right, siring the 5* horse Sparrow’s Nio and a good number of other Advanced level eventers.

This foal should mature in the 15.2-15.3 hd range and will be a powerhouse over fences.

More info at www.fadetogreyfarm.com

Photo via SHN.

Traditionally Bred ISH Filly by Flagmount’s Freedom x Grange Finn Sparrow

BRS Flagmount’s Kestrel – 2022 buckskin (grey) traditionally bred Irish Sport Horse filly with a pedigree full of successful event horses and show jumpers.

She is by the RID x TB stallion, Flagmount’s Freedom by Flagmount King, an Irish Draught stallion that is internationally renowned for siring great show jumpers. Flag competed well into his late teens and holds an eventing record through the Intermediate/*** level. He has already proven himself a consistent producer of upper level event horses with many competing with their AA owners at Preliminary & Intermediate. He has at least one offspring that has gone advanced. Most recently his youngstock have been cleaning up on the FEH circuit in the midwest.

Kestrel’s dam is by the RID stallion, *Winmaur Sargent Pepper, whom was exported back to England. He himself competed in dressage & in the jumpers, as did his sire, Snowford Bellman. That line goes to Skippy, who is most known for siring the prolific eventing stallion, Jumbo. Jumbo is the leading ‘all time sire’ of competition horses and competing mares in British Eventing. He sired 5* horses including Headley Brittania, Avebury, Mr. Chunky, & Jollybo. Kestrel’s dam is a granddaughter of *Grange Finn Sparrow, a very well known Connemara stallion that sired numerous pony and pony cross eventers including the 5* horse, Sparrow’s Nio. Other Advanced horses include Windswept, Meadow Sparrow, Wil’Ya Love Me, & Galway Blazer. There are too many to count that have competed at Preliminary & Intermediate. Despite siring a relatively small number of foals in the USA he left a big impact on the sport of eventing and we have specialized in carrying the line on.

Kestrel has a ground covering, effortless gallop and a lofty trot with good push from behind. She has clean, straight limbs, a well set on neck with a good length of rein and a powerful hindquarter. We expect her to mature around 16 hands. She is level headed and easy to handle. Her full sister was purchased by a syndicate for 5* rider, Allie Sacksen.

This filly shows a lot of promise for sport and has a temperament suitable for an AA with aspirations or a professional that wants to take her up the levels.

She will be ready to go to her new home this fall. We teach all of our foals to lead, tie & load before they go on to their new owners.

More info at www.fadetogreyfarm.com

Photo via SHN.

Loads of Potential! Oversized Imported Connemara Pony

Finnegan 4 year old 15h purebred Connemara import. He’s ready to go in any direction. Don’t let his age fool you, Finn is an old soul in a young model. He has never put a hoof wrong and takes everything asked of him in stride. Finn loves attention, grooming, kisses and truly is a barn favorite. His sweet face and long eyelashes will melt your heart. He wants to please his rider and has a very laid back personality. His unique dark gray color will get you noticed in the ring. A pleasure to work with on the ground and under saddle with a very willing attitude. Brave and talented over fences with textbook form. Finn has been started slowly and correctly. Lots of trail riding, hacking, bareback rides, and off property experiences…he loves it all. Just went to his first 3 phase last weekend and finished on his dressage score of a 22.7! No vices, easy keeper, UTD on everything, full vetting with X-rays done prior to import, located outside of Cleveland, OH.

Photo via SHN.

Quiet and Talented 4yo Connemara Gelding

‘Gold to Blue Fritz Cracker’ is a 4yo 15.1h Irish Connemara gelding. He is one of the most quiet and easy 4yo’s we’ve ever had, nothing phases him. He has been produced in Ireland slowly and correctly the last couple months with the Gold to Blue team and is ready for his new adventure stateside.
He is easy and uncomplicated on the flat and over fences, absolutely loves XC and hacks down the road alone or w friends.. Will start his competitive career in Ireland with my team until sold.

Priced in the lower mid 5’s (all import costs included in this) and comes with my 30 day happiness guarantee offered on every Gold to Blue horse.

Comes w full set of x-rays and 5 stage vetting.

More Connemaras available www.goldtobluesporthorses.com

Volunteer Nation: 8 Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

While EventingVolunteers.com has proved a massively helpful tool for organizers, helping connect volunteers with shifts well in advance of events, there is almost always a need for last-minute help as well. Which is to say, volunteers, it’s never to late offer up your assistance! Exhibit A: Carolina Horse Park, above.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Here are nine events that could use a helping hand this weekend:

 

USEA Events

Arrowhead Horse Trials (July 6th to 10th, 2022)

Huntington Farm July Horse Trials (July 9th to 10th, 2022)

2022 Maryland International (CCI-S 1*2*3* + HT) (July 1st to 11th, 2022)

Other Events

Stable View July Eventing Academy (July 5th to July 10th, 2022)

2022 KDA Summer Classic I & II (July 6th to 10th, 2022)

July War Horse Event Series (July 7th to 11th, 2022)

Volunteer Nation: Three Events That Need Help This Weekend

 

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Sometimes game faces look more like … bottoms … than faces. But you know what? We’ll take what we can get. And behind every successful bottom, there’s a village of folks who got that bottom to where it ought to be. Groom, vets, farriers, trainers — but also every person behind every event where they compete. Without volunteers, those events wouldn’t exist. Truly, volunteers are the unsung heroes of our sport.

Here are three events that could use a hand this weekend.

USEA Events

Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials  (June 29th to July 2nd, 2022)

Other Events

IEA Leg Up Schooling HT (July 1st to 2nd, 2022)

Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials (July 2nd to 3rd, 2022)

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Classy Thoroughbreds

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

How do you like your Thoroughbred event horses? Raced or unraced, gray or bay, experienced or just getting started in the sport … we’ve got a little bit of everything up for grabs right now over at SHN. Have a look around!

Photo via SHN.

Exmoor: Handsome, Athletic & Brave

This 9-year-old 16.2-hh Thoroughbred gelding (JC name: Fot – Posse x Nobody But Me, by Trust N Luck) has been in the equestrian program at an East Tennessee resort since coming off the track in 2020. But as much as “Exmoor” enjoys hitting our rugged mountain trails with guides, this athletic guy deserves a job more befitting of his potential.

When a guide started him over small fences this winter we discovered that he is a natural and brave jumper. He hasn’t so much as batted an eyelash over anything we’ve pointed him at. He will excel as an eventer, hunter/jumper or foxhunting staff horse. He’s soft in the bridle and goes well in a hackamore or snaffle. He’s well-muscled, crosses water happily, and hacks out alone or in company although he does prefer to lead. He’ll pair best with an experienced rider who can continue his training. Watch a video of him here.

Exmoor’s goofball personality keeps us entertained. He has a curious mind and just wants to put everything in his mouth. His work ethic is excellent and he truly enjoys being ridden. He lives out 24/7 but also enjoys chilling in a stall. He is UTD on everything, has recent clean radiographs, and we feel confident that he will pass a rigorous pre-purchase exam.

Located at Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN (25 minutes from the Knoxville airport).

Photo via SHN.

Genuine, sweet, Novice level, 7 year old OTTB, ready for his move up.

Promoted (aka Promo) is a 7 year old 16.1 OTTB, ready to move up to Training. Great brain! Solid work ethic, brave. Has multiple wins at BN and N level in Open divisions and T.I.P. divisions. 5th place overall in Eventing at 2021 Retired Racehorse Megamakeover. Appropriate for juniors, young riders, adult amateurs riding in a program. Promo has had a successful tie back surgery 2 years ago which does not limit him in any way. He has been in a professional training program since coming off the track 2 1/2 years ago. Perfect back Xrays! Located just South of Atlanta, right next to Chatt Hills competition facility. 15 minutes from the ATL airport. Price to increase with further competitions and training.

Photo via SHN.

Saving Grace

Saving Grace: 2016 16.2h chestnut unraced Thoroughbred mare

This lovely mare has been in our program since retiring from the racetrack, where she trained but never raced. She has been brought along carefully and thoughtfully, and is regularly ridden by her amateur owner. Grace is brave, always takes you to the jumps and hacks out by herself or with groups. She is a pleasure to have in the barn and just as easy and sweet as could be.

Grace started her eventing career this year and has placed every time out. There is nothing holding this pretty girl back, and she would be suitable for an ambitious amateur or young rider looking for a safe, athletic and fun horse to bring along. She will continue competing until sold, so grab her now before her price goes up!

Photo via SHN.

Striking grey TB

Broadway Jerry
4 yo TB 16.1+
Jerry is a lovely horse with a relaxed way of going and plenty of jump to spare. Jerry recently joined our program embracing his new career
and competed in the 4 YEH at the Virginia Horse trails May 26 like an old pro finishing in 2nd. Honest brave consistent jumper, loves cross country, does everything in a loose ring. Sound, suitable for a confident teenager, AA, or young pro looking for a horse with ability to move up the levels.

Photo via SHN.

Amateur/Young Rider’s Dream Horse

2011, 15.3 hh, Thoroughbred Gelding

“Holy City” aka Hank is every amateur/young rider’s dream horse! As an unraced TB with a solid, winning record through novice (USEA # 172616), Hank is straightforward on the flat and a confidence builder over fences. All of his miles have been with an amateur. Sound, happy and ready to go win his next event!

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Volunteer Nation: Nine Events That Could Use Your Help This Weekend

Here at EN, we are all huge fans (and several of us graduates!) of the United States Pony Club. Not only does the organization play an integral role in developing young people into capable and conscientious horsemen and horsewomen, several clubs and regions organize USEA horse trials — such as this weekend’s Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. in Illinois and Midsouth Pony Club H.T. in Kentucky, and Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. in Maryland last weekend.

If Pony Club helped shape your own riding career, consider paying it forward with some volunteer time. Clubs are largely volunteer run, so contact your local chapter to find out how you can help! Or, sign up to help out at one of their horse trials; USPC-run or otherwise, they can always use a hand. Here are nine horse trials that need YOU this weekend!

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Fox River Valley Pony Club Horse Trials (June 24th – 25th, 2022)

Inavale Farm Horse Trials 2022 (June 18th – June 26th, 2022)

Summer Horse Trials/Championships (June 18th – 26th, 2022)

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer Horse Trials  (June 11th – 26th, 2022)

Valinor Farm Horse Trials (June 26th, 2022)

Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials 2022 (June 13th – 26th, 2022)

Larkin Hill Summer Horse Trials (June 23rd – 27th, 2022)

Other Events

Dressage at the Park I & II (June 25th – 26th, 2022)

Next Stop, Poland: Your Strzegom Nations Cup Preview

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

With Luhmühlen in the rear view, what’s our next big-ticket eventing item? Turn your attention to Poland, where the third of nine legs of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup and the fight for the medals of the Polish Championship take place this weekend in at the hippodrome in Morawa near Strzegom. Almost 350 horses and riders representing 22 countries are set to start across nine cross country tracks from CCI1* to CCI4*-L.

Contesting the Nations Cup leg are 41 entries including teams from Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. Team stalwarts like Olympians Merel Blom of the Netherlands and Joanna Pawlak of Poland will anchor their squads while those with less experience representing their nations gain valuable experience. Other names worth taking heed of are Christoffer Forsberg, Jan Kaminski, Nicolai Aldringer and more. The division will be live streamed here.

The CCI4*-L is quite stacked, including current Olympic champion, Julia Krajewski from Germany with the Selle Français stallion Ero De Cantraie in his debut at the level, along with several compatriot such as Andreas Dibowski. Jonelle and Tim Price of New Zealand, currently fifth and sixth in the FEI world ranking, will be a force to be reckoned with, bringing forth Faerie Magnifico and Polystar I respectively. The power couple is coming in hot from the 5* at Luhmühlen, where they inhabited three placings in the final top 10 — the highest being Jonelle who claimed third with Faerie Dianimo. You’d think such results would merit a week off or at least a few couple days of staying in one place and sleeping in, but here we are! The USA is represented by Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, a 12-year-old Irish gelding she’s brought along since his young horse days, who was her mount at Bramham earlier this month. We will also see members of the Polish national team including Mateusz Kiempa, Jan Kamiński, Małgorzata Korycka and Kamil Rajnert vying for the national title. View the complete entry list here.

Dressage begins on Thursday, followed by three days of cross country tests set across a total of nine routes, 240 obstacles and a combined length of nearly 35 kilometers.

It’s set to be an especially celebratory event. “Not only the sports competition promises to be exciting. After two years of the Covid pandemic and restrictions for the public, this year we are opening the stands to the audiences and we are planning many attractions,” says Marcin Konarski, chairman of the Organizing Committee. As with so many European events, Strzegom is a model of community engagement and outreach, even to the youngest equine enthusiasts (or enthusiasts-in-the-making!) In the Little Fan Zone, kids are able to ride a pony, learn how to groom a horse and meet the stars of the show. A special part of the program is a mini cross-country, performed by children on ponies, while the unmounted are encouraged try their hand at the jumping competition on foot. Admission is free, with a nominal charge for parking.

The 2022 FEI Eventing Nations Cup series continues at Avenches (SUI) July 7-10, Le Pin au Haras (FRA) August 11-14, Arville (BEL) August 18-21, Bromont (CAN) August 18-21, Ballindenisk (IRL) September 21-25, and the final at Boekelo (NED) October 6-9. A previously scheduled leg, to be held in the Moscow region September 8-11, was cancelled. Learn more about the series here.

LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials: Website, Entries, Timetable, Live Stream

 

 

Weekend Winners: Bucks County, Full Gallop, Honey Run, Kent School, SVPC, Shepherd Ranch, Silverwood Farm

 

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Not all victories come in the color blue. We love the story of Prince of Thieves (Aladdin, or “Lad”), a 21-years-young OTTB who took home third in his Starter division and 3rd and the high point TIP award at Kent School H.T. over the weekend. His owner/rider, Elizabeth Nakamura, nursed him through a life-threatening diagnosis of EPM a couple years back and has kept her belief in him strong. Congrats to you both, Elizabeth and Lad!

We’ll extend another shout-out to our lowest scoring finishers of the week, Ryan Wood and Ben Lomond, who bested their Novice division at Bucks County Horse Park on a score of 19.4. Well-done.

And now, your weekend winners!

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pa.) [Final Scores]
Train/Prelim: Jenny Lackey & Dallo de la Galerna (63.0)
Training-Open: Phillip Dutton & Fernhill Kildimo Quality (27.9)
Novice – Open II: Ryan Wood & Castle Cavalier (21.9)
Novice-Open 1: Ryan Wood & Ben Lomond (19.4)
Beginner Novice-Open: Maya Chinana & Popstar (18.8)

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, Sc.) [Final Scores]
Beginner Novice A: Jill Yurgeles & Dr. Shipley (31.9)
Beginner Novice B: Kalli Holderfield & Winston (31.6)
Novice A: Kristen Wilson & FGF Wonderwall (23.6)
Novice B: Susan Faulkner & HelloHello (23.6)
Preliminary: Laura VanderVliet & FGF Papamac (95.3)
Starter: Lauren Lindsay & FGF Nice N Easy (27.7)
Training: Jasmine Hobart & Dresden Green (30.2)

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, Mi.) [Final Scores]
Lisa Whitney Riedel & HandfulofPretzels (30.6)
Novice A: Nicole Wozniak & Redemption (31.4)
Novice B: Mindy Kutzner-Shannon & First Spring Song (29.2)
Beginner Novice A: Jordan Riske & MM Irish Clover (22.4)
Beginner Novice B: Deena Zaitounh & See My Tuxedo (23.8)
Beginner Novice Combined Test: Stacey Rowley & Ellie Mae (39.1)
Starter: Julie Wooldridge & FWF Sir Galahad (25.3)

Kent School H.T. (Kent, Ct.) [Final Scores]
Modified: Jillian Perry & Estrella Bosque (52.9)
Training: Lisa Davidson & Say So Slew (48.8)
Novice A: Sandra Holden & Sir Teddington (32.2)
Novice B: Alyssa Lapierre & Witten Valley (23.9)
Novice Junior: Victoria McCallum & Maurice (32.1)
Beginner Novice A: Hannah Lowin & Dubliner (29.7)
Beginner Novice B: Giorgia Fineschi Pianigiani & Infinity KH (32.7)
Beginner Novice C: Ann McAllister & Top Hot Rod (34.5)
Beginner Novice Junior: Olivia Grace Zaleski & Lightnin Warrior (35.0)
Starter A: Corinne Hawksley & DreamWorks (27.3)
Starter B: Jillian Hoag & Dark Secret (26.7)

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, Md.) [Final Scores]
Intermediate: Stephen Bradley & Erika Louvo (32.4)
Open Prelim 1: Stella Sunstein & Quite Quality (37.8)
Open Prelim 2: Kim Severson & Arden Juju (24.5)
Open Modified 1: Lillian Heard & Bellines Quality Lady (31.2)
Open Modified 2: Meghan O’Donoghue & Storm Chaser (29.0)
Training – Senior: Laura Delaney & Aragon (33.1)
Training Rider: Abigail Herr & Uptown Funk (31.7)
Open Training 1: Jennifer Brannigan & Ottakringer (24.4)
Open Training 2: Samantha Schwartz & Rumble Fish (26.4)
Open Novice: Kaitlin Clasing & Above the Fold (29.4)
Novice Rider: Heidi Wardle & Cold Spice (25.3)
Novice Junior: Emma Darby Hayes & Where’d It Go (31.9)
Novice Senior: Emma Tuit & Rapid Romero KV (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Kaitlin Clasing & Union City (22.7)
Beginner Novice Jr: Madison Yates & Eazy (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Trautmann & Moxley Leonard (28.1)
Beginner Novice Sr: Laury Marshall & Finley (27.4)
TIP Intermediate: Kelsey Ann Quinn & Dandy Longlegs (52)
TIP Preliminary: Sara Lieser & Osh Kosh (39)
TIP Modified: Sandra Waltz & Dunduckety’s Declan (34)
TIP Training: Courtney Sendak & DGE Swipe Right (26)
TIP Novice: Heidi Wardle & Cold Spice (25)
TIP Beginner Novice: Jordan Dawson & Spring Joy (31)

Shepherd Ranch H.T. (Santa Ynex, Ca.) [Final Scores]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Caitlin Davison & M Cloudy De Lune SE (39.0)
Open Preliminary: Jolie Wentworth & KF Chelada (36.8)
Preliminary/Training: Sophia Merz & Clara Bö (30.0)
HT-Training-Rider: Payton Piearcy & Geronimo (25.3)
Open Training: Nicholas Cwick & Lowmax (22.2)
Training/Novice: Keira McKeon & Fanuel Farenheit J (35.6)
Novice Rider A: Gracie Pitts & Valeureux (31.9)
Novice Rider B: Lindsay Connors & Chance Affair (31.1)
Open Novice: Grayson Poulos & Cornet Star (26.2)
Jr Beg Novice Rider: Annabella Reader & Change of Luck (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Olivia Putrino & Winsome Willow (20.6)
Sr Beg Novice Rider: Kate Flaherty & Eli’s Coming (27.7)
Open Introductory Jr: Skylar Grammatico & Hedy (36.7)
Open Introductory Sr: Dawn Scott & Heavenly Tink NBS (33.7)
YEH-4 Year-old-Open: Elsie Patterson & Nelson PP-SMH (79.8)
YEH-5 Year-old-Open: Charlotte Freeman & Graceland’s Ladera (82.3)

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, Wi.) [Final Scores]
Open Beginner Novice A: Sara Fox & Kick The Dust Up (26.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Marcia Rigg & Celtic Gem (32.5)
Open Novice A: Kaylianna McMorris & Fernhill Future Star (33.4)
Open Novice B: Morgan Risseeuw & Farina VT (29.7)
Open Training: Eric Dierks & Quintano (32.3)
Preliminary/Training: Brynna Jovanovich & Arthur (31.3)
Starter: Adilyn Cortez & American Dynamic (35.0)

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Three Canadian-Bred Mares

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Canadian-bred eventers have done quite well for themselves in the sport. A couple recent examples include Foxwood High, ridden by Selena O’Hanlon, and Riddle Master, ridden by Rebecca Howard, both of which became Team Canada Olympic and WEG veterans.

When three Canadian-bred mares popped up on Sport Horse Nation this month, I thought, “well, here’s my next Sport Horse Nation Spotlight theme!” One’s a Canadian Thoroughbred, one’s a Canadian Sport Horse, and the third is a Canadian-bred Holsteiner. All three have been heading down the eventing path, but their owners note that they’re multi-talented, versatile candidates for other disciplines as well. Which is the hallmark of eventing potential, really! Two have made their way down into the U.S. (to Aiken and Texas) and the other is in Quebec.

Come and get ’em!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Frisky Freddie~Super Sensible Eventer!

Frisky Freddie

2014 15.2H Black Canadian TB Mare

Freddie is a fantastic option for eventing, dressage, or jumpers! She was recently 5th finishing on her dressage score of 32 at BN!

She jumps a 3’ course comfortably. She is very easy going, safe, and brave to the fences in both SJ and XC. No spook or funny business. She is sweet and reasonable in the barn.

Happy to trail ride by herself or in a group! She is lovely in the bridle for the flat, with three nice gaits. Freddie is very suitable for a Jr/AA or child! A seriously nice, no drama, intelligent, and willing mare!

Located in Aiken, SC.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

A True All Around Horse!

Mirador is a beautiful dark bay Canadian Sport Horse mare, 8 years old (2014), 16.2h

She is very easy to ride and handle around the barn. A kick ride, she is not mareish and is the same horse whether she is ridden every day or has had a month off. No prep needed and is the same horse on and off property. All of her training was done by her AA owner and she has packed kids along in a lesson without putting a foot wrong.

She is currently in an eventing program and has show experience at Beginner Novice and is schooling Novice. She could continue to event, but we would also see her as a hunter with her great movement and jump.

Mirador is sound, an easy keeper, currently with front shoes only and good solid feet, requires no maintenance and goes out with a group of mares. She trailers easily, clips, stands for the vet and farrier, etc. Truly a gem!

Located in Ascot Corner, Quebec. 45 min from I-91 and 2 hrs from I-87. Price in CAD$

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Beautiful, scopey sporthorse mare!

Catch Phase “Calle”
2018 Canadian bred – out of MTM Karma (TB) by Centre Point (Holsteiner)

She has 3 lovely, balanced gates. Loves to work. She is still early in her education, but ready to take the next steps in her training. Finish her out to fit your program. W,T,C both directions, knows her leads. Started over ground poles and is super willing. She lunges, ties, stands for the farrier, loads in the trailer. She did the Future Event Horse last fall, with good scores, handling it like an old pro! Currently 15.2h, but still growing – should finish ~16h.

Located in Simonton, Texas.

#TBT Video: The Pratoni Slide

The bogey combination of the 2007 European Championships, held at Pratoni del Vivaro, was a dramatically steep downhill gauntlet culminating in an almost un-jumpable double of skinnies.

Horses were sliding past the second skinny left and right, with top combinations like Ingrid Klimke with FRH Butts Abraxxas and Oliver Townend with Flint Curtis picking up 20 at the obstacle. In this video Daisy Dick and Spring Along were the only pair to successfully navigate the direct route, while others like Zara Phillips and Toytown made a last-second decision to opt for the long route.

The Italian equestrian venue is in the spotlight once again this year as it will host the 2022 FEI World Championship for eventing and driving on September 15-25. EN’s Tilly Berendt covered the recent Test Event there — you can revisit her coverage here. More information about the World Championship is available at the website here.

Volunteer Nation: 7 Events That Could Use Help This Weekend

Whatcha up to this weekend? Jog on over to your nearest event and put in a few volunteer hours — it will be much appreciated! Plus, there are worse ways to spend a sunny spring day than on the cross country course, even if you’re not riding yourself. (Much less stressful, IMO.)

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Here are seven events that could use a helping hand this weekend:

USEA Events

Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trials 2022 – May 27th – 29th, 2022

Woodside Eventing Spring Horse Trials 2022 – May 26th – 29th, 2022

May-Daze at the Park Horse Trials – May 27th – 29th, 2022

Equestrians Institute Horse Trials May 2022 – May 14th – 29th, 2022

VHT International and Horse Trials – May 26th – 29th, 2022

Other Events

Stone Gate Farm Mountain Trail Challenge – May 1st – 30th, 2022

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Doug Payne Tryon CCI3*-L Helmet Cam + Analysis

What an incredible innovation helmet cams are — not JUST for entertainment value, but for education and reflection as well. Granted, my short-term memory doesn’t function as well as it used to, but many times coming off cross country I feel like I’ve just experienced a several-moment blur. Not really helpful for self-improvement! With a helmet cam, though, one can ride and re-ride their course ad infinitum, allowing for critical analysis: What went well? What could have gone better? How can we improve upon our performance next time?

Doug Payne might be an athlete but, lest you forget, he also has a mechanical engineering degree and a brain built for critical thinking. He’s done helmet cam analysis voice-overs in the past, but mostly around four- and five-star competitions, so Quiberon’s CCI3*-L round at Tryon International is an enlightening departure: “I thought this might be of more interest and potentially more informative to head out on a greener horse.”

Quiberon (“Harry”) is a 7-year-old stallion Doug has had since a weanling and Tryon International was his first CCI3*-L. Doug’s goal was to give him an educational rather than competitive ride, just going as fast as Harry felt confident at, and they jumped clear with 16.4 time penalties. With a dressage score of 32.4 and zero show jump penalties, they finished seventh in the division.

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Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Fair Hill, Hunt Club Farms, Otter Creek, Spring Gulch

 

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It was a big, big weekend of spring eventing action! Congrats to all you blue ribbon winners out there. The honor of lowest finishing score in the country for this weekend goes to Mary Bess Davis & Monius, who won Open Novice B at Chattahoochee Hills on a score of 18.3 — well done!

Without further ado, let’s give some credit where credit is due.

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. / USEA Intercollegiate Championships (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Results]
Advanced: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Cooley Quicksilver (31.8)
Intermediate: Waylon Roberts & OKE Ruby R (36.2)
Open Preliminary: Autumn Schweiss & Bamford CF (27.4)
Preliminary Rider: Katarina Midgley & Ditch (29.5)
Modified Rider: Breeana Robinette & Cape Kimberly (29.0)
Open Modified: Megan Loughnane & Lynton (30.8)
Open Training A: Sallie Johnson & Definitely Fernhill (24.6)
Open Training B: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Maybach (23.3)
Training Rider A: Annie DeWitt & Offshore Cooley (31.2)
Training Rider B: Cora Severs & Cuervo (25.0)
Novice Rider A: Stephanie Letarte & GarryNdruig Albie (28.7)
Novice Rider B: Claire Gamlin & Alohomora (28.6)
Open Novice A: Grace Montgomery & Fernhill Wonder (25.0)
Open Novice B: Mary Bess Davis & Monius (18.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Heidi Gyselinck & Bricktop JHF (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Becky Lawrence & Incendio (36.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Melanie Smith & Ballynoecastle TD (22.7)
Open Beginner Novice B: Rachel Miles & Cooley Keystone (21.8)

 

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Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, Md.): [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate A: Katie Lichten & Yarrow (29.0)
Open Intermediate B: Boyd Martin & Fernhill Prezley (39.8)
Open Preliminary A: Jennifer Brannigan & FE Connory (24.2)
Open Preliminary B: Alexa Gartenberg & Frame Shamrock (25.5)
Preliminary Rider: Abby Dubrawski & Cobble Creek (34.0)
Open Training A: Lillian Heard & Bellines Quality Lady (24.4)
Open Training B: Rebecca Lee & The Dutch Master (25.8)
Training Rider: Christa Schmidt & Chakiris Star (25.8)
Novice Junior: Alden Wyatt & I’mhereallday (31.7)
Novice Rider: Curran Simpson & RF Cosmos (30.6)
Open Novice A: Alexa Lapp & FE Flint (25.8)
Open Novice B: Madison Hogan & Quintessential 39 (21.9)
Beginner Novice Junior: Lily Kratz & Hand In Hand (32.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Gina Teresi & Match Right (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Erin Kanara & Excel Star Future Hugo (32.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: K.C. Cowles & Charm City (25.3)

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Jan Byyny & Beautiful Storm (29.0)
Preliminary Rider: Grace Mykityshyn & MTF Cooley Classic (26.5)
Modified A: Sydney Sturgill & Papa Pablo (36.3)
Modified B: Anna Gibson & Black Label (33.0)
Open Training A: Nicholas Beshear & One Plan (28.8)
Open Training B: Martin Douzant & Silver Ruby (27.4)
Training Rider A: Alexa Briscoe & Zempat (36.0)
Training Rider B: Olivia Devening & Maximus (26.2)
Novice Rider A: Christine Raymer & Dobby is a Free Elf (29.7)
Novice Rider B: Lance LeClair & Missy Clare (30.8)
Open Novice A: Erin Murphy & Monatrea Cooley On The Con (23.6)
Open Novice B: Mary Schwentker & Arrowbee (26.1)
Open Novice C: Nicholas Beshear & Rule of Thumb (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Bekah Bartley & Plain Brown Wrap (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Luba Abrams & Huey (28.1)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Amy Rixmann & Favarick (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Martin Douzant & BSF Frame Charleston (25.0)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Katelyn Duda & Big Easy Empire (76.0)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Stella Sunstein & Undercover Quality (79.3)
Starter A: Alana Clickner & Fauna (38.0)
Starter B: Margaret Kinsinger & Leap of Faith (39.0)

 

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Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, Wi.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Todd Wulf & Kilcannon Max (68.0)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Adelyn Rinehart & Wexford Cruise (29.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Adelyn Rinehart & Dandelion Gryphon (30.3)
Junior Training Rider: Laney Widmer & Gretta Roze (38.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Marlene Nauta & Winston (29.1)
Open Novice: Olivia Caspers & Pendleton (25.8)
Open Preliminary: Emily Hedberg & Quasar (52.9)
Open Training: Todd Wulf & Kando (24.8)
Preliminary/Training: Sarah Coltrin & Madam Dragon (35.4)
Starter A: Megan Schmit & Ducky (28.8)
Starter B: Hannah Mead & WL Touch of the Hops (28.0)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Lianne Burgess & Marisol (29.7)
Senior Novice Rider: April Holden & Simon Says
Senior Training Rider: Kendel Torrel & ALL-INCLUSIVE (31.7)

Spring Gulch H.T. (Littleton, Co.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Amy Bowers & Del Mar Belle (53.4)
Open Training: Rosie Smith & Seamus (25.6)
Open Novice A: Jesha Marcy-Quay & Albemarle (31.9)
Open Novice B: Anna Cummings & Charlie Fly (28.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jacquie Schoeggl & Stellaluna (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Katie Kadlecek & Catapulta (35.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Emmy Williams & Fortunate Rebel (26.8)
Introductory A: Wendy Williams & P.S. King of Hearts (42.1)
Introductory B: Jameson Cahill & Solsbury Hill (51.9)