I think I speak for all of Eventing Nation when I say that the loss of Suzy Elliott’s Chauncy still weighs heavily on my mind and heart. Ultimately Chauncy gave his life doing what he loved and we can’t ask for more than that from these fleeting moments that we call a lifetime. This sport gives us all great lives but, from time to time, eventing also gives us the certain reminder of how fragile our lives are. We will all see you soon Chauncy.
A few links from Saturday: CIC3* and Advanced Photos, Intermediate Photos, P3DE Photos, USEA Press Release
Eventing Nation regular Eventer4Life has commented on the status Max McManamy who fell during Karen’s ride and was taken to the hospital: “She cracked a couple vertebrae but will make a full recovery with 3 months off. Her air vest probably saved her life. Her horse is doing awesome, you would never guess he had a fall. Also, Max didn’t even have to stay overnight in the hospital!” Max was riding in a Point-Two air vest. I haven’t heard any official word on Max.
As a quick aside, the beloved “Sunday Jog-Up” post is taking a vacation this week because Visionaire is competing this weekend. Trust me, no one is saddened more than me, but let’s all wish Visionaire good luck this weekend.
On a lighter note, and without further ado, here is Chelan Kozak’s XC report. I realize that I haven’t properly introduced Chelan to anyone who has recently started reading Eventing Nation–Chelan is a 4* Canadian rider who rides on the West coast and she is kind enough to write for Eventing Nation regularly. Chelan has a vast amount of experience, knowledge, and connections, and she writes what she thinks and the result makes for great reading. Check out Chelan’s website at www.3daze.com. Thanks for writing this Chelan and thank you for reading.
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From Chelan:
So thanks to John for the kudos on the coverage. Writing and reporting for EN this weekend is an essential diversion for me, but I don’t want to quit my ‘day job’. Before you know it, my ribs will be healed and I’ll have a couple of fancy new ponies to ride, with some fab owners to go with them!
XC was a mix of trouble and great riding, with issues at a variety of fences. Interestingly, the main water, the trout pond, had no XC penalties all day. Also worthy of note was the weather which was by my estimation about 75 or maybe 80 but with a fantastic breeze. Good weather for horses!
There was plenty of excitement, and three rider falls, as John reported. Karen showed her age, ahem I mean experience… dealing with the hold. I’ll add that Karen jumped an INT jump first before getting going and then was by my estimation up to full speed before she got to her original stopping point. The top 5 pretty much gave a clinic on how to ride XC. Phillip is called the fastest man for a reason, and his double clear stood for the better part of the division. Riding fast doesn’t happen at just one particular fence. It happens by saving a second here and there. As always, it was lovely to watch Phillip do his thing. interestingly, he did not make time on Fernhill eagle, his new-ish mount. The horse looked like he was wanting to tell Phillip what speed to go and how big the step should be. Needless to say, a few conversations were had on course. My two ‘one’s to watch for the future’ Beth and Heather both did a super job on their lovely young greys. Very few riders did the straight route through the ‘booby trap’. Most went through the cleavage and did the option roll top.
Once again I need to mention the footing here at RFarm. It is reminicent of a golf course, and I would hazard a guess at saying the best in North America.
Thanks of course goes to the incredible Broussard family for the gift of competing at such a world class facility! In the ADV horse trials, a few notes– Amy and Leyland laid down a typical fantastic clear round, with a few time. Amy rarely does anything by chance on the back of a horse, so I imagine that was planned. Jennifer Wooten got an E for excellence by jumping the wrong jump– damn! The sad news of course is Suzy’s horse. Suzy is a fellow Canadian from BC, and she and her husband Jon are fantastic horsemen. They own Aspen Farms in area 7, named after Jon’s wonderful horse Aspen who went advanced with Jon for a number of years. I have not seen Suzy yet, but I chatted with Jonathan. my heart goes out to both of them.
Sunday is shaping up to be an interesting day.
