Neville’s Friday News and Notes from FLAIR

By Windress on , Filed Under Eventing Nation, Eventing News and Notes and , , , , , , ,


(Photo courtesy of Gawker)

 

Happy Friday, EN Readers! I hope you've all got your lucky rabbits' feet with you, because it's Friday The 13th! Yes, a day made legendary by suspiciously poor choices and notoriously bad remakes of already bad movies. Best to stay on Karma's good side and avoid all black cats, mirrors, and step ladders today. Maybe your horse will let you borrow his shoes for good luck!

It's not all bad news, though. If ever we need a reminder of how talented eventers are at turning bad situations into great opportunities, the links below are prime examples!

The New York Times has written a piece called "A Horse Named Neville," spotlighting Neville Bardos and his miraculous survival and recovery from the devastating barn fire at True Prospect Farm in May 2011 that claimed six other horse's lives. The article recounts the long road Boyd Martin and Neville traveled to achieve eventing success, both before and after the fire. Despite the damage done to Neville's lungs and body in the fire, he made an astounding recover that not only left him competition fit less than three months after the fire, but has also seen him as one of three finalists for USEF International Horse of the Year. His story proves to be an inspiration to reader both in eventing and beyond. Note: NYTimes Articles expire over a duration of time and may not be available after 1/31/2012 [NYTimes]

The dates have been set for the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day! This year's trials, presented by Bridgestone, will be held from April 26th to 29th, 2012 and will feature selection trials to choose the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Also scheduled is the second annual Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, which will be held April 27th and 28th. [wtvq]

In sad news, Horsetalk has reported that Germany's "Voice of the Equestrian Sport" announcer Hans-Heinrich Isenbart passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 88. Isenhart is remembered for his live commentary for the equestrian competitions at the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm, and for the nearly 60 years of active commentating that followed. His funeral was held on January 10th, 2012 at Niedersachsenhalle indoor arena in Verden, Germany, where he had commentated on numerous horse shows. Approximately 700 mourners attended the service. [Horsetalk]

Draper Equine Therapy, makers of innovative therapeutic horse and equine products, will be sponsoring the Drapers' "Best Foot Forward" award each week at the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival and at he Global Dressage Festival. Winners of this award will receive prize packages worth up to $300 dollars in Draper products, and will be individuals that exemplify and inspire a positive attitude in themselves and others around them.  [COTH]

You've probably already heard of this handy app, but in the event you're not on the iPhone bandwagon Horse and Hound has reported on a new Cross Country application called "Course Walk." This app (available in the app exchange on all iPods Touches, iPhones, and iPads) replaces the need for a traditional measuring wheel by recording your progress on a course through GPS tracking. Users can add photos of the jumps, comments, and videos along the course. The app costs about $10.00 in the Appstore and is quickly becoming a favorite amongst eventers. [Horse and Hound]

Devon D'Angelo writes about the trials and tribulations of being a single female equestrian who must balance their love for horses with their desire to find new love in another person. The dating scene is not an easy place to be even for those without a "horse addiction," and trying to explain your full time commitment to your sport can prove... interesting.  [COTH]

The Louisiana Horse Rescue Association and the Sabine Parish Human Society recently seized 60 horses from a farm in Many, LA. The horses found on the property were reportedly in "deplorable condition," living in filth alongside the carcasses of approximately 25 previously deceased horses and aborted foal fetuses. Over the course of three days, all the horses were removed from the farm and treated for ailments including colic, malnutrition, diarrhea, and miscarriage. The LHRA hopes to have some of the horses available for adoption in as soon as three weeks. The current daily cost for their upkeep is around $450 dollars per day. Any assistance is appreciated. [Horsetalk]

Denny Emerson  pays homage to the Quarter Horse breed on his blog, "How Good Riders Get Good." While most people associate the Quarter Horse with western disciplines, there is no denying that this breed is a popular choice in English riding as well, thanks to what Denny calls the built-in "Sanity Button." While the American Quarter Horse may never be known for its competitiveness in international events such as Burghley, Denny reminds us that many of the upper echelon riders today got their start on this gentle and competent breed, and it remains a favorite among riders everywhere for good reason. [How Good Riders Get Good]

In perhaps the most ridiculous and pointless visual retelling ever written, the Hairpin.com has posted "War Horse: An Illustrated Review" to express their opinion(?) on the recent Steven Spielberg film. This review does contain spoilers, though you may not be able to suss them out through all the ridiculousness and funny illustrations. I wouldn't use this to determine whether you'll see the movie, but it's definitely good for some giggles [TheHairpin.com]

Eventing Safety and Risk Management gives an update on the completion of Cross Country's frangible device industrial standard in FEI competitions. Reports are still unconfirmed, but suggest that all frangible and breakaway jumps must conform to a set of standards determined by an FEI Eventing Committee Task Force and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). Pins, clips, and Styrofoam structures will be designed to break upon impact of a horse and rider, and the competing rider will be penalized 21 penalty points for the breakage. This topic has not been fully resolved, so more information should develop over time. [Eventing Safety]

Jennie Brannigan relates her training regime for the month of January, and her positive clinic experience with show jumper Lane Clarke. She comments on the tragic loss of Lee Lee Jones' horse, Model Cadet, at True Prospect Farm, and extends her condolences to the young rider. On a happier note, Jennie also writes about the upcoming PRO DerbyCross set to be held on January 20 in Wellington, FL. She will be sharing a team with riders Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Jeffrey Welles and Nic Roldan. [COTH]

Whew, that's a lot of news! Hopefully it will keep everyone distracted and in a positive frame of mind this Friday. If not, a trip to the barn is always a cure for what ails you. For now, I leave you will the inspiring video interview the New York Times held with Boyd Martin about Neville's "Unlikely Comeback."

Go Eventing!

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Boyd Martin is On a Roll in Area Five

By Windress on , Filed Under Eventing Guest Writers, Eventing Nation, Videos and , , , ,


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Photo Courtesy of Luann McElduff


It wasn't so long ago that Boyd Martin was visiting Area Five and teaching a highly anticipated clinic at Pine Hill Farms in Bellville, TX. It was then (in October) that Boyd and I got to sit down and chat about the financial demands of this sport. That clinic was such a success that organizer Kristy Limon (of Excel Eventing) immediately began planning Boyd's next trip to the southern states for additional teaching opportunities. As luck would have it, he was available before the end of the year!

This past weekend, in torrential rains and blustery winds so relentless that any sane person would be safely indoors, twenty riders (and their various grooms/husbands/boyfriends/etc) gathered at Meadowcreek Park in Kosse, Texas for the yet another Area Five Boyd Martin Clinic. And inclement weather aside, Boyd made the whole experience a fun and educational success!

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Boyd Gives Instruction to Clinic Students on November 25, 2011 (Photo Courtesy of Luann McElduff)

 

Day One - Stadium

The stadium arena was a sloppy mess on Saturday morning, so nobody (from intermediate level to beginner novice) jumped very high. Evenso, the low level gymnastics Boyd designed were challenging and technical for the clinic-goers. He taught each group a similar theme that focused on flexibility and balance in both horse and rider, utilizing a multitude of turns and precise distances to pull the best ride out of everyone.

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Ambra Pira and Alfie Complete an Exercise over an Oxer on Stadium Day (Photo courtesy of Angie Pira)

Exercises (for those who might want to pursue the idea at home) included:

- Three stride lines of varying distances, requiring lengthening and shortening of the horses stride

- a bounce line designed out of narrow brush boxes, without standards. This demanded very forward, active, and precise riding by the student to avoid losing impulsion or straightness. Boyd wanted us to "place" our horses where we deliberately wanted to go.

- A set of five alternating angled verticals, set in a zig zag pattern. These were used in a variety of ways, including jumping each one at a perpendicular angle, then completing a rollback to the next jump at a perpendicular angle, until the rider reached the end of the line of verticals. This truly tested the horses balance and flexibility in muddy conditions, and had riders planning their course. We also jumped straight down the line over each vertical at an angle, using an encouraging seat to send the horse forward and navigate the center of each jump

- A series of turn-heavy courses, requiring straightness on the approach to obtain the proper striding within the jump combinations and lines.

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Boyd giving instruction to rider Maddie McElduff and Rosie during Stadium Day (Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Stephens)

Boyd was encouraging and inventive on stadium day, urging riders to be more proactive on their horses while also keeping the atmosphere light with humorous quips and jokes. We all had a lovely time during our lessons and felt ready for the excitement of the cross country day.

But let's not forget the clinic participant dinner! Forty Six horse enthusiasts (all the riders, plus entourage!) met up at a small southern cooking restaurant called Austin's in downtown Kosse for dinner and drinks among friendly faces. Boyd was the life of the party (naturally), moving around the table to swap friendly jokes and answer questions. We had a delicious home-style meal including fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and greens. And some of the clinic-goers even provided beer and wine! (Boyd's favorite Amstel Light was in attendance, of course)

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The Fabulous Clinic Attendee Dinner - Organized by Kristy Limon!

After the dinner had wound down at Austin's, some of the group took the fun back to the barn to sit around a bonfire and talk under the stars. I think it's safe to say that was a great night for everyone!

 

Day 2 - Cross Country

 

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Boyd Demonstrating Proper Gallop Position on Kristy Limon's horse, Elliott


Sunday morning started early, with the first group riding at a frosty 7:00am. The prior night's temperatures had dropped as low as 31 degrees, and the chill had yet the wear off by the time the sun broke over the tree line. High winds buffeted the riders from all sides, but it wasn't enough to deter our eventing spirit, or keep us off of Meadowcreek's large cross country field. The one favor that the high winds did for us was to dry up the rain from the previous day, so the footing was firm but forgiving - perfect for a day of eventing!

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Aly Mulconnery and Aspen begin a Cross Country Jump Combination on XC Day

 

Boyd's lessons on this day focused heavily on rider position when riding cross country. He started by describing the gallop position to each group and having them demonstrate their ability to hold the position, correcting where necessary. He explained the importance of using rider posture, not their hands, to slow and lift a horse on the approach to a jump. Boyd also explained that one of the primary differences between stadium rides and cross country rides was the necessity for a longer rein on your horse, to allow a freer and more forward motion in jumping. Boyd wanted us to be able to change our position from a gallop to a jumping seat without changing the length of our horses' necks.

Here's Boyd himself explaining the importance of rider position!


And again, explaining why we strive to ride Cross Country well!


Many of the exercises on this day were meant to reinforce these main points, as well as the value of a good approach to the jump, with the horse in front of our leg. Boyd spoke several times on staying behind the horse in the saddle, stating that he'd "only ever seen one person fall off the back of the horse when jumping, most fell off the front!" We practiced building confidence in our horses over solid obstacles, and how to use our eye to ride a "twelve foot stride, twelve foot stride, ten foot stride" to the base of the jump.


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Boyd Instructs a Clinic Rider over an Open Ditch

Although the day was relentlessly cold and windy, I don't think there was a single rider that didn't gain some useful instruction from the experience. For certain, no one regretted braving the chill to come out!

The Boyd Martin clinic was truly a great experience, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride with him twice now. I honestly cannot wait for his return to Area Five next year!


And as a parting shot, here's a little "Boyd Pantomime." See if you can figure out what he's saying over the wind!



Author Note: I'd like to give a big Birthday Shout-Out to Clinic Student, Maddie McElduff. Maddie turned Eleven Years old this Monday, and she celebrated her birthday in style at the Boyd Clinic. Maddie McElduff and Orion's Rosealene finished this show season at the Top of the USEA 2011 Beginner Novice Leaderboard, coming in as the Number One junior rider in the country! Congratulations Maddie!!

 

 

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USEA Ocala Clinic: XC with Mark Phillips (not in Indiana)

By John on , Filed Under Classroom, Eventing Nation and , , ,
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Today I ventured over to the USEA Clinics at Longwood farm to watch Mark work on cross country with prelim/intermediate riders.  About 30 other people were watching the clinic, and it seemed like everyone appreciated the way Mark involved the crowd with questions, explanations, and jokes.  One moment that really impressed me was when Mark admitted a mistake in that he asked a difficult question to a younger horse and then did not make the question easier after the first refusal.  In nearly 10 years of watching and taking lessons from eventing coaches, I don't think I have ever heard a coach admit a mistake.  Not once.  In the unlikely event that a coach makes a mistake, I think us riders would appreciate it if they held themselves accountable and let others learn from their mistake rather than implicitly placing the blame on either horse or rider.  Here are a few other key thoughts from the clinic:

1) Jumping fences is about being consistent.  Horses learn by repetition, and balancing before the fences to a good deep distance needs to be repeated every single time, no matter what the size of the fences.  During warmup, several riders just cantered down to open distances without paying much attention.  While that worked fine on the smaller fences, Mark pointed out that the riders were missing important training opportunities.  If you have a flier, you need to make sure that your next jump is to a deep distance, otherwise the horse will get used to leaving long, causing problems at the next technical element.  Good balance is what gives you the options to pick the spot.
2) Don't worry about your lead.  This surprised me a bit, but Mark said to worry about balance and the jump, and if the horse is more comfortable on the wrong lead, don't worry about it.  I'd be interested to see if he would say the same thing at the training sessions tomorrow with the top riders.  Personally, I've never understood why counter-canter has such a bad reputation.
3) Read the ground.  This might have been the most mentioned point in the whole lesson.  The course builder in Mark came out, and he regularly spoke about the path before the fences, including the slope, turn, and camber (whether tilted to one direction or the other across the line of travel).  Ground that naturally balances horses includes uphill, turns, and camber with the turns (like a NASCAR track).  With ground that naturally unbalances horses, such as downhill, and against-turn camber, riders need to balance before reaching this ground.
4) Ride leg to hand (shocking, I know).  Mark said that the hardest XC technique with a really forward horse is remembering to put the leg on before using the hand and seat.  Using the leg to generate pressure in the hands is the proper technique for holding a horse on the line to corners and narrows. 
5) Don't let your leg aid go to Indiana.  After one sticky jump at a corner, Mark commented that the rider's leg was "somewhere in Indiana."  I'm not sure Mark has ever been to Indiana himself, but I thought it was an amusing phrase and plan to use it for the next few days until everyone around me gets sick of it.  Go eventing in Indiana.
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