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Abby Powell
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Abby Powell

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About Abby Powell

Abby Powell is a native of Northeastern Massachusetts who splits her time between commuting into Boston for work and caring for and riding her rescue Mustang x Arab mare, Maggie.

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Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jun 27, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I couldn’t be prouder to work with a team that really sees the bigger picture. Here at Eventing Nation – and all of the Nation Media sites; that’s Horse Nation and Jumper Nation too – it’s not all about ponies and butterflies all the time, it’s about people too and about being the most diverse and inclusive community we can be. We’re thrilled to continue doing all we can to lift the voices of minority equestrians and it’s a joy to be able to offer a Diversity Scholarship as one way to continue the conversation.

National Holiday: National PTSD Awareness Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Entry Status]

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

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

Saturday Links:

Horses Gave Me The Tools To Face A Disabling Chronic Condition

Help Alex Titan with Research Study: Equestrian Sport & Moral Qualities

Behind The Photo: Celebrating Pride Month In Braids

USEA Offering Open Modified Division at 2020 AEC

Ride Between the Flags with Jennie Brannigan

UC Davis Launches Additional Equine DNA Tests

Saturday Video:

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Jon Holling Delivers on His #FrangibleNow Tattoo Promise

By on Jun 22, 2020 4:30 pm -

Well you’ve done it folks — you’ve raised $50,000 more for the Frangible Technology Fundraiser and true to his word, Jon Holling has gone ahead and gotten #FrangibleNow tattooed across his ribs and, yes of course, there’s video to prove it.

The first fruits of everybody’s donations appeared two weeks ago in the form of two brand new frangible tables on the Intermediate and Preliminary courses at Plantation Field. Well done, everybody, well done. Here’s to a safer sport! Y’all owe Jon’s poor wife, Jen, an apology while you’re at it, though.

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jun 20, 2020 12:01 am -

It’s a look. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s going to be a scorching weekend up here in the Northeast and while I wish I could be out on a leisurely hack with my pony to the nearby pond for a splash, I’m committed to trying to finish up the ultimate quarantine project that my husband and I started a few weeks ago: scraping and re-painting our little 1950’s era ranch house. Yep, it’s as fun as it sounds — especially when you consider I’ll be wearing long sleeves, long pants, a hat, gloves and a full respirator (which, by the way, if I can wear in 90+ degree heat while the sun is beating down and reflecting off the white primer of my house, you can wear while you’re mucking a couple stalls in the stabling area. You won’t suffocate — trust me.)

Actually, wearing what would normally be considered seasonally inappropriate clothing to work on my house reminds me a good bit of the seasonally inappropriate clothing I’ve worn at events in the summer (you know, on those days you can’t fathom why they won’t waive coats for goodness sake). I guess perhaps I’ve built up a little bit heat tolerance thanks to horse shows! Although, I’ve found that sticking an ice pack in my bra really helps get me though the painting. Now It would be really great if I could figure out how to make that work while riding …

National Holiday: National Hike With a Geek Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

If you’re out and about, make sure you read the latest Update to COVID-19 Competition Action Plan for USEF-Licensed Competitions.

Texas Rose HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire HT — [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stable View HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

FEI earns top tier ranking in key global governance review

A Black Horseman’s Perspective On Our Current Climate

Hosting A Show In COVID Times

British Eventing given green light to restart after initial plans delayed

Fouaad Mirza back in the saddle seeking ticket to Tokyo

Dear Anthony Patch: You Loved Me When I Didn’t Love Myself

Featured Clinician: Sharon White

Saturday Video:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: A Legendary Triple Crown Trainer Needs Our Help

By on Jun 18, 2020 12:00 pm -

Photo via GoFundMe.

A racing legend needs a little help from his friends and fans to get by. 80-year-old Bill Turner — who trained the great Seattle Slew and is the oldest living Triple Crown-winning trainer — is currently in the hospital after suffering a neck injury while helping out at the Ocala Jockey Club. Event rider Rick Wallace, who has become friends with Bill and his wife Pat Turner, has organized a GoFundMe to help ameliorate some of Bill’s growing medical expenses.

Consider contributing what you can to the GoFundMe and then take a peek at our three OTTB picks of the week:

Now Thats All. Photo via CANTER Illinois.

Now Thats All (ALGORITHMS – NATETWA, BY TIZNOW): 2017 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Who doesn’t want a pretty filly with great hair gracing their barn? Now Thats All looks like she’s all that, really, and she’ll be a real flashy sport horse prospect. She didn’t make much of a racehorse with 6 career starts and no in-the-money finishes, but she’s got a lovely trot and spring in her step. Now Thats All has a sweet demeanor and is looking for a person to call her own.

Located in Collinsville, Illinois.

View Now Thats All on CANTER Illinois.

Garey Park. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Garey Park (TRAPPE SHOT – EVANGELICAL, BY SPEIGHTSTOWN): 2014 15.3-hand New York-bred gelding

Garey Park made his way to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center directly from his owner and race trainer, who wanted to be sure their horse had only the best opportunity at a second career after his 21 races and $50,243 in winnings. Being a Tapit grandson, A.P. Indy is four generations back in his pedigree. This six-year-old is described as having a “busy mind.” He doesn’t have a lot of confidence in his new environment yet, but his caretakers can tell that eventually he’ll thrive in an environment with lots of interesting new questions and challenges as he’s naturally curious and loves learning.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Garey Park on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Ziggy Fortune. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Ziggy Fortune (FREEDOM FOUND – LOVELY FORTUNE, BY FORTUNATE PROSPECT): 2013 16.1-hand Ohio-bred mare

Then again, why restart a horse off the track yourself when you can get your hands on a lovely RRP Makeover graduate? Ziggy Fortune competed in the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover and has seen been trained through Training level eventing. Ziggy is a smart mare — the kind that if you gain her trust and become her person she’ll take you far. And she’s got the scope and speed to do so as well!

Located in Martinsville, Indiana.

View Ziggy Fortune on the Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Ragtime Rebel Update!

By on Jun 15, 2020 10:04 am -

Everyone has had a bit of a break in recent weeks, including Jon Holling‘s latest off-track Thoroughbred turned event horse Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) owned by The Rebel Restart Syndicate. The 6-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding last raced in April 2018 and most recently evented this February at Rocking Horse III H.T. in the Training Horse division before COVID-19 induced shutdowns began taking place.

So what have Rebel and Jon been up to during quarantine? Well, like many of us, Rebel enjoyed a nice extra bit of vacation before coming back into work again. But now as competitions begin to ramp up again, so does his training. In this video, Jon gives an update on the horse and also gives us a great example of the exercise he’s working on with Rebel to improve the quality of the canter. It’s an exercise for “when you don’t really want to jump, but you don’t really feel like doing another day of dressage.” I think we can all get behind that!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jun 13, 2020 12:01 am -

As someone who is inherently privileged and truly wants to contribute to the world being a better place, I, like many others, have been making an attempt to read and educate myself about systemic racism and see how I can do better and be better. I am trying not to be silent, because I understand how silence is complacency. Silence is part of the problem (see: There Is No Such Thing As a Silent Ally) but I don’t fancy myself as eloquent of a writer as some of my amazing colleagues here at EN and have a tendency to clam up.

As a first step in speaking out, I’m going to make a public confession here and I challenge you to think about whether you have experienced this as well: I didn’t hesitate to buy myself a new helmet this week, but when a few calls for donations from friends on social media to charities benefitting the Black Lives Matter movement directly or indirectly appeared across my social media I realized that I scrolled past. As I thought about contributing, I caught myself hesitating.

Why? Am I so selfish that I can drop a cool bit of cash on something nice for myself (not that a helmet not an important and necessary piece of safety equipment — it for sure is — but, let’s be honest, there are many cheaper, just as good helmets I could have opted for) but not to a charity that could do some fantastic greater good in the world? That is a discomfort that I needed to really sit with and digest, leading to the realization that yes, I am that selfish, I am that privileged, and, after further rumination, realization that I am not OK with that about myself.

This is one of my first steps to recognizing where I am at and trying to help right the wrong that has been done to fellow humans for so long. How many of my fellow white equestrians have done the same selfish thing? I dare you to admit it to yourself and then I dare you to determine how you’ll do better too.

National Day Calendar: National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

U.S. Weekend Action: 

Waredaca H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series June H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entry Status] [YEH Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links: 

Life As A Black Equestrian

I Would Like to Introduce Myself

Whether Hunt Field Or Cross-Country, This Appaloosa-Akhal Teke Shines

Feeding Thousands of Horses As Owners Lose Jobs

Calendar shuffles and new fixtures as British Eventing prepares to re-start

Queen Elizabeth Reveals Her Favorite Horses — and Why She Only Rides Ponies Now

Saturday Video:

 

@muddymayhemMy fellow ##eventers do you feel the pain? ##fyp ##equestrian ##equestrianproblems ##equestriancheck ##teachersoftiktok♬ original sound – biblegrrl

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Time to Start Again

By on Jun 12, 2020 10:00 am -

Our sport’s first events back after a COVID-19 induced hiatus took place last weekend so we’re all itching to start getting out there again if we haven’t already. It’s a bit like a reset to the season, but think of it in the same way as you think of coming back into work after a winter off-season break.

Speaking of time to start again, there are always off-track Thoroughbreds out there looking for a new beginning no matter what time of year it is. Here are three adoptable OTTBs that caught our eye this week:

Sweet Hall. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Sweet Hall (GRAEME HALL – SWEETTAY, BY CRAFTY FRIEND): 2012 15.3-hand Florida-bred mare

“Louise” last raced in September 2019, retiring after 54 starts, and has been with her current owners since October 2019 living out on pasture 24/7 and generally enjoying life. She’s undergone the beginning of being restarted and is entered in the 2020 RRP. Her owner says she is curious and “will zip right up to you in the pasture for scratches.” She can be a bit anxious and therefore needs a more of a confident owner, though she is quite bold and not spooky.

Located in Georgia.

View Sweet Hall on the Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Step Ten. Photo via Second Stride.

Step Ten (BLAME – TWICE TOLD TALE, BY TALE OF THE CAT): 2017 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This pretty boy is a truly good-looking prospect and is priced as such in hopes that he’ll pave the way for a couple more horses to find fresh starts through Second Stride. Step Ten raced just once and retired sound but slow. He did have throat surgery in the past but trained fine afterwards and could have a future as a sport horse.

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Step Ten on Second Stride Inc.

Smart Russian. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project Horse listings.

Smart Russian (SMARTY JONES – RUSSIAN CLASSIC, BY REGAL CLASSIC): 2013 16.0-hand New York-bred gelding

No wonder this good-looking chestnut is a smart-looking guy — he’s a son of 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones. Smart Russian raced 36 times between 2016 and 2019, earning a total of $83,370. Since coming off the track he’s had some downtime and has more recently been working in a Pessoa lunging system. He’s a quick learner and is ready to be restarted in earnest.

Located in New York.

View Smart Russian on the Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: The Cutest Piaffe

By on Jun 8, 2020 5:30 pm -

He literally is the absolute best. I can always count on #Fledgethemustang to build confidence and put a smile on a timid riders face. He is #priceless. #fledgeyisthebest #mustangsareworthit #saveahorserideamustang #Fledgeispriceless

Posted by Elisa Wallace Eventing on Tuesday, June 2, 2020

‘Bout time we could all use a cute kid on a cute pony, right?

Elisa Wallace recently introduced a timid young rider to the joys of riding with the help of her super Mustang, Fledge. In addition to eventing at the highest levels with her Australian-born off-track Thoroughbred, Simply Priceless, Elisa is well-known for her work training Mustangs and Fledge is the one that started it all as her first Mustang Makeover partnership in 2012. Since then, you’ve probably seen Fledge and his buddy Rune during some of their demos performed at the Kentucky CCI5* and other big events on the East Coast. All that liberty training sure comes in handy for showing a kid a good time!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jun 6, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo by Holley Covey.

As of yesterday, the official USEA eventing season is underway once again after it’s months long coronavirus-induced hiatus. Things are still going to look a little different for a while — the now commonplace sight of hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes isn’t going away any time soon. We’ve all be anxiously awaiting this moment, so be smart about it and be safe for the sake of yourself and others! Don’t forget to to all those super-easy safety measures like hand washing that we’ve had drilled into our heads over the past few months. Oh, and that mask you have to wear … please tell me everyone realizes that it needs to cover your mouth AND nose to be doing anything, right? You do breathe through your nose too, don’t you? (Yes, you do.)

National Holiday: D-Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

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

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

Saturday Links:

What Do You Do When Your Safe Place Isn’t Safe?

Brianna Noble is the Horsewoman We All Need Right Now

United Horse Coalition Releases Searchable Database For Horses In Need

‘He did things dreams were made of’: farewell to Olympic event horse

The Power of R&R for Horses

Change in animal healthcare infrastructure predicted post Covid-19

Best of Blogs: So You Want To Be An Ally….

Hot on Horse Nation: How to Turn a Donut Into a Pony in 10 Steps*

Saturday Video: Who needs a new summer ‘do?

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: You Never Know

By on Jun 5, 2020 10:00 am -

You just never know where your next eventer might come from, and you just never which horse is going to take to eventing like they were born for it.

Take Left for Dead (Offlee Wild—Princess Megan, El Corredor), a 2013 Pennsylvania-bred gelding, for example. The Chronicle of the Horse published his story earlier this week so make sure you check it out, but the Cliffs Notes version is that the gelding was, unfortunately, aptly named as he was pulled from a large neglect case prior to making his racing debut and later finding his way into eventing.

Where will your next event horse come from? It could very well be one of these three OTTBs:

Spanish Bay. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Spanish Bay (TAPIT – DUBAI ESCAPADE, BY AWESOME AGAIN): 2015 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

“Spanish Bay aka ‘Chico’, a 16.1h, 2015 gelding by Tapit out of Dubai Escapade by Awesome Again, arrived from Godolphin LLC and has been been well-cared for in top-class barns his whole life. As a curious, extroverted, and versatile horse, we see many exciting career options ahead for him. Put a western saddle on him, and he jogs along like a pleasure horse, ready to round up cows. Dress him up with a dressage saddle and 4 white polos, and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous dressage prospect with plenty of suspension. Give him some braids and a jump saddle, and he becomes an equitation hunter. Add to his chameleon-like adaptability a sharp mind and a competitive edge, and Chico may just be the horse that can do it all!”

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Spanish Bay on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Woundwithhereyes. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Woundwithhereyes (INCLUDE – THAT’S A TRICK, BY MAZEL TRICK): 2014 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred mare

“Woundwithhereyes, or ‘Betty’ as we call her because of her big brown soft eyes, is a Kentucky-bred mare who’s ready to start her next career. There’s no mistaking Betty in the barn. Her tall stature and great hair are second to none. Betty is well built, has a great shoulder and succeeded on the track over the course of 33 starts and almost $150,000 in earnings.”

“This lovely lady has great presence under saddle. If you’re looking for a horse with an engine, this athletic young sport horse is the girl for you! She is eager to please and is working on relaxation and stretching. We could see Betty excelling as both an eventing prospect or a jumper. The sky is the limit for Betty. As Betty has more go than whoa, we see her pairing best with an advanced rider.”

Located in Ganesvoort, NY.

View Woundwithhereyes on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Castle and Key. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Castle and Key (UNCLE MO – DEJA BLU, BY SEEKING THE GOLD): 2017 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

“As if Castle and Key isn’t handsome enough, he is bursting full of personality. He spends his time in his stall napping or sticking his head out of his stall just begging for someone to come and love on him. He has a personality that will keep you laughing and always wondering what he can come up with next!”

“Castle and Key has three beautiful, lofty gates. He has more whoa than go and is very willing to please! He has been ridden in both our indoor and outdoor rings and by himself and with company. We think this guy has the total package and we are so excited to see him excel! Castle would be well-suited for any number of different disciplines including, but not limited to, show hunters, equitation or dressage with an advanced intermediate rider.”

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Castle and Key on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Bounce It Out With This #GOTD

By on Jun 1, 2020 5:00 pm -

Enjoy another #GOTD to get you riding forward and in a super balance!

Posted by Laine Ashker Eventing and Dressage on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Lucky us, Lainey Ashker has filmed yet another installation of her famous #GOTD (Grid of the Day) series, and we are #Thankful for some arena exercise inspiration. These bounces are set at a forward-riding distance and help the rider hold a strong position while pushing their horse forward and into the contact as they ride to a one-stride and bounce out over an oxer.

Kick on and enjoy!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on May 30, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Fair Hill International on Facebook.

Fair Hill announced yesterday that, unfortunately, all events scheduled to be held on the Fair Hill Department of Natural Resources property will be canceled for the month of June. This includes three June cross country schooling events, plus their June Starter Trials. July events are still tentative right now, so keep your fingers crossed!

National Holiday: National Hole In My Bucket Day

Saturday Links:

FEI publishes return to play policy as equestrian adapts to “new normal”

Straightness Basics: How Jane Ehrhart Gets Horses and Riders Show-Ring Ready

A cross-country machine who’d take off on the road out hacking: five-star horse put down

BLM Tests Fertility Drug to Control Wild Herd Growth

Just In on Jumper Nation: Kaley Cuoco Makes a Big Bang to Connect the Equestrian Community

Saturday Video:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: A Trio of Three-Year-Olds

By on May 29, 2020 11:23 pm -

Three sort of seems like a bit of a magic number in the horse world. After all, if you’re bringing up a youngster three-years-old tends to be the age where you can really start thinking about starting to teach them some really fun stuff! This week we’ve lined up three off-the-track Thoroughbreds looking for new homes and new jobs who are all three-years-old:

Country Berti. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Country Berti (COUNTRY DAY – WHIRLIE BERTIE, BY STORMIN FEVER): 2017 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

“Country Berti is a 15.2h, 2017 gelding by Country Day out of Whirley Bertie. “Berti” has settled in well and is happily turned out barefoot with 2 buddies currently. Though small in stature, he’s full of athleticism and personality! He’s still learning about all the things life has to offer (such as the wonders of fly spray and fly masks) so he’ll likely do best, at least for now, with a confident and patient person. And while we have no idea what he might want to do in his next career, one thing is for sure – we love seeing his cute face and ears everyday and we know you will too!”

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Country Berti on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Tiz Included. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Tiz Included (INCLUDE – TIZ CAMERA READY, BY TIZNOW): 2017 15.3-hand New York-bred mare

“Tiz Included came to us from our friends at Beyond the Wire. She showed no racing ability in only three starts for a top stable, and her connections retired her rather than try  to get a win– or even a check LOL. She came off the trailer like a champ, went right out and put her head down to graze- no fuss or drama. For her first ride she stood like a pro at the mounting block and nicely walked, trotted, and cantered around the ring- and didn’t give anything a look at all. See the video! This filly is a clean slate and could go in any direction. Lovely mover, super sweet, and very willing. Clean and sound, no vices.”

View Tiz Included on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Located in Warwick, Maryland.

Elusive Secret. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Elusive Secret (CYBER SECRET – PRESTIDIGITATOR, BY CRAFTY SHAW): 2017 15.2-hand Arkansa-bred mare

“Elusive Secret, barn name “Ellie,” is beloved by her racing connections. However, after 7 races and not a lot of indication that she will be competitive at the track, her owner is starting the search for a potential non-racing home for this young, attractive sport horse prospect.

At just three years old and lightly raced, Ellie is a blank slate. We were told she has no injuries and is believed to be sound. This lucky filly is getting the chance to “just be a horse” at a farm in Barrington Hills, where she’s enjoying lots of turnout and is said to enjoy naps in the sun.

She was described to us as being an athletic horse that likes to train. She was said to have no vices and loads great on a trailer.

As this is a 3 year old filly with a good amount of energy, no beginner riders or handlers will be considered. She needs a home that will help her realize her full potential as a sport horse – and that will include someone who is experienced with OTTBs.

When asking her owner if Ellie was “mareish” – we received the very honest and enjoyable response: “It depends on the day!” Ellie’s owner said she can be a total sweetheart / in your pocket love bug, but some days, she can also have her sassy mare moments! Who doesn’t love a mare that will keep you on your toes?!”

Located in Illinois.

View Elusive Secret on CANTER Chicago.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Four Fixes for Quiet Hands

By on May 25, 2020 5:27 pm -

“Quiet hands!” How many times have we all heard that shouted across the arena at us?

Having a pair of quiet, elastic hands and arms is key to having a positive connection with our horse’s mouths … and it’s also not a super easy skill to develop! Area I event rider and instructor Emily Tasker of Fox Hill Equestrians in Barnstead, New Hampshire shares four different tools for fixing those stiff and wandering hands and arms.

Check out more training tips on Fox Hill Equestrians new YouTube channel. Thanks for sharing, Emily!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on May 23, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Megan Jones on Facebook.

I think the ‘pot of gold’ that everyone would like to find at the end of a rainbow right now is a sense of normalcy. For us eventers, it seems like we might start to get a taste of normalcy in some fashion next month as events try to begin to run again. Things will still be a little different for a while of course, but boy is it going to feel good to pull the trailer into the show grounds for the first time in a long time.

Saturday Links:

Top 10 Tips for Coming Back Into Work with Buck Davidson

Covid-19 causes first-ever cancellation of Burghley Horse Trials

Where Do We Go from Here? One Rider’s Hope For a Post-COVID Horse Industry

Bang Your Horse’s Tail

A Rider’s Guide to Refocusing After Disaster Strikes

Connect with Your Horse’s Rhythm

Veterinarians And Farmers May Help Prevent Pandemics

Saturday Video:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Topsy Turvy Triple Crown

By on May 21, 2020 10:00 am -

The show must go on, and the 2020 Triple Crown will indeed happen — just not how it usually does.

We knew it wouldn’t be a normal year when the Kentucky Derby was postponed until September and the Preakness Stakes to October due to COVID-19, but there’s an extra bit of strangeness added to the whole situation as it was recently announced that the Belmont Stakes, which was originally scheduled for June 6 will instead be held on June 20 and will be run sans-spectators. It will also be shortened from its usual 1 1/2 mile distance to 1 1/8 miles and the purse reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million.

This means that, what is normally the last and longest leg of the Triple Crown, will serve as the first leg of the three race series this year and there will be 15 whole weeks between the first and second races. It’s been a weird, weird year already — so what’s a little extra oddness added to the Triple Crown to make things really unique?

Here are our three OTTB picks of the week — could one of them be a jewel in your crown?

Roman Tizzy. Photo via CANTER CA.

Roman Tizzy (ROMAN RULER – TIZAKITTY, BY DISTINCTIVE CAT): 2009 16.2-hand California-bred gelding

Roman is a real warhorse ready to show you that he can find success in not one, but two careers. A veteran of the track, “Roman” raced 53 times and earned $261,814 before retiring in 2018. After a nice long vacation that has left him feeling rested and refreshed, he’s been back under saddle for the last few months in a training program full of arena work, trail rides, and turnout time. Those currently working with him have found him to be an energetic guy who has thrived being a program where he’s working 5-6 days a week. It really seems like this guy wants to and really has the potential to thrive in a new sport!

Located in Del Mar, California.

View Roman Tizzy on CANTER CA

Precious Concern. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Precious Concern (JUSTENUFFHUMOR – OMSHANTI, BY CONCERN): 2013 16.1-hand New York bred mare

Precious Concern was first re-homed a few years ago after retiring from racing, where she made six starts with no top finishes, in 2017 with a bowed tendon. She was fully rehabbed and went on to compete in some eventing and show jumping with her owner. Unfortunately, due to a divorce, she’s now back with her race trainer (that part isn’t unfortunate — her race trainer obviously cares where their horses land!) and looking for a new person. Why don’t you take her home and see what she can do with you?

Located in Chestertown, Maryland.

View Precious Concern on the Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

With Highest Honor. Photo via CANTER MN.

With Highest Honor (MAGNA GRADUATE – SWEET FANTASTIC, BY YANKEE FAN): 2011 16.1-hand Nebraska-bred gelding

“Honor” came off the track in May of 2019 and was originally re-started by a teenage pony clubber who rode him several times a week and started him over fences. He’s since continued to work under folks at CANTER’s Minnesota branch and his riders there confirm that he’s a good solid citizen and can be ridden safely in or outside the arena and really brave (though still green) over fences. He really has the zest and eagerness to jump and has the potential to be a great event horse for someone, but that someone needs to be willing to invest the time into doing proper flatwork with him so that he can strengthen his back and carry himself with more balance.

Located in Minnesota.

View With Highest Honor on CANTER MN.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Hello Outside Rein!

By on May 18, 2020 5:00 pm -

Don’t go channeling you inner barrel racer too much here in Lainey Ashker‘s newest Grid of the Day (#GOTD) — this exercise will help you keep keenly aware of utilizing your outside rein to turn so that your horse’s outside shoulder doesn’t wander away! Hear what Lainey has to say:

“HELLO OUTSIDE REIN!!! I’m sure your coaches have yelled at you about this many times over the odd run out or pole down from time to time. This #GOTD hones right on in on perfecting those outside aids to get it done correctly! Make sure when approaching the right side to come off the right lead and make sure to keep ahold of the left rein and keep the outside leg back and vice versa! The barrels will really provide a good gage as to whether you’re using your tools correctly. This is one of my favorite exercises that really helps to create a more rideable horse underneath your saddle! Enjoy my friends! Hope we may have a show season upon us! 🤞🏽👊🏽💪🏽 #LÆ #outsiderein #theotheroutsiderein #quarentraining“

Thanks for sharing, Lainey!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Returning to Their Kentucky Home

By on May 17, 2020 9:00 am -

Thoroughbred racing is returning to Kentucky this weekend as Churchill Downs begins their meet Saturday, May 16 after a weeks-long delay to that start of their spring meet caused by COVID-19. As more racehorses return to the area, Kentucky-based rehoming organizations such as Second Stride, New Vocations, and Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center will likely start to take in more horses soon.

Wouldn’t you love to help them open up a stall by taking home an adoptable horse? Here are three current Kentucky residents looking to go home with you:

Can Do Man. Photo via Second Strides.

Can Do Man (CAN THE MAN – QUALITY MISS, BY GRAND SLAM): 2017 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Can Do Man can do anything when he grows up! This young one is still growing into himself and packing on some pounds, but I can picture a sleek-looking sporthorse under that baby chestnut fuzz, can’t you? He already shows off a big tracking-up trot and good use of his hind-end when working in a round pen. Can Do Man never made a career start on the track and actually hasn’t done any racing, so he’s a clean slate for anyone looking to scoop up a nice young horse to bring along

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Can Do Man on Second Stride.

Paddock Prince. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Paddock Prince (CAIRO PRINCE – EL FASTO, BY EL PRADO (IRE)): 2017 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Here’s another lovely-looking unraced youngster for you all! He certainly lives up to his name and a real princely-looking prospect. Though Paddock Prince did not race, he did live on the track and have published workouts (so he is 2020 or 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover eligible!) and is a very new, recently having been gelding upon arrival at MMSC so he’s still getting adjusted to his new environment. He’ll need an experienced adopter at this time for that reason, but the sky’s the limit for this guy once he’s been given the opportunity to settle in to a new life.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Paddock Prince on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Union Cat. Photo via Second Stride.

Union Cat (NOTIONAL – SOUTHERN TAPESTRY, BY SOUTHERN HALO): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Union Cat last raced in October 2019 and ran a total of six times, winning one race. Since arriving at Second Stride, Union Cat has been ridden in both English and Western tack. He’s also been cleared by the vet and is thought to be suitable for any discipline. Union Cat has a super cute expression under saddle and looks like like he could have some really cute movement too! We’ve featured Union Cat in a previous edition of OTTB Wishlist, but his profile photo has been updated since then and DANG he looks good!

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Union Cat on Second Stride Inc.

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on May 16, 2020 12:01 am -

All trained up and nowhere to go! It seems that these two youngsters from Liz Halliday-Sharp’s string can’t wait for competitions to resume again. It seems like it’s not just us humans that are missing being out on course over the weekend, our four-legged friends and partners seem to have a little pent up energy and zest to get back out there soon.

National Holiday: National Mimosa Day

Saturday Links:

The Downs and Ups of Sunken Roads

Moving Beyond “Why Me?”: Life After A Bipolar Diagnosis

Featured Clinician: Daniela Moguel

OTTBs are High-Maintenance (and so is every horse)

Lockdown: cross-country courses may reopen, while vets’ guidance is updated

Here’s What Happened When I — a Self-Proclaimed Pragmatist — Called an Animal Communicator

Churchill Downs Begins Spring Meet With Stacked Fields

Saturday Video: Jon Holling gives an update on frangible fence fundraising. And yes, we’re getting close to that #FrangibleNow tattoo.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: This Six Pole Leg Yielding Exercise is Simple but Brilliant

By on May 11, 2020 7:00 pm -

With the current break in competition, now is the perfect time to take the opportunity to go back to basics if you’re able to ride your horse. Lateral work is a great thing to focus on in particular, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little inside leg to outside rein work? My horse and I sure do.

Australian eventer Amanda Ross brings us this super versatile leg yielding exercise, which she first learned from US-based Australian show jumper, Harley Brown, and has stayed a staple exercise in her training toolkit for over 20 years. The beauty in this exercise is partially in its simplicity — all you need are 6 ground poles — and partially in how easy it is to tailor to various degrees of difficulties. It can be done at all three gaits and it can even be turned into a jumping exercise by raising the poles instead of using ground poles. Oh and don’t don’t worry — you don’t even have to have a proper 60 x 20 meter arena — it’s more about the spacing of the poles that matters.

Give this video a watch as Amanda first gives us a quick whiteboard lesson in how to set up the exercise, how to modify it if needed and then demonstrates it on two horses at different levels of training. I can guarantee you I’ll be setting this exercise up for myself next time I head to the barn — thanks for sharing, Amanda!

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on May 9, 2020 12:01 am -

THANK YOU… to everyone who has donated! ⭐️We want to help our front line workers world-wide and we can't do it…

Posted by Virtual Eventing on Friday, May 8, 2020

Have you been tuning into the NAF Virtual Eventing 5* over the past few days? It’s no replacement for Badminton, which should have been this weekend, I know, but it proven to be highly hysterical (see Wednesday’s virtual trot up) and even a bit educational, as one of Badminton’s regular dressage commentators Pammy Hutton bequeaths her knowledge to us by way of our virtual competitors. Not to mention it’s all for a heck of a good cause!

The “cross country” phase (no, we don’t know exactly what madness is in store either) live stream begins at 11:00 BST/ 6:00 AM EST and can be viewed here.

National Holiday: National Lost Sock Memorial Day

Saturday Links:

James C. Wofford’s COVID-19 Quarantine Guide: Go Back To School

Throwback — Badminton first-timers: Cathal Daniels — ‘She doesn’t know the fences are bigger than her’

Gail Greenough’s Tips on Getting Through Quarantine: ‘Be Proud of How You Spent This Journey’

‘I love them, even when I stink of their pee’: young riders’ school reports on their ponies

AAEP: Routine Vaccinations Considered Essential During COVID-19 Pandemic

Hot on Horse Nation: Horse Riders’ COVID-19 Wellness Chart

Saturday Video:

Jak working on his fancy foot work. We are excited to get things rolling again!

Posted by Buck Davidson Eventing on Friday, May 8, 2020

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Mares, Mares, Mares

By on May 8, 2020 9:00 am -

Sing that to the tune of the Mötley Crüe song.

But really though, it’s been a hot minute since we featured an all-mare OTTB Wishlist and being the mare-power lover than I am, I think we’re a little overdue! Take a look at the three ladies we’re spotlighting this week:

Photo via CANTER Illinois.

Waddle (STROLL – FUSIONISTA, BY DEPUTY COMMANDER): 2013 16.0-hand Illinois-bred mare

Run, don’t walk (or waddle) to scoop up this lovely mare. After a career total 52 starts that earned $52,300 on the track, Waddle is looking for a new life post-racing. This warhorse has run consistently since 2016, with her last race being this March, and is retiring without any known vices or injuries. She’ll likely have plenty of athleticism left for a new career and looks to be lovely sport horse type.

Located at Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville, Illinois.

View Waddle on CANTER Illinois.

Anywaythewindblows. Photo via Second Stride.

Anywaythewindblows (BELLAMY ROAD – STEALSIGGYSTHUNDER, BY THUNDER GULCH): 2016 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Anywaythewindblows … doesn’t really matter to me (Bohemian Rhapsody, anyone? Anyone?) This cute chestnut filly sure should matter to you! We don’t have a ton of information on her yet, since she’s a new arrival at Second Stride, but we love her cute expression and keen eye. Having last raced in October 2019 and retiring after five total starts and no placings, Anywaythewindblows has been reportedly been really enjoying her newfound life getting turned out and learning a new job under saddle.

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Anywaythewindblows on Second Stride Inc.

Catania Rose. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Catania Rose (CATIENUS – TURF AND ROSES, BY MILLIONS): 2014 15.2-hand New York-bred mare

If you’re looking for a sporty little mare, Catania Rose could be just the one for you. “Rosie” was a fair earner on the track, netting $68,556 in 28 stars. Due to her size, New Vocations think she’d make a great polo or polocrosse, even introducing her to a polocrosse racquet and ball which she didn’t bat an eye at, but we wouldn’t count out eventing as a second career for her! In addition to having a sweet personality, she’s also shown that she’s brave, has a nice spark of energy, and is willing to try new things.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Expectations vs. Reality

By on May 4, 2020 6:00 pm -

expectation vs. reality, horse girl addition… would recommend listening with sound. It makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable. lol

Posted by Savannah Blackstock on Wednesday, April 29, 2020

We all have those pictures in our head: visions of a floating dressage test, the boldest and most seamless of cross country runs, and a smooth as silk stadium round. But we also all know that’s not the case all (most) of the time! Area III young rider Savannah Blackstock has put together a video montage of some of those, shall we say, less savory (but highly hysterical!) moments. Haven’t we all been there, really?