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.
Interested in an off-the-track Thoroughbred without actually taking them off the track yourself? This week’s OTTB Wishlist is for you! Our three featured horses this week all have a jump on their training for their second career. They’ve gotten an excellent start to their retraining thanks to the aftercare programs or current homes that they are with and are ready to show you what they’ve got! Bring one of them home and leave the start box with them sooner rather than later:
Diamond Junior. Photo via MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.
The folks at MAHR honestly can’t figure out how this great gelding is still available! Diamond Junior, known around the barn as “Jack,” came to MAHR straight from his racing connections last year and is a 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover graduate, where he competed in the show hunters division. Jack has a great brain and is just as rideable out in a field as he is in an arena. He handled the atmosphere of the Makeover wonderfully, but is a little bit too keen to the fences make for a hunter — he’d definitely prefer to be an eventer or show jumper! Just from one picture you can see the he’s allergic to wood and hates to touch a rail. Be sure to check out the most recent video of him in a jump school.
This handsome tall hunk of a gelding needs someone to give him a job! Boca is an athletically gifted guy who enjoys working, but he can be hard on himself if she doesn’t answer the question right the first time. He’ll therefore flourish best with a rider who can be a confident, tactful and encouraging. On the ground, he’ll try to get away with some naughty behavior if you let him, but if you present yourself as the leader and gain his trust then he’ll be a perfect gentleman. The Friends of Ferdinand staff say this horse is real trier and will excel in whatever he’s asked if you can show him patience and dedication. Check out his most recent jumping video!
Olympic Thunder was originally adopted from New Vocations in 2015, but unfortunately is seeking re-homing due to allergies he is experiencing in the coastal South Carolina region. “Thunder” developed an allergy to biting gnats (“no-see ums”) about three years ago, which is now affecting him year round and his veterinarian recommended that he live in an area where these insects are not as prevalent. His adopter is very regrettably searching for a new home for her beloved horse, but knows it’s the right thing to do for him. In their time together, they have done hunter/jumpers, evented, and even ridden trails through the mountains in Dupont Forest. Thunder has no vices, is sound and has no other health issue aside from the insect allergies. He still has loads of potential as an athletic partner, but also the temperament to enjoy a slower lifestyle. He is currently being used in an equine-assisted psychotherapy program working with at-risk youth.
Elisa Wallace and Susan Day’s Sharp Decision made easy work of the CCI2*-S cross country at Red Hills over the weekend, finishing 16th overall in a competitive division. As always, Elisa had her GoPro on for the ride, and let’s just take a moment to marvel at how far the helmet cam technology has come in recent years. This has to be some of the smoothest helmet cam footage we’ve ever seen!
This helmet cam is a bit of a treat, as we also get to hear Elisa break down her ride with Briggs Surrat, who also contested the CCI2*-S with Corture, as the GoPro keeps rolling.
Double trouble! Photo via Annelies van den Broek on Facebook.
Looks like it’s going to be double trouble on the dressage circuit in the next decade. Late last week, Dutch dressage trainer and breeder Annelies van den Broek welcomed KWPN twins by the dressage legend Totilas out of her mare D. Obertje. Both foals, one colt and one filly, and their mother are doing well so far. Fingers crossed for these little ones!
The eventing community continues to mourn the death of Kat Morel and her horse Kerry On, and her home community in particular is still is state of shock and grief. Those close to her remember her as a goal-driven woman who was “the life of the party and was always helping people.” Kerry On’s stall at Sherwood Park Sandridge Stables has been filling with flowers in memorial for the pair. [‘Still in shock’ over death of rider Kat Morel]
15-year-old eventer Finley Hughes from New South Wales, Australia share her story about mental health. After the death of her beloved first horse, Finley found her anxiety spiraling out of control. Throughout her recovery, she drew support from the equestrian community and found that it was OK to enjoy time with her current horse without the pressure of taking lessons or competing. [Junior Rider Speaks Out About Mental Health]
Another opportunity to contest a CCI1*-L is coming to the Ocala International 3-Day Festival. Their jam-packed FEI lineup at the Festival of Eventing, which takes place April 8 – 12, also already includes CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L. And not to leave the national levels out of the fun, there’s prize money offered in the jackpot classes! Jackpot classes are offered at every national level, which for the Festival is Novice through Advanced/Intermediate. [Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing]
Monday Featured Video: So close to the first benchmark goal of 100k!
Don’t forget to mind your melon today and every day! Photo via EN archives (because why wouldn’t we have an archived photo of a cat with a melon on its head?)
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month and the Jockeys’ Guild will be raising awareness for this super-relevant cause by declaring today Brain Injuries Awareness Day and having jockeys in major stakes races across the country wear blue arm bands. Here at EN, we’re strong proponents of wearing your helmet every ride, every time. We also hope that the research being done to increase the safety of our sport will extend to further develop even safer, more effective helmets. Mind your melons, everyone!
National Holiday: It’s also National Flapjack Day, which is what your brain will be if you don’t wear your helmet.
They may all share that (mostly) plain brown wrapper, but they come in all shapes and sizes and from all over North America, from Ontario to Louisiana! There’s something for everyone here in this edition of OTTB Wishlist: a high-earning stakes-placed professional, a still-on-the-track five-year-old, and an unraced filly. Come and get ’em!
Photos don’t do this gorgeous gelding justice (even though it’s still visible that he’s hunk) but you really need to watch his jog video because WOW — that walk and trot! Smooth Talk is a horse that has that sought after natural hind end engagement, which means he’ll probably be a stunner in the first phase. It’s not all about the dressage though, of course, and his naturally powerful hind end paired with a lovely should makes it look like Smooth Talk could have some excellent jumping talent as well.
“Vinny,” as he’s known around the barn, isn’t a bad race horse — he’s earned $65,746 in 13 starts — but he prefers to run on synthetic tracks, which don’t operate for another few months in Pennsylvania. Rather than hang on to him until then, his trainer is offering him up for sale. Her loss could be your gain!
Zapperini has already proven himself as an athlete with lots of heart. This son of the famous Ghostzapper has ran in Stakes races up and down the east coast, winning $261,471 in 32 starts. On the ground, “Zane” has that been-there-done-that unflappable attitude that well-traveled race horses tend to have. He retired from racing sound and with know known injuries and he’s also a horse that really enjoys work and always has some pep in his step under saddle. Also described as a forward-thinking horse who’s curious and does well with new challenges, we can really see Zane excelling in eventing as a second career!
This young filly looks sweet and charming, indeed! Charming Roberta is un-raced, but does have published workouts, the most recent being February 29th of this year, so she is eligible for the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover if you’re an accepted trainer still looking for your horse. We don’t have too much information on this filly at this time since she’s a very new arrival at Second Stride, but we can see that she has a nice neck and shoulder and a very kind look in her eye.
Who needs standards when you have a jump crew that can learn choreography?
There isn’t a lot of information to go along with this video, and I don’t speak German, but from what we can tell it appears that this horse is Asagao xx, a Thoroughbred stallion owned by Markus Hoffrogge who stands at stud at Krüsterhof in Voerde, Germany. Asagao xx has evented through the CCI2*-S level and seems to also have a penchant for showcases wherein he display a calm, cool and collected talent for jumping poles with human standards. That’s one focused horse and rider, along with a very brave and organized jump crew!
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The racing — and sport horse — world lost a legend last month, with the passing of A.P. Indy at the age of 31. If you’ve ever looked up a Thoroughbred’s pedigree on Equineline, chances are that you’ll have seen his name a generation or two back. The stately stallion, who won close to $3 million in 11 races, has been an influential sire for many other race horses and sport horses alike.
There are a number of his progeny running around cross country courses across the nation; for example, if we take a quick look at the Retired Racehorse Project’s user-driven database the Thoroughbred Sport Tracker, there are 60 horses who have A.P. Indy for a grandsire out of the 991 registered as eventers. Of course, we can point out a few particularly recognizable event horse names as well such as Andrea Baxter’s Indy 500 (My Gifted Indyanna), Phillip Dutton’s Sea of Clouds, Leah Lang-Gluscic’s AP Prime, and Jon Holling’s Ragtime Rebel.
In honor of A.P. Indy, this week we’re featuring three geldings who can trace their lineage to one of the most notable stallions of all time:
Shipsandgoods. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
With A.P. Indy as his grandsire, Shipsandgoods made 30 career starts over the last four years though he only earned a modest $55,731 in total. Known around the barn as “Captain,” this came to New Vocations through NYTHA’s TAKE THE LEAD Program and they’ve found him to be a friendly and personable horse who enjoys attention. He’s also a forward moving and forward thinking ride who has the making of a great sport horse with consistent training.
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.
Total Access looks like the total package with his fun flashy chrome and lovely sport horse type. According to his connections he’s completely sound and has no injuries as he “doesn’t run fast enough to hurt himself.” He earned $24,640 in his 12 career starts. Total Access’ grandsire, Malibu Moon, who is a son of A.P. Indy, is said be a sought after event horse sire.
Megan Sykes and Kaylawna Smith-Cook both completed their first Advanced at Twin Rivers this weekend. Congratulations, ladies! Photo via Heather Morris.
There are numerous reasons that we chose to pursue this crazy sport, and each and every one of us has our own. Primarily, I think it’s a love and a deep respect for the amazing, trusting animals that are our partners, but the human friendships are another very beautiful thing that come from this sport. Many of the friendships that I have made through eventing and through horses in general are ones that I’ll carry with me forever.
I lost a friend last year to a cross country accident, so I’m thinking especially of Katharine’s friends and family right now. It’s very hard, if not impossible to find solace at this time, but may it be a very small consolation to know that the greater eventing community stands by you right now and even though we have experienced several horrible, heartbreaking tragedies within the past year, there is still beauty to be found in this sport.
We want the mainstream news to shine the limelight on our sport more, but not for this reason.USA Today reports on the death of Katharine Morel and her horse Kerry On, who passed away as a result of a rotational at Rocking Horse this weekend and we are deeply mourning. They spoke with Equestrian Canada high performance director James Hoold. [Canadian equestrian rider Katharine Morel, horse Kerry On die following fall in competition]
Last chance to show your support for Kailey Giancola with a #RideForKailey shirt, saddle pad or C4 belt! Ordering closes on Monday, March 2, at midnight. We are all rooting for 25-year-old Kailey, who is in rehabilitation at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta after suffering a severe brain stem injury in mid-December. We are very thankful for the daily updates via her CaringBridge online journal here. Other ways to support Kailey and her family in this difficult time include making a donation to her medical expense fund GoFundMe here.
The 2020 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, one of New Zealand’s largest equestrian events, kicks off at the beginning of next week. Three kiwi Olympic great will be taking part in the competition — Blyth Tait, Jock Paget and Clarke Johnstone — will all be competing, but only Clarke will be making a push to represent his country in Tokyo. Clarke has already qualified Balmoral Sensation, and will be looking to qualify a second mount: High Aces. [Kiwi eventer Clarke Johnstone launches Olympic campaign from Land Rover Horse of the year show]
Monday Featured Video: Because who could resist a horse named Appletini? Great ride, Anna!
Libby Head and Sir Rockstar fly over the Cottesmore Leap — the most famous leap we can think of! Photo via Libby on Facebook.
It comes around once every four years — Happy February 29th, a.k.a. Leap Day! Do we have any citizens of Eventing Nation out there celebrating birthdays today? What about event horses born on this date? Let us know and allow us to be the first to wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Saturday Video: Tokyo is the first Olympics and Paralympics to create animated pictograms for each sport. You can check out each Equestrian discipline starting at 1:23 in the video below!
Five-star eventer Elisa Wallace has a new upper-level partner in her string. Introducing Let It Be Lee, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Bernstein X Sugaree, by Broad Brush) owned by Donna Biggs and Rosemarie Spillane. “Lee” raced under his Jockey Club name Leerider, making 12 career starts and earning almost $13,000 before coming off the track in 2011, and has previous eventing experience with Kyle Carter who produced him up to the Intermediate/ CCI3* level.
After first trying out Lee in December, the new team got their first run together under their belts with an outing at the Preliminary level at Three Lakes Winter I H.T. before stepping up to Intermediate at Rocking Horse Winter II where they finished in 10th place on a score of 50.4. Elisa shared this video of their first Intermediate together and walks us through each phase and how she’s working on building a relationship with her new partner. Good luck Elisa and Lee — we can’t wait to see you out and about more this season!
Who’s ready for a spa day? Many of us may still be pulling our horses out of fields after a nice long off-season vacation and after this well-earned downtime they can sometimes look just a bit, erm, feral.
That’s where many of these quick grooming tips from Amanda Ross, an Australian eventer whose season is currently in full swing, come in. Starting with touch ups on the bridle path, whiskers, tail, saddle patch (I didn’t realize there was a name for this!) and dealing with an unruly mane with various thicknesses, she shows us her number one tips for going glam squad on a horse who’s just coming back into work. Plus, she shares tricks of the trade on creating everyone’s favorite fancy fanny art: quarter marks, of course!
The littlest volunteer was put to work as official divet-stomper of Fence 6! Photo via Kimberly Neumeyer on Facebook.
I’d like to take a moment to send a shoutout to all of the organizers and volunteers at Pine Top Farm this weekend who played a part in running their annual Advanced H.T. A massive event, which hosts Novice through Advanced levels, and many sections within those levels, over the course of three days — I was getting tired just writing the event recap, I can hardly imagine what it takes to actually run the show. Plus, everyone had the rainy weather over the proceeding week to deal with and some schedule shuffling (no easy feat!) was necessary to make sure all divisions were able to run safely on good footing. We salute you, Pine Toppers!
The name of an Olympic-qualified horse has put its country in jeopardy of losing their spot. Usman Khan would be the first ever Pakistani equestrian to compete the in Olympics, having qualified with Azad Kashmir, a 13-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred, to earn one of two individual spots in Group F (Africa and the Middle East.) The horse shares its name with the territory of Kashmir, which is currently under Pakistan’s control, but is disputed to belong to India. The Indian Olympic Association may lodge a formal complaint with the IOC, as they find the horse’s name politically sensitive. [What’s in a Name? Plenty, it would appear, if you ride for Pakistan]
Grant application for Badminton CCI5*-L and Luhmühlen CCI5*-L are now open for U.S. FEI Registered Eventing Athletes. Applications are due by March 27, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. EST. (though be mindful that the closing date for Badminton is March 19) and can be accessed through the USEF Athlete Dashboard. The grants are generously funded through the USET Foundation’s Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grants and Karen E. Stives Endowment Grants. [Grant Opportunities now available]
Monday Featured Video: Take a quick little escape from reality and picture yourself here …
Riding on the beach in Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands while on vacation. I am riding Ultra(after the beer, Michelob), part of a horse sanctuary on this small beautiful island. All the horses here are rescues, mostly thoroughbreds from the track that can no longer race. Wonderful experience
“Effective immediately, eventing athletes can send eventing tack questions to one dedicated e-mail address and receive a response in a timely manner. Just send your inquiry to [email protected] and you will receive a response from USEF Eventing Department staff within 24 hours.
“To ensure a complete response, please provide as many details with your inquiry as possible i.e. a detailed description of the item, a photo or link to an illustration of the item, the level and test(s) you wish to use the tack for etc.”
These three little sentences actually equate to something seriously helpful for anyone with that nagging “Is this allowed?” question regarding permitted tack at National (Beginner Novice through Advanced) and International/ FEI (CCI1* through CCI5*) levels, because now you can get a definitive answer — wait for it — straight from the horse’s mouth.
Of course, you can always check the USEA/USEF rulebook or the latest version of the FEI Eventing Rules and their FAQ on tack, equipment and dress to see if you can find the answer yourself before asking the authorities — I’m sure the fine folk at US Equestrian would appreciate that — but it’s a lovely resource to have! And don’t forget to be as detailed as possible too, so that they can do their best to answer your question.
You can also keep up to date with the latest memos, such as this one that the USEF issued on Friday addressing the most recent hot topic on snaffle-links which we are affectionately calling “snafflegate,” on the newly revamped USA Eventing Website. Thanks USEF!
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.
You’re not going to need super bright colors if you’re riding one of these striking horses across the country. One look at your mount and your significant other/ parents/ barn mates will easily be able to tell that it’s you across the field! Interested in an event horse that will be sure to catch everyone’s eye? Make sure you check out these three listings on Sport Horse Nation:
AC Pantomime a.k.a. “Rio”. Training level with talent for much more. 2008 17. 2 h fancy movement and tons of scope. Ready for Prelim this season. Very forward thinking needs confident capable rider. Located in Aiken County, South Carolina.
Zaragoza Acres offers for sale ‘Lute and Sweet’ (Midnight Lute xx – Alphabet Soup xx).
Lute and Sweet is a stunning 2014 16.3h Thoroughbred Mare. “Lute” has already established an impressive resume: In 2018, she won her 4-year Old YEH Qualifier with an 82.2% and went on to be the Reserve Champion at the East Coast YEH Championship with an 81%. In 2019, Lute has competed and finished in the top placings at Training Level and even stepped around her first Modified and Preliminary maintaining an impeccable cross country record. Most recently, Lute placed 5th in her first event of the 2020 season in the Open Prelim at Pine Top HT. She is a lovely mover with a beautiful outline on the flat with a wonderful willingness for lateral work. Over fences, Lute is brave, confident and has great technique. This stunning mare with her quiet demeanor and exceptional attitude and work ethic, would be an ideal horse for a young rider or adult amateur!
Imported from England. If you’re looking for a performance horse, consider GFS Chiquitita, an elegant buckskin filly that was bred with eventing in mind, but with her exceptionally unique bloodlines and heritage she would make an outstanding dressage horse or show jumper. She’ll be able to go in any discipline or direction you want to take her once she matures. Chiquitita carries the exceptional traits of the Kinsky Warmblood, the Hanoverian, Irish Sporthorse, as well as the Russian Trakehner, Akhal Teke and Thoroughbred, all of which are noted for the athleticism, incredible temperaments, willingness under saddle and powerful performance ability. Located in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Listings included in this article are randomly selected and 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.
Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Chris OHagen Quinn.
It was a literally freezing morning at Pine Top Farm in Thomson, Georgia yesterday (isn’t it supposed to be warm down south?) but blue skies prevailed and great day of sport was had as the Advanced and Intermediate divisions ran cross country in one of biggest season-opening events on the East Coast. Those who led the Advanced divisions after the first phase maintained their leads to bring home blue ribbons at the conclusion of the competition.
Doug Payne and Starr Witness led the Advanced A-A division from wire-to-wire, making for a rather impressive debut at the level. The pair nabbed the lowest marks of all the Advanced level entrants in the competition, a 23.80, and ran the second fastest cross country round at the level, adding two time penalties to finish with a score of 25.80.
The now 9-year-old Dutch mare (Chello II x Carmen, by Veneur), owned by Doug, Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter, has had an impressive career at the Intermediate level prior to her Advanced move-up this weekend. Last year she and Doug won both the The Fork at Tryon CCI3*-S and the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event CCI3*-L. The “Ginja Ninja,” as she’s affectionately known, further proved her mettle with Doug by representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru last summer finishing fourth individually and helping the U.S. to secure team gold. Looks like the sky is the limit for this young liver chestnut mare, and we’re pretty excited to see what’s in store for her next!
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Moonshine had been occupying the second slot in this division after yesterday’s show jumping, but the gelding slipped and fell on the flat after fence 5 on cross country. After both horse and rider were checked that it was deemed that each were O.K., they were allowed to continue but unfortunately the incident caused them to run a minute and a half over optimum time which saw them drop down the leaderboard. However, that left room for Ireland’s Tim Bourke and the beautiful dark bay 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Quality Time (Guidam X Ruby Roller, by High Roller) owned by Carla Abramcheck to finish in second place with a score of 38.50, adding just planned cross country time to their dressage score.
Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code, owned by Joan and Geoffery Nichols, knocked a good 6.7 penalty points off of their dressage score compared to their marks from this event last year. Their score of 29.60, which saw them in second place in the division after the first phase, is a personal best for Kylie and the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Master Imp X Clovers Apollo, by Clover Hill) at the Advanced/ CCI4* level. The pair pulled two rails in Friday’s show jumping, dropping them to 10th place overnight, but speedy cross country trip that racked up only 2.8 time penalties caused them to bounce back up to finish in third place with a final score of 40.4 and a lovely strong start to their season!
Liz-Halliday Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Mary Patricia Stone.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and the Monster Partnership‘s Cooley Quicksilver won one of the Advanced divisions at this event last year, and they repeated the feat again yesterday topping the Advanced A-B leaderboard with a score of 29.60, also leading the division from start until finish.
Cooley Quicksilver, or “Monster” as he’s known around the barn, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer X Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond), scored a personal best at the level in the dressage, earning a 24.80. The pair added just time — 0.4 in show jumping and 4.40 across the country — to that dressage score.
After riding four horses at Pine Top this weekend, Liz has already traveled back down to Florida to Three Lakes Winter II H.T. where she is competing another three horses. Here’s to a continued successful weekend, Liz!
Second and third places in this division remained unchanged as well. Jenny Caras and Advanced level debutante Trendy Fernhill, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ars Vivendi X Cruseings Girl, by Cruising) owned by the rider, rode the fastest across the country in this division, adding 3.20 time penalties to their dressage score for a final score of 32.00. Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way, owned Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, added 7.60 time penalties to their dressage score to hold third place on a 37.40 with the 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Mighty Magic X Straightaway, by Star Regent XX) in her debut at the level. Congratulations to both riders on such successful move ups with these horses.
Emily Beshear and Olney Uncle Sam. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.
Our third Advanced wire-to-wire winner is Emily Beshear and Olney Uncle Sam, owned by Jennifer Ward, taking the title in the Advanced B division with a 32.50 after adding only 6.40 cross country time penalties to their dressage score. Emily got the ride on the now 13-year-old Trakhhner gelding (Sonset Sieger X Aerial, by Starman) in 2017 after his owner rode him through the CCI2*-L level. Emily moved him up to the Advanced level at the Fair Hill H.T. in April of 2018 and his dressage score this weekend of 26.10 is his second best at the level.
The only clear and inside the time cross country ride of all three Advanced splits was delivered by Canada’s Waylon Roberts and Lancaster, a 13-year-old Canadian Sporthorse gelding owned by Michelle and John Koppin, who won one of the Advanced divisions here last year. This speedy round, along with a double clear show jumping test, meant that they moved up the leaderboard from seventh place after dressage and finished the weekend on their dressage score of 33.40 in second place in this division.
Third place was earned by fellow Canadian Colleen Loach and her seasoned partner Qorry Blue D’Argouges, owned by Peter Barry, as they added 5.60 time penalties to their first phase score. The 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Mr Blue X Hardie Bu Bourg, by Count Ivor) owned by Peter Barry has taken Colleen from her first appearance as a member of team Canada at the 2015 PanAms to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and to the 2018 World Equestrian Games — it’s always fun to see such an established partnership doing what they do best out on course!
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Mary Patricia Stone.
If you thought the three Advanced divisions were jam-packed, then bear with me as we take a quick glance at the four Intermediate divisions which are certainly not to be ignored:
Colleen Loach nabbed a one-two finish in the Intermediate Horse division with FE Golden Eye, her 2019 PanAm Games mount, and Vermont, who placed second in the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI3*-L last fall, with scores of 33.80 and 34.90 respectively. Hot on their heels in this division were Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Stormwater who finished in third with 35.60 marks.
Sara Kozumplik Murphy didn’t let a cross country blip during the MARS Eventing Showcase earlier this month derail her confidence aboard her magical unicorn Rubens D’Ysieux as they took the win in the Open Intermediate A division. The pair very nearly finished on their dressage score, but ran two seconds over time across country for a final score of 31.30. Liz Halliday-Sharp makes another leaderboard appearance, this time with Flash Cooley, in second place on a 37.40. Our USEF Eventing CCI5* National Champions and 2019 PanAm Games individual gold medalists Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg nabbed third place in this division. After a well-deserved vacation, this is the first horse trials back after the PanAms for the little black gelding that could.
Speaking of Boyd, this was his first full competition back after recovering from a groin injury that resulted from a fall at Plantation Field last September. He said in a recent blog post that he’s feeling “fit as a fiddle” and not one to ease back into the swing of things, he jumped in with both feet and rode nine total horses this weekend! Tsetserleg wasn’t the only famous name among them, either: Blackfoot Mystery, Boyd’s 2016 Rio Olympic Games mount, made his first USEA start since September 2017 in the Open Preliminary A division this weekend.
The Open Intermediate B win went to Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool, a Holsteiner gelding relatively new to U.S. soil as he was imported last year by Caroline Moran from Germany’s Dirk Schraede. They finished on a 32.80 after adding just cross country time to their dressage score. The second and third placed finishers in this division both leapt up the leaderboards by finishing on their dressage scores. Alexandra MacLeod and Newmarket Jack moved from 10th after dressage to finish second (35.30) and Sara Kozumplik Murphy jumped from eighth to third with Gran Torino (37.80).
Finally, we come to the Open Intermediate division which was topped by Katie Lichten aboard her sister Maddie Lichten’s Yarrow. Despite a single rail in stadium, a fast ride across the country coming accumulating just two time penalties for a final score of 35.00 earned them the blue. Katherine Christopher and Frodo of the Shire moved from sixth after dressage to finish in second place with a 39.60 while a score of 41.00 sees Katherine DeLaney and Canto Royale finish third.
Boatloads of thanks go to Chris OHagen Quinn and Mary Patricia Stone for being our eyes on the ground this weekend and sharing their photography skills.
Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.
Each February, Pine Top Farm plays host to one of the very first premier events on the East Coast eventing scene. Year to year, their Advanced H.T. entry list reads as a who’s who of the upper-level scene and offers competitors the opportunity to strut their stuff early in the season and assess their mounts ahead of the marquee spring events that are now coming up in just a matter of months.
The Thomson, Georgia area, where Pine Top Farm is located, has experienced some heavy rain earlier this week and the organizers have smartly shifted the event schedule around in an attempt to let the footing dry out before the cross country phase is run. (By the way, anyone competing on Sunday should make sure to double check the schedule and their times for tomorrow after 7 pm today!) Cross country for the Advanced and Intermediate levels was rescheduled from Friday to midday today. With that, dressage and show jumping took place for these levels yesterday.
Let’s take a look at the current Advanced leaderboards (there are three splits!) after the first two phases and say hello to some familiar faces that are out and about this weekend:
Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.
We’re delighted to see a number of familiar equine names making their Advanced level debut this weekend. None other than Starr Witness, Doug Payne‘s gold medal winning 2019 Pan American Games mount, is leading currently leading the Advanced A-A division in her first appearance at this level. The pair scored a very impressive 23.80 in the dressage — the lowest score of all three Advanced divisions this weekend — and will remain on that score heading into cross country today having jumped a dazzling double clear over a Chris Barnard-designed show jumping course.
The “Ginja Ninja” and Doug are a good seven marks ahead of the second place horse and rider in their division, Liz Halliday-Sharp with Cooley Moonshine, another Advanced level debutante, who sit on their dressage score of 30.70. The top three in this section is rounded out by Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B with a 32.30, having also show jumped double clear.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.
Liz Halliday-Sharp makes another leaderboard appearance in the Advanced A-B division with Cooley Quicksilver — who won one of the Advanced divisions in last year’s H.T. — posting a personal best dressage score for the horse at the Advanced/ CCI4* level with a 24.80. The pair show jumped just one second over time but left all the poles in the cups so they will head into cross country with a score of 25.20. Can they make it back-to-back Pine Top wins?
Two more horses making their Advanced level debuts take the second and third positions in this division. Trendy Fernhill with newly engaged Jenny Caras (congrats Jenny and Waylon!) sit on a 28.80 and Mama’s Magic Way and Will Faudree are hot on their heels one penalty point behind.
Emily Beshear and Olney Uncle Sam. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.
The third Advanced split, the Advanced B division, is led by Emily Beshear and Olney Uncle Sam on their dressage score of 26.10. Not far behind them with a 28.60 lies Canada’s Colleen Loach and her 2016 Rio Olympics mount, Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Our USEF CCI4* National Champions Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy round out the top three on a 32.30.
Pine Top Advanced H.T. isn’t just Advanced divisions, of course, and it’s a jam-packed weekend of eventing at the farm. Here are the leaders of the Intermediate divisions, who also did their dressage and show jumping yesterday:
Intermediate Horse: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (25.00)
Open Intermediate A: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg (24.50)
Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (28.80)
Open Intermediate C: Jacob Fletcher and Fabian (36.10)
Many, many thanks to Mary Patricia Stone for the beautiful photos featured in this report. Cross country day at Pine Top starts right about now with Advanced kicking off at 11:00am, followed by Intermediate at about 1:30pm. Here’s wishing safe and speedy rides to all. Stay tuned for post-cross country reports!
Here’s a fabulous example of eventing doing good things in world! Louise Meryman of the Millbrook Horse Trials organizing committee recently presented the Pine Plains Community Food Locker with a check for $2,500 from proceeds of their 2019 horse trials. The Pine Plains Community Food Locker is an initiative that provides Millbrook area families in need with groceries. Well done Millbrook HT organizers, and everyone that came and competed at Millbrook last year!
Having fun building confidence and trust with #MunsonSlew. He really responds to working bareback, because you have to really trust your horse in order for them to trust you. #IbelieveinMunson #buildingtrust #BarebackCrossCountry #barebackandahalter #MunsonBurner #keepsmesharp #buildingtrust #SlewPower #hangontight #bravemunson
The Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) portion of the 2020 USEA Educational Symposium wrapped up yesterday at Barnstaple South in Ocala, Florida. Participants and auditors are taking home some new knowledge thanks to featured clinician Andreas Dibowski, a multiple five-star winner and gold medal-winning member of 2008 German Olympic team.
Even if you weren’t able to attend the symposium, you can still benefit from some of the sessions and glean some nuggets of wisdom thanks to these videos posted from the sessions as well as the USEA’s fabulous coverage of the symposium. Take a peek at this collection of videos from the ICP Symposium and get your learn on! Don’t forget that the symposium continues the rest of this week with the YEH and FEH sessions as well.
Another clip from day one of the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) #InstructorsCertificationProgram (ICP) dressage portion of the 2020 Educational Symposium. Stay tuned for show jumping and cross country tomorrow!
One last clip from one of my favorite events of the year to sponsor, the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) Educational Symposium. Here’s another round of show jumping with Olympic Gold Medalist, Andreas Dibowski. On to day two of the Instructors’ Certification Program!
For the 616 accepted entries, 153 of those are eventing entries, to the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover, the search is officially in full-force for their Makeover horse if they haven’t found one yet. Trainers have until July 31st to register their horses, but the earlier the better of course!
If you’re a trainer still looking for their 2020 Makeover partner, look no further than Second Stride Inc. — they have a number of good-looking RRP-eligible horses right now and a special offer for anyone aiming for the Makeover: they’ll reimburse your RRP entry free for any Second Stride graduate who completes the competition!
We’ve picked out three currently available RRP-eligible Second Stride horses who could very well be your Makeover match:
Looking for a sweet filly to be the love of your life? Mon Amour is the one for you! This sweet-faced, keen-eyed four-year-old is just lightly raced with only one start on her record. Her owners decided immediately that she was too slow to keep in training. We’re betting she has some untapped sport horse potential wrapped up in that dark bay package though!
Located at Dale Romans Training Center in Goshen, Kentucky.
If you want a horse guaranteed to catch the judges eye, Keros is your guy! This gelding looks like a character out of a storybook and you can see the old Arab lineage of the Thoroughbred in him in profile shots. Keros made 7 total starts on the track, even hitting the board a few times, and is said to be very kind, easy to ride and handle. In the interest of full disclosure, his owners and trainer are choosing not to continue his training because of hoof problems they’ve had with him and recommend keeping four shoe on him. Keros last raced in July of 2019, so he has had lots of of time to rest and grow some foot, plus you can get your farrier on the case when you take him home.
Walking Stick may be an unassuming-looking chestnut gelding, but maybe he could turn into a jumping bean with the right person? Under saddle he’s a soft, well-balanced ride and is already pro at trotting ground poles without batting an eyelash. As a two-year-old, Walking Stick had throat surgery to remove a nasal cyst. The surgery left his face looking a little lumpy (but no less lovable!) but had no effect on his athletic ability, as he went on to win races post-surgery and finished is career with 18 starts and $81,360 earned.
It’s been a moment since we’ve heard an update on Jon Holling‘s newest OTTB prospect, the now 6-year-old gelding Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) that he found through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. Rebel enjoyed a nice off-season vacation after his Training level debut in November and has come out swinging this season with a great Training level run at Ocala Winter I H.T. last weekend.
In Jon’s latest YouTube vlog, he analyzes the footage from this latest outing, from a somewhat spooky dressage test, to a foot-perfect show jump round, to a workmanlike cross country performance. The pair finished double clear in both jumping phases to finish on their dressage score for 7th place in their division. We’re looking forward to seeing Jon and Rebel out and about this season!
You can catch up on Jon’s previous OTTB Blogs here.
Welcome to the world, Hunter Fredericks and Mia Sprecher!
Another batch of brand new baby eventers have joined us over the last few days and we could not be be more pleased to welcome them to the world! Both bundles of joy made their grand entrances on February 12th: Mia Sprecher was born to Kate Chadderton and Larry Sprecher, while Hunter Fredericks was born to Lisa Baker and Clayton Fredericks. Biggest of congratulations to both families!
The 2020 USEA Educational Symposium starts today! TheICP Symposium with featured clinician Andreas Dibowski runs today and tomorrow, while Wednesday and Thursday are dedicated to the YEH and FEH programs respectively. You can view the schedule here and make sure you keep tabs of the USEA website for the latest happenings. [USEA Educational Symposium]
Beezie Madden announced her semi-retirement over the weekend, beginning after the Tokyo Olympics this summer. After a legendary career, the prolific show jumper’s name is recognized by an equestrian no matter their discipline. Once this year’s Olympics are over, which would be Beezie’s fifth, she will focus of developing horses and riders to the championship level. [Madden To Change Sport Career Direction After Tokyo]
An Olympic eventer and top tier steeplechase jockey walk into in educational forum … No really though, Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power were presenters at the recent International Eventing Forum at Hartpury College in England and each talked about the essentials for the perfect showjumping round. Robbie is a former show jumper as well, and the two athletes found many parallels between their respective sports. [Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power on what makes the perfect jumping round]
Monday Featured Video: February is Equine Dental Awareness month! Elisa Wallace gives us an update on one of her Mustangs, who had surgery to remove an infected tooth:
My Valentine’s Day 2019 view. Photo by Abby Powell.
One year ago I was in Aiken helping out my trainer. It wasn’t until after I had booked my flight down that I realized I’d be inadvertently ditching my husband on Valentine’s Day … whoops. He was cool with it though, because that’s the kind of guy he is and he’s pretty great about letting me (and by letting me I actually mean encouraging me) to run away and pursue random horse ventures. In fact, last year I was also away pursuing random horse ventures on his birthday and our anniversary as well … double whoops. This year though I made the point stick around town and have a decidedly un-horsey Valentine’s Day complete with dinner at a restaurant where I probably would have been kicked out for wearing barn boots — a significant change in venue than we are accustomed too. Life is all about balance!
Saturday Video: Jennie Barnnigan and FE Lifestyle took home an Open Intermediate at Rocking Horse yesterday thanks to this double clear jumping round and the fastest XC round of the division.
We simply can’t get enough of Elisa Wallace‘s magical Mustang mare, Hwin, and we’re so glad to see her back out eventing again! It’s been a while since we’ve been able to look through those adorable black-tipped ears courtesy of one of Elisa’s helmet cams. Hwin had a bit of a break for a few years while Elisa focused on competing her upper-level horse and her last completion was in 2017 at Poplar Place.
By the look of this video, Hwin was pretty happy to get back out on the cross country course last weekend at Three Lakes competing in the Open Novice. Of course, having competed up to the Preliminary level in years past she was raring to go!
