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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.

Latest Articles Written

Monday Video: Kitty King Walks Key Combinations of the Burghley Course

By on Aug 28, 2023 3:30 pm -

Welcome to another five-star week and the first of the fall season! Just two more sleeps until the Defender Burghley Horse Trials kicks things off with the first horse inspection on Wednesday, so naturally we’re obsessed with getting every possible little peak at this year’s Derek di Grazia course ahead of Saturday’s always-exciting cross country action.

Tilly already brought us the inside scoop on Derek’s use of the famed Burghley terrain, courtesy of a drive around the course in an actual Land Rover Defender, and now, courtesy of Horse & Hound, we’re getting a rider’s assessment of some of the key combinations on course. Fresh off collecting individual silver and team gold at the 2023 European Eventing Championships with Vendredi Biats, Kitty King walks the lines and shows us what those tackling the course this weekend will need to keep in mind.

Keep your eye on Horse & Hound‘s YouTube channel as they may be posting more sneak peaks early this week and if you’re able to pick up a copy of the August 24th issue of Horse & Hound magazine you can read Kitty’s thoughts on every fence. And of course, stick with us here on EN for much more to come from England’s big fall five-star!

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 26, 2023 12:01 am -

Travels with horses can often be exciting and take us to some awe-inspiring destinations, but all too often the process getting to the fantastic destination is less than scenic. I think we’ve all pulled into one too many highway rest stops with questionable-looking grass (if any at all), an out of order restroom, and a vending machine with expired Cheetos for our own likings.

English-based Italian rider Vittoria Panizzon was thoughtful and lucky enough to avoid at least one derelict rest stop on her way to the FEI Nations Cup at Arville, Belgium last week. When looking for a spot to let DHI Jackpot out of the trailer to stretch his legs, she discovered Dover Beach right by the customs office on her route. Now that’s not too shabby of a pit stop at all!

Burghley starts NEXT WEEK! Keep it locked onto EN – we have some awesome content headed your way.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Eventing is dishing up an equally exciting week in the US, with the American Eventing Championships happening in Lexington, Kentucky. EN is beavering away on both sides of the Pond to bring you all you need to know from the AEC too – so go nowhere, and go eventing!

#AEC2023 (Lexington, KY): [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

U.S. Weekend Action

MARS Great Meadow International (The Plains, VA): [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Schedule/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, CT) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Equine Stakeholders: The National Animal Health Monitoring System Seeks Your Help in Selecting Topics For Its Upcoming Equine Study

‘I Couldn’t Give Up On Him’: After Battle With EPM, OTTB Is En Route To The Makeover With A Junior Rider

Canter in Command at Blair

Geneseo events provide a showcase for horses

University Of Kentucky Opens Aged Horse Care And Education Facility

Hot on Horse Nation: Ask AI Equestrian Edition: What Do Equestrians From Each State Look Like — Part I

Sponsor Corner: 50% off Vespucci Legacy bridles is still going on at World Equestrian Brands! If you’ve been waiting for the best prices before buying a new bridle, now’s your chance!

Morning Viewing: Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit have been putting in that Burghley prep work while they base with Team Price at Chedington Estate prior to next week’s big event.

Monday Video: Tackle a First Advanced for Ellie Frederick’s Talented Mare

By on Aug 21, 2023 4:00 pm -

Ellie Fredericks (yes, Lucinda’s daughter!) has a new Advanced horse in her barn after Aston le Walls in July.

While Ellie has had the honor of competing her mother’s Advanced stallion, Britannia’s Mail (Jaguar Mail — Headley Britannia) since the 2020 season, she was also able to acquire her own project late that same year. Pure Trendsetter, an Irish Sport Horse mare (Future Trend — Touch Base) now also part-owned by Liz Hills and Chris Emmett, came to Ellie as a green five-year-old without any prior eventing experience. Since their first rides together, Ellie and “Trendy” have rapidly climbed the levels and were selected to compete in the 7-year-old division at the FEI Eventing World Breeding Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion D’Angers last fall, where they finished 27th our of a very large field and Ellie was the youngest jockey competing.

In the video above, you can join Ellie and Trendy for the mare’s first time tackling an Advanced cross country course. Ellie’s commentary throughout the course is a fascinating peek at her insightful approach to their round.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 19, 2023 12:01 am -

Absolutely majestic. Photo by Abby Powell.

This past work week was an arduous one for me, but as I drove to the barn yesterday evening to slog away at my horse’s rehab I was greeted with an incredible rainbow after a rather stormy day. Sometimes you just need a little extra pang of beauty of beauty to serve as a reminder how lucky we actually are to get to spend time out and about with our equine partners.

Major International Events:

FEI Eventing Nations Cup, Arville: Website | Live Scores | Live Stream

U.S. Weekend Action:

Caber Farm H.T.: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

The Event at Archer: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Waredaca Farm H.T.: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T: Website | Entry Status |Live Scores | Volunteer

Ocala Summer H.T. II: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Full Gallop Farm: Website | Volunteer

Links to Start Your Weekend:

USEA Foundation Encourages Riders to Submit Applications for the Richard Picken Memorial Grants

Lara’s Whirlwind Week

Boyd Martin: Build Your Own Bravery

USEF and EC Work Together to Extend Date for Canadian Participation Eligibility Requirements

Hot on Horse Nation: Barn Aisle Chats: Physio With Dr. Aaron

Sponsor Corner: “Good riding is good riding. We can learn something from everyone, especially if they are at the top of their game. Sharon and Bettina most certainly are. I have a lot of respect for what they do, and I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be able to work with them,” said Rachel Ory, a reiner turned silver medal dressage rider. Read more about Rachel’s journey from Western dressage to pure dressage, and find out how lessons with Bettina Hoy and Sharon White guided her along the way, with the latest article sponsored by World Equestrian Brands.

Training horses is a universal language. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Morning Viewing: Just a little hype for this weekend’s leg of the FEI Nations Cup in Arville, Belgium.

Monday Video: Hobby Horsing Around at Tryon International

By on Aug 14, 2023 4:30 pm -

Think back to your 10-year-old horse crazy self. Maybe you were one lucky kid who was already enrolled in horseback riding lessons. Maybe you were an even luckier kid who already had they’re own pony! Or maybe you were like me and many other kids at that age, desperate for any and all interaction with horses but woefully far-removed from the horse world, which was also financially inaccessible to my family at that point anyway.

No lie, if competitive hobby horsing were a thing when I was a little kid I’m pretty sure I would have been all over it. I was a competitive and athletic child that would have (literally) jumped at any and all opportunities to compete with my own “horse” and if the opportunity to compete in hobby horsing meant that I’d get to go watch real life horses in action, like it does at the North American Hobby Horse Series which is held alongside Tryon International’s summer hunter and jumper shows, then even better! Check out the above vlog by a young teen, Mica, who traveled to Tryon to compete with her hobby horse and enjoyed the live action as well. Mica also has her own Etsy shop to sell hobby horses that she sews herself. Industrious kid!

I’ve seen other equestrians poke some fun at hobby horsing, but if it’s getting kids just a step closer to horses and more interested in equestrian sports then what’s not to like? More importantly, if they’re having fun then who cares! Now here’s a very serious question for the eventing community: why are there no hobby horse trials?! That would be fun.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 12, 2023 12:01 am -

Photo via Green mountain Horse Association (GMHA) on Facebook.

Look, look — The sun is shinning in Vermont! GMHA’s Festival Schooling Weekend, a replacement for the flood-canceled Festival of Eventing recognized horse trials, is officially underway. The Ashuelot Pony Club helped out by jump crewing and ring stewarding during yesterday’s jumper day, but there’s much more work to be done. If you’ve got the afternoon free you can still lend a hand in GMHA’s cleanup efforts today from 1-5 PM, followed by a Volunteer Appreciation Taco Party at 5:30 PM. Can’t make it? You can always send a tax-deductible donation here (but I can’t guarantee you’ll receive any tacos.)

Major International Events

#Euros2023 Website | Live Stream | Entries | Live Scores | EN’s Ultimate Guide | EN’s Coverage

Bromont International H.T. (Bromont, Canada): [Website] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Action

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wheeler, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Woodside Summer H.T (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

The Competition Starts Now, says Italian Star

The Lives of Lesson Horses: A Research Study

Over $100,000 in Prizes Available for the Taking at the 2023 AEC

Can France’s ‘Medal Hunters’ Make History?

It isn’t easy being green: Horse Sport Ireland aims to lead in sustainability

Weekend Wellness: Air Quality and Your Horse’s Lungs

Sponsor Corner: Few things went together better than Arthur and Allison Springer (well, except for maybe chocolate and peanut butter). The two spent 12 years together competing at the FEI level — which is no small feat. And while it would be a rare horse who could fill Arthur’s hoofprints, Allison has some very exciting new horses in her string.

This article is sponsored by World Equestrian Brands.

Allison Springer and No May Moon. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Morning Viewing: Join Selena O’Hanlon for a walk around today’s Bromont CCI4*-S course!

Monday Video: Area 1 from the Backs of Two OTTBS

By on Aug 7, 2023 4:00 pm -

The competition season in Area 1 is short but sweet and right now it’s in full swing! Today we’ve got two helmet cams for you from different Area 1 events, both from the backs of some very excited and happy off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

Above, go for a gallop with Emily Scott as she pilots Ali Fischer’s Z Camelot (Smart Strike – Madame Thor, by Deputy Minister) around the Novice track at Millbrook Horse Trials, which took place the last weekend of July in Amenia, New York.

Below, check out the scenery at Huntington Farm in South Strafford Vermont as Jane Kreppein and Sport (Not For Love – Complete Spring, by Spring Double), owned by Heather DiGregorio, as they rock around the Training Level course this past weekend.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 5, 2023 12:01 am -

The hits don’t stop coming for Vermont this summer, but if I know one thing from spending a number of years in this beautiful little state it’s this: Vermonters are strong, caring, and they persist! These summer thunderstorms are not cutting Vermont any slack this year, and Huntington Farm in South Strafford once again experienced a good bit of rain yesterday. It’s nothing that the ground — which has been in great condition leading up to their event this weekend — can’t handle, but the organizers are delaying the start of today’s competition by three hours to let the ground dry out and ensure it’s safe-going for all.

Just to the southwest, you may recall Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) had to cancel next weekend’s Festival of Eventing in it’s traditional format after two flash flood events in previous weeks damaged the property. However, GMHA has been able to repair and rebuild their arenas, barns, and roadways enough to go ahead with hosting an alternative event, rebranded as the Festival Schooling Weekend! Competitors can still enjoy the spoils of a weekend of competition, just in a different format. Friday will be a dressage fix-a-test and jumper schooling day, Saturday holds a combined test, and on Sunday there will be a derby cross held in the one cross country field that suffered the least damage from the flooding. Funds raised will go towards helping GMHA to rebuild!

And, if you’re local-ish to the Norhtshore Massachusetts area, there’s another fun way to pitch in to help out GMHA: Ferial Johnson of the historic Ledyard Farm in Wenham, Massachusetts is holding a cross country derby next Tuesday, August 8, to benefit GMHA. That’s the eventer spirit!

Events Around the World:

Festival of British Eventing [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream] [Live Scores]

Also…

Definitely ride along with the Mongol Derby here!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. at Caber Farm (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Scoring]

Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, IA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Cobblestone Farms H.T. II (Dexter, MI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Early Bird Summer Event at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer]

Hoosier Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Ride Times – Remember to add 3 hours!]

Olney Farm Horse Trials (Joppa, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

River Glen Summer H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Spring Gulch H.T. (Highland, CO) [Website] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Groom Spotlight: Meredith Ferraris Is A Student Of The Horses

Winner Of The Week: Believing In Her Instincts Brings Sharon White A Pair Of Wins At Millbrook

Insights into dressage scoring obtained through inertial sensors

Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart: The Anxiety Cycle is Not a Spinning Class!

Best of Blogs: The Purpose of The Lesson Horse

Sponsor Corner: If you followed along with all the action from the MARS Bromont CCI Horse Trials, then you’re probably familiar with the Bromont Rising Program. The program awards young riders grants to offset the expenses and provides them with access to world-class equestrian thought leaders. World Equestrian Brands rider Lea Adams-Blackmore is one lucky rider who has been awarded a place in the program not once, but twice. Read about Lea’s experience learning about life and riding through the program.

Lea Adams-Blackmore and Frostbite. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Morning Viewing: This seems like a handy trick … or not.

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: Millbrook Makes a Comeback

By on Jul 31, 2023 4:30 pm -

We probably sounds like a broken record at this point, yet it’s still worth repeating: we’re so glad to welcome back Millbrook Horse Trials to this year’s calendar! After not running in 2022, Millbrook made their comeback this past weekend with riders of all levels travelling far and wide to test their mettle against the fabulous Dutchess County terrain and world class courses. You can catch up with the results in Amber Heintzberger’s press release here.

Resident videographer Marion de Vogel was on hand as usual to capture the scenes from the weekend. Enjoy a wrap-up from the whole event above, plus a little extra action in the two videos below. Can you spot yourself or your friends?

Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook, NY): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

It’s amazing what a little paint can do! Catch up on the highlights from the Horses Inside Out Clinic at Morven Park here.

Gillian Higgins at the Horses Inside Out Clinic. Photo by Wise Images Photography

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 29, 2023 12:01 am -

The beloved Millbrook Horse Trials is back with a bang after an absence from the calendar last year. We all know it’s a lot of work to put on an event, but as many events now know from 2020 it takes an even greater effort to bring an event back after a year hiatus. Thanks to the hard work of the organizers and volunteers, competitors were welcomed back to the property this year and enjoyed Millbrook’s traditional Friday night competitor’s dinner where their annual volunteer award is presented. This year it went to local upper-level riders Mikki Kuchta and Bridgette Miller who pitched in to help prep for the event!

U.S. Weekend Action

Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Major International Events

FEI Eventing European Championships for Ponies (Le Mans, France): [Definite Entries]

Burgham International (United Kingdom): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Fundraising Efforts For Safety Vest Research Off To Slow Start

Using AI to Assess Gait Changes in Event Horses

Grandia and O’Neal Claim Rebecca Farm Classic Series Victories

Ukrainian Vaulters overcome odds to compete at World Championships

Sponsor Corner: Who’s bridle shopping on a budget? Explore World Equestrian Brands’ sale on Vespucci bridles! You could get a gorgeous Vespucci bridle of your very own for 50% off. While supplies last!

Morning Viewing: Feast your eyes on the Barbie Dream Fence gracing Millbrook’s Advanced and Intermediate courses!

Flood Damage Forces Cancelation of GMHA Festival of Eventing

By on Jul 26, 2023 12:35 pm -

Photo courtesy of Bruce Perry.

After suffering two significant flooding events this month, the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) has made the painful decision to cancel the upcoming Festival of Eventing August H.T., which was scheduled to take place August 11-13 in South Woodstock, Vermont.

“It is with great regret that GMHA must cancel the Festival of Eventing for 2023, both FEI and National divisions,” GMHA Executive Director Bruce Perry announced in a statement. “The combination of the two rain and flooding events at GHMA so close to the Festival has resulted in there being insufficient time to make repairs to the cross country fields and water crossings. There was also significant damage to some of the upper-level fences that will take time to rebuild. Horse and competitor safety is the primary concern at GMHA and the uncertainty of being able to provide a safe competition drove this decision.”

After the initial flooding event on July 10, which devastated other parts of the state, GMHA was initially cautiously optimistic about being able to host the Festival. Swift cleanup work by the grounds crew enabled the venue to still host the annual Area 1 Young Riders Camp from July 17-20, but a second severe storm sat over South Woodstock on the night of Friday July 21. Flooding from the July 21 storm was more destructive for GMHA than the initial statewide storm, not only washing away all prior progress and repairs but adding more damage to both the grounds and fences.

GMHA’s Festival of Eventing is Area 1’s only FEI event, offering CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S divisions in addition to hosting national Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels. The cancelation announcement comes the day after the event’s closing date for national levels, but a refund policy is in development: “We understand that this decision comes a day after the closing date and its no refund policy. We will have updates through email and social media as decisions are made,” says the statement.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Perry.

GMHA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which hosts events throughout the years for many equestrian disciplines in addition to eventing, estimates needing to raise $200,00 to make up for lost revenue and repair costs. Anyone wishing to support GMHA can make a tax deductible donation to the organization’s Annual Fund.

At this time, the facility grounds and GMHA’s vast network of trails remain closed. The board is hoping to run a combined test and eventing derby to replace the August Horse Trials — details will be coming soon, and you can follow GMHA on Facebook for further updates. The September Horse Trials, which offers Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels remains scheduled for September 16-17 and entries open next Tuesday, August 1.

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: A Wimpy Eventer and a Burghley Champion Go for a Hack

By on Jul 24, 2023 4:30 pm -

Let’s be honest, riding the Burghley course is a little beyond the abilities or even desires of most of us. But hacking around the course and admiring the impossibly big questions and the famed terrain from up close? With a Burghley champion hacking alongside as a guide? Where do we sign up?!

Victoria Briant, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Eventer blog got the opportunity to do just that for this special preview video ahead of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials which are just around the corner now, taking place August 31 through September 3. She was joined by none other than reigning champions Piggy March aboard her super mare Vanir Kamira who guided them through the hallowed grounds.

Throughout their hack Piggy covers all the emotions that a rider might be feeling on cross country day from the walk to the start box, to how the crowds can boost a rider, and they even get a first look at Piggy’s brand new plaque on Winner’s Avenue. How special is that?

Did you miss out on the Horses Inside Out Painted Horse Demonstration hosted by the North American Saddlery School? Check out the highlights from the lecture here:

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Jul 23, 2023 12:01 am -

Cycling and eventing go hand-in-hand … sort of. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Apropos of absolutely nothing, I thought I’d lead today’s News & Notes with a rumination on teamwork. You see, I’ve been watching the Tour de France for the past three weeks and it concludes today with it’s traditional final race around the famed Champs-Élysées in Paris. This event sucks me in year after year because of what a dynamic and dramatic sport it is. Now bear with me here, because I promise I’ll circle back to eventing:

Cycling is both a team and individual sport. A team of eight riders will work together over the many stages of a Grand Tour not necessarily for glory as a team, but to push and pace the superstar of their team to victory in the overall standings. (I hope any anyone more intimately familiar with cycling than I am forgives me for my superficial explanation, by the way, I’m purely a spectator of this sport and this is an eventing blog, not a cycling blog after all) It takes a mind boggling level of fitness and mental toughness alongside literal blood, sweat, and tears to do what these athletes do and yet for the most part seven out of eight members of a team don’t get to bask in their own glory at any point during the race, just the glory of their teammate and helping them rise to the top.

Do you see where I’m going with this parallel yet? In eventing, we fawn over the horses and riders that leave the start box, but those athletes are only able to gallop off thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears their team of grooms and barn managers and assistant riders have put in over many hours themselves. And don’t even get me started on the crucial role that physios and veterinarians and nutritionists play! Those teammates may not be as visible during the big events (though we and other media outlets are always working to improve that) as a team of cyclists riding alongside their captain, but they’re no less crucial to the ultimate success of the victor.

Anyway, I guess I have a soft spot for sports with non-traditional teams and exceptional levels of sportsmanship. And if I’ve piqued your interest in watching a Grand Tour, it’s not too late! As the main Tour de France concludes today, the Tour de France Femmes kicks off. Here’s how to watch.

U.S. Weekend Action

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) [Website] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [YEH Ride Times] [Mini Ride Times]

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T. (Sherborn, MA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Scoring]

Major International Events

CCIO4*-NC-S (Nations Cup) (Avenches, Switzerland) [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

OP ED: My Feelings About Rich Fellers’ Guilty Plea Are Complicated, But I Do Know This

Input from owners sought for study of horse-human interactions

11 top tips to help your horses beat the heat

IFAR: Research Shows OTTBs Are Particularly Well-Suited To Therapy Work

Shoeing Horses For Their Riding Discipline

Sponsor Corner: Raise your hand if you have a horse who breaks out in hives if a fly even looks their way 🙋‍♀️ We picked out ten products that will help your horse get through fly season (relatively) unbitten.

Morning Viewing: If you need a little pick me up this morning, a parade of ponies tackling fences at Windurra should cure what ails you.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 22, 2023 12:01 am -

 

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A post shared by Erin Tomson (@flyingbequestrian)

The vibes are always immaculate at Rebecca Farm. And no, Kate, I will not stop obsessing over photos of Big Sky Country. I can’t stop myself from turning into the star-eyed emoji every time I see someone’s photos or video from Rebecca and I’m really enjoying following Allie Heninger’s Reporter’s notebooks for a look at The Event at Rebecca Farm through the eyes of a first-timer.

U.S. Weekend Action

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) [Website] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [YEH Ride Times] [Mini Ride Times]

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T. (Sherborn, MA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Scoring]

Major International Events

CCIO4*-NC-S (Nations Cup) (Avenches, Switzerland) [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Now On Course: Rescue Horse Perfect Storm is Excelling at Eventing

Charm City To The Spa: One Rider’s Journey From Baltimore To The Heart Of Thoroughbred Racing

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill event seeks growth, stability in third year

Barbie’s Dream Horses

Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan: Redemption Storm

Sponsor Corner: Is anyone else addicted to the E.A. Mattes online configurator? No? Just me? Well… here’s my latest creation. Create your own here!

Morning Viewing: In which we learn that, yes, world class judges are just like us and fall off their horses too!

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: Brush Up on Button Braids

By on Jul 17, 2023 4:30 pm -

Most of us are in the thick of eventing season and, let’s be honest, can probably braid our horse’s manes with our eyes closed at this point. But plenty of us, myself included, are single horse riders who don’t show every other week of the season or even every month — that means my braiding technique often needs a little brushing up from time to time.

Take a peek at these three tutorials on putting in button braids from US Dressage, Amelia Newcomb Dressage, and Baxter Equine Services. Each method is very similar, but ever so slightly different. Play around and see what works best for your and your horse’s mane!

Plus, here’s how to take those pesky braids out!

Who went to the Horses Inside Out Clinic on the 12th? Check out what fellow eventers had to say about what they learned.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 15, 2023 12:01 am -

You’ll have to wait until September to win one of these awesome grooming totes from Larkin Hill sponsor, Wahbee’s Woodworking! Photo via Wahbee’s Woodworking on Facebook.

Hopefully this information has already reached those impacted, but today’s event at Larkin Hill has been cancelled due to the recent deluge of rain across the Northeast. While Larkin Hill has not been subjected to the same level of flooding that our Vermont venues have, the recent rain has submerged much of the parking area and cross country course making it unsafe to run today’s event. Entry fees will not be refunded, but competitors will have the option of transferring it to their September event or using it for an upcoming schooling event (date to be determined).

If you’re still looking to get out and about this weekend though, you’re in luck! Ronan Moloney of Kinnitty Capall Stables in Ancramdale, New York, just 45 minutes south of Larkin Hill, is stepping in and offering a cross country derby this morning. Courses will be ready to walk at 9:00 AM and the derby starts at 9:30!

US Weekend Action:

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY): Website | Scoring | Entry Status & Ride Times

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD): Website | Scoring | Ride Times | Entry Status

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Winner Of The Week: Reloaded, America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred Of 2018, Tops A 2*

Trainer and Student Take Coconino Classic Three-Day Wins for the Second Year in a Row

Summer 2023 Ever So Sweet Scholarship Awarded To Sabrina Sharpe

Kentucky Horse Council Releases Results Of 2022 Equine Survey

Climate Change and Sport Horse Management

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands rider Lea Adams-Blackmore was a part of the Bromont Rising Program for the second year in a row. EN caught up with her to discover what life lessons the program taught her.

Morning Viewing: Doug Payne and Quantum Leap are putting in the work on their flying changes this summer!

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: XC Action from the Maryland International 4*

By on Jul 10, 2023 3:30 pm -

What fun it’s been to see the success of the new CCI4*-S division at the Maryland International & Horse Trials this weekend, and what a treat for us that official videographers RNS Videomedia have posted a compilation of every pair’s ride through the 4*/Advanced water complex. Rider consensus was that course designer Ian Stark built a track true to the level and judging solely by this complex and not being a rider myself, I’d certainly be inclined to agree. Special shoutout to the spectators that cheered loudly and proudly for every single pair as they navigated this question — you’re one of the reasons eventers are the best!

Additionally, thanks to local Maryland eventer Emma Hinke, we can also enjoy glimpses around the rest of the course in the video below. For more inside looks from Maryland, make sure you also catch up with Veronica Green-Gott’s reporter’s notebooks from day one and day two at the event.

The Maryland International + Horse Trials (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

T-2 days until the Horses Inside Out Clinic hosted by the North American Saddlery School and HCS, USA Saddlery! Gillian Higgins is bringing equine anatomy to life at Morven Park on July 12th. By painting the muscles, skeleton and other anatomical systems onto live horses Gillian delivers truly inspiring practical lecture demonstrations and courses. Sign up now!

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: The Painted Ponies Come to Morven Park

By on Jul 3, 2023 4:30 pm -

How much do you know about your horse’s anatomy? Is your horse’s posture holding them back? You’ve seen the videos online and maybe you’ve even read the books, but now is your chance to learn in-person from the best!

Gillian Higgins, creator of Horses Inside Out, who we’re delighted to welcome to the EN sponsor family this month, will be giving a live painted horse demonstration on July 12th at Morven Park Equestrian Center. Get a preview of what’s in store by watching the video above — participants will gain valuable insight into equine anatomy in motion in this interactive demonstration.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 1, 2023 12:01 am -

I look pretty happy here so this photo was probably taken before I put my foot in my mouth. Photo by Giogio Giusti.

Happy Aachen cross country day! In celebration, let me share with you the time I made a fool of myself while asking Phillip Dutton about this event!

Phillip had just won the Bromont CCI4*-L aboard Azure and Bromont press officer Michelle Dunn and I were wrapping up our final interview when I decided to also ask about Z, who Philip rode in the CCI4*-S.

“Now Z is headed to Aachen next, right?” I asked Phillip. However, when I said ‘Aachen’ it didn’t come out correctly and instead of saying aah-ken, I said ay-ken. Basically, I called it Aiken and came off like an absolute noob. It had been a long day, OK?

Phil tilted his head and considered what I had asked before replying, “Aachen?” and I then proceeded to try and backpedal as hard as I possibly could to take my foot out of my mouth and assure Phil that it was just a slip and I did, in fact, know that Aiken and Aachen are very different places indeed.

Phil went on tell us about how Z went that weekend and finished with saying, “We love it up here and it’s a great education and thought it would be the perfect prep for Aachen … and Aiken.”

That last bit was accompanied by a wry smile and that’s when I really wanted to crawl under a rock. So yeah, have a great ride Phil and Z — put that Bromont prep to work! Cheers to all of Team USA for a fabulous showing yesterday and here’s to safe and fast rounds for all today.

CHIO Aachen: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

US Weekend Action:

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): Website, Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scoring

Inavale Farm H.T. (Philomath, OR): Website, Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scoring

Summer Coconico H.T. I (Flagstaff, AZ): Website, Entry Status/Ride Times, Live Scoring

Chattahoochee Hills + Area III Championships (Fairburn, GA): Website

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Dealing with grief

The VIP Volunteer: Susan Hart

Horowitz On OTTBs Presented by Excel Equine: Taking Care Of Business On And Off The Track

Design of thigh blocks on saddles affect horse-rider dynamics, researchers find

Living the Dream: A Unicorn License

Sponsor Corner: Throwback to when this little girl’s dreams came true at LRK3DE 💖 All thanks to a World Equestrian Brands’ Giveaway, this young CEO got to meet Hawley Bennett and Jollybo. Read the full story here.

Morning Viewing: Just a little something to whet your appetite for today’s action!

Tuesday Video: The Views from Valinor Farm

By on Jun 27, 2023 4:00 pm -

While my own horse is rehabbing, I was sad to miss one of my personal favorite events this past weekend: Valinor Farm Horse Trials. Located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Valinor Farm is an asset to the Area 1 eventing community. The venue is owned and maintained by the Risso family, headed up by family matriarch Robyn Risso who oversees the farm’s operations and serves as event secretary. Daughter Erin Risso, who herself events through the CCI4*-S level, serves as show jumping course designer and can often be found keeping a watchful eye over the cross country course on show day.

The Risso family has made numerous updates to the farm since they began hosting USEA recognized horse trials in 2005 and continues to make improvements each year. Just within the relatively short time since I first competed there I’ve seen the cross country course become expanded, a Modified track be added, frangible tables brought in, and a new dressage ring added — I’m sure I’m missing a few things as well!

Not only have the Rissos gone above and beyond to make every competitor’s experience an enjoyable one, but the farm boats an incredible natural asset as well: it’s rolling terrain (surprisingly hill for just an hour south of Boston!) and fantastic footing.Those hills offer a thrilling ride for competitors and excellent viewing for spectators. Enjoy the views from Valinor Farm and take a peek at some of the action from this past weekend’s event with this collection of clips.

Valinor Farm: [Results] [Official Photographer]

Monday Video: Watch the Hickstead Al Shira’aa Derby Winning Round

By on Jun 26, 2023 4:30 pm -

With its outrageous terrain and massive fences (and not to mention our own Tilly Berendt in the press office), Hickstead’s Al Shira’aa Derby is basically an honorary event, am I right? In fact, we’ve seen many an eventer contest this iconic class over the years.

This year, the eventing contingent was well-represented by Gemma Stevens (neé Tattersall), Kai Rüder, and Sandra Auffarth (Tilly collected some clips of their preparations, past rounds, an throwback rounds last week which you can watch here, plus you catch watch Gemma’s round right here) but it was Ireland’s David Simpson who collected the win this year aboard the youngest horse in the field, Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Bamako de Muze — Telmaz Koekoekshof Z, by Taran De La Pomme). Watch their impressive round above and find the full class results here.

Who Jumped it Best? Bromont U25 Show Jumping Edition

By on Jun 20, 2023 9:00 am -

Beautiful Bromont Stadium. Photo by Abby Powell.

This edition of ‘Who Jumped It Best’ sees some of our U25 CCI2*-L competitors at the MARS Bromont CCI show jump beneath the iconic Bromont sign, a proud relic of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games for which Bromont hosted nearly all the equestrian events. I’d argue that the Hollywood-esque lettering with its Olympic emblem and rows of bleachers in its shadow are one of the most iconic landmarks in our sport; you see a photo of it and you instantly know where it was taken (granted having the name of the location right there helps, but you know what I mean.)

Given its celebrated history and aesthetic nature, when you go to Bromont you have to get your photo under the sign. We’ve taken care of that for the competitors whose photos we’ve included below! Each one of these young riders is a winner in our eyes, but just for funsies you can vote below for who you think made the prettiest picture.

Here’s to many more photos under the sign for these young riders!

Samantha Homeyer and Final Notice. Photo by Abby Powell.

Nadia Sabot and Neverquitdreaming (Bromont Rising Participant). Photo by Abby Powell.

Logan Harris and Omnipotent. Photo by Abby Powell.

Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover. (Bromont Rising Participant). Photo by Abby Powell.

Emeline Gilbert and EWSZ Mozart (Bromont Rising Participant). Photo by Abby Powell.

Caitlin O’Roark and What The Devil (Bromont Rising Participant). Photo by Abby Powell.

MARS Bromont CCI: [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jun 17, 2023 12:01 am -

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After initially being suspended by the FEI after a positive drug test at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Buck Davidson has been reinstated following the instatement of a retroactive Temporary Use Exemption (TUE). Buck told EN and The Chronicle of the Horse that he’d had a medication prescribed to him since 2013, and that the exemption that was on file had not been renewed in time. He then filed a retroactive TUE to replace the expired one on file.

On Friday, the International Testing Agency issued a statement published by The Chronicle, saying:

“The ITA confirms that on 15 June 2023, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved the athlete’s request for a retroactive TUE under Article 4.3 of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemption.

“The case is therefore not considered as an anti-doping rule violation and no consequence will be imposed. Accordingly, the provisional suspension imposed on the athlete has been lifted with immediate effect.”

Buck’s name has been removed from the latest update to the FEI Human Anti-Doping Case Status Table.

Now .. let’s lock on to today’s cross country action at Luhmühlen! Make sure you keep up with all the five-star action right here on Eventing Nation through the weekend!

You can follow along with the live stream on H&C+ with a subscription or a one-time viewing pass. If you choose to purchase an annual H&C+ subscription, you can save 15% if you use the code EVENTINGNATION15. Can’t watch the live stream? Fear not! We’re brining you live updates right here on the site.

EN has boots on the Luhmühlen ground, where Tilly will be bringing us ALL the news from the event. Keep up with the EN coverage and follow @goeventing for all the 5* – and 4* – content you can handle.

Longines Luhmühlen CCI5*: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Aspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, MI) [Website] [Volunteer]

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Former Owner Crosses Globe To Reunite With Her Aging ‘Heart Horse’

Vesicular Stomatitis Update – USEF-Licensed Competitions Continue During Vesicular Stomatitis Outbreak

ECP Workshop at Destination Farm and Loch Moy Farm – Developing a New Eye!

Leap Of Faith: Eventer Chloe Duffy Loves That Thoroughbreds ‘Are So Athletic And So Willing To Learn’

Rehabilitating Horses with Back Pain

Best of Blogs: Experiencing the German Show System

Podcast Pick: International Grooms Association with Courtney Carson and Ashley Kashark

Sponsor Corner: Does your eventer have a long-eared BFF? It can be hard to find fly masks for donkeys and mules, but World Equestrian Brands has you covered! Check out the Equilibrium Field Relief Donkey Fly Mask.

Morning Viewing: 2022 Badminton winners Laura Collett & London 52 lead Luhmühlen at the conclusion of the dressage. Here’s their test!