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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 News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 29, 2019 12:01 am -

I think I see a resemblance. Photo via Boyd Martin.

“My dream is to one day make Windurra a cat sanctuary like this,” Boyd said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Picture it, a cross country paradise: there are jumps for all levels, hills and terrain galore, ditches, banks, and water; all the fun stuff. And cats. Cats everywhere.

The U.S. team had a little extra time on their hands for some sightseeing since their horses’ flight was delayed so they took a quick 30-minute trip east to Parque Kennedy, which has become somewhat of a city landmark thanks to it’s stray cat population and the anonymous citizens who care for them. We knew Boyd was a real cat person, so frankly we can’t really tell if he’s joking or not. I guess now we know what Boyd’s retirement job will be. Hopefully Mark Todd hasn’t given him any funny ideas.

National Holiday: National Parent’s Day

Major Weekend Results:

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Rebecca Farm Final Scores][NAYC Final Scores]

U.S. Weekend Results:

Horse Park of New Jersey II CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

If Boyd hasn’t made good on his cat sanctuary dream by then, Windurra USA (Cochranville, PA) will be hosting a three-day clinic with top Irish eventer Joseph Murphy on Aug. 27-29. This Olympian, who is fresh off a top placing at Aachen, is widely recognized as one of the best cross country riders in the world. Joseph is also an extremely effective teacher who specializes in building confidence in both horses and riders. [Event Clinics]

Oh yeah, there was a Nations Cup leg this weekend! With NAYC and The Event at Rebecca dominating our own coverage, it was easy to forget that the fourth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup took place at Camphire International Horse Trials in Ireland this weekend. Sam Watson took home the individual win for his home nation while New Zealand clinched the team gold. [Irish Team Nations Cup runners-up at Camphire]

Speaking of New Zealand, Mark Todd shocked us all as his retirement was announced on the Nations Cup podium at Camphire, and this time it’s for real. New Zealand high performance eventing manager Graeme Thom made the announcement as Toddy stood alongside teammates Jonelle and Tim Price. [‘No comeback this time’ – Kiwi sporting legend Sir Mark Todd announces retirement]

Pony Club is celebrating it’s 90th birthday this year! As part of  the celebration, the organization has created a global ‘Ride Around the World’ movement to take place in 27 countries beginning in Australia on Saturday, August 3rd. There will also be a special event at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park this weekend. [Global celebrations for Pony Club’s 90th birthday start at Gatcombe]

Monday Video: Less than one year to go until Tokyo now!

Tokyo 2020 | 1 Year to Go

The countdown is on as the best in the world prepare to showdown of Tokyo 2020 Olympics! 🇯🇵🎉As the pinnacle of competition draws ever nearer, it's time to celebrate all the passion, perseverance and incredible determination it takes to get there.It's only 1 year to go… and we can't wait!

Posted by FEI Eventing on Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Rebecca Farm/NAYC Sunday Social Media Roundup: See You Next Summer

By on Jul 28, 2019 7:58 pm -

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Sunday morning vibes

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Sigh … it’s the end of another Event at Rebecca Farm! Winners have been pinned and champions have been crowned. We already can’t wait to come back to the Flathead Valley next year. Safe travels to everyone traveling from afar. ‘Til next time, Rebecca Farm! Let’s take one more look at your photos from a weekend that was.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, Course Preview EN’s Coverage

Posted by Erin Risso on Sunday, July 28, 2019

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin Equine: The Next OTTB Fairytale

By on Jul 28, 2019 8:30 am -

Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It’s the fairytale everyone dreams of: rider meets horse with untapped potential, horse takes rider to the biggest events in the world. It’s the fairytale that Chris Talley is living with the OTTB Unmarked Bills (Posse x Kellis Ransom) though not without putting in the long, hard work to get to those big events, of course. If you’re unfamiliar with their story, catch up here and consider helping them achieve the next step of their journey as well.

We’d all love to uncover a diamond in the rough, just waiting for their person to come along and take them to the next level. Could the next OTTB fairytale be yours? If you’re on the hunt, here are our three picks of the week:

Big Yum. Photo via CANTER PA.

Big Yum (KANTHAROS – HI AVIE, BY LORD AVIE): 2012 16.3-hand Florida-bred gelding

Big Yum seemed to be a pretty big deal on the track for a while — he’s a Stakes placed horse who’s amassed almost $145,000 in 42 career starts. So far in 2019, he’s just not interested in running like he used to and hasn’t made it on the board in any of his races this year. We think he’s just trying to tell everyone he’s ready to bring his athletic talent to a different discipline.

With a lovely shoulder, long neck and strong hindquarters, this seven-year-old looks like an excellent sport horse type. His trainer says he has a quiet amateur-friendly disposition and with no vices. She has enjoyed riding him herself at her farm out in the fields, through water and over cross rails.

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania.

View Big Yum on CANTER PA.

Atomium. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.

Atomium (LATENT HEAT – PAGE TURNER, BY DISTORTED HUMOR): 2013 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This striking dark bay was previously listed with Finger Lakes until his connections changed their minds and opted to keep running him after all. He’s remained sound throughout his entire career of 33 starts and and is a very energetic, athletic type but only manager to earn $27,624 total. His uphill build makes him well suited for a career as an event horse when he comes off the track and it looks like he probably has some good gaits hiding in there, but he was quite full of himself during his job videos.

Back in the stable, Atomium is a real attention seeker and enjoyed hanging out and being the center of attention with the Finger Lakes volunteers while they chatted with his trainer. He was also turned out with a filly all winter and was a perfect gentleman!

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.

View Atomium on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.

Lucky Mon. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Lucky Mon (HARBORAGE – BROADWAY’S MARIA, BY MARIA’S MON): 2015 16.1-hand Louisiana-bred gelding

Lucky you if you’re the one to bring Lucky Mon home! This stunning grey with a beautifully set neck is ready and waiting to be your riding horse.

With 12 starts and $52,920 in earnings, Lucky Mon was a decent racehorse until sustaining a tendon injury to his right front during his last race. The injury has been fully and properly rehabbed and Lucky Mon is now ready for his next adventure. He’s sound and is currently being ridden at all gaits under saddle. Though still very green, Lucky Mon has shown lovely gaits and demonstrates a zest for learning along with a playful personality.

Located in Covington, Louisiana.

View Lucky Mon on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Rebecca Farm/NAYC Saturday Social Media Roundup: Jump All The Things

By on Jul 27, 2019 8:52 pm -

Pack up the black tack — dressage is done and dusted and it was a day of jumping all the things at Rebecca Farm. All FEI levels, including our NAYC riders rode across the country today, while Intermediate and Preliminary horse trials divisions plus the Training and Novice Three-Day competitors wrapped up their weekends in the show jumping arenas.

It looked like a wonderful and well-attended day with smiles all around. Check out some snaps from Saturday at the farm:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, Course Preview EN’s Coverage

Posted by Angie Golley on Friday, July 26, 2019

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so many 🏇🏇🏇

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Bee Sting doin’ her thing #rebeccafarm #crosscountry

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Out for the morning graze ….

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Saturday Links Presented by Nupafeed USA

By on Jul 27, 2019 12:01 am -

Bon voyage, Team USA! Our Pan Am team horses and their supergrooms began their journey to Lima, Perus yesterday as they shipped out from Stable View in Aiken. They’ll make a quick stop in Miami where they’ll board their flight to Peru. Go get ’em, team!

National Holiday: National New Jersey Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Horse Park of New Jersey II CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Saturday Links:

Sweat Equity Pays Dividends at Adequan® North American Youth Championships at Rebecca Farm

Training Accountability With Laura Graves

Taking Up the Reins: Jordan Crabo and Taylor McFall Partner with Their Mothers’ Top Mounts

Jonty Evans completes triathlon — and aims for Great North Run

PODCAST: Look Behind the Curtain at the Pan American Games

Dancing Their Way to the Top: Cornelia Dorr and Brush Dance

Burghley Horse Trials to run for five days in 2020

Saturday Video: I believe this is what we call “living the dream”

#WhatitTakes

Posted by The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Official Page on Thursday, July 25, 2019

Rebecca Farm/NAYC Friday Social Media Roundup: Hotdogs, Roller Coasters, and Ribbons!

By on Jul 26, 2019 8:57 pm -

The cross country course at Rebecca Farm almost rivals the natural landscape of Montana with its whimsy. Every year we look forward to seeing what Ian Stark has newly dreamed up — this year it’s a working roller coaster! That might just be first on any cross country course.

“The Trotter” features two Little Tykes cars that speed down the track with the release of a pulley, but don’t worry, the cars will stay secured at the top while horses are on course. The fence is named in memory of the late Don Trotter, a much beloved member of Area VI and the eventing community at large. Such an imaginative jump is a fitting tribute for to someone who loved this sport so much.

Don’t forget to take a closer look around the CCI4*-L course and more with Shelby Allen’s course preview and scroll down to take a look at the sights from day three of competition. The first ribbons of the competition were pinned today as well – congratulations to all!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Our hearts and cups are full! Thank you to the Kalispell Starbucks North team for welcoming The 2019 Event at Rebecca Farm's competitors with open arms. #SurpriseandDelight

Posted by Rebecca Farm on Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Posted by Katy Hood on Friday, July 26, 2019

Posted by Stephani Mishel Hren on Wednesday, July 24, 2019

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T-42 minutes til go time 🇺🇸🤩🤪

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This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Jul 26, 2019 10:00 am -

Photo by Amy Dragoo, courtesy of MediVet Equine.

Meet Marcia Kulak: event rider with over 30 years of international experience. She’s competed at the likes of Kentucky, Burghley, Blenheim, Boekelo, and Fair Hill and she knows a thing or two about what it takes to manage high performance equine athletes. To keep her string of competition horses healthy and strong, Marcia relies on the regenerative healing powers of MediVet Equine’s revolutionary product, MediVet ACS (Autologous Conditioned Serum).

Autologous Conditioned Serum — what does that do? Simply put, it blocks some of the inflammatory responses in the horse’s body and allows the body to heal itself, even during strenuous training. And unlike other therapies which just target specific areas like the joints, ACS acts on the whole body. Marcia tried MediVet ACS earlier this year and has included it in the routine care of her horses ever since.

“The first horse that I had experience using MediVet ACS with was a large bodied Warmblood that was a very good athlete. However, he had multiple physical issues that weren’t improving at a rate that I was pleased with,” she said. “Instead of resorting to steroids or routine joint injections, I feel really good about being able to help a horse help itself with MediVet ACS.

“There were definitely visible changes that are probably attributed to the fact that, as the horse got more comfortable, his posture improved and hence his condition improved!”

It’s pretty remarkable that just one type of treatment can have such a positive effect on the whole horse, but hey, it’s all made possible by science. There’s always time to learn a little something new, and with that let’s look at some of this week’s headlines in horse health news.

This Week in Horse Health News:

One lot of a compounded drug containing pyrimethamine and toltrazuril has been linked to three equine deaths. Pyrimethamine and toltrazuril are broadly classified as anti-parasitic agents and were being used to treat Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). The product was compounded by Rapid Equine Solutions, LLC of Pennsylvania and the deaths occurred in Maine and Ohio.  The product lot is no longer in distribution. [FDA]

Horse owners in Texas should be aware of outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) across the state. VSV is viral disease transmitted by direct contact and by blood-feeding insects (such as mosquitoes and biting flies). So far, there have been 20 locations in 12 counties that have confirmed cases of VSV. [The Horse]

Did you know that laminitis is the second leading cause of death in horses? Years and years of research a have been poured into learning about laminitis, but even though we know so much more than we did a decade ago veterinarians aren’t seeing fewer cases of the disease. This may be due to horse owners not being proactive and utilizing the information available to help prevent it. Laminitis is a disease that brews over time – it doesn’t happen overnight – and horse owners are overlooking the signs.

This article, written Fran Jurga, publisher of The Hoof Blog, discusses the research and speaks with leading veterinarians in the field. If you’re looking for a crash course on laminitis (which everyone should be) and tips for disease prevention, you’ve found it. The article appears in the summer issue of the US Equestrian Magazine which is hitting mailboxes soon, but you can also read it at the link to the right — just use the slider at the bottom to turn to page 90. [US Equestrian Magazine]

About MediVet Equine:

MediVet Equine‘s mission is to bring state-of-the-art science, and principled stewardship, to performance horses, their owners and the equine industry. Following the medical model of “do no harm,” MediVet Equine, the original creators of the breakthrough MediVet Autologous Conditioned Serum (MediVet ACS), develops scientifically based biological therapeutics, enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability to achieve its full performance potential.

Specializing in regenerative treatments that help the body heal and regain strength, MediVet Equine’s products are designed to activate specific cells and growth factors within horses to encourage and enhance healing. As a result, their products are safe and suitable for all performance horses.

Rebecca Farm/NAYC Thursday Social Media Roundup: An Action Packed Day

By on Jul 25, 2019 8:31 pm -

All systems are go at The Event Rebecca Farm! You likely have to be there to really appreciate of the size of this event, but the schedule of events might give you a good idea. Today there were six dressage arenas running concurrently, including the beginning of the NAYC competition with the three-star young riders. Plus, Novice and Training horse trials competitors ran cross country from sun up to nearly sun down. All that and most of the other FEI levels haven’t even begun yet! Take a peek at just some of today’s action:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

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Made it to Montana #teamcheckers🏁

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Posted by Stephani Mishel Hren on Wednesday, July 24, 2019

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First group of 3* Young Riders looking real cute

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Rebecca Farm/NAYC Wednesday Social Media Roundup: Hello, Montana!

By on Jul 24, 2019 8:41 pm -

Happy jog day to everyone at The Event at Rebecca Farm — you made it! Even from photos, we can see why it’s called Big Sky Country. From Novice to Four-Star to NAYC, we’re wishing you all the best weekend ever and we’re looking forward to living vicariously through you! Check back daily for your Rebecca Farm social media fix.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

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Go Olivia & Vanya!!!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Go Team Canada!!

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Legs: Pale Sky: Blue Spirits: High

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Anyone at Rebecca farm: my mom had this banner made in memory of Ashley Stout. We plan on hanging it tomorrow and…

Posted by Ashley Hays on Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Posted by Jules Elliott on Wednesday, July 24, 2019

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NAYC 2019

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Just a few more from today 🥰

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Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Andrew Hoy’s Jump and Drive Helmet Cam

By on Jul 22, 2019 3:00 pm -

From sailing over an arena eventing course to powering around obstacles in a four-in-hand carriage — this is a helmet cam like you’ve never seen before. Australia’s Andrew Hoy takes us for a ride from start to finish throughout CHIO Aachen’s unique Jump and Drive competition, the Lavazza Cup.

The “Jump and Drive” is a popular exhibition class seen at many large shows in Europe, often involving a show jumper who jumps a course then dismounts, hops in a car and drives through a series of obstacles. Aachen takes this class to the next level, of course; their’s involves a relay between an eventer, a showjumper, and a combined driver and it’s all made even more thrilling by the infectious Aachen crowd.

Andrew donned his helmet cam from start to finish while he took part in the Lavazza-Cup on Saturday night. As the first out for the combined Australian/ German team, which ultimately came in third place, he tackled the cross country fences aboard 13-year-old Selle Français mare Bloom des Hauts Crets, and then hands the mare to his groom and positions himself for a sprint to his carriage driving teammate Australia’s Boyd Excell. Once their German teammate Sven Schlüsselburg completed the show jump course Andrew makes a run for it and hops on the back of Boyd’s four-in-hand to help steady the carriage around impossibly tight turns.

Enjoy the ride!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 22, 2019 12:01 am -

Well, that settles it: CHIO Aachen is officially a bucket list event for me. After following Tilly Berendt’s coverage all weekend I’m completely enamored with the venue, the fanfare and the utter spectacle of it all. It doesn’t hurt that the Charlemagne-era city of Aachen itself looks like a dream to explore. I’m currently plotting how I make this a stop during my vacation time next spring!

National Holiday: National Rat Catcher’s Day

CHIO Aachen: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] Final Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

Congrats to Clare Milhous, winner of last week’s Fab Freebie! Clare won a Sunshield Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip from SmartPak, designed to keep riders cool, dry, and protected from the sun. Thanks to our great friends at SmartPak for sponsoring this contest. Keep an eye out for this week’s Fab Freebie giveaway, to be announced on Tuesday.

The FEI ‘blood rule’ was enforced multiple times at CHIO Aachen over the weekend. A Danish dressage rider, a Belgian show jumper and a French show jumper were all eliminated for blood on their horse’s side near the riders’ spurs. [Three riders eliminated in Aachen due to blood on horses’ sides]

You may have noticed that Tamie Smith and Wembly were missing from the Team USA squad at CHIO Aachen this weekend. Tamie look to Facebook yesterday to let everyone know that Wembly was discovered to have a bone bruise in one foot and she determined that it was in his best interest not to compete at Aachen. We’re wishing Wembly a speedy recovery and Tamie the best of luck with Mai Baum at Pan Ams! [Update on Wembly]

Does your horse get a little over excited for cross country? If your horse gets strong and you’re feeling a bit out of control at times, try this exercise from British eventer Sam Ecroyd which he learned from the master himself, Michael Jung. [#SundaySchool: How can I stop my horse being strong across country?]

Monday Video: Ever the horsewoman, Ingrid Klimke even gives the robo-horse pats!

SAP Riding Simulator

SAP Ambassador and Olympian Ingrid Klimke tests out the brand new SAP Riding Simulator at CHIO Aachen. The simulator gives fans a unique chance to feel what it’s like for a professional rider! If you’re in Aachen come by, test your riding skills and try to beat Ingrid's best-time #thebestrun

Posted by SAP Sports on Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Saturday Links Presented by Nupafeed USA

By on Jul 20, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Japan Business Group Equestrian Federation on Facebook.

Equestrian Park, the venue for the dressage and stadium jumping portions of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is nearing completion and will be utilized soon enough as the Olympic test event, a CCI3*S which is part of the larger “Ready Steady Tokyo” series of Olympics test events, will take place next month. Last weekend the venue opened for a local preview event featuring demonstrations of the Olympic disciplines.

National Holiday: National Moon Day

CHIO Aachen: Website, Entries & Start Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Saturday Links:

EquiRatings: The Media Guide – CHIO Aachen 2019

Free Richard Jeffery Show Jumping Clinics to be Hosted at the 2019 USEA AEC

I Found My Way Back To Riding And Realized It’s Not About The Ribbons Anymore

Featured Clinician: Emma Ford

4 Exercises to Help Strengthen Your Lower Leg

Commentary: The Problem With ‘Naming And Shaming’ In Horse Rescue

Horse Owners Need to Think About Hay Supplies Now

Saturday Video: Laura Collett rode a personal best dressage test with London 52 and after stadium jumping they are our CHIO Aachen leaders headed into cross country this morning. Watch their test:

Laura Collett leads after Showjumping and Dressage at CHIO Aachen 2019

😱 The Eventing at @CHIO Aachen couldn’t be more exciting!! After a personal best Dressage score and a great showjumping round Laura Collett Eventing is in the lead ahead of Tim Price and Ingrid Klimke. ❤️▶️ Tune in tomorrow to follow the Cross Country LIVE: watch.clipmyhorse.tv/CHIOAachen2019_en

Posted by CMH.TV Great Britain on Friday, July 19, 2019

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Jul 19, 2019 9:00 am -

Keeping our equine athletes/ best friends happy, healthy and comfortable is always at the forefront of our minds — that’s why we’re extra excited to welcome MediVet Equine as our newest sponsor!

MediVet Equine is a leader in scientifically-based preventative and regenerative therapies for horses. Their products, all of which are all-natural and drug-free, help the horse’s body to heal and strengthen itself. Partnerships with research teams at the University of Sidney and the University of Kentucky, along with over three years of research and development before launching their products to the veterinary community and nine years now on the market, ensure that their biological therapies are second to none.

A few riders you may have heard of (like, you know, Boyd Martin and Marcia Kulak) trust MediVet Equine to help their top horses perform their best. We’ll hear more about them and which products they use in the coming weeks. Each Friday, courtesy of MediVet Equine, we’ll be bringing you the top equine health headlines from around the world right here in an easy to read manner. Ready to educate yourself? Let’s get started!

This Week in Horse Health News:

US Equestrian Federation Announces Transition of Laboratory to the University of Kentucky: The USEF Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory now becomes the UK Equine Regulatory Testing Laboratory and will be led by Dr. Scott Stanley, an equine toxicologist and UK faculty member. The new lab will be responsible for analyzing the random samples collected at competitions across the country and will also provide opportunities for research in equine pharmacology and toxicology [US Equestrian]

Research on racehorses can help our sport horses as well: Injuries to racehorses tend to be high profile and can be catastrophic. As a result, industry organizations have increased their funding to support research on injury prevention and risk factor identification. The sport horse world can utilize much of this information as well, to the benefit of our own equine athlete’s health and longevity. Here are some recent highlights:

  • Research from the University of Kentucky suggests that breakdowns are the result of a chronic injury pattern, rather than an acute event. Blood work may reveal biomarkers that indicate a predisposition to injury.
  • Researchers from the University of Guelph in Ontario analyzed data regarding racehorse deaths in Ontario from 2003 to 2015. According to the researchers, the most notable finding was that death rate was highest among two-year-old intact male Thoroughbreds.
  • All-weather surfaces may increase fatality risk in flat races, according to a study from the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. which analyzed data from Thoroughbreds in Great Britain from 2000 to 2013. Other risk factors identified included firmer (turf) or faster (all-weather) tracks and increased racing distance.
  • Research from the University of California at Davis has already led to a number of changes to the racing industry in the state including dragging the tracks for frequently during training sessions in order to help prevent injury. UC Davis is also also planning future research on how riding surfaces affect dressage and show jumping horses.

[The Horse]

You probably know what an overgrown hoof looks like, but do you know what makes them grow that way? It’s that abnormal, dished shape where the hoof curls upward from the coronary band to the toe. A collaborative team of veterinarians, physicists, mathematicians and stem cell biologists from the University of Nottingham and the Royal Veterinary College set out find an answer as to why hooves grow in the shape that they do.

Amongst their findings were that the rate of hoof growth from the coronary band tended to be faster from the quarters than from the toe region, leading to a curved shape over time. Interestingly, they also found that hoof growth from more obese horses may be straighter due to promoted hoof growth, compared to underweight horses. However, they also hypothesize that the outermost layer of cells on the hoof wall may be stimulated to grow by the presence of insulin – which can generally be elevated in obese horses prone to metabolic syndrome –  also leading to the curved hoof shape. Hoof biology … it’s tricky! [HorseTalk]

About MediVet Equine:

MediVet Equine‘s mission is to bring state-of-the-art science, and principled stewardship, to performance horses, their owners and the equine industry. Following the medical model of “do no harm,” MediVet Equine, the original creators of the breakthrough MediVet Autologous Conditioned Serum (MediVet ACS), develops scientifically based biological therapeutics, enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability to achieve its full performance potential.

Specializing in regenerative treatments that help the body heal and regain strength, MediVet Equine’s products are designed to activate specific cells and growth factors within horses to encourage and enhance healing. As a result, their products are safe and suitable for all performance horses.

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Jul 18, 2019 12:01 am -

Chris Talley and Wyeth cleared 5’3″ to win in 2016. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

Come for the eventing, stay for the bareback puissance! We’re excited to share the news that the bareback puissance competition is returning to the MARS Great Meadow International this year! With the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S divisions running between August 22-25th, the bareback puissance will take place on Friday, August 23rd.

Are you up for the challenge? Riders interested in competing in the bareback puissance (for a $500 cash prize!) should email Chris Talley at [email protected].

National Holiday: National Get to Know Your Customers Day

CCIO4*-S Aachen: Website, Ride Times/Results, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Thursday News & Notes:

EN sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Clare Bedford. Clare died as the result of a fall while competing in the 100cm section at the Solihull Riding Club one-day-event in England. Her horse was unharmed. [Rider who died following cross-country fall named]

Heads up if you’re heading to Penny Oaks H.T. this weekend: the Indiana Department of Transportation is is doing heavy roadwork to resurface, patch potholes and make repairs to the highways of Marion County. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there are some road closures to be aware of![Marion County Construction Plan 2019]

All eyes are on Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg ahead of the Pan American Games next month. Boyd and the dreamy black Trakehner gelding are our reigning USEF CCI5*-L National Champions, but Chirstine Turner’s “Thomas” is a rather unassuming little horse day-to-day on the farm. Get to know the little horse that could ahead of the big competition. [Pan Am Profile: Tsetserleg]

Truer words have never bee spoken: “Sisters, they argue,” says Holly Perry Gorman, head groom and older sister to Olympic dressage rider Kasey Perry-Glass. Now that’s a unique business relationship! How do they do it? [Groom Spotlight: Gorman Puts Sisterly Squabbles Aside As Head Groom To Olympian Perry-Glass]

Are you competing in Europe this summer? As one of the leading international equine insurance agencies in the United States, Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) agents are ready to help you extend your coverage for a trip abroad! [Request a Quote from THIS]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist Presented by Cosequin: Rested and Ready

By on Jul 17, 2019 11:00 am -

When shopping for an off-the-track Thoroughbred, you don’t necessarily have to buy one literally straight off the track that raced last week. Often, a little down time is beneficial to the body and mind of these horses before they begin a new career. When adopting a horse from a reputable racehorse rehoming organization, you’ll often be choosing from horses who’ve already had a little R&R before they’ve started their training to be a riding horse.

Our three picks this week are all from different organizations. They haven’t raced recently and are rested and ready for a new career:

Clutch Cargo. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Clutch Cargo (TAPIT – CARMANDIA, BY WILD RUSH): 2014 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

Clutch Cargo came directly to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) from his owners and breeders and it’s clear that we was in good hands and well-cared for his whole life. He was a pretty successful racer, earning over $150,000 in 20 career starts, his last of which was in October of last year. “Clutch” is an elegant, well-bred horse and therefore his adoption fee from MMSC is a little higher than usual. You’ll get your money’s worth, however. Clutch has a natural cadence and is well-balanced and straightforward under saddle. He settled in quickly to MMSC and enjoys working with people as thoughtful as he his.

Located in Frankfort, Illinois.

View Clutch Cargo on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. 

Halny. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Halny (ECCLESIASTIC – TELIMENA, BY EMANCIPATOR): 2013 16.0-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Halny is a horse who appears to have fallen into a bad situation after making his last start in 2016. In March of this year, Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue pulled him from a bad situation. Since coming to their farm he’s been gelded, given time to recover and then restarted under saddle. He has some remaining crestiness and can still act a little bit studdish when first meeting new horses, but quickly settles down and is a sensible guy.

It’s a bit hard to see from the under saddle photo, but if you watch his video you can see that Halny has a nice uphill build and a good over-tracking walk. He has a nice natural balance under saddle and has been happy and willing to learn. He’s sound and as an added bonus he’s currently barefoot!

Located in Warwick, Maryland.

View Halny on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Let’s Get Loud. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Let’s Get Loud (MORE THAN READY – DON’T CRY FOR ME, BY STREET CRY (IRE)): 2014 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

How about a horse with his own built-in theme song? This lovely little gelding known around the barn as “Lopez” was actually quite a successful racehorse. He made a total of 5 career starts and won a total of $112,654 in those races. Given that success, it seems likely that Lopez came up with injury after his last race, which was in October 2017. That said, the very reputable folks at New Vocations feel that he has no limitations for a second career and would make a great jumper or dressage prospect (so basically, an eventer!)

Lopez is the class clown around the barn and always wants to be the center of attention. Though he’s goofy and playful, he’s easy to handle. Under saddle he currently has a little more ‘whoa’ than ‘go’ but he’s proving to be a brave and quick learner.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Let’s Get Loud on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Sneak Peak at Pam Ams 2035

By on Jul 15, 2019 5:00 pm -

Nox, baby Leo, and Silva Martin. Photo via Silva Martin on Facebook.

While there’s some pretty serious business to be done at the Pan American Games this year (little things like, you know, Olympic qualification) the team is still taking some time out to train the next generation. Or maybe it’s the next, next, next generation. Pan Ams 2035: watch out for Nox Martin.

Three-year-old Nox is definitely his father’s son and maybe a bit of an adrenaline junkie in the making (it’s a little hard to catch what he’s saying in the video, but your can definitely make out “RUN!”) Take a look at the most adorable Windurra training session ever:

Posted by Silva Martin on Sunday, July 14, 2019

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 15, 2019 12:01 am -

Life is good when you’re the #1 eventing dog in the world. Photo via Team Price on Facebook.

Don’t pretend you’ve never taken a look at the beautiful, fluffy and clean shavings in your horse’s stall and legitimately gotten jealous of the absolute luxury you treat your horse to. Though you’ve immaculately banked, picked and fluffed your equine buddy’s stall to perfection, there’s a good chance your own bed at home, with it’s five-year-old low tread count sheets, remains unmade and with a nice pile of dirty and/ or clean laundry at the foot of it. Ah, the things we do for our horses.

National Holiday: I LOVE HORSES DAY (Yes, for real!)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Final Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Final Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Final Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The young Brits were victorious this weekend at the FEI Young Rider European Eventing Championships. After an influential day of cross country, during which the German team who lead after dressage fell out of the competition, team France and Great Britain were left to battle it out for the gold on the final day of competition. [‘It’s a dream come true’ — British young riders win a medal of each colour at eventing Europeans]

Ashley Stout deserves to be remembered for the fearless and kind-hearted young woman that she was. Her family, friends and community are still deeply in mourning for Ashley, who died on Thursday in a riding accident, but are finding some small comfort in sharing their memories of her. Her autopsy, completed of Friday, determined the cause of head was due to a skull fracture. Our very deepest sympathies continue to be with Ashley’s family and friends.  [Friends, horse riding community remember ‘fearless’ Port Matilda teen killed in accident]

Stable View in Aiken will be the final training site for the U.S. Eventing Team before they head down to Peru for the Pan American Games. The team will have a few final days of training sessions beginning on July 23rd. Though the training sessions will be closed to the public, there will be a public send-off party on July 24th which tickets can be purchased for through the Stable View office. [U.S. eventing team for Pan American Games will train in Aiken]

Monday Video: The youngest Rutledge daughter, 11-year-old Ciana, moved up to Novice this past weekend at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm II. She finished on her dressage score for second place in the Junior Open Novice-B division. Way to go, Ciana!

Ciana our youngest (11 years old) moved up to Novice today for the first time and finished in 2nd place finishing on her dressage score !!

Posted by Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Sunday, July 14, 2019

Saturday Links Presented by Nupafeed USA

By on Jul 13, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo by Abby Powell.

Go outside today and enjoy your horse. Do what you love, be brave, and appreciate each moment. #ride4Ashley.

National Holiday: National French Fry Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Saturday Links:

Spotted On Course: Melemed’s Spreading Her Love Of Knabstruppers

Halt Cancer at X raises over $500,000 for charity

Irish Eventing team for Aachen Nations Cup

PODCAST: Ride Your Best Dressage Test

Fire destroys part of historic French National Stud

Oldest Living Derby Winner Sea Hero Dies at 29

‘I was so proud of him’: British riders start tussle for medals in dressage phase of European Young Rider Eventing Championships

Saturday Video: Dressage rider Olivia Towers shows us how she does two types of braids with bands and threading.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Your Summertime Sports Car

By on Jul 11, 2019 11:00 am -

You know what goes perfectly with summertime? A bright red sports car to cruise around in. You can head to the beach, ice coffee in hand with the windows down and your hair blowing in the breeze … or at least that’s what your average citizen might think goes perfectly with summer.

Horse people? Nah. Forget the sports car; the only red vehicle we’re driving is the Ram that’s pulling the old gooseneck. A bright red chestnut to go with that red truck would be perfect, though (and the ice coffee too, really). Wouldn’t you rather be zipping around a cross county course on a shiny chestnut than headed out to the beach just to give yourself a sunburn anyway? You really wouldn’t want your skin to match the car, after all.

If a bright red chestnut is more your speed than a flashy car, then you should take a look at the three OTTBs we’ve picked out this week:

Drewmatic. Photo via CANTER Illinois.

Drewmatic (ICE BOX – MISLEAD BY DEB, BY BROKEN VOW): 2015 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Drewmatic is a well-bred gelding whose pedigree simply wasn’t enough for a successful race career. After 14 starts and a minimal number of good placings, it’s time to see if he’ll be more successful at a different job. He has the Pulpit/A.P. Indy sire line on his sire’s side and Fappiano on his dam’s, which are promising for a future as a sport horse. Drewmatic also has the claim to fame that he was bred by country music star Toby Keith.

The CANTER volunteers who met him said he was a perfect gentleman for his photoshoot (even while the rest of the stable was getting fed breakfast!) and seems like an all-around good guy. If you’re the type who likes a compact pocket rocket with which to zip around cross country, make sure you give this guy a good look.

Located at Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville, Illinois.

View Drewmatic on CANTER Illinois.

Jarrod’s Commando. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Jarrod’s Commando (MASTER COMMAND – PONDSIDE, BY FORESTRY): 2009 16.3-hand Florida-bred gelding

Here’s your chance to own an extra special war horse! Jarrod has 78 career starts, winning 17 of those races and placing second or third in a combined 21 of those, for a total of $227,232 career earnings. He’s had a consistent race career since 2011 and has remained sound as a pound. Now as a 10-year-old his trainer feels that Jarrod has been-there-done-that and deserves a great life off the track. The Finger Lakes volunteers who met him for his photoshoot, for which he was gentleman, wholeheartedly agree and think that he still shows great potential to have a sport horse career, especially given his pedigree with sire lines of A.P. Indy and Forestry.

Located at the Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, NY.

View Jarrod’s Commando on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.

Mindprado. Photo via Second Stride.

Mindprado (MINESHAFT – ROSANGELA, BY EL PRADO (IRE)): 2016 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Want a horse so lightly raced he’s practically a blank slate? Mindprado is your guy, with just two starts in 2018 and a few published workouts in 2019. Success as a racehorse just isn’t in the cards for this young one despite some big-timers in his bloodlines: he’s got A.P. Indy as a grandsire on one side and Grade 1 Stakes winning El Prado on the other side. He’s retiring soundly — his vet exam after arrival at Second Stride was normal — but hasn’t been evaluated under saddle yet. That said, he’s still young and would likely benefit with a little more time to mature.

Located at Moserwood Farm in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Mindprado on Second Stride Inc. 

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Freestyle’s Freestyle That We’ve All Been Waiting For

By on Jul 8, 2019 5:00 pm -

The girl on the dancing horse is back with her long-awaited new freestyle routine! Charlotte Dujardin rode Mount St John Freestyle in the Superflex Grand Prix Freestyle (kind of confusing, I know) on Saturday June 6th at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage CDI3*. Charlotte and the 10-year-old mare blew the competition out of the water with an 87.6%. Second place Hayley Watson-Greaves and Rubins Nite earned a 77.96%.

Charlotte’s new kür was initially meant to be debuted last September at the World Equestrian Games, but Hurricane Florence forced the cancelation of the dressage freestyle competition that Sunday — the same day that eventing stadium jumping was slotted to take place. Where eventing’s final phase was reschedule to Monday, the dressage freestyle could not be rescheduled. Therefore Saturday evening at Hartbury was the first time Charlotte and Freestyle danced to their new Frozen-inspired music.

Saturday’s routine was dedicated to the late Roy Burek, Chairman of Charles Own helmets, whose memorial service was held the same day.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 8, 2019 12:01 am -

Eventing at Herron Park. Photo via Diana Lynn Schneider on Facebook.

NAYC teams have been named and 2019 Travel Grants have been announced — that means we’re in the home stretch in the countdown to this year’s iteration of The Event at Rebecca Farm, which will take place at the end of the month from July 24th – 28th. 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of eventing in Kallispell, Montana. What began as an event with about 12 competitors at Herron Park has grown into an event with over 650 competitors at Rebecca Farm. It’s a pretty amazing legacy!

National Holiday: National Chocolate with Almonds Day

Barbury: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Maryland CCI & H.T. [Final Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills Summer II H.T. [Final Scores]

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Final Scores]

Twin Rivers H.T. [Final Scores]

South Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

Powder Basin H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

Treating yourself like an athlete means eating like one too. It’s not just adding off-the-horse exercise to your routine that will help you in the saddle — it’s utilizing proper nutrition as well. It’s a tough pill to swallow (pun intended) and a really hard thing to commit to, but that easy and greasy horse show food isn’t helping you perform your best. [Eat Like An Athlete: Proper Nutrition Will Give You A Leg Up On The Competition]

Stay tuned for Tilly Berendt’s Barbury finale write-up right here on EN, but until then hear what Andrew Nicolson has to say about his victorious stead via Horse & Hound. [‘He feels like Avebury’: Andrew Nicholson’s high praise for his Barbury victor]

Scientists have identified a gene that may play a role in a Thoroughbred’s success as a racehorse. The “motivator gene” may indicate which horses end up racing successfully and which never make it to the racetrack to compete. [Study: Key genes linked to motivation and attitude may explain Thoroughbred success]

Your Monday Video: Another Novice is in the books for Elisa Wallace’s RRP Thoroughbred Makeover hopeful, Play Big:

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jul 6, 2019 12:01 am -

#WeirdDressageTestComments. Photo by Abby Powell.

What’s the weirdest comment you’ve gotten on a dressage test? This note of “handsome” is right up there for me. I’ll admit it, this clearly wasn’t mine or my pony’s best test ever (though it didn’t feel like the worst either), but was there really not any more useful comment that could have been given? Also, I ride a mare.

National Holiday: National Hop-a-Park Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Maryland CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Twin Rivers H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Powder Basin H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Martin And Tsetserleg Lead The Way At Final Pan Am Team Outing At The Maryland International

Tamie Smith: Learning To Let Go Has Changed The Way I Deal With Disappointment — And My Career

The Race to Le Lion: Who is Qualified for the Holekamp/Turner Grant?

Major equestrian centre to be ‘flattened’ for housing: ‘it will be very, very sad’

Don’t Learn the Hard Way With Equine Disease Outbreaks

Survey on Concussions and Mental Health in Equestrians

Saturday Video: Pan-Am combination Doug Payne and Starr Witness sit in 3rd place after dressage in the Maryland CCI3*-S. Watch their test!

Friday Video from SmartPak: From Footsore to Fabulous

By on Jul 5, 2019 5:00 pm -

Remember that severely footsore OTTB that Elisa Wallace picked up last last year? He just made his Novice level debut last weekend at Chattahoochee Hills Summer H.T.!

After some TLC for an old abscess turned infected coffin bone, Play Big a.k.a. “Gamble”, a 2013 Kentucky-bred gelding who last raced in September 2018, is blossoming into the event horse that Elisa had a feeling he could be. Gamble has made a pretty incredible transformation since Elisa loaded him up on her trailer less than a year ago, so make sure you check out his backstory video here.

After running three Beginner Novices, Elisa could tell that Gamble was ready to move up. Two double clear jumping rounds were rewarded with a sixth place finish in a large Open Novice division. Check out the helmet cam of their cross country round below as well.

We hope to see Gamble help Elisa defend her America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred title from the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover later this year!