Abby Powell
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Abby Powell

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About Abby Powell

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

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: The Breeder’s Cup is Coming Up

The Breeder’s Cup comes to Kentucky this year, taking place at Churchill Downs in Louisville this Friday and Saturday, November 2-3. These two days of racing, considered the unofficial end of the racing season, see some of the best racehorses in the business battle it out for a coveted Breeder’s Cup title. It’s an achievement to make it into a Breeder’s Cup race, never mind win, and obviously there are many that don’t get there.

Here are three such horses you won’t see racing this weekend. In fact, they’re looking for new careers. Could one of them be your very own champion?

True Cat. Photo via CANTER MD.

True Cat (YES IT’S TRUE – SHE’S A LADY CAT, BY CAME HOME): 2014 16.2-hand West Virginia-bred gelding

This striking chestnut should pique the interest of anyone looking for a classically well-conformed thoroughbred. The only problem is that he’s recently bowed a tendon – but wait! Don’t just keep scrolling! If you’re patient and willing to give True Cat a little more layup time, you could have the deal of the century on your hands. True Cat’s bow was mild, it’s already cold, and the prognosis with proper rest is excellent – he should have unlimited potential.

Not only does this gelding have great bones, but his sweet, amateur-friendly personality makes him a barn-favorite – and that’s saying something given that he comes from a big barn and a trainer who’s worked with many, many horses. His trainer says he’s a great mover and his exercise riders comment on how nice and easy to ride and gallop he his. Put a little love into this guy and you truly have a head-turner on your hands!

Located in Laurel, Maryland.

View True Cat on CANTER Maryland.

War of Ideas. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

War of Ideas (WAR FRONT – HIGHTAP, BY TAPIT): 2013 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

War of Ideas goes by the name “Warrior” around the barn and it’s a fitting name after all this handsome gelding has been through. He was retired after four starts and almost $57,000 in earning after a knee injury and a guttural pouch infection. His owners didn’t want to incur the expense of treating him, but Dr. Liz Barrett of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute saw something in him and offered to pay for his veterinary expenses if MMSC would take him on. Since then the infection has cleared, his knee has stabilized, and he has begun retraining. Warrior is working w/t/c and going over ground poles under saddle and has just started some free jumping as well. So far his proving to be and honest and willing partner and a balanced and athletic mover.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View War of Ideas on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

War in the West. Photo via CANTER California.

War in the West (LONE STAR SPECIAL – TEMPLEMARTIN, BY WOLF POWER (SAF)): 2014 16.1-hand California gelding

After six starts, War in the West shows no promise as a racehorse. He’s said to have been retired sound, just slow, and is an uncomplicated character. His jog video shows a nice loose trot with good reach. He is nicely built with a neck a mile long and an uphill build. He stood very nicely for his CANTER photoshoot and appears to be an easy-going, personable guy. Bring him home and make him yours!

Located in Berkeley, California.

View War in the West on CANTER California.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Could You Manage this Massive Grid?

Photo via Lisanne Kriescher on Facebook.

The Guinness Book of Records cites just a couple of records relating to horses jumping. There’s an official record for puissance (8 ft 1.25 in), for highest jump by a Miniature Horse (42.5 in), and for longest jump over a liverpool (27 ft 6 in), but there doesn’t appear to be a record for longest grid or course. Should someone ever strive to set that record, we herby nominate the folks at Harbarnsen Riding Club in Germany who have brought insanity in the middle to their schooling session by setting up a monstrous grid guaranteed to work that equine booty and then some.

Behold: the “mega row,” posted to Facebook by Lisanne Kriescher, that consists of 8 ground poles, 6 raised cavaletti, 18 crossrail bounces, 4 one stride verticals, finishing with two strides to an oxer. Phew.

Here’s a drive-by view of the whole thing:

Posted by Lisanne Kriescher on Saturday, October 27, 2018

Now let’s see how it’s done!

Posted by Lisanne Kriescher on Saturday, October 27, 2018

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Spot the human. Photo via Dawn Britnell on Facebook.

It’s getting to be the last hurrah, folks. Le sigh. Jump on your horse and get out there or curl up with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Pau live stream. Either way, enjoy eventing in the fall! Here are your American ride times to look out for if you’re tuning in to Les 4 Etoiles de Pau:

  • Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border: 1:38 p.m. CEST/7:38 a.m. EST
  • Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett: 3:54 p.m. CEST/9:54 a.m. EST
  • Hallie Coon and Celien: 4:06 p.m. CEST/10:06 a.m. EST
  • Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie: 4:18 p.m. CEST/10:18 a.m. EST
  • Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready: 4:38 p.m. CEST/10:38 a.m. EST

Important update from Waredaca: Two inches of rain fell overnight and the schedule has been changed. The ground is very wet and soggy in many places on the farm. You will most likely need to be pulled in with a tractor.

Today’s divisions of Preliminary and Training Rider will still do dressage and show jumping today. Cross country will be rescheduled to tomorrow afternoon. Times will be available after the show jumping phase concludes this afternoon.

If you choose to withdraw, please either email cindy [email protected] or call the show office 301-570-2150.

National Holiday: National Black Cat Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Pau Links: WebsiteEntriesXC Start TimesLive ScoringLive StreamForm GuideEN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Waredaca Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [3DE Entries] [HT Entries] [3DE Ride Times] [HT Ride Times] [3DE Live Scores] [HT Live Scores]

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

Windermere Run H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Saturday Links:

Jim Wofford: Hoofprints Through History

Why I support the rise in eventing entry fees: H&H eventing editor’s unfashionable view

Lessons From The Live Stream: Jim Wofford On Cross-Country Riding

Why Your Mindset Controls Your Riding, And Three Ways To Make It Work For You

Is It Time for Your Horse to Retire?

And … a big EN congrats to Caiti Kuczynski and Codi Trumpower of CDK Eventing and Vixen Hollow Equestrian Center, who are getting hitched today in Hedgesville, West Virginia! Here’s raising a glass to love.

Hot on Jumper Nation: Does it Get Any Cuter? Shetland Steeplechasing Steals Hearts at WIHS

Saturday Video: Click here for a musical drone flyover of the Pau cross country course. The calming piano is almost enough to make you think it’s a relaxing walk in the park. Ha!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: OTTBs Take Over YEH Championships

Was it intention or serendipity that saw the FEI World Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion and the East and West Coast USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships take place the same weekend? Either way, there were loads of gorgeous young event horses to ogle over whichever way you turned. While not a single horse starting in the 6- or 7-year-old Championships this year at Le Lion was full Thoroughbred, the breed was well-represented across the pond in the USEA’s YEH Championships from coast to coast.

On the East side, Sallie Johnson’s own Things to Ponder took third in the 5-year-old Championship and Hannah Salazar’s mare Lute and Sweet, ridden by Chris Talley, claimed Reserve Champion for the 4-year-olds. Looking to the West, California-bred mare MVP Madbum, owned and ridden by Madison Temkin, was crowned 5-year-old Champion. For the 4-year-olds, OTTBs swept the podium with Lauren Burnell’s mare Melkenna, ridden by Andrea Baxter, taking the top spot; Jennifer Wooten’s gelding TE Pacific Passage, ridden by Becky Leisz, claiming reserve; and Allyson Hartenburg’s own Mucho Me Gusto rounding out the top three.

These babies are all out to prove that racetrack-dropouts can grow up to be some of the world’s best event horses. This week’s wishlist features three young prospects that we’d love to see developed through the FEH and YEH ranks:

Decision Time. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.

Decision Time (BELLAMY ROAD – DEPUTIE’S NOTEBOOK, BY NOTEBOOK): 2015 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding.

Decision time, indeed — if you don’t make up your mind about this one quickly he might be gone in a flash! There isn’t anything not to like about this handsome grey gelding. Not only is well-built and athletic, but he has a good work ethic and is a total sweetheart as well. Despite his lovely nature, he’s just not quite competitive enough as a racehorse to make the trip down south for the winter with his current trainer. Their loss is the eventing world’s gain, however! Decision Time even has an excellent pedigree for sport, making him a promising prospect for the future.

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY.

View Decision Time on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc. via Facebook.

Animal Sync. Photo via Second Stride.

Animal Sync (ANIMAL KINGDOM – OUT OF SYNC, BY OUT OF PLACE): 2016 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Two-years-old and already 16.3-hands tall? Animal Sync is going to be a big dude! Despite his ground-covering movement, he was deemed too slow early on and never actually made it into the starting gate for a race. He does, however, have several official workouts on record and is therefore RRP 2019 eligible. Animal Sync is sound and calm under saddle. He seems to have an easy-going attitude and is just looking to please his rider.

Located at Moserwood Farm in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Animal Sync on Second Stride.

Best Ride. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.

Best Ride (FAST DRAW – SUNDAY RIDE, BY SUNDAY BREAK (JPN)): 2015 16.1-hand New York-bred mare

Don’t let her plain exterior fool you — Best Ride could be exactly that. With just two starts, she’s relatively low-mileage for a three-year-old and she’s come off the track sound, albeit slow. She does, however, have good bloodlines for jumping and the FLF volunteers who saw her noted nice movement even through a bit of post-race stiffness. Her sweet temperament and excellent ground manners really shone through as well. Give this girl a chance and you could be pleasantly surprised!

Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY.

View Best Ride on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc. 

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Quantum Leap Around Le Lion

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to gallop through the looking glass and around Wonderland (someone out there must have thought about this, I’m sure) wonder no more. The cross country course at at Le Lion d’Angers which played host to the 6- and 7-year-old FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships this weekend is the closest thing we’ll get. And, since it’s not just anyone who’ll find themselves piloting a talented youngster around a Pierre Michelet course against some the best up-and-coming baby event horses in the world, a great helmet cam is the next best thing.

Lucky for us, U.S. representative Doug Payne sported his trusty helmet cam aboard Susan Drillock’s Quantum Leap, a Maryland-bred RPSI gelding (Quite Capitol X Report to Sloopy, by Corporate Report), in the 7-year-old division. As the highest scorer of the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old Championship two years ago, Quantum and Doug the received the Holekamp/Turner Grant to compete at Le Lion.

The pair finished in 29th place after climbing a whopping 30 places through the course of the week, thanks in large part to a foot-perfect, fault-free cross country test.

Enjoy the ride!

Le Lion d’Angers links: WebsiteCCIYH* EntriesCCIYH** EntriesCCIYH* Live ScoresCCIYH** Live ScoresEN’s CoverageLive Stream

Saturday Links from Tipperary

After a summer of sickness and misdiagnoses, Massachusetts eventer Jessica Halliday was hit with the news that she has stage 4 colon cancer shortly after returning from coaching at the Area 1 Championships this August. Jess is eventer-tough and is continuing to push forward – teaching, training, and coaching as much as she possibly can – while undergoing treatment, but she has a long road of fighting and healing ahead and will need some help to see that the business she has built continues to thrive while she #BucksOffCancer. That’s where we, the extended eventing family, comes in.

Several fundraisers on behalf of Jess have been organized: a shop sporting her #BuckOffCancer logo and a raffle with fantastic prizes (for both horse and non-horse people and folks near and far). Purchasing raffle tickets or merchandise will help lighten the stress associated with running the business and continuing Jess’ dream and vision during this difficult time – plus it’ll give you a chance to win some awesome items!

National Holiday: National Youth Confidence Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Fair Hill: WebsiteDressage TimesScheduleYEH Live ScoresCCI Live ScoresLive StreamEN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T.: WebsiteEntry StatusRide TimesLive ScoresEN’s Coverage

Le Lion d’Angers: Website6-year-old Entries7-year-old EntriesResultsEN’s Coverage, Live Stream

U.S. Weekend Action:

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pine Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Saturday Links:

La Biosthetique-Sam FBW retires: eventing hero to stay with Michael Jung

One To Watch: Barr Is Headed To Fair Hill CCI*** On A $500 Craigslist Mare

PODCAST: Update on the Fair Hill Five-Star

Racetrack Injuries: Which Ones Pose Problems In An OTTB’s Second Career?

Horse Garments Help Teach Equine Anatomy

Hot on Horse Nation: The 10 Stages of Horse Shopping

Saturday Video:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Seasons of Change

Fall seems to be the season most often associated with change. Perhaps it’s the turning leaves that provides such a brilliant visual reminder of transition and makes us ruminate upon the fluidity of life this time of year in particular. Our Weekly OTTB Wishlist presented by Cosequin routinely highlights three Thoroughbreds who are going through a season of change in their own lives as they look to begin their transition to new careers; this installment is no exception.

Okay, that’s definitely enough introspection for one day, let’s get to the horses. Here are this week’s three picks, all from CANTER USA:

Congaree’s Key. Photo via CANTER PA.

Congaree’s Key (CONGAREE – KEY DEFINITION, BY GENTLEMEN (ARG)): 2013 16.1-hand New York-bred mare

It’s easy to look past the rough sorrel coat of this mare to see how nicely she’s put together and what a lovely sporthorse she might make. Congaree’s Key has been running in Maiden Claiming races for years clearly without much success at all, but that doesn’t mean a different sport isn’t right up her alley. Even though she never won any races, she still appears to have a bottomless fuel tank and some serious athletic potential. To boot, she’s a sweet and personable mare in the barn, wanting attention and to make friends with everyone who passes by her stall.

Located in Grantsville, Pennsylvania.

View Congaree’s Key on CANTER PA.

Baytown Peaches. Photo via CANTER KY.

Baytown Peaches (AWESOME PATRIOT – PRIVATE SPANISH, BY SPANISH STEPS): 2016 15.0-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

This little bay gelding’s names is Peaches and he’s cute as a button! At two-years-old, he’s made two starts and has absolutely zero interest in racing. That’s OK, the better to take him home and stick him in your barn! While he’s not keen on racing, his trainer says he should be able to easily transition to a new career. Right now he’s a little guy, but he should still grow a bit more given some time. He is said to be sound and has no bad habits, so if you’re in the market for a young prospect to restart, Baytown Peaches could be just the one!

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Baytown Peaches on CANTER KY.

Magic Messi. Photo via CANTER PA.

Magic Messi (ACTIVIST – ELUSIVE JO JO, BY ELUSIVE QUALITY): 2015 16.1-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

This one is for the soccer fans out there! Named for Lionel Messi, the Argentinian superstar who captains FC Barcelona, perhaps this Messi could be your next superstar? This is another young horse with exactly two starts and zero interest in racing, but maybe he’s destined for greatness in a different career? This tall, dark and handsome sweetie looks ready to make some magic happen for you if you train him up right.

Located in Grantsville, Pennsylvania.

View Magic Messi on CANTER PA.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Ciana Rutledge Is All Smiles at the BN3DE

That’s one happy kiddo! Photo via Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Facebook.

Tamie Smith isn’t the only rider with a top 10 finish to be proud of this weekend. Meanwhile on this side of the pond, riders around the nation were out in full force enjoying the fall event season. Among them: Colleen and Brian Rutledge’s daughter Ciana, who competed in The Maryland H.T.’s Beginner Novice Three-Day Event at Loch Moy Farm this weekend and finished in 10th place.

Ciana has been working hard all year to get herself and her pony Daybreak, a 17-year-old Welsh Pony gelding owned by her four-star veteran mother, qualified for the BN3DE at the end of the season. Ten-year-old Ciana has had a fantastic first year of recognized competition starting with her first sanctioned event in June and having just come off a second place finish in the Area II Junior Beginner Novice Championships last weekend. Here they are beasting around that course:

So I post Colleen’s slow motion jumping every once in while figure I would try it on her daughter Ciana. Brian

Posted by Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Once at Loch Moy for the long format event, it was all smiles heading into the first horse inspection:

Photo via Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Facebook.

And they capped off the weekend with a double clear show jumping round:

Ok one last post on Ciana. Here is her final double Clear round in Show Jumping.

Posted by Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Sunday, October 14, 2018

Well done, Ciana, and everyone who participated in the first long format Beginner Novice event at the Maryland H.T!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Falling off right in front of the judges? TERRIFYING! Photo via Jack Rainwater Jr. on Facebook.

Some barns take holiday decorating VERY seriously and I have mad respect for those that do — especially the ultra-creative ones. These horse skeletons seem to be gaining in popularity and despite their questionable anatomic accuracy (what’s with the ear bones??) I can see why: there’s so much fun you can have with them! I’m patiently awaiting Orchard Hill Equestrian Center’s resident skele-horse to make a reappearance. Shout out to Area I eventer Caroline Teich who had me in stitches last year with her creative dioramas.

National Holiday: I Love Yarn Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Military Boekelo CCIO3*: WebsiteEntriesXC Start TimesLive StreamEN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

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

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Las Cruces H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Saturday Links:

Horse Vision Research Leads to New Fence Design to Improve Safety

Applications for the 2018 Essex Horse Trials, Seema Sonnad Junior Rider, and Amy Tryon Young Rider Grants Due October 15!

Stallions, Breeding, and Jog Outfits with Chris Talley and Hannah Salazar of Zaragoza Acres

Welfare Over Winning: Protecting Show Horse Welfare

Flying high! The story behind this brilliant moment captured on camera…

‘No Sense In Rushing’: Espinoza Plans Christmas Return To The Saddle

Touching final tributes to Carl Hester’s first medal-winning horse

Saturday Video: Full video with commentary from Elisa and “Sniper’s” winning Thoroughbred Makeover weekend:

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: Your Thoroughbred Makeover Helmet Cam Hookup

The Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover is a very different kind of horse show for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most obvious difference is the fact that there are 12 different disciples all competing together in one facility, but another notable feature is the scoring in some of the disciples, eventing included.

While the dressage phase was scored in the traditional manner, the jumping phases needed to assess the horse’s training and suitability for the job, rather than just using the usual go/no-go penalty system. Each jumping effort was awarded a score from 0 to 3 and a score from 0 to 10 was given for three Overall Impression categories: Rideability, Between Fences, and Open Gallop. The course also had Novice and Beginner Novice options for each fence — riders could earn bonus points by demonstrating a higher level of training and taking all Novice options.

We’ve rounded up four of the top five cross country rounds for your viewing pleasure. Above, you’ll find the helmet cam for Elisa Wallace and Reloaded, owned by Michelle and Madison Chisholm. Elisa and “Sniper” were third going into the finale, but went on to win the eventing division before being crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.

Okay, I twisted the truth a little for the sake of alliteration in the title of this post — I don’t just have helmet cams for you! Here’s a spectator’s view of second place finishers Alison Wilaby and Big Ralph:

Elisa was leading the preliminary round on her other ride, Sharp Decision, owned by Susan Day. She and “Sharpie” slipped to third after the finale. Here’s his cross country round:

Additionally, we have EN’s own Kate Samuels and her own Turkomani who finished in fifth place. Kate and “Turkey” had the best XC score out of the top five finishers! Watch their round here:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist: OTTB Overload

I hope you’re not too OTTB overloaded after this weekend’s Thoroughbred Makeover, but gosh, what a weekend it was and for eventers especially, sweeping many divisions and winning the overall title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred. But why let the OTTB madness stop here? There are plenty more prospects out there waiting for their chance at second careers.

Did this weekend’s Makeover inspire you to open up your barn to an OTTB of your own? Here are three eligible candidates for your consideration:

Crawfish Shorts. Photo via new Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Crawfish Shorts (CONGAREE – HEDY HOPPER, BY VICTORY GALLOP): 2014 16.2-hand New York-bred gelding

“Shorty” came straight from the track to New Vocations’ facility and has easily adjusted to life on the farm and made friends with his paddock buddies. This not-so-short gelding is a confident, talented youngster who’s finding his new training very fun and will throw in an occasional head toss to let you know how proud he is of himself. He has big swinging gaits and no stall vices or soundness issues and he’s got the clean x-rays on file to prove it! He’s also eligible for the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover if you’re thinking ahead.

View Crawfish Shorts on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Pacific Surf. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Pacific Surf (CANDY RIDE (ARG) – PACIFIC SKY, BY STORMY ATLANTIC): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Pacific Surf could definitely be channeling the surfer dude vibes with his attitude: he’s chill and laid back, yet always up for an adventure. Things seem to come easy to him and he appears to be a natural athlete. “Pacific” raced 13 times and didn’t particularly ‘wow’ at the track, but it might be that he just hasn’t found the right sport yet. He has a lovely trot with a natural toe-flick and the beginnings of collection under saddle. Take him home and he’ll be your best adventure buddy — plus, he’s also 2018 Makeover eligible!

View Pacific Surf on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Fletcher is Golden. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Fletcher is Golden (MAJESTIC WARRIOR – WHAT WILL BE, BY ANEES): 2013 16.3-hand Maryland-bred gelding

Shall we make it three for three chestnut geldings this week? Fletcher is a well-bred youngster who sold for $110,000 as a yearling at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale and he did fairly well for himself on the track, making 29 starts and earning a little over $45,000. However, this summer he didn’t run quite like he used to and while he appears sound on all accounts, it seems that he’s just getting tired of doing the racing thing. His only vice is some stall weaving when he gets anxious, but he could very likely thrive in a less stressful environment and on a non-racehorse diet. Fletcher has a great sporthorse pedigree too and could be a golden boy for whoever trains him up in a second career!

View Fletcher is Golden on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Minions Take Over the Makeover

Photo via Retired Racehorse Project.

Skye Liikanen had a banner weekend at the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, placing second after the first round of Dressage competition before going on to win in the Finale. They also won the preliminaries of Freestyle and placed fourth in the Freestyle finale.

This horse 😍😍😍😍TB Makeover Freestyle!!! I had soooo much fun!!!! I have the most most amazing friends and family!!! Dan James Elizabeth James Josh Knight Emma Sanchez Miranda Holaday-Lyon Mark Lyon Lindsey Weber Ariana Sakaris Sarah Bernknopf Sharon Liikanen Chip St Charles

Posted by Skye Liikanen on Friday, October 5, 2018

Skye, an Australian transplant working with Double Dan Horsemanship, has watched the Thoroughbred Makeover the past several years and was ready to give it a go herself this time. She initially acquired a horse to train last October, but after struggling with lameness issues through March she new she’d need to find a new Makeover partner. (Don’t worry though — the first horse is still happy at the farm and is back in light work after some time off!)

Enter Sacred Promise, a five-year-old gelding (Super Saver X Theregoesmsamerica, by Unbridled’s Song) bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm & M R Capital LLC who sold for $30,000 at the Keeneland mixed sale, and earned $15,546 in 14 starts. “Brumby” was last raced in February and Skye purchased him in April from David Thornton of Crumbaugh Lane. In the several short months since Skye and Brumby began their partnership, they’ve gone from racetrack to fancy-prancing Minion tamers. Check out their winning freestyle performance above and a little snippet of dressage schooling below!

Last ride before the dressage tomorrow, so excited to ride in the Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park!!! Thank you to Talina Wilson from Wilson Equestrian, all the way from from Australia for the beautiful breeches and long sleeve shirt!https://wilsonequestrian.com.au/

Posted by Skye Liikanen on Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Saturday Links from Tipperary

I’m really digging all the coverage and social media I’m seeing from the Thoroughbred Makeover. One thing that has been coming across to me from everything I have read is the awe, appreciation, and pride that the trainers have for their steeds – no matter where they are placed within their disciplines. It’s a lot for a racehorse to switch careers in less than a year, and the Makeover truly showcases the OTTB’s trainability, talent, and heart of gold.

National Holiday: National Mad Hatter Day

Major Events This Weekend

Morven Park CIC & HT: WebsiteEntry StatusRide TimesLive Results

Woodside C.I.C. & HT: WebsiteEntry StatusRide TimesLive Scores

Thoroughbred Makeover: WebsiteScheduleEntriesRide TimesLive ScoringMarketplaceSeminarsFinale Live Stream

U.S. Weekend Action:

Kent School Fall H.T. [Website]  [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Event at Skyline H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Jonty Evans walks into his own fundraiser: eventing fans amazed

PODCAST: Three of a Kind: Meet the 2018 USEA FEH East, West, and Central Grand Champions

Karin Hagios Belgrave Is Coming Back To Kentucky For The RRP Thoroughbred Makeover

Practical Horseman: 4 Things to Do in October

Zenyatta’s son strides like his mom at Thoroughbred Makeover

Conditioning Horses in Fall and Winter

Saturday Video: Rosie Napravnik and Imalreadythere in their stadium round:

I’malreadythere is currently sitting in 4th with the 3rd highest Show Jumping score so far! This horse is something special and needs that person to take him to the top! He wants to come back to the Horse Park in a few years at the end of April 😉 dreambigbabyhorse

Posted by Rosie Napravnik’s Off-Track Sporthorses on Friday, October 5, 2018

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: Conditioning in Vermont with Anna Loschiavo

Conditioning in VT— here’s a video of how I train. (Sound on for narration). We don’t have an expensive gallop track with perfect footing at a calculated grade, but I’m perfectly ok with that because I’ve never run a cross country course that looked like that either. After warming up, I do three gallop sets in my Uncle Mike and Aunt Penny’s beautiful, undulating hay field— speed variation and length depending on level. Then I trot up our dirt road which is rocky and can be hard or soft depending on the rain and grading schedule. The upper level horses finish up the hill in this video. The woods ground is beautiful to ride on but it’s steep, it’s uneven, there are rocks, sometimes we hit them although we can avoid most big ones, we have to jump over a couple water bars, fallen down trees and branches that are scattered about at odd angles. My horses and I have to think quickly, they have to pay attention to their feet while they’re climbing a massive hill. I broke some of the branches since this video and the land owner cleared one of the gnarlier fallen trees that we jump, but honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I have been training on this hill for years with fit, sound horses. I believe that intelligently (**very key word**) training on uneven footing where the horses have to think about their feet makes them that much more aware while also conditioning their tendons and ligaments to strains and pressures that they’re going to be exposed to in competition. It might not look pretty but I am thankful for what I have and how it helps my horses 🙌🏻❤️👊🏻Prince Renan is in the video below, you can see Spartacus Q tackle the hill in a video in the comments.#poulinpowered #straffordsaddlery #teamstuebben Poulin Grain Strafford Saddlery Stübben NA

Posted by Anna Loschiavo Eventing on Tuesday, October 2, 2018

You don’t need a fancy gallop track to get results —  just ask Anna Locschiavo, who’s clocked in her first two international wins this year aboard her two top horses. Anna is based out of her family’s Chase Hollow Farm in Bradford, Vermont, where she uses the resources the Vermont landscape provides to condition her horses. From Anna:

“Conditioning in Vermont — here’s a video of how I train. (Sound on for narration). We don’t have an expensive gallop track with perfect footing at a calculated grade, but I’m perfectly OK with that because I’ve never run a cross country course that looked like that either. After warming up, I do three gallop sets in my Uncle Mike and Aunt Penny’s beautiful, undulating hay field — speed variation and length depending on level. Then I trot up our dirt road which is rocky and can be hard or soft depending on the rain and grading schedule.

“The upper level horses finish up the hill in this video. The woods ground is beautiful to ride on but it’s steep, it’s uneven, there are rocks, sometimes we hit them although we can avoid most big ones, we have to jump over a couple water bars, fallen down trees and branches that are scattered about at odd angles. My horses and I have to think quickly, they have to pay attention to their feet while they’re climbing a massive hill.

“I broke some of the branches since this video and the land owner cleared one of the gnarlier fallen trees that we jump, but honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I have been training on this hill for years with fit, sound horses. I believe that intelligently (**very key word**) training on uneven footing where the horses have to think about their feet makes them that much more aware while also conditioning their tendons and ligaments to strains and pressures that they’re going to be exposed to in competition. It might not look pretty but I am thankful for what I have and how it helps my horses 🙌🏻❤️👊🏻” 

In the video above, Anna ride’s Gina and Rodney Oakes’ Prince Renan, with whom she won the CIC2* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event this May, and in the video below she rides her mother Melanie’s Spartacus Q, recent two-star winner at Plantation Field. Sound on for narration as they gallop up the hill!

Posted by Anna Loschiavo Eventing on Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: It’s Thoroughbred Makeover Week!

It’s here! The 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover is upon us. Hundreds of recently retrained former racehorses are converging on the Kentucky Horse Park for the chance at being named America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred. If you’re attending as a spectator, there’s so much to do from watching the competition, to attending seminars, and of course, shopping.  And yes, that includes horse shopping!

If you’re looking for newly restarted OTTB then the Thoroughbred Makeover is the place to be. Roughly half of the horses entered in the competition are also for sale and you can view them online in the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace. Sale horses are easily identifiable throughout the competition by their green competition numbers and green icons on results, entry lists, and stall cards. You can try prospects on-site in the dedicated trial arena (just make sure to stop by the Info Desk in the Covered Arena to sign a waiver!) and Hagyard Medical Institute will have vets available for pre-purchase exams. Finding the OTTB of your dreams can hardly get any more convenient!

Need a few options to get you started? Check out our three picks this week from the Thoroughbred Makeover ASPCA Makeover Marketplace:

Huckins. Photo via Friends of Ferdinand.

Huckins (KITALPHA – SUNNY SIDE UP, BY PLEASANT COLONY): 2012 16.0-hand Oklahoma-bred gelding

Huckins has a in interesting backstory: He was bred at Dream Walkin’ Farms, an Oklahoma-based breeding and racing facility owned by country music star Toby Keith. Later on he was donated to Purdue University, but the vets couldn’t find anything wrong with them so they called Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited rescue Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. The team at FFI has found him to be a completely sound, smart, and honest gelding. They’ve taken him trail riding, roading hounds, and cross country schooling, in addition to working on dressage and jumping inside an arena. He’ll be competing in Field Hunters in the Thoroughbred Makeover this weekend, bridle tag #79.

View Huckins on Friends of Ferdinand, Inc.

View Huckins on RRP Thoroughbred Makeover.

Ziggy Fortune. Photo via Thoroughbred Makeover Marketplace.

Ziggy Fortune (FREEDOM FOUND – LOVELY FORTUNE, BY FORTUNATE PROSPECT): 2015 16.1-hand Ohio-bred mare

Sales info from the Thoroughbred Makeover Marketplace:

“Do you want a Mare’s determination and a gelding’s disposition? DUH, we all do. Meet Ziggy!

Ziggy is currently jumping 2’6-3 ft. courses and free jumped 4 ft. She has the scope and talent to be a very competitive jumper or eventer. Ziggy has shown locally in hunters, jumpers, and mini eventing derbies. She is a naturally forward ride requiring an intermediate or advanced rider to polish her off in any direction. She trail rides alone or in a group, rides bareback, loads, clips, ties.

Foaled on June 29, 2013 out of Freedom Found and Love Fortune, Ziggy was raced six times and never hit the board. She returned home to her breeder for a proper let down all of 2017 and began lunging on the Pessoa system in Jan 2018.

At only 5 years old she is sound and very sane. Clean legs, great conformation, and plenty of chrome! I do have her on UlcerGuard since her tummy can get a little ouchy with all the travel. Currently shod all the way around for show season. UTD on all vaccines, worming, teeth, and papers in hand.

She will be available to see, try and purchase at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, Oct. 4-7 in Lexington, KY, where she is entered in Eventing and Show Jumping. Price subject to increase.”

Tiz Nya. Photo via Thoroughbred Makeover Marketplace.

Tiz Nya (TIZDEJAVU – SANDYS BIRTHDAY, BY OFFICER): 2014 16.1-hand Illinois-bred mare

Sales information from the Thoroughbred Makeover Marketplace:

“Dark bay mare with the best temperament and a brilliant mind. With impressive bloodlines, Nya is out of Sandy’s Birthday (By Officer, with over $800,000 in earnings) by Tiz DejaVu (By Tiz Now, 2009 hall of fame and $6,427,830 in winnings). Many in her blood line go on to be exceptional sport horses. This girl will be no different; she is a shockingly quick learner with an incredible work ethic.

Nya is currently doing 2’6″ jumpers with flying changes and plans for more!

Nya is an amazing show horse; she LOVES the environment–falls asleep while you memorize courses in warm up, stands while you watch your friends go, cooperates gloriously for bathing anywhere, whether it’s cross ties in a tiny wash bay or in the middle of the field. I have yet to find anything she dislikes.

Nya would make an excellent eventer (Has schooled cross country with ditches and banks and gave no cares in the world), jumper, or a dressage star.

Nya is trailer proof, even through blown tires on the highway, an easy keeper in the stall or on full turn out, gets along with friends but doesn’t obsess over them when left alone, ties in cross ties or to walls/stalls, stands for farrier, vet, etc, and is supportive of delicious cold corona (See instagram #tiznya).

After working with so many different horses over the years, I can’t say enough about Nya’s brain. Anytime she’s challenged with something new, she works through it without getting the least bit anxious. Once she comes up with the right answer, it sticks for good. Her confidence has built so quickly, I’m certain this girl is going to keep excelling rapidly. She’s sensitive but loves to work and when doing so, she focuses like a bullet. This makes jump courses a blast, no fear or hesitation in the show ring, just a happy, trusting horse.

I got Nya for the purpose of flipping and selling to pay for training on my 2-year-old, but was beyond pleasantly surprised by how wonderful she is. Nya is only for sale because I’m starting an intense nursing program during which I will have no income and be unable to ride. I’m only willing to sell to the right match. Price will be negotiable if I find that person.”

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Lainey Ashker Dances at Devon

Guess who finished 12th at our very first 3* CDI completion which happened to be none other than Dressage at Devon (and we weren’t near last placed either!) #fuegsisexhausted #ontoBLMs #LÆD

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, September 30, 2018

While many eventers made their way to Stable View in South Carolina for their inaugural CIC3*, Laine Ashker was competing in a different kind of three-star at the famous Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania. Over the weekend, Lainey competed in the small tour CDI*** aboard Santiago Del Escarvido (Davido MC—Scarlet, Despierto), a 16-year-old Wisconsin-bred Andalusian X Appaloosa gelding owned by Ann Wilson. Ann was one of Lainey’s very first clients and owners and they found each other 10 years ago though a Craigslist ad that Lainey had posted advertising lessons.

In an effort to improve her performances in eventing’s first phase, Lainey has worked with dressage trainer Radu Marcoci for nearly two decades and grown to love the discipline, though she never intended to compete in pure dressage. “Diego” isn’t Lainey’s only dressage horse — she also has the ride on Atlas, owned by Danielle Casalett, who competes at Fourth Level, and her own Showtime, who is currently competing at third level. Her long-time event partner Anthony Patch a.k.a “Al” has also made the occasional appearance in the sandbox as well.

Lainey and Diego’s score in the I-1 test on Saturday qualified them to perform in I-1 freestyle on Sunday and they ultimately finished 12th place in the CDI***. Way to represent! Check out their freestyle performance here:

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, September 30, 2018

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Diego, Laine Ashker, and Ann Wilson. Photo via Laine Ashker.

Meanwhile in DQ land … While eventers’ eyes are generally on Stable View this weekend, Lainey Ashker is making her first trip to Dressage at Devon with Ann Wilson’s Santiago Del Escarvido (Davido MC—Scarlet, Despierto), a 16-year-old Andalusian X Appaloosa gelding. Laine and “Diego” are competing in the the small tour CDI*** and will be riding in the Dixon Oval today. Good luck, Lainey! Also, LOVE that dress!

National Holiday: National Coffee Day (Click here for a roundup of everywhere you can get free or discounted coffee today)

Major Events This Weekend:

Stable View CIC & HT: WebsiteEntry StatusRide TimesLive ScoresScheduleEQTV Live StreamEN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Ringside Chat: Eventer Laine Ashker Is Dancing At Dressage At Devon

Did the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon live up to expectations?

Andreas Dibowski’s Principles of Cross-Country Riding

Pippa Funnell to mentor young event riders in memory of top horse’s owner

Fall Feeding Tips for Horses

Saturday Video: Eventers are multi-talented!

@claytonfreddo and his band Snatch providing the entertainment tonight @stableviewaiken #eventinglife #fredericksequestrianinternational

Posted by Fredericks Equestrian International on Friday, September 28, 2018

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: WEG Withdrawal

Anyone else still having WEG withdrawals? I’m sure I must not be the only one. Thankfully, even if you’ve let your FEI TV pass run out you can still enjoy a lot of the action through the eyes of spectators and their smartphones, many of which captured some exciting cross country moments!

YouTuber Stephanie Prince put together this compilation of her Saturday day at WEG, from the parking lot to the cross country course to a look around the vendor village and the main arena. Get a look at the what the day was like from a spectator’s point of view and relive a good eight minutes of some of the best riding in the world.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Thoroughbred Makeover by the Numbers

2018 Thoroughbred Makeover By The Numbers

The 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), is almost here! Dive deeper into the #TBMakeover demographics: https://tbmakeover.org/component/content/article/230-2018-thoroughbred-makeover/1504-the-thoroughbred-makeover-class-of-2018?Itemid=696

Posted by Retired Racehorse Project on Wednesday, September 12, 2018

The 2018 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover is just a week away. Over 500 OTTBs will converge on the Kentucky Horse Park from Oct. 4-7 to compete and show off their training in second careers. These former racehorses are coming from a host of different states (or countries!), found various levels of success on the track, and range in age from three to 13 years old. Take a look at the video above for a breakdown of the 2018 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover stats.

And don’t forget — the Thoroughbred Makeover isn’t just a competition; it’s also a celebration and exhibition of the breed’s versatility, plus it’s a sale too! Many of the horses entered in the Makeover will also be available to be seen and tried at the event. You can check out the horses that will be up for sale in the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace Catalog. To get you started, here are three sales horses who’ll be competing in the eventing portion of the Makeover:

Musical Flair. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project.

Musical Flair (SONGANDAPRAYER – HIGHWAYTOHAPPINESS, BY CATIENUS): 2009 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Sale information from the Makeover Marketplace Catalog:

“You won’t be able to get a horse with as much heart as Jay. With an incredible 97 starts and no injuries, you know he is built to last long. He has three beautiful gaits, correct form over jumps, and a big personality. He absolutely loves his new job and his favorite thing is jumping – the more challenging the jump the better he is. He has been to multiple eventing and jumper shows over the summer along with many off property lessons and clinics. He is the type of horse that is better off property than he is at home! He has a solid foundation of dressage and jumping and is ready to compete and win. Jay is very brave on cross country and careful in show jumping. I could see him being very competitive in jumpers as he is quick on his feet and can jump a big jump. Suitable for young rider, pony clubber, or an amateur. Slightly negotiable on price to perfect home.”

Mutaka. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project.

Mutaka (MUTAKDDIM – KRISKA KREME, BY CHARISMATIC): 2010 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Sale information from the Makeover Marketplace Catalog:

“This warhorse Mutaka, known as Mu in the barn, is a 16.3 hand 9 year old bay off the track thoroughbred gelding. He came off the track after winning his last race in October 2016. He raced 53 times and was given let down time after the track. Mu is sound and currently in training to be an event horse, but could go in any direction! Right now he is a kick ride and would be suitable for an amateur or junior, but he has enough scope, talent, and athleticism to also be fit for a professional.

He began his training for a new career at the very end of June 2018 and is already schooling beginner novice in all three phases with a snaffle. I have taken him cross country schooling once and he didn’t look at anything (not even the ditch)! I took him to his first combined test not long ago and he went into and around a dressage ring and a real show jump course for the first time with no problems. He didn’t look at the judges box or the flowers/decorations underneath the jumps. He did not have a problem with horses cantering around in the warm up. I do not have an arena, so all of his training has been in a wide open field with occasional trips to an indoor.

He lunges, ties, is good for the farrier/vet, trailers, clips, has lead changes, is able to be worked alone, etc.. Mu is the same horse away from the farm as he is at home. He is very kind and gets along with any horse. Mu doesn’t buck, rear, spook, or bolt. I hack him bareback around our 40 acre field alone all the time. He is still a little unbalanced (he is a big boy!), but improves with every ride. He is currently located in Kansas City, Missouri, but will be in Kentucky the entire month of October.”

Coconut Roll. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project.

Coconut Roll (VICTOR’S CRY – HOLY DEEDS, BY HOLY BULL): 2013 16.3-hand Ontario-bred gelding

Sale information from the Makeover Marketplace Catalog:

“Rollo is a big, powerful horse with potential to become a solid upper-level eventer, jumper or dressage horse. In the long run he could be a hunter star but his conformation and uphill way of going currently better suit him to the jumper ring. He works at all gaits on a supple contact, knows the basics of lateral work and has solid flying changes. He has schooled fences up to 3’6” with plenty of room to move up, and is currently focusing on technique and rideability through gymnastics and smaller fences. He jumps liverpools, ditches, logs, trakehners and coops. He has schooled off property in the hunter, jumper and cross country rings and while he can be more up in a new environment, he is still very rideable and focused on his work.

Rollo is best suited for an advanced rider to develop, or confident intermediate rider working with a coach. In the future he is expected to be an amateur-safe ride, but he is still a year or two’s worth of training away from being that steady. Rollo has participated in jump clinics under the tutelage of international event riders such as Buck Davidson, Stuart Black and Momo Lafrombroise. All have had extremely positive feedback about his gaits, jumping style, rideability and athletic talent. The future is extremely bright for this stellar young horse!

Rollo is well-behaved for all aspects of handling including trailering, bathing, shoeing and veterinary work. He is a favourite with barn staff and boarders for his easy-going nature and goofy personality. Rollo is a cribber, which is currently controlled with a collar. He has front shoes with corks, is barefoot behind.”

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Feathers and Flying with Danielle Goldstein

Jumping Rider Cam | FEI World Equestrian Games, Tryon 2018

Up, Up & Away….Most of us can only dream of riding a mare like Lizziemary around a World Championship track so Danielle Goldstein/Starwyn Farms LLC is taking us along with us as she jumps into the final!

Posted by Fédération Equestre Internationale on Sunday, September 23, 2018

We’ve already ridden around the WEG cross country with Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge thanks to Equine Productions Ltd‘s JockeyCam technology; now let’s switch gears and take a spin around the massive WEG show jumping course with Israel’s Danielle Goldstein. Here at EN we’re all a little more used to staring down massive cross-country obstacles via helmet cam, but cantering up to 1.60-meter fences (compared to 1.30-meter for a four-star) and being under pressure inside the gargantuan U.S. Trust Arena, this impressive in its own right (and this video is also a fabulous reminder to look your turns on course.)

The name Danielle Goldstein might not sound familiar to you, but the sight may be; Dani’s show ring look has gained some attention during her performances at the WEG as she’s outfitted her hair with a dazzling assortment of feathers that fly streaming behind her helmet as she rides. Speaking of things that would make George Morris roll over in his grave, her hair isn’t the only style statement that Dani makes — she also frequently rides in yoga pants, snakeskin-outlined boots, and a crop top under her show jacket.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

But Dani, who operates Starwyn Farms in Wellington, isn’t just here to make a fashion statement; she means business, too, and she and her super mare Lizzymary are formidable competitors. The pair made it to yesterday’s individual round of the show jumping competition, ultimately finishing 20th out of 124 total competitors, and Dani donned the JockeyCam (seen on her helmet in the photos below) during her final round.

Feathers? Yep! You see that right. We caught up with show jumper Danielle Goldstein before she heads into today's…

Posted by Tryon International Equestrian Center on Sunday, September 23, 2018

Saturday Links from Tipperary

I know this is Eventing Nation, (Jumper Nation is over here) but holy smokes, who else caught the WEG team jumping finale yesterday? Spoiler alert: Team USA clinched gold in a jump-off and it was hella exciting!

Don’t worry though: our portion of the WEG may be over, but eventers still have an exciting weekend ahead with Planation Field CIC3* live streaming and our very own Jenni Autry behind the mic. (Not to mention the SEVEN sanctioned horse trials plus East Coast FEH Championships happening this weekend!)

Plus, if you want to get into something a little different but kind of similar, combined driving is happening at the WEG right now with the marathon phase (the driving equivalent of cross country) happening today from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. EST. It’s pretty cool!

National Holiday: American Business Women’s Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Plantation Field: WebsiteScheduleXC Start TimesSJ Start TimesLive ScoresLive StreamEN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

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

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Results]
FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]
Saturday Links:
Saturday Video:

Winning Moment – Jumping | FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

Well…we’ll be watching this EPIC finale again and again for a long time. It all came down to the most electrifying Jump-Off we have ever seen at the FEI World Equestrian Games. But when put to the sword, it was Team USA who came through a nail-biting finish and overcame a very strong Swedish team. Huge congratulations to Team USA – that was incredible!🥇 US Equestrian / 🇺🇸🥈 Svenska Ridsportförbundet – Officiell sida 🇸🇪🥉 Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN) 🇩🇪

Posted by FEI Jumping on Friday, September 21, 2018

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: A Homecoming Fit for History-Makers

Irish Eventing Team Homecoming at Dublin Airport

Fantastic scenes at Dublin Airport this morning as Horse Sport Ireland Press Officer Brian Hennessy caught up with the World Equestrian Games Silver Medal winning Irish Eventing team of Cathal Daniels, Sam Watson, Sarah Ennis, Patricia Ryan, Padraig McCarthy and Team Manager Sally Corscadden

Posted by Team Ireland Equestrian on Wednesday, September 19, 2018

A 7 a.m. arrival time didn’t stop a host of well-wishers and media from coming to the Dublin Airport to greet the silver medal-winning Irish eventing team as they set foot back on their home turf following the World Equestrian Games. The country’s first individual medal since 1978 and team medal at a World Championships in 1966, is certainly worth such a celebratory reception!

Horse Sport Ireland’s Press Officer caught up with team members Cathal Daniels, Sam Watson, Sarah Ennis, Patricia Ryan and Padraig McCarthy and Team Manager Sally Corscadden to get their reflections on the WEG weekend that was and their plans for Tokyo 2020 now that they’ve clinched a qualification.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Turkey Transformation Edition

Photos courtesy fo Kate Samuels.

The 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover is fast approaching and the Nation Media team is extra excited this year because a few of our own will be competing with their project ponies. Horse Nation and Jumper Nation’s Meagan DeLisle will be competing with Flashback Justice in field hunters and competitive trail, while EN’s own Kate Samuels will be competing with Turkomani (Jockey Club name) AKA Felix Felicis (USEA name) AKA Turkey (barn name) in eventing and show jumping.

Kate obtained Turkey from Big Lick Racing Retirement one year ago this month and has been dutifully and carefully bringing him along since. Not only has his physique changed, but he’s also learned the ropes of his new job and gone from this:

Turkey is back and feelin' fresh after his holiday vacation! He got some chiropractic work from the incredible Dr Rob Goldsmith for his neck and lower back, and he's really limber now. He's still working out how this whole "jumping" thing goes….but he doesn't like to make mistakes! Sometimes training young horses is just funny 🤣

Posted by Kate Samuels Equestrian on Thursday, January 11, 2018

To this:

Photo courtesy of Kate Samuels.

No scope, no hope, right?

Thinking about an OTTB of your own? Here are our three weekly picks:

Sidney’s Uncle (SIDNEY’S CANDY – HIGHTSHIFT, BY ST. JOVITE): 2016 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

If you’re looking for a real young one to bring along and make you’re own, then Uncle Sidney could be for you! This two-year-old is unraced and showing no promise in training and thus he’s on the market to non-racing buyers. His handlers say he’s currently just a super goofy, overgrown toddler who, like most young horses, doesn’t quite know where all his limbs are at any given time yet. If you give him some time to grow and mature before restarting him, Uncle Sidney could handsomely reward you by growing into the horse of your dreams.

View Uncle Sidney on CANTER Illinois.

Artitude. Photo via CANTER MN.

Artitude (ARTIE SCHILLER – POWDER ROCK, BY ROCK HARD TEN): 2015 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred filly

This three-year-old filly just hasn’t been able to break her maiden in nice starts, but with some maturing and a career change she’s got some great potential. This lovely lady not only has a nice uphill build, but she has completely clean legs and feet and is said to have always been sound. Artitude is nicely bred with El Prado and Rock Hard Ten as grandsires.

View Artitude on CANTER Minnesota.

Under and Over. Photo via CANTER Delaware.

Under and Over (TRAPPE SHOT – UNDERSTATED, BY FIRST SAMURAI): 2015 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This sweet guy looks like a total tank — check out that shoulder in particular! He’s one of his exercise rider’s absolute favorites to ride, and he has nothing but good things to say about this horse. Classy, sensible, and easy are just a few words used to describe this solid citizen, but you’ve really got to head to his CANTER page and read his rider’s full glowing testimonial. Oh, and not to mention he was a pretty decent racehorse earning over $90,000 in 32 starts!

View Over and Under on CANTER CA.