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Saumur’s Thursday News from Devoucoux

By on May 17, 2012 1:53 am -

Otter Creek’s famous bonfire. Courtesy the lovely Ashley Keller
Good morning Eventing Nation!

Just a personal shout out to start things off this morning. I’m loving PA and all, but this is the first time in 11 years that I am missing out on the Otter Creek Farm Spring Horse Trials. And, an especially big shout out to Jenny Warner of Otter Creek Farm, who is the xc controller, volunteer coordinator, and so much more for the event. She broke her foot, I believe, a few weeks back. Heal quickly, and try to stay off of it.. that was in vain, I know you’re up and running around to make Otter run smoothly! So, Area IV represent. You know I love you! [Go Otter Creek]

Saumur is underway! (Or, in a few hours, if you’re a night owl). There are 72 entries in the CIC2* and 52 entries in the CCI3* ready to start tomorrow. Unfortunately, the only pair not to pass the first horse inspection were CIC2* entrants Sofia Corsini Furhmann and Urbanis M from Spain.

They’ve got a cool “Encouragements” section where you can email the riders.  We’ve got three US pairs technically speaking: Jules Stiller and Chapel Amble, Jules Stiller and Enjoy Me, and Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Show em love Eventing Nation!

You can preview Saumur’s CCI3* and CIC2* courses here. There are some terrific photos courtesy of Uptown Eventing: click here.

The competition starts with CIC 2* dressage test at 10.00 am local and the CCI 3* starts at 14.30 pm. **Saumur is 6 hours ahead of us.  So, 10am in France will be 4am EST. [Saumur Results]

The New Zealand team is “pretty confident” Mark Todd and NZB Grass Valley will qualify for London at Saumur this weekend. Calling it a “funny old rule”, Sarah Harris, the team director, Todd and NZB Grass Valley need to qualify by running the CCI3*. Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell are also competing this weekend on Quimbo, and Boston Two Tip, respectively. The Kiwis have had additional training sessions in England after the cancellations of Badminton and Chastworth “to basically give them something to do”. Because, let’s face it, they’re pretty awesome. [Go NZ]

For the Kiwis not competing in France this weekend, they’re more than likely at Taupo Three Day. It’s the most prestigious three day in New Zealand, with CCI3* to Pre-Novice divisions. They’ve increased the prize money this year, and will also run the CCI1* and Pre-Novice tracks concurrently. It’s worked in the past. [Go Taupo]

Twenty-two year old Kristy Smyth and her horse, Skibbereen, have their sights set on the CCI2* at Taupo this weekend in New Zealand. Smith’s been riding the 9 year old mare for four years, and their hard work is coming to fruition. Says Smyth, “Realistically we should be in the top ten, but horses are very unpredictable. Anything can go wrong”. Well, here’s a big dose of EN karma for you. We’re lovers of great partnerships! [Go Kristy and Skibbereen]

No stone unturned. Famous sports photographer Bob Martin is out in London making sure all the best shots aren’t going to be marred by portable toilets or other unwanted scenery. He’s famous for several shots like this one from the Barcelona Olympics. [Go pictures]

Alright Eventing Nation, let’s do what you do best: VOTE. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has been selected as one of 500 nonprofits to win a Toyota Tundra truck by Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. The Park is in a tight financial budget and it’s the first year they have applied. This Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. EDT to 11:59 p.m. EDT, the KHPF will be up against 4 other nonprofits to win a truck. Runners up will receive $1000. [VOTE here on Sunday] [COTH]

Domestic horses know who you are if you’ve been with them for a period of time. I know that’s right. I yell “baby horse!” across the field and pony comes on a-running. A study at the University of Sussex in England completed in 2008 on 24 horses has offered insight on how horses differentiate and recognize the humans in their lives. Tests were performed with loud speakers and familiar and unfamiliar handlers. [Horsetalk]

 

IN THE BLOGOSPHERE:

Caitlin Silliman recaps her first CIC3* at Jersey last weekend. They finished 9th in a competitive division. She says Hoku was jumping very confidently and they look forward to the CCI3* at Bromont in a few weeks time. [Go Caitlin & Hoku]

Lauren Lambert is stepping out on her own. In her very entertaining PRO blog, she regales us with her move back north, her new barn, and her awesome supporters as she looks towards the next event: Maydaze at the Park. [Good luck Lauren!]

Ryan Wood recaps his outing at Plantation Field last weekend. The youngsters were out and about strutting their stuff, and by the looks of the photos, jumping really well. [Go Ryan]

That’s all for now Eventing Nation! Looks like it’s ramping up to be an exciting weekend of eventing!

Go eventing, wherever you are this weekend.

 

 

Plantation Field Recap

By on May 15, 2012 9:58 am -

This image doesn’t nearly do this amazing venue justice.

Well hello Eventing Nation!

While all the cool kids were out at Jersey Fresh over the weekend, the coolest kids were running around Plantation Field. If you haven’t been, and I recommend you go, Plantation Field is located in Unionville, PA in the heart of where most of the PA eventers are located. The FENCE HT in Landrum, SC may have competition for best view. Plantation Field has 360 degrees of gorgeous rolling hills. They hold 4 recognized and 3 unrecognized events each year with the CIC in September being the biggest draw. If you’re not riding, and even if you are, this would be the place to volunteer. They take care of their volunteers the usual way, water, lunch, etc, but there’s so much more. Each volunteer gets a raffle ticket that’s entered to win a $100 Bit of Britain gift certificate or $1,000 towards a trip to next year’s Rolex! Sign me up! For more about Plantation Field, visit their website.

This May event was perfect in every way. The weather was unbelievable, the footing was fabulous, the courses rode great, and I saw many more smiles than tears, which is always a plus. As I was making my way around the cross country taking photos and videos, I chatted with almost every jump judge. I met some wonderful volunteers including Cindy Gilbert and Amy Dragoo. Now, of course, I gushed about Amy in the News and Notes, and technically I met her at a photo shoot earlier this spring, but she’s such a fantastic person, I can’t say enough about her. She was doing double duty photographing the water jumps while simultaneously jump judging as well. Thank you to all the volunteers for your hard work! We couldn’t do it without you!

You can check out the results here.

For the upper levels, Sally Cousins took the top three placings in the Open Intermediate on The Robber Barron, Joule, and Kestrel Key, respectively. Allie Blyskal had an unfortunate tumble at fence #17 in their first intermediate. She was looking fabulous around the rest of the course. Horse and rider are both fine and walked away. Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim won the JYOP adding just a few time penalties to their dressage score. Courtney Cooper and Decorated decorated themselves with a blue ribbon in the OP, while Sally Cousins followed close behind picking up the second, third, and sixth place spots. Benita Stirini scored an impressive 18.7 in the dressage on Sammy Jo in the Preliminary Horse division. They led from start to finish. Stephanie Davis and Tall Chai Latte won the Preliminary Rider division. Starbucks should sponsor them. Also in the Preliminary Rider division is EN favorite, John Nunn. I caught up with him and his lovely daughter, Jennifer as they were packing up.

Here are the Intermediate and Preliminary xc for your viewing pleasure. Of the two, I would rather jump the intermediate. It as much more straight forward than the preliminary. Take a look:

Intermediate:

Preliminary:

There was lots of great riding by all those in the Training-Beginner Novice divisions. These are some of my favorite divisions because of the fashionistas and wild ponies.

This lovely pair is dressed to the nines and I like it!

And who doesn’t love those Thelwell’s running through water?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irj0Otvae-0

The staff and management at Plantation are always updating and making the venue better. They’ve purchased more land in recent years greatly expanding the event. The foundation was a big favorite for me. And, I’m wondering if these stairs take you to better riding. Maybe I’ll learn to turn left finally.

The Foundation

The stairs to better riding?

Well, Eventing Nation, I leave you with Riders #87 and #88 in the training show jumping. (If this is you, please let us know!) I do have to ask though, do you like the course walks/fence by fence? I feel as if the videos of the courses may be a bigger hit than the fence by fence, but Eventing Nation, I am here to serve. Let me know what you want to see!

Go Plantation Field.

P Dutty’s Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on May 14, 2012 2:31 am -

Our very own fabulous Abby Gibbon at the camera helm.

 
Good morning Eventing Nation!

My, how I have missed you! Leslie’s all getting married and changing her FB status, Annie’s looking like a bombshell, Abby’s covering Jersey Fresh while other Abbie is kicking butt and taking names. That leaves John, Visionaire, and I holding the fort down. It’s a small fort considering how I’m celebrating Mother’s Day (I drive a mini-van) and John’s admiring my see-through EN polo. Apparently, John’s not as dumb as he looks. He ordered the EN polos in white.  Don’t worry, Visionaire makes sure this ship flies right, and we can’t thank her enough for it.

Moving on…

Jersey Fresh happened over the weekend. And, looking at the results, Phillip Dutton can ride a horse. (Tell us something we don’t know.) Boyd and Karen can also ride, pulling off wins in the CCI2* and CIC2* divisions, respectively. Our very own Abby Gibbon brought us the latest and greatest, everything Jersey Fresh over the weekend. If you’re looking to extend your 15 minute work break today, just scroll through the last couple pages of EN. It’ll surely take you straight in to your lunch break. [Jersey Scores]

Plantation Field held their May Horse Trials over the weekend. That’s where yours truly (the coolest of the EN reporters at the coolest of events with the coolest photographer, Amy Dragoo) was this weekend.  Needless to say, Sally Cousins took the top 10,000 spots in the intermediate. [Plantation Scores]

Jennifer McFall took home the win in the intermediate at Galway Downs this weekend aboard High Times. Nicole Mussell won the Junior Training Rider with The Situation. Kudos to these ladies and all the winners at Galway this weekend. [Galway Scores]

Holly Shine and her Sunday Afternoon Mission sure succeeded by bringing home the blue in the Open Preliminary at Winona HT.  Lauren Sweezy and Farmer Ted won the Novice B on a 30.0. [Winona Scores]

Elizabeth Crowder and Red Poll won the Training division at Jubilee HT over the weekend. Kelli Johnson-Poe picked up two wins, taking home the blue in the BN as well as the Restricted BN-A. [Jubilee Scores]

The results weren’t up yet at the posting of this News and Notes, but I gather everyone had a good time at Windridge HT. [Windridge Scores]

Mill Creek at Longview is a favorite event of mine because I have fond memories of dressage shows at Longview long ago when I was afraid to jump. Jessica Ptak and Kaycee won the Preliminary at Mill Creek while Kylene Sevigny and Flagmount’s Lookin’ Blue wasn’t looking blue at all with a blue win in the Novice division. [Mill Creek Scores]

Jennifer Lyford and Grey Expectations won the Preliminary division at King Oak adding just a bit of time to their dressage score. Another notable win was Erin Langan and Blue Collar Dollar leading from start to finish on their dressage score of 28.7.  [King Oak Scores]

There’s a horse in the eventing world with his own Facebook page. Perhaps you’ve heard of him? He’s only just amazing. His name is Neville. If you’re not a fan, not only is it bad EN karma, you’re going to get coal in your stocking this winter. [Neville is sexy and you know it]

Did you call your mother yesterday at least?! Well these horsemen and women know where their bread is buttered, and none of us would be where we are without our dear old mums. See what Sinead, Emily and Jeff Beshear, Steph R-B, Rebecca Howard, and a slew of others have to say about their mothers on Monther’s Day. [Word toRespect your mother]

Vote for Christina and Bejamin! We’re lovers not fighters here, EN, am I right? Christina and Benjamin are getting married next summer and have entered a contest for free wedding photos. Who are we to deny our fellow horsemen and women? Vote, EN, and support the eventing community! [Love is in the photos]

Megan Moore of Team CEO eventing was hoping to take The Grasshopper to Jersey this weekend, but unfortunately, his untimely passing at Pine Top this year meant she rerouted six others to Winona HT in Ohio. It was a successful weekend for her and her horses even though the results might have looked slightly different on paper. [Team CEO blog]

Equisearch’s Nancy Jaffer wrote a great recap of Jersey Fresh complete with audio. She leaves no stone unturned from interviewing Connor Husain about his pink ribbon to Karen O’Connor about Mr. Medicott’s show jumping bit. [Equisearch]

Boyd blogs about Jersey Fresh over the weekend. The late Colin Davidson’s Crackerjack won the CCI2*, and Trading Aces jumped clear to move in to fourth. His student and EN favorite, Caitlin Silliman was 9th in the CIC3*, her first. Congratulations to the entire Boyd Martin team! [Boyd’s blog]

Phillip talks about how honored he is to be part of such a talented horse in Mystery Whisper. It’s a relief for the pair to be qualified for London and the win was just icing on the cake. Sinead also said she made minute mistakes over the weekend, but fortunately, they are mistakes she can fix. Selena O’Hanlon and Colombo jumped clear in the CCI3*, but had time. She explains that the horse doesn’t owe her anything. He’s happy, sounder than ever, and even if it was their last competition she would be happy. [USEA]

The USEA recapped the 2* divisions at Jersey in a separate post. They quote Boyd, “Winning any three-day event is a huge high for me.”  Doesn’t matter if it’s a 1, 2, or 3 star event. Boyd gives the horses his complete focus. Boyd compared his CCI2* winner Crackerjack to Neville, in that they’re both “energetic athletes”. [USEA]

Jessica Bortner-Harris is selling some pretty awesome t-shirts to help fund her and Bugger’s trip to Bromont. You may have read her several awesome posts here on EN, the last of which was Learning to Laugh. [Go Jessica!]

Well that’s all I have at the moment Eventing Nation! have a great one and Go Eventing.

 

MCTA recap: from no tan to farmer’s burn

By on May 8, 2012 9:34 am -

40 years of MCTA events!

iHola ENers!

I bring you my MCTA recap. I was super excited to go to my first east coast event in recent times. I’d never been to MCTA, but I was pretty sure it was in Maryland, hence the “M”in MCTA. Upon arrival, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was in Australia nestled between Ryan Wood, Sally Lofting, Kate Chadderton, and Boyd Martin. I was loving every minute though! (C’mon, they’re Australian.) Saturday, the novice and preliminary did a full HT, while intermediate and advanced did their dressage (for HT) or dressage and show jumping (for those in CT). Ryan Wood had asked me to help him with his five horses because his working student was off to prom. How could I say no to that? Everyone should go to their senior prom even though I didn’t go to mine.

So, I was bustling about, getting to know the back side of MCTA reliving my glory days as a working student when I first met EN John. It was muggy and nasty in the morning on Saturday. We’re talking Florida Everglades in July kind of muggy nastiness. Ryan’s groom, Stacy, and I were shining up the ponies in the shade of the trailer, not really affected by said mugginess as we were still donning jackets when Ryan rode his first dressage test at 8:06am. He came back and looked like he jumped in to, and took a roll around in, the water complex, he and his horse were just dripping sweat (sorry Ryan). Thank goodness MCTA provided hoses for the horses and riders. Everything was running smoothly across the show grounds. Dressage was underway, the amazing volunteers were guiding trailers to parking while others were being briefed for jump judging, and the smoothie stand was open.


Most of the riders were coming off course quite happy and pleased with themselves. Others, not so much, but I still saw smiles through the tears at the wash “stall” area. Or was that sweat? The weather broke just after the preliminary horses finished their cross country mid-afternoon. It got a little breezy as it felt like a storm was coming in. The show jumps were being raised for the intermediate and advanced combined tests. Callie Judy put in a double clear to take home the blue in the Advanced CT, while Caroline Martin’s rail on Petite Flower left Caroline Martin and Quantam Solace in first in the Intermediate CT.

Several of the trophies awarded

MCTA has a very rich history that I was reading about on their boards and handouts they had set up by the secretary’s stand. To read more about the history of this lovely event: click here. Below is a list of the trophies and awards given out (they open as word documents for more information). Really quite a big ordeal that is lots of fun for the riders.

The Captain Andrew B. DeSzinay Memorial Trophy (Jr/YR, N)
The Jackson Hole Farm Trophy (Sr, N)
The Pancho Villa Memorial Trophy (Jr/YR, T)
The Distant Fire Memorial Trophy (Sr, T)
The Cider Is Sweet Memorial Trophy (Jr/YR, P)
The Seneca Trophy (Sr, P)
The Treasurered Motor Car Services Trophy (non-members too, I)
The Social Cat (“Scat”) Memorial Trophy (non-members too, A)
The Joan Leigh Thomas Barthel Memorial Trophy (best dressage score)

That was the end of Saturday.

As John had reported, it was Hawley Bennett’s birthday on Sunday, and she could be seen buzzing around the grounds on golf cart with Buck all weekend. Sunday brought about the fun runs of the intermediate and advanced show jumping and cross country while the training level ran a full one day. The weather was ideal cross country weather. A bit overcast, and cool, but not cold, no rain. Wonderful. Lots of good xc videos from VideobyPatrick. I also want to leave you with the little tidbit that all of the winning rides finished on scores less than 40. Dream big, EN, dream big.

As a spectator EN correspndent I set out to take a video of the training xc course a la Buzzterbrown. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but, alas, I ain’t no Buzzterbrown. I did do the video, and also took fence by fence pictures of the training and preliminary level cross country courses for your pleasure. That’ll be up in a bit. Until then, I leave you with the show jumping course of the weekend:

Show jumping

The rider’s about 6’2″ and the pony is about 14.2 hh that Chris has had since he was born. And, if my calculations are correct, the horse is about 8 feet taller than rider.. Oh, wait, something about conversions…

Kim Severson:

Rider 232:

The horse’s name is “Steve.” I like it.

Boyd Martin:

 

And some intermediate xc videos:

1st water:

Boyd @ 2nd water:

Sally @ 2nd water:

 

For more information on MCTA, visit their website. They have xc schooling today and tomorrow, May 8 & 9, as well as two more unrecognized horse trials this summer. A huge thank you to all of the organizers, staff, and volunteers that went in to making MCTA another successful event!

GO MCTA.

Allison Springer’s Tuesday News and Notes from Pennfield

By on May 8, 2012 12:17 am -

Good morning Eventing Nation!

Allison Springer is up for USOC’s Athlete of the Month. So get out there and vote! Getting Arthur to second place at Rolex takes hard work, determination, talent, perseverance, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Do you think a bowler worked harder in the month of April? [VOTE for Allison!]

Jersey Fresh is this week. According to Pollard Eventing’s FB page, they have been en route! Sinead’s got it on her Facebook page too, and don’t forget about her upcoming fundraiser!

Nicola Wilson’s 4* partner and Scottish Open champion, Bee Diplomatic has been retired. He will continue on as a dressage horse, but a few small ongoing problems have caused him to be retired from eventing. His breeder, Rosemary Search, also bred Opposition Buzz. We wish Bee Diplomatic a happy and  successful transition to dressage. [H&H]

Fair Hill held an endurance competition over the weekend. There was a 25 mile and 50 mile division, as well as an FEI 1* tacked on to the 50 mile division. The 25 milers finished in about 3 hours from 7-10 am. The 50 milers also started at 7 am and after a handful of mandatory stops and holds, finished around 1 pm. It is important to note that the finish times aren’t when the horses and riders cross the finish line, but rather when their pulses come down. For obvious reasons, this encourages proper conditioning to enhance a horse’s recovery rate, and also to discourage racing to the finish line. And, if you’re reading this, you’ve probably obsessed over a conditioning schedule or two.  [Fair Hill]

Starting April 27 (so now), Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and Hydroxy-gamma butyric acid (Hydroxy-GABA) are no longer permitted at FEI events. It’s a horse calming aid found in “Carolina Gold” products. These drugs, in any form, are also not allowed under USEF rules. You cannot use a Medication Report Form either since GABA and Hydroxy-GABA have no recognized medical uses. [Horsetalk]

There’s racing’s Triple Crown, eventing’s Grand Slam, and now, a Triple Crown for the show jumpers. It’s a $200,000 prize to any rider and horse combination that wins each of the Wells Fargo GP at Devon, the FTI GP at the Hampton Classic, and the Alltech National Horse Show GP in the same show season. Why these three? Well, they’re rated the top three in the US by NARG, the North American Riders Group. It’s essentially like US eventing’s PRO. This is presented by Taylor Harris Insurance. [Proequest]

I love Daniel Stewart. Big fan. He’s great with sports psychology and coaching mental toughness and preparedness with some pretty fun exercises. He’s doing monthly tips and quotes for the USEA. My favorite quote this time around: “Take the time to make the time.” Read: organize and prepare. [USEA]

And, for a bit of controversy, racing’s talented and gorgeous Chantal Sutherland, posed for a ‘racy’ photo shoot for her idol, Bo Derek. It’s slightly Not Safe for Work (NSFW), and the skin can you see would be seen on a beach this summer. Everyone’s asking “why” she posed for this. The article’s third sentence referring to her successful “sensual” position in the saddle has more to do with efficiency than sensuality, but, alas, it’s Vanity Fair. Most are saying it’s objectifying women, and it is. Other than the overall subject material (the photo), I like the article because she says her big toe is her strongest body part and the reins are just a suggestion. [Vanity Fair]

Bloggity-Blogs:

Course Brook Farm has recapped their Combined Test on April 29th with the winners of the pre-elementary through preliminary divisions. Well done to all!

Ryan Wood recaps a great MCTA weekend with all his novice horses finishing on their dressage scores and jumping 203 fences on Saturday without jumping penalties. They’re having an open house as well, so stop on by!

Seema’s a Philadelphia gal, and she was also out and about this weekend competing and volunteering while also catching up on baseball, basketball and ice hockey. (Poor Flyers)

We love match making! Molly Rosin had made a match of a horse in training to a working student without fully realizing the impact until several months later. Congratulations to Hannah, and her new horse Zhen!

And, Smartpak brings it all together for you: prepare like Daniel Stewart encourages, so you can have a calm horse without use of prohibited substances. Thank goodness Smartpak is blogging! They have solutions to more than just supplements, and they’re sharing their secrets and insightfulness!

Well, Eventing Nation, that’s all I have at the moment. Happy Tuesday and Go venting. Ha. Or eventing. Your choice.

 

Friday News from FLAIR

By on May 4, 2012 12:08 am -

Good morning Eventing Nation!

Are you hung over from all the Rolex coverage? Or how about that cancellation of Badminton? Has your brain pieced itself together after its explosion? Have you set you sights on the Derby now that there’s nothing else to do this Saturday? Well, Eventing Nation, I will bring you the best coverage from MDCTA that you’ve ever seen. That’s where I’ll be on Saturday. Are you riding, coaching, spectating, volunteering? I’d love to see you, meet you, get to know you, wish you good luck, plot with you how to change that blasted girl in first’s watch so she misses her ride, the list goes on. And here’s a shout out to our own Abby Gibbon: I’d like to meet you too. I don’t appreciate how you ignore me in the EN compound hallways. HA. Let’s move on before this takes a real turn for the ridiculous.

Well, if you didn’t make it to Rolex in person, and wish you had, think about making it to your hotel room in Lexington, KY, but not making it to the Kentucky Horse Park. Much worse, no? Now add fierce and unrelenting nausea and vomiting. I bet you’re pretty happy you got to see the coverage here on EN and the USEF Network. Our hearts go out to Beth at the Chronicle. Love the story, feel terrible about the content. [COTH] [Her co-worker’s take on the ordeal]

 Sam Griffiths blogs about his last thoughts before Badminton this weekend… Oh, wait. But he does let us know all about the current goings-on. Seems like they’re doing quite well over there. Every other sentence seemed to be about one of their horses in a top placing. Must be those FLAIR strips! He does mention though how he stood out at a jumper show in his eventing garb. [FLAIR blog]

Mark Todd hasn’t left the 2012 Games out of sight due to the injury of his Badminton champ, NZB Land Vision. Even without the horse he holds dear to his heart as Charisma, he’s still Mark Todd. Sarah Harris, the high performance director for the Kiwi team, outlines Todd’s other top horses. NZB Campino tops the list, but NZB Grass Valley and Major Milestone are right there as well. Of NZB Campino, Mark says, “[he] is very good in all phases, too”, and he’s aimed the horse at the Chatsworth 3star. Harris calls the Greenwich course more of a 3star than a 4star, so Campino, being a younger horse, can likely step up to the challenge. [Stuff]

This is pretty cool. Where my Steven Spielbergs and Martin Scorseses at? British Eventing is launching a digital campaign. “Eventing Cinema” is the topic with the winning footage to be played at Burghley. The winner will also take home £1000 of photographic equipment, and nine runners up will relieve tickets to 2013 Burghley. Winners are decided by stomping? [Burghley]

 Blair Castle is vying to host the 2015 European Championships. The Scottish hosts are up against Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland for the bid. The UK is hoping to secure the bid to carry on the tradition of world class sport after 2012; they already have a World Gymnastics Championship on the calendar for 2015. They want to work closely with the FEI to ensure a terrific event and inspire a new generation of riders. The decision will be made this June. [Horsetalk]

 Well, I wish Lauren Sprieser a good weekend. She’s got 41 clients competing. Makes Phillip and Boyd’s schedules look like child’s play. She’s got a plan though. [Check it out]

Has your inner Tim Gunn been dying to get out? Well, you know those dressage folks are fashion divas, and they’ve got a contest for you!  Dressage Today and a slew of sponsors have created Project Centerline 2012, a fashion design competition. You can design the rider’s wear in competition, the jog outfits, even shipping boots! [Project Centerline]

What are you up to this spring? The folks over at Smartpak have blogged a little about getting the mud off their horses and getting out into the fields or show rings. Several eventers work for Smartpak and have shared their outings. You know that Smartpak has us eventers in mind too. [Smartpak blog]

We have to agree with out HorseNation counterparts: Sheldon Russell’s accent is pretty cool. The 24 year old is riding in his first Kentucky Derby this weekend. [HN]

 Best of the Blogs: Doug Payne does a quick recap of his Rolex experience. It’s short and concise, and you get the feeling he’s still walking on air from realizing his 4* dreams with such a cool horse.

And… your video …You’ll just have to use energy clicking the mouse: Some awesome ENers having a blast at the Point 2 booth at Rolex. (via Hannah Ross)

Well, Eventing Nation, if you’re looking to buy a tall, dark, and handsome training level event horse, call Ryan Wood. (Shameless!)

Go eventing.

Let the Games Begin! Thursday News from Devoucoux

By on Apr 26, 2012 1:50 am -

My pick for best dressed lady: Becky Holder. Girl looks good!

Good morning Eventing Nation!

I know it’s technically not THE GAMES, but I’m so excited! And, I know I cannot get this post to you fast enough. But, I dare say, all you die-hards out there have probably already found all the news. Even though there’s not much going on to speak of…HA! As the only member of the EN team NOT at Rolex, I’m living vicariously through the coverage EN is providing us. A big thanks to Samantha, Visionaire, Abby, Wylie, John and the rest of the crew for thoroughly documenting Role and taking the time to create such great posts.

We already have big winners!!!! Karen O’Connor and Doug Payne won the “best dressed” award from Dubarry. Word on the street is that Karen needs to take “running-in-high-heels” lessons from Lainey Ashker. Eventers, we’re multi-talented.

And Peter Barry won the Rolex raffle. Lucky duck!

Rolex First Horse Inspection Photo Galleries: [USEA] [Sidelines]

Dubarry contest (Update): Today is the first day for the Dubarry contest, which will end in someone winning a trip for two to Ireland!  Click here for details.  Today’s photo prompt is to “Dubarry Team Pose” – Find the Dubarry team at the Dubarry booth or find your own location and create the ultimate Dubarry team pose.  Enter your photo on the Dubarry Facebook page starting at 9am.

The Courier Journal tried to recap exactly what Rolex is for the non-eventer. They did have some good quotes on the course design: “The cross-country course is going to be tight because of space constrictions in (Olympic venue) Greenwich Park,” he said. “Our course designer, Derek di Grazia, tried to replicate what they will face there. It’s much tighter than in the past and is going to call for a more technical ride, rather than a full-out gallop around the course.” But, finishing the cross country course as quickly as possible isn’t exactly what the goal is… [finish at/under optimum time]

A terrific first day Rolex recap video from the USEA. Lots of great interviews: Buck talks about his socks, WFP talks about how awesome he is,  Doug Payne and Will Coleman talk about their designers. Quite fun. [click here]

COTH has a quick recap of today’s jog events. Mighty Nice slipped on a banana peel, Becky looked awesome in scarlet, and unfortunately, one horse was spun. [COTH]

Where would eventing be without our OTTBs? There are lots entered at Rolex this year. There’s a gala being hosted by several big time organizations including USEF, AAEP, and the Jockey Club among others to give retired TBs a life after the track. They have started TIP, the TB Incentive Fund. There are 19 OTTBs eligible at Rolex to win, and the highest placed will take home $1000 and a cooler. [Go OTTBs]

The Lexington Herald-Leader also has a quick recap of the days events. They’ve got some fun pictures as well as mentioning WFP and the Grand Slam. No pressure there. [LHL]

Even Boyd gets nervous for jogs! He recaps today’s events for his horses and his students. All accepted! He also mentions that he’d take every horse there back home. [He’ll need a bigger trailer]

Brian Murphy, Sara Kozumplik’s boyfriend and show jumper is blogging about his first 4* event. He thought the jog looked like a fashion show, (horse girls like to shower too!), and that just walking xc required a fitness program. He also thought the William from across the pond and the William from VA looked like Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake, but you figure out which is which. He even says how nice Sara looked, and she looked like a movie star! He’ll be blogging all weekend. [COTH]

Phillip Dutton has some nice words to say about Boyd and Neville as well as Hiroshi Hoketsu, the 70 year old Japanese eventer headed to London, on the USA Today Sports Olympic series. He also mentions that his fitness goals are not to bulk up, but to work for “long stretchy, elastic kind of muscles.” He also notes that riding 10-12 horses a day keeps him in pretty good shape. [USAToday]

Shane Rose is aiming to win the Sydney CCI3* this weekend. He bought his current mount, Taurus, before Beijing in hopes to compete at London with him. They’re 3 for 3 winning the last events entered.  ESJ is there bringing us all the coverage. [Herald Sun] [WWOS]

Lots of love for those OTTBs! I know I love em! The NY Racing Association and NY TB Horseman’s Association have pledged prize money to all of NY’s 10 events held this year. There’s over $30,000 of prize money up for grabs for the top scoring (and reserve) OTTBs. The program is called Career2 and modeled after Take2 which is the same program for the H/J world. Teas is also starting their own Take2 program. [Support OTTBs]

Just as an aside, I wanted to mention to you that there are other CCI4*s in the world in case you were so enamored with all the Rolex chatter. Badminton is next week. No rest for the wicked! Horse and Hound has kindly put together coverage, and we thank you for sharing this with us:

Horse & Hound will be running our popular H&H Live service — interactive written commentary delivered in association with Baileys
Horse Feeds — across all four days of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2012.

On dressage days (4 and 5 May), former British dressage team member Anna Ross Davies will give her expert — and entertaining — opinion on every horse through the ring, while on cross-country (6 May) and showjumping (7 May) days, H&H staff will provide up-to-the-minute
written updates.

Wherever you are in the world, this is a great way to keep up with all the action from Badminton as it happens on your computer or your smart phone and you can also get involved by taking part in polls and posting comments. Find our live coverage at
www.horseandhound.co.uk/badminton2012live.

You can read the “behind the scenes preparations” that Carol Phillips is putting together for the Badminton coverage for H&H. Sounds like a great time with a “eventing geek off” and a team quiz! [H&H]

And, as if there wasn’t enough going on this weekend, Turkmenistan is celebrating National Horse day on Sunday. [Horsetalk]

And, because this is just so epic: this is what determination looks like.

Update: Wednesday at Rolex Kentucky from Josh Walker, Frankie Thieriot, and the USEA

 

Go eventing!

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Why Michigan eventers are seriously cool, or the Sinead clinic recap

By on Apr 3, 2012 9:10 am -

A little wet watching the last of the training riders go.

Well hello there Eventing Nation!

I come to you from the land of Michigan, I was here just visiting the brother and sister-in-law when I facebook stalked heard about a Sinead Halpin clinic. After some quick googling I found it was being held at Cobblestone Farm in Dexter, MI. So I did what any other creeper journalist would do, and drove on over.

First of all, let me just say that stating this farm is beautiful and eventer’s paradise would be a gross understatement. So after I wiped the drool off my chin, I wandered on in to the barn looking for the organizer to introduce myself and if I could cover the clinic for a little ol’ blog. I meet Darlyn who instantly struck me as  a genuine soul. She organized the clinic, and Cobblestone Farms is her work of art. She told me a bit about the farm and granted permission to cover the clinic, so I headed outside to watch while she got ready to ride.

I walked out to the arena just as Sinead was getting on a horse in the training group. Said horse has a tendency to pull and act up a bit, so Sinead focused on moving the horse away from her leg.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXoLulQgzaA  The second horse was a really nice TB in the prelim group that had a few days off before the clinic and was a little fresh.

Here’s a preview of the course to feed your neurosis:


The way Sinead set up the course challenged the rider to know what canter they were in and if they had the correct speed, direction, and rhythm.  She emphasized moving your horse from side to side to help get your horse on the aids. She did this with a strong horse as well as a more sensitive horse, and it worked magic for both. If you wouldn’t put up with it in the dressage arena, don’t put up with it in jumping either, she told several riders. The stress on this day one was also to ride the lines and turns whether your horse was bulging or you don’t see anything.

The warm up consisted of cantering over the grey poles to the gate. You could ride the inside turn in two strides or the outside turn in three strides. This was done by changing the line to holding or running through the exercise. The preliminary group then moved on to cantering jumps on a circle until the speed, direction, and rhythm was consistent and appropriate for the fences and horse. Then the course was started adding just a fence or two at a time finishing off with the grid.

 

 

 

I do have to give a shout out to Jim, Darlyn’s husband, as it was his birthday on March 31. He and Darlyn have 4 daughters and one son. The girls ride, the boys don’t, but he was out there supporting the clinic, and his enthusiasm for his farm was very refreshing. The self-proclaimed “city-boy” has foxhunted, which is really quite a feat if you ask me!

Day 2 saw some great cross country riding despite the fact it was most horses’ and riders’ first time out of the indoor, let alone xc schooling, of the year. Sinead started off the session by asking riders what they thought correct cross country riding was and their perceptions of the galloping position. Again, I was there for the training group,and the three gals were pretty knowledgeable. She encourages riders to keep their hinges “locked” so that you’re moving as little as possible above the motion so as not to wear out the horse unintentionally. It’s really important to teach horses to cruise in the gallop because constantly holding or kicking is not only physically but also mentally taxing for both the horse and rider.  The next position, the preparation position, occurs at different areas in front of the fences for different horses. Young ones need more time, more advanced may need just a slight balance change. You also pick the speed you need for the fence in the preparation zone. Once you have what you like, you maintain by being quiet and waiting, adjusting or changing if the horse sucks back, speeds up, or swerves sideways. Don’t be too “loud” in the preparation zone with huge changes in front of the fence.

The riders warmed up playing with these different positions on the terrain and then over some singe cross country fences. They moved on to a small course after mastering the single fence. Next up was a couple more gallop type fences to a drop fence where riders could practice their defensive “C” position with their leg on and upper body following instead of riding against. The last exercises of the day were the water and ditches. Take it away Sinead:

 

 

Some masterful riding at the coffin:

 

 

 

I want to leave you all with several thoughts: 1) Sinead is even cooler in person than she is on paper Eventing Nation. 2) Michigan Eventing and Cobblestone Farm is a seriously great crowd. Lots of spectators, friends, and family came out to watch multiple groups go, and there was just a giant sense of camaraderie that was very enjoyable. 3) Cobblestone Farm hosts a USEA event at the end of July each year, and if you can make it part of your competition schedule, I would highly recommend going. The people and the venue are just amazing. Thank you again to Darlyn and Jim, and the entire Cobblestone family for having me, and welcoming Eventing Nation into their “home.”

GO Sinead, Go Cobblestone Farm, and Go Eventing.

 

EAF’s Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on Apr 2, 2012 2:48 am -

 

Good morning Eventing Nation!

 

Success Equestrian, makers of non-slip saddle pads and wonderful eventing supporters, is proud of their continued support of the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF).  A portion of every sale is contributed to this great organization helping those in our community who need it. The purchase of these saddle pads will directly affect the lives of Equestrians and Horse Enthusiasts supported by the Equestrian Aid Foundation.  The EAF’s mission is to build a membership based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing direct financial support for their medical or other basic needs. It is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides grant recipients funding for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses, such as housing and food throughout their time of need. To learn more about the EAF visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.

Several events wrapped up around all the country.

Morven Park: Emily Beshear, Stephen Bradley, and Will Coleman each won a preliminary division. [Scores]

Galway Downs: Jeanine Allred and Snap Decision II won the Advanced with a double clear sj round. Super thank you to Kate Erickson again for all her great coverage.  [Scores] [COTH]

Spring HT at the Ark: Quick shout out to Makenna Rold for winning the BNR-A on her dressage score of 26.2.  [Scores]

Rocking Horse: Buck took the top two spots in the OI on Titanium and Absolute Liberty, respectively. KOC claimed the third spot on RF Amber Eyes, and picked up a couple stops on Mandiba, but completed. Alden Leavitt won the JYOP and Bruce Davidson, Sr took top honors in OP-B. If your name is Lauren, you probably won one of the other divisions at Rocking Horse. Lauren Kieffer won the OT, TH-A and TH-B.  Lauren Clarke won the TR and Lauren DeNeve won Novice Horse. Go Lauren. [Scores]

Texas Rose: Heather Morris pulled off the win in the OI with Sportsfield Maisie Grey and the OT with Picture This. Mike Huber took the blue in the OP-A with On Eagle’s Wings, while Meighan Ferguson and Capataggle Clover ran double clear to clinch the OP-B. Joan Hamilton and Manhattan Skyline won the TR-A.  [Scores]

The Talking Horse has brought us great coverage of Belton HT over the weekend. With Advanced sections and a CIC3* section with over 100 entries, there was quite a bit of talent riding around on Sunday. Andrew Nicholson piloted Avebury into first place in an Advanced section. Caroline Powell and Lenamore finished third in the same section. Mark Kyle and Coolio won the other Advanced section after Mary King and Chilli Morning “suffered at the hands of the course”. More coverage and fabulous photos:[The Talking Horse] [Belton Results]

War Horse comes out no DVD tomorrow. There are several packages you can buy DVD/Blueray combo packs or a plain DVD. There are some bonus features that sound interesting. For those of you waiting to cry watch it in the comfort of your own home, pick it up and let us know what you think. [Get your copy]

Beezie Madden bests Margie Engle in the Tampa Bay Grand Prix by 0.65 seconds. The only to clear in the first round, the each pulled a rail in the jump off. Madden completed in 42.01 while Engle finished in 42.66. They’re both headed to the World Cup in the Netherlands later this month as well as both having an eye on London. We wish our Show Jumping counterparts best of luck. [Tampa Bay Times]

For those of you Connemara owners in New Zealand, there’s currently a study you may want to take a part of. A graduate student is researching skin color at birth in greys to determine if there’s a link to melanoma. They chose the New Zealand Connemara due to its “small, closely related population”. [Cancer study]

Lots of “Oh $h!t” moments going on over at Horse Nation. Personally, I like it in slow motion. [HN]

An animal rights group in the UK urges the BBC to report on Grand National horse deaths. Animal Aid has written a letter to the BBC asking them to fully cover any deaths that may occur during the three days of the Grand National meeting. “Horses routinely break necks, backs and legs, while the BBC commentary team invariably pretends that all is well,” it reads. [Horsetalk]

Eight horses have survived, but nine horses have perished in a barn fire in Florida yesterday. The cause is unknown, but we send our  thoughts to James and Jocelyn McKathan of McKathan Farm and Training Center in Reddick, FL. [Horsetalk]

Your video for the day: How all the top riders get fit.

Go Eventing.

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James Alliston’s Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Mar 31, 2012 1:57 am -

Lainey Ashker planking on the dressage arena after her lesson with Kim. Photo via Liz

 

Good morning Eventing Nation!

Don’t cry because you didn’t win the Mega Millions last night. Apparently, you had the same chances of winning as you did dating a super model. So, I guess we know where Boyd came down on this side of lady luck. As for our own dear EN John, well, he’s drying his eyes. As for me, I planned out my competition, farrier, massage, and lesson schedule leading up to the 2016 Games. Why not the 2012 Games? Let’s not get carried away, now! Well, after my ticket was a loser, I did what any good stress eater would do: baked a batch of brownies and here I am.  And, here’s another blow while I’m already down. The strikeout button turns the font red! There’s nothing for me left in this world..

Except for links and live scores and FREE FLAIR strips!

Get your weekend scores here:

Galway Downs HT-CIC*** [Live Scores]
The Ark HT [Live Scores]
Rocking Horse HT [Live Scores]
Texas Rose HT [Live Scores]
Morven Park HT [Ride Times] [Scores]

There’s lots going on at Galway this weekend! One of our wonderful EN sponsors, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, is giving away free strip applications to all horses headed to xc at Galway! Find Nan on grounds to get your strip!

James Alliston is atop the leaderboard in the CIC3* with Jumbo’s Jake on a 45.6 and in the Advanced on Parker II with a 36.6. He’s also third in these divisions with Tivoli and Ballingowan Pizazz, respectively. [COTH] [USEA CIC3*Dressage Gallery]

And Marta Tabatabai is leading the JN at Galway on Dancing Diva. (I really like her last name!)

The IOC has declared London is ready to host the Games

Those great folks over at Tack of the Day are waiting for your “funny” submissions! Deadline is soon!

Don’t forget about HN’s planking contest. (See Lainey’s photo above for inspiration)

If you need help slowing down, Kristin Schmolze is here to help you out

The Jockey Club is ready to ban race day drugs

Horses like to roll in dirt, a Japanese study finds

The Brazilians have invaded England. At least the equestrian teams have in preparation for the Games.

If you use a breastplate, you need these

PS We’re just 4 weeks away from cross country day at Rolex! [Updated Entry List]

If I knew how to post a video on this newfangled contraption, you’d be watching it now. All I can do is promise that I might try and find the Sinead clinic that’s here in Michigan somewhere and bring you coverage this weekend.

GO eventing.

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RIP Lord Killinghurst

By on Mar 20, 2012 6:49 pm -

LordKillinghurst.jpg

Andrew Nicholson & Lord Killinghurst at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials 2008. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

We’re saddened to report that Andrew Nicholson’s four-star veteran Lord Killinghurst died of a massive heart attack shortly after being turned out this morning, according to the Badminton website. The gelding was 21.

Owned by Robin and Nicky Salmon, Lord Killinghurst and Nicholson tackled some of the toughest courses in the world, placing in the top ten several times at both Badminton and Burghley. Together they represented New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 (Aachen) and the Olympics in 2008 (Beijing).

Though he’d been enjoying a lighter competition schedule since 2009, Lord Killinghurst’s official retirement ceremony was scheduled for Badminton this May.

Eventing Nation’s thoughts and prayers go out to the Salmons, Andrew Nicholson and all of the gelding’s connections. 

Ben Along Time's Rolex Entry Update

By on Mar 20, 2012 1:05 pm -
ClaytonBen.jpgClayton Fredericks & Ben Along Time.

Since our last update, additions to the entries include 2007 champions Clayton Fredericks & Ben Along Time, Diana Burnett & Shigazi, Pam Fischer & Sea Lion, Heather Gillette & Our Questionnaire, Brittany Kart & Llewellyn, Brittany Lunney & Cool Dancer, Kevin McNab & Clifton Pinot, Holly Payne & Madeline and Katie Ruppel & Sir Donovan. [Entry List]

So far we’ve got at least five nations (AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL, USA), two four-star winners (Ben Along Time & Parklane Hawk) and a three-star winner (Loughan Glen) amongst other venerable entries on the list.

The trade fair is also looking pretty mind-boggling.

With just over a month to go we can expect lots of changes, but so far Rolex 2012 is shaping up to be pretty sweet…

Sabrina Levere's Adventure to Galway

By on Mar 14, 2012 2:00 pm -
SabrinaYuriAdvancedEdit.jpgSabrina Levere and Yuri Zhivago compete at Woodside in 2010.

This morning we heard from Langley, British Columbia-based eventer Sabrina Levere, who inevitably ran into some tire trouble along the route of her the multi-day journey south to compete at The Event at 3 Day Ranch in Aguanga, Calif., this weekend.

But never fear: In a show of typical eventer camaraderie, James Alliston and the team at Graceland Equestrian Center came to the rescue.

“Last fall I was really fortunate to meet James at Twin Rivers,” said Sabrina, “and I got to know Chuck and Peggy, owners of Graceland, during my stay in California last year. When I had tire problems, the only person I could think of in that area was James, and thank goodness for technology: I looked up Graceland on my phone and they were so gracious to let me stay. Ironically, I ran away from B.C. to get away from the rain, and since then it’s been raining! At Graceland they have a lovely indoor and beautiful set-up, so we took advantage of the opportunity to stay for an extra day.”

SabrinaGalway.jpgLuminescence, Sabrina and Yuri Zhivago enjoy the shelter of Graceland’s covered arena.

Since the eventing season in chilly British Columbia isn’t yet underway, Sabrina, 29, will use this weekend’s competition at Three-Day Ranch as a prep for the Galway CIC*** in two weeks.

“Neither of my horses have run cross-country since Galway last fall, so this will be our chance to tune-up, make sure they’ve got brakes, make sure the go button is still working. Then we’ll stay down at Galway the two weeks before the event, and then I’ll be running my first CIC*** [aboard Yuri Zhivago], and my mare Luminescence is competing in the prelim.
 
“If all goes well, we’ll come back down for Twin Rivers CIC***, and then if all the stars align we’ll aim for the Bromont CCI***!”

You can follow along with Sabrina’s adventures on her blog, http://excaliburequestrian.wordpress.com — she’s promised some updates from 3 Day and Galway.

In the meantime, here’s sending some major EN karma to Sabrina in the lead-up to her first CIC*** and James Alliston and Graceland Equestrian for generously, if unsurprisingly, aiding an eventer in need!

Wetsuit Horse's Tuesday News & Notes from Pennfield

By on Mar 13, 2012 1:07 am -

WetSuitHorse.jpgChampion Australian sprinter Hay List stepped out in a sweet wetsuit-like ensemble after the Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne Saturday.

Move over, Sleazies: The Recovery Suit is the latest on the equine bodywear scene. The zippered compression costume suit is styled after garments popular amongst swimmers and cyclists, designed to help increase circulation and prevent muscle fatigue. Australian manufacturers Hidez recommend use  “during all transportation, stabling and prior to and after exercise or competition.”  And with such flattering lines and a $950 price tag, who could resist? [AdelaideNow] [Hidez]

YouTube & NBC have agreed to stream the London Olympics. Though the official announcement is forthcoming, details suggest the stream will include all sports, as well as recaps and interviews. [COTH]

After being paralyzed in a fall at the Nurstead Court Horse Trials (UK) last year, former eventer Ruth Mathieson has her sights set on competing in para dressage. Her mare Ameya will serve double duty, continuing to event under Tim Rusbridge while learning the para dressage ropes under Mathieson. [Horse & Hound]

Following a decisive win at Gulfstream Park (Fla.) last month, 2011 Kentucky Derby champ Animal Kingdom is sadly off the $10 Million Dubai World Cup trail. Trainer Graham Motion announced via twitter that the gelding was leg sore after breezing five furlongs yesterday at Palm Meadows training center.  [Blood-Horse]

Dressage superhero Steffen Peters had a really good time at the Del Mar CDI-W (Calif.). He topped the Olympic Grand Prix Special with veteran Ravel on an 80.28 percent after winning the Grand Prix freestyle with his new Akiko Yamazaki-owned mount Legolas 92. [COTH]

Dubarry are celebrating their 75th anniversary by raising

Tuesday News from Pennfield

By on Mar 5, 2012 11:20 pm -


I scoured the EN archives for a Red Hills photo

Good morning Eventing Nation!

What a fine Tuesday it’s going to be! As riders, we’re all a bit wacky superstitious. We wear lucky underwear or socks, put four leaf clovers in our armband. You know, the usual. And, I check my horoscope. I’m a Pisces, thanks for asking. And today, for all you EN Pisces out there, we’ve got 6 out of 6 stars in each category of Mood, Love, Career, and Wellness. There are EN Karma bonus points up for grabs for anyone who doesn’t make fun of me today. Just sayin’.  Although, I did write that Rocking Horse is in Ocala, so maybe I deserve it…

On to the News and Notes

Don’t forget to mark the USEA Area IV Annual Meeting on your calendars! Colleen Rutledge will be speaking on March 24 about her amazing Cinderella story. It’s not to be missed! Annie, Coren, Visionaire, and I all hail from Area IV, so you know it rocks. [Area IV]

Despite his broken leg, McClain Ward has been named to the London Long List.  He’s on the list with two of his mounts, Antares F and, of course, Sapphire. There’s a clause in the selection process that allows the committee to add riders who may or may not have competed at the selection trials. McClain was voted in unanimously. [Go McClain]

There’s a second national survey of horse owners being done right now in the US. The last survey from American Horse Publications gathered more than 11,000 useable responses, the largest survey of horse owners in the US. This year, they are hoping to gather past, present and future data, as well as determine which issues horse owners think are most important, and also gather horse health data. You’ve got to be 18, own a horse, and live in the US to participate. The survey closes May 15, 2012. [Survey] [Horsetalk]

Horse and Hound won an ESMA! Their forum took home the top honor for “best equestrian social network”. Their forum has lots of active users with quick responses in their wide variety of conversations. It’s also easy to navigate. TheHorse.com won for best Facebook. Ariat won in the rider attire category, and Badminton took home the award in event/competition. All of these awards are for best use of social media in case you’re a bit slow on the uptake today. [More awards] [H&H]

There is still much to do to help in the aftermath of the more than 30 tornadoes that tore through the Midwest last Friday. The Kentucky Horse Council is coordinating feed, fencing, and much more. They are in contact with the US Equine Disaster Relief Fund and also the Indiana Horse Council to utilize their resources. If you can help, please donate. [Donate] [COTH]

An empty carriage overturned in NYC. There’s a hot debate whether or not they should keep the horse and carriages operating in the city. Apparently, almost 90% of residents are opposed. [Horsetalk]

Best of the Blogs:

Molly Rosin and the rest of the Havarah Equestrian Team had a good second half of Sporting Days, and they’re already planning their trip home in a month’s time.

 

Are you ready?!

It’s Red Hills week. Go Red Hills.

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Barbara Crabo’s Monday News from Success Equestrian

By on Mar 4, 2012 9:39 pm -


Red Hills 2010

Good morning Eventing Nation!

It’s Red Hills week, and John will be there, although I’m not sure that gives anyone incentive to go… I’ll be there putting on your FREE FLAIR strip (with coupon from packet), so look for me! It’s shaping up to be a big event as always, and someone from EN will be bringing you the latest and greatest all week. 

Back to the events that just wrapped up over the weekend:

Just thought you all should know that Barbara Crabo and Everready II kicked major bum in the Advanced at Twin Rivers over the weekend. The pair took home the blue by finishing on their impressive dressage score of 25.0. [Twin Rivers Results]

Aiken really dried up well yesterday for the Tadpole-Novice divisions at Sporting Days. Although much drier, pretty sure the entire competition was almost blown away by the “slight” winds. [Sporting Days Results]

Leslie Law won a couple novice divisions in Ocala and Lauren Kieffer picked up a blue in the training. [Rocking Horse Results]

And the news….

Want to party with the rock eventing stars? NCDCTA is holding a raffle with the prizes being tickets for luncheons and parties at Southern Pines and The Fork. Tickets are $1/each or 6 for $5.

Enter to Win One of Four Great Prizes

-Two Luncheon Tickets to watch the Advanced Cross-Country Saturday March 24

-Two Tickets to the Britches and Bling Party at Southern Pines HT Saturday March 24

-Two Tickets to the Ladies Dressage Champagne Luncheon Friday April 6th

-Two Tickets to the VIP tent at CIC Cross-Country Saturday April 7th

Go to www.ncdcta.org for more information (info is on the right hand side). [Flyer] [Buy Tickets]

If you’re in Area I, listen up! Area 1 of the United States Eventing Association is proud to announce the creation of a new scholarship program. Area 1 will grant four awards of $250 each to deserving applicants to use for educational purposes such as clinics, lessons, and other learning opportunities. Two scholarships will be granted in the spring and two in the fall. One of the four awards is reserved for a professional horseman. The application deadline for the spring award is March 15, and the deadline for the fall award is August 15. [Area I]

Peter Atkins is coming to Kentucky! Anyone who’s anyone will be at Champagne Run May 11-13 for the clinic he’s giving. Friday will be privates and then you’re traditional format of show jumping on Saturday followed by cross country on Sunday. There will be a potluck meet and greet on Saturday. Mark your calendars now!  [Clinic Info] [Entry]

The devastating storms from Friday are over, but the damage remains. A news station in North Carolina has a segment on the storm damage. The video is shot from a helicopter where the roof was torn off the barn, but the horses seem unharmed. There are some precious minis in one stall a couple horses in another while several people are cleaning up the damage. The end of the video where they pan out to see the surroundings is just surreal. [Chopper 9]

In more heartbreaking news from the storms, 15 horses and 2 people were killed in Kentucky. Rhonda and Bill McCardle built a Quarter Horse empire over the last 40 years. Their neighbors, Donald and Linda Beemon, were like another set of parents to Rhonda and Bill. They passed away in their home. Amazingly, a yearling was found underneath all the rubbish and debris. [News 5 Video]

New Zealand eventer Jock Paget is coming to Rolex! He’s been given the green light to bring over Clifton Promise for Kentucky. Everything is his stable is on track thanks to some teamwork digging a “track” through the snow around his arena. His head gal, Lucy and working student, Hollie are working non-stop, and despite all the snow, the horses are feeling great. [NZ 2012]

There’s been drama behind the scenes of Badminton HT, unfortunately, over the broadcasting rights. It’s a bit of a debacle, aka hard to recap. [See for yourself]

Horsetalk has a recap of the One Day at McLeans on Saturday

And also a recap of Puhinui HT

—
In the blogosphere it’s all about Sporting Days:

Doug Payne recaps his weekend

Jaclyn Burke had a successful weekend on her training level mount’s first outing

Lainey Ashker gettin’ it done in the Training Level SJ at Sporting Days:

That’s all for now. More from Sporting Days later!

Go eventing.

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Paradise Farm HT Recap

By on Feb 21, 2012 12:00 pm -


Paradise XC Photo via Sheila Wolff

If you’ve never been to Paradise Farm HT, you must really put it on your Horse Bucket List Annie was talking about. Lellie Ward, owner of Paradise Farm, is a wonderful supporter of our sport by bringing a great, challenging, fun, and educational course and experience via the horse trials every year. Unfortunately, she was injured in a fall several weeks ago, but she’s on the mend! She’s in good spirits according to her Facebook. Barbie, her head groom and right-hand gal, along with countless other individuals, has made sure that the horse trials went off without a hitch! Kudos to the entire Paradise crew, we thank you. Heal fast Lellie!

Paradise has been held over three days for quite some time now. Dressage was on Friday for all BN-P competitors. It should be noted that Phillip scored an impressive 19.1 on Casalino in OT-B which he finished on as well to take home the blue. Phillip also won the OP on Gran Banks finishing on his dressage score of 24.6. Two rides, two blues, not a bad event…

And if you ever thought getting under 30 would get you in the top 3, think again. The top 15 of Open Novice C all scored less than 30 in dressage. Tough competition! [Full Results]

Ryan Wood’s horse Woodstock Bennett finished third in the division above. Here’s a photo courtesy of Cindy Lawler:

Clearly scope for more, looking good rocking Devoucoux, photo courtesy of Ryan Wood and Cindy Lawler

Other notable wins were Stephen Rogers who took home the Preliminary Rider blue ribbon finishing on his dressage score of 34.1. Pippa Moon won OT-A on Lily B finishing on her dressage score of 21.8.

John Nunn of EN sponsor Nunn Finer was out and about competing the in a training level and beginner novice division. Glad to see such a great supporter out enjoying the sport himself!

And because you know I’m a number geek, 12 out of 16, that’s 75% of the divisions were won on a score in the 20s or less. (The “or less” is for Dominating Dutty on his ballin’ 19.1) The other four divisions won on scores, 34.1, 34.1, 34.0, and 32.3. Just to add more salt to your dressage wound, I thought I’d let you know that all the training level (excluding P/T) and novice divisions were won on 20s or less. Get crackin’ on that dressage my friends!

The weather was fabulous for Friday and Saturday, wet on Sunday. Take a look at show jumping on both days. (You saw the video on N7N this morning, right?)

EN sponsor Devoucoux is a big supporter of Paradise! They have banners throughout the grounds as well as a show jump similar to the one the saddles are sitting on. Here’s a photo of the booth. Stop in and say hi if you’ve got a moment. Great people with great products!

You thought the shameless plugs for our EN sponsors were through?! Guess again. Kentucky Horsewear boots are starting to storm on to the scene: Lainey Ashker and Ryan Wood are using them on their horses. Maybe it’s a pinto thing?

Ryan Wood’s ride Ace of Hearts, owned by Linda Ledray rocking the Kentucky Horsewear eventing boots:


Photo via Ryan Wood

The Kentucky boots in action on xc:

Photo via the lovely Sheila Wolff

Here’s Lainey Ashker on Jolly Good Sport sporting Kentucky Horsewear Gera boots:
Now, more videos of training show jumping on Sunday:

[Full Results] That’s my recap. We’ve got another coming soon! Stay tuned. Go eventing.

Bonnie Mosser’s Tuesday News from Pennfield

By on Feb 20, 2012 10:18 pm -


Bonnie and Flynn photo via Jessica Bortner-Harris

Good morning Eventing Nation!

Thanks for letting my brother take the wheel for yesterday’s notes. Generally, we try to keep our ghost-writers under the radar, but I thought my big bro did a wonderful job considering he hates horses. EN fun fact: Coren hasn’t actually written a post since 2009. Neither has John, come to think of it, but he had to give the chinchillas a bribe to keep posting under his name. I think they’re doing a great job moonlighting for him. But, really, that’s why John and Coren are made for each other. Neither of them can spell or write good. Ha! Getting fired and losing my bff in one paragraph? I call that skill. But, these are Bonnie’s News and Notes, so here we go…

Bonnie’s back in action! Big thanks to EN tipster Jessica for the story. Bonnie rode “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore”, Bridgett Barown’s Canadian horse, at Hillcrest Farm HT in NC over the weekend. She took home the blue in a Novice division. Talk about coming back with bang! Go Bonnie!

Olympic fever is in the air in case you were wondering what that smell was. UKEventing blog has given us a look at the unofficial shoo-ins for Team GBR. Obviously, Mary King and William Fox-Pitt are at the top of everyone’s list. I hadn’t realized though, that WFP has qualified 9, yes, nine, horses for the Games. My 2011 feels a whole lot more unproductive now… They do report, though, that Tina Cook and Miners Frolic are competing this weekend at Ballindenisk 3* to get their qualification in. Pippa Funnell and Redesigned are hoping to get their qualification in at Burnham Market in April. Don’t forget about Ruth Edge, Polly Stockton and your other favourite GBR riders. Team GBR is stacked! [UK Eventing]

Check out the slideshow on Boyd’s blog of Paradise photos. Cindy Lawler was behind the camera and caught not only great action shots, but some really terrific candid shots as well. [Boyd’s blog]

Cat Hill, groom extraordinaire, has started blogging for PRO. In her first post, she introduces herself as the girl trying to corral two large hound dogs. Oh, and she’s from near where Courageous Comet’s from. Is her horse life busy? Her longest stretch at home was 21 days in 2011. She’s already been wearing out the rubber on her tires with several trips down and back from Virginia to Aiken. Here’s to looking forward to Cat’s 2012 adventures! [PRO]

Lots going on over the pond as the JAS (Jumping and Style) winter series continues. Jo Thorogood, Alice Collard, Lily Bradstock, and Zoe Adams dominated by qualifying multiple horses and taking home the top prize in the BE90, BE100, Novice and Open, respectively. Elizabeth Mantel also finished horses in the top of the Novice and Open divisions. Congratulations, and good luck at the Final at Addington this weekend! [BE]

Over on Horse Nation… SERIOUSLY, YOU’LL THANK ME FOR THE CROSS POST! Wylie’s taken all the work out of stalking, to bring you Joe McKinley. Now, I’m sure all our West Coasters know about him and drool all the way to the start box, but for those of us on the east coast, this is a new infatuation! The skinny: he’s an eventer that has a sense of humor (see end of video 1) and skillz as he drops down banks and does 5 one strides in a row bareback. He teaches lessons to inner city kids, carries himself well, is well-spoken, and he’s on Full Metal Jousting. Clearly he’s competitive and likes a challenge! Check out Wylie’s hard work, then tune in to the History channel! [HN]

Ever get jealous of those 16 year olds raking in millions in Hollywood? What if I told you a 14 year old just won a $50,000 Hunter Derby at WEF? That’s why we event. We don’t like money. Victoria Colvin, a Florida native, beat out several top trainers and professionals to clinch the win over the weekend. She “didn’t feel any pressure” and “[doesn’t] get nervous”. As for how she feels after the win, “It was really cool”. [Horsetalk]

In show jumping Olympic news, Eric Lamaze is aiming three new horses at the 2012 Games. He’s very excited about his future, but acknowledges there’s still quite a bit of time until London. Also, interestingly enough, he says he sends 80% of his time teaching and just 20% riding. Ask me about the time I saw Eric dancing on a bar table in Wellington. Maybe show jumpers do know how to have fun. [Horsetalk]

In the blogosphere (guess which event they’re blogging about!):

Havarah Equestrian recaps Paradise and we’ll hear more from them soon!

Boyd recaps Paradise as well, and had a great time with owners that made the trip

Valerie V had a fabulous first event of the season, and quite a fun read. Congrats!

The prelim xc course as brought to you by GoLightlyHorses:

From Pennfield: Finally! The winners of the Pennfield What’s Your Word contest will be revealed this week. Although we’re still trying to figure out what to do with a fabulous entry whose word was, essentially, “poop”. As in, Pennfield poop is a work of art (indicating a much healthier digestive system). Oh, the dinner party conversations we horse people have.

Go eventing.

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Paradise HT’s Monday News from Success Equestrian

By on Feb 20, 2012 12:29 am -

 

Lainey Ashker and Jolly Good Sport sporting Kentucky Horsewear Gera boots
Good Morning Eventing Nation!

I come to you from the cutest little bed and breakfast in Middleburg, VA!  I spent the weekend at Paradise HT and we will have more Paradise coverage later today so stay tuned.  The event season is really ramping up with four USEA events over the weekend.  California had training sessions at Red Fox Farm for Shannon, Max, and MacKenna.  Aiken training sessions with Lauren Hough start today.  I’m keeping this short and sweet, since the internet in my little bed and breakfast gave out and I am making my awesome, kind, loving, benevolent, amazing, brother–who, I must admit, is the greatest human being alive–transcribe this from Michigan.
Paradise Farm Horse Trials concluded over the weekend with quite a wet Sunday. As I mentioned, I will have a recap later today. Until then, [here are full scores].
Rocking Horse Winter 2 also finished up in Florida. If you missed it over the weekend Samantha did a lovely recap of Friday [here].  There are too many divisions to give shout-outs to all of the winners, but, speaking of Michigan, the mitten state’s very own Erika Treis Peterson and Crimson Tide won the open prelim B.  Katie Rupel, also from Michigan, had a good finish in the advanced on Saturday.  If you’re from Michigan and we forgot to mention you–give us a shout-out in the comment section.   [Rocking Horse Full Results] 
Across the country, on the West Coast, Ram Tap HT was going on as well this weekend.  While Derek Di Grazia’s student Max McManamy was getting coached up by Mark Phillips at the training sessions, Derek made good use of the weekend with a win in the Ram Tap prelim. [Ram Tap Results]
Last, but not least, New Mexico eventing is officially under way with Las Cruces HT — [Las Cruces Results]

Don’t forget that the Aiken Training Sessions start today with Lauren Hough! [Schedule]
Express Eventing is seeing a bit of a make over for next season. It’s now a team competition as well as an individual competition. It will be comprised of 14 riders on 7 teams. A veteran rider will essentially be a team captain, and chooses his/her second teammate. Express Eventing will kick off in London, after the Olympics, and will continue through 2013 at several other venues. [Eventing Worldwide] 
Golightly Sport Horses has a great blog post about Paradise: [Golightly]

Nancy Jaffer writes the help is on the way from the New Jersey equestrian community for horse owners who have fallen on hard times.  [NJ Star]

People will run on the Red Hill’s XC course a day after the horses.  [WCTV]

Congrats to Comedic Eventing on making the big move up to advanced this weekend at Rocking Horse! [Blog]

Denny: It only “matters” if it matters to you

In show jumping news, superstar Beezie Madden won a $50,000 derby in Wellington! It was her goal with Prima this year, and she bested 26 other entries to do it. There were problems at the devil’s dyke, the tables, the bank, and water. There were 25 efforts in all. Even though Beezie won, her mount, Prima, took a rail. Sounds a little like eventing, no? [COTH]
A little teaser of how wet it was at Paradise.

Seriously, if you don’t go read Horse Nation each and every day after getting your morning fix of EN (always come to EN first, of course) then you are missing out.  Speaking of Horse Nation, why doesn’t John let us EN writers drink a bottle of wine and then review it?  In fact, I think I specifically remember John telling us that he’s the only one allowed to drink and write, although Coren regularly breaks that rule.  

Go Eventing.




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Love’s Tuesday News from Pennfield

By on Feb 14, 2012 12:35 am -


That’s right. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Can you feel all the love in the air?! Happy Valentine’s Day Eventing Nation! We, here at EN, would love to be your Valentine, John more so than the rest of us since he’s never had one… Oh, come on, like you didn’t know that was coming. Now that the John joke is aside, what do you love, Eventing Nation, besides us? Horses, eventing, thoroughbreds, Boyd? E.) All of the above? More importantly, who are you spending Valentine’s Day with? I never thought you’d ask! I’m spending mine with Charles, a tall, dark, and very handsome OTTB who I haven’t seen in three weeks! 😉 And, don’t worry if you see a blonde girl lurking outside CVS at midnight. That’ll be Coren waiting for the chocolate to go on sale. In all seriousness, we love you, Eventing Nation, today, and every day! I won’t strangle you with any more lovey-dovey nonsense thoughts, so here are your news and notes:

Do you remember Shawn and Warren from our “Another EN Marriage” post back in December? Well, Warren’s at it again. He’s in the running to win tickets to a Brad Paisley concert. Help them make this a fabulous first wedded Valentine’s Day for these two, EN style: VOTE! Click the link to vote for Shawn and Warren. 309,392 EN LOVE Karma points if you do. [Vote for love!]

Chelan is back! Her horse, Chester, is back in full work and feeling great. There’s a terrific video of them at MREC on the blog as well. And, apparently, in true Valentine’s Day fashion, she harassed (her word!) David O’Connor into giving a clinic at her farm February 28-29. [3Daze]

Legendary Linda Allen is coming to Aiken this weekend for a clinic. The clinic is full, but auditors are welcome for a suggested donation of $25 to Friends of the Animal Shelter. It’s being held at a private facility of Steifel Road. Groups start at 2’6″ and go beyond 3’6″. [Aiken Standard]

Havarah Equestrian had a great weekend at Pine Top. They’re absolutely gushing in the first few paragraphs, and rightfully so after some great dressage and three clear show jumping rounds! Molly’s got a wonderful team, both human and horse. The working students got to watch at Pine Top, which, if you’ve ever been a working student, you know is rare. They’ll all be riding at Paradise this weekend. Good luck ladies! [Havarah Equestrian]

Kate Chadderton has had a busy last 10 days. Between the last 10 days of events in Aiken she’s jumped approximately 230 show jumps with only 3 rails down. That’s 99% of the rails up! Impressive! There’s also an awesome picture of a tractor clearing one of the three completely frozen-over water jumps at Pine Top last weekend. [Kate’s blog]

Amy Lo wraps up her short experience with Peter Atkins Eventing. I don’t think I can even begin to hide my envy. She was in Ocala with her horse Moose and absolutely absorbed everything she saw: from Peter asking for immediate attentiveness upon mounting to never missing an opportunity to give a horse a treat. Peter’s horses live outside 24/7, and it’s all about them. How it should be. She’s included Peter’s helmet cam video from Ocala, and if you scroll down, there’s more about her trip and lots of pictures! [C U On XC]

Our wonderful sponsor, SmartPak. has a new blog post up about beating the winter blues. They’ve got solutions for hydration, respiration, and more. [Smartpak]

Coren’s singing on youtube! Just kidding. The sweetest story bout rescuing a donkey is a lovely Valentine’s story. Donkeyotee was rescued as a yearling and now sings along with a violin. [Horsetalk]

For the love of Motown, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Go hug your friends, family and loved ones! Happy Valentine’s Day! <3 EN

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Lisa Marie Fergusson Clinic Recap

By on Jan 18, 2012 9:00 am -


The indoor at North Brook Farm photo via Ann Osterbauer

Lisa Marie Fergusson is no stranger to Eventing Nation. She writes terrific blogs about her journeys in eventing. When she’s not on the road competing or training her own mounts, she travels to the frozen tundra good ol’ Minnesota periodically to give clinics. She holds them regularly at Jan Fisk’s North Brook Farm in Stillwater, MN. I met Lisa briefly several years ago at Otter Creek HT. She was just as lovely and gracious then as she is now.

Day 1: Gymnastics

I walked into the arena with my lesson-mates, Jean and Jill. Both Jean and Jill have ridden with Lisa before. The three of us were in a Novice/Training group as we had gone Training level, but were just getting back in to work for the season. We warmed up and headed down the grid line. Arena set up:

 

Gotta love Microsoft Paint

The grid was all poles the first time we trotted through. Lisa was big on position, and boy did I need it since my last lesson was back in October. Her emphasis for all of us was a nice, soft, following elbow maintaining a straight line to the bit. Keeping our upper bodies back and tall was also a reminder we all heard several thousand times, so that the horse can fully utilize its body and lift its withers to jump.  The grid was set for trotting in and Lisa built it up to Training height.

We then moved on to all those X-es you see on the right side of the diagram. Objective: Keep the same quality gait and make a dressage-like turn utilizing the outside rein around the 20 m circle of jumps instead of opening the inside rein like a jumper. This helps keep the horse straight and therefor jumping evenly off both hind legs. Let’s just say my 17.2 hh all leg TB and I failed miserably. It was challenging. Start off by picking two jumps on the circle and adding more as you and your horse get in a rhythm and pick up the canter. Continue perfection. Jean was our fearless leader and she did quite well. She and her horse Cash got a little bit rolling towards then end, but Lisa kept reminding her to re-balance and focus on her turn. Charlie and I were up next. We could put 2 jumps together in some semblance of order, but it was obvious we needed to get back down to the trot and focus on turns and rideability. It was a great exercise because it really showed I don’t have any outside aids going to the right. Lisa broke it down, and we were progressing. Jill and her horse Einstein were ROCKSTARS. They were in foot perfect. Absolutely inspiring to watch!

Then we started a course (see video below). This was great for my horse and I. We really need to work on our turning. Lisa was very helpful reminding us where we were going and putting little phrases in our heads to remember. Charlie and I finished with the Circle of Death Jumps, on the right lead as perfect as you can get. Video of yours truly, only because Jean and Jill declined.

Day 2: Courses

The course Lisa had set up was brilliant use of an indoor, I think. It was set to ride everything both ways, and with lots of turns, you can make many different courses without moving the jumps:

On Day 2, I was in a semi-private with Ginny Buell, and her lovely mare, Truffle. (Truffle is a home-bred of Jan Fisk). They have done a season of Novice and plan for another season of Novice this year.

I loved Day 2. Not only was my horse more rideable from the effort we put forth in the previous day’s lesson, but Lisa’s continual support to make my position better greatly affected my horse’s way of going (for the better):

Depress those wrists! Squeeze, release, don’t pull. Lift those hands! Squeeze a lot if you have to!

Show jumping is my worst phase, and I was dreading course work. We warmed up going back and forth over the blue trot and canter. As a person who really wants to feel a difference (improvement) when lessoning, this course was perfect. Not only could I focus on doing courses, I could focus on doing several different courses back to back to back. Through it all, Lisa re-created the feeling I have when I enter the show ring, that knot in my stomach. I don’t know how or why, but I was glad it showed up because that meant I could work through it. Ginny and I exchanged glances when Lisa told us course #4 or 5. It was filled with about 10,342 transitions throughout the course. Another fabulous take on course work which had both horses jumping superbly at the end. Ginny had literally a PERFECT go of the last course, but unfortunately, we didn’t catch it on film. Here’s one of the first courses on the day:

Overall, I really enjoyed Lisa’s teaching style and exercises. It’s a great feeling when you feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth.

Many thanks to Lisa for braving the cold north in the indoor, and to Jan Fisk and everyone at North Brook for opening your doors, and to Jean Pilla for organizing these clinics. Ride on!

Go eventing.

Equestrian Australia’s Tuesday News and Notes from Pennfield

By on Jan 17, 2012 1:38 am -

Good morning Eventing Nation! I have been scouring the world to being you today’s news and notes. I just want to mention that because of this post, I am now in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Longest EN N&N Post”. Take that Annie. There’s so much to catch up on, I won’t bother you anymore with my babble, but I hope you weren’t planning on getting any work done today.

Equestrian Australia has announced their 2012 National Eventing Squads. Big names Bill Levitt, Chris Burton, Clayton Fredericks, Craig Barrett, Emma Mason, Natalie Blundell,Sam Griffiths, Sonja Johnson and Stuart Tinney all made the Elite Eventing Squad, and what a fine list to be able to compile!. US based Australian rider, Kadi Eykamp made the National A Squad with Double Rivers Dillon. EN’s favorite Hamish Cargill made the Futures squad with Tahoe.I must say, I really like how they have a significant tiered system with horse and rider named. Congrats to all. [EA Full List]

In very sad news, there was a fire on Sunday at Pleasant Ridge Farm in Pennsylvania. This farm was home to fellow eventer Rebecca Greene. Nine horses have perished in the fire including Becky’s two mounts, Scooby Who and Cassidy Blue. The farm owner lost her four horses as well as three horses of other boarders. One pig also perished, but another survived. The cause is yet to be determined. You can see in the pictures that absolutely nothing is left. Becky’s friends have put together a Facebook page, and you can donate directly through Becky’s website as well. EN sends its condolences to all those affected from this tragic barn fire. [News story] [Becky’s website] [FB page]

Mary King has a new 4* ride, Chilli Morning. Nick Gauntlett has had the stallion for the last six years, including a ride around Burghley last September. Chris and Lisa Stone, Chilli’s owners have moved him to Mary King’s. Many thanks to JER for the tip! [Gauntlett Eventing]

McClain Ward talks about his fall and surgery to the Chronicle. Apparently, breaking his knee cap into 22 pieces “didn’t hurt”. He was riding Oh d’Eole when she jumped in huge over the A element of the one stride. McLain tried to pull her out of the line, but she had already taken off the ground, and his knee smashed in to the metal bar on the standard that holds the breakaway jump cups. As he was falling, he saw it all pretty graphically, knew what happened, motioned for help, then waited. He had surgery that night leaving only 4 of the 22 pieces of knee. His wife Lauren, and staff will continue to keep the horses in shape, and he thanks his wonderful support group of friends many times. EN wishes McLain a speedy recovery as it seems it will be May before he can get back in the saddle. [COTH]

British rising star, Willa Newton, has her sights set on Badminton in the spring. It’ll be the European team gold and individual silver medalist’s first four star. She’s part of BEF World Class Education Programme, getting instruction from the best. She also graduates from Leeds University this summer with a degree in Business Management. [EMR]

Aptly titled, Kim Severson’s latest blog sure does sound like life is great! The crew’s in Aiken, the horses are ahead of schedule, and SV, their Aiken home, sounds to die for! Even the dressage horses are galloping around the property by choice! [KSE blog]

Debora from Non Invasive Equine Therapy is now in Aiken! Debora, a good EN friend, uses new technology (the instrument looks like a rake) the sends micro electric charges into your horse’s body. Any breakdown of the charge can show sore muscles, soft tissue damage, joint damage and more. After scanning, she heals affected area with infared. For our trusty EN community, :if you recite “Eventing Nation” 3 times and compliment Debora on her hat, you’ll receive $25 off the $75 two hour treatment! Fabulous! [NIET]

KC from Thunder Moon Farm writes a lovely blog bout the Area I Annual meeting. She reminds us that annual meetings with, “the education, camaraderie and friendships that grow and flourish by seeing each other in the dead of winter just gives a sense of community and support.” Exactly. And, you’ll always take away a pearl of wisdom from the guest speaker, like Peter Gray’s answer on how to reach the top levels of our sport, “Love your horse.”. [Thunder Moon Farm]

Global Animal has reprinted the NYT article featuring Neville. They did add their own intro about, “the strong-willed horse that was able to cheat death twice and who is now on his way to becoming a legend, thanks, in part, to his guardians who did not give up on him“. [Global Animal]

Denny writes about Connemaras in his latest blog about breeds. I have to agree, Connemaras are one of the best pony breeds out there, and not just because I was envious of the Pony Clubber with the cute Connemara xc machine growing up…[How Good Riders Get Good]

A valiant effort was made to save a pony that fell down a 50 foot cliff into a gully. She was trapped on a small sand beach. There’s helmet cam footage of the rescue. And, yet, all I can think while I watch is how much I want to teach them how to rope a horse. The pony did give them some trouble, and one or two of the men get full on trampled in the water. Huge thanks go out to his team for this incredible save. [H&H]

A high school eventer got a PERFECT SCORE on her ACT. Don’t be jealous. Congratulations!

LisaB sent us this tidbit about using the Jaws of Life to save a horse from a trailering accident.

That’s all folks! Go eventing.

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