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About Chesna Klimek

Bringing you eventing stories from the west coast! You can learn more about me on my blog at www.chesnaklimek.com or follow along on Twitter @ChesnaKlimek

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Aspen Farms Advanced + Area VII Championships: Movers and Shakers from Saturday’s Action

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

On day two of Aspen Farms Horse Trials and USEA Area VII Championships in Yelm, WA, Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, delivered a solid cross-country round in the Tin Men Supply Advanced with no jump penalties and 7.6 time faults to hold their overnight lead ahead of Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 in second.

“This was our first move up to the Advanced level,” said Karen after her cross-country ride. “Everything rode so well on course. He was so good. He still needs to get fitter… He’s a big Warmblood. He started out on time on course, but got a little tired at the end. But he was amazing. He took me to all the jumps. He didn’t spook–he used to be a big spooker–so we’ve come a long way. The course was amazing–the footing was perfect, the jumps rode great, they rode the way they walked. Some of it was massive, but it rode really well.”

The pair have a rail in hand going into show jumping on Sunday.

“Usually show jumping is a strong suit for him,” said Karen. “Usually he’s good at recovering after cross-country. But this will be the biggest course we’ve ever jumped.”

Jessica Hamilton and Dark Knight’s Light. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Open Intermediate, the leaderboard saw dramatic changes after cross-country. Jessica Hamilton and her off-the-track-Thoroughbred mare Dark Knight’s Light moved up from sixth to first thanks to a clear cross-country jump round and just 8.4 time penalties. Anni Grandia-Dodson and HSH Bold Decision, owned by Andrew Hoff, moved from seventh to second, and Devin Robel and Gillou moved from second to third after one stop.

Jessica got her off-the-track Thoroughbred mare over 10 years ago and has done all the training to bring her along the levels to this point.

“It was foot perfect,” Jessica said about her cr0ss-country ride. “It was smooth; it was fast; it was a lot of fun! My horse stayed underneath me and kept with me the whole time. There were no sticky moments like we’ve had in the past. It felt amazing.”

Jessica is optimistic going into show jumping tomorrow.

“She’s been having some ‘cheap rails’ at shows, but we’ve been targeting some body wellness and she has been feeling better and better. Hopefully there’s a little more gas in the tank tomorrow than there has been in the past.”

Cristina Rennie and Flight of the Arabesque. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the Open Intermediate Area VII Championship, Cristina Rennie and Flight of the Arabesque jumped clear with 8 time faults to take over the lead from Kelsey Horn and Cleared For Take Off, who disabled a frangible pin to pick up 11 faults and move down to second.

Harper Padgett and Captivate. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the USEA Area VII Open Preliminary Championship, Harper Padgett and Captivate held their lead, adding just 2.8 time faults on cross-country to their dressage score.

“The course was really good,” said Harper. “All the lines and striding were good. I was focusing on making time. I thought the time was pretty hard to make because of the turns.”

Her strategy for tomorrow’s show jumping is developing a forward rhythm. “He’s pretty tight-backed and not too forward,” she said. “Opening him up helps a lot.”

In Open Preliminary, Nicole Aden and Truckee Bash moved up to the lead on a score of 25.5. Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Bodhizafa, owned by Louise LaRue, are second, and Marc Grandia and Levino Full are third.

“We’ve gone up the levels together,” said Nicole about her Thoroughbred gelding, Truckee Bash, whom she’s ridden for the past 8 years. “He’s out having fun this weekend. He was great today; he knows his job. He went into the ring and was awesome.”

Going into cross country on Sunday, Nicole thinks the course designed by Morgan Rowsell “looks good. It looks fun. It has some fun questions. I’m looking forward to. My horse is a total cross-country machine. I think he’s looking forward to getting out there and running around.”

Simone Clark and Indio BMW. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Area VII Junior Training Championship, Simone Clark and her mom’s horse, Indio BMW, jumped double clear cross-country to hold their lead ahead of Kate Schultheis and Ready Or Knot Here’s Mouse! in second and Sarah Haberman and Kingsman in third.

“The course was great,” Simone said after cross-country. “I liked how technical it was in places. It was challenging but fun at the same time. Everything rode smoothly. It was easy to make the time for the first time for me. He felt awesome. He’s such a champ–he tries so hard for me and is super honest.”

Patience O’Neal is first in Area VII Open Novice Championship aboard Barney Come Home, owned by Wendy Wadhwani, ahead of her mom, Karen O’Neal in second on MNF North Forks Summit, owned by Angela Wilson, and herself aboard Yellow Wolf, owned by Penelope Leggott, in third.

“It was really really nice,” Patience said after her cross-country round with Barney Come Home, a 10-year-old off-the-track-Thoroughbred. “He has improved tremendously. This is only his fifth or sixth show ever. Major improvement since Equestrian Institute Horse Trials a couple of weeks ago. He has a lot of potential, he just needs to wrap his mind around the sport.”

Looking ahead to show jumping, Patience said she is “looking forward to it. We’ve had some really good training rides the last couple of weeks. He’s a little unpredictable at times–he likes to take a good hard look at things and then jump it. Especially here at Aspen Farms with the colorfully painted show jumps, we will see how it goes. But after cross-country today he felt amazing.”

Lindsey Ellis and her Swedish Warmblood x Appaloosa gelding, Sir Winston Churchill, lead the Area VII Junior Novice Championships.

“He was perfect,” Lindsay said about their cross-country round. “He was really strong. He saved me a couple of times. It was very fun.”

Supported by her team, Lindsey said, “I’m going to rock my show jump tomorrow.”

The complete scores for all divisions are available on Startbox Scoring, here.

Cross Country Riding Reigns Supreme: Molly Duda Wins CCI3*-S at Aspen Farms

Molly Duda of California and her Swedish Warmblood, Disco Traveler. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

It was an influential cross-country day at Aspen Farms Horse Trials for the upper level divisions and CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S. The leaderboards for the Preliminary, Intermediate, and FEI classes featured all new names by end of day Sunday–none of the overnight leaders from Saturday held their leads. Combinations who could jump clean and fast rose up the ranks.

In the CCI3*-S, Molly Duda of California and her Swedish Warmblood, Disco Traveler, (pictured above) rocketed from fifth place to first after delivering the only double clear cross-country round in the division of 12 starters. They were fourth after dressage with a score 32.4, dropped to fifth after show jumping due to a single rail, but jumped right to the top of the leaderboard today as the only pair in the division to jump clean and inside the time over the challenging cross-country track designed by Morgan Rowsell.

Madeleine Scott and her Canadian Thoroughbred, Crosby’s Gold, moved up from fourth to second after cross-country with just 3.6 time penalties. Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 jumped beautifully but moved down to third with 11.6 time penalties.

“It was incredible!” Duda said after her cross-country ride. “This is my first time at Aspen Farms. It’s so beautiful out here in the woods. It was so much fun.”

Duda purchased Disco Traveler from her trainer Mickayla Howard a year-and-a-half ago, and he’s taken her from Training level to Intermediate in that time. This is the pair’s fourth straight win at the Intermediate/3-star level this season.

“We had a bit of rain today on cross-country, but the footing held up pretty well,” Duda said. “We took it slow around the turns. He was super. He was full of run by the end of it. It was different than in California–the skinnies are a lot skinnier here. It’s challenging in different ways–a lot of hills. But he was definitely up for the challenge!”

Duda also finished in third place in the CCI2*-S with her Oldenburg mare, Lilly. They added just two time faults to their dressage score to finish on 34.2.

Tommy Greengard and Kremer VD Falieberg, winners of the CCI2*-S. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

The standout in the CCI2*-S was Tommy Greengard from California. Not only did he win the division with Kremer VD Falieberg, owned by Morgan Wenell, on their dressage score of 26.1, he placed second with Joshuay MBF and fourth with Count Me In, an off-the-track Thoroughbred mare he co-owns with Andrea Pfeiffer.

“Kremer was amazing!” Greengard said shortly after finishing his double clear cross-country round with him. “This is Kremer’s first 2-star short. He moved up to Preliminary earlier this spring. He was lovely. He kept trying all the way around out there. We’ve been working a lot on his fitness. It was really nice to come up here to Aspen Farms and feel like he’s taken a positive step forward on his fitness. He looks primed and ready to give the 2-Star Long at Rebecca Farm a shot.”

Greengard was equally pleased with the performance of his second place finisher, Joshuay MBF, who hasn’t competed since Twin Rivers last year.

“Joshuay was so happy to be back out,” Greengard said. “He pulled me around the course, so we had a little bit of time here and there. He was great.”

They plan to run an Intermediate at Twin Rivers and aim for FEI at Rebecca Farm in July. Greengard also didn’t want to leave out any praise for his fourth place finisher in the CCI2*-S, Count Me In.

“I’m so proud of her!” he said. “She did her first show ever at Aspen Farms two years ago, and won at the Beginner Novice level in the pouring rain. For her to be fourth here just behind the boys–Andrea and I are thrilled! She’s been a serious long-term project. She’s surprised us every single day.”

Additionally, Greengard won the Open Training division this weekend with That’s Me Z, a 6-year-old Zangersheide gelding he co-owns with Andrea Pfeiffer.

“This was his first time competing on the grass,” said Greengard. “We are so excited for him to have come up here and taken it all in stride. He jumped around great. He loved it; he seemed to have a really good time.”

Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo, winners of the Open Intermediate. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Open Intermediate, Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo ran away with the win, moving right up from fifth to first. The overnight leaders, Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola held a strong lead after show jumping, but eliminated on cross-country–not the only competitors to walk off the Intermediate course without completing. Stephanie Goodman and Carolina Morning finished second and Kelsey Horn and Cleared For Take Off finished third–both clean but with time faults.

Blackburn–a young rider originally from USEA Area VII but currently living in California while attending UC Davis’ pre-veterinary program–could not have been happier with her horse. The win was a somewhat-unexpected but welcome achievement for her and her team.

“The last time I won anything we went Novice!” shared Blackburn. “He felt absolutely incredible. We’ve spent many years getting him to steer and to listen to me. Everyone describes him as a very talented weirdo. It’s been so long building our bond and building our partnership. He’s such a special horse. Any time I make a mistake he picks up that slack for me. It’s really been the both of us growing together. To be able to finish so well, regardless of the win, on the horse who took me from Novice level to my first few Intermediates is a total miracle. I couldn’t have done it without the team at Chocolate Horse Farm. I’m just so happy–a dream come true!”

Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo won Preliminary Rider. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Madison Langerak won the Preliminary Rider division with her gelding, Normandy Kivalo. They stayed focused despite some rain during their cross country round, jumping clean with just 6 time faults.
Kylie Cemulini and her Jumper-turned-Eventer, Eddison, finished a close second to Langerak.

“The course rode really well,” said Cemulini. “It was really positive and forward. My horse felt really, really good. He was very confident today. He was flying over every combination.”

In Open Preliminary, Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society, a chestnut Irish Sporthorse owned by Tracey Trewin, jumped fast and clear on cross-country, moving up from second for the win.

“He was absolutely fabulous,” said Trewin. “It’s the fastest we’ve run. This show was good prep for us to get him ready for Rebecca Farms. I’ve got to figure his gallop out. He is a Warmblood; I’m used to riding Thoroughbreds! He’s such a good horse. This ride today was the most rideable, fluid ride I’ve had on him.”

Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society won Open Preliminary. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Trewin also finished third in a competitive Training Horse division with Vespers at Eight. Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Aventinus, owned by Louise LaRue won that division on 28.1, and Cayden Gaffney and Incovnito placed second on 28.3. Not even one full point separated the top three.

Eight Beginner Novice and Novice divisions contested the show jumping track designed by Chris Barnard today, some in sunny conditions and some in rain. There were impressive performances at every level. The low-point score of the weekend was earned by Melissa Mohr and Ferrani, who finished on 22.4 in the Beginner Novice Amateur division.

“It was another good event,” according to Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott. “In particular it was really fun to see the crowds up on the hill for the party and the FEI show jumping on Saturday; that was great. I also think the crew we have working the show is super. They make everything go smoothly which is nice for everyone.”

Competitors consistently expressed relief that the rain was limited today, and some praised the cross-country courses as a particular highlight.

“Cross-country course design was great,” said Elliott. “Our Course Designer, Morgan, had some very good questions. There were problems on course, but they were spread out. I think the courses rode well, and there were lots of compliments from competitors on the use of terrain, including from the lower levels.”

Over $30,000 worth of prizes were awarded to top finishers this weekend thanks to generous sponsors including Windermere Equestrian Living, Gallops Saddlery, Toklat, Arion Horse Sport Tack, Kerrits, Stubben, and others.

Aspen Farms was also thrilled to announce this weekend The Arion Challenge for Amateur/Rider competitors: one horse/rider pair that wins an Amateur/Rider division at the June Aspen Farms Horse Trials and again at the September Aspen Farms Horse Trials this year is eligible to win a fully-customized Arion saddle.

Aspen Farms will host the USEA Area VII Championships September 15-17, 2023. Competitors must place first through fifth at a qualifying horse trials before August 29, 2023 to enter Championship classes.

Aspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Scores]

Sabrina Glaser Takes the Overnight Lead in the CCI3*-S at Aspen Farms

Sabrina Glaser and Rather Be Cooley. Cortney Drake Photo.

A large crowd of spectators and show sponsors gathered to watch the FEI divisions show jump at Aspen Farms Horse Trials Saturday evening.

Sabrina Glaser shined over the CC3*-S show jumping track designed by Chris Barnard. She jumped double clear on both her horses in the division, and Rather Be Cooley, owned by Hildegard Johnson, (pictured above) claimed the overnight lead.

“I’m sitting on two completely different horses” Glaser said after her show jump rounds. “They couldn’t be more different if they tried; it’s interesting having the same course and having to have two very different plans.”

Rather be Cooley, a 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, has been partnered with Glaser for three years and is leading the division on his dressage score of 31.9.

“He is a brilliant jumper,” Glaser said. “We did some 1.25m Jumpers running up to this show, and he was good. That gives you a good feeling going in knowing that he likes to jump clean, and he’s still brave enough and bold enough to do the job. He’s very sensitive mentally, but he’s also one of the laziest horses I’ve ridden. I have to be careful to keep him mentally settled so he stays rideable.”

Glaser speculated on the forthcoming cross-country test: “I knew Tremaine Cooper’s courses really well. It’s taken me some time to get a feel for Morgan Rowsell’s courses. I think we’ve got work to do out there tomorrow! Rather be Cooley is quite green at this level. I’ll be trying to keep him soft while still keeping him brave. I’m going to have to trust him, believe in the schooling we’ve done at home, and hope that it will be there when we need it.”

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP continue to lead the CCI2*-S. Cortney Drake Photo.

Sophie Click is second in the CCI3*-S with her 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Tarantino 54.

“He was good; he was adjustable,” Click said after their ride. “We were on the same page. I’m really proud of him.”

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP continue to lead the CCI2*-S.

In the CCI2*-S, Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Deanna Briggs, delivered a convincing clear round to retain their lead on 25.7.

Goodman is followed closely by Tommy Greengard, who is tied for second with two of his horses, Joshuay MB and Kremer VD Falieber, owned by Morgan Wenell. Greengard is also in tenth in the division with his Thoroughbred mare, Count Me In.

“It was so fun,” Greengard said after show jumping. “I thought all three horses jumped phenomenally well. It was especially fun to have Josh back. He jumped a very good round. I can’t complain.”

When asked which horse might break the tie tomorrow, Greengard hinted he might give the advantage to Kremer since: “Josh is coming back. So I think he’ll be a little more conservative than Kremer. I think Kremer is ready to put in a very competitive run tomorrow.”

Greengard also moved up to the lead in the Open Training division with the young horse That’s Me Z who he owns with Andrea Pfeiffer.

“He was amazing,” Greengard said. “I was proud of him. He can be a little nervous with a lot of atmosphere. But that’s one of the reasons we love coming to Aspen. He jumped so well, and he was so focused. He just completed his first Preliminary, but this is his first time competing on the grass, so that’s why we dropped him down to Training level this weekend. We’re excited to see how he does on the grass tomorrow.”

Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola, leaders in Open Intermediate. Cortney Drake Photo.

Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola, owned by Lovas Partners LLC, retained the lead in the Open Intermediate on their dressage score of 29, more than six points ahead of the other competitors in the division.

“She’s pretty incredible and jumped so well,” said Linstedt. “I thought she was more relaxed in the ring than she has been. I felt like I was working really hard because she was jumping so high; just staying with her was a workout. But it’s getting smoother with her. She’s still green; the over-jumping is because she tries too hard. She’ll level that out in time. She felt confident today.”

“I think the cross-country course looks fair,” said Linstedt, looking ahead to Sunday. “For her, running Intermediate she just has to get educated and understand what is being asked of her and be brave out there because she is so careful it makes her a little hard on cross-country. She is unsure sometimes but really tries hard for me. She wants to jump all the fences.”

Alyssa Schaefer and Fuego moved up from third to second in Open Intermediate after adding just one rail to their dressage score. Stephanie Goodman and Carolina Morning jumped from eighth to third in the standings, thanks to a double clear round.

Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship, the overnight leaders in Prelim Rider. Cortney Drake Photo.

Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship held tightly to their lead in Preliminary Rider, adding just .4 time faults to their dressage score.

“There’s a few things we need to work on like having a little more step and flow,” said Padgett after her show jumping round. “But I think he was really good today. He’s kind of a spooky horse. He did a good job holding it together and not letting his nerves take over.”

The Open Preliminary division saw many changes to the scoreboard after show jumping. Most notably, Amy Silvera Olsen of Silvera Sporthorses and her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Metropolitan, jumped clear to move up from fourth to first.

Todd Trewin was the only rider not to change positions in the division. He added just one rail to his dressage score to retain the second place spot with his wife Tracey Trewin’s horse, Cooley High Society, an imported Irish horse they purchased in Florida.

“He was a little cocky today, which is good because he’s quite a good jumper,” said Trewin. “I had a little more horse than I thought I was going to have–which I like.”

Trewin has walked the cross-country course designed by Morgan Rowsell and feels optimistic for tomorrow.

Amy Silvera Olsen and Metropolitan are the new overnight leaders in Open Preliminary. Cortney Drake Photo.

“I think it’s a great course,” he said. “I’m still figuring out where I can allow him to gallop more. Being Irish and a little bit more of a Warmblood type, he doesn’t gallop like the Thoroughbreds I’m used to riding. I’m still trying to sort that out for time’s sake. I know he’ll be fine with the jumps.”

While the other divisions were show jumping in the sand ring, eight Novice and Beginner Novice divisions contested cross-country over courses designed by Morgan Rowsell.

In a large Open Novice division, Patience O’Neal and Limitless P, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Lauren Collins, jumped clean and inside the time over the undulating cross-country terrain to hold their lead.

“It was great!” O’Neal said of their cross-country run. “He was super. He hasn’t been out since Twin Rivers, so this was our first show back. We’re getting ready to move him up to Training level. This was going to be a tell-all if he was ready to move up or not; he showed today that he totally is! He bombed around the course like it was nothing.”

Training level cross-country will being at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and Novice show jumping will begin at 8 a.m. Over $30,000 worth of prizes will be awarded to the top finishers at Aspen Farms Horse Trials, thanks to the show’s generous sponsors.

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

Kayla Dumler Leads Aspen Farms CCI3*-S

Kayla Dumler and her off-the-track-Thoroughbred gelding, Faramir. Cortney Drake photo.

Twelve horse and rider pairs contested the CCI3*-S dressage test under judges Helen Christie and Bea DiGrazia on a sunny afternoon at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA.

Kayla Dumler and her off-the-track-Thoroughbred gelding, Faramir, (pictured above) secured the overnight lead in the CCI3*-S with a score of 30.8.

“He was stellar,” Dumler said of Faramir’s test. “He was very rideable. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Dumler explained that the season leading up to this show has been a little up and down for them in performance as they have navigated changes such as Dumler being in school in Arizona.

“We’ve struggled in the past with show jumping,” she said. “But he has been jumping very well at home, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Sabrina Glaser and Rather Be Cooley, owned by Hildegard Johnson, are second in the CCI3*-S on 31.9 and Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 are third on 32.3. With close scores throughout the division, the show jumping track designed by Chris Barnard could be influential on the leaderboard tomorrow.

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP, owned by Deanna Briggs, finishing their leading dressage test in the CCI2*-S. Cortney Drake photo.

In a competitive CCI2*-S division, Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP scored 25.7 to secure the overnight lead in the field of 24 starters. Goodman has had the ride on Elwenda DP, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned Deanna Briggs, for two years.

“She was excellent today,” Goodman said after their test. “We had a couple of bobbles in our walk, but other than that, I thought she was very rideable and comfortable in the ring.”

Goodman is confident going into show jumping tomorrow.

“She’s a great jumper; a good competitor,” she said. “She is still kind of green at this level, but I feel excited. It should be a fun test.”

Tommy Greengard of California is tied for second in the CCI2*-S with scores of 26.1 on two of his rides, Joshuay MBF and Kremer VD Falieberg, owned by Morgan Wenell. He also is tied for ninth with Count Me In.

“Kremer is new to the level,” Greengard said of the 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “This is his first 2-star short. He was great! He has been awesome all spring, so it’s fun that he took that into his first full court test today.”

Greengard was also thrilled with Joshuay’s dressage test.

“Joshuay is just coming back,” he said. “This weekend is his first full event since Tryon last November. He was great. He’ll hopefully have a nice prep-run here, and we’ll see what’s left for his summer plans.”

Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola, owned by Lovas Partners LLC, are leading Open Intermediate. Cortney Drake photo.

Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola, owned by Lovas Partners LLC, are leading the Open Intermediate on a score of 29, just ahead of Erin Grandia and Hyacinth, owned by Jessica Rosch, in second on 31.2. Alyssa Schaefer and Fuego are third on 32.8.

“Lola is always very good on the flat,” Linstedt shared. “She is absolutely wonderful to ride and lovely. She was a little sassy today, so not her very best. I think as riders we always come out of the ring knowing what we could have done a little better. She was a little distracted today, but she was wonderful to ride and tries hard. I’m so lucky to ride her.”

Kristin Joly of California and Czechers of Cellar Farm are the overnight leaders in Open Preliminary on 23.2, followed by Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society, owned by Tracey Trewin, in second and Meika Decher and Verily in third.

This is Joly’s first time competing at Aspen Farms, though she has groomed at the show before. “I was really happy with our test,” Joly said. “Czechers can be difficult on the flat, so I am very happy he was a good boy today! He was great.”

Joly also shared she’s happy with the warm weather this weekend, and she’s particularly excited to run cross-country on Sunday with Czechers on the grass, which is hard to come by in California.

In the Preliminary Rider division, Harper Padgett and her young Irish Sporthorse, Cooley Starship, scored 24.5 for the overnight lead. Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo are second, and Kristen Davignon and Fürst Floid are third.

“Usually he’s explosive in the ring,” Padgett said about her 7-year-old gelding. “Today was one of the good days. He was super quiet, which felt great. It was a highlight.”

Padgett is hopeful they can deliver another solid performance show jumping on Saturday, but admits that the cross-country phase is her horse’s strong suit. The pair’s goal is to work toward a 2-star later this year.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials also boasts strong turnout in the lower-level divisions, which include four distinct classes at each level. These divisions laid down competitive dressage performances in the sand and grass rings. Junior Beginner Novice will contest dressage first thing on Saturday.

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

Area VII Championships: Marc Grandia Wins Tin Man Supply Advanced at Aspen Farms

Marc Grandia and Campari FFF take the Tin Men Supply Advanced. Open Intermediate. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Marc Grandia and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Campari FFF (pictured above), owned by Team Rebecca LLC, led the $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced division from start to finish at Aspen Farms Horse Trials September 16-18. Sophie Click and her 9-year-old gelding, Tarantino 54, finished second.

For Grandia, the highlight of the weekend was Campari’s performance over the Advanced cross-country course designed by Morgan Rowsell. “We came here looking to improve in the dressage of course, but mostly the cross-country after a disappointing go around the American Eventing Championships,” said Grandia. “I think that we did that. We were definitely in sync out there. And we tried a new bit. I’m feeling confident now going forward.”

Grandia reflected on today’s show jumping round: “The course here is always just a little tricky. The shadows were kind of long this morning. My horse was fantastic, just out of sync in a couple of places. We’ll hope to clean that up before Morven Park.” The pair, who calls the Pacific Northwest home, will leave later this month for the East Coast to compete there.

Stephanie Goodman and Carolina Morning, winners of the Open Intermediate. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the Open Intermediate, Stephanie Goodman and her 12-year old Thoroughbred, Carolina Morning, jumped double clear in stadium to win. Josh Barnacle and Bittersweet 2 and Alexis Helffrich and M Creme De La Creme SE also jumped clear to finish second and third, respectively.

“It was great,” Goodman said after their show jumping round. “It was a little spooky in the ring, but I love this horse and he’s been here before, so it was super fun. Overall a good ride.”

Ultimately it was their clear cross-country jumping performance on Saturday that moved them up from fourth to first. It was Goodman’s favorite part of the weekend.

“It was so fun,” she said. “I thought it was a proper Intermediate track with good jumps. He hasn’t been at this level for a while; it was a blast. He ran fast and was super confident.”

Stephanie Goodman, USEA Area VII Open Training Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Goodman also won the Area VII Open Training Championships division with Esmèe, owned by Deanna Briggs, on their dressage score of 23.3. Leigh Robinson and Alliance took second, and Jordan Linstedt and CGF Galway Girl, owned by Melissa Mohr, took third.

In the USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Championships, Karen O’Neal and the 8-year-old Warmblood gelding Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, won on a score of 38.7. Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF jumped clear for second, and Jordan Linstedt and FE Friday, owned by Kiran D’Souza, took third.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

“He was good today,” O’Neal said after their show jumping round, where they added just 4 jump faults. “It’s funny because the Wishing Well is always out there, and he always looks at it. I thought for sure he wouldn’t look at it today, but he did! I should have went past that way in the beginning. Spooking has been our biggest nemesis from day one. He’s still young, and he spooks sometimes still, but he’ll keep going now, and it’s getting less and less. I got kind of disorganized when he spooked today, but then I pulled my act together, fixed it, and the rest felt really good. It rode exactly how I wanted it to.”

O’Neal said the best part of their performance was Saturday’s cross-country ride: “He was the best he’s ever been! I cried afterward. He was so amazing. Skinnies aren’t my favorite fences; I don’t like them! And there were 14 of them on that course; a skinny it seemed like everywhere! It made me be very sharp. And he just listened to me. He was great; he did everything I asked. The course was lovely.”

O’Neal and Clooney are now aiming for the 3-star at Spokane Sport Horse Fall H.T. later this month.

Rhys Bentley and Overtime Magic, USEA Area VII Jr. Beginner Novice Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the closely contested Area VII Open Preliminary Championships division, Kelsey Horn and her Oldenburg gelding, Cleared For Take Off, jumped double clear in show jumping to move up from second to first. Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola, owned by Lovas Partners LLC, took second, and Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz took third.

Horn shared that the best part of the weekend for her was having “no rails in show jumping. That is always my goal at every show, because show jumping is hard and it causes me stress. I’m working on how to mentally handle that. It’s slowly getting better. Having the confirmation of no rails makes me feel like I’m making progress.”

Despite one rail that dropped them to second place, Jordan Linstedt was thrilled with her mare’s performance in the Championship division: “Lola was fantastic. Unfortunate rail at fence 2–bummer–but after that she jumped like a million bucks. She is so fun to ride, so I can’t be upset about that, and Kelsey had a beautiful round for the win!”

Lizzie Hoff and HSH Explosion, USEA Area VII Jr. Training Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Lizzie Hoff secured the top two spots in the Area VII Jr. Training Championships, with HSH Explosion and HSH Limited Edition, owned by Caroline Martin.

“I had a rough start today with my Prelim horse,” Hoff said after her show jumping rounds. “I broke my finger, so I feel like I didn’t quite ride as well as I could have. But both of my Training level horses really were there for me and helped me out! I’m so happy with them.”

Dr. Crystal McRae and Pursha, owned by Asia Thayer, USEA Area VII Open Beginner Novice Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the Area VII Training Rider Championships, Bryce Meeker and Centerfield Pixel Star won on their dressage score, followed by Karin Batdorf and Wesson in second.

“My horse was brilliant in show jumping” said Meeker. “I didn’t ride as well as I could have, but he did a wonderful job of getting around clean. For me the highlight was definitely cross-country. That’s been a place we’ve had some sticking spots… the water. He finally did it; I’m so excited!”

In Area VII Open Novice Championships, Jordan Linstedt won with the 5-year old mare Liberty R, owned by Amy Itkin, on a score of 21.9. Mary Burke and Valentino placed second, and Madison Flanders and Nobu placed third.

Bryce Meeker and Centerfield Pixel Star, USEA Area VII Training Rider Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

“Liberty got a little bit feisty in show jumping today, but she jumped really, really well,” said Linstedt. “I had an unfortunate rail at 8A–she overtook in the turn, and I set her back and got her a little too close. She’s still very green, and she is a dressage-horse-turned-eventer this year. She absolutely loves eventing. She attacked the cross-country yesterday. She has a great dressage foundation, and is great to ride.”

Linstedt is considering making a trip to the East Coast to compete in the early spring with young horses including Liberty R, as well as her upper level rides. “I’m very fortunate to have wonderful owners who are supportive.”

In the Area VII Jr. Novice Championship, Macy Hale and Ardeo Audacity sailed through a double clear show jump round to win, followed by Kate Gerth and O’Donnell’s Nuit Lilly in second and Piper Hale and Diavolo in third.

Amanda Zeddy and Johnny’s Sparrow, USEA Area VII Novice Rider Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

“It went really well,” Hale said of her clear show jump round. “I stuck to the plan of going straight and riding every stride and not taking any fence for granted. He, of course, was amazing!”

For Hale the highlight of the Championship weekend was that she: “really loved being here with my team, Rowan Hills Stables, and all the teamwork that we have together. We’re such a family; I’m so grateful for it!”

The title of Area VII Novice Rider Champions went to Amanda Zeddy and her Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding, Johnny’s Sparrow. They qualified for Championships at their first-ever attempt at Novice, and the Championship division was their second horse trials at the level.

“He’s 6 years old,” said Zeddy. “I’m just super proud that he marched around and was very brave for a horse that inexperienced. This was my first time at Aspen Farms, and I thought the courses were super fun.”

In the Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championships, Dr. Crystal McRae and the Hanoverian mare Pursha, owned by Asia Thayer, led from start to finish to win on a score of 20.3. Jessica Heidemann and Barracuda, owned by Sandra Donnelly, took second, and Kady Ellifritz and Yankee Bay took third.

Jordan Linstedt and Liberty R. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

“It was spectacular!” said Dr. McRae of their winning ride. “This is my first season three-day eventing, on a horse I’ve known for a long time and developed a beautiful relationship with. I’m so grateful to Asia Thayer for her wonderful coaching and for trusting me with her fine lady.”

In the Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Championships, Rhys Bentley and Overtime Magic finished on their dressage score of 26.9 for the win. Lindsey Ellis and Sir Winston Churchill finished second, and Olivia Ogan and Hoo Did That finished third.

“The highlight for me was the dressage,” said Bentley. “We always have some kind of issues with dressage like being too tense, so him being really adjustable in the beginning really helped. He was great.”

Macy Hale and Ardeo Audacity, USEA Area VII Jr. Novice Champions. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

The pair plans to run their first Novice at Spokane Sport Horse Fall H.T. later this month.

Thanks to generous sponsors, over $30,000 worth of cash and prizes were awarded to top finishers at Aspen Farms Horse Trials and USEA Area VII Championships.

Aspen Farm H.T. (Yelm, WA): [Website] [Results]

Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 Triumph in Aspen Farms CCI3*-S

Sophie Click and Tarantino 54. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 jumped clear with just 6.4 time faults on the cross-country track designed by Morgan Rowsell to win the CCI3*-Short at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA on Sunday.

“He was amazing,” said Click of Tarantino’s clear cross-country ride. “The ground was definitely wet, so I was just trying to give him a good ride, and he was really good today. He had one of those hard-to-find weekends where he was really good in all three phases, and it all came together.”

Up next the pair is aiming for the 3*-L at Rebecca Farm in Montana next month. Californian Tommy Greengard and his Dutch Warmblood gelding Joshuay MBF finished second in the CCI3*-S. It is the gelding’s first season at Intermediate/3* level.

“He was absolutely perfect,” said Greengard. “He didn’t put a foot wrong anywhere. He felt amazing. The course road to plan everywhere. We are so happy with him. He has come up to play at this level.”

Looking ahead, the pair will be headed to the American Eventing Championships at Rebecca Farms in Montana in August.

Tommy Greengard also won Open Preliminary aboard Andrea Pfeiffer’s gelding, Leonardo Diterma. They led the division from start to finish, earning their third consecutive Preliminary level win in a row.

“He was super,” said Greengard. “He kept trying the whole way around. It was a big ask for him, especially with the rain we got earlier in the week. He kept showing up and was totally on task. We’re thrilled with him.”

Anna Stein and her OTTB mare Lucy Lucy Lucy moved up from fourteenth place after show jumping to finish second, thanks to jumping a clear cross-country round with the fewest time faults in the division.

In the CCI2*-S, Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, led from start to finish. They jumped clear cross-country and added just 4 time faults to win on a score of 30.4. Kerry Groot and Borasco finished second on 34.3.

In Open Intermediate, Meika Decher finished first aboard her homebred, Archie McPhee, after producing the fastest clear cross-country round in the division. It was thirteen years ago almost to the day that Decher returned home from Aspen Farms Horse Trials to meet her newborn foal, Archie, out of her three-star mare, A La Mode, by Ariadus.

“This is a long-time coming,” said Decher. “I’ve gone up and down with this horse from Prelim to Intermediate for the last two years, and he has not been easy. This time it felt like everything was right in its place. He answered every single question beautifully.”

In Preliminary Rider, Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz held their lead thanks to a clear cross-country round with only time faults. No combinations made the time. Brianna Lerner and Horton finished just .7 points behind the leaders to claim second.

“He is amazing, and I’m so thrilled with him,” said Haugen. “He’s an incredible horse; he’s so honest. We had a great round. We’re still working out some kinks early on in the season, but he kept getting more and more confident all the way around the course. We had some great fences. We weren’t fast today at all, but the wet conditions weren’t suited for fast today anyways.”

Next month, they hope to make their FEI debut at the CCI2*-L at Rebecca Farm in Montana.

Over 300 hundred horse and rider combinations competed at Aspen Farms Horse Trials, and more than $25,000 worth of prizes went to top finishers on Sunday, thanks to generous show sponsors. Aspen Farms Horse Trials looks forward to hosting the USEA Area VII Championships at the September Aspen Farms Horse Trials, September 16-18, 2022.

Aspen Farm H.T.: Tommy Greengard Out in Front of CCI3*-S

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF took early control of the 3*-S at Aspen. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

As a rainy dressage day one drew to a close at Aspen Farms Horse Trails in Yelm, WA, Tommy Greengard and his Dutch Warmblood gelding, Joshuay MBF, lead the CCI3*-Short on a score of 27.

“We are thrilled with Josh–he came to the party!” said Greengard, who made the trip to Aspen Farms from California. “He loves coming up here and the change in the weather–it’s been pretty hot at home. He was super happy to play the game and gave us everything he had today.”

Greengard feels confident looking ahead to the CCI3*-Short show jumping on Saturday. “Josh is super reliable,” he said. “My job is to help him get there right and to stay out of his way, and he should be good to go.”

Greengard also leads the Open Preliminary division aboard Leonardo Diterma, owned by Andrea Pfeiffer, two points ahead of Catie Cejka and Victory Gallop, owned by Samantha Arnold, in second. “We’re super proud of him,” Greengard said of Leo. “He just moved up to Preliminary this spring. He has been loving the move up. He was awesome today in the rain.”

Looking to tomorrow’s show jumping, Greengard says, “He’s a phenomenal show jumper–he eats it up. It’s a pleasure to go into the ring with him!”
Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz scored 25.3 to take the lead in Preliminary Rider. They are followed by Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar in second, and Leonie Padgett and Cooley Precision in third.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 lead the 2*-S following dressage. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, lead the CCI2*-Short after dressage on a score of 26.4. They are followed by Harper Padgett and Captivate in second, and Kerry Groot and Borasco in third.

“He was very, very good,” said O’Neal of Clooney. “He listened; he was super obedient; he felt amazing. Sometimes that ring can be spooky, but there was no spooking from him today. The footing held up great in the rain, and he didn’t care about the water.”

O’Neal also secured the overnight lead in the large Beginner Novice Horse division with Escapade, owned by Lauren Smith, on an impressive score of 17.4.
Stephanie Cooper and her gelding Sketchy Past are leading the Open Intermediate on a score of 32.2 ahead of Anna Stein and Zaboomafoo in second.

The low score of the day was earned by Sarah Sullivan and her Hanoverian mare, La Copine. They scored 17.2 in the Training Horse division in the Tack Room Too Arena. In Training Rider, Kaylyn Schaber and Devious Dal claimed the overnight lead on 25.6 followed closely by Audrey Morrissey and Lord Limon on 25.8.

In Open Training, Michelle Grimmer and her 10-year-old OTTB mare, In Private, took the overnight lead on 23.9.

“She was awesome,” said Grimmer. “She was completely rideable the whole time. She’s starting to get more balanced and stronger. She was really soft and supple when I asked her to turn, and straight up the centerlines, and she made it all the way across the diagonal in free walk without lifting her head. I’m looking forward to show jumping tomorrow. She’s starting to get more confident, so I can ride her more forward.”

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

USEA Area VII Crowns Champions; Sophie Click Wins $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced

Sophie Click and Quidproquo. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Young Rider Sophie Click and her Holsteiner gelding Quidproquo delivered consistent performances throughout the weekend to win the $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Their clear show jumping round today over the course designed by Chris Barnard secured the win. They moved up from second when the overnight leaders, Alina Patterson and Flashback, took a rail.

Of her clear show jump round, Click said, “I’ll occasionally have a rail here and there, so I’ve been working hard on the show jumping. He’s been jumping really well the last few shows. It’s all finally coming together; he was able to put in a clear round for me today.”

“The highlight for me was our cross-country round on Saturday,” said Click. “We were really on the same page the whole course; it was a smooth ride. He was exceptional over every jump.” Up next, Click is aiming for the 4*-Short at Woodside in October.

Marc Grandia and Hyacinth. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

The other big winner of the weekend was Marc Grandia, who won three divisions.

In the Open Intermediate, Grandia piloted Campari FFF, owned by Team Rebecca LLC, to a win on a score of 35.1. They moved up from fifth after producing the only double-clear cross-country round in their division on Saturday, and held the lead today after just one rail in show jumping.

Grandia also won the Open Preliminary division with the Dutch Warmblood mare Hyacinth, owned by Jessica Rosch. They had two clear jumping rounds, adding just 1.6 time faults on cross-country to their dressage score, which moved them up from sixth to first.

Marc Grandia and Sunrise Serendipity. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

USEA Area VII Championship Winners Crowned

Marc Grandia also won the Area VII Open Intermediate Championship with the Warmblood mare Sunsprite Seryndipity, owned by Sunsprite Ranch.

In Area VII Open Preliminary Championships, Jordan Linstedt moved up from second to win after the overnight leaders Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, took a single rail to fall to second.

“Lola was fantastic today,” said Linstedt. “She felt a little tired after running hard yesterday. She’s green to this level–this is only her third Prelim run. I could not be happier with her. She felt fantastic yesterday, and today jumped in the ring like a million bucks. I feel incredibly lucky to sit on such an amazing horse.”

Linstedt plans for Lovely Lola to run her first FEI at Spokane Sport Horse Horse Trials. “I just recently syndicated her with some partners,” shared Linstedt. “I’m extremely excited for her future. And a win is always fun.”

Amber Birtcil of California and Le Top F, owned by Cellar Farm, went double clear to win the Area VII Open Training Championship on 23.6, after Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma, owned by Andrea Pfeiffer, took one rail for second.

“I thought he was super,” said Birtcil after her clear stadium round. “He’s only 5, but he’s an old soul. He’s super brave.”

Birtcil was most pleased with his consistency at the show. “He’s generally good on the flat,” she said. “He’s super brave cross country, and he’s a good show jumper. I thought that he really shined this weekend and put his best foot forward in all three phases.”

According to Birtcil, Le Top F’s next stop will be the 5-Year-Old Young Event Horse Westcoast Championships this fall.

Stella Wright and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Julie Williams and her Appendix Quarter Horse gelding Dark Horse won the Area VII Training Rider Championship on their dressage score of 24.1.

“It was pretty darn good,” Williams said of her clear show jumping round today. “I got a little sticky on fence six to seven, but we made it through, and we came through in the end! The highlight for me is the hospitality and the great atmosphere here… The wonderful event Suzy and Jonathan Elliott put together for all of us.”

Up next Williams and Dark Horse will be competing in the USDF Region 6 Championships at second level, and she is considering moving up to the Modified level at their next horse trials.

Kelsey Horn and the Dutch Warmblood gelding, Konnan O, owned by Mark Schreiber, won the Area VII Open Novice Championship on their dressage score of 21.1–the lowest final score of the entire show.

In the Area VII Junior Training Championships, Lizzie Hoff and her mare HSH Explosion finished on their dressage score of 22.1 to win, leading from start to finish.

“Our show jumping is our hardest phase, so I was a little bit nervous going into it, but she was super good,” said Hoff after her winning show jump round. The highlight of the show for her was their dressage test: “Our last couple of dressage tests we struggled a little. She improved here by 13 points. I was blown away.” Hoff and HSH Explosion are aiming for their first attempt at Modified level at Spokane Sport Horse Horse Trials.

Stella Wright and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad won the Area VII Junior Novice Championship.

“We imported him last fall from Ireland,” said Wright. “My coach Karen O’Neal and also Attila Rajnai have been helping me bring him along. We’re working on figuring each other out. I am really lucky to have this horse. He was super honest today, and he’s come so far from when we first got him. I’m super grateful for him, for the support of my team and my parents, and for the Elliotts for hosting.”

Katy Hood and Padric. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In the Area VII Novice Rider Championship, Katy Hood and her 14.1 hand U.S.-bred Connemara gelding, Padric, won on their dressage score of 24.

“The highlight for me is this moment right now, here with my coach and my teammate, and being able to celebrate with them,” said Hood minutes after her winning show jump round in the Tack Room Too arena. “Padric was fantastic this weekend. He’s coming back from a season off. He was injured last year. I didn’t know if I would ever be able to ride him again, let alone compete. This is huge.”

Chris Gianini and Athena. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

The Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championship division boasted 27 starters, and the show jumping track on Sunday in rainy conditions shook up the leaderboard. Sarah Sullivan and her OTTB Ready Or Knot Here’s Mouse! led after the first two phases but had one rail down. Chris Gianini and her mare Athena delivered a clear show jump round in the rain to move from fourth to first. They won on their dressage score of 29.5.

In the Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Championship, Hayden Brown and Cooley Merrywell Mint won with a score of 31.3.

Aspen Farms International H.T. (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Results]

Area VII Championships Underway at Aspen Farms; Amber Birtcil Leads Tin Men Supply Advanced

Amber Birtcil and Cinzano. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Over 300 competitors contested dressage at Aspen Farms Horse Trials and USEA Area VII Championships in Yelm, WA on Friday, September 17. Aspen Farms is excited to host their annual Advanced division–the only Advanced division in Washington State. The Advanced division offers $4,000 in prize money sponsored by Tin Men Supply.

Amber Birtcil of California and Cinzano, owned by Cellar Farm, lead the Advanced after dressage on a score of 29.1. Young Rider Sophie Click and Quidproquo are second on 31.4 and Alina Patterson and Flashback are third on 32.1. The five Advanced competitors will take on Morgan Rowsell’s cross-country course starting at 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, September 18.

In the Open Intermediate, Jordan Linstedt and Staccato, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Janine Jaro, secured a convincing lead with a score of 21.8–nearly 10 points ahead of Marc Grandia and Campari FFF, owned by Team Rebecca, LLC, and Rachel Brickman-Raudales and Finally DG, owned by Leigh Robinson, who are tied for second on 31.1.

“The dressage specifically has gotten stronger and better this year,” said Linstedt of Staccato. “He’s starting to feel like I can bring him up in the ring. He’s much more underneath himself, so I can get better movement than I have in the past. But he’s always been a very good dressage horse.”

Of the cross-country course designed by Morgan Rowsell, Linstedt said “The course looks really good. There’s a new course designer here this year. He uses the land and the terrain and places the fences tricky–15 feet in a different direction might be flat ground, but he’ll place the fence where there’s a little terrain and the fence rides a bit bigger because of that. I’m excited about the course. There’s tricky stuff throughout.”

“He’s green at this level,” said Linstedt of Staccato’s cross-country performance prospects. “In the past, he has either went out and won, or we’ve had an issue at the water. He runs big and strong; I need to slow him down and bring him back together more for the water complexes, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow. I want him to be an Advanced horse, so this weekend I’m not thinking about going out and trying to win if I need to take my time. He’s a phenomenal horse; he has everything you want in a top-level event horse.”

USEA AREA VII CHAMPIONSHIPS

Aspen Farms is thrilled to once again host the USEA Area VII Championships. This year Championships consists of 10 divisions from Beginner Novice to Intermediate and over 150 horse and rider combinations who qualified in 2020/21.

Stephanie Cooper and Drs Resolute, owned by Get Lucky LLC, lead the Area VII Open Intermediate Championship on a dressage score of 30.2. “I thought he was great today,” said Cooper. “In the spring he was naughty here in the dressage. I was excited that he kept it together today and showed where he is at in his training.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross-country, Cooper said, “I think the cross-country looks great. I’m notoriously quite slow. The questions out there are made more difficult if you want to go fast and cut some corners; I’ll try to do that!”

In the Area VII Open Preliminary Championship division, Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, are first of fifteen competitors on a score of 20–the lowest score of the day.

“I had to light a fire under him today,” said O’Neal of Clooney’s dressage performance. “He can be a little spooky and a little lazy at times, but quite a nice horse. I tried to ride him as forward as I could and keep him in front of the leg. He was great today and it was fun.”

Considering the cross-country course tomorrow, O’Neal said, “The course looks great. Very fair. He’s just turning 7 this year and is still green. He does spook. Keeping his mind in the game will be a challenge.” O’Neal is followed closely in the overnight placings by Jordan Lindstedt and Lovely Lola who scored 20.2.

“Lola was great today,” said Linstedt. “Doing the A test in the short court is challenging. She is a huge moving horse and very forward as well, so hard to contain. I felt like I was quite conservative. In that short court things come up so quickly; I could barely let her out and show her off too much. But she was very good–very rideable and through her back.”

In the Area VII Junior Training Championship, Lizzie Hoff and her 8-year-old Irish Sporthorse mare, HSH Explosion, scored 22.1 for the overnight lead.

“She was really lovely,” said Hoff, who has only been partnered with Explosion for several months. “It was a lot of improvement from our last couple of tests, so I was really happy with it. I think the cross-country course looks good. I’ve only done three events with her ever, so this will be the most technical course we’ve jumped so far. It looks fun.”
Dane Padgett and Cafe Noir scored 23 to sit in second, and Harper Padgett and Captivate scored 26.6 for third in the Area VII Junior Training Championship.

Kelsey Horn and Konnan O, owned by Mark Schreiber, overnight leaders in the Area VII Open Novice Championships. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma scored 20.5 for the overnight lead in the Area VII Open Training Championship. In Area VII Training Rider Championship, Julie Williams and Dark Horse earned 24.1 for the lead.

In the Area VII Open Novice Championship, Kelsey Horn and Konnan O, owned by Mark Schreiber, scored 21.2 for the overnight lead. Katy Hood and Padric scored 23.6 to take the early lead in the Area VII Novice Rider Championship.

Katy Hood and Padric, overnight leaders in the Area VII Novice Rider Championships. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Caroline Hagens and Frequent Flyer Miles are the overnight leaders in the Area VII Junior Novice Championship in just their second show together. They qualified for the Championships at Rebecca Farms in July.

“He was very good today,” said Hagens. “He was nice and relaxed. Overall it felt like a really nice and smooth test. I’m excited to see how the course looks and how it will ride tomorrow.”

Stella Wright and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, owned by Patricia Culleton, scored 27.9 for second and Kate Wallace and Hang On Jimmy, owned by Kate Wallace, scored 28.8 for third overnight.

In the Area VII Beginner Novice Open Championships, Sarah Sullivan and Ready Or Knot Here’s Mouse!–her 5-year-old off-the-track-Thoroughbred that she bought as a wedding present to herself when he was 3-years-old–secured the top placing overnight with a score of 26.3. “I was very proud of him,” said Sullivan. “He’s kind of new to it. This is his first real show season due to COVID. He seems super game.”

Sarah Sullivan and Ready or Knot Here’s Mouse. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Of the cross-country course, Sullivan said, “I like the course. I love that it is all different than last year. I’m excited to see what he does out there; I think he’ll have fun.”
On Saturday, cross-country begins at 9 a.m. with Area VII Open Preliminary Championships. Show jumping begins at 8:30 a.m. with Open Preliminary in the Tack Room Too sand arena.

Complete scores are available on Startbox Scoring, here. You can find additional show coverage on Aspen Farms Horse Trials Facebook page, here and on Instagram @AspenFarmsHorseTrials. You can also follow EN’s Instagram story for a takeover happening all weekend from Jordan Linstedt’s team!

Another Shuffle at Aspen Farms as Marc Grandia Takes CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S Victories

Marc Grandia and Campari FFF. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

With the support of excellent show sponsors, Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA awarded over $25,000 worth of prizes to the top finishers at Aspen Farms Horse Trials and the FEI CCI3*-Short and CCI2*-Short on June 13, 2021.

“Overall everything went smoothly,” said Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott. “I think the cross-country courses rode quite well. There were some tough questions out there, but people rode them well. It was a great show.”

The top honors of the weekend went to Marc Grandia, who moved up in the placings after convincing cross-country rounds to win both the CCI3*-Short aboard Campari FFF, owned by Team Rebecca LLC, and the CCI2*-Short with Sunsprite Seryndipity (pictured below), owned by Pamela Duffy of Sunsprite Warmbloods.

“I thought the addition of Chris Barnard and Morgan Rowsell to an already amazing event made for exciting new changes in the jumping phases,” said Grandia. “The creativity of Travers Schick and the rest of the building crew was really on point. They could turn a leftover stump into a masterpiece. The courses rode well, and my horses were fantastic. I’d like to thank my team, and especially the owners of these horses for the opportunity.”

Hayley Turner and Shadow Inspector. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

CCI3*-Short: Grandia and Campari FFF Move Up

Marc Grandia and Campari FFF progressed up the standings to win the CCI3*-Short thanks to clear jump rounds. They laid down the fastest cross-country time of their division, adding just 9.2 time faults to their dressage score.

Young Rider Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector (pictured below) jumped clean on cross-country but dropped down one placing from their overnight lead due to their 19.6 time penalities.

“I was really happy with [Shadow Inspector] on cross-country,” said Turner, who also spoke positively about the helpful influence of her coach, Alexis Helffrich. “The ground was tough with it being a little sticky from the rain. Also it was my first time running on grass. He’s a little more used to the grass, coming from England. He was super good out there.”

Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio and Kelsey Holmes and NZB The Chosen One both added just 14 time faults to their overnight scores in the CCI3*-Short to finish third and fourth, respectively.

Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Seryndipity. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

CCI2*-Short: Sunsprite Seryndipity Impresses

Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Seryndipity laid down an impressive cross-country round in the CCI2*-Short, clear and inside the time–one of only three pairs in the division to make time. They finished on their dressage score of 29.3 for the win.

Young Rider Kayla Dumler and Faramir were hot on the heels of the leaders, finishing on their dressage score of 29.8.

“He is a stellar cross-country horse,” said Dumler after her cross-country ride. “Every time he goes out there, he always gives me a great feel over all the jumps. I was definitely a little worried about going out later in the day–I didn’t know how well the footing would feel with all the rain. I was pleasantly surprised. They did a really good job. It was still holding up well. And I was happy I was able to push him and keep building his confidence as we went through the course.”

Amber Birtcil and Keep Calm, owned by Cellar Farm, offered solid performances throughout the weekend, adding just 3.2 time faults on cross-country to move from first overnight to third. Young Rider Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh jumped clear and inside the time to move up two spots to finish in fourth.

Kayla Dumlar and Faramir. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge (YTC): Kayla Dumler and Faramir Finish First

Kayla Dumler and Faramir (pictured below) finished first in the CCI2*-Short YTC ahead of four other competitors.

“I think it’s really special,” said Dumlar of her YTC win at Aspen Farms. “Faramir is such an amazing horse. We’ve done a lot together; I’m lucky to have such an amazing partner. I think it’s a really cool experience and opportunity to offer this new YTC challenge.”

Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh finished second in the CCI2*-Short YTC, Eliana Thompson and Surelock third, Alexis Larson and PL Diamond’s Inspiration fourth, and Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo fifth.

Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector led the CCI3*-Short YTC from start to finish, winning on a score of 46.7. Sophie Click and Quidproquo finished second on 53.6.

“It was really fun,” Click said about participating in the YTC. “It was great to get to know the other girls and spend time with the team. It was a fun extra layer of competition. I liked it.”

Click was pleased with Quidproquo’s performance throughout the weekend. She said, “He was really good. He got a better-than-average dressage score. Our show jumping was not as good as it normally would be, but he was awesome on the cross-country; really smooth, right on everything, and had a good time. I’m really happy with this result!”

Alina Patterson and Flashback finished third in the CCI3*-Short YTC.

Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials Divisions

In Open Intermediate, Anna Collier and Resolve It moved up to win after a conservative but jump-fault-free cross-country round–the last cross-country ride of the rainy day.

In Open Preliminary, Anna Stein and Zaboomafoo soared up the leaderboard from thirteenth after show jumping to first after cross-country–the only pair in their division to deliver a clear cross-country round inside the time.

Stein explained the highlight of her weekend was having Zaboomafoo feel so bold and confident on course after a hesitant cross-country trip earlier this season in Florida: “Boomer stormed around today. He knows his job so well, I didn’t even think about the footing or the time. I just kept at a pace, trucked around, and then got to the end of the course, looked at my watch, and realized ‘We’re good!’” Friends at the Ice Horse Finish line broke the news that she was more than good–she had won. Stein also finished seventh in the division with her off-the-track-Thoroughbred mare, Lucy Lucy Lucy.

Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (pictured above) led Preliminary Rider from start to finish, even after adding some time penalties to an otherwise clear cross-country round. They finished on a score of 34.5, 6 points ahead of second place finishers Patricia Schaefer and Rockster, owned by Tricia Arnold.

“This horse has had two colic surgeries and a torn tendon in the past 2 years and this is our first Prelim back,” shared an emotional Langerak. “Just to still have him here is so cool. I adore him with my whole heart. His clear show jump round has to be the highlight of the weekend for me. He jumped everything huge. There were a lot of rails going everywhere, and to have that nice of a round was very special.”

Aspen Farms hosted five Training level divisions. Karin Saltzman and her rescue gelding, Wesson, won Training Rider A.

“I had a great dressage round; I was really happy with it” said Saltzman. “Cross-country was super fun; it was a really fun course. It felt great to get out there and gallop, and my horse was super.”

Kate Helffrich made the trip up from California to compete at Aspen Farms for the first time with her mare, Coquette. They won the Training Rider B division on their dressage score of 25.5.

“Coquette was amazing,” said Helffrich. “We’re from California, so we’re used to dry. The dressage and then jumping today with the wet was a very different ball game for her. I could feel she was disturbed, but she is a competitor and rallied.”

The Novice divisions were heavily influenced by the jumping phases this weekend. Periods of rain struck the show jumping in the Tack Room Too outdoor arena.

Adelaide Rudkin and her imported gelding, Confetti 42, traveled from California and won the Novice Rider division on their dressage score of 30.2.

“I’ve had him for about a year,” said Rudkin. “We’ve gone through so much. We just came out here to have fun; give him a good, confident go. We finished on our dressage score. It was everything we could have hoped for.”

Aspen Farms is already looking forward to welcoming everyone back September 17-19 for the September Aspen Farms Horse Trials and USEA Area VII Championships. “We’re also getting the Advanced track back up and running in September with Course Designer Morgan Rowsell,” said Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott. “We’re excited to see a new design for that track.”

See the final show results for all divisions online at Startbox Scoring, here: https://eventing.startboxscoring.com/eventsr/aspen/ht0621/

Hayley Turner and Shadow Inspector Lead CCI3*-S; Amber Birtcil and Keep Calm Lead CCI2*-S at Aspen Farms

The sun came out for the second day of competition at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA, where more than three hundred horse and rider combinations contested show jumping or cross-country jumping in eighteen horse trials divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as an FEI CCI2*-Short and CCI3*-Short. Many competitors and visitors came to watch the CCI3*-Short division take on Chris Barnard’s show jumping track in the Tack Room Too sand arena. Before the start of the division, the show paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of three special Aspen Farms team members who passed away: Piper Cheney, Jean Moyer, and Tremaine Cooper. They each helped make the Aspen Farms Horse Trials a special event for all, and they are greatly missed.

Hayley Turner and Shadow Inspector. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

CCI3*-Short: Hayley Turner Takes Control

Young Rider Hayley Turner and her 11-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding, Shadow Inspector (pictured above), delivered a clear round in the CCI3*-Short show jumping to move up from second to first on their dressage score of 27.1.

“He was jumping really well,” said Turner after her stadium round. “He was a little bit strong, so I had to get him back at times, but he was super.”

The CCI3*-Short division will face Morgan Rowsell’s cross-country track today (Sunday) at 1 p.m. Pacific.

“The course looks good,” said Turner. “It will go however it feels while you’re out there tomorrow, with all the rain predicted tonight.”

Alexis Helffrich and Rose Sullivan’s Belgian Warmblood gelding, M Creme De La Creme SE, put in a clear show jumping round to move up from fifth to second in the CCI3*-Short on a score of 29.5.

“He can be a bit looky, and with all the spectators there, it was a big experience for him,” said Helffrich. “It was great; I was really happy with him.”

Helffrich is also placed tenth in the CCI3*-Short with Peggy Moore’s Oldenburg gelding, Graceland’s Lincoln. Looking ahead to tomorrow, Helffrich said, “I think the cross-country course is great. It’s really fair. The footing looks great. We’re supposed to get quite a bit of rain, so we’ll see how that goes. But I thought the track looks really good. Very pretty; really horse-friendly; impressive.”

Marc Grandia and Compari FFF, owned by Team Rebecca, LLC, moved up four spots thanks to their clear round and are currently third in the CCI3*-Short on 30.6. Dani Sussman and her own Jos Bravio are fourth on 33 after one rail down.

Amber Birtcil and Keep Calm. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

CCI2*-Short: Amber Birtcil Moves Up to Lead

Thanks to their competitive dressage score, Amber Birtcil and Keep Calm (pictured below) moved up to first place in the CCI2*-Short despite one rail down at the brick wall in show jumping yesterday.

“I thought he was very good,” said Birtcil. “He’s definitely a little bit spooky and green, and he gets a little skittery at times, which is for sure what happened at the wall, but he is only six. He has a very bright future, and I was very happy with him.”

Of the cross-country course, Birtcil said, “I think it looks great. I think a lot of it will depend on how much rain we get. But I think regardless, it will be a great experience for him.”

Stephanie Goodman and her own Carolina Morning jumped clear to move up two placings to second on their dressage score of 28.5.

“I was so excited,” said Goodman after her show jumping round. “[Carolina Morning] just came back from an injury, and he jumped great.”

Tomorrow Goodman will pilot Carolina Morning around the CCI2*-Short cross-country and Drs Resolute around the CCI3*-Short. Goodman said, “The 2* and 3* courses look awesome. There’s a lot of skinnies, a lot of hold-your-line questions, but really fun and safe questions. If you don’t hold your line, you’re still going to come home with a healthy horse. It looks great.”

Kayla Dumlar and Faramir. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge (YTC): Kayla Dumlar Highest Placed

Kayla Dumlar and Faramir (pictured below) are sitting fourth overall in the CCI2*-S on a score of 29.8. They are the highest placed YTC competitors in the division.

“I thought it was a really good round,” said Dumlar. “He tried super hard for me. There were a few places he needed some help–he is still pretty green to this level–so I’m really happy with how he jumped and how hard he tried for me. We helped each other out in a few places.”

Reflecting on the new YTC program, Dumlar said, “I did NAYRC in 2019, so this is a little different, but I think it’s a great experience, and it’s giving more young riders more of a chance to compete in a high caliber team like this. It can be really expensive traveling across the country, so I think this is a great opportunity to give everyone more shows.”

Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh (pictured above) are the second-best placed pair in the CCI2*-Short YTC on a score of 32.8. They added 4 show jumping faults to their dressage score, and are sixth overall in the CCI2*-Short.

Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

“He felt great,” said Cochran after her show jumping round. “We’ve always struggled a little with show jumping, so I’m really proud of him. He came back to me and listened, which is all I could ask for. We’ve worked on show jumping a lot this season, and he’s improved so much, I couldn’t be prouder.”

Reflecting on the YTC, Cochran said, “It’s always been a goal of mine to be a part of this type of team, and it’s really helped me work hard to get there. I’m just so happy to be surrounded by the best people. I love everyone on my team. I’m so glad to be able to do all this fun stuff with them. It’s really like a community.”

In the CCI3*-Short YTC, Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector lead, followed by Sophie Click and Quidproquo, and then by Alina Patterson and Flashback.

Melissa Nice and Fun and Games. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials Divisions: Leaders Duke It Out in Show Jumping

On Saturday the horse trials divisions from Beginner Novice to Intermediate contested either show jumping or cross-country.

In Open Intermediate show jumping, Melissa Nice and Fun and Games (pictured above) maintained their lead, adding 4 jumping penalties to their dressage score. Anna Collier and Resolve It also added 4 faults; they are second on a score of 37.3.

Jordán Linstedt and Lovely Lola. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

Jordán Linstedt and Lovely Lola maintained their lead in Open Preliminary. Meg Finn and Ardeo Audacity moved up from fourth to second thanks to their clear show jump round, and Marc Grandia and Alchemist II moved from fifth to third.

In Preliminary Rider, Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo maintained their lead on 23.3. Mia Richerson and Whats That Sports moved up to second from fourth on their dressage score of 32.6.

Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo. Photo: Cortney Drake Photography –
www.cortneydrake.com.

The jumping today shook up the leaderboards after dressage in the five Training level divisions. Only Amber Birtcil and Kingston V.E. in Training Horse A and Dane Padgett and Cafe Noir in Junior Training were able to maintain their dressage day leads after jumping. Kelsey Devoille and Cute Casalita and Sabrina Glaser and Rather Be Cooley are tied for first in Training Horse B, Amy Click and Rubia lead Training Rider A, and Kate Helffrich and Coquette lead Training Rider B on 25.5.

In Beginner Novice Rider, Alisa Sprouffske and her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Trick Silver, moved from fifth to first after their clear cross-country trip.

“The course rode great,” said Sprouffske. “Very inviting, you could ride forward. I had to trot down the hill because he was a little strong, and I knew we would have time faults if we went too fast. But he felt great.”

Sara Lorenz and her homebred HiLite STF maintained a clear lead in Beginner Novice Horse.

“I was really happy with her,” said Lorenz. “Last year I didn’t get to show, so this is her first season out eventing. She’s a little older than normal–she’s six. So I’ve been focusing on dressage before this. It was nice to be able to lay it down. She’s ready to move up another level, but I didn’t know how she would go because she hasn’t left the startbox at a real event. She was great.”

Sunday will conclude the three days of competition. Over $25,000 worth of cash and prizes will be awarded to top finishers.

See show results online at Startbox Scoring, here: https://eventing.startboxscoring.com/eventsr/aspen/ht0621/

Follow along with Aspen Farms Horse Trials coverage on Instagram @AspenFarmsHorseTrials or on Facebook, here: https://www.facebook.com/AspenFarmsHorseTrials

Auburn Excell Brady Leads CCI3*-S; Marissa Nielson Leads CCI2*-S Friday at Aspen Farms

Auburn Excell Brady and BSP Tuxedo. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

On Friday Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA welcomed three hundred and thirty horse and rider combinations to the first horse trials they have hosted since September 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The show, running through Sunday, is hosting United States Eventing Association (USEA) horse trials divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as FEI CCI2*–Short and CCI3*-Short divisions and the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge.

Auburn Excell Brady Makes a Statement in CCI3*–Short

Twenty horse and rider combinations delivered dressage tests Friday in the CCI3*-Short judged by Valerie Pride and Peter Gray, with Californian riders earning the overnight top three placings.

Auburn Excell Brady of San Juan Capistrano, CA and BSP Tuxedo, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding co-owned by Excell Brady and Larry Sawyer, lead the CCI3*-Short on a score of 26.9.

“It’s been a journey with this horse,” said Excell Brady. “He’s very spooky. He has all the movement and ability, but sometimes can be stiff and tight through his ribs and hard to get the suppleness that I want, so overall I was really pleased–he was very rideable today.”

Excell Brady feels good about facing the show jumping course on Saturday. “I have a really good show jumping coach, Morley Abbey, who has been helping me, and we’ve had a couple breakthroughs recently,” said Excell Brady. “Hopefully it will carry through tomorrow; I’m excited about that!”

Young Rider Hayley Turner of Alamo, CA and her Irish Sporthorse gelding, Shadow Inspector, are currently second in the CCI3*-Short on a score of 27.1.

“He was very consistent,” said Turner. “We could have had a little more energy, but he was very good today.”

Alexis Helffrich of San Ramon, CA and Graceland’s Lincoln, a 10-year old Oldenberg gelding owned by Peggy Moore, are in third on a score of 28.6.

Mairssa Nielson and Global Absolute. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

Marissa Nielsen Leads CCI2*-Short

Twenty combinations also started in the CCI2*-S, and after dressage competitors from California are sitting in the top three spots.

Marissa Nielson and Global Absolute (pictured above), owned by Black Diamond Partners, LLC, scored a 23.8 to earn the top spot overnight in CCI2*-Short.

“He was really good,” said Nielson. “We’ve been working hard. He’s a new horse to me. We had a really steady test in the 2*-Long at Twin Rivers in April, so we tried to add a little more pizazz to it today and the judges liked it.” She is excited by the 7-year-old Mecklenburg gelding’s prospects this weekend. “I’d like to thank his owners, Black Diamond Partners, Becky and Jim–it wouldn’t be possible without them!”

Amber Birtcil and Keep Calm, owned by Cellar Farm, are sitting second on 24.3, two points ahead of Tommy Greengard and his own Dutch Warmblood gelding, Joshuay MBF, in third on 26.3.

This is Keep Calm’s first time competing at the two-star level. “I’m super happy with him,” says Birtcil. “He’s only six, so he can be a little bit green, but he was super today. He really fills up the full-size court.”

Birtcil feels optimistic about show jumping tomorrow. “He’s a good show jumper,” she said. “He can be a little spooky, which will hopefully work to our advantage!”

Abigail Cochrain and Mixologeigh. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake Photography.

Aspen Farms Welcomes Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge (YTC)

Aspen Farms was selected as one of the venues for the new Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge (YTC) in 2021. The YTC is open to competitors aged 25 years and under and is designed to offer more athletes the opportunity to participate in a team environment, mimicking the Nations Cup Series.

“We’re excited to host the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge,” said Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott. “Although it’s in its first year, we hope the program is going to grow, so we’re making a big effort to do it right and make it special for all the youth riders that are involved.”

Five youth riders are vying for YTC placings in the CCI2*-Short and three youth riders in CCI3*-Short. They will be eligible for individual YTC awards in their respective divisions this weekend.

Hayley Turner and Shadow Inspector are the best scoring YTC pair in the CCI3*-Short after dressage. “It’s really cool to be a part of [the Youth Team Challenge],” said Turner. “I’m interested to see how it progresses throughout the year and hopefully be on the team for the 3*-Long at Galway at the end of the year.”

Turner is followed in the CCI3*-Short YTC placings by Alina Patterson and Flashback who scored 31.1, and Sophie Click and Quidproquo who scored 31.2.

Abigail Cochrain and Mixologeigh (pictured above) were the best scoring YTC competitors in the CCI2*-Short, scoring a 28.8, and sitting in fifth place overall in the CCI2*-Short. Kayla Dumler and Faramir are the second-highest placed YTC competitors in the CCI2*-Short on 29.8, followed by Eliana Thompson and Surelock on 31.6.

USEA Horse Trials Divisions

In addition to the FEI divisions, Aspen Farms Horse Trials is hosting eighteen USEA horse trials divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate.

After dressage Melissa Nice and her own Thoroughbred gelding, Fun and Games, lead a small Open Intermediate division on a score of 26.7. In the Preliminary Rider division, Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo, owned by Kelly Langerak, lead on a score of 23.3. They are followed by Reese Blinks and I’m Jaguar in second on 29.4 and Kristen Davignon and Furst Floid in third on 29.6.

In the Open Preliminary division, Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, owned by Annika Asling, are tied for first with Jordan Linstedt and her own mare Lovely Lola, co-owned with Bridget Brewer. They both scored 23.3. Karen O’Neal is also in the third-place spot overnight with CC Golden Ears, owned by Sara Shone, on a score of 25.4.

This is Lovely Lola’s first attempt at Preliminary after a successful Modified run at Spokane Sport Horse Spring Horse Trials in May and winning all four of her Training level trips in California earlier this season. Linstedt said she feels the mare has improved since the Modified test.

“With the leg yields and prep her balance was a lot better,” said Linstedt. “I thought the test today was very smooth–a little bit conservative because she’s a big moving horse in a smaller ring, so it’s harder, and I had to go a litte bit slower. But her trot was much more through, her balance keeps getting better, and she gets stronger each month.”

The lowest score of the day was earned by Sarah Lorenz and her own HiLite STF, who delivered an impressive 18.1 in the Beginner Novice Horse division with 20 starters.

To accommodate more divisions and allow more competitors total than prior years, the show opted to run dressage for two divisions on Saturday. The Junior Training and Open Beginner Novice divisions rode dressage this morning in the sand rings. Show jumping will begin thereafter with Training Horse A&B, and Novice cross-country also run today.

“It’s exciting to be back after taking last year off,” shared Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott. “There’s a lot of extra work to get done, but it seems like everything came together well. I think the courses designed by Morgan Rowsell turned out quite well.”

Aspen Farms H.T. (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Farms: Marc Grandia and Indio BMW Take CIC2* Win + More

Aspen Farms CIC2* winners Marc Grandia and Indio BMW. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography. Aspen Farms CIC2* winners Marc Grandia and Indio BMW. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington hosted its first horse trials of the Area VII season this past weekend, June 10-12. Over 300 horses and riders competed in divisions from Beginner Novice to Intermediate, and for the second year in a row Aspen Farms offered CIC1* and CIC2* classes which attracted riders from Area VII, Canada and California.

CIC2*

Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and her Bavarian Warmblood, Airlington, took the early lead in the CIC2* on a dressage score of 41.6 and held their position Saturday after delivering a spotless stadium round. Tremaine Cooper’s cross-country course posed a challenging optimum time, and on Sunday Marc Grandia and the Beamer Syndicate LLC’s 8-year-old gelding, Indio BMW, claimed the win thanks to clear jumping efforts and just 3.6 time faults.

“My horse was really good,” said Marc, reflecting on Indio’s first attempt at the two star level. “His dressage performance wasn’t the best he could put in, but it was right up there. It was the best show jumping round he’s put in in a few years; he did very well over a difficult course. On cross-country it was tough to make time here. That’s been one of my biggest worries with him — whether or not he’s going to be able to gallop — and he did it. He was great! And what a venue to do it at.”

Marc and Indio are looking ahead to the two star at Rebecca Farm in July.

Emily and Airlington bumped down to third finishing on 52…

Emily Pestl and Airlington. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Emily Pestl and Airlington. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

…behind Mary Burke and her OTTB, Prince William, who finished second on 48.6.

Mary Burke and Prince William. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Mary Burke and Prince William. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Sara Mittleider and Gin & Juice finished fourth.

CIC1*

Maris Burns of Carnation, WA, claimed the CIC1* victory aboard Cooley Wick, a horse she purchased as a 3-year-old from Kim Severson.

“Overall the weekend went really, really well,” said Maris. “He was steady, consistent, and happy in the dressage ring. He show jumped really well. It was a tough show jumping course, so I was impressed with him. On cross-country the ground was great; the jumps are amazing. He ate it up; he’s getting the idea of leaving the box and attacking the fences.”

Maris Burns Cooley Wick. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Maris Burns Cooley Wick. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Young rider Patience O’Neal delivered a solid performance in the CIC1* to finish second aboard the gigantic 5-year-old Thoroughbred/Welsh Cob gelding, BC Huw, in his first one star.

“He’s always been a solid dressage horse: super balanced. It was his first time ever in a long court and he scored in the 40s; I was super proud of him,” Patience shared. “He’s never looked at anything on cross country. He trusts me and I trust him. Over the past year he has progressed so much. I was very excited about going double clear; I actually started crying after we finished. I am so happy with him.”

Patience ONeal and BC Huw. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Patience ONeal and BC Huw. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Sarah Haff and her own Thoroughbred, Defensive Player, finished third on their dressage score…

Sarah Haff and Defensive Player. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Sarah Haff and Defensive Player. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

 

…followed by Jessica Heidemann and her homebred Warmblood, Encore, in fourth.

Horse Trial Divisions 

In the Open Intermediate Kelsey Holmes made an impression, finishing first and second with her own horses Heart of Gold SE and NZB The Chosen One respectively.

Kelsey Holmes and Heart of Gold SE. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Kelsey Holmes and Heart of Gold SE. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Kelsey Holmes and NZB The Chosen One. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Kelsey Holmes and NZB The Chosen One. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Madelynn Snoozy and Udealer rounded out the top three.

Madelynn Snoozy and Udealer. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

Madelynn Snoozy and Udealer. Courtesy of Jo Arlow Photography.

In Open Preliminary, Sarah Matuszewski and Saint Ignatius scored a 29.1 for the win, and in Open Preliminary B Attila Rajnai and Harry Houdini won on 26.8. Both pairs delivered clear jumping efforts, with just a bit of cross country time penalties on Sunday.

Sadly, Amy Evan‘s 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Harrison, was euthanized after retiring from the cross-country phase in Open Preliminary B. Amy pulled Harrison up after landing a clean jumping effort at Fence 11, a brush jump on a downward incline. He was transported off the course and received immediate care from the veterinary team, who subsequently diagnosed a fracture on the right fore. Aspen Farms issued a statement on its website.

The Area VII eventing community extends condolences to the Evans family for the loss of this special horse and partner.

“He was a very special horse,” Amy told EN. “I have absolutely felt the love of the eventing community, especially in Area VII, during this time of grief. My coaches, my Vossenberg and Caber Farm family, and the Aspen Farm crew have been incredibly supportive.”
Amy Evans and Harrison. Photo courtesy of Amy Evans.

Amy Evans and Harrison. Photo courtesy of Amy Evans.

A positive aspect of the weekend included celebrating top finishers in all divisions during final award ceremonies and victory gallops. Thanks to Aspen Farms H.T.’s dedicated sponsors, over $25,000 of cash and prizes were awarded to top finishers, including cash payouts of $1,750 per class in the popular and highly competitive Zeit Capital lower level divisions.

CIC2* winner Marc Grandia. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

CIC2* winner Marc Grandia. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

CIC1* winner Maris Burns. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

CIC1* winner Maris Burns. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

Zeit Capital Novice winner Whitney Shapiro. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

Zeit Capital Novice winner Whitney Shapiro. Courtesy of Christina Gray.

As is often the case, many competitors praised the Elliotts, their crew and officials, and all the Area VII volunteers for their continued efforts to provide a top class show in the Pacific Northwest.

“Aspen Farms is an incredible event,” reflected Maris Burns. “Suzy and Jonathan Elliott and their team do an absolutely amazing job — it’s an honor to compete here.”

Aspen Farms will host its final horse trials, including their once-yearly Advanced division, Sept. 9-11. In addition, the September Aspen Farms Horse Trials will host the Area VII Championships for the first year of a three year tenure in Area VII.

[Website] [Facebook] [Final Results]

Aspen Farms Advanced Cross Country Course Preview

Fence 6AB. Photo by Chesna Klimek. Fence 6AB. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

The final qualifying division for the Adequan Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series kicks off this weekend at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington. Once again Tin Men Supply stepped forward to sponsor the Advanced division — the only of its kind in Washington state. The winner will take home $2,000 from Tin Men Supply and a host of other prizes.

Tremaine Cooper designed this year’s Advanced cross country track with 23 numbered questions over 3,800 meters with an optimum time of 6:40. Tremaine took advantage of Aspen Farms’ natural terrain to create unique questions over the turf. Spectators will surely enjoy watching the competitors jump through the Kerrits’ mound keyhole and several one-of-a-kind A/B combinations.

The show crew has taken extra care to prepare the footing this year. After an entire summer of record-breaking hot and dry weather conditions, many celebrated the arrival of recent rainstorms. The course has been aerated and topsoil and sand added in certain places to ensure ideal conditions for Saturday’s cross country competition.

Only four competitors will take on the Advanced division this year. Mary Burke will be looking to pilot her OTTB gelding, Prince William, to a successful finish in his first attempt at Advanced. They are fresh off their win in the Intermediate USEA Area VII Championship division at Caber Farm Horse Trials.

Karen O’Neal is no stranger to Aspen Farms’ Advanced track. This year she’s riding Barbara Flynn’s warmblood mare, Hollywood Diva, in the mare’s first Advanced. Hollywood Diva has had success at Intermediate this summer with both Karen and her daughter, Patience O’Neal.

Allison Sparks and Mystic Mojo join the field with confidence after a successful completion of their first CIC3* at Rebecca Farm in July. Rounding out the field will be Washington-based rider, Marc Grandia, aboard Team Rebecca LLC’s experienced gelding, Fernhill Eagle.

Over 300 competitors will vie for more than $24,000 in cash and prizes at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. The most competitive division is shaping up to be the Cornerstone Forest Products Intermediate, which offers $1,500 for the winner. The class attracted 20 starters, including many pairs experienced at the level.

Follow full show coverage on Aspen Farms Horse Trials’ Facebook page, and click here for ride times and results. Advanced dressage starts at 10:30 a.m. PST today. Keep scrolling to view a full photo gallery of Tremaine’s Advanced cross country course. Go Aspen Farms. Go Eventing!

Aspen Farms: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Facebook

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato Take Aspen Farms CIC2* Crown

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, CIC2* winners at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography. Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, CIC2* winners at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Blue skies, lush green backdrops, and temperatures in the 70s set the stage for a beautiful weekend of eventing at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington. Aspen Farms hosted more than 300 horses and riders in divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as a CIC* and CIC2*.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato won the CIC2* on their dressage score of 43.7, making the courses designed by Tremaine Cooper look like walks in the park. This was their first competition since successfully completing Capato’s debut at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in April, and they’ll now look ahead to Rebecca Farm.

“I brought him here to Aspen just to get good confidence building after such a big, hard course,” Jordan said. “Today he put on a show. He felt phenomenal. Honestly he feels like a different horse since I was back east with him. I feel like he’s growing up. I think that six weeks with him was the best I could have done for him — solely focusing on him and giving him 110 percent of my attention.”

Nikki Ayers and Rubicon took second in the CIC2*. Photo by Jenn Hogan of Deco Pony.

Nikki Ayers and Rubicon took second in the CIC2*. Photo by Jenn Hogan of Deco Pony.

Only the top five pairs in a field of 11 completed Tremaine Cooper’s CIC2* cross-country course without jump penalties. Nikki Ayers of Vancouver, British Columbia, maintained her second place position from start to finish aboard Rubicon, an eye-catching Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Andree Stow. Mary Burke riding her own OTTB gelding, Prince William, finished third.

In the CIC*, no one could touch Kimmy Steinbuch aboard Spartacus D’L’Herbage, Ruth Bley’s imported Selle Francais gelding. Kimmy traveled more than 15 hours from the Bay Area with her husband and fellow competitor John Michael Durr to compete at Aspen Farms, and the long drive paid off.

Kimmy and Spartacus led by more than seven points after dressage, delivered a convincing clear show jumping round on Saturday, and acquired just a few cross-country time faults to finish first on Sunday on a final score of 46.7.

Kimmy Steinbuch and Spartacus D'L'Herbage led the CIC* from start to finish. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Kimmy Steinbuch and Spartacus D’L’Herbage led the CIC* from start to finish. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

“I really liked going through the trees (on course), “Kimmy said. “I’ve never been up here before. It felt like I was going really fast; obviously I wasn’t! Towards the end I started to get my flow; he was quite lovely toward the end of the course. Everything rode really well. I thought it was a great course.”

Unfortunately the weekend didn’t end so well for John Michael, who fell with his Rolex partner Esprit de la Danse on the CIC2* course after sitting in second place overnight. “Dani,” an 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse mare owned by Ruth Bley, was uninjured in the fall, but John Michael broke his collarbone and is currently waiting to have surgery.

Caroline Smith and her own Paint gelding, Lucas, were the only pair in the CIC* to jump double clear inside the time, securing them a second place finish on a score of 47.6. This was a comeback show for the pair, as both horse and rider missed out last season recovering from injuries. Caroline was all smiles at the end of the weekend.

“We finished on our dressage score; he was fantastic!” Caroline said. “The courses are fabulous. They are challenging, and they ride fantastically.”

Sara Sellmer and TF Kreisler won Open Intermediate. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Sara Sellmer and TF Kreisler won Open Intermediate. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Sara Sellmer from Kamloops, British Columbia, made a strong statement in Open Intermediate, taking first with TF Kreisler on 34.4 and fourth with Sloan McQuick on 46.3. Though Aspen Farms was the first attempt at Intermediate for both horses, they both finished on their dressage scores under Sara’s guidance. She had nothing but positive things to say about how the horses performed, especially TF Kreisler, also known as Brad.

“Brad’s a really good mover,” Sara said. “He’s rideable in dressage; the judges tend to like him. His jumping has come leaps and bounds. Honestly Brad’s strongest trait is that he’s got a heart like no other. He’s an extremely trustworthy, solid citizen.”

Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt took the top spot in Open Preliminary on a 35.0, less than one point ahead of second place finishers Kathryn Nichwander and 360. In Preliminary Rider, Tosca Holmes Smith and Paddington moved up from seventh to win on their dressage score of 37.1.

Kim Liddell and Olivia's Choice won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Training. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Kim Liddell and Olivia’s Choice won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Training. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Back again this year were the Zeit Capital LLC Open Challenge classes offered at Training, Novice and Beginner Novice. These classes filled on the first day entries opened and boasted significant cash and prizes for the top finishers. This year’s Zeit Capital LLC Open Challenge winners included Kim Liddell and Olivia’s Choice at Training, Sara Mittleider and La Paz at Novice, and Todd Trewin and Hopeless Wanderer at Beginner Novice.

Sara Mittleider and La Paz won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Novice, including a $350 check and $500 gift certificate from Gallops Saddlery. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Sara Mittleider and La Paz won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Novice, including a $350 check and $500 gift certificate from Gallops Saddlery. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

For Kim, winning a competitive class was particularly exciting, given she’s only had Olivia’s Choice, a 5-year-old OTTB mare, since last March. “I just love her. She’s just really fun — a really good girl,” Kim said. The pair took home a $450 check from Zeit Capital LLC, a $500 Olson’s Tack gift certificate, Nupafeed products and a Gallops Saddlery customized leather halter.

Top finishers in every class received awards and prizes thanks to Aspen Farm’s dedicated sponsors. On Sunday more than $20,000 in cash and prizes were distributed to competitors.

Todd Trewin and Hopeless Wanderer won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Beginner Novice. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Todd Trewin and Hopeless Wanderer won the Zeit Capital LLC Open Beginner Novice. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Unfortunately, an accident on cross-country cast a shadow over the show on Sunday afternoon. As previously reported, Calvin, a Thoroughbred gelding competing in Training Rider his owner and rider Holly Severijn, fell and sustained an injury at fence 12 — a log fence after the second water complex.

AFHT crew, volunteers, and vet team responded immediately to provide care to the horse and rider, but Calvin was subsequently euthanized due to the severity of his injury. Area VII’s eventing community feels the weight of this loss.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials will return later this season, Sept. 4-6, with divisions from Beginner Novice through Advanced. Click here to view the final scores and here to follow Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Facebook. Keep scrolling to watch video footage from CIC2* and CIC* cross country. Go Eventing.

[Aspen Farms Final Scores]

Newsflash: Eventing Doesn’t Have To Be This Way

Photo by Jo Arlow Photography. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Jenni got it right in her recent post about event safety: It is time to start asking the tough questions about our sport. And to start finding answers.

I know I’m not the only eventer out there who has concerns. But I also know that most of us aren’t as outspoken as Mr. Denny Emerson, who often writes about his concerns with contemporary eventing.

Maybe we stay silent because we are scared to step on toes, maybe because we don’t believe we have the credibility to have a worthwhile opinion, maybe because we lack solutions to the issues we see. But it’s time to talk and to act.

Let’s be clear on something: I love three-day eventing. But more than eventing; I love event horses and event riders. Currently in our sport I see things that worry me for the well-being of our equine and human competitors alike. Here’s an example:

The first coverage I caught from Burghley this year was a horrific video clip circulating social media of Neil Spratt (NZL) and Upleadon falling hard at fence 18b — an unforgiving white rail corner on a righthand turn.

Scenes like that make my heart hurt. But they also trigger a visceral response in my body.

I’ve survived a rotational fall. When I was 14 years old, my Haflinger pony and I flipped over a homemade cross-country jump. We approached the fence in a strong canter, he dropped a leg mid-air between two poles, the back pole held, and we somersaulted. Mercifully, I was riding bareback and flew clear of the scene, and my tough pony sustained nothing more than a few minor cuts.

But in the moment that I lay sprawled on the ground, not able to feel my legs, wondering if I was permantently paralyzed (I was not!) and watching my horse thrash upside down, I learned my lesson: don’t build stupid jumps; don’t jump stupid jumps.

Before Burghley, I watched the course walk with designer Captain Mark Phillips. I saw fence 18b and said: THAT is a stupid jump. I believe on the day it proved it was, even with a frangible pin. Horses had problems there, including falls. The rider above took a trip to the hospital.

A friend of mine, a longtime eventer, told me she’s glad Burghley didn’t have live streaming because she “didn’t want to see any horses get hurt or die.” And I can’t help but worry, do we now collectively accept that horses and riders are going to die in competition each and every season? I don’t want to. Even if this was the case in the past, it doesn’t have to be the case in the future.

When accidents, mistakes, injuries, or deaths occur, it’s an important opportunity to reflect on our sport: where it came from, what it is, and where it’s going. The riders/designers/organizers/owners/sponsors/spectators/volunteers — all of us — have the power to shape this sport.

So I’m confessing: I was disappointed by what I saw at Burghley this year. I don’t like watching good horses and good riders get into big trouble at Burghley, or any other competition. I admire riders like Andreas Dibowski who publicly acknowledge their concerns and take action to protect their horses.

More of us should voice our opinions. And act on our opinions. And question our opinions. Let’s not gloss over the bad news or write off our own power to make a difference. Let’s make sure our sport is what we want it to be.

Here are some ways you can enact positive change in our sport, if you want to:

  • Share your good ideas about cross-country safety with the USEA Cross-Country Safety Task Force here.
  • Blog or post on social media about your concerns and ideas.
  • Share your knowledge about safety with others and be a role model.
  • Conduct studies that may improve our sport or financially support others who do safety-oriented research.
  • Support the shows and course designers that you believe get it right; don’t support the ones you think don’t.
  • Get involved with eventing institutions and organizations as an employee, volunteer, or political figure and make changes from within.
  • Provide constructive criticism to show organizers and governing bodies; file formal complaints when necessary.
  • Have open conversations with other trainers and riders, especially when you see things that seem dangerous or violate the best interests of a horse or child.
  • Applaud, celebrate, and send business to the riders who demonstrate integrity and a commitment to horse welfare, safety, and sportsmanship.
  • If you’re a competing rider and you have safety concerns with a course, talk to your rider reps or the TD. If that fails, take the long route on course. Or withdraw.
  • Don’t build stupid jumps. Don’t jump stupid jumps.

It’s not constructive to merely point blame and spew negativity. But it’s also very dangerous to remain silent when we see things in our sport that we don’t like. I look forward to reading and hearing other eventers’ ideas for improving our sport. I believe we can make changes for the better.

Patrick Billes Wins the Bareback Puissance at Aspen Farms, Shirtless

Patrick Billes and the eventing stallion Rabenschwarz cleared 4'9 Patrick Billes and the eventing stallion Rabenschwarz cleared 4'9" for the win! Photo by Equestrian Culture Magazine.

On Saturday, September 6th, Aspen Farms Horse Trials hosted the first Bareback Puissance for eventers in Area VII as part of the evening entertainment. Eleven pairs entered the competition sans saddles to jump the orange Natural Migrations vertical starting at 3’3″ and moving up in height each round. As per the twisted rules laid out by organizer Laramie Maxwell, riders who had a rail or refusal got an optional second attempt if they took their shirts off.

In the end, four pairs attempted 4’9″ but only Patrick Billes and the Intermediate-level eventer Rabenschwarz successfully cleared for the win. For their efforts they took home $700 and the admiration of the enthusiastic crowd.

An impressive number of spectators turned out for the evening spectacle, and it didn’t disappoint. The horses ranged from pony-crosses to Quarter Horses to Warmbloods to Thoroughbreds and the eventers demonstrated grit, stickability, and a sense of humor.

Last minute entries Snap and Annabelle were crowd favorites, clearing 4'6"

Last-minute entrants Copper Field and Annabelle Geiser were crowd favorites as they bucked their way up to the approach, eventually clearing 4’6″. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Participants in the Bareback Puissance included:

  • Anna Collier on The Green Machine
  • Annabelle Geiser on Copper Field
  • Emily Pestl-Dimmit on Denver’s Shadow
  • Hailey Patno on Renegade Storm
  • Kelsy Smith on Huxley Heights
  • Laramie Maxwell on Hunterville
  • Lucy Pulfer on Kenai
  • Lauren Plog on DaVinci
  • Patrick Billes on Girlfriend BF
  • Patrick Billes on Rabenschwarz
  • Rachael Dart on CL Just Time

Stay crazy, Area VII.

 

Rebecca Buehler and Brighton Taste Victory at Aspen Farms

Rebeeca Buehler and Brighton at Aspen Farms Advanced. Photo courtesy of Chesna Klimek. Rebeeca Buehler and Brighton at Aspen Farms Advanced. Photo courtesy of Chesna Klimek.

Area VII had much to celebrate at Aspen Farms Horse Trials (AFHT) this past weekend: good company, perfect weather, exciting courses, and a big win for Rebecca Buehler and her self-made OTTB, Brighton, in the Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced division.

Watching Rebecca and Brighton cruise around Tremaine Cooper’s undulating Advanced cross-country course, you’d never suspect they were coming off a rider fall at their first attempt at Advanced in July. They jumped clear with the fastest ride of the division, picking up just 4.8 time penalties and moving from third to second. They secured the win on Sunday with a clear stadium round inside the time; a repeat performance from the June AFHT, where they handily won Open Intermediate thanks to clear and quick jumping efforts.

Rebecca’s goal going into the competition was simple: complete. But Brighton seemed to have bigger plans, delivering strong performances in all three phases. “He’s kind of figured out this show thing, and decided that he’s special,” Rebecca says. “He’s always been a little insecure, but he’s getting a little bit of an ego, which for him is good; he isn’t spooking as much.”

It’s clear that their years together have resulted in the kind of partnership well-suited to the rigors of eventing. “We’ve come a long ways together, he’s one of my best friends,” says Buehler. “It’s easy to get going and be thinking about what’s next and forget that it’s your partner underneath you. I’ve learned to appreciate what he’s doing for me and enjoy every minute; you never know what could happen.” She and Brighton finished up the weekend with a cache of sponsored prizes, including $2,000 from Tin Men Supply, which Buehler says she’ll put towards a much-needed new car.

Advanced winners

Rebecca Buehler and Brighton, winners in the $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Last year’s Pro Tour /Adequan Gold Cup Advanced winners, Jordan Linstedt and the Hanoverian gelding Revitavet Capato, delivered a 32.7 dressage test for the early lead, and held their position after cross-country. However, the final rail in show jumping and 5 time penalties dropped them behind Rebecca for second. “The spook has been the hardest thing with him; but he actually has been quite steady. He’s consistently been improving,” says Linstedt. Last minute entries Anna Collier and her own OTTB, Gleaming Road, delivered two clear jump rounds to finish third on 50.6.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, second in Tin Men Supply Advanced. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, second in the Tin Men Supply Advanced. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Top performances by OTTBs continued when Mary Burke rode her 12-year-old OTTB, Prince William, to a win in the $3,000 Cornerstone Forest Products Open Intermediate. “We’ve been building his confidence this year with each show,” says Mary. “He’s done remarkably well in really learning the process of cross-country and really getting rideable. I’m pleased with his progress.”

After coming off the win this weekend they plan to put their prize money toward the tw0-star at Woodside. Area VII young rider Cadence Michel riding The Rock finished second in Intermediate, followed by Jeanine Allred and Snap Decision II in third.

As always, AFHT delivers many highlights for competitors and spectators alike, such as classes from Beginner Novice through Advanced, an evening Bareback Puissance exhibition, and the CanAm Team Challenge sponsored by Area VII Adult Riders. The CanAm Team Challenge is a longstanding Area VII tradition in which American and Canadian riders represent their nation in mounted and unmounted competition.

Team USA won Intermediate and Training; Team Canada won the Prelim and Novice. Canada also went home with the coveted golden boot after winning the unmounted games portion of the Challenge–cartwheels and all.

Mary Burke and Prince William (right) won Open Intermediate and were on the winning Team USA of the Intermediate CanAm Team Challenge. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Mary Burke and Prince William (right) won Open Intermediate and represented Team USA on the winning Intermediate CanAm Challenge Team. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

With over 300 horses and riders competing throughout the weekend, the lower levels also showcased talent and fun. Honorable mention goes to one of the most consistent competitors in Area VII: Karen O’Neal. She won the Open Training division on Kelly McKimmy’s Mateo, and placed first and second in Training Horse with Kathryn Daniel’s Calibrae LTD and Linda Weeks’ Lucky, respectively. Karen and Calibrae LTD finished on a 19.5, the lowest score of the entire competition.

AFHT just gets better and better every year, and competitors sing their praises for the show experience that Jonathan and Suzy Elliott provide in Area VII. It’s hard to imagine that when the Elliotts bought the land in 2005, the property was almost entirely wooded. They built the facilities from scratch, expanding a little each year.

Now they offer one of the best show experiences in the west, with waitlists that fill as soon as entries open. “We try to organize everything from a rider’s perspective,” says owner/organizer Jonathan. “We put a lot into sponsors and awards. If you’re successful on the weekend, then you’re rewarded for it.

This was AFHT’s second year hosting the Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup qualifier. “I’ve been super pleased. The weather has been amazing, and the courses rode great,” says Jonathan. “It’s great that we have [the Tour] up here in the Northwest; it’s special to get it here.” He credits AFHT’s dedicated volunteers and crew for helping to put on such a successful show.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials [Website] [Final Results] [AFHT on Facebook] #AFHT

Aspen Farms Horse Trials Advanced Preview and Coursewalk

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, winners of last year's Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup Advanced at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Chesna Klimek. Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, winners of last year's Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup Advanced at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

Though the Pacific Northwest sky is uncharacteristically cloud-free, there’s no mistaking Aspen Farms when you hear the Seahawks game blaring over the show loudspeaker or discover the signature Ice Horse cooler/jump stocked with fresh beverages on course.

This weekend Aspen Farms Horse Trials (AFHT) in Yelm, WA will once again host the Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup Tin Men Supply $4,000 Advanced division. With just six starters in the Advanced this year, many are looking to Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato for a repeat win. However, all of the pairs entered have demonstrated success at Aspen Farms and elsewhere:

  • Allison and Mystic Mojo – This pair is hot off three big second place finishes: second in the Area VII Intermediate Championships, second at their first-ever Advanced at Rebecca Farm in July, and second in the Open Intermediate at AFHT in June. This strong cross-country pair will be looking to turn red into blue this weekend.
  • Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Airlington – In what was their first attempt at Advanced, this duo finished fourth in last year’s AFHT Tin Men Supply Advanced division. This past winter they participated in the Developing Rider/Under 25 training sessions with David O’Connor.
  • Jil Walton and Dee Dee Chaser – This pair finished third in the inagural Advanced division at AFHT in 2012. They have competed consistently at Intermediate and Advanced since then and recently completed their first CIC3* at Rebecca Farm.
  • Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato – These two convincingly won the Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup Tin Men Supply Advanced in 2013. This past July they finished third in the CIC3* at Rebecca Farm.
  • Karen O’Neal and Markus – This pair won AFHT Open Intermediate in 2013 and have successfully completed Advanced. This season Markus finished second in the CH-J* at NAJYRC with Karen’s daughter, Patience.
  • Rebecca Buehler and Brighton – This owner/rider trained OTTB won the AFHT Open Intermediate division this past June. This will be their second-ever attempt at the Advanced level after an unsuccessful cross-country trip at their first attempt at Advanced at Rebecca Farm in July.

After completing dressage Advanced Test B on Friday, the Advanced competitors will take on Tremaine Cooper’s cross-country course (see the gallery below). This year the course features 26 numbered questions over 3,990 meters with an optimum time of 7:00.

The weather forecast is excellent with dry footing; the crew is hard at work poking holes in the turf to make sure surfaces aren’t too hard on game day. The grass course includes hills as well as hay fields for galloping loops.

Given the late afternoon cross-country start times, shade from the tall fir trees will also be an element on the course. With a small field of competitors, most spectators will want to watch the Kerrits complex at fences 11AB and 12, as that is the first serious question on course. Outside of Advanced, AFHT’s Intermediate and Prelim divisions and lower-level amateur classes boast high turnout, promising an exciting competition for all.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials: [Website] [Ride Times] [AFHT on Facebook] #AFHT

Aimee Witherspoon: Worth The Wait Celebrates His Retirement

On Sunday, August 24th, Caber Farm Horse Trials hosted a retirement ceremony for Area VII's Intermediate-level eventer, Worth The Wait. Having completed 48 events with his adult amateur rider, Aimee Witherspoon, this Holsteiner gelding is a shining example of why amateur horses are so loved in our sport. Aimee wrote the following tribute to honor him.

Worth The Wait during his retirement ceremony alongside Aimee Witherspoon and her two daughters. Photo by Maggie Rikard. Worth The Wait during his retirement ceremony alongside Aimee Witherspoon and her two daughters. Photo by Maggie Rikard.

From Aimee:

I would like to thank my coach, John Camlin, and my friends and family for all the support they have given me in keeping this horse going and achieving far more than I ever dreamed. There were times when I would be walking a cross-country course and start wondering if I would survive. John always patiently told me, “If you just ride the way you have been trained, your horse will take care of the rest. You have a horse who takes care of you.”

Now, here’s the story of Worth The Wait:

I first encountered my horse in 2005 at my trainer’s barn. I was in the process of selling my fourth horse who had failed to enjoy eventing. I had dropped by to tell her I was thinking about changing careers to some other kind of riding, when she said, “I have just the horse for you.” I said, “What’s wrong with him?” She said, “He bucks people off and he flunked his flexions so he isn’t really sellable. But a friend got the buck out of him so he will be fine.” She also told me this six-year-old horse was really special and would be a great horse. My thought was, “What would possess me, an old lady, to buy a bucking, lame horse?” But it was love at first sight.

Worth the Wait at Aspen

Aimee Witherspoon and Worth The Wait competing at Aspen Farms. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

That was August 2005, and I rode him at Caber Farm at the Novice level for his first event. He literally cantered the cross-country fences without picking up his feet. He hit more than a few show jumping fences. I wasn’t sure what I had, but I was so glad he did all three phases without objecting I thought he might be a good back-up horse. I turned him out that fall and let him be a free roaming pasture horse.

During that time, I figured out he had back pain and discomfort under the saddle area, hence the buck. The back pain also explained the flunked flexion tests. I also learned he was a well-bred Holsteiner and that he had had OCD surgery on both stifles as a nine-month-old colt.

The following year in 2006, we did a couple of clinics and I decided to move up to Training level. He started jumping instead of cantering fences and we developed a solid partnership. He went on to be Training Horse of the Year in Area VII.

He let me know that he had requirements under no uncertain terms. He needed 24/7 turnout or he got cranky and stiff. He wanted a pasture buddy as he loves a friend. I was not allowed to hit him harder than he deserved, or I would eat dirt. He also trained me that I had to mount in two-point as he never lost his memory of the poor saddle fit.

Worth the Wait ceremony

Worth The Wait during his retirement ceremony at Caber Farm. Photo by Maggie Rikard.

What I got in return far exceeded my expectations of what a horse and companion could do for you. He would do anything I asked and he would do it carefully. He took care of both of us so we didn’t get hurt. He never refused to try, even when I asked things he didn’t want to do. Rather than fearing cross-country jumps, he respected them and always looked carefully and jumped with confidence.

He would patiently try to do what I asked in dressage, even though I had no idea what I was doing. His most common comments by the judges were “Lovely horse” and “Horse tries very hard.” I guess that summarizes dressage for a horse that barely fits in the ring!

In 2007, we did more Training competitions followed by Prelims. I knew by that time I had the horse of a lifetime. I was worried I might break him with conditioning required for the Preliminary level, but we both knew that he was well past the Training level. We went on to do a CCI* in Montana. By the end of 2008, we were ranked fifth in the nation in the Master Adult Amatuers. Now what was next?

The next year I decided to try Intermediate. I never dreamed of getting to that level. That was the level where pros had trouble, and I was far from a pro. But now Prelim was easy for both of us and I was caught waving at friends on my Prelim cross-country rounds, so it was time to move up.

We competed Intermediate at 3 Day Ranch in California, which looked doable in the pictures. Little did I know the place was full of steep hills. This was the event where I realized what my horse would do for me. There was a triple bank drop with a chevron on a three stride angle at the bottom.

I got to the bottom of the three drops with one stirrup and no rein contact so I just looked at the triple brushed chevron and he jumped it for me. It was truly amazing to see and ride this hugely talented horse. He just loved his cross-country job!

Aimee Witherspoon and Worth the Wait

Aimee Witherspoon and Worth The Wait after their final competition together. Photo by Maggie Rikard.

In 2012 I was offered a considerable sum to sell him. I thought about it and then I asked how could I sell my best friend?! He cost me nearly nothing and gave me so much! He deserved to stay in his plush pasture with his happy lifestyle.

He has since competed at Intermediate for six years with occasional Prelims. This January we even drove the 7,000 mile round trip to Ocala, Florida for the winter. He showed up those east coast horses by winning the Preliminary Rider division at the Ocala 3 Day Horse Trials.

For his size–17.2 hands and 1,500 pounds–it is just amazing that he has stayed sound all these years with no injuries even though he was competing at one of the highest levels of eventing. For a horse that flunked his flexions as a six-year-old and had bilateral OCD surgery, it is truly remarkable.

He is a well known fixture in the stabling area as he always has his stall door open since he doesn’t easily fit in the puny 10 foot stall. He also is well known for attending the adult rider parties and hanging out with his head on my shoulder while we drink wine.

He has become quite a character in the stabling and well known for his antics to get attention including his famous neck roll to beg cookies from strangers. He earned the barn name Marshmallow from Lou because he thinks he is a pocket pet and really likes people. He thinks he should be at the party in the chair not in this dumb puck stall.

I was working on a client’s horse once many years ago and I was telling her about my special horse and she told me this wise piece of advice, “If you are lucky enough to have a Horse of a Lifetime come into your life enjoy every minute and cherish him. Other future horses may not measure up and shouldn’t be compared, so just be thankful that you were lucky enough to have this special horse come into your life.”

Worth the Wait retiring

Aimee and Worth The Wait celebrating their partnership together. Photo by Maggie Rikard.

So out of the blue I found a rejected horse that became my horse of a lifetime and my best friend. He will always be honored and cared for in return for all he has done for me. I am so happy, grateful and very lucky that I get to keep him and be a part of his life.

I have been asked why retire a going horse? There is really nothing wrong with him other than old age like me. He is stiffer when we start out and slower to warm up. He doesn’t have quite as much punch in his jumps but with his amazing scope he still makes it look easy.

I know in my heart he would keep jumping those massive jumps for me even if he was hurting, but he deserves better than that. I always promised him that if I could retire him sound I would and the time has come. With 15 years of age, 10 years of eventing and 48 events, he has more than paid his dues, even though I still love every ride I get to have on him.

Now he gets to be the world’s best trail horse, doing occasional clinics and camps to show off his stuff and avoiding the dreaded D (dressage). Mostly, he gets to be a lounge lizard and chase his good buddy, the colt, around the field which he so richly deserves.

I ask you to honor this horse and honor all the horses who try so hard for adult amateurs riders so they can compete in this sport. We may not always give them the best ride but they do their best to take care of us.

Area VII Championships at Caber Farm Horse Trials

Caber Farm Horse Trials. Photo by Anni Grandia. Caber Farm Horse Trials. Photo by Anni Grandia.

Last weekend Area VII contested their 2014 Championships at Caber Farms Horse Trials in Onalaska, WA with divisions from Beginner Novice to Intermediate. This year’s Area VII champions included Rebecca Buehler and Brighton at Intermediate, Anna Collier and The Green Machine at Prelim, Karen O’Neal and Mateo at Training, Kelsey Horn and Aelsie Pea at Novice, and Megan Toth and Razzo at Beg. Novice. To qualify for the championship classes competitors had to have finished in the top five at their level within the past year.

Daniela Taylor

Daniela Taylor and Riley, winner of a Novice Jr./YR B, with Assistant Young Rider coach Brooke Phillips.

Area VII competitors couldn’t be happier with the clear weather; the event had a cheerful and fun feel throughout the weekend. On Saturday night the Area VII adult riders hosted a luau and first-annual Trainer Limbo Challenge, much to the delight of competitors camping on-site. Many competitors reported that the horse trials ran smoothly and expressed their appreciation to owner/organizer John Camlin and his crew.

Anni Grandia competed in the Intermediate Championship and won the Open Beg. Novice division on Yankee Bay. “Caber Farm is one of my favorite events of the season,” says Anni. “The event has a family, fun feel with forward riding courses. John Camlin and his crew do a fantastic job of prepping the grounds and the courses are always tough but forward riding and fair. I personally love the old-school feel of the venue, the courses and the jumps.

Riders that ride forward and accurate were rewarded all the way down to Beg. Novice. Another fun element to the courses is that the Beg. Novice and Novice tracks had mini Prelim and Intermediate fences on them: Novice had a beginning coffin, they both had jumps before and after the water, plus true brush fences. What better way to prep your horses and riders to move up?”

Anni Grandia

Anni Grandia and Chaos in the Open Intermediate Championship class. Photo by Lea Wilson.

The next show on the Area VII calendar is Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA, which hosts the final qualifying event in the Pro Tour / Adequan Gold Cup series before the American Eventing Championships in late September. Go Area VII!

Show jumping morning. Photo by Devin Robel.

Caber Farm Horse Trials, show jumping morning. Photo by Devin Robel.

Caber Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Final Results]

Caber Farm Horse Trials August 22-24, 2014 results from StartBox Scoring.

Caber Farm Horse Trials August 22-24, 2014 results from StartBox Scoring.

How Low Can You Go? Area VII Adult Riders Limbo On

Highlight, a very patient OTTB, lets trainer Devin Robel practice her limbo skills for next year's Area VII Trainer Limbo Challenge. Photo by Terri Niles. Highlight, a very patient OTTB, lets trainer Devin Robel practice her limbo skills for next year's Area VII Trainer Limbo Challenge. Photo by Terri Niles.

If you need proof that Area VII is a pretty awesome place to be an adult rider eventer, then just take a look at the fun from the Adult Rider Luau last Saturday night at Caber Farm Horse Trials in Onalaska, WA.

“The Luau is a yearly event sponsored by the adult riders. Everyone is invited to meet us and see what we are about,” explains event organizer Terri Niles. “This is our third year doing it and it gets better every year. I’m from Hawaii and am the luau coordinator. This year was our first year with the Trainer Limbo Challenge and it was very well attended. Next year will surpass this year’s participation as the trainers that didn’t compete have already committed to participate due to the overwhelming response!”

Jessica Heidemann Limbo

Trainer Jessica Heidemann of Cain Lake Stables isn’t used to going UNDER the fence in the first annual Area VII Trainer Limbo Challenge. Photo by Terri Niles.

The bravest (and bendiest) of Area VII trainers volunteered to take part in the hotly contested Trainer Limbo Challenge. First place went to trainer Stephanie Parker of Bend, OR who stepped in to snag the trophy from second place finisher Devin Robel. Jessica Heidemann and Karen O’Neal were close behind. Throughout the evening many Area VII eventers stopped by to try their skills at the limbo bar or laugh at others’ attempts.

Stephanie Parker was the Trainer Limbo Challenge champion. Photo by Terri Niles.

Stephanie Parker was the Trainer Limbo Challenge champion. Photo by Terri Niles.

According to Devin, “We trainers aren’t so flexible! I held the record for a while at 3’7, and was even handed the trophy. Stephanie Parker swooped in, and we battled it out, but she beat me at 3’5. My knees hurt the next day, and both Jessica and Karen’s backs were sore. My student’s son, Nani, won it overall at 2’4. Insane. He’s about 5’10 tall; you’d have to see it to believe it.”

Nothing more fitting than a tropical luau amidst the horse trailers. Photo by Terri Niles.

Nothing more fitting than a tropical luau amidst the horse trailers at Caber Farm Horse Trials. Photo by Terri Niles.

Party participants enjoyed delicious Hawaiian food including Kahlua pork and Teriyaki chicken. And of course Pina Coladas and Mai Tais were flowing well into the night. The luau was made possible by adult rider volunteers and added extra flair and fun to the weekend’s eventing competition.

Bartender Jim

Bartender Jim at the Area VII Luau. Photo by Terri Niles.

Remember folks: what happens in Area VII, stays in Area VII. (Except when we publish it on EN).

Spiral Fracture Not the Finish for Chad and Lauren Boriotti

Lauren Boriotti and Chad's return to eventing at the Young Rider Benefit Horse Trials after his recovery from serious injury. Photo by Action Taken Photography / Tim O'Neal. Lauren Boriotti and Chad's return to eventing at the Young Rider Benefit Horse Trials after his recovery from serious injury. Photo by Action Taken Photography / Tim O'Neal.

It’s any eventer’s nightmare: you go to the barn and discover that your competition horse has pulled up lame in his paddock. What at first is believed to be a simple hoof abscess is later diagnosed as a spiral fracture of the pastern bone. The consulting surgeon says your horse only has a 50/50 chance of a successful surgery.

This is the reality Area VII eventer Lauren Boriotti faced in 2011 when her New Zealand Thoroughbred cross, Chad, fractured his left hind pastern. Lauren imported Chad, a Prelim level eventer, from New Zealand five years prior with the help of Amy Tryon.

Lauren remembers she and her parents “were amazed when Amy called and said she found a potential horse for me. Amy said she jumped Chad in New Zealand and the jumps were set higher and higher until they were at the top of the standards, and he kept taking them by storm.” Lauren loved Chad from the get go, especially his fun, friendly personality. But after his unexpected injury, she faced difficult decisions.

Chad at the WSU hospital. Photo by Lauren Boriotti.

Chad at the Washington State University vet hospital. Photo by Lauren Boriotti.

“The first communication from a vet was that we would likely need to put Chad down,” recalls Lauren. “My mom had the idea to get a second opinion. I was completely devastated at the thought of putting him down, and we sent the x-rays to WSU Veterinary Hospital where Dr. Chad Marsh (funny name coincidence) said he could likely fix this, but he may be a pasture horse for life.”

Chad X-ray

Chad’s x-ray after his successful surgery.

Despite the CT machine not working before the operation, the surgery was a success and Chad’s fracture was a clean break with no damage to the tendons. “It was a LONG process for recovery,” shares Lauren. “We had quite a few lows in the rehab period, such as the EHV-1 breaking out while he was at the hospital, and he was quarantined there for about a month after he was supposed to come home. Once home, I had to walk him everyday for 15-45 minutes for about 6 months, and that transitioned into walking from saddle which transitioned to trotting for 5 to 10 minutes and so on.”

All in all, Chad’s rehab took about a year and a half. Lauren credits Chad’s return to health to the tremendous support they received from others during the recovery process. “Everyone loves Chad, and they helped me hand walk him, monitor him in his first stages of turnout, everything. I could not have done it without them.”

Amy Tryon, Lauren’s trainer, was supportive all along, even giving the pair 20 minute walk-only lessons when they started riding again to keep Chad interested. But the most support she got was from her parents, reflects Lauren: “This is obviously an expensive route to take, but they trusted my opinion in saving him, and supported me each step of the way, even motivating me when I started to feel down about the injury. I really couldn’t have done it without them. Each step of the way we didn’t know if he would make it to the next level; I just took it as it came.”

Chad and Lauren at Young Riders Horse Trials Benefit earlier this month. Photo by Action Taken Photography / Tim O'Neal.

Chad and Lauren competing Novice earlier this month. Photo by Action Taken Photography / Tim O’Neal.

This August Lauren and Chad made a big comeback to competition, successfully competing Novice at Young Riders Benefit Horse Trials in Centralia, WA. “He went from pasture horse to trail horse to dressage horse and now he is an eventer again, which none of us thought would EVER happen. I feel so incredibly blessed,” reports Lauren. “Chad did not bat his eye at one jump, he felt stronger than ever, and jumped every jump about a foot higher than he needed to. He was energetic, strong and had his ears pricked to every single fence.”

Throughout Chad’s recovery process, Lauren has been able to focus on positives. “This injury has given Chad and I the opportunity to try new things and focus on our weakest point (dressage),” she says. “Since his injury, I have gone to dressage-only shows and trainers, embraced trail riding, taught my boyfriend to ride on him (even jump!) and more. As hard as this injury has been, these last few years I’ve had so much fun really getting to work with Chad and try new experiences.”

Lauren and Chad

Lauren’s advice to other riders who chose to rehabilitate a serious injury: “You need to decide whether you can accept whether you can go through this process and lose your horse in surgery or lose your horse to pasture life. I decided with the support of my parents, that I would be happy with a pasture horse. Do not give up. It is easy to lose patience and not look at what is happening in the moment. Try to look at it in the big picture.

“Your horse might not be able to be an upper level eventer anymore, but they can still be strong in another way, and they may even make it back to what you never thought you’d be able to do again. It’s hard not to get discouraged, but take each day as it comes, and put one foot in-front of the either. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, I recommend taking a second opinion if you are in the same situation with the advice to put down your horse and realize how lucky you are and how thankful you are to have that horse. I didn’t fully realize what Chad was, and how important he was to me, until he was almost gone. Every single day it is a blessing to have him.”