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Coren Morgan

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Random Monday Evening News

By on Apr 18, 2011 5:58 pm -

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Tonight is a big night! Yes, you guessed it- the 100% true, completely accurate, Lifetime premier of William and Kate. For those of you who just felt really annoyed with me, just hold on. This night is going to be life altering, history making, etc., etc. And although some of you (very few) don’t share this love, please just try for the rest of the month. And then I promise to never speak of royal weddings again. But tonight, me and millions of other royal lovers will be tuned in, hooked on, glued to the chair while watching this epic movie. I even got the fake, William and Kate designed nails to go along… For those of you heading to an event this weekend, you will no longer be left out. Check here for the latest beauty trend for your horse’s stylish bum.

For those of you not sure, just check out the really awesome trailer. I promise (uhhh) it will change your opinion.

William and Kate premiers tonight at 9pm ET on Lifetime.

The Telegraph has done a nice article on Mary King. Mary discusses morning routines, a secret pregnancy, ski holidays, and going for gold in London.

Sharon Hunt is competition crazy and Badminton bound.

Jockey Club pitch up at Badminton

While today is a quiet day on the news front, there is one piece of pretty exciting news for all you Jennie fans. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda are Luhmuhlen bound! Luhmuhlen happens June 16-19 in Germany. Continue to check out Jennie’s blog as she and Ping prepare for their first CCI**** and toughest event to date. I have no doubt Jennie and Ping will tear up Germany in the finest fashion possibly.

That is all for now. Get excited, John will be flying back to this part of the world tomorrow. Actually, maybe we should all run and hide…not sure.

Go William and Kate. Go Jennie B. Go Eventing.

Ocala Update

By on Apr 15, 2011 7:00 pm -

Well the Ocala Horse Trails is all dressaged out by now. The CCI** is now complete and all riders are focused on tomorrow. Hopefully everyone has done their 32 course walks and can now sleep peacefully, dreaming of dropping beautifully into the water. Rumor on the street is that the Holling event crew are headed to a monster truck show for an evening of relaxation. I secretly wish I was going…

In the CCI** there is no surprise in the leader being Leslie Law and the lovely Rehy Lux on a 40.6. Joe Meyer is close behind on Intrepid with a 42.2. I believe Joe is over from England (headed to Kentucky)- then again I could be completing making that up in my head…The Courageous Comet look alike, Can’t Fire Me, and Becky Holder sit third on a 43.4.

According to those in Florida, there was a little more breeze today. However, the breeze did not distract from the tough courses that are ahead.

On a funny note, DOC was riding Quintis 54 (in the Advanced CT) today for KOC. It seems as though David had a hard time remembering the test leading to multiple errors. Don’t worry, eventually someone jumped in and read the test to him! I will refrain from making an old age/memory joke.

On the Advanced CT note, Joe Meyer is leading with Rolex ride, Snip. He sits on a 52 with Hannah Burnette following on a 54.5.

Joe Meyer is cross entered on Snip and therefore leading the Intermediate with a 32.

Looking at the score board, one could assume scoring was very tough. However, we all know that will change drastically tomorrow.

Now thanks to Jaclyn and Alex from the Holling crew, EN views can see a few fences on the CCI*/** course…
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The Water on the CCI**
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Looks to be a corner at the bottom of the hill
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Bounce into the gully and down to a brush wedge
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A little CCI* action
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Off the bank to an angled 1 stride

That is all for now. Thanks for not booing my random ramblings and thank you even more for reading! To check live scores click [here]. Until next time, Go Eventing.

Ocala Horse Properties International CCI**/* Update

By on Apr 14, 2011 5:48 pm -

Hello Eventing Nation! Well John is long gone by now and he has dangerously turned his site over to some very naughty behaved people. Despite my urge to want to post all the absolute random things I come across in my internet stalking, I am going to stick to plan and give you all an update about the Ocala CCI**/*.

Everything got under way today with the CCI jogs and the CCI* dressage. According to those in Florida, it is a balmy 90 degrees and sunny. I don’t know about you, but I find the idea of wearing a shadbelly in this weather to be miserable a thought! One competitor shared with me that the courses are beefed up this year and David O’Connor suggested at the briefing that the CCI** would be a good test for those hoping to make it to the CCI*** at Fair Hill this fall.

At the trot up  Michelle Romero and Pikadilly as well as Kelly List and Smarty Pants did not present. According to a recent Facebook status, it sounds like Smarty Pants may be suffering from the ever so badly timed abscess. In addition, Alvaro Del Valled Pezzarossi (Yes, I had to look up how to spell that) and Percala as well as Hilda Donahue and Ashmore’s Godsend were held and not represented.

In the CCI* dressage, Robin Walker and Florenze lead (by 7 points!) the way with an impressive 42.8. Following behind them is Buck Davidson riding Sharon Will’s No More Rocks on a 49.70. Bringing up the top three is Skyeler Voss and Argento on a 50. The entire CCI* dressage is complete and all riders will have a day of course walking and mentally preparing before they tackle the tough course ahead.

The CCI** kicks off tomorrow just after 8 am and will be going all day long. Keep locked into EN for up to date news. We will be back with pictures and much more happenings. To check live scores, click [here].

Thanks to Jaclyn for Ocala updates. Go Eventing.

CIC*** Cross Country

By on Apr 9, 2011 10:59 am -


(Wide tables are a must at the Fork, click here for full XC photos from Samantha Clark)

Well the Fork Horse Trials are well under way and the CIC3* XC is arriving at a high rate of speed. Cross country day is naturally the most exciting day (for most) and also the day where the porta potty is most frequented. The CIC***/Advanced runs later in the day which will give the riders plenty of time to become nervous, mellow out, run to the loo, become nervous again and finally just get on and get the job done. I know there have been a few looks at various fences on the course but I am going to take you through the CIC***/Advanced fence by fence. Please bear with me as my own nerves may show through a little…

 

Fence 1:  A nice forward fence of a slight right bend. This fence has CIC*** written right on it- just in case you forgot what you are actually doing.

Fence 2: Personally I thought this table looked massive- then I got to fence 5. Fence two is a good fence to get you in a rhythm and thinking forward. Forward thinking will be incredibly important from here on out.

Fence 3: Another confidence building fence. Its going to be important to have a good jump here as your first question is up next.

Fence 4AB: This is going to be the first real test on course. 4A is a skinny hut off a turn headed down to a right point corner at B. The striding walks a forward 5. It’s going to be important for the riders to have a confident jump through here because the next questions is similar and this fence is going to give you good idea of how to proceed at 5AB.

Fence 5AB: After a gallop up the hill you arrive at 5AB. The CIC*** jumps a big table direct to a left point corner for very forward strides later. It will be important for the riders to make a choice to commit in 4 strides or wait for the 5. Fence 4AB should give you a good idea of what to do. The advanced can also jump this route or they have the option of jumping the intermediate table to the right point corner in 5. At this point in the course I am now realizing what it means when people say you really have to be a “thinking rider” at Advanced.

Fence 6: Ditch and Brush. Nice big ditch at the bottom of this will. A confidence building jump (hopefully) for the horses and potentially a stomaching ejecting jump for the riders (hopefully not).

Fence 7: First water. We jump a nice hut into the water, 7 strides across the water to a nice bounce out. Then you make a nice sweeping turn back to…

Fence 8AB: This is the moment I realized fence two wasn’t actually that big. A massively wide table, two strides to a skinny brush.  Mark really is testing out your ability to jump big and wide then land and get to something technical. 

Fence 9: Riders get to have a deep breath and jump a nice trakener off a turn.

Fence 10ABC: After nice long gallop and a few moments to pull your brain out of your nose, you are headed to the second water. The riders will have nothing to set them up for the water so they must really get their horses back on their feet. A large brush in, two strides to a skinny turtle (that you can’t see till you’re at the brush) then a nice 5 strides to a table out. Land, breathe, and gallop on.

Fence 11: Nice cordwood up a small incline. You will want to have a good jump here to set you up for…

Fence 12ABCD: The sunken road. The CIC*** does a nice bounce in, one stride across the bottom, up and one stride out. The Advance has a one stride in and then follows the same distances out.

Fence 13AB: Here we go again! A nice oxer down the incline to another skinny brush. At this point riders will realize they are really good at this type of question, or they really aren’t. I hope it’s the first choice.

Fence 14: A nice galloping table. Good confident jump a must before the long steep climb.

Fence 15: After a long gallop up the back side of the course (which is a huge hill!) riders will turn for a nice table at the top and continue on to the turning question at…

Fence 16AB: Narrow turning tables at the top of the hill on a forward thinking 4 strides (bending left). Personally I am hoping my horse doesn’t decide to take his “huge, just galloped up a monster hill” breath at this moment.

Fence 17: Big wide table which at this point everyone should be comfortable with.

Fence 18: The moment when the greener riders begin to regret eating their lunch. A massive brush table down the infamous last hill. Not only is the brush huge on the front side, it has what is expected to be a huge drop on the back side. It will be important for riders to not leave their brains on the back side of this brush because all eyes need to be focused on the 9 (or so) strides on a sharp bend to the…

Double corners at fence 19 and 20. A left point corner to a right point corner on two very forward, and seriously committed, 2 strides.  Of course, being numbered separately always means you can have a circle. I expect you will see quite a few riders use that option. 

 

Take a huge breath of relief but keep the happy dance under control to have two nice jumps at 21 and 22. Through the finish flags and do whatever kind of happy dance suits your fancy! 

For a look at all the jump pictures click [here]. Good luck to all competitors! Go Eventing.

Allison Springer’s Awesome Crew’s Saturday Links

By on Apr 8, 2011 11:05 pm -

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The girls who work for Allison (Grace, Katlyn, and Kelly) have done a fantastic job at the Fork and are certainly keeping Allison’s weekend running smoothly! Not to mention Kelly and Katlyn are competing themselves.

It’s been a busy weekend here at the Fork and I am sure most of you know exactly what is going on due to John and Samantha’s amazing ability to document every moment! A huge shout out to Heather Morris and Ro for leading the way in the Advanced. I love Heather dearly and she deserves every bit of her awesome dressage score. For those of you not at the Fork, I am sure you are completely aware there is a world (I’m referring mostly to the eventing world) still hustling and bustling outside of Norwood, NC. With four other events going on, many of you are probably busy, busy, busy getting ready for really great weekends.

So… Check out the scores for:
Chattahoochee Hills
Well, yup, that is the only one with living scoring!

Other events:
Pine Hill Spring HT
Spring Bay HT
CDCTA HT

-Montgomery marches into the CIC*** lead at the Fork

–Heather remains in the lead after day two at The Fork

-Man, What A Week!

-WEG drama leads to new Endurance structure

-Johnstone leads world cup after Dressage at Kihikihi

-Doug Payne talks about his time at The Fork

-Software able to read zebra “bar codes”

-Texas horse show attendees warned over rabies case

-Dressage photo gallery from the USEA

-Ecogold says Cavaldi is withdrawing from Badminton

Update: Johnstone holds the lead after XC in NZL

Thats all for now! Stay tuned for an exciting day of cross country at The Fork HT. Go Eventing.

Happy Monday News and Notes from Ecogold

By on Apr 4, 2011 12:15 am -

Good morning Eventing Nation! Today is the start of a busy week in the eventing world. For those heading to Badminton and Rolex, this weekend at the Fork Horse Trails, many of the riders will have their last chance to work out any kinks on course before making final preparations for their major three-day of choice. In addition, Mark will be out early in the week helping riders during the USEF High Performance Training Sessions. When the schedule is avaliable you will find it [here]. If you get the chance to go and watch, you really should. Just be sure to bring your translator though–mumbling can be hard to interpret.

Now for your News and Notes…

-Other events this weekend besides the Fork: CDCTA, Chattahoochee Hills, Spring Bay and Pine Hill Spring HT

-Most eventers (or horse people in general) have dogs. I love a good story about dogs and all the great things they do. For this 22-month old baby, one loving family dog not only kept him safe, but saved his life. Check out your Monday feel good story and then give your dog a good squeeze. Thanks RAP for sharing.

– Best of Blogs: Sinead Halpin “Fear is My Friend.” In this blog Sinead discusses her hunger to improve and how her fears of changed. In my opinion, this is one of the best blogs I have read in a very long time. So many riders out there can probably relate to Sinead’s more “mature” fears. The fear that Sinead discusses in this blog will without a doubt help her rise even further into the top ranks of eventing.

– For those of you who love stalking Boyd as much as I do: You can now know where he will be at all moments during the Fork.

– There is a lot going on in Doug Payne’s world as he gears up for the Fork. Everything from new  trunks, to getting 10’s on rider position. Go on, be jealous and just check it (the blog, ok and maybe Doug too) out.

– Horses in Turkey get hoof help.

– Oli Townend has had a successful start to the season including a win at Belton Park this weekend. Oli is headed towards Badminton and seems to be pleased with how his mount is doing: “Everything feels bang on. It’s now about keeping the horse as healthy as possible.”

– Chelan reports from Galway that after an elimination in SJ, Debbie Rosen was given special permission for a mock XC run. From Chelan:

     Debbie Rosen did XC today after everything else had finished. When I say she ‘went’ I        mean she did the entire CIC3* course!! Robert gave her permission, the course was secured so she could gallop safely without running into anyone then off she went. She was really going for it- imagine getting into that head space the next day. Anyhow, I think it is super cool that Robert let her go. Although she was qualified for Rolex, she really needed another XC run to legitimately go and do it. She had one bauble at the up bank of the third water, but was otherwise clear and fabulous. A bunch of us went out there to cheer her on.

I think this is so neat the Robert Kellerhouse allowed Debbie this opportunity. And even more so I admire Debbie for being able to get in the right mind set to go out and get it done.

– Fun and games from the Horse Park.

That is all for now EN. Stay tuned for a fun week of eventing news! Until next time, Go Eventing.

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Sunday Funday Links

By on Apr 3, 2011 1:23 am -

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Good morning Eventing Nation! If I ever offer any advice on this site, its to avoid John today. He is sad and vulnerable. You see, Kentucky lost (thank you Lord). And due to Kentucky’s lost, John is in bed recovering from not only his sadness but also from his night out doing his version of interpretive dance. Everyone keep him in your thoughts today, he is liable to do something crazy. With that being said, the world goes on and so does EN. So for those of you who are thankful Kentucky lost, celebrate and check out these totally awesome, life changing links…

Galway [Live Scores]

Morven Park Spring [Live Scores]
Rocking Horse Spring [Live Scores]
Feather Creek HT [Live Scores]

Buck Davidson’s Monday News and Notes

By on Mar 27, 2011 11:05 pm -

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[via Annie]

Maybe a misunderstanding on which side of the road you are supposed to drive? Who knows… but with a bad luck, downer of a weekend on the eventing scene, this probably isn’t the worse thing that could happen. Buck is so easy going that I can only imagine he some how found light of the situation and probably even had a few laughs. Next time I suggest turning inside the lines which often times can help keep you on the road. And hey, its better than hitting a parked car!

After a rough weekend, I hope everyone finds Monday to be the start of a better week. Now for some news and notes…

– Leslie Wylie writes a great blog about her time at Poplar Place.

– Michael Jung has dominated the weekend in France taking first and second in the CIC* and first, third and fourth in the CICO***.C Clayton Fredericks also had a good weekend with a second and fifth place finish in the CICO*** (thanks Lita).

– Caroline Powell has donated the Lenamore Trophy for New Zealand’s National Junior Three-Day Event Championships.

– Jessica Pye blogs about Bounder and a not so fun trip to Poplar. I personally feel saddened for Jessica as she is a great girl who needs her luck to turn so she can head on the up hill swing again. Everyone here at EN wishes Bounder a successful vet appointment!

– Team CEO had a good weekend.

– Boyd Martin catches everyone up on his weekend at Southern Pines II. Boyd had many successful rides this weekend including a blue ribbon for the ride home. Glad to know he and Stewie headed home with only a few bumps and bruises and I am sure everyone will be excited to seem them go in two weeks and The Fork.

– Check out Buzzterbrown’s new Red Hills 2011 video.

– For those of you who missed eventing this past weekend, please keep Arden Wildasin and Michael Pollard in your thoughts. Both of these riders lost incredible horses this weekend so please send them, and their support crews, all the positive thoughts, hugs, and love you can.

– Because we love blogs….

– A horse show ribbon sale on eBay helps local animals. Diane Charipar, who collects ribbons to sell on eBay, recently approached many well known equestrian athletes (including Karen O’Connor) asking them to autograph ribbons to be auctioned off. Karen was generous enough to donate a special ribbon won by the famous Theodore O’Connor.

– Ireland’s High Performance Manager, Ginny Elliot, is excited about Ireland’s representation at this years Badminton Horse Trials. Elliot says, “The riders have worked very hard to bring younger horses up to this level, and of course we already have some more established horses with the required experience. I’m delighted with this news and I would be very confident that a number of the five combinations on the list will also get in as they are high up the list.” 

Please excuse the somewhat short news and notes! I think everyone is recovering from a long weekend- I know I am. So may this week be a good week for all. Go Eventing.

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The return Wednesday’s News and Notes

By on Mar 22, 2011 11:59 pm -

Hello Eventing Nation! Well the time has come and I have returned from 8 weeks away in the sunny south training chinchillas horses. It’s really great to be back from the great state of Aiken. Yes, I did refer to Aiken as a state. But you see, while at the infamous Hotel Aiken, getting my sing on, I met a really nice local guy. He kept telling me he loved Aiken and what a great state it was. This was news to me, but then again, I always thought something was wrong with my 5th grade teacher’s ability to teach. That or something happens to people’s mental capacity while drinking “adult beverages.” Regardless, my 5th grade beverage allowed me to learn about a new state. Anyway, none of this actually matters. What really matters is after days of pestering John, he has finally agreed to let me write again. So, it’s great to be back in action here on Eventing Nation!

Now for some news and possible notes…

-Don’t forget this weekend is Poplar Place and Southern Pines. Check out the ride times and be sure to get your cameras ready to watch some really great action! If you aren’t able to attend, stay glued to Eventing Nation as we will be sure to give you the scoop as soon as we have it.

–Stephen Bradly has been busy teaching a clinic at Flying Cross Farm in Kentucky. Flying Cross is a beautiful farm and Stephen is a fantastic clinician. Anyone who has the chance to ride with him should. And for those of you who want to learn more about clinicing with Stephen, check out Kelly Gage’s report.

-Only 40 days left to Kentucky! Have you gotten your tickets yet? Are you excited to tailgate? Should be a fantastic weekend with some nice foreigners to check out 😉 –just had to use a winky face because I have always wanted to here on EN.

-The FEI has approved a points system for the HSBC FEI Classics in 2011. The new system has been” brought in line” with other rankings and standards in eventing. HSBC has supported the series since 2008 and will continue to give over $1 million over the next three years. At the end of the season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the HSBC FEI Classicsâ„¢ events will be awarded prize money as follows:

1st – US$ 150,000 (Series Champion)
2nd – US$ 75,000
3rd – US$ 50,000
4th – US$ 33,000
5th – US$ 25,000

-For those of you headed to the Kentucky Spring and Summer shows as well as HITS, RVs are now available to rent. Get excited- I am!

-Horseshoeing school farrier, Paul Dorris, Jr., was select again for the 15th consecutive year as the official farrier for Rolex Kentucky. Unfortunately he will not be able to attend due to other commitments.

-Who will save the horses? ESPN has posted an interesting article discussing what happens to horses after their racing career. Bill Finley writes:

“Every day, horses come off the racetrack that aren’t talented enough to become sires or broodmares. They are too old, too slow or too infirm to keep racing. There are thousands a year that fall into this category. Some find good homes. Some get neglected. A lot get slaughtered. How many? No one is quite sure, but the number is no doubt in the thousands.”

This article is heartbreaking in so many ways and leaves you wanting to point fingers. Finley talks about wanting to make a change stating, “It will take money, but it will more so take a monumental shift in attitude.”

-Jessica Pye is Poplar Place bound. Check out her blog to hear more of the ups and downs she faces while continuing through her spring season.

-Redcliffe Pony Club in Australia has raised $140,000 for a new cross country course. The club spent more than 5 years raising funds and successfully apply for government grants. The track is at the one star level and has already boosted membership. Go Pony Club!

-Because I can’t resist talking about them, (and deep down inside you know you can’t either) I have to mention Kate and William. The royal wedding carriage is revealed!

–I know everyone has seen Ben Hobday’s blog on Horse and Hound, but I thought I would share his website for those who have not seen it. Ben does a fantastic job of marketing. I highly recommend his site for anyone wanting to work on their marketing skills. And hey, he isn’t bad looking either.

Go Eventing.

Sunday Morning Links from Pennfield

By on Jan 30, 2011 12:06 am -


Hopefully this won’t be you this season! Stay mounted.  [Image via We Are Flying Solo]

I know the event season has been under way for a couple of weeks now but this weekend was the start of several events for Pine Top and Rocking Horse. Both of these events play host to many top riders who are legging up their upper level horses and getting their young ones out and about.

At Rocking Horse, Buck Davidson is tearing up the event by winning 3 divisions so far and placing in several others. Some of the training level along with Novice and Beginner Novice finish up tomorrow. [Full Rocking Horse Winter 1 results]

Heading north to Georgia, Pine Top Winter I is now underway. Nathalie Pollard is dominating the preliminary there with a first place score of 20.5 and second place score of 23.6.Now if only we could all have her dressage skillz. Lizzie Snow is winning the JR/YR Training and Boyd Martin is winning the Open Novice. [Full Pine Top Winter I results]

For some other links…

Simon Barnes discusses the uniquely level playing field in equestrian sports [via JER]

A copy of Jimmy Wofford’s book, Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider, sells for $343 [via Anne]

Irish Showjumpers on fire in Zurich

The FDA recalls some bags of Manna Pro’s feed in Western states

Ben Hobday blogs for Horse and Hound

Show Jumper Rodrigo Pessoa wins international fair play award

Check it out: An Eventful Life

Go eventing.

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South Carolina’s Saturday Links

By on Jan 29, 2011 12:45 am -

Having now settled into life in Aiken, I am reminded of what I love about South Carolina. It’s different here. While the pace on the event scene might move in a blur, the pace for the local life does not. Now, I know in past posts I have already commented about and even made fun of Walmart, but I have to do it again. Walmart in South Carolina is even more exciting than Walmart in Virginia for so many reasons. But today I realized that Walmart (in Aiken) is where it’s at to pick up the ladies. Waiting in line at the pharmacy, I spent ten minutes watching the man in front of me flirt with the cashier. Eventually he used sweet south drawl to speak words I couldn’t understand, got her number, turned down his hearing aide and pushed his walker down the aisle. I then looked left and witnessed a man of similar age chatting up a lady on what I am going to call the “pregnancy prevention” aisle. From here on out, my mornings off will be spent mastering the “South Carolina language” and picking up men at Walmart.

Ok, forget about love for one second and have a look at some sweet links…

Nate Chambers talks about Rolling Stone II and plans for a syndicate

Winter time Colic

Jessica Kuerten says she has lost ride on all Lady Forbes’ horses

Zenyatta Burgers

Canadian Athlete Development Scholarships awarded

Boyd’s go to girl behind the scenes- Caitlin Silliman

Check out eventing comics

Live scores for Pine Top Winter I H.T

Live scores for Rocking Horse Winter 1 H.T

Go Eventing ya’ll.

Sunday, Funday Links

By on Jan 23, 2011 12:07 am -


via Ecogold

As some of you may or may not know, our very own John was in the running for the Area II Smurf Awards. Being a “smurf” was the term so endowed on any lower level adult amateur by Your Highness Captain Mark Phillips. This was a great debate raising all hell a few years back. We have no intention of reopening the flood gates, but you are welcome to in the comment section. Our friends in Area II turned the term “smurf” into an year-end series of awards given out at the Area II annual meeting, which was Saturday. I would just like to point out that John lost in the “Hug” category. Our hats go off to the wonderful Steve Symanski for taking the top honor. He is the organizer of Difficult Run HT and the new Area II Chairman. Thank you for all the support you give to eventing and congratulations on your award!  Here are the other smurf award category winners:

“HUG” (supporter of Area II Adult Rider activities): Steve Symansky (Difficult Run HT)
“PAPA” (member advise and counsel): “Merlot”, owned by Anne Beech
“COWBOY” (dealing with the toughest horse): Barbara Cohen-King
‘INDIAN” (positive spirit despite adversity): Karen Rubin
“SMURFETTE” (Groombabe or Groomdude): Susan MacRae 

John, there’s always a chance you might become cool enough to win a “smurf” one day. Until next year, hug your news and notes:

Reiner Tom McCutcheon won USEF Equestrian of the Year, Becky Broussard won Pegasus Medal of Honor

DIY Pedal Power

UK Pony Clubbers are coming to the US for exchange

Boy overcomes wolf attack

Bettina Hoy is teaching at Full Gallop Farm in Aiken- this coming week!

Jersey Fresh- planning to run in May

Preliminary and Training 3-day calendar: have you started to prepare??

Poplar Place live scores

It’s a slow morning for news which isn’t always a bad thing. With the 2011 season now under way, more news will be coming in and Eventing Nation will be right here to bring it to you as quickly as possible!

Go Eventing.

Saturday Morning Links

By on Jan 22, 2011 1:06 am -

Oh the wonders of a Saturday morning. The time for recovery from the previous nights antics, right? A time to watch cartoons and sip on coffee. Or maybe you are like me- a social loser. People, in what I like to call “the common wold,” enjoy Friday nights at the movies with friends, or a bar, or at a fratastic, popped collar, college party. I enjoy Friday nights because they usually mean showing. Showing means memorizing a dressage test, or packing a trailer. And sometimes when a Friday night decides to take me for a wild ride, I file my nails. So to all of you other not common people, what do you do on your Friday night? And if you are one of those people who can go out on a Friday night and still be up early on Saturday, my hat is off to you. I am severely jealous of you.

Now for your some material to go with your coffee…

Crazy Saturday Morning Links

By on Jan 15, 2011 12:01 am -
After a lot of treats (Oreos) for both horses and humans, everyone is beginning to behave here in Aiken.
Bonjour mes amis! I have returned from the land of crepes, berets, wine, and really skinny chicks. However, the snail-eaters did not manage to deplete my appetite, and my holiday festivities encompassed a few broken buttons. My horse enjoyed his break a little too much…and as you can see I have received a Christmas gift from one of my “artistic” cousins of my athletic beast and myself over one of our most challenging obstacles.

However, now I am writing you from sunny (ish?) Aiken South Carolina, where it is currently 12 degrees at night and 55 degrees in the day. I don’t know how I feel about this, but I can tell you with fresh clip jobs and ice in the shadows, I haven’t really been suntanning and sipping mai-tais. While my horses sit snugly in their lovely stalls under several cozy blankets, I have found (for less than a quarter of my horse’s board) a shack. In the woods. It has an outhouse, one propane heat source, and the ceiling seems to be leaking, but the landlord assures us that once the ice all melts, that constant dripping should stop. This, my friends, is dedication. With that, I give you your Saturday links:

—Ecogold, Cavalor, and FLAIR are sponsoring the Area II annual meeting, making it one big EN party

—Full Moon Farm is offering a 1/4 star

—Flood drama in South Africa

—UK Horse-trainer ‘killed lover and burned his body on a bonfire as she sipped wine on the patio’ [via JER]

—British Eventing offers courses on how to fall off

—USET Foundation Will Award 2011 Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy to Tiana Coundray

—Nick Skelton makes winning return after 5 months away

—UK horse industry four times bigger than thought

—Judge Judy turns legal mind to ‘horse napping’

No USEA events this weekend 🙁

Happy start to the season! Go Eventing.

After Christmas Recovery Sunday Morning Links

By on Dec 26, 2010 12:25 am -

We made it! Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday. Christmas day I got an email from a dear friend, who does not celebrate Christmas, wishing me and my family a wonderful holiday.I have decided to share a part of her email with you as I feel like it not only accurately describes how my Christmas played out, but how many other family Christmas events go.

     “I don’t know much about Christmas but I did watch 3 back to back Lifetime movies yesterday so I think I’ve got a pretty good feel for at least the basic gist of things. From what I gather, there must be lots of love, family drama, a neighborhood decorating contest, more family drama, some kissing and making up and at least one out of three times some mistletoe thrown in.”

So, to all of you- do not deny the fun, crazy, family drama that surrounded your holiday. Hopefully you participated in some sort of decorating contest. Because I didn’t make it home in time to decorate, I felt placing various neighbor’s reindeer in inappropriate amusing positions was a better option. And for goodness sake, I hope someone found themselves standing under mistletoe. Hopefully it was not alone, or next to your brothers creepy girlfriend. Just saying.

And to those of you headed out for a day of after Christmas shopping- I wish you luck. Stay strong and as I advised after Thanksgiving, never fear pushing, shoving or getting dirty to get your hands on that perfect sweater that the lady next to you just eyed up.

Now for your Sunday links…

Max Corcoran spent Christmas in South Australia

World Horse Welfare Christmas message

USEA: Rebecca Broussard1942-2010

The Queen hails sport’s role before London 2012

Eventing Radio Episode 11- Merry Christmas

Check out the International Eventing forum

Watch Laura Bechtolsheimer work with a young horse

Keep up on William Fox Pitt’s news

Don’t forget events are starting to open up! 2011 is nearing very quickly. Go Eventing.

Merry Christmas Saturday Links

By on Dec 25, 2010 1:12 am -


Merry Christmas! By now Santa has stopped by most of your houses and barns. I hope the amount of coal that was left hasn’t caused too many tears. I have yet to see what Santa has left for me but I can only hope it comes in the form of a cat with a creepy shaking, Santa Claus hat wearing, head.

For those of you that still have some late shopping to do, Walmart is generally open on Christmas. In fact, I have heard it can be a fairly busy place due to the amount of people who wait to do their Christmas shopping on Christmas day- **cough cough John. In addition to Walmart, you can usually find many movie theaters, Chinese restaurants, and Denny’s to be open. I personally plan to spend my Christmas night hanging out with my family, eating Chinese food, and people watching at Walmart.

Now for those of you looking to recover from too much food or the side effects of present opening- your links…..

3D3W has posted a way to download printable Christmas tags

Starlight Children’s Foundation gives early Christmas present to horse-mad kids

Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight- Lauren Sprieser

The FEI European Pony Eventing Championships

Check out the Event Riders Association

Horse and Country has coffee with the Funnells

Merry Christmas from Boyd and Silva Martin


Merry Christmas from everyone at Eventing Nation! Go Eventing.

Robert Dover’s Saturday Morning Links

By on Dec 17, 2010 11:49 pm -

After Robert Dover’s brief stint as an eventing commentator and professional analyzer, he has now decided to return to what he does best, coach dressage. After leaving the Canadian dressage team following the World Equestrian Games, Dover has been rehired by Dressage Canada as the interim dressage coach/advisor. His position will begin January 1, 2011 and last three months. Who knows, come April 1 we might see Dover drift away from his ever so familiar 20 meter circle and turn back to analyzing the dangers of cross country.

Now on to your links…

–Dressage Canada announces their 2011 long and short lists

–Ten year old donates all of her cash to HorseWorld Burglary

–Too many preventable riding accidents-survey

–Sick young horseman meets Olympia stars

–Thoroughbred fatality rate falls

–Farewell to Jolyse and Alyse Clancey’s eventer, On Air II

–Helmet rules are gaining ground

–Rodrigo Pessoa is still the face of international Show Jumping

-JER sent us this survey where 24 4* riders talked about what they want in a horse, follow-up

-Beth Collier’s 2011 Calendars make great stocking stuffers

In all the holiday madness, don’t forget that 2011 events are starting to open. Now if the ground would just start thawing so these events could feel like realistic goals.

Go Eventing.

A Little Fun for Charity

By on Dec 15, 2010 5:47 pm -

At Eventing Nation we love hearing about events that raise money for a good cause, especially when it is for our favorite four legged friends! This year on the Chronicle of the Horse Off Course Forum you can take part in the 3rd annual ASK THE HORSE PSYCHIC. In 2009, COTHERs raised $1,500 for CANTER Ohio. This year they are hoping to raise $5,000 for several more organizations in addition to CANTER Ohio.

You can follow the steps on the forum to donate or go directly to Swambi Rabbit Readings. Your donations will benefit:

So, jump on in! It is easy and fun. Who knows, you might even figure out why your horse doesn’t like the flowers under the jumps or why he hates the grain you feed him!

Go eventing.

A Time for Giving (and Receiving)

By on Dec 15, 2010 2:55 pm -



Well Eventing Nation, ’tis the season! One of my favorite parts about the holidays is hearing all of the different gifts people want to give, to receive, or to just talk about! And in true horse world fashion, some of them make for a really great laugh or a tear (maybe 10) of happiness and at worse, tears of misery!

As I was out in Charlottesville, freezing my tail off and fighting the crowds in the shopping centers looking for all the perfect gifts for my family I started to think about what it was I would love to receive for Christmas. Now don’t get me wrong, I am doing lots of giving this season. But, there are just a few things that pop into mind that would make me really happy if Santa just made them appear. You know you’re guilty of these thoughts too!

Dear Santa- There are only four things I really, really want (or must have) for Christmas. I hope the elves are getting creative and crafty because they are going to need it!

1.       A three beat canter. While I love that rickety rackety feeling (that makes me want to evacuate my lunch) when I canter down the side of a hill or down to a massive coffin, I would really appreciate if you could make those four beats become three clear beats. Ask Rudolph to show you how it’s done.


2.       Coal. I still have a few people I want to give gifts to when I see them after the holidays. Personally, I love the idea of re-gifting and coal will make the perfect present for these select individuals.


3.       A left to right flying change.  While I have a beautiful right to left change, the other direction is just plain scary. It is a personal goal to never get eliminated in the dressage. But if this left to right change doesn’t appear, it might just happen. Yes, I will be the one who just bolted through the pretty white board, scaring the kid on the cute paint pony and eventually falling off backwards ruining my pretty new shadbelly and Charles Owen helmet.


4.       For every horse I ride to stop bucking. Come on, I am being nice to you when I ride. Hacking should be fun! You do NOT need to spin and run away at 300 mph every time you see the reindeer prancing through the woods looking for the north pole, resulting in me grabbing helplessly to the “oh crap” strap and using words that my mother can hear a thousand miles away. I really hate having liquid soap cleaning my mouth out.

So naturally after thinking about these few items, I asked my friends, and loyal EN readers (and eventers), what it was they wanted this year or had received as a gift in previous years. Here were their responses:

  • “One year my best friend, who is not a horse person, got me a cowboy hat. He still thinks I rope cattle. Best present ever.”


  • “One year for Christmas, my parents bought my brother and I a cart and harness for our supposedly cart broke pony. As you are probably already imagining, the pony was, in fact, not at all cart broke and ran through a barn the one and only time we used it.“


  • “I am pretty sure Gracie wants a pet goat this year. Or a magic wand that will make all the stalls clean themselves.” -I can only hope this person wanted the goat to be the one to wave the wand.


  • “For my horses joints to self lubricate.”  


  • “This year I asked my grandparents for a case of needles and syringes. 18 gauge please…I think my parents will be putting a stop to this one.”      


  •  “My best Christmas was when I was three and my parents took me outside to find my pony, Winnie the Pooh, standing in the driveway with a brand new hot pink halter and a massive bow on her back.” – This one is from Lainey Ashker. I must say I am jealous to have never had a pony let alone a hot pink halter and bow. She has inspired me to purchase the hot pink halter for my horse.

So Eventing Nation, what are you giving or hoping to get this holiday season? Thank you to my awesome friends that shared their stories. Sorry for the ones I left off. Some stories just were not OK for the public!

 

Happy Holidays and go eventing!

Wednesday Hump Day’s News and Notes

By on Dec 15, 2010 12:13 am -

Good morning EN! As I am sure you all know (or at least hope you will figure out soon), it is Wednesday. Personally, Wednesday is one of my favorite days for the pure fact it is “hump day.”  As we get through the middle of this week and nearing the weekend, it is time to get prepared for holiday traveling! And with holiday traveling comes all the pushers, shovers, and just plain wack jobs that you will have to encounter on the ground and in the sky. Of course, I am sure not a single EN reader falls in any of these mentioned categories.

A few things I have learned while traveling during the holidays…

  • Line cutting is fair game. If you cut everyone in line at the airport to get to the front of your assigned boarding group, so you can get quickly to your assigned seat, you are sure to get to your destination quicker than all the people you just cut.
  • For those of you traveling, keep a close eye on the fuel gauge. Running out of gas or diesel (so, so terrible) during this time of year will make for a long and frigid wait in your vehicle. Using your 100 pound dog as a blanket may in fact keep you warm for a brief bit but will reduce your ability to breath. FYI, AAA may actually never show up during this time of year due to “all they have to handle.” Not that I have experience with this…
  • Do not actually hit Santa or his reindeer with your plane. Children do NOT like when Santa gets hit. I assure you.

OK, enough of my rambling! On to some news and notes…

– Laura Bechtolsheimer, who has really torn onto the British and worldwide dressage scene, has broken a record in the Reem Arca World Cup Dressage Grand Prix at Olympia with an impressive score of 82.936%.

– The USEA has posted some interesting pictures from the convention

– Dr Liz Bracken of California has been named the recipient of the Bayer Animal Health’s “Legend of the Year” award for her work with unwanted or abandoned horses. The award includes a $5000 donation to Miller’s Equestrian Center and Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, California. The award was created “to nominate veterinary professionals whose commitment to equine care has been exceptional.” Dr. Bracken rehabilitates rescued horses for use by children in California and Mexico.

-John’s girlfriend, Georgina Bloomberg, is in the business of giving and receiving through her apparel exchange- not just at the holidays, but year round.

–Best of Blogs: For those of you who haven’t taken a peek at Lauren Sprieser’s blog, you really should. She is candid and honest with a fun since of humor and a good grip on reality. In this entry she discusses the winter and lack of motivation. So glad to find I am not the only one wanting to watch Grey’s Anatomy re-runs 😉

-We all use the internet (duh). But at what point does it become ridiculous? In this blog, the writer talks about using the internet to have your pet’s health reviewed. Yes, after paying a ridiculous amount of money on my dog at the vet yesterday, I would love to pay $39.95 to have an “internet vet” tell me what the problem is. But, is this really a good idea? What are your thoughts? Personally, I think it is just plain mad.

– I am really loving Three Days Three Ways gift guide!

– The David Broome Event Centre has developed a new magnetic information disc to be placed on the backs of trailers and lorrys as a way for people to reach you at an event in case your horse has become distressed when you are away from your “rig.” I would have loved to have this magnet the time my horse got stuck half way under the breast bar when attempting to find his friend.

– Bramham 3-day in the UK has a new title sponsor.

– Check out President Sabo’s inaugural address from Josh Walker:

I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday and easily makes it “over the hump.” I must apologize to you all now because you are stuck with me today. I don’t know who should be more scared- you, me or John.

Happy Cat’s Monday News and Notes

By on Dec 6, 2010 12:19 am -

OK, I confess, I love winter. Cold, dark, and wet weather for some odd reason motivates to work harder, clean more, and do all the things (like cleaning out my closet) that I have been avoiding all year. But heading into this winter, I have been short fused and ready for it to be over. I mean come on did my horse really need to regrow his winter coat a month after clipping him? Of course he did. As the ring is now frozen every morning, I am looking more and more forward to some time spent in Aiken come February.

So how many of you are sharing the “winter blues?” While I have no cure for this temporary seasonal depression, I did come across a site that has provided a good way to have a laugh this winter and possibly occupy any extra time you might have being stuck indoors. Check out 101 Ways to Annoy People and get your Monday off to a kickin’ start. Perhaps you can even try a few of these ideas out on coworkers, friends, or your innocent neighbors. I am planning to try numbers 20 and 28 today.

Now for what really matters, your news and notes…

-Buzzterbrown has newly posted a video of the 2010 Middleburg Christmas parade. It looks like it was a great time and hopefully some of you guys were able to attend.

-Buzzterbrown has also provided everyone a special look at the Washington International Horse Show’s Gambler’s Choice class from a few weeks ago. I think we should start having costumes like these at events around Halloween. Who doesn’t love to dress up? This looks seriously fun.

-In sad news, more than $60,000 raised to help prevent horse slaughter was used to pay personal expenses. Horse Angels and its two trustees, Sharon Catalano-Crumb and Frank Wikoff used social networking sites to raise approximately $145,132 to aid in the prevention of horse slaughter. However, an investigation found that at least $US61,422 of the raised money was used by the trustees for trips to Atlantic City casinos, personal shopping, meals, pre-paid phone cards and cash withdrawals.

-In other sports, retired steeplechase jockey, Michael Traurig, is taking up the reins as a show jumper. Check out Stephanie Diaz’s interview with Michael.

– As previously mentioned, Australia’s team coach, Wayne Roycroft is headed for retirement. Roycroft is planning to return to farming on the NSW central coast and may actually put himself back in the saddle. Roycroft has been directly involved with 8 out of 11 of Australia’s eventing medals.

– In British Columbia two horses had a happy ending after being trapped in a pen and buried in snow for weeks. Two hikers came to their rescue. The people who trapped the horses can join John’s list of people going straight to hell.

– While Snoop Dog has not had an official invite to celebrate William and Kate’s nuptuials, it hasn’t stopped him from dedicating a song to the happy couple. He is also planning hoping to perform at the Prince’s stag party. Thank you to my roommate for the link 😉

– You should all know that one of my favorite things to do while in school is stalk the British event team. In recent stalking, I came across a video of the extremely talented young rider, Laura Collett. Laura has just jumped clean around her first Burghley at the age of 20 and has an impressive string of horses behind her. Check out this short video of the Olympic hopeful.

This time of year the news can be slow. Hopefully this week will bring some more exciting news to keep everyone awake at their desks. If you ever come across an article or breaking news you want share on the site, please feel free to send it to John or you can always send it to me at [email protected].

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday and please let me know if you use any of the above ideas to annoy people today! And if you get really bored this winter, you can always go on a mission to steal one of John’s chinchillas. I might give an award for that.

Saturday Morning Links

By on Dec 3, 2010 11:44 pm -
Today my friends is a big day. For those of you who do not know who Marcus Lattimore is, start getting familiar. At approximately 4pm ET you will watch him and the rest of the South Carolina Gamecocks destroy Auburn. For those of you who are itty bitty kitty fans Clemson Tiger fans, I hope you are happily eating your way out of your mourning from last weekends smack town in tiger territory. 
For those of you who care nothing about college football, or football in general, please just help me out and cheer for Carolina today. Also, with Rolex’s newly introduced tailgating, those who are not familiar with how to properly tailgate should consider attending some football games to gain a better idea. I will be bringing my body paint to Rolex 2011, will you?
Now for some links…





Happy Saturday to everyone and GO GAMECOCKS!

Black Friday’s News and Notes

By on Nov 26, 2010 12:11 pm -

By now, most should be recovered from severly stuffed tummys. Slowly, I am awakening from my food coma and becoming capable of holding my eyes open long enough to write this. Right now, having proper rest is most important. I feel like sleep is always extra important in preparing for Black Friday 2010. For those of you who are like me, your shopping face is on and you are ready for a successful day of clawing, pushing, and hair pulling shopping to buy all those perfect holiday gifts at discounted prices! I love Black Friday. I plan to be out in full force. Will you? One thing I have learned about Black Friday- walk like you know what you are doing, even when you haven’t got a clue. If you and the person across the store are eyeing the same sweater, get your best fierce face on and move with attitude. That sweater is yours.

Now for some news and notes while you finish sharpening your claws…..

– For those of you in London December 16, you can attend a special parade for the 2010 WEG medalists. Hopefully in 2012 it will be American’s that will be having a parade of medlists!

– Charlotte White of Horse and Hound gives a positive review to Disney’s Secratariat.

– FEI secretary, general Alex McLin, addressed an international forum devoted to international sporting federations. The idea behind this forum was “Better business practices for running your international federation”. While, some nations have very strong federations, I would think better business practices could help even the strongest of federations. Mclin stressed the importance of finding “win-win solutions that bring value to the sport, organising committees and the sponsors”.

–  At the Asian games a pentathlon athlete was saved and serious injury was prevented to the quickness and readiness of the medical staff. John mentioned the incident earlier this week.  It was said that the rider recieved medical help on the course within 30 seconds and was rushed to the hospital within 30 minutes. The hospital had special wards set aside for Asian Games athletes and were ready for the emergency. Unfortunately the horse did not survive.

– London streets are in flames as 25,000 students riot new student fees. Many police officers have been injured, including mounted riot police, due to the rioting of students who are protesting this increase in tuition. I sure am glad I am not one of these students or police officers. This looks to be complete and total chaos.Thank you Beth for the link.

– 24 horses have died in a Wisconson barn fire. The fire broke out Wednesday around 8:40 am at the Humane Organization Rescuing and Saving Equine center. 5 horses were saved. Hearing news like this breaks my heart. It makes me ever so thankful for each and every moment I get to spend with my four legged best friend. Give your ponies extra kisses and be thankful for each day you have to spend with them.

– Equine brainiac Lukas has been added to the Guiness Book of World Records for “Most numbers correctly identified by a horse in one minute.”

– Don’t forget to enter the EN Point-Two contest to win a free airjacket just in time for Christmas. 

Game faces on? Now go shop!