What better way to commemorate a remarkable Olympic experience? Laura Collett’s #supergroom, Tilly Hughes, had some cool new cushions created for the lorry and we think it meets dog-in-residence Coco’s approval!
EN’s classified site, Sport Horse Nation, got a makeover! It’s still the eventers-only online marketplace you know and love, but we’ve added advanced user features and upgraded search functionality to make it easier for riders to connect with the unicorns they’re searching for. EN readers get unlimited free listings until October 10th with promo code “GoEventing” at checkout. Check it out today! [SHN]
Amerigo Saddles are designed to keep you in proper balance with your horse without interfering with their body. After all, good tack should not be a distraction — really, you and your horse should barely even notice it because it’s fit well and functions properly. You can explore Amerigo’s full line of jumping and dressage saddles, and book your personalized fitting appointment with the pros at World Equestrian Brands, here.
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We’re looking forward to Mai Baum’s “swan song” at Maryland 5 Star!
We’ve got two CCI5* events left on the calendar this year, both happening this month at the MARS Maryland 5 Star (October 16-20) and Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (October 24-27), and while we eagerly await the full entry list at Pau we do know that Boyd Martin is aiming two of his horses (Fedarman B and Miss Lulu Herself) at this 5*, as are Will Coleman and Off the Record and defending champions Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Much more to come on the final 5* of the 2024 season — stay tuned.
An FEI stakeholder meeting was held on October 1 to address the social license and welfare issues facing the sport of dressage. The meeting served to reaffirm the core objectives of the sport, as well as to work through ways to realign things to match up better with these core values. [Read the summary]
After 14 years as a rider and coach at Germany’s Warendorf facility, Julia Krajewski is moving on. “It’s a personal decision,” Julia told ReiterRevue. “The time after the Olympic Games is the phase in which athletes think about what to do next. I really enjoyed working as a national coach. I have been a rider and trainer for 14 years now. Now a different phase is coming. I want to concentrate more on myself in the coming period.” Talks are currently underway to identify and hire a new coach at Warendorf, which systematically produces young event riders to the top levels of the sport and has seen numerous success stories out of its program. [More on this story]
Silva Martin lit up the Oval this past weekend during Dressage at Devon, winning the Devon Dance-Off competition with her longtime homebred partner, Rosa Cha. We LOVED Silva’s full embracing of the hippie outfit, just saying. [Read the story]
Entries for the Educational 3-Day at Florida Horse Park are open now! Don’t miss out on this incredible project from the local eventing community dedicated to education and fun at every level of the sport, happening November 18-23 just outside of Ocala. Entry fees go up at the end of October. You can join this Facebook group for more information on the event.
Closing date for the October Eventing Academy at Stable View is TODAY! The October Academy will take place October 11-13 and features ample opportunity for schooling and practice ahead of a low-pressure, unrecognized competition on the final day. You can accumulate points for year-end prizes and gain some valuable experience without the hefty fees. October is one of three Eventing Academy dates left on the 2024 calendar, so don’t miss out! Learn more here. You can also read a write-up on the Stable View Eventing Academy here.
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Get some tips on your 10-meter circles from FEI judge and 5* rider Valerie Pride:
A 5*-sized throwback this Thursday from you out of The Chronicle of the Horse archives: now a renowned Olympic course designer, Derek di Grazia is also a top competitor, riding at the top levels of the sport and winning Kentucky’s then-3* competition in 1985 with Sasquatch. You can read more about this stop on memory lane here.
We’re going to use most of the space in today’s News & Notes to share some opportunities to help those affected by Hurricane Helene as well as news and updates from around the horse communities affected.
Please note, while we do our best to verify the opportunities below, we always advise that you check the context of those gathering donations and otherwise offering help and ensure that you’re giving to an organization or person you trust. We also know this is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to email us at [email protected] with a link to a credible donation outlet or charitable organization.
Take a tour of the beautiful TerraNova Equestrian Center, which looks foward to welcoming eventers at all levels to the November Event at TerraNova (November 14-17) in Myakka City, FL.
A few personnel and staffing changes at the FEI lead off our news round-up this morning as the international governing body has announced a new Director of Eventing to replace Catrin Norinder upon retirement after 37 years of service.
For her part, Catrin Norinder has been involved in the organization of equestrian sports at the Olympic Games starting with Seoul the same year she was hired (1988). She also played a key role in the creation of the Eventing Risk Management Program.
Frédérique Reffet Plantier will take over as Director of Eventing in 2025. Photo courtesy of the FEI.
Frédérique Reffet Plantier will now step up to replace Catrin, effective January 1, 2025. Catrin will stay on in a consulting role for the first part of 2025 to assist with the handover of the role. An FEI press release about the appointment reads:
Working with the FEI since 2012, Reffet Plantier started in the Eventing and Olympic Department working closely with the Director and colleagues on all aspects of event and competition management, FEI Committee administration, and the development of risk management practices within the discipline.
In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Senior Manager within the office of the FEI Secretary General, allowing her to gain valuable experience in governance and decision-making, significantly expanding her skill set in both leadership and management.
“Throughout her time at the FEI, we have had the pleasure of observing Frédérique’s significant contributions across her various roles,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.
“She has approached each challenge with unwavering professionalism and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage complex projects.
“Frédérique is well placed to take on this key role within the organisation, with her comprehensive knowledge of the Eventing discipline and her familiarity with the internal workings of the FEI governance structures. Her inclusive and supportive nature has made her a trusted and valued member of the FEI team at our headquarters in Lausanne and we are excited to see the next chapter of the FEI Eventing Department develop under her leadership.”
Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee and former Olympic Eventing gold medallist from the USA, David O’Connor said, “Frédérique brings to the Director’s position a deep understanding of the operational framework of the Eventing discipline, practical experience in implementing these elements at events worldwide, and a sound awareness of horses as an avid equestrian herself.
“Throughout her involvement in the sport’s evolution, Frédérique has played a crucial role in significant decisions, including changes to the Olympic format and advancements in Eventing Risk Management.
“Having witnessed Frédérique’s growth within the sport, I am confident that her respect for its history, combined with her openness to new approaches for future advancement, makes her the ideal candidate for the Director of Eventing position.”
In other personnel news from the FEI, its Communications Director, Olivia Robinson, has also departed from her role after 18 years of service. The governing body will now reassess its operations and departments with findings to be reported in the coming months.
Ocala’s World Equestrian Center housed 1,200 horses during Hurricane Helene. What goes into this effort to help keep horses and humans safe during extreme weather events? Read more here.
Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships, which were to be held at Stable View this weekend, have been postponed to October 24-27 as the venue continues to grapple with damage done as Helene moved through Aiken. Declarations and entries have subsequently been extended to October 15, and full refunds will be given to any competitors provided they scratch by October 4. More information here.
British Equestrian has unveiled a new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which includes six key strategic objectives outlined through research for Horses For All. More information on this plan here.
How can you overcome the things that overwhelm you, especially when it comes to competitive environments? Coach Daniel Stewart has some advice in his latest “Pressure Proof” column for the USEA, and it involves things we can practice both in and out of the saddle. Read more here.
We can’t wait to spend “a day in the country” with you next weekend at the Morven Park Fall International & H.T.! With eventing action and championships happening at multiple levels, a slew of awards on offer for top performers, and plenty of ways to enhance the spectator experience, this is truly a fall event not to be missed. Tailgate and VIP opportunities start at just $150, and you can secure your spot here and here.
We’ll have our defending Pau CCI5* champions back this year to defend their title! Great Britain’s Ros Canter, fresh off a win at Burghley and a gold medal in Paris, will bring Izilot DHI to Pau at the end of October, and we’re chomping at the bit to see the rest of the entry list for the final 5* of the 2024 season. Stay tuned for more news!
EN’s classified site, Sport Horse Nation, got a makeover! We’re still the eventers-only online marketplace you know and love, but we’ve added advanced user features and upgraded search functionality to make it easier for riders to connect with the unicorns they’re searching for. Check it out today!
If you’re in Germany, here’s a cool opportunity for you: Ingrid Klimke’s facility regularly opens up for open training days, where spectators can go and see a typical day of training and watch Ingrid’s training philosophies at work. See open dates and register here.
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Would you try “horse agility”? Asking for a friend.
It’s been a heck of a week for anyone in the path of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. The storm came ashore late last night in Florida’s Big Bend region and has since worked its way northwest, leaving major flooding, property damage, and power loss in its wake. Stable View was one event affected by the storm, reporting over 30 downed trees and multiple damages to property (no injuries to horses or humans though) and causing the event to shift its start to today.
We hope you have been able to stay safe, wherever you are!
EN’s classified site, Sport Horse Nation, got a makeover! We’re still the eventers-only online marketplace you know and love, but we’ve added advanced user features and upgraded search functionality to make it easier for riders to connect with the unicorns they’re searching for. Check it out today!
World Equestrian Brands ambassador Sharon White trusts Amerigo Saddles and Vespucci bridles, tack options without distractions because they fit well and hold up to the tough sport that is eventing. Learn more about these brands here.
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Watch cross country live from the FEI Nations Cup leg at Lignières!
We are underway today at Stable View Oktoberfest, where an absolutely bursting roster of competitors spanning nearly every level is ready to tackle this perennial fall stop on the calendar. We’ll be bringing you a full report from the CCI4*-S division later this weekend, but in the meantime don’t forget that Horse & Country will be hosting a live stream (membership or streaming pass required) from show jumping this afternoon around 1:18 p.m. EST. You can follow along with the live stream here and with live scoring here. You can also check out our preview of the weekend that was published yesterday here. Good luck and Go Eventing to all!
The Maryland 5 Star is in the news! Read up on this event and its hope to become one of the largest equestrian attractions in the horse-friendly state of Maryland here.
Meet this inspiring duo who competed at AECs last month. Tonka the Haflinger’s day job is to assist his owner and rider, Emma Kane-Mikan, with her work in mental health. [Read more on this pair]
Horses are shod differently based on their hoof health and which discipline they participate in. Biomechanics play a big factor in this decision-making process, as does the surface the horses is commonly ridden on. [Read an interesting deep dive on shoeing horses by discipline]
We are just a few weeks away from the 2024 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover! A few format changes and updates have been introduced this year. You can learn more about this year’s event and how to follow it here.
Some fun content is coming your way after show jumping brother duo Daniel and Steven Bluman took a day to visit Windurra, the home base of one Boyd Martin. We can’t WAIT to see what these boys got up to! Welcome to the dark side, Blumans.
Poplar Place H.T. (GA) could use your help to ensure their October event can run! As of yesterday, the venue posted that they need about 35 more entries to make the event viable. Late fees will be waived until Friday, 9/27. Click here for more information on how to enter.
If you’re fleeing the path of Hurricane Helene, Carolina Horse Park (NC) has also opened up their stabling to evacuees. Stalls are $10 per night and you will need to bring at least 3 days worth of shavings, food, and supplies. You can also view some tips on prepping for hurricane season here. [More information]
Do you have a crooked horse? There are several signs that this might be the case, and bodywork and physio expert Jo Ann Wilson has some valuable advice on how to identify and treat these signs. [More here]
California-based Taylor McFall beelined her way straight to a horse’s back as soon as she knew what a horse was. Fast forward a few years, and she’s now full speed ahead as a budding young professional. [Read this great feature on Taylor]
No detail has been spared in the exquisite main barn at TerraNova. Photo by Jane Bannon Photography.
Who doesn’t have a visit to TerraNova Equestrian Center (Myakka City, FL) on their bucket list? Just check out the incredible attention to detail in these barns. The competitor and spectator experience at TerraNova is not one to be missed! We hope to see you at the November FEI event, happening November 14-17. Click here for more information.
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Another fun helmet cam coming your way, this time from Bouckaert Farm in Georgia!
Many happy returns to Sydney Elliott, the Traveling Reserve rider in Paris this summer with QC Diamantaire, who was inducted in the Northwest Louisiana Walk of Stars this week. According to the Walk of Stars website, “The Walk of Stars award was created to recognize individuals from northwest Louisiana who are distinguished in their professional and/or civic endeavors or who have brought recognition and attention to the area. The honorees may come from any profession or industry including, but not limited to, athletics, music, acting, business, politics, education and community service.”
Congratulations and well-deserved, Sydney! You can watch a video of the proceedings below:
William Fox-Pitt has been named to the Horse of the Year Show judging panel happening next month. He’ll joined by fellow judges Ann Overton-Ablitt and Tissie Reason, and will be part of a panel that includes Colin Tibbey, Simon Reynolds, and Caroline Dale-Leech. [Read more here]
Catch up with Hong Kong eventer Yuxuan Su after a busy summer season in this blog.
What should you know about topical antibiotics and horses? Learn more on The Horsehere.
How effective is the use of a whip on cross country? Researchers in the UK wanted to know. This study looked at whip use during 200 videoed cross-country (XC) rounds at the FEI 2*-5* level. Variables recorded included fence type, fence number, number of whip hits, stage of jump, faults occurred, viable reasons for use, and horse’s reaction. [See the findings]
Sponsor Corner: Morven Park Fall International & H.T.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
The entries are in and Northern Virginia’s most historic horse park is gearing up for competition! The Morven Park Fall International & Horse Trials are less than a month away. Pack a picnic and come #playlearndiscover the exciting sport of eventing on October 10th through the 13th. Tailgate spaces are located in the center of the cross-country course, awarding spectators prime viewing of world-class eventing against the scenic backdrop of the Davis Mansion. Or take advantage of the best seats in the park for 4*-S and 4*-L dressage and show jumping with passes to the VIP Hospitality Tent.
A check in with our most recent Burghley champion is a great way to start our Sunday, and here’s a look at Lordships Graffalo, the partner of Ros Canter in Paris and for her recent Burghley win, making the most of his vacation time. You earned it, Walter!
Some major upgrades are underway at Bromont Horse Park in Bromont, Canada just to the east of Montreal. This project involves a teardown of the existing stalls in the permanent stabling and an upgrade to the footing in the barns, followed by a build of new stalls. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from this must-see/must-do event north of the border.
Did you know you can now find Equipe saddles on World Equestrian Brands? The Selleria Equipe brand represents quality craftsmanship and attention to the detail, representing manufacturing excellence in Italy and worldwide. Each saddle is crafted to satisfy the demands of both the rider and the horse in their chosen equestrian discipline. Selleria Equipe combines this craftsmanship spirit with a great design and material innovation, using a revolutionary carbon fiber in the tree. [Click here to learn more]
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Ride between the ears around the Training level cross country at this year’s AECs in Kentucky!
Take a gander at David Evans’ cross country set up for this weekend’s Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L, which you can follow along with live on H&C+ here all weekend. You can preview the cross country tracks on CrossCountryApp here.
Today will see the wrap-up of dressage for the various 4* divisions, which also include key 8- and 9-year-old sub-divisions that offer a glimpse at some serious horses for the near future. This graphic from EquiRatings illustrates:
You can follow along with scores and ride times, including for the healthy contingent of U.S. riders competing this weekend, here. We’ll check back in with periodic updates from Blenheim this weekend.
The National Steeplechase Association has revoked the sanction for the 2024 International Gold Cup to run at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA (the former site of Great Meadow International for eventing), which was slated to be held in late October. The Association “deemed the Great Meadow racecourse to be in disrepair and unsafe.” The races will now take place at Glenwood Park in Middleburg, VA. [More on this story]
Meet Sophie Callard, a former physical education teacher who’s taking a crack at her first CCI4*-L this weekend at Blenheim Palace. [Read the story]
A Texas equine vet is facing felony charges for animal cruelty having to do with the use of a cattle prod on a horse. Her license to practice had already been revoked earlier this year. Warning: the story linked here contains graphic depictions of abuse.
When should brands jump on social media trends, and when is it best to cool your jets? Equerry / Co dives into this topic in their latest business column. [Read it here]
Get a peek at some of the behind the scenes prep that goes into pulling off a big community event like Stable View’s Oktoberfest, which is coming up September 26-29 in Aiken, SC. VIP tickets can still be purchased here.
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Hear from David Evans on his Blenheim Palace cross country challenge:
A cute lead for you this morning as Colleen Loach’s FE Golden Eye, who’s a man of many trades, took to the leadline arena for some slightly lower pressure competition (though really, the stakes can get pretty high in those leadline classes!). You go, Goldie!
We haven’t heard much of Oliver Townend’s 5* ride and Pau runner-up, Tregilder, but we now have an update that he’s been sold on to a young rider for his owners, the Hazeldine family. He’s already picked up a ribbon out competing in his new role as a professor!
Read up on Aubrey Graham, who has a column all about retraining Thoroughbreds over on Horse Nation, and the success she’s found through the Thoroughbred horse and the study of anthropology.
Braden Speck is putting his stamp on the sport of eventing, and his story is one all of us can draw inspiration from.
Just like humans, horses are in many ways what they eat. How does a horse’s diet affect their behavior? Read more on this topic here.
Destination: TerraNova. The opening date for entries is approaching on October 1, and you’ll find a level for everyone at this popular end of season event (November 15-17). From Starter up through CCI4*-L, and with Long formats at 1* and up, this is a great opportunity to test out a move up or look to end the season on a competitive bang. Visit the TerraNova website to plan your trip to Myakka City, FL.
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Looking for a glimpse of the cross country at TerraNova? Ride around a CCI1*-S track with Elisa Wallace and Tullymurry Fifi:
We’re very saddened to report this morning that Susie Berry (IRL) has announced the sudden passing of her Paris Olympics horse, Wellfields Lincoln, due to a tragic field accident. Susie announced the news on her Instagram page yesterday.
“Heartbroken to say that we very sadly lost Lincoln yesterday in a tragic field accident,” Susie wrote. “Anyone who knows me will know how much we all adored him. He’ll leave a huge hole in our hearts. Thank you Slinky for all the opportunities and memories. You really were one in a million.”
“Slinky” partnered with Susie for her first Olympic appearance for the Irish. They finished 31st individually for the team. This was a horse Susie had produced from his young horse days, having taken the ride over from Jonty Evans after his life-altering fall in 2018.
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re sending our most heartfelt condolences to Susie and her team, as well as Slinky’s owners and connections.
Some news from the show jumping space, where the upcoming Las Vegas leg of the Longines FEI World Cup series was suddenly canceled after a change in management companies. The show will still host national classes as the management shifts from Blenheim to Desert International Horse Park. [More on this story on The Chronicle of the Horse]
A Willy Wonka themed freestyle cemented Elisa Wallace’s latest mustang win, earning the English competition win at the inaugural Mustang Magic. “The goal has been to really get these horses out, and he’s an amazing ambassador for the breed,” Elisa told Practical Horseman. “[Mustangs are] fantastic. They are really fun horses with really nice qualities.” Read more on Elisa and her fellow competitors here.
Horse Sport brings forward some questions for Equestrian Canada at their upcoming Annual General Meeting. The publication reviewed EC’s Annual Report and dives into their top six questions, most of them relating to finance and promised by-law changes, here.
Dana Cooke and FE Quattro. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The entries are flowing in and Northern Virginia’s most historic horse park is gearing up for competition! The Morven Park Fall International & Horse Trials are less than a month away. Pack a picnic and come #playlearndiscover the exciting sport of eventing on October 10th through the 13th.
Tailgate spaces are located in the center of the cross country course, awarding spectators prime viewing of world-class eventing against the scenic backdrop of the Davis Mansion. Or take advantage of the best seats in the park for 4*-S and 4*-L dressage and show jumping with passes to the VIP Hospitality Tent.
For competitors, don’t forget that MARS Equestrian is generously funding an award for the top American-bred horse in the 4*-L division (or, if no horses qualify in this division, the 4*-S) at this event. The USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships for 6- and 7-year-olds will also be held at Morven Park.
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A fun helmet cam from GMHA last month. This one comes from Jane Kreppein and Sport, who finished on their dressage score in fifth place in the Training Rider division.
Sporty and I completed both our first modified yesterday 🥹 He put down a beautiful dressage and show jump, and felt so confident around a large cross country course at GMHA, finishing second in the open 🥈. So lucky to have a great team of support and I am so proud of him!! 🥰♥️
Posted by Jane Kreppein on Monday, September 16, 2024
Have you been following the inaugural Mustang Classic at Kentucky Horse Park this week? This new competition showcases the versatility of the Mustang breed, and one of the well-known eventers who’s made a name for herself as a Mustang trainer is competing.
Elisa Wallace is a name many will associate both with eventing as well as Mustang work, having produced several former wild horses up the levels as well as to prepare them for forever homes. She’s also a decorated Mustang competitor, and she’s looking to add another win or two to her shelf with Zephyr, a five-year-old Mustang who Elisa only got in February of this year.
After two days of competition, which consisted of a Training level dressage test on Friday and a show jumping / cross country fence phase on Saturday. The top 10 (or, in this case, 12 after a scoring miscalculation was corrected by awarding two additional spots to the final phase) move forward to a Freestyle today to determine the winner of the lion’s share of the $125,000 in prize funds.
Elisa and Zephyr currently sit atop the leaderboard, and you can follow along live for free on Equestrian+ here. Practical Horseman has been covering this event, and you can read their Saturday recap here.
It’s cross country day for the CCI4*-S and Advanced running at The Fork at Tryon this weekend! Yesterday, the 4* riders did their dressage and show jumping, and it’s currently Great Britain’s Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri leading the charge on a two-phase score of 28.4. Will Coleman and Pau-bound Off the Record are second on a 30.1, followed by Phillip Dutton and Jewelent on a 34.5. Boyd Martin currently leads the Advanced with the return of his Paris horse, Fedarman B, on a score of 28.9.
We’ll see the official unveiling of new designer Clayton Fredericks’ cross country track today (unfortunately, there is no live stream to share with you). Clayton has taken over for former designer Capt. Mark Phillips. You can view cross country maps here.
Check back later today for a full report from the conclusion of competition at Tryon here on EN.
If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable boot you can genuinely walk around in all day, look no further than the aptly-named Sergio Grasso Walk & Ride collection. Featuring a traditional tall boot as well as a boot and half-chap option with a selection of accent colors, these boots are perfect for the active eventer. Learn more here.
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Don’t forget to do your #LapForLiz and share it to your socials!
Make it an Oktoberfest to remember at Stable View!
Make plans to join us for the Oktoberfest CCI and HT VIP Experience on Saturday, September 28th! From 11am to 4pm, VIP ticket holders receive access to the Stable View Pavilion’s Upper Deck with a 360-degree view of all the action.
Enjoy a catered luncheon with delicious fare including Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce, Crème Fraiche – Vodka Deviled Eggs with Caviar, Waffle Fried Chicken with Syrup and Hot Sauce, Sauerbraten Sliders with Red Cabbage, Apple Strudel, and more delectable delights. Cool off with a cold beverage from a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options on site. Each guest also receives Stable View swag to take home.
VIP guests are encouraged to relax in a Stable View Adirondack chair at the Pavilion as well as stroll around the expansive property to experience all that Stable View has to offer.
Oktoberfest Saturday Happenings:
Watch some of the top international eventers compete in the CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions in addition to national levels from Beginner Novice through Advanced. Cheer on our competitors!
The Aiken Horsepower Association’s Annual Car Show will be on site adjacent to the Pavilion featuring fast cars and hot rods along with knowledgeable car owners to chat about their wheels. Do you feel the need for speed?
Vendor Row is full of local and national vendors featuring equestrian and non-equestrians’ gifts and goods just in time for holiday shopping lists! Grab a special keepsake from Oktoberfest.
End the day with friends at the Graze & Gaze happy hour sponsored by StableFeed from 5pm-7pm! The Graze & Gaze is hosted downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Pub. Complimentary food and beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic options) for VIP guests, competitors, and families.
VIP Luncheon tickets are $150 per person and are available at Stable View Oktoberfest VIP. Children under 5 years old are free.
A study from the University of Bristol reveals that veterinarians often feel a conflict of interest in terms of balancing proper horse care and welfare with the owner’s desire to compete. Read the breakdown on this important finding here.
Oktoberfest will be here before you know it! Make sure you’re following Stable View on Instagram for some great updates on stabling, fun activities happening year-round at the facility, and more.
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Cosby Green stopped by The Jon and Rick Show, fresh off another 5* with the ageless Copper Beach.
A lovely sight to get us off on the right foot this morning: two happy, healthy Olympic horses hanging living their best life. This duo of best pals is Tom McEwen’s Paris Olympic partner, with whom he won team gold last month, JL Dublin (left) and his Paris partner, Toledo de Kerser, who helped him to a team gold and individual silver medal in Tokyo (2021).
Lateral work is perhaps one of the most useful groups of exercises in the development of the horse as these exercises are fundamental to developing both suppleness and eventually collection. Take a dive into the nuance and purpose of common lateral movements over on Horse Nation.
Don’t forgot to send in your application (or tell someone you know about it!) for the 2024 Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Camp, happening in Berryville, VA at Sara Kozumplik and Edy Rameika’s Overlook Farm October 17-20. The camp is open to all ages, and there are horses available for those unable to bring a horse. Applications are due September 15. More information here.
Also coming due for applications is the Kim Meier Kick On Memorial Grant, given out by the USEA Foundation “a top level eventing athlete who made it to the highest levels of the sport through her own grit and determination. This grant is intended to assist those riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horse(s) at the Intermediate level and above who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. Preference will also be given to riders that are competing on horses that they bred.” Applications are due on October 15. More information here.
Eventer and dressage rider and trainer Chelsea Canedy is heading to the inaugural Mustang Classic this year, and the story of her untouched mustang and the journey she’s been on to produce the horse for this competition is one you’ll definitely not want to miss. Catch it on Practical Horseman here.
Have you begun planning your visit to the The Event at TerraNova, happening November 14-17 in Myakka City, FL? Whether you’re planning to compete in this one-of-a-kind venue’s full roster of divisions, ranging from Starter through Intermediate and from CCI1*-L to CCI4*-L, or you’re coming to take in the sights, it’s never too early to get to planning. Check out TerraNova’s advice on planning your trip here.
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Want to establish a steadier contact with your horse? Try these three tips from Amelia Newcomb:
Congratulations are in order for Kiwi rider Monica Spencer and her groom at Burghley, Michelle Koppin, on winning the Spillers Horse Care Prize for their efforts to keep Artist in top shape for his efforts toward an 11th place overall finish. Artist’s farrier, Russell Deering, also won The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award.
“The Spillers Horse Care Prize was judged by Bea di Grazia and recognises outstanding horse care, focusing on health, wellbeing, and welfare,” a social media post shared about the two prizes. “Bea, who has been judging since Wednesday’s first horse inspection, left no stone unturned in evaluating the care provided to each horse, both in and out of the arena. With the help of her dedicated team of spotters, this truly was a team effort to ensure the highest standards were met across the board. The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award examines the condition of the feet, the making (preparation) and fitting the shoe and nailing and position of the clips.”
Before we get to the rest of today’s links, we wanted to address the allegations of abuse lodged against CCI5* rider and Burghley competitor Andrew McConnon this weekend. We will be reporting on this developing story soon, so please know that it is on our radar, there are simply some steps of due diligence we are currently undertaking to ensure we are reporting with integrity. Check back soon.
Turning and finding distances are closely related, so how can you work on both at once? These tips from Practical Horseman can be useful to any rider.
Happy horses means giving them time to socialize and learn from one another. Does group or pasture turnout help with this? Most of us would agree, but what’s the reasoning behind this concept? Take a deeper dive here.
A real throwback for you this morning: some cross country footage from one Ian Stark and Murphy Himself, who enjoyed a storied career together back in the long format days of eventing. Watch it here.
A learner’s mind is a vital tool for any horse person. How can this open up additional opportunities in your riding and training? The Plaid Horse writer Beth Lindsay reflects on this here.
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Watch Ros Canter scoop the Burghley trophy with a clear show jumping round aboard Lordships Graffalo yesterday:
By time time you read this, it’s likely Burghley cross country day will be underway already, but in any case: WELCOME to the biggest day at “Big, Bad, Burghley!” We can’t wait to see how today shakes out on what is arguably (or, maybe not) the toughest cross country course in the world.
I mean, just look at this. Look at it!
Photo via Sarah Ennis on Facebook.
Safe to say, we’re feeling good about watching, maybe not so good at the prospect of riding. But as Monica Spencer, who unfortunately is not tall enough to plank the iconic Cottesmore Leap as pictured above, said yesterday, “I’m terrified, but I’m sure once I leave the start box, I’ll find some bravery!”
In all seriousness, we’re wishing everyone safe rides today. As we all know, safety is never guaranteed in high-risk sports like these. The biggest priority is getting our horses home safely and confidently — I think most riders will tell you that the rest is nearly icing on the cake, especially when bearing in mind those we have lost and those who are currently recovering from injuries. Let’s always remind ourselves to do right by our horses, and to let this guide our decisions and our mentality as we take on life’s challenges (even if those don’t include a Burghley cross country ride).
It may be the final days of summer, but it’s still HOT HOT HOT out there in most areas. We’ve been obsessing over the Equilibrium Quick-Chill Sheet, which leverages water-activated conduction technology to effectively dissipate heat from your horse’s body, promoting optimal comfort without the hassle of traditional soaking methods. Easily reactivated with water, it offers a reusable, eco-friendly cooling solution that can be used multiple times, making it ideal for competitive environments, remote locations, or even during travel restrictions like hose pipe bans.
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Go back to Burghley 2015 and ride around cross country “between the ears” with William Fox Pitt and Fernhill Pimms:
Exciting news for all of you AEC competitors: your photo galleries are now online thanks to the hard work of the Erin Gilmore Photography team! The shot above is one of the most epic shots from the “Starter Olympics”, which gave riders the opportunity to ride on the hallowed grounds of the Kentucky 5* and get shots such as this one in front of the Rolex Stadium. You can shop for your gallery of photos here.
It’s important to know your horse’s body condition, as nutrition is a vital part of keeping our horses healthy for whatever their path in life is. But scoring a body condition can be challenging for untrained eyes. This primer from The Horse might help.
If you ask an eventing fan, they can probably name a handful of Thoroughbreds that can hang with the warmbloods on the first day of eventing competition. Can the Thoroughbred breed “measure up” to the warmbloods in both eventing dressage and pure dressage? One judge thinks so (and we agree!). Read more here.
Speaking of Thoroughbreds, one of them danced their way to a low 30s score yesterday at Burghley, and that’s one plucky OTTB named Phelps. Read up on he and Mia Farley’s journey to Burghley here.
We are wishing Zoe Archer all the best after she was seriously injured in a fall while trying a horse on cross country earlier this week. “Yesterday when trying a horse XC, we had a very unlucky rotational fall resulting in me breaking my nose, lacerating my liver and my lung partially collapsing with a pneumothorax,” Zoe, who rides for Barbados and competed in the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2018 and 2023, wrote on Instagram. “I am extremely lucky to be here today and I am so grateful for the protection my body protector and my helmet provided me with.”
Stable View’s Oktoberfest is just around the corner! You can always find some great food, vendors, and activities on site at one of our favorite venues in Aiken, and Oktoberfest is their opportunity to really pull out the stops. Learn more and get those entries in here.
We’re starting today off in honor of Lefreda Williams, a founding member of one of our favorite venues, the Carolina Horse Park, who passed away recently at the age of 87.
“For over 50 years, Lefreda dedicated her life to eventing and fox hunting,” a memorial posted by Carolina Horse Park reads. “Her passion for the sport led her to become a Horse Trials Organizer in 1970 and to serve on the Board of Governors for the USCTA for 13 years. She played a crucial role in shaping the Carolina Horse Park Foundation, where she served as vice president, president, and, most recently, as a dedicated director on the board. Lefreda’s impact stretched far beyond her titles and accolades. She was named one of the Ten Most Influential People in Moore County in 2000, and her influence only grew with time. From organizing the inaugural USEA American Eventing Championships to personally ensuring the cross-country courses were impeccably prepared, Lefreda never stopped giving back to the sport she loved.”
We will honor the legacy left by Lefreda and are sending our well-wishes and sympathies to all who knew and loved her. Rest peacefully.
An oldie but goodie from Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter, all on the topic of allowing ourselves to get rid of the mentality that “only” riding “bad” horses and fixing problems doesn’t necessarily make you a better rider. Agree or disagree? [Read it here]
We love our amazing eventing volunteers! If you’re in the Sarasota area or planning to pay a visit to TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, there are plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand. As an additional bonus, every hour worked by a volunteer translates into $20 donated to a local charity. You can stay in the loop for volunteer opportunities at TerraNova’s full slate of competitions, including the TerraNova CCI4*-L in November, here.
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Speaking of TerraNova, get a feel for some of the cross country action with this CCI1*-S helmet cam from Elisa Wallace and Tullymurry Fifi:
It’s JOG DAY at Defender Burghley and we couldn’t be more excited to get this 5* party started. We’ve got an absolutely delicious entry list ready for you, and our traditional Form Guide to the full field of competitors will be dropping later on today, so stay tuned. In the meantime, make sure you’re all signed up for Burghley TV, which for about $25 USD will give you access to all of the live and on demand coverage from this year and previous years for a full 365 days. We’ll have Tilly’s preview of Derek di Grazia’s course coming your way soon as well, and you can also keep an eye on this page for the publication of the interactive cross country map. In the meantime, take a quick peek at some of the amazing designs in the Instagram post above, and keep it locked right here on EN for much more.
The FEI has announced an international stakeholders meeting aimed at addressing the challenges currently facing the sport and industry of dressage. “While the FEI fully recognizes the challenges currently facing the discipline of dressage and has worked to address issues as they have arisen, the primary focus in recent months has been on delivering key events, as well as a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, which has required considerable attention and resources,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in a press release announcing the meeting. “Our goal now is to collaborate closely with all our stakeholders to address the challenges facing dressage. While many in our community recognize the urgency of the situation, others may not yet fully grasp the critical juncture at which equestrian sport currently stands.” The Chronicle of the Horse reports more on this story here.
There’s a major gender imbalance when it comes to sports media, and we saw this in spades while in Paris covering the equestrian sports. Glorious Sport’s Hannah Bailey traveled to Paris to document this for herself, and the resulting piece is certainly worth your time for a read. [We Mind the Gap]
It’s a well-known fact that horses, wild or domesticated, have been a key part of human civilization throughout history. “As they spread, horses reshaped ecology, social structures and economies at a never-before-seen scale,” William Taylor writes for The Washington Post. “Ultimately, only industrial mechanization supplanted their near-universal role in society.” Thanks to science, we are learning more and more about the horse’s orgin story and how it evolved around humans. This fascinating read is a great way to learn about what we know, what we’re challenging, and what we have yet to learn.
Don’t miss out on this story of a Thoroughbred taking on the USEA Young Event Horse competition. “Ninja is carrying the flag for sport-bred Thoroughbreds, my breeding program, my training program, and representing his sire Saketini. Ninja shows up to work with a smile every day and an occasional playful squeal. I was breeding for an upper-level horse: smart, balanced, athletic, and fun, who loves to gallop and jump, and so far, he’s exceeding all my expectations,” Audrea Dyer writes for the USEA.
Did you know that each U.S. Eventing athlete who competed at the Paris summer Olympics also competed at Morven Park last October?
See extraordinary athletes like our Olympians up close at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, October 11-13, 2024. Spectator admission is FREE, so don’t forget to take some time to visit their bustling vendor village as well as a variety of food trucks. Come #playlearndiscover the exciting sport of eventing!
If you’d like to upgrade your experience, reserve a tailgate space located in the center of the cross-country course on Saturday October 12th or enjoy the VIP Tent experience for all three days! This is the PERFECT way to spend a “Day in the Country”!
