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Jenni Autry
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Jenni Autry

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About Jenni Autry

Originally from San Diego, Jenni discovered eventing thanks to the Bedford Hunt Pony Club in Virginia. After working in both newspapers and magazines, she joined the EN team in 2012. She travels extensively covering the U.S. Eventing Team and has reported at the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, Luhmühlen and Pau. As for her favorite event, it’s a toss-up between Aachen and Boekelo. When she isn’t on the road, she’s busy competing her heart horse, Imperial Striker, better known as Derry.

Latest Articles Written

EN’s Big Fat Guide to the New Medical Bracelet Rule [Updated]

By on Mar 17, 2014 12:00 pm -
Ride Safe bracelets are one of the many options you can choose! Ride Safe bracelets are one of the many options you can choose!

Without further ado, here’s our best attempt to answer the top three burning questions we received in regards to EV113.3, the new USEF rule that as of April 1 will allow eventers to wear medical bracelets in lieu of medical armbands at competitions. As a refresher, here’s the text of the rule again:

“EV113.3 MEDICAL CARDS/MEDICAL BRACELETS. An approved and completed medical card or medical bracelet is required any time while jumping. Medical cards must be enclosed in a transparent, waterproof carrier. Medical cards must be securely attached to the competitor’s upper arm on the outside of the competitor’s clothing. Medical bracelets must be visible on the competitor’s wrist. Medical cards must include any relevant medical history, injury (particularly to the head), drug allergies and current medication. If wearing a medical bracelet, any relevant medical history injury (particularly to the head), drug allergies and current medication must be included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website. Athletes are responsible to record all injuries on the card or in the case of a medical bracelet, update their medical information online. Failure to wear one’s own medical card or bracelet shall be penalized by a fine of $100 (payable to the Organizing Committee).”

1. Which brands of bracelets are legal?

Shealagh Costello, USEF’s director of Eventing National Programs and resident rule guru for all things eventing, clarified that “all medical bracelets which meet the criteria prescribed in EV113.1 are considered acceptable.” Note that the rule states “any relevant medical history injury (particularly to the head), drug allergies and current medication must be included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website.” 

That means in order to be legal, your bracelet must be linked to an online medical form AND display the necessary information for emergency personnel to access that form.

For example, RoadID offers two versions of its medical ID bracelets: original and interactive. The original gives you six lines to personalize with your information, but it does not connect to RoadID’s online medical database. The interactive gives you two lines to personalize with information, with the remaining four lines providing instructions on how medical personnel can access the rest online.

NOT legal — Does not provide a way for medical personnel to access your information

NOT legal — Does not provide a way for medical personnel to access your information online

The original version of a RoadID bracelet (shown above as an example) is NOT legal, as it does not connect to the online medical database. But the interactive version (shown below) IS legal, as it provides a web URL for medical personnel to access your information online.

LEGAL — provides a way for medical personnel to access your history online

LEGAL — provides a way for medical personnel to access your history online

Here’s a quick list of medical bracelets I’ve found so far that meet the online access criteria in the rule:

Ride Safe ($35 per bracelet, $3 annual fee for online access)
RoadID (interactive version only, bracelet prices range from $17.99-$29.99, $9.99 annual charge for online database)
Medical Alert ($30-55 annual membership for online service, includes free basic ID)
American Medical ID (huge range of bracelet options, one-time $20 fee to activate online access)
TaggCode (scanned via QR code, prices start at $24.99, $5/month membership)

As you can see, it’s not a terribly long list so far, as many bracelets don’t offer the online medical form service. But I’m sure there are many more options out there. Have you found another brand of bracelet that meets the criteria in the rule? Post it in the comments below, and I’ll update the list.

2. What information must be displayed on the bracelets?

Shealagh clarified: “Per EV113.1, there is no requirement to display information ‘on’ the bracelet. The rule states: … ‘If wearing a medical bracelet, any relevant medical history injury (particularly to the head) drug allergies and current medication must be included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website.'”

So aside from a way for first responders to access your medical history online — which is required in the rule — you can legally put whatever you want on the bracelet. For example, I put my full name, year of birth, emergency contact and NKDA (no known drug allergies) on the first two lines of my RoadID bracelet. The remaining three lines contain the contact information for emergency personnel.

There are numerous medical abbreviations you can list on your bracelet. Click here for a good list to get you started. While the rule does not require you to list any abbreviations explaining your medical history — as your online medical form is meant to contain that information — it’s still a good idea to consider, especially if you have a medical condition.

If you’re like me and don’t have any sort of serious medical history, you can have some fun with what you engrave on your bracelet. EN reader Tiffany Wandy sent in a list of inspirational messages for eventers to consider engraving on their bracelets. Here are some of our favorites she suggested:

  • Keep calm and half halt
  • Keep calm and ride on
  • Keep calm and canter on
  • Nothing less than blue
  • Equestrians do it better
  • Live. Love. Ride.

And, of course, I have to add “Insanity in the middle” to that list.

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My RoadID bracelet with the custom “Kick On” badge. Please feel free to text my husband ridiculous things like “The chinchillas are coming!”

RoadID also has a fun option that let’s you add customized badges to your bracelet for an additional $5.99. I ordered one that says “Kick On” for my bracelet. I also emailed the customer service department requesting a “Go Eventing” badge and received a very nice email response back, so fingers crossed RoadID considers adding it!

3. Will the bracelets also be FEI legal?

Here’s Shealagh’s answer: “At this time, there is no provision in the FEI Eventing Rules for the use of medical bracelets, and we are not aware of any consideration of such a provision by the FEI.”

So don’t chuck your medical armband just yet. If you’re currently competing in FEI competitions or expect to at some point in the future, you’ll still need to wear your medical armband.

What other questions do you still have, EN? Post in the comments below or email [email protected]. Disclaimer: This is our best effort to provide clarification. If you have additional questions, please consider reaching out to your TD directly or contacting the USEA and USEF .

Go Eventing.

Update 3:15 p.m. EST: I just spoke to the USEF again for further clarification. The rule is now being passed off to the USEF’s legal team overnight for additional interpretation. I will provide additional answers just as soon as I can. Many thanks to the USEF for being super awesome and helpful!

Update 2:15 p.m. EST March 18: The USEF just sent the following clarification, which confirms that at this time ONLY bracelets that connect to an online medical form are legal.

Presently use of medical bracelets which do not provide access to the information required per EV113.3 on a vendor website are not permissible; only because the current language of the rule requires that the information be stored online. Any member of the USEF may submit a rule change to this effect. Following is a link to the USEF Rule Change Proposal form: http://prc.usef.org/propose.aspx

The Luck of the Irish: A History of the Flagmount Prefix

By on Mar 17, 2014 10:30 am -

While many people think Flagmount is an import stamp, the prefix actually comes from the sire Flagmount’s Freedom, owned by Janet Marden. With horses sired by “Flag” continuing to gain recognition as excellent competitors in the sport — particularly in Area V — Janet wrote a piece explaining how she got started in breeding. Many thanks to Janet for writing!

Janet and Flagmount's Amazing Grace competing in the Prelim Amateur Division at 2013 AECs. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Janet and Flagmount’s Amazing Grace competing in the Prelim Amateur Division at 2013 AECs. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

From Janet: 

Back in 1983, my friend gave me her 7-year-old Paint horse that had done little of nothing and was turned out in a pasture with kicking chains on. His original name Yambeau was quickly traded in for Dancin’ Cowboy and together, although neither of us had ever evented before, we finished sixth at Rolex in 1991 when he was 17. It was through him that I saw the benefits of hybrid vigor. “Spot” was big boned, athletic and some strange cross between a Paint and an Irish Thoroughbred that we never have been able to confirm.

He was tough, though; the bones in his legs were like telephone poles, and riding him, I was able to travel and show on the East Coast, where I was so impressed by many of the Irish horses that I saw when importing was slowly gaining popularity. I knew I would never be able to afford to import a horse, so I wanted to use my vet degree and breed that kind of horse. I saw an article endorsing Irish studs, one of which was a grade-A show jumper, Flagmount King, who was grandsired by King of Diamonds, so I bought frozen semen from him and bred my OTTB mare, beginning a journey I am still on.

Flagmount’s Freedom (Flag) was the result of that first breeding. We had also bred two Thoroughbred foals and one other Irish Sport Horse out of a different sire that year. The bone and presence of Flag compared to the three other foals let me know right away that he would be special. Flag never went through that awkward downhill stage so many horses do when growing up; he always looked like a little statue. He was always very good natured; when he was a weanling, I would walk out to the pasture and pet him, letting my then 2-year-old daughter sit on his back. The combination of his strong conformation and wonderful temperament made the decision easy to keep him as a stallion.

Natalie Lester, Janet's daughter, and Flag jogging up at the Virginia Horse Park in her first one-star, where they finished fifth. Photo by Mike Stewart.

Natalie Lester, Janet’s daughter, and Flag jogging up at the Virginia Horse Park in her first one-star, where they finished fifth. Photo by Mike Stewart.

I had high hopes for Flag. I hoped he would be a big-time horse, one for that could take me as far as I wanted to go. It seemed at first that he would be a serious upper-level mount. He was tough, very sound, had a wonderful mind and scope to burn. But as we began to move up the levels, one thing started to become clear — he wasn’t going to have the gallop. I rode him in a clinic with Bruce Davidson, and he confirmed what I had begun to suspect, telling me that it would take “one more cross.”

He liked Flag though and bred a few mares to him, one of which is Flagmount’s Nightcap, now owned and ridden by Kelly Prather. Flag was 7 years old in 2004, after we completed Radnor’s long format CCI2* that year with no cross-country jumping faults, I retired him for the first time, wanting to focus on the up-and-coming young horses that he had sired, who I hoped would have that one missing component he lacked — the gallop.

I bred Flag back to OTTB mares, all of which were completely unproven. Investing in really classy mares was not something I could do, so I worked with what I had and waited to see how they would turn out. The second crop consisted of three horses, all of which I was very impressed with. Flagmount’s Heartbreaker, Flagmount’s Sterling Prince and a beautiful bay colt we never got the chance to name all showed tremendous potential. The bay colt was our favorite; he floated when he moved, but he had a freak accident as a yearling and was never sound afterward for eventing.

Flagmount’s Sterling Prince I sold, and he had just completed his first CIC3( star with no cross-country jumping penalties when we were devastated to hear about his tragic, fatal pasture accident. Heartbreaker was my favorite mare; she had just done her first two Intermediates before dying of a bone infection. For every horse that makes it to the upper levels, there’s so many who don’t and not even for lack of ability but the fragile thing that horses are, especially in the early stages of life.

Flag as a 7 year old at Radnor with Janet in the irons. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Flag as a 7 year old at Radnor with Janet in the irons. Photo by Brant Gamma.

I had a beautiful 3-year-old mare just a couple years ago by Flag who I had just broken when an inoperable tumor developed in her hock.  You can’t vet check what you breed, and seeing a healthy, good-looking foal nursing is a good start but no guarantee. Just a couple of weeks ago, my daughter and I left late to a show after staying up with a sick foal who after I performed surgery on to save still didn’t make it. It’s been hard being the vet, the breeder, the owner and the trainer.  Breeding is not for the faint of heart.

For all the hard times though, it’s been worth it. Only two horses by Flag have ever been campaigned by a professional —  Flagmount’s Sterling Prince and Flagmount’s Nightcap. The rest have all been ridden by amateurs. It’s been so much fun to see them start to come up and compete at the upper levels now. I’ve always thought it speaks a lot for Flag how many nice horses he has produced from very unproven mares and how rideable his progeny is to be almost all ridden by amateurs and yet still coming up the levels competitively. I was so proud to see Freedom’s Sweet Thunder place third in his first Intermediate with amateur Maggie McCarthy, with it being her first Intermediate as well.

The second generation, with the extra bit of hot blood, has had the missing piece Flag didn’t, and my own two mares, Flagmount’s Patronus Charm and Flagmount’s Amazing Grace, are what I’ve always wanted to ride. Flag himself still comes with me to all the shows; for the past three years, he has given my daughter great experience at the prelim level, her first season on him and at prelim being when she was only 15. I know she is safe on him. I look forward to seeing where the Flag babies go in the future and hope to watch his progeny at Rolex at one day.  As a breeder, there have been many lows, but the highs have been one of a kind.

The View from Arizona Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 14, 2014 6:00 pm -

EN loves photos shot between the ears! If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] with a quick blurb about the photo’s story. This week’s View comes to us from Mary in Arizona.

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From Mary: I saw the post on EN about Nicole Le May getting hurt and that Russ Carlson at Trailhead Ranch in Cave Creek, Ariz., was going to donate half of his income from trail rides would go to Nicole’s recovery fund. Since I was going to be in Arizona this week, I decided to take my brother on a trail ride with Russ. We went yesterday, and this is my horse Royal’s ears with Russ leading the ride. We even saw a live gila monster on the ride.

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Patricia Dileo: Healing and Fulfillment of a Dream at Red Hills

By on Mar 12, 2014 4:30 pm -

Team Wallace sure knows how to tug at the heartstrings! Here’s another great blog, this time from Patricia Dileo, whose daughter Taylor just did her first CIC* at Red Hills. Taylor, who hopes to qualify for the NAJYRC this year, rides her horse Rebel’s Legacy in honor of her father, who was tragically killed seven years ago. Thanks to Patricia for writing, and thanks for reading.

Taylor Dileo and Rebel's Legacy. Photo by Patricia Dileo.

Taylor Dileo and Rebel’s Legacy. Photo by Patricia Dileo.

From Patricia:

Red Hills International Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Fla., has been a staple in our family since we moved to south Georgia in 1997. Watching accomplished riders sail over imposing jumps was not only thrilling, it was inspiring. They made it look easy, but the occasional spill was a reminder this was not a sport to be taken lightly! Fast forward 16 years, and here is my 17-year-old daughter competing in the CIC* with her little 15.3-hand Appendix mare named Rebel’s Legacy in honor of her father, who passed away in 2007.

Can horses heal a broken heart and make you relish life once again? ABSOLUTELY! Taylor started her life on the back of a Tennessee Walker, running dogs with her father, watching him compete in field trials and scouting for him when he trained. Taylor was blessed to have ridden on some of the most exquisite plantations in the South. If she wasn’t fishing in the Gulf with her father, she was on the back of a horse.

November 2007 changed all that. Taylor’s father and my husband was tragically killed leaving our farm. Life had to be redirected, and horses and riding was the avenue in which to make this happen. So in 2008, Taylor started taking riding lessons from a local instructor and so began her introduction into the hunter/jumper world. She would go to various clinics, learn as much as she could and try to hone her riding skills. Most of the work had to be done on our farm, with countless hours of her riding and me sitting in the chair watching, since driving an hour to Tallahassee for lessons was very time consuming.

Taylor and Rebel. Photo courtesy Patricia Dileo.

Taylor and Rebel. Photo courtesy Patricia Dileo.

We first met Rick Wallace at a local barn were Taylor was taking lessons for the IEA team. He looked very polished, refined and professional, so I went over and started talking to him. Shortly after we met, we found out Rick was giving a clinic on cross country. Taylor attended the clinic and became intrigued with the sport of eventing.

So in February 2012, Taylor started riding under Rick Wallace and finally found her niche in the area of eventing! It’s been an incredible adventure, and eventers are a wonderful group of people. Taylor’s goal when she started was to compete at Red Hills.

With Rick, she developed a plan. And now, a year and a half after starting in Beginner Novice, she was able to qualify and compete in the CIC* and finished clear on her cross country on a brand new course! To say I am proud of my daughter and all her accomplishments is an understatement. She is a beautiful soul, straight-A student, accomplished rider, and God knew what he was doing when he let me be her mother!

)

EN Business Academy: Your ‘Important Stuff’ Binder

By on Mar 11, 2014 6:00 pm -

This week’s EN Business Academy article addresses a critical topic for those of you who own your own businesses — having all the important documents you need stored safely in one place. Many thanks to Margaret Rizzo McKelvy of Mythic Landing  Enterprises for writing this series.

Get-motivated-to-get-organized-Ask-Anna

From Margaret:

If you’re like most horse people, your barn is more organized than your house. Your tack room probably contains neat rows of bridles, saddles and girths, but your office probably contains messy piles of papers. And while I can’t expect your office to have color-coded wall-sized dry erase boards, filing cabinets galore and a frequently-used Staples Rewards card … if you’re going to organize one aspect of your office, you should create an “Important Stuff” binder for your business.

Your first step is to go to Staples and purchase a 1-inch binder (they have an entire wall of binders, so you can pick one out that matches your cross country colors!) and a small pack of sheet protectors (typically the smallest quantity is 25 for less than $10). So for less than $20, you’re on your way to having a better-organized business.

Your next step is to set aside some time for a scavenger hunt through your office, home and tack room. You’re looking for any important piece of paper relating to your business. So depending on your normal level of organization, this could take an hour or an entire day. Regardless, it will be time well spent! On your hunt, you’re going to be looking for the following documents:

1. Original letter from IRS assigning EIN number

This is the letter you received from the IRS assigning you your federal Employer Identification Number. Just like each individual has a Social Security Number, each business has an Employer Identification Number. If you’re not sure that you even need an EIN, the IRS has this handy “Do You Need an EIN?” page on its website.

You will probably have a similar document from your state government, but each state is a little different, so you will need to check with your state. But if you simply search “registering company in (your state),” it should give you what you need.

2. Copy of your W-9

Your W-9 form is used when any business needs to have your name, address and EIN/SSN number so that they can give you payment for any contracted work. A W-9 form may also be requested when a company needs to issue you a 1099 form at the end of the year, which is basically a year-end report of any payments made to you for contracted work throughout the year. It’s much easier to have both a hard copy and an electronic copy of your W-9 form so that you can easily send it along to companies when they request it. Click here for a fill-in W-9 form courtesy of the IRS.

An example of when you would need a W-9 would be: Each year, my company organizes regular clinics with top riders. In order to pay the clinician, I need a copy of their W-9 form. This has all the information I need to then issue the clinician a 1099 form at the end of the year. I only need this for clinicians because they are considered independent contractors, not regular employees. Need help figuring out if someone is an independent contractor or an employee? The IRS has an information page for that as well.

3. Operating agreement and/or mission statement

Large corporations often have official bylaws governing their organization, while smaller companies can have operating agreements. Either way, this document essentially outlines the structure of the company and assigns individuals responsibilities. Personally, I like to include my company’s mission statement with this document. Your mission statement basically outlines the purpose of your company and it’s reason for existing. A lot of people can get hung up on their operating agreement and mission statement, but, just like your business plan that we talked about a few weeks ago, both of these documents can be adjusted at any time.

4. EFTPS letter with enrollment   

EFTPS stands for the U.S. Department of Treasury’s free “Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.” This system allows you to pay your taxes either online or over the phone and, trust me, it will make your life easier! The IRS has a guide to the EFTPS program here. But you will want to save the letter they send you after you enroll with your PIN number on it.

5. Original bank documents

Ideally, you have separate bank accounts for your personal and business affairs. Anytime you open a bank account, they will give you a small packet of information with all relevant information. Keep this info and put it in your binder. If your account is already open and you threw those documents out, you should be able to go to your bank, and they should be able to print you out a copy for your records.

6. Employee contracts and tax documents

You should definitely have a signed contract with any employee that works for you. You should even have signed contracts with any working students or interns. And it’s never too late to get a contract signed, so don’t worry if you don’t currently have any contracts with your employees or working students. The best thing to do is contact a lawyer that specializes in equine law. This will probably be one of the priciest projects for your business, but one of the most necessary.

In order to withhold taxes from employees, you will need a W-4 form from each employee. This form gives you the necessary information needed so that you can withhold the correct federal income tax from their paychecks. Here is a copy of the current W-4 form. With each new employee, you will also need to file an I-9 form. This is the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, which simply verifies that the employees is eligible to be employed in the United States. You can find a copy here.

7. Blank copy of your release form

If you own your own farm, you probably already have a release form for anyone who rides on your property. If not, add this to the list for your new lawyer. Simply keep a hard copy of your release form in your binder in case you lose your electronic copy.

8. Insurance documents

Do you have teaching insurance or property insurance? If so, great! Simply keep a copy of your proof of insurance in this binder. If not, you should check with an insurance agent to see what sort of coverage you need. You can ask your friends for some recommendations and start making phone calls. Just be sure that your company has experience with horses so that you can be sure you’re getting the coverage you need.

Andy Surratt: A Dad’s Reflection on Red Hills

By on Mar 11, 2014 4:30 pm -

Andy Surratt wrote this heartwarming piece about how much it meant to watch his son, Briggs, compete in his first CIC* at Red Hills this past weekend. Briggs, who rides with Rick Wallace, also competes this horse in USEF Maclay and Medal equitation classes and wants to qualify for Medal Finals, as well as the NAJYRC. Go Briggs!

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Patricia Dileo.

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Theresa Bender.

From Andy:

Just two years ago, my son, Briggs Surratt, started his eventing career under trainer and mentor Rick Wallace. Briggs met Rick at Cavallo Farms in Lloyd, Fla., where he rode Rick’s former eventing horse, McIntosh, in the jumper ring. Now, two years later, his mother and I watched him compete in the CIC* at Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Fla. Briggs, a Tallahassee native, grew up playing soccer just down the road where Red Hills takes place. We never thought he would be competing at Red Hills Horse Trials, let alone at the international level.

In anticipation of Red Hills, our family’s excitement accelerated each passing day. To add to this excitement, the local media interviewed the hometown boy several times. This caused plenty of excitement, not only for his proud parents and brother, but for the local horse community. For me personally, the year 2014 started out with a bang.  As a member of the FSU Football Radio Network, I witnessed the Seminoles win the College Football National Championship. However, watching my son compete at Red Hills did not compare.

The feelings were surreal. There was so much nervous energy running through me, I thought my heart was going to burst. On the day of cross country, Briggs explained his intent to go clear with no jump penalties so he could qualify for the CCI* at Ocala Horse Properties. His mother and I have always wanted him to do well, but we also urge him to achieve the goals he sets for himself. It all sounds good until you hear the announcer say, “Number 52 Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick are on course.”

His mother was stationed at the water jumps to take pictures. I positioned myself near a jump judge so I could hear her radio. It was important to me to hear each jump judge declare “52 clear” each jump throughout the course. There is nothing more exciting than watching your child thunder by with confidence conquering every jump with ease. Once we heard he finished with no jump penalties, a sense of pride hit us. The overwhelming pride made it very hard to button our jackets. As Briggs made his way over to the sponsor tent, shaking hands as family, friends and colleagues congratulated him, I realized I watched my little boy turn into a young man overnight.

)

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel Knows No Medals Are Worth Risking Your Life

By on Mar 11, 2014 1:30 pm -
Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Master Rose at the London Olympics. Photo by Lee Lee Jones. Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Master Rose at the London Olympics. Photo by Lee Lee Jones.

As riders, we often push through pain to avoid missing any time in the saddle. But Ronald Zabala Goetschel learned the hard way that ignoring injuries can have serious, even life-threatening repercussions. It all started Nov. 1 last year when he took an hour-long soak in his hot tub following a usual day of riding his horses and working until late into the night.

But when he got out of the hot tub, he felt like his body was on fire. “I got in the shower to try to cool down my temperature, but that did not work well enough,” Ronald said. “The burning feeling came from inside as well, so I got out of the shower and grabbed a glass to fill it up with water in the sink, but then I felt I was dying, as I could not breathe and felt I was losing control of my body. That was it.”

Ronald fell to the floor, hitting his head on the way down. He was unconscious for about 10 minutes, and when he woke up, he saw blood running down his chest, coming from a gash on the back of his head. He was too weak to call for help, and he fell asleep. At the time, he did not know that you should not fall asleep when you have a concussion.

“On the next morning, they took me to the emergency room, where the doctors did a scan of my head and put six staples on my 2-inch cut. My injury was exactly where the occipital nerve runs, causing an occipital neuralgia. On top of that, the osteopath told me that the right side bones of my head were jammed to the front, which also caused more pressure in my brain — more pain and dizziness.”

The doctor told Ronald he should expect to recover from the concussion in two to three weeks, which overlapped with the Bolivarian Games in Peru, where Ronald and Che Mr. Wiseguy were set to ride on the Ecuadorian team. After staying in bed for nine days following the accident, suffering severe headaches and dizziness the entire time, Ronald flew to Peru with Wiseguy, hoping he would be recovered by the time he arrived.

“Big mistake — I never recovered,” Ronald said. “On the contrary, as I started training, the pain became worse each and every day. I was about to scratch, but one of my teammates could not bring his horse to Peru, and the horse of another teammate went lame. There were only three riders with three horses, and my country needed a fourth horse and rider combination. So I competed.”

Ronald’s memory of riding in the Bolivarian Games is spotty. “When I watched the videos, I saw turns and tracks that I still do not remember having done. Because of the headaches and dizziness, I could not ride Wiseguy up to the level he deserved. I could not go fast enough, and because I had no good balance, and even though it was only a one-star competition, I had to take two options on cross country so I would not fall off. That caused us time penalties.”

Still, Ronald and Wiseguy won the individual silver medal for Ecuador, and his team won the gold medal. But it came at an incredible price. “The doctors think that the movement of the horse while training and competing in Peru, having already had a concussion, shook my bain badly and caused me multiple concussions,” Ronald said.

Since returning home from Peru last November, Ronald has been in bed almost every day. The concussion also affected his heart, giving him a temporary arrhythmia for the two months following the accident. He is now able to work one hour a day before feeling dizzy and needing to go back to bed. About a month ago, he had his first day without a headache, and then immediately suffered a throat and lung infection.

“The doctors think that if I had not traveled and competed at the Bolivarian Games in Peru, I would already be fine and would be competing again and getting ready for the World Equestrian Games. As I said, it was a big mistake. However, when you are representing your country, you try your heart out, and you want to get the job done the best you can. Our sport is already risky enough, and we must be careful.”

Ronald still holds out hope he will be healthy enough to qualify for the WEG. He is being treated multiple times a week by acupuncturists, massage therapists and osteopaths, and Wisegey and Master Rose are being kept fit by his friends. In the end, Ronald learned a very valuable lesson he hopes other riders who suffer concussions will take very seriously: “No medals are worth risking your life and your horse’s life.”

Boyd Martin: ‘Recovery Will Take Time, But All Good Things Do’

By on Mar 11, 2014 12:00 pm -
Thumbs up in the hospital! Photo via Boyd's Facebook.

Thumbs up in the hospital! Photo via Boyd’s Facebook.

Only Silva Martin could make an eye patch look this good. Boyd just posted this photo to his personal Facebook page along with more good news in his latest update following Silva’s injury:

Thank you to everyone that has reached out. Silva Martin is slowly looking better. Her eyesight, speech and balance continues to improve. There is no question in my mind that she will make a full recovery. It will take some time, but all good things do.

The next step in Silva’s recovery is getting her home to Pennsylvania to start the rehabilitation process. I’m told she has a slew of friends waiting to dote on her and help her every step of the way. We’ll continue to keep you posted on Silva’s progress.

PRO Faces of Eventing: Ian Stark

By on Mar 10, 2014 4:30 pm -

PRO caught up with Ian Stark, a two-time Olympic silver medalist turned international course designer, to chat about his career and future aspirations in the all new Faces of Eventing video series. Ian has now designed courses through the three-star level, and while he’s still waiting for the elusive invitation to design his first four-star course, he’s delighted to be designing his first team championship course for the 2015 European Championships in Scotland.

“What I feel is I’m putting all my years of competition experience into designing and asking questions of the horses and riders. I want to get away from a lot of twisty-turn tracks and have people riding across the country, which is what is used to be. You rode from A to B. I don’t want to be thinking about arena questions. I want to develop people’s cross-country riding and keep the horse enthusiastic. At the end of the day, you want to have a good competition so you want to have lots of questions, but you want to have the horses and riders go away feeling like they’ve learned something, feeling like they’ve achieved something and they can go on to increase and better in their career. Now it’s my turn to give something back.”

Many thanks to PRO for producing this wonderful new video series. Be sure to follow the PRO blog.

[Professional Riders Organization Blog]

Lanfranco TSF Caught in the Middle of Hoy Divorce

By on Mar 10, 2014 12:00 pm -
Bettina Hoy and Lanfranco TSF at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry. Bettina Hoy and Lanfranco TSF at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bettina Hoy’s ride Lanfranco TSF will now change hands to former husband Andrew Hoy under the terms of their divorce agreement. Horse & Hound broke the story this morning, with Bettina and Andrew releasing different statements on the issue. Andrew said Bettina “has decided to return Lanfranco TSF,” according to Horse & Hound, while Bettina said she “has had to hand over the reins … as part of her divorce settlement,” as you’ll see in her statement below. This is certainly an interesting development, especially when you consider the horse has struggled with meltdowns in dressage with Bettina in the irons.

Full statement from Bettina Hoy:

Bettina Hoy has had to hand over the reins of her 14-year-old Lanfranco TSF to her ex-husband, Andrew Hoy, as part of her divorce settlement. The combination finished in the top three at Blenheim and were 10th missing out on selection for London Olympics, and Bettina describes “Frankie” as her “soulmate.”

“He has not always been the easiest, as he has struggled with his nerves at the big occasions, but I have had some fabulous rides on him,” Bettina said. Lanfranco leaves Germany today to head for Andrew Hoy’s UK base. In what has been an emotional week for Bettina, she has also had to deal with her father being hospitalized with a stroke, which has left her plans for a spring season competing in the UK very much on hold. “My mother really needs me here,” she said, “and I would not feel comfortable being away from my parents at this difficult time.”

“Andrew has always been a rider whose talent I respected. I wish him and Frankie the best of luck together, and hope they can form a successful partnership,” said Bettina.

See the full Horse & Hound story here.

Silva Martin Update: Ups and Downs All Part of the Healing Process

By on Mar 9, 2014 6:37 pm -
Silva Martin smiles in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin.

Silva Martin smiles in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin.

We’ve been relieved to report good news ever since a freak accident landed Silva Martin in the hospital with a brain injury Wednesday. Silva had a slight setback today, but the doctors have assured Boyd Martin that ups and downs are all part of the healing process when it comes to brain injuries. He was kind enough to give us an update from the Tallahassee airport while waiting to catch a flight to be with Silva.

“This morning, Silva was taken out of the ICU, which was a great sign,” Boyd said. “This afternoon, I got a call saying she had unfortunately deteriorated a bit in her responsiveness and reactions and was having trouble staying conscious. The doctors immediately did another CAT scan, as they thought perhaps the bleeding had worsened. Thankfully, the scans showed the bleeding hasn’t worsened.”

Late this afternoon, Silva regained consciousness and was back to how she sounded when Boyd spoke to her this morning. In addition to the team of doctors watching over her at Delray Medical Center, USEF team physician Dr. Mark Hart has been looking at each scan and consulting with Silva’s neurosurgeon. “Mark has been double and triple checking that everything is as clear as it can be,” Boyd said. “He’s been doing a wonderful job updating me and explaining everything to me.”

Mark explained that when it comes to head injuries, progress isn’t always continuous. “It’s going to be a little bit forward, and things will be looking good, and then there’s a bit of a setback before things start looking good again.” This is just one more bump on the road to Silva’s recovery. With how much progress she’s made so far, it’s clear she’s a fighter. Go Silva.

Frankie Thieriot: Finding the New Perfect Man

By on Mar 9, 2014 12:30 pm -

Did you knew Clayton Fredericks is more than just the Canadian team coach? He’s also running a very successful business importing quality young horses from Europe, as Frankie Thieriot recently discovered when she found her newest partner Chatwin. Many thanks to Frankie for writing, and best of luck with Chatwin! Visit www.fredericksequestrian.com.

Meet Chatwin! Photo courtesy Fredericks Equestrian and Frankie Thieriot.

Meet Chatwin! Photo courtesy Fredericks Equestrian and Frankie Thieriot.

From Frankie:

Like many people out there, I have been in search of the perfect man for a few years now … no, not that kind of man. I found him several years ago, and I’m lucky enough to be marrying him next year. I am talking about a new four-legged man in this case.

In my particular case, I was looking for my next upper-level partner and a horse that was talented and could also supplement my abilities and riding fitness for my current two-star horse Uphoria. As an adult amateur who rides at the upper levels while simultaneously working countless hours a week running my own company, which keeps me out of the saddle, I wanted to get a young horse who I could log more time on because it is quite difficult — despite working out daily — to get in proper riding shape with just one horse to ride.

I have had my eyes open for a couple years now and tried several horses, but none really seemed to be the one. I thought about traveling overseas and had some feelers out but — to be honest — as an amateur,  the thought of going abroad to horse shop seemed so overwhelming and, of course, expensive. How do you know whom you can trust when it comes to the broker, vet check and everything in between?

On a recent trip to look at horses in Florida, I remembered that Clayton Fredericks had mentioned he was importing some horses to sell when I toured his farm last year for my work with US Eventing TV. Obviously being an Olympian and proven champion as a rider, I knew Clayton had a great eye for horses and decided to contact him to see if he had anything I could see while I was in Florida.

As luck would have it, he had several promising youngsters for me to look at. I was quite surprised to be honest at how much his business was really geared toward importing a wide range of great horses to sell, as I had thought of him mostly as the new Canadian coach up until this point. The thing that impressed me most, though, was that Clayton — having seen me ride at the AECs — told me that he had several for sale, but one in particular that after seeing me ride he felt would be a good match.

I headed to Florida open minded that I may or may not find what I had been searching for, and after trying several horses at several other barns, got to Clayton’s and was pleasantly surprised by how many lovely horses he had for me to look at! After trying a few, I got on the one he had told me might be the one I had been looking for and a good match on the phone, and, as it turns out, he could not have been more right.

As I said, I have ridden several horses, even vetted one in the last few years, that did not work out, but none of those made me feel the way this one did when I sat in the saddle. The moment I jumped this horse, I knew I had to have him! He felt like putting on old tennis shoes. I immediately felt comfortable, safe and excited because there was something about him that even over the first cross rail felt weirdly similar to my longtime partner and Advanced horse Fric Frac Berence. Never did I ever think there was a horse in this world that could feel like Fric underneath me, and I didn’t stop grinning the rest of the day! How Clayton could have watched me ride once at the AECs and matched me to this horse I have no idea, but he certainly did.

The thing that impressed me most about trying horses at Fredericks Equestrian was that I never felt pressured. In fact, they were even kind enough to offer to let me come back the next day to flat the two horses I liked most on my own, which really made me feel comfortable in my choice. I took them both cross-country schooling as well, and because of that, I could make a decision easily and confidently in purchasing a horse. The best part was also that I never felt like they would have thought I had wasted their time if I had not ended up purchasing any of their horses, which I was always a bit afraid of when going to barns to try potential partners.

Another thing I realized when looking at the situation was that my new horse was imported from Germany a few months ago and has since been trained daily, ridden and even shown by an Olympic rider, giving him incredible fundamentals, especially for his age, and a remarkable foundation.

If you are like I was and are searching for a quality horse to be your next partner, it is a relief to know these horses can be found in the U.S. at someone’s barn who can be trusted, professional and understanding through the purchasing process. I was able to save the costs of going overseas, and I am happy to say I have found my perfect man … again!

I cannot wait to see what my future has in store with this horse, and Uphoria has a new travel buddy for all of our adventures. If you are searching for your perfect horse, I know it can be overwhelming, but I am here to tell you good things come to those who wait … or, I guess, those who call the Canadian Team Coach Clayton Fredericks, in my case.

Why You Should Never Bet Against Boyd Martin

By on Mar 8, 2014 8:23 pm -
The Trading Aces Syndicate celebrates. From left: Ron Juvonen, Katie Walker, Mike Laver, Boyd Martin, Densey Juvonen, Denise Lahey and Pierre Colin. Photo courtesy Katie Walker. The Trading Aces Syndicate celebrates. From left: Ron Juvonen, Katie Walker, Mike Laver, Boyd Martin, Densey Juvonen, Denise Lahey and Pierre Colin. Photo courtesy Katie Walker.

You should never bet against Boyd Martin. I think we learned that when he pulled Neville Bardos out of a burning barn and then piloted him around Burghley for a top-10 finish just a few months later. And now he’s done it again, rallying to win the CIC3* at Red Hills with Trading Aces despite his wife Silva being hospitalized hours way with a brain injury following a freak accident mere days ago.

In those first critical hours following the accident, many people questioned whether Boyd would still ride at Red Hills: Was his place in the irons or by Silva’s side?

Silva's new car! Photo courtesy Katie Walker.

Silva’s new car! Photo courtesy Katie Walker.

But Boyd said that’s all “racket.” “I’ve been trained up to be a competition rider since I was 15 in Australia, long before I came to America. I’ve been through hard times, and pretty much every day something has gone wrong in my life. You have to figure it out and separate that from your riding,” Boyd said after clinching the win.

“If I was in Silva’s position, I would be furious had she backed out of a competition that she’d been gearing up to for a long time. Trading Aces was set up for Red Hills since January, and I wanted the horse to do well, and Silva did, too.”

The sweet taste of victory. Photo courtesy Katie Walker.

The sweet taste of victory. Photo courtesy Katie Walker.

Silva, whose condition continues to improve at Delray Medical Center, gave Boyd strict instructions to keep her new car clean. As is Red Hills tradition, Boyd won a one-year lease on a brand new Mercedes, and he’s already resolved himself to the fact that he won’t enjoy any time behind the wheel.

“Each time I talk to her, she’s getting a bit better,” Boyd said. “She was really happy to find out she had a new car. Her mum is flying over from Germany to help with the rehabilitation, so I’ll be handing the keys over to her as soon as she gets here.”

And, of course, Silva is extremely pleased with Trading Aces, whose dressage she’s diligently fine-tuned ever since Boyd got the ride. After the horse ran out of steam at Rolex and struggled at Boekelo last year, Boyd committed to getting to the bottom of Oscar’s fitness troubles.

In turns out he wasn’t sweating properly, and between getting that under control and adapting beautifully to his new fitness program, Oscar is well on his way to redemption at Kentucky. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise to us, because that’s what Boyd does. He perseveres, just like he always has. Just like he always will.

Go Boyd. Go Silva. Go Oscar.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces Win CIC3* in Dramatic Red Hills Finale

By on Mar 8, 2014 3:09 pm -
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces win the Red Hills CIC3*! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces win the Red Hills CIC3*! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Well Hugh Lochore’s new CIC3* cross-country course certainly caused quite a stir, though not for a reason anyone could have really anticipated. The complex in the main arena — two corners at fences 5ab — quickly became the bogey element on course, catching out pair after pair and leaving us with a very different leaderboard at the conclusion. Boyd Martin and Trading Aces stalked overnight leaders Allie Knowles and Last Call all weekend, and they moved past them to clinch the win today by going just a bit faster across the country. Boyd and Oscar finished on a final score of 47.8 after jumping clear with 6.4 time penalties, and it goes without saying that this has to be a very meaningful win with wife Silva cheering him on from the hospital.

Allie and Fergie jumped clear with 10 time penalties to finish in second place on 50.8. Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon moved from 16th after dressage to finish in third place after jumping clear yesterday and today, picking up 6.8 time penalties for a score of 57.2. Boyd Martin and Sir Donovan moved up from 12th overnight with the fastest cross-country trip of the day to finish on 57.5. Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch stayed in fifth place all weekend, jumping clear today with 12 time penalties for a final score of 61.0. And then the leaderboard takes a big shuffle after that, with the handful of riders who managed clear trips — and made it past fences 5ab at the Arena Complex — rewarded with huge jumps into the top placings.

The Advanced division provided very accurate foreshadowing for the problems we’d ultimately see on the CIC3* course. As you can see in the photo below — which I snapped with my phone just before the three-star horses went out on course — the Arena Complex was heavily shaded, which made it pretty spooky, and horses were misreading the question. Both Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me and Colleen Loach and Freespirit retired here after trouble at 5a in the Advanced division. I ran into Erin Sylvester at the Cordwood Pile at fence 7 when she was doing a last-minute course walk before riding No Boundaries in the CIC3*, and she said she thought the shadows over the corners at 5a were causing visibility issues for the horses.

The Arena Complex at fences 5ab

The Arena Complex at fences 5ab

That turned out to be a very accurate assessment, and the problems carried over for the CIC3*. Even though the combination changed — the CIC3* did an S-turn through here, as opposed to the straight line in Advanced — 5a and b caught out horse after horse. Not only were the corners causing stops, but riders couldn’t seem to get past them at all, and we saw numerous riders retire there. In all, just 16 pairs jumped clear around the course — that’s 39 percent of the horses and riders that set out. Fourteen pairs in all had a stop at either 5a or 5b in the main arena. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man were the only pair to have a stop on Stairway to Heaven when Wort refused at 11b. Werner Geven and Vandiver were the only pair to have a stop at the Sawgrass Mill Water Complex; the horse refused the first element there.

Seven riders retired on course. Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton, Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries, Bonner Carpenter and Basco, and Angela Gryzwinski and Novelle all retired after stops at the corners in the main arena. Hallie Coon and Namaste retired somewhere around fence 14. The horse looked pretty sticky through The Shire, and it just didn’t look like their day. Phillip Dutton and Atlas were reportedly off course early on and retired. Four pairs were eliminated after too many stops in the main arena: Jan Byyny and Syd Kent, Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV, and Katie Frei and Houdini. and Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot received a technical elimination at the Arena Complex when they went on to jump 5b after the jump judge assessed a stop at 5a. Jennie Jarnstrom and Cape Town jumped the wrong element in the main arena and were pulled up at The Shire with a technical elimination.

Boyd Martin and Sir Donovan came closest to making the optimum time of 6 minutes and 30 seconds, coming home with 3.6 time penalties. Bobby Meyerhoff and Utah B win the award for furthest move up the leaderboard, as they were 31st after dressage and finished sixth thanks to jumping clear in both show jumping and cross country. Werner Geven and Vilas County moved from 37th after dressage to finish in seventh on 72.3. Julie Norman and Consensus moved from 33rd to eighth on a score of 73.3. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda moved from 17th to ninth on 74.3, and Jessica Phoenix and Patras VR round out the top 10 on a score of 77.4. Talk about a wild finale at Red Hills!

[Website] [Live Scores] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Course Preview] [Course Maps]

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Red Hills CIC3* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Mar 8, 2014 11:55 am -
Stairway to Heaven. Photo courtesy of John Kyle. Stairway to Heaven. Photo courtesy of John Kyle.

It’s go time at Red Hills! Follow along with this post for live updates from all the CIC3* action at Red Hills. I’ll also be watching the 12 Advanced horses that go out just before the CIC3* to give you an idea of how the course is riding. So far, the footing has been holding well for the Preliminary and CIC* horses. Check out my quick morning update with video of Nature’s Dew Pool here. Three horses have been withdrawn so far in the CIC3*: Mighty Nice, Petite Flower and Park Trader. Go Red Hills!

12:19: The course is running smoothly overall for the Advanced riders, though there’s been trouble in the main arena at 5a. Both Lisa Marie Fergusson and Colleen Loach retired there. Erin Sylvester said she thought horses could be having trouble seeing the first corner, which is currently shaded.

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12:45: I spoke too soon. Buck Davidson and Copper Beech had a stop at 5b at the corners in the arena. The CIC3* is doing an S-turn through the Arena Complex. The Advanced did a straight line.

12:48: Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High also had a stop at the corners in the main arena. It looks like the shade could be causing visibility issues for the horses.

12:50: Jan Byyny and Syd Kent had three refusals at the corner at 5a and are eliminated. Just Libby Head and Werner Geven have made it through the arena so far without a refusal.

12:55: Bobby Meyerhoff and Utah B also went through the main arena with no problems. So we are seeing good trips through there.

12:57: Bobby and Utah B whacked the upright fence at 6 on their way out of the arena, so there’s a quick hold to fix the pin there.

1:04: Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV had three refusals at 5a and were eliminated.

1:06: Katie Frei and Houdini also had three stops at 5a and were eliminated.

1:07: Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter also had a stop at 5a but continued on well.

1:09: Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin also had a stop at 5a.

1:11: Bonner Carpenter and Basco had two stops at 5a.

1:14: Eliza Farren fell at fence 16. Both Eliza and the horse are reportedly OK.

1:17: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive had a stop at the corner at 5a in the main arena. They cleared it on the next attempt.

1:23: Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect had a stop at 5b in the main arena.

1:27: Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit had a stop at 5a and continued on clear after that.

1:33: Jennie Jamstrom and Cape Town jumped the wrong fence in the arena and were pulled up at The Shire.

1:34: Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton retired in the main arena after two stops at 5a.

1:37: Big cheer for Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda as they cruise through the main arena with no problems.

1:38: Werner Geven and Vandiver had a stop at 16a at the Sawgrass Mill water complex.

1:40: Angela Gryzwinski and Novelle had two stops at 5a and retired.

1:47: Hallie Coon and Namaste retired somewhere around fence 14. They looked pretty sticky through The Shire, so I’m guessing things just weren’t going quite right for them today.

1:48: Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries retired at fence 5 in the main arena.

1:56: Phillip Dutton and Atlas were reportedly off course very early on and retired.

1:59: We’ve had just 13 clear trips so far as we enter the top 10 pairs.

2:07: Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man had a stop at 11b at the steps at Stairway to Heaven.

2:10: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot had a technical elimination. She thought she was clear at 5a and went on to jump 5b, but the jump judge assessed a stop at 5a.

2:19: Boyd Martin and Trading Aces win!

[Website] [Live Scores] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Course Preview] [Course Maps]

Cross-County Day Underway at Red Hills [Video]

By on Mar 8, 2014 11:19 am -
Bill Hoos and Ducati. Photo by Jenni Autry. Bill Hoos and Ducati. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Finally — #eventingsunnyflorida is living up to its name! After enduring rain and chilly temps for the past two days, the sun finally graced us with its presence for cross-country day at Red Hills, and the festivities are off to a wonderful start. There was a long line of spectators already waiting to park this morning when I drove in, and many people have already staked out their chairs around the water jumps in anticipation of the three-star cross-country action later this afternoon. They call Red Hills a “Mini Rolex” for a reason; it’s a great opportunity to expose horses to atmosphere.

Hugh Lochore and his team have worked tirelessly over the past two days to get the course dried and prepared for today. They drained water off the complex on the back of the course and reportedly made quite a few adjustments at The Shire to get the footing in better shape. All the riders I chatted with this morning said the footing looks much improved. Of course, the Preliminary and CIC* horses taking the course before the Advanced and CIC3*, so the  galloping lanes will be churned up a bit. We’ll already seen withdrawals from Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice and Buck Davidson and Park Trader and Petite Flower. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few more before the CIC3* horses start running at 12:36 p.m.

The course rode well for the Preliminary and CIC* riders this morning, and I watched a number of horses come through Nature’s Dew Pool at fence 17. The early morning light cast a shadow on this fence for the Preliminary riders, and the horses were jumping in huge over the shadows. After the sun shifted for the CIC*, it rode smoother, though it still required riders to really sit down and commit to their line. Riders who took a slower approach in saw a sticky takeoff, which resulted in an awkward landing. Some horses took pretty impressive flyers over this fence (see Bill Hoos and Ducati above!).

[Website] [Live Scores] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Course Preview] [Course Maps]

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Who Jumped It Best? Red Hills Show Jumping Edition

By on Mar 8, 2014 9:00 am -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Red Hills Show Jumping Edition! Get ready to channel your inner George Morris. Here are 10 randomly selected photos from the CIC3* show jumping yesterday. Take into account the rider’s equitation and the horse’s form over the fence and cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of the post. Winner takes home EN karma, eternal glory and Uncle George’s respect. Go eventing.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man moved from 10th to fourth place thanks to their double clear trip. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katie Ruppel Frei and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katie Ruppel Frei and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rowdie Adams and No Money Down. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rowdie Adams and No Money Down. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix and Abbey GS. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix and Abbey GS. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hallie Coon and Namaste. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hallie Coon and Namaste. Photo by Jenni Autry.

CIC3* Show Jumping Shuffles Leaderboard at Red Hills

By on Mar 7, 2014 6:26 pm -
Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Show jumping proved to be a wild ride today for the CIC3* competitors at Red Hills, with poles tumbling down and the leaderboard shuffling quite a bit. First and second places didn’t change though, and Allie Knowles and Last Call and Boyd Martin and Trading Aces will hold their one-two spots overnight thanks to double clears. Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot jumped clear with three time penalties to move up one spot to third place. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man also jumped double clear to move from 10th to fourth, and Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch pulled one rail to remain in fifth place.

There was a lot of concern this morning about how the course would hold throughout the day, as more rain fell overnight and the CIC* riders were slipping around as the first to jump early in the day. The grounds crew laid sand in some spots of the course, and while the sun never really came out today, the ground was able to dry a bit by the time the three-star riders took the course. While the footing wasn’t muddy, it was still sticky and tacky, and that combined with the technical questions proved to be a big challenge for many of the riders.

Set on a sloping hill, the course began with the first and second fences going down the hill before riders turned back to ride fences three and four up the hill. The rest of the course continued that way, utilizing the terrain to up the ante. It required a very forward, almost aggressive ride at some points, and riders who sat down and really went for it were rewarded with good trips. We also saw double clears from Selena O’Hanlon and Bellaney Rock, Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter, Bobby Meyerhoff and Utah B, Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz, and Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton.

Henny! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Henny! Photo by Jenni Autry.

The middle jump in the triple combination toward the end of the course came down more than any other fence, though rails fell throughout. Twenty-three pairs pulled two or more rails, which makes the number of double clear trips we saw all the more impressive. We had one pair eliminated today when Catch A Star’s show jumping demons reared their ugly heads again. Caitlin Silliman went in with a vengeance — much like she did when she jumped a beautiful round at Pine Top Advanced two weeks ago — but Hoku abruptly slammed the brakes early in the course, and Caitlin popped off.

We had a very quick press conference with the three-star riders following show jumping. This is Allie and Fergie’s first trip to Red Hills, and they’ve certainly come out swinging. She said Fergie has been a trooper through rough conditions so far, and her strategy for tackling Hugh Lochore’s course tomorrow is simple: Jump clean. Boyd said he doesn’t think the new course is as big as its predecessor, but that’s not a bad thing: “It’s a smart move by the course designer not to go over the top the first year because the turf is still growing, and he’s still getting a feel for the countryside.”

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are preparing for their first Rolex together, and she said her goal for tomorrow is to go out and have a good round rather than go for time. She’s been show jumping lately with Karen O’Connor, who Hannah said has been especially helpful in warmup. It paid off today with a really nice trip. CIC3* cross country doesn’t start until 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, but I’ll be out on the course early in the day to see how it rides for the one-star. With the progress the course made in drying up today, all signs point to a great day tomorrow. Go Red Hills.

[Website] [Live Scores] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule]

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The View from Spain Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 7, 2014 2:30 pm -

EN loves photos shot between the ears! If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] with a quick blurb about the photo’s story. This week’s View comes to us from Layne Sanders in Spain.

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From Layne Sanders: “This is the view from a ride on a friend’s Arab, Almanzor, in the coast of the northern part of Spain near Bilbao, where I’m studying abroad for the semester. I finally had an opportunity to ride out here after months of not riding and missing my horse back at home. Naturally, I couldn’t stay away for too long. It was so nice to get out on a sunny day (which is rare — it rains about 90 percent of the time here) and experience some of the most stunning views while riding.”

And here are more photos submitted by EN readers this week:

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Boyd Martin: Silva Smiling Today, Continuing to Improve

By on Mar 7, 2014 1:33 pm -
Silva Martin smiles in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin.

Silva Martin smiles in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin.

Boyd Martin said his wife Silva is continuing to improve following the freak accident that landed her in the hospital at Delray Medical Center near Wellington Wednesday morning. “The doctor said her condition is the same as yesterday, which is a good thing since they don’t want her condition to deteriorate at all in the first 48 hours,” Boyd said. “There is still bleeding on the brain, which is affecting her eyesight and speech.”

Silva’s two best friends Kate Hicks and Mary Griffin are with Silva in the hospital, and they told Boyd that Silva is much more responsive today. “She smiles when they tell her certain things,” Boyd said. “That wasn’t the case when I left yesterday. In my book, she’s definitely improved and showing signs of life.” The CT scans show the bleeding on her brain has not worsened, which is also an important sign that points toward her condition improving.

“There will be a road of rehabilitation,” Boyd sad. “From talking to the doctors, they believe she’ll make a recovery. Unfortunately, the rate of improvement is very slow.” Boyd is in good spirits today, and he has a large support team of members from the Trading Aces and Shamwari 4 syndicates here with him at Red Hills. There’s a very upbeat feel in the Windurra camp today as Silva continues to improve. Go Silva, and Go Boyd.

Ballynoe Castle RM Continues Comeback at Red Hills

By on Mar 7, 2014 11:01 am -
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ballynoe Castle is continuing his comeback this weekend at Red Hills with an easy romp in the Open Intermediate division. He did his dressage this morning, looking very matter of fact about whole ordeal and seeming to wonder what all the fuss is about. He scored 25.0 to lead the division. Caroline Martin said Reggie has been absolutely perfect during his rehab after bumping his leg on a water pipe in his stall, which resulted in a bone bruise on his right stifle. That little injury was severe enough to keep Reggie from representing Team USA at Aachen, and Buck has brought him back very slowly as a precaution.

Reggie competed for the first time since Rolex at Rocking Horse Winter I in January, finishing in third place on his dressage score of 29.6 in Open Intermediate. He then took a short break from competing to prepare for his role in super groom Kathleen Blauth’s wedding. Buck said he’ll see how this weekend goes and how the cross-country course dries out tomorrow. But if all goes well, he’s hoping to get Reggie to Kentucky, which would be his third appearance at Rolex. Many thanks to Buck, Kathleen and Carl Segal — who is here with Cassie this weekend — for taking time to chat after dressage. Go Reggie, and Go Eventing.

New Red Hills CIC3* Cross-Country Course Lives Up to Hype

By on Mar 7, 2014 9:00 am -
The Shire. Photo courtesy of John Kyle. The Shire. Photo courtesy of John Kyle.

I’m bringing you this CIC3* cross-country course preview from Red Hills earlier than expected thanks to friend of EN John Kyle. A well-known and favorite commentator here in the States, we’re thrilled he’s back again at Red Hills this year to offer his insight and expertise for both the show jumping and cross-country phases over the next two days. He was kind enough to share the photos he snapped today while walking the course in preparation for his announcing duties on Saturday.

Course designer Hugh Lochore and press officer Kathy Foreman went the extra mile to include an excellent printout of Hugh’s breakdown of the new CIC3* course in the packets for each journalist. Thanks to the magic of technology, I scanned the document with my phone and included an excerpt below for your reading pleasure. Hopefully Hugh’s explanation along with John’s excellent photos of each fence will give you a good idea of what the horses and riders will face when they leave the start box on Saturday. Go Red Hills. Go Eventing.

From Hugh Lochore:

The warm up, start box and first three fences are at the far west end of the park, so sited away from the bustle of the Oak Hammock in an attempt to keep the horses calm and to help riders focus their charges on the task at hand. The course opens with Pine Frame (1) and the Red Hills Welcome (2), both max height but kind and forgiving profiles to encourage a strong, attacking mind set. A narrower roll top spread — Hog House (3) — again is forgiving in profile but garners respect due to the right hand bend on landing, which fires the competitors down the hill into the atmosphere which is the main ring. The Brush Oxers (4) are a big fence and are a setup for this early combination of accuracy, testing apexes on a bending stride that is the Arena Complex (5AB). This is one of many spectator friendly spots around this course, where it has been a deliberate ploy by Red Hills over the years to get viewers as close to the action as is possible and safe.

There is little let up as horse and rider roll out of the main arena and over The Park Gate (6), which being very upright and jumping towards the trees will test some horses’ attention. If they aren’t settled and concentrating at this point, then they are either on the floor, or they’ve just received a wakeup call!

Down through the standing pines they go, over a massive Cordwood Pile (7), Lower lane log (8) and onto one of our more featured fences for this year. The Shire (9AB) is a test of accuracy and trust between horse and rider whilst bringing some enjoyable theming and presentation for the spectators — you must pay a visit to these sweet little Hobbit Houses with their cleverly appointed decor. A more traditional look at cross country comes next in the form of an open Oxer (10), which will jump big from the woods to the open space beyond. Another well-presented feature fence is Stairway to Heaven (11 ABC). Requiring bold attacking riding, the horses are expected to climb 11 feet over three obstacles within what would normally be a one-stride distance — this is strong acrobatics at its best and will be sure to catch one or two less willing combinations.

There is a really good open part of the course coming up, which will consist of higher speeds over the next half mile. The Chicken House (12) and the Triple Brush (13) are followed by a slowing switch-back test at Oak Hammock (14). These are the three biggest fences on the course that should ride with flow and ease. The Hay Feeders (15) are a forgiving let up before competitors are to tackle the dramatic new Water Complex (16ABCD). This new cross-country course at Red Hills consists of two water jumps, this one being the best vantage point if drama is what you are after. A big log cabin lands them just shy of the water’s edge, where they must gather themselves quickly for a step onto an island — inspired by the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass for those who are golf enthusiasts — immediately off the back side of the island, over a brush hedge and bending to the right over Huck Finn’s Raft, which has been a feature at Red Hills water jumps for a number of years. If they hit their spot, then this four-part combination will be completed with dramatic speed and precision. Otherwise well, why did you come to watch the water jump?

The big Pine Table (17) and the Garden Wall (18) will take them slightly away from the public attention for a short while before they are tested once again at Goliath Gap (19). This gaping ditch with a giant oak log suspended over the top of it makes for quite a spectacle and photo opportunity. The Pergola (20) is a feature you will recognize from previous years. Natures Dew Pool (21AB) comes next. This is the point at which Tyson gets to show off his wood carving skills. As entertaining as this educational spot is, in the midst of all the park attractions, it is a stern test for horse and rider, who must deal with distractions to ride a testing and accuracy requiring line.

The Owl (22), which perches in the middle of the Avenue of Shops, I hope will serve as no more than a fun feature for spectators, as the riders are focusing on the home stretch of this course. The Offsets (23AB) are a reminder that it is not over yet and that we must take a check and be concentrating right to the end. At this point, horses will be digging deep into energy reserves to get through the bottom end of the arena and up the hill to the last jump — Safe and Sound (24) … God willing.

Boyd Martin Pilots Both CIC3* Rides into Top 10 at Red Hills

By on Mar 6, 2014 4:55 pm -
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry. Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Three of the top five rides came in the last hour of CIC3* dressage at Red Hills, with Boyd Martin — running on no sleep after spending the night with his wife Silva in the hospital — piloting Trading Aces into second place on 41.4, just narrowly missing catching leaders Allie Knowles and Last Call. Boyd and Oscar’s test likely would have cracked the 30s — a feat no pair accomplished today — were it not for some tension in the canter late in the test; that said, their changes were vastly improved from Pine Top Advanced two weeks ago. I can’t help but think Silva would be proud of their performance had she been here to watch them today.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair rode through a light rain. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair slipped and slid their way into third place on a score of 43.2. The footing really deteriorated late in the day, with the long sides of the arena turning into total quagmires. Only Jan would have the balls to straight up go for it in the extended canter down the long side in these conditions; she rode the whole test with that same fierce determination. We also saw a very good test from Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot toward the end of the day; they’re sitting in fourth place overnight on 43.8. Hannah really kept William swinging nicely through his back, which made for a very fluid test.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd and Phillip Dutton both have two horses in the top 10, which is pretty impressive considering the physically and emotionally grueling past 36 hours. Sir Donovan, who Boyd has been riding for Peter Barry, had a very nice test with particularly good changes to sit in seventh place on 45.9. Mighty Nice is tied for fifth place with Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch on a score of 45.0, and Atlas is in eighth on 46.8. Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries and Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man round out the top 10 on scores of 47.1 and 48.3, respectively. Kudos to all the riders, volunteers and horses for putting on their game faces and getting it done today.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We dodged a bullet with rain this afternoon, as just light sprinkles fell on and off. So far Hugh Lochore’s wait-and-see plan when it comes to the brand new cross-country course is working. Assuming rain doesn’t fall overnight and the sun shines tomorrow as it’s forecasted to, the footing will be well on its way to drying enough for cross-country day on Saturday. Thanks to announcer extraordinaire John Kyle — whose fantastic commentary we’ll be enjoying for cross country and show jumping — I have photos of the CIC3* course ready to upload. Standby for much more from Red Hills!

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