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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

Four American Pairs Entered for Pau CCI4*

By on Oct 17, 2018 8:25 am -

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Entries have been confirmed for Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4*, which will take place Oct. 24-28 in France. There are 65 total combinations entered, including four from the U.S. and one Aussie we claim as our own.

Here are the American pairs making the trip to France:

  • Hallie Coon and Celien, an 11-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL X R Quicksilver, by Hamlet) owned by Helen Coon
  • Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Lupicor X Jarda, Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton
  • Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie, a 15-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding (Jetball X Tudnela) owned by George and Gretchen Wintersteen and Denise Lahey and Pierre Colin
  • Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by the Cross Syndicate) owned by The Cross Syndicate

Our honorary American, Ryan Wood, actually represents Australia but has been based in the States since 2008. He will ride Woodstock Bennett, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Shannondale Sarco X Ponail Belle, by Beau Royale) owned by Curran Simpson, in the horse’s CCI4* debut.

The entry list is one of the strongest we have seen from Pau in recent years and includes a formidable British contingent led by World Champion Ros Canter with Zenshera. Past Pau winner William Fox-Pitt will also compete with CCI4* debutant Little Fire.

Click here to view the Pau CCI4* entry list. Go Eventing.

[Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4* Website]

Fair Hill Drawn Order Goes Live with Kieffer and Knowles as Pathfinders

By on Oct 16, 2018 8:55 am -

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The drawn order has been posted for the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, which starts tomorrow with the first horse inspection in Elkton, Maryland. A total of 66 horses in the CCI2* and 44 horses in the CCI3* will be presented to the ground juries.

Allie Knowles is the only rider in the CCI2* with three horses entered and will serve as pathfinder with Ms. Poppins, as well as the final rider in the division with Morswood.

Five riders have two entries in the CCI3*, and Lauren Kieffer has the honor of going first and last for the division. Landmark’s Monte Carlo will serve as pathfinder for the CCI3*, while Vermiculus will be the last horse on Derek di Grazia’s course on Saturday.

Click here to view the full drawn order for both the CCI2* and CCI3*.

Fair Hill also serves as the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships, with 14 horses entered in the 4-year-old Championships and 42 horses entered in the 5-year-old Championships. View the drawn order for the YEH Championships here.

The action kicks off tomorrow at Fair Hill starting with the CCI first horse inspection at 1 p.m. EST. Dressage will start at 8 a.m. EST on both Thursday and Friday. Click here to view the full event schedule.

USEF Network will be broadcasting the CCI3* this year, with dressage and show jumping recorded live and available to watch online later in the day. CCI3* cross country will stream live on Saturday.

Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from Fair Hill. Go Eventing.

Fair Hill Links: Website, Drawn Order, Schedule, YEH Scoring, CCI Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

What Has Michael Jung Been Up To? Winning at Strzegom Of Course

By on Oct 15, 2018 2:00 pm -

Michael Jung and Lennox 364 at Strzegom. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

It may have seemed like a quiet start to the fall season for Germany’s Michael Jung, who missed out on the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games due to an injury to fischerRocana FST — though he still made the trip to Tryon to coach Pawel Spizak.

But the reality is Michael has been just as busy as ever. This past weekend in Poland, he took the win in the Strzegom CCI3* with Lennox 364 — Michael’s first major win since Kentucky CCI4* last year and his first CCI3* win since the Blair European Championships in 2015.

Lennox 364, a 10-year-old Hanoverian (Sunlight xx X Heather’s Pride, by Heraldik xx) owned by the Jung family and Erich Single, has been making a comeback from an injury and primarily campaigned this season at CIC* and CIC2* level with Michael’s student Isabel English.

Michael took the ride back in the Nations Cup at Waregem last month in preparation for Strzegom, which was Lennox’s first time back at CCI3* level since finishing fifth at Saumur last year. Lennox led Strzegom after dressage on 25.6 and slipped to second after cross country with 4.0 time penalties added. He then jumped one of five clear show jumping rounds yesterday to clinch the win on 30.0.

“Lennox did a very nice dressage test; he’s a super mover,” Michael said. “I had a great feeling about our ride in the cross country. He’s in a super condition; he jumped everything very easily. The show jumping is not his best specialty, but it went really well. He was really strong and gave me a great feeling. I’m very happy that he’s back after his injury.”

Michael also finished second in the CCI3* with Maria Stein’s Corazon, an 8-year-old Hanoverian (Casillas 2 X Skyline, by Sir Donnerhall) who made her debut at the level. The mare added just 4.8 cross country time penalties to her dressage score to complete on 31.3.

Gemma Tattersall led the CCI3* after cross country with Chris Stone’s Chilli Knight, an 8-year-old British-bred gelding (Chilli Morning X Kings Gem, by Rock King) who also made his debut at the level. Knocking the final fence in show jumping saw “Alfie” finish third on 32.1.

“I’m so proud of little Alfie. At 8-years-old he jumped his socks off around a tough show jumping track with a very tight time to have the very last fence down,” Gemma said. “Obviously I’m personally gutted not to have won, but I’m so pleased with this lovely young horse who couldn’t have tried harder for me all week.”

Strzegom’s October Festival is always a banner weekend in Poland, and this year saw a record 420 horses compete with riders representing 22 different countries. Michael also won the CCI* B section on 28.0 with Go For S, a 6-year-old Hanoverian mare (Grey Top X  Landana, by Colon xx) owned by Faye Füllgraebe.

Click here to view full results from Strzegom. Go Eventing.

Strong North American Contingent Heading to Le Lion d’Angers

By on Oct 13, 2018 10:17 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Phoyo by Jenni Autry.

The sport’s top 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds will take on the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships at Le Lion d’Angers on Oct. 18-21, and the U.S. and Canada have a strong contingent heading to France.

The U.S. has two horses in the 7-year-old World Championships in what will serve as a highly anticipated rematch. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver last faced-off against Doug Payne and Quantum Leap in the Ocala CCI2* in April, with Cooley Quicksilver taking the win on 31.4 and Quantum Leap finishing second on 35.3.

Cooley Quicksilver, an Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer X Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond) owned by the The Monster Partnership of Rob Desino, Chris Desino, Renee Lane and Debby Halliday, has finished outside the top 10 only once this season in his international runs.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Susan Drillock’s Quantum Leap, a 7-year-old RPSI gelding (Quite Capitol X Report to Sloopy, by Corporate Report) bred in Maryland by Didi Callahan, received the Holekamp/Turner Grant to compete at Le Lion. The grant, founded by Tim and Cheryl Holekamp and Christine Turner, enables the highest scorer of the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old Championship to travel to Le Lion as a 7-year-old if the horse obtains the proper CCI2* qualifications.

The U.S. and Canada have two apiece slated to compete in the 6-year-old World Championships, and Mexico also has an entry heading to France.

Tiana Coudray and Happenstance, a KWPN mare (Quality Time X Mermus R) owned by Annabelle James and Kyrle Arscott, finished ninth in the CCIYH* at Tattersalls in June.

Tiana Coudray and Happenstance. Photo by Radka Preislerova.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Debby Halliday’s Cooley Moonshine, an Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cobra X Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master), have two CIC* wins on their record this season at Brightling Park and Ardingly.

Rebecca Howard has two rides in the 6-year-old World Championships for Canada. Cooley Convinced, an Irish Sport Horse mare (Diarado X BLM Clover Diamond, by Clover Echo) owned by Kelly McCarthy-Maine, most recently finished 25th in the Ardingly CIC*. Trebor, a British-bred gelding (Mighty Magic X Trevilder, by Fleetwater Opposition) owned by Kelly McCarthy-Maine, finished 14th at Ardingly CIC*.

Mexico’s Pedro Gutierrez and his own California Mail, a 6-year-old Selle Francais mare (Quite Easy X Varnalisa Mail, by Kalaska de Semilly), have completed CIC* competitions at  Haras du Pin and Waregem this season.

Click here to view entries for the 6-year-old World Championships.

Click here to view entries for the 7-year-old World Championships.

[Le Lion d’Angers Website]

Watch the 2018 Military Boekelo CCIO3* Live Stream

By on Oct 12, 2018 7:08 pm -

The action is underway at Military Boekelo CCIO3*! You can watch all the action live on the FEI’s YouTube Channel and right here on EN. Replays of all phases can be watched here.

The Boekelo broadcast schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, Oct. 11: Dressage from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m./4 a.m.-10:45 a.m. EST
  • Friday, Oct. 12: Dressage from 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m./4 a.m.-10:45 a.m. EST
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: Cross country from 10:30-4:30 p.m./4:30-10:30 a.m. EST
  • Sunday, Oct. 14: Show jumping at 11 a.m./5 a.m. EST

Keep it locked on EN for all things Boekelo. Go Eventing.

Boekelo CCIO3*: Website, Entries, Start Times & Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal Dance to 12th at Boekelo; Doug Payne 38th

By on Oct 12, 2018 3:49 pm -

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The top three remained unchanged today at Military Boekelo CCIO3* in Enschede, Netherlands, with Tim Lips and Bayro still leading the way on 19.2 — the lowest score ever recorded by a Dutch rider, according to EquiRatings.

Today all eyes turned to the two American combinations in the field, and Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal rose to the occasion as the first pair out for the U.S. “Rory,” a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare (Riverman X Marisol, by Corofino I) owned by Judy McSwain, scored 26.8 to sit in 12th place.

The mare delivered a personal best score of 26.7 two weeks ago in the Stable View CIC3*, and she just narrowly missed matching that on the international stage today. Tamie said she is absolutely thrilled with how Rory handled the biggest atmosphere she has faced yet.

“That’s what happens with young horses — they keep getting better and better. She just clicked up to another level. … The wind was blowing quite strong during our test, so the flags were whipping and you could really hear that. She can be a bit sound-sensitive, but she wasn’t bothered at all.”

Tamie’s dressage trainer, Niki Clarke, flew out to the East Coast to help her ahead of Stable View, and Tamie said U.S. Performance Director Erik Duvander was also extremely helpful this week in the lead-up to her test at Boekelo.

“Erik was super about letting me do my thing but then giving me pointers about what he saw, and I was able to remember those things in the ring. It was just the right amount of help from him,” Tamie said. “I was hoping that it would all fall into place today, and it did. She handled everything like a pro. I’m so proud of her.”

Doug Payne and Getaway. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Doug Payne and Getaway, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Contendro X Ladula, by Lady’s King) owned by Lisa Wall, scored 32.8 to sit in 38th place at the conclusion of dressage. “Flynn” has averaged 30.0 since stepped up to the three-star level this season, and Doug said he was happy with how the horse handled himself in such an an electric atmosphere.

“I would have liked a better score, but in the grand scheme of things with where he is right now in his career, I think he was really good. He’s still not 100% strong enough to hold the movements. You’ll get five strides where he has it now and then he can’t hold it anymore, but he is making a lot of progress,” Doug said.

“As he continues to get stronger and accustomed to bigger atmospheres, it’s going to keep getting better. You don’t get better without exposing him to atmospheres like Boekelo, so this is a big step forward for him.”

A field of 77 horses will go forward to the cross country tomorrow. When you consider that Chris Burton and Cooley Lands moved from 69th up to 10th place last year as the only pair to make the optimum time, we are poised to see plenty of movement on the leaderboard.

Boekelo has dry, sunny conditions for the first time in recent memory, and temperatures are expected to rise up to 80°F (27°C) tomorrow in the afternoon. Doug said he thinks the warmer temperatures could play an advantage to the two American horses, who have been competing in hot, humid weather on the East Coast.

Tamie said the ground feels a bit firm today, and as it has a sand base there is a question as to whether the footing will get deep later in the day. While the riders won’t be facing deep mud like they usually do at Boekelo, as Tamie pointed out: “Galloping through sand isn’t necessarily great either.”

Sue Benson’s course is reversed this year (click here for a fence-by-fence preview) and Tamie said she really likes the flow in this new new direction. “The thing about Boekelo is it has to be your day. You have to be ultra focused. There just isn’t a lot of room for mistakes on a course like this.”

You can watch cross country live tomorrow at this link starting at 10:30 a.m./4:30 a.m. EST. Click here for cross country start times. Times for Tamie and Doug are as follows:

  • Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal: 1:46 p.m./7:46 a.m. EST
  • Doug Payne and Getaway: 2:50 p.m./8:50 a.m. EST

As we look ahead to cross country, Germany tops the Nations Cup leaderboard on 80.0, with Great Britain close behind in second place on 80.7. The Dutch team sits third for the home nation on 82.1. Click here to view team scores.

Boekelo CCIO3*: Website, Entries, XC Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

3 Drool-Worthy Horses You Can Buy at the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale

By on Oct 12, 2018 10:27 am -

The countdown has officially begun for the highly anticipated Goresbridge Go For Gold select event horse sale, which will take place Nov. 12-13 at Barnadown in Co. Wexford, Ireland. Run by Ireland’s premier sport horse sales company, the Go For Gold sale has a stalwart reputation for sourcing top eventing prospects.

Numerous Goresbridge Go for Gold graduates have gone on to successfully compete at the upper levels in the U.S. and Canada. You can browse a full list of the top graduates and their achievements here. Three Go For Gold graduates achieved top 10 results at CCI4* events this year, including a very familiar face to U.S. eventing enthusiasts.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach at Kentucky 2018. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Buck Davidson’s longtime partner Copper Beach finished 10th at Kentucky CCI4* this year — his third CCI4* completion. Purchased through the Go For Gold sale in 2011, Copper Beach won his first international the following year at Bromont CCI*. Two years later he won the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. He has won six internationals in all to date, including the Rebecca Farm CCI3* in 2016 and Plantation Field CIC3* in 2017.

Oliver Townend and Cooley SRS at Badminton 2018. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Cooley SRS, another graduate of the 2011 Go For Gold sale, finished second at Badminton CCI4* with Oliver Townend this year, as well as 12th at Burghley CCI4* last month. He also won Ballindenisk CCI3* in 2015 and represented Great Britain at the 2017 European Championships at Strzegom.

Ciaran Glynn and November Night at Burghley 2018. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ciaran Glynn’s lovely mare November Night came through the Go For Gold sale in 2010. After knocking on the door of a top result at CCI4* level in past performances at Badminton and Pau, she delivered an impressive top-15 finish in her Burghley debut this year.

Numerous other three-star winners and four-star performers have been sourced through the Go For Gold sale — it truly has become synonymous with excellence. This year’s lineup features 60 top young horses carefully chosen on pedigree, performance and potential to excel in eventing.

The preview videos for this year’s sale horses are now available to view on the Go For Gold website, and three in particular caught our eye.

Boleybawn Freedom, a 5-year-old gelding (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet X Boleybawn Corbel, by Courage II) is unbeaten in his two career starts with Sophie Richards. He won the EI90 at Grove in June on his dressage score of 22.0, as well as the 5-year-old Young Event Horse class at Kilguilkey House. Check out his game attitude for cross country in the video above — ears pricked and loving it!

Emerald Emoe, a 4-year-old mare (Orestus X Miss Lola C, by Touchdown), was crowned this year’s Dublin Young Event Horse Champion with Ita McDermott. You have to watch the video of her popping around the show jumping course in the video above — scope for days!

Stonehaven Penhills Cobra, a 5-year-old gelding (Cobra X Karla, by Guidam), received the highest jumping score — 37.5 out of a possible 40 points — at this year’s Burghley Young Event Horse Finals. He placed third out of 35 horses with Bernie Wharfe. (Click here to view a full breakdown of results.) You absolutely have to watch his power over fences in the video above.

Those are just a few of the horses to check out from this year’s sale. There are three 6-year-olds, seven 5-year-olds, 21 4-year-olds and 29 3-year-olds. You can view preview videos of all 60 horses available at the 2018 Goresbridge Go For Gold sale here.

The sale takes place at Barnadown in Co. Wexford and at the Amber Springs Hotel, which is about an hour south of Dublin. Lots 1-36 will be shown on the flat, over show jumps and on cross country on Monday, Nov. 12. Lots 36-65 will be free jumped on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

There will also be the opportunity to trial the ridden horses at Barnadown, both on the flat and over fences. All lots are sold with a veterinary certificate and a set of X-rays. The auction and gala dinner will take place at the Amber Springs Hotel on the evening of Tuesday. Nov. 13.

Whether you are shopping for a top eventing prospect, want to experience a top auction firsthand or simply want an excuse to take a trip to Ireland, the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale has so much to offer. Visit the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale website for much more information. Go Eventing.

New Dutch Dressage Record: Tim Lips and Bayro Lead Boekelo on 19.2

By on Oct 11, 2018 1:15 pm -

Tim Lips and Bayro. Photo by Anja Veurink.

Tim Lips and Bayro came to Military Boekelo on a mission to become the first Dutch winners in the 48-year history of the event, and they are well on their way after scoring 19.2 to handily lead on the first day of dressage in Enschede, Netherlands.

EquiRatings confirmed 19.2 is the lowest dressage score ever recorded by a Dutch rider at any international level, besting Eef Hamers and Balou’s score of 21.1 at Barroca d’Alva CCI* in 2015.

Tim and Bayro, a 12-year-old KWPN (Casantos X Vanya, by Corland), also set the Dutch CCI4* dressage record at Luhmühlen this year, and he credited his trainer, Nicole Werner, for strengthening their performance in the first phase.

“Bayro was quiet in the bridle and remained extremely relaxed. Whether I have a chance to be the first Dutchman ever to win the Military Boekelo is an open question,” Tim said. “Dressage no longer counts as much as before in relation to the cross country on Saturday and the jumping on Sunday.

Time penalties on cross country cost Tim and Bayro the Boekelo win last year, when they finish second to Tim Price and Cekatinka, and he said he is determined to go faster this year.

“The footing is perfect, and we showed that Bayro can handle this competition last year,” Tim said. What matters is to keep my focus and to keep the attacking the cross. If I don’t do that I’ll run into time penalties, and I want to avoid them.”

Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, a 12-year-old Selle Francais (Milor Landais x Melitos du Thot, by Flipper d’Elle), have been widely tipped to challenge Tim for the win and sit second on 22.6 after dressage.

After uncharacteristic trouble on cross country at Aachen over the summer, Julia and “Sam” bounced back to win the Nations Cup at Waregem CICO3* last month. Having won three of their last four international runs, Julia and Sam are serious contenders to watch this weekend.

Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52, a 9-year-old Holsteiner (Landos X Vernante, by Quinar), won the Blenheim CIC3* last month and sit third on 23.1, a personal best at three-star level for the horse. London 52 is making his CCI3* debut at Boekelo.

After the first day of dressage, Sweden tops the Nations Cup standings on 54.6, followed closely by Great Britain and Germany in equal second place on 54.9. Click here to view individual scores. Click here to view team standings.

The U.S. does not have a team in the Nations Cup but is still represented by two strong pairs in Tamie Smith and Judy McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal and Doug Payne and Lisa Walls’s Getaway. Both are scheduled to go tomorrow in dressage at the following times:

  • Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal: Friday at 11:04 a.m./5:04 a.m. EST
  • Doug Payne and Getaway: Friday at 2:32 p.m./8:32 a.m. EST

You can watch Tamie and Doug’s tests live on the Boekelo live stream at this link. Cross country and show jumping will also be streamed live; you can view the broadcast schedule here.

Stay tuned for much more from Boekelo. Go Eventing.

Boekelo CCIO3*: Website, Entries, Thursday Start Times, Friday Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Oct 11, 2018 12:01 am -

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal at Boekelo 🇺🇸

Don’t let the poof-ball hat fool you in the photo above — the sun is shining at Boekelo and weather conditions are even being described as “balmy.” The sun never shines like this in Holland during Boekelo, so naturally Instagram is peppered with horses, riders, grooms and spectators alike enjoying the clear skies. Surely the sunshine is a good omen for Tamie Smith and Doug Payne, our sole Americans competing this year.

National Holiday: International Day of the Girl

Major Events This Week:

Military Boekelo CCIO3*: Website, Entries, Thursday Start Times, Friday Start Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Radnor Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Las Cruces H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Thursday News & Notes:

US Equestrian has canceled the 2019 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session to “allow for a revitalization and refresh of the program.” The training session is designed to identify and develop the next generation of show jumping talent who may one day represent the U.S. on the world stage. US Equestrian intends to continue the program in 2020. [George Morris Training Session]

Can painting jumps a different color bolster safety at high speeds? That’s the question raised by a new study from the University of Exeter, which worked with the British Horseracing Authority and Racing Foundation to test fence colors. The jump jockeys who participated in the study felt that fences painted fluorescent yellow and white spurred better jumping form from their horses. The next trial in the study will test these two colors on fences at British racecourse training grounds. [New Jump Colors]

If you’ve never made the trip to the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale in Ireland, this is a fabulous year to start. The preview videos for the horses in this year’s sale have now been released, and you could waste an entire afternoon watching the footage. (Ask me how I know.)  The sale takes place in Co. Kilkenny on Nov. 12 and 13 and is a highlight of the season for eventing enthusiasts. [Goresbridge Go For Gold]

Edge Brewing Barcelona, one of EN’s favorite breweries, is presenting the $5,000 Charity Jumper Classic on Oct. 26 at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center in Tryon, N.C. Edge Brewing believes in “saving horses one beer at a time” and donates a portion of profits to select equine charities. Tryon-based charity HERD (Helping Equines Regain Dignity) has been named the beneficiary for the Charity Jumper Classic. [Edge Brewing Equestrian]

Small But Mighty U.S. Contingent Ready for Military Boekelo CCIO3*

By on Oct 10, 2018 11:07 am -

Doug Payne and Getaway and Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Both American pairs passed the first horse inspection at Military Boekelo CCIO3* today in Enschede, Netherland, with 77 pairs in all moving forward to dressage. Widely considered the most prestigious CCI3* in the world, Boekelo also serves as the FEI Nations Cup final.

The U.S. unfortunately does not have a Nations Cup team this year at Boekelo, as Liz Halliday-Sharp withdrew Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL X Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by The Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, on Monday due to a minor injury sustained in turnout.

“Unfortunately he managed to knock himself in the field on Friday, and while he is still feeling fit and fabulous and has been going well, he is not quite where we want him to be to be heading off to a big competition,” Liz said.

Doug Payne and Getaway. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The U.S. is now represented by Doug Payne and Tamie Smith, both of whom received USET Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition Grants to compete at Boekelo.

Doug Payne and Lisa Walls’s Getaway, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Contendro X Ladula, by Lady’s King), have finished inside the top eight in their last seven consecutive international runs. “Flynn” finished sixth in his CCI3* debut at Bromont in June and makes his second start at the level at Boekelo.

Tamie Smith and Judy McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare (Riverman X Marisol, by Corofino I) won the Rebecca Farm CIC3* over the summer and are also making their second start at the CCI3* level. “Rory” finished 17th at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* last fall.

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Dressage starts at 10 a.m./4 a.m. EST on both Thursday and Friday. Doug and Tamie will both go on Friday at the following times:

  • Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal: Friday at 11:04 a.m./5:04 a.m. EST
  • Doug Payne and Getaway: Friday at 2:32 p.m./8:32 a.m. EST

Click here for Thursday start times and here for Friday start times. You can watch all the action on the Military Boekelo live stream.

In addition to the U.S., riders representing Australia, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden will compete at Boekelo.

As for other pairs to watch, all eyes will be on Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, who are coming off a win in the Nations Cup at Waregem and are heavy favorites to take the Boekelo victory. “Super Sam” is slated to go in dressage on Thursday at 12:31 p.m./6:31 a.m. EST.

Reigning Dutch National Champions Tim Lips and Bayro finished second last year and will also be ones to watch as they look to become the first Dutch winners of Boekelo. Bayro goes down centerline on Thursday 2:08 p.m./6:08 a.m. EST.

With one leg to go in the 2018 FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, France tops the overall standings with 490 points, followed closely by Great Britain with 480 points — well out in front of the other countries. The stage is set for a thrilling finale as France and Great Britain battle for the 2018 series title.

Keep it locked on EN for all things Boekelo. Go Eventing.

Military Boekelo CCIO3*: Website, Entries, Thursday Start Times, Friday Start Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Who Jumped It Best? Woodside Junior Beginner Novice Rider Edition

By on Oct 10, 2018 10:12 am -

It’s time to play a special edition of Who Jumped It Best starring some super cute kids and ponies from the Junior Beginner Novice Rider division at Woodside International Horse Trials.

Take a look at these beautiful photos kindly provided by Sherry Stewart. Then vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which pair you think present the best overall picture over the jump.

Go Eventing.

[Woodside HT Results]

Natalie Barton and Foxy Lady. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Maddie Berry and Resilience. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Chloe Black and Chocolate Rocket Man. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Hadley Colwell and The Sundance Kid. Photo by sherry Stewart

Benjamin Heckman and Pluto. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Nicole Knauer and So Long As It’s Red. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Adrianna Kosmont and Banana Split. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Kaylan McCormac and Never Grow Up. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Elise Thompson and Infinite. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Boekelo CCIO3* Entries Go Live With 82 Combinations, 3 American Pairs

By on Oct 3, 2018 12:18 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z will return to Boekelo for a second consecutive year. Photo by Jenni Autry.

After madly refreshing the Military Boekelo website all morning, we’ve been rewarded with an entry list. Entries closed yesterday, and we have 82 combinations slated to contest the CCIO3* Nations Cup Final next week in Enschede, Netherlands.

Three American pairs are entered:

  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL X Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by The Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties
  • Doug Payne and Getaway, an 11-year-old Oldenburg (Contendro X Ladula, by Lady’s King) owned by Lisa Wall
  • Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare (Riverman X Marisol, by Corofino I) owned by Judy McSwain

In addition to the U.S., riders representing Australia, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden are entered to compete at Boekelo.

All eyes will be on Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, who are coming off a win in the Nations Cup at Waregem and will go to Boekelo as heavy favorites.

Reigning Dutch National Champions Tim Lips and Bayro finished second last year and will also be ones to watch as they look to become the first Dutch winners of Boekelo.

With one leg to go in the 2018 FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, France still tops the overall standings with 490 points, followed closely by Great Britain with 480 points — well out in front of the other countries. The stage is set for a thrilling finale at Boekelo as France and Great Britain battle for the 2018 series title.

The U.S. sits sixth in the 2018 Nations Cup series standings with 290 points. Click here to view the leaderboard after seven legs.

EN will be on the grounds in the Netherlands to bring you wall-to-wall coverage, starting with the first horse inspection on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Click here to view the full entry list for Boekelo. Go Eventing.

[Military Boekelo Website]

Ros Canter Closes Gap to FEI World No. 1, Phillip Dutton Ranked 9th for USA

By on Oct 3, 2018 10:01 am -

Ros Canter now sits only 13 points out of the FEI World No. 1 position. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Following her triumph with Allstar B at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, Great Britain’s Ros Canter has significantly closed the gap separating her from the top of the FEI World Eventing Athlete Rankings.

Oliver Townend still holds the World No. 1 position in the latest rankings for Team GB on 569 points, but Ros has now jumped up to the second slot on 556 points — just 13 points behind Oliver.

The dynamic duo of Tim and Jonelle Price remain in the top five of the rankings for New Zealand, now sitting sit third and fourth with 519 and 445 points, respectively.

Great Britain has three riders in the top five of the rankings, with Sarah Bullimore slipping one slot to fifth on 421 points.

Astier Nicolas leads the way for France, moving up from 11th to the sixth slot with 420 points after finishing seventh individually at WEG with Vinci de la Vigne.

Tom McEwen and Piggy French both jumped into the top 10 thanks to their team gold performance for Great Britain at WEG, and now sit seventh and eighth on 389 and 370 points, respectively.

Phillip Dutton and Z at WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Phillip Dutton is the sole U.S. rider in the top 10 of the latest rankings, moving from 27th up to ninth on 359 points after finishing 13th with Z — the best American result at WEG — and winning the Stable View CIC3* with I’m Sew Ready at the weekend.

Sam Watson moved from 30th up to 10th on 335 points thanks to finishing 14th at WEG with Horseware Ardagh Highlight for Ireland’s silver medal team. EquiRatings confirmed Sam is the first Irish rider in history to sit in the top 10 of the FEI world rankings.

Looking to American riders ranked inside the top 25, Lynn Symansky slipped one position to 13th on 330 points. Boyd Martin also dropped one slot to 14th on 328 points. Buck Davidson slipped six slots to 23rd with 315 points.

The U.S. has four more riders ranked inside the top 50. Will Coleman dropped six slots to 26th on 308 points. Lauren Kieffer slipped eight slots to 36th on 285 points. Liz Halliday-Sharp moved down nine slots to 45th on 265 points. Caroline Martin dropped six slots to 46th on 262 points.

Selena O’Hanlon remains the highest ranked Canadian rider, holding the 121st position on 151 points.

Click here to view the latest FEI World Eventing Athlete Rankings.

US Equestrian Announces 2018 Fall National Grant Recipients

By on Oct 2, 2018 3:47 pm -

Emilee Libby and Jakobi. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Hot off the presses! US Equestrian has just announced the recipients of the 2018 Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grants and USET Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars National Developing Rider Grants, which are given through the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, for the remainder of the 2018 season.

Three athletes received USET Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars National Developing Rider Grants for The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI3* in Elkton, Md., on Oct. 18-21, 2018:

  • Sydney Conley Elliott (Bossier City, La.) and Cisko A, Carol Stephens’s 12-year-old Westphalian gelding
  • Emilee Libby (Temecula, Calif.) and Jakobi, a 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding she owns with Linda Libby
  • Frankie Thieriot Stutes (Occidental, Calif.) and Chatwin, The Chatwin Group’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding

Two athletes received funding for the Ocala Jockey Club International CCI3* in Reddick, Fla., on November 15-18, 2018:

  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 12-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell, received a USET Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars National Developing Rider Grant.
  • Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and RF Cool Play, The Donner Syndicate, LLC’s 10-year-old German Sport Horse gelding, received a Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant.

All funding is dependent on the horses starting the competitions.

[US Equestrian Announces 2018 Fall Eventing National Grant Recipients]

Shannondale Julius Suffers Fatal Fall at ESDCTA New Jersey Horse Trials

By on Sep 30, 2018 6:27 pm -

Ryan Wood and Shannondale Julius schooling at True Prospect Farm. Photo courtesy of Woodstock Eventing.

We are heartbroken to report that Ryan Wood’s mount Shannondale Julius suffered a fatal fall today at a jump in the cross country warm-up for the Open Training A division at ESDCTA New Jersey Horse Trials in Allentown, New Jersey.

“Julius,” a 5-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Shannondale Sarco X Shannondale High Flyer, by High Roller) Ryan owned with Amy Peloquin and Logan Moore, fell at a jump in warm-up and broke his neck. Ryan was uninjured in the fall.

“I am devastated writing this statement that Shannondale Julius suffered a fatal fall today in cross country warm-up at New Jersey Horse Trials. He fell at a jump and broke his neck, and we are gutted to lose him this way,” Ryan said.

“We have had him since he was a 3-year-old and had a great bond together. I’m so sad for Julius and his owners, Amy and Logan, and everyone at Woodstock Eventing who loved him. Thank you to the event for all of their help on a terrible day for our team.”

The EN team extends our deepest condolences to Ryan, Amy, Logan, and all who knew and loved this special horse.

[Equine Fatality at the ESDCTA New Jersey Horse Trials]

Mai Hero: Tamie Smith Drops a Baum in Stable View CIC3*

By on Sep 28, 2018 5:59 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mai Baum made his much anticipated return to the three-star level with Tamie Smith today at Stable View’s inaugural CIC3* in Aiken, South Carolina and handily holds the lead after the first two phases.

“Lexus,” a 12-year-old German Sport Horse (Loredano X Ramira, by Rike) owned by Alex Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, delivered a personal best of 23.7 in dressage this morning to top the leaderboard. He then jumped a beautiful clear over Marc Donovan’s course in the afternoon to retain first place.

It has been a long road back to the top for Lexus, who last competed at the three-star level in 2015 when he won the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. Lexus returned to the Advanced level earlier this month when he won the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final at the American Eventing Championships, and now Tamie will look to extend their international win streak to six in a row.

“We took our time getting him strong and fit, and I think it’s really paid off,” Tamie said. “It feels easy for him. The dressage feels even better than it ever did. It is wonderful to have him back.”

As for her plan on Capt. Mark Phillips’s cross country course tomorrow, Tamie said she plans to go for the win: “The course looks tough and fun, and I just have to stay focused.”

If Tamie and Lexus win tomorrow, EquiRatings confirmed the six-win streak will tie Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous for the most consecutive international wins this decade.

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tamie also sits in second place with Judy McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal, who delivered a personal best of 26.7 to sit second after dressage and jumped one of five clear show jumping rounds to remain second.

“Rory,” a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare (Riverman X Marisol), won her last international at the Rebecca Farm CIC3* and next heads to the Boekelo CCIO3* in two weeks. Tamie confirmed to EN she will not run cross country with Rory tomorrow, so we will look forward to seeing her tear it up in the Netherlands.

Doug Payne and Getaway. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Doug Payne and Lisa Walls’s Getaway are also bound for Boekelo and sit in third place after the first two phases on their dressage score of 28.8. “Flynn,” an 11-year-old Oldenburg by Contendro, has finished inside the top 10 in his last six international runs, and Doug confirmed the horse will run cross country tomorrow.

Boyd Martin and Kyra. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s Kyra delivered a clear show jumping round to move up to fourth place on their dressage score of 31.4. The 11-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare (VDL Ulando H X Wellesley, by Weltstern) has never had a rail down at international level and extended her streaks to 15 clears in a row today.

Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Leslie Law and Tre’ Book’s Voltaire de Tre’ also left all the poles in the cups to remain on their dressage score of 33.3. The 9-year-old Selle Francais (Jasmina du Fresne X Socrate de Chivre) moved up four spots on the leaderboard after show jumping to sit inside the top five overnight.

The ground jury of Jo Young (CAN) and Valerie Crail (USA) gave four sub-30 scores in dressage this morning. We saw five clear show jumping rounds this afternoon to give Marc Donovan’s course a 23.8% clear rate. Click here to view scores after the first two phases.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross country, Tamie Smith and Mai Baum will have 12 seconds to play with ahead of Doug Payne and Getaway. The CIC3* starts at 12:15 p.m. EST and will stream live on EQTV Network. Stay tuned for a full preview of the CIC3* course.

Looking to the other FEI divisions, Heather Morris and Team Express Group’s Charlie Tango lead the CIC2* on 27.7. Andrew McConnon and his own Bossinova lead the CIC* in the horse’s debut at the level on 22.8.

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s On Cue lead the Advanced on 27.8. Megan Loughnane and her own Linford lead the Intermediate on 20.5. The Preliminary-Beginner Novice divisions kick off tomorrow with dressage.

Stay tuned for much more from Stable View. Go Eventing.

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Watch the Stable View CIC3* Live Stream

By on Sep 28, 2018 8:00 am -

Welcome to the fifth annual Oktoberfest Horse Trials at beautiful Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. EQTV Network is live streaming all three phases of the inaugural CIC3*, and you can watch right here on EN.

CIC3* broadcast schedule:

  • Dressage: Friday from 8:30-11:40 a.m. EST
  • Show Jumping: Friday from 2:45-3:30 p.m. EST
  • Cross Country: Saturday from 12:15-1:20 p.m. EST

Follow EquiRatings on Facebook and Twitter for statistics and analysis throughout the event. Keep it locked on EN for all the latest from Stable View. Go Eventing.

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Friday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Sep 28, 2018 12:01 am -

Caption this! Tik Maynard and Sinead Halpin’s kid Brooks is pretty impressed with Stable View.

It’s a big weekend in Aiken, South Carolina as the first ever FEI competition comes to town. Stable View is hosting a CIC3*, CIC2* and CIC* alongside National levels from Advanced to Beginner Novice for their fifth annual Oktoberfest horse trials. With more than $80,000 in prize money on the line, it’s a party you don’t want to miss. You can watch the CIC3* action live on EQTV Network.

National Holiday: National Drink Beer Day

Major Events This Week:

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

Ashleigh Rauen is recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained when her horse Pip slipped between fences at the Area VII Preliminary Championships. Pip was uninjured but Ashleigh is facing a long road to recovery. As always, eventers take care of their own. Please consider making a donation. [Ashleigh’s Recovery Fund]

The USEA Equine Medical Research Fund voted to fund a portion of four new studies: “Understanding the Roles of Diet and Insulin in Horses at Risk for Laminitis,” “Improving Stem Cell Treatment Success,” “Combatting Persistent Joint Infections,” and “Correlating Different Mast Cell Subtypes to Equine Asthma Diseases.” [USEA Board of Governors Votes to Support Four Studies with the Equine Medical Research Fund]

A new study found that the risk of intracranial bleeding for horseback riders is five times higher for those that don’t wear helmets, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Neurosurgery. In contrast, risk of intracranial brain bleeding is reduced by 96% if a helmet is worn. [New study from Germany scientists]

Your Ultimate Guide to Stable View’s Inaugural FEI Event

By on Sep 26, 2018 10:23 am -

We are counting down to an exciting weekend in South Carolina, as Stable View is set to host Aiken’s inaugural FEI competition at the fifth annual Oktoberfest horse trials on Sept. 28-30, 2018.

With more than 300 horses competing and $80,000 in prize money across all divisions from the CIC3* to Beginner Novice, the stage is set for a thrilling event.

EN will be on the grounds providing coverage, and we’ve compiled a guide of everything you need to know.

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

IF YOU GO …

FRIDAY, SEPT 28: Dressage will run all day Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST for the CIC3*, CIC2*, CIC*, Advanced and Intermediate divisions. Show jumping for the CIC3* and CIC2* will be held Friday afternoon from 2:45-5 p.m. EST.

SATURDAY, SEPT 29: Dressage for the Intermediate, Preliminary, Novice and Beginner Novice divisions will run from 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. EST. Show jumping for the CIC*, Intermediate, Advanced, Preliminary and Training will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. EST. Cross country for the CIC3*, CIC2*, Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary divisions will run 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.

SUNDAY, Sept 30: Show jumping for the Preliminary and Novice divisions will run from 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. EST. Cross country for the Training, Novice and Beginner Novice divisions will run 8:15 a.m.-2:10 p.m. EST.

[Full Competition Schedule]

The Vendor Village opens at 8 a.m. EST Friday and will feature more than 25 vendors selling everything from saddles and air vests to trailers and custom boots, plus organic dog and horse treats.

[Vendor Village Map]

Vendor Village Directory: Land Rover Columbia, Blanchard John Deere, FITS, VTO Saddlery, Voltaire, DeNiro Boot Company, Sagmae, Soteria Equestrian Safety, Custom Saddlery, I Love My Horse, Horse Guard, White Rose Eclectics, Griffinbrook, Nieci’s Green Bites, Promised Land Bee Farm, Equi-Trek, ACL Accounting, Touchstone Crystal, Shadow Trailers, Combined Insurance, Aiken County Pony Club, USC Aiken Eventing Team, Oak Manor Saddlery

Food and Drinks: Feel Good Food Truck, Aiken Ice Cream, Sally’s Smoothies, River Rat Brewery, That Sly Fox Confections

CIC3* Course Walk: Boyd Martin will be leading a course walk of Capt. Mark Phillips’s CIC3* track on Friday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. EST. There is a $10 required cash donation to Brooke USA.

Live Stream: If you can’t attend Stable View in person, all of the CIC3* action will be streamed live on EQTV featuring statistics from EquiRatings. John Kyle and yours truly will be providing the commentary. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

  • Dressage: Friday from 8:30-11:40 a.m. EST
  • Show Jumping: Friday from 2:45-3:30 p.m. EST
  • Cross Country: Saturday from 12:15-1:20 p.m. EST

Shadow Sapphire Euthanized at Alnwick Ford International Horse Trials

By on Sep 26, 2018 9:33 am -

Ben Hobday and Shadow Sapphire at Alnwick Ford. Photo by Action Replay Photography Ltd.

It is with deep sadness that EN can confirm Ben Hobday’s mount Shadow Sapphire was euthanized following an accident on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Alnwick Ford International Horse Trials in Northumberland, England.

Ben and Shadow Sapphire, a 5-year-old mare he owned, fell at fence 13, a trakehner on the Novice (U.S. Preliminary level) cross country course. Ben was uninjured in the fall.

“The team at the event were incredible and made sure she wasn’t in any pain or distress,” Ben said, “and my team have been amazing through this extremely difficult time. The empty feeling and sadness seems only to pass when I think of how lovely she was.”

British Eventing did not clarify the exact nature of the injury in a statement released to EN.

Shadow Sapphire (Tullabeg Fusion X Nadja S) competed at BE90 and BE100 this season with Sebastian “Seba” Roldan Olivera with three wins on her record. Alnwick Ford was her first start at Novice level and the first time Ben competed her.

The EN team sends our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved “Sapphy.”

5 Reasons Why You Should Enter the Maryland Classic BN Three-Day

By on Sep 25, 2018 4:20 pm -

The Beginner Novice Three-Day is for classic format enthusiasts of all ages. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The USEA Classic Series continues to grow in popularity each year, and the Beginner Novice Three-Day (BN3DE) expanded to five offerings on the 2018 calendar. The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy in Adamstown, Maryland is bringing a BN3DE to Area II for the first time next month on October 11-14, 2018.

Entries close TODAY, so now is the time to decide — will you take on the classic long format as your season end goal? Will you dig deep and battle it out in Maryland for BN3DE glory? We put together a list of five reasons why you should enter.

1. Experience the thrill of the classic long format. While we bid farewell to the FEI long format last decade, competitors at the national level can still relive the glory days. The BN3DE has all four phases of cross country set at Beginner Novice height: phases A & C (roads & tracks), B (steeplechase), and D (endurance).

The steeplechase phase for the BN3DE has optional jumps, so you can choose to just gallop around the steeplechase track at 400 mpm, add in one or two jumps, or jump them all — the choice is yours.

2. Learn from the best in Carol Kozlowski. One of the hallmarks of the USEA Classic Series is the education component. BN3DE competitors at Maryland H.T. are in for a real treat with USEA President Carol Kozlowski as lead clinician.

Never jogged your horse before for a formal inspection? No worries! Carol will walk you through the whole process prior to the official first horse inspection at the BN3DE. There will also be clinics for roads & tracks and steeplechase so you have a chance to practice before taking on the real thing.

Other educational demonstrations and clinics will include everything you need to know about the vet box after cross country, walking your cross country course, and using proper cross country equipment such as studs.

3. Ride around an Ian Stark track. That’s right — the legendary Ian Stark (who has SIXTEEN medals to his name) designs all of the cross country courses for Maryland H.T. from Beginner Novice to Intermediate level, plus the CIC* and CIC2* tracks for the summer horse trials.

Ian designs some of the biggest and best courses in the world — Tattersalls in Ireland, Chatsworth and Bramham in England, and Rebecca Farm and Carolina International in the U.S. just to name a few. Think of the street cred and bragging rights when you tell all your friends you rode around an Ian Stark track.

4. Step up your dressage game. Thinking of moving up to Novice level in the 2019 season? The BN3DE is the perfect opportunity to test the waters as it uses the USEF Novice Test A. (For anyone needing a bit of a dressage inspiration, we highly recommend revisiting this classic video.)

5. Be the first to take on Loch Moy’s new sunken road. Loch Moy’s new sunken road will be unveiled at the the October horse trials, along with a slew of other course improvements. The new sunken road also has a liner and can be used as a water jump at next year’s events.

The new sunken road at Loch Moy. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Mackintosh.

Are you qualified? To compete in the BN3DE at Maryland H.T., you and your horse must have three qualifying scores together at the Beginner Novice level or higher, plus one additional qualifying score with no more than 20 jumping penalties. The qualifying timeframe is 24 months prior to the start of the competition. Click here to read more about qualifying for the BN3DE.

Entry information: Entries are due today for the BN3DE and all other levels (Intermediate, Preliminary, Modified, Training, Novice, Beginner Novice) but post entries will be accepted with a $75 late fee. Click here to view the omnibus listing. You can enter on EventEntries.com or Xentry.

Are you planning to compete in the BN3DE at Maryland? Let us know in the comments below.

Go Classic Series. Go Eventing.

Julia Krajewski and Team GB Top Nations Cup at Waregem

By on Sep 24, 2018 10:20 am -

Julia Krajewski bounced back following a disappointing result at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games to win the FEI Nations Cup at Waregem CICO3* in Belgium with Samourai du Thot on a final score of 29.4.

Julia and “Sam,” a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Milor Landais x Melitos du Thot, by Flipper d’Elle), sat in second after the first two phases and delivered the fastest cross country round in torrential rain to take the win.

With Germany drawn first in the order and Julia and Sam serving as pathfinders for the team, they had the very best of the footing on Tom Ryckewaert’s cross country course and stormed home with 4.8 time penalties.

With rain pouring down and conditions deteriorating on cross country, Waregem quickly became a tough mudder. Overnight leaders Michael Jung and Lennox 364 added 28.0 time penalties to drop to 21st place on 51.8. Frank Ostholt and Jum Jum added 8.4 time penalties to move up from 22nd to finish second on 40.0..

While only 13 of the 101 starters in the Nations Cup withdrew before cross country due to the heavy rainfall at Waregem, 44 combinations withdrew from the CIC2*.

Waregem posted a statement on Facebook addressing the weather: “A grateful thank you to all riders that competed under the difficult weather conditions at the cross country in Waregem. A big thank you to all officials, volunteers and especially the fence judges who were working under heavy rain.”

Germany topped the Nations Cup leaderboard at Waregem through the first two phases, but with their team racking up time penalties on cross country, the door opened for Great Britain to take the win on a final team score of 130.4.

France has been on fire this season with four wins in the Nations Cup, but settled for second place in Waregem with a final team score of 136.4. Germany finished third on 148.1.

With one leg to go in the 2018 FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, France still tops the overall standings with 490 points, followed closely by Great Britain with 480 points — well out in front of the other countries.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the Nations Cup final at Boekelo in the Netherlands next month as France and Great Britain battle for the 2018 series title.

Waregem Links: Website, Final Results, Team Results, Nations Cup Standings

Norwegian Eventer Heidi Bratlie Larsen Receives Yellow Card at WEG

By on Sep 24, 2018 9:19 am -

Heidi Bratlie Larsen and Euforian at WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Norway’s Heidi Bratlie Larsen received a yellow card on Sept. 15 during cross country at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games for “abuse of horse / riding an obviously lame horse.”

The ground jury stopped Heidi on course after fence 21 when Euforian, her 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding she calls “Grålle,” was visibly lame.

“At the last water jump I had a suspicion that something was not right and considered stopping, but did not manage to do it before I was stopped shortly after,” Heidi said on her Facebook page.

“That I was stopped was absolutely right, and I would have done it myself. That the World Championships did not end as planned now means little. Grålle is the most important thing to me.”

Euforian was transported off course in the equine ambulance to the on-site veterinary treatment center at Tryon International Equestrian Center. He was diagnosed with a soft tissue injury and treated on-site.

Euforian boarded his flight home on Sept. 18 and is now back in Norway and continuing his recovery. The EN team sends continued speedy healing wishes to Euforian.

No other yellow cards or verbal warnings were issued during the eventing competition at WEG.

The FEI’s list of yellow cards and sanctions is updated weekly during the eventing season and can be viewed on the FEI’s website.