EN TRENDS:

Articles Written 3,397

Article Views 11,260,045

Jenni Autry

Achievements

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

USEF, USEA Revamp Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes

By Jenni Autry on Jan 14, 2014 9:00 am -

Coming on the heels of the first Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes training sessions in Ocala, the USEF and USEA have joined forces to revamp the program for 2014, according to a USEF press release. In addition to applying for admission into the program, riders will be observed by 20 Talent Spotters at select events during the spring and summer. The Talent Spotters will then report their findings back to the Talent Advisors, who will select the program riders by Aug. 8. Training camp dates will then by set based on geographic location of the riders.

The Talent Advisors — who also serve as Talent Spotters — are Mike Huber, Jon Holling and Bea di Grazia, with Jan Byyny serving as a substitute member. The remaining Talent Spotters are Kerry Milliken, Carol Kozlowski, Lynn Symansky, Karen O’Connor, Kyle Carter, Becky Holder, Cathy Jones Foresberg, Sydney Conley Elliot, Brian Sabo, Jil Walton, Jean Moyer, Allie Knowles, Cathy Weisschoff, Rochelle Constanza, Barb Crabo and Frederic Bouland.

See below for a list of which events the Talent Spotters will attend this spring and summer, and click here for a downloadable PDF of the events and Talent Spotters. Applications for participation in the 2014 Eventing 18/Advancing Athlete program can be accessed through the MY USEF accounts. Click here for the full USEF press release on the revamping Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program.

Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes Talent Spotters Spring/Summer Events:

Area I
GMHA, May 30-June 1
Stuart, July 10-13

Area II
Virginia, May 22-25
Surefire, June 20-22

Area III
Ocala, April 9-13
Chattahoochee Hills, May 15-18

Area IV
Fox River Valley, June 20-22
Roebke’s Run, July 12-13

Area V
Greenwood HT, May 2-4
Texas Rose, June 7-8

Area VI
Twin Rivers, April 9-13
Copper Meadows, June 7-8

Area VII
Aspen Farms, June 13-15
Rebecca Farm, July 23-27

Area VIII
May-Daze at the Park, May 23-27
Champagne Run, July 11-13

Area IX
Colorado Horse Park, May 31-Jun 1

Area X
Coconino Summer Classic, July 17-19

NAJYRC
Lexington, Ky., July 15-20

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Meet Blenheim Winner Fenya’s Elegance

By Jenni Autry on Jan 13, 2014 3:30 pm -

Click to play the video

Irish Horse TV recently interviewed PJ Hegarty, owner of last year’s Blenheim CCI3* winner Fenya’s Elegance, about the mare’s spectacular 2013 season, and he passed the video along to us to share with EN readers. Not only does PJ own the mare, but he also bred her and raised her, which is quite rare, as most breeders look to sell their foals at a young age. Tredstep Ireland rider Aiofe Clark took over the ride on Fenyas Elegance last March, and since then they’ve enjoyed numerous top placings, including second place at the Chatsworth CIC3* in May, in addition to winning Blenheim. Good luck to PJ, Aoife and Fenya in the 2014 season!

We’ve had great faith in her. We’ve had more faith in her than a lot of people out there.

Leslie Law: Season Kicks Off with Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials

By Jenni Autry on Jan 13, 2014 2:00 pm -

Leslie Law and Fernhill Whatever won Open Prelim B. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

Ocala saw beautiful weather for the Ocala Horse Properties January Horse Trials, the first event of 2014, and Leslie Law hailed the event a huge success. As Leslie wisely observes, most people don’t have super high expectations for the first event of the year, but the Equiventures team really pulled out all the stops and put on a top-notch horse trials.

Looking at the results, Buck Davidson won the Open Intermediate division with Copper Beech, while Alexander O’Neal and Corinthian Spirit won Open Preliminary A and Leslie Law and Fernhill Whatever won Open Preliminary B. Many thanks to Leslie for taking the time to send in this update, and many thanks to Palmer Photo for providing the photos. Go eventing.

From Leslie:

January 11, 2014 … and with it came day one of the ﬁrst events of the USEA calendar: the Ocala Horse Properties January Horse Trials. Hosted by Equiventures LLC and situated at the increasingly popular Ocala Horse Park, one has to say, for a January event, you could not have wanted for more.

Usually this is notoriously a cold event; however, Peter and Jon of Equiventures must have worked extra hard to ensure the 80-degree weather and sunshine for most of the day. The afternoon brought with it very heavy winds, and I was wishing for a kite, but that did not stop the show! The organizers whipped out stakes, and within seconds the entire beautifully designed show jump course had been staked down and away they went.

Most people would in some ways dismiss the ﬁrst event of the year, or a January event, as not that important. However, the team at the horse park and Equiventures went all out to provide the same service that one would expect of an event later on in the calendar. Marc Donavon is always top rate in the show jump arena, and Jay Hambly has designed a cross country course that appears spot on for the time of year. Amazingly, they were able to have the dressage on the beautiful polo ﬁelds, so talk about great footing!

The Preliminary and Intermediate cross-country courses rode fabulously on Sunday, which could not have been a more perfect day — sunny and perfect footing following heavy overnight rains. Apparently entries were up by roughly 70, so that is exciting news for our sport; thanks to those who make it all possible.

[Ocala Horse Properties January Horse Trials Results]

: Leslie Law and Fernhill Whatever won Open Prelim B. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

: Clayton Fredericks and Pigrela Des Cabanes. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

: Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

: Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

: Clayton Fredericks and Pigrela Des Cabanes. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

: Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo courtesy of Palmer Photo.

Waitangi Notebook Seriously Injured in Pasture Accident

By Jenni Autry on Jan 13, 2014 10:30 am -

Lynn Symansky and Waitangi Notebook at the Virginia Horse Trials. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The eventing community is rallying around Lynn Symansky and her team after Waitangi Notebook suffered a severe pasture injury yesterday. Lynn said via Facebook that the prognosis is not good, and we’re currently awaiting more news. “Mouse” is Lynn’s talented Intermediate/two-star partner who she’s brought all the way up through the levels from Novice, finishing the 2013 season with a sixth-place finish in the Virginia CCI2*.

Jennie Brannigan posted the following on Facebook: “Thinking of Lynn tonight… These horses are so tough on are hearts. Thank god for all the good things they bring us and the support group this sport creates… Praying for you and your pony.” Well said, Jennie.

From Lynn’s Facebook:

Life loves to throw curve balls when you’re never expecting them. Mouse had a bad pasture accident today and prognosis not looking very good for her. Thinking of my awesome little Waitangi Notebook…I love all my horses but she’s truly one of those special 1 in a million types.

Update from Lynn [1:47 p.m. EST]: Thanks to everyone for your outpouring of well wishes. It means so much to be supported in times of disappointment rather than just success. I wouldn’t trade this horse community for anything in the world. Just went to say goodbye to Mouse… I head for Ocala tomorrow and not sure what will happen. She made it through the last 24 hours and is doing as well as she could be. A big thanks to Piedmont for taking such good care of her through surgery and aftercare, and Dr. Johns for her support. The nature of her injury is severe and she’s looking at a tough road ahead, but she’s the toughest horse I’ve ever had so if anyone has a chance of fighting this it’s her. Give all your horses a hug and treat on behalf of Mouse.

Ludwig Svennerstal Talks Selling Shamwari

By Jenni Autry on Jan 13, 2014 9:00 am -

Photo via Boyd's blog

Ludwig Svennerstal posted a farewell blog message to Shamwari, who arrived in Aiken over the weekend to join new rider Boyd Martin’s upper-level string. We don’t always get an insider’s look at why top horses like this are sold out of Europe; but in Shamwari’s case, it seems like that was the plan all along, and Ludwig will now invest in the next generation of eventers to produce to the upper levels.

Boyd’s timing in closing the Shamwari deal couldn’t have been any better, with the big spring events kicking off soon and the selectors settling in for their duties in a championship year. Back in November when the High Performance Winter/Spring Training Lists were released and Boyd’s name was nowhere to be found, it became clear he needed to shore up his upper-level string — and fast.

He’s certainly done that with a horse that’s just 11 years old and coming into the prime of his career. With one Olympics and a European Championships under his belt, Shamwari will definitely be a horse to watch this spring. Boyd clarified on the COTH forums last week that he’s already qualified to run Rolex with the horse due to his FEI categorization, so it’s a safe bet we’ll be seeing this pair romp around Rolex.

Go WEG Year!

From Ludwig’s blog:

Shamwari has now left my yard to join top international rider Boyd Martin in the U.S. It was a very difficult and emotional decision to sell Shamwari, as he is a horse that made many of my dreams come true. I was very happy when Boyd showed an interest for him, as I really respect him as a rider and a person, and I’m sure he will take great care of Shamwari.

With Shamwari, I won a Team Silver at the European Championships in Sweden last summer as well as a fourth Team and 20th individual placing at the Olympic Games in London 2012. Together, we got several placings in *** around Europe, among them my first placing in *** in Burnham Market 2011, where we finished second.

I am selling Shamwari as my father have been investing in a lot of great horses of which I had the pleasure to produce to *** or ****. The idea was and always is to produce these horses and sell them at a good age when they have reached top level. We are now looking to invest in the next generation of horses to produce.

Thanks, Shamwari, for all the awesome moments, and you will truly be missed!

The View from Virginia Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By Jenni Autry on Jan 10, 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 Josie Hoffman in Virginia.

From Josie: “Ever have that feeling like you are being watched? Yeah, that was me the other morning. This beauty was in the tree for a good 10 minutes before I noticed him, and he continued to sit there for another half hour. Totally chill enjoying the morning sun, cleaning his feathers.”

Up close and personal!

Eventing 18 Program Off to Strong Start

By Jenni Autry on Jan 10, 2014 11:00 am -

Caroline Martin, shown here with Titanium at Plantation Field, was one of the riders participating in the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes training sessions. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The inaugural Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes training sessions wrapped up earlier this month, with 12 riders studying under Coach David O’Connor’s tutelage in Ocala. The five riders hailing from the West Coast — one from Washington State and four from California — were loaned horses for the training sessions so they didn’t have to incur the expensive of transporting their mounts across the country.

David indicated during his High Performance meetings at the USEA Convention that he hopes the program will grow enough this year to demand holding training sessions on both sides of the country. “We have to tweak how these riders are recognized and how they’re found,” David said. “We need to be better at that (in 2014) — determining how they’re identified.”

The riders participating in the inaugural training sessions were Brynn Littlehale, Saratoga, Calif.; David Pawlak, Boyce, Va.; Patience O’Neal, Spokane, Wash.; Adrian Jones, Schamong, N.J.; Madison Temkin, Sonoma, Calif.; Mia Farley, San Clemente, Calif.; Jamie Doolittle, Reddick, Fla.; Nicole Doolittle, Reddick, Fla.; Caroline Martin, Miami Beach, Fla.; Savannah Fulton, Finksburg, Md.; Reagan LaFleur, Lafayette, La.; and Maddy Mazzola, Oakland, Calif.

Founded last March, the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program seeks to provide a solid training foundation for the next generation of professional riders who will ideally one day represent the U.S. in team competitions. Similar to other successful programs in European countries — like the longstanding U18 program in Great Britain — the idea is to identify young riders who have both the talent and drive to succeed and give them the tools and resources they need.

As more riders are talent spotted into the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program, more time will be needed to see the riders receive the instruction and face time they need. While David said at the USEA Convention he would like to keep directing the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program for the next few years — as well as the Under 25 program — his vision is to ultimately hire an assistant coach who would be responsible for guiding these programs.

“I believe there needs to be a separate coach at some point that we could fundraise for, and we’ve already started talking about fundraising for a coach who could give a 10-year commitment to handle the Under 25 and Under 18 programs,” David said. “We’re still several steps from that point, but that’s something I think would be useful in order to make sure whoever the head coach is has more time to deal with just the High Performance riders and not be spread too thin.”

Until then, the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program is off to a very strong start, with the riders who participated in the inaugural training sessions praising the experience. “It’s a great program just to start to give younger people the knowledge that they need to do well. I had a wonderful experience. It was great to get to know new people since I don’t know the riders on the East Coast, especially in Young Riders,” West Coast rider Maddy Mazzola said in a USEF press release.

“One thing [O’Connor] really stressed was to be aware and pay attention to all the details, train yourself to pay attention, because if you miss small things now they will become bigger problems later on. He also pointed out that it is important to have supporters in this sport and to thank them for all they do,” Maddy said.

Nicole Doolittle agreed with Maddy’s assessment of the sessions: “It was an amazing opportunity. He stressed establishing a core foundation for riders to advance in equestrian sport, because when you have good basics things more advanced questions become easier. It was great to meet other riders and make connections that will hopefully last a really long time,” she said in the same USEF press release.

David also found the week-long training sessions very valuable, for both the riders and himself as the coach: “For me, it was very rewarding. We had 12 kids basically talented-spotted from around the country who have a lot of potential. The California riders were on borrowed horses that we were lucky enough to use,” O’Connor said in the USEF press release. “I was extremely pleased with their progress all week. They took a lot in and showed great improvement.”

Establishing a program to groom young riders to one day represent the U.S. is a critical aspect of any national program, and the successful launch of Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes puts us on par with other countries currently dominating the sport. It’s just one more sign U.S. eventing is heading in the right direction.

The application deadline for the next Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes training sessions is March 7, 2014, and the form and more information will be available by mid-January to members through their My USEF accounts. Click here to read the full USEF press release on the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes training sessions.

Have You Seen the Official EN Store?

By Jenni Autry on Jan 9, 2014 3:00 pm -

The Insanity T-shirt!

Official EN gear — it’s one of the most consistent requests we’ve received over the years. And it’s always been a difficult one to fulfill due to demand. John would post small quantities of hats and T-shirts, and they’d sell out faster than you could say “chinchilla.” So one of our main goals with the redesign was to finally get the proper infrastructure in place to offer EN merchandise for sale.

In stepped Leah Anderson of Dapplebay fame. A talented graphic designer with an eye for quality, we knew she was the perfect person to both design and manage inventory for us. In additional to designing the new EN logo and working with the web developer on the new EN layout, she designed all the merchandise you’ll see for sale in the Official EN Store.

And here’s the best part about showing your EN pride through purchasing merch: All proceeds after expenses go to support charity. Since we’re all OTTB addicts here at EN, we chose CANTER Mid Atlantic as the inaugural beneficiary of the Official EN Store. Going forward, we’ll let you all vote on which charities you’d like us to support.

Orders have already been pouring in since the store launched yesterday, and the Insanity in the Middle T-shirt is by far the most popular item. There’s also an EN technical polo shirt — perfect for cross country! — two types of EN hats and an EN sticker — ideal for plastering on your tack trunk or truck.

As we run out of each type of product, we’ll continue to develop different items to add to the store. Many of you have already emailed us with what types of products you’d like to see — saddle pads are the most popular request so far — so feel free to leave a comment with what you’d like to see us develop next. What are you waiting for? Go shopping!

[Official EN Store]

Wanting a Blog Format? Classic EN is the Answer

By Jenni Autry on Jan 8, 2014 3:00 pm -

Hey, EN! We’ve enjoyed hearing from so many of you today, and I’m thrilled to report feedback on the new EN has been overwhelmingly positive. The main request we’re hearing is a way to read posts in the traditional blog format like on the old EN. The good news is that functionality is already built right into the new EN! All you have to do is click the Classic EN button in the top menu bar, and you’ll be able to scroll down through the most recent posts.

Just for a little background on the new layout, one of the main reasons we had to look at other options is because it started to become difficult for readers to find certain posts. Especially during big events where we have live coverage, posts would be pushed off the main page in a matter of hours. And all those photos on a single page made load time difficult for a lot of readers as well.

So we decided to compromise with using the links on the homepage while still offering the Classic EN button for those who prefer the traditional blog format. It’s tough to cater to everyone’s preferences when launching a web redesign, but our goal is to make as many readers happy as we possibly can. Please continue to leave feedback in the comments below, on our Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

Go eventing.

Jennifer Joyce: Buck Davidson Clinic Photo Gallery

By Jenni Autry on Jan 8, 2014 9:00 am -

Buck Davidson headed out to California last weekend to teach a clinic in Temacula, and EN reader Jennifer Joyce attended to take photos. Thanks for sharing these with us, Jennifer! And if anyone who rode with Buck or audited the clinic would like to write a clinic report, we’d love to publish it. Send it to [email protected].

Welcome to EN 2.0! Click to See What’s New

By Jenni Autry on Jan 7, 2014 8:18 pm -

Welcome to the new and improved EN! The chinchillas have ~~slaved away~~ worked tirelessly on this new design for the last year, and we’re super excited to finally roll it out to the masses. It’s been a labor of love — we’ve poured thousands of hours into it, not to mention blood, sweat and beers — and we hope you love the new look as much as we do. We have even more new features we’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks, so expect even more changes. Here’s a look at what’s new right now on EN:

What’s New?

1. A New Look: I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we all grew to love the ~~homespun~~ cutting-edge design our fearless leader John pieced together when EN launched back in 2009. But we all agreed it was time for a facelift. We hope you’ll find the new design more aesthetically pleasing and easier to navigate. Our friends at SmartPak spent a lot of time giving us feedback and advice on the new design, and we’re really grateful for their support and partnership over the years.

2. Classic EN: For those of you who still prefer the old EN format — have no fear! You can still click back to the traditional blog format using the Classic EN button in the top menu bar. This format lets you read the full body of posts without clicking a single link — just like the old EN.

3. Mobile Responsive: You all have begged for a mobile-friendly EN for years, and the chinchillas heard your cries. You’ll find it’s now much easier to navigate your way around EN and read posts on your phone and tablet. Gone are the days of trying to read long lines of tiny text on your phone!

4. Official EN Store: We’ve rolled out various EN hats and T-shirts over the years, and they’ve always flown off the shelves so quickly that we’ve never been able to keep them regularly stocked. Now we’ve partnered with Dapplebay Clothing Company to bring you a brand new line of merchandise so you can show your EN pride. And every item will benefit different charities you all vote for every month. We’re proud to announce our first beneficiary is CANTER Mid-Atlantic, who will receive 100 percent of the proceeds (after expenses) from every item you buy in the EN store. Click here to go shopping!

5. Facebook Comments: We’ve also given the commenting system an overhaul by integrating Facebook Comments. This allows you to sync your Facebook profile right to EN, making commenting faster and easier ~~and eliminating trolling~~. You’ll also be able to “like” comments, just like you can on Facebook.

6. New Sport Horse Nation: Sport Horse Nation also received a much-needed facelift, and you’ll find it’s now much easier to sort ads by category. There’s also a map interface that allows you to browse ads by geographical location. And you can also register directly in Sport Horse Nation to post classifieds on your own — so much easier!

What do you think of the new EN? Let us know in the new comments below. And keep checking back for even more changes, including the most exciting new feature yet. Hint: If you made a New Year’s Resolution to start a blog about this insane sport we all know and love, wait just a few more days before choosing a platform …

Notice anything on the new EN that doesn’t look quite right? Let the chinchillas know so they can start fixing it right away by posting on our Facebook page or sending an email in ALL CAPS to [email protected]. We’ll be working day and night to make sure the new EN works perfectly for each and every reader!

Go eventing.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Teaching Beginners

By Jenni Autry on Jan 7, 2014 4:30 pm -

Katie Cook, a USDF Silver Medalist and former Young Rider in dressage, is just getting her feet wet in eventing. She teaches riding lessons locally at her home base in Winooski, Vt., and she sent in this fun video to show how she teaches beginners — by riding bareback double with them. Did anyone learn to ride this way? Many thanks to Katie for sending in the video!

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Samantha Stewart: When Eventing and Physics Collide

By Jenni Autry on Jan 6, 2014 1:30 pm -

Love this short and sweet reader submission from Samantha Stewart! Have something to share with us? Send it in to [email protected]. Each month we pick our favorite reader submission and award a free supplement from our awesome sponsor Omega Alpha. Go writing!

From Samantha:

This is a text conversation between my dad and I last year when he was helping my with a physics class at UC Davis. Physics is definitely not one of my favorite things to do, but my dad made me laugh while I was waiting to take my final with this problem he came up with. I thought others may get a laugh out of it too, especially those who understand the stress of finals.

Badminton Boosts Prize Money

By Jenni Autry on Jan 6, 2014 12:00 pm -

Clark Montgomery and Universe at Badminton in 2012. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Badminton announced today on its website that prize money is increasing for this year’s event, going up to £80,000 from £65,000 for the winning rider. The lower placings will also receive a boost in prize money through 20th place. British riders launched a campaign last fall to boost prize money at events, but were mostly unsatisfied when British Eventing announced a 3 percent increase in prize pots starting this season. Do you think there should be a larger increase in prize money at events across the pond and here in the States?

From Badminton’s website:

The good news for the eighty plus riders who will start the Event is that the prize money has had a considerable boost, commensurate with the now truly outstanding standard of the international entry.

The winner will receive £80,000, up from £65,000 in 2013, and the increases are also reflected in the lower placings – Badminton prides itself on giving much the highest level of prizes in the world right down to 20th place.

Badminton always supports a charity or ‘good cause’ and this year it will be Equestrian Team GBR in the build up to the World Equestrian Games; it would have benefitted in 2012 had that event not been cancelled.

Frankie Thieriot: The Ultimate Gift

By Jenni Autry on Dec 30, 2013 4:30 pm -

When Frankie Thieriot retired Fric Frac Berence in 2011, she assumed her days of competing were over. But a phone call from Tory Smith changed her life completely, giving her the ultimate gift of getting back in the saddle on a sassy little mare named Uphoria. This is such a great read! Many thanks to Frankie for writing.

Frankie Thieriot photo by Sherry Stewart

Frankie Thieriot, Tory Smith and Uphoria. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

From Frankie:

As we start to put the Christmas decorations away, take down the tree and prepare for 2014, I got to thinking about how one person’s generosity can truly change someone else’s life forever. Rewind to 2011 … my longtime partner Fric Frac Berence and I were competing in what I knew would be our last season together. He was 18 at the time and had given me everything, taking me from Training level to Young Riders all the way to the Advanced level, where we had managed to successfully compete for many years.

I had accepted my dream job as the Director of Communications for a major fitness, media, sports company and had decided that after I retired Fric, I too would put riding behind me at least for a while to focus on my career in the corporate world. I aimed Fric at Rolex and enjoyed every single moment I put my feet in the stirrups, knowing our days of competing together were numbered, with the goal of retiring Fric healthy and happy like he deserved. Every day at 5:30 a.m. off I would go to ride, smelling of dirt and horse when I arrived at the office, and then once again after my day ended at work, back I would go to the barn for a second hack late at night to prepare Fric for Kentucky.

When Fric sustained an injury three weeks before we were set to ship out to the Bluegrass State for what was meant to be our last competition together, I made the decision to retire him at that moment rather than pushing him further. After a while, I had accepted the disappointment that came with not going to Rolex and thought my horse interactions would simply be hanging out with my retired horses at home when time allowed.

Three months after I had put Fric out to pasture for retirement, my phone rang, and if you had told me that day what would happen as a result of the question soon to follow on that call, I would not have believed you in a million years. On the other end of the line was my friend Tory Smith. She was getting ready to start law school at the University of San Diego and was sending her three-star horse, who she had won the Adequan USEA Gold Cup on, to be sold by Jennie Brannigan.

Tory also had a young horse who was 7 at the time that she had brought through the levels and was hoping to be able to keep. Tory and I were in all honesty more like acquaintances back then and in no way yet the best friends we have become. We knew each other from showing, but did not spend any real time together outside of seeing one another at events. And so came the question that would change my life …

“I know you retired Fric and don’t have a horse right now. Would you want to take Roo for a few months while I adjust to law school?” Uphoria, aka Roo, is a 15.3-hand mare. Back then, to be clear, I hated mares and had no real interest in ever owning or riding one (Keep reading before you hate me; I was very ignorant, I will admit it.) I had also never ridden any horse under 17 hands for more than 10 years, so to say this was a bit out of my comfort zone would be a massive understatement.

Frankie Thieriot, Tory Smith and Uphoria. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

I also had not ridden, not even once, since retiring Fric that prior April. “I know how much you love your horses,” she said, “and I know if you had Roo, you would love her and take great care of her till I can ride her again. I don’t want her to be another horse in a program of several horses, and I cannot afford to pay someone to ride her.”

By the time the conversation was over, I agreed to fly to Southern California and watch Tory ride her at a show and then school her after to see if we got along. I remember the first time I sat on this little mare and how when I moved my seat her entire body moved — something, I can assure you, was quite different than the way my 17.2-hand gelding reacted. I took her schooling, and we seemed to get along, so Tory sent her up to me the following week.

The beginning of our relationship, though it was full of laughs, did not start out how most ideal partnerships do; in fact, I fell off three times that first month. Each time I would call Tory, a bit afraid to tell her that I was doing a terrible job riding her mare, and each time she would say the same thing in her incredibly understanding voice: “She is not easy to form a partnership with, but you will figure her out, and when you do, riding her will be like riding an old bike — trust me.”

I had my doubts, but Tory was right. I had always heard that mares take awhile to form a bond with you, but when they do, they will do anything for you, and I do not think that could be more true. When I retired Fric, I never thought I would have another partner like him; I never thought I would love a horse the way I love him, and I especially never thought that the horse who would change all of that would be a 15.3-hand sassy little mare.

Nearly three years later, I am still lucky enough to have the ride on Roo, and she has given me incredible gifts. Because of her, I have fallen back in love with a sport I thought I could live without, I have gained a best friend I never would have had and I have been blessed to know what it feels like to have a family behind you no matter what. Tory made all of that possible, and her family is just as incredible as she is. If Tory cannot make it to a show because of law school commitments, her parents or boyfriend are always there, and in many cases they are all there! They support me no matter what — good or bad — and they love Roo a great deal.

Frankie Thieriot and Uphoria. Photo by Walt Smith.

So often I have wondered why they haven’t taken Roo for a “professional” to ride, or even accepted some of the quite remarkable offers they have received to sell her. Yet each time, they bring me to tears as they explain that she is for me to ride and that they are so proud of what we have accomplished. This year they supported my wish to take her east to compete for the summer.

And when I had the blonde moment of all blonde moments in the CCI2* at Galway and got lost in the show jumping, they were right there not to get upset, but rather to give me a hug and support me — though I could have hit myself over the head with a shovel I was so upset. After all, who would have blamed them? It made their incredible horse’s record look like she had several rails when in fact it was my mistake that had cost us second place. It truly amazes me people of this caliber even exist, and Roo and her family are more than I will ever feel I deserve.

This season, Uphoria finished as the USEA Intermediate Horse of the Year for the entire country, but far more than that, she changed my life! The question “Would you like to ride Roo for a few months?” has given me more than I ever knew it could, and this holiday season, it is pretty easy to know what I am grateful for. Tory is my biggest cheerleader — the person who cleans tack at shows, brushes Roo, makes sure we look the part and rides every single jump with me. But what she may not know is that every stride we cover and every jump we jump is all for her and all because of the ultimate gift she has given me.

You never know where someone’s generosity may take you, and you never know what may come next, but it is important to remember and reflect — especially this time of year — on the people who make it all possible. In some cases, that may be a coach, a parent, a groom, a mentor or, in my case, the best friend a person could ask for. But, regardless, take a moment to think about how the people in your life may have pointed your path down a road you may not have initially intended on, and be sure to thank them and do the same for someone else.

To the Smith family and to Roo, there are no words good enough to thank you, but I hope someday I can change someone’s life for the better even half as much as you have mine. May 2014 bring you success and happiness wherever the road leads.

From The Horse: When to Worry About Heart Murmurs

By Jenni Autry on Dec 30, 2013 3:30 pm -

As the owner of a 24-year-old Thoroughbred mare with a grade-three heart murmur, I really appreciated this lecture from equine internal medicine specialist Dr. Michelle Barton. Not all murmurs are a cause for concern, but many are, especially when you’re dealing with a murmur in a horse that competes in a strenuous sport like eventing. Winter is a great time to expand our education both in and out of the saddle, and I definitely recommend bookmarking this lecture from The Horse to watch when you have an hour to spare.

Click here to watch the lecture.

Final HSBC Rankings Released; 4 Americans in Top 25

By Jenni Autry on Dec 30, 2013 2:00 pm -

Buck Davidson and Park Trader at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The final HSBC rankings have been released, and Andrew Nicholson tops the rankings once again this year with 634 points. William Fox-Pitt is close behind him with 621 points in second place. Buck Davidson is the sole American in the top five, finishing the year in third place with 419 points, followed my Michael Jung in fourth place with 384 points. Other Americans in the top 25 include Phillip Dutton in 12th place, Marilyn Little in 21st place and Will Faudree in 24th place. Two more Americans made the top 50: Lynn Symansky in 34th place and Kristi Nunnink in 43rd place. And we also have to give a shout out to the two Canadians in the top 50: Jessica Phoenix in 38th place and Rebecca Howard in 46th place.

[Final HSBC Rankings]

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Meet Libby Law

By Jenni Autry on Dec 30, 2013 12:00 pm -

One of the best parts of going on the road for Eventing Nation is meeting all the other wonderful reporters and photographers who cover the sport. That first day in the media center at a big international three-day becomes something of a family reunion as everyone catches up. New Zealander Libby Law is one of the most recognizable photographers on the circuit, and she’s also one of the friendliest. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her this year, and An Eventful Life just posted a fun interview with her on what life is like on the road as an eventing photographer. In addition to taking photos of all the Aussies and Kiwis, Libby also shoots for the USEF, so you’re likely familiar with her lovely photos of Team USA. Go Libby!

Meika Decher: Christmas Wally

By Jenni Autry on Dec 26, 2013 9:00 am -

Meika Decher has been busy this week preparing to surprise her husband Mark with a horse, as he’s been sans equine for several years now. We love the story of how the whole barn came together to surprise Mark on Christmas Eve! Thanks for sharing with EN, Meika, and Go Pacific Northwest Eventing!

Mark meets Wally for the first time.

From Meika:

My husband, Mark, has not owned a horse for a few years, and he has been subtly making comments to our boarders that he might be ready for one. A few days ago, I received a text message from a fellow trainer demanding that I go see a horse that was for sale. She just tried it out, and while he wouldn’t fit into her program due to his size, she was absolutely sure he would work for Mark. In the middle of this text conversation, the trainer for the horse started texting me as well! Apparently, this was a sign. If two people I trust are telling me that this is the ONE, then I needed to make time to see him. Under the guise of going to see an OTTB for one of my working students, we trekked to the barn and fell in love with Wally.

Christmas being a mere four days away, we had to get creative to get Wally to Polestar Farm, try him out and keep the whole thing a surprise for Mark. My mom picked him up in her trailer so that Mark didn’t ask questions about that OTTB in my trailer. He settled in beautifully, and I was able to ride him three times without Mark seeing us. The plan was on Christmas Eve to dress Wally up in red, green and ribbons and then go find Mark and somehow get him into the barn. I concocted a story that there was a pipe leaking, and he needed to help repair it. With a look of dread and pipe wrench in hand, we walked to the barn, and a group of boarders, working students and groom sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and watched Mark’s confusion and then smile.

: Mark meets Wally for the first time.

Christmas Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The Best Gift Ever

By Jenni Autry on Dec 25, 2013 6:00 pm -

One of my favorite posts of all time on Horse Nation has to be the videos of little girls getting a pony for Christmas. Leslie reposted her incredible collection of Christmas pony surprise videos this year, and you have to click over to Horse Nation to check it out. I’m posting one here on EN today to wrap up our Christmas coverage. Thanks for dropping by and sharing your holiday with us. Go eventing!

The Winner! Christmas Jingle Contest Presented by Point Two

By Jenni Autry on Dec 25, 2013 12:57 pm -

The Point Two Pro Air

Holy jingle bells, EN! We received more than 123 entries in the Christmas Jingle Contest Presented by Point Two, and my Mom helped me read each and every entry this morning as we judged the contest. Many of the entries really stood out to us, but one entry in particular went above and beyond the call of duty. Not only did this contestant come up with a fun Christmas jingle about Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin N’ Juice’s trip to the 2012 Olympic Games, but she also sang it and sent us the video. Without further ado, the lucky winner of a brand new Point Two Pro Air Vest valued at $675 is Lindsay Long! Check out her winning entry here:

Congrats, Lindsay! Thanks to your mad dressage Christmas jingle skillz, you win a brand new air vest courtesy of Point Two! Thanks to our awesome sponsor Point Two for partnering with us on this contest, and thanks to all 123 EN readers who entered. We’ll definitely have to reprise this contest next year! And for a little extra Christmas cheer, here are some of the honorable mention entries that made us laugh:

From NC Country Boy:

Grandma got run over by a Thoroughbred
Walking home from my barn Christmas Eve.
You can say that horses don’t see demons
But as for me and my farrier, we believe

Good thing she’d been drinking all that eggnog
All she ended up was a little black and blue
If she’d been wearing a vest made by Point Two
She wouldn’t be sporting a bruise shaped like a horses shoe

From Chris Allen:

Crashing through the show,
on a Craigslist runaway
Over the course we go,
until we parted ways.
Now my body stings
seeing stars so bright
Oh I hope that Santa brings
A Point Two vest tonight!

From Carol Riegel:

Oh the weather outside is rideable
But my horse is feeling spiteful
And since he’d rather be at home,
Chances are that I will get thrown

Oh he doesn’t show signs of stopping
And since he’s prone to bucking
The hospital’s the place I’ll go
Tell him whoa
Tell him whoa
Tell him whoa!

Oh..the Dr. said I need some bed rest
And when I ride, wear the Point Two Air Vest
I’ll put it on, plug it in and off I’ll go
Tally Ho
Tally Ho
Tally Ho!

From Diana Rich:

Hark the herald Equestrians sing,
Glory tooooo E — Ven — Ting,
Especially now with the jacket Point Twoooo,
We safely jump ’round the whole year through

Joyful all Eventing Nationers rise,
Join the triumph of this prize
please, oh please, I hope to win,
but if not , next year I’ll enter a-gin !

From Leslie Schulz:

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the barn
Not a creature was stirring, not even the Cairn.
The feedbags were hung by the stall doors with care,
In hopes that the Barn Manager soon would be there.

The Chestnut was nestled all snug in his stall,
Dreaming of new tricks to make riders fall.
With me still in britches, and Wofford’s book on my lap,
I had just closed my eyes for a much needed nap.

When out in the paddock there arose such a racket,
I fell from the sofa, where’s my Point Two Jacket?
Away to the front door I flew like a flash,
Tripping over saddle pads in my hasty dash.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a shiny red gooseneck, lead by eight draft-sized reindeer.

With a sturdy old driver, so nimble and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than thoroughbreds his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Henny! now, Shiraz! now, Tate and Inmidair!
On, Pawlow! On, R-Star, on Donner and Conair!
To the top of the Trakehner! to the top of the wall!
Now gallop away! Gallop away! Gallop away all!”

He was dressed all in fleece, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all covered with shaving and soot.
A bundle of Tack he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a vendor, just opening his rack.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his chores,
And filled up the tack room hoping THIS would boost scores.

He sprang to his rig, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like an eventing missile.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he hit the 3 stride,
“Happy Pro Air Christmas to all, and have a safe ride!”

We Elfed the Winter/Spring Training Lists

By Jenni Autry on Dec 25, 2013 11:45 am -

Illustration by Lindsey Kahn

Merry Christmas, EN! We’re paying a throwback tribute to 2011 when John used the magic of Elf Yourself to bring videos of some familiar eventing faces to all of our readers on Christmas Day. This year, we elfed the Winter/Spring Training Lists in two separate videos.

First up, here’s a look at what happens when Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson, Will Faudree, Sinead Halpin and Tiana Coudray party a little too hard with the chinchillas at the EN Headquarters Christmas party:

Click HERE if you have trouble playing the video.

And in a touching moment of Christmas cheer, here’s Marilyn Little, Clark Montgomery, Meghan O’Donoghue and Lynn Symansky singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” for all you EN readers.