Christine Brown and Rivella at Poplar Place. Photo by Becky Young.

An estimated crowd of 1,000 people attended Christine Brown’s wake yesterday at her home in Versailles, Ky. Christine will be laid to rest this afternoon at Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Versailles wearing the purple cross-country gear she donned so many times to compete her beloved Dutch Warmblood mare Rivella. A lifelong equestrian and accomplished eventer in Area VIII, Christine and Rivella competed through the intermediate level before the mare sustained a career-ending injury in 2010.  Just 44-years-old, Christine passed away last Wednesday when she fell while jumping her 5-year-old Shire/Hackney gelding Sammy alone at her home, severing her spinal column at the C5 vertebrae upon impact. She is survived by her husband Stuart Brown, a partner at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage. They celebrated their anniversary last Monday, just two days before Christine passed away.

While Christine was truly an eventer at heart, she was much more than that — a devoted animal lover who rescued countless dogs, cats and horses; a tireless volunteer to Area VIII; and a cherished wife and friend. Kathleen Sullivan, one of Christine’s dear friends, said Christine’s big heart showed in the way she constantly saved animals from abusive situations. “Every day Christine was saving something,” Kathleen said. “Once she found a puppy tied outside in the freezing cold, shivering inside a dog house. She knocked on the front door and tried to buy it, but the owners became upset and refused. So she found a kid in the neighborhood and gave him money to go buy the dog for her. She also rescued Big Jim, a skinny draft horse she would drive by every day and see standing in a field with bad grass up to his eyeballs. That’s just who Christine was.”

In addition to dedicating her life to rescuing animals, Christine also served the local eventing community with gusto. She served as USEA Chairman of Area VIII for several years and committed much of her time to the Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association, were she sat on the Board and various committees, as well as acted as Vice President of Eventing. While she did not have children of her own, she spent countless hours trailering aspiring young eventers in Area VIII to events, single-handedly helping them accomplish their riding dreams and goals. “There are probably 20 kids in Area VIII that owe where they are today to Christine stepping up and being like their mom,” Kathleen said. “She was one of those people who was always there when you needed her. And now no one can believe she’s gone. She must have more people who adored her than anyone else I’ve ever known.”

To honor Christine’s legacy, her friends and family are spearheading an effort to raise $10,000 to dedicate a portion of the new Dedicated Horse Path at the Kentucky Horse Park in her memory. “Her section will be marked with a special plaque, and her section will overlook part of the cross-country course,” Kathleen said. “This will benefit everyone who ever rides at Rolex in the future, as the Dedicated Horse Path will have good footing that gives the horses and riders a safe way to go between every barn and arena.” Donations for the path can be sent in Christine’s name to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Click here to donate online, and please include Christine’s name in the comments section. For more information about the Dedicated Horse Path project, click here. Christine’s full obituary can be viewed here.

We asked members of the eventing community to share special memories about Christine:

Christine and Ava

Maya Studenmund: “I met Christine when she brought Rivella down to Buck Davidson’s in Ocala. We became close quickly even though she didn’t stay long. She had the most wonderful laugh, and she’d always say, ‘Maya, you crack me up.’ I can hear it now. She loved her mare so much, and I would always joke with her that she should really send her to me. I had ridden Rivella a bit for Christine when she became sick in Ocala, and I loved the mare too. When I was pregnant with the twins, I called her to tell her the news, and she said Rivella was pregnant as well. Rivella ended up having a beautiful filly named Ava, and I had named my girl Ada. We laughed a lot about us naming our girls almost the same thing. She was the most kind and generous person. She was always laughing and positive even when she was sick, when Rivella was injured and when she couldn’t compete after she drove all the way down to Florida. She was so excited about Ava; she already had her jumping ditches in hand as a weanling.  She was an amazing horse woman and an amazing friend. I know I could have counted on her for anything.”

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Lynda Clary-Burke: “One special memory is meeting Christine and exclaiming how much she and her good friend Amy Wise looked alike. I’ve told them both over and over they could easily pass as sisters! Those smiles! Thank you for recognizing that Christine was important to many people, not so much for winning ribbons, though she did. Instead, Christine was happy, had countless friends who will continue to love her, lit up the room when she walked in with that amazing smile, worked hard at everything she did, and loved her husband. Ever see her eyes when she looked at Stuart? We’re all going to live differently because Christine Brown lived among and is gone, but not that smile.”

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Sheri Wood: “I worked at Kentucky Equine Research for awhile as a graphic designer and met Christine through Mark Llewellyn. He had written an article  or Equinews magazine about older horses and needed a photo to accompany it. Christine was so warm and friendly. Tt really showed through her interaction with her older horse in the photo we took. I always enjoyed seeing her lovely smile whenever I had to work with that image. My thoughts and prayers are with Christine’s family during this difficult time.”

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Anastasia Curwood: “I only knew Christine for the last four years of her life, though I feel lucky because of it. She lived her life with gusto, intelligence and generosity of spirit, all of which became obvious upon getting to know her. She was kind to people and kinder still to animals, so it seemed that I was always hearing about her latest rescue project through our mutual friend. I will miss her, and my heart breaks for the humans, equines, canines and felines who were close to her. I wish peace to them all.”

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Cassidy Reese: “I was lucky enough to stable next to Christine at several events around Area IV and VIII back in the early 2000s. Her words of encouragement and friendly smile were always present around the show grounds, and I feel lucky to have met her.”

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Mary Fike: “Wednesday we lost a vital member of the Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association family. Christine Brown was a bright and infectiously positive person, and all who knew her called her friend. She served on the MSEDA Board for many years before stepping into the role of Vice President of Eventing. During her time with MSEDA, Christine spearheaded the development of the Hall of Distinction, chaired the Education Committee, was an active member of the Gala Celebration, developed the Silent Auction into a very special fundraiser, and devoted her energy and passion to all other MSEDA projects. It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to Christine’s husband, Stuart, and her family and friends. Christine will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Many thanks to Becky Young for sending in these wonderful photos of Christine.

Shannon Lilley always brings us wonderful reports from California, and she’s back today to report on the California training sessions held last week at Woodside. David O’Connor taught the riders listed on the Summer/Fall Training Lists, as well as non-listed riders. Take it away, Shannon!

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Shannon Lilley.

Hello Eventing Nation! David O’Connor has been in California enjoying the beautiful weather the past three days but, more importantly, teaching training sessions to both listed and non-listed riders. He taught dressage lessons Thursday, show jump lessons Friday and cross-country lessons Saturday.

The sessions took place at the Horse Park At Woodside, which is an incredible venue that hosts a variety of events — horse shows, dressage shows, events and reining competitions. For instance, this week there is a dressage show finishing on Sunday, and the well known West Coast reining competition Reining by the Bay moves in Sunday. Amongst the bustle, David gets his own arena to teach.

The show jumping exercises were tough to start, but developed the horses tremendously. It was great to see the horses learn as the riders became more proficient at navigating them through each one. Out of all the sessions I watched, the West Coast riders for the most part looked even better than the last sessions we had out here. The listed riders have developed their top horses more, and the young ones they have in the works were almost unrecognizable; they have improved so much.

Andrea Baxter and Fuerst Nino. Photo by Shannon Lilley.

Some of the notable pairs I saw were:

Lauren Billys and both of her horses. Ballingowan Ginger is going to do her first three star at Rebecca Farm, and with the fine tuning from David, they should be fantastic. Her young horse has made huge strides as well.

Kristi Nunnick and R-Star made the exercises look simple. The horse has so much ability, but the two have developed quite a partnership, making child’s play of it all. Her young horse, Astro, has come a long way since he first came out and looks like he could make a name for himself rather than be in Rosie’s shadow.

Kelly Pugh is sitting on two lovely horses who are both up and coming. Her young horse, Condi, is going to be a contender someday. He has all the ingredients to be world class.

Jen McFall just came off an eighth-place finish at Jersey in her first three star with her own High Times. They polished some of their show jumping techniques yesterday and look quite good. Her wonderful husband gave her his horse to help her advance her career, and he is going to be a special one too.

There were many other young riders and adult amateurs who rode with David and relished the opportunity. While some of the exercises were challenging, most showed a lot of grit and powered through, making themselves better riders and their horses better educated.

Unfortunately, I could not see all the groups and could only be there one day, otherwise I would report on more. However, overall the West Coast riders continued to show that we can hang with the big kids, so to speak. With our great courses and the opportunity for high caliber instruction with David in the future, we will continue to progress our way to the top. Go Eventing!

Eventers are a resourceful bunch, as demonstrated by Emily Henderson’s solution to the lack of hills for fitness work where she lives in Largo, Fla. Emily now takes her 8-year-old Thoroughbred to swim in the AquaPacer at Amber Glen Equestrian Center’s rehab facility three times a week. Many thanks to Emily for sharing her story, which will hopefully help other eventers who are struggling without hills. Go Owen!

Owen gets his workout on in the AquaPacer.

From Emily:

What do you do when you live in Florida and have no hills to trot or let alone any land to walk on? You stick your horse on a treadmill and fill it with 800 gallons of course! Owen, my 8-year-old Thoroughbred, and I spent nine weeks in N.C. this past spring with the ever so fabulous Holly Hudspeth and competed a handful of times at prelim under her watchful eye. What is it that they have in N.C.? Oh yeah, LAND AND HILLS. Owen came back to Florida fit and muscular and full of it, which was wonderful! But how to keep it that way … that was my issue.

I am not ashamed to admit that we got eaten alive at Chattahoochie Hills in May, and therefore are spending the summer getting ridiculously fit (thats right, both of us) by taking lessons, learning and jumping the you know what out of skinnies. There is not a hill within 100 miles of us. I understand that a lot of eventers these days have their horses swimming, and it got me thinking. Dilemma — a lot of these pools are too far to drive weekly.

And then it was fate! A local barn, Amber Glen Equestrian Center, opened up a rehab facility at their farm. They’ve got a Theraplate, cold water laser therapy, and the Aqua Pacer! It’s like a fish tank with the floor of a treadmill, to put it simply. Owen walks in, the doors close, he starts walking and then it fills with water. I will admit that I was skeptical, but then after 15 minutes with water above his knees, the big huge nostrils arrived. He was puffing! Silly guy.

Owen at Southern Pines in the prelim rider division. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Research studies show that the AquaPacer at certain speeds and water depths can be equivalent to two days of intense fitness work. Crazy, right? Owen gets to “swim” three days a week, lucky guy, and alternates between knee deep water and chest deep water. The knee deep water makes them lift their legs as if they are doing cavalettis and really gets those hind legs moving! The deeper water makes the horse PUSH … like a hill, right? I like to think so.

I wanted to share this with our eventing community because I know for a fact that I am not the only one with less than stellar land for fitness work (nothing against the barn I am at, there are just no hills or huge open fields where I live!). There are ways to make it work; we just have to search and ask others! Enjoy this little video of Owen loving life, and maybe spooking at the water in the AqauPacer.

Go Owen, and Go Eventing!

Our friends at The Chronicle of the Horse just made a special announcement that Mark Bellissimo has purchased the magazine. Mark, whose business Wellington Equestrian Partners LLC owns and operates the Winter Equestrian Festival and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, is committed to maintaining the magazine’s current editorial content while introducing new media initiatives to the 76-year-old publication. Beth Rasin, COTH’s executive editor, explains many of the changes planned for the magazine in this commentary. We wish the very best to Mark and the COTH team as they begin this new area for the magazine.

From COTH:

Over the next few months the Chronicle will be introducing new products and services, including an enhanced website and state of the art mobile applications.

Bellissimo added, “Together the magazine and the website are by far the strongest information distribution channels in the industry to communicate all things equestrian as well as the energy, thrill, and passion for horse sports.”

While the Chronicle will continue to be the news hub and community for the industry, Bellissimo believes it can also be instrumental in developing improved spectator interest in horse sports, developing the personalities of the athletes, highlighting the lifestyle, showcasing products and services, promoting training and education, enhancing animal welfare, and developing a network for philanthropy.

He is looking forward to enhancing the Chronicle’s position within the sport horse industry and navigating the unique opportunities of this business with his family, alongside the current staff, who will remain based at the historic roots of the institution in Virginia.

Click here to read the full press release.

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been an exciting year for Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. After putting in a clear cross-country trip at Burghley to finish 26th in their first overseas competition last fall, Kristi and Rosie had a fantastic spring with top finishes at Galway Downs and Twin Rivers, culminating in a dominant eighth place performance at Rolex. After their foot-perfect spring campaign, it’s no surprise Kristi and Rosie were once again named a World Class pair on the USEF Eventing High Performance Summer/Fall Training List, and this West Coast dream team now have their sights set on Pau this fall.

When I asked Kristi if she wants to contest Pau to get a feel for a cross-country course designed by Pierre Michelet — who is also the course designer for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy — she said that’s one reason. “Another reason is that this course will suit Rosie very well because she’s so bold, and the course will have more technical jumping questions out of blind turns, which should make her more rideable,” Kristi said. “I haven’t hardly gone anywhere in the world, and if I’m going to spend the money, it would be awfully exiting to do a different event. Burghley is amazing, but I’m not very young, and I’m not going to get to do this that many more times.”

At 52, Kristi has found her heart horse in Rosie, a 12-year-old striking grey Holsteiner mare she purchased seven years ago and has campaigned all the way up from the novice level. Rosie’s bold cross-country style has captured the hearts of eventing fans all across the country, and Kristi knows how lucky she is to have this horse. “For me, it’s even a little more amazing because I was kind of past that phase of my life when she came to me, so it’s been really special,” Kristi said. “Derek di Grazia always said she would be a once-in-a-lifetime horse for anyone, but somehow I’m the lucky one who gets to enjoy her. She’s really been an easy horse — sound and healthy. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.

As they prepare to contest Pau this fall, Kristi and Rosie will drive 22 hours from their base in northern California to Rebecca Farm later this month to compete in the the CIC3*, their first competition since Rolex. Rebecca Farm is a major destination event for West Coast eventers, and it’s one of Kristi’s favorites she enjoys attending each season. “Every year you think Rebecca Farm is perfect, and then the next year it gets a little bit better,” Kristi said. “Last year was the best footing I’ve ever galloped on besides Burghley. It just gets better and better every year.” Kristi also hopes to run Rosie at the American Eventing Championships in Texas before heading to France.

If the way the mare feels now is any indication of how she’ll perform at Pau, Kristi and Rosie are primed for a very good performance. “She almost feels the best she’s felt in years,” Kristi said. “I’ve been down at the di Grazias a couple different times this last month, and even Bea was commenting that we had our old Rosie back. In the last couple of years, I’ve had my hip replaced, a broken elbow, a separated shoulder and some broken ribs, as well as battled rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve had some rough patches physically, and I’m finally not hurting anymore. That helps me ride better, and she’s feeling really good.”

Note: Eventing Nation strives to provide the very best coverage possible for all our U.S. riders. In an effort to help bolster out West Coast coverage, Kristi has graciously agreed to join the EN team as our newest guest blogger. Kristi will be blogging about her experience riding in the California Training Sessions this week with David O’Connor — including her first ever cross-country course school with Team USA’s new coach — as well as the unique challenges that eventers on the West Coast face, like that never-ending drive to Rebecca Farm. Many thanks to Kristi for blogging. Go Kristi, and go Rosie!

Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by David Mullinix Photography.

AP Prime’s story starts like so many successful off-track-Thoroughbred tales — with a CANTER listing. CANTER has long helped eventers find upper-level prospects, and that’s exactly what happened when Leah Lang-Gluscic spotted then 5-year-old AP on the CANTER Illinois website. “I had just quit my job in finance three months before and decided to go professional,” Leah said. “I just had two horses at the time, and I was looking for prospects, but I wasn’t having any luck finding anything. I was on my way to pick up a horse trailer I had bought, and I decided to stop and check out AP on my way. He had an abscess on his left front that they never really treated. They asked for $2,000, and I offered $750. He’d already had eight weeks off because of the abscess. I got his feet sorted, gave him two weeks off and six months later he did his first horse trials.”

Like many off-track Thoroughbreds, AP (Aptitude X Czarina Kate, by The Prime Minister) — who raced 31 times and won just over $20,000 — settled into his new job like a pro. “He was really easy to train,” Leah said. “The first time I got on him, he was very well mannered. He’s very sensitive, but he’s never been a very hot horse. It did take me a good 15 minutes to get him to walk over his first pole on the ground. He did not want anything to do what that. As soon as we got over it, he’s never stopped at another fence in show jumping since. By his 10th ride, he was already doing little in and outs and crossrails. He loves to jump. I remember in his first two months of training that he jumped a mounting block once. He’s definitely the type of horse that looks for the flags.”

Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by WNC Photography.

Thanks to AP’s natural jumping ability, he had one start at beginner novice before Leah moved him up to novice. At the time, she still wasn’t sure if she was going to keep him as a personal horse or a sales prospect. “I got another horse not long after him, and I knew I was going to need to sell one of them; I just didn’t know which one it would be,” Leah said. “He did his first event in June 2011 at beginner novice, and he just ate up the cross country, so I moved him right up to novice. Then he did three novices and moved up to training. On the cross country, there was literally no difference for him from beginner novice to training. He didn’t even notice the jumps got bigger. That was the point at which I knew I could never sell him.”

Leah has been riding off-track Thoroughbreds since she was 10, but AP is the first one she’s brought through the levels by herself. She knows AP is an incredible example of just how good off-track Thoroughbreds can be in this sport. Case in point — AP placed second in his first CIC* at Fox River Valley almost exactly a year after his first start at beginner novice. He moved up to intermediate late last summer, and he finished 13th in the Red Hills CIC2* this March less than two years after beginning his eventing career — a job AP doesn’t take lightly. “He is a very serious horse,” Leah said. “He’s thoughtful about everything he does. He’s not overly affectionate, but every now and then he’ll give you a nuzzle, and it’s special. He’s very stoic.”

Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll learn more about the challenges Leah has faced while bringing AP through the levels, which primarily revolve around his dressage. “My weakness is keeping my horses supple enough, so at home I’m trying to be diligent about that. My trainer Kathryn Barry really stays on top of me about that and understands AP and how sensitive he is.” We’ll also learn more about Leah’s plans for AP’s fall campaign — hint: the plans involve Fair Hill! — which will serve as preparation for his planned move up to Advanced at Rocking Horse next year.

Lynne Larsen, coach of the British Columbia Developing Young Riders, sent in a great write-up and photos from the program’s fourth annual camp. Five years ago, the British Columbia Young Riders Committee decided to expand their program to include a Developing Riders Program to help riders develop their skills at the beginner novice, novice and training levels. Take it away, Lynne!

Rebecca Howard teaches at the British Columbia Developing Young Riders Camp.

From Lynne:

Riders from British Columbia (waaaay out here in the northwest of the continent) have always been a force to be reckoned with … both past and present. Many of you will know Chelan Kozak, Nick Holmes-Smith, David Wilding-Davies, Joni Peters, Therese Washtock, Karen Brain and Ian Roberts to name a few from the past. In more recent years, Rebecca Howard, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch and Hawley Bennett-Awad all represented British Columbia at NAJYRC and have gone onto represent Canada on the world stage.

Five years ago, it was decided by our Young Riders Committee to expand our YR program to include a Developing Riders portion with the intent of having a strong focus on improving delivery of skill sets to riders in the lower levels — beginner novice, novice and training — to prepare them to the NAJYRC level.

The annual YR program includes:

• A section at the Horse Trials BC Spring Clinics, which involves upwards of 100 riders and multiple coaches. This year the section featured Matt Ryan and Wendy Wergeles. In past years, Dorothy Crowell, Jessica Phoenix, Mike Winter and Kyle Carter have all paid visits. These clinics are held at one of our biggest event facilities, usually amid snow/sleet/hail/wind and sun over Easter weekend.

• Cross-country course walks at all the BC events for the Young Riders, facilitated by myself and other coaches that help out with the program.

• Regional Fall Clinics to get riders started on their “homework” for the winter.

• And, of course, CAMP!

Last year we were very lucky to have Hawley Bennett-Awad healthy enough after London to come and coach for us, and this year we were extremely fortunate again in the timing of camp to have our own Rebecca Howard back to the province directly from England and her successes there. It is a HUGE inspiration to the Young Riders to have graduates of our program come back to work with them, particularly after representing their country. Following WEG 2010, we had Steph Rhodes-Bosch come and share her experiences with our Young Riders as well. Dana Cooke, Merritt native and groom to Rebecca Howard in London, has also been our guest at camp.

Camp kicked off on arrival day with a horsemanship groundwork demonstration by Stefanie Travers of Lodestar Horsemanship, with many of the campers having private sessions with Stefanie over the three days of camp. This proved to be a popular addition to camp, and many riders were glad of the help they received in achieving more respect from their horse on the ground. Lectures were also held throughout the three days, with topics such as “Fitness and Management of the Event Horse”; “Planning a Training Schedule/Calendar”; Building Blocks for Success in the Competition Season”; “Leg Care for the Equine Athlete”; and “Be Strong — Ride Strong,” a session on core strength facilitated by Fitness Leadership Candidate Blaire Owen.

Day 1 was spent working on dressage skills in semi-private lessons with Rebecca, myself and coaches Maeve Drew and Brandy Saunders. Correct achievement of connection from behind, with a horse going forward from the leg and accepting of the contact, was a constant theme amongst all the coaches.

Day 2 saw many of the riders having two lessons that day, some show jumping and also going for a steeplechase school, and other groups working in the cross country field. Adhering to the basic principles of the flatwork whilst working over the fences was the focus of the day, and all riders had successful rides and coaches were happy with the progress made.

Day 3 saw Rebecca move her groups into the cross-country field while the rest of the groups show jumped or steeplechase schooled, and camp ended with a happy group of campers eager to move on to their next show to test their skills. I know a highlight for a lot of the riders was Rebecca’s evening presentation “The Road to Badminton,” which enabled the riders to hear Rebec’s story from her Salmon Arm Pony Club days here in BC to representing her country at WEG in 2010 and on to Pan Ams, London and then Badminton this spring. Talent is great thing to possess, but grit, a great work ethic, huge desire to keep learning from the best and a constant focus on the goal is something they all took away as all important in the pursuit of excellence.

Many thanks again to Rebecca for taking time to come home to Canada to work within our program (she also came home for her Mom’s birthday!). The inspiration she has provided to our up-and-coming eventers is priceless. And congrats must go to Rebecca and Riddle Master on their third place finish at Barbury Castle CIC*** this past weekend! Go Rebecca, and go eventing!

*Actual prize may differ.

After many hours of meticulous deliberation, at the end of a valiantly, closely fought competition, we’re excited to announce that the winner of our Third Annual EN Blogger Contest is…

Erin Critz!

Erin’s final entry had us laughing out loud. We’re not sure what we liked more — her proposed Beginner Novice Cavalry Maneuvers dressage test complete with battle cry or the “Russian Federation” YouTube video she posted that demonstrated the test movements. If you haven’t watched this video already, you have to.

Fans of Rick, Sally and Ella: Don’t despair. All four finalists were such strong contenders that we’ve asked all of them to join the EN team as writers. They’re already hard at work formulating ideas for a new weekly series, and you can expect to see their work on EN very soon.

Thanks again to all who entered the Third Annual Blogger Contest, read and commented on entries, or voted in our final poll. Your enthusiasm has been both awesome and inspiring. Until next year!

For just $6,500, you can own a Rolex Datejust watch that claims to be the prize for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The seller, Ermitage Jewelers in Atlanta, Ga., says the product images are taken from the actual watch and offers a 100-percent authenticity guarantee. The serial number includes 2013, meaning the watch was manufactured this year. While at first glance it looks like Andrew Nicholson put his Rolex prize on eBay, the ad description says this is a women’s watch.

The COTH forums suggested the more likely scenario that Rolex purchases two watches each year — one for a male winner and one for a female winner. If that assumption is correct, then this watch is in fact a prize for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. I reached out to Andrew Nicholson for comment. For some reason, he has not yet responded back to me about this very important story. Click here to view the full ad on eBay, and feel free to comment if you know more about the watch’s origins. Go Rolex.

[Rolex Watch eBay Ad]

Ah, training list season. That time twice a year when we pour over the new lists and ask questions like “why did this rider make the list?” and “where is Boyd Martin?” and “why isn’t this horse on the list?” and “where is Boyd Martin?!?” Before I delve into my analysis on the USEF 2013 Eventing High Performance Summer Fall Training Lists, I think it’s important to note several key points to remember when breaking down the lists:

Some Criteria to Consider 

1. A horse’s absence from the list goes not mean it’s dead to High Performance. Generally horses are only listed if they are actively competing at the time the lists are released, which means even a minor injury could prevent a name from appearing on the lists. The same philosophy applies to a rider’s name not appearing on a list.

2. Spring competition results factor heavily into the Summer/Fall Training Lists. That means combinations that had stellar showings at key spring events will likely appear on the list, whereas pairs that failed to complete or had subpar showings aren’t likely to get a nod — even if they were a proven and consistent pair last year.

3. David O’Connor knows what he’s doing. When he took over as Coach of the U.S. eventing team, we knew it would be a long road back to the top for a program that has struggled for many years. Even when we can’t see the forest through the trees, we need to trust in David. Additionally, by the time we’re done huffing and puffing about these lists, the Spring Lists will be out anyways.

 No Global Talent Category

Whereas Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville appeared as the sole pair on the Global List in the spring, we now see a total lack of a Global List for the summer/fall. However, as I mentioned above, the lists heavily weigh spring competition results. After discovering a weakened area in one of Tate’s bone scans earlier this year, Sinead wisely decided to give Tate time off. Tate’s most recent CCI was Burghley last year, so his demotion down to the World Class list is merely a nod to the fact that he’s been out of competition. That said, Tate competed at Chatt Hills this past weekend, where he handily won his open intermediate division. While Tate hadn’t yet competed at the time the Summer/Fall Lists were released, the Selection Committee knew the horse was about to break that dry spell.

The World Class List

Having watched each of the pairs on the World Class List in person this spring, I can confidently say that each of these horse and rider combinations deserve to be here. And as a reminder, the World Class lists denote “combinations that currently possess the ability to be competitive anywhere in the world.” All of these pairs will receive Land Rover Training Grants, and we’ll likely see all of them at major competitions across the pond this fall. Here’s a look at why each pair made the World Class List:

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly — While this horse is still very green at the CCI3* level, Will and Obos made the World Class list due to winning the Bromont CCI3* last month. Will made it clear that the horse still has a lot to learn, but I think a fall trip across the pond will go a long way to helping Obos step up his game.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister — Tiana and Finn have by far had the best spring season of any pair listed in the World Class list. After finishing 17th at Badminton and 10th at Aachen thanks to solid clear cross-country trips, it’s clear Tiana and Finn have come into their own. Expect them to put in another consistent performance at a fall CCI.

Will Faudree and Andromaque — I’m a huge fan of this mare — who isn’t? — and she’s had a fantastic spring campaign, winning the Jersey Fresh CIC3* before heading to France and finishing fourth in the Saumur CCI3*. Will said at Aachen that he’s tired of going to Europe and not winning, and Missie is going to be his ticket to the big W.

Will Faudree and Pawlow — While Will and Ernie had rotten luck at Aachen last month — falling after the last fence on cross country and failing to complete the event — they were sixth at Rolex in April and certainly deserve a spot on the World Class List on the merits of that performance.

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville — As I said above, Sinead and Tate didn’t compete this spring due to a strategic decision to give the horse time off after a bone scan revealed a weakened area. Sinead’s injuries sustained at Chatt Hills over the weekend — she broke some ribs and her shoulder blade in a fall from On Cue — shouldn’t prevent them from contesting an overseas fall event.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter — After falling from Demi at Rolex, Marilyn re-routed to Luhmühlen, where this pair finished seventh in a very competitive CCI4* field. Marilyn is based in Europe this summer, and we will definitely be seeing this pair tackle a major fall competition before returning home to the States for the winter.

Clark Montgomery and Universe — While Buzz wasn’t himself at Aachen last weekend — Clark speculated the horse might be fighting a virus — he looked fantastic at Badminton earlier this year, where he finished 27th in his first CCI4*. Clark told me he hopes to tackle Pau this fall should everything be in order with Buzzy’s health.

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star — The sole West Coast pair on the World Class list, Kristi and R-Star finished eighth at Rolex. They’ll be looking to improve on their overseas competition record this fall.

Lynn Symansky and Donner — Lynn and Donner were probably the most talked about pair in the Rolex aftermath, which came as no surprise. A rider with a broken hand pilots a young OTTB to a fifth-place finish in his first CCI4*? That’s the stuff Disney movies are made of, and this pair has big things ahead.

The National List

The National List is comprised of “combinations that are currently competitive in domestic international-level competition and who the USEF Selection Committee feel have the future potential to be competitive anywhere in the world.” The key phrases here are “currently competitive” and “future potential,” and it’s important to keep those in mind when looking at the lists. It’s encouraging to see a lot of younger riders on the National List, which signals that the Selection Committee wholly understands the value of investing in the next generation that will ultimately land Team USA back on the medal podium at major team competitions. Here’s a look at why these pairs made the National List:

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot — We’d likely be seeing Hannah and William on the World Class list had it not been for an unfortunate stop on cross country at Saumur. This pair placed third in the Jersey Fresh CIC3* in May and has all the pieces they need to deliver on an international stage.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader — Buck and Park Trader were 22nd at Rolex, which was definitely an encouraging showing for the horse’s first CCI4*. Incidentally, I expected to see Mar De Amor on the National List instead of Park Trader. It’s also notable that we’re not seeing Ballynoecastle RM on the list because he’s recovering from a bone bruise on his stifle.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica — After a three-event winning streak this spring in which Lauren won the Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*, Jersey Fresh CIC2* and CHC International CIC3*, it’s no surprise we’re seeing them on the National List. It’s time for this pair to head across the pond and prove themselves in true international competition.

Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water — We’d likely be seeing Marilyn and Smoke on the World Class List had she not fallen from him at Aachen two weeks ago. But considering they were eighth at Saumur in May, we know this pair has the talent to deliver solid showings.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen — The only thing standing between Glen and the World Class list is a strong performance in a CCI. Glen performed brilliantly this past weekend at Barbury, where he finished second in his CIC3* section in a very competitive field. It’s safe to say he’s on track for a very good fall campaign.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Pirate — Meghan and Pirate were another big story line that came out of Rolex, as Meghan piloted the striking black OTTB to a 12th place finish in their first CCI4*. A fall trip to Europe is definitely the next step for this talented pair.

Michael Pollard and Mensa — This pair’s placement on the list says a lot about the Selection Committee’s faith in the quality of this horse and their future potential. Michael and Mensa were sixth in the Jersey Fresh CCI3* and certainly have the talent to win at that level.

Katie Ruppel and Houdini — The Selecting Committee also must have liked how this pair performed at Jersey Fresh, where they finished fifth in the CCI3*. After selling Sir Donovan, Houdini is Katie’s horse for the future.

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star — Despite a stop on cross country at Rolex, Caitlin and Hoku rocked their first appearance at a CCI4*, and I still thought they had one of the best trips of the day. Plus, they have an incredible comeback story after Hoku survived a deadly fire at True Prospect Farm. What’s not to love?

Erin Sylvester and Mettraise — This is a very new ride for Erin, as she just bought the Thoroughbred mare from Phillip Dutton last fall, but there’s a lot to like about this pair. They won the Bromont CCI2* last month, and the potential is certainly there.

Sharon White and Wundermaske — Sharon and Patch were seventh in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh and are already planning to hit Blenheim and Boekelo this fall in Europe. Go Team Orange!

Who Didn’t Make It?

Remember that virtually every horse and rider combination you’re not seeing on the Summer/Fall Lists was left off due to a lack of current competition results and notable performances from a major spring competition. That being said, there are of course some pairs that I expected to see here that aren’t on the list for reasons I can only speculate. Here’s a look at notable names not on the list:

Understandably left off a list:

Phillip Dutton just got the ride on Mr. Medicott, which rules them out from placement on a list because they are not currently competing. Phillip retired Mighty Nice on cross country at Rolex, which I’m assuming is also keeping them off a list. While Ben won the Bromont CIC3*, it was a tiny field, and the horse is still coming back from an injury.

Boyd Martin retired just a few fences from home at Rolex with Trading Aces. While Otis Barbotiere is now back in work, he has not yet completed a major event. Neville Bardos is also still sidelined with a suspensory strain. And Boyd himself has been recovering from surgery to repair torn tendons and ligaments in his ankle. The good news is Boyd will be back in the irons at Fitch’s Corner.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda withdrew from Rolex when Ping slipped on concrete in an unfortunate accident the day before their dressage test. They re-reouted across the pond to Luhmühlen but failed to complete when they fell at the first water complex.

Buck Davidson is on the list with Park Trader, but Ballynoecastle RM — who finished fourth at Rolex — is notably left off the list. Again, that’s due to an injury, as Reggie is recovering from a bone bruise on his stifle.

Becky Holder has a fantastic horse for the future in Can’t Fire Me, but she fell on cross country at Rolex, which is likely keeping this pair off the list.

Allison Springer and Arthur are taking a long hiatus following Burghley last year and thus have no competition results from this spring to land them on a list.

Not so understandably left off a list:

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive fell on cross country at Jersey Fresh, but the horse re-routed to Bromont and finished seventh in the CCI3*, which seems strong enough to be considered for the National List. Note: Fernhill Eagle is now being ridden by Marc Grandia in Washington state. Thanks to Joanie Morris for the clarification.

Sally Cousins withdrew Tsunami from Rolex after the mare caught a cold on a rough trailer ride to Kentucky, but then placed sixth in the Jersey Fresh CCI3* and third in the Bromont CCI3*. Sue is in top form and heading to Burghley this fall should all go according to plan, so it’s odd not to see her on a list. The mare is 14 now, so perhaps her age is sidelining her.

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz could complete all of the world’s CCI4* events bareback and blindfolded and still not make a list. Your guess is as good as mine at this point. While dressage isn’t Shiraz’s cup of tea, this is a three-phase sport last time I checked. Luke is 15 this year, so age could also be a factor here.

Covert Rights also could have landed Colleen on a training list. CR, a horse I featured in EN’s Got Talent, has similar spring results as other horses on the National List, as he placed third in the Jersey Fresh CCI2* in a very competitive field. He also just won his first Advanced at the Horse Park of New Jersey last weekend.

Laine Ashker made it clear in a guest blog for EN that she decided in cooperation with the Selection Committee that Anthony Patch, who is 14 this year, would not run at Rolex to save his legs for Pau this fall and a chance at the World Equestrian Games next year. While they only have a prelim run at Surefire on their record this year, it seems like this could have been a good place to make an exception.