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.
More than 250 EN readers submitted a guess for this month’s SmartPak Mystery Product! And since you’re all entirely too clever, most of you guessed it right. But only one lucky winner can take home this month’s Mystery Product. Congratulations to Anna Billings, who wins a 56-day bag of SmartLytes Pellets.
Dehydration in horses has serious consequences. In order to keep your horse properly hydrated and performing his best, it is essential to supplement his diet with salt. Neither hay, pasture nor fortified grain contain enough salt (Sodium Chloride) to meet your horse’s needs, and not all horses can get their requirements from a salt block alone. Feeding a well-balanced electrolyte supplement like SmartLytes Pellets can supply the Sodium Chloride your horse needs, in addition to the other electrolyte minerals that are lost in sweat — Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. Supplying these electrolytes will also encourage your horse to drink more water, rebalancing his fluids and helping to ensure proper digestion of feeds.
SmartLytes Pellets are carefully formulated to mimic the mineral losses in equine sweat. This formula also includes Trimethylglycine to help cells maintain normal fluid levels. These tasty apple-banana flavored pellets are sugar free and an excellent choice for even the pickiest eater! Want to give SmartLytes Pellets a try this summer? Click here to check out this supplement on the SmartPak website! Thanks so much to everyone who submitted a guess for this month’s SmartPak Mystery Product.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6NdO-BrjTQ
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It’s time once again to play SmartPak Mystery Product, the monthly feature here on EN that sends you on a scavenger hunt through the SmartPak website. SmartPak has generously donated a variety of fantastic prizes that one EN reader will be lucky enough to take home each month. Here’s how SmartPak Mystery Product works: Keep checking back on this post throughout the week — we’ll bump it up each day — for additional clues that will lead you closer to guessing the product. Once you think you’ve discovered the SmartPak Mystery Product, email [email protected]with a link to the product. Everyone who correctly guesses the SmartPak Mystery Product will be entered to win it, and we’ll randomly draw a winner on Thursday morning. Only one guess per day, please!
Let’s play SmartPak Mystery Product! Here are your clues:
Clue #1: This product can help your horse stay hydrated this summer. Click here to search the SmartPak website.
Clue #2: This product can supply sodium chloride to your horse’s diet. Click here to search the SmartPak website.
Clue #3: This product comes in apple-banana flavored pellets that are picky eater approved! Click here to search the SmartPak website.
Think you’ve guessed the SmartPak Mystery Product? Email [email protected]with a link to the product. Still stumped? Check back tomorrow morning for the next clue.
We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].
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Andrew and Tate at River Glen. Photo by WNC Photo.
Last week we met Andrew Palmer and Tatendrang, a 7-year-old Trakehner stallion owned by Anissa Cottongim who won his first CIC* at CHC International last month. After conquering the horse’s rearing problem and aversion to water, Andrew and Tate cruised through novice before moving up to training level when the horse turned 5. “We didn’t want to run prelim until he was 6, mostly because he was still doing a lot of growing,” Andrew said. “He was also a little immature mentally. Once he moved up to training, he would get distracted on course. Training was also a challenge because he was so much bigger than the jumps and very stimulated by the show atmosphere. It was hard to get him to focus on the jumping. We had stops because he was galloping around looking at everything else, and the fences would surprise him.”
Both Andrew and Tate learned together how best to tackle these challenges at training level. While Andrew had campaigned other Trakehner stallions, he’d never had to do much pushing down to a fence. “I had to learn to ride a horse that was so green and eager,” Andrew said. “I realized I rode around without my leg on, so I had to become aware of that. Even if he was galloping and he was plenty forward, I had to put my leg on to get him to focus. Before, we were just running and the fences were coming to us. I had to learn how to get his attention focused on the fences.” After Andrew tweaked his riding style, he and Tate brought home solid placings at Rocking Horse, Chatt Hills, Poplar Place and Ocala at training level.
Andrew and Tate at CHC International. Photo by Aly Rattazzi of Rather be Riding Photography.
Andrew stuck to his plan to move Tate up to preliminary when the horse turned 6, but they were unfortunately eliminated at the Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials when the horse wasn’t quite ready for the fences to come up so quickly in combination. But after some cross country schooling, Tate figured out the new challenges and won his next event at Poplar Place. Tate finished out the year well — including making an appearance at the AECs — and had a very solid spring season before contesting his first CIC* at CHC International. “He’d had a bit of time off before Chatt Hills,” Andrew said. “We were trying to get him in a one star and had entered him at Red Hills. We were on the fence about going because of the EHV-1 scare, and we ended up withdrawing.”
Next Andrew tried to enter Tate at Ocala Horse Properties, but the horse ended up with a slight sprain in his left front pastern. “The vet actually cleared him to run a one star, but said to be careful about riding him in deep footing,” Andrew said. “Ocala can get deep in front of the jumps since it’s on sand, so we had to scratch from that too.” The next one star opportunity was CHC International, and Andrew took Tate to the Area Championships at Poplar Place as a prep run. “He ended up winning that,” Andrew said. “It was a small class, but it gave me a lot of confidence going into the one star. For him to come out and be in the lead from the beginning solidified in our mind how ready he was.”
Andrew also rode another stallion in the CIC* at CHC International, Inamorato, and he took the early lead in the dressage with that horse. “Right as I was about to go out and get on Tate, I saw that I had just lost the lead,” Andrew said. “That was just the motivation I needed to get on Tate and push him just a little bit more.” Andrew and Tate scored a 42.1 to lead the very large division and never looked back. “On cross country, I didn’t feel him get distracted at all, which was also really exciting,” Andrew said. “He really locked onto the fences. I felt like he could have run through any kind of atmosphere and done well.” After rising to the occasion at CHC International, Tate is headed for the CCI* at Fox River Valley in Illinois this weekend. “It feels like it’s all coming together right about now,” Andrew said. “It’s fun with a horse his age to see how far he’s come. It makes the whole experience a little more gratifying.”
Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll meet Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Cinco, a 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding and West Coast YEH superstar. Tamie and Cinco won the 5-year-old Young Event Horse West Coast Championships at Twin Rivers last fall after beating out 29 other 5-year-olds at Rebecca Farm to win their qualifying event. Cinco moved up to preliminary this year and was third in his debut at the level at Galway Downs in February. Ashley Stone tipped me about this talented youngster: “I definitely think he’ll be one to watch for in the next couple of years, especially with Tamie in the irons.” Thanks for the tip, Ashley!
EN reader Denya is back with multiple reports from recent clinics taught by Clayton Fredericks and Jessica Phoenix. Denya submitted one of our favorite clinic reports for 2012, and we’re excited that she’s back to share more from Canadian eventing. Her second report looks at a clinic Clayton Fredericks taught on June 1 and 2. Click here to read her first report. Take it away, Denya!
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Rain or shine!
From Denya:
As I was discussing the clinic Clayton just gave at Arthur Tateishi’s Eventing Canada in Tottenham, Ontario, with my vet, who also events, she asked what was new compared to his clinic we both took six months ago in our area. I thought for a moment and realized that there were small nuggets of information that were new to us, but the core principles were the same. So why would you take the clinic a second time? Because those small nuggets are precious bits that continue to help us build a stronger base, a better ride, a more successful outcome. Why work with the same coach every day/week/month if only one or two lessons could accomplish everything? And besides, Clayton is engaging, witty, and has that great Aussie accent and phrasing. His clinics are fun, even while you work!
We went from polo shirts to parkas and back again, but, sporting as always, Clayton gave his positive energy to each session, with those core messages: get the horse between your legs and hands, and keep the shoulders, hips and heels in line. The “Pony Club kick” raised its head again more than once, twice … (keep counting. When you use your legs, the horse is to move forward without question. Don’t forget: “riding is NOT wrestling.” Other core messages are rein back as a demonstration of submission, canter poles for judging distance — “if you can’t see the distance to a canter pole, then you can’t jump, because accuracy is critical.” Balance and the “set up zone” is essential, so you can adjust your horse’s stride to meet a fence correctly. And — last but not least — have someone hold your horse, and find your “balance hold” position — knees up and level with the ground, and then out off the horse’s sides. There’s your “balance hold” position. Oh, those core muscles at work too!
My favourite new tip is at the end, but there are plenty others, so in no particular order:
We’ve all seen the eventers lose their reins to the buckle for various reasons — how to get them back? Hold the buckle, slide one hand down the reins, and when you have contact again, let go of the buckle and move that other hand up to the appropriate rein — voila — no reins flapping in the wind, no grabbing at air, and no uneven pressure on the bit for the horse. That’s how you stay straight even without reins. Have you all tried that? It works … but maybe try it in the ring first!
On the same page (sort of!), it’s important to school on different lengths of rein. This was eye-opening because you can’t always have the “correct” length of rein. If you’re competing, and lose your contact, especially in a combination, the horse should keep going. Practice letting the horse jump naturally, practice letting them balance themselves and not always depend on you. Clayton used a simple ditch to encourage the riders to jump on a loose rein, to let the horses use their heads and necks for balance, and jump in a natural shape.
Acceleration works to keep the horse straight without muscling them. Clayton was really pushing the riders to focus on one point on the top of a jump — a knot, a bump, a spot — and keep that spot until you and the horse are committed to the take-off spot and “when you land, GO!” Get going between fences, don’t lose time after the fence. And to see your distance 10 strides out — most didn’t know where 10 strides out started. When you can judge your distance 10 strides out, the change you need to make to compress or lengthen to meet the fence well is minimal, but from four strides out it’s abrupt, disruptive to the horse and seldom successful.
The footing was pretty heavy given all the rain. Another factor to consider: your horse needs more support, especially at take-off, so don’t overload their front end. Free up the front; keep the horse balanced so they don’t get strung out. In her clinic, Jessica Phoenix stressed a similar theme, especially working in bad weather.
This was funny in the telling, but actually translates really well. Hold your reins like you’re holding hands — not a grip; not a limp fish; but kindly, friendly, with compassion. A nice correlation.
My favourite bit? “Slow down time.” Clayton suggested that elite athletes (hey, I’m not quite that, but I still think I can use this) can slow down time to prepare, adjust, plan, to avoid rushing, which leads to costly mistakes. It was ably demonstrated by a rider who jumped a line, had to make a full U turn to another line, and made a hash of it. When the idea of slowing down time to imagine what should happen was introduced, the rider repeated the exercise with an excellent result.
So much to learn, so little time … if only we really could slow it all down. Take every opportunity to learn because there is always something new to take away. I just learned that for sure.
Mix natural obstacles with painted poles.
Loose rein — let the horse see the ditch.
Double banks
The “director” at work!
A skinny in-and-out, mud, and lots of traffic.
Look where you are going!
Canadian coach Clayton Fredericks. Photo by Denya Massey.
I’m thrilled to welcome Doug Payne as the newest member of the EN guest blogger family. Doug is back in the saddle after six weeks off due to hand surgery, and he has a fresh outlook on his business and goals thanks to the downtime — and freshly painted jumps for his arena to match! Many thanks to Doug for blogging.
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Doug Payne and Crown Talisman at the Ridge's jumper show last weekend.
From Doug:
Coming off of hand surgery the Thursday of Rolex, I was unable to ride for about six weeks. I have to say being off for that long has it’s advantages; we painted all of our jumps and finally cleared my inbox and voicemail. Frankly, I haven’t been this organized in years, but having said, that it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone! I was lucky in that all of my horses at the moment are qualified for anything they needed, and they all have had a strong spring season. Thankfully, Jess kept a few of them going, but most had some time off. Life has a way of slowing you down; while the horses were on vacation, I was determined to make the most of the time out of the saddle.
I thought a lot about how to improve my approach to riding, training and business development. Unlike many, my personal goal in riding is not necessarily to go to the Olympics or World Games, but rather continue to improve my skill set, which will allow me to train each horse better and better through time. The international championships wins will come, but they will be the result of my training and planning rather than the focus of my pursuit. I want to show up at any dressage show, jumper show or event and not be seen as an outsider. I am driven to compete and win at the top level of each discipline. Looking around the world, while not explicitly stated, that is what it’s going to take to win medals.
So how do I get there? I am extremely fortunate to have a spectacular group of supporters behind me who have helped me develop one of the strongest strings of horses in this country (I realize I am biased, but it’s true!). These people include, and please forgive me if I forget someone, Amelia and Larry Ross, Kristin Michaloski, Kristen Burgers, Fred and Wendy Luce, Susan and Dave Drillock, Jane Dudinsky, our farrier Sue Donastoky, and Michelle, our superb barn manager. While this is a very strong group, I’m always looking for a way to lure talented horses to my barn.
Freshly painted jumps!
The problem I see is that there are a few riders in each discipline who have broken through the glass ceiling and seem to have the ability to raise infinite funds. To be blunt, I’m not there yet. Not one horse in our place at the moment was purchased for more than $25,000. I do, however, find comfort looking at the best in the world, nearly all of whom have brought their current stars up from the baby ranks. In my opinion, with a few exceptions in unique situations, the very best horses at the 1* level or up are not for sale. I can guarantee that if Andrew Nicholson or William Fox-Pitt had a special 5-year-old, it’s not for sale; however, the above average 5-year-old may be … for the right price. I also don’t think you can place the important of creating a life partnership with a horse; there’s a quality that isn’t quantifiable that can make all the difference. I think David O’Connor is exactly on the right track. He’s said many times now that we should be training excellent riders who will in turn produce excellent horses.
I have whittled my goals down to the following:
Horsepower — I need to continue to build upon a solid foundation of talent in the barn regardless of age. If it’s a talented 2-year-old, I want to take a look at it. If I think he’s got a chance to succeed, I’ll find a field to stick him in for two more years. Funding is a problem, but it’s much easier to raise $15,000 than $150,000.
Make every ride count — I’m lucky enough to be able to ride 10+ horses a day. Given the sheer time in the saddle, I have an extraordinary opportunity to refine my skills. While my results have been good in the past, they can be better. Good is not good enough. Horses are our best instructor; you can learn something new with every ride.
Compete — Training at home and competing are certainly linked, but they do present different problems. I pulled the records of the top few FEI ranked riders out of curiosity the other day. Most have 75+ starts this year with a majority in the international divisions. Nicholson has four CCI4* wins in the past 12 months!
I think competing in that shear number of events is difficult in this country; however, we do have the luxury of jumper and dressage shows every weekend and a number during the week throughout the year. I’m going to take further advantage of these, choosing a schedule that best suits each horse without exerting undue stress. The beauty of a number of the jumper shows in the area is that they are a circus. It’s an underutilized way to introduce atmosphere to young horses. Furthermore, rather than just competing to get in the ring, I want to get the most out of each performance and blow everyone out of the water! The added pressure on myself to master the ring craft will allow me to better handle the world stage when my horses and I get there. There is a palpable groundswell of support for the sport in this country at the moment. I’m going to make the most the opportunities presented, after all my success or failure lies on my shoulders!
Will Coleman originally posted this on his personal blog, and he graciously gave EN permission to reprint it here. EN is committed to creating a forum for discussing how eventing can grow and progress as a sport in the U.S. Many thanks to Will for allowing us to run his blog, and please feel free to discuss his ideas in the comments. Go eventing.
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Will Coleman and Obos O'Reilly at Bromont. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Even for a hard-headed guy like me, with a crippling perfectionist streak and a penchant for dissatisfaction, it was impossible for me not to be pleased with my horse, OBOS O’Reilly, after winning the Bromont CCI3* last week. It was the second three-star this spring that the horse has won, having emerged the victor of the Fair Hill CIC3* in April, and to date, he is the only horse in America with two FEI victories at the 3* level and up. I’ve said it many times that he’s not a particularly talented horse, and I think his success is largely attributable to persistent training and a manageable fearlessness across the country.
These two events that he won were cross-country dominated events, where footing and the magnitude of the courses determined the way the event played out. I think events like this will be this horse’s calling going forward, though with continued improvement, who knows? I don’t think many of us would have guessed Jocko and Clifton Promise would be on top of the world after his first trip to Kentucky several years ago. If they can stay sound and healthy enough in our sport to be trained, and not miss big chunks of time due to injury, then good riding always rues the day. Eventing is a game of horsemanship, a “wise man’s game” as my buddy Boydo says.
Normally, the advantage when it comes to competition surfaces, ground, and keeping horses well is undoubtedly in favor of riders based in the UK. It is no secret that footing in England is second to none, not only at competitions, but with access to pristine turf and all-weather gallops, for the fittening work as well. However, on that note, I think I have to applaud our country. This may have been the best season of ground I have experienced in America. In our constant struggle to improve our events, I hope we are not overlooking some of the multi-year efforts that have been made to better the going at certain events.
Red Hills, Jersey Fresh, The Fork, Fair Hill CIC, Chattahoochee CIC, Bromont, and many others, are shining examples of this determination to give our top horses the best going possible, and let’s hope it continues. We were blessed with good weather this year. Let’s remain proactive in making sure that even with drought or prolonged periods of dryness, we can still manage acceptable footing. Richland Park and the Kentucky Horse Park are probably leading the pack when it comes to that. Others should follow.
I enjoyed and also applauded Jimmy Wofford’s comments regarding the FEI qualifications debacle and some of the absurd things it forced horses and riders to do in order to qualify for events. I am glad that I wasn’t forced into doing anything like that with any of my horses, but how an organization like the FEI can pretend to be unequivocally “pro-horse” and allow this mess is beyond me. It seems that in the case of many of the horse/rider combinations battling these qualification issues, their national federation and team representatives should be able to approve their ability to compete at a certain level, so long as they meet national qualification requirements. Asking horses to compete at multiple CIC and CCI level events in a single season is an appalling result of this misguided FEI policy. (more…)
Kate Miller and Sherry Stewart have done a fantastic job sending us blogs and photos to commemorate Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight’s first competition across the pond. Jolie and Ari completed the grueling Luhmühlen CCI4* — an accomplishment in and of itself — and we’re excited to see what this pair accomplishes in the future. Also, a huge congrats is in order for Kate for winning Best Turned Out with Ari. [Kate’s 1st blog] [Kate’s 2nd blog] [Kate’s 3rd blog]
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Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight in the Luhmühlen CCI4* show jumping. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
From Kate:
The jog took place at the civilized hour of 9:30, and I have to say it has been wonderful being so far north. The sun rises at 4:15 or so, making it easy to get up early and get everything done that needs to be done. Ari slept well and looked amazing this morning. A minimum of fussing, and he was good to go! Kelley and Jackie saved me (again!) by giving Ari the best quarter marks out there. Demi as well looked great, and both horses passed the jog easily.
We had a chance to have a bit of a nap and watch the CIC*** show jump before the four star started at 1:45. When I brought Ari to show jumping for Jolie, I was surprised by the head steward, who informed me that Ari and I were wanted in the award ceremony, and to please stick around after show jumping. Ari warmed up well and jumped his best, but had two rails down and a bit of time. We still had to wait for the award ceremony, as the judges had unanimously agreed Ari looked fabulous and awarded us with the “prettiest pony” award! We received a nice cooler and the ultimate groom survival kit: prosecco, granola bars, Pringles and fruit!
We had an amazing time getting to know everyone, and look forward to meeting them at other events in the future! Thank you so much for all the support and well wishes and to Jolie’s sponsors: Antares, FLAIR Nasal Strips, Western Saddlery and, of course, thank you to the Broussards for being such wonderful supporters of our sport. This first taste of competition at this level has made us hungry for more, and we are eager to sort out our fall plans! With luck and a lot of hard work, you’ll hear from us again!
We posted our annual Father’s Day tribute earlier today with feel-good Dad stories from Buck Davidson, Lynn Symansky, Elisa Wallace and Mackenna Shea, plus the cutest video ever of Kyle Carter’s daughters wishing him a Happy Father’s Day. Click here to read the Father’s Day goodness. Members of the eventing community have been taking to Facebook today to send Father’s Day wishes to the masses. Enjoy this quick social media roundup and have a Happy Father’s Day!
This has to be one of the coolest helmet cams we’ve posted in awhile. First, you get to watch Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS deliver a double clear trip around the Luhmühlen CIC3* cross country course. Second, you get to see how a lot of the fences that caused trouble for the CCI4* rode from the rider’s point of view. It’s especially interesting to watch Ingrid navigate the first water complex at 4abc where so many riders fell or retired yesterday. Third, you get to hear how Ingrid talks to the mare throughout the course. I love how she rolls her tongue before the fences to get the mare’s attention back on the task at hand. If we have any EN fans who also know German, I’d love to know what Ingrid is saying to praise the mare. I think it might be “super horse” and “super mare”? Go Ingrid.
Update: EN reader Maggie Miller answered my call for German translation help! From Maggie:
“Fein” (fine)
“Super”
“Spitze” (excellent/top class/amazing)
Then after the water complex and the hedge right after, she says, “Läuf jetzt!” (run now)
After the finish line, she says “geil” (cool/awesome) and as the reader wrote in the comments “super maus” (super mouse — mouse is a common term of endearment … people often call their kids that)
The rolling of the tongue is actually the German version of “whoa” and is a great cue because it is so distinctive and different from other sounds.
It’s Father’s Day on Eventing Nation! As part of our tradition of showing lots of love to eventing parents, we’re celebrating the contribution of Dads to our great sport. Eventing Dads participate in many different ways, from the super involved Dads to the ‘I’d rather be golfing’ Dads, but they all undergo an incredible amount of stress and play an integral role in their families’ eventing experience. Enjoy these stories of how Eventing Dads have impacted riders at the top of the sport. [Father’s Day 2010] [Father’s Day 2011] [Father’s Day 2012]
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Bruce and Buck Davidson with Buck's Land Rover. Photo courtesy of Land Rover.
From Buck Davidson: I’m thankful for everything my Dad taught me and everything he’s done for me. He’s been the best Dad I could ask for. It hasn’t always been easy, but he’s been amazing to me and taught me some tough lessons. There aren’t a lot of warm and fuzzy moments with my Dad, but there are a lot of great memories.
A moment that sticks out to me with my Dad is at Kentucky this year when I won the Land Rover. We had to take pictures with the Land Rover, and my Dad was going through the car looking in the front seat and back seat seeing how it would work for him to drive it. As he was sitting in the back seat, he asked, “This is your car? You won this at Kentucky?”
We were standing right by his statue at the Kentucky Horse Park, which made it so funny when he said, “Man, I need to get back into this sport!” He’s done so much more than me in this sport, but he never won a car at Kentucky. It shows how far the sport has come, and that’s a moment I’ll never forget.
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Steve Symansky cheering for Lynn at Rolex.
From Lynn Symansky: Steve Symansky is hard to miss. He can usually be found at an Area II event riding his bicycle around in a pair of shorts even when it’s below 30. He’s also the one with the reeeeally loud voice. And if you can’t find him, just shoot him an email — he usually responds in less than a minute no matter what time of day.
My dad is amazing and has found ways to be involved in my riding career my entire life. When I was 3, we rode double on trail rides in the Shenandoah Mountains. When I was 5, he rode with me in a 15-mile endurance ride (even though he got eliminated for draping his reins over his own neck at a vet stop). He was DC of my Pony Club and secretary and organizer of Difficult Run Horse Trials for many years. When I was old enough, he taught me how to drive the rig for the first time on the most winding, narrow road in the suburbs of Vienna, Va. He figured if I could drive there, I could handle anything. We foxhunted together, did low-level events and schooling shows together, and trail rode on the weekends all the way up through high school.
Once I started competing at the upper levels, he had a hard time staying involved as a parent/spectator. At my first two-star, he came to the barns after walking the course right before I went cross country crying, worried for my safety. At my first Rolex, he refused to come watch, as he was too nervous and watched me from the live feed at home. Instead of coming to watch at my big events, he prefers to show his support by staying busy behind the scenes. He helps out quite a few organizers and secretaries at Area II events, runs scoring for the weekend, and he’s the chairman for Area II. This is all a hobby for him, and he does it merely because he loves to help people and be involved in a sport I love so much. I don’t tell him enough how much I appreciate everything he does, but it means more to me than he will likely ever know.
I competed at my third Rolex this year, and yet again he wanted to stay home. I was adamant that he attend this time! Someone asked me what my favorite parts of the weekend were and the first thing that came to mind was when I heard him cheering throughout my cross country ride. I was able to hear him all the way around the course over everyone else with his distinct Symansky cheer. That moment will stick with me forever. Thank you to all the amazing fathers out there who do so much to continue to show their love and support. I think I have a pretty great one.
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Elise and Rick Wallace
From Elisa Wallace: Through the years, the relationship with my Father, Rick Wallace, has grown and developed into something very unique and special, especially our bond and passion for horses and Eventing. It is a relationship that I am very lucky to have and will always cherish.
To me, my Father is a best friend. We talk to each other almost every day and have the freedom to talk about anything. I love when we get to spend time together, and can just hang out as friends — albeit it mostly occurs at horse shows.
To me, my Father is a great coach. He has always pushed me and given me confidence. Whether it was doing trots sets at the age of 2, or riding “hot” Thoroughbreds at the age of 10, or when he would put of a 5-foot vertical and say, “You can do it. You’re fine.” He always had faith I could do anything.
To me, my Father is an inspiration. He is always a go-getter, always positive, and always smiles or makes a joke. I am so proud of him achieving his dreams … and hope we will someday compete at Rolex together!
To me, my Father is my hero … Love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day
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Dan Shea, Mackenna Shea, Zac Brandt and Stephen Boyer at Jersey Fresh.
From Mackenna Shea: My Dad, Dan Shea, is not only a supporter and a provider for me in this sport, but he is my number one fan. He is always there for me, through the highs and the lows. He is always proud of me, no matter what, and never lets me forget it. He has dedicated so much of his time learning about the sport because I love it. He knows more than I could ever ask him to know, and all because he went out and learned it for himself. I can always find him watching the other rides at the event (even the dressage) or playing with my dog (the one he didn’t want me to adopt).
My Dad and I recently drove out to New Jersey from California for the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. He helped me drive, helped me load and unload at our stops every night, put up with all of our travel mishaps, let my dog sleep on his lap, and still arrived with a smile and ready to help. He held groom bags, walked in the rain to fetch things from the trailer, and drove miles and miles to find Starbucks in the morning. He was there to give me a pat on the back after I won the dressage; a smile and a nod towards the vet box after completing cross country; and a huge hug, wisdom, and support after I was spun from jogs.
I appreciate him more than he will ever know, and strive to be more like him every day. I hope to give my family the incredible life he has given to me. Thank you, Dad, for all that you do! Landioso, Forrest and I love you so much and wish you the happiest Father’s Day ever!
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Happy Father’s Day, Kyle Carter! Just as Eventing Dads work very hard to support their kids in the sport, professional riders who are also Dads strive to find a work-family balance. When I asked Jen Carter to send in a surprise video of her daughters Riley and Trista wishing Kyle Carter a Happy Father’s Day, I didn’t know I was going to receive the cutest video EVER in return. Happy Father’s Day to Kyle and ALL the pro riders who are also lucky enough to be Dads.
Andrew Nicholson and Mr. Cruise Control. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Zara Phillips did everything she could to steal the Luhmühlen win from Andrew Nicholson. But her beautiful double clear show jumping trip with High Kingdom ultimately wasn’t enough, as Andrew and Mr. Cruise Control also jumped double clear to win the Luhmühlen CCI4* on a 38. Michael Pollard posted on his Facebook page yesterday that he believes Andrew has gone to a new level, “adding a polish to his riding these days that matches the raw talent and athleticism he has always had.” After winning Burghley, Rolex, placing third at Badminton and now winning Luhmühlen, it seems Andrew is on a war path to prove he is indeed the best in the world. William Fox-Pitt took the third and fourth spots with Neuf des Coeurs and Lionheart, respectively, with scores of 47.7 and 48.2. Kevin McNab and Clifton Pinot rounded out the top five on a score of 51.5.
Thirty-three horses moved onto the CCI4* show jumping after the trot up. Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen, who were sitting in fourth place overnight, withdrew before the final phase, as did Constantin Van Rijckevorsel and Goodwins Reef. All other horses passed the final horse inspection, which is impressive considering the toll cross country took yesterday. Rails came down all around the show jumping course, which isn’t surprising considering how grueling Capt. Mark Phillips’ course proved to be. Only nine horse and rider pairs managed to deliver double clear show jumping trips. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter pulled one rail at the middle element of the triple combination toward the end of the course to finish in seventh place on 57.5. Demi jumped really well and looks to have recovered well after the cross country.
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter on the live feed. Terrible screenshot by yours truly.
Even though Michael Jung didn’t have a mount in the CCI4*, he couldn’t go home without a win at Luhmühlen. He jumped a double clear show jumping round earlier this morning with Halunke FBW to win the CIC3*. Dirk Scrade and Hop and Skip finished second and Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS finished third, making it a German sweep. The show jumping course proved much easier for the CIC3* riders, with 18 delivering double clear trips. Thirty-eight horses moved onto the show jumping after four withdrew before the final trot up: Marilyn Little and RF Black Pearl, Sara Algottson-Ostholt and Wega, Bettina Hoy and Designer 10, and Benjamin Winter and Wild Thing Z. Click here for full scores from the CIC3*.
I finally succeeded in getting the live feed to work today, but it only showed a replay of cross country for much of the CCI4* show jumping — including gut-wrenching footage of an emotional Emeric George as P’tite Bomb was examined by the veterinary crew following their fall at fence 12. The horse was ultimately euthanized following the examination. The reporter running the live coverage interviewed numerous people, including two vets who offered analysis on the accident. From what I could tell based on my very rudimentary grasp of German, the vets were saying that accidents are an unfortunate part of the sport, and it’s always a terrible tragedy when a horse goes down on course.
I was also able to see footage of the conditions when Zara Phillips and Marilyn Little were on course yesterday. It looked like a hurricane was rolling in between the strong winds and the driving, sideways rain, making Zara and High Kingdom’s and Marilyn and RF Demeter’s double clear trips even more impressive. The live feed finally turned to show jumping when Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Cayenne were on course, which unfortunately means I missed watched Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight go. Jolie and Ari pulled two rails and had 8 time penalties, and I know Team Kismet is thrilled to be bringing home a happy and sound horse after the tough cross country yesterday. Go USA. Go eventing.
Jolie Wentworth's Good Knight at Luhmühlen. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Happy Father’s Day, EN! As is tradition, we’ll be posting a heartfelt tribute to Eventings Dads later in the day. First, we’ll be bringing you a play-by-play of all the action in the finale at Luhmühlen. After a tough day of cross country, two American pairs will represent the U.S. in the show jumping today. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter are in 10th place, while Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight are in 32nd. Andrew Nicholson leads with Mr Cruise Control. Stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. Go eventing.
Sunday Video: Wondering what exactly happened on course yesterday at Luhmühlen? Check out EN’s open thread and follow along on John Kyle’s virtual course walk of Capt. Mark Phillips’ course:
ERS-Eventing.com provides riders with an interactive online portal that showcases product information, demonstrations, tutorials and reviews from fellow competitors and top international riders.
Kate Miller, head groom for Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight at Luhmühlen, sent in another blog with photos from Sherry Stewart to update us on Team Ari. Jolie is thrilled to have completed a very tough course and sits in 32nd going into the show jumping tomorrow. Best of luck to Jolie and Ari as they look to complete Luhmühlen. [Kate’s 1st blog] [Kate’s 2nd blog]
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Jolie and Ari into the water at 4a. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
From Kate:
Dressage Day: There was no secret meeting to decide that all the americans should score within 7 points of each other, I promise. Ari was first up at 10 am, but our day started a bit earlier, to make sure we had enough time for all the primping required. We were incredibly pleased with his rideability and relaxation in the ring, and feel we are well on our way to developing his dressage skills, as we work on some of the finer points needed. As always, pictures tell the better story, especially for dressage, so please enjoy.
Cross Country: As has been already reported, the course today did quite a bit of sifting of the standings. Several amazing pairs surprisingly didn’t make it around. Demeter was an absolute rock star for Marilyn, and we are well pleased with Ari. Who knew that two run-outs would be an acceptable score, given how hard the course rode! Ari recovered well, enjoyed his evening walk, and we will see how tomorrow goes.
Kate Miller, acting head groom for Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight (“Ari”), is blogging on behalf of the Kismet Eventing Team as they tackle the Luhmühlen CCI4* in Germany this week. Many thanks to Kate for sending in this blog and to Sherrie Stewart for submitting the wonderful photos to accompany it. Go Jolie and Ari!
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Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
From Kate:
The past few days have seen the locals arrive, and we have gradually increased Ari’s work as the week progressed. We’ve still managed to squeeze in a fair amount of shopping. There are at least four tack shops between the show grounds and our hotel, and, of course, we had to visit them all.
Wednesday finally brought the beginning of the show with the official briefing, ring familiarizations one and two, and the jog. The familiarizations are so sympathetic to the horse: up to two hours in the ring and dressage court, schooling allowed. Horses schooling, horses hacking, horses spooking — it was all fair game, though we did make a startling discovery. Ari does not approve of German Techno. I’m sorry to all those fans of the pounding beat, but there it is — the man does not approve. We then spent the whole of the second familiarization in the ring as well, to give him the most time possible to get used to the atmosphere.
Marilyn Little arrived with her three horses in the middle of the day, so we now have a nice concentration of USA at the end of our aisle. At 5 p.m. the jog began, and it went off without a hitch for any of the American horses, though the skies did start to threaten rain …
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda at Luhmühlen. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.
Today’s the big day for our four American pairs at Luhmühlen. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight, and Julian Stiller and Enjoy Me will all take on the very competitive field in their dressage tests in the CCI4*. Thanks to the time change, the CCI4* dressage will be well underway by the time you read this, and we’ll update you throughout the day on how our Americans fare in their tests. I have to give a shout out to our guest bloggers Kate Miller and Jackie Imholte, awesome photographers Sherry Stewart and Thomas Ix, and press guru Heather Reimer for keeping us updated here in the states. Go Team USA!
The FEI will hold a forum to address welfare concerns in endurance. The Swiss Equestrian Federation is leading the charge, reporting that numerous doping incidents and equine fractures are occurring in Middle Eastern nations. [Horsetalk]
Ticket sales are now officially open for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Only packages including passes, hotel and transportation are available at this time. [WEG]
Order a copy of Modern Eventing through the Bit of Britain website by June 30 to have it signed by Phillip Dutton on July 1 during a virtual book signing. [Bit of Britain]
How do you cool out your horse in the summer? SmartPak’s Ask the Groom blog has some tips and tricks to incorporate into your daily routine. [SmartPak]
SmartPak Product of the Day: I need a new white polo shirt for schooling shows and clinics, and the SmartPak Cool Tech Polo Shirt is the perfect candidate. [SmartPak]
Olympic gold medallists Laura Tomlinson and Charlotte Dujardin star in a pas de deux at the Longines Global Champions Tour in London:
EN reader Denya is back with multiple reports from recent clinics taught by Clayton Fredericks with the Canadian team and Jessica Phoenix with the Canadian Young Riders. Denya submitted one of our favorite clinic reports for 2012, and we’re excited that she’s back to share more from Canadian eventing. Her first report looks at the Canadian team’s final preparation before Bromont. Take it away, Denya!
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Clayton Fredericks coaches Nicole Parkin and Lexus.
From Denya:
The Canadian team spent May 31st and June 3rd training with International Technical Advisor Clayton Fredericks, who prepped riders going to Bromont and provided on-going coaching for eventual teams over the next few years. Each rider had twi sessions with Clayton to work on what they felt most important for them to be successful. The beautiful property of Jorge and Mandy Bernhard was made available for the coaching, with excellent footing despite all the rainy weather prior to the training sessions. Not only did the Bernhards generously offer their facilities, they are that most cherished of all people: horse owners who contribute to the sport every day, day in and day out — a huge thank you!
Clayton stressed the talent among the current riders and their commitment to representing Canada successfully at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. While pleased with good results recently, the goal is to create a winning team, instilling in the riders their ability to win. Managing the horses sensibly, creating opportunities to learn and improve, and capitalizing on the talent already hard at work is key.
In these sessions, it was easy to see the rapport that Clayton has built with the riders. His comments were incorporated immediately; there were positive exchanges between riders/coach; and every instruction had a “what we’re looking for” … and let’s not forget the little jokes and laughter that softened his “tough love.” The whole environment was supportive and cheerful.
Clayton described competing as holistic — each piece has to be addressed so the puzzle works. Given his accomplishments, as both an active competitor and coach, Clayton feels he can act as a mirror for the riders, and, in his words, he is not letting any small mistakes slip by, and the riders are looking for the input and direction to be winners.
Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Sara Algotsson-Ostholt and Wega lead the Luhmühlen CIC3* on a 33.6 at the conclusion of dressage. This mare came oh so close to winning individual Olympic gold at London last year, but a heartbreaking rail at the final fence in show jumping moved her into silver medal position. I expected her to be very good in the dressage today, and she certainly didn’t disappoint, with all judges unanimously ranking her in first place in a very competitive field that saw five scores in the 30s and 16 scores in the 40s in a field of 45. That’s 47 percent of competitors scoring at least a 49.8 or better. Germans dominated the top 20; after Sweden’s Sara Algotsson-Ostholt and Wega, Australia’s Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo and Sweden’s Niklas Lindbäck and Mister Pooh were the only pairs of other nationalities to join the top 20.
Looking at the rest of the leaderboard, Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et are in second place on a 35.6, and Michael Jung and Halunke FBW are in third place on a 37. Michael was the second to last to ride in the class and had a chance to catch Sara and Wega, but he couldn’t quite get there. This is Michael’s only ride here this weekend, and it’s odd not to see him on the entry list for the CCI4*, which he won last year on Leopin FST. But seeing as his unicorn star horse La Biosthetique Sam FBW and Leopin FST both competed at Badminton last month, Michael didn’t have another CCI4* ride to bring. Ingrid Klimke also had a very good day, and she sits in fourth place with FRH Butts Abraxxas — who placed 16th at Badminton last month — on a 37.6 and in fifth place on Hale Bob 3 on a 39.8.
Marilyn Little and RF Black Pearl are our only American pair contesting the CIC3*, and they scored 53.8 to sit in 31st place. The Luhmühlen Facebook page has been posting photos from the competition, and you can see a picture of Marilyn and Pearl in their test this morning by clicking here. This mare has had a very solid spring season, placing second in both the Ocala Horse Properties CCI2* and The Fork CIC2* in April. Marilyn and Pearl were also third in the CIC2* at Red Hills in March. Best of luck to Marilyn and Pearl as they represent the U.S. this weekend. The CCI4* dressage starts tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. local time, which is 2:30 a.m. EST. Video of today’s dressage tests should be online later today, so be sure to check back for much more from Luhmühlen. Go eventing.
We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].
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Andrew Palmer and Tatendrang. Photo by Aly Rattazzi of Rather Be Riding Photography.
Tatendrang, a 7-year-old Trakehner stallion owned by Anissa Cottongim and campaigned by Andrew Palmer, stepped into the limelight when he won the inaugural CHC International CIC* at Chattahoochee Hills last month. It was a gratifying outcome for the horse’s first one-star, especially when you consider how far he’s come since beginning his training under Andrew’s tutelage. “Tate” — who is sired by the elite Trakehner stallion Onassis, who is also the damsire of Seacookie TSF, William Fox-Pitt’s second-placed mount at this year’s Rolex, and out of Tanzania by Avignon II — came to Andrew with about 90 days under saddle.
“He had decided in that time that rearing was a good idea, and the trainer who had him before me called and said that he’d just started rearing, and she didn’t want to make it a big issue right before he came to me,” Andrew said. “So she just backed off of him a little bit, which was a really good idea on her part. He was 4, he was tall, and there was nothing malicious about it. When he played around, he was just very big and very playful.” Andrew quickly discovered that Tate couldn’t figure out how to rear if you turned him to the right. “It was a simple fix, luckily,” Andrew said. “Saddle fit was a bit of an issue too.”
Andrew Palmer and Tatendrang. Photo by Aly Rattazzi of Rather Be Riding Photography.
With Tate’s rearing issues behind him, Andrew began focusing on Anissa’s main goal for the horse in those early days: completing a novice event to fulfill the performance requirement for his stallion testing. “When I got him on the cross-country course, everything was so natural for him,” Andrew said. “He was this huge skeleton with not much muscle, so I was tentative about schooling him much. I would have to pick a time when I would quit because he would jump everything we put in front of him. It was hard to pace him in the beginning, but I was worried because he was still growing.”
Within six months, Tate had that first novice event under his belt, which brought along the next challenge in his training. “He had stops at the water at the first two or three events,” Andrew said. “He would go in the water, but he would have to stop and check it out. It wasn’t something I was too worried about, and it wasn’t something I wanted to push him through too hard. If you try to push too hard with a stallion, they will quit on you. So we took our time at novice. We tried to take him to multiple courses like Rocking Horse and Poplar where he had two chances to run through the water.”
A series of unfortunate events ultimately cured Tate of his water aversion. “We have automatic waterers in our barn, and one of the stallions broke his, which flooded all the stalls,” Andrew said. “We came into the barn the next morning, and Tate was standing in four inches of water. After that, he never had another refusal in water.” Tate progressed well through novice, but Andrew wanted to wait until the horse turned 5 to move him up to training. “We tried to pace him by his age, and I stayed pretty committed to that,” Andrew said. “We didn’t want to run prelim until he was 6, mostly because he was still doing a lot of growing.
Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll learn all about Tate’s progression through the levels at training and prelim, as well as break down his winning weekend at CHC International. “When I went to Chatt Hills, one of the first dressage rides on another stallion went into the lead for the majority of the class,” Andrew said. “I was glued to the live scoring. Everybody started creeping in and getting really close to that score. And right as I was about to go out and get on Tate, I saw that I had just lost the lead. That was just the motivation I needed to get on Tate and push him just a little bit more.”
Happy Thursday, Eventing Nation! Luhmühlen is well under way over in Germany, and the CIC3* dressage will be clipping along by the time you read this today. Marilyn Little and RF Black Pearl are the only U.S. pair contesting the CIC3*, and we have four Americans competing in the CCI4*, which has dressage scheduled for tomorrow. The official Luhmühlen Facebook page posted some fabulous photos of the jog — including shots of Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda and Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight — which you can view here. EN reader Maggie Miller also discovered that CCI4* cross country and show jumping will stream live on Saturday and Sunday at this link. It’s going to be an exciting weekend, EN!
Several eventing barns have evacuated due to the wildfires in Colorado, which have burned 8,000 acres to date. Nicole Ackerman with Inside Track Training, Heather Dubois, Jane Worrall, and Jon and Kari Clay have all been forced to leave their facilities. [The Gazette]
Andrew Nicholson will look to maintain his lead in the HSBC FEI Classic Standings at Luhmühlen this weekend. He has a good shot riding three horses: Qwanza, Mr. Cruise Control and Rathmoyle King. [Otago Daily Times]
Buck Davidson just launched a new website that includes a detailed bio, individual pages for all his horses, a video library, calendar and information on his sponsors. [BuckDavidsonEventing.com]
Canadian Olympian Jamie Smart passed away last week at 62. He brought home silver and gold team medals at the 1987 and 1991 Pan Amerian Games, and was named the Leading Foreign Rider three times at Rolex. [Horsetalk]
Five EHV-1 cases have been confirmed at Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario. One horse was euthanized Monday, and another horse in the same barn has shown neurological signs. The track is currently under quarantine. [Horsetalk]
Lost Hounds Horse Trials has been canceled due to inclement weather and resulting grounds conditions. Refunds will be issued within the month per the omnibus listing — all association fees, plus 50 percent of entry fees and 50 percent of stabling. [Lost Hounds Horse Trials]
SmartPak Product of the Day: Has anyone ordered a pair of the Piper breeches yet? I’m dying to try them, but I really don’t need one more pair of breeches. Someone leave a comment and tell me I can’t live without them. [SmartPak]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmckoJaFzUs Kelsey Wilkins and Cava in Open Prelim at Waredaca
If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Thoroughbreds For All event at Rolex, now you can watch a portion of the program on the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s YouTube Channel. The video shows Phillip Dutton and Dr. Kevin Keane talking about what to look for when purchasing a Thoroughbred off the track as an eventing prospect. You also get to watch Phillip evaluate the conformation of several OTTBs available for adoption through New Vocations. It’s really interesting to see what Phillip looks for and notices in these horses. Do you spot the same conformation pros and cons as Phillip? You’ll have to watch the video to find out! Go OTTBs.
Andrew Nicholson and Rathmoyle King at the trot up. Photo courtesy of Thomas Ix.
Fifty of the 51 horses that presented at the Luhmühlen CCI4* were accepted and will move on to compete in the dressage on Friday. All four pairs from the U.S. — Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, Julian Stiller and Enjoy Me, and Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight — were accepted. Three pairs were held: Aistis Vitkauskas and AK’s Galopper, Ben McClumpha and McKenzie, and Richard Jones and Highland Ford. AK’s Galopper and Highland Ford were accepted upon representaton; McKenzie was unfortunately spun. For all things Luhmühlen, be sure to check out Visionaire’s preview from this morning. Go eventing. [Entry List]
I announced the eight awesome finalists in the Third Annual EN Blogger Contest yesterday. I’m back today to bring you their bios and Round 1 entries that landed them a spot in Round 2. Our finalists are currently hard at work pounding out their Round 2 entries, in which they’ll answer the following question: If you had the power to make three changes to the sport of eventing, what would they be? Without further ado, meet the Blogger Contest finalists, and be sure to leave a comment letting us know who you like the most in the early stages of the competition. Go bloggers!
Nina Bellucci: I’m a lifelong eventing addict, recently recovered from an unfortunate period of abstinence. I was “sober” for ten years while I did fun things like: get a graduate degree, live in a city, and spend money on nice things that I didn’t have to worry about getting horse slobber on. But two years ago, I got my gear out of storage and fell off the wagon. I’m working toward getting a horse of my own and have reinstated the tradition of every horse-crazy, horse-less young girl: the horse fund. Click here to read Nina’s entry.
Sarah Clark is a 30 year old mother and eventer from the middle Tennessee area (AreaIII). She is a graduate B from the USPC and her background is solely in eventing. Although she did compete a Walking Horse in her local hunter circuit for a season once (what??). She prefers cleaning stalls to changing diapers, but seems to be proficient at both. Oh and she has a My Little Pony tattoo on her arm. Click here to read Sarah’s entry.
Erin Critz is a 30-something who after a life time in Hunter/Jumper land came to her senses and took up Eventing three years ago. Erin rides with Earl and Jennifer McFall at Dragonfire in Wilton, CA. When not at the barn she is busy giving high fives to new hires at the world’s largest fruit company. Click here to read Erin’s entry.
Staci Meyer, 44, is an adult amateur from Kansas City, MO. While her full-time job is training a stubborn 14.1 h paint pony to at least contemplate the right hand bend, she actually earns money by making you want to buy stuff for your horse. She’s been riding and eventing for 20 years. And although she wouldn’t pass a vet check, on competition day she prides herself on always jogging out sound. Click here to read Staci’s entry.
Emily Przyborowski: I’m 15 and an eventer from Area Two. After working for Kate Chadderton for about a year, I’ve experienced the life of a professional rider and I can’t get enough of it! Kate has taught me a lot (mostly proper grammar and the teenage mutant ninja turtle theme song, but a lot of lessons in riding too) and all in all it’s taken me one step closer to my dreams of being a professional rider, and worsened my obsessions with bareback puissance. Click here to ready Emily’s entry.
Ella Rak, 16, is a High School student, Aspiring Lower Level Eventer, C2 Pony Clubber and Equestrian-procrastinator extraordinare. Defining Characteristics: Strong willed, Easily distracted by horses (I should be studying for final exams right now, but instead cleaned tack and wrote this article), and slightly OCD (that record book WILL be perfect). Embarrassing Tidbits: My first event had a combined score of over 200. I was so scared of going too fast we walked over the first jump… Click here to read Ella’s entry.
Sally Spickard is from St. Louis, MO and has been riding for about 13 years, with more than a couple hiatuses thrown in. If I were chosen to be the next EN Blogger, I would find a way to convince SmartPak to sponsor all EN staff; it would look good for everyone to have matching SP gear, right? I think it makes sense. Click here to read Sally’s entry.
Rick Wallace: Upper level event rider — AGAIN. After years in hibernation. Father of awesome upper level event rider Elisa Wallace and also known as Mustang Girl. Have string of super talented horses: Ultimate Victory – 3 Star horse, Ultimate Decision – Amazing new horse which is dominating in dressage and Ultimate Timing – my dressage horse now being converted to eventing. Click here to read Rick’s entry.
Kate Miller, acting head groom for Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight, is blogging on behalf of the Kismet Eventing Team, who have landed in Germany and are ready to contest the Luhmuhlen CCI4* this week. Many thanks to Kate for sending in this blog and photos about the team’s trip across the pond. Go Jolie and Ari!
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Good Knight enjoys a hack in Germany.
From Kate:
Hello from Luhmuhlen, Germany! Let me introduce you to the Kismet Team: Good Knight, aka Ari, Chief Eventing Equine and Star of the Show; Tracy Bowman, Chief Trainer and Owner; Jolie Wentworth, Chief Rider; Kate Miller, Acting Head Groom; Sherry Stewart, Real California Eventer’s Private Paparazzi; David Wentworth, Chief Man about the Barn; and last but not least, Roakie Bowman, Canine Assistant. When Jolie was honored with the Broussard International Grant, we were not quite sure how we were going to use it, except we knew we were going to go places! We decided the best way to use it would be with a trip to Germany, and we are quite excited to report on our first European CCI**** as the next week progresses.
Coming from California to Germany is quite a venture, and started Wednesday, June 5 at 5 a.m. Pacific. We drove to JetPets in LAX under sunny skies, handily arriving by 2 p.m. With the early arrival time and the excellent management of Lindley Hasenauer, owner of JetPets and manager of all things Equine, we had plenty of time to verify that the paperwork for both horse and dog was completely in order, we were only bringing over exactly what we wanted, and in short, be as ready for our flight as possible. We soon discovered that we needed all that extra time, as Roakie needed revised papers for travel. This small hiccup was no problem for the excellent staff at JetPets, and in short order Thursday saw our departure to Amsterdam.
Upon arrival, we waited for Ari and all of his stuff to clear customs, and by 2 p.m. we were on the road to the layover facility in Lastrup, Germany. We are incredibly grateful to all the staff at Guido Klatte Horse Transport for booking us in last minute to stay overnight at their layover facility, easing Ari’s travel. In the morning on the 8th, we woke up at a civilized time and departed for the show grounds of Luhmuhlen. While Ari has settled well, he was the only horse on the property for 24 hours till Jennie Brannigan and Ping showed up, and we are happy to have a bit of company. Ari has been enjoying his hacks through the woods, though we are all eager to get into the week ahead!
Ari enjoys a hack in Germany.
Ari’s container on the plane, seen through the secret door.
The truck driving to the plane. Ari was in the very first box
Ari in his shipping crate.
Jolie, Roakie and Tracy enjoying the last In & Out burger.
Thank you so much to all of you who entered the Third Annual EN Blogger Contest. We had an intimidatingly strong field of entrants this year, each and every one of whom has been an inspiration to our team. In particular, we received many strong entries from younger eventers, which has inspired us to launch a special Junior Blogger program for the summer.
Without further ado, our finalists include a professional editor, hairdresser, recovering H/J princess, pony wrangler, working student, high schooler, SmartPak enthusiast and upper-level rider. Please join me in congratulating Nina Bellucci, Sarah Clark, Erin Critz, Staci Meyer, Emily Przyborowski, Ella Rak, Sally Spickard and Rick Wallace!
I’ll be posting their Round 1 entries over the next two days. In the meantime, our eight Blogger Contest finalists will be hard at work on their Round 2 assignment: If you had the power to make three changes to the sport of eventing, what would they be? Their Round 2 entries are due Monday, June 17 at 8 p.m. EST. Go finalists!
