View Classifieds
Jenni Autry
Articles Written 3,397
Article Views 11,275,128

Jenni Autry

Achievements

About Jenni Autry

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

Latest Articles Written

Bromont Jog Report: 90 Horses Move to Dressage

By on Jun 5, 2013 6:00 pm -

Kyle Carter and Madison Park continue their comeback at the Bromont CCI3* this weekend.

It was a beautiful afternoon at Bromont for the first horse inspection, with 95 total horses presenting before the ground jury in the CCI1*, CCI2* and CCI3* divisions. The 48 horses in the CCI1* division presented first, and Kate Chadderton and Checkout the Charmer and Genevieve Boutin and Curioso were both held. Genevieve and Curioso passed upon representation. Kate received special permission from the ground jury to bring Charmer forward for representation after all other divisions had jogged; he unfortunately did not pass upon reinspection. Asa Cooper and Revelry II withdrew before the jog. William Ward and Watermill Time were asked to jog a second time and passed, with the horse looking very keen. Forty-six total horses move on to the dressage in the CCI1*.

Will Coleman sported a smashing coral tie in the trop up with Obos O'Reilly.

The 24 CCI2* horses jogged next, and Robin Walker and Freedoms Light and Erin Renfroe and DeCordova were both held. Robin and Freedoms Light passed upon reinspection, but Erin and DeCordova were unfortunately spun. While Abigail Wilson’s horse Fernhill Flag looked perfectly sound, she on the other hand looked very lame and jogged up and down the jog lane with an obvious grimace on her face. Hopefully her injury isn’t too serious and she’s able to ride without too much pain this weekend. Twenty-three horses in total will move on to the dressage in the CCI2*. The 23 CCI3* horses were the last to present, and Liz Riley and It’s The Truth were held and ultimately spun upon reinspection. The ground jury paused for what felt like a very long time before announcing that Kyle Carter and Madison Park had passed, during which I almost passed out from holding my breath. It’s no secret I’m rooting for Kyle and Parker in their comeback! The other 22 CCI3* horses passed and will move on the dressage, which will be held Friday.

Sharon White looked lovely in coral in the trot up with Don Sheffield.

We saw a number of smart jog outfits today, with the guys looking particularly well turned out. I heard Will Coleman say he needed a tie because he forgot one as he was walking down to the jog lane to trot Obos O’Reilly. Whoever lent him the tie he ended up wearing deserves major kudos, as I thought the coral color really looked sharp with his linen jacket and navy slacks. For the ladies, Samantha and I thought Sharon White looked very stylish in her cream blazer with a coral sunhat and matching scarf. Coral was clearly the big winner today at the first horse inspection. Two rings will be running simultaneously for the dressage tomorrow. CCI1* dressage starts with the test ride at 9:30 a.m., and Waylon Roberts and Orion 49 will lead off at 10:03 a.m. CCI2* dressage also starts at 9:30 a.m. with the test ride, and Buck Davidson and Knight Lion will be the first to go at 9:55 a.m. I’ll be adding more jog photos to this post, so check back soon!

[Website] [Results]

USEF Addresses Horse Welfare in Town Hall Meeting

By on Jun 5, 2013 3:00 pm -

David O'Connor speaks at the USEF Town Hall Meeting.

The USEF hosted a town hall meeting Monday night at the Kentucky Horse Park to address a myriad of welfare issues facing the horse industry, which are outlined in this document entitled “Welfare of the Horse in the 21st Century.” David O’Connor, former USEF president and current coach of the U.S. eventing team, sat on the panel of experts in the meeting and responded to many of the questions posed throughout the night. Thanks to the live streaming broadcast on the USEF network, you can view the meeting in full by clicking here. The meeting ran for more than three hours, so I’m here to give you a quick breakdown of the three major discussions that took place.

Creating a Catastrophic Incident Protocol, or The Collapse Rule

Under current USEF rules, if a horse collapses on the show grounds, there is no requirement that the incident be reported. As a result, the USEF has put forth a proposed extraordinary rule change that will implement a Catastrophic Event Protocol that requires mandatory reporting of a collapse at a show. As defined by the USEF, a collapse is a fall to the ground with no apparent cause at any time from when entries arrive at the venue until departure from the venue. You can view the full text of the proposed rule change here.

You’ll notice in the text that the rule as presented at the town hall meeting requires that a collapse be reported within one hour of the incident. Audience members in attendance at the meeting objected that one hour is not enough time to file a report with the USEF, as the rider, owner and trainer of the horse would likely be attentively caring for the horse for an extended period of time following the collapse. The USEF made it clear that the proposed rule change language would be amended to allow more time for reporting, with three hours seeming the likely time allotment that will go into effect.

A New Category of Rules, or Prohibited Practices

The second major item on the town hall meeting agenda involved the creation of a new category of USEF rules in regards to prohibited practices. Specifically, a new rule would prohibit any injections from being administered to a horse within 12 hours of competing. There are three classifications of injections that would not fall under this rule: therapeutic fluids for dehydration, antibiotics to treat infections, and Dexamethasone to treat hives or other skin conditions. Those three exceptions would fall under permissible injections up to six hours out from competition when administered under veterinary supervision. You can view the full text of the proposed rule here.

Audience members raised concerns about the amount of Dexamethasone that can be injected under the new proposed rule, as some believed .5 milligrams per 1,000 pounds is not enough to properly treat all skin conditions that can plague horses. One audience members asked if acupuncture would be prohibited under this new rule. Dr. Kent Allen, chair of the USEF Drugs & Medicate Committee, clarified that the use of plain acupuncture needles would be permitted under the rule. While Dr. Allen admitted the three exceptions might not present an exhaustive list of when injections might be deemed medically necessary within 12 hours of competition, he believes the list to be very close to comprehensive.

Responsibility for Performance Horses in the Sport

The meeting concluded with the panelists discussing the need for greater accountability and a stalwart commitment to horse welfare within the sport, namely through increased and more comprehensive drug testing, better educational materials and training, and strict fines and suspensions for those who violate the rules. “If you have that level of abuse, the regulations need to be harder,” Bill Maroney, USEF Vice President of National Affiliates, said. “For serious offenses, the membership wants serious suspensions and serious fines. The hearing committee is ready to answer the call.”

David O’Connor spoke passionately about animal welfare throughout the meeting. “We can outright say that people have abused these drugs,” David said. “The regulatory body will always be behind the game. These procedures are so important to keep pushing ourselves to make the stand about what we think are ethical procedures, ethical treatments and ethical practices.” I have to give major kudos to the USEF for bringing these critical welfare issues to the public in a town hall meeting format. With a commitment to preserving animal welfare from governing bodies like the USEF, we can work toward securing a better future for our equine partners.

Bromont Three-Day Event CCI3* Preview

By on Jun 5, 2013 9:00 am -

Susan Beebee and Wolf will contest the Bromont CCI3*.

It’s Bromont time! One of the premier events in North America and the only CCI3* in Canada, Bromont has long been hailed as one of the top fixtures on the USEF Eventing High Performance Calendar. The only event to be held at a former Olympic site, Bromont offers world-class facilities and an unforgettable competitor and spectator experience. Derek Di Grazia, this year’s Rolex cross-country course designer, has once again designed the course at Bromont with help from course builder Jay Hambly. Bromont is known for it’s beautiful galloping lanes and challenging fences, and cross-country day on Saturday is sure to be thrilling.

Bromont added a CIC3* division last year, and the CIC3*will run again this year along with the staple CCI3*, CCI2* and CCI1* divisions.  A total of 109 competitors are competing across all four divisions. Barring any travel complications, Samantha and I will be on the ground at Bromont this afternoon to bring you full coverage from the first horse inspection. Be sure to check back throughout the weekend for much more from Bromont. In the meantime, here’s a detailed look at the recent competition highlights of the 25 competitors who will be contesting the Bromont CCI3*. Go eventing.

[Website] [Entry List] [Schedule]

Susan Beebee and Wolf — Susan and Wolf have had a fantastic spring preparation for Bromont, most recently winning their Advanced division at CHC International. They were also seventh at The Fork in the CIC3*. This is Wolf’s first CCI3* and first CCI this year; he was 10th in the CCI2* at Fair Hill. I think this pair is well prepared to tackle this challenge. Expect great things from them.

Emily Beshear and River King — River King ran his first Advanced this year at Pine Top Spring Advanced, where he finished eighth. Since then, he was 22nd in Advanced at The Fork and seventh in the CCI2* at Ocala. He most recently finished in seventh place at Jersey Fresh CIC3*, leaving this pair with a solid final prep before contesting Bromont.

Kyle Carter and Madison Park — Madison Park returned to international competition at CHC International last month for the first time since his 2011 tendon injury at Blenheim. Parker finished the CIC3* in sixth place and has looked fantastic since making his comeback this year. Kyle told me after Red Hills that in many ways the horse feels even better than he did before his injury.

Emily Beshear and River King at Jersey Fresh.

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass — Kate and Cole have had a solid spring, finishing seventh in the CIC3* at Fair Hill in April and most recently winning their intermediate division at the same venue. There were 17th at The Fork in Advanced, where they had to perform their dressage test in absolute pouring rain. This OTTB is a real trier, and it’s always a privilege to watch this pair go.

Leslie Chelstrom and Cecelia — Leslie and Cecelia have had a super spring season, with the major highlight being winning the Advanced at The Fork in a very competitive division. This pair also finished fifth in their Advanced division at Southern Pines II in March. They’ve been fairly quiet since The Fork, but I think we’ll see a very solid performance at Bromont.

Darren Chiacchia and Amendment 15 — Bromont will be the horse’s first CCI3* and his first international start since the CIC3* at Plantation Field last year. Darren and Amendment 15 have had a quiet spring prep, finishing fourth in their intermediate division at Rocking Horse Winter III and seventh in intermediate at the Rocking Horse Spring HT. They unfortunately picked up a technical elimination on cross country in the Advanced at CHC International.

Leslie Chelstrom and Cecelia at The Fork.

Darren Chiacchia and Dibelius — Dibelius has had a quiet spring, with Fred Scala competing him in preliminary at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter I HT in January to finish 11th. He ran intermediate at Rocking Horse Winter III with Fred in the irons, finishing second. Darren took over the ride at CHC International, where Dibelius finished sixth in his intermediate division.

Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly — Obos has looked really solid all spring, finishing 11th in Advanced at The Fork and winning the CIC3* at Fair Hill in April. He and Will most recently finished fifth in the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh. This is the horse’s first CCI3*; he was 10th in the CCI2* at Bromont in 2011.

Sally Cousins and Tsunami — Sally withdrew Sue from Rolex after the mare came down with a cold following a rough trailer trip. They rerouted to Jersey Fresh and finished sixth in a very competitive CIC3* field. Sue has been steady all spring, finishing 16th in the CIC3* at The Fork. Sally will be looking for a solid trip here to prep the mare for a hopeful trip to Burghley this fall.

Sally Cousins and Tsunami III at Jersey Fresh.

Phillip Dutton and William Penn — William Penn had a year off after sustaining an injury in the early part of 2012 and is making a steady comeback this season. He was 12th in his intermediate division at Southern Pines II in March and most recently finished 10th in the CIC3* at CHC International. The horse was third in the CCI3* at Bromont in 2011.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive — Fernhill Fugitive has had a very active spring season, finishing in fourth place in Advanced at Red Hills, fourth in Advanced at Southern Pines II and eighth in the CIC3* at The Fork. This pair had a scary fall on cross country in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh, but they bounced back to win the CIC2* at Virginia last month.

Alex Green and Fernhill Cubalawn — This horse can be very good across the country, and we’ve seen some super trips from them in the last 12 months. They most notably finished 14th in the CCI3* at Fair Hill last fall. This year, they were 21st in the CIC3* at Red Hills and 26th in the CIC3* at The Fork. They most recently retired on cross country at CHC International.

Jon Holling and DHI Zatopek B at The Fork.

Jon Holling and Zatopek B — Jon and Zatopek B had some bad luck in the water complex at Jersey Fresh and retired on course in the CCI3*. But they made a comeback a week later at CHC International, where they finished seventh in the CIC3*. They finished 11th in the CCI2* at Bromont last year. Can Jon claim victory in the CCI3* for a second year in a row and continue the tradition of celebratory streaking? Stay tuned.

Jeff Kibbie and Loki — Jeff and Loki most recently won their intermediate division at Fair Hill last month and were 10th in the CIC3* at Fair Hill in April. This is the horse’s first CCI3*, but he is no stranger to Advanced competitions.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica — Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are on a three event winning streak, with their victories coming at the Ocala CCI2*, Jersey Fresh CIC2* and CHC International CIC3*. This is the mare’s second CCI3*; she placed fifth in the Jersey Fresh CCI3* with Karen O’Connor last year.

Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High at The Fork.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High — Foxwood High has had a solid spring season, finishing fifth in the CIC3* at Red Hills as one of just two horses to make the time on that course. They had an unfortunate stop on cross country to finish 33rd in the CIC3* at The Fork and most recently finished third in their Advanced division at MCTA last month.

Selena O’Hanlon and Bellaney Rock — Bellaney Rock finished 10th at Red Hills in the CIC3* and had a stop on cross country at The Fork CIC3*, where he finished in 34th place. He most recently finished in fifth place in his Advanced division at MCTA last month. Selena has three mounts in the CCI3* at Bromont — more than any other rider.

Selena O’Hanlon and A First Romance — A First Romance finished 12th in the CIC3* at Red Hills and was one of two horses that made it home inside the time on cross country at that event. Selena retired him on course in the CIC3* at The Fork and at their most recent outing in Advanced at MCTA last month. She’ll be looking for a solid cross-country trip here.

Nicole Park and Lexus at The Fork.

Nicole Parkin and Lexus — Nicole and Lexus were ninth in Advanced at Red Hills, and most recently retired on course in the CIC3* at The Fork and and the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh. They’ll be looking for redemption in the CCI3* at Bromont, where they won the CCI1* in 2008.

Liz Riley and It’s The Truth — Liz took an unfortunate tumble in show jumping in the CIC3* at The Fork, but she came back to place fifth in the CIC3* at Fair Hill in April. She most recently finished fourth in the Advanced at MCTA and withdrew before the cross country at Virginia.

Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against — West Coasters Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against traveled East for the Jersey Fresh CCI3* only to have a disappointing mandatory retirement on course. They stayed on the East Coast to contest the CCI3* at Bromont. They’ve had a good spring prep on the West Coast, most recently finishing ninth in the CIC3* at Galway Downs in March.

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek at The Fork.

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek — Lizzie and Coal Creek have had a quiet spring prep for Bromont, finishing 15th in their Advanced division at Southern Pines II in March and 15th in Advanced at The Fork. She most recently took a tumble on cross country at CHC International in the CIC3* and will be looking for a good cross-country trip at Bromont.

Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe — Allison has been working hard to forge a partnership with Chloe since taking over the ride from Kelly Pugh this winter. They were 26th at The Fork in the CIC3* after an unfortunate stop on cross country. They re-routed to Fair Hill and finished fourth in the CIC3* in April. They are coming off an 11th place finish in the CIC3* at CHC International.

Rick Wallace and Ultimate Victory — Rick Wallace, the mastermind behind the Road to Bromont videos, had a bit of a rocky early spring season with Ultimate Victory, but has turned things around since retiring on cross country in the CIC3* at The Fork. He’s since finished sixth in intermediate at Poplar Place and ninth in the CIC3* at CHC International last month.

Katie Willis and Polar Storm — Katie and Polar Storm have had a quiet spring, finishing third in the intermediate at Morven Park in March and ninth in the CIC3* at Fair Hill in April. They most recently suffered a technical elimination on cross country at MCTA and will be contesting their first CCI3* since Fair Hill in 2010.

Top 10 Things I’ve Learned as an EN Blogger

By on Jun 4, 2013 1:01 pm -

Well, it’s Tuesday afternoon, meaning you’ve successfully managed to procrastinate entering the Third Annual EN Blogger Contest until the day before tomorrow’s 8 p.m. EST deadline. Wylie, who won the inaugural Blogger Contest, provided some pearls of wisdom in her Do’s and Don’ts post yesterday, and I’m here now to give you that final push you need to stop browsing CANTER listings and start typing your entry. Since joining the team as an EN blogger last fall, I’ve traveled far and wide to provide live coverage for you awesome readers. Here are the top 10 things I’ve learned along the way and why I think you should throw your hat into the ring.

Top 10 Things I’ve Learned as an EN Blogger

1. Do not bother checking the weather before leaving to cover a big event. Instead, assume that weather conditions will vacillate between hurricane and heat wave for the duration of your trip. This means finding a way to fit rain pants, a winter coat, waterproof shoes, shorts and sunscreen into one suitcase. Good luck.

2. All press tents are not created equal. By the end of day two of dressage at a big event, selling a kidney in exchange for a decent wifi connection doesn’t seem so far outside the realm of possibility. Be patient, and remember you can always head back to your hotel in defeat to finish your work.

3. Always try to set up your laptop in the press tent next to the party crowd, which is almost always going to be the Kiwis. They seem to have the supernatural ability to cause champagne to materialize out of thin air, which makes for an impressive party trick.

4. Do not set out to power walk a four-star cross-country course. It will win. You will pull muscles you didn’t even know you had. You will have to manually lift each leg in and out of your car for the rest of the event. Just do not do it.

5. When you’re told to “dress nicer” for an upscale press luncheon, ignore this advice. Journalists are by nature sleep-deprived slobs who can’t be bothered to wear or even own clothing such as “slacks” or “blazers.” Walk in there in your mud-crusted Dubarrys and dirty jeans like you own the place.

6. Do not listen to your friends when they tell you driving in England is terrifying. It’s actually a lot of fun, and you’ll feel like you’re driving a go kart at an amusement park. And don’t be too concerned when you glance off the curb of every roundabout you try to navigate. It happens.

7. Certain airlines, such as Lufthansa and Air Canada, provide complimentary alcoholic beverages on international flights. Let me say that again in a way that fully conveys the gravity of this discovery: FREE BOOZE. Always book your flights on these airlines. Always.

8. Do not use distinctly English phrases when speaking to riders whose first language is not English. More specifically, do not ask Michael Jung “what spots on course he thought were tricky.” He will not understand you. And you will feel like an idiot.

9. Observing hungry journalists circle the press tent lunch table is not unlike watching a documentary on the Discovery Channel. Line up early at the food table or risk tuna and mayo on white sandwiches being the only leftover option. And you’re better than tuna and mayo on white.

10. Realize that you’ve been given an incredible opportunity to be a part of the highest level of your favorite sport. Work hard, and when you feel like you’re too tired to keep going, dig deeper and work harder. Go eventing, and click here to enter the Blogger Contest.

BABS Eventing Goes to the Maryland Adult Eventing Camp

By on Jun 4, 2013 9:00 am -

Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie of BABS Eventing co-wrote this report from the Maryland Adult Eventing Camp, held May 23-26 at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. Riders of all different levels had a chance to train for a week with top riders, course designers and judges before competing in the Spring Starter Trials at Loch Moy. For more information on MAEC, contact Linda Dreyer at [email protected]. Thanks for writing, Ashley and Golly. Go eventing!

________

Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie

When Ashley Russell and Golly Tabatabaie formed the BABS Eventing Team, their intention was to expand their knowledge and experience in the sport and compete at small local events. BABS Eventing is now known more for their fun-loving attitude, team spirit and coordinated outfits. Last month, the BABS girls took their irresistible charm and energetic personalities on the road to the Maryland Adult Eventing Camp at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. The MAEC is organized by the fabulous Linda Dreher of Southern Pines, N.C. Linda has run this camp in Southern Pines for many years, but this is just the second year having it in Maryland.

Ashley, a legally blind rider, brought Philharmonic (“Nic”), her reschooled 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Before Ashley and Nic became partners, Nic had a traumatic injury, breaking his withers, pelvis and tail. The accident shattered his confidence, especially in stadium, so Ashley hoped participating in the camp would help him gain confidence to compete at The Maryland Horse Trials, being held at Loch Moy that weekend. Golly brought Rebel Yell (“Vinnie”), a 7-year-old OTTB, who had little formal training after a failed racetrack career. Golly hoped the camp would give Vinnie the exposure he needed to compete in his first event, beginning his second career as a successful eventer.

The team pulled up to Carolyn Mackintosh’s gorgeous Loch Moy Farm property, settled the horses into their large, airy stalls, and enjoyed greeting fellow campers as they arrived throughout the day. Attendees ranged from first timers hoping to complete the 18” Introductory level to accomplished eventers competing at Training level. They were a myriad of ages, and came from near and far, with one thing in common — the desire to learn and have fun doing it! That night, everyone feasted on pulled pork BBQ while listening to Glenda Player of Playland Farm in Frederick, Md., and her skeleton friend “Dude” explain the importance of rider biomechanics.

Golly and Vinnie

The next day started with plenty of energy, as the BABS girls met Yvonne Lucas, of Red Moon Farm in Berryville, Va., and former CCI*** competitor, on the cross-country course. Yvonne helped the girls practice their position and rhythm, while schooling basic elements such as ditches, water and banks. After lunch, Golly and Vinnie had a dressage lesson with Glenda Player, which proved to be much harder on rider than on horse! Ashley and Nic rode their dressage test for Peggy Pariso, level “r” judge, and then worked on improving specific movements. In the evening, the campers relaxed with delicious food and wine, while listening to Pat Mansfield, MDHT TD, give an informative lecture on safety. The girls got to try on a variety of safety vests, including all the newest air jackets, and ask Pat their questions.

After a good night’s sleep, the team was looking forward to riding the competition course under the guidance of WEG Canadian Team Silver Medalist Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch. Once the BABS girls and their horses had successfully schooled the beginner novice cross-country jumps, Stephanie gave them the confidence to try a few Novice questions as well! Experienced with green and future event horses, Stephanie really helped Golly and Vinnie hit their stride.

In the afternoon, the girls made their way to the stadium arena to work with ICP3 Instructor Melissa Hunsberger from Dickerson, Md. She took them back to basics, working on the fundamentals of rhythm, speed and riding a straight line — which we all know is easier said than done — before applying these concepts to riding a successful course. Melissa’s experience with warmbloods translated well to Ashley, enabling her to relieve Nic’s anxiety in the stadium ring (and Ashley hasn’t stopped smiling since!). The campers finished the day with Steuart Pittman of the Retired Racehorse Training Project, who shared his expertise on the second careers where many retired racehorses can excel.

Ashley and Nic. Photo by Kim White.

On the final morning of camp, the girls dragged themselves out of bed, starting to feel the effects of the intense week, but ready for more. They met ICP3 Instructor and XC Course Designer Mogie Beardon-Muller of Centerville, Md., for their last stadium lesson before the show. Mogie assisted the girls in polishing their stadium rounds, fine tuning their accuracy and striding. Later that day, Ashley worked with Kim Murphy, FEI competitor and trainer based in Beallsville, Md., on dressage. Kim applied her knowledge of rehabbing horses and shared helpful exercises to help Nic learn to use his new body and unlock his potential.

Golly and Vinnie had an immensely successful lesson with Regi Lorenz, European classical dressage trainer from Middleburg, Vaki. Regi helped the pair achieve round, forward movement, a concept that had eluded them previously. At the end of the day, Mogie Beardon-Muller took the campers for their course walks, pointing out particularly challenging elements and offering advice. Ashley, who must ride to landmarks, such as breaks in the tree line due to her vision, found this particularly helpful. Then, thinking ahead to the next day, the girls shined up their boots, kissed their horses goodnight and turned in early.

The Maryland Adult Eventing Camp group

All of the skills the BABS girls learned during camp translated beautifully to the show, and the team finished their first Beginner Novice event successfully. Many of the instructors were on hand for coaching and emotional support throughout the day. Ashley and Nic had a clear, confident stadium round, with no signs of Nic’s past anxieties, and Golly and Vinnie showed off their new found rhythm on the cross-country course. All of the campers had a great time cheering each other on throughout the competition, and the sense of camaraderie at the stable was obviously sky high.

The Maryland Adult Eventing Camp proved to be an invaluable learning experience for the BABS Eventing Team. There are so few opportunities for adults to be involved in a “camp” atmosphere like the MAEC provides, and we would like to thank Linda Dreher for organizing this fantastic week of friendship, food and fun! We would also like to thank Carolyn Mackintosh for hosting us at the magnificent Loch Moy Farm, and for the beautiful accommodations for horse and rider alike. Also, a special thank you to Carolyn’s lovely daughters, Alex and Kristin Arzt, whose culinary expertise kept the campers well fed all week. Team BABS has already marked their calendars for next year’s camp — being held the week leading up to Memorial Day 2014 — we hope to see you all there!

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jun 4, 2013 12:01 am -

From Claire Gordon: "Grayson Wall and Stryker placed third in the CCI1* at Colorado last weekend. Grayson is 15 and was the top young rider! They are from Dallas, Texas, and train with Kadi Eykamp. The pair finished on their dressage score to qualify for Young Riders!"

The first horse inspection for Bromont is tomorrow afternoon, and we’re gearing up to start our live coverage. Samantha Clark will be on the grounds facilitating her brilliant interviews with the riders, and I’ll be bringing you a play-by-play of all the action during the weekend. In addition to asking the usual questions to the riders about their trips, we’re asking you to send in your burning questions for the riders. Want to know how the riders spend their down time? What they wanted to be when they were kids? What sports they love to watch? Their most embarrassing moment at a show? Post your questions for the riders in the comments below. Go Bromont, and go eventing.

Events Opening Today: Fitch’s Corner (A-1, NY), Olney Farm (A-2, MD), Cobblestone Farms H.T. (A-8, MI), Aspen Ridge H.T. (A-9, CO), Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & H.T. (A-10, AZ)

Events Closing Today: Great Vista Horse Trials (A-1, NY), Surefire Horse Trials (A-2, VA), Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. CIC1* and CCI1* (A-4, IL), Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. I (A-6, CA), Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (A-8, KY), Encore H.T. (A-8, MI), Abbe Ranch H.T. (A-9, CO)

Your Tuesday News:

Sara Algottson-Ostholt and Reality 39 won the Strzegom CCI3* in Poland last weekend. While Strzegom is one of the events on the Nations Cup calendar, heavy rains forced the cancellation of the team competition. Only 19 combinations completed the CCI3* out of 35 starters. The next Nations Cup competition is in Aachen June 28-29; four Americans will be competing. [Horsetalk]

The USEA Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for the USEA Board of Governors to fill open positions for 2014. Members will serve three-year terms, play a significant role in advancing the sport, help enhance the value of the USEA to the eventing community and address challenges facing the sport. [USEA]

Entries for the third annual EN Blogger Contest are due tomorrow at 8 p.m. EST. This is your chance to join the eclectic team of EN writers to write about your favorite sport. Wylie, who won the inaugural Blogger Contest, offered some great tips for hopeful bloggers in this post. [Blogger Contest]

Encore Horse Trials in Ann Arbor, Mich., is accepting late entries for the June 22-23 event. Beginner novice through preliminary levels are offered, as well as combined tests from starter through preliminary. Encore is also part of the TIP, so this is a great chance to bring out your OTTBs to try out the new water complex. [Omnibus]

Create a personalized Cavalor feeding program for a chance to win a six-week supply of all the suggested products. Go to www.mycavalor.com, fill in your horse’s details, click on “Design Feeding Program” and click the “Share” button. Cavalor will chose one winner every Tuesday from June 11-July 19. [MyCavalor.com]

SmartPak Product of the Day: My whole barn uses the Himalayan Salt Licks from SmartPak. The salt licks’ rose pink color comes from the high mineral content of iron, potassium and magnesium, which are all vital for a horse’s health. Plus, they come with a handy rope to tie in your horse’s stall. [SmartPak]

Tweet of the Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI1Sd7ik6S8
Niklas Lindbäck and Cendrillon were 2nd in the Strzegom CCI3* 

Colorado Horse Park T3D, CCI* & Horse Trials Results

By on Jun 2, 2013 5:00 pm -

Congratulations to Julie Wolfert with her winning horses, Buenos Dias and Buenos Aires!

 

Riders at the Colorado Horse Park enjoyed beautiful weather this weekend for the CCI*, T3D and Horse Trials, which debuted new footing in the dressage and show jumping rings. The cross-country course is also a crowd favorite at the Colorado Horse Park, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Designed by David O’Connor and James Atkinson, the course features three water complexes and a challenging bank complex. Julie Wolfert and Buenos Aires won the Open Intermediate, Rochelle Costanza and Lionhart won the Open Preliminary, and Summer Peterson and Jake the Fish won the Training 3-Day. If you have photos to send in from this event, we’d love to use them! You can send those to [email protected]. Go Colorado Horse Park!

[Full Results]

Open Intermediate
1. Julie Wolfert and Buenos Aires  42.2
2. Hailey Rich and Kingfisher II  60.6
3. Erin Hoffman and Macchiato 66.4

CCI*
1. Julie Wolfert and Buenos Dias  48
2. Sydney Conley Elliot and SaffariO  48.6
3. Graysol Wall and Stryker

Open Preliminary
1. Rochelle Constanza and Lionhart  39
2. Amy Gilbertson and One Honest Man  41.5
3. Summer Peterson and Tim  41.6

Training 3-Day
1. Summer Peterson and Jake The Fish 56.1
2. Arden Stephens and All The Matters 73.7

Sunday Video: Bambi Breezes at Keeneland Racetrack

By on Jun 2, 2013 3:00 pm -

I posted this over on Horse Nation earlier today, and it’s too good not to share on EN too. A deer visited Keeneland Racetrack yesterday morning and proceeded to breeze two furlongs with the horses. Race track personnel said the deer seemed to come from the lawn in front of the grandstands around 6:30 a.m. The Paulick Report posted the video of the deer’s romp on its YouTube Channel. I love that someone yells out to clock the deer as it comes flying down the backstretch. As far as I know, no one clocked the deer, but it seemed to be moving at a pretty good pace.

From The Paulick Report:

“There was all this commotion down at the quarter pole, and I thought, ‘Oh shoot, someone went down,’” said Bambi videographer Sarah Campion, who was standing on the rail. “I look up, and there’s this deer.”

“The outriders went flying for it.”

Bambi galloped out well and exited the track via the horse path without a pony. It remains unclear whether the work was official, or where fans can expect to see the deer’s next start. It did appear clear however, that Bambi has a powerful closing kick at the wire.

“It’s a miracle no one got hurt. There was a breezer right before and a breezer right after,” said Campion.

Read the full story here.

Pippa Funnell Wins Irish Field CCI3* at Tattersalls

By on Jun 2, 2013 1:00 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Luxury FH were eighth in the Land Rover CCI1* at Tattersalls. Photo courtesy of Uptown Eventing.

Pippa Funnell led wire to wire in The Irish Field CCI3* at Tattersalls this weekend, jumping a double clear show jumping round today to win with Billy Beware. Bill Levett, who’s fresh off a win at the Saumur CCI3* with Shannondale Titan, took second place with Improvise, while Pippa Funnell also finished in third place with Billy Landretti. Tattersalls is the biggest event in Ireland, and I’m sure the hometown crowd was thrilled to see Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux finish the CCI3* in fourth place. Italian Giovanni Ugolotti and Stilo Kontika rounded out the top five.

The CCI3* was one of seven divisions running at Tattersalls this weekend. Bill Levett won the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* aboard Silk Stone, Kitty King won the Eventing Ireland CCI2* aboard Persimmon, Irish rider Lucy Latta won the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa CCNP2* aboard Nono, Dani Evans won the Connolly’s Red Mills CCI2*U25 aboard Smart Time, Maria Byrne won the Dubarry CCIJ1* aboard Ballygrangans Dolly and Ruth Edge won the Land Rover CCI1* aboard Blacklaw Thymelord. Click here to view full results in all divisions at Tattersalls.

Trish Ryan sent us the great video below of an entertaining interview with her husband, Mike Ryan, and Jonty Evans at Tattersalls. Michael finished fifth in the CIC3* with Ballylynch Adventure and 33rd in the CCI1* with Ballylynch Frenchie, while Jonty finished 11th in the CCI3* with Winston III and 12th in the CCI1* with The Rocket Man. My favorite part of the interview has to be when Mike is asked who he thinks is the sexiest female rider in eventing, and he has to think for a moment before being reminded to say his wife. Go Tattersalls.

[Tattersalls Website] [Tattersalls Results] [XC Photos from Uptown Eventing]

Paradise Farm Holds Event in Memory of Karen Kelly

By on Jun 2, 2013 11:00 am -

Lellie Ward sent in a report from the Paradise Farm Horse Trials held in memory of Karen Kelly over Memorial Day weekend. As you’ll read below, Karen was a dedicated Area III volunteer who is remembered for her love of the sport. Barry Koster was kind enough to provide some of his beautiful photos of the event. Many thanks to Lellie and Barry for sharing this report with us. Click here for results from the event. Go Area III.

________

Katherine Brown and Dylano Q in Open Training. Photo by Barry Koster Photography.

From Lellie:

Paradise Farm hosted a new event over Memorial Day weekend. The weather was magnificent, and we were blessed with a good hard rain before the competition, making the spring grass absolutely perfect for galloping.

The competition was a memorial to one of Area lll’s best volunteers. Karen Kelly was one of eventing’s very special people. In fact, she was voted best volunteer of our area more than once. There was no job that Karen did not handle. Karen donated her time at every event venue in Aiken, S.C., and was a regular at Pine Top Farm Horse Trials in Georgia. She was the co-organizer of Paradise Farm Horse Trials until her passing. Paradise Farm intends on sending a donation to the American Cancer Society in Karen’s name.

The numbers were small at this competition, but the quality of horses and riders did not disappoint. We hope this event will grow, as it was the first time for Paradise on the USEA calendar. Divisions ran from starter through Open Preliminary. Horses from every state in Area lll were represented.

All photos by Barry Koster Photography

Kasey Mueller: Endurance Day at IEA Classic 3-Day

By on Jun 2, 2013 9:00 am -
EN reader Kasey Mueller is at the IEA Classic 3-Day and Horse Trials in Indiana this weekend, one of the events in the SmartPak Equine USEA Classic Series.. Yesterday, she kindly sent us some photos from dressage day, and now she’s back with a brief report from cross country. Thanks for writing, Kasey, and thank you for reading!  [IEA Ride Times/Scores]
_________
–

It takes a village — especially at the vet check. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

–
From Kasey:
–
Rain rain go away! It was a really busy day at IEA. There was a full range of competition from beginner novice to intermediate/preliminary with the horse trials going on at the Hoosier Horse Park on Saturday. In spite of the rainy conditions (again), everyone remained in good spirits.
–
Across the road, it was endurance day for the riders competing in the training and novice 3-day. It was pouring (again) when the training-level riders did their endurance phase first thing in the morning. But by the time the novice 3-day riders started their roads and tracks, the rain had all but stopped. And when the last person finished cross country, the sun was actually shining. It was thrilling to watch the competitors come off of road and tracks, gallop around the steeplechase course and then finish with cross country. Whew — no wonder they call it endurance day!
–
My favorite part of the day was spent in the vet check area before and after the 3-day cross country. The family and friends of each competitor awaited their rider’s arrival from phase 3, and then they would help cool the horse and rider off. The veterinarians were great with helping the competitors and their horses to recover.
–
It was a fabulous and fun team environment. Everyone was looking out for the entire competitor community. People would jump in and lend a hand cooling a horse or getting water for another rider if they had a small support team. One of the riders was overheard saying, “This is what I LOVE about Eventing! Everyone is so nice.” It was great to see the best part of eventing — really nice people coming together and supporting each other.
–

Bromont’s Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By on Jun 2, 2013 12:01 am -

Kate Chadderton and Civil Liberty in their final jump school before Bromont. Photo via Kate's Facebook page.

It’s officially Bromont Week! There are 25 entries in the CCI3* — including Kyle Carter and Madison Park! — nine in the CIC3*, 29 in the CCI2* and 45 in the CCI1*, which means it will be a busy and exciting weekend of competition. I’m pumped that the Dream Team (AKA Samantha and I) will be reunited for the first time since Jersey Fresh, and we’ll be bringing you all the action from Bromont starting Wednesday at the first horse inspection. This will be my first trip to Bromont, and I’m really looking forward to it. Be sure to come up and say hi if you’re there this weekend. Go eventing.

Events This Weekend:

IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day Event  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The Colorado Horse Park T3D, CCI* & Horse Trials   [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA June Horse Trials  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm June HT  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Waredaca HT  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Carriage House Farm CT  [Website] [Ride Times]

Your Sunday Links:

Pippa Funnel Holds Tattersalls CCI3* Lead

Daniel Stewart Talks Moving Up a Level

New Trophy in Memory of Little Tiger

Olympic Commission Rules on Paul Hart

USEF Townhall Meeting to be held Monday

$1 Million in Marijuana Found in Horse Trailer

SmartPak Talks Spring Barn Cleaning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0F92ptcs0c
Karin Donckers: Dressage Test and Interview at Strzegom 

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.

Friday Video: Will Baxter’s Badminton 2013

By on May 31, 2013 3:00 pm -

Friend of the blog Will Baxter has been kind enough to let us use his photos in the past, and Kelly Bryant sent in this awesome video from this year’s Badminton Horse Trials that Will compiled using his photos from cross-country day. He must have been parked very close to where I stood interviewing riders in the mixed zone, as I recognize many of these scenes. These were taken right outside the Badminton stadium as riders galloped home and then hopped off their horses to start the cooling-down process. Thanks, Kelly, for sending this in, and thanks, Will, for shooting such great photos. Go eventing.

Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month: May

By on May 31, 2013 1:00 pm -

EN isn’t just your leading source for eventing news, results and commentary; it’s a community where fans of this crazy sport come together to share their war stories. We love hearing from readers and, in turn, sharing your thoughts with the world. All reader submissions are eligible for the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month in which they are published. All winners will receive an Omega Alpha supplement of their choosing. Have something to share with EN? Send it to us at [email protected]!

________

Sarah & Ribbo at Poplar Place in the Intermediate this spring.

We’re pleased to announce that Sarah Murphy’s reader submission, The Ribbo Chronicles, is the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month for May. Ribbo, the horse the EN community has come to know as a wildly talented and incredible quirky eventer, is now helping Sarah prepare for her first Advanced start.

“I have now had Ribbo for a little over 6 months and I am aiming to run my first Advanced soon.  Getting to go Advanced has been a goal of mine for so many years and when I look back to where I was less than a year ago I never would have thought I would have the chance. In the end the thing that I have really come to realize is that no matter how bleak things may look at points in this sport and in life (financially, or soundness, or just personally), sometimes if you just keep kicking on something great and unexpected happens that changes your entire trajectory in life, and when that happens, I can tell you it is so worth it.”

Sarah will receive a free supply of an Omega Alpha supplement of her choice for sharing her story. Want to win an Omega Alpha supplement? Send in your story, clinic report, video or other article to [email protected]. If it’s published this month, it will be eligible for June’s giveaway. *Month to be determined by date of publishing, not date of submission. Many thanks to Sarah for writing and to Omega Alpha for supporting Eventing Nation. Go eventing!
–
Here are some other reader submissions we loved from this month:
–
Sade Cain rode in a clinic with Hilda Donahue to prepare for her first start at training level and included a great video of the angled line exercise she talks about in the post. Hilda also donated all the clinic fees to benefit the Equi-Ed Therapeutic Riding Program. “Hilda made a positive difference in the skills of the clinic participants while also making a difference in the lives of riders with special needs too. I hope Hilda serves as an example of what an impact clinicians and trainers can make in the horse world,” Sade wrote.
–
Best Example of Eventers Being Awesome: “Eventers Show How It’s Done at Devon” by Bryce Weber
Bryce Weber wrote in to tell us about three eventers — Casey McKissock, Tara Masterson and Kevin Emes — who all rode Thoroughbreds on Hunt Night at the Devon Horse Show, placing second out of 20 teams. “It just shows you that Thoroughbreds are always looking to please and very versatile and are in my opinion the BEST horses for the sport of eventing. Devon was such an incredible experience for each one of these eventers, and they are looking forward to doing it again in the near future,” Bryce wrote.
–
Samantha Hay competed with her horse Tre Jolie in her first novice long format at the Southern Eighths Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day Event, finishing in third place with a dressage score of 32.5 and .8 time penalties on steeplechase. She sent us a fantastic report on the event, complete with everything a first-time competitor can expect at a long format. “I really think all lower level riders should have to complete a long format event before moving onto the next level. You really learn a lot about you and your horse and where you are in your riding and fitness work. I look forward to meeting many new competitors next year coming out to tackle this wonderful course,” Samantha wrote.
–


For 20 years, Omega Alpha has specialized in natural formulations for enhancing equine heath and performance. All of the products include the finest natural ingredients available.

Get In: Blogger Contest FAQ

By on May 31, 2013 11:00 am -

The Second Annual EN Blogger Contest deadline fast approaches (Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m. EST), and with that in mind, I’m reprising Abby’s inspirational FAQ:

Who can enter the contest?

Baby beginners and four-star veterans, tall and small, acclaimed and obscure, proximal and telescopic, one and all. If you’re reading this, you’re eligible. If you’re not reading this, you’re also eligible.

Even if I entered last year and didn’t win?

Even better. As I can daily attest, chances are you clicked “send” and immediately identified 10 ways in which you could’ve improved your writing. And as most writers would attest, rejection is the bottom rung on the dubious, many-runged ladder toward success (“Do you want the books back? I don’t imagine so in which case we will keep it for our blank department. But let me know. I wonder if any publisher will buy it”).

If, a year later, you’ve still got the bug to write for EN: Take that second shot.

Is writing experience necessary?

Anyone who’s read John’s posts could argue that spelling isn’t even that important. More important is a unique point of view, keen observation, and a real enthusiasm for eventing. If you’ve got those three things, they’ll sneak through in your writing.

What do I get if I win?

Your name on posts read by thousands! The posts themselves highly search-identified (you’ll Google yourself! It will be there!)! Phone calls from four-star riders! Phone calls from John!

More seriously, you’ll get to the opportunity to work with an awesome group of writers and riders, writing about a sport you love, with the opportunity to bring your bloggy dreams to fruition in an atmosphere where they’ll be appreciated (and debated and discussed) by folks who understand what you’re talking about. A rare opportunity, indeed.

What’s the pay like?

Your name will appear on posts read by thousands! The posts themselves will be highly search-identified (you’ll Google yourself! It will be there!)! You’ll receive phone calls from four-star riders! You’ll receive phone calls from John!

Don’t you guys have enough bloggers already?

Nonsense. “Enough bloggers” is an oxymoron, like “airplane food,” like “extra time,” like “French deodorant.”

What should I write about?

Your post should be Funny, Interesting, Creative, Informative and Eventing-Related (these are the judging criteria). Other than that, it’s up to you. What was your most epic event? How awesome is Michael Jung? How much do you want to steal La Biosthetique Sam FBW? All topics are fair game. Surprise and impress us.

When is it due?

Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m. EST. Email entries to [email protected] with the subject “EN Blogger Contest Entry.” Click here for all other details on the contest.

Go Enter.

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on May 31, 2013 12:01 am -

From EN reader Maureen Hall: "Thought I would share a pic of our home away from home at events. Our two sons event, and we have it down to a science when we arrive at events, complete with our lunch table. This was taken at Glen Oro on May 26 in Ontario."

It’s officially humid and gross here in Pennsylvania, which means I’ll now be getting up at the crack of dawn to ride before the heat index reaches a deadly combination. There’s something peaceful about riding when the sun is still coming up and the day is just starting. I have fond memories from my childhood of crawling out of bed to ride my pony when the sky was just beginning to brighten during summer breaks from school. Whenever you have time to ride this summer, remember that this is supposed to be fun when you have sweat oozing from every pore in your body. Go summer.

Events This Weekend:

IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day Event  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

The Colorado Horse Park T3D, CCI* & Horse Trials   [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA June Horse Trials  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Poplar Place Farm June HT  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Waredaca HT  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Carriage House Farm CT  [Website]

Your Friday News:

RF Amber Eyes, Karen O’Connor’s former two-star mount, is showing this Sunday at Devon in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Kelly Farmer in the irons. Kelly saw a video of the mare, now named Commentary, through Marilyn Little and thought she would be a great fit for the derby ring. The mare most recently placed eighth in the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh with Hannah Sue Burnett. [COTH]

The SmartPak Equine USEA Classic Series is in full swing this weekend at IEA Horse Trials in Edinburgh, Ind., and the Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials in Parker, Colo. This series offers divisions in the traditional three-day format at the beginner novice through preliminary levels. [USEA]

Ian Stark adopted several feral ponies during a World Horse Welfare roundup on a remote farm in Moray, Scotland, 18 months ago. Today, the ponies are thriving as lesson ponies working with troubled children, and Ian thinks some of them have the talent to be FEI eventing ponies. [Horsetalk]

U.S. jockey Diane King, 67, became the oldest woman in North America to win a Thoroughbred horse race when she crossed the wire first in the eighth race at ThistleDown in Ohio on Wednesday. King, who won on her own horse, Ledgehill, has won more than $1.6 million in stakes purses throughout her 50-year career. [Horsetalk]

Lost Hounds Horse Trials will be excepting post entries through Sunday, June 9. The fastest and easiest way to enter is through Xentry with a credit card payment. Riders can also send entries with a cashier’s check or money order to the secretary no later than Monday, June 10. Don’t forget to include the $25 late fee with your entry. [Erie Hunt and Saddle Club]

Difficult Run Pony Club is accepting post entries for its horse trials until Friday, June 7. This is DRPC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, so it’s a great opportunity to support Pony Club while competing in a lovely event. All information on late entries is available in the USEA omnibus. [Difficult Run Horse Trials]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Fly season is in full swing here in Pennsylvania, and my new OTTB Mia is in desperate need of a fly sheet. While I love the SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet with Insect Shield, I wanted a sheet without an attached neck rug, so I opted for the SmartPak Classic Fly Sheet, which protects against 95 percent of harmful UV rays. [SmartPak]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2z6P7m5-ZA
Kevin Case and Mullacash Paddy in the Junior BN at Loch Moy 

Hilda Donahue Clinic: Two Days of Making a Difference

By on May 30, 2013 1:00 pm -

Sade Cain recently rode in a clinic with Florida eventer Hilda Donahue, who donated all the clinic fees to benefit the Equi-Ed Therapeutic Riding Program. Thanks so much for sending in this clinic report, Sade, and thanks to Hilda for setting such a great example. You can “like” Equi-Ed on Facebook here. Remember that all published reader submissions are eligible for the Omega-Alpha Reader Submission of the Month! Send your submission to [email protected].

_________

Sade Cain rides in the Hilda Donahue clinic. Photo submitted by Sheila McCarthy.

From Sade:

I was truly lucky to have been able to participate in the Hilda Donahue clinic offered at my home facility, Santa Rosa Equestrian Center in Santa Rosa, California. Facility owner, Tracy Underwood, and resident eventing trainer, Toora Nolan of Raydiance Eventing, advertised the clinic well and brought in riders from all over Sonoma County and beyond. Spending hours coordinating with 15 riders and their horses on convenient ride times and days was surely challenging, but greatly appreciated by participants. All the groups ran on time and very smoothly.

The clinic was the weekend before my first move up to training, and getting last minute, fresh jumping exercises was both challenging and constructive. Entering an arena with a clinician who is just meeting you and your horse for the first time can be nerve racking, as you hope to ride well and be able to complete what the clinician asks. Hilda quickly puts you at ease by starting with a quick background and details of what you would like to accomplish, and where you would like to go. I personally asked Hilda to assist me in waiting for the jump to come to me. I expressed how long courses with long approaches had a tendency to confuse my rhythm the longer the course went, and soon I would begin to jump before my horse. Hilda’s skill shined through as she catered to every rider and tailored the exercise to the horse with trot/canter poles angled through a corner to establish a consistent rhythm and then progressing through a five-jump grid series.

With her fun and upbeat demeanor, she made the atmosphere positive. Finishing up our time with her, she had us end on a course that included canter poles, grid work, and an angle line that rode four strides one direction and three strides the other — keeping horse and rider on their toes from start to finish. Having that variety all in one course calmed my nerves and kept my horse listening to my instructions. Hilda is a great clinician who instantly adapted to each group and their needs. She engaged not only with the pupils in the clinic, but also the volunteers who helped, so everyone got a chance to be educated.

I not only participated in the clinic for my own benefit, but also to help the non-profit I work for: Equi-Ed Therapeutic Riding Program. Equi-Ed specializes in “enhancing lives through the therapeutic power of the horse.” Hilda generously donated her time and all clinic fees to the program. The donation will allow Equi-Ed to offer a full 8-week lesson session to clients of the Victor Center. Victor Treatment Centers are residential communities made up of children who are severely challenged either mentally or emotionally and are unable to succeed in their home situation. Hilda made a positive difference in the skills of the clinic participants while also making a difference in the lives of riders with special needs too. I hope Hilda serves as an example of what an impact clinicians and trainers can make in the horse world.

Eventers Show How It’s Done at Devon

By on May 30, 2013 11:00 am -

We already showed you a video of eventers holding their own at Hunt Night at Devon, but we’re so darn proud that we’re back to show you another team of eventers who competed this past weekend. This team of eventers — all of whom rode Thoroughbreds — placed second out of the 20 teams that competed on Hunt Night. EN reader Bryce Weber sent in a video and photos of the performance. Go Hunt Night, and go Thoroughbreds!

___________

Eventers Casey McKissock and Tara Masterson on Hunt Night at Devon.

From Bryce Weber:

This week is a HUGE week for the Devon Show Series, and all of us here in PA (and even out of state) are SUPER excited for the festivities to come! This past Saturday at Devon, the hunt teams competed, including fellow barn members of mine Casey McKissock (my AWESOME trainer), Tara Masterson (a great friend of mine), and Kevin Emes (a fellow eventing friend of Tara’s). Our whole barn was so ecstatic when we had found out the fantastic news that they had placed 2nd out of 20 whole teams. They rocked the show ring and impressed many people with their talent of being eventers and ALL riding Thoroughbreds. 

Thoroughbreds in my opinion (and many others) are the GREATEST horses! They are always there for you, brave, and never willing to give up (most of the time)! Casey rode her fantastic horse Special Blend (AJA Leo and/or Pighead), who nearly took her to Rolex until a tragic injury devastated their great team. Leo trained to race, but never started. She is an AMAZING eventer who really helps me through my riding career and is always making me go a step further to improve. Tara Masterson rode her reliable Thoroughbred Kolohe, who was an ex-steeplechaser who eventually made it as a successful jumper. She is a great person and rider and is continuing to excel with her other horse Quasar.

A great eventing friend of Tara’s, Kevin Emes, rode Shiver me Timbers (AKA Jake, a 14 year old) who comes from lots of hardships.  Jake was rescued from a kill pen in New Holland, PA and is now a fantastic Intermediate horse for Kevin! It just shows you that Thoroughbreds are always looking to please and very versatile and are in my opinion the BEST horses for the sport of eventing.  Devon was such an incredible experience for each one of these eventers, and they are looking forward to doing it again in the near future.

 

EN’s Got Talent: Smooth Sailing with Seahawk

By on May 30, 2013 9:00 am -

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].

________

Steph Rhodes-Bosch and Seahawk at Waredaca last year. Photo by Pam Patton.

Last week we met Steph Rhodes-Bosch and Seahawk, her 6-year-old Thoroughbred gelding she first rode as a 2-year-old while exercising racehorses in Ocala. When Mosby, a Seattle Slew grandbaby, turned out to have zero interest in being a racehorse, Steph took him on as an eventing prospect in 2011. Mosby showed that he was much happier with his new job as an eventer, winning the first event of his career in beginner novice at Longwood Farm in January 2012 as a 4-year-old. “He loves to go into the competition arena and do his thing,” Steph said. “I don’t know how he knows, but you point him down center line or take him into the show jumping ring, and he just gets bigger and taller.”

Mosby competed in his first recognized event two months later in beginner novice at Rocking Horse III, where he finished in second place on his dressage score of 31.4. Steph moved him up to novice in the late spring of 2012, which is when she began to encounter some stops on cross country. “He has always been such a pleasure to ride, even when he was going cross country in the beginning and would have some stops,” Steph said. “I couldn’t teach him not to stop the way I usually would because I couldn’t just give him a little tap behind the leg with the whip. He was so sour from the whip from being at the track, and he would just check out. I knew I could get around that and not use a stick. Ever since then, it’s been smooth sailing.”

Steph Rhodes-Bosch and Seahawk at Waredaca last year. Photo by Pam Patton.

After finishing out the rest of the 2012 season at novice, Steph moved Mosby up to training level at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter II Horse Trials this past February. “In the lead up before the upgrade, I took some dressage lessons from Jacqueline Brooks, a top Canadian dressage rider,” Steph said. “She really challenged me to stop riding him like he was a baby — even if I only pushed him for 10 to 15 minutes to challenge him into a higher frame with more movement behind. All of a sudden I had this fancy, elegant, big-moving horse. So having a trainer tell me it was time to push on my baby horse was a really big confidence booster. His trot was so much more uphill and forward after that.”

While Steph was a little nervous about the cross country at Mosby’s training debut considering his past bobbles, he jumped double clear to finish in second place. “I wanted to make sure I had properly prepared my baby, but he just ate it up,” Steph said. “He didn’t even bat an eye. The things I thought might be difficult, he just did and cantered away.” Mosby was third in his training division at The Fork in April, where he also placed fourth in the 5-year-old YEH division and picked up a qualifying score. Steph will compete in the YEH at Waredaca this weekend, where Mosby can qualify for the YEH 5-year-old East Coast Championships at Fair Hill this fall if he receives another qualifying score.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMASeHeJMkg
Seahawk in the YEH jumping phase at The Fork 

Getting to the YEH Championships is definitely Steph’s main goal for the rest of the year. “I would also love to do some preliminary horse trials if he feels like he’s ready,” Steph said. “I already jump him over preliminary height at home, and we play around with the leg yields and a little counter canter. But the main goal is to make sure he’s solid at the training level for the next few months and focusing on YEH.” Looking ahead to next year, Steph hopes Mosby — as well as her other 5-year-old OTTB superstar True Bellamy — will be ready to run the one-star in Ocala in April. “I think it’s important to pick the time you’re slow with these youngsters,” Steph said. “You get excited about it, but there’s a time for patience that pays off down the road. You want to make sure there aren’t any gaps because you don’t want to get going intermediate and realize there’s something missing.”

Steph is very excited about Mosby’s future and is looking for shareholders to be involved in his syndication. She already has the first syndicate members on board, Scott and Lisa Robinson of New Hampshire, and she is hoping to bring on a few more shareholders to round out the syndicate. “This is the only way I can keep him and produce him and have him be a part of my career,” Steph said. “With Port Authority coming back into competition now, I’m looking forward to building a team who can help me take Seahawk’s career to the next level.” Click here to view the syndication proposal. Those interested in more information about the syndicate can contact Steph at 571-420-3351 or [email protected].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awNzQpMknj4
Seahawk’s YEH dressage test at The Fork 

Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll meet Andrew Palmer and Tatendrang, a 7-year-old Trakehner stallion owned by Anissa Cottongim. This horse most recently won his first CIC1* over a tricky cross-country course at CHC International, and he also won his preliminary division at Poplar Place earlier this month. He 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 Kentucky Three-Day Event. “Andrew is amazing with him, and I think they have a big future ahead of them,” Anissa said. “They will run the CCI1* at Fox River Valley in Illinois in a few weeks.” Thanks for the tip, Anissa!

PETA Calls for an End to Eventing

By on May 29, 2013 3:00 pm -

Dirk Schrade and King Artus at Badminton last month. Photo by Jenni Autry.

PETA is calling for an end to eventing after two high-profile equine deaths occurred at European events this month, Fran Jurga reports. King Artus, Dirk Schrade’s mount on the gold-medal winning German team at the 2012 London Olympics, died of an aortic tear following cross country at Wiesbaden in Germany on May 18. Last weekend, Dutch rider Raf Kooremans’ mount Cavalor Telstar also died after completing cross country  at Houghton International Horse Trials in Norfolk, England. The cause of death has not yet been released.

It’s always tragic when a horse expires on course. While advances in cross-country fence design like frangible pins and foam logs have reduced the number of crash-related deaths, the threat of heart-related issues occurring on course is still very real. Thankfully, it’s something the sport is working hard to understand and hopefully prevent. The USEA is undertaking a comprehensive Equine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Study, which focuses on examining how efficiently a horse’s cardiovascular and pulmonary systems function when galloping and jumping cross country. You can donate to this important study on the USEA website.

While it’s difficult to stomach any negative attention the sport receives — especially when the remarks are so scathing, as you’ll read below — it’s also important to do everything we can to preserve the welfare of our equine partners. While we probably can’t agree with PETA on much, we can at least find common ground in that. Weigh in, EN. What are your thoughts on PETA’s claims? Should the sport be doing more to study and understand heart-related issues that arise during cross country?

From The Jurga Report:

Jennifer Kirchner, PETA spokesperson, has been quoted by the German Press Agency and St Georg magazine as saying that “The tragic death of King Artus prove(s) that these events are too demanding for the horses. Horses are sensitive animals and to make them jump such dangerous obstacles under time pressure is animal abuse”.

On May 21, PETA called for an end to the sport of eventing. In an announcement on the organization’s PETA Germany web site, the group wrote: “PETA urges all riders to be aware of the dangers that await them and their beloved animals. Every horse owner should (hold) the welfare of his animals at heart, so we ask all eventers, to think carefully whether they want to risk the life of their own and their animals…In addition, we ask all spectators to refrain from visiting such events.”

View the full report here.

It’s Here: The Third Annual EN Blogger Contest

By on May 29, 2013 11:00 am -

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The Third Annual Eventing Nation Blogger Contest is upon us. Abby did a super job of running the Blogger Contest last year, but she’s now off at Oxford getting smarter than all of us. That means I’ll be taking over as emcee for this year’s contest. If you’ve followed along with the previous two Blogger Contests, you know that this is your shot to join the eclectic EN team that delivers your eventing fix every day.

Let’s go back in time two years ago, when a yet-unknown Wylie submitted her introduction to the Inaugural EN Blogger Contest. She professed a “lifelong dream of interviewing Boyd Martin in his underpants,” carving a little Boyd-Martin-underpants-shaped hole in our hearts. Now take a quick peak at our sister site, where you’ll notice Wylie’s name atop the Horse Nation masthead, evidence of her full-time Managing Editorship — and also, evidence that if you love eventing and want to write, there are possibilities here.

And last year, I proposed that eventing gives thrill seekers an outlet for their addiction, ensuring we don’t engage in questionable activities. That post — which spawned the catchphrase “Eventing: Do it for the children” — clinched the win. Since winning the Blogger Contest, I’ve come on to the EN staff full-time as Assistant Editor, providing live coverage at Badminton, Rolex, Fair Hill, Jersey Fresh and The Fork. The point is that if you’ve been looking for a way to get your foot in the door for a writing career in eventing, this is your chance.

The fine print:

Contestants should want to write part-time for Eventing Nation — at least two to three posts per week. If this already sounds like too much, don’t apply. Otherwise, the gates are open. All are eligible (including previous contestants), and no prior experience is necessary — though competition has been fierce for the past two years — and personal style is a must. Take risks. Laugh. Entertain. Create something only you can create.

Your Round 1 entries will include a short bio (name, age, background, character-defining qualities, embarrassing tidbits) and a 300 to 600 word sample of your best eventing-related work. The EN Team will judge by the same standards as the last two years (interesting, funny, informative, creative), and factor public opinion into our final decision. Keep in mind that you’re writing for an audience of thousands, and we’ll be selecting finalists based on the quality of entries — no pressure.

Entries are due one week from today, on Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m. EST. Email your entry to [email protected] with the subject “EN Blogger Contest Entry.” Good luck, and go eventing.

James Alliston: Rolex in Review

By on May 17, 2013 11:21 am -

James Alliston drove three horses — Parker, Jumbo’s Jake and Tivoli — all the way across the country to compete at Rolex this year and completed on two of them. In this month’s blog, James recaps his trip to Rolex and his future plans for these horses. And it’s exciting to think we might be seeing Mojo, James’ young Advanced mount, in Kentucky next year! Visit www.JamesAllistonEventing.com to learn more about his new business. Take it away, James!

________

James Alliston and Jumbo's Jake at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From James:

I’m home safe and sound and back in the regular work routine. Rolex has come and gone, and I’m already thinking of next year. I find a big change in my reflection from last year, since I was able to make it past fence two this time around. All three of my horses were fantastic on cross country and — especially since I came into this show somewhat humbled by last year’s rounds — I could not be more thrilled with each horse’s performance. All three are phenomenal horses, and I feel privileged to ride each one.

Of course, I was disappointed that my third mount, Tivoli, didn’t make it through the final horse inspection on Sunday morning. He proved himself immensely on Saturday, as he is quite green to this level still, and he gave me an amazing feel around such a big course. While his future is still being decided, he has been a fantastic horse for me. While Tivoli was not able to complete, my two other boys finished well.

James Alliston and Parker at Rolex. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Parker and I redeemed ourselves with a great sigh of relief after landing on the other side of the evocative fence two still upright! My haunting of fence two aside, Parker was his usual self out there and galloped around the course as if it was his home turf. Parker was my first horse I bought in America, and while the first day of competition may not be his favorite, he has proved himself to be a great jumper at the top level of the sport, and I look forward to many more rounds on him.

Jumbo’s Jake brought a huge smile to my face when we made it across the finish. We had a few hiccups over last year’s season, but after a fantastic finish at Galway Downs CCI*** in the fall, I knew we should give Rolex one more try. He’s only a little horse but has been my most consistent partner in my career, and I knew with his heart and maybe the help of a few encouraging kicks out there, we could have a good clean four-star round.

James Alliston and Tivoli at Rolex. Photo by Samantha Clark.

My last entry included some of the young horses coming up in my program, and now that Rolex is finished and my wonderful boys are another year older, I’m even more determined to keep my focus on the future. I’m hoping my young Advanced horse, Mojo, will be there next year, but that all depends on our year this year, as I want to make sure he has a positive first year at Advanced before we move up at all.

My trip would not have been possible without the huge support and help I had from my friends and family. I am so lucky to have such a great group of people supporting me. All of the fundraising and help I was given this year really was the centerpiece to having a successful trip, and I am very thankful for that.

Did You Guess the SmartPak Mystery Product?

By on May 16, 2013 11:00 am -

It’s time to announce the winner of this month’s SmartPak Mystery Product! In all, 176 of you have submitted a guess for this month’s product, and a whopping 96 of you correctly guessed the product. I used random.org to choose a winner out of the 96, and Celeste Coulter is the lucky winner of a brand new SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet with Insect Shield!

SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet with Insect Shield

The SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet with Insect Shield is the ultimate armor to protect your horse from the pests of summer! Lightweight mesh sheet with oversized tail flap and removable neck rug provides a layer of physical protection from poll to tail to keep bugs off your horse.

  • Fabric infused with InsectShield, an odorless, EPA- registered insect-repellent, provides a layer of chemical protection to keep the bugs at bay at lasts at least 25 washings
  • UV protection also protects your horse from the 95% of damaging UV rays from the summer sun in addition to the bugs
  • Surcingle front closures with double backed Velcro prevents the front from gapping open
  • Two belly surcingles keep blanket in place
  • Tail cord prevents tail flap from blowing and shifting

Still need a fly sheet for your horse for the summer? Click here to start shopping 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=wZ3epyJSsyQ

*******

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 the 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 will help protect your horse this summer. Click here to search the SmartPak website.

Clue #2: This product provides UV protection to guard your horse from harmful rays. Click here to search the SmartPak website.

Clue #3: This product repels ticks, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. 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.