The USEF announced the names on the all-important U.S. Eventing Selection Committee in December. Marcia Kulak, Robert Costello, Bruce Davidson, Derek DiGrazia and Kim Severson are the selectors responsible for selecting future teams who will represent the U.S. on the international stage. Each selector is a well-known personality in the eventing community, and each deserves to play such a critical role in the future of U.S. eventing. Here’s a look at the stellar accomplishments of each of the selectors on the Selection Committee.

The U.S. Eventing Selection Committee

Robert Costello — Robert’s crowning achievement is an 8th place individual performance at the 2000 Olympics aboard Chevalier. This pair also earned top placings at Rolex, Fair Hill and Burghley. In 2003, Robert won team gold at the Pan Ams aboard Dalliance, who also had great success at Fair Hill, Rolex and Burghley. He has sat on the boards of the USET, USEA and USEF; chaired both the USEF Active Athletes (2001-2008) and USEF Eventing High Performance (2009-2012) Committees; and is currently chairman of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee.

Bruce Davidson — Bruce rode on the 1976 and 1984 gold-medal winning Olympic teams, as well as the 1972 and 1996 silver-medal winning Olympic teams. He became the first American to win the World Championships in 1974, when he rode Irish Cap to victory. He defended his world title in 1978, winning aboard Might Tango, to become the only rider to ever win back-to-back World Championships. He represented the U.S. at two Pan Ams, winning individual and team silver in 1975 and individual gold and team silver in 1995.

Derek di Grazia — Derek’s competition career saw him long-listed twice for the Olympics and three times for the World Championships before making the World Championships team in 1986. His accomplishments include placing second at the Luhmuhlen CCI3* in 1989 and winning the Fair Hill CCI3* in 1991. Derek’s interest in course design began in the mid-90s. Since then, he has designed cross-country courses for Rolex, Fair Hill and Bromont, as well as numerous other prestigious events.

Marcia Kulak — As an international eventing rider for more than 25 years, Marcia has successfully competed on the world’s biggest stages: Rolex, Burghley, Blenheim, Boekelo and Fair Hill. In addition, she has been short listed for two Olympic Games. She has trained with a variety of equine experts, like Jack Le Goff, George Morris, Mark Phillips, Anne Kursinski, Sue Blinks, and natural horsemanship masters John Lyons and Louis Wood.

Kim Severson — Kim won Rolex three times in 2002, 2004 and 2005 with her legendary partner Winsome Adante. The pair competed on the gold-medal winning team at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, where they placed sixth individually. At the 2004 Olympics, Kim and Dan won individual silver and team bronze. In 2004, Kim was ranked the top FEI rider in the world. Kim and Dan also competed in the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen.

The Great Exodus is underway, with thousands of eventers flocking south to train and show during the chilly winter months. Facebook and Twitter have been blowing up with drool-worthy photos of some of the best equestrian facilities in the country. EN Cribs will bring you an up close and personal look at these equine meccas. Are you lucky enough to be training at a beautiful facility in Aiken, Southern Pinces, Ocala or another southern horse haven? Send us photos and a write-up to [email protected].

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Amy Spink and Marcia Kulak at Seven Pines Farm in Wellington.

From EN reader Amy Spink:

I have the pleasure of being a groom at Seven Pines Farm in Wellington, Fla., and working for eventer Marcia Kulak. The barn and property is gorgeous and functional. I get to spend my days (when they let me out of the barn) hacking and trotting the canals in my skull cap while getting weird look from the local hunter/jumper and dressage folks. Grooming for the hunter ring and at the Winter Equestrian Festival is a different experience from grooming at a 3*.

Thanks for sharing photos of this beautiful facility with us, Amy!

Connor Rutledge

It’s with a very heavy heart that we bring you the heartbreaking news that Colleen Rutledge’s 8-year-old son Connor passed away this morning. Connor stopped breathing one week ago today, and Colleen’s husband, Brian, courageously performed CPR to revive him. Since then, Connor had been in a coma at Johns Hopkins. A fighter since the day he was born, Connor battled severe brain and lung damage for his entire life. Today we mourn the loss of a little boy who served as an inspiration to so many people. There are no words to adequately express the sorrow we feel. Eventing Nation extends our deepest condolences to Colleen, Brian and the entire Rutledge family.

We will update this post with information on funeral arrangements once services have been finalized. Notes of comfort and condolences for Colleen and her family can be posted on her Facebook page. Update: An EN reader is coordinating meals for the Rutledge family during this difficult time. If you live in the Frederick, Md., area and would like to bring the family a meal, please sign up at their Take Them A Meal page. The page password is creventing.

UPDATE   2/5/13  

From Brian Rutledge:

Here is Connor’s Obituary and info on times and services. This is a personal request from me, Colleen’s husband, if you are a fan or friend of Colleen’s and you live in the Maryland/Virginia/Pennsylvania area, if you can try to come and give Colleen support, I know she would appreciate it. Colleen has no family other than her immediate family in this area, they all live in Texas and it would mean a lot to her (and me) if she got support from her friends and fans. Thanks. Here is the Obituary:

Master Connor Michael Rutledge, 8-year-old son of Brian and Colleen Rutledge of Frederick, died unexpectedly Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

He was born on December 30, 2004.

Connor was a first grader at Rock Creek School. He loved going to school, riding his tricycle and watching Sponge Bob. Connor loved anything with lights and sounds, and he especially liked the color red. His favorite toy was a light up aquarium. He loved playing with his brother and sisters.

Connor had an absolutely infectious laugh, and he had the ability to light up a room with his charm. Connor gave the gift of life by being an organ donor through the Living Legacy Foundation.

In addition to his parents, Connor is survived by his brother, Matthew; his sisters, Cassandra and Ciana; his maternal grandparents, Coy and Sallie Morris; paternal grandmother, Patricia Free and husband, Monte; paternal grandfather, William Rutledge and wife, Susan; his great-grandmother, Jane Wilhite; an aunt, Sabrina Morris; two uncles, Jeff Rutledge and wife, Jen, and Martin Rutledge and longtime girlfriend, Julie Layman; and numerous cousins.

Connor also will be fondly remembered by his special caretakers, Paula Zentmyer and Lisa Perez.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.

A service of remembrance for Connor will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013 from the funeral home chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Scott Clawson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connor’s name to Rock Creek School, 191 Waverley Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

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. We crowned Diana Portwood’s Jacqueline Brooks/Clayton Fredericks Clinic Recap as the inaugural Omega-Alpha Reader Submission of the Month. Here’s some other posts we enjoyed in January. Tell us your story at [email protected].

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Mostly clipped....why is this so hard!!?

Most Humorous: Misadventures in Body Clipping, by Courtney Due

Courtney Due saw the EN series on creative clips and sent us her own mournful tale about trying to body clip her horse: “2.5 hours later, my horse looked like a plague of horsehair-eating moths had ravaged his body.” Don’t worry, Courtney; we’ve all been there. And as wise Sally O’Connor says, “The difference between a good clip job and a bad one is only a couple of weeks.” Thanks for sending us your story, Courtney.

Photo from The University of Findlay

Most Insightful: Can You Do it All: Academics, College Life and Horses?, by Rebecca Barber

Rebecca Barber offers sage advice for aspiring college students. Is balancing schoolwork, a social life and competing at horse shows possible? Rebecca was able to do it, and here she tells us how. Hint: The “secret” is time management, hard work and a strong support system. Thanks for writing, Rebecca, and best of luck with your goals for the future.

Pony, whip and ‘gator work as one. Photo by Kelly Butler.

Most Exhilarating: The Hazards of Combined Driving, by Dana Diemer

Dana Diemer explains the intricacies of marathon day in combined driving, which is the equivalent of cross-country day in eventing. Just like in eventing, this phase is a test of fitness, skill and an accurate memory for combined drivers, and the course is walked multiples times to ensure no mistakes are made come go time. Thanks, Dana, for letting us eventers take a sneak peak into the crazy world of combined driving.

Maya on PL Queenie at the Stephen Bradley clinic.

Most Educational: Stephen Bradley Clinic Report, by Mary Smithing

Mary Smithing sent in a wonderful report from the Stephen Bradley clinic at Playland Farm last month. Stephen had the riders work through a variety of different grids, and Mary included excellent diagrams of the exercises. Mary also highlighted this key point from Stephen: “Jumping is not dressage, and we need to not micromanage our horses so much.” Thanks for sending in an excellent clinic report, Mary.

The Badgerstown Puissance competitors, from left: Tom McEwen, Mark Todd, James Todd, Charlie Gardiner, Laura Kenny-Herbert and Holly Woodhead. Photo courtesy of Emily Dunn.

Emily Dunn, a good friend of Eventing Nation and super groom for Irish eventer Esib Power, spent much of the winter based at Mark Todd’s yard, Badgerstown in Wiltshire, England. While Emily learned an incredible amount about the sport under the tutelage of one of the greatest event riders of our time, perhaps the most valuable lesson she took away from the experience is that Toddy keeps his lorry stocked with champagne at all times. “I’ve decided that when you are celebrating your achievements so frequently that your lorry’s champagne supply has to be kept full, that is probably the moment you know you’ve made it as an event rider.” Well said, Emily. Read more about Emily’s winter exploits — including a jaunt to America to visit Meg Kep — by clicking here. Go champagne.

Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Poplar Place [Website] [Ride Times]

Sporting Days [Website] [Ride Times]

Your Sunday Links:

USEA Explains Prelim, FEI Dressage Test Movements

Memorial Service Planned for Commentator Justin Llewelyn

USEF Forms Search Committee for Dressage Chef d’Equipe

Stephen Clarke Elected as FEI Dressage Judge General

Lauren Sprieser Talks About How Riders Can Go Green

Riders4Helmets Announces Speakers for Safety Symposium

BLM Moves to Strengthen Humane Mustang Handling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndtvvmzFWrA
Actual headline: “Zookeeper fleeing in zebra suit captured” 

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].

Forrest Nymph and Lauren DeNeve show jump in their preliminary debut at Ocala Horse Properties Winter I Horse Trials. Photo by Jody Harwood.

With this next EN’s Got Talent superstar, I could just post a few pictures and videos of her and rest my case for why she’s going to be one to watch in the future. You might have already seen Forrest Nymph, an 8-year-old 14.3 New Forest Pony mare, in this week’s Chronicle of the Horse, where “Farrah” headlines the Finish Line column. A branded ISR Oldenburg Sport Pony, Farrah first turned heads as the highest scoring ISR Oldenburg foal nationally in 2004.

Her sire, Forrest Flame, has shown through Intermediare dressage with USDF Gold Medalist Jill Hardt. Naturally, Farrah started out in a dressage career to follow in her father’s footsteps, but being contained to the little while box didn’t suit this fiesty mare’s personality.

That’s when Beth Davidson, owner of Black Dog Farm Connemaras & Sport Horses in Plant City, Fla., acquired Farrah, who was 5 at the time. The mare had some attitude issues to sort through — think rearing in the cross ties — but Beth was able to successfully start Farrah’s eventing career under the watchful eye of her trainer, Lauren DeNeve. Beth and Farrah competed through training level together, and Beth considered selling Farrah late last year.

By that time, Farrah’s incredibly scopey jumping style and lovely movement on the flat had caught the eye of several people, including Grand Prix show jumper Debbie Stephens and Wynn Norman, the breeder of Theodore O’Connor. With encouragement from Debbie, Wynn and Lauren, Beth handed the ride over to Lauren last fall to take the super pony through the levels.

Forrest Nymph shows off her scopey style in a training division with Lauren DeNeve in the irons at the Ocala Horse Properties Fall Horse Trials last year. Photo by Jody Harwood.

“When I first started riding her, I could tell she really loved to jump and had springs for legs,” Lauren said. “Every ride was a lesson for her where she would visibly progress each time. She was a bit aggressive toward the fences at first, but everything you threw at her she just jumped. We went to work with Debbie Stephens, who said she has the jumping style they look for in upper-level horses and compared her to a Teddy-type pony.”

Farrah has talent in spades, and her quirky personality keeps every ride interesting. While she’s not a Thoroughbred, Lauren thinks Farrah embodies the zany chestnut mare stereotype. “In the middle of cantering she would do a Lipizzaner move and try to pop you up in the air,” Lauren said. “If she was 16.2, I would be intimidated by her; but since she’s 14.3, it’s more amusing than anything.”

Lauren has worked diligently on improving Farrah’s rideability, as the mare has been known to grab the bit going down the centerline and proceed to freestyle her dressage test. “We’ve been working with Bill Woods and doing a lot of lateral work and transitions,” Lauren said. “I’ve also been schooling her in the dressage ring, since she likes to grab the bit and run off in that atmosphere.

The transitions and lateral work help to supple her jaw and get her listening to me more. In the jumping, we’ve worked on gymnastics, bounces and grid work to get her listening; that has helped a lot.” Lauren’s diligent work on the flat has paid off, as the pair made a successful debut at preliminary this January at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter I Horse Trials. Farrah laid down a 30.9 dressage score, a clear cross-country trip with time and left the rails up in show jumping to finish 10th and earn a national qualifying score.

Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll learn more about Farrah’s preliminary trips this January, what Lauren and Beth envision for her future — hint: it involves syndication and breeding — and gain a better understanding of the mare’s personality. “She’s very loving on the ground and is really a very personable mare,” Lauren said. “She likes to be in the middle of everything. She’s also very curious. If she can’t see over the side wall of her stall, she’ll rock back and stand up on her hind end to make herself tall enough.”

This group of prospective “R” eventing judges is attending the USEA Dressage Session One Training Program. The panelists are Loris Henry and Janis Linnan. Loris Henry holds licenses as an “S” Dressage Judge, “R” Eventing Judge and 3*/4* FEI Eventing Judge. Janis Linnan holds licenses as an “R” Eventing Judge and Eventing TD, Level 2 FEI Eventing Chief Steward, Level 2 FEI Dressage Chief Steward, 1*/2* FEI Eventing Judge and Level 1/FEI Para Equestrian Steward – Dressage.

I don’t know about you, but I love that David O’Connor is using drill-team exercises in the USEF spring training sessions. Shannon Lilley reported last week that David explained his drill-team rationale on the first day of the training sessions in California. During the 20-minute ring familiarization for the London Olympics last summer, the Germans maximized every second by riding together as a drill team. As Shannon put it: ” They did it that way to get into the other countries’ heads as a tactic, but also because they could.” David emphasized at the USEA Convention that team building would become a major priority in this new era of U.S. eventing. If the spring training sessions are any indicator, I’d say we’re off to a great start.

Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Poplar Place [Website] [Ride Times]

Sporting Days [Website] [Ride Times]

Your Thursday News:

Allison Springer has purchased Kelly Pugh’s advanced mare Copycat Chloe to expand her string of upper-level horses. With her sights set on the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and the Olympics in Rio, Allison is hoping the 11-year-old Trakehner/Thoroughbred mare will help increase her chances of making a team. Allison may run Chloe at the Bromont CCI3*, but her main goal for this year is to develop a solid relationship with the mare. [PRO]

Two of Bettina Hoy’s favorite exercises for activating the hindquarters are the walk pirouette and piaffe. While the walk pirouette is only required at the highest level and piaffe is not a required movement in any eventing dressage test, Bettina likes to use both exercises to sharpen the horse’s response. Bettina prefers to only school piaffe in the winter, as her horses have been known to bust out the movement during a test. [An Eventful Life]

Ingrid Klimke surprised spectators at the Global Dressage Forum North America by jumping a small vertical while riding in a dressage saddle. She explained that her straight dressage horses never do more than three days of dressage work in a row before she mixes in some cross-training, like jumping. So there you have it: Ingrid Klimke just gave us permission to never do more than three straight days of dressage work. #winning [COTH]

The new University of Georgia eventing team has issued a College Team Challenge to be held at FENCE Horse Trials on April 13-14. Eventing teams from colleges and universities can participate on both an individual and team level, and are also encouraged to send alumnae teams. Scoring will use the same method as the Virginia Horse Trials College Challenge to ensure riders at all levels are competing on equal terms. [USEA]

U.S. Eventing TV talks gearing up on a budget

After eight years as an equine vet, Kelleyerin Clabaugh of Aramat Farm decided to put her life on hold to pursue her dream of mucking stalls and learning to ride from an upper level three-day event rider. She is now a working student for eventer Meika Decher of Polestar Farm in Lake Stevens, Wash. EN will be following along as Kelleyerin navigates the ins and outs of being a working student, and has the time of her life along the way. Go Kelleyerin!

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 From Kelleyerein’s blog:

 

Well that makes sense. So why can’t I realize today he is not the same horse as yesterday and ride accordingly? Why does someone always have to point out the obvious for me? Why do I have to be such an amateur?

 

 

I make the same mistakes of judgement on the ground that I do on their backs. I mistakenly assume my horse will react the same way each time, and then I am surprised and frustrated when she doesn’t. Since my mare pulled her suspensory, she has been on stall rest and hand walking. While I know stall rest and Thoroughbreds are not like peanut butter and jelly, I was unprepared for the dramatic change in my horses’s behavior on arrival to Polestar.

 

 

She had been handling her rehab quite contently at home, and since she is accustomed to going to new places all the time, I thought she would handle this change without much fanfare. I was wrong. A few tubes of Gastrogard later, she is less of an anorectic tweaker, but she is definitely not the same horse I put in the trailer in Portland.

 

 

I wanted this experience at Polestar to prove she was “the” $#!%. Instead she is acting like “a” $#!%. I wanted to unload her at the farm, pull off her blanket to reveal her shiny rippling muscles and have everyone “oohhh” and “ahhh.” I wanted Meika to fall in love with her and tell me how incredible she will be. Instead, stall rest has made her furry, flabby and freaky. I am struggling with being embarrassed, angry and confused with how she is acting. And I know she is not behaving this way on purpose. She is just reacting to her environment and her stomach pH. Why can’t I react and then adapt as quickly?

I am accustomed to her being moody. I empathize with her varying work ethic and attitude that hinges on fluctuating estrogen and glucose levels. It is actually one of the reasons I like mares so much. While they can be difficult and opinionated and sensitive, they give more of themselves than geldings when they trust you.  I perceive this connection I have with my mare as friendship.

 

 

So when that flock of geese took flight our first day here, I thought my presence and our bond would temper the emotional storm inside her. But while my horse may be MY best friend, I need to learn that I am, in fact, not hers. At best I am another mid-tier member of the herd; not her leader, her ally or her guru. Instead I was merely the anchor she drug back to the barn as she sought solace with the new “best friends” she had just met. And that hurt my feelings. How childish of me.

 

 

And I worry this is why I may never be a great rider. Because I take everything too personally and allow my emotions to affect my riding. I need to find that balance of caring passionately about something but maintaining a level of perspective and rationality. I know Meika loves her horses. You can see it clearly in the way she rides and handles them. But she is able to recognize what horse she is riding at each moment and react without taking offense. Or at least it appears that way.

Our good friend The Horse Pesterer was on site at Rocking Horse filming fantastic footage for our viewing pleasure. He’s already uploaded excellent videos of dressage and cross country to his YouTube Channel. Buck Davidson won both open intermediate divisions on Ballynoecastle RM and No More Rocks. Here’s a look at their double clear cross-country trips, courtesy of The Horse Pesterer. Click here for full results from the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials. Go eventing!

[Rocking Horse Dressage Videos] [Rocking Horse Cross Country Videos] [Full Results]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VExU-0l2XUQ
Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Binwg-iz5zM
Buck Davidson and No More Rocks 

Katy Long, Jon Holling's super groom, stands with two of Jon's horses and Megan Johnston's horse as they prepared to go to Rocking Horse this weekend. The horses are, from left, FHF Blue Rondo, Moycullen Alvan, and Vasiliev. Photo courtesy of Megan Johnston.

It was the Buck Davidson show this weekend at Rocking Horse, with Buck taking first and second in both the Open Intermediate A and B divisions. Ballynoecastle RM pulled a rail in the show jumping to add four faults to his 27.2 dressage score, ultimately winning the OI-A over The Apprentice, who finished just .4 faults behind. In the OI-B, Buck and No More Rocks finished on their dressage score of 28 to win the division; D.A. Adirmo finished on a dressage score of 29.6 to place a close second. It’s thrilling to see the competition season gearing up, especially on a weekend when the north is facing bitter cold and snow. Go Buck!

Events This Weekend:

Rocking Horse Winter HT I: [Website] [Entry Status] [Results]

Full Gallop HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Results]

Fresno County Horse Park CT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Your Sunday Links:

Jacob Fletcher Poised for a Promising Future

‘In Celebration of Eventing’ to Benefit Hitchcock Woods

Nick Skelton and Big Star Named 2012 Top Global Pair

Lauren Sprieser Blogs Live from World Dressage Masters

Nine States Report Fewer Bute Violations in Racehorses

Interaction Between Horse, Saddle, Rider Studied

Poland Identified as Source of Horse DNA in Burgers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfybEEWnYSI
When Shetlands wear sweaters, as seen on Horse Nation

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man jump in yesterday's Developing Riders spring training session. Photo courtesy of the USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page.

Yesterday marked the final day of the Developing Riders spring training session at Flying Tail Farms in Gilroy, Calif. Shannon Lilley has done a superb job of bringing us top-notch coverage of the California sessions. In her post from Day 3 of the sessions, she noted that new U.S. eventing team coach David O’Connor told the Developing Riders they must become “a student of the game.” While becoming a student of the game means studying the sport of eventing at every level, I found it particularly interesting that David said riding a dressage test is really a scientific pursuit. There’s a reason we say our geometry is off when we ride a 20-meter circle that’s shaped more like an oval. Here’s to riding perfect 20-meter circles today, Eventing Nation!

Events This Weekend:

Rocking Horse Winter HT I: [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Fresno County Horse Park CT: [Website] [Entry Status]

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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Jen Carter and Sayyida. Photo by Sylvia Palmer/Palmer Photos.

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Last week we met Sayyida, a 6-year-old Trakehner mare owned by Sean Tennant of Tennant Sporthorses and Kyle and Jen Carter. While “Xena” was originally meant to be Jen’s new upper-level prospect, her pregnancy sidelined her for the beginning of the mare’s competitive career. Jen finally took over the ride last fall, which culminated in the mare’s debut at preliminary at the Ocala Horse Properties Fall Event. “I usually don’t get terribly nervous for cross country, but I was definitely nervous the night before,” Jen said. “I thought it was a big enough course with good technical questions. She handled it great; there was not a single thing she questioned. Between what Kyle had done with her and I had done with her, she’d schooled all the exercises and she’d seen everything she was going to see out there. When you’re at home schooling, you have to put her in the right situations so she understands the questions.”

With a successful completion at preliminary under their belt, Jen and Xena will look to fine tune their partnership this year. While Jen admits it took awhile for the two to grow accustomed to each other, she said she now definitely sees their relationship growing and is excited about what the mare’s talent means for the future. “It’s always hard when they’re younger, and I hate to ever say for sure where you think they’ll end up doing because we’ve been wrong before,” Jen said. “She should be a really good two-star horse at a minimum, and I think she’ll go advanced. My first four-star horse was a little mare we never thought would go above prelim. Until you’re there, who knows, right? I’m comfortable saying we’ll aim her for a two-star in 2014 and take her advanced; from there it will be step by step.”

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Xena. Photo by Pearl Macgregor.

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Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Jen plans to aim for the CCI* in Ocala in April and finish out the rest of the season at preliminary. “I don’t think we will do another one-star after that,” Jen said. “She’s taken awhile to get some strength about her. She’s a dainty horse — tall and big bodied — so that’s meant extra time to get her strength where we want it to be. I don’t think I foresee rushing her at the levels. Maybe at the end of the year I’d consider an intermediate, but I would certainly never consider a two-star this fall. She certainly has been brave, but also careful, so I don’t want to overface her. She spent a year going training and we don’t often do that with our young horses, but she needed that mentally and physically. Now that she understands the questions, she is happy to go preliminary.”

Xena is currently available for syndication, with two shares already sold. Shares are available for $6,000, with an $1,800 annual maintenance fee; four more shares are available. The shares also come with certain breeding rights, which will likely interest many Trakehner breeders because of Xena’s unique and rare bloodlines for eventing. Bred by Kim Hunter of Twin Gates Farm in Agyle, Texas, Xena is by the Trakehner stallion Tzigane *Pb*, a Grand Prix show jumper who was bred in the U.S. and now stands in Germany. She is closely related through her mother to the stallion Songline, who is a half-brother to Sara Mittleider’s intermediate star Harry Houdini. “Some people avoid mares, but to us having mares is very appealing and a lot of fun because of their breeding potential after their athletic career is over,” Jen said. “It’s special to have a mare like Xena in the barn and think about one day also owning her babies.”

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Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll meet Lauren Deneve and Forrest Nymph, a 14.3 New Forest Pony mare owned by Beth Davidson of Black Dog Farm in Plant City, Fla. This scopey little mare, better known as Farrah, is also a branded Oldenburg Sport Pony. Farrah competed through training level before Debbie Stephens and Wynn Norman encouraged Beth to move her up the ranks. Lauren how has the ride on Farrah and made the move up to preliminary this month, with their sights set on the Ocala CCI* in April. “Farrah has the scope and stride in stadium to make the horse distances and the heart and ambition on cross country,” Beth said. “Her gallop is simply amazing and she covers the ground very well. While Farrah is naturally very talented at dressage, Lauren does have to convince Farrah that dressage is a very necessary part of the eventing package!” Thanks for the tip, Beth!

The Great Exodus is underway, with thousands of eventers flocking south to train and show during the chilly winter months. Facebook and Twitter have been blowing up with drool-worthy photos of some of the best equestrian facilities in the country. EN Cribs will bring you an up close and personal look at these equine meccas. Are you lucky enough to be training at a beautiful facility in Aiken, Southern Pinces, Ocala or another southern horse haven? Send us photos and a write-up to [email protected].

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Boyd Martin and the Windurra crew settled in at Bridle Creek Farm in Aiken. Photo via Boyd's blog.

Boyd Martin is moved in to his winter base at Bridle Creek Farm in Aiken, S.C. The facility, owned by Ilene Boorman, was designed in collaboration with Boyd, Phillip Dutton, course designer Eric Bull and ring builder Brian Reidmuller. Karl Splan designed the nine-stall barn, which looks more like a mansion. The 88X220 dressage ring has a full side of mirrors, and the 140X280 jump and dressage competition ring boasts state-of-the-art footing. The jump schooling field was hand-raked and leveled and can accomodate a grand prix jump course. Set on 10 acres, the cross-country course includes a large water jump, sunken road, mound, two-level bank complex, ditches and numerous other fences. Plenty of spacious turnout paddocks complete this magnificent facility. For more information on Bridle Creek Farm, visit www.bridlecreekfarm.com. What’s your favorite part of Boyd’s winter facility?

Facility photos taken by Lauriefixphotography.com

Steuart Pittman introduces Declan's Moon to the large crowd at the Maryland Horse World Expo.

The OTTBs participating in the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s 100-Day Challenge made their debut this weekend at the Maryland Horse World Expo. While heavy favorite Gunport was unable to attend due to a swollen hock from a pasture kick, Declan’s Moon, Suave Jazz and Alluring Punch all strutted into the expo arena on Friday afternoon for their official introduction to the public. The horses were in the quieter of the two expo arenas for their first session, which was a free lunging and jumping session meant to help them get comfortable with the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the session had barely started when Steuart noticed Declan was lame. The Eclipse winner had slipped on the pavement after unloading from the trailer upon arriving at the expo and seemed to be favoring his left hind leg. So Declan didn’t get to play in the first session. With horses, anything that can go wrong will, right?

Out came Suave Jazz, whom Sarah Andrew of Thoroughbred Daily News dubbed “The Professor.” He takes everything in stride and seems to learn very quickly. He was totally unfazed by the expo atmosphere and, while he was looking at the crowd quite a bit, he was looking more out of curiosity than spookiness. He showed off a very floaty trot with lots of suspension during his free lunging, and popped over the jumps like he’d done it every day for years. This horse is just cool, calm and collected. I chatted a bit with Sarah about him before the session began. She said her favorite of the four Thoroughbreds keeps changing, and she’s currently rooting for Suave Jazz. I am an avid Gunport fan, but after seeing Suave Jazz in person this weekend, I have to admit that I’m leaning more toward Team Suave Jazz.

Suave Jazz was calm and relaxed at the Maryland Horse World Expo.

Alluring Punch came out next, ready to show off for the crowd. This horse just turned 4, so he is understandably more immature than his older counterpart, but his playful side is endearing. Alluring Punch was having a blast circling the arena and showing the crowd just how talented he is. When he jumped his warm-up crossrail, he cranked his knees up to his eyeballs, eliciting some “oo’s” and ah’s” from the crowd. Alluring Punch really wasn’t even trying when Steuart maxed out the jumps around 3’6″. This horse has serious potential to be a jumper, and it’s clear he loves his job; he kept trying to circle back through the jump chute after his session was over. That wrapped up Friday’s session, with Steuart mentioning that he hoped Declan’s Moon would be sound for Saturday’s under-saddle session.

Declan was indeed sound for Saturday. While Suave Jazz and Alluring Punch are lovely horses, Declan is just in a whole other class. He has that big, classic Thoroughbred build that just screams power and talent. Saturday’s under-saddle session was in the main expo arena, which is tiny with grandstands parked right up against it on all four sides. I’m pretty sure Declan thought all of the people in the packed grandstands were there to see him. When Steuart asked how many people remembered Declan from his racing heyday, Declan pranced and showed off a bit during the applause. Steuart equated riding Declan to being on a trampoline, as he softly bounces on the ground with each step. More than any of the others, Declan shows that floating, warmblood trot with suspension to burn. This horse could do straight dressage.

Alluring Punch shows off during the free-jumping session on Friday.

Suave Jazz showed his calm demeanor by trotting and cantering around in a soft frame, totally oblivious to the fact that hundreds of people were piled around him. I can’t say enough about how well he handled the atmosphere. While Alluring Punch had a few “moose” moments where he peaked at the crowd and Declan looked like a rubberband ready to snap, Suave Jazz was totally unfazed. This horse is a rockstar, and it’s no wonder Steuart said he’s planning to take him foxhunting again this week. All the horses hopped over a crossrail, vertical and small oxer to end their session. Declan in particular impressed me with how well he uses his entire body to jump. I’m giving two thumbs up to all three horses for how well they handled a very electric atmosphere.

Fans of the 100-Day Challenge will be able to vote for the horses to win in different superlative categories at the end of the challenge. After seeing three of the four horses in person this weekend, I’d award the following superlatives — Most Talented: Declan’s Moon; Best Brain: Suave Jazz; and Most Potential: Alluring Punch. And while I haven’t yet seen Gunport in person, I’ll tentatively tap her as the Comeback Kid, for conquering her nerves and improving so much in such a short period of time. All four Thoroughbreds will be back at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo in Harrisburg Feb. 21-23. After the conclusion of the challenge, some of the horses will be sold to continue their new careers. Colleen Rutledge already has her eye set on one of them as a future event prospect. Which horse do you think she wants to buy?

Sinead and Tate on their way to a 36.3 dressage score at Burghley. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Manoir de Carneville, Sinead Halpin’s spectacular four-star mount, was named a 2012 USEF Horse of Honor at the USEF Annual Meeting last Friday. Tate was honored along with USEF Horses of the Year Flexible, Rich Fellers’ London Olympic mount, and Jersey Boy, who won the USHJA International Hunter Derby last year with Jennifer Alfano in the irons. Other USEF Horses of Honor for 2012 include Germ, a Friesian with 21 World and National titles to his name; CHCourageous Lord, a Saddlebred with many wins in five-gaited competition; and NTEC Richter Scale, the late Jonathan Wentz’s mount for the 2012 Paralympics. It’s wonderful to see Tate included among these wonderful horses, and after a storybook ending to his 2012 season, no horse in eventing deserves it more. Be sure to watch the USEF’s fantastic tribute video honoring Tate as a 2012 USEF Horse of Honor.

From the USEF:

Manoir de Carneville (Gaub x Carneville)
2000 Selle Francais Gelding
Owner: Carraig LLC

In 2012, Manoir de Carneville and rider Sinead Halpin assumed their place as one of the top eventing combinations. The pair spent the spring fine tuning their skills by winning an Intermediate section at Southern Pines and then picking up second place in the Advanced at The Fork Horse Trials. In May, they placed second in the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh before traveling to England as a member of the U.S. Eventing Short List for the 2012 Olympic Games. The pair remained in England and trained throughout the summer in preparation for what would be their largest success to date.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7cmswVuo-o
Tate’s 2012 USEF Horse of Honor Tribute Video 

After eight years as an equine vet, Kelleyerin Clabaugh of Aramat Farm decided to put her life on hold to pursue her dream of mucking stalls and learning to ride from an upper level three-day event rider. She is now a working student for eventer Meika Decher of Polestar Farm in Lake Stevens, Wash. EN will be following along as Kelleyerin navigates the ins and outs of being a working student, and has the time of her life along the way. Go Kelleyerin!

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This picture pretty much sums up our first day.

Of course, once I decided to quit my job and embark on this working student adventure, my horse went lame.

Connie Tuor of Windfall Training Stables was nice enough to loan me her young up-and-coming Thoroughbred gelding “Danny” so that I would have a project up here at Polestar. I had only ridden Danny a handful of times prior to bringing him up here, and on those few occasions we had had moments of brilliance interspersed with chaos. Needless to say, I needed to figure him out. At home Danny was a busy boy putting everything in his mouth and rubbernecking every which way.

At Polestar, Danny’s busy mind was blown.

Apparently traveling with a complete stranger and her irritable mare in a tacky, faded blue 1988 straight load trailer in the pouring rain was unexpected, unappreciated and humiliating for Danny. Both horses seemed content until we hit the resonance frequency of a bumper pull trailer on the washboarded road between Tacoma and Seattle. Two ponies, two bales of hay, two Dobermans and all the memorabilia of my previous life bounced and shook so badly I pulled over thinking I had a flat. Nope, just a really crummy road. After 30 miles of this, Danny had decided he was opposed to this new adventure and was hell bent on holding it against me the next time I climbed on his back. And boy did he! We spent the entire first lesson on two legs. I stayed on out of sheer lack of health insurance.

But by day three, Meika no longer looked incredulous when I insisted Danny had potential in addition to attitude. Today we got to jump in the outdoor arena (since the sky finally stopped pouring, sleeting, snowing and otherwise being a pain in my #$%). And yes … Danny CAN jump! He is so much fun, but I have to be two steps ahead of him the entire time and stick to my guns every step of the way. I also have to stop being afraid of pissing him off. Meika volunteered to get on and piss him off for me, but I am going to try to handle this punk myself for a few more rides.

I know Danny is a good boy. He is that kid in a crowded classroom with the above average IQ who is bored and acts up to get attention, good or bad. I won’t be that teacher who misunderstands and stifles genius. But that doesn’t mean that Danny won’t get sent to detention once and awhile.

Kyle Carter and Madison Park. Samantha Clark photo.

Yesterday marked the victorious return to competition for Kyle Carter and Madison Park, his beloved partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 World Equestrian Games. Parker suffered a devastating injury at the Blenheim CCI3* in 2011 when he tore a ligament and slipped a tendon off his hock during cross country. The road back to a full recovery has been long and slow, but Kyle never gave up hope that Parker would one day return to competing. Time will tell if Parker will ever romp around a four-star course again, but he had a very successful preliminary debut at Longwood Farm in Ocala this weekend. “He was very good — tied for the lead on the flat and finished on it to win,” Kyle said. We’re thrilled to see this pair back in action and wish them all the best in their quest back to the top. Go Parker!

Events This Weekend

Poplar Place January HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Your Sunday Links

Flexible, Jersey Boy Named USEF Horses of the Year

Manoir de Carvenille Named USEF Horse of Honor

‘It Takes A Sport’ Roundtable Now on USEA TV

Australia’s High Performance Manager Resigns

British OTTBs Honored for Off-Track Performance

Authorities Search for Source of Horse Meat in Burgers

Humane Society Forms Responsible Breeders Council

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBOhNMwBO8E
An adorable dressage fail, as seen on HN’s “Oh Crap” Moment of the Day 

The beautiful Bromont sign

With Vienna officially out of the race to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games, Canada is just one presentation away from securing Bromont as the host site. Equine Canada President Mike Gallagher and Pauline Quinlan, the mayor of Bromont, will travel to FEI headquarters in Switzerland next month to meet with the Evaluation Commission. An FEI delegation visited Bromont last November to evaluate the site’s suitability to host the WEG. Bromont hosted the equestrian events for the Olympic Games in 1976 and hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including the Bromont CCI3*, so the venue is no stranger to accommodating world-class competitions. The FEI will make a final decision on the host site following Canada’s presentation at the end of February. Go Canada!

From the FEI:

The Canadian bid team hoping to host the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018, will present to the FEI Evaluation Commission next month as part of the bid process prior to a final decision on the host city in June. Canada has nominated Bromont, which staged the equestrian events for the 1976 Olympic Games, as the venue for 2018.

The bid committee, which is expected to include the Mayor of Bromont, Pauline Quinlan, and Equine Canada President Mike Gallagher, will travel to FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on 26-27 February for meetings with the Evaluation Commission.

A five-strong FEI delegation, representing the Federation’s sports, veterinary, commercial and financial departments, conducted a site visit of the Bromont venue at the end of November last year.

Following the Bromont presentation on 27 February, the FEI Evaluation Commission will produce a report for the Bureau. The Bromont bid team will then return to Lausanne for the in-person Bureau meeting in June and will make a formal presentation, prior to the Bureau vote that will decide the allocation of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018.

The FEI confirmed this week that no signed host agreement had been received from the Austrians before the December 2012 deadline, meaning that Vienna is no longer in the running to host the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018.

“It is of course disappointing to have lost Vienna as one of our bid cities for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos, “but we are very much looking forward to seeing the presentation from Bromont when the Canadians come to FEI Headquarters in Lausanne at the end of next month to present their bid book to the FEI Evaluation Commission.”

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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Jen Carter and Sayyida. Photo by Sylvia Palmer/Palmer Photos.

Since EN’s Got Talent launched back in September, I realized we’ve only featured one mare — Jennifer Wooten’s Holsteiner mare Anika. It’s about time we brought some estrogen back to this series, so I’m very excited to introduce Sayyida, a 6-year-old Trakehner mare owned by Sean Tennant and Kyle and Jen Carter. “I originally bought Xena to have her compete and then to add her to my string of broodmares,” Sean said. ”I began having some major medical problems soon after and decided I needed to sell off the others and try to keep my real future star any way that I could. I approached Jen and Kyle in October of 2010 and we agreed to become partners on Xena. They took her into their program after she had just a couple of weeks under saddle.” Jen, who was pregnant at the time, was looking for her next upper-level horse, so the plan was for Kyle to take the ride on Xena until she had the baby.

“She was very green when we got her as a 4-year-old, but for her age she always had a pretty good brain about her,” Jen said. “Kyle always said that for a young, green horse she seemed like she was a lot farther along than she actually was. When she started jumping, Kyle said she was the most natural horse to ride down to a fence and by far the best young horse he’d ever sat on. It was just the way she went to a jump; she had all the right instincts from the very beginning.” Jen had her baby in April 2011 and hopped back in the saddle soon after. She rode in her first event with Xena in July, running novice at Chattahoochie Hills, where the two placed second.

Kyle Carter and Sayyida. Photo by Pearl Macgregor.

“She was going fine at novice, so we decided to go training that fall,”Jen said. “But I wasn’t as fit as I needed to be after having the baby. When I took her to an event at training level, it just didn’t go how I wanted. So Kyle took the ride back, with the idea that I would take over when I was more in shape.” Kyle and Xena ran a full season of training level last year, with Xena ultimately qualifying for the American Eventing Championships. Even though Jen was ready to take the ride back before the AECs, she and Kyle struck a deal that he would keep the ride through the AECs, with Jen finally taking over for good afterward.

Kyle and Xena placed fifth at the AECs, and Jen officially started competing Xena again later in September at Poplar Place. The two placed eighth at Poplar and eighth again at Rocking Horse in November, which was Xena’s final event at training before moving up to preliminary. That event signified a turning point in Jen and Xena’s relationship, which Jen said had been rocky throughout certain points of their partnership together. “To be honest, she and I took awhile to click. It was going fine, but it wasn’t like we were perfect together,” Jen said. “She’s a typical mare — a real relationship horse. She and I have finally started to form a pretty good partnership. It just took awhile, mainly because she and I had different opinions on things. Now I think we’re pretty good together.”

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwIwh3y1VR0
Kyle Carter and Sayyida at Ocala in April 2012 

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Next week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll hear more about Jen and Xena’s first preliminary trip at Ocala, as well as one of the reasons Jen thinks owning mares can be so much fun. “I usually don’t get terribly nervous for cross country, but I was definitely nervous the night before,” Jen said of her first preliminary event with Xena. “I thought it was a big enough course with good technical questions. She handled it great; there was not a single thing she questioned. Between what Kyle had done with her and I had done with her, she’d schooled all the exercises and she’d seen everything she was going to see out there. When you’re at home schooling, you have to put young horses in the right situations so they understand the questions.”

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The USEF this week notified potential applicants [PDF]  for the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games of the events that may be named as USEF selection trials. All selection trials must still gain approval from the USEF High Performance Working Group and the USEF Executive Committee. The final list of selection trials will be published as part of the approved Eventing Selection Procedure for the WEG, which will take place Aug. 24-Sept. 7, 2014, in Normandy, France. It’s hard to believe the first potential selection trial for the WEG is just a few months away. Rolex come quickly!

2013 Competitions
Rolex Kentucky CCI4* — April 25-28
Badminton (GBR) CCI4* — May 3-6
Jersey Fresh CCI3* — May 8-12
Saumur (FRA) CCI3* — May 23-26
Bromont (CAN) CCI3* — June 6-9
Bramham (GBR) CCI3* — June 6-9
Luhmuhlen (GER) CIC3*and CCI4* — June 13-16
Aachen (GER) CICO3* — June 25-30
Le Pin au Haras (FRA) CIC3* — Aug. 21-25 (Test Event for 2014 WEG)
Burghley (GBR) CCI4* — Sept. 5-8
Blenheim (GBR) CCI3* — Sept. 12-15
Boekelo (NED) CCIO3* — Oct. 10-13
Fair Hill International CCI3* — Oct. 16-20
Pau (FRA) CCI4* — Oct. 23-27
Galway Downs CCI3* — Oct. 31-Nov. 3

2014 Competitions
The 2014 competitions dates are tentative pending final approval of the FEI calendar
Rolex Kentucky CCI4* — April 23-27
Badminton (GBR) CCI4* — April 30-May 4
Jersey Fresh CCI3* — May 7-11
Saumur (FRA) CCI3* — May 21-25
Bromont (CAN) CCI3* — June 4-8
Bramham (GBR) CCI3* — June 4-8
Luhmuhlen (GER) CCI4* — June 11-15

Go Canada!

Equine Canada has announced the short and long lists for the 2013 Canadian National Eventing Team. With a new coach in Clayton Fredericks and a hungry appetite for redemption after the London Olympics, the Canadians are going to be out to prove themselves this year. I have every confidence we are going to see some very impressive performances from Team Canada in 2013. Many of the newly named Canadian team riders will be meeting in Ocala next week at Clayton’s new facility, undoubtedly to discuss how they’ll be bringing their A game this season.

We are pleasantly surprised to see Michele Mueller and Amistad on the short list. After a tendon tear on cross country in London forced Amistad into early retirement, Michele speculated last fall that Amistad might try dressage once his leg healed. Amistad’s placement on the list might mean he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his galloping boots just yet.  Best wishes to the Canadian National Eventing Team for a fabulous season, and congrats to all the lucky riders who made the lists!

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The USEF Eventing High Performance team has come to the rescue of numerous perplexed eventers who are still scratching their heads trying to figure out what the new FEI eventing rules mean for their 2013 season. In the USEF’s own words, the organization hopes to “simplify the complex” with its newly released overview of the 2013 FEI qualifying requirements. Click here to view the overview PDF in its entirety, which we’ve also included below. Many thanks to the USEF for its tireless work to clarify the new FEI rules for eventers. Go USEF!

From USEF Eventing High Performance:

2013 USEF/FEI EVENTING QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS

The FEI Eventing Rules have been re-formatted and changed significantly for 2013.  Foremost amongst the changes are those made to the FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) for horses and athletes. In order to determine your eligibility at a certain level or that of your horse, we encourage you to follow these steps (we promise — it’s easier than you think).

STEP 1 – CATEGORIZED OR UNCATEGORIZED? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

It is first important for you to determine whether you are, as an athlete, uncategorized or categorized (similar to a license) and, if you are categorized, at which level. This information will be updated by the FEI*at the end of each calendar year and can be found on the on the FEI website here.

STEP 2 – USEF AND FEI, HOW CAN I BE SURE I HAVE COVERED ALL THE BASES?

Once you have determined your status with the FEI, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the 2013 Eventing Rules. Appendix 3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will provide you with the specific information you need to determine the
level of eligibility of you and your horse(s) for both National (USEF) and International (FEI) competitions.

USEF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. The 2013 FEI Eventing Rules state: “As of 2013, MERs for CIs and CIOs do not expire. Does this include MERs achieved prior to 2013 which were due to expire according to the 2012 FEI Eventing Rules?

Yes, with the exception of MERs required for the purposes of qualifying for FEI Championships, MERs achieved prior to 2013 remain valid for 2013 and beyond.

2. I am an uncategorized rider and prior to the end of 2012 my horse and I were qualified to enter a CIC 3* for the first time although we did not achieve all MERs as a combination. The 2013 FEI Eventing Rules state: “For Athletes not yet categorized at the level of the Competition the Minimum Eligibility Requirements must be achieved as a combination….”As we were qualified prior to 2013 do we remain qualified?

No, as of January 1, 2013 uncategorized riders must achieve all MERs required by the FEI for a particular level in combination with the horse they wish to compete in that level.

3. I am an uncategorized rider and established at the CCI3* level and I have a new horse who is established at the CCI 3* level. Under the new rules, am I required to move down and achieve all the FEI MERs to compete in a CCI 3* with my new horse?

Yes, you must achieve all FEI MER’s required as a combination.

4. But, as an uncategorized rider, do I have to achieve National Qualifying Results (NQRs) required by the USEF in combination with each horse I wish to compete in FEI Competitions?

No, all USEF requirements DO NOT need to be achieved as a combination

5. I am listed on the FEI website as a Category B rider as I have achieved 15 FEI MERs at the three star level of competition over the last eight years. I understand that the number of FEI MERs required for categorization is 15 for 2013 and will increase to 20 in 2014. I am unable to achieve an additional 5 MERs at the same level or higher in 2013 will I lose my categorization at that level?

Yes, at the end of 2013 the FEI will update the list and only riders with 20 FEI MERs (or more) at a particular level will remain categorized at that level.

STILL NOT QUITE SURE?

If you still have questions about the FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements or any of therecent changes to the FEI Eventing Rules, the FEI has created their own list of frequently asked questions, which you may find helpful.As always, we are here to help! If you have any doubt about your (or your horse’s) current level of eligibility please feel free to contact Shealagh Costello by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (859) 225-6923.

* For 2013 the FEI will update the list of categorized riders on or about July 1, 2013 to allow a one-time, mid-year opportunity for rider categories to be changed based on results achieved in the first six months of competition.