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Jenni Autry
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Jenni Autry

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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

Caroline Martin Back in Action at Ocala International + Day 2 Report

By on Apr 13, 2018 6:37 pm -

Caroline Martin is easing back into action after taking a stud to the foot at Carolina International Horse Trials three weeks ago. She is competing three horses at the Ocala International Festival of Eventing this weekend and confirmed to EN she will run cross country tomorrow.

After falling in the first Advanced water complex at Carolina with Cristano Z, she walked off course and into the ambulance, which was definitely a sign she wouldn’t be sidelined for long. If “tough as nails” is a character trait, Caroline has it in spades.

She has two rides in the Open Intermediate in Pebbly Maximus, who sits second after show jumping on 29.0, and Jump Jet, who led after dressage but had a rail down in show jumping to drop to equal fourth on 31.9. Caroline is also competing Ferrie’s Cello in Open Preliminary, which starts tomorrow.

While Pebbly Maximus is on the entry list for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, the horse is aiming for a return trip to the Bramham CCI3*-Under 25 in June and will only compete in the dressage phase if he makes the trip to Kentucky. Caroline’s two rides at Kentucky will be Spring Easy and The Apprentice.

Leslie Law, USEF Developing Rider Coach and Caroline’s trainer, competed four of her horses at The Fork Horse Trials last week at Tryon, and he is also lending a hand at Ocala while she is on the mend. He piloted The Apprentice to a score of 29.0 in dressage to lead the Advanced combined test today before a planned withdrawal ahead of show jumping.

Looking to the rest of the action at Ocala, the CCI2* kicked off today with dressage. Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear, a 9-year-old Oldenburg owned by Steve and Vicki Sukup, lead on 27.0. Liz Halliday-Sharp and her own Cooley Quicksilver, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse, sit second in the CCI2* on 29.4. Alex O’Neal and his own DJ, a 10-year-old KWPN, sit third on 30.8.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Looking to the CCI1*, David O’Connor and Jacqueline Mars’ Cooley Dream, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, still lead on 23.4 after the first day of dressage. Jordan Linstedt and Staccato, a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by Janine Jaro, moved into second today on 23.6. Leslie Law and JKF Vogue, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Beatrice Rey-Herme, sit third on 24.6.

Ocala also hosted an Advanced combined test today for horses preparing for Kentucky. After both phases, Buck Davidson and Park Trader, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Carl and Cassie Segal, took the win on 30.3. Buck also finished second on 30.5. with Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN owned by the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, finished third in the Advanced combined test on 31.9 in preparation for performing the test ride at Kentucky.

Click here to view full scores from Ocala International. Click here to watch more videos courtesy of David Frechette.

Alex O’Neal and DJ. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are in full swing with EN’s live coverage around the world, and it truly takes a village to bring you coverage from as many events as we possibly can. To give you a peek behind the scenes, this weekend we have Tilly Berendt on the grounds at Belton in England, Shelby Allen at Fair Hill in Maryland, David Frechette and Lisa Madren sending videos and photos from Ocala in Florida, and Sherry Stewart sending photos from Twin Rivers in California. Thank you to ALL who contribute to EN. We could not do it without you!

Keep it locked on EN for coverage from all major events running this weekend around the world. Go Eventing.

22-Year-Old Relentless Pursuit Showing Amanda Gardiner the Ropes

By on Apr 13, 2018 9:29 am -

Amanda Gardiner and Relentless Pursuit in their Preliminary debut at Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials. Photo by Sofie Van Olmen.

At 22-years-old, four-star veteran Relentless Pursuit is showing 13-year-old Amanda Gardiner the ropes. After a successful winter season spent competing in Ocala, Amanda completed her first Preliminary aboard Relentless Pursuit at Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials, and it’s clear both horse and rider are having a blast.

It’s a slower pace of life for “Rover” but one he is enjoying immensely. A Thoroughbred who raced 11 times under the Jockey Club name Super Rover (A Lee Rover X Sumptious Gal, by Super Hit), he started a new career when Dana Widstrand pulled him off the track as a 3-year-old.

Dana had only competed at Novice level prior to getting Rover, and they successfully went through the levels together, winning two-star team gold at the 2006 North American Junior & Young Rider Championships and finishing ninth in their CCI3* debut at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in 2007.

Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit at their Kentucky debut in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rover was only ever meant to be Dana’s Young Rider horse, but his love for cross country made it clear he had bigger fences in mind. Rover made his four-star debut as an 18-year-old in 2014 at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and returned the following year at age 19. When Dana decided to step away from competing in 2015, Rover was far from ready to retire.

“I knew when I took a step back from competing that he wasn’t done,” Dana said. “Right after Kentucky in 2015, I went home to Massachusetts and let a friend run her first Training on him, and I thought maybe he does want to have a job still.”

Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit at Kentucky 2015. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

After a successful short-term lease to a lower-level home, Dana began to look for a rider to lease Rover through his golden years. She called New Hampshire-based Megan Gardiner, who had been her Stübben NA saddle rep when she competed.

“I told Meg, ‘He needs to have a really special situation. Do you know of anybody? It needs to be a special person,'” Dana explained.

As soon as Meg hung up the phone, she realized her 13-year-old daughter, Amanda, could be that special person. Having competed her pony, Bacon Bits, to Novice level, Amanda was ready to move up but needed an experienced partner to show her the way.

Amanda and Rover met last autumn and clicked right from the start. At their first show together, Course Brooke Farm’s Halloween Three-Phase in Sherborn, Massachusetts, Amanda and Rover dressed up as a princess and dragon for the costume class — a fitting start to what would become a fairytale partnership.

Meg, who competes her Thoroughbred Finn McCool at Preliminary level, has homeschooled Amanda in Ocala for the last four winter seasons, and they both thrive on the opportunity to travel to Florida and jumpstart the year.

Amanda Gardiner with Relentless Pursuit on the left, and Meg Gardiner and Finn McCool on the right.

Meg and Amanda arrived in Ocala in early January with the horses in tow and ready to train with Anna Loschiavo, who Amanda said helped her immensely in the early days of getting to know Rover.

“We started cross country schooling right away and worked on our show jumping and dressage,” Amanda said. “My dressage was the hardest thing for us. Rover acts like a know-it-all, and it was tough to get it into his head at first that we had to work together.”

After a slew of lessons and schooling, Amanda made her debut at Training level with Rover at Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials, where they finished fourth in their Training Rider division on their dressage score of 39.8.

Three more shows and qualifying scores at Training level later, Amanda and Rover were ready to make their Preliminary debut at Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials, their last show of the winter season before heading home to New Hampshire.

“I felt really ready, and we had done a lot of schooling with all three phases,” Amanda said. “Everything was solid, and our dressage was getting so much better.”

Amanda and Rover scored a personal best of 30.7 in dressage, jumped a beautiful clear show jumping round, and stormed around clear and inside the time on cross country to finish in second place. As for how it felt to rider Rover around her first Preliminary, Amanda said it was a feeling she will never forget.

“Walking the cross country course the day before, I was so anxious to get out there and see how Rover would respond to the harder questions and bigger jumps,” Amanda said. “He was a rockstar.”

As for how it felt to watch her daughter compete in her first Preliminary, Meg said she is incredibly proud of how far Amanda and Rover’s partnership has come.

“It has been amazing to watch them progress and grow. He would take over more when she first started riding him. Now he is listening to her and they have a true partnership,” Meg said. “He has his own quirks and has his own little demands, but he lives for the flags. As a mom, I am so in debt to Dana for giving us this opportunity. It’s a gift.”

Dana flew down to Florida to watch Amanda and Rover’s first event and said she has been the quintessential “helicopter mom” through the winter, always checking in for updates and cheering from afar.

Amanda and Rover.

“It’s nostalgic for me,” Dana said. “Amanda is so lucky. I get to say that because he’s my child. She’s so lucky to have that horse galloping underneath her. There’s nothing better in the world than that. He just continues to love it.”

Amanda and Rover are back home in New Hampshire now with a goal to aim for their first CIC1* at the GMHA Festival of Eventing in August, and possibly a CCI1* in the fall. If Rover continues loving his job, Amanda hopes to represent Area I next year at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, 13 years after he carried Dana to team gold.

“I think everyone knew he was special when he made his debut at Rolex when he was 18 and went back the following year when he was 19. When he says he’s ready to retire he will, but he hasn’t told anyone that yet,” Dana said.

“Everyone says ‘that’s my horse of a lifetime,’ but Rover was my horse of a lifetime and now he’s Amanda’s horse of a lifetime.”

Watch the Leading Dressage Tests from Day 1 at Ocala International

By on Apr 12, 2018 6:06 pm -

The first day of dressage action is complete at the Ocala International Three-Day Festival of Eventing, presented by Ocala Ranches, at the Florida Horse Park. We have videos of the leading CCI1* tests to bring you thanks to EN’s unofficial/official videographer David Frechette.

David O’Connor and Jacqueline Mars’ Cooley Dream, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cruising X The Dreamseeker, by Ramiro B), lead the CCI1* after the first day on 23.4.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Anna Kjellstrom’s Run Marvin Run, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Unbridled Energy X Thisisthelife, by Fly So Free), sit in second place on 24.8.

Allie Knowles and Nancy Elberty’s Princess B, a 13-year-old KWPN mare (Calvados X Rheabria Z), scored 25.3 for third place.

Ellie MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Crane Cox’s Zick Zack, a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Blue Hors Zack X Mercedes, by Master), sit fourth on 26.3. This pair are coming off a win at the Carolina International CIC1* last month.

Lesley Grant-Law and Cianu, a 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cormint X Kautelen, by Salient) owned by Jackie and Steve Brown, round out the current top five on 28.5.

Click here to watch more videos from today’s CCI1* dressage on Thehorsepesterer’s YouTube channel. Click here to view scores from the first day of the competition.

You’ll see the venue’s new Martins Collins arenas in use in the videos. The Florida Horse Park invested $1.7 million to install four new arenas, which also feature a Dammann Risohorse ebb and flow irrigation system.

Additional projects planned for the Florida Horse Park include a K-Line irrigation system for the cross country course, 160 new permanent stalls, a new perimeter road to provide separate paths for horses and vehicles, and a new public address system with speakers throughout the venue. Construction of a new water jump is also being considered. On behalf of competitors, the EN team would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Florida Horse Park team for investing in the venue!

CC1* dressage resumes tomorrow, and CCI2* dressage will also kick off alongside numerous other divisions. Click here to view the full schedule for the Ocala International Three-Day Festival of Eventing, presented by Ocala Ranches. Go Eventing.

Ocala Three-Day Links: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores

NAJYRC Renamed to FEI North American Youth Championships

By on Apr 11, 2018 9:11 am -

Area VI, NAJYRC 1* gold medalists! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s a season of change for key competitions in North America. Just as Rolex is no longer Rolex, NAJYRC — formerly known as the FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships — has now been renamed the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC).

The only FEI championship held annually in North America, NAYC began in 1974 with eventing and has since grown to encompass show jumping and dressage. Reining and endurance also have been included in past years.

A special USEF task force, which included representatives from Equestrian Canada and the Mexican Equestrian Federation, spearheaded the rebranding effort for NAYC, with a goal to “revitalize these championships and increase youth equestrian sport participation.”

US Equestrian President Murray Kessler said developing youth athletes remains a major strategic priority for the FEI and for USEF.

“These championships are a necessity to the growth of equestrian sport and the development of our youth athletes. For most, this is their first time competing in a championship. This event gives them an early sense of what it is like to represent their country and compete as part of a team. It also may influence whether they decide to pursue a career in riding, so it is imperative that we invest and commit to its and their success.”

The 2018 North American Youth Championships for Eventing will return to the Event at Rebecca Farm, July 18-22, in Kalispell, Montana, with a Junior One-Star Championship (CH-J1*) and a Two-Star Young Rider Nations Cup (CICOY-2*).

The 2018 North American Youth Championships for Show Jumping and Dressage will be held as a stand-alone event at Old Salem Farm, Aug. 1-5, in North Salem, New York. For the first time, prize money will be awarded in the NAYC for Show Jumping, with $50,000 in the Junior Jumping Championship and $75,000 in the Young Rider Jumping Championship.

The USEF Network will live stream all NAYC competitions. Follow @FEINAYC on Facebook and Twitter and use #FEINAYC on social media to connect with the championships.

What do you think about the rebranding for NAYC? Let us know in the comments below!

[Announcing the 2018 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North]

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino Dominate in Chattahoochee Hills CIC3* Win

By on Apr 9, 2018 12:18 pm -

Team Atlantic Domino! From left: Erin Jameson, Elizabeth Crowder, Mike Huber, Julia Spatt, and Jacob Fletcher.

Jacob Fletcher clinched the first CIC3* win of his career at Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials in Fairburn, Georgia, dominating across both days of competition with Atlantic Domino to top the leaderboard on a final score of 30.0.

Jacob and “Domino,” a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Dunlough Striker X Atlantic Amanda, by Glidawn Diamond) owned by Frank Fletcher and Fletcher Farms, were the only pair in the CIC3* to finish on their dressage score.

Jacob, who is based outside Little Rock, Arkansas, trains with Mike Huber and also worked diligently on his dressage with USEF Developing Coach Leslie Law and James Burtwell over the winter season.

“He was definitely sharp and fresh for dressage. Normally he’s a horse that I don’t give the judges a reason to give me less than a 7, and I try to see if I can sneak in a 7.5. I’ve been working on trying to sneak in some bigger marks, so I went for it a bit more this time,” Jacob said.

“The trot work was really good and flashier than usual, so he got some higher marks there. Then the ‘go for it’ strategy came out in the canter. I had two bobbles — he spooked at some of the decorations by the arena when I was doing the extended canter half-circles.”

Domino sat fourth after dressage and was also a bit sharp for show jumping later in the afternoon, but with the time riding right on Marc Donovan’s course, Jacob used it to his advantage.

“I tend to have 2 to 4 time penalties when I show jump him. We were all really tight on the leaderboard going in, so I wanted to make sure I was quick enough, and I probably took it a bit to the extreme worrying about the time,” Jacob said.

“I did go a little fast. It was probably more like a jump-off, but we made the time, so that was exciting. I’ve got to work on a happy medium with the speed. Coming out of the ring, Mike said, ‘You made it up in the turns — you didn’t have to go quite that fast!'”

Jacob and Domino’s fast and clear show jumping round boosted them up to lead after the first day of competition. Only five of the 22 pairs (23% of the CIC3* field) jumped clear and inside the time in show jumping.

Speed ultimately proved to be the deciding factor for the weekend, as Jacob and Domino were the only pair to catch the optimum time of 6 minutes, 6 seconds on Hugh Lochore’s CIC3* cross country course the next day to secure the win.

“To make time at any CIC3* you have to be riding on the edge, and I definitely do on Domino since he doesn’t have the highest gear. I don’t have to check him before any jumps, so the fact that he is really rideable helped us save time.”

Following the win at Chattahoochee Hills, Jacob and Domino will next go to Jersey Fresh International in Allentown, New Jersey to run the CCI3*. They last competed in a CCI3* at Galway Downs in 2015, though not because the horse was sidelined by an injury. Instead, Jacob had a lighter competition schedule while finishing his degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas.

Now that he has graduated, Jacob is working part-time selling insurance through his family’s business, Fletcher Insurance Group, while also running a training and sales business through 5o1 Sport Horses at his family’s Fletcher Farms.

Jacob’s return to a busier competition schedule has been very successful thus far. In addition to winning his first CIC3* at Chattahoochee Hills, he and Domino also finished second in the Red Hills CIC3* last month.

“It’s exciting that even though it feels like chaos with how busy I am, we’re still heading in the right direction,” Jacob said. “I’m hoping we have hit a place where we can be consistent now.”

Jacob hasn’t yet solidified his competition plan for the rest of the 2018 season beyond Jersey Fresh, but he said he is hoping to work towards competing in his first CCI4*.

Looking to the rest of the CIC3* leaderboard, Buck Davidson and Carlevo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Caresino X Ramatuelle, by Levernois) owned by Carlevo LLC, finished second on 39.5 in the horse’s final prep run before the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Sydney Conley Elliott and Cisko A, a 12-year-old Westphalian (Cayetano L X Rhiannon M, by Ribot) owned by Carol Stephens, finished third on 39.7 in the horse’s first run back at the level since the 2016 American Eventing Championships.

Looking to the Advanced division, Ellie MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Crane’s RF Eloquence, a 13-year-old Holsteiner (Contender X D-Ginger, by Grundyman xx), took the win on 38.7 in the horse’s final prep run for Kentucky.

Buck Davidson and Kentucky-bound Copper Beach, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Radolin X Cloverballen) owned by Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin, finished second in the Advanced on 40.2.

Lily Geelan and Luksor, a 16-year-old Polish gelding (Efez X Lektura, by Farnik) owned by Mary Beth Geelan, finished third on 46.5 in their Advanced debut.

Click here to view final scores from Chattahoochee Hills. Our friends at the USEA provided excellent coverage of the CIC3* and Advanced, so click here and here to read more from #ChattHills. Go Eventing.

Phillip Dutton Pilots Z to First International Win at The Fork CIC3*

By on Apr 8, 2018 3:08 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Since stepping up to the Advanced level in 2016, Phillip Dutton’s rising star Z has twice come close to clinching a three-star win and settled for second place — but not today.

As the overnight leader and last horse to go, Z jumped one of seven clear rounds inside the time over Chris Barnard’s show jumping course to take the first international win of his career at The Fork CIC3* on a final score of 28.0 here at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Phillip and Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by the Z Partnership, could afford one rail down and still take the win, but the pressure was definitely on with the time allowed of 78 seconds riding very tight.

“There is an advantage of going at the end and realizing the lines you have to take to shave the time. Z is not at his best if I open him up too much to the jumps, so I had to cut the turns and shorten him at the jumps and rock him back a little bit,” Phillip said, adding with a smile — “Everyone said they were worried I would get time, but I didn’t!”

No pairs finished on their dressage score, though Z came the closest, adding just 0.4 cross country time penalties to win on a final score of 28.0, the only finishing score in the 20s. Z will compete in the Advanced combined test later in the week at Fair Hill International Horse Trials in Elkton, Maryland, before going on to contest his first CCI4* at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“He’s an up-and-coming horse. Trying to help him understand what to do in every phase is my job,” Phillip said. “The cool part for me is getting them to this level and hopefully the next level.”

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border sat fifth after cross country with a play-it-safe strategy adding 7.6 time penalties, but a fast and clear show jumping round today pushed them back up the leaderboard to finish in second place on 32.1.

“He started out jumping pretty high (on cross country). I was pretty careful. I wanted to make sure I gave him a good ride. He picked up and got better and faster,” Kim said.

“I still get really nervous (in show jumping) thanks to (Tipperary Liadhnan), but Cross is just fun. You just gallop, and he’s going to be good if he can do it.”

“Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, will now go on to Kentucky looking for his first CCI4* completion.

Sharon White and her own Cooley On Show stalked the leaderboard all weekend, sitting just outside the top 10 after dressage thanks to a personal best test. A clear cross country round with 3.6 time penalties moved “Louie” up to seventh after the second phase, and he added no penalties in show jumping today to scoot up to finish third on a final score of 32.9.

“He’s getting better as he gets stronger. He loves the sport and loves competing, so he’s a good competitor no matter what. My job is not to get in the way and let him be who he wants to be,” Sharon said.

“He really enjoys all phases. His dressage is getting a lot better. Cross country is just fun. He’s got such a good stride and so much scope. He loves it. Show jumping I thought was really interesting; the time was so tight and the scores were so tight. You see it as a challenge and see if you can do it.”

“Louie,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ricardo Z X Jogantina, by Grand d’Espagne), finished 13th at Luhmühlen last year in his first CCI4* completion and will now go on to Kentucky hoping to check the same box.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who won The Fork CIC3* last year and led after dressage, delivered a speedy clear in show jumping to move from eighth after cross country up to finish fourth on a final score of 33.0.

“Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars, finished fourth in her first CCI4* at Luhmühlen last year and will next go on to her Kentucky debut.

Phillip Dutton and Kentucky-bound I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sat third after cross country and had one rail down in show jumping to finish fifth on final score of 34.0.

Seventeen of 31 pairs (55% of the CIC3* field) added time on the clock in show jumping, and fast and clear rounds resulted in big jumps up the leaderboard.

After impressing with a top-10 finish in his CIC3* debut at Carolina International, Lisa Wall’s Getaway proved once again he’s a serious horse for the future with Doug Payne in the irons. “Flynn,” an 11-year-old Oldenburg by Contendro, jumped a beautiful clear in show jumping to move from 11th after cross country to finish sixth on 35.8.

Lynn Symansky debuted RF Cool Play at the three-star level here at The Fork with an equally impressive result. “Coolio,” a 10-year-old German Sport Horse (Condors Champion X Roxana, by Radscha) owned by the Donner Syndicate, jumped a super clear today to move from 15th after cross country up to finish seventh on 37.0.

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg, an 11-year-old Trakehner (Windfall X Thabana, by Buddenbrock), had one rail down in show jumping to finish eighth on a final score of 40.7 in the horse’s final prep run before making his CCI4* debut at Kentucky.

Hallie Coon and Helen Coon’s Celien, an 11-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL X R Quicksilver, Hamlet), added 2.0 time penalties in show jumping to finish ninth on a final score of 42.9. This duo next heads to England for the Houghton Hall CICO3* and Bramham CCI3*-Under 25 as part of the Karen E. Stives European Emerging Athlete Tour.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL X Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, had two rails down to finish 10th on 79.73. We will next see them in the dressage test ride at Kentucky.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan were the only other pair in the field to deliver a clear show jumping round inside the time — in their three-star debut no less! “Simon,” a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Master Imp X Ardragh Bash, by Cavalier Royale) finished 20th on a final score of 51.3.

Click here to view final scores from the CIC3*. Click here to view all of EN’s coverage from The Fork and WEG Test Event. Stay tuned for much more! Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

31 Horses Move to Show Jumping at The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event

By on Apr 8, 2018 9:21 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Thirty-one horses will move on to show jumping in The Fork CIC3*/World Equestrian Games Test Event following the final horse inspection on a brisk morning here at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Two horses were withdrawn prior to the horse inspection. Phillip Dutton withdrew Fernhill Cubalawn, who sat in fourth place overnight, as the horse was a bit sore after running cross country. Rachel McDonough withdrew Irish Rhythm due to a cut on his left knee.

The ground jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA) sent two horses, Lynn Symansky’s mount RF Cool Play and Ashley Kehoe’s mount Kiltealy Toss Up, to the holding box. Both horses were accepted upon re-presentation.

Show jumping is set to start at 11:15 a.m. EST and will be live streamed. Click here for details on how to watch the live stream. Click here for the starting order for show jumping. Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Show Jumping Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Sunday Video: Watch The Fork CIC3* Water Complex

By on Apr 8, 2018 7:49 am -

While we didn’t have a live stream of yesterday’s cross country action from The Fork CIC3*, RNS Video was on hand filming every combination through the water complex on Capt. Mark Phillips’ course.

After jumping a table at 6A, riders had an option at the B element to jump the slightly longer and easier route over the duck in the water on the left, or go more direct to the narrow brush on the right. Then it was on to an up bank at 6C, followed by a corner at fence 7.

The final horse inspection for the CIC3*, which is also serving as the World Equestrian Games Test Event, is taking place at 8 a.m. EST. Show jumping will be live streamed at 11:15 a.m. EST. Stay tuned for the finale of The Fork.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Final Inspection Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Phillip Dutton and Z Rocket to The Fork CIC3* Lead After Cross Country

By on Apr 7, 2018 5:38 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z lead after cross country! Photo by Jenni Autry.

The clock proved to be the key factor on cross country today at The Fork CIC3*/World Equestrian Games Test Event here at Tryon International Equestrian Center, with Phillip Dutton and Z rocketing to first place on 28.0 after crossing the finish just 1 second over the optimum time.

Phillip said Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by the Z Partnership, is “point and shoot” to ride on cross country and handled the rolling terrain with ease across Capt. Mark Phillips’ course.

“The goal was to step things up a little bit from what I’ve been doing as far as speed goes, but keeping him within himself,” Phillip said. “The course I thought in general rode well. Because of the golf-course terrain you’re working all the time with your lines and the different ups and downs. He’s a bit of a freak of a horse so it was pretty fun going around.”

Z is aiming for his CCI4* debut at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Phillip said he was especially pleased with the horse’s dressage test yesterday, which placed him seventh heading into cross country, as he can struggle with tension in the first phase.

“You never know until you get to a four-star whether they are a four-star horse,” Phillip said. “So far he has shown everything I could ever hope for that he’s going to be ready for it.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato jumped clear with 3.2 time penalties to move from fourth after dressage up to second place on 29.9. “Capato,” a 15-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Annabelle, by Amoroso) owned by Jordan and Barbara Linstedt, competed at The Fork last year, as well as the American Eventing Championships, so Jordan was very familiar with the track.

“I couldn’t have asked him to be any better. He came out of the box ready to run and felt exactly the same to the last fence,” Jordan said. “Mark always designs such a good course that is galloping, so it’s a perfect course for Capato. He’s run here now three times and the course is similar, so I had a little bit of a leg up on that.”

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton gave us a masterclass in cross country riding today, piloting all three of his horses into the top five. I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sat third after dressage and added 3.6 time penalties to remain in third place after cross country on 30.0.

Fernhill Cubalawn, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, looked all class in his first run at the level since 2016. “Cuba” added 3.2 time penalties to move from 10th up to fourth place on 31.5.

As for what today revealed about what we can expect for the World Equestrian Games cross country course come September, Phillip said a rideable horse will be key.

“I think it showed today with quite a straightforward course that the time is hard to get,” Phillip said. “You want to be able to ride through the terrain and not be shortening up and helping your horse, so you want a nice, balanced, rideable horse.”

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kim Severson had the confidence-boosting run she was looking for with Cooley Cross Border in his final run before Kentucky. “Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, added 7.6 time penalties to slip from second after dressage to fifth on 32.1.

Speed queen Katherine Coleman was one of three riders to catch the optimum time of 6 minutes, 16 seconds, which moved her from 20th up to sixth place on 32.4 with Kentucky-bound Longwood, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Limmerick X Cavale de Or, by Cavalier Royale) owned by KC Eventing Ltd.

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sharon White rocked around with her own Cooley On Show, adding 3.6 time penalties to move from 11th up to seventh place on 32.9. “Louie,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ricardo Z X Jogantina, by Grand d’Espagne), is another horse in the field using The Fork as a final prep run for Kentucky.

Dressage leader Marilyn Little stuck with her plan to focus on rideability and control with RF Scandalous, a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars. “Kitty” added 8.8 time penalties to slip to eighth place on 33.0 in her final prep run for Kentucky.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL X Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, jumped clear with 4.0 time penalties to move from 12th up to ninth on 33.4.

Lisa Marie Fergusson leads the way for Canada after cross country with her own Honor Me. “Tali,” a 12-year-old Welsh Sport Horse (Brynarian Brenin X Dream Contessa), sped around just 2 seconds over the optimum time to move from 23rd up to 10th place on 35.5.

Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality, a duo renowned for their speed across the country, delivered the fastest rounds of the day — 5 seconds inside the time — to move from 27th up to 13th place on 36.9.

Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Steady rain overnight made for good going today on cross country, with the riders agreeing the footing was perhaps still a tiny bit firm but significantly improved thanks to the rainfall.

Capt. Mark Phillips’ CIC3* course rode very smoothly overall, with only four pairs having jumping penalties to give us an 89% clear jumping rate.

The corner combination at fence 11b and 12 caused the most trouble. Sara Kozumplik Murphy retired Rubens D’Ysieux after two refusals at the corner at fence 11b. Jessica Phoenix retired Bentley’s Best after two refusals at the corner at fence 12.

Colleen Rutledge made the optimum time with Covert Rights but was assessed 50 penalties for missing the flag at the corner at fence 12. She lodged an official inquiry with the ground jury to appeal the penalties, but her inquiry was not successful.

Sam Elsenaar and Banbury Sky were the only pair eliminated on course following three refusals at fence 5b, a triple brush.

Click here to relive all the cross country action in EN’s live updates. Click here for the fence report courtesy of Rechenstelle, the official scoring system of the World Equestrian Games.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping finale, Z has only had one rail down in his 11 runs at this levels. Click here to read about the other strong show jumping combinations in the field.

The final horse inspection for the CIC3* is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. EST tomorrow. Click here for the order for the final inspection. Show jumping will start at 11:15 a.m. EST and will be shown on the live stream at this link.

Stay tuned for much more from The Fork! Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Final Inspection Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event Live Cross Country Updates

By on Apr 7, 2018 9:44 am -

Fence 6 – Lucky Clay’s Water. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Good morning from Tryon International Equestrian Center! We are counting down to the start of CIC3* cross country at 10:45 a.m. EST here at the The Fork Horse Trials and World Equestrian Games Test Event.

Cross country will not be live streamed, but EN will be running live updates. Keep refreshing this page for the most up-to-date information. Live scoring can be viewed here.

Click here for a fence-by-fence preview of Capt. Mark Phillips’ course. The optimum time is 6 minutes, 16 seconds. Every single pair jumped clear cross country rounds at The Fork CIC3* last year, but only two pairs made the optimum time.

Click here for the cross country starting order. Rain has been falling since last night here in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The current weather forecast is predicting steady rain throughout the day. EN wishes safe cross country trips to all! Go Eventing.

10:55: Clear with 8.8 time penalties for Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound, our pathfinders on course.

11: Clear with 3.6 time for Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, his first of three rides.

11:04: Clear with 4.0 time for Doug Payne and Getaway.

11:06: What a horse! Sir Patico MH slipped jumping up the bank at 6C and was so genuine to go on to jump the corner at 7. Well sat for Cornelia Dorr!

11:10: Clear with 4.0 time penalties for Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z.

11:13: Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH are home clear with 4.4 time.

11:17: Clear with 4.8 time for Johnny Royale and Joe Meyer.

11:22: Katherine Coleman and Longwood are the first pair to make the time! 1 second inside — that will move them well up the leaderboard.

11:25: Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes are home clear with 12.8 time penalties.

11:28: Clear with 10.4 time penalties for Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus.

11:32: Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Wundermaske jump clear with 21.2 time penalties.

11:35: Rachel McDonough and 19-year-old Irish Rhythm are clear with 8.8 time penalties.

11:39: Sharon White and Cooley On Show are home clear with 3.6 time penalties — definitely one of the faster rounds of the day.

11:42: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are home clear with 0.8 time penalties — the second fastest so far!

11:43: Lynn Symansky opts to take the left-hand route to the duck in the water with 3* first-timer RF Cool Play.

11:48: Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play are home clear with 4.8 time penalties.

11:50: Clear with 9.2 time penalties for Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude.

11:55: Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato jump clear with 3.2 time penalties.

11:59: Overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous are home clear with 8.8 time penalties to slip down the leaderboard. Jordan and Capato are now the pair to beat.

12:03: Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are clear with 12.0 time penalties.

12:07: Clear with 3.2 time penalties for Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn.

12:13: Autumn Schweiss and Oakport Strauss complete clear with 5.6 time penalties.

12:14: Kim Severson opts for the left-hand route over the duck at the water with Cooley Cross Border.

12:20: Clear with 7.6 time penalties for Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border.

12:21: Five pairs left to go can take over the lead if they are fast enough on the clock! Jordan Linstedt is still leading provisionally.

12:23: Hallie Coon and Celien are home clear with 5.2 time penalties.

12:28: Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality are the second pair to make the time — 5 seconds inside and the fastest of the day!

12:32: Clear with 10.0 time penalties for Ashley Kehoe and Kiltealy Toss Up.

12:35: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg are home clear with 6.0 time penalties.

12:40: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights have been marked as missing a flag at the corner at fence 12, but she made the time. We will see if the 50 penalties stand — if they are removed she would be the new provisional leader.

12:44: Clear with 4.4 time penalties for Andrew Hoy and Basmati in the horse’s 3* debut.

12:49: Daniela Mougel and Cecelia are home clear with 10.0 time penalties.

12:52: Sam Elsenaar has retired Banbury Sky after two stops at 5b.

12:53: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan are home clear.

12:56: Sara Kozumplik Murphy has retired Rubens D’Ysieux after a runout at the corner at fence 12.

1:05: Clear with 10.0 time penalties for Cornelia Dorr and Louis M.

1:08: Clear with just 0.8 time penalties for Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.

1:12: Jessica Phoenix has retired Bentley’s Best after two refusals at the corner at 11B.

1:14: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges are clear with 7.6 time.

1:17: Phillip Dutton and Z jump clear with 0.4 time penalties to take the lead at the conclusion of cross country!

1:45: EN has confirmed that Colleen Rutledge is protesting her 50 jumping penalties for missing a flag at fence 12. If her protest is successful, she will move into second place.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Drawn Order Goes Live for Land Rover Kentucky CCI4*

By on Apr 7, 2018 8:11 am -

Oliver Townend and Cooley SRS have been drawn first to go. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The drawn order for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event has been released! Oliver Townend and CCI4* first-timer Cooley SRS has been drawn as the first to go of the 58 starters.

Three-time defending winners Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST are #15 and will go early on Thursday for the first day of dressage.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo are #58 and will be the final combination to go on the second day of dressage, as well as the last pair out on Derek di Grazia’s cross country course.

With 18 days to go until the first horse inspection on Wednesday, April 25, we already have several notable withdrawals. William Fox-Pitt has withdrawn Fernhill Pimms. Kurt Martin has withdrawn DeLux Z. Katie Ruppel has also withdrawn Houdini.

The current number of 58 starters includes six combinations that are also cross-entered for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica; Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn; Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly; and Oliver Townend with all three of his horses, Cooley SRS, Cooley Master Class, and MHS King Joules.

If Oliver elects to run Cooley SRS at Badminton instead, Buck Davidson and Park Trader will be our pathfinders in the #1 position.

Click here to view the full drawn order for Kentucky. Go Eventing.

Defending Winners Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Hold Lead at The Fork CIC3*

By on Apr 6, 2018 2:34 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous held their CIC3* dressage lead from the first day at The Fork Horse Trials/World Equestrian Games Test Event, topping the leaderboard on a personal best score of 24.2 as we look ahead to tomorrow’s cross country here at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

“Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars, is the defending winner of The Fork CIC3*, but Marilyn said she is unsure if she will put the pedal down on Capt. Mark Phillips’ course tomorrow.

“There are so many fly fences. I’m sure plenty will make the time, and I’m just not sure this is the event to push her,” Marilyn said. “We’ve been working on rideability and control, and it will be easier for them to just get going out there. … She’s been pretty calm, so it’s nice to see that she’s changed a lot in a year. We’ll see how she feels in the warm-up.”

When she’s not riding Kitty, Marilyn is sporting a walking boot and riding around on her scooter, affectionately named “Wanda,” here at The Fork. She is still nursing the foot injury she sustained at the Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* last fall, as doctors ultimately discovered more soft tissue damage in January. She has elected to forgo surgery for now to stay on track with her plan to compete at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and ultimately aim for a spot on the U.S. WEG team.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who set a record dressage score of 20.8 at Carolina International Horse Trials two weeks ago, were trending to go ahead of Marilyn’s leading score through much of the canter work in their test today. Bobbles in the flying changes resulted in a final score of 24.5 for second place.

“He was really good in his rhythm and in his frame for the most part,” Kim said. “I missed both my flying changes, which has just been quite a thing with me and him. We still have little things to fix like everybody.”

Kim and “Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate,” were leading the CIC3* at Carolina following show jumping, but an unfortunate fall in the water ended their bid to win. Kim said she has schooled water twice since then, and Cross has felt confident and game on for the task at hand tomorrow.

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sit in third place after dressage on a personal best score of 26.4.

“We’ve been trying to get him reaching in his neck and not being tight in his neck,” Phillip said. “You have to be patient in the warm-up because he doesn’t give you the greatest feeling in the beginning. A lot of times in the past I’ve reacted to that and tried to fix him too quickly. A long warm-up is quite good for him because over time he just loosens up anyway.”

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Jordan Linstedt and Barbara Linstedt’s Revitavet Capato, a 15-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Annabelle, by Amoroso), sit in fourth place on 26.7.

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix leads the way for Canada with both of her rides in the top 10. Bentley’s Best, an 11-year-old Trakehner (Hirtentanz 2 X Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, by Eichendorff) owned by the Bentley’s Best Group, sits fifth on 26.9. Don Good’s Pavarotti, a 16-year-old Westphalian (Pavarotti Van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland), is sixth on 27.2.

Phillip Dutton has all three of his rides in the top 10. The Z Partnership’s Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), scored a personal best of 27.6 to sit seventh in preparation for his CCI4* debut at Kentucky. Fernhill Cubalawn, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, sits 10th on 28.3.

As for whether Phillip thinks it’s an advantage to compete in the same arena that will host dressage for eventing at the WEG come September: “That’s one of the reasons I sent my entry in.”

Looking to the rest of the top 10, Cornelia Dorr and her own Louis M, a 13-year-old Rheinlander (Lissabon 29 X Angelique M, by Abanos), scored 28.0 to sit in eighth place.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux, a 13-year-old Selle Francais (Balougran X Davidoff Silver Shadow, by Mr Blue) owned by the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate, scored 28.2 for ninth place.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We have two members of the WEG ground jury presiding over the CIC3* at the test event in Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA). On the first day of dressage, the ground jury marked 1.99 points below the expected average scores at the level for these combinations. On the second day, the ground jury marked 1.65 below the expected average scores.

As the official WEG Test Event, the CIC3* here at The Fork is taking place in the long format with two horse inspections. Following two days of dressage, cross country will take place tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. EST. The final horse inspection for the CIC3* is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. EST Sunday, with show jumping at 11 a.m. EST. Sunday’s show jumping will be shown on the live stream at this link.

Cross country will not be shown on the live stream, but EN will be running live updates. Click here to preview the CIC3* course. Looking to tomorrow’s forecast for cross country, rain is currently predicted to begin overnight tonight and continue steadily through the day. As a result, the grounds crew has held off on watering the footing on the course, which is currently walking a bit firm.

Scroll down for a full gallery from the second day of CIC3* dressage. Stay tuned for a full recap of today’s dressage action across other divisions. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from The Fork so far.

We have much more to bring you from the WEG Test Event, including an update on how construction is progressing at Tryon as we count down to the big dance in September. Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Order of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

The Fork CIC3* + WEG Test Event Cross Country Course Preview

By on Apr 6, 2018 9:35 am -

Fence 13ABC – Fairway Offsets. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

One year after Tryon International Equestrian Center unveiled their new cross country course built on the former White Oak golf course, we were eager to take a look at further changes and developments made for The Fork Horse Trials this year. With the CIC3* serving as the test event for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, we were especially interested at progress made on the footing.

Capt. Mark Phillips’ CIC3* cross country course is very similar to the track used for The Fork last year. While several combinations have changed, the course follows the same path. (Click here to view photos of the 2017 course.) Very few hints are offered as to what we might be able to expect on his WEG course come September.

We did get a sneak peek at a new water complex that is being built for WEG, as well as the lengthy uphill climb that will punctuate the end of the course with a serious fitness test. Following the uphill pull, the WEG cross country course will end in the new main stadium, which has not yet been built.

A new water complex being built for WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As for the CIC3*/WEG Test Event this weekend, the course contains 25 numbered obstacles with an optimum time of 6 minutes, 16 seconds. Last year’s CIC3* course at The Fork did not cause a single jumping penalty or elimination on cross country, with all pairs jumping clear rounds. Instead, time proved to be the key factor, with only two of 17 pairs (12% of the field) making the optimum time.

However, the course is also very similar to the track used at last year’s American Eventing Championships, which firmly shook up the leaderboard. Case in point: Marilyn Little, who leads the CIC3* after the first day of dressage, won The Fork wire-to-wire with RF Scandalous last year, but then fell at the American Eventing Championships.

Last year heavy rains made for muddy going on parts of the course. This year creates a stark juxtaposition. While Mill Spring, North Carolina has seen heavy rains over much of the winter, the last two weeks have seen little precipitation, with strong winds drying the course to create much firmer footing.

Stay tuned for a full report on Tryon’s turf management plan as we count down to WEG. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event. Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Friday Dressage Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Karen O’Connor & Capt. Mark Phillips Announced as Newest USEA Hall of Fame Inductees

By on Apr 5, 2018 6:11 pm -

Left: Karen O’Connor Biko competing at the 1995 European Championships. Brant Gamma Photo. Right: Mark Phillips riding Maid Marion at Ledyard in 1973. Rick Foltz Photo.

Two more USEA Hall of Fame inductees were announced this afternoon at The Fork at Tryon. Congratulations to Karen O’Connor and Capt. Mark Phillips!

Karen O’Connor competed in five Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and two Pan American Game during her storied eventing career. She won four team medals: silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, bronze at the 1998 Rome World Championships, bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and gold at the 2007 Rio Pan American Games.

Karen also won individual gold with Theodore O’Connor at the 2007 Pan Ams, as well as individual silver at the 2003 Pan Ams with Joker’s Wild. Click here to read the full list of her many achievements in the USEA’s announcement.

Capt. Mark Phillips won team gold medal for Great Britain at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and also rode on the gold medal winning British teams for the World Championships in 1970 and European Championships in 1971.  He won Badminton four times in 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1981, as well as Burghley in 1973.

He designed the Burghley CCI4* cross country course from 1989-1996, 1998-2000, and 2005-present, and also designed the Luhmühlen CCI4* course for 12 years. He is also the course designer for the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon.

He served as Chef d’equipe for the U.S. Eventing Team for nearly 20 years. Click here to read the full list of his many achievements in the USEA’s announcement.

Tim and Nina Gardner and Out And About have already been announced as two of the new Hall of Fame inductees. Six total inductees will officially join the USEA Hall of Fame at the 2018 Induction Ceremony, which will be held in December during the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Day 1 at Tryon: Marilyn Little Leads The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event

By on Apr 5, 2018 1:14 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous lead The Fork CIC3*/World Equestrian Games Test Event at Tryon International Equestrian Center on 24.2 following the first day of dressage here in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Their score of 24.2 (which translates to 36.3 under the old scoring) is a personal best for this pair at three-star level.

“Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario), owned by Jacqueline Mars and Phoebe and Michael Manders, is the defending winner of The Fork CIC3* and also coming off a win in the CIC3* at Red Hills last month.

The Fork is serving as the mare’s final prep run before going on to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, formerly known as “Rolex.” Marilyn said she was extremely pleased with their performance in the George Morris Arena today, citing the canter work and flying changes as highlights.

“I was really thrilled with how she was today given that she’s incredibly fit right now,” Marilyn said. “My plan was to get her as fit as I could by this time and then be able to back off with her a little in April to be able to fine-tune some things before Rolex. She is coming into the event right where I would like her to be by the last week of this month.”

We have two members of the 2018 World Equestrian Games ground jury presiding over the CIC3* at the test event in Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA). The third member of the WEG ground jury, Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), will be joining them come the real deal in September.

“Everyone has been very sensitive to the fact that the next time the horses come into the ring will be for the Worlds,” Marilyn said. “You saw that reflected in the amount of time they gave us around the arena before they started the tests. I thought that was very kind and let the horses truly settle.”

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, delivered a personal best of 26.4 (39.6 under the former scoring) to sit in second place on 26.4. “Jackson” is aiming for a return trip to Kentucky CCI4*, where he finished 10th in his debut at the level last year.

Jordan Linstedt and Barbara Linstedt’s Revitavet Capato, a 15-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Annabelle, by Amoroso) also bound for Kentucky, sit third on 26.7 (40.1 under former scoring and a personal best at the level).

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix leads the way for Canada in fourth place on 27.2 (40.8 under former scoring) with Don Good’s Pavarotti, a 16-year-old Westphalian (Pavarotti Van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland).

Phillip Dutton has his second ride sitting inside the top five in Fernhill Cubalawn, who scored 28.2 in his highly anticipated return to the level. “Cuba,” a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, was meant to be Phillip’s Olympic mount for Rio before being sidelined by injury.

The cheeky little gelding is now poised to return to the CCI4* level at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials next month thanks to a Land Rover/USEF competition grant. (Speaking of Badminton, it would be grand if Mother Nature could stop dumping buckets of water on the UK.)

In looking to overall scoring for the first day of dressage in the CIC3*, the ground jury marked -1.99 points below the average expected scores at the level for these combinations. Click here to view full scores for the CIC3*.

There are 37 total pairs competing in The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event. We saw 19 pairs in dressage on the first day, and the remaining 18 will go tomorrow starting at 10 a.m. EST/3 p.m. BST. Click here for details on how to watch the live stream.

Note: There has been some confusion about the start time for the CIC3* on Friday. Rechenstelle is the official scoring system for the WEG and is also running scoring for the test event this weekend. All correct times and scores for the CIC3* can be found on Rechenstelle here. Click here for Friday the order of go.

Stay tuned for EN’s full preview of Capt. Mark Phillips’ CIC3* cross country course, which is very similar to the track we saw last year at this event.

Scroll down for a full photo gallery from today’s CIC3* dressage courtesy of the one and only Leslie Threlkeld. Advanced dressage is underway now, so be sure to check back later in the day for much more from The Fork. Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

How to Watch The Fork CIC3* + WEG Test Event Live Stream

By on Apr 5, 2018 7:56 am -

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Hello from Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina! All the action in The Fork CIC3*, which is also serving as the eventing test event for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, kicks off today.

Tryon is live streaming both days of CIC3* dressage on Thursday and Friday, as well as Sunday’s show jumping. Installation of cables on the cross country course is not yet complete, so cross country will not stream live on Saturday.

Broadcast times and links to the live streams:

Thursday dressage: 9 a.m.-noon EST (2-5 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Friday dressage: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. EST (3-6 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Sunday show jumping: 11:15 a.m. EST (4:15 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Stay tuned for EN’s wall-to-wall coverage from Tryon. Go Eventing!

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage OrderLive Scores, EN’s Coverage

Maya Black Raising Funds to Keep Top Prospect FE Black Ice

By on Apr 3, 2018 12:25 pm -

Maya Black and FE Black Ice at Red Hills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Since returning to the East Coast over the winter season and starting a new business venture with Brian and Sara Kozumplik Murphy, Maya Black has also begun the daunting task of building her own string of horses with a goal to represent the U.S. on the world stage.

It is no secret that aspiring team riders need multiple horses to compete. For a young professional like Maya, the question of how to acquire and ultimately fund such a string is one without an easy answer.

Maya produced Doesn’t Play Fair from Novice to CCI4* level, which culminated in finishing third at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2016 and being named the alternate for the U.S. Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro. An injury ultimately forced his withdrawal from Rio, and Doesn’t Play Fair returned to Washington state with his owners at the end of 2016.

Since then, Maya has worked diligently to produce another horse to the highest level of the sport. She has successfully brought her off-track Thoroughbred Mowgli from Novice to CCI2* level over the past three years, and he is stepping up to compete in his first Advanced at The Fork at Tryon this coming weekend in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Maya Black and FE Black Ice at Red Hills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In looking for another horse to add to her program, Maya has found a perfect match in FE Black Ice. Now thanks to a creative fundraising strategy, Maya has the opportunity to call FE Black Ice her own and have two upper-level horses for the first time in her career.

Maya first met “Nigel,” an 8-year-old German Sporthorse (Stakkato’s Highlight X Co-Co, by Compliment), at the Murphys’ winter base, Mardanza Farms in Micanopy, Florida, where Caroline Merison had sent the horse to be sold.

“Part of my deal with Sara and Brian was to ride the sales horses, so I started riding Nigel in November,” Maya said. “I was riding him with the intention that he was for sale. I know not to let myself get very attached to the sales horses. I enjoyed riding him, but I never really thought he would be a horse for myself.”

Maya and Nigel’s partnership quickly blossomed. She took him to his first Intermediate at Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials in January, where he added one rail to his dressage score to finish second. At Ocala Winter I Horse Trials in February, Maya and Nigel added only cross country time penalties to finish sixth in his second Intermediate.

After she then took him to his first CIC2* at Red Hills International Horse Trials, where Nigel again added only time penalties on cross country to finish 10th in a competitive field, Maya started to wonder if it might be possible to keep him for herself.

Caroline Merison has kindly agreed to give Maya the time to raise the funds required to purchase Nigel, who will officially stay in her program.

“Over the last month we’ve been thinking maybe we could make it work out. I’ve been getting more and more excited about it and the possibility of having another horse. Nigel is the same age as Mowgli and technically more green, but they could not be more different horses,” Maya said.

“Nigel is extremely laidback and very workmanlike over the fences. He’s probably the easiest horse I’ve ever jumped because he has a longer neck and I’m tall. It’s amazing how much easier I find him to jump than Mowgli, who is a bit more short-coupled and a spitfire. It’s exciting to think about having two horses to jump around top tracks.”

In addition to offering ownership shares through the Black Ice Group, Maya has also set up a PayPal link to allow anyone interested in helping her to make a donation directly towards the purchase of the horse.

“Trying to raise the money to buy this horse is really out of my comfort zone,” Maya said, “but Sara encouraged me that I just need to do it because I need another horse.”

Maya Black and FE Black Ice at Red Hills.

Sara said Jonty Evans’ successful crowdfunding campaign to secure ownership of his Olympic mount Cooley Rorkes Drift inspired her to encourage Maya to do the same.

“Maya has built a well deserved reputation for herself. We’ve got to put a priority on having riders like her well mounted,” Sara said. “We don’t have to be millionaires to be owners of event horses. We can all come together and give to help each other out. All of us can give a little bit.”

While there are many characteristics that define the eventing family, our ability to band together in support of fellow riders is surely one of our strongest. Please consider donating through PayPal to help Maya raise the money she needs to purchase Nigel.

If you are interested in purchasing a larger ownership share in the Black Ice Group, please contact Maya at 360-320-9540 or [email protected] for more information.

There is an exciting summer on offer to anyone who joins in the journey to help Maya raise the funds to purchase Nigel. She is aiming him for the CCI2* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in May, with an aim to move up to Advanced in the autumn.

Best of luck, Maya and Nigel!

[Make a donation on PayPal]

20-Year-Old Shiraz ‘Retires’ to the Show Jumping Ring

By on Apr 3, 2018 8:53 am -

Colleen Rutledge and 20-year-old Shiraz jumping at Tryon last week. Photo by Brian Rutledge.

It has been nearly three years since Colleen Rutledge’s legendary four-star partner Shiraz completed the final horse trials of his storied career, finishing 14th at the 2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

A horse who thoroughly loves having a job, Shiraz retired sound and has remained in work ever since to keep him happy. Now 20-years-old, Shiraz recently returned to the show ring to jump the colored poles and prove that age is just a number.

John Michael “JM” Durr, whom Colleen recently started training with in show jumping, had the idea for Shiraz, better known as “Luke,” to return to jumping in a competitive atmosphere.

“JM has been helping me with Covert Rights, and he wants me show jumping at 1.30m height as much as possible,” Colleen said. “When he saw a video of Luke jumping at home, he suggested we start jumping him at shows.”

Luke officially returned to the show ring last month at the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational at Southern Cross Equestrian in Ocala, Florida, where he jumped in the $1,000 1.15m speed class.

“Luke thought it was the best day ever, so this is his retirement,” Colleen said. “He hates not having a job. He just switched from ‘we get to jump the big solid things’ to ‘now we get to jump the big colored things.’ He is loving it.”

Colleen took three horses to the Welcome Series at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina last week, including Luke. He jumped in two 1.20m Open Jumper classes, as well as the 1.30m Open Jumper Stake.

Watch below for a video of Luke in the 1.30m Open Jumper Stake courtesy of Brian Rutledge. Luke had one rail down in a time of 67.007 seconds to finish fifth. (Shout out to fellow eventer Doug Payne and Vandiver, who won the class.)

“He thinks that this is the time of his life, and the best part is he doesn’t have to do dressage anymore,” Colleen laughed. “You gotta love a horse that wants to do a job 110 percent.”

Luke’s stint in the jumper ring is now his third successful career. He completed six CCI4* competitions during his eventing career, and became the first horse in history to complete every CCI4* in the Northern Hemisphere, which he did without any cross country jumping penalties.

Bred in Florida, Luke (Gallapiat X Bold Blossom, by Fountain of Gold) also raced 15 times under the Jockey Club name Bold and Burley in his first career.

Go Thoroughbreds! Go Eventing.

Fab Freebie: Harwich Navy Halter By SmartPak

By on Apr 2, 2018 11:50 am -

Enter to win a Harwich Navy Halter By SmartPak!

There is a bit of magic in selecting a new halter for your horse. From the glint of the shiny nameplate to the smell of new leather, choosing the perfect halter is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations of horse owners.

SmartPak proudly produces their own line of tack and adds new pieces each year. This season they have added a navy leather option to the line of Harwich halters and bridles. Harwich halters are crafted from vegetable-tanned leather and feature a padded noseband and crown, rolled throat latch and raised design. The superb craftsmanship is reflected in the fine details and stainless steel hardware.

Details on the Harwich Navy Halter By SmartPak.

The Harwich Navy Halter retails for $99.95 and is available exclusively at SmartPak. We are excited to partner with SmartPak so one lucky EN reader can win a Harwich Navy Halter this week! Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries close at midnight EST Friday. Good luck! Go Eventing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let It Bee Collapses, Dies at Burnham Market International

By on Mar 30, 2018 3:05 pm -

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee at Aachen 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We are devastated to report that Let It Bee collapsed and died between fences on the Advanced cross country course today at Burnham Market International Horse Trials in Norfolk, England. British-based Canadian rider Kathryn Robinson was uninjured in the incident.

Musketeer Event Management released the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce that number 860, Let It Bee ridden and owned by Kathryn Robinson, died whilst competing in the Advanced class at approximately 5pm at Burnham Market International in Norfolk on 30th March 2018. Let It Bee, a 17-year-old gelding, collapsed between fences 13 and 14. No further details are available at present.”

Burnham Market was the first run of the 2018 season for Let It Bee, a 17-year-old Westphalian gelding (Lamerto H X Baroness, by Brentano II) owned by Kathryn, John, and Gayle Robinson. Kathryn had him entered to return to Badminton this spring for a third consecutive year.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bred in Germany by Hubert Brinkmann, Let It Bee came to Kathryn as a precocious youngster. She produced him from his very first BE100 in 2009 all the way through to the four-star level. He amassed 436 British Eventing points over nine seasons with Kathryn.

Kathryn and Let It Bee represented Canada multiple times on the world stage, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, and the London Olympics Test Event in 2011. They also represented Canada in the Nations Cup at Aachen CICO3* in 2015.

Their career highlight at four-star level came at Pau in 2014, when they finished in seventh place. Kathryn and Let It Bee also jumped double clear around their first Badminton in 2016. He completed 10 CCI competitions during his career.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Kathryn and Let It Bee enjoyed a strong season in 2017, finishing 12th in the CCI3* at Tattersalls, fifth at Millstreet CIC3*, and 12th in the Event Rider Masters CIC3* at Blenheim Palace. They were one of four combinations named to the 2018 Canadian Eventing High Performance National Squad.

Affectionately known as her “Black Limousine,” Kathryn adored the sleek, black gelding, and our hearts are absolutely broken for her. The EN team sends our deepest condolences to Kathryn, Gio, Sophie and the entire team at Cranford Stud Eventing during this terrible time.

Rest in peace, Bibbles.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Burnham Market CIC3* Course

By on Mar 30, 2018 9:00 am -

Fence 9 on Alec Lochore’s Burnham Market CIC3*/Advanced course, the Morgan Trusts & Tax Planning Olympic Diamond. Photo courtesy of CrossCountry App.

After numerous abandonments on the British Eventing calendar to start the 2018 season, we are finally underway with the first CIC3* of the UK season at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International, March 29-31 in Norfolk, England.

Many top horses aiming for Badminton are out running for the first time this season at Burnham Market, so it’s a key competition to watch. Tilly Berendt is on the grounds and will be bringing us coverage throughout the weekend, so say tuned for her reports.

In the meantime, take a virtual tour of Alec Lochore’s CIC3*/Advanced cross country thanks to our friends at CrossCountry App. View in full screen mode below to scroll through all the fences. Click here to view the photos on CrossCountry App’s website. Many thanks to Musketeer Events for recording the preview. Go Eventing!

Burnham Market Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scoring

US Equestrian Announces 2018 Spring Competition Grants

By on Mar 29, 2018 11:17 am -

Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 at Luhmühlen 2014. They received funding to return this year! Photo by Jenni Autry.

US Equestrian has just announced Land Rover/USEF eventing competition grants for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* and Luhmühlen CCI4* presented by DHL.

The following combinations have received funding for Badminton, May 2-6, in Gloucestershire, England:

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn, a 14-year-old Holsteiner owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, and Caroline Moran

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare

As the 2017 USEF National CCI3* Champion, Will Coleman won a round-trip flight to Europe and will take Four Star Eventing Group’s OBOS O’Reilly, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, to Badminton.

The following combinations have received funding for the Luhmühlen CCI4* presented by DHL, June 14-17, in Salzhausen, Germany:

Phillip Dutton with Revelation Group’s Fernhill Revelation, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Boyd Martin and the Shamwari 4 Syndicate LLC’s Shamwari 4, a 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding, received partial funding.

Funding for competition grants is only considered upon receipt of an application. Land Rover funding can be revoked at any time if a combination has a loss of current form and/or performance, or if veterinary concerns are found regarding a horse. Prior to departure, all horses will be evaluated for soundness by a USEF-approved veterinarian.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors and members.

[US Equestrian Announces 2018 Spring Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant Recipients]

2018 Land Rover Kentucky CCI4* Entries Go Live

By on Mar 29, 2018 9:59 am -

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hot off the presses! Entries for the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event have just gone live, and we have 60 total horse and rider combinations appearing on the list.

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST will return to defend their title and aim for a fourth consecutive win. The mare will have some serious challengers, both from the U.S. and across the pond. Australia has a serious shout in Burghley 2016 winners Chris Burton and Nobilis 18.

Great Britain has a strong contingent led by Oliver Townend with three entries in Cooley SRS, MHS King Joules and Cooley Master Class, as well as William Fox-Pitt with Fernhill Pimms.

Ireland’s Sam Watson is bringing Horseware Ardagh Highlight for the horse’s CCI4* debut. We also have a Polish entry in Pawel Spisak and his Rio Olympic mount Banderas.

Looking to heavy-hitters from the U.S., Phillip Dutton has two entries in I’m Sew Ready, who finished 10th last year, and Z for the horse’s CCI4* debut. Boyd Martin also has two entries in Steady Eddie, who placed 10th at Burghley last autumn, and CCI4* newcomer Tsetserleg.

Buck Davidson has three entries in Park Trader, Copper Beach and Carlevo. Lauren Kieffer also has three entries in Vermiculus, Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Veronica, who is also cross-entered for Badminton. Will Coleman has Tight Lines entered, as well as a cross-entry for Badminton with OBOS O’Reilly.

Canada has six entries in Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me, Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm, Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac, and Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges.

Here is who we’ll look forward to watching gallop across the bluegrass next month:





Click here to view the complete entry list. It’s that time of year, EN! Go Eventing.

[2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Entry List]