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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

USEF Releases 2018 Eventing Winter Training List

By on Nov 22, 2017 12:31 pm -

Lynn Symansky and Donner at Millbrook 2017. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hot off the press! The USEF has just released the 2018 Eventing Winter Training List.

The US Equestrian High Performance Program is designed to achieve Olympic qualification and medals in the current Games cycle, in addition to building a sustainable foundation for the success of future championships. The Eventing High Performance Program consists of the Elite, Development, and Emerging Athletes programs.

The Elite Program consists of athlete/horse combinations that have established themselves as having met the criteria, or demonstrated potential to meet the criteria required to be competitive at CCI3* and CCI4* events and championships.

2018 Elite Training List:

Matt Brown (Kennett Square, Pa.) and Super Socks BCF, Blossom Creek Foundation’s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Harbour Pilot, Jacqueline Mars’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Will Coleman (Charlottesville, Va.) and Tight Lines, The Conair Syndicate’s 10-year-old French Thoroughbred gelding

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, a nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Ann Jones, and Caroline Moran; Mighty Nice, HND Group’s 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding; Fernhill Cubalawn, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, and Caroline Moran; Fernhill Revelation, Revelation Group’s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding; and I’m Sew Ready, Kristine and John Norton’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Steady Eddie, Gretchen and George Wintersteen, Pierre Colin, and Denise Lahey’s 14-year-old New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred gelding, and Blackfoot Mystery, Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate LLC’s 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding

Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and Donner, The Donner Syndicate, LLC’s 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding

The two-tiered system for the Development Program introduced in 2017 will continue to be used in 2018. Tier 1 of the Development Program is designed to support experienced, international athletes who have horses that are on a trajectory to reach the Elite criteria in the next four years. Tier 1 also includes experienced international athletes who have horses that do not meet the Elite criteria, but remain in contention for selection for the next World or Olympic Games.

2018 Developing Tier 1 Training List:

Jennie Brannigan (Reddick, Fla.) and Stella Artois, a nine-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare she owns with Elsbeth Battel

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Under Suspection, Mary Ann Ghadban’s 13-year-old Holsteiner mare

Will Coleman (Charlottesville, Va.) and OBOS O’Reilly, Four Star Eventing Group’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Buck Davidson (Riegelsville, Pa.) and Copper Beach, Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, and Jak My Style, Kathleen Cuca and Justine Dutton’s 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding

Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp (Ocala, Fla.) and Deniro Z, The Deniro Syndicate’s nine-year-old KWPN gelding

Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Veronica, Team Rebecca, LLC’s 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare

Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and RF Scandalous, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Jacqueline Mars, Robin Parsky, and Phoebe and Michael Manders

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg, Christine Turner’s 10-year-old Trakehner gelding

Kurt Martin (Middleburg, Va.) and Delux Z, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding he owns with Caroljean Martin and William G Martin, Jr.

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Vandiver, a 13-year-old Trakehner gelding he owns with Jessica Payne and Debi Crowley

Kim Severson (Charlottesville, Va.) and Cooley Cross Border, The Cross Syndicate’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Erin Sylvester (Cochranville, Pa.) and Paddy The Caddy, Frank McEntee’s 10-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding

Sharon White (Summit Point, W.Va.) and her 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Cooley On Show

Tier 2 of the Development Program is designed for athletes who have not previously attained team selection or Elite criteria that are on a trajectory to achieve Elite status in this, or the next four-year period.

2018 Developing Tier 2 Training List:

Jordan Linstedt (Duvall, Wash.) and her 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Revitatvet Capato

Sara Kozumplik Murphy (Berryville, Va.) and Rubens D’Ysieux, the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate, LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding

Colleen Rutledge (Frederick, Md.) and her 11-year-old Thoroughbred Cross gelding, Covert Rights

Mackenna Shea (Temecula, Calif.) and her 15-year-old Bavarian Warmblood gelding, Landioso

Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Fleeceworks Royal, Judith McSwain’s eight-year-old Holsteiner mare

The Emerging Athlete Program introduced a new, two-tier system for 2018 that includes an accepted participants list as well as an auditing participants list for the E18 Program. The E25 participants will be announced early December.

Inclusion or exclusion on a Training List does not imply or preclude an athlete for selection for a Games and Championships. This list will be reviewed in June of 2018.

[US Equestrian Announces 2018 Eventing Winter Training Lists]

Product Review: Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots for Small Horses

By on Nov 22, 2017 11:23 am -

Big news! Majyk Equipe’s Color Elite XC Boots are now available in a smaller size for horses measuring between 14.3 hands and 15.2 hands. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Do you own a small event horse? While it seems there are a plethora of options available for event horses measuring 16 hands and up or ponies measuring 14.2 hands and below, somewhere along the way the small event horse slipped through the cracks.

Smaller horses need love too! That’s why we’re so excited to announce that Majyk Equipe is releasing a new size of the massively popular Color Elite XC Boots for smaller horses. These smaller boots are designed to fit horses measuring between 14.3 hands to 15.2 hands with medium to good bone.

The smaller size offers all of the same features of the Elite series. Majyk Equipe pioneered the concept of using a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outer shell to create superior leg protection. The fact that the Color Elite XC Boots come in five vibrant shades — Royal Purple, Atomic Orange, Azure Blue, Scarlett Red and Tiffany Turquoise — only sweetens the deal.

The beautiful, bright color palette of the boots catches your eye, but it’s the attention to detail and advanced design quality inside the boots that really sets them apart. Multiple layers of TPU used in manufacturing the boots creates unrivaled impact protection, starting with a rip-stop TPU layer on the water-repellent outer shell of the boots.

Veronica wearing Color Elite XC Boots in Atomic Orange. Thanks to the new size, your smaller event horse can rock the boots just like Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Majyk Equipe also added their “forever clean” breathable coating to the outer shell of the boots, which makes it easy to wipe away mud, dirt and other debris. I have personally tested multiple pairs of Majyk Equipe cross country boots this season, and they somehow seem to magically repel dirt and gunk. Forever clean, indeed!

Inside the boots, a four-way TPU shield flexes with the horse’s movement but also hardens on impact to create a protective barrier. Directly behind the TPU shield, 2 millimeters of a revolutionary material called ARTi-LAGE adds an additional protective layer. ARTi-LAGE is a soft foam in its normal state, but when struck the foam alters its molecular structure to harden, which deflects impact and disperses energy.

The hind boots feature a double layer of both the flexible TPU shield and ARTi-LAGE at the front of the boot to provide additional protection for the cannon bone. The interior bio-foam lining of the boots is also designed to resist heat build-up while still allowing air to circulate through the leg.

With so many protective layers packed into the boot, you might think that they would feel heavy and stiff, but they are no heavier than any other cross country boots I’ve tried, and I actually have found them to be more flexible than my previous go-to brand. I also love the sturdy Velcro straps on all of Majyk Equipe’s XC boots. The Velcro lines up perfectly when you put the boots on — it’s those little details that set them apart.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Blackfoot Mystery wearing Color Elite XC Boots in Azure Blue. The new small horse size offers the same great features for smaller event horses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Considering the slew of technological and safety features built into the Color Elite XC Boots, it’s no surprise that the top riders in the USA trust these boots. Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Hannah Sue Burnett and Lauren Kieffer use these boots religiously at home and at competitions.

The Color Elite XC Boots for Small Horses are officially being unveiled to the public on Black Friday at a retail price of $99.99 for the fronts and $115.99 for the hinds. Be sure to check back to Majyk Equipe’s website on Friday to order your own pair.

Majyk Equipe is also currently offering a special promotion through December 22: one free backpack with every pair of boots you buy. Click here to view Majyk Equipe’s full line of boots.

If you’ve been on the fence about ordering a pair of Color Elite XC Boots, now is the time to take advantage of holiday savings! Majyk Equipe will be running flash sales starting on Black Friday, so be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so you don’t miss any announcements.

FEI General Assembly: O’Connor Elected Eventing Committee Chair, 2018 Rules Approved

By on Nov 21, 2017 2:34 pm -

Scenes from today’s FEI General Assembly meeting in Uruguay. Photo via FEI.

The FEI General Assembly Meeting kicked into high gear today in Montevideo, Uruguay, with elections taking place for a variety of different positions, as well voting for 2018 rule change proposals.

Click here for a full rundown of the day’s proceedings on the FEI blog, and read on for key changes that impact eventing.

Elections

David O’Connor was elected Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee for a four-year term (2017-2021), defeating Alec Lochore in the election and replacing Giuseppe della Chiesa. Click here to read through David’s program.

Giuseppe Della Chiesa, who finished an eight-year term at the General Assembly, was appointed as an Honorary Bureau Member.

Eventing Rule Changes

The General Assembly approved the 2018 rule change modifications for eventing. Key changes include the approval of the new proposed competition structure for implementation in 2019. The new 1.05-meter level was approved and will be introduced in 2018 and called Introductory.

Starting in 2019, all of the current star levels will shift up and and be classified as Long or Short, as opposed to CCI or CIC. The current CCI4* events will be renamed CCI5* Major in 2019.

The new levels/categorizations are explained in this chart via the FEI:

“The new competition structure has adapted to the current global level of the sport, supporting the implementation of the Olympic strategy. It is also part of the continued effort to address risk management and the cost effectiveness of the discipline together with encouraging the development of the number of nations participating in eventing.”

The dressage coefficient will also be removed effective Jan. 1, 2018, “to address risk management issues through rebalancing the importance of cross country skills.”

This will change the method of calculating dressage scores in eventing. Previously, scores were calculated by taking the percentage score, subtracting from 100 and multiplying by a coefficient of 1.5, with the resulting figure rounded to one decimal digit. Starting Jan. 1, scores will no longer be multiplied by a coefficient of 1.5.

Removing the coefficient aligns with the FEI Eventing Committee’s vision to eventually transition to positive scoring in eventing. Two positive scoring proposals will be reviewed in 2018 for implementation at a later date.

Rule changes for arena eventing were also approved. Organizing committees can now apply to hold the competition through the FEI system, or the National Federation will be responsible for the enforcement of minimum compulsory requirements.

Click here to view the full list of proposed eventing rule changes for 2018. The new rulebook will be available at this link before the end of the year.

Other points of interest

Samorin Equestrian Centre in Slovakia decided not to sign the host agreement for the 2022 World Equestrian Games and subsequently withdrawn its bid. The FEI Bureau has decided to re-open the bidding process for the 2022 Games.

The Olympic Test Event is provisionally scheduled for Aug. 10-12, 2019, with dressage and show jumping at Baji Koen and cross country at Sea Forest.

The number of women on FEI committees in 2017 has increased to 33% from 32% in 2016 and 28% in 2015.

FEI courses for farriers and grooms are in the process of being organized across the world, including in Haiti, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Sport for All projects, which promote social integration for underprivileged youth through equestrian sports, are taking place in Cambodia, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovenia, Uruguay, Zambia and Tunisia.

Click here for a full summary of today’s meeting.

[FEI General Assembly Blog]

Who Jumped It Best: Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Edition

By on Nov 20, 2017 6:25 pm -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Edition! Put on your George Morris hat and take a look at these photos of horses and riders jumping in to the Clubhouse Water at fence 20B on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course.

Vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture. Go Eventing!

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, David’s Videos, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alexis Helffrich and London Town. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Natalia Neneman and Weisser Riese. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This One’s For the Girls: Burnett, Kieffer, Knowles Crowned Ocala Jockey Club Winners

By on Nov 19, 2017 10:24 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot prevailed on a tough day that saw just 45% of the field jump clear rounds on Mike Etherington-Smith’s CIC3* cross country at the $100,000 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event.

“William,” a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Cruising, blitzed around to add 0.8 time penalties and move up from third place after show jumping to take the win on a final score of 42.2. Hannah and William started and ended their international season with a CIC3* victory, as they also won at Red Hills in March.

“I was trying to stay really focused on the game and not think so much about trying to win. I wanted to do a good job, go quick, and work on some of the things I’ve been working on all summer and put it together today,” Hannah said.

“I’m always picking at little things (to improve), and I felt way more in a rhythm and let him run a bit. He got kind of strong, and I was OK with it rather than trying to fight him like I have been the last couple of years. We felt like a team again; it was really fun.”

Phillip Dutton made an impressive return to competing after breaking his collarbone in September, taking both second and third places in the CIC3*. The Z Partnership’s Z, a 9-year-old Zangersheide, jumped clear with 1.2 time penalties to move from fifth to finish second place on 46.3.

David Garrett’s Indian Mill, a 12-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, jumped one of the four clear cross country rounds inside the optimum time to move from equal eighth place to finish third on 48.4.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Z was phenomenal,” Phillip said. “Indian Mill hasn’t done this level since Aachen last year, so it was incredible to have him come out and do that” — especially considering he delivered the fastest round of the day, coming home 6 seconds inside the optimum time of 6 minutes, 12 seconds.

Phillip campaigned Indian Mill in 2016, and David’s daughter Holland competed him at the CIC1* level in 2017, finishing in the top 10 at both Pine Top and Fair Hill. Now Phillip has the ride back, though maybe not for long.

“Indian Mill is for sale if the right person wants to bid for the World Championships next year,” Phillip said. “Otherwise I’ll keep going with him and aim for a CCI4*.

Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini jumped clear with 5.6 time penalties to finish fourth on 49.7 and take the award for the highest placed Thoroughbred in the CIC3*. The Ocala Jockey Club allocated $25,000 of the $100,000 in prize money to honor the top Thoroughbreds in all three divisions, with $15,000 awarded in the CIC3*.

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by the GSC Syndicate, jumped clear with 1.6 time penalties to move from equal eighth up to round out the top five on a final score of 50.0.

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Theresa Foote’s Clip Clop also made the optimum time to move from 11th place up to finish sixth on their dressage score of 50.8 — the only pair to finish on their dressage score in the CIC3* field.

Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus capped their first international run back since the Kentucky CCI4* this spring with a solid clear round and 10.8 time penalties to finish seventh on 56.1.

Elisa Wallace and the Simply Priceless Syndicate’s Simply Priceless also ran for the first time at international level since their spring CCI4* at Badminton, jumping clear and inside the time to leap from equal 20th up to finish eighth on 60.5.

Overnight leaders Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night were one of 15 combinations to pick up jumping penalties at fence 9AB, a combination of two corners appropriately named Diablo’s Devil Corners. Liz and “Blackie” added 20 jumping and 7.6 time penalties to finish ninth on 61.6.

Erin Sylvester and Mettraise win EN’s Biggest Mover Award, rocketing up from 25th to finish 10th with a clear round inside the time to complete on a final score of 65.0. Click here to view full scores in the CIC3* from Ocala.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras Win CCI2* Wire-to-Wire

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras set the place from the start in the CCI2*, leading after dressage on 36.7, adding 0.4 time penalties on cross country, and jumping a clear show jumping round today to complete on 37.1 and seal the deal on a wire-to-wire victory.

“He’s a super horse, and he’s an amazing show jumper,” Lauren said. “He went in there and jumped great. He had a great weekend — he was calm and collected. It was a great way to end the season.”

The 9-year-old KWPN owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars has jumped clear show jumping rounds in eight of his last nine international runs (88.9%). Shout out to EquiRatings, the Official Statistics Providers of #OJC3DE, for providing data and analysis for the event.

 

Katherine Coleman and her own Monte Classico, an 8-year-old German Sport Horse, jumped clear and inside the time to move up one spot on the leaderboard and finish in second place on a final score of 40.2.

Jon Holling and the Two Doors Town Group’s Sportsfield Two Doors Down, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, finished third on 42.8, one of only five combinations in the CCI2* to finish on their dressage score. Click here for full scores from the CCI2*.

Allie Knowles and Business Class. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie Knowles and Business Class Take CCI1*

Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class jumped a clear round inside the time to hold their overnight lead in the CCI1* and take the win on 40.2. She has fought hard to come back from severe injuries sustained at Red Hills in March and said the win today is an amazing way to end what has been a tough season.

“In some ways it’s been the best year of my career and life yet, and in some ways its been the worst,” Allie said. “Either way, I learned a lot, and I feel like it all came together in the last month between the last trip (to Pau) and this weekend. It made all the hard work coming back from this injury well worth it.”

“Oso,” a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse, came out fresh and with plenty left in the tank to jump a beautiful clear round over Chris Barnard’s tough show jumping track. Five of the combinations sitting inside the top 10 after cross country had rails. Only 29 of the 74 combinations (39.1% of the field) jumped clear rounds inside the time.

“He’s just a cool customer, and I think he’s quite easy on himself,” Allie said. “He doesn’t try any harder than he needs to, but when it counts, he puts in the effort.”

Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s QC First Class jumped clear to move from sixth up to finish second on 43.0 and win the 6-year-old CCI1* title in the Oldenburg gelding’s debut at the level.

Stephanie Cauffman and her 6-year-old Chatsworth Third Revolution jumped clear to move from seventh up to finish in third place on their dressage score of 43.1. Click here to view full scores in the CCI1*.

Please join EN in sending a massive thank you to the Ocala Jockey Club for providing $100,000 in prize money for this event. The CIC3* alone saw $45,000 awarded to the top 10, with first place receiving a cool $27,000.

This event checks all the boxes. From fabulous footing and course design to top notch hospitality and amenities, not to mention the incredible team behind the event, the million dollar view of the sunset from the OCJ Clubhouse is the icing on the cake.

Thank you to the venue owners Erik and Pavla Nygaard for sharing your slice of heaven with the eventing community; organizer Shelley Page and co-organizer Max Corcoran for running a super event; and all of the officials and volunteers working hard behind the scenes. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

 

Controversy in Adelaide: Was Stuart Tinney Clear?

By on Nov 19, 2017 1:16 pm -

Controversy has been swirling around the ground jury’s decision at Adelaide to remove Stuart Tinney’s 50 jumping penalties on cross country. He went on to jump a clear show jumping round with War Hawk and finish in third place in the CCI4*.

If you’re just tuning in to the debate, watch this video:

Stuart was initially given 50 jumping penalties under FEI rule 549.2 for missing a flag, which was introduced as a new rule for the 2017 season.

The rule states:

A Horse is considered to have run out if, having been presented at an element or obstacle on the course, it avoids it in such a way that either the head, neck or either shoulder of the Horse fail to pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as flagged. In case the Horse has clearly attempted to jump the element or obstacle and may have missed a flag, the athlete can choose:

a) To represent (accepting automatically 20 penalties) , or
b) To continue on course incurring 50 penalties (no elimination) in case the
element or obstacle was not correctly cleared.

A Horse will be considered to have cleared the fence when head, neck and both shoulders of the Horse pass between the extremities of the element or obstacles as flagged.

With were-they-inside-the-flag-or-not uncertainty also surrounding Megan Jones with Kirby Park Impress and Hazel Shannon with WillingaPark Clifford, the ground jury of Christian Landolt (SUI), Sue Baxter (GBR) and Gretchen Butts (USA) reviewed video footage at the conclusion of cross country.

The 50 penalties were originally upheld for Kirby Park Impress and WillingaPark Clifford, but removed for Stuart Tinney and War Hawk. The ground jury based their decision to remove the penalties on this photo:

Cue pandemonium and outrage. The Sunday morning of show jumping saw a group of riders approach the ground jury to ask them to re-consider their decision. Hazel was represented by lawyer Kathryn Howard during an appeal that took place in the media center.

The ground jury poured over video footage and photos and were still deliberating 1 1/2 hours before CCI4* show jumping was set to begin. Finally they made their decision: Megan’s penalties would be removed, while Hazel’s would remain. They upheld their original decision that Stuart should not receive 50 penalties.

The ground explained their decision to rider rep Megan Jones, who ultimately agreed with their conclusion. You can watch Megan’s full explanation below.

Megan clarifies several key facts. First, Stuart never lodged a protest or appeal. The ground jury gave him 50 penalties and then decided of their own volition to remove the penalties.

“They discovered the horse did actually jump the fence as it’s stated in the rules: A horse will be considered to have cleared the fence when head and neck and both shoulders of the horse pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as flagged,” she explains. “The flag went between Stuart’s horse’s front legs, but his head, neck and shoulders were inside the flag.”

Whether Stuart’s horse actually jumped the fence is not the critical question in this case. Notice that the rule does not even state horses need to jump the fence to be considered clear; horses only need to “pass between the extremities of the element or obstacles as flagged.”

The rule also does not state that the flag has to remain in its original position when the horse’s head, neck and shoulders pass through the flag. The flag can be knocked sideways and away from the fence and the jumping effort can still be considered clear, as the ground jury decided in Adelaide.

Megan said it best: “People don’t understand the rule and how it’s written and how it’s interpreted. They clearly have to change this somehow.”

The FEI General Assembly is currently taking place in Uruguay, and it’s a safe bet that the 50-penalty rule will be discussed. Based on what happened at Adelaide, it seems it would be wise to amend the wording of the rule to provide further clarity as to what is and is not considered a clear jumping effort.

As for what we should ultimately take away from Adelaide, Megan offered her perspective: “The event is about the winner, Clarke Johnstone. The event is about Gill Rolton, who just did the most amazing job getting this event going. Her legacy will live on. Let’s be positive about this and put it to bed now. He’s clear. End of story.”

108 Horses Through to Show Jumping at Ocala Jockey Club

By on Nov 19, 2017 9:52 am -

Alyssa Phillips and Cooley Caviar. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A total of 108 horses will move on to show jumping at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event following this morning’s final inspection for the CCI2* and CCI1* here in Reddick, Florida.

The CCI1* horses presented first to the ground jury of Robert Stevenson (USA) and Jo Young (CAN). Three horses were sent to the holding box: Becky Holder’s mount Kieran, Ryan Wood’s mount Galway Blazer and Emma Vallner’s mount T Other Guy. Kieran and T Other Guy were accepted upon re-presentation. Ryan withdrew Galway Blazer from the holding box.

Two CCI1* horses were not presented for the inspection: Lauren Balcomb’s mount SL Belly and Carter McInnis’s mount Double Nine’s Domino.

All 33 CCI2* horses presented to the ground jury of Jane Hamlin (USA) and Peter Grey (CAN) were accepted. Rain started coming down just as the CCI2* inspection concluded, and conditions are starting to clear now as we count down to the start of show jumping.

CCI1* show jumping runs from 10 a.m.-1:10 p.m. EST, followed by CIC3* cross country at 1:30 p.m. EST. CCI2* show jumping will then wrap up the action at 3:30 p.m. EST.

If you are just tuning in to EN, you’re just in time for the finale of #OJC3DE! Click here to check out a fence-by-fence preview of Mike Etherington-Smith’s CIC3* course. CIC3* cross country and CCI2* show jumping will stream live on EQSportsNet.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Cross Country Course Preview

By on Nov 19, 2017 8:48 am -

Good morning from the final day of the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event! We are counting down to the start of CIC3* cross country at 1:30 p.m. EST. While we wait, take a virtual tour of Mike Etherington-Smith’s track courtesy of Lauren DeLalla, who kindly snapped photos for EN.

Overnight leaders Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night have a 6.5-penalty cushion and can afford to be 16 seconds over the optimum time of 6 minutes, 12 seconds and still win. Hannah Sue Burnett is waiting in the wings with Cooley Dream in second and Harbour Pilot, who has already won a CIC3* this season, in third. Click here to catch up on yesterday’s show jumping action.

You can watch live on EQSportsNet with commentary from Ed Holloway and special guests, plus all the statistics and facts on the field’s cross country form courtesy of EquiRatings. Last year only two pairs made the optimum time in the inaugural running of the CIC3*. How many will catch it today?

We have had perfect sunny weather for the entire competition until today, with the skies opening up this morning. We could see slick footing due to the rain, which will hopefully move quickly through the area. CIC3* cross country is NOT running in reverse order. Click here to view ride times. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Kieffer & Knowles Lead CCI Divisions After Cross Country at Ocala Jockey Club

By on Nov 18, 2017 8:57 pm -

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras jumped clear and 1 second over the time on Clayton Fredericks’ CCI2* cross country course to hold the lead on 37.1 here at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event in Reddick, Florida.

The 9-year-old KWPN owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars may be back at the two-star level to re-qualify following multiple rider falls this season, but Lauren has the big picture in mind with this horse.

“At Red Hills I got jumped out of the tack. At Bramham he slipped behind on a turn. At Blenheim we were two fences from home and inside the time, and he made a green mistake and clipped a corner. He’s such a big, brave, strong, scopey horse, and I rode him this year to be competitive. There were little blips along the way that showed up. He’s going to be an incredible horse for sure.”

As an experienced horse at three-star level, Duras handled Clayton Fredericks’ CCI2* course with ease. “He’s done a lot of big tracks this year, so it was nice for him to do something so easy for him. It rode well,” Lauren said.

“I think the waters made a bit of the wrong shape jumping in, so you had to jump it as slow as you dared. With the more experienced horses you could trust them to jump off. He was super rideable and felt brave and handled it well.”

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico added 0.8 time penalties to slip to third place on 40.2, with Alyssa Phillips and Oskar passing them thanks to a clear round inside the time to move up to second place on 40.0.

Sixteen combinations in the CCI2* jumped clear rounds inside the time on cross country (41%). We saw three rider falls in the division, and we are relieved to report that none of the riders suffered major injuries. Click here to view full scores in the CCI2*.

Ashley Hays took a hard fall from Call It Courage when he hung a leg at 24C in the final water complex, and she was transported by ambulance for further examination. “A few years ago a fall would have seemed like the end of the world,” Ashley said. “Now, I get to load my sound horse up and get back to work.” That’s the spirit, Ashley!

Allie Knowles and Business Class. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Looking to the CCI1*, Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class took the lead on their dressage score of 40.2 with a clear round inside the time. Leslie Law, who led after dressage, parted ways with JKF Vogue at the keyhole at fence 18, which caused numerous problems throughout the day.

“I just happened to hear that Leslie fell off as I was going into the start box. I thought, ‘Don’t let that affect your ride knowing that now I have it to lose.’ That was the main thing — don’t get antsy about anything,” Allie said.

“I have a lot of confidence in him. I knew as long as I did my job he would definitely do his job. He was the fastest of my three. He took it all in stride. It all felt very easy for him.”

Business Class, better known as “Oso,” is a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse that has been with Allie since January. Buck Davidson and JP Sheffield spotted the horse, who Sophie Richards produced to the one-star level and piloted to a seventh place finish at Le Lion d’Angers last year.

Clark Montgomery and Summer Bay. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clark Montgomery and Leah Massa’s Summer Bay jumped clear and inside the time to move up to second place in the CCI1* on 41.4. Hannah Sue Burnett and Christa Schmidt’s Strattonstown Lewis moved up to third place on their dressage score of 41.8. Click here to view full scores in the CCI1*.

The CCI final horse inspection is at 7:30 a.m. EST tomorrow morning. CCI1* show jumping starts at 10 a.m. EST, followed by CIC3* cross country at 1:30 p.m. EST and CCI2* show jumping at 3:30 p.m. EST. CIC3* cross country and CCI2* show jumping will stream live on EQSportsNet. Go Eventing!

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Liz Halliday-Sharp Defends Her Lead in Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*

By on Nov 18, 2017 8:18 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night delivered under pressure at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event, jumping one of the seven clear show jumping rounds inside the time to defend their CIC3* lead and remain on their dressage score of 34.0 here in Reddick, Florida.

“He jumped really super and did everything he needed to do,” Liz said. “I thought I might have been on the cusp of having time faults because I was adding (strides) early on. I had to pick the pace up and get around my corners. I couldn’t have asked him to jump any better. He gave me everything.”

Now that Liz is based back in the States for the winter season, she has reunited with her show jumping coach Richard Picken. Liz and “Blackie,” a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Deborah Halliday, had their first lesson since Kentucky CCI4* with Richard on Monday to get tuned up for Ocala.

“He’s had me working hard on keeping my lower leg strong and sitting up a lot more in my position. I think that has helped the horse’s jump,” Liz said. “Richard is great because he doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. He pinpoints the areas that need work and keeps it simple enough that you can go execute it.”

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett jumped clear rounds on both Cooley Dream and Harbour Pilot to hold second and third places on 40.5 and 41.4, respectively.

Hannah and Cooley Dream, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Jacqueline Mars and Mary Ann Ghadban, have never had a rail down as a combination at international level, and they extended their clear streak to 13 in a row today. In contrast, show jumping tends to be the toughest phase for Harbour Pilot, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned and bred by Jacqueline Mars.

“I am trying to learn to fight for it a little bit more in the show jumping — especially on (Harbour Pilot) — and not just try to make it smooth, because he needs a little bit more help,” Hannah said. “I grew up doing hunters, so I’m used to trying to be really quiet and smooth. The goal for today was to fight for it, and it paid off.”

We saw seven clear rounds inside the time to give us a 22.6% clear rate, according to EquiRatings. Time penalties and rails proved costly, with 13 combinations accumulating time penalties on Chris Barnard’s course (41.9% of the field).

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini jumped clear with 1 time penalty to maintain their fourth place position after dressage on 44.1. Phillip Dutton rounds out the top five with the Z Partnership’s Z thanks to a clear round inside the time to remain on their dressage score of 45.1. Click here to view full scores.

Looking to other pairs who delivered clear rounds inside the time, Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III moved from 12th to seventh place on 46.7, Joe Meyer and Clip Clop jumped from 16th to 11th place on 50.8, and Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous leapt from 18th to 12th place on 51.3.

CIC3* cross country starts tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. EST and will be live streamed on EQSportsNet. Stay tuned for much more on all of the CCI2* and CCI1* cross country action from today. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night Fly to Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Lead

By on Nov 17, 2017 6:31 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night blew their three-star personal best out of the water today at the $100,000 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event, scoring 34.0 to top the leaderboard with a 6.5-penalty cushion at the conclusion of the first phase here in Reddick, Florida.

The score of 34.0 is the second best of his career for “Blackie,” a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Deborah Halliday, and the third best of Liz’s international career, according to EquiRatings. Liz and Blackie were the only pair to crack the 30s in the CIC3*, with Marilyn Payne and Mark Weissbecker presiding on the ground jury.

“I think it was one of the very best tests he’s ever done,” Liz said. “Especially in the heat, he can get pretty lazy, but he stayed with me and kept trying. I think he really enjoyed himself and had a good time, which meant that I enjoyed myself!”

This is Blackie’s first run back since Blenheim, where he finished sixth in the Event Rider Masters CIC3* section, adding only cross country time penalties to his dressage score. EquiRatings put him up as one to watch at the Ocala Jockey Club, and he looked fantastic today dancing in the brilliant autumn sunshine.

“We changed how we do things with him this year,” Liz said. “We found he ran great at Blenheim without having many runs. We try to keep him feeling as fresh as possible. He was the best he’s ever gone at Blenheim, so we’ve not run since then. I’ve just been (cross country) schooling him. Hopefully he’s going to be in the same fighting spirit he was at Blenheim.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s CIC3* show jumping, Liz said she is feeling confident. “He jumped really well at Blenheim. That was a couple months ago of course, but that was probably one of the toughest tracks we’ve jumped. He’s feeling great in his body and good in himself. That’s usually when he jumps a good round. It’s down to me giving him a good ride.”

Liz arrived 10 days ago in Ocala, where she will be based at Horsepower Equestrian for the winter season. She’s already added a new horse since then in 3-year-old Seattle Sangaree, who raced six times and retired from the track in June. Spoiler alert: He’s adorable!

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett has a stronghold on the next two spots on the leaderboard, sitting in second place with Cooley Dream on a three-star personal best score of 40.5 and third place with Harbour Pilot on 41.4.

With her usual coach David O’Connor away on FEI business, Hannah has been training with Karen O’Connor in the lead-up to Ocala. Cooley Dream, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Jacqueline Mars and Mary Ann Ghadban, tends to perform better at venues with atmosphere, and he perked up right away today as he entered the ring.

“He can be a bit quiet and enjoys more of a party atmosphere. I knew that all the flags and people would help me get more out of him in the ring,” she said. “Karen O’Connor helped me fix the test this last week with all three of (my horses). She always makes a really big difference. She’s really good with the details and makes me ride really accurately. That definitely showed up today.”

Hannah stepped Cooley Dream back to the two-star level this season after things did not go to plan at Carolina International CIC3* in the spring, and he is stepping back up to three-star level for the first time at the Ocala Jockey Club this weekend.

“This summer we took him to England and had a little bit of downtime,” Hannah said. “He feels better than ever. Every time I cross country school him he’s really forward. In the show jumping he is jumping through his body really well. I’m excited to see how he wants to run.”

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Harbour Pilot, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned and bred by Jacqueline Mars, produced a lovely test to sit just 0.9 penalties behind his stablemate in third place. A break in the extended trot cost them some marks, but “William” settled beautifully after to produce a competitive performance.

“He was more nervous than I anticipated. I went early so I didn’t ride him twice (this morning) and he got a little tense,” Hannah said. “I know him so well and I’ve gotten a lot of confidence in the last couple of years; when things start to get tense I can convince him that he wants to be quiet again, which is exciting.”

Hannah withdrew William from Blenheim after having three rails down in show jumping, and since coming home to the States she has been working with David O’Connor to develop a strategy to keep the colored poles in the cups.

“The show jumping is tough with him because he can be so strong,” Hannah said, “We’ve been working with different bits and different ways to make him softer in the bigger atmosphere.”

Ultimately Hannah said she returned home from England a better competitor after spending the summer there. “My goal was to practice competing and practice putting myself under pressure all the time with the best in the sport — and get comfortable with it. I think it’s hard for Americans. We’re given grants and given expectations to go over to events that we’ve never seen before and do better than we’ve ever done before. I think we as a country have to get used to that pressure all the time.

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

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini sit fourth on 43.1. Phillip Dutton has three rides in the top 10 in his first competition back since breaking his collarbone in September, with John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready sitting fifth on 43.4. Click here to view full scores.

Looking to how the CIC3* compared to the the expected averages for the field, scores trended -1.87 penalties lower than the marks we usually see for these horses and riders. The morning session trended -2.07 penalties lower than the expected averages, with the afternoon sessions trending -1.59 lower. Overall, 20 pairs scored below their expected average, with 11 scoring above. Shout out to EN stats wizard Maggie Deatrick for tracking expected averages throughout the season.

Female riders are dominating the three-star so far, holding the top four spots on the leaderboard, which is fitting considering today was Ladies Day at the event. Karen O’Connor, Jennie Brannigan and Bonnie Mosser all spoke during a special lunch, which focused on the unique challenges women face in equestrian sports.

If you’re just tuning in to EN, the CCI2* competitors went yesterday in dressage. Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras, owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars, lead on 36.7. Click here to read yesterday’s CCI2* report.

In the CCI1*, Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s JKF Vogue lead on 39.4, with Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class in second place on 40.20, and Clark Montgomery and Leah Massa’s Summer Bay in third on 41.4. You can view photos from the CCI1* in the photo gallery above from the one and only Shannon Brinkman.

We have a slight schedule change for tomorrow. The updated times are CCI1* cross country at 8:45 a.m.-12:38 p.m., CCI2* cross country at 1:05 -3:20 p.m. and CIC3* show jumping and 4-5:08 p.m. CCI2* cross country and CIC3* show jumping will be shown live on EQSportsNet.

Be sure to watch videos of all the action across both days of dressage on Thehorsepesterer’s YouTube channel. EQSportsNet is also posting videos on their Facebook page. Stay tuned for much more from #OJC3DE! Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Kieffer Tops CCI2* Leaderboard at Ocala Jockey Club; Burnett Leads CCI1*

By on Nov 16, 2017 5:42 pm -

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras top the CCI2* leaderboard at the conclusion of dressage in the 41-horse division here at the $100,000 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event in Reddick, Florida. Their score of 36.7 is a career personal best dressage score for the 9-year-old KWPN owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars, and the first time D.A. Duras has ever cracked the 30s at an international competition.

D.A. Duras has competed at the three-star level for the last two seasons, most recently spending the summer competing in England. While Lauren and D.A. Duras scored top-15 finishes in large CIC3* divisions at Barbury Castle and Hartpury, they parted ways at Bramham and Blenheim. Lauren elected to step him back to two-star level to get their mojo back.

“He had a really fluid test today. He’s been in a lot of atmosphere this year at big shows, so he’s gotten really good in the big ring,” Lauren said. “He’s had some ups and downs this year, but he’s also been impressive in a lot of places too. I think he’ll come out next year and be a better horse.”

Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Katherine Coleman and her own Monte Classico also delivered a personal best score of 39.4 to sit in second place in the CCI2*. That is the second time the 8-year-old German Sport Horse has scored in the 30s, the first being in his international debut with Bettina Hoy, who produced him to the one-star level before Katherine took on the ride. Well done to Katherine for channeling her inner German dressage queen!

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, an 8-year-old Holsteiner owned by Alyssa and Julie Phillips, round out the top three in the CCI2* on 40.0, their personal best score as a combination. Oskar is making his CCI2* debut here at the Ocala Jockey Club and coming off a second place finish in the CIC2* at Virginia last month.

Oskar has two one-star wins on his international record, having won the Ballindenisk CIC1* with Liz Halliday-Sharp, who produced him to the one-star level before Alyssa acquired the ride, and the Galway Downs CCI1* with Angela Bowles, Alyssa’s longtime trainer in Texas. Alyssa has just recently made the move to the East Coast, and we would like to send her a hearty EN welcome as she settles in.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Another rider we are over the moon to welcome to the East Coast is Maya Black! After spending the last year back home on Whidbey Island, she has officially made the move back east. Maya is competing here at the Ocala Jockey Club in her first competition back on the East Coast, currently sitting tied for 14th in the CCI2* with Mowgli on 48.3.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Strattonstown Lewis. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The first half of the mammoth 91-horse CCI1* division also went today in dressage, with Hannah Sue Burnett and Strattonstown Lewis scoring 41.8 as the penultimate pair to go to hold the overnight lead. The 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Christa Schmidt is making his FEI debut here at the Ocala Jockey Club.

Elisa Wallace and Steve and Vicki Sukup’s Riot Gear held the lead for much of the day in the CCI1* and ultimately sit second on 42.6 at the end of the day. The 8-year-old Oldenburg won the CIC1* at Richland Park over the summer and is one of many horses in this CCI1* field making his debut at the level this weekend.

Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s QC First Class, a 6-year-old Oldenburg and another CCI1* first-timer in this division, sit third on 43.0. The second half of CCI1* dressage starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. EST. Click here for ride times.

The CIC3* also gets underway tomorrow with dressage at 9 a.m. EST, and you can watch live on EQSportsNet with live commentary from Ed Holloway and statistics from EquiRatings.

We have a thrilling weekend ahead here at the Ocala Jockey Club. The farm is a training base for Thoroughbreds, and the venue owners Erik and Pavla Nygaard are renowned breeders and owners in Thoroughbred racing. (Case in point: They bred Battle of Midway, winner of the 2017 Breeders Cup Dirt Mile!)

It’s only appropriate that the event pays homage to Thoroughbreds! A total of $25,000 in prize money has been set aside for the top placing Thoroughbreds in each of the three FEI divisions. The Retired Racehorse Project will also host a showcase of Thoroughbreds available for sale in the main arena from 1-1:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30-1 p.m. Sunday. Click here to view the online catalogue.

Saturday is Hip, Handsome and Hoakey Hats Day at the event to pay tribute to horse racing’s tradition of wearing hats. There will be prizes for the top entries, so if you come out to the event on Saturday be sure to wear a hat and enjoy the sprawling Vendor Village, food trucks and world-class atmosphere at the Ocala Jockey Club

Sunday is family day at the event, with bouncy horse races, stick horse races and jump courses, musical chairs, arts and crafts, face painting, a mechanical horse and much more. Click here to read more about all of the special events planned this weekend at #OJC3DE.

Be sure to follow the OJC3DE Facebook page for updates and to view beautiful photos from official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography. Stay tuned for much more throughout the weekend, especially as the action kicks in to high gear tomorrow with the CIC3*. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Wednesday Sights & Sounds from the Ocala Jockey Club CCI

By on Nov 15, 2017 6:16 pm -

Rylee Gailey and Dukes Up having a lesson with Joe Meyer on a stunning afternoon at the Ocala Jockey Club. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hello from the second annual Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event! EN are delighted to return at Erik and Pavla Nygaard’s stunning Ocala Jockey Club Farm in Reddick, Florida to bring you all the action from the CIC3*, CCI2* and CCI1*.

The competition is officially underway following this afternoon’s CCI first horse inspection. All 41 CCI2* horses presented to the ground jury of Jane Hamlin (USA) and Peter Grey (CAN) were accepted.

The holding box grew quite crowded throughout the CCI1* inspection, with Robert Stevenson (USA) and Jo Young (CAN) ultimately accepting all but one horse, Karen Conk’s mount Time For Roses. A total of 92 horses move forward to dressage in the packed CCI1* division.

We saw a striking sunset silhouette the horses during the late afternoon ring familiarization. Fredericks Equestrian is once again sponsoring the Competitors’ Tent for the riders, and the grounds are abuzz with excitement as we prepare to kick off the action with dressage tomorrow.

Dressage starts at 9 a.m. EST tomorrow with the full CCI2* division going tomorrow, followed by the first half of the CCI1* division starting at 9 a.m. EST. CCI1* dressage continues on Friday at 9 a.m. EST, with CIC3* dressage also starting at 9 a.m. Friday. Click here to view ride times for all the divisions.

EQSportsNet will stream CIC3* dressage and the jumping phases for both the CCI2* and CCI1* on Saturday and Sunday. Sign-up for Silver Access for $9.99 per month to watch live and access on-demand footage. Click here to watch the live stream. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, Nov. 17 – CIC3* dressage starting at 9 a.m. EST
  • Saturday, Nov, 18th – CIC3* show jumping starting at 1:20 p.m. EST, followed by CCI2* cross country
  • Sunday, Nov. 19 – CIC3* cross country starting at 1:10 p.m. EST, followed by CCI2* show jumping

Stay tuned for EN’s full preview of the CIC3* field and much more from #OJC3DE. Be sure to follow EquiRatings, the Official Statistics Providers for the event, on Facebook and Twitter to access exclusive analysis and stats during the competition. Go Eventing.

Ocala Jockey Club: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Germany Loses Silver Medal Following Drug Test at European Championships

By on Nov 10, 2017 6:54 am -

Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Following news earlier in the week that Julia Krajewski’s horse Samourai du Thot tested positive for the controlled medication Firocoxib during the 2017 FEI European Championships at Strzegom, the B-sample has also been confirmed as positive.

The German Equestrian Federation (FN) confirmed in a statement that Julia and Samourai du Thot will be disqualified from the 2017 FEI European Championships. Julia and the other members of the German team, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Bettina Hoy, will subsequently lose their team silver medal.

The FEI classifies prohibited substances under two different categories. Banned substances are deemed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in competition horses and/or have a high potential for abuse. These substances are not permitted by the FEI for use in competition horses at any time.

Controlled medications are substances deemed by the FEI to have therapeutic value and/or commonly used in equine medicine. Controlled medications are viewed by the FEI as having the potential to affect performance and/or be a welfare risk to the horse, and thus are not allowed to be used in FEI competitions.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Firocoxib, known by the trade names Equioxx and Previcox, is classified as a controlled medication by the FEI. Because it is not a banned substance, Julia will not face a competition ban.

Julia has 21 days to decide if she will pay a sanction to the FEI or appear before the FEI Tribunal to explain her case. As Julia explained in an extensive statement, she has currently not been able to determine how Samourai du Thot ingested the Firocoxib.

Following the German team’s disqualification from the 2017 FEI European Championships, Sweden will move up to receive the silver medal, with Italy moving up to take the bronze medal.

New USEF Dressage Tests Released for 2018

By on Nov 9, 2017 1:38 pm -

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica in the Advanced division at Carolina International 2017. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hot off the presses! The new 2018 USEF dressage tests have been released and go into effect Dec. 1, 2017. You can view the new tests on the USEA website or using the links below.

Beginner Novice: Test A – Test B

Novice: Test A – Test B – Novice Three-Day

Training: Test A – Test B – Training Three-Day

Modified: Test A – Test B

Preliminary: Test A – Test B – Preliminary Three-Day

Intermediate: Test A – Test B

Advanced:  Test A – Test B

What do you think of the new USEF tests, EN? Which tests will you be studying as you prepare for the 2018 season? Let us know in the comments below. Go Eventing

Germany’s Europeans Medal in Jeopardy After Positive Drug Test

By on Nov 8, 2017 2:22 pm -

2017 Luhmühlen winners Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Thomas Ix.

The German Equestrian Federation (FN) confirmed today that Julia Krajewski’s horse Samourai du Thot tested positive for the controlled medication Firocoxib during the 2017 FEI European Championships at Strzegom, Poland, in August.

If the results of the B-sample match the positive result of the A-sample, Julia and Samourai du Thot will be disqualified from the European Championships, and the German team will be required to return their silver medal.

Julia and Samourai du Thot finished 18th individually at Strzegom to help Germany win the silver medal, alongside teammates Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob, Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST and Bettina Hoy and Seigneur Medicott.

Samourai du Thot was tested on Aug. 20, 2017, the final day of the European Championships. The A-sample tested positive for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Firocoxib, known by the trade names Equioxx and Previcox, which is categorized as a controlled medication by the FEI.

“I and my team have no explanation about how this substance has got into my horse and believe that it was not administered by any fault of our own,” Julia said in a statement on her Facebook page.

“Nevertheless, the positive result would mean disqualification for me, and lead to the subsequent loss of the hard-won silver medal for the German team. I am devastated to be even unintentionally the cause of such a bad blow for our great team, which has fought so hard for this success! That I have no idea how, when and why this substance got into Sam’s body worries me deeply and is a big mystery to all of us.”

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) also tested Samourai du Thot as part of a random control at Warendorf shortly after the horse returned home to Germany. The NADA sample also tested positive for Firocoxib, and FN said in a statement that they expect the FEI’s B-sample to also test positive.

There is no set date for the B-sample results to be released, but FN said results are expected “soon.” Once the results of the B-sample are announced, Julia will have 21 days to decide whether to pay a sanction of 1500 Swiss francs and administrative costs of 2000 Swiss francs, or explain her case before the FEI Tribunal.

FN is continuing to investigate how Samourai du Thot could have ingested Firocoxib during the European Championships.

“Two pieces of information make it now possible to limit the period when the substance must have been ingested by Sam. The first one is that a pre-probe taken on August 3 proved negative. The DOKR routinely tests all horses which are nominated to travel to international championships to compete for the German team to ensure that they are free from prohibited substances,” Julia said.

“Furthermore, there was not just a trace, but a substantial amount of Firocoxib detected. The detected level together with the relevant decomposition time suggest an administration between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning (after dressage, before cross country test). Together with the result of sample B, we will hopefully receive documents that may allow further conclusions about the exact time or amount of the ingestion.”

Julia added that she is “100 percent behind our doping prevention system and fully aware of my responsibility and due diligence in dealing with this issue.”

If Samourai du Thot’s B-sample tests positive and Germany’s silver medal is stripped, Sweden would then receive the silver medal, with Italy moving up to take the bronze medal. Click here to view the team results from the 2017 FEI European Championships.

Click here to read Julia’s full statement. Click here to read FN’s statement.

Eventing Ground Jury Announced for 2018 World Equestrian Games

By on Nov 3, 2017 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center

The eventing ground jury has been announced for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will take place Sept. 13-16 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Anne Mette Binder (DEN) will serve as president of the ground jury alongside Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA). All three ground members have presided at championships and major competitions during their careers as FEI officials.

Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark served on the ground jury for the 2012 London Olympic Games and 2011 Luhmühlen European Championships. Most recently she served on the ground jury for Badminton CCI4* in 2017, as well as Burghley CCI4* in 2016.

Andrew Bennie of New Zealand served on the ground jury for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2015 Blair Castle European Championships. He also served on the ground jury for Aachen CICO3* in 2016, as well as Burghley CCI4* in 2015. We last saw him in the U.S. in 2016, when he served on the ground jury for Kentucky CCI4*, Chattahoochee Hills CIC3* and Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*.

Jane Hamlin of the U.S. served on the ground jury for the 2014 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers, as well as Adelaide CCI4* in 2014. In the U.S. she has served on the ground jury at Richland Park CIC3*, The Fork CIC3*, Poplar Place CIC3*, Galway Downs CCI3* and most recently at Plantation Field CIC3*.

Other eventing officials appointed for the 2018 World Equestrian Games include Martin Plewa (GER) as technical delegate, Ataide Pereira Barcelos (BRA) as assistant technical delegate and Janis Linnan (USA) as chief steward.

Click here to view the full list of appointed officials across all disciplines for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Go Eventing.

Countdown to The Royal’s Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge

By on Nov 2, 2017 8:30 am -

Michael Jung and Cruising Guy, winners of the 2016 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

We are counting down to the $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge, which kicks off tomorrow night, Nov. 3, at the Royal Horse Show as one of the marquee events at the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.

The invitation-only event is limited to 10 riders, and the winner will take home a $6,000 chunk of the prize money. Here’s the list of nine Canadians and one American who will face off over Capt. Mark Phillips’ course:

Dasha Ivandaeva
Kendal Lehari
Holly Jacks-Smither
Colleen Loach
Boyd Martin
Rachel McDonough
Brandon McMechan
Selena O’Hanlon
Jessica Phoenix
Waylon Roberts

Waylon Roberts and West River, winners of the 2015 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Waylon Roberts has won the Indoor Eventing Challenge at The Royal an incredible eight out of the 10 years it has run, so we are definitely looking to him as a strong contender. But Selena O’Hanlon, hot off a big win at the Fair Hill International CCI3*, is ready to put up a challenge on Linnea Given’s Uptown Girl.

“My horse is very cat-like and is an excellent jumper,” Selena said. “I know her well, and she knows her job. My goal is to keep our turns smooth, and she will look after me. Overall, I just want to have a good time.”

The Royal Horse Show, now it its 95th year as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, is a time-honored tradition for Canadian horse enthusiasts. Selena has competed in the Indoor Eventing Challenge for all 10 runnings of the competition and said she is thrilled to return for an 11th time.

Selena O’Hanlon and A First Romance at the 2014 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge . Photo courtesy of Alec Thayer.

“I have been going to The Royal Horse Show long before I started competing in indoor eventing; when I was growing up, my mother owned stallions that would compete in breed competitions at The Royal, and I remember sleeping on tack trucks in the barn and exploring every inch of the fair. There is something to do for everyone who attends.”

The Indoor Eventing Challenge will run across Friday and Saturday nights, with penalties for fallen rails and refusals added to the time on the clock. The rider with the lowest combined score on the second night wins. The highest placed Canadian will also take home the Colonel Michael Gutowski Award.

Tickets are still available for both nights of the competition and can be purchased at this link. More information about The Royal is available on the show’s website.

In Memory of Andromaque: ‘Sweet Dreams, Princess’

By on Nov 1, 2017 9:00 am -

Will Faudree and Andromaque at Kentucky 2015, the final event of her career. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

The U.S. eventing community has lost another great horse this week in Will Faudree’s retired upper-level partner Andromaque, who was euthanized yesterday due to complications from colic. “Missie,” a 16-year-old Irish Thoroughbred mare (Anshan x Gortnagale, by Strong Gale) owned by Jennifer Mosing, represented the U.S. overseas for four seasons, capturing hearts around the world with her tenacity.

“It is from a broken heart that we say we had to say goodbye to Andromaque, our perfect Missie. After falling in her field and injuring her hip in early October, the toughest mare I’ve ever met couldn’t fight off the complications that followed and ended in colic. Everything she did in her life she did with all she had, a true soldier,” Will said.

“I was once asked if I had to compare her to a movie star who would it be, and without hesitation she was Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada) — incredibly stylish, all business and you never crossed her. She was an amazing horse to compete, and I will never forget the honor of leaving the start box with her. Her cross country rounds were all business, her dressage was matter of fact and her show jumping was all effort.”

Missie completed 15 events at the three-star level and and one event at the four-star level during her career with Will, which began after he took the ride from Irish rider Andrea Ryan in 2009. The mare had not had a clear cross country run at the FEI level at that point in her career, but she and Will quickly formed a partnership that made them a formidable cross country combination.

Their notable results include finishing 12th at Boekelo CCIO3* in 2010; 11th at Luhmühlen CIC3* and fifth at Hartpury CIC3* in 2011; 16th at Rolex CCI4*, second at Bromont CIC3* and 10th at Barbury Castle CIC3* in 2012; first at Jersey Fresh CIC3*, fifth at Saumur CCI3* and third at Richland CIC3* in 2013; and third at the Carolina International CIC3* in 2015.

Missie was short-listed for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and named to the USEF Eventing High Performance Training Lists on numerous occasions. Will and Jennifer decided to retire “Missie” at 14 years of age following Kentucky CCI4* in 2015, when she bowed the superficial flexor tendon in her right front leg on cross country.

“When her competitive career ended she embraced motherhood with the same focus and determination,” Will said. Missie’s legacy will live on through her foal by Sir Shutterfly born last year.

“Jennifer and I together cannot thank all the people who fought for Missie throughout her life. The fantastic vets and farrier, Tom Daniel, Meghann Lustgarten, Bri Gindlesperger and the entire team at NC State, Jay Mickle and many more that were always there for her; her wonderful caretakers, Nat Varcoe-Cocks, Christina Curiale and Suzanne Konefal for keeping her in top form; and my coaches, Bobby Costello, Phillip Dutton, Mark Phillips, David O’Connor, Sandy Phillips and John Zopatti,” Will said.

“Missie, thank you from the bottom of our broken hearts. Sweet dreams, princess. I will always love you.”

Crackerjack Euthanized at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4*

By on Oct 28, 2017 12:36 pm -

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at the last water complex, fence 26, on course at Pau. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We are devastated to report that Boyd Martin’s mount Crackerjack has been euthanized after sustaining multiple fractures to his right front pastern on cross country at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4*. The incident occurred in the main arena just before fence 31AB, the final combination on Pierre Michelet’s course.

“I felt like it was one of our best ever trips together,” Boyd said in a statement. “We were jumping clear and took all the direct routes, and coming into the final stretch in the arena, he had plenty left in the tank. He felt fresh and his ears were pricked, and I was thrilled with the way he was going.

“Just as we went into the arena he took a horrible step, almost on false ground. I heard a crack and instantly knew something was wrong. I pulled up and leapt off within a couple of strides. I knew Crackers was in bad shape.”

Crackerjack was attended to immediately by Pau’s on-site medical team and transported to the equine hospital located next to the venue. X-rays confirmed multiple fractures in his  pastern.

“His owner/breeder Lucy Boynton and myself, with the advice of several veterinarians, decided it was the only humane choice to euthanize Crackerjack,” Boyd said.

“Crackerjack had a wonderful story. He was bred by Lucy and campaigned up to Prelim by her son Colin. Unfortunately, Colin passed away and Crackers was sent to me to sell. Lucky for me Lucy decided to kick on with the horse, and what a ride it’s been. Crackers has taken me all over the world and given Lucy some wonderful memories. I can’t tell everyone how sorry I am.”

A 14-year-old Thoroughbred-cross gelding by Aberjack, Crackerjack was affectionately known as “Crackers.” He had a storied career with Boyd, completing Kentucky twice and finishing seventh this year, and finishing 10th at Luhmühlen in 2016. They also had top-10 finishes at Fair Hill, Plantation Field, The Fork and Jersey Fresh.

We are heartbroken, and the EN team extends our deepest condolences to Lucy, Boyd and all who knew and loved Crackers. He was an incredibly special horse to the eventing family, and we deeply mourn his loss.

[Statement on Crackerjack]

Watch the Pau CCI4* Live Stream

By on Oct 27, 2017 9:00 am -

We have a big week ahead at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4*. Tilly Berendt is on the grounds at Pau for EN and will be bringing you full reports each day. You can watch the entire competition live thanks to the wonderful free live stream.

The broadcast schedule is:

Thursday, Oct. 26: Dressage 1:30-5 p.m. local time/7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. EST
Friday, Oct. 27: Dressage 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. local time/2:45-7 a.m. EST
Saturday, Oct. 28: Cross country 1:30 p.m. local time/7:30 a.m. EST
Sunday, Oct. 29: Show jumping 2:30 p.m. local time/9:30 a.m. EST

Stay tuned for much more from Pau!

Les 4 Etoiles de Pau: Website and Live Stream, Schedule, Entries, Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Badminton Casts Support for Compulsory Use of Frangible Technology

By on Oct 25, 2017 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of ERA International

Following last week’s call from the United States Eventing Association for the FEI to mandate use of frangible technology on certain types of cross country fences at international events, Badminton Horse Trials has now also stated support for the initiative, which continues to gain momentum on social media.

Hugh Thomas, director of Badminton, released the following statement:

“At Badminton we have always been very supportive of the development of frangible technology and indeed a lot of testing has been carried out here from the very beginning. We have used this technology to reduce the risks to horses and riders, while acknowledging that acceptable risk is an integral part of eventing and it will never be possible, or indeed desirable, to make the sport completely ‘safe’.

“We now believe the time has come for the FEI to make the use of suitable frangible technology compulsory in respect of those types of fences that are susceptible to its introduction, rather than simply recommended. We support the initiative of the United States Equestrian Association, also supported by the International Event Officials Club, asking the FEI to take this action.”

The USEA released the original statement on October 18. If you missed it, the statement reads:

“The time has come to take a stronger stance on the usage of frangible technology in the sport of eventing. We as the leaders of the sport have the moral obligation to say that the time for use of all currently available safety technology is now.

“With that in mind, the USEA Cross-Country Safety Sub-Committee strongly recommends that the FEI mandates rather than strongly recommends that all open rail fences, gates, oxers and oxer corners must be built using reverse frangible technology. The time is now.”

The Canadian Eventing Committee and International Eventing Officials Club have also cast their support for the initiative, which you can read about in detail in this EN article.

How can you help? SHARE this article and ask your National Federation to show support for the mandatory use of frangible technology on cross country courses. Click here to find contact information for all National Federations.

Final Draft of Proposed FEI Rule Changes for 2018 Now Available

By on Oct 25, 2017 9:03 am -

Photo by Eric Swinebroad

We have been anxiously awaiting the final draft of the FEI’s proposed 2018 rule changes for eventing, and after incessant refreshing the chinchillas were finally rewarded this morning. The proposed changes for 2018 will be voted on at the FEI General Assembly, Nov. 18-21, 2017 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The last draft published on July 6, 2017 underwent a two-month review period during which all National Federations and stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide feedback, which the FEI Eventing Committee then reviewed before developing the final draft.

The final draft is definitely worth reading in full, and is especially interesting considering the feedback from National Federations and stakeholders is included within the document. If you find yourself short on time to peruse the entire 14,000 word document, read on for a summary of the key changes.

Changes to Levels/Categorizations

Due to the extensive list of proposed changes to the new levels/categorizations for eventing, the committee is suggesting that only one major change be made for 2018, while the bulk of the changes are postponed to 2019. The vast majority of changes to levels/categorizations, which includes restructuring of the star system, will now be postponed until 2019.

The FEI’s new proposed 1.05-meter level will be introduced in 2018, with the FEI suggesting the level be called Introductory for 2018 before it becomes the new 1* level in 2019. Starting in 2019, all of the current star levels will shift up and and be classified as Long or Short, as opposed to CCI or CIC. Under the current proposal, the current CCI4* events will be renamed CCI5* Major in 2019.

The new levels/categorizations are explained in this chart via the FEI:

The requirements for the new 5* format (which will include the current CCI4* level, WEG and Olympics starting in 2019) are still being reviewed, but the FEI Eventing Committee is looking at increasing the required amount of prize money and adding minimum standards for broadcasting; spectator attendance; and athlete, media and spectator facilities.

The proposal also recommends that the number of jumping efforts on cross country at the Olympics and WEG be reduced from 45 to 38-42.

Dressage Coefficient

The FEI Eventing Committee is proposing removing the dressage coefficient starting in 2018, which means FEI dressage scores will no longer be determined by multiplying the score by 1.5.

“Based on much input from several stakeholders, the proposal to remove the dressage co-efficient is maintained … to rebalance the importance of the cross country in the overall result.”

The USA, Canadian, Belgian, British, Italian, New Zealand, Swedish and South African federations all supported removing the coefficient in their feedback to the FEI.

The German and Dutch federations opposed the removal: “Although the deletion makes it simpler, it will result in closer dressage results, which emphasizes the influence of the jumping phase. It makes even better dressage judging necessary with the judges using the full scale of marks. A good dressage education usually results in safer cross country riding.”

Blood on Horses

A change in the wording of Article 526.4, Blood on Horses, is also being proposed. The proposed updated wording reads:

Blood on Horses must be reviewed case by case by the Ground Jury. Not all cases of blood will lead to elimination. In minor cases of blood in the mouth, such as where a Horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip, or minor bleeding, after investigation in consultation with the Veterinarian, the Ground Jury may authorise the Athlete to continue. The cases indicating Abuse of Horse will be dealt with according to the provision of Art. 526.2 (Abuse of Horse – Warnings and Penalties).

Olympic Dressage Test

The Eventing Committee is currently exploring the idea of replacing the collective marks for dressage at the Olympics with one mark, as well as removing general comments “to speed up the publication of results after each test.” The discussion will continue in 2018.

A new dressage test will also be developed for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Indoor/Arena Cross Country Rules

The FEI started sanctioning indoor/arena eventing as CIX competitions in 2017, and additional rules to govern this format are being proposed for 2018.

The committee proposes that these competitions be open only to A, B and C FEI categorized riders “to ensure all athletes have adequate experience,” with jumps set at a maximum (current) 2* star level and “speed related to the size of the arena.”

For the competition format, it is suggested that an optimum time be used if fixed obstacles are on the course. Running against the clock is proposed only with “knockable fences or hedges.”

Click here to read the full document of proposed rule changes for 2018. You can also read the full FEI Eventing Committee’s report on the 2017 season to date here.

What do you think of the FEI’s proposed rule changes to eventing for 2018? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.