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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

Germany Sweeps Nations Cup at Aachen, Burnett and RF Demeter Finish 7th

By on Jul 22, 2017 9:57 am -

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob stormed around Rüdiger Schwarz’s cross country course with the fastest round of the day to taking the win in the Aachen CICO3* and lead the German team to victory in the Nations Cup on home soil.

The German team added just 6 total penalties after dressage to dominate the Nations Cup leaderboard on a final score of 107.00. Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW finished second on 34.7 with the next fastest clear round inside the time. Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo added 2 time penalties on cross country to finish fourth on 37.8.

Ingrid and Horseware Hale Bob have now finished inside the top three at Aachen for three consecutive years. Michael and Sam have never finished lower than sixth in six appearances at Aachen, and Sandra and Opgun Louvo have never finished lower than fourth in five completions at the venue. Talk about a German dream team!

Shane Rose and CP Qualified finished inside the top three for a second consecutive year for Australia, finishing 2 seconds over the optimum time to place third on 37.5. We saw five finishing scores in the 30s, including Mark Todd and Leonidas II, one of the five combinations that made the time to finish fifth on 38.1.

Chris Burton and Nobilis 18 returned with a bang in their first international run since winning Burghley last year, adding no penalties to their dressage score to finish sixth on 40.6. Finishing a second team rider inside the top 10 boosted Australia to a second-place result in the Nations Cup on a final score of 152.6 — a full 45 penalties behind the dominant Germans.

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ RF Demeter delivered a foot-perfect round, sans a hairy moment in the main arena at the end of the course over a massive table at fence 25. Hannah stuck the landing and cruised home with 3.2 time penalties to finish seventh on 42.5 for Team USA. That is RF Demeter’s best international finishing score since 2013 and the second best of her entire career, which spans 41 completions.

Team GB finished two riders inside the top 10, with Alex Bragg and Zagreb coming home 2 seconds over the optimum time to finish eighth on 47.2. Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo finished just 1 second over the optimum time to complete on 47.4 for ninth, their third time finishing inside the top 10 at three-star level this year.

Sweden finished third in the Nations Cup on 160.6 with two riders inside the top 15. Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39 added 6 cross country time penalties to complete on 47.8 for 11th place. Louise Svensson Jähde and Wieloch’s Utah Sun also finished with 6 time penalties to place 12th on a final score of 48.2.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica at the first water complex prior to their fall. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica sat 15th after show jumping and unfortunately fell at the angled brushes at fence 13 when the mare left a leg at the second element. EN confirmed that both Lauren and Veronica are OK after their fall.

Six of the 37 starters were eliminated on cross country, giving us an 84% completion rate; 59% of starters jumped clear cross country rounds, with 14% making the optimum time. Click here to view final scores.

Many thanks to Libby Law Photography for providing us with beautiful photos of Team USA during Aachen. Go Eventing.

Aachen CICO3*: Website, Final Scores, Nations Cup Leaderboard

Germany Dominates at Aachen; Kieffer & Burnett in Top 15

By on Jul 21, 2017 3:25 pm -

USA! USA! USA! Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob have twice finished in the top three at Aachen CICO3*, but they’ve never topped the podium as a combination at the prestigious German event. After the first two phases today, Ingrid and Horseware Hale Bob sit in first place on 34.5, adding no show jumping penalties to their dressage score to be one step closer to taking the coveted win.

Ingrid won’t have a second to spare tomorrow as horses and riders take to Rudiger Schwartz’s cross country course, as Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW sit in second place on their dressage score of 34.7.

Michael has won Aachen twice, with fischerTakinou in 2016 and Sam in 2011, to join Frank Ostholt and Chris Burton as a two-time winner of the event. With Chris also competing alongside Michael in the Nations Cup, both riders have the opportunity to set a new Aachen record by taking a third individual win.

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo led after dressage on 31.8 but pulled an uncharacteristic rail in show jumping — their first at international level in two years — to slip down to third place on 35.8. Sandra and Opgun Louvo are another pair with incredible form at Aachen, winning in 2014 and never finishing lower than third in four completions.

Shane Rose and CP Qualified finished second at Aachen last year and are poised for another top finish, sitting fourth on their dressage score of 36.7. Mark Todd and Leonidas II added one show jumping time penalty to their dressage score to remain in fifth place on 38.1.

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ RF Demeter delivered their best dressage test together as a combination, scoring 39.3, and then jumped a clear show jumping round to move up to sixth place. That score of 39.3 is also RF Demeter’s best dressage score since 2013 and the third time in her career she’s scored in the 30s.

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica, our other American combination at Aachen, hit the 30s for the second time this season to sit eighth after dressage on 38.9. One rail and 2 time penalties in show jumping slipped them down to 13th place on 44.9. They finished 15th at Aachen in 2015 so are looking to best that results tomorrow. Go USA!

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

With three of their team members occupying the top three spots on the leaderboard, it’s no surprise that Germany sits in first place in the Nations Cup on 105.0. Australia, who de-throned Germany to take the win last year, sit second on 122.7. Sweden sits third on 135.8.

ClipMyHorse.TV is providing a wonderful live streaming service from Aachen, so you can watch cross country live tomorrow starting at 10 a.m. local time, 4 a.m. EST. Lauren and Veronica go at 11:32 a.m./6:32 a.m. EST. Hannah and RF Demeter go at 12:24 p.m./6:24 a.m. EST. Click here to access the live stream.

Check back soon to see a full photo gallery of Team USA at Aachen thanks to Libby Law Photography. Go Eventing.

Aachen CICO3*: Website, Ride Times & Scoring, Live Stream

US Equestrian Names 2017 Fall Competition Grant Recipients

By on Jul 20, 2017 5:30 pm -

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hot off the presses! US Equestrian has announced the recipients of Land Rover/USEF and USET Foundation eventing competition grants for five major horse trials this fall:

Eight combinations received Land Rover/USEF competition grants:

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Under Suspection, Mary Ann Ghadban’s 2004 Holsteiner mare for Burghley CCI4*

Buck Davidson (Ocala, Fla.) and Copper Beach, Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding for Pau CCI4*

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and I’m Sew Ready, John and Kristine Norton’s 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding and Mr. Candyman, Ann Jones, Bridget Coleman, Caroline Moran, and Thomas A Tierney’s 2007 Holsteiner gelding for Pau CCI4*

Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Veronica, Team Rebecca’s 2002 Dutch Warmblood mare for Burghley CCI4*

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Steady Eddie, Denise Lahey, Pierrie Colin, and George and Gretchen Wintersteen’s 2003 Australian Thoroughbred gelding for Burghley CCI4*, with the grant to be split with Crackerjack, Lucy Boynton Lie’s 2003 Thoroughbred gelding for Pau CCI4*

Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and Donner, The Donner Syndicate, LLC’s 2003 Thoroughbred gelding for Burghley CCI4*

Two combinations received Jacqueline B. Mars Developing Rider Grants awarded through the USET Foundation.:

Caroline Martin (Ocala, Fla.) and Pebbly Maximus, her own and Sherrie Martin’s 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding and The Apprentice, Sherrie Martin’s 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding for the Boekelo CCIO3*

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Vandiver, Debi Crowley and Jessica and Doug Payne’s 2004 Trakehner gelding for the Blenheim CCI3*

Looking to USEA Endowment Funding, Jennie Brannigan (Reddick, Fla.) and Stella Artois, Cory Walkey, Beth Lendrum, and Elsbeth Battel’s 2008 Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare, received the USEA Foundation Rebecca Broussard Developing International Rider Grant and will be competing at the Millstreet CCI3*.

Stella Artois also was the recipient of the USET Foundation Connaught Award. Jennie received both the Rebecca Broussard Developing International Rider Grant and the Connaught Award in December 2016 for the 2017 competition year.

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

[US Equestrian Announces Autumn 2017 Eventing Competition Grant Recipients]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Aachen Rewind

By on Jul 19, 2017 7:00 pm -

It’s a massive week for eventing worldwide! First, there’s The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana, which hosts one of the five CCI3* events held annually in North America and is also hosting the Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships this year.

Then we also have the FEI European Championships for Young Riders & Juniors taking place at Millstreet in Ireland. Last but not least, there’s also the highly anticipated Nations Cup CICO3* running at CHIO Aachen in Germany. Total whirlwind!

I preach this every year, but I really mean it when I say there is nothing like Aachen. It is one of the best horse shows in the world, running five different disciplines — eventing, dressage, show jumping, driving and vaulting — like clockwork. Last night’s opening ceremonies packed the main stadium with 40,000 cheering fans. Put Aachen on your bucket list.

This year two individual combinations are representing Team USA at Aachen: Lauren Kieffer with Team Rebecca’s Veronica and Hannah Sue Burnett with Jacqueline Mars’ RF Demeter. Lauren competed last year with Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo, and you can see footage of them in the 2016 highlights video above.

Keep scrolling for a bonus photo gallery from last night’s open ceremonies courtesy of the one and only Libby Law. Stay tuned to EN this week for everything you need to know from Aachen, Rebecca Farm and beyond. Go Eventing.

[Aachen Entry List]

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#FlashbackFriday from World Equestrian Brands: Ian Stark 80’s Training Montage

By on Jul 14, 2017 4:58 pm -

This is too good not to share! It’s an 80’s flashback with a look at Ian Stark’s fitness program back in the day.

Weight-lifting, jump-roping and running all played a part, while the horses built their base of fitness on the hills of Scotland.

Nice legs, Ian! And the view of the beautiful Scottish countryside isn’t bad either. Go Eventing.

Walk the Event Rider Masters CIC3* Cross Country Course at Jardy

By on Jul 14, 2017 12:51 pm -

Photo via CrossCountry App

Event Rider Masters heads to France for leg 4 of the season at Jardy, where Pierre Michelet has packed the cross country course with plenty of skinnies, corners and sharply angled technical questions to keep horses and riders on their toes.

While we don’t have any North American riders in the Jardy CIC3* field, there are plenty of big names to watch, including Michael Jung in his Event Rider Masters debut aboard up-and-comer Star Connection.

Bettina Hoy and Seigneur Medicott have won their last four international starts and come to Jardy as heavy favorites. Alex Hua Tian and Don Geniro, the only pair to have won an ERM leg on their dressage score, will also compete at Jardy.

Sarah Cohen and Treason have already won an ERM leg this year at Wiesbaden and have a chance to top the series leaderboard this weekend. They currently sit second with 51 points behind leader Thomas Carlile, who is not competing this weekend at Jardy.

Gemma Tattersall sits tied for third on the series leaderboard, just one point behind Sarah, and can gain ground at Jardy with fan favorite Chico Bella P, who last competed internationally at Blenheim in 2016.

Click here to view the exciting lineup. You can watch Jardy live on eventridermasters.tv starting tomorrow with dressage, and show jumping and cross country on Sunday. Click here for the broadcast schedule.

Take a virtual tour of Pierre Michelet’s cross country course below courtesy of our friends at CrossCountry App. Click here to view the course preview on a separate page. Go Eventing.

[Event Rider Masters]

FEI Unveils Proposed Eventing Rule Changes for 2018

By on Jul 14, 2017 10:16 am -

Photo by Eric Swinebroad

The FEI Eventing Committee has unveiled the latest list of proposed changes and clarifications to the FEI Eventing Rulebook, which would be implemented on Jan. 1, 2018. From restructuring the current FEI levels to removing the dressage coefficient, the changes carry major implications for the sport.

Read on for a comprehensive overview. Click here to view the document in full on the FEI website.

New Competition Levels

The FEI Eventing Committee is proposing that the structure of competitions be reviewed “to adapt to the current global level of the sport and better support the implementation of the Olympic strategy.”

The committee explained “this is 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.”

With that philosophy in mind, the committee is proposing the current FEI levels be restructured as follows:

Under the committee’s proposal, the current CCI4* level would be transferred to a separate special event category with maximum technical difficulty that would “not be compulsory for the general progression of the Olympics and WEG.”

The proposed new CIC5* level would be used in the Nations Cup format, combining the current level of CIC3* cross country with the current level of CCI4* dressage and show jumping.

As has been discussed over the past year, the committee is proposing the introduction of a 1.05-meter level that would become the new one-star level. “This new category would allow a transition between national and international competitions in developing countries,” the committee explains.

“The level can be used for the Pony championship as well as the basis for developing a Children level/category in eventing. This level would be optional for (National Federations) and not included as a compulsory level of events to obtain qualifications.”

Positive Scoring & Removing the Coefficient

FEI dressage scores in eventing are currently 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. The result is the score in penalty points for the test.

The FEI Eventing Committee is proposing that the dressage coefficient be removed “to promote the importance of the cross country test, the essence of the sport.”

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

“The positive scoring proposal including the removal of coefficient for dressage was well supported by the participants at the 2016 FEI Sports Forum. The suggestion of the Eventing Committee is based on the aim to make the sport more self-explanatory to a wider audience in line with the IOC Agenda 2020.”

Blood On Horses

The FEI Eventing Committee is proposing that additional language be included in Article 526.4, Blood on Horses. The proposed additional language is bolded below:

Blood on Horses may be an indication of abuse of the Horse and must be reviewed case by case by the Ground Jury. During the Cross Country Test, 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 on limbs, after investigation the Ground Jury may authorise the Athlete to continue.

The most serious cases indicating Abuse of Horse will be dealt according to the provision of Art. 526.2 (Abuse of Horse – Warnings and Penalties).

Refer to page 45 in the current FEI Eventing Rulebook to read Article 562.2, Abuse of Horse.

Missing a Flag

The committee also offered further clarification on Article 549.2, which allows riders to re-present after missing a flag and automatically accept 20 penalties, or continue on and incur 50 penalties but not be eliminated.

The following clarification will be added: “If the athlete represents and was clear in his first attempt, the athlete will not be penalized with 20 penalties and no time will be deducted.”

Your Turn

National Federations received the draft of these proposed changes last week and now have the opportunity to provide feedback to the FEI Eventing Committee through Sept. 17, 2017. The committee will then review all feedback.

A final draft of the proposed rule changes will be published on the FEI website on Oct. 24, 2017, with all changes expected to be presented at the FEI General Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Nov. 18-21, 2017.

Click here to review the document in full. What do you think of these proposed changes, EN? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below.

[2018 FEI EVENTING RULES – Proposed Modifications]

Canada Names Teams for North American Junior & Young Rider Championships

By on Jul 13, 2017 4:09 pm -

April Simmonds and Impressively Done at Carolina International 2016. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Equestrian Canada is sending two teams to compete at the Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, presented by Gotham North, set to take place next week, July 20-23 at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana.

The following horses and riders will compete on the CICOY2* Young Rider Nations Cup team:

  • Anne-Sophie Levesque (Cochrane, Alberta) and her own Eskapade
  • Annick Niemuller (Goodwood, Ontario) with Cheryl Niemuller’s FE Akari and Karl Niemuller’s FE Black Jack
  • April Simmonds (Uxbridge, Ontario) and her own and Faydon Enterprises’ Impressively Done
  • Emily Thompson (East Gwillimbury, Ontario) and her own Paddington

Julie Simard of Cochrane, Alberta and Penny Rowland of Mono, Ontario will both serve as Chef d’equipe for the CICOY2* team.

The following horses and riders will compete on the CH-J* team:

Chloe Duffy (Sombra, Ontario) and her own Oro Veradero
Tosca Holmes-Smith (Chase, British Columbia) and Ali Holmes-Smith’s Fiat
Ella Marquis (Caledon, Ontario) and Mark Marquis’s Meadowbrook’s Pollyanna
Eva Marquis (Caledon, Ontario) and Mark Marquis’s Hollywood

Maeve Drew of Duncan, British Columbia and Penny Rowland of Mono, Ontario will both serve as Chef d’Equipe for the CH-J* team.

Congrats to the Canadian teams heading to NAJYRC!

[Canadian Eventing Teams Named for 2017 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships]

Jonty Evans Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Keep Cooley Rorkes Drift

By on Jul 13, 2017 3:14 pm -

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift after jumping a clear show jumping round at Badminton 2017. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Irish rider Jonty Evans has launched a crowdfunding website in the hopes of raising £550,000 to keep Cooley Rorkes Drift, his Rio Olympic partner he produced through the levels.

Fiona Elliott purchased “Art” at the Monart combined sale in 2010, and Jonty has competed the horse from his 6-year-old season. Now 11, the Irish Sport Horse gelding has racked up numerous top results with Jonty, including finishing ninth in Rio as the highest-placed Irish combination.

“The success that Art and I have achieved has not gone unnoticed, and there have been some huge offers made for him to be sold. His owners have a young family and I totally understand their need to accept an offer,” Jonty said.

“As you can imagine, from my point of view selling my best mate had never entered my head. It has been a horrific few months wondering if he will be sold and praying that a solution might be found.”

Jonty and Art have been selected to compete on the Irish team at the European Championships at Strzegom in September, and he is hoping to secure the £550,000 in funds ahead of the competition so they can make the trip to Poland.

“I hope and pray that people around the world will appreciate that Art and I are partners. We have come through life so far together and I hope that we can finish our journey together,” Jonty said.

“At 11 years old he is entering his prime. This year’s European Championships in Poland, Badminton, next year’s WEG in Tryon and of course the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are all potential medal events for Art and I, but only if we can stay together.”

Jonty and Art are one of the most exciting Irish combinations in the sport. Watching them in Rio, where they scored 41.8 to set a new Irish CCI4* dressage record and Jonty showered Art in hugs, and then watching them again at Badminton when they smashed their own record with a 37.2 and Jonty cried tears of joy, are moments I will never forget.

“Without any doubt, Art is my horse of a lifetime. I feel that if people will pledge to support our crowdfunding campaign then they can be a part of that journey. Previously owning an event horse has been the privilege of the wealthy. I hope that our situation gives everyone a chance to get involved,” Jonty said.

“Anybody can donate and so anybody can get involved in supporting Art’s journey. We are hoping to have T-shirts and photos printed to offer to people so that they can feel part of the family that will own Art. We hope that Art can become the People’s Horse.”

If you have ever known the joy of experiencing a partnership with a horse, please consider donating any amount to keep Jonty and Art together. We wish Jonty the best of luck in securing the funds necessary to keep his horse of a lifetime.

You can donate at www.jontyandart.com.

Announcing the 2017 EN Blogger Contest Final Four

By on Jul 13, 2017 11:35 am -

After a hard-fought battle, we’re excited to announce the victors of the 7th Annual EN Blogger Contest’s round 2 assignment, which asked the finalists to examine how we can make eventing more appetizing, engaging and understandable to the mainstream public.

Congratulations to our final four:

Tilly Berendt

Amber Leone

Andrew Palmer

Renee Wright

We will publish their round 2 assignments over the next few days, so keep checking back to read more from Tilly, Amber, Andrew and Renee.

They will now be hard at work on their final round assignment:

The hot topic of the summer is which U.S. venue will be awarded the world’s seventh CCI4* — Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia or Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland. Offer your own research and analysis as to which venue you think should be awarded the CCI4*. Share your thoughts in an interesting, funny, informative and creative way.

Their final entries are due Wednesday, July 19 at midnight EST. Good luck to the final four!

Ride Around Great Meadow with Clayton Fredericks & Nicky Roncoroni

By on Jul 9, 2017 8:16 pm -

Is there anything better to nurse an #EventingHangover than helmet cams? The answer is no! Relive the exciting day of cross country on Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course by taking a ride around Great Meadow International with Clayton Fredericks and Nicky Roncoroni.

Clayton Fredericks, the sole rider representing Australia in the FEI Nations Cup, jumped clear with 8 time penalties to finish 13th on 63.9 with FE Ophelia, a 10-year-old Zweibrucker mare owned by Kingfisher Park.

Nicky Roncoroni piloted Watts Burn, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Lorna McWilliam and Janey Barclay Roncoroni, to a clear round with 4.4 time penalties, finishing fourth as the highest-placed British combination.

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of #GMI2017. Go Eventing.

#GMI2017: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

Brannigan & Cambalda Repeat Great Meadow Win; USA Sweeps Nations Cup

By on Jul 9, 2017 3:35 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Time always plays a critical role on cross country day at Great Meadow International, and the clock ultimately turned the leaderboard upside down, boosting Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda to victory for a second time in The Plains, Virginia.

Jennie and “Ping,” a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, won the inaugural CIC3* in 2015, and a clear round with 1.6 time penalties on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course moved them up from fourth place to take the win on a final score of 49.8. (Remember EN predicted them to win!)

“The first time I came (to Great Meadow) it was so exciting because it earned me a spot as the traveling alternate for the Pan Ams, which was quite special to me. I grew up working for Phillip (Dutton) and under Boyd (Martin), and I’ve always wanted to ride on a team with them,” Jennie said.

“It almost happened (at the Pan Ams), and then to come back and get to be on a team with them was really special for me, and then obviously with one of my best friends (Lynn Symansky). It’s an honor to get to ride for your country. Ping has been an incredible horse and wonderful to me.”

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Team USA clinched the Nations Cup for the second consecutive year and also swept the top three individual positions. Lynn Symansky and Donner, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Donner Syndicate, added 1.2 time penalties and moved from sixth to finish second on 50.1.

Called up to the U.S. Nations Cup team after Doug Payne broke his collarbone three days before the competition started, Lynn and Donner have now been on the podium twice for Team USA, having also been on the team that finished third at Aachen CICO3* in 2015.

“I was always planning on coming here and giving it a good go,” Lynn said. “I’m very comfortable with these people. I’ve been on teams with Phillip and Boyd before. They are fantastic support, and Jennie is one of my best friends. It’s just a great cohesive group, and everybody works together and supports each other. We’re out here at another event and want to win and do the best that we can.”

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

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by John and Kristine Norton, sat in second after show jumping and finished third on 51.6, adding 5.6 time penalties on cross country.

“He’s not the fittest yet and he’s not the fastest,” Phillip said. “I could have done a bit better job at the galloping fences. Overall it was a good run for him and I’m pleased that he went so well.”

Nicky Roncoroni added 4.4 time penalties with Watts Burn, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Lorna McWilliam and Janey Barclay Roncoroni, to finish fourth on 53.0 as the highest-placed British pair.

“He’s strong and doesn’t like twisting and turning too much, so I was a little bit down to start with. Once I could get him into his rhythm, he sort of really operated. I took a stride out coming down the hill (at fence 15, the Jet Linx Launch), but it felt very safe to me,” Nicky said.

“He’s jumped around a four-star before, and I’ve had him since he was a 3-year-old, so I know him very well. Now I just sort of trust him to take the line and set him on it and he’s great.”

Congratulations to all! Photo by Lisa Thomas/Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.

Just three of the 28 starters (11%) made the optimum time of 6 minutes, 33 seconds. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High, a 15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by John and Judy Rumble, stormed around inside the time to move from ninth up to finish fifth on 54.9 as the highest-placed Canadian pair.

“Cross country is definitely our forte. I was a little bit disappointed after the show jumping. It’s hard when you’re on a team because you don’t want to let your team down. I told everyone I was not going to have any time faults,” Selena said.

“Unfortunately, my owners couldn’t make it. They never miss an event, and I know they really love this event and want to support it. They were live streaming it with their friends at home in Canada and I’m sure John will be pleased with our cross country today.”

Jessica Phoenix, the overnight show jumping leader with Pavarotti, contested her 12.4 time penalties after jumping clear following a lengthy hold on course, but her time was not adjusted; they finished sixth on 56.4.

Canada finished three of their team members in the top 10 and finished second in the Nations Cup standings. Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac gave Canada a second clear round inside the time to move up from 12th to finish eighth on 57.3.

“We all almost got personal bests this weekend, which is a great weekend for us,” Jessica said. “Just to be in the barn with these people — it’s fun every day to show up to work and get to do this.”

Shout out to Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect, who returned to the level after a year-long hiatus! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny receives EN’s Rockstar Award after piloting Inmidair to a seventh-place finish in their first run at the Advanced level since Kentucky in 2014, adding 10 time penalties to their dressage score to finish on 56.6.

Team GB finished two of their riders in the top 10, with Emily Llewellyn and Emirati Night Sky jumping clear with 8.8 time penalties to finish ninth on 58.1. Nicky and Emily’s clear rounds were the bright spots of the day for Team GB, as things didn’t go to plan for their other two riders.

Justine Dutton and Jak My Style, the first pair out of the startbox, had a rotational fall at fence 18A, the log jump into the Adequan Beaver Pond. She was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with a collapsed lung and a broken shoulder, collarbone and ribs. “Jak” was uninjured, and we are sending our very best healing wishes to Justine.

Matt Heath and One Of A Kind were eliminated on refusals in the main arena at 9B, an imposing brush corner that caused all sorts of problems today. Woods Baughman and Montesquieu were also eliminated on refusals at 9B. Jessica Phoenix retired both A Little Romance and Abbey GS after two refusals at 9B. Holly Payne Caravella and Never OutFoxed also picked up 20 jumping penalties at 9B.

Mara DePuy parted ways with Congo Brazzaville C at 18A, the log into the Adequan Beaver Pond, and was uninjured. All other pairs jumped clear rounds, giving us a 75% clear cross country jumping rate. Click here to relive a play-by-play of all the action in EN’s open thread.

Thank you to all who followed along with EN’s coverage this weekend, and thank you to the organizers, officials, volunteers and everyone who played a part at Great Meadow. Allyn Mann, director of the event’s presenting sponsor Adequan, said it best: “Eventing is a world of courage, substance and stamina.” We’re honored to be a part of it. Go Eventing.

#GMI2017: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Jessica Phoenix & Pavarotti Jump to Great Meadow CICO3* Lead

By on Jul 8, 2017 9:18 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti leapt back into the lead at Great Meadow International presented by Adequan thanks to jumping one of seven clear show jumping rounds inside the time to remain on their dressage score of 44.0.

Pavarotti, a 15-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don Good, stayed relaxed in the buzzing atmosphere, which Jessica said allowed her to pilot him to their third clear show jumping round at CIC3* level this year.

“I thought it was a super technical course,” Jessica said. “It asked a lot of questions of the riders and the horses. I was thrilled with the way he handled it today.”

A slew of spectactors in The Plains, Virginia braved the afternoon heat to watch the 30-horse field take on Marc Donovan’s show jumping track, and they certainly weren’t disappointed as poles fell all throughout the course.

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

Phillip Dutton and John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready, who led after dressage on a personal best of 42.0, pulled one rail when the 13-year-old KWPN gelding got a bit strong coming to a jump off a tight left-hand turn.

“I thought it was a great course,” Phillip said. “I’m guessing Marc didn’t think people would make the tight turn after fence 3, so there wasn’t a lot of pressure on with the time … The faults were spread around pretty evenly, so I think Marc should be pleased.”

Adding four faults dropped Phillip and I’m Sew Ready one spot on the leaderboard to second on 46.0, but Team USA remained in the lead in the Nations Cup standings. The other U.S. team members — Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, Lynn Symansky and Donner, and Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie — all jumped clear rounds inside the time.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair, an 18-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding she owns with her parents Dick and Jo, also jumped one of the seven clear rounds inside the time to remain in third place on 46.6, continuing their cracking comeback to the highest level of the sport.

Jennie and Cambalda, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, moved up two spots on the leaderboard to fourth place on 48.2. Nicky Roncoroni and Watts Burn also moved up two spots on the leaderboard to sit in fifth place on 48.6 as the highest-placed British combination.

“He has a slightly unorthodox style, but he just has a heart of gold and he really wants to try and do it for you,” Nicky said of the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Lorna McWilliam and Janey Barclay Roncoroni. Nicky produced “Watty” from an unbroken 3-year-old, and they already have a strong Nations Cup finish on their record this season, having finished fifth at Tattersalls in June.

Nicky Roncoroni and Watts Burn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I have two horses that run along the same level, and one is a very fancy grey horse who generally gets all the attention in the barn,” Nicky said. “Watty sulks along in the background, but actually he’s really risen to the fore in the last six months or so.”

Looking to the Nations Cup standings, Team USA leads after dressage and show jumping on 143.1, with Team GB in second on 155.6 and Canada in third on 156.2. With just 12.5 penalties separating the teams, time will prove all important as horses and riders take on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course tomorrow.

Only four combinations caught the optimum time last year, and Jessica said she expects the clock to play a key role tomorrow as well. “I think it’s going to take a lot of smart riding and using the gallop lanes when you can, and making sure you take time for the combinations when they come up.”

As for how she thinks Pavarotti will handle the course in his first run since Kentucky: “I think he’s going to be really ready to run tomorrow … He’ll probably be thinking these jumps are smaller, but I think the technicality of it is right up there alongside Rolex.”

Phillip said he thought the course is a good one for this time of year, when many horses are running for the first time since a spring CCI and gearing up for a major fall event. “It’s not over the top but it’s a challenging course. The footing should be good. There are a lot of ups and downs in the undulations and small turns, so the time won’t be easy to get.”

Nicky gave huge praise to the course builders, Travers and Graham Schick of Cross Country Hardware, and Bobby Hilton, who has meticulously cared for the turf at Great Meadow for the past three decades.

“It’s just exquisite course building so all credit to them,” Nicky said. “You should be able to let (the horses) run where you can. It is twisty in places, and mine is very strong, so I know I’m going to have to be on my guard.”

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda have now jumped 14 clear show jumping rounds at CIC3* level #GMI2017

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Jul 8, 2017 at 6:37pm PDT

The stage is set for a thrilling finale starting tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. EST. You can watch live on USEF Network and FEI TV, and EN will also be running live cross country updates. Click here to catch up on all of our #GMI2017 coverage so far.

As always, check Instagram for bonus photos! We once again have to send a huge shout out to the entire organizing team behind Great Meadow, plus all of the volunteers who set the jumps and drive the shuttles and empty the trash. The event couldn’t happen without you! Go Eventing.

#GMI2017: Website, Schedule, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scoring, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Phillip Dutton & I’m Sew Ready Boost USA to Nations Cup Lead at Great Meadow

By on Jul 8, 2017 1:12 pm -

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

While only nine horses did their dressage tests yesterday afternoon at Great Meadow International, our top three remained unchanged all day until the very last pair to go here at the FEI Nations Cup in The Plains, Virginia.

Phillip Dutton and John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready battled through the heat to score 42.0, a personal best for the horse at three-star level. That performance not only topped the leaderboard after dressage but also boosted Team USA into the lead in the Nations Cup standings, just 1.1 points ahead of second-placed Canada.

“He’s a good moving horse, and I’m fortunate to get him at this stage in his career,” Phillip said. “Kristen Bond put in a lot of the work, so it’s fun for me now to be able to take him on and see what he can do at this level and the four-star level.”

Phillip temporarily had the ride on I’m Sew Ready twice over the past three years while Kristen welcomed her children, Beckham and Berkley. Now the dedicated team of people behind “Jackson” have decided to have Phillip take the ride permanently.

“We’ll keep working on all three phases and try to get better,” Phillip said. “Great Meadow should be a good outing for him. It’s a proper track with good, big, bold fences. I’m looking forward to it.” (Preview Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course here.)

Phillip and Jackson already have five top-1o placings at three-star level on their record, plus a 10th place finish at Kentucky in April in the horse’s four-star debut. Looking ahead, Phillip hopes to take the horse to Pau CCI4* in France in the fall.

“He did Kentucky and was a brilliant horse there, and I’d like to think he could step up from there and do another four-star and be a little bit more in his comfort zone,” Phillip said.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, a 15-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don Good, sit in second place on 44.0. Looking ahead to show jumping, which starts at 5 p.m. this afternoon, Jessie said the key will be keeping Pavarotti focused on the task at hand — which isn’t easy in such a busy atmosphere.

The main arena here at Great Meadow is lined on all sides with various horse-eating monsters, like the jumbotron and generator powering it, which spooked a number of horses today. With plenty of tents also surrounding the arena and people milling about in the country fair atmosphere, tonight’s show jumping will certainly be an action-packed nail-biter.

“Pavarotti is a lot of fun to ride in the show jumping,” Jessie said. “He’s super careful and has a ton of scope. As long as he stays focused and relaxed, it should be a fun evening for us.”

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Inmidair, an 18-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding Jan Byyny owns with her parents Dick and Jo, is making a big impression in his upper-level comeback, sitting in third place after dressage on 46.6. He last competed at the Advanced level in 2014, and Jan told EN last week that “JR” thinks he is “better and badder than ever.” Go JR!

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by the GSC Syndicate, sit fourth on 46.7. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High, a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by John and Judy Rumble, sit fifth on 46.9, giving Canada two of their Nations Cup team members in the top five.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Canada was poised to lead the Nations Cup standings going into show jumping, but Phillip and I’m Sew Ready’s personal best score bumped the U.S. into the lead on 139.1 after the first phase. The U.S. has three team riders in the top 10, with Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready leading on 42.0, Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda in sixth on 48.2, and Lynn Symansky and Donner in eighth on 48.9.

Canada also has three riders in the top 10 and sits second in the Nations Cup standings on 140.2, just 1.1 points behind Team USA. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are second on 44.0, Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High sit fifth on 46.9, and Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac sit tied for ninth on 49.3.

Nicky Roncoroni and Watts Burn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Great Britain sits third in the Nations Cup on 151.6. Nicky Roncoroni and Watts Burn, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Lorna McWilliam and Janey Barclay Roncoroni, sit in equal ninth on 49.3 as the highest-placed British combination.

If you missed watching dressage on the USEF Network or FEI TV live stream, be sure to check back at 5 p.m. EST when horses and riders take on Marc Donovan’s show jumping course. Cross country will also be streamed live at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Chinch is getting in his apprentice hours for his new position as FEI Steward at #GMI2017! #goeventing

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

Keep checking EN’s Instagram for more photos from #GMI2017. Chinch is also running around creating mayhem — no surprises there. Thank you to all the organizers, officials, volunteers and everyone who is working hard to keep the show running smoothly. It’s another hot day in Virginia but everyone has a smile on their face! Go Eventing.

#GMI2017: Website, Schedule, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scoring, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Take a Virtual Tour of the Barbury CIC3* Cross Country Course

By on Jul 8, 2017 8:30 am -

While all eyes in North America are on the FEI Nations Cup at Great Meadow International in Virginia, we also have a major event happening in England at Barbury Palace, which is hosting the third leg of the Event Rider Masters series.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras, Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter, and Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master are all representing North America in the Event Rider Masters CIC3* class, which you can watch live on www.eventridermasters.tv.

Thanks to our friends at CrossCountry App, we have a preview of Capt. Mark Phillips’ course, which the horses and riders will take on at 2:15 p.m. local time/9:15 a.m. EST tomorrow. Click here to follow live scoring from Barbury.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti Power to Great Meadow CICO3* Lead

By on Jul 7, 2017 6:56 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The first nine of the 32 horses entered in the FEI Nations Cup at Great Meadow International danced in the dressage on a warm afternoon in The Plains, Virginia, and Canada leads the way in the early going. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, a 15-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don Good, scored 44.0 to sit in first place overnight.

If you read Maggie’s detailed analysis of the field, you already know that Jessica and “Rotti” have scored in the 40s or below in 87% of their dressage tests at three-star level. With an average score of 47.1 over the past two calendar years, they shaved 3 points off that margin today with their performance in the sandbox.

This is Jessica and Pavarotti’s first international appearance since Kentucky CCI4*, where they finished 17th, and she said she was pleased with the test considering it was his first major outing since the spring.

“Really you never know if they are going to go in and be a little bit fresh and lit up because of the atmosphere at Rolex, but he was such a workman,” Jessica said. “He went in there and was so professional and a pleasure to ride.”

Jessica is competing three horses at Great Meadow, with Pavarotti as her ride for the Canadian Nations Cup team. Led by Chef d’Equipe Dr. Rob Stevenson, who also chairs Equestrian Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Group, Jessica said the team is “a very close-knit group of riders — like a big family.”

“We have some old faces and some new faces (on the team), and we’ve got some really exciting individual riders here this weekend as well,” Jessica said. “I think we’re feeling very optimistic for the weekend. The course looks great and is well suited to our horses, so we’re really excited.”

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair, an 18-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding she owns with her parents Dick and Jo Byyny, are competing as individuals for the U.S. and sit second on 46.6. Considering they performed a three-star test for the first time since 2014, when Jan and “JR” last competed at this level, she should be pretty dang happy with that!

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella are another pair we haven’t seen at this level in a lengthy period of time — since The Fork CIC3* in 2015 when they finished seventh — and the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by the GSC Syndicate delivered a lovely performance to sit third on 46.7. To make it even more impressive, they missed their personal best at three-star level by only 0.2 marks — talk about coming back with a bang!

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Justine Dutton and Jak My Style, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Kathleen Cuca, were the first pair to go for Team GB, scoring 56.4 to round out the top five. Team GB will also kick off the action tomorrow morning, with Matt Heath and One Of A Kind as the first pair out at 8 a.m. EST.

You can watch live on both USEF Network and FEI TV. Dressage will run from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. EST, followed by a break in the afternoon before the show jumping starts at 5 p.m. EST.

The fantastic team led by Darrin Mollett always puts on a show-stopper at Great Meadow, and we have to send a huge shout out to the organizers, officials, volunteers and everyone playing a part at the only FEI Nations Cup leg in North America.

Jessica Phoenix said it best: “Honestly, this event means so much to us. When you go to a big-time event in Europe or a big-time championships, this is what it feels like. It’s amazing to be able to have this literally in our backyard. Add in the incredible footing and the beautiful cross country — it’s unbelievable.”

Speaking of the footing, Nick Attwood and the Attwood Equestrian Surfaces team deserve a massive thank you for working incredibly hard to get the footing in the arenas in picture-perfect condition following this morning’s torrential downpour. Kudos and thank you!

Be sure to check EN’s Instagram for bonus photos, and click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from Great Meadow so far. You can preview all of the fences on Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course here. Go Eventing.

#GMI2017: Website, Schedule, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scoring, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Great Meadow Course Flyover

By on Jul 7, 2017 3:08 pm -

We brought you a fence-by-fence preview of Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course at Great Meadow International early in the week, and now we have this super cool flyover video produced by Jamie Rees.

Mike reversed the direction of the course for the FEI Nations Cup this year, which he says “changes the interest a bit, not just for the horses and riders but for the spectators as well so there is something different for them to look at.”

The course still has the same flow, which Mike said is very important to him “so the horses can get into a rhythm and grow from the experience. At the same time there are enough tests without being over the top. What I try to do is make riders have to think as they’re going around a course, making a decision based on how their horses are going that particular day.”

Only four horse and rider combinations made the time last year, and the clock definitely plays a key influence at Great Meadow. The terrain is “pretty undulating. It looks deceptively flat, but there are quite a few hills,” Mike said. “Riders have to use their heads. They can’t come out of the box and press the go button the whole around around.”

Dressage starts this afternoon at 5 p.m. EST with the first nine horses going. Then dressage resumes in the morning at 8 a.m., followed by show jumping starting at 5 p.m. EST. Cross country runs at 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday. The action will stream live on both USEF Network and FEI TV.

#GMI2017: Website, Schedule, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scoring, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

All Horses Accepted at Great Meadow, Symansky Called Up to U.S. Team

By on Jul 7, 2017 11:25 am -

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hello from the FEI Nations Cup at Great Meadow International in The Plains, Virginia! The skies opened and dumped a huge amount of rain on the area earlier this morning, but we had beautiful clear conditions for the first horse inspection.

Thirty-two horses presented to the ground jury of Christian Landolt and Christina Klingspor, with all being accepted and moving forward to dressage, which starts later this afternoon at 5 p.m. EST.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson withdrew Copper Beach from the U.S. Nations Cup team prior to the first horse inspection, so team alternates Lynn Symansky and Donner will step in to take their place. The U.S. team is now Jennie Branigan and Cambalda, Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie, and Lynn Symansky and Donner.

The draw took place last night to determine the order of nations. Great Britain will go first, followed by Clayton Fredericks as the sole rider representing Australia, then Canada, then the U.S. Ride times are posted here.

Emily Llewellyn and Emirati Nightsky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Since arriving in the States last week, the Team GB horses have been based at nearby Beverly Equestrian, where event organizer Darrin Mollett has graciously hosted the team. All of the Team GB horses looked fantastic at the trot up — shout out to the super grooms!

We also have to send a big shout out to Allie Knowles, who is back to competing at the Advanced level with Sound Prospect for the first time since a fall at Red Hills in March sidelined her for the spring season.

It’s also fantastic to have Jan Byyny back at this level with her longtime partner Inmidair. (We caught up with Jan, who is also the newest U.S. selector, last week for an in-depth interview, so click here if you missed that.)

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dressage starts this afternoon at 5 p.m. EST, with Allison Springer and Arthur performing the test ride at 4:40 p.m. EST. You can watch live on both USEF Network and FEI TV.

As a side note, Christian Landolt was a very brave man to wear such fabulous purple shoes despite the mud that resulted from this morning’s torrential downpour. EN is pleased to report that the shoes made it through the trot up unscathed.

Ride times are here. You can preview Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course here, and please join us in sending him happy birthday wishes! Check out more photos below and on Instagram, and stay tuned for much more from #GMI2017.

#GMI2017: Website, Schedule, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scoring, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Salim Ejnaini Defies Odds

By on Jul 5, 2017 5:00 pm -

Meet Salim Ejnaini, a 24-year-old French rider who started losing his eyesight when he was 6 months old due to a degenerative disease. Salim started riding at age 12, and while he lost his eyesight completely at 16, he was determined to keep riding. He teamed up with trainer Tiffany Margueritat and has been competing in show jumping ever since.

Salim uses callers who stand in the arena and direct him where to go with his horse Rapsody, who Salim says is proof of “what is really possible when you deeply trust your horse, even if you’re a blind man.”

The organizers of the Longines Masters of Paris invited Salim to give a demonstration last year, which he said was his “very best memory in competition.” His longtime trainer Tiffany stood in the ring calling out directions, along with Salim’s mentor and fellow show jumping rider Guillaume Canet and Rio Olympic team gold medalist Philippe Rozier.

This video is nothing short of inspiring. Cheers to Salim and all those who fight for their dreams, even when the odds seemed stacked against them.

The feeling you get when you watch your child ride.

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Deadline to submit your story is 7/15/17. Winner will be announced 7/31/17.

Your stories are why we developed an electrolyte that will keep the horses in your life hydrated and healthy. It is why the horse that matter to you matters to us®.

To learn more about Summer Games® Electrolyte, visit http://kppusa.com/all-products/summer-games-electrolyte/.

Your First Look at the Great Meadow CICO3* Cross Country Course

By on Jul 5, 2017 3:51 pm -

It’s a big weekend for eventing around the world, with an FEI Nations Cup leg running at Great Meadow CICO3* in The Plains, Virginia, and the next Event Rider Masters leg running at Barbury Castle in Marlborough, England.

The action kicks off at Great Meadow on Friday morning, followed by the first part of dressage that afternoon. The horses and riders will take on Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course on Sunday morning.

Thanks to the CourseWalk App, we have an early look at the track! Click here to view the course on the CourseWalk App website or keep scrolling to view the fences below.

Stay tuned for EN’s wall-to-wall coverage of Great Meadow starting Friday morning. If you can’t be in Virginia, you can watch the competition live on USEF Network or FEI TV. Barbury will also be live streamed on eventridermasters.tv — we have three North Americans competing in Lauren Kieffer, Hannah Sue Burnett and Rebecca Howard, so be sure to cheer them on!

Great Meadow Links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Live Scoring

Applications Now Being Accepted for U.S. Eventing Team Performance Director

By on Jul 1, 2017 10:15 am -

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

US Equestrian has opened the application process for the U.S. Eventing Team Performance Director, previously known as the Technical Advisor. The term will run from the date of hiring through the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, though US Equestrian is willing to consider other term lengths.

“Applicants are expected to present a draft plan and vision for sustainable international success, including World and Olympic Games level, for the U.S. Eventing Team as part of the interview process,” US Equestrian explained in the Request for Proposal.

“Applicants are expected to have an understanding of the needs of athletes involved in elite and development programs and must have the skills and abilities essential to leading and motivating the athletes and their support teams. While not a pre-requisite of the position, an understanding of Equestrian sport in the U.S. and Eventing in particular is preferable.”

Core Requirements of the U.S. Eventing Team Performance Director Position:

  • Work with the Eventing Managing Director (MD) and the Eventing Sport Committee (and its working groups) in the development of the Eventing Pathway, programs and systems that support a comprehensive plan for sustainable international success, including the World and Olympic Games level.
  • Provide leadership, direction and motivation to participants in the Eventing High Performance Program, especially athletes in contention for selection to any senior U.S. Eventing Teams through Tokyo 2020.
  • Carry out the role of, or lead on the appointment of, the Chef d’Equipe at the Olympic, World Equestrian and Pan American Games and other Nations Cups.
  • Lead or oversee the setting and reviewing of Targets and Key Performance Indicators for the athletes in the Eventing Elite and Development Programs.
  • Assist in developing agreed upon competition targets at key marker competitions.
  • Develop and manage the delivery of coach support to Elite and Development athletes and a system for communicating with coaches and reviewing the progress of athletes. Personally deliver coaching if requested by an athlete.
  • Develop and implement a stakeholder communication plan in partnership with the MD of Eventing.
  • Develop and implement a structure and methodology for tracking progress of athletes and horses.
  • Analyze and present an annual report, with six monthly updates, on the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the current U.S. Eventing Team and athlete/horse partnerships.

US Equestrian also noted that the organization does not intend to change the Equine Sports Science and Medicine staff that currently supports the team.

Applications are due by August 1, 2017 and should be sent to Joanie Morris, Managing Director of Eventing, 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, or by email at [email protected].

[US Eventing Team Performance Director Position – Request For Proposal]

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Best Sales Video Ever

By on Jun 30, 2017 6:51 pm -

Karen Teague of Brookby Heights International in New Zealand has to win the award for Best Sales Video Ever. After repeatedly being asked if sales horse Nouveau Heights, an 8-year-old Irish/Holsteiner mare, was “good with children,” Karen took matters into her own hands.

She explains: “The joys of selling horses. I keep being asked if this horse is ‘good with children’ — the last person asked for ‘a video’ ??? So I have checked just in case I had accidentally advertised her in the ‘nannies looking for work’ section. I haven’t. Anyway, today Nouveau Heights, aka Pumba, humoured us … no children or horses were harmed in the making of this video …”

And it gets better. THEN a potential buyer asked if Pumba liked llamas. “I’m sorry to say that llamas were in short supply, but we told Pumba this was a llama, so technically …”

It’s safe to say Pumba is an absolute saint!

US Equestrian Names Nations Cup Team for Great Meadow CICO3*

By on Jun 30, 2017 4:58 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda on their way to winning Great Meadow in 2015. Photo courtesy of Valerie Durbon.

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! US Equestrian just named the team that will represent the U.S. in the FEI Nations Cup CICO3* at the Great Meadow International presented by Adequan next week, July 7-9 in The Plains, Virginia.

Congratulations to:

Jennie Brannigan (Reddick, Fla.) with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda, a 2002 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Buck Davidson (Unionville, Pa.) with Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s Copper Beach, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) with Kristine and John Norton’s I’m Sew Ready, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) with Debi Crowley and Doug and Jessica Payne’s Vandiver, a 2004 Trakehner gelding

Today is Jennie Brannigan’s 30th birthday, so please join us in sending her happy birthday wishes! Being named to a Nations Cup team on your birthday is definitely not a bad way to celebrate. Remember that Jennie and Cambalda are already winners at Great Meadow. They took the inaugural CIC3* victory in 2015. 

US Equestrian also named two alternates for the Nations Cup team:

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) with Gretchen and George Wintersteen, Pierre Colin, and Denise Lahey’s Steady Eddie, a 2003 Australian Thoroughbred gelding

Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) with The Donner Syndicate, LLC’s Donner, a 2003 Thoroughbred gelding

You can watch Great Meadow live on USEF Network, and I will be your boots on the ground to bring you wall-to-wall coverage of the competition. Stay tuned for much more from Great Meadow! Go Eventing.

[US Equestrian Names Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for Great Meadow International presented by Adequan® CICO3*]