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Jenni Autry

Achievements

About Jenni Autry

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

Latest Articles Written

Win Clinic Auditing Passes & Dinner with William Fox-Pitt!

By Jenni Autry on Apr 5, 2017 3:00 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero after winning Rolex in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

EN is partnering with Team EnGaged Clinics to give away two auditing passes and dinner with William Fox-Pitt at his clinic on May 2-3 at Valley View Farm in Midway, Kentucky.

Open to 20 riders each day, the clinic will feature semi-private and group lessons with levels ranging from Novice/Training through to Advanced, plus a Young Event Horse group.

For those interested in auditing, one-day passes cost $30 and two-day passes cost $60. Groups of five can also purchase a one-day pass for $145 or two-day pass for $290. Click here to purchase tickets. Sales close May 2. Cost is $45 per person per day at the door.

Enter to win two auditing passes and dinner with William using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries close at midnight EST on Monday, April 10. The winner must be able to travel to Midway, Kentucky on May 2-3 to audit the clinic.

Click here to follow the clinic’s event page on Facebook. Go Eventing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jennie Brannigan Wins Her Timber Racing Debut Aboard Joshua G

By Jenni Autry on Apr 5, 2017 10:30 am -

Jennie Brannigan and Joshua G. over the stone wall at Brandywine Hills. Photo by Lisa Thomas.

Jennie Brannigan checked a big item off her bucket list on Sunday when she piloted Joshua G to a win in her timber racing debut at the 75th running of the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point Races in Northbrook, Pennsylvania.

It wasn’t the first time she’s donned jockey silks, as she piloted Where’s The Beef to a fourth-place finish in a flat race at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase in 2015. But timber racing is far different from any other spin she’s taken aboard a Thoroughbred since she first started galloping racehorses for Michael Matz four years ago.

“You’re just flying and hoping that you meet the last couple jumps galloping out of stride because that’s the difference between winning and not. It has been such an awesome experience, and I’m glad I’m riding Joshua G because he’s a great jumper,” Jennie said.

“I keep laughing saying I’ll try not to get too addicted, but it really is such a rush. It’s pure adrenaline. The jump jockeys have some serious nerve to hop on horses they don’t even know. If you think eventers are crazy, timber racing is really crazy.”

Timber races typically run over three to four miles with horses and riders jumping solid wooden rail fences. Two of the most prestigious races in the country run at the Maryland Hunt Cup in Glyndon and the Virginia Gold Cup in The Plains.

Jennie Brannigan on the scales at Brandywine Hills. Photo by Sara Ike.

Ears pricked

The opportunity to give timber racing a try came when Jennie found herself riding beside acclaimed steeplechase trainer Kathy Neilson this past winter while foxhunting with Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds.

“I had just heard that the girl who rode Joshua G last year had become a professional flat jockey, and I told Jennie I was looking for a rider for next year. Her ears pricked and she said, ‘I’d love to ride over timber,’ so we decided to have her school the horse during the winter,” Kathy said.

“We’ve had a very measured approach to it. It’s been one school and she liked him, and then we schooled again and she liked him, then we galloped him and she still liked him. It’s been one step at a time that we’ve progressed. She liked him and he liked her, which was important to me.”

Kathy has trained Joshua G for the past three years. A 2006 gelding (Run Softly – Search for Reality, by Regal Search) bred in Maryland by Jason Cole and owned by Armata Stable, Joshua G has won $26,191 in 19 career starts, including running twice at the Maryland Hunt Cup.

“He’s just such a lovely horse, and I remember Jennie saying right away that she adored him,” Kathy said. “She connected with him, and I think she appreciates what a wonderful animal he is. That makes my job easy. She appreciates him, and that means everything to me.”

With Jennie and Joshua G clicking together in their schools and gallops, they targeted a schooling race at Cheshire’s Averell Penn Smith Walker Memorial Course at Plantation Field on Sunday, March 26. After competing four horses at Carolina International that weekend — and placing third in the CIC3* with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda — Jennie packed up her trailer and hauled home to Pennsylvania in time to ride in the race the next day.

“It was unofficially a very good race against very good horses, and the horse seemed very happy,” Kathy said. “He jumped well. She finished second to a really good horse in that schooling heat, and she was competitive.”

Kathy Neilson, front, leads the way to the start with Joshua G at Brandywine Hills. Photo by Lisa Thomas.

‘Trust the horse’

With a schooling race under their belts, Jennie and Joshua G teamed up once again for her first official timber race this past Sunday at Brandywine Hills in the fifth race on the card, the Betty Baldwin Meister Memorial Ladies Race.

Jennie’s longtime friend and champion jump jockey Jody Petty walked the course with her that morning, noting that the ground was a bit wet after steady rains in Pennsylvania. But the race day had dawned bright and sunny.

“I’m glad that I’ve hunted and ridden racehorses for four years now. I also felt a lot more comfortable after the schooling race since I had experienced it once, so I knew what to expect. I think all of that was helpful because it’s a lot faster than anything we do as event riders. It’s really not comparable, and I can see now why people say that,” Jennie said.

“You have to be comfortable leaving the ground from a lot farther away from the jumps, and also riding down bold to the jumps. You don’t set the horses up for the jumps at all. If you come up deep to a jump, you just support the horse.”

While there were only three horses in the field, the Ladies Race proved to be competitive from start to finish, with Bethany Baumgardner and Battle Array sitting right behind Jennie and Joshua G nearly the entire way.

“The last fence can be pretty tricky because you can be driving with your head down and riding hard,” Kathy said. “Jennie put her head down and sent him at the last fence and won. To me as a trainer I was really happy to see that she had that much horse left and that she wasn’t worried about the speed with the racing pace.”

In looking back on the race, Jennie said being able to trust Joshua G made all the difference. “It comes down to what kind of horse you’re sitting on. You have to 100 percent trust the horse because you can’t get in his way. I knew where he was going to leave the ground every time. There was never a minute I felt scared.”

Jennie Brannigan and Joshua G driving for home to take the win at Brandywine Hills. Photo by Nina Ligon.

‘Something I was supposed to do’

Now Kathy and Jennie are looking ahead to the Fair Hill Point-to-Point Races on April 16, where Joshua G will run his final prep race before the Maryland Hunt Cup. Jennie will also be competing four horses in Fair Hill’s April CIC and Horse Trials that same weekend.

If all goes well in their final prep race at Fair Hill, Jennie will then ride Joshua G in the Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday, April 29, which coincides with cross country day at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“There is no one else that I would like to ride my horse at the Hunt Cup,” Kathy said. “At the same token we have to get there, and the next step is to get through Fair Hill. I’m very grateful Jennie is riding the horse, and if he does make it to the Hunt Cup then I would be very happy to have Jennie sit on him.”

Jennie acknowledged that riding in the Maryland Hunt Cup one month after making her timber racing debut is a bit like “an event rider winning their first Advanced and then going right on to Rolex.” At the same time, she is confident in her preparation and, above all, incredibly grateful to Kathy for giving her the opportunity.

“I’m going to stay an event rider for sure, but timber racing is something I’ve always wanted to do. Sometimes opportunities like this present themselves, and you feel nervous but you know you can do it. It has felt like something I was supposed to do from the start.”

FEI Partners with EquiRatings on Eventing Data and Risk Analysis

By Jenni Autry on Apr 4, 2017 8:00 am -

Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne of EquiRatings will work alongside the FEI to advance safety initiatives in eventing. Image courtesy of EquiRatings.

The FEI announced today that a four-year agreement with EquiRatings has been inked to collaborate on game-changing data analysis and risk management initiatives in both eventing and endurance.

Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne, co-founders of EquiRatings, will work within the FEI’s database and alongside national federations to collate data on fences, falls, injuries and other risk management factors.

Perhaps most importantly, the EquiRatings Quality Index (ERQI), which helps assess the risk of horse falls on cross country, will be implemented within the FEI database, starting initially at the CCI4* level. EquiRatings will also tackle specific safety projects at the request of the Eventing Committee and the Risk Management Steering Group.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said the partnership with EquiRatings will help provide “a holistic approach to risk management” for national federations at every level of the sport.

“The ERQI is both a powerful tool for understanding and predicting risk in both eventing and endurance and brings a new layer of insight into the decision-making process at a global governance level,” Sabrina said.

“We have worked with EquiRatings in the past, but formalizing this partnership provides us with a platform to move forward with more concrete analysis of the FEI’s data, and gives valuable insight into performance and risk. It also has the potential in the future to contribute greatly to the promotion of our sport and the way in which it is consumed by fans.”

EquiRatings Managing Director Diarm Byrne said that managing risk in eventing is “a collective responsibility” for all who love the sport.

“This official partnership shows the ongoing commitment of the FEI and the Risk Management Steering Group to new measures and tools,” Diarm said. “We will be working with a number of other national federations around the world in 2017 to implement ERQIs at national level.”

As longtime supporters of EquiRatings and their work to advance safety initiatives within eventing, the EN team members are delighted to see this partnership formalized with the FEI. We have reported extensively on EquiRatings over the past two years, and you can learn more about their work in the EN Archives.

To learn more about ERQI, which is already in use by Eventing Ireland and will be tested this year by British Eventing, don’t miss EN’s comprehensive overview of the innovative traffic light system.

Sam and Diarm will also give a presentation on data analysis in the eventing risk management session at the 2017 FEI Sports Forum on April 11 in Lausanne, Switzerland, which will be streamed live on the FEI YouTube Channel.

EN will continue to bring you all the latest news on risk management initiatives within eventing. Click here to read more about the FEI’s work to date on advancing safety within the sport. Go Eventing.

[FEI partners with equestrian data science company EquiRatings on data and risk analysis initiatives]

BT Border Bandit Euthanized at Belton Horse Trials

By Jenni Autry on Apr 3, 2017 2:51 pm -

Camilla Speirs and BT Border Bandit at Somerford Park. Photo by Nico Morgan.

EN is heartbroken to report that BT Border Bandit, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding ridden by Ireland’s Camilla Speirs, was euthanized after fracturing his left front cannon bone on the Advanced cross country course yesterday at Belton International Horse Trials in Lincolnshire, England.

The fracture occurred on take off at fence 21, an open oxer. Belton confirmed to EN that a veterinarian attended to the horse immediately on course, and the decision was made to euthanize him due to the severity of the injury.

Camilla, who was uninjured, released the following statement:

“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken to have to say goodbye in these circumstances but it was doing what we do best.

“Unfortunately BT Border Bandit, one of my top horses, suffered a severely extensive injury on course in the Advanced cross country at Belton Horse Trials and there was no option but to put him to sleep.

“Producing this horse from 3 years old up to three-star has been such an honour, and I will miss that cheeky face so much.

“You have been an incredible horse and I will always stand by that you are one of the most talented horses cross country I will ever come across. Sleep well, angel.”

Bred in Ireland by Ronnie Kelly, BT Border Bandit (Warcraft X Wanda XVI) came through the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale, where Camilla’s mother Bridget purchased him as a rising 4-year-old because she loved his type.

Camilla produced BT Border Bandit through the levels, and they had five top-10 placings at two-star level, including a win at Ballindenisk CIC2* in 2013. They also represented Ireland at the World Equestrian Games test event at Haras du Pin in 2013, finishing 11th individually.

BT Border Bandit, or “TP” as he was known in the yard, stepped up to the three-star level in 2013 and delivered top-15 finishes at Ballindenisk, Cappoquin and Belton. He was also named to the Irish High Performance Squad in 2015.

The EN team extends our deepest condolences to Camilla, her team, and all who knew and loved this special horse. Rest in peace, TP.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Poplar Place Helmet Cam

By Jenni Autry on Mar 29, 2017 4:30 pm -

Take a spin around the Preliminary course at Poplar Place Farm’s March Horse Trials with Hannah Ledford and Doubt Ya Boy, who finished fourth in the Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary division on a final score of 51.8 last weekend.

Hannah and “Joey” skipped around the course with just 1.2 time penalties to deliver the second-fastest ride in the division. We especially love the ending: “He was so good! He didn’t miss — taking good care of me.” Good boy, Joey. Go Eventing.

[Poplar Place March H.T. Final Scores]

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Caroline Martin & Mackenna Shea Selected for 2017 Karen Stives European Tour

By Jenni Autry on Mar 29, 2017 3:27 pm -

MacKenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Alleyn Evans for for official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of Rebecca Farm.

Congratulations are in order for Caroline Martin and Mackenna Shea, who have been selected by the USET Foundation as the recipients of the 2017 Karen Stives Eventing Endowment Fund Grants.

Caroline and Pebbly Maximus, her 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, and Mackenna and Landioso, her 15-year-old Bavarian Warmblood gelding, will spend a month in England on the Karen E. Stives European Emerging Athlete Tour, training with USEF Emerging Athletes Coach Leslie Law and competing at the Houghton Hall CICO3* and Bramham CCI3*-U25.

Competing on the tour will allow Mackenna to make her overseas debut, and she said the opportunity would not be possible without the generosity of the late Karen Stives, who donated $1 million to the USET Foundation to create a fund that would give up-and-coming U.S. riders valuable international experience.

“Being a part of the Emerging Athletes program has been a huge asset to my development, and now with the help of this generous grant, I will be able to take what I have learned abroad,” Mackenna said. “Spending several weeks in Europe at two different venues will be unlike anything I have ever experienced before, and I hope this trip can bring me closer to my goal of one day riding on a team.”

Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Caroline also competed on the tour last year and said she is thrilled to have the opportunity once again. “It’s really great that we have the backing for under-25 riders. To be able to go overseas and compete with the world’s best under 25 event riders — we’re really lucky that our country does this for us. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to represent this grant and Karen Stives,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to make the jump from junior to professional and being able to go over and compete and be on my top form. It’s definitely the next step into becoming a professional and, thanks to this grant, I think it’s a great start to my professional career.”

In addition to training with Leslie Law and competing at Houghton Hall and Bramham, Mackenna and Carolina will also visit British Olympian Carl Hester’s yard, as well as a steeplechase yard. The EN team wishes Mackenna and Caroline the best of luck as they set off on their trip in May. Go Eventing.

[Caroline Martin and Mackenna Shea to Represent United States During Karen E. Stives European Developing Tour]

Peter Barry in Stable Condition After Being Hospitalized

By Jenni Autry on Mar 26, 2017 12:00 pm -

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Canadian Olympian Peter Barry is in stable condition after being hospitalized due to suffering a stroke yesterday afternoon at the Carolina Horse Park.

Sue Ockendon confirmed to EN that Peter is resting comfortably at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina, with his wife, Susan, and son, Dylan, by his side.

The family will release more information soon but wanted the eventing community to know that Peter is stable. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Update: Monday, March 27 — Peter remains in stable condition.

Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border Clinch Wire-to-Wire Win in Carolina Advanced

By Jenni Autry on Mar 26, 2017 11:00 am -

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

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border led the Advanced division from start to finish at Carolina International, jumping a clear show jumping round this morning to seal the deal on the win on a final score of 28.3.

“Cross,” a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Cross Syndicate, added just 1.2 cross country time penalties to his dressage score, and Kim said he was “unreal” around Ian Stark’s track yesterday.

“He just couldn’t have been better,” Kim said. “I could have been a little bit better here and there, but he was 100 percent.”

While Cross is entered for his four-star debut at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Kim has also applied for a USEF High Performance Grant to compete at the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials in England, and she’s still not sure which option she will choose.

“He came out yesterday and for the first time I actually thought that Rolex could be an option. He’s entered but my first option is to go to Bramham because I think he needs to go to another three-star. If he were to jump around The Fork or Fair Hill the way he did yesterday I could see him going to Rolex.”

As for why she is leaning a bit more toward Bramham, Kim said she would like more time to confirm his flying changes and also pointed to wanting more time to develop his base of fitness.

“I think he needs the fitness of another three-star, although yesterday he was fast and easy,” Kim said. “That was a very different horse than the one I’ve had yet. I was really happy with that.”

Aside from Carolina, Cross has only had one other run this season at the Wellington Eventing Showcase, and Kim said that the competition was “amazingly good for him.” She also competed him in a combined test earlier this month at the Carolina Horse Park.

“He’s been a little nervous about being in the ring, but I think he’s had a big learning curve recently,” Kim said. “I was lucky enough two weeks ago to do the combined test on him to get him in the ring twice, which was really helpful.”

Looking back to their test on Friday afternoon, they left some points on the table when Cross cantered out of the halt and missed on a flying change, but Kim said she was pleased that he stayed more relaxed in the ring.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF jumped clear in show jumping with one time penalty to finish in second place on on 34.5. They delivered the fastest cross country trip yesterday, coming home just one second over the optimum time.

With a solid Rolex prep run behind them, Matt and “Flaxen,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Blossom Creek Foundation, will now go straight on to Rolex for the second four-star appearance of their career.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, a 15-year-old Dutch mare owned by Team Rebecca, had one rail down and also added two time penalties to finish in third place on a final score of 46.8.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lauren also finished a second horse in the top five in Landmark’s Monte Carlo, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars, with one rail and one time penalty to finish fourth on 49.2. Both horses are heading to England for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Woods Baughman and Montesquieu, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by James Woods and Kim Baughman, moved up from 23rd after dressage to finish in fifth place on a final score of 50.6 thanks to a clear show jumping round and adding just 5.2 cross country time penalties yesterday.

Only five pairs jumped clear rounds inside the time over Marc Donovan’s show jumping course. In addition to our winners Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border and fifth-placed Woods Baughman and Montesquieu, the following combinations also added no penalties in the final phase: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac (6th, 50.6), Lillian Heard and Share Option (8th, 53.5), and Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy (9th, 55.4).

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from Carolina International. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Schedule,Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Caroline Martin Takes Her First CIC3* Career Win with The Apprentice

By Jenni Autry on Mar 25, 2017 6:34 pm -

Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The CIC3* cross country finale at Carolina International certainly lived up to expectations, with the top of the leaderboard shuffling in a nail-biting conclusion that ended with 22-year-old Caroline Martin clinching the first three-star win of her career aboard Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice on a final score of 44.3.

Caroline has only had “Dirk” in her barn for just over a month since she took over the ride from her former trainer Buck Davidson, who produced the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding to the Advanced level.

With Carolina being the first three-star run for their new partnership, not only did Caroline and Dirk storm around as the only pair to make the optimum time of 6 minutes, 41 seconds, but today is the first time the horse has ever made time at the CIC3* level.

Caroline said she had an advantage in going out first on two other horses, Danger Mouse and Spring Easy, before leaving the start box with Dirk. “He gave me a surprise. He was a little bit stronger than I thought. I rode him in a loose ring snaffle, and he was pretty good through most of the course, and honestly he just showed me how to ride.”

Dirk is next entered at The Fork CIC3*, and Caroline said she will confer with USEF Developing Coach Leslie Law in making a plan for the rest of their spring season. “I trained with Buck for about 12 years, so the way Buck taught me how to ride himself is the way he rode the horse, so that helps a lot. I also used to ride Titanium and he was also trained by Buck.

“Dirk is a new horse for me, but I was also taught the basics by Buck, who is amazing. I think that’s why it was easier to get to know him. He’s an incredible athlete and jumper. He has an amazing gallop. He’s very easy on the flat. I have to give Buck credit for training him and for training me. I can’t forget Buck for everything he’s done for me.”

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen, who led after yesterday’s show jumping, skipped around clear to finish in second place on 47.7 with 6.4 time penalties. The 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker, now has two top CIC3* finishes under his belt this season, having won the Pine Top CIC3* last month.

“Glen” was a bit cheeky on course today for Clark, he said. “He jumped all the fences; he just wasn’t super adjustable to go really quick on a CIC course.” Clark confirmed they will stick with the plan to go straight on to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event next. “He doesn’t need to do anymore runs. We’ll just make sure he’s physically happy from here on out and peak his fitness and get to Kentucky.”

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, sat in second place after their clear show jumping round yesterday and went clear today with 8.4 time penalties to finish third on 49.9. That’s yet another strong result for his comeback tour, as “Ping” also finished second in the Red Hills CIC3* last month.

Ping gave her a very smooth round today despite pulling a shoe, Jennie said, and she said she will consult with Phillip Dutton as to where to aim the horse next.

“He doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve been lucky to have some other horses up and coming, and we really just want to keep him happy,” Jennie said. “He is a horse that likes hard ground, so I wouldn’t say I’d ask him to jump around a CCI4* in the rain again because horsemanship-wise it’s hard on him. We’ll see how he comes out of this.”

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will Faudree and Pfun, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing, steadily climbed the leaderboard throughout the weekend, rising from 22nd after dressage to 13th after show jumping, and ultimately finishing in fourth place on 52.9 with a speedy cross country round and 4.4 time penalties.

Doug Payne and Debi Crowley’s Vandiver, a 13-year-old Trakehnher gelding, also cruised up the leaderboard this weekend, jumping up from 23rd after dressage to round out the top five in the CIC3* on a final score of 53.6 thanks to a fast cross country trip with 4.8 time penalties.

Lynn Symansky and Donner, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Donner Syndicate, had the second fastest time of the division, crossing the finish with just 1.6 time penalties to finish in sixth place on 54.1 in preparation for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Kurt Martin and DeLux Z, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by CJ and Bill Martin, looked super impressive in preparation for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, cruising around with 7.2 time penalties to jump up from 29th after dressage to finish in seventh on a final score of 58.8.

Will Faudree was the only rider in the division to finish two horses in the top 10, picking up 12.4 time penalties on cross country with Jennifer Mosing’s Hans Dampf, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, to finish eighth on 59.1.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, delivered the third-fastest round in the division, picking up 3.2 time penalties to move up from 30th after dressage to finish in ninth place on 59.4.

Sharon White and her own Cooley On Show, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, finished in 10th place on a final score of 60.5 with a clear cross country trip and 13.2 time penalties.

Ian Stark’s cross country course certainly caused its fair share of trouble, with nine pairs picking up jumping penalties and three pairs being eliminated on refusals. We had two falls on course, with Kylie Lyman parting ways from Lup the Loop after the second water, and Hannah Sue Burnett popping off of Cooley Dream at the Cloud 11 Pebble Peach. Both horses and riders were uninjured.

We are waiting on final fence reports to be released from the event to confirm jumping penalties.

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

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border Defend Advanced Lead

The Advanced division ran cross country immediately following the CIC3*, and Kim Severson and the Cross Syndicate’s Cooley Cross Border, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, defended their lead with a clear round and 28.3 time penalties to hold first place on 28.3.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Blossom Creek Foundation, came the closest to making the optimum time of 6 minutes, 41 seconds, coming home just one second over to move up from ninth to second on 33.5.

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica, a 15-year-old Dutch mare, jumped clear with 13.6 time penalties to drop one spot on the leaderboard to third place on 40.8. Click here to view full a full scoring breakdown. The Advanced division concludes tomorrow with show jumping starting at 9 a.m. EST.

Carolina Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border Lead Carolina Advanced, Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By Jenni Autry on Mar 24, 2017 7:23 pm -

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

It’s been a massively busy day at the Carolina Horse Park, with Advanced dressage running amidst CIC3*/CIC2* show jumping and CIC* cross country. Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border ultimately prevailed in the sandbox, scoring 27.1 to just edge Lauren Kieffer and Veronica for the lead.

In a special edition of today’s Friday Video presented by World Equestrian Brands, we have footage of Kim and Cooley Cross Border’s test courtesy of our friendly neighborhood videographer David Frechette.

Many pairs in this division are gearing up for a spring CCI4*, with Cooley Cross Border aiming for his four-star debut at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, who scored 27.2 for second place, are aiming for their first appearance at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lillian Heard and Share Option — another Rolex-bound pair — sit in third place on 29.1, with Will Coleman and Boris O’Hara in fourth on 31.5. Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken sit tied for fifth place with Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star on 32.2. Click here for more dressage videos.

Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Advanced division goes cross country at the very end of the day tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST. Advanced cross country will not be live streamed, but we’ll have the scoop here on EN for all of you following along with this division. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s Carolina coverage so far. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen Leap to Carolina CIC3* Lead

By Jenni Autry on Mar 24, 2017 5:00 pm -

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clark Montgomery and his Rio Olympic partner Loughan Glen are our new leaders in the CIC3* at Carolina International thanks to delivering a clear round over Marc Donovan’s show jumping course at the bucolic Carolina Horse Park this afternoon.

The 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker, had pulled one rail in three of his previous CIC3* appearances over the past season, and Clark said in yesterday’s press conference that he was determined to leave the poles in the cups today.

Clark and “Glen” ultimately delivered a beautiful round, moving up to first place on 41.3, just 0.2 penalties ahead of second-placed Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda — not much breathing room as we look ahead to what is sure to be an exciting cross country finale tomorrow.

“He just felt super,” Clark said, adding that Glen was energetic and popped off the grass ring, giving him a super feeling ahead of cross country. As for Clark’s strategy, he said he certainly doesn’t plan to go slow across Ian Stark’s track.

“He likes a more forward, aggressive ride. I’m going to see how it feels. … It walks a bit firm. If it sounds slappy and dead as I’m galloping, I’ll probably back him off a bit. If it feels nice and he’s comfortable, then I’ll let him keep going. I do want it for fitness, but I don’t want him getting sore from it.”

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

Cambalda, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, has never jumped on the grass at this venue, but he pinged around in his typical good form today with Jennie Brannigan in the irons to move to second place on 41.5.

“It was the first time I’ve ever ridden him where he was in front of my leg and I felt like I could actually sit still on him, so that was cool for me because I felt like it was one of my smoother rounds on him,” Jennie said. “I thought there was a lot of atmosphere and he jumped really well. I thought it was one of the nicest rounds I’ve had on him.”

Jennie wisely noted that this is a very strong CIC3* field, and anything can happen tomorrow as riders tackle Ian’s beefy track. The first water at fence 7, Ship’s Quarter, and the new coffin complex at fence 19, Landmark Hollow, are causing quite a stir this afternoon as rider’s finalize their game plans.

“Ian is a great designer and rewards bold riding, and I certainly came here to compete,” Jennie said. “I think the leaderboard will move around a lot, and I’ll try to go out and do the best I can do.”

Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice continued to solidify their new partnership with a clear round to move from eighth up to third place on 44.3. She was absolutely thrilled with how “Dirk,” a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, handled Marc’s course.

“If he taps one he gets nervous because he thinks he’s made a mistake … but he didn’t touch one in the warm-up and he didn’t tap one in the ring,” Caroline said. “I thought the course rode well. He gave you options if you needed to add a stride and get your horse more collected before a combination. It rewarded the people who rode strong.”

As for Caroline’s philosophy looking ahead to cross country, she said she plans to gain every ounce of experience she can from the horse, which Buck Davidson produced to the top level and competed for six seasons at Advanced.

“I’m not trying to change the way he goes or change my style of riding. He’s giving me experience. I’m 21, and I need to get as much experience as I can at the upper levels because I want to make a career out of this,” she said. “He’s a good partner to have to learn from. He’s beautifully produced. All I can do is learn from what he does and I’ll ride to the best of my ability.”

We saw 22 clear rounds in all in the CIC3*, giving us 55 percent of the field jumping clear, a significant improvement from last year when just 20 percent of the field managed clear rounds. It could be that riders are finally figuring out Marc’s challenging course built around spooky Stonehenge after several years of competing at this event, though today’s show jumping still managed to shake up the leaderboard.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and the Arthur Syndicate’s Arthur, who led overnight after dressage, pulled one rail to slip down to fourth place on 44.7. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive, owned by Tom Tierney and Annie Jones, jumped clear to move from 10th up to fifth on 45.4.

Looking to the rest of the top 10, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night dropped one pole to slip from fourth place to sixth on 46.5. Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Hans Dampf also pulled one rail to move from fifth to seventh on 46.7.

Jessica Phoenix and Don Good’s Pavarotti jumped a bold clear to move up five spots on the leaderboard to eighth place on 46.9. Sharon White and her own Cooley On Show jumped clear to move to ninth of 47.3, and Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch also jumped clear to round out the top 10 on 48.2.

The imposing Stonehenge complex certainly makes for an intimidating backdrop in the grass show jumping ring. Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code are pictured here. Photo by Jenni Autry.

As we typically see from Marc, he built an intriguing option at fence nine on course. Riders could jump a Swedish oxer at fence eight and navigate a tight left rollback turn to a spooky vertical set against Stonehenge at fence nine, or turn right to a liverpool set against the fence line, before going on to the final line on course. (Marc has dialed back his designing schedule this year, so we are lucky to have him here at Carolina!)

Scores on the CIC3* leaderboard remain very tightly bunched following show jumping, with just 6.0 penalties separating the top 10 and less than 10 penalties separating the top 20. Just three combinations made the optimum time on cross country last year, so we can expect the clock to prove very influential in determining the final standings.

You can preview each fence on Ian Stark’s cross country course here. Cross country day starts with Intermediate cross country at 8 a.m., followed by the CIC2* at 10:15 a.m. and the CIC3* at 1:10 p.m. Both CIC2* and CIC3* cross country will stream live on EQSportsNet.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

This report has been updated with quotes, scoring changes, plus amazing photos from the one and only Allie Conrad. Support your show photographers!

Allison Springer: ‘Arthur Has Been the Longest, Steadiest Thing In My Life’

By Jenni Autry on Mar 23, 2017 5:30 pm -

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur delivered the leading dressage test today in the CIC3* at Carolina International, scoring 40.7 to hold the overnight lead as we look ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping. Last year they jumped a clear round over Marc Donovan’s course and went on to win the CIC3*, and that’s exactly what Allison hopes to do again this year.

“He’s been the longest, steadiest thing in my life for sure,” Allison said. “Honestly if you look at the grand picture, I’ve been really lucky. What I did last year is similar to what I did this year. … I just keep giving him big breaks and he keeps coming out and feeling good.”

Of course, he is still and will always be the same old Arthur. “He gave me a beautiful ride last night, and this morning he spooked at a letter in the practice ring and almost got me off. I was thinking, ‘You’re 18, horse!’ But that’s Arthur.”

As for whether Arthur will aim for an eighth appearance at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event next month, Allison said “that’s the million-dollar question.” The Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Arthur Syndicate continues to impress at the highest level of the sport, and Allison said if he handles Ian Stark’s cross country course well, she will send in her entry for Rolex.

“The water is really solid, and they put in a proper coffin — a Kentucky-esque coffin with a steep downhill to a ditch, and that’s something we really struggle with. It’s a great prep for us.”

(EN’s own Kate Samuels just walked the CIC3* cross country course and will be bringing you a full fence-by-fence preview soon.)

Allison said she feels incredibly lucky to have Arthur out for his 10th season competing at Advanced level. “It’s a blessed thing to have a four-star star horse, period. It’s really hard to get horses to that top level, and to keep practicing and keep yourself sharp as you’re producing horses is really important. He definitely keeps me on my toes.”

(Watch a video of Allison and Arthur’s leading test here.)

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen sit in second place on 41.3, and Clark said the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker, felt a bit tight in his test today.

“When he gets tight, he gets stuck. I didn’t get to ride him yesterday, so I just rode him this morning, which might have been part of it, but I’m not going to complain about a 41.”

As is his typical game plan with “Glen,” Clark has been focusing heavily on his fitness work, incorporating a lot of galloping ahead of Rolex and working less on the dressage, which is the horse’s strongest phase.

“He’s peaking easier than he ever has,” Clark said. “Finally at the ripe old age of 14 he has a depth of fitness. It’s easier to peak him back each time. He seems super healthy in his body this spring after last summer, so that’s really nice to feel. It’s just keeping the wheels on the wagon.”

Glen has plenty of experience jumping on grass after spending four years in England, but Clark said he isn’t taking anything for granted tomorrow on Marc Donovan’s course, as he had a rail down at Pine Top CIC3* last month (though they did go on to win on 36.3).

As for Clark’s strategy for cross country on Saturday: “You need to go fast enough to work on fitness. I never really ride him very slow because he needs the confidence. He likes to go fast, but we need to make sure we get to Kentucky too.”

(Click here to watch Clark and Glen’s test.)

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, who led after the first day of dressage on 41.5, now sit in third place at the conclusion of the first phase. The 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Tim and Nina Gardner has never competed this event, and Jennie hasn’t been either since it became Carolina International in 2014.

“I remember watching the results last year and thinking this wasn’t a dressage show, and walking the course I can see why. I love Ian as a designer, and it looks proper. I always think show jumping on grass is really influential, too.”

The scores are tightly bunched on the CIC3* leaderboard, with less than a rail separating the top nine horses and riders. Less than two rails separate the entire top 20, so the stage is set for a nail-biter tomorrow, and cross country will be equally influential.

The heavy storm that drenched the grounds on Tuesday night improved the quality of the footing on much of the course, and Jennie said it’s the best footing she’s seen in a long time. “They’ve improved a lot since the last time I was here,” she said. “It takes awhile to develop a string of horses to run at both Red Hills and Carolina, and I’m excited to be able to do both.”

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

Looking to the rest of the CIC3* leaderboard, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night sit in fourth place on 42.5, with Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Hans Dampf delivering a personal best of 42.7 to round out the top five.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot are in sixth on 43.1, with Buck Davidson and Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo in seventh on 43.8. Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice sit eighth on 44.3, with Clayton Fredericks and Katie Ruppel’s Houdini in ninth on 44.4, and Phillip Dutton and Tom Tierney and Annie Jones Fernhill Fugitive in 10th on 45.4.

Last year just 20 percent of the CIC3* jumped clear rounds inside the time on Marc’s show jumping course, so we can expect poles to go flying if this tricky course lives up to its reputation. CIC3* starts at 1 p.m. EST tomorrow and will stream live on EQSportsNet.

It’s going to be a busy day at the Carolina Horse Park with the National divisions starting dressage, CIC3* and CIC2* show jumping, and CIC* cross country. CIC2* show jumping will also stream live starting at 9:30 a.m. EST. Stay tuned for a full report on the CIC2* and CIC* from the one and only Leslie Threlkeld.

Keep checking Instagram for more photos from today, and be sure to click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of Carolina so far. Thank you so much for reading, and thank you once again to the wonderful volunteers, officials and staff for another wonderful (albeit chilly!) day in Southern Pines. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday Video: Allison Springer & Arthur’s Winning Carolina Dressage Test

By Jenni Autry on Mar 23, 2017 4:00 pm -

Allison Springer and Arthur are one step closer to defending their win in the CIC3* at Carolina International, scoring 40.7 to hold the lead following the conclusion of dressage. We have a video of their test thanks to EN’s good friend David Frechette! Many thanks to David for all of the fantastic videos he filmed today. You can watch much more on his YouTube channel.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Carolina Lunch Snippets: Defending Champions Allison Springer & Arthur Top CIC3*

By Jenni Autry on Mar 23, 2017 12:35 pm -

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur are back in familiar territory at Carolina International, leading the CIC3* on 40.7 at the lunch break on day two with just one more group to come this afternoon. These two won the CIC3* last year, and now one year later at 18 years old, Arthur proved he can still throw down in the sandbox against the best horses in the country — not that we expected anything less!

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen scored 41.3 to sit in second place on the CIC3*, about 4 marks above of our expected score for them. But they’re still positioned well on the leaderboard and also have the advantage of coming off a strong win at Pine Top CIC3* last month.

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

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, who led overnight after the first day of dressage action, now sit in third place on 41.5. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night scored 42.5 to slot into fourth place, and Will Faudree and Hans Dampf delivered a personal best of 42.7 to round out the top five.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The scoring today in the CIC3* has been very consistently close to the expected averages during both morning sessions, with scores less than a point below the expected marks. Thank you once again to EN’s data analyst Maggie Deatrick for crunching numbers today.

We also have a new leader in the CIC2*, with Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z scoring a personal best of 41.7 in the second two-star start of his career. The overnight leaders Cornelia Dorr and Louis M slipped to second place on 44.4 (click here to watch their test). Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter scored 45.2 in their second two-star start as a pair to sit third on 45.2.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T are still holding the CIC* lead on 35.5, and he now has another ride at the top of the leaderboard with Contessa, who scored 35.8 for second place. Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso are tied for third place on 37.5 with Lynn Symansky and Neptune.

It’s been a brisk morning in Southern Pines, and the chilly conditions can best be described as ⛄⛄⛄⛄. Temperatures have thawed to about 50 degrees at the lunch break, and we’re all looking forward to warmer weather over the next three days of competition at the beautiful Carolina Horse Park.

You can watch the finale of CIC3* dressage live on EQSportsNet starting at 1 p.m. EST. Leslie Threlkeld and I are your boots on the ground at Carolina this weekend, and we’ve been putting lots of extra photos on Instagram, so be sure to scroll through our feed for a behind-the-scenes look at Carolina. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Cornelia Dorr & Louis M

By Jenni Autry on Mar 22, 2017 6:00 pm -

Louis M is no stranger to EN readers. An EquiRatings record holder with his former pilot Pia Münker, imagine our delight when he arrived in America as a new mount for Eventing 25 rider Cornelia Dorr. They currently lead the CIC2* at Carolina International on 44.4, and you can watch their test below.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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Who Run the World? Girls! At Carolina International + Photo Gallery

By Jenni Autry on Mar 22, 2017 5:30 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

With three ladies topping the CIC3* leaderboard at the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North Carolina International following the first day of dressage, this afternoon’s press conference had a definite girl power vibe. Our top three, Jennie Brannigan, Hannah Sue Burnett and Caroline Martin, impressed in the sandbox today, and they said it’s time for the ladies of USA eventing to step up.

“The women in this country are really starting to step up and not just step aside for the men, which is exciting,” Hannah said.

Jennie added: “We’re lucky that we’ve grown up in a sport where men and women get treated equally. I don’t even think anything of being a woman. But for how many men ride that are very good, I feel like it’s our responsibility to prove you can be a woman and ride really fierce and aggressive and go for it and not be scared of anything.”

That was the mantra Jennie took into the ring with her today aboard Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda, who delivered the second-best dressage score of his career to lead the CIC3* on 41.5. The 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding is definitely a specialist when it comes to CIC3* competitions, having finished in the top five a whopping 15 times in their 17 starts at the level.

Jennie and “Ping” come into Carolina with a wealth of momentum, having just finished second at Red Hills in their return to the three-star level following a lengthy break for the horse after Pau CCI4* in 2015.

“It’s interesting now that I’ve evented so many other horses that are more forward-thinking,” she said. “As long as you don’t mind kicking, he’s good, and he was very good on cross country at Red Hills. He’s like my old best friend. Good and bad, I know him well.”

While Ping won’t be making the trip to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event this year, Jennie does have another exciting goal she is working toward. On Monday she will ride in a practice timber race aboard Joshua G, owned by Armata Stable and trained by Katherine Neilson, before riding him in the Brandywine Hills Point to Point on April 2.

Jennie described the opportunity to ride in a timber race as something on her “pipe dream list,” and it won’t be the first time she’s donned jockey silks. She first piloted Where’s The Beef to a fourth-place finish in a flat race at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase in 2015. (You can read all about her foray into racing here.)

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography. (Always support your show photographers!)

‘He’s Ready to Go’

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot are coming off a big win in the Red Hills CIC3*, and she said she thought their test today, which scored 43.1 for second place, was an improvement from their performance in Tallahassee.

“I need to get him a little more through in the back. He’s been tense in his back, and it’s showing up in the walk. He has a fantastic walk, and I haven’t been able to really show that off in the last couple tests,” Hannah said. “I think I need to ride him in a little bit more and get him looser. He’s funny this year. Last year he was asleep all the way until Rolex. This year he is really intense. He’s ready to go.”

“William” is aiming at Badminton, along with five other horses piloted by Team USA ladies — Lynn Symansky, Lauren Kieffer, Elisa Wallace and Katherine Coleman — with another two ladies on the waitlist — Holly Payne Caravella and Bunnie Sexton — we’re hoping will make the final cut.

Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

‘Loved the Horse Since Day One’

Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice sit in third place on 44.3 in their third start together as a combination. Buck Davidson produced “Dirk” from the Preliminary level and competed him for five seasons at Advanced. While the Martins recently decided to sell the horse, they are reconsidering their plan due to some of Caroline’s horses retiring from eventing.

“We’re still trying to get to know each other,” Caroline said. “Buck did such a good job of producing him and he’s so well trained. He knows his job. … We’re just seeing how it goes. There’s no pressure. We have loved the horse since day one.”

Caroline is working on forging a strong partnership after Dirk moved into her program about two months ago. They’ve since competed in a Preliminary event at Ocala and finished fifth in the CIC2* at Red Hills earlier this month.

“He’s very wound up mentally, and he gets very nervous about everything, so the majority of the time I have with him is trying to make everything relaxed,” she said. “I think it was good to take him back down to Preliminary level and cruise around.”

Fans of Caroline’s Young Rider gold medalist partner Quantum Solace will be sad to know that he has been officially retired from eventing due to a heart issue discovered at his in-barn examination before what was meant to be their four-star debut at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event last year.

“We thought we could fix it, but it’s not worth the risk,” Caroline said. “He’s too special a horse. He’s my best friend.”

Caroline finished second with “Nacho” at the $15,000 1.30-meter Eventing Prix Invitational just before Red Hills, and she has also been jumping him in 1.40-meter classes at HITS Ocala. Her ultimate goal is to compete in some small Grand Prix classes, and she has been training with Aaron Vale in preparation.

As for how Nacho feels about his new career change, Caroline said he’s thrilled to be in a jump saddle every day. “He likes not doing dressage anymore. You have no idea!”

(As a side note, Caroline is currently showing as entered on the Rolex entry list with Pebbly Maximus, but she confirmed to EN that is a mistake. She will actually be competing at Rolex on Spring Easy in what will be the first four-star appearance for both of them.)

Looking to the dressage scoring in the CIC3*, the final session today trended 1.43 penalty points below the expected averages for these combinations. Overall the scoring today was just 0.73 points lower than expected, indicating that the scoring of the field as a whole has been neither high nor low. EN’s data analyst Maggie Deatrick will continue to track scoring tomorrow.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Click here to view the full scores for all divisions. The top scores from the lunch break also remained unchanged in the other FEI divisions. Cornelia Dorr and her own Louis M still hold the lead in the CIC2* on 44.4, and Boyd Martin and the Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T also held onto their lead in the CIC* on 35.5.

We’re uploading a full photo gallery from the day’s dressage action, so keep checking back to see more. As always, David Frechette is roaming the grounds with his video camera recording all of the top tests, so be sure to check out his YouTube playlist here.

Considering Southern Pines H.T. battled snow at this venue two weeks ago — click here to see some amazing photos from Brant Gamma Photography — it didn’t surprise anyone to have blustery, chilly temperatures today. An epic hailstorm complete with ground-shaking thunder ripped through the grounds last night — which Caroline said made for a tense night in her camper! — so it’s definitely been an eventful weekend this far.

The hospitality is top notch at Carolina International — for humans, horses and chinchillas! #CICIC

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Mar 22, 2017 at 1:52pm PDT

As always, we can’t say enough about the incredible hospitality provided to all at this event. The Sagmae Competitor’s Lounge is brimming with delicious food and tasty libations, and this is truly an event that riders, owners, sponsors and journalists alike enjoy year after year. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers for the hard work. It is so appreciated!

Dressage resumes tomorrow at 9 a.m. EST, and you can watch the conclusion of the CIC3* division live thanks to our good friends at EQSportsNet. Click here to catch up with all of EN’s Carolina coverage so far. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

: Dom Schramm and Bolytair B. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at Stable View H.T. 2017. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Clayton Fredericks and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Carolina Lunch Update: Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda Lead CIC3* on a Blustery Day

By Jenni Autry on Mar 22, 2017 1:20 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s a blustery day here at the Carolina Horse Park as we kick off three full days of dressage at the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North Carolina International, which has quickly grown to be one of the most anticipated events of the spring season. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to raise the bar on everything from hospitality to the courses, and a large CIC3* field of 54 competitors are facing off for a $35,000 chunk of the $65,000 total in prize money.

After the first two sessions of CIC3* dressage, Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda lead at the lunch break on 41.5, more than a 10-mark improvement on their test from Red Hills two weeks ago, where they ultimately finished in second place.

The 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding is on his comeback tour following a lengthy period of time off after Pau in 2015, and he definitely looked to have knocked more of the rust off today. EN and EquiRatings have both marked Jennie and “Ping” as a serious combination to watch for the weekend, and they are well on their after a strong start.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography. (Always support your show photographers!)

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot sit second on 43.1, nearly bang on our expected mark for them of 43.0. The 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned and bred by Jacqueline Mars already has one CIC3* win under his belt this season at Red Hills, and he is also slated to compete in the CIC3* at Chattahoochee Hills next month as his final prep run before the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice round out the top three in the early going on 44.3 in the first time we’ve seen them partnered together at the three-star level. While she won’t be aiming the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event next month, Caroline will be competing in her first CCI4* aboard Spring Easy.

Although the scoring seems to be on par with expected scores with only a 0.21 variation thus far, there does seem to have been a distinct advantage to riding in the first morning session. Riders who went before the first break on average scored 3.52 points better than expected, while those who went after ended up averaging 3.10 point above their expected scores.

Of all the riders who bettered their expected score this morning, only one, Jennie Brannigan on Cambalda, rode after the first break. Christina Klingspor is sitting at C and Bobby Stevenson is sitting at B.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Looking to the CIC2*, Cornelia Dorr and her own Louis M lead on 44.4, with Phillip Dutton and David Garrett’s Corazon in second on 48.4, and Will Coleman and Four Star Eventing Group’s OBOS O’Reilly in third on 51.6.

In the CIC*, Boyd Martin and Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T sit in first place on 35.5. Clayton Fredericks and FE Vindus, owned by Eckart Siewert, Amanda Bernhard and Diana Crawford, are second on 39.1, and Dana Cooke and Kingfisher Park’s FE Mississippi sit third on 41.1.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

In addition to today’s very windy conditions (which are practically blowing cameras out of the photographer’s hands!) heavy thunderstorms rolled through the area last night, leading to some escaped horses taking their own self-guided tour of the venue. Thankfully, all horses made it safely back to their stalls!

We still have a full afternoon of dressage action to come, so stay tuned for much more. Remember that you can watch CIC3* dressage live on EQSportsNet. The next session starts at 1:26 p.m. EST. Many thanks as always to EN’s amazing data analyst Maggie Deatrick for crunching numbers today. Go Eventing.

Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Throwback Thursday Video: 1993 NAYRC Footage

By Jenni Autry on Mar 16, 2017 5:00 pm -

Editor's Note: Sometimes we find posts in the archives that are too good not to share again. We originally shared this video back in 2013 in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 1993 North American Young Rider Championships. In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, here it is once again.

“It’s August. It’s Wadsworth. Where are your teenagers? Out badmouthing your country and listening to punk rock music, I suppose. No! They’re at Temple Farms, site of the North American Young Rider Championships.”

Those are the opening lines to this fantastic video, which offers a look at the 1993 NAYRC in all its 90’s fabulousness at Temple Farms in Wadsworth, Illinois. The video opens with Paul Laschinski rocking a very 90’s hairstyle and a feather earring, flanked by Michael Barisone and Ralph Hill. Together, they offer commentary on pure dressage, eventing and pure show jumping.

If you want to skip straight to the eventing like I did, jump ahead to the 14:13 minute mark. This footage was shot long before the days of the one-fall rule, so you’ll see plenty of riders clawing their way back into the saddle after taking a spill. There are plenty of familiar faces in the video, including a young Gina Miles 15 years before she won an individual Olympic silver medal.

Here’s a look at the order in which the riders and their horses appear in the video:

Erika Radtke and Maker’s Mark
Matthew Brown and Maximum Speed
Trudy Race and Our Trilby
Kenneth Dierks and Greystone
Amy Slayter and Renaissant
Rumsey Gilbert and Night Train
Mara DePuy and Hopper
Gina Ostini and Southbound
Aaron Thomson and Winds of Time
Virginia Jenkins and Talisman

This is a gem, EN. Enjoy! Go Eventing.

US Equestrian Names Potential Selection Trials for 2018 World Equestrian Games

By Jenni Autry on Mar 15, 2017 11:49 am -

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow competing last year at Pau CCI4*, which is expected to be named a US Equestrian Selection Trial for WEG. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

US Equestrian has named the potential selection trials for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. This list is awaiting final approval from the US Equestrian International Discipline Council and the US Equestrian Board of Directors. We will update this post when the selection trials have been finalized.

2017

Kentucky CCI4* (USA) – April 27-30
Badminton CCI4* (GBR) – May 4-7
Tattersalls CCI3* (IRE) – May 31-June 4
Bramham CCI3* (GBR) – June 8-11
Bromont CCI3* (CAN) – June 8-11
Luhmühlen (GER) – June 15-18
The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI3* (USA) – July 20-23
Millstreet CCI3* (IRE) – Aug. 24-27
Burghley CCI4* (GBR) – Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Blenheim CCI3* (GBR) – Sept. 14-17
Boekelo CCI3* (NED) – Oct. 5-8
Fair Hill International CCI3* (USA) – Oct. 10-15
Pau CCI4* (FRA) – Oct. 25-29
Galway Downs CCI3*(USA) – Nov. 2-5

2018

Kentucky CCI4* (USA) – April 26-29
Badminton CCI4* (GBR) – May 3-6
Jersey Fresh CCI3* (USA) – May 10-13
Tattersalls CCI3* (IRE) – May 30-June 3
Bramham CCI3* (GBR) – June 7-10
Bromont CCI3* (CAN) – June 7-10
Luhmühlen (GER) – June 14-17

The final list of Selection Trials will be published as part of the approved Eventing Selection Procedure for the 2018 Word Equestrian Games. The selection process will be consistent with that used for the 2016 Olympic Games and will be published on usef.org.

Additional selection trials may be added to this list, with a notification of additional selection trials made at least 30 days prior to the competition. The eventing portion of the 2018 World Equestrian Games will be held September 13-16, 2018.

British Eventing to Pilot Risk Ratings System in 2017 Season

By Jenni Autry on Mar 15, 2017 9:20 am -

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo at Wellington. Photo by Smidge Photography.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo competing in an Advanced section at Wellington Horse Trials in England in 2015. Photo by Spidge Photography.

British Eventing announced today that the organization will pilot the EquiRatings Quality Index (ERQI) at specific levels in the 2017 season. Chris Farr, British Eventing Sport Operations Manager, called ERQI “one of the most important developments in risk management seen in the sport, possibly ever.”

ERQI measures cross country risk by creating profiles for horses and tracking their individual performances. Based on collected data, the horse is assigned a numeric value for each level of competition that indicates the likelihood of that horse completing cross country without faults.

The ratings are easy to understand using a “traffic light” color code reflective of the numerical values. A green rating is satisfactory and the horse may compete at that level. An amber rating means the combination meets the minimum standard for the level but warns of increased risk. A red rating is insufficient and the combination does not meet the minimum standard to compete at that level.

The BE board signed off on the partnership earlier this month, and BE will now work closely with EquiRatings to analyze competition and results data from recent years to tailor ERQI specifically to eventing in Britain.

A limited trial is planned for later in the 2017 season to pilot the ERQI system at specific levels, possibly Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. BE’s goal will be to determine the resources and processes required to implement and run the full system across all levels of competition in future.

“This is an exciting new tool which will help riders make an informed decision, along with horse owners, about their horse’s form — on top of the horse’s Minimum Eligibility Requirements — as to whether a horse should progress to next level or not,” BE National Safety Officer Jonathan Clissold said.

EquiRatings Managing Director Diarmuid Byrne added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside British Eventing and its membership as we tackle together the complex issue of risk in the sport. We are here to reduce falls, and more specifically horse falls, by helping riders and management track form and understand risk.

“We have a hugely exciting and growing sport and we hope through ERQIs we can continue to make it as safe as it can possibly be for all the BE membership.”

British Eventing will become the second National Federation to use the ERQI system. The first, Eventing Ireland, saw a 56% reduction in horse falls at the national two- and three-star levels in 2016, with a 66% reduction in horse falls at the national two-star level alone.

The USEA is also exploring implementing the ERQI system and has been sharing data with EquiRatings for several months, with a goal to introduce new associated member services in the near future.

“At this point in time we envision our members signing into their USEA online services account and having access to a straightforward ERQI score associated with each registered horse on their profile,” USEA CEO Rob Burk told EN. “Additional interesting analytics are also possible and we are working with EquiRatings to look at all of the possibilities.”

EN published an extensive piece on ERQI last month, so click here to read more about this game-changing system. Click here to read more about ERQI on the EquiRatings website.

[British Eventing partner with sports data analytics company EquiRatings]

[EquiRatings Quality Index Uses Risk Analysis for a Safer Sport]

Clayton Fredericks Repeats Red Hills CIC2* Victory Aboard Houdini

By Jenni Autry on Mar 12, 2017 4:43 pm -

Clayton Fredericks and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clayton Fredericks is on a roll at Red Hills. After finishing first and second in the CIC2* last year, he took the win and third place today, as well as a win in the Open Preliminary division. Katie Ruppel’s Houdini, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, jumped a clear show jumping round to finish first in the CIC2* on 44.5.

With a win under their belts, Clayton said he and Houdini will gradually work towards the 2018 World Equestrian Games, with making the Australian team as their major goal. “I’m being very careful. I don’t want to rush it,” Clayton said. “If we play our cards right, I think he’s got the makings of being on the team.”

Katie has competed Houdini at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event three times, and she said instead of focusing on competing at the four-star level right now, she’s passed the ride to her coach and mentor Clayton so he could aim for WEG and she could focus on her younger, up-and-coming horses.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I know what I am and I know what I’m not. I’m not one of those riders that can ride 10 horses at a horse trial. I can’t do it well. I really want to take a little bit of time and focus on the (young horses). I’m not giving him the ride forever,” Katie said.

“Our plan is hopefully the following year if Houdini is still doing well and happy in his job and sound, I think that Clayton is going to try to help me get to the Pan Ams. I think that’s a realistic goal for the both of us. … I’m just glad their partnership is coming together and they’re doing well and communicating. It’s going to be a fun journey.”

Clayton and Houdini will next compete at Carolina International before aiming for either Bromont or Rebecca Farm to gain their qualification for WEG.

While he joked it’s hardly a fair trade to swap a four-star horse for a 4-year-old, Clayton has given Katie the ride on FE Mardi Gras, one of his homebreds out of Be My Guest, his German Sport Horse mare that finished third at Burghley in 2010 and fifth at Rolex in 2011.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux continued their hot streak after winning last week’s $15,000 Eventing Prix Invitational, jumping a cracking clear round today to finish second on 44.8. Clayton also jumped clear with Kingfisher Park’s FE Ophelia to finish third on 50.4.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Phillip Dutton and Tom Tierney and Annie Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive also left the poles in the cups to finish fourth on 50.8 in preparation for Rolex. Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice jumped clear as well to finish fifth on 50.9.

Nearly half of the division jumped clear — about 48 percent — over Chris Barnard’s show jumping course. Click here to catch up with much more show jumping coverage from today, plus all of EN’s coverage from Red Hills. Go Eventing.

Red Hills Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High Leap to Red Hills Advanced Win

By Jenni Autry on Mar 12, 2017 4:08 pm -

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

Selena O’Hanlon and John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High clinched the win in the Advanced division at Red Hills International Horse Trials today, dropping one rail in show jumping to finish on 36.2. “Woody,” a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding, knocked a wide oxer near the VIP tent on Chris Barnard’s course, but Selena said she was still very pleased with how he jumped.

“Last year I had trouble on that outside line near the crowd. He peeked into the crowd and it took away from the arc of his jump. Today I went in and made sure I went around the outside, but I didn’t get a chance to go near the VIP tent. I wanted to make time, and I’d had to hold back in a few places so I did the inside turn and I was a little bit facing the VIP tent,” Selena said.

“It’s a wide enough oxer back there and I think the combination of me being on a little bit of an angle and the width plus him peeking into the tent cost me that rail because he has more step than anybody here. … He’s getting so much more adjustable now and easier to make the time. I have to remember to do all the tight turns because it’s easy to leave strides out with him but then it gets a little flat.”

Bruce Davidson is her longtime show jumping coach, and she also has benefitted immensely from having Canadian Olympic medalist John Rumble as an owner. “John has hawk eyes; he doesn’t miss a thing, and he’s got Jimmy Elder as his best friend. They both said, ‘Stop interfering with him so close to the fence. You’ve got to leave his head alone and try and get there.’

“So I’ve just been working on suppling his back and making him more adjustable through his body so it doesn’t affect the length of his neck, and I don’t have to touch him right in front of the jumps.”

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Woody had a long break following the Nations Cup at Great Meadow over the summer and then ultimately being replaced on the Canadian team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Selena said she thought that horse deserved a long holiday after such a busy season.

“I think I was the only North American rider combination to do every single three-star last year. And I did every single three-star to win it. I didn’t hold back anywhere. … I’m so glad he got to go back to Mr. Rumble’s house, and Mr. Rumble loved having him in his back yard and getting to work with him every day.”

As for how she handled the disappointment of not going to the Olympics, she said the support of great people, primarily her mother Morag, helped her through. “My sponsors never gave up on me; they backed me 100 percent. And my teammates. … They all contacted me and said they were really sorry and I deserved to be there. That kind of camaraderie is why I love eventing, so here I am.”

Next Woody will go back to Ocala and prepare for The Fork at Tryon before going on to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. After Rolex she will evaluate with the Rumbles whether they want to aim Woody for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Jennie Brannigan and I Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Whitney Mahlock and her own Military Mind, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, had one rail down to finish in second place on 38.5. Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s I Bella, an 11-year-old Dutch/Holsteiner mare, jumped clear and inside the time to finish third on 51.4.

Just one other combination of the 11 that show jumped managed a clear round and made the time, Jennie Brannigan and Beth Battel’s Stella Artois, to finish fourth on 55.5. Holly Jacks and her own More Inspiration had one rail down to round out the top five on 62.8.

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of Red Hills. Go Eventing.

Red Hills Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Megan Lynn and The Natural E Win Red Hills CIC*

By Jenni Autry on Mar 12, 2017 2:11 pm -

Megan Lynn and The Natural E. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Megan Lynn and Elevate Event Team’s The Natural E clinched a wire-to-wire victory and the biggest win of their career today in the Red Hills International Horse Trials CIC*. One rail down over Chris Barnard’s show jumping course saw them finish on a final score of 42.0.

“I was a little worried because we don’t get to do stadium after cross country very much, so I wasn’t sure what kind of horse I was going to come out with,” she said. “He was listening really well but he was a little quiet; I felt like he was a little tired. I wanted to give him a nice forward ride because I get to picking (at the fences), and he stayed forward. I felt like he was really trying for me in there.”

Megan met Leo, a 9-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Linardo X Camelott Af Ommestrip, by Come Back II), two years ago after Karen Isberg, president and founder of Kentucky Performance Products, decided she wanted to own an event horse. Karen had sponsored Megan before, but she never expected to have her as an owner.

“I asked her, ‘Don’t you want somebody more professional who’s been there done that?’ She said, ‘No, I want you.'”

Megan and Karen met with her trainer, Missy Ransehousen, and formulated a plan to create the Elevate Event Team. “Missy had in mind what kind of horse she wanted for me and sent me over to Europe … I tried several horses and when I sat on him, I knew he was the one,” Megan said.

“The funny thing is he had the least amount of experience. He had never evented before, and he didn’t really have a show record, but I sat on him and I thought, ‘This is my horse.’ We brought him over, set a plan and he’s stepped up to every plan that we’ve asked him to do.”

Megan, 27, splits her time between teaching and training professionally and working as an ophthalmic technician at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington where she’s based. She works part-time at the hospital two to four days a week.

“I always said I never wanted to make eventing a career because I didn’t want to get burnt out because I love it so much, but I’m finding that I’m loving it as doing it more of a career,” Megan said. “Maybe it will end up more that way.”

The inspiration for Leo’s name and the Elevate Event Team comes from Kentucky Performance Product’s natural vitamin-E supplements. Megan said that she is incredibly grateful for Karen and Missy’s support and wouldn’t have made her first trip to Red Hills — coming home with a blue ribbon, no less! — without them.

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s On Cue, an 11-year-old Anglo-European mare (Cabri d’Elle X On High, by Primitive Rising), jumped clear and inside the time in her FEI debut to move up one spot on the leaderboard to finish in second on 46.0. A former ride of Sinead Halpin and Michael Pollard, Boyd started his partnership with the mare over the winter.

Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s Up to You de Lorage (Mylord Carthago X Mirande de Saunoir, by Narcos II), a 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding, had one rail down to finish in third place on 46.6. A previous mount for French rider Henri Bernard, Red Hills was the horse’s second start in the U.S. since being imported.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard: Lucia Strini and A Real Cooley finished fourth on 52.4, with Lisa Marie Fergusson and LandLunar in fifth on 52.9. Rebecca Hoos and Davarusus H finished sixth on 53.3, and Jessica Phoenix and Maserati One were seventh on 53.5. Olivia Grabaskas and One and Only were eighth on 54.2, with Holland Garrett and LA Lux in ninth on 55.7, and Emily Mainolfi and Tacaro rounding out the top 10 on 57.4.

Leslie Law and Up to You de Lorage. Photo by Jenni Autry.

About 30 percent of the division jumped clear rounds show jumping round inside the time: Boyd Martin and On Cue (2nd), Jessica Phoenix and Maserati One (7th), Olivia Grabaskas and One and Only (8th), Alese Lyle and Fernhill Lochain Guy (11th), Carson Richards and Fernhill Mr. Cool (14th), Rebecca Cornetta and Liondrive (15th), Natasha Knight and Harbour The Truth (16th), Leah Khorsandian and Landor (19th), Arden Wildasin and Apogee (22nd), and Autumn Schweiss and Jive About Wounderland (35th).

We have to send speedy well wishes to Donna Miller, who is recovering at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare after falling from HC Celtic Mark on the CIC* cross country yesterday when they ran into a tree following the first water complex. She sustained multiple fractures in her face, a broken nose and fractured vertebrae in her neck.

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s Red Hills coverage so far.

Red Hills Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border Lead Carolina Advanced, Presented by World Equestrian Brands

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Throwback Thursday Video: 1993 NAYRC Footage

US Equestrian Names Potential Selection Trials for 2018 World Equestrian Games

British Eventing to Pilot Risk Ratings System in 2017 Season

Clayton Fredericks Repeats Red Hills CIC2* Victory Aboard Houdini

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High Leap to Red Hills Advanced Win

Megan Lynn and The Natural E Win Red Hills CIC*

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