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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

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Bad Eventer’s Helmet Cam

By Jenni Autry on Nov 14, 2016 5:30 pm -

It’s no secret we’re big fans of Bad Eventer, also known as Laura Szeremi, here at EN. If you missed her discussion on Secrets of the Sitting Trot last week, we highly recommend you click over for some humorous and practical tips.

Today we’re enjoying her most recent helmet cam from Rocking Horse’s Fall Horse Trials in Altoona, Florida. Go along for the ride with Laura and Quatar Z, her 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding better known as Zebrasaurus, who jumped clear with a handful of time in the Prelim Rider-A division.

Bonus points if you can name the song/artist she chose for the background music!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Galway Downs CCI* Helmet Cam

By Jenni Autry on Nov 9, 2016 5:15 pm -

Congrats to Area VI young rider Katie Canario and Ringwood Little Imp for completing their first CCI* at Galway Downs — and in style — finishing on their dressage score of 45.3 for fifth place.

This helmet cam video gives a bird’s eye view of Ian Stark’s course, plus many of the recent improvements to the venue at Galway Downs. Go Young Riders. Go West Coast Eventing!

We love your helmet cam videos, so be sure to send them in to [email protected].

The horse that matters to you matters to us.

You can count on Kentucky Performance Products to provide affordable, high-quality, research-proven products that carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact us at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Interested in e-facts about equine nutrition and horse health information? Click here to sign up for KPP’s nutritional minute: http://eepurl.com/cMPw.

3 Horses We’d Buy at the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale

By Jenni Autry on Nov 9, 2016 12:45 pm -

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Did you know Copper Beach is a Goresbridge Go For Gold graduate? Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Time for another round of one of our favorite games: “What Would You Buy If Money Were No Object?” Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale Edition! The sale takes place next week on Nov. 14-16 in Co Wexford, Ireland and is a one-stop shop for world class Irish-bred event horses and event prospects.

“We are really excited about this year’s horses for sale, which range from an experienced CCI4* horse to smart 5- and 6-year-olds who have started their careers and lovely 3- and 4-year-olds with all the potential in the world,” Goresbridge’s Martin Donohoe said. “The Go For Gold sale has grown and grown and is undoubtedly the premier select event horse sale.”

Goresbridge Go For Gold graduates have gone on to garner numerous top finishes at the world’s biggest events. U.S. fans will of course know Buck Davidson’s mount Copper Beach, who has two CCI3* wins to his name at both Jersey Fresh and Rebecca Farm.

When your horse knocks it out of the park at the Olympic Games … LOVE this touching moment between Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift #Rio2016 #TwoHearts #JoinTheJourney

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Aug 7, 2016 at 6:49am PDT

Other top graduates include Cooley Rorkes Drift, who represented Ireland at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with Jonty Evans, jumping clear cross country and show jumping rounds to finish ninth individually. Prince Mayo, another graduate who previously competed with Canada’s Jordan McDonald, won the CCI3* at Tattersalls with Paul Tapner this year.

Oliver Townend said he’s a big fan of the sale and for good reason, as his Go For Gold graduate Cooley SRS finished third at Boekelo CCIO3* last month and helped boost the British team to a Nations Cup win. “I’ve bought and sold lots of horses through it over the years and had a lot of success with them,” Oliver said. “It builds every year, and I always look forward to it. It’s an unmissable night.”

After perusing the sales catalogue, we picked out three horses we’d happily bring home if money grew on trees.

Clare Abbott and Euro Prince at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

While many of the 70 horses available in the sale are young prospects, there is also one four-star horse in Euro Prince. The 13-year-old gelding by Lougheries Quiet Man represented Ireland with Clare Abbott at the 2013 European Championships, 2014 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Olympic Games. Euro Prince finished ninth at Pau CCI4* last year and has also completed Badminton twice. He’s a CCI3* winner to boot, having finished first at Tattersalls in 2014. Yup, we’d take him home in a heartbeat!

Next up, there are two horses available in the sale that competed at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships last month at Le Lion d’Angers that we would definitely take home. Cornascreibe Glenpatrick, a 6-year-old gelding by Womanizer, finished 11th with Harold Megahey in the irons, adding just two show jumping penalties to his dressage score.

While Loughnavatta Cedar had an unlucky end to his run at Le Lion with Camilla Speirs, the 7-year-old gelding by Luidam has three two-star completions under his belt, including a 16th place finish at Tattersalls CCI2* earlier this year. We’d welcome Cedar with open arms!

Which horses would you bring home from the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale? You know you want to look! Click here to check out the catalogue and view videos of all the horses available for sale. Click here to visit the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale website.

Product Review: Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots

By Jenni Autry on Nov 8, 2016 2:30 pm -

Mia models the Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in Azure Blue. Photo by Jenni Autry.

If you’ve watched Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Lauren Kieffer compete at an event recently, you’ve likely spotted their horses sporting colorful cross country boots. These U.S. Olympians trust Majyk Equipe to keep their horses’ legs protected on course, and the new Color Elite XC Boots mean event riders can choose both color and safety when selecting boots.

The talented team at Majyk Equipe pioneered the concept of using a thermoplastic polyurethane outer shell to create superior leg protection, and since then they have continued to perfect the design to develop one of the most technologically advanced cross country boots on the market. The fact that the Color Elite XC Boots come in four great shades — Atomic Orange, Azure Blue, Scarlett Red and Tiffany Turquoise — sweetens the deal.

When Majyk Equipe launched these boots at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with the slogan “We’re Bringing XC Back,” we jumped at the chance to try them out. The beautiful, bright color palette of the boots strikes you right off the bat when you first look at them, but it’s the attention to detail and advanced design quality inside the boots that really sets them apart.

Multiple layers of TPU used in manufacturing the boots creates unrivaled impact protection, starting with a rip-stop TPU layer on the water-repellent outer shell of the boots. Majyk Equipe also added their “forever clean” breathable coating to the outer shell of the boots, which makes it easy to wipe away mud, dirt and other debris.

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

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

With so many protective layers packed into the boot, you might think that they would feel heavy and stiff, but they are no heavier than any other cross country boots I’ve tried, and I actually found them more flexible than the boots I previously had been using. The Color Elite XC Boots are easy to apply thanks to sturdy Velcro straps, and the double stitching and binding also boosts the durability factor.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Veronica wearing Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in Atomic Orange at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Considering the myriad of technological and safety features built into the Color Elite XC Boots, it’s no surprise that three of the four members of our U.S. Olympic team use them (and we love that Majyk Equipe supports the team). Lauren Kieffer said, “I love Majyk Equipe boots because they offer the best protection for my horses’ legs while also being comfortable for them. I know I can trust their boots.”

Phillip Dutton’s barn manager and head groom Emma Ford said Majyk Equipe offers “everything I look for in a cross country boot. They are breathable, lightweight, have tendon guard protection and are easy to fit to multiple types of horses.”

Boyd Martin has worked with Majyk Equipe to develop his own line of cross country boots and also used the Color Elite XC Boots this season. “Having worked alongside Majyk Equipe for many years, I can personally say that they are firmly committed to using the very best materials and technology in their boots,” he said.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Blackfoot Mystery wearing Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in Azure Blue at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Thee-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While the cutting-edge technological features found in the Color Elite XC Boots gives reason enough to consider adding them to your tack trunk, we also appreciate Majyk Equipe’s promise to customers that they will “continue innovating, improving and researching new ideas and materials as they become available.”

The Color Elite XC Boots retail at $99.99 for the fronts and $115.99 for the hinds, which come in sizes medium and large. Majyk Equipe is also currently offering a special promotion: one free backpack with every pair of boots you buy. Click here to view Majyk Equipe’s full line of boots and order your own pair.

Bonus: This week’s Fab Freebie will give one lucky winner a full set of boots in the color of their choice, and it’s already our most popular giveaway of the entire year. Go here to enter before midnight EST Friday!

Fab Freebie: Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots

By Jenni Autry on Nov 7, 2016 9:30 am -

Mia models the Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in Azure Blue. Photo by Jenni Autry.

What do you have in common with Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Lauren Kieffer? If you win a pair of Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in this week’s Fab Freebie, you’ll own the same boots these U.S. Olympians trust to protect their horses’ legs on cross country.

You might have heard about the Color Elite XC Boots when Majyk Equipe launched the boots earlier in the year with the slogan “We’re bringing XC back.” Of course, we loved that catchy phrase right off the bat and jumped at the chance to try out a pair for ourselves.

Veronica wearing Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots in Atomic Orange at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’ll be launching EN’s full product review soon, but here are a few key highlights of what we love about the boots:

Superior impact protection with a flexible TPU shield and layers of a revolutionary foam called ARTi-LAGE that hardens when struck
Breathable lining thanks to a bio-form interior that keeps the legs cool and comfortable
Durable straps to ensure the boots stay in place and won’t turn on the legs
A water repellent and “forever clean” coating on the outer shell that makes clean up a breeze

The boots come in four colorful shades: Atomic Orange, Azure Blue, Scarlett Red and Tiffany Turquoise. Which color would you choose if you win?

Retail price is $99.99 for the front boots and $115.99 for the hinds, which come in sizes medium and large. Majyk Equipe is also currently offering a special promotion: one free backpack with every pair of boots you buy.

Click here to learn more about the Majyk Equipe Color Elite XC Boots and enter to win a pair of front and hind boots using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries will close at midnight EST Friday. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

SmartPak: If Horses Were People … Treats Edition

By Jenni Autry on Nov 4, 2016 1:00 pm -

What would your horse do for a SmartCookie? In the latest edition of SmartPak’s wildly popular “If Horses Were People” series, Sarah and Sara have some fun with the question.

Check out SmartPak’s new line of cookies here. Made with a healthy base of coconut meal, beet pulp, alfalfa, and flaxseed oil, they are available in two flavors your horse will love: ChiaMint and Guilt-Free Carrot Cake.

Go SmartPak. Go Eventing!

All Horses Pass Galway Downs First Inspection + Spectacular Facility Upgrades

By Jenni Autry on Nov 3, 2016 7:30 pm -

John Filer and Glitteratti. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

All horses passed the first inspection today at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event on a beautiful afternoon in Temecula, California. With the 2016 Olympic Games behind us, the CCI3* field boasts fewer entries than in years past, but Ian Stark’s cross country course is sure to dazzle the spectators amidst numerous improvements to the facility.

For those who haven’t visited the venue recently, owner Ken Smith and organizer Robert Kellerhouse have worked tirelessly to boost Galway Downs to one of the top eventing facilities in the country. From an on-site restaurant, stunning concert and event facilities, and a gorgeous grass show jumping arena to complete the picture, Galway Downs has seriously transformed. Cick here and scroll down to see the upgrades to the venue.

Cross country fences amidst the oasis on the new Galway Downs derby field. Photo by Ann Haller.

“Ken really wanted to enhance the Galway Downs experience, as well as give local non-equestrians more reasons to come out and enjoy themselves,” Robert said. “The new KenTina offers a great atmosphere, good food and live music on Friday nights. The wedding and special event facility is a beautiful option for those that want to plan a unique celebration, and there was a local wine tasting last month that was a huge hit.

“Of course, the horses are always a priority, and the new Bermuda grass footing in the derby field is maybe the biggest investment and addition. Everyone who has ridden on it so far is just raving about it. Ian Stark borrowed a horse from my wife Erin to go out galloping around, and he really seemed pleased with the quality of the footing.”

Another view of the new derby field. Photo by Ann Haller.

Hawley Bennett-Awad has already taken a spin on the new grass arena and given it two thumbs up: “We rode in a jumper show last weekend here in the grass arena and it was awesome. The horses really handled the footing well, and their canter stride really seemed to open up. They have really done a lot of work here and it shows.”

Keep it locked on EN for much more from Galway Downs! We’re excited to partner with Sherry Stewart to bring you beautiful images throughout the weekend, and Maggie Deatrick’s predictions for who will take home the CCI3* win will go live tomorrow. Keep scrolling for a photo gallery from this afternoon’s first horse inspection. Go Galway Downs! Go Eventing.

Galway Downs Links: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores

: Maya Black and Mowgli. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

: Mackenna Shea and Gamblin On. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

: Kaylawna Smith and Happy Hour. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

: Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

: Katy Johnstone and Ballingowan Ginger. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

: Mary Burke and Prince William. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Adelaide CCI4* Cross Country Course

By Jenni Autry on Nov 3, 2016 1:30 pm -

Photo via CrossCountry App

The final CCI4* of the year is here! Dressage kicks off today at Adelaide, Australia’s International Three-Day Event, and will be streamed live tonight at 11 p.m. EST on FEI TV. Ten horses and riders are competing in the CCI4*, and you can view the small but mighty entry list here.

We have guided tours of the CCI4*, CIC3* and CCI2* cross country courses thanks to our good friends at CrossCountry App, so keep scrolling to check out the fences. Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith and German team coach Chris Bartle provide commentary on the CCI4* course. Oliver Townend, who is catch-riding Napoleon in the CIC3*, provides commentary on that course.

We also have the CCI2* course recorded by Jose Diacono. Thank you to Sylvia Williams-Roberts, the assistant course designer, for recording the CCI4* and CIC3* courses. View in full screen mode below to scroll through all the fences. You can also click here to view them on CrossCountry App’s website. Stay tuned for much more from Adelaide. Go Eventing.

Adelaide Links: Website, Entries, FEI TV

Tryon International Equestrian Center to Host 2018 World Equestrian Games

By Jenni Autry on Nov 3, 2016 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center

The FEI announced today that the 2018 World Equestrian Games will be held at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina on Sept. 10-23, 2018, about one month later that the original dates when the Games were to be held at Bromont in Quebec.

“The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and we have every confidence in the organizing committee,” FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place. We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”

The Tryon International Equestrian Center sits on 1,600 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The venue features 1,200 permanent stables, 12 arenas including an international arena with seating for up to 12,000 and VIP seating for up to 1,500, a covered arena with 5,000 seats, and a world-class cross country course that will be used for both eventing and driving.

While Derek di Grazia was originally appointed as the course designer for the 2018 WEG at Bromont, the FEI confirmed to EN today that there has been no decision as to who will design the WEG cross country course at Tryon following the change of venue.

Capt. Mark Phillips designed the course for this year’s USEA American Eventing Championships. The venue will also host The Fork International Horse Trials for the first time on April 5-9, 2017, which will be a final preparation event on the East Coast ahead of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Tremaine Cooper confirmed to EN that both he and Capt. Phillips will design the courses for The Fork.

“We are thrilled with this news and thank the FEI Bureau for having faith in us and entrusting us with the honor of hosting this prestigious event,” facility owner Mark Bellissimo said. “It’s a really great fit for North Carolina’s equestrian heritage and we look forward to working closely with the FEI and with the USEF to produce fabulous FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.”

The original dates for WEG, Aug. 12-26, were changed following two scientific studies commissioned by the FEI that found weather conditions would be significantly improved in North Carolina during September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective. The FEI also looked at date conflicts with other events on the FEI Calendar when choosing the date.

Tryon, which announced its bid on Aug. 2, beat out Samorin Equestrian Centre in Slovakia as the only other venue in consideration for WEG. The FEI did not officially open the bid process due to the short timeframe following Bromont’s contract termination as the original host site.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 were previously awarded to Bromont (CAN), but a lack of secure funding led to mutual agreement between the FEI and the Canadian Comité organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux 2018 (COJEM) to terminate the host contract in July of this year.

“The FEI is 100% committed to the FEI World Equestrian Games concept and we are extremely grateful to all those that showed interest in hosting the 2018 Games,” Ingmar de Vos said. “Their enthusiasm demonstrates the importance of the event across the equestrian community.”

What do you think, EN? Are you excited that WEG is staying in North America and returning to the U.S.? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

This post has been updated to include a comment from the FEI about the 2018 WEG course designer.

[Tryon (USA) to host FEI World Equestrian Games 2018]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Save of the Week

By Jenni Autry on Nov 2, 2016 4:20 pm -

Here’s your Save of the Week, EN! Tom Kimmel and his Thoroughbred Vital Eight were having a cracking go around the Training Three-Day course at Hagyard Midsouth until they stumbled up a bank and nearly parted ways over the jump that followed.

But Tom pulled a Karen O’Connor and crawled back into the saddle on sheer will. What a good horse! Three cheers for Tom and Vital Eight for going on to finish the course clear and inside the time! Go Eventing.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

You can count on Kentucky Performance Products to provide affordable, high-quality, research-proven products that carry a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact us at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Interested in e-facts about equine nutrition and horse health information? Click here to sign up for KPP’s nutritional minute: http://eepurl.com/cMPw.

This Unicorn’s Sales Ad Is Currently Winning the Internet

By Jenni Autry on Nov 2, 2016 12:00 pm -

Newsflash: This sales ad for Sparkles the Unicorn is the best thing on the internet right now.

It all started when Charlie Campbell posted this sales ad on Facebook:

Eventers are generally proficient in de-coding sales ads, but of course we had a few questions.

Does he clip, load and tie?

Full set of X-rays?

What about a trade?

Is he eligible for a name change?

What about video?

Clearly eventers have the best sense of humor and Charlie can write one hell of a sales ad, though he arguably left Sparkles’ biggest selling point out of the original ad:

Go Sparkles. Go Eventing.

Happy Halloween! Your Best Costumes Social Media Roundup

By Jenni Autry on Oct 31, 2016 2:30 pm -

Eventers across America were out in force this weekend, getting their Halloween on. Here’s a sampling of your photos from social media!

I know I have Hagyard pictures to do.. but in honor of my favorite holiday here are some of my favorite Octoberfest costumes that I saw! Happy Halloween everyone! Have a spooktacular day!

Posted by Jj Kansas Jayhawk Sillman on Monday, October 31, 2016

Brinley is ready for Halloween as a Morningside Team rider! Amazing XC outfit compliments of the Freedman Family
Renie Freedman Erin Brooke Freedman

Posted by Skyeler Icke Voss on Monday, October 31, 2016

Book him! Officer Anna Joyce and the notorious @dilly.thefrenchie

A photo posted by Emily (@ekj27) on Oct 31, 2016 at 9:28am PDT

May the force be with you this Halloween. #starwars #maytheforcebewithyou #princessleia #chewbacca #happyhalloween

A photo posted by Emily Pestl-Dimmitt (@emilyalesandra) on Oct 30, 2016 at 4:51pm PDT

Every year I think it can’t get any better….and then it does. You guys blow me away, and I literally can’t stop looking at these!

Thank you Brenda Black for the photos!

Posted by Claire Tyner White on Sunday, October 30, 2016

Posted by Doug Payne on Sunday, October 30, 2016

And! All of these photos from the costume contest at Waradaca’s starter event this weekend, which Gretchen Butts kindly shared with us:

Go Eventing.

Jessica Phoenix & Phillip Dutton Top Two-Star Leaderboards at Virginia

By Jenni Autry on Oct 28, 2016 9:00 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Humble GS. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

It’s been a busy day at Virginia Horse Trials, where more than 500 horses are competing during what has been a picture-perfect weekend so far in Lexington — sunny skies, unseasonably warm temperatures and hardly a cloud in the sky.

All eyes are on the inaugural CCI2* division, which Jessica Phoenix and Humble GS lead after the first phase of competition. The 10-year-old Trakehner/Canadian Sport Horse stallion owned by Charlotte Schickedanz scored a 51.4 to set the early bar and ultimately hold the lead overnight.

Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control scored 51.8 to sit in second place, just 0.4 penalties out of the lead. Ariel Grald and Monbeg Nola and Kelly Beaver and Sempre Fino are tied for third place on 52.3.

The CIC* and CIC2* divisions completed both dressage and show jumping today. Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C led the division of 38 starters after dressage on a score of 46.4, but one rail down in show jumping dropped them to fourth place at the end of the day.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

That opened the door for Phillip Dutton to move into first place with Fernhill Revelation, who jumped double clear to move into first place on his dressage score of 47.9. “Warren,” a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Revelation Group, is a newer rider for Phillip, having come to the U.S. this fall as a former three-star ride of Irish rider Fraser Duffy.

“He was a little bit tense in the dressage, so he left a few points there, but he couldn’t have show jumped any better,” Phillip said. “He arrived from Ireland a bit late in the season to get ready for Fair Hill, so instead our idea was to do horse trials with him and then the CIC2* here at Virginia. He’ll stay in work through the winter and in February of next year he should be ready to hit the ground running.”

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream moved from fourth to second in the CIC2*, sitting on their dressage score of 47.9 after jumping a clear round inside the time. Phillip also jumped a clear round with David Garrett’s Corazon to move from fifth to third place on 49.7.

Fast and clear rounds were scarce in the CIC2*, with only six horse and rider combinations finishing Chris Barnard’s course clear and inside the time. In addition to Phillip and Hannah’s rides, just three other pairs delivered double clears: Boyd Martin and Kyra (11th), Alexandra MacLeod and Newmarket Jack (17th), and Tim Bourke and LVS Dassett Charisma (18th).

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Looking to the CCI*, Kim Severson and Ringford Fighting Chance lead the A division on 40.6, with Lucia Strini and MTF Cooley Classic in second on 41.8 and Ryan Wood and Shannondale Percy in second on 42.5.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M lead the CCI* B division on 40.2, the best score between the two divisions. Olivia Grabaskas and Mansfield Park sit second on 43.5, with Amanda Beale Clement and Celtic Heritage rounding out the top three on 45.0.

Preliminary and Intermediate kicked off the 2016 Area II Championships today. Rachel Wilks leads the Open Preliminary Championships with Great Expectations, scoring 27.4 to take the narrow lead over Erin Sylvester and Mister Optimistic.

“He’s quite fun on the flat and makes my job easy,” Rachel said. “He did a few Prelims in England, and I’ve just been getting to know him. I’m bringing him along with my other horse (River King) and enjoying it.”

Rachel is hoping to aim for a one-star with Great Expectations in the spring but feels in no rush to move him up. “He’s a nice horse and I want to give him the best opportunities to go well,” she said. “We will see how cross country goes tomorrow. If I give him a good, confident ride and ride him well he should go well. It looks like it will be a good course.”

The Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Championships begin tomorrow, and cross country will run on both sides of the road on what is sure to be an action-packed day. Be sure to follow Virginia Horse Trials on Facebook for photos and updates throughout the event. Go Eventing!

[Jessica Phoenix, Phillip Dutton Take Two-Star Leads at Virginia Horse Trials CCI/CIC and HT]

Virginia CCI/CIC & H.T. Links: Website, Entry Status, Live Scores

Erik Duvander Stepping Down as New Zealand Team Coach

By Jenni Autry on Oct 28, 2016 7:15 am -

Erik Duvander at the Puhinui International Three Day Event. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

After spending the past 10 years as High Performance Coach of the New Zealand Eventing Team, Erik Duvander will step down from the role at the end of this month, Equestrian Sports New Zealand announced yesterday.

“Like all Olympic sports, we are currently in the process of a review and debrief,” ESNZ High Performance Director Sarah Dalziell-Clout said. “As a part of that we are looking at our programme from an end-to-end perspective to continue to develop what has already been put in place and to make those changes required to ensure future sustainable success on the world stage.”

Erik coached the Kiwis to team bronze medals at both the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington and the 2012 London Olympic Games. Andrew Nicholson and Nereo also won individual bronze at the 2010 WEG during Erik’s coaching tenure.

Jesse Campbell posted a message of thanks to Erik on his Facebook page: “Certainly the end of a great era. Erik has been a massive influence in my career for the past 14 years and has really helped guide me through the bad times and the good. I will always be grateful to him for restoring my confidence after the most difficult introduction to English life.

“He has never been afraid to tell me exactly how he sees something and pulled me into line on several occasions, but at the same time was completely supportive of me and my horses. Rain, hail or shine, he would always be there and give 100 percent of himself. I wish him all the best for the future. We have been really lucky to have you.”

The news of Erik’s departure comes soon after the announcement that Jock Paget is leaving the UK to move home to New Zealand, where he will take up the new role of ESNZ High Performance Development Coach in February.

A timeline has not yet been announced for ESNZ to name a new High Performance Coach for the New Zealand Eventing Team. Our friends at NZ Horse & Pony Magazine spoke to Sarah Dalziell-Clout about the process for finding a new coach, which you can read about here.

[ESNZ High Performance Coach to take a new direction]

Tamie Smith’s Three-Star Mount Twizted Syster Sold to the UK

By Jenni Autry on Oct 27, 2016 11:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster at Boekelo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Tamie Smith announced this morning that her three-star mount Twizted Syster has been sold to the UK as a new ride for Rafael Losano, a 19-year-old Brazilian eventer who works for Mark Todd.

“It is not without sadness to be saying farewell to one of the most talented horses I have ever ridden,” Tamie said on the Next Level Eventing Facebook page. “She has the biggest heart and the sweetest personality. It makes it easier to leave seeing how happy she was in England, the best she’s ever felt, and I will miss her more than words.”

Tamie originally took the ride on Twizted Syster, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, in 2013 when Heather Morris discovered that the mare suffered from severe allergies at her former base in Texas. “Chloe” moved to California, where her allergies were a non-issue, and the Twizted Syster LLC Syndicate officially acquired the mare in October 2014.

Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie and Chloe enjoyed top placings at the CIC2*, CCI2* and CIC3* levels during their partnership together, included placing second in the Rebecca Farm CCI2* and fifth in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* in 2014.

Chloe placed 10th this season at the Rebecca Farm CIC3* before heading to the UK in August for Tamie’s European tour. She most recently finished fourth in the CIC2* at Gatcombe Park last month and also competed at Blenheim and Boekelo.

Rafael Losano moved from Brazil to the UK last year and has successfully competed his top mount Glock Pullman through the two-star level, most recently finishing sixth in the CCIY2* at Houghton Hall in May.

U.S. readers might have spotted Rafael and Glock Pullman in Florida last year when they competed at the Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials and the Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival of Eventing on their way from Brazil to the UK.

We wish Rafael and Chloe the best of luck in their new partnership together.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Training Three-Day Helmet Cam

By Jenni Autry on Oct 26, 2016 5:30 pm -

We’ve been loving all of the helmet cams EN readers submitted this week from the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge. This popular event hosted at the Kentucky Horse Park attracts a slew of competitors, and the Training Three-Day division is typically one of the largest in the country.

This year’s Training Three-Day had 45 entries, with Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Mochachino taking the win on a final score of 23.8. Do you dream of competing in a Training Three-Day? You can get a taste of the cross country course thanks to Elevate Event Team rider Madeleine Richards’ helmet cam aboard Whitfield. Enjoy the ride!

[Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge H.T. Final Scores]

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You Could Be U.S. Eventing’s Next Technical Delegate, Judge or Course Designer

By Jenni Autry on Oct 26, 2016 9:00 am -

You could be the next Marilyn Payne! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Did you know that there is a shortage of eventing officials in the U.S.? Technical delegates, judges and course designers play a critical role in our sport, and as our current group of wonderful officials retire, the USEA’s Training Program for Eventing Officials aims to recruit, train and license the next generation.

How does the licensing process for officials work? The USEF is responsible for licensing officials at the “r,” “R,” and “S” levels to officiate at National events, and the USEA provides various training programs to meet these licensing requirements. As we look ahead to 2017, the USEA has released the schedule of training programs for those seeking to become a licensed technical delegate, judge or course designer.

Area VI will host an “r” Dressage Session I Training Program on Jan 16-19, 2017 at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, California. Click here for a registration form?
Area III will host a “r” B & C Jumping and Course Design Training Program on March 3-5, 2017 at Sporting Days Farm in Aiken, South Carolina. The training program will be held during Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials II. Click here for a registration form.
Area VI will host the “r” Dressage Session II Training Program on May 15-16, 2017 at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, California. Click here for a registration program.
The “S,” “R” and “r” Eventing Officials Final Examination will be held August 25-27, 2017 during Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials in Fairburn, Georgia.

If you’re on the fence about whether to take the plunge to become an official, the three training programs before the final examination are open to auditors at a cost of $50 per day. This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the licensing process and see if becoming an official is right for you.

Wondering if you are qualified to become an “r” Eventing Licensed Official? Click the links below for a detailed look at the requirements.

If you have questions about any of the USEF licensing documents, you can contact [email protected]. For more information about the USEA Training Programs for Eventing Officials, please contact Nancy Knight at [email protected] or 703-669-9997.

[Do You Have Dreams to Become a Licensed Eventing Technical Delegate, Judge or Course Designer? – 2017 Training Program Schedule Now Available]

Tuesday Videos from SpectraVET: Watch Klimke & Burton Win Le Lion

By Jenni Autry on Oct 25, 2016 5:30 pm -

If you missed the live stream of the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers over the weekend, never fear! The event kindly posted show jumping videos of the top finishers, so we have excellent game tape of the future stars of the sport.

Ingrid Klimke and Weisse Duene (above) were the only pair in the 7-year-old Championships to finish in the 30s, adding nothing to their dressage score to take a wire-to-wire win on 36.9.

Chris Burton and Fire Fly (below) sat in fourth place after dressage and cross country but moved up to take the win on 44.2 with a clear show jumping round on an influential final day in France.

You can watch more show jumping videos from Le Lion at this link. Go Eventing.

#MDL16 Links: Website, 6YO Final Scores, 7YO Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

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Fab Freebie: Equestrian Creations T-shirt of Your Choice

By Jenni Autry on Oct 24, 2016 9:20 am -

We love spotlighting small businesses at EN, and this week we’re teaming up with Equestrian Creations to give one lucky reader a chance to win a unique T-shirt of your choice. Cassie Holmes combined her love of art and horses to launch her business last year, and since then has been bringing us fun designs like these:

Channel your inner boss mare! Photo via Equestrian Creations.

The struggle is real! Photo via Equestrian Creations.

Equestrian Creations also stocks some really cute options for kids!

For the barn baby in your life! Photo via Equestrian Creations.

Check out Cassie’s full line of clothing at www.equestriancreations.com, then enter to win the T-shirt of your choice using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries close at midnight EST Friday. Good luck! Be sure to follow Equestrian Creations on Facebook to stay up to date on Cassie’s newest designs. Go Eventing.

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The Latest from Le Lion: Tamie Smith and Robyn Fisher Talk Dressage

By Jenni Autry on Oct 20, 2016 4:30 pm -

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Dressage kicked off today at Le Lion d’Angers, with Austrian Charlotte Dobretsburger and Vally K taking the early lead in the 7-year-old Championships on 45.2. Tamie Smith and Judy McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal scored 51.3 for 14th place, with Robyn Fisher and Betawave scoring 62.5 for 29th place; both mares are Holsteiners bred in California. Go U.S. breeders!

Vally K, a 7-year-old mare (Valentino X Freia, by Freiherr) owned and bred by Dr. Susanna Kleindienst, has two FEI wins at Austrian events under her belt this year, taking first in the CIC* at Pelmberg on her dressage score of 39.7 last month and also winning the CIC2* at Laintal in June.

Gemma Tattersall and Chillis Gem sit in second place on 45.9, and Chilli Morning fans should take note as his daughter steps up to the CCI2* level. The 7-year-old British Sport Horse mare (Chilli Morning X Kings Gem, by Rock King) owned and bred by Christopher Stone finished in the top 15 in her CIC2* divisions at Nunney and Barbury Castle this season.

Maxime Livio, who is coming off a big CCI4* win at Pau last weekend, and Vegas des Boursons round out the top three for the 7-year-olds on 46.8. The Selle Francais gelding (Allegreto X Des Boursons, by Tin Solder) placed 10th at the CIC2* at Saumur in May and make their CCI2* debut at Le Lion.

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

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal (Riverman x Marisol, by Corofino I) didn’t quite catch their personal best of 48.8 from Jersey Fresh in May, but a dressage score of 51.1 still has the 7-year-old Holsteiner mare, owned by Judy McSwain and bred by Charlotte Wrather, sitting inside the top 15 after the first day.

“I was thrilled with her and couldn’t have asked for her to be better. She was relaxed, obedient and accurate, uphill and balanced,” Tamie said. “I have to say I was disappointed to hear we received a 51, but you’re not always feeling what the judges are seeing, so onward and upward. The cross country is a long course, and I think it will be a true test on Saturday. Now I just need to ride her well and let her shine.”

Robyn Fisher said the hustle and bustle of Le Lion impacted Betwave, a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare she owns with her breeder Carol Singh. “Betawave was definitely affected by the atmosphere here; it was a very electric ring. There was a bit of confusion, as my start whistle rang me in while another horse was still in the ring, so I had to canter around the arena, which jazzed her up a bit more than I would have liked,” Robyn said.

“Considering this phase is her weakest, I am quite proud of how well she handled herself under the circumstances. Unfortunately, the tension showed through in her trot work, but as always she was much better in the canter. Much like a fine French wine, Betawave’s dressage will get better with age.”

Robyn Fisher and Betawave. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Robyn said the entire experience at Le Lion has been an unforgettable one thus far. “The facility here is undoubtedly on par with the top competitions around the world. Every detail has been accounted for, from large comfortable stalls and tons of grass for grazing to one of the most amazing trade fairs I have ever seen. We are so fortunate to be here and it is an absolute pleasure to sit back and soak in all this place has to offer.

“It’s awesome enough to be competing at the 7-year-old World Finals in France, but what makes it even more special is doing so with Betawave, an American-bred Holsteiner. None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of Carol Singh. who bred Betawave and brought her into my life at age 3 and has been my partner ever since.

“I also would like to extend a big thank you to Hawley Bennett-Awad, my friend and coach, for making the trip to France with us. Leta and I are so lucky to tap into your wealth of knowledge! Also, thank you to my vet Kirstie Timm for making the trek with us and always keeping Leta healthy and happy. Last but certainly not least, thank you to my twin pillars of support, my fantastic grooms Tessa Robinson and Cara Julian.I could not do this without you!”

Keep it locked on EN as we follow along with Tamie and Robyn’s journeys at Le Lion throughout the weekend. You can read Tamie’s comments about the cross country course in yesterday’s report, and thank you once again to Libby Law Photography for the beautiful photos of our California girls.

Kai-Steffen Meier and Painter’s Maxim. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Looking to the 6-year-old Championships, there’s a husband-wife battle brewing at the top of the leaderboard. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Ducati d’Arville took the provisional lead early in the day on 42.3 but ultimately had to settle for second place when Kai Steffen-Meier and Painter’s Maxim delivered a 40.3 to hold first place overnight.

Painter’s Maxim, a 6-year-old Trakehner stallion (Phlox X Painter’s Moon, by Painter’s Row xx) bred by Graciela Bruch and owned by Welvert Stud, hasn’t finished lower than 11th in his three CIC* starts this year and makes his CCI* debut at Le Lion.

Ducati d’Arville, a 6-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Diarado X Pricilla, by Perpignon) bred by Wolfgang Rüsch and owned by Five Star Eventers, finished 13th in the CIC* at Waregem last month and is also making his first CCI* start this weekend.

Belgium is dominating the 6-year-old leaderboard this far, with Ronny Thijs and Consequent Pia Z rounding out the top three for the Belgians. A Zangersheide gelding (Contendro I X Qurieuze-pia Z, by Quinar Z) owned by Bruno Geurts, Consequent Pia Z won the CICYH* at Jardy in July on 46.0.

Stay tuned for much more from Le Lion, and if you’re a podcast listener, be sure to subscribe to the Eventing Podcast on iTunes for a full preview of the competition. This week, I join Nicole Brown and Diarm Byrne to highlight some of the top horses in both the 6- and 7-year-old fields. Go Eventing!

#MDL16 Links: Website, 6YO Order of Go, 7YO Order of Go, 6YO Live Scores, 7YO Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

6-Year-Olds

7-Year-Olds

EN’s coverage of Le Lion d’Angers is proudly presented by Fleeceworks!

Fleeceworks Royal and Betawave Accepted at Le Lion d’Angers First Inspection

By Jenni Autry on Oct 19, 2016 11:30 am -

Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It was a beautiful afternoon at Le Lion d’Angers in France for the first horse inspection at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships. We’re excited to have two combinations representing the U.S. at Le Lion: Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal and Robyn Fisher and Betawave.

Fleeceworks Royal (Riverman x Marisol, by Corofino I) is a a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Judy McSwain that made the trip to France thanks to the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Grant.

The grant, founded by Tim and Cheryl Holekamp and Christine Turner, enables the highest scorer of the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old Championship to travel to the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championship in France as a 7-year-old if the horse obtains the proper CCI2* qualifications.

Not only did “Rory” emerge this year as the top qualified horse to obtain the grant, but she was also bred in the U.S. by Charlotte Wrather, making her eligible for the full $17,500 in funding to travel to France for Le Lion. (Imported horses receive $8,000 through the grant, as Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras did last year.)

Robyn Fisher and Betawave. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Rory finished 14th in the CCI2* at Jersey Fresh in May but soon after battled a troubling corneal scratch that put Tamie and Judy’s France plans in jeopardy. But Rory’s eye is all healed up now, and you can read all about her path to France in Judy’s guest blogs on the USEA’s website this week.

Betawave, a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Carol Singh and Robyn Fisher, is also U.S.-bred, by Linaro out of Wavelength, by Wodan. Robyn and “Leta” won the CCI2* at the Colorado Horse Park in June, and Robyn talks in detail about their journey to EN in this guest blog.

All the U.S. ladies looked super today on the jog strip today, and we’re excited to have beautiful photos of Tamie and Rory and Robyn and Leta this week thanks to Libby Law Photography.

We checked in with Tamie this afternoon after she and Robyn walked the cross country course. “It has a big climb at the beginning and starts out very nice and inviting and builds as the course goes on. There are tighter combinations at the beginning with turning questions, as well as some bravery questions with a skinny ditch wall bending line to a big trakehner and then to an opposite bending line to a skinny,” Tamie said.

“It’s very long and by the end we jump what I would consider a three-star question: off of a very large bank, six strides to offset brushes in two strides — very big. It’s a very good test, and you will know what kind of horse you have at the end. The venue is beautiful, and the fence structure is like I’ve never seen — masterful.

“Rory feels fighting fit and ready, and I’m so grateful to be here with the generous support of the Turner/Holkamp Grant through the USEA. I’m also so happy to have Robyn and her team here. It’s what it’s all about — supporting each other and enjoying this exciting and memorable journey. And the best part is that we are California girls riding our California-bred girls! It’s really fun to experience this with all of the support. It means so much.”

Astier Nicolas limbering up before the first horse inspection. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

We’ll be checking in with Tamie and Robyn throughout the week, so stay tuned for much more from Le Lion. There are 40 6-year-olds and 59 7-year-olds entered from all over the world. Click here to see the 6-year-old entries and here to see the 7-year-old entries. Who do you think will take the win?

Both of our U.S. combinations do their dressage tomorrow, with Tamie and Fleeceworks Royal leading the way at 1:14 p.m. local time, 7:14 a.m. EST. Robyn and Betawave go at 3:28 p.m. local time, 9:28 a.m. EST. Click here to see the 6-year-old dressage order of go and here for the 7-year-old order of go, and be sure to check out the preview video for the event below. Go Eventing.

Le Lion d’Angers Links: Website, 6YO Order of Go, 7YO Order of Go, Live Scoring

EN’s coverage of Le Lion d’Angers is proudly presented by Fleeceworks!

Jock Paget Moving Home to New Zealand to Coach Developing Riders

By Jenni Autry on Oct 19, 2016 8:10 am -

Jock Paget and Clifton Lush at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jock Paget, who has been based in the UK since 2010, is moving home to New Zealand to further his coaching career and will take up the new role of High Performance Development Coach in February for Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ).

While Jock made it clear he will still be competing at the highest levels of the sport and hopes to land a spot on New Zealand’s team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, he also wants to pursue further opportunities in coaching.

“Coaching is something I really enjoy doing,” Jock said. “I want to become a world-class coach, and I believe this is the programme to do that in. It is very exciting.”

Jock and his wife, Tegan, plan to move to the central North Island later this year, which will also put them closer to their families.

“It makes the most sense to be based near Taupo if possible, and particularly the National Equestrian Centre where there is a lot of exciting development going on, including the brand new world-class indoor arena which will be ready in March,” Jock said. “I think it is the place to be.”

Clifton Promise, who was formally retired at Badminton this spring, and Jock’s three-star mount Angus Blue will both move to New Zealand with Jock.

“Frances (Stead) is very happy that Promise will be continuing his retirement back in New Zealand, and Angus Blue is a very good horse who did his first CCI3* in September. I have every intention of still targeting the major events throughout the world but just with a smaller team,” Jock said.

“To do both my riding and coaching properly, I won’t be able to have the same size team I have done, so I will now only have ones I think are going to be world-beaters.”

Jock will work alongside fellow ESNZ Eventing Performance Programme coaches Penny Castle, Clarke Johnstone, Tracy Smith and Jeff McVean, and ESNZ High Performance Director Sarah Dalziell-Clout said the entire team is excited for Jock’s move.

“This is a great development for our eventing programme and an invaluable opportunity for our riders in New Zealand. Jock’s experience as a member of our high performance eventing team is an exciting addition to the performance coaching team,” Sarah said.

“Having Jock here competing too is also exciting for the domestic competition scene. We will now have two of our Olympic campaigners in Clarke (Johnstone) and Jock competing and coaching nationally. I hope this will further encourage more spectators to attend and support our events in New Zealand.”

We wish Jock and Tegan all the best as they make the move back home to New Zealand. Go Eventing.

[Paget Returning to NZ to Coach and Compete]

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