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.
2015 Wellington Eventing Showcase winners: Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.
EN has confirmed the final entry list for next week’s highly anticipated $75,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase. A total of 35 combinations representing the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia are slated to compete. Here’s the final entry list:
Jennie Brannigan and Aspire R (USA)
Jennie Brannigan and Catalina (USA)
Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream (USA)
Kyle Carter and Cooley Nothing Better B
Kyle Carter and FR’s Trust Fund (CAN)
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM (USA)
Buck Davidson and Carlevo (USA)
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn (USA)
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive (USA)
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night (USA)
Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley (USA)
Sinead Halpin and Grey Area (USA)
Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville (USA)
Dan Jocelyn and Win the War (NZL)
Dan Jocelyn and Devil Muchkin (NZL)
Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect (USA)
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter (USA)
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery (USA)
Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow (USA)
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop (NZL)
Joe Meyer and South Paw (NZL)
Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Catchascatchcan (USA)
Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High (CAN)
Doug Payne and Vandiver (USA)
Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best (CAN)
Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance (CAN)
Michael Pollard and Boris O’Hara (USA)
Tim Price and Novelle (NZL)
Tim Price and Classico Z (NZL)
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (USA)
Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 (USA)
Allison Springer and Cascani (USA)
Allison Springer and Mr. Sydney Rocks (USA)
Lynn Symansky and Donner (USA)
Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett (AUS)
Dressage will be held all day on Friday, Feb. 5, with show jumping held the morning of Saturday, Feb. 6 and the exciting cross country finale taking place that afternoon.
VIP tables, which include a lunch buffet and drinks each day, are still available for the event (and we can assure you that the hospitality is fabulous). Contact Shelley Spielman for details and order forms at [email protected].
General admission and parking are free for the event. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 13500 South Shore Boulevard in Wellington, Florida. For more information, visit www.PBIEC.com.
An impromptu concert with Bruce Springsteen? Yes, please! Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
“It takes a village.” That’s a saying we use often in the horse world, and it’s one that’s especially applicable in the context of getting our athletes on the podium. From the vets and farriers to the grooms and family members who assist athletes in achieving their dreams, it takes a titanic amount of support just to participate in equestrian sports, much less compete on the Olympic stage.
Sending U.S. equestrians to the Olympics is made even more difficult by the fact that the federal government does not provide funding for our athletes. Instead, as the U.S. Olympic Committee explains it, “Team USA athletes rely on the generosity of the American people to achieve their dreams.”
That was the impetus behind the Rockin’ Rio benefit held this past weekend at beautiful Louisburg Farm in Wellington, Florida. More than 600 people attended the event, ultimately raising a record $1.5 million to help fund the enormous cost of sending our U.S. Olympic and Paralympic equestrian teams to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
EN was lucky enough to attend the benefit to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at this very special night. With a jaw-dropping background of bright, festive colors designed to capture the Brazilian spirit of these next Olympic Games, let’s took a look at some unforgettable moments from Rockin’ Rio.
Can you say WOW? The tables were set to perfection at Rockin’ Rio. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
A Live Performance from ‘The Boss’
When Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, parents of show jumping rider Jessica Springsteen, were announced as honorary chairs for the benefit last year, it generated plenty of excitement and raised one very obvious question: Would he perform? We all anxiously anticipated Bruce taking the stage, which he did right off the bat to welcome more than 600 guests to Rockin’ Rio.
“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for 20 plus years since Jess started riding when she was 5 years old,” Bruce said. “Needless to say, retirement is nowhere in sight for me. I literally play for horse feed night after night.” (Even Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have to face #HorseWorldProblems.)
But Bruce didn’t play any songs then. Instead, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner, and then the live auction kicked off, with each item up for grabs somehow even more amazing than the one before it. (Scroll down for a full breakdown of what was auctioned at the event.)
Then it came time for the grand finale item to be auctioned off: a Fender guitar signed by Bruce Springsteen himself. Bruce brought the guitar up on stage and quickly upped the ante, throwing in 10 VIP tickets, sound check and backstage meet and greet passes to one of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s River Tour concerts.
And as if that didn’t already have the crowd whipped into a frenzy, then he plugged in the guitar and started to play a cover of Barrett Strong’s iconic song “Money (That’s What I Want).” People started rushing the stage, and the impromptu performance turned into a mini concert.
Here’s a video I took on my phone, which includes the conclusion of the bidding for the guitar and concert package.
Bruce Springstreen Supports U.S. Olympic Equestrian TeamsWhen Bruce Springsteen auctions off a guitar to support our U.S. Olympic Equestrian Teams … but not before he plays it first! Last night’s USET Foundation Inc. Rockin’ Rio fundraiser was a smashing success. Stay tuned for the full report on EN!
Bruce brought the house down, so it came as no surprise that two bidders really wanted to win. The hotly contested item was ultimately sold to two separate bidders at a final price of $300,000 each, raising a grand total of $600,000 in support of our U.S. Olympic teams.
Even now after having several days to digest the experience, I’m still in awe at the fact that we all were treated to a private, up-close-and-personal concert with The Boss himself. Seeing Bruce play live is an absolute must-do and something none of us will ever forget. (He’s currently touring now and just added four new dates.)
A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on
A Live Auction With Everything You Could Ever Want
How exactly did the Rockin’ Rio benefit raise $1.5 million in total? Ticket prices certainly drew in a big chunk of that number, but a large amount of the proceeds also came from the live auction after dinner. As you’ve already seen based on Bruce’s surprise performance, this was not your typical live auction. Here’s a sampling of the items that were up for bid:
• A four-piece equine collection by artist Sharon Lynn Campbell, an internationally acclaimed artist well known for her like-like oil paintings of horses, animals and people. Sharon also donated a custom oil portrait that definitely emerged as a hot ticket item during the auction. (Click here to view a portrait gallery of her stunning work.)
• Tickets to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony and Championships with a stay at the Relais & Chateaux Castle Hill Inn (which looks like a totally amazing place to stay), plus the painting “Precision” by Andre Pater, donated by Misdee and James Miller
• A three-night trip for four to the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, complete with a Sky Terrace VIP Suite, tickets to the After Derby Party, luxe accommodations at the 21 C Museum Hotel in Lexington and a limo to drive you around town for the entire trip. Donated by the Duchossois family, Steve Wilson and Jeannie and Tom Tisbo, this trip definitely proved popular with bidders.
• A week-long stay at the Thistle House in the village of Edgartown at Martha’s Vineyard, generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Weeks. (Chinch won’t stop talking about making this his summer home.)
• A trip to California on a private jet with a stay at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, AND an 11.63 carat yellow sapphire in the ring setting of the winner’s choice, donated by Moti Ferder and Lugano Diamonds.
• And, as already discussed above, the Fender guitar signed by Bruce Springsteen with 10 VIP tickets, sound check and backstage meet and greet passes to one of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s River Tour concerts. Holy live auction!
Phillip Dutton accepts the 2016 Whitney Stone Cup in Wellington on Friday, Jan. 22. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Phillip Dutton Receives the Whitney Stone Cup
A night like this was always going to be a pretty spectacular one, but it was made all the more special by Phillip Dutton receiving the 2016 Whitney Stone Cup. First awarded to Michael Matz in 1980, the Whitney Stone Cup is given annually to “an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport.”
Phillip is the fifth event rider to receive the award, joining fellow recipients Jim Wofford (1981), Bruce Davidson (1988), Mike Plumb (1994), David O’Connor (1998) and Karen O’Connor (2000). Karen and David were both in attendance to watch Phillip receive the award, as were fellow eventers Lauren Kieffer, Allison Springer, Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Marilyn Little.
Phillip’s owners and supporters Annie Jones, Caroline Moran, Tom Tierney and Jacqueline Mars were also there to congratulate him, as was his wife, Evie, who he gave a special shout out to during his acceptance speech, which elicited huge cheers from the crowd. If you missed EN’s post about the award with quotes from Phillip, click here to read more.
Show jumping rider Lucy Deslauriers also received the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, which is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. Five eventers have received this award since it was established in 1983: Bruce Davidson Jr. (1998), Marilyn Little (2001), Clark Montgomery (2002), Will Faudree (2003), Kristin Schmolze (2004) and Tiana Coudray (2011).
Brownlee O. Currey Jr., chairman of the board for the USEF Foundation, received the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award, which was created last year in recognition of Bruce’s leadership, generosity and outstanding character. Bruce was a stalwart supporter of eventing before losing his battle with cancer in 2014, and it’s wonderful to see his memory and legacy preserved through this award.
Hannah Sue Burnett found Rio masks for the eventing crowd to wear. Photo by Gloria Callen.
Rocking Out for Rio
In looking back on the wildly successful event, I’m struck by the the dedication and commitment to our sport demonstrated not only by all the people who attended Rockin’ Rio, but also from the people who worked incredibly hard to make the benefit happen.
A huge thanks has to go to the Benefit Committee chairmen for planning the event. Click here to view the full list of chairmen, as well as all of the individuals who served on the Benefit Committee. Jacqueline Mars chaired the Eventing Committee, with Gloria Callen serving as vice chair, and both of these wonderful supporters of eventing also deserve a huge shout out.
It was also fantastic having so many eventers and supporters of the sport in attendance at the benefit. The eventing crowd filled three full tables and had a fantastic time. (And, naturally, Plantation Field’s own Katie Walker was the only one at the event who managed to take a selfie with Bruce.)
Thank you to Bonnie Jenkins and the USET Foundation for allowing EN to be a part of such an unforgettable night. Scroll down for a full photo gallery of some of the attendees. With a record $1.5 million raised at the benefit, our U.S. Olympic and Paralympic equestrian teams are one giant step closer on the road to Rio. Go Eventing.
William Cleary and Jacqueline B. Mars with Robin and Gerry Parsky. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Alex Hamer and Georgina Bloomberg. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Elizabeth B. Julian, Debbie McDonald and Adrienne Lyle. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Kristen DiCecca with Bill and William Weeks. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Emma Tucker and Charlotte Johnson. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Elizabeth Johnson and Kevin Hively. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Jim, Julia and Haity McNerney with Robert Ridland. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Wilton Porter, Kara Chad and Alex Matz with Chloe, Sam and Juliet Reid. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Of course there were dancers! Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Phillip Dutton accepts the 2016 Whitney Stone Cup in Wellington on Friday, Jan. 22. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.
Phillip Dutton joined a long list of accomplished athletes last weekend when he received the 2016 Whitney Stone Cup at Louisburg Farm in Wellington at the Rockin’ Rio benefit fundraiser that raised $1.5 million to help send the U.S. Olympic equestrian teams to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
First awarded to Michael Matz in 1980, the USET Foundation presents the award annually to “an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport.”
Phillip had a standout season in 2015, finishing the year ranked seventh on the FEI World Athlete Eventing Rankings, which made him the highest ranked U.S. event rider in the world. He also served as the pathfinder aboard Fernhill Fugitive on the gold medal winning U.S. Pan American Games team in Toronto, where U.S. Olympic qualification was at stake.
“I was thrilled to be a part of the U.S. Pan American Games team that won gold in Toronto last year,” Phillip said. “In my mind, representing your country is the ultimate goal you can achieve, and you always go out there and try to do your personal best at every competition. When you have four riders that get their personal best at a championships like that, it’s incredible.”
Earlier in the year, Phillip won the USET Foundation’s Pinnacle Cup with Fernhill Cubalawn and became the new USEF National CCI4* Champion as the highest placed U.S. rider at the 2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. He was also reserve champion during the 2015 Dutta Corp/USEF National Championships at Fair Hill for both the CCI3* and CCI2* levels with Mighty Nice and Z, respectively.
He finished in 12th as the highest placed U.S. rider at the Aachen CICO3* in Germany with Fernhill Cubalawn, leading the U.S. team to a third place finish and Team USA’s first Nations Cup podium in three years. Phillip and Cuba also delivered a personal best dressage score of 46.4 at that competition.
“It’s an exciting time for U.S. eventing because we’re making a push for even bigger things ahead,” Phillip said. “It’s not going to be easy by any means, but in the next couple of years hopefully we can have even better performances on the world stage.”
He accumulated 15 top five finishes at the FEI level in 2015, starting the year with a win in the Carolina International CIC3* aboard I’m Sew Ready and capping off the season with a win at the Galway Downs CCI3* with Fernhill Fugitive.
Phillip is the fifth event rider to receive the Whitney Stone Cup, joining fellow recipients Jim Wofford (1981), Bruce Davidson (1988), Mike Plumb (1994), David O’Connor (1998) and Karen O’Connor (2000).
“I hope to build on this momentum for 2016, and we’ll work back from the Olympics to develop a program that best suits each horse,” Phillip said. “There’s a lot of work to be done between now and then, but on the other hand it’s not that far away. All the horses are back in work and gearing up for the first event of the year, and we’re excited to get the season underway.”
Congrats to Phillip on this achievement! He certainly earned it, and EN also acknowledged Phillip’s standout season by nominating him and Fernhill Cubalawn for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year. He finished the season ranked seventh in EN’s Overall Rankings, as well as first on our list of EN’s Top Equine Performers in Cross Countryfor 2015.
Read on for a full list of all the winners of the Whitney Stone Cup.
1980 – Michael Matz
1981 – James C. Wofford
1982 – Norman Dello Joio
1983 – Melanie Smith (Taylor)
1984 – Carole Grant
1985 – Joe Fargis
1986 – Conrad Homfeld
1987 – Katie Monahan Prudent
1988 – Bruce O. Davidson
1989 – Gregory A. Best
1990 – William Long
1991 – Hap Hansen
1992 – Lana DuPont Wright
1993 – Carol Lavell
1994 – J. Michael Plumb
1995 – Robert Dover
1996 – Anne Kursinski
1997 – Leslie Burr Howard
1998 – David O’Connor
1999 – Valerie Kanavy
2000 – Karen O’Connor
2001 – Tucker Johnson
2002 – Guenter Seidel
2003 – Peter Wylde
2004 – Debbie McDonald
2005 – Chris Kappler
2006 – Elizabeth (Beezie) Madden
2007 – Elizabeth (Beezie) Madden
2008 – Miranda (Randy) Caldwell
2009 – Steffen Peters
2010 – McLain Ward
2011 – Tucker S. Johnson
2012 – Christine McCrea
2013 – Rich Fellers
2014 – Elizabeth (Beezie) Madden
2015 – Chester Weber
2016 – Phillip Dutton
Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras at Millbrook 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Lauren Kieffer will campaign a new upper-level horse this year in D.A. Duras, an 8-year-old Dutch gelding that finished ninth in the FEI World Breeding Eventing CCI2* Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in France last fall with Kelly Prather in the irons. Selling him as a two-star horse was always the plan according to Debbie Adams, who sourced the horse in the Netherlands and produced him through the Preliminary level.
Jacqueline Mars now owns D.A. Duras, better known as “D,” in partnership with Debbie and Tony Adams, and Debbie said she’s thrilled to still be involved as an owner in a horse that means so much to her.
“I buy these horses young and develop them, and then I have to sell them on, as I can’t afford to own them and keep them competing at the Advanced level,” Debbie said. “My niche is finding and producing them, and I’m really proud of this one. I really wanted to stay a part of his life, and I’m so excited that this has been able to happen.”
Debbie, who also organizes Flora Lea Farm Horse Trials in New Jersey, is well known for spotting and producing talented young event horses. She also imported and initially produced D.A. Adirmo, an 11-year-old Dutch gelding that Buck Davidson piloted to a second-place finish in the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event CCI3* in 2013.
Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras at Le Lion. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
Debbie purchased D.A. Duras, by Numero Uno out of a Quattro B mare, as a 4-year-old from Paul Hendrix and competed him at the Novice and Training level as a 5-year-old. They finished in fifth place in the 2013 USEA Young Event Horse East Coast 5-Year-Old Championships, which made D.A. Duras eligible to receive the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Grant to compete at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships as a 7-year-old.
After competing D.A. Duras at his first Preliminary event, Debbie started looking for a rider to continue what she started. After meeting Kelly Prather through Bruce Davidson, Debbie approached her to compete him. Kelly always knew the horse would ultimately be for sale and she would receive commission when the time came, Debbie said, emphasizing that she’s grateful for how far Kelly was able to take him.
“I don’t compete at the upper levels myself anymore, and after seeing Kelly’s ability I knew it would be a smart move to have her compete him,” Debbie said. “She has done a fantastic job with him for the past two years, and she deserves equal credit for his success.”
In addition to receiving international attention with a ninth-place finish at Le Lion last year, Kelly and D.A. Duras also finished 17th at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* in 2014 and eighth in the Bromont CCI2* in 2015.
Debbie Adams and D.A. Duras in France. Photo courtesy of Debbie Adams.
“It’s been a pleasure playing a part in producing D.A. Duras to this point in his career,” Kelly said. “I have had a lot of fun the last two years bringing him up through the levels, with some great success at some big competitions. I have no doubt that he will go on to be successful with Lauren. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them step up to the next level.”
Traveling to France to watch Kelly and D.A. Duras compete at Le Lion was one of Debbie’s proudest moments as an owner and producer, she said, and it couldn’t have happened without 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.
“Getting the grant gave me the impetus to raise the rest of the money to take him. I never would have dreamed of getting him to that competition on my own, but as soon as we had the grant, I wanted to make it happen,” Debbie said.
“I realized how important it was for people to see that horses trained in the U.S. can play at that level. It was a huge thing when we were there that he was produced in the U.S., and Le Lion made a big deal of it since it happens so rarely that a U.S.-produced horse competes at the championships. It helps show the world that we can develop our own horses.”
Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras cross country schooling in Ocala. Photo by David Frechette.
Now Lauren Kieffer will take the reins as we look ahead to the next chapter in the D.A. Duras story. She will compete him for the first time in Preliminary at the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials this weekend in Florida, and Lauren said she’s enjoying getting to know him and looking forward to their first event together.
“I was very flattered when Debbie and Tony approached me with this opportunity, and I’m grateful for Ms. Mars’ generosity to make it happen. I’m really excited about the future with him. He’s a very talented horse, and he’s been produced beautifully by Debbie and Kelly,” Lauren said.
“He’s obviously very experienced. In my opinion, he’s already jumped around three of the hardest two-stars you can find in Fair Hill, Bromont and Le Lion; that proves what kind of horse he is. And, of course, finishing in the top 10 at Le Lion is very impressive.”
Kelly Prather and D. A. Duras at Bromont 2015. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Debbie is equally thrilled to have Lauren in the irons. “She is a beautiful rider with a wonderful feel. In watching her, she understands all three phases. When we first started to chat about it, she was equally excited as we are, and she got on the horse and it was clear it was perfect,” Debbie said.
“It is going to be a very exciting adventure. I’m so happy Tony and I were able to remain one of his owners with Ms. Mars so that he doesn’t have to leave us. It’s a very different connection when you watch them go on and you’re not a part of it. We’re so looking forward to remaining a part of it.”
Debbie is eagerly anticipating Lauren and D’s competition debut at Rocking Horse this weekend, and Tony is flying in from New Jersey to also watch the horse compete.
“Lauren is going to be able to take him as far as he can go, and I don’t think it will take long for him to get to that level,” Debbie said. “For a horse you pick out as a 4-year-old and then develop and train it, and then for him to end up with Lauren and in that program — it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Former four-star event horse R-Star is gearing up to start a new show jumping career with Erin Serafini. The coming 15-year-old Holsteiner mare owned and formerly campaigned by Kristi Nunnink retired from eventing in 2014 after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat just days before she was slated to compete at Rolex.
Kristi had planned to compete “Rosie” in show jumping herself, but lingering problems with her back have prevented her from pursuing that goal. Having Erin compete the mare instead is a win-win situation for both of them, Kristi said.
“It’s a crime for Rosie not to be doing anything. She’s really been on a quiet back burner. I tried to ride her this summer, and my back was just too bad to keep riding. She’s been bored, so it will be great for her to have a job again.”
Erin is thrilled to get the ride on such a talented jumping mare and said she knows Rosie’s talent will help her improve her own performance in the show jumping ring.
“Show jumping is my weakest phase,” Erin explained. “I’ve done some show jumping with my mare, who is Rosie’s full sister, and I asked Kristi if I could borrow Rosie for the year to do jumpers. I feel so lucky that she and Randy said yes. I keep pinching myself.”
Erin and Rosie — she’s all settled in! Photo courtesy of Erin Serafini.
Erin moved Rosie to her base in Reno, Nevada, earlier this week and jumped her for the first time on Tuesday. “It’s like she hasn’t missed a beat,” Erin said. “She’s not fit right now, but even at almost 15 she trots around like a 4-year-old. She’s so sound and so expressive in everything she does.”
Rosie will make her jumper debut during the final three weeks of the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit in March, and then Erin will aim her at Mini Prix competitions with the goal of competing in a Grand Prix by the summer.
“Randy and I are excited to experience being owners and can’t wait to watch Rosie at the shows,” Kristi said. “We have a lot of ways to stay involved with the horses and the sport even with my back issues.”
Kristi’s doctors are currently considering operating on her back, and she believes the best case scenario is for her to compete in hunters with Be A Star, her 6-year-old Holsteiner mare that is currently in training with Julie Winkle. “My back just can’t handle cross country and jumping anymore,” Kristi said.
Teaching her students keeps her busy, and Kristi said she is also planning to harvest embryos from R-Star this summer. The mare was just days away from delivering a colt by Royaldik last year when she sadly lost the foal in utero. Kristi said they will play it safe and stick with embryo transfers from Rosie going forward.
We’re looking forward to following along with Rosie’s new show jumping career and wish Erin good luck. We’re also sending positive, pain-free thoughts to Kristi as she continues to battle through these back problems. Kick on (gently), Kristi!
Paul Tapner and Indian Mill at Aachen 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Paul Tapner’s four-star partner Indian Mill has been sold to the U.S., and Phillip Dutton will compete the horse for his new owner this spring. David Garrett purchased the 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding as a potential Young Riders mount for his daughter, Holland.
Formerly owned by Sally and Colm McGinn, Paul produced the horse from a 5-year-old at the BE100 level through to the CCI4* level. Bred by the Buller family at Scarvagh House Stud — who also bred Andrew Nicholson’s four-star partner Calico Joe — Indian Mill is by Millkom out of an Indian Ridge mare.
Indian Mill has a 100 percent FEI completion rate in his five-year career. Paul and Indian Mill finished 14th at Badminton CCI4* last year, as well as 17th at Pau CCI4*, 21st at Aachen CICO3* and ninth at Barbury Castle CIC3*. In 2014, they finished 2nd at Burnham Market CIC3*, fifth at Tattersalls CCI3*, fourth at Gatcombe Park CIC3* and third at Blenheim CIC3*.
Paul announced the sale yesterday: “Today we sadly waved good bye to Indian Mill, aka Monkee. A massive thank you to Sally and Colm McGinn for allowing us to campaign their horse and for being such fantastic supporters to our team. … He was ranked in the top 20 of all British Eventing Official horses in 2014 and 2015. We will miss Monkee very much on the yard, but would like to wish him well in continuing his career in America.”
Phillip told EN he is looking forward to campaigning Indian Mill: “It’s an exciting opportunity to work with the horse, and the plan is to evaluate him this spring to see where he will be the most suitable,” Phillip said. “David’s daughter, Holland, has been training with me and has a goal to compete at Young Riders, so we will be considering that.”
Holland Garrett, 18, finished sixth in the Galway Downs CCI* and 11th in the Woodside CIC* last fall with La Lux, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding previously campaigned in Great Britain by Tom McEwen.
“Monkee” is on a flight now traveling from England, and Phillip said he will arrive at Red Oak Farm, his team’s Aiken base, this Friday, Feb. 22. We’re looking forward to seeing Phillip and Monkee out and about on the circuit this spring.
Nora Battig and Steppin' Out on their way to a 14th place finish at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* in 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Our thoughts are with Nora Battig and her team after Steppin’ Out, her 11-year-old Trakehner/Thoroughbred mare, was euthanized yesterday in Ocala due to complications from a ruptured colon.
Bred in California by Heidi Wangler, Steppin’ Out was by the Trakehner stallion Rumpleminze and out of a Thoroughbred mare, Linda Woolsey. Kristi Nunnink helped Nora find “Stevie” as a 6-year-old in 2011. Nora produced her from Training level, and Stevie made the move with her to the East Coast when she relocated to work for Buck Davidson in 2012.
Nora and Stevie successfully made their Advanced debut in 2013, landing themselves on the USEF Developing Rider List for two consecutive seasons. They completed eight FEI competitions in their career together, including finishing in the top 25 twice at the Fair Hill CCI2* and completing Plantation Field CIC3* in 2013.
Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out at Fair Hill 2014 with Zachary Leamer, their families and her coach, Bruce Davidson. Photo by Lisa Thomas.
“She was a horse meant to be a turn around, but she kept showing us at every level just how special she was,” Nora said. “She wasn’t the fanciest mover or the scopiest jumper, but she always gave me her whole heart; every stitch of hair on her was world class. I will never be able to thank her enough for everything she gave me.”
Nora’s boyfriend, Zachary Leamer, groomed Stevie many times at events and wrote a beautiful tribute to the mare. As Nora explained, “I can’t bury her, as I don’t have my own farm, so this is the closest thing I have as a way of laying her to rest.”
Read on for Zachary’s tribute:
“I was really quite lucky to have had the chance to groom this horse. This mare was one of those horses that always carried herself in a way that said, ‘Don’t worry, I know what to do, just trust me,’ and trust her we did. Thankfully, I got to spend countless hours with her, learning.
“When I was rehabbing from a broken femur and hip, she was the first horse I sat on. We knew she would have a kind step and class for a broken unbalanced jockey on her back (on the second day of rehab she took me sailing over fences out in the country — foot perfect).
“She taught me my first real lessons about watching a horse and rider pair from the ground. Watching her from the sidelines as Nora would play in the sandbox or gallop down to a giant table was when I really heard the voices of past trainers in my head and started to grasp an understanding of what is expected of both horse and rider.
“Again, I was lucky to be able to groom on her. She had a coat that shined like a brand new copper penny (it was the kind of coat that made you think for a moment that you knew what you were doing with a brush and rag — but in reality her coat was just that beautiful).
“I was never prouder of walking next to a horse then when I would go down to the ring with her and Nora or pick the warm-up fence that we would use for the next five minutes before the buzzer would sound. Speaking of the warm-up ring, she and Nora were the best pair to prep for the third phase. You didn’t have to say anything — just watch them, and you knew just when and where to put the cups and rails.
“She was a horse that made me realize how much more about being a horseman I have to learn, but she did her damnedest to get me started that she could. This mare was born to please; she always stood stoic and tall with a sweet glint in her eye. It will be a long time before she gets replaced in my life.
“But in the end I am just so happy for all she graced us with. So, Stevie, flash me that begging look one more time, and I’ll reach deep in my pocket and dig out that last treat I wish I had been able to give you. RIP old girl.”
Zachary and Stevie. Photo courtesy of Nora Battig.
The EN team sends our deepest condolences to Nora, Zachary and all who knew and loved Stevie.
Heather Maytham, Daisy Trayford and Mary Hollis Baird at Woodside Ranch in Ocala. Photo by Erin Johnson.
Picture an early, foggy morning at a racetrack in Ocala, where the sun is only just rising and a group of young Thoroughbreds are being tacked up in preparation to start the day. That’s the routine that a group of Florida eventers known as the “Gallop Girls” have come to enjoy since they started exercising horses for Bryan and Holley Rice at Woodside Ranch.
It’s an adventure that eventers Daisy Trayford, Heather Maytham, Mary Hollis Baird and Alexis Brown have all not only enjoyed immensely, but also one that’s benefitted them greatly, both in helping to expand their knowledge of horse training in general, but also to up their game as event riders.
“I didn’t actually know what to expect when I first started working with the Thoroughbreds,” Daisy said. “I didn’t think I’d be working with young horses on the level that we do. I thought I’d only be taking horses around the track, but we work a lot with them on the ground and doing flatwork in the round pens.”
Heather Maytham (pink shirt on the right), Mary Hollis Baird (black shirt in the middle) and Daisy Trayford (yellow shirt on the left) out for a gallop. Photo by Erin Johnson.
The current crop of Thoroughbreds Daisy and the other eventers work with are all coming 2-year-olds. Some of them are privately owned, but most will go through the Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) or the Fasig-Tipon sales in Maryland. Daisy and her fellow eventer riders play a critical role in preparing the horses for the sales.
But first it’s up to Bryan and Holley to start each new group of young Thoroughbreds. They’ll ride the horses for the first five days or so — or up to two to three weeks for the “problem children” — before handing them off to the exercise riders to continue the work.
“They are babies, but Bryan and Holley do such a good job with starting them that I feel really safe on every single horse I get on. When we start riding them, we do a lot of schooling and flatwork,” Daisy said.
“All the horses have to bend. We don’t ride them on the bit, but if we take contact, they’re expected to come round, and then we release. At the touch of the leg, they need to go forward. They also learn how to switch leads and rein back. It’s pretty intense what we have to teach them, and Bryan and Holley like the eventers because we know how to teach them those things.”
Daisy Trayford in the irons. Photo by Erin Johnson.
Bryan and Holley’s son Brandon leases Woodside’s southern division with his wife, Ali de Meric, for their own training business, and he also said it’s been mutually beneficial to have a group of eventers join the regular exercise rider crew.
“I find that the event riders have really good posture and body balance,” Brandon said. “They know their horses will fall apart if they’re sloppy as riders, so they have to ride really well and have good balance.”
Holley said it’s also important that the exercise riders be confident in order to help instill that quality in the young horses, and she’s found that eventers are an ideal match for the job. “They’re very courageous,” Holley said. “The young horses really need that confidence.”
Heather Maytham in the irons. Photo by Erin Johnson.
Daisy said exercising the young Thoroughbreds has helped her greatly expand her knowledge base as a rider and trainer. “If you stay in your box all the time as a rider, you never learn anything. Branching out makes you realize what a horse can do,” she said.
“Sometimes when you brand yourself as a certain kind of rider, like an eventer or jumper, you don’t experience other industries. I’ve found it really interesting working with the Thoroughbreds. It gives you an edge. Once you’ve ridden 10 yearlings in a row, you don’t even think about it. Of course, I do get bucked off, but I can usually take the blame for that!”
For eventers looking to exercise Thoroughbreds, Daisy’s top piece of advice is to get involved with good trainers who start their horses the right way. For those of you in Ocala, you’re in luck! Bryan and Holley Rice are currently looking for more exercise riders to join their team. If you’re interested, call Holley at 352-804-9340.
Keep scrolling for an exclusive EN video feature produced by Joel Wiessner that will take you behind the scenes at Woodside Ranch, where you can see what a typical day looks like at the track. Go Thoroughbreds!
‘Gallop Girls’ Upping Their Eventing Game at the TrackPicture an early, foggy morning at a racetrack in Ocala, where the sun is only just rising and a group of young Thoroughbreds are being tacked up in preparation to start the day. That’s the routine that a group of Florida eventers have come to enjoy since they started exercising horses for Bryan and Holley Rice at Woodside Ranch. Click for an EN video exclusive!
Two thumbs up from Carl! Photo courtesy of Stan Bouckaert.
We’re continuing to send our best wishes to Carl Bouckaert, who is on the mend after suffering a severe leg injury in a dirt bike accident at his farm at Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia last month.
Carl has since undergone 11 surgeries on his left leg, and doctors are optimistic after his most recent operation. He is currently recovering at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and hit a major milestone last Thursday when he was allowed to leave his bed for the first time since the accident.
Nothing can keep Carl down for too long! The Belgian Olympian represented his country at both the 2000 Sydney and 2012 London Olympic Games, plus two World Equestrian Games at Rome in 1998 and Aachen in 2006.
Carl’s son, Stan Bouckaert, and daughter, Nathalie Pollard, are posting updates on his progress to his YouCaring page, so you can follow along there for more information.
If you’d like to send a gift to Carl while he’s in the hospital, the family has requested notes, magazines or “brain games” to help him stay busy. Packages can be addressed to: Carl Bouckaert, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St., Tower 12A, Room 11, Boston, MA 02115.
Please join us in wishing Carl continued speedy healing!
Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire soon after "Sparkle" arrived in the U.S. Photo by
Lynn McLendon Rhodes.
It’s going to be a very exciting season for Julie Richards as she welcomes the 2012 Adelaide CCI4* winner Sandhills Brillaire into her barn. The coming 14-year-old Thoroughbred/warmblood mare catapulted herself into the spotlight when she won Australia’s CCI4* event in 2012 with Craig Barrett — at both of their four-star debuts, no less.
Now owned by Equine Olympic Investments, “Sparkle” has settled in beautifully at Julie’s farm in Newnan, Georgia, and they’re preparing to compete in their first event together at Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. in Florida later this month. As the new syndicate’s name suggests, Julie, a two-time U.S. Olympian and team bronze medalist, is hoping to make a run at qualifying for Rio.
It’s not every day that a CCI4* winner changes hands, so how is that Sparkle found herself in America? Rewinding to last fall, Julie wasn’t exactly in the market for an upper-level horse. She had just lost Sher Schwartz’s Beaulieu’s Cayenne to a pasture accident after successfully competing the mare through the CCI3* level and qualifying her for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
In addition, Asa Cooper’s Urlanmore Beauty, with whom Julie won the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* in 2014, sustained a tendon injury early in the 2015 season, which curtailed his chances at qualifying for Rolex last year. As Julie put it, “I started the 2015 season with two horses I thought would be qualified for Rolex the following year and ended the season with none.”
It was a very sad time for Julie’s team after Cayenne’s death, and it certainly wasn’t what she expected when the Richards family approached her and said they wanted to buy her a going horse to keep her dream of returning to the Olympic Games alive. “I hadn’t been actively looking for owners, so I was really surprised,” Julie said. “They told me to just see what was out there.”
Craig Barrett and Sandhills Brillaire take a victory lap during their Adelaide CCI4* win in 2012. Photo by John Lechner.
A Winning Record
Not only did Craig Barrett win his four-star debut with Sandhills Brillaire — making history in the process — but he also bred her and successfully competed her parents. Sparkle is a standout testimony to the Sandhills breeding program, which Craig and his wife, Prue, run in New South Wales, Australia.
Sparkle’s sire is the registered Australian Warmblood stallion Staccato, by the KWPN stallion Salute, who sired multiple Grand Prix dressage horses in Australia, such as GV Stirling Stilton and Victory Salute. Craig competed Staccato at the upper levels of eventing, included completing the Adelaide CCI3* in 2002.
Staccato, now 24 years old, still stands at Sandhills and has sired many upper-level event horses, including another Adelaide CCI4* winner in Panamera, who took the title the year before Sparkle in 2011 with Stuart Tinney in the irons.
In addition to winning Adelaide in 2012, Craig and Sparkle garnered numerous other top three-star and four-star placings in Australia, including placing in the top 10 at the Sydney CCI3* on four separate occasions, plus finishing third in a return trip to Adelaide CCI4* in 2013.
It came as no surprise then that Craig and Sparkle were long listed in 2014 for Australia’s World Equestrian Games squad. But an unfortunate bout of cellulitis and subsequent infection ultimately stymied the mare’s chance at representing Australia on the world stage in Normandy.
After giving Sparkle a lengthy period of time off to recover, she came back into work in early 2015, and Craig and Prue’s teenage son Oliver started riding the mare, even taking her to some local Pony Club events to stretch her legs. (Click here to see a video of Oliver schooling Sparkle on the flat.)
As Sparkle had already garnered the highest honor in Australia by winning Adelaide, her owners, Keith and Juliet Osborne, decided it was time to give another rider a chance to enjoy her talents, and that’s how it came about that the mare ended up for sale.
Julie Richard’s mom, Pat Burns, with Sandhills Brillaire at the mare’s new home in Georgia. Photo courtesy of Julie Richards.
Sight Unseen
Phillip Dutton knew Sparkle was on the market, so when Julie mentioned her search for an Olympic prospect, it seemed like they could be the right match. “Phillip had never seen her but knew she was a quality horse. Since she was older, I wasn’t sure, but I looked at the video,” Julie said.
“I immediately liked what I saw right away. I like mares. My riding style isn’t dominant, and I can get along with any horse, but I can’t stand strong horses. I liked that she didn’t look strong on cross country at all. She would lope down to the jumps with a big loop in the reins, and you could keep galloping at the jumps.”
The next natural step was for Julie to get on a plane to Australia to ride Sparkle before deciding whether to buy her, and she had other decisions weighing on her mind, too. As an FEI Category D rider, Julie knew she would need to complete a very specific sequence of events with the mare in order to qualify to compete at one of the remaining U.S. Olympic selection trials in the spring.
In looking into potential flights to the U.S. for Sparkle with TRI, an equine transport company, Julie was told only two flights were available: one in October 2015 and one in January 2016. Julie knew that if she liked Sparkle and wanted to move ahead with buying her, the mare would need to be on that October flight in order to make Olympic qualification feasible.
With a plan in place, Julie prepared to travel to Australia. But then the universe threw a wrench into her plans: She suddenly came down with a terrible case of the flu, plus food poisoning, that left her barely able to get out of bed for 10 days. “I kept saying that I had to ride the horse before we bought her, but I also couldn’t stand the idea of getting on a plane for 16 hours in that condition,” Julie said.
Instead Phillip arranged for the mare to ship to Shane Rose’s base at Bimbadeen Park in New South Wales, where Shane could take additional video for Julie and offer another perspective on the horse. “Shane loved her and told us that she was super trained and sweet and quiet,” Julie said. “The bigger you asked her to jump, the better she went.”
Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire out for a hack with Nanny McFadden, Julie’s goddaughter, and Nanny’s jumper mare Katori. Photo courtesy of Julie Richards.
A New Partnership
Sparkle passed her vetting, and that was that. The Richards family purchased Sparkle without Julie ever sitting on her or even seeing her, and the mare landed on U.S. soil the first week in October 2015. “It was a little bit nerve-wracking when she came to the farm and I sat on her for the first time, but she was great,” Julie said.
While her end goal is to qualify for Rio, Julie said her main focus right now is building a partnership with Sparkle. “I’m trying not to put a ton of pressure on myself or her because that never works. I’ve jumped a lot of big jumps and been around a lot of big tracks, and she doesn’t need a lot of practice doing that either. We just need to develop a good partnership.”
After making their debut at Rocking Horse in two weeks, Julie plans to aim Sparkle for Pine Top CIC2*, Red Hills CIC2*, Ocala Horse Properties CCI2* and, if all goes well, Carolina International CIC3*. Obtaining a qualifying score at Carolina would set them up to compete at one of the remaining U.S. Olympic selection trials at the CCI3* level.
In the meantime, Julie has been diligently building Sparkle’s fitness program. They’ve cross country schooled several times to prepare for Rocking Horse, and Julie said she’s excited to get out and compete the mare. Most of all, she’s thrilled that buying Sparkle sight unseen from the other side of the world worked out so well.
“It couldn’t have been a better experience. There were no surprises at all, and Craig and Prue were wonderful throughout the whole process. Sparkle was even better than I thought she would be, and Craig told me every tiny thing about her so I knew exactly what to expect,” Julie said.
“Having a horse like this keeps you going. We all work hard, especially this time of year, so when you have something special like that in the barn to wake up to every day it makes it a lot more fun. I’m lucky that I have such a good family and people behind me to support me and see where it goes.”
2015 Wellington Eventing Showcase winners: Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The entry list for the $75,000 Asheville Regional Airport Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, is live! About 20 riders representing the U.S., Australia, Canada and New Zealand are expected to compete at the showcase, which will be held Feb. 5-6 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.
The following riders have confirmed that they will compete. All riders were invited to bring two horses, but some will only compete one. There will be approximately 35 horse and rider combinations competing in all, and the final entry list will be released the week before the event.
Jennie Brannigan – USA
Hannah Sue Burnett – USA
Kyle Carter – CAN
Will Coleman – USA
Buck Davidson – USA
Phillip Dutton – USA
Liz Halliday-Sharp – USA
Sinead Halpin – USA
Dan Jocelyn – NZL
Allie Knowles – USA
Marilyn Little – USA
Boyd Martin – USA
Joe Meyer – NZL
Selena O’Hanlon – CAN
Doug Payne – USA
Tim Price – NZL
Jessica Phoenix – CAN
Michael Pollard – USA
Colleen Rutledge – USA
Allison Springer – USA
Lynn Symansky – USA
Ryan Wood – AUS
Of course, we’re excited to see all of these riders on the list at the showcase, but it’s especially cool to see that Tim Price and Dan Jocelyn will be making the trip across the pond to compete!
Like last year, the showcase will run at the Advanced level, with dressage held on Friday, Feb. 5 and show jumping and cross country running on Saturday, Feb. 6.
VIP tables, which include lunch buffet and drinks each day, are available for the event (and we can assure you that the hospitality is fabulous). Contact Shelley Spielman for details and order forms at [email protected].
General admission and parking are free. The Stadium at PBIEC is located at 13500 South Shore Boulevard in Wellington. For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Who’s going to Wellington to watch the showcase? Chinch will be there!
Buck Davidson and Legion Kat on their way to the CIC* win at GMHA. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
We’re heartbroken to report this morning that Legion Kat, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Natalie Sandler and ridden by Buck Davidson, was euthanized last night at Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala due to a ruptured stomach.
“Arnold” was happily munching hay in his field when Buck left the barn in the late afternoon, but his team soon called him to alert him that something didn’t seem right with the horse. After examining him at the farm, Buck’s vet team elected to get Arnold to Peterson & Smith as quickly as possible, where they ultimately diagnosed the rupture.
While the BDJ team hoped Arnold’s owner, Natalie, might be able to make it to Ocala to say goodbye to him, the decision was ultimately made to quickly end the horse’s suffering.
Arnold will be buried at Buck’s farm within the racetrack. “He loved racing and he loved eventing, so it seemed appropriate to bury him close to the two things that made him the happiest,” Buck said.
A barn favorite, Arnold had just made a successful move up to Intermediate at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter I H.T. last weekend, placing sixth in a competitive field. He also won the One-Star National Championship at Hagyard MidSouth last fall.
By Legion Field out of Ice Kat, by Katowice, Arnold raced 13 times at Philadelphia Park and Penn National before retiring from the track in 2008. With “a good mind, a kind soul, amazing movement, powerful jump and an effortless gallop,” Arnold joined the BDJ team in 2013 and immediately took to eventing. Buck produced the horse from the Novice level.
“I have to thank my team for taking quick action,” Buck said. “In the hard times you find out if you have a good team around you, and I’m so fortunate to have this group of people, owners and crew to look after the horses and care for them so much. We’re a community.”
Buck also wanted to thank the vets at Peterson & Smith for quickly diagnosing the stomach rupture and ensuring Arnold didn’t needlessly suffer. “He was stoic until the very end,” Buck said. “We’re all going to miss him very much.”
And the Golden Chinchilla goes to … Tamie Smith and Mai Baum! Photo by Jenni Autry.
It’s been a whirlwind past few months for Tamie Smith. In addition to clinching the biggest win of her career at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* with Mai Baum and receiving the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, Tamie and “Lexus” also have been been voted 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year.
“This past season still doesn’t really feel real to me; it’s like an out of body experience. I knew the horse was phenomenal, and I knew that we could be successful. It’s really been unreal, and I’m speechless about the whole year,” Tamie said. “It’s been such an up-and-down emotional roller coaster. The best things have happened and the worst things have happened, and having everyone carry me through it all has been overwhelming.”
Though they only started their partnership at the beginning of 2015, Tamie and Lexus, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alex and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, immediately clicked. After winning The Fork CIC2* and finishing second in the Jersey Fresh CCI2*, they established themselves as frontrunners for the 2015 Pan American Games team.
But Tamie and Lexus ultimately weren’t selected to represent Team USA. “This past spring was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “You have something you’re reaching out for, and you’re so close, but then you fail. But sometimes it really is true that the slower you go, the faster you get there.”
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Hot Streak
After the disappointment of not making the team, Tamie and Lexus started on a hot streak that saw them win the Rebecca Farm CIC3*, Copper Meadows CIC3*, Plantation Field CIC3* and ultimately Fair Hill CCI3* to become the U.S. National Three-Star Champions.
Looking back, Tamie believes a big part of that success — especially winning Plantation Field and Fair Hill — was that she forced herself to slow down. Instead of keeping up with her frenzied competition schedule on both sides of the country, she made a commitment to spend most of her time on the East Coast preparing for Lexus’ final two events of the season.
“I also did a lot of self reflecting,” Tamie said. “It was a long ride home to California after we didn’t make the team, and I started dissecting every place that I could be better.”
Tamie looked at her show jumping as an area to improve, and she called top U.S. show jumping rider Susie Hutchinson for help. “I told Susie, ‘I need an overhaul. I go into the show jumping ring and feel like I don’t have a plan. I’m leaving things on the table, and I don’t want to do that.’
“Susie started coming over twice a week to help me. I think when you don’t have a solid plan and a solid system, that’s when unexpected failures happen. But everyone has to go through it. You don’t get a system until you’ve failed multiple times and know what not to do.”
Tamie Smith celebrating receiving the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant during the Year-End Awards Luncheon at the 2015 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Looking Ahead
With a successful system in place and producing top results, Tamie now looks ahead to the 2016 season, in which she’ll be aiming for a spot on the 2016 U.S. team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, as well as planning a trip to Europe thanks to receiving the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, affectionately called the “Big Becky.”
Established in 2011 in memory of Becky, the $30,000 International Developing Rider and $10,000 National Developing Rider grants are designed to “inspire, advance the skills and expand the knowledge” of the recipient. Having also received the National grant in 2012, Tamie said she’s an example of how this support and funding can ultimately change a rider’s path.
“It completely flipped my career and my thinking and my expectations. It’s amazing to have a group of people who give you financial support because they think you have what it takes. It makes you sit back and say, ‘Woah, you think I can do it?’ It gives you a huge boost,” she said.
“Receiving the National grant was tremendous in changing my career, and to receive the Big Becky grant is unbelievable. I keep thinking, ‘What am I going to do to keep this alive?’ How am I going to keep helping other people to strive for what I hoped was possible and what I still hope is possible?”
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Aiming for Europe
Tamie’s Big Becky grant will go directly toward funding an extended trip to Europe this fall, as will the free international Dutta Corp flight she won at Fair Hill. “I definitely want to go to Europe, but I probably won’t go until the fall. With the Olympics being in August, I want to stay home and stay focused on that through the spring,” she said.
“The plan will likely be to go over to Europe at the end of August and stay through September and October. If (the selectors) decide they don’t want to take a three-star horse to Rio, then I might go over at the beginning of August. I’m really excited about the opportunity to take multiple horses.”
As for whether we’ll see Lexus make his four-star debut this spring, Tamie confirmed that he won’t go to Rolex. “It’s tempting to go give a four-star a crack now, but this horse has a really awesome future ahead of him, and I need to be patient. He’s only 9 years old and really has only competed at the Advanced level for six full months. There’s no reason to rush him.”
Instead, Lexus will aim for a spring CCI in making his bid for the U.S. Olympic team, and Tamie said she is working with U.S. Team Coach David O’Connor to develop a competition schedule with the horse’s best interest in mind.
“David has been really good about working with me to develop a plan, and we really had Rolex off the table even before Fair Hill,” she said. “As much as I want to go to Rolex and I feel like I have a horse that could be competitive, I also want to have a long career on him as well.”
In addition to campaigning Lexus at the Advanced level, Tamie will also have Twizted Syster back out competing this year, as well as Kevin Baumgardner’s Advanced partner Wembley. “I was just doing my entries for Fresno, and it’s so crazy to me that I am competing three Advanced horses and three Intermediate horses this year. I’ve never had that many horses competing at the upper levels before, so I’m really excited.”
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum share a moment after their win at Fair Hill CCI3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.
‘Have the Guts to Keep Fighting’
In accepting the honors as Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year, Tamie said she would like to thank Lexus’ owners, Alex and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell; her groom, Shannon McCormick; her husband, Dave, and kids, Kaylawna and Tyler; and her whole support crew.
“Shannon has been unreal this year and worked incredibly hard. My husband and kids are the unsung heroes; they’re the ones behind the scenes supporting you at home,” Tamie said. “This season wouldn’t have been possible without Mackenna Shea and Heather Morris holding down the fort,” Tamie said. “Niki Clarke, my dressage trainer, also helped keep all the horses going while I was away competing.”
Tamie wrote candidly about the challenges she has faced in getting to this pivotal point in her career in this blog, and she said she hopes her journey can encourage other aspiring professional eventers to never give up.
“I feel really fortunate to have had the rough start that I had because I feel like I can speak to a lot of people who feel like they don’t have a chance. It’s not if you’re going to fail, it’s when — and you’re going to fail multiple times. But you have to have the guts to keep fighting, keep after it and keep putting a smile on your face,” she said.
“I want people to know that if you don’t come from a certain background or feel like you don’t have the right support, keep working hard and keep your eye on it. It’s possible to get there.”
Which horse and rider will win the Golden Chinchilla? That’s up to you, EN!
We are excited to officially open voting for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year! Before we unveil the horses and riders, I can honestly say that this has been our most difficult season yet for choosing nominees. We saw so much talent, numerous dominant performances and countless inspirational moments in 2015.
These six nominees achieved true greatness from the spring all the way through to the fall season to stand out in a very competitive North American field. We heavily considered the following criteria when choosing our nominations for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year:
Each nominated pair garnered top placings at a CCI4*, CCI3* or international team championships in 2015.
Each nominated pair completed their season without a cross country jumping penalty at the FEI level.
Each nominated pair ranks in the top 10 of EN’s database, which tracks results at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels.
Keep scrolling to meet the nominees, and you’ll find the poll for voting at the bottom of this post. Voting will remain open until midnight EST on Sunday, Jan. 10. We will announce the winner of the coveted Golden Chinchilla on Monday, Jan. 11.
Without further ado, EN is proud to present our nominees for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year (in alphabetical order).
Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly at Blenheim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly
#9 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
After battling mucus in his lungs and inflamed airway disease in 2014, OBOS O’Reilly burst back onto the U.S. eventing scene looking like a totally different horse in 2015. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (OBOS Quality X Omard Clover Queen, by Clover Hill) owned by the Four Star Eventing Group ultimately proved he has what it takes with an impressive CCI4* debut at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
“Oboe” made quick work of the saturated ground and heavy rains at Rolex, delivering one of the six double clear cross country rounds that day. Coming home two seconds under the optimum time saw Will and Oboe win the Land Rover Ride of the Day, plus a 24-month lease on a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport. They ultimately had one rail down in show jumping the next day to finish in sixth place on a score of 56.6.
From his first four-star to his first overseas competition, Oboe continued to show good form throughout the season. A trip to England to contest the Blenheim Palace International CCI3* saw Will and Oboe finish on their dressage score of 51.1 to take home 11th place in an all-star field. With yet another double clear trip across the country, Oboe finished 2015 as EN’s Top Equine Performer in Cross Country, as well as #9 on EN’s Overall Rankings for 2015.
2015 Highlights: 6th, Rolex Kentucky CCI4*; 13th, Richland Park CIC3*; 11th, Blenheim Palace CCI3*
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn
#7 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn started the 2015 season with a bang, becoming the new USEF National CCI4* Champions as the highest placed American combination at Rolex in the horse’s four-star debut. A 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, “Cuba” added just 3.2 penalties to his dressage score to finish in fifth place at Rolex on a score of 54.1.
Cuba then made his team debut as part of the U.S. Nations Cup squad in Germany at Aachen, widely considered the toughest CIC3* competition in the world. Phillip and Cuba delivered a personal best dressage score of 46.4, show jumped clear and delivered one of the fastest trips around cross country to finish in 12th individually as the highest place U.S. combination. That performance also helped land Team USA in second place on the Nations Cup podium.
Phillip and Cuba continued their hot streak in the fall, finishing third in the highly competitive Plantation Field CIC3* before taking a trip to the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. They stalked the leaderboard all weekend, and a double clear cross country round and one rail down in show jumping saw them finish in fifth place in the U.S. National CCI3* Championships.
Phillip and Cuba’s dominant cross country performances in 2015 — accumulating just 5.6 total time penalties across all their FEI runs — ultimately saw them ranked #4 in our list of EN’s Top Equine Performers in Cross Country for 2015, and this combination finished the season as #7 in EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.
2015 Highlights: 5th, Rolex Kentucky CCI4*; 12th, Aachen CICO3*; 3rd, Plantation Field CIC3*; 5th, Fair Hill CCI3*
Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett at the 2015 Pan American Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett
#3 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
Though Meadowbrook’s Scarlett flew under the radar for much of her early career, that all changed in 2015 when the mare easily made the move up to the Advanced level and never looked back. An 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Holsteiner mare (All In Black X Bliss) owned and bred (in Virginia!) by Marie le Menestrel and produced by Lauren Kieffer since she was 4, “Scarlett” has never had a cross country jumping penalty in her entire career.
Lauren and Scarlett started their dominant 2015 season with a top-10 finish in the mare’s first CIC3* at Carolina International in March. Widely considered an early frontrunner for the U.S. Pan American Games team, Lauren proved Scarlett could rise to the occasion in the mare’s first CCI3* at Jersey Fresh, where they added just one rail to their dressage score of 46.6 to finish in second place.
That performance landed Lauren and Scarlett a spot on the Pan American Games team in Toronto, where they delivered two double clear jumping rounds in their U.S. team debut to finish in seventh individually and help clinch team gold — and qualify a spot for the U.S. in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
After a well deserved break, Lauren and Scarlett headed west to tackle her second CCI3* of the season at Galway Downs in California. Another swift cross country round with just a handful of time and one rail down in show jumping saw them finish in third place. A foot perfect cross country season ranked this pair #3 on EN’s Top Equine Performers in Cross Country list, as well as #3 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.
2015 Highlights: 9th, Carolina International CIC3*; 2nd, Jersey Fresh CCI3*; 7th and Team Gold, 2015 Pan American Games; 3rd, Galway Downs CCI3*
Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous
#2 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous gave us an exciting win streak through the first half of the 2015 season, starting with a victory in the CIC2* at Pine Top and racking up a four additional wins in the Red Hills CIC2*, Carolina International CIC2* and Ocala Horse Properties CCI2* that culminated with taking individual and team gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
After all their two-star success, Marilyn and “Kitty,” a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders, Jacqueline Mars and Robin Parsky, faced a highly anticipated move up to the Advanced level. They shook off a show jumping mishap at Poplar Place and bounced back to an impressive performance at Plantation Field, where they finished second in the competitive CIC3*.
This dynamic duo then headed to Holland for the mare’s first CCI3* as part of the U.S. Nations Cup team at Boekelo. After a solid dressage test that saw them sitting in the upper quarter of the big international field, Kitty sustained a coronet band injury during her clear cross country trip that ultimately led to her withdrawal before show jumping. Despite that finish to their season, this duo still had a fantastic 2015.
Marilyn and Kitty’s average FEI dressage score of 41.40 and average USEF dressage score of 27.60 ranked this combination as #3 on EN’s Top Equine Dressage Performers of 2015 list, and they finished the season as #2 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings. They were also one of two U.S. pairs nominated as one of the 10 top combinations in the world for EquiRatings Horse of the Year.
2015 Highlights: 1st, Pine Top CIC2*; 1st, Red Hills CIC2*; 1st, Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*; 1st, Individual and Team Gold; 2015 Pan American Games; 3rd, Plantation Field CIC2*
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Blenheim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen
#4 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
What a comeback season for Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. It’s no secret that Clark and “Glen” (Limerick X Tattymacall Mustard, by Cut the Mustard) have battled tooth and nail to get to this point in their career. After a disappointing 2014 season, Clark went back to the drawing board with the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Jess Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft and Holly and William Becker, and ultimately discovered a winning formula.
By overhauling the horse’s fitness program and focusing less on dressage — a phase at which he already excelled — Clark and Glen started winning and never really stopped. A massive victory at the 100-strong Belton Park CIC3* in the spring signaled that they were on the right track. Then Clark and Glen firmly defeated their four-star demons at Luhmühlen, finishing in sixth place on 37.5, one of the lowest finishing scores ever recorded at the event.
With a pattern of consistency cropping up in their performances, Clark and Glen went on to best another 100-strong field in the Somerford Park CIC2*, their final prep before taking on the Blenheim Palace International CCI3*. Clark and Glen took the lead in dressage on a 33.8 and never looked back, ultimately finishing on that score to clinch their third win of the season — each time besting European fields of more than 100 combinations.
Clark and Glen are the only North American combination to appear on two of EN’s Top Equine Performers of 2015 lists — ranked #1 for dressage and #2 for show jumping. They finished the season as #4 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings, and Glen ran away with the online vote to be named the 2015 EquiRatings Horse of the Year. We’ve already profiled this combination as a hopeful for Rio next year. For his determination and perseverance, EN named Clark one of the eventers who most inspired us in 2015.
2015 Highlights: 1st, Belton Park CIC3*; 5th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 1st, Somerford Park CIC2*; 1st, Blenheim Palace CCI3*
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum
#1 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings
Though 2015 was the first season Tamie smith and Mai Baum competed together, they quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting combinations in the country, ultimately finishing the year as #1 on EN’s Overall Rankings. Tamie refers to the 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Loredano X Ramira, by Rike), owned by Alex and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, as the “Black Stallion” because he’s her dream horse, and when you look back on their season, it certainly seems like a fairytale.
Starting the year off with a bang, Tamie and “Lexus” won The Fork CIC2* and finished second in the Jersey Fresh CCI2* to firmly establish themselves as frontrunners for the 2015 Pan American Games team. Though they ultimately weren’t selected to represent Team USA, Tamie didn’t let that discourage her. Instead, they went on to win the Rebecca Farm CIC3*, which started their four-event win streak at some of the top three-star events in the country.
Tamie and Lexus went on to also win the Copper Meadows CIC3*, Plantation Field CIC3* and ultimately became the 2015 U.S. National CCI3* Champions with a wire-to-wire victory in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. Tamie’s unforgettable Fair Hill win under intense emotional pressure saw her named one of the 10 eventers who most inspired us in 2015. They also finished the season as #2 on EN’s Top Equine Dressage Performers list, in addition to taking the #1 spot in EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.
2015 Highlights: 1st, The Fork CIC2*; 2nd, Jersey Fresh CCI2*; 4th, Great Meadow International CIC3*; 1st, Rebecca Farm CIC3*; 1st, Copper Meadows CIC3*; 1st, Plantation Field CIC3*; 1st, Fair Hill International CCI3*
How the working students at Windchase celebrate New Year's: the 4th annual Windchase Polar Dive! Photo by Phyllis Dawson.
Hi EN! It’s been a whirlwind past 24 hours for the team as our server company, Linode, has been experiencing massive hacker attacks that have taken a number of their hosted websites offline. The attacks are now making headlines, and more details are available on Reddit and this status page from Linode.
If you’re envisioning John typing madly on his laptop while the chinchillas scurry around him, that’s a pretty accurate depiction of what EN team headquarters look like right now amidst the chaos. Linode is doing everything they can to get us back online, and we appreciate your patience during the downtime.
In other news, massive congratulations are in order for Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen, owned by Jess Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker. Glen received more than 75,000 votes via social media to be crowned the 2015 EquiRatings Horse of the Year! Read more about Glen’s stellar 2015 season in this EN post.
Why do horses make such great therapists? Equine Assisted Coach Sara Sherman says it’s because “they know when you’re lying to yourself.” Check out the video below, and click here to read more.
Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail at The Fork 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.
We were devastated to learn that three-star dynamo Cavallino Cocktail, owned by Benita Strini and also loved dearly by her previous rider Zach Brandt, was euthanized this afternoon following complications from colic surgery.
“Skotty” started to colic last week on Christmas Eve and underwent surgery at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Virginia that night. She improved throughout Christmas Day and into the weekend, but further complications sent her back into surgery this past Monday. After another bout of colic this afternoon, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her.
Zach Brandt purchased the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare from Peter Flarup five years ago as a Young Rider mount. Already a seasoned campaigner, Skotty took Zach through his first one-star, to NAJYRC and ultimately through the levels to a 10th-place finish in their first CCI3* at Jersey Fresh in 2013.
Zach and Skotty garnered top placings at events across the country during their heyday, including a second-place finish in the Galway Downs CCI2* in 2012, second place in the Twin Rivers CIC3* in 2013 and fifth in the Rebecca Farm CIC3* that same year. They were named to the USEF Eventing 25 program for three consecutive years.
Zach essentially handpicked the Strini family as Skotty’s new owners, and both Zach and Benita spoke about their excitement for Skotty’s future as her new hopeful two-star partner in this EN feature story.
Benita and Skotty’s partnership started out strong, with a 19th-place finish in the Plantation Field CIC* and a 10th-place finish in a very competitive field at the Virginia Horse Trials CCI*. They barely scratched the surface of what they could achieve in their partnership together.
“There’s nobody else that I would have rather sold her to,” Zach said this afternoon. “They took the very best care of her, and she’s lucky to have spent her last five months at Plain Dealing Farm.”
Our hearts go out to Zach and his mom Beth; Benita, Lucia and the rest of the Strini family; the entire Plain Dealing Farm team and all who cared for Skotty; and everyone who knew and loved this wonderful mare. She was taken from us far too soon. Rest in peace, Skotty.
Scouring the internet for videos you’ll love is one of our favorite pastimes here at EN, and with 2016 almost here, it’s time to take a look back at the most popular videos we posted this year. Let the countdown begin!
Kelly Hageman sent EN this video from her trip to Rolex in 2009, when Bruce Davidson Sr. and Cruise Lion took the long route at the sheep pen and nearly turned her into one of those infamous dandelions. “Moral of the story — don’t sit down next to the ropes in the potential path of a rider, even if it is the long route and everyone else has been going direct!
Cutest. Thing. EVER! Show this little girl and her pon some support! Always love hearing a crowd cheer not for ribbons and medals, but just for sheer resilience to give up. #nobodystoppingthisponytrain
Posted by Trot-Shots on Sunday, September 27, 2015
Ella and her pony Rocky captured our hearts this year by showing us what it means to never get up. Meet Ella, who had a bad fall and chipped a tooth while schooling cross country the day before this video was taken. Knowing that her confidence was shaken, her pony Rocky takes care of her the whole way around this course, and the crowd is doing everything they can do cheer them on.
You all loved this footage from Rolex in 1982, starring riders like Jimmy Wofford, Mike Plumb, Torrance Watkins and Karen Stives. This video really captures the intensity of the long format: The fences are big, bad and unforgiving, and the horses are fierce athletes with huge hearts.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at William Fox-Pitt’s yard in this video. From a picture perfect gallop track to neatly manicured arenas, it’s easy to see why the horses in William’s care seem to glow with happiness. You’ll probably need watch this more than once trying to picture yourself there — we did!
It was big news when Boyd Martin’s upper-level partner Trading Aces was sold as an equitation horse in Wellington, and EN readers loved watching him thrive in his new career with young rider Alexandra Pielet. These two have since racked up top placings at major shows all along the East Coast. You can an eventer new tricks!
Maja Marchwicka i JARY zwycięzcami finału grupy A1, HPP-B DiM – Leszno 2015. Poniżej zwycięski przejazd z rozgrywki.
What’s cuter than a little girl and her pony? Better yet, what’s cuter than a little girl who can ride the snot out of a tricky jumper course on her game little pony? That’s exactly what you’ll see in this video of Polish rider May Marchwicka and her pony, Jary. Yes, this gutsy pair won their class, in case you had any doubt.
It’s no surprise that German rider Niklas Bschorer is currently leading the vote for EN’s 2015 Stickability Awards. Niklas made the best of a potentially bad (and wet) situation — as well as an inflated air vest — and somehow made it through a tricky question on course with Tom Tom Go 3 at Badminton.
We can always count on our good friend Thehorsepesterer to take video at jogs, and he captures this comical moment on film when South Paw decided to liven things up at Richland’s first horse inspection. Joe Meyer held on tight and then proceeded to carry on down the jog strip like nothing happened!
Cody schooled the beginner novice fences with my trainer, Rose riding and Kate Chadderton giving a lesson. This is what he thought of the ditch! Kudos to Rose for sticking it.
This video of Amanda Braun’s Commando schooling his very first Beginner Novice ditch with her trainer Rose in the irons ultimately garnered millions of views around the world during its viral run this year. “Cody,” a 4-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Concerto Grosso out of the Voltaire mare Isis du Desert, certainly looks to have the hops for a very successful eventing career!
Elisa Wallace’s helmet cam from her Rolex debut with Simply Priceless had more views on EN than any other video we posted this year! We all loved watching from Elisa’s perspective as she and Johnny jumped clear around the course in the driving rain with just 7.2 time penalties.
Ah, Christmas. The perfect time to curl up (once you’re through with barn chores, that is) and really get in the spirit of the holidays. You’ve got nothing left to do except … peruse YouTube for nostalgic Christmas videos? We thought so! Here’s one of our favorite videos from Budweiser and the iconic Clydesdales.
Merry Christmas, EN! Social media has been brimming with festive photos and videos of celebrations taking place around the world. Here’s a look at how eventers have been spending their Christmas. Send us your own photos and videos to [email protected] or share them on EN’s Facebook page.
Happy Holidays and Best of Luck in 2016 from the USEF Eventing Department!
Cave says wishes everyone a Merry Christmas as we gear up for the new eventing season.. Mum might regret tomorrow leaving me naked today in 65 degree weather … The mud pit is calling and fence posts!!! Posted by Emma Ford on Friday, December 25, 2015
Wishing a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday from all my ‘reindeer’ to you and yours!
So I tried to take a Christmas selfie with the Beastie….but just don’t have Lainey skills So settled for him leaning in for a kiss ❤️#fanciestponyinthebarn#thatssayingsomething#Sebastian
So in case you did not know Colleen is a huge minions fan and loves everything to do with them. Her student Molly Sherman and her mom Cheryl gave this jump to Colleen for Christmas today. I think it’s awesome.
Wonderful news, EN! William Fox-Pitt had his first ride this week after the scary fall at Le Lion d’Angers that sidelined him through the remainder of the fall season with a head injury.
William shared a heartwarming Christmas message on his Facebook page that also shows a brief clip of his first ride back, plus we get a glimpse of this year’s Badminton winner Chilli Morning.
“Thank you so much for all your support over the last few weeks. I had a very exciting day today down in the stables — my first ride, got that in before Christmas,” William says in the video. “I had to set myself a target and was very happy I was able to do that.”
William also says that Chilli will start back to work in January — “he has a little holiday now, just like me — and that he is “looking forward to getting started and seeing you all again in the new year.”
Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office.
Bobby and Tracy Hewlett are calling it “a miracle” that they were unharmed in the explosion that occurred in their home at Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center in Benton, Louisiana, in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 19.
Farm maintenance worker Douglas Holley, 54, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of manufacturing/possessing a bomb and one count of possession of illegal weapons.
Douglas Holley. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.
An updated story in the Bossier Press reveals more details surrounding the explosion. The bomb was placed under the Hewletts’ bedroom in the post-and-beam home and remotely detonated while they slept; the explosion launched both of them up into the air and off their bed. Their cat and three dogs were also sleeping inside the home at the time of the explosion and were uninjured.
“It was right under our heads,” Tracy told the Bossier Press. “We had divine protection. There’s no doubt in my mind this was a miracle.”
Bobby Hewlett, a veterinarian, said that he had treated Douglas Holley’s horse for an unspecified illness several months earlier. Despite trying to save the horse’s life for 24 hours, the horse ultimately had to be euthanized.
“From that point on, from what I understand, is that he started to harbor ill will towards us because he blamed me for its death,” Bobby told the Bossier Press.
While the Hewletts had considered Douglas a family friend, local authorities discovered bomb-making materials and instructions while searching his residence on the farm. Federal authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are continuing to investigate the case.
Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center is a large eventing boarding and training facility that hosts two USEA recognized events per year, as well as the Area V Championships. The farm’s boarders were permitted to enter the property on Sunday to see their horses.
The Hewletts have received an outpouring of support from the eventing community, and we remain extremely grateful that no one was injured in the explosion. Former Holly Hill boarder Watson Copeland also penned this tribute to the Hewletts over on Bloggers Row.
Do stopwatches have a place at the lower levels? Discuss! Photo by Jenni Autry.
British Eventing announced today that it will allow stopwatches on a trial basis through June 2016 for all competitors during cross country at the BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels. BE currently prohibits the use of stopwatches at these levels, which are roughly the equivalent of Beginner Novice, Novice and Training in the U.S.
According to BE stewards and officials, the organization has found that riders of all ages at these levels are struggling to find the correct pace and adapt their rhythm and speed on cross country, which triggered the decision to allow the stopwatch trial.
“It is about learning to use the stopwatches as part of your cross country equipment and to help riders find the rhythm and speed that they use in training to then use in competition,” Mark Corbett, BE’s Under 18 Regional Coach, said.
“Speed training courses from BE will be coming out around the country at all ages and levels to understand how to use their watches effectively and put it in to practice using marked distances.”
The use of stopwatches is allowed at all levels in the U.S., but we’ve seen ongoing debates from trainers and riders alike as to whether using stopwatches at the lower levels prevents properly learning to ride to pace. Others say that wearing a watch helps them learn pace, plus prevents them from accumulating speed faults.
What do you think, EN? Should BE allow stopwatches at the BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels after this trial period? Do you use a stopwatch while going cross country at the lower levels in the U.S.? Why or why not? Vote in the poll below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
With the recent naming of the 2016 Eventing 25/18 Training Lists, there are a lot of talented young riders who are ready to take the eventing world by storm. This winter, we’ll be spotlighting the E25 and E18 riders as they prepare for their training sessions with Leslie Law.
Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace at Tattersalls. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
It’s been a big year for Caroline Martin. Between spending a month overseas to compete with Quantum Solace and adding yet another CCI3* completion to her resume with Center Stage, it’s hard to believe 2016 could be any busier for this up-and-coming 21-year-old. But things are heating up quickly with Caroline’s sights set on tackling her first CCI4* at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in the spring, plus a return trip to England to once again compete in the Under 25 CCI3* at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials. Competing overseas for the first time this season prepared her for the challenges ahead in many ways, Caroline said. “Going overseas was a huge eye-opener because I’ve competed pretty much everywhere in the States, but competing in a place where I don’t know the people or the venue — it’s culture shock. It gave me the opportunity to learn to compete outside my comfort zone.” And that’s exactly what she did, finishing in 26th place in the Tattersalls CIC3* aboard Quantum Solace, and then going on to garner a 10th-place finish in a very talented field of young riders in the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham. (Winners Holly Woodhead and DHI Lupison went on to represent Great Britain at the 2015 FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle.)
Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace at Bramham. Photo by Samantha Clark
“I learned so many different things overseas. A major takeaway was focusing on one horse and getting ready for a three-day; you don’t want to over-stress or overwork the horse. You have to stay focused and treat it like any other show and not let the pressure get to you,” Caroline said. “Competing at Tattersalls first was a good way to get my feet wet before going to Bramham. I came back to the States a different rider. I came back with more confidence.” Now Caroline will channel that confidence into the 2016 season. While she qualified for Rolex last year with Quantum Solace, a 10-year-old Argentinian Thoroughbred gelding she owns with Sherrie Martin, Caroline and her longtime coach and mentor Buck Davidson agreed that another season spent gaining three-star experience would only benefit her going forward. After campaigning Quantum Solace, Pebbly Maximus, Spring Easy and Center Stage at the three-star level this season, Caroline is looking ahead to her four-star debut with Quantum Solace, her seasoned, trusted partner better known as “Nacho” around the barn. As Caroline puts it: “He’s my Lebron James of the team.”
Quantum Solace: The Lebron James of Caroline’s team, plus the comedian. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
(Nacho had us all cracking up after he was crowned the Reserve Champion in this year’s Adequan USEA Gold Cup at the American Eventing Championships. If you missed the hilarious play-by-play of his antics during the prize giving, you have to click here to see it.) Caroline is also eagerly anticipating taking another crack at the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham, this time with Center Stage, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding she owns with Sherrie Martin. “Conner” finished 24th in his first CCI3* at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International with relatively little Advanced experience under his belt. Caroline said his jump is one of the best she’s ever had: “He takes off like a rocket ship.” The USEF Eventing 25 and 18 programs will send a group of U.S. riders to Bramham this year to simulate a team experience as part of the Karen Stives European Developing Tour, which is funded through the late Karen Stives’ generous $1 million donation to the USET Foundation to create an endowment fund. Even if she isn’t chosen for the tour, Caroline is still planning to go on her own dime to compete. “It will be a great learning experience having teammates,” Caroline said. “Having us all together in an unknown environment and dealing with the stress of wanting to do well for your country will be a very important opportunity.” Next season will be Caroline’s first year training with USEF Developing Coach Leslie Law, as she was named to the USEF High Performance Training Lists for the 2015 season and rode with U.S. Coach David O’Connor in those training sessions instead.
Caroline Martin and Center Stage at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.
“I’m looking forward to training with the Eventing 25 riders because it’s my own age group,” Caroline said. “We’re all at the same level, and we’re all going to be progressing up the levels together. It will give us a great opportunity to establish good team bonding now, and then we can build on that as we get older.” Caroline sits on the newly established USEA Youth Council with fellow Eventing 25 riders Jacob Fletcher, Jenny Caras and Lizzie Snow, and she said she’s also looking forward to working with them as they develop strategies to engage young riders in the sport. That’s similar to her work with the PRO Young Riders Advisory Board, which specifically works with young riders who want to become professional eventers. While Rolex and Bramham will undoubtedly be highlights of her 2016 season, Caroline said she’s also really excited about some of her younger horses that are just coming through the levels, like Danger Mouse, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that just competed his first CCI* at Hagyard MidSouth. Petite Flower’s foal from an embryo transfer will also be old enough for her to start riding next summer. “You want to make a detailed plan for the next year now, but so many things can change. I plan on being in the sport for a long time, and I really enjoy producing the horses,” Caroline said. “I know how it goes, and things can change at any second. I want to focus on the whole season, not just one highlight of it. I want to enjoy the process.”
2015 Wellington Eventing Showcase winners: Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.
