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Jenni Autry

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About Jenni Autry

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

Latest Articles Written

Ronald Zabala Goetschel Retires Longtime Partner Mr. Wiseguy

By Jenni Autry on Nov 30, 2015 11:45 am -

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Mr. Wiseguy at Galway Downs. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel announced this morning that he is retiring his longtime upper-level partner Mr. Wiseguy after the 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding sustained a tendon injury on cross country at the Galway Downs CCI3* last month.

It’s the end of an era for “Wiseguy,” who took Ronald to the first four-star event of his career. Ronald said in an emotional tribute post on his Facebook page that he had hoped to retire Wiseguy following the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year, but the damage to the tendon meant that decision had to come much sooner.

Wiseguy competed at 11 events at the three-star level or higher during his career. He won the Campo de Mayo CIC3* in Argentina this past May and also finished sixth in the Poplar Place CIC3* in September.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Mr. Wiseguy at Galway Downs. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Other career highlights include finishing 30th at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2009. Wiseguy also represented Ecuador at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara and won team gold and individual silver at the 2013 Bolivarian Games in Peru.

Ronald also owns three clones of Wiseguy, with two of them, Wiseguy Too and Wiseguy Too Two, being named the top two 3-year-old colts at the 2014 USEA Future Event Horse East Coast Championships. Click here to read more about Wiseguy’s clones.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Che Mr. Wiseguy at Richland Park HT. Photo by Bailey Moran.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Mr. Wiseguy at Richland Park. Photo by Bailey Moran.

“Thank you, Wiseguy, for being the best and bravest horse I ever had, for being my best friend, for always being there for me, for never letting me down and for being the best best best thing that ever happened to me,” Ronald wrote.

“Always very thankful to God and life for putting Wiseguy and I together and for letting me be part of his successful story. He is the best gift of life I could have ever gotten. Wiseguy, you changed my life! Thank you … a million times. I love you!”

We wish Wiseguy all the best in retirement!

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Let’s Get to Know Brian Rutledge

By Jenni Autry on Nov 27, 2015 5:30 pm -

This latest episode of PRO’s Faces of Eventing series features Brian Rutledge, husband to four-star event rider Colleen Rutledge, proud father of two up-and-coming eventer daughters, and social media wizard behind the popular Colleen Rutledge Eventing Facebook page. Click to get to know Brian. Go Eventing!

Thursday Video from Zoetis: Dashing Through the Snow

By Jenni Autry on Nov 26, 2015 5:00 pm -

Here’s a video to get you in the holiday spirit! Thanks to GoPro, we can take a wintery sleigh ride with Dampen, a 17-year-old warmblood gelding. We hope you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and thanks to our sister site Horse Nation for finding this great video.

Best of EN Thanksgiving: 7th Annual Edition

By Jenni Autry on Nov 26, 2015 3:00 pm -

Happy Thanksgiving, EN! As is tradition on Turkey Day, we’re taking a look back on our posts from years past. It’s hard to believe this is our seventh year! From John’s very first Thanksgiving post in 2009 to the hilarious roundups of Thanksgiving memories and traditions, looking back on how far we’ve come makes us very thankful for you.

2009: EN’s First Thanksgiving Post

“With respect to Eventing Nation, thank you to the thousands of you who have welcomed us into your eventing lives. It may seem like a small thing for you to log onto Eventing Nation, but we put a great deal of time into developing the best eventing content to serve our readers, and every single visitor means a great deal to us. Thank you all so very much and go eventing.”

2010: Much to Be Thankful For

“I challenge everyone to remember and appreciate all the many things we have to be thankful for this season. Thanks to our riders for taking the time to send us their responses, and as always thank you for reading.”

2011: Beware of Attacking Turkeys

“The turkeys in question might claim self defense, but I think not. You be the judge.”

2012: EN Asks: What is Your Favorite Thing About Thanksgiving?

“From the EN family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this very special day to spend inside/warm and with food, as Sinead Halpin would say.”

2013: EN Asks: What’s Your Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition?

“The red wine has been known to flow like the salmon of the Capistrano. This occasionally leads to some notable athletic contests, such as brother-on-brother form tackling and Greco-Roman wrestling. Injuries are common, though a dislocated shoulder and bite marks have thankfully been the worst of them to date.”

2014: John Shakes His Tail Feather for Thanksgiving

“Why are you watching John dancing in a turkey costume on Thanksgiving? WHY NOT. Spoiler alert: This gets funnier each time you hit that box of wine for a ‘top off.’ From the EN family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! And may your day be filled with a little insanity in the middle.”

On Thanksgiving, the EN Team Is Thankful For …

By Jenni Autry on Nov 26, 2015 1:00 pm -

Happy Thanksgiving! Illustration by Lindsey Kahn.

Happy Thanksgiving, EN! The EN team has a lot to be thankful for this year, in particular that we have more than 1 million readers who trust this wacky website as their leading source for eventing news and commentary. THANK YOU for reading, and here’s a look at what we’re all thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day.

Photo by Josh Autry

Jenni Autry: I’m the proud owner of a talented off-track Thoroughbred that seems to spend more time rehabbing from injuries than actually competing. But somehow all the time off and tack walking seem more than worth it when we do get to go gallop and jump. I’m thankful Mia and I were able to compete this year between injuries.

I’m lucky to have have an incredibly supportive (and hilarious) husband in Josh, who somehow doesn’t think I’m completely insane for loving this sport (or, if he does, at least he doesn’t tell me). I’m also grateful to work with an unbelievably talented staff of people who push me to be better and stand by me when I get it wrong; that’s really all you can ask for in a team.

And let’s not forget John. Without him, this crazy thing called EN wouldn’t exist.

Behold, the mighty Fritz.

Lindsey Kahn: I’m thankful for insulated boots; sturdy hoof picks; low-profile riding helmets; farm dogs and cats; house dogs and cats; fall trail rides; good food and better company; horse hugs; my warm bed; my favorite students who text me at ungodly hours with questions about their horses; my not-so-favorite students who don’t text me at all; the camaraderie of the Area IV riders (all 20 of us); my spunky mare and my dopey gelding; ibuprofen; my awesome EN coworkers; and my tiny, awkward doglike creature, who has an entire Facebook album devoted to photos of him looking uncomfortable.

You never know where EN's West Coast team will be hanging out with their horses . . . leave no taco stand unturned! Photo by Charlie Critz.

You never know where EN’s West Coast team will be hanging out with their horses … leave no taco stand unturned! So many things to be grateful for — friends older than dirt, adventures, real Mexican food, a high-fiving pony and a hobo horse, demo rides and clinics, and never knowing what comes next! Photo by Charlie Critz.

Stephanie Nicora: I am thankful for many things this year, especially the opportunity to venture deeper into West Coast eventing and expand EN’s West Coast staff by 50 percent! Also:

Owen, who brought me back into the sport, has made incredible strides and keeps me sane — plus the newest member of our family, Pippa. May she have many growth spurts and learn how yummy grain really is!
Area VI’s enthusiasm, openness and team spirit: I cannot count the times you warmed my heart his year watching the area’s events and members (plus our Area VII and Canadian free spirits), from pros to juniors to adult ammies to the Pony Club kids — your love of the sport, smiles, laughter and generous hearts have been so deeply inspiring. Watching you cope with setbacks, be gracious in victory, and achieve long set goals (all over the country and world!) — I am deeply proud to call you my friends. West Coast knows how to party!
Ride O n Video for not only producing an excellent product, sponsoring an EN giveaway, and bringing us the Galway Downs CCI3* LIVE, but for hours of entertainment, quick rides for photos, phone numbers, hugs, and Carol Burnett as the antidote to the pre-dressage puke face I tend to get.
My longterm partner in crime, Erin Critz
And the best home-away-from-home/team/colleagues/coaches/friends: Team DF

Me and my “baby pony,” Rufus. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Colleen Peachey: In a way, this year that been everything that I hoped it would be … even though nothing happened quite in the way that I thought it would. This was to be “the year” that my baby pony Rufus got started under saddle.

Even though we had a discouraging start at this endeavor in early spring, that unfolding of events ended up helping me onto a different path for Roo’s training. I reconnected with someone from my past, and also spent an amazing summer and fall of first seeing Roo train … and riding him myself!

It’s such a terrific feeling to have seen my baby pony grow up and then come so far this year. And I look forward to another year of furthering Roo’s and my own learning in 2016. I’m definitely thankful for super supportive family and friends … and a special someone who spent so much of his time helping me with Roo this year.

Of course, I feel blessed to live in this country and enjoy the freedoms that we do. Thanks to the men, women and canines that protect us. And finally, a shout out to the awesomely incredible and talented EN team … thanks for another year, y’all!

Photo by Jaime Meinert.

Sally Spickard: It’s been year full of ups and downs and big changes for me. But I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the meaning of being thankful, and I am grateful to have a large list of things to count as blessings. I am thankful for an amazing career that has opened so many doors, introduced me to new friends and mentors and made my professional dreams come true.

I am thankful to be a part of the West End Farm barn family and to have such a supportive and caring group behind me. I am thankful for my young horse, Jesse, who may be ending his career far too soon but who will always be the horse that got me started again. To him I am forever indebted, and he will forever have a home with me, no matter what his job is.

I am thankful for the opportunities that have come across my path this year — sometimes it’s easy to forget and become jaded with everyday life. I just watched the last movie of The Hunger Games franchise, so I’ll end with this quote:

“I’ll tell them that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take pleasure in things because I’m afraid it could be taken away. That’s when I make a list in my head of every act of goodness I’ve seen someone do. It’s like a game. Repetitive. Even a little tedious after more than twenty years. But there are much worse games to play.”

I’m thankful for these to special girls. Photo by Dave Taylor

Dave Taylor: I am thankful for the following:

My family — which is not horsey by any means — have embraced this life of horses I have chosen and become a huge part of it.
My wife Nicki, who is by my side every day, on the ground at shows and supports me no matter what I do.
Sunset Hill at McCuan Farms, the farm that has become my family, my other home and the reason I get to do what I get to do.
My horse Serendipity, a horse that give more than she should, takes care of me no matter what I ask her to do and loves me unconditionally.
All of the animals that I get the honor to work with and spend time around on a daily basis. This includes horses, goats, chickens, cats (lots of cats) and a really nice little Corgi (Trixie).
Lastly, My Eventing Nation team. This year I have ventured down a road I never thought would be a reality. Being a member of EN I have learned more than I thought possible, met some incredible people and horses, watched firsthand others reach and exceed their goals, became friends with a bunch of amazing people, and developed a talent I didn’t know I had. Thank you for becoming a team I turn to on a regular basis. You guys are awsome.

My girls, Willow and Fey. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Leslie Threlkeld: In the last year or so, I have taken many chances, both professionally and personally, and when I said to a friend how nervewracking it all is, she said, “good things usually are.” I feel fortunate that good things have come my way and helped me to develop and, I hope, become stronger and better, as an individual, a writer, a photographer and a horsewoman. I love my jobs, the work I do every day and the people and animals who surround me.

I am not only thankful but exceedingly grateful to have an abundance of friends, a loving family, the best boyfriend and a barn full of special horses. I also work with an incredibly talented, supportive and inspiring team of people at EN and beyond in the small but mighty community of equine media.

This is a world where many people don’t have the basic necessities of life, and we are all aware of the tragedies reported on the news every day. I am blessed to have no complaints. I am thankful, and I am humbled.

Leslie Wylie: I’m thankful for unconditional equine love. When Mishka whinnies at me from across the field or Esprit comes galloping up to the gate with hearts in his eyes (and burrs in his forelock because I’ve been busy with work and haven’t made it to the barn in a few days), it melts my heart completely. What did I do to deserve such a gift? I don’t know but I’ll take it, and I’ll do my best to recycle it back out into the world.

Bruce’s Field Ready for 2016 Season (With Schooling Shows for Eventers!)

By Jenni Autry on Nov 25, 2015 9:00 am -

The sunset after the first show held at Bruce's Field in September. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

With construction complete on the spectacular facility at Bruce’s Field and the first horse shows held at the venue hailed a huge success, the Aiken Horse Park is gearing up for the 2016 season with an exciting announcement for eventers.

Starting Jan. 5, 2016, Bruce’s Field will host schooling jumper shows every Tuesday through the first week of March, following the same format Boyd Martin uses for the popular schooling shows he offers at Windurra USA.

Tara Bostwick, vice president of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, said the idea emerged in February when Boyd and Phillip Dutton named the foundation one of the beneficiaries of their inaugural Aiken Masterclass.

“We chatted about what types of things they would like to see at the horse park to help promote the eventing community,” Tara said. “They both agreed that schooling days would be wonderful to have right downtown in the wonderful new arenas.”

The arenas at Bruce’s Field feature top quality GGT footing. Photo courtesy of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

A new set of aluminum jumps has been ordered from Germany specifically for the schooling shows. Between the new jumps and the top quality GGT footing in the rings, the schooling jumper shows will offer an ideal setting for eventers to gear up for the new season.

“We had our first hunter/jumper shows in September to rave reviews for the facility,” Tara said. “We are really excited about having the same amenities available to eventers.”

Each show will run under the same format, with Beginner Novice rounds starting the day at 8:30 a.m., followed by Novice at 10 a.m., Training at 11:30 a.m., Preliminary at 1 p.m. and Intermediate at 2:30 p.m., with the show concluding at 4 p.m. Each round will cost $25.

Tara said the horse park also plans to offer dressage schooling shows next year, with a tentative start date of April. As for what else is new at Bruce’s Field, construction is nearly complete on the administrative building, which will now offer permanent restrooms at the facility.

Construction on the new administrative building at Bruce’s Field is expected to be completed soon. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Bruce’s Field features 220 permanent stalls with room to expand to 300 stalls, as well as three competitions arenas, two schooling arenas, and a Grand Prix and derby field.

“Aiken is a horse town, and it recognizes the importance of an equestrian community. The city has been very supportive of Bruce’s Field. It’s breathing new life into Aiken,” Tara said.

“You have to stay current and continue providing facilities and opportunities for equestrians, or they’re going to look elsewhere. We really hope Bruce’s Field is the catalyst to reinvigorate hunter/jumpers and eventers and keep Aiken on the map.”

Mark your calendars for the first schooling jumper show at Bruce’s Field on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and then plan to keep attending each Tuesday through March 1. Click here for more information on Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park.

New Seema Sonnad Junior Riders’ Grant to Award $5,000 in Her Memory

By Jenni Autry on Nov 24, 2015 11:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Silliman

The USEA Foundation has announced a new Seema Sonnad Junior Riders’ Grant that will award $5,000 to a rider under the age of 18 who completed a CCI* competition in 2015. The first recipient is expected to be announced at next week’s USEA Annual Awards Luncheon at the USEA Convention in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 4.

The grant, which has been funded by Seema’s husband Henry Glick and her friends, is designed to help a junior rider make the transition to the Young Rider CCI2* ranks and will be awarded to an individual who plans to compete at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships in 2016.

Since her sudden death on May 27, 2015, Seema’s friends have rallied to preserve her memory and honor an individual who gave so generously, both financially and through volunteering her time, to support the sport of eventing. Many eventers competed for the remainder of the season with a purple ribbon in her cross country colors.

Dom Schramm wears a purple ribbon in Seema’s memory at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Cross country fences were named after her at both this fall’s Plantation Field International Horse Trials and the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. A portable Training level jump built by Jeff Kibbie in Seema’s memory was also used on the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships course this fall and will continue to be used at Fair Hill.

The inaugural PRO Above & Beyond Event Personnel Award will also be awarded in Seema’s memory next week at the PRO Awards Reception at the USEA Convention. Dual recipients Bodgie Read and Dale Clabaugh will receive an engraved silver bowl and shared cash gift of $1,000 presented by Henry Glick.

Many of Seema’s friends have committed to implementing her ideas to make it easier to volunteer, and this topic will be discussed next week in a special session at the USEA Convention. If you are able, please plan to attend the Volunteer Initiatives seminar next Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., to hear and discuss Seema’s ideas.

Thank you to all who have worked so hard to preserve Seema’s legacy in so many ways. Click here for more information on the Seema Sonnad Junior Riders’ Grant.

[Announcing the New Seema Sonnad Junior Riders’ Grant]

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Mustang Helmet Cam

By Jenni Autry on Nov 23, 2015 5:30 pm -

It doesn’t get much cuter than watching a sassy Mustang mare storm around a cross country course! Go along for the ride with Tredstep rider Elisa Wallace and her Mustang mare Hwin, who completed her first Training level event this past weekend at the Ocala Horse Properties Fall Horse Trials. They scored 36.0 in dressage, had one rail down in show jumping, and cruised around clear and inside the time on cross country to finish in seventh place on a final score of 40.0.

You can watch Hwin’s dressage test and show jumping round at this link, and you can also watch Elisa’s latest vlog, in which she talks more in depth about the event, at this link. She also finds out that she’s been riding and doing all the barn work with a broken foot — ouch! We hope it heals up quickly, Elisa!

PRO Names Gardners, Kinsley, Read and Clabaugh as 2015 Award Recipients

By Jenni Autry on Nov 23, 2015 2:00 pm -

Tim and Nina Gardner and Jennie Brannigan. Photo courtesy of PRO/Jennie Brannigan.

The Professional Riders Organization has announced its 2015 award recipients ahead of next week’s awards reception at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Washington, D.C.

Tim and Nina Gardner will receive the As You Like It Owner’s Award, Shannon Kinsley will receive the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award, and Bodgie Read and Dale Clabaugh are dual recipients of the new Seema Sonnad Above & Beyond Event Personnel Award.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Edy Edith Rameika, who are co-hosting this year’s awards reception, established the As You Like It Owner’s Award to honor owners who have not only supported a rider’s career but also been a positive influence to the sport of eventing.

Tim and Nina Gardner received a unanimous vote by the PRO Awards Committee to receive the As You Like It Owner’s Award, with Committee Chair Mark Hart saying, “I can’t think of anyone who epitomizes what this award stands for more than the Gardners. This is very well deserved.”

The Gardners supported Phillip Dutton’s career for many years and now play a major role in the career of Jennie Brannigan, who nominated them to receive this award.

“I truly believe this isn’t just because of the horses they put me on, but more how much they stand behind me in good times or bad. We have laughed together and we have cried together, and they are not afraid to get in there and help out with their horses whether it be after cross country or coming in to watch them go at home and offer suggestions,” Jennie said.

“You will see Nina at a one-day event at 7 a.m. to watch a young horse go Novice, and she will be just as excited as at Rolex. I think that is quite special. I have failed and I have won, and they tell me they love me and I will have a long career and to breathe. I think that is very special because I know they really mean it.”

Super groom Shannon Kinsley and Veronica at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer nominated Shannon Kinsley for the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award, which includes a $5,000 cash gift and is supported by Abigail Lufkin and the Lufkin Family Foundation. Shannon has spent 2015 bouncing around the globe grooming for Lauren at major events ranging from Rolex to Aachen.

“In the past 12 months alone, (Shannon) has traveled and groomed at Pau CCI4*, Rolex CCI4*, Jersey Fresh CCI3*, Bramham CCI3*, The Pan Am Games, Aachen Nations Cup, Blenheim CCI3*, along with countless horse trials and CICs and cared for the six horses we moved to England for the summer,” Lauren said.

“All of the traveling requires a great deal of organization, communication, and team effort and she really pulls our team together when accomplishing everything. She has a great rapport with all of the owners and brings a lot of laughter and fun to every situation. She really deserves this award for being so dedicated to the sport and has never been honored despite her many years caring for the horses. For her, the horse’s welfare always comes first no matter what, and that is a hard quality to find in a person.”

PRO Awards Committee member Evie Dutton added: “I have known Shannon for many years and have watched her at many competitions, most recently at the Pan Am Games and in Aachen. These are very high profile, high stress events. Shannon is always the one to make you laugh and smile. But she is also a huge supporter of everyone and always pitches in. One of the biggest compliments a groom can get is to have the respect of her fellow grooms and Shannon has that!”

Bodgie Read accepting the 2015 Fair Hill Volunteer of the Year Award. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It was Seema Sonnad’s wish before her passing that PRO establish an award to honor volunteers and event officials who go above and beyond the normal call of duty, and it will be an emotional time for all who knew and loved Seema as the inaugural PRO Above & Beyond Event Personnel Award is awarded for the first time this year.

“Seema was an amazing volunteer — there was no job too much for her. She had an incredibly organized life and was always able to fit in a few hours as a scribe or a steward, or take a whole day off her work to bit check at Fair Hill International, or any one of a dozen other jobs at events all over the United States,” Holly Covey, a fellow volunteer and close friend of Seema’s, said.

“When Seema passed away this spring, several of her friends felt that we would be letting her down if we did not continue her mission to help encourage volunteers at her beloved events. Once the shock of her loss wore off, Bonnie Kibbie, one of Seema’s closest friends, took the lead in helping fund the Above & Beyond Award so it would not be forgotten. One of her deepest concerns was volunteerism, and she felt that if we could broaden the horizons of volunteers and allow them to win awards like top riders, they would continue to stay in the sport giving back.”

Bodgie Read and Dale Clabaugh were chosen by the committee as dual recipients of the inaugural Seema Sonnad Above & Beyond Award. Bambi Glaccum nominated Bodgie, saying she “epitomizes all the criteria set forth in the award and showed me that you can keep volunteering way into your 80s.” PRO Awards Committee member Mary Coldren described Bodgie as “a lifelong horsewoman and volunteer who has helped develop the sport at every level from grass roots all the way up to international levels.”

Dale has volunteered in the sport for more than 20 years and also organized the Menfelt Horse Trials. For the past 10 years, she has volunteered at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland.

“She has touched everyone’s lives with her generous spirit and willing heart,” Carolyn Mackintosh, organizer of the Maryland Horse Trials, said. “Whether you are a professional rider at the recognized horse trial or those just beginning the sport, Dale has been there to enliven your spirit and confidence … asking only to serve.

PRO Awards Committee member Sharon White added: “Dale is the most giving person. She will do anything for anybody.”

Both Bodgie and Dale will receive an engraved silver bowl and shared cash gift of $1,000 presented by Henry Glick, Seema’s husband.

These very worthy individuals will be honored at the PRO Awards Reception from 6:15-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Congratulations to all the recipients, and we look forward to celebrating with you next week!

[PRO to Honor Owner, Groom and Event Personnel Award Recipients]

USEA Proposing DX Eventing Division for Two-Phase Events

By Jenni Autry on Nov 20, 2015 10:12 am -

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba jump one of the fences on the Young Event Horse East Coast Championships course, which combines cross country and show jumping fences. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The USEA announced this morning that a new DX Eventing division for two-phase events will be discussed at next month’s Annual Meeting & Convention in Washington, D.C. The division would include a dressage test and a hybrid course made up of both cross country obstacles and show jumping fences.

“While the USEA offers Organizers the option to register Combined Tests (CT) with the Association, those competitions only consist of dressage followed by show jumping thus not featuring the heart and soul of the sport, cross-country,” Rob Burk, USEA CEO, says. “In our ongoing effort to make the sport as inclusive as possible the USEA is looking into whether DX Eventing could be a worthwhile option.”

The USEA has established a Task Force to develop a proposal for launching DX Eventing as a recognized competition. Eventing DX would be offered at the Beginner Novice through Advanced levels with a national leaderboard for competitors to earn points toward year-end awards.

“In its initial proposal the Task Force has indicated that in order for the sport of Eventing to survive and thrive in the future, new, interesting and cost effective competitive opportunities need to be introduced,” Rob says.

The USEA’s Task Force is also suggesting that DX Eventing could provide a training ground for eventing officials.

“Judges could include Federation Licensed Judges, participants or graduates of the USEA Judging Training Program, or ICP instructor of the appropriate level to that being judged,” Rob says. “If the DX Eventing jumping phase offers any cross-country fences of Intermediate or Advanced level, the Federation Official would need to be selected from the “R” registered and “S” applicants Eventing Judges and/or Technical Delegate.”

As for the proposed costs for organizers to host a DX Eventing competition, the USEA anticipates that organizers would pay the same $100 fee that is currently charged to register a one-day combined test, or $150 to register a two-day combined test.

For riders, USEA membership is currently not mandatory to compete in combined tests, though there is a $25 non-member fee. “At this point it is unclear if or what a non-member fee would be to compete in a DX Eventing competition taking into consideration the cost of offering the program, providing a leaderboard, registering and insuring these events,” Rob says.

The new DX Eventing division will be discussed next month at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Washington, D.C. The proposed Beginner Novice Assistance Allowed division will also be discussed, in addition to a Modified level to “bridge the gap between the Training and Preliminary Levels.”

Click here for a detailed breakdown of DX Eventing, including how a national leaderboard and points system would be implemented.

What do you think of DX Eventing, EN? Would you compete in a division like this?

[USEA Considering New Program for Two Phase Competitions]

Shane Rose and CP Qualified Lead Adelaide CCI4* After Dressage

By Jenni Autry on Nov 20, 2015 8:30 am -

Shane Rose and CP Qualified. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.

Shane Rose and CP Qualified lead the field after dressage in the Adelaide CCI4* on a score of 42.1, which gives them a comfortable seven-point margin over second-placed Katja Weimann and BP Flamboyant as we look ahead to cross country.

While Shane felt like he left some marks on the table, he said after the test that he was very pleased overall: “He’s a different horse from two years ago, and I would have been disappointed if I was not in this position today. I am confident he is going to do a good job in the next two days.”

CP Qualified, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Shane and Felicity and Elizabeth Wischer, placed seventh in the CCI4* at this event last year with a clear cross country round, though on a different designer’s course. This year Mike Etherington-Smith has taken over the track, which weaves in and out of the city of Adelaide.

The cross country course at Adelaide runs directly through the city, making for a very unique rider and spectator experience. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.

“It is a really nice track and the going is good,” Shane said. “It is a typical Mike Etherington-Smith track. There is not one individual fence that looks difficult, just a consistent test all the way around, and the time will be a factor, as it always is at Adelaide.”

Click here to see a full preview of Mike’s course, including his commentary on each fence, courtesy of our friends at CrossCountry App. With the time difference in Australia, EN readers in North America can watch cross country live on FEI TV starting at 10 p.m. EST tonight.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard after dressage, Katja Weimann and BP Flamboyant sit in second place on a score of 49.1. This combination completed Adelaide CCI4* two years ago, and Katja will once again look to pilot her 12-year-old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding to a clear cross country effort.

BP Flamboyant has bounced back from an injury that kept him sidelined for much of the 2014 season, and Katja said after her test that the horse “feels very fit and strong” and that she is looking forward to “chasing Shane all the way” on cross country.

Christine Bates and Adelaide Hill sit in third place after dressage. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.

New South Wales rider and trainer Christine Bates and Adelaide Hill, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred/warmblood gelding, round out the top three on a score of 49.4. This pair has twice completed the Adelaide CCI4*, both times in 11th place, and now Christine is well positioned to improve on that final placing.

“I have been working hard with eventing dressage trainer Gareth Hughes, and Adelaide Hill was the most relaxed and rideable he has ever been and he gave me 110 percent out there, even though the marks did not reflect that,” Christine said. “I’d be very disappointed if I am not sitting in this position or better tomorrow evening.”

As for her thoughts on cross country, Christine added: “It is a track that tests the communication you have with your horse. You really need to know your horse.”

Tune in to FEI TV at 10 p.m. EST to watch CCI4* cross country live, and stay tuned for more from Adelaide.

Adelaide Links: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Schedule, EN’s Coverage, FEI TV, @aus3de

[FEI Classics: Olympian Shane Rose Heats Up the Action at Adelaide]

Five Things We Love About One K Helmets

By Jenni Autry on Nov 19, 2015 1:00 pm -

While One K helmets are a newer brand in the U.S. market, they have quickly become a popular choice for eventers due to the way these helmets seem to perfectly balance an aesthetically pleasing design with the technologically advanced features we all want to see in a helmet. If you’re not yet familiar with these helmets, that’s where we come in! Sally and I took One K helmets for a test drive and found five things we really loved about them across the board.

Read on for more about the One K Defender Suede, One K Skull Cap and One K Defender Air, and then let us know what you love about One K in the comments below. If you haven’t tried a One K helmet yet, comment and let us know which one you’d most like to take for a spin. You might just see that model featured in an upcoming Fab Freebie on EN! Without further ado, here are five things we love about One K helmets:

1. Smart design

Whether you’re sweating it out in the summer or working hard to keep warm in the winter, it’s important to have a helmet that can keep your head ventilated. The One K Defender Suede Helmet has seven vents — two on the side, two on the front, one on the back, and two down the center. All those vents allow it to perform like a lighter helmet while still looking show ring ready, allowing it to do double duty at home and events.

2. Comfortable fit

The lightweight aspect of One K helmets alone makes them extremely comfortable to wear, but One K also added some additional features that really make these helmets a top pick. I personally love the comfort padded harness on the One K Defender Suede Helmet, as the synthetic suede lining is soft against the face.

Additionally, the One K Defender Suede comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate every possible head shape. If your head is typically difficult to fit, find a One K retailer near you. With just about every possible size combination available in this particular model (seriously, look at all these size options), you’re virtually guaranteed to find something that will fit you comfortably.

The One K Skull Cap features a textured out shell to help keep your helmet cover in place. Photo by Josh Autry.

The One K Skull Cap features a textured outer shell to help keep your helmet cover in place. Photo by Josh Autry.

3. Advanced technology

One K helmets are manufactured with a polycarbonate and Advanced ABS Composite outer shell with an injection molded shell design to keep you safe both in and out of the saddle. The One K Skull Cap not only has advanced safety features for cross country, but it also has a textured shell to keep your helmet cover in place.

The One K Defender Air also has a great feature that allows you to fit the helmet precisely to your head. By dictating the amount of air used within the air pump in the helmet, you’re able to create a customized fit that also provides comfort and ventilation for your head.

4. Easy care aspect

The One K Defender Suede Helmet features a Chamude synthetic suede outer covering that gives it a traditional look while still being extremely easy to care for after every ride. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth if the helmet gets dirty, and you’re ready once again with a polished looked for the show ring.

I also love that the inner linings of all One K helmets are made of an anti-microbial, moisture wicking, quick drying and washable material; just toss it into the washing machine and it comes out looking brand new and smelling fresh.

All One K helmets (this is the One K Defender Suede) are eligible for replacement at a discounted rate if you have a fall within the three-year replacement period. Photo by Josh Autry.

5. Focus on safety

One K believes that all helmets should be replaced after one fall, so the company offers a replacement policy that is in effect for three years after the date of purchasing the helmet. If your helmet is involved in an accident during those three years, you can send it back to the manufacturer and purchase a new one at an extremely discounted rate. Click here for more info on One K’s replacement policy.

All One K helmets are certified to ASTM F11163-04a and CE EN 1384 standards, meaning they meet current standards as well as the latest standards proposed under this USEF rule change. If your helmet does not meet the current standard, now is the time to think about buying a new one, and One K checks all the boxes.

Where to buy

The One K Defender Suede retails at $259.95. The One K Skull Cap retails at $224.95. The One K Defender Air retails at $309.95. Click here to find a One K retailer near you. Go One K. Go Eventing.

: The One K Defender Suede Helmet. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: The One K Skull Cap. Photo by Jenni Autry.

: The One K Skull Cap. Photo by Josh Autry.

: The One K Defender Air. Photo by Daniel Bredeman.

War Horse Event Series Providing Safe, Educational Introduction to Eventing

By Jenni Autry on Nov 17, 2015 11:30 am -

Dylan Phillips and Bumble Bee Brave. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

The Carolina Horse Park just completed the first year of its $10,000 War Horse Event Series (WHES), which is made up of five unrecognized events designed to promote education, safety and a positive introduction to eventing for both young horses and riders new to the sport.

The idea is to give these horses and riders a solid foundation to ultimately progress safely through the levels, as top show jumping course designer and series director Marc Donovan explains.

“We want every horse and rider to have a positive experience, and we feel this arrangement will provide all competitors with the opportunity to achieve the best results possible,” Marc said. “We are committed to helping riders in the eventing community further their education, build strong foundations, and train young horses.”

Marc Donovan and Dr. Tom Daniels. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

War Horse Event Series Director Marc Donovan and Dr. Tom Daniel of Southern Pines Equine Associates. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

The War Horse Event Series is the latest evolution of the Carolina Horse Park’s former Cabin Branch Event Series. Each competition in the series, including the championships, runs over two days, with the first day offering schooling opportunities in the dressage and show jumping rings and on the actual cross country course.

Licensed dressage judges are on hand during these schooling days to give tips for an improved score on a rider’s dressage test, while Marc sets a show jumping course that is different from the course that is used in the next day’s actual competition.

Competitors are also allowed access to the water complex for schooling, as well as certain jumps on the cross country course in a different sequence than what is used in the actual competition. Then the event takes place the following day.

The War Horse Event Series received tremendous support from all along the East Coast this season, with 1,310 total competitors from 10 different states participating in the shows; 145 riders ultimately qualified for this month’s championships across five levels: Green as Grass (18”), Maiden (2’3”), Beginner Novice (2’7”), Novice (2’11”) and Training (3’3”).

Pat Gibson presents Lei Ryan with the War Horse Event Series Volunteer Award. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

Maureen Grippa, executive director of the Carolina Horse Park, said the venue takes a lot of pride in the fact that the series runs unrecognized events in a welcoming atmosphere and with an outstanding competition experience for riders, owners, trainers, volunteers and sponsors.

“The WHES … is equally important to our calendar as it provides such an outstanding introductory eventing experience for riders and horses throughout the region, while also running at a standard comparable to that of the Carolina International,” Maureen said.

The series offered $5,000 in prize money this year thanks to sponsors Adequan and Southern Pines Equine Associates, plus $5,600 in additional prizes for the competitors. Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards were also given at each show. Formal prize giving ceremonies helped provide a memorable competition experience for the riders.

Congratulations are in order for the War Horse Event Series division champions: Amy Howes and Rablin’ Rosie in Green as Grass, Heather Erickson and Aly’s Abram in Maiden, Betsy Freedman and Sister Golden Hair in Beginner Novice, Charles Plumb and Imperial Phillip in Novice, and Marianne Price and Rhyming Rebel in Training. Click here to view all the final leaderboard.

Deena Tiches and CMA Mint Julep (Jockey Club name Then Again) accept their award. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

One more big perk of the War Horse Event Series is that it gives back. The series name the Special Forces Charitable Trust as its beneficiary for the 2015 season, giving a check for $6,100 to the trust this month. This wonderful organizations helps to support Special Forces families before, during and after deployment and aids countless military families each year.

“Our 2015 co-sponsorship of the War Horse Event Series is exciting for our team on so many levels,” Dr. Tom Daniel of Southern Pines Equine Associates, said. “With the new event comes the opportunity to also share goodwill and charity in the community. First and foremost, we are hoping to bring awareness of the challenges our veterans and their families face by partnering with the Special Forces Charitable Trust.”

Kudos to the Carolina Horse Park and the War Horse Event Series team for providing an excellent opportunity for young horses and riders new to the sport to receive a safe, educational introduction to eventing. Click here for more information on the War Horse Event Series, including dates for the 2016 series.

Thank you to Allie Conrad Photography for providing wonderful photos from the 2015 War Horse Event Series.

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Pat Gibson presents Lei Ryan with the War Horse Event Series Volunteer Award. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: High fives in the Green as Grass division! Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Deena Tiches and CMA Mint Julep (Jockey Club name Then Again) accept their award. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Jane Murray and Bobby Costello watch show jumping. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Andrew McConnon and CMA Southpark (Jockey Club name Mr. PB). Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Photo by Allie Conrad Photography

: Dylan Phillips and Bumble Bee Brave. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Lisa Gubenia and CMA Kiss A Monster. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Marc Donovan and Dr. Tom Daniel. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Hillary Irwin on CANTER Mid-Atlantic alum Yellow Tavern. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

: Hillary Irwin on CANTER Mid-Atlantic alum Yellow Tavern. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

William Fox-Pitt Continuing His Rehabilitation at Home

By Jenni Autry on Nov 17, 2015 9:00 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero at Rolex 2015. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

William Fox-Pitt has been discharged from Poole General Hospital in Dorset, England, and is now continuing his rehabilitation at his home in Hinton St Mary, according to today’s latest update posted on the Team GBR website.

“It is fantastic to be back home. It feels like it has been a long time away from my family. I would like to thank all the doctors in France, from the team at Le Lion D’Angers to those who looked after me in the ICU in Angers. The rehab team in Poole General Hospital have been incredibly thorough,” William said.

“The team at home have been doing an amazing job keeping everything going, but luckily everything is quiet as the horses are all on their end of season break. I am looking forward to making a full recovery over the winter.”

William was released from the hospital in France last week and flown back to England following his fall on Oct. 17 at Le Lion d’Angers. His family continues to ask for privacy as he recovers.

Updates will be released periodically on the Fox-Pitt Eventing website, and EN will continue to post those updates here as we follow William’s road to recovery. You can also check the Team GBR website for updates.

[UPDATE ON WILLIAM FOX-PITT: 17.11.2015]

Top Three Memorable Valegro Moments

By Jenni Autry on Nov 16, 2015 4:30 pm -

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro competing at 2014 London Olympia. Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton/FEI.

It’s been a bittersweet day for the global equestrian community, as Charlotte Dujardin has announced that the reigning Olympic, World and European dressage champion Valegro may retire next year following the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Carl Hester later clarified to Horse & Hound that if “Blueberry” does retire next year, it would likely be in front of his hometown crowd following an encore performance at London Olympia in December.

The 13-year-old Dutch gelding has captured our hearts and imaginations over the years with stunning performances we won’t soon forget. Here are three top Valegro moments that stand out to us. Share your own “Blueberry” moments in the comments below.

1. World-record breaking Freestyle test at 2014 London Olympia, 94.300%

2. Gold-medal winning Freestyle test at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, 92.161%

3. Gold-medal winning Freestyle test at the 2012 London Olympics, 90.089%

This post was updated on Nov. 17 with additional information on Valegro’s retirement plans.

Jennie Brannigan Coming in Hot with Catalina

By Jenni Autry on Nov 16, 2015 2:00 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Catalina at this year's Dutta Corp Fair Hill CCI3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In looking at Jennie Brannigan and Catalina’s record over the past few months — a win at Richland CIC2*, top 10 at Plantation Field CIC3* and top 20 at Fair Hill CCI3* — it’s hard to believe they’ve only been partnered together since July.

But something just clicked when Jennie’s good friend Candace Kircher handed her the ride on the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare. Now Jennie’s longtime owners and supporters Tim and Nina Gardner have joined Candace as owners, and Team Catalina is looking ahead to 2016 and a little show in Kentucky at the end of April.

Catalina has been Candace’s “love of a lifetime” horse since she found her through Buck Davidson and Coren Morgan about five years ago. Bred in the U.S. by Kansas-based Milestone Equine Center, Catalina is by Cabaret, a Holsteiner son of Cor de la Bryere, and out of a mare by the Anglo Arabian stallion Matcho.

Candace and Catalina enjoyed a lot of success together right off the bat, winning the Red Hills CIC* in their first FEI event together in 2011. She then moved the mare up to Intermediate, winning a competitive Intermediate division at Morven Park in 2012 before going on to Fair Hill CCI2* that fall to finish in 16th place with clear jumping rounds.

Candace Kircher and Catalina at Fair Hill CCI2* in 2012. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A minor injury and the birth of Kylie, Candace and her husband Brandon’s first child, meant Catalina had a light competition schedule in 2013 and 2014, and Candace brought her back out at the Preliminary level in March of this year. After completing an Intermediate at Texas Rose in June, Candace approached Jennie about sending the mare to her.

“It was definitely intimidating to think about riding my best friend’s lifetime horse, but Candace really wanted to support me, and the timing seemed right,” Jennie said. “I was talking to Joanie (Morris) and mentioned I might be getting the mare. Joanie said that because of my FEI categorization I could run one CIC3* and then go to Fair Hill CCI3*. I told Candace that was an option, and she said, ‘Why don’t you take over the ride?’”

The wheels were set in motion. With Jennie busy preparing for the Pan American Games and going to Toronto as the traveling reserve with Cambalda, she didn’t have many rides on Catalina before their first event together going Intermediate at Fair Hill’s August horse trials.

“I ran her slow at Fair Hill, and then the plan was to go to Richland to do her first Advanced,” Jennie said. “Since I still hadn’t ridden her that much, I decided to bump back to the CIC2*.” They ultimately won on their dressage score of 47.0. “Her dressage is green, and we didn’t have a real partnership yet, but she did a beautiful show jumping round, galloped around cross country easily and jumped well.”

Jennie Brannigan and Catalina at Plantation Field CIC3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.

With the possibility of aiming for Fair Hill still on the table, Jennie had a lesson with Phillip Dutton, who encouraged her to take a crack at Plantation Field CIC3* to see if the horse was fit enough to go on to a CCI3* the following month. Catalina once again romped around with ease, finishing 10th at Plantation Field in a very competitive field of more than 60 horses.

“She didn’t really have her flying changes yet, but her show jumping was clean, and on cross country — this horse is proper,” Jennie said. “For her to finish 10th in that big field of top horses in her very first Advanced, I was thrilled.”

Jennie planned to get another Advanced prep run under Catalina’s belt at Morven Park before Fair Hill, but Mother Nature had other plans that weekend, and heavy rains forced the cancellation of cross country for the National divisions at the event.

“In talking to Phillip, I asked, ‘Am I crazy to take this horse to Fair Hill after doing one Advanced?’ But he encouraged me to go. It’s nice to have support like that from someone you really respect,” Jennie said. “So we went into Fair Hill with no expectations. The goal was for her to learn and prepare for next season.”

But once again, Catalina rose to the occasion and put in a solid, respectable performance across all three phases. They scored 53.3 on the flat to put them in the middle of the pack after dressage. “She’s a beautiful mover with a good mind, and her dressage should be in the 40s next year,” Jennie said. “I was very happy considering she learned her changes about a month before Fair Hill!”

Then, on the morning of cross country, Candace told Jennie some very special news: She was pregnant with her second child. It was already a special day, but Catalina made it all the more memorable by delivering a clear cross country round with just 3.2 time penalties in her first CCI3* and just the second Advanced start of her career.

“I wasn’t totally sure what to expect going out of the start box on cross country, but the more I went around, the better and better she got,” Jennie said. “‘Admiration’ is really the right word for what I feel for her for doing that.”

Kylie and Catalina. Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

Jennie and Catalina had two rails down in show jumping the next day to finish in 17th place. Though a bit disappointed in the rails, Jennie is confident that phase will develop and blossom in time. “All the pieces are there for her to be a big-time horse. Big picture, Fair Hill is the start of what this horse and I can do together. She has a lot of heart, and she really enjoys the job,” Jennie said.

“Having the Gardners as joint owners of the mare is also very special, and it’s a good fit for all of us. I feel really lucky that I have people like the Gardners and Candace wanting to support me. I can’t thank Candace enough for trusting me with the ride and the Gardners for coming on board as owners.”

While their spring plans aren’t set in stone, Jennie and Catalina only need one more CIC3* completion to get their qualification for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in April. Jennie said they will look to get that final qualifier early in the season with the idea of aiming for Rolex in mind.

“I’m going to let the horse tell me. None of us would push her to do anything that wouldn’t be right for her,” Jennie said. “Catalina has this fire about her, but then she’s the horse in the barn that anyone can groom. Candace’s daughter Kylie leads her around at events. She’s just a really special horse.”

Though Rolex will be about six weeks before Candace’s due date, she has every intention of being there if Jennie and Catalina do compete. “She’s my friend that I get to experience what being ‘normal’ is like because of her,” Jennie said. “I get to have a small glimpse at the other side of life being her friend, and now she gets to live the dream of the other side of it through me.”

: Jennie, Kylie and Catalina. Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

: Jennie and Candace at Fair Hill. Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

: Candace, Kylie and Catalina. Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

3 Things to Know About the Latest High Performance Training Lists

By Jenni Autry on Nov 13, 2015 11:00 am -

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmühlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The USEF released a compact High Performance Winter/Spring Training List on Wednesday night, and Selection Committee Chair Bobby Costello kindly took some time to answer EN’s questions about this latest release. Why a smaller list? What does this list mean in the context of the 2016 Olympics? Which events might these riders target in the spring?

1. A smaller list: You probably noticed that this latest list of 13 riders is nearly half the size of the Summer/Fall training list. The decision to keep the list smaller is a strategic one in order to allow Coach David O’Connor to give more individualized attention to the riders in a major championships year.

“The selectors are there to support David and his goals for the team,” Bobby said. “His idea has always been starting out in a non-championships year with a very broad list of riders, then getting focused for the World Equestrian Games, then opening it back up for two-star horses for the Pan American Games, then focusing it again for the Olympics.”

2. Not a pre-selection: While this latest release of the training lists has been tailored with the Olympics in mind, Bobby stressed that this list is not a pre-selection for Rio. Rather, the goal is to prepare riders for the remaining U.S. selection trials next year: Rolex, Badminton, Jersey Fresh, Saumur, Tattersalls, Bromont and Bramham.

“Rolex will be a big target for a lot of the riders that still need to prove themselves at the four-star level,” Bobby said. “Tattersalls is going to be a targeted event in the spring for quite a few of the combinations. It’s a great event because a lot of the riders haven’t competed there before, so it’s a new and different venue.”

3. Room for more: While the selectors’ intent is to keep the training lists at a smaller size in a championships year, Bobby emphasized that there is room to add more riders who come out “gangbusters” in the spring and show consistent good form at competitions.

The High Performance Committee adopted a quarterly review process for the training lists last year in order to give the selectors this flexibility to add riders to the lists. The selectors did use that option this year, adding Clark Montgomery to the World Class list after his top-10 finish at Luhmühlen with Loughan Glen.

Congratulations to the 13 riders named to the High Performance Winter/Spring Training Lists. To any riders who didn’t make the list, come out “gangbusters” next year and claim your spot.

[USEF Names High Performance Training Lists + Eventing 25/18 Riders]

Will Eventing Become ‘Equestrian Triathlon’ By 2020 Olympics?

By Jenni Autry on Nov 13, 2015 8:00 am -

FEI President Ingmar De Vos, left, with the three Olympic discipline Chairs, Frank Kemperman (dressage), John Madden (jumping) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (eventing) at yesterdays General Assembly. Photo by FEI/Richard Juilliart.

We knew sweeping changes for eventing were coming in order for the sport to align with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Agenda 2020, and the FEI Eventing Committee unveiled its proposal yesterday at the General Assembly in Puerto Rico.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos addressed the National Federations in attendance before the presentation, giving the following explanation for why the FEI and IOC believe change is needed across all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.

“We want to remain relevant in today’s ever changing sporting landscape and gain the exposure and visibility our sport deserves,” he said. “We need to take advantage of the excitement and drama of our sport, make it easier to understand, attract young and larger audiences, be broadcast friendly and see more nations represented in our sport.”

As a result, the FEI Eventing Committee is proposing the following changes for the sport:

Three team riders: Each Olympic team would be made up of a maximum of three riders. Each team of three would be allowed one reserve combination.

No drop score: Teams would no longer have a drop score. All three scores from a team would count toward the final team score.

5-minute dressage: All dressage tests would be performed on one day by using a 5-minute test, which would shorten the entire dressage phase to a maximum of six hours for the 65 athletes competing.

Individual medals: The horses and riders placed below 20th after cross country would do their show jumping rounds first, followed by the 20 highest-placed combinations to determine the individual medals. This would also serve as the qualifier for the team finals.

Team finals: After individual show jumping medals are determined, the six to seven best teams (18-21 combinations) would then do their show jumping rounds for the team medals. The FEI is proposing to have “all three team members in the arena together, jumping one after another, so that a team result would be instantly available.”

Name change: We knew this was coming. The FEI Eventing Committee has proposed the hiring of a branding agency to evaluate changing the sport’s name to equestrian triathlon “in the effort of improving the understanding of the sport to new audiences.”

Detailed format change proposals will be presented at the FEI Sports Forum on April 4-5, 2016, and the new formats will be voted on one year from now at the 2016 FEI General Assembly. The approved proposals will then go forward to the IOC in early 2017 for implementation.

Click here to read the full Olympic formats proposal presented yesterday at the General Assembly; the proposal for eventing starts on page 22. If you’re interested in reading the summary notes from the Eventing Open Forums referenced in the proposal, those are all linked on this page.

What do you think about the proposed changes to the Olympic format, EN? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below.

Go ~~Equestrian Triathlon~~ Eventing.

[Olympic Formats Take Centre Stage at FEI General Assembly]

USEF Names High Performance Training Lists + Eventing 25/18 Riders

By Jenni Autry on Nov 11, 2015 9:08 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum hold the lead! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum on their way to the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* win. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hot off the presses! The USEF Eventing High Performance Committee has named the following riders to the High Performance Winter/Spring Training Lists, as well as announced the Eventing 25/18 riders for 2016.

The High Performance athletes will participate in training sessions with U.S. Eventing Team Coach David O’Connor, while the Eventing 25 and 18 athletes will work with USEF Eventing Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law. Training session dates and locations will be announced at a later date.

High Performance

World Class List:

Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.)
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.)
Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.)
Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.)
Clark Montgomery (Tetbury, England)
Tamra Smith (Temecula, Calif.)
Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.)

National List:

Emily Beshear (Somerset, Va.)
Matt Brown (Cochranville, Pa.)
Buck Davidson (Ocala, Fla.)
Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.)
Colleen Rutledge (Mt. Airy, Md.)
Kim Severson (Charlottesville, Va.)

The Eventing High Performance Training Lists will be reviewed quarterly by the USEF Eventing Selection Committee and the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee.

Eventing 25

Madeline Backus (Larkspur, Colo.)
Jenny Caras (Cartersville, Ga.)
Jacob Fletcher (North Little Rock, Ark.)
Savannah ‘Woodge’ Fulton (Ocala, Fla.)
Alexandra Green (Loudon, Tenn.)
Avery Klunick (Midland, Texas)
Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.)
Lexi Scovil (Ocala, Fla.)*
Chloe Smyth (Poway, Calif.)
Lizzie Snow (Southern Pines, N.C.)
Mackenna Shea (Temecula, Calif.)

*Indicates rider that was talent spotted into the program.

Eventing 18

Karri Bellamy (Scotia, N.Y.)
Kristine Burgess (Lino Lakes, Minn.)
Mia Farley (San Clemente, Calif.)
Camilla Grover-Dodge (Lancaster, Pa.)
Morgan McCue (West Chester, Pa.)
Patience O’Neal (Fall City, Wash.)
Makenna Rold (Delano, Minn.)
Margaret Stocker (Bartonville, Texas)
Madison Temkin (Sebastopol, Calif.)
Kristen Turner (Dallas, Texas)
Cassandra Wallskog (Mequon, Wis.)

Thank you to the USET Foundation, USOC, and all the USEF sponsors and members that support the USEF Eventing High Performance programs!

[USEF Names 2016 Eventing High Performance Winter/Spring Eventing Training Lists, Eventing 25 and Eventing 18 Program Participants]

A New Name for Eventing? FEI Announces Decisions Ahead of General Assembly

By Jenni Autry on Nov 11, 2015 9:00 am -

FEI President Ingmar De Vos and FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez, formerly Zeender, are pictured at the in-person FEI Bureau meeting held yesterday in Puerto Rico.

The FEI has announced key decisions from yesterday’s FEI Bureau meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, ahead of this week’s FEI General Assembly. Five of these decisions directly affect eventing.

You may remember that the topic of re-naming the sport came up during the FEI Sports Forum earlier this year. The topic is back on the table now, as the FEI Bureau approved the FEI Eventing Committee’s request to “review the discipline name of Eventing.”

The FEI Eventing Committee will work with the FEI Corporate Communications team and other advisers to propose new names for the sport, “with the ultimate goal of ensuring full understanding of the discipline by fans and wider stakeholders.”

The FEI has already suggested three possible new names for the sport: Equestrian triathlon, Equestrathon and Tri-equathlon. More than 3,000 EN readers voted for which name is the worst possible choice back in April, with Tri-equathlon winning in a landslide victory.

Here’s a look at the other four eventing decisions approved by the Bureau:

New rules have been approved for the 2016 FEI Nations Cup, including a modified points system to “ensure a less predictable result before the Final event.” Additionally, only seven out of the nine events in the series will now be counted toward the final standings. The new rules will be published here on the FEI website.

The FEI Eventing Committee will propose formal FEI rules to govern indoor eventing competitions at existing FEI jumping and dressage events, such as this past weekend’s Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Winter Fair.

The FEI Bureau will review proposals for the Eventing Riders Masters, a new series that would initially be made up of FEI events held in Great Britain with the intention to expand to other countries. A decision on this series will be made at the second FEI Bureau meeting following the FEI General Assembly later this week.

The Africa Eventing Cup Series will also be reviewed. This development project series currently consists of two events in Zimbabwe and South Africa and will expand to Namibia and Zambia in 2017.

The FEI Bureau also announced technical committee appointments, and congratulations are in order for the USA’s own Marilyn Payne, who has been appointed to a four-year term on the Eventing Technical Committee to replace outgoing member Gillian Rolton.

Click here to see the full FEI Bureau report, and stay tuned as more news emerges out of the FEI General Assembly in Puerto Rico.

William Fox-Pitt Making ‘Really Good Progress,’ Back Home in England

By Jenni Autry on Nov 10, 2015 8:50 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie at Rolex in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We have more good news this morning as William Fox-Pitt continues to recover from the head injury sustained in his fall at Le Lion d’Angers on Oct. 17. British Eventing reports that William “continues to make really good progress” and as a result flew home to England yesterday, where he will continue his rehabilitation.

His wife Alice says, “His recovery is likely to take time, but he is up and about and improving day by day. We are exceptionally grateful for the huge amount of support we have received.”

Official updates will now be released periodically on the Fox-Pitt Eventing website, and EN will continue to post those updates here as we follow William’s road to recovery.

We continue to wish William and the entire Fox-Pitt family all the best.

[William Fox-Pitt, update 10/11/2015]

USEA Proposes New ‘Beginner Novice Assistance Allowed’ Division

By Jenni Autry on Nov 9, 2015 2:20 pm -

What it's all about! Photo by Sally Spickard.

The USEA is proposing a new unrecognized division called Beginner Novice – Assistance Allowed (BN-AA), designed for “competitors who are not quite ready to ride in a Horse Trials independently or those who have lost confidence due to elimination in previous Events.”

Under the guidelines for this BN-AA division, the rider’s coach would be allowed to verbally assist during any phase, such as reading a dressage test or providing verbal cues related to “the direction of course or anything necessary to ensure safety” during the jumping phases.

Riders would also have the option to bypass a jump on cross country and are allowed more refusals at obstacles without facing elimination. Aside from a fall of horse or rider or dangerous riding, “rider eliminations are to be avoided to ensure that these riders have as positive and educational an experience as possible.”

“In addition to introducing riders to the Eventing world, we hope that the BN-AA will help retain these riders who have bad experiences and provide them positive, educational experiences while Eventing,” Laura Powell, USEA Membership Committee co-chair, explains. “The desired outcome is that these competitors will eventually become competent, confident competitors in recognized Events and ultimately become members of the USEA.”

The BN-AA division will be “test run” at competitions during the 2016 season, with the USEA Membership Committee reviewing the results. You can read the full proposal here.

“There will no doubt be detractors who feel this goes against the heart of Eventing to allow such assistance during a competition,” Laura says,” but if this verbal assistance is all that is needed to give new, young or disheartened riders the positive experience and confidence to come back and attempt a recognized Beginner Novice division, then it is well worth the effort.”

The proposal will be discussed at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Washington, D.C., next month. What do you think of the proposed Beginner Novice – Assistance Allowed division? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below.

[Membership Committee Proposes New Test Division: Beginner Novice Assistance Allowed]

35 Entered in Final CCI4* of the Year at Adelaide

By Jenni Autry on Nov 9, 2015 11:30 am -

Jessica Manson and Legal Star. Photo courtesy of Julie Wilson/FEI.

Last year’s winners Jessica Manson and Legal Star will return to defend their title. Photo courtesy of Julie Wilson/FEI.

The FEI season may be over in North America, but the final CCI4* event of the year is coming up next week on Nov. 19-22 at Adelaide, the Australian International Three-Day Event, which is the only four-star competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

This year, 35 combinations are entered to compete in a field comprised predominantly of Aussies. Kiwis Clarke Johnstone and Abby Lawrence will represent New Zealand, while Alice Dunsdon is riding for Great Britain. This field of 35 ties 2005 for the largest number of competitors at this event since the four-star was first held in 2002.

Several past winners are entered to compete, including last year’s victors Jessica Manson and Legal Star. Two-time winner Stuart Tinney, who won in 2009 with Vittori and 2011 with Panamera, is the only rider to have three entries: Pluto Mio, War Hawk and Annapurna.

Wendy Schaeffer won the inaugural CCI4* in 2002 with Koyuna Sun-Glo and won again in 2010 aboard Koyuna Sun Dancer; she is entered with Sun Showers this year. Three other past winners will compete. Shane Rose, who won in 2004 with Beauford Miss Dior, has two rides in CP Qualified and Virgil. Megan Jones, 2005’s winner with Kirby Park Irish Jester, also has two entries: Kirby Park Allofasudden and History. Heath Ryan, who won in 2006 with Flame, will ride Jetsetter.

Alice Dunsdon’s journey to Adelaide is especially interesting, as she is on a mission to complete all six of the world’s CCI4* events on the same horse. She’s now completed Pau, Burghley, Luhmühlen and Kentucky with Fernhill Present, and now she and “Hilly” have made the long trek to Australia to contest Adelaide.

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz currently hold the record as the only horse-and-rider combination to have completed five of the world’s CCI4* events (plus they did it with clear cross country rounds!). If Alice and Hilly complete Adelaide, they will join this exclusive club; she hopes to qualify for Burghley in her quest to complete all six.

Alice has been blogging about the road to Adelaide for Horse & Hound, and if you have some time to spare, all the blogs are fascinating and very much worth the read. They especially give an interesting insight into the long travel process and quarantine required in Australia.

Stay tuned to EN as we bring you coverage from Adelaide. Click here to see the full list of entries. Click here to see FEI TV’s broadcast schedule for the event (it looks like show jumping will be the only phase streamed live).

Adelaide Links: Website, Entries, FEI TV

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