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Jenni Autry
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Jenni Autry

Achievements

About Jenni Autry

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

Latest Articles Written

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Mar 4, 2019 12:01 am -

The site of the $15,000 Mardanza Classic!

Calling all event riders in the Ocala area! Notting Hill, Fredericks Equestrian and Mardanza Farms are offering a $15,000 Classic on Wednesday, March 13, at Mardanza. Three levels are offered with top notch courses designed by Chris Barnard and $5,000 in cash and prizes awarded for each class.

The $5,000 Notting Hill .95m Classic is open to riders who have not competed above Training level in the past five years. The $5,000 Fredericks Equestrian 1.05m Classic is open to riders who have not competed above Preliminary in the past five years. The $5,000 Mardanza Farms 1.15m Classic is open to riders who have not competed above Intermediate level in the past five years.

Entries are $100 for all three levels. You can enter on EventEntries.com, by email at [email protected] or on the day at Mardanza. Questions? Text Sara at 703-930-3409 or Collin at 610-504-1157. Mardanza is located at 9512 NW HWY 320, Micanopy, FL 32667.

National Holiday: National Grammar Day 🤓

Major Events:

Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream Replay, EN’s Coverage, Instagram

U.S. Weekend Results:

Full Gallop H.T. [Final Scores]

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Final Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Final Scores]

Sporting Days H.T. [Final Scores]

Twin Rivers H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

If you missed watching the live stream for the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field, the replays are now available to watch thanks to EQTV Network. [Watch the Grand-Prix Eventing Replays]

The Royal Veterinary College in England has unseated the University of California-Davis as the world’s top vet school in the latest QS World University Rankings for 2019. Friend of EN Fran Jurga has the full report analyzing the rankings. [Where in the world are the top-ranked veterinary colleges?]

“It’s good for both horses and riders to stare at a sea of poles and then tackle them with confidence” — that’s the impetus behind one of James Alliston’s favorite grid exercises. An added bonus: it’s a good one for working on rider position, too. [Grid Pro Quo with James Alliston]

It’s a twofer Monday for jumping exercises! This one from Blyth Tait challenges the horse’s suppleness and balance, as well as the ability to bend and maintain a rhythm. The goal in using this exercise is to “achieve greater engagement, impulsion, control, rhythm and smoothness” — yes, please! [#SundaySchool: how to improve control with Blyth Tait]

Monday Video:

Sandra Auffarth’s former three-star ride Daytona Beach 8 is now in the States as a new mount for USEF Eventing 25 rider Cornelia Dorr. They finished second in the Open Intermediate at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. over the weekend. Watch them cruise around the cross country courtesy of our friendly neighborhood videographer David Frechette. Watch more videos from Rocking Horse Winter III here.

Joanie Morris Resigns: ‘The Job Has Been the Greatest Privilege of My Entire Life’

By on Mar 2, 2019 8:15 am -

Joanie Morris has announced her resignation as USEF Managing Director of Eventing. Photo by Uptown Eventing.

It is the end of an era as Joanie Morris, USEF Managing Director of Eventing, has announced her resignation. Joanie assumed the role in 2012 following David O’Connor’s appointment as International Technical Advisor and coach for the U.S. eventing team.

Joanie oversaw the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team through the 2014 World Equestrian Games; the 2015 Pan American Games; the 2016 Olympic Games; Erik Duvander’s appointment as U.S. Performance Director for Eventing in 2017; the 2018 World Equestrian Games; numerous Nations Cups both abroad and on U.S. soil; and every major international competition that featured U.S. athletes in North America and around the world over the past six years.

“The job has been the greatest privilege of my entire life. I have experienced more highs and lows than I ever thought possible. The medals are how we are judged in public, but it’s actually the day-to-day struggle that has made it all worth it. Those are the memories that I’ll carry forward. It’s a job that is completely all-consuming and needs 100-percent commitment from the person who is doing it. I’ve been fortunate to have it be my life for nearly six years,” Joanie said.

“I never thought I’d work for USEF forever. For me, the timing is right to take the next step. I’d like to see what other opportunities are out there for me. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband (Richard Picken) and at our farm, and enjoying what life has in store for me next.”

To say Joanie has been an indispensable part of the U.S. team would be an extreme understatement. Boyd Martin once described her as “a diamond” to the team, and that is perhaps the best way to succinctly summarize the way in which she has impacted the USEF High Performance program.

USEF announced today that the organization is now accepting applications for the position of Managing Director of Eventing. While Joanie’s position will officially end on April 1, 2019, USEF confirmed that she will still serve as Team Leader for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in order to oversee the execution of team operations.

The full job description for USEF Managing Director of Eventing is listed below:

US Equestrian seeks a highly effective leader with an astute and excellent understanding of FEI and international equestrian sport to fill the position of Managing Director of Eventing. This position will work hand-in-hand with the Eventing Performance Director to prepare and lead the U.S. Eventing Team for Olympic Games and World Championships, while also overseeing the development of emerging talent through identifiable pathways to ensure sustainable success for the future.

A key leadership position within US Equestrian’s International Disciplines’ Sport Department, the Managing Director of Eventing spearheads all US Equestrian initiatives, governance, and programs related to U.S. Eventing and works closely with internal departments and the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) in order to grow the sport of eventing across all levels within the U.S. This position will oversee all US Equestrian programs related to eventing; serve as the lead liaison to the Eventing Sport Committee; manage the Elite and oversee the Development programs; manage the team selection process; prepare and manage the eventing budget; and oversee logistics and selection for team and individual funded travel, among other duties.

Applicants looking to apply for the Managing Director of Eventing position should be performance-focused and willing to approach challenges from a variety of angles. Individual must be a detail-oriented manager and a clear communicator and have a good understanding of the eventing landscape within the U.S. In addition, applicants should be prepared to build effective relationships with a broad group of stakeholders while being energetic, resilient, committed, and reliable.

A bachelor’s degree and three to five years of professional experience in sport is required.

To apply for this position, please click here. 

Please join EN in thanking Joanie for her years of service to the USEF High Performance Program.

Go Eventing.

Want to Use a Heart Rate Monitor But Not Sure Where to Start?

By on Feb 28, 2019 6:32 pm -

Want to train with a heart-rate monitor but not sure where to start? EN is here to help! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Are you interested in incorporating a heart-rate monitor into your horse’s training this season but not sure how to get started? While the prospect can seem daunting, it’s actually more simple than you might think. If you’re on the fence, a great place to start is by learning more about training with heart rate.

As a first-time heart-rate monitor user myself, I turned to the Hylofit website to learn more before I started using it, and I’ve compiled a resource guide of articles for those of you on the hunt for more information. The Hylofit system provides real-time heart-rate data directly to your phone or your trainer’s phone, which provides a way to see how the horse’s body is responding to work in the moment. Using Hylofit can help you answer questions like whether your horse is finding the work easier or harder than you expected.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to use Hylofit is to see whether my perception of how hard my horse is working matched what the data actually shows. If a horse’s heart-rate is spiking during a simple trot or canter set, that could indicate a larger issue, or potential injury, is on the horizon. Using Hylofit gives you this insight and more.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Start Here

Why Should I Use Heart Rate Zones to Train With My Horse? How do heart rate monitors work? Why is it important to train with a heart rate monitor? How do you maximize training sessions with a heart rate monitor? Why is it important to know your horse’s resting heart rate? This article answers all these questions and more.

How Zone Training Can Transform Your Horse’s Fitness: If you missed this article on EN, we took an in-depth look at Hylofit’s zones, which use an algorithm to determine how hard your horse is working. The zones are color coded and numbered to make them easy to understand and use.

Required Reading

Dr. Tim Worden, a biomechanics advisor for Hylofit, specializes in the translation of human high-performance training theory and techniques to horses. He wrote a fantastic three part article series for Practical Horseman during the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. All three parts are well worth the read.

Part 1: Producing a Top Horse

Part 2: The Art of the Deal

Part 3: Performance Enhancements

Key takeaway: “Similar to the fitness technology revolution in human athletes, horse activity monitors have the potential to unlock previously unknown training insights. This information can be used to help guide training as it provides a direct measure of how hard a horse worked on a given day, and subsequently, how they responded to that work.”

Using Hylofit

Easy setup: This video shows how easy it is to attach the heart-rate monitor to your horse’s girth and sync Hylofit to your phone. It’s a quick and simple process.

Rider alerts: Hylofit also launched rider alerts this month, which allow you to customize the heart rate, zone intensity, time and distance you want to achieve during a ride, and then a voice will alert you to when you hit those targets. Watch below for a demo. It’s definitely as cool as it sounds!

Click here to view more demo videos on Hylofit’s YouTube Channel. You can also follow along with other riders who are using heart rate to train on Hylofit’s Instagram.

Still looking for more information? There are a slew of testimonials, reports and educational articles on the Hylofit website. You can dive in here.

Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of training with heart rate? Click here to order Hylofit.

Product Review: Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout with Disc Front Closure System

By on Feb 28, 2019 2:14 pm -

The Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout with Disc Front Closure. Photo courtesy of Horseware Ireland.

Horseware has been an industry leader in blanketing innovations and clever solutions for horse owners since the company’s launch in 1985, with an emphasis on durability, quality and ultimately comfort for our hardworking equine partners. Their newest innovation comes in the form of a Disc Front Closure System that makes blanketing a breeze and provides superior comfort for the horse.

The Disc Front Closure System features a flexible disc made of non-corrosive polypropylene, which is a highly durable material but also extremely lightweight. You can easily bend the disc in your hands, which means it can also move and flex with the horse to allow for a more comfortable fit.

Combined with Horseware’s V-Front closure system, which cuts the front of the blanket in such a way that it mimics the horse’s shoulder movement, the disc is designed with ergonomic, countered curves that follow the natural shape of the horse’s neck. The disc’s contoured design gives more freedom for the horse’s neck to lower comfortably for grazing and eating and avoids binding at the base of the neck.

In addition to providing more comfort for your horse, the Disc Front Closure System is about as easy as it gets to use. The disc is attached to the front of the blanket with velcro straps, and you can easily open and close the straps with one hand, or while wearing bulky winter gloves.  The Velcro is strong and durable to ensure the blanket stays put, even when your horse is romping around like a madman in turnout (ask me how I know).

Horseware’s Disc Front Closure System is now available on select Amigo turnouts, fly products and coolers. I’ve tested it on the Amigo Evolution Fly Sheet, Rambo Airmax Cooler and most recently the Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout, which is Horseware’s best-selling Amigo turnout blanket.

Made with an extremely durable 1200-denier polyester outer shell, the Amigo Bravo 12 Plus is highly waterproof and breathable, and also includes a detachable hood. The rug features a smooth polyester lining to enhance shine on your horse’s coat, leg arches, reflective strips, three cross surcingles, a wrapped tail cord (one of my favorite features of Horseware’s blankets — it’s so easy to wipe clean!) and loops to attach liners.

Horseware’s Disc Front Closure System is now available on select Amigo turnouts, fly products and coolers, including the Amigo Hero pictured here. Photo courtesy of Horseware Ireland.

The Amigo Bravo 12 Plus comes in a lighter 100-gram weight, which makes it perfect for milder winter climates and spring. I’ve used it during cold snaps in Ocala this winter, as well as on the road while competing at Pine Top Advanced Horse Trials, and the Amigo Bravo 12 Plus is a fantastic rug to have in your arsenal for use at home and at shows. The Surefit neck design makes it comfortable for your horse to wear, and the addition of the Disc Front Closure System ensures freedom of movement when grazing.

The Amigo Bravo 12 Plus with Disc Front Closure (100g Lite) retails for $230 and is available in a beautiful navy with red and gold trim — it definitely looks sharp! The Amigo Bravo line of turnout blankets is well known for being durable. We have a number of these rugs at Schramm Equestrian, and they hold up fabulously through the years. This is definitely a blanket I know I’ll have for years to come.

Click here to learn more about the Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout and to find a stockist in your area. Have you tried Horseware’s Disc Front Closure System? Let us know in the comments below.

Final Entry List + Schedule for Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 26, 2019 1:21 pm -

William Fox-Pitt is coming to Aiken! Photo by Jenni Autry.

The countdown is on for the inaugural $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Invitational at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina, and we can now officially confirm the final entry list and schedule.

Dressage will start at 7:30 a.m. EST on Friday, March 1, and will run through 1:40 p.m. Christian Landolt (SUI) and Robert Stevenson (USA) will serve as the ground jury. Click here for dressage start times.

Show jumping will run from 4-5:40 p.m. EST on Friday in reverse order of standing. Cross country will run on Saturday, March 2, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. EST in reverse order of standing.

Here are the horses and riders you’ll be cheering on in Aiken:

  • Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda (USA)
  • Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA)
  • Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty (AUS)
  • Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly (USA)
  • Will Coleman and Off the Record (USA)
  • Will Coleman and Tight Lines (USA)
  • Hallie Coon and Celien (USA)
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo (USA)
  • Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey (USA)
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore (USA)
  • Will Faudree and Pfun (USA)
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me (CAN)
  • William Fox-Pitt and Sandro’s Star (GBR)
  • Clayton Fredericks and Luksor (AUS)
  • Sara Gumbiner and Polaris (USA)
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night (USA)
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA)
  • Lauren Kieffer and Paramount Importance (USA)
  • Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus (USA)
  • Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges (CAN)
  • Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code (USA)
  • Boyd Martin and Kyra (USA)
  • Boyd Martin and Ray Price (USA)
  • Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg (USA)
  • Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace (USA)
  • Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA)
  • Ellie O’Neal and Zeta (USA)
  • Waylon Roberts and Lancaster (CAN)
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver (USA)
  • Colleen Rutledge and Confidence Game (USA)
  • Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio (USA)
  • Dom Schramm and Bolytair B (AUS)
  • Allison Springer and Business Ben (USA)
  • Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
  • Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett (AUS)

VIP passes are now sold out. General admission tickets are $12 per day, or $20 for the full weekend. Saturday tickets also include access to the Craft Beer Festival that will run in conjunction with cross country. Click here to purchase general admission tickets.

If you can’t be in Aiken to watch the action live, the full competition will stream like on EQTV Network and here on EN.

[Grand Prix-Eventing at Bruce’s Field]

Equestrian Canada Announces 2019 High Performance Squads

By on Feb 25, 2019 4:11 pm -

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Equestrian Canada Eventing Committee has just announced the 2019 High Performance Squads for the Eventing National Team Program (NTP). Rankings for the squads are based on results from CCI3*-L, CCI4-*L, CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L competitions from the 2018 season.

The National Squad is made up of combinations “committed to and capable of producing individual performance results” at CCI4*-S, CCI4*-L and CCI5* competitions, “and who show the ability to contribute to a top-six team result at major games.”

The following combinations have been named to the 2019 Canadian National Squad:

  • Hawley Bennett-Awad with her own and The Jollybo Syndicate’s Jollybo
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and her own Honor Me
  • Colleen Loach and Peter Barry’s Qorry Blue d’Argouges
  • Selena O’Hanlon and John and Judy Rumble’s Foxwood High
  • Jessica Phoenix and her own Pavarotti

The Development Squad consists of “combinations committed to and capable of progressing to National Squad. Horse-and-athlete combinations named to the Development Squad are those which have achieved targeted performance results at eligible international competitions in the previous 12 months.”

The following combinations have been named to the 2019 Canadian Development Squad:

  • Waylon Roberts with Michelle and John Koppin’s Lancaster and Kelecyn Cognac, owned by Anthony Connolly and Skye Levely
  • Shelby Brost with her own and Wayne Brost’s Crimson
  • Dana Cooke and The FE Mississippi Syndicate’s FE Mississippi
  • Sabrina Glaser and Patricia Yust’s Remembrant
  • Holly Jacks-Smither with her own and Bruce Smither’s More Inspiration
  • Brooke Massie and her own Serendipity
  • Jessica Phoenix and Amanda Hoppner’s Bogue Sound
  • Karl Slezak and his own and Kirk Hoppner’s Fernhill Wishes
  • Mike Winter with Jessica Pidcock’s Shannondale Arlo and El Mundo, owned by Jonathan Nelson and Mike and Emma Winter

The Canadian Eventing National Team Program is led by Technical Advisor, David O’Connor, and supported by the EC Eventing High Performance Advisory Group and EC Eventing Manager, Fleur Tipton. The 2019 program consists of training camps and individual training sessions for targeted athletes and horses, as well as competition coaching support.

The focus of the 2019 program is to achieve team qualification at the 2019 Pan American Games, which will be held Aug. 1-4 in Lima, Peru, as well as individual qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at eligible competitions.

“We have a skilled group of horses and riders that comprise our High Performance program,” Dr. Rob Stevenson, Chair of the EC Eventing High Performance Advisory Group, said. “Through our partnership with data analytics company, EquiRatings, I do think that we have a better understanding of our High Performance Squad and targeted athletes.”

“We are very pleased to continue under the technical leadership‎ of David O’Connor,” Rob continued. “His experience, understanding of the athletes, and commitment to our team’s success will give us the best possible opportunity to attain our targeted results. Through this partnership, we plan to both strengthen and broaden the depth of our squads. This is a good time for eventing in Canada, and we are looking forward to a productive year in 2019.”

The National Training Program “provides a pathway that supports the progression of targeted Canadian athletes in the Train to Compete and Learn to Win stages of the Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) framework to achieve international podium performances.” The program also aligns with EC’s overall High Performance strategy and is  supported by funding partners Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

For more information on EC Eventing, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/eventing.

[Equestrian Canada Announces 2019 Eventing National Team Program Athletes]

Who Jumped It Best? Pine Top Advanced Cross Country Edition

By on Feb 25, 2019 11:00 am -

Pine Top Advanced is widely considered the most difficult early season track for the level in North America, and Derek di Grazia’s course absolutely did not disappoint this past weekend in Thomson, Georgia. Bobby Costello said it best: “I don’t think a rider, owner or coach could ask for better tracks to get the meat of the spring season started — great footing, big and galloping, and just technical enough.”

Take a look at these photos of horses and riders jumping the final water combination on Derek’s Advanced cross country course, and vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which pair you think presents the best overall picture over the jump. Go Eventing.

[Pine Top Advanced H.T. Final Results]

Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tim Bourke and Quality Time. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emma Lomangino and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Missy Miller and Quinn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 25, 2019 12:01 am -

Shout-out to Emily Lehman for completing her first Intermediate at Pine Top with her own Martial Arts. Go Thoroughbreds! Photo by Jenni Autry.

You might have noticed that the Omnibus pages on the USEA website have been slower to update with information than usual lately. With the print version of the Omnibus officially retired last year, organizers were no longer required to submit their event information for a print deadline. After listening to feedback from members, the USEA announced that Omnibus listings are now due 30 days prior to the event’s opening day. Thank you to organizers for providing this information to competitors in a timely manner!

On another note, the USEA has now officially retired the term “Omnibus” alongside the print editions. “Prize list” is the official title of US Equestrian General Regulations and used for all the other disciplines, so USEA competition details will now be referred to as the “Prize List” going forward. Click here for further details on the decision to nix “Omnibus” from our eventing vocabulary.

National Holiday: National Chocolate Covered Nut Day (We’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel here!)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Final Scores]

Three Lakes at Caudle Ranch H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

For those who were looking forward to seeing Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen reunited for the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand-Prix Eventing in Aiken next weekend, we are sad to confirm that they will not be competing. Andrew’s 94-year-old father is in poor health, so he has traveled to Australia to be with him instead. Please join us in sending well wishes to Andrew’s father. [‪‘I am very sorry, Mate – our reunion will have to wait for another time!’‬]

Erin Kimmer is working towards obtaining her USEF “r” Technical Delegate license and is blogging about her journey. “I love the sport of eventing and want to be able to contribute in a positive way. If you are really passionate about something, you should try to become involved and give back.” Well said, Erin! [Official’s Journal: Giving Back to the Sport We Love]

Can letting your green horse refuse a jump actually be a helpful training tactic in the long run? Tik Maynard says it can. “If a horse is allowed to systematically process what is being asked instead of rushed into jumping something that scares him, the horse will be more confident in the long run.” [Hot Take: Letting Your Green Horse Refuse Jumps Can Actually Pay Off Later]

“This is not just to try to hunter around forever, but we do need that softness.” We are loving this write-up (complete with diagrams) on the exercises that Bobby Costello used in a recent lesson with Alex Conrad and Booli Selmayr. [Commit to the Canter with Bobby Costello]

Best of the Blogs: Thinking about becoming a working student? Young Rider Olivia Alstad has started a fun, educational blog aimed at helping people decide if a working student position is the right move for them, and if so helping them find the right position. Covering every aspect of the working student experience, it’s a tremendous resource for current and future working students. Part II will be released on March 6. Keep up with the Livin’ Eventing Facebook page for all the latest! [The Ultimate Working Pupil Startup Kit]

Your Monday Video: 

Words of wisdom from Sinead Halpin: “Being in the lead going into cross country at Rocking Horse, I got a little too competitive and went too fast on a green horse at the level and paid for it. Yesterday (at Three Lakes) I was fortunate enough to be in the same position, so left my watch at the trailer and had a lovely canter around the course. So grateful to have wonderful owners who “get it” … lost the win but gained a much more confident horse.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Waylon Roberts Prevail at Pine Top Advanced

By on Feb 22, 2019 8:19 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp dominated on a drizzly day at Pine Top Advanced Horse Trials in Thomson, Georgia, with wins in two of the three Advanced divisions, all of which ran in a one-day format.

Cooley Quicksilver, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer X Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond) owned by the The Monster Partnership, impressed in his Advanced debut and delivered the lowest finishing score across all three divisions. “Oshy,” or “Monster” as he’s known to his friends, scored 30.5 in dressage, added no penalties in show jumping and 2.4 time penalties on cross country to clinch the win on 32.9.

“He’s always been a bit of a freak,” Liz said. “We’ve had him since he was a very green 5-year-old, and he’s definitely his own person, but today he was incredible in the jumping phases. He just found it all very easy, which is amazing for an 8-year-old. I’m very excited about him turning into the top horse we always knew he could be.”

Liz said representing the U.S. at Le Lion d’Angers in the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in France last year, where he finished seventh, definitely helped Oshy mature, especially in regards to his gallop.

“He’s really learned to gallop now; I think Le Lion was the making of that. Today he really covered the ground because I didn’t feel like I was hassling or chasing him. He obviously was a bit green with the size of the cross country — I had to help him a little bit with my leg — but that’s any horse in his first Advanced.”

Oshy is next entered in the Advanced at Red Hills, with a plan to contest the CCI4*-S at both Carolina International and The Fork at Tryon, followed by the CCI3*-L at Tattersalls in Ireland. Liz ultimately hopes Oshy will make a case for contention for the U.S. Pan American Games team throughout the remainder of his spring campaign.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz’s five-star partner Deniro Z took the win in the  Advanced Test A-B division. “Niro,” an 11-year-old KWPN gelding (Zapatero VDL X Zonne- Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by The Deniro Syndicate, sat second after dressage on 30.5, delivered a clear show jumping round and added 4.4 time penalties to win on 34.9.

“Niro hasn’t had a cross country run since Little Downham last year at the beginning of October, so he was a little bit surprised to be out around an Advanced. That was a decision we made with (U.S. Eventing Performance Director) Erik Duvander. He’s a brilliant horse, and a couple of the time faults came with settling in a bit. He was over-jumping a few things and getting himself back together again.”

Niro, one of eight horses named to the 2019 USEF Development Pre-Elite Training List, will contest the CCI4*-S at Carolina International and The Fork at Tryon alongside his stablemate, followed by the second CCI5*-L appearance of his career at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

As for the secret to Liz’s success in winning two Advanced divisions today, she said spending a week competing in pure show jumping and dressage classes in Wellington, Florida, earlier this month really helped her fine-tune those two phases ahead of Pine Top.

“The trip to Wellington really upped their game in show jumping and dressage,” Liz said. “I think the horses and I definitely grew while we were away there. It was a really great experience all around. We came in feeling like we’d done a bit more of our homework instead of feeling like it’s early in the season.”

Waylon Roberts and Lancaster. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Waylon Roberts and Michelle and John Koppin’s Lancaster, a 12-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding by Yavari, topped the other Advanced division on a final score of 40.0. Waylon is based in Aiken, South Carolina, for the winter, but has made several trips down to Ocala, Florida, throughout the winter to ride with David O’Connor, who is the technical advisor to the Canadian Eventing Team.

“We’re a little rusty in the dressage and still getting used to doing changes when we’re supposed to — it’s an ongoing process. David O’Connor has been helping me a lot and really gets the horse, so we’ve been really pleased with how he’s helped us come along,” Waylon said.

“I’m just so pleased for the owners, John and Michelle. They trusted me with this horse (after Boyd Martin had him) and it wasn’t like he was a made horse when I got him. I’m so happy for them that we’ve stuck it through. It’s so impressive for the horse to go win an Advanced. He just keeps answering the questions the right way. There have been bobbles along the way, but it’s all coming together.”

Lancaster will next represent Canada at the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand-Prix Eventing showcase in Aiken next week, followed by the CCI4*-S at Carolina International with an ultimate spring goal of competing at a little event in Kentucky come April.

Looking to how all of the Advanced divisions played out, no pairs finished on their dressage scores. Only 13 of the 43 total combinations (30.2%) delivered clear show jumping rounds over Chris Barnard’s challenging course. The large grass arena features undulating terrain and requires gutsy inside turns and relentless forward riding to catch the time allowed; more than half of the Advanced starters accrued time penalties in show jumping.

Time also proved to be an influential factor on the Advanced cross country course. Matt Flynn and Wizzerd were the only pair across all three Advanced divisions to make the optimum time of 6 minutes, 6 seconds on Derek di Grazia’s track, which demands a bold, forward ride.

It was an absolutely packed day of action at Pine Top today, with six Intermediate divisions also running in a one-day format. Please join me in congratulating the winners of the Intermediate divisions:

  • Open Intermediate-A: Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables’ Pfun
  • Open Intermediate-B: Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s On Cue
  • Open Intermediate-C: Ryan Wood and Curran Simpson’s Woodstock Bennett
  • Intermediate Horse: Colleen Loach and Amanda Bernhard’s FE Golden Eye
  • Intermediate Junior Young Rider: Alex Baugh and Altorac Farm’s Mr Candyman
  • Intermediate Rider: Andi Lawrence and her own Cooley Northern Mist

Please accept my sincerest apologies for the brevity in this weekend’s reports from Pine Top, as I am also competing myself. The action continues tomorrow with dressage and show jumping for the Preliminary, Training and Novice divisions, followed by cross country on Sunday. Stay tuned for much more from Pine Top! Go Eventing.

Pine Top Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores

4 Things You Need to Know About The Fork at Tryon

By on Feb 21, 2019 9:00 am -

Phillip Dutton and Z, winners of The Fork at Tryon CCI4*-S in 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Entries are now open for The Fork at Tryon, which will run three FEI divisions (CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S) and USEA National levels from Beginner Novice to Advanced on April 4-7 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. There are a few key things to know about the event this year, so we’ve compiled a handy list.

1. All of the cross country courses — from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-S — will run on turf galloping tracks and not in the arenas. All FEI levels, as well as the Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary, will run on the White Oak course, which was used for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. The Modified, Training, Novice and Beginner Novice will run on the gallop tracks on the TIEC side of the property.

2. The FEI divisions are offering $30,000 in prize money.

3. The CCI4*-S at The Fork will serve as an important event when it comes to selection for the 2019 U.S. Pan American Games team. USEF released an addendum to the Pan Ams selection procedures earlier this month, explaining that the course map at the Pan Ams venue in Lima, Peru “appears to be a very twisty course on what we know is flat ground.” Click here to read the full addendum.

“The Fork at Tryon is a competition that may be a test similar to what we will face at the Pan American Games. While it is not mandatory to attend this competition, the belief is that it will be a similar test to what the athletes/horses will face in Lima. With that in mind, and with the historical knowledge we have of the design and preparation of the cross country course at the Fork at Tryon, the CCI4*-S appears be an appropriate test and preparation for athletes/horses who believe they will be in contention for the Pan American Games.”

4. There is a jam-packed schedule of social activities. A riders’ welcome reception will be held on Thursday, April 4. The ladies champagne luncheon to benefit The Brooke Foundation will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, April. 5 Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. Comedy club night is 8:30-10 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. The competitors’ party is Saturday, April 6 from 7-10 p.m. Riders get two tickets and there is a cash bar. More tickets are available online.

Are you going to The Fork at Tryon this year? Let us know in the comments below! Go Eventing.

The Fork at Tryon Links: Website, Omnibus, Volunteer

ICP Symposium Report: Sand Dancing & ‘Tonique’ with Maxime Livio

By on Feb 20, 2019 11:00 am -

Derry channeling his inner Valegro at the ICP Symposium with Maxime Livio. Photo by Leslie Mintz/USEA.

Each year the USEA brings a top international event rider to the States to teach at the Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) Symposium, and this year’s clinician did not disappoint. In addition to being a five-star winner with a slew of other top results to his name, Maxime Livio also rode on the French bronze medal team at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. Maxime channeled all of his experience and energy into two days of lessons — dressage on Monday and jumping on Tuesday — at the beautiful Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida.

I was extremely lucky to ride in a Preliminary dressage group on the first day. My horse, Derry, is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse who is still building strength to carry himself, and having a slightly longer back means it’s that much more difficult to properly engage his hind end. Add in the fact that Derry is a big, rangy horse and I have what my trainer, Jimmie Schramm, affectionately refers to as “chicken legs,” and it can be a challenge for me to package him together while still maintaining enough impulsion.

Maxime took one look at our working gaits and said I should never settle for “in the middle” in our dressage work at home. Instead, he had me push Derry’s stride forward and then collect him back to balance before sending him forward again and repeating the exercise. My first attempts at this exercise still lacked tonique — a word Maxime used frequently to describe power and impulsion. He wanted me to really send Derry forward and then use my core to really collect him back and find balance, which he explained as sitting “inside” the horse.

“The first time even if he is a little bit fast, let him go,” Maxime told me. “When you feel that he is pushing underneath you, then we will balance him and then we will collect him. If we try to balance him with not enough forward behind the saddle, then when you balance he will lose the forward and fall behind you.” In the moments when I balanced Derry but he stopped pushing from behind, Maxime told me to instead do 10 meters of focusing on the hind leg, then 10 meters of balancing. “After two circles of that, try to get both.”

Watch the video to see how Maxime coached me through the exercise with Derry. “More, more, more; show me how he can trot. More, more, more, more; then balance, balance, balance. Forward — more, more, more, then balance. Keep the energy when you balance.” Maxime wanted the trot to follow a “tick, tack” metronome pattern with plenty of tonique — you’ll hear him in the video saying “tack, tack, tack” to help my find the right rhythm.

Maxime also wanted Derry bounding off the ground with each stride in the canter, which he demonstrated by pretending like he was dancing on hot sand. “You know when you are on holiday and the sand is too hot? That’s what I want the canter to be like,” he explained. He also constantly reminded us to “find the music” in the gaits — four beats for walk, two beats for trot and three beats for canter.

Derry absolutely tried his guts out, and Maxime said I should keep dressage sessions to a short 25 minutes at this point in his training, but ensure that he is working hard during every second — using the lengthening and collecting exercise and finding the music in the gaits, all the while keeping tonique in mind. While Maxime said he thinks Derry will feel quite strong to ride and tough to package at this stage, it will ultimately help us reach the end goal of true self carriage.

Training at home is about taking risks so you know your horse’s limits, Maxime explained. “Save the beauty for the ring at competitions.” He also aptly noted that “the judge will see 50 horses per day, so you have to do something to keep them interested.” I’ll have that thought at the forefront of my mind — along with plenty of tonique — when I go down centerline at our next competition.

Thank you to the USEA for bringing Maxime to the ICP Symposium. The action continues today with the Young Event Horse Symposium, in which Maxime will be evaluating 5-year-olds for their potential to one day compete at the highest level of the sport. Be sure to follow the USEA on Instagram for more photos, and stay tuned to their website for additional coverage from the symposium. Go Eventing.

[Top 12 Quotes from Maxime Livio on Day One of the 2019 ICP Symposium]

[Livio Lines Up the Perfect Ride on Day Two of the USEA ICP Symposium]

Michael Jung Will Not Compete at Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2019

By on Feb 19, 2019 12:02 pm -

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST at Kentucky 2017. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

If you were hoping to see three-time winner Michael Jung at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event this year, we can sadly confirm that he will not be competing. Michael shared the news on Instagram this morning.

Michael and wonder mare fischerRocana FST won Kentucky for three consecutive years in 2015, 2016 and 2017, before finishing second last year to Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class to end the streak. Rocana joins Winsome Adante and Avebury as the only other horse to win three times at the same five-star venue.

Will Oliver Townend return to Kentucky this year to defend his title? Will an American win the event for the first time since 2008? We are just 64 days away from the first horse inspection. Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know in the lead-up to Kentucky.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, what are you even doing with your life? Buy tickets here.

Go Eventing.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 18, 2019 12:01 am -

If you’re anything like me, you struggle to do one clean flying change at any given time, much less five on a diagonal in a dressage test. On that note, we’re sending three cheers to Liz Halliday-Sharp for tackling her first Prix St. Georges with Fernhill By Night on Saturday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. The test requires four-tempis and three-tempis — 10 flying changes in all. Consider this your #MondayMotivation — get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

National Holiday: National Drink Wine Day (Editor’s Note: I was born ready for this.)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Final Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park CCI & H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The 2019 USEA Educational Symposium kicks off today at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida. Maxime Livio, WEG team bronze medalist for France and five-star winner, is teaching the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) portion of the symposium with dressage lessons today, followed by show jumping and cross country lessons tomorrow. Follow the link for the full two-day schedule, and stay tuned for EN’s coverage. [ICP Schedule with Maxime Livio]

Sir Mark Todd is returning to racehorse training for Eminent’s campaign in Australia, including his race against unbeaten super mare Winx. Eminent’s owner, New Zealand Bloodstock principal Sir Peter Vela, has also owned event horses for Mark. The horse is now in quarantine at Newmarket in preparation to fly to Australia on Feb. 28. [Eventing’s Mark Todd to take on Winx in new racing venture]

As horse owners, we agonize over the best care to provide for our hard-working equine athletes. Luckily, Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s staff veterinarian and medical director, is available to answer any veterinary questions you might have each month in the #AsktheVetVideo series. Follow the link to submit a question for April’s video. [Ask your horse health questions for the April 2019 Ask the Vet video!]

Best of Humans of Eventing: 

“Will I get penalized for throwing up on the jump?”

Overheard during a course walk

Monday Video:

ICYMI — Hannah Sue Burnett is now campaigning Leo Distinction, Blyth Tait’s former four-star ride. Check out their dressage test from Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. courtesy of our friendly neighborhood videographer David Frechette. Click here to view more videos of the weekend action.

Sam Griffiths vs. Paul Tapner: Who’s the Aussiest?

By on Feb 14, 2019 12:00 pm -

Australian event riders Sam Griffiths and Paul Tapner faced off in a quiz last week at the BETA International trade show to determine who is the “Aussiest.” The loser had to dance around BETA wearing a Gatehouse helmet and air jacket — and yes, it’s as hilarious as it sounds.

These are the questions Sam and Paul had to answer:

  1. What is the capitol of Australia?
  2. What day is Australia Day?
  3. How long can koalas sleep for?
  4. How many species of kangaroo are there in Australia?
  5. What is the highest mountain in Australia?
  6. What is the meaning of these Australia slang words? A. Barbie B. Arvo C. Thongs

Watch the video to find out who won and who had to dance around BETA (just try to watch without laughing!).

For anyone playing along with the quiz, scroll down for the answers.

 

 

  1. Canberra
  2. Jan. 26
  3. Up to 20 hours
  4. Four
  5. Mount Kosciuszko
  6. A. Barbecue B. Afternoon C. Flip flops

Go Aussies. Go Eventing.

FEI Confirms 2019 Eventing Nations Cup Calendar

By on Feb 11, 2019 11:20 am -

Katherine Coleman and Back to Business II competing on the U.S. Nations Cup team at Boekelo in 2017. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The FEI has confirmed the 2019 Eventing Nations Cup calendar with seven events, the lowest number of competitions on the schedule since 2013.

After three years of hosting a Nations Cup in the U.S., a leg will not return to Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, as organizers cited the burden of transporting international horses to the States.

The following events have been confirmed for 2019:

May 26-23, 2019 – Houghton Hall CCIO4*-NC-S (GBR)

June 5-9, 2019 – Pratoni Del Vivaro CCIO4*-NC-S (ITL)

June 26-30, 2019 – Strzegom CCIO4*-NC-S (POL)

July 24-28, 2019 – Cappoquin (Camphire) CCIO4*-NC-S (IRL)

Aug. 7-11, 2019 – Haras du Pin CCIO4*-NC-S (FRA)

Sept. 19-22, 2019 – Waregem CCIO4*-NC-S (BEL)

Oct. 10-13, 2019 – Boekelo CCIO4*-NC-L (NED)

Germany and Great Britain are the only two nations to ever win the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series since it launched in 2012. Great Britain took the series title last year.

Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing, confirmed that the U.S. will send a team to the Nations Cup finale at Boekelo, as well as Aachen on July 18-20, 2019. While Aachen has not been designated as a Nations Cup leg for a second consecutive year, the event will still host a CCIO4*-S team competition.

[FEI Eventing Nations Cup Calendar 2019]

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 11, 2019 12:01 am -

One of the defining hallmarks of the eventing community has to be the way everyone rallies together when one of our own needs a helping hand. Zach Brandt has been recovering from a badly broken leg since December, and a slew of his fellow event riders have stepped in to help him keep his business going. The EN team continues to send speedy healing wishes to Zach!

National Holiday: National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop February H.T. [Final Scores]

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Final Scores]

Pine Top I H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

Sara Kozumplik Murphy shares a gymnastic exercise “that really allows the rider to focus on finessing their aides, while the horse is set up for success with very clear distances between the fences.” [Grid Pro Quo with Sara Kozumplik Murphy]

SmartPak’s SmartCookies Flavor Contest is back! Fill out the form to cast your vote for which flavor you think should join the SmartCookies lineup, which currently includes Guilt-Free Peppermint Pattie, Guilt-Free Carrot Cake and Guilt-Free Banana Bread. [SmartPak’s 2019 SmartCookies Flavor Contest]

If You Read Only One Thing Today: Michael Jung — Is He the Greatest Ever?
Jan Tönjes, editor of Germany’s premier equestrian publication, St Georg, shares fascinating insights into what he believes makes Michael Jung one of the greatest — if not the greatest — event rider of all time.

Humans of Eventing is back for 2019, y’all. Be sure to follow along with the insanity on Facebook. Here’s a sampling:

“I see you and him doing this in forward four strides.”

“I kinda just see him leaving me here and going back to the barns.”

Overheard during a course walk

[Humans of Eventing]

Monday Video: How awesome is it to see 23-year-old Relentless Pursuit looking so fabulous? Kudos to Amanda Gardiner for giving him a super ride at Ocala Winter I Horse Trials over the weekend. Watch more videos from Ocala on Thehorsepesterer YouTube channel.

Product Review: Bucas Atlantic Turnout Rug & Combi Neck

By on Feb 8, 2019 3:42 pm -

The Atlantic Turnout is the newest rug in the Bucas family. Photo courtesy of Bucas.

After biblical amounts of rain and polar vortexes have plagued the greater eventing nation this winter, it’s likely your blanketing system is limping along right about now. If you’re looking to replace your horse’s turnout rug, take a closer look at the new Bucas Atlantic Turnout, which EN tested this winter in both Pennsylvania and Florida.

The Atlantic range is the newest addition to the Bucas family of turnout rugs, which have introduced numerous technological advancements to the blanketing market since the company launched in Ireland in 1981. Designed to withstand the most severe inclement weather while offering superior fit and durability, Bucas has continued the tradition of of designing “intelligent” horse rugs.

With that in mind, there’s a lot to like about the new Bucas Atlantic Turnout, which is made with tough-as-nails 1000D ballistic nylon. I’m incredibly picky about how rugs fit, and the shoulder darts in Bucas rugs virtually guarantee a fantastic fit that prevents shoulder rubbing and allows for better freedom of movement.

The new Dermo-Care lining keeps your horse’s coat sleek and shiny. Photo courtesy of Bucas.

The most exciting feature has to be the the new Dermo-Care lining, which is similar to Stay-Dry lining in other Bucas rugs in that it also wicks moisture away from the horse and can be used in place of a cooler. Whereas the Stay-Dry lining is fleece, the Dermo-Care lining is smooth, which keeps your horse’s coat sleek and shiny and helps combat the dreaded winter scurf. Derry’s coat looks immaculate every time he wears the Bucas Atlantic Turnout, even before he was clipped and was rocking what I affectionally call his “yak” look.

I’m also a big fan of the Click ‘n Go closure on Bucas rugs, which features an easy magnetic snap-lock closure (though it can be tricky to navigate if you are wearing bulky winter gloves). The Bucas Atlantic also features cross surcingles, leg straps and a fillet string to keep it securely on your horse. Derry has rolled around in the Pennsylvania snow and his sandy Florida paddock, and the rug stays put.

You can also attach liners and coolers to the Bucas Atlantic, as well as the Combi Neck. If I’m picky about turnout fit, then I’m even more picky about how neck attachments fit. Derry wears an 81 in the turnout, and the medium neck hits him perfectly with plenty of room so it isn’t strangling him when he puts his neck down, and it perfectly stretches up to sit just behind his ears.

The Bucas Atlantic is available in a beautiful Atlantic Green color with green/silver trim in sizes 60” to 84” and in three different weights: 50g light for $283.95 retail, 200g medium for $305.95 retail and 400g heavyweight for $319.95 retail. Every Bucas Atlantic Turnout comes with a guarantee that the rug will remain waterproof for two years.

Click here to learn more about the Bucas Atlantic Turnout range or to purchase your own rug. Click here to find a distributor in your area via Toklat, the official USA distributor for Bucas.

Have you tried a Bucas turnout rug? Share your experience in the comments below.

Teams Set for $20,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational

By on Feb 7, 2019 3:00 pm -

Jacob Fletcher is one of many riders returning to the Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The eight team captains have chosen their riders for the $20,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational, which will take place March 4-5 at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Florida. That’s right — the prize money has been boosted to $20,000 for the first time in the history of the competition!

The show kicks off on Monday, March 4 with a $1,000 1.15-meter speed class sponsored by Doug Hannum Equine Therapy. The 1.30-meter class will take place Tuesday, March 5 in a team format. The first round will determine the team results, and the top 10 combinations — or all pairs that jump clear in the first round — will return for the second round jump-off.

Here are the teams you’ll be cheering on over Chris Barnard’s course:

Canada
Selena O’Hanlon
Shelby Brost
Jessica Phoenix
Dana Cooke

Buck Off Cancer
Jennie Brannigan
Lynn Symansky
Hannah Sue Burnett
Katherine Coleman

USA
Lauren Kieffer
Will Coleman
Matt Brown
Buck Davidson

West Coast
Tamie Smith
Kristen Bond
Allie Knowles
Natalia Neneman

Wild Card
Shanon Baker
John Michael Durr
Colleen Rutledge
Autumn Schweiss

Team Unstable
Sara Kozumplik Murphy
Joe Meyer
Bobby Meyerhoff
Sharon White

Team GB
Justine Dutton
Leslie Law
Liz Halliday-Sharp
Daisy Trayford

Under 25
Hallie Coon
Jacob Fletcher
Caroline Martin
4th rider TBD

The 1.30-meter main class will once again be streamed live here on EN and on EQTV Network with commentary.

For those who are going, general admission is free to the public on both days. Brewster Walker Horse Transport is providing free beer, as well as sponsoring a $500 Grooms Award for the best turned-out horse. Food will be available for purchase from Humble Wood Fire Pizza.

VIP tables with six seats are available for $600 in the ringside tent and include an open bar and food from Celebrations Catering, as well as access to the popular after party. Contact Denise Goyea at 617-225-6325 or [email protected] to reserve a VIP table.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Lisa Thomas at [email protected] for more information about sponsorship. Reach out to Max Corcoran at [email protected] with any questions about the competition.

Follow the Eventing Prix Invitational on Facebook for updates.

First Look at Entry List for Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 7, 2019 12:02 pm -

William Fox-Pitt is cross the pond to compete in Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

EN reported that top international riders were looking for catch rides for the inaugural $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, which will take place March 1-2 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina. We are delighted to confirm that William Fox-Pitt will compete Hannah Salazar’s Sandro’s Star, the USEA Stallion of the Year for the last two consecutive years thanks to strong results with Chris Talley.

Andrew Hoy is also reuniting with his London Olympic partner Rutherglen, whom he last competed at Millstreet in 2017. Since then, Rutherglen has been showing Isabel Finemore the ropes at Preliminary level, and they won the USEF CCI* Junior/Young Rider Championship at Virginia Horse Trials last fall.

Scroll down to view the full provisional entry list. Note that this does not reflect the final entry list, as USEF will verify all entries for proper qualifications.

  • Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times (USA)
  • Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda (USA)
  • Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA)
  • Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty (AUS)
  • Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly (USA)
  • Will Coleman and Tight Lines (USA)
  • Will Coleman and Off the Record (USA)
  • Hallie Coon and Celien (USA)
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo (USA)
  • Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey (USA)
  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore (USA)
  • Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready (USA)
  • Will Faudree and Pfun (USA)
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me (CAN)
  • William Fox-Pitt and Sandro’s Star (GBR)
  • Clayton Fredericks and Luksor (AUS)
  • Sara Gumbiner and Polaris (USA)
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver (USA)
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z (USA)
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night (USA)
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA)
  • Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen (AUS)
  • Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration (CAN)
  • Lauren Kieffer and Paramount Importance (USA)
  • Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus (USA)
  • Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges (USA)
  • Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code (USA)
  • Boyd Martin and Contestor (USA)
  • Boyd Martin and Kyra (USA)
  • Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace (USA)
  • Selena O’Hanlon and Bendigo (CAN)
  • Alex O’Neal and Fury H (USA)
  • Ellie O’Neal and Zeta (USA)
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver (USA)
  • Doug Payne and Getaway (USA)
  • Waylon Roberts and Lancaster (CAN)
  • Colleen Rutledge and Confidence Game (USA)
  • Dom Schramm and Bolytair B (AUS)
  • Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA)
  • Allison Springer and Business Ben (USA)
  • Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
  • Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic (AUS)
  • Ronald Zabala and Wundermaske (ECU)

The showcase is a USEF recognized competition held at Advanced level. Dressage will take place on the morning of Friday, March 1, using USEF 2018 Advanced Test B. Show jumping will follow on Friday afternoon with a course set at Advanced height and designed by Michel Vaillancourt.

Cross country will be held Saturday afternoon on March 2. Capt. Mark Phillips’s course will run across approximately 2,000 meters with 20 total jumping efforts, including a water complex and banks. Click here for a sneak peek of the jumps, all of which have an Aiken theme.

The full competition will stream live with commentary here on EN and on EQTV Network.

General admission tickets cost $12 per day, or you can purchase a weekend pass for $20. Click here to purchase general admission tickets.

VIP tickets cost $375 and include a champagne breakfast on Friday morning during dressage, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres on Friday afternoon and evening during show jumping, and lunch with an open bar on Saturday afternoon during cross country. Click here to purchase VIP tickets.

Sponsorship packages that include VIP access start at $500. Click here to view sponsorship information.

Are you planning to attend Aiken’s inaugural eventing showcase? Let us know in the comments below!

USEF/USET Foundation Launch North American Futures Team Challenge

By on Feb 6, 2019 2:27 pm -

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The USEF Eventing High Performance Program is now accepting applications for the 2019 USEF/USET Foundation North American Futures Team Challenge, a new initiative established to simulate competing in a team environment.

Established with the USET Foundation and administered by USEF, the North American Futures Team Challenge is designed to complement the Eventing High Performance Program, which recently rolled out the new U.S. Eventing Pathway Program.

Two teams of four combinations will contest an unofficial simulated team competition at both Carolina International in the CCI3*-S or CCI4*-S and at Bromont in the CCI3*-L. The teams will undergo training prior to each competition.

“I’m super excited about this project because it gives riders who haven’t had the experience to learn what it means to be in a team and operate in a team environment,” Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director for Eventing, told EN.

“This is an area where the European riders have the opportunity to compete in Nations Cups, and now that we have it as well that’s another box we’re ticking. The program is in its infancy, and we will continuously review it to see how we can develop and grow it to meet our needs and get the most out of it.”

Selection to the team under this challenge does not represent selection to a recognized U.S. team. Rather, the program is designed to replicate the experience of competing on a team and within a team environment by offering a training opportunity embedded within an existing competition.

Riders can apply for one or both competitions and do not need to be listed on the Emerging or Development Program to apply. Selection will follow the criteria used for Nations Cups as a guideline and will be based on results, potential to contribute to successful results on future teams, willingness to learn, and commitment to developing into a future team athlete — the ultimate aim of the Emerging and Developing Programs.

A two-day educational training program will take place for the teams prior to the start of the competition at Carolina International and Bromont, with a focus on the expectations of being a team rider, preparation for a team event, and how to operate at a team event. The training will also include dressage test ride reviews and show jumping practice. Erik Duvander and Leslie Law will coach and serve as Chefs d’Equipe for the two teams.

Depending on the number of applicants, teams may be run at either the CCI3*-S or CCI4*-S level at Carolina International. Bromont will use the CCI3*-L for this program. Riders can apply for one or both competitions. Applications are due on Feb. 19 and can be accessed at https://athletes.usef.org.

EN will bring you coverage of the North American Futures Team Challenge at both Carolina International and Bromont as the USEF Eventing High Performance Program seeks to “create a culture of competitiveness.”

Keep it locked on EN for all the U.S. High Performance news you need to know. Go Eventing.

Path to Peru: What You Need to Know About U.S. Team Selection for the Pan Ams

By on Feb 6, 2019 11:56 am -

Can the U.S. team repeat their gold medal performance in Peru? Photo by Jenni Autry.

After qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games eluded the U.S. at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, the team must now qualify for Tokyo at the 2019 Pan American Games. Eventing will take place on Aug. 1-4 in Lima, Peru.

All countries from FEI Olympic Group D (North America) and E (Central & South America) will also be vying for Tokyo qualification at the Pan Ams, which will award Olympic qualification to the top two teams in Lima. No countries from Groups D and E qualified at Tryon, so every country that fields a team for Lima will be battling it out for Tokyo qualification.

When you consider that Canada and Brazil will also be seeking Olympic qualification at the Pan Ams, the stage is set for a nail-biting competition in Peru. The Pan Ams will once again run at the CCI3*-L level (formerly CCI2* under the old FEI star system). Teams will be made up of four horses and riders with a drop score.

The U.S. selection procedures for the 2019 Pan American Games were approved by the U.S. Olympic Committee on Jan. 31, 2019, and made public this week. All athletes and horses wishing to compete on the 2019 Pan American Games Eventing Team must achieve one qualifying result between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 25, 2019 at a CCI3*-L, CCI4*-L or CCI5*-L.

The following competitions have been confirmed as selection trials for the U.S. team:

2018 U.S. Pan Am Selection Trials

  • The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI2* and CCI3* – July 18-22
  • Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4* – Aug. 30- Sept. 2
  • Ssang Yong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3* – Sept. 13-16
  • Military Boekelo CCIO3* – Oct. 11-14
  • The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* and CCI2* – Oct. 17-21
  • Virginia Horse Trials CCI2* – Nov. 1-4
  • Galway Downs International CCI3* and CCI2* – Nov. 1-4
  • Ocala Jockey Club CCI2* and CCI3* – Nov. 15-18

2019 U.S. Pan Am Selection Trials

  • Twin Rivers CCI3*-L – April 10-14
  • Ocala International now CCI3*-L – April 10-14
  • Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L – April 24-28
  • Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials now CCI5*-L – May 1-5
  • Jersey Fresh CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L – May 8-12
  • Tattersalls International CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L May 29-June 2
  • Bromont CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L – June 5-9

Additional CCI3*-L and CCI4*L competitions between July 18, 2018 and June 9, 2019 may be considered as selection trials with approval of the U.S. Selectors and the USEF Eventing Sport Committee if a rider makes a request at least 30 days prior to the start of the competition.

Combinations will be chosen for the U.S. team based on the following factors (in no particular order):

  • The overall performance and soundness of the combination in the 2018/2019 competitions designated as selection trials with emphasis on dressage scores, current fitness, cross country, and show jumping performance: jumping without faults and/or incurring time penalties, boldness, rideability, and speed.
  • The previous international experience of the combination (preference may be given to combinations who have demonstrated ability to succeed in multiple international eventing competitions.
  • The rider’s fitness.
  • The combination’s will to win and the suitability of the combination to win an individual medal or contribute to a team medal at the Pan American Games.
  • The willingness of the athlete to work within the confines of the event accreditation
    allocation and restrictions.

The U.S. Pan American Games Team will be announced no later than June 19, 2019. Four combinations will be named to the team, as well as a list of alternates. The selectors can name direct reserve horses for team riders. A direct reserve horse would be an automatic replacement if the original horse has to be substituted.

All of the combinations named to the team will be required to “demonstrate their continued preparation, soundness and ability” by competing at a preparation event or multiple events. Details regarding the preparation event(s) will be released no later than April 15, 2019 all details. It is currently expected that the preparation event(s) will be a CCI3*-S, an Advanced horse trial(s) or Advanced combined test(s) to be held after June 15.

In exceptional circumstances, the selectors may grant a waiver for all or part of the
requirements if it is in the perceived best interests of the results of the team. Waivers may be granted for combinations who have limited competition results during the initial qualifying
period of July 18, 2018 to June 9, 2019, but have earned high scores.

Click here to view the full U.S. selection procedures. Keep it locked on EN for all the latest news on the path to Peru. Go Eventing.

Chipmunk FRH Secured as New Ride for Michael Jung [Updated]

By on Feb 5, 2019 1:37 pm -

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH (GER). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports (DOKR) confirmed today that Chipmunk FRH, Julia Krajewski’s 2018 World Equestrian Games mount, has been secured as a new ride for double Olympic champion Michael Jung.

Following the World Equestrian Games, the contract between Julia and Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, Chipmunk FRH’s owner, was not renewed “for personal reasons,” DOKR said in a statement. Julia, who produced Chipmunk FRH from a 4-year-old, confirmed that the contract expired and was not renewed.

“After six very successful years together, the contract I had with the owner expired, was not renewed for personal reasons of the owner (which I can understand) and it was decided to sell Chipmunk, so after some very emotional months I now ultimately lost the ride on this very special horse.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Today is a very sad day as Chipmunk FRH is leaving us to go to his new home 😢After 6 very successful years together the contract I had with the owner expired, was not renewed for personal reasons of the owner (which I can understand) and it was decided to sell Chipmunk, so after some very emotional month I now ultimately lost the ride on this very special horse… Chip came to me as a 4 year old and we did every step together, from the first xc training to winning the 5yo-Bundeschampionat, the CCI3* at Bramham, the CHIO Aachen and going to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon this year. I will remember him as this kind, genuine, brave yet sensitive horse who always gives his all and did so much to do us proud! And despite being very sad to see him go there are so many little and big moments I am thankful for and I wish him a very happy life with his new rider! ❤️❤️❤️ #chipmunkfrh #sadday #goodbye #takecarelittleone Pictures by @lucy_hall75 @goeventing @ingowaechter @fz_fotografie @benjamincclark

A post shared by Julia Krajewski (@julia_krajewski) on

Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff will remain an owner of the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I X Havanna, by Heraldik I) alongside the DOKR and Klaus Fischer, Michael Jung’s chief sponsor.

Michael confirmed in a statement that the horse will now be named fischerChipmunk FRH. “When I was informed at the end of last year that Chipmunk could not stay with Julia, but there was the opportunity to keep him for Germany and me, I tried to make this a reality,” he said.

“It is for me something completely new to get a ‘finished’ horse, because as everyone knows I put a lot of emphasis on the horses themselves you shape. I thank Julia for the great years of training, and I am excited to see what Chip and I can expect over the next few years.”

“Chip” had a standout season with Julia in 2018, winning the Bramham CCI4*-L on a record score of 19.4 and defeating the best in the world at CHIO Aachen. He led after dressage at Tryon in his first appearance on a German championship team before picking up a runout on cross country.

“Despite being very sad to see him go, there are so many little and big moments I am thankful for and I wish him a very happy life with his new rider,” Julia said.

[Chipmunk FRH in the future with Michael Jung]

[Chipmunk FRH has arrived well in new home]

This article has been updated to include additional information.

Be Prepared When Injuries Occur: Your Guide to the ERA of NA Insurance Plans

By on Feb 5, 2019 9:42 am -

Do you have adequate accident and disability insurance?

Competing in any equestrian sport carries a certain amount of risk. For professionals who depend on their ability to ride and teach to keep their businesses going, suffering an injury that requires downtime to recover can be a financial disaster.

The insurance plans provided through the Event Riders Association of North America (ERA of NA) can be a safety net when injuries occur. All professional memberships, which cost $393 annually, include a base accident and disability insurance plan through Zurich Insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses up to $100,000, plus a $200 weekly disability benefit for up to 52 weeks.

For a cost of $3.18 per day — which is less than you spend at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts every day, let’s be honest — professionals can upgrade to a far superior accident and disability insurance plan that provides coverage for medical expenses up to $1 million. The buy-up plan also increases the weekly disability benefit professionals can receive from $200 to $600. That’s a difference of receiving $10,400 total in the base plan or $31,200 in the buy-up plan if professionals spend one year recovering from an injury.

It seems like a no-brainer to opt for the buy-up plan considering the extra coverage professionals can receive in the case of an injury, but ERA of NA confirmed to EN that many professional riders do not take advantage of the additional coverage due to the higher cost of $1,162 annually, or $96.83 per month.

Sinead Halpin didn’t upgrade her insurance plan the year she suffered broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade and a collapsed lung in a fall at Chattahoochee Hills, plus injured her leg at Fair Hill. “It was the difference between getting $200 and $600 per week, and that affected me greatly,” she said.

Will Faudree depended on ERA insurance when he suffered a broken neck in a fall at Southern Pines. “I was not allowed to ride for six months. For the first four months, I was in a neck brace and unable to even teach. Without the ERA insurance, I do not know what I would have done. Not only did it help me with added medical expenses, it took the pressure off of trying to do more than I should and enabled me time to heal properly.”

Silva Martin also had ERA insurance when she suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall and said it greatly eased the financial burden while she recovered. “There is always risk associated with riding and training horses, but good insurance helps you to be prepared for the worst,” she said.

Here’s a closer look at the ERA of NRA insurance plans:

Base insurance plan – $393 – included in all ERA of NA professional memberships

  • Includes accident excess medical expense of a $100,000 maximum benefit with a $5,000 deductible
  • Accident disability: $200 weekly disability benefit after a 30-day wait for up to 52 weeks
  • Accidental death & dismemberment/loss of use: $15,000 maximum amount

Buy up insurance plan – $1,162 or $96.83 per month

  • Accident excess medical expense: $1,000,000 maximum benefit with $5,000 deductible
  • Accident disability: $600 weekly disability benefit after a 30-day wait for up to 52 weeks
  • Accidental death & dismemberment/loss of use: $100,000 maximum amount

Here are a three key things to know about the ERA of NA insurance plans:

  1. ERA of NA insurance isn’t limited to professional riders, which is one of the most common misconceptions. It is available to any equine professional: grooms, vets, farriers, physiotherapists, course builders, etc.
  2. The insurance isn’t limited to professionals in eventing. It can be purchased by all equine professionals regardless of which discipline they are associated with in their career.
  3. There is a split payment option to help make the insurance more affordable. Half of the membership/insurance fee can be paid at the initial time of sign-up, with the remaining half paid on June 1. On the split payment option, the base plan costs $196.50 upon form submission and $196.50 on June 1, 2019. The buy up plan costs $581 upon form submission and $581 on June 1, 2019.

Click here to learn more about the ERA of NA insurance plans and to sign up.

Are you a professional who benefitted from the ERA of NA insurance plans while recovering from an injury? Share your experience in the comments below, and please encourage your fellow professionals to sign up.

[ERA of NA Insurance Plans]