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Jenni Autry
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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

New Zealand Announces 2019 High Performance Squads

By on Feb 4, 2019 10:07 am -

Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo on their way to winning Luhmühlen 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand has announced the 2019 High Performance Squads for eventing. Sir Mark Todd and Tim Price both have four horses named to the squads. Cekatinka, Tim’s 2018 World Equestrian Games mount, and Wesko, who returned to FEI competition following a lengthy hiatus last year, are both notably absent.

Four riders with nine horses between them were named to the High Performance Squad, which “comprises horse and rider combinations committed to and capable of contributing to a podium team placing at the 2020 Olympic Games.”

2019 ESNZ High Performance Squad:

  • Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation, owned by the Johnstone Family
  • Jonelle Price with Classic Moet, owned by the rider and Trisha Rickards, and Faerie Dianimo, owned by the rider, Trisha Rickards and Jacky Green and
  • Sir Mark Todd with NZB Campino, owned by the rider and New Zealand Bloodstock; Leonidas II, owned by the rider, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Sir Mark Todd; Kiltubrid Rhapsody, owned by Dr. Elizabeth Donald and Niki Ryan; and McClaren, owned by David and Katherine Thomson
  • Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy, owned by the rider, Robert Taylor, Varenna Allen and selwood.com, and Bango, owned by the Numero Uno Syndicate

Tim Price also has two horses named to the High Performance Futures Squad, which “consists of those combinations that are knocking on the door to high performance,” alongside five other combinations.

2019 ESNZ High Performance Futures Squad:

  • Amanda Pottinger and Just Kidding, owned by the Pottinger Family
  • Blyth Tait and Havanna, owned by Katherine Corich, Jane Lovell-Smith and John Ormiston
  • Dan Jocelyn and Grovine de Reve, owned by the rider and Therese Miller, Jo Preston-Hunt and Philip Hunt
  • Caroline Powell and On The Brash, owned by Sarah Tobey and Sue Smiley
  • Jesse Campbell and Amsterdam 21, owned by Dr. Craig Campbell
  • Tim Price and Xavier Faer, owned by the rider, Trisha Rickards and Nigella Hall, and Ascona M, owned by Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster and Sir Peter Vela

A further 10 riders were named to the High Performance Potential Squad, which “is aimed as recognizing talented eventing riders that are capable of and committed to producing high performance horses for future Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games.”

2019 ESNZ High Performance Potential Squad:

  • Abby Lawrence
  • Buddy Philpott
  • Donna Edwards-Smith
  • Ginny Thompson
  • Hayley Frielick
  • James Avery
  • Joe Meyer
  • Monica Oakley
  • Nick Brooks
  • Samantha Felton Lissington

[Tokyo Olympic Games Drives Eventing High Performance Squad Changes]

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 4, 2019 12:01 am -

Kulak Equestrian showing their Patriots pride on Super Bowl Sunday in Wellington. Photo by Gloria Callen.

The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams on a score of 13-3 last night to claim their sixth Super Bowl Championship title. Regardless of your feelings about football, you have to admit that the Patriots jump at Kulak Equestrian is pretty awesome.

National Holiday: National Football Hangover Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Stable View H.T. [Final Scores]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

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

Galway Downs H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

New Zealand has announced the team’s 2019 High Performance Squads, with Jonelle Price, Tim Price, Mark Todd and Clarke Johnstone all having horses named to to the High Performance squad. Tim also has two horses on the High Performance Futures squad alongside Blyth Tait, Dan Jocelyn, Caroline Powell, Jesse Campbell and Amanda Pottinger. USA-based Joe Meyer was named to the High Performance Potential Squad. [Tokyo Olympic Games Drives Squad Changes]

How are you planning your horse’s fitness schedule as you look ahead to spring competitions? U.S. team rider Lynn Symansky and U.S. team vet Dr. Susan Johns teamed up to speak about how to ensure you are conditioning your horse properly for your target events without risking injury. [The Art of Conditioning an Event Horse]

Don’t miss this super interview with 18-year-old Kanyon Walker, who is well known in the Ocala area as a high school football standout and most recently received a full scholarship to play for Tulane University. He is also an accomplished event rider, having competed to the CCI2*-L level with his Thoroughbred, Kenneth Street, and has big plans for his future as an equine professional after college. [Unbridled: Ocala Magazine]

How do you get “into the zone” when you compete? Sports psychologist Daniel Stewart believes that first you have to create a “flow-state — a sort of subconscious rhythm or harmony that changes your thinking from forced, mechanical, and over-analyzing to calm, confident, and un-rushed.” [Daniel Stewart’s Tip of the Month: Distracting Distractions]

Monday Video: In case you missed it, here’s the Budweiser Clydesdale commercial that aired during last night’s Super Bowl. [Watch 20 Years of Budweiser Clydesdale Super Bowl Commercials]

Have You Taken the #CupOfTeaChallenge?

By on Feb 3, 2019 5:12 pm -

Have you heard of the #CupOfTeaChallenge? British dressage rider Charlie Hutton started the latest internet phenomenon in an episode of Omega Equine All Star Academy on Horse & Country TV.

The concept is simple: grab a mug of tea (or any liquid) and try not to spill any when you ride. Charlie attempted it without stirrups:

Others have taken the #CupofTeaChallenge while jumping:

We’re waiting for someone to try jumping without stirrups! Horse & Hound posted a roundup of riders attempting the #CupofTeaChallenge. Click here to watch them all.

Now it’s your turn! Take the #CupofTeaChallenge and share your photos and videos on social media using the hashtag. We’ll post a roundup on EN in the next week.

Go Beating the Winter Blues. Go Eventing.

Stable View Aims to Add New FEI Event Starting March 2020

By on Feb 3, 2019 2:59 pm -

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, winners of Stable View’s inaugural CIC4*-S in 2018. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Stable View Farm hosted the inaugural FEI event last year in Aiken, South Carolina, and is hoping to add a second FEI date to the Aiken calendar starting next year. The venue has applied to host a CCI*, CIC2*-S, CIC3*-S and CIC4*-S on March 27-28, 2020.

The date has been approved at the area level and is now making its way through the remainder of the approval process. The FEI calendar is subject to the approval of the USEF Board of Directors and the FEI.

Barry Olliff, owner of Stable View, explained that the venue will no longer run National divisions at the March horse trials starting in 2020, but nearby Full Gallop Farm will instead fill that need on the calendar.

“We have been waiting for four years to get a date where we could run upper levels during what’s come to be known as the Aiken season. Aiken desperately needs a top class event in the spring to enable it to keep top class riders here, and also to provide a choice for riders from down south,” Barry told EN.

“As the Aiken calendar is very congested, we came to an agreement with Full Gallop whereby they would continue with their horse trials on the last Sunday of March, while we would pick up the Friday and Saturday of the same weekend.”

If approved, Barry said Stable View’s new spring FEI event will run in a similar manner to the venue’s popular Oktoberfest horse trials.

“We believe that there will be demand between Pine Top and Carolina International for an event of this caliber,” he added.

Changes to Stable View’s March 2019 Event

Stable View will unveil the venue’s new Modified cross country course next month at the one-day spring horse trials on Tuesday, March 19.

Capt. Mark Phillips is course designer for the Intermediate and Preliminary courses, with Mogie Bearden-Muller designing the Modified to Beginner Novice courses. All courses will use a new track that includes part of the former course as well as the courses used for the Stable View Eventing Academy, both of which are drained and irrigated.

The venue’s fourth arena, which features state-of-the-art Attwood Equestrian Surfaces footing, will also be in use, along with the new Stable View Pavilion.

A total of $20,000 in prize money will be awarded across all levels from Intermediate to Beginner Novice. Click here to view the prize money breakdown. Entries are limited to 40 per division with a maximum of 200 horses.

In terms of scheduling, Stable View confirmed early ride times will be accommodated for competitors who are then traveling on to compete at the Carolina International Three-Day Event on March 20-24.

Click here to view the omnibus for Stable View’s Spring Horse Trials. Entries close Feb. 26.

Go Eventing.

Watch 20 Years of Budweiser Clydesdale Super Bowl Commercials

By on Feb 3, 2019 1:38 pm -

A commercial starring the Budweiser Clydesdales first aired during the Super Bowl in 1986. Since then, the Budweiser Clydesdales have become synonymous with Super Bowl Sunday. As we count down to kickoff tonight, join us in reliving the magic of the best marketing campaign known to equestrians.

1996 – “Football”

1999 – “Separated at Birth”

2002 – “Respect”

2003 – “Replay”

2004 – “Born A Donkey”

2005 – “Snowball Fight”

2006 – “American Dream”

2007 – “Spot Wink”

2007 – “Super Fan” (There were two this year!)

2008 – “Team”

2009 – “Stick” 

2009 – “Circus”

2009 – “Generations” (There were three this year!)

2010 – “Fence”

2011 – “Wild West”

2012 – “End Prohibition”

2013 – “Brotherhood”

2014 – “Puppy Love”

2015 – “Lost Dog”

2016 – “Not Backing Down”

2017 – “Born the Hard Way”

2018 – No commercial this year

2019 – “Wind Never Felt Better”

 

This post originally appeared on Horse Nation and has been updated with additional video links.

25 Years of Excellence: A Fond Farewell to Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials

By on Feb 3, 2019 10:02 am -

Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels — the dynamic duo behind Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

It is the end of an era as EN can confirm that after 25 years of serving as the premier lower level event in the U.S., Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials will no longer run. Organized by Fernanda Kellogg and her husband, Kirk Henckels, at their private, 150-acre farm in Millbrook, New York, Fitch’s Corner ultimately defined an entire generation in Area I.

“I feel very proud of what we were able to accomplish, but at what point do you say it’s enough?” Fernanda told EN. “My team was getting tired, and I thought after 25 years and on a good year, that’s the time to close off this chapter.”

What began as a “summer project” for Fernanda’s then 16-year-old daughter, also named Fernanda, ultimately evolved into an event that attracted Olympic riders and amateurs alike, as well as served as a highlight of the summer social calendar in Duchess County.

“My motivation was to create the best quality event for the lower levels but with the spirit of a top national or international horse trials,” Fernanda said, noting it was her daughter who coined the event’s catch phrase: “Fitch’s Corner — Ride It If You Can.”

Fitch’s Corner boasted cross country courses built by Capt. Mark Phillips and Derek di Grazia on the rolling hills of Millbrook, New York. Photo courtesy of Fitch’s Corner.

Fernanda and Eric Bull, who was 19 years old at the time and managed the farm, recruited Brian O’Connor to help run the very first event in 1993, which attracted about 50 local competitors. Brian played a critical role in launching the event and ultimately served as the official voice of Fitch’s Corner, as well as cross country controller, for all 25 years.

Fernanda knew that “great cross country courses were key to the success of a horse trials,” and she enlisted Capt. Mark Phillips to design the courses in the early years, with Eric Bull building the first course of his career at Fitch’s Corner. Chris Barnard served as the first show jumping course designer.

Derek di Grazia ultimately took over designing the cross country courses in the later years of the event, with Marc Donovan putting his stamp on the show jumping courses. Fernanda said it was an immense point of pride that Fitch’s Corner was the only exclusively lower level event that Capt. Mark Phillips and Derek di Grazia designed.

Boyd Martin was one of many upper-level riders who always competed at Fitch’s Corner. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.com.

“Fitch’s Corner was the lower level event that upper level riders loved,” Fernanda said. “The confirmation of some of the upper-level riders coming to us with their lower-level horses meant I knew that we were doing something special.”

As for what stands out to her the most as Fernanda reflects on the last 25 years of running Fitch’s Corner, she said hosting the USEA Area I Championships from 2011 to 2013 will always serve as a memorable highlight.

“The three years that we ran the Area I Championships were very special because it gave us the impetus to take every part of the weekend and make it special for the competitors,” Fernanda said. “We were able to raise the profile of the event even higher thanks to the championships, and it was a real way of giving back to the area.”

Fitch’s Market served as the backdrop for the event, with 50 shops divided into “Fashion & Home” under the big tent and “Horse & Hound” in tents along Fitch’s Boulevard. Photo courtesy of Fitch’s Corner.

The 2013 running of Fitch’s Corner drew a record 333 horses, as well as 665 people in attendance at the popular Blue Jean Ball with New York City’s DJ FLO. For as much as Fitch’s Corner was known as a premier destination lower level competition, the parties also put the event on the map as a key social event of the summer.

“A lot of people came for the atmosphere of the event but were driven by the social activities or the shopping, or just having a wonderful country weekend,” Fernanda said. “Kirk and I would always try to have the last dance at the Blue Jean Ball. It was the idea of having a wonderful summer party that was almost a right of passage for the kids in the area.”

Kirk also orchestrated a popular Collector Car Parade each year at the event, and in 2018 Fitch’s Corner played host to the prestigious Rolls-Royce Concours. The Millbrook Hunt Hounds also paraded the grounds every year during the event.

The Collector Car Parade served as a highlight of the event each year. Photo courtesy of Fitch’s Corner.

In addition to $25,000 in prize money awarded to the top finishers at all levels from Beginner Novice to Preliminary levels, winners at Fitch’s Corner also received trophies from Tiffany & Co., a nod to Fernanda’s 25-year career with the renowned jewelry company.

Fitch’s Corner also served as the host site for the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award in Area I; launched the Novice Masters Challenge; bestowed the Barbara Meyer Pony Club Award for members of the area pony clubs; and gave the Fitch’s Corner Award to honor a local member of the community for their support of equestrian sports.

Two key sponsors, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate and Fresh Gourmet, with owners Donald and Barbara Tober, provided generous support for Fitch’s Corner and made it possible for the event to be so successful, Fernanda added. In turn, Fitch’s Corner raised more than $300,000 for event beneficiary, Millbrook Rescue Squad, over the years.

Familiar sights each year at Fitch’s Corner — the Millbrook Hunt Hounds and Tiffany & Co. blue boxes. Photo courtesy of Fitch’s Corner.

“We wanted Fitch’s Corner to be the very best event regardless of the level,” Fernanda said. “It was equally important for the Beginner Novice rider to have as good a time as the Preliminary rider, so we were always conscious of treating every rider as the single most important rider of the weekend.”

Videographer Marion Latta de Vogel filmed beautiful footage from Fitch’s Corner during the last few years the event ran. Watch below to relive the 25th anniversary weekend and ultimately the final running of this most treasured event.

To Fernanda, Kirk and the entire team of dedicated individuals who made Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials a reality, thank you for your incredible service to the eventing community.

Fitch’s Corner 25th Anniversary Weekend from Marion Latta de Vogel on Vimeo.

How Zone Training Can Transform Your Horse’s Fitness

By on Jan 31, 2019 2:30 pm -

Is your horse truly fit enough for cross country? I decided to take the guesswork out of my horse’s fitness plan by using a heart-rate monitor. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Studies show that once a horse’s heart rate reaches 150 beats per minute, his muscles slowly start to produce lactic acid, which ultimately creates fatigue. Once a horse’s heart rate reaches 175 to 180 bpm, or 80% of his maximum heart rate, the lactic acid levels spike sharply. It’s critical for event horses to train under these conditions so they can power through that lactic acid production on cross country.

Eventers have long understood this basic principle, which is why we include galloping in our horse’s fitness schedules. But how can you know if your horse is actually reaching and ultimately staying in the target zone when lactic acid production occurs for the required amount of time to guarantee proper conditioning?

The answer is simple — train with an equine heart-rate monitor, track your horse’s heart rate and adjust his fitness plan accordingly. If you’ve never used a heart-rate monitor before, it might seem like a daunting prospect to incorporate one into your everyday routine, but a new company called Hylofit is making it easier than ever.

Since their launch last year, Hylofit has been on a mission to help all riders — from professionals who compete at the biggest events in the world to amateurs with a goal of running a Beginner Novice Three-Day — to train smarter and “know your ride.”

Setting up Hylofit is super easy and only takes a few minutes. I had never used a heart-rate monitor prior to using Hylofit, but I didn’t have any issues following the step-by-step guide. Once you attach the heart-rate monitor to your horse’s girth, all you need to do is sync it to the Hylofit app on your phone, get on and go.

Hylofit also provides you with a guide to zone training to help you develop your horse’s fitness plan, which is super helpful in taking the guesswork out of the process for newbies like me who have never used a heart-rate monitor.

Zone 1 is up to 60% of the horse’s maximum heart rate. This is a very light intensity effort level — think warming up, cooling down and hacking.

Zone 2 is up to 60-70% of the horse’s maximum heart rate. This is a light intensity effort level used for strengthening and conditioning, like trot sets.

Zone 3 is 70-80% of the horse’s maximum heart rate. This is a moderate intensity effort level where you can hear the horse’s breathing begin to increase. Training in this zone builds stamina.

Zone 4 is 80-90% of the horse’s maximum heart rate. This is the zone in which lactic acid production begins to occur.

Zone 5 is 90-100% of the horse’s maximum heart rate. This is the zone your horse will reach when running cross country at a competition.

Hylofit can also sync to an Apple Watch.

Hylofit tracks the time your horse’s heart rate stays in each zone during your rides, so you can monitor fitness gains and losses over time and make smart decisions about how to tailor your horse’s fitness schedule. After your ride, you can review all the data and analytics on your phone or on the Hylofit website.

As a newcomer to training with a heart-rate monitor, I’m excited to be using Hylofit as I aim for my first CCI2*-L (formerly CCI*) this year with my horse, Imperial Striker, better known as Derry. I’ll be sharing our results here on EN as we both get fit together. Yes, Hylofit also tracks heart rate and fitness for riders!

Click here to read more about using a heart-rate monitor to better understand your horse’s fitness. Hylofit also has a number of fantastic educational articles on their website. Stay tuned for my next blog sharing my results.

This Video of Michael Jung Riding in the Snow is Winter Goals

By on Jan 30, 2019 3:31 pm -

Winter goals, anyone? Leave it to Michael Jung to post a video of himself jumping cross country fences in the snow while many parts of the world are experiencing severe winter weather. If you’re looking for a bit of extra motivation to keep riding in cold and snowy conditions, look no further than the double Olympic champion.

Just 30 days until spring — we can do this!

Go Eventing.

Which Dressage Tests Will You Ride Under the FEI’s New Star System?

By on Jan 29, 2019 2:19 pm -

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Jenni Autry.

EN received a reader question asking which dressage tests will be used under the FEI’s new star system, which added a new one-star level at 1.05 meters and shifted all other levels up by one star beginning on Jan. 1, 2019.

The FEI introduced a new CCI* dressage test last year that will be used for all competitions running at this level. Note that the new CCI* level is unified and will not be split into separate short and long formats.

All of the former one-star tests will now become the two-star tests, with the former two-star tests becoming the three-star tests, former three-star tests becoming the four-star tests, and former four-star tests becoming the five-star tests.

In addition to introducing the new star system in 2019, the FEI has also replaced the collective marks for dressage with one singular mark for “overall impression of athlete and horse,” which is scored on a double coefficient.

There is also a new short test (3 1/2 minutes) that will be used at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Scroll down for links to all of the FEI dressage tests that will be used during the 2019 season.

CCIP – for Pony levels

CCI One-Star (*)

CCI Two-Star (**) – Test A

CCI Two-Star (**) – Test B (applies for Pony Championships / CCIP2*)

CCI Three-Star (***) – Test A

CCI Three-Star (***) – Test B

CCI Four-Star (****) – Test A

CCI Four-Star (****) – Test B

CCI Five-Star (*****) – Test A

CCI Five-Star (*****) – Test B

Olympic Games: new Short Test for Tokyo2020

Mark Your Calendars for the 6th Annual Eventing Prix Invitational

By on Jan 28, 2019 1:47 pm -

Will Coleman and Gideon, winners of the 2018 Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Lisa Thomas/Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.

We are quickly approaching the sixth annual Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational on March 4-5  at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Florida. Top event riders will face-off over a 1.30-meter show jumping course, which this year will be designed by Chris Barnard for the first time.

The Eventing Prix Invitational has grown in popularity each year and now serves as a highlight of the winter season in Florida. Ocala Horse Properties has returned once again as title sponsor, and event organizers Max Corcoran and Scott Keach are hoping to boost the prize money to $20,000 this year.

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 in the 1.30-meter class will determine the team results, and the top 10 combinations — or all pairs that jumped clear in the first round — will return for the second round jump-off.

This year’s team captains are Sara Kozumplik Murphy, Tamie Smith, Lauren Kieffer, Jennie Brannigan, Selena O’Hanlon, Hallie Coon, Justine Dutton and Shanon Baker. EN will confirm the full list of teams soon.

To be eligible to compete, riders must have competed at the Intermediate level or higher in the last 12 months, or have won a CCI5-L*. Horses must have competed at the Intermediate level or higher in the last 24 months.

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.

Many thanks to Ocala Horse Properties for returning as title sponsor; Light Speed Equestrian for signing on as presenting sponsor; Wordley Martin Equestrian, Peak Performance (Furlong & Associates) and Stellos Electric for being prix sponsors; and Equijet, Stubben NA, Guardian Bedding, HorseFirst and Buckeye Horse Feed for being jump sponsors.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please consider signing on to help the Eventing Prix Invitational reach their goal of giving away $20,000 in prize money this year. 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.

For those who can’t attend the Eventing Prix Invitational, the main class will once again be streamed on EQTV Network and EN with commentary.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 28, 2019 12:01 am -

Heads up to everyone in Ocala this winter! Tik Maynard and Cathy Wieschhoff are teaming up to host a clinic series on natural horsemanship solutions to eventer training problems, with sessions scheduled for every Tuesday in February at Majestic Oaks. Cathy and Tik will help you and your horse work through performance, behavior and connection issues in a hands-on learning environment designed to create a safer and more reliable partnership. Click here for more details on dates and pricing.

National Holiday: National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (especially applicable to eventers!)

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Full Gallop Farm January H.T [Final Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park C.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

As British Parliament continues to negotiate Brexit, leading equine organizations are working together to determine how horse transport to Europe will be managed when the UK leaves the EU on March 29. All horses leaving the UK to enter the EU will need a new type of Export Health Certificate (EHC) requiring blood tests signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) to confirm it is free from disease. [Brexit: implications for horse owners under the spotlight]

As cross country questions have become more technical over the years, the way we school our horses to prepare for competitions has also evolved. U.S. Olympian Phyllis Dawson discusses grid exercises she uses to teach the horse to hold the line and understand angles, narrows and corners on course. [Grid Pro Quo with Phyllis Dawson]

A new year means new faces on the USEA Board of Governors. Many thanks to the USEA for publishing detailed biographies for all of the BOG members so we can get to know them better. Thank you to ALL members of the BOG and all who serve the U.S. eventing community in a governance capacity. [Meet the 2019 USEA Board of Governors]

Heads up to all those interested in pursuing an equine-related education path in college! Equine Affaire will host a presentation on matching equine interests with college and career options on Saturday, April 13. Follow the link for more information and registration details. [Explore Equine-Related Career Paths and College Opportunities]

Video Resource Guide: Learn Your Dressage Tests for the 2019 Season

By on Jan 24, 2019 1:37 pm -

EN published a video resource guide of the new USEF dressage tests last year thanks to David Frechette, the patron saint of eventing video. We’ve updated the guide this year with more videos! Scroll down to view videos of all 14 USEF dressage tests from Beginner Novice to Advanced level.

As a helpful reminder, all of the A tests track left and all of the B tests track right. Click here for helpful test-riding tips from FEI dressage judge Marilyn Payne from her preview presentation of the new tests at the USEA Convention.

Click on each dressage test to open it in a new window. Watch more tests on The Horse Pesterer YouTube channel. Go Eventing.

Beginner Novice Test A 

Beginner Novice Test B

Novice Test A

Novice Test B

Training Test A

Training Test B

Modified Test A

Modified Test B

Preliminary Test A 

Preliminary Test B

Intermediate Test A

Intermediate Test B 

Advanced Test A

Advanced Test B

Tickets On Sale for LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing in Aiken

By on Jan 17, 2019 2:07 pm -

Phillip Dutton has confirmed he will compete in Aiken’s inaugural eventing showcase. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

General admission tickets are now on sale for the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing on March 1-2 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina. The competition will run in a showcase format, with dressage and show jumping held on Friday, March 1, followed by cross country on Saturday, March 2.

The biggest names in North American eventing are expected to compete, and a number of top international riders have expressed interest in crossing the pond to take a crack at the prize money. (The organizers are currently in search of Advanced event horses who can serve as catch rides for international riders. Click here for more information.)

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!

[Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field]

Who Jumped It Best? Majestic Oaks Open Training Edition

By on Jan 14, 2019 4:13 pm -

The U.S. eventing season kicked off over the weekend, so that means it’s time for the first edition of Who Jumped It Best for 2019. We had fabulous weather at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Reddick, Florida. Take a look at these photos of horses and riders in the Open Training division and vote in the poll for which pair you think present the best overall picture. Go Eventing.

[Majestic Oaks H.T. Results]

Nicola Buckingham and Dreamliner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hallie Coon and Cooley Mr Brightside. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Justine Dutton and Smartie Pants. Photo by Jenni Autry.

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

Dasha Ivandaeva and Infinity. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ashley Johnson and That’s The Stuff. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tik Maynard and Classic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Fernhill Freestyle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Chatwin Crowned 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year

By on Jan 11, 2019 4:15 pm -

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin at Fair Hill. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

We are delighted to announce that The Chatwin Group’s Chatwin has been named 2018 EN Horse of the Year after besting the field of five nominees and garnering more than 50% of the vote. As the only horse of amateur rider and mother of two Frankie Thieriot Stutes, Chatwin garnered international attention when EquiRatings highlighted that he was the only horse in the world to win two events at the CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) level or higher in 2018.

Chatwin, a 10-year-old Oldenburg (Contendro I X Oktav, by Oldtimer), won his last four events of the 2018 season, starting with the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) and concluding with the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI4*-L. Frankie and Chatwin led Fair Hill wire-to-wire and finished on their dressage score to become the USEF National Champions. Their finishing score of 27.3 was the lowest at a CCI4*-L in North America in 2018.

Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Chatwin, 2018 USEF National Champions. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

While Frankie, who was named the 2018 USEA Adult Amateur of the Year, acknowledges that she had a stellar season, she is also quick to point out that her season had a rather inauspicious start. She fell off at Twin Rivers in March — her first time hitting the dirt at an event in 14 years.

“No one remembers that I fell off early in the year, but my first couple shows were a little rough. It’s all just a matter of if you can pick yourself back up,” Frankie said. “Sometimes it’s your weekend and sometimes it’s not. This sport is about a lot of hard work and things coming together at the right time, and I was really lucky that things came together at the right time to win Fair Hill.”

Frankie said she is incredibly grateful for all the support she and Chatwin received during their fairytale season, which culminated in receiving the $50,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant and landing a spot on the 2019 USEF Developing Potential Training List.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes received, among many other year-end awards, the $50,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“I had a wonderful season and 2018 was a year you can’t dream up, but it’s what we do in 2019 that matters now. When things don’t go right, I allow myself a little while to be really upset and then I move on. I think it’s important to have the same mentality about being successful,” Frankie said.

“I’ve taken time to enjoy what a wonderful experience it was to win Fair Hill, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to go because of the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant. How it all unfolded was pretty magical. Now I’m firmly focused on the next season and our goals.”

Chatwin has started back to work after his winter holiday and is on a path that Frankie hopes will lead to her life-long goal of competing in her first CCI5*-L at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. She was entered to compete at Kentucky in 2010 with her former upper-level partner Fric Frac Berence, but he sustained an injury two weeks prior to shipping out.

She started Athletux, an equine marketing company, soon after, and for the past seven years she has attended Kentucky to represent and support her clients.

“When I had Fric entered for Kentucky, I’d never been before — not even to watch,” Frankie said. “I have a different view of it now that I’ve stood by the ring for the last seven years and had the privilege of being behind the scenes. I have pipe dreams of all my friends who I’ve been able to watch ringside and cheer for now being able to watch me.”

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin at Fair Hill 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

While competing at Kentucky is her main goal for the 2019 season, Frankie is also thrilled to have the opportunity to compete overseas for the first time thanks to the $50,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant.

“I definitely want to go overseas later in the year. If we go to Kentucky, that will determine so much of what the rest of our season looks like. We want to see where he measures up and how we do at Kentucky, which will decide where we end up competing overseas in the fall.”

No matter where her 2019 season ultimately takes her, Frankie hopes she and Chatwin can continue serving as ambassadors for adult amateur riders who have dreams to compete at the upper levels.

“At what point did it become this assumption that people who have a normal job can’t compete at the upper levels? If you can compartmentalize your life enough, then why can’t you? I’m not going to say it’s really easy, but it’s possible, and I’m really lucky to have incredibly supportive people in my life who are making it possible.”

Top International Eventers in Search of Catch Rides for Aiken Showcase

By on Jan 10, 2019 2:52 pm -

Michael Jung has expressed interest in competing at Aiken’s inaugural eventing showcase. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Invitations have been sent out for the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Invitational, and top international event riders have expressed interesting in competing in Aiken’s inaugural eventing showcase on March 1-2, 2019, at Bruce’s Field.

EN confirmed with event organizers that the following riders are interested in competing: Michael Jung, William Fox-Pitt, Astier Nicolas, Padraig McCarthy, Sarah Ennis and Anna Freskgård. If they decide to make the trip, they will need a catch ride to compete.

Australia’s Andrew Hoy has already found a catch ride and will definitely be making the trip across the pond.

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.

A total of $50,000 in prize money will be offered thanks to the presenting sponsor, LiftMaster: $15,000 for 1st place, $10,000 for 2nd place, $7,500 for 3rd place; $5,000 for 4th place; $4,000 for 5th place; $3,000 for 6th place; $2,000 for 7th place; $1,500 for 8th place; $1,250 for 9th place; and $750 for 10th place.

Are you interested in offering your horse as a catch ride? As a USEF recognized event, horses must meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) to compete in a CCI-L of the same height level. Horses need three Advanced MER, plus one Advanced MER with no more than 20 jumping penalties on cross country. One MER must be from within the 12-month period prior to the competition.

All owners will receive a VIP pass and invitations to all social events. The action will kick off on Thursday eventing with a welcome party, calcutta and charity draw. Friday’s festivities will include a champagne brunch in the morning, with an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres during show jumping later in the day. A luncheon will take place on Saturday, with an open bar for awards.

If you are interested in offering your horse as a catch ride, please email Shelley Page at [email protected].

General admission tickets will be available for purchase online starting at 7 a.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 14. Click here to purchase tickets.

If you can’t attend Aiken’s inaugural eventing showcase, EQTV Network will be streaming all the action live.

Click here for more information on the competition. Are you planning to attend? Let us know in the comments below.

This article has been updated to include the prize money breakdown.

When Can I Ride? vs. When Can I Actually Ride?

By on Jan 9, 2019 2:20 pm -

©www.emily-cole.com

Ah, eventers — a half-crazed bunch of adrenaline seekers with a questionable approach to self-preservation. This hilarious illustration from Emily Cole perfectly captures the desperation to get back in the saddle as soon as possible after an injury. Just don’t fall off, right?

Emily posted the illustration on her Facebook page yesterday, and the comments are pure gold …

If you aren’t following Emily Cole Illustrations, you’re seriously missing out. She left a career as an architect to draw cartoons full-time after her illustration depicting the British gold medal show jumping team at the London Olympics garnered national acclaim.

©www.emily-cole.com

Many of her illustrations capture the insanity of eventing …

©www.emily-cole.com

©www.emily-cole.com

While others capture moments that all horse people can relate to …

©www.emily-cole.com

©www.emily-cole.com

Emily sells her illustrations as prints, calendars, notebooks, mugs, greeting cards and wrapping paper. She ships internationally, too! Check out her online shop here.

[Emily Cole Illustrations]

This Video of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Will Blow Your Mind

By on Jan 8, 2019 2:52 pm -

Chances are you’ve heard about the new World Equestrian Center currently under construction in Ocala, Florida, and set to open in January 2021. With 4,000 acres reserved for the project, the World Equestrian Center is set to become the largest equestrian complex in the U.S. and plans to host shows across numerous disciplines.

This video showing a 3D rendering of what the finished facility will look like is quite simply mind-boggling. It’s like a cross between Wellington, Aachen and Disney World — the ultimate horse person’s paradise! The facility includes too many features to name, but here are a few of the highlights:

  • 2,000 permanent stalls with temperature-controlled air conditioning and fans
  • 3-acre outdoor stadium arena with seating for 8,000 people
  • Four climate-controlled indoor arenas and 17 outdoor arenas
  • A six-story, 5-star luxury hotel with 260 rooms
  • A fine dining restaurant with enough seating for 500 people
  • Expansive retail space with high-end boutiques

The World Equestrian Center currently sits on 378 acres of the 4,000-acre parcel of land, with 300 more acres reserved for additional construction of equestrian facilities. The residential plans for the neighboring World Equestrian Estates includes 2,400 homes, estate homes and condominiums.

Click here to check out more photo renderings of the World Equestrian Center. Can we start the campaign now to get a cross country course built at the facility?

[World Equestrian Center to debut in January ’21]

Must Watch: Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week Rewind

By on Jan 7, 2019 12:01 pm -

The ninth annual Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week wrapped up yesterday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, and luckily for us all the sessions are now available to watch on demand on USEF Network.

The clinic week is designed to identify and develop the next generation of talent for the U.S. Dressage Team. More than 20 young riders received four days of intense instruction from Robert Dover, Debbie McDonald, Jan Ebeling, Adrienne Lyle and Olivia LaGoy-Weltz.

All of the participants rode dressage tests in front of judges yesterday, and the videos of each individual test with commentary from the judges are also available to watch on USEF Network — such a fantastic learning opportunity!

You can watch a few video snippets below, then click here to access all of the Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week videos on USEF Network.

Our friends at The Chronicle of the Horse and NoelleFloyd.com also published super coverage, so be sure to check out the links below.

[10 Lessons We Learned From Robert Dover That Will Change The Way You View Your Riding]

[What Would It Cost To Hire Robert Dover As My Life Coach? 8 More Lessons From The King Of Positivity]

[Meme-able (And Memorable) Moments At The 2019 Robert Dover Horsemastership Week]

[Make It Snappy: Exercises For Maintaining Energy At The Robert Dover Horsemastership Week]

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 7, 2019 12:01 am -

Through Ula’s ears on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo by Andrea Jones.

Between the ears Hawaii style! Nancy Jones, organizer of Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials in Maryland, went to visit her daughter and graduate Pony Clubber, Andrea Jones, and they couldn’t resist taking a sunset trail ride. Andrea is serving in Hawaii with AmeriCorps for a year, and Nancy went to Hawaii to visit her for the holidays. Nancy said it best: “A far cry from the weather in Area 2!” TRUTH!

National Holiday: National Thank God It’s Monday Day (only because I had to Ocala on Saturday!)

U.S. Weekend Results … so soon!

The first U.S. horse trials will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Ocala, Florida. Let the countdown to the 2019 season officially begin!

Your Monday News & Notes:

Grand Oaks Horse Trials in Weirsdale, Florida has waived the late fee for entries, so you still have until tomorrow, Jan. 8 to enter. Due to rider request, the organizers scheduled the show to run in a one-day format and reduced the ship-in fee to $25 per day. This is a fabulous event and one I’m looking forward to competing at again this year. [Grand Oaks Omnibus]

Voting is open for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year! The EN staff nominated four horses that had standout seasons in 2018: Frankie Thieriot Stutes’s mount Chatwin, Caroline Martin’s mount Islandwood Captain Jack, Boyd Martin’s mount Long Island T, and Phillip Dutton’s mount Z. Be sure to cast your vote before the polls close on Wednesday. [Vote for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year!]

Phillip Dutton has acquired the ride on an exciting young horse in 6-year-old French champion California d’Horset. The mare also finished 5th in the 6-year-old FEI World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers with Yannick Dirou. [California d’Horset Sold to America as New Mount for Phillip Dutton]

Let’s get to know Krista Wilson, winner of the 2019 USEA Worth the Trust Sports Psychology Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to help amateur riders strengthen their mental game, and Krista, a school teacher in Florida, plans to use her scholarship to banish her dressage demons for good. Best of luck, Krista! [2019 Worth the Trust Sports Psychology Scholarship Winner: Krista Wilson]

The Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week just wrapped up in Wellington, Florida. As always Robert Dover shared a wealth of knowledge and nuggets of wisdom. [What Would It Cost To Hire Robert Dover As My Life Coach? 8 More Lessons From The King Of Positivity]

California d’Horset Sold to America as New Mount for Phillip Dutton

By on Jan 6, 2019 6:03 pm -

The 6-year-old French champion California d’Horset has been sold to America as a new mount for Phillip Dutton. The Selle Francais mare (Soliman X Palm Beach d’Horset, by Trophee du Rozel) won the 6-year-old French Championships at Pompadour with Yannick Dirou before going on to place fifth in the 6-year-old World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.

Phillip confirmed to EN that the mare has arrived safely in the U.S. He hasn’t made any plans for her spring season yet aside from getting to know her and starting what he hopes will be a very successful partnership.

“She’s a fantastic athlete and ideal type for an event horse. She’s still very green having only competed at the one-star level, but I’m really looking forward to bringing her along and forging a great partnership with her,” Phillip said. “I haven’t had a really good mare in my career, so it will be fun to see how far we can go together.”

Phillip thanked the mare’s new owners, Caroline Moran, David Garrett, and Steve and Renea Willham, for their support in acquiring this exciting young horse.

Phillip is starting the 2019 season with an extended stay in Wellington, Florida, and arrived last week with five horses. He brought his 2018 World Equestrian Games mount Z, I’m Sew Ready, Fernhill Revelation, Fernhill Singapore and Sea of Clouds for an intensive two-months of training and competing in pure dressage and jumper shows. His daughter, Olivia, will also be campaigning Fernhill Finders Keepers.

You can follow along with Phillip’s winter training on Facebook and Instagram.

Go Eventing.

#EventerSolutions: Outsmarting Winter

By on Jan 6, 2019 3:47 pm -

Where there are #EventerProblems there are #EventerSolutions, as we horsefolks tend to be a pretty crafty, resourceful and frugal (read: broke) bunch. In this spinoff series we spotlight some of your most inventive problem-solving masterpieces. Be sure to tag your photos with the hashtag #EventerSolutions on social for inclusion in future editions!

Anyone who is currently facing the frustrating winter woe of frozen water troughs will want to pay close attention to this clever #EventerSolution courtesy of EN reader Alice VanBokkelen.

This creative insulation trick is keeping her water troughs mostly ice-free in frigid Massachusetts — now that’s some serious eventer ingenuity!

While freezing temperatures are an unfortunate reality of winter …

Frozen conditions can also have their perks …

Welcome to another edition of the judgement-free zone known as #EventerSolutions.

Go Eventing.

Vote for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year!

By on Jan 6, 2019 12:25 pm -

Which horse will win the coveted Golden Chinchilla?

It’s time to kick off the voting for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year! Now in its sixth year, ENHOTY gives us the opportunity to recognize the achievements of standout horses in North America during the prior season.

This year we evaluated all horses who completed a spring and fall long format event at the CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) or CCI5*-L (formerly CCI4*) levels. (Note that the FEI’s new star system came into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. All levels have now shifted up. Click here for a detailed breakdown of the new star system.)

There were four horses that clear stood out to us. Three of them finished in the top two at two CCI4*-L events (formerly CCI3*), while one was the only horse in the U.S. to deliver clear cross country and show jumping rounds at two CCI5*-L (formerly CCI4*) level competitions during the 2018 season.

Before we unveil the nominees for 2018 EN Horse of the Year, please join us in saluting the past recipients of the Golden Chinchilla:

2017 – Foxwood High

2016 – Mighty Nice

2015 – Mai Baum

2014 – Sir Rockstar

2013 – Donner

Without further ado, read on to peruse the season highlights for our four nominees, listed in alphabetical order. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to cast your vote for 2018 ENHOTY. The polls will close at 10 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We will honor the winning horse on Thursday, Jan. 10.

Good luck to all! Go Eventing.

2018 EN HORSE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Shelby Allen.

CHATWIN

10-year-old Oldenburg gelding

(Contendro I X Oktav, by Oldtimer)

Owned by The Chatwin Group

Chatwin was the only horse in the world to win two events at the CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) level or higher during the 2018 season — an impressive statistic that saw him face off against reigning World Champion Allstar B as the wildcard for 2018 EquiRatings Horse of the Year. Adding in the fact that Frankie Thieriot Stutes is an amateur rider who balances motherhood and a full-time career makes Chatwin’s stellar season all the more impressive.

In his eight completed runs at international and national level in 2018, Chatwin won five times and never finished outside of the top five. His dressage score of 22.7 at Twin Rivers was the lowest score posted at any Advanced horse trials in the country in 2018.

Chatwin won his last four events in a row, starting with the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) and concluding with the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*). Frankie and Chatwin led Fair Hill wire-to-wire and finished on their dressage score to become the USEF National Champions. Their finishing score of 27.3 was also the lowest at a CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) in North America in 2018.

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

ISLANDWOOD CAPTAIN JACK

9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Jack of Diamonds X Suir Touch, by Touchdown

Owned by Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin

The youngest of our ENHOTY nominees delivered six clear show jumping rounds at the Advanced and four-star (formerly three-star) levels during the 2018 season — more than any other horse in North America. When you consider that 2018 was also Islandwood Captain Jack’s first season at the Advanced level, it’s clear Caroline Martin has a serious horse for the future.

In his five runs at international level in 2018, “James” finished outside the top 10 only once. He finished second in his CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) debut at Jersey Fresh, adding only cross country time penalties to his dressage score. His cross country pace increased in speed in each of his last four consecutive outings, resulting in a sixth-place finish in the FEI Nations Cup at Great Meadow CICO4*-S (formerly CICO3*) with one of the fastest rounds of the day.

James was the only horse to finish on his dressage score in the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) to place second on 35.3. By far the greenest horse of the ENHOTY nominees, James held his own amongst more experienced horses in his inaugural season at Advanced level and is a horse to watch in the 2019 season and beyond.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Jenni Autry.

LONG ISLAND T

12-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding

Ludwig von Bayern x Haupstsbuch Highlight, by Heraldik xx

Owned by the Long Island T Syndicate

As 2018 USEA Horse of the Year, Long Island T has already claimed a top honor in what proved to be a strong season that saw him rack up more top-five finishes at the Advanced and four-star (formerly three-star) levels than any other horse in the U.S. “Ludwig” battled the elements to win his CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3*) debut at Jersey Fresh on a record-setting weekend for Boyd Martin.

He delivered a personal best dressage score at Millbrook of 22.9, the second best Advanced score in the country during the 2018 season. Ludwig also delivered clear show jumping rounds in his final three international runs of the season, starting with a strong third-place finish at the Bromont CIC4*-S (formerly CIC3*) in an all-star field full of horses heading to the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Ludwig increased his cross country speed at each consecutive international run in 2018, culminating in adding only 4.0 time penalties to his dressage score at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI4*-L (formerly CCI3). He finished in second place at Fair Hill to take the USEF National Reserve Championship.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Z

10-year-old Zangersheide gelding

Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z

Owned by The Z Partnership

Z was one of 12 horses in the world nominated for EquiRatings Horse of the Year thanks to one of the strongest seasons we saw from a 10-year-old in 2018. He won the World Equestrian Games Test Event at The Fork CIC4*-S (formerly CIC3*) after adding just 0.4 cross country time penalties to his dressage score. Z then went on to finish on his dressage score at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event for a fifth-place result in his CCI5*-L (formerly CCI4*) debut.

After being named as Phillip Dutton’s mount for the U.S. WEG team, Z delivered a personal best dressage score of 27.1 at Bromont in the squad’s final outing, where he finished sixth. He then finished 13th in his championship debut at WEG as the highest-placed U.S. horse, adding only cross country time penalties to his dressage score and delivering the only clear show jumping round for the team.

Z didn’t have a single show jumping penalty all season at Advanced, four-star or five-star level, accumulating five clear rounds in all. That achievement is the second best in the U.S. behind Islandwood Captain Jack’s six clears, though two of Z’s rounds came over CCI5*-L (formerly CCI4*) level courses at Kentucky and Tryon. His season culminated in being named the #1 event horse on the 2018 World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) Rankings.

Many thanks to EN’s data analyst Maggie Deatrick for contributing statistics for this article.