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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

Libby Head Sets Her Sights on Pau with Sir Rockstar

By Jenni Autry on Aug 6, 2014 12:00 pm -

Libby Head and Sir Rockstar. Photo courtesy of Kasey Mueller.

After stealing the show at Rolex this year in her first four-star this spring, 22-year-old Libby Head is hoping to take her 15.2-hand OTTB Sir Rockstar to France this fall to tackle the Pau CCI4* on Oct. 22-26, which would be their first international competition together.

“I’m in college, and I don’t do this professionally, at least not right now, so I don’t know when I’m going to have another Advanced horse,” Libby said. I want to make every goal I can and take every opportunity. Rocky is 16, so time isn’t really on our side. We’re coming off a successful Rolex, and I want to keep the momentum going and aim high.”

We’ve featured Libby and Rocky in our Collegiate Spotlight and Rolex Rookies series, and it’s hard not to like this pair. Libby bought Rocky in 2008 as a scrawny, rangy 10-year-old who had attempted one Novice and brought him all the way through the levels herself.

Though she came in to Kentucky just hoping complete, Libby and “Rocky” delivered an impressive four-star debut, jumping clear with 7.6 time penalties over Derek Di Grazia’s beefed-up course and then jumping clear in show jumping to move up from 43rd after dressage to finish 19th.

After a successful first Rolex, Kyle Carter, who has coached Libby and Rocky since their Young Rider days in 2012, encouraged her to look into going overseas. She’s in Ocala now with Kyle for a couple days of training at his Five Ring Farm and will start working on a game plan to get Rocky ready for Pau.

“Kyle said Pau is a twisty track with a lot of tight turns, which would really suite Rocky,” Libby said. “He’s small and maneuverable, so I think he would be up to the challenge.”

Libby, who will be a senior at the University of Georgia this fall, took a semester off this past spring to focus on training for Rolex, and while she won’t have the luxury of taking more time off this fall, she said she feels more prepared now having already tackled one four-star.

“In aiming for Pau, I now have the knowledge base from the spring that will help keep me going into the fall,” Libby said. “I know how I prepared for Rolex and how that affected him, so I have that as a game plan.”

Libby is hoping to raise $35,000 to fund her trip to Pau, and she’s started a GoFundMe account. She will also be organizing a silent auction this fall in partnership with the UGA Eventing Team, with proceeds split between her Pau fund and the team.

“If Pau doesn’t work out, I’d still like to try to go over in the spring,” Libby said. “While I have an Advanced horse in Rocky, I figured why not?”

Best of luck to Libby as she aims to fundraise and train for Pau. If you’re interested in donating an item to the silent auction to support Libby’s trip, please email her at [email protected]. Click here to access her GoFundMe account.

[Collegiate Eventing Athlete Spotlight: Libby Head]

[Rolex Rookies: Libby Head and Sir Rockstar]

[Cross Country Day Reflections from Rolex Riders]

Eric Bull, Greg Schlappi Partner to Build Pan Ams Cross-Country Course

By Jenni Autry on Aug 6, 2014 9:00 am -

Eric Bull and Greg Schlappi announced yesterday that they will partner to build Wayne Copping’s 2015 Pan American Games course at Geoff and Ann Morgan’s Will O’Wind Farm in Ontario. Work on the course is expected to begin Aug. 20 for the Games, which will be held July 10-26 next year.

Eric has built the Pan Ams courses at Fair Hill, Rio de Janeiro and Guadalajara, in addition to courses at Fair Hill International and Plantation Field. Greg has worked on courses six North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, as well as courses at the Colorado Horse Park and Florida Horse Park.

“Because this is an established venue, the footing is already in excellent condition,” Greg said in a press release. “Part of the contract includes removing the old fences at the venue. We will also be overseeing the excavation contractor’s work, including renovation of the existing water complex, the addition of a new water complex, and building of banks and ditches before we start working on the permanent fences.”

About 70 percent of the jumps on course will be portable fences both Eric and Greg will collaborate to build. Greg has also brought on a Canadian chainsaw carver to design various Canadian-themed fences, like a goose, syrup bottle, maple lead and blue jays.

Eric said he’s looking forward to working with Greg — they’ve already collaborated together on past courses like Sporting Days in Aiken — to bring new permanent elements to Will O’Wind, as well as building the portables that will be shipped in for the event.

“There’s only one track, one day, and you get to do a lot of building,” Eric said. “You take something like Fair Hill, where the permanent fences are already established and we have a lot of portables already, and you’re doing more moving around than building. It’s always good to see new things and meet new people and build new stuff; that’s how you learn.”

Congrats to Eric and Greg for landing the contract to build the 2015 Pan Ams cross-country course. We look forward to bringing you photos of the course as it comes together once construction starts later this month. For more information on the Pan Ams, click here.

[Eric Bull and Greg Schlappi Partner to Build Pan-Ams Course]

Hannah Sue Burnett, Marilyn Little Receive Karen E. Stives Endowment Grants

By Jenni Autry on Aug 5, 2014 1:21 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Marilyn Little have been named as this year’s recipients of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund for High Performance Eventing Grants, which will give them each $25,000 to fund their trip to Chantilly, France, to train with the U.S. World Equestrian Games team as alternates.

Joanie Morris, USEF Managing Director of Eventing, confirmed these new grants will replace Hannah and Marilyn’s Land Rover Competition Grants. Hannah is targeting Burghley CCI4* or Blenheim CCI3* with Harbour Pilot, while Marilyn is aiming for Burghley CCI4* or Pau CCI4* with RF Demeter.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to travel and be ready in the event I am needed and also because of the person giving it,” Marilyn told the USET. “I had the privilege to meet Karen at Great Meadow and to get to know her and her incredible story with the USET. She continues to support our team and her generosity have improved our chances exponentially of winning a medal.”

Hannah also thanked Karen for the award in her comments: “These funds help both riders and owners a great deal, and I hope Harbour Pilot and myself are able to emulate Karen’s success against the best riders in the world. I look forward to this experience, as it is certainly a dream come true to be an alternate for the WEG team.”

Karen, who rode on the 1984 gold medal U.S. Olympic team, donated $1 million to the USET Foundation in March to create the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund. “What’s exciting is that they get to compete in Europe and train with the team and that experience is invaluable,” Karen said. “They may even end up competing, you never know. This will allow them be a part of the team in Europe, which is a wonderful learning opportunity.”

Many thanks to Karen for her generosity and desire to help our U.S. WEG squad alternates gain valuable experience in Europe. Go Team USA, and Go Eventing.

[Marilyn Little and Hannah Burnett Receive Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund for High Performance Eventing Grants]

Great Meadow Gears Up to Host CIC3* Next Year

By Jenni Autry on Aug 5, 2014 12:46 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the WEG Prep Trials at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been nearly two weeks since the World Equestrian Games Prep Trials at Great Meadow, but the eventing community is still abuzz, hailing the event a wild success and wondering how best to channel the energy and excitement that weekend generated for the sport.

Rob Banner, president of the Great Meadow Foundation, believes the next step is bringing a CIC3* to the venue, which recently added an additional 174 acres to the existing 200 to create the land needed to build a world class cross-country course.

“Ever since I came to Great Meadow five years ago, people have been wanting me to bring back eventing,” Rob said. “It’s something that takes time to be done well and make it last forever, and I think we’re finally there. We’ve put together all the pieces of the puzzle, and it looks really exciting that we’ll be able to bring it back.”

The site has hosted the popular Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race for the past 30 years, bringing between 20,000 to 50,000 people on the grounds each year. The venue is already known for top-notch equestrian sports in the area, and the WEG Prep Trials attracted nearly 6,000 people for show jumping and 5,000 people for cross country.

“I think a lot of that has to do with Great Meadow and its history,” Rob said. “Many people are familiar with Great Meadow as a steeplechase, polo and show jumping venue. They know the footing is beyond reproach, and we’ve spent the last 30 years creating that. It’s near a metropolitan area, and Washington has always been a sound market. It’s an easy-access facility that’s already accustomed to hosting up to 50,000 people.”

The next step to bringing eventing back to Great Meadow is building a three-star level cross-country course, which world-renowned designer Mike Etherington-Smith has already signed on to design, with former Rolex course building assistant Aaron Rust as the builder.

“The additional 174 acres will give us the opportunity to cultivate an eventing track that is separate from the steeplechase course,” Rob said. “We only use the course twice a year for two days of racing in the spring and one in the fall. Other than that, there’s a lot of mowing, aeration, fertilization and more mowing, which has created really nice turf that’s ideal for a cross-country course.”

Great Meadow will also build a large, all-weather arena in the middle of the property for dressage and show jumping, and Rob said the initial survey work is already underway, with construction expected to start within the next 30 to 45 days.

The goal is to host the new CIC3* starting next year, ideally in the third or fourth weekend of June, though the dates are still up in the air, Rob said, as he wants to ensure the event doesn’t conflict with any other horse trials currently on the calendar.

And while a new CIC3* will be a great asset to the Area II summer calendar, that’s not the end goal, as Rob has also set his sights on bringing a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup to Great Meadow.

“We’ve proved that we can certainly draw a big crowd, and a lot of people realized at the WEG Prep Trials that we can handle the larger task as well,” Rob said. “We’ll get together the very best committee we possibly can to not only navigate the organization of a Nations Cup but also work with the FEI to secure a date.”

U.S. coach David O’Connor has been a big push behind bringing a Nations Cup leg to the States, Rob said, and David has already spoken to chef d’equipes from other national federations who have expressed interest in sending teams.

Rob is also involved in the very early stages of helping to secure a new vetport at Washington Dulles International Airport, which would allow European riders to fly their horses directly to Washington, D.C., for a Nations Cup at nearby Great Meadow.

“It would be a thrill if we could get the vetport secured to help horsemen who bring horses from Europe,” Rob said. “Having that here would be a great asset to Great Meadow and other area venues. We’re urging for it to happen, and, so far, Dulles seems to be interested in having this kind of activity at the airport.”

The future looks bright from Great Meadow, thanks in large part to the financial generosity of the equestrian community, Rob said. “This is our mission — to preserve open space for equestrian and community service. It comes with a certain benefit of knowing that your donation goes to a cause that will bring eventing back at the very highest level to the benefit of everyone in the area and the country.”

Stay tuned for much more about Great Meadow as the dream of bringing a CIC3* — and ultimately a Nations Cup — to the venue becomes a reality. Click here for more information about the foundation and here to learn about how you can support Great Meadow. Go Eventing.

Harry Meade, Nicola Wilson Named as Replacements to British WEG Squad

By Jenni Autry on Aug 5, 2014 11:00 am -

Harry Meade and Wild Lone at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Harry Meade and Wild Lone and Nicola Wilson and Annie Clover have been named to the British World Equestrian Games Squad following the withdrawal of Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie and Pippa Funnell and Billy Beware, Team GBR announced in a press release.

The British squad is now comprised of Tina Cook and De Novo News, William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning, Harry Meade and Wild Lone, Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, Oliver Townend and Black Tie II, and Nicola Wilson and Annie Clover.

Izzy withdrew Allercombe Ellie after a “setback in training,” while Pippa was forced to withdraw Billy Beware due to lameness issue, and Harry Meade expressed his disappointment for them: “I really feel for both Izzy and Pippa who must be so disappointed; it’s never nice to gain from a situation where others miss out.”

Fans decried Harry’s absence from the squad after finishing in third place at Badminton with Wild Lone despite breaking and dislocating both his elbows mere months earlier in a rotational fall.

“It has been a rollercoaster of a year for me and my support team,” Harry said. “Whilst incapacitated over the winter, the thought of competing at WEG this year couldn’t have been further from my mind.”

Nicola finds herself back on a British championship team despite retiring her upper-level partner Opposition Buzz earlier this year, and, like Harry, she said it’s also bittersweet to make the squad due to a withdrawal.

“I was devastated to hear about both Izzy and Pippa having to withdraw their horses from the squad,” she said. “The build up to WEG this year really has been so difficult for everyone involved with the team.”

Nicola’s parents, Mary and Barry Tweddle, bought Annie Clover as a 4 year old, and Nicola brought her through the levels, so she said she’s thrilled to be able to have the mare compete at WEG.

“She has always appeared to be a cool customer under pressure and takes each level in her stride, so I am sure she will give her all at WEG, as will I,” Nicola said. “I am especially thrilled for my mum and dad who are the owners of Annie, they have been so influential and supportive throughout my career.”

[GBR Eventing Squad Confirmed for WEG]

Will O’ Wind Farm is ‘Happy’ to Go Eventing

By Jenni Autry on Aug 5, 2014 10:30 am -

Here’s a fun video to jump start your morning! Laura Kessel produced this video from Ontario’s Will O’ Wind Farm set to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” to show how much fun eventing is and showcase the venue as the host of cross country for the 2015 Pan American Games. We especially love the scene where everyone comes dancing out of the porta potties.

As the description of the video says: “Thank you to all the venues, organizers, volunteers, judges, medics, photographers, spectators and riders that make this such a great sport!” Many thanks to EN reader Melissa Laird for sending in the video. Click. Watch. Enjoy. Go Eventing.

Courtney King Dye Honored in Emotional Ceremony at Millbrook

By Jenni Autry on Aug 4, 2014 11:00 am -

Silva Martin presented the inaugural Charles Owen Equestrian Memorial Award to Courtney King Dye in an emotional ceremony yesterday at Millbrook Horse Trials. Courtney will donate the $5,000 award to Riders4Helmets, the helmet advocacy group that formed after she sustained a traumatic brain injury when she fell from a horse while not wearing a helmet in March 2010.

Courtney, Silva and Steve Blauner, who speaks about the award at the beginning of the video, all talked to EN about the award last week in this story; I’ll let their words do the talking. Read on for a transcript of Courtney’s speech during the awards ceremony:

“I just want to say how special it is to get this award. I’ve always said that the difference it makes — if I could save one person’s life — makes my accident seem worthwhile. Riders4Helmets had made my accident save many lives. The difference it has made astounds me.

“And it’s so appropriate that Silva is up here with me because her accident proves to the world that helmets do save lives. Many people have emailed me saying that they wore a helmet and it saved their lives, but no one ever hears about that. Silva’s accident was widely publicized, so the world got to hear that helmets save lives.

“I donate this to Riders4Helmets. Silva is just as much a part of it. I thank everyone for making my accident mean something instead of being a simple tragedy. I’m like Steve — I’m not an emotional person, but right now, I’m on the edge of tears.”

Go Courtney, and Go Eventing.

Ryan Wood Victorious in PRO 4-Bar Show Jumping Challenge

By Jenni Autry on Aug 4, 2014 9:30 am -

Ryan Wood and Storm Warning over 4'10". Photo by Jenni Autry.

The $1,000 PRO 4-Bar Show Jumping Challenge served as a highlight of yesterday’s show jumping finale at Millbrook, with Ryan Wood and Storm Warning ultimately clearing 4’10” to win. Ryan had to best Doug Payne; who has been successfully campaigning quite a bit in pure show jumping lately; local rider and Advanced competitor Booli Selmayr; and Millbrook Hunt first whipper-in Richard Daley.

The fences started at 3’6″, with all the riders going through clear but Richard, who was unfortunately eliminated right off the bat with Clermont. The rails then went up to 3’9″, with Ryan, Doug and Booli all clearing that height. Boyd Martin provided colorful commentary in the patron’s tent, which you can hear a bit of in the video below courtesy of PRO.

Booli Selmayr and Amber Sky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All three again cleared 3’11”, so the poles were cranked up to 4’6″, with Doug and Amadeus the first to go through at the new height. Unfortunately, Doug and Amadeus pulled a rail at the third fence, leaving Ryan and Booli to duke it out for the win. Both Ryan and Storm Warning and Booli and Amber Sky made it through — with much clucking and encouragement from Boyd and the crowd.

The rails then went up again to 4’10”, with Ryan and Storm Warning sailing through, leaving underdogs Booli and little Amber Sky to answer back. Though they cleared the fourth and highest fence, Booli and Amber Sky knocked the third rail, leaving Ryan and Storming Warning as the victors. Congrats to Ryan, and thank you to Samantha Lendl and PRO for organizing such a fun demonstration.

Doug Payne and Amadeus. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All the riders tackled the 4-bar with horses for sale via David Hopper and Tatra Farm, so the show jumping challenge provided a unique opportunity for spectators to see the sales horses in action. You can watch them all in the video below courtesy of PRO; here’s a little more information on each of the horses:

Ryan’s mount Storm Warning, an 8-year old 17.h, Selle Francais by Coconut Grove, was started at the Winter Equestrian Festival in 2014, competing at 1.20 meter and finishing successfully at 1.30 meter. The gelding won the Hudson Valley Indoor Mini Prix in April and the Hudson Valley Outdoor Mini Prix in June. He also placed successfully in the 7- and 8-year-old division at Hits I and Hits II.

Boyd Martin heckles the competitors while Marcia Kulak waits to take over the mic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin heckles the competitors while Marcia Kulak waits to take over the mic for Advanced show jumping. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Doug rode Amadeus, an 8 year-old, 16.2-hand Dutch Warmblood by Timeless. The gelding has competed successfully in Europe up to 1.45 meter and was imported at the end of February this year. He placed in eight out of 10 classes from 1.30 meters to 1.45 meters at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Hits II, and Saratoga, where he also placed in the $25,000 Grand Prix.

Booli rode Amber Sky, a 9 year-old,15.2-hand Holsteiner/Thoroughbred cross. Owned, bred and trained at Tatra Farm in Clinton Corners, N.Y, her sire is Magnum, who has been ranked in the past as one of the U.S. No. 1 stallions for producing young jumpers and Grand Prix horses. She has won several Classics in the Hudson Valley area, and she is also a two-time winner of the Holiday High Jump at Tatra Farm jumping 5’4”.

Richard Daley rode Clermont, a 6 year-old, 16.1-hand OTTB gelding. He was in training briefly as a 2 year old and never raced. He was then acquired by Tatra farm and retrained as a show jumper and event horse. He has been showing in the amateur divisions at the “A” shows.

Who Jumped It Best? Millbrook Show Jumping Edition

By Jenni Autry on Aug 3, 2014 9:28 pm -

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Millbrook Show Jumping Edition! Since you all loved yesterday’s cross-country poll — which is currently in a dead heat between Allison Springer and Arthur and Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir — we’re bringing it back again today with photos of eight horses and riders from the Advanced division. Check out the photos and vote in the poll below for who you think jumped it best, and be sure to check out all of EN’s coverage from Millbrook here. Go Eventing.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Tracey Bienemann and Zara. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kate Chadderton and Buckharo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jodi Hemry and In Style. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Holly Payne and Santino. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sunday Videos: Millbrook Advanced Show Jumping

By Jenni Autry on Aug 3, 2014 4:49 pm -

Spectators at Millbrook Horse Trials were treated to fantastic commentary from USEF Eventing Selector Marcia Kulak during the Advanced show jumping, which you’ll hear as you watch the videos. As a selector, Marcia knows these horses and riders inside and out, and it was wonderful to have her giving educational tidbits throughout the afternoon for the sake of helping the audience learn a little more about the sport and the athletes. Thank you to Marcia for lending her time this afternoon. Go Eventing.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch Defend Their Millbrook Title

By Jenni Autry on Aug 3, 2014 4:28 pm -

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton jumped clear show jumping rounds with both Fernhill Cubalawn and Fernhill Fugitive, meaning Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch couldn’t afford a single rail if they wanted to defend their title as the Millbrook Advanced champions. As the last to jump in the division, Laine and Al put in a beautiful clear trip to clinch the win in the PRO Tour and Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced division on 31.4.

Phillip, Buck Davidson and Boyd Martin all finished with two of their three rides inside the top 10, with Big Phil taking second and third places with Fernhill Cubalawn and Fernhill Fugitive, respectively, on scores of 32.8 and 33.8, followed by Buck Davidson with Copper Beech, who had one rail down, and The Apprentice, who jumped clear with one time penalty, to finish in fourth and fifth places on scores of 37.8 and 39.9.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sharon White, who rode today with a heavy heart after the unexpected passing of her longtime owner Sheri Weber yesterday, jumped clear with two time penalties on Under Suspection to finish sixth on 43.4, followed by Boyd and Master Frisky in seventh on 44.9 and Steady Eddie in eighth on 45.3. Both Master Frisky and Steady Eddie had a rail down.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights jumped clear with six time penalties to finish ninth on 45.6 in the horse’s return to the Advanced level after an extended break — a great finish on their way to accomplishing the goal of contesting the Fair Hill CCI3* this fall. And EN’s own Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir jumped a lovely clear round with one time penalty to finish 10th on 46.9, moving all the way up from 23rd after dressage.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rails fell throughout the course, though the natural oxer at fence 3, which faced the crowded patron’s tent, and the purple vertical at fence 4, which faced the big crowd of spectators, claimed the most victims. In all, just six pairs jumped clear rounds and made the time. Phillip accomplished that feat on all three of his horses — Fernhill Cubalawn, Fernhill Fugitive and Atlas — as did Laine and Anthony Patch, Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace, and Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe.

It’s been a wonderful weekend at Millbrook Horse Trials, and I have much more to bring you from the day’s festivities, including photos of the $1,000 PRO Four Bar, which Ryan Wood ultimately won aboard Storm Warning, and video of Silva Martin presenting the Charles Owen Equestrian Memorial Award to Courtney King-Dye, which was an incredibly emotional and touching moment. Please join me in thanking the organizers and volunteers for facilitating such a fantastic event. Go Millbrook.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Watch PRO’s interview with Laine Ashker after show jumping:

Boyd Martin Salutes the Crowd at Millbrook

By Jenni Autry on Aug 3, 2014 9:00 am -

Boyd Martin salutes the crowd at the water jump aboard Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin’s salute to the crowd after coming through the water complex with Steve Blauner’s Master Frisky served as a highlight of the day for spectators who came out to watch cross country at Millbrook Horse Trials on Saturday. Many of Boyd’s syndicate owners live in this area, and a large swarm of his supporters were camped out at the WaterView tent all day cheering him on as he came through with each horse.

After an especially large cheer for Master Frisky, Boyd’s last ride in the Advanced division, he returned the favor in kind and waved back at the crowd. I was taking photos during the salute, but EN reader Julie Peterson, who was watching cross country next to me, caught it on video and was kind enough to send it our way. Many thanks to Julie for the video. Go Millbrook, and Go Eventing.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Update: Skip ahead to 12 minutes on this video for a clearer picture courtesy of RNS Video:

Millbrook Advanced Dressage Video Gallery

By Jenni Autry on Aug 2, 2014 6:00 pm -

EN’s good friend and honorary videographer David Frechette, AKA Thehorsepesterer, was hard at work videoing dressage tests for our viewing pleasure on Thursday and Friday, and he returned home to the land of good wifi in order to upload them. Here’s a look at the tests he’s uploaded so far, and be sure to keep checking back to his Millbrook playlist for more. Many thanks to David for his dedication to supporting the horses and riders in our sport through videography. Without him, we’d have a lot less game tape to study! Go eventing.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Who Jumped It Best? Millbrook Cross Country Edition

By Jenni Autry on Aug 2, 2014 4:15 pm -

Lindsay Beer and El Paso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Millbrook Edition! Take a look at these eight horses and riders tackling the Advanced water complex on cross country today and vote in the poll below for who you think jumped it best. Be sure to check out the full report on all the action on course today here, as well as a video from the water complex here. Go Millbrook.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Philippa Humphreys and Sir Donovan. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alyssa Peterson and Music Man II. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rebekah Smith and Jazz King. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Saturday Video: Millbrook Advanced Water Complex

By Jenni Autry on Aug 2, 2014 3:10 pm -

Advanced cross country wrapped up earlier this afternoon at Millbrook Horse Trials, with Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch having the second-fastest trip of the day across Tremaine Cooper’s course to hold the lead going into show jumping tomorrow. I filmed about four minutes of video of the big corner at fence 14 and the water complex at fence 15abc, which rode very smoothly overall.

Check out the video to watch Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus, Kate Chadderton and Buckharo, Robin Walker and Freedoms Light, Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond, Tracey Bienemann and Zara, Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon, Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous, Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War, Sharon White and Under Suspection, and Sally Cousins and Westerly.

If you missed the full report on Advanced cross country, click here. You can also check out my live updates from cross country here to relive the action, see all the fences riders tackled today in Kate’s course preview here and catch up on all our coverage of Millbrook so far here. Stay tuned for much more from Millbrook.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [EN’s Coverage]

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch Take Millbrook Advanced Lead

By Jenni Autry on Aug 2, 2014 1:30 pm -

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Laine Ashker hadn’t planned to go for time with Anthony Patch, the reigning Millbrook Advanced winner, but she put in the second-fastest trip of the day to pick up 4.8 time penalties and take the lead on 31.4. The honors for fastest trip go to Phillip Dutton and his new ride and Blenheim CCI3* grant recipient Fernhill Cubalawn, who picked up 4 time penalties to move up from equal 10th place on a score of 32.8. Phillip also holds third place on Fernhill Fugitive, who had six penalties to tie with Buck Davidson and Copper Beech, who had 7.2 time penalties, on scores of 33.8.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man enjoyed a nice jump up the leaderboard from 14th to fifth place on 37.4 after picking up 6.8 time penalties. Allison Springer and Arthur, who were running for the first time since Rolex, had an easy prep trip for Burghley, jumping clear with 8.8 time to move up from 13th to sixth on 38.8. Buck has another ride inside the top 10 with The Apprentice, who had a very bold trip through the water to jump clear with 10.8 time penalties to drop for sixth to seventh place on 38.9.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Covert Rights enjoyed his first cross-country run at Advanced level after an extended break, jumping a smooth round with Colleen Rutledge after she said he bolted off with her in warmup. Colleen and CR picked up 10.8 time penalties to to move from 10th to eighth place on 39.6. Boyd Martin hammed it up for the crowd after coming through the water with Master Frisky; he has a large contingent of syndicate owners here this weekend cheering him on, and they picked up 10 time penalties to move from 15th to ninth. Boyd and Steady Eddie and Sharon White and Under Suspection are tied for 10th place on 41.3 after coming home with 10 and 13.2 time penalties respectively.

No one made the time on a day when the rolling Millbrook hills took their toll, and the heavy rains that fell yesterday afternoon made for deep footing in certain parts of the course. Tremaine Cooper’s Advanced course rode very nicely overall, with problems primarily cropping up at the combination at 8abc, a gate to a “half keyhole sort of skinny thing,” as Kate called it, to a chevron. That’s where overnight leaders Sharon White and Wundermaske ultimately retired after a refusal. Sharon actually bashed her knee on the skinny, which is carved into a tree trunk, but was thankfully sound enough to pilot her second ride Under Suspection later in the division.

Boyd Martin salutes the crowd at the water jump about Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin salutes the crowd at the water jump aboard Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In addition to Sharon and Patch, seven other combinations had a runout at 8, with the big chevron at the C element proving particularly problematic. Nora Battig had the only fall in the division when she parted ways with Steppin’ Out after he jumped huge over the chevron, perhaps not anticipating the drop on the back side. Though she tried desperately to hang on, she just couldn’t quite save it. Thankfully, she was up right away and OK.

Problems also cropped up earlier in the course; Katie Wherley retired Mr. Indiscretion at fence 4, an airy table built under a gazebo, after a stop there. Three combinations picked up a refusal at fence 5, an open corner set on an angle over a ditch. Courtney Cooper was the only rider in the division to be eliminated on refusals, and she picked up her first with Who’s A Star at this fence, followed by a second at the tricky combination at 8 and a third at the keyhole coming out of the water.

Kate Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The water at 15abc rode beautifully overall, though we definitely saw a few scrappy rides. Phillip and Atlas received a huge cheer when the horse scrambled up the bank and gamely hopped on through fence 14 just before it caught out four combinations with refusals">the key hole, which was very similar to the way Alyssa Peterson and Music Man II rode through — also to huge cheers. Though the water didn’t cause any problems sans Courtney’s stop, the big corner at fence 14 just before it caught out four combinations with refusals, and Liz Riley and It’s The Truth picked up a second stop there before successfully taking the long route.

The only other refusal on course came when Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War had trouble at fence 11, a combination of two angled skinny ramps. With the dust settled, there were a total of 20 refusals and one rider fall out of a division of 45 horses. You’ll see on the live scores that Callie Evans and Glendening Avis are listed as disqualified. I saw them go through the steps at fence 19 late on the course and am still trying to verify exactly what happened; they were sitting in equal fourth place overnight. (Update on Callie and Avis added below.)

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Though the forecast threatened storms, it turned out to be a beautiful, overcast day with cool temperatures, creating ideal cross-country conditions for the horses. Many thanks to event secretary Sharyn Antico for helping me get a printout of the fence analysis to bring you this report. I still have much more to bring you from cross-country day at Millbrook, including photos, videos and a new edition of Who Jumped It Best? Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, fence judges, score runners and everyone who helped to make the day such a great one. Go Millbrook.

Update 10 p.m. EST: Callie Evans has notified us that she was disqualified upon completing the Advanced cross-country course with Glendening Avis after officials spotted what they believed to be a spur rub on the mare’s left side. Callie appealed to the ground jury, as she believed the mark in question was too low to have been caused by her spur; her appeal was unsuccessful.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview]

Millbrook Advanced Cross-Country Live Updates

By Jenni Autry on Aug 2, 2014 10:30 am -

Fence 9 on the Advanced course. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Good morning from Millbrook Horse Trials! We had a torrential downpour yesterday afternoon, so the footing on Tremaine Cooper’s cross-country course should be perfect for today’s action. The Intermediate divisions are running first. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive will be the first out on the Advanced cross-country course at 10:34 a.m. EST.

I’ll be running live updates in this thread, and you can also follow along with PRO Tour Radio here; Danny Warrington and Piers Lloyd Owen will be offering commentary. If you missed Kate’s Advanced course preview, be sure to check it out here. Go Eventing.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [PRO Tour Radio]

10:35: And we’re underway with Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive as first out on course!

10:38: Lynn Symansky is the first PRO rider offering commentary at the WaterView Tent.

10:42: The water complex is riding beautifully so far. The grounds crew has been laying down gravel at the jump to ensire good footing for the horses.

10:47: Kate Chadderton and Buckharo took the long route at fence 5 and then picked up a runout at 7b.

10:51: It turned out to be a beautiful day here at Millbrook. It’s overcast and cool — perfect cross-country conditions for the horses.

10:58: Defending champions Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch are on course now. They’re preparing to defend their title at the AECs, and Lynn is saying Laine’s plan is not to go for time today.

11: Liz Riley and It’s The Truth have two stops at the big corner at fence 14 before the water before opting to take the long route.

11:04: The corner at 14 moved a bit when It’s The Truth slammed on the brakes. Tremaine is looking at the jump now.

11:08: A huge cheer for everyone’s favorite vet Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter through the water.

11:11: A runout at the big corner before the water, for Taryn Nolte and Cleverly. Tremaine is hammering on the jump now knocking it back into place.

11:14: A runout for Lindsay Beer and El Paso at the corner at 14. A runout was also announced for Buck Davidson and Wiley Post early on the course at the chevron at 8c.

11:22: Phillip Dutton had a hell of a ride through the water when Atlas was sticky to the bank at 15b. Very nicely done.

11:25: Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond have a runout at 5b. Katie Wherley and Mr. Indiscretion have retired at fence 4.

11:28: Alyssa Peterson and Music Man II also got in close to the bank at 15b out of the water but saved it to a huge cheer from the crowd.

11:33: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive are currently leading after jumping clear with 6 time penalties.

11:40: Nora Battig just couldn’t quite hang on during a huge jump from Steppin’ Out at the chevron at 8c. She’s up and OK.

11:47: There’s quite a few problems happening that we’re not hearing over the loudspeaker. Overnight leaders Sharon White and Wundermaske retired on course according to the live scores.

11:51: No riders have made the time, and the hills and deeper footing from last night’s rain are taking a toll.

11:56: Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star have a runout at 5b.

12: Courtney and Who’s A Star pick up another stop at 8 and scramble up the bank at 15b before stopping at the keyhole. That’s the end of her day.

12:01: Boyd Martin salutes the crowd after coming through the water with Master Frisky. He has a huge contingent of syndicate owners here watching this weekend.

12:02: Holly Payne and Santino have a glance off at the corner at 14 and take the long route.

12:03: Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe have a runout at fence 10.

12:13: Sally Cousins and Westerly are the last pair on course. Live scores are running a bit behind, so check back shortly for a full report and standings.

12:40: Live scores are now up! Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch take the lead after cross country. Full report coming shortly.

Copper Beech and Glendening Avis Steal the Show at Millbrook

By Jenni Autry on Aug 1, 2014 3:30 pm -

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

No one in the big Advanced division at Millbrook Horse Trials could touch Sharon White and Wundermaske’s score of 25.3 from yesterday, and she’s officially the overnight leader as we look ahead to cross-country day tomorrow. Two pairs gave Sharon and Patch a serious run for their money, with Buck Davidson and this year’s Jersey Fresh CCI3* winners Copper Beech coming dangerously close to their score with 26.2, which times them for equal second place with Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch.

Buck and Copper Beech were the last pair to go before the lunch break, and they delivered a truly lovely test, with Buck giving “Sean” a ton of pats and praise after the final halt. This 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding is an exciting up-and-coming horse for Buck, having just moved up to the Advanced level this year and already seen notable success, namely clinching the big win at Jersey this past May in his first CCI3*. Keep your eyes on this one, EN.

Callie Evans and Glendening Avis. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Callie Evans and Glendening Avis were one of the last pairs out today and very likely would have taken the lead had it not been for a couple costly bobbles. The horse, a really cute buckskin mare, almost broke to the canter a couple times during the extended trot from M to F when Callie stepped on the gas a little too much, and the changes weren’t quite as clean as we’ve seen from other combinations over the past two days, but wow — they really had a great performance, scoring 27.8 for equal fourth place.

Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star also had a very nice, obedient test this afternoon, scoring 28.4 for ninth place. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn are coming off a win in the Cosequin Stuart CIC2* in just their second event together, and they looked very much in a rhythm today, scoring 28.8 for equal 10th. Allison Springer and Arthur were first out this morning, and a good crowd gathered to watch this talented dressage combination do battle in the little white box. Unfortunately, Arthur was a bit tense today, and they scored 30 for 13th place.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man put in the typical workmanlike test we’ve come to expect from this pair, scoring 30.6 for 14th place. Wort looked a little more wide-eyed than he usual does in this phase, likely a byproduct of being very fit and raring to go as we get closer to the start of the fall season. Boyd Martin and Master Frisky, his third ride in this division, also had a consistent test for 30.9, with owner Steve Blauner, who sits on the organizing committee for the event, cheering loudly at the final salute.

A large group of Team Orange owners and supporters turned out to watch Sharon White and Under Suspection, who are sitting in 16th place on 31.3. “Pippy” is preparing to cross the pond for Boekelo CCI3O* in October thanks to her Land Rover competition grant, and she’s another horse that looked very fit in the little white box today. She got away from Sharon in the extended trot from M to F and looked thrilled when she finally did get to canter from M to F.

Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous, who scored 31.6 for 17th place, had one of my favorite tests of the day with some true moments of brilliance. Plus, the horse is so fun to watch, as he’s a big, powerful mover with flashy coloring. Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon, who scored 32.5 for equal 18th place, started their test beautifully only to have things come a bit unraveled. The mare broke to canter during the extended trot from M to F — which we’ve seen a lot in the past two days — and threw in a few bucks for good measure during the changes. But there is so much potential there, and she’s definitely one to keep your eye on.

Allison Springer had something of a moral victory later in the afternoon with Copycat Chloe, who was been unstable in this phase through much of the season. Chloe really listened and tried during the test, which scored 32.5 to tie for 18th place, and Allison said after that she was very pleased with the performance. Her team has been struggling to get Chloe’s allergies under control, and she said that had really been bothering the mare, who now seems to be coping much better.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

If you missed Kate’s excellent preview of the Advanced cross-country course, go check it out here. Tremaine has made some exciting changes and added new fences to up the ante this year, and though there are thunderstorms predicted for tomorrow, it’s sure to be an excellent day of red on right, white on left and insanity in the middle. I can’t say enough about how wonderful the organizers and volunteers have been — everyone seems to have a smile on their face at all times. Stay tuned for much more from Millbrook.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Video of Buck Davidson and The Apprentice courtesy of Thehorsepesterer:

Sharon White and Wundermaske Lead Millbrook Advanced

By Jenni Autry on Jul 31, 2014 4:22 pm -

Sharon White and Wundermaske at Millbrook 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hello from beautiful Millbrook, N.Y.! Though the forecast threatened afternoon storms, the downpour that rolled through this morning quickly dried up, leaving beautiful conditions for the first day of dressage at the 14th annual Millbrook Horse Trials. The Advanced division is packed as usual, with 47 entries battling it out for the coveted title in the USEA Adequan Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series.

With the first half of the division complete, Sharon White and Wundermaske just edged reigning champions Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch to hold the overnight lead on 25.3. After forgoing her fall European tour last year, Sharon is looking to take Patch to across the pond this year, along with her other ride in the division, Under Suspection, who received a grant to contest Boekelo CCIO3*. After his meltdown in the dressage at Rolex, Patch was all business today and looking very relaxed, and judge Sue Smithson liked what she saw.

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Anthony Patch, who is usually pretty quiet in his tests, was very much on his toes today, and he got away from Laine in the extended trot from M to F — not an uncommon occurrence across the division. It was fun to see him so pepped up — perhaps he realizes that he’s here this weekend to defend his title? This is one of Laine and Al’s prep runs before the American Eventing Championships in September, where they’ll also be defending their USEA Gold Cup title. Laine and Al scored 26.6 for second place.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive were first out this morning, scoring 27.8 to hold the lead for much of the day. Had the test come later in the day, they likely would have received higher marks; the same goes for Buck Davidson and The Apprentice — both had excellent, mistake-free tests. But that’s the rub when your test comes early in the day. That said, Sue Smithson kindly overlooked some of the exuberant displays of fitness that cropped up during otherwise lovely tests across the board, as it was chilly and overcast for much of the morning.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This was one of the nicest tests we’ve seen recently from The Apprentice, and Buck seemed thrilled with the effort, which scored 28.1 to tie for equal fourth with Wiley Post, his second ride in the division. That score also ties them with Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie, a little Australian Thoroughbred who is really starting to come along nicely. He’s still green to this level and working on building the strength he needs to put a little more wow into some of the movements, but this was a really nice effort from them.

It’s worth noting here that the horses and riders in this division are doing USEA Advanced Test A, which is the harder of the two new Advanced tests released earlier this year. Considering it’s a national level test, there are a lot of really challenging movements, like the shoulder-in down centerline from D to X and the flying change off the counter canter. We saw a lot of horses and riders trying their hearts out today.

Buck Davidson and The Apprentice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights put in a very nice test in the horse’s first event back at this level since Pine Top Advanced in February, with just one little mistake when CR got away from Colleen in that extended trot from M to F. CR’s trot work has only improved in the time off, and while the canter is still coming along, he’s seriously impressive to watch. Colleen and CR scored 28.8 to sit in equal seventh with Boyd and Pancho Villa, who rode an accurate test. Boyd still has one more ride to come tomorrow with Master Frisky, tying Buck and Phillip for most rides in the division.

Hometown favorite Booli Selmayr received the loudest cheer of the day with Castle Diamond, scoring 32.5 for ninth place. Booli will also be riding in the PRO Four Bar on Sunday in pursuit of $1,000 in prize money. Phillip Dutton and Atlas and Liz Riley and It’s The Truth sit tied for equal 10th place on scores of 32.8. This is Atlas’ first time back at the Advanced level since Red Hills, when Phillip decided to drop him back to Intermediate to boost his confidence after a series of stops on cross country. Liz Riley looked absolutely over the moon after her test, which earned one of their best scores in Advanced to date.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been a wonderful start to the weekend at Millbrook, and I have to say thank you to the organizers and volunteers. Everyone has been incredibly friendly, and hospitality chairman Debra Flanigan insisted on giving me a meal ticket and ride to the lunch tent after Advanced dressage ended. Debra has been been volunteering at Millbrook for 14 years, and without people like her, events like this wouldn’t exist. Stay tuned for much more, and be sure to check out EN’s Instagram for Chinch’s latest exploits. He was last seen running wild in stabling.

Go Millbrook.

Millbrook Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Video of Sharon and Wundermaske’s test courtesy of Thehorsepesterer:

WEG Nominated Entries Posted, Great Britain’s Reserve List Revealed

By Jenni Autry on Jul 31, 2014 1:30 pm -

Harry Meade and Wild Lone at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The nominated entries for eventing have now been posted on the World Equestrian Games website, giving us a look at Great Britain’s reserve list, which hadn’t previously been revealed.

Harry Meade and Gemma Tattersall both tweeted that they had been named to the reserve list after the main squad was named June 19. The full reserve list is as follows:

Jodie Amos and Wise Crack
Sarah Bullimore and Reve Du Rouet, Valentino V
William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero, Parklane Hawk
Louise Harwood and Whitson
Richard Jones and Highland Ford
Harry Meade and Wild Lone
Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul
Izzy Taylor and Orlando
Oliver Townend and Armada
Nicola Wilson and Annie Clover, Beltane Queen

Replacements are expected to be named shortly for Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie and Pippa Funnell and Billy Beware, who both withdrew from the squad — Izzy due to a “setback in training” and Pippa due to a lameness issue.

Team GBR is currently Tina Cook and De Novo News, William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning, Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, and Oliver Townend and Black Tie II.

As you’ll see on the nominated entries, each nation could enter a maximum of 18 athletes and 18 horses. A total of 28 national federations named athletes for the Games, with 16 of those nominating teams for a total of 138 athletes and 168 horses.

Definite entries must be named on August 14, when 99 final combinations are expected to appear on the entry list. Each national federation may then enter a maximum of six athletes and six horses.

Click here to see the nominated entries for all national federations.

PRO Faces of Eventing: Zach Brandt Tells All

By Jenni Autry on Jul 31, 2014 12:00 pm -

PRO just released a new episode of Faces of Eventing presented by World Equestrian Brands, this time starring Zach Brandt, a California native who moved east last year to pursue his dream of competing at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*.

Zach came east with Cavallino Cocktail, his Irish Sport Horse mare who finished 10th at Jersey Fresh CCI3* and fifth at Rebecca Farm CIC3* last year, with the intention of running Fair Hill CCI3* in preparation for Rolex this spring. But “Scotty” suffered a tendon injury last fall that derailed their plans.

The good news is Scotty has been rehabbing beautifully, and she returned to competing this spring, finishing 10th in the Open Intermediate at The Fork and jumping a beautiful clear show jumping round under the lights at CHC International CIC3* before withdrawing from cross country. Zach is back on track with his plans to target a fall three-day and head to Rolex next year.

As for how he got into riding, Zach said he had no interest in horses and got dragged to the barn each day by his mom, who started riding again in her 40s. One day she encouraged him to have a riding lesson, and he’s been hooked on eventing ever since.

“The sport is like a microcosm of life, it teaches you a lot about discipline, responsibility and how to use that responsibility,” Zach said. “There’s a lot of ups an downs in this sport, which I’ve experienced lately. It kind of puts everything into perspective.”

At the time of filming, Zach was working for Will Faudree in North Carolina, but he told us that he’s since moved down to Ocala to work for Jon Holling. Watch the video to hear much more from Zach. Go PRO, and Go Eventing.

Endurance Day Shuffles Leaderboard at GMHA Festival

By Jenni Autry on Jul 31, 2014 9:00 am -

Laurie Shiffer and Deuces Wild. Photo by Joan David/Flatlandsfoto.

Endurance day is in the books for the Novice Three-Day and Training Three-Day divisions at the GMHA Festival in South Woodstock, Vt., and the leaderboard saw some shakeups after riders completed all four phases.

In the Senior Training Three-Day, Laurie Shiffer and Deuces Wild had the fastest endurance phase of the division, picking up just .8 total time penalties to take the lead on a score of 39.0, moving up from third place after dressage. Robert Piro and Waterview also had a great day, accumulating 1.6 time to move from fourth to second place. Nicole Carroll and Carolina PCH, who were tied for the lead after dressage, picked up 5.6 time to drop to third place on 42.2. The top three are separated by less than a rail, so it’s going to be an exciting finale today in the T3D.

Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

In the Junior Training Three-Day, Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH were clean across all four endurance phases to carry their dressage score of 34.1 on to show jumping. Mariah Gallien and Clonmethan Crest also had a good day, accumulating 8.8 time penalties in phase D to remain in second place. There are only two riders in this division.

Nancy Read and Lillie. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

The Senior Novice Three-Day riders had a fantastic day, with eight of the 14 competitors taking their dressage scores forward to show jumping. Nancy Read and Lillie hold their lead on a score of 30.7, followed by Dominic Bergern and Free Agent, who moved up from third place to second place after overnight leaders Kaitlyn Sutherland and Indian Summer picked up 44 time penalties in phase C. Cora Shillinglaw and Braveheart also moved up one spot from fourth to third place after a clean endurance phase.

Maura Eldridge and Daddy Said Yes. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

The three competitors in the Junior Novice Three-Day remain in their same positions after dressage after a great endurance day. Leader Maura Eldridge and Daddy Said Yes take their dressage score of 31.8 on to show jumping, followed by Marcy Daley and No Greater Coyote, who picked up 2 time penalties in phase C to remain in second place. Julia Rowse and Winner’s Dream also picked up 2 time penalties in phase to remain in third place.

The Training and Novice Three-Days conclude today with show jumping. Many thanks to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for sending in photos of the leaders. Click here to see photos from dressage, also courtesy of Flatlandsfoto. Go Eventing.

[GMHA Festival Live Scores]

Frankenhorse Still Remembers How to Buck

By Jenni Autry on Jul 30, 2014 8:41 pm -

What our days look like — lots of hand grazing.

Happy Hump Day, EN! I wish I could squish you all into Mia’s stall to show you in person just how much the wound has progressed in the past 35 days. Thanks in large part to regular treatments with the SpectraVET Therapeutic Laser unit I’ve been lucky enough to borrow, the open wound has now shrank to about the size of a half dollar.

I was lucky enough to be able to do daily wound care for a full 30 days before my travel schedule for EN called me away. Being away for two days at the WEG Prep Trials at Great Meadow really put into perspective just how fast the healing process is going. When you look at a wound every day, you notice the daily changes, but it’s so much more pronounced after being away for a couple days.

The wound is literally disappearing before our eyes — hopefully you can get a good idea of that in the gallery below. Any guesses as to how soon it will close up? At the rate it’s going, I’m thinking two weeks max. Of course, the muscle is going to be much slower to heal, and I can feel some weak spots along the incision sites.

The good news is my vet, Dr. Wade Wisner of Green Glen Equine Hospital, cleared Mia to start going on short hand walks last week, just one week after clearing her to hand graze. We’re progressing much faster on the timeline to small paddock turnout than I ever could have hoped, and I’m grateful Mia can finally get out to stretch her legs.

Of course, her first hand walk was not without fanfare. I took her in our indoor arena, which is about the size of a 20-by-60 meter dressage arena, to walk a bit, and she desperately wanted to roll. Since she had her shoulder guard on to protect her wound and hadn’t had a good roll outside her stall in nearly 30 days, I caved.

She rolled for about a full minute — this was a gratuitous roll — and then proceeded to get up and take off bucking. The lead rope was out of my hand before I even realized it. I was terrified she was going to start running around the arena, but she bucked to the other side and then proceeded to trot over to the gate and stop — all the while looking very sound.

So I guess she needed to get that out of her system, and, needless to say, she won’t be getting anymore sympathy rolls during our hand walks. In a way, I’m relieved that it happened, as I got to see her trot soundly for the first time since June 25. And it’s comforting to see the injury has not at all broken her spirit; she continues to be content and happy in her stall.

I switched her to the holder for her Uncle Jimmy’s Licky Things, and she’s already pulled it down three times in the last week. This girl LOVES her some Uncle Jimmy’s. The Amazing Grace Treat Dispenser continues to be a total godsend. She is obsessed with this thing, and I’m currently rotating between filling it with three different blends of alfalfa cubes so she doesn’t get bored.

So we’re slowly hand walking — and sometimes bucking, crow hopping and dancing — our way to small paddock turnout. At the rate she’s healing and considering she’s sound at the walk, I’m thinking she’ll definitely get cleared for limited small paddock turnout next month. Until then, thanks for following along and being a part of #teammia.

The Frankenhorse Chronicles:

June 27: How My OTTB Decided to Spend the Summer as Frankenhorse

June 30: The Eventer’s Five Stages of Grief

June 30: Adventures in Catastrophic Wound Care

July 7: Frankenhorse Goes Commando and Other Wound Care Tales

July 10: Christmas Comes Early for Frankenhorse

July 21: Frankenhorse Gets Her First Taste of Freedom