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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

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Dec 10, 2018 12:01 am -

USEA President-elect Max Corcoran and Hall of Fame inductee Karen O’Connor share a laugh during Saturday night’s Hall of Fame Gala. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Welcome to the Monday after the USEA Convention, a day on which everyone who attended feels like we have been collectively hit by a bus. Convention weekend is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year and always serves as a raucous eventing family reunion. Please join me in congratulating a very special member of our eventing family, as Max Corcoran has been announced as the new USEA president-elect.

Max will shadow current USEA President Carol Kozlowski during 2019 in preparation to officially take up the role starting in 2020. Carol will pass the baton at the 2019 USEA Convention in Boston, and we couldn’t have asked for a better setting to begin Max’s four-year term as president. As a native of Massachusetts, Max has assured me she is delighted to welcome everyone to Boston for what will surely be an unforgettable weekend as we also celebrate the USEA’s 60th anniversary.

Stay tuned for an exclusive EN interview with Max. Congrats, my friend!

National Holiday: National Lager Day 🍻

U.S. Weekend Action: NONE 👇

Your Monday News & Notes:

Montana Equestrian Events will once again host winter skijoring races at Rebecca Farm on Dec. 29-30 in Kalispell, Montana. Sarah Broussard hopes the races “will drive economic growth in the Flathead Valley, build community pride and provide spectacular entertainment for both our neighbors and visitors.” New this year is a curved skijoring track, which will give competitors an even more thrilling ride. [Skijoring at Rebecca Farm]

Sam Felton and Ricker Ridge Divine Right won the Honda NZ CCI3* at Puhinui International in Wiri, New Zealand. Organizers battled wet weather in the lead-up to the event, which led to deep going for Saturday’s cross country. Sam has a big year ahead in 2019, with a wedding planned and also a move to the UK for an anticipated two years. [Puhinui International]

The US Equestrian Annual Meeting will take place Jan. 9-12, 2019, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. The theme this year is “Members Make it Happen” and the meeting is expected to offer more educational and interactive opportunities than ever before. [USEF Annual Meeting]

Monday Video: David Robinson, better known as Harveywetdog on YouTube, just released more cross country footage from the Festival of British Eventing held at Gatcombe Park in August.

USEA Convention 2018: Must-Read Quotes from the WEG Review Panel

By on Dec 9, 2018 6:02 pm -

Fence 1 on Capt. Mark Phillips’s 2018 World Equestrian Games course. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A review panel is a convention tradition during championship years, and we enjoyed an insightful discussion of the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games yesterday at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The panel consisted of U.S. team riders Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton and Lynn Symansky; Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director of Eventing; Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport Programs; and Irish team rider Sam Watson.

Sam served as pathfinder on Ireland’s silver-medal winning team, and as co-founder of EquiRatings he attended the USEA Convention to present an annual review. It was extremely interesting to have the perspective of a rider from a different country, aided also by the fact Sam stuck to his own guidelines for speaking on the panel: “Know your audience and don’t be the smug Irish guy.”

Dr. Mark Hart, FEI Chief Medical Officer for WEG, facilitated the discussion and encouraged the audience to ask questions. The panel began by speaking about their own personal experience and takeaway from WEG.

Will Coleman: “I would echo the sentiments of my teammates and coach that competing for your country is a tremendous honor and something we all take really seriously. We’re all a bit gutted in how it turned out. We know that we all had hoped for better. We’ll get back to work, put it behind us and try to get better in a couple years.”

Will Connell: “When you look at eventing globally, the reality is that the U.S. doesn’t sit immediately in the medal zone statistically as it is. We head to Tokyo with a very new format — three riders on a team, three scores to count. It’s going to be very hot, and a morning and evening competition. I personally believe that the teams that medal at Tokyo will be the teams who are ale to cope with those conditions, long days and the additional pressure of no drop score … With the right environment around the team and the right preparation, Tokyo will be a whole new game. These are talented and dedicated athletes.”

Phillip Dutton: “To represent your country is a great honor and something we all try to achieve and don’t take for granted. We had a great plan in place to bring our country back to the medal podium in Tryon. It didn’t quite work out. … I think we need to sharpen our pencil and get better. We really did appreciate the support of everybody and wanted to make it come off.”

Erik Duvander: “I came on board 10 months before the competition. We probably needed one more year with this team. … Everyone stepped up and tried their hardest. I think that is the key — the attitude of how everyone went about their business. That part of it I think was a good side of coming out of it. There was a lot of learning that took place — it’s high value that way. I hate to go to a championship and learn, but we will be looking forward to the next cycle and putting more things into place and getting more gelled as a team.”

“Long-term we are aiming for being the best nation in the world, but it takes time to build teams. There’s no magic to it. You have to get all the basics in the right place. I think the tipping point is when we get enough buy-in into the system.”

Lynn Symansky: “I tried my absolute hardest. It was so close to being a banner, amazing weekend for myself and my horse. We put in our personal best in dressage. That horse was destined to do that cross country course. In the final day, I think I was on a bit of a different horse having an extra day between cross country and show jumping, but we were all playing the same game. I did have an uncharacteristic three rails, which killed me. I hope you guys keep standing behind us.”

Sam Watson: “You have three phases and a lot can go wrong. It hit me hard at WEG in 2014 when (the Irish team) were in sixth place. I was going into the show jumping with about eight rails in hand. I came down to the third last fence, and the horse had a little look and he didn’t take off. I was holding on around his head. The one thing I didn’t factor in was if I fell off. I hung on, and we finished sixth, but that killed me, absolutely killed me because it was embarrassing. That was when I realized I had to take emotion out of it.”

Question: How is riding on a team different for you as a competitor? 

Phillip Dutton: “There’s an added element to it when you’re on a team and you don’t want to let everybody down. You have to have faith in the work you’ve done leading up to it and your horse.”

Lynn Symansky: “At the end of the day, you have to make sure you trust what got you there in the beginning, which is yourself, but it’s a lot of extra pressure on your shoulders. … You’re trying to be as competitive as you can for yourself, but you also have the big picture for the team. You have to be willing to be flexible and adaptable.

“When I went to the Pan Ams back in 2011, it felt like a cheesy movie with Buck (Davidson) as a captain. That was five riders who finished on their dressage score, and I think that was because the group came together cohesively. It’s about knowing how you work and how the riders work. We all have the same common goal at the end of the day, which is to figure out how we are going to win.”

Sam Watson: “If there’s a difference between competing on a team and competing individually, then something has gone wrong. I would discuss with our team when I’m at an individual competition whether to take this route or that route. Our minds are open all the time to information. Different teammates are different. Some aren’t as open-minded. You have to learn that at the one-day events too.”

Question: What do you look for in a teammate?

Will Coleman: “I think what we’re all looking for is someone who believes in the processes that allow us to perform at your best. Not everyone will approach a competition in the same way. Hopefully you believe in the people around and you and respect whatever they think allows them to be the best version of themselves.”

Phillip Dutton: “You have other people who rely on you to do your part. It is a change for most event riders to be on a team because it’s not a team sport until you get selected for a championships.”

Erik Duvander: “It’s just about being courteous and kind to each other. If you have that in place then you can focus on performance. You don’t have to get distracted with the noise of the other athletes.”

Lynn Symansky: “Having mutual respect and understanding. Everyone is different in what gets them in the right mindset and keeps them as competitive as possible. I want a teammate who has your back even when you have tried your hardest but things didn’t go to plan. Sometimes losing is the most valuable education in how to get better.”

Question: Did you think Capt. Mark Phillips’s cross country course was challenging enough?

Will Coleman: “The course was amazing. Mark’s work as a course designer recently is some of the best we’ve seen. A lot of people were quite down on the clock when they hit the hill. It was a testament to fitness in getting the time. You had no cushion. Seeing how horses coped with it was fascinating.”

Phillip Dutton: “I thought Mark did an extraordinary job making sure less experienced horses still had a safe day and then testing the best. The time was difficult to get. The terrain led a bit to that with the hill coming at the end. There was a lot to do in the beginning. I thought it didn’t walk big, but it was technical. I thought it was a thinking course. It probably caused a bit more trouble than I was thinking it might. I thought Mark had it about right.”

Lynn Symansky: “I was fortunate to not be that early in the going and also to be on a horse I know like the back of my hand. It went how I planned it to. I thought Mark did an amazing job. He took a piece of land that maybe wasn’t the easiest — sometimes it felt like you were in a tumble dryer.”

Sam Watson: There was a 66% clear rate. There had never been a World Games with more than 50% jumping clear cross country, but there had never been a WEG course at three-star level. I think Mark has put together a template that could be used for the new format (at Tokyo).”

Padraig McCarthy Wins Indoor Cross Country at CHI Geneva + Replay

By on Dec 9, 2018 11:36 am -

Padraig McCarthy and Rosemaber Lancuest. Photo by www.scoopdyga.com.

Padraig McCarthy became the first Irish rider to win the indoor cross country at CHI Geneva last night in Switzerland, piloting Rosemaber Lancuest to the round closest to the optimum time of 150 seconds.

Padraig and Rosemaber Lancuest, better known as “Pebbles,” crossed the finish in a time of 151.82 seconds, just two-hundredths of a second closer to the optimum time than Britain’s Alex Bragg, who took second place with Sarah Hughes’s Alcatraz.

France’s Maxime Livio finished in third place on Arinadtha Chavatanont’s Boleybawn Prince, with fellow Frenchman Karim Florent Laghouag and Agnes Celerier’s Punch de l’Esques delivering the fastest round of the night (146.99 seconds) to take fourth.

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke and her own Nyala ‘Arville finished fifth. Click here to view full results.

You can watch the full replay below.

[The indoor cross makes Palexpo go wild]

‘Creating a Culture of Competitiveness’: USEF Training Lists Revamped for 2019

By on Dec 8, 2018 6:19 pm -

Erik Duvander gave the keynote address today at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing, outlined the new format for the USEF High Performance Training Lists today at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

His philosophy of “creating a culture of competitiveness” means the training lists will be restructured to create a “pathway” to producing competitive results on the world stage and ultimately at major championships.

“Our rank is seventh in the world, and our ambition is obviously much higher,” Erik said. “Having a functioning pathway is important so we can support the top riders so they can be at their absolute best.”

The 2019 training lists are expected to be released within the next two weeks and will be separated into three different tiers: Elite, Development Pre-Elite and Development Potential.

“Any type of riders stalling and not progressing — those riders are blockers who will stand in the way of the next generation of riders,” Erik said. “You might have to leave the program for a while and work on certain skills. It doesn’t mean the door won’t open up for you to come back in again.”

(Remember that starting on Jan. 1, 2019 the new star system officially comes into place. As this article addresses the 2019 High Performance plan for the team, all FEI levels will be addressed using the new star system. CIC will no longer be used to designate the short format. Instead, CCI-L will denote long format and CCI-S will denote short format. The new 1.05-meter Introductory level introduced in 2018 will become the new CCI* level in 2019. All other FEI levels will shift up in their star category. Click here for a detailed chart.)

Elite List

Riders on the Elite list must have proven form at CCIOs (Nations Cup) or CCI5*-L (former CCI4* level) and are those who are “demonstrating ability to contribute to medal-winning potential at World Championships level.”

The target for the Elite riders is competing at the Olympics and World Championships. They will be selected annually with a six-month review. Detailed targets and Key Performance Indicators will be set for each horse and rider combination.

Riders on the Elite list will:

  • have mental and technical skills to excel in a team championships environment
  • take ownership and responsibility for their own performance
  • drive themselves and their coaches to become the best
  • function effectively within and contribute to the team structure
  • have an established functional training system that produces repetitive success

Erik also emphasized that riders on the Elite list should display leadership qualities for the rest of the U.S. High Performance program. “If you want to be a world-class athlete, you have to be a leader — the way you operate, your dedication, your work ethic. If you want to be a world-class rider on the U.S. team, the younger riders should look up to you.”

Horses on the Elite list will be “evaluated on quality to contribute to team medal-winning performance at the next championship” and will “attain a satisfactory veterinary inspection and management plan of the horse from the team vet.”

Riders can also be eligible for the the Elite list if they have achieved a CCI5*-L result with a score of 70 percent or better in dressage, no jumping faults and within 5 seconds of the optimum time (or fastest time if no one makes time) on cross country, and no more than one rail in show jumping.

Offering a way onto the Elite list based on scores means “there is another way in,” Erik said. “We aren’t favoring anyone. You can find your way in by reaching these scores.”

Combinations on the Elite list will receive funding for targeted CCIOs.

Development Pre-Elite

The Development Pre-Elite training list is designed to “identify and support athlete/horse combinations that have the perceived potential to meet Elite status within the next two to four years.”

The goal for these riders will be selection for a championship team in the next four to six years. Riders named to the Development Pre-Elite list will be selected for two years with a bi-annual review. Riders must have proven form at CCIOs or CCI4*-L (former CCI3* level)/CCI5*-L (former CCI4*).

Riders on the Development Pre-Elite list will

  • have the mental and technical skills to excel in a team environment
  • take ownership and responsibility for their own performance
  • drive themselves and their coaches to become their best
  • have a strong work ethic
  • be resilient and committed to reach the end goal
  • have a long-term approach with multiple horses, unless they have a horse that meets Elite criteria

Horses for the Development Pre-Elite list will be measured on trainability, quality of movement, quality of jump, agility and speed. These horses will be “evaluated on future projected quality to contribute to team medal-winning performance.”

These horses must have a competitive performance at CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (former CCI3*/CIC3*) or CCI3*-L/CCI3*-S (former CCI2* and CIC2*) and “be tracking towards contributing to a team medal-winning performance. Horses on the Development Pre-Elite list must also “attain a satisfactory veterinary inspection and management plan of the horse from the team veterinarian.”

Combinations  on the Development Pre-Elite List will receive funding in order to meet the target of gaining experience and producing results at European CCI4*-L and CCI5*-L. A maximum of one grant will be given per horse, with a maximum of two grants per athlete in a two-year period.

Development Potential

The Development Potential list is designed as “athlete-focused education aimed at equipping athletes having the perceived talent to reach elite status in four to eight years with the necessary tools and skills.”

These riders will be selected for a two-year period and reviewed every six months, with retention review at one year. Riders will spend a maximum of four years in the Development Potential program, although the expectation is for riders to attain Pre-Elite status by age 30 or within four years.

Riders on the Development Potential list must demonstrate a “commitment to learning, business development and personal development.”

Riders who have completed a CCI5*-L (former CCI4*) on four or more occasions are not eligible for the Development Potential list.

A maximum of one grant per year will be given to riders on the Development Potential list, with a goal to product results at CCI4*-L or CCI3*-L level depending on the age of the horse. Funding is designed to provide “national and international experience training and competing outside of the home environment.”

Today’s discussion with the High Performance riders was fascinating, so stay tuned for part II of Erik’s session. The chinchillas also have approximately 10,000 words of notes to organize into reports from today’s meetings at the USEA Convention, so we appreciate your patience as we furiously type everything up.

In the meantime, EN and the rest of the USEA members in attendance at the convention are heading off to tonight’s Hall of Fame Gala. Stay tuned for much more from New Orleans. Go Eventing.

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Watch the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Live Stream

By on Dec 8, 2018 2:10 pm -

The view outside the Sheraton New Orleans. Photo courtesy of Marriott.com.

Can’t make it to the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention this weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana? You’re in luck! The USEA has teamed up with RNS Video Media to live stream a large portion of the convention.

You will need to renew your USEA Membership to access certain parts of the live stream, but much of it will be available to watch for free without a membership.

Scroll down to view the schedules for both the Open Stream and the Member Stream.

Click here to watch the Open Stream

Click here to login to your USEA account and watch the Member Stream

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

OPEN STREAM SCHEDULE

Thursday, December 6

1-2 p.m. CST: Safety Concepts for Every Ride: Simulations for Reducing Cross-Country Rotational Falls with Dr. Suzanne Weaver Smith and Shannon Wood

5-6 p.m. CST: Intercollegiate Open Forum with Leslie Threlkeld

Friday, December 7

8-9 a.m. CST: Problem Solving: Reason, Response, Recommendation and Resolutions for Officials with Loris Henry, Cindy Deporter, Gretchen Butts and John Michael Durr

9-10 a.m. CST: Preceptor Training with Cindy Deporter, John Michael Durr, Loris Henry, Tim Murray, Wayne Quarles and Marilyn Payne

10-11 a.m. CST: Step-by-Step: How to Become an Official with John Michael Durr, Loris Henry, Wayne Quarles, Sally Ike, Alina Brazzil, Marilyn Payne and Tim Murray

11 a.m.-12 p.m. CST: Classic Three-Day Open Forum with Gretchen Butts

12-2 p.m. CST: USEA Year End Awards Lunch with Jim Wofford

2-3 p.m. CST: 2020 Eventing Calendar Planning with Debra Delacruz

3-4 p.m. CST: Organizers Open Forum with Jonathan Elliott

4-5 p.m. CST: Cross-Country Design for the Future with James Atkinson, John Michael Durr, Capt. Mark Phillips, Morgan Rowsell, Gretchen Butts and Cathy Wieschhoff

5-6 p.m. CST: Course Designers/Builders Open Forum with Derek di Grazia, Capt. Mark Phillips and Morgan Rowsell

6-7 p.m. CST: Eventing Affiliates Open Forum with Janet Gunn

Saturday, December 8

8-9 a.m. CST: Safety Committee Open Forum with Jon Holling, Sarah Broussard, Max Corcoran and Dr. Jennifer Miller

9-10 a.m. CST: American Horse Trials Foundation with Jodi Mort, Dave Emmons, Jim Graham and Cathy Wieschhoff

10-11 a.m. CST: USEF Eventing Sport Committee with Mike Huber

11 a.m.-12 p.m. CST: Rule Change Open Forum with Malcolm Hook

3:30-4:30 p.m. CST: SafeSport with Sonja Keating

4:30-5:30 p.m. CST: Young Riders Open Forum with Diane Snow and Vicki Howard-Fine

Sunday, December 9

9 a.m.-noon CST: USEA Board of Governors Meeting

MEMBER STREAM

Thursday, December 6

2-5 p.m. CST: USEA Board of Governors Meeting

Friday, December 7

8-9 a.m. CST: Tai Chi for Riders with Matt Brown

9-10 a.m. CST: Volunteer Committee Open Forum with Irene Doo

10-11 a.m. CST: The Science of Conditioning and Recovery with Max Corcoran

11 a.m.-noon CST: USEF High Performance Athletes Open Forum with Erik Duvander

2-3 p.m. CST: Membership Development Open Forum with Dawn Robbins, Janet Gunn and Liz Hoskinson

3-4 p.m. CST: Tik-Tac-TOLD with Tik Maynard

4-5 p.m. CST: YEH Through the Riders’ Eyes with Debbie Adams, Andrea Baxter, John Michael Durr, Doug Payne, Waylon Roberts, Tamie Smith and Dom Schramm

5-6 p.m. CST: First Aid, CPR and AED Skills Check with Rusty Lowe

Saturday, December 8

8-9 a.m. CST: Equestrian Fitness and Focus with Daniel Stewart

9-10 a.m. CST: ICP Open Forum with Mary D’arcy, Phyllis Dawson, Brian Sabo and Robin Walker

10-11:00 a.m. CST: How New Safety Technology is Going to Reduce Risk with Roy Burek

12-2 p.m. CST: Annual Meeting of Members with Erik Duvander

2:30-3:30 p.m. CST: World Equestrian Games Rider Review with Phillip Dutton, Will Coleman, Boyd Martin, Lynn Symansky and Sam Watson

3:30-4:30 p.m. CST: 1981: The Last Time a Rider of the Year was Female with Karen O’Connor, Jonathan Holling, Nina Gardner and Lynn Symansky

4:30-5:30 p.m. CST: Amateur & Adult Rider Open Forum with Dawn Robbins

5:30-9:30 p.m. CST: USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame Gala

Sunday, December 9

8-9 a.m. CST: The Future of Data Science in Eventing with Sam Watson, Diarm Byrne and Robert Winter

9-10 a.m. CST: YEH Judges Training with Marilyn Payne

10-11 a.m. CST: Competition Level vs Required Skills, Part 2 with Dan Michaels

Wellington Eventing Showcase Will Not Run in 2019

By on Dec 8, 2018 10:27 am -

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow, winners of the 2017 Wellington Eventing Showcase. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Equestrian Sport Productions confirmed to EN that the Wellington Eventing Showcase will not run for a second consecutive year at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. Officials had hoped to hold the competition on Feb. 1-2, 2019.

“Due to our team’s commitment in managing and operating the (World Equestrian Games) earlier this year, we collectively agreed that we did not have ample enough time to suitably prepare for the Eventing Showcase in Wellington in 2019,” Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, said.

“We understand that it is a fantastic opportunity for the eventing discipline and are disappointed that we will not be hosting the event this year.”

First held in 2015, the Wellington Eventing Showcase is an unrecognized three-phase competition that offered one of the largest prize pots on the North American eventing circuit, with $100,000 awarded in 2017. Boyd Martin won the showcase all three years it ran, from 2015-2017.

Fans of the showcase format can still look forward to the $50,000 Aiken Eventing Showcase on March 1-2, 2019, at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina. Invitations will be extended to the top 40 riders in the world. Click here for more details.

Erik Duvander Outlines 2019 Strategic Plan for U.S. Eventing Team

By on Dec 7, 2018 5:02 pm -

Erik Duvander. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing, unveiled his 2019 strategic plan for the USEF High Performance program today at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Twelve months ago when I was standing here, I had no idea about so many different things in American eventing. The amount of people who are engaged in the sport — everyone has to work simultaneously to pursue the same common goal of being competitive on the world stage,” Erik said.

“The more we can work together on everything, keep the information and thoughts flowing, and keep an open door at all times, the better we can do our jobs. … My role is playing the long game. I think it’s about building a system that is going to last for a long time.”

Erik said the High Performance program’s mission is to create an environment where U.S. riders learn how to succeed at a championships. The program’s philosophy must be a “relentless pursuit of our mission. Every day is committed to creating a winning team.”

Achieving the mission will involve identifying talent at the Emerging, Developing and Elite levels of the High Performance program; targeting resources to achieve goals; and evaluating, maintaining and improving horse power.

Creating A Winning Team

After the U.S. failed to secure qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at this year’s World Equestrian Games, the team must now qualify at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. The team’s immediate goal for 2019 is to secure Olympic qualification at the Pan Ams.

“Some people think that’s a burden. I think it just gives us another opportunity to work together as a team and produce a top result on the day at a championships. I think it can be a good thing to develop our team for the Tokyo Olympics,” Erik said.

“If we had one more year with the team we took to the World Championships, it would have been a different story. … We have to be more focused on the future.”

With that in mind, Erik emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing targets and goals to ensure the resources allocated to the High Performance riders are delivering the expected outcomes. Horse and rider combinations who do not meet those targets will be removed from the program.

Erik said an increased focus will be placed on giving riders opportunities to experience the dynamics and pressure of riding in a team. The ultimate goal will be to develop riders “who are comfortable with riding to team instruction.”

Certain competitions throughout the 2019 season will be used as team simulations, with a training camp held several days before and riders and horses shipping to the venue together like they would at a true team competition. The idea will be for the riders to “go through the motions about what it means to be in a team,” allowing the riders to make mistakes in a practice environment and learning how to operate going forward.

Sending teams to Aachen CICO3* in Germany and Boekelo CCIO3* in the Netherlands will continue to be a priority in the 2019 season. “Aachen is a good test, and we need to know the riders can operate under that pressure,” Erik said. “Boekelo is another competition I believe has a great value to develop our riders in a team environment.”

Performance Advisory Group

A Performance Advisory Group consisting of a small, focused group of diverse experts and stakeholders in the U.S. eventing community will be created to advise, monitor, review and provide feedback on the High Performance program.

The Performance Advisory Group will also seek to bridge the gap between the Eventing 25 and Elite programs, recommend training lists and squads with input from talent-spotters, and recommend national and international funding.

Team selection must be administered as per the selection procedures for each specific competition, and consideration will be given to all qualified applications.

An ad hoc group of the USEF Eventing Sport Committee will also be developed to oversee the Performance Advisory Group activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Individualized Performance Plans (IPPs) will be created for all horses and riders in the High Performance program, with Erik continuously monitoring their progress in training and at competitions.

Erik also said it is critical to develop a new U.S. performance environment in which functioning as a team becomes part of each rider’s comfort zone. Having a smaller Elite group of listed riders will allow for that environmental shift, he said.

The next 12 months will be used to “determine guiding standards, values and expectations on behavior within the group.” Erik said he hopes to “drive a change in the environment to inspire athletes to work as a team to create a program that the athletes want to a part of at every level.”

Donors and Sponsors

Gloria Callen was announced as the new chair of the Event Owners Task Force (EOTF) this morning, and Erik said he is looking forward to working alongside the EOTF to bring new horse power into the High Performance program.

Erik said an emphasis will be placed on tracking the results of young horses and how they compare to current top horses in their development.

The High Performance program will also seek to identify riders who need more horses of a higher quality, and then guide the riders in their effort to produce horses for the long-term. Managing horses and keeping them sound through multiple championships will also be a key priority.

“The next step is putting it all in motion — getting everyone in line, on the bus and driving the bus in the direction we want to go,” Erik said. “This is the real mission.”

Tomorrow’s session for the High Performance riders will address “the pathway” and “how we get riders from bottom to top.”

Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from New Orleans. Go Eventing.

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

USEA Convention 2018: Dip in Annual Starters Attributed to Weather Woes

By on Dec 6, 2018 7:43 pm -

The first meeting of the Board of Governors took place this afternoon at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention officially kicked off today at the Sheraton New Orleans in Louisiana, with the first of the weekend’s Board of Governors meetings punctuating the day’s action.

USEA President Carol Kozlowski noted that 2018 was a year of transition and change in many regards. Perhaps most notably, severe weather across the country impacted the season throughout the year, with numerous competitions being abandoned completely or partially due to rain.

A total of 39,579 starters competed at 221 USEA events in the 2018 season, which is a decrease of 3,272 starters or 7.6% from last year. USEA Treasurer Morley Thompson noted in his address to the board that the vast majority of the reduction in starters took place at the USEA National levels, with the FEI levels largely unaffected.

In analyzing the decrease in starters in correlation to competitions that were heavily impacted by rain, the USEA estimates that as much as 40% of the reduction could be attributed to severe weather. In cases where events were not abandoned, the USEA estimates that 5-10% of starters still chose not to compete due to “sloppy” conditions.

The subsequent loss of starter fees resulted in nearly $69,000 in revenue loss for the USEA.

“Unless you start down centerline (in dressage), the USEA does not consider it a start, so the starter fee is lost,” USEA CEO Rob Burk explained.

Morley said that the USEA trended behind budget all through the year and predicted a year-end loss, which ultimately came to a $100,000 loss.

“My hope is we will see a rebound next year,” Morley added.

Simulating Rotational Falls

The University of Kentucky has studied rotational falls for more than a decade in partnership with the USEA, with the latest renewal of the study focusing on understanding when and how rotational falls occur through the use of computer simulations.

Dr. Suzanne Smith, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Kentucky, and Shannon Wood, a UK mechanical engineering Master’s student, presented today on the simulation model developed by the university. The end goal, Suzanne explained, is to develop design criteria for safety fences for course designers, builders and frangible device developers.

The latest FEI Risk Management Program Statistics Report recorded that 721,385 fences are jumped each year on FEI cross country courses. A total of 279,897 jumps (38.7%) make contact with the horse via a hoof strike, foreleg or rear leg.

The vast majority of jump contacts occur with the rear leg, while 10,943 (3.9%) occur with the front leg. Of those, 165 (1.5%) of contacts occur with the horse’s forearm, with 36 rotational falls occurring from those forearm contacts.

The University of Kentucky’s computer simulation focuses solely on forearm contacts, essentially “only looking at the situations where (horse and rider) are in trouble,” Suzanne explained.

Rotational falls have been reduced by more than half from 2002 to 2015, and “the results from the simulation leads us to think we can reduce that by more than half again,” she added.

Stephen Daub of SAP Equestrian Analytics shared two data sets used from helmet cams at the Event Rider Masters series with the University of Kentucky, which will also be used to further the work of the simulation. “The more technology that is available and used will provide us with more information,” Suzanne said.

With the computer simulation now successfully developed, the University of Kentucky will continue their research into 2019, adding that this work would not be possible without the generous support of donors like Ms. Jacqueline Mars.

Sarah Broussard, chair of the USEA Safety and Equine Welfare Committee, added “we are always looking for new things to make the sport safer.”

Enthusiasm for Intercollegiate Eventing Just Keeps Growing

Leslie Threlkeld, Intercollegiate Committee Chair, and Claire Kelley, USEA Intercollegiate staff liaison, gave an update on the status of the rapidly growing USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program this afternoon.

There are currently 334 collegiate USEA membership, which is more than 100 over last year. Additionally, there are 30 USEA affiliated colleges and universities. The Intercollegiate Championship at Virginia Horse Trials saw record numbers this year, with nearly 90 students from 18 schools competing. The Championship has grown every year and we’re expecting another spike in entries at the 2019 Championship, which will take place at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Ga. in May.

In 2018, the Intercollegiate Committee completed two major projects. One was an outreach project that provided details about the intercollegiate program and how to get involved to more than 660 schools with potential interest in the program. The other was developing and publishing the Intercollegiate Handbook, which includes Championship eligibility requirements, guides for students to form teams and for organizers to host team challenges, and more. The Handbook is available on the USEA website at this link.

In 2019, the Committee will focus their outreach efforts on a more “local” level by communicating and support event organizers, Young Rider Coordinators, ICP instructors and area trainers in order to spread the word and grow the program. They will also be exploring the prospects of grants or scholarships for students.

Jackie LeMastus, a University of Kentucky student and member of their eventing team, was in attendance at the open forum and shared her experience of competing at the Intercollegiate Championship and how being a member of the team has enriched her college years.

Looking Ahead to Friday

Remember you can watch a bulk of the meetings, awards and seminars on the USEA Convention live stream. Click here for all the details on how to watch live.

The USEA Convention kicks into high gear tomorrow, with the USEA Year-End Awards Ceremony taking place during lunch. Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing, will lead the USEF High Performance Athletes Open Forum just prior to the lunch break.

The Event Riders Association of North America Year-End Awards and Event Owners Task Force Reception will also take place on Friday evening.

In the meantime, the EN crew is off to the USEA Board of Governors Reception. Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from New Orleans. Go Eventing.

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Your Guide to the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

By on Dec 6, 2018 10:46 am -

 

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The 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is here! Eventers from all across the country are currently flocking to New Orleans, Louisiana, for four days of seminars, meetings and open forums — all designed to help USEA members be more involved in governing the sport.

The action kicks off today with committee meetings and the first of the educational sessions on the jam-packed schedule. Curious as to who is speaking? You can read bios on all the speakers in the USEA Convention program. This evening’s USEA Board of Governors Reception will serve as the highlight on Thursday’s agenda.

The USEA Year End Awards Ceremony will be held during lunch tomorrow, and the Event Riders Association of North America Year End Awards will cap Friday’s action. Be sure to check back to EN tomorrow for a list of the award and grant winners.

Saturday is the most highly anticipated day at the USEA Convention, with the Annual Meeting of Members taking place during lunch, along with the keynote address from Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing.

New members are inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame every third year, and the 7th Annual USEA Hall of Fame Gala will take place Saturday night. Nina and Tim Gardner, Karen O’Connor, Capt. Mark Phillips, Marty Simensen, Howard Simpson, and Kerry Millikin’s Thoroughbred Out And About will all be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Many of the meetings and sessions at the USEA Convention will be streamed live this year thanks to RNS Video Media. The Open Stream will show content that is free and available for all to watch, while the Member Stream is only available to USEA members who have joined or renewed their membership for the 2019 season.

Click here to access the live stream, which will start showing sessions at 1 p.m. CST/2 p.m. EST today. You can view the full live stream schedule here.

The full schedule for the USEA Convention is available at this link and on the Convention App. Download links are here: Convention App for Apple iOS and Convention App for Google Android

Be sure to follow along with the USEA’s coverage here. Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from New Orleans. Go Eventing.

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Deals & Steals 2018: Thanksgiving Weekend, Black Friday, Cyber Monday

By on Nov 23, 2018 8:35 am -

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for — Black Friday is HERE! EN couldn’t exist without the support of our amazing sponsors. Please show them how much you love EN by shopping their Black Friday sales! Some are also running their sales through the weekend and into Cyber Monday. Scroll down to check out all the deals.

DRAPER THERAPIES

HORSEWARE IRELAND

This weekend only: Trade in your old turnout from any brand and get $100 off a new Horseware
Rambo turnout and see your old turnout go to a new home with a horse in need. Offer expires Monday.

Horseware’s Turnout Trade-In

MAJYK EQUIPE

All participating retailers will be offering a free hanging boot bag with any full set of front or hind boots (some exclusions apply) PLUS a free pair of stirrups with any pad or girth ordered.
Majyk Equipe will also be donating $5 with every order to the California Wildfire Relief Fund through the end of the year.

Shop at majykequipe.com

NUPAFEED

Nupafeed Magnesium Daily Liquid – 5 liter – $155 each – SAVE $40!

Nupafeed Magnesium Daily Liquid – 3 liter – $100 each – SAVE 35!

Offer only valid on Cyber Monday. Limit 6 per customer. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Payment must be received in full. Free shipping still applies to orders over $300. Sale ends 11/26/2018 at midnight. No coupon needed.

Shop at nupafeedusa.com

KENTUCKY EQUINE RESEARCH

KER’s performance collection (which is basically everything) is 15% off until the end of the month with promo code 15OFF.

Shop the KER Performance Collection

SMARTPAK

15% off and orders over $75 ship free. Use promo code Holiday18

TOTAL SADDLE FIT

WORLD EQUESTRIAN BRANDS

World Equestrian Brands is offering 20% off all online orders through Cyber Monday. Offer not valid on saddles or Outlet items. This sale does include custom orders. May not be combined with any other offer. Enter coupon code “BlackFriday” at checkout.

FEI General Assembly Approves All Proposed 2019 Eventing Rule Revisions

By on Nov 20, 2018 3:51 pm -

Photo by Eric Swinebroad.

All proposed eventing rule changes for 2019 have been approved by the FEI General Assembly, which concluded today in Manama, Bahrain. The rule changes will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

While there are rule changes impacting numerous different sections of the FEI Eventing Rulebook, we have outlined the most notable revisions below. Click here to read the full document of proposed, and now approved, rule changes for 2019.

Blood, Whip Use and Yellow Cards

  • All cases of minor blood on the horse caused by the athlete, either in the mouth or on the flanks from spurs, will be given a recorded warning or stronger sanctions.
  • Should the same athlete receive more than one recorded warning for a case of athlete-induced blood on a horse within three years, the athlete will automatically receive a yellow warning card.
  • Two recorded warnings for the same offense will result in a yellow warning card.
  • Use of the whip has been limited to two times per use. The ground jury can deem multiple excessive uses of a whip between fences as abuse of the horse.
  • If a horse’s skin is broken or has visible marks, the use of the whip will always be considered excessive.
  • All cases of excessive use of the whip will automatically result in a yellow warning card or stronger sanction.

Read EN’s detailed breakdown of these changes here.

Definition of Categories

The new category system approved at the 2017 FEI General Assembly will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2019. CIC will no longer be used to designate the short format. Instead, CCI-L will denote long formate and CCI-S will denote short format.

The new 1.05-meter Introductory level introduced in 2018 will become the new CCI* level in 2019 and can be organized as short or long format in regard to order of the phases and horse inspections.

All other FEI levels will shift up in their star category according to the chart below:

The CCI5* level system will be gradually introduced over the next two years. The current CCI4* competitions — Kentucky, Badminton, Luhmühlen, Burghley, Pau and Adelaide — will all receive the new CCI5*-L category designation in 2019 but must fulfill new requirements over a period of two years to retain the designation.

CCI5* Requirements:

  • Minimum level of prize money: €150,000 Euro ($175,000 USD)
  • Mandatory closed-circuit television for public, athletes, owners and ground jury
  • A minimum of 30 starters, maximum of 75 starters
  • 11-12 minute cross country course (6,270-6,840 meters in length with 40-45 efforts)
  • All-weather dressage arena is strongly recommended

CCI5* Yearly Review: A yearly review will take place to evaluate each CCI5* event in regards to performance against the established criteria. A pre-assessment will take place at the end of 2019, with a formal evaluation at the end of 2020. The Risk Management Steering Group will also be involved in the yearly review to assess the fall rate on cross country and other safety measures.

Starting in 2020, all CCI5* competitions will be reviewed on an annual basis, with CCI5* status renewed or revoked accordingly for the following year.

Dressage

The FEI has approved the following rule changes in relation to dressage for 2019:

  • Collective marks will be removed and replaced with one overall mark for “Overall Impression of
    Athlete and Horse,” which is scored on a double coefficient.
  • At 4* championships and 5* level events, if the score of the flying changes varies by 3 points or more from the average of the scores of the other judges for the same movement, the ground jury must review the video after the dressage test on the same day. Adjustments to scoring for the flying changes can be made accordingly.
  • Only ear bonnets that “allow horses to use all their senses and move freely with the ears” will be permitted.

Cross Country

The FEI has approved the following rule changes in relation to cross country for 2019:

  • Missing a flag on cross country will now result in 15 penalties instead of 50 penalties if the “horse misses a flag but clearly negotiated the element or obstacle.”
  • “A horse is considered to have run out (20 penalties) if, having been presented at an element or obstacle on the course, it avoids it in such a way that the body of the horse (head, neck, shoulders and pelvis – legs are not included) fails to pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as originally flagged. Continuing on course without representing will incur elimination.”
  • Only official video recording will be permitted as evidence when reviewing penalties. “Officials will clarify before the start of cross country … which video recording will represent the official view to avoid any misunderstanding.”
  • “Unattached neck straps” will not be allowed on cross country.
  • Hackamores without bits will not be allowed on cross country.

Show Jumping

Show jumping time penalties will now match cross country, with 0.4 time penalties added for every second over the time allowed.

Bitting

The FEI has made extensive changes and clarifications to the bitting section of the rulebook “to take into account the wide use of snaffles in eventing,” as well as defining the action of bits. You can view the full list of tack and equipment rule changes in Chapter 7, items 43-45, of this document.

The revised Eventing Rules will be updated here in due course. View notes from the 2018 FEI General Assembly here.

This article has been updated to clarify the new show jumping time penalty equation.

What Are You Thankful For? Thanksgiving Challenge from World Equestrian Brands

By on Nov 20, 2018 2:00 pm -

The winner of EN’s Thanksgiving Challenge will receive a Platinum Collection Custom Mattes Pad from World Equestrian Brands.

Thanksgiving Day is just over one week away, and as the year winds down and the season comes to a close, it’s a time for event riders to reflect on 2018. In that spirit, EN wants to know: what are you thankful for this year? Perhaps you achieved a longtime goal this year in moving up a level or competing at a specific event. Maybe you found your heart horse following a lengthy search. Or perhaps you are finding silver linings in a bittersweet time in your life.

We want to hear your story. The EN staff will choose our favorite submission, and the winner of our Thanksgiving Challenge will receive a custom E.A. Mattes Square or Eurofit Sheepskin pad in your choice of dressage or all purpose style and with two piping colors. This amazing prize (retail value: $330) is made possible thanks to World Equestrian Brands. All finalists will have their stories published on EN.

Just one example of pad colors and customization for the E.A. Mattes Eurofit Sheepskin pad.

Entry details: Send your submission to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, Nov. 21 at noon EST. We will announce the winner on Thanksgiving Day and publish the finalist submissions throughout the holiday weekend. There is no required word length or limit. Be sure to send in photos to accompany your submission.

Happy writing, and good luck. Many thanks to World Equestrian Brands for partnering with EN in this contest. Go Eventing.

Fab Freebie: Majyk Equipe ‘Ergonomics’ Impact Non-Slip Correction Pad

By on Nov 19, 2018 3:00 pm -

Enter to win an ‘Ergonomics’ Impact Non-Slip Correction Pad for Majyk Equipe!

You know Majyk Equipe as a manufacturer of top boots to protect your horse’s legs, but did you know they also make pads? The ‘Ergonomics’ Impact Non-Slip Correction Pad is our favorite one yet, and we’re excited to be teaming up with Majyk Equipe to give one away this week.

There is so much to love about this pad. It features a split front with pillow-soft rolled sheepskin to relieve pressure on the withers and guarantee a comfortable fit. The underside of the pad has a non-slip lining to keep it in place on your horse’s back. The shim pocket areas are generously roomy to give you a plethora of options to make saddle-fit adjustments, and the pad also comes with 6mm shims included.

Majyk Equipe sponsored riders have been out and about using the pad, including Justine Dutton at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event over the weekend. She competed in the CCI2* with MGH Heartbeat and used the pad on cross country.

“I’m a huge fan of the new Majyk Equipe non-slip pad,” Justine said. “I used it on cross country around a long two-star course this past weekend, and it didn’t move and was nice and lightweight, which was ideal for such a long course. I’ll for sure be using them on all my horses in all three phases.”

Hannah Sue Burnett has also been testing the pad and gave it two thumbs up.

The pad has become my everyday choice. I am a huge stickler for wither clearance in pads, and I love that the roomy cut and split design ensures it won’t put pressure on the withers. Being machine washable is absolutely a must for me with pads, and you can toss this one in and hang it up to dry. Plus, the pad is gorgeous!

A close-up view of the wither relief in action.

The Majyk Equipe ‘Ergonomics’ Impact Non-Slip Correction Pad retails at $139.99 and is available in three color choices: white, navy and black. One lucky EN reader will win one this week! Enter to win using the Rafflecoper widget below. Entries will close on Black Friday, and we will announce the winner on Small Business Saturday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Speaking of Black Friday, Majyk Equipe will be offering a free pair of stirrups with qualifying purchase. Majyk Equipe retailers will also be giving away hanging boot organizers with each full set of boots purchased (front and hinds of any pair except overreach boots). This special deal will also apply to select Majyk Equipe pads and girths — contact your local retailer for details.

Click here to check out Majyk Equipe’s full line of products.

Coleman, O’Neal and Smith Crowned Ocala Jockey Club CCI Winners

By on Nov 18, 2018 9:12 pm -

Katherine Coleman and Monte Classic. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Katherine Coleman clinched the first three-star win of her career today aboard Monte Classico in his own debut at the CCI3* level here at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event, leaving all the poles in the cups and adding 5.0 time penalties today to top the leaderboard on 39.5.

Katherine has produced “Monte,” a 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Monte Bellini X W-Sally, by Saami xx) she owns, from a 6-year-old after he was originally sourced through Bettina Hoy in Germany. While she had originally considered taking him to Boekelo for his first CCI3*, she opted to wait until she returned to the U.S. for the winter season.”

“I could not be happier with this horse. This season he’s consistently showing up in every phase, and I think he’s a horse of a lifetime and I’m grateful to have the ride on him,” Katherine said. “He’s a pleasure to ride, and he really jumps. He moved up to three-star this season and he hasn’t had a pole all season. That’s a really nice feeling going into a phase like this, especially when you don’t have a rail in hand.”

Erin Sylvester and Frank McEntee’s Paddy the Caddy, an 11-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding (Azamore x Slamy), have yet to add a rail to their CCI show jumping record, jumping clear with just 1.0 time penalty to move up and finish second on a final score of 44.8.

Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’s Paramount Importance, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Pasco X Gesche II, by Louis) owned by Jacqueline Mars, had two rails down in their first CCI3* as a combination to finish in third place on 45.1.

Only two pairs delivered clear rounds inside the time on Chris Barnard’s CCI3* show jumping course: Leslie Law with Voltaire de Tre and Jacob Fletcher with Atlantic Domino. You can rewatch all the action on EQTV Network’s Facebook page and catch up on all the live scoring here.

Alex O’Neal and Fury H. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the CCI2*, Alex O’Neal and Fury H, an 8-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Sally Cox, delivered a clear show jumping round to take a wire-to-wire victory in the CCI2* — his first win at the level.

“I thought he felt really fresh. He gave the jumps a few taps, but he really tried in there. It was a great feeling. I thought he would jump clear all the way,” Alex said. “It’s definitely the biggest win I’ve had, and to do it at home five minutes from my house with my family here is really incredible.

“And with my wife (Ellie) here — she picked the horse and produced him, so I feel really lucky that she’s helped me bring him along after she decided she was willing to give me a shot at him. She’s helped me come a lot way with him. I’ve learned a lot from her.”

Alex said “Marvin” will now enjoy a long break, and then he plans to spend the rest of the winter season honing their show jumping in preparation for a move up to the Advanced level next year.

“I think he’s ready — on cross country he’s a machine. My show jumping coach, Richard Picken, has helped me a lot with that horse. I’ll keep ticking away with him and get him up to the next level. Richard has been a huge change in my riding in the last year. He’s just a great coach and a great supporter, so I feel really confident with him in the warm-up.”

Doug Payne and Starr Witness, a 7-year-old KWPN mare Doug owns with Catherine Winter and Laurie McRee, jumped a super clear round in the mare’s CCI2* debut to finish in second place on a score of 29.6.

Allie Knowles and Casarino, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien, also delivered a clear round to move up to third place in the CCI2* on a final score of 30.6.

Looking to the CCI*, Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s Danito also jumped clear to take a wire-to-wire win on their dressage score of 22.6. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Pru Dawes’s Gorsehill Cooley finished second on 26.9. Will Zuschlag and Quintana K jumped a lovely clear to finish third on 27.2.

You can rewatch SO MUCH OF THE ACTION on the EQTV Network Facebook page, so we strongly recommend clicking over there immediately. We had an absolutely fabulous competition here in Florida this weekend, and we sincerely thank everyone who followed along with our coverage this weekend. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Redemption Is Sweet: Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Win

By on Nov 18, 2018 6:52 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night led after the first two phases in the CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event last year before a runout on cross country stymied their chance at taking the win. She returned one year later to seal the deal, leading wire-to-wire in a decisive victory and adding just 2.8 time penalties on cross country to win on 30.0.

“I was nearly more nervous here than I have been at all the events that I’ve done with him in Europe, which were probably collectively harder courses throughout,” Liz said. “I suppose having a mistake last year, and being back home again — it’s hard to go out when you’re in the lead.”

Liz clinched the first CIC3* win of her career today and her 19th career international win. It is also the first season in which “Blackie,” a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by her lovely mother Deborah Halliday, has finished the year without a cross country jumping penalty.

“Blackie has been amazing this season. He’s really been brilliant everywhere he’s been. I kept thinking to myself, ‘he’s done a lot of hard questions this year, and he’s good enough to do this.’ He was absolutely fantastic through all the tough questions like the corners and the angled hedges. He got a little bit tired and sleepy toward the end because he hasn’t run in 12 weeks,” Liz said.

“I had not-our-best jump into the last water, which is untypical for him, but I think a year ago he wouldn’t have even fought for me there, and he actually just kept going and got it done. The horse deserves this. We’ve had a long time together and he’s never won a three-star, so this is his time to win. I’m very happy for him.”

Jon Holling and Avoca Druid. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Jon Holling and Team Rebecca’s Avoca Druid were on their own redemption trail after the horse’s CIC3* debut at Stable View last month, when the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding picked up 40 jumping penalties on cross country.

“Avocado” — can we all agree that’s the best stable name ever for a horse? — was foot perfect all weekend in his second attempt at the level, adding just 4.8 time penalties on cross country today to finish in second place on 37.2.

(We also have to send a special shoutout to Jon and his fabulous wife Jenn, who are celebrating their wedding anniversary today — cheers, you two!)

Jacob Fletcher had a day of highs and lows, falling from Van Gough on cross country but battling back with Bacardi W to rise up from 11th place after dressage and finish third on a final score of 41.6. Bacardi W, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Fletcher Farms, delivered the fastest round of the day, adding just 2.4 time penalties.

Jacob Fletcher and Bacardi W. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton finished both of his rides in the top five. Fernhill Singapore, owned by Sue and Shawn Foley, Tom Tierney and Annie Jones, had a steady run in his CIC3* debut, adding 13.2 time penalties to finish fourth on on 46.7. Fernhill Fugitive, who has been sold to Michael Willham and had one last hurrah with his former rider, added 9.2 time penalties to finish fifth on 47.1.

No pairs caught the optimum time of 6 minutes, 42 seconds on Clayton Fredericks’s CIC3* cross country, which caused its fair share of trouble. There were two more rider falls in the division, with Joe Meyer parting ways with Buccaneer and Grace Fulton also falling from Wild Orange. No major injuries were reported.

Click here to view final scores in the CIC3*. You can watch a live stream of the CIC3* clubhouse water complex below courtesy of R.N.S. Video:

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from #OJC3DE. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

All Horses Accepted at Ocala Jockey Club CCI Final Inspection

By on Nov 18, 2018 9:54 am -

CCI2* leaders Alex O’Neal and Fury H. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All pairs that presented in the CCI3*, CCI2* and CCI* at the final horse inspection were accepted this morning at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event here in Reddick, Florida.

Laura VanderVliet’s CCI* mount Lady Colina was the only horse sent to the holding box during the inspection and was accepted after re-presenting.

Nilson Moreira Da Silva withdrew RF Nouveau Riche from the CCI* prior to the inspection. Briggs Surratt did not present Bright Water in the CCI2*. Alexis Helffrich did not present London Town in the CCI3*.

Show jumping starts at 10:30 a.m. EST with the CCI*, followed by the CCI3* at 1:30 p.m. and the CCI2* at 2:30 p.m. All show jumping will stream live here on EN and on EQTV Network’s Facebook page.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Watch the Ocala Jockey Club CCI Live Stream + Replays

By on Nov 18, 2018 9:52 am -

 

CIC3* Clubhouse Water:

Action is underway the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event in Reddick, Florida. EN is on the grounds to bring you wall-to-wall coverage, and we also have the scoop on the live stream.

All three phases of the CCI3* will be live streamed on EQTV Network, as well as cross country and show jumping for the CCI2* and CCI*. You can watch live at this link and right here on EN. The live stream and all replays are also on Facebook.

Friday, Nov. 16
1-3 p.m. EST: CCI3* dressage

Saturday, Nov. 17
8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. EST: CCI* cross country
12:55-1:33 p.m. EST: CCI3* cross country
2:10-4:10 p.m. CCI2* cross country

Sunday, Nov. 18

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. EST: CCI* show jumping
1:30-1:56 p.m. EST: CCI3* show jumping
2:26-3:52 p.m. EST: CCI2* show jumping

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Katherine Coleman Powers to CCI3* Lead at Ocala Jockey Club

By on Nov 17, 2018 9:33 pm -

Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Katherine Coleman could have run Monte Classico in his first CCI3* at Boekelo in The Netherlands last month, but she chose to postpone his debut at the level until the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event so she could run him on home soil. The decision paid off on cross country day today, with a clear round and 4.8 time penalties rocketing them to the top of the leaderboard.

Katherine has produced “Monte,” a 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Monte Bellini X W-Sally, by Saami xx) she owns, from a 6-year-old after he was originally sourced through Bettina Hoy in Germany. No pairs caught the optimum time of 10 minutes on Clayton Fredericks’s CCI3* course, but Monte’s round was one of the fastest.

“He answered all the questions. He was really good through those angled brushes. I thought they walked quite hard — especially in comparison to the rest of the course — but he was just on it everywhere. After those two corners (at fence 13) it was like he was flagging a bit, but he really picked up coming back up the hill. He got his second wind and then was really good the rest of the way,” Katherine said.

“I want to start getting my horses out and seen on U.S. soil because I feel like I’m abroad so much that they don’t really get seen,” she said. “I think it’s key for him — especially this year to be competing in the U.S.”

A Louisiana native, Katherine is based in England for six months of the year and in Ocala for the winter season. With all attention now turning to the 2019 Pan American Games, where the U.S. must secure qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Katherine — like her fellow team riders — are firmly focused on next season.

If we are looking to the future, then Monte Classico absolutely has to be a horse firmly in the conversation. He has impressed across the board as he’s moved through the levels, and definitely turned heads when he finished 15th in the Blenheim CIC3* 8- and 9-year-olds class in September.

“He’s really grown up this year. I think he’s a really serious horse on an international level — under any competition. He was second going into cross country at Blenheim 8- and 9-year-olds behind that lovely horse of Laura Collett’s (the winner, London 52) and I just had, again, some time around that course — but really answering all the questions and super to all the fences. I do have that in mind — that I’m producing this horse for that future.”

Katherine said her fingers are crossed for show jumping tomorrow, as she will not have a rail in hand over Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’s Paramount Importance. Lauren and “Louie,” an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Pasco X Gesche II, by Louis), delivered the fastest time in the division, coming home with 4.0 time penalties to move up to second place on 37.1.

Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale are in the hunt for a chunk of the $5,000 in prize money allotted to the top placing Thoroughbreds in the division thanks to a speedy clear round around Clayton Fredericks’s course. The 10-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred (His Royal Highness X Chivaney, by Tights) skipped around with 5.6 time penalties to sit in third place on 41.8.

Of the 11 combinations that started on the CCI3* course, seven completed clear without jumping penalties. Dressage leaders Kristen Bond and Enough Already had a gutting runout at the double brushes at fence 20B. Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre and Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino also came to grief at the brushes.

Alex O’Neal and Fury H. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the CCI2*, Alex O’Neal could not afford a single time penalty with Fury H to hold his overnight lead after dressage, and he cruised around 28 seconds inside the time to hold first place on 29.5.

“Marvin,” an 8-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Sally Cox, was one of 22 horses in the CCI2* field to make the optimum time of 10 minutes, with his natural galloping stride easily eating up the ground. We had absolutely perfect going for cross country day today thanks to the diligent effort of the grounds crew. Coupled with the fact that Clayton designed a a flowing, open track that really invited horses to settle into a cruising rhythm right out of the start box, the CCI2* track rode beautifully.

“I think the first couple minutes you had to come out and ride really positive and forward because there were some big tables, and by the time you got to the first water you wanted to be moving, so I think everyone came out really positive,” Alex said.

“He’s a total beast, and that’s something I’ve had to get used to because I’m used to pushing horses along the whole way. But (with him) once I get out and jump five fences, I just kind of stay there. He’s such a big horse that you just have to trust that rhythm, take your time in the combinations and know that he’s going to keep traveling. He ends up being really efficient.”

Doug Payne and Starr Witness, a 7-year-old KWPN mare Doug owns with Catherine Winter and Laurie McRee, also caught the optimum time with a classy clear round to remain in second place on 29.6 in the horse’s debut at the level.

Gabrielle Ruane and her own Lismakeera Brewski, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, cruised around 16 seconds inside the time to move up to third place on 29.9.

You can catch up with ALL the action in the CCI3* and CCI2* in EN’s cross country live updates, AND you can rewatch all the cross country action from the CCI3*, CCI2* and CCI* on EQTV Network’s Facebook page.

Looking to the CCI*, the top of the leaderboard remained unchanged. Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s Danito easily caught the optimum time of 8 minutes, 52 seconds, coming home 21 seconds inside to remain on their dressage score of 22.6.

“I went out of the box and I felt like I was loping, and I didn’t have to pull on the reins. It was a long track but also feels like old-school eventing. It was gallopy and open and the footing was fantastic. This venue is just unbelievable. I can’t say enough about it.”

Ellie MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Cox’s Zick Zack jumped clear and 38 seconds inside the time to remain in second place on 26.0. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Pru Dawes’s Gorsehill Cooley cruised around 20 seconds inside the time to remain in third place on 26.9.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp also held her lead today in the CIC3* division with Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night, who jumped a super clear show jumping round over Chris Barnard’s course to keep first place on 27.2. She also led after the first two phases last year and is on a mission to seal the deal on the win this year as we look ahead to tomorrow’s cross country.

“He’s had a really great season and he’s on the best form he’s ever been on this year,” Liz said. “He’s capable of doing everything out there. There are a few difficult questions, and they require serious, accurate riding, so I need to go out and attack it.”

Felix Vogg and Jürgen Vogg’s Colero jumped a clear round to move up to second place in the CIC3* on 30.8. Liz Halliday-Sharp also has a second ride in the top three in The Deniro Syndicate’s Deniro Z, who delivered a super clear to move up to third on 31.9.

The CIC3* will go cross country tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. The first horse inspection for the CCI division starts at 8 a.m. CCI* show jumping will start at 10:30 a.m., followed by the CCI3* at 1:30 p.m. and the CCI2* at 2:30 p.m. All show jumping will stream live here on EN and on EQTV Network’s Facebook page.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Kristen Bond and Enough Already Top Ocala Jockey Club CCI3*

By on Nov 16, 2018 5:45 pm -

Kristen Bond and Enough Already. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Kristen Bond and Liz Bond’s Enough Already delivered the best dressage score of the horse’s entire international career today at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event to lead the CCI3* on 27.8.

“Drake,” a 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Winningmood van de Arenberg X Zandora, by Landor S), finished fifth in his first CCI3* at Rebecca Farm over the summer, and Kristen said he came away from Montana a different horse.

“He keeps getting stronger and stronger,” she said. “Today the warm-up felt the same as the test. He was able to carry it through and actually came up a little bit more in the test. He’s very consistent and he tries really hard. He enjoyed the atmosphere and was really rideable and stayed quiet.”

Kristen came to Ocala with a goal to go faster than she did at Rebecca and joked that she would have preferred to score something closer to 20.0 to give her more breathing room for time penalties tomorrow. But she made it clear she plans to put the pedal down.

“He’s fitter than he’s ever been, and the course looks really good. It’s a really good course for him in particular. … There’s no reason not to go out and really attack it. I like that the first part is pretty galloping. It gets you in a rhythm. I think (course designer Clayton Fredericks) used the terrain really well,” Kristen.

“I know what I need to do to save a bit more time this weekend. I need to be better with my lines and get away from the fences better and not set up quite so early. I think if I do all those things, it will take a lot of time off.”

If you missed EN’s exclusive interview with Kristen over the summer, it’s a must-read. She returned to the Advanced level this year following a six-year hiatus while she started a family with her husband, Andrew. Her children, Beckham, 3, and Berkeley, 18 months, adore Drake, who is an extremely kind horse and very gentle with them.

“He has been a very special horse to me because he can do all three phases but he’s a really sweet guy. He’s a pet in the barn. … He would be really difficult to replace for sure. He’s really special. He’s really kind. He’s really safe. He’s only bucked me off once when I tried to ride him bareback at Rebecca.”

Kristen also jumped her first 1.40-meter Grand Prix on him last weekend in Tampa. “It was the coolest thing I’ve done in a long time. I absolutely would recommend it because it makes everything seem so much more doable.”

Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Katherine Coleman and her own Monte Classico scored 29.7 to sit in second place after dressage in the horse’s CCI3* debut. “Monte,” a a 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Monte Bellini X W-Sally, by Saami xx), just missed matching his personal best from Blenheim (29.2) and is a serious horse for the future. Keep an eye on this one!

Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’s Paramount Importance, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Pasco X Gesche II, by Louis), scored 33.1 for third place in their first CCI3* together as a combination. “Louis” last competed in a CCI3* at the 2017 European Championships at Strzegom, where he finished 15th with Ludwig Svennerstal.

Lauren Kieffer and Paramount Importance. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre’, a 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Gentleman IV X Jasmina du Fresne, by Socrate de Chivre) owned by Tre’ Book, scored 33.8 for fourth place. “Splash” finished fourth in his first CCI3* at Jersey Fresh in May and is making his second appearance at the level here at the Ocala Jockey Club.

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Dunlough Striker X Atlantic Amanda, by Glidawn Diamond) owned by Jacob and Frank Fletcher and Fletcher Farms, scored 34.1 to round out the top five after dressage.

Click here to view full scores in the CCI3*. You can also rewatch the live stream from dressage here.

Alex O’Neal and Fury FH. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the CCI2*, Alex O’Neal and Fury H snuck into the lead on the second day of dressage today, scoring 29.5 to just best Doug Payne and Starr Witness’s day one leading score of 29.6.

“Marvin,” an 8-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Sally Cox, was sourced through Flynn Sport Horses two years ago and originally purchased as a ride for Ellie MacPhail O’Neal, Alex’s wife.

But the horse ultimately grew to nearly 18 hands, earning the moniker of “Large Marve” along the way, and Ellie opted to hand the ride to Alex this season.

“He turned out to be a much bigger horse than she usually rides and not really her type. She was really nice to let me have a shot at him. We suit each other really well,” Alex said.

“We’re both a little bit arrogant and like to do things our own way, and I think we respect that about each other. I just leave him alone and let him do his thing, and I don’t put too much pressure on him schooling. He always goes in the ring and does a really nice test for me.”

Alex and Marvin have had a successful year together since starting their partnership, winning the CIC2* at Chattahoochee Hills and finishing ninth in the Stable View CIC2*.

The Ocala Jockey Club is serving as Marvin’s inaugural CCI2* run, and Alex said he really likes the track Clayton Fredericks has laid out for the horses and riders.

“I think Clayton has done a great job, and I think the distances are really nice. I think it’s a long way around but it will suit my horse,” Alex said.

“I think the terrain will be really tough. I think you’ll see a lot of horses that looked good coming into this that struggle at the end, but I think Clayton did a good job of putting the right fences at the end.”

Doug Payne and Starr Witness, a 7-year-old KWPN mare Doug owns with Catherine Winter and Laurie McRee, sit in second place on 29.6 in her debut at the level. Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s JKF Vogue sat in second following the first day of dressage and now sit in third place on 29.7.

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A massive 71-horse field came forward for the CCI*, and Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s Danito ultimately prevailed following two intense days of dressage. Their score of 22.6 has them soundly sitting in first place by a healthy 3.4-penalty margin.

Ruth originally purchased the Hanoverian gelding (Dancier X Wie Musik, by Wolkenstein II) as a 4-year-old sales prospect, but when he came to Tamie to sell she thought he was a serious horse for the future. Better known as “Cheeto” and/or “Burrito” at home depending on the day, the horse is proving he has what it takes — and Tamie suggested he is an even better mover than Mai Baum.

“At our first event together I didn’t know him, and I kind of surprised him going out of the start box at the (American Eventing Championships). I rode him just a little too strong there, “Tamie said, “but then after that I learned a lot about him.

“I think being on the East Coast has really helped us develop a great bond. … He’s been phenomenal. I had a blast in the whole test today.”

With Ruth’s blessing, the plan for Danito is now to see just how far he can go up the levels. “He’s got a big jump in him. You never know until they do it, but I think he will be a type who wants to do it because he trusts his rider.”

Looking to the rest of the CCI* leaderboard, Ellie MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Cox’s Zick Zack scored 26.0 for second place. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Pru Dawes’s Gorsehill Cooley sit in third place on 26.9.

The schedule has been adjusted slightly for cross country day tomorrow. Click here for start times. The CCI* starts at 9:15 a.m., followed by the CCI3* at 12:55 p.m. and the CCI2* at 2:10 p.m. All of cross country will stream live on EQTV Network and here on EN. Click here for a fence-by-fence preview of Clayton Fredericks’s CCI3* cross country course.

CIC3* show jumping will also take place at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. It’s going to be a bit of a mad day tomorrow at #OJC3DE and we’re glad you’re along for the ride. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, XC Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Ocala Jockey Club CCI3* Cross Country Course Preview

By on Nov 16, 2018 11:47 am -

Fence 11ABC – Double Log Drop to Fish. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event added a new CCI3* this year in Reddick, Florida, making it the fifth CCI3* offered in North America this season. Eleven combinations will take on Clayton Fredericks’s track, which is his inaugural CCI3* course as a designer. Mike Etherington-Smith, who designed the CIC3* track for the past two years, served as an advisor to Clayton this year in his freshman effort at this level.

While Ocala is notoriously flat, the Ocala Jockey Club boasts the highest elevation in Marion County. Clayton has maximized every possible bit of terrain to design a course that will test fitness. The footing feels fabulous and the course, built by the one and only Tyson Rementer, is beautifully presented.

The influential Double Corner Combination that caught out 16 pairs in the CIC3* last year is back on the course this year for both the CCI3* and CIC3*. The riders also agree that the Double Brush combination at the end of the CCI3* course will prove challenging. There is plenty to do out there, and the stage is set for a thrilling day of cross country tomorrow.

The CCI3* course has 40 total jumping efforts and 26 numbered fences set across 5,816 meters. The optimum time is 10 minutes. Scroll down for a fence-by-fence preview of the course. You can watch CCI3* cross country live on EN and on EQTV Network at 12:45 p.m. tomorrow. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Dressage Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Liz Halliday-Sharp Shoots to Top of Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Leaderboard

By on Nov 15, 2018 4:38 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night scored 27.7 to lead the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event CIC3* at the conclusion of dressage here in Reddick, Florida.

This is the first competition back in the U.S. for “Blackie,” a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, after spending the summer based in England with the rest of Liz’s string. Her horses arrived at her winter base, Horsepower Equestrian in Ocala, on Nov. 4 for the winter season, and Liz said Blackie is in flying form following the trip overseas.

“We did our typical no warm-up and got him as hot as possible, and he did drop me a little bit in the ring and was very lazy like he can be, but it was still a fairly tidy test,” Liz said. “He did go in and try, and he’s feeling really well and really excited to be at the party — that’s where we want him whenever we’re at a show like this.”

Liz has run a lighter competition schedule with Blackie this year to keep him feeling his best as he gets older, and she said the strategy has really paid off — “that makes him fresh when he comes to the party.”

Liz is on the hunt for redemption at Ocala this year after her bid to win the CIC3* went awry last year. After leading with Blackie following the first two phases, the influential corner combination caught them out on cross country. The corners are back on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course this year for both the CIC3* and the new CCI3* — stay tuned for EN’s full course preview.

“We’re lucky to have such a great cross country course at our place, so he’s had a bit of a tune-up over there,” Liz said. “I think the ground should be perfect. Every year this event gets better. It’s like a mini European event, and we always try to make sure we can be here.”

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton won the CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club last year with Z and has two rides in the division this year. He is sitting second after dressage on 29.9 with Fernhill Fugitive, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Phillip competed to the CCI4* level and rode on the gold medal 2015 Pan American Games team.

After the horse’s owners, Tom Tierney and Annie Jones, decided to retire “Jack” from the upper levels last year, he spent time competing with Tom’s daughter, Caitlin, at the Preliminary and Intermediate levels. With Caitlin’s college schedule giving her limited time to compete, they ultimately decided to sell Jack, and Phillip got the ride back temporarily.

Phillip confirmed Jack was sold to Michael Willham this week, and Michael still wanted him to compete the horse in the CIC3*. “I’m a big fan of the event and the footing and the course, so I’m excited to be able to go around it twice. We are excited for Michael and wish him all the best going forward with Jack.”

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Felix Vogg and Jürgen Vogg’s Colero, a 10-year-old Westphalian gelding, round out the top three in the CIC3* after dressage on 30.8. This is the horse’s first competition back since representing Switzerland at the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon.

Liz Halliday-Sharp has two rides in the top five in the CIC3*, with The Deniro Syndicate’s Deniro Z sitting in fourth place on 31.9. Liz confirmed “Niro,” a 10-year-old KWPN gelding, will not run cross country, but she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to run a combined test at such a world-class event.

Jon Holling and Team Rebecca’s Avoca Druid scored 32.4 to round out the top five after dressage. “Avocado,” a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, stepped up to the CIC3* level at Stable View last month and is making his second CIC3* appearance this weekend.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The first half of the CCI2* also did dressage today, and Doug Payne leads with Starr Witness on 29.6. “Gin,” a 7-year-old KWPN mare Doug owns with Catherine Winter and Laurie McRee, finished ninth in her first CIC2* at Stable View last month and is making her CCI2* debut here at the Ocala Jockey Club.

Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s JKF Vogue scored 29.7 to sit in second place in the horse’s CCI2* debut. Gabrielle Ruane and Lismakeera Brewski sit third on 29.9.

Looking to the CCI*, Maya Black and Laurie Cameron’s Miks Master C lead on 27.7 after the first half of the 71-horse field went down centerline today. Waylon Roberts and Aletta Martin’s Wil Celtic Charlie sit in second on 27.7. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Pru Dawes’s Flash Cooley and Andrew McConnon and Elizabeth Aboody’s Ballyorney Mullach Abu are tied for third on 28.1.

Click here to view full scores in all divisions after dressage.

The second day of dressage kicks off tomorrow at 9 a.m. for both the CCI2* and CCI*. CCI3* dressage starts at 1 p.m. and will stream live here on EN and on EQTV Network. The full competition schedule for the event is on the front page of the event website. Click here for dressage start times.

We are down to 11 entries in the CCI3* after Tamie Smith withdrew heavy favorite Mai Baum this afternoon. “He is just not quite right after getting a close nail after being shod. We have been working diligently with a superior team, but I feel like it just isn’t in the cards. It is so disappointing to have made such a huge effort to come all of this way for it not to go to plan. Unfortunately, the stars are just not aligning and it is in his best interest to save him for another day.”

Stay tuned for much more from #OJC3DE. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Dressage Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

123 Horses Ready for Action at Ocala Jockey Club CCI

By on Nov 14, 2018 4:51 pm -

Emily Lehman and Martial Arts. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All 12 CCI3* pairs were accepted in the first horse inspection at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event this afternoon under an overcast sky here in Reddick, Florida. Jo Young (CAN), Peter Gray (CAN) and Janet Surr (GBR) have the honor of serving on the ground jury for the inaugural CCI3*, as well as the CCI2*.

In the CCI2*, four horses were sent to the holding box: Katie Ruppel’s mount A Sportsfield Diamond, Sara Mittleider’s mount La Paz, Shelby Brost’s mount Crimson and Autumn Schweiss’s mount Global AKD Corline. Katie withdrew A Sportsfield Diamond from the holding box. The other three horses were accepted after re-presenting to send 40 horses on to dressage in the CCI2*.

Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre’. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In the CCI*, two horses were withdrawn prior to the first inspection: Stephanie Goodman’s mount OBOS Quality Time and Alex Banks’s mount Continious. Morgan Batton’s mount Toby The Coal Man was sent to the holding box and accepted after re-presenting. All other horses were accepted by the ground jury of Bobby Stevenson (USA) and Debbie Adams (USA) to send 71 pairs forward in the CCI*.

Dressage starts at 9:20 a.m. tomorrow for the CIC3* and CCI*, with CCI2* dressage starting at 12:30 p.m. EST. Click here for dressage start times.

CCI3* dressage starts at 1 p.m. EST on Friday and will stream live on EQTV Network. The most current competition schedule can be accessed on the #OJC3DE homepage. Cross country and show jumping for the CCI3*, CCI2*, and CCI* will also stream live. Click here to view full details for the live stream.

Stay tuned for more of our favorite photos from the first horse inspection, and keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from #OJC3DE. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE Links: Website, Dressage Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Star-Studded Entry List Set for Stuttgart + Live Stream Details

By on Nov 13, 2018 9:36 am -

2017 Stuttgart winners Michael Jung and Corazon. Photo courtesy of Stuttgart German Masters.

The European indoor season kicks off tomorrow at the Stuttgart German Masters, and top event riders from seven different countries are making the trip to Germany to compete. With eight-time Stuttgart winner Michael Jung sidelined with a broken arm following his fall at Le Lion d’Angers, the stage is set to crown a new champion this year.

Fans of Tiana Coudray‘s London Olympic mount Ringwood Magister will be delighted to see him representing the U.S. at Stuttgart — his first major appearance since the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2016. At 17 years old, “Finn” is still looking fabulous.

 

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Stopped for a leg stretch on our way to @germanmasters . Finn is beyond excited. #roadtripping #indooreventing

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We are also thrilled to see 18-year-old Tom Bombadill Too on the entry list with Brazil’s Ruy Fonseca. “Tommy” won individual bronze at the 2015 Pan American Games and represented Brazil at every major championships from the 2010 World Equestrian Games to the 2016 Olympic Games.

Newly crowned world champion Ros Canter is also slated to compete aboard Las Vegas, who stepped up to three-star level last year. Fellow Brit Laura Collett will also compete with Parkfield Quintessential. Imogen Murray will ride Shannondale Vintage, who just stepped up to CIC3* level at Blenheim.

Germany has a formidable lineup led by Tryon individual bronze medalist Ingrid Klimke, Andreas Dibowski, Peter Thomsen and Niklas Bschorer.

Ingrid Klimke‘s mount Parmenides competed up to the three-star level of eventing and has spent the past few seasons competing in pure show jumping. He has competed in the CSIO5* at Aachen for the past two years and is a strong contender at Stuttgart.

Jesse Campbell will also represent New Zealand with his two-star mount Diachello. Regis Prud Hon is the sole rider representing France with his Badminton mount Kaiser HDB 41 75. Julien Despontin will also represent Belgium with Quick Fiddlestick.

The indoor eventing derby at Stuttgart will stream live tomorrow, Nov. 14 on ClipMyHorse.TV starting at 9:35 p.m. CEST/8:35 p.m. BST/3:35 p.m. EST. Click here to access the live stream. Click here to view the full Stuttgart entry list.

In the meantime, you can relive Michael Jung’s winning round last year with Corazon:

Indoor Derby Stuttgart

Und dieses Jahr hat er es geschafft! Michael Jung gewinnt das Indoor Derby bei den Stuttgart German Masters vor Elizabeth Power aus Irland! Klasse Stimmung in Stuttgart – die gesamte Prüfung noch einmal bei uns im Archiv: http://watch.clipmyhorse.tv/StuttgartGermanMasters

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Thursday, November 16, 2017

[Stuttgart German Masters]