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Events this Weekend

By on Aug 19, 2011 1:34 pm -


The start of the novice and beginner novice courses at Great Vista

You might call this weekend the calm before the storm here in the US with Richland, then Burghley, and then the AECs over the next 3 weeks.  It’s a busy weekend of eventing internationally with Blair Castle, and the Haras du Pin CIC3* WC.  But, let’s start with a look at the USEA events:

Caber Farm HT (WA): I confess that I have never even been to the state of Washington, but a little research reveals that Caber Farm is located between Seattle and Portland, Oregon.  The 100 acre farm contains a cross-country course designed by Derek DiGrazia and built by Daniel Hauptman, John Camlin and Kyle Mosely.  Caber Hill starts today with dressage in all of the divisions, from beginner novice through open intermediate.  EN’s good friend Chealn Kozak is entered in the OI as is former USEA President Kevin Baumgardner.  [Caber TImes/Scores]

The Event at Goose Downs (NM): Held in Galisteo, New Mexico, the Event at Goose Downs runs on Saturday and Sunday with young event horse through intermediate divisions.  There are only two competitors in the intermediate.  I want to give a big shout out to all of the events throughout the year who run levels with low attendance to give their local riders the chance to compete and qualify.  A two horse division loses a lot of money, but major props to Goose Downs for looking after their riders. [Times/Scores] 

Huntington Farm HT (VT): The Huntington Farm Horse Trials, located in South Strafford, Vermont, is running beginner novice through a prelim/training division.  The event runs exclusively on Sunday.  Huntington Farm is for sale, so hopefully the new buyers will continue the tradition of eventing. [Times/Scores]

Difficult Run HT: Located in the fine commonwealth of Virginia, the Difficult Run Pony Club is hosting yet another fabulous event this weekend.  You might remember reading about the Difficult Run PC as Lynn Symansky’s Pony Club in Susanna’s Pony Club piece from yesterday.  As you would expect from a Pony Club, the website is in good order with course maps and ride times and there isn’t even a speck of dirt on the saddle pads.  [Course Maps PDF, Ride Times]

Erie Hunt and Saddle Club HT (PA): Erie is part of Bit of Britain’s Chase the Challenge Across America series, and the event starts on Saturday with starter through preliminary levels running.  [Photos of the Jumps, Times/Scores]

Great Vista HT (NY): Last, but certainly not least, the Great Vista Farm horse trials is being held in Fort Plain, New York.  Intro through training level divisions are competing on Sunday.  I spoke briefly with Erin from Great Vista HT, who said they are looking forward to a great competition this weekend.  [Website, Virtual Jump Tour]

As I mentioned in the intro to this post, it’s a busy weekend of competitions internationally.  Here’s a quick look at two of the big ones…

Blair Castle: The Blair Castle Horse Trials is running in Scotland this weekend.  Blair Castle boasts 40,000 spectators watching their CCI3*, CIC3*, CCI**, CCI*, and finally the European Young Rider Championships.  Great Britain’s Dani Evans currently has the lead in the Young Rider 2*. The cross-country and show jumping are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday respectively. [Blair Castle Scores] 

Haras du Pin CIC3*, France: New Zealand’s Clark Johnstone, and Australia’s Chris Burton are fighting it out for the FEI World Cup year end championships in France this weekend.  Haras du Pin is the last competition in the World Cup series.  So far, the competition is all Australia, with Sam Griffiths in the CIC3*-WC lead, Clayton Frdericks holding the next two spots, and Chris Burton in 4th.  Julian Stiller of the USA has Axel Rose and Gun Stone Wallstreet in that division as well.  Haras du Pin also has a few other three-day divisions competing this weekend.  [Haras du Pin Scores via YL]

Clayton riding in the CIC1* at Haras du Pin on Thursday:

Good luck to all of the competitors this weekend and go eventing.

Brian O’Connor — Eventing Families

By on Aug 19, 2011 11:12 am -

Announcers are one of the most important indirect contributors to Eventing Nation.  Whether I am typing, running from jump to jump, feeding the ever-hungry chinchillas, or watching a far corner of the cross-country course, I can’t always have my eyes on every piece of the action.  I rely a great deal on what the announcers are saying and I am deeply appreciative of their help at every event.  A great announcer makes a great event, and Brian O’Connor is one of my favorites.  Brian also dabbles in blogging and he was kind enough to send us this guest blog discussion post about eventing families.  Thanks for writing this Brian and thank you for reading.
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The Payne family has a rich tradition of golfing eventing

From Brian

So how many of you know how many families are involved in eventing? I mean, multiple family members with the same name – or family name? I want to challenge everyone to come up with families who are currently working in our sport…..or who have worked in the past in our sport.  To qualify, there need to be at least three members at the same time.

OK: I get to go first of course!!

O’CONNORS:

David: Olympic gold medalist; USEF President; future USET eventing coach: international course designer; current Canadian Three-Day coach, member of “trip”

Karen: Olympic silver and bronze medalist; multiple leading lady rider of the year; Rolex winner; USEA committee member; top eventing clinician/coach

Sally: Current FEI chief steward of eventing (USA); international judge, clinician, Olympic steward, senior USEF judge, author, leader of the USA “Trip Across the Country,” blogger for EN

Brian: 30 yr career in announcing; Olympic, WEG, World Cup announcer; member of “trip” mentioned above; GMB (gold medal brother – 11 yrs!!); blogger for EN!!

BUTTS:

Gretchen: Current FEI judge and TD, organizer of Waredaca HT; committee member of USEA; active competitor USEA and FEI

Robert: Organizer of Waredaca HT; avid sailor; course builder and designer

Stephanie: Currently active as member of organizing committee Waredaca; active FEI and USEA competitor

PAYNES:

Marilyn: Active FEI and USEA judge and TD, Olympic judge (2008); active USEA winning competitor; USET committee member (selection)

Doug: Active FEI and USEA competitor; USEA judge and TD; silver medalist for USET in Holland 2010

Holly: Active FEI and USEA competitor; international rider; clinician and coach

DI GRAZIA

Derek: Top FEI and US course designer; past USET rider; World Championships (2); coach/clinician;

Bea (Perkins): FEI and US competitor; past USET team member; coach/clinician; active USEA and USDF competitor

Beth (Perkins): FEI and US competitor; past USET World Games member; active USEA rider; coach/clinician

These are just a few of the families that are currently involved in our wonderful sport – its history, and the present.  Who are the others and who will be the future families?   I have not listed many here, but that is your task.  Keep it inside the “penalty zone” as we used to say….the 10x 20 meter rectangle around the jumps for those of you too young.

Good luck,

Brian

What is Pony Club?

By on Aug 18, 2011 10:41 am -

Susanna Rodell is a professional journalist, a member of the USPC National Communications Committee, a former Pony Club District Commissioner, and perhaps most importantly a Pony Club mom.  Susanna recently contacted us about writing a series of articles about Pony Club.  I thought it was a great idea and I am very excited to present the first post in the series.  Before I turn the floor over to Susanna, let me just say that in my experience not all Pony Clubs are created equal.  There is nothing better than a good Pony Club and the contributions of Pony Club that Susanna is about to discuss are unquestionable, but I was not in Pony Club growing up because my local Pony Club at the time was very political and the coach couldn’t have cared less about eventing.  As with anything, do your research and talk with people who are experienced with the organizations in your area before choosing the best path.  Now, without further ado, thanks for writing this Susanna and thank you for reading.
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ponyclub.jpg

From Susanna:

Sometimes when I’m trying to explain to the sane people in my life – i.e. the ones who are not involved with horses – what Pony Club is, I tell them it’s the nursery for future Olympians. That usually gets their attention, and it has two advantages: one, it’s true. Look at the people who have represented us in international competition on the back of a horse, and it’s totally likely that they are former Pony Clubbers. A VERY abbreviated list: Gina Miles, Amy Tryon, both O’Connors, Stephen Bradley, Bruce Davidson, Becky Holder, Phillip Dutton, Phyllis Dawson … the second advantage is that it cuts off the inevitable question about why it’s called Pony Club, and can you belong if you have a horse? The Brits started it, OK? We just inherited the name from people who affectionately refer to any kid’s mount as a pony.

Most eventing freaks, when you ask them to defend their choice of this ridiculous sport, will cite the thrill of cross-country, the Ultimate Test of the Horse, etc. – but somewhere in there they will usually start talking about Values. Especially those who have experienced certain Other Disciplines, in which a person can compete by getting a trainer to do all the work and then jump on at the last minute, ride into the arena and get all the glory.

Or those whose kids have competed in those Other Disciplines and watched parents and trainers hovering at ringside, or have been told their 10-year-old will never be competitive without a $50,000 horse and a $5,000 saddle.

My kid – a Pony Clubber from the age of 7 (see above) – went off to college last year, got on the school’s riding team and met kids from some of those Other Disciplines who had never tacked up their own horse. “Mama,” she told me breathlessly over the phone, “They wear pearls to their riding lessons!” The coach (a former eventer herself), bless her heart, made those kids learn how to wield a currycomb. “I love Pony Clubbers,” she told me when we first visited the college. “They know so much.”

One thing they know is how to compete as a member of a team, something that comes in really handy, as Gina Miles (graduate of Panache Pony Club) has pointed out, when you get to international competition. I still remember my kid’s first show jumping rally. She was 9, it was 105 in the shade, and it was my first experience of the Pony Club rules: parents drop their kids & ponies off at the barn and then it’s Good-bye Mama. We were not allowed to SPEAK to our kids, much less hover around the barn. But they had their team-mates, and a cadre of older kids and adults who kept their eye on them to make sure everyone was safe.

Looking after the ponies in the barns, grooming, tacking up, appearing at the right time for their rounds – it was all up to the kids. And guess what? They did it. Here was the result:

Woo-hoo — two clean rounds, for the glory of the team. Meanwhile, one of her teammates was eliminated, and spent the rest of the rally helping the other kids. Over the course of the day she spotted a pony who looked distressed and raised the alarm. Turned out it was dehydrated. They gave her a special award for that — I think they made it up on the spot.

Meanwhile, the horse management judges patrolled the barns. In a Pony Club rally, you can be the best rider on the day, but if you leave your pony without water, or your tack room is a mess and you don’t have a proper First Aid kit on hand, you lose. You get penalty points for that stuff. Each team has a non-riding member, a Stable Manager – kind of a chef d’equipe – who helps with the logistics. These kids can make or break a team. Sound familiar?

Call me prejudiced, but I reckon it’s no accident that so many of our international competitors started as Pony Clubbers. Speaking of which, have a look at the recently announced Pan Am short list, on which most of the inhabitants have Pony Club in their resumes:

Emily Beshear

Hannah Sue Burnett: Long Run Pony Club

Anna Collier: Columbia Winds Pony Club

Bruce Davidson Jr.: Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Pony Club

Jonathan Holling: Racine County Pony Club

Shannon Lilley

Boyd Martin: Forest Hills Pony Club (Australia)

Maxance McManamy: CURRENT MEMBER, Black Oaks Pony Club

Michael Pollard: Greenville Foothills Pony Club

Kristin Schmolze

Alexandra Slusher: Sierra Gold Pony Club

Tamra Smith: Pony Club mom!

Lynn Symansky: Difficult Run Pony Club

Jolie Wentworth

Sharon White

Ranked Substitutes as of Aug. 15, 2011:

1. Kevin Keane

2. Jennifer Taxay Kelly

3. Matt Flynn: Seneca Valley Pony Club

By the way, Boyd Martin’s mount, Cold Harbor, is owned by Manny and Dana Diemer, who are longtime Pony Club parents, officers and supporters.

If I’ve missed anyone, I apologize – this is the latest info I could get. But you get the point. Somewhere down the road I’ll produce a similar list of Rolex contenders.

Know a kid with Rolex dreams? Sign ’em up for Pony Club.

http://www.ponyclub.org/

Go Pony Club and Go Eventing!!!!!

Colleen Rutledge — The Waiting Game

By on Aug 17, 2011 5:20 pm -

I met Colleen Rutledge for the first time at Jersey Fresh and I found all the rumors to be true.  She was quiet, charming, and incredibly intelligent and I instantly became a huge fan and I look forward to rooting her on at Burghley in just a few weeks.  Colleen is departing for England today with her 13 year old chestnut OTTB Shiraz.  Colleen and “Luke” will spend the next couple of weeks at Ann Taylor’s Washbrook Farm until they ship to Burghley.  Collen will be writing about her journey here on EN and on her Burghley blog, which I strongly suggest you check out.  Thanks for writing this Colleen and thank you for reading.
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shirazhalter.jpg
Shiraz at the JFK vetport

From Colleen:

So, here we sit at JFK airport waiting for our 10 pm flight.  HRH Luke, the horse who refuses to eat off the ground at home, walks right into his stall here and proceeds to hoover up the hay like a 12 hand pony in a starvation lot.  Then, he just goes to sleep.  For a horse that has never done this before, he’s quite relaxed about everything.  Did I mention the part about having to be here before 1 pm, and having to leave our farm before 5:30 am in order to not hit all the traffic?

Well one of us overslept, just slightly, by an hour.  The phone ringing this morning was accompanied a flurry (blizzard) of curses, banging (my toes and head on the wall, simultaneously) and yells to my two girls of ‘GET UP RIGHT NOW, mommy OVERSLEPT, GET DRESSED, RUN TO THE CAR.’  Thank goodness I managed to finish packing my stuff last night.  I rushed the kids into the car, threw my body bag suitcase (you, know the one, big enough to hold a body and then some, but still not enough room for all of the event rider’s clothes) in and broke the land speed record getting to the barn.  My mom, saint that she is, had the horses loaded and ready to go.  We transfer my stuff to the trailer, load the rest of HRH’s equipment in and off we go! 

Down the road and passing the first exit on I70, Wait, where’s my phone?  Did you grab it when you grabbed my bag?  No, you must have gotten it when you grabbed your purse.  Call it, please… Silence.  Turn around, back to the barn, grab it off the floor of the van where it fell, and off we go, take two.  The traffic gods smiled upon us, since we left almost two hours later than planned, I just knew we were going to crawl from the Baltimore beltway all the way to New York.  Why not, it took me 5 hours to make a two hour trip over the weekend, and I didn’t have a deadline. 

The ONLY traffic we hit was just after we crossed into manhattan.  That was a surreal moment, through the little tunnels, driving through the boroughs, getting cut off by people who think the open space in front of you is just for them and 6 of their most distant driving rivals who all need to be there in the same second.  Finally, at the airport, we unload HRH, and wait. And wait, and wait and wwwwaaaaiiiittttttt…. Our next bit of excitement…. Check in at the airport!

Helmet Cam Footage European Style

By on Aug 17, 2011 4:35 pm -

It’s a quiet afternoon around Eventing Nation so we’ll do what we do best on quiet afternoons–show a helmet cam video.  This one is from Germany, so you can look forward to some crazy background music.  Thank me later.  The video shows Swede Cristoffer Forsberg at the Bad Harzburg CIC2* in Germany last weekend, or maybe that’s German Cristoffre Forsberg at the Swedish Bad Harzburg event.  Google Translate isn’t very clear on the details but I’m betting on the former.  Stay tuned for the introduction of a fabulous new guest blogger this evening.  Your hint is initials CR.  Go eventing.

Mother Nature’s Wednesday News and Notes from Horse Quencher

By on Aug 17, 2011 12:01 am -


Either large bushes or knocked over trees, photo with permission of of Leslie Threlkeld

Good morning Eventing Nation and welcome to Wednesday.  My how I have missed the Wednesday morning news and notes.  Coren and Annie love the Wednesday morning post so much that they have been taking them from me lately, but I managed to steal today’s.  It’s hump day so let’s get going…

–The European Eventing Championships are the same weekend as the Pan American selection trials at Richland Park.  The dressage Europeans are being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, this week and the competition starts today.  The latest eventing entries have been announced, with 14 countries now set to compete, including the powerful British squad, although Germany isn’t messing around with WEG champions Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam entered.  I am rooting, as always, for Lithuania.  [Latest EC entries]

–We have written about this before, but it’s so cool that we might as well mention it again.  Clear your calendars–Burghley.tv will offer free on demand coverage of every single Burghley ride during the competition.  A short registration will be required, but other than that, you’ll be able to follow all of the Burghley action from your computer.  Until then, Burghley.tv has several cool videos including the course walk with Uncle Mark that we have linked to about 7 times and much more.  [Burghley.tv via EventingUSA]

–As a quick recap if you missed the news from Tuesday, we confirmed that Alexandra Slusher withdrew from the Pan American Games short list and learned that Sharon White and Refferty’s Rules as well as Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly have also withdrawn.  In addition, Buck withdrew Titanium from Burghley due to Buck’s hectic schedule over these next few weeks. 

–Unfortunately, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a couple more North American horses withdraw from Burghley, whether due to the inevitable last minute injuries or even perhaps the high travel costs.  I suppose it is a bit late for this discussion, but, having seen the Burghley course, if I had an Olympic quality horse at least a part of me would be wondering if it would help or hurt my Olympic chances to run that horse around the biggest track it has ever seen and probably ever will see.  Sue Benson’s Olympic course is going to be really tough and a clean round at Burghley would look beautiful on an Olympic resume, but jumping around a three-star this autumn and being sound next summer will probably be good enough to make the US or Canadian team.  That being said, I put more weight on the Olympics relative to the big four-stars than most riders.  For example, I would unquestionably rather get a bronze medal at the Olympics than win Burghley, but I think a lot of riders entered at Burghley would disagree with that.

–Just to give you a feel for what the riders are thinking about Burghley right now, I got a joking text from one Burghley entrant on Tuesday saying “Do you think I’m nuts to park my car on the edge of the sunken road and practice for the ditch and hedge at Burghley?”  

—The AEC’s from A to Z

–Our latest award for people going straight to hell goes to thieves who took 20,000 Pounds (the money, not the weight) of tack from a 13 year old girl’s yard in Hampshire, England.  If that wasn’t enough, they also stole a kitten from the tack room.  [Horse and Hound]

–EN’s own Leslie Threlkeld had a tornado at her farm a few days ago.  Fortunately no one was injured and it made for some awesome photos.  [Leslie’s blog]

–As a follow up to our post about the FEI yellow cards Monday evening where we mentioned a report in the Chronicle about Tamra Smith’s yellow card, Sally O’Connor sent me an email with her perspective on the incident.  As the official who gave Tamra the yellow card, Sally wanted to make it clear that she discussed the matter at length with the entire Ground Jury and the TD and they agreed Tamra should be issued a yellow card.  Sometimes officials don’t have a choice about giving a yellow card.  In this case they did and while there will always be two sides to a story, it is reassuring to know that so many officials were involved in the decision.  Now that’s all the yellow card discussion I can take for at least another week.


—Best of the Blogs: Crossing the Channel goes by faster with Hamish along for the ride

–A bunch of great USEA events open this week, including Greenwood, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, Morven, the Colorado Fall CCI* and T3DE, the University of NH Horse Trials, Jump Start, and Northwest Equestrian HT. 

–I want to give a special shout-out to our friends at the Jump Start Horse Trials, who are encouraging early entries by offering to put in a drawing, any entries postmarked on August 16th, 17th, or 18th.  The drawing will be for a free entry to next year’s competition,and a free helmet.  Additionally, any entries postmarked this week will get a free t-shirt.  Can’t beat that.

–Keep the fundraising going for our good friend Kyle Carter on his way to Burghley here. 

–Today’s TOTD item is cotton britches at a great price, only available until noon. [TOTD]

That’s all I got for now.  Admittedly, it isn’t much, but how about I show you a video of dogs using silverware and we’ll call it even?  Thanks to Robin from World Equestrian Brands for sending us the video:

As always, wherever you might be, thanks for making Eventing Nation your home for eventing news, ridiculousness, and commentary each and every day.  Stay tuned and stay classy Eventing Nation.


600x100_HQ_Oogy.jpg

An update on Titanium

By on Aug 16, 2011 2:26 pm -


Samantha Clark photo

I mentioned this morning that Buck and Titanium, owned by Buck and Carl Segal, have withdrawn from Burghley.  The good news for Titanium’s many fans is that “Ty” is happy and healthy.  The withdraw is because of Buck’s hectic schedule.  I spoke with Buck briefly today who, as usual, impressed me with his openness and horsemanship.  Buck explained that he has clinics over the next few days and then the Pan American selection trials at Richland with Absolute Liberty just a week before Burghley.  By the time he flew over to England, he would have had just two days to school Ty before the dressage at Burghley.  Buck jokingly said that something finally slapped him in the face and he said to himself “Buck, you are so stupid.”  So he wisely decided to keep Ty in the US.  Titanium will now do Richland and then the AECs.  Buck and Titanium have a wonderful partnership, and I give Buck a lot of credit for making the hard decision to give up a shot at riding around Burghley.

Andromaque, Chapel Amble, Icarus, Manoir De Carneville, Neville, Shiraz, and Twizzel are all still entered for the United States, and Canadians Exponential, Gin & Juice, and Madison Park round out the North American contingent.  [Burghley Entries]

Speaking of the American Eventing Championships, there are currently just 12 entrants, not including Titanium, in the advanced AEC division.  There is $20,000 in prize money up for grabs in the advanced, so doing the math it seems like a pretty good bet to enter the division.  I think there are so few entrants because of scheduling, people not knowing about the prize money, and because of footing concerns since it was so hard at Chattahoochee Hills last year.  Chattahoochee has installed a new irrigation system, so I think the footing will be much improved.   If you have an advanced horse and want a chance to win some prize money, you might have a good shot at making some money at the AECs.  There’s a sentence I never thought I would write.

Speaking of Burghley, the track is freaking obscenely huge, to use the technical terminology.  I talked to one rider still entered at Burghley who told me they watched the Burghley course preview through Eventing Nation and instantly regretted the decision.  I tend to have bad dreams and trouble sleeping whenever I hear Mark Phillips giggle.  If I was entered at Burghley and watched Mark Phillips giggling in the preview video about how enormous the course is, I wouldn’t be able to sleep for days.   [Burghley Course Video]

Speaking of bad decisions, take it away Ron Burgundy and Anchorman:

This post is going downhill fast.  Stay classy, carry on, and go eventing.

Rafferty’s Rules, Obos O’Reilly, and Last Call Withdraw from Pan Ams

By on Aug 16, 2011 10:35 am -


Sharon White and Rafferty’s Rules, by Samantha

It’s a busy Tuesday morning for US high performance news.  The CliffsNotes version is that Obos O’Reilley, Rafferty’s Rules, and Last Call have all withdrawn from the Pan American Games short list and Titanium has withdrawn from Burghley.

The USEF has sent out a quick clarification of a couple of Pan American Games short list developments this morning including Last Call’s and Obos O’Reilly’s withdraws, although the press release did not mention Rafferty’s Rules withdrawing, which is a very recent decision.  Kevin Keane is the next alternate and will presumably replace Sharon on the short list. 

As we noted on EN last Thursday, Alexandra Slusher and Last Call withdrew from the list and were replaced by alternates Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizzaz.  Last Call has been given a Boekelo Grant, along with Boyd and Remington as well as Otis.  Last Call will therefore get to continue on track to a potential Olympic spot, which would not have been possible by going to the Pan American Games 2*.  We will hear more about additional Boekelo grants as the October CCI3* in Holland approaches.

Next, Will Coleman has withdrawn Obos O’Reilly from the short list.  They have been replaced by Alexandra Slusher and Pierre.  One of the big issues with riders scheduling for this autumn is that it is impossible to go to both the Fair Hill and the Pan Ams, which are just a week apart.  Riders with multiple horses who need to get an autumn 3* to have a shot at the Olympics are left with the choice of either not going to the Pan Ams or flying out to Galway a few weeks later.  Will withdrew Obos O’Reilly because he needed to take multiple horses to Fair Hill.  Losing Rafferty’s Rules, Obos O’Reilly, and Last Call from the Pan Am short list is a real shame because they were three of the most talented horses on the list.

The last note from the USEF is that Boyd Martin and Cold Harbor have been granted special permission to not compete at the Pan American Games mandatory outing and selection trials at Richland Park due to Boyd competing at Burghley.  Burghley is the weekend after Richland.  Michael Pollard is also entered at Burghley but did not ask for special permission not to compete at the selection trials. 

Buck Davidson has withdrawn Titanium from Burghley so there will not be a Richland conflict with Buck and Absolute Liberty on the short list.  7 United States pair remain on the Burghley entry list.

The current USEF short list:

Emily Beshear and Here’s to You
Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot
Alexandra Slusher and Pierre
Anna Collier and Upper Crust D
Buck Davidson and Absolute Liberty
Jonathan Holling and Downtown Harrison
Boyd Martin and Cold Harbor
Maxance McManamy and Project Runway
Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni
Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken
Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizzaz
Tamra Smith and Mar de Amor
Lynn Symansky and Donner
Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight
Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter


Substitutes:
Jennifer Taxay Kelly and Taboo
Matt Flynn and Breakthrough

[USEF Press Release, Burghley Entries]

Go eventing.

The new FEI yellow cards: From being late to endangering the public

By on Aug 15, 2011 9:14 pm -

Over the past two weeks the FEI has updated their eventing, dressage, and show jumping yellow card lists.  I have commented thoroughly on my feelings about the yellow card system, and in particular Steph’s and Jessie’s yellow cards this spring, so I won’t bother to do it again here.  But suffice it to say that as inconsistently as the FEI sometimes applies the system, I almost wish they wouldn’t make the list public.  Certainly the several word explanations that come with the yellow cards are insufficient to provide a clear picture of what happened.  The public is left with too little information and at risk of improperly condemning the riders.  For example, over 30 riders were cited for “continuing after 3 refusals” this year.  Riders who continued after a 3rd stop might have not known that what they thought was only a big look by their horse at a bank was actually counted as a stop, or they might have run down a fence judge who was trying to pull them up.  The short explanations just don’t give us enough information.  But, on the upside, the explanations sometimes have just enough information to provide pure amazement.  Some of my favorites from the list:

1) Sophie de Cartier de Marchienne, a rider from Belgium, showed the true Belgian work ethic when she “remounted after a fall and jumped 3 fences before stopping.” 

2) A rider from Kazakhstan received a yellow card and what were certainly a meaningless 25 extra penalties for “jumping from still (100cm) after 2 stops at the same fence.”

3) A Swedish rider received a verbal warning for “jumping from a dangerous distance and risky angle,” which more or less sums up every show jumping round I have ever had.

4) Kate O’Sullivan from Ireland received a yellow card at Tattersalls for being late for the first horse inspection, while Ciara Smullen received a verbal warning at the same event for failing to show up at the final inspection without notifying the officials.  So it’s a yellow card for being late and a warning for not showing up.  Situations like that do not reaffirm my faith in the yellow card system.

5) To make matters even less consistent, two British riders at the Chattsworth CIC3* were just given warnings for arriving “very late” for a horse inspection.  What do you want to bet they were at the same party the night before?

6) A Turkish rider was cited with a yellow card that is labeled “out of control and jumped tape off the track.”  I think that’s a description we can all agree is undoubtedly sufficient for giving a yellow card.

7) Hayden Christen of New Zealand is cited a verbal warning for “endangering members of the public” although it is left to our imagination as to how or when the public was so threatened.  Again, I’m inclined to suspect a party at the event.

[FEI Yellow Card Lists]

On a more significant note, 6 North American pairs have received yellow cards since the start of 2011.  The Chronicle published an article this evening looking into Tamra’s yellow card, which resulted from Tamra yelling at an official over a rule misunderstanding, and mentioning the other 6 North American yellow cards.  [COTH]

Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch (CAN): Dangerous riding, not stopping for red flag, Badminton
Sam Elsenaar (CAN): Abuse of horse, use of whip and spurs after elimination, *Fair Hill CIC*
Jessica Phoenix (CAN): Dangerous riding, riding too fast, Jersey Fresh
Darren Chiachia (USA): Dangerous riding, continuing after 3 refusals, Chattahoochee Hills
Tamra Smith (USA): Incorrect behavior, abuse of an official, Rebecca Farm
Cali Eden (USA): Dangerous riding, continuing after 3 refusals, Rebecca Farm

Three US riders received verbal warnings at Rebecca Farm as well, and Jessica Hampf received a verbal warning at Rolex. 

The report about Tamra’s incident provides a very different picture than what one might think if they didn’t know Tamra and just read “abuse of an official” on the yellow card, and I believe the same is true for Steph’s and Jessie’s yellow cards, and my guess would be the same for the other three, although I don’t have any personal knowledge of those incidents.   

I know it is hard to make subjective officiating decisions, and if these lists were not public then we would be calling for more transparency.  The best solution I can think of is to perhaps provide a more lengthy description of the situation and a chance for the rider to defend themselves on the published yellow card list.  At the very least, if the FEI is going to publish yellow cards with little more than a 3 word explanation they need to get more consistent about enforcing them.  Go eventing.
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Tuesday Update: As a couple of diligent commenters have pointed out, the FEI yellow card sheet incorrectly states that Sam Elsenaar’s yellow card was acquired in France, when in fact the FEI’s own horse records state that the horse was in Maryland at Fair Hill that weekend.  I make more typos than anyone on the planet, but that is a bit disconcerting considering the importance of the list.  Also, ESJ has posted a comment that I think is very important–often times officials are required by rule to give yellow cards, such as in the case of pulling a horse up during cross-country.  I think this is a problem with the yellow card system, although of course we can’t fault the officials for doing what they are required to by rule.  

Unlocking the Burghley video vault

By on Aug 15, 2011 1:57 pm -

Burghley is 17 days away, who is counting?  Burghley.tv has posted Burghley videos from 1990 through 2010, including the full Burghley videos for free from 1990 to 2004.  You could spend the next 20 hours of your life doing nothing but watch Burghley videos, and I know Coren will.  It’s amazing to watch the changes in the sport through the years, some good, some bad.  Many thanks to EN reader TA for sending in the link.

[Full Burghley Video Collection]

It’s the 50th anniversary of Burghley and this year is shaping up to be one of the best competition yet.  The entry list is absolutely stacked, although many horses who will be competing at the European Games instead are cross-entered.  Enough North American names are entered to keep everyone on both sides of the pond interested. 

You can also read more about Sinead’s trip to Enlgand in her COTH blog from today. [COTH]

Go eventing.

Video Break: Events this Weekend

By on Aug 15, 2011 12:27 pm -


Novice cross-country at Waredaca

It’s time for our weekly round up of videos from events over the weekend.  We search for videos from every event, so if you have any that we have missed, please link to them in the comment section.  Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy getting a few minutes closer to the end of Monday at work.

The GMHA novice three-day event last week, WARNING: soundtrack not safe for work or baby chinchillas

Intermediate show jumping at Hunters Run

Prelim cross-country at Waredaca

Go eventing.

Poultice insanity at Woodside

By on Aug 15, 2011 10:32 am -

poulticecar.JPG

Photo by Jennifer Kan Bardsley via Bec Braitling

What do you think USEA president Brian Sabo is thinking as Bec Braitling, Andrea Baxter, and Tamie Smith poultice TD Andy Bowles’ car? We try not to post evidence on Eventing Nation that incriminates our friends, but since the photo was sent in by one of the ‘suspects’ I felt compelled to oblige.  Rumor has it that it was revenge from a toilet papering of Andrea’s house during Twin Rivers.  Perhaps we have a potential caption contest nominee. 

In the competition at Woodside, John Michael Durr and Warrick won the advanced by 14 points.  Gin & Juice and Last Call withdrew from the XC, but show jumped on Sunday, picking up 5 and 0 faults respectively.  Lauren Billy’s and Ballingowan Ginger won the open intermediate.  Lauren will be representing Puerto Rico at the Pan American Games as an individual and the first ever eventing competitor for Puerto Rico at the Pan American Games. 

[Full Woodside Scores]

Go Woodside.

Jacky Green — Sunday at Hartpury

By on Aug 14, 2011 6:11 pm -

Jacky Green was once again very kind to send us a full report from Hartpury, which ran cross-country today.  I’m glad to hear that the US riders had a great day and it should set us up nicely for Burghley.  Jacky also sent us a special treat–videos.  As always, thank you so much Jacky and thank you for reading.
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Yet another Kiwi win today as Andrew Nicholson took the CIC***, this time with Mr Cruise Control as he stormed around Hartpury CIC*** to take one of the 2 big classes.  Having been deposited on the ground by early runner Armada who showed disdain for the three star track, tried to spit him out at the first water and then truly decked him at the double of corners and then galloped off into the middle distance taking string and would be captors on the way it was a great ride and although Mr Cruise Control twisted over the first of the corners he kept on line to jump the second and then be foot perfect all the way home to win.  Henry Tankerville was foot perfect and jumped a copybook round to complete the Nicholson trio.

The most popular winner of the whole weekend was Bill Levett who not only won the CCI** but then backed that up with a proper win in section D CIC*** with One Too Many NJ who was just a couple of seconds over time.  Bill has thought a lot of this horse since it was just a baby and has produced it accordingly, second at Saumur CCI*** this Spring and today was the first time he has let off the brake and gone for it.   Hats off to Bill, he is a great rider, a great ambassador for the sport and just a genuine all round good guy and everyone was thrilled for him.   Look out for this combination at London as for sure they will be there.

Fellow Australian Chris Burton did not fare so well on my personal favourite Under Discussion as it twisted over the first corner and left Chris on a downward trajectory.   Sinead Halpin put in a great performance to finish in the top twelve but was surpassed by our Will Faudree who not only finished 5th on Andromaque but put in a great ride on Pawlow as well to complete in the top 15 in that section to boot. Julian Stiller finished in 11th with 17 time penalties on Enjoy Me, and 24th in the other CCI3* division with Chapel Amble.

Will Coleman ran as planned as far as the second water and pulled up which must have been hard as Twizzel looked fantastic.

We did forecast that there would be marching feet and as we arrived this morning Pippa Funnell, Piggy French, and William Fox-Pitt were loading up to go home.  The ground was not great, there were inconsistencies in the going that meant if you possibly had a soundness issue or a great young horse you might have withdrawn.  However, there was also a good track to be jumped and the Antipodean squad were happy to run around which was good enough for the Americans to follow suit.   At the end of the day event horses have to cope with anything at Championship level, be it, hard, soft, muddy, deep and they cannot do that without practice.

Hartpury is best described as a souless place and the organization yet again surpassed itself with no information, dis information and the downright chaotic. Francis Whittington’s horse ran its 2 star, came back to the road crossing to find all stewards gone home, fell over on the road as the traffic would not stop and found no joy when he very vocally complained to organizer Janet Plant. It is a strange event that seems to deem the riders the least important of the attractions right down to the fact that 10th prize in the CIC*** scores a whopping £50.  With a minimum entry fee of £300 plus diesel and start fee that really takes the biscuit with over 90 starters in each CIC***.

[Hartpury Results]

We roll on to the last warm up event at Highclere followed by the Europeans, Burghley and Blenheim, Blair castle this weekend runs 1*, 2* and 3* and we are on a roll!

Hawley Bennett and Five O’Clock Somewhere at Woodside

By on Aug 14, 2011 12:01 pm -

Check out helmet cam video of Hawley and Five O’Clock Somewhere in the open intermediate at The Event at Woodside in California on Saturday.  Hawley and Five O’Clock Somewhere are currently short listed for the Canadian Pan American Games squad, and they finished the course with 4.8 time penalties.  Bea di Grazia leads the open intermediate division going into the show jumping with Lad’s Night Out.  Hawley elected not to run Burghley entered Gin ‘N Juice on the advanced XC because, as she told me, Ginny felt excellent at Rebecca Farm.  Ginny will do show jumping today. 

[Woodside Scores]

Go eventing.

Jacky Green — Saturday at Hartpury

By on Aug 13, 2011 7:29 pm -

Burghley is getting closer by the day and so grows the pressure of the final preparatory competitions such as Hartpury, where the US horses in the UK are getting in their final pre-Burghley runs this weekend.  Jacky Green has once again sent us a great report from England, for which we are eternally grateful.   Jacky works for Team New Zealand and also runs her Maizey Manor Farm in the UK, where many US competitors stay on their route to Badminton and Burghley, including Will Faudree.   Thanks for writing this Jacky and thank you for reading.
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Will and Andromaque at Gatcombe, courtesy of Samantha

From Jacky:

Hartpury runs a CCI*, a CCI ** and 2 sections of CIC*** which I am sure is a logistical nightmare but a little bit more information and a reliable results service would be much appreciated! The CIC*** is divided into 2 sections of which one does dressage indoors, jumps indoors and one which does dressage outdoors and jumps outdoors and obviously both run the same cross country course. No information was available to competitors beforehand so they had no idea which division they would be in. In reality they were very different competitions, the indoor was spooky for the test and ran a tight showjumping round which caused a few time faults where as outdoors the track seemed bigger but the time was easier.

Talk of the event was Chris Burton’s ride, Under Discussion who posted a fabulous test and a great showjumping clear to run the lead in the outdoor section today. Sourced from NZ and sold to AUS and now in the UK it looks pretty special. Sarah Cohen had a rail on Irish Jester to drop first place in an otherwise immaculate round. Sinead Halpin scored a 52 which was more reflective of her recent arrival than the quality of her normal work and just tipped a rail today in an otherwise smart round. Will Faudree jumped an immaculate clear indoors on Andromaque whilst Pawlow suffered an attack of the ultra careful and had a stop in the treble whilst posting a great jumping display around the rest of the track.

Jules Stiller must have been slightly disappointed with her round on Chaple Amble as she exited the outdoor arena with a stop and and three rails and I am sure she will be consulting her mentor, Mark Todd, for some help before Burghley although she had much more fun with Enjoy Me in the indoor division.

Will Coleman was busy flashing his smile on the bank and chatting up the girls and still managed to dazzle on Twizzle despite a rail. Andrew Nicholson is on flying form at present and underlined this today with clear rounds on Henry Tankerville and Mr Cruise Control topping up great dressage tests as well as Armada who not only reined back without the wave to the crowd but jumped a good solid clear in the showjumping as well.

Lucinda Fredericks put her Gatcombe showjumping behind her to jump a good clear on Prada backed up with a 45 dressage and Zara Phillips jumped clear too on High Kingdom with a good test behind her. Pippa Funnell jumped a fab round on Billy Shannon (fresh from the test event0 and both sections are still pretty open at this stage.

Grumbling amongst the riders about the ground seems well founded at this stage. It is undeniably hard and the crew are working on it as we write but they are going to have to do a lot overnight to improve it to avoid withdrawals tomorrow. We still have the Europeans, Blenheim, Burghley, Boekelo and Pau to come so August is still a time when you look after your horse in the UK and Hartpury possibly will see marching feet tomorrow if they do not do what they promised to deliver.

[Hartpury Scores]

Report on cross country and hopefully final results tomorrow!

Rider responsibilities: A David O’Connor clinic report

By on Aug 13, 2011 2:38 pm -

If you have ever worked with David, you’ll find yourself occasionally waking up at night saying 4 words: direction, speed, rhythm, and balance.  Cyrena, an EN reader, attended one of David’s clinics this week and was kind enough to send us a report.  Thank you very much for writing this Cyrena, and thank you for reading.
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davidoconnorclinic.JPG

From Cyrena:

Hey EN!

Earlier this week, I participated in an eventing clinic with David O’Connor at the Colorado Horse Park and I wanted to tell you all about it.  First off, let me say what I was impressed with the most was what a great instructor he was.  I’ve participated in several clinics with big names in the past, and while they were all very fun and educational, David brought that little extra something that no one else has yet.  So if you get a chance to take part in one of his clinics, regardless of your discipline, I can’t recommend it enough.

The clinic was August 9-10 at the Colorado Horse Park.  It started out very rough for me.  I had some serious trailer loading issues (more like trailer refusing issues) with my OTTB and ended up having to borrow my neighbor’s OTTB at the very last minute.  I didn’t want to waste this amazing opportunity but I was slightly disheartened that I couldn’t bring the horse I had planned to.  I knew this would be great exposure for him and in the past, while the rider gets a lot from the clinics, I always felt the benefit went slightly more to the horse.  But I ignored those feelings and aimed to get the most out of this time as I could.

I participated in the Novice level session and realized in the first 15 minutes that I was not as fit as I thought I was.  How could this be? I ride several times a week, I feel fit.  But after what felt like 30 minutes (honestly more like 10 minutes) of trotting and cantering in a circle in two point and half seat having David O’Connor yell at you repeatedly to get your rear out of the saddle, I realized I had some homework to do.  And then the real work began.

The central theme of the clinic was “Rider Responsibilities,” which are direction, speed, rhythm, and balance of the ride.  It is the sole responsibility of the rider to plan and execute the direction, speed, rhythm, and balance of the horse at all times, whether you are hacking, jumping, or on XC.  After cantering a line and putting 8 strides between the fences the first time and nine the second, David asked me why the difference?  I had no answer, which means I didn’t have a plan, I didn’t execute it, the horse decided the speed and that is my responsibility, not theirs.  So much for the horse getting the majority of the benefit at these clinics.  David told us things we can use and apply on any horse, because they are solely our responsibilities.  He really helped me to trust my horse, to relinquish some control that is proactive and instead only be reactive when necessary.  At the end of the lesson, I thanked him and said, “Even though I wasn’t on the horse I wanted to be on, I know I can apply what I’ve learned today because they are very similar horses,” and then I paused, and said, “I mean, because I ride them the same.”  He smiled and said, “Exactly.”

David went into more detail on this topic in the evening during a reception.  He explained that American riders are at a major disadvantage around the world because we lack theory, and that is a major strength in other countries.  He encouraged us to educate ourselves by going to the library and even looking on the internet for information about theory.  Horses have been thinking the same way for hundreds of years, their responsibilities have not changed, so we can pick up a 400 yr old book and still learn something valuable.  He also discussed the lack of communication between the disciplines.  Hunters think eventers are crazy, eventers think steeplechase riders are crazy, western thinks all English riders are crazy… it’s unnecessary.  We all have the same responsibilities, we all ride horses, and we are all lacking theory.

The next day was my personal favorite, cross country.  David lectured us the night before about our galloping position, preparation position, jumping position, and drop position.  He warned us that he would find the biggest hill he could find and shove us off it to practice the drop position, and he didn’t disappoint.  We got to practice all the fun stuff and personally, he really helped my confidence, the confidence in my horse, and again to remember the rider responsibilities which need to be in our mind at all times.  I was really impressed to see one horse that did not want to go into the water, not even walk through, 30 minutes later jumping down a bank into the pond, cantering though, and jumping out.

The entire clinic was so controlled, calm, and great fun.  It was a great experience for everyone and everyone who participated will be a better equestrian in the end.  When I leave a lesson, I want to feel like I learned something new, I want to get more than being reminded to keep my heels down or shoulders back.  I want someone to explain the things I “know” in a way I haven’t heard before.  I want someone to take my understanding to the next level, have some type of equestrian epiphany, and that’s exactly what we got.

A quick EN Blogger Contest update

By on Aug 13, 2011 1:47 pm -


Is this the most important development in eventing over the past 10 years?

We received over 50 entries to our EN Blogger Contest and after much debate and hard decisions, we have picked 12 finalists this afternoon.  Our goal was to have 10 finalists, but I just couldn’t cut any more once we got down to 12.  The quality of the entries was incredibly high and I am deeply appreciative to all of the applicants for their support and desire to contribute to EN.  This is our first blogger contest, but certainly not the last, and I encouraged all of the contestants who didn’t make the cut to send in their applications next time.  Visionaire served as the second judge in this round and we both read through every single entry at least once and many twice. 

For the next round of the contest, the finalists have been asked to write a post on something that has been important to the development of eventing over the past 10 years in their view.  These submissions will be posted on EN for your viewing pleasure.  This topic is a bit on the serious side, but we want them to keep it interesting and fun, and you can rest assured that the round after this will be guaranteed to have a healthy dose of ridiculousness.  In a few weeks we will have a new member of the EN Team so stay tuned.  Go eventing.

Erin Lehman and Super Fly’s Saturday Morning Links

By on Aug 13, 2011 2:07 am -

Good morning Eventing Nation and welcome to Saturday.  The chinchillas are huddled around the television watching cartoons and eating their generic Rasin Bran, and I’m using the morning to make the final few decisions to pick the EN blogger contest finalists.   Let’s get right to the links…

The Summer Event at Woodside (CA) [Times/Scores]

Otter Creek (WI) [Live Scores]

Hunters Run HT (MI) [Ride Times]

Waredaca (MD) [Live Scores]

Colorado Horse Park [Live Scores, Website]

GMHA Hose Trials (VT) [Times/Scores]

Hartpury CCI3* (England) [Timetable, Scores]

Uncle Mark previews the Burghley course [via Ecogold]

Team Lily’s GMHA report

Valerie V’s Millbrook Wrap-Up

Nat VC came back to the US briefly to look over Will’s working students

The London riots didn’t post much of a threat to the British Olympic equestrian venues

Take it away Nat:

Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to EN readers Erin Lehman and Super Fly, who are tied for first in the open prelim at Otter Creek going into the cross-country.  We have a busy day here at Eventing Nation so stay tuned.  I want to give a quick shout-out to Annie, who got some bad news from the vet yesterday.  We’ve all been there Annie and it’s always incredibly frustrating.  Good luck to all of the competitors out and about this weekend.  As always, wherever you might be, thanks for making Eventing Nation part of your day.  Stay classy EN.

Show jumping parents might be crazier than eventing parents

By on Aug 12, 2011 5:57 pm -

I said “might.”  This is video of a show jumping father at the ingate watching his son ride in the Children’s Adult Jumpers during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series in Devon, PA, and you have to love the enthusiasm.  I don’t get quite as expressive as this guy, but when my friends are on course I’m riding every step of the way with them, half-halts and all.  Boom goes the dynamite.

Events this Weekend: From Hunters Run to Hartpury

By on Aug 12, 2011 5:11 pm -

From now until the end of November we won’t have a light weekend of eventing here in the US.  We have an action packed weekend with several events that are close to my heart, so let’s jump right in, and we’ll end with a quick look at events overseas.

The Summer Event at Woodside (CA) [Times/Scores] — The one advanced event in the US this weekend has already started with the dressage today at Woodside in California.  Alexandra Slusher and Last Call were last mentioned on EN for withdrawing from the Pan American short list and instead targeting Boekelo.  Today they are leading the 7 horse Woodside advanced division with a 33 on the flat.  Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice are in second on a 34 in what is likely their last competition before Burghley.  John Michael Durr and Warrick are in 3rd and Canada’s recently short listed pair James Atkinson and Gustav are 4th.  As a public service announcement, volunteers are still needed at Woodside, click here for details.

Otter Creek (WI) [Live Scores] — Otter Creek started this morning with the dressage, and scores are still coming in for a few divisions.  My good friend, Julie Wolfert is first and second in the four-horse open intermediate, and Bernard Morauw and *Erin Lehman are leading the open prelim.  You can read much more about Otter creek in Ali’s pose from earlier this week here.

Hunters Run HT (MI) [Ride Times] — Hunters Run Farm doesn’t have any live scoring this weekend, but that won’t stop us from showing them some EN love.  When I was growing up and falling off with startling regularity competing in Michigan, Hunters Run was one of the two best events of the year along with Richland Park.  Hunters Run has beginner novice through intermediate with a lot of riders from Area VIII and beyond making the trip to the great event.

Waredaca (MD) [Live Scores] — Waredaca is a staple of Area II eventing and their August event starts on Saturday.  The WEG pair Steph Rhodes-Bosch and Port Authority are the marquee name in the open intermediate division.  Sally Cousins has two in the OI and what do you want to bet that she will win if she does the full event rather than a combined test?

Colorado Horse Park [Live Scores, Website] — The Colorado one day runs on Sunday.  It’s expected to be a hot weekend in Colorado with thunderstorms predicted both Saturday and Sunday. 

GMHA Hose Trials (VT) [Times/Scores] — The GMHA training and novice three-days ran this past week.  If you missed our coverage, you can get caught up on the scores here.  The beginner novice through preliminary horse trials starts on Saturday. 

Ok, let’s jump across the pond for few quick notes… 

Sinead Halpin, Will Colemand, and Will Faudree are all competing their Burghley horses at Hartpury in England this weekend.  Twizzel scored a 49.4, Andromaque scored 54.6, and Manoir de Carneville scored 52.7 in the dressage on Friday.  Pawlow scored a 51.7 today, although he is headed to Blenheim instead of Burghley.  Scroll down for Samantha’s chat with Will Faudree we posted earlier today.

[CIC3* Section C Scores, CIC3* Section D Scores]

Julian Stiller competed at the Aston-le-Walls one-day this week on her new horse Charlie Weld, who was probably the best 4* prospect horse in Germany, maybe Europe, when she bought it a few weeks ago from Kai Ruder.  They finished the OI with a 34 in the dressage and 14 time penalties for a good first run together.

Good luck to all of the competitors this weekend and go eventing.   

GMHA Final Results

By on Aug 11, 2011 2:40 pm -

The GMHA novice and training three-days wrapped up today in Vermont.  The long format has found a great and hopefully permanent home at novice and training level.  The long format isn’t just a history lesson, but a three day long education of horse and rider and I give a lot of credit to GMHA for going out of their way this week to host the long format.

Samantha Simms and Cheltenham led wire to wire in the open training division and finished the weekend adding just 2.8 time penalties to their dressage score.  Emily Mainolfi and Tacaro moved from second to first to take the junior training gold.   Andi Lawrence and Armani IV finished second, and the overnight leaders Annelise Aurillo and Your Lucky Day dropped to 4th with two rails.  In the training senior division, Elizabeth Mudge and Catch Me finished on their dressage score of 33.6 for the win.

The novice divisions also had a very clear day of show jumping.  Molly Tulley and Sudden Flirtation finished on their dressage score to win the junior novice.  Allison Springer and Laughin’s Aragorn finished on a 23.9 to win the open training three-day.  Frankly, I’m glad to see an upper level rider supporting the long format and there weren’t nearly as many at GMHA as I would have liked.  Gretchen Creesy and Tigerlilly made for three straight novice overnight leaders taking home first place by winning the senior novice division.

[Full GMHA Scores]

Congrats to all the riders on a great week of three-day eventing.  The GMHA horse trials starts on Saturday.  Go eventing.

Here’s what it looks like to crash, swear, and then get up via helmet cam

By on Aug 11, 2011 12:57 pm -

*Ronan Maloney, a novice rider at Millbrook horse trials, had an unfortunate fall last weekend, but there is a silver lining to every cloud and I believe Ronan gets the distinction of being having the first ever helmet cam fall video to be posted on EN.  Fortunately both horse and rider were fine.  Thanks for sending us the video Brian Wilcox, and it probably won’t make Ronan feel better but I did much the same thing at Millbrook last year.  There is a bit of language, so hold your ears at the end kids and baby Chinchillas.  For much more from Brian, who happens to be a photographer in Connecticut, visit his website.  [via DL]  Go eventing.

Update: As a couple of sage EN commenters have pointed out, Brian Wilcox rented the helmet cam to Ronan Maloney, who was wearing it when he fell from his horse Phoenix at Millbrook.  Brian sent the video in and I had previously written that Brian was wearing the helmet cam.