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Clayton Fredericks plans to build a training facility in Ocala, Florida

By on Aug 28, 2012 12:38 pm -


Photo via Samantha

EN’s good friend and Australian Olympic event rider Clayton Fredericks has officially announced today via press release that he plans to build a training facility in Ocala, FL.  I know Clayton has been considering the option for a while as a great way to expand his riding/coaching business as well as Southern Stars Saddlery, which is operated by Clayton’s brother Kelvin.  From the release:

“Australian Olympic event rider Clayton Fredericks has announced today that Team Fredericks is expanding its eventing business into the United States by establishing a new training facility…Clayton is currently exploring property options in Ocala, Florida as the U.S. headquarters since it has a large equestrian community, not least of all in eventing.  Clayton will focus on the American market while Lucinda will continue to operate from the UK stables and further develop the business across Europe.  This two-pronged approach will enable Team Fredericks to build the brand in all the key sport horse markets while providing extended opportunities for clinics and coaching as well as competitions and new equestrian related business ventures.“

Clayton has represented Australia multiple times at the Olympics, he won Rolex in 2007 with Ben Along Time, and won individual silver at the 2006 WEGs aboard Ben.  He is a very well respected coach in Europe and he is a popular clinician in the US, having traveled to the States multiple times over the past few years.  He has will instantly be one of the top coaches and riders in the US and I couldn’t be happier to have him in the states more.  This also is great news for the development of North American eventing as we’ll have one more great coach educating our riders.   Go eventing.

Texas Rose Horse Park – The Journey to Advanced

By on Aug 28, 2012 9:10 am -

Mary Hirsch has transitioned from a financial desk job to a life of eventing in Texas.  She was kind enough to send us this article about the emergence of an advanced course at the Texas Rose Horse Park.  Thanks for writing this Mary and thank you for reading.
—-

Photo by Catherine Texter Baker, Area V Chair

From Mary Hirsch:

Check out the dude on the left of this photo!  That is former US chef d’equipe and course designer Captain Mark Phillips, in Texas, holding a shovel.  Captain Phillips has the future Advanced course at Texas Rose Horse Park well on the road to the planned debut early next year.  March 2013 at the Texas Rose Horse Trials will be an event of first’s – the first horse out of the start box will be the first official run over the first Advanced course in Area V in over 20 years. The second run will be at the second Texas Rose Horse Trials of the year in June 2013.  The Advanced and the Intermediate courses will be designed by Captain Phillips.

On the right in the photo is the Captain’s shoveling partner, Carsten Meyer, a German-Lousianan who is designing the Preliminary and lower level courses.  The Captain and Carsten are working together on the tracks to leverage the opportunities to strengthen the other existing courses as the Advanced course is built.  Looking to the future, owner Kathy Brunson’s goal is to run CCI’s within the next three years.  Texas Rose has been offering horse trials for 2* and below since 2010.

Texas Rose Horse Park, just outside of Tyler on the east side of Texas close to Interstate 20, has been selected as the host of the 2013-2015 AEC’s.  But Kathy says the Advanced course had already been committed to and was going into construction regardless.  Kathy says that Texas Rose will continue to offer courses to Area V designed to raise rider’s aspirations at all levels.  The amenities at Texas Rose should also be a magnet to riders from other areas as well.  Permanent stalls for hundreds of visiting horses, as well as a multitude of major and minor conveniences and comforts, are ready to accommodate competitors.

Carsten Meyer wants to laud the footing at Texas Rose to all and sundry.  Kathy and her daughter Kim Brunson selected the property for the naturally sandy soil base, as well as the rolling hills.  Kathy says that her dream is to have riders coming off course saying “I was challenged – I learned something – It was great!”

Stay tuned later this fall for more adventures with shovels, the Captain, Carsten, Kathy and Kim at Texas Rose Horse Park!  Go eventing in Texas!

About me: Two years ago I left many years of city living and a corporate financial career to live on Greenwood Farm, the host of two of Texas’ largest annual horse trials, just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.  (Greenwood is owned by Christie Tull, my new landlady.)  I had already re-enlisted in the riding that had consumed my life before college graduation and career.  On re-entry I put a toe into eventing waters and fell all the way in, and am now owned by a chestnut TB event horse.   My own riding is focused on the amateur lower levels, which are fast and scary enough for me.  From my wooded meadow out here in the west I follow the travails and triumphs of the Team and the Upper Levels like any other irrationally absorbed fan, through EN, the eventing media and the forums of Chronicle of the Horse.

Meg Kep — Eventing Really is Fun!

By on Aug 27, 2012 4:00 pm -

From Meg:

Over the last 2 years, I have worked closely with Sinead preparing for this year.  Every single event with Tate grew increasingly more stressful and important.  All of this buildup led us high and dry on the top of the alternate list with one very fit horse, one very empty bank account, and some seriously deep life questions to ponder.

So what did we do?  Went horse shopping, of course.  “When in Marlborough,” as they say…. Or some variation on that??

Former British team rider, good friend, and old boss of mine located in North Yorkshire connected us with Madame Butterfly Floating Zinger Beautiful French Queen (aka On Cue aka Q).  And a connection of Sinead’s led us to (surprise! Another chestnut!) Hagan (rhymes with Megan…his name is still in question).  Both are Training/Preliminary level horses and both very, very exciting new additions to Sinead Halpin Eventing.

And so, we have dragged ourselves out of the Olympic doldrums and landed somewhere between Hartpury and Burghley with Tate, Q, and Hagan.

With Burghley fast approaching, and with our growing herd, we have actually managed to stay quite busy at Maizey Manor.  But with all these empty weekends sitting by while everyone else is at home going to This Event and That Three day, we decided to do a last minute entry at a British Event for On Cue.

Only in England can you – in the same day – go eventing, ride two at home, go running up gallops, bleach all your saddle pads, have 6 cups of tea, pull 2 tails, watch a movie, and still be done on the yard at 4… ok, so I only THOUGHT about running up the gallops.

We set off with Q and Alfie, one of Esib Power’s youngsters (we call them the “Rio crew”) for Wellington Horse Trials at 7:00.  Our times were scattered throughout the day – but in England – efficiency is the name of the game, and people operate under the “go when you’re ready” clause.

We arrived at 8:15, walked courses, drank coffee.  Dressage at 10:15.  SJ at 10:45.  XC at 11:15.

And were all cleaned, packed, and on the road by 12:00, with some less than desirable, but oh-so-perfect fried food in hand.

I honestly do not remember the last time I had so much fun at an event.  Not that I don’t love the Burghleys and Rolexes of the world – but there was not one moment where the blood drained from my face, and I never found myself holding my breath, or talking to myself, or hopping on one leg every time Sinead jumped an obstacle.  I didn’t yell at any slow moving spectators to get out of my way, or feel the need to analyze every jump or every movement.

Dressage warm-up was spent watching Burt-o with his fabulous hair on some fancy youngster, and giggling at a kid who nearly entered the dressage ring with his standing bandages still on.  Show Jump warm-up consisted of a few verticals and oxers, and watching Tom Mcewan trying to stay on a naughty hunt pony who kept trying to buck him off.  During XC I actually went to the middle of the course and watched Sinead ride rather than hiding under the press table with hands in prayer position (true story).

It was really the best way to spend the weekend before Burghley.  Sinead and Esib were laughing and smiling all the way around as they navigated the youngsters around what we called “Burghley 100.”  I literally had a moment of AHA! – remembering why I love my job. One very rewarding, relaxing, reaffirming weekend before we go tackle the biggest track in the world.  (Has anyone seen the press table???? )

Your Richland Advanced and CIC2* Wrap-Up

By on Aug 26, 2012 3:07 pm -


A job well done for Kristen Bond with Are You Ready

Two advanced divisions followed Becky’s winning CIC3* performance on Sunday afternoon at Richland.  It’s hard to pick who had the most dominant performance between Michael Pollard with Hanni and Kristen Bond with Are You Ready.  They won their divisions by 7.6 and 9.9 points respectively on Sunday double-clears.  Hanni won by such a large margin thanks to a 26 in the dressage, but Are You Ready finished on his dressage score.  Either way, both horses dominated their divisions and struck me as top prospects for the future.

[Richland Final Scores]

In the Advanced-A division, Hanni jumped as well as I have ever seen her.  Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda finished a great weekend with a double-clear to secure second.  Daniel Clasing and Houston finished in third, and Buck Davidson with Titanium finished in fourth, each also with a double-clear.  The top four places in that division remained unchanged today, all with double-clears.

 

Kristen Bond and Are You Ready moved into the lead on Saturday and held it with a double-clear today.  Buck Davidson continued a good Sunday of jumping with a double-clear for second with Mar De Amor.  Mara DePuy with Fun Maker and Jan Byyny with Why Not rounded out the top four, each with double-clears.  All 15 starters in the Advanced-B finished the weekend–great job guys.  I want to give a special shout out to course designer and builder Jeff Kibbie for completing the advanced aboard Loki.  I love it when vets, farriers, course builders, and other professionals who make our sport possible compete, and it’s all the more phenomenal when they compete at our sport’s highest level.

 

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack won the CIC2* with a wire to wire performance and adding just one second of cross-country time to their dressage score.  Crackerjack won by 6.5 penalties.  Boyd’s fellow Olympian, Canadian Jessica Phoenix, finished second on Erodium.  Jessica seems to find one really nice horse each year and Erodium is no exception.  Caroline Martin and Quantum of Solace are a pair to watch in the future, finishing in third.  Each of the top three horses after cross-country jumped double-clear.  Ian Roberts of Canada rounded out the top four with Faolan.  Colleen Rutledge had a disappointing fall yesterday from Shiraz, but can drive home with the positive feeling of a 5th place finish on Covert Rights.  27 horses completed the CIC2* at Richland.

 

As a completely non-Richland note, Michael Jung continued his takeover of the world by winning the CIC3* World Cup at Haras Du Pin with Halunke FBW, one of his youngest upper level horses.  Michael Jung is just on fire.  Karin Donckers of Belgium lost the lead today but she finished three horses in the top 10.  Kathryn Robinson and Let It Be of Canada finished in 19th.  [PDF Results]

In your daily Richland weather report, the breeze has picked up with highs in the 70’s to make for a beautiful day of show jumping.  The intermediate divisions are jumping as the novice cross-country wraps up.

Now, more than ever, go eventing.

Becky Holder Dominates the Richland CIC3*

By on Aug 26, 2012 12:44 pm -


Next time you have to show jump them both at the same time Becky

Becky Holder put on an incredible performance this weekend at Richland Park, riding the two beautiful greys Can’t Fire Me and Courageous Comet to first and second places in the CIC3* respectively.  Becky brought two horses to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she placed first and third in the dressage, added just 5.6 time penalties on the XC for both horses combined, and then just two rails in the show jumping.

Becky told Samantha yesterday that the American Eventing Championships in two weeks will likely be Comet’s last upper level competition.  Comet must have read Eventing Nation last night because he came out looking anything but ready for retirement and full of energy, pulling just one rail in the best show jumping round I have seen from him this year.  Can’t Fire Me was simply lovely all weekend, adding 8 jumping penalties to his dressage score and still winning by almost four points.  Becky used her veteran experience to get through a hectic warm up schedule.  She rode Comet out of order due to having two top placed horses.  The upside was that she entered the arena with Can’t Fire Me with the knowledge that she had already secured the win with Comet.

[Richland Scores]

 

Last year’s Richland CIC3* winners, Buck Davidson and Carl Segal’s Ballynoecastle RM, jumped one of just 9 clear rounds on the tough CIC3* course to finish in third.  Buck had an excellent day of jumping in the CIC3*, finishing two out of his three horses in the division double-clear.  Upon entering with one of his horses, Buck asked the jump crew to turn a slightly bent rail that was placed with the bow upwards–it’s a good reminder to always check that the jumps are replaced and set well when you enter the show jumping arena.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle had the best weekend that I have seen from this horse so far in his young career with Phillip, finishing in 4th.  Phillip finished in 6th with Olympic alternate Mighty Nice.  The other Olympian in the CIC3*, Boyd Martin, finished 8th with Trading Aces on a good weekend of jumping.  Trading Aces is a top Normandy 2014 prospect for Boyd.  Sir Donovan and Utah B also had lovely rounds–Utah B in particular jumped with really top form.

The Richland show jumping course is causing quite a few issues today, both because of the grassy and undulating terrain, and because it is a course that includes a ton of related distances.  All but five of the spaces between fences on the CIC3* course involved related distances of 8 strides or less.  My feeling is that those distances between 5-8 strides are the hardest to ride because you are caught between riding off of the distance and off of your eye.

Hackamores were popular in the CIC3*, with Comet, No Objection, and Madeline all competing without bits.

A great crowd of several hundred people showed up today to watch the show jumping.  From some of the conversations I overheard, I would guess that the event has done a great job of rallying local support from non-eventers.  That’s a real challenge and something that our sport desperately needs.

I would be remiss if I didn’t extend a huge thank you to everyone at Richland, including owners Bob and Kay Willmarth, for everything they have done to present such a wonderful event.  Michigan has been going through a major drought this summer and the footing at Richland could easily have been terrible.  But they worked incredibly hard with major irrigation projects including massive sprinklers running all weekend (and I’m sure many weeks in advance) to produce good footing for all of the horses.  Thank you also to all of the many west Michigan volunteers who made all of this possible this weekend–we couldn’t have eventing without you volunteers.

The advanced divisions are starting their show jumping, stay tuned for much more form Richland.

Go eventing.

Live Feed: Haras Du Pin Show Jumping [Update: Jung wins again]

By on Aug 26, 2012 7:55 am -


via Uptown Eventing

Update: Michael Jung is insanely good.  That is all.

Eventing is rocking and rolling all over the world this weekend including the Haras Du Pin CIC3* World Cup division in France. Figuring out what is going on at French events always makes me kick myself for completely ignoring my professor in middle school french. However, a few things that we do know are that North America is being represented by Canadians Lindsay Pearce riding Saniki and Kathryn Robinson riding Let It Be.

[Website, Scores and Times, More Scores]

If the video does not play in your browser, click here.

Go French Eventing, go Lindsay and go Kathryn.

Boyd Martin: Olympics, Team USA, Otis, Richland, and Fair Hill

By on Aug 25, 2012 6:01 pm -

Boyd Martin was kind enough to speak with me Saturday afternoon at Richland as the advanced pairs galloped around us.  I don’t always agree with Boyd, but I couldn’t have agreed more with him today about the big picture issues we talked about.  I agree with Boyd that much of the failure of the US eventing team in London was due to a near perfect storm of bad luck for Will, Phillip, and Otis.  Will could ride that drop 100 times and never have a stop, and when (if ever) was the last time Phillip had a stop in the show jumping at a big event?  But, other moments throughout the Olympics–the lack of quality depth pre-Olympics, our ranking after the dressage, and our inability to overcome the aforementioned bad luck were symptoms of a system that must and will change.  We’ll get much more into the future of Team USA over the next few weeks, but I’ll just say that I fully expect that Boyd is correct in that almost everything will change.  I was glad to hear Boyd say that Otis will be back in action after 4 months off.  As always, thanks for taking the time to speak with us Boyd and for much more from Boyd be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook.  Go eventing.

Air Traffic Control’s Advanced Cross-Country Recap

By on Aug 25, 2012 5:17 pm -


The Hanni Badger

Two advanced divisions with 16 riders each followed the CIC3* division at Richland on Saturday afternoon.  Compared to the CIC3*, Ian Stark designed the advanced course with different and easier routes in most of the combinations.  I, along with the riders I spoke with, expected the advanced to ride really well.  Of the 36 starters just one retired, one was eliminated, and one finished with a stop.  As always, the longer CIC track gave the riders more space to make up time.  Only one advanced pair–Kristen Bond and Are You Ready–finished within the time.

[Richland XC Scores]

Schoensgreen Hanni, affectionately known as “The Hanni Badger,” continued her dominance of the Advanced-A division with 7.2 time penalties.   Hanni Badger takes a 7.6 point lead into the show jumping.  Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda made the course look easy in one of their last runs before Boekelo and moved into second.  Daniel Clasing and Houston are in third and Buck Davidson is 4th with Titanium.  Hannah Burnett and Ms. Mars’ Harbour Pilot are sitting in 5th overnight after a quality ride.

Student and teacher are 8th and 9th respectively in the Advanced-A with Kendyl Tracy putting together a great strong ride on Ever So Lucky and Jan Byyny on Syd Kent.  Jan has a nice group of horses here this weekend and her team–including the Tracy sisters–was the loudest and proudest of anyone at the main water complex today.  Houdini, Tops, and Sal Dali have stars next to their names on my order-of-go sheet, denoting excellent rides where I saw them.  Sal Dali always impresses me with great size and scope.


Kristen and Are You Ready are dominating the Advance-B division

No pair was more dominant today than Kristen Bond and Are You Ready in the Advanced-B.  They finished with the only advanced double-clear and left me completely impressed.  Kristen produces some really nice horses and it looks like Are You Ready is going to be her next upper level star.   Buck is 9.9 points back in second with Mar De Amor, who finished at top speed but picked up 7.2 time penalties.  Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin finished just five seconds over for third.  Mara DePuy and Fun Maker looked solid where I saw them, but they slid from 1st to 5th with 15.2 time.  How many times do you see an entire advanced division finish clear?  Each and every one of the Advanced-B riders should be proud of themselves tonight.  At the end of the day, Phillip Tweeted “Thanks to Richland’s organizers who did a great job. The ground was really good thanks to a lot of irrigation.“


Hey, I took a half-decent photo!  Jan Byyny and Why Not #HoustonWeHaveLiftoff #LandingGear


Jennie and Cambalda #AirTrafficControl #HoverCraft

Clearly, heat stroke is setting in here in Michigan.  Stay tuned for more throughout the evening.  Go eventing.

Becky Holder’s Richland CIC3* Cross-Country Recap

By on Aug 25, 2012 3:48 pm -


Becky and Can’t Fire Me rocking the second water

Very few riders have had a better 2012 season at the advanced level than Becky Holder and that trend continued today at Richland with Becky predictably finishing on two clear rounds with Can’t Fire Me and Courageous Comet.  Becky’s two lovely greys added just 5.4 collectively in time, which was better than all but 8 of the other individual CIC3* rides.   Comet is just within a rail of his stablemate going into the show jumping on Sunday.

Blah blah blah Phillip Dutton is good at cross-country blah blah blah.  It’s the same old story as Dutty finished with a combined 0.4 time penalties on Fernhill Eagle and Mighty Nice.  Those horses sit in third and sixth respectively.  Phillip’s third 3* horse, Atlas, picked up 18.4 time penalties.  Jan Byyny and Inmidair worked their way around the course beautifully, picking up 5.2 time penalties.  Buck and Ballynoecastle looked great as well, maintaining their fifth position.  Katie Ruppel and Sir Donovan stormed around, adding just 1.2 time penalties and moving up from 14th to 7th.  Holly Payne and Madeline moved all the way up to 8th from 17th with just one of two CIC3* double-clears (Mighty Nice had the other).

[Live Richland Scores]

 

29 horses started the CIC3* course and 25 completed, four of those with stops.  Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz are normally brilliant on the cross-country, but today was not their day with a shaky round and then Colleen falling at the last.  Colleen’s Facebook page posted the following after her ride: “Colleen had some major issues on Shiraz today when I talked to her she said he has never acted the way he did today since she has owned him. She said he ran away from her and just kept pulling like crazy and she had to circle four times on course which she has never had to do. She got popped off on the last fence. Needles to say Colleen was not happy and she needs to find out and fix the problem before they head to France.”  [Colleen’s FB via barnworkbeatshousework]

The Richland field boasts three recent US Olympians with Boyd, Will, and Phillip, and one recent Canadian Olympian with Jessica Phoenix.

There’s no one place to stand at Richland and see any more than one third of the course, so evaluating rides as a whole is difficult.  Horses I haven’t mentioned yet that looked particularly nice when I saw them include Catch A Star, Lightning Bound, and Utah B, although Lightning Bound did finish with 20 penalties.

I spoke briefly with Boyd (much more on that later) and he commented that there are a lot of nice young horses here at Richland.  I have to completely agree and a bunch of CIC3* competitors gave their developing horses nice rides today on their path to Fair Hill.

Here ends this afternoon’s first experiment of trying to spell while massively dehydrated.  Stay tuned for a recap of the advanced divisions and much more from Samantha.

Go eventing.

Your Super-Fast Richland CIC2* Update

By on Aug 25, 2012 11:37 am -


From London to Kalamazoo, Olympian Boyd Martin galloped around the CIC2* on Crackerjack

Eventing is fully underway here in west Michigan and I couldn’t be happier that they let me outside to be at an real live event again.  The weather at Richland is a bit warm with sunny skies and highs in the 80’s but the landscape, venue, and courses couldn’t me more suited to a great day of eventing.  The lower levels are show jumping today while the upper levels are riding around Ian Stark’s bold cross-country courses.

The intermediate divisions struggled this morning with 7 retirements, an elimination, a rider fall, and multiple stops. Organizers removed fences 16 and 17 from the intermediate course before the start because of the sun’s position early this morning.

The CIC2* course also caused some issues with two rider falls, two retirements, and an elimination.  From what I could see, the issues were pretty well spread out on course, although I did see a number of issues particularly at the water jump and the coffin.  Boyd Martin and Crackerjack (provisionally) added just 0.4 time penalties to their dressage score and maintained their overnight lead with a 46.0.

[Richland Live Scores]

A quick, non-comprehensive montage from the CIC2*:

Michael Pollard and DV8, via Pollard Eventing:

The CIC3* is just getting started with Phillip Dutton and Atlas first out on course.  Stay tuned for much more from Samantha and me at Richland.  As a break from Richland tradition, the CIC3* course is considerably different, in my opinion, much harder than the advanced course this year.  Go eventing.

Video: Burghley Preview

By on Aug 24, 2012 1:55 pm -

Burghley is just a few days away from starting and you can check out Burghley’s preview video above to get your blood pumping for what I firmly believe is the world’s largest four-star course.  Samantha will have all of the coverage for Eventing Nation from Burghley.  But, we have one awesome weekend of eventing ahead of us before we turn our attention to England.  As an aside, you can also download the 2012 Burghley iPhone app here, starting today.

[Burghley Entries]

Dressage is well under way at Richland today with the horse trials divisions competing dressage.  Becky Holder and Can’t Fire Me have a 5.7 point lead in the CIC3* after their ride on Thursday.  Boyd Martin and Crackerjack lead the CIC2*.  Samantha and I will both be on scene in Kalamazoo, Michigan for coverage of all of the jumping action starting on Saturday so stay tuned to EN throughout the weekend for full Richland coverage.

[Richland Live Scores]

Go eventing.

Jon Holling — Getting Ready for the Ocala Horse Properties Series

By on Aug 21, 2012 3:45 pm -

The Ocala eventing community has built an awesome eventing mecca built upon top coaching, good facilities, good support staff, and of course great events.  Rider, event organizer, and EN guest writer Jon Holling is kind enough to write to us today about the progress of the winter series and a shout-out to Ocala Horse Properties, an EN sponsor, on the winter eventing series in Ocala.  Thanks for writing this Jon and thank you for reading. 
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Photo from An Eventing Affair blog

From Jon:

Believe it or not, now is the time that many of us start planning our winter season.  I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all about our great series of shows here in Ocala.  One of the main goals all of us here in Ocala have had over the past few years has been to offer competitors a great selection of courses and venues to produce their horses.  Because of this effort I am happy to say that we now have eleven recognized shows and at least an additional ten schooling shows at four different venues throughout the winter season.  That does not even begin to include all of the jumper and dressage shows that are going on here all of the time.

Obviously the series of shows that are nearest and dearest to my heart are the Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials held at the Florida Horse Park.  This series begins in November and progressively educates both horses and riders throughout the series of four shows, culminating with the April CCI**.  The Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials series is now entering its fourth year of existence.  We are continually upgrading and changing the courses at the Park, and we are very proud of the work that our amazing course designer, Mr. Jay Hambly has accomplished.  There will be some very exciting new fences for this year’s courses, as there have been every year since the series began.  The big goal last year was to implement our footing management program.  Happily, we were able to produce the best footing the horse park has seen to date.  That program continues this year, and we are beginning work towards an irrigation system for the cross country tracks.

The reality is that none of the improvements we have been able to make would have been possible without the help of Ocala Horse Properties.  Chris and Rob Desino have stepped up every year and supported the efforts of the organizing committee.  For this reason alone we should all be thanking Ocala Horse Properties by making them the first place to go when looking for real estate in Florida.  The really cool part though is that Chris and Rob are more than just a couple of realtors looking to help you find your dream farm or simply just a place to rent for the season.  They are also fellow eventers.  I have known Chris and Rob for over fifteen years and I am proud to call them my friends and of course my advisors in anything related to property in Florida.  So as a way of saying thank you for all their support please be sure to let Ocala Horse Properties be your go to realtors.  Without them much of the success we have seen here in Ocala would not have been possible.

Rebecca Howard — Looking Back at the Olympics

By on Aug 21, 2012 9:18 am -

Olympian Rebecca Howard’s experience in London offered more learning moments than glory.  I have always said that Rebecca is one of the toughest mental competitors in our sport and today Rebecca gives us insight ingo how she is looking back at the Games and looking forward to the rest of 2012.  I’d imagine this was Rebecca’s hardest EN blog to write yet, but I am very grateful that she took the time to do so.  As always, thanks for writing this Rebecca and thank you for reading.
—-

The slogan that was around London for the Games

From Rebecca:

Yes I know….sorting out my emotions with regards to the Games has been a while coming.  Reflecting on the Games has been an interesting process that continues to produce different reactions each day.

Considering my extreme personal disappointment about the Games, let me first say how glad I was NOT to be on that plane home.  It feels very right to be planning my next moves from here in England.  I am so keen for that “redo” opportunity.  It now appears that Riddle Master (Rupert) and I are heading to Blenheim.  Investigations into Burghley, revealed a wait list of 45…did I just say a waitlist of 45 for a 4 star (??!!).  Unreal – which is exactly why I am so excited to be here in Britain.

Rupert and I returned to Maizey Manor and joined a whole multilingual/multicultural eventing gang…Canada, USA, Ireland, Germany, NZ, Australia, and the odd Brit are all represented in the yard and at Jack’s dinner table.  I have been spending half my day riding for New Zealand’s Tim Price and Jonelle Richards.  This has been fantastic and it feels great to be back schooling and jumping more than one horse again.  These guys are good fun and have a very busy yard so I have been riding a lot of nice ponies.

It is nothing short of surreal that the whole Olympic thing is done.  The buzz in this country is still going strong – as it should – given the British effort, enthusiasm, and success at their Games.

The Olympic aura was simply brilliant – excitement and genuine support was everywhere you went.  Call me dense if you wish but because I specifically work to minimize things as a means of keeping my own competitive zone small & focused – I was initially “surprised” by the genuine interest of soooooo many others.  It took a while for it to register that I was at the freakin Olympic Games in London.  The advice of many was “to enjoy the moment and take it all in” – which is a different concept from what I usually practice.  All the buzz, hype, attention was a lot – but it was a healthy thing for me since I can too easily “hide” inside my own head.

Sinead asked if there was a moment that I sat back and just thought “wow, this is it – this is what I have been working for.”  Then answer is ABSOLUTELY yes….and they occurred in the tack – either just before or just finishing work.

Moment #1: Entering the big arena for the first time for our familiarization.

Riding into that arena – the first thing you see is the Queens House – Built in 1616 for Anne of Denmark, Queen of King James I of England (…now I know!!)  One cannot help but be struck by the history of the setting, and that these Games were in England – Eventing’s Mecca.

Moment #2:  My final salute after our dressage test.

I looked up and saw the Olympic rings that hung in the distance in the tunnel behind the judges box – suddenly the arena that I had worked so hard to “keep small” – became wonderfully large!

Moment #3:  My arrival at the XC warm up area.

We had to hack through a large crowd – I waved = they cheered.  The crossing guards then remarked, “Wow you’re popular!”

I was planning on so many more of those moments.  Canada once again had an amazing group of people all working to make the experience happen.   It was so sad that we could not deliver.  Our team result was devastating for all involved – and all of us are now working at diagnosing the reasons why.  We will find some kinks in the system I am sure, but fundamentally the program in place is a good one and full of great people that go above and beyond.  Dana Cooke, my groom and dear friend, has been there for the entire journey taking the best care of “Master Riddle” (and me!). Vet/Farrier/Massage: Christiana Ober, Randy Pawlak and Jo Ann Wilson kept our horses so happy.  Deb Furnas our Stable Manager had our stables looking classy and running so smoothly.  Fleur Tipton picked up all the loose ends and just got it done, Jacquie Brooks was there with her great dressage insight and the most fun attitude.  Then of course DOC – all I can say is: lucky lucky USA.  Graeme Thom – this guy makes the whole thing happen there isn’t much he does not think of and take care of.

It indeed has taken me quite some time to simply surface from our Olympic shock – but primarily it is replaced with an overwhelming determination for getting better – more time in the tack and more ponies in the stable.  Next time Rup is going to be a whole lot more than just #7 on the pretty list!

Equine Canada is accepting applications for Canada’s next eventing coach

By on Aug 15, 2012 4:29 pm -


The dream team is finished

Get your resumes ready Eventing Nation.  Equine Canada has issued a press release today explaining that they are now accepting applications for Canada’s next eventing coach as David O’Connor takes over the reins of Team USA.  My understanding is that Equine Canada’s focus over the past few weeks has been to debrief on the Olympic experience, and that they are now moving on to the search for their next coach.  I’ll publish the full release in full, but a few key notes are that applications are due by September 20th, the position will start January 1st, 2013, and that residency in North America is preferred.

From Equine Canada: Canadian Eventing Committee Seeks International Technical Advisor for Eventing

The Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee is a technical management team of volunteers that includes two elite rider representatives.  It is assisted by professional staff including the Eventing Manager.  The International Technical Advisor (ITA) provides leadership and works in partnership with the High Performance Committee and in particular with the Chef d’ Equipe and the Eventing Manager.

The goal is the continuing development of a sustainable high performance program resulting in achievement of specific performance targets in World Equestrian, Pan American and Olympic Games and other major international events.

Overall responsibilities and duties:

The International Technical Advisor for Eventing will provide leadership and direction in the development and implementation of a comprehensive competition, training and monitoring program for the athletes.  The International Technical Advisor will provide unlimited and ongoing guidance, training, coaching and monitoring to selected Canadian eventing athletes at individual and group training sessions and competitions pursuant to the annual program.

This is a contractual position commencing January 1, 2013.  Details of compensation and time commitment will be outlined in the interview process.

Proven athletic /coaching experience at the elite level is required.  Residency in North America is preferred.

A full job description will be provided on request after which interested candidates are requested to submit a resume accompanied by a covering letter outlining their coaching philosophy and highlghting their upper level coaching experience to:

Fleur Tipton
Manager Eventing
Equine Canada
Suite 100- 2685 Queensview Drive
Ottawa Ontario Canada K2B 8K2
Email: [email protected]

Deadline for submission of applications is Thursday September 20th, 2012

Who are your predictions for the next Captain Canada?  Leave your thoughts as comments below.  Go eventing.

Jacky Green — Hartpury International

By on Aug 12, 2012 3:37 pm -

Jacky Green works for Team New Zealand and operates out of Maizey Manor Farm in the UK and she is a regular Eventing Nation contributor.  Today Jacky has kindly sent us a report from Hartpury International and, as always, she has been very kind to focus on the US pairs for our readers in North America.  Thank you for writing this Jacky and thank you for reading.
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From Jacky:

In an unusual turn of events this summer, Hartpury ran in glorious sunshine which was much appreciated by the competitors and in particular the horses.  It was a shame, therefore, that the dressage for the CIC*** was run in the eerily silent indoor arena whilst the CCI* and CCI** enjoyed the atmosphere of the big outdoor with its busy shopping area and crowds sitting on the banks.  With a massive start list of 97  (and a further fuming 98 balloted out) there was much talk of why British Eventing and Hartpury had not run a second much needed section of three star, with our season so heavily disrupted by the weather riders are finding it increasingly hard to tick the qualification box and even to get a decent run.

So it was a high class field that moved outdoors on Saturday morning for the showjumping.  Allison Springer had performed the best test for the USA with Arthur on a 40.8 with Sinead Halpin posting Manoir De Carneville’s (Tate) best score ever at a CIC*** on 44.  Jules Stiller was not far behind on the beautiful Enjoy Me on 48 and Sharon White was on 53.  The showjumping track was best described as “soft” with over 50% of the field jumping clear and the time being so easy that just a single entrant collected a time fault.  Sinead and Tate rode a classy clear, Arthur just had a “moment” at a big oxer for 4 faults, Sharon pulled a rail with Rafferty’s Rules and Enjoy Me had a couple which is unusual for him.

By the time the cross country started in the afternoon the crowds were spilling out round the track and enjoying welcome warmth for once and after last years hard going it was great to see the track so green and good. Unlike the showjumping, XC time on the course did prove influential with Andrew Nicholson being the only one to make it…with both of his horses!  Sinead and Tate blitzed around for 6.4 and eventual 8th place, Jules Stiller and Enjoy Me were just seconds behind her with 7.2 and Sharon White let off the handbrake too with just 10 faults.

Alison Springer has a love for Arthur that is boundless…which is lucky for Arthur because I think I would have shot him as a four year old.  Notoriously spooky, despite a perfect ride from Alison he never locked on to the first of the double of corners and sailed blissfully past it with that “Gosh I am so cool” look on his face.  In true Arthur form he then completed the rest of the course perfectly.

Tate really was the star of this weekend, Sinead piloted him into the top 10 that was dominated by the Antipodeans with the on form Chris Burton providing the Aussies with a boost after their poor Olympic showing with a win on Kinnordy Rivaldo.  Also on top form the Kiwis filled 4 out of the first 6 placings for a truly international feel to Hartpury.

Meanwhile at Maizey Manor we now have a “Rest of the World” team of our own.  Currently in residence we have Switzerland, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.  Me thinks our team is looking pretty good!

Sunday Morning Links from Dubarry

By on Aug 12, 2012 1:15 am -

Hello Eventing Nation!  Writing this is cutting into my time watching women’s high jumping so this is going to be brief.  Let’s jump right in…

Woodside Live Scores

Stanton HT Live Scores

GMHA Live Scores

Otter Creek Live Scores

Fair Hill Live Results

Wits End Live Scores

Hartpury Results

A look at Del Mar Racetrack

A look back at the Olympics dressage from Eurodressage

Today’s headline that made me double-take: “Creating a Sacrifice Area for Horses”

The latest Burghley entry list

Video: Recapping The Event at Rebecca Farm

David Svoboda of Czech Republic won the Olympic men’s Modern Pentathlon

Sit back and ride along with Michael Jung and Leopin at Marbach earlier this year:

Stay classy EN and go eventing.

Brian O’Connor — The GMHA Phoenix Rises

By on Aug 10, 2012 2:25 pm -

The great Brian O’Connor has kindly sent us a report from the Festival of Eventing at GMHA as the folks at GMHA celebrate their recovery from floods that destroyed the property last year.  As always, thanks for writing this Brian and thank you for reading.
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GMHA last year after the flood

From Brian:

The GMHA phoenix rises…not from the ashes but from the flooded plain!!  You cannot believe what has been done to the historical Green Mountain Horse Association facility since last year’s terrible hurricane and torrential floods.  If  you remember, nearly the entire facility was underwater or washed away with the week long rains (and feet of water…not inches but FEET of rain).  The place looks fabulous and the newly improved rings, courses, and the stables are wonderful.  Having said all this, now it is time to really tell you the facts…

In my 30+ years of announcing (and at least 10 of those  here, at the “old” GMHA) I have never seen a rebuild and comeback as this place has gone through.  The cross country courses are BEYOND terrific.  Tremaine Cooper was hired to help with the re-build, along with a huge fundraising project from the board members and directors.  You just cannot imagine the change.  The track of the courses have been re-graded (no longer going up into the woods on unlevel ground) and thanks to a new sponsor, Birch Hill Farm, a newly cleared meadow and ½ mile addition has been added to the XC.  The track of the course looks like the Rolex track–graded, newly seeded and flowing, both uphill and downhill.  It is truly a major conversion and the course no longer runs up the mountain and down again just to make the distance.  Janine McClain is a co-designer too, and she has spared no thought, energy, or detail in presenting her cross country courses…they were beautiful, they rode extremely well, and the riders ALL finished with smiles and a sense of accomplishment.  Well done indeed!

The long format three day for Training and Novice was fully supported by seniors and juniors alike…including a pair of twin sisters, Katie (winner of JN) and Maddie Lichten (3rd JN), warmbloods, paints, thoroughbreds, Cnnemaras (can’t put those Bantry Bay’s down can you?), and a personal favorite, a “rescued” appaloosa named Massapequa May (ridden by Katherine Kane  to 6th place in SN), who stormed over the XC and finished clean in stadium to tons of applause!  It doesn’t get any better than this my friends.  AND….we are only half way through the 6 scheduled days here for the Festival of Eventing…regular horse trials run from Friday until Sunday.  1 week, 3 events, 400 competitors–that is the motto of the week.  The event director Molly and her staff have gone beyond the norm to put on one of the best events of the summer.  No expense spared, nothing but happy, willing, and helpful staff and volunteers everywhere.  Yes, it is that good.

[GMHA Website, Results]

I want to give a shout-out to Jessica Ebzery on her terrific paint, In Flight N Out of Sight, who, after unfortunately missing a jump on the XC, had as big a smile in the finish/cooling area as any other rider.  She was so happy about her horse having one of the best rounds of the day, despite the error…can we frame that moment please?

So my friends at EN, get this one on your calendar for 2013.  It will only get better and better.  Now that the Olympics are gone and the Brits have finally shown the European mainland who is boss, come up north and check out GMHA.  You will not be disappointed, I promise you.

Go eventing.

–Brian  O’Connor, brother-in-law to the highest placed US rider in London, and brother to the NEW USA THREE DAY COACH!

Horse and Hound: Olympic Dressage Freestyle Live Blog

By on Aug 9, 2012 9:27 am -

Our friends at the Horse & Hound are live blogging from the freestyle individual dressage finals at Greenwich today.  They have kindly allowed us eventing crazies to join in the fun right here on EN.  If you are at home trying to follow the Olympics live online, click here if from the USA and here from everywhere else.

Watch the Olympics Live: NBC, USA TV Listing, Canada, BBC, Everywhere Else, FEI Broadcast Guide

Schedule: Dressage starts at 12:30pm local, 7:30am ET.

Dressage Freestyle Link: Individual Scores

 

***UPDATE   9:25am ET***

USA’s Steffen Peters and Ravel completed their freestyle with a score of 77.286%.  Unfortunately a few mistakes and minor resistance prevented a medal-winning score.  Still, Ravel will be remembered as one of the best US dressage horses of the past decade.

 

***UPDATE 11:03am ET***

Another gold medal for Great Britain!  Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro performed an outstanding freestyle to win individual gold with a score of 90.089%.  Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival easily claimed silver with 88.196%; Parzival looked very tough to beat, but hometown hero Valegro danced his way to the top.  As if that wasn’t enough, Great Britain also took the bronze with Laura Bechtolsheimer and Minstral Hojris (84.339%)– who performed a crowd-pleasing kur to tunes from The Lion King.  Germany just missed out, as Damon Hill and Helen Langenhanenburg finished fourth (84.303%).  Great Britain’s Carl Hester and Uthopia rounded out the top 5.

 

If you have time today, go back and watch the replay…all these freestyles were beautiful to watch!

Meg Kep — Post Olympics

By on Aug 3, 2012 1:03 pm -

From Meg:

Johnny asked me to write about what it’s been like for us during the Olympics.  I imagine it’s been about the same for us as it has been for you, except we perhaps may be a closer resemblance of someone with schizophrenia.  And if you walked by our house you would perhaps have heard a few more expletives being yelled at the TV.  And maybe we consumed a few more glasses of prossecco than one should have…

My thoughts on cross-country morning as I was hacking Tate around the gallops, “I am so glad I am not getting ready for XC right now.”

My thoughts watching cross country drinking bubbles, “What the..!”

My thoughts watching show jumping, “I am moving to Germany.”

The biggest feeling is of relief.  Relief that we can officially move on and focus on bigger things.  Not figuratively, but literally.  Burghley is huge.

I will most certainly chalk the last 6 weeks up to experience.  I had a great opportunity that few can say they have experienced firsthand.  Am I glad it is over?  Yes.  Was going to the venue at 4 am and waiting until one hour before the jog and spending a total of 11 hours in a lorry torture?  Yes.  Am I happy for my friends that made the team?  Yes.  Was getting to ride the famous Neville Bardos for the famous Boyd Martin a sufficient enough consolation prize?  Maybe…

We did finally get to see what it would be like with a string of four star horses.  On the final day, I was in charge of Neville, Remi, Happy, Arthur, Tate, and Glen.  What a bunch of high maintenance beasties!!

The last two alternate horses left Maizey Manor yesterday afternoon. Now its just Tater and Arthur left as they prepare for the Big B.  From here on out the Olympics to me mean just one thing : Lochte.

Event Report: Cobblestone Farms

By on Aug 3, 2012 9:35 am -

Michigan’s Cobble Stone Farms Horse Trials (July 27-29) is quickly emerging as one of Area VIII’s nicest events.  This year the event hosted a Jump for the Cure fundraiser.  Theresa Foote was kind enough to gather some pictures and a report from the event. [Cobblestone Results]
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Photo via Kirk Donaldson

From Theresa Foote and Jennifer Merrick-Brooks:

Conceived from a dream owners Jim and Darlyn Daratony had in March of 2003, Cobblestone Farms hosted its first horse trial in 2008.  The Cobblestone Farms Horse Trial’s fifth year in existence was a rocking success.

Despite the challenges posed by the very dry weather in the mid west this year, the Daratonys, with the help of around the clock staff, watered, aerated and watered some more.  Several neighbors assisted, giving access to their ponds to pump water from, in an attempt to soften the galloping paths for the cross country course, designed for the 5th year by Jeff Kibbie.  After having many weeks with very little rain, competitors were happy to have the drizzle as they pulled into the property.

Competitors came from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Ontario.  Dorothy Crowell, Bruce Mandeville, and Cathy Wieschhoff were only a few of the 240 riders who attended.


Cathy

Jennifer Merrick-Brooks, the organizer since the event’s birth in 2008, was overwhelmed by the fantastic turnout, positive comments, and cooperation and support of numerous property owners.  The volunteers were fantastic.  After starting our five year plan in 2008 it is wonderful to see the plan become reality.  Despite the economic challenges felt in Michigan and throughout the United States, the event is becoming well recognized by competitors not only from Michigan but many other States.  This was Cobblestone’s first year hosting the USEA Area VIII Novice and Beginner Novice Championships.  The goal is to add an Intermediate division by 2015.

The Jump for the Cure, and “Pink out for Cross Country”, added another flavor to the event.  Two years ago two of the teenagers at Cobblestone came up with the idea to add the cancer fundraising.  Initiated after Darlyn’s mother was diagnosed, the fundraiser hopes to support the many people in the eventing family who have loved ones fighting this horrible disease.  This year the sale of shirts and silent auction items increased our fundraising to over $8,000.  On Sunday, riders “Jumped for the Cure” in their stadium jumping.  Even one of our officials donated a portion of her fee for the cause!


Winner of the pink-out cross country competition

The core family of volunteers has been with us since the beginning.  Those members continue to grow each year.   The enthusiasm and devotion is noticed by all.  A special thanks to the friends and neighbors of Cobblestone of their ongoing support.  While walking the cross country course the competitors enjoyed cold, bottled water donated by Outaway Farm, while further along the course, the Callahan Family allowed us to ride across their property as well as irrigate using water from their pond.  Mark and Jenna Helsel donated the use of generators to power the irrigation systems day and night!

We welcome your suggestions and comments.  Port-a-Johns…we got that; pumped and added 3 more Saturday!  Keep sharing your suggestions!

It really is a huge undertaking to pull off an event – without all the kindness and support of the owners, competitors, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers, we would not have met our 5 year goals…onward.  We hope to see y’all again next year ‘cause “Eventing Rocks at Cobblestone Farms”.


Ready for XC!