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Kate Samuels
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Kate Samuels

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About Kate Samuels

Kate Samuels is an avid 3-Day Eventer who currently competes at the Advanced/3* level with her wonderful Selle Francais gelding, Nyls du Terroir. A rider since the tender age of three, she is a young professional in the sport learning as much as she can from various mentors, both equine and human. Kate has worked for Eventing Nation since 2011, and has enjoyed every minute of it. She brings a lifetime of experience with horses as well as a wealth of knowledge gained through competing at the top levels of the sport. When not riding through the boiling hot, freezing cold, rain or snow, Kate enjoys baking pies, photography, and finding ridiculous videos on the internet.

Eventing Background

USEA Rider Profile Click to view profile
Area Area II
Highest Level Competed Advanced/CCI4*

Latest Articles Written

Focused, Committed and Thoughtful: Jumping with William Fox-Pitt

By on Nov 7, 2013 9:00 am -

Alexa Ehlers and Clear Approval over the skinny barrels. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Day two of the William Fox-Pitt clinic dawned a little bit sunnier and a little bit warmer, which was lovely because we were all excited to jump with him and see what he had to offer. For the second time, we realized nothing enormously and obviously groundbreaking was happening, but William’s quiet and methodical way of training both horse and rider to engage their mental and physical talents was subtle yet effective. No, we didn’t jump anything enormous, but instead we did exercises that tested our competency without pounding on our horses’ legs.

Just as the day before, we were instructed to start out with a warm up that was designed to stretch them physically and test them mentally. “Don’t just putter around,” he said. “The important thing for jumping is listening to the rider and that they’re on the aids. A horse for jumping has got to be as connected between the hand and the leg as a horse for dressage. Get the horse down the rein and in front of the leg.” So, before we even jumped, we had to send them forward and bring them back, move them sideways and bend them around our legs to be sure that they were responding to all the aids before jumping.

Jan Byyny & Why Not

After warm up, each group was asked to trot a few small fences to get them thinking about jumping, and then we were introduced to walking jumps. While Sharon White was ahead of the game and said she was just thankful they weren’t four feet tall walk fences, most of the other riders and horses were feeling a little ambivalent. “Well this should be interesting, I’ve never done this,” Allison Springer could be heard saying.

A few horses simply walked up and stared at the fence with confusion on their faces and then lurched over with encouragement. Note: nobody looks good doing walk fences. However, it does create a horse that is willing to accept a contact on the way to the fence and take you there without accelerating, and it engages their hind end like no other. My group quickly progressed to walking skinny jumps, which was much harder, but after that, our horses were sharp and focused without the physical wear and tear of normal jumps.

Lainey Ashker's homebred 4 year old jumped around super on day two.

Each lesson then progressed to a series of skinny jumps on related distances with varying heights and difficulties for each group. However, even if you were in the Future Event Horse category, you still had to jump some of the same lines as the Advanced horses and train your young horse early to seek the flags, so to speak. “They should always be going around looking for the next possible jump,” William said. “Sometimes they’ll hone in on something not so reasonable, but that’s better than not looking at all.”

He was adamant that a secure contact and connection from good flatwork was what anchored the horse and rider together and created the ability to show them where to look. When practicing over smaller jumps and skinny jumps, it’s important to be able to indicate the next step to your horse in an instant, and if you don’t have a connection that affects the whole body, you’re out of luck.

If you can’t have the connection here, what happens when you put the jumps up, the angles become more extreme and you’re traveling faster at a competition? “I’m a big believer in gradual steps,” William said. “It’s the only way a horse understands a concept.” Basic horsemanship and training was what we were learning; the jumps were just incidental.

Kristin Carpenter's young OTTB Khaleesi didn't object to jumping the brush chevron the wrong way for an exercise.

The groups of horses on day two were excellent, as each one had horses that we can all relate to, but on different levels of the training scale. There was the casual horse that needed to be sharpened up a bit with the exercises, the buzzy horse that needed a clear path to success in order to calm down, and the slightly worried horse that wasn’t always going to give you the jump unless you were positive and secure in your position.

What was amazing to me was that even with all of these different types of horses, and even though they ranged in skills from three-star to 4-year-olds, they seemed to meet in the middle after their lessons. All horses left with a calm state of mind that was sharp and focused, but not erratic. The casual horses found enough to intrigue them in the exercises and left a little more thoughtful.

Receiving instruction from the master.

Riders were also instructed in how to explain the tricky combinations to our horses. He said that it’s important to land off the first jump, organize, focus the horse and then ride up to the second part. We were never to expect a takeoff and lean forward with our upper bodies before it was happening because that was a recipe for disaster later on. If it was a bending line, we were not to just wheel and gun it, but take our time.

If the horses were properly looking for the flags, they were more likely to take us to the jump and lengthen their stride if needed without hurrying. William was always understanding of the differences between horses, and based on their personal needs was perfectly willing to cater the lesson to them. If your horse is terrified of liverpools at home but jumps them at shows, no problem; you don’t have to press the issue.

At the end of the day, he was incredibly forgiving of little blips here and there, and even encouraged them. “We have to create situations in our training where they might have to make the odd mistake,” William said. “The most important thing that I want to see today is horses looking where they’re going. I don’t want horses to be waiting, waiting, waiting for instruction. I want them to be looking forward, watching how their expressions change and how their ears lock onto the fences.”

Thanks to our friends at USEA, we have some great video footage from both days, so take a look! If you’re interested in finding all the photos that I took over the two days, head over to the EN Facebook Page and look at the album; you’ll find hundreds of photos of all the participants and auditors.

[EN Facebook Page]

Ribbo’s News & Notes from Devoucoux

By on Nov 7, 2013 12:33 am -

Ribbo & Pippa Moon tackle Fair Hill CCI3* (photo by GRC Photo)

Sadly, the Eventing world has lost two great athletes this week, as Pippa Moon’s 3* horse Ribbo passed away Tuesday night unexpectedly in his paddock. This horse was a brilliant jumper and Pippa’s first everything, as well as teaching Sarah Murphy the ropes in his later years. Eventing Nation enjoyed tales of his funny quirks in The Ribbo Manifesto and stories of his pure athleticism in The Ribbo Chronicles earlier this year.

In a statement to EN, Pippa said, “I would like to let the EN readers that enjoyed the Ribbo Manifesto and Sarah’s Chronicles to know that he came home to my barn at the end of September. I got to spend my birthday with him, as I have for 10 years, and he was happy and sound and I will always be grateful to have had a few precious weeks of his company before he went. I expected to have years of him being a cranky, sway backed, hairy nutcase, but instead it was much shorter. I love him dearly and miss him terribly.” Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those who were touched by Ribbo and his family.

Events This Weekend:

CDCTA Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Poplar Place Farm November H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website]

News From Around The Globe:

Have you heard this week’s Eventing Radio Show? I think it’s an especially good one. Hosts Jess Montgomery and Samantha Clark discuss Pau and Galway, and even get the behind the scenes insight from Lynn Symansky and Buck Davidson. Matt Brown talks about how he brings up young horses, and the good times roll. [ERS Episode 273]

I know what you’re really wanting….more from the William Fox Pitt Clinic!! Don’t worry, I have the second installment coming later this morning, and I’m adding photos to the EN Facebook Page as the day goes on, but for right now, enjoy these photos taken by Leslie Threlkeld at the USEA. [WFP Jumping Gallery] [EN Facebook Album]

Let’s talk about Britain’s rising stars: Fenton Kirkland and Harry Edwards Brady. These two very dapper chaps are the age of three, and already taking the pony scene by storm. Not only are they competing in hand with their young ponies, but they are riding in classes in the Horse of the Year Show in Britain alongside much older competitors. Olympic team 2032? [Where The Brits Get Fox Pitts]

Boyd & Silva Martin are hosting yet another fabulous schooling jumper show this weekend at their facility in Cochranville PA. Starting at 8:30 am with rounds at Beginner Novice and going all the way through to 5:30 at the Intermediate level. The jump courses will be exciting and challenging, and the company superb. To quote Dom Schramm: “If you don’t attend Boyd Martin’s jumper show on Saturday, you’re a disgrace”. [Windurra Jumper Show]

In news of the really weird, Toyota has designed a new “car” inspired by the bond seen between horse and rider. Say what? Exactly. This new motor car has no steering wheel, but rather responds to your shifts in weight backwards, forwards and sideways in order to navigate the road. What happens when I sneeze and convulse forwards!!? [Only In Tokyo]

 

Flatwork and Horse Sense with William Fox-Pitt

By on Nov 6, 2013 9:00 am -

William enlightening the masses. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Yesterday concluded day one of the William Fox-Pitt clinic in the United States, and despite the chill in the air, both riders and auditors left feeling a little more relaxed and a lot more enlightened than they entered the day. Hosted in the wonderful facility of Morningside Training Farm, the day proved to be a great learning experience. There was a fair share of nervous first-time-meeting-your-idol jitters, but William himself is very welcoming and quite laid back and was able to assuage even the most starstruck of riders with his quiet and easy going approach to horsemanship.

We began each lesson with an emphasis on the warm-up, which William believes is an oft forgotten art of how to get the best out of each and every horse that we ride. “All of my horses spend a half hour on the walker, and then hack for a while before I even pick up the reins every day,” William said, “So before I begin work with them, they’ve spent at least an hour stretching on the buckle and warming up.” Too many horses go directly from the barn to the arena and straight into work without treating them like the athletes that they are with slow mental and physical preparation.

Lainey Ashker and Calling All Comets demonstrating an excellent long and low warm up frame. Photo by Kate Samuels.

All riders were asked to appear for the flat lesson in our jump tack in order to force us to be lighter in our aids and stay off our horse’s backs. The initial instructions were to warm up each horse with a long and low frame and a good forward motion that enabled them to loosen up without rushing. In the canter, riders were asked to begin in a galloping position to allow their horses to have a loose back instead of immediately beginning in a more deep seated dressage position.

The emphasis was on also using the outside rein to engage a steady connection with the horse and give up the use of our often beloved inside rein as a crutch. When riders (such as myself) found this to be a difficult exercise, we were given the one-rein order, where we had to steer, connect and properly execute different movements with only the use of one hand on the outside rein. This established a new brand of connection between horse and rider and forced both to use more self-carriage in all gaits.

Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir practicing with one hand. Photo by Ellie Thompson.

While we all worked quite hard in our semi-private hour lessons, William was adamant that we allow small breaks in the work for both the mental and physical longevity of our horses. When he said break, he meant that we were to put our horses on the buckle, let go of the control, and ask them to step forward in the walk and track up well.

After a small break, we were all asked to pick up the contact within the same forward, brave walk, which was surprisingly difficult, especially with the fussier horses. While the walk movements in our dressage tests are often double coefficients and definitely affect our subsequent movements, we often neglect to care for it as much as the trot and the canter. Even the most experienced horses had trouble with this simple exercise, and it was one that all could use more often for improvement.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Ellie Thompson.

While there was definitely some variance to each lesson, all riders were brought into the actual dressage arena for the final stage of the lesson to practice some movements from dressage tests that were comparable to the level of the horse. Several riders were given specific movements to complete each direction, and William acted as the judge, giving us scores and telling us how and why we should change for a better score.

For the younger horses, he focused on quality and connection over the back rather than a specific frame or a particular movement. “When introducing a new movement to a horse, focus on the quality of the steps that you get of that movement, and then later, on the outline of the horse,” William said. “Quality first, then worry about the degree of whatever you’re asking.” As our groups ranged from four-star horses to 4-year-olds in their first year of competition, the movements were catered to each capability and designed to bring the best out of each pair for the conclusion of the hour.

Kendyl Tracey and RF Cameron Velvet. Photo by Kate Samuels.

While spending all day wrapped up in three jackets and a scarf watching eight hours of flat work in pairs is not everyone’s cup of tea, it proved to be more exciting to watch these horses and riders in a training environment than in their competition mode. It is intriguing to see how each pair struggles and works constantly on specific goals, based on weaknesses in strength, ability or experience, as well as how they choose to handle the challenges before them.

Not only was there a vast difference between the experience levels of the horses, but there were very tense Thoroughbred types; quite lazy warmbloods; quite lazy Thoroughbreds; tense, short-necked warmbloods; young and green horses who were inconsistent on the bit; and older horses more set in their ways.

Throughout all these differences, William was somehow able to achieve the same result in all the pairs: a relaxed pair of communicating partners who were invariably more attuned to one another after an hour in his presence. Self carriage, presentation and thoughtful preparation all lent to a more pleasing picture for each horse and rider at the end of the day.

Tomorrow we all get to jump, and I’ll be bringing you another report on the action. Until then, enjoy these pictures of the participants and their mounts.

 

Michelle Matschke: A Spectator’s Perspective on Event Profitability

By on Nov 4, 2013 12:00 pm -

Michelle Matschke is a 2007 graduate of Johnson & Wales Equine Business Management program currently working in the marketing and editorial world. Her hobbies include window-shopping for OTTBs online and following her friend from JWU, Daryl Kinney, around Area 1. Michelle is interested in supporting emerging riders as well as struggling event organizers with marketing and advertorial consulting on any scale. Thanks to Michelle for writing, and thanks for reading!

Spectators having a blast at Pau CCI4*. Photo by Kate Samuels.

One of the most prevalent issues plaguing the event world that I’ve been reading about recently is the incredibly high cost associated with running an event. Between the capital expenses, the orchestration of volunteers and employees, and the liabilities, events are shuttering across the nation. I read about riders lamenting increases in annual fees and show entries, asking how they can afford to compete and the strategic decisions they have to make largely based on finances.

It’s painful to hear about, especially as riders get disenchanted with these insurmountable economics. Even worse is hearing about land being sold and whole events dropping off the radar. As a spectator, I can’t personally tell you how these rising costs are destroying my sport, but I can tell you one thing for sure – event organizers are not utilizing all of their resources.

Here are some statistics on general admission (spectator) prices for different types of horse shows across the country:

• Dressage at Devon charges spectators $10 per day.

• HITS Saugerties charges between $5-30.

• Pennsylvania National Horse Show charges between $12-50 per day.

• Fairfield Hunt Club charges between $20-150 to get into the VIP tent.

• The All American Quarter Horse Congress (OH) charges $25 per day to park.

• A general admission season pass to the Newport Polo Series is $125.

• The Devon Horse Show charges $10 per day.

• Rolex general admission tickets start at $22 per day, and preferred parking is $130 for the weekend.

Granted, these are all big shows, but that is part of my point. There may be some reasoning for this, such as the limited number of spectators that show up for events, as opposed to some of the shows I’ve listed above. However, I don’t see a reason why that can’t change.

People love to watch horses do their thing; look at how many people show up at the Kentucky Derby with their goofy hats and mint juleps. On a smaller scale, in southwest Connecticut where I am from, spending an afternoon watching a hunter show or lunching at a polo match is a rather trendy, yet normal thing to do. (I prefer events, thank you, but to each his own!)

Horse sports are entertaining to watch, whether you know what you’re looking at or not. Events are incredibly exciting places to be, too, with so many horses going at the same time and lots to soak in. (Not like I need to tell you that.) If you get bored watching the stadium warm-up (how that might be possible, I do not know), walk to a different ring and take in some dressage.

Granted, events may be more dangerous for spectators, especially those that are in unfamiliar territory, but placing walking lane markers, a few rows of bleachers and some safety volunteers will straighten out that learning curve in no time.

Event organizers might say, “I can’t afford marketing to potential spectators; I can barely afford to hold an event!” Ah, that’s where you’re wrong. If you can maintain a Facebook page, you can advertise. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising; tell your coworkers at your boring office job about this AMAZING horse show coming up! Tell them about the beautiful setting and all the talented horses, how there is so much to see, and don’t forget about vendors and delicious food stands.

Encourage them to bring family members and have a picnic. Know any single guys? Draw them in with tales of white breeches and fit girls. Talk it up. They will enjoy themselves, even if you deceived them a little about the “quality” of that food stand cheeseburger. We must stop hiding our amazing little horse world from the rest of society — they’ll like it, too! Spectating at events needs to be on the “average” person’s weekend repertoire, right next to apple picking and pumpkin carving in the fall; it’s the thing to do!

Events need to change their focus to bringing in the spectators and turn away from extorting riders’ wallets. I will gladly pay $10 to park in your pasture and enjoy a day at an event, so start gouging me. Charge different prices at food stands for competitors and spectators. (Riders deserve a discount after all those entry fees!)

Most importantly, if we all want to keep enjoying these events for years to come, we all need to pitch in. Tell your non-horsey friends where they should be spending their Saturday afternoons and help spread the word.

EN’s Best Halloween Costumes: Part II

By on Oct 30, 2013 10:30 am -

Halloween is coming up, which means a number of different things. 1. It is the time of year that I am guaranteed at one point to eat so much candy corn that I feel sick. 2. EVERYTHING is pumpkin flavored 3. You can’t help but imagine absurd costumes for everyone around you, and 4. Costume classes at local shows are mandatory. If you are of the crafty persuasion, this is your time to shine. Horse costumes are wonderful and the best way to shame your equine partner, and we want you to share! Send pictures and a blurb of your best costume effort to [email protected].

 

Kristen Enedy: “Knighty, a 14-hand Connemara pony, was the “Official Pony of Major League Baseball” at a recent Halloween Combined Test. This amazing little baseball recently made the move up to Preliminary and was recently fourth in Open Prelim at the Fresno County Horse Park’s fall horse trials.”

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Terry Mansky: “We clipped my daughter Lauren’s pony as a zebra for the Bath Pony Club’s Haunted Hunter Pace.”

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Kim Hennessy:  “My friend Judy Keller and I dressed my two Thoroughbreds Chiaro’s Alexander (Cecil) and Midnight Sermon (Gracie) as Secretariat and Ruffian for a recent competition. Cecil raced 33 times, coming in second place seven times in a row, and I bought him at 4 years old off the track. We evented to Training level; he is 26 years old now. Gracie never raced; she is 20 and the dam of my current dressage horse. We won first place for our costumes.”

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Wendy Deini:  “My daughter Danielle, 13, as a corpse bride, riding her ghost horse Lexie, a 5-year-old Percheron cross. Danielle is a member of Deer Creek Pony Club and enjoyed a Halloween play day with them at Dragonfire Farm in Wilton, Calif.”

Pau Cross Country Proves Influential

By on Oct 26, 2013 12:45 pm -

William Fox-Pitt & Seacookie, sitting in 1st overnight (photo by Kate Samuels)

The cross country today here at Pau could not have been nicer, with warm temperatures and a light breeze, the crowds from all over the world packed in to see the horses and riders navigate Pierre Michelet’s CCI4* course. While the riders agreed this morning that it was smaller than some other four-star courses, it certainly caused it’s fair share of problems, and reaffirmed that eventing is not, after all, a dressage competition. Check out my video below for footage of various combinations throughout the course.

William Fox-Pitt did the unimaginable and brought all three of his horses home clear and under the time. In our press conference, William spoke to the fact that riding three horses across five hours is quite hard for the rider’s adrenaline levels, and keeping your mental focus on three very different horses is a challenge to say the least. He said it was very nice to ride three horses that are experienced, know their jobs and want to do them well. As of right now, he lies first, second and third on Seacookie TSF, Cool Mountain and Neuf Des Coeurs, respectively. All three of them are separated by only 1.7, and Phillip lies 1.4 points behind that. Show jumping will be very exciting tomorrow!

Phillip & Mr. Medicott into the last water (photo by Kate Samuels)

Speaking of Phillip, he and Mr. Medicott cruised around the course in good style and seem to have worked out a partnership after only a few months together. Cave is incredibly experienced, having completed several CCI4* competitions with both Frank Ostholt and Karen O’Connor, so Phillip is his third lifetime CCI4* rider. Talk about an impressive horse! Phillip spoke to the fact that Cave can get very aggressive about the cross country, especially in the beginning, so it’s a matter of getting him to settle before the big combinations, and he seems to have achieved that well today. This pair finished just one second over the time to add 0.4 time penalties to their dressage score and go into show jumping in fourth place behind William and his three mounts.

Maxime Livio & Cathar de Gamel (photo by Kate Samuels)

The highest placed French rider is currently in fifth place, CCI4* newcomer Maxime Livio riding Cathar de Gamel. They had a brilliant dressage ride, which I mentioned in my day one wrap up, and followed that performance with a foot perfect ride today. This horse is quite small and nippy, and went around the cross country with a really gritty demeanor. Twenty-six-year-old Maxime says that the horse has won three times this year at the three-star level, and although it is their first CCI4* together, he trusts the horse enormously and they have been together for five years. He admits that show jumping may be their weakest link, but to be placed this high after two phases and sit next to William and Phillip in the press conference was an honor in itself.

Clark Montgomery & Universe, sitting 9th place overnight (photo by Kate Samuels)

Clark was the first rider out on the course for Team USA today, and after his frustration on dressage day, he positively zoomed around on Universe, making it look like a piece of cake. I saw them in the infield of the racetrack, and they looked super all the way around. Buzz was the perfect type of horse for this course, as he is quick on his feet and nippy with his front end, always giving the jumps plenty of air. He made the sharp turns that caught so many combinations out look simple. They came home clear and under the time to start out a great day for the U.S. riders. Clark and Buzz moved all the way up from 31st place after dressage into ninth place going into show jumping tomorrow on the merit of their clear round.

Lynn Symansky & Donner, sitting 12th overnight (photo by Kate Samuels)

Lynn Symansky and Donner were the next U.S. pair that I saw on the cross country, and they looked incredible. I was asked about Lynn’s cross-country style by another photographer before she came through the water jump, and I replied that she was gritty and determined. She certainly lived up to that reputation today, as she jumped through the very difficult 11ab and 12 at the overturned boat houses in the infield with all the technical skill in the world. Donner is such a super jumper and so quick off the ground, and he trusts Lynn completely. They made mincemeat of their second CCI4* course, finishing with the fastest time of the day with 15 seconds to spare as they crossed the finish line, moving up from 38th place after dressage into 12th place going into the show jumping.

Marilyn Little & RF Demeter,sitting 11th place overnight (photo by Kate Samuels)

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter were the last U.S. riders out on course today, and despite a bobble dropping into the first water at 6abc, they looked strong everywhere else and finished the day with only 1.6 time penalties to move up from 27th place after dressage into 11th place for Sunday. Demi looks in great health, and I think that she and Marilyn are gaining great experience with one another competing in Europe all summer in Holland. This mare is a really lovely jumper, and having jumped clear around Luhmuhlen earlier this year, they’ve got the cross country figured out. Marilyn has been working hard on Demi’s show jumping, so here’s to a clear round tomorrow.

Michael Pollard & Mensa G into the last water (photo by Kate Samuels)

Michael Pollard and Mensa seemed to be having a great round until they unfortunately had a runout at 20b, which was a combination of two very narrow skinny jumps later in the course coming out of the race track infield. Amongst many others, Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo had the exact same problem, and the jump was one of the most difficult questions on the course. After that, Michael seemed to take his foot off the pedal a little, and brought Mensa home quietly to finish with 24.8 time penalties, and goes into show jumping in 47th place.

Hawley Bennett and Gin & Juice, 23rd after cross country (photo by Kate Samuels)

If I had to choose a phrase to describe Ginny, I would definitely choose “jumpin’ fool”. I saw Ginny early in the course at 6abc when she bounced through the troublesome combination and took off for the infield, and then again at the end of the course at 24, 25abc and 26. At this point, a lot of horses were looking a little less enthusiastic, and some even fatigued. Not Ginny! This little mare had one of her best dressage tests yesterday and then ate this cross country course as a snack. Unfortunately, I think that Ginny’s exuberence cost Hawley some valuable time, and they finished with 13.2 time penalties and sit in 23rd place going into the show jumping tomorrow.

Shandiss McDonald & Rockfield Grant Juan (photo by Kate Samuels)

Shandiss McDonald and the lovely Rockfield Grant Juan also completed the course today for Team Canada, and where I saw them they looked very solid. Juan is so huge that he positively lopes around the course, and despite his large body he found the sharp turns on Pierre Michelet’s course quite easy. Shandiss has moved her operation to England as of this summer, and has been enjoying the extra competitive atmosphere. Unfortunately, Juan seemed a little fatigued on course and finished with 42 time penalties to sit in 46th place overnight, right before Michael Pollard.

We just had a press conference with William Fox-Pitt, Phillip Dutton and Maxime Livio, and they all spoke for quite some time on their rides today, so we will be uploading that and bringing you more reports shortly, so stay tuned.

Pau Links: [Website] [EN Coverage] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Kristi Nunnink Checks In From Pau

By on Oct 25, 2013 4:45 pm -

Kristi Nunnink is here at the Pau CCI4* competing her lovely mare R-Star for the USA. She was kind enough to agree to blog for us again and tell us about her experience here in France. After dressage, Kristi stands in 41st place on a 54.1 following a dressage test that had both the good and the bad. Thanks to Kristi for writing, and thanks for reading!

Kristi & Rosie warming up for dressage (photo by Kate Samuels)

From Kristi:

Pau is incredibly beautiful. If I could speak more than a smattering of French I might even think of staying! The weather reminds me a lot of Southern California, but it is much greener, with grass and flower gardens everywhere you look. The grounds are very impressive, and much of the event is held on a large steeplechase and racing training center. 

Sadly, Rosie and I did not have the stellar dressage test that we were counting on. We had some very last minute bitting issues with her double bridle and had to put her in a snaffle. I wasn’t quite able to get her back from the extensions, and we had the occasional bobble as a result. However, Phillip and Hannah Sue had outstanding rides and scored very well. The rest of us may have not received the scores that we wanted, but we are certainly not embarrassing the United States here at Pau.

David took us on our course walk today, and we spent over two hours discussing how we would ride certain combinations. At the end of the walk he informed us that he was counting on all of us to turn in clean rides tomorrow with a minimum amount of cross-country time penalties. This, he explained, is what we need to make better team results. The good news for me is that he’s less concerned about perfect dressage riders! Rosie and I are hoping to have an awesome ride tomorrow, and I hope that all of the US and Canadian riders do the same.

 

Pau Day Two Wrap Up, Plus Interviews with Lucinda Fredericks & William Fox-Pitt

By on Oct 25, 2013 2:00 pm -

Lucy Wiegersma & Simon Porloe, 6th place overnight (photo by Kate Samuels)

After two full days of CCI4*dressage, watching a total of 75 horses and riders compete and eating more than my fair share of french bread, I’ll admit that I’m fully ready for some cross-country action. However, before we get to that, let’s talk about the bigger picture here at Pau 2013. What makes a winning dressage test? Who was bringing the big guns, and who is heading out on cross country tomorrow with something to prove?

While this might be an obvious statement, I think it bears repeating. To win at this level, you have to be absolutely brilliant throughout the entire test. Competency just doesn’t cut it. If you have decent work through every movement, but your horse has one late lead change, you’re out. If you break to the canter in one trot extension, you’re out. The competition at this level in Europe is cutthroat, and if you leave half a point on the table, someone else will snatch it up. With 23 horses scoring in the 40s today, you positively could not afford to have any mistakes in order to remain competitive.

William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain, 3rd after dressage (photo by Kate Samuels)

While we’re at it, a good moving horse isn’t going to be able to pull the same scores as the horses that are phenomenal in both the trot and the canter. Gone is the day of showing improvement for the gaits that you have, because now you have to have an above average working gait to get the good scores. The judges today were clearly willing to reward the extravagant movers who were able to stay accurate. Learning to teach your horse to do correct changes is imperative; as double coefficients in the scoring, many riders fell victim to penalties there.

Team USA had an up-and-down performance as a whole in this first phase. While I feel that we’ve shown improvement in general, there are definitely some riders in the stables tonight who are disappointed in their scores. We have all the talent in the world, but it’s a matter of putting it all together here in Europe when it matters. The big idea this weekend is to bring all the riders home with clear cross-country rounds tomorrow and finish the event with an education on how the World Equestrian Games are going to feel next year.

 

Lucinda Fredericks & Flying Finish (photo by Kate Samuels)

Lucinda Fredericks continued to show her dominance in this phase by gaining the only score in the 30s today aboard Flying Finish. Lucinda broke four ribs and her collarbone in a rotational fall earlier this year at Tweseldown, and she mentions in her interview below that it almost ended her riding career, but she feels now that she’s come back stronger than ever, and she isn’t here to do anything but give it her best and go for the win. When asked about the cross-country course, Lucinda responded that while it isn’t terribly big, the course is quite long (at 11 minutes 48 seconds, 6,720 meters long) and the hardest combinations are at the end, so the horses and riders have to stay attentive for a long time. She says that her horse is a “long diesel truck” of an animal, and that may hinder him in some places but will also benefit him in others. See her interview below for a full report from Lucinda, including her thoughts on tomorrow.

The other big story of today is obviously William Fox-Pitt, who did the unimaginable feat of placing second, third and fourth with all three of his horses within 1.8 points of each other. I mean, really, who does that?! He was quite humble in his interview, saying that he was delighted with Cool Mountain, as the horse hasn’t been out at a big competition since Badminton 2011. He thinks that the biggest challenge tomorrow will be in the mental tenacity of the horses and riders — that they continue looking ahead and focusing on the skinny elements that come up around the turns.

William predicts that the crowds will be an enormous factor, as the weather is going to be amazing, and the CCI4* doesn’t start until midday. The horses will have to be very focused to see their flags with the thousands of spectators lining the jumps. William is also riding this weekend nursing an injured back from Le Lyon last weekend, for which he has a personal physiologist attending to him here at Pau. He says that it is feeling good so far, but he hopes that it doesn’t get thrown out of whack again tomorrow in between his three rides. Apologies for the English speakers, William breaks into French at about 1:10 in the interview and returns to English at 4:56.

Andrew Nicholson & Mr Cruise Control, 10th place overnight

Cross country begins tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. Pau time, 6:15 a.m. EST. U.S. and Canadian rider times are listed below, and the action will all be available on FEI TV (look for me in a flattering yellow photographer’s vest near the water jumps!)

North American Cross-Country Ride Times
Peter Barry & Kilrodan Abbott: 1:07pm (7:07am EST)
Kathryn Robinson & Let It Bee: 1:27pm (7:27am EST)
Clark Montgomery & Universe: 2:19pm (8:19am EST)
Hannah Sue Burnett & Harbour Pilot: 2:39pm (8:39am EST)
Lynn Symansky & Donner: 3:03pm (9:03am EST)
Michael Pollard & Mensa G: 3:23pm (9:23am EST)
Kristi Nunnink & R-Star: 3:43pm (9:43am EST)
Phillip Dutton & Mr Medicott: 4:15pm (10:15am EST)
Marilyn Little & RF Demeter: 4:27pm (10:27am EST)
Hawley Bennett-Awad & Gin & Juice: 4:31pm (10:31am EST)

Pau Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [Cross Country Times]

Thoroughbred Legends Presented by Cosequin: Arrow

By on Oct 24, 2013 3:30 pm -

Thoroughbred racehorses that go on to second careers are unique in that they have two retirements in their lifetimes: the first from the track and the second from the show ring. Thoroughbred Legends, a new EN series presented by Cosequin, seeks to honor off-track Thoroughbreds that went on to accomplish great things as upper-level eventers and now enjoy a second retirement in their golden years. If you know of a great Thoroughbred for this series, email [email protected].

Alex MacLeod & Arrow, OI at Full Gallop (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

In 1990, a bay thoroughbred colt was born, and registered as General Rollick. His racing career was short, bursting out of the gate only three times, and finishing at the back of the pack with every effort. However, this was good news for the Eventing world, because it gained an incredible thoroughbred legend who was positively made for the sport.

Renamed as Arrow, the gelding quickly took to Eventing, competing successfully at Preliminary in his five year old year with Margaret McIntosh. In 1996 he completed his first FEI event, with a CCI*, and proceeded right up the levels. In 1997 Margaret and Arrow moved up to Intermediate, and completed a long format CCI2*. In 1998, they moved up to Advanced, and completed a CCI3*.

In 1999, Arrow changed his rider to Graeme Thom, who was the future Canadian Chef d’Equipe, but at that time a competitor himself. Arrow was kept in training with Bruce Davidson in Pennsylvania, while Graeme commuted from his job in Canada to his horse every weekend for competitions. Together, they completed three long format CCI2* events, two long format CCI3* events including Blenheim 2003, and countless Advanced horse trials.

In 2004, Arrow and the master himself, Bruce Davidson Sr, ran the Rolex CCI4* long format, for their one and only competition together. Arrow finished 13th, with only some time to add to his dressage score. In 2005, Graeme and Arrow were reunited for the Jersey Fresh CCI3*, but ran into trouble while jumping into a water combination that caused a lot of falls throughout the day. Arrow busted up his knee pretty badly, and while treating the injury, it became infected and resulted in some very extended time off for the gelding.

Arrow & Alex (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

After two years off, and at the age of 17, most horses would have been considered a good retirement candidate. But not Arrow. Alex MacLeod was out at Bruce’s farm one day, searching for a horse with at least Preliminary experience, but certainly not one this old. “I tried a few other horses, but I couldn’t afford the really nice ones,” explains Alex. “Bruce liked the way I rode so he showed me Arrow. He put the jumps up really big and Arrow just jumped all of them no problem.” Both Alex and her mom fell completely in love with Arrow, and with the vet’s blessing, they bought him and took him home.

However, as it is sometimes with horses, Arrow managed to strain a hind suspensory just five weeks after Alex bought him in 2007, and he spent the rest of the year recovering from that. In 2008, after a positive vet check, Arrow returned to work, sounder than ever. The pair competed at Training in the spring, and moved up to Preliminary in the fall. Arrow taught Alex the ropes, and gave her incredible confidence on cross country as he easily navigated all of the questions.

In 2009, Alex qualified for the NAJYRC by placing 2nd at her first CCI* at the Virginia Horse Trials. Elated, she took Arrow home to prepare for Kentucky. “I was turning him out in the field three days after Virginia,” says Alex, “and he whipped around as I took his halter off, scooted out the open gate and took off!” Arrow slipped on the driveway and fractured his pelvis. The prognosis was  not good, as their vet gave them a 50/50 chance that Arrow would ever be able to be ridden again.

Alex and her mom were diligent in his rehab, as Arrow was relegated to stall rest for three months. He was not allowed to leave the stall at any point, not for grass nor a bath. Slowly they brought him back to walking short distances, and in the spring of 2010, the x-rays of his pelvis were miraculously clean. Arrow had beaten the odds once again and recovered fully.

Alex & Arrow (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

Alex’s coach Kate Chadderton helped the pair move up to her first Intermediate was on Arrow in March of 2010 at Full Gallop HT. They won the division, and proceeded to compete a few more times at that level before finally fulfilling the dream of competing at NAJYRC in Kentucky. Despite his 20 years of age, Arrow completed the event with only some time penalties on cross country to add to his dressage score.

After that, Alex decided to have one last hurrah with Arrow, and compete in her first 2* at the Plantation CIC2*. After an amazing cross country round, Arrow just wasn’t quite right in the morning, and they were sadly unable to complete. Figuring that at his age it wasn’t worth it to force him into stall rest for yet another time, Alex turned him out in a field, where he comfortably rested until February of 2011.

“We jogged him in February and he was dead sound,” says Alex, “He wasn’t really enjoying complete retirement, so now my mom has the ride and she competes him at Beginner Novice and Novice. She even manages to get time penalties on cross country because he canters so slowly for her!” Arrow has retired to the good life of the lower levels where he still has a job, but it is kind to his body at age 23.

“He’s such a quirky horse, he’s good 98% of the time and then he has a 2% naughty streak. He was so perfect for me to do my first Preliminary, my first CCI*, my first Intermediate. I never had a single worry on cross country, I would just point his head between the flags, and like a little arrow he just goes.”

 

 

 

Pau Day One Wrap Up + William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson Interviews

By on Oct 24, 2013 2:00 pm -

Current Leaders William Fox Pitt & Seacookie TSF (photo by Kate Samuels)

Day one of dressage here at Pau has concluded, and the leaderboard is mostly filled with familiar names, but also interspersed with some new combinations. Unsurprisingly, William Fox-Pitt is dominating the event so far, with both of his rides placing above all other horses. Andrew Nicholson is close behind, tied with Neuf Des Coeurs on his Rolex 2013 winner Quimbo on a 43.2. Our American contingent is led by Hannah Sue Burnett on the wonderful Harbour Pilot, who had a smooth and accurate test for 45.7 and fifth place overnight.

After watching all of the rides today, I found that the best scores were rewarded to those who moved with energy, but maintained their accuracy. A large percentage of the tests today were lacking impulsion, and missed the pizazz that really pulls out the big points. Perhaps we can blame it on the seasonably warm weather, but I thought a lot of horses looked like they could use an energy drink, so I hope they wake up by Saturday! Lower frames were also not tolerated, as I saw several lovely, mistake-free tests that were scored much lower than expected due to the horse carrying itself in a less advanced frame.

Maxime Livio & Cathar De Gamal (photo by Kate Samuels)

My favorite test of the day came from French rider Maxime Livio, riding his small, unassuming Anglo-Arabian gelding, Cathar De Gamal. This pair is competing in their first CCI4* together this weekend, and they came in the ring and blew them all out of the water. The horse was completely quiet the entire test, yet had the perfect amount of energy, and the transitions within the gaits happened in the flash of an eye. Their changes were flawless, and as double coefficients, there were many riders who lost points during those movements. The horse is the perfect size to just bounce around this weekend, and I hope to see them stay on the leaderboard.

Team USA has had a good start to the competition, standing our ground in the rankings. The French are incredibly welcoming to all of us, and even tolerate my attempts to recall high school French language skills (when I can’t order my food, they just let me have tastings to decide). We obviously have a lot to learn from them in the fashion department, as I saw two horses covered in equine body glitter for their dressage tests — quite stunning!

French first timer Orlane Hillereau & Naome de Glain sporting a golden helmet and equine body glitter (photo by Kate Samuels)

We had private interviews with both William and Andrew following the end of dressage, and they both agreed that they had good days (although William was kind enough to Jenni to elaborate a little more than Andrew) and thought that their horses performed to the right standard. When asked about the cross country course, they also had similar answers. While the course has plenty to accomplish, the beginning is much softer than it has been in years past, letting the horses and riders get into a groove a little easier. William and Andrew both mentioned the final water complex, which comes late in the course and features five jumps on an S bend with very forward related distances, a favorite tactic of designer Pierre Michelet. I’ve included the interviews below for your viewing pleasure.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

 

Bienvenue a Pau!

By on Oct 23, 2013 2:00 pm -

A view of the Pyranees mountains from the cross country course

We have arrived in France, settled in at the Domaine de Sers in Pau and already begun our blitz of the grounds. The weather here is positively tropical (I walked the course barefoot earlier today), the setting is beautiful and the horses are fit. Not only is this weekend exciting for the 11 North Americans competing, but it is also a really great insight into the French horse industry for those of us hoping to return to Normandy next year.

The vendor village is already completely set up and highly impressive. It features several saddle makers, various clothing boutiques, the infamous Dubarry tent, many food options — including the most extensive candy selection I have ever laid my eyes upon — and other ways to shop your heart out.

The set up for the competitors is very horse-friendly, featuring an enormous warm-up arena with excellent footing and two full-sized dressage rings. I particularly like this because it is on the backside of the vendor village, and the horses get the chance to be exposed to the hustle and bustle before entering the competition ring. The barns are quaintly adorable and very much nearby to everything.

The cross-country course, while flat as a pancake, expands all over the grounds, looping around the inside of the impressive multi-track training facility at the center. Hopefully we will be getting a little rain over the next few days, because I think that parts of the course would really benefit from some moisture.

Tomorrow brings the first day of dressage competition for the CCI4*, beginning with William Fox-Pitt and Neuf de Coeur at 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST). The first Canadian will be Peter Barry with Kilrodan Abbott at 11:22 a.m. (5:22 am EST) and the first American will be Clark Montgomery and Universe at 1:20 p.m. (7:20 am EST).

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Ride Times]

Clipping Creations: October Edition

By on Oct 23, 2013 12:00 pm -

There’s nothing that says “horse person” quite as much as the sensation of a buzzing clipper in your hand for two hours straight, wearing a rain coat and rain pants inside the barn, and sneezing horse hair out of your nose for days.Yep, it must be clipping season.I want to see your amazing, entertaining, beautiful and clever clipping creations. Send me a picture that shows off your artistry, and a little blurb explaining what its all about. Include the name of your horse, your name, and where you are from. Email them to me at [email protected]!

Hayley Sullivan, Temecula CA:   “This is a picture of a horse that I ride named Richochet. The clip job on her is the Deathly Hallows sign, from Harry Potter!”

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Lisa Landis: “This is of my 19 year old TB, aptly named Don’t Give Up the Ship (AKA “Sailor”).  His name pretty much says it all as to why he’s got an anchor, but after owning him for 10 years, I finally got my act together and clipped it in for the first time.”
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Shai Steiner: “My horse Tank — aka Flamin Hot Cheeto — has successfully competed at recognized Novice and Training combined tests. My future eventing student rides him 2 times a week and yesterday it was “learn how to clip” day. We decided that although Tank is an Appaloosa cross, you can’t tell because he has no spots. So we gave him some while maintaining his “trace clip”. We used a big bucket for the spot on his belly, and a mayo lid for the small positive spots, and a bowl to help make the curves all over!!”

EN’s Best Halloween Costumes: Part I

By on Oct 21, 2013 12:00 pm -

Halloween is coming up, which means a number of different things. 1) it is the time of year that I am guaranteed at one point to eat so many candy corn that I feel sick 2) EVERYTHING is pumpkin flavored 3) you can’t help but imagine absurd costumes for everyone around you and 4) costume classes at local shows are mandatory. If you are of the crafty persuasion, this is your time to shine. Horse costumes are wonderful and the best way to shame your equine partner, and we want you to share! Send pictures and a blurb of your best costume effort to [email protected].

 

From Carrie Hunt:  “ARRR Mates! The Black Pearl sets sail again.  McKayla Hunt and Gus take first place that the Oklahoma Foundation Quarter Horse Registry Costume Class this weekend.”
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From Robin Milroy: “These are pictures of my daughter Melissa MacKinnon on her pony Twizzler.  She wanted to ride an elephant at the circus so this was the best I could do.”
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From Helen Barnes: “Just saw your costume round up and as I have just finished making one for my daughter’s Halloween Fun Day up at the stables, here’s a pic for you. She wanted to be a Ringwraith from Lord of the Rings. Only problem is that I don’t have a dark coloured horse, but I did my best! The horse is called Gandalf and the rider is Aliénor.”
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From Karen Monks Reilly: “Here is a picture of my son Cooper Reilly (Grinch) and our friend Elanore Goodman (Cindi Lou Who) with the best pony in the world Cocadot. The hours and hours spent constructing this fabulous ensemble resulted in the blue ribbon and one more thing for Cocadot to check off her her already impressive resume!”
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Thanks to all the moms who spent hours sewing and creating and slaving over these wonderful costumes, you are truly incredible!!

Clifton Eventers Stands Behind Jock Paget, Kevin McNab

By on Oct 21, 2013 10:30 am -

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise at Badminton (photo by Jenni Autry)

A week ago, the Eventing world was rocked by the news that our 2013 golden boy, Jock Paget, was in trouble with the FEI. His Burghley and Badminton winner, Clifton Promise, has tested positive for a banned substance known as Reserpine, which acts as a long-acting sedative. Another horse owned by Frances Stead from Clifton Eventers, Clifton Pinot, also tested positive. As a result, both horses, Jock Paget and Kevin McNab have been suspended from competition immediately until the results from the “B” sample are returned.

Clifton Eventers (click here to follow them on Facebook) has launched a full scale investigation into the matter, and completely stand by the innocence of their two riders. They are posting weekly updates on their progress in the matter, and are being extraordinarily up front about the process. From their first week update:

“We immediately stated categorically that none of the relevant parties involved with these horses, including ourselves and both riders, had taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substances. This position and statement will not alter at all in the future, as it is a fact that time cannot change.

In the days that followed the original announcement many people have contacted us and the riders to express their support at this difficult time. I would like to express my sincere thanks to them all. The fact there is such a groundswell of goodwill towards us is very much appreciated. 

Obviously after the shock and disbelief of the initial news, we knew we had a big task on our hands to prove both riders’ innocence, and since then the team has been working tirelessly on that objective.

The start point of the FEI’s policy is the opposite to normal law process – effectively both riders (as the ‘person responsible’ for each horse) are ‘guilty until proven innocent’, rather than the usual ‘innocent until proven guilty’. Therefore, if it is confirmed there was Reserpine in the blood of these two horses, the onus is on them to prove how it got there. With this as the start point, we have already commenced many avenues of investigation:

1) We have asked the FEI for the level of Reserpine in the horses’ ‘A’ sample blood. This was not in the information from them advising that the substance had been found. Whilst we accept that this is a banned substance under FEI rules at any amount, knowing the relative concentration is particularly important to help us understand how and when it might have entered their systems. 

As a comparison, think about ‘drink driving’. With highly sophisticated diagnostic analysis, such as is used by the FEI for its testing, it is likely the presence of alcohol could be detected in anyone who had drunk a single glass of wine or a pint of beer more than a week earlier. This would show up as positive under a ‘zero tolerance’ evaluation of alcohol. However, the same result of ‘presence of alcohol’ would show up if the person had consumed two bottles of wine or eight pints of beer a few hours earlier. Knowing which of these two extremes the alcohol reading showed would certainly help in finding the full story of any drink driving incident. Reserpine is a ‘zero tolerance’ substance with the FEI, so any level found, however small, would lead to a positive finding.

2) We have employed an expert scientist to help analyse the various sources of possible contamination that we have identified. As those involved with high level equine athletes will know, they take a great deal more into their bodies than just grass! As a result, this is a very expansive and complex exercise, and even then it is probably impossible to cover every possible source, but we hope to cover as many as we can and as thoroughly as we can.

3) A week ago, none of us had actually heard of Reserpine, let alone knew anything about it. However, we are becoming increasingly knowledgeable by the day. To this end, we would like to thank all those of you that have sent us information about this substance. Reserpine is a very long acting sedative. It remains in the body for weeks if not months (scientifically it has a half-life of 11 days). It’s in commonly-found grassland and hedgerows plants in the UK, and so it could be grazed naturally or get into hay. It is also apparently used in several human medications, allowing the possibility, for example, that a person using one of these could have contaminated the horses indirectly and unintentionally.”

 

Click HERE to read the whole update.

 

Best of Craigslist: Arabian Eventing Prospect?

By on Oct 20, 2013 2:30 pm -

 

Many thanks to Leah Anderson for forwarding this Craigslist ad on to us…we definitely got a kick out of it, and you will too!  If you have something to share with EN, send it to [email protected]. 

Horse for Lease (Stanwood)

“Panda is a 15 year old 13.3h Arab mare. She is fully patterned in all games events and has successfully competed in various gaming series, NBHA, and 4H winning money and tack. She has also been shown english and has schooled over jumps up to 2’3”. She is great at showmanship and was competing for a gold medal in 4H when i graduated. Panda is an easy keeper with great feet, she has no vices and is bomb proof. Recommended for an intermediate to advanced rider because she has a lot of “go”. Located in Stanwood, but may consider letting her be relocated. Please email me for more information, more pictures, or video.”

Video Break: The World’s Richest Cross Country Race

By on Oct 18, 2013 2:00 pm -

This year marked the 123rd running of the Czech Republic’s Velka Pardubicka — the world’s richest cross-country chase ($100,0000 to the winner). The winner was the 11 year old French mare Orphee des Blins, who claimed the title for the second year in a row with Czech jockey Jan Faltesjek. The race has 31 enormous obstacles, and is a staggering 4 1/2 miles long. This year, only 6 of the 20 starters finished the race, but luckily nobody was seriously hurt. You tell me, just wild or wild and crazy!?

Thoroughbred Legends Presented by Cosequin: High-Tech

By on Oct 17, 2013 1:42 pm -

Thoroughbred racehorses that go on to second careers are unique in that they have two retirements in their lifetimes: the first from the track and the second from the show ring. Thoroughbred Legends, a new EN series presented by Cosequin, seeks to honor off-track Thoroughbreds that went on to accomplish great things as upper-level eventers and now enjoy a second retirement in their golden years. If you know of a great Thoroughbred for this series, email [email protected].

Natalie Hollis & High-Tech at Menfelt (photo courtesy of Sport Horse Studios)

In 1985, a striking bay thoroughbred was born, and destined for the race track, he was registered with the jockey club as “Foolish Doll”. After his second year of life, it was determined that he was unlikely to make a profit in the racing world, and was offered for sale for a measly $500. He was luckily found by Virginia Benz Shemonic, a notable breeder in Illinois, who jumped at the opportunity to take him home and let him grow up a little in her fields at Rose Wood Hill Farm.

The gelding was gangly and huge from the start, standing at over 17 hands in his three year old year. He started his retraining slowly, but was soon realized as a great talent, and sent to Jill O’Donoghue to introduce him to Eventing. “Leggs” as he was known, was rechristened as High Tech, and began his career in Eventing in earnest in 1990. He quickly took to it, moving up the levels and placing 4th at his first CCI* at Radnor in 1993.

In 1994, Jill’s trainer Ralph Hill liked the horse so much that he took over the ride, and campaigned him at the Intermediate level, and the pair finished 11th at Bromont CCI2*. Unfortunately, that fall Leggs had what can be considered a career ending injury, and tore a hind suspensory ligament while on course at a horse trials. He was sent home to Virginia, who took him back and let him rest in her fields again.

Leggs loved Cross Country (photo courtesy of Sport Horse Studios)

As he was still a young horse, Virginia was unable to give up hope on Leggs. After several years of rest, she offered him to a friend’s daughter as an experienced mount to rehab and compete. Natalie Hollis was elated at the opportunity, and as she was about to begin a working student year for Phyllis Dawson, the timing could not have been better. She got him back into work, but sadly one month after their arrival at Windchase Farm, Leggs was attacked by his own blanket, and shattered his splint bone in the ruckus. Leggs had surgery to remove the chips that they could, and was relegated to about 8 months of stall rest.

“He was a little accident prone, yes,” says Natalie, “but he was also really tough. He came back from that injury in 1998 as sound as ever!” Indeed Leggs returned to competition that year, kicking it off with two wins and a third place at Preliminary as his first competitions. Natalie and Leggs moved up to Intermediate, and subsequently to the Advanced level, with many great placings at both the national and the FEI levels. They won a CIC2* at Morven Park, and were 8th in a competitive division of Advanced at Fair Hill in 2001.

When asked about her favorite memory of Leggs, Natalie said that one stood out in her mind. “At the Radnor CCI2* in 2000, we were well placed after dressage, and going clean around the cross country until Leggs decided to attempt to clear an irish bank instead of jumping on top. Unfortunately, we both skidded off and I fell, but Leggs got up and took off galloping,” she remembers ruefully. “I ran after him, because at that time you could still get back on, and I finally caught him and had to gallop back to that jump and finish. We jumped all the straight routes and finished clear…. minus about 80 time penalties!”

Like a great Thoroughbred, Leggs jogged up perfectly sound the next morning after that episode, while Natalie was nursing a broken foot. She shortened her stirrup on the broken side, managed to get her boot on, and finished with one of the few clear rounds.

Leggs & Natalie at CDCTA (photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography)

Sadly, after many years of upper level competition, Leggs was injured again at a CCI2* at CDCTA, when he was preparing for a fall CCI3*. Directly after their clean cross country round, it was determined that Leggs had severely injured a tendon, and Natalie was crushed. “I blamed myself and wished that it was me who was hurt instead of him,” Natalie remembers. “I felt like I owed him so much, and I just didn’t want him to ever be in pain. I’d have done anything for that horse, and that final injury weighed heavy on my shoulders for a long time.”

Leggs returned home with Natalie and she diligently rehabbed him. Within a year, he was sound again, amazingly. However, at the age of 17, she realized that his prime was behind him and attempted to retire him, but Leggs had other ideas. “He was bored out of his mind, he needed a job,” So Leggs became a Beginner Novice through Training schoolmaster for several of Natalie’s students until he was 23.

“Leggs just loved every part of it. He was the ultimate event horse. He loved going out there to show off, he clearly thought that everybody was there to see him. He had so many injuries that should have kept him down, but he had so much heart that he just kept coming back,” says Natalie. At age 23, Leggs colicked at night. After much deliberation, Natalie decided that it was best to lay him to rest, and end his suffering. “I’ll always be grateful that I got to be part of this very special horse’s life. He was one in a million.”

William Fox Pitt Caption Contest: Vote For Your Favorite!

By on Oct 17, 2013 10:30 am -

The Contest: To create an original, witty, hilarious, apt caption for the photo above.

The Reward: Two auditing tickets to the highly anticipated William Fox Pitt Clinic at Morningside Training Farm in Virginia, November 5th & 6th.  Chances for unabashed gawking, up close and personal stalking, and of course, autograph signing!

Now What: The EN Chinchillas have selected their top favorite submissions, collected from the comments on the contest announcement last week. Your job is to vote on the best one, and help us select the lucky winner! Go!

Thursday Reader from Devoucoux

By on Oct 17, 2013 12:33 am -

Jan Byyny & team get prepped for jogs at Fair Hill (photo by Holly Covey)

Ah, Fair Hill week. The leaves are changing, the ground is soft, the horses are freshly clipped and feeling fit. This year is starting out on a surprisingly warm note, and no deluges of rain (yet)! There is no such thing as a “dry Fair Hill” though, so don’t hold your breath. Rain is forecasted for Friday….perfect for making the classic mud run on Saturday for cross country! 114 horse and rider pairs proceed to dressage today, starting with the CCI2* today and tomorrow, and the CCI3* beginning tomorrow.

Fair Hill Links:

[Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Events This Weekend:

Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

“The Event” at Kelly’s Ford [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around The Globe:

95 combinations are vying for USEF National Championships this weekend at Fair Hill, in two divisions of international competition. Not only is one of the most coveted 3-day event prizes at stake here this weekend, but there are loads of other categories which competitors can win titles. Riders who have never completed a CCI4* are eligible for the USEF National Developing Rider Championships, and riders under 21 will be able to win the USEF National Young Riders Championship title. In addition, there are several riders competing this weekend on Land Rover Competition Grants. [USEF Championships]

Thinking about attending the Washington International Horse Show?? Drop by the Cavalor tent and hang out with Will Coleman, who will be attending on Thursday night to present an award and of course to watch the Shetland Pony Races! Barn Night is a classic event that includes several competitions, a costume contest, and special prizes for young riders. The winner of the “Most Spirited” award for Barn Night is the proud recipient of a clinic with Will, which is a very cool prize indeed. Get your tickets now! [WIHS Barn Night]

If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve been following the drama with Jock Paget’s FEI drug accusation. It’s also possible that you’ve considered foul play. If so, you’re on the same page as Jock himself. While he doesn’t think it’s the strongest possibility, he doesn’t want to rule it out because they are investigating every single lead. Good news is that he has a great team of lawyers and scientists on the job to clear this up. [Video Interview with Jock Paget]

Speaking of doping, FEI committee members are warning that more scandals within the Endurance world could lead to the elimination of the sport. Pierre Arnould, Belgian national coach and a member of the FEI endurance committee, believes the FEI is not coping with the doping scandal afflicting the second horse sport in which Sheikh Mohammed is the major global player. Aside from doping, stress fractures in the high speed form of endurance racing favored in the Middle East are an escalating concern. Arnould says dozens of horses died in or after competitions during the 2011-2012 Middle East season. [Endurance In Trouble]

The fashion police might have a field day with the crowd this year at Fair Hill. Check out this parade of fancy horse riders wearing their best impressions of “normal people” outfits! Some looked awesome….and some looked inconvenient to run in. Don’t get me wrong, I like to wear clothes that look cool, but at the end of the day, I’m a realist and I worry about my skirt flying up or breaking my ankle in those heels. [A Parade of Shoes]

A slight glove fetish: don’t even try to deny it. If you’re like me, you always wander over to the racks of gloves when you visit the tack store, and try to come up with reasons that you need THAT pair right there. Well, it’s coming up on winter, which means you’ll obviously need several new pairs of gloves to keep your fingers in full working order. My favorites? The Heritage Tackified Pro Air Gloves. Oh my gee give me ten pairs please and thank you! [SmartPak Gloves]

 

Best of Blogs: Backseat Driving with a Hall Of Famer

For those of you wondering how Boyd looked in the jogs yesterday, The Horse Pesterer was on site to help you out.

 

Fair Hill CCI3* Preview

By on Oct 16, 2013 9:00 am -

It’s the last day of my preview mania, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Part III today is the CCI3* division, which is not quite as massive as the CCI2* division, but the numbers are still impressive. With 49 pairs entered, the competition will be fierce. As usual with Fair Hill, a lot of the combinations are using this weekend as a measure of their possible ability to tackle Rolex in the spring. Those who conquer the massive cross-country course and recover the next day are usually well placed, and those who don’t have the whole winter to stew over it. It’s not known as a three-and-a-half-star for nothing.

The horses are already on the grounds, and jogs are held later this afternoon. I now officially know more than I probably ever should about all of the 128 competitors and their horses, and I’m passing the reins to Jenni, who will be your reporter on the ground this weekend.

All Things Fair Hill: [Fair Hill Website] [Entries by Division] [Fair Hill CCI2* Preview: Part I] [Fair Hill CCI2* Preview: Part II]

Nora Battig & Steppin’ Out: I’ve been quite impressed with Nora and her mare every time I’ve seen them out this year. They are new to the Advanced level, but they are lovely on the flat and good through the jumping phases. Fair Hill will be a great challenge for them, and they’re likely missing some experience in order to be really competitive, but they should have a good round nonetheless.

Susan BeeBee & Wolf: Wolf is one of those horses that walks by and you wonder if you can steal his mane late at night and clone him. Susan rides this incredible athlete this weekend in their second CCI3* this year, as they completed the Bromont CCI3* in 14th place. They were also 10th last year at this CCI2*, so they know the lay of the land. Wolf has all the talent in the world and the potential to be a real world beater; it’s just a matter of getting him to quietly put all the pieces together in one weekend.

Emily Beshear & River King: Emily got this horse last fall as a second string backup to her four-star horse Here’s To You, and she has improved his dressage quite a bit, and they are a great cross country pair. Unfortunately, this horse does well until the last day, and then he has a very hard time keeping the rails up. Emily is a total perfectionist, and I’m sure she will figure out a way to change their communication in show jumping, but I’m not sure it will be in time for Fair Hill.

Jessica Bortner-Harris & Win The War: If you could describe Bug in two words, it would be “all heart.” In this way, he represents the OTTB breed perfectly, and Jessica knows it. The relationship between this horse and rider is what pulls them through the weekend. While the flatwork doesn’t always pan out the way Jessica would like, Bug will happily lope through the jumping phases. As long as Jess can hang on when he launches into the air — and (ahem, Jess) aim for the skinny side of the corners this time — she’ll finish well.

Tim Bourke & Luckaun Quality: Tim’s had a great move up to the Advanced level with this horse, and the pair seems more than ready for this next challenge. Their dressage is certainly not something that Tim enjoys, but this big Irish bay gelding jumps around huge courses like it’s nothing. They will enjoy a nice move up the leaderboard after the jumping phases.

Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If she’s not first, she’s second. Jennie and Ping have had a helluva year, with one thing after another coming to bite them in the butt. They bounced back with a brilliant finish in the competitive CIC3* at Plantation, and I expect to see a similar performance from them here. I think a win for these two would be well deserved!

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny & Inmidair: Jan and JR have all the qualities to make it into the top five at the end of the weekend. They have the most experience together of almost any other combination, and they have all the ability in the world. JR is a freak of nature jumper, and — God willing, he doesn’t act silly on the first day — he can lay down a brilliant dressage test. This is my personal favorite pair to root for this weekend.

Kate Chadderton & Collection Pass: Cole is an incredibly careful, scopey jumper, and Kate clearly has an eye for the small bay Thoroughbred type. This pair began their Advanced career in earnest this year and have had several top placings at horse trials; they finished 11th at Cole’s first CCI3* at Bromont. While he is sometimes a little naughty in the dressage, he can make up for it by cruising around the jumping phases like he has springs attached to his legs.

Will Coleman & Conair: This stunning chestnut is a new ride for Will, as he just got him this summer from Rodney Powell in the UK. Joey is a beautiful mover and has quite enough scope for the level, and Will seems to think a lot of him. They’ve only had three competitions to get to know one another, but they seem to get along well. We will see if this weekend is when they put the pedal to the metal or if Will uses it as an educational run for bigger things in the future.

Courtney Cooper & Who’s A Star: After moving up to Advanced early this spring, Courtney and Tag had a great finish at Jersey Fresh CCI3*, finishing in third place with clean jumping efforts. Courtney is super proud of this homebred, but unfortunately since coming back from Bromont they have lost their mojo on cross country. They’ve had multiple problems and then were unfortunately amongst those who took a swim at Plantation in the CIC3*, so when Courtney competes this weekend, she’ll be looking to get her old confident horse back on the cross-country course.

Sally Cousins & Ideal Contini: Taz is Sally’s big-time horse, and he’s got all the athleticism to prove her right. They have the capability to score well on the flat, and Sally could jump a mule through a CCI3* double clean if she had to, so she’ll be doing that easily with Taz. I think she’s really hoping for a top-three finish this weekend, and if she can pull out the stops on the first day, we know she can turn and burn on the second and move up a few spots.

Sally Cousins & Tsunami III: Sally’s second ride, Sue, is distinctly less fond of the dressage but perfectly capable of jumping double clean from there on out. She usually benefits from the bigger events, as she can move up the leader board with ease after the first day. Sue is wonderfully experienced, as is Sally, and these two will be a good round to watch on cross-country day.

Sally Cousins & Ideal Contini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson & Park Trader: Kobe is one of Buck’s top horses, and although the pair had an unfortunate tumble at Burghley, Buck obviously feels confident enough in the horse’s abilities to take him directly to Fair Hill this weekend. Kobe is a brilliant jumper and can score well on the flat, but I think that he’ll stay just outside the top 10.

Buck Davidson & Petite Flower: Buck took this ride over from his student Caroline Martin earlier this year, and the mare has had the bare bones education at the Advanced level, with only one horse trials and one CIC3* on her record. She’s a wonderful mover capable of stunning the crowd on the flat, and she might be tiny but she can seriously jump. Unfortunately, she has a bit of an unpredictable naughty streak on cross country and is known for the occasional run out at big competitions.

Buck Davidson & The Apprentice: Dirk went with Buck to the Saumur CCI3* earlier this spring but was unfortunately eliminated due to an issue with jumping the wrong side of a flag. He’s come back from that just fine and run a few horse trials since then, placing well. They were fifth last year at Galway CCI3*, and seventh at the 2012 Bromont CCI3*. They have plenty of experience together at this level, and I expect a good performance from them.

Ellen Doughty & Sir Oberon: Ellen and Obie have had a spectacular season. Obie is an amazing jumper, and Ellen hopes to cruise around this course and qualify for a spring CCI4*. They are coming off a third-place finish at the Advanced AECs, and she will be thrilled with a solid performance in all three phases and a qualifying score. My money is on this pair to be well placed at the end of the weekend.

Phillip Dutton & William Penn: This horse is huge, and as I watched it at Plantation I was amazed that it’s canter fit in the dressage arena. I don’t think that he has the dressage scores to quite get in the top placings, but he’s perfectly capable of finishing the weekend in the top 20.

Phillip Dutton & Fernhill Fugitive: Yet another Fernhill horse to compete this weekend, this gelding is coming fresh off his win at Morven Park in the Advanced. This pair was also seventh at Bromont CC3* this spring and are poised to do well here this weekend.

Ellen Doughty & Sir Oberon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Eliza Farren & Bantry Bays Dublin: This little Connemara cross does not relish his time in the dressage arena, but he was one of the few successful horses through the Plantation CIC3* water combination, so we know he can run cross country. This will be their first effort at this level, and Eliza will be happy with a nice clear round.

Werner Geven & Vandiver: Vandiver falls into the same category of horses that dislike the dressage phase, and he has a habit of finishing the cross country with a jumping penalty, so I’m sure Werner will be happy to get this horse across the finish line with a clean round on Saturday.

Werner Geven & Vilas County: Werner’s other mount for the weekend also has a hard time on the first day, but had a good round at Poplar CIC3* just recently and should be set up well for this weekend. This pair won’t be competitive, but they have the capabilities to get around just fine.

Katy Groesbeck & Oz The Tin Man: Katy and Oz were leading after the Advanced dressage at the AECs only to have an uncharacteristic blip on cross country. They were leading after cross country at Rebecca Farm CIC3* only to have more rails than usual on the third day and drop down a few notches. This pair is amazing, and they’ll be going to for the gold this weekend, ready to put all three phases together and kick some butt. I’d watch out for these two on the top of the leader board.

Sinead Halpin & Manoir De Carneville: Sinead and Tate really have nothing left to prove, and I bet they’ll be the pair to beat this weekend. They always score incredibly well in the dressage, and Tate barely puts in any effort to get around a CCI3*. Their weakest phase is show jumping, but Sinead has been working really hard all summer at jumper shows, and they have been jumping really clear lately. Unless somebody knocks them off their perch early in the game, you better watch out.

Helen Hayn & Aqua Tom: Helen and Tom are relatively new to the Advanced level and have only completed two this year, including a 28th place at the Plantation CIC3*. I’ve seen them briefly in warm ups this fall, and they have the rights stuff to get around, but their inexperience might show a little over this huge track on Saturday.

Katy Groesbeck & Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Nancy Dein.

Libby Head & Sir Rockstar: Libby and Rocky are amazing over the jumps, and Rocky truly believes that he is a rockstar. However, he is also known for his antics in the dressage ring, so cross your fingers he doesn’t pull out his Lipizzaner moves and that he allows Libby to get through her first CCI3* as she deserves to do.

Lillian Heard & Share Option: Lillian and Whitey are great, and I consider them one of the most stylish pairs out there. They had a bit of an uncharacteristic bobble on cross country at Plantation, and Lillian just popped off after the water. They were fourth at Jersey Fresh CCI3* earlier this spring and can easily put together three good phases to be competitive this weekend.

Jon Holling & Zatopek B: This horse is really lovely, and Jon seems to really believe in him. I think he’s got all the makings of a top level horse, he just hasn’t been able to put them all together yet. He’s coming off a fourth-place finish at the AECs Advanced and has good results at the CIC3* and Advanced level all year, but now is his time to prove himself at the CCI3* level.

Jon Holling & Proper Timing: Jon’s second horse is newer for him, as this partnership just started last year. He’s a lovely horse and fully capable of putting in a nice dressage test that could very well be competitive here. He’s good on the cross country, but as this will be his first CCI3*, Jon might choose to not put the pedal to the metal. I think this will be a great educational experience for a nice horse for future.

Lauren Kieffer & Cosima: While Lauren had a rough go at Boekelo just a few days ago, she’s back in action this weekend with this beautiful mare. She’s had great results all year, placing fifth at Jersey Fresh CIC3*, third at Bromont CIC3* and winning the CIC2* at Richland. Last year, this pair was ninth in the CCI2*, so we know she can run in the mud. I have an inkling that Lauren will be ready to come back to the States and kick some butt this weekend, and Cosi might be her ticket to the front lines.

Caroline Martin & Titanium: Caroline has been enjoying the extra mileage at Advanced on Ty since she took the ride from her coach Buck last fall. Both of these athletes are well equipped to meet the challenge this weekend. They were fourth at the Bromont CIC3*, and this will be their first effort at the CCI3* level. Ty already knows his job, and it will be a great educational weekend for Caroline.

Lauren Kieffer & Cosima. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rachel McDonough & Irish Rhythm: Rachel is fresh out of the Young Rider leagues and made a successful move up to Advanced this spring with this good jumping OTTB she brought up the levels. Riding for Canada, Rachel has some big dreams, and she wants this qualifying result badly. She won’t be competitive in the dressage phase, but this pair is known for their fast cross-country trips, and I don’t doubt they’ll make it through the weekend.

Robert Meyerhoff & Dunlavin’s Token: Bobby and Token completed this CCI3* last year in 18th place and certainly have enough experience at the level to get the job done. Token hasn’t been out since The Fork this April, so I’m afraid he’s bound to be a little rusty at the level.

Julie Norman & Consensus: This pair has not had a lot of experience at the level, but all three of their efforts at Advanced have been successful. With a second place and a win in their first two Advanced HTs, they seem to have a good partnership. This is their first effort at the CCI3* level, and Julie will be happy with a nice clear round to end the weekend.

Selena O’Hanlon & A First Romance: Selena seems to be suffering from some unlucky blips on cross country with this horse recently, and I hope that she’s got that all figured out for this weekend. I think that she won’t be quite competitive enough in the dressage, but if they get their ducks in a row, they will smoke the jumping phases together.

Selena O’Hanlon & Bellaney Rock: Selena and this big chestnut were fourth earlier this spring at the Bromont CCI3* and subsequently 12th at the competitive Richland CIC3*. They’ve been consistently tackling big courses all year and finishing in the upper echelons, and I don’t doubt that they can repeat that kind of performance here this weekend. This horse is a lovely type and lopes around the cross country like it’s nothing.

 Doug Payne & Crown Talisman: Doug is really excited about this horse and rightly so. He’s a beautiful mover and a superb jumper, and Doug has taken his time getting everything just right. He just moved up to the Advanced level this summer, but he’s been getting better and better, finishing with a fourth at Plantation in the CIC3* and a second at the Morven Advanced Championships. I think this weekend just might be Tali’s time to shine, despite the fact that it will be his first effort at the CCI3* level.

Doug Payne & Crown Talisman. Photo by Abbie Golden.

Holly Payne & Madeline: Holly and Baby know each other inside out and, despite their small stature, can play with the big boys over these huge jumps, probably with their eyes closed. They won’t be able to catch those bigger moving horses on the first day, but if they smoke the cross country like I know they can, they should be able to move up quite a bit.

Beth Perkins & Sal Dali: This pair has been around Fair Hill a few times and even Rolex a few times, so they have enough experience to be able to finish the weekend in style. Beth has been in the saddle for longer than some of us have been alive and even competed at the 1974 World Games at the age of 18, where she finished sixth individually. While I don’t expect that these two will win the dressage, I think their combined experience should make this weekend go quite smoothly.

Katie Ruppel & Houdini: Katie’s had a wonderful season with this chestnut OTTB, placing fifth at Jersey Fresh CCI3*, second at Rebecca Farms CIC3* and fifth at the recent Richland Farms CIC3*. They’ve got the moves on the flat, the speed and honesty on cross country, and they have the ability to deliver a good show jumping round too. I expect them to be gunning for a competitive top 10 performance this weekend, and I think that’s not out of sight for these two.

Jimmie Schramm & Bellamy: One of my favorite pairs, Jimmie and Bells will be tackling their first CCI3* together this weekend, and as the pathfinders for the tough Plantation CIC3* a few weeks ago, they smoked the field, and I expect them to repeat that performance. Their dressage will put them in the mid range, but I expect their jump phases to propel them up a bit for a good finish on this incredible jumping horse.

Kim Severson & Fernhill Fearless: The combined talents of Kim on the flat and Sparky over jumps is enough to make anybody quake in their boots. I’ve never known any horse to have such an apt name as this one. Sparky eats cross country like cereal for breakfast and then prances home ready for more. I expect a top 10 finish from these two, but, you know, no pressure, Kim.

 Caitlin Silliman & Remington XXV: Caitlin and Remi have really formed a bond recently, and after their wire-to-wire win of Jersey Fresh CCI2*, they’ve made the move up to Advanced in good form. While both of them separately have experience at the four-star level, this will be their first CCI3* together as a team. Caitlin is incredibly nice and a classy rider, and Remi can totally put together three nice phases to finish well.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lizzie Snow & Coal Creek: In 2008, Devon won the Fair Hill CCI3* with the late Amy Tryon in the irons. This year he returns with Lizzie, who is one of the most stylish riders out there. While they did attempt this competition last year and retired on cross country, they have since done well at Bromont CCI3* in the spring. This pair can put in three nice phases and will be looking for their first clean CCI3* cross-country trip.

 Kaitlin Spurlock & Expedience: Another young, up-and-coming rider, Kaitlin has really stepped up her game as of late. This little chestnut Thoroughbred mare is a real firecracker and lives for the cross country. They were 11th at Jersey Fresh CCI3* earlier this spring and will be looking to clock around with two clean jumping efforts, which is well within their reach.

Erin Sylvester & No Boundaries: Erin and Bucky are a pair you can count on to have an easy clear round in both jumping phases. They have in the past been plagued by Bucky’s attitude in the dressage, but recently have been able to put together some really nice tests, which resulted in their recent third-place finish at the Plantation CIC3*. A top-10 finish would not be out of the question for these two.

Sharon White & Wundermaske: Patch was all ready to go to Blenheim earlier this season before he had a fall at Millbrook that seems to have shaken his confidence. Sharon is a wonderful rider and a conscientious horsewoman, so I trust that she has him back in the good form that earned him a seventh-place finish at Jersey Fresh CCI3* this spring. This pair is capable of putting together three good phases for a nice top-20 result.

Dana Widstrand & Relentless Pursuit: Dana campaigned this horse at Advanced twice last year and finished the Advanced this year at Poplar in good standing, but she has spent the majority of 2013 at the lower levels. She is also coming off a tumble at Morven Park a few weekends ago, so as one of the less experienced pairs here this weekend, I’m sure she will be happy to get around the course.

Katie Willis & Polar Storm: Katie and Polar know how this whole game works, having been competing at the Advanced and three-star level for more than five years now. They’ve finished a fair amount of three-stars, but Fair Hill seems to hold some sort of grudge against them. Polar won’t be able to stay competitive in the dressage arena, but he can put on his big boy pants and jump around for Katie just fine, and I expect them to get the job done this weekend.

Amanda Wilson & Cool Decision: Amanda and this horse completed the CCI2* here last year and have since then moved up to Advanced level. They’ve had moderate success at the CIC3* level and will be hoping to stay calm, cool and collected this weekend for a qualifying score to finish.

Fair Hill International CCI2* Preview: Part II

By on Oct 15, 2013 9:45 am -

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Fair Hill International this year, I’m bringing you not one, not two, but THREE preview posts of all the horse and rider combinations slated to compete this coming weekend. Fair Hill is widely considered to be the toughest CCI2* and CCI3* competition in the United States, and the entries this year are enormous. Today I’ve got the second half of the CCI2* division, as there are 79 total entrants, talk about a competitive division! Without further ado:

[Fair Hill Website] [Entries by Division] [Fair Hill CCI2* Preview: Part I]

Babette Lenna & Little Oliver:  Babette and Oliver moved up to Advanced this summer at Millbrook, and were thrilled to finish their first few horse trials at that level. Oliver is a great jumper, and they have a wonderful relationship. (Oliver even has his own fan club?!) This pair was 8th this spring at the Jersey Fresh CCI2* and their new experience at Advanced will serve them well this weekend.

Wendy Lewis & Sunday’s Edition: Wendy has had a bit of a mixed bag of results coming into this weekend. They moved up to Intermediate last year and had several good results, and this spring they were 3rd at MCTA. They also completed the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh in 22nd place, but have had on and off trouble cross country since then. Hopefully their confidence has been restored after a rough tumble at Plantation Field, and I trust Wendy’s experience to pilot this horse around it’s first CCI2*.

Colleen Loach & Freespirit: While Peter Barry is over in Chantilly preparing for Pau, his groom Colleen enters this weekend with two super competitive horses. Her first mount is a smaller chestnut gelding, but he’s super catty and careful over the fences, and able to make great shortcuts on cross country that save incredible time. I think she’ll be in the top with both of her steeds.

Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue D’Argouges: Colleen’s second horse will probably be more competitive on the flat, and though he might look too large to make the time, she’s been running double clean all season, and I wouldn’t bet against her. I think this horse will easily be in the top ten.

Victoria Long & All That Jazz: This pair moved up to Intermediate last spring, but have been campaigning between that and Preliminary for the past two years. This spring they were 13th at both the Intermediate at Plantation and Fair Hill, and they finished 44th in the CIC2* this fall at Plantation Field. Their dressage has a long way to go before it becomes competitive, but they are accustomed to running double clean cross country and I expect they will be able to do the same here.

Alexandra MacLeod & Railroad Man Jim: This pair has been competing at Intermediate for two years now, and completed this event last fall, finishing in 44th place, as well as completing the CCI2* at Bromont this spring in 11th place. Alex has had a few tumbles this year however, and so she’ll need to pull it all together this weekend to improve upon her performance from last year.

Babette Lenna & Little Oliver (photo courtesy of Hoof Pix® Sport Horse Photography, LLC)

Ashley MacVaugh & Fernhill Can Do: Ashley’s had a good year with this horse, finishing 6th at the Jersey Fresh CCI2* this spring, along with several other good placings at the horse trials level.  They were also 11th at the very competitive CIC2* at Richland this summer. Their dressage is right on the brink of being competitive and I’m hoping they can pull out the stops here this weekend.

Mary Macklin & Mahogany Beauteo: I met Mary and this horse at Millbrook this summer, and they are perfectly matched. They’ve already competed here, as last year they placed 46th, so they’ll have the advantage of knowing the lay of the land already. The mare is a little chestnut thoroughbred firecracker, and while her dressage will not be in the top echelons, these two will fly through the cross country like it’s a breeze.

Boyd Martin & New Cadet: After scurrying back across the ocean following Boekelo, poor Boyd has no time to relax before driving right to Maryland to compete three horses this weekend. His first ride is Caddy, a lovely thoroughbred that moved up to Intermediate this year and will be contesting his first CCI2*. They were 11th at Millbrook and 13th in the competitive CIC2* at Richland.

Boyd Martin & Steady Eddie: Eddie is a super jumping OTTB that Boyd found in Australia while visiting one year, and tried the horse wearing shorts, flip flops and jumped him over logs. He’s the epitome of a tough TB, and has great jumping lines in his breeding too. They’ve had some really good results this year, placing 7th at the Richland CIC2* and 4th at the recent Plantation CIC2*. I think this horse will be in the top ten at the end of the weekend.

Boyd Martin & Pancho Villa: This horse is a new ride for Boyd, as he got him this spring and then promptly injured his ankle and hasn’t really been able to get the partnership going until this summer. However, once they started, they never looked back. They were 2nd at Richland in the Intermediate, won the Plantation CIC2* and went out and won the Intermediate at Morven right after that. He’s a straight Selle Francais, so he might be a little slower than Boyd’s other rides on cross country, but his dressage will make up for that. Not because I’m biased due to the Selle Francais factor, but this horse is my pick to win this division this weekend.

Chelsea Martin & Bleak House: This pair has been campaigning at the Intermediate level for four years now, so they certainly have the experience to tackle their first CCI2* together. They were recently 7th at the Poplar CIC2* and won the Advanced/Intermediate at KY Classique over the summer. They are ready to meet the challenge this weekend.

Boyd & New Cadet (photo by Samantha Clark)

Kurt Martin & Anna Bella: Another pair from EN’s Got Talent, this Holsteiner mare is a true freak of nature jumper, and although she’s relatively new to the Intermediate level, I don’t have any doubt that she’ll be in the top placings here. This pair was 2nd in both the CIC2* at Virginia and the CIC2* at Plantation leading up to this. Her dressage is consistently good, and I’m shocked if I hear that she’s had a jump penalty. This will be her first CCI2*, and she’s still quite young, but I expect her to meet the challenge easily.

Kurt Martin & DeLux Z: Kurt’s second ride is also new to the Intermediate level, having only moved up this spring, but has also had consistently good results. This pair was 7th in the Intermediate at Fair Hill and 9th at the Plantation CIC2*. This Irish gelding is also a very good jumper, and I think will place well, but might have to play second banana to his stablemate.

Tik Maynard & Sapphire: Tik and this horse have a great partnership, and already have been around this course, finishing in 20th place last year. They have the ability to jump clean in both phases, and they’ll be looking to up their game a little on the flat to just reach that new level that puts you in a more competitive spot.

Sean McIntosh & Wild T’Mater: This horse is a super jumper and quite experienced, previously campaigned by Diana Burnett before moving on to show this young rider the ropes. They were recently 7th at Richland in the Intermediate division. While I think their dressage score will keep them out of a competitive spot, the experience of their first CC2* together will be completely worth it.

Robert Meyerhoff & Utah B: This horse was previously campaigned by Bobby’s wife Danica at the 3* level, but has now become his mount. It is a very talented, experienced horse and most recently was 3rd in the competitive Richland CIC2*. I expect these two to be in the top ten at the end of the weekend.

Nilson Moreira da Silva & Muggle: This is a new ride for Nilson, having previously been campaigned by Kate Hicks at the Preliminary level. They’ve only had three runs at this level, most recently 19th at the Richland CIC2*. This will be this horse’s first CCI2*, and Nilson has years of experience to help it around with an educational feel.

Kurt Martin & Anna Bella (photo by Hoof Pix® Sport Horse Photography, LLC )

Holly Payne & Never OutFoxed: I really love this horse, he just screams athlete to me. Their dressage together has been scoring better and better, and the horse is a full thoroughbred that can whiz around the cross country like it’s nothing. This will be his first effort at the CCI2* level, and I expect Holly’s experience to bring him home easily over the finish line, and move up quite a bit on a strong jumping performance.

Alexa Kim Perkiel & Mandiba: I can’t really say anything that you don’t already know about Mandiba, as the horse has already been around the world and back at the 4* level several times. He’s a super consistent, competitive athlete and Alexa is incredibly happy to have the ride on him. They’ve only had 6 competitions together, but have been really successful this year most recently 5th at the Plantation CIC2*. I expect this pair to be in the top 10 at the end of the weekend.

Charles Plumb & Ard Denzil: This pair contested this event last year, but withdrew after a clear cross country effort. They were most recently 36th at the CIC2* at Plantation after a solid dressage effort and a slow cross country round. Charlie’s expertise will be able to easily pilot this horse around this weekend, and they could be competitive if they turn up the heat.

Caitlin Romeo & Spirit Of The Outback: Caitlin and Jake have been quietly campaigning at the Advanced level this year, after a successful move up at Pine Top in the spring. They were unfortunately one of the pairs eaten by the Plantation water complex, but I trust that both are well and ready for this weekend. This horse is a super jumper, and nice on the flat, and I think they can score well. While this isn’t their first time at the rodeo, they have not contested at CCI2* since NAJYRC in 2008, so this will be a good challenge for them.

Emily Rusinyak & Reatta HW: Emily and her mare are new to the Intermediate level, having moved up this year. They’ve had some good results at the horse trials level, recently 4th at Chattahoochee Hills and 34th in the CIC2* at Richland Park. I fear that they won’t score well enough on the first day to be competitive, but the mare is a super jumper and fully capable of getting around their first CCI2*.

Dom Schramm & Cold Harbor: Bo is a really super horse who has all the makings of a top athlete. He’s quite experienced at this level, having competed here two years ago with Boyd Martin in the irons and finishing 15th. This year, Dom has taken over the ride and the pair has been steadily improving their skills, recently placing 3th at the VA CCI*, 9th at the Richland CIC2* and 22nd at the Plantation CIC2*. This pair could be quite competitive, and I peg them in the top 15, at the very least.

Caitlin Romeo and Spirit of the Outback, The Fork Advanced (photo by Jenni Autry)

Jessica Shull & LE Font: This pair moved up to Intermediate this year, and have already had pretty good results. They were 19th at the Chattahoochee CIC2* this spring, and competed in the Intermediate AECs, but ran into some trouble on cross country. Their dressage isn’t quite in the range that will get them a good ribbon, but they should be able to jump around clean and have a good go at their first CCI2*.

Jennifer Simmons & GV Tuscany: This pair campaigned at the Intermediate and Advanced level in 2009 and 2010, and have only recently come back onto the scene in 2013. They’ve had somewhat of a mixed bag of results coming back this year, but their most recent result was 11th at Millbrook in the Advanced. Both rider and horse fully have the capability to complete this weekend, it’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together.

Jennifer Simmons & Lestaire: Jenn’s second mount is also experienced at the Intermediate level, having competed there since 2012 and last year completing this very same event in 29th place. However, they have only completed one event since that time, and I think despite both of their talents that they are bound to be a bit rusty this weekend, which will keep them out of the ribbons.

Allie Knowles & Sound Prospect: This is a very new ride for Allie, as they just got together in July of this year, ringing in their new partnership with a win at Champagne Run in the Preliminary. They were also 2nd at KY Classique in the Intermediate as their prep run for this event. This horse was previously campaigned at the Advanced level by Tessa Beckett on the west coast, and clearly has the talent for the level. This weekend will just be a matter of the two of them working together as best they can for a good finish.

Lizzie Snow & Ringfort Tinkaturk: This pair have all the right ingredients, and I believe that they can be very competitive this weekend. They were 7th this summer at the NAJYRC CCI2* and recently 18th in the Plantation CIC2*. They are consistently good on the flat, and this horse is a super jumper. Lizzie is a classy rider and I know she can get the best out of him this weekend for a good result.

 Benita Strini & Little Swift: Ellis is everybody’s dream horse, in the way that he easily skips around these big Intermediate courses with a loop in his reins. Benita got the ride on him early this year, and they’ve had success at both the Preliminary and Intermediate level. Ellis has previous experience at this level with Lauren O’Brien, so it’s been nice to see this pair getting along so well. They have all the right skills, it’s just a matter of if Benita puts her foot on the pedal on Saturday!

Lizzie Snow & Ringfort Tinkaturk (photo courtesy of Crow's Toes Photography)

Lucia Strini & Petit Filou II: Fi might be the smallest horse to compete this weekend, but her attitude makes her at least 18 hands. This little Wesphalian firecracker of a mare can seriously jump, but containing herself in the dressage is a constant challenge for Lucia. These two will thrive when the jumping gets tough, because Fi’s got it all under control and she can jump the moon.

Laura Vandervliet & Running Wolfe: This pair was 30th here last year in this division, and have spent the 2013 year trying their hand at the Advanced level with some mixed results. This horse won’t be able to be competitive on the first day, but he’s a good running jumping thoroughbred and should be able to move up a bit with solid jumping efforts in the next two phases.

Robin Walker & Freedom’s Light: This horse has been running Intermediate since last year, and has completed both the 2012 Fair Hill CCI2* and the 2013 Bromont CCI2*, finishing 48th and 9th respectively. I don’t believe their dressage will be quite competitive enough, but it’s just enough on the edge that a good performance in the two jumping phases could vault them into a reasonable finish at the end of the weekend.

William Ward & Watermill Time: Watermill Time is an excellent jumper and has been putting in decent performances all year. Despite being new to the Intermediate level, he was recently 19th at the very competitive Plantation CIC2*, jumping one of the few clear rounds in show jumping. I think this event will be a wonderful education for this horse, with perhaps a surprising competitive finish.

Danny Warrington & Will Smith: This horse has been campaigning with Danny at the Intermediate level since 2011, but has been out of commission the majority of the 2013 year, returning late this summer. They were recently 3rd in a division of Intermediate at Morven, and have the potential to score very well on a given day in the dressage and jump clean, I think it’s just a matter of putting everything together for these two this weekend.

Sharon White & Under Suspection: Pippy came from Dirk Schrade in Germany this spring to join Sharon’s fleet of horses, and has had some good results this year. They’ve been in the top 6 of every competition this year together at the Intermediate level, including a 6th place at the Richland CIC2*. While I don’t know Pippy’s previous experience, I can tell you that under Sharon’s guidance this mare could easily be in the top 10 this weekend.

Ryan Wood & Fernhill Classic (photo by Samantha Clark)

Abigail Wilson & Fernhill Flag: This pair was 11th at NAJYRC in the CCI2* this summer, 14th at the Bromont CCI2* this spring and are going for their 3rd CCI2* completion in the year. They also completed this event last year in 42nd place, and will be looking to improve upon that performance. This horse is a great jumper, and can expect to move up some after the second two phases.

Amanda Wilson & Shame On The Moon: These two are relatively new to the Intermediate level, having moved up at Fair Hill this spring. This mare is lovely and Amanda rides her well, but I think that their inexperience will keep them from being competitive this weekend. However, a successful experience at their first CCI2* is a goal within itself, and I think they can achieve that easily.

Ryan Wood & D-Day Vant Plantanenhof: While I do not envy the announcer trying to figure his tongue around this one’s name, I do think that Ryan has a really nice horse underneath him here. They have been competing on and off at the Intermediate level this year, slowly bringing this young horse along. They were recently 14th at the hotly contested Plantation CIC2*, easily conquering the jumping phases on top of a solid dressage score.

Ryan Wood & Frankie: Ryan’s second ride is also a really lovely type, who finished 11th in the Plantation CIC2* recently, while not really hitting the accelerator on cross country. This horse is really lovely on the flat and can jump with the best, and I expect he’ll find his way into the top placements.

Ryan Wood & Fernhill Classic: As is tradition now, Ryan has more rides than anybody else in this division. His final horse is an incredible competitor that has potential for the very top levels, and will get a great education here at his first CCI2*. They were recently 15th at the Plantation CIC2*, and I know Ryan has high hopes for this horse’s future, so he’s one to watch this weekend.

 

 

 

Badminton & Burghley Winner Clifton Promise Tests Positive for Banned Substance

By on Oct 15, 2013 7:54 am -

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise at Badminton (photo by Jenni Autry)

Horse & Hound has reported that Jock Paget’s Badminton & Burghley winner, Clifton Promise, has tested positive for a prohibited substance following his Burghley win in early September. As a result of that, both Jock and Promise have been suspended from all national and international competitions for two months, beginning immediately until further information can be acquired.

Promise has tested positive for Reserpine, which acts as an intense tranquilizer and is on the FEI Prohibited Substance List. According to the FEI these are: “substances that have been deemed by the FEI to have no legitimate use in equine medicine and/or have a high potential for abuse i.e. human antidepressants, antipsychotics, nervous system stimulants, etc”

H&H Reports:

H&H could not reach Jock for comment, but a statement from Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) said: “Surrey-based Paget was understandably shocked at the finding. “He and all relevant parties state categorically that none of them have taken any actions with the intent of administering any prohibited substance. “ESNZ and Paget are establishing a likely cause of the positive test and will provide submissions to the FEI Tribunal as required.”

The FEI Tribunal’s list of pending cases also shows that Clifton Pinot, ridden by Jock’s mentor — Australian Eventer Kevin McNab — also tested positive for the same substance at Burghley.

[Full H&H Report]

Paget Eventing’s page on Facebook has released the statement below. The ESNZ statement stands behind Jock and everyone involved 100%. [ESNZ Statement]