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Leslie Threlkeld

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Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

Erin Jarboe, Sir Rockstar and Libby Head. Photo by Karolina Sabonaityte.

Libby Head’s four-star pocket rocket, Sir Rockstar, is enjoying the limelight at Training level with UGA student Erin Jarboe. They just won the Training Rider-A division at Pine Top’s Thanksgiving Horse Trials this weekend, which officially wrapped the 2017 eventing year. Check out Erin’s shirt: Red [wine] on the right, white [wine] on the left, cross country in the middle. This girl is after our own hearts!

National Holiday: Cyber Monday (can’t stop, won’t stop shopping for horse stuff)

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Oliver Townend won his second Burghley CCI4* title in September. Check out this interview where he reveals his biggest accomplishment, what it means to win the big ones, and where he places emphasis in his business. [6 Things to Know About Oli Townend]

We all know that proper saddle fit is critical to a horse’s comfort and performance, and proper fit changes as a horse’s muscles develop through exercise or diminish during time off. Here are some important points to remember when it comes to saddle fit. [9 Points of Saddle Fit]

Pastures looking pitiful? There is hope! Rest, reseeding and good maintenance can bring your pastures back to life. [Improving Pastures Through Renovations]

Monday Video: Unicorn on course!

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Black Friday Edition

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

In honor of the wild and crazy excuse for a shopping spree that is Black Friday, we’re featuring horses listed for sale on Sport Horse Nation that are black, mostly black, or dark bay. Happy shopping!

Ollie. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

* Fancy Black 7yr old IMPORTED ISH Ready for Prelim! *

Ollie is a 17.1 (7 yr old) Imported Black ISH w/Stripe finishing on dressage scores at Training level! Just completed a P/T with dressage score of 36 & clear stadium!

Big Black Fancy Boy w/Stripe & 3 stockings by Big Sink Hope. In your pocket pony personality & wants to be your best friend. Striking looking boy who really enjoys his job! Completed 4 Trainings on his super incredible dressage scores with no jump penalties and ready to go on now.

Very easy, safe. AR/YR/Junior mount. Very brave & Flashy! Same at shows as he is at home. Price will increase after he goes Prelim later this year. Great opportunity to get a quality young “trained” horse with very low miles. This horse is the real deal & not to be missed!

Show Record: ☆ 2nd place on dressage of 30.3! ☆ 4th place on dressage of 30! ☆ 6th place on dressage of 28.8!☆ 2nd Place at 1st P/T Schooling show w/Dressage of 36!

Price will continue to increase with show miles. Genuine upper level potential but kind, straightforward & easy enough for an amateur. He is fit & can be tried in Ocala. More pics & videos available upon request. 5* home a must! Located in Florida.

Bling. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Bling~Lovely BN Eventer

Bling is a 2007 16.2h Pinto Warmblood mare. She has placed 3rd on her dressage score in both of her recognized BN HT and is talented enough to do at least Training level. She is quiet, forgiving of mistakes, brave, uncomplicated, and a good mover. Go to dressage shows, do the jumpers, and event. She is an easy and safe partner for Jr/Yr/AA. Located in South Carolina.

Mr. Magic Man. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Mr. Magic Man- 2011 16.3 Irish Sport Horse G

Merlin is a 2011 16.3 dark bay Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lancelot – Clover Mill). This impressive young horse has been brought along in a professional program by a young rider. He has show jumped through 1.15 and evented training level successfully.

Three good gaits and a soft, correct jumping style. Merlin is brave to the fences, kind, and very trainable. Suitable for a junior, young rider, or professional to develop. Located in Florida.

Quite an American. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lovely Young Novice Gelding

Quite An American is a 16.3H, TB, G, 2012 model who has been competing at Novice this season. Last two horse trials (Jumpstart and Chatt Hills) he has finished 2nd and 3rd. Dressage scores in upper 20s/low 30s (24.7 at Chatt Hills), clean XC, and easy enough SJ- loose ring snaffle all 3 phases.

He has a great mind and hacks around on the buckle at new venues, ties, loads, clips, blankets. Good for farrier and vet- sound and full set of xrays from this year available. Would be suitable for ambitious adult amateur or teen to move up the levels or he would be happy to run lower levels as well with his amazing attitude. Located in Kentucky.

Mr. Congrats. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

He s Got Real Jump

4yr 16h TB C…Mr. Congrats 12 lifetime starts ..RRP eligable last start 11/2016. Had PPE And xrays n wind scope when purchased at track. Has had almost year of let down and turn out a handful, of rides Pessoa Lunge and loose school. Well mannered non coltish behavior very easy to live with. JC papers in hand. Super YEH Prospect, Jumper or eventer. Nice Sports Horse Stallion Prospect. Huge jump scope. Located in Maryland.

Winning Vowcher. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Winning Vowcher

Talented and scopey gelding destined for upper levels. 16.2, 2009 OTTB gelding. Vinnie has all the makings of a higher level event horse for an ambitious rider.

Simple, single jointed snaffle for all 3 phases, schooling 1.15m-1.20m stadium at home, confirmed flat work including leg yield, shoulder in, haunches in, lead changes and counter canter. Bold, respectful and brave cross country.

Limited show miles due to owner time constraints but Vinnie has been in professional training and is fit and ready to compete now, take him to FL for the winter and clean up in 2018!

Easy to keep, good feet and thick boned. Full PPE with clean X-rays performed in 2016. Lives in or out, no vices. Located in Kentucky.

Odie. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Super talented winning 5 yr old with upper level potential

“Odie” is a 5 yr old, 16.3h unraced Thoroughbred gelding with serious talent and loads of scope with upper level potential. This gelding was bred, raised, and started by us, no injuries, and a soft mouth. He has exceptional uphill gates, a correct jump, excellent conformation, and has a ton of scope.

Odie has won the YEH last year @ Galway and and most recently finished on his dressage score at Galway’s International Event! In full training with a professional and priced to sell as owner can no longer afford him through difficult circumstances. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, he checks all the boxes!! Located in California.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ocala Jockey Club CCI2* Water Montage

Our friends at RNS Video are back with another awesome montage, this time from last weekend’s Ocala Jockey Club International. Watch these CCI2* combinations tackle the Clubhouse Water. You’ll see some pairs go through the four fence question smooth as glass while others get scrappy to make it happen. For more videos from RNS, visit their YouTube channel.

The feeling you get when it’s just you and your horse

It’s why we do what we do.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula that was developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse. Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The fat found in rice bran is an extraordinary source of dietary energy. In fact, fat contains more than two times the energy that carbohydrates and proteins do, thereby fueling horses more efficiently. Fat is considered a “cool” feedstuff because it does not cause the hormone spikes that lead to excitability. Adding stabilized rice bran to your horse’s diet allows you to decrease the amount of starchy concentrates (grains) you feed, reducing the risk of colic and laminitis resulting from grain overload. Equi-Jewel is an excellent source of calories for horses on low sugar and starch diets.

It is why the horse that matters to you matters to us. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Superb Packers

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Looking for a packer who can show you the ropes and give you a valuable boost in confidence? Here are five packers at various levels that are for sale on Sport Horse Nation!

Jazzy. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Ultra Jazzy – Great Mover Training Packer 16.2H

Jazzy is a 2009 16.2 bay Appendix gelding. He successfully competed through the training level. He has great gaits and a wonderful personality. Ties, clips, loads and is easy to work with on the ground. Placed 1st at Chatt Hills and Colorado Horse Park in Training Rider. Located in Texas.

Ella. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Casino Royale~ Beautiful BN/N Packer with Top placings

Ella is a 2008 16h Bay Holsteiner Mare. She has a fabulous record at BN and Novice, with top placings at Training level as well. Very correct on the flat w lovely gaits. Judges always love her. Smart and stylish jumper. Sweet, easy, quiet natured. No silly business, ever.

Always tries and focuses on her work. No hormones needed. Only for sale because rider wishes to go 2* and Ella seems best suited to being an extremely reliable and competitive lower level partner. Suitable for Jr/YR/AA. This is the hard to find packer: Correct, fancy, beautiful, young, sound, kind, and generous. Recent placing of 3rd at ON on a 27. Located in Georgia.

Novice Packer. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Novice Packer with Talent for Lots More

5yo by the esteemed Fleetwater Opposition, the same sire as 4* phenom Opposition Buzz. This spectacular young horse has the easiest disposition! So kind, generous, brave, willing, fun. Packer at novice, ready for training, scope to go upper levels but the mind for anyone. All phases in snaffle, auto changes, very brave and exceptionally willing and forgiving. Located in Kentucky.

Queen of Spades. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Prelim/ One Star packer 2017 NAJYRC HORSE

NAJYRC HORSE “QUEEN OF SPADES”. Queen of Spades aka “Millie” is a 16.1H 11 year old Thoroughbred mare. Millie is the sweetheart of the barn and super easy to handle/trailer/clip etc. The past three years Millie has brought her young rider up to the one star level and competed at NAJYRC this year.

Millie has been solid at prelim for two years now and competed in 3 one stars this year all with clean cross country rounds. Millie is a cross country machine and a huge confidence builder. Looking for the absolute perfect home for this special horse.

This season results: Sporting Days Farm- 5th in the JYOP; Carolina International- Completion in the CIC*; Ocala International- Completion in the CCI*; Groton House Farm- 3rd in the JYOP; NAJYRC at Rebecca Farm, Kalispell, MT- Completion in the CCI*. Located in New Hampshire.

Training Packer. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Imported 16.1 ISH YR/AM Safe Training Packer w/plenty Prelim/1* Miles

* Training Packer * 2004 Gray 16.1 Imported ISH Training Packer completed several 1*’s in Ireland before being imported in 2014. This sweet boy took his junior rider from Beginner Novice to Prelim in 18 months! This is a very sad sale as rider has outgrown & he is very much loved!! He has only had 2 owners/homes his entire life.

He is a saint on the ground, easy to do anything with. He is very straight forward who loves his job & is a cross country machine, he has never said no to any xc fence & super tidy jumper who loves to leave all the rails up!~ He is a fancy mover, loves to compete & go anywhere. Easy to hack alone, bareback, gallop, trailer, clip, you name it! He has been and will be a great teacher for his next rider.

If you’re looking for a seasoned and competitive partner, please inquire as we are only looking for a 5* home. Great move up horse from pony, mother/daughter share and/or JR Amateur packer. Snaffle mouth & no vices! The smiles he has put on his riders faces are priceless! Located in Florida.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Return to Ocala Jockey Club

The $100,000 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event got under way today with the first horse inspection for the CCI* and CCI2* (Jenni will be along soon with a jog report!).

After a successful inaugural year, OJC fast became a fall destination for FEI eventers and with around 170 horses between the CCI*, CCI2* and CIC3* for this year’s edition we are in for another incredible competition.

2016 CCI2* winner Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream have returned to contest the CIC3* this year. She’s also entered with her longtime partner Harbour Pilot and Strattonstown Lewis in the CCI*.

Let’s look back at Hannah Sue and Cooley Dream’s run around last year’s OJC CCI2* thanks to official videographer RNS Video.

Keep it locked on EN all weekend for coverage. Go eventing.

Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day International Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

The feeling you get when it’s just you and your horse

It’s why we do what we do.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula that was developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse. Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The fat found in rice bran is an extraordinary source of dietary energy. In fact, fat contains more than two times the energy that carbohydrates and proteins do, thereby fueling horses more efficiently. Fat is considered a “cool” feedstuff because it does not cause the hormone spikes that lead to excitability. Adding stabilized rice bran to your horse’s diet allows you to decrease the amount of starchy concentrates (grains) you feed, reducing the risk of colic and laminitis resulting from grain overload. Equi-Jewel is an excellent source of calories for horses on low sugar and starch diets.

It is why the horse that matters to you matters to us. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

David Taylor Selected for Virginia Horse Trials Course Designer Mentor Program

David Taylor on course at Virginia Horse Trials in October 2017. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Last year David Taylor, of Keymar, MD, realized he wanted to be more than just a competitive eventer. He wanted to give back to the sport but at the time he wasn’t sure how. It wasn’t until he read an article on the United States Eventing Association (USEA) website about becoming a cross-country course designer that it finally clicked.

“Cross-country course design has always been intriguing to me, trying to understand why questions are being asked,” said Taylor, an Intermediate level eventer. “I think all riders need to understand this phase better and try to learn why jumps are where they are and why a course takes the shape that it does. This intrigued me beyond anything and was something I really wanted to look more into.”

Taylor signed up for the USEA’s B & C Jumping/Course Design Training Program last February and is now certified to design cross-country courses up to Training level. After the training session, he began apprenticing with whomever he could to further his education. Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) organizer Andy Bowles noticed Taylor’s diligence and invited to him to be the newest participant of VHT’s Course Designer Mentor Program.

“David is eager to gain as much knowledge as possible and is willing to put himself out there and work for it. He has a lot of drive and a lot of passion which makes him a good fit for our program,” Bowles said.

Bowles introduced the Course Designer Mentor Program in 2015 to encourage the development of the sport and provide a valuable educational opportunity for someone pursuing a career in cross-country course design.

“Part of our role as event organizers is to support bringing in new designers and help train them,” Bowles said. “It is an important process to help young designers learn from senior designers. By doing that we develop the pool of designers in this country.”

As the newest member of the VHT design team, Taylor was given the responsibility of designing the Beginner Novice and Novice courses for the October horse trials with guidance from course designer John Michael Durr. He also shadowed Bowles, Durr, and FEI course designer Captain Mark Phillips as they set the one-star and two-star courses.

“David is showing real potential as a designer. He has a good eye and is eager to learn. At Virginia he was very studious and an asset to the team,” Durr said.

Taylor’s philosophy while designing his courses for VHT was to provide a fun and safe test for all horses and riders at the level whether they were competing in their first recognized event or getting ready to move up.

“My goal was design something that I can get everyone safely around but challenging enough that they would enjoy it. Show them something they may not have seen but don’t ask them a question they don’t know how to answer. It’s supposed to be educational for them. At the lower levels that’s really what it’s about,” Taylor said.

The experience of designing and setting his first proper courses and participating in the Mentor Program has been no less than “intense” and Taylor said he gained a tremendous amount of respect for course designers and the work they do.

Taylor is working towards earning his USEF “r” Eventing Course Designer license which would certify him to design through Preliminary. He will meet several of the requirements through the VHT Mentor Program and looks forward to continuing his education.

“I cannot adequately express my sincere appreciation to Andy for becoming the cornerstone of my course designing career,” Taylor said. “Additionally many thanks to John Michael for sharing his experience with me and his guidance in proper design, and to Captain Mark Phillips for the valuable time spent with a course design greenhorn.”

From a Virginia Horse Trials press release.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbXJnebldDy/?taken-by=willcolemanequestrian

This is my favorite time of year. Crisp, fall days are my absolute favorite. Bundling up in layers and unpacking my favorite winter hats and scarves. Cooking comforting soups and relaxing by a cozy fire. At the barn the horses are fresh and lively and the anticipation of the new year is invigorating but seems far enough away to just enjoy a stress-free ride. What is your favorite part of fall?

National Holiday: Actor’s Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

The BC Young Riders are holding their 2nd annual online auction! All money is used to subsidize Young Rider clinics, coaching and course walks at events, support for a destination event, and the NAJYRC. There are several items up for the bid including lessons/coaching from former BC riders – Tik Maynard, Danica Meyerhoff, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, Dana Cooke, Holly Jacks-Smithers – PLUS Mark Todd clinic, Rebecca Farms event entry, Sagmae Gift Certificate, Cat Skiing at Mustang Powder and so much more! The auction ends November 18th at 7 p.m. PST. [Click here to bid!]

The equine veterinary world is still on the hunt for a more affordable way to diagnose gastric ulcers in horses. A gastroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it is expensive and complicated. It was hoped that a new blood test that measures sucrose levels would be a potential solution, but the results were not 100% accurate. All is not lost, however, as sucrose may be yet be a useful “marker of gastric injury”. [Blood Test Misses Mark for Diagnosing Ulcers]

Have you been struggling to settle into the torture of #NoStirrupNovember? You are not alone! What you need are some helpful tips from an expert to get the most of stirrup-less sessions. The USEF Learning Center has a new video featuring Show Jumping Hall of Famer Anne Kursinski. She discusses the benefits of riding without stirrups and shares some helpful exercises along the way. [Riding Without Stirrups with Anne Kursinksi]

Rebecca Farm already hosts a world-class three-day event. This winter they will try their hand at organizing a skijoring competition! This involves a horse and rider pulling an athlete on snow skis through gates and over jumps. It sounds almost as thrilling as eventing! [Rebecca Farm to Host Skijoring Competition]

A recent survey revealed that bullying is rife within the professional equestrian world, particularly for grooms. The survey, conducted by the British Grooms Association, listed 70% of grooms as having been bullied by an employer or co-worker and 83% of them say they are suffering from stress or mental wellbeing issues as a result. The Grooms Minds project is calling for a change in the industry. [Grooms on the edge as bullying revealed]

Hot on Horse Nation: Five places you don’t have to splurge for your horse

Monday Video:  The Ocala Jockey Club International is this week!

#NoStirrupNovember Check In: Jelly Legs Be Gone!

We’re almost half-way through #NoStirrupNovember 2017 and we thought we’d check in and see how you brave souls are holding up. If you’ve been diligent in practice, the post-ride jelly legs of week one should be subsiding. The stirrup-less work is hopefully getting easier and you’re noticing an improvement in your balance and position.

Everyone works through No Stirrup November differently, whether they chuck their irons in a tack box for the month or drop them periodically throughout a ride. You’ve got to do what works best for you and your horse!

My strategy is to cross my stirrups for 10 minutes or so after a good warm-up. Because I have a young horse, I’ve been sticking to short spurts of sitting and posting trot without stirrups. I’ll also drop them during walk breaks and practice keeping my heels down. When I pick my stirrups up again, I notice I’m definitely sitting taller and straighter which helps my horse go better.

So remember, you don’t have to go the whole month without stirrups. Even a little no stirrup work goes a long way!

And so it begins… #NoStirrupNovember #feeltheburn #workout #basics #fundamentals #foundation #torture

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#nostirrupnovember – definitely getting better!!

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#nostirrupnovember for Guinness and @sofiehjohnson this morning! #teamwildwood #ridewild

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Kickin’ the dust up with my favorite guy. #nostirrupnovember #TheGreatTyrone #dressage

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No one is safe from #nostirrupnovember – not even the beginners! #inmyhappyplace #horses #thisisthebeginning #equestrian

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The Western world joins the fun, too!

Keep up the good work!

Sunday Videos: Galway Downs Training Three-Day Top 3

The traditional long format is alive and well through the USEA Classic Series. A long format event is a monumental undertaking for both the organizers and the competitors. They certainly take more time, land and manpower to host. For the riders, they must plan their conditioning program carefully and prepare for months.

Galway Downs in Temecula, Ca. ran the final Classic Series event of 2017 earlier this month (if you missed our coverage, click here!). Thanks to the fine folks at Ride On Video, we can watch the top three finishers of the Training Three-Day as they take on Phase D of endurance day. Remember, these horse and rider combinations have already done two phases of roads and tracks and run steeplechase. All three of these pairs ultimately finished on their dressage score. Well done!

Do you dream of riding in a long format? The USEA has tons of fitness tips and other advice on their website. Now is the time to plan your 2018 season and a long format is an admirable (and attainable!) goal. Remember, the series can’t continue without you! Long live the long format!

1st place: Jordan Linstedt and Janine Jaro’s Staccato

2nd: Mackenna Shea and Judith McSwain’s Fleeceworks Ghost

3rd: Amaya Davis and her own Evening Attire

Click here for full results and here to see more videos from Ride On Video.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Future Best Friends

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

At the end of a long work day, you just want to go to the barn and hang out with your horse whether you spend the time doting on him in the barn or hacking out or schooling. Here are five amateur and junior friendly horses of varying levels that are looking for their next best friend.

Reeves. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Classy 16hh 2013 gelding. Eventing experience, and ready to Fox Hunt

Reeves has been my personal pet for the past year. He is the most genuine horse in the barn with a heart of gold. Reeves spent the 2017 season with BN events, novice CTs, hunter paces, and the RRP. He has been several places xc schooling and is very brave. Reeves has a great attitude and will put a smile on your face everyday. He is ready to be someone’s best friend and will always show up for work. He will be out hunting in the next few weeks!

Reeves has great balanced gaits, a flying change, and an adorable, scopey jump. He had tons of potential to move up the levels if you desire, or to hit the trails and hop over logs. He is suitable for an ammy looking for a fun, sound, safe horse. Located in Kentucky.

Born Ready. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Born Ready

Red is an eight year old 16.1hh ottb. He has been successfully competing at the intermediate and two star level. He has multiple wins throughout his career most recently he won the CIC** at the Horse Park of New Jersey this past summer as well as a win in the intermediate at Waredaca.

Red is very broke in all three phases and shows great potential to be an upper level campaigner for a professional or as an amateurs/young riders one star winner. Don’t miss this great opportunity to own a young and experienced thoroughbred. Located in Pennsylvania.

Thymeless. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Thymeless, Perfect for NAJYRC or Adult Amateurs

Lily is a 16.2, 2005 British Thoroughbred mare. She is an eventer/schoolmaster who has competed successfully through prelim level. She competed on the u18 circuit in England, qualifying for Badminton Grassroots where she was placed third after the dressage. Was moved to America in 2016 as owner began college in Virginia.

Here she has competed both training and prelim level. She is very straightforward, knows her job very well, and is laid back and eager to please. Only being sold due to financial reasons, and is of no fault of her own. Located in Virginia.

Mox A Million. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Athletic gelding ready to move up the levels

Mox A Million- 16.2hh 8yo TBcross gelding. Moxi is a true competitor, nice mover with an athletic jump. Careful in the show jumping but bold and fun cross country, will excel through the levels quickly. Dressage scores in the mid 20s, great demeanor and easy to handle at home and shows.

Hacks out alone and in company, great for farrier, vet, baths, trailering and clipping. Moxi is a favorite in the barn with his loving and goofy personality. Would make a wonderful YR or adult amateur horse. Located in Virginia.

Linus. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Novice/Training Event Horse

2008, 16’1 hand Tb gelding with lots of BN and Novice level experience. Linus has been on lease with adult amateur looking to regain her confidence jumping but is now back in Aiken, SC competing training level this fall and winter.

He is easy around the barn, trailering and at shows. Super honest to jump, goes cross-country in egg-butt snaffle. Linus would suit any adult or junior looking for a competitive horse with some experience. Located in Georgia.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Help Ensure the Future of the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award

Kendal Tracy, second from right, won the 2016 Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award. Pictured with Allison Springer, Max Corcoran and Lynn Symansky. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will you be in Florida for the Ocala Jockey Club International Horse Trials next week and need a final prep? Maybe you’re just looking to get in the show jumping ring for stress-free practice. You’re in luck! Mardanza Farms in Ocala is hosting a jumper schooling show and it’s for a good cause: to ensure the future of the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award.

The Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award is given annually to an eventing groom, nominated by riders and peers, who has gone above and beyond caring for the horses in his or her charge and positively impacted a rider’s career as a result.

Since the start of the award in 2011, a $5,000 cash gift has been given to the recipient. These are the individuals who have so far been honored with this award:

2011: Lindsey Taylor, groom for Boyd Martin

2012: Emma Ford, groom for Phillip Dutton

2013: Kathleen Blauth, groom for Buck Davidson

2014: Stacey Driscoll, groom for Ryan Wood

2015: Shannon Kinsley, groom for Lauren Kieffer

2016: Kendal Tracy, groom for Lynn Symansky

The Event Riders Association of North America has a chance to ensure that this award will live on, but they need help. Liz Cochran groomed for Abigail Lufkin, and the Lufkin family has pledged to give $50,000 to endow the award if ERAofNA can match that amount. With $100,000 in the bank, the award will support itself through interest gained each year.

Efforts to raise the money have already begun, but there is still a long way to go. There are many ways to help!

  • Practice show jumping in a fun schooling environment this Monday, November 13 at the gorgeous Mardanza Farms in Ocala, FL. It’s the perfect final prep for the Ocala Jockey Club International or valuable practice for next season. Chris Barnard will be designing courses on Wordley-Martin footing for three-star all the way down to Beginner Novice level. Register on arrival (but organizer Sara Kozumplik Murphy wouldn’t mind a heads up for how many horses you plan to bring for each level). 8:00 a.m. start beginning with three-star and working their way down. $50 first ride, $30 for each additional ride and special prizes for anyone who donates $250 or more. All proceeds go to the endowment of the Groom’s Award. Click here for more information.
  • ERAofNA is asking for donations to a silent auction. You can donate art, lessons, entries, vacations, tack, riding apparel. “Think outside the box!” says Sara, an ERAofNA Founding Riders Advisory Board Member. Contact her on Facebook for more information. Here is the link to the auction! Start bidding!
  • If you’d like to make a direct, tax-deductible donation to the USEA Foundation, there will be a link available soon (we’ll add it here) to make a donation online. Or, you can write a check with “Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award Donation” in the memo, and mail to the address below:

USEA Foundation
525 Old Waterford Rd. NW
Leesburg, VA 20176

“Grooms are the backbone of our sport. There is absolutely no way there would be any success without them,” Sara says.

We agree. Let’s show our appreciation!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Just You and Your Horse

The barn is our sanctuary, our happy place, and our horses are our best friends and therapists. No matter how stressed we’ve been at work or in our personal lives, we all know the peace that overcomes us when we walk into the barn. When your horse nickers a greeting. When you share a quiet moment grooming, grazing, or riding.

None of us started on this journey, a life with horses, to win ribbons and medals. We’re in it for much more than that. It’s the friendship and the partnership we need.

Need to preserve healthy joints?

Ask your vet about JointWise™.

JointWise:

  • Maintains a balanced immune response within the joint, decreasing damaging inflammation and the development of osteoarthritis
  • Preserves fluid motion and flexibility
  • Supplies the building blocks necessary to support normal cartilage growth and the regeneration of damaged tissues
  • Sustains ample high-quality synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joints

For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

My baby horse simply could not be cuter. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

The show season is winding down with only a few more events on the calendar for 2018 (also, how is it November already?). Winter is a great time for clinics, schooling shows, and having stress-free fun with your horse. To help you find these opportunities, we’ve brought back our What’s Happening series, EN’s guide to clinics and schooling shows throughout the country during the off-season. Check it out!

National Holiday: National Nachos Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs: WebsiteResultsLive StreamEN’s CoverageEN’s TwitterEN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop Farm November H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Some of our eventing officials will soon retire and the training of the next generation of judges, technical delegates and course designers is paramount. An anonymous donor has issued a challenge to the USEA membership to raise funds to support training grants and educational programs for young officials. For every dollar donated, the donor will match it, up to $25,000. [Double the Value of Your Gift]

With freezing temperatures comes stiff, creaky, painful joints. If you’re feeling the cold in your knees and ankles, your four-legged friends might be too. Horses with degenerative joint disease may need extra attention to ensure their comfort and mobility through winter. Here’s how you can help. [Cold Weather Challenges for Horses with Osteoarthritis]

When Bertram Allen’s horse Quiet Easy II was disqualified from a show jumping competition for a minuscule mark on his flank earlier this year, the result was a call for a critical look at the blood rule. The FEI has proposed new wording for National Federations to consider and respond to before the upcoming FEI General Assembly. [Blood in spotlight as FEI proposes new show jumping rules]

Hot on Horse Nation: The #LegsofSteelChallenge

Monday Video: David O’Connor riding Gomarus at Rocking Horse last weekend. Is DOC making a competition comeback? 

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Good Mares

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

They say that if you can get a good mare on your side, she’ll be your best horse. Loyal, hard working and tough. Plenty of people out there won’t give a mare a chance because they think she’ll be hormonal all the time, but they’re missing out on a horse that will give you everything she’s got and then some. Here are five good mares for sale on Sport Horse Nation this week.

Page Too. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Horse for Sale: Page Too, 15.3+ h 2014 model TB

Page Too, 15.3+ h 2014 model TB… just showed absolutely no interest in the race track! A very good girl, she has started over fences and has even been to her first hunter show! Very brave, hacks out, no soundness issues or vices. Ready to start a new career, we just have too many! Located in Maryland.

Neila. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Horse for Sale: “Neila” out of 3* mare Lucinda II by the TB stallion Salute the Truth.

FMF Red Shift (aka Neila), home bred July 2011 chestnut mare. She is out of the 3* mare Lucinda II by the TB stallion Salute the Truth. That makes her about 7/8ths tb. Her dam’s sire is the famous Irish horse King of Diamonds.

Neila has run a few successful trainings. She will be in Ocala from October to April. Is flashy on the flat and brave to the jumps. She is a solid 15.3+ and is still growing. Located in Maryland.

Harriet. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Harriet- Brave WB Mare

Harriet is a 2011, 16hh reg Westphalian mare. She has been started dressage, shown hunters, and schooled cross country- she could happily go any direction. She is not mare-ish at all and is as honest and straightforward as they come.

By no fault of her own, she has had limited miles and is still quite green. She has 3 beautiful gaits and a one-in-a-million personality, she is a lovely mare for anyone to bring along. Locatedi n California.

Roz. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Amateur friendly CIC 2* mare

BC Serendipity won the USEA Blue ribbon award at the Preliminary level in 2016 and competed successfully at Intermediate in 2017 with a 2nd, 3rd and 7th in the CIC2*. “Roz” was ridden by an amateur at beg. novice and novice until 2016 (so very low miles) and was safe enough to take an amateur beg. novice the same year as running intermediate.

Roz has very solid flat work with lovely changes, lateral work and comfortably jumps 1.20m. She hacks out well. She requires no maintenance and has great feet. No vices.

Roz is a full sister to multiple Rolex starter Honor Me and the late Smart Move (CCI 3*). Priced to sell at 30K US. 14yr old 15.3hh. Suitable for keen young rider to get upper level miles or teach someone new the ropes. She is a Welsh Sport Horse. Located in British Columbia.

Piper. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Novice level event pony and 1.10 M Pony jumper mare

Piper has competed 3 novice level events with 0 stadium and only 1 xc penalty, can easily move up to training. She is a confirmed pony jumper at 1.10 M winning in the Child/Adult jumper classes as well as getting good ribbons at Devon in the pony jumpers.

Qualified and competed at Pony Finals for her first time this year with her 13 year old rider who has brought her along in both eventing and the jumpers. Tidy jumper, rides like a little sportscar at 13.1H.

Foxhunts first flight keeping up with the big horses first field. Low maintenance pony that a small adult or kid can have fun on in multiple disciplines. This is not a beginner pony. Located in Maryland.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

US Equestrian Adds Support for Frangible Technology Requirements

Photo courtesy of ERA International

National federations, events and organizations continue to speak up in support of the USEA’s recent statement calling for compulsory use of frangible technology on all open rail fences, gates, oxers and oxer corners on cross country. US Equestrian announced yesterday where they stand on the matter.

“The United States Equestrian Federation supports the recent statement made by our Eventing Affiliate, the United States Eventing Association, regarding the use of reverse frangible technology,” USE said in a statement. “The welfare and safety of our equine and human athletes must always be our highest priority and we appreciate the efforts being made by the USEA to study this issue and make recommendations that support this priority.”

Tattersalls International Horse Trials added their support this week also. Event Director Jean Mitchell MBE released a statement saying, “At Tattersalls, we strongly believe that that the time has come for the FEI to make full use of the already approved, available and suitable ‘frangible technology’ by making it ‘compulsory’ for the types of fences that are appropriate – rather than simply to ‘recommend’ their use!”

In addition, the Event Riders Association of North America shared the following on Facebook: “The Eventing Riders Association of North America stands firmly alongside the USEA in their recommendation…The ERA of NA works to improve the overall safety, welfare, visibility and the growth of the sport of eventing and in this spirit believes current safety technologies should be utilized at all times.”

The USEA’s original October 18 statement read:

“The time has come to take a stronger stance on the usage of frangible technology in the sport of eventing. We as the leaders of the sport have the moral obligation to say that the time for use of all currently available safety technology is now.

“With that in mind, the USEA Cross-Country Safety Sub-Committee strongly recommends that the FEI mandates rather than strongly recommends that all open rail fences, gates, oxers and oxer corners must be built using reverse frangible technology. The time is now.”

The Canadian Eventing Committee, International Eventing Officials Club, and Badminton Horse Trials and have also cast their support for the initiative.

North America Leads Charge for Mandatory Use of Frangible Technology

Badminton Casts Support for Compulsory Use of Frangible Technology

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The Best Motivation for #NoStirrupNovember

Taylor St Jacques wins the 2017 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Sea…

Need a little motivation for #NoStirrupNovember? Check out Taylor St. Jacques winning ride without stirrups in the work-off of the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final! Stay tuned for Monday’s new Learning Center video on riding without stirrups with Anne Kursinski Riding and Jumping Mentor!

Posted by US Equestrian on Wednesday, November 1, 2017

#NoStirrupNovember is upon us! Now is your chance to better your independent seat, strengthen your leg and improve your overall balance in the saddle. And you can do it with the support and sympathy of a huge portion of the riding community because we’re all suffering through the task together.

If you need some motivation to drop your stirrups this month, check out Taylor St. Jacques winning ride in the work-off at Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final last month. Look closely– she’s jumping a flawless round sans stirrups, though you can hardly tell.

Before you leave your leathers in the barn, here are a few helpful hints from our friends at Horse Nation to help you make #NoStirrupNovember a success.

Good luck!

Need to preserve healthy joints?

Ask your vet about JointWise™.

JointWise:

  • Maintains a balanced immune response within the joint, decreasing damaging inflammation and the development of osteoarthritis
  • Preserves fluid motion and flexibility
  • Supplies the building blocks necessary to support normal cartilage growth and the regeneration of damaged tissues
  • Sustains ample high-quality synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joints

For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Who Jumped It Best? Virginia Horse Trials CIC2* Edition

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

The colors of the world during the Virginia Horse Trials this weekend were some of the most vibrant I’ve seen in a long time. It’s hard to talk about the venue without also mentioning its beauty in the same breath. But seriously, photos hardly do the place justice. If you haven’t been to Virginia Horse Trials yourself, put it on your bucket list.

Now, let’s play Who Jumped It Best? Check out these CIC2* competitors on cross country and decide which horse and rider present the best overall picture. Vote in the poll at the bottom of this post. Go eventing.

Looking for more competition photos? Visit official photographer Brant Gamma’s website.

Virginia CCI, CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hillary Irwin and Kilbeggan. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ashley Kehoe and Kiltealy Toss Up. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Alexandra Scannell and Faolan. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Collyn Smitherman and New Dealer. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ryan Wood and Fernhill Mystery. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play Bring Home Virginia CCI2* Victory

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Lynn Symansky, of Middleburg, Va., and The Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play were the only combination in the Virginia CCI2* to finish on their dressage score. Their proficiency in all three phases was rewarded with a commanding victory at Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) in Lexington. 

“He’s finally coming into this own,” Symansky said of the 9-year-old German Sport Horse. “He’s amazing on the flat and there’s so much more to be had there, honestly. He’s so fancy. He’s almost too fancy sometimes and I’m figuring out how to ride that in the ring.”

Sitting in second after dressage with a 42.2, Symansky and “Coolio” moved into the lead with a fast, clear round on Captain Mark Phillips’ and Andy Bowles’ cross-country track.

“I could have trotted home for the last minute! The horse has such a huge galloping stride. He’s such a big horse and he covers the ground so easy,” Symansky said. “In hindsight I think I probably got the horse too fit for this competition. He’s a big horse and you kind of don’t know until you get them ready.”

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Due an ominous weather forecast, the VHT officials elected to move the two show jumping arenas indoors. Even with more than ten points of breathing room, Symansky wasn’t sure how Coolio would perform in the coliseum. He ultimately jumped one of his best rounds. 

Coolio was first campaigned at the two-star level in 2015 with Alexa Perkiel. He ran his first CCI2* the following year with Australian Clayton Fredericks. Symansky and Coolio made their international debut as a pair at the 2016 Carolina International, where they finished fifth in the CIC2*. They most recently won the Plantation Field CIC2* in September. With this latest victory, Coolio will go on holiday and move up to Advanced early next spring. 

A longtime patron of VHT, Symansky praised the recent upgrades and continued development of the property: “I’ve been here off and on since I was a kid. I think they’ve made some great improvements. I thought the cross-country course design was really good and [show jumping designer] Chris Barnard did a great job.” 

Tim Bourke had been sitting second in the CCI2* with Tracy Zack’s Astrana De La Galerna but withdrew before the final phase. This moved Hannah Whalen and hers and Lauren Pollin’s Didgeridoo into second. Whalen and the 10-year-old Selle Français were fifth after dressage on 47.7 and went double-clear across the country. A rail down and two time penalties gave them a final score of 53.7 to remain in second place.

Hallie Coon and Shanon Baker’s 11-year-old Thoroughbred finished third in their FEI debut, moving up from seventh after dressage to finish on a 55.8. Coon and Lansdowne were faultless on cross country and added a rail and one time penalty in stadium. 

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play pictured with (from right) VHT organizer Andy Bowles, President of the Ground Jury Tim Downes (GBR) and Ground Jury Member Vanda Robinson (IRL).

Ryan Keefe and Flintstar led the CCI*-A division from start to finish, ending on a score of 52.1. Ryan and Rumsey Keefe’s 17-year-old Thoroughbred added a rail in show jumping to narrowly hold onto first place.

Caty Nolan and her 13-year-old Thoroughbred, Man of Conviction, added a single time penalty in stadium to finish on 52.3. Close behind in third was Andi Lawrence and her 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, Cooley Northern Mist, who dropped to third with four added time penalties.

In the CCI*- B division, Molly Kinnamon and her 8-year-old Thoroughbred, Concord Dawn, led the field throughout the first two phases. They jumped a clear show jumping round but added seven time penalties to fall to fifth. Mexico’s Pedro Gutierrez and his 9-year-old Selle Français mare, Unanyme du Loir, show jumped clear, finishing on their dressage score of 43.0 and moving up to take the win.

Pedro Gutierrez and Unanyme du Loir. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Daniel Clasing and his 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Galileo WP, remained in second place throughout the competition, adding four jumping penalties in stadium to finish on 43.5. Young Rider Alice Roosevelt, 17, and her and Simon Roosevelt’s 9-year-old AES gelding, Fernhill Zoro, moved all the way up from 12th after dressage to finish third on 44.3.

Area II Championships and Team Challenges

VHT is proud to host the 2017 Area II Championships. To qualify, competitors must have placed first through fifth at one Area II event in the last year. The 2017 Area II Champions are: 

Preliminary: Ariel Grald and GHF Gosling
Junior/Young Rider Preliminary: Nicholas Beshear and It’sakatthing
Training: Christina McKitrick and Lotte Lenya Q
Junior/Young Rider Training: Skyler Decker and MHS Cooley Vegas
Novice: Kathleen Cannon and Tribal Prospect
Junior/Young Rider Novice: Annabelle Kress and Cooley Streetwise
Beginner Novice: Katie Label and Rock Hard Safe
Junior/Young Rider Beginner Novice: Brynn Hershbine and Cadenza Aria

The Area II Adult Rider Team Challenge is a staple at VHT and had more than 60 horse and rider combinations participating this year. The winning teams are: 

Preliminary Team: The Mane Event
Casey Osborne and Heir Apparent
Kathy Cain and Legal Limit
Jennifer Cobb and Little Sorry
Sharon Church and Rose and Crown

Training Team: Bucking Good Fun
Heidi Robertson and Redshift
Hillary Irwin and Harry Cotter
Cindy Anderson Blank and Galerna Campari Mailk
Domenique Carson and FCF Midnight Encounter

Novice Team: CDCTA Unicorns
Kathleen Cannon and Tribal Prospect
Carly Eddahri and La Perle Noir
Suzy Gehris and Taking a Taxi
Cindi Moravec and Holloway

Beginner Novice Team: Reining Chaos 
Lisa Austin and CMA Lookndownthebarrel
Suzy Gehris and Watch Me
Tori Nuckols and Gingerman
Ashley Beheler and Noblesse Oblige

VHT hosted the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships in 2016 and 2017 and was pleased to offer a friendly Intercollegiate Team Challenge this weekend, with students from eight colleges and universities making up six teams. 

The winning intercollegiate team was a scramble team from University of Virginia, University of Richmond, and Randolph Macon. Congratulations to Sara Schulman and Not for Nothing, Eliza Eddy and LVS Jackson, Erin Kober and Mighty Appeal, and McKenzie Ragan and Surefire’s Anwar. 

Full results for the Adult Rider Team Challenge are available here. Full results for the Intercollegiate Team Challenge are available here.

Virginia CCI, CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Young Rider Alexandra Baugh Earns First International Victory at Virginia CIC2*

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz, winners of the CIC2*. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Area VIII Young Rider Alexandra Baugh, 16, has won the Virginia CIC2* in her first attempt at the level with Altorac Farm’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Ballingowan Pizazz. They finished on their dressage score of 47.7 to top the division of 29 starters. 

“Mango” is an experienced horse, having represented the USA at the 2011 Pan American Games with rider Shannon Lilley. He then partnered with Michael Pollard and competed extensively at the three-star level. 

Baugh has had Mango now for two years. They have twice competed for Area VIII at the FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships, earning an individual silver medal this year. They moved up to the Intermediate level last spring but VHT is their first CIC2* as a pair and first international win. 

A dressage score of 47.7 put Baugh and Mango in fourth place to start the competition. “Our warm-up was very good, we just tried to keep him relaxed and forward through my aids,” Baugh said. “Mango clearly knows his job and doesn’t need much warm-up. Once in the test he was perfect. I was very pleased with our score and how the test rode.”

For show jumping, Baugh said Mango “felt like someone had strapped a rocket to him.” A confident, double-clear round moved them up one place to third overnight. 

Only eight CIC2* horse and rider combinations finished without time penalties on Captain Mark Phillips’ and Andy Bowles’ undulating cross-country course. Baugh and Mango were among them; the crossed the finish line exactly on the optimum time. A single second over and they would have dropped out of the lead.

“This is our first CIC2* together, so I set out just wanting to get around with a clear round. Around half-way through the course I realized that we were in contention with the time and Mango still had plenty of run in him, so I decided to go for it. He jumped great all the way to the end with lots of run still in him,” Baugh said.

“I would like to thank my coaches Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Richard Picken. Reese has been an unbelievable coach and has really helped me improve my dressage. Richard was a huge help all weekend and has been such an amazing mentor and coach. I have learned so much from both of them in such a short period of time and I am very lucky to be able to call them my coaches!”

Finishing in second place in the CIC2* was Kaitlin Spurlock and Steplin, LLC’s 10-year-old Holsteiner, Cartender de Nyze. They were second after dressage but dropped to fourth after picking up three time penalties in show jumping. A fault-free cross-country round today moved them back up to their initial placing and a finishing score of 47.8, only 0.1 penalties behind Baugh.

Cindy Anderson Blank and Phyllis Dawson’s homebred Irish Sport Horse, Windchase Phoenix Star, likewise stalked the leaderboard throughout, placing third after dressage with a 46.1. They were double-clear in show jumping and added only 2.0 time penalties on cross-country to finish in the same position on a 48.1. 

Ryan Wood secured both fourth and fifth place. He and Joan Nichols’ 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Lup the Loop, finished on their dressage score of 51.1. Julie Richards’ 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Fernhill Mystery, was also fault-free over fences with Wood in the irons and made a big move up from 18th after dressage to finish fifth. 

VAHT CIC2* Final Top 10:

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play, leaders of the CCI2* after cross country. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Looking to the CCI2*, Lynn Symansky and the Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play are the new overnight leaders. They moved up from second place after Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best picked up 20 penalties on cross country. Symansky and the 9-year-old German Sport Horse sit on a two-day score of 42.2 and will have one rail in hand heading into the final phase. 

Tim Bourke and Tracy Zack’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Astrana De La Galerna, are second in the mare’s first CCI2* on a 47.0. They are followed closely by Hannah Whalen and her own and Lauren Pollin’s Didgeridoo, a 10-year-old Selle Français bred by four-star eventer Boyd Martin. Both combinations moved up two places after posting double-clear cross country rounds.

CCI2* Top 10 After Cross Country: 

In the CCI1*-A division, Ryan Keefe and Rumsey Keefe’s 17-year-old Thoroughbred, Flintstar, went clear across the country to hold their lead on a 48.1, but with little room to spare ahead of the tightly scored field. In show jumping this morning they used up every last inch of budge room but remained in the lead to win the division.

CCI1*-A Final Top 10:

Molly Kinnamon and her own 8-year-old Thoroughbred, Concord Dawn, remain in the lead in the equally competitive CCI1*-B division.

CCI1*-B Top 10 After Cross Country:

Virginia CCI, CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

[Young Rider Alexandra Baugh Earns First International Victory at Virginia CIC2*]

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Six Impressive Imports

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

We’ve kept our eyes on France for the last few weeks with Le Lion d’Angers and now Pau CCI4*. While it’s no secret we here at EN love the American-bred horse, especially Thoroughbreds, there are some lovely horses that have been imported here from across the pond and are looking for their next partner. Here is a selection of talented imports for your perusing pleasure.

Carl. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Cassian TH 4yo Austrian WB Gelding, Super Eventing Prospect, A genuine all arounder!

16.1 hand 4yo Imported Austrian WB Gelding Contendro I /Compesanto
Carl has been an absolute pleasure to produce! Great movement and a super jump style! Super character and easy enough for a JRYR or AA in a program.

2nd OBN Equestrians Institute HT May2017
3rd OBN Aspen Farm HT June 2017
3rd ON Inavale Farm HT June 2017
5th 5yo YEH Rebecca Farm , 6th ON Rebecca Farm July 2017
3rd Area VII Open Novice Championship, Aspen Farm September 2017

Carl had a super first season of eventing and is ready to move up. Good with ditches, water and all questions asked of him so far. He is sound and ready to compete. Hauls well and handles all aspects of horse show life with ease. He rarely needs lunging and does well with a 4-5 day per week program.

Full vetting done 11/2017, reviewed by both German and US vets. Has been sound and has no injuries. UTD on everything and ready to be your superstar partner for 2018! Located in Washington.

FE Subiaco. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

FE Subiaco

FE Subiaco- Scooby is a 2008 Imported German Sporthorse with top bloodlines. Three correct impressive gates combined with a solid education on the flat mean that this horse rarely scores above a 30 and has has CCI1* Dressage scores as low as 39.6. Easy and straightforward to the jumps with a relaxed attitude and a huge jump. Very experienced through the CCI1* level.

You would look Long and far finding this same type in Europe. Just won his last event at Radnor with a win on his Dressage score of 25. Full set of X-rays available. Suitable for a junior, young rider or adult amateur looking for a wonderful partner. Located in Pennsylvania.

Galerna Campari Mail. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Exciting Advanced prospect, 5 y.o. by Jaguar Mail

GALERNA CAMPARI MAIL (Campi) – Bay 5 year old imported Selle Francais gelding with 75% thoroughbred and Anglo-Arabian blood, 16.3 hands. This is a talented young horse bred to event; he is by Jaguar Mail (Top sire of Eventers in France in 2016), and out of a mare by top show jumper Rebel Z (full brother to Ratina Z).

He is a very good mover with correct conformation and exceptional jumping ability. He is competing successfully at Training now, consistantly in the top five with clear XC and SJ, and he is ready to move up to Preliminary. This is an exceptionally talented young horse with the potential for the top levels of the sport.

Suitable for a serious rider who wants to go to the top, but he is also straightforward to ride and easy enough for an ambitious amateur. Located in Virginia.

Shannondale Joss. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Talented Preliminary Event Horse For Sale

Shannondale Joss is a 2010 16.2hh imported Irish Sporthorse gelding. Joss is currently competing at the preliminary level and is ready to move up the levels in eventing or show jumping. He is brave, athletic and has serious talent for the future. Located in Pennsylvania.

Wayana K. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Perfect horse to have fun on!

Wayana K (pronounced Vi-Ana) is a 16.1hh 2004 St. Premium Hanoverian mare with an impressive pedigree. Sired by the stallion Worldly (Weltmeyer) and out of a Matcho AA mare Wayana was imported from Germany after her successful performance test in 2007 as a foundation broodmare here in British Columbia where she has produced 3 beautiful fillies and 1 colt. She transitioned to a performance horse in 2016.

Wayana is a perfect horse! She has 3 quality gaits, steady rhythmical movement, willingness to learn, a very powerful yet ridable jump and all done with a happy and eager to please attitude. In the short time I have had her she has won the hearts of everyone in the barn with her personality, easy way of being around her and calmness. She is easy to work with on the ground, has excellent ground manners and takes everything in stride.

Wayana has schooled Novice and some Training cross country jumps and has shown no issues with any at this time! We have also competed her at the dressage championships at the 1st level in BC and her scores we impressive ranginging from 68% to 72%. Although she is new to eventing, she is a very straight forward ride and has limited miles on her legs!

Trailers by herself or with others, excellent in turnout with a friend, clips, ties, bathes, good for farrier and vet…. NO bad habits at all!

Wayana truly is a once in a lifetime horse. I have been riding her for almost 3 months and she has continually impressed me with each task I set for her including her successful debut as a Novice eventer. She is so kind, has a soft eye and gentle way of being around her. We would love to see her excel with someone who will provide her with an excellent, forever home. She will not disappoint! Located in British Columbia, Canada.

Lagerfeld. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Talented, flashy and consistent training level packer with bright future

Charlie (Lagerfeld) is a super talented 6 year old 16h German Sport Horse that is solid at the training level and ready to move up to preliminary with the talent and scope for more. Imported from Germany last year, he’s established himself quickly as a safe and reliable mount that always catches the judges eye.

Uncomplicated enough for a young rider or amateur and would make a perfect horse for a young rider to aim for a top placing at young riders next year and beyond.

Owner loves this horse to death and is only selling due to changing life circumstances. Access to his extensive PPE done in Germany last year. No soundness issues or lameness, no vices. He’s super easy. Hacks out bareback. Can be on the back burner or the front burner, he’s the same horse day after day whether at home or a show. Located in Pennsylvania.

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Autumn Leaves and Mountain Views: Virginia Horse Trials Kicks Off with First Horse Inspection

Rachel Lawson and High Tide. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Virginia CCI/CIC and Horse Trials at the Virginia Horse Center kicked off Thursday afternoon with the first horse inspection for the CCI* and CCI2*. The sun shone brilliantly and the trees are all decorated with cozy reds and yellows of Autumn. While the crisp air led to more than a few airs above the ground, the horses looked fit and ready for the fall three-day they’ve prepped for all summer.

It’s going to be a busy week for the crew here at VHT, as 560 horses are eventing over the next three days. That includes around 100 FEI horses in the CIC*, CCI*, CCI2* plus the Area II Championships for Beginner Novice through Intermediate and friendly Area II Adult Rider and Intercollegiate Team Challenges.

“We are thrilled at the numbers for this event and for our ability to offer so many levels, team challenges and championship courses. This kind of response means we are meeting the needs of our riders and making the right kind of upgrades,” VHT Organizer Andy Bowles said.

“We are very proud of what we have to offer at this facility and honored to be a destination event for amateurs and professionals in both the spring and fall. We look forward to continuing to make progress and add to the already extensive features in place here for eventers.”

Check out the photo gallery of the first horse inspection below and stay tuned for more from VHT all weekend.

Looking for more competition pictures? Brant Gamma is this event’s official photographer!

Virginia CCI, CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

[Virginia Horse Trials to Host 560 Horses at October CCI & Horse Trials]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Pau CCI4* Throwback

Maxime Livio & Qalao des Mers – Cross – CCI 4* Pau

#Backto2016
Maxime Livio était lundi soir Equidia ! Si l’extrait du cross du CCI & CAIO 4 Etoiles de Pau diffusé ne vous a pas suffit, voici la vidéo complète !

Posted by Les 4 Etoiles de Pau on Wednesday, May 31, 2017

It’s Pau week! The Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4* gets under way tomorrow with the first horse inspection. We’re rooting for our American contingent, but we’re also on pins and needles to see if power couple Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam can secure yet another CCI4* win.

Meanwhile, let’s take a look back at last year’s winner, Maxime Livio and the now 13-year-old Selle Français Qalao des Mers and their stellar cross country round.

Tilly Berendt is EN’s boots on the grounds at Pau so stay tuned for her great coverage!

Les 4 Etoiles de Pau: Website, Schedule, Entries, Scoring, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

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Who Jumped It Best? TR&HC Novice Rider Edition

It was a perfect weekend at the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Trials at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center in Landrum, SC, with Starter through Preliminary divisions and a lively Intercollegiate Team Challenge (complete with a colorful stall decorating contest).

This venue hosts two horse trials annually: FENCE in the spring and TR&HC in the fall. Regardless of the name used, it’s a friendly event that is much loved by the local community and well attended by riders from Area II, III, VIII and beyond. The riders, parents, staff and volunteers are like family, and coming here always feels like coming home.

Now with my nostalgic moment out of the way, let’s play Who Jumped It Best? Check out these competitors from the Novice Rider-B division and vote in the poll below which horse and rider pair present the best overall picture.

Looking for more competition photos from TR&HC? Check out official photographer Liz Crawley’s website.

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Results]

Hayden Lytton and Barbossa. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mikayla Mather and Show Bizz. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Payne Murray and Primrose. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Charlize Nakatsu and Just Donut. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Emily Thomas and Ohio. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hendley Welch and Poker Run. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.