Leslie Threlkeld

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Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 19, 2017 12:34 am -

Bringing home the green ribbon could not be more fitting. There are no coincidences. Jon Sonkin I know you were out…

Posted by Ashley Russell on Sunday, June 18, 2017

The community is still reeling from the sudden loss of Jon Sonkin, aka #thebeltguy. Competitors at the Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring Horse Trials this weekend wore his signature color green and sported shamrocks on their bridle numbers in his memory. It has unquestionably been a tough couple of weeks for the eventing family, but as usual we stick together, support and love each other in times of need. Go Eventing.

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Results, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

North American Weekend Action:

Little Bromont HT: [Results]

Feather Creek Farm HT: [Website] [Results]

Golden Spike HT: [Website] [Results]

Come Again Farm Fathers Day HT: [Website] [Results]

Bucks County Park HT: [Website] [Results]

Silverwood Farm Spring HT: [Website] [Results]

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT: [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop Farm June HT: [Website] [Results]

Great Vista HT: [Website] [Results]

War Horse Event Series June HT: [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Want to work for EN? We are now accepting entries to our 7th Annual Blogger Contest, which is your opportunity to show us your writing chops for a chance to work for us. This is your time to shine, so let’s see what you’ve got! Entries are due this Friday, June 23. [7th Annual Blogger Contest]

Horse show dads put up with a lot, and I hope you remembered to thank yours yesterday. There are a lot of great horse show dads our there that put up a lot of time, money, energy and emotions to see their horse crazy kids succeed. Mine? I think he’s still waiting for me to ‘grow out of it’. [7 Things No Father of Horsey Children Wants to Hear]

Itchy skin, watery eyes, a running nose… These symptoms could mean seasonal allergies for your horse. They are actually fairly common and can often controlled by managing environmental influences. [Exploring Equine Seasonal Allergies]

There are a few subjects in the horse world that always seem to polarize equestrians: barefoot trimming vs. shoeing; blanketing vs. not blanketing; treeless saddles vs. traditional tree saddles. And of course, riding with a bit vs. with a bitless bridle. Opinions on this particular topic seem to come down to the horses we meet and our experiences with them. Here’s an example. [Why I Ride My Horse in a Bitless Bridle]

Every once in a while, when I’m sitting in gridlock traffic or filling my gas tank again, I ponder, can’t we go back to horse and buggy? It’s a silly dream of course in this day and age. Today horses in modern society fall farther towards the realm of entertainment than necessity, but it’s no secret that horses were integral to the survival of mankind throughout history, from transportation, to farm work, to strength and endurance during wartime. [When Horses Ruled]

Monday Video: RIP Dempsey, you are loved and missed.

Who Jumped It Best? Bromont CCI* Division

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 12, 2017 4:00 pm -

When I hike out on to the cross country course at Bromont, my mission is to get positioned for at least a few fences with a lovely mountain backdrop. The typically large CCI* division affords me the time to scope out the best spot.

This ramped table at the top of the course by the VIP tent turned out to be one of my favorite photo locations on cross country day this year.

So let’s play! Which CCI* horse and rider at the 2017 Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event present the best overall picture? Cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of this post.

(There is something particularly impressive about one rider in this edition of WJIB. Can you spot the anomaly?)

Bromont Links: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Victoria Garland and FE Capricino. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Alexa Gartenberg and Patras VR. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Meg Kepferle and Anakin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sophia Middlebrook and South Park. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sloane Pierpont and Indie. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Valerie Vizcarrondo and Favian. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Springer, Martin, Wilks Are Winners at Bromont

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 11, 2017 7:40 pm -

Allison Springer and Lord Willing. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It was a very busy, blustery day at the 2017 Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event. Prior to this afternoon’s CCI3* finale, the CCI*, CIC2* and CCI2* divisions all show jumped over Marc Donovan’s course.

Allison Springer and Lord Willing have added another win to this talented young horse’s FEI record. From their dressage score of 37.8, they added 4.4 cross country time penalties and one rail in show jumping today to finish on top in the CCI2* with a 46.2.

“It was my goal to come here and have a really good dressage test and try to finish on that score. I’m disappointed I didn’t do that but pretty thrilled of course with the win and how confident and fun he was to ride,” Allison said of the 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by the Lord Willing Syndicate.

She said “Liam” felt great on cross country but there were a few places she felt like she could have been more efficient in the turns. Today’s rail was the result of a moment of distraction.

“I can certainly flirt with some Advanced maybe this next season,” she said. “Derek di Grazia is just a wonderful course designer and I think it’s really confidence-building for all the horses. I know I have such a better horse coming out of the weekend.”

Allison’s longtime four-star partner Arthur retired at Rolex this year, but she’s staying busy with a lovely group of up-and-coming youngsters. “I think my best thing is producing them from the get go. I think you build such a good partnership down the line.”

“It’s neat to have the stack of horses that you can practice competing well and riding well. I want to see my dreams come true and I’m not getting any younger!” Allison laughed.

“You definitely are better with age in this sport. It comes down to so much wisdom and being relaxed and happy about competing and that comes with mileage. I’m feeling pretty blessed with the group of people around me and my family and friends and the horses I have. And my dog.”

Bobby Meyerhoff and Rascal Rap. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will Coleman and the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record were one of just two pairs in the CCI2* division to finish on their dressage score. Adding no additional penalties to the initial score of 46.9 put them in second place overall in the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse’s first CCI2*.

Coming third was Bobby Meyerhoff and Diane Kearney’s 9-year-old Oldenburg Rascal Rap. They added 5.2 time penalties on cross country yesterday for a final score of 49.1.

“I was really pleased with the dressage. It was our best test to date,” Bobby said. “On cross country I knew he could do the job; I know he can jump all the jumps. The horse has loads of scope and a huge gallop and plenty of stamina. The hard thing about him is he’s a big horse with a huge step and it takes a lot to package him together.

“Show jumping was amazing. He’s never had a clear round at this level. For him to pull off a clear today was a super reward because it’s been a lot of practice and a lot of hard work.”

The horse actually came to Bobby’s barn to sell as a show hunter, but he was not quiet enough for that job. Bobby’s wife Danica show jumped him some but the horse found his niche in eventing. “He’s really matured and he’s learning. That’s what makes it so fun.”

Finishing fourth in the division was Boyd Martin and the Ray Price Syndicate’s Ray Price, adding just one rail to their score to finish on 50.5. Cornelia Dorr and her own Sir Patico MH round out the top five on 56.8.

Boyd Martin and On Cue Jump Fault-Free to Win the CIC2*

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Boyd Martin moved into the lead in the CIC2* with Christine Turner’s On Cue after a fast and clear cross country round yesterday. They left all the rails up today to finish on their dressage core of 42.7 for the win. Boyd began working with the 11-year-old Anglo mare earlier this year and he feels, especially after this competition, that she is one for the future.

“She oozes with class, is very elegant on the flat, brave cross country and has a good jump,” he said. “I think she’s really special and I hope I can keep going with her.”

There were only four other fault-free cross country rounds in the CIC2* besides Boyd and On Cue — Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges, Will Coleman and Don Dante, Rebecca Braitling and Walterstown Don, and Bobby Meyerhoff and Fortuna.

Boyd described Bromont as one of the best three-day events in North America.

“Derek di Grazia builds a wickedly awesome track. I’ve ridden around three-stars all over the world and this is bigger than Boekelo and felt bigger than Luhmuhlen CCI4* to be honest. I think any horse that runs well in the two-star and three-star here you know you’ve got a proper horse that can cope with four-star.”

“It’s very hard to evaluate how gritty your horse is. There’s only a couple times a year you really make them tired and experience if they keep trying when they’re tired and when there is question after question. It’s a bit of an unknown sometimes. It’s important to come and face this type of challenge to see if you have one that digs deep and keeps fighting.”

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges have finished in second place in an FEI division at Bromont now three years in a row. They have also won a Stuart Horne Canadian Championship Award for two consecutive years. Colleen and the 13-year-old Selle Français earned a personal best in dressage and finished on that score of 43.3 after two clear jumping rounds.

“This event is special to me because it’s my hometown,” Colleen said. “I love being here and competing here and doing well in front of friends and family. It’s a good aura. I’m honored to be able to represent Canada and win the Championship.”

Colleen rode Qorry for several years before his owner Peter Barry began competing him earlier this season. Sadly Peter suffered a stroke during the Carolina International in March and Qorry came back to Colleen while Peter recovers. We were thrilled to see Peter at Bromont watching the competition this weekend.

“Peter’s happy to see him go with me since he can’t be the one on him. I’m very happy to be back with Qorry. He’s a great partner and we get along well.”

Clayton Fredericks and FE Bowman. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks had a busy time riding three in the CIC2* and finished with two of them in the top five. Clayton led after dressage with FE Bowman but dropped to third place after adding four time penalties on cross country. One rail today gave them a final score of 47.4 and to finish in fifth place with the 9-year-old Wurttemberger owned by Clayton, Amanda Bernhard and Diana Crawford.

Kingfisher Park’s 10-year-old Zweibrucker mare FE Ophelia started the competition behind her stablemate in second place with a dressage score of 42.5. She and Clayton added 1.6 time penalties on cross country and show jumped double clear today to finish third overall on 44.1.

Clayton explained that FE Ophelia has been with a couple of different riders but has finally found her perfect match with Clayton. “I think we’re building a good relationship and I’m very pleased with the way she went,” he said.

Both FE Ophelia and FE Bowman are likely headed to compete in Montana at Rebecca Farm, so the competition this week was a good challenge for them.

“(The cross country) made them blow and there was enough in there to test them,” he said. “It’s always hard to show jump in this ring. It’s really tight and the time is normally tight, so it’s hard to produce a clear in there.”

Finishing in fourth place and adding nothing to their dressage score was Will Coleman and Team Rebecca LLC’s 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse Don Dante, finishing on a 46.9.

Great Expectations Lives Up to His Name in CCI*

Rachel Wilks and Great Expectations. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Rachel Wilks and her 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse missed out on an FEI win at The Fork in April by a fraction of a point, but this weekend all three phases came together and they won the CCI* division on their dressage score of 41.3.

They entered the ring in second place behind Kelli Temple and Metallica, and produced one of just six double clear rounds out of 32 that show jumped in the division. With 10 points between her and first place, the pressure was off.

“I thought ‘it will be what it will be.’ I just have to do the best that I can and give him a good ride,” Rachel said. Then Kelli and Metallica pulled three rails and Rachel and Great Expectations were leading the victory gallop.

“This was the big event of the season and he was fabulous; this is what we’ve been working up to all year and he was absolutely amazing,” Rachel said. “He surpassed every expectation and lived up to his name!”

Kelli and Kara Angulo’s 7-year-old Holsteiner mare Metallica finished in second place in the mare’s first FEI event on a final score of 43.9. Holly Payne Caravella and the CharmKing Syndicate’s CharmKing added one rail to their two phase score of 41.4 to finish third.

Valerie Vizcarrando and her own Favian also added a rail for fourth place on 48.3. Boyd Martin and The Fonz Himself, owned by Bonnie Stedt, moved into the top five after a double clear round.

Stuart Horne Canadian Championship

Bruce Lamb and Gamble. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bromont also serves as the Stuart Horne Canadian Championship. The award is offered by Bridget Colman in memory of her father, Stuart Horne. Here are the 2017 Champions and Reserve Champions across the four divisions:

CCI3* Champion: Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound

CCI2* Champion: Shelby Brost and Crimson
CCI2* Reserve Champion: Waylon Roberts and Lancaster

CIC2* Champion: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges
CIC2* Reserve Champion: Alexis Murray and My Principle

CCI* Champion: Jessica Ruppel and Hippique ABU
CCI* Reserve Champion: Bradley Champagne and Wallaroo W

Another special award, the Ledger Family Award, is given by Dr. Gaby Ledger, her husband Alex and their daughters Mia and Briar to the top amateur rider in the CCI* who has a full time job outside of horses and balances all the challenges that comes with such a schedule.

Receiving a bronze trophy, commemorative cooler and a check for $1,000 was Bruce Lamb, of London, Ontario. Bruce is the President and CEO of Avalanche Search Marketing and he finished 27th in the CCI* riding his 11-year-old Thoroughbred Gamble.

And that’s a wrap on the 2017 Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event! You can click here to catch up on all our coverage. Thanks for reading. Go Eventing.

Bromont Links: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

West Coast Pride! Jordan Linstedt Clinches Wire-to-Wire Win with Revitavet Capato

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 11, 2017 6:17 pm -

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding she owns with her mother Barbara, pulled off a wire-to-wire win today in the CCI3* at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event in Quebec, Canada.

A dressage score of 43.2 gave them the early lead, and they held their position after adding 1.6 time penalties on cross country yesterday. They had rail in hand but had more breathing room after rails went flying on Marc Donovan’s tough show jumping course today. Two rails and three time penalties gave them a final score of 55.8.

“I was really nervous today. I really wanted to finish on top and I kept telling myself it was for my horse,” Jordan said. “I think Capato is absolutely incredible and he’s the horse I’ve learned so much with in the past years … He’s been one I always thought could consistently win.”

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan’s plan was to go in the ring and take her time knowing she had some room to spare, but nerves can be difficult to overcome and she thanked her fellow competitor Kylie Lyman for giving her much needed encouragement in the warm-up: “Don’t be nervous, just have fun!”

Jordan has been living in her horse trailer and competing on the East Coast since mid-March. She said that while it’s been an incredible educational experience, she’s looking forward to going home to Washington State.

“I’m thankful for everyone at home that’s allowed me to be gone from my barn and all my other horses to do this because I really needed to for Capato and my goals for him,” Jordan said.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy admits to taking too much advantage of Rubens D’Ysieux’s experience after buying him with the help of the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate last year, so she took a step back and started working on building a partnership with the now 12-year-old Selle Français.

Their hard work paid off at Bromont with a dressage test that put them in third place on the first day. After falling to 10th due to time penalties incurred on cross country, they produced the only clear show jumping round inside the time in the division to move all the way up to second place on a final score of 58.2.

“He’s an unreal horse and a lot of things had to happen to be able to have this horse and keep this horse,” Sara said. “I just wanted to take my time and get to know him a bit because I made a mistake trying to move quickly when I first got him … I backtracked with a different plan this spring. He’s one of a kind.”

Sara and “Rubens” had a brilliant spring season with three top-five finishes at the CIC2* and CIC3* level, as well as winning the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix hosted by Southern Cross Equestrian in March, and the inaugural $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing class at the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair last month.

Sara said Rubens is “like a circus pony. He comes in the ring and puts on his unicorn horn.” Looking to the future she feels like she’s learned a lot from this experience. “I haven’t ridden a lot of horses that I haven’t brought along myself, but I have so much information now going forward.”

Kylie Lyman and Lup the Loop. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kylie Lyman and Joan Nichol’s 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse Lup the Loop pulled two rails but maintained their third place position from cross country and finished with a final score of 60.2.

“Obviously I’m thrilled with the result on paper but it was not the round we were hoping for,” Kylie said. “I didn’t want to go in there and let him down and take the pressure off him. He went in the ring ready to do his job and I think I over-rode him a little bit.”

On the up side, “Loopy” comes out of the competition feeling fit and fabulous. Kylie had not planned to do a spring three-day with him except that he was feeling particularly fresh at home. “He proved me right that he was not ready for a break!” she said.

“He didn’t need to have a rail down today but he was a little fresher than I thought, which was a good problem but wasn’t one I was expecting to have. I’m not disappointed with him but it was definitely a learning day for us.”

Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix jumped the only other clear round but with one second to add with Amara Hoppner’s Bogue Sound. In the 10-year-old Thoroughbred’s first attempt at the level, they finished 14th overall and won the CCI3* Stuart Horne Canadian Championship awarded by Bridget Colman in memory of her father, Stuart Horne.

“It’s so fun to have this incredible caliber event on our home soil,” Jessica said. “It’s so important for us to have this level of CCI competition in Canada, and it’s just awesome that we have this caliber of riders come support this show because it’s how we all get better. To stand here being the Canadian Champion is awesome and it’s a huge honor to be able to do it at Bromont.”

“Bromont is special,” Sara agreed, and collectively the four riders in the press conference gave a well deserved shout out to organizer Sue Ockendon and the rest of the Bromont staff for their hard work and dedication to the event.

As for me, Bromont became an instant favorite after my first trip here in 2016. Besides the picturesque mountain backdrops (a photographer’s dream) and awesome competition, everyone here is so welcoming and friendly and the hospitality is second to none. Thank you Bromont! I can’t wait for next year.

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Frankie Thieriot Stutes and the Chatwin Group’s Chatwin picked up eight jumping faults and one time fault to drop from second to fourth place. Kylie’s second ride, Joan Nichols’ Da Vinci Code, also dropped two rails to finish fifth.

Jennie Brannigan added a rail with Elsbeth Battel’s Cool As Ice for a fifth place finish in the mare’s first CCI3*, and also finished 10th with Elsbeth’s Stella Artois.

Boyd Martin had two in the top 10, with Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg finishing seventh and Steve Blauner and Nancy Hathaway’s Bonito finishing ninth. Will Coleman finished eighth with Kathleen McDermott’s Boris O’Hara.

We’ll be back with a report on the remaining divisions shortly. Go Eventing.

Bromont Links: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Bromont Second Inspection: 94 Horses Move to Show Jumping

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 11, 2017 9:41 am -

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’ve come to the final day of the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event in Quebec, Canada. It’s supposed to be a hot one but the high wind gusts will give us some relief.

All four FEI divisions presented for inspection by the ground jury this morning. In the CCI3*, all horses presented were accepted so 16 horses will move forward to show jumping. The CCI2* also passed without incident and 25 horses will go on to the final phase.

Sarah Croft withdrew Nadxiieli prior to the start of the CIC2* jog. Matthew Brown and BCF Belicoso, who lie in sixth place after cross country in the CIC2*, were held but passed on reinspection.

Our largest division, the CCI*, saw one horse withdrawn before the jog, Taylor Symon’s Breaking Boundaries. Fuzion was sent to the hold box and rider Matt Kidney withdrew him without representing.

Show jumping gets underway at 10:00 a.m. The schedule begins with the CCI1* followed by the CIC2*, CCI2* and wrapping up the day with the CCI3*.

Bromont Links: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Must-Read Quotes from the Leaders After Bromont Cross Country

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 10, 2017 7:37 pm -

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and her and her mother Barbara’s 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding Revitavet Capato maintained their lead in the CCI3* at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event in Quebec with a clear cross country round and just 1.6 time penalties to add. They head into tomorrow’s show jumping with a rail in hand on a 44.8. Click here for the full report.

Jordan has produced Capato from his first event. Originally meant to be sold as a dressage horse because he was spooky and difficult in the beginning of his career, he’s certainly bold and eager to jump on cross country now.

“Capato was super from the beginning to the end. I don’t think he’s ever been this fit and he went out of the box pulling and pulled all the way to the end,” Jordan said. “I used to want to control him a little too much and today I found myself coming around the turns and doing a little bit less. It flowed from beginning to end; even with the hold it was very smooth.”

They were held early on course and were allowed to jump a warm-up fence before beginning again. “I’ve never been held on course with him so I was a little bit frazzled with how that was going to go from that point on … It took a few fences to get the groove back but the rest flowed really well.”

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and the Chatwin Group’s 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding Chatwin finished two seconds over the time to move up from sixth to second in the CCI3*.

“He felt really amazing. Actually the longer courses seem to suit him a bit better because I can get into a good rhythm with him. He had so much run left at the end I was actually surprised when I gave him a kick coming out of the last complex and he had so much left in his tank,” Frankie said.

“I had so much fun today. He’s such a special horse and I feel so lucky to be the one to ride him and compete him. This was his first CCI3* and I was really impressed with him the whole way around.”

Frankie had originally planned to take Chatwin to Jersey Fresh for his first CCI3* attempt but when he overreached in the wash rack after the first horse inspection she rerouted him to Bromont. Kelly Prather and Tamie Smith helped keep Chatwin going on the East Coast so Frankie could be with her son Drake at home in California. They had a final tune-up together at Virginia Horse Trials before shipping to Bromont.

“It’s incredible the village that’s behind you when you really need them to be,” Frankie said. “This will be my last three-day event for the year so I just want to have a good time with him. That’s been my whole goal all weekend is just to have fun with my buddy.”

Kylie Lyman and Lup the Loop. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kylie Lyman produced a clear round inside the time in the Bromont CCI3* with Joan Nichols’ 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse Lup the Loop for a second consecutive year. They moved up from eighth to third and are well in the hunt with a 52.2.

“Coming in here last year was easier because there was no pressure or expectations because it was our first three-star,” Kylie said. “Having him go so well last year, I tried not to let that play too much into my head coming here. I thought he really listened to me and came back where I wanted to. We got into a good rhythm right from the start.”

Bromont wasn’t originally on Loopy’s calendar. “I was going to give him a break this spring but he was so fresh at home I thought we better do a spring three-day!” she said.

“I think this course just suits the two of us really well. It suits my mentality riding cross country and he’s a big, bold, scopey horse. There were a few things similar to last year but there were definitely a lot of different questions. I think he’s a more grown-up horse this year but he was phenomenal last year, too.”

Kylie was also clear with 1.2 time penalties on Joan Nichols’ 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Da Vinci Code and moves forward to the final phase in fifth place on 54.6. “He’s greener but really good. They’re totally different rides but he’s a scrappy horse and fights hard for it. He tried hard the whole way.”

Waylon Roberts and Lancaster. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Waylon Roberts and John and Michelle Koppin’s 10-year-old Canadian Sport Horse Lancaster were one of five double clear rounds and had the fastest time in the CCI2* to move up from second to first.

“I’d had a horse on course already so I knew exactly where the minute markers were and had a pretty good feel for the course. Derek di Grazia’s done a really wonderful job. When you walk that course you go ‘whoa this is serious,’ but then when you go and ride it brings the best out of you and the horses,” Waylon said.

“I set out on Lancaster pretty quick. I think here at Bromont you want to be up on your minutes early and then cruise as the terrain gets a little tougher. That’s what I did and he answered everything just right. We’re looking forward to tomorrow and putting in the best performance that we can. The poles come down for everybody so we’ll see what happens!”

Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kelli Temple piloted Kara Angulo’s 7-year-old Holsteiner mare Metallica to a clear round in her first FEI appearance. They crossed the finish line just one second over the optimum time and go forward to show jumping with two rails in hand on 31.9. Kelli imported the horse as a 4-year-old and credits Kara for producing her well and slowly. Kara competed her to Training level and Kelli has the ride for now to give her more experience.

“This was going to be a big test for her in so many ways. A bigger venue and a lot going on here. She hasn’t done that many big shows. The cross country is the biggest thing she’s seen and certainly the most complex,” Kelli said.

“With her I knew I needed to be a bit careful at some of those combinations because there were things she’s never seen before. I took time to square her up to things and give her time and get her back properly and land going. She answered every question brilliantly and she finished so strong … She’s such a wonderful horse for the future and she’s been stunning the first two days. What more could you ask for?”

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s 11-year-old Anglo mare On Cue lead the CIC2* after cross country. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Our hearts are broken for Booli Selmayr, whose mount Jaeda tragically collapsed and died on the CCI3* course. We are also sending positive thoughts to Tamie Smith, whose mount Dempsey is at the University of Montreal Veterinary Hospital and preparing to undergo surgery for a fractured ulna.

While our hearts our heavy, Kelli helped us find the positive: The weather was on our side, and with minimal rain the footing was excellent. The courses were beautifully presented and there was great attendance from the local community.

“Everybody here at Bromont does such a beautiful job. We cannot say enough good things about it,” Kelli said. “The venue is just fantastic for the competitors, and the footing was fabulous. The course is tough but fair. It’s inviting. It really inspires you to ride forward and aggressively, and I think that you get such good rides out of your horses here and they learn so much.”

The final horse inspection starts at 8 a.m. EST tomorrow morning, so keep it locked on EN.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato Jump Clear to Hold Bromont CCI3* Lead

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 10, 2017 2:52 pm -

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato will hold their lead overnight in the CCI3* after today’s cross country at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event.

Jordan and “Capato,” a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding she owns with her mother Barbara, took the lead in the division after yesterday’s dressage with a 43.2. They started on course today with little room to spare over Ryan Wood and Powell in second place with 43.8.

Despite being held on course, the pair crossed the finish just four seconds over the optimum time of 10 minutes, 2 seconds on Derek di Grazia’s course to add 1.6 time penalties for a two-day score of 44.8.

Ryan and Powell, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Ryan and Summit Sporthorses, started on course after Jordan and Capato and although they had a lovely clear, they added 15.6 time penalties to drop down to 12th place.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and the Chatwin Group’s Chatwin earned their first CCI3* cross country completion, crossing the finish just two seconds over the optimum time. Frankie and the 9-year-old Oldenburg moved up from sixth to second place on 52.1 thanks to the speedy trip. (The placings for Frankie and Kylie were updated after a timing error was corrected on the official scores.)

Kylie Lyman and Joan Nichols’ Lup the Loop led the CCI3* at Bromont last year after jumping clear and inside the time on cross country. They once again went clear and fast, adding no time penalties to their dressage score of 52.2 to jump from eighth place to third. Kylie was also just three seconds over the time with her second ride, Da Vinci Code, which vaulted them from 12th place to fifth on 54.6.

Jennie Brannigan and Beth Battel’s Stella Artois added four time penalties in the mare’s first CCI3* to remain in fourth place on 53.5. Jennie also piloted Cool As Ice to a clear round with six time penalties in the mare’s debut at the level to sit ninth on 58.3. EquiRatings pointed out that Jennie now has 28 consecutive clear cross country runs at international level on her record.

Erin Sylvester and Marnie Kelly’s Campground produced the only other clear round inside the time besides Kylie and “Loopy,” coming in with the fastest round at 9 minutes, 53 seconds and improving their standing by eight placings. They head to show jumping in sixth place on 55.4.

Will Coleman and Kathleen McDermott’s Boris O’Hara were fifth after dressage on a score of 50.1 and they moved down to seventh after cross country with 6.4 time penalties added.

Boyd Martin sat eighth after dressage with last year’s CCI2* winner Bonito, owned by Steve Blauner and Nancy Hathaway. They still hold that position after cross country, adding 5.6 time penalties in the gelding’s first CCI3*. Boyd is also tied for 10th with Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg, adding 7.2 penalties to their score.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy had a stellar round with the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate’s Rubens D’Ysieux in their first CCI3* as a combination, jumping clear with 13.6 time penalties to add, which ties them with Boyd and Tsetserleg on 58.5.

Joe Meyer and Chantil Ruud’s up-and-coming gelding Johnny Royale has a jaw-dropping gallop and covered the ground well to finish just one second over the time in the gelding’s first go at the level, moving up from 20th after dressage to 13th.

Chris Talley and his own Unmarked Bills incurred 11 penalties for activating a frangible pin on course in their CCI3* debut and also added 10.8 time penalties to sit in 14th place.

Jessica Phoenix and Amara Hoppner’s Bogue Sound were clear with 25.2 time penalties to sit in 16th place. Jessica retired Abbey GS after incurring 20 penalties early on course, and she also unfortunately picked up a technical elimination with A Little Romance.

Tamie Smith is 16th with Kevin Baumgardner’s Wembley having one refusal and 24.8 time penalties to add. She later fell with Dempsey at a brush wedge at 13B. Tamie is OK and Dempsey was transported off grounds for further evaluation. Update: The Next Level Eventing team announced that Dempsey was transported to the University of Montreal Veterinary Hospital where is was determined he had fractured his ulna and will need surgery. Thankfully the prognosis for recovery is good.

Booli Selmayr and Jaeda also had a mandatory retirement on course. We can confirm that Booli was uninjured, and we are waiting for Bromont to release more information. Update: We are devastated to report that Jaeda collapsed and died on course. Click here for the report.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Hallie Coon retired Celien after incurring 20 penalties on course. Emily Beshear also retired Silver Night Lady after a huge leap over the first of the open oxers at 12.

CCI2* cross country is underway now. Check back later today for quotes from the CCI3* press conference, as well as more coverage of the day’s action at Bromont.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, XC Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Meg Kepferle and Anakin Ready to Tackle Their First CCI* at Bromont [UPDATE: They Did It!]

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 10, 2017 8:42 am -

Meg Kepferle and Anakin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

If smiles were money, Meg Kepferle would be a wealthy woman. Even as she described her nervousness to tackle her first CCI* at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three Day Event, she grinned wide. “I’m very excited actually.”

Meg will be leaving the startbox this morning with Daphne Soares’ Anakin, an 8-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, for their FEI debut after spending the spring at Preliminary level.

“I’m on a really good cross country horse so, knocking on lots of wood, I feel pretty confident about tomorrow,” Meg said. “It’s a serious course, definitely the hardest cross country course I’ve ever seen and definitely the hardest thing the horse has ever seen, but he’s pretty brave, so it will be about me giving him a good ride. We should be OK.”

Meg got the ride on Anakin when his owner, Daphne, had an injury over the winter. He had been competed through Training and after getting to know one another on the lower level circuit in Florida, Meg moved him up to Preliminary.

“I kind of did the bare minimum qualification (for Bromont) which isn’t necessarily ideal, but the horse is just awesome. He’s such a good jumper and if I had any doubts at all about his confidence I would have never brought him,” Meg said.

“I’ve never had a horse that just jumps anything I point him at. I have to learn to trust that a little bit, which is hard for me. (Today) I’m going to try to trust him a little bit more because I think it will benefit him as well.”

It’s not yet clear if Meg will keep the ride longterm or if Daphne, who Meg describes as an “independent, very capable amateur rider,” will take him back, but for now Anakin is getting good mileage with Meg while his owner is out of commission. Likewise Meg is gaining valuable experience.

“She loves eventing but competing is not her primary goal,” Meg said of Daphne. “He could be a top horse and she knows that so she’s graciously given me this opportunity. She’s all about the journey and has put her trust in me and my program. I couldn’t ask for a better horse to do this on.”

Reaching the FEI level has long been a goal for Meg but she’s taking things one step at a time with Anakin. “We’re treading in uncharted territories a little bit,” she said. “If this goes well I’d like to try some Intermediates this fall, but I don’t think I’d be trying for a two-star for another year. The horse is awesome and brave, but he’s still green and he needs some more tools.”

Le Chinch giving his pal @megkep a boost of confidence before her first CCI* tomorrow! #pedigreeCA #bromontcci

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Jun 9, 2017 at 8:09pm PDT

Meg is well known as four-star eventer Sinead Halpin’s longtime groom. About two years ago she struck out on her own and started Kepferle Equestrian in New Jersey. Going pro wasn’t her original plan, but life unfolds in mysterious ways. For Meg, the tables turned when a young mare called Caherconree Cooley came into her life.

“That was the first horse I had ever owned, and I was 30 years old when I got her. With that it all started falling into place,” Meg said. “That horse was a great opportunity for me. She taught me a lot in a little bit of time about what I need and what I don’t need.

“My business is doing very well so now it’s more about trying to find the balance for myself to make sure I still can get help when I need it so I can ride better and be a better coach for my students.”

Meg and Anakin are currently sitting in 29th place with a 58.8 after dressage. We’ll update this post with more after their cross country run!

[UPDATE: 10:30 a.m. EST] Meg and Anakin rocked around their first CCI* course clear with 4.8 time penalties! Congratulations!

Meg Kepferle and Anakin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, XC Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato Sail Into the Bromont CCI3* Lead

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 9, 2017 5:00 pm -

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding she owns with her mother Barbara, were the first CCI3* pair in the ring after the lunch break at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event, and they threw down an elegant, accurate test to earn a personal best CCI3* score and take the lead on 43.2.

“I think half the time I was smiling because it felt really good,” Jordan said. “He’s a horse with so much movement and gaits that are really good, and I’m just happy that I can finally ride it. His big movement is hard sometimes for me to keep it all together. This year and even the end of last year he keeps getting better and more rideable.”

Jordan and Capato were ready to compete for the third time at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in April, but Jordan felt her longtime partner wasn’t feeling quite right. While the vets couldn’t find any obvious problems, Jordan didn’t want to take any chances and she opted to withdraw after the dressage phase.

They re-routed to the Jersey Fresh CIC3*, where they were clear with time in bad weather conditions. “He lost three shoes running around that track and was great jogging up on Sunday. He’s super stoic and tough and that reassured me that my decision was right at Kentucky.”

This is Jordan’s first trip to Bromont but she knew Derek di Grazia’s cross country course would be an impressive challenge. “It’s a big, bold track which for my horse is great,” she said. “He’s super scopey and big-strided. I think he should run around it quite well.”

Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ryan Wood and Powell, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Ryan and Summit Sporthorses, can always be counted on for a good performance on the flat and today was no exception. They scored a 43.8 for second place, which is 0.2 penalty points off their personal best at the level. Ryan credited Silva Martin with helping Powell score so well on the flat.

“He’s been going really good all week. I have to just keep a lid on myself not to overdue it with him and ride him too many times,” Ryan said. “He’s the sort of horse that doesn’t need to be ridden twice a day so I have to have some self control and ride him once a day. He’s been working great all week. He went in there and I couldn’t have asked him to be any better.”

Ryan won the 2016 Bromont CCI3* and CIC3* with Woodstock Bennett and Frankie, respectfully, and he and Powell are EN’s pick to win the CCI3* this year. They’re off to a good start but there is still plenty to do tomorrow.

“The course looks pretty beefy. Derek’s done a great job as always and I’m looking forward to getting Powell out there,” Ryan said. “I think it’s going to be a great test for both of us. I’m going to take every minute as it comes and ride the horse that I have. He feels fit and ready.”

For all you Powell fans out there, Ryan let us know that his breeder and owner Ilona English is working on breeding a full sibling this season!

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux were leading the division before the lunch break on 44.9. Jordan and Ryan slipped past them but they remain in the hunt in third place on 44.9.

Sara and the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate’s 12-year-old Selle Français have been on a roll this spring, placing second at the Red Hills CIC2*, fifth at The Fork CIC3* and third in the Jersey Fresh CIC2*. They also won the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix, hosted by Southern Cross Equestrian in March and the inaugural $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing class at the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair last month.

Jennie Brannigan has two mares making their CCI3* debut here this weekend, and after dressage both are sitting in the top ten. Jennie and Elsbeth Battel’s 9-year-old Thoroughbred/Holsteiner Stella Artois had a lovely test to swing into fourth on 49.5. Cool As Ice, also a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by Elsbeth, scored a 52.3 for 10th.

William Coleman and Kathleen McDermott’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding Boris O’Hara scored a 50.1 this morning and that was good enough to keep them in fifth place by day’s end. Frankie Thieriot Stutes and the Chatwin Group’s 9-year-old Oldenburg Chatwin scored a 51.3 to tie with Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s 10-year-old Trakehner Tsetserleg.

Boyd is also in a tie for eighth place with Steve Blauner and Nancy Hathaway’s 10-year-old Hanoverian Bonito, equalling Kylie Lyman and Joan Nichol’s 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse Lup the Loop on 52.2.

For today’s CCI3* dressage the judges were Christian Landholt at C, Mark Weissbecker at H, and Helen Christie at B. Overall they scored 0.63 points above the expected marks for the CCI3* field as a whole, with their scoring differing by more than five points on 22.7% of the field and three points on 59% of the field. Many thanks to EN’s data analyst Maggie Deatrick for crunching the numbers!

Clayton Fredericks and FE Bowman. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks has taken command of the CIC2* division, placing first and second after dressage with FE Bowman (39.4) and FE Ophelia (42.5). Boyd and On Cue are close in third on 42.7. Collen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges sit in fourth with a 43.3 and Jessica Phoenix and Bentleys Best round out the top five on 43.80.

There is much to do on Derek di Grazia’s course tomorrow. We get under way with the CCI* at 8:30 a.m. followed by the CCI3* at 11:00 with the CCI2* and CIC2* rounding out the day. Complete cross country ride times are available here.

Check out the CCI3* virtual course walk with Le Chinch at this link, and remember to keep an eye on EN’s Instagram for extra photos from the event. Go Eventing.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, XC Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux Lead Bromont CCI3* at Lunchtime

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 9, 2017 12:24 pm -

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Twelve CCI3* riders have completed their dressage test at the PEDIGREE® Bromont CCI Three-Day Event, and at the lunch break it’s Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux leading the division in their CCI3* debut as a pair.

With the wind whipping the flags around near the arena, a few horses have come slightly undone this morning, but Sara and the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate’s 12-year-old Selle Français performed a relaxed, fluid test to score 44.9, a personal best for them at this level.

Currently in second place with a 50.1 is William Coleman III and Kathleen McDermott’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding Boris O’Hara. Bromont is Boris O’Hara’s first CCI3* attempt having moved up to Advanced this spring. He was tenth at his first Advanced at Carolina International and then finished fourth and third at the Fair Hill and Jersey Fresh CIC3*s respectively.

Will Coleman and Boris O’Hara. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

In third place at the break is Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg on a 51.3. Boyd piloted the 10-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner to a second place finish at the 2016 Bromont CCI2* and they’ll be looking for similar success this year in the gelding’s first CCI3*.

(Fun fact from Equiratings: Boyd Martin has had 30 international top-five placings since June 1, 2016. That’s the second highest in the world in that timeframe, only behind Oliver Townend with 36. Boyd is competing six horses in total at Bromont. Read four more Bromont fast facts here.)

Kylie Lyman and Joan Nichols’ 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse sits in fourth place with a 52.2. Kylie was second with “Loopy” and third with Sacramento here last year, which just happened to be the first CCI3* attempt for both her and her horses.

Close behind in fifth with a 52.3 is Jennie Brannigan and Elsbeth Battel’s 9-year-old Holsteiner mare Cool As Ice. The pair has had several top placings this spring and won their final prep in the Advanced/Intermediate division at Virginia Horse Trials two weeks ago.

We have ten CCI3* combinations left to see in the dressage arena and there are some heavy hitters coming up. Stay tuned!

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Bromont CCI3* Course Walk with Le Chinch

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 9, 2017 10:54 am -

Bonjour! We’re looking forward to cross country for all divisions on Saturday at the PEDIGREE® Bromont CCI Three-Day Event in Quebec, Canada. Designed by Derek di Grazia and built by Jay Hambly and Dylan Barry, the tracks have been beautifully prepared. Riders report the courses are all certainly tough enough and the footing is excellent.

For the CCI3* track, competitors will jump 26 numbered fences with 40 total efforts. At a distance of 5,714 meters the optimum time will be 10 minutes 2 seconds. While it is an open, galloping track the terrain makes the time quite difficult to catch.

Le Chinch took a tour around the course yesterday. He’s pictured in most of the photos in the gallery below. Can you spot him?

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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Allison Springer and Lord Willing Steal the Show at Bromont CCI2*

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 8, 2017 4:00 pm -

Allison Springer and Lord Willing. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Allison Springer and Lord Willing were the last to enter the dressage ring for the CCI2* at the Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event in Quebec, Canada and their relaxed, accurate test earned them a 37.8 to take the lead.

“Liam was super. Whenever he’s relaxed and happy he’s really good. I was proud of him,” Allison said. “He was accurate,rideable, forward and loose.”

At 9 years old, the Holsteiner gelding owned by the Lord Willing Syndicate is still green at the level but he’s coming into his own with Allison’s guidance.

“With that horse it’s all about partnership and relaxation,” she said. “When I first got him I was the only one that could hack him out because he was nervous and naughty out in the fields and now any of my girls can canter and trot and trail ride him… The more he understands the more he relaxes.”

Bobby Meyerhoff and Rascal Rap. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Waylon Roberts and Michelle and John Koppin’s 10-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding Lancaster were the penultimate pair in the ring and they briefly held the lead on a 41.1. They will head into Saturday’s cross country in second place.

“I was really pleased with the horse. He felt great this morning when I did a little school,” Waylon said. “I was worried a little bit about reacting to the atmosphere because that ring can always bubble a couple up but he was super settled. I’m excited for the rest of the week.”

Lancaster attempted his first Advanced and Fair Hill this spring and all was going well until he stepped on a clip near the end of the cross country course and Waylon pulled him him.

“A horse’s first Advanced you just want to get him around and check that box, but we pretty much did the whole thing so I’m looking forward to getting this event under our belt. I’d like to think this will be the two-star he needs to move on,” Waylon said.

Bobby Meyerhoff and Diane Kearney’s 9-year-old Oldenburg Rascal Rap were leading the CCI2* for much of the day on 43.9, but settled in third after the last two rides took over the top of a competitive leaderboard. Hillary Irwin and her 8-year-old Thoroughbred Kilbeggan sit in fourth place with 45.2 while Boyd Martin and his homebred Ray Price, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred cross owned by the Ray Price Syndicate, round out the top five with 46.5.

Hillary Irwin and Kilbeggan. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While Allison and Liam were the only pair to break into the 30s, the top 14 scored a 51.0 or better and both Allison and Waylon agreed this wouldn’t be a dressage show.

The cross country course, designed by Derek di Grazia and built by Jay Hambly and Dylan Barry, is beautifully presented but riders are reporting that it’s tough enough at all levels.

“There’s a lot to do out there,” Allison said. “It might rain a little tomorrow but I think the footing should be good. I trust Derek a ton as a course designer. There are a couple places where I’ve walked distances and thought, ‘I wonder what that’s going to be like,’ but I always trust him in the end.”

In particular, a one-stride combination of angled verticals at 19AB has riders spending a few minutes longer pondering their plan of attack.

“Liam is a horse who has been a little herd bound in the past, so I’m going have to keep him focused and cruise past the vet box, set him up and hope he’s still looking straight ahead. The placement of where that combination is right after the vet box makes it more challenging.”

Spectacular backdrops, one of the many reasons to love Bromont. Pictured is Daniel Clasing and MW Ganster’s Game in the CCI*. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The CCI* division has 40 starters and after a full day of dressage, it was Kelli Temple and Kara Angulo’s 7-year-old Holsteiner mare Metallica that took a firm hold of the lead with a 31.5. Their excellent score places them a full ten points ahead of the rest of the pack, a good start for the lovely gray mare’s first FEI appearance.

Rachel Wilks and her 8-year-old Great Expectations are the closest next competitors, sitting in second with a 41.3. Hot on their heels with 41.4 is Holly Payne Caravella and the CharmKing LLC’s 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding CharmKing. Kendal Lehari and Dunhallow Cool Ceilidh are fourth on 44.0. Valerie Vizcarrando and Favian round out the top five on 44.3.

Last year was my first visit to Bromont and despite freezing temperatures and wet weather, I loved it and immediately expressed my interest in returning to cover it this year. It’s an event journalists, riders, and owners alike truly look forward to and it’s plain to see why: the courses are above par, the staff is friendly, the hospitality is top notch, and you can’t beat the mountain views in this quaint ski town.

“It’s my favorite event,” Allison said. “People really enjoy this track. It feels like you’re at a European event.

“My dog likes being here too,” she added. “He’s enjoying the Pedigree sponsor big time–he keeps stealing all the big DentaFlex bones (that came in the welcome bags) in the barn.”

The CCI2* and CIC* competitors will a day off to relax and enjoy the show before cross country on Saturday. The CIC2* and CCI3* will do their dressage tomorrow so stay tuned for much more from Bromont.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo Gallery + Notes from Bromont CCI First Horse Inspection

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 7, 2017 5:30 pm -

Marie-Gabrielle Bronsard and Canso De La Mancha. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bonjour from Quebec! It is an absolutely stunning day here at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, and we’re looking forward to a great competition at the 2017 Pedigree Bromont CCI Three-Day Event.

It was an uneventful hour-and-a-half during the first horse inspection this afternoon. The CCI* is by far the largest of the divisions here this weekend and only one horse, Matt Kidney’s Fuzion, was held but passed on reinspection. Genevieve Faith with Burned You Too and Colin Gaffney with Timaru did not present.

In the CCI2*, Allison Springer was asked to jog Fernhill Casano a second time, but they were not held and were accepted after their second pass down the jog strip.

All other horses presented in the CCI*, CCI2* and CCI3* were accepted by the ground juries. A total of 87 CCI horses will move forward to dressage. There will be no CIC3* division this year, but there is a CIC2* division running.

Dressage gets under way at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning and we’ll have two days of dressage before all divisions run cross country on Saturday. See the complete schedule here.

Le Chinch has arrived and is already enjoying his time at Bromont. Be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram throughout the week.

EN’s resident crystal ball, Maggie Deatrick, has crunched the numbers and made her predictions. Check out her thoughts on this year’s competitive field.

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

: Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Bobby Meyerhoff and Albano. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Philippa Hambly and Uncle Tink. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Sarah Croft and Clever Canuck. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Victoria Garland and FE Capricino. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Kendal Lahari and Dunhallow Cool Ceilidh. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Kevin Keane and Sportsfield Candy. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Taylor Symon and Breaking Boundaries. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Melissa Boutin and EWSZ Jalando. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Allison Springer and Fernhill Casano. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Holly Payne Caravella and Bruisyard Hall. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Sydney Solomon and Early Review C. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Tamra Smith and Wembley. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Emily Beshear and Silver Night Lady. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Erin Sylvester and Campground. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Why Yes, This Horse IS Child Safe

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 5, 2017 5:00 pm -

Pumba working in extreme circumstances…

Ok guys, the joys of selling horses. I keep being asked if this horse is “good with children” the last person asked for “a video” ??? So I have checked just incase I had accidentally advertised her in the “nannies looking for work” section. I haven’t. Anyway, today Nouveau Heights, aka Pumba humoured us…. no children or horses were harmed in the making of this video… surprisingly…

Posted by Brookby Heights International on Friday, June 2, 2017

It’s fair to ask a lot of questions when considering a horse to buy. You want to cover all the bases and make sure you’re about the spend money on the horse that’s really right for you. But sometimes, the many questions and requests can become frustrating for sellers.

The team at Brookby Heights International of New Zealand recently honored the request for a video proving that a sale horse called Nouveau Heights is “good with children,” but they took it to the extreme! After watching the shenanigans taking place in this clip, all we can say is…raise her price, she’s worth her weight in gold! Better yet don’t sell her at all, she’s too perfect!

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 5, 2017 12:51 am -

Mom, look what I did! Photo by Heather Scheel.

Our horses regularly provide us with some of the most facepalm-worthy moments. Heather Scheel sent us this picture of her 9-year-old OTTB Desert Lure, aka Taz, with the question, “How? Why?” We don’t have the answers but your pony looks pretty proud of himself and hoping you’ll put his hay bag back in reach soon, just so he can throw it over the door again.

U.S. Weekend Action:

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Results]

GVRDC Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Results]

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

IEA H.T. & Classic 3DE [Website] [Results]

Colorado Horse Park CCI/CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

It was a record breaking win for Vittoria Panizzon in the Tattersalls CCI3* in Ireland this weekend, and five North American combinations finished in the top 12. Jenni Autry was EN’s boots on the ground at the event. She got rained on a lot so we’re really thankful for her work! Click here to catch up on all her coverage from #Tatts2017. More Tattersalls Links: Website, Results, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Horses spook at the darndest things. My 6-year-old Thoroughbred is fairly easy going, but he is verrrry suspicious of generators (I suppose they do sound like growling beasts in the bushes). The Horse hosted a contest asking readers to send in photos of things their horses spook at, and the submissions are hysterical. [Don’t Spook! Contest Editor’s Picks]

Chestnuts, grays, ALL the bays. These common equine colors are lovely of course, but maybe not as eye-catching as Paint or a leopard spotted Appaloosa, which scientists have come to discover were nearly phased out during the Middle Ages. A recent study revealed that while Appaloosas once outnumbered bays, these and other patterned or diluted coat colors fell out of fashion for some centuries. [“Show me a sorrel to match my red velour robes”]

A video about hobby horsing is making the rounds on the interwebs. You know because you’ve been tagged in it umpteen times already. It’s a sport popular in Finland involving a stick horse, a dressage test and a jumping round and is promoted as a fun, safe and affordable way to ride horses. And guess what? Hobby-horsing will soon be making its competitive debut in the U.S. with a whole hobby horsing series scheduled this summer at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. [Hobby Horsing Hits USA with New Series at WEG Venue]

There are strong horses and then there are STRONG horses. You really only want to put so much metal in their mouth, and sometimes a change in your leatherworks may be more helpful than bitting up. Here are some alternative nosebands to consider. [7 of the Best Technical Nosebands]

Monday Video: Hold on to your hats and enjoy this ride with Lainey Ashker and Carina Erickson’s 13.3 hand powerhouse Digby on their way to a double clear round and second place finish in Preliminary at the Waredaca horse trials. Wee!

13.3 hands of pure badass! This pony knows no limits and I plan on always encouraging that way to live life! I’m honored to be his jockey while his owner Carina studies for finals! Way to finish second place in the prelim Digby! You’re a legend! #wonderpony #livelifelikedigby

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, June 4, 2017

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Studly Eventing Stallions

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 4, 2017 5:00 pm -

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.

Still trying to find the perfect stallion to pair with your mare? Dreaming of breeding the next eventing super star? Check out the handsome stallions listed on Sport Horse Nation’s Stallions category page and get ready to play match maker!

R Blue Moon. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

The Experts Agree! R BLUE MOON…..

R Blue Moon is an superb choice for crossing on your Thoroughbred, Sport Horse and Pony Mares to produce for the Mid to Upper Level. In addition to excellent conformation and outstanding gait quality Blue offers desirable size, type, color and exceptional limbs and hoof quality.

Blue has been genetically profiled and recent “clean” radiographs are available by request.

Blue is proven to ship well and is siring large correct, athletic offspring from a variety of mares and breeds including: Thoroughbred, Sport Horse (WB) and Pony Mares.

ArdCeltic Art. Photo by Shannon Brinkman via Sport Horse Nation.

ArdCeltic Art Connemara Stallion Frozen Semen

Superior Quality Frozen semen. Art is a proven Sport Horse Sire, himself having competed successfully at 2* Eventing and 4th level dressage.

Hilife. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Proven Eventing Sires

Royal Palm Farm has numerous stallions available to produce your next eventing prospect. Standing the Irish Sport Horse stallion Formula One, sire of Landmark’s Monte Carlo, Landmark’s Monaco and Maserati One.

The Elite Trakehner stallion Stiletto *Pg*E* who earned his elite status through performance (Grand Prix dressage, CCI** eventer) and the performance of his offspring like CCI*** competitor Copycat Chloe. Versatile producer with offspring at the top in dressage and hunters as well.

The Grand Prix show jumper Class 1 RID stallion Crystal Crest.

Performance Silver earning Trakehner stallion Tatendrang *Ps* as well as the intermediate level eventers Inamorato *Pb*, Incantare, and Cardinali.

Also standing the Performance Bronze earning stallion Apollo Sun *Pb* competing at fourth level dressage, Hilife and Heroic Measures.

Horses for sale from yearling prospects to upper level competitors in Eventing and Dressage.

Friend or Foe. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Athletic Thoroughbred Stallion Standing in Virginia

Friend Or Foe is a 16.3 hand athletic Thoroughbred stallion by Friends Lake out of Unbridled Star who is by Unbridled. He’s a multiple stakes winner of $350,000 and would be a great cross with your eventing mare. Cooled semen available.

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.

Mackenna Shea and Landioso to Spend the Summer in Europe

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 4, 2017 1:30 pm -

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

This spring, 24-year-old Mackenna Shea was selected a recipient of the 2017 Karen Stives Eventing Endowment Fund Grant, which provides international experience to developing riders. Mackenna and Landioso, her 15-year-old Bavarian Warmblood gelding, were to spend a month in England training with USEF Emerging Athletes Coach Leslie Law and competing at the Houghton Hall CICO3* and Bramham CCI3*-U25.

Unfortunately, a bout of shipping fever shortly after arriving in England thwarted their initial plans, and Mackenna withdrew “Landi” from both Houghton Hall and Bramham. Thankfully Landi is feeling much better and Mackenna has decided to extend their stay in England so they may still gain the valuable experience of competing overseas.

With the ultimate goal of competing at the Burghley CCI4* the first week of September, Mackenna and Landi hope to compete at Barbury International Horse Trials and Asten Le Walls in July followed by Gatcombe International Horse Trials in August.

The recent announcement on Mackenna’s website states: “While this schedule is still tentative and Landioso will have the final say on whether he is up to the task, all signs have been extremely positive…. She’s so excited to extend her adventure, and she hopes this opportunity will further prepare her to continue representing the United States internationally in the future.”

We’re wishing Mackenna and Landi the best of luck from this side of the pond, and we look forward to following their journey to Burghley!

Mackenna and Landioso admire the English countryside.

Girls Rule at Second Leg of Event Rider Masters Series at Wiesbaden

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 4, 2017 10:00 am -

From left: Sara Algotsson Osholt (SWE), Sarah Cohen (GBR), Julia Krajewski (GER). Photo by Benjamin Clark/Event Rider Masters.

It’s not over until it’s over, and it came down to the final fences on cross country that determined the winner of the second leg of the Event Rider Masters 2017 Series at Germany’s Internationales Wiesbadener PfingstTurnier yesterday.

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and SAP Escada FRH had taken the lead in dressage with a 34.6, and Ingrid was grinning ear-to-ear as she and the very experienced 13-year-old Hanoverian mare entered the final section of cross country in the arena. There was a collective gasp by spectators, commentators, and live stream watchers as Escada glanced off the second to last fence not once but twice, dropping them well out of contention of an ERM victory.

The mistake meant Sarah Cohen of Great Britain and Treason would win the day, earning their first ERM victory, a 19,000 Euro (£16,000) first prize and taking the lead in the series. Sarah and Treason, a 15-year-old British Sport Horse owned by Preci-Spark Ltd and Mrs Elizabeth Jones, produced one of a few fault-free show jumping rounds and rocketed around the cross country clear with only 3.6 time penalties to add for the fastest round of the day. They finished with a final score of 46.8, nearly eight full points ahead of the pack.

“At the beginning of the year I wanted to give the series a go. We had a good time at Leg 1, so I decided to come to Wiesbaden. I wanted to be competitive but never thought I would win! I knew Treason was fit and he just wanted to gallop and jump today. I am over the moon with him,” Sarah said.

Sarah Cohen and Treason. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

It was an all female podium for the first time in ERM series history. Joining Sarah in the awards ceremony was Germany’s Julia Krajewski, finishing second on 54.2, despite a three-rail show jumping round with Chipmunk FRH. Julia and Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff’s 9-year-old Hannoverian gelding rallied on the cross country, coming home clear with six time penalties to add, moving them back up the leaderboard and earning a 15,000 Euro prize.

“It’s very exciting to be competing in the Event Rider Masters. In my last five starts at Wiesbaden I’ve finished second and although I am not on top of the podium this is a very good result. I was disappointed with our showjumping, but Chipmunk FRH certainly made it up on the cross country today,” Julia said.

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Third place and 10,000 Euros went to Sweden’s Sara Algotsson Osholt riding Reality 39, who held tight to a podium position throughout the competition. Starting out in third place with a dressage score of 42.0, they added three time penalties in show jumping and 10.8 on cross country to finish on 55.8.

“It has been a fantastic competition this weekend. I was pleased with our showjumping but I felt the cross country wouldn’t suit Reality 39 with the twists and turns as he is a big horse, but he responded very well to the challenge and was superb today,” Sara said.

Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

With two legs completed and five remaining, the competition is heating up in the 2017 ERM Series. Sarah Cohen has taken the overall lead with 51 series points for her win yesterday and a six place finish at the first leg at Chatsworth. In second is Marcio Jorje (BRA) with 37 points, finishing 9th at Chatsworth and 8th at Wiesbaden riding Colonel MJC. Great Britain’s Gemma Tattersall is third on the leaderboard having won the class at Chatsworth with Quicklook V. Betting Hoy of Germany and Julia Krajewski are tied for fourth with 28 points. Click here to see the full rankings.

See full results from Wiesbaden at this link. Watch the replay here and learn more about the Event Rider Masters series here. Barbury Castle will be the next ERM leg July 8-9. As always, you’ll be able to see all the action live and for free on eventridermasters.tv.

Tattersalls CCI3* Cross Country Live Updates

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 3, 2017 10:00 am -

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s almost go time at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair. We’ve got three Americans in the top five in the CCI3* and today will be a big test.

The course runs a new direction this year, and being in County Meath hunting country, there is no shortage of ditches. If you missed the course preview with commentary from designer Ian Stark, click here.

We get under way at 10:30 EST with our own Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation the first out of the box. You can live stream the cross country for free at this link or keep refreshing this page to stay up to date on what’s happening across the pond.

Tattersalls Links: Website, Entries & Live Scores, XC Order of Go, Course Preview, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

12:10 p.m. EST: That’s a wrap on the Tattersalls International CCI3*. Phillip Dutton has both Fernhill Revelation and Z in the top six with two incredible double clear rounds (fun fact: this is Phillip’s first time competing in Ireland in his entire career). Buck Davidson and Carlevo moved from third to eighth with a few time faults, Canadian Katherine Robinson and Let It Bee moved down two places to tenth, and Britain-based American Katherine Coleman and Back to Business moved up from 20th all the way to 13th with a stellar double clear. Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border had unfortunate trouble at the sunken road and ultimately retired. In the lead, still on her record score of 34.5, is Italian Vittoria Panizzon and Chequers Play the Game with Britain’s Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo knocking at the door with a 39.3. Jenni Autry will be back soon with a full report and photos so stay tuned to EN!

10:31 a.m. EST: And we’re off! Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revelation are on course and looking full of running.

10:34 a.m. EST: Sam Watson of EquiRatings is in the commentary box. He says he expects quite a few double-clear rounds today.

10:38 a.m. EST: Phillip and Fernhill Revelation are over halfway through and still clear.

10:39 a.m. EST: Great Britain’s Daniel Alderson pops off when Cloud Atlas glances off the C element of the Irish Field Mound at 16. They’re both fine but what a bummer!

10:42 a.m. EST: Phillip and Fernhill Revelation finish one second under the optimum time for a double clear round. Great way to start! They will hold on to fifth place at least.

10:43 a.m. EST: Buck Davidson and Carlevo are on course now and clear through 11.

10:46 a.m. EST: Laura Collett (GBR) and Cooley Again also finish one second under the time for our second double clear.

10:51 a.m. EST: Buck and Carlevo are clear with 9.2 time penalties.

10:52 a.m. EST: Sarah Dowley for Ireland runs into problems with Rubix Kube at the Irish Field Mound, picking up two refusals and wasting a lot of time getting back to the B element.

10:56 a.m. EST: Looks like Lissa Green (GBR) and Hollyfield have had a fall at 26B. We’ve no word yet what happened.

10:58 a.m. EST: Meghan Healy (IRL) and Lui D have a refusal at the second last, 26B, the angled hedge that designer Ian Stark expected would catch out a few riders.

11:02 a.m. EST: Isabella Innes Ker (GBR) and Carolyn pick up 20 at 26A and also add 17.2 time.

11:07 a.m. EST: Emily Parker and the Clydesdale cross Harelaw Wizard are clear with 2.8 time after a great exciting round!

11:08 a.m. EST: Camille Lejeune and Tahina des Isles for France bring us our third double clear. Our leader, Italian Vittoria Panizzon and Chequers Play The Game, are on course.

11:17 a.m. EST: Willa Newton (GBR) and Caja 20 are clear and three seconds under time. Vittoria Panizzon and Chequers Play the Game hold on to their overnight lead with a super double clear.

11:21 a.m. EST: Joanna Rimmer and Isaac Newton for Great Britain are also double clear. Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee for Canada having a fast, bold round so far.

11:23 a.m. EST: Ten time faults for Kathryn and Let It Bee and will go forward with 54.1.

11:25 a.m. EST: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border are on course. They are second after dressage. Let’s go!

11:26 a.m. EST: Clare Lambert and Whitmore Way for Ireland are clear with 5.6 time. Cooley is being careful but galloping beautifully for Kim!

11:30 a.m. EST: Oh no! Cooley peaks at the sunken road at 12 and then flies by the third element after the second attempt. Kim’s pulled up and retired. Now Mark Todd has jumped the wrong oxer at 11 after a refusal at 10 and he has retired Obos Colombus.

11:35 a.m. EST: Pippa Funnel (GBR) had to work for her clear round with MGH Grafton Street but they finish just two seconds over the time. Rachel Robinson (GBR) and MJI Limmerick Bell are also clear but with 20.8 time faults.

11:41 a.m. EST: Double clear for Great Britain’s Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. USA’s Katherine Coleman, based in Britain, is motoring with her neat mare Back to Business.

11:44 a.m. EST: Simon Vatcher (GBR) and Camblin Hill pick up 20 penalties at the second last and add another 26.8 time. Ireland’s Tegan White is on course with Texan Style, a half brother to Camilla Speirs’ pint-sized star Portersize Just a Jiff. They have an unfortunate glance off the brush in the water at 10B. Katherine Coleman is just a few from home.

11:50 a.m. EST: Katherine Coleman and Back to Business are double clear! They will surely move up a few placings!

11:55 a.m. EST: Tegan and Texan Style finish without just the one early runout at the water. Benjamin Leahy and Yasmina V finishes just two seconds over the time.. they will move well up the standings from 26th.

11:57 a.m. EST: Phillip Dutton is back on course with Z, driving fast and taking chances!

12:01 p.m. EST: Andrew James and Redhill Illisit retire after a refusal at 12. Piggy French (GBR) and Quarrycrest Echo are one second under time to move forward on their dressage score of 39.3. Phillip and Z peck on landing at the final water at 20 but they are still clear.

12:04 p.m. EST: Matthew Heath and Cooley Lord Lux pick up an unlucky 20 at 16C and Phillip and Z blaze home four seconds under time to move up to provisional sixth!

Gig’em Ags! The Texas A&M Eventing Team’s Journey to the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship

By Leslie Threlkeld on May 29, 2017 3:00 pm -

Texas A&M Eventing Team. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Texas A&M Eventing Team drove for two days from College Station, TX to Lexington, Va. to contest the 2017 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at the Virginia Horse Trials. With two full teams competing, they finished with one team in the ribbons and as a squad won the highly sought after Spirit Award. From morning ‘yell practice’ to wearing matching overalls to giving one another a leg up in the barns, Texas A&M showed school pride and team work to the highest degree.

The Intercollegiate Championship swelled from 10 teams representing 10 schools in its first year to 21 teams representing 17 schools at the event last week. The USEA’s Intercollegiate program is fast growing, with new teams being formed every semester.

Texas A&M had the longest haul to the Championship, and they’ve been focused on preparing for the competition over the last year. On Saturday, before the announcement of the Spirit Award winner, EN sat down with the President of the Texas A&M Eventing Team, Kate Boggan, to learn more about their journey.

Tell us about the Texas A&M Eventing team. When was it formed and what does it mean to be a member?

We were officially a recognized student organization last January, and our organization has about 32 members. We wanted it to be a social opportunity that supports a team because eventing is not that big in Texas. You don’t have to own a horse to join our club, you just have to think the sport is interesting.

We try to get people involved even if they can’t actually compete on their own. We’ve traveled to local shows together and we have social events like a Christmas party and overalls painting party. It’s been a great way not just to bring all the eventers at our school together but also create new eventers. We have a girl here this weekend who has been a hunter/jumper all her life. She had never done an event until she joined the team and now she’s here at Championships.

We had a German exchange student join our program and we have a couple members that have more than one horse, so she was able to get some time riding on other members’ horses. That’s worked out a lot. One of our girls, Jessie, had a major surgery on her leg and it’s been a long process healing. There was a chunk of time she couldn’t ride her own horse and there was another member whose horse was in full time training, so while her horse was gone she rode Jessie’s horse.

That’s been one really cool thing that I’ve seen about the club is there is always a way to get people on horses even if they don’t necessarily have access to their own. We’ve really tried to make it a very inclusive, very inviting club.

When did Texas A&M decide they were going to make the 2017 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship a goal?

Last year. I fell in love with the event when I was here last year as an intern with USEA. I thought it was the coolest thing seeing all these colleges come together and represent their school. When I saw this I said there was no way we were not coming the next year.

A&M has a bunch of equestrian programs. We have our equestrian team who just won Nationals, we have a men’s and women’s polo team who pretty much always wins Nationals. We have a stock horse team, a horsemanship program that goes around the state and teaches clinics, a rodeo team. Most of them are club sports the way we are but there are lots of different horse sports and they are all very active and involved.

A&M comes with a reputation of being very horsey, and if we’re representing A&M, we’ve got to go to Championships. We’ve got eight competitors here plus five other club members who came along as our cheerleaders.

How did you fundraise for the trip?

We’ve been fortunate to receive some monetary sponsorships and we’ve done a lot of fundraising throughout the year with the intention to use that money to pay for travel expenses. We did a used tack sale as our big fundraiser, and that went a long way for us.

We asked for donations of used tack, and we all went through and cleaned out our trailers and found stuff that we had been hoarding. We took the tack sale to a bunch of local schooling shows and our team challenges.

We have a couple former students who wanted to make a donation and some monetary sponsors, too. Pyranha fly spray was the biggest contributor to our travel funds and we’re so grateful for their support.

What expenses could the team cover for the student riders?

We were able to pay for all of our hotel rooms during the event. We also paid for hotel rooms and all of the horses’ stabling on our overnight stops in Alabama. Everyone is also keeping all of their gas receipts and we’ll be able to reimburse members for most of their gas.

Your team has a big sponsor banner displayed in the College Town stabling. How did you go about procuring sponsors?

It was very helpful that I interned at the USEA while we were in the process of getting this team started because it was a lot of motivation and I got to see how the USEA did a lot of their sponsorships. Kate Lokey, USEA’s Director of Programs and Marketing, walked me through how a lot of the sponsorships work. Shelby Allen, USEA’s Communications Specialist at the time and a former member of the Eventing Team at UGA, also told me how UGA did their sponsorships. So I had a lot of good mentoring over the summer.

It was hard because when we were asking for sponsors we really hadn’t done anything yet. But I tried to push our good qualities and what we could do for companies and sponsors. I sent out a ton of emails and I got way more rejections than I did acceptances, but we have 16 sponsors.

Let’s talk about Texas A&M’s amazing school spirit.

We are going hard for the Spirit Award! A&M has a reputation to uphold. We’re known for being a very traditional, very spirited school. We’re going all out for that. We weren’t quite sure how we would fare riding against all these East Coast teams, but we were going for the Spirit Award.

Texas A&M doesn’t have pep rallies, they have “yell practice”. Here’s the Texas A&M Eventing Team practicing their yells!

Posted by Virginia Horse Trials on Sunday, May 28, 2017

Aggie Spirit invading the collegiate championships in Virginia!!!

Posted by Candy Neal Baker on Friday, May 26, 2017

We rocked the collegiate competitor’s dinner in our overalls! #tamueventing #aggieeventing #intercollegiateeventing #virginiaorbust #seeyouatchampionships #almostgotime #redass #spiritaward

A post shared by Texas A&M Eventing Team (@tamueventing) on May 26, 2017 at 6:07pm PDT

We’re having a blast! Gig’em Ags! #tamueventing #aggieeventing #intercollegiateeventing

A post shared by Texas A&M Eventing Team (@tamueventing) on May 27, 2017 at 3:46pm PDT

It’s the final day of competition here at the Intercollegiate Championships! Gig’em Aggies! #tamueventing #aggieeventing #intercollegiateeventing

A post shared by Texas A&M Eventing Team (@tamueventing) on May 28, 2017 at 7:44am PDT

Saved By the Bell: USEA Intercollegiate Championships Gets Going at Virginia Horse Trials

By Leslie Threlkeld on May 26, 2017 11:00 pm -

The 2017 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship is underway at the Virginia Horse Trials! More than 80 students from 17 colleges and universities traveled from all over the East Coast and from as far West as Texas to compete at the second annual Intercollegiate Championship.

The Intercollegiate Program became official at the USEA in 2014, but it has grown exponentially since then. There are more schools registered as a USEA University Affiliate than there are NCAA Equestrian Teams, and participation at the Championship doubled over the inaugural year in 2016, with 21 total teams vying for the Champion title this weekend.

“It is impossible not to be inspired by how quickly Intercollegiate Eventing is growing,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Eventing is in good hands with these future leaders of the sport. When the USEA Board of Governors established the Intercollegiate Eventing Program we had high hopes for its success. I don’t think anyone thought it would be this successful so quickly!

“Congratulations to the Virginia Horse Trials for serving as excellent hosts, and congratulations to the horses and riders for working so hard to get here.”

School spirit abounds at VHT and I have to admit, the enthusiasm of the students, parents, coaches and friends is 100% infectious. We’re looking forward to an exciting week!

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

School spirit in excess! #IntercollegiateChampionships

Posted by Virginia Horse Trials on Friday, May 26, 2017

Our team had a great first day of competition. Lydia and Charm kicked off the day on a high note scoring a PERSONAL BEST…

Posted by Auburn Eventing Team on Friday, May 26, 2017

At the Collegiate Banquet the girls are having fun!

Posted by Transylvania University Eventing Team on Friday, May 26, 2017

YJs are here and ready to roll at the USEA Collegiate Eventing Champs! 22 teams from 17 colleges. And of course, our biggest fan, Gracie, made the trip!

Posted by Randolph-Macon College Eventing Team on Friday, May 26, 2017

Thank you so much to Lauren Kieffer Eventing for providing our team with a course walk! Looking forward to dominating the cross country course this weekend! #TerpTakeover

Posted by Maryland Eventing Team at UMD on Friday, May 26, 2017

We rocked the collegiate compeditors dinner in our overalls! #tamueventing #aggieeventing #intercollegiateeventing #virginiaorbust #seeyouatchampionships #almostgotime #redass #spiritaward

A post shared by Texas A&M Eventing Team (@tamueventing) on May 26, 2017 at 6:07pm PDT

The team is all settled in at the Intercollegiate Championships at the Virginia Horse Trials! GO PACK ❤🐺 • #intercollegiateeventing #eventingatncstate #vahorsetrials #usea

A post shared by Eventing at NC State (@eventingatncstate) on May 26, 2017 at 5:33pm PDT

Enjoying our time at @virginiahorsetrials ❤️ 🐘🐴@the_a_team2.0 started us off today in the preliminary rider division with a 34.6 in dressage & double clear stadium round! Way to kick butt! Tomorrow’s an action packed day starting at 9:36am with @kmh__eventing going down center line! We will keep you updated. ROLL TIDE ROLL 👍🏼🅰️ #Dreamteam #ridetideride #alabamaeventing #intercollegiatechampionships #usea #eventing #crimsontide #roadto1

A post shared by Alabama Eventing Team (@alabamaeventing) on May 26, 2017 at 5:37pm PDT

WAHOOWA! Our teams have arrived at Virginia Horse Trials!! Our CIC* competitor, Kate Knowles, has finished dressage on an impressive 55.6 for her first one star. Our CIC** rider, Alex Reed, finished dressage and showjumping to put her in ninth place in a competitive division at her first two star. Also pictured is Annie Page and her mount, who have finished dressage and showjumping in the Preliminary Rider division. Best of luck to our riders and mounts with the rest of your rides!! #gohoos #virginiaeventinganddressageteam #intercollegiateeventing

A post shared by Virginia Eventing & Dressage (@virginiaeventinganddressage) on May 26, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT

Go Eventing.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Novice/Beginner Novice Packers and Prospects

By Leslie Threlkeld on May 23, 2017 11:30 am -

Whether you’re looking for a lower level packer to learn the ropes with or a young prospect to bring along, you’ll find horses of all ages with solid experience at the lower levels for sale on Sport Horse Nation. Here’s a sampling of listings from the last month!

Woodford. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Woodford – BN/N Packer

Woody is a 2005 16h bay TB. Horse and rider started eventing 1.5 years ago and have finished 3rd – USEA Chattahoochee Hills (2017), 7th – USEA Cobblestone (2016), 9th – May Daze (2016). Several firsts and seconds at Michigan TEAM (The Eventing Association of Michigan) events/event derbies at Novice. Finished 2016 Reserve Champion Novice for TEAM. Covers the distances/combinations with ease, clean lead change, quiet, no look. Woody will take care of your little one in a lunge line lesson and then will rock around a Novice course in the afternoon. He is safe out alone or with a group. Located in Maryland.

Go Go Boots. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Go Go Boots – 2008, 15.3H, Bay Thoroughbred Mare

Go Go Boots in an experienced lower level eventer with ribbons at Novice and Beginner Novice and even was a winner at unrecognized Training level. She’s easy to make round, super cute on the flat and fun to jump. Go Go Boots would be best suited for a junior, young rider or adult amateur rider. Located in Pennsylvania.

Bastian. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

TB Gelding Dressage/Eventing/Hunters

Bastian is a 13 year old TB gelding sired by Luftikus. I bought him directly from the breeder as an untouched 3 y/o. Our main focus has been on dressage and he has schooled and competed through 2nd Level. He has also competed with me at a CPED*** Dressage show in the Grade IV Para-Dressage division. His FEI passport is current. Lateral work is solid, regularly scores 7 and 8 on gaits. We’ve evented through Beginner Novice (he’s jumped up to 3’5″) and have participated in a few local hunter shows. Bastian enjoys jumping and wishes we had done more of it. Excellent ground manners, loads and trailers like a champ. Gets along well with other horses, loads of personality. Easy keeper for a thoroughbred and has great feet. Would do best with an experienced and confident AA or Young Rider. Temperament: 7. Located in Ohio.

Ocean’s Sun. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

5 y/o Novice Event horse

Ocean’s Sun is a 5 year old thoroughbred gelding. He has been shown through beginner novice and novice. Ocean’s is very brave at cross-country and very careful in show jumping. He is very good to handle. He is up to date on his shots. Very calm to ride, stands well for a farrier. Ocean’s is very fancy in a dressage ring. Ocean’s is very calm by himself and with other horses. Located in Maryland.

Modern Man. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Modern Man~ Jr/AA Eventer

Modern Man is a 2005 15.3h New Zealand TB Gelding

Mileage thru the CIC* Level. Best suited to Novice and Training level eventing. Could go keep going prelim again with the right rider. Very easy and well schooled on the flat, doesn’t pull to the fences and is careful and fun to jump. Lady’s horse. Suitable for Jr/AA. Not hot, very kind, generous horse. Extremely sound.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on May 22, 2017 12:52 am -

You might recognize some of these Tough Mudders! Photo by Cuyler Walker.

Boyd Martin and Ryan Wood traded their riding boots for sneakers and accepted the Tough Mudder challenge this weekend at Plantation Field in Pennsylvania. It’s an obstacle race that’s all about teamwork and rising above the struggles, which sounds a lot like eventing! It looks like they had a great time at the race, and Ryan somehow found the time and energy to go win a couple divisions at Fair Hill, too. #workhardplayhard

U.S. Weekend Action:

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Kent School Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

Fair Hill May H.T. [Website] [Results]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Results]

Otter Creek Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

CCC Spring Gulch H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Monday News and Notes:

The second annual USEA Intercollegiate Championships are coming up this week at the Virginia Horse Trials. Participation has more than doubled over the inaugural Championships in 2016; this time nearly 90 riders and 22 teams are hitting the road to represent their college or university in a team Championship. University of Georgia swept the leaderboard last year, winning both the Championship and the Spirit Award. Can they defend their title or will they be overtaken? [Prizes and Free Entries to Claim at USEA Intercollegiate Championships]

Three champions were crowned yesterday at the Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions hosted by the USET Foundation at Gladstone Headquarters. After watching many quality rides throughout several days of competition, President of the Ground Jury Gary Rockwell commented, “We can see some good young horses and young riders coming up, so that is our future; we need to support and encourage them and give them a chance.” [Big Winners at Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions]

The Strzegom CICO3* in Poland kicked off the 2017 FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing series, and Germany is looking to claim a second consecutive victory this year. They’re on the right track with a team win this weekend and as a nation claiming six of the top 10 placings. [Germany Dominates Strzegom Nations Cup CICO3*]

Eventers have long looked to the racetrack to find their next partner in crime. Thoroughbreds are already a popular breed in polo, but OTTBs are becoming more popular on the field of play. Here are eight benefits and challenges to retraining an ex-racehorse for polo. [Why Polo Can Be the Ideal Second Career for Racehorses]

We love nothing more than a sunny day at the barn, but the sun’s summer rays may be harmful to your horse or pony’s skin, particularly on their sensitive little noses. There are several ways to prevent sunburn, which is painful and could become infected. Listen in to this podcast to learn how! [How to Prevent Sunburn on a Horse’s Nose and Lips]

Monday Video: The Intermediate winners from Texas Rose Horse Park.

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