Leslie Threlkeld

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Sneak Peek: The Fork Horse Trials at Tryon International Equestrian Center

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 21, 2017 1:30 pm -

The Fork Horse Trials will take place at its new home at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for the first time April 5-9, 2017. Mark Bellissimo of Tryon Equestrian Partners and his team have been busy converting the neighboring White Oak golf course into a world class Advanced and CIC3* cross country course. EN was invited for an exclusive sneak peek at the new track last week and to learn more about the vision for the course. Thanks to TIEC for the tour and thanks for reading. Go Eventing.

The view from “spectator’s hill.” Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“I’ve played golf once in my life, but every time I see a golf course I want to gallop down the middle of the fairway,” Tremaine Cooper said. For the Advanced and CIC3* competitors at The Fork Horse Trials coming up April 5-9 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, they’ll get the chance to do just that.

Tremaine has co-designed all The Fork’s cross country courses with Captain Mark Phillips, but the highlight of this event will be the new Advanced and CIC3* track built on neighboring land that was once the Arnold Palmer-designed White Oak golf course. As TIEC is the host site for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the course’s debut next month will give us a preliminary look at what’s to come for WEG.

While the course seems to have a natural flow, transforming a golf course into a top level cross country track was no easy feat. “The best courses design themselves,” Tremaine told EN. “There are beautiful gallops on the fairways, but connecting them all was the challenge. It was a little tricky with the river down the middle, but they widened all the bridges and they were reengineered so they have a nice line through them.”

Some of the existing terrain lends itself to certain types of jumping questions, but in other areas sand traps had to be filled in and tee boxes knocked out. “There isn’t as nice of turf on those areas, but they’re putting down their special footing mix on the newer ground. In the future it will be gorgeous.”

The massive new water complex. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

One benefit to the golf course’s infrastructure is the built-in irrigation system that will be extremely valuable for maintaining the footing over time. During the event, you may notice the seemingly random placement of potted plants and other decorations. These may be covering sprinkler heads, drains and other irrigation equipment.

Besides the pressure of getting ready for WEG, The Fork has long been a critical prep event for Rolex-bound competitors. “It’s our responsibility to give them a good run before Rolex, and that was definitely in our minds when putting everything together. Hopefully we’ve accomplished that.”

The cross country course is just one of many projects taking place at TIEC in the lead up to WEG, but it’s clear that no expense has been spared to develop a proper track for the eventers.

“The team as a whole at Tryon, including Mark Bellissimo, they’re such long term visionaries,” said The Fork Organizer Shelley Page (who was an absolute trooper to give me a tour on a freezing, windy morning last week). “They don’t just look at the here and the now, they’ve already moved years down the road and are building at the far end of the vision. It’s really exciting to be involved in that kind of positive forward thinking.”

The bird’s eye view of the new cross country track on the former White Oak golf course. Image courtesy of Tremaine Cooper.

On cross country days, hospitality areas open to the public will be set up on multiple sections of both courses with convenient walking paths connecting them. On the new Advanced/CIC3* course, old golf cart paths are conducive to easy touring of the whole track, and a large hill by the lake has been cleared for spectators, where they can see much of the course from one location. TIEC always welcomes spectators free of charge, and with plenty of restaurants, shopping and kid friendly activities, The Fork will be a great outing for the whole family.

The Fork is utilizing the USEA’s new Volunteer Incentive Program website to organize the small army of volunteers necessary to pull off an event like this one. Anyone interested in signing up to help out can get more information at this link.

EN will be on the ground at The Fork to bring you all the news you need to know from the event.

: Specially engineered bridges connect different areas of the course. They will be covered with all-weather footing for the event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Wide open galloping tracks are a key feature on the new course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Horses will approach this series of jumps the opposite way of what is shown here. The morning light was all wrong to show it the correct way. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: Dylan Barry sets jumps. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: A drop bank built right next to a spectator viewing and hospitality area and leading down into The Glades. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: The Glades. This area was used for the upper levels at the AEC and has been revamped for The Fork. However, it is not on the golf course side so will not be negotiated by the CIC3* and Advanced competitors. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

: A turning question in The Glades. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks + Server Updates

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 20, 2017 12:30 am -

First show of the season and poppy was outstanding! She even brought home the Blue Next stop Texas Rose! #eventingallheart

A post shared by Samantha Tinney (@samanthatinney_eventing) on Mar 19, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT

It was Barb Crabo, in an interview at the 2013 AEC at the Texas Rose Horse Park, who said, “just get a nice book on tape and drive.” She wasn’t speaking to me specifically but I took her advice anyway, and I now spend much of my time on the road to events listening to books. Tonight, as I pulled up to the house returning home from Pine Top Horse Trials, I finished listening to “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, a true story about the U.S. 8-oar rowing team that won gold in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

It was a difficult time in World History, but the bulk of the story focused on the development of the University of Washington rowing team over several years and how they learned to overcome their personal struggles and work together. In the end, it was uninhibited trust in each other, harmony as a team, and unyielding determination that led to their success. My final thought as I turned off the engine was how similar that concept is to the relationship between horses and riders and all the partnerships like that that we witness every weekend. Go Eventing.

ATTENTION: EN’s servers are undergoing some upgrades and maintenance today, so we will be experiencing some downtime. Please bear with us as we have a lighter posting schedule than usual, and we will be back up and running very soon.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Exmoor H.T. [Website] [Results]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Results]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Results]

Coming up on 3/21: Stable View H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

Heads up Area V, a USEA Town Hall Meeting will take place at the Texas Rose Horse Park HT on Friday, March 31, 2017. Meet in the indoor arena 90 minutes prior to the competitor’s party. This is the second year Town Hall Meetings will take place around the country as a place where eventing enthusiasts can give their input on topics from eventing costs, to education to the future of the sport. Every voice can be heard in an open and respectful forum and the input will be compiled for consideration by the USEA. [Area V Town Hall: check this post here for firm details]

Katie Mays and Margot Luria are the first 2017 recipients of the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award. This award encourages riders for safe and appropriate cross country technique at events around the country, and Katie and Margo were rewarded by judge Janis Linnan for their performances at Pine Top Horse Trials February 23-26. The next Charles Owen Technical Merit competition will be at Coconino July 8-9. [Learn more about Katie and Margot and see the full schedule]

“Beneath a canopy of massive oaks, shrouded in Spanish moss, light dances on the dapples of an impressive bay at the starting gate.” The Tallahassee Democrat offers a colorful review of the 2017 Red Hills International Horse Trials. [Beneath the Oaks at the Red Hills Horse Trials]

Willberry Wonder Pony, the legacy of Hannah Francis, is gearing up for Badminton 2017. An event on April 11 will benefit the Willberry Wonder Pony charity, which raises funds for cancer research, will feature Badminton-bound event riders, course designer Eric Winter and will feature special talks and a live auction. [Willberry Does Badminton]

Monday Video: Black Horse Eventing on their way to taking second place in Intermediate Pairs at the 2017 Exmoor Eventing Hunter Trials.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Employment Opportunities Around the Eventing Nation

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 18, 2017 11:00 am -

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.

Sport Horse Nation is a classifieds site for more than just horses and saddles for sale. Real Estate and Rentals are a popular category when snowbirds start making their way South for the winter. Professional Services is a place where riders, trainers, clinicians, massage therapists, saddle fitters, graphic designers, social media managers and other experts advertise their businesses. We even have a Stallions section, created at the request of stallion owners wanting to distinguish their studs during the breeding season.

Then we have Employment Opportunities, the category from which we’ve pulled our featured listings this week. We’ve chosen a few random current listings to show you in this post (we’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information), but be sure to click over to the Employment Opportunities category page to view more equine industry job opps. Available positions range from rider to groom to working student to intercollegiate coach.

Working Student Required

An exciting opportunity has arisen for ambitious rider’s to experience life at Fredericks Equestrian International which is the base to 2 Olympic eventers in Ocala, FL. Immediate opening for a reliable, motivated and positive individual to work alongside our team to assist in all yard duties.The right candidate will be extremely motivated to learn about ALL aspects of an eventing program , a hard worker, and a good team player. Duties will include all daily chores, grooming, tacking, bathing, clipping, show grooming and travel, and depending on experience the opportunity to ride additional horses. Candidate must have own transportation. This is for a full time (6 days a week) live in position, we will provide accommodation and lessons both at home and shows. Working Students with a horse are required to pay a discounted training board rate. Position located in Ocala, FL.

Photo courtesy of Julie Hagen via Sport Horse Nation.

Working Students- Start here first!

There are many working student positions out there. Many with upper level riders where you work hard, long hours and don’t ride anything on the bit very often, and some have to pay for board and/or housing. Well, Bascule is different. A range of FEI level trainers in Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping for our students. We have designed our program around riders who want to improve their skills; riding, training and management. If you want to find out if you have what it takes to make it in this business, come interview and see why we are called a “launch pad” for knowledgeable horsemen.

Yes, you clean stalls, water buckets, aisles etc…but you also ride 4 cool horses per day, get a minimum of 4 lessons per week, go schooling xc, compete in dressage shows, derbies and events. You aren’t grooming for anyone but yourself. Nice, livable furnished housing, internet, utilities, board for a horse all included. Our students also receive commissions on sale horses that they ride and compete, as well as a weekly stipend to pay for gas, food, shoes etc. Perfect if you want to take a “gap year” or hate college and know you can work hard to make a place for yourself in the industry. We also hire full time staff from our Resident Student program, and help year long graduates find good paying positions elsewhere. Position located in Poolesville, MD.

Photo courtesy of Karen Fulton via Sport Horse Nation.

Job Opportunity as Barn Manager

Full Moon Farm is in search of a very special person to become our new Barn Manager. The candidate must have demonstrated skills in ALL aspects of horse care, facilities management, employee relations, and general client relational skills. Riding is NOT a requirement. This person must be fun, upbeat, and understand interpersonal relations. A non-smoker is a plus. Please email a resume to Karen at [email protected]. Salary commensurate with experience. Position located in Finksburg, MD.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Furlong via Sport Horse Nation.

Groom for private barn

Full-time groom needed for private barn and breeding farm with dressage, event and fox hunting horses. Must ride at least to nov/Tr level.
No large pets. Salary, housing and benefits. Farms in NJ and FL.

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.

New Zealand Names 2017 Eventing Squads

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 18, 2017 9:00 am -

Mark Todd and NZB Campino. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand has announced its 2017 high performance eventing squads, with five lists included in a tiered squad structure focused on long term development and major international championship teams.

The High Performance Squad includes horse and rider combinations being aimed towards the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, NC. The High Performance Futures Squad consists of combinations that have proven three-star performances with the potential to medal on the international stage. These combinations are being aimed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The Future Potential Recognition Group recognizes riders with the skill, knowledge and expertise to produce a horse to high performance level. These riders are actively training and competing horses of future potential but have not attained the performances required of the High Performance Squads. However, these riders may participate in select squad training sessions and events on targeted horses. Shoutout to U.S.-based Kiwi Joe Meyer for being named to the Future Potential Recognition Squad!

ESNZ’s Talent Development and Talent ID programs target New Zealand-based riders. The Future Potential Recognition, Talent Development and Talent ID Squads are listed here.

All but the Talent ID Squad, which is named only once a year, will be re-evaluated in June based on performances over the next several months.

The High Performance and High Performance Futures Squads are:

High Performance Squad

Sir Mark Todd – NZB Campino owned by New Zealand Bloodstock and Todd

Sir Mark Todd – Leonidas II owned by Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Todd

Jonelle Price – Classic Moet owned by Trisha Rickards and Price

Jonelle Price – Faerie Dianimo* owned by Trisha Rickards, Jacky Green and Price

Tim Price – Ringwood Sky Boy owned by Robert Taylor, Varenna Allen, Price and selwood.com)

Tim Price – Bango owned by Numero Uno Syndicate

Blyth Tait – Bear Necessity V owned by Ronnie Bartlett and Tait

Clarke Johnstone – Balmoral Sensation owned by the Johnstone family

Caroline Powell – Onwards and Upwards owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford and Powell

High Performance Futures Squad

Jonelle Price – Cloud Dancer* owned by the Marley and Me Syndicate

Tim Price – Xavier Faer owned by Trisha Rickards and Price

Sir Mark Todd – Kiltubrid Rhapsody owned by Niki Ryan and Dr Elizabeth Donald

Jesse Campbell – Cleveland owned by Jesse Campbell

Jesse Campbell – Amsterdam 21* owned by Gary Harding

Dan Jocelyn – Dassett Cool Touch owned by Therese Miller and Jocelyn

Jock Paget – Angus Blue owned by Joe Gianamore

*denotes current short-term injury

[Depth of Talent in Revised Eventing Squads]

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 13, 2017 12:50 am -

Lift tickets for sale at the show office! Photo courtesy of Brian O'Connor.

It’s not often there’s a snow delay at an event, but the conditions were such that the Ground Jury at the Southern Pines Horse Trials in North Carolina opted to cancel cross country on Sunday. It’s always a tough decision for officials to make, but we know they do it for the benefit of the competitors and applaud them for it. There’s always another show!

Weekend Action

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Results]

Red Hills International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop March II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

The Ocala Jockey Club is looking ahead to the second annual international three-day event this November. Shelley Page has come on board as the organizer for the CIC3*, CCI2* and CCI* competition November 16-19. Mike Etherington-Smith will design the CIC3* cross country while Clayton Fredericks is in charge of the one and two-star courses. Learn more at http://www.ocalajc.com/ [OJC Set for November]

Eventing teams from colleges and universities around the country are gearing up to compete at the USEA Intercollegiate Championship at the Virginia Horse Trials in May, and the students are hard at work fundraising to make it happen! The Auburn Eventing Team is hosting an online auction to raise money to send teams to the Championship. Last year they we were able to raise enough money to pay the entry fees and stabling for a full team of four. This year they are trying to field two teams to give more of their members the opportunity to compete. They are currently seeking items to auction, from gift certificates to lessons to tack and other equipment or equine services. For more information or to donate directly, contact [email protected].

The Horseback Ride “N” Ruck March is an annual event that is held in order to raise funds for organizations that provide assistance to Veterans in need. In March 2017, Friend of eventing Margaux Gebers and Jeffry Silba will be traveling across the Western Texas, Trans Pecos Plains, covering 550 miles in 30 days to bring awareness, aid, and assistance to veterans, those who have gone too soon and their families. [Ride ‘N’ Ruck Facebook] [Ride ‘N’ Ruck Go Fund Me]

Monday Video:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 3 Preliminary Partners for the Junior or Adult Amateur

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 11, 2017 1:20 pm -

In this edition we’re featuring reliable partners suitable for the junior, young rider or Adult Amateur to take to Preliminary. We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Western Samurai. Photo courtesy of Leah Breakey via Sport Horse Nation.

Western Samurai – Prelim JR/YR or AA horse

2008, 16.1hh TB gelding. Very brave and honest, scoring high 20s to low 30s in dressage. Has shown to the preliminary level and is a wonderful training packer. A quiet temperament makes Sam perfect for a JR/AA looking for a fun, confidence boosting eventing partner to move up the levels. Located in California.

Ombudsman. Photo courtesy of Elissa Gibbes via Sport Horse Nation.

Proven JR/AA Event Horse, Prelim potential

Ombudsman is a sound, brave, athletic ten year old TB. Bud is a 16.2hh bay gelding. Bud has competed successfully through novice eventing and is schooling training level. He has been competing with a junior rider. He is a good mover and easy to put together, he is honest and brave to his jumps, with good lead changes which makes it easy to maneuver to the next jump. He holds a consistent rhythm to his fences and typically jumps clean. He has the ability to move up the levels with a motivated YR or AA. Bud is an athletic horse with a lovely balanced canter. Bud has clean legs, no prior injuries or health concerns. We are looking to find him a long-term home, serious inquiries only. Additional video and pictures available on request, including XC videos. Located in Florida.

Delilah Z. Photo courtesy of Jennie Jarnstrom via Sport Horse Nation.

10yo 15.1hh Swedish Mare w/ Prelim Miles

“Delilah Z” is a 15.1hh 10 year old Swedish Warmblood mare by Papillon Z, competed successfully through Prelim with professional. Also taken numerous students from B/N through Training. Top places almost every start. Three uphill, balanced and very nice gaits. Superb jumper. Clean legs, no health issues. Great for farrier, clipping, shipping, ties to the trailer all day long at the show. Loves kids! We have used her a lot in our lesson program and she has graciously taken the role of teaching the kids and furthering their education. Located in Florida.

Alexandra Baugh Makes Her Move With Ballingowan Pizazz

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 11, 2017 8:45 am -

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz at NAJYRC. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Fifteen-year-old Alexandra Baugh made the long anticipated move up to the Intermediate level at Pine Top Horse Trials last month, exactly a year after the first event with her new partner, Balligowan Pizazz. They were well prepared and Alexandra couldn’t have been happier. She and “Mango” took an early lead with a 31.7 in dressage. With one rail in stadium and a handful of time penalties across the country, they won their first Intermediate together with a handy 17.2 penalty points to spare.

Alexandra’s story starts like many little girls with a wild obsession for horses. She took her first riding lessons at age four as a birthday present. At 8, her grandmother took her to watch Rolex cross country and she was instantly hooked on eventing. Alexandra said, “I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, but I didn’t know anything about the sport. I went back to my trainer’s farm and started jumping and never looked back.”

Alexandra was competing at Preliminary level when she met Mango. Her pony Curioso was going to be maxed out at the one-star level, so her trainer Jorge Montalvo encouraged the family to start looking for Alexandra’s next horse. Her mom, Kelly, said when Alexandra rode Mango for the first time, “She was in love. The stars aligned and the angels were singing.”

Mango, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, went to the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara with Shannon Lilley and was campaigned at the three-star level with Michael Pollard. Given the gelding’s experience, there was a learning curve for Alexandra. Dressage, she said, was a particular challenge.

“Curioso was an unbelievable pony and amazing at dressage, but he was no Mango,” Alexandra said. “When I got Mango he was so sensitive that I had to focus on being steady and more consistent and precise, which I think has made me a much better rider overall. He’s an unbelievable teacher.”

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Alexandra and Mango won their first Preliminary/Training event together in February 2016. Later that spring they finished on their dressage score for seventh place at the Ocala CCI* and qualified to represent Area VIII at the NAJYRC in the summer, where they again finished on their dressage score and earned fourth place individually.

The pair spent the remainder of the year competing at Preliminary and Intermediate/Preliminary. “I was just trying to get to know him, making sure we established a connection and really get the basics down. My coach really wanted to make sure that I knew him well enough before he sent me out on an Intermediate course and make sure we understood each other so we wouldn’t make a communication error that would put us at risk.”

The patience paid off when they produced a foot-perfect performance at Pine Top. “The weekend was just amazing,” Alexandra said. “I felt really in tune with Mango and he was amazing, of course.”

Pine Top’s Derek di Grazia designed cross country course is known for being a true test of both bravery and accuracy, but Alexandra and Mango had done their homework.

“We left the start box and I felt like he took me to the first fence and together we rode the entire course. All the lines rode great, he listened very well and it just seemed like he was really enjoying himself out there, which makes it more fun for the both of us.”

For parents, watching their kids move up can be nerve wracking to say the least, but knowing her daughter was riding an experienced horse was a comfort for Kelly. “It gave me the confidence to think about letting her move up and go for her goals,” she said.

“You want your kids to live their dream and the best thing I can do is make sure she’s paired with a horse that’s a good match, safe and can teach her while she’s still learning. I’m very proud of her. She’s worked hard for every single thing she’s done.”

Kelly also wants to thank Alexandra’s longtime coach Jorge and the Dreamfield Farm family for their support, mentorship and training. “He goes above and beyond just coaching. He takes all of his students under his wing and treats them as his own children. I can’t thank him enough as a parent. I trust him implicitly and his whole family is like family to us.”

Looking ahead, Alexandra would like to return to NAJYRC again this year at the one-star level and if all goes according to plan, move up to two-star in the fall. Alexandra hopes that Mango will one day take her to Rolex or a spot on a U.S. team, but she and Kelly both agree there’s no hurry. “I just want to do my best and see where it all takes me.”

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 6, 2017 12:53 am -

Quincy- just because you got 4th in your first Prelim doesn’t mean you can act like a fool @janemd4902 #prelimpony #eventer #awesome #payneequestrian #goofball

A post shared by Courtney Carson (@courtlee26) on Mar 4, 2017 at 1:51pm PST

The “r” B&C/CD Training Program for prospective officials took place this weekend at Sporting Days HT in Aiken. Such a training session is a requirement for individuals seeking to become a USEF Technical Delegate, Judge or Course Designer, but auditors are also welcome. If you ever have a chance to observe a training session, it is an incredible learning opportunity especially if you are an organizer, venue owner or coach. By the end of it you will have much better understanding (and appreciation) for the work done by officials, it will change the way you walk and evaluate courses, and you’ll be more educated about the sport in general. If you’re interested in becoming an official, click here.

Weekend Action

3/1 Full Gallop March H.T. [Website] [Results]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. [Website] Results]

Sporting Days H.T. [Website] [Results]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Think you can guess the top finishers at tomorrow’s $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational? As part of a fundraiser, the Canadian Young Riders are offering you the chance to pick your favorites at the competition at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Florida. Tickets to play are available at the event, which is free and open to the public. Click here for more information and a look at the entry list.

The second annual USEA Intercollegiate Championships returns to the Virginia Horse Trials in May. Colleges and universities from around the country are expected to field teams of collegiate riders to compete for top honors and the coveted Spirit Award. School pride, camaraderie and friendship runs strong at this team event, not to mention the competition is fierce, with last year’s victors winning by just a fraction of a point. There are no qualifications to compete, but your school must be a registered affiliate with the USEA. Don’t miss out! [USEA Intercollegiate Championship Returns to VHT]

Show jumper Laura Kraut retired her beloved partner Cedric at the Winter Equestrian Festival on March 3. Together they took the show jumping world by storm and brought home a team gold medal from the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games, among many other accolades throughout their career together. Laura looks back on some of her favorite memories. [Laura Kraut Relives Fondest Memories of Superstar Horse]

Young Thoroughbred racehorses are likely to have multiple sets of x-rays done by the time they are two years old. This affords scientists the opportunity to track radiographic abnormalities over time, and one common find it an abnormality in the stifle. Click the link to review the results of one researchers case study. [Stifle Abnormalities in Young Thoroughbreds]

Monday Video: Lainey Ashker and Flagmount’s Spartan rocking the Intermediate course at Rocking Horse.

Spartan’s (redeeming) intermediate xc GoPro from rocking horse HT

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Friday, March 3, 2017

Who Jumped It Best? Pine Top’s Training Level Hammock

By Leslie Threlkeld on Mar 1, 2017 11:20 am -

We’re back with another edition of Who Jumped It Best from the recent Pine Top Horse Trials in Thomson, Georgia. Check out these Junior Training and Senior Training Riders over the imposing Hammock. Put on your George Morris hat and decide which horse and rider combination you think presents the best overall picture and then cast your vote in the poll below!

Thank you to official photographer Hoofclix for providing photos for all of our Pine Top coverage.

Pine Top: Website, Results, Instagram, Twitter, EN’s Coverage

Natalie Miller Epstein and Fanta. Photo by SCH/Hoofclix.com.

Anne Hambleton and Should Expect. Photo by SCH/Hoofclix.com.

Katie Mays and The Queen Bee. Photo by SCH/Hoofclix.com.

Devyn Schranz and Third Time’s The Charm. Photo by SCH/Hoofclix.com.

Sophie Tallman and Monty’s Revenge. Photo by SCH/Hoofclix.com.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 27, 2017 12:48 am -

Oboe’s version of flirting…

A post shared by Will Coleman Equestrian (@willcolemanequestrian) on Feb 26, 2017 at 12:44pm PST

It was another amazing weekend at Pine Top Farm full of sun and smiles. The FEI divisions knocked out all three phases on Friday, and some of those same competitors drove all night to compete at Three Lakes in Ocala the next day. Now that’s dedication! If you missed it, check out EN’s coverage of the event here and see what Chinch was up to on Instagram. Mark Lehner and the Hoofclix crew kindly provided photos of the competition each day for our posts. Pictures of all riders in all phases can be viewed here.

After the first two February Pine Tops I always feel like now we really hit the ground running with the Spring season. We’ve seen the Advanced horses have a run to knock off the rust and some of the up-and-comers take a crack at a new level. Next comes Red Hills, Carolina, The Fork, Rolex… and EN will be there at all of them. We’re looking forward to a great year!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Advanced CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes February H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop March H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

If you’re in Ocala on Monday or Tuesday, auditors are welcome at the Canadian High Performance clinic with jumping genius George Morris and dressage master Christilot Boylen at Wentworth Farm. Top names like Jessica Phoenix, Selena O’Hanlon, Kyle Carter, Colleen Loach, Lesley Grant-Law, Lisa Marie Fergusson, Diana Burnett, Jessica Payne and Tik Maynard will be riding. The clinic runs 8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. both days at 10690 NW 125th S., Reddick, FL 32686.

The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club has partnered with the Tryon International Equestrian Center to manage and produce the 71st annual Tyron Block House Steeplechase. This year’s race will be on April 15 with the highest total purse of the events history equaling $150,000. Hosted since 1988 at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) in Landrum, SC, the historic race will now be held on a new one-mile track in Columbus, NC. [Historic Tryon Block House Steeplechase Sets New Course]

Faced with a $3 billion deficit, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed to cut $30 million of state funding to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, home of the New Bolton Center, one of the busiest large animal hospitals in the nation. Directors at the school are optimistic that the cuts will not be included in the final version of the budget. [Budget Calls for Cuts to New Bolton]

The USEA’s ICP/FEH/YEH symposium took place in Ocala, FL last week with Chris Burton and Chris Ryan among the lineup of clinicians. The USEA covered the seminars in detail, which you can read about here, here and here.

Monday Video:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Pony Power!

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 26, 2017 12:00 pm -

We’re pony lovers here at EN so we’re bringing back another power packed pony roundup for this week’s SHN Spotlight. We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Batman. Photo courtesy of Susie Beale via Sport Horse Nation.

USEA 2016 Pony of The Year- Dream Event Pony For Sale

Batman is a soldier of a pony, lives to work, and well understands his job- that being to win. Batman took his 12 year old rider to USEA Beginner Novice Rider of the Year in 2016, won AEC’s, and was USEA Pony of the Year. He has that “look at me” quality in dressage- steady, soft, but still very expressive. Doesn’t miss a distance in the stadium, and loves leaving the start box- just point and shoot your way through the flags. This is a dream pony for a young eventer. Batman has plenty of experience to show you the ropes in style and bring home lots of ribbons along the way. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to own a once in a lifetime pony. Located in Georgia.

Mischief Managed. Photo courtesy of Cyndi Crosby via Sport Horse Nation.

Fun, safe Eventing Pony perfect for small AA or Junior

Mischief Managed is a 2006 14.1 Arab Cross competing at the Novice level. She has three lovely gaits, lunges, ties, loads, stands for farrier, and has great ground manners. Training level dressage, jumps 3-foot courses. She is a bold and safe XC mount and has never received a XC penalty. A safe mount for a junior, or a petite amateur rider to learn the ropes of Eventing. Price negotiable to the perfect home. Located in North Carolina.

2017 Competition Highlights
7th – Sporting Days HT, Novice Division

2016 Competition Highlights
American Eventing Championships, Beginner Novice Division
1st – Heart of the Carolinas HT, Beginner Novice Division
5th – Full Gallop Farm August HT, Beginner Novice Division
5th – Paradise Farm HT, Beginner Novice Division

Experienced Superstar BN Event Pony

Accomplished 10 year old medium event pony. Confidence building mount. Fantastic USEA BN record/ consistently on nat’l leaderboard – schools novice with no issues. Good jumper. Super cute grey mare. Dream pony club mount. Good home a must. Located in Area VIII.

Heavenly Colors. Photo courtesy of Josh Schwartz via Sport Horse Nation.

We featured Heavenly Colors last year, but she is still available and her price has been reduced! Click here to learn more about this sweet Beginner Novice eventing pony!

EN’s Got Talent: Courtney Cooper and Tender Bravissimo

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 25, 2017 9:00 am -

Courtney Cooper and Tender Bravissimo. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com.

It’s difficult not to notice the stunning gray gelding galloping by on cross country, but then to see him fly high–just for fun–with perfect form, you’ll whip out the order of go asking yourself, “Who is that?” That is Tender Bravissimo aka “Whiskers”, an 8-year-old Holsteiner with scope to spare over fences and genuine affection for every person he meets.

“He’s every girl’s dream horse. He is beautiful and he has giant, big eyes and bats his eyelashes at whoever walks by. He’s a total ham,” Courtney Cooper said with obvious adoration in her voice. “He’s just a nice horse to have around. If you’re standing in front of his stall, he’ll put his head over your shoulder and wrap his head around you. He’s snuggly and cuddly.”

He’s also an incredible, all-around athlete with a promising future. Less than a year after Courtney imported the gelding from Ireland, he was crowned the 2016 Training Horse Champion at the USEA American Eventing Championship, and he completed his first Preliminary level horse trials this month at Pine Top Farm.

Courtney had gone to Ireland looking for young prospects and sales horses. Jonathan Reape introduced her to Whiskers, who had been competing in the 1.10m jumper ring. “I thought he would make a nice sales horse. He was a good type,” Courtney said. “He came over and sort of started putting it all together. I thought, ‘maybe he should stay around a while.’”

Whiskers’ first horse trials was at Stable View in Aiken February 2016 where he finished 11th on a score of 33.0. After one more Novice he moved up and Courtney kept him at Training level for the remainder of the year.

Courtney was coming back from a leg injury when she bought Whiskers, and Boyd Martin advised her to take her time with her comeback but also to make sure the horse was really solid in each phase before considering a move up to Preliminary.

Looking at the horse’s record you can see a significant progression in his efficiency at the level. Early on he didn’t quite understand jumping into water and had the occasional rail in show jumping, but with experience he continually improved until he consistently scored in the 20s and finished without adding any jumping or time penalties.

“It wasn’t until he went to the AEC that he sort of put it all together. He went in dressage and put down the test he’s really able to put down. On cross country he was very businesslike, looking for the flags and focusing, and in show jumping he was great. He hasn’t looked back.”

At the AEC, Courtney and Whiskers topped a division of 47 starters on their dressage score of 22.5. They picked up two more Training wins before the end of the year, and after a prep run this January they made the big move to Preliminary at Pine Top. A 31.1 in dressage, clear show jump round and clear cross country with some time earned them a tenth place finish.

“I’m not going to say we don’t have things to work on, but he was well within himself,” Courtney said of Whiskers’ first Prelim run. He may have jumped big over some fences like the trakehner and the hammock shown above, but he met the fences in stride and marched on to the next question.

“He was having fun with his job. He came off the course feeling like a smarter horse for having been out there and he came back happy as can be. I think that’s the other mark to pay attention to, whether the horse consistently keeps coming off courses going, ‘I understand the questions you asked and I’m happy.’”

Courtney said there is no time constraint on Whiskers’ education and he will compete at Preliminary until he is solid in all three phases. “The plan is to make sure that the same parameters we followed at Training level are met before we move up. He has to be proficient in all three phases and not have an inkling of a question when he does his work.”

“He has scope for days, a good gallop and trainability, which is so important. I would love to say he’d be an international caliber team horse–all the pieces are there,” Courtney said. “I’m taking my time and really trying to get his education consistently in order and will continue working with good people on a regular basis. But the world is his oyster. I think there are a lot of things this horse could do and my job is to not screw it up.”

Whiskers is owned by the Dare to Dream Team and there are still some shares available. The goal of the syndicate is to get people involved so they can enjoy the journey without an overly expensive buy in. If you’re interested in more information about joining the syndication, email Courtney at [email protected].

Liz Halliday-Sharp Dominates at Pine Top With Two CIC2* First Timers

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 24, 2017 9:44 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by MWL/Hoofclix.com.

Liz Halliday-Sharp was thrilled with Deniro Z and Elarona this afternoon at Pine Top Farm, as they finished first and second respectively at their career CIC2*. Deniro Z, a 9-year-old KWPN gelding, led the 27-horse division from the start and finished on his dressage score of 42.5. Elarona, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, marched up the leaderboard from fourth place after dressage to finish behind her stablemate on a 52.8, adding only a few time penalties to her score.

“Elarona is very green at the level and she was fantastic. It’s been a steering and rideability issue with her but she’s really talented and we’re starting to get there,” Liz said. “And Deniro is just a machine. He makes me smile every day. He’s such a competitor. He loves the party and brings his A-game every time.”

Deniro has traveled with Liz between her home in England and her winter base in Ocala the last two winters, and in the U.S. he has finished in first or second every time out at the Preliminary, one-star and Intermediate levels. Liz believes he’s is a world class horse and is hoping now to syndicate him. He and Elarona will target the April CCI2* in Ocala to round out their spring season.

In the CIC3*, Liz and Fernhill By Night had a fly by at an angled hedge early on course but he “flew around the rest and made it feel like Intermediate.” The goal for Liz and Deborah Halliday’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse this spring is Rolex Kentucky. “He feels great, I just need to get him tuned up.”

Kerry Torrey and Zumba secured third place in the CIC2* behind Liz and her two young stars. A 49.5 in dressage put them sixth and a rail on Chris Barnard’s show jumping course dropped them two places. However, Kerry and her 11-year-old Hanoverian produced one of only a few clear rounds inside time the time to move up and finish in the top three in the horse’s first CIC2* attempt.

Kerry Torrey and Zumba. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com.

The stunning 9-year-old Oldenburg stallion Sandro’s Star took home the CIC* win with Chris Talley in the irons. Bred by Vicki Bauer in the United States, Sandro’s Star made history as the first American-bred event horse to compete at the prestigious Bundeschampionat in Germany as a 5-year-old. He began building his eventing resume there with Dorothea Feld and returned to the States last year. He is now owned by Hannah Salazar and is standing at Zaragoza Acres in Virginia.

Chris and Sandro’s Star kicked off their new partnership with a second place Preliminary finish at Pine Top earlier this month. They would have won then were it not for a handful of frustrating time penalties. Today, the pair took the early lead on a 40.9 dressage score, jumped a beautiful double clear show jumping round and then left the start box on a mission. They powered around the Derek di Grazia designed course without a moment to lose. They picked up 2.8 time penalties, but they had room enough to spare to secure the win. The shouts and cheers from their fans as they galloped for home was uplifting.

Will Faudree and Michel 233 finished second in the one-star on a 47.0. Will and the 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables won a Preliminary division at Pine Top two weeks ago and followed that up with a very competitive performance in the horse’s one-star debut, adding one rail and a single second of time on cross country to their dressage score of 42.6.

Third place went to Liz and MSH Cooley Twilight, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse making his FEI debut. The pair scored a 44.7 in dressage and picked up a rail and some time but secured a good finish on a final score of 51.9.

Chris Talley and Sandro’s Star. Photo by ED/Hoofclix.com.

Thank you so much to Hoofclix for providing photos this weekend. Be sure you visit their website to view more gorgeous photos and purchase your competition pictures from Pine Top. Chinch is ~~up to no good~~ staying busy and you can follow along with his adventures on EN’s Instagram. Stay tuned for more from Pine Top! Go Eventing.

Pine Top: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, Instagram, Twitter, EN’s Coverage

Pine Top CIC3* Cross Country Course Walk

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 24, 2017 9:00 am -

13C option - Tiki Head

We’re set and ready to go here for a one-day CIC3*, CIC2*, CIC* and Advanced horse trials today at Pine Top Farm in Thomson, GA. Dressage will begin bright and early at 7:40 a.m. EST followed by show jumping at 11:00 a.m. and concluding with cross country at 12:45 p.m.

Chris Barnard is the show jumping course designer and he has put together a flowing course in a grass arena with some terrain for an extra element of difficulty. Chris debuted several lovely homemade show jump standards and painted rails at the event two weekends ago that we are pleased to see here again this weekend.

As always, the cross country courses here at Pine Top look absolutely immaculate thanks to course builder Rob Mobley and farm owners Glenn and Janet Wilson and their team. Designer Derek di Grazia has once again designed a big, imposing course with enough technical questions but no shortage of gallop space between. The CIC3* course is 3,625 meters long with 34 efforts and an optimum time of 6:22.

There are some new fences on course including frangible vertical rails at the coffin complex at 13 and a new brush rail combination at 7. Also making their first appearance on course are narrow tree trunks hand carved into emotive tiki faces by chainsaw art extraordinaire Tyson Rementer. The impressive hammock is returning as a standalone element at fence 8, and we’re seeing a new route through the redesigned mound complex at fence 4.

There are 13 horses entered in the CIC3*. Maggie has made her predictions for the top placings and the statistical reasons why, which you can read up on here. Chinch is on site so be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram and stay up-to-date on the latest news on Twitter. We’ll be back with a full report tomorrow evening. Go Eventing.

Pine Top: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, Instagram, Twitter, EN’s Coverage

: 1 – Log Stack

: 2 – Truck Wagon

: 3 – Trakehner

: 4AB – Wilson Mound

: 5 – Open Oxer

: 6 – Double Brush Table

: 7AB – Brush Rail

: 7B – Brush Rail

: 8 – Janet’s Hammock

: 9AB – Upper Frog Pond

: 10 – Slab Table

: 11ABC – Boot Hill

: 11BC – Boot Hill

: 12 – Ditch and Wall

: 13ABC – Tiki Head Coffin

: 13C option – Tiki Head

: 14 – Parallam Table

: 15ABC – Holler

: 15BC – Holler

: 16 – Lincoln Logs

: 17ABC – Big Water

: 17B – Big Water

: 17C – Big Water

: 18 – Master James Table

: 19ABC – Lower Frog Pond

: 19BC – Lower Frog Pond

: 20 – Half Round Table

: 21 – Produce Stand

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Eventing In Paradise

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 20, 2017 9:30 am -

Over 250 horses competed from the Starter to Preliminary level at Paradise Farm’s first horse trials of the year in Aiken, SC.

Boyd Martin picked up a Preliminary win with The Fonz Himself on a 23.2 and a Training victory with Zoran on a remarkable 16.4! Both horses are owned by Bonnie J. Stedt. Kevin Keane and Vindakova also produced an impressive performance, winning Friday’s Open Preliminary on their dressage score of 18.6.

Francesca Broggini and Cooley High Flyer were the winner’s of the competition’s largest division, the 26-horse Open Novice. The pair led from the start on 23.3, marking this horse’s third consecutive win.

Congratulations to all the competitors! Check out full results at the link below and enjoy a roundup of your posts from Paradise Farm.

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Prelim pony won a gorgeous devoucoux breastplate this weekend and a pretty blue ribbon. #ottb #thoroughbred #eventing #eventer #equestrian #paradisefarm #aikensc #horses #showjumping #ugaeventing #devoucoux

A post shared by Devon Olivier (@dnolivier) on Feb 19, 2017 at 11:19am PST

First dressage test together in the books! #KillineyHill #eventing #dressage A post shared by Zara Flores-Kinney (@thefeanarion) on Feb 17, 2017 at 8:48am PST

Cross country time for @dpequestrian & Quincy (@janemd4902) PJ w/ @jesshampf and Douglas w/ @liv.wall

A post shared by Courtney Carson (@courtlee26) on Feb 17, 2017 at 11:00am PST

The calm before the storm Thursday night. #eventing #paradisefarmfebruaryhorsetrials #ridebetter A post shared by Sarah Lohnes (@lohnes.sarah) on Feb 18, 2017 at 3:35am PST

Team spirit

A post shared by Kristin Schlachter (@silverhorneq) on Feb 19, 2017 at 3:58am PST

Kristin and Como and the Silverhorneq Fan Club following a clean round cross country in the preliminary division at Paradise Farm Horse Trials. A post shared by Bambi Glaccum (@bglaccum) on Feb 19, 2017 at 6:37am PST

a very consistent dressage test put manny and i in 5th place with a 31.5 and we went double clear in stadium and xc to finish on that score! so so very happy with this horse!!!

A post shared by lila brown (@labeventing) on Feb 19, 2017 at 8:28am PST

Our crew A post shared by Skyeler Icke Voss (@skyevoss) on Feb 19, 2017 at 11:02am PST

I told Jeremy to smile but he wanted everyone to know this picture was candid #itreallywasnt #mayamay #LassiezFaire #eventing #groomslife #dayoneofthree

A post shared by Sam Crawford (@udderlycheddar) on Feb 17, 2017 at 10:15am PST

Little B gaining life points today hacking around Paradise. Such a star taking it all in stride ⭐️ #BenjaminButton #hpequestrian #ottb #eventer #horsesofthefuture A post shared by Isabella Osekavage (@izzyo11) on Feb 17, 2017 at 10:00am PST

#indyalmighty getting personal treatment by her staff. Of course she deserved after being so good today! In her first training dressage test she scored a 31.9 and jumped double clear! Excited for #crosscountry tomorrow! #goeventing #justjumpit #dressagequeen #paradisefarm #maresrule #adamshorsesupplies #eventersofinstagram #horsesofinstagram #thoroughbred #eventing #doubleclear #training #spoiled #eventinglife

A post shared by Kylie Cahoon (@kkceventing) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:37pm PST

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 20, 2017 12:37 am -

Beau and his kitty friend, Duplicat. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Just a few more weeks until Daylight Savings Time (don’t worry they will fly by), but the days are already getting longer and there’s been light enough to linger at the barn until almost 6:00 p.m. Here’s hoping the beautiful, weirdly warm weather we’ve experienced this winter (except in New England…which is suddenly getting record snowfall) makes a smooth transition into spring and we don’t go straight from a fake winter to mud season.

US Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Fresno County Horse Park CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

The USEA Classic Series Committee is looking for your input! Whether or not you’ve ever competed in a long-format competition the committee asks that you take five tiny minutes to complete this 5-question survey. Your answers will help determine how to offer the most exciting and educational experience at a long-format competition at all levels and identify specific needs to encourage organizers to host long-format events at the Preliminary level (there is only one at the country right now). [Take the Survey]

Tamie Smith will receive $1000 as the highest placed SCES rider in each of the CIC divisions at Fresno County Horse Park CIC and HT this weekend. Southern California Equestrian Sport pledged to award $500 in prize money per FEI division at Fresno and will offer the same prize at Aspen Farms HT in June. SCES is a non-profit organization designed to help athletes and owners expand their financial resources to train and compete. Learn more on the SCES website. [SCES to Award $2,000 in Prize Money]

A group of researchers from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Kentucky College of Public Health has organized bilingual training materials to improve occupational safety and health for horse farm employees and managers. The Thoroughbred Worker Health and Safety Study was a five-year research project that included input from horse farm employees, managers and owners [Study Aims to Improve Safety of Horse Farm Workers]

The ARK at JFK International Airport will be fully operational by summer 2017. Four years in the making, the ARK at JFK was constructed to meet the needs for importing and exporting animals through JFK. For horses, the ARK is a holding and rest area equipped with 23 individual 12-foot-by-12-foot’ stalls. Phase 1 is officially open and Phase 2, a full-service Import-Export Center featuring equine quarantine/import, a grooms’ lounge, and The ARK Aviary, is coming soon followed by Phase 3, which will include a full veterinary clinic, a veterinary blood laboratory, and pet boarding and grooming facility. [The ARK at JFK Equine, Livestock Export Center Now Open]

Best of the Blogs: Clipping My Way Through School

Monday Video: We recently reported that Clark Montgomery’s Universe is enjoying competing in the jumper ring at HITS this winter. Watch Clark and “Buzz” in a jump-off!

Tamie Smith Sweeps FEI Divisions at Saturated Fresno County Horse Trials

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 19, 2017 10:30 pm -

Recent severe storms have wreaked havoc in California, leading to major flooding and forcing evacuations in some areas. But the torrential rain didn’t stop Fresno County Horse Park CIC and Horse Trials competitors, volunteers and officials from forging ahead at the first FEI event of the 2017 season. They made the show happen, with some adjustments in the schedule and relocating the show jumping course for better footing. Kudos to the organizers for working to accommodate the weather effects and for all the volunteers, grooms and competitors for their dedication!

The footing at the Fresno Horse Park handles all the rain SO well. There are, however, a few extra water jumps. Like 5 water complexes isn’t enough!

Posted by Lesley Stevenson on Saturday, February 18, 2017

It’s no secret that California needs the rain, but the sheer amount of it the last few days led to quite a few withdrawals from the competition. Tamie Smith said she had considered scratching before cross country but decided to wait it out and see how the conditions were when it came time to ride. The organizers and officials put forth monumental efforts to improve the situation as much as possible, pumping excess water away and moving fences as necessary, but it was soon obvious that the natural drainage of the Fresno County Horse Park would do much of the work, and an afternoon of sunshine was welcome.

“If you didn’t stay at the event you wouldn’t believe how well it dried out in a matter of hours,” Tamie said. “We’re all grateful for the officials and the organizer John Marshall for keeping the faith and sticking it out. It’s the beginning of the season for us and I can’t imagine we’ll get a lot of runs if this weather keeps up. Fresno is the only place that can handle that much rain. Walking through the water jumps, it was up to our knees, but they pumped it out and spent every second fixing problems. It was a tremendous effort from everyone to keep it safe and good for horses.”

Tamie spent a portion of last year training and competing in England so riding in heavy rain was less of a shock. Yet the footing at Fresno, she said, actually held up quite well and she felt it was good practice to compete in these unusual conditions.

“I have to say the ground was as pretty good considering what I’ve ridden in now over last few years,” she said. “It never rains in Southern California. We’re at a venue that can withstand that much rain, and it was a great opportunity to get out there and figure out what your horses are capable of. What will you do at Fair Hill or Kentucky? They don’t scratch in rain like this. Hats off to the entire crew at Fresno, the volunteers and everyone who stood out in the pouring rain. It’s pretty cool to see diehard eventers still have what it takes.”

Tuff Mudders have nothing on Area VI Eventing riders here at the Fresno County Horse Park. Here’s Amelia Christiansen &…

Posted by California Riding Magazine on Saturday, February 18, 2017

Tamie’s resilience ultimately paid off as she took home wins in both the CIC2* and CIC* divisions. Fresno was her first FEI competition with the Lucida LLC’s Glock Pullman since acquiring him last fall from UK-based Brazilian rider Rafael Lozano. Tamie and the 11-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse have spent the last few months getting to know each other and kicked off their partnership with a third place finish in Intermediate during the West Coast’s season opener at Galway Downs. At Fresno, they scored a 48.0 in dressage and added only 3.2 time penalties to their score during the jumping phases to secure victory.

“I can’t believe I’m riding this horse, it’s amazing,” Tamie said. “It’s like I’ve been riding him the entire time. He’s completely my ride. We spent the fall getting to know him and working on the flatwork, but the horse is a very good jumper, very careful, a good mover and just a really solid citizen. He’s a pleasure.”

Obviously, they’re getting on very well. “I kept thinking there’s got to be something I’m not going to like about him, but there’s nothing. He’s funny to be around, he has a great personality and he’s very workmanlike every time out. I’m knocking on wood a little hoping a little bit hoping it keeps going well.”

Tamie has penciled in a CCI3* for Glock Pullman before the end of the year but plans to take it one show at a time.

Second place in the CIC2* went to Kelsey Holmes and her 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding NZB The Chosen One. They started out in seventh place but moved well up the leaderboard as the only pair to finish on their dressage score of 54.8. Sandra Donnelly and her 14-year-old Canadian Warmblood Belshazzar were tied for second after dressage but dropped one placing with a rail and some time to finish third.

What a great weekend at Fresno Horse Park!! The ground couldn’t have been better today! Thank you to the entire team for keeping the faith!! So proud of all the ponies!

A post shared by Tamie Smith (@tsmitheventing) on Feb 19, 2017 at 12:05pm PST

Fresno was Fleeceworks Royal’s first competition since she finished 24th in the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships at Le Lion d’Angers last October. The 8-year-old Holsteiner mare, owned by Judith McSwain, has returned in top form with a win in the CIC* at Fresno. “Rory” was second after dressage behind her stablemate Sunsprite Syrius with just 0.2 penalty points between them but produced a double clear show jumping round to move into the lead. Tamie cruised around cross country without trying to make time. Both horses picked up time penalties but Rory was just fast enough to secure victory on a 57.8. Tamie and “Syrius” finished just 0.2 penalty points behind in second place.

“I was a little bit worried whether (Rory) would come out of France feeling confident because the course is big and there is a lot of atmosphere. You never really know how they are going to come back to next event. I decided not to run her Intermediate and just do the one-star and get in large court and give her good confidence builder,” Tamie said.

“She felt amazing. Show jumping in France was soggy and muddy. She’s a really careful jumper but had rails in France. I was wondering how she would handle this weekend, but it was a picture perfect round. She had a perfect balance, jumped beautifully, and was confident throughout the whole weekend. I’m hoping to move her up to Advanced soon, but I’ll let her tell me when she’s ready.”

As for Syrius, a 9-year-old Trakehner owned by Sunsprite Warmbloods, he continues to build on his impressive resume. Since he began eventing career in 2012, he has finished in first or second place in about 70% of the horse trials he’s entered. “That horse shows up for work every single day. He’s competitive and he tries his guts out. I’ve had such a wonderful time riding and training him and I feel so fortunate to have him.”

Three out of five Advanced competitors opted to withdraw from competition after dressage. Robyn Fisher and her own 8-year-old Holsteiner mare Betawave were the eventual winners, adding 3.2 cross country time penalties to their dressage score of 36.2. Leah Breakey and Master King II, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse, were second with 8.4 time penalties added to their initial score of 39.3.

The Team Express Group’s Charlie Tango led wire-to-wire in the Open Intermediate division. Heather Morris piloted the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse to a 28.7 in dressage and the pair finished on that score with nearly 20 points to spare. Andrea Nielsen and her 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse LC O’Shawnisee moved from seventh after show jumping to finish second overall with a double clear cross country and a final score of 46.5. Bunnie Sexton and her four-star partner, the 18-year-old Thoroughbred Rise Against, were third on 47.1.

Fresno County Horse Park CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Retired Racehorse Project, USEA Team Up On Young Horse Education

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 19, 2017 1:15 pm -

Amber Levine and Otter Pop. Photo courtesy of Galway Downs.

Amber Levine’s off-track Thoroughbred Otter Pop won the 2014 USEA West Coast 4YO Young Event Horse Championships. Amber and Otter pop now compete at the one-star level. Photo courtesy of Galway Downs.

Thoroughbreds have long been the standout breed at all levels in eventing, and in the last several years we have seen a heavy increase in the popularity of the Thoroughbred ex-racehorse in the sport. According to a recent press release, the Thoroughbred is the most heavily represented breed in the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Program, and eventing is the largest sport in the Retired Racehorse Project’s (RRP) annual Thoroughbred Makeover competition. So it makes sense that the two groups would work together to benefit Thoroughbred and young horse enthusiasts.

“We have been watching the growth and development of the Retired Racehorse Project with great interest since its creation in 2010,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Thoroughbreds are so integral to success in our sport that all other horses used for eventing are evaluated for how much of their ‘blood’ derives from this important breed.

“This relationship between the USEA and RRP marks a new step in our mutual efforts to find careers for these amazing retired racehorses and we are extremely excited for the future! We believe that the Young Event Horse program represents a fabulous way to introduce these horses to eventing and evaluate their individual potential in the sport in an educational environment.”

This winter the USEA introduced two new levels of certification through the Instructors’ Certification Program: ICP YEH Instructor, for individuals who teach students aboard young horses, and ICP YEH Professional Trainer, for individuals who develop the under-saddle abilities and performance of young event horses by riding them as a paid occupation. The USEA will present a seminar on these certifications during the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at the Kentucky Horse Park this October. RRP will also promote the ICP program to its members and list individuals who receive these certifications in the RRP Directory.

“RRP was thrilled to learn that USEA is embarking on a program to educate and certify trainers of young event horses, as well as instructors of those trainers through its highly successful Instructor Certification Program,” said RRP President Steuart Pittman.

“Young professional trainers in the sport of eventing have always relied on off-track Thoroughbreds as an affordable entry into the business. We want to continue that tradition and strengthen it by driving Thoroughbred Makeover trainers into the new Young Event Horse Professional Trainer Certification.”

The USEA’s combined ICP and Training and Education of the Young Eventing Horse Symposium, begins tomorrow in Ocala, Florida. All attendees are invited to the Ocala Jockey Club Tuesday evening for dinner, drinks and a discussion about the new partnership. Purchase your tickets for the dinner here. On site registration for the USEA ICP/Young Horse Symposium is still available at the Ocala Jockey Club at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

[RRP and USEA Collaborate to Educate Trainers]

British Eventing TV: Watch the Baileys Jumping and Style Championship Live

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 19, 2017 11:00 am -

Looking for a relaxing way to spend your Sunday? Grab another cup of coffee and watch the Baileys Jumping and Style Competition live from Hartpury College. Thanks to British Eventing TV you can watch the live stream right here on Eventing Nation starting at 11:30 a.m EST.

The JAS competition is a pre-season indoor event that gives eventers the chance to compete during the winter months in preparation for the upcoming season. This is the last of 12 JAS competitions this winter and serves as the Series Championship.

A JAS course features a combination of cross country and show jumping fences from BE90 (3’0″ max height) through Novice level (3’7″ max height, 3’9″ for the Championship). Competitors receive a score for style and technique that is then converted to penalty points and added to any jumping penalties picked up during the round to determine the final score.

BETV provides exclusive videos from British Eventing, including training tips, advice for around the yard, behind the scenes clips and top rider interviews! Click here to learn more.

JAS Championship: [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry List]

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Stellar Saddles

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 18, 2017 3:30 pm -

Got a new horse and need a new saddle to go with it? Maybe your old reliable saddle is ready for retirement? This week we’ve got five lovely dressage and jumping saddles from a variety of brands. We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Voltaire Adelaide. Photo courtesy of Maria Lakis via Sport Horse Nation.

Voltaire Adelaide Dressage Saddle 17.5

Gorgeous 2011 saddle! In Excellent Condition. Incredibly comfortable! Grippy calfskin leather, deep seat, large cushy knee blocks, #3 flap (about 15.5″), MW gullet, cutback at the wither. About 5.5″ across at the wither. All stitching intact, no marks or blemishes. Hardware and billets all in excellent condition. Well maintained with Voltaire products. Stored covered indoors. Fits a lot of different sizes and breeds of horse. Voltaire fleece saddle cover included. Voltaire small carrying bag and care instructions included. The saddle will arrive in its cover, having been recently cleaned and conditioned. Reluctantly selling because, as a petite rider, (5’1″) I need a much shorter flap. I have over 20 photos. Please email me with any questions or requests for more photos. Located in New York.

Schleese Eventing. Photo courtesy Zdenek Prochazka via Sport Horse Nation.

SCHLEESE EVENTING SADDLE

Schleese Monoflap Eventing Saddle, 17.5in, medium adjustable tree,
burgundy French leather, wool stuffed, wood tree. Incl. Schleese girth and orig. cover. Used in 3 star comp. on a 16.3HH Hollsteiner. Located in B.C. Canada.

County Perfection. Photo courtesy of Marlene Melvin via Sport Horse Nation.

County Perfection 18 M/W Edward Gal forward flap

2014 County Perfection, 18” Med/Wide, Edward Gall forward flap-perfect for tall person or someone with a long upper leg. Here is the opportunity to purchase a close to new saddle and have it immediately, no 8/12 week wait. Has been sitting and needs to find a new home with someone who will use it. Excellent condition, very little use – purchased for horse that is now navicular and does not fit new horse. A lot less rides than a normal demo saddle, you can tell by the billets it hasn’t had many rides. Pay Pal only please, buyer to pay shipping and insurance. Will consider a short trial but you will need to pay in full plus shipping & insurance both ways if you don’t keep it. Saddle must be returned in same condition as sent. Located in Illinois.

Devoucoux Chiberta. Photo courtesy of Brooke Alexandra via Sport Horse Nation.

17″ Devoucoux Chiberta

Beautiful 17″ Devoucoux Chiberta monoflap saddle, normal tree. Includes used leathers and saddle cover. Located in Kentucky.

Devoucoux Chiberta. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Holmes via Sport Horse Nation.

Devoucoux Chiberta Lab

Devoucoux Chiberta Lab. 17.5 seat, 3AA flap, made in 2016 *my name is etched on the back* Has been used less than 5 times. Located in California.

What’s Happening This Winter? EN’s Guide to Clinics, Lessons & Shows [Updated 2/18]

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 18, 2017 11:20 am -

Happy participants and auditors after a successful William Fox-Pitt clinic. Photo courtesy of Scott Hayes.

What’s Happening is EN’s guide to lessons, clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities during the winter. It’s free to post a listing. Just email the date, location, contact information and any other details to [email protected]. (Note: This is a list generated solely from submissions. If no one sends us the details of your event, it won’t be included.)

Location Quick Links: Area II | Area III | Area V

Area II

Cross country schooling at Loch Moy Farm
From now through March 17, 2017 Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD has cross country portables in the 5 acres of all-weather rings for the winter months. Schooling will be open during daylight hours, weather permitting. We have Elementary through Preliminary jumps including a ditch and down banks. Show jumps are also in the rings for schooling. Call Carolyn at 301-514-0111 to make an appointment or email us at [email protected].

Schooling days at at Tryon International Equestrian Center
From January 28-February 25, the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC will have a schooling day every Saturday for hunter, jumper, dressage and mini-driving competitors. There will be five open rings: one hunter course, one jumping course, a flat ring, a dressage arena and a mini horse obstacles/driving ring. This is an opportunity to train on world-class ESI all-weather footing in a variety of disciplines. Each ring will be maintained and dragged throughout the day. Ring 1 and Ring 2 fence heights and coordinating schedule will be posted on www.tryon.com every Thursday preceding the event. Click to learn more.

February 18, 2017: Winter Jumping Clinic with Phyllis Dawson
Please join us at the Windchase Winter Jumping Clinics with Phyllis Dawson, in Purcellville, VA. The focus of this clinic will be Gymnastics and Grids with a XC twist .

More info can be found at http://www.teamwindchase.com/MiniClinics.htm. To sign up, go to our Event Clinics website link: http://bit.ly/Windchase. All clinics are designed to be inviting and user-friendly. We will keep things very basic and inviting for the greener groups, and will incorporate some more creative elements for the higher groups as appropriate. Exercises and fence heights can be adjusted within a group for each horse as needed. I expect to have groups ranging from a very green elementary group for those of you wanting to stick to small jumps, up to at least Preliminary. There will be 3 to 5 riders in each group, and the cost is $75. Sign up by the Wednesday before the clinic, and ride times will be emailed out on Thursday. Email me at [email protected] if you have any questions, or to be put on our mailing list. Come Jumping!

February 18, 2017: Lessons with Sally Cousins
Ride with Sally Cousins at Oldfields School in Glencoe Sparks, MD. And anyone interested can contact her at [email protected] or 6103246628.

February 19, 2017: Lessons with Sally Cousins
Ride with Sally Cousins at Bit O Woods Farm in Hainesport, NJ. 2/18. And anyone interested can contact her at [email protected] or 6103246628.

February 25, 2017: Jumping Clinic with Kelley Williams
Join Advanced-level eventer, Kelley Williams at A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD) on Saturday, February 25th! Lessons are $60 per small group lesson. Possessing an enviable amount of patience, Kelley is a naturally gifted trainer and instructor who always seems to know what her pupils need, whether they be human or equine. Kelley draws great gratification in her teaching and coaching, and firmly believes that she learns as much from her students as they learn from her. When you sign up, please be sure to let me know if you have any time constraints. If you want to learn more about Kelley, click here. You can easily sign-up through EventClinics here or e-mail Kelley at [email protected]. As always, auditing is encouraged and always FREE! *In the case of inclement weather the clinic will be held on Sunday, February 26th.

February 26, 2017: Winter Jumping Clinic with Phyllis Dawson
Please join us at the Windchase Winter Jumping Clinics with Phyllis Dawson, in Purcellville, VA. The focus of this clinic will be Corners and Angles. More info can be found at http://www.teamwindchase.com/MiniClinics.htm. To sign up, go to our Event Clinics website link: http://bit.ly/Windchase. All clinics are designed to be inviting and user-friendly. We will keep things very basic and inviting for the greener groups, and will incorporate some more creative elements for the higher groups as appropriate. Exercises and fence heights can be adjusted within a group for each horse as needed. I expect to have groups ranging from a very green elementary group for those of you wanting to stick to small jumps, up to at least Preliminary. There will be 3 to 5 riders in each group, and the cost is $75. Sign up by the Thursday before the clinic, and ride times will be emailed out on Friday. Email me at [email protected] if you have any questions, or to be put on our mailing list. Come Jumping!

February 26, 2017: Show Jumping Clinic with Stephen Bradley

Come tune up your jumping for the spring season with Olympian Stephen Bradley at Domino Equestrian in Harwood, MD! Small groups (2-3 people) ensure plenty of individual attention, and usually last about an hour and fifteen minutes. Private lessons are also available. An accomplished 3-day Event Rider who is well regarded for his teaching skills, Stephen Bradley is a favorite clinician for both amateurs and professionals alike. Come enjoy food, drinks, and our wonderful new facility, and lesson with one of the best! Auditors always welcome at no charge. Heated viewing room overlooks the 80×200 indoor for great auditing! Registration is available here through Event Clinics. Feel free to contact Michaline at [email protected] with any questions.

March 20-21, 2017: Eventing Clinic with Eric Smiley
Eric is a world-class trainer, FEI official, coach of the 2012 Belgium Olympic event team and one of the founders of the International Eventing Forum. This clinic will be in Southern Pines, NC at the Secrist Farm. Contact Karen McCollom, [email protected], for more information.

Area III

February 18, 2017: Dressage and Show Jumping Clinic with Dani Dichting Busbee
Auburn Eventing is hosting a dressage and show jumping clinic with 3* eventer Dani Dichting Busbee on February 18th at Flint Hill Farm in Opelika, AL. Private dressage lessons will be available for $75 and group jumping lessons will be available for $60. More information and entry form can be found on the Auburn Eventing Team Facebook page. Closing date is February 10th. Contact Sallie Johnson at (334) 467-2200 with any questions.

February 24-26, 2017: Eventing Clinic with Kai Steffen-Meier
German eventing team rider Kai Steffen-Meier will teach an Eventing 101 clinic at in Ocala, FL Feb 24-26th. He will focus on how better dressage work improves your cross country riding, and will specifically address amateurs (although not excluding professionals). All rides will be filmed and later evaluated during class room sessions so the riders can learn about themselves while watching their own rides. All levels are welcome. Additional speakers include event horse breeding and training expert Dr. Maren Engelhardt and equine nutrition and lameness prevention specialist Kimberly Kojima. To register and for more information, email [email protected].

March 1, 2017: “Under the Stars” Jumper Night at Stable View
The first Wednesday of every month is the “Under the Stars” Jumper Night series at Stable View in Aiken, SC. The show begins at 3:00pm and is held in the covered arena, fences start at 2’3” and work up to 3’9”. Class entry fees range from $30-$50 with up to $1,500 in prize money awarded. Learn more at http://stableviewfarm.com/

March 2, 2017: Eric Smiley Clinic at Bridle Creek Farm
One of a select few to hold the qualification of BE Master Coach, Eric Smiley is a world-class trainer, FEI official, coach of the 2012 Belgium Olympic event team and one of the founders of the International Eventing Forum. Contact [email protected] for more information

March 8, 2018: “Under the Stars” Dressage at Stable View
The second Wednesday of each month Stable View will be hosting a schooling or USEF/USDF Recognized Level Two Championship Qualifier Dressage show. March will be a Schooling show starting at noon with classes from Intro-Grand Prize. Prize Money Offered. Please email [email protected] with any questions, entry forms may be found on our website.

March 14-19, 2017: Eric Smiley Clinic at Bridle Creek Farm
One of a select few to hold the qualification of BE Master Coach, Eric Smiley is a world-class trainer, FEI official, coach of the 2012 Belgium Olympic event team and one of the founders of the International Eventing Forum. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Area V

February 25-26, 2017: Eventing Clinic with Buck Davidson

Buck Davidson is coming to Holly Hill Farm in Benton, LA! Saturday will be Show Jumping, Sunday Cross Country. The clinic fee is $425 (made out to Kristy Limon), this INCLUDES all schooling fees. Stalls are available for $20 per night, include in a separate Holly Hill check. Camping hookups are available for $20 per night. Add this fee to the Holly Hill check. A $200 deposit is required to hold your spot. The remainder of the fee and the Holly Hill fees are due by January 15th. Spots will not be held until a deposit is received. NO REFUNDS unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist. Please contact Kristy Limon w/ any questions, 936-443-5167. [email protected]. More information available here.

We’ve opened “What’s Happening” up to include March 2017 activities! Want to see your lesson, clinic, or schooling show listed here? Email [email protected].

EquiRatings Quality Index Uses Risk Analysis for a Safer Sport

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 18, 2017 9:00 am -

The sports technology and data company EquiRatings has been making waves in the equestrian industry for its innovative study of competition statistics and pursuit of improved safety for horse and rider through critical performance analysis. While EquiRatings’ scope ranges from the entertaining and intriguing Eventing Podcast to compelling media graphics and medal predictions, the EquiRatings Quality Index (ERQI) has proven to positively impact the sport from a safety standpoint.

The ERQI measures cross country risk by creating profiles for horses and tracking their individual performances. Based on collected data, the horse is assigned a numeric value between 0-1 for each level of competition that indicates the likelihood of that horse completing cross country without faults. The ERQI Rating can then be used by riders and federations to objectively evaluate the degree of risk.

The ratings may fluctuate with a horse’s performance but they are easy to understand using a “traffic light” color code reflective of the numerical values assigned. A green rating (above 0.5) is satisfactory and the horse may compete at that level. An amber rating (between 0.15-.05) means the combination meets the minimum standard for the level but warns of increased risk. A red rating (less than 0.15) is insufficient and the combination does not meet the minimum standard to compete at that level.

An ERQI Rating is easy to understand using a “traffic light” color code reflective of the numerical values assigned. Graphic courtesy of EquiRatings.

Direct Effects of Using ERQI

The result of the ERQI since its launch in 2016 has been a decline in horse falls due to a strong correlation between low ratings and cross country penalties and falls. Eventing Ireland (EI) was the first and only national federation to utilize the ERQI during the 2016 season, targeting all national levels. They saw a 56% reduction at the national two- and three-star levels, with a staggering 66% reduction in horse falls at the national two-star level alone. EI will also start using ERQI for FEI levels this year.

“Eventing is a risk sport and we are trying to reduce that risk,” EI Chairman David O’Meara told EN. “We were very keen to use EquiRatings ERQI system to see if it had an impact and we are extremely pleased with the results — particularly in the reduction of two-star falls.”

The ERQI risk ratings serve to either confirm a horse and rider’s competence at a particular level or warn against the increased probability of elimination and is a crucial tool for organizers, officials and competitors. While only a small percentage (0.5%-1.5%) of EI members were affected by the restrictive red rating, the data presentation encouraged self-evaluation.

For example, if a competitor enters a two-star competition and is given an amber rating, the rider could compete knowing there is a higher level of risk or choose to drop down a level.

“We are giving responsibility back to the rider,” David said. “They have a choice either to enter on amber or to enter a lower class to get confidence back and improve their ERQI. It seems to have worked. The membership has welcomed this new initiative.”

EquiRatings co-founders Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne presented the ERQI Rating system at the FEI Eventing Risk Management Summit held at Tattersalls in Ireland last weekend, and earlier this month Diarm presented at the International Eventing Forum at Hartpury College in England.

“From the moment we began to use advanced programming to track risk and falls in the sport, we knew we had discovered something of huge value,” Diarm told EN.

“The results of the service in Ireland speak for themselves but it was more than just our system at play. We had the buy in from the riders, owners, event organizers and, of course, the governing body. We are changing the picture together. And that is what I expect will happen across the world in our sport over the coming the years — a joint effort, a shared responsibility around the risks in eventing. We are here to play our part in that.”

A detailed example of how an ERQI ratings is calculated. Chart courtesy of EquiRatings.

A detailed example of how an ERQI Rating is calculated. Chart courtesy of Eventing Ireland.

USEA Partners With EquiRatings

Following Eventing Ireland’s successful use of the ERQI system, other national federations are taking notice. At the 2016 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in December, Sam and Diarm led one of the most popular seminars of the week. The Board of Governors then approved USEA CEO Rob Burk to receive an official proposal from EquiRatings and to begin discussions to implement their technology to improve safety in the United States. The USEA and EquiRatings have been sharing data now for several months, and the USEA will introduce new associated member services in the near future.

“At this point in time we envision our members signing into their USEA online services account and having access to a straightforward ERQI score associated with each registered horse on their profile. Additional interesting analytics are also possible and we are working with EquiRatings to look at all of the possibilities,” Rob told EN.

A partnership with EquiRatings is all part of the USEA’s broader plan to increase safety in U.S. Eventing. While the results data and incidents reports collected and maintained in the U.S. are especially detailed and efficiently stored, Rob encourages the membership to work together with the Association to make sure all data is as accurate as possible. Furthermore, combining the use of data analysis with the self-policing inspired by the ERQI will only serve to strengthen the sport.

“In order for this system to be successful we need the best possible data to be collected,” Rob said. “Although it sounds like we are stealing a quote from Homeland Security, we encourage everyone involved in the sport that if you see something, say something. Only through vigilance on the part of all of us can we ensure that we keep our horses and riders as safe as possible.

“It does the sport no good to have anyone hold back information. We encourage everyone with an interest in the sport to reach out to the Technical Delegate and/or the Ground Jury at any event in which you notice any discrepancies in how competition results are reported. You can also reach out the USEA and US Equestrian (USEF) with that information.”

Rob also explained that the USEA sees safety as a multi-layered concept. These layers include the preparation of horse and rider, preparation of safety personnel, suitability of the course, and the diligence of the officials, related Associations and Federations. “In order to lessen the risk we need to focus our efforts on each of those layers,” he said.

“Implementation of the ERQI rating system will further enable our members to be able to analyze competition data in determining whether their horse and/or they are adequately prepared to compete at a given level or competition. Obviously there are numerous factors in determining whether you or your horse are prepared to compete but the ERQI will provide us with one more tool to raise the level of safety in our sport.”

Learn more about the EquiRatings Quality Index here.

What do you think, EN? Do you think more national federations should implement the EquiRatings Quality Index in their entry systems? Weigh in below in the comments.

Let’s Discuss: Bitless Bridles in Dressage

By Leslie Threlkeld on Feb 16, 2017 12:00 pm -

Should bitless bridles (like the Dr. Cooks pictured here) be allowed in dressage? Photo by Kate Samuels.

A dressage rider in Britain is calling for a rule change to allow bitless bridles in dressage competitions run under British Dressage (BD) rules. The rider, Tam Russell, started her horse without a bit and has continued to ride him that way ever since. She feels that BD should review its policies to “reflect current times” and for the “sake of horse welfare.”

“Surely a bitless horse is no threat to a bitted horse when competing against each other? And if it is? Even more reason to address archaic attitudes in the equine world,” Tam said.

Paul Graham of BD responded, stating that bitless bridles have been discussed before but that the board chooses to remain in accordance with FEI rules. He also pointed out that Russell can seek to ride with a bitless bridle in unaffiliated competitions that do not run under BD rules.

“It is important that we have a level playing field for all competitors and this includes the tack and equipment permitted,” Paul said.

Read the full story over on Horse and Hound.

Niklas Lindbäck and Cendrillon after dressage at Boekelo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Niklas Lindbäck and Cendrillon at Boekelo. Cendrillon is wearing a Micklem bridle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In eventing competitions run under USEF rules, a bridle is compulsory in all phases, but hackamores may be used for cross country and show jumping (See EV115). For dressage specifically, the rules state that you must use a “permitted bridle.”

While a bitless bridle is not included on the list of permitted bridles in dressage, there are quite a few “alternative style” bridles pictured under Appendix 4: Eventing – Permitted Saddlery for Dressage, including the Micklem, Freedom Stübben, Stotztem, and Sweden High Jump and Jump Off.

What do you think, EN? Should bitless bridles be allowed in dressage? Do you ride in a bitless bridle (or no bridle at all) at home and in unrecognized competitions? Discuss in the comments!

[USEF Rules for Eventing]

[Rider calls for bitless bridles to be allowed in dressage]

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