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Rio Olympics Team Show Jumping Live Updates

By on Aug 9, 2016 8:55 am -
Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D'Argouges. Photo by Jenni Autry. Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D'Argouges. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The final day of the eventing competition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games is upon us. After an emotional roller coaster ride of a cross country day, it’s still anyone’s game. The course is designed by Brazil’s own Guilherme Jorge with an optimum time of 80 seconds.

All horses will jump in the first round of show jumping, which starts at 10 a.m. local time/9 a.m. EST, to determine the team medals. The top 25 after the first round will then return to jump a second show jumping round, which will determine the individual medals, starting at 2 p.m. local time/1 p.m. EST.

Australia currently has a narrow lead over New Zealand, which in turn has a rail in hand over France. Every rail will count, and horses and riders alike will be feeling the tremendous efforts of the previous days. Click here for an order of go for the team rounds.

We’ll be running live updates here, so keep refreshing this page, as well as live tweeting all the action. Click here to catch up on all of our Olympic coverage so far.

#Rio2016: Website, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, EN’s Ultimate Guide to Rio, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

12:50 p.m. EST: We’re posting live updates of the individual final at this link.

11:40 a.m. EST: Here are the final eventing team results in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The individual final will start at 1 p.m. EST and we’ll be back for more live coverage. Stay tuned for the full report from the team event and much more from Rio.

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11:36 a.m. EST: France wins the gold, Germany wins silver and Australia wins bronze. What a nail-biting finale! Every round counted and the final scores were as close as it gets. What a win for France, their first individual title since Athens in 2004 and their second ever gold medal in Olympic equestrian eventing.

11:34 a.m. EST: Chris and Santano have two rails down total, putting Michael Jung and Sam FBW in the gold medal position heading into the individual rounds.

11:34 a.m. EST: A rail down for Chris, FRANCE WINS OLYMPIC GOLD!

11:33 a.m. EST: Now, our final rider on course for the Team competition. Overnight individual leader Christopher Burton and Santano II for Australia.

11:31 a.m. EST: They could afford a single rail but have an unfortunate four rails down. That puts France in the silver medal position at least, drops New Zealand off the podium all together and moves Germany up. That’s really too bad, but Toddy and Leonidas will be back for the individual round.

11:29 a.m. EST: It’s all down to this man, the Master, Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas II. A clear round here means a gold medal for New Zealand.

11:28 a.m. EST: Nicolas secures a medal for France! Double clear and finishing on his dressage score of 42.0.

11:27 a.m. EST: Nicolas Astier and Piaf de B’Neville on course for France. They were the first to go double clear yesterday (only one of three) yesterday. They are third individually at the moment and need a clear round to guarantee a medal for France.

11:26 a.m. EST: That’s why he’s #1 in the world! Michael Jung is double clear with Sam FBW to put the pressure on Christopher Burton and Santano II! Michael finishes on his dressage score of 40.9 and helps Germany to a possible podium position.

11:23 a.m. EST: We’re into the top four now. First is defending Olympic champions and Michael Jung and Sam FBW. They are second on a 40.9.

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

11:22 a.m. EST: Clear with 2 time for a 68.4 final score for Merel Blom and Rumour Has It.

11:21 a.m. EST: Merel Blom has ridden for the Netherlands to a team bronze at the World Equestrian Games but this is her first Olympic appearance. The Dutch are in fifth at the moment.

11:20 a.m. EST: The final rider for Brazil, Carlos Parro and Summon Up the Blood have three down but receive huge support from the home crowd. They finish on 63.3.

11:16 a.m. EST: William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning deliver a really wonderful double clear for Great Britain. What a finish for him! That’s three clear rounds for Great Britain which can finish no lower than sixth in the team competition.

11:13 a.m. EST: Clear round from Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift to finish on 64.6 for Ireland in his first Olympics. I don’t think this guy has stopped grinning since he got here!

11:10 a.m. EST: Italy’s Pietro Roman and Barraduff have two rails and are six seconds over the time. They finish on 82.2 but will be back in individual final.

11:06 a.m. EST: Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master are clear and just inside the time for Canada! They finish on 61.8 and we’ll see her in the individual final.

11:04 a.m. EST: Aspe and Ludwig fly into the triple and take two of the three fences down. Clear everywhere else and inside the time. They finish on 87.4.

11:03 a.m. EST: Ludwig Svennerstall, just 25 and competing in his second Olympics for Sweden. In the ring now with Aspe, one of the youngest horses in the field. And she’s feeling very spry.

11:02 a.m. EST: INCREDIBLE clear with one time penalty for Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice!

11:01 a.m. EST: Here is Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Phillip is riding in his sixth Olympics and is individual fifth at the moment on 46.8.

11:00 a.m. EST: At this point, New Zealand has one rail in hand over Australia, but Australia cannot have a rail to stay in front of France.

10:58 a.m. EST: Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh deliver a double clear for Australia. This team competition is so close!

10:57 a.m. EST: They’ve done it! Brilliant double clear by Clark and Balmoral Sensation to keep New Zealand in the lead and up for their first ever Olympic team gold medal.

10:56 a.m. EST: Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation are on course for New Zealand. They’re a show jumping power house with a very good record, and they have just barely one rail in hand to keep New Zealand in the gold medal position over Australia.

10:53 a.m. EST: Mathieu Lemoine and Bart L have the last two fences down, which drops France back in the bronze position. Mathieu gives a shrug…Bart L does not typically jump clear rounds.

10:51 a.m. EST: Brilliant double clear for Germany by Ingrid and Hale-Bob! She finishes on a 65.5 and the Germans are holding their own in the team competition less than a pole outside of the bronze position.

10:50 a.m. EST: Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Hale-Bob OLD are in the ring now. They’re in the top 20 despite an uncharacteristic runout at the final water.

10:48 a.m. EST: Tim Lips, in his third Olympics, has 2 down but makes the time with Bayro. That’s an 82.0 final score for the Dutchman.

10:45 a.m. EST: You could hear a pin drop during Brazilian Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer’s round. They have two down and 2 time penalties for a final score of 80.0. They are confirmed to come back to the individual final as will Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio.

10:43 a.m. EST: Very clever, athletic round by Pippa Funnell and Billy the Biz. They’re double clear for a final score of 84.3 for Great Britain.

10:40 a.m. EST: Quiet, soft round from Mark Kyle (IRL) and Jemilla. 8 jumping penalties and no time for a final score of 101.2 in Mark’s third Olympics.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

10:38 a.m. EST: One rail but inside the time for Italy’s Arianna Schivo and Quefira de L’Ormeau for a final score of 109.4.

10:35 a.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix gives A Little Romance a lot of encouragement over the last few fences, but they finish inside the time with one rail to add for a final score of 131.6.

10:34 a.m. EST: Sara and Reality 39 have 4 jumping penalties and 2 time.

10:32 a.m. EST: We missed Camilla Kruger and Biarritz in show jumping first thing this morning. We’re told they had good technique and 8 jumping, 4 time for a final score of 111.8. Camilla has made history this week as the first Olympic equestrian rider for Zimbabwe!

10:31 a.m. EST: We’re back under way with Sara Algottson Ostholt and Reality 39. Fun fact: this horse was bought by crowd funding through her Facebook group to keep him in her barn. She’s starting show jumping a 106.6.

10:15 a.m. EST: We’re on a break at the moment. Getting back under way shortly.

10:02 a.m. EST: Two rails for Boyd and “Red” for a final score of 58.9. We’ll see them again in the individual final.

10:00 a.m. EST: Here’s Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. They and Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice will still jump in this team round even though America is out of the team competition at this point.

9:58 a.m. EST: Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio, the oldest horse in the field at 18, do not have the round Australia needed. Sixteen jumping and 1 time penalties gives them a final score of 76.6 and drops Australia from first to third in the team competition.

9:56 a.m. EST: An unlucky rail at the final element of the triple and then another at the next vertical for Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo. Those 8 penalties drop New Zealand behind France in the team standings for the moment. We can also confirm that China’s Alex Hua Tian will come back for the individual rounds.

9:54 a.m. EST: Thibaut Vallette and Qing Du Briot clinch an important double clear for France. They’re giving it all they’ve got for a team medal!

9:52 a.m. EST: Superb double clear round for reigning World Champions Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. She’s the first guaranteed rider coming back for the top 25 individual rounds.

9:49 a.m. EST: Alice Naber-Lozeman and Peter Parker have 4 jumping penalties but they make the time for a final score of 104.2. The Netherlands are fifth place after cross country but only have three riders in the game, so every round counts!

9:47 a.m. EST: Brazil’s Marcio Appel and Iberon Jmen finish with 12 jumping and 2 time penalties.

9:45 a.m. EST: 11b is causing the most trouble so far on this course designed by Brazil’s own Guilherme Jorge.

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9:43 a.m. EST: Another beautiful double clear from Kitty King and Ceylor L A N! This pair is one of our show jumping powerhouses and we can see why! She will stay on a 100.4 and a counting score for Team Great Britain.

9:41 a.m. EST: Clare Abbott, a part-time math teacher, gives us our first double clear with Euro Prince! She finishes on 112.6 in her first Olympic Games.

9:38 a.m. EST: 12 jumping and 4 time penalties for Italy’s Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake.

9:35 a.m. EST: Colleen Loach really goes for the time with Qorry Blue D’Argouges at the expense of a rail for Canada. They have a final score of 145.7 in their first Olympics!

9:33 a.m. EST: Linda Algotsson and Fairnet make the time with two rails for Sweden for a three day score of 164.5. We’ve received word that while Frida Andersen’s Ferta passed the horse inspection, they will not be show jumping today, which unfortunately pulls Sweden out of the team competition.

9:30 a.m. EST: Karim Laughouag throws his hands up on the landing of the final fence. Clear round with one time penalty on Entebbe for a three-day score of 94.8. They are the drop score for France but that quick clear is a confidence boost for the team!

9:29 a.m. EST: Here’s the first team rider for France in the ring. France is in third on a 161.0 and really need a clear round.

9:26 a.m. EST: Oh dear! Tom Bombadill Too puts the brakes on at the vertical at 8 and Ruy goes right over his head. Not the first time that’s happened – Ruy was eliminated at Rolex the same way two years ago. He’s gracious to put the rail back up though!

9:25 a.m. EST: Massive cheers for Brazil’s Fuy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too as the enter the arena. Brazil is currently sixth in the team competition.

Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

9:24 a.m. EST: Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V give us our first clear round! The Brit leaves all the poles up but picks up 4 time penalties for a three-day score of 140.8.

9:23 a.m. EST: Alex Hua Tian of China has one rail for a final score of 59.6 with Don Geniro. Great all around performance from this promising pair!

9:19 a.m. EST: Joris Van Springel of Belgium and Lully Des Aulnes have an unlucky rail for 4 jumping and 4 time penalties. Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa, who rode like a man on fire on cross country yesterday, also had an unlucky rub with The Duke of Cavan for a final score of 69.0.

9:14 a.m. EST: Carlos Lobos Munoz for Chili has one rail with to finish on a 96.1 with Ranco, to the delight of the onlookers. The young Elmo Jankari and Duchess Desiree from Dinland have 4 jumping and 6 time penalties.

9:10 a.m. EST: 8 jumping and 6 time for Ben Vogg (SUI) and Noe Des Vatys.

9:05 a.m. EST: First up is Puerto Rico’s Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy. They have 8 jumping and 3 time faults for a final score of 155.4 in their first Olympics.

What Happened Where on Rio Cross Country Day?

By on Aug 8, 2016 6:20 pm -

Needless to say, today’s cross country at the Rio Olympics was extremely influential. Prior to the start, the riders acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead and knew that the optimum time would be difficult to make.

In the end, only three horse and rider combinations made time and those three are currently sitting in medal positions. Our friends at EquiRatings also confirmed that statistically, this was the toughest cross country course in modern eventing history.

So, what happened where on Pierre Michelet’s Olympic track? There were definitely some tough riding lines and options were welcome and well utilized, but these are the key questions that shook up the standings.

Looking at the jump into the water complex. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Looking at the jump into the first water complex. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The Botanical Garden Water Jump at fence 4 caused only a few problems on paper. Clark Montgomery (USA) didn’t make a good turn to the drop in at BC with Loughan Glen but was ultimately not assessed a refusal, and we were shocked when reigning world champions Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Opgun Louvo picked up a stop at the D element, a log in the water. In general, however, the line from the drop to the log resulted in a quite a few scrappy rides and close calls early on course.

Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf) at fences 8ABC and 9 seemed innocuous enough but claimed it’s share of victims. There were no falls here but seven horses put on the breaks or ran out at some point in the line.

The Pan Am Walls at 11AB and 12 was another accuracy question that resulted in a number of penalties. The live stream commentators mentioned that it rode more difficult than expected and seemed to ride different than it walked.

The two angled brushes were separately numbered, but the riders had to think and react quickly if they were going to go the long route after 11B without presenting to 12. Eleven competitors picked up a refusal or runout here and Karin Donckers (BEL) became unseated when Fletcha Van’t Verahof made a quick move at one of the angled brushes.

Fence 11AB: Pan Am Wall Combination. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Fence 11AB: Pan Am Wall Combination. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The B element of fence 17, the Palm Tree Question, resulted in seven runouts. The open oxer at A to the open corner at B required riders to hold their line and any bit of crookedness or loss of rhythm resulted in a penalty. This fence is where Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen retired. Padraig McCarthy (IRL) and Simon Porloe fell when the horse caught his hind legs, but they were up quickly.

Dressage leaders William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Chilli Morning lost their chances at a medal when they picked up 20 penalties at 20, a narrow wedge at the bottom of a slope following the Ski Jump at 19. William said the error was his fault as he was going to fast down the slope. Felix Vogg (SUI) and Onfire had their second of three refusals at the same place. Pawel Spisak (POL) and Banderas had a frightening fall here but were up quickly.

Fence 19: Ski Jump. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Fence 19: Ski Jump. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Out of four horse falls all day, three of them occurred at fence 24, the gate at the Malmesbury Cottage. Not many riders attempted the gutsy line from the table at 23 to the gate, opting instead to go the long route around the gate and then turning back to it on a straighter approach.

Tim Price (NZL) and Ringwood Sky Boy unfortunately slipped and went down on the turn to the option, and both Lauren Kieffer (USA) and Veronica and Theo van de Vendel (NED) and Zindane went down after hitting the gate. All three combinations were up and walking off course quickly.

Fences 23 and 24: Malmesbury Cottage. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Fences 23 and 24: Malmesbury Cottage. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The Fisherman’s Lake at 28/29ABC/30 was the final water on course, and if the line and stride wasn’t just right to the angled brushes in the water, the left handed turn to the separately number toad at 30 was very difficult to get. A number of riders recognized this before presenting to the toad and circled or went the long way, but some took a risk even after an awkward jump over the brushes and paid for it.

A total of 14 horse and rider combinations had a problem at 29ABC or 30, including Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Hale-Bob OLD.

Even some of the most experienced horse and rider combinations couldn’t dominate this truly Olympic-caliber course. However, we saw a lot of determined riders working hard to get it done, horses showing their true heart and athleticism and rookies who took their time and finished smiling. It should also be noted that despite the problems, no serious injuries have been reported for horses or riders.

Click here to view the official cross country fence report.

Rio Olympics Cross Country Live Updates

By on Aug 8, 2016 8:46 am -
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice over the final fence. Photo by Jenni Autry. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice over the final fence. Photo by Jenni Autry.

IT’S GO TIME! Cross country at the Rio Olympics begins at 9 a.m. EST and we are so pumped! Pierre Michelet’s course is no walk in the park and it’s being said the time will be difficult to make. The course is long: 33 fences with 45 total jumping efforts and an optimum time of 10 minutes and 15 seconds. If you haven’t yet, check out Shannon Brinkman’s gorgeous photo gallery of the  course here and read what Team USA has to say about the course.

With the scores so close as they are on the leaderboard we could see a real shakeup in the standings at the end of the day, but you don’t send lackluster cross country horses to the Olympics. Click here to see who the real power houses are.

We’re wishing everyone a safe round and make sure you keep it locked right here on Eventing Nation. We’ll be updating this thread all day so keep refreshing the page. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more news and photos. Go Eventing!

Here’s the top ten individuals after cross country – way to go American’s Boyd and Phillip in the top ten!
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And the team standings after cross country. Australia holds both team and individual gold medal positions going into the final day!
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2:07 p.m. EST: It’s been quite a day. Thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for a full report from Jenni and much more from #Rio2016
2:00 p.m. EST: Marcio is so far clear according to the scores and he’s just jumped the final fence with 20 time penalties to add.
1:57 p.m. EST: Our final pair of the day, Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer are being cheered all the way around the course but they’ve had a very unusual ride through the second water. A very troublesome jump over the drop in. He sits back up and jumps the final element but may have been outside the flags.
1:55 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice bring it home clear with 3.2 time penalties. Awesome round!!
1:55 p.m. EST: Brilliant ride through the straight route of the final water for Phillip and Mighty Nice.
1:52 p.m. EST: A clear round and 28.4 time penalties for the 25-year-old Swede Ludwig Svennerstal and Aspe.
1:50 p.m. EST: We’re showing Ingrid Klimke and Hale-Bob OLD finished with 20 jumping and six time. Phillip and “Happy” are clear. Ludwig and Aspe have a moment at the final water but quick thinking by Ludwig kept them from incurring a refusal. The final horse and rider combination are on course now. So much is happening here at the end!
1:48 p.m. EST: Wow! Phillip and Mighty Nice pull some wild acrobatics at the first corner at 6. We think he was clear but that’s not yet been confirmed. They did jump the B element and continue on.
1:46 p.m. EST: We’re aghast. Ingrid and Hale Bob OLD have a runout at the first of the one of the angled brushes in the final water.
1:45 p.m. EST: And Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice are on course! We’d love to see a great round from them.
1:44 p.m. EST: Ludwig Svennerstal and 8-year-old Aspe are on course for Sweden. Ingrid Klimke and Hale Bob OLD are clear over the Bamboo Vertical at 26.
1:41 p.m. EST: Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo have a beautiful round and cross the finish with only 8 time penalties.
1:38 p.m. EST: The Netherland’s Merel Blom is thrilled to finish clear with Rumour Has It and only 12 time penalties to add.
1:37 p.m. EST: Ingrid Klimke is on course for Germany with Hale Bob OLD. They have a sticky ride through the first water but they are clear.
1:34 p.m. EST: Kitty King and Ceylor L A N finish for Great Britain with 20 jumping and 33.6 time. Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo straight through the Pan Am Walls at 11.
1:32 p.m. EST: Jonelle and Faerie Dianimo are sticky at the first water but Jonelle kicks on. Kitty King circles before the toad in the final water but that’s numbered separately so she won’t incur a penalty there.
1:31 p.m. EST: Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo are on course for New Zealand. I just love watching this horse jump. Those ears are like laser pointers!
1:29 p.m. EST: Russia’s Aleksandr Markov and Kurfurstin pick up two refusals at the final element of the second water, which equals three total refusals on course and elimination.
1:27 p.m. EST: Kitty King and Ceylor L A N pick up a refusal at the Pan Am Walls at 11.
1:23 p.m. EST: Shane Rose and CP Qualified picks up one, possibly two refusals at the final water, then jumps outside the flag on the third attempt. He’s eliminated and stopped on course by officials.
1:22 p.m. EST: Kitty King and Ceylor L A N are the final pair on course for Great Britain.
1:21 p.m. EST: Shane Rose sits tight at the second water and CP Qualified is very honest to carry on with his eyes on the next fence.
1:19 p.m. EST: Italy’s very experienced pair of Stefano Brecciaroli and Apollo VD Wendi Kurt have eliminated themselves at the final water. They had a scrappy ride over the first element, jumped outside the flags at the second and then went on to jump the third, which is a technical elimination. They are I think the second pair to do that today.
1:13 p.m. EST: Shane Rose and CP Qualified are on course now for Australia. A good round from them could widen the country’s lead going into cross country.
1:12 p.m. EST: We’ve only had three double-clear rounds today, and those three competitors are currently occupying the top three placings: Chris Burton (AUS) and Santano, Michael Jung (GER) and Sam FBW, and Astier Nicolas (FRA) and Piaf de B’Neville.
1:11 p.m. EST: Mathieu Lemoine and Bart L are clear for France with 14.4 time penalties. Commentator Mark Kyle has confirmed that Australia can not be caught for the overnight lead at this point.
1:08 p.m. EST: Ireland’s Mark Kyle and Jemilla have a glance off at 12, the Pan Am Walls.
1:05 p.m. EST: A clear round with 12.4 time penalties for Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. Canada will finish the day with a team score.
1:01 p.m. EST: With 11 horse and rider combinations still to start, Chris Burton and Santano lead with Michael Jung and Sam in second. Nicolas Astier and Piaf de B’Neville are third, Mark Todd and Leonidas fourth, and USA’s own Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery are fifth.
12:59 p.m. EST: Pawel Spisak and Bandares have a hard fall at the Ski Jump at 20. They’re both up but Bandares looks quite sore.
12:57 p.m EST: Rebecca and Rupert have an awkward jump over the first element at 6 and are forced to take the long route.
12:56 p.m. EST: Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master are on course for Canada. They need to complete to give Canada a team score.
12:55 p.m. EST: Poland’s Pawel Spisak is competing in his fourth Olympics. He and Banderas jumped huge into the first water and couldn’t make the turn to the log in the water. Pawel looks to take some time to adjust tack before continuing on.
12:53 p.m. EST: China’s Alex Hua Tian and Don Genira had an extremely good round. They cross the finish clear with 13.2 time penalties.
12:50 p.m. EST: Karin Donckers looks to have a good ride at the Pan Am Walls but Fletcha Van’t Verahof hits the final element, sending Karin over his head. She’s on her feet and the horse jumped over the ropes, leaving the course altogether.
12:48 p.m. EST: Karin Donckers and Fletcha Van’t Verahof get lucky at the first water. Yoshiaki Oiwa and The Duke of Cavan ride as boldly to the last as they did the first. They finish clear for Japan with 18 time penalties.
12:46 p.m. EST: Yoshiaki Oiwa and The Duke of Cavan are really going for it today. Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too are over the last to finish with 40 jumping and a whopping 72 time penalties. We’re moving into our final team rider rotation now.
12:40 p.m. EST: Very unfortunate glance off at 17b for Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too.
12:39 p.m. EST: Yoshiaki Oiwa and The Duke of Cavan are giving us a mini-heart attack over the first several fences. Hopefully they settle into a good rhythm soon.
12:36 p.m. EST: NO!!!! Lauren and Veronica have a fall at the Malmesbury Cottage. They’re up and okay but that takes Team USA out of the team competition.
12:34 p.m. EST: Sara Algotsson Ostholt shouts at Reality 39 realizing she doesn’t have a good line in the final water. They pick up a second refusal there.
12:33 p.m. EST: Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too are on course for Brazil. This is a very experienced pair and get started with huge support from the home crowd.
12:32 p.m. EST: Very bold through the Pan Am Walls combination. Lauren and Veronica are very determined.
12:30 p.m. EST: Lauren and Veronica have taken the long route at 6. Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39 have a sticky moment followed by a stop at the Ski Jump combination to pick up 20 penalties for Sweden.
12:29 p.m. EST: Jonty Evans on Michelet’s course: “I think he’s probably got the balance about right. We don’t want to see a dressage competition.”
12:28 p.m. EST: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are on course! Come on girls we need a clear!!!
12:28 p.m. EST: Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai Du Thot are eliminated after a third refusal on course.
12:25 p.m. EST: Clarke Johnston and Balmoral Sensation produce a clear round with 4.8 time penalties for New Zealand.
12:23 p.m. EST: Julia Krajewski and Samourai Du Thot have another problem at the final element of fence 9. That’s another 20 for Germany.
12:22 p.m. EST: Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai Du Thot have a stop at the first water complex.
12:21 p.m. EST: Alice Naber-Lozeman and Peter Parker finish having picked up 20 penalties at the Palm Tree Question and 32 time for the Netherlands.
12:16 p.m. EST: Billy the Biz just doesn’t quite hold the line to the toad in the final water and glances off right. He and Pippa Funnell finish with 20 jumping penalties and 20.4 time.
12:12 p.m. EST: Russia’s Andrey Mitin and Gurza are unfortunately eliminated at the final water. The horse scrambled over A with the flag between his legs then went straight on to jump the B element.
12:09 p.m. EST: Pippa and Billy the Biz jump big into the corner combination early on and have to regroup to take the long route.
12:08 p.m. EST: Stuart Tinney crosses the finish with 2.8 time penalties. That’s three clears for Australia!
12:05 p.m. EST: Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio having a very confident round so far. They’re clear through the Bamboo Vertical at 26. Pippa Funnell is on course for Great Britain and Billy the Biz is looking very keen out the box!
12:02 p.m. EST: Italy’s Pietro Roman gives Barraduff a well deserved pat for getting out of a sticky moment at the final water. They’ve now crossed the finish with 20 time penalties.
11:59 a.m. EST: Jonty Evans and Cooley Rourkes Drift are clear with 22.8 time penalties in their first Olympics for Ireland. Well done!
11:58 a.m. EST: Clark Montgomery on his three refusals with Loughan Glen: “It’s an adjustability issue. He’s very difficult to make come back & turn to the right. We thought we had it fixed.”
11:57 a.m. EST: The highly experienced Stuart Tinney is on course with Pluto Mio, looking to bring home a third team score for Australia.
11:54 a.m. EST: Thibaut Vallette and Qing Du Briot finish clear with 24.4 time penalties for France. Ireland’s Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift are having a great round so far!
11:54 a.m. EST: This just in: Sam gave Michael Jung “a good feeling.”
11:51 a.m. EST: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges finish with 40 jumping penalties and 45.2 time. They picked up penalties at #9 and #11, but they get another completion for Canada.
11:46 a.m. EST: 20 jumping penalties and 48.4 time penalties for Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy in their first Olympics.
11:45 a.m. EST: Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy have taken the straight route at some of the toughest combinations on course, but she goes long at the final water.
11:41 a.m. EST: Joris Vanspringel and Lully Des Aulnes finish clear with 21.6 time penalties in the Belgium rider’s fourth Olympic Games.
11:40 a.m. EST: Colleen has a lovely ride through the first water that has caused no shortage of problems so far this morning.
11:39 a.m. EST: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges are on course now for Canada. They must complete to keep Canada in the team competition.
11:39 a.m. EST: Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy glance off 11a, the Pan Am Walls.
11:36 a.m. EST: Finland’s 23-year-old Elmo Jankari cross the finish with 20 jumping penalties and 22.8 time penalties.
11:34 a.m. EST: Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy leaves the startbox in her Olympic debut for Puerto Rico!
11:30 a.m. EST: Ecuador’s Nicolas Lionel Wettstein’s Nadeville Merze has run out of gas at the Wood Pile Launch at 21. Nicolas puts up a hand and calls it a day.
11:28 a.m. EST: What a thrilling finish for Camilla Kruger and Biarritz! A careful, clear round with 40.4 time penalties! Fist pumping and patting her horse, she’s absolutely delighted!
11:27 a.m. EST: Mark Todd on Leonidas’s clear round: “Every time I asked him for a bit more effort he had it in him.”
11:25 a.m. EST: We’re about halfway through the division so far. Camilla Kruger is having a cracking round. She’s going the long route at many of the combinations but that strategy has been serving her well. This girl wants to complete!
11:21 a.m. EST: Sadly Felix picks up another runout at the water at 25 and are eliminated for three refusals on course.
11:20 a.m .EST: Camilla Kruger is all smiles on course with Biarritz. She’s the first ever Zimbabwean representative to compete in equestrian at the Olympics!
11:18 a.m. EST: Switzerland’s Felix Vogg and On Fire are another to pick up a runout at 17b, the Palm Tree Question, then the horse practically runs into the first narrow at the Ski Jump at 20 then skips out to the left for another 20 penalties.
11:17 a.m. EST: Carlos Parro and Summon Up the Blood produce a second clear for Brazil with only 4 time penalties!
11:14 a.m. EST: Brazil’s Carlos Parro and Summon Up the Blood are being very brave out there and the crowd is loving it!
11:11 a.m. EST: Okay folks, we’re so glad you’re with us today, but the server is loaded down so we’ve taken out the Twitter and Instagram embeds to lighten the laod. We’ll just have text updates from here on out.
11:09 a.m. EST: Clark has another runout at the first element of the wood piles then drifts left again at the Palm Tree Question. That’s elimination for Clark Montomgery and Loughan Glen. Such a shame. Glen never seemed to have his head in the game today.
11:05 a.m. EST: Loughan Glen simply won’t make the turn to the drop into the 1st water. They pick up 20 but Clark gets him in and then has to take a lot of time to reorganize.
11:04 a.m. EST: Michael Jung and Sam are clear and inside the time a remarkable 14 seconds under the optimum!!
11:03 a.m .EST: Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen are on course!
11:01 a.m. EST: Michael Jung and Sam goes the straight route at the Malmesbury Cottage and make it look easy.
11:00 a.m. EST: William Fox-Pitt on his 20 penalties: “It was entirely my fault. I was going too fast.”
10:59 a.m. EST: Toddy and Leonidas cross the finish clear with 2 time penalties!!
10:58 a.m. EST: Christopher Burton on Santano II after cross country: “For a horse with very little blood in his breeding, he is a rocket”
10:56 a.m. EST: Tim Lips and Bayro are clear with 28 time penalties, about a minute over time. Michael and Sam take an interesting line at the corners at 6 but they are clear. Sir Mark Todd is clear through the third water complex.
10:55 a.m. EST: Michael is giving Sam some reassuring pats during a gallop early on the course. If anyone can show this course who’s boss it’s this pair!
10:54 a.m. EST: Michael Jung and Sam FBW are on course now, the defending Olympic Champions!
10:51 a.m .EST: New Zealand’s Mark Todd, the oldest rider in the field at 60, is on course with Leonidas II and clear through the Burghley Fence at 7.
10:50 a.m. EST: WFP and Chilli Morning finish with 20 jumping and 10.4 time penalties. We’re gutted for the penalties but so proud that William made it to the Olympics at all after the year he had in 2015.
10:47 a.m. EST: Crap. Something went wrong at the Ski Jump at 19 and 20 and WFP and Chilli Morning pick up a heartbreaking 20. That puts Chris Burton and Santano in the lead.
10:46 a.m. EST: Chilli Morning clears the Palm Tree Question at 17 with room to spare.
10:45 a.m. EST: Tim Lips and Bayro are on course for the Netherlands.
10:42 a.m. EST: Chris Burton and Santano are clear and inside the time! That’s our second double clear of the day and he goes into the final phase in the silver medal position at least. Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning brilliant through the straight route at the corners at 6.
10:41 a.m. EST: William and Chilli Morning nicely through the first water. Chris Burton and Santano just one to go!
10:40 a.m. EST: William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning are on course with huge cheers from the crowd.
10:38 a.m. EST: Arianna Schivo and Quefira de L’Ormeau come home for the Italian team with 20 jumping and 30.4 time. Chris and Santano showing us how it’s done. They’re still clear through the third water.
10:36 a.m. EST: Christopher and Santano are having a really lovely round so far. We’ve received work that Russia’s Evgenlya Ovchinnikova and Orion have withdrawn so our leader William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning will be next out of the box.
10:33 a.m. EST: Clare Abbott and Euro Prince are home with 40 jumping and 25.6 time penalties for Ireland.
10:32 a.m. EST: Australia’s Christopher Burton and Santano II, second after dressage, have a hairy moment at the first water but they’re clear.
10:30 a.m. EST: Very few riders going the straight route now at the Malmesbury Cottage at 23 and 24, though they are swinging wide at the corner where Tim Price slipped and fell.
10:26 a.m. EST: Euro Prince drops down into the ditch at the first element of the Pan Am Walls. They recover and are clear on the second attempt.
10:26 a.m. EST: Very sadly Kathryn Robinson has been eliminated for three refusals.
10:24 a.m. EST: Euro Prince puts his knees down on top of one corner at 6 to pick up 20 for Ireland with Claire Abbott.
10:22 a.m. EST: France’s Karim Laghouag and Entebbe are another to pick up a hard stop at 12b, the Pan Am Walls.
10:20 a.m. EST: Carlos Lobos Munoz and Ranco bring home a slow but clear round for Chile. Very honest jumping from Ranco and good work by Carlos. 42.8 time penalties for this pair.
10:19 a.m. EST: The commentators are saying Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee may be eliminated for jumping a B element twice at the Sugar Loaf at 9.
10:17 a.m. EST: Let It Bee puts on the breaks at the cabin at 9.
10:16 a.m. EST: Carlos Lobos Munoz and Ranco are working well together around this tough course!
10:13 a.m .EST: Kathryn Ronbinson and Let It Bee are on course for Canada!
10:07 a.m. EST: Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP, our sole combination for Spain, are eliminated for three refusals on course. Ryuzo Kitajima and Just Chocolate finish for Japan with 40 jumping and 34.4 time penalties. They had problems at those tricky brush corners at 6 as well as the Sugar Loaf combinations at 9.

10:02 a.m. EST: Marcio Appel and Iberon Jmen very nearly take a bath at the final water but Marcio manages to push himself back into the tack and brings home a completion for Brazil. He finishes with 20 jumping penalties and a lot of time.
9:57 a.m. EST: YES!!!!! Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery are home clear with 3.2 time penalties! Great start for Team USA!!
9:56 a.m. EST: Boyd Martin is absolutely attacking this course and Blackfoot Mystery is full of run.
9:53 a.m. EST: Linda Algotsson is home but the commentators are sayings he may be eliminated for a third refusal.
9:50 a.m. EST: Sweden’s number 1 Linda Algotsson and Fairnet have a nice steady rhythm. They’ve had a refusal at 13 and 17 and are looking to get home now.

9:49 a.m. EST: Boyd and Blackfoot Mystery are clear through 10.

9:47 a.m. EST: Opgun Louvo leaves out a stride and runs by the toad at the water at 30, which is separately numbered. They finish with provisionally 40 jumping penalties and time with an overnight score of 86.4.
9:46 a.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery are on course now. COME ON BOYD!
9:41 a.m. EST: Tim Price and Ringwood Skyboy slip around a corner and go down! They’re okay but what horrible luck!
9:40 a.m. EST: We can hardly believe it, Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo pick up 20 at the first water. That line from the drop in to the log is not riding particularly well.

9:38 a.m. EST: Theo van de Vendel and Zindane have a fall at the gate at 24b after catching a hoof, but they’re up and okay.

9:37 a.m. EST: I had a momentary computer issue but back in action.

9:29 a.m. EST: Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh for Australia finish clear with 6.8 time penalties. Sam gives his horse a well deserved hug at the finish.

9:28 a.m. EST: Gemma and Quicklook pick up another stop at 11b the Pan Am Walls. This is shaping up to be a very interesting day already.

9:27 a.m. EST: Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake finish with 40 jumping and 31.6 time penalties.

9:26 a.m. EST: Gemma and Quicklook pick up 20 at the first water. Just couldn’t quite hold their line to the log in the water.

9:23 a.m. EST: Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake for Italy had a hard stop early on the course at the first water. A sticky moment at 17a led to another 20 at 17b. The first for Great Britain is on course, it’s Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V.

9:18 a.m .EST: Padraig McCarthy and Simon Porloe had an early refusal and then a fall at the open corner at 17b. The horse was just sticky off the ground and caught his hind legs, but both horse and rider are up and okay.

9:16 a.m. EST: Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B’Neville are CLEAR AND INSIDE THE TIME for France!

9:14 a.m. EST: Jessie and A Little Romance finish with two refusals and 36.5 time penalties, but a completion for Canada. Astier is having an abslutely cracking round. He’s almost home!

9:08 a.m. EST: Brilliant riding at the 6AB corner questions for Frenchman Nicolas Astier and Piaf de B’Neville. What a jumper!

9:05 a.m. EST: Jessie and A Little Romance unfortunately had a problem at the first water when the pocket rocket mare jumped in huge and ran by the log.
9:01 a.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance for Canada are our first riders out on course. The live stream hasn’t started up yet, though!

Olympics Cross Country Day News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Aug 8, 2016 12:27 am -
Riders at the Friends Combined Tests at Fair Hill show their support for the team. Photo courtesy of Holly Covey. Riders at the Friends Combined Tests at Fair Hill show their support for the team. Photo courtesy of Holly Covey.

IT’S CROSS COUNTRY DAY AT THE OLYMPICS. Team USA made us proud this weekend with four solid tests to put the team in sixth place after dressage. We have four good cross country horses ready to roll today, but it’s not going to be easy as horses and riders will face what is being called the toughest Olympic cross country course since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. We’re on pins and needles, crossing all our fingers and toes, and sending thoughts of safe, clear rounds to our friends – from every country.

EN will be providing rock solid content all day so keep it locked here. Jenni is on the ground bringing us all the latest updates, snapping stunning pics and posting constantly on Twitter. Maggie has been providing brilliant statistics and predictions, more of which are coming up shortly.

Hopefully you’ve all found a place to park out and watch the cross country action LIVE on ABC Network or NBCOlympics.com, but if you’re boss isn’t keen on letting you watch at work or you haven’t just taken the day off completely (the best idea if you ask me), I’ll be running the live updates so you can join me when we get under way at 9 a.m. EST and covertly refresh your internet browser to your heart’s content.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Millbrook H.T. [Website] [Results]

Olney Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

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

Catalpa Corner Charity H.T. [Website] [Results]

Cobblestone Farms H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

We’ve been warily following news regarding the stray bullet that fell through the roof of the media tent at the Olympic Equestrian Center yesterday. Initially an Olympic spokesman insisted that the incident was unrelated to the Olympics and there was some speculation that the bullet may have been accidentally fired from the nearby military base. On Sunday, the Minister of Defense stated that the bullet came from a community far from the Equestrian Center and that the gun had been aimed at a police blimp. [Minister of Defense says stray bullet came from a slum]

Equestrians are proud of the fact that men and women compete together on a level playing field. The New Yorker picked up this as well as our very own Lauren Kieffer’s story. They chatted with her about her rise to the top of the sport, her goals for Rio and what it’s like competing against men. [An American trying to beat the boys in Rio]

Camilla Kruger is the first Zimbabwean to represent her country in equestrian at the Olympic Games. Camilla still feels very close to her home country despite being based in the UK and hopes that her journey inspires others to reach for their dreams. [Pride of a Nation]

Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville secured a Gold Cup win this weekend at the Millbrook Horse Trials in New York. Their confident performance was a great prep for their upcoming trip to Ireland for the Millstreet International Three-Day Event. The toughest part of the day? Not getting to watch Phillip’s dressage test on the live stream of the Olympics, which Millbrook kindly kept on all weekend! [Halpin Wins Gold Cup Advanced at Millbrook]

What kind of accommodations do the horses enjoy during the Rio Olympics? Go behind the scenes for a sneak peak. [Back at the Barn in Rio]

Monday Video:

Dressage Wrapped in Rio: Sunday Social Roundup

By on Aug 7, 2016 10:00 pm -

After two brilliant days of dressage in Rio, I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready to get things going on the cross country course. The scores are so very close on the leaderboard and Pierre Michelet’s track is going to be no easy task. Let’s take a quick look back at the first phase of the 2016 Rio Olympics and then get a good night’s sleep and get ready for a big day tomorrow.

U.S. Olympic Eventing Team tied for sixth after dressage at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games! Read more: http://bit.ly/2asq4C6

Cross-country begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. ET! Order-of-go, results, links to watch and more: bit.ly/Rio2016OG

Photos by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Posted by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on Sunday, August 7, 2016

Any other sport when husband and wife can compete together for a team medal but go head to head for an individual…

Posted by Fédération Equestre Internationale on Sunday, August 7, 2016

I can finally put the dressage saddle away!!! An emotional day with Happy and Phillip putting in a fabulous test. So…

Posted by Emma Ford on Sunday, August 7, 2016

Some more photos from #TheDon ‘s dressage today at #rio2016! Lying 12th out of 65 going into tomorrow’s XC. #teamchina #twohearts #equestrianeventing

Posted by Alex Hua Tian Eventing on Sunday, August 7, 2016

Cody and I want to wish the US Team in Rio the best of luck and to have good, safe rides tomorrow!!! Cody’s been…

Posted by Maya Black Eventing on Sunday, August 7, 2016

The first horse leaves the start box at 9:00 a.m. EST. Don’t miss it!

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Aug 1, 2016 12:04 am -

It was an amazing night for our United States Pony Club Championships East Mounted Games teams as they competed before…

Posted by Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday, July 30, 2016

I really wanted to make it down to Saturday Night Lights at the Tryon International Equestrian Center this weekend to watch the mounted games for the Pony Club Championships, but by the end of my work day I just wanted to hang out at home with the cats. I’ve got to say I’m pretty bummed I missed all this, but the good news is you can rewatch the live stream here!

Did you guess the mystery man in Saturday Links? It’s the only and only Peter Gray! Have a good throwback photo for us to show on EN? Send it to [email protected].

U.S. Weekend Action:

#NAJYRC2016: Website, Individual Scores, Team Scores, EN’s Coverage

USPC National Championship H.T. [Website] [Results]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Just so we’re clear, you’re not doing anything next weekend, right? The only conceivable thing you can be doing is tuning in to the Olympics, EVEN if you’re competing. For goodness sake, get your schedule set! Jenni knows all the things about Rio, and how to watch it from home. She’ll be covering the event and risking the Zika for you. [How To Watch Olympic Eventing]

Eventers at the Pony Club Championship were the first to experience Captain Mark Phillips’ highly anticipated cross country course at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. For all levels, the courses took place in the large derby field and two additional arenas. The first rider on course, Rachael Wood, said it was an incredible experience and that she felt like an Olympian. [Pony Club Rider First to Experience Cross Country Course at Tryon]

Olympic horses are flying out of three primary airports on their way to Rio: Miami, Fl., Liege Airport in Belgium and the London Stansted Airport (check out amazing photos of the loading process here). Reigning Olympic Champion La Biosthetique Sam took off from Liege today along with 31 other horses from 12 nations. [Sam is en route to Rio]

The combined team of Zones 4 and 7 was victorious in the team show jumping competition at NAJYRC this weekend, finishing without a single jumping penalty. [Jumper Nation] Click here to read our coverage of the eventing competition.

Monday Video: I laughed way too hard at this.

NAJYRC: Shelby Brost & Carmen Holmes-Smith Win Individual Gold; Area I & V/IX Take Team Honors

By on Jul 31, 2016 5:00 pm -
Shelby Brost and Crimson. Photo by JJ Sillman. Shelby Brost and Crimson. Photo by JJ Sillman.

The 2016 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championship, presented by Gotham North, wrapped up today at the Colorado Horse Park. All horses presented for the CH-J* and CICY2* final horse inspection were accepted this morning, and Chris Barnard’s show jumping course later proved to be influential in the final standings.

Shelby Brost, 18, and her 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare Crimson were the CH-J* individual bronze medal winners last year. They returned to NAJYRC representing Canada once again this year at the two-star level and had a perfect weekend. They scored a 50.2 in dressage with family there to support them. They were double clear on cross country and today produced one of only four double clear show jumping rounds in the CICY2*.

Shelby and Crimson were the only horse and rider pair in the division to finish on their dressage score to win individual gold. Shelby also earned a team silver medal alongside her Ontario/Alberta teammates April Simmonds and Impressively Done, Jamie Kellock and Don’t Blink and Emma Green and Raniki.

The individual silver medal went to Clara Cargile and Nancy and John Cargile’s 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse White Indian, who dropped a rail and picked up two time penalties for a final score of 55.5. Clara will also have two medals to take home, as her Area V/IX team held on to its overnight lead to finish on the top tier of the podium on a combined score of 198.7, well ahead of Ontario/Alberta team on 218.0. Clara’s teammates Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna and Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III both jumped double clear.

Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Chelsea Kolman pauses to re-tie her reins during show jumping while Dauntless Courage patiently waits. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Area VI/VIII moved from second to third place in the team competition after an unfortunate tack malfunction led to a few too many penalties. Chelsea Kolman’s reins broke mid-round and as they only had a three-person team at this point, she had to figure out how to finish, so she pulled up and tied her reins back together before continuing on with Dauntless Courage. Great job getting it done for the team, Chelsea!

Screen Shot 2016-07-31 at 3.52.19 PM

Screen Shot 2016-07-31 at 3.52.29 PM

CH-J*

Area I went into show jumping today without the benefit of a drop score and with only one fence in hand over Area III. Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH jumped double clear as did Katie Lichten and RF Luminati, and Erica Jarrell and Uni Sprite dropped their spare rail to win gold for Area I in the 2016 NAJYRC CH-J*.

Area III impressed everyone with four double-clear cross country rounds over yesterday’s tough course to move up from sixth to second. Today they added only eight penalties between their top three scores and the team of Mikensey Johansen and Grey Prince, Carson Richards and Fernhill Mr. Cool, Parker Miller and What Law, and Haley Curry and Resolute Protector secure their well earned silver medal.

The Area 3 1* Team became Silver Medalist’s this afternoon!! We are so proud of how hard these girls worked to earn…

Posted by USEA Area III Young Riders on Sunday, July 31, 2016

Area VI was the best show jumping team of the day, as all three of their riders were double-clear. Delaney Vaden and Redrox Jazzman, Kelsey Holmes and NZB The Chosen One, Mia Farley and Fernhill Fine Diamond, and Megan Traynham and Lord Lombardi moved up from fourth place to finish on the podium wearing bronze.

The scores were very close on the individual leaderboard and there wasn’t a bit of breathing room at the top. The top ten riders occupied final scores between 45.9 and 49.9 and a tie breaker determined the ultimate winner.

Carmen Holmes-Smith, Haley Rosenberg and Haley Curry were in a three-way tie for third place individually on 45.9 after yesterday’s cross country. Clear rounds today from Carmen and Haley put them in a tie for the top spot, but due to her excellent timing on cross country (finishing two seconds under optimum) Carmen, 18, and Ali Holmes-Smith 11-year-old Spartacus ultimately won gold for Canada.

Haley and Sandra Holden’s 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Evil Munchkin finished in the silver medal position, and Cornelia Dorr and her 10-year-old Zweibrucker gelding Sir Patico MH moved up from sixth to win the bronze medal with a double clear round and a final score of 46.6.

Congratulations to all the riders! Check back for more photos and interviews from NAJYRC 2016.

">Screen Shot 2016-07-31 at 3.07.29 PM
Screen Shot 2016-07-31 at 3.08.09 PM

Watch the Trailer: Tamie Smith and Heather Morris Featured in New Video Series

By on Jul 31, 2016 3:11 pm -

Eventing- A True Story of Horse and RiderWhat does it take to become a top equestrian in EVENTING?
Starting from nothing, international riders Tamie Smith and Heather Morris share a true story of how their friendship turned their dreams into a reality in building Next Level Eventing!
Stay tuned for more episodes!

Posted by Professional’s Choice – English on Thursday, July 28, 2016

Professional’s Choice has launched a new video series featuring Tamie Smith and Heather Morris of Next Level Eventing. Through each episode we will get to know these two best friends and their journeys to the top levels of the sport. Get a sneak peek of what we can expect in upcoming episodes in the above trailer and stay tuned for more!

Pegasus for a Day: How the Olympic Horses and All Their Gear Get to Rio

By on Jul 31, 2016 1:00 pm -
Photo by Hippo Foto/Dirk Caremans. Photo by Hippo Foto/Dirk Caremans.

The first groups of Olympic horses have been arriving in Rio over the weekend from all corners of the world. Team USA took to the skies out of Miami, Fl. on Friday and we’re happy to report that the horses and riders have all arrived safely.

Getting the world’s top dressage, show jumping and eventing horses to the Olympic Games is no small undertaking. Besides the necessary delicate handling of live animals, there are thousands of pounds of baggage and gear to organize and transport, too.

The FEI’s Jon Stroud followed along to the London Stansted Airport as 34 Olympic event horses from ten nations were loaded onto an Emirates SkyCargo Boing 777-F and captured some awesome shots of the equestrian world’s most precious cargo settling in for the journey.

When it’s all said and done, more than 200 hundreds will have departed from London on nine different flights and make the 12 hour flight to the Rio International Airport en route to the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro Olympic Park. More horses will fly from Liege Airport in Belgium.

By necessity, sending a horse 30,000 feet in the air and touching down in another part of the world is a highly organized affair. First things first, each horse must have a passport, microchip and health certificate, and a veterinarian will check them over carefully before they begin the loading process.

The FEI reports that each horse has an allocated baggage allowance by weight for feed, hay, bedding and equipment plus the weight of the horse itself. In their “stall,” the horses are allowed 40 litres (about 10 gallons) of water, a large haynet, a personal bucket and a small bag with a spare halter and rug.

The Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777-F aircraft is a freight plane especially equipped for equine transport. The Olympic horses are traveling two to a pallet in stalls that are 44 inches wide. The staff aboard the aircraft are trained to fly with horses and ensure their safety and well-being throughout the flight and of course there is a vet on board.

See you in Rio!

HHS Cooley Euthanized Following Injury at Burgham Horse Trials

By on Jul 31, 2016 9:10 am -
Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by Jenni Autry. Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We are deeply saddened to report that HHS Cooley, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse ridden by British-based U.S. rider Liz Halliday-Sharp and owned by her mother Deborah, was euthanized yesterday after suffering a fracture on cross country while competing in the CIC3* at Burgham Horse Trials in the UK.

Liz was hospitalized after the fall due to a fracture in the C7 vertebrae in her neck. Her husband, Al, said she expects to be released from the hospital tomorrow.

“To say I am devastated is an understatement,” Liz said. “He was my partner, my best friend, and the bravest horse in the world with the biggest heart who always tried his hardest and gave his best. He really loved eventing from the first moment and lived for the traveling and competing.”

Liz produced Cooley through the levels of eventing, taking the gelding to his first one-star event in 2011. They moved up to the three-star level in 2013, and this year Cooley carried Liz to her first CCI4* completion at Rolex Kentucky.

“I will never, ever forget the amazing clear cross country trip he gave me at Rolex and the joy of being there with a horse that I loved so much and had produced from the early stages of his eventing career up to the top. I totally trusted him and he trusted me, and what a ride we have had through the years.”

Our thoughts are with Liz, Deborah, Cooley’s groom Gemma and all those who knew and loved and him.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jul 31, 2016 6:00 am -
The U.S. Eventing horses have arrived safely in Rio! Photo via the USEF Facebook page. The U.S. Eventing horses have arrived safely in Rio! Photo via the USEF Facebook page.

Team USA has arrived in Rio! All the horses and riders traveled safe and sound from Miami, Fl. to Brazil and are settling getting settled in. Follow the USEF and USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page for lots of updates from the team and be sure to keep it locked on EN all week for tons of Olympic coverage.

U.S. Weekend Action:

#NAJYRC2016: Website, Schedule, Dressage Order of Go, Individual Scores, Team Scores, EN’s Coverage

USPC National Championship H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Saturday Links: 

Just so we’re clear, you’re not doing anything next weekend, right? The only conceivable thing you can be doing is tuning in to the Olympics, EVEN if you’re competing. For goodness sake, get your schedule set! Jenni knows all the things about Rio, and how to watch it from home. She’ll be covering the event and risking the Zika for you. [How To Watch Olympic Eventing]

Vote: who should carry the U.S. flag during the Olympics opening ceremony?

Training camp report: Mighty Nice is ready for Rio

How Team GBR’s horses deal with jet lag, legroom and passports

Rider safety: Always in fashion

New Individual and Team Leaders After Cross Country at NAJYRC

By on Jul 30, 2016 4:00 pm -
Clara Cargile and White Indian. Photo by Sportfot. Clara Cargile and White Indian. Photo by Sportfot.

The James Atkinson designed cross country course at the Colorado Horse Park caused a significant shake up in the standings today at the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championship, presented by Gotham North.

CH-J*

The CH-J* kicked off the morning. The team scores were quite close after dressage with less than ten points separating the top four teams. Area I produced three double clear rounds to move into the lead from fourth place on a combined two-day score of 146.7.

Hear what team members Erica Jarrell, Katie Lichten, Madeline Lichten and Cornelia Dorr had to say about the day in the press conference video below.

Posted by The FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships on Saturday, July 30, 2016

Major kudos to my home Area III, who brought all four of their riders through finish double clear to fly into second place from sixth! Mikensey Johansen, Carson Richards, Parker Miller and Haley Curry got the job done in fine form today and are in a good position before the final phase on a team score of 152.8.

Team Ontario picked up a rider fall and a refusal to move down from first to third, but they’re far from out of the game on 169.8.

Camiolo Lee and Caharron V.E. Photo by Sportfot.

Camiolo Lee and Caharron V.E. Photo by Sportfot.

In the individual competition, Annick Niemuller and FE Akari moved into the lead with a double clear round and a two-phase score of 43.5. Lee Camiolo and Charron V.E. moved up from fifth to second with a fast, clear round.

There is a three-way tie for third place on a score of 45.9 between Carmen Holmes-Smith and Spartacus, Haley Curry and Resolute Protector and Haley Rosenberg and Evil Munchkin. Should they all show jump clear tomorrow, Carmen and Spartacus would win the tie breaker as they crossed the finish just two seconds under optimum time.

There were 26 double clear rounds and 35 total completions in the division of 44 starters. However there were several eliminations for refusals and two rider falls. Ruairi Smith and Fernhill Gucci were eliminated for a horse fall at the water but both horse and rider are reportedly okay.

Shelby Brost and Crimson. Photo by Sportfot.

Shelby Brost and Crimson. Photo by Sportfot.

CICY2*

The team standings in the CICY2* were completely rearranged. The three-rider scramble team of Area V and IX moved up from third to first with an overnight team score of 183.7. Close behind is Area VI/VIII on 188.8. Third is Team Ontario/Alberta, which moved from first to third with a team score of 208 after cross country.

Clara Cargile, Madeline Backus and Alyssa Phillips of Area V/IV talk about their rides:

Posted by The FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships on Saturday, July 30, 2016

Clara Cargile and White Indian produced one of four double clear rounds to move up from fourth to first place on the individual leaderboard. Their score of 49.5 leaves little breathing room, however, as Shelby Brost and Crimson are hot on their heels with a 50.2. Dressage leaders Elena Hengel and Zipp picked up 9.6 time penalties dropping to third, but they’re within one rail of a gold medal on a two-phase score of 52.3.

Check out the course the Young Riders tackled today in this photo gallery from the NAJYRC Facebook page. The final horse inspection will be bright and early tomorrow morning with show jumping beginning at 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time. Stay tuned to EN for more from NAJYRC.

We can’t wait to see the eventing athletes navigate the cross-country course designed by James Atkinson tomorrow! What is your favorite jump?

Check out more behind-the-scenes video on USequestrian Snapchat!

Posted by The FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships on Friday, July 29, 2016

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AEC Entries Go Live: Over 400 Horses Entered So Far

By on Jul 30, 2016 1:45 pm -

AECs

Entries have gone live for the 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships. Less than two weeks after the July 19 opening date there are already 430 horse and rider combinations entered from Beginner Novice through Advanced.

The amateurs will be out in force, with over 50 entries in each of the Amateur divisions at Beginner Novice and Training and a staggering 63 entries in Novice Amateur, which is so far the biggest class.

The Junior divisions are also typically well populated and very competitive. There are 35 Junior Training riders so far and 47 Juniors at Beginner Novice.

The AEC also serves as the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final and thus far 18 horse and rider combinations will be vying for $40,000 in prize money. There is a total of $100,000 up for grabs during the competition and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of prizes.

The competition will take place for the first time at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. on August 31-September 4. Entries are open until August 16. The final count is expected to be very large and if this early look is any indication we’re in for an exciting AEC!

Click here to view the entry status for all division.

Watch Eventing at the Olympics LIVE on USA Network

By on Jul 30, 2016 11:30 am -

Usa-network_120526091741

Two days ago we provided a complete rundown of how to watch eventing at the Rio Olympic Games via NBCOlympics.com. Since then we’ve discovered that both the cross country and show jumping phases of eventing will be televised LIVE on the USA Network!

You can still watch all phases of the eventing action live on NBCOlympics.com and through the NBC Sports App, but you do have to provide a login and password associated with a cable or satellite subscription.

USA will also show a live broadcast of the crowd favorite dressage musical freestyle individual final and NBC will broadcast the first and second individual show jumping rounds live. USA, NBC and MSNBC will be showing replays of the three equestrian disciplines throughout. Scroll down to see a screenshot of the full broadcast schedule.

You can also follow along through EN with our open threads, live reports, photo galleries and social media roundups, and don’t forget to follow our live updates each day on Twitter @eventingnation. We’ll also be posting tons of photos on Instagram.

Equestrian competition broadcast schedule:

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Burghley Entry Update: USA Contingent Up to Eight

By on Jul 30, 2016 9:30 am -
Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld. Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Burghley CCI4* entries keep rolling in and we’re thrilled to see more Americans added to the list of accepted entries.

Bunnie Sexton announced yesterday that she and her 17-year-old off-track Thoroughbred Rise Against are Burghley bound. Bunnie and Ecko have twice completed the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* (2015, 2016) without cross country jumping penalties. Burghley will be this pair’s overseas debut!

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless are also on their way to their first Burghley CCI4*. In just over two years, Elisa and the now 15-year-old Australian OTTB owned by the Simply Priceless Syndicate have risen from the two-star level to having completed Rolex Kentucky twice, placing 17th in their rookie year in 2015 and turning out an impressive performance for eighth place at this year’s event.

Holly Payne Caravella and the Fox Syndicate’s 10-year-old Never Outfoxed (another full Thoroughbred, although he is unraced) are entered at Burghley for their first event across the pond. Holly and Fox were 20th at their first four-star at Rolex Kentucky in 2015. This year they were unfortunately not accepted in the Rolex Final Horse Inspection after a cracking clear cross country round, but they’ve bounced back and now have their sights set on what is widely considered the toughest four-star in the world.

Phillip Dutton is entered on two horses, but Mighty Nice will now compete in the Olympic Games instead. Phillip will still aim for Burghley with Fernhill Fugitive, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones. “Jack” was 8th in his first four-star at Rolex in 2015 and finished 13th at his second attempt this year.

This brings the USA contingent up to eight, as Libby Head and Sir Rockstar, Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley and Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime were among the early entries to Burghley.

Click here to see the full list of entries.

Virginia Horse Trials Will Host Intercollegiate Championships in 2017

By on Jul 17, 2016 3:38 pm -
Photo courtesy of Virginia Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Virginia Horse Trials.

The USEA and Virginia Horse Trials have announced that the Intercollegiate Eventing Championship will return to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. in 2017.

The Virginia Horse Center hosted the inaugural Intercollegiate Eventing Championship this May and by all accounts the competition was a resounding success. Ten colleges and universities fielded students and their horses, forming ten teams and setting the stage for an exciting Championship debut.

Although Clemson University held a secure lead through the first two days, the gap closed on the final day of competition and the University of Georgia Red team pulled ahead to win by a fraction of a point. All the teams brought their A-game, with less than ten points separating the top four finishing teams.

It’s no secret that many eventers allow their USEA membership to lapse during their college years, but the association is making a concerted effort to retain members, and the increasing popularity of eventing teams at colleges and universities around the country is a major contributing factor in providing incentive for students to keep riding.

VHT organizer Andy Bowles said he is “keen” on the Intercollegiate program and that it is good for VHT to be involved. After a successful first run of the Championship, it will only get bigger and better from here. “The base we’ve got is extremely strong and is something to build on,” Andy said in a statement.

Andy and VHT went all out to make the inaugural Championship one to remember. The students’ horses were stabled together in the Eastern Complex where schools decorated their stall areas and set up tables and tents to promote their schools’ equestrian programs. The incentive of the Spirit Award upped the ante when it came to showing school pride, and we expect even more face paint, color coordinated outfits, school swag and cheerleading next year.

“The USEA is thrilled to have the Intercollegiate Championship return to The Virginia Horse Trials next year,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “We were so pleased with how smoothly the inaugural competition went thanks to Andy Bowles and the rest of his incredible team. This top class facility is an ideal place to let the championship grow, and we look forward to seeing how much bigger and better it can be in 2017.”

Learn more about the USEA’s Intercollegiate Program here. If your school is not yet affiliated with the USEA, get all the information you need to make that happen here and remember college students receive a $25 discount on their USEA membership.

[USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship Will Return to Virginia Horse Trials in 2017]

Phillip Dutton: ‘Never Try to Put Yourself on a Pedestal’

By on Jul 13, 2016 11:00 am -

In Horseware‘s latest installment of “Making A Champion,” the camera crew goes behind the scenes with U.S. Eventing Olympic Team rider Phillip Dutton at his True Prospect Farm in Pennsylvania.

In this video, Phillip shares insight on the importance of surrounding yourself with a good team, taking your time with horses and always being willing to keep learning.

“Never try to put yourself on a pedestal or think you’re better than you really are, because there’s so much to learn,” he says.

Phillip also tells us what qualities he looks for in an event horse and reveals the one that changed his life.

Go Eventing.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 11, 2016 12:01 am -
Photo courtesy of Linda Chatfield Photo courtesy of Linda Chatfield

Whidbey Island hosted its 40th annual horse trials this past weekend, and organizer Linda Chatfield paid tribute to hometown girl and U.S. Olympic traveling reserve Maya Black with this fence on the cross country course. We’ll all be cheering for Maya and Doesn’t Play Fair as they head to Rio!

In other news, remember when EN teamed up with Fleeceworks to host our inaugural Scavenger Hunt at Rolex? EN readers completed tasks like taking a selfie with a Fleeceworks rider and stopping by the Fleeceworks booth in the trade fair to answer Rolex trivia questions each day, plus bonus challenges like snapping a photo of the elusive John Thier.

The team of Megan Corbett, Lauren Romanelli, Lisa Schapira and Laura Mungioli won the Scavenger Hunt — they even managed to track down John in the media center, which is no easy task! — and will cash in on their grand prize: a clinic with Fleeceworks rider Tamie Smith! Tamie will be teaching the clinic in College Grove, Tennessee, over the weekend of Nov. 19 and 20.

We’ll be bringing you a full report on the clinic right here on EN, and we’re excited to partner with Fleeceworks to bring you more amazing contests like this in the future. Be sure to check out the full line of Fleeceworks pads on their website. Let us know in the comments below: What do you think should be the prize at next year’s Fleeceworks Rolex Scavenger Hunt?

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Old Chatham H.T. [Website] [Results]

The Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Results]

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

Roebke’s Run H.T. [Website] [Results]

40th Annual Whidbey Island H.T. [Website] [Results]

Round Top H.T. [Website]

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Results]

#GMI2016: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream, Instagram, EN’s Coverage

Monday News and Notes:

Peony Vodka has announced its sponsorship of the “Survivor’s Award” at four Area 1 equestrian events this summer: Fitchs’ Corners Horse Trials (July 23 – 24), Millbrook Horse Trials (August 4 – 7), Area 1 Championships at the Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Horse Trials (August 15 – 16) and Town Hill Horse Trials (August 27 – 28). Believing that each competitor who finishes is a winner in their own right, the Peony Vodka Survivor’s Award will be presented to the Adult Rider who completes the event – albeit in last place. Leslie Farhangi, the creator of Peony Vodka, a life long horse person and longtime volunteer, said she wants to honor the spirit of eventing and “have a little fun while doing it.” Cheers to you, Leslie!

When it seems as though we live in a more disaster-prone time than ever, having a plan can make all the difference when it comes to your horse’s safety. Our sister site Horse Nation has put together some tips and advice. [Are You Ready?]

When writing out yet another rent check or cringing at the exorbitant costs of land and/or a modest equestrian property, sometimes I consider throwing in the towel on home ownership altogether and living out of my horse trailer. If the living quarters looked like these, the choice would be easy. [13 Spectacular Horse Trailer Living Quarters]

Weekly Business Tip from Mythic Landing Enterprises: If you’re advertising in a print outlet on a budget, be sure to ask the ad manager if there are any discounts for committing to multiple issues for the year. Another money-saving tip is to advertise every other month, as this still keeps your name consistently in front of your audience.

#RoadtoRio

The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Teams takes Gold at the first ever North American FEI Nations Cup at the Land Rover Great Meadow International. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen also scored the individual win #GMI2016

Posted by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on Sunday, July 10, 2016

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro Unveil New Musical Freestyle

By on Jul 10, 2016 7:00 pm -

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro debuted their new Grand Prix musical freestyle at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage which earned them a score of 90.63% and a landslide victory. The music is masterfully organized by Tom Hunt, and with its bold beat and South American flair feels very appropriate for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro!

Andrew Nicholson is Master of Barbury

By on Jul 10, 2016 5:00 pm -
Andrew Nicholson and Nereo competing in the Barbury leg of ERM. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Andrew Nicholson and Nereo competing in the Barbury leg of ERM. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Andrew Nicholson (NZL) has now won five consecutive three-stars at the St. James Place Barbury International Horse Trials. The previous four were with the now retired Avebury and the fifth this weekend with a superb finish in the third leg of the Event Rider Masters Series riding his 2012 London Olympics and 2014 World Equestrian Games mount Nereo.

Andrew and the 16-year-old Caballo de Deporte Espanol gelding owned by Deborah Sellar were third after dressage on a 37.6. They added two time penalties in show jumping this morning, moving into first when overnight leader Marcio C Jorge (BRA) and Lissy Mac Wayer incurred eight penalties, then blazed around the cross country double clear to clinch the £16,000 first prize.

“I really felt the big atmosphere out there today, but this is why I do it, for the people who support me and to win the first ERM class held at Barbury is extra special,” Andrew said. “I felt I was meeting every fence very easily. Nereo is a long-striding horse but he now adapts to whatever he’s got to do. In fact, he feels like Avebury.”

Paul Tapner (AUS) and his and Amand Burns’ 14-year-old Yogi Bear VIII pulled a rail in show jumping but also produced a double clear cross country to finish second in the division and move into second place on the Event Rider Masters Series leaderboard with 63 points.

“Being on the ERM podium has been a main aim for me this season, so I am very happy,” Paul said. “Our Olympic team gets announced tomorrow (Monday 11 July) and we will have to wait and see what happens. Gatcombe is the next ERM leg and I will certainly be there, if I am not in Rio.”

This is becoming a tradition at ERM events. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The new Series leader is Gemma Tattersall, who finished on her dressage score of 44.4 with Caroline Teltsch’s 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse Santiago Bay. They were 13th after dressage but two clear rounds moved them up to finish third overall and take over the Series lead by three points.

With the previous ERM Series leader Astier Nicolas (FRA) now third with 59 points, and Jonelle Price (NZL) and America’s own Clark Montgomery not far off on 47 and 46 points respectively, it’s anyone’s game halfway through the Series’ inaugural year. Click here for the full ERM rankings after Barbury.

Dani Evans and Smart Time were also double-clear to move up from 14th after dressage and finish on a 44.6 for fourth. Marcio and his 13-year-old Westphalian mare jumped clear across the country with 5.6 time penalties for a fifth place finish. Sweden’s Hedvig Wik, 32, and Chippieh, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Sara Sjöborg Wik, had a difficult show jumping round with 18 penalties. They dropped to 21st place from second and opted to withdraw before cross country.

As for the North American contingent, Rebecca Howard (CAN) and Blithe Hill Farm’s 15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse Riddle Master picked up an uncharacteristic 20 early on course to finish 23rd. Tiana Coudray (USA) and Jatial, Inc’s 10-year-old Wesphalian mare Sambuca F added a couple of refusals on cross country to finish 27th. In the St James’s Place CIC3*, Kathryn Robinson (CAN) and her own 15-year-old Let It Bee added only time on cross country to finish 15th.

Australia’s Christpher Burton and Polystar, owned by Michaela Sandberg, won the St James’s Place CIC3* in the 11-year-old Westphalian’s first three-star attempt. “I only came here to show him his first three-star competition, not to win!” Chris said. “But I was impressed with his stride and scope – he’s got quite a bit of Thoroughbred blood – and he’s got a good attitude.”

Event Rider Masters: Website, Rankings, Start Times, Results, Live Stream

Barbury Horse Trials: Website, Start List, Results

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[5th successive 3 star Barbury win for Nicholson in Event Rider Masters]

Must Read Quotes from the Great Meadow CICO3* Press Conference

By on Jul 10, 2016 3:20 pm -
USA! USA! Photo by Samantha Clark. USA! USA! Photo by Samantha Clark.

Clark Montgomery, winner of the Land Rover Great Meadow International, presented by Adequan®, and a representative from each of the Nations Cup teams gathered for a press conference following the awards ceremony.

Clark of course had a cracking round with Loughan Glen, owned by Jess Montgomery and Holly and Bill Becker and Kathryn Kraft, to clinch a wire-to-wire win in their first Stateside FEI event since they relocated to the UK two years ago.

While they added only 1.2 time penalties to their score, Clark said Loughan Glen, whom he affectionately called “Beastie,” left the box ready to roll. “I had a couple of hairy moments actually on course today,” he said. “I think because I’ve been riding him quite fast all year he was a little bit unadjustable for me.”

Of course, it’s better to have disagreements at Great Meadow rather than the Olympics in a few weeks and Clark said this was definitely a wake up call. “I had to argue with him a little bit but he’s such an honest horse and wants to jump the fences.”

Top three individuals left to right: Marilyn Little, Clark Montgomery and Jodie Amos. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Top three individuals left to right: Marilyn Little, Clark Montgomery and Jodie Amos. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners caused the most trouble on course and while most of the USA Nations Cup and Olympic Team riders took the left hand option, Clark opted not to take the chance and opted to take the right hand option, which he timed on earlier rides to only take about two seconds longer.

Clark and Loughan Glen certainly met our expectations as the predicted winner of the CICO3* at Great Meadow, finishing on a score in the 30s with three solid phases. However, there now may be even more pressure now to produce a medal performance at Rio. Clark says the key is to “rely on your training and believe you prepared correctly.”

Boyd Martin, who had a fantastic round with his Nations Cup horse Welcome Shadow, who won the Irish Draught Sport Horse Award, and a surprising disappointing round with his Olympic horse Blackfoot Mystery. They were one of six horse and rider combinations to pick up penalties at the brush corners in the arena, feels that Team USA is looking strong before Rio.

“Each rider and each horse have got to polish up bits and pieces of their performance, but Coach David O’Connor is making sure we’re going for it, and I think we have a good chance,” Boyd said.

Team Canada. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Team Canada. Photo by Samantha Clark.

In response to Blackfoot Mystery’s two refusals at the brush combination he said, “I’ve been working so hard at the dressage and show jumping and assumed that he’s a cross country machine. It was obviously very very disappointing but at the same time I’m glad it happened this weekend rather than our next outing.”

“You’ll be sure I’ll have a nice brush corner at my farm in Pennsylvania come tomorrow!” he added.

It was a race for second place in the Nations Cup team competition, and Canada ultimately finished ahead of Great Britain when their final horse and rider combination parted ways at the first water. The Canadian Olympic team will be officially announced on Thursday. “The team is feeling really strong and very united and we’re super excited to have the chance to represent Canada at Rio,” Selena O’Hanlon said.

Team Great Britain. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Team Great Britain. Photo by Samantha Clark.

We were thrilled to have Great Britain competing in the first Stateside Nations Cup thanks to the generosity of Great Meadow. Jodie Amos produced one of four double clear rounds today with Wise Crack  to finish third. She said, “It’s been a big trip for us but it’s been incredible and everyone’s been massively welcoming. It’s serious experience, lovely services and a lovely venue. Going forward to the future this is going to be a place to watch so we’re really grateful to be here.”

Congratulations to all the competitors and thank you so much to Great Meadow for a superb competition and excellent prep for our Rio riders. Catch up on all our coverage from Great Meadow at this link and thanks for reading!

Go Eventing.

Great Meadow CICO3* Cross Country Live Updates

By on Jul 10, 2016 9:07 am -
Fence 6B: Adequan Beaver Pond. Photo via MyCourseWalk.com.

Fence 6B: Adequan Beaver Pond. Photo via MyCourseWalk.com.

Here we go! It’s almost time for the first Nations Cup cross country day in the United States! Hopefully you’ve all been following along with this historic event at the Land Rover Great Meadow International, presented by Adequan®. If you need a quick catch up, click here for all of EN’s coverage and visit our Instagram for more of Chinch’s adventures.

U.S. Olympic Team combination Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen are the heavy favorites to win and so far they’ve performed beautifully under pressure. They are in the lead on a 36.3 ahead of U.S. Olympics traveling reserve Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair on 41.4. The U.S. is also leading the Nations Cup team competition with Canada in second and Great Britain third.

You can check out Mike Etherington-Smith’s gorgeous course two ways: Fence by fence photos and drone flyover. The optimum time on today’s course is 6:36. We’ll be posting live updates here for the duration and Jenni and Samantha are on site tweeting and catching photos and interviews to report back later. Remember you can tune in to the live stream on USEF Network as well.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen win the Land Rover Great Meadow International, presented by Adequan®, leading from the start and finishing on a score of 37.5, and Team USA wins gold in the first Nations Cup team competition to take place outside of Europe!

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen clinch a wire-to-wire win at #GMI2016!

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

Here are the top ten on the individual leaderboard and the Nations Cup final scores. Stay tuned for a full report and thanks for joining us this morning!

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9:00 a.m EST: We’ll be getting underway at 9:30 a.m.!

9:35 a.m. EST: Our trailblazers Phillip Dutton and his Nations Cup team horse Fernhill Fugutive are making easy work of this course so far. We’re loving the commentary from John Kyle and eventing legend James Wofford!

9:40 a.m. EST: Ben Way and Willows Tipster are the first out for Great Britain. Jessie Phoenix and Bentley’s Best were the first out for Canada and they absolutely attacked this course. The live scores have not yet been updated with the first scores.

9:41 a.m. EST: Phillip and Tom Tierney and Ann Jones bring in a clear round for the USA, adding 3.2 time penalties for a final score of 50.4.

9:43 a.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix and Don Good’s Bentley’s Best have 14 time penalties for a final score of 51.8.

9:44 a.m. EST: Holly Payne Caravella and Never Outfoxed are out of the box and absolutely flying. Unfortunately they were off their line at the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners in the arena and pick up a runout on the B element. James Wofford felt that was a rider error and thinks the corners will be the most significant combination on course.

9:48 a.m. EST: A clear round and 4.8 time penalties to add for Ben Way and Posy Kopanski and Peter Finer’s Willows Tipster.

9:53 a.m. EST: Holly Payne Caravella and Never Outfoxed have only 4.4 time penalties despite a runout at the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners in the arena. Lynn Symansky and Mary Ann Ghadban’s Cascani having a nice steady round so far.

9:57 a.m. EST: Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection just one second over the time for 0.4 penalties to add for a final score of 50.2. That will move her well up the leaderboard.

9:58 a.m. EST: Kate Chadderton and Rege Dvorsky’s Collection Pass had a problem at the Adequan Drop Complex – a runout at the B element, a wedge at the bottom of a steep incline after the drop, then another runout at the B option. They were clear on the next attempt at the option and back underway.

10:01 a.m. EST: Lynn Symansky, who’s riding Cascani while Allison Springer recovers from a fall earlier this year, had a nice clear but nearly a minute over time for a final score of 82.6. Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack get it done at the Adequan Drop Complex!

 

Clean and steady round for Cascani at @greatmeadow 3*. #eventing #goodboyAndy #xc #crosscountry

 

A photo posted by Lynn Symansky (@lynn.symansky.equestrian) on

10:03 a.m. EST: Unfortunately Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass are eliminated for a fall later on the course, but John Kyle tells us that all is well with horse and rider.

10:04 a.m. EST: Emily Beshear and Shame On the Moon another to fall victim of the corners in the arena. They just couldn’t get the balanced turn to the B element and pick up a runout. We’ve had about equal number of riders taking the right and left side lines.

10:08 a.m. EST: Savannah Fulton and Full Moon Farm Syndicate’s Captain Jack were clear with 16 time penalties.

10:09 a.m. EST: Our sole rider Puerto Rico is on course: Rio bound Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy are clear through the Adequan Drop Complex.

10:10 a.m. EST: The second Nations Cup team rider rotation is under way as Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett take to the course.

10:12 a.m. EST: Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett have a beautiful ride through the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners in the arena. Like Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive, they take the left hand option.

10:18 a.m. EST: Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy have 12.4 time penalties for a finishing score of 88.5.

10:20 a.m. EST: Justine Dutton and Huck Finn just don’t seem quite organized early in the course. They pick up a runout and Piedmont Virginia Angled Brushes at 4AB. Justine does well to stay on and then kicks him through the first water.

10:21 a.m. EST: And a runout for Justine and Huck Finn at the B element of the corners at 8.

10:22 a.m. EST: Another clear round for Team USA! Lauren Kieffer and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett come home with just 2 time penalties for a finishing score of 56.6.

10:24 a.m. EST: Four time penalties for Waylon Roberts and Anthony Connolly’s Kelecyn Cognac. Hallie Coon and Celien are having a good round so far.

10:30 a.m. EST: Our favorite pocket rocket is on course – Team USA’s traveling reserve Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair are on course! J. Wofford says if “Cody” is ever reincarnated he will come back as a Jack Russell Terrier.

10: 32 a.m. EST: Rats! Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair pick up a runout at the B element of the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners in the ring.

10:35 a.m. EST: Sharon White and Cooley On Show put in a masterful round for just 1.2 time penalties and a finishing score of 57.2. Hallie Coon and Celien had just 1.6 time penalties for a 59.9.

10:38 a.m. EST: Kurt Martin and Delux Z activate the frangible back rail at the New Oxer at 12. That will be 11 penalty points automatically. But as J. Wofford says, a frangible pin like that “penalizes the horse but protects the rider.” Travers Schick and his building team are now working to reset the pin.

10:40 a.m. EST: There will be a short hold before Phillip Dutton and his Olympic Team horse Fernhill Cubalawn leave the box just to be sure the frangible pin is reset and ready.

10:44 a.m. EST: Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair have 7.6 time penalties with the runout at the arena corners for a final score of 69. Kurt Martin and Delux Z also finish with 7.6 time and the 11 jumping penalties for activating the frangible pin. We’re back underway with Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. They are 18th after the first two phases.

10:46 a.m. EST: Very tide through the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners for Phillip and “Cuba.” For possibly the first time this morning the jump judge won’t have to replace a flag!

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett through the corners #useventingteam #GMI2016   A video posted by Land Rover US Eventing Team (@useventingteam) on

10:58 a.m. EST: 6.8 time penalties for Phillip Dutton and Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran’s Fernhill Cubalawn. They will finish on a score of 58.2. Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow are the first Team USA pair to take the right hand side of the Beverly Equestrian Brush corners in the arena.

11:00 a.m. EST: Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect are the first double clear of the day! They finish ten seconds under the optimum time of 6:36 for a final score of 57.1.

11:03 a.m. EST: Very unfortunately Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless part ways at the first water early on the course. We didn’t see what happened on the live stream but we did see both horse and rider up and walking away.

11:05 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Tight Lines are clear with 7.2 time penalties in the horse’s first three-star. Doug Payne and Vandiver are on course and clear through the first rider where Elisa had her trouble.

11:09 a.m. EST: Just 1.6 time penalties for U.S. Nations Cup team rider Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. That’s three clears and less than six total time penalties for Team USA.

11:10 a.m. EST: Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless retire after a stop at the first element of the Adequan Beaver Pond at 5.

 

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow finish just four seconds over optimum time. #GMI2016

 

A photo posted by @useventing on

11:12 a.m. EST: We’re loving the anecdotes from J. Wofford on the live stream!

11:14 a.m. EST: Commentator John Kyle says he has been fortunate to sit with analysts in many different equestrian disciplines and the common key to success across the board is adjustability of the horse.

11:15 a.m. EST: Just one second over the time for Doug Payne and Debi Crowley’s very tall and rangy Vandiver. They finish on a 55.6.

11:22 a.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville are three seconds over for 1.2 time penalties. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, fourth overnight, are on course.

11:26 a.m. EST: Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby are the second of the day to go double-clear. They finish on their dressage score of 63.8.

11:31 a.m. EST: Canada’s third team rider is on course. Colleen Loach and Peter Barry’s Qorry Blue D’Argouges are having a cracking round so far. RF Demeter, owned by Jacqueline Mars, Raylyn Farms and Patrick and Eileen White are double clear and move into the lead on 43.8.

11:34 a.m. EST: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges activate the frangible pin at the second water. That will be 11 jumping penalties. If Great Britain’s Jodie Amos and Wise Crack go clear then GBR could take silver over Canada.

11:36 a.m. EST: 1.6 time penalties for Buck Davidson and Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s Copper Beach.

11:39 a.m. EST: Just a bit of inexperience for Hannah Sue Burnett’s Cooley Dream. They pick up a stock at the first element of the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners on the left side. They are clear on the second attempt taking the right side option.

11:40 a.m. EST: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges are clear with 3.6 time penalties for Team Canada.

Colleen Loach and Quorry Blue d’Argouges looking super for the Canadian Nations Cup team #GMI2016 A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

11:41 a.m. EST: Jodie Amos and Nicoal Coates’ Wise Crack are clear and inside the time. There is one rider left in the Nations Cup rotation, and it’s a race for second and third place!

11:48 a.m. EST: Oh! Veronica leaves long at the New Oxer at 12, activating the frangible pin on the back rail. That’s 11 penalties to add to their score and will move them down the leaderboard from third place.

11:50 a.m. EST: Holly Payne Caravella and Santino had 2.8 time penalties for a final score of 50. Canadian rider Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance have been held on course while the builders reset the frangible pin at 12.

 

Holly Payne Caravella and Santino showing how off-track Thoroughbreds get it done! #GMI2016

 

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

11:54 a.m. EST: Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca LLC’s Veronica are in 13th in the clubhouse after incurring 11 penalties for the frangible pin and another 2.8 time penalties. Jessie Phoenix and A Little Romance are back under way now. We’ve only six horse and rider combinations to set out on course including our leaders Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen.

11:57 a.m. EST: The formatting of some of the text above has gotten a little wonky. I’ve fixed it several times and give up until we’re done here. Sorry, guys!

12:06 a.m. EST: A runout at fence 8 on the left and then a hard stop on the second attempt on the right side for U.S. Olympic Team rider Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. They’re clear through the Beverly Equestrian Brush Corners on the third attempt and boy does that make us all a bit nervous.

12:08 a.m. EST: Lynn Symansky and Donner are clear with 6 time penalties for a final score of 56.8. Our leader Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen are on course and NO the live stream has failed on me!

12:10 a.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix and Anita Leschied’s A Little Romance were clear with 3.6 time penalties after they were held on course for a frangible pin fix. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen (live stream back up now!) are clear through those tricky corners in the arena.

12:12 a.m. EST: Just stunning work through the Adequan Bank Complex for Clark and Loughan Glen. Phillip Dutton and the HND Group’s Mighty Nice had 9.2 time penalties.

12:15 a.m. EST: Clark and Loughan Glen jump through the USEA Hollow like it’s a gymnastics exercise. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High for Canada are on course and need a good round for the Nations Cup Team.

12:18 a.m. EST: Rosalind Canter and Zenshera get a dunking in the Adequan Beaver Pond at 5. That is a very unfortunate elimination and means Team Great Britain will take third in the Nations Cup competition.

12:19 a.m. EST: Clark Montgomery and Jess Montgomery Holly and Bill Becker and Kathryn Kraft’s Loughan Glen are the confirmed winners of the Great Meadow International CICO3* with 1.2 time penalties for a final score of 37.5 and Team USA wins the Nations Cup team competition!

Marcio Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer Take the Lead in Barbury Event Rider Masters

By on Jul 9, 2016 4:00 pm -
Marcio C Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer. Photo by Libby Law. Marcio C Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer. Photo by Libby Law.

Thirty-nine horse and rider combinations are competing in the third leg of the Event Rider Masters Series this weekend at the St. James Place Barbury International Horse Trials in the United Kingdom. It’s a big event for the new series as the production will unveil new graphics and camera technology for its television debut.

Four pairs from four different nations scored under 40 today in the first phase. Brazil’s Marcio C Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer scored a 32.5, less than 2 penalty points shy of Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Brittania’s record Barbury dressage score of 30.8. Marcio and the 13-year-old Westphalian mare are nominated for the Brazilian Olympic team, which has yet to be officially announced. Today was a good day to put in a personal best at the level!

“She is very good and this means a lot. She’s sensitive to ride, but we always knew she could perform a very good test,” Marcio said. “The big atmosphere in the arena today has been a good preparation for Rio and she tried so hard. It’s great to have her feeling on song ahead of the Olympics.”

Twenty-three-year-old Hedvig Wik (SWE) and Chippieh, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Sara Sjöborg Wik, scored a 35.9 for second. “Chip is an absolute star. He can do a really smart test now. I’m shaking! It’s incredible. But it’s really just preparation and good luck,” Hedvig said.

Andrew Nicholson (NZL), who has won Barbury four times with the remarkable Avebury, is competing this weekend with his 2012 London Olympics and 2014 World Equestrian Games mount Nereo, a 16-year-old Caballo de Deporte Espanol owned by Deborah Sellar. They scored 37.6 for third after dressage.

Izzy Taylor, who has was named to her first British Olympic team with Allercombe Ellie, scored 38.0 for fourth place with Be Touchable. Soon to be eight-time Olympian Sir Mark Todd (NZL) and his Rio nominated horse Leonidas II were close to cracking into the 30s, but scored a 40.1 for fifth. Paul Tapner and Yogi Bear VIII are sixth on 40.2. Paul, who is on Australia’s Olympic long list, is only 12 points shy of the top of the Series leaderboard and could potentially take over the top spot with three solid phases at Barbury.

Eventer Jonelle Price leads Jump jockey Wayne Hutchinson. Photo by Adam Dale.

Eventer Jonelle Price leads Jump jockey Wayne Hutchinson in the JCB Champions Challenge. Photo by Adam Dale.

Rio bound Alex Hua Tian of China and the 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding Don Geniro, owned by Alex, Pip and Sarah Higgins and Pam Dews, made history at the second leg of the series as the winner of the ERM CIC3* at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials. After coming 30th at Chatsworth, the pair put all three phases together and finished on their dressage score for the first time in their FEI career. They are currently fifth on the Series leaderboard and certainly within striking distance of the top having scored a 41.5 in dressage for seventh so far this weekend.

Canada’s Rebecca Howard and her longtime partner Riddle Master, a 15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse owned by Blithe Hill Farm, produced a score of 42.2, their best three-star score since a 41 at Tattersalls in 2015, putting them eighth after dressage. Rebecca’s countryman Kathryn Robinson and her own 15-year-old Let It Bee are competing in the CIC3*. They are currently 17th after dressage and show jumping.

Britain’s Oliver Townend and Sally-Anne Egginton’s 10-year-old Cillnabradden Evo scored 42.7 for ninth after dressage, while New Zealand Olympic team rider Jonelle Price rounds out the top ten on a 43.4 with Jonelle and Trisha Rickards’ 13-year-old Classic Moet.

The sole American in the ERM division is Tiana Coudray and Sambuca F, a 10-year-old Wesphalian mare owned by Jatial, Inc. They scored a 69.9 in the first phase. Tiana also competed Under the Clocks, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Jade Wishart, in the CIC2* Section C. Under the Clocks, who was previously campaigned to the CCI4* level by Murray Lamperd, is a new ride for Tiana. They finished on a 59.8 for 16th place.

Liz Halliday-Sharp (USA) competed Deborah Halliday’s 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse Fernhill By Night in the CIC2* Section E. We’re delighted to see the pair was in excellent form, coming in second place in a massive class with 92 starters. Finishing on a 42.3, they were one of only a handful of combinations to finish on their dressage score. In the equally large CIC2* Section E, Liz and HHS Cooley, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse also owned by Deborah, finished 19th, adding only 1.2 time penalties to their dressage score of 53.7.

Also today at Barbury was the return of the JCB Champions Challenge run in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund. It’s a competition of event riders versus jump jockeys and the jockeys have won the race for the last two years. The eventing team of New Zealanders Mark Todd and Tim and Jonelle Price and Australia’s Paul Tapner, seamlessly passed off their batons to gain the advantage over jump jockeys Richard Johnson, Wayne Hutchinson, Tom Scudamore and Tom Bellamy, who were unable to recover from a fumbled pass.

“That was great,” said Mark. “But where are the jump jockeys – are they still going!?”

Show jumping for the ERM CIC3* will run in reverse order of go and starts at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday morning followed by cross country with the top 20 in reverse order. You can watch the whole event live on eventridermasters.tv!

Event Rider Masters: Website, Rankings, Start Times, Results, Live Stream

Barbury Horse Trials: Website, Start List, Results

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[Brazilian rider seizes ERM dressage lead]