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Leslie Threlkeld

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Adult Riders Check In At the USEA Convention

By on Dec 5, 2015 3:00 pm -

The Adult Rider Open Forum is one of my favorites of the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and they met this morning at the Omni Shoreham Hotel and Resort in Washington, D.C. to review and discuss the AR community activities in each Area. If you aren’t already a member of this dynamic, enthusiastic group, read on to see what the Adult Riders have been up to and then join when you renew your USEA membership or click here!

USEA Adult Rider Program member numbers. Chart courtesy the Adult Riders.

USEA Adult Rider Program member numbers. Chart courtesy the Adult Riders.

Area I, Coordinator Suzanne Adams
Among the goals of Area I in 2015 was to increase educational opportunities and offer fun activities and prizes like team challenges and high score awards. They hosted a “stress less competition clinic” with Area I upper-level rider and clinical psychologist Andrea Waldo as well as a trailer safety clinic. They hosted multiple team challenges, offered low score awards at seven events, enjoyed socials at GMHA and Riga Meadow, and even offered a Wine Award! Membership grew with each event.

Area II, Coordinator Donna Bottner
Area II hosted several adult team challenges at Area events and is one of multiple AR programs finding Facebook to be an excellent communication tool. Membership is on the rise. They hosted an Area II AR Summer Camp with Carol Kozlowski at Penmerryl Farm that was a huge success and excellent education and socializing opportunity. This clinic is heavily subsidized by the Area II Adult Rider fund for paid members. Carol was also the coach at the Area II Adult Rider Team Challenge at the Virginia Horse Trials in October, where riders who participated received embroidered jackets and enjoyed a pizza social. In 2016, Area II wants to open up the VAHT team challenge to Adult Riders in other Areas.

Area III, Coordinator Robin Bass
Area III AR membership continues to grow and they pick up new members through programs like clinics and team competitions. The January clinic at Rocking Horse in Florida is very popular and some stayed in the area this year to compete in the competition the following weekend. Chattahoochee Hills and Rocking Horse both hosted team challenges. Participants received a dressage saddle pad and first through third place teams at Rocking Horse got dollar credits towards future events. The next team challenge will be in April.

Area IV, Jessica Smith-Bagley
Area IV hosted AR social events at almost every competition in Area IV. Impulsion Clothing sponsors the Area IV Adult Rider Low Score award at every event in Area IV. The AR Sportsmanship award was new this year and given at three recognized events and sponsored by Cutting Edge Equine. Area IV held their third annual virtual team competition with seven teams of 7-8 riders competing around the country for points. The first ever Area IV AR camp was held at Geneva Equestrian Center in Lake Geneva, Wis.

The new Area V logo. Graphic by Stephanie

The new Area V logo. Graphic by Stephanie Peck.

Area V, Co-Coordinators Risa Bliss and Brandy Savarese
Risa and Brandy said they have really benefited from having co-coordinators to share in the duties, and they encourage others coordinators to follow suit. Area V has a new logo designed by Stephanie Peck, which they received through a contest for AR members. A new AR webpage, Google Group and Facebook page was also created resulting in improved communication across the program. Area V supported the Adult Team Championships at the AEC and hosted a well-attended social during the event at the Texas Rose Horse Park. Four of this year’s AEC/ATC Area V Champions were members of the AR program. There were two AR camps, one with Lesley Law and one with Carsten Meyer, both of which operated within budget and resulted in new memberships. Also, $1,500 was given to Area instructors pursuing ICP certification through the Cindy Burge Memorial Grant.

Area VI, Coordinator Dawn Robbins
They hosted two camps, supported two clinics (Mark Todd and Clayton Fredericks) and organized the most successful regional team challenge that they’ve had, with 30 teams participating at Twin Rivers. Several sponsors including Devoucoux and Auburn Labs provided prizes to go with the embroidered coolers and championship ribbons given by the AR program. The camps were one of the best methods of attracting new riders to the program. Area VI sponsors three adult amateur awards for FEI one-star events and offer special awards for Best Conditioned and Best Turned Out at the Galway Downs Training Three-Day.

Area VII has a pretty amazing logo, too!

Area VII has a pretty amazing logo, too!

Area VII, Maggie Rikard
Area VII saw a 10% increase in AR membership. Funds raised through an annual calendar and a “ride and review” derby clinic helped offset the costs of educational activities for members. They had a team challenge at the Inavale Horse Trials and sent teams to the challenge in Area VI as well. At every Area event, $50 gift certificates from Gallops Saddlery were given out to high point members at all levels. The socials are very popular and members take turns hosting.

Area VIII, Coordinator Shannon Risner
Area VIII offers socials and pizza parties at multiple Area horse trials. They hosted three clinics this year with local ICP trainers Diana Rich, Nadeem Noon and Robin Walker. Five AR teams from Beginner Novice through Preliminary competed in the Hagyard Team Challenge at the Kentucky Horse Park, and it was a special treat that Buck Davidson was assigned to one of the Training teams.

Area IX, Coordinator Greg Smith
The Area IX Adult Riders sponsored a Daniel Stewart Clinic at Hobby Horse Farms that sold out as soon as it was announced. Area IX Treasurer Dan Michaels worked with designer James Atkinson to build and place schooling cross country fences (Intro through Training) at Lory State Park for riders to enjoy for only $5. They also hosted a free foxhunt for AR members with the Arapahoe Hunt in Colorado. Twenty Area IX ARs participated and they plan to do it again next year. That’s great cross training for eventing!

Area X, Coordinator Jennifer Miller
Area X is one of the smallest Areas, made up of Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, but it has one of the highest percentages of AR members in the country. They are small but mighty, taking every opportunity to get together and hosting a social at every horse trials in the Area. Lucinda Green taught a clinic in January. She will return in January 2016 to teach an AR clinic and will stay to be the keynote speaker at the Area Annual Meeting the same weekend.

Elisa Wallace Announces Syndication for Simply Priceless

By on Dec 5, 2015 11:30 am -

Elisa Wallace has announced that she is syndicating her four-star eventing partner Simply Priceless. Owners Jill and David Hopcroft have given her the opportunity to syndicate the 14-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding as they continue in their quest to achieve international success.

“I’m very thankful to the Hopcrofts for giving me the opportunity, and I’m very excited about this new phase of ownership and sharing the incredible journey with Simply Priceless,” Elisa said.

Elisa and Simply Priceless partnered in 2013 and made their first FEI appearance in 2014 at the Red Hills International CIC2*. By the end of the year they had completed two three-stars with a third place finish at CHC International’s CIC3* and eighth at Bromont CCI3*.

They had a strong year in 2015. They were eighth at the Red Hills International CIC3* and went to their first four-star at Rolex Kentucky, finishing in the top 20. After a seventh place finish at the Richland Park CIC3*, they traveled to Blenheim Palace in England for their first competition overseas, where they finished 29th in the CCI3*.

Elisa is aiming for a return to Rolex in 2016. She also has her sights set on Burghley CCI4* 2016 and then Badminton CCI4* 2017. If you’re interested in being a part of their journey, you can contact Elisa or Rick Wallace.

Memorable Moments at the USEA Year-End Awards Luncheon

By on Dec 4, 2015 3:44 pm -

We’ve just wrapped up the Year-End Awards Luncheon at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in Washington, D.C. The awards are always a bittersweet ceremony as we celebrate our friends in the sport who have succeeded in their endeavors and honor those we love and have lost. These are just a few of the many memorable moments that stuck out to us today.

Tamie Smith won the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant. Tamie won the $10,000 Developing Rider Grant in 2012, which she credited it as a turning point in her career. This was supposed to be the last year of the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider and Travel Grants, but Jerome Broussard announced today that he will continue awarding these grants in the coming years. Mai Baum, ridden by Tamie and owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell won the Overall Horse of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tamie Smith won the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant. Tamie won the $10,000 Developing Rider Grant in 2012, which she credited it as a turning point in her career. This was supposed to be the last year of the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider and Travel Grants, but Jerome Broussard announced today that he will continue awarding these grants in the coming years. Mai Baum, ridden by Tamie and owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell won the Overall Horse of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Heather Morris and the Team Express Syndicate's Charlie Tango are the first to receive the $25,000 R. Bruce Duchossois, which was announced at the Convention last year in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois. This grant is given to a one- or two-star horse that shows U.S. team potential. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Heather Morris and the Team Express Syndicate’s Charlie Tango (Intermediate Horse of the Year) are the first to receive the $25,000 Connaught Grant, which was announced at the Convention last year in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois. This grant is given to a one- or two-star horse that shows U.S. team potential. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Amy Barrington won the Ironmaster Award, which is given to an individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Amy Barrington won the Ironmaster Award, which is given to an individual that exemplifies fortitude and courage. Amy suffered a traumatic brain injury after a riding accident in 2013 and recovered to return and remain active in the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Henry Glick accepts the Governors Cup for his late wife Seema Sonnad. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Henry Glick accepts the Governors Cup for his late wife Seema Sonnad. The Governors Cup honors volunteers who dedicate themselves to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Pollards' Trakehner stallion Halimey is the first horse to be honored with the new Stallion of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Pollards’ Trakehner stallion Halimey is the first horse to be honored with the new Stallion of the Year Award. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kyra Stuart and Heidi Vahue received the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy, which acknowledges an event organizer's commitment to the sport. Kyra (pictured) and Heidi organized the Stuart Horse Trials for 26 years and announced this year that 2015 would be the event's last year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kyra Stuart and Heidi Vahue received the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy, which acknowledges an event organizer’s commitment to the sport. Kyra (pictured with USEA CEO Jo Whitehouse) and Heidi organized the Stuart Horse Trials for 26 years and announced recently that 2015 would be the event’s last year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Caroline Martin is the USEA Young Rider of the Year for a record fourth consecutive year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Caroline Martin is the USEA Young Rider of the Year for a record fourth consecutive year. Caroline is also the Advanced Young Adult, Intermediate Young Rider and Preliminary Young Adult Rider of the Year. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Brian and Penny Ross, who ran the Virginia Horse Trials for 25 years and stepped down last year, received the USEA President's Award for lifetime service to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Brian and Penny Ross, who ran the Virginia Horse Trials for 25 years and stepped down last year, received the USEA President’s Award for lifetime service to the sport. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Click here for a complete list of Appreciation and Year-End Awards given today. Congratulations to everyone!

USEA Board of Governors Convention Meeting Highlights

By on Dec 4, 2015 12:00 pm -
The USEA Board of Governors. Photo by David Taylor. The USEA Board of Governors. Photo by David Taylor.

The USEA Board of Governors had their first of two meetings at the Annual Meeting and Convention this morning at the Omni Shoreham Hotel and Resort in Washington, D.C. The various USEA Committees presented status reports and general association business was discussed. Here are a few highlights.

  • The Association is financially sound and in good standing. Total revenue this year was $4.3 million with $4.2 million in expenses. Area revenue is up 5% and expenses are up 0.3% with a surplus of $12.5k, which is up $30k from the year before. There is a slightly upward trend in membership. National starter numbers are also trending up, while FEI starter numbers have increased significantly.
  • The Board of Governors gave outgoing USEA CEO Jo Whitehouse a standing ovation, thanking her for her many years of service to the Association. Jo will continue to be involved in the sport as a fundraiser for the organization.
  • USEF President Chrystine Tauber was in attendance and reported on the work being done at the USEF. She said the challenge within the organization is to stay true to certain traditions while innovating to stay relevant. The USEF Board is smaller and more strategic than it has been in the past, and this year the Federation created a new mission and vision statement.The USEF mirrors the USEA’s own interest in creating a pathway for riders and bringing new people into the sport. Chrystine said we have to work together to achieve this goal and that for the first time ever, affiliate presidents and CEOs will come together in a round table session in order to approve communications within the governing organizations.
  • The USEA’s Equine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Study gathered data from competing horses at four events this year and they would like to work at another four events next year, extending the reach further West in order to gather data on a new set of horses. The Board unanimously moved to send the Development and Equine Medical Research Committees to discuss providing additional funding for the study. Jo stated that this study is garnering international attention and the results of the study are of interest around the world.
  • VP of Membership and Program Development Mark Hart reported that there is a concentration to make the sport more inclusive and give members options and opportunities to participate at recognized events. The Strategic Planning Committee chaired by Lou Leslie “explores the concepts that will keep the USEA viable and vibrant.” The development of the proposed DX Eventing division is an example of bringing these concepts to life.
  • We heard from Safety Committee Co-Chairs Sarah Broussard and Carol Kozlowski. They have tasked themselves with providing more education for cross country builders and course designers and will be assisted in that through the Course Designer’s Educational Grant announced this summer.Carol said they are also keeping a close eye on the studies on air vests that have been conducted in Britain. “It’s being recognized that we need to be better informed and educated as to the true effects they have in keeping our riders safe. We honestly don’t know as much about it as we should,” Carol said.

    There was much discussion regarding whether the USEA should recommend or require that helmets and air vests used in competition meet or exceed the minimum ASTM/SEI standards in horse sport. The current rules recommend that they meet the minimum standards, not require. The impassioned discussion was tabled and will be considered further in the coming days.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: ‘There’s An App for That’ Pine Top Helmet Cam

By on Dec 1, 2015 5:00 pm -

There’s an app for almost everything these days, but this is definitely one of our new favorites! Lindsay Barrack and her 16-year-old Appaloosa gelding appropriately named There’s An App for That were competing in the Open Training division at Pine Top’s Thanksgiving horse trials this weekend, where they finished 13th.

This rider’s creativity extends beyond a playful name for her spotted companion; she interspersed photos and additional video clips with the footage from her helmet cam to show multiple perspectives of their double-clear cross country round and complimented the visuals with a classic, familiar tune.

… Think she used an app to do all that?

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Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Nov 30, 2015 12:17 am -

Charlotte Wilson is celebrating the end of the horse show! That’s all folks! See you next year!

Posted by Pine Top Eventing on Sunday, November 29, 2015

That’s a wrap! The much-loved Pine Top Thanksgiving horse trials closed out the eventing season this weekend. And what a weekend it was: 150 horses and their people enjoyed sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s. It was not lost on any of us that we lucked out for weather like this in November, but we also lamented we would probably pay for it come February. Nevertheless, it was a great way to wrap up the year.

Weekend Action:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

The Horse Radio Network Holiday Radiothon is happening TODAY! Featuring 20 hosts, celebrity guests and over $2,500 in prizes, you don’t want to miss this epic 12-hour long party. EN’s own Jenni Autry and Leslie Wylie are hosting the final hour, and we need YOU to call in so we can show the world eventers are awesome. [HRN Holiday Radiothon]

Just in case you’re not familiar with how fabulous the Pine Top Thanksgiving Horse Trials actually is, Area III’s own Shelby Allen explains how special this particular event is to locals and points out that this show also marks 25 years of recognized horse trials hosted by the lovely Glenn and Janet Wilson. [25 Years of Eventing]

The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention begins on Wednesday this week, but things really kick off on Thursday and continue through the weekend. In addition to committee meetings and open forums to discuss programs, rules and more, the schedule is jam packed with educational sessions from sports psychology to turf management to art lessons. [Convention Schedule]

A fellow Thoroughbred enthusiast put the new Retired Racehorse Project’s inaugural issue of the Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine – published by The Horse Media Group – in my hands this past week. I was impressed not only by the thoughtful content and eye catching photography, but the quality of paper and page design, too. Clearly a lot of thought went into this publication; the first issue featured interviews with legends George Morris, James Wofford, Rodney Jenkins and Bruce Davidson, among others. [Subscribe to the RRP’s Quarterly Mag]

Eventer Michelle Warro competing in the dressage section of the Retired Racehorse Project Finale on Best Things In Life, ultimately finishing third. This pair has been competing in horse trials this year, too.

Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Nov 23, 2015 12:08 am -
Pine Top is ready for the final event of the season! Photo via the Pine Top Farm Facebook page. Pine Top is ready for the final event of the season! Photo via the Pine Top Farm Facebook page.

West Coast event rider Gina Economou took her three-star horse Calidore to a jumper show this weekend and made it to not one, not two, but three jump offs, completing the competition without a single jumping or time penalty and a fourth place finish in the $15,000 Camelot Grand Prix. Gina wrote on her Facebook page: “He is one of the most amazing horses I’ve had the privilege of riding. And truly the most difficult. But he has the biggest heart around!” Well done, Gina! It’s wonderful to see eventers finding success in other equestrian sports!

Weekend Action:

Meadowcreek Park H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Pine Top Horse Trials is hosting the final horse trials of the season in the United States this Thanksgiving weekend and they are looking for a few more volunteers to cross country jump judge on Sunday. The Pine Top Thanksgiving Horse Trials is a popular year-end event for Area III competitors. Join us![Volunteer]

The Horse Radio Network Holiday Radiothon is coming up on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30! Featuring 20 hosts, celebrity guests and over $2,500 in prizes, you don’t want to miss this epic 12-hour long party. EN’s own Jenni Autry and Leslie Wylie are hosting the final hour, and we need YOU to call in so we can show the world eventers are awesome. [HRN Holiday Radiothon]

Shane Rose made history this weekend winning first and second place at the Adelaide CCI4* in Australia, leading from the start with CP Qualified and show jumped clear with Virgil to take second. Shane has his eyes on the Rio Olympics next year and is planning to take both horses to Europe to prepare. [Shane Rose Takes Adelaide History]

Nadeem Noon was a special member of the eventing community who passed away on November 12. Jordan Coy, one of his students, is ordering wristbands in Nadeem’s cross country colors of red and green to be worn in his honor and memory. The wristbands will be sold for $2 a piece and all the money will go to Nadeem’s family. “Wear them on your wrist, put them on your horse’s breastplate, or just keep them in your trunk,” Jordan said. “Whatever you want to do with them, I think it’d be a neat way to unite everyone that Nad has affected so very much.” [Nadeem Noon Wristbands]

Mitsubishi Motors has been the title sponsor of the Badminton Horse Trials for 25 years as of 2016. To celebrate, they have unveiled new trophies for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup, a national championship for amateurs run ahead of the CCI4* competition. Winners of each of the two Mitsubishi Motors Cup divisions receive a new Mitsubishi Shogun vehicle for a year, plus prize money, trophy and a commemorative plaque. [Mitsubishi Motors Boosts Involvement at Badminton]


Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Nov 16, 2015 12:19 am -
Lainey Ashker and Maria Brown at a clinic Lainey taught at Playland Farm in Maryland this weekend. Photo via Instagram. Lainey Ashker and Maria Brown at a clinic Lainey taught at Playland Farm in Maryland this weekend. Photo via Instagram.

Winter doesn’t have to be dull. It’s clinic “season” and there are tons of educational opportunities to expand your knowledge and occupy your time until spring. Even if you aren’t riding in a clinic, you’ll walk away from a few hours of auditing having learned something you can apply to your own riding. There were quite a few clinics around the country this weekend, and we have some more upcoming dates listed below. If you’re looking for something in your area specifically, definitely check out Event Clinics, where you can search for clinics by state, and keep an eye on your local Area websites and Facebook pages as well.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Results]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Results]

Ocala Fall H.T. [Results]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

World Class Grooming Clinic: Emma Ford and Cat Hill’s next World Class Grooming clinic will be held in Hinckley, Ohio at the Hinckley Equestrian Center November 21-22. Saturday is Pony Club day and costs $75 per Pony Club member. Sunday is open to all for $100 per participant. Come learn about grooming and horse care from two of the world’s best. You could even win a pair of ice vibe boots worth $280 to be given away to one lucky participant. Register at www.worldclassgrooming.com or Event Clinics.

Want to work off that Thanksgiving turkey? Phyllis Dawson is hosting a show jumping clinic at Windchase in Purcellville, Va. on November 28. This clinic will be informal and fun and is open to riders of all levels. Cost is $75 for trailer-ins. Sign up on Event Clinics.

The Horse Radio Network Holiday Radiothon is coming up on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30! Featuring 20 hosts, celebrity guests and over $2,500 in prizes, you don’t want to miss this epic 12-hour long party. EN’s own Jenni Autry and Leslie Wylie are hosting the final hour, and we need YOU to call in so we can show the world eventers are awesome. [HRN Holiday Radiothon]

Are you feeling the #NoStirrupNovember pain? We completely understand. That’s why we’re teaming up with Total Saddle Fit to give away a beautiful pair of calfskin leathers as your reward for all of your hard work this month. We’ve extended the deadline to Monday, November 16 at 5 p.m. EST so enter now! [#NoStirrupNovember Contest Details]

Poplar Place hosted its first Intercollegiate Eventing Team Challenge, which turned out to be one of the best attended intercollegiate events yet, with eight colleges and universities competing. The budding University of South Carolina at Aiken eventing team won handily in difficult weather conditions and against much more established teams, far exceeding their own expectations for the weekend. [USC Aiken Wins at Poplar Place]

This is one of the horses I liked from the Goresbridge Go for Gold sale: Willow’s Peeping Pocket, a 4yo gelding. He was purchased by Richard Jones for €26,000.

Virginia Horse Trials: Upholding Tradition and a Focus for the Future

By on Nov 11, 2015 11:00 am -
VHT organizer Andy Bowles and FEI course designer John Nicholson. Photo by Brant Gamma. VHT organizer Andy Bowles and FEI course designer John Nicholson. Photo by Brant Gamma.

On Halloween weekend I took my first trip to the Virginia Horse Trials, anxious to see for myself what everyone had described as a gorgeous venue with a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I intentionally left my camera at home, however, because for the first time in a long time, I would be attending a competition as a rider instead of a photographer.

I had simple expectations for the weekend because I was just there to have fun. Beginning from the moment we drove in, however, the experience exceeded my expectations. For starters, every competitor was given a windbreaker jacket with VHT embroidery on it, a nice surprise from organizer Andy Bowles.

The barns are set up on a grid, and it is fairly easy to find your building, unload, then swing back around and up the hill to park. The riders participating in the Adult Team Challenge, of whom I was one, were all stabled together in barn 6, complete with hot water and an indoor schooling ring.

The Adult Riders were treated to two meals, one reception hosted by the Area II Adult Rider program on Friday — when we received a second jacket from AR Coordinator Donna Bottner — and a dinner on Saturday hosted by VHT for all competitors.

With a horse trials from Beginner Novice through Intermediate, a well-attended CCI* and CIC2*, the Area II Championships and an Adult Team Challenge, there were nearly 500 horses on the property over the course of four days, and never once did it feel crowded. There was plenty of space to hack and hand walk and quite a few rings, both indoor and out, to school or warm up.

This lengthy intro is all from the perspective of a person who was a first-time visitor to the Virginia Horse Center and, quite frankly, terribly out of practice when it comes to showing. The lovely weekend went perfectly thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team that has worked all year to provide a top-notch experience, meeting the needs of both the upper- and lower-level riders and going above and beyond (did I mention the free jackets?) to make everyone feel welcome.

Carrying on a Legacy

When Andy Bowles took over as organizer of the Virginia Horse Trials, he had big shoes to fill, as Brian and Penny Ross had spent 25 years developing the event. As his first year as organizer comes to a close, Andy was kind enough to take the time to look back on the progress made this year as he looks towards a promising future.

When is was first announced that the Rosses would be stepping down, Andy told EN that his objective in this new role was to carry on the tradition created by Brian and Penny, work with the riders to grow the show and involve the community.

“Our passion for the sport is very similar,” Andy said of the Rosses. “They’ve been very supportive over the year … to me, it’s about keeping their legacy going and continuing to develop their legacy.”

Andy wants VHT to continue on for another 25 years, and the way he will do that is to make it a friendly, customer-focused event while keeping up with the changing times. Next year he says he will focus on three things: further developing the horse trials cross country course, building a CCI2* track and streamlining show office duties.

Penny Roland and Northwinds Breeze on the CCI* course at VHT. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Penny Roland and Northwinds Breeze jumping one of the new fences on the CCI* course at VHT. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Modernizing a Traditional Course

There are two cross country courses at VHT, with the FEI divisions plus Intermediate horse trials running on the “Oak Hill” side of the property — named for the still standing historic plantation home built in the 1800s — and Preliminary and below running close to the main complex. Jonathan Wells designed the horse trials courses, including for the Championships, and Andy brought in New Zealander John Nicholson to design the FEI courses, which debuted a number of new fences this year.

Andy does not want to reinvent the courses altogether, but instead aims to update and modernize them to keep up with the changing times. However, it’s clear he has an interest in honoring eventing’s roots.

“Some of the feedback I had on the FEI side this time was that the course was more old fashioned, more like a true three-day course. It was flowing, you could gallop down to fences but in a safe way. John had a number of fences off turns, but still flowing. It’s about keeping tradition but modernizing,” Andy said.

VHT has been approved to run a CCI2* at the October 2016 event, which will give East Coasters another chance at a CCI2* after Fair Hill. “John’s courses were well received, and I think he did a phenomenal job for his first time in the U.S.,” Andy said. “I look forward to continuing to develop the courses on the Oak Hill side, and he’s going to have a look at the horse trials courses as well next year to make sure that we go in the right direction.”

On the horse trials course, Andy hopes to mirror the progress made across the road, with a number of new permanent fences around which to build themes, much like the new “kiwi” and “mushroom” complexes on the Oak Hill side. On both courses there has been a concerted effort to better work with the terrain to create a flowing course.

Developments unrelated to the cross country course include bringing in foreign officials to give riders the experience of riding in front of different judges and increasing the prize money through sponsorship. Andy has also reached out to a local group of equestrian enthusiasts who will raise awareness of the horse trials and use the old house as a historic link.

A Focus on Teams

Another area that Andy wants to further develop is the multiple team competitions hosted at VHT, including Young Riders, Intercollegiate and Adult Riders team challenges. Andy will be hiring extra office staff  to focus solely on growing and managing the team competitions. “That person will own the whole team process of the event, from when you enter through getting final results,” he said.

The first formal Area II Adult Team Challenge at VHT this October had a total of 12 teams from Beginner Novice through Preliminary (click here to see final team results). About half of the participants were also riding in the Area II Championships (congratulations winners!), and there just happened to be a Rolex-qualified rider on the Preliminary team due to a last minute substitution when a rider fell ill. In the future, Andy and AR Coordinator Donna Bottner are considering opening the team challenge up to surrounding areas in order to increase participation.

Readers may remember that there used to be annual Eastern, Western and Central Adult Team Challenges sponsored by the Chronicle of the Horse. Now with a national Adult Team Championship being held in conjunction with the USEA American Eventing Championships, Adult Rider coordinators have been coming up with other team activities in their own areas to “fill the void,” as Donna puts it, for riders who can’t travel to the national championships.

Courtney Sendak and DGE Kiss Prints on the Preliminary course at VHT. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Courtney Sendak and DGE Kiss Prints on the Preliminary course at VHT. Photo by Brant Gamma.

“For the past two years Penny and Brian Ross helped us run a ‘friendly’ ATC with mixed level teams. This year I asked Andy Bowles about hosting a more traditional ATC and he was all for it and very enthusiastic in his support,” Donna explained.

“Because VHT was also hosting the Area II championships, we had to figure out how to allow riders to compete as individuals in the championship divisions as well as being part of a team. Andy and his team organized the schedule to be sure everyone on a team rode for the same dressage judge to keep the scoring consistent, and we presented awards following each division of stadium jumping.”

The awards were given inside the coliseum, down the hill from the show jumping. Although it was fairly informal, it was still a special occasion for myself and my team members, as we got to do a victory lap with beautiful neck ribbons and medals to show off to friends and family while thinking about what we would buy with our VTO Saddlery gift certificates.

In the future, Andy plans to run two show jumping rings in the October horse trials so that the ATC and the Area II Championships (which he’s hoping return to VHT in 2016) have an atmosphere for prize givings without the pressure of a packed schedule in a single ring.

Donna would like to up the ante with group activities and a compelling team atmosphere, like social hours and stall decorating, to make a year-end Adult Rider gathering even more appealing. One very special aspect of this year’s ATC was having Carol Kozlowski available as coach for all the Adult Riders, including those competing in Championship divisions with scores counting towards a team result. She did course walks and was available to warm riders up in all phases of competition. Thanks, Carol!

“We are just happy that Andy is so supportive and taking steps to make next year’s competition even better,” Donna said. “I’m hoping to have more riders interested in being on teams and getting more sponsorship for prizes in 2016 as well.”

There is much to look forward to at the Virginia Horse Center, as Andy and his team take the competition to new heights while carrying on the legacy of Brian and Penny Ross. “I’d like to thank all of the riders and owners for choosing to come to VA this year,” Andy said. “I look forward to seeing them next year.”

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: ‘A Day In the Life’ at Wallace Eventing

By on Nov 9, 2015 4:30 pm -

Tredstep rider Elisa Wallace of Wallace Eventing and her husband, Timothy Harfield, have begun a new media venture with a weekly video blog series. In their first episode published this week, Elisa and Timothy take you through a typical morning at Rock Creek Farms. Elisa discusses her horses’ nutrition program and introduces the viewer to some of her newer Mustangs and discusses her hopes for their futures.

Elisa told EN that that the format of the new series will not be strict, but it will maintain a behind-the-scenes, reality type of feel. They hope these videos will help spread the interest of eventing Mustangs and Thoroughbreds and allow her to share her horses’ stories with the world.

The Wallace Eventing team welcome questions about their program and horses that they may answer on a future episode. Dying to know about Fledge’s favorite treat or where Hwin will be competing next? Send in your questions to [email protected].

Find Wallace Eventing on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube Channel to keep an eye out for new episodes!

Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Nov 9, 2015 12:23 am -
UGA Eventing Team members Katherine Ingram and Devon Olivier uniquely show their team spirit during the Collegiate Team Challenge at Poplar Place this weekend. Photo via Facebook. UGA Eventing Team members Katherine Ingram and Devon Olivier uniquely show their team spirit during the Collegiate Team Challenge at Poplar Place this weekend. Photo via Facebook.

It’s hard to believe the 2015 season is winding down. But even though the calendar is slowly coming vacant, I must say I love fall and winter. The air is crisp, the horses feel well and it’s time for layers and scarves and gloves and the occasional pair of long underwear (when living in the Carolinas, anyway). It would be swell if the rain would knock off for a while, though. Despite the drenching weather, it looks like Poplar Place Farm attendees found a way to have fun this weekend down in Georgia!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Poplar Place Farm November H.T. [Results]

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

Monday News and Notes:

Starting December 1, 2015, the USEF will require new vaccinations and documentation for horses competing at USEF sanctioned shows. Horses will be required to be vaccinated against equine influenza virus and equine herpesvirus within the previous six months of the competition, and horses arriving on the show grounds must be accompanied by proof of vaccinations. [New Vaccination Rule for Showing]

Izzy Taylor’s three-star eventer KBIS Starchaser has started a new career as a para-dressage horse with Charlotte Cundall, a former three-star event rider and point-to-point jockey. [Three Star Eventer Turns Hoof to Para-Dressage]

Husband and wife team Sinead Halpin and Tik Maynard are joining forces to teach a three-day Winter Camp at The Fork Stables in North Carolina during the final days of December. The clinic includes three Horsemanship sessions, six riding sessions, three demos, three guest speakers, three lunches and one dinner. [Read more on the Registration Form]

Thoroughbreds have long made a statement in the sport of eventing. Today, amateurs and professionals alike are finding their newest stars from off the track, but what values should a buyer be looking for? Advanced eventer Kelley Williams weighs in. [Evaluating Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds for a Future in Eventing]

The great debate begins – to blanket or not to blanket. Here’s a tip: keep it simple and don’t drive yourself completely crazy with the whole concept, particularly if your horse is unclipped. If he’s clipped it’s a different story. Go ahead and go crazy. [What You Need to Know About Blanketing]

The USEF Dressage Finals were this weekend. Here’s a flashback to last year’s 2014 Freestyle Champions Jessica Wisdom & North Forks Cardi.


Sunday Video: Jumping a Bank Out of Water

By on Nov 8, 2015 5:00 pm -

I remember riding a clinic years ago and the clinician stressed that a rider should never, ever “chase” a horse out of water or you’d risk a spectacular crash (and from his experience, a broken collarbone).

According to four-star Australian event rider Ryan Wood of Woodstock Eventing, jumping a bank out of water is one of the most difficult things to train an event horse to do, but like many of the questions we present to our steeds, a positive introduction and slow progression of the exercise is key.

In this video, Ryan goes through the motions of teaching a young horse to jump a bank out of water. He begins by walking the horse up and down a small step sans water before letting the horse see the bank, standing quietly close to the base. Ryan then trots up the bank multiple times and eventually canters the exercise, finishing with a confident, more educated horse.

As the season comes to a close and the winter doldrums bear down upon us, we love seeing useful training sessions like this one from our friends with experience at the upper levels. For all of us, now is a great time to start catching up on educational reading material and working your way through all those DVDs and bookmarked video clips like this one so you’re ready to come out swinging in the 2016 season!

Eighty-Dollar Champion ‘Snowman’ Featured at Virginia Film Festival

By on Nov 8, 2015 3:00 pm -

Harry deLeyer purchased Snowman, an Amish plow horse, for $80 off a truck bound for the slaughterhouse in 1956. Less than two years later, Harry and Snowman were stars of the show jumping circuit. In 1992, Snowman was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and he was later the subject of Elizabeth Lett’s best seller The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation.

Now Snowman’s legacy and this horse and rider’s remarkable partnership is being spotlighted on film, with a new documentary titled Harry & Snowman. With a release date still pending, the documentary, directed by Ron Davis, is being featured today at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville. The film has been screened at multiple other festivals this year, culminating the tour with a showing at the upcoming Equus Film Festival in New York on November 20.

The memory of Snowman lives on, not only in books and on film, but through the Snowman Rescue Fund established by the documentary’s filmmaking team in support of the Omega Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, a group that gives slaughter-bound horses another chance at a happy life.

IOC President Visits FEI Headquarters to Discuss Olympic Agenda

By on Nov 8, 2015 11:30 am -
IOC President Thomas Bach was greeted at FEI Headquarters by the stallion Sarango after meetings with an FEI delegation headed by President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Zeender. Also pictured are eventing athlete Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and German Dressage athlete Kristina Bröring-Sprehe. Photo by Liz Gregg/FEI. IOC President Thomas Bach was greeted at FEI Headquarters by the stallion Sarango after meetings with an FEI delegation headed by President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Zeender. Also pictured are eventing athlete Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and German Dressage athlete Kristina Bröring-Sprehe. Photo by Liz Gregg/FEI.

On a recent visit to the FEI headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised equestrian sports for their “high level of compliance” with the 40 recommendations outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020.

“Olympic Agenda 2020 is the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement and it is impressive to see how compliant the FEI and equestrian sport already are with many of the recommendations,” Bach said in a statement.

“Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since 1912 and the growth of the sport has been phenomenal, but it is good to know that the FEI was already working on a number of these areas, including good governance and a full review of the competition formats, even before we rolled out Agenda 2020.”

Bach complimented equestrian sports on being at the forefront of gender equality as well as the scope of participants from varying ages and culture. “…and I have great admiration for what equestrian athletes achieve through the unique relationship between horse and rider, it’s truly awe-inspiring.”

FEI President Ingmar De Vos has been outspoken in his determination to modernize equestrian sports and make them “more global than ever before” since his election last December, and during a presentation to Bach, De Vos explained how the FEI is embracing Agenda 2020 and how it aligns with the FEI’s own goals for equestrian sport.

“We see it as an invitation to continue on the path we are already on to grow and develop the sport, a launch pad to further improve our sport and make it relevant in the modern sporting climate. We are confident that we tick many of the Agenda 2020 boxes, and we’re working hard to add the tick to the missing ones. We are pushing the boundaries, while respecting the traditions of our sport,” De Vos said.

[IOC President Talks Olympic Agenda 2020 During Official Visit to FEI HQ]

Eventers From Around the World Nominated for 2015 FEI Awards

By on Nov 8, 2015 9:00 am -
William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk. Photo by Jenni Autry. William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Every day this past week, the FEI released a short list of nominations for each of the five categories for the 2015 FEI Awards. Award recipients will be selected from the short lists by a panel of international experts including FEI President Ingmar de Vos, and the winners will be honored during an elegant Gala in San Juan, Puerto Rico this coming Friday, November 13.

We are proud to see an incredible group of eventing representatives nominated in three of the five categories this year. Eventers are short listed for the Best Groom Award, Against All Odds Award and the Reem Acra Best Athlete Award.

Imogen Mercer, Best Groom: Just 22 years old, Imogen is head groom for Australia’s Sam Griffiths, winner of the 2014 Badminton Horse Trials with Paulank Brockagh. In an FEI press release announcing the short list for Best Groom, Imogen is described as a “people person” who is as good at managing the two-legged members of the team as she is at caring for the horses.

“With intelligence and common sense she continually strives to create and maintain a happy environment and can handle any situation positively and calmly. This quality is hard to find in anyone, let alone a girl of just 22 years old.”

Pepo Puch, Against All Odds: Pepo Puch is an Austrian event rider who was severely injured in a riding accident in 2008. After a six-month hospital stay, he began riding again with a focus on Para-Equestrian Dressage. He has since won medals at the London Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian Games and the FEI European Championships. His motto is: “If it is conceivable, it is doable.”

Ben Hobday and Baroque Du Vi leap into the first water on the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* cross country — yehboi! Photo by Samantha Clark.

Ben Hobday and Baroque Du Vi leap into the first water on the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* cross country — yehboi! Photo by Samantha Clark.

Ben Hobday, Against All Odds: Britain’s Ben Hobday is a  27-year-old with a strong social media presence that he has used to chronicle his journey through treatment for cancer. He announced his diagnosis via Twitter in June 2015 and received an immeasurable outpouring of support from the community.

Throughout his treatment, Ben has worked to raise funds for various cancer charities. An FEI press release stated that nominees were impressed by Ben’s energy and motivation and the way he has brought the wider equestrian community together to support an important cause.

“By making his story public, he is helping to inspire both other riders and others diagnosed with cancer. His positive outlook and determination to fight this disease whilst constantly looking to the future is inspirational for all.”

William Fox-Pitt, Reem Acra Best Athlete: William Fox-Pitt won his 14th CCI4* title this year with a victory at Badminton riding Chilli Morning. He was also on the team that won bronze for Britain at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships. William has been on all our minds recently as he recovers from a head injury sustained in a fall at Le Lion d’Angers last month.

Ingrid Klimke, Reem Acra Best Athlete: Germany’s Ingrid Klimke had an incredible year in 2015, taking home two CCI4* wins at Luhmühlen (riding FRF Escada JS) and Pau (riding Horseware Hale Bob) and was first and second with these same two horses at the Aachen CICO3* where Germany won the team competition. Ingrid won the FEI Classics Series as a result of her individual victories and was also on the gold medal winning team at the European Eventing Championships.

[Announcing the Short List for the FEI Groom Award]

[Announcing the Short List for the FEI Against All Odds Award]

[Announcing the Short List for the Reem Acra Best Athlete Award]

Cross Country Safety Conference to be Held in Ireland

By on Nov 3, 2015 11:30 am -

The first independent International Cross Country Safety Conference will be held at Tattersalls in Ireland on February 25, 2016, and is open to anyone interested in riding cross country — from the Pony Clubber to the upper-level event rider to hunter trials enthusiasts.

Organizer David Morton has invited an impressive panel of riders, course designers and builders, event officials and product representatives to lead discussion sessions and give demonstrations, including course designers Mike Etherington-Smith and Capt. Mark Phillips, among others.

“It is important that the day is supported by as many experts and delegates as possible from around the world as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland,” David explains in the above video. “Safety of horse and rider is our core objective of this conference.”

Andrew Nicholson, who is recovering from a neck injury suffered in a cross country fall this past August, is also speaking at the conference. “Safety is in all our interests,” Andrew said. “We should all take responsibility.”

The purpose of the conference is to “inform, discuss and contribute to the ongoing success of cross country courses while increasing awareness of best safety practices that should be adopted.” Discussions will include the use of frangible pins and other emerging safety technologies, developing a global cross country safety standard, Q&A sessions with guest speakers and more.

This important conference will only take place if the necessary funding is obtained. The conference has until Monday, November 16 to reach its goal of €25,000 to cover costs. As a not for profit event, any residual monies will go towards developments in safety research.

Click here to support the first Independent International Cross Country Safety Conference. We will let you know how you can plan to attend the conference yourself when the funding goal is reached.

Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Nov 2, 2015 12:02 am -
From left: Bailey and me, Cindy Deporter and Ana D, Alicia Daily and Cady O'Daly Class Pet, Shea Foley and Captain My Captain. Photo via Facebook. From left: Bailey and me, Cindy Deporter and Ana D, Alicia Daily and Cady O'Daly Class Pet, Shea Foley and Captain My Captain. Photo via Facebook.

This weekend I made my return to eventing/adult rider debut, competing in my first recognized horse trials in eight years as a participant of the Adult Team Challenge at the Virginia Horse Trials. I was fortunate to take my mom’s reliable foxhunter as a last minute catch ride and we put in a respectable performance considering we’re both a bit out of practice. For three amazing days, I was surrounded by old friends and new, I laughed, smiled and whooped nearly every waking moment, and was reminded what the heart of eventing is all about – fun and fellowship. Thanks to everyone who helped make this weekend one to remember.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Virginia H.T. & CCI/CIC [Results]

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Results]

Full Gallop Farm Fall H.T. [Results]

Pine Hill Fall H.T. [Results]

Galway Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Monday News and Notes:

Rolex Kentucky 2016 tickets sales open TODAY! Join the EN team and thousands of eventing fans in the horse capital of the world next April for the “Best Weekend All Year.” [Get your tickets]

American Pharoah has “restored the magic in horse racing” this year, first with his historic Triple Crown success and now with his last hurrah at the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he gave us what we all wanted – just one more win. He will move on to his next career as a stud with the heart of America in his back pocket. [Triumphant and Adored]

The Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is moving from Locust Hill Farm in Culpeper to a 200-acre property in Northern Virginia ready to be molded into a first class eventing facility. There is a lot of work to be done to get the new venue ready for horses. [You can be part of the journey]

Dr. Sue Dyson, with master saddlers and saddle fitters Mark Fisher and Sue Carson, has published a paper in the Equine Veterinary Education Journal about the importance of a well-fitting saddle. The paper encourages vets to work as part of a team to fit the saddle properly to both horse and rider. [Vets encouraged to recognize ill-fitting saddles]

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Long Live the Long Format

By on Oct 27, 2015 3:00 pm -

The Waredaca Classic 3-Day EventIt’s impossible to capture in one video the heart, horsemanship and exhilaration of this past weekend, but I tried anyway. Thank you again to all of our wonderful competitors, volunteers, sponsors, officials, experts and a special thanks to Gretchen and Robert Butts for keeping the long format tradition alive. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the long format event brings horse and rider together in a way no other competition can. Bring on 2016!!

Posted by Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The long format may not be the standard anymore, but it is still alive and well at the lower levels, with a healthy following thanks to the continued support of the USEA Classic Series. Both Waredaca in Maryland and Hagyard Midsouth in Kentucky hosted long format divisions this past weekend, with more 115 horse and rider combinations from Novice to Preliminary participating between the two events. View the full results of those three-days – [Waredaca] [Hagyard Midsouth] – and enjoy this awesome tribute to the long format posted today on the Waredaca Classic Three-Day Facebook page.

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Breakthrough Blood Test Quickly Detects Infection in a Horse’s Body

By on Oct 27, 2015 11:00 am -
Heinrich Anhold, BSc, PhD using the StableLab to test a horse's bloodwork for signs of infection. Photo courtesy of StableLab. Heinrich Anhold, BSc, PhD using the StableLab to test a horse's bloodwork for signs of infection. Photo courtesy of StableLab.

What if you could quickly and accurately confirm whether your horse is healthy enough to compete, even if he shows no clinical signs of injury or illness? An Irish scientist has developed a simple stall side blood test to detect Serum Amyloid A (SAA), a protein released by the body in response to inflammation and infection.

“At times you’re unsure if your horse is unhealthy or not,” said Heinrich Anhold, BSc, PhD, founder and CEO of StableLab. “If you had a question – if the horse coughed or didn’t feel right – we didn’t have access to immediate blood testing, which is typically what the vet would want to do straight away when you report horse may be a little off, even if it had a cough or temperature.”

StableLab detects and measures SAA within approximately ten minutes, right there at the stall, eliminating the need to take samples to a lab for testing, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day to receive results.

There are three different ways Heinrich says the StableLab could be useful for eventers:

  1. Pre-competition screening or post shipping
  2. To confirm or rule out infection if the horse is coughing or has a swollen limb or fever
  3. Monitor an animal’s response to antibiotic treatment
Test results are returned in about ten minutes using the StableLab. The blood doesn't have to be sent to a lab, it can be done right there at the stall. Photo courtesy of StableLab.

Test results are returned in about ten minutes using the StableLab. Photo courtesy of StableLab.

Heinrich explained that some people will only test SAA after a horse spikes a temperature in order to understand if it is an infection or just shipping stress, for example. Others will test after shipping and before competitions as a protocol.

Because SAA levels increase rapidly after the onset of infection or severe trauma, it is useful in ensuring early stage treatment and can be used to monitor whether or not a particular treatment is working.

“If a horse has an active infection, protein is produced. When you treat it with an antibiotic, you can tell if it’s working by monitoring the level of SAA. If it really works and knocks out the infection, the protein stops being produced entirely. If it doesn’t, you know the antibiotic is not completely effective,” Heinrich explained.

Heinrich and the StableLab team are working to develop additional handheld tests, including a test for tying up. “We aim to create a platform for stall side testing whereby all of the relevant information can be generated stall side.”

See StableLab in action in this short documentary filmed at top race trainer Graham Motion’s Herringswell Stables training facility at Palm Meadows, Florida.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: “Hi Mom!” Hagyard Midsouth Helmet Cam

By on Oct 26, 2015 4:30 pm -

#GoSpartyGoPro helmet cam Midsouth CCI*

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Lainey Ashker and her and Terra Call’s Irish Sport Horse Flagmount’s Spartan added a second CCI* double-clear to the 7-year-old gelding’s record this weekend at Hagyard Midsouth in Kentucky. A clear show jumping round saw them finish in 23rd place in a division of more than 50 horses.

You can tell from the video what a lovely gallop “Sparty” has as he seemingly floats across the ground at the Kentucky Horse Park. He easily beat the clock, and his rider even had time to wave hello to her biggest fan.

Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Oct 26, 2015 12:37 am -
Mr. Candyman, Fernhill Fugitive and Kildalton Cooley en route to Galway Downs. Photo via Facebook. Mr. Candyman, Fernhill Fugitive and Kildalton Cooley en route to Galway Downs. Photo via Facebook.

It’s hard to believe the season is nearly coming to a close. Horses have grown wings this past week and made their way towards Galway Downs in California, which is hosting the final CCI3* of the year in addition to a CCI2* and CCI*. It is an important competition, as Galway is one of the final Rio Olympics qualifiers in North America. Quite a few combinations are traveling all the way from the East Coast to compete, and a few have rerouted to Galway after less than ideal results at Fair Hill. We’ll be sharing our picks to win later this week and Sally will be your boots on the ground with coverage from our last big three-day of the year.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Waredaca H.T. & Classic Three Day [Results]

Windermere Farm H.T. [Results]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Results]

Hagyard Midsouth CCI, Classic Three Day, & H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Due to injuries sustained from a fall while competing during the World Young Horse Championships in France, two clinics in Kentucky and Virginia with William Fox-Pitt have been cancelled for now, with plans to reschedule at a later date.  The organizer of the clinics, Team EnGaged Clinics, is offering all auditors who had already registered for the clinic in Kentucky or in Virginia, an option to either (1) credit their payment toward auditing another TEC clinic of their choice in 2016, or (2) receive a full refund of the fee, less handling charges. Team EnGaged Clinics must be notified of your decision by November 5, 2015, and you can reach them at [email protected].

Simon Grieve retired his horse Cornacrew after he refused the skinny grapes fence late on the course at Le Etoiles de Pau CCI4*. He actually moved the jump as he ran past it. Simon did not hesitate in putting his hand up, as he had felt his horse tiring a few fences before. “Bozzie” is still a winner in his rider’s eyes. [The result doesn’t reflect how hard Boz tried]

It’s no wonder that a number of local riders participated in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky this weekend. Not only have the public been learning about the breed, but riders have been falling in love all over again joining their horses on a journey towards success in a new career. [Hometown riders shine at the Thoroughbred Makeover]

Just two years after his last race, Graham and Anita Motion’s Icabad Crane, a Preakness Stakes runner, was entered in his first CCI* with Phillip Dutton in the irons this weekend at Hagyard Midsouth. The OTTB has taken to eventing as if he were born for it, and his owners are as enthusiastic about following his new career as the gelding is about running and jumping across the country. [Icabad Crane on the move in the event world]

Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation won the CIC3* at the event at Takapau to win the New Zealand Eventing National Championships. Johnstone had entered with the intention of only completing the dressage phase but decided to take advantage of the good ground for a run in preparation for Adelaide CCI4* next month. [Clarke Johnstone wins NZ’s National Eventing Champs]

After a tough day of cross country, Katie Ruppel was the only American rider to move on to the final phase and ultimately complete the CCI4* at Le Etoiles de Pau with her 11-year-old OTTB Houdini. In their first overseas appearance, they finished in 33rd place. [Ruppel Completes European Debut]

Best horsey Halloween costume ever?

Posted by Mary Jane Benson on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Watch the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover Finale Live

By on Oct 25, 2015 11:00 am -
Photo via Retired Racehorse Project's Facebook page. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project's Facebook page.

The 2015 Thoroughbred Charities of America Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium finale takes place today at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Out of 180 starting horse and rider combinations, 30 pairs in ten disciplines have moved on to the final phase of the competition to determine who will become the 2015 America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.

The finale begins at noon in the TCA Covered Arena, featuring the top three of each of the ten disciplines. The winners of each of those classes will go on to compete for overall first place and the title of “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred” and a $10,000 grand prize.

For the eventing section, we’ll see Michelle Warro and Best Things in Life, Colleen Rutledge and Your A to Z’s, and Hillary Irwin and Nutello competing in the final. Eventing’s Tik Maynard and Mr. Pleasantree also qualified for the final by winning the freestyle section!

You can watch the finale live and for free at this link courtesy of Speaking of Horses. If you happen to be in the area and would like to enjoy the competition in person, ticket information is available here.

Links: [Live Stream] [Schedule] [RRP website] [RRP Facebook] [Scores]

 

Buck Davidson, Sydney Hagaman Win CCI* Championships at Hagyard Midsouth

By on Oct 25, 2015 9:00 am -
Buck Davidson on one-star Champion Legion Kat and Andrea Davidson on Reserve Champion Summer Sleigh Ride. Photo via Facebook. Buck Davidson on one-star Champion Legion Kat and Andrea Davidson on Reserve Champion Summer Sleigh Ride. Photo via Facebook.

Two USEF One-Star Eventing National Champions were crowned yesterday at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge. Both Buck Davidson, winner of the senior division, and Sydney Hagaman, winner of the junior/young rider division, led their fields from start to finish.

Buck Davidson received the Richard Collins Trophy in the USEF One-Star National Championship for competitors aged 22 and up after three solid phases with Natalie Sandler’s 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Legion Kat. Buck also won Reserve Champion with his wife Andrea’s 7-year-old Thoroughbred Summer Sleigh Ride.

Buck started the week off with a bang, taking over the top three positions after dressage. Both Legion Kat and Summer Sleigh Ride were double clear on cross country, and each pulled a single rail in the final phase to hold on to their initial placings in first and second place. Buck’s third ride Escariz Du Rona, a 6-year-old KWPN mare also owned by Andrea, ultimately finished 10th.

“It’s always fun coming to the (Kentucky) Horse Park no matter what. They had a nice (cross-country) course yesterday. I’m really happy for Legion Kat and Summer Sleigh Ride; they were both really good,” Buck said in a USEF press release. “It was a good weekend for all the babies, and now we get to move forward. They’ll go to Florida and get a little rest, probably take a month off, then hopefully come back stronger and better and ready to go next year.”

Dr. Stuart Brown presents the Rivella Cup–given in memory of Christine Brown to the highest-placing mare–to Danielle…

Posted by Hagyard Midsouth Three Day Event & Team Challenge on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Danielle Dichting Busbee and the 9-year-old former racehorse First Lyte moved up from eighth to third place, finishing on their dressage score of 45.2. The mare (Jockey Club name Paradise Cafe) was produced up to Preliminary by owner Alese Lyle, and Danielle partnered with her exactly one year ago. They’ve wracked up many top placings at the Preliminary level and won their first CIC* at the CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills in May. They moved up to Intermediate this summer.

As the highest placed mare, “Lyla” was awarded the Rivella Cup, which was created in memory of Christine Brown, who passed away in a riding accident in 2013. Danielle honored her friend Christine on Facebook after receiving the Rivella Cup: “I miss you so much every day. You touched so many people’s lives with your infectious smile. I was extremely lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for watching over us this weekend and keeping us safe.”

Meghan O’Donoghue finished with Runaway Fantasy, adding nothing to their dressage score of 47.3, and Graham and Anita Motion’s famous ex-racehorse Icabad Crane completed his first CCI* in fifth place with Phillip Dutton. Fitting, considering the America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred Contest that Icabad Crane won last year is taking place this weekend at the same venue.

Sydney Hagaman celebrating her win in the CCI* Jr. Division. Congratulations!

Posted by Hagyard Midsouth Three Day Event & Team Challenge on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Sydney Hagaman and Diablo Tejano scored a 38.3 to take the early lead in the USEF National Junior and Young Rider Championship, and when cross country was over, they had just one rail in hand. Second-placed Caroline Martin and Danger Mouse, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse, dropped two rails to provide additional breathing room to Sydney, who also knocked two poles to the ground and added another two time penalties.

“This is so surreal; this is our first win in five years. We’ve had some show jumping issues over the years. Yeah, we took down three rails, but he was listening and jumping the best he ever jumped before. I think he was ready to come out and win it. He was great the entire weekend,” Sydney said of her 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.

There were only three double clear show jumping rounds in the division (Savannah Fulton, Emma Fettig and Erica Jarrell, who ultimately finished third with Uni Sprite) so both Sydney and Caroline managed to hang on to their placings. Sydney was awarded the Harry T. Peters Trophy for her victor,y and Caroline and Danger Mouse earned the title of Reserve Champion.

There was also a non-championship CCI* open division at Hagyard. Hillary Irwin and Killbeggin were the winners here, moving up from fourth after dressage with no additional penalties added. Emily Thompson and Paddington were second from the start, and Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes maintained their initial placing in third.

[Hagyard Midsouth Live Scores]

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[Davidson and Hagaman Win 2015 One-Star Eventing National Championships]