View Classifieds
Lorraine Jackson
Articles Written 202
Article Views 437,688

Lorraine Jackson

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

About Lorraine Jackson

Managing Editor at our sister site, Jumper Nation.

Latest Articles Written

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jul 24, 2016 12:00 am -
When novice eventers walk the three star XC! Photo courtesy of Ava Severs. When novice eventers walk the three star XC! Photo courtesy of Ava Severs.

The poor folks in Kalispell seem to be having a dreadful time in the fresh mountain air and highs in the mid-seventies. Their horses dreaded the long verdant gallops through open fields and otherwise luxurious conditions back at the barn. And who wants to spend three to five days in the mountains camping with a bunch of eventers? Buck Davidson is there and that guy ruins everything. Also, I want to ride the dinosaur. Real bad.

North American Weekend Action:

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Grandview Summer H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Snippets of wisdom from Michael Jung — and other things you might not know about him

Olympic Stars Go to Head to Head in Hickstead Eventers Challenge 

American Ladies Bring Home the Bronze in FEI Nations Cup in Dublin

Spectacular Horse Show Skies: Aachen Edition

Horseback Adventurers Prepare for Married Life with 1000km Mongolian Ride

Sunday Video: Basically what it’s like to be at Rebecca Farm this weekend

Rebecca Farm CIC3* and CCI3* Cross Country Live Updates

By on Jul 23, 2016 11:00 am -
Photo by Leslie Wylie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Welcome to the live cross country updates from Rebecca Farm! If you need a quick catch-up, be sure to explore Her Ladyship of Insanity Leslie Wylie’s coverage this weekend from the field, starting with the first horse inspection, to the CCI3* dressage report, and including an update from the cutest pony and person combination ever. And of course, some hard core stats analysis and predictions from our numbers maven, Maggie Deatrick.

If you haven’t yet gotten a peek at what Wylie is calling “The Disney World of Cross Country Courses”, be sure to check out the course preview, as well. Or if you’d rather just have it be a surprise and would prefer to follow the adventures of Chinch on Instagram, there’s an app for that. (It’s called Instagram. You’ll love it.)

Cross country gets underway today with the CCI2* from 8 to 9 a.m. MT, CIC3* from 9:20 to 10:35 MT, CCI3* from 11 to 11:40 a.m. MT, and CCI1* from 12 to 1:40 p.m. MT. Saturday also sees the conclusion of Novice and Training Three-Day show jumping as well as the continuation of the horse trials divisions.

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

9:00 a.m. MST: We’ll be getting under way at 9:20 a.m.! The CIC3* will be first.

9:20 a.m. MST: Here we go! The first rider out of the start box is Tamie Smith aboard Lagos Star.

9:24 a.m. MST: Lagos Star is looking completely game for this course, clear through the first water and big drop fence.

 9:26 a.m. MST: Sarah Mittleider and Gin & Juice have started their course, clear through the early fences.

9:29 a.m. MST: Tami Smith and Lagos Star just attacked this course! They come home clear of jump faults with 10.8 time.

9:32 a.m. MST: Bonner Carpenter and Basco are now on course and appear to be making excellent time!

9:36 a.m. MST: Sarah Mittleider and Gin & Juice add 13.6 time to a clear round.

9:37 a.m. MST: Mackenna Shea and Landioso are now on course and through the first four fences.

9:40 a.m. MST: We got a quick peek of Bonner and Basco later on course through the village, and they looked phenomenal!  They too come home with a handful of time penalties. Mary Burke and Prince William are on course now.

9:42 a.m. MST: Landioso looked fresh as a daisy through the village as well to finish with 10 time faults. Prince William is clear through the first water and had a bit of a sticky/trippy moment at the drop fence, but regained momentum for the corner and angled log.

9:44 a.m. MST: Next on course is Jennie Brannigan and I Bella.

9:48 a.m. MST: Jennie and I Bella look lovely through the water and drop combination!

9:49 a.m. MST: Mary Burke and Prince William come in on fire as our second double clear of the day. Well done, you two!

9:50 a.m. MST: Mackenna Shea and Landioso come in looking like they could have run another whole course and still had gas in the tank!

9:51 a.m. MST: Jennie and I Bella clear through the western village and finish with 4.8 time penalties. On course now is Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster

9:54 a.m. MST: Heather Morris and Charlie Tango are out now and clear through the early elements.

9:56 a.m.  MST: Twizted Syster didn’t think much of the pink start box, but since getting on course has been taking revenge, making easy work of the early bits.

9:59 a.m. MST: Barb Crabo and Eveready are out now and flying through the early elements. Tamie and Twizted Syster clear through western village.

10:00 a.m. MST: Heather Morris and Charlie Tango have retired early on.

10:01 a.m. MST: Barb and Eveready clear through first water and big downhill drop! Tamie and Twizted Syster finish strong with big pats.

10:02 a.m. MST: Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime on course now. Twizted Sister and Tamie Smith complete with one run-out at fence 17 and a handful of time.

10:05 a.m. MST: Leah and Prime in their sparkling pink are looking fab and running this show, clear through water and big drop.

10:06 a.m. MST: Next out is Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Airlington. AP Prime is clear through the village.

10:07 a.m. MST: Barb and Eveready are our first double clear of the day!

10:08 a.m. MST: Emily and Airlington are clear through the water and while they lost quite a bit of momentum at the drop to the very big corner, Airlington powered through to go clear.

10:10 a.m. MST: Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against on course now, clear through the water. She had to get a good hold of him and focus on the corner after the drop, but they’re through and galloping away!

10:13 a.m. MST: Out now is Ashlynn Meuchel and Morning Star. Bunnie and Rise Against clear through the western village.

10:16 a.m. MST: Ashlynn had a hard stop on Morning Star at the big drop into the water and opted to go the alternate route, but Morning Star refused the second smaller drop as well, and Ashlynn appears to have retired to give it a go another day. She seemed to be fighting for momentum from the very start, and Ashlynn did the wisest thing for her horse.

10:18 a.m. MST: Jennifer McFall and High Times are on course now.

10:21 a.m. MST: Jennifer and High Times are clear through the water and catch the flag on the corner, but are clear through the early elements! Bunnie finishes with just 4.4 time penalties.

10:22 a.m. MST: Arden Wildasin and Kineo are now on course. Jennifer and High Times are clear through the western village.

10:23 a.m. MST: We’re sorry for the lack of updates from the conclusion of the course, it seems we’ve lost the feed from camera three. We’ll fill you in on provisional scores as we get them in.

10:25 a.m. MST: Arden and Kineo have a hard stop going into the big drop log and Arden pops over the shoulder and nails the log. Kept hold of the reins though coming off, and everyone looks to be okay. Tough luck, Arden!

10:27 a.m. MST: Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato are on course now. HUGE jump into the water but still makes the turn to the moose jump.

10:28 a.m. MST: Jordan has had a fall at the big corner at the bottom of the hill when Capato jumped huge over the wider part of the corner, and ejects Jordan. Her vest deployed and she appears to be sitting up.

10:30 a.m. MST: Tamie Smith and Dempsey were briefly held at the start as our final pair in this division, but are now out on course.

10:33 a.m. MST: Tamie gives Dempsey a big pat after successfully making easy work of the water, the big drop and combination at the bottom of the hill.

10:37 a.m. MST: Tamie Smith and Dempsey come home looking fresh and fine to conclude the CIC3* Division!

10:40 a.m. MST: Come on back at 11:00 a.m., when we’ll start our coverage of the CCI3* course.

 

 

11:00 a.m. MST: And we’re off on he CCI3*! Hannah Burnett and Cooley Dream are first out the gate.

11:04 a.m. MST: Hannah and Cooley have fallen at the water, slipping awkwardly over the second element. Cooley is up and walking, we’ll provide an update as soon as we have it.

11:06 a.m. MST: Buck and Approved Power had set out on course, but are now being held just one or two fences into their round.

11:09 a.m. MST: Buck and Approved Power are back on course, through the water and drop fence successfully.

11:11 a.m. MST: Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 are on course now, successfully navigating water, big drop, and corner elements.

11:14 a.m. MST:  Maddy Mazzola and Mojito are out now. Buck is through Western Village grandly.

11:16 a.m. MST: Maddy and Mojito are through the water and big drop section of the course. Go M&M!

11:18 a.m. MST: Andrea and Indy are through western village. Chloe Smyth and C.S.I. are now on course.

11:19 a.m. MST: Chloe Smyth and C.S.I. have had a fall early on course at fence 7. Will update when we know more.

11:20 a.m. MST: Gina Economou and Calidore now on course. They have a sticky moment at the big brush fence early on, but looking great approaching water.

11:21 a.m. MST: Gina and Calidore have a run-out at the corner at the bottom of the hill and opt to take the alternate route to finish up the section. Maddy and Mojito have opted to retire at fence 21.

11:23 a.m. MST: James Alliston and Parker are out now, looking great through the water complex and big drop fence to the corner.

11:26 a.m. MST: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon are out and about, headed to water complex.

11:27 a.m. MST: Ellen and Sir Oberon looking fabulous through water and big drop! Gina and Calidore finish with the one run-out and quite a bit of time, but finish their day!

11:29 a.m. MST: James and Parker look solid through western village. Anna Collier and Gleaming Road on course and making easy work of water, big drop, and corner fence.

11:32 a.m. MST: Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight on course now. Through water clean. James and Parker are home on a double clear. Well done, boys!

11:35 a.m. MST: Ellen and Sir Oberon are through village beautifully. Andrea Baxter came home with one stop under her belt and 13.6 time.

11:36 a.m. MST: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jolly Bo on course – through water complex cleanly, as well as the big drop and corner.

11:37 a.m. MST: Jolie and Goodknight looking perfect through western village, in the home stretch.

11:40 a.m. MST: Anna Collier and Ellen Doughty-Hume both came home with 14 time penalties each, no jumping faults. Well done, ladies!

11:41 a.m. MST: Hannah Burnett must have been okay from her fall earlier in the day, as she’s back out there with Under Suspection.

11:43 a.m. MST: Hawley and Jolly Bo are clear through the western village and looking fired up!

11:45 a.m. MST: Hawley and Jolly Bo become our third double clear ride of the day, joining James Alliston and Parker and Buck Davidson and Approved Power!

11:46 a.m. MST: Hannah and Under Suspection are clear through water and dig drop to corner.

11:47 a.m. MST: Buck is our last ride of the day on his second ride in this division, Copper Beach. They are clear through the water, down the big drop and over the corner clear!

11:48 a.m. MST: Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight added 11.2 time to a round with no jumping faults. Well done, guys! Hannah Sue and Under Suspection take their time, but go clear and gallop away from the western village.

11:50 a.m. MST: Buck and Copper Beach cruise over the long gallop through the wheat field with the mountains in the distance; it’s an incredible sight to behold!

 11:52 a.m. MST: Buck is clear through the western village.

11:54 a.m. MST: Hannah Burnett and Under Suspection and Buck and Copper Beach both brought home double clears at the end of the day! Hannah moves her second place horse up to first, Buck nabs second, and Hawley Bennett-Awad and her new mare Jolly Bo round out the top three going into show jumping.

We’ll be bringing you a full report on cross country soon, so keep it locked to EN!

Your CCI3* Top Ten:

top ten cci3

 

CIC3* Top Ten After Cross Country:

cic3

Eventing Community Mourns the Loss of Ellen Walker

By on Jul 21, 2016 1:00 pm -
Ellen aboard Arthur, one of many Hungarian Warmbloods she owned in her lifetime.

Ellen aboard Arthur, one of many Hungarian Warmbloods she owned in her lifetime. Photo courtesy of the Walker family.

The eventing community is mourning the loss of longtime instructor and volunteer Ellen Walker, who died earlier this week at Utah Valley Regional Hospital following a pasture accident at her home in Spring City, Utah. In a fitting final act from one who gave so much to so many, Ellen’s wishes were fulfilled to be an organ donor and save other lives. She was 61 years old.

Ellen was a talented instructor who could have taught at many levels, but she was extremely devoted to bringing in beginners and giving them a safe and solid foundation in jumping, dressage and eventing.

She was the instructor for the Sanpete County 4-H English Program from the mid-1980s until the day she died, and also the instructor for the Skyline chapter of the United States Pony Club in the 1990s. She was an all-volunteer instructor who continued to recruit curious riders in the heart of “cowboy country” year after year to help them find their way safely and effectively in the sport.

Ellen being recognized with lifetime service award. Photo courtesy of Walker family.

Ellen being recognized with a Lifetime Service Award at the Event at Skyline in May. Photo courtesy of Walker family.

She was a tremendous Area IX volunteer, organizing fundraisers for The Event at Skyline, coordinating volunteers, hosting training camps and clinics, and supporting riders at shows near and far, both recognized and unrecognized. She was honored by the Event at Skyline with a Lifetime Service Award just this past May.

In her personal riding career, Ellen was an exceptional trainer and competitor in dressage. She took multiple horses from their first ride under tack to competing at Prix St. Georges, and she always trained them with supreme skill and kindness. She loathed tricks and shortcuts in training. Last year for her 61st birthday, she switched gears and competed in the inaugural Event at Skyline, where she took fourth place in Intro on her pony, Pippi.

Ellen Walker and Pippi at the Skyline HT. Photo by Morgan Newey.

Ellen Walker and Pippi at the Skyline HT. Photo by Morgan Newey.

She was also a tremendous advocate, trainer and breeder of Hungarian Warmbloods and was a board member of the Hungarian Warmblood Association of America. She loved them for their history, their movement, their spirit and their friendliness, and she rescued more than one from dire circumstances.

Ellen accomplished all of this while being a full-time high school teacher. She also devoured books and loved gardening, cooking, and riding the mountain and desert trails with her many friends.

Ellen and her life long best friend, Lee. Photo courtesy of the Walker Family.

Ellen and her life long best friend, Lee. Photo courtesy of the Walker Family.

Most of all, Ellen was just the glowing, beating heart of the Utah eventing and dressage community. Her life’s work was taking people under her wing and never turning away anyone who was willing to learn.

Some of her students have gone on to make full-time careers in the equestrian industry, others ride and compete in the English disciplines as a hobby, and one former student will be going Intermediate at Rebecca Farms this weekend. Through her dedication to teaching she touched thousands of lives across generations.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 39 years, Don Walker; her two sons, Matthew and Phillip; and many other loved ones. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Ellen in this unspeakably hard time.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jul 19, 2016 12:00 am -
Ellen Walker and Pippi. Photo by Morgan Newey. Ellen Walker and Pippi. Photo by Morgan Newey.

The woman in this photo is the person who 20 years ago invited me into her barn and redirected my whole path. She was, has always been, and still is an all-volunteer coach of the Sanpete County English 4-H Program — a thankless job in cowboy country. But her students have done their best to thank her by going on to have varied careers and ambitions in the eventing world as competitors, vets, farriers, trainers, event organizers and yes as eventing journalists.

Today she is fighting for her life after an accident. If you’re the praying sort, say one for this heart of our sport. If you’re not the praying sort, go for a beautiful ride in the sunshine and just send your joy into the sky. I promise it’ll make its way to her.

Events Opening This Week:

Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4)  Nutrena USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (NC, A-2)  KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8)  Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (MD, A-2)  Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6)

Events Closing Soon:

Applewood Farm YEH/FEH & Mini Event (NJ, A-2)  Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial (IA, A-4)  Cobblestone Farms H.T. (MI, A-8)  Olney Farm H.T. (MD, A-2)  River Glen Summer H.T. (TN, A-3)  Millbrook H.T. (NY, A-1)

News and Notes:

Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, being held this weekend in Millbrook, NY, is featuring a $2,000 Novice Masters Challenge sponsored by Stubben North America. The winner of the Challenge will receive a Stubben Portos saddle, $1,000 cash, a silver julep cup, and the Fitch’s Corner blue rosette. All competitors and spectators are also invited to the Blue Jean Ball, which this year will be Rio Nights themed. [Fitch’s Corner Website]

Canadian Selena O’Hanlon is holding a raffle fundraiser for her trip to Rio. The deadline is July 30, and organizers are going to be drawing for several prizes, including the grand prize of a custom Foxwood High inspired jump. [O’Hanlon Eventing Facebook]

Have a Horse with Kissing Spines? A recent report states that a new treatment known as “The Coomer Method” (named for the vet who invented it) is proving to be overwhelmingly successful in treating the issue. Even better, it’s a minimally invasive surgery with a fraction of the recovery time as other methods. [Horse Talk New Zealand]

Tuesday Video: An adorable Fjord named Blonde Bombshell doing intro XC at Shepherd Ranch

 

#SimmaDownNow: Watch Lainey Ashker’s Enthusiastic OTTB Tackle XC at Maryland HT

By on Jul 17, 2016 5:00 pm -

As an eventer who is temporarily grounded and lacking a set of my own hooves, Lainey Ashker’s helmet cams are a warm, healing, all natural and gluten-free balm to my wounds. (Gluten in the form of bagels and donuts take care of most of the other wounds.)

One of her newest uploads from this weekend’s Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm is one of my instant all-time favorites: her winning training round aboard her mother Valerie Ashker’s OTTB, Call Him Paddy. This horse is all go, and the ferocity with which he tackles the course is utterly hypnotizing. His enthusiasm is so earnest that Lainey has to politely remind him once or twice to be a gentleman and “simmadownnow”, a request I can completely relate to as a past OTTB eventer myself.

That fire comes in real handy when you move up the levels, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of this handsome feller for years to come. Thanks for sharing, Lainey, and go eventing!

Boyd Martin’s Homebred Ray Price Wins Maryland CIC2* + More Results

By on Jul 17, 2016 1:30 pm -
Chinch creeps on Boyd Martin's show jumping round at MDHT at Loch Moy Farm. Photo courtesy of Michael Smallwood. Chinch creeps on Boyd Martin's show jumping round at MDHT at Loch Moy Farm. Photo courtesy of Michael Smallwood.

It was beautiful weather for eventing across North America this weekend, and many pairs were able to capitalize on sunny skies, hard work and a stroke of good luck to take home some ribbon swag.

Maryland Horse Trials

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm ran National levels and a CIC* and CIC2* this weekend. Some competitors elected not to run cross country due to a recent lack of rain making for less than ideal footing, but our hats are off to the organizers for doing everything they possibly could to make this a top event.

Boyd Martin swept the CIC2*, clinching first, second and third places. Taking top honors on 54.2 and also making his debut at this level was Ray Price, Boyd’s homebred 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Dutch gelding owned by Windurra and Amy Lindgren.

Second on 55.3 was the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Tura Lura, owned by Gloria Callen and Nancy Hathaway. It was also Tura Lura’s two-star debut. Rounding out the top three on 57.3 for Boyd was Santos, a 7-year-old off-track Thoroughbred gelding owned by Gloria Callen and Ron and Densey Juvonen. Boyd rode a whopping five horses in the two-star division altogether yesterday. 


. 

Boyd Martin and Tura Lura at MDHT. Video via Boyd Martin’s Facebook Page.

In the CIC*, Kelli Temple and Matilda finished on their dressage score of 39.9 to win the sizable division. Sharlee Lowe and her own Hanoverian gelding Jjamaica added only .80 of a time penalty to cruise up the leaderboard from tenth place to finish in second. Kim Severson and her own gray gelding Cooley Quality Control rounded out the top three.

In the Open Intermediate, Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 capitalized on a double clear in show jumping and a small handful of cross country time penalties to zoom from eighth and win the division on a score of 44.0. Michelle Thomas and her own gray Thoroughbred gelding Spectacular Tap finished second, and Jill Thomas and her own OBOS Darko came in third.

[Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run

Champagne Run at the Park Horse Trials had a huge and marvelous event in Lexington, with the lower levels being split into six or seven divisions apiece.   In the Open Intermediate, Australian transplant Lauren Balcomb led from start to finish on her own Guido Hatzis to finish on a score of 41.4.

Claiming the red ribbon honors was Chelsea Kolman on her own Canadian Sport Horse gelding Dauntless Courage. The pair was one of only two combinations to make the time on this clippy track. Rounding out the proverbial podium was Laura Crowl and her Dutch Warmblood Zee.

A beautiful sunset in Lexington over the weekend, courtesy of Champagne Run Facebook Page.

[Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Coconino

Coconino has to be one of the most unique and picturesque events in the country, with their forested cross country course surrounded by northern Arizona desert. They’re also one of the few events to run a full three-day event for the lower levels, and you can tell the participants eat it up.

In the Open Intermediate, Kimberly Steinbuch and Ruth Bley’s En Vogue laid down a super dressage test to score a 26.9 and by putting in by far the fastest time of the day on cross country, they were able to overcome a shaky show jumping round to win the division with a 50.9.

Just one point behind was Alexandra Tett on her own Quiproquo Des Vatys, a Selle Francais gelding. Third in the division was Kate Lathrop and her own Worth the Wait, who added one show jumping rail and 19.2 time penalties to finish on a score of 56.4.

Alexandra Tett and ‘Q’ at Coconino, via Alexandra’s Facebook Page.

Coconino also gave out a special award in the OI division to the pair with the best cumulative score over Summer I and Summer II, which went to Jess Hargrave and her own Regenmann.

In the Training Three-Day division at Coconino, your winner was Eileen Galoostian and her gelding Ratifier, who finished on their dressage score over the half-dozen phases with a 42.9. In the Novice Three-Day, top honors went to Christiana Schultz and her own Alexa Dawn, who won on their dressage score as well with a 26.4. There were 10 participants in this division, and we send them all an EN salute of insanity for keeping the tradition alive!

[Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

We hope you all had a safe and successful weekend! Go Eventing.

Watch Michael Jung’s Winning Cross Country Ride at Aachen

By on Jul 17, 2016 8:25 am -

Total beast mode. Ze Terminator Michael Jung and his stunning wunderkind fischerTakinou absolutely claimed and conquered the three-star course at Aachen yesterday, adding just 5.2 time penalties to their dressage score to claim the individual title.

ClipMyHorse.TV has been livestreaming all the events from Aachen this week, and yesterday put together a fabulous compilation of footage from Michael Jung’s round, including a killer slo-mo of the drop into the water.

You can see in fine detail how Michael maintains his position, gives his mount control of his head and body to optimize the landing, and calmly re-gathers his reins to continue on just a few strides later to a massive brush fence that literally dozens of christmas trees died to create.

Michael and fischerTakinou have since been confirmed as the combination representing Germany at the Rio Olympics, an impressive feat by the handsome chestnut gelding on multiple levels:

a) He had to out-perform barnmates La Biosthetique Sam and fischerRocana to nab the approval of selectors.

b) He is only nine years old.

c) He’s a French-bred Anglo-Arab / Selle Francais cross, which is a rather unusual combination and no doubt has the Anglo-Arab folks positively giddy.

Congratulations again to Michael, fischerTakinou and all their connections on a bright victory and even brighter future.

Go Eventing.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jul 17, 2016 12:00 am -
EN <3 Volunteers, too! And Old Bay Seasoning. Mmmm. Photo courtesy of Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm. EN <3 Volunteers, too! And Old Bay Seasoning. Mmmm. Photo courtesy of Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm.

Whether you’re planning one of the biggest horse shows in the world or a regional horse trial, it somehow seems to take the same number of selfless hands. Gate stewards, jump judges, timers, swag sellers, rakers, and scribes. The more experience I gain as an event organizer, the more delighted and inspired I am by the variety of volunteers who show up to take part. Some of my favorites are the women who say they’re too old to event anymore, but love the thrill of giving other people that opportunity. There’s a win-win-win in an event for organizers, riders, and volunteers that gives me hope for humanity.

CHIO Aachen: The Eventing portion of the event has concluded, but if you’re so inclined, there’s still plenty more action today in the form of Grand Prix Dressage Freestyles, Grand Slam Show Jumping, and Obstacle Driving with drive-off. Be sure to swing by the livestream for a peek! Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Action:

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Riga Meadow H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

The Maryland HT and CIC at Loch Moy [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Ridge H.T. [Website] [Facebook]

Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & HT [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Chehalis Valley Pony Club Benefit Horse Trial [7/16 Results] [7/17 Ride Times]

Bronte Creek Equestrian Sport Ltd. [Results]

War Horse Event Series July HT [Results – Sunday Afternoon]

Sunday Links:

Future Event Horses Perfect Their Technique at Loch Moy Farm’s Jump Chute Clinic

Tips and Tricks of the Trade: Staying Organized at A One-Day Event

Aachen’s Tribute to Hans Gunter Winkler is the Cutest, Sweetest, Weepiest Thing You’ll See Today

Thumb-suckers, Nail-Biters Less Likely to be Allergic to Horses and Other Common Allergens

Sunday Video: Anthony Luna’s winning xc ride on the junior beginner novice course at Coconino HT

Go Eventing.

Saturday Video: Ingrid Klimke’s Aachen CICO3* Helmet Cam and Analytics

By on Jul 16, 2016 6:20 pm -
Screenshot via YouTube Screenshot via YouTube

Not only does Aachen put on a picture-perfect event from Opening Ceremonies to the very last victory gallop, they also provide an insane amount of information, gadgetry, and technology to improve the user experience around the world. They’ve been live-streaming all the disciplines this week, and earlier today we introduced you to their live tracker app for the cross country portion of eventing. (If you missed it, which is likely since it happened in the middle of the night for North America, you can replay anyone’s cross country round from today on the tracker and see where they sped up or slowed down, circled back, etc. Totally fascinating!)

Now they’ve already added Ingrid Klimke’s helmet cam and loads of on-screen analytics and stats you can watch as she rides. This sort of technology not only adds a new layer of experience for fans and competitors, but someday it could even be collated and analyzed on a mass scale to study safety, performance, breeding — who knows. The sky is the limit.

Special thanks to Ingrid, CHIO Aachen, and SAP Technology for making these videos possible!

Go Eventing.

Final German Team for Rio Olympics Officially Announced

By on Jul 16, 2016 4:25 pm -
Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The German Equestrian Federation has officially announced the final selection for the team to Rio, and there are no major bombshells or surprises to be found here. The team was announced as follows:

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding

Michael Jung and fischerTakinou, a nine-year-old French Anglo-Arabian gelding

Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo, a 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding

The Traveling Reserve Rider will be Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, a ten-year-old Selle Francais gelding

This list is nearly identical to the announcement made a few weeks ago identifying a short list, except this list narrows down the horse selections for Michael and identifies the traveling reserve rider.

We suspected that Michael would be taking fischerTakinou, as he had expressed a desire after winning the Gram Slam to take this horse, leaving behind fischerRocana and La Biosthetique Sam, easily two of the most talented horses in the world. The depth of Michael Jung’s yard is truly admirable. Today’s result of winning the Aachen CICO3* surely cemented the choice for Michael and the selectors.

It will be a joy to see this team in action in less than a month. Congratulations to the German team members!

Go Eventing.

[Deutschlands Vielseitigkeitsreiter für Rio nominiert]

 

Vittoria Panizzon Ruled Out for Rio Due to Injuries Amidst Italy’s Roller Coaster Year

By on Jul 16, 2016 3:35 pm -
Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz. Photo by Jenni Autry Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz. Photo by Jenni Autry

Italian eventer Vittoria Panizzon and her nominated mount Borough Pennyz both sustained injuries which will prevent the pair from representing Italy at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio next month. While Italy has not yet announced who their riders would be, Vittoria was definitely a front-runner as a two-time Olympian already, and with a handful of good outings the past two years.

Vittoria confirmed on her Facebook Page that she broke her collarbone in a fall with a greener mount, Menlo Park, in the novice division at Upton House HT earlier this week. Coincidentally, she had just won the open novice division on another horse before the fall.

One imagines that Vittoria would have likely ridden with a broken collarbone or much worse if given the chance, but it came to light that her 13-year-old gray mare and partner at the London Games was also out of commission. She did not specify the mare’s injury, only that it was enough to rule out a trek to Brazil. The mare seems to have sustained the injury at Barbury where she was competing in the Event Rider Masters division — the pair had a solid dressage test and a rail and two time faults in show jumping before withdrawing before cross country.

“I cannot deny I longed to make Rio since I first I first heard of it and missing representing ones country at the Olympics at this near stage is one of the toughest mishaps,” Vittoria said. “Devastated for my whole team and sponsors and especially for Pennyz, a medalist in my eyes and a very special friend.”

The two are longtime partners with great successes under their belts, including placing 11th individually at the 2012 Olympics in London, 7th at Badminton in 2013, and recently placing 9th in the Event Rider Masters division at Bramham.

Italian Announcement Down to the Wire

The news comes amidst a very bizarre Olympic year for Italy, who failed to qualify a team for the games, but through the individual ranking system qualified for three individual slots. Then they were told that due to a rider from another country abdicating their slot, they could send four participants.

The final list was to have been announced Friday, but likely due to Vittoria’s mishap, the announcement has since been postponed to Monday, the official deadline to submit final combinations for Rio. The following horses and riders are on the FEI qualified list for the Olympic Games:

Stefano Brecciaroli and either Apollo VD Wendi Kurt Hoeve, Roulette B, or Viscount George 
Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake 
Pietro Roman and Barraduff 
Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau 
Giovanni Ugolotti and Oplitas

We send our best to Vittoria, Pennyz and all their connections, and wish them both speedy recoveries. We’ll bring you the announcement on Italian riders as soon as it’s available Monday.

[Popular Eventing Pair Ruled Out of Rio Olympics With Injuries]

 

 

New BBC Video Beautifully Tells the Story of Hannah Francis and Willberry Wonder Pony

By on Jul 16, 2016 1:24 pm -
Hannah Francis at Tattersalls 2016. Photo courtesy of Jack Lyons Media. Hannah Francis at Tattersalls 2016. Photo courtesy of Jack Lyons Media.

BBC Radio Bristol has released a new video sharing the incredibly inspiring story of 18-year-old equestrian Hannah Francis and Willberry Wonder Pony, and spreading support for their cause further and wider than ever.

Hannah was first diagnosed with lung, hip, and pelvic cancer on May 1, 2015. She has not wasted a single moment since, using all her energy to fight off the insidious disease, follow her dreams, garner support for others in need, and fundraising for cancer research. She has not only become a beloved friend of many of the greatest eventers in the world, she’s inspired many of them to take up her cause or at the very least, live life to its fullest.

Lovely words from Pippa Funnel about Hannah and Willberry Wonder Pony

A number of British Equestrian businesses have come together in recent weeks to sponsor a new annual award — The Hannah Francis Award will be presented to an inspirational young eventer at the Event Horse Owners Association Dinner each year, and receive a beautiful sculpture of Hannah and Willberry Wonder Pony, created by sculptor Amy Goodman.

All of us at Eventing Nation continue to be #InspiredbyHannah, and we know this is just the tip of the iceberg in the legacy of Hannah Francis.

Go Eventing.

Learn More About Hannah: [Website] [Twitter] [Facebook] On EN: Hannah Francis Inspires Us All At Tattersalls,

Michael Jung and fischerTakinou Win Aachen, Australia Takes Nations Cup

By on Jul 16, 2016 9:28 am -
Michael Jung and fischerTakinou capture individual victory in Aachen CICO3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography. Michael Jung and fischerTakinou capture individual victory in Aachen CICO3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It was no cake walk on Aachen’s cross country course today, as talented riders from across the globe struggled to go clear and fast on the twisting course. It was Team Australia that was ultimately able to take advantage and clinch the top spot by being the only team to have their three scores all under 50 penalties each. In addition to a fair amount of runouts on course, the time was difficult to make, which shook up the leaderboard considerably.

Michael Jung was among those who did not make the time, but with just 5.2 penalties he was able to clinch the top individual spot with his likely Olympic mount, fischerTakinou, as well as a 31,000 euro purse.

Shane Rose and CP Qualified were right on Ze Terminator’s heels, coming in just 1 time penalty behind with a final score of 42.80 to finish in second. Ingrid Klimke not only took the third slot on her individual mount Horseware Hale Bob OLD, she also nabbed fourth with SAP Escada FRH. Horseware Hale Bob was one of two to make the optimum time.

Germany was able to leap up the team standings after cross country with fast and clean rides from Michael Jung and Sam, Ingrid Kimkle and SAP Escade FRH, and Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip. They had less than 15 time penalties between them, which was good enough to jump from fourth to second behind the strong Australian contingent.

Shane Rose and CP Qualified lead Aussies to team victory. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Shane Rose and CP Qualified lead Aussies to team victory. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

But it was Aussie speed that kept the home team at bay, with only six time penalties shared among Shane Rose, Chris Burton, and Samantha Birch, each putting in some of the fastest rounds of the day.

Ireland was the dark horse podium team today, and despite not having a drop score was able to put in three magnificent cross country rounds to pop from fifth to third. Aoife Clark and Wasting Light were their best individual finishers in 13th place, but all three finished in the top twenty.

Great Britain had a heck of a final day at Aachen, dropping from third to fifth when only Nicola Wilson and One Two Many and Tina Cook and Calvino II were able to avoid jumping penalties. Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre had a runout at 22a/b a pair of angled brushes which proved to be by far the most troublesome spot on course for many riders today. Francesca Reid-Warrilow and Dolley Whisper were eliminated for multiple runouts, ultimately packing it in at 22a/b as well.

Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill bring home double clear and fastest XC time today. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill bring home double clear and fastest XC time today. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The American contingent ultimately maintained their sixth place slot on a tough course, though there were some extremely tense moments getting there. Phillip Dutton put in one of only two double clear rounds and the fastest round of the day, but the American celebration was put on hold when the scoreboards briefly showed him as eliminated.

The officials thought Phillip may have missed a flag at the big corner in the second water, which would have resulted in elimination. Further review determined that Phillip had been within the flag, and his double clear standing was restored, resulting in a rather chaotic few minutes for the team.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot finished 11th Individually at the Aachen CICO3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot finished 11th individually at the Aachen CICO3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Hannah Sue Burnett’s round was an equally bright spot in the day for the stars and stripes, with Harbour Pilot going clean and taking direct routes throughout, including the angled brushes near the end of the course that troubled so much of the pack. Hannah and William added just six time penalties to their final score of 55.60, good enough for 11th place individually.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmarks Monte Christo

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Christo at Aachen CICO3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo were having a super run before falling victim to the 22 a/b combination, as well as adding a bit of time. The combination, heartbreakingly close to home, caused more than half the runouts on course all day, nearly more than all over fences combined. The pair finished in 25th.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF at Aachen CICO3* . Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF at Aachen CICO3* . Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF struggled at 11b, one of two narrow hedges following an imposing Normandy bank. The pair performed well through 10 and 11a before just glancing off 11b. Getting back on track cost them time as well, but the pair completed the remainder of the course to finish in 30th place.

It proved to be a very eventful day for many nations, and with only two days left before teams must be finalized for the Olympics, it will be interesting to see what, if any, impact the weekend could have on those final decisions.

#CHIOAachen: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

top twenty individual

team top six

Go Eventing.

Follow Aachen Cross Country with Data-Driven App Technology

By on Jul 16, 2016 1:00 am -
Screenshot via CHIO Aachen App. Screenshot via CHIO Aachen App.

For the tech-inclined eventing fan, the fine folks at CHIO Aachen have a clever new tracker they’re debuting in real time during today’s cross country event for you to enjoy! According to the website:

“SAP and CHIO Aachen are co-innovating to bring Equestrian Sports closer to the fans. During the Eventing cross-country competition on Saturday, July 16, the partners will make one more step towards the “Digital Tournament” providing fans with real-time information from the course presented to their smartphones.”

Rider and Horse Info for Every Competitor. Via the CHIO Aachen App

Rider and Horse Info for Every Competitor. Via the CHIO Aachen App

The app will be tracking data live throughout the day about all the competitors, and spectators can follow right along. It will give information such as the horse and rider’s speed on course and details about their interaction with each jumping effort. This is made possible by specialized sensor devices around the course and presumably on the rider themselves.

The app is also the best way to get a course map and preview of each of the fences — The map is interactive, so you can zoom in and select a fence or minute marker to see a sketch and description.

CICO3* Course Map. Via the CHIO Aachen App.

CICO3* Course Map. Via the CHIO Aachen App.

Example of course preview. Via CHIO Aachen App.

Example of course preview. Via CHIO Aachen App.

We love seeing the worlds of technology and eventing evolve together, and we appreciate SAP and CHIO Aachen making this new gadget available to the masses!

While the data is ideally formatted for a phone or tablet, you can also follow along on your PC or desktop here. [TrackingMasterVPSports] You can download the app here. [CHIO Aachen for iOS] [CHIO Aachen for Android]

Go Eventing!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Jul 16, 2016 12:00 am -

A painted Fjord at CHIO Aachen Opening Ceremonies. Photo via CHIO Aachen Facebook. 

The Germans truly put on an unbelievable spectacle at Aachen every year, from opening ceremonies to flawless galloping turf. They ran several days of vaulting competition prior to the opening ceremonies, have been running several jumping and dressage classes each day, and now are hosting a truly thrilling and picturesque Eventing competition.

The crowds have been big and appreciative all week, and I also imagine that there’s a great deal of beer steins and brats going around in the stands, which is never a wrong way to enjoy a horse show.

#CHIOAachen: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Action:

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Riga Meadow H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

The Maryland HT and CIC at Loch Moy [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Ridge H.T. [Website] [Facebook]

Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & HT [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

US Show Jumping Team Ties for Silver in Aachen

The Quiet in the Crossties

National Farriers Week: A Day in the ‘Glamorous’ Life

Chagas Disease Confirmed in American Horse by Researchers

Saturday Video: Whatever this hilarious weird pony competition is at Opening Day of Aachen. I’m all in.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jul 10, 2016 12:00 am -
Chinch is riding a cloud of hot air. As per usual. Chinch is riding a cloud of hot air. As per usual.

Have you seen these new inflatable jumps from Légère Equestrian Equipment? Inflatable is all the rage now, and I can easily see why! You can use them as stand-alone fences or as fillers, they can withstand 1,400 pounds of impact weight (even after they’ve been patched) and they’re a cinch to move from place to place.

As someone who just spent last weekend moving a couple hundred poles and standards in and out of arenas for a show, I’m officially all for a universe where everything weighs exactly as much as air. Please, dear tiny Chinch gods, let that be a thing. From jump standards to ground poles, amen.

#GMI2016: Website, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

U.S. Weekend Action:

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website]

Old Chatham H.T. [Website]

The Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Great Meadow FEI Nations Cup CIC [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule]

Chattahoochee Hills Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Roebke’s Run H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

40th Annual Whidbey Island H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Round Top H.T. [Website]

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

 Sunday Links:

13 Spectacular Horse Trailer Living Quarters – Jumper Nation

Support the USET in Rio and Have a Shot at Some Autographed Swag

Valegro Returns as King With New Rio-Themed, 90% Freestyle Performance

Saddle Fit for the Rider an Often Overlooked Piece of the Puzzle

Sunday Video: MBSW Master Class with Lucy Wiegersma

 

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jul 3, 2016 12:00 am -
Carly Atkinson and Pearl Heart at Skyline Eventing Park Freedom Fest. Photo by Sydni Nusink. Carly Atkinson and Pearl Heart at Skyline Eventing Park Freedom Fest. Photo by Sydni Nusink.

This weekend the eventer once again became the organizer, and I had the privilege of working alongside some of the best horsemen in the American West to put on the Freedom Fest mini-event at the new Skyline Eventing Park in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Each event we put on, things go a little bit smoother, our roles become a little more defined and empowered, and every time we are more humbled that we get to open up this venue to such eager participants. It’s not always easy being an Area IX eventer or organizer, but it’s always a blast.

Best of all, we were able to share in the major Fourth of July Weekend festivities in the little town where our event is held, and we had several riders out to the support the rodeo Friday night, and plenty of townies and rodeo participants came out to support us, as well! We don’t always understand everything about each other, but we know passion and commitment when we see it. Basically America, guys. It’s the best.

U.S. Weekend Action

Horse Park of New Jersey I H.T. [Website] [Scoring/Results]

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

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Results/Ride Times]

Skyline Mini Event [Website] [Results]

Topline Show Park Back to Back Horse Trials II [Website] [Results]

Pine Hill Schooling H.T. [Website] [Results]

GMHA Starter Trials 2016 [Website] [Scoring/Results]

Wits End Horse Trials [Website] [Scoring/Results]

Sunday Links

‘I am happy to concede’: Mark Todd hands over most senior New Zealand Olympian crown

Event Horse on the British Long List Ruled Out for Rio with Injury

Take the Virtual Tour of this Fantasy Farm: $4.5 Million Somethin’ Somethin’ Near Paris

Cavalleria’s New Jacket That Has People Losing Their Minds

New Technology Allows for Improved Equine CT Scans

Sunday Video: The Girl & The Horse, a short film

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jun 26, 2016 12:00 am -
The incredibly historic and slightly musty Hunt Roster at Manhattan Saddlery. Photo by Lorraine Jackson The incredibly historic and slightly musty Hunt Roster at Manhattan Saddlery. Photo by Lorraine Jackson

If you’re ever feeling the horsey blues while vacationing in The Big Apple, the elixir is to make a stop at Manhattan Saddlery on the lower east side and check out one of the most historic and delightful tack stores in the United States. If their manager Jessie is around and you’re terribly nice, she might be willing to haul out the remarkable treasure seen above: a roll of hunts in the surrounding area from the early turn of the 20th century up into around the late 1960s. It includes fabric samples in the hunt’s colors so that riders could come in and order a custom-made coat. Just one of many other-wordly relics at this equine hot spot!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Inavale Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Honey Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Dutch Horses to be Sold After Rio Olympics

6 Reasons Adopting This Team of Belgians Basically Makes Me Daenerys Targeryen

Video: Men’s Sidesaddle

Lessons Learned: Beginner Nauseous … er, Novice

“Perfect storm” felled South America’s Ice Age mammals, including horses

Sunday Video: Tips for Calming Horse Show Nerves

German Team Announces Long List and Likely Squad for Rio Olympics

By on Jun 19, 2016 4:58 pm -
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry. Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The German Equestrian Federation has announced what it is calling its long list, but it’s quite specific in naming a four-person group as the likely candidates to represent Germany in Rio.

In what they are referring to as an inner circle of likely contenders, they have the following candidates:

  • Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo
  • Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST, fischerTakinou, or La Biosthetique Sam FBW
  • Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD
  • Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et

In addition, they have also nominated secondary candidates in groups of two:

Block 1:

  • Bettina Hoy with Designer
  • Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot
  • Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip

Block 2:

  • Claas Hermann Romeike with Cato
  • Andreas Dibowski with It’s Me xx

The team list will be finalized no later than July 17th, which is the deadline for submission designated by the Rio Olympics.

Go Germany, and Go Eventing!

 

Happy Father’s Day to Horse Dads Everywhere!

By on Jun 19, 2016 2:30 pm -

Maybe you’re a dad, maybe you’re a dedicated coach who has been a mentor and father figure to those who needed it. Maybe you’re a supportive Uncle, cousin, or friend. To all the men out there who make the impossibly difficult horse dreams come true for little girls and boys everywhere, we at Eventing Nation say thank you, and would now like to make you cry like a baby as you watch this video. (I was a complete loss at, “He claps for you when you get your lead, and when you don’t.”)

Happy Fathers Day!

German Dominance in Luhmühlen CIC3*: Sandra Auffarth Nabs Win, Canadians in the Top 15

By on Jun 19, 2016 12:15 pm -
Sandra Auffarth claims Luhmuhlen CIC3* win and German National Championship. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Sandra Auffarth claims Luhmuhlen CIC3* win and German National Championship. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo had a beautiful finish to their Luhmühlen weekend, winning the CIC3* and the German National Championship in flawless style on their dressage score of 32.70. The pair did not have a rail in hand as the final round of the day, but they could not be shaken from the top slot.

“We had a wonderful weekend with perfect conditions! The entire organisation could not have been better and I would like to thank Julia Otto and her team for making this event so special! “Sandra said. “Wolle was amazing all week – his dressage was very expressive and he was very motivated going round the cross country. Today he was concentrated and really fit, making my job very easy.”

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and her twelve-year-old gelding Horseware Hale Bob OLD also finished on their impressively low dressage score, keeping the pressure on Sandra throughout the phases and taking silver.

“I am very happy with Bobby this weekend. He was fabulous and consistent in all three disciplines, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Ingrid Klimke takes second in Luhmuhlen CIC3*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Ingrid Klimke takes second in Luhmuhlen CIC3*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It was a great weekend for Germany to demonstrate their dominance on the road to Rio, as they took two of the three podium spots in both the CIC3* and CCI4*. All this even while arguably their best rider, Michael Jung, wasn’t even competing. Sandra and Ingrid were also a couple rails ahead of their next nearest competitor in this division. The other teams will certainly have their work cut out for them at the Olympics later this summer.

Tim Lips of the Netherlands and Bayro N.O.P. were able to slide into third with their clear round in show jumping, finishing their weekend on a 43.5. Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof had been in third after cross country, but withdrew overnight.

“My horse is a brilliant jumper, he is bold and careful,” Tim told the media. “We had a great cross country round yesterday; Bayro was simply amazing! There is a little room for improvement in our dressage, but there is time yet until Rio. For me the most important thing was to have a positive experience here as Bayro is my first choice for the Olympics.”

In the national championship for Germany, Andreas Ostholt and Pennsylvania 26 came in fourth, making him the third-highest German rider and therefore clinching the bronze medal.

German Championship Bronze Medalist Andreas Ostholt. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

German Championship Bronze Medalist Andreas Ostholt. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

North Americans Finish Strong in CIC3* 

The Canadian contingent had a very strong showing today, both finishing in the top 15.

Kathryn Robinson and Let it Bee put in a superb double clear show jumping round to pop them up the leaderboard from fourteenth after cross country to finish ninth. Kathryn and her 15-year-old Westphalian gelding have been campaigning at the upper levels for several years, and this is another wonderful feather in their cap over a long and successful career (with no signs of slowing!) Congratulations, Kathryn!

Kathryn Robinson finishes ninth at Luhmuhlen. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Kathryn Robinson finishes ninth at Luhmuhlen. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master brought just one rail down this afternoon, moving them up one spot to finish in 11th place on a 61.5. Two solid jumping phases were able to move the veteran pair up ten slots altogether. A big congratulations to these two North American favorites, as well!

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master finish in eleventh place in Luhmuhlen CIC3*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master finish in eleventh place in Luhmuhlen CIC3*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Inspection Drama and Several Overnight Withdrawals

There was an unusually high number of horses withdrawn or who did not pass inspection at the CIC3* jog this morning. The following pairs presented, were sent to the holding box, and upon reinspection were not accepted:

  • Sara Breschi (ITA) and Midollino
  • Louise Harwood (GBR) and Balladeer Miller Man
  • Anne-Kristin Freese (GER) and Fame 152

Theo van de Vendel (NED) and Zindane were sent to the box as well, but passed the second jog.

There were also many pairs who opted not to jog this morning in addition to Karin Donckers and Fletcha:

  • Tim Lip’s second ride, Keyflow
  • Frida Andersen and Herta (who had been in ninth place overnight)
  • Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39 (15th overnight)

We have not received any further reports on the horses’ conditions, but we will update with any news. In the meantime, we wish all the horses and riders our best to be back in the game soon.

As we count down to Rio, German Chef d’Equipe Hans Melzer suggested that we’ll be getting an announcement on the final team soon. “All our riders did extremely well. We now have selected the pairs we would like to take to Rio and I am confident we have picked a strong team.” we should expect to hear something soon on the German eventing team selections, as well as a few other nations. Be sure to keep checking in with EN as we make our way toward the 2016 Summer Olympic Games!

Go Eventing.

Luhmühlen: Website, Orders of Go, CCI4* Live Scores, CIC3* Live Scores, Course Preview, FEI TV, Facebook, Twitter

Luhmühlen CIC3* Top Twenty Final:

top twenty cic3 eventingnation

 

Andreas Dibowski is Your Luhmühlen Winner, Boyd Martin Finishes in Top Ten

By on Jun 19, 2016 8:54 am -
Andreas Dibowski and It's Me xx are your Luhmuhlen CCI4* winners! Photo by Thomas Ix. Andreas Dibowski and It's Me xx are your Luhmuhlen CCI4* winners! Photo by Thomas Ix.

Andreas Dibowski and Itsy would not yield to the pressure of the stacked leaderboard beneath them, and put in a magnificent clear round to win as hometown favorites in the Luhmühlen CCI4* this morning. The long and meticulous four-star course was theirs for the taking, and a fresh and careful Itsy managed to leave the rails in the cups. 

“My team and I never thought this was possible! Itsy has been with us since he was four and it has been a real roller coaster ride ever since. He started out very promising as a youngster, but was then out due to injuries as a five and six year old. Since then we have been slowly building him up, however somewhat struggling with keeping on his shoes. Last year he really started to establish himself at three-star-level and this year he was constantly improving in all three disciplines. Here, he really presented himself at a whole new level!” On Friday he did the test of his life in the pouring rain, flying round the cross-country on Saturday and totally rocking the show jumping today.”

“He hasn’t got the biggest jump in him, yet he doesn’t seem to realize this. He was confident throughout every phase of this competition and we are massively proud of this tiny horse. Of course I was nervous before today’s show jumping, the pressure was on because we were all so close together, there was no room for errors and I knew the other horses would be very strong. However, Itsy seemed to grow in confidence in front of the crowd and he produced a fantastic round for me.”

Andreas Dibowski and Itsy on their victory lap. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Andreas Dibowski and Itsy on their victory lap. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Maxime Livio (FRA) and Qalao des Mers certainly didn’t make it any easier on the eventual winners, as they too put in a clear round and were the only pair ensuring that Andreas wouldn’t get a rail in hand. The pair finished on their dressage score, and were one of only two teams to do so today.

“I knew if I was doing everything right, we would have every chance at staying clear today, “Maxime told the press. “My horse is very bold and careful, and unless I mess up, he will do his best every time. This is actually only our second four-star-event; coming second twice is pretty amazing.”

Maxime Livio second in Luhmuhlen CCI4*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Maxime Livio second in Luhmuhlen CCI4*. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Another German managed to put in the clutch performance of a lifetime to nab the last spot on the podium: Four-star rookie Julia Krajewski and her ten-year-old Selle Francais gelding Samourai du Thot. They made their presence known on the world stage this weekend, and sealed the deal by putting in a much needed double clear show jumping round to pop above Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy to take third.

“He is simply amazing and I can’t stop smiling. I am so happy with how things went for us: he just got better and better,” a glowing Julia said at the press conference. “His dressage test was strong, but his cross-country was out of this world. He was confident and seemed to get better with every jump. In this mornings vet inspection, he moved like we had been on a hack and not round a four-star-cross-country-course yesterday. The show jumping seemed so effortless for my little fighter, Sam really left me speechless with his performance.”

Julia Krajewski takes third in first four-star appearance. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Julia Krajewski takes third in first four-star appearance. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Top Ten Finish for Boyd and Crackers

Our American hero Boyd Martin also finished his weekend in winning style with Crackers, having just a single rail down today. With only a handful of double clears today and both rails and time being a factor, their solid performance moved them from thirteenth to tenth place. We think you’ve officially shaken the Vicarage Vee, Boyd!

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack finish Luhmuhlen CCI4* in tenth place. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack finish Luhmuhlen CCI4* in tenth place. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The only other pair to finish on their dressage score were Andrew Nicholson and his unbearably handsome chestnut, Perfect Stranger. This is Andrew’s first first four-star since his accident, and it’s positively wonderful to see Andrew back in world class form. They finished the weekend in seventh place.

There were two withdrawals prior to dressage: Oliver Townend (GBR) and Black Tie, who had been sitting pretty in fourth place after cross country, and Emma Dougall (AUS) and Belcam Bear, who were in seventh. No word yet on the conditions of Black Tie or Belcam Bear, but we send them both our best wishes to be back at it soon.

The CIC3* show jumping ran immediately following the CCI4*, so we’ll be bringing you another report from Luhmühlen soon.

Go Eventing!

Luhmühlen: Website, Orders of Go, CCI4* Live Scores, CIC3* Live Scores, Course Preview, FEI TV, Facebook, Twitter

Luhmühlen CCI4* Top Twenty Results:

top twenty final cci4

 

See Winning XC Rounds from Hawley Bennett, Heather Morris, and Mia Farley from Copper Meadows

By on Jun 19, 2016 8:07 am -

Our friends at Ride On Video have released all the cross country rides from Copper Meadows last weekend, and not a moment too soon! We’re not only eager to see a handful of the winning rides from the big divisions, but it’s also a good glimpse at the new course that Copper Meadows has put into place, making it one of the premiere events in the region.

Heather Morris won the very competitive CIC3* Division on a final score of 49.9 with her mount, Charlie Tango. It’s an incredibly meaningful win for Heather to have Charlie back in top form after he contracted botulism at the end of last year, but it seems he fought back with a vengeance and is in better form than ever.

Mia Farley and Fernhill Fine Diamond wrapped up the open intermediate with a final score of 44.4 after this double clear round on cross country:

Hawley Bennett-Awad took the win on her brand new upper level mare JollyBo in the preliminary division, and they already look very comfortable together.  We can’t wait to see where this pair is headed in the future!

You can see all the videos from Copper Meadows by visiting Ride On Video’s Website, or by checking out their YouTube Channel.

[Results] [Copper Meadows Website] [Copper Meadows Facebook]

Go Eventing!