Maggie Deatrick

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By the Numbers: Texas Rose Advanced

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 27, 2015 9:00 am -

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Texas Rose Horse Park is running one of the few Advanced divisions not located on the East or West Coast this weekend. This is only the third year of putting on an Advanced during their March horse trials, and it’s been a bit of a mixed bag thus far.

In 2013, the intention was to run the Advanced to test the course prior to the Texas Rose Horse Park hosting the American Eventing Championships. Instead, a huge thunderstorm rolled in and inundated the course so badly that five of the original seven entries scratched before cross country. The remaining two entrants jumped clear, but with massive time penalties as they adjusted for the ground.

Last year, the cross country courses for all divisions were reportedly very similar to the championship level courses of the AECs the fall before. As a result, many who were using the early March course as either a move up or a new-to-the-level run were caught out by the difficulty. Of five Advanced entries, only one person completed the course and won the division despite two stops.

This year, there are once again only five entries. However, three of these entries are headed to Rolex next, one via The Fork next weekend. Between the unpredictability of this particular event and a high likelihood of withdrawals, I’m simply going to profile each of these riders instead of ranking them.

Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon at Red Hills CIC3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon: Ellen and Sir Oberon are perhaps the most experienced pair in the field. This pair was one of the two to complete this division in 2013 at their very first Advanced, and then spent the rest of the year placing in the top 15 at all four of their three-star attempts, including the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International.

They came out with a bang in 2014, placing third in a large Red Hills CIC3* division, but had a tough end to their first four-star before it even began after being spun at the first jog. Sir Oberon is headed to Rolex next, and after a slightly shaky start to 2015, Ellen will be looking for a smooth round in Texas on her home turf.

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino: Jacob Fletcher has been rising through the ranks for a while now, having dabbled in the Advanced and three-star levels with his previous mount, The Prof. He then moved to England for a year and rode with Kevin McNab and found Atlantic Domino while he was there.

Across the ocean, he and Atlantic Domino completed two CIC3* events plus a CCI3*, but came back still looking for a solid round across the country. After a blip at Red Hills, Jacob will be looking to give Atlantic Domino a confident, clear round to build on their experience.

Angela Grzywinksi and Novelle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Angela Grzywinski and Novelle: Angela and Novelle dabbled very lightly at Advanced starting in 2012, but made a concerted effort last year to become solid at the level. After starting to find their stride at the Rebecca Farm CIC3*, Angela based Novelle out west with Tamie Smith through the fall, and the pieces started to fall into place.

A solid competition season culminated in a top 10 finish at the Galway Downs CCI3*. These two have kept up their momentum this year, finishing 10th at Twin Rivers last month and are entered in the CIC3* at the Fork next week before they head to Lexington for Rolex.

Julie Norman and Consensus in the Hollow

Julie Norman and Consensus. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Julie Norman and Consensus: Julie and Consensus are the only four-star pair in the field, having completed Rolex last April on their first try. Julie won this event two years ago, competing Consensus in his second Advanced. She then went on to have solid finishes at Richland Park CIC3* and Fair Hill CCI3*.

In 2014, she prepped for Rolex with a top 10 finish at Red Hill CIC3*, before doing the CT here at Texas Rose. After Rolex, Julie gave Consensus time off throughout the fall, concentrating on her younger string. These two are also headed for Rolex again after finishing a solid prep run last month in the Red Hills Advanced.

Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III: Alyssa and Bliss are the youngest and greenest pair in the field, but that doesn’t preclude them from having a good round. This pair just completed their first Advanced at Twin Rivers last month in fine style. Prior to that, they placed fifth in the CIC2* at Fresno County and sixth in a large CCI2* division at Galway Downs last fall. This pair will be looking for a confidence building run to build on their foundation at this level.

By the Numbers: Galway Downs CIC3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 25, 2015 9:00 am -

James Alliston and Tivoli. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Galway Downs is lucky enough to host both the final three-star in the fall on the West Coast, as well as the first three-star in the spring. The event this weekend will be full of Rolex hopefuls, with several entrants already showing up on the Rolex entry list. Although a few of the West Coast Rolex entrants have already trekked east to take a shot at The Fork, there are still at least nine riders here that are headed to Kentucky.

The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-A, and it will be the first time this test has been ridden out west. The cross country course designer is Ian Stark and the show jumping course designer is Sarah Dubost.

TOP FIVE

1. James Alliston and Tivoli: James and his longtime partner Tivoli will be taking another crack at Rolex, but first are having another go at Galway Downs, where they have never placed worse than second at the three-star level. I don’t seem them breaking that streak this weekend.

Tivoli averages a 49.7 on the flat, which will be good enough for the top three. Tivoli typically show jumps clear over Sarah Dubost’s courses, but does average one time penalty. James made the time across Ian’s cross country course the last time he brought Tivoli to Galway, and if he holds the pattern here, he’ll walk home with the blue with a score just over 50.

Matt Brown and Happenstance at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Matt Brown and Happenstance: Matt Brown has a good shot for a one-two punch with his pair, but it’s his younger horse, Happenstance, that I think will finish better. This is Happenstance’s first CIC3* after winning his move-up to Advanced at Twin Rivers a month ago, and he has the potential to go two for two.

Happenstance scored the USEF equivalent of a 47.0 at Twin Rivers, which will put him in the lead if he replicates it. He did have a rail there, which would drop him down to second after the show jumping phase. If he makes time, as he did at Twin Rivers, he’ll put the pressure on Tivoli, with a score less than half a point behind.

3. Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF: Super Socks BCF was on a winning streak out west last year, and other than the CCI3* at Fair Hill, he hasn’t finished worse than fourth since his second Advanced start. That pattern should hold strong this weekend.

Super Socks BCF averages a 51.9 in the dressage phase, which will be good enough for top five. Typically, he does have one rail over Sarah Dubost’s courses, but will maintain or improve his placing on that. An average of 7.2 time penalties across Ian Stark’s cross country will bump him up to third, with a score in the low 60s.

Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

4. Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight: Jolie and GoodKnight are one of the more experienced pairs of the division, and are headed to Rolex next month. This is likely to be their final prep run before then, unless they send an entry in for Twin Rivers.

An average dressage score of 54.6 for this pair will have them in the top half after the first phase. GoodKnight does average one rail and one time penalty over Sarah Dubost’s courses, but a quick average of only 4.8 time penalties over Ian’s tracks will help them move up. They should finish in fourth with a score in the mid-60s.

5. Barb Crabo and Eveready: Barb and Eveready haven’t attempted Rolex since 2012, and 2009 before that, but after winning the CCI3* at Galway Downs last fall, they are ready to have another crack at it. Like Jolie and GoodKnight, this is their final entry on the West Coast, unless they chose to have a go at Twin Rivers in April.

Barb and Eveready have an overall average of 54.2 on the flat, but have trended closer to the 50 range lately. Eveready is quite careful, and usually has clear rounds in the show jumping, but tends towards three time penalties over Sarah’s courses. Ian Stark’s courses slow them down slightly from their typical pace, and they average 9.2 time penalties. A score just over mid-60s will set them up well for their four-star attempt next month.

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Jen McFall and High Times: Jen and High Times are yet another pair headed for Rolex. These two have been quietly but steadily improving in all three phases. In their two Advanced showings this year, they have scored eight and 10 points below their overall average.

Their average cross country time penalty score is in the double digits, but both runs in 2015 are only three seconds over optimum time. And recently, at Twin Rivers, they put in their first double clear in show jumping at this level. If Jen and High Times continue to put all three phases together, as they have done for the 2015 season thus far, they’ll be formidable not just here, but in Kentucky.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 25, 2015 12:01 am -

Matt Brown & Co. is headed to Galway, then east in their brand new rig! Photo via Matt Brown's FB page.

I’m pretty much bouncing up and down every day as more and more riders are appearing on the Rolex list. It’s so much fun to check throughout the name, as they add names periodically, instead of all at once. It’s like a treasure hunt! Every time a new name pops up, I feel like I won a prize.

Events Running Today

Stable View H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Morven Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop March II H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Four-star eventer Dani Evans is dealing with strangles. After discovering the disease in one of her young horses, Dani Evans was forced to quarantine her yard. The disease spread through all 14 horses in her yard, but all are recovering. In the meantime, she is still hoping to take her horses Raphael II and Smart Time to Bramham. [Four-star Eventer Shuts Yard]

Get to know Reggie better. Chronicle of the Horse has been publishing a series called Behind the Stall Door, and they have now worked their way around to an eventer! Buck Davidson’s Ballynoe Castle RM is profiled, and apparently likes carrots, but not apples. [Behind the Stall Door]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Chris Donovan talks the YRAP program and the Cross Border Challenge that took place at Sporting Days. Liz Halliday-Sharp updates us on her season based out of Ocala and how she is preparing for Rolex. [USEA Podcast]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Spring has finally sprung, and in comes the grass. Up here we sometimes have such a plethora of grass that the chubbier horses need a bit of a check on their intake. This muzzle is one of the best for staying put, and slows their grazing rather than stopping it. [SmartPak]

We may not be able to use callers during our dressage test, but count me out if they are all like this one!

Carolina International CIC3* Cross Country Live Updates

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 21, 2015 12:20 pm -

Farm Use Cascade

With the CIC2* complete, we are now waiting for the Carolina CIC3* to get underway. You can follow along here for (semi) live updates and click here to watch it live on USEF Network. If that’s not enough for you, you can also follow the EN Twitter handle @eventingnation.

Carolina Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Twitter] [Instagram]

CIC3* LIVE UPDATES:

Phillip Dutton is maintaining his lead on a 43.1 with I’m Sew Ready, but he doesn’t have much breathing room. His former protege Boyd Martin is hot on his heels with Master Frisky, who added nothing to his dressage score of 45.6 to move into second. Liz Halliday-Sharp will be out for redemption with Fernhill By Night, currently sitting in third on a 46.6. The top ten are all within ten points of the lead, so it’s still anyone’s game at this point.

One pair withdrew overnight, Ashley Johnson and Tactical Maneuver.

3:15 Phillip brings I’m Sew Ready over the final fence. He is reported to be double clear, so he is your winner!

3:14 I’m Sew Ready clear through the barn yard.

3:13 I’m Sew Ready jumps well through the final water.

3:14 Boyd and Master Frisky are double clear. All pressure now on Phillip.

3:12 Master Frisky is home clear. I’m Sew Ready puts an extra leg down in front of the wedge in the turning question, but Phillip sits cool.

3:11 Master Frisky has a very nice go through the final water while I’m Sew Ready is right there for the Stonehenge complex.

3:10 Phillip on course now with I’m Sew Ready and they are clear through Zoe’s Bank. Master Frisky is clear through the turning questions.

3:08 Andromaque is double clear. Fernhill By Night has a stop at the final corner at the last water, after being a bit on a half stride. Master Frisky is clear through Stonehenge.

3:06 Andromaque is home clear. Fernhill By Night is picking up the pace now. Master Frisky is on course with Boyd Martin. Fernhill By Night takes the flag at the corner at the turning question while Master Frisky is clear through Zoe’s Bank.

3:05 Andromaque is clear through the final water. Fernhill By Night very straight through Stonehenge.

3:03 Cyrano is clear over the last fence. Andromaque is clear through the turning although the flag over the corner comes down. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night have a very steady ride through Zoe’s Bank.

3:02 The circle was not penalized for RF Demeter, but cost her a double clear. Andromaque is very clever with her legs through Stonehenge after a tight distance to the in. Cyrano is clear through the final water.

3:00 On the replay, it appears that Marilyn was aimed at the wrong fence and had to pull a circle to get to the correct table. Andromaque jumps Zoe’s Bank slightly right of center and Will Faudree takes out a flag with a foot.

2:59 Cyrano clear through Stonehenge while RF Demeter is clear through the final water. It appears she may have circled before the table after the water.

2:58 Cyrano takes Zoe’s Bank very easily. Will Faudree and Andromaque are on course.

2:57 Michael Pollard and Cyrano on course now. RF Demeter clear through the turning question.

2:56 RF Demeter is a cool customer through Stonehenge.

2:55 Marilyn Little is back with RF Demeter. They look super smooth through Zoe’s Bank.

2:54 Copper Beech is clear through the final fence.

2:51 Arthur and Allison Springer jump well through Zoe’s Bank, while Copper Beech is clear through the turning question. Arthur spooks at a spectator on a gallop and Allison falls off. She is reported to be fine and walking. Copper Beech is clear through the final water.

2:50 Copper Beech keen to the steeplechase fence.

2:48 Copper Beech is strong through Zoe’s Bank, then has an awkward jump over the table in the first water and lands his hind end on it.

2:47 Copper Beech and Buck Davidson now on course.

2:43 Meadowbrook’s Scarlett looks great through the final water, clear through the barn yard complex, and is home clear over the final fence.

2:42 Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy are also double clear.

2:41 Meadowbrook’s Scarlett has no issues through the turning question.

2:40 Bellamy clear through the barn yard complex and home over the final fence.

2:39 Bellamy clear through the turning cabin skinnies. Fernhill Fugitive is double clear. Bellamy clings to the bank of the bounce a bit, but no issues through the final water.

2:38 Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett are clear through Zoe’s Bank.

2:37 Fernhill Fugitive hops flat footed into the final water, then sticks a bit over the center element but rides out okay.

2:36 Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy are on course, and despite a bit of a chip at the cabin, they jump out of Zoe’s Bank cleanly. Fernhill Fugitive clear through the turning questions.

2:35 Crackerjack clear over the barn yard complex and over the final fence.

2:33 Fernhill Fugitive and Phillip Dutton make quick work of the Stonehenge complex while Crackerjack jumps nimbly through the final water complex.

2:32 Crackerjack knocks a flag on the corner of the turning question, but jumps clear.

2:30 Sound Prospect cuts the turn to the corner on the final water a bit, but Allie sticks tight and makes it work.

2:29 Anna Bella is home clear, while Boyd Martin and Crackerjack are on course. Crackerjack rides right down and over Zoe’s Bank angles.

2:28 Anna Bella clear and easy through the final water. Sound Prospect clear at Stonehenge.

2:26 Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect now on course. Sound Prospect looks ready to go through Zoe’s Bank.

2:25 Collection Pass clear through the turning cabin skinnies. Anna Bella steadies for the three at Stonehenge. Collection Pass clear through the final water.

2:23 Walterstown Don is home over the final table. Kurt Martin and Anna Bella make Zoe’s Bank look so easy.

2:22 Collection Pass has no problem through the Stonehenge, while Walterstown Don picks his way carefully through the final water.

2:20 Walterstown Don has no problems through the turning question. Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass have a good jump over the table in the first water.

2:19 Walterstown Don is perfect through Stonehenge while Pebbly Maximus has an easy time through the final water.

2:18 Walterstown Don and Michael Pollard make Zoe’s Bank look like a gymnastic.

2:17 Can’t Fire Me is clear through the final water. Pebbly Maximus take a long stride to the steeplechase fence.

2:16 Ballynoe Castle RM is double clear. Pebbly Maximus clear through Stonehenge.

2:14 Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus now on course. They have an excellent ride through Zoe’s Bank. Becky Holder is clear through the turning question.

2:13 To no one’s surprise, Ballynoe Castle RM has a perfect round through the final water. Can’t Fire Me is straight and clean through Stonehenge.

2:12 Becky Holder and Can’t Fire Me now on course. Karen just told a lovely story of Buck as a two year old in a horse bucket full of water. Can’t Fire Me has a couple of very hard rubs behind over the angles at Zoe’s Bank after Becky goes for the open stride.

2:11 Ballynoe Castle RM straight as an arrow through Stonehenge.

2:10 Ballynoe Castle RM jumps through Zoe’s Bank (the cabin to angles) as the old pro that he is.

2:06 Ballyonoe Castle RM out on course with Buck. Never OutFoxed is the fifth double clear of the day…that makes three in a row!

2:04 Never OutFoxed looking very bold through the turning question. Cover Rights is the fourth double clear of the day. Never OutFoxed looks beautiful through the final water, but gets slightly tight to the corner on the out.

2:02 Covert Rights hesitates hard on the bounce into the final water, but Colleen gives him an encouraging ride through the rest of the complex.

2:01 Fernhill Cubalawn is the third double clear of the day.

1:59 Holly Payne and Never OutFoxed quick and clear over the first complex of the cabin to angles.

1:58 Covert Rights has a great ride through Stonehenge, while Fernhill Cubalawn makes easy work of the final water and barn yard complex.

1:57 Fernhill Cubalawn easily tackles the turning question. Covert Rights taps a few fences, but has no problem with Colleen Rutledge guiding him through the cabin to angles.

1:56 Fernhill Cubalawn perfect through the Stonehenge.

1:54 Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn are now out on course. Make the cabin to angles look like a gymnastic.

1:52 Coal Creek makes it clear through final water after a very sticky bounce.

1:50 Coal Creek is solid through the turning question.

1:49 Lizzie Snow looks solid through the Stonehenge complex.

1:48 Coal Creek and Lizzie Snow look fantastic through the cabin to angles. Cleverly has a runout at the corner on the turning question and Taryn Nolte retires.

1:46 Cleverly fights a bit through the turn to Stonehenge, but jumps through boldly.

1:44 Anthony Patch is foot perfect through the final water. Taryn Nolte and Cleverly have no problems through the first cabin to angles complex.

1:43 Anthony Patch makes quick work of the turning questions, then the turning cabin skinnies.

1:40 Anthony Patch and Laine Ashker skip through the cabin to the angles after a slightly awkward jump at the cabin. Kelecyn Cognac hangs a leg on the out over the corner on the final water and Waylon Roberts is tossed off. Horse and rider both appear to be fine.

1:39 Doesn’t Play Fair makes the four in the barn yard complex and are clear over the final element.

1:38 Doesn’t Play Fair runs well through the final water, while Kelecyn Cognac makes easy work of Stonehenge.

1:36 Doesn’t Play Fair is galloping on out on the racecourse. Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac jump smoothly through the cabin to the angles.

1:34 Petite Flower goes fantastically through the final water. Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair are confident and clean through the cabin to the angles. Kate Chadderton was withdrawn VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Doesn’t Play Fair strong but clear through Stonehenge. Petite Flower is home quick.

1:33 Petite Flower looks full of run on the infield. Buck sends her confidently on through the turning cabin skinnies.

1:32 Fernhill Fortitude looking very professional through the final complex and gallop confidently down to the final fence.

1:31 Petite Flower keen through Stonehenge, Fernhill Fortitude have no issues through the final water.

1:30 Buck Davidson sends Petite Flower on through the cabin to angles, and she responds beautifully.

1:29 McLovin is clear through the barn yard complex, over the final table.

1:27 Fernhill Fortitude quite game through Stonehenge. McLovin spot on through the final water.

1:26 Viola clear through the barn yard complex. Fernhill Fortitude and Jenny Caras clear through the cabin to the angles.

1:25 McLovin straight and clear through Stonehenge. Viola clear through the turning cabin skinnies, then makers her way through the final water.

1:24 Ryan Wood and McLovin bunny hop over the first angle and packs a tiny second stride into the one stride. Viola twists over a table but Erin stays put.

1:23 Shame on the Moon clear through the barn yard complex, then over the final fence.

1:22 Shame on the Moon clear through the final water, Viola moves forward to make the three in Stonehenge.

1:20 RF Quarterman clear through the final fence. Erin Freedman and Viola add a stride before the first angle after a missed stride, and then sticks another stride into the one stride to make the distance work.

1:18 RF Quarterman pings through the bounce then trots a bit in the final water while Shame on the Moon is straight through Stonehenge.

1:16 RF Quarterman over the steeplechase fence. Shame on the Moon and Emily Beshear out now. RF Quarterman good through the turning question. Shame on the Moon a touch off the distance in the angles but makes up the distance in the air. The has a big reach over the table in the water.

1:15 RF Quarterman straight through the Stonehenge.

1:13 RF Quarterman now on course. RF Quarterman a bit off the distance of the final element of the angles, but Marilyn holds her line and he jumps awkwardly over.

1:12 Allison Springer and Mr. Sydney Rocks on course. After a bit of a loft at the first of the angles, Mr. Sydney Rocks can’t quite makes the distance, hesitates, and runs out, popping Allison off over his shoulder. Allison is walking off the course, the horse appears to be fine as well.

1:10 Shiraz a bit awkward through the final water but gets it done. Kevin Keane parts ways with Fernhill Flutter at the out of the Stonehenge after almost leaving out a stride. Kevin is walking off the course, reports say Flutter is caught and fine. Shiraz through the final fence.

1:09 Shiraz very confident through the turning combo, Colleen working to have some input. Fernhill Flutter and Kevin Keane look as professional as any through the cabin to angles.

1:08 Shiraz surprises Colleen by leaving out a stride to the steeplechase fence. The Apprentice clear through the final fence.

1:07 Luckaun Quality posts the second double clear of the day. Shiraz straight as an arrow through Stonehenge, The Apprentice is clear through the final water.

1:06 Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz speeding up the hill. Shiraz so confident through the cabin to angles and angles that he could probably jump himself.

1:05 Luckaun Quality jumps through the final barnyard complex well, clear over the last.

1:04 Luckaun Quality is foot perfect through the final water. The Apprentice lofts over the out element of Stonehenge.

1:02 Fernhill Classic clear through the barnyard. Buck Davidson and The Apprentice clear through the cabin to angles.

1:01 Luckaun Quality straight as an arrow through the Stonehenge. Fernhill Classic keen through the bounce at the second water. Hallie Coon has withdrawn Namasate.

12:59 Timothy Bourke and Luckaun Quality jump easily and confidently through the first combination. Ziggy is the first double clear of the day.

12:57 Ziggy drops carefully through the bounce at the final water, then jumps cleverly over the center element after an awkward distance. Fernhill Classic clear through the Stonehenge while Ziggy crosses the finish.

12:56 Ziggy jumps beautifully in the outfield over the gallop fences. Karen O’Connor uses the term ‘groovy unit’ to describe the horse. Ryan Wood and Fernhill Class make the cabin to angles look like a gymnastic.

12:55 Andrew hustles Ziggy for the three in Stonehenge and they jump the wide part of the corner, taking out the flag.

12:54 Andrew McConnon and Ziggy add a little chip to the cabin on the top of the hill, but hustle to the angles and jump out beautifully. Ziggy lofts over the fence in the first water. Santino across the finish.

12:53 Santino comes to the barnhouse complex and has no issue. Headed to the final fence.

12:52 Santino clear over the turning cabins, then keen through the final water.

12:50 Buckharo home over the final fence. Santino full of run on the infield.

12:49 Buckharo a bit behind the leg in the final water, but gets it done.

12:48 Holly Payne and Santino make quick work of the cabin to angles. Buckharo adds a stride to the corner in the turning question. Santino has an awkward leap over the fence in the first water but no issues. Stonehenge is then no problem for Santino.

12:47 Ballingowan Pizazz knocks a flag over the skinny on the final combo, but clear through the last fence.

12:46 Ballingowan Pizazz looks like a pro through the bounce into the final water.

12:45 Buckharo on course with Kate Chadderton. Buckharo gets an awkward distance to the first element of the angles and can’t get out over the B element. Jumps cleanly upon re-presentation. Then jumps clear through the first water.

12:44 Ballingowan Pizazz jumping out of stride on the racecourse. Pancho Villa over the final fence.

12:43 Pancho Villa is dead on through a set of cabins. Ballingowan Pizazz has no issues through Stonehenge. Pancho Villa clear through the final water.

12:42 Ballingowan Pizazz coming eagerly through the hut to angles combo.

12:41 Pancho Villa galloping easily over the fences on the racecourse, Phillip and Seams Ready cleanly through the final combination.

12:39 Pancho Villa straight through the Stonehenge, Seams Ready clear through the final water.

12:38 Pancho Villa nicely through the hut to angles. Seams Ready easily through the treeline to a brush corner. Ballingowan Pizazz out on course with Michael Pollard.

12:37 Seams Ready galloping fences easily out of stride.

12:36 Seams Ready easy through Stonehenge.

12:34 Seams Ready looks calm and cool as he goes clear through the cabin to angled cabins, then smoothly through the first water.

12:33 CIC3* is underway! Phillip Dutton and Seams Ready are on course.

10:18 Lisa Barry has withdrawn F.I.S. Prince Charming, per her Facebook.

Carolina International CIC2* Cross Country Live Updates

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 21, 2015 10:15 am -

Photo via EN's Instagram

In a few minutes, the Carolina CIC2* will get underway. You can follow along here for (semi) live updates in the 2*, and later on the CIC3*. If that’s not enough for you, you can also follow the EN Twitter handle @eventingnation.

Carolina Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Twitter] [Instagram]

CIC2* LIVE UPDATES:

Marilyn is on a roll with RF Scandalous, and they currently lead the division on their dressage score of 38.6. Ryan Wood and Powell aren’t too far behind, with a clear show jump round moving them up to second on 44.4 and Phillip Dutton sits right behind with Mighty Nice with a 44.7 after another clear round.

12:22 Carlevo crosses the finish, and the CIC2* is now complete! Tune in later for the CIC3*.

12:21 Carlevo hesitates off the bank in the final water, but gets it done. RF Scandalous gets 1.6 time penalties, which will give her another FEI win!

12:20 RF Scandalous over the final fence. Carlevo goes well through the three stride brush combination.

12:19 Carlevo has a runout at the second fence of the Stonehenge. RF Scandalous jumps well through the final water.

12:18 Buck Davidson and Carlevo on course, clear through the bank complex, then easily through the first water. RF Scandalous balloons over first element and bank complex and makes the second element work.

12:16 Powell looks great through the final water. RF Scandalous easily through the Stonehenge.

12:14 Powell tight in three through the brush combo. RF Scandalous and Marilyn Little clear through the bank complex.

12:13 Powell clear through the Stonehenge. Mighty Nice easily through the final water.

12:11 Mighty Nice galloping easily by the racecourse. Powell looks good through the bank complex. Mighty Nice jumps through the infield brush combination easily.

12:10 Ryan Wood and Powell now on course

12:09 Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice look fantastic through Stonehenge, but are being held now. Elena and Zipp are reported to be fine, Elena is up and walking.

12:07 Effervescent clear through the final water. Elena has apparently fallen from Zipp, we will bring you an update as soon as we know anything.

12:05 Zipp and Elena Hengel quick and easy through the bank complex and first water. They look like pros through Stonehenge.

12:03 Caeleste looks to be going very well for Will Faudree. Caroline Martin and Effervescent have a glance off at the Stonehenge.

12:02 Caeleste smooth through Stonehenge. Ringfort Tintaturk has a determined ride through the final water.

11:59 Will Faudree back with Caeleste. Kylie Dermody and Da Vinci Code clear through the final water complex.

11:56 Long Island T has a runout at the Stonehenge, jumps clear on second attempt. Faolon direct at the final combination. Ringfort Tinkaturk clear through the first water and Stonehenge.

11:55 Obos O’Reilly looks like a cool customer through the final water. Peter Barry and Long Island T ride clear through the bank complex and first water.

11:54 Ian Roberts and Faolan have a sudden runout at the second part of the Stonehenge.

11:52 Obos O’Reilly tidy through Stonehenge. Buck Davidson and Be Mine galloping fences out of stride. Stutters a little dropping back into the water at the final fence but Buck rides him through it.

11:49 Athlone Antone keen and strong through the final water. Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly smoothly through the bank complex and handily through the first water.

11:47 Can Ya Dig It clever through the final water. Athlone Antone making a move through the brush jumps in the infield.

11:46 Athlone Antone clear through the bank and first water. Penelope trips badly on the bank out of water, but Jennie sits tight and they navigate through clear.

11:45 Can Ya Dig It has a wonderful go through Stonehenge. Allison Springer out on Athlone Antone. Penelope galloping easily near the racecourse.

11:43 Mr. Medicott absolutely perfect through the final water. Can Ya Dig It clear through the first water and bank complex.

11:42 Mr. Medicott looks great through the infield. Top Gun trots a portion of the final water but is clear.

11:41 Mr. Medicott smooth like butter through Stonhenge. Jennie Jarnstrom and Penelope on course.

11:40 RF Fantastique comes home to the final fence. Mr. Medicott makes the bank complex and the first water look like cake.

11:39 Mr. Medicott blasts out of the start box. RF Fantastique a bit quiet and trips up the bank at the final water, but is honest and gets it done.

11:36 Top Gun never in doubt through the Stonehenge.

11:35 Anita Nemtin-Gilmour and RF Fantastique a bit wiggly through the Stonehenge, but no problems. Another pause for Hap at the top of the final water complex but jumps off.

11:34 Kilrodan Abbott pauses for quite a while at the top of the bank in the final water, but jumps off with some encouragement. Top Gun adds an extra stride before the bank but jumps neatly through with Sinead Halpin.

11:32 Tiffani Loudon-Metze gives Hap some encouragement through the first water, but then smoothly through Stonehenge.

11:30 Marley Stone Bourke and Kilrodan Ambassador look phenomenal through the Stonehenge. Lup the Loop takes the gallop fences easily, neatly through the final water.

11:29 DA Adirmo calmly through the infield. He trots a few steps through the final water, but Buck does his thing and jumps smoothly out.

11:27 Tops looks great through the infield brush combo. Kyle Dermody and Lup the Loop confidently over the bank complex and smoothly through the first water. Tops hops handily through the final water.

11:26 Buck and DA Adirmo clear through the bank complex. They then make quick work of the first water as Buck hails a cab.

11:25 Tops has a glance off at the second element of the Stonehenge.

11:24 Atlanta B a bit sticky through the final water, but goes no problem. Tops clear through the first water.

11:23 Nicole Doolittle and Tops headed out on course. Sarah Kuhn and Atlanta B had a runout at Stonehenge while Tops makes easy work of the bank complex.

11:21 Allie and The Dark Mark ride well through the final water. Now headed to the finish.

11:20 Daniela and Cecelia in a bit of a hurry through the final water but clear. Brings Cecilia back to the final fence quite nicely.

11:19 Rachel Wilks just finished with River King, while Daniela and Cecilia jumping the galloping fences out of stride.

11:18 Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark look confident and smooth through the bank complex and the first water.

11:17 Daniella and Cecilia very tidy through Stoneheng in four. River King looking confident through the gallop fences.

11:16 Get Ready looks keen and clear through the final water, then making the last combination look easy.

11:14 Rachael Wilks and River King soft and easy through the bank complex. Tight Lines really making Will work for it through the final water.

11:13 Phillip Dutton and Get Ready nice and strong through Stonehenge. Tight Lines jumping through the brush lines so big that the distance becomes tight.

11:12 Spring Easy hesitates slightly off the bank at the final water but makes it clear. Caroline pushing him for time.

11:10 Spring Easy looking easy through the infield fences. Will Coleman circling at Stonehenge at the B element.

11:09 No Remorse currently jumping nicely through the brush jumps in the infield. Will Coleman and Tight Lines clear through the bank complex while No Remorse navigates the final water quite well.

11:08 The bank complex is riding very well. SBF Cortez looking like a total pro through the final water.

11:07 No Remorse full of running and trying to tell Buck that. They have a great go through the Stonehenge.

11:05 SBF Cortez lovely through Stonehenge, Buck and No Remorse fighting Buck through the bank complex.

11:04 SBF Cortez and Boyd Martin look experienced through the bank complex. Kylie Dermody clear through the final water.

11:03 Very sticky ride through through the final water for Nobie Cannon but clear.

11:02 Femme Fatale straight and clear through the bank complex, but have a little peak at the first water, adding strides but going clear.

11:01 Qorry Blue D’Argouges full of run at the end. Runout at the Stonehenge for Kylie Dermody as just the horse runs on by. Jordan Thompson and Femme Fatale on course.

11:00 Qorry Blue D’Argouges smooth through galloping fences. Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove have a stop at five, but good through the Stonehenge.

10:57 Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges have a smooth go through the first ride. Jan Byyny and Duke of Diamond tight to the out of the final water but get it done.

10:55 Airlington looks good through the gallop stretch. Has a lovely ride through the final water.

10:54 Michael Pollard and Tsetserleg out on course, clear through the first two. Jan Byyny also on course and clear through the bank complex.

10:52 Airlington packs an extra stride into the one stride at the first water, but makes it through. Follows it up with a great ride through Stonehenge.

10:51 Lauren Kieffer, now commentating, says the footing is perfect. Airlington rides confidently up the bank complex.

10:50 Airlington and Emily Petl-Dimmitt out on course. Carmac has a good ride through the final water. Renaissance is double clear.

10:49 Unfortunately Lillian Heard and Arundel part ways after a misjudged distance at the Stonehenge. Lillian is walking off the course.

10:48 Renaissance has a good run through the final water. Arundel has a good ride through the first water.

10:47 Lillian Heard and Arundel on course. Center Stage had 12 time penalties, no jump penalties.

10:45 Daniel Moguela and Carmac out on course. Quasar confirmed with clear jumping, 2.4 time penalties. Run-out for Carmac at fence five, a corner combination.

10:44 Renaissance clear through the bank complex. Center Stage careful but clear through the final water.

10:43 Renaissance and Liz Riley begin the course. Center Stage entering the galloping stretch.

10:42 Quasar almost leaves a leg off the bank at the final water but Buck sits tight, no problem.

10:41 Pfun appears to be home provisionally clear. Caroline survives as sticky moment in Stonehenge.

10:40 Caroline Martin and Center Stage now out on course.

10:38 Quasar lovely through Stonehenge. Pfun looks full of run through final water.

10: 37 Buck and Quasar now out on course.

10:36 And we’re on! Will Faudree first out on course on Pfun.

By the Numbers: Carolina International Advanced

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 20, 2015 9:00 am -

Lillian Heard and Share Option. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Not to be outdone by the CIC3*, the Advanced at Carolina International was a hefty enough division that it ended up being split in two. The Advanced does have a much higher proportion of young horses, but balances that out with a couple of WEG horses, several horses aimed at Rolex and a couple of Pan Ams hopefuls.

Looking at last year’s results, Carolina is shaping up to be an event where time is king. The winner of both the CIC3* and the Advanced last year finished on their dressage score, and several others made optimum time, or close to it. Many of the more experienced horses who are taking their first run of the year will possibly not be pressing for time, taking them out of the upper placings. Others will be flexing their muscles for the first time at this level, after a couple of early runs this season.

For both divisions of the Advanced, the dressage test will be 2014 USEF A-B. The cross country course designer is Hugh Lochore, and the show jumping course designer is Marc Donovan.

TOP FOUR DIVISION A

1. Lillian Heard and Share Option: Lillian is bringing her four-star partner out for the first time this year. These two had a cracking round at Carolina last year, and a similar effort should help set them up for a win.

Share Option averages a 38.8 on this particular dressage test, which means he won’t be among the leaders after the flat. He’s very careful in the show jumping ring and tends to jump Marc Donovan’s courses double clear, which should push him up the rankings. Lillian and Share Option had only 0.8 time penalties in their only attempt at a Hugh Lochore course. This should nab them the win, with a score just under forty.

Michael Pollard and Mensa. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Michael Pollard and Mensa G: Michael and Mensa G make a formidable team, and in their last start, they won the Richland Hills CIC3*. Michael chose to let Mensa sit out the fall, but has brought him back out for a spring season.

Michael and Mensa G have a bit of an affinity for this test, with an average of 30.6 penalties. They’ll be right up with the leaders after the first phase, but typically have one rail over Marc Donovan’s show jumping course. An average pace of 8.8 time penalties across the country will drop them down slightly. They should finish in second with a score in the low 40s.

3. Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail: Zach Brandt brought his partner Cavallino Cocktail out for a run in mid-February, and based off that run decided to aim for Rolex. This weekend will be a good course to confirm their aptitude for tackling a four star.

Zach and Cavallino Cocktail have an average of 37.4 when performing this test, which will keep them out of the top initially. They have averaged one rail over Marc Donovan’s courses, but should maintain or improve their standing with that. This mare is very quick across the country, and while she hasn’t seen a Hugh Lochore course yet, she averages only 5.6 time penalties. A quick round will help them move up to third, with a score in the mid to high forties.

4. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica: While Lauren and Veronica are certainly capable of running fast and clear across the country, Lauren often chooses to take a slower pace and save the quick runs for the CCIs. With a win already under their belt at Red Hills, Lauren will possibly pick a pace closer to their average and save the fast performance for Rolex.

Veronica scores an average of 30.8 penalties on this test, which is a bit better than her typical average. She is another who averages out to one rail rounds over Marc’s courses, but will likely hold her placing anyways. A more sedate pace to match her average of 14.4 time penalties across Hugh’s cross country courses will drop her down to fourth, with a score just under fifty.

TOP FOUR DIVISION B

Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville. Photo by Jenni Autry.

1. Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville: This is the first time we will see Manoir de Carneville out at this level since the World Equestrian Games, and I do not expect they will disappoint. Sinead will be looking for a good run as they prepare for another go at Rolex.

Tate averages a 30.8 in dressage, but has laid down a score as low as 23.8 on this particular test. These two historically do have a rail over Marc Donovan’s courses, which could drop them down a touch. But a quick round with only 3.2 time penalties over Hugh Lochore’s course could bump them back up to the win with a score in the low to mid thirties.

2. Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries: Erin and her reigning USEA Horse of the Year are back on the scene, with an entry for Rolex already on the books. After a top-10 finish at Pau last fall, they’ll be looking for a good round to set them up for a similar placing at Rolex.

Erin and No Boundaries definitely prefer this dressage test, with an average of 33.8, a few points better than their typical performance. A one rail round over Marc Donovan’s courses is typical for this pair. However, a quick round with only 6.4 time penalties over Hugh Lochore’s course will keep them in the ribbons with a score in the mid forties.

3. Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley: Liz Halliday-Sharp is fresh off a second place finish at Red Hills with this lovely gray. With an entry for Rolex already listed, Liz will be looking to maintain the momentum going into the late spring.

Liz is another who has some great dressage chops, and HHS Cooley is no slouch himself, averaging 30.4 penalties when he performed this test at Pine Top. He’s also jumped a double clear over a Marc Donovan course before, when he came across the pond to contest the CCI3* at Galway Downs. Recently, he jumped clear with 14.4 time penalties over Hugh Lochore’s Red Hills course, but could easily pick up the pace here. If he matches his Red Hills pace, he’ll slide into third, with a score less than a point behind No Boundaries.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

4. Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless: Fernhill Fearless is another face we haven’t seen since WEG, and it will be good to watch him out on an Advanced course again. Kim hasn’t yet announced what he is aimed for this spring, but a good run here will set him up for success later on.

Fernhill Fearless is fairly proficient with this dressage test, averaging a 33.7. While he is a very careful jumper, he does tend to have a rail when jumping over a Marc Donovan course. In 2013, Kim and Fernhill Fearless ran clear at this venue with only 7.2 time penalties across Hugh’s cross country course. If they can match that performance, they will be breathing down Liz’s neck with a score less than half a point behind.

By the Numbers: Poplar Place CIC3* and Advanced

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 19, 2015 9:00 am -

Julie Richards and Beaulieu’s Cayenne. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Carolina has a bunch of heavy hitters running this weekend, but let’s not forget that Poplar is also running a CIC3* and Advanced. The fields are a bit smaller and generally less experienced at Poplar, but there are still a few experienced pairs competing in Georgia this weekend.

We’ll see fourteen pairs contesting the CIC3* and nine in the Advanced. Poplar can be very hit or miss, with some years causing quite a few issues on their course, so this weekend will be a big test for the horses coming off their first Advanced at Rocking Horse or Pine Top, in either division.

For the CIC3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-A, which means the horses coming from Red Hills will have prior experience. The Advanced dressage test is 2014 USEF A-A, considered the harder of the two USEF tests. The cross country course designer is Tremaine Cooper and the show jumping course designer is Jan Brodkin.

TOP FIVE CIC3*

1. Julie Richards and Beaulieu’s Cayenne: Julie has a couple of live ones with her pair, and while Urlanmore Beauty may have taken the title at Fair Hill CCI2*, I think Beaulieu’s Cayenne will come out on top at her first CIC3*. The mare has one official Advanced under her belt, as well as a good go at the Wellington Showcase, but this will be the first real test for her this year.

Beaulieu’s Cayenne averages the equivalent of a 54.8 thus far, putting her in the top five after dressage. She hasn’t had a rail or time penalty in two rounds of jumping, but hasn’t seen a course by Jan Brodkin yet. A clear round in Wellington along with a quick round at Pine Top means an average of only 1.4 time penalties across the country, but her first look at a Tremaine Cooper course will probably slow her down quite a bit.

If Julie can help the mare meet her average in time penalties, they’ll finish in first on a score in the mid-fifties. Even if they add some additional time penalties, they could still end up in the top placings.

2. Leslie Law and Tout de Suite: Leslie is back at the Advanced level, this time with Tout de Suite. This horse is another who just ran his first Advanced, this time at Rocking Horse.

Leslie Law and Tout de Suite. Photo by Randy Traynor.

Tout de Suite scored the equivalent of a 51.5 at Rocking Horse, and Leslie is likely to equal or better that this weekend. He did have a rail over Jan Brodkin’s Rocking Horse show jump course. While Leslie had a quick round and picked up only two time penalties, this is another pair likely to be slowed down by Tremain’s XC course.

As above, a duplication of the quick cross country round will have this pair in second with a score in the mid to high fifties, but even additional time penalties could secure a top placing.

3. Julie Richards and Urlanmore Beauty: Julie is likely to walk out with two top placings, as her gelding Urlanmore Beauty is equally as capable as his stablemate. A little better on the flat, a little slower across the country thus far has him placing just a bit below Beaulieu’s Cayenne.

Urlanmore Beauty has thus far averaged the equivalent of a 53.0 in dressage, which should nab him third place after the first phase. A careful show jumper, he has averaged no rails and one time penalty in his two attempts at this level. A touch slower ride for Julie, he has averaged 5.4 time penalties, but will again be slowed by Tremaine’s course.

Look for this pair in third with a score just under sixty if they can maintain their average place.

4. Elinor MacPhail and RF Eloquence: Ellie and and RF Eloquence are currently on the entry list for Rolex, but still need another CIC3* to qualify. They will look to accomplish that this weekend, after a rider fall kept them from completing the Red Hills CIC3*.

RF Eloquence is the only horse in the field with a dressage average under fifty, but scored a 52.5 on this test two weeks ago. The gelding does trend towards a rail with two time penalties over Jan Brodkin’s courses. However, these two are very consistent over Tremaine Cooper’s courses, with no jump penalties in five attempts and an average of 13.6 time penalties. They should nab fourth with a score in the low seventies, but could end up higher if other pairs slow down drastically.

5. Kyle Carter and Madison Park: Kyle is back with his old partner Madison Park, after withdrawing him from the CIC3* at Red Hills following the devastating loss of his stablemate, Conahy’s Courage. kyle will be looking for a solid round from his old campaigner as he prepares for the spring CCIs.

Madison Park scored a 55.8 on this test two weeks ago, which is close to his overall average. He favors Jan Brodkin’s courses, averaging double clear over them. Kyle does take him a bit slower over Tremaine Cooper’s cross country designs than he typically goes, accruing an average of 16.4 time penalties. These two will be breathing down Ellie’s neck, with a score less than a point behind for fifth.

TOP FOUR ADVANCED

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Jenni Autry.

1. Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato: Jordan has come east to prepare for the run up to Rolex, following Poplar up with an entry to the Fork. Even on the West Coast, this pair has seen a couple of Tremaine’s course, so they should be well-prepared for this weekend. This is Revitavet Capato’s first Advanced run this year.

Jordan and Capato average a 36.6 on the flat, which should give them a top four placing. Revitavet Capato does average two rails and a time penalty in stadium, which will drop them down a bit in the rankings. An average of 11.2 time penalties over Tremaine’s courses will snag them a win with a score in the mid to high fifties.

2. Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless: Elisa recently stated recently in our Rolex Rookies series that she would only be running the CT at Poplar and Ocala in preparation for Rolex, but just in case she changes her mind, we have her listed here.

Simply Priceless is a bit tougher on the flat, and an average of 43.4 on this particular dressage test will have him at the bottom of the pack. An average of two rails in show jumping will maintain his placing. This pair is quick across the country though, and if they match their average of 6.4 time penalties, they sneak into second, less than a point behind Revitavet Capato.

3. Libby Head and Sir Rockstar: This is the fourth time Libby Head and Sir Rockstar will be contesting an Advanced or CIC3* division here at Poplar Place. Another clear round here will make them four for four.

Sir Rockstar laid down one of his better scores the one time he performed this test, scoring a 36.6. They average one rail and two time over Jan Brodkin’s courses, but will probably maintain their placing with that. Libby and Sir Rockstar are a bit slower over Tremaine’s courses, averaging 16.4 time penalties. They should finish in third, just a hair behind Elisa and Simply Priceless.

Libby Head and Sir Rockstar take the Goose at Rolex. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

4. Katie Frei and Houdini: Katie and Houdini are quite experienced at this level and are out to play for the first time this year after an initial appearance at the Wellington Showcase. Katie will be making sure Houdini has a good run here to set him up for the spring season.

Katie and Houdini average a 35.4 when performing this dressage test, which should put them near the top in this division. They tend to jump double clear when the course designer is Jan Brodkin, which should help move up the ranks. A fairly sedate pace with 25.6 time penalties across Tremaine’s course will knock them down to fourth, with a score in the low sixties.

By the Numbers: Carolina International CIC3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 18, 2015 9:00 am -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the WEG Prep Trials at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

If you build it, they will come. Carolina International has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, and it has paid off. Going into only their second year of running the CIC3*, the organizers have truly established this as an event that cannot be missed. The timing doesn’t hurt either, as the big guns who don’t need seasoning use this as their first event to gear up for Rolex, while the first-timers have gotten a couple early season Advanced events under their belt and feel ready to test the waters at the FEI level.

For the CIC3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B, and it will be the first time that any of the riders will perform this test, since Red Hills used the A test. The cross country course designer is Hugh Lochore, and the show jumping course designer is Marc Donovan.

TOP TEN

1. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter: Marilyn and Demeter didn’t have a great go two weeks ago, but while Red Hills may not historically be this pair’s best event, Carolina decidedly is. Last year they finished on their dressage score to take home the win, and if they can replicate their performance, they’ll do the same this year.

Marilyn and Demeter average a 49.6 on the flat, which will be good enough for top 15 after dressage. They’ve jumped double clear over their only Marc Donovan course, which was at last year’s event, and have not had a rail in the past two years when show jumping is held before cross country.

This pair has an average of only 11 seconds over optimum time, with a double clear at Carolina in 2014. If they can conquer Hugh Lochore’s 2015 course with no time penalties, they will sneak into the win with a score just under 50.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM: Buck and Reggie were second last year here to none other than Marilyn and Demeter. I’m thinking there will be a repeat of the top two placings, with Reggie’s consistent performance bringing him up to the top of the field.

Reggie’s dressage average of 47.5 will put them just inside the top 10 after dressage. As one of the few horses in the field that averages double clear show jumping rounds, he will inch up the rankings. Buck does tend to run Reggie slightly slower over Hugh Lochore’s courses, but an average of 3.6 time penalties will still be enough to snag them second place with a score just over 50.

3. Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair: Maya and Doesn’t Play Fair are another pair who performed well here last year, flexing their muscles for the first time and winning a huge Advanced division. This year they return in the CIC3*, and with more experience under their belt, they should be able to sneak into third in a star-studded field.

With an average of 47.7, Maya and Doesn’t Play Fair will sit just outside the top 10 initially. Doesn’t Play Fair does average one rail over Marc Donovan’s course, but should maintain a good placing. They usually average several time penalties across the country, but if they can replicate last year’s double clear round over Hugh Lochore’s course, they will breathe down Buck’s neck with a score less than a point behind.

4. Will Faudree and Andromaque: Andromaque hasn’t run at this level since The Fork last year, but she’s so experienced that she is unlikely to miss a beat. Will has been very competitive with this mare, and it’s likely that they will pop into the top four this weekend.

Will and Andromaque average 46.7 on the flat, which will put them just inside of the top five. Andromaque is another who averages double clear in the show jumping and has jumped clear over Marc Donovan courses before. These two average 6.8 time penalties over Hugh Lochore courses, which will drop them down to fifth, only a couple of points behind Maya.

5. Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch: Everyone’s favorite OTTB is taking a crack at the FEI levels again this weekend in his preparation for Rolex. This pair’s incredible consistency should earn them a top placing when the dust has settled.

A dressage average of 45.3 will allow this pair a top four ranking after the flat. Another horse who averages double clear in show jumping regardless of course designer, Anthony Patch will maintain or improve his placing after the second phase. An average of 10 time penalties over Hugh Lochore’s courses is a bit slower than their typical average and would knock them down to fifth on a score in the mid-50s.

Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizzaz. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by Jenni Autry.

6. Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz: Michael Pollard is fully loaded right now, with five talented horses running Advanced or CIC3*. Ballingowan Pizazz is one of his most promising rides and recently had a good run at Pine Top after a prolonged break from last May’s Jersey Fresh.

Michael is known for his dressage skills, and an average score of 47.8 with Ballingowan Pizazz will place them in the top 15 initially. Yet another good jumper, Ballingowan Pizazz averages double clear performances over Marc Donovan’s courses. This pair averages 8 time penalties across Hugh Lochore’s cross country courses, which could put them in sixth with a score just over mid-50.

7. Allison Springer and Arthur: Another pair who are already listed for Rolex, Allison and Arthur have a very long history at this level. Arthur hasn’t been out since the Wellington Eventing Showcase, so these two will probably be looking for a solid round as they begin their four-star prep.

This pair certainly shine bright in the dressage ring, and an average of 43.4 penalties should help them snag the lead after the first phase. Arthur is a bit inconsistent in the show jumping, and an average of two rails and 1 time penalty over Marc Donovan courses will drop him down a bit. Running a clear round while matching their average of 8.4 time penalties over Hugh Lochore’s courses should help them maintain a position in seventh, with a score just over 60.

Phillip Dutton and Seams Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

8. Phillip Dutton and Seams Ready: Phillip paired up with this horse last fall when Kristin Bond took a hiatus to give birth to her first child. They’ve been solidifying their partnership this spring and should put in a solid, competitive performance at Carolina.

Seams Ready is a hell of a mover and averages a 51.5 on the flat. He does tend to have one rail down over Marc Donovan’s courses. While the horse hasn’t seen a Hugh Lochore course yet, he averages only 7.2 penalties across the country. A score in the low 60s should help him sneak into eighth.

9. Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready: Phillip picked up the ride on I’m Sew Ready at the same time as his stablemate, Seams Ready. The two horses have very similar records, which should help Phillip finish on nearly identical scores for the weekend.

A tiny bit more consistent on the flat than his stablemate, I’m Sew Ready averages a flat score of 49.5 penalties. In his one attempt at a Marc Donovan show jumping course, I’m Sew Ready picked up one rail and one time penalty. Phillip is just a touch slower on this horse, averaging 8.4 time penalties across the country. They’ll drop less than half a point behind Seams Ready for ninth place.

10. Marilyn Little and RF Quarterman: After finishing fourth at Red Hills in his first full run at the level, I wouldn’t put it past RF Quarterman to sneak into the top 10 here at Carolina. His two recorded dressage tests are a bit far apart, so he could place even higher if his dressage lives up to his Red Hills score.

Currently, RF Quarterman’s dressage average sits at 51.6, quite a bit higher than the 47 they put in at Red Hills. He finished double clear over his only show jumping round so far and ran across the country with only 12.4 time penalties. If Marilyn presses him, he’s likely to move up in the rankings. If not, he’ll end up with a score in the mid-60s for 10th.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Sally Spickard.

THE DARK HORSE

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech: Copper Beech is another horse who seems to have trouble at Red Hills and only Red Hills. Last year, Buck ran him slow but clear at Carolina after having a blip at Red Hills, but showed good turn of foot the rest of the year. After another blip at Red Hills two weeks ago, Buck may choose to take it slow again. If he presses the gas pedal though, Copper Beech should easily crack the top 10.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Boekelo 2013. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SPOILER

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night: Fernhill By Night is another who ought to be up at the top after dressage and is likely to toss a double clear show jumping round in as well. His record across the country had been almost completely free of issues since last July, but he was caught out recently by a set of angled tables at Red Hills. Liz will be out to prove he’s ready for Rolex, and in doing so, could find herself high in the standings at the end of the weekend.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

THE SLEEPER

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett: Lauren Kieffer is on fire lately, and just because I call her a sleeper here doesn’t mean she isn’t going to knock it out of the park on this mare. Meadowbrook’s Scarlett ran her first Advanced at Rocking Horse and finished in first, adding only 1.2 time penalties to her dressage score of 28.2. While Lauren may not be out for a win in the horse’s first CIC3*, there’s a chance she could snag a blue anyways.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 18, 2015 12:01 am -

What a way to enjoy the first day of warmth! Photo via Kelsey Wilkins' FB page.

Everyone up north is finally able to stretch their legs a little, whether coming in from a winter in the field or emerging from the indoor. Kelsey Wilkins managed to get out for a hack on her ex-Intermediate level pony, Madeira. One hacking tradition she has is the adult version of a sippy cup- a wine glass inside a plastic tumbler with a lid. Since all of her event mares are named after types of wine (Chablis, Madeira, and Cava) it’s only appropriate that she partake!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Carolina International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Poplar Place Farm March H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

The Brits continue to do their math. Horse & Hound has continued their weekly series that includes interested eventing facts based on the weekends event. There’s even a shout-out to the number nine, which is how many British-based horses are entered at Rolex. [Eventing In Numbers]

The KER ClockIt launch event will be taking place Tuesday, April 21 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington. KER has been busy monitoring event horses in Ocala, Aiken, and Southern Pines with their pilot app KER ClockIt Sport. The seminar will feature Dr. Joe Pagan, who will present the findings to those of thoroughbred racehorses, which were clocked using the sister app, KER ClockIt Race. If you’re interested in attending, take a look at the press release or visit their website. [KER ClockIt Press Release] [KER ClockIt Website]

New Vocations Thoroughbred Adoption Program is hosting Thoroughbreds for All. Laine Ashker, Reese Koffler-Stanfield, and Dan James will all be speaking of their experiences with Thoroughbreds at a Souther style buffet. The fundraising event will be held at West Wind Farm on the Friday of Rolex after dressage has concluded. [Thoroughbreds For All Press Release]

Let’s revisit 2008. Kim Keppick, the founder of Rein Aid, wrote this article with suggestions to improve safety of both horse racing and eventing. In the current climate, it’s worth another look. [Can Eventers Learn From the Flat Racing Industry?]

An event rider in Britain is calling for more security at horse trials. After a thief busted her window in order to steal her purse, then emptied her bank account while she was competing, Felicity Baker-Attew is calling for increased security. Theft isn’t just a problem in Britain; the U.S. has had it’s fair share of crime at horse trials Make sure your belonging are not only locked away, but also out of sight while you’re competing. [Event Rider Calls for Higher Security]

Teddy O’Connor gets some love. In the latest article from USEA, Ten Years of Eventing Excellence, the indomitable pony Teddy is profiled. Many of us are familiar with his story, and fell in love with the 14.1 pony when he conquered the Rolex 4* in 2007, finishing 3rd overall. [2007 With Teddy O’Connor]

GMHA’s Festival of Eventing is back this year. Set in early August, the Festival of Eventing will start with an Eventing Clinic on Monday Through Wednesday, a Beginner Novice and Novice horse trials on Friday, and Novice through Intermediate, as well as a CIC1* on the weekend. Located in Vermont, GMHA follows the week after Millbrook, making the perfect summer eventing vacation. [GMHA Press Release]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Stephen Bradley talks spending the winter in Northern Virginia instead of heading south. Natalie Hollis joins to talk about some creative ideas for riders to stay fit, including spending some time in the mud. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Rolex Preview! This week Jess and Samantha discuss a special sneak preview of Rolex, with tons of Rolex connections to talk with. Then Gavin Makinson drops by. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: With the thawing of the season comes mud, and with mud comes fungus. Some people hate this stuff but it has always worked like magic on the scratches my horse tends to develop on his legs every year. Snap on a rubber glove, slather it onto the affected area, and the next day it’s ready to curry off, pain-free. As a bonus, your horse will smell suspiciously like bacon. [SmartPak]

I have a super special surprise for you- the return of Neville! Boyd is letting his working student Mike Pendleton campaign him at the lower levels, and after a good run at Novice in January, Mike and Neville took a stroll around Pine Top in the training last weekend.

The Will to Walk Away

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 13, 2015 2:49 pm -

Photo by Andrew Pescod/Creative Commons License

I spend a lot of time looking at Advanced records. I’m passingly familiar with every horse running at the level in the U.S. and increasingly familiar with the records of those who show on a regular basis at this level.

One thing I’ve already learned in the months that I’ve been doing this is that there are quite a few horses out there with spotty cross country records at this level. I don’t think that surprises anyone, as there are horses at every level who have spotty records.

Some of those records are spottier than others. Some of them are the result of green horses, or green riders, or both. Some of them bounce between awesome rounds and obvious “Nope, not today” rounds. Sometimes you’re surprised when the record suddenly turns from incredibly dubious to solidly clean as the pair just figures it out one day.

What ultimately pains me is the record that makes me cringe. The record that is more than spotty and has only avoided losing qualifications because the rider is retiring, over and over again. The name that makes me wince when I see the horse once again entered at Advanced, despite eliminations or retirements the last several goes, and a string of refusals throughout past runs. A rough streak is one thing, a continuous and consistent pattern of trouble is another.

As event riders, we are often told you can pull yourself up in this game by your own bootstraps. That the true grit of the eventer is the ability to get back up and go on. That you can make it if only you are determined enough, want it enough, never give up. Even our history conditions us with this motto, between the cavalry philosophy on which cross country is based and the folklore of Olympians riding on through broken bones and miserable conditions. Our knee-jerk reaction is to never, ever give up.

But sometimes, you have to turn your back on never give up. As a rider, we can choose to take never give up and apply it to ourselves and our career. But as horsemen, we should never apply that phrase to our horses. We should never drill to exhaustion, never punish until it’s correct, never push beyond their limits.

Sometimes, as horsemen, it’s our responsibility to give up — give up our hopes and dreams for a horse who isn’t up to playing at a certain level, and let them go. Let them go to play schoolmaster to a young rider, or to take care of an amateur, or even to sit in a field.

We must remember that never give up is a human adage. We cannot apply such a dangerous philosophy for animals who have no comprehension of consequence. We ask them to participate, and some rise to the challenge for the love of us, but we need to listen when other horses say no. Horses who do not love what they are doing have no business in the realms of the upper levels, nor should we ask it of them.

This version of rider responsibility needs to be part of the conversation as much as course design and cross country speeds. A qualified horse does not necessarily ensure that he is talented, eager or even capable of advancing up the levels. Rider responsibility is not just riding wisely on course, but ensuring we are only competing horses at a level for which they have an aptitude.

So take a hard look at your horse’s record. Each rider knows their own horse best, and I think everyone deep in their heart knows the reason for each and every stop. Only you know whether your horse is stopping from inexperience or if he legitimately doesn’t want to play. But ask yourself the question constantly, and answer yourself honestly: Is this horse right for this level?

Never give up can only come after you have let the horse go. Then you pick yourself up, after disappointment or injury, and put your heart and soul into the next horse. No matter how many heartbreaks, riders must never give up the grit to continue on and never give up their ability to let go.

By the Numbers: Copper Meadows Advanced

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 11, 2015 9:30 am -

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s time for some West Coast love! The action is heating up in California, with Copper Meadows running the West Coast’s second Advanced of the year. Copper Meadows launched a new website just in time for the event, so be sure to check it out here. While the Advanced division is lighter with seven entries , we do have some exciting prospects stepping up to the plate.

Because the division is smaller, I’m only bringing the top two predictions to you. I’m also going to highlight the two horses moving up, as either of them could steal the show.

The dressage test will be 2014 USEF A-B. The cross country course designer is James Atkinson, and the show jumping course designer is Jose Nava. Both James Atkinson and Jose Nava are frequently used by the West Coast shows, so this field is pretty familiar with both of their styles.

TOP TWO

1. Mackenna Shea and Landioso: Mackenna and Landioso are preparing to travel east for The Fork next month, and they are using Copper Meadows as their final prep. This pair didn’t have the best fall, but they got right back on track with a fast and clear run at Twin Rivers two weeks ago. Mackenna will keep tightening the screws as she prepares for her first Rolex.

Landioso should have a top placing after the flat, with an average of 32.7 for this dressage test. These two are very swift across James Atkinson’s courses, averaging only two seconds over optimum time. Landioso can struggle a bit with time penalties in the show jumping, and his last attempt at a Jose Nava course produced only one rail but 9 time penalties. Even so, a final score in the mid-40s should clinch them the win.

Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight: Jolie and Good Knight are the most experienced pair in the field here, but have had a light six months since Jolie gave birth last fall. She withdrew after dressage at Twin River, but completed the CIC2* at Fresno County a month ago, so there’s a good chance we’ll see this pair compete this weekend.

Good Knight is fairly consistent on the flat, averaging 36.6 on this dressage test, which is close to his overall average. This pair averages 11.2 time penalties on James Atkinson courses, which is a little slower than their average. They ought to make up for that over Jose Nava’s show jumping course, over which they average double clear. Jolie and Good Knight should finish just behind Mackenna with a score in the mid-to-high 40s.

Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SLEEPER

Anything Tamie Smith is riding: Tamie Smith is moving a pair of her rides up to Advanced this weekend, and I wouldn’t count them out just because it’s their first attempt at this level. Both Twizted Syster and Mai Baum are getting some heavy training time with David O’Connor, and both are headed east to contend The Fork and then Jersey Fresh.

Mai Baum has yet to achieve a Pan Ams qualifier and will look to do so at Jersey, but recently won his final Intermediate at Twin Rivers. Twizted Syster has already obtained qualifiers at two different Pan Ams selection trials, the CCI2* at Rebecca Farm and Fair Hill. While the number of horses “double-qualified” for the Pan Ams may increase after the spring CCIs, this mare looks like one of the few to have a shot at triple the qualifiers.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 11, 2015 12:01 am -

Josie Adams riding Hapajai at Waredaca, circa 1989. Photo by Katherine Boutelle, via Josie Adams' Facebook page.

Spring is here! Yesterday, the joggers were out in force, which is possibly one of the best indications of the changing of the season. I have to admit it was mildly startling when I walked out of my CrossFit class at 6:30 and it was still light, but it was wonderful. I will never understand people who proclaim to hate Daylight Savings Time…to me it’s a sign that spring is here and outdoor activity may resume.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Don’t forget to enter this week’s awesome Fab Freebie from SaddleLockers! Here’s your chance to win a prize pack of swag, courtesy of SaddleLockers, Ogilvy, and Higher Standards Leather Care. Entries close Friday at midnight EST and we’ll be announcing the winner in Friday’s News & Notes. [Fab Freebie: SaddleLockers]

Eventing is coming to Utah, with your help! The city of Mt. Pleasant, Utah has a new equestrian facility and has agreed to build a cross country course. We wrote an article about it back in November, but now they are closer to their goal than ever! In seven months, they have raised over $38K of their $50K goal. If you’d like to help bring this dream to reality, check out their GoFundMe page. [Utah Eventers Seek Support] [Central Utah XC Course]

Unbelievers, prepare to be converted. To dressage, that is. Lauren Sprieser is gearing up to teach the YRAP program at Morningside, and she prepared to do her worst. Dressage is her passion, and she plans on showing those kids that dressage should be their passion too. [That Boring Thing We Do Before Cross Country]

You’re probably wrong about your strongest phase. Kristen Carpenter’s blogs are always worth a read, even if you’ve already looked at them two or three times. She’s hit the nail on the head with this entry. A horse’s weakest phase can force us to make that our strongest phase and vice versa. It may not be apparent until we are matched up with another horse, though. [There’s a Difference Between Good Results and Good Riding]

Fair Hill International has hired a new Executive Director. FHI has chosen Carla Geiersbach to replace Charlie Colgan, who is retiring after ten years in the position. Carla has previously volunteered, competed, and spectated at Fair Hill. Now she gets to contribute professionally to the organization. [There’s a Difference Between Good Results and Good Riding]

Horse&Hound likes numbers as much as I do. They’ve compiled some interesting number related facts from the previous week of eventing. It looks so fun, EN may start a regular series of our own for the US. What say you? [Eventing in Numbers]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Brian and Lisa Sabo discuss their successful Pony Club chapter and the rewards of teaching children. [USEA Podcast]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Spring has finally sprung, and with that comes shedding season. I like this type of shedding blade, as it seems to distribute the pressure of blades across a large area. [SmartPak]

By the Numbers: Red Hills Advanced

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 6, 2015 10:30 am -

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Red Hills has both a CIC3* and an Advanced division running this weekend. I already predicted the CIC3* top finishers in this post, and now I’m going discuss who I think our top five finishers in the Advanced will be, as well as a dark horse.

The Advanced division is quite a bit less experienced as a whole than the CIC3* division. While some riders are using this division as their first Advanced start of the year for a horse prepping for Rolex, several others have entered horses with only one or two previous Advanced runs. This inevitably makes the placings tougher to predict, as less data is available.

For the Advanced division, the dressage test will be 2014 USEF A-A. The cross country course designer is Hugh Lochore and the show jumping course designer is Fuzzy Mayo. Hugh Luchore designs for several venues on the East Coast, including Carolina and Chattahoochee Hills. However, Fuzzy Mayo designs only for Red Hills, so any prior experience the riders have had with his courses will be exclusively from previous years.

TOP FIVE

1. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica: Veronica is easily the most experienced horse in this field, and that should help Lauren secure the win this weekend. While it is Veronica’s first run at this level this year, it should be well within their grasp to take home the blue.

Veronica has previously performed this dressage test only once, scoring a 32.8, just a tick above their typical average of 31.2. This score should still have them in the lead after the first phase, but not by much. These two run fairly sedately across Hugh’s courses, averaging 15.2 time penalties.

In their only Fuzzy Mayo course at last year’s Red Hills, they posted a double clear, which will help them clinch the win with a score in the high 40s.

At this point in the rankings, the math becomes a bit dubious, as the second and third places both recently ran their horse’s first Advanced at Rocking Horse. As a result, their predicted finishing score is identical to their final score at Rocking Horse, because this is the only data point I have.

While Rocking Horse is a lovely first Advanced, it is very flat, and Red Hills can be quite a big step up depending on the year. Expect to see some shuffling in the rankings below.

2. Hallie Coon and Celien: Hallie Coon is no stranger to this level, having qualified Namaste for Rolex over the course of 2014. Her experience should serve Celien well as she tackles this weekend’s course.

This mare scored a 38.8 in her Rocking Horse debut, which is similar to the scores she received at Intermediate. The score should land her within stalking range of the leaders. Only 7.2 time penalties across the country could move her up the ranks, but we may see an increase here due to hillier terrain. Finally, replicating her one-rail round from Rocking Horse will allow her to finish on a score near 50, cementing her second-place finish.

3. Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley: Another greener horse with an experienced rider, Truly Wiley also recently stepped up to the plate at Rocking Horse. This horse is no stranger to terrain, having tackled the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* last fall with no time penalties, so he could make an impact in the second phase.

Truly Wiley scored a 42.8 three weeks ago, but has the ability to score lower in the future, with a range at the Intermediate level down to the low 30s. Kelly guided him around cross country with only 8.4 time penalties, but will need to work to replicate the same effort on the Red Hills course. A repeat of their double clear show jumping round will inch them up the standings to finish just behind Hallie with a score just over 50.

4. Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac: Waylon is an experienced competitor at the upper levels, and he obtained the ride last year on Kelecyn Cognac, who had previously been campaigned up to the CCI3* level over in Europe. They finished the Fair Hill CCI2* last fall in fine style, placing fourth on their dressage score, and recently ran their first Advanced as a pair at Pine Top. Since the numbers I use are a gauge of the horse’s past performances and not the rider’s, Kelecyn Cognac’s European shows are included.

The horse’s average for dressage at this level is a 33.5, although he scored a bit higher than that at Pine Top. Waylon has certainly proven he can be quick with this horse, who averages only 9.6 time penalties across the country. Kelecyn Cognac is not the most careful horse and averages three rails per round for show jumping. Even with those rails, Waylon could squeak out a fourth-place finish with a score in the low 50s.

Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody. Photo by Jenni Autry.

5. Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody: Cody Sturgess and his mare Imperial Melody were having a banner year in 2014 until Fair Hill, and I expect they will come out in 2015 with guns blazing. Qualified for Rolex, Cody is using this event as Imperial Melody’s first Advanced of the year.

Imperial Melody averages 41.9 on the flat, which should put her mid-pack after dressage. Her strengths are in the jumping phases, where she averages only 7.2 time penalties across the country and a rail with a couple time penalties in show jumping. These two will slide into fifth with a score in the mid-50s.

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower: Petite Flower is a phenomenal mare, but she isn’t an easy one. She is the only one in this field who can truly challenge Veronica on the first phase, and Buck has helped her blossom into a fantastically careful show jumper, the sole horse in the field who averages double clear rounds at this level.

However, she is fairly fickle on cross country, and Buck has not had a tremendous amount of success with her at the three-star level, with the exception of Galway Downs in 2013. She’s entered in the Advanced this weekend though, not the CIC3*… and she has never had a single stop at an Advanced. And when she has no stops, she is very, very fast.

If Petite Flower holds her pattern of having clear rounds at Advanced events, she will win this weekend, and emphatically at that. On the other hand, this will be the most formidable Advanced course she has ever faced, likely closer to a CIC3* than the other Advanced tracks she has faced. It’s all up to her.

By the Numbers: Red Hills International CIC3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 4, 2015 11:00 am -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Welcome to the first edition of EN’s By the Numbers for 2015! Red Hills is the first CIC3* of the year for North America and is generally the first FEI event most of the big name riders attend as they get back into swing for the spring season. There are a couple notable names missing this weekend, but otherwise we have a full complement.

Today I’m going discuss who I think our top five finishers in the CIC3* will be, a dark horse who has a chance of proving that numbers are just numbers, a spoiler who is highly likely to sneak in and take the whole thing, and a sleeper who may or may not be in the top here, but might have the potential to develop into world class.

For those who need a refresher from last year, these predicted scores are not pulled from thin air, but are a result of the compilation of a very large database in which I now have recorded every single Advanced, CIC/CCI3* and CCI4* run from every single pair who has attempted the level in the United States since 2013.

This database contains not just bare scores but also who the cross country and show jumping course designers are, how long the cross country track is, the surfaces the dressage and show jumping are on, the condition of the ground, which dressage test is performed, and the dressage judges and their respective scores.

Currently, I deal simply in past performance averages. If the rider has experience with the course designer for either cross country or show jumping, or has performed the same dressage test before, I use an average of those scores to compile my final score. Otherwise, I simply use the average of their experience at that level. If the horse has no experience at the level, I do not rank them. This method does not account for improvement in the horse’s record, so I often will make an improving record the dark horse or sleeper.

For Red Hills, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-A, and it will be the first time that any of the riders will perform this test. The cross country course designer is Hugh Lochore and the show jumping course designer is Fuzzy Mayo.

Hugh Lochore designs for several venues on the East Coast, including Carolina International and Chattahoochee Hills. However, Fuzzy Mayo designs only for Red Hills in the U.S., so any prior experience the riders have had with his courses will be almost exclusively from previous years. This year there is a new show jumping arena, which may mitigate the effect the terrain has historically had for this phase.

TOP FIVE

1. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter: The last time Marilyn brought RF Demeter to Red Hills, she ended up with a rider fall on the cross country phase. That was two years ago. Since then, they have completed four CCI4* events and seven CIC3* events without cross country jump penalties. The race for the top spot will be close, but I expect this pair’s experience and consistency will win out in the end.

RF Demeter’s dressage average of 49.8 should put them solidly into the top 10, within five points of the leader. While Marilyn fell on their last attempt at the Red Hills course, these two ran double clear over the Hugh Luchore-designed Carolina course. Overall, they average only 2.0 time penalties across the country, so expect to see them climb the rankings as they put in one of the quickest rounds over the twisty Red Hills track.

While Demeter has a perfect show jumping record when show jumping is held before cross country, she usually incurs between one and three rails when the show jumping phase is last, though she jumped clear at Burghley in her last FEI event. Even with one rail adding to their score, Marilyn can still secure the win with a score in the mid-50s.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night: Liz has already made a splash on this side of the Atlantic with her two top horses, and this weekend will be no exception. She’ll be putting the pressure hard on Marilyn, and I predict a nail-biting finale.

Fernhill By Night is quite strong in the dressage phase and averages an excellent 45.5, which will be good enough to be on the top. Liz tends to be very choosy about when she goes for time, averaging 10 time penalties with this horse as a result. With Red Hills known for time penalties, I suspect we will see closer to Fernhill By Night’s average time than his best time.

This horse is quite a careful jumper and averages clear rounds no matter the conditions, but does occasionally occur a time penalty. Regardless, a clean jumping round out of this pair will put the pressure on Marilyn, who will likely end up with only one rail in hand. Liz and Fernhill By Night will finish in second, less than a point behind Marilyn.

3. Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley: HHS Cooley is less experienced than his stablemate, but it doesn’t make him any less talented. His international experience should serve him well in the atmosphere at Red Hills. With the horse just coming off an injury that kept him sidelined for most of the 2014 season, we’ve yet to see Liz put the pedal down.

An average on the flat of 47.8 ought to place this pair inside the top five after the first phase. HHS Cooley is a very efficient cross country horse, averaging only 4.4 time penalties across the country. However, he is typically less careful, incurring one rail and 2 time penalties on average in the show jumping. While a final score in the high 50s won’t leave him breathing down his stablemate’s neck, he won’t be giving Fernhill By Night much room either.

Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

4. Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery: Kelly and this horse made a splash last fall when they virtually came out of nowhere to lead a huge field at Plantation Field CIC3* after the dressage. They’ve maintained a fair amount of consistency in this phase and could certainly crack the top five this weekend if they continue to build on their experience in the jumping phases.

Blackfoot Mystery averages a 48.4 in dressage, which should be good enough for the top 10. While they have no experience on Hugh Lochore courses, they average only 5.6 time penalties on clear cross country rounds. The horse does tend towards averaging one rail and one time in show jumping, although these two haven’t yet tried out a Fuzzy Mayo course. A score just under 60 ought to allow them to just sneak into the top four.

5. Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon: Ellen and Sir Oberon haven’t had the best of luck at their most recent FEI events, but they will be looking to turn that around this weekend. At Red Hills last year, this pair put in one of the best performances in their career, placing third amongst a star-studded field, and will be looking to replicate that performance this weekend.

These two average a 50.2 for dressage, which will put them right in stalking range of the leaders. Last year, they came home clear across Hugh Lochore’s course with 10 time penalties, which will shuffle them a bit in the rankings. They did put in a double clear over Fuzzy Mayo’s challenging course last year, and a repeat effort will see them round out the top five.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech: Copper Beech may have had quite a good summer and fall last year, but his performance early in 2014 keeps him out of my top five. The only blip on his cross country record occurred at Red Hills, and Buck subsequently ran him carefully but slowly on his next course, scoring a clear round but racking up 22.8 time penalties. These are his only two attempts at Hugh Lochore’s courses, and a similar effort will keep him out of the top placings.

However, Buck picked up the speed with Copper Beech by the late spring and has maintained a clear record with single digit time penalties ever since. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Buck looking for a competitive round instead of an educational one, and it’s highly likely we will see Copper Beech in the mix on the final day.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SPOILER

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda: At first glance, it seems rather improbable that Jennie and Cambalda have not made an appearance in my top five here. However, the numbers worked out this way for two reasons. First, Jennie used this show in both 2013 and 2014 as Cambalda’s first run at the level for the year, likely holding to a slower pace than her average.

This, combined with the characteristic twisty track, means her two runs over the Red Hills course are the two slowest of the past two years. Secondly, the only two times since 2012 that Cambalda has not jumped a double clear in stadium were over Fuzzy Mayo’s Red Hills courses.

The relocation of stadium from the grass to footing will likely result in a typical double clear for Cambalda, which would be enough to bump this pair into the top five even with a steady cross country round. If Jennie decides to push for a pace more typical of their average, they stand a good shot at winning with a few points of breathing room.

Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SLEEPER

Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate: Czechmate is pretty green to this level and is attempting his first CIC3* this weekend. He has the propensity to develop into a world-class prospect for Lauren, with flat scores averaging under 50 in FEI terms and a consistently clear cross country record. Show jumping appears to be his weakest phase right now, but it is steadily improving, as he most recently put in a clear round at Rocking Horse — and jumped two clear rounds at the $15,000 Eventing Prix Invitational this week.

Lauren is currently taking this horse fairly steadily around the cross country, choosing education over ribbons. It’s unlikely we will see her press for time from this horse yet, especially with Red Hills’ reputation as a difficult course for the level. She will likely make sure his education continues and aim for a steady qualifying round instead. Still, when this horse develops fully, he will be formidable.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Mar 4, 2015 12:01 am -

It might be eighty degrees and sunny down in Florida, but winter is clinging by the fingernails up here in the Northeast. I walked home through a lovely mix of rain, sleet, snow, and slush today, and there’s more to come on Thursday. Can I please call in sick for the rest of the winter? I have decided I will just bundle myself into a pile of blankets and watch the live stream of Red Hills show jumping this weekend.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Red Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Do you have a Horse of a Different Color? One of the most wonderful aspects of this sport is its diversity, from ponies to draft horses and everything in between. Eventing Nation is looking for stories to feature in our “Horse of a Different Color” series! If you own or ride a horse or pony that has been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed, email [email protected].

Pippa Roome offers her opinion on rider categories. Currently the eventing editor for Horse & Hound, Pippa Room quit eventing six years ago, but misses it every day. I think many of us can relate to that. Recent changes in British Dressage rider categorizations have led her to ponder why so many eventers are fine with a level playing field. [Why We Do It]

Top British riders reveal how they celebrate. Spoiler alert! The answer is: not much. Most of them are right back to work, whether that means trailering home from a big championship or getting right back into the workings of the yard. All three Olympic disciplines are represented here, and maybe it’s a sign… [Rider Celebrations]

The USEA has dug into their archives to recount some great moments in eventing. First up is David O’Connor, his historic gold medal, and the gasp-inducing moment when all of America realized he had forgotten which direction the next fence was in. I personally remember screaming directions at the television in that moment, as if he could hear me through the screen. Luckily, he quickly recovered and ended up with a gold medal. [David O’Connor Makes Us All Gasp]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Susan Graham-White, Robin Walker, and Marilyn Payne discuss how the recent Future & Young Event Horse Symposium. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Sinead Halpin. This week Sinead and her husband Tik Maynard join hosts Jess and Samantha to discuss her 2015 plans, the pony she’s riding, and what it’s like to be newly married. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Now that it’s March, the wind is picking up, and many horses hijinx with it. My boy finds the wind greatly unsettling sometimes, and I’ve found that a good set of ear plugs under a bonnet helps with this issue immensely. [SmartPak]

Donner is back to play, and he celebrated his first event of the season with a lovely clear round.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Feb 25, 2015 12:01 am -

Avery Klunick braved the cold for Winston and Army's first event of the season at Pine Top last weekend. Photo via Avery Klunick's FB page.

February has been a pretty terrible month historically, and this year is the worst ever. It’s always the coldest month, it drags on and on despite being the shortest month, and only bad things ever seem to happen. I’ll be very happy to see the backside of this month by this weekend. Even though it’s still cold, at least in March we get Daylight Savings Time!

Events Running Today:

Full Gallop Farm February II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sporting Days Farm II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sol Events at Circle T H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday News & Notes:

Nicola Wilson is out of action after breaking her collarbone when she fell in a 1.30-meter show jumping class at Port Royal last week. It’s up in the air as to how much this will affect her spring plans. She hopes to aim her 2014 World Equestrian Games partner Annie Clover and Watermill Vision at Rolex Kentucky CCI4* and Beltane Queen and One Too Many at Badminton. Fingers crossed she heals in time! [Horse & Hound]

Please help Missy Ransehousen! After losing her car, living quarters coach, and virtually all of her material possessions in a horrific fire, Missy Ransehousen is in immediate need of clothing, breeches, boots, and shoes. All clothing can be mailed directly to her in Florida at 653 W. Highway 316, Citra, FL 32113. Any questions can be directed to Lisa Thomas, who is spearheading the recovery efforts, at [email protected]. [Missy Ransehousen’s Camper, Car Go Up in Flames]

Kelly Felicijan’s barn and five horses lost in a fire. Eventers around the country are rallying behind Ohio eventer Kelly Felicijan, who was the victim of a tragic barn fire on February 18th. Her barn, as well as the five horses and other animals inside and two trucks, were lost in the blaze. While nothing can replace her horses’ lives, Kelly and her boyfriend Jake Williams plan to rebuild Morgan Valley Sport Horses; please consider donating what you can to Kelly’s YouCaring fund. [EN’s Story] [Kelly Felicijan’s YouCaring fundraiser]

Are you in need of a working student? We’re preparing a fresh list of Working Student Listings for the upcoming season, so if you’d like us to include your position, please send a description and contact information to [email protected]. Our winter listings post was wildly successful! [Working Students Winter Listings]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Lisa Borgia and Kylie Dermody discuss how their winter seasons have been going. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Boyd Martin, and Max Corcoran. This week Boyd Martin joins hosts Ruthie and Joe to discuss Pine Top and Wellington, then Max Corcoran pops in to talk the Eventing Prix. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: At some point this winter, you probably layered your show fleece underneath blankets out of desperation. And of course, despite your crossed fingers, your horse probably managed to get it ruined even underneath four other blankets. If this scenario occurred to you, it may be time for a new show fleece just in time for the event season. [SmartPak]

Wednesday Video: Pirate is back out in action, and thehorsepesterer caught it all on video last weekend at Pine Top.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Feb 18, 2015 12:01 am -

One of the few good things about snow...going for a hack! Photo via Destination Farm FB page.

I’d like to say I froze my buns off this weekend just so I can join in #thehorsesarefed camaraderie, but the truth is that I sat inside my house for the entirety of Sunday and Monday. There are perks to sending your horse south in the winter, even without the intention of showing, I suppose. Unfortunately boredom reared its ugly head on Sunday, and I spent most of the day driving my significant other up the wall. Is it April yet?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Riding sometimes isn’t enough. Dressage rider Lauren Sprieser knows that sometimes you need a little help in the athletic department, whether you ride many horses each day or just one. She joins a plethora of professional riders urging their students to get moving, whether it is running, yoga, or CrossFit. If nothing else motivates you, picture yourself in white breeches. [Get Moving]

The Germans aren’t just looking to take over Kentucky. A number of top riders are also eying Badminton, in order to prepare for the European Championships. Michael Jung is on the list as a possibility, although he hopes his funding for travel to Kentucky comes through. [German Riders Headed to Badminton]

The USEA has some great recaps from the Young Horse Symposium. Susan Graham-White and Faith Fessenden began the symposium with a classroom session over conformation and breeding goals. Susan and Faith continued their discussions outside in the afternoon, with demonstrations from Robin Walker. [Day 1 Morning] [Day 1 Afternoon]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Kyle Carter and Rachele Foote talk about wintering in Ocala, both as a professional and as a working student. Shealagh Costello joins in to discuss the Frangible Pin Technology Grant. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: U25 Training Sessions and XC Course Design Grant. This week Zach Brandt and Lizzie Snow join hosts Jess and Samantha to discuss the U25 training sessions. Next up is Nina Fout, who recently was selected for Plantation’s XC Course Design Grant. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I’m very cold lately. This hat looks warm and cute. It’s on sale. Done. [SmartPak]

Watch all the highlights! Rocking Horse Advanced water combination from this past weekend.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Feb 11, 2015 12:01 am -

Justine Dutton will be jumping the Advanced table in the background...but not on super pony Merrylegs! Photo via Justine Dutton's Facebook.

Buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gents, because for every weekend in the foreseeable future, there is an Advanced or CIC3* horse trials running! This means you’ll be seeing a lot more of me starting in March, when I resume my By the Numbers series for Red Hills. Rocking Horse in particular will always have a special place in my heart after running my first Advanced there in 2012. For all those moving horses up to the big A this weekend, good luck!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Sydney Collier is just another horse-crazy teen trying to make a US Team. Except that Sydney has arteriovenous malformations, a condition that has resulted in paralysis, blindness, and strokes. After seeing the Para-dressage team at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games, Sydney decided she had to be part of it. She moved to Millbrook, NY to train, and is now aiming to ride in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. [Who Am I?]

The Eventing Showcase wasn’t Jennie Brannigan’s first experience in Wellington. A diverse experience with other types of professionals meant Jennie has had the chance to acclimate to the Welly World dynamic. This may have been her first time competing there as an eventer, but she’s dipped her toe in the jumper waters before. [We’re Conquering the Wellington Shakes]

British Eventing is introducing half marks for dressage. Foreshadowed by the USEF 2015 rule changes, FEI has updated their scoring scheme to allow dressage judges to award half marks on each movement. British Eventing has followed suit. [Dressage Half Marks Introduced]

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we want to see your “Smooch Selfies”! Snap a photo of you smooching your horse and send it to us for a chance to win a prize pack from Kentucky Performance Products — horses make the best Valentines, right? [Smoochin’ Selfies for Valentine’s Day]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Liz Halliday-Sharp, Laine Ashker, and Will Faudree. This week Liz Halliday-Sharp joins hosts Jess and Samantha to talk about what it’s like to be back in the States, then Laine Ashker discusses Wellington. Finally, Will Faudree recaps his experience with the new Pine Top courses. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: With the plethora of people moving up to a new level in the winter, it might be a good time to buy a bottle of Sit-Tite Spray. You never know when it could make the difference between a miraculous save or a bath in the water jump. [SmartPak]

In honor of the first Advanced of the year, I’m throwing it back to the highlights of the water at Rocking Horse Advanced from last year.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Feb 4, 2015 12:01 am -

Missy Ransehousen's crew mixing it up with Camo Day at Blue Hill South. Photo courtesy of Brigitte Aickelin's FB page.

Wellington is over, the first event of the season in California is complete, and eventing is fully underway for the season. I can barely keep up with who is riding which horse in which location as training sessions with Christopher Bartle, David O’Connor, and Leslie Law all seem to be on-going at the same time. Frequent education can only be a good thing as we roll into the first Advanceds of the year in February.

Running Today:

Full Gallop Farm February I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Everyone loves a great rehab story. Whether it brings us to tears or makes us even more grateful for our equine friends, rehab stories are some of the most inspiring stories to tell. For that reason, we’d love to hear yours! Send us your rehab story for your chance to win an awesome prize pack from OCD as well as see your story told right here on EN! [Win with OCD]

Elisa Wallace wasn’t originally planning on keeping Hwin. After the 6 year old mustang mare showed a propensity for jumping, Elisa knew she had to keep Hwin in her barn. Elisa takes the time to chat about her experiences with mustangs, riding in the Mustang Million, and what’s in store for her unconventional herd in the near future. [Ringside Chat: Elisa Wallace]

Tom McEwen has retired Dry Old Party. Tom felt that the sixteen year old gelding wouldn’t be terribly competitive at the lower levels, so Dry Old Party will instead spend the next few years in the show ring in England’s retired racehorse show program. Tom has also taken him hunting and team chasing. [Dry Old Party Retires]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Lauren Kieffer, Liz Halliday-Sharp, and Sharon White talk about their experiences riding in the recent ICP symposium with Christopher Bartle on the east coast. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Ruth Edge, Emma Ford, and Cat Hill. This week Ruth Edge joins hosts Jess and Samantha to discuss what it takes to be competitive in both dressage and eventing. Next up, Emma Ford and Cat Hill talk about being co-authors of the book World-Class Grooming for Horses. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Every time I try to buy a cheap hole punch, it breaks after about five uses. I finally wised up and sprang for the more durable Herm Sprenger hole punch. Even in the dead of winter, when my leather is a bit hard, this hole punch has no issues. [SmartPak]

Donner and Manoir de Carneville will be out competing this coming weekend for the first time since WEG. Both will be contesting the Advanced CT at Ocala. Let’s rewind to Plantation CIC3* in 2013, when Tate absolutely killed it on the flat.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 28, 2015 12:01 am -

Pfun is super happy to avoid all blizzards, as his ears are already cold. Photo via USEF HP Facebook page.

So much for that blizzard. I suppose if you are in Boston or therabouts, you are getting walloped but I’ll admit to a bit of a let-down here in Philadelphia, where we got about an inch. On the other hand, I can’t blame the government officials for ‘overreacting’ because they were generating the proper response based on the information they were given by the forecasters. And I can’t blame the forecasters because well, it’s weather. So chalk this one up as one big shrug.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Poplar Place Farm February H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sporting Days Farm I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Galway Downs Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Don’t expect Badminton to be softer this year. Other than easing a particularly rough spot around the Vicarage Vee, Giuseppe Della Chiesa doesn’t plan on making the course easier for competitors. The course is also being switched to run the other direction, which will present a whole new set of challenges. Last year’s completion rate was under forty percent…will this year be better? [Badminton 2015 Course]

e-Venting has some thoughts about frangible pins. In case you missed it, the FEI recently changed the frangible pin rule to automatically award 21 penalties with no ifs, ands, or buts. In the furor over the bit changes, this may have been overlooked. But e-Venting has some good reasons as to why this rule change should be revisited and possibly revised. [New FEI Rule – The Stealthy Game Changer?]

Interested in learning from one of the brightest up-and-comers in the sport? Hannah Sue Burnett is looking for a working student. Let her know if you’re interested! [Contact Hannah Sue]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Barbara Crabo and Lauren Billys talk about their experiences riding for the recent ICP symposium with Christopher Bartle. [USEA Podcast]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If you’re hanging out in Florida, you might be concerned about your horse picking up some fungus. I subscribe to a preventative care regimen of regular rinsing after turn-out followed by an apple vinegar spray, but once a week I like to give a thorough bath with Eqyss Microtek. As a bonus, this stuff smells really, really good. [SmartPak]

This horse is pretty clever; he’s figure out a way to let himself out of his stall. Look like it’s time to add a clip to that latch….

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 21, 2015 12:01 am -

EN reader Kris Ennis gets her mare Fergie in shape by trail riding near Cave Creek in Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Kris Ennis.

Between the ICP Symposium with Christopher Bartle and the U25 and 18 riders having their High Performance sessions with Leslie Law, Ocala was hopping the past couple of days. Hopefully all of the auditors and riders learned something, and came away from those sessions with some new ways to teach or ride.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Fresno County Horse Park C.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Playland Farm recently had a fire that destroyed their farm house. Everyone is fine, thank goodness. If you would like to help out, they are welcoming donations of gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, and the like to help them rebuild the farm house. Please send any help you have to Playland Farm, 12924 Molasses Road, Union Bridge, MD 21791. [Sending Gratitude and Thanks]

Rebecca Barber is making the most of her Worth the Trust scholarship. Rebecca has been making her way through college at William and Mary while simultaneously bringing her OTTB up through the levels. Now faced with the prospect of competing in a Training Three-Day and moving up to Preliminary in the same year she graduates from college, Rebecca plans to use the funds to gain flexibility in her training plans. Lessons with Holly Payne and Lynn Symansky are in her sight, along with the possibility of clinics with other ICP instructors. [2015 Worth the Trust Young Adult Scholarship Winner]

Former Grand Prix horse Gracia finds a forever home at 26. When rider Schuyler Riley retired the mare from Grand Prix, she thought she had found the mare a forever home. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, ‘Gracie’ was passed along until she ended up Gabrielle Miller’s hands, purchased for a pittance from a Craigslist ad. Skinny and underfed, she is now back to full health, and Riley is contemplating opening a retirement farm to ensure this doesn’t happen again. [Gracia Found Her Way Home]

Horse & Hound has compiled a list of 44 horse-related things for your bucket list. While some of these are British oriented, I still think they are all perfectly grand ideas. I especially like gallop in the sea with your horse and ride out for a racehorse trainer. [44 Horsey Things to Do Before You Die]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, John Marshall discusses the events he is running this year as the organizer for Fresno County Horse Park, formerly known as Ram Tap. Katie Coleman talks getting rid of the Florida gunk using natural remedies. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: The New FEI Tests. Jacky green discusses the new FEI dressage tests with Jess. Scott Keach talks with Max Corcoran and Samantha about winter motivation, show jumping and grooms’ schools. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: For those of you starting the competition season, you may have realized you are missing a few studs from last fall. I know I tend to throw everything in my box at the last show and deal with it at a later date. Inevitably, lost studs get overlooked and I find myself short a few upon opening my stud box the following spring. [SmartPak]

After the excitement of the Seahawks-Packers game, I was bored silly during the Patriots-Colts. As a result, I glued my eyes to this vintage video from Badminton in 1993, won by Ginny Leng and Welton Houdini.

Who Is Qualified for Rolex?

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 15, 2015 9:30 am -

Who will be in this stadium this year? Photo via EN's Instagram.

Just as the horse racing world compiles a large list of 3-year-olds who may contend the Kentucky Derby around this time of year, we here at Eventing Nation have decided to offer you a preview of which horses might contend at Rolex this year.

Currently, there are 84 horses fully qualified, 13 who may achieve qualification with another CIC3* in the spring, and 32 who have achieved qualification but need to renew their 12-month requirement with a CIC3* in the spring. Additionally, three qualified horses are for sale or seeking a rider and could contend at Rolex if secured for a Category A rider.

We make no claims that this is a complete list. Only horses who competed at least once at the Advanced, three-star, or four-star level in North America in 2013 or 2014 were evaluated for qualifications. Horses with riders based overseas are not included in this list, unless they have already declared their intentions to contend at Rolex.

If anyone knows of a horse who is aimed at Rolex but has not competed at these levels since 2012, by all means let us know in the comments below or at [email protected] so we can properly update the list. Similarly, if you know of a horse on this list that has been retired, sold or is otherwise not competing at this level anymore, please feel free to update us. We have done our best to update the list with news as it has come in during the off-season.

Many of these pairs have more than sufficient qualifying results. I have listed only the three most recent shows which achieve qualification for them and listed the date of the show that most recently satisfies the 12-month requirement. A star before the show name indicates one stop on cross country. When possible, I used three shows with clear cross country rounds.

Category A riders do not need to achiebe any qualifications as a pair with the horse and can immediately take any horse who has completed an MER at CCI3* to the CCI4* level. Currently, Category A riders in the U.S. include Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, Karen O’Connor, Marilyn Little, Phillip Dutton and Will Faudree. The list was updated by the FEI on Jan. 6, 2015. For Canada, Hawley Bennett-Awad, Kyle Carter and Selena O’Hanlon are all Category A riders. Joe Meyer is also a Category A rider for New Zealand.

Also, all of these horses are qualified with their current rider. If a rider change occurs, the new rider will need to be ranked as a Category A rider in order to compete at Rolex this year.

For a review of what entails an MER, please read Know Your Qualifications for a complete explanation.

Updates:

1/15/15: Sanskrit added
2/3/15: Sanskrit corrected, Joe Meyer added as Category A rider.

Horses and riders fully qualified to compete at Rolex 2015:

A Little Romance (Jessica Phoenix)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/14)
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
2014 *The Fork CIC3*

Anna Bella (Kurt Martin)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

A.P. Prime (Leah Lang-Gluscic)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2014 CHC International CIC3*

Arthur (Allison Springer)

2014 *Burghley CCI4* (9/6/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2012 Burghley CCI4*

Ballylaffin Bracken (Kristin Schmolze)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*

Ballynoe Castle RM (Buck Davidson)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*

Bantry Bays Dublin (Eliza Farren)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*

Bellamy (Jimmie Schramm)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/2014)
2014 *Jersey Fresh CIC3*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*

Bellaney Rock (Selena O’Hanlon)

2014 *Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Cambalda (Jennie Brannigan)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2014 Red Hills CIC3*

Catch A Star (Caitlin Silliman)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3*

Coal Creek (Lizzie Snow)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

Consensus (Julie Norman)

2014 *Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 Red Hills CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Cool Decision (Amanda Wilson)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Copper Beech (Buck Davidson)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Copycat Chloe (Allison Springer)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*

Covert Rights (Colleen Rutledge)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Morven Park CIC3*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*

Crackerjack (Boyd Martin – Category A)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2013 Jersey Fresh CIC3* (Ridden by Phillip Dutton)

Doesn’t Play Fair (Maya Black)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

Donner (Lynn Symansky)

2014 Bromont CIC3* (6/6/2014)
2013 Pau CCI4*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*

Dunlavin’s Token (Bobby Meyerhoff)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/2014)
2012 Richland Park CIC3*
2012 The Fork CIC3*

Enchantez (Lindsey Oaks)

2014 *Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2013 Red Hills CIC3*

Esprit de la Danse (John Michael Durr)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Copper Meadows CIC3*
2014 Rebecca Farm CIC3*

Eveready (Barb Crabo)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
2014 Galway Downs CIC3*

Fernhill By Night (Liz Halliday-Sharp)

2014 Boekelo CCI3* (10/9/14)
2014 Ballindenisk CIC3*
2014 Hartpury CIC3*

Fernhill Cubalawn (Phillip Dutton – Category A)

2014 Blenheim CCI3* (9/13/14)
2013 Bromont CCI3* (Ridden by Alex Green)
2013 The Fork CIC3* (Ridden by Alex Green)

Fernhill Fearless (Kim Severson)

2014 *World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*

Fernhill Flutter (Kevin Keane)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*

Fernhill Fugitive (Phillip Dutton)

2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/7/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*

F.I.S. Prince Charming (Lisa Barry)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

Foxwood High (Selena O’Hanlon)

2014 *World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*

Harbour Pilot (Hannah-Sue Burnett)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2013 Jersey Fresh CIC3*

High Times (Jen McFall)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Galway Downs CIC3*
2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Houdini (Katie Frei)

2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2013 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Imperial Melody (Cody Sturgess)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3*

In Style (Jodi Hemry)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*

Indy 500 (Andrea Baxter)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Woodside CIC3*
2014 Copper Meadows CIC3*

Inmidair (Jan Byyny)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Irish Rhythm (Rachel McDonough)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 Carolina CIC3*

Kilrodan Abbott (Peter Barry)

2014 *Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2014 Red Hills CIC3*

Landioso (Mackenna Shea)

2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2014 Twin Rivers CIC3*

Luckaun Quality (Timothy Bourke)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*

Lucky Devil (Lauren Kieffer)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 *Jersey Fresh 2014 CCI3*
2014 Carolina 2014 CIC3*

Madison Park (Kyle Carter)

2014 Poplar Place CIC3* (9/13/14)
2014 Poplar Place March CIC3*
2013 Bromont CCI3*

Manoir de Carneville (Sinead Halpin)

2014 *World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*

Master Frisky (Boyd Martin – Category A)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*

Mensa G (Michael Pollard)

2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Mighty Nice (Phillip Dutton)

2014 Luhmühlen CCI4* (6/12/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2013 The Fork CIC3*

Muggle (Nilson Moreira da Silva)

2014 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 CHC International CIC3*

Namaste (Hallie Coon)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Poplar Place CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*

Never OutFoxed (Holly Payne)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

No Boundaries (Erin Sylvester)

2014 Pau CCI4* (10/25/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

Novelle (Angela Grzywinski)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 *Woodside CIC3*
2014 Copper Meadows CIC3*

Obos O’Reilly (Will Coleman)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2013 Bromont CCI3*
2013 Fair Hill CIC3*

Otis Barbotiere (Boyd Martin)

2014 Luhmühlen CCI4* (6/12/14)
2012 Barbury Castle CIC3*
2012 Rolex CCI4*

Pancho Villa (Boyd Martin – Category A)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*

Park Trader (Buck Davidson)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Pavarotti (Jessica Phoenix)

2014 World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
2013 Bromont CIC3*

Pirate (Megan O’Donoghue)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2013 Rolex CCI4*

Proper Timing (Jon Holling)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*

Quantum Solace (Caroline Martin)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Relentless Pursuit (Dana Widstrand)

2014 *Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2007 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2007 The Fork CIC3*

Revitavet Capato (Jordan Linstedt)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Woodside CIC3*
2014 Rebecca Farm CIC3*

RF Demeter (Marilyn Little)

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*

Sanskrit (Joe Meyer – Category A)

2010 Luhmuhlen CIC3* (6/17/10)
2010 Chatsworth CIC3*
2009 Blenheim CCI3*

Shame on the Moon (Emily Beshear)

2014 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*

Shamwari 4 (Boyd Martin – Category A)

2014 World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Luhmühlen CCI4*
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3* (Ridden by Phillip Dutton)

Share Option (Lillian Heard)

2014 *Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Sir Donovan (Phillipa Humphreys)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*

Sir Rockstar (Libby Head)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Poplar Place CIC3*
2014 Rolex CCI4*

Sound Prospect (Alexandra Knowles)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2013 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
2013 *Bromont CCI3*

Sparrow’s Nio (Allie Sacksen)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CIC3*

Super Socks BCF (Matt Brown)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
2014 Twin Rivers CIC3*

S.V.R. Ron (Gina Miles)

2014 *Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Woodside CIC3*
2014 Galway Downs CIC3*

The Apprentice (Buck Davidson)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Tivoli (James Alliston)

2014 Woodside CIC3* (10/4/14)
2013 Galway Downs CIC3*
2012 Galway Downs CCI3*

Trading Aces (Boyd Martin – Category A)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4* (Ridden by Phillip Dutton)
2014 Red Hills CIC3*

Tsunami (Sally Cousins)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Rolex CCI4*

Under Suspection (Sharon White)

2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2014 Fair Hill CIC3*

Vandiver (Werner Geven)

2014 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Poplar Place September CIC3*
2013 Poplar Place September CIC3*

Veronica (Lauren Kieffer)

2014 Pau CCI4* (10/25/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Vilas County (Werner Geven)

2014 Poplar Place September CIC3* (9/13/14)
2014 Red Hills CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Who’s A Star (Courtney Cooper)

2014 *Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/7/14)
2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2013 The Fork CIC3*

Wundermaske (Sharon White)

2014 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/20/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Rolex CCI4*

Zatopek B (Jon Holling)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*

Horses needing another CIC3* to complete qualifications

Amendment 15 (Darren Chiacchia)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/14)
2014 Poplar Place March CIC3*

Basco (Bonner Carpenter)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Woodside CIC3*

Cape Town (Jennie Jarnstrom)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/14)
2014 *CHC International CIC3*

Erodium (Jessica Phoenix)
(Did not compete in U.S. in 2014)

2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/8/13)
2013 Red Hills CIC3*

Fly Me Courageous (Sara Murphy-Kozumplik)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Morven Park CIC3*

Gleaming Road (Anna Collier)

2014 Galway Downs CCI3* (11/1/14)
2014 Woodside CIC3*

Jolliyat (Caitlin Calder)
(Did not compete at Advanced in 2014)

2013 *Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/8/13)
2013 Fair Hill CIC3*

Mojito (Maddy Mazzola)

2014 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/7/14)
2013 Woodside CIC3*

RF Eloquence (Elinor MacPhail)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Poplar Place September CIC3*

Simply Priceless (Elisa Wallace)

2014 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/14)
2014 CHC International CIC3*

Tactical Maneuver (Ashley Leith)

2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Morven Park CIC3*

Tasman Sea (Kiyomi Foster)
(Did not compete in U.S. in 2014)

2013 *Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/13)
2013 Woodside CIC3*

Wolf (Susan Beebee)
(Did not compete in 2014)

2013 *Bromont CCI3* (6/6/13)
2013 The Fork CIC3*

Horses Previously Qualified (Need a CIC3* within 12 months of Rolex)

A First Romance (Selena O’Hanlon)
(Did not compete in the U.S. in 2014)

2013 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/13)
2013 *Bromont CCI3*
2013 Red Hills CIC3*

Andromaque (Will Faudree)

2014 The Fork CIC3* (4/2/14)
2013 Richland Park CIC3*
2013 Saumur CCI3*

Anthony Patch (Laine Ashker)

2014 Red Hills CIC3* (3/29/14)
2012 Fair Hill CCI3*
2012 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Ben (Helen Bouscaren)

2014 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Woodside CIC3*

Can’t Fire Me (Becky Holder)

2014 Carolina CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 Poplar Place September CIC3*
2011 Fair Hill CCI3*

Cavallino Cocktail (Zach Brandt)

2013 Rebecca Farm CIC3* (7/24/13)
2013 *Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2013 Twin Rivers CIC3*

Collection Pass (Kate Chadderton)

2013 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/13)
2013 Bromont CCI3*
2013 Fair Hill CIC3*

D.A. Adirmo (Buck Davidson)
(Did not compete in 2014)

2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/8/13)
2013 Red Hills CIC3*

Exponential (Jessica Phoenix)

2014 Poplar Place March CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2013 The Fork CIC3*

Goodknight (Jolie Wentworth)

2013 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/13)
2013 Woodside CIC3*
2013 Galway Downs CIC3*

Here’s To You (Emily Beshear)

2014 Carolina CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 The Fork CIC3*
2012 Blenheim CCI3*

HHS Cooley (Liz Halliday-Sharp)

2014 Ballindenisk CIC3* (4/11/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Ballindenisk CIC3*

HJ Hampton (Peter Atkins)

2014 *The Fork CIC3* (4/2/14)
2013 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Red Hills CIC3*

Jefferson (Natalie Rooney)

2014 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/14)
2013 *Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Woodside CIC3*

Last Call (Alexandra Knowles)

2014 Red Hills CIC3* (3/5/14)
2011 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
2011 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Mar de Amor (Buck Davidson – Category A)

2013 Rolex CCI4* (4/24/13)
2012 *Fair Hill CCI3*
2011 Twin Rivers CIC3* (Ridden by Tamie Smith)

Mr. Medicott (Phillip Dutton – Category A)

2014 Carolina CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Nonsensical (Emilee Libby)

2014 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Rebecca Farm CIC3*

Pawlow (Will Faudree)

2014 *The Fork CIC3* (4/2/14)
2013 Rolex CCI4*
2013 The Fork CIC3*

Petite Flower (Buck Davidson – Category A)

2014 *Carolina CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*

Polar Storm (Katie Willis)
(Did not compete in 2014)

2013 *Bromont CCI3* (6/6/13)
2013 Fair Hill CIC3*
2009 Jersey Fresh CCI3*

RF Cosima (Lauren Kieffer)

2013 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/19/13)
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*
2013 Bromont CIC3*

Rise Against (Bunnie Sexton)

2013 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/13)
2013 Woodside CIC3*
2013 Bromont CCI3*

Sal Dali (Beth Perkins)

2013 Rolex CCI4* (4/24/13)
2013 The Fork CIC3*
2012 *The Fork CIC3*

Sea Lion (Pam Fisher)

2013 Woodside CIC3* (10/5/13)
2013 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
2012 *Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Shiraz (Colleen Rutledge)

2014 The Fork CIC3* (4/2/14)
2013 The Fork CIC3*
2012 Pau CCI4*

Sir Oberon (Ellen Doughty)

2014 Red Hills CIC3* (3/5/14)
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*

Syd Kent (Jan Byyny)

2013 Rolex CCI4* (4/24/13)
2013 Red Hills CIC3*
2012 Fair Hill CCI3*

Walk the Line (Emily Renfroe)

2014 Poplar Place March CIC3* (3/20/14)
2013 Red Hills CIC3*
2012 Fair Hill CCI3*

Wise Equestrian Master Rose (Ronald Zabala-Goetchsel)
(Did not compete at the Advanced level in 2014)

2013 The Fork CIC3* (4/3/13)
2012 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2012 Campo de Mayo CIC3*

Horses currently qualified and for sale or without an announced rider, that would be able to compete at Rolex if secured by a category A rider. Otherwise would be unable to compete at a CCI4* by Rolex unless ridden by current rider.

Gin & Juice

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14) (Ridden by Hawley Bennett-Awad)
2014 Galway Downs CIC3* (Ridden by Hawley Bennett-Awad)
2013 Pau CCI4* (Ridden by Hawley Bennett-Awad)

The Alchemyst

2013 Woodside CIC3* (10/5/13) (Ridden by Debbie Rosen)
2012 Rebecca Farm CIC3* (Ridden by James Atkinson)
2010 *Rolex CCI4* (Ridden by Debbie Rosen)

Parker

2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14) (Ridden by James Alliston)
2013 Rolex CCI4* (Ridden by James Alliston)
2012 Galway Downs CCI3* (Ridden by James Alliston)

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 14, 2015 12:01 am -

David teaches at Tamie Smith's facility. Photo via USEF High Performance FB.

And to no one’s surprise, everyone in California is back to wearing short sleeves with the Florida crew while the rest of the country huddles inside their giant, poofy jackets. I noticed the other day that there is literally less room for people on the elevator as everyone approximately doubles in size once donning our eighteen layers of clothes.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Poplar Place January H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Doug Payne is making good use of his sale funds from Crown Talisman. Doug made the tough decision to sell Tali to fund the purchase of a farm in North Carolina. Purchased just under the wire to avoid a capital gains tax, the farm is now in the development phase, with a farm, apartment, house, ring and other amenities coming soon. In the meantime, Doug has a string of young horses to play with, some of which he hopes will step into Tali’s shoes. [Tali’s Farm Update]

These six horsey homes are too quaint for words. All located in England, these six homes are properties that any horse person would happily sign their souls away for. They all have a very English flair and are way, way, way over my budget. Still, it’s fun to window shop. [Six Heavenly Horsey Homes]

Andrew Hoy has taken on the ride on Algebra. Algebra completed Luhmuhlen in 13th place with Natalie Blundell last year, but failed to finish at Burghley or Badminton. Originally slated to retire from the upper levels and become a schoolmaster, the 17-year old gelding was feeling so good with Andrew that the owners have decided to cautiously compete him this year, taking it one step at a time. [Andrew Hoy Gains New Ride]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Caitlin Silliman joins to discuss her plans with her new ride on the YEH 4-yr Reserve East Coast Champion, Vagabon de Champdoux. Rob Burke, the Director of Operations at the USEA talks shows, programs, and awards planned for 2015. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Wintering in Florida and Wellington’s CIC. Michael Pollard discusses the advantages of wintering in Ocala (besides the fact that it’s warm!). Next up, Eric Bull has been building fences for a surprise CIC down in Wellington. Ginny Elliott pops in with a training tip. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I have a terrible habit of purchasing horse clothing to wear in the so-called ‘real world.’ Then I get weird looks because I’m doing the equestrian fad, but too authentic to be fashionable. However, this hat from Kerrits is pretty cute and totally looks like I could get away without the side eye from the non-horsey, equestrian wearing masses. [SmartPak]

Elissa Wallace and her adorable mustang Hwin tackled the Novice course at Ocala I last weekend. Who doesn’t want to watch a mustang?

Eventing Nation

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Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

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