Maggie Deatrick

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Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 10, 2018 12:01 am -

The squid is super pleased with himself after a stellar XC schooling. Photo by Maggie Deatrick

T-minus two days until I am on a flight (again) to Atlanta (again), about to drive to Aiken (again). But this time it will be for an event! I haven’t flown out to an event since my college days, so I am feeling very hunter-princess indeed as I fly in just to take the reins and glamorously jet out again after the show. I won’t feel so glamorous trudging through the airport parking lot at 1 am Monday morning, looking for my car, but such is the price we pay as amateurs. I can live with a little bit of sleep deprivation.

National Holiday: National Take the Stairs Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

The one and only Joseph Murphy will be offering a clinic in Ocala in early February. Despite being a cross-country savant himself, Joseph decided it never hurts to learn from the best and spent some time picking up some tips from Michael Jung and Christopher Burton recently. Sign up now for his clinic to gain not only some Irish expertise but maybe a little bit of Jung’s advice, secondhand, as well. [Joseph Murphy Ocala Clinic]

Don’t expect to see Zara Tindall at Kentucky this spring. Zara and her husband Mike Tindall have announced they are pregnant again, due this year. Zara nd Mike have a 3 year old already, and this child would be 19th in line to the throne, after the child that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting. [Zara Tindall Expecting]

Like many Americans unable to head south, the Brits are focusing on the basics of fitness over the winter. Nicola Wilson reveals some of her favorite winter tips, like spending time hacking and trotting before thinking about spring gallops, and feeding on the ground to stretch the top line. [9 Winter Training Tips]

Boyd Martin got to live every 90s girl’s dream of joining up. Working with Monty Roberts at the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival Masterclass, Boyd joined up with one of Monty’s homebreds. Afterwards, he did an eventing demonstration with some of Erin Kellerhouse’s young event horses, using humor to provide entertainment to the crowd. [Boyd Martin Joins Monty Roberts for Masterclass]

Prepare for the 2018 competition season by attending the 16th Annual Weekend Equestrian Program to be held January 27-28 at Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, CT. Over 50 presentations will be made on a range of topics including, but not limited to, colic, wounds, vital signs, dehydration, Lyme disease, USEF drug testing, and improving your test scores. Specifically for eventers, talks will be offered on the new 2018 USEF dressage tests, conditioning for the lower levels, the warm-up at a competition, and how to improve the stadium phase. For more information, including information on schedules and registration, go to [Dressage4Kids].

SmartPak Product of the Day: With as cold as it has been, insulated bucket covers might help ease the pain a little. These guys from SmartPak are even on sale, so buy them now so the next cold spell your horses all have less-frozen water! [SmartPak]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 3, 2018 12:01 am -

Working students in the wild have been known to search out sources of warmth in the winter months. Photo via Destination Farm FB page.

For the first time in my eventing career, I will be competing at the very first horse trials of the year, which happens to be held at Stable View this year. Originally my plan was to ride through New Year’s but the arctic temps and frozen ground thwarted that. Now I’m headed down to Aiken this weekend to take a spin on my squid so we can try not to embarrass ourselves running Novice. Turning is hard when you’re 17.1 hands worth of legs.

National Holiday: Fruitcake Toss Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

One more week…

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Margaret Hough made history when she became the first woman to win Badminton. At a time when men still looked down on women for not just competing but daring to be competitive, Margaret Hough and Bambi V dared to take the title in 1954. Margaret passed away peacefully at the age of 86. [First Female Badminton Winner Dies]

We’ve heard from some of the American riders but the Brits have big goals too. Oliver Townend, Laura Collett, and Izzy Taylor all have promising young horses and all have a similar goal: Badminton then WEG. [New Years Resolutions]

Judges wanted! If you’ve ever thought about becoming a dressage judge (or more importantly, need to escape the cold), you can still sign up for the Dressage Session I Training Program in Ocala from January 29 to February 1. The deadline has been extended to January 10. [Deadline Extended]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I ventured out from my normal boot brand this fall after wearing out too many pairs too quickly and was extremely pleased when these Mountain Horse field boots arrived. I’ve gotten quite a few compliments on their looks so far and they had almost no break in time! [SmartPak]

Here’s to the Things That Were

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 2, 2018 5:00 pm -

In the fall of 2017, EN writer Maggie Deatrick and her long-time partner Divine Comedy, aka Dante, were set for a comeback to the 3* level after two years of rehabbing a tendon injury. After feeling something wasn’t quite right with him, she went down the rabbit hole of treating and diagnosing for what she hoped would be manageable arthritic changes. Ultimately a CT scan revealed a career-ending issue instead. Dante has now happily been transitioned into a pasture puff for the next couple of years, with hopes of a career as a lower level schoolmaster in the future.

Photos courtesy of Jenni Autry, Dapple Bay, Michelle Parker, and Maggie Deatrick.

Today is the first day of our second decade together. Today, things are different.

For ten years, you have been my brother in arms, my kindred spirit. You’ve given me strength, courage, and confidence. You’ve given me speed and you’ve given me wings.

But this year, things change. Our relationship as we’ve known it is over. We will never go out together again to face life and death. We have to be something else to each other now.

Your heart of a lion has outgrown your long-backed, upright-pasterned body. It can’t do what you want it to do, but you’ll keep trying, because that’s the sort you are. But I know you better than I know myself, and I knew something was wrong.

I’m devastated I found it.

I’m so grateful I found it.

It’s been hard. Ending the relationship we’ve had has been both the easiest and hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I know that in order to protect you, I had to make the call.

For a while, I couldn’t stop thinking about the things that would never be.

Ending it meant we’d never fly over the hills of Kentucky on a Saturday in April amidst cheers from a crowd of thousands. We’d never tackle the sandy hills of Carolina, an event I tried to attend for years and never managed to get to. We’d never dominate the CCI3* course at Fair Hill, a venue I knew you loved by the way your strength swelled like the rising tide beneath me at minute eight in the two-star.

But the longer I thought about it, the more I realized that the things that we did accomplish were so much greater than the things we didn’t.

You’ve brought me further than I ever imagined I could come. You never knew your conformation was ill-suited to upper level eventing. You didn’t care that you were supposed to top out at Prelim. You weren’t done there. You dragged me up the levels, bouncing over three-star tables as if they were nothing when everyone once thought you were scoped out at 3’6″. You didn’t care how embarrassed I was after you gleefully misbehaved during dressage or jumped around show-jumping by braille. You knew you’d make it up to me on cross-country day, and you always followed through.

Before you, I’d never even run Training, never placed high enough at any event to get a ribbon. At our very first event, you rewarded me with a low twenties dressage score and led from start to finish. At the end of our second year we were running Preliminary and the following year tackling FEI events, including a third place finish at one of the last long-format CCI ever held.

Together we ran over courses from Jersey Fresh to Colorado, from Maui Jim in Chicago down to Rocking Horse in Florida. We finished on your dressage score in our very first Advanced, a weekend I will never forget. We jumped the very high side of an angled brush in our second Advanced at Poplar Place when you drifted on take-off, and yet cleared it and galloped on. We had a personal best dressage at Fair Hill CCI2*, in a field 110 strong, putting us in the top quarter of the field after phase one.

You taught me patience, over and over and over, on the flat and in the show jumping. Everything you did, you did in Capital Letters, emphatically and enthusiastically, and sometimes embarrassingly. I spent an entire decade learning to be a better rider, for you.

On cross country day, you were king. Present you to the fence perfectly, you jumped economically. Give you a challenge, like an off distance or a big spread, and you would jump the moon. The feeling of power that rose like a wave under me when you were fit and fast on course meant I knew making time would be easy that day. I had to learn not to let my confidence translate into cockiness, to not make a mistake out of complacency, simply because I was sitting on you.

I didn’t know that a lone Intermediate run this fall would be our final run together, but I’m grateful to have had one last taste of flying on your back. After two long years of patient rehab after a tendon injury, I thought that run was a taste of what would be coming, not a finale to a long career. It was easy for you, even after a long hiatus.

The tendon is strong as iron now; I’m proud it wasn’t what ended your career.

All these things we did together, you and I. These memories are the things that were. I choose not to regret anything.

Here’s to Dante, the brother of my soul. You’ve given me everything you had, and been so more to me than you were meant to be.

Thank you.

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Show Jumping for 2017

By Maggie Deatrick on Jan 1, 2018 12:00 pm -

This series highlights the top five horses and riders in each phase at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels from 2017. While we often recognize greatness over all three phases in our sport, EN believes we should also recognize strength in each phase. This series aims to give that recognition, highlighting horses and riders who have had particularly strong years in one phase.

We’ve already looked at top cross country horses and dressage powerhouses among the American and U.S.-based horses. Today we pay tribute to the top five show jumping horses of 2017.

To be considered for EN’s Top Five, we first began with horses with at least three show jumping rounds at this level who had no more than one rail the entire year. We then ranked the horses according to the number of rounds that were jumped clear, with the horses who jumped the most clear rounds ranking higher.

Then the level of competition was considered, and the horses tied for number of runs were ranked according to the level of their CCI (or if no CCI was completed). Finally, if a tie still existed, we turned to time penalties, using that as the final tie breaker.

Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FIFTH PLACE: Paddy the Caddy

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0

Number of Clear Rounds: 5 of 6 (2 Clear CCI3* Rounds)

In his second year at the level, Paddy the Caddy cemented his ability in the show jumping phase under Erin Sylvester, clocking in clear rounds at five of their six shows, two of which were CCI3*. With clear rounds in 12 of their 14 career stadium rounds at this level, these two are worth keeping an eye on.

This pair started the year quietly with clear rounds in the Advanced divisions at Pine Top and Carolina International. Coming home, Paddy the Caddy then knocked off a clear round in their first CIC3* of the year at Fair Hill. The Advanced at the Horse Park of New Jersey saw Erin and Paddy the Caddy have their only rail of the year before they moved on to a clear round in Paddy the Caddy’s first career CCI3* at Rebecca Farms, giving them the win. A clear round at Fair Hill CCI3* helped them clinch a top five position, one of only two pairs to finish on their dressage score.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Shelby Allen.

FOURTH PLACE: D.A. Duras

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0.14

Number of Clear Rounds: 6 of 7 (No CCI)

D.A. Duras is another sophomore at the level who really stepped up his game this year. With Lauren Kieffer in the irons, this young horse came close to a foot-perfect year, with only a single rail.

These two started the year in the states with clear rounds inside the time in the CIC3* divisions at both Red Hills and Carolina. A single time penalty at Chattahoochee Hills in the Advanced would be their only time penalty of the year before Lauren based herself in England for the remainder of the year.

Across the pond, D.A. Duras clocked off a clear stadium round in the Advanced at Little Downham before incurring his only rail of the year at the CIC3* at Barbury Castle. He and Lauren rallied for the final two rounds of the year at this level, jumping clear at both the Hartpury CIC3* and Blenheim CIC3* (8/9 year old).

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THIRD PLACE: Z

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0.14

Number of Clear Rounds: 6 of 7 (1 Clear CCI3* Rounds)

Yet another sophomore horse on this list, Z has started a pattern of needing one show to warmup before hitting home runs the rest of the year. Both in 2016 and 2017, Z had one rail at his first A/3* of the year before jumping clean for the remainder of his shows.

Z and Phillip Dutton started by incurring one rail at Carolina CIC3*. They’d clock in clear rounds at Fair Hill and Jersey Fresh in the CIC3* divisions before hopping the pond to incur the only time penalty of Z’s career thus far at the Tattersalls CCI3*.

Back for the fall, Z had clear rounds at both Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*, then had a short break while Phillip recovered from a fall. Back in time for the Ocala Jockey Club, a clear round in the stadium helped Z climb the ranks to finish as Phillip’s top placed horse of the CIC3*.

Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

SECOND PLACE: DeLux Z

Number of Rails in 2017: 0

Time Penalty Average: 0.71

Number of Clear Rounds: 7 of 7 (1 Clear CCI3*, 1 Clear CCI4*)

DeLux Z co-owns the longest clear stadium streak in North American eventing, with eleven straight clear rounds dating back to his first CCI4* in 2016. Since that date he has jumped clear at every Advanced, 3*, and 4* he has competed at, including two rounds at Kentucky, one at Fair Hill CCI3*, and another at Blenheim CCI3*.

Beginning the year with clear rounds at the Pine Top Advanced and Carolina CIC3*, Kurt Martin and DeLux Z then had a clear round with four time penalties at the Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills. They were then one of only four clear rounds inside the time at Kentucky CCI4*.

Coming out strong for the fall, this pair had clean rounds again at Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*, then incurred one time penalty but no rails at the Fair Hill CCI3*.

Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C. Photo by Jenni Autry.

FIRST PLACE: Congo Brazzaville C

Number of Rails in 2017: 0

Time Penalty Average: 1.22

Number of Clear Rounds: 9 of 9 (1 Clear CCI3* Round)

The only freshman horse on the list, Congo Brazzaville C has stepped up to the Advanced level with a bang in 2017 under Mara DePuy. Going a perfect 9 for 9 in stadium rounds is no joke, and despite a few time penalties, this horse has established himself as the king of this phase for 2017.

These two started off the year with a clear round inside the time at the Pine Top Advanced before knocking off the same in the Carolina, Fair Hill, and Jersey Fresh CIC3* divisions. Congo Brazzaville C incurred his first stadium penalties with 6 time at Great Meadow CICO3* when Mara briefly took a detour after a particularly big effort, but the two followed it up with clear rounds inside the time at both Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*.

Next up they finished the year with a clear round and four time at Morven Advanced followed by a clear round with one time penalty at Congo Brazzaville C’s first CCI3* at Fair Hill.

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Cross Country for 2017

By Maggie Deatrick on Dec 31, 2017 11:00 am -

Welcome to the second post in our series highlighting the top five horses and riders in each phase at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels from 2017. Yesterday we highlighted the top five dressage powerhouses among the American and U.S. based horses. Today we pay tribute to the top five cross country horses of 2017.

To be considered for EN’s Top Five in this category, we first began with horses that completed every cross country round they started and incurred no jump penalties or frangible penalties in any of their starts — in other words, a perfect jump penalty record for 2017. The horses also needed to have completed at least three cross country rounds this year, of which at least one must be a CCI, to be considered.

We then ranked the horses according to who averaged the fewest number of time penalties across the country.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Amy Dragoo Photography.

FIFTH PLACE: Foxwood High

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.43

Number of Runs: 7

Foxwood High and Selena O’Hanlon started the year off a bit slower and then ended by picking up the pace, ultimately winning the CCI3* at Fair Hill, the first time a Canadian has won the division.

These two started their season at Rocking Horse Advanced, accumulating 4.8 time penalties. At Red Hills, they had a speedy 2.0 time penalties to help win the Advanced division. Next up was the WEG venue at The Fork CIC3*, where they had a solid clear round with 4.8 time penalties. The two finished their spring season at the Rolex CCI4*, with a clear round and 10.4 time.

Foxwood High and Selena came out guns blazing for the fall season, beginning with a clear round 3 seconds inside the time at the Great Meadow CICO3*, followed by another clear round at Plantation Field CIC3*, this time 6 seconds inside the time. Their crowning achievement this fall was the win at Fair Hill CCI3*, helped by their round only 4 seconds over the optimum.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Libby Law.

FOURTH PLACE: Vandiver

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.37

Number of Runs: 7

Doug Payne and Vandiver had a very good year in the second phase, finishing inside the time on three occasions and finishing fifteen seconds or less over optimum all but once.

These two started the year at Pine Top CIC3*, putting in the fastest round of the day after finishing 11 seconds under optimum. Vandiver followed it up with a quick but not lightning-fast round at Carolina in the CIC3*, finishing 12 seconds over optimum for 4.8 time penalties. At The Fork CIC3*, the WEG venue for 2018, they equaled the fastest round in the CIC3*, finishing 3 seconds under optimum. Their fall season concluded at Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, where Vandiver had a very solid 5.2 time penalties.

After a break while Doug mended from a broken collarbone, Vandiver next appeared at Millbrook, clocking in a slower round with 8.4 time penalties. Doug then put the pedal to the metal for the American Eventing Championships, proving his earlier run at the venue wasn’t a fluke with a clear round 9 seconds inside the time. The pair rounded the year our with a trip across the pond to Blenheim, finishing with 5.2 penalties in the CCI3*.

Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code. Photo by MWL/Hoofclix.com.

THIRD PLACE: Da Vinci Code

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.20

Number of Runs: 3

Da Vinci Code is flying under the radar after he had a strong spring season. A clear run with only 5.2 penalties at Pine Top CIC3* marked a solid start to the year. At Carolina CIC3*, where time was extremely difficult to make this year, Da Vinci Code and Kylie Lyman came close, accumulating only 3.2 time penalties. Then Da Vinci Code established his cross-country talent over the Bromont CCI3* course, where he was only 3 seconds over optimum time.

Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

SECOND PLACE: Super Socks BCF

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 2.67

Number of Runs: 3

Super Socks BCF and Matt Brown were coming off a high in 2016 with a win at the inaugural CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club, and clearly had a goal in mind. Choosing to run at a slower pace in their first run of the year, they accumulated 7.6 time penalties at the Pine Top CIC3*.

That would be the slowest they’d go all year. At Carolina, they pressed the pace in the Advanced and managed the fastest round of the day over a hard-to-make-time track, finishing only one second over optimum time. At Rolex, Super Socks BCF became a super hero after finishing with the second fastest round of the day, fastest of all the American riders.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FIRST PLACE: Chatwin

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 0.27

Number of Runs: 3

Chatwin had an abbreviated year due to his rider’s growing family, but Frankie Theriot-Stutes quietly assembled a supremely solid spring season with this young horse.

This pair began the year at Twin Rivers, running clear in the Advanced division while finishing 7 seconds under the optimum time. They continued the pattern at the Galway Downs CIC3*, this time finishing 17 seconds under optimum en route to a clear round.

After a monsoon at Jersey Fresh caused Frankie to withdraw prior to the cross country, Chatwin re-routed to the Bromont CCI3*, where he finished only two seconds over the optimum time in his first CCI3*, marking the third-fastest round of the day.

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Dressage for 2017

By Maggie Deatrick on Dec 30, 2017 8:30 am -

Welcome to our Top Five of 2017 series! Like the last two years, this series will highlight the top five horses and riders in each phase at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels from 2017.

While we often recognize greatness over all three phases in our sport, we should also strive to recognize strength in each phase. This series aims to give that recognition and highlight horses and riders who have had particularly strong years in one phase or another.

Today’s Top Five will highlight the horses that had the five lowest dressage averages in 2017. To be considered for EN’s top five, the horse must have performed at least three dressage tests at these levels. All U.S. horses were considered, regardless of where they are based, as well as all horses who competed at least twice on U.S. soil.

These averages include Advanced scores that have been converted into FEI scores to allow for direct comparison. This will be the last year we do the conversion from USEF to FEI, as next year the FEI scores will lose the coefficient. I’ve included the average in terms of both FEI and USEF scoring, but both scores include all Advanced/3*/4* tests from the year.

As a side note, 17 American horses averaged below the all-important 45.0 mark this year. This is well up from only 9 horses who dropped below 45.0 last year, and surpasses the 15 horses who achieved that mark in 2015.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

FIFTH PLACE: Charlie Tango

FEI Average: 42.21

USEF Average: 28.14

Number of Tests: 4

The young Charlie Tango stepped out of the gate in 2017 already above average and managed to steadily drop his score throughout the year across eight starts. Based in California, he and Heather Morris clocked in a 30.0 (USEF), a 46.3 (FEI), and a 30.0 (USEF) in their first three starts of the year at Twin Rivers Advanced, Galway Downs CIC3*, and Woodside Advanced respectively. After knocking out a 27.8 (USEF) at the Copper Meadows Advanced in June, they made the trek to Montana for Charlie Tango’s first CCI3* completion, where he executed a 46.1 (FEI) in the dressage phase.

By fall the horse had found another gear, beginning with a 22.4 (USEF) in the Advanced at Copper Meadows before trekking east for a 25.4 (USEF) at the Stable View Advanced. This pair rounded out their stellar year in the first phase with a 41.9 (FEI) at the Fair Hill CCI3*.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

FOURTH PLACE: RF Scandalous

FEI Average: 42.08

USEF Average: 28.05

Number of Tests: 5

RF Scandalous started the year out with a bang, leading The Fork CIC3* from start to finish after scoring 41.7 (FEI) in phase one. The next event saw RF Scandalous and Marilyn Little scoring just a hair shy of their personal best as they executed a 37.7 (FEI) in the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh. The pair capped off the spring season by scoring a 38.0 (FEI) at the mare’s first CCI4* in Luhmuhlen.

Back in the States for the fall, RF Scandalous led the field after dressage in the American Eventing Championships with a 27.8 (USEF), before faltering at her final event of the year, scoring an uncharacteristic 51.3 (FEI) at the Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THIRD PLACE: Covert Rights

FEI Average: 41.62

USEF Average: 27.74

Number of Tests: 5

Covert Rights really stepped up his dressage game after a bit of a hiatus in 2016. Knocking a bit of rust off at Carolina CIC3* with a 48.0 (FEI), Colleen then gave him a bit of a break before heading to the final Richland Park CIC3* where they scored a personal best of 33.3 (FEI), also marking the fourth best North American three-star score this decade.

At Plantation CIC3*, they faltered a bit in the uncharacteristic heat with a 47.3 (FEI) before rebounding at Morven Park in the CIC3* to lead from start to finish with a 39.7 (FEI). Covert Rights wound out the fall season at Fair Hill CCI3*, where a 39.8 (FEI) was enough to hold second after phase one.

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

SECOND PLACE: Fernhill By Night

FEI Average: 39.89

USEF Average: 26.59

Number of Tests: 7

Fernhill By Night spent the year being his consistent stellar self, executing seven consecutive tests that scored well over 70%. He and Liz Halliday-Sharp have proven they are always a must-watch test on day one.

Fernhill By Night began the year at Pine Top CIC3* with a solid 40.4 (FEI), followed by a 42.5 (FEI) at Carolina CIC3*. At The Fork, he and Liz broke into the FEI thirties for the first time in 2017, scoring a 25.9 (USEF) in the Advanced to ultimately win the division. To round out their spring season, these two laid down a 41.3 (FEI) at Rolex Kentucky CCI4* to place fourth after the first phase.

After a break, Liz brought ‘Blackie’ back out at Blair Castle in the CIC3*, scoring 41.9 (FEI) before withdrawing prior to cross-country. At Blenheim CIC3* ERM, these two scored a very solid 40.3 (FEI) to finish sixth in the division. Finally, Liz and Fernhill By Night returned to the States in time for the Ocala Jockey Club to lead the CIC3* division with a 34.0 (FEI), more than six points ahead of their nearest competitor.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FIRST PLACE: Loughan Glen

FEI Average: 35.70

USEF Average: 23.80

Number of Tests: 3

It’s not exactly a surprise that Loughan Glen can throw down a test competitive with anyone in the world, and he did it again twice this year, setting records with only three starts. Although these tests did not translate into wins, there’s no doubt that Loughan Glen is one of the best dressage specialists in the eventing world.

Based in the U.S. again after many years over in England, Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen started the year at Pine Top CIC3*, laying down the best three-star score in North America since 2012 with a 32.2 (FEI). At Carolina CIC3*, the pair regressed a bit and only achieved a 41.3 (FEI), still enough to lead a very competitive field of 60.

Then, at Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, they showed what they can really do with a 33.6 (FEI), executing the best test of any North American at Rolex this decade. That score gave them a lead of 3.5 points over the second placed pair, world-champion Michael Jung and his super mare fischerRocana FST.

Hang on to your hats! Next we introduce the EN’s top pairs on cross country.

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Dec 20, 2017 12:01 am -

Elf on the Shelf has got a (much larger) clone! Photo via Destination Farm FB page.

Fun holiday shows, endless candy and cookies, and caroling 24/7. What’s not to love about the holidays? Usually I’m stuck inside working so much I can’t take a second to enjoy but for the first time in my working life, I’m taking a break between Christmas and New Year to enjoy my horse before he heads south for the winter. Fingers crossed for good weather!

National Holiday: Go Caroling Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Still patiently waiting for 2018…

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

If you’re keeping up with the EquiRatings Horse of the Year, they’re up to contender #9, Ballaghmor Class. You can get the rundown on all the contenders directly from the horse’s mouth, as it were, by listening into the Horseware Eventing Podcast. [ER HOTY – Making the List]

DeLux Z has been quietly sneaking up the four-star ranks with Kurt Martin. DeLux Z and Kurt have flown under the radar since their win at Lux’s first CCI3* in 2015, but have steadily been improving as the horse gains fitness. With a desire for escaping and a not-so-secret love for his stablemate Anna Bella, Lux has proven quite the character at home. [Behind the Stall Door]

The Wilberry Wonder Pony Hannah Francis Award has been given to a friend of the late Hannah Francis. Emily Mustow has channeled the determination of Hannah this year, struggling back from a concussion only to suffer from acute appendicitis the day she was cleared. After her layoff she completed her first one-star before long-term effects from the concussion took hold. [Young Rider Wins Hannah Francis Award]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If you’ve left your gift shopping until the last minute and are worried about receiving gift shipments on time, worry no more! SmartPak Gift Certificates are instantly delivered to their recipients. [SmartPak]

Congrats to Shannon L., our day nine winner of EN’s 12 Days of Christmas giveaways! Shannon will receive a prize pack from Horseware including a winter jacket, turnout blanket and dog blanket. Tune in to EN today for your next chance to win a prize from one of EN’s awesome sponsors.

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Dec 13, 2017 12:01 am -

My new favourite GIF pic.twitter.com/ZINtdu9oXd

— Nico Morgan Media (@nicomorgan) December 12, 2017

This should really not be that mesmerizing. I really should not be watching it on loop. I am not absolutely fascinated by Michael Jung making random faces and it absolutely does not make him adorable and relatable. Not at all.

National Holiday: Ice Cream Day (Because it’s not cold or anything…)

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Patiently waiting for 2018…

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Our historic Fair Hill winner Foxwood High is up for EquiRatings Horse of the Year. Foxwood High capped off a banner year by becoming the first Canadian winner of Fair Hill. This capped off a season that saw his dressage drop ten points from start to finish, his stadium improve and his cross country faster. [ER HOTY Contender]

Breaking tack on course is everyone’s worst nightmare. And yet, it seems to happen more often than it should. Re-live tales of riders who have broken tack and gone on to finish…or take the sensible route and retire when it’s too dangerous. [7 Terrifying Moments]

The Intercollegiate Championships will return to VAHT again. After hosting for two years, VAHT has been awarded the Intercollegiate Championships for one more year before they are opened up for a bid for the next three years. The USEA hopes to rotate to venues accessible to other college programs to grow the Intercollegiate participation. [Intercollegiate Championships Will Return]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Guys. Horseware products are on sale. Horseware products haven’t been on sale as long as I remember, so please go stock up on Rambo turnouts while you can! [SmartPak]

Congrats to Morgan, our day two winner of EN’s 12 Days of Christmas giveaways! Morgan will receive a StretchTech Shoulder Relief Girth from our awesome sponsor Total Saddle Fit. Tune in to EN later today for your next chance to win a prize from one of EN’s awesome sponsors.

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Dec 6, 2017 12:01 am -

Stephanie Cordell and Codename Toby tackle new heights. Photo by Dillon Cordell.

This is both the quietest time of year (no USEA events) and busiest time of year (schooling shows, clinics, derbies, and lessons). Loch Moy Farm has a long standing tradition of running year-round schooling shows on their all-weather arenas, letting everyone dip their toes into a higher level at the end of the season in a bit of a tamer setting like a derby. Oh, and bonus points for festive decor!

National Holiday: Put On Your Own Shoes Day #adulting

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Not one single event! 2017 is in the books!

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

The Southern California Equestrian Sports Foundation has announced their grant recipients. Grant recipients were chosen based on their dedication for the betterment of equestrian sports. This year, Allison Springer, Lauren Billys, and Gina Miles were all chosen to receive the award. [SCES Announces Grant Recipients]

Galway Downs is always making efforts to upgrade their facilities. Numerous trainers, primarily West Coast based but also including riders like Boyd Martin, have offered their services to the 20th Annual Galway Downs Eventing Fundraiser Clinic. Proceeds will go to help upgrade the cross-country course. [20th Annual Galway Downs Fundraiser]

EquiRatings reminds us that a year can make a big difference. A year ago, names like Bulana and Ballaghmore Class weren’t household names. Horses like these two, along with Hunter Valley II and Vanir Kamira leapt forward from their performances of 2016. Who will step up to the plate and give us some unexpected brilliance in 2018? [Top Level Improvers of 2017]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If you haven’t been paying attention, SmartPak is still running their 25 Days of Christmas! Yesterday was Back on Track products being sweetened with an extra gift, what is today’s sale offering? [SmartPak]

Wednesday News & Notes from Smart Pak

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 29, 2017 12:01 am -

Giving Tuesday can be fun! Photo via Will Faudree Eventing FB Page

It’s wonderful to see eventers giving back this time of year, and Will Faudree Eventing is making a tradition of it this year, recruiting Bobby Costello and John Zopatti to crew the 2nd Annual Celebrity Bartending Event. The occasion raised money for the Hearts 4 Heroes Corporation, a nonprofit that connects service members with physical and mental disabilities and trauma with canine- and equine-assisted therapy. If that’s not a worthy cause, I don’t know what is.

National Holiday: Square Dance Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Our very own Buck Davidson and Carlevo have been noted as one to watch for 2018. EquiRatings notes that the horse has finished in every place inside the top ten except for the elusive win. Is that a portent of things to come for next year? [A Win on the Way]

Boyd is expanding his horizons this December with some clinics in Japan. Boyd will be holding a number of clinics in association with the NRCAJ (the Japanese riding association), the JRA (the Japanese Racing Association), and Godolphin. The clinics will aim to help riders in Japan learn how to transition OTTB to new careers, particularly eventing. [Martin to Host Clinics]

Stuart Tinney’s near-miss with a flag at Adelaide has stirred plenty of debate. With the rules in place for 2018, the FEI will be taking another year to evaluate the definition of a runout after Stuart Tinney’s horse almost entirely missed the fence but still managed to pass his shoulder inside a flag. The USEF will revert to the previous rule of elimination while waiting for the FEI to settle on final language. [The 50 Penalty Rule]

SmartPak Product of the Day: This isn’t exactly the time of year to think about buying heat gear, but the holiday sales are often a great time to get deals on summer wear like this Kastel Sun Shirt using the Holiday17 coupon code! [SmartPak]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 22, 2017 12:01 am -

We should all take a moment to hail a cab in the company of Bruce. Photo via JJ Sillman’s FB page.

It’s the time of year when everyone waxes poetic about what makes them thankful. JJ Sillman, photographer extraordinaire and member of the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope rescue takes a minute to recount how lucky she is to work for the rescue:

“After a two hour trail ride around the Kentucky Horse Park pretending that I was a 4* rider on my trusty Paso Fino…. I have to say again how thankful I am for all of my amazing coworkers, multiple bosses, sweet clients, and all of the fabulous horses I get to work with and learn from at my job. I am so lucky.”

Thank you for giving back to the horses, JJ! I think all of EN will join me in saying we are thankful for your selfless hours of taking stunning photos at events as well!

National Holiday: Go For a Ride Day (Seriously, need to burn all that turkey off this week somehow!)

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Sam has made it look easier than it is, but having a top 10 finishing streak at the CCI4* level is an incredible feat. EquiRatings recounts the legacy of these equine legends, who finished in the top ten at least four consecutive times at the four-star level. Spoiler alert, La Biosthetique Sam owns the largest streak by double the number of the horse who comes in second. [The Elite Group of Four Star Specialists]

With the 2018 calendar out, it’s time to start making some decisions! GEarl and Jen McFall have to make sure plan plenty in advance, with a sales and training program, pony club, and breeding all going on. They often pick a ‘must-go’ event and work backwards from that when planning their calendar. [Planning Your Event Calendar]

Have you ever wanted a stable where your horses can graze on your roof? It might not be high on your list of priorities but after seeing these stunning photos of the stables of Nacho Figueras, a top polo player in Argentina, you might want to reconsider. [Modern Architecture]

SmartPak Product of the Day: SmartPak’s 25 Deals of Christmas has started! Each day SmartPak reveals their special for the day, for 25 days straight! Yesterday’s deal was on Piper breeches and tops, what will today’s sale be for? [SmartPak]

By the Numbers: Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 16, 2017 1:00 pm -

In only its second year of existence, Ocala Jockey Club International has managed to draw one of the strongest North American fields of the year. The draw of having a CIC3* so late in the year in a warm climate, with top notch organizers and course designers has proven a real draw to many professionals, many of whom base their winter operations out of Ocala.

The stunning Ocala Jockey Club. Photo by Jenni Autry.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Order of Draw, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

The Event

Last year’s inaugural running of the CIC3* was won on a tie-breaker by Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF, who finished within the optimum time to take the win over Jonathan Holling and Downtown Harrison. It was only the fifth time this decade that a three-star has been decided on a tie-breaker.
Matt and Super Socks BCF also set a North American record for biggest movers, moving to the win from tenth after dressage. This is the biggest move this decade to win a North American CIC3* in a field with less than 40 starters.
The top five finishers last year all jumped clear and inside the time in the stadium phase, making show jumping performance extremely important at this venue.
Buck Davidson and Carlevo were the only pair to break into the thirties in the dressage last year; this year’s field contains multiple pairs who could break that threshold.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Dressage Divas

Fernhill By Night and Liz Halliday-Sharp own the lowest 3* average in the field over the past two years, clocking in just over forty with a 40.4. They’ve twice dipped down into the high thirties in this time period, and they’ve been getting close to breaking that threshold again this fall season.
Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous have also flirted heavily with the thirties at the Advanced and 3* level since 2016, almost equaling their personal best for the level at Jersey Fresh this spring when they led the field with a 37.7 before scoring similarly at the Luhmuhlen CCI4*. This pair hovers in the 41 range on a very consistent basis, with four of their eight career Advanced and 3* tests ranging from 41.1 to 41.7.
Katie Ruppel and Houdini were always strong at dressage but they’ve really raised the bar since 2016, clocking in five consecutive sub-45 scores at Advanced and 3* out of their seven starts in that time period. They’ve twice dipped into the high thirties, including this fall at Richland Park.
Harbour Pilot and Hannah Sue Burnett are consistently competitive, clocking in score after score in the forties, but have only once managed to crack into the thirties in their career. At Houghton Hall in May, these two laid down a personal best of 37.2 but have floated up to the high forties in their subsequent shows.
Vermiculus is also worth keeping an eye on after knocking nearly nine points off his dressage average between 2016 and 2017. He hasn’t been out at this level since Kentucky, but Lauren Kieffer is never a rider to discount for a big score on day one.

Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

Cooley Dream has been consistent as clockwork in the stadium phase with Hannah Sue Burnett, going five for five in clear stadium rounds at the Advanced and CIC3* levels.
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda are extraordinarily consistent in the show jumping phase; they’ve jumped clear in 17 of their last 19 consecutive 3* and Advanced starts. This pair hasn’t had a single rail since Cambalda returned to competition this year.
Bliss III and Alyssa Phillips had a rail at their very first Advanced, way back in 2015 at Twin Rivers. They haven’t touched a pole since, jumping clear in eight consecutive stadium rounds together at this level.

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Cross Country Machines

Simply Priceless and Elisa Wallace have a reputation for speed, and with good reason. This pair has the fastest average pace of the field at the CIC3*/Advanced levels over the past two seasons, clocking in an average of only 8.6 seconds over optimum time.
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda have been pushing the pace all year, clocking in their first round inside the time at Plantation Field since Cambalda’s return to competition. Their last three runs average 1.67 seconds under optimum, while their overall pace for the year sits at 9.6 seconds over.
Anna Bella has had a light year with Kurt Martin, but she’s already sped back up to her 2015 form. In her last competition season prior to a hiatus, this mare averaged only 6.33 seconds over the optimum. This year she shaved 20 seconds off her pace between her first show back and her second, accumulating only 4.8 time penalties at Plantation Field.
Atlantic Domino could also be a challenger for fastest round of the day. Atlantic Domino and Jacob Fletcher haven’t competed at this level since 2015 and struggled with consistency up until their final runs, but notched in two very fast rounds once they achieved it. With strength in the other two phases, this pair could be a surprise contender for a top placing by Sunday.

PREDICTED WINNER: Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Amy Dragoo Photography.

Pairs to Watch:

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous
Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill, I’m Sew Ready
Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night
Kurt Martin and Anna Bella
Katie Ruppel and Houdini
Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 8, 2017 12:01 am -

Jessica Phoenix is going mainstream. Photo via Jessica Phoenix FB page.

Jessica Phoenix is the subject of a the new book ‘Rise’, coming out soon, which details her recovery from a life-threatening injury in 2015 to achieving a second team spot on the Canadian Olympic team. I have always been a touch jealous of Jessica’s last name, which lends itself so well to metaphor of the best kind.

National Holiday: Cook Something Bold Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Sometimes greatness spans generations. Many may remember Jane Sleeper and her mare UN tacking Rolex and Burghley in past years. Now UN’s legacy has continued on not only in her offspring but in her years as a schoolmaster. Now 22, she has broguth others through to the Intermediate level while her first offspring are confidently tackling the 2* level and jumpers. [UN Spreads Her Legacy]

We’ve all heard horror stories of tack malfunctioning, but this takes the cake. Ginny Howe and her mount Echo P were both lucky to walk away unscathed after they had a girth completely give way two strides out from a table in a CCI2*. The girth appeared to give out internally, despite visual inspection prior to their run, and the rider and saddle were well enough balanced that they didn’t even realize something was wrong until a few strides from the next combination. [Watch Eventer Survive Hairy Moment]

Four-star events can both be nail-biters to the finish and foregone conclusions. Gwendolen Fer and Romantic Love’s win at Pau was done by the narrowest margin allowed by eventing scoring, and they aren’t the only ones to eke out at win in a stunning finish. EquiRatings takes a look at several of the tightest finishes as well as the biggest margins that we’ve seen at the 4* level in the past decade. [A Game of Inches]

SmartPak Product of the Day: SmartPak is having one of their perk sales, meaning anything of the SmartPak brand is on sale. I use this opportunity to pick up staples like this small-hole haynet, which keeps my brats from tearing out all their hay and throwing it on the floor of the trailer, then looking at me sadly when there is no hay left. [SmartPak]

By the Numbers: Galway Downs CCI3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 3, 2017 8:00 am -

Welcome to Galway Downs, the final CCI3* not just in North America for 2017, but the final CCI3* in the entire Northern Hemisphere for the year. This year has an extra touch of excitement as Eric Winter, course designer for Badminton for the first time in 2017, and for Blenheim through 2016, will make his U.S. debut here.

Photo courtesy of Galway Downs

The Event

In the history of the division, no one has ever broken into the 30s in dressage. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter have come the closest, scoring a 40.5 in 2015.
In the past three years, the optimum time has swing from being impossible to make to easy to make. In 2014, none of the 17 cross-country starters made the time while in 2016 44.4% of the nine starters achieved a round inside the optimum.
Six of the seven winners of this division have been in first place going into the stadium phase. However, none of the winners were in the lead following dressage and only four of the seven winners were even inside the top three.
James Alliston has won this division twice with two different horses, and is the only rider to have won it more than once. Can he make it a trifecta this year?

James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dressage Divas

James Alliston and Happenstance are making only their fifth start together but they’ve dropped their dressage score at every successive outing they’ve had. If they maintain their current trajectory, they could end up with a score in the low 40s, but even their best together of 45.1 at Woodside last month should put them near the top on day one.
Betawave and Robyn Fisher haven’t quite acheived a drop in their score at every outing, with their personable best being the USEF equivalent of a 44.1 at Copper Meadows in June, followed by the USEF equivalent of 45.5 again in September at the same venue. However, they have been consistent in chipping off a couple of points at most outings, with their last three events averaging at 46.7 penalties.

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Cross Country Machines

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me have been noted all year as one of the fastest pairs on the circuit and you can expect a quick pace from them this weekend as well. These two really put the pedal to the metal starting in 2016, averaging only five seconds over the time at the Advanced and 3* level in the past two years. Their 12-month average stands at only three seconds over optimum, with 12 seconds or less over optimum at every Advanced/3* they’ve been to this year.
Happenstance has also been quite quick in his outings with James Alliston this year, clocking in at an average of eleven seconds over optimum time. Although they haven’t yet had a CCI round together, James is known for his speedy rounds aboard Parker, and if anything should improve on that time at a CCI.

Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon have historically jumped well in the final phase, with their average over the last two calendar year trending towards a clear round. In their four career CCI3* rounds, they’ve jumped clean three times, only incurring a rail at their very first CCI3*.
Rise Against and Bunnie Sexton have been incurring a rail more often than not in the past twelve months, after years of jumping mostly clear rounds. However, they average less than a rail at their seven CCI attempts at the 3/4* levels and their only clear round in the last year was at the Rebecca CCI3*, their only CCI stadium round in that time period.

PREDICTED WINNER: James Alliston and Happenstance

James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Keep Your Eye On:

Robyn Fisher and Betawave
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me
Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon

Galway Downs: Website, Ride Times, Schedule

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Nov 1, 2017 12:01 am -

Alexandra Baugh won her first CIC2* this weekend at Virginia Horse Trials, and her little sister Victoria completed her first Beginner Novice on an actual unicorn! Curioso the pony Alexandra’s former Prelim pony. Photo courtesy of mom, Kelly Baugh.

One of my absolute favorite things about Halloween is seeing the many ways people dress up their horses and babies. So far today I’ve seen a baby as the mouse in a mousetrap, a young girl dressed as Wonder Woman, and someone who thought it would be funny to send her (or his?) toddler to preschool dressed as the clown from It. But I have to admit, I absolutely love this unicorn which gives me flashbacks to Rainbow Brite’s horse Starlite.

National Holiday: All Saint’s Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs International CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm November H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Best of the blogs: Giant, Fragile, Glorious Creatures. Lauren Sprieser’s always got a wise word or two to drop, and with one of her top developing horses narrowly escaping a colic scare, she suddenly has the right words at the right time. As strong and magnificent as our partners are, things can go south in a moment, regardless of the care we give them. [Giant, Fragile, Glorious Creatures]

The Retired Racehorse is turning into more than just a show; it’s turning into a sale of sorts. When I had the chance to buy the second horse of my lifetime eighteen months ago, I knew I wanted a Thoroughbred. I had an overly healthy budget for a TB straight off the track but I wanted a chance to ride the horse before vetting, a chance to see it in person that you can’t always do when shopping for OTTB. The RRTP is developing into a destination for buyers of TBs, where you can go and see many quality sporthorses all in one weekend, try them, and even vet them all in one venue. [Katie Hasse Didn’t Plan on Buying a Horse]

The eventing season is wrapping up and the familiar signs of cabin fever are already setting in. Between venturing out to do ‘normal people’ things on the weekend and seeing people sum up their years on social media, the signs are all there that the eventing year is nearly at a close. While some of these signs are specific to Britain, the rest seem all to familiar. [13 Ways]

SmartPak Product of the Day: It might not be the time of year to be thinking about buying gear for next spring, but some of the off-season sales can’t be missed. SmartPak has a deal on the Pro Choice Mesh XC Boots, which are my absolute favorite due to their lightweight, flexible fit, pliable protection, and ability to shed water. [SmartPak]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 25, 2017 12:01 am -

Jennie Brannigan’s goat Aoki says she’ll have what you’re having. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cauffman.

Sometimes we all need a goofball around to survive the day. Some of those goofballs are in human form, some in dog, and some have the assistance of a goat goofball to lighten the mood.

National Holiday: World Pasta Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Virginia CCI, CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Holly Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Andrea Baxter’s got unfinished business at Burghley. After a bit of prize money at Rebecca Farm made a trip across the pond possible, Andrea wanted to tackle the biggest 4* in the world. An unfortunate fall at fence 12 led to an unplanned extended stay and a successful run at Blenheim, one of the toughest 3* in the world. Andrea’s already making plans to tackle Burghley again with Indy 500. [Andrea Baxter and Indy 500]

Rebecca Farm is continuing in their crusade to Halt Cancer at X. They’ll be going live on Facebook on Thursday, October 26 at 10 a.m. MST to announce this year’s 2017 local Halt Cancer at X Grant Recipients (national grants will be announced in a few months) and share a few more survivor stories. [Rebecca Farm on Facebook]

In case you missed it, Florida has added yet another venue to its winter event schedule. The Grand Oaks Resort is pleased to announce Nupafeed USA as their newest Champion Sponsor for the 2018 competition year. Nupafeed will be sponsoring their Winter Horse Festival beginning Saturday, December 9^th 2017, which will have both schooling shows and events running through February 2018. [TGO Winter Festival]

Virginia Horse Trials to Host 560 Horses at October CCI & Horse Trials. Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) has once again broken its own record for entries, with 560 horses entered to compete at the October CCI and Horse Trials this week. The competition includes Beginner Novice through Intermediate horse trials as well as international CCI2*, CIC2*, and CCI* levels. VHT will also host the Area II Championships and both Adult Rider and Intercollegiate Team Challenges. [VHT Has Record Entries]

SmartPak Product of the Day: SmartPak has some notoriously good sales on their SmartPak branded items from time to time, and every time they do I make sure to pick up some staples. These halters are durable, affordable, and great to have around as emergency replacement halters. [SmartPak]

The local programs supported by Rebecca Farm’s Halt Cancer at X are saving lives. Join Halt Cancer at X on Facebook on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. MST as they live announce this year’s 2017 local Halt Cancer at X Grant Recipients (national grants will be announced in a few months) and share more survivor stories. [Rebecca Farm on Facebook]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 18, 2017 12:01 am -

Tiana Coudray is ready for Le Lion. Photo courtesy of Tiana Coudray.

There’s no better between the ears than a French between the ears! Welcome to Le Lion where the grass is very green, the chateaus are rolling, and the cream of the crop is descending upon the French countryside. Good luck to all our North American competitors this weekend!

National Holiday: No Beard Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Waredaca Classic N/T3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Windermere Run H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Pine Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Hagyard Midsouth Classic 3DE, CCI, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Barbados is trying to put together an event team. If you’ve got ten minutes to spare, take a listen to this short podcast, which expands on how Barbados eventers are trying to make a go of it. [Barbados Eventers]

Lauren Kieffer has a whole crop of young ones coming up behind her stars. Despite spending all summer and fall over in England, Lauren didn’t neglect her youngsters. She spent the time flying back and forth to keep them going, concentrating on their adjustability, boldness, and simply working out where their limbs are depending on their specific needs. [Young Horses Take Their Own Courses]

Boyd Martin put on a hunt cap (figuratively) the day after Fair Hill. Because finishing third in the Fair Hill CCI3* wasn’t enough, Boyd decided to drive up to Harrisburg for the Gentleman’s Hunter Under Saddle. Catch riding Right On Que, he managed to pick up a blue ribbon without blinking an eye. [He Saw, He Conquered]

Lexi Wikstrom is burning the candle at both ends. As a project manager in the construction industry who works on road widening projects, Lexi is used to being at work before the crack of dawn. She follows up long construction days with rides on her two OTTBs, who she’s been working with since 2009. [Amateurs Like Us]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Finally fall temperatures are here and with that is the tendency to add and remove layers all day long. A nice down vest can keep the body warm with the arms cool, and help regulate that temperature. [SmartPak]

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Show Jumping Day

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 15, 2017 9:45 am -

Fair Hill is often a nail-biter down to the very last ride on Sunday, with clear rounds shooting people up the ranks while hearts break on the other side of things. It’s a three-phase event for a reason, and show jumping is as much a factor as every other phase for Fair Hill.

Having said that, nine of the last 10 winners in the Fair Hill CCI3* have come from the top two following cross country. The only pair to win from outside the top two was Amy Tryon and Coal Creek in 2008, who rose from sixth to the win on the merits of a fault-free show jumping round.

Similarly, every winner in the past decade has added no more than a rail to their score, with seven of 10 jumping clear. Six of the last seven winners have won on rail-free rounds.

DAY THREE CONTENDERS

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Covert Rights and Colleen Rutledge are sitting in the pole position right now, which could make the finale a real nail-biter. Covert Rights has put in a number of clutch double clear rounds, most notably jumping clear at Richland to take the win. He’s jumped two of his three CCI3/4* rounds clear and inside the time, but had two rails at the third. A recent stunner of six rails at Plantation Field throws any reliable predictions further out of whack, but they won’t be dealing with the heat and humidity that was at Plantation.

CCI Average: 0.67 rails, 24-Month Average: 1.43 rails

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High are hot on their heels but will also likely keep things interesting. At the CCI3/4* level, Selena and Foxwood High have jumped clear but only at their earliest two attempts, followed by an outlier of four rails at the World Equestrian Games, then two rails in each of their subsequent CCI attempts. This pair never has more than two rails apart from WEG, but have struggled all year to get back to one-or-none, putting in one or two rails at every show following a clear at their first event in 2017.

CCI Average: 1.60 rails, 24-Month Average: 0.82 rails

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The third placed pair, Tight Lines and Will Coleman, has been a one-or-none horse, with nine of his 10 rounds at this level being one rail or less. Unfortunately, the tenth round was at this event last year, where he pulled four rails for the only time in his career at this level. One rail has been the more frequent occurrence than none in 2017, but these two could be in a very good position to put a lot of pressure on both Selena and Colleen.

CCI Average: 2.50 rails, 24-Month Average: 1.0 rails

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac have only once jumped a clear three-star round out of 13 attempts. With four and three rails at Richland and Plantation Field CIC3*, respectively, Waylon will be looking to bring the horse back to his previous form of only one or two rails.

CCI Average: 1.50 rails, 24-Month Average: 2.0 rails

Boyd Martin and Testserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg could be a sleeper today, with a quietly improving show jumping record that has progressed throughout the year. Three of their last four rounds have been clear, although they did have a rail and 1 time penalty in their only CCI3* attempt at Bromont. The numbers say Tsetserleg is less likely than all of the horses ranked above him to have a rail, but he would need rails down from the top two to steal the win.

CCI Average: 1.0 rails, 24-Month Average: 0.63 rails

Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Paddy the Caddy with Erin Sylvester, Congo Brazzaville C with Mara DePuy and DeLux Z with Kurt Martin should all see big jumps in their placings if they hold to typical form. In particular, Paddy the Caddy and DeLux Z are both inside the top 10 and could easily pop up into the top five, while Congo Brazzaville C had a steadier cross country round and is now tied for 18th.

Paddy the Caddy has jumped clear rounds in 11 of his 13 starts at Advanced and three-star level, while DeLux Z has jumped 10 consecutive rail-free rounds dating back to the spring of 2016. Congo Brazzaville C has a perfect rail-free record since moving up to the Advanced level at the beginning of 2017 and will jump his first CCI3* round today.

Paddy the Caddy: CCI Average: 0.0 rails, 24-Month Average: 0.12 rails

DeLux Z: CCI Average: 0.0 rails, 24-Month Average: 0.23 rails

Congo Brazzaville C: CCI Average: N/A, 24-Month Average: 0.0 rails

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Cross Country Day

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 14, 2017 8:09 am -

Fair Hill isn’t known as a three-and-a-half star for nothing, and every year pairs come to test their mettle over the toughest three-star track in the country before trying for a four-star. Riders without funds to go overseas keep their four-star partners sharp by running this course and time penalties can quickly make the different between a top finish and one that merely qualifies.

Although the 2014 and 2015 runnings featured cross country times on average around 30 seconds over optimum, 2016 broke from the trend with a field average of only 1.94 seconds over optimum. A whopping 31.1% of cross-country starters finished inside the time last year, a sign of unusual dry conditions and firmer ground. Ground conditions firmly dictate how difficult it is to make the time over this course.

The CCI3* completion rate at Fair Hill has hovered around 71.68% over the past three years, with a large percentage of competitors retiring after having trouble. Last year every single pair who completed did so without jump penalties, but the completion rate itself dropped to 68.9%.

DAY TWO CONTENDERS

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kelecyn Cognac and Waylon Roberts are not generally the fastest pair on the circuit but there’s evidence to suggest this pair will be one of the fastest across the finish line this weekend. In their two previous CCI3* runs, both at Bromont, they finished an average of four seconds under optimum time. Additionally, they’ve finished inside the time in two of their last three runs, including Great Meadow CICO3* when they represented Canada on the Nations Cup team. When Waylon wants to go fast, these two go fast.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Fernhill Fortitude and Jenny Caras are a very experienced pair who save their fastest runs for the CCI levels. Despite averaging 10.4 time penalties overall when running clear over the last two years at the 3* and Advanced levels, these two have averaged only five seconds over optimum at their four career CCI3* runs. They’re also two-for-two on clear rounds inside the time at Fair Hill CCI3*, adding nothing to their dressage score after phase two for two consecutive years.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Valerie Durbon Photography.

You can’t mention speed without mentioning Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. This pair has been speeding through every CIC3* they’ve run over the past two years, averaging only three seconds over optimum when you discount Morven, where they ran slow over the hard ground. Despite a long career at this level, Covert Rights hasn’t properly been able to showcase his speed at a CCI yet, having only tackled his first CCI3*, first CCI4*, and first Burghley. This will be his first time as an experienced horse at the CCI3/4* level, so don’t look for him to be hanging around. Colleen will be keen to stay on her dressage score heading into stadium day.

Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Timothy Bourke and Luckaun Quality have often used the horse’s massive stride to climb the leaderboard on cross country day. Their CCI3/4* average pace is two seconds under optimum time, discarding the Burghley where they lost a stirrup leather and incurred about a minute’s worth of time penalties fixing it. Having said that, these two have only actually made the optimum at two of their seven CCI3/4* attempts and average eight seconds over the time at the A/3* levels over the past 24 months.

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Another that should be mentioned as a possible speedy round are Whitney Mahloch with Military Mind. This pair is attempting their first CCI3* for both horse and rider. They’ve had some cross country trouble in their short Advanced/CIC3* career, but when they jump clear, they jump fast. Whitney and Military Mind have accumulated only 1.6 total time penalties in four clear Advanced and CIC3* rounds, with all four seconds over optimum coming at Red Hills, a notoriously difficult venue at which to make the time.This pair has capacity to have a quick, clear run in their rookie attempt, as long as they jump through all the flags clear.

Fair Hill: Website, Schedule, XC Ride Times, CCI Live Scores, YEH Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Dressage Day

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 13, 2017 7:50 am -

The leaves are changing, there’s (almost) a chill in the air, and this bizarre Indian summer can’t keep us from marking the advent of Fair Hill. Without a doubt this is one of the hallmarks of the fall season and the warm temperatures could help keep things interesting.

Despite the defection of several prominent horses due to overseas competitions, rider injuries, or just general bad luck, the field remaining features quite a strong proclivity for dressage. Over the past three runnings, the dressage average of the CCI3* field has varied from 55.86 (2016) to 57.00 (2014). The expected average of this year’s field is 52.18 which indicates a higher percentage of strong dressage contenders.

The past two runnings have been won by the pair who was first after the dressage phase, but with scores clustered tightly together at the top, it may be a more difficult feat to achieve this year. A full 18 of the 38 starters are expected to score sub-50, a full 47.3% of the field. In comparison, in the past three years the highest percentage of the field scoring sub-fifty was in 2016, when 11 of 48 starters (22.9%) scored in the 40s or below.

DAY ONE CCI3* CONTENDERS

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Colleen Rutledge has really stepped it up a level with Covert Rights this fall, with a dressage average from their last three outings that has plummeted almost 10 points from a 3* career average of 49.57 down to 40.1. This fall, these two absolutely obliterated their prior personal best of a 42.3 (scored at Rolex Kentucky in 2015) by nine full points, scoring a 33.3 at the Richland Park CIC3*. At Morven Park, they again cracked into the 30s with a 39.7, but in between floated up to a more typical score for them of 47.3 at Plantation Field.

Consistency is the big question mark with these two; they will either perform well or knock it out of the park. One disadvantage they’ll have to overcome is an early order of go as the seventh out, something they also dealt with at Plantation Field. If the judges feel there’s room for more, they may leave some wiggle room in their scoring for the horses coming later in the order.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango have always been proficient in this phase but like Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights, they’ve come out swinging for the fall season. Although their career 3* average sits at a 46.15, their last two outings (both in Advanced divisions) have plummeted into the FEI equivalent of the 30s, with a personal best at this level of 33.6 (FEI) clocked in at the Copper Meadows Advanced. These two shows put their three-show average at a 42.5. Charlie Tango will also have to overcome an early draw in the order, going right after Covert Rights.

Emily Beshear and Silver Night Lady. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Silver Night Lady completes the trio of horses who have vastly improved this fall. With Emily Beshear, this gray mare has dropped from a low-to-mid 50s horse to a low-to-mid 40s horse seemingly overnight. Their last three outings have averaged a 43.3 and their score of 42.8 (FEI equivalent) at Millbrook was a personal best at this level until they broke it at Richland with a 41.0. This pair will go midway through the order, which should be neither an advantage nor a disadvantage.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Carlevo has shown flashes of brilliance in his career with Buck Davidson, with a tendency to rise to the occasion and lay down scores in the 30s at big moments. They did so at both Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* last fall and again at the Tattersall CCI3* this spring, but have been inconsistent in their brilliance.

This pair had strong tests at both Richland Park and Plantation Field CIC3* putting down consecutive scores in the low 40s, but bookended these performances with a set of high-40s scores at Millbrook and Morven. Carlevo will get a boost from going in as the last horse of the day on Friday, a position he also held at Plantation Field.

Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ryan Wood and Powell are the epitome of consistency, with their scores over the past 12 months all within a three point range of each other. Despite having yet to hit the 30s at a 3*, this pair is consistently up with the leaders at every show. Their last three outings have netted an average of 44.8, almost bang on their two year dressage average at this level. These two do their test in the first third of the class, and should be a good indicator of whether the judges are feeling generous or not. Expect a solid mid-40s score from this pair.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are the another incredibly consistent pair, hovering around the same scoring region as Powell. They’ve mustered solid mid-40s scores in their last 10 consecutive outings although they vary a touch more than Powell, ranging from 43.1 up to 47.2 in 2017. Pavarotti has only barely broken into the 30s on two occasions in his long career, but going as the next-to-last ride of the day won’t hurt any.

Tamie Smith and Wembley. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Although the remainder of the field is expected to score 45 and above, there are a couple of horses who could absolutely knock it out of the park on a good day. Clayton Fredericks and FE Ophelia have dropped their dressage score in each of their three successive outings, going from a 51.9 at Great Meadow CICO3* to a 39.5 (FEI equivalent) at Stable View Advanced. Another horse who has potential to lay down a big score is Wembley with Tamie Smith in the irons, who recently scored a 39.0 (FEI equivalent) at Advanced at Stable View as well. Finally, Buck Davidson and Park Trader can run the gamut on the range of scores from low-40s to 50s, but did throw down a 39.9 at the Rocking Horse Advanced in the beginning of the year.

Fair Hill: Website, Drawn Order, Schedule, CCI Dressage Times, YEH Dressage Times, CCI Live Scores, YEH Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 11, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo via Fair Hill FB page.

There’s no rest for the wicked three-star riders who are literally traversing the world to compete all their mounts at the fall CCI events. Caroline Martin was a Boekelo last weekend with Pebbly Maximus and she and coach Leslie Law are now back in the States to tackle the Fair Hill CCI3* with Danger Mouse. Good luck to all of those bouncing from country to country!

National Holiday: Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day

Major Events:

Fair Hill: Website, Drawn Order, Schedule, CCI Live Scores, YEH Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Exmoor Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Las Cruces H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

The Society of Master Saddlers’ is offering a course in the USA. For the first time, those in the US can attend a Master Saddlers’ course which will be held in Hagerstown, MD next April. Many industry professionals are eligible to attend, with participants eligible to travel overseas for the advanced course held in the UK. [Master Saddlers’ Course]

Tired of thinking of ways to supplement your income? Irish eventer Edie Murray-Hayden has found the best way to make a little cash on the side is to buy TB yearlings, break them, and pinhook them at sales. Her most recent venture cost her 56 Euro and sold for a whopping 500 Euro. I’m in! [Eventer Hooks TB Colt]

The Event Rides Association of North America is getting new leadership. As the ERA of NA transitions from the PRO organization, Jay Baughman and Helen Murray are stepping in as President-elect and Executive Director. [New Leadership at ERA of NA]

SmartPak Product of the Day: It’s theoretically fall (although the east coast weather is doing its best to convince us it’s still August), and that means it is time to think about replacing all those blankets we’ve been sitting on all summer. I hve been really impressed with the SmartPak brand of blankets, and even more impressed with their customer service! [SmartPak]

By the Numbers: Woodside CIC3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 5, 2017 5:00 pm -

Woodside marks the penultimate conclusion of the Advanced and three-star season for the West Coast, with only the Galway CCI3* to finish up the year. The pairs contesting this weekend are an even mix of experienced pairs looking to get a good run before their fall CCI3* and horses and riders who just moved up to the level recently and are looking to get their first international level under their belt this weekend.

Photo courtsey Sherry Stewart.

The Event

For the past three runnings, only one pair per year has finished on their dressage score. Those F-O-D-S pairs have finished no worse than third each year.
More than 25% of the field has made the time over the last three years on average, which is considerably higher than the world-wide rate at the CIC3* level of 6.57%.

Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt. Photo by Lively Manor Photography.

Dressage Divas

Rembrandt and Sabrina Glaser are making their CIC3* debut together, but they’ve impressed in the first phase thus far. With an average from two Advanced starts that just squeaks under 50 when converting to FEI scores, this pair should be competitive from day one.
James Alliston has quickly gelled with Happenstance, dropping their dressage score with each successive start. If the trend continues, we should see a score below their mark of 49.4 (equivalent to USEF of 32.9) at their last outing in the Twin Rivers Advanced, which they led from start to finish.

Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against, 4th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

Rise Against, with Bunnie Sexton in the irons, has never once in 29 stadium rounds at the Advanced, 3*, and 4* levels ever had more than one rail. In fact, at the CIC3* level, he has only ever had one rail.
Tullamore and Maris Burns have only had a few starts at this level over the past two years, but they’ve kept their stadium record fairly clean, putting in three one-or-none rounds.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Cross Country Machines

It’s impossible to discuss cross country machines without bringing up Parker, who is one of the best cross country horses in the nation. This horse has contested at the 3* level for seven years now with James Alliston, and averages only six seconds over optimum time at the CIC3*/A levels over the past two years.
James himself is no slowpoke and in his three runs with Happenstance, he’s proven that his speed isn’t limited to one horse. With James, Happenstance has averaged 13 seconds over optimum, which will keep him well in the hunt after cross country.

PREDICTED WINNER: James Alliston and Happenstance

James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Keep Your Eye On:

James Alliston and Parker
Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against
Rebecca Braitling and Walterstown Don

Woodside International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By Maggie Deatrick on Oct 4, 2017 12:01 am -

"I, too, enjoy the bagels." Don't lie, Dante. #danteisourking #horsesofinstagram

A post shared by Amanda, Often Found In Fields (@amandaofthefields) on Sep 30, 2017 at 9:46am PDT

Sometimes the kids beg and beg and beg for something that you know they won’t like. Shockingly, when they finally get it, they don’t like it. And yet somehow, that doesn’t keep them begging for more….

National Holiday: National Golf, Frappe, or Kale Day (You do you.)

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Course Brook Farm H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Kent School Fall H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

Radnor Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Woodside International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Event at Skyline H.T. [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

The Jacqueline Mars Competition and Training Grants have been awarded. Tamie Smith, Alexis Helffrich, and Jordan Linstedt have all been awarded the grants to travel to Fair Hill from the West Coast. Tamie and Jordan have already made a splash this fall competing at events like Stable View and Plantation Field, while Alexis is arriving in time for Fair Hill. [National Competition Grants Awarded]

Virginia Horse Trials is offering an Intercollegiate Challenge. At the request of riders, Virginia Horse Trials is holding a team challenge for intercollegiate students. Riders from Beginner Novice to CCI2* are allowed to participate, with each level weighted differently. [Intercollegiate Team Challenge Added]

It takes a lot of hay to keep a Thoroughbred charity running. With almost 3 million pounds of hay per year required to keep the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation operating, it can take a village to get what they need. The Geoffrey Hughes Foundation has kindly agreed to match up to $50,000 in donations, so it’s up to us to help the TRF meet their fundraising goal. [Donate to the HayDrive]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I’ve gone through a lot of icing products in an effort to find what works best for me and my horse and after a lot of time and money, I settled on Jack’s Whirlpool Boots. They don’t take too much ice or water, the horses stand in them great after they learn they aren’t scary, and nothing gets the legs colder than straight ice and water. [SmartPak]

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Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Here’s to the Things That Were

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Show Jumping for 2017

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EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Dressage for 2017

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Wednesday News & Notes from Smart Pak

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By the Numbers: Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By the Numbers: Galway Downs CCI3*

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Show Jumping Day

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Cross Country Day

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI3* Dressage Day

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By the Numbers: Woodside CIC3*

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

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