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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

Living the dream as a professional internet stalker and EN reporter.

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Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Jul 15, 2020 12:01 am - 470 views

Happy news to begin the day, as the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton outside of London has officially been able to reopen its doors. The coronavirus pandemic and ensuring shutdowns have affected many similar organizations, which is a tough dilemma as so many thrive on their access to programs such as the Ebony Horse Club. Now more than ever, these programs need assistance to ensure they can remain in operation in a post-COVID world. Not sure where to start? I would recommend a Google search for “equestrian access program” or “equestrian nonprofit near me” – those may get you started in the right direction. You never know what may be near you!

National Holiday: Today is National Give Something Away Day. Michi, if you’re reading this, I wear a size fischerRocana please.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Virginia CCI and HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Silverwood Farm Summer HT: [Website]

Full Moon Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Course Brook Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Galway Downs HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading List:

Another Instagram rabbit hole led me to this awesome small business, The Positive Equestrian, aka Marina Layton. Marina is an equestrian blogger who wants more than anything for every rider to feel included and seen. To that end, Marina was inspired to create the Equestrians Unite collection showcasing riders of color with an artsy flair. Each likeness in this collection was brought to life by a rider who inspired Marina. You can shop The Positive Equestrian here.

Running a barn should be like running a well-oiled machine. How do some of the top show barns do it? A little organization goes a long way, and NöelleFloyd.com collected some practical ways to improve the business, organizational side of the house … err … barn.

How does Lauren Nicholson introduce ditches, banks, and water? The Chronicle of the Horse caught up with the Olympic eventer to find out how she introduces new elements to the many young horses learning in her program. Lauren is well-respected for her thoughtful approach to training horses, and you’ll be sure to pick up some useful tips here.

Wednesday Video: How would your horse do on these conditioning sets?

Horses train on the sand dunes!

Wow! What an awesome place to train racehorses 😍🎥 @Devaracinggroup

Posted by At The Races on Thursday, July 9, 2020

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery Return to Competition Together

By on Jul 14, 2020 2:30 pm - 3,185 views

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A typical weekday morning activity for the eventing obsessed, checking entries for an upcoming weekend in February of this year revealed an exciting development: Blackfoot Mystery was entered in the Open Preliminary at Pine Top. It was no mirage: Boyd Martin’s Rio Olympic partner, now 16, was back out competing. The pair had two easy runs around Pine Top before competitions were halted, but it was hardly the last we’d seen of “Big Red”.

It had been nearly four years since we last saw Blackfoot Mystery on a cross country course with Boyd Martin. The off-track Thoroughbred gelding cemented a spot on the U.S. eventing team for Rio with a solid sixth place finish at Kentucky in 2016 and would go on to finish in the top 20 individually at the Olympics. It was a huge effort for the still-green gelding owned by the Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate LLC, and the horse spent the remainder of the season taking it easy.

“He left a part of himself in Rio, I think,” Boyd reflected. Boyd says the extended break that followed put the wind back in the gelding’s sails, prompting the team to give him another shot at doing what he loves.

Indeed, Red never lost his try or his desire to work, and after a separate injury kept the gelding on the sidelines for longer than originally anticipated, Boyd says he now feels “rejuvenated” and back to his fiery old form. Now with events resuming, Blackfoot Mystery proved his freshness with a handy Intermediate win at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm this past weekend.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

It was a return of sorts for Boyd as well, who quietly spent his own downtime in recovery from much-needed surgery to tame some muscle tears and bone spurs in each hip. “It was a surgery I had planned to have in the off-season this year, but with the extra time I felt it would be better timing to get it done earlier,” Boyd explained. In the interim, Phillip Dutton and Mike Pendleton, along with the rest of Boyd’s team at home, kept Boyd’s string going as competitions resumed. Boyd was eager to get back out and about at Maryland — but bringing out Big Red also? The cherry on top. “I felt like my old self again,” Boyd said. “He was the perfect horse to get back in the swing of things.”

Always the goal seeker, Boyd says he had set an intention for Blackfoot Mystery to run at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star, the running of which was postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Now, he says the extra time has been a blessing in disguise, illuminating perhaps a better goal for the chestnut gelding to make his return to the international arena: a CCI4*-L. “It’s better for him to not have to step back in and do something quite so grueling,” he explained. “I think [a 4*-L] will suit him well.”

Whatever the future holds for Blackfoot Mystery, a horse that has demonstrated his grit and talent in true Thoroughbred fashion, Boyd says at the end of the day he feels rested and ready for whatever comes next. “He gave me a brilliant ride around Maryland this weekend,” he said. “He’s done a fantastic job and is in great spirits.”

Baby Leo keeping an eye on Blackfoot Mystery

Posted by Boyd Martin on Thursday, 18 June 2020

#AEC2020 or Bust: Entries Now Open for USEA American Eventing Championships

By on Jul 14, 2020 12:00 pm - 674 views

Julia Spatt & 501 Macintosh, winners of the Bates Preliminary Rider division at the 2019 American Eventing Championships. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Opening day of the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships is officially upon us, and we’re looking forward to the first pandemic championship (that sounds quite Hunger Games-esque) heading our way August 25-30 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. #AEC2020 is sure to be the eventer’s Super Bowl as it always is, though new protocols and considerations are at hand for this year’s event.

If you’ve qualified to run at AEC this year, many congratulations! Qualifying certainly is not always easy, and your hard work should be recognized. It’s advisable to submit your entry as soon as possible (note: AEC is only accepting electronic entries this year), as entry numbers are currently limited to 1,000. There are a few other changes and updates to bear in mind as you prepare for the trek to Kentucky — we’ve hammered them out below. We’ll keep you abreast of any changes the USEA makes to the event or its format in the coming weeks, as the pandemic and states’ procedures for containing it are ever-changing.

What will be different about the American Eventing Championships this year? 

  • No spectators are allowed
  • Competitors are asked to only bring essential people along — parents, coach, groom, etc.
  • Only electronic entries are accepted
  • Double entries are not accepted
  • COVID-19 protocol and procedures will be followed — for a refresher, click here
  • Entries are currently limited to 1,000.

What are some things to consider before entering?

  • Your home state’s current COVID-19 status — is your area a hot spot or experiencing a strong surge in cases?
  • Your current health — are you immunocompromised? Have you traveled recently or had exposure to anyone ill?
  • Those around you — if you travel, will there be anyone who might be at risk by coming in contact with you once you return home?

What are some ways to ensure smooth sailing at #AEC2020?

  • Follow COVID-19 protocol laid out by US Equestrian, the USEA, and show organizers
  • Wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others, and regularly wash/sanitize your hands
  • If you’re feeling ill, please stay home!

As uncomfortable and mildly infuriating as these new guidelines can be, the reality is that it is thanks to those guidelines that events were able to resume in any capacity. We are as thrilled as you are that competitions are back — but as we’ve all learned in 2020, the situation can change by the hour. Through the collective efforts of our community, we can beat this! And we’ll see you in Kentucky at #AEC2020.

To get the full scoop on #AEC2020, click here.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Champagne Run, Genesee Valley Hunt, Maryland, Poplar Place, WHES

By on Jul 13, 2020 2:59 pm - 849 views

Spotted: Masks on tour at Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Another busy weekend of eventing is in the books! Perhaps one of the most repeated sentiments I hear these days is gratitude. The coronavirus pandemic certainly affected each of us in its own way, and many riders have commented on the fact that having extra time away from competition has been a blessing in disguise. I truly hope that you’re all seeing the fruits of your hard work paying off as many riders get back into competing.

This weekend’s lowest score belongs to Buck Davidson, piloting Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class to the win in the Open Preliminary at Champagne Run on a finishing score of 22.1. Congratulations!

Some other fun tidbits from the weekend: we saw a father-daughter team take two of the wins at Poplar Place — Tessa Geven and dad Werner Geven winning their respective Novice divisions. We also are thrilled to see Blackfoot Mystery, Boyd Martin’s partner for the Rio Olympics in 2016, back out at the upper levels again. The 16 year old Thoroughbred gelding stepped back into competition pre-pandemic, having two easy runs at Pine Top with Boyd in the irons.

And because we can’t forget our eventer friends taking on other arenas, a shout-out to Laine Ashker, who took three of her horses including one eventer to Dressage at Lexington this weekend. Laine picked up a big win in the FEI Test of Choice: Intermediate A with Danielle Casalett’s Atlas. Not one to be outdone, Laine’s eventing partner Call Him Paddy also earned himself a blue ribbon in his Second Level 1 test. Congratulations!

My birdy was riding on my shoulder today at Dressage at Lexington as Atlas and I took the win in FEI TOC with a 68% at FEI Intermediate A. #RoAmerica #LÆD #onestepclosertograndprix

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Saturday, July 11, 2020

Congratulations to all of this weekend’s winners! Let’s take a look at the finishing scores, as well as at social media from each event:

Champagne Run at the Park HT: [Website][Final Scores]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Caitlin Henderson and Creative Dreamer (30.1)
Open Preliminary: Buck Davidson and Business Class (22.1)
Preliminary Rider: Cierre Daratony and Rio De Janeiro (24.4)
Preliminary/Training: Jenna Sack and Fernhill Imperial Flight (28.1)
Jr. Training Rider: Kate Kirchdorfer and Galway Bay Cooley (28.9)
Open Training A: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (26.1)
Open Training B: Rachel Miles and Zane (28.0)
Sr. Training Rider A: Hannah Warner and Drombane Dynamite (25.2)
Sr. Training Rider B: Lily Callahan and Royal Crest’s Granite Permission (34.7)
Training/Novice: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (28.4)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Aidan Goumas and Annapolis (31.9)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Makenzie Lowe and BT Jump the Gun (24.3)
Novice Horse A: Julie Wolfert and Namibia (24.0)
Novice Horse B: Megan Edwards and Spotted Chap (28.6)
Open Novice: Kenzie Mader and Cinco De Mayo (27.5)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Abby Blackburn and Opposition Lady (28.8)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Emily Ragan and Finnegan (25.7)
Sr. Novice Rider C: Kathleen Bertuna and Excel Star Harry (23.1)
Beginner Novice Horse A: Kathryn Greenfield and Artemis HH (30.8)
Beginner Novice Horse B: Rachel Miles and Cooley Nyx (24.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider A: Macy Richards and Ramble On (25.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider B: Larkyn Hendren and Sandy (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: William Hoos and Rio (28.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Sandra Barclay and Cooley Camelot (31.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Kerri Sweet and Shake the Glitter Off (23.3)
Junior Starter: Alison Otipoby and Bombay Ice (34.4)
Senior Starter A: Stephanie Calendrillo and Dispatcher (35.3)
Senior Starter B: Lily Callahan and The Phantom Pistol (35.0)

Namib was awesome this weekend once again! A 20 in dressage for a 4 year old OTTB isn’t too shabby! I’m so proud of…

Posted by Julie Wolfert on Sunday, July 12, 2020

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Great week with some great friends!

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We did it! Well at least pretty damn good for the first show at the KHP and just in general for the year for a lot…

Posted by Jj Jayhawk Sillman on Sunday, July 12, 2020

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Teddy’s first trip to KHP was a success! The atmosphere in dressage was a little overwhelming so it wasn’t our best dressage test, but he jumped double clear XC and SJ to finish 5th. He also took numerous naps 😂The #dynamicequestrianllc team had an awesome weekend as well, with @srs_eventing and Polly finishing 2nd in JBNR, @ceara.m28 and Keepher 9th in BNH, @mlp.eventing 8th on Ellie in a very competitive OP division and got a qualifying score for Duke in his 2nd Prelim. @sep.eventing came along to go horse shopping and was a huge help all weekend. 📸 @sep.eventing #champagnerunhorsetrials #goeventing #eventersofinstagram #eventinglife #bestteam #fernhilldynamic #nappingchamp

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Genesee Valley Hunt HT: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Modified: Carolyn Wehle and Stravinsky (35.7)
Open Training: Carolyn Wehle and Ballyadare (24.3)
Open Novice A: Daisy Trayford and St. Nick’s Beam of Light (27.6)
Open Novice B: Lilli Smith and Wild for Summer (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Rebecca Blackburn and Regally Blonde (27.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Lois Hacker and Adagio (33.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Noell Silvertsen and Try This (24.8)
Open Beginner Novice D: Jannah Matzan and Talim (31.5)
Open Intro A: Madison Matuszweski and Everlasting (31.9)
Open Intro C: Suzanne Chang and Brogan (27.8)

Maryland HT II: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Abigail Niles and Carrick Finest Lad (37.1)
Open Intermediate B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Lukeswell (36.9)
Open Intermediate C: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery (30.1)
Open Preliminary A: Isabel Finemore and Heartbeat (29.5)
Open Preliminary B: Kaelen Speck and Charmed Victory (28.9)
Preliminary Rider: Brooke Molde and Groundwork (30.9)
Modified A: Cassie Sanger and Ultra Violet (33.5)
Modified B: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (29.8)
Open Training A: Sophia Middlebrook and Monbeg Oddesey (29.8)
Open Training B: Lynn Symansky and Bounce 6 (25.7)
Training Rider A: Jennifer Treacy and Bene (26.9)
Training Rider B: Maggie Buchanan and 3, 2, 1 Blastoff (26.9)
Jr. Open Training: Noah Stanlaske and Chesterland (30.2)
Jr. Open Novice A: Alise Shotwell and Cambell (27.1)
Jr. Open Novice B: Maya Knowles and Junebug (25.2)
Novice Rider A: Annemarie Cochrane and Where’d It Go (24.9)
Novice Rider B: Abigail Fulmer and State of Reverence (30.5)
Novice Rider C: Shannon Allen and KD Mac (27.1)
Open Novice A: Kelli Temple and Excel Star Royal Trend (27.4)
Open Novice B: Daniel Clasing and Greenhill Master Cruise (29.3)
Open Novice C: Ryan Wood and Confidence Level (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Ashley Russell and Fulleigh Armed (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Cathrin Weiss and Pegasus Black Gold (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Luba Abrams and Huey (28.3)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice A: Madison Springle and Andante (27.5)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice B: Alexandra Penland and A Twist of Twyla (32.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kristiane Pellegrino and White Oaks Joyride (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Jaclyn Burke and Chance of Liftoff (25.0)

Congratulations Abby Niles and her horse Carrick Finest Lad on a win today at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy!!They won their Intermediate division, adding only a little time to their dressage score!

Posted by Sharon White on Saturday, July 11, 2020

Poplar Place Farm July HT: [Website][Final Scores]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Briggs Surratt and Ultimate Victory (52.5)
Open Intermediate: Kate Brown and Victor Z (45.0)
Open Preliminary: Zoe Crawford and K.B.S. Quick Strike (26.2)
Preliminary/Training: Lizzie Walters and Proven Reputation (33.3)
Open Training: Sara Beth Anton and Legionnaire (29.2)
Training/Novice: Rian Presel and Venetian Bay (36.7)
Training Rider: Skylah Vinzant and The Black Pearl (39.8)
Jr. Novice Rider: Tessa Geven and Big Bear’s Cepheus (23.1)
Open Novice: Werner Geven and Stay Frosty Oscar (24.3)
Sr. Novice Rider: Hannah Miller and Ana Navarre (27.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Blythe Minshew and The Starboard (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Lily Barlow and Big Bear’s Coriana (29.3)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Dolly Stuckey and Little Bit of Girl (30.5)
Intro: Myca Williams and Canterbury Tales (78.8)
Starter: Abby Zilberkant and My Stubborn Side (47.9)

What a great weekend at Poplar Place Horse Trials! Aerated XC courses built by Tommy Neneman, Launa DesPortes is a bad…

Posted by Shelley Howerton Page on Sunday, July 12, 2020

Winner winner!! 🦄

Posted by Lizzie Walters on Sunday, July 12, 2020

Ultimate Victory aka Cody and Briggs have a great run in the IP at Poplar Place. A beautiful. XC.gathering just some time. Cody’s second run since loosing his eye April 29th! Show jump tomorrow!! #oneeyedsuoerhorse!!

Posted by Rick Wallace on Saturday, July 11, 2020

War Horse Event Series July HT: [Website][Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Will Faudree and PFun (28.9)
Intermediate CT: Ariel Grald and Caballe (25.5)
Modified: Daryl Kinney and Monte Carlo (27.4)
Modified CT: Caitlin Romeo and Fernhill B Good (34.3)
Preliminary CT: Kaley Crosby and Valentino (28.1)
Preliminary: Will Coleman and Off the Record (34.1)
Training CT: Ana Kaplon and Rockin Maria (35.2)
Training HT: Daryl Kinney and BEC Valencia (27.1)
Training HT: Susan Beebee and Bayou Bengal (26.4)
Jr. Training HT: Kiera Kenny and FE Chardonnay (26.0)
Novice CT: Kristyn Berger and De Firenzi (33.1)
Novice HT A: Cassandra Wallskog and Quentus 3 (28.3)
Novice HT B: Nicole Kemerling and Modern Man (30.2)
Novice HT: Savannah Smith and Gotcha Covered (26.7)
Jr. Novice HT: Gabrielle Chevalier and Ramble On (29.9)
Beginner Novice CT: Sophie Miller and Quarlotta C (36.3)
Beginner Novice HT A: Joni Shimp and Lois Lane (31.1)
Beginner Novice HT B: Jasmine Hobart and Zephyrine (28.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice HT: AnneLaurel Dempsey and Country Girl’s Cadillac (30.9)
Beginner Novice HT: Roberta Woronowicz and The Little Gray Horse (33.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice HT: Taylor Little and Miss MoneyPenny (30.4)
Green As Grass CT: Karen Mahaffey and Arthur HF (24.4)
Green As Grass HT: Courtney Bauer and Horse Feathers Caspian (29.7)
Jr. Green As Grass HT: Willow Chase and Dunn It Big (27.8)
Maiden CT: Karen Stroud and Stonington Blue (32.8)
Maiden HT A: Antonia Matthews and Get Smart (27.5)
Maiden HT B: Rebekah McMurrough and Cricket (27.0)
Jr. Maiden HT: Kylee Casey and Danielle Deer (30.3)

Coco was so good this weekend at the July War Horse jumping clear in the Intermediate CT and cruising around the Prelim…

Posted by Mikaela Kantorowski on Sunday, July 12, 2020

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Feeling so incredibly blessed. I honestly never thought I’d be in this position. I grew up loving horses from a distance, closest I could get was TV and a few trail rides over 20 years. When I started riding a little over 2 years ago, I told myself “by the time I’m 25-30 I’d like to have my own horse” but in the mean time, I was just so happy to be around them.. borrowing all the amazing school ponies that taught me so much and loving each like they were my own. & this past weekend I took MY first horse to his first show at 23 🥺 I think I cried a total of 7 times over the weekend 😂 Gambino, you were a total last minute, impulse buy and you were the best decision. You are my best friend. You are so talented, and smart and you give your ENTIRE heart in any and everything I ask of you. What more could I ask for 🦋He came out after only knowing and learning me as his person for a short 3 months and where there was over 300 horses and freaking killed it. We took home 7th out of 10 and I couldn’t be more proud of him & everything he accomplished. 🦋 • • • I want to thank every single person who has been with me along this journey. From my first coach, to all the good, & bad ones, to the people who cheered me on and supported me, to the people who talk about me and wish nothing but failure on me. Thank you all, each and every moment, lesson, fall, tears, frustration, struggle, and ride has put me where I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing. • • • • Gambino, “G” July 2020 War Horse Series 🦋☁️ • • @aztecdiamondequestrian @onekhelmets @lemieuxproductsofficial @collegiatesaddleryus @_jordy_love_ @practicallysimplephotography @stonewallfarm_dressage @customsaddlery @carolinahorsepark #ShowWeekend #showjumping #greenasgrass #warhorse #carolinahorsepark #gdaottb #ottb #baysbeforebaes #eventer #eventing #dressage #aztecdiamondequestrian #equestrian #blackequestrian #poweredbysmartsupplements #smartpak @smartpak

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This weekend Max and I tackled a first for both of us — competing in a horse trial (for the uninitiated, that’s three phases — dressage, show jumping and cross country). And I guess I can officially call myself an eventer. 😬 It was hot out there, and I have an even greater appreciation of the fact that this sport isn’t for the faint of heart, but it was a heck of a lot of fun. I’m so proud of this pony and what we are starting to achieve together. We finished on our dressage score of 27.5 to win at Maiden today, and qualify for #warhorse championships — a 2020 goal! 🌟 Thanks to the incredible support of so, so many folks who I’m grateful to spend these weekends (and lesson days and clinics) with, but especially to the coaching of @hudspethholly, who keeps helping me figure out exactly how much tough love this rascal pony needs. And to @elizasydnor.dressage (we followed the warm-up plan!), and @brittthebrit, @amcallister90 and @izzelong for the camaraderie, advice and grooming help this weekend and always. 🥰 Plus, @gidyupcsu for lending me her lucky pinny and watch! #welshcob #kwpn #sportpony #goeventing #maxwellsmart #getsmart

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Bestest haflinger 💕

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Volunteer Nation: 5 Events You Can Help This Weekend

By on Jul 10, 2020 7:48 am - 334 views

The start box awaits! Photo via Champagne Run on Facebook.

Some eventing fanatics catch the bug while donating some of their time volunteering. Such was the case for 17 year old Casper Cole, who was first introduced to eventing last summer through her volunteer time at the Green Mountain Horse Association in Vermont. Casper was a jump judge at her first event, and she was hooked from that moment on. Wanting to also keep her horizons broad, Casper also spent time over the summer volunteering for a multitude of other disciplines and shows such as combined driving and dressage. This enthusiastic volunteer spirit and an eagerness to simply be around the sport are just two of the reasons why Casper Cole was awarded the USEA Volunteer of the Month nod for July. You can read more about Casper here.

If you’re itching to get out and volunteer this weekend, check out the opportunities listed below. Another great way to find out if your local event needs help is to find and follow their Facebook page and/or email list.

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers

Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal

Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: USEA YEH/FEH/NEH Jump Chute Clinic
Dates: Friday, July 10
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Position(s) Available: XC Crossing Guard

Event: Poplar Place Farm July Horse Trials
Dates: Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12
Address: 8191 US Hwy 27E, Hamilton, GA, 31811
Position(s) Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge

Event: Maryland Recognized HT II
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 12
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Position(s) Available: Temperature/Waiver Checker, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Warm-up

Event: July War Horse Event Series
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 12
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – XC, Crossing Guard, General Help, XC Crossing Guard, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, SJ Timer

Event: July POP Schooling Show
Dates: Sunday, July 12
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Position(s) Available: Dressage In Gate Steward

Thursday Video from FLAIR Nasal Strips: Courtney Cooper on Selecting a Horse

By on Jul 9, 2020 3:47 pm - 643 views

One of my favorite casual pastimes is perusing sale videos of horses that pop up on my feed. It’s somewhat of a curiosity thing – I enjoy learning what it is you should be looking for, and what you’re naturally drawn to, when it comes to choosing a horse. But I’m certainly no expert, which is why it’s so helpful to have those with much experience share their knowledge. Courtney Cooper’s latest “Training Tip Tuesday” video touches exactly on the topic of choosing a horse, and the information to be learned is certainly priceless.

Critiquing a horse off of a video is challenging, and it definitely doesn’t replace seeing the horse in the flesh. However, a video still gives us a good view of the horse before we book the ticket to see it. Courtney walks us through some videos of some of her horses to show us what she looks for first.

Have a watch and listen to what Courtney mentions with each horse. A natural horsewoman instinctively looks at the bigger picture, the overall type, but is quick to pick out the most important factors to study.

ALSO!

Last week, we asked you to share your most patriotic horse pics for a chance to win one of two packs of FLAIR American flag equine nasal strips. As usual, you went all out! Without further ado, we’re pleased to announce our winners, chosen by vote: Wendy Bullock-Miller and Jessica Farren. Congratulations!

Wendy Bullock-Miller:
“Our church’s 1776 Sunday. My horse and I get to participate in the battle reenactment!”

Jessica Farren

Photo Diary: Kyle Carter Focuses on Horse and Rider Trust in Kentucky Clinic

By on Jul 9, 2020 12:49 pm - 1,293 views

Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Kyle Carter, who has represented Canada at the Pan American Games, Olympics, and World Equestrian Games, has always held a love for teaching and inspiring the next generations of riders. With some extra time left on his hands due to shows cancelling this year, Kyle decided to book a few clinics dotted around the country.

Attending a clinic is a perfect opportunity to hone in on your skill set as shows get back underway — and even if you don’t have competition plans, there are always new tools to acquire even just by auditing a clinic. Kyle’s clinics are no different, and riders consistently come away with new lessons learned and a bigger appreciation for the trust our horses give to us each day.

“He talks a lot of inspiring your horse so that they will trust in you as their rider more,” our good photographer friend JJ Silliman observed while shooting Kyle’s clinic in Kentucky last weekend. “That not everything has to be ridden perfectly, but the horse should have a confidence in you to trust that when they are unsure of something, they should listen to their rider.”

Indeed, in the sport of eventing a horse must more often put its trust in its rider when faced with a tricky situation. On cross country, riders must be prepared to react at any given moment — and the horse needs to have a certain level of trust to respond accordingly.

Kyle emphasized the concept that there are no do-overs at events, so learning to answer a question on the first try is an important skill. “The horse should feel inspired by their rider to believe they can get through anything in front of them,” JJ said.

Chased the daylight right to the end at about 10pm but was thrilled to have Kyle Carter out to the farm tonight. I am…

Posted by Jenn O'Neill on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Riders are guaranteed more than few laughs at Kyle’s sharp wit, and perhaps even a face palm or two at a missed distance, but the education value is certainly priceless. For young and experienced horses alike, working on trust will never steer a rider wrong.

JJ has graciously allowed us to share her stunning photography from the Lexington, Kentucky clinics last week with you here on EN. Many thanks, JJ! Do you want to bring Kyle Carter to your farm for a clinic? Kyle is still booking clinics – you can contact him via email at [email protected].

What good clinic doesn’t last till 9:30 pm 😂😂 Favorite Kyle Carter quote today was “I’ve made a lot of people…

Posted by Jj Jayhawk Sillman on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Who Jumped It Best? Larkin Hill Intro Edition

By on Jul 9, 2020 10:51 am - 2,717 views

It’s time for another edition of Who Jumped It Best? Our latest edition is brought to you once again by Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto (don’t forget to order your show prints at her website here!), and we’re tackling the Intro A division from Larkin Hill in New York this past weekend. Voting will close on Sunday, July 12!

Take a look at the following photos from the Intro A division at Larkin Hill and vote below for which pair presents the best overall picture:

Mackenna Bowen and Archy:

Mackenna Bowen and Archy. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Anna Colman and Gilligan:

Anna Colman and Gilligan. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Savannah P Fiore and All the Rave:

Savannah P Fiore and All the Rave. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Molly Jackson and Ballylee Comic Storm:

Molly Jackson and Ballylee Comic Storm. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Katherine Kupferer and Quicksilvers Classical:

Katherine Kupferer and Quicksilvers Classical. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond:

Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Cast your vote here:

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The ‘Star’ Exercise

By on Jul 8, 2020 5:30 pm - 1,039 views

One of my favourite exercises to help with a multitude of skills for jumping . Particularly good for improving canter rhythm, accuracy (being central over rails and learning to ‘see ‘ distances ) steering with the leg whilst improving the contact .. and so on ! Star can be any size , depending on the desired improvement , eg more towards turning improvements (smaller) or bigger distances and stride length (bigger) . Plus an excellent exercise in the winter to get the freshness off them !

Posted by Sharon Hunt Eventing on Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Looking for a versatile exercise to add to your toolkit? We’ve got you covered with this “Star” exercise from Sharon Hunt to try out with your horse. Sharon Hunt is a British Olympian who, among many other accolades, also won the Luhmühlen CCI4* in 2010 aboard Tankers Town. Sharon shares many training exercises on her Facebook page, and the Star comes as the latest of the bunch.

“(This exercise is) particularly good for improving canter rhythm, accuracy (being central over rails and learning to ‘see ‘ distances) steering with the leg whilst improving the contact and so on,” Sharon wrote about the Star exercise, which consists of five poles on the ground set at varying distances depending on space and desired difficulty. “Star can be any size, depending on the desired improvement, e.g. more towards turning improvements (smaller) or bigger distances and stride length (bigger).”

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Entries Now Open for MARS Great Meadow International + New CCI3*L Pending Approval

By on Jul 8, 2020 1:10 pm - 653 views

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection, 2019 GMI CCI4*-S winners. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Entries are officially open today for the MARS Great Meadow International, taking place Aug. 20-23 in The Plains, Virginia. This year, organizers are thrilled to offer an expanded selection of divisions, including a new Preliminary Horse Trials division as well as a CCI3*-L, pending FEI approval. Entries will be capped at 220 in light of health precautions as well as scheduling logistics — your best chance of obtaining a spot is to go ahead and enter now.

MARS Great Meadow International is slated to host the following divisions:

  • CCI4*-S
  • CCI3*-L (pending approval)
  • CCI3*-S
  • CCI2*-S
  • Preliminary

It was a big undertaking for the team at Great Meadow, which fielded interest from US Equestrian to host a CCI3*-L as an addition this year. Unlike many other venues, Great Meadow has just one main competition arena, which makes adding multiple divisions more complicated. It was a challenge the organizing team led by Darrin Mollett as well as scheduling whiz Steve Symansky were up for.

“We just needed to see if we could pull off the scheduling,” Darrin said. For cross country, designed by David O’Connor, the expansion to host both a Preliminary as well as a Long division was easier due to the amount of acreage available. Routing the course, however, will take the CCI3*-L from one side of the property to the other, using the competition arena as a connector. Some scheduling wizardry ensued (“Steve Symansky was amazing with that,” Darrin added), and the modified schedule can be found on the updated omnibus listing here. Please note that the CCI3*-L is still pending FEI approval, but riders are nonetheless encouraged to enter and will receive a full refund should approval not be granted.

MARS Great Meadow International is also a spectator-friendly venue, but social distancing protocol this year will have this event looking just a bit different. Never fear, though, Darrin says the team is working hard on some creative tailgating options in order to allow for some spectator traffic. More information on this will be posted on the Great Meadow International website once finalized.

JUMP FOR JOY! Entries are now open for the 2020 MARS GMI. We can’t wait to see you August 20-23rd. We will be running the following divisions:CCI**** -SCCI*** -L (pending approval)CCI*** -SCCI** -SPreliminary Mars Equestrian United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA)

Posted by Great Meadow International on Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Quarrycrest Echo, British Team Gold Medal Winner, Euthanized Due to Rare Disease

By on Jul 8, 2020 11:00 am - 4,129 views

Piggy March and Quarrycrest Echo at the 2019 European Championships. Photo by William Carey.

Quarrycrest Echo, a team horse piloted by Piggy March for Great Britain until December of 2019 when he was sold to Japan for Toshiyuki Tanaka, was euthanized this past weekend after suffering from eosinophilic enteritis, a rare inflammatory disease affecting the small intestine. The Irish Sport Horse gelding was 13 years old.

Quarrycrest Echo, or Red as he was known at home, found much success in Piggy March’s thoughtful program, and the pair’s record speaks for itself. Together, they completed 20 FEI events together from 2013 through 2019, when the horse was purchased by Riding Club Crane for Toshiyuki Tanaka to pilot.

Piggy and Red finished 10th individually and took home a team gold medal in Tryon at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and were also a part of the silver medal winning team at the European Championships at Luhmühlen last year. Stateside fans attending the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2019 were treated to a streak of red flashing by the galloping ropes as Piggy and the lanky chestnut managed to come home just barely over the optimum time despite a near miss on course at the Hollow. They finished in fourth place on the weekend, and Piggy would use the springboard of momentum to serve up her first CCI5* win at Badminton the following weekend.

Toshiyuki Tanaka and Red had an abbreviated start to their partnership, completing one CCI3*-S in Portugal together in February, just before the pandemic lockdown swept the world. “The Japanese were very appreciative that they were able to buy him, through Riding Club Crane, and it was a dream for Toshi to have the ride on him,” coach Angela Tucker told Horse & Hound. It is just such a shame he never had the chance to form a partnership with him.”

The EN team sends its sympathies to all who were lucky to know Quarrycrest Echo.

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Jul 8, 2020 12:01 am - 678 views

One of the smallest yet significant things I’ve learned in these tumultuous last few weeks of heightened awareness is that there is a vast community of content creators and brilliant minds that I’ve not known about until now. It’s difficult to come to grips with the idea that perhaps societal bias live in all of us, but one thing I do know to be true is that within all of us is room for more knowledge and growth. In efforts to make my time on social media slightly more productive, I’ve been introduced to many new-to-me and incredible people, brands, and projects that inspire me to keep learning and doing more to elevate the rich voices that are within our community. The post I placed at the head of this post is from Miguel Flores-Gayle, a content creator and director who has worked extensively with the Compton Cowboys (among many others). Take a look at his stunning work here.

U.S. Weekend Event Preview

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
Maryland HT II at Loch Moy Farm: [Website][Entry Status]
Poplar Place HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times]
Genesee Valley Hunt HT: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
War Horse Event Series HT: [Website][Entry Status]

National Holiday: In honor of today being National Video Game Day, you’ll find me bribing Tilly to find me a coveted copy of Equestriad 2001. If you know, you know.

Wednesday Reading List:

A tiny bit of digging led me to some really interesting information on Adam Hollingsworth, who you may recognize from this image that made waves on social media during recent police brutality and systemic racism protests. Adam, a Chicago native who appeared as a viral video star during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, says his ongoing mission is to teach more kids in Chicago and beyond about the therapeutic benefits of being around horses. He says he rides with a bigger purpose now, wanting to show others that there are other paths. In May, Adam started a GoFundMe with the goal of using the funds to take his educational clinics on the road. “I’m asking if you can donate to help me continue going to different neighborhoods in different inner cities in the Midwest,” he writes.

Who plays the part of your eyes on the ground or sounding board? As much as riding is an individual endeavor, it’s also helpful — almost imperative — to have a strong team of support around you. Lauren Sprieser writes about the concept of “checking your work” in her latest blog for the Chronicle of the Horse.

You’ve likely spent some time in the company of a horse with a noisy airway at some point. It sounds terrifying and it’s hard to determine what the source of the noise is. This helpful article from The Horse breaks down three common causes for upper airway noise and how they are treated.

Tip of the Day: I thought it might be fun to share little helpful tidbits that spring up on the internet. I loved this one illustrating correct versus incorrect jumping position.

Wednesday Video Break: Please enjoy this video of Tamie Smith and Mai Baum scoring a 19.8 at Twin Rivers this past weekend. #micdrop

Been working extensively with Johann Hinnemann the last couple months with all of the horses. It’s been a great to focus on the specific details with each of the horses. Lexus has always been an extravagant moving horse and because of that he looses the correct balance. This weekend he contained himself so well and is starting to be more consistent.

Posted by Next Level Eventing on Sunday, July 5, 2020

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Larkin Hill, Maryland, Spring Gulch, Twin Rivers, Winona

By on Jul 7, 2020 7:45 am - 1,101 views

Beautiful Spring Gulch Horse Trials in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The eventing weekends are getting busier, and it’s encouraging to see horse showing coming back. While it remains to be seen what the immediate future holds, seeing horses and riders out doing what they love is a sight for sore eyes. As a reminder, make sure to brush up on COVID-19 precautions and protocol before heading out to compete. The more we work together to comply with guidelines, the safer we’ll be from cancellations.

This weekend, our lowest score earners competed at the Maryland Horse Trials and finished on an impressive 18.9. Congratulations to Olivia Devening and Maximus in the Junior Beginner Novice!

Larkin Hill H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Prelim/Training: Madison Haney and Revelation (32.0)
Training A: Audrey Littlefield and Mr. Pumpkin (38.8)
Training B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (22.6)
Novice A: Amanda Ko and Carnivale King (31.4)
Novice B: Pamela Lyon and Coosanmore (29.5)
Novice C: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.5)
Beginner Novice A: Abigail Hilliard and Memo (29.0)
Beginner Novice B: Kristen Smith and Cearney (27.0)
Beginner Novice C: Darrah Alexander and Ad Lib (23.3)
Beginner Novice D: Emma Armstrong and Newman (24.3)
Beginner Novice E: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dominic (30.8)
Beginner Novice F: Alexander Conrad and Fernhill El Rico (27.3)
Intro A: Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond (32.8)
Intro B: Destiny Darnell and Charlie (28.9)
Intro C: Imanol Echeverria and Stuart (29.7)
Intro D: James Devanney and Cooley Caviar (21.4)

Our eternal gratitude goes out to Joan Davis and Flatlandsfoto, who graciously sent us some photos from Larkin Hill this weekend:


Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Joe Meyer and Gortglas Crazy Love (44.5)
Open Intermediate B: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (30.0)
Open Preliminary B: Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill (27.4)
Open Preliminary B: Lesley Grant-Law and Castle Howard Romeo (40.1)
Preliminary Rider: Katie Malensek and Landjaeger (28.9)
Modified A: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (27.0)
Modified B: Tik Maynard and Galileo (25.9)
Open Training A: Hallie Coon and Global Naxos (22.6)
Open Training B: Marcea Funk and Odyssey B (24.3)
Training Rider A: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (27.1)
Training Rider B: Kaitlyn Brittendall and FE Dream On (30.7)
Novice Rider A: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (34.8)
Novice Rider B: Beth Allen and Remastered (32.1)
Open Novice A: Kristin Schmolze and Jupiler (22.1)
Open Novice B: Clayton Fredericks and FE Marco Polo (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Chloe Breed and Caan’s Navy Blues (32.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maradeth Leverett and Fried Rice (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Rebecca Brown and Lucky Imagamblingman (30.8)

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The Maryland International + H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI 1*-S: Joanie Morris and Betterthanexpected (36.7)
CCI 2*-S: Ariel Grald and Caballe (26.0)
CCI 3*-S: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (26.6)
Open Intermediate: Ema Klugman and Bendigo (30.7)
JR/YR Open Preliminary: Abigail Niles and Carrick Finest Lad (22.8)
Modified: Emily Beshear and Plumpjack (26.3)
Open Preliminary A: Ariel Grald and Diara (27.9)
Open Preliminary B: Phillip Dutton and California D’Horset (28.5)
Junior Open Training: Grace Mykityshyn and Lusi (29.0)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Cooley Cadbury (26.0)
Open Training B: Ryan Wood and Insuspense (28.6)
Open Training C: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (22.9)
Training Rider A: Katherine van der Rest and Pandora’s Na’vi Child (29.8)
Training Rider B: Megan Smallwood and Kilronan’s Countess (34.0)
Junior Open Novice: Sabina Cooper and Dictate the Terms (24.8)
Novice Rider A: Suzy Gehris and Steddy Eddy (27.1)
Novice Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (28.3)
Open Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield James (21.0)
Open Novice B: Kelley Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (20.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Michelle Marquardt and My Son Ernie (25.8)
Junior Beginner Novice: Olivia Devening and Maximus (18.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Claudia Sarnoff and Papa Pablo (21.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Caroline Martin and Redfield Champion (19.2)

Spring Gulch H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Darlene McInnes and Speed Bump (34.6)
Open Training: Vicki Baker and Got the Last Call (24.5)
Open Novice A: Angelika Beutel and Harrison (25.2)
Open Novice B: Michael Graham and Guinness (31.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Nancy Carr and Hidden Assets (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Madeline Backus and Finn (26.3)
Intro A: Amy Lott and Divine Revelation (26.7)
Intro B: Elizabeth Grandos and Watch My Class (31.1)

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. : [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Tamie Smith and Danito (22.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout (47.6)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Paper Jam (35.8)
Open Preliminary A: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (25.4)
Open Preliminary B: James Alliston and Nemesis (23.9)
Preliminary Rider: Bruce Hill and Bossinova (20.4)
Jr. Training Rider: Kira Niyogi and Astro NSF (29.1)
Open Training: Taren Hoffos and Regala (26.6)
Sr. Training Rider A: Emma Meehan and Millridge Socrates (32.1)
Sr. Training Rider B: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (28.8)
Training Horse: Josh Barnacle and Go Go Boots (27.2)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Amanda Boyce and SF Adventure (25.5)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Sophia Merz and Clara Bö (30.2)
Novice Horse: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz Edi (25.7)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and Outlander (27.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Leslie van der Wal and Doe Valley Brosna Go Bragh (28.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Natalie Barton and Storm Watch (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Bec Braitling and Excel Star Zen Z (28.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Cammie Edwards and Idol Hour (26.0)
Introductory A: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (34.4)
Introductory B: Hannah Cegielski and Backstreet Boy (32.5)

Winona H.T: [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Brooke Molde and Groundwork (45.5)
Training: Amanda Wilson and Rainstown Covergirl (31.1)
Novice A: Lydia McKenzie and WCR Brianne Sequin (29.2)
Novice B: Corinna Garcia and Lyric (27.4)
Novice C: Molly McTiernan and Rocket Man (30.2)
Beginner Novice A: Natalie Koch and Captain Jack Sparrow (35.0)
Beginner Novice B: Tiffany McDermott and Makin’ Waves (30.3)
Beginner Novice C: Debbie McCaughtry and Bellagio VT (40.1)
Starter – Open: Ellie Celarek and Magic Maddie (36.8)

And last but most definitely not least, a shout-out to our northern neighbors, who kicked off their season at the Will O’Wind Horse Trials in Ontario this weekend:

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Meet the Ebony Horse Club

By on Jul 2, 2020 5:41 pm - 895 views

Located in Brixton in the UK, the Ebony Horse Club is one example of a program dedicated to improving the education and aspirations of young people through contact with horses. Olympic show jumper Ben Maher visited the young riders at Ebony Horse Club and this visit is the subject of a recent FEI video profile.

One particularly unique feature of this program is its location. Set right in the heart of Brixton, a vibrant district in South London with Caribbean roots, horses find themselves against a backdrop of apartment buildings. Ebony Horse Club was opened with the assistance of charitable donations and lottery funding in 2011. The Club is the brainchild of Ros Spearing, who drew on her experience as a single mother whose life had been shaped by horses in conceptualizing the idea of bringing access to more youth in the community.

Want to learn more about the impact the Ebony Horse Club is having? Click here to read a great profile, complete with brilliant photography.

Volunteer Nation: 5+ Opportunities to Help Out This Weekend

By on Jul 2, 2020 11:00 am - 183 views

The new horse show must-have accessory – who would’ve thought? Photo via Jan Byyny on Facebook.

Much time has passed since we last brought you an edition of Volunteer Nation! With events kicking cautiously back into gear, the need for volunteer support has also returned.

Of course, much has changed in just a few short months, and protocol for volunteers looks different than it used to. We compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers

Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal

Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

In addition, I’d also like to take a moment to encourage you to find other ways to volunteer your time or skills within your local community. Perhaps there is a therapeutic program or an access program geared toward lower income riders. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to donate or a vast amount of hours to spare, sometimes just reaching out to ask how you can help can yield rewarding opportunities. If you’re not sure where to start, one popular source for volunteering opportunities is VolunteerMatch.org, which of course spans all facets of volunteering. I’d also love to compile a list of equestrian access programs and other related nonprofits, so if you have one we should know about please tip me by emailing [email protected].

Here is a look at the events looking for volunteer help this coming weekend. Remember to stay safe and socially distanced!

Event: Winona Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 31407 Schneider Rd, Hanoverton, OH, 44423
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, XC Decorator, FEH Conformation In Gate Steward, YEH In Gate Steward, General Help, Greeter, XC Control, XC Jump Judge, Dressage In Gate Steward, Dressage Score Runner, Floater, Secretary – Awards, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Input, SJ Scribe, XC Score Input, XC Score Runner, Hospitality Helper, Safety Steward

Event: Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 8715 N River Rd, Paso Robles, CA, 93446
Position(s) Available: Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, SJ In Gate

Event: Maryland International CIC & HT
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, SJ Start Timer, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up

Event: Larkin Hill Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Monday, July 6
Address: 515 County Route 312, North Chatham, NY, 12132
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – SJ, Stabling Check-in & Trailer Parking, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, Event Takedown

Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Combined Test
Dates: Saturday, July 4 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Position(s) Available: Hospitality Helper, Greeter

Event: IEA Leg Up Schooling HT and CT
Dates: Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 7105 S. Kern St., Edinburgh, IN, 46124
Position(s) Available: Event Prep, XC Warm-up, XC Jump Judge, Event Takedown, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out Gate

Other opportunities for volunteering:

We are still looking for some volunteers for the SGHTs this weekend! Please contact Carol Jones if you can help (her info is below).

Posted by MSEA-CCC on Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Chat with Tim and Jonelle Price

By on Jul 1, 2020 6:00 pm - 493 views

Jonelle Price’s words in this interview with FEI TV’s Equestrian World web show are worth writing on my mirror: “It’s amazing what you can achieve with a bit of dogged determination and a lot of hard work.” In this episode, hear from eventing’s royal couple, Tim and Jonelle Price of New Zealand, on their beginnings in the sport and reflections on their careers thus far. The couple relocated from New Zealand in 2005 to base in the UK as “young, struggling Kiwis” high on ambition and low on money. “It was a fairly ambitious move,” Jonelle reflected, but the couple says they’re thankful they made that leap of faith.

But despite the hype and fanfare, both Tim and Jonelle remain firmly rooted on the ground, understanding the value of working together and seeing each other’s career grow. They’re a big inspiration to many of us, and it’s always a treat to get to know them a bit better. Enjoy!

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Canada Day: Our Favorite Team Canada Moments Through the Years

By on Jul 1, 2020 1:00 pm - 716 views

The “Spiffiest Quarter Marks” award goes to Team Canada.

It’s no secret we love our Canadian friends here at EN. In honor of Canada Day today, we thought it appropriate to take a stroll down memory lane to one of our favorite moments in recent Canadian eventing history. One of my personal favorite stories to relive is that of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

It was a dream weekend for the Canadian team made up of Hawley Bennett-Awad, Kyle Carter, Stephanie Jenkins (nee Rhodes-Bosch), and Selena O’Hanlon. Individual riders Rebecca Howard and Jessica Phoenix also joined the Canadian contingent. It wasn’t supposed to be Canada’s year – in fact, most analysts would write the team off as a virtual non-factor in the face of powerhouse teams such as Great Britain and Germany.

The cross country phase would all but define the weekend for the scrappy team (which I wrote about in more detail in this piece for Heels Down Mag awhile back), and the team would go on to finish in silver medal position.

Relive some of this memorable weekend in the Bluegrass State through the lens of some of our favorite videographers:

I’ll let the following photos show you our Canadian friends through the years here at Eventing Nation. What are some of your favorite Team Canada moments?

Team Canada at Lima. Photo courtesy of Rob Stevenson.

Canada’s Junior team ahead of the jog at Young Riders in 2017. From left, Eva Marquis with Hollywood, Chloe Duffy with Oro Veradero, Chef d’Equipe Penny Rowland, Ella Marquis with Meadowbrook’s Pollyanna, and Tosca Holmes-Smith with Fiat. Photo by Mark Marquis.

Go Canada! Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Team Canada in Normandy. Photo via Hawley Bennett on Instagram.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti(CAN). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

We can’t forget the fans who show their endless love and appreciation for their favorite riders:

Canadian fans cheer on Jessie Phoenix and Pavarotti after their test. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

A spectator with Canadian pride! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Last but certainly not least, here’s a look at how some riders are celebrating today:

Happy Canada Day to our fellow Canadians back at home!! We miss everyone and we’re so proud to be Canadians during these tough times! Enjoy the day! Have a caesar and poutine for us! Cheers! 🇨🇦❤️

Posted by Karl Slezak Eventing on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Want to learn more about the Canadian eventing and equestrian history? Dig into the team’s Olympic history here, the history of Canadian equestrian sportshere, and a list of famous Canadian riders to learn about here.

Happy Canada Day!

Go Canada!

The ‘Ultimate’ Comeback: An Update on Rick Wallace’s Ultimate Victory

By on Jul 1, 2020 9:00 am - 1,806 views

Rick Wallace and Ultimate Victory. Photo via Rick on Facebook.

After a devastating freak accident that resulted in the loss of his left eye back in April, Rick Wallace’s 17 year old Thoroughbred gelding, Ultimate Victory made a comeback to competition this past weekend with Briggs Surratt in the irons. We’ve been following along with “Cody” and his recovery and adjustment to one-eyed life, which Rick says has gone remarkably well.

“I am not sure if Cody even realizes he is missing an eye!” Rick wrote just 17 days after the loss of the eye when a cross tie clip hit Cody. “To the thousands of shares from his injury less than 3 weeks ago and to all the thousands of well wishers, we say thanks.”

Now, Cody is back to competing and tackled the Open Preliminary division at Chatt Hills last weekend, finishing in the top 10 with just some time added on cross country. Rick was thrilled, and is more than relieved to see his soulmate horse happy and thriving again.

“The results of the pull back and retraction that hit my 4 Star horse in the eye- was, what I thought career ending” Rick wrote in his most recent social media post. “We posted the accident as a PSA on those type cross ties in the hope that we may save others from the same outcome. While I was hit with many bad posts, I was encouraged that my experience helped others in the positive posts received!

Cody is an amazing 17 year old Thoroughbred that took each day with grace! I started day one to introduce his life with one eye as normal as I could!
Just less than two months later, Cody and Briggs tackled the OP at Chatt Hills with brilliance! Finishing 10th only due to time on CC.

Briggs is my hero for taking my soulmate around with caution and care in all three phases! His show jump round was nothing less than brilliant. He prepared Cody for each turn off the left to ensure he knew what was next. Watch this show jump round of a horse that two months ago had two eyes! I cried! Go Cody my amazing one eyed super horse! The future is bright with one eye!”

You can watch videos from Cody’s comeback in the post below. We’ll continue to follow Cody’s progress as he gets back into competition mode, not missing a beat even with one less eye. Go Eventing.

So my update of Ultimate Victory aka Cody. On April 29th of this year I posted about the devastating injury to Cody’s…

Posted by Rick Wallace on Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Jul 1, 2020 12:11 am - 665 views

I’ve found myself doing a lot of thinking recently about the idea of access to horses. It’s something that feels like a tangible way to have a positive impact for the next generation, for a kid who may need an outlet, who has an uncanny love for horses that needs to be expressed and nourished. There are various nonprofits and access programs across different sports, and much can be gleaned from diving into some research. One thing I’ve noticed in common is this: virtually every sport needs help at the grassroots, lower levels. The Little League games. The dirt bike tracks. The soccer fields. So many of them lie untouched, relegated to the neighborhood kids who make use of having it nearby. There is so much potential and so much that sports of all kinds do for young generations. There must be more we can do to expand this notion when it comes to horses.

I understand that bringing horses into or closer to a new community presents a world of challenges, but it’s some food for thought. Horses bring us peace (when they’re not breaking out of the crossties or finding inconvenient ways to injure themselves, that is), and it’s a feeling that I truly believe is something more people could benefit from. It’s a concept I will continue to dedicate time to, and I invite any and all conversations around this as the strength of one is nothing compared to the strength and combined creativity of many!

National Holiday: Today is Canada Day!

Weekend Preview:

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. : [Website] [Ride Times]
Winona H.T: [Website] [Ride Times]
The Maryland International + H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Spring Gulch H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times]
Larkin Hill H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Cool Job Alert: Mexican five-star eventer Daniela Moguel is looking to add someone new to her apprenticeship program. Described as an immersion style program, participants learn all aspects of horsemanship and business management in a way that helps them build careers of their own. Sounds like a pretty cool opportunity if you ask me. Learn more here.

I’ve been doing a lot of relearning of our country’s history. After learning about the many untold stories I’d missed out on, I decided to start down one rabbit hole in particular: the Black American cowboy. I’ve done a fair bit of reading, but I found this deep dive from Huffington Post to be particularly insightful in summarizing the history. If you want a primer, this is a good place to start.

In my Instagram scrolling this week, I came across this moving reflection from Colorado Rockies player Ian Desmond on racism in the United States as well as the concept of access in underprivileged communities. If you take out “baseball” and sub in “equestrian”, I feel a lot of the same undertones can be applied to the sport that has shaped our lives, too. No, this isn’t a dig. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how we can make horses and the peace they bring something more people can have the opportunity to enjoy. Ian’s post provided a lot of food for thought for me, and I encourage you to take a read too.

Kyle Carter wants coaches to take their roles in helping keep riders safe seriously. In this opinion editorial for Heels Down Mag, the Canadian Olympian reflects on the idea of moving up and what more coaches and riders should be considering. Moving up is not a decision to be taken lightly, and there are some good points made here.

Time for another conformation critique from the USEA. This time, former FEH/YEH Championship judge Chris Ryan shares his thoughts on a young Irish Sport Horse/Thoroughbred gelding. Take a gander and see how your conformational eye stacks up.

Wednesday Video: New episode of Young Black Equestrians alert! In the newest interview, we meet Ranee James, who balances being a mother, working with the Urban Equestrian Academy in the UK, a career as an artist, and big goals for her own riding…meanwhile, I need a nap after writing this.

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: HPNJ, Chatt Hills, Cobblestone Farms

By on Jun 29, 2020 10:23 am - 1,214 views

Our friend Samantha Clark was out and about at the Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials this weekend, and I wanted to share her thoughtful observations on Lauren Kieffer and her veteran, now 18 year old partner, Veronica. Lauren brought the mare, with whom she’s traveled the world and completed 25 FEI events, back into competition form this year after an injury sidelined her in 2018. While Lauren says she’s just enjoying the ride with “Troll,” who is owned by Team Rebecca LLC and the Broussard family, it’s clear that the mare would rather be doing this job than anything else in the world. Keep on keepin’ on, girlfriend — we’re here to cheer you on the whole way.

This weekend, we saw some hot competition for the lowest overall finishing score. I was all set to award it to Booli Selmayr and Urania, who won the Open Prelim at New Jersey on a final score of 21.5, but then Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights waltzed in and won their Novice division at Chatt Hills on a 20.0. Well done, Erin!

Let’s hear it for the rest of this weekend’s winners!

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Advanced A: Phillip Dutton and Z (32.1)
Advanced B: Phillip Dutton and Luke 140 (42.4)
Open Intermediate A: Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman (37.0)
Open Intermediate B: Lillian Heard and Charmking (44.7)
Open Intermediate C: Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire (41.9)
Jr/YR Open Preliminary: Sam Curtis and Blyth’s Centurion FE (28.9)
Open Preliminary A: Booli Selmayr and Urania (21.5)
Open Preliminary B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (26.5)
Open Training A: Lillian Heard and Cooley Greystones (29.4)
Open Training B: Aisling Carroll and Asthore (27.1)
Training Rider A: Angela Custer and Calle (28.3)
Training Rider B: Jessica McGrane and True Mystic (39.7)
Training Rider C: Kristin Michaloski and Ice Breaker (35.4)
Novice Rider A: Sarah Newman and Dexter’s Dream (27.8)
Novice Rider B: Daivd Goodall and Indian Creek Queen (34.3)
Open Novice A: Debbie Adams and DA Shannondale Cushla (23.3)
Open Novice B: Amanda Gardiner and Prinz S.W. (26.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Caelyn Casey and Executive Pumpkin (23.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Will Rowland and Over Rider (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Arielle Aharoni and Goldenrose (25.8)

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Devon Brown and Hickstead (32.9)
Open Preliminary A: Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 (30.1)
Open Preliminary B: Kelly Prather and Catch Me Cooley (27.0)
Preliminary Rider: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (31.3)
Modified A: Daryl Kinney and Monte Carlo (25.0)
Modified B: Kaley Crosby and Valentino (27.2)
Open Training A: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (25.5)
Open Training B: Julie Richards and Fernhill Patron (32.6)
Training Rider A: Camryn Chung and Bird Queen (29.1)
Training Rider B: Rebecca Puglisi and Rosie’s Little Miss Liberty (34.8)
Novice Rider A: Lilli Wichert and Fernhill Tito (35.0)
Novice Rider B: Neve McElhaney and Curious George (26.9)
Novice Rider C: Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights (20.0)
Open Novice A: Amelia Grubbs and Cooley On The Con (30.7)
Open Novice B: Claire Anderson and MochaSpice (23.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Mackinzie Reeves and Life Flight (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Marissa Griffin and Conquistador (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Elle Snyder and You Have A Friend In Me (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Jasmine Hobart and Zephyrine (33.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Susan Thomas and FGF Cantakerous Woman (28.6)

So proud of all of our girls this weekend at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing! I was so pleased with how well all of our…

Posted by Stephanie James Counts on Sunday, June 28, 2020

For all those Krunchy fans out there..here he is, thundering his giant turkey butt around a clear cross country ! I truly believe this was the hardest I’ve EVER had to ride to every SINGLE fence on a xc course in my life 🤦🏼‍♀️ Still love 💕 him though !

Posted by Lindsay Barrack on Sunday, June 28, 2020

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Cierra Daratony and Rio De Janeiro (31.1)
Open Training I: Michelle Koppin and Calcourt Valley (28.0)
Open Training II: Cierra Dartony and Satin Revelry (30.6)
Training Rider: Kristin Kubsch and CMF Royal Diamond (32.6)
Open Novice I: Julie Bryer and Fernhill Dynamic (30.9)
Open Novice II: Christina Lockhart and I’malreadythere (25.6)
Novice Rider I: Lenora Evans and Christian Grey (30.0)
Novice Rider II: Chloe Miller and Sozo (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice I: Valerie Johnson and Henson (24.8)
Open Beginner Novice II: Kaila McCormack and Early Artifacts (31.1)
Beginner Novice Rider I: Brandy Snedden and Peaches and Cream (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider II: Katherine Hyndman and Counter Point (31.4)
Starter I: Heather Lawson and Crown Royale Calabar (28.1)
Starter II: Gavin Cottell and Hey There Delilah (33.1)

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Say Their Names

By on Jun 24, 2020 5:00 pm - 690 views

Those who might be unfamiliar with Ellie Leonard’s photo and video skills should take note: this girl is the real deal. Ellie has done a lot of work within the eventing community, acting as video and photographer extraordinaire, personal cheerleader, top-shelf groom, and social justice warrior. Last weekend, Ellie captured the “Heels Down, Fists Up” ride to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

Ellie’s photos from the ride can be seen in this photo essay from the Chronicle of the Horse. Many thanks to Ellie for sharing her latest video work with us. If you’d like to find some ways in which you can get involved, Tilly has a great round-up this week here.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Where Are They Now? Checking In with Fan Favorites in Retirement

By on Jun 24, 2020 3:00 pm - 2,355 views

One of the best things about social media is its ability to keep people in touch, no matter how much time or distance (social or otherwise) passes. I’ve enjoyed a crop of posts in recent weeks that check in with some well-known event horses in their retirement or semi-retirement. Let’s see what some fan favorites have been up to this year! What famous event horse would you like us to check in with in retirement? Tip us by emailing [email protected].

Mandiba and Mr. Medicott (Karen O’Connor + many others):

TWO GREAT TIH OLD SOLDIERS – MANDIBA & MR MEDICOTT – RETIREMENT HEAVEN20yo Mandiba & 21yo Mr Medicott, inseparable…

Posted by William Micklem on Thursday, May 21, 2020

Bellaney Rock (Selena O’Hanlon):

Bellaney Rock now! Such a lucky boy to have landed his forever home and continues to teach us all how to ride. 🙂 they'…

Posted by Selena J O'Hanlon on Tuesday, June 2, 2020

CP Qualified (Shane Rose):

Just wanted to share something pretty special and heartfelt.This is Darcy. He was bred and born in Holland, imported…

Posted by Elizabeth Louise on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Sir Rockstar (Libby Head):

I thought rocky was looking well for 22 and not being ridden, and then I found out he works out with his pasture mate during her trot sets 😄 oh rocket❤️

Posted by Libby Head on Monday, June 8, 2020

Madison Park (Kyle Carter):

Posted by Kyle Carter on Thursday, March 26, 2020

Arthur (Allison Springer):

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2808751665887566

Wednesday News & Notes from EcoVet

By on Jun 24, 2020 12:01 am - 822 views

CP Qualified enjoying retiree life. Photo via Elizabeth Louise on Facebook.

I really love seeing horses enjoying their retirement years. A post on Facebook made its way around last week showing Australian rider Shane Rose’s Adelaide winner and Rio team partner CP Qualified having the time of his life:

Just wanted to share something pretty special and heartfelt.This is Darcy. He was bred and born in Holland, imported…

Posted by Elizabeth Louise on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Let’s hear it for those special retirees! We truly don’t deserve horses.

Obscure Holiday: It’s Swim a Lap Day…if you’re into that sort of thing.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading:

Meet the Black cowgirls of Southern California. I’ve been really enjoying my rabbit hole diving learning about the history of Black equestrians. It’s fascinating to learn a piece of our culture that, sadly, I didn’t know much about before. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read this deep dive into this California group of riders.

US Equestrian has posted a Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement and action plan. Change begins in steps and this step can be a positive one with the right follow through. We’re excited to see what the next steps look like as more organizations, platforms, and brands undertake new initiatives.

Do you want to learn about galloping and conditioning? If you’re local to Scottsville, Virginia, you’ll want to check out an educational Galloping & Conditioning clinic put on by Oakhill Farm. Learn how to ride and balance at speed, how to feel your horse’s gallop rhythm, and what to account for when it comes to fitness — but don’t wait to sign up!

Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimón has reached out to his followers for the first time following a brain bleed that saw him undergo a seven-hour surgery and a medically induced coma seven weeks ago.

It’s getting warmer out! This is a great time to get a refresher on summer care tips for horses. Particularly for those of you competing, pay careful attention to heat and heat-related symptoms during work. Stay safe out there! [Summer Horse Health Tips]

Wednesday Video: Props to Heels Down Mag for hosting this discussion on racism and discrimination in horse sports. There is much to be learned from just having a conversation about what we can do better:

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet: