Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.
Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maxiums. Photo by Adam Fanthorphe.
In the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham International, the tough show jumping track yielded just three fault-free rounds, allowing a few more moves up the board on the final day of competition. Overnight leaders Will Furlong and Collien P 2 had a hefty 11.6 point lead going into show jumping and needed nine of those to solidify the win.
Our hero of the hour is Caroline Martin, who finished both Pebbly Maximus and The Apprentice inside the top 10, moving from seventh to fifth with Pebbly Maximus and from 13th to eighth with The Apprentice, both of whom lowered one rail.
“I have absolutely wonderful horses and support team,” Caroline said. “I am extremely honored to have been able to represent the USA at my first Nations Cup and at the Under 25. This grant has been the first big step for me on the international stage and I will improve the next time out.”
Looking to the senior CCI3*, Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 are your winners, jumping one of just five double clear rounds this morning to overtake Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V, who incurred five penalties. This is the first three-star win for this pair, who most recently came 13th at the Event Riders Masters at Chatsworth last month.
Japan also finishes a second rider in the top five with Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma D’Allou, a 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Riding Club Crane. This pair finishes their weekend fourth position on a final score of 53.7 with just one time penalty added this morning. This is a very exciting horse for Japan, as this is his first CCI3* start.
Many thanks as always to Adam Fanthorpe for being our camera on the ground this weekend and at many other European events this year. Additionally, thank you to our readers for following along with our Bramham coverage. Onward!
Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
Ian Stark’s tracks caused quite the shuffle on the leaderboards at Bramham International today, with just a handful of the original top 10 in all three divisions remaining in position following cross country.
Overnight leaders Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V retained their dressage lead, adding 6.5 time on cross country today for a total score of 43.1. Gemma will not have a rail in hand looking ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping finale, and “Pebbles” is historically a pretty consistent show jumper — he has not yet had a rail at the CCI3* level.
In second place after cross country are Australia’s Sammi Burch and Hunter Valley II, who moved up from fourth place with 3.2 added for a score of 44.8. Hunter Valley II, a 12-year-old Australian Sport Horse gelding (Wirragulla Hamlet – Lilly, by Brilliant Invader) owned by Lyndon and Sammi McLeod, is a seasoned three-star campainger looking to improve on a fourth place finish at this event last year.
Third are Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cristo – Sara IV, by Quebec), who moved up from fifth place with 2.4 time added for a two day score of 45.4. This is the first CCI3* start for Calle 44, who also competes in FEI show jumping at the CSI2* and CSI3* level.
Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
The sole American in the CCI3*, Lauren Kieffer with D.A. Duras, owned by Debbie Adams and Ms. Jacqueline Mars, were sadly eliminated on course when “D” clipped a corner at fence 6 and twisted just enough to unseat Lauren. We’re happy to report that both Lauren and D are just fine and in good spirits. Lauren told EN that she is thinking of re-routing to the Barbury CIC3* at the beginning of July.
Leading the U25 CCI3* are British pair Will Furlong and Collien P 2, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carentan – Compita, by Carolus), who are making their debut at the CCI3* level together. This pair had the quickest round of the day in the U25 division, adding two seconds of time to move them into first after sitting sixth following dressage. Their two-day score of 48.4 is more than enough to give them a hefty lead overnight.
Second placed pair Gina Ruck and Rehy Too also were rewarded with a big move up the board after lying 14th in the dressage. This pair added 10 time to go into tomorrow on a 60.0, followed by compatriots Charlotte Bacon and Last Touch, whose quick turn of hoof moved them up 20 places into third on a 62.2.
Caroline Martin had unlucky 20s on each of her two rides in the U25. “I was too bold into the final water (with Pebbly Maximus) and we left a stride out at the first skinny, and I landed on his neck so we had to circle to make the B element,” Caroline said. “Both were my mistakes and my horses are amazing athletes. I’m very lucky to be here and have such a good team.”
Regardless, Caroline remains in seventh position following cross country on a two day score of 74.1 with Pebbly Maximus, owned by Sherrie Martin, and 13th on an 87.8 with The Apprentice, also owned by Sherrie.
Izzy Taylor won the CIC3* aboard Trevidden, a 12-year-old British Sport Horse (Fleetwater Opposition – Assine, by Torus) owned by Dr. Patricia Turner, on a final score of 47.4. This pair sat in 15th following dressage and moved up to seventh after show jumping early on today. They turned in the only other double clear effort across Ian Stark’s track to cement the win, the first at the level for Trevidden.
Tiana Coudray and Under the Clocks. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
And last but certainly not least, we’re thrilled for Tiana Coudray and Under the Clocks, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred (Woodborough X Regal Kate) owned by Murray Lamperd and Jade Wishart, who put in an effortless double clear run in the CIC3*, the second fault-free round of the division.
We reported yesterday that Tiana has had “Ninja” in her yard for three years now, keeping him in work for Australian rider Murray Lamperd, who travels between Australia and the UK to compete.
Picking up third in the CIC3* are Willa Newton and Neelix on a final score of 55.2, moving up from eighth following cross country.
Cross country was influential across all three divisions. On the CCI3* track, fence 6 proved to be quite problematic for many pairs in both divisions, causing several rider falls and many other refusals and retirements. Fence 6 was a combination involving a trakehner, double corners and another trakehner on the way out. Click here to see photos of this ABCD combination.
We’ll be updating this post with photos from photographer extraordinaire Adam Fanthorpe, so check back for more from beautiful Bramham!
Even though the respective retirements from upper level competition was announced earlier this year for Allison Springer’s Arthur and Laine Ashker’s Anthony Patch, these two gentlemen are far from hanging up their horseshoes altogether.
Both Allison and Laine have told EN that their horses would love to continue on with less demanding schedules, perhaps taking on the task of playing professor to some of their students. We’re excited to see videos of this happening surfacing this week, and we can’t wait to see how these new pairs progress this year.
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Alex Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz at NAJYRC in 2016. Photo by JJ Sillman.
For 15-year-old Alex Baugh, riding horses has become a lifelong pursuit of big goals. Possessing the talent needed to reach the top of the sport of eventing, Alex knows that one cannot get by on talent alone; hard work and sacrifice are the name of the game when you’re trying to make it in the horse industry. Fortunately, horses have become a family affair for the Baugh family, and one step at a time, Alex is making her big dreams a reality.
Growing up in a family who had always been involved with horses in some way, Alex first sat astride a horse when she was four years old, when her parents purchased riding lessons for her as a birthday gift. “Had I Known what would happen from that birthday, I might not have given that as a gift,” Alex’s mother, Kelly, joked.
Saddle seat was the first discipline in which Alex got her feet wet, but eventually her parents purchased a pony named Rhino who would give her the first taste of eventing. Alex had caught the bug, quickly outgrowing Rhino and moving on to another pony, Valentine, whom she would take through Novice.
“The plan was that Valentine would be a good horse for her through high school, but it became obvious that she would outgrow him as well,” Kelly explained.
Alex and Curioso. Photo by JJ Sillman.
Small but mighty
So the family purchased Curioso, a 14.2 hand Andalusian/Quarter Horse fit for a “Horse of a Different Color” profile. Though he was small, he was mighty, eventually carrying Alex through the Preliminary level. Curioso had previously competed through the Intermediate level with Canadian rider Genevieve Boutin, also completing the CCI1* at Young Riders in 2012.
“Curioso is a unicorn,” Alex explained. “Our first show together was the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge, and I wanted to be on a team with my friends so we went Beginner Novice and won — and he was two weeks away from doing a two-star at that point. He really is a wonder pony.”
Alex progressed through the levels with her gray wonder pony, picking up numerous top-5 finishes at the Preliminary level in 2015. The goal was to contest Alex’s first one-star, but in the end she decided that she wanted to preserve her pony who had done so much for her rather than ask him to continue to compete at the upper levels.
“He was such a good boy; if you pointed him at a one-star fence, he’d jump. I think if you’d ask him to jump a four-star table, he would trust you enough to try,” Alex said. “And I didn’t want to put him in a position where he could get hurt because he was trying so hard for me.”
Curioso is now in the caring hands of Alex’s younger sister, Tori, and at the age of 13 still going strong and enjoying teaching a younger rider the ropes at the lower levels. But once again, it was time to find Alex the next horse who would safely help her carry out her goals.
Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz at Carolina International. Photo by Jenni Autry.
A Dash of ‘Pizazz’
After making a few calls, on Boyd Martin’s recommendation the Baugh family traveled to Georgia to try two of Michael Pollard’s horses who were coming up for sale. One of the horses was Ballingowan Pizazz, who had enjoyed much success at the Advanced and three-star levels with Michael in the irons.
It was quite an adjustment for Alex to transition from riding ponies her whole life to 16.2 hand Irish Sport Horse that “Mango” is. With the help of her longtime coach, Jorge Montalvo, Alex set to work getting to know her new ride, who was a willing but quirky partner. “I had to really adjust my leg on him since I was so used to Curioso,” Alex said. “At first, it felt like a control panel without any labels! I definitely was not a rider like Michael, so it was a lot to get used to.”
But hard work paid off, and Alex and Mango won their first show together at Poplar Place in Georgia at the Preliminary level, just a few short months after the two were introduced.
“I think that Alex doesn’t give herself enough credit,” Kelly said. “For her to take that horse and within six months go out and win, that’s a really big deal. That sitting trot (on Mango) is no joke, and I think that’s really a testament to how hard she has worked to get where she is.”
Alex Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by JJ Sillman.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Originally, it was Curioso who had been tapped as Alex’s first potential NAJYRC mount. After making the decision to retire her pony from upper level competition, however, it was Mango who stepped in to fill his predecessor’s horseshoes. The pair picked up their final qualifier at the Ocala International, finishing in seventh overall as the second placed junior pair. From there, it was all roads leading to Colorado, where Alex and Mango represented Area VIII and finished fourth individually.
This season, Alex has once again set her sights on competing in Montana at Young Riders once again, qualifying again at Ocala over the winter and improving on their 2016 CCI1* finish with a fourth place ribbon. “The teams haven’t been announced yet, but we are qualified and I would love to have the opportunity to represent Area VIII again,” Alex said.
In order to prepare for Young Riders, all potential team members are tasked with raising $3500 to contribute to team expenses. Alex took this job and ran with it, selling socks at horse shows and also single-handedly organizing a fundraising clinic with show jumping rider Richard Picken.
“She thought about it and came up with the idea and started making calls,” Kelly explained. “She 100% organized it and put it on Facebook. It takes a lot of guts for a 15-year-old kid to call Rolex riders like Clark Montgomery and Allie Knowles and let them know about the clinic, but she did and she received a lot of compliments on her organizing skills when the clinic was over.”
Alex Baugh and her younger brother, Zach. Photo by JJ Sillman.
A Family Affair
Eventing has become a way of life for the Baugh family, with Alex chasing her upper level dreams and her younger siblings also learning the ropes of the sport. Her brother, Zach, also events casually with his horse Rock Encore, and Alex has been helping out with getting the horse more mileage at the Training and Preliminary levels.
“Zach is happy competing a few times a year,” Kelly explained. “Last year, he went to AECs and finished eighth after just doing a handful of shows, so he’s very talented.” While Zach prefers to take a more casual approach to competition, Alex has the opportunity to compete “King”, who is also an Irish Sport Horse, in order to help herself gain more experience.
At the end of the day, the entire Baugh family is all-in for their kids, who have shown talent and work ethic to make this sport a way of life. It isn’t always the easiest for a teenager growing up, and Alex has foregone “normal” kid activities such as football games (“I went to one once, I didn’t really like it.”), school dances and even physical attendance at school — Alex began online school in January.
“It’s hard to have a kid who wants to go to the Olympics,” Kelly said. “She’s had to miss out on a lot of other things, but as parents (her father, Dave, and I) are willing to support her. But ultimately, she has to be the one to make that happen. She’s proven that she can do it, and as a parent I am lucky to have such an awesome kid. I couldn’t be more proud of or grateful for her.”
As Alex looks down the road to hopefully competing at the top levels of the sport, she knows that her work ethic must match her talent in the saddle. For her family, it’s all a part of a journey that has brought them closer together around their four-legged family members, who have taught them that putting the time in really does pay off in spades.
Check out this awesome video made by Henry Malone about Alex’s journey:
The sweetest photo there ever was. Photo by JJ Sillman.
Big congratulations are in order for Area VIII eventer Jenn O’Neill, who tied the knot with her husband, Brian Ange, this weekend in a beautiful wedding fit for every horse girl’s dreams. We’re thrilled for you, Jenn!
Emily Gilruth, who has been in the hospital after suffering a heavy fall at Badminton last month, has returned home. Emily spent three weeks in the hospital, including nine days in intensive care, and has undergone extensive rehabilitation and made remarkable progress. We continue to wish Emily the best in her ongoing recovery. [Emily Gilruth Returns Home]
We love our volunteers! Betsy Knight is this month’s Volunteer of the Month on the USEA. Based out of Bascule Farm in Maryland, Betsy is a well-known and much loved sight to see around the local events, and we’d like to thank her for all of her dedication to the sport. [Volunteer of the Month: Betsy Knight]
Speaking of volunteers, Copper Meadows Horse Trials this weekend could use a few more! Running on Friday and Saturday, Copper Meadows in Ramona, California is sure to be a great weekend full of eventing at all levels. To sign up to jump judge, dressage scribe or fill another volunteer position, click here.
Tuesday Video:
Catch up with our friend Ashley Russell, who competed at Waredaca this past weekend:
It’s that time of year when everyone is finishing up school for the semester (or, for us old folks, remembering the times when we had months of freedom stretching ahead of us and bemoaning adulthood), and it’s also a great time to look around for a working student position. These positions are a great opportunity to learn from professionals within the industry, so take a gander and get in touch if any of these opportunities seems like a good fit for you!
Riders/trainers, please email [email protected] to have your position added to the list; we’ll be updating this periodically throughout the coming weeks.
Nora Battig (PA): Looking for part time working student for the afternoons 12pm – 4/5pm Tues-Fri and some weekends. Great opportunity for someone to learn the ropes of running a small eventing facility. Duties to include but not limited to tacking, untacking, mucking, turn out, tack cleaning, etc. Some riding for the right fit. Private message Nora if interested.
Emily Beshear (VA): Emily Beshear/Brickland Farm is looking for a new member to add to to their Brickland Eventing team in Somerset, VA! Option to be full or part-time. This is a great opportunity to be part of a high performance program and expand your knowledge in all aspects of horse care. Position may have the ability to offer housing, board for one horse, lessons, and/or salary dependent upon experience. Ideal candidate must be motivated, detail oriented, and follow instructions well. Learn more about the program here.
Jenny Caras (PA): Jenny Caras is looking for a hard working individual to join her team as a working student! Jenny is based out of Phillip Dutton’s True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA. Duties will include mucking, turn out, grooming, and riding for the right match! Please contact Jenny at 404-217-7342, if you are interested!
Kyle and Jennifer Carter (FL): We have an opening for a working student. Fun atmosphere with a great group of people. Horses range from just starting to CCI**** horses. Please message for more info.
Phyllis Dawson (VA): Phyllis Dawson is looking for a long-term working student at Windchase beginning in September 2017. Receive daily lessons, full board for your horse, experience riding multiple horses, housing, and shipping to competitions, a package with a value of over $3000 per month – in return for barn work and horse care. You will be part of a top quality Eventing stable, train with an Olympic rider, and learning how to run a successful business. Plenty of riding opportunities and daily instruction, and top class facilities. Check out our Web site: www.teamwindchase.com. We are in the heart of the Area II Eventing community. Bring your horse, ride and compete – or if you don’t have a horse take lessons on ours. We are looking for dedicated students who can commit to at least six months. Contact Phyllis at [email protected]. Phyllis Dawson, Windchase, Purcellville, VA (540) 668-6024 – stable, (540) 668-6548 – home, E-mail: [email protected].
Meg Kepferle (NJ): Kepferle Equestrian is looking for a part-time (could grow into full-time) working student for the summer . Located in Long Valley,NJ. Work in exchange for lessons on your horse. Small, busy and motivated program with horses from Baby through FEI. Please contact Meg with interest.
Meghan Marinovich (IA): Marinovich Eventing is currently looking for a new member to join our team! With two of our working students heading home this week we are seeking a new groom. Hours and days can be flexible. Ideally looking for someone to help with morning and evening chores. Wage dependent on experience. This position could move into a full time position for the right candidate. Duties include stall and paddock cleaning, feeding, keeping the barn clean, grooming horses, arena maintenance and everything and anything in between. Great small barn located in Cumming, Iowa. Check out our facilities page on our website! Contact Meaghan @ (612)382-0094 or email at [email protected]. Please include resume and references!
Caroline Martin (PA/FL): Immediate opening for a working student and a show groom that are reliable, motivated and positive individuals who can work alongside our team to assist in all yard duties. The right candidate will be extremely motivated to learn about ALL aspects of an eventing program, a hard worker and a good team player. Duties include all daily chores, grooming, tacking, bathing, clipping, show grooming and travel, and depending on experience the opportunity to ride additional horses. Candidate must have own transportation. This is for a full time (6 days a week), live in paid position. We will provide accommodation and lessons if one wants to bring a horse. Contact Caroline at 484-554-9995 or email [email protected].
Kurt Martin (FL): Work, train and ride with International 4* rider Kurt Martin, with opportunities to compete and travel to some of the nations most prestigious events. Excellent benefits, please inquire for more information. Call 540-454-6054.
Erin Pullen (KY): Erin Pullen is currently looking for one working student. They will have the ability to bring one horse. Please contact Erin if interested.
Daniel Sarango (GA): Chatsworth Stud/Pollard Eventing is seeking a new member to join the team in August 2017. Job entails basic barn chores, grooming/tacking, and help at competitions. Benefits include housing on property, board for one horse, and daily lessons. We are looking for someone at least 16 years old, hardworking, responsible, and willing to travel. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to be in a consistent program and handle sport horses with top bloodlines, all while learning about breeding, sales, and Eventing competition at its best. 6 month commitment required. If this appeals to you please contact [email protected] for more information.
Lucia and Benita Strini/Plain Dealing Farm (VA): Plain Dealing Farm is searching for a new member to join our team! PDF is a top line equestrian business and we are in need of a farm buildings and grounds maintenance laborer to assist in the running of the equestrian center and general farm upkeep. Applicant must be an active worker capable of stamina, discipline and should possess the ability to take direction and work well independently. Duties include, but are not limited to: harrowing riding arenas, driving trucks and trailers, using basic equipment such as weed eaters, mowers, chainsaws etc., strong carpentry background and confidence working with large and small animals a plus. Confidence working around horses a necessity. Applicant must be able to work on weekends as needed. Competitive salary and healthcare offered, full time location in Scottsville, VA. Please send resume to [email protected] if interested!
The helmet cam videos are rolling out in full force from the weekend’s action, and we’ve got three to share with you today!
First up, check out Doug Payne and Flagmount’s Mischief’s round at the Devon Arena Eventing on Sunday. Flagmount’s Mischief, owned by Robbie Peterson, finished in fifth place.
Moving to Virginia Horse Trials, here’s a look at Laine Ashker and Calling All Comets, who contested the Preliminary, finishing in fifth place on their dressage score.
Next, we’ve got Lara Knight and Shooby Doo in the Open Prelim at MayDaze H.T. This was Shooby’s first event back on the scene after a year off and they enjoyed an easy cruise around.
And last but not least, Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage were also in Virginia this weekend, where they tackled the Advanced/Intermediate. They finished in fifth place — evidently this is just a post full of green ribbons!
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Move in day at Tattersalls! Photo via Cooper International Horse Transport.
The weekends continue to be packed to the gills with action, and this coming one is no exception as a strong American contingent prepares to tackle Tattersalls in Ireland. Competing for North America in the CCI3*, we will see Phillip Dutton with both Fernhill Revelation and Z, Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee (CAN), Katherine Coleman and Back to Business II, Buck Davidson and Carlevo, and Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border.
We’ll also see Katherine Coleman in the CCI2* with Wizard of Aus and Monte Classico, as well as Monbeg Senna in the CCI1*YH for 6- and 7-year-old horses. Kathryn Robinson has an entry in the CCI1* with Linus V.
Fitness is a hot topic right now for eventers. In this new article for the USEA, Lauren Kieffer talks about her fitness program for young horses, complete with a chart that she uses to monitor and manage her horses’ individual programs. [Fitness and Young Horses]
Have you signed up for the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program yet? If not, you definitely should. This program has really blossomed and needs your support to keep it growing. There are some really great prizes and awards on the line for top volunteers, so put those spare hours to a good use at your next Horse Trial. [USEA Volunteer Incentive Program]
Surely you’ve watched the adorable Shetland Races at the Devon Horse Show. If you’ve ever wondered about the backstory for some of these teams, here is your chance to learn a bit more. [Cool Stories of Devon: Shetland Races]
Tuesday Video:
While we’re on the topic, here’s a glimpse at this year’s Pony Races:
All smiles from the Clemson Tigers! Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
The USEA Intercollegiate Championships wrapped up at Virginia Horse Trials over the weekend, and it was the Clemson University Eventing Team who took home the top honors. Texas A&M secured the coveted Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is given to the team that not only shows the most school pride, but also displays camaraderie and teamwork throughout the competition. Texas A&M students were hard to miss with matching overalls and brightly painted horses. They could also be heard chanting and singing fight songs during morning ‘yell practice.’ In addition, they helped out each other as well as the event, volunteering in their spare time. The Texas A&M students were exemplary examples of the meaning behind the Spirit Award.
In all, it was a successful weekend for the ever growing Intercollegiate eventing scene, and we’re thrilled to see these programs continuing to gain traction around the country. Stay tuned for more on the weekend this week.
Did you miss the live stream of the inaugural Devon Arena Eventing class last night? Never fear, keep this page bookmarked as the USEF Network will post it for On Demand viewing! [USEF Network at Devon]
Willberry the Wonder Pony continues to make dreams come true. Hannah Francis founded the Willberry the Wonder Pony charity last year to raise funds for cancer research and grant the wishes of horse crazy kids. This year, the charity was able to send Lucy Watts to enjoy Badminton — and watch Willberry take a few rides on the backs of many Badminton starters. [Willberry the Wonder Pony Makes Dreams Come True]
What type of forage is best for horses? Contrary to popular belief, not every forage plant is useful for a horse’s digestive system. There are certain things that must be done to make land suitable for grazing horses; something every farm owner should be aware of. [Grazing Land for Horses]
Monday Video:
We’re loving this series, “Ask the Vet”, from SmartPak. Check it out:
Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Lisa Thomas.
It was a thrilling night of eventing at the legendary Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show tonight, where 24 eventers and one hunter/jumper rider came to show off their chops in the first ever Arena Eventing Class. The field competed for the $50,000 in prize money, and the crowd was treated to a tight competition right down to the proverbial wire. It was Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux who stole the show — and more than a few hearts — by the time the victory gallop commenced!
The competition was held in two rounds, the first to determine clear rounds that would move forward to the jump-off. The 12 best scores from the first round would eventually move on to the jump-off, and just seven pairs managed double clear rounds. This opened the door for some of the pairs that had time and/or a rail down to move forward, which was a relief for the many who had the bogey fence of the night, an oxer as the final fence of the course, down.
We were thrilled to see Shiraz back out with Colleen Rutledge for the first time since Rolex in 2015. At 19 years young, “Luke” looked full of spring and ecstatic to be out showing off again. These two had one rail down and some time to come tantalizingly close to making the jump-off, but a late rally from Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda as the last to see knocked them out of contention for round two.
The Dixon Oval ready for some eventing! Photo via Eric Bull on Twitter.
Just one pair was eliminated on the night: Douglas King and Zeno, who forayed into this class from the hunter/jumper world. They were eliminated with two refusals on course. Aside from that, runouts were few and far between, with just the last fence on course really causing consistent trouble.
All eyes were on Canadian Waylon Roberts and his first ride, Lancaster, in the jump-off — he successfully qualified all three of his horses for the second round — and he put in an accurate if not especially daring round for a final time of 82.69 to set the bar for the finale.
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Lisa Thomas.
It took some time for clear rounds to come in the jump-off. Great Britain’s Justine Dutton moved forward with one horse, Jak My Style, to round two and had a brilliant go round, bolding galloping to the final fence to set up for a good distance, but the pesky front rail came down at the last moment.
It wasn’t until Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux, a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding, took the stage that the crowd held its collective breath — we all knew this pair had wings, could they go fast and clear? These two are more than capable of winning at speed, under pressure, in a big atmosphere: case in point, the Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational earlier this year.
Indeed they did, sailing over each question while slicing their turns precisely to shave off as many seconds as possible. In true unicorn fashion, Sara and Rubens D’Ysieux sailed home in a time of 75.03 to take a handy lead over Waylon and Lancaster. Sara reached into her pocked to give Rubens his typical post-round treat, and the crowd went wild.
Watch Sara’s full round here:
Many tried to come up to challenge Sara’s lead, the closest of which would be Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, who were the last to go and came home in 79.05 to finish in second place. Jennie, our resident adrenaline junkie, certainly knows a thing or two about speed and did everything she could to get close to Sara’s time.
Finishing third after a gritty run are Erika Nesler and Right Above It, who pricked his ears and held his line no matter what, rewarding Erika with a fast and clear round in a time of 80.92 that was good for the podium. The smile on Erika’s face was perhaps the biggest of the night.
Waylon Roberts and Lancaster, the only other pair to produce a double clear round in the jump-off, ended the night in fourth place. Doug Payne and Flagmount’s Mischief complete the top five after having a heartbreaking rail at the triple bar oxer to mar an otherside speedy and neat round. Doug is well known for making daring choices in high pressure situations, and certainly he would have been one to challenge Sara were it not for an unlucky rail.
Erika Nesler and Right Above It. Photo by Lisa Thomas.
Capt. Mark Phillips course presented many challenges to both horse and rider, but each pair looked well prepared and fit to the task at hand. Capt. Mark designed the course to be tight and demanding of accuracy in the main oval, and then allowed riders to head into the adjacent Gold Ring.
In the Gold Ring, jumps were set on a loop that really encouraged forward and bold riding, giving the riders a chance to open up their horses’ strides more. From there, they returned to the Dixon Oval to tackle more related distances and turning questions. Riders who focused on maintaining a forward and steady rhythm were rewarded with tidy and safe rounds.
In all, this was a great display of Arena Eventing, so our hats are off to Capt. Mark, Eric Bull, and the many organizers and officials who brought this fledgling idea to life.
The biggest thing we learned tonight? Don’t bet against a girl and her unicorn. Many congratulations to Sara and Rubens D’Ysieux, and we can’t wait to see this event return to next year’s edition of the Devon Horse Show.
Here are your final top 12 at the end of a very fun night of Arena Eventing. The full scoring list can be found here.
Alex Baugh with her two winners, Ballingowan Pizazz and Rock Encore. Photo via Alex on Facebook.
It’s been another busy weekend of eventing around the country, proof that the spring season is officially at its peak. Weekends like this are a score stalkers’ dream, and we’re here to fuel the fire with the latest upper level results from around Eventing Nation. We will be adding Woodside scores to this report upon completion of the upper levels later this afternoon.
Virginia Horse Trials
The CCI1* divisions wrapped up competition today, and in the A division it was Skyelar Voss who maintained her overnight lead in today’s show jumping, jumping double clear — one of just three such rounds in the division — to finish nearly 10 points ahead of second placed pair Allison Springer and Fairvoya S on a 48.8.
Allison and Fairvoya S lowered two rails, but their score was enough to eke out second place on a 58.2, followed by Alyssa Phillips and Cooley Caviar on a 58.3.
Show jumping was particularly influential in the CCI1*-B division. Just two pairs jumped double clear rounds, including Michelle Warro and Play Like A Raven, who scooted up from 11th into second place overall on a score of 59.7.
Michelle’s finishing score was enough to tie her for first place with winner Claudia Sarnoff and Callan Quinto, but Claudia won the tie on account of her cross country time being closest to optimum yesterday. What a thrilling finish!
Other riders were rewarded with big moves up the board even with one or two rails down, which shows just how much of a shake-up this course initiated today.
Kentucky Horse Park was buzzing with action this weekend with one of the biggest Area VIII events of the year: May-Daze at the Park. With divisions from Starter up through Intermediate, there was plenty to take in all weekend.
Jonathan Holling and Sportsfield Two Doors Down are your Open Intermediate A winners, the first win at the level for the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Foshay South Eventing. This pair last came fourth in the Intermediate at the Ocala International Festival of Three-Day Eventing last month. Jonathan and Sportsfield Two Doors Down finish their weekend on a score of 39.7.
Second in the Intermediate A division are Sue Jellum and Rochambeau, the best finish at this level for this pair. Rochambeau is a Connemara/Thoroughbred cross (Alladin’s Denver – Ms. Hawkeye, by Siyah Kalem) by a Connemara stallion and an OTTB mare. This pair has been together for several years, with Sue producing “Rocky” through the levels herself. They moved from sixth into second overall with 9.2 time added across country for a final score of 48.8.
Brigitte Aickelin and Evening Melody round out the top three in the A division, who were also big movers up the board, shifting from ninth place after a clear and fast cross country run.
In the Open Intermediate B, Alex Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz are your winners, shooting up the standings from 13th with one of just two double clear cross country runs in the division. “Mango” is a former ride of Michael Pollard’s, and these two began their partnership in 2016. They’ve been quite the consistently competitive pair; they have never finished outside of the top 7 in every event they’ve completed together. The finish their weekend today on a final score of 47.8.
Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Bronte HVF moved from fourth into second with 11.2 time added for a finishing score of 49.5. This is the highest placing at this level for this pair, who have also been together since the lower levels and have become a solid pair at the Preliminary and Intermediate levels. Nothing much better than watching a partnership grow from the ground up!
And completing the top three in the B division are Hope Walden and DHI Zatopek B, who are in their second season at the Intermediate level and continuing to gain experience and become a formidable pair. These two had the fastest cross country, aside from the two double clears, adding just 4.8 time to their final score for a 50.4.
Arena eventing is coming to Devon. Photo by Chris Gosnell/Creative Commons.
Get excited, EN! The entry list is up and we’re ready for a night of action packed Arena Eventing from the iconic Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show.
This marks the first foray into Arena Eventing for the Devon Horse Show, which will boast $50,000 in prize money. The qualified riders entry list in the Order of Go is as follows:
Waylon Roberts (CAN) with Lancaster
Justine Dutton (GBR) with Jak My Style
Colleen Rutledge (USA) with Uno
Sara Kozumplik Murphy (USA) with Rubens D’Ysieux
Holly Payne Caravella (USA) with Bruisyard Hall
Erin Sylvester (USA) with Campground
Ryan Wood (AUS) with Alcatraz
Amanda Beale Clement (USA) with Get Ready
Boyd Martin (USA) with Kyra
Lisa Marie Fergusson (CAN) with Honor Me
Morgan McCue (USA) with Fernhill Flutter
Erika Nesler (USA) with Right Above It
Douglas Payne (USA) with Flagmount’s Mischief
Waylon Roberts (CAN) with Kelecyn Cognac
Hillary Moses (USA) with Zanadoo
Holly Payne Caravella (USA) with Charmking
Douglas King (USA) with Zeno
Justine Dutton (GBR) with Huck Finn
Molly Kinnamon (USA) with The Diesel Boy
Colleen Rutledge (USA) with Shiraz
Gillian Beale King (USA) with Aspire R
Courtney Cooper (USA) with Who’s A Star
Monica Fiss (USA) with Malibu Rock
Alexa Ehlers (USA) with Amistoso
Holly Payne Caravella (USA) with Never Outfoxed
Waylon Roberts (CAN) with Mindful
Boyd Martin (USA) with Ray Price W
Douglas Payne (USA) with Getaway
Jennie Brannigan (USA) with Cambalda
Take a look at the course map for both rounds:
Course maps for the Arena Eventing class tonight @Devon1896!
As we speak, horses and riders are en route to and settling in at the Devon show grounds. The Arena Eventing will kick off at 7 p.m. EST tonight and will be live streamed on the USEF Network.
The course will be designed by Capt. Mark Phillips and will feature about 25 jumps in all, with 15 of them being cross country fences shipped in from Fair Hill and the rest being show jumps. All jumps will be set at a maximum height of 1.20 meters or 1.40 meters for brush fences, with a maximum top spread of 1.60 meters.
Here are the guidelines for the class:
There will be two rounds of competition. Round 1 is the qualifier, and clear rounds under the optimum time will be sent forward to the jump-off. Round 2 is the jump-off, following the tradition of jumpers with the fastest clear round winning. The course will be set in the Dixon Oval and will feature both cross country and show jumping fences.
Faults:
Knockdowns: 5 faults
First Refusal: 10 faults
Second Refusal: Elimination
Fall of Horse or Rider: Elimination
We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the riders tonight, so be sure to tune in and watch the live stream and check back for the full report later tonight! Go (arena) eventing!
Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
It was a thriller of a day for cross country at the Nations Cup CICO3* at Houghton Hall, and we’re proud to report that all three of our American ladies stormed around a tough track today to finish double clear and inside the top 20, third overall as Team USA.
While Germany dominated the individual standings, with Bettina Hoy holding on to her overnight lead with Seigneur Medicott, followed by Julia Krajewski and Samourai Du Thot, it was our U.S. ladies who stole the show, proving that grit and determination can and will get the job done, even when the going gets tough.
Hannah Sue Burnett and Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot are our top placed Americans, finished 10th on the wings of a double clear run, a perfect confidence booster for Hannah Sue as she looks ahead to the Luhmühlen CCI4*.
“I thought the course walked nice and flowing,” Hannah Sue said. “I was excited to get out there. This morning when they started, the course really wasn’t riding as well, there was a lot of trouble. I didn’t go until later in the day so the nerves were building.”
“After Badminton, I really needed a good, positive, solid run, and there was a lot of pressure on our whole team.”
USA! Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
But Hannah Sue went out and did what she does best with a partner she knows like the back of her hand: she set out confidently, riding forward and aggressively, and “William” answered every question. This puts the cherry on top of a weekend full of highs, including a personal best dressage score of 37.2.
“We were knocking on the door of getting into the 30s last year, and this spring I’ve been really focused on show jumping, which has shown in our dressage scores,” Hannah Sue reflected. “Unfortunately, after Badminton I went back home, and so (Harbour Pilot) really didn’t have the best prep for this. The three rails this weekend were disappointing, but we’ve been more focused on the cross country leading up to this event and so now we’ll go back and work more on the show jumping before Luhmühlen.”
Hannah Sue credits her successes this weekend to David O’Connor, who has been a staple in her coaching arsenal, Leslie Law for his help this weekend as well as longtime show jumping coach Silvio Mazzoni, whose insights she will be putting to practice as she prepares for her next event.
Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
Caroline Martin finished both of her horses in the top 20, with Pebbly Maximus edging out his stablemate The Apprentice to finish in 15th and 16th, respectively.
“They were both really good this weekend,” Caroline said. “I was really pleased with their dressage, especially Pebbly Maximus who put in a personal best. I’ve got to thank Leslie for that; he’s really helped me a lot on the flat.”
Caroline was particularly proud of her show jumping with The Apprentice, who lowered just one rail but kept the rest up despite a spotty show jump record. “He can definitely have a bunch of rails, normally when he hits one he hits the rest, but he didn’t come near any others after he had the fourth fence down.”
And today Caroline showed her chops and navigated her first Nations Cup cross country course double clear on The Apprentice, despite being held halfway around for about eight minutes.
Looking ahead to her next start, the CCI3*-U25 at Bramham June 8-11, Caroline says she will be honing in the details in preparation. “I made a couple of mistakes on the flat, but I have the confidence that if I can make a few changes then I can ride a better text,” she said. “I’ll focus on the dressage but also make sure that their bodies feel good and that they’re mentally fit. They both feel relaxed and fit, so they’re ready to go. Being over here for so long has been great for them, and I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to come.”
Caroline is also quick to thank Developing Rider coach Leslie Law, who has been with her every step of the way during this trip, and has also lent a hand to the other U.S. riders competing this weekend. “Leslie has been huge, I really have to credit him for getting me to my first Nations Cup,” she said. “He’s put the belief in me that we can do well. All of us went double clear who were on the Nations Cup team today, and I think he has to be credited with that.”
Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
Katherine Coleman, another re-route from Badminton with Longwood, also had a smashing day today, finishing double clear today to take home 20th place individually. This pair is seeking their first CCI4* completion as they, too, look ahead to Luhmühlen next month, and today was certainly the last little boost of confidence that they needed after their Badminton weekend came to an early end.
“I’m so pleased with ‘Woody’,” Katherine said. “I was a bit nervous about cross country after Badminton. I have never fallen off of him before and he has never gone down so I didn’t know how it was going to affect his confidence. The course was causing a lot of problems, but he absolutely flew around like a little champion!”
Katherine now feels ready for her next start at Luhmühlen and will be marking down this weekend as one for the memory books. “It was so fun to be a part of the team with Hannah Sue and Caroline; they are great girls and super competitors.”
And we would be remiss not to mention another American competing this weekend! Andrew McConnon, who has spent the last year in the UK working for William Fox-Pitt and Pippa Funnell, competed in the CCI1* this weekend, finishing in the top 30 aboard Andarilho, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Carol Egan.
Andrew has had the ride on “Andre” since March of this year, and this weekend marks the gelding’s FEI debut. They added just one rail to their score, ending the weekend on a final score of 53.7.
Saumur CCI3*
Not to be forgotten, the CCI3* at Saumur came to a conclusion today, and Switzerland’s Felix Vogg were able to defend their overnight lead, adding no penalties in today’s show jumping for a final score of 41.7.
Poles fell throughout the entire division, but none quite as costly as the two lowered by Michael Jung and Lennox 364, who amassed nine penalties to finish in fifth place. This was Lennox 364’s first CCI3* and we look forward to seeing what else is in store for this young talent in Michael’s string!
Finishing in second position overall were Donatien Schauly Adj and Pivonine Des Touches, a 14-year-old Irish mare, representing France. This pair also jumped one of the four double clears inside the top 10 today, boosting them from fifth following cross country on a three day score of 48.0.
Rounding out the top three are Sir Mark Todd and Kiltubrid Rhapsody, who lowered one rail but were able to retain their third placing on a final score of 49.1.
The upper levels as well as the FEI divisions completed cross country today at the Virginia Horse Trials, which provides a beautiful backdrop for one of the most highly anticipated end of spring events of the Area II calendar.
In the CCI1* divisions, it will be Skyeler Voss and Argyle who lead the A division, moving up from fourth place into first thanks to a double clear run today for a two day score of 48.8.
Skyeler has just some time in hand over second placed Allison Springer and Fairvoya S, whose double clear round was also rewarded with a bump up the board from fifth place. Third in the A division are Emily Beshear and Knight Hill, moving from sixth with just 1.6 time picked up today.
Just a handful of the A division pairs had trouble on course, with two eliminations and one retirement on course.
Looking to the CCI1*-B division, Katherine Christopher and Frodo of the Shire are your overnight leaders, moving from fourth into first for a two day score of 49.2. Frodo of the Shire was formerly campaigned by Lisa Borgia before Katherine took the reins, and this is the first CCI start for this newer partnership.
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In second is Colleen Orta and Pandora’s First Avatar. You may remember Colleen from a talent spot article we did on her former ride, Queen Bee, and now we’re thrilled to see a new partnership thriving in their first one-star together. These two put in a double clear cross country to move up from fifth place on a score of 51.4.
Rounding out the top three in the CCI1*-B division are Claudia Sarnoff and Callan Quinto, who are also contesting their first CCI1* together. This pair will take a two-day score of 51.7 into tomorrow’s show jumping finale.
Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda are your CIC2* winners following the completion of cross country. Jennie and “Ping” were the only pair to add nothing to their dressage score to complete the weekend, edging out Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, who finished second on a final score of 50.1. Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso complete the top three on a final score of 56.5.
Jennie continued her winning ways with a blue ribbon in the Advanced/Intermediate with Elisbeth Battel’s Cool As Ice on a final score of 41.0. Jennie also finished third in the division with Elisbeth and Jennie’s Stella Artois, and finishing in between the two in second are Emma Klugman and Bendigo.
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Leslie Threlkeld will be along later with an update from the Intercollegiate Championships, so stay tuned for much more from beautiful Lexington, Virginia! You can also see videos uploaded from The Horse Pesterer on his YouTube channel here.
Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Show jumping proved to be quite the influencer for the Nations Cup competitors at the Houghton Hall CICO3* today, with Bettina Hoy remaining steady at the top of the board to break a tie with New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell for the sole lead going into tomorrow’s cross country.
Bettina and Seigneur Medicott, an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding coming hot off of back-to-back wins at Chatsworth and Blenheim, jumped one of the seven fault-free rounds in the top 10 to sit on a score of 35.3 — the sole score remaining in the 30s — overnight.
Second placed following show jumping is fellow German Nations Cup teammate Julia Krajewski with Samourai Du Thot, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding. This pair also jumped a faultless round to add no penalties to their dressage mark of 41.1, giving Bettina just 14.5 seconds of breathing room on cross country tomorrow.
Breaking up the German party at the top of the individual leaderboard is Great Britain’s Pippa Funnell with Sandman 7, who will take third place, moving up from seventh on the wings of a double clear jump round today for a score of 41.3 to really put the pressure on the leaders for fast rounds tomorrow.
Team Germany is sitting pretty for the Nations Cup board, also holding fourth place with Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et on a score of 42.2 with four penalties added today.
Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
Caroline Martin is the top U.S. rider following show jumping, sitting in 13th place with four penalties added with Pebbly Maximus. These two hold a two-phase score of 47.1, just under 12 penalties off from the leaders, heading into cross country. This horse has a pretty solid cross country record, so tomorrow should be a fun challenge for this pair.
Hannah Sue Burnett made us proud this morning with a smashing dressage test, scoring a personal best 37.2 with Harbour Pilot to slide into early third place. The pair subsequently picked up 12 penalties in the show jumping to drop them into 20th on a 49.2, but rest assured that Hannah will be determined to lay down the cross country run that we all know she and “William” are more than capable of tomorrow following a re-route from an early retirement at Badminton earlier this month. Go get ’em, girl!
Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Adam Fanthorpe.
Looking to the remainder of the U.S. contingent, Katherine Coleman and Longwood, the third U.S. Nations Cup team member, picked up four penalties today to sit on a score of 57.5 and 46th overall overnight. Caroline Martin and her Nations Cup ride, The Apprentice, picked up six penalties to drop them into 37th.
Germany has a stronghold on Nations Cup leaderboard with a total score of 118.6, followed by Great Britain on a 141.5, the U.S. on a 160.9 and New Zealand on a 164.4.
Cross country will begin at 11 a.m. local time / 4 a.m. EST — the order of go can be found here. You can preview the cross country that the CICO3* riders will be tackling here. Unfortunately there is no live stream, but keep checking back for the latest throughout the day tomorrow.
Shockingly enough, it is not Michael Jung atop the CCI3* leaderboard following cross country at Saumur today. Rather, it is Swiss rider Felix Vogg and Onfire who moved up from fourth place to take the lead thanks to one of just two fault-free runs in the division out of 24 remaining pairs.
Onfire is a 15-year-old gelding with which Felix has been partnered for throughout his entire FEI career. This pair represented Switzerland in Rio last summer and are coming off of a top 10 finish in the CIC3* at Marbach earlier this month. Onfire has a bit of a spotty record in the show jumping, so tomorrow will be an exciting finish considering that Felix’s score of 41.7 is not enough to have a rail in hand over Michael Jung.
In Lennox 364’s first CCI3*, Michael Jung piloted him home with just 8.4 time penalties to slot into second place on a two day score of 42.9. This is the horse that Michael has tapped as his mount for European Championships, so big expectations rest on this up and coming talent.
This year's European champion? "L'extraterrestre" Michi Jung & Lennox at the last @saumurcheval but they lose their lead on time-faults! pic.twitter.com/HJiHN2xB4X
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Mark Todd and Kiltubrid Rhapsody will retain their third placed position following cross country, adding 5.2 time for a score of 45.1. Less than a rail currently separates the top three, so we’re anticipating quite the show down between the heavy hitters tomorrow for the show jumping finale.
Show jumping begins at 4:00 p.m. local / 10 a.m. EST and you can follow the live stream on the Saumur homepage here.
The Apprentice takes in the scenery with Caroline Martin in England. Photo via Caroline on Instagram.
We are gearing up for the next Nations Cup leg at Houghton Hall this weekend, and we’re thrilled to be cheering on our American contingent. It’s sure to be a tough battle over on the other side of the pond, and we’ll have much more coming to you from Houghton Hall as the week progresses.
What is a better pairing than eventers and alcohol? Wait, what? Waredaca Brewing Company is proudly sponsoring a fundraising night for the Area II Young Rider program, donating $1 per pint plus tips to the cause on the night of June 15 from 4-8 p.m. There will also be a silent auction that includes an incredible 7-night riding safari for two guests! Area II Young Rider Fundraiser
Only 100 days remain until the Nutrena American Eventing Championships in Tryon, North Carolina! Entries open on July 18 and close on August 15, so get those last minute qualifications in so that you can experience all that Tryon International Equestrian Center has to offer. Expect to see plenty of WEG hopefuls this year as well, as they’ll be wanting to get more runs at this facility. 100 Days Until AEC
Best of the blogs: What happens when a self-proclaimed hunter princess goes rogue? Find out in this new blog fresh from The Chronicle of the Horse. When a Hunter Princess Goes Eventing
Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Butts Avedon at Badminton in 2016. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Germany came to win in this weekend’s Nations Cup CICO3* at Strzegom in Poland, claiming six out of the top 10 individual spots on the leaderboard after the show jumping finale early on today.
It was Germany’s Kai Ruder and Colani Sunrise who took home the individual honors — this pair was, in fact, not a part of the German Nations Cup team this weekend — finishing on a final score of 51.9 to lead from start to finish.
Colani Sunrise, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Anne Diener, made his first three-star start of 2017 this weekend. His 2016 highlights include a top-10 finish at Luhmühlen, and this weekend boasted a personal best FEI dressage score for this horse, whose previous record low was a 43.9 at the CIC2* level.
In second place in the CICO3* and the highest placed German team rider are Andreas Dibowski and FRH Butts Avedon, who completed their weekend on a final score of 57.4. FRH Butts Avedon, who is 14 this year, last competed in a Nations Cup event at Boekelo last year, where he came second individually. He is no stranger to Nations Cup competition, though, as this weekend is his ninth completion in such an event during his career.
Rounding out the top three in the individual Nations Cup standings are Falk-Filip-Finn Westerich and FBW Gina K, 10-year-old Württemberger mare who finishes her highest placing at the level to date. This is the third Nations Cup appearance for this pair, who previously completed individually at Vairano as well as this same venue, Strzegom, in 2016.
Germany finishes another strong weekend on a final team score of 179.1, handily ahead of second placed Great Britain, who placed one rider in the top 10 (Alex Bragg and Redpath Ransom, fourth place) on a score of 246.9. Sweden completes the top three on the team podium with a final score of 247.5.
Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Looking to the CCI3* at Strzegom, it was Belgium’s Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof, rerouting after retiring on cross country at Badminton earlier this month. This pair, who is very experienced at the three- and four-star levels (they finished fifth individually at WEG in 2014), bounced back in style to complete the weekend on a final score of 53.2 with just about 30 seconds of time on cross country.
Merel Blom (NED) and Rumour Has It N.O.P. finished their CCI3* weekend in second position on a three-day score of 52.4. This pair moved into second following cross country on the wings of the quickest run of the division and added no penalties in show jumping to solidify their finishing position. This is this pair’s first Advanced run since finishing in Rio in the top 20 individually last summer.
And completing the top three in the Stzegom CCI3* are the Swiss pair Eveline Bodenmüller and Waldmann, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding. These two completed the CCI3* here in 2014 in the top 20 and make a big improvement on that finish this year on a final score of 55.3.
We now look ahead to the next Nations Cup leg, which will be held this weekend at Houghton Hall in Great Britain. This leg will feature our two young guns, Caroline Martin and Mackenna Shea, who are beginning their European trip on the heels of the Karen Stives Eventing Endowment Fund.
Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming dashed our dreams of a Triple Crown winner this year, fading quickly in the stretch during the 142nd Preakness Stakes at Pimlico yesterday afternoon. Instead, it was lesser backed Cloud Computing, trained by Chad Brown, who stormed down the stretch to close powerfully over Classic Empire.
It was a great race, with Classic Empire finishing in second and a hard closing Senior Investment getting up for third. Always Dreaming faded to finish in eighth place in the 10-horse field.
Next for racing fans, we’ll look ahead to the Belmont Stakes to be held on June 10 at Belmont Park in New York. Cloud Computing’s connections have yet to comment on whether or not the colt will compete.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, Jumper Nation. Each week, we feature our favorite headline from Jumper Nation right here on EN. Be sure to bookmark JN for all of your jumper needs!
Palo Alto, Calif. – May 16, 2017 – Tired of writing checks? Chasing down payment? Wondering when was the last time your horse saw the dentist?
At last, there is a solution for all your problems: The PonyApp!
US Olympian Lucy Davis and partner Lindsay Douglass launched Ponyapp this winter to provide an easy solution for horse care clients and professionals across the globe.
“None of us got hooked to this lifestyle to camp out in an office. Ponyapp makes managing your stable and/or business more efficient, so we can all spend more time on the ground with the horses,” Davis explained. “Our goal is to funnel the daily horse care services, news, and records into one place.”
What does it do? It is an iOS application for iPhone and iPad (Android and Desktop platforms coming soon) that helps you manage your business and stable in a centralized location:
1. Log important horse activities.
2. Set reminders for things like vaccinations, farrier visits, registration renewals, etc.
3. Upload vet reports, x-rays, or any other important documents.
4. Read articles, watch videos and review results from the top sport.
5. Invoice on its direct (and secure) payment platform…Pay and get paid!!
Who is it for? EVERYONE. PonyApp was designed specifically for the equine industry. No matter your level of involvement with horses, PonyApp has something for you
Where can you find it? In the App Store, by searching “the Ponyapp.”
Should you take the risk? ALWAYS. Check it out! It’s free, and we guarantee you won’t regret it!
If you’ve been enjoying William Micklem’s guest series right here on EN (if you’ve been living under a rock, click here to catch up), then you’ll love this opportunity to hear from him in this special Facebook Live recorded by our friends at Horseware.
Listen to William’s commentary on his Micklem bridle and many other topics during this candid session — there is always something new to learn from the wise!
We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].
Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sedona Murray.
Just over a year ago, Erin Kellerhouse checked a big item off of her bucket list: a horse shopping trip to Ireland. It was a trip Erin had always wanted to take, and the opportunity to take a client shopping presented itself late in 2015.
When Joy Simon, an Irish horse lover, elected to retire her horse, she suggested a trip to the home of the hardy horses as she searched for her next partner. “I decided to go and have a look for a horse for me,” Erin said. “It was a whirlwind trip over two days trying a bunch of horses.”
Seeking a young horse to produce through the levels, Erin was selective as she rifled through many top quality prospects. “I didn’t want to import a horse if it wasn’t perfect for me, so after the first day and trying so many horses, I was thinking I might not find it.”
It wasn’t until Erin and Joy visited Anne O’Grady, who previously produced the legendary Ballynoe Castle RM, that she found a horse that would fit the bill. “We picked six or seven horses to look at under saddle, and as soon as this one walked in, I knew I wanted to get on him.”
Woodford Reserve (Tinarana’s Inspector — Laharns Laughton) was four years old at the time, wrapped in a plain bay package but still impressive to look at. “He’s only about 16.1, but he’s so uphill that he often looks much bigger,” Erin said. “The second I got on, I knew I wanted him. I actually picked two to vet, and the other one didn’t pass, which I was okay with because I really wanted ‘Woody.'”
“Woody” arrived stateside in October of 2015, and Erin spent some time getting to know her new ride. “I was really tempted to do the Young Event Horse with him, but I barely knew him, so we spent the winter getting to know each other,” Erin said.”
Rather than rush a promising relationship, Erin took her time and brought Woody out at Novice in February at Galway Downs. Woody lowered one rail to finish in third position in his U.S. debut, further exciting Erin about the future. Later in the spring, Erin competed Woody in his first Young Event Horse qualifier at Twin Rivers, which he won on a score of 81.69%.
Woody shows off his hops. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
“He’s come along pretty fast because he’s got a brain to die for,” Erin explained. “He’s sensitive but reasonable, and he takes his job really seriously.”
Indeed, if there were to be any “struggles” that Erin would speak of, it would be that Woody sometimes almost takes his job too seriously. “He’s a big trier and he’s really serious,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes I feel like I have to tell him to lighten up! Even though he is so uphill, dressage was difficult for him to make sense of at first. Now he’s getting strong and it’s all starting to get easier for him.”
Woodford Reserve won the majority of his Training level starts before debuting at the Preliminary level in March of this year at Galway Downs. Erin and Woody finished second in this debut, which was quickly followed up with a win at the level at Fresno County Horse Park.
“I felt like he may have been getting a bit bored at Training level,” Erin said. “But I don’t want to over face or scare him. At the same time, when we went Prelim at Galway you could tell he was definitely having more fun.”
Erin has plans to really build the young gelding’s confidence and skill at the level, collecting Prelim miles throughout this year and potentially contesting their first one-star together later on. “I’m really ready to buckle down and do some pure show jumping this summer as well,” she continued. “I want to get him really solid at this level before we move forward.”
With a potential true upper level horse on her hands, Erin is thankful for the opportunity to go on her first shopping trip to Ireland, especially given the successful outcome. “I’m completely sold on (the Irish Sport Horse breed,” she said. “I’d love to go back and shop more for myself and for my students. The brains are unbelievable and they’re so straightfoward. I think what you really get when you go over there is the quantity of quality, and you know they’re hardy from living out in fields their whole lives. I think they’ve been exposed to a lot of things.”
As for Erin’s tall Irish boy, we’ll be looking forward to watching the partnership continue to blossom. Keep an eye out for this one if you’re on the West Coast, you’ll definitely want to remember the name — and perhaps raise a glass of your very own “Woodford Reserve.”
The world’s littlest eventers! Photo by Kris Wallace.
EN, meet Abbey and Chalupa. This little dynamic duo competed in their first recognized USEA event together this past weekend at Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trials in Kansas City, much to the delight of many new and old fans.
Chalupa is a mini gelding standing just about 10 hands tall, and Abbey is 10 and trains with Kris Wallace. While this little pair may be tiny, they were the hit of the competition as they tackled jumps that were seemingly just as big as them!
“When Kris bought him not quite 2 years ago he was green broke to drive, didn’t know what a saddle was or how to let us pick his feet,” Abbey’s mother, Josette, said. “So Abbey has trained him from ground zero by herself.”
Abbey wants to show Chalupa a few more times before she outgrows him, and has big plans of competing at Rolex one day. For those of us who feel the nerves looking at those big jumps, just remember, if Abbey and Chalupa can do it, so can we!
News & Notes:
We love the “Amateurs Like Us” column curated by The Chronicle of the Horse. Given the fact that eventing is made up of a lot of amateurs, I found this edition to be particularly applicable. Meet Dr. Kathleen Herbig, who balances quite the life with her eventing career. Amateurs Like Us: Dr. Kathleen Herbig
Fiber is a very common component of every horse’s meal, but exactly how beneficial is it, especially for horses of age? This commentary column from The Horse breaks down the uses of fiber and how horses digest it within their diets. Senior Equine Feeds and Fiber
Tuesday Video:
What’s it like to be a jump judge? Well, we’re glad you asked!
Headed home from Badminton! Photo via Michael Jung on Instagram.
One of the best feelings at the end of an event is knowing that you’re coming home with a healthy horse. I’ve been reading a whole lot of internet flaming surrounding Badminton this past weekend, and I’d just like to issue a friendly reminder that we are all in this sport together, no matter what. We may not always agree with the opinions or actions of others, but throwing them to the snake pit that is the internet is never a constructive way to deal with controversy.
There is a difference between healthy discussion and doing everything you can to tear a person down. I would ask you to remember this when you’re warming up your fingers to type a rant — there are tactful ways to have meaningful discussions without resorting to down and dirty, defaming tactics from behind a computer screen.
Applications for the 2017 Rebecca Broussard Travel Grants are now open through the USEA! The grants are separated into three types: Travel Grants, National International Rider Grant and Global International Rider Grant. These grants are available to any rider of any age who is successfully competing at the Advanced level and has not already represented the U.S. at any international CCIO3* or CCIO4*. Applications for grants to compete at the Event at Rebecca Farm in July are due on June 20. [Rebecca Broussard Travel Grant Applications Open]
Our thoughts continue to remain with Emily Gilruth, who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury following a fall at the third fence on cross country at Badminton over the weekend. Emily remains in the ICU and is reported to be in stable condition. [Emily Gilruth in Stable Condition]
In case you missed the Derby over the weekend, you’ll definitely want to check out Horse Nation’s ode to Thunder Snow, who is truly all of us on a bad day. Trust me, this will brighten your day just a bit! [An Ode to Thunder Snow]
Tuesday Video:
Take a cool look inside the announcer’s booth during the call for this weekend’s Kentucky Derby:
Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maxiums. Photo by Adam Fanthorphe.
