Tredstep Ireland rider Hannah Sue Burnett just released this new video, which was produced by her sister Daja’s company, Summits Road Videography, and we’ve got goosebumps. Check it out and relive some of the awesome success stories that Hannah Sue and her team have created. Go eventing!
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Sneak Peek: First Look at the 2017 Rolex Head of the Lake
The official #RK3DE Instagram page shared a few updates recently and we were able to get a sneak peek at what looks like a redesigned Head of the Lake complex on this year’s cross country course.
We will keep waiting anxiously for a look at what’s in store this year, but in the meantime here is a look around Instagram for the latest updates:
We of course don’t know the official lay of the land just yet, but what we do know is that this big table in is massive! We can’t wait to see what else course designer Derek di Grazia has up his sleeves for us this year.
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach Win Chattahoochee Hills CIC3*
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.
Buck Davidson dominated the CIC3* in Georgia this weekend, never giving up his first and second placings aboard Copper Beach and Carlevo to become the eventual winner of the division after cross country today.
Buck added just a bit of time — and told EN yesterday that time was not of the utmost importance — on Hugh Lochore’s course to cement his win on Rolex-bound Copper Beach, who added 4.8 time penalties to his dressage score to finish on 43.5.
Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.
He finished second on Tattersalls-bound Carlevo with a clear round and 8.8 time penalties for a final score of 51.3. Buck told us yesterday that his ultimate goal was to come out of the weekend feeling that his horses were confident, and he certainly achieved his goals today in style.
From there, the leaderboard shuffled just a bit as Lauren Kieffer picked up the third and fourth spots with Vermiculus and Veronica, respectively. Vermiculus added 13.2 time penalties to finish third on 61.5 and will next head to Kentucky to make his debut at the level. Veronica is going overseas to Badminton and completed her final prep run with 9.6 time penalties for fourth place on 64.7.
Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.
Cross country caused a few troubles throughout the division, with six pairs failing to complete and one other collecting refusals. Overall, though, the course seemed to do the trick of offering a solid run for horses heading on to their respective spring three-day goals.
We’ll be adding to this report throughout the day as the remainder of the FEI scores as well as the Advanced continue to update, so check back for much more from Georgia.
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Buck Davidson Powers to First, Second Spots in Chatt Hills CIC3*
Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Liz Crawley.
It’s been a wet and windy weekend so far at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn Georgia, but it was Buck Davidson who prevailed following dressage and show jumping to lead the CIC3* aboard Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin’s Copper Beach and Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo.
Buck and Copper Beach, who is coming off of an 11th place finish in the CIC3* at Carolina International and is aiming for Kentucky later this month, earned the only score in the 30s from judges Christina Klingspor and Susan Graham White to take a 38.7 into show jumping.
Over a course that yielded just five clear rounds of 19 starters, Copper Beach turned in a flawless round to cement his lead and remain in the 30s heading into tomorrow’s cross country.
Copper Beach is an 11-year-old Irish gelding who will contest his second CCI4* this spring after finishing in the top 20 in 2016. He went on to win the CCI3* at Rebecca Farm in the summer and has come out swinging for the fences this year, winning his first two Horse Trial starts before continuing on to Carolina.
As is the case with the final preps before a spring three-day, Buck said his ultimate goal this weekend is to produce confident rounds from his horses to encourage them to peak at their respective goal events. “The goal for me is Kentucky (with Copper Beach), so I want him to go out and have a confident run. I’m not too worried about time, I’m using this as a fitness run. He feels really great right now.”
Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
In second place is Carlevo, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding who was previously campaigned by Dirk Schrade. Carlevo finished his 2016 season with a top 10 finish in the CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club and also won his first Intermediate start in 2017 at Rocking Horse. Carlevo earned a 41.5 and added one second of time over Marc Donovan’s show jumping course earlier this afternoon to sit in second overnight.
Carlevo is aiming for the CCI3* at Tattersalls at the end of May, so Buck is working to get him happy and confident as he looks ahead to the international trip. “He’s very reliable in the dressage, he’s beautiful and he’s relaxed so I was pleased with him today. He has been jumping great this year, and at Carolina he had the last few down because we were the last to go and all of the other horses had left so I feel there’s an explanation for that even though it was a bit of a bummer. But he’s a super young horse, I was happy with him today and we’ll see how we get on tomorrow.”
Carlevo will likely head to Jersey Fresh to contest the CIC2* as his final prep for Ireland, following a similar path that Buck took with Copper Beach when he traveled to Tattersalls in 2015.
Clayton Fredericks and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Clayton Fredericks and Katie Ruppel’s Houdini will hold down third place after two, adding nothing to their dressage score of 42.8. Clayton and Houdini, an off-track Thoroughbred, won the CIC2* at Red Hills last month, and Katie will be taking the reins back from Clayton to contest their fifth CCI4* together at Rolex.
Looking to the remainder of the leaderboard, Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus are the only remaining score in the 40s, sitting in fourth on a 48.3 after adding four jump and one time penalty in today’s show jumping. Buck Davidson continues his dominant run this weekend with a fifth place position aboard the stallion Halimey on a score of 50.4 with one rail down today.
In the CIC2*, it’s Bobby Meyerhoff and his talented mare Fortuna who will take the lead into cross country on a score of 52.0 following a double clear show jumping effort. Bobby told EN that he has some serious talent coming up the ranks following his announcement that he would be retiring his top mount Dunlavin’s Token, and this 7-year-old Dutch mare is certainly showing her chops in just her second CIC2* start. She most recently came fourth in the CIC2* at Carolina International, where she finished on her dressage score.
Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Bobby and Fortuna hold the sole double clear effort of the division, which bumped them from fifth into first place, followed by Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, an 11-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred cross owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars. Lauren had two rails down to take a two-phase score of 55.0 into tomorrow.
And rounding out the top three in the CIC2* is again Bobby Meyerhoff with another young talent, Rascal Rap. A 9-year-old Oldenburg owned by Diane Kearney, Rascal Rap is making his fourth CIC2* start, most recently completing the CIC2* at Carolina International.
The CIC1*, currently led by Lizzie Snow and West River, show jumps this afternoon and the Advanced division will run a one-day competition tomorrow. The CIC3* cross country course is open at 5 p.m. this evening, looking ahead to a 12 p.m. start tomorrow. There has been a lot of rain in the area over the last few days, but riders and officials are optimistic that the course will dry out thanks to the help of Mother Nature and a fair amount of wind.
We’ll have much more from Chatt Hills to come tomorrow, so stay tuned for the exciting finale! Go eventing.
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Join the 2017 Dubarry Nations Team Challenge Rolex Fantasy League
As we gear up for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event later this month, we’re teaming up with Dubarry and SmartPak to launch the third annual Nations Team Challenge Rolex Fantasy League! We’re excited to announce that the victor of this year’s league will win their choice of Dubarry boots from our friends at SmartPak.
Here’s how to enter:
- Start your team on our league page here. Click the blue “Play Now” button under the Dubarry banner.
- Select a team of four horse and rider combinations you think will deliver the best performances at Rolex this year.
- Scores will be entered each night of the competition, so be sure to keep up with how your team is doing on the league page.
- The person who picks the team with the lowest cumulative score will win a grand prize of a pair of Dubarry boots of their choice provided by SmartPak!
FAQ:
- Does it cost anything to sign up? Not a cent!
- What if one of my pairs does not pass the first or second horse inspection? Any pair that is eliminated or otherwise withdraws will be given a score of 1000.00.
- When do entries close? Entries will close at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday, April 25, the night before the first horse inspection.
- What if there is a tie for the winning team? The team whose riders come closest to the optimum time on cross country will break a tie. (Cross country times will be averaged for all pairs on the team.)
- Is there a drop score? No.
- Can I select Michael Jung for all four of my spots? Ha ha. Nice try!
Have further questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Good luck to all players!
Spring Fling: Social Media from The Fork and Chattahoochee Hills
It’s so hard to believe that Rolex is right around the corner. For me personally, following The Fork is always a benchmark because it’s really beginning to get real for those riders heading to Kentucky at the end of the month. Similarly, Chatt Hills is offering a seriously competitive CIC3* this weekend as well, and with these two events combined it’s basically eventer’s paradise.
The Fork CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
With dressage starting today in Tryon and competition set to kick off tomorrow in Georgia, here’s a look at what the social media buzz is today:
Can you say #relationship goals?
Tuesday Video From SpectraVET: Galway Downs Rewind
Many thanks to Ellie Leonard, who was once again behind the camera this weekend at Galway Downs collecting snippets for her artistic recap videos. Check out the latest from behind the scenes in Southern California, and don’t forget to follow Ellie on social media for the latest.
Go Eventing.
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Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor
Tamie Smith and Dempsey giving the massive Tiger Trap plenty of room at Galway Downs. Photo by Ellie Leonard.
If you ever need some perspective on life, just imagine yourself clearing the humongous Tiger Trap jump on the Galway Downs CIC3* cross country course. If these riders can jump that, then I think we can all handle just about everything life (and course designers) throw our way. Seeing this photo makes me feel better about my next cross country course, which will be approximately 1/10th the size.
Events Opening This Week:
Hitching Post Farm Horse Trials (VT, A-1), CCC Spring Gulch H.T. (CO, A-9), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3), Kent School Spring H.T. (CT, A-1), Fair Hill International H.T. (MD, A-2), Otter Creek Spring H.T. (WI, A-4)
Events Closing Today:
Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC, A-2), Sporting Day Farm Horse Trials (SC, A-3), Holly Hill Spring H.T. (LA, A-5), Plantation Field April Horse Trials (PA, A-2), River Glen Spring H.T. (TN, A-3)
News & Notes:
Meet this month’s USEA Volunteers of the Month, Van and Susan Firth. Each month, the USEA teams up with Athletux to spotlight some of the hardworking volunteers that we see at events all around the country. You’ll love this story of Susan and Van and their dedication to the sport they love. [Volunteers of the Month: Van and Susan Firth]
Did you miss any of the FEI World Cup in Omaha this past weekend? Never fear, our friends at Horse Nation have us covered. Click here to catch up on all of the World Cup madness that you might have missed.
You may have seen the video of a harmless countryside hack gone wrong on a retired racehorse. Due to his newfound internet fame, the rider in the video, Nick Bull, got some help from Wocket Woy and the Producer, and the results are pretty entertaining. [Wockey Woy to the Rescue]
Tuesday Video:
Check out Maya Studenmund’s wild ride aboard Archie Rocks at Carolina International:
Helmet Cam Alert: Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage at Poplar Place
Kentucky’s Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage recently made the step up to the Advanced level, completing their first CIC3* in style last month. They picked up a third place finish at Poplar Place, also finishing fifth in their Advanced debut at Rocking Horse.
We’ve enjoyed keeping up with Chelsea and “Dante” and can’t wait to see what else is in store for them this season. You can find our previous stories on this pair here and here. In the meantime, enjoy this look between the ears as they tackle their first CIC3*!
California Dreaming: Galway Downs Social Media Recap
It was a wonderful weekend of eventing at Galway Downs here in Southern California. I spent the weekend working in the trade fair, and I had so much fun working with and meeting new and old friends. The eventing community is truly something special, and I’m thankful to be a part of it!
All sappiness aside, here’s a round-up of social media posts from the weekend. I will add more to these as the last day of competition wraps up this afternoon!
Galway Downs: Website, Live Scores
A Horse of a Different Color: Zero Gravity
"A Horse of a Different Color" features horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, tip me at [email protected].
Kenzie Wilkinson and Zero Gravity. Photo by Carol Mingst.
Walking past the warm-up arena for cross country at Galway Downs last November, I saw a girl on a gray horse getting some cross country pointers from coach Earl McFall. I watched as this pair tackled the warm-up fences for the CCI1* and found myself thinking that this pair looked like they got things done. The horse was a little gray, perhaps not the flashiest horse in the world, but I think that is what caught my eye the most about it. So I had to find out more.
Meet Kenzie Wilkinson and her Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred mare, Zero Gravity. This pair bases in Northern California, primarily training with Earl and Jen McFall of Dragonfire Farm, but spent a lot of their early days together back in their hometown in Michigan training with Philippa Humphreys.
Finding an upper level event horse wasn’t the initial goal for Kenzie when she first began riding. “I was just about to go into high school and had had a couple of horses already,” Kenzie recalled. “She came from a hunter/jumper barn in Western Michgan, and we actually tried her sister first.”
Kenzie Wilkinson and Zero Gravity. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
Originally bred to be more of a Quarter Horse type with a Thoroughbred dam, Kenzie originally wasn’t sure the little mare would be a good fit for what she was looking for.
“My sister told me to try her, and I thought she was too small,” Kenzie continued. “I took her for a spin, and as soon as I jumped her I knew I wanted her.”
Indeed, “Bailey” is small but mighty, standing just 15.1 hands and often getting mistaken for a pony. She spent much of her initial time with Kenzie doing typical kid activities such as 4H, camping, swimming and parades. From that point, Kenzie decided that she wanted to get more serious about eventing and moved to Philippa’s program full-time.
Kenzie and Bailey completed their first recognized event at May Daze in 2013, finishing fifth in the Junior Novice division. The following year at Dunnabeck Horse Trials, the pair made the big step up to the Preliminary level, where they finished 11th.
“I really thought I’d move up to Prelim, go to college and not be able to be as serious about it,” Kenzie said. “I decided to go to UC-Davis and spend the winter working for Philly in Ocala.”
It seemed Kenzie couldn’t quite rid herself of the horse bug, so she began working with the McFalls when she returned to school and eventually stepped back up to the green numbers in the spring of 2015.
“Realistically, I thought Training level would be the coolest thing ever,” Kenzie said. “For me, getting to go Training was like going to the Olympics. Bailey is an awesome jumper, but she can be quirky and has her own ideas of how to do things, so we spent some time getting eliminated and having some trouble. But we knew she was talented. Everyone I worked with said she was a Prelim horse, so it was just a matter of one thing leading to the next.”
First one-star, check! Photo by Cori Davis.
Before she knew it, Kenzie was sending in for her FEI passport and entering her first CCI1*, the push for which she credits both her coaches as well as regular clinician Hawley Bennett-Awad. “I wasn’t sure if it was a totally unreasonable idea,” she said. “Hawley was the one who told me to get my passport and get to Galway, and I think had she not said that I would have been too scared to ask about it.”
Completing her first one-star was bittersweet for Kenzie, who rode in memory of Philippa Humphreys all weekend. “The one-star was always with her in mind,” she said. “That was always a goal she had set for me. She had a huge influence on my riding. We didn’t really get serious about eventing until we moved to her place, and then we were mucking stalls to help out and traveling to shows with her. You could definitely say that she had a lot to do with any success we have.”
The EN team continues to remember Philippa Humphreys and encourages our audience to help support her daughter, Millie’s college fund. You can find out more here. You can also learn more about the USEA’s Collapsible Fence Study here.
Frankie Thieriot Stutes Wins Galway CIC3*, Tamie Smith Takes CIC1*/CIC2*
Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Ellie Leonard.
Cross country day at Galway Downs was Next Level (see what I did there?) as the upper levels tackled Ian Stark’s challenge to decide the winners of the FEI divisions. Frankie Thieriot Stutes successfully completed a wire to wire win in the CIC3* aboard Chatwin, securing their first win at the Advanced level.
It was a tough week for Frankie, who received news that Eric Brandenburg, a member of The Chatwin Group, had passed away, but she was determined to make the best of it in remembrance. “It’s definitely been tough to keep it together, but it makes everything really special. Without (Eric) I wouldn’t have Chatwin,” Frankie said.
“I thought Chatwin was really good. He got a little bit strong, but he was really good through the combinations. If anything there were some gallop fences we could improve. It was a typical big Ian course, but I was able to make up some time toward the end.”
Frankie and Chatwin finished on their dressage score of 42.1 over second placed Heather Morris and Charlie Tango, who also finished with no penalties added to their original score of 46.3. Also remaining in the top three is Mackenna Shea and Landioso.
Ian’s course caused a few problems scattered about, overall presenting a healthy challenge for this point in the season to give the combinations a good springboard into the remainder of the season.
Looking to the CIC2*, Tamie Smith and Sunsprite Syrius also clinched a wire to wire win on their dressage score of 47.2. Syrius, who is nine this year, is stepping up to the two-star level this weekend, so a win on the first outing is a big check mark for this talented horse owned by Sunsprite Warmbloods.
Tamie also took home the win in the CIC1*, where we’d like to issue a big welcome back to the Ahearn family’s Mai Baum, making his first start since his win at Fair Hill International in 2015. “Lexus” scored a 32.3 in the dressage to take a handy lead and added one rail to his score before going on to an easy breezy double clear cross country round. Look for more on the return of the Black Stallion here on EN to come later!
The Horse Trial divisions will finish competition tomorrow, so there’s still more to come from Galway Downs. I will also be updating this post with current photos. Go eventing!
Galway Downs: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream
Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin Hold Galway Downs CIC3* Lead
Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Jenni Autry.
It was a whirlwind first day of competition at Galway Downs yesterday, with all FEI divisions completing both dressage and show jumping. Thanks to the organizing efforts of Robert Kellerhouse and the fantastic team of people working hard to make this event better each time, both competitors and spectators alike are enjoying all that Southern California has to offer.
It was Frankie Thieriot Stutes and the Chatwin Group’s Chatwin who danced their way to a first phase winning score of 42.1. They continued on to jump double clear over Michael Curtis’ tricky show jumping course to hold onto the lead over second placed Heather Morris and Charlie Tango.
“My goal was just to go in and have a smooth round,” Frankie said. “Chatwin was jumping out of his skin in there for me and I am just so fortunate to get to sit on him.”
“I thought the course rode well, but you definitely had to decide where you were go inside or outside some of the trees and then get them back enough for the short distance without taking too much. I have had some incredible help lately and want to say a big thank you to everyone helping Chat and I get better.”
Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
“He was actually the best he’s ever been,” Heather said of Team Express Group’s Charlie Tango. The pair went to a dressage show last weekend to practice their #dressageskillz and that practice certainly paid off today with a 46.3 that moved them to third heading into show jumping.
“He’s such a good boy, he’s getting more confident in there,” Heather continued about her double clear show jump round. “We changed his warm-up a little bit and it’s really helped his confidence.”
Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Mackenna Shea and Landioso produced a beautiful test to earn a 42.4 from the judges and early second place, but some time penalties bumped the pair into third heading into cross country.
“I ride with Nikki Clarke on the flat, and she told me that I really need to focus, and I felt like I rode really accurately,” Mackenna said. “He was really obedient and I think there’s room to improve.”
Less than 20 penalties separates the top 10 in the CIC3*, and Ian Stark’s course is sure to put a good early season test on the riders, a few of which are Rolex bound next month.
Looking to the CIC2*, it’s Tamie Smith in control aboard Sunsprite Syrius, who is making his first two-star bid this weekend. Tamie added nothing to her dressage score of 47.2 to hold the lead over second placed Sandra Donnelly and Belshazzar.
Belshazzar is coming off of a third place finish in the CIC2* at Fresno in February, and he’s finished outside of the top 10 just once in four starts at the level, so he’s looking like a real talent for Sandra moving forward.
Heather Morris and Team Express Group’s Get Rowdy will take third place into cross country tomorrow on a two-phase score of 51.6 on the heels of a double clear round yesterday afternoon.
Cross country is set to start this morning at 9:30 a.m. PST for the CIC1*, 10:35 a.m. PST for the CIC2* and 11:50 a.m. PST for the CIC3*. Stay tuned for much more from Temecula! Go eventing.
Galway Downs: [Website] [Live Scores]
Laine Ashker On Anthony Patch’s Retirement: ‘It’s Truly Been an Honor’
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The decision to retire a horse is never an easy one, and it came as an especially difficult blow for Laine Ashker, who announced the retirement of her longtime partner, Anthony Patch, on Monday.
Laine had been aiming for a return to Rolex Kentucky next month, hoping to go out with a bang on the horse that skyrocketed her career to new heights. It wasn’t meant to be, however, as the pair had some uncharacteristic trouble on cross country while contesting the CIC3* at Carolina International over the weekend.
“Al can’t speak to me directly, but I’ve known him long enough and what he has never done is quit on me,” Laine said. “I have to listen to what he’s trying to tell me, and it was the first time that he really ever told me no.”
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
After the abrupt end to her weekend, Laine had Al checked over by her veterinary team, who told her that she could still make that final push for Kentucky if she wanted to try.
“He is sound, but one thing I never want to do is go out of the start box on a horse that isn’t 110% with me,” she explained. “I really wanted to go to Rolex again, but he owes me nothing. I’m so lucky to have that horse. I wouldn’t want to go to Kentucky and get eliminated or come back with a broken horse, so I’d rather retire him now while he is sound and happy.”
At 18, Anthony Patch has become a household name for eventing fans in the U.S. and beyond, and Laine said he gave her the strength to keep going following her accident at Rolex in 2008 when she lost Frodo Baggins. For all of these things and more, Laine says it’s an honor to call Al hers.
“He’s such a special horse to have taken me as far as he has,” Laine said. “It’s truly an honor to have that little horse who has been such a great ambassador for the sport and who has motivated so many people. He represents so much hope and I’m just so appreciative that he gave that to me.”
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch at Burghley 2015. Photo by Nico Morgan.
“The night before cross country at my first Rolex after my accident, I had a mental breakdown,” she continued. “It wasn’t because I was scared — Al has always kept me safe — but I had so many demons and terrible memories. That next day, Al helped me create positive memories of that course, and we navigated it as a team. I will never forget that ride coming back.”
Laine also added completing her first Burghley to the list of her all-time favorite memories with Al. “I remember telling my mom that I hoped I’d get to ride him at Burghley one day when I first started him,” she recalled. “I had the worst preparation for Burghley, and he went out there with me having no confidence and we made it through the finish flags. It was a dream come true for me.”
Above all, Laine says she just wants to have a happy, healthy horse for as many years as possible. “I want to have the luxury of enjoying him,” she said. “I imagine he could come back and do some Preliminary or Intermediate events with someone who wants to learn how to really be competitive, and I think he will enjoy it because he’s not the type of horse who can’t have a job.”
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Ultimately, Laine is making peace with her decision to retire Al. “I’m really bummed, because even this weekend he felt like the one to beat. It will be awhile before my other horses are ready to step into those shoes, so it’s a big void,” she said.
“But I have to remember that they will get there; I just have to continue putting that time in. He stepped up for me when I had lost everything, and I know that they will eventually be able to step up to the plate as well.”
Laine has some sharp talent coming up through the levels in Flagmount’s Spartan, owned by Laine and Tera Call; her mother Valerie’s homebred Calling All Comets; and also the off-track Thoroughbred Call Him Paddy. In time, Laine knows she will once again have the horse to take her back to the very top of the sport.
At the end of the day, Laine knows the journey with her heart horse isn’t over, and she will always have the fondest memories of her time at the top with Al
“I’m looking forward to seeing him teach someone the ropes and continuing to enjoy him. What Al represents is for the kids out there who don’t have the money but have the dream. It is possible to make it and get the result,” Laine said.
“I hope people don’t stop screaming #GoAlGo and I hope they never forget him. I will never forget that feeling, and I know Al won’t either. That’s why I had to retire him. I could never take anything away from him when he’s done so much for me.”
Rolex Entry Update: Michael Jung Returns for Round Three
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
With entries closing yesterday for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, this morning’s entry status shows 64 horse-and-rider combinations, including two-time defending champion Michael Jung. The Terminator will ride 2016 winner fischerRocana FST as well as fischerTakinou, who handily finished second in his first CCI4* at Pau last fall.
Michael commented last year that Rocana really seemed to enjoy her time in Kentucky, so he tapped her and “Taki” early when he announced his competition plans for the spring. Will there be a Jung hat trick? Time will tell, but there are plenty of challengers ready to step up to the plate this year.
Also added to the entry list is France’s Maxime Livio with Qalao de Mers, who won Pau CCI4* and finished second at Luhmühlen CCI4* last year. We will also see the return of Great Britain’s Zara Tindall with High Kingdom, who completed Badminton last spring after the horse sustained an injury and withdrew from Rolex before dressage in 2015.
Buck Davidson also populates the list now with three entries: Carl Segal and Sherrie Martin’s Copper Beach, Caroline and Sherrie Martin’s Petite Flower and Carl and Cassie Segal’s Park Trader.
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.
We’ll also see Phillip Dutton, who is entered with John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready, Annie Jones and Tom Tierney’s Fernhill Fugitive as well as the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s Mr. Medicott. Phillip told EN last month that Mr. Medicott would be making a comeback this year following a lengthy rehabilitation period, and he is also entered to compete at The Fork CIC3* next week.
We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates on the Rolex entry list. With entries closing yesterday, we expect to see a few more names popping up on the list. Hold onto your hats; it’s going to be an exciting ride this year!
Jenni Autry contributed to this report.
Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor
Everyone's favorite kid, Addie Neumeyer, and her wonder-mare Blaze completing their first Training CT. Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Zobbe.
We’ve kept up with 10-year-old Addie Neumeyer and her pony, Blaze, through the years, and coach Lee Ann Zobbe was kind enough to send in the latest update:
“Addie is now 10, her feet reach below the saddle flaps and she and Blaze are quite the team,” Lee Ann said. “Here they are doing their first Training Combined Test. They got a 34 of their dressage test and had the last rail down to finish on a 38. Her folks are glad she can’t do Prelim for a few more years!”
Keep kicking on, Addie! Have a fun story to share? Tip us at [email protected].
Events Opening This Week:
Winona Horse Trials (OH, A-8), Spokane Sport Horse Farm 2nd Annual Spring H.T. (WA, A-7), Texas Rose Horse Park Summer H.T. (TX, A-5), Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6), Jersey Fresh International Three-day Event (NJ, A-2), WindRidge Farm Horse Trials (NC, A-2), Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. at Longview (MO, A-4), Virginia CCI/CIC & H.T. (VA, A-2), Galway Downs Spring H.T. (CA, A-6), Plantation Field May Horse Trials (PA, A-2), Grindstone Mountain Farm Spring H.T. (MA, A-1)
Events Closing Today:
Fair Hill International H.T. (MD, A-2), FENCE H.T. (SC, A-3), Twin Rivers CCI,CIC & H.T. (CA, A-6), Exmoor Eventing YEH & FEH presented by Fernhill Sport Horses (FL, A-3), Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing Presented by Brian Cox Farm Team (FL, A-3), Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (KY, A-8)
News & Notes:
The inside leg to outside rein is a fundamental tool that is important in the training of young horses. In the latest column from Mythic Landing Enterprises and the USEA, Will Faudree walks us through the various uses of the inside leg to outside rein aid when used correctly. [Inside Leg to Outside Rein]
Permits have been secured to begin construction of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fl. A sister facility is already in operation in Wilmington, Oh. and the WEC in Ocala plans to play host to multiple top level equestrian events in state of the art accommodations. [World Equestrian Center Obtains Permits]
Need assistance with your equestrian business? Jackie Potts, who boasts several years with William Fox-Pitt and an FEI award for Best Groom on her CV, is striking out on her own to assist other riders with ensuring their businesses are run as efficiently as possible. And yes, it appears she will travel to the U.S.! [Jackie Potts Equestrian Services]
Tuesday Video:
Here are some highlights from the CIC3* at Carolina International this weekend:
Laine Ashker Announces Retirement of Anthony Patch
Big hugs for a 17-year-old going on 5-year-old. Photo by Sally Spickard.
It’s the end of an era for Laine Ashker and her fan favorite off-track Thoroughbred, Anthony Patch, as Laine announced the retirement of her veteran partner today on her social media.
“Al”, who is 18 this year, boasts five CCI4* completions on his record, including a 14th place finish at Rolex in 2010, his first trip around. This came after a racing career under the name Alex’s Castledream (Castle Guard – Aimee Alexis, by Right Mind), racing 10 times.
Laine and Al hopped on a plane to contest the Olympic Test Event in advance of the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong. They won the 2013 Adequan/USEA Gold Cup at the Nutrena American Eventing Championships at Texas Rose Horse Park, one of the most prestigious eventing prizes in North America. Later, Laine and Al also traveled to the UK to tackle Burghley in 2015, earning them another completion. In all, this pair completed 21 FEI events and 22 Advanced Horse Trials.
We will miss seeing this pair with the ultimate partnership rock around cross country courses all over the country. We here at EN wish Al the happiest of retirements, where he has truly earned all of the broom scratches he could ever want. #GoAlGo
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- When you get torrential rain during your test, you want an arena that drains quickly and well. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Lots of smiles today at Rolex! Here’s Katherine Coleman with Courage Under Fire and Laine Ashker with Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Lainey Ashker and Anthony Patch after completing Rolex. Photo courtesy of Hannah Cardew.
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- Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Sally Spickard.
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- 2013 Adequan USEA Gold Cup winners Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Liz Hall.
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- Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch after the big win at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry.
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- Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch show off their blue ribbon from Millbrook. Photo courtesy of Laine Ashker.
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- Anthony Patch at Rolex in 2011. Photo by Allie Conrad.
Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Carolina CIC3*/Advanced Water
Just in time to help cure your horse show hangover, we’ve got just what the doctor ordered! Check out this fresh footage with CIC3* and Advanced pairs mixed in from the tricky water combination at Carolina International, thanks to our friends at RNS Video.
Don’t miss the thrills, the spills, and a very limber Maya Studenmand hanging on for dear life (and somehow almost completing the rest of the course!) after both of her stirrups broke on her jump in around minute marker 5:04.
Many thanks to RNS Video for continuing to put together these awesome montage videos. Enjoy!
Bobby Meyerhoff Tips His Hat to Dunlavin’s Token
Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin's Token. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
2017 is a bit of a swan song for Bobby Meyerhoff, who has elected to retire his partner, Dunlavin’s Token, from upper level competition following Rolex Kentucky next month. Wanting to have a happy and sound horse in his barn, Bobby has nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for “Token,” who carried him to his first CCI4* completion in 2015.
“I feel like the horse has given us his all every time,” Bobby said. “(Competing at the upper levels) is challenging for him physically, even though he’s got all of the heart and mind to do it. He’s perfectly sound, and honestly this year he’s come out feeling better than he ever has, but we want a sound horse at the end of the day.”
Token, who is 17 this year, is a special member of the Meyerhoff clan, having helped both Bobby and his wife, Danica, achieve many firsts. It was Danica who first competed Token in FEI competition, and they eventually tackled their first-three star events together in 2010 and 2011. Bobby took over the reins shortly after and has since completed Rolex twice.
Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token. Photo by Jenni Autry.
“I think one of our biggest achievements has definitely been doing our first four-star together,” Bobby said. “To date, our record low dressage score was at Rolex last year, which was huge for us. But more than anything, I’m proud of the fact that we were able to put the work in to get him to fully use his potential. He thinks he’s superman.”
Bobby doesn’t have concrete plans for Token just yet upon retirement, but he knows that the horse would prefer not to retire to a big grass field just yet. He told EN that Danica might play in the jumper ring a bit or perhaps they will find another rider to learn the ropes on their special boy.
“I think right now the goal is to get to Kentucky,” Bobby said. “He’ll have a break afterward like normal and then we’ll see what he wants to do. We just want him to enjoy his years to come.”
Certainly, the best way to thank a horse who has truly been a once in a lifetime ride is to ensure their health and soundness as their careers wind down. For Bobby, this spring has been about enjoying the ride, knowing that the days are numbered.
Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
“When I sit on him now, I treat it as if it’s the last ride,” he said. “It makes it that much more enjoyable. I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I know what we’re both capable of, and I’m just soaking it all in.”
Bobby and Token finished in the top 25 in the CIC3* at Carolina over the weekend, and now they’ll set their sights for their final curtain call in about a month’s time. Bobby has some younger horses progressing through the levels who are ready to step up and become his next top rides, but he’s the first to admit that Token is irreplaceable.
“He’s one of a kind. I’ve had some really amazing rides on this horse, and I definitely won’t forget any of them.”
Watch This: Carolina International CIC3* Helmet Cams
Start your Sunday right by riding around Ian Stark’s Carolina International CIC3* cross country course with Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen, Doug Payne and Vandiver, and Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Go Eventing.
Carolina Links: Website, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
Breathe Carolina: Cross Country Day Social Media from #CICIC
Another exciting day of cross country has come to an end, and I’d like to personally congratulate Caroline Martin for being the hero of the day and taking home her first CIC3* win on a horse she’s had for a month. Pretty badass, if you ask me.
Here’s a look at social media from the exciting final day of the FEI divisions at #CICIC:
Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
CAROLINE MARTIN HAS DONE IT @theHorsePark CIC3*
The Apprentice had never made the time at the level. Ever..
Then @Carolinegmartin got on.
— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) March 25, 2017
Loving the tiki bar at the water jump at the Carolina International! #CICIC pic.twitter.com/q9jfvkmpTu
— Chronicle o/t Horse (@ChronofHorse) March 25, 2017
Watching the 2 star horses at @theHorsePark #CICIC pic.twitter.com/ngo16jajje
— Alix (@mostsmartest) March 25, 2017
Friday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research
A tribute to a friend gone too soon, Evan Mickle. Photo via Jay Mickle on Facebook.
Saturday at the Carolina International, the old Tobacco Barn on the cross country course will become the Village Smithy as a tribute to Evan Mickle, a local farrier who passed away suddenly last December. At the completion of the CIC3* cross country, there will be a dedication of a blacksmith art memorial to Evan in front of the secretary’s office. There will also be a memorial service at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club on Friday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Our thoughts continue to be with the Mickle family as we remember a friend who is gone much too soon.
Events This Weekend:
Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
Poplar Place Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
News & Notes:
Looking for a new job? Here’s a great opportunity for someone located in or around Leesburg: the USEA is hiring a Communications Assistant! [Communication Assistant Position]
Savannah “Woodge” Fulton is targeting her first go at Rolex with Captain Jack. The Chronicle of the HorseSpider Monkey caught up with Woodge (aka ) and her path to her first CCI4*. [One to Watch: Woodge Fulton]
SmartPak Product of the Day: The SmartPak Mobile Unit parked at Copper Meadows last weekend for their spring horse trials, and so I was obviously tempted to take a walk-through to check out the wares on display. I was really impressed with the quality of one of the latest Piper breeches with silicone grips. I’ve been a bit obsessed with silicone grip recently, so these are definitely on my list of breeches to pick up. Plus, you have to love the consumer friendly price point without sacrificing quality! [SmartPak Piper Breech with Silicone]
Friday Video:
Check out everyone’s favorite Insta-famous pony, Saint Louie, and Britt Sabbah at Copper Meadows last weekend:
KER Product of the Week – Nano•E®
Does your horse’s busy training and competition schedule reduce the amount of quality pasture time? Horses on the go may be lacking vitamin E.
Vitamin E levels in fresh, good-quality pasture far exceed those in good-quality hay and concentrates. Therefore when your horses are on the road consuming hay, they are likely not receiving sufficient vitamin E, which is essential for optimal antioxidant protection.
Developed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), Nano•E uses advanced nanotechnology to create a rapidly available and absorbed source of vitamin E that enables administration to be timed to provide peak antioxidant protection to performance horses, especially when travelling. Nano•E provides a natural source vitamin E, found to have far superior bioavailability when compared to synthetic forms of vitamin E.
Would Nano•E fit into your horse’s diet? Ask a KER nutrition advisor today.
Sweet Carolin(a): Day Two Social Media from Carolina International
I almost feel as if we all get a bit spoiled when events start on Wednesdays; why wait for Friday to get the fun started? I’m loving following along with all of the Carolina International coverage, and it’s definitely a good thing when there are still three more days of action left from North Carolina. With that said, here are some more snippets from social media from day two:
Carolina Links: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Stream, Schedule, Orders of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
#Sagmae competitors lounge at #carolinainternational features beer, food and good company! Come on down and join the fun! #cicic pic.twitter.com/XEVzPmBUrP
— Sagmae (@SagmaeInc) March 23, 2017
