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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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.

Latest Articles Written

Star Studded Line-up Scheduled for German Masters Indoor Eventing Today

By on Nov 18, 2015 11:00 am -
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Julia Rau. Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Julia Rau.

The Stuttgart German Masters is a marquee event on the German equine calendar each year, and many eventers are drawn to the Indoor Eventing competition that always features many big European names. This year’s entry list is no different, and we even have a surprise American entry this year: Jordan Linstedt!

Six nations will be represented in the Indoor Eventing, which will be streamed live via ClipMyHorse TV at 9:45 p.m. local / 3:45 p.m. EST.

Jordan Linstedt has been on a horse shopping trip to Germany for the past few days and now appears on the entry list aboard a horse named Perigeaux. We can’t wait to see how she does in this evening’s competition.

Also among the entries are Michael Jung with fishcerRocana FST and Lennox, Ingrid Klimke with Parmenides, Mark Todd and NZB Country Vision, and many others representing Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, France, New Zealand and the USA.

Michael Jung will be defending the title he won at Stuttgart in 2014 aboard fischerRocana, and he’ll certainly be one to beat this evening. We’ll be watching as the exciting action kicks off!

Stuttgart German Masters: [Entries] [ClipMyHorse TV]

Preview the Adelaide CCI4* Cross Country Course

By on Nov 18, 2015 9:00 am -

We’re gearing up for the final CCI4* of the year, the only one held in the southern hemisphere, as the Adelaide International event commenced with the first horse inspection today.

Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith has given us some excellent analysis of each fence as well as some advice on where riders can save valuable time and how the crowds in such a unique setting will affect the course. Many thanks to our friends at Cross Country App for providing this great preview, and we can’t wait to see the course in action.

We’ll be bringing you much more from Adelaide this weekend, so stay tuned for the latest news from Down Under!

Adelaide: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Dressage Ride Times] [@aus3de]

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Skinny Skillz

By on Nov 17, 2015 5:00 pm -

We’re loving this video from Amy Bowers and her horse, Piper, who show us all how it’s done when it comes to skinny jumps. She teaches lessons and clinics all across the United States while continuing to further her own education, currently focusing on learning the ropes of eventing.

Many thanks to our friends over on Horse Nation for finding this video! Would you try some of the skinny combinations that Piper so skillfully tackles in this video?

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Get Your Balance Back With a MOJO Wristband + Halter Patch

By on Nov 17, 2015 3:30 pm -
Have you tried MOJO? Photo by Sally Spickard. Have you tried MOJO? Photo by Sally Spickard.

We had a very popular response to our last giveaway from our awesome sponsor, MOJO, and so we thought it was high time to do another giveaway for those MOJO fans out there. Many riders have now started wearing MOJO wristbands, which can help with balance, focus, pain relief, calming, enhanced endurance and increased stamina thanks to natural hologram technology.

Colleen Rutledge is one such rider who has used MOJO and had great results from it. Check out her testimonial:

“Overall, the conclusion that we’ve come to is that it ’rounds the edges of whatever is bothersome.’ Bracelets — I’ve found a huge reduction in my leg cramps, and so has my mother. I even took it off for a few days, and the cramps started to reoccur. My groom has had a reduction in her back spasms since wearing the bracelet. It’s also been helping with my chronic ache in the hip that I broke a couple of years ago.

“Horse patches — It’s making a huge improvement in my horse’s trailering habits. He arrives to the shows more relaxed and stays more relaxed for a longer time. We’ve found that he’s better if we leave them on for the longest period possible.”

If you’re unfamiliar with MOJO, you can check out our product review here and see what all the buzz is about. In the meantime, we’re giving away a wristband plus a halter (or collar) patch for your horse or dog. You have until Friday to enter, so use the Rafflecopter widget below to submit your entry, and look for the winner in Saturday’s Links post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Tag Along to Ocala with Wallace Eventing

By on Nov 16, 2015 5:30 pm -

Tredstep Ireland rider Elisa Wallace and her husband Timothy Harfield recently began a new video blog series chronicling Elisa’s eventing career. This series gives us a behind the scenes look at an eventing (and eventing mustang!) operation, and the latest episode features more day to day routines including the road to Ocala.

We look forward to seeing more updates from Wallace Eventing and thank them again for the great and well-produced vlogs!

 

Zatopek B Thrives with Hope Walden at River Glen

By on Nov 15, 2015 3:00 pm -
Hope Walden and Zatopek B at Hagyard Midsouth. Photo by JJ Sillman. Hope Walden and Zatopek B at Hagyard Midsouth. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Former Jon Holling ride Zatopek B is enjoying his time with young rider Hope Walden, and they’ve just completed their first Intermediate together with a win at River Glen this weekend.

Hope took over the ride on Zatopek B earlier this year and has had much success so far, most recently winning their Open Prelim division at Hagyard Midsouth. This weekend, the pair moved up from 10th to take home first thanks to one of three double clear show jumping rounds and a quick, clear cross country. They end their weekend in Tennessee on a final score of 42.1.

In second in the Open Intermediate are Jessica Shull and Calysta MWF, who were also movers on the board and jumped up from fifth. The show jumping looks to have been particularly tough, with many pairs accumulating multiple jump penalties.

Placing third, also in their first Intermediate together, are Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage. You may remember Chelsea for her unique approach to calming a formerly anxious Dauntless Courage in this touching story. This pair has really put the pieces together this year and moved from eighth into third after a double clear cross country, one of just two in the division.

We also had another Intermediate division this weekend on the West Coast at Fresno County Horse Park. Alexis Helffrich and London Town took home the win in the Open Intermediate there on a final score of 37.3.

In second for the Fresno Intermediate are Kiersti Wylie and Justice for All, their first Intermediate together after having much success at the Preliminary level. Rounding out the top three is Alexis Helffrich with her second ride, Leonado SE, who finished on a 44.6.

It’s going to be sad to go without our score roundups as we move into the full swing of the off-season, but we’re anxiously awaiting updates from Florida and Aiken as many riders gear up for the January circuit.

Congratulations to all riders this weekend!

River Glen Fall H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

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3 Tricks You Can Teach Your Horse This Off Season

By on Nov 15, 2015 1:00 pm -

While we’re on the topic of off-season training and entertainment, I thought it would be fun to try to teach my horse some new “skills.” I actually took a groundwork lesson with our resident horsemanship trainer a few weeks ago and got a lot out of it, and it got me thinking about other things I can do to bond with my horse.

I’ve always wanted to know a “real” way to teach my horse to smile, so to speak, so a YouTube search yielded none other than Elisa Wallace on how to teach this ultra important trick:

Needless to say, I’ll be trying this as soon as I can get to the barn. My horse is supremely food motivated, so I feel like making a list of things to teach him is not out of the realm of possibility.

There’s another trick that some horses seem to do well with: bowing. While I must give a disclaimer here that you need to be safe while attempting these tricks, learning from others who have experience is a good way to do it. Here is Megan Tucholski teaching us how to bow a horse:

It’s really funny to type in “How to teach your horse to…” on YouTube and see the ideas that come up. Clearly, teaching your horse to rear or do other obviously dangerous things are not on my list. I even looked up teaching your horse to count, but then realized that this teaches your horse to paw constantly so, we’ll just skip that one for now.

One cute trick, though, is teaching your horse to hug you. Granted, they probably won’t attach the same amount of affection to the gesture, but we can pretend, right?

If you have any other tips or tricks (safe ones, please!) to share, please comment below and let the winter bonding begin!

 

 

FEI Confirms Great Meadow Nations Cup CICO3* Date

By on Nov 15, 2015 11:00 am -
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Big news, EN! The FEI has released the dates for the 2016 Nations Cup Eventing Series, and Great Meadow in the Plains, Va. will be hosting a leg on July 8-10. This is the first Nations Cup leg ever to be held in the U.S., so this is huge news for the sport here in the States.

A Nations Cup leg in the U.S. was originally approved by the FEI in June, and Great Meadow had previously promised a whole slew of international caliber events to be added to its calendar. Thanks to the combined efforts of the organizing committee at Great Meadow and Great Meadow Foundation President Rob Banner, the dream is now becoming a reality.

“If we do win the bid for the Nations Cup, the event will only get bigger,” organizing committee co-chair Darrin Mollett told EN earlier this year. “It’s always rewarding to be a part of these things when they’re just starting out, and we’d love for people to be involved. We’re a small committee, and we want people with ideas. If you’re excited about eventing and the direction the sport is going, then please join us and be a part of it.”

“We’ve proved that we can certainly draw a big crowd, and a lot of people realized at the WEG Prep Trials that we can handle the larger task as well,” Rob Banner said in March. “We’ll get together the very best committee we possibly can to not only navigate the organization of a Nations Cup but also work with the FEI to secure a date.”

Nations Cup Schedule

Now that the bid has officially come to fruition, the hard work continues to prepare the venue to host riders from multiple nationalities who will be traveling in for the event. Rob has also worked with Washington Dulles International Airport to secure a new vetport which would assist international riders with getting their horses into the country.

Additionally, another new location has been introduced: Vairano, Milano, which replaces the Montelibretti leg.

We’ll continue to bring you more news on the preparations for the first ever Nations Cup leg in the U.S. and we’d like to congratulate and thank those behind the Great Meadow effort for giving U.S. eventing a big boost.

[FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series 2016]

[Great Meadow Promises Showstopper at Inaugural CIC3*]

[FEI Approves U.S. Nations Cup Event]

2015 Goresbridge Go for Gold Sales Meets Record Success

By on Nov 15, 2015 9:00 am -
Top selling Go for Gold horse, Goreshill Pearl. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue. Top selling Go for Gold horse, Goreshill Pearl. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

It was a feast for the eyes at this year’s Go for Gold Goresbridge public auction in Ireland, with several elite bred horses selling to the highest bidder — a few of which included some American riders who were out to find their next star.

The top horse this year was a 10-year-old Irish mare, Goreshill Pearl, who previously competed through the three-star level with Luke Drea. She was purchased for €85,000 by Joseph Murphy.

Several American buyers were present at the sale. Steve Blauner, an owner for Boyd Martin, purchased two 3-year-old geldings: Mr Mitchel (Watermill Swatch x Rinealun Blaze, by Coevers Diamond Boy) and an unnamed gelding by Puissance out of Flame and Passion.

Arden Wildasin, who took over the ride on Phillip Dutton’s 2012 Olympic mount, Mystery Whisper, also acquired a new horse through Sarah Wildasin.

Ballinglen Dreamys Boy is a 5-year-old who has hunted and competed through the EI100 level and should be an exciting one for Arden to bring along.

Tom and Becky Holder are also coming home with a new horse, an unnamed 5-year-old by Atlantic Cruise out of Silkcut Lady.

Oliver Townend had entered three of his competition horses into the sale, two of which were sold: Peruising, sold to Carol Gee, and LCC Cooley, sold to Richard Sheane.

The top-selling 3-year-old, a gelding by Ramiro B. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

The top-selling 3-year-old, a gelding by Ramiro B. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

In all, 49 of the 63 horses listed sold and collected just under €1.1 million. The sale recorded the highest ever clearance rate at 85%. The top 3-year-old sold was an unnamed gelding by Ramiro B out of Willow Roads, sold to Richard Sheane for €42,000.

“Credit must be given to Goresbridge Sales and their selectors for compiling an all-round quality catalogue which attracted buyers from the UK, America, Europe and beyond in numbers,” Horse Sport Ireland Director of International Marketing Elaine Hatton said. “The results throughout the sale underpin the high standard of sport horse production found in Ireland. With clearance rates of up to 85% it emphasizes the fact that Ireland is a destination of choice for any buyer looking for quality and value.”

You can view the ful sale results here and you can also head over to the Go for Gold YouTube channel to check out each horse in action prior to the sale.

Saturday Videos: Watch More GoPro Footage from Galway Downs

By on Nov 14, 2015 3:00 pm -

Lady Photographic has posted more footage from the cross country course at Galway Downs earlier this month, and it’s more must-see footage from the CCI1* from the unique perspective of a cleverly placed GoPro.

There was also a strategically placed camera on the CCI2* course:

We shared some video footage from Lady Photographic of the CCI3* as well, be sure to revisit that here. We are loving the unique perspectives — it’s really neat to be able to see cross country from different angles.

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Nov 14, 2015 1:00 pm -

I keep seeing so many OTTB listings popping up on my News Feed, and as much as I most definitely cannot afford another horse, it’s so hard to not pick up the phone and scrape together some money! With the tracks closed down for the season, there are countless horses needing new homes before the winter. This is a great opportunity to snatch up a nice horse for little money!

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Looking for a horse who has already had a bit of let down time? Look no further than Who (Legion Field – Road to Town, by Williamstown), a 2009 gelding who is available through Finger Lakes Finest in New York. Standing 16.2 hands, this guy has 14 races on his record and is said to be retired sound. His trainer has even already ridden him since coming off the track and has turned him out with other horses with no issues.

Who on Finger Lakes Finest

Photo via Thoroughbred Sport Horses on Facebook.

Photo via Thoroughbred Sport Horses on Facebook.

Next up is Cool Attitude, a 2010 gelding standing 16.1 hands. Cool Attitude (Cool Conductor – Here Comes Mindy, by Erin’s Tiger) is an Indiana bred who raced 16 times with two wins. He’s a lovely looking horse and evidently lives up to his name with a chill attitude. He’s available through Thoroughbred Sport Horses in Lexington, Kentucky.

Cool Attitude on Thoroughbred Sport Horses

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Don’t let the mud fool you! Foreverearth (Seattle Fitz (ARG) – Earthrawindandfire, by Artax) is an athletic girl who is currently available through CANTER PA. She is a 2009 model and raced 21 times in her career. She’s said to be clever and willing and a very flashy and self-preserving girl who should do well out on cross country with her new owner.

Foreverearth on CANTER PA

Showcase Your Clipping Creations This Winter

By on Nov 14, 2015 11:00 am -
Jordan Hillier's training, Alicia MacDonald, got creative with the leftover hair! Photo by Jordan Hillier. Jordan Hillier's training, Alicia MacDonald, got creative with the leftover hair! Photo by Jordan Hillier.

It’s officially clipping season! I’ve gotten pretty lucky in that my horse hasn’t grown a bunch of fuzz yet — he’s still pretty sleek and shiny, which is a relief. I know the time to clip is coming, though, but this year I think I’d like to get a little creative with it.

I have a friend who clips horses for the winter and does a great job of making designs and finishing up with a clean cut horse. It got me thinking — there have to be other people who get equally creative, right? Then I found the photo featured above and thought we needed to have a place to share all of your amazing (or funny!) clipping creations.

We’ll be posting the most creative clip jobs right here on EN throughout the winter. Perhaps these will serve as inspiration for the artistically inclined or as a reminder of how much work winter is. Either way, let’s have fun with our clips this year and send your clip job photos to [email protected] or tag us on Instagram using @goeventing.

Happy Clipping!

5 Minute Clinic with Hawley Bennett-Awad

By on Nov 14, 2015 9:00 am -

Our new 5 Minute Clinic series focuses on some exercises a clinician has integrated into his or her teaching. We hope these tips will give you some material to work on in the coming months — or motivate you to sign up for a clinic near you! Do you have a 5 Minute Clinic tip to submit? Email [email protected].

Hawley gives Prelim pair Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel's Alabar some pointers. Photo by Beth McDaniel. Hawley gives Prelim pair Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel's Alabar some pointers. Photo by Beth McDaniel.

Hawley Bennett-Awad recently stopped over in Kansas City for a three-day clinic including dressage lessons and jumping lessons out in a jump field at West End Farm. As usual, she brought a whole arsenal of tools to help the students achieve their goals throughout the weekend, and everyone left with a smile and a more confident horse.

One exercise Hawley used in her lessons on both jumping days was a small grid with three canter poles in front of a vertical, followed by one canter pole and an oxer, followed by a skinny set on a bending line to both the left and the right.

Riders were instructed to have a straight and steady horse coming into the gymnastic and to also have an up and alert eye to plan ahead for their bending turn to the skinny fence. It was a challenging question due to some terrain in the field as well as fresh horses and a new question for  many in the shape of the skinny fence.

Straightness, holding your line and asking your horse to adjust with your body were key focal points of the exercise, which was quick to tattle on you if you did not have on of those three pieces.

The skinny was also a first for many of the horses and some of the riders, so Hawley introduced it individually, focusing on rider position and encouraging straightness to prevent runouts.

Gymnastic work is engaging for both horse and a rider and is the perfect way to work on your technique over the winter. We were privileged enough to have nice weather for this clinic, which allowed us to go out into the field and ride on some terrain, but these exercises could easily be moved indoors if needed.

Many thanks to Hawley for her time and to West End Farm for hosting a great clinic!

For more information on attending or scheduling a clinic with Hawley, click here. You can also find a schedule of some upcoming clinics with various riders here on Event Clinics.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Andrew Nicholson Talks Recovery, Plans for Future

By on Nov 13, 2015 5:00 pm -

Andrew Nicholson is looking well after a scary fall at Gatcombe this summer left him with a serious neck injury. He’s since returned home and has been working to recover well enough to get back in the saddle and to what he does best.

Andrew sat down with Jonty Evans to talk about his recovery and what his plans are for the coming weeks and months. Naturally there is a lot involved in the recovery from any injury, but Andrew seems to be in good spirits and is positive about his return to the saddle.

We look forward to seeing you back at it, Andrew!

Thursday Video from Zoetis: Surprise! Michael Jung Dominates the Jumpers, Too

By on Nov 12, 2015 3:00 pm -

What does Ze Terminator do in his off season? Well, truthfully he doesn’t really have an off season as he hops off the back of a winning event horse and onto a prize show jumper seemingly within the same day.

Michael competed in the 1.45m division at Bayerns Pferde aboard the 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding Captain Sparrow, showing everyone once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with even without a cross country course.

Michael and Captain Sparrow, owned by Equi Future Champions, were the fastest time by nearly two seconds, taking home €2500 in prize money at the same time.

Check it out and watch as Michael shows us all how it’s done once again. I mean really, are you surprised?

Easter Egg alert: Did you notice what music they’re playing while Michael and Captain Sparrow are on course?

5 Ground Pole Exercises to Add to Your Winter Routine

By on Nov 12, 2015 11:00 am -
Dom walks out the distance for placement poles to help a rushing horse slow the canter. Photo by Rachael Walker. Dom walks out the distance for placement poles to help a rushing horse slow the canter. Photo by Rachael Walker.

With the official start to the off-season, it’s time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to your winter training routine. For those of us not fortunate to winter somewhere warmer, this involves a lot of time spent in the indoor and, therefore, a big potential for boredom.

Horses thrive on routine, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire winter doing endless three-loop serpentines and 20 meter circles! We took the liberty of digging up some creative exercises that will throw some variety into the mix and keep your horse in top shape to come out swinging next season.

Evention TV is always a great resource for training tips, and we found this great episode featuring three cavaletti exercises that are easy to set up. Remember, ground pole and cavaletti work is a great way to exercise without putting a lot of stress on your horse’s body. It’s a win win!

Kate gave me an entire book full of ground pole exercises from Ingrid Klimke to borrow, and I seriously haven’t been able to put it down. This woman is a master of her craft, so there is a lot to learn from watching and reading her material. Here’s a great example of some cavaletti work — and the reasoning behind it.

And yet another masterful rider to learn from, Karen O’Connor. One important thing to keep in mind with your ground pole work is the improvement in your horse’s self-carriage, which is a very important part of the dressage training scale.

You can really get down to the basics with your cavaletti work without getting bored out of your mind. Trust me, I’ve thought this through. This video from the 2006 USDF National Symposium also adds some fuel to the cavaletti fire.

And finally, you can’t have groundpole videos without a visit back to one of the most creative uses of those pesky things on the ground. If anyone cares to recreate this, be sure to send it to us!

Post by Kelley Shetter-Ruiz.

Have anything to add to the list? Add your suggestion in the comments below!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Australian International Flyover

By on Nov 11, 2015 5:00 pm -

The final CCI4* of the year is approaching next weekend all the way down south in Adelaide. The 35-strong field is preparing to take on a challenging test, but one of the coolest things about this event is the setting in which it’s held.

The Australian International is held right smack in the middle of the city, in the Adelaide city parklands. So you get to gallop through public parks and have a view of skyscrapers in the immediate distance — if that isn’t unique, I don’t know what is.

We’ll be covering the #AUS3DE from a distance this year, although I think Chinch will be sad when we break the news that he doesn’t to hop on a plane down under this year. In the meantime, enjoy this awesome drone flyover from the Adelaide city center — warning: you may want to turn your volume off or down for this as the drone makes quite a bit of noise.

#AUS3DE: [Website] [Entries]

 

A Year to Remember: Prelim to PRO 2015 Riders Reflect on Experience

By on Nov 11, 2015 3:00 pm -
Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry. Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It was a year to remember for the talented young riders who were selected to participate in the 2015 Prelim to PRO Program. Presented by Triple Crown Nutrition, these riders had the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and experience a team environment culminating in the CIC1* at Plantation Field.

Participants Jordan Olijslager, Lee Lee Jones, Grace Fulton, Mikaela Kantorowski and Caroline Martin took a few minutes to share a blog about their experiences this year, and it’s an exciting look into the future of the sport.

“The biggest thing I took away from being apart of Prelim to PRO is how to be a team member,” Caroline Martin blogged. “The series really brought the participants together in a friendly and educational atmosphere. Prelim to PRO is the only series I have participated in that tries to shape the next generation of young riders. It has so many aspects to the program that in future years I believe it will be the destination series for all young riders in North America.”

“One of my many favorite seminars PRO provided was the media seminar, which was given by Ann Haller,” Grace Fulton added. “I am 20 years old and in college and not only did the media seminar provide tips for navigating the horse world media but overall knowledge in general. There are certain things I would not have thought about such as the “3 Sentence Answer” and how not to give an interview. As she talked to us I could definitely count the times I have said my rides were “amazing” or just gushed like a young teenager when I am in fact 20 and want people to take professional notice of how I hold myself.”

Looking ahead to the coming seasons, these riders now have many more tools in their arsenal with which to prepare for future upper level careers. We’re excited that PRO and Triple Crown Nutrition have partnered on such a great opportunity for the next generation and we look forward to seeing many more successes coming from the Prelim to PRO program in the future.

[Young Riders Reflect on Prelim to PRO 2015 Program]

A Salute to Veterans, War Horses and the Roots of Eventing

By on Nov 11, 2015 1:00 pm -
Illustration by Lindsey Kahn. Illustration by Lindsey Kahn.

Today is a special day for all those who have served in the armed forces, striving to protect the things that are most sacred to this country. On a day such as this, it’s important to take a moment to thank the veterans among us, both two- and four-legged.

Eventing has its roots firmly planted in the cavalry, with its original origin being to test the fitness and ability of cavalry officers and their mounts. All three phases were designed to test a different area of suitability, from quietness during parades (dressage) to stamina across long distances and difficult terrain (cross country) and, finally, the continued soundness after a grueling competition (stadium jumping).

Oscar Engelhardt, a cavalry officer, at the Trakehnen stud in 1936. Photo courtesy of Engelhardt Family Archives.

Oscar Engelhardt, a cavalry officer, at the Trakehnen stud in 1936. Photo courtesy of Engelhardt Family Archives.

Originally, the Olympic teams for eventing were provided by the military, who at the time had 14 regiments of cavalry. From there, the sport progressed to the format we see today, but still with a nod to the original intent of each test.

In turn, horses have had a vital role in the military for thousands of years. While we have seen the use of horses phased out since World War I, a few cavalry units still exist and, of course, we still see horses in use as mounted patrols or supply carriers around the world.

So today we salute each and every veteran out there. Thank you for all of your service and sacrifice, a gesture that we will never forget.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Evention’s Event Horse Feeding Tips

By on Nov 10, 2015 5:00 pm -

Have you ever wondered what type of feeding program works best for event horses? Naturally, each and every horse is a bit different, but many similarities can be found based on what job a horse performs.

EventionTV has just released a new episode containing feeding program tips for your event horse. Dom and Jimmie traveled to Kentucky to visit with Dr. Joe Pagan of Kentucky Equine Research.

In this video, you’ll learn a lot about what an event horse requires in its average diet and what to keep in mind when designing your feeding program.

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Thursday Video from Zoetis: Tik Maynard’s Thoroughbred Makeover Freestyle

By on Nov 5, 2015 5:00 pm -

One of the many divisions at last month’s TCA Thoroughbred Makeover and Symposium was the freestyle, and many ex-racehorses showed off their paces in an effort to win the hearts of judges and spectators alike.

Eventer Tik Maynard, who is also known for his natural horsemanship training, took home the top honors with Mr. Pleasantree (renamed Remarkable 54 in his new career). Check it out!

We know everyone is eager to see video from this year’s TCA Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium and we promise…

Posted by Retired Racehorse Project on Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Pretty neat, right? I wish I could teach my horse that going bridleless and standing on his back were acceptable things. Perhaps I’ve found a new winter project for him! Here’s some more footage of Tik and Remarkable 54 working together at liberty:

Tik also events Remarkable 54, getting some Beginner Novice events under his belt this year and also competing him in the Young Event Horse Championships class at Surefire in September.

We’re eagerly anticipating more videos and highlights from this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover, and it looks like the Retired Racehorse Project is hard at work putting together some more material for us to see the action.

You can also check out some more eventing competition from these ex-racehorses on RNS Video here.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Nov 5, 2015 3:00 pm -

It’s almost the holiday shopping season! Or, if you’re super OCD or particularly excited for the holidays perhaps you’ve already started shopping.

Either way, I know a fancy new OTTB is on many peoples’ lists. And why not? It’s a good time of year to be horse shopping as the tracks close down for the year and many horses are in need of new homes.

Here are our featured listings for the week — go ahead and check that off your list!

Photo used with permission from CANTER Illinois.

Photo used with permission from CANTER Illinois.

First this week is a fresh listing from CANTER Illinois, Won Great Pass (Pass Rush – Distinctive Gold, by Touch Gold). This is a 2012 gelding standing 16.2 hands tall with just six starts on his card. This guy is advertised to be a big love and in need of a new job as he’s a bit bored with life at the track.

Won Great Pass on CANTER Illinois

Photo via the Retired Racehorse Project.

Photo via the Retired Racehorse Project.

While we’re on a chestnut kick, check out Andy who is currently listed with the Retired Racehorse Project. Fun fact, right now adopted horses through the RRP are eligible to receive a $20 gift certificate and a new halter and lead from Shires Equestrian!

Andromeda’s Moon (Andy) is a 2009 gelding by Andromeda’s Hero out of Locust Moon. This guy is a war horse who raced 27 times and earned over $50,000. He’s been off the track since August of this year and has several rides under his belt already.

Andy on the Retired Racehorse Project

Photo via New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

We also had to give this girl a shout-out. Valatie Gal (Utopia (JPN) – Appetizer, by Tomorrows Cat) is a 16 hand 2012 mare who raced four times before retiring. She’s said to be a one-person type of girl who is athletic and suitable for any discipline. She is looking for her person to help her reach new heights in her new career — could it be you?

Valatie Gal on New Vocations

Developing Young Horses Into Champions

By on Nov 5, 2015 1:00 pm -
Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Sally Spickard. Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Doug Payne’s book, The Riding Horse Repair Manual, has been well-received for its advice on training and developing horses.

Doug just posted this video chronicling his work with Lysander, a horse we talent spotted awhile back who just completed the CCI2* at Fair Hill last month.

This is a great look at the growing up of “Leo” who is owned by Doug and Kristin Michaloski. There really is something to be said about the development of a horse from the early stages of training through, potentially, an upper level career.

Many of the tips and tools that Doug talks about in his video are available in his book, which can be seen and purchased through this link.

Seeing horses like this progress is always encouraging for those of us who are attempting to “make” our own partner. After all, it’s all about the journey at the end of the day, right?