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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

Magical Mustangs: Hwin Steps Up to Prelim

By on Feb 27, 2016 9:00 am -
Elisa Wallace and her infamous Mustang eventer Hwin at Rocking Horse Winter II. Photo courtesy of Amy Wright. Elisa Wallace and her infamous Mustang eventer Hwin at Rocking Horse Winter II. Photo courtesy of Amy Wright.

If there ever was “a horse of a different color,” Elisa Wallace certainly has her fair share. A particular gray BLM mustang mare in her barn has garnered national attention thanks to a great performance at the Mustang Magic in 2015. Now 7 years old, Hwin is making big strides as an event horse and has just made the step up to the Preliminary level.

“I never would have picked her as my event horse,” Elisa said with a laugh. “I remember my friends, who were also working with mustangs, would say, ‘That one is going to be your eventer,’ and I wasn’t so sure. But if you point her to a jump, she will always go and she really seems to enjoy it.”

Elisa started Hwin’s eventing career last year at the Novice level, completing four events at the level with three top-5 finishes. It seemed only natural, then, to challenge Hwin with a bigger track, so they moved up to Training level at Ocala in November, where they finished in seventh place.

“She’s definitely one that pays more respect to the bigger fences,” Elisa said. “When she gets bored, she will flatten out a bit, but when something gets her attention and she pays it respect you can really feel the power.”

Elisa acknowledges the big step that the move from Training to Prelim is, but she felt the challenge was well within Hwin’s, who stands just 14.2 hands, abilities. “It’s always tricky when you move one up to Prelim, let alone on a horse!” she said. “To do it on a pony, you increase your risk because you have to make the strides.”

Elisa tapped Rocking Horse Winter II as the first Prelim event for Hwin. While the course was certainly anything but soft, Rocking Horse is nonetheless known for having inviting early season tracks.

“When I took her stadium, she walked down the lines and made it through the triple easily, so I felt pretty good for cross country,” Elisa elaborated. “She’s always been pretty good about holding a line. I’ve jumped her enough that I know what she can do. The first Training level at Rocking Horse (this year) was pretty tough — it had bounce banks going up and all sorts of tough questions and she really enjoyed it.”

Elisa Wallace and Hwin share a momemt. Photo via Wallace Eventing.

Elisa Wallace and Hwin share a momemt. Photo via Wallace Eventing.

“My thought process was, if I do this pretty beefy Training course and she is sucking back and getting squirrely, then I won’t do Prelim. But she walked through it and came off like, ‘What’s next? That was easy.’ She was the least spooky she’s ever been on a course.”

So it was on to the Preliminary level for the little mustang who could, and Elisa was more than pleased with the end result. “She made the time, even,” Elisa said. “That’s the tricky thing about her, I kind of have to gallop her to keep her focused anyway but I looked at my watch and realized we’d made the time. You just never know about moving them up. You can guess, but even the bravest and scopiest horses can chicken out on you sometimes. But I felt like she was legitimate and I don’t feel like it was scary.”

The flatwork has also proven to be within Hwin’s scope as well, especially as she continues to get stronger through her body. “With her, it’s a matter of tension,” Elisa explained. “She’s scored in the 20s at Novice and Training, and it felt like it wasn’t challenging enough for her. From the (mustang makeover), I had already put a lot of that training on her which helped.”

“She can do the dressage movements, it’s just a matter of keeping her brain happy. But she is quirky like that — you have to give her a challenge to keep her happy. The biggest hurdle with her is she can go from zero to 10. Sometimes, you can ask for a leg yield and she’ll just go completely sideways. So for her it will be about smoothing it out.”

Hwin went on to finish in sixth place in the Open Prelim division at Rocking Horse Winter II, finishing on her dressage score as the cherry on top of a successful weekend.

As for the early 2016 season, Elisa plans to have Hwin tag along wherever she takes her upper level horse, Simply Priceless. This includes a trip to Red Hills and potentially Carolina International, where Hwin will run Prelim if all goes according to plan.

“I would like to get her into a CIC1* soon and maybe shoot for the CCI1* at Rebecca Farm as we are thinking of making the trip out there. There are a lot of mustang connections in Montana, and I think it would be a really cool thing to do. But I will just keep doing what she tells me she wants to do, and we will see where we go from here.”

Caroline Martin & Jenny Caras to Represent U.S. on Karen Stives Developing Rider Tour

By on Feb 26, 2016 8:00 am -
Caroline Martin and Center Stage, left, and Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at Fair Hill. Photos by Rare Air Eventing Photography. Caroline Martin and Center Stage, left, and Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at Fair Hill. Photos by Rare Air Eventing Photography.

It’s going to be a big year for young riders Caroline Martin and Jenny Caras, who have just been tapped to represent Team USA on the new Karen Stives Developing Rider Tour. This opportunity, supported by a $1 million gift from Olympian Karen Stives, will send Caroline and Jenny to both the CIC3* at Rockingham as well as the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham this year.

Caroline Martin will compete Center Stage, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin, and Jenny Caras will compete her own Fernhill Fortitude, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. They’ll spend a month in Europe with Developing Rider coach Leslie Law in preparation for both events; Rockingham runs May 20-22 and Bramham June 9-12.

This will be a return trip for Caroline, who competed Quantum Solace at Bramham in 2015 during a brief stint in Europe. Both riders had breakout years in 2015, accumulating multiple clear cross country trips around some of the toughest North American events, including Fair Hill, Bromont and Jersey Fresh.

“I’m just in awe of the generosity that everybody has shown me and the faith that they’re putting in me by awarding me this money,” Jenny said. “It’s kind of a dream come true that I have people believe in me enough to put their faith behind me. I think this opportunity will make a world of a difference for my career.”

Caroline said its an honor to receive a grant named after a rider who “was a fierce competitor,” she also said she’s proud to be  heading overseas on “Connor,” a horse she produced through the levels.

“This trip isn’t just about competing; it’s about making us better horsemen. This is going to improve us drastically. We’re going to learn under the pressure of representing the United States, so it’s a good preparation for the next step, which would be competing on the senior team,” Caroline said.

“We’re really fortunate that we have this grant because the Bramham U25 is the highlight for U25 riders in the world,” Martin attested. “This is the most important competition we have. Sending U25 kids from the states over there to compete against the world will show us how good we are and how much we need to push ourselves. We need this so that we know what we need to work on for the future, because hopefully, at some point, Jenny and I will be on teams together.”

Please join us in congratulating Caroline and Jenny on their big news. We look forward to following their trip overseas to make Team USA proud. Many thanks to Karen Stives and the USET Foundation for making this opportunity possible.

[Caroline Marin and Jenny Caras to Represent Team USA During Karen Stives Developing Rider Tour]

[Karen Stives Developing Rider Tour to Send Eventing 25/18 Riders Overseas]

Thursday Video from Nupafeed USA: Get to Know Mary and Emily King

By on Feb 25, 2016 5:00 pm -

Badminton Horse Trials is already hard at work getting us pumped for this year’s event, and this week they uploaded a new video featuring mother-daughter duo Mary and Emily King.

“It was a childhood dream to ride at Badminton,” Mary recalls. Both Mary and Emily share their memories of spending time at the storied four-star, including Emily’s ambition to compete there as well.

To recall, Emily made her debut at the level last fall at Pau aboard Brookleigh, turning in an impressive fourth-place finish.

This is the first of a two-part series, and we are eagerly anticipating part two!

EN’s Got Talent: Hawley Bennett-Awad and High Duty

By on Feb 24, 2016 11:30 am -

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].

Hawley Bennett-Awad and High Duty. Photo by Sherry Stewart. Hawley Bennett-Awad and High Duty. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Hawley Bennett-Awad has been busy quietly producing a talented horse that she has tagged as her next upper-level star. High Duty, a 7-year-old off-track Thoroughbred gelding, has been climbing his way through the levels, showing a lot of promise along the way as Hawley aims to once again represent Canada on the world stage.

Hawley and High Duty’s partnership began when she met Jan and Jerry Hawthorne, who train and breed Thoroughbreds out of Double J H Ranch in La Cresta, California. The Hawthornes sent three Thoroughbreds that were ending their racing careers to Hawley, one of which was coming 5-year-old High Duty (Bertrando – Demo Memo, by Memo (CHI)).

“It’s been a cool process,” Hawley said. “When I first got him, I had just broken my back so I wasn’t able to get on him. I had one of my working students — we call her ‘little Hawley’ — ride him for me, and Katy Groesbeck took him cross country schooling for the first time. He’s a quirky horse with a lot of personality, so the poor girl got bucked off once or twice a week. He’s just so athletic and cheeky, but she did a great job with him.”

Personality is not something High Duty is lacking, but those quirks are a part of the package Hawley believes will make this horse the real deal. “He has the best personality to make a good horse,” she explained. “He can be naughty, but when you put him to work he goes to work.”

Hawley has brought High Duty through the levels, beginning with Novice and most recently picking up a win in the CIC* at Fresno County Horse Park last weekend. It hasn’t always been easy, as Hawley had to re-evaluate his training program after running into trouble on cross country at the Rebecca Farm CCI* last July.

“He can still be spooky at jump judges and people. Last year he was good and consistent, but I feel he was a bit behind where other horses his age are. He missed maybe three or four events for small reasons like an abscess, and it put him a little behind. (Rebecca Farm) was a bit of a wake-up call for me,” Hawley said.

“I stepped back and looked at the big picture and what my goals were and worked backward from there. We’re lucky enough to have Galway Downs across the street, and Robert (Kellerhouse) is great and allows us to come and school whenever we need to. So I would take him over there and just jump small things two or three times a week until it was no big deal.”

Taking a step back worked wonders for High Duty, who finished his 2015 season with a top-10 finish in a large CCI* division at Galway Downs in the fall. “Now he comes out of the box and knows what to do,” she said. “He just needed that few more months. I stopped putting pressure on myself and went back to the drawing board.”

Hawley drew on her previous experiences with her former Olympic horse, Livingstone. “I asked myself, ‘Why was (Livingstone) so good?’ I remember my coach, Pam Arthur, telling me that I wasn’t allowed to move up until I could ensure I hadn’t missed any steps and could go through what she called her ‘wheel of knowledge.’ I kept that in mind and made sure I wasn’t skipping steps because I want him to be solid and consistent.”

Hawley and High Duty at Fresno County Horse Park. Photo courtesy of Sarah Moseley.

Hawley and High Duty at Fresno County Horse Park. Photo courtesy of Sarah Moseley.

As for her plans for the future, Hawley has her eyes set on representing Canada at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont with the talented Thoroughbred, who she owns with her husband, Gamal.

“I had a good chat with (my coach Buck Davidson) about it,” Hawley said. “He agrees that the horse has a ton of talent. But I’m still wanting to make sure he is confident, so while I could have taken him Intermediate this spring, I decided to take him Prelim more and try to be really competitive. We’ll look at moving him to Intermediate in the summer and aiming for the CCI2* at Galway in the fall.”

Hawley works with Nicki Clarke as well as Robyn Fisher to hone her dressage, which she feels is close to breaking into the 30s at the FEI levels. “He’s a good enough mover that before he would score well even though he wasn’t completely pushing and through,” Hawley said. “Now he’s getting stronger and starting to carry himself more. It’s kind of cool to have a Thoroughbred that can move as well as run and jump!”

Even with those big plans in mind, though, Hawley knows that the road to the big time is a slow and arduous one, having been down it several times before. “He goes in all three phases in a snaffle; he’s just a good horse to ride,” she said. “But I don’t want to move him up too soon. When I move him up, I want it to be competitive.”

For Hawley, the process of producing a horse is among the most rewarding experiences she has had. “I’ve never had the money to go out and buy a going horse,” she said. “I’ve made every three- and four-star horse I’ve had, and it makes me really proud to be creating another one. It’s been awhile and I feel that this one is going to be competitive in all three phases. If I do my homework, there’s no reason he can’t finish on his dressage score every time out.”

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Feb 23, 2016 12:01 am -
One of Katie Ruppel's young horses shows off for the audience at the Young Event Horse Symposium in Ocala. Photo via Katie on Facebook. One of Katie Ruppel's young horses shows off for the audience at the Young Event Horse Symposium in Ocala. Photo via Katie on Facebook.

Some super fancy young event prospects are on hand for this week’s Evaluation of the Young Event Horse Symposium in Ocala, put on by the USEA. The YEH and FEH programs are integral to the up and comers in the sport, and the seminar is devoted to educating riders, trainers and owners on what to look for in a future event horse.

1- to 3-year-olds were highlighted in yesterday’s session, which was headlined by Dr. Shauna Spurlock and Dr. Gareth Spurlock. The veterinarian pair educated the audience on nutrition, conformation and care needed for young horses. You can read all about day one’s session on the USEA here.

Events Opening This Week:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3),  Pine Hill Spring H.T. (TX, A-5),  The Fork CIC3*/CIC2*/CIC1* & HT (NC, A-2),  CDCTA Spring Horse Trials (VA, A-2),  Spring Bay H.T. (KY, A-8)

Events Closing Today:

Red Hills International Horse Trials & Trade Fair (FL, A-3),  Southern Pines H.T. (NC, A-2),  Full Gallop Farm March II H.T. (SC, A-3)

News & Notes:

Are you interested in becoming a judge or TD? The B&C Training Program for Eventing Judges and Technical Delegates will be held April 15-17 in conjunction with the Ocala Horse Properties Festival of Eventing. Anyone who is interested in obtaining their “r” TD or “r” Eventing Judge status is welcomed at this event. [B&C Training at Ocala Festival of Eventing]

Can horses tell the difference between men and women? It’s certainly an interesting topic, and Horse & Hound’s Andrea Oakes has tackled the subject to try to find conclusive evidence. [Can Horses Tell Difference Between Men and Women?]

Two former horses from the Arlington National Cemetary are being offered for adoption after completing their tours of duty. Kennedy and Quincy are two of the beloved horses who have served their country at Arlington, having both borne the role of caisson horse. These horses were given the duty of pulling coffins to burial sites, a part of a haunting and beautiful tradition for fallen service members. [Army Offers Horses Free to a Good Home]

Tuesday Video:

Check out this video of Danica Meyerhoff showing her chops in the jumper ring in Ocala!

Monday Videos from Tredstep Ireland: U.S. Coaches Help School Boyd Martin’s Horses

By on Feb 22, 2016 5:00 pm -

While Boyd Martin is on the mend after undergoing surgery to repair a broken collarbone, the training hasn’t stopped as U.S. coaches David O’Connor and Silvio Mazzoni stepped up to help school Boyd’s horses.

“While I’m recovering from the sidelines, lucky for me we had the US training session at Stable View,” Boyd wrote on his blog. “One of the best things about our coaches is that they’re masterful riders as well. David rode all my Advanced horses on the flat on the first day and Silvio jumped all the Intermediate and Advanced horses the next day.”

Here’s a look at some of the rides from the training sessions.

You can view more videos and keep up with Boyd’s progress on his blog here. We continue to send well wishes to Boyd and are hoping to see him back in action soon!

David O’Connor, Silvio Mazzoni Impart Knowledge at Ocala ICP Symposium

By on Feb 22, 2016 3:00 pm -
Auditors gather to watch Silvio Mazzoni teach day two of the Ocala ICP Symposium. Photo by Sally Spickard. Auditors gather to watch Silvio Mazzoni teach day two of the Ocala ICP Symposium. Photo by Sally Spickard.

There was much to be learned in last week’s Ocala ICP Symposium, held at the beautiful Longwood Farm South. Featuring clinics and lectures from David O’Connor and Silvio Mazzoni, the U.S. Chef d’Equipe and U.S. Show Jumping Coach, respectively, both the demo riders and the large audience were able to take new tools home with them when it comes to instruction.

Day two of the symposium involved a show jumping lesson for both the Training/Prelim as well as the Intermediate/Advanced riders. Silvio took the reins on this day, methodically setting up gymnastic exercises that tested both horse and rider.

Silvio took the time to address each horse and rider, focusing on the key points of straightness and position effectiveness. Without an effective position, he explained, the horse was unable to know or perform its job correctly. He reminded many riders to avoid getting defensive with their hands when on stronger horses, instead encouraging the horses to seek the bit even over fences.

Silvio’s gymnastic was progressively raised in height and involved a bounce to a one stride to a second bounce and ending on another one stride. This kept the horse’s feet moving while encouraging the rider to maintain an effective position in order to achieve straightness and a correct jump.

From there, the lesson progressed to a full course that again challenged the riders to find straight lines aboard a responsive and adjustable horse. He instructed the riders to halt after jumping an oxer on a diagonal line, again reminding them to use their seat and leg to achieve the halt rather than a defensive and aggressive hand.

Demo riders for the Training/Prelim group on Tuesday were AJ Dyer, Megan Gardiner, Steph Kohr, and Marah Lueders. The Intermediate/Advanced group for Silvio’s lesson were Hannah Sue Burnett, Leah Lang-Glucsic, Lara Knight, Jeanie Clarke, and Sally Buchheister.

Monday’s session included many thoughtful insights from David O’Connor on all three phases of eventing. You can read the full reports over on the USEA here.

Many thanks to Event Clinics for sponsoring a fun and educational seminar that contributes immensely to the further education of both rider and instructor. The ICP Symposiums are an excellent opportunity to learn, and the ICP Certification Program is also available for those who wish to become more involved as coaches.

Ride Around Rocking Horse with Laine Ashker & Anthony Patch

By on Feb 22, 2016 1:00 pm -

Laine Ashker brought Anthony Patch out for his first full run since completing Burghley last fall at Rocking Horse Winter II this weekend. The pair finished in second place in the Open Intermediate division, and Laine donned her trusty GoPro to document her first ride of the season aboard a keen looking “Al.”

Ride along with Laine and Al here:

Finally! I’ve been waiting to post one of these since early September of last year! Here’s #GoAlGopro helmet cam from…

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, February 21, 2016

Eventing Stakeholders Aiming for Consensus on Olympic Format

By on Feb 22, 2016 8:45 am -
FEI President Ingmar De Vos, left, with the three Olympic discipline Chairs, Frank Kemperman (dressage), John Madden (jumping) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (eventing) at yesterdays General Assembly. Photo by FEI/Richard Juilliart. FEI President Ingmar De Vos, left, with the three Olympic discipline Chairs, Frank Kemperman (dressage), John Madden (jumping) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (eventing) at yesterdays General Assembly. Photo by FEI/Richard Juilliart.

Bruce Haskell, president of ERA International, has penned an open letter in light of a meeting be held in London tomorrow for key stakeholders and representatives in the sport to discuss the future of eventing under the Olympic Agenda 2020.

You can view the entire letter open letter by clicking here, and read on for key highlights. The meeting, hosted by British Eventing and chaired by David Holmes, will bring together representatives from many national governing bodies to search for solutions ahead of the FEI Sports Forum in April, where the new Olympic formats for all equestrian disciplines will be presented. Click here to see the current proposed changes for eventing’s Olympic format.

“The proposed format has some significant changes that intend to meet the (International Olympic Committee) suggested criteria for making our sport more easily understood to a wider audience and increasing nation participation,” Bruce said. “It also makes a clear attempt to retain the ‘core’ of eventing whilst enhancing the separation from team and individual medals.”

ERA International acknowledges the divisive nature of many of the proposed changes to the Olympic format of eventing and has identified three core issues that remain divisive:

  • 3 in a team with no drop score
  • Show jumping running order. Individual first or last.
  • Inclusion of composite teams and a moderated scoring system.

“Eventing has to be careful at this point and consider the future of what our sport will look like at all levels. The Olympics, as we have seen in past, has a top down effect of the rest of the sport,” Bruce said. “There is a potential influence that in order to meet IOC criteria of the Olympic Eventing competition being the highest level of our sport, we may have to use this format at all team competitions.”

The intent of tomorrow’s meeting is to draw conclusions, even if the conclusion is that a consensus cannot be achieved. “The meeting is seen as as a way of supporting the FEI Eventing Committee to be able to produce an Olympic Format that both meets the changing needs of the sport and the need for change from the IOC,” Bruce said.

“Whatever the outcome will be ERA International is aware that change needs to occur. Change will never suit all stakeholders. We must all look to find a balance between the role of eventing in the evolving nature of sport as medium of entertainment and the traditional values of our unique sport. The time for change is upon us and this meeting is essential to defining what that change looks like and what eventing looks like in the future.”

We will continue to provide updates on the meeting and future developments within the FEI as eventing’s Olympic format continues to evolve. In the meantime, you can view the open letter from ERA International in its entirety here: ERA International 2020 meeting 23-2-16 open letter.

[Will Eventing Become ‘Equestrian Triathlon’ By 2020 Olympics?]

More Than 125 Eventers Entered in 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover

By on Feb 16, 2016 1:15 pm -
Emily Daignault-Salvaggio and Gin Joint, winners of the Field Hunter division at the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Heather Benson. Emily Daignault-Salvaggio and Gin Joint, winners of the Field Hunter division at the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Heather Benson.

The Retired Racehorse Project has released the list of trainers that registered for this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover, which will be held October 27-30, 2016, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The list is highlighted by 13 Advanced level event riders, including names such as Tik Maynard (who won the 2015 Freestyle in this competition), Kendal Lehari, Dorothy Crowell, Cathy Wieschhoff, Jane Sleeper, Elisa Wallace, Selena O’Hanlon and Denny Emerson.

A total of 129 entrants selected eventing as their primary discipline for the Thoroughbred Makeover, with an additional 50 selecting eventing as their secondary discipline. Based on those 179 total potential entries, eventing is the second most prominently represented sport within the Makeover, just behind show jumping with 181 total potential entries.

All 10 of the discipline winners from last year’s Makeover applied to return to defend their titles, along with 73 other Makeover alumni on new horses. The remaining group of nearly 400 trainers will be entering the Makeover for the first time, making it what “may be the most diverse group of accomplished horse trainers ever to gather in one place,” RRP President Steuart Pittman said.

“Reading through the applications of these 480 trainers was like opening Christmas presents. Off-track Thoroughbreds dominated the horse show world in this country when they were in the barns of our very best riders and trainers. We believe that a key to restoring demand for these horses is matching some of them with the best trainers. Doing so not only increases their chances of winning, but it encourages those trainers’ clients and fans to consider an off-track Thoroughbred,” Steuart said.

“With the carrot of $100,000 in prize money, lots of promotion and a buzz among the horse industry too loud to ignore, we have recruited trainers who are leaders in their sports. Many of these trainers have barns full of warmbloods and Quarter Horses. Some grew up on Thoroughbreds and feel like this is coming home. Others are trying something completely new.”

The Makeover offers divisions in barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, show hunter, show jumping and working ranch. In total, 480 trainers from 45 states will compete in this year’s Makeover for prize money totaling $100,000.

You can view much more information on the Thoroughbred Makeover here, and check out the video below for more details on this year’s Makeover applicants. We’ll keep you posted on the eventing trainers’ progress with their horses and look forward to seeing how the field shakes out in October.

Behind the Scenes with BDJ Eventing and Ballynoe Castle RM

By on Feb 16, 2016 11:00 am -
Cheesing like a child with Reggie, Buck and Kathleen. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Cheesing like a child with Reggie, Buck and Kathleen. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

It all began during a simple conversation with Buck Davidson. A few of EN’s loyal readers had mused about what would happen if Buck were to wear a FitBit during an event weekend (when it’s not unusual to see him riding 10 or more horses), so I decided to ask him to wear mine at Rocking Horse II this weekend.

Being a good sport, Buck kindly agreed to that request and then threw me a curveball: “Come over to the farm anytime … you can ride Reggie.” Yes, THAT Reggie — Carl and Cassie Segal’s superstar Ballynoe Castle RM.

I asked Buck yesterday if he had some time for me to drop by the farm this week, which was followed by a phone call asking if I could be at his farm in an hour. Yep, sure can.

My coach, Kelly, and I arrived at Buck’s winter base in Ocala and immediately felt immersed in a different world. The farm itself is 600 acres, and Buck rents two of the barns, one for his horses and the other for his students who come down for the winter. There is a large jump field, a full dressage arena in another field, and a cross country field in addition to a 5/8 mile track and acreage as far as the eye can see for hacking and galloping.

In short, there is everything an eventer would need. The farm itself has a welcoming air to it — lots of friendly faces and happy horses.

Buck’s plan was to have his longtime student Woodge Fulton run through her Advanced test on Reggie before letting me get on, which meant we were able to watch Buck teach and ride for a bit before Woodge finished. Every direction you could crane your neck was a different upper level horse and/or rider out for a school or hack. There was truly not enough time to take everything in!

Nature walking. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Nature walking. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

After Woodge got through her test, it was my turn. Let me stop here and say that I was a complete nervous wreck who was convinced that I’d somehow grab my outside rein too hard and immediately break poor Reggie. Or something equally illogical.

But before I knew it, I was getting a leg up and there I was, sitting on top of a horse that is the highest scoring horse in all of USEA history and has countless accolades to his name.

I walked around the dressage court and felt a bit sheepish, as I had no idea if I was expected to just walk around or if there was more to it. Truth me told, anything would have been fine with me — what more could I possibly ask for?

Then Buck turned from his lesson and told me to go actually ride, so I took up the world’s longest reins (once again, fear of breaking fancy horse) and trotted off.

So let’s just talk about the well-trained horse. This has been on my mind since reading a clinic report on Sinead and Tik’s Winter Camp, and Reggie is living proof of this concept. I am far from an upper-level rider, but Reggie will make you feel like you’re the best rider in the world.

I played around a little with the trot and canter (and super long reins) and could do nothing but smile like an idiot every time another passing rider said, “Isn’t he just the best?” I was soaking it in and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Demonstrating how to canter when you're afraid of breaking a fancy horse - aka with the longest reins known to man. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Demonstrating how to canter when you’re afraid of breaking a fancy horse — AKA with the longest reins known to man. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Reggie is clearly one of the most loved horses in the barn. It’s a well deserved honor — he’s a perfect gentleman under saddle and on the ground, and it’s easy to see why Buck, the Segals and everyone else love him like a pet.

Once I successfully floated my way home, I took a moment to reflect on the opportunity the day had presented. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I felt welcomed and not as out of place as I thought I would be among all of the upper-level riders. I may be a true amateur, but that day I felt as if perhaps the stars were not too far out of reach.

Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Photo by Kelly Dutton.

Many, many thanks are in order to Buck Davidson, super groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray, Carl and Cassie Segal, and everyone else who helped make yesterday special. It was a day I will surely never forget.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Feb 16, 2016 12:01 am -
Photo by Kelly Dutton. Photo by Kelly Dutton.

I had the privilege of spending some time at Buck Davidson’s Ocala base yesterday, and it was without a doubt a memorable experience. Many riders were having dressage schools under Buck’s watchful eye, and it was a friendly atmosphere that buzzed with the dedication of hard working riders and working students.

It’s natural to be curious about what goes on “behind the scenes” at the big eventing barns, and to be honest it was fairly low key. Busy, but quiet at the same time. But one of the most favored memories I’ll take is the smiling faces and the camaraderie of the entire team.

Events Opening This Week:

Morven Park Spring Horse Trial (VA, A-2).  Full Gallop Farm April H.T. (SC, A-3). Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX, A-5), Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (FL, A-3),  Galway Downs International Horse Trials (CA, A-6), Twin Rivers Spring Three-Day Event & H.T. (CA, A-6)

Events Closing Today:

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. (FL, A-3),  Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. (SC, A-3),  Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials II (SC, A-3), Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (CA, A-6)

News & Notes:

The Cheshire Races in Pennsylvania just got a even more exciting! Organizers have announced the addition of the Mrs. Miles B. Valentine Memorial Side Saddle Race as an addition to an already bustling card full of both timber and flat races. The Side Saddle race will be held over a 1 1/8 mile track resembling hunt country and featuring natural obstacles. [Cheshire Point to Point]

British Eventing has given approval to use an alternative to frangible pin fences on cross country. The MIM clip may not be a foreign concept to some countries, but it is previously unused in Great Britain and has now been approved for use. The MIM clip gained FEI approval in 2012. [BE Approves Use of MIM Clips]

Do you have a senior horse? These tips from The Horse may be useful to you when it comes to maintaining weight on older horses. There are always countless options when it comes to formulating the right diet for your horse, so here are some helpful hints for senior horses. [Maintaining Weight on Senior Horses]

Tuesday Video:

Because we can’t get enough of this throwback Athens footage, here is William Fox-Pitt’s ride aboard Tamarillo.

Who Jumped It Best? Ocala Winter II Intermediate Edition

By on Feb 15, 2016 3:00 pm -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Ocala Horse Properties Winter II Intermediate Edition! Our friend, JJ Sillman, was kind enough to share some photos from the Intermediate cross country this weekend, and we picked a few good shots for our reader poll.

Take a look at the photos and vote for which pair you feel presents the best overall picture.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Buck Davidson and Approved Power. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Buck Davidson and Approved Power. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Meghan O'Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Natalia Neneman and Weisser Riese. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Natalia Neneman and Weisser Riese. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Popular Eventing Prix Invitational Returning to Ocala Next Month

By on Feb 15, 2016 11:00 am -
Lillian Heard and Share Option at the 2015 Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Jenni Autry. Lillian Heard and Share Option at the 2015 Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ocala Horse Properties has announced the date of this year’s Eventing Prix Invitational, the third edition of the popular event which is used by many international riders as competition preparation leading up to key spring events.

A total of 36 competitors are slated to compete in this year’s Eventing Prix Invitational at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8 at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Florida.

The event is open to the public, and spectators are also welcome to attend the 1.15-1.20 meter warmup class at noon Monday, March 7, where invited riders may compete a maximum of four horses, one of which they will jump in the Tuesday Prix.

Marc Donovan will design the 1.30-meter course, which will feature elaborate jump design, a sponsor tent and plenty of atmosphere to prepare the horses for Red Hills International Horse Trials later in the week. Riders from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and England will be featured as competitors, and the U.S. and Canada are using the event as an official training competition.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with this event to bring you a simulcast of the live stream right here on EN provided by EQTV, and our own Jenni Autry will be providing live commentary alongside Max Corcoran.

Riders will be competing for prize money in a team style format. Last year’s winning team included Lynn Symansky, Sinead Halpin, Lauren Kieffer and Liz Halliday-Sharp, and Jennie Brannigan won the individual honors aboard Vamor. In addition to team and individual rider honors, Brewster Walker Horse Transportation is also sponsoring a Groom’s Award this year.

The Prix is free to attend. Celebrations Catering will provide food and drink in the ringside VIP tent, and tables are still available for $600. Food will also be available for purchase on the grounds from Humble Pie Pizza, with beer courtesy of Edge Brewing Barcelona.

It’s set to be a thrilling day at beautiful Southern Cross Equestrian, which is owned by Scott Keach and is the home base of several eventers for the winter. Southern Cross is located at 13440 NW Highway 225, Reddick, FL 32686. For more information, please contact Max Corcoran. To reserve a VIP table, contact Denise Goyea.

Thank you to the event’s sponsors: Ocala Horse Properties, Woodmen of the World Insurance, The Dutta Corp, Southern Cross Equestrian, Brewster Walker Horse Transportation and Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Keep it locked right here on EN for much more from the Eventing Prix Invitational, including the entry list and more information on live streaming.

Sunday Videos: Ocala Winter II Action

By on Feb 14, 2016 3:00 pm -

There is a lot of action to catch up on if you weren’t able to watch any of the Ocala Horse Properties Winter II event this weekend. We saw a lot of horses out for their first time or move-ups this weekend and, in turn, plenty of smiling faces and rockin’ rounds.

Thanks to our friend, The Horse Pesterer, we have a lot of videos to show you from the weekend. Keep an eye on his YouTube page for more videos throughout the winter season.

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Love Is In the Air: A Valentine’s Day Social Media Wrap

By on Feb 14, 2016 1:00 pm -

Love or hate Valentine’s Day, it’s nevertheless an opportunity to express love for our two- and four-legged partners. Luckily for most equestrians, our horses are our main love, so it’s no surprise that social media is full of gushings surrounding our horses (sorry boys and girls! We love you, too).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by Carl Hester on Sunday, February 14, 2016

Love your pony today!

Posted by Dragonfire Farm on Sunday, February 14, 2016

Quite possibly the most awesome Valentines Day card ever #happypinksparklythingsday

A photo posted by Sara Gartland (@sagartland) on

Tate is wishing all of his lady loves (past and future) a very Happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂

Posted by Tatendrang on Sunday, February 14, 2016

Screenshot_17

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Happy Valentine’s Day, EN!

Saturday Videos: Athens Olympic Throwback

By on Feb 13, 2016 5:00 pm -

With 2016 being an Olympic year, we’ve all got the podium on our minds. While we’re in the mood, our friend David Robinson posted some great throwback footage of the 2004 Athens cross country for our enjoyment.

That year, it was Leslie Law with Shear L’Eau who took home the individual gold medal, followed by Kim Severson on Winsome Adante and Pippa Funnel on Primmore’s Pride. France earned the team gold medal, followed by Great Britain and the U.S., respectively.

Check out this great video of Leslie’s round:

While we sadly don’t see a video of Kim and Dan’s round, here are some more videos to look back on, including U.S. team members Darren Chiacchia and John Williams.

David also uploaded Part 6 of his series, which features none other than Kim Severson!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNDI2oGbcmQ

Enjoy!

Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince Tackled Their First Training and It’s Adorbs

By on Feb 13, 2016 11:00 am -
Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince. Photo by Jen McFall. Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince. Photo by Jen McFall.

Taylor McFall had her Pony Club kick ready for her Training debut aboard Kilbarry Prince, the pony she purchased after a summer of hard work, last weekend at the Galway Downs Winter Event. The pair completed their first event at the level with some show jump penalties but an otherwise successful move up.

After spending 2015 competing at Novice, including a 12th place finish in the Novice Three Day at Rebecca Farm, 12-year-old Taylor began preparing for her first Training level event with help from coach Hawley Bennett-Awad.

“It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done,” Taylor said. “But I’m glad I did it. The experience made me believe more in my pony than ever and my ability to make things happen even at a higher level.”

And make things happen she did, even when Prince was a bit unmotivated in the show jumping phase:

242S Taylor McFall On Kilbarry Prince YR Training Show Jumping Galway Downs Feb 2016

“I’m so proud of her for that ride!” Taylor’s mother, Jen McFall, said of her show jumping ride. “It was tough and she got the job done.”

Taylor and Prince will run another Novice at Fresno next to make sure both of their confidence is still in good shape and will look to another Training event after that.

We’ll continue to follow Taylor and Prince’s 2016 season and wish them all the best with their move up!

Clayton Fredericks Takes Ocala Advanced CT, Kylie Lyman Cleans Up Intermediate

By on Feb 13, 2016 9:00 am -
Clayton Fredericks and FE Bowman. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography. Clayton Fredericks and FE Bowman. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Bowman are an exciting pair to watch — well, really, any of the horses in Clayton’s barn are well deserving of praise! — and they handily took home the honors in the Advanced CT running at Ocala Horse Properties Winter II yesterday.

A 2008 Württemburg gelding by Balloon (Balou de Rouet – Eyleen), FE Bowman originally sat in fifth place in a competitive field with a score of 27.7, but he was one of just four to jump double clear to clinch the win.

FE Bowman had a wildly successful 2015 season, culminating in a CCI2* win at Richland Park in August. This weekend was the gelding’s first foray into the Advanced world, and the results bode well for an equally successful 2016. He’s already collected a second place and a win at Intermediate in 2016, so keep an eye out for this one! For interested parties, there are still some syndicate shares available for this horse — visit Fredericks Equestrian for more information.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley were good for second in the Advanced CT despite collecting nine penalties in the show jumping. Their division best dressage score of 22.7 gave them a bit of breathing room — I suppose you could say Liz has got them #DressageSkillz.

Jon Holling and his longtime partner, Downtown Harrison, moved from 10th into third overall with just one time penalty incurred over fences. Jon and Downtown Harrison have perhaps one of the best partnerships to watch, and it’s great to see them doing so well in 2016.

Kylie Lyman has had a rocking weekend so far, picking up the win in both Open Intermediate divisions aboard Da Vinci Code and Lup The Loop, both owned by Joan Nichols.

Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Kylie capped off a successful 2015 season with three top-20 finishes in the Fair Hill CCI2* — no small feat and a testament to the talent she is sitting on at the moment. This weekend was no different as Kylie led wire to wire aboard Lup The Loop and moved up from fourth to take first with Da Vinci Code. She also finished in third place in the Intermediate Horse division with Sacramento, owned by Cristin O’Hara.

In the Open Intermediate A, Sinead Halpin and High Altitude finished in second after moving up from ninth place on cross country. This was the first Intermediate start for this horse, a 2008 Thoroughbred mare owned by Gail Opatut.

Jon Holling and Avoca Druid, an Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Team Rebecca LLC, moved up into third place with a shade of time accumulated on cross country. This horse had a great year at the Preliminary level in 2015 and has now completed two Intermediate events with top-3 placings.

Buck Davidson catch rode Justine Dutton’s Jak My Style, owned by Kathleen Cuca, in the Open Intermediate B after Justine suffered a dislocated shoulder this week. Buck was a successful pilot for the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, finishing second in the division on his dressage score of 27.7.

Ellen Eoughty-Hume and Sir Oberon at the Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ellen Eoughty-Hume and Sir Oberon at the Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In third in the B division are fan favorites Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, who are once again aiming at Rolex this spring and were out to stretch their legs this weekend after arriving in Florida.

In the Intermediate Horse division, Caroline Martin and Effervescent were the winners, leading from start to finish on their dressage score of 29.0. This pair completed the CCI2* at Fair Hill last fall and also picked up a top 20 finish in their first Intermediate start of the new season.

Buck Davidson and Approved Power got up for second place, also finishing on their dressage score of 29.8. Approved Power is owned by Amy Tunney and most recently finished fifth in his Open Intermediate division at Rocking Horse Winter I.

Kaitlyn Hewson and Fernhill Cascum Marco in OP-B

Kaitlyn Hewson and Fernhill Cascum Marco. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Katlyn Hewson and Fernhill Cascum Marco were the big winners of the Intermediate Rider division, their first run of the season. Katlyn and Fernhill Cascum Marco finished their 2015 season with a completion in the CIC2* at Richland Park.

Jeanie Clarke and Head for More finished in second place in the Rider division with just a few seconds of time on cross country. This pair had a great season at Preliminary last year and picked up their best placing so far in 2016 in three starts.

In third for the Rider division are Lexi Scovil and Charleston VI, who also completed a tough CCI2* at Fair Hill to finish off their season last year. Lexi and Charleston VI were tied for sixth following dressage and successfully jumped up a few places thanks to clear jumping rounds.

We are all still reeling from the devastating news of the loss of Atlanta yesterday on course for the Intermediate division. Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with owner and rider Juan Larrazabal and all of Atlanta’s connections.

Ocala Winter III continues throughout the weekend with the remainder of the Preliminary through Beginner Novice divisions.

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Learning to Stay in the Backseat

By on Feb 11, 2016 1:30 pm -
Justine Dutton and Jollybo (GBR). Photo by Jenni Autry. Justine Dutton and Jollybo (GBR). Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s pretty incredible to come to Ocala and essentially have your pick of who you’d like to train with. It’s a golden opportunity and one that I am doing my best to take full advantage of, as my finances will allow.

I was able to take a cross country lesson with Justine Dutton — the “other” Dutton — this week along with my coach and our barn owner who had come down for the week. In all, we took a total of five horses for a great day of cross country schooling at Rocking Horse.

Right away, Justine put us all at ease (we were all riding fairly inexperienced horses, with the exception of one), warming us up over small jumps so that she could gauge our horses and how game they looked to be.

Justine spends a lot of time training with Buck Davidson, and his style is also evident in her own teaching style: positive yet challenging, firm yet encouraging.

I was riding my new horse who had only been cross country schooling once before, and this was his first time with me. So I was a bit nervous with that in mind and the additional rust of it being the first school of the season. I have a terrible habit of getting a bit forward and ahead when I’m feeling nervous, a habit that Justine was quick to notice and help correct by reminding me to just sit in the backseat more.

The “backseat” is a term often used by eventers, and it’s definitely a useful one. That said, especially at the lower levels, I feel there is a difference between sitting with a soft, driving seat and giving hands and a hard, forceful seat that is using more coercion than coaxing. Yes, there is a need for many different positions on any given horse, but the backseat position that Justine encouraged was a soft one with a driving and supporting leg.

This position really helped my horse gain confidence as we went. After the first few fences, he was boldly moving up when I asked and cantering gamely away afterward without pulling on me. Justine built our group up slowly, throwing in some Novice questions towards the end when we were all feeling much more confident than when we’d started.

My coach (incidentally, also another Dutton) first rode her nervous OTTB who had only schooled once before and found it to be a bit overwhelming. Justine patiently gave my coach some other tools to try, often citing position as a means of communicating calmness and confidence to your horse — again with the soft but firm backseat position.

While all three of us riders have varying levels of experience with our respective horses, Justine was adaptable and able to structure the lesson so that we were all equally challenged without being overfaced. As someone who needs to build up to being confident, I appreciate a challenge without feeling shaky on the approach from nerves that this will be too big of a question.

Another point Justine brought up is, in her words, “you’re in charge of the GPS” — meaning you are the one who is directing your horse on where you’re going. If you look down, if you give mixed signals with your hand versus your leg or if you don’t insist on straightness, you are confusing your horse — especially a greener one such as the majority of what we brought to school — and therefore sacrificing quality of canter and the subsequent jump.

It was a great and successful day, a perfect way to kick off our season and knock the rust off our boots. Justine was an excellent teacher who utilized her experience and was relatable while giving her instructions. If you have the opportunity to take a lesson or clinic from her, I definitely encourage it — there is a lot to be learned!

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Feb 9, 2016 12:01 am -
Eric Bull on course at Fair Hill. Photo via ETB Equine Construction on Facebook. Eric Bull on course at Fair Hill. Photo via ETB Equine Construction on Facebook.

Great news, EN! Eric Bull and ETB Construction have signed a contract to build the new, state-of-the-art cross country course in preparation for the 2016 Nutrena American Eventing Championships.

Eric has become a household name within the sport, constructing courses such as Fair Hill, the Pan American Games, and the Wellington Eventing Showcase, to name just a few. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for this new course at Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina.

“It’s manicured and showy, which will look great with the Florida-themed part of the course that will cross-promote the Asheville Regional Airport Wellington Eventing Showcase,” Eric said in a USEA interview. “These jumps look like Florida mansions, with painted finishes and have lots of little doors and windows and other details that will look appropriate in this setting.”

[ETB Construction Signs Contract for AECs Course]

Events Opening This Week:

Carolina International CIC and Horse Trial (NC, A-2),  MeadowCreek Park – The Spring Social Event (TX, A-5),  Stable View Winter Horse Trials II (SC, A-3), Poplar Place Farm March H.T. (GA, A-3)

Events Closing Today:

Pine Top Advanced, CIC3,CIC2*, CIC1* & H.T. (GA, A-3), Three Lakes February Horse Trials at Caudle Ranch (FL, A-3)

News & Notes:

Ocala Horse Properties Winter II Horse Trials is still in need of a few volunteers for this weekend’s event! Advanced dressage will begin Thursday, so there is plenty of room for volunteers, who will receive food and schooling coupons in exchange for their time. You can contact Beth Davidson if you have some time to help out!

Do you ever find the terminology and processes for neurological testing utterly confusing? We agree. Dr. Amy Johnson of the University of Pennsylvania has taken some time to break down the definitions and testing process for many common neurological disorders such as EPM and Lyme. [Testing for EPM, Lyme and Others]

Whether or not you’re a Broncos fan (I’m definitely not), you have to admit they have a pretty great mascot. Meet Thunder, a gray Arabian gelding who has the wherewithall to canter around placidly with thousands of fans screaming and carrying on. Check out more in the latest edition of the Chronicle’s Behind the Stall door series. [Behind the Stall Door: Thunder]

Tuesday Video:

Just because I’m bitter about Budweiser not having a tear-jerking Super Bowl ad this year…

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: The First 2016 Mustang Cam

By on Feb 8, 2016 5:00 pm -

Elisa Wallace and her talented mustang, Hwin, competed in the Training Horse division at Rocking Horse Winter I earlier this month and rocked around the cross country course for their first outing of the year.

Hwin went double clear across country and finished 14th in her division — and luckily, Elisa donned her helmet cam for the ride. Have a ride along for the first “mustang cam” of 2016!

Relive the Magic of the Wellington Eventing Showcase

By on Feb 8, 2016 3:00 pm -
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Rare Air Photography. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

For anyone who missed the live stream of the $75,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase — or if you just want to be able to relive the magic — archived videos are now available thanks to our friends at the Chronicle of the Horse.

From the elegance of the dressage to the nail biters of the show jumping and cross country phases, there is a lot to watch and learn from. Check out these links to view playback of the event:

Dressage
Show Jumping
Cross Country

Enjoy, and don’t tell your boss we made you do it. Go Eventing!