Happy Holidays, EN! We’re bringing back our ever popular 12 Days of Christmas giveaways this year, and we’re kicking things off today with an awesome prize back from Absorbine.
Whether your horse has been naughty or nice this year, Absorbine has the perfect selection of prizes for the lucky winner. We’re teaming up with Absorbine to give away a Winter Muscle and Joint Package, which includes:
Absorbine Flex+Max pellets
Bigeloil Quilted Poultice Leg Wraps
Hooflex Ointment
Hooflex Thrush Remedy
Absorbine Veterinary Liniment
Seriously, our horses get more royal treatment than we do. How is this fair? Well played, horses. Well played.
To enter our first giveaway, simply use the Rafflecopter widget below. Each giveaway will end at midnight, so get those entries in quickly! Check tomorrow’s News & Notes to find out if you’re the lucky winner. Good luck!
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.
A Horse of a Different Color: There’s An App For That
"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, email [email protected].
Lindsay Barrack and There's An App For That at Pine Top. Photo courtesy of Hoofclix.com.
Lindsay Barrack was not horse shopping when she met “Chappy’s” former owner. The Thoroughbred/Appaloosa cross had successfully fox hunted, but his owner was going to college and needed to find a new home for him. In a twist of fate, Lindsay offered to help a friend, who owned a local tack shop, with their holiday sale. On the day she was helping, Chappy’s owner happened to also be working.
Lindsay got to talking, and agreed to try the horse. “I had just sold my mare,” she recalled. “And I was planning on focusing on my students for awhile, so I really wasn’t in the market. But when Chappy came to my barn and I tried him, I didn’t want to let him go home.”
And so, There’s An App For That found a new home in an eventing barn after stealing Lindsay’s heart. Now 16 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down, campaigning at Training level and eyeing a potential move up to Prelim before his career is over.
“He’d done a little bit of hunter/jumper, but he primarily fox hunted, which is why he is so good on cross country,” Lindsay said. “I just got really excited after I rode him.”
Chappy became a confidence booster in Lindsay’s barn, taking students around jump courses and even taking a student around Beginner Novice and Novice this year as a packer. For Lindsay, he’s been a breath of fresh air after she worked with a few more “difficult” horses in the past.
“You can tell how confident he is on cross country,” she said. “He doesn’t look at anything. For my student who leased him, she had adopted a kind of defensive riding style from riding a stopper before. It was hard for her to understand how to be more ‘graceful’ to the fences, and he really helped her with that. It was really cool to take a step back and watch that progression.”
Lindsay and Chappy at Pine Top. Photo courtesy of Hoofclix.com.
Chappy’s sire was a Thoroughbred with racing lines and his dam was an Appaloosa. He’s a registered Appaloosa, and he’s definitely built more like his dam than his sire, Lindsay says. Aside from his build, though, he’s shown no limitations when it comes to sport.
“He’s actually a really nice mover on his own,” Lindsay said. “Probably one of the best in our barn! He’s been so sound and honest for everyone.” When it comes to fitness, Lindsay keeps him on a routine of trot and gallop sets, but he pulled up from his last Training run at the Thanksgiving Pine Top still ready to go around again.
“He’s more fit than I am at this point, I’d say,” Lindsay laughed. “I broke my pinky a few months ago, and it needed surgery so I was off for awhile. We came off cross country at Pine Top and he could have gone again but I was done. He’s a total machine — if I could describe him in one word, it would be ‘rockstar.'”
Lindsay bases in Tallahassse at Mahan Farm and trains with Hilda Donahue, who is confident that Chappy will be Lindsay’s one-star horse in the near future. “I think it would be an absolute great end to his career if we got him there. We’ve schooled some Prelim stuff and he had no trouble with it. I think we’ll just need to focus on getting him more conditioned so that he can make the time at Prelim. The biggest challenges will be the speed and the dressage.”
Lindsay plans to take Chappy to the new event in Florida at Three Lakes this winter and formulate a plan to move him up when he is ready. “He’s super capable, and he’s in the best shape of his life. It’s just one of those things where I wasn’t expecting this to happen, and he just kind of fell into my lap.”
Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Diane Portwood’s Young Rider Vlog
Area III young rider Diane Portwood and her mare, Cinerescent, won the CCI2* at NAJYRC this year and are campaigning their way toward the Advanced level as they look ahead to 2016. Diane recently began a video blog series chronicling her season and her preparation for the upcoming year. She stays busy as a student at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), where she studies chemical, environmental and biological engineering.
We’re excited that Diane has graciously offered to share her vlog series with us as she works with her upper level mare as well as searches for a new OTTB to bring along, all while triple majoring at a big university. I’m tired just after writing about that!
You can follow along with and watch other videos from Diane on her YouTube channel here.
Mia Farley Sets Her Sights High for 2016
With the recent naming of the 2016 Eventing 25/18 Training Lists, there are a lot of talented young riders who are ready to take the eventing world by storm. This winter, we’ll be spotlighting the E25 and E18 riders as they prepare for their training sessions with Leslie Law.
Mia Farley and Fernhill Fine Diamond at Galway Downs. Photo by Vanessa Hughes / Lady Photographic.
15-year-old Mia Farley has been on the ride of her life these past few years, most recently named to the Eventing 18 Training List for 2016, her third year on this list of talented young riders. Mia is not one to take things for granted, though, and looks forward to continuing her upward progress with her Irish mare, Fernhill Fine Diamond.
“I didn’t have (Fernhill Fine Diamond) at the time of the first training sessions last year,” Mia said. “So I was able to ride (Judy McSwain’s) Fleeceworks Cinco, who I really enjoyed. (Eventing 18 coach Leslie Law) really helped me, and he has also had a big impact on Fern and I this year.”
Fernhill Fine Diamond, a 7-year-old purchased earlier in 2015, has become Mia’s primary partner, culminating their first season together with a top 15 finish in a large CCI1* division at Galway Downs in October. They collected several top placings at the Preliminary level this year and also finished seventh in their first CCI1* together at Rebecca Farm in July.
“Leslie had told me that he hoped we would show some improvements with our leg yields and her dressage work after a clinic we did in August,” Mia said. “He was able to see us improving at Galway and was very pleased.”
As a member of the Eventing 18 squad, Mia has been appreciative of Leslie’s availability as a coach, even when he doesn’t live in the same area. “He is super supportive,” she explained. “Even though he only sees us a few times during the year, he always recommends that we email or call him with questions. He goes out of his way to help us.”
Mia hopes to continue building on Fern’s talent when Leslie returns to the West Coast in 2016. “Now that our dressage is beginning to improve, I’m hoping to do some more jumping this year,” she said. “Sometimes she can get a bit heavy, and the jumping lessons I’ve done with him before have helped.”
Mia trains with Ginnie Bryant on a regular basis and feels that her access to great training has really helped her and Fern’s relationship progress. Looking ahead to 2016, Mia has yet to nail down a final plan but would love to include Young Riders on that calendar.
“We’re thinking of either Young Riders or AECs,” she said. “I would love to also step up to Intermediate and conclude the season with the CCI2* at Galway. I think being named to the U18 list will really help me again this year with moving up and I feel very fortunate to have been named for 2016.”
Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: This New Amazon Commerical Features a Lonely Little Mini
What happens when an adorable little pony has trouble making friends in his new home? In this new commercial for Amazon Prime, we see this scenario play out with an idea that saves the day.
Watch the commercial and tell us you don’t agree with the solution! ‘Tis the season for adorable commercials featuring lots of ponies — if you see one you think we’d like, share it with us at [email protected]!
Don’t Forget These Great Deals on Cyber Monday!
Our awesome sponsors here on EN offered some really fantastic deals for Black Friday, and these special offers are still going through Cyber Monday today, Nov. 30, which gives you good motivation to get your shopping started off right. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you’re shopping for yourself!
It’s a great time to be a Point Two customer, as they’re continuing their streak of steep discounts and promotions with a Black Friday deal good for 40% off all vests and accessories while supplies last. This is a big promotion and you can get a new vest at a big discount. The only thing not covered in this deal are the five-year service plans, which are also a great idea to add on to any vest.
If you’re a SmartPak fan (and who isn’t?), now is a great time to stock up on the essentials and get some holiday shopping knocked off with a 15% sitewide sale as well as free shipping on orders over $75. We know you’ve got a SmartPak wish list already built, so why not get a chunk of that taken care of with this sale?
My MOJO is now a daily part of my wardrobe.
Our friends at MOJO are also offering a great deal this holiday season. Simply enter the code ENblkfriDEALS to receive 20% off any purchase through December 3. It’s a great time to check out MOJO wristbands and halter/collar patches at a big discount.
Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming 12 Days of Christmas giveaways right here on EN! Happy Holidays!
Product Review: Flexible Fit Equestrian Mix and Match Bridle
Photo by Sally Spickard.
There is something about opening up a box full of brand new leather. The smell is intoxicating, and the great quality leather just feels like butter in your hands. This is how I felt when I received a package all the way from Australia from Flexible Fit Equestrian.
Flexible Fit was born of the concept of well-fitted, quality tack for our horses. And that thought process is evident when you first look at their equipment lines. The first item I tried was a Mix & Match bridle — essentially, you can buy a complete bridle by fitting it to your horse’s measurements and selecting the parts that will provide the most comfort.
Instead of a “one size fits all” concept using Cob, Full Size and Oversize terms, Flexible Fit will guide you through measuring your horse for each piece of the bridle, enabling you to truly achieve a custom fit without the hefty price tag.
I had sent my measurements for my horse to Flexible Fit, and right out of the box the bridle fit beautifully. The padded, thick noseband is different from what I am used to, but I quickly saw how much more comfort it seemed to provide and was sold. I love how the bottom of the noseband is also padded so that the pressure from the closure is not an issue.
Photo by Sally Spickard.
The noseband also comes with a removable flash attachment — I don’t use a flash on my horse, so it was nice to be able to completely remove the attachment rather than have a loop hanging off of the noseband at all times.
The bridle is also a monocrown, which I love for the alleviation of poll pressure and, therefore, comfort for the horse. I’ve only ever ridden my horse in a monocrown bridle, but he really seems to go quietly in it and doesn’t fuss when I put it on.
As far as the quality of the leather is concerned, it’s to die for. Right out of the box, it’s supple and soft — but not soft to the point where you feel it will fall apart with heavy use. I ride in this bridle daily, and even use it on multiple horses sometimes, and have not seen any signs of wear or damage yet.
Photo by Sally Spickard.
And let’s just talk about the reins. I tried the rubber reins, and they are literally unlike any other rubber rein I’ve had. I’m a big fan of this material, and it’s very flexible while still providing tons of grip. These are probably my favorite reins ever, and it’s hard to do them justice in a photo!
These reins, though. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Flexible Fit Equestrian is currently distributed through Australia, but they are working on opening operations here in the States! In the meantime, they do offer flat rate international shipping, so it’s a great option for a custom fit bridle that’s oozing quality and class.
If you’re convinced, we are partnering up with Flexible Fit this week to give away a Mix and Match bridle of your own! Head over to this week’s Fab Freebie to enter now.
Fab Freebie: Outfit Your Horse with a Flexible Fit Equestrian Bridle
Photo by Sally Spickard.
Just in time for the holidays, this week’s Fab Freebie is a great idea for a gift for yourself and your horse! We reviewed the Mix and Match Bridle from Flexible Fit Equestrian, and you definitely need to check out this awesome company from Down Under.
Hailing from Australia (but working on U.S. operations!), Flexible Fit Equestrian offers a truly custom fit bridle without the hefty price tag. The products are made from amazing, supple leather and are designed with the ultimate comfort of the horse in mind.
Check out our review here, and if you’re dying to get your hands on some new leather swag, then enter this week’s giveaway and check out News & Notes on Friday to see if you are the winner! Good luck!
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.
Sunday Video: Ride Around Luhmühlen with Michael Jung and Sam
In searching for epic helmet cams to share with you on this cold (at least in the Midwest!) Sunday, we stumbled on this great find thanks to helmet cam company Cambox ISIS. Michael Jung donned one of these cameras while out on course at Luhmühlen earlier this year, where he and La Biosthetique Sam finished in third place overall.
I don’t know about you, but the ride looks just as smooth from this perspective as it does from other angles — just another Ze Terminator trademark!
Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin
With this year’s Retired Racehorse Project come and gone already, it’s time to start thinking ahead to next year. There are so many eligible Thoroughbreds out there — it’s just a matter of finding the right fit! As always, it’s difficult to select just a few listings to feature each week, but here are some of our favorite available OTTBs from this week.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.
I may be a bit biased based on name here (you know, that really catchy Major Lazer song, “Lean On”?), but this adorable girl is available through Finger Lakes Finest in New York. Major Lazer (Alphabet Soup – I’m a Cheetah, by Kiridashi) is a 2011 mare who has never raced as she shows more promise as a sprinter, which decreases her local value. The track’s loss is your gain in this instance!
Major Lazer on Finger Lakes Finest
Photo via New Vocations.
This solid boy is a 2011 gelding who is currently up for adoption through New Vocations’ Lexington location. Spun Hard (Hard Spun – The Real Melody, by Unbridled’s Song) has just four races under his belt and is described as primarily a push ride so far in his restarting. He stands 16.1 hands and looks like he will be a straightforward project for a suitable new owner!
Photo via PA Racehorse Rehoming.
Hot Stocker (Andiron – Crept By, by Snuck In) is an adorable 3-year-old gelding who is currently available through PA Racehorse Rehoming. Hot Stocker raced 11 times, winning twice and earning a shade over $32,000 on the track. He is described as retired sound (his last race was at the end of October) and on clean legs.
Brody Robertson Channels Uncle George in Kansas City Clinic
Brody Robertson explains an exercise to a clinic group. Photo by Bonnie Anderson.
We are all familiar with Brody Robertson’s successful show jump design business, but did you know he’s also a well accomplished rider and effective clinician to boot? Area IV riders got to experience a Brody clinic first hand when he visited West End Farm in Kansas City, Kansas earlier this month.
Brody has many years of experience in the show jump ring and brings a hearty focus on rider position and effectiveness to his clinics. His teaching style immediately reminded me of George Morris, whom Brody has also learned from over the years, from the delivery of his instructions to the basic yet integral position fixes that are so important for all styles of riding.
The riders in this clinic ranged from younger children on their ponies to Training level eventers, and all walked away with a few new tools to utilize in the upcoming winter season. Using a simple, equitation-style course, Brody emphasized the importance of straightness and the intent with which you must deliver your instructions to your horse.
He started each group off with at least 10 minutes of simply walking on the buckle with feet out of the irons. This allows both horse and rider to relax and stretch before starting work, he explained. It was interesting to see a few of the typically keyed up horses visibly relaxing when they weren’t put immediately to work. This also provided the opportunity for Brody to explain his teaching methods, which he peppered with entertaining anecdotes and analogies to make them relatable.
Brody watches as Lyndsey Gruber completes an exercise. Photo by Bonnie Anderson.
From the walk, riders were put through each respective gait, with Brody immediately honing in on leg and seat position and how this translates over into jumping. Another thing I was very impressed with was his knack for remembering names! The first group contained seven riders, and he did not once forget a name. I suppose I am impressed with this due to my complete ineptitude for remembering names.
While not every rider in this clinic was an eventer, I think that the concepts taught were applicable for any discipline. Brody kept using the analogy of asking his math teacher why he had to learn certain things. “When am I ever going to use this in the real world?” he asked. He then explained that even something as simple as honing your jumping position would pay off over time through both physical fitness as well as effectiveness as the jumps increased in size.
Brody was quick to let a rider know if they’d done something incorrectly, throwing out a few George Morris worthy quips, but he was equally quick to offer helpful advice on how to improve on that mistake the next time through.
Jaiden Waddle and Ursa Minor make quick work of a course. Photo by Bonnie Anderson.
My personal theory with clinics is that if you can come away with just one new tool to use in the future, it is a success. Not every clinician will instruct the same way or focus on the same things, but there is always something to learn. No matter what discipline you choose, there is always a new concept to wrap your mind around. Even the reining riders who share the barn watched several sessions, asking questions and subsequently expanding their knowledge base.
Brody was a very approachable clinician who instilled confidence in the riders with his quiet approach and systematic teaching. He did not over face anyone but made his exercises challenging for even the most advanced rider. We definitely plan to invite him back, and would highly recommend taking the opportunity to participate in a clinic near you!
Jennifer McFall to Offer Syndication for High Times
Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Jennifer McFall announced this week that she will begin offering syndicate shares for her upper level partner, High Times. “Billy” is an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding who successfully completed his first CCI4* in Kentucky last year. Since then, he’s racked up his fair share of consistent results at the three-star level, and Jen has big plans for the future.
“We are excited to share some big news as we have announced our plans to syndicate Jen’s Four Star partner, High Times aka Billy,” Jen wrote in a statement.
“This syndication will offer ownership opportunities at an affordable cost for those interested in experiencing eventing as an owner with this proven four-star horse.
“This opportunity gives ten shareholders a chance to own a world-class horse. With career highlights that include completing his first CCI4* at Rolex Kentucky in 2014, wins at numerous horse trials, and a recent third place finish at the Rebecca Farm CIC3* in 2015, “Billy” is an exciting horse to be a part of looking to the 2016 season.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to have people join Billy and I in his prime years as owners. Syndicating him will allow us to take advantage of education opportunities, so that he can truly compete at the elite level I know he is capable of with the highest possible degree of success.
“This is not a one person (or one family) endeavor in my eyes, but rather something that will be most enjoyable to experience with a group. I feel like this horse really is “the people’s horse”. He is someone that a lot of people relate to with true talent that could hit big with the right support.”
For those interested in becoming involved with this syndicate, email [email protected] for more information. We wish Jen and Billy the best of luck with their future endeavors and look forward to seeing more from this pair in the future.
Saturday Video: Drones on Cross Country
We’ve seen an increase in drone footage of cross country in recent months, and this short look at the use of these machines for a unique angle on videography gives us another perspective on the use of drones.
Some of the benefits mentioned in this video are from a training perspective — drones could potentially be beneficial with the “eye in the sky” point of view, giving coaches and their students a way to see the lines a rider is using in a combination, for example.
What do you think, EN? Do you think the benefits outweigh the potential risks for using more drones in eventing? Weigh in below!
Ingrid Klimke and Parmenides Win Indoor Eventing at Sweden International
Ingrid Klimke and Parmenides lead the victory gallop in Stockholm. Photo via Ingrid on Facebook.
Indoor eventing season is in full swing, and it definitely seems to be a staple on many European riders’ calendars. Ingrid Klimke, fresh off of a competition at Stuttgart last week, took home the win in the Indoor Eventing at the Sweden International Horse Show on Thursday evening aboard Parmenides.
Parmenides is an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding who has a good amount of experience at the two-star level. Ingrid’s had the ride on this horse for the entirety of his FEI career, and she clinched the Indoor title this week with a score of 72.48, scored on time and jump faults.
In second were New Zealand’s Daniel Jocelyn aboard Beaucatcher, who scored a 72.65, followed by Andreas Ostholt and Pennsylvania (72.81) and Linda Algotsson and Fairnando (75.41). There was also a team competition in which Germany took home the title (surprise!), followed by the combined team of Australia and New Zealand in second, Sweden in third and the Brits in fourth.
We’re finding some videos of rounds from the Indoor competition, including Paul Tapner and Kilronan’s round:
Watch Kilronan at The Sweden International Horse Show Stockholm Indoor XC challenge where he and Paul were part of the “Down Under” team who finished 2nd behind the Germans!
Posted by Tapner Eventing Team on Saturday, November 28, 2015
As well as this assortment of rides, including an interesting routine that seems to be a sort of rally race…
Congratulations to Ingrid and Parmenides on their win! Go Indoor Eventing.
Sweden International Horse Show: [Results]
Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Watch Me
Get ready for some goosebumps. SlingShot Productions teamed up with Zimbabwe-born event rider Camilla Kruger, who is taking aim at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, to produce this mesmerizing video highlighting the relationship between horse and rider and the passion we have for the sport.
Featuring crisp slow motion shots and chill-inducing music, this is a video you absolutely must see. To learn more about Camilla and her road to Rio, click here.
#ClippingChronicles, Part II
We asked, you delivered. Clipping season is in full swing, and you all are getting super creative with your clip jobs this winter! Keep those submissions coming by emailing sally@eventingnation or tagging us on Instagram or Twitter using #ClippingChronicles.
Victoria Tunis’ clip job on Meadowridge Daycoach.
Ham the OTTB, owned by Brannon McGarland Schuckert and clipped by Kelly Johnson.
A collection of Tori Traube’s clip jobs.
Peter Pan reaching for his star. #thedoctorisin #pandyman #clippingchronicles
A photo posted by @horsegirl779699 on
Victoria Blass made a three-star horse out of this one!
Now that’s dedication! Photo via EN reader Jackie.
If that’s lucky, we don’t know what is. Clip job by Mallory Stiver.
Up Your Grid Game with Laine Ashker’s #GOTD Exercises
Screenshot via Laine Ashker on Instagram.
It’s a constant battle to find new ideas for your training regimen, and the off-season exacerbates the difficulty of breaking monotony. Thankfully, many riders are also tinkering with their training and sharing their tips along the way. Laine Ashker recently began doing a “Grid of the Day” post featuring various grid exercises that can be useful for horses and riders of all levels.
One of the useful things about grid work is that the jumps can be tiny and still drive the point home. You don’t need to jump 4-foot to prove anything — put the jumps at whatever height are comfortable for you and your horse, and keep in mind that the less wear and tear on a horse’s legs the better.
Check out some creative grid exercises and the training concept behind them from Laine’s Instagram:
A video posted by Lainey Ashker (@laineyea) on
Have any fun gymnastic/grid exercises to add, EN? Let’s see them! Post them in your comments below or tag us on Instagram using #ENGridSkills. Happy jumping!
Tuesday Videos from SpectraVET: Watch Indoor Eventing from Stuttgart German Masters
A few rounds from last week’s Indoor Derby at the Stuttgart German Masters are beginning to pop up, and we’re enjoying reliving the action from an exciting night of competition. The course was set at 2* level for competitors, who rode everything from seasoned four-star horses to younger horses who were newer to the level.
As we know, French rider Sidney Dufresne took home the win, followed closely by Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. You can check out Sidney’s winning round below:
Das Highlight gestern Abend war ganz klar das Indoor Derby! Der Franzose Sidney Dufresne Eventing mit Looping de Buissy…
Posted by ClipMyHorse.de on Thursday, November 19, 2015
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SmartPak Presents: “If Horses Were People … at Mealtime”
It’s been awhile since we’ve had a new episode of “If Horses Were People” from our friends at SmartPak, but this new video is worth the wait! What is your horse like at mealtime? We’re positive you’ll identify with one of these scenarios … and if not, this is only Part I of this series!
Enjoy, and many thanks to SmartPak for sharing another hilarious video.
Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin
I’ll admit it: I’m a big time social media stalker. I’ve come to terms with it, and really I’m mostly stalking people’s horses, which makes me feel more secure about it. My point is, a lot of new OTTBs are popping up on my timeline, which is so exciting and also a reminder that the tracks are closing down for the winter. This means that it’s a great time to go bargain shopping for a new horse if you’re ready to take one on.
Here are a few of our favorite OTTB listings from the past week! Don’t forget to email [email protected] if one of these horses becomes yours!
Photo courtesy of the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
This guy popped up on my Facebook last night, and I was instantly taken with his lovely gaits and nice attitude. Lion Fish (Student Council – Tyne, by Awesome Again) is a 2011 gelding with just one start (and one win!) under his belt at Churchill Downs. Lion Fish stands 16.2 hands high and is said to be the prince everyone has been looking for. This is a seriously athletic guy who is just oozing with potential — don’t forget to watch the video on his page!
Lion Fish on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.
If you’re looking for tall, dark and handsome, look no further than Tony D (Touch Gold – Party Cited, by Alleged), who sold for $400,000 as a yearling but won just once in 23 starts. A 2010 model standing 17 hands, Tony D is said to have a kind attitude and a great build and natural movement to make him a great fit for the sport horse world.
Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.
Lastly this week is this beautiful girl, Quiet Prediction, available through CANTER PA. Quiet Prediction (Real Quiet – Cozzmic Wonder, by Cozzene) has a great sire in Real Quiet and is super athletic and ready to move on to a sporting home. Quiet Prediction raced 14 times, winning second and just about $29,000 during her career. She last raced in April of 2015, so she’s had some time to come down from her racing fitness a bit.
Sunday Video: Shamwari Gets Back to Work
Look who’s out stretching his legs, EN! That’s right — one of the stars of Boyd Martin’s barn, Shamwari 4, is back in work and looking happy to be back to it. We haven’t seen much of Shamwari, a 13-year-old Hanoverian owned by the Shamwari 4 Syndicate, since WEG in 2014 and we aren’t sure of Boyd’s plans for him just yet. Regardless, it’s good to see him out and about!
On Sibling Rivalry and Starting Out Young
Ben Noonan and Covergirl Angel at Queeny Park Horse Trials. Photo by Kick On Photo.
There’s something special about seeing a driven and talented kid who is just starting out in the sport of eventing. There’s something even more special when you meet a pair of siblings who are each fiercely dedicated to their sport of choice — it’s a feeling that makes you sit up and pay attention and think, “I should probably remember these names for the future.”
That’s what happened when I met Ben and Bridget Noonan while competing my young horse at Heritage Park in Olathe, Ks. this fall. I had seen this duo earlier in the year during a photography job and was impressed by what seemed to be great attitudes and a willingness to learn.
But then I asked Ben, 11, how he thought his Starter cross country course rode while we were waiting in the warm-up for show jumping. He immediately launched into a Boyd Martin-esque analysis of his course, telling me how his horse — whom he had just gotten the month before — handled each question and what he thought he could improve on going forward. I was blown away by his educated answer so much that I could only respond with, “Yeah, me too.”
Ben’s sister, Bridget, is the same way. At 15, she’s also started her eventing career on an Appendix Quarter Horse named I Did It Ina Minute (“Mikey”), a saintly horse who is a jack of all trades and a perfect educator for a young rider. Bridget is as poised and well spoken as her younger brother, and the impression these two kids left stayed with me as I thought about the up and coming generation of the sport and what it takes to truly become a student of eventing.
The Noonan siblings have had the privilege of growing up on a hunter/jumper farm, Noonan Farms, in Chesterfield, Mo. This has afforded them the opportunity of learning to ride anything and everything that comes their way, and they’ve worked hard to produce the horses chosen to take them into the eventing world.
Bridget Noonan and I Did It Ina Minute at Queeny Park. Photo by Kick On Photo.
Training with Ellen Sadler at Capitol Farms, these kids know the meaning of hard work and the importance of humility in a sport that’s quick to remind you of just how lowly you are. They got their start with eventing just a few years ago, wanting to combine a love of dressage with the exciting addition of jumping.
“When we first started, Ben loved dressage,” Bridget recalled. “We’d be in the arena, and Ben would be running around doing half-passes and pirouettes on foot. He was really fascinated by it. We wanted to combine the love of dressage with jumping.”
“I actually was terrified of jumping at first,” Ben said. “We went to a cross country schooling at Queeny Park with Camie Stockhausen, and both of our horses were bucking and running off. We called it the second running of the Kentucky Derby, but we kept getting back on. That’s when Ellen (Sadler) walked over to my dad and asked if she could train us.”
Ben and Bridget began trailering over to Ellen’s farm for lessons and quickly learned to love eventing, traveling to a few events to compete at Starter level and getting their sea legs out on cross country. Eventually, Ellen found a new horse for Ben to continue on after his first pony, Covergirl Angel, showed that cross country was not her favorite phase.
After just a few weeks with the new horse, also an Appendix named Rylee, Ben cruised around Heritage Park to finish in third in the Pre-Beginner Novice division, just ahead of his sister and “Mikey.”
Now, the Noonan kids are making plans for the 2016 season, anticipating a move up with their horses and keeping their goals for the future in mind.
“I have a pony who I’ve been asked to catch ride at the A shows this winter,” Ben said. “So I’m lucky to have that opportunity. I really want to move up to Beginner Novice next year — I’ve been doing starter for a year and a half now and would like to be able to move out of that.”
Ben and Covergirl Angel at Queeny Park. Photo by Kick On Photo.
“Mikey will work on dressage all winter,” Bridget said. “We want to be able to finish up at Novice by the end of next season. We’ve also started looking at OTTBs to train — Ben and I want to eventually compete on horses we have trained, like Meghan O’Donoghue.”
What about the concept of “sibling rivalry”? Does this exist with such a close knit pair?
Ben laughs when I ask him this and says there is a lot of rivalry, but that it’s different. “It’s more telling people how good the other one is,” he said. “We always push each other and critique each other so much that we almost can’t be in the same arena.”
“Ben always beats me in the dressage,” Bridget said ruefully. “So that’s where the rivalry is. I will be working on dressage for two months before a show and Ben will be doing it two weeks before and he’ll still beat me.”
At the end of the day, though, it’s not about who comes out on top — a lesson Ellen has firmly instilled in Ben and Bridget. “One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from Ellen is that winning isn’t everything,” Bridget said. “The point of it is to really appreciate your horse.”
“It’s more about the experience than winning,” Ben added. “Ellen teaches you to be patient with your horse and that practice makes perfect. She will spend the whole day with you, walking courses multiple times, and all she asks for is a ‘thank you’ at the end.”
Bridget and Mikey having a blast at Queeny Park. Photo by Kick On Photo.
And, as with any aspiring eventer, there are always role models to emulate.
“I really like Michael Jung,” Ben said (smart kid). “Also, when I was eight, I was watching videos of Rolex, not even knowing that this was the top level of the sport or who anyone was, and I saw William Fox-Pitt and I thought, ‘Oh, I want to look like him.’ And then I found out who he was!”
Bridget seconded the William Fox-Pitt notion and also named Area IV amateur Jana Lyle as a role model. “She helped us with our dressage at Dunnabeck and she was just amazing,” she said. “The way she takes care of her horse and how she still smiles no matter what her result is — it’s really inspiring.”
Both siblings have big plans, each wanting to eventually compete at Rolex but aware of the road that lies ahead of them. In a conversation with Ben and Bridget, though, you find it easy to picture them, a few years older, representing hard work and dedication in the Rolex Arena in Kentucky.
When it comes down to it, it is kids like these who are the grassroots of the sport and the lifeline of eventing. These kids, who hang posters on their walls of William Fox-Pitt and Michael Jung, who model themselves after those who came before them. These kids, who get up each day with a goal in mind and a plan to achieve that goal. These kids, who remind us all of where we came from and how infinitely possible everything can be when you’re willing to work.
Kick on, Noonan kids. We’ll all be cheering for you.
Shane Rose Takes Home Historic Adelaide CCI4* Win
Shane Rose and CP Qualified at Adelaide in 2015. Photo by Stephen Mowbray Photography.
It was a day to remember for Shane Rose, who is ticking the boxes on his quest to represent Australia at Rio next year. He certainly gave the selectors plenty to sit up and pay attention to in the final phase of the Adelaide CCI4*, jumping clear aboard Virgil and lowering one rail with CP Qualified to take first and second overall.
Shane did have a fence in hand with CP Qualified, who led through the entire weekend, and needed to use that during his round. Nonetheless, his final score of 49.3 was enough to clinch the win (over himself) and the only score in the 40s to end the weekend. CP Qualified is a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Felicity and Elizabeth Wischer — this is his third CCI4* start, second placing within the top 8 or better, and his first win at the level.
Virgil, a 10-year-old gelding owned by Michelle Hasibar and Brett Jones, finishes up his first CCI4* start on a final score of 50.8 after seeing much success at the three-star level prior to his move up. It’s apparent now that Shane has a couple of different tools in his arsenal as he continues his Olympic campaign.
“I knew Clarke would be really hard to beat and we have about six Aussie guys that are here that I knew would be up there,” Shane said after his win. “I think both horses have performed very well and it would have been great to jump clear on Qualified but to run first and second in this field is what I was hoping I could do.”
Shane Rose takes his lap aboard Virgil with CP Qualified in tow. Photo courtesy of Julie Wilson / FEI.
“Before the event I said I would be pretty disappointed if I didn’t finish in the top four. I have very competitive horses and I felt if I did a good job that we’d be close. Coming down here I openly said here that this is where I wanted to qualify and get selected for Rio.”
Holding on to third place following show jumping is Clark Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation, an 11-year-old New Zealand Warmblood owned by the Johnstone Family, who also made his debut at the CCI4* level this weekend. Clark is also on the Olympic radar and will head to the UK in the spring to continue his quest to be named to the New Zealand team.
Clark Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation. Photo courtesy of Julie Wilson / FEI.
Sonja Johnson, a sheep farmer by day, moved up from 15th into fourth on cross country day and didn’t let go of that placing in the final phase, jumping double clear Parkiarrup Illicit Liason to finish on a three day score of 59.4. This horse evidently had an overreach coming in to the event, which put Sonja on the fence on competing him.
“He really had a poor preparation, as I have only been able to ride him for a few days,” she said. She certainly pulled it together for the weekend though and will be another one for the selectors to keep their eyes on as the next season begins.
It’s been a great weekend of eventing from Down Under, and we’d like to thank the FEI as well as the Adelaide press office for keeping us up to speed on the happenings — almost as good as being there ourselves!
We’d also like to take a moment to wish Kiwi photographer Libby Law all the best as she suffered a rollerblading accident and landed herself in the hospital before this event. We’re sad to not see her beautiful photos coming from Adelaide, but we hope to see her back in action soon!
