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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

Who Jumped It Best? Dutta Corp Fair Hill YEH-5 Edition

By Sally Spickard on Oct 19, 2015 11:00 am -

It’s time to play a fun version of Who Jumped It Best! I had the privilege of watching some seriously talented young horses this weekend at Fair Hill, all vying for the 4- and 5-year-old USEA East Coast Young Event Horse Championship title. After a day of dressage, the competitors were turned loose in the field to show off their jumping prowess, and there sure was a lot to see!

I shot some of the horses over a brush log heading to a drop into the water. This was a really challenging course, but I was impressed with how well the horses handled it. Some of them had never dropped into water or answered a lot of the different types of questions, but they hardly batted an eye.

So, you know the drill! Take a look at these photos and vote for your favorite overall presentation using the poll at the bottom of this post. Eternal EN karma to the winner! Poll closes on Wednesday, October 21 at noon. Good luck!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Final Scores, YEH Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Alyssa Peterson and Ready Or Not. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Dom Schramm and FE Flagstone. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Marilyn Little and RF Smoking Gun. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Ryan Wood and Isabella C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sean McQuillan and Fulham. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Will Coleman and Don Dante. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Michael Jung, Laura Collett Win at Le Lion d’Angers, Kelly Prather 9th

By Sally Spickard on Oct 18, 2015 5:58 pm -

Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It was an exciting day across the pond for our U.S. rider, Kelly Prather, as she jumped a beautiful double clear round earlier today to ultimately finish ninth in a very competitive 7-year-old championship division at Le Lion d’Angers.

Kelly received the inaugural Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant to compete at the prestigious Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers this year, and they made good on the opportunity by finishing on their dressage score to jump from 32nd after dressage to a top ten finish. She finishes in excellent company, with Chris Burton, Michael Jung, Thomas Carlile and Laura Collett also accompanying her in the top 10.

Laura Collett and Mr Bass. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It wasn’t to be for Michael Jung in the 7-year-old class as he incurred 12 jumping penalties with Lennox 364, with whom he led following the first two phases, to drop down into eighth place overall. It was Laura Collett and Mr Bass who would take the win, finishing clear to move from fourth into the champion position.

Mr Bass is owned by Laura, Keith Scott and Nick How and completed his very first CCI2* this weekend in grand fashion. It was a tough show jumping course that yielded few clear rounds, so Laura has an exciting horse for the future in this young one.

Michael Jung and fischerIncantas. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung did, however, win the 6-year-old championship aboard fischerIncantas — just how many of these fischer horses does he have waiting in the wings? Share the wealth, Michael. Just share it. Michael did pick up four faults today, but he had as much in hand to be able to still seal the win over second placed Merel Blom and The Quizmaster.

Le Lion d’Angers: [Website] [6 YO Leaderboard] [7 YO Leaderboard] [Leaderboard Stud Book] [Twitter]

William Fox-Pitt Injury Update: Still Under Observation

By Sally Spickard on Oct 18, 2015 5:00 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Reinstated at Le Lion d'Angers. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

We reported yesterday that William Fox-Pitt suffered a head injury following a fall from Reinstated in the 7-year-old division at Le Lion d’Angers. William was taken to the hospital for observation, and British Eventing has released a new statement on his condition:

There is no real change in William Fox-Pitt’s condition this evening, he has undergone more tests and will remain sedated and under observation.

Wililam’s family and support team are very grateful for all the concern expressed; there will be further updates when more information becomes available.

This update comes further to yesterday’s news that William and his horse Reinstated fell at obstacle number 20 (an owl hole) at Le Lion ‘Angers.

The emergency teams arrived immediately and gave William all necessary care in order to manage his transport to the Angers Hospital. The horse was uninjured.

Our thoughts continue to be with William and his family during this time, and we will continue to monitor for further updates on his condition.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines Win Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2*

By Sally Spickard on Oct 18, 2015 2:05 pm -

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Will Coleman watched the CCI2* course for awhile this morning while the first riders took their turns. He watched each fence and each turn, taking mental notes about the tricky questions and formulating a plan.

That plan certainly paid off as Will laid down a flawless round under immense pressure — he had not one rail to spare to clinch the win — to take home the spoils in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. The 8-year-old French Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Conair Syndicate laid down the gauntlet in the dressage, earning a 42.5 to take the lead and never let it go.

“It probably wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve ever had on him but he left them up,” Will said. “He tried really hard, I think he was a little bit nervous when he went in and it was probably the worst possible course for him — it was all left turns and long distances. He’s hard to turn left for whatever reason, I don’t know why. He was great.”

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It was a glimpse into the future of sorts for Will and his team, who really saw the potential of this young horse in his performance this weekend. It was also a weekend of personal and professional achievement for Will. The Conair Syndicate has been through the lowest of the lows following the sudden loss of Conair last year, and it has meant a lot to Will that this team of supporters has stuck by his side.

“Anytime you win a three-day event, it’s a big deal, especially at the two star level and up,” Will said. “This one has eluded me for a number of years. I’ve been second and third and fourth in the two star and the three star here but I’ve never won it so personally I think it’s an accomplishment. But for this group, they’ve really had to go through a lot of the ups and downs of being an event horse owner and had to endure arguably the worst of the downs when we lost (Conair). They were just humbling and gracious about it, they come to pick me up when I was down and helped me get back on my feet and I’m thrilled for them. It’s a taste of what’s to come.”

Sally Ike’s course was tricky, and the early morning light made for even more difficulty for many. The first fence, a brown vertical, came down often, as did penultimate and final fences. Just under half of the field of 55 jumped clear within the time, and the pressure cooker intensified as we got closer to the top of the division.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jumping for no worse than second, Phillip Dutton and Z put in a foot perfect round professionally piloted by Phillip to do everything they could to steal the win from Will. Z is another finishing on his dressage score (45.3) in his first CCI2* — and only his third FEI event with Phillip in the irons.

Phillip said yesterday that he thought the partnership with this horse owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Jaccqueline Mars and Suzanne Lacy is still maturing, but he certainly gave us a glimpse of the future this weekend.

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Allison Springer unfortunately lowered one rail — an expensive penalty today — opening the door for Matt Flynn and Get Lucky to move up into third place overall thanks to their double clear round. Matt and the 7-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Flynn Sport Horses LLC hunted the top of the board all weekend, moving from eighth to fifth after cross country and finally into third to end the weekend.

“I imported him as 5-year-old — he was doing some show jumping in Holland,” Matt said. “He was really good this weekend. This is his first year at Intermediate and he won Millbrook and he jumped great today.”

Waylon Roberts was also a mover this weekend, moving from 11th after dressage with Bill Owen to ultimately finish in fourth place. The top four in this division all added nothing to their dressage scores.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I was super impressed with Palm Crescent, who was piloted by Meghan O’Donoghue to a seventh place finish. Palm Crescent is a 9-year-old OTTB gelding owned by Chase and Darcie Shipka and campaigned in 2014 by Chase. This is a super talented horse with a careful hind end who also ended on his dressage score after steadily moving up the ranks.

Kylie Dermody finished her stellar weekend with a big bang, bringing home all three of her horses home with just one time penalty between them all to finish in the top 20. Kylie’s not had the rides on these horses for all that long, making this weekend all the more impressive. She’ll finish the weekend with DaVinci Code (9th), Lup the Loop (13th), and Sacramento (19th).

A few other awards were also handed out during the prize giving: the Jonathan R. Burton Trophy for the USEF Two-Star Young Horse Eventing National Championship for 6- and 7-year old horses as well as the John H. Fritz Trophy for the USEF Two-Star Young Rider Eventing National Championship.

Z took home the Jonathan R. Burton Trophy with Get Lucky as the reserve and Adrian Jones won the John H. Fritz Trophy with Madeline Backus as the reserve. Kristin Buffamoyer and Jim were awarded the Best Presentation Award.

The CCI2* competition has been tough from the start, and it truly was a hard fought battle to get to the top of the rankings. Congratulations to all! I will continue to add photos tonight so keep checking back as I got almost everyone.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Live Scores, PRO Tour Radio, YEH Final Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

: Allison Springer and Cascani. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Booli Selmayr and Jaeda. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Jordan Thompson and Femme Fatale. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Justine Dutton and Jak My Style. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Matt Brown and BCF Talking Point. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Nora Battig and Steppin Out. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nypmh. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By Sally Spickard on Oct 18, 2015 11:30 am -

This morning, I was listening to Boyd Martin chat a bit about his newer ride, Blackfoot Mystery, who is an ex-racehorse. It reminded me once again of just how versatile and athletic these horses can be. Blackfoot Mystery (Out of Place – True Mystery, by Proud Truth) raced just three times with lackluster results, but he’s sitting in third place in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* after cross country!

With that in mind, here’s a look at this week’s featured OTTBs — will one become your next eventing partner?

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.

Our first horse this week is Bad Boy Bubby (Graeme Hall – Bubba’s Cat, by Storm Cat), a Florida bred gelding who is available through Finger Lakes Finest. Bad Boy Bubby was foaled in 2006 and raced an astounding 83 times, winning 14 times and earning a total of $126,113. He stands 16 hands and he’s said to be a very sweet boy with a lot of athletic potential for his new owner.

Bad Boy Bubby was retired sound and has clean legs and proven durability to continue on to his second career.

Bad Boy Bubby on Finger Lakes Finest

Photo via After The Races.

Next up is Arlo, a 2008 gelding who is currently available through After The Races in Pennsylvania. Arlo (Defrere – Crafty Compliment, by Crafty Friend) also has a good number of races, completing 49 races and winning 11 times, including a stakes race. He won over $550,000 in his career and did undergo rehab for a strained (but not torn) tendon over the last year.

Arlo is pending further vet evaluation for his potential going forward, and he’s said to be a bit of a goof so he does need an experienced handler. But he looks like a nice boy who is ready to move on to a nice new home.

Arlo on After the Races

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Our final featured horse this week is Hamlin Gal, a 2011 mare standing 15.3 hands who is available through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in Kentucky. Hamlin Gal (Political Force – Code Silver, by Lost Code) is unraced so you’ve got a clean slate to work with if that is what you are looking for.

Hamlin Gal has a great attitude and is very willing to learn, which will make for a great partnership with her next owner.

Hamlin Gal on MMSC

Kelly Prather in Top 20, Michael Jung Leads Both Divisions at Le Lion

By Sally Spickard on Oct 17, 2015 4:00 pm -

Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Great news from France this morning, where Kelly Prather is competing Debbie Adams’ D.A. Duras in the 7-year-old Championships at Le Lion d’Angers. Kelly is competing with the help of the inaugural Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Grant, and they’ve made good on their opportunity with a double clear cross country trip today for 18th place overall.

Kelly and D.A. Duras are the sole entrants for the U.S. this weekend, scoring a 50.4 in the dressage and adding nothing today across the country. The course appears to have ridden well for most of the division, although there were several eliminations on course.

Michael Jung and Lennox 364. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung (surprise!) is currently leading this division aboard Lennox 364, a Hanoverian gelding owned by the Jung family and Erich Single. This division is competing in a CCI2* for the championship, and this is the first attempt at the level for Lennox 364. They currently lead on a score of 38.0, the only score in the 30s for this group.

Michael Jung and fischerIncantas. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

In the 6-year-old division, a CCI*, is also being led by Michael Jung, this time with fischerIncantas. This is a Holsteiner gelding who scored a 39.1, also the only one in the 30s. This weekend is the third CCI* attempt for this horse, who most recently won the CIC* at Hambach.

We are also following William Fox-Pitt’s status as he was evidently taken to the hospital following a fall in the 7-year-old division. We’ll continue to provide updates on his condition as they are made available.

Cross country also seemed to ride pretty straightforward for the 6-year-olds, and these will definitely be some horses to keep our eyes on in the comings months and years.

Le Lion d’Angers: [Website] [6 YO Leaderboard] [7 YO Leaderboard] [Leaderboard Stud Book] [Twitter]

William Fox-Pitt Suffers Head Injury at Le Lion d’Angers [UPDATE]: In Stable Condition

By Sally Spickard on Oct 17, 2015 2:25 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Reinstated at Le Lion d'Angers. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

William Fox-Pitt has been taken to the hospital following a fall from Reinstated, an Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Teresa Stopford Stackville and Catherine Butler. The pair was competing in the 7-year-old championships for Young Event Horses, a CCI2* level competition, at Le Lion d’Angers.

William’s Twitter page has reported that he is being taken to the hospital for “further testing” following the fall and that the horse was uninjured. Horse & Hound reports that the course was held for over an hour while medical staff attended to William.

WFP had a fall at @MondialduLion this afternoon & has been taken to hospital for further tests. His horse wasn’t injured. Update to follow

— Fox-Pitt Eventing (@foxpitteventing) October 17, 2015

We will continue to provide updates on William as they become available. In the meantime, please join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.

[UPDATE 4:38 p.m. EST]: The Fox Pitt Eventing Twitter page has just posted the following update:

William at Angers hospital following fall @MondialduLion. Suffered head trauma, fine otherwise, stable, remains under observation tonight.

— Fox-Pitt Eventing (@foxpitteventing) October 17, 2015

We’re relieved to hear that William is in stable condition and will continue to look for more updates on his condition.

Fair Hill CCI3* Cross Country Live Updates: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Hold Lead

By Sally Spickard on Oct 17, 2015 1:42 pm -

After a thrilling day of cross country for the CCI2* this morning, we’re getting set for the start of the CCI3* here in just a few minutes. Once again, we’ll be running live updates for this division, so you can follow along for the latest updates here. You can also listen to the live PRO Tour Radio stream here.

Our trailblazers will be Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow, and overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Mai Baum will take the course at 3:34 p.m. EST. Jessica Phoenix has withdrawn Pavarotti, with whom she was placed second after dressage, presumably to head to Galway in a couple of weeks.

Optimum time for the CCI3* is 10 minutes flat.

Be sure to check out our cross country course preview here to see what the horses and riders will be tackling today.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, XC Order of Go, Live Scores, PRO Tour Radio, YEH Final Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

4:45 p.m. EST: Boyd has gone double clear and will head into tomorrow in second place! That does it for the CCI3* division today, we’ll be back shortly with the final report. Here are the scores:

4:44 p.m. EST: Big shout out to the volunteers and organizers and officials and everyone else who has worked so hard to make this event run well!!

4:43 p.m. EST: A big gallop to the finish for Boyd and “Big Red” – will they be inside the time?

4:41 p.m. EST: Boyd and Blackfoot Mystery get some big cheers as they clear the main arena easily.

4:49 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery are on course and clear through 13.

4:35 p.m. EST: So it’s just Boyd Martin left to jump with Blackfoot Mystery. Lillian Heard and FYI are approaching the final water.

4:32 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson and Be Mine pulled up before the first fence evidently. Bummer, not his day. Ryan Wood has gone inside the time with Fernhill Classic!

4:30 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton has gone inside the time with Fernhill Cubalawn to go into fourth! Ryan Wood is clear through 20 and Lillian Heard with her final ride, FYI, are clear through 12.

4:25 p.m. EST: Most of the final competitors have withdrawn so Buck with Be Mine and Boyd with Blackfoot Mystery will be the final two on course.

4:24 p.m. EST: Joe Meyer and Clip Clop are safely through the main arena.

4:24 p.m. EST:

@domschramm is ready to ask the hard hitting questions in the #DuttaFHI press conference!

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 1:20pm PDT

4:23 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton with Fernhill Cubalawn and Ryan Wood with Fernhill Classic are both on course now.

4:22 p.m. EST: Sara Kozumplik Murphy has made it through 19 with Catchascatchcan.

4:21 p.m. EST: Justine Dutton has confirmed she is a bit sore from her fall from Huck Finn and elected to withdraw JollyBo to be safe.

4:20 p.m. EST: Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token came home clear!

4:18 p.m. EST: Allie Knowles and Justine Dutton have withdrawn their second rides. We’re following up to ensure they are doing ok after their falls earlier.

4:12 p.m. EST: Sara Kozumplik Murphy has a runout at 5 with Catchascatchcan but is clear on second attempt. Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux are almost home.

4:12 p.m. EST: That’s a double clear for Jenny Caras! One second under the time. Allison Springer has fallen from Athlone Anto, I believe perhaps at the Frog Pond. She evidently came loose at the middle element.

4:12 p.m. EST: Bobby and Token are clear through 14.

4:09 p.m. EST: Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token are away. Bobby was disappointed with the dressage yesterday, having thrown a shoe literally seconds before going in. Here’s hoping to make it up today!

4:07 p.m. EST: Colleen is now clear through the Sunken Road at 9. Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux are clear through 8.

4:04 p.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge has picked up 20 at the final element of the coffin, Rachel’s Rails at 12. Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at clear through 7.

4:03 p.m. EST: Julie Norman and Consensus had an awkward jump at 15 and have retired.

4:02 p.m. EST:

Tamie Smith is a champion What an amazing performance in Mai Baum’s first 3* #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

4:01 p.m. EST: Fair Hill rookie Savannah Fulton has completed with no jumping penalties! Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 are moving easily and headed to 8.

3:59 p.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 are our next starters. Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack are having a brilliant go as they head home in their first CCI3*.

3:58 p.m. EST: Julie Norman had a refusal at 5C but is continuing on.

3:57 p.m. EST: Tears for Tamie! She has gone double clear – 14 seconds under the time! She holds the lead going to tomorrow. That one was for you, Dylan.

3:57 p.m. EST: Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack are approaching the main arena and Julie Norman with Consensus is approaching 5.

3:56 p.m. EST: Tamie is across the finish! Waiting for her time.

@NLETSMITH and Mai Baum make quick work of the main arena at #DuttaFHI pic.twitter.com/B4h6eDTGB4

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

3:56 p.m. EST: Tamie is taking no chances on the clock and is approaching the final water. Erin Freedman is eliminated on refusals after a second refusal at 6.

3:54 p.m. EST: Tamie and Mai Baum came quickly through the Dutta Farm Houses at the main arena. Erin Freedman had a refusal at 5C but was clear on her second attempt with Viola. She’s now run past the corner at 6B.

3:52 p.m. EST: Erin Sylvester has had double clear rides on all three of her rides today! She adds a third on Mettraise in the CCI3*.

3:51 p.m. EST: Holly Payne Caravella and Santino are clear through 18. Tamie and Mai Baum are through Rachel’s Rails at 12.

3:50 p.m. EST: Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack are our latest starters.

3:49 p.m. EST: Erin Sylvester and Mettraise are clear towards the back end of the course. Tamie and Mai Baum are clear through 8.

3:48 p.m. EST: Ok, I’m not crazy. This is actually Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, your overnight leaders, who are on course now!

3:47 p.m. EST: Hm, I guess I read Rachel’s Facebook wrong as Rachel and Irish Rhythm are now on course. Buck has had a refusal at the middle element of the Springhouse Water.

3:47 p.m. EST:

An update on Holly Jacks’ Facebook page says she and More Inspiration are both fine following their fall earlier. #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

3:45 p.m. EST: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum will be the next starters since Rachel McDonough has withdrawn Irish Rhythm. Boyd and Steady Eddie are double clear! The only rider to make the time and he’s done it on his first two horses.

3:45 p.m. EST: Big cheers for Buck and Park Trader as they clear the main arena.

3:44 p.m. EST: Holly Payne Caravella and Santino are now on course. Buck Davidson and Park Trader are about halfway around at the moment.

3:43 p.m. EST: Just 3.2 time for Jennie Brannigan and Catalina, the first CCI3* for this mare owned by Candace Kircher.

3:42 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie are clear through 20.

3:41 p.m. EST: Now out on course is Erin Sylvester with Mettraise.

3:41 p.m. EST:

Hey boydmartin007 I know you’re super busy with all your horses at the #DuttaFHI but we still wanted… https://t.co/2HKdHtX9c7

— Fair Hill Int (@fairhillint) October 17, 2015

3:41 p.m. EST: Jennie Brannigan and Catalina are looking strong through fence 23.

3:40 p.m. EST: Doug and Vandiver finish 18 seconds over time for their first CCI3* together.

3:39 p.m. EST: Buck is back on course, this time with Park Trader.

3:38 p.m. EST:

@dpequestrian making it easy through the main arena on Vandiver at #duttafhi pic.twitter.com/7s1dcuG4gf

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

3:37 p.m. EST: Kurt finished with just 8 seconds over time and Doug Payne is continuing on to 21 working on a clear round. Jennie Brannigan and Catalina are about halfway through and are heading for 13. Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie are clear through 8.

3:34 p.m. EST: Werner Geven is going to be stopped on course as he did not jump through the flags at Rachel’s Flags at 12.

3:33 p.m. EST: Jennie Brannigan is on course with Catalina and clear through the Frog Pond at 5.

3:32 p.m. EST: Doug Payne is clear through 9 with Vandiver. Kurt Martin and DeLux Z have had a great go and are turning for home with two fences to go.

3:32 p.m. EST:

Clear with 16 time for Caroline Martin and Center Stage #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

3:31 p.m. EST: Glad to hear both Sara and Fly Me Courageous are ok following their fall:

3:30 p.m. EST: A big smile from Allie Sacksen as she finishes with Sparrow’s Nio. Just 14 seconds over the time for this pair for a 62.1.

3:28 p.m. EST:

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby home clear with 9 time penalties in the horse’s first 3* #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

3:28 p.m. EST: Doug Payne joins us now aboard Vandiver.

3:27 p.m. EST: Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio came flying through the main arena with wings!

3:26 p.m. EST: Werner Geven and Vilas County are on course. Allie Sacksen is headed to the main arena clear so far.

3:23 p.m. EST: Caroline Martin and Center Stage are safely through 15. Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby are headed for home clear so far. Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio are through the Chesapeake Water at 10. Rebecca Farm CCI3* winners Kurt Martin and DeLux Z are our new starters.

3:22 p.m. EST: Relieved to hear Joe Meyer is ok after his fall earlier:

@eventingnation @FairHillInt all good Sanskrit a bit sore. Getting on next one now! #givingitanothergo

— Joe Meyer (@JoeMeyerEvntr) October 17, 2015

3:22 p.m. EST: Call him nothing if not consistent! Ryan Wood brought Frankie home also one second over time as he did with McLovin.

3:20 p.m. EST: Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio are on course while Ryan Wood and Frankie finish, surely with a quick round.

3:20 p.m. EST: Future eventer right here!

3:19 p.m. EST: Caroline Martin and Center Stage are clear through 5.

3:18 p.m. EST: Marilyn Little has retired RF Overdressed after a second refusal at the Springhouse Water.

3:16 p.m. EST Marilyn has a runout with RF Overdressaed at the log out of the sunken road. She is clear on her second attempt.

3:15 p.m. EST: Jessica Bortner Harris has completed with the 20 jumping. I think she’ll be pleased with “Bug” and his efforts today. Lillian Heard is now back with LCC Barnaby.

3:13 p.m. EST: Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War have a refusal at the Farmyard Corners at 22 but are through that and heading for home.

3:13 p.m. EST: Ryan Wood and his second CCI3* ride, Frankie, are clear through 7.

3:12 p.m. EST: Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A are home clear with 9.6 time, Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War sailed through the main arena at 16 and 17. Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed are clear through 10.

3:06 p.m. EST: Big leaps are the style for Win the War and Jessica Bortner Harris who are clear through I believe 9. Phillip Dutton’s time has been adjusted to a double clear round that will put him into the provisional lead.

3:05 p.m. EST: “My word he was quick through there!” for Phillip and Mighty Nice at the Springhouse Water.

3:05 p.m. EST: Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A is neatly through the Chesapeake Water with the keyhole at 10.

3:04 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice are flying! They’re clear through 21 at the moment.

3:04 p.m. EST: Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War are out on course.

3:03 p.m. EST: Just a reminder, Boyd and Crackerjack are the only pair to come home inside the time. Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border is the current leader with a score of 46.6.

3:03 p.m. EST:

Photographer extraordinaire Charlie Mann works on his cameras between horses #duttafhi

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 12:00pm PDT

3:00 p.m. EST: Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A are our newest starters. Just two on at the moment.

2:59 p.m. EST: Phillip and Mighty Nice have been restarted and are over fence 9.

2:57 p.m. EST: Buck and The Apprentice come home with some time to go into third right now.

2:55 p.m. EST: Hallie Coon has had another runout in the water at the Springhouse Water and has retired.

2:54 p.m. EST: We’re still on a hold for Phillip and new starters as the vets have elected to van More Inspiration back to the barns. We will provide more updates on More Inspiration as they become available.

2:53 p.m. EST: Hallie Coon has had a refusal at 20 with Celien and is clear on her second attempt.

2:52 p.m. EST: Phillip will be held before fence 9 as it appears Holly Jacks and More Inspiration are still in the lane.

2:50 p.m. EST: Holly Jacks has fallen from More Inspiration at fence 9, the Sunburst. Reports that a vet has been requested to look at More Inspiration as he came up sore.

2:50 p.m. EST: Buck and The Apprentice are clear to 22. Here is Boyd and Crackerjack through the main arena:

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack through the main arena. “Go Boyd-y!” from @DomSchramm #duttafhi pic.twitter.com/PWAqJSpIeN

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

2:51 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and his first CCI3* ride, Mighty Nice, are on course.

2:49 p.m. EST: Hallie Coon and Celien had a runout I believe at 12 and were clear on their second attempt.

2:48 p.m. EST: Boyd and Crackerjack are the first double clear of the day! They really smoked around the course so this is not surprising.

2:46 p.m. EST: Boyd is right on Taryn Nolte and Cleverly’s tail as they head for the end of the course. Taryn had a runout at the final element of the Springhouse Water and has moved to the side to let Boyd overtake her.

2:45 p.m. EST: Boyd and Crackerjack stylishly storm through the main arena. He gets a “Go Boyd-y!” from Dom Scrhamm sitting in the stands.

2:44 p.m. EST:

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border home clear and just 2 seconds over to take the early lead #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

2:42 p.m. EST: Buck is on with his second horse, The Apprentice, and is safely through the Fox Mill Farm at 6 where he retired Wiley Post. Boyd is clear through 13 and heading to 14.

2:40 p.m. EST: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border are still clear, through 21.

2:38 p.m. EST: Back with his second ride of the day is Boyd Martin and Crackerjack.

2:36 p.m. EST: Just three left for Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon. Taryn Nolte and Cleverly are on course and have had a stop at the first water, the Frog Pond.

2:34 p.m. EST: Dang it, I’m sorry Joe. I must have jinxed you. Joe’s fallen at fence 15 and both horse and rider are reported to be ok.

2:33 p.m. EST: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border are on course and Joe Meyere and Sanskrit seem to be having a great run.

2:31 p.m. EST: Who’s betting Daniela Moguel got a “NAILED IT!” from coach Karen O’Connor after finishing with just 7 seconds over the time in her first CCI3*??

2:30 p.m. EST: Daniela Moguel and Cecelia have finished. Waiting on their score. Rachel McDonough has withdrawn Irish Rhythm and will compete at Galway later this month.

2:29 p.m. EST: Sara Kozumplik-Murphy has fallen at fence 15B, reports are that she is up and ok. The fence will evidently need repair.

2:28 p.m. EST: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous are clear through 12. Daniela Moguel is having a great run and is clear through 20.

2:27 p.m. EST: Daniela Moguel is clear through the main arena while Ellen Doughty-Hume joins us with Sir Oberon and looking keen to start.

2:23 p.m. EST: Most recently on course are Daniela Moguel and Cecelia, riding for Mexico, and Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Fly Me Courageous.

2:22 p.m. EST: And Maya Black has had a fall at fence 20, the Centerpiece Oxer. This is a big, big oxer on a downhill approach. Reports are that she is up and ok.

2:20 p.m. EST:

Here’s the fence that causing so much trouble so far in the CCI3*: an open corner at 6b. #DuttaFHI pic.twitter.com/pLmj7Q1GY3

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

2:18 p.m. EST: Nilson and Muggle have a stop at 5, the Frog Pond and are clear on their second attempt.

2:17 p.m. EST: Maya is clear through 9 and joining us on course now is Nilso Moeira da Silva and Muggle.

2:16 p.m. EST: Justine was up following her fall and Huck Finn was caught after taking a self-guided tour of the course. Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair are on course by themselves now.

2:12 p.m. EST: Justine Dutton is down at 6 after a hairy jump over the oxer. Medical is on their way to tend to Justine.

2:11 p.m. EST:

Lilly Heard on Arundel

A video posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 11:07am PDT

2:09 p.m. EST: Justine Dutton is back out on her second ride of the day, Huck Finn.

2:08 p.m. EST: Lillian Heard and Arundel had a stop at the Springhouse Water at 24 and are now headed home.

2:06 p.m. EST: The medical team is en route to Allie. Lillian Heard and Arundel are still on course and are clear at 22. We’re hearing that Allie is up and ok. Medical team is checking her now.

2:05 p.m. EST: Jessica has retired A Little Romance after clearing 12C on her second attempt. Allie Knowles is down at the corner at 6, the Frog Pond. Horse is loose and in the process of being caught. Rider is still down at this moment.

2:05 p.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance pick up a 20 at Rachel’s Rails, the coffin complex at 12. Ryan Wood was just one second over the time.

2:04 p.m. EST: Ryan Wood finishes strong and Allie Knowles with The Dark Mark are on course.

2:02 p.m. EST: Jessica Phoenix is on course with A Little Romance. Here’s a look at Marilyn and RF West Indie through the main arena:

go west young mare. Lil’ Mary cruises through on West Indie #JoshAutryTakesOverEN

A video posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 10:58am PDT

2:01 p.m. EST: Ryan Wood and McLovin are clear through 19.

2:01 p.m. EST: 14 seconds over gives Marilyn just a few time penalties. Will this time be consistently harder to get than the CCI2*? Remains to be seen, we have some speedy pairs coming up.

1:59 p.m. EST: Marilyn and RF West Indie have just three to go and still full of run.

1:57 p.m. EST: RF West Indie is very keen and strong through the main arena at the Dutta Farm Houses. She and Marilyn are clear through here. Lillian Heard and EN’s friend Abbie Golden’s Arundel are on course now.

1:54 p.m. EST: And now away are Ryan Wood and his first CCI3* ride, McLovin.

1:53 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin is home with 5 seconds over time with Welcome Shadow. Way to trailblaze, Boyd!

1:52 p.m. EST:

@boydmartin007 throwin shade with welcome shadow #JoshAutryTakesOverEN

A video posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 10:51am PDT

1:50 p.m. EST: Marilyn Little and RF West Indie are on course and clear through 3. Boyd and Welcome Shadow is looking great on the back part of the course. They are clear through 24, the Springhouse Water.

1:47 p.m. EST: Buck is “pouring it on” early on and has unfortunately had a refusal at 6AB, Fox Mill Farm. He has called it a day on Wiley Post.

1:46 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson and Wiley Post are our second pair out of the box. Clear through fence 2.

1:42 p.m. EST: And we’re off with Boyd and Welcome Shadow! They’re clear through 12.

Fair Hill CCI2* Cross Country Live Updates: Will Coleman Holds Lead

By Sally Spickard on Oct 17, 2015 9:08 am -

Follow EN on Instagram for cool #DuttaFHI photos like this one!

Welcome to cross country day at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International! It’s turned out to be a lovely day, with the sun shining and the temperatures forecasted to get into the mid-50s. We’re waiting to kick off the CCI2* cross country at 9:15 a.m. EST, and PRO Tour Radio is here live streaming audio from the event as well. We’ll be bringing you live updates right here, so be sure to bookmark and refresh this page for the latest.

Optimum time for the CCI2* today will be 8 minutes and 19 seconds over a beefy track designed by Derek di Grazia.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, XC Order of Go, Live Scores, PRO Tour Radio, YEH Final Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

1:03 p.m. EST: Here are your top 10 after cross country in the CCI2*. Live scores here.

1:01 p.m. EST: What a day for Kylie! She’s home with her third ride of the day to close out the CCI2*. We’ll definitely be trying to catch up with her later. And just in … and she is one second under the time! She is the only rider to go double clear on all three of her rides. What a great morning! We’ll have the full report for you coming soon.

12:58 p.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Grey Area are double clear! She’s 2 for 3 for double clears. Just Kylie Dermody and Sacramento left on course.

Kylie Dermody and Sacramento clear through the main arena st #DuttaFHI

A video posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 9:57am PDT

1:00 p.m. EST: Kylie Dermody is working on a clear through 19. Can she go double clear on all three horses?

12:54 p.m. EST: Kylie is on course as the final rider of this division. We’ve got Bill Hoos through 18 and Kylie is through 5.

12:49 p.m. EST: Sinead is back on course with her third and final ride of the day on Grey Area. Just two more to start after here, including Kylie Dermody’s third ride. Erin Sylvester was 21 seconds under the time with Campground! That’s 25 double clears.

12:47 p.m. EST: Erin Sylvester and Campground are getting it done around this tough course. Bill Hoos and Celtic Rhythm are on course. Courtney Cooper has a runout with Who’s A Star at 11.

12:44 p.m. EST: Kristen Bond falls from I’m Sew Ready at 16, the MLB table after the water jump. She is back on her feet and I’m Sew Ready is loose at the moment. Bummer. Arden Wildasin is the third to go double clear on two rides; Kylie Dermody and Waylon Roberts are the other two.

12:42 p.m. EST: Arden Wildasin is gunning for her second double clear with Dusky Shadow as she heads for home.

12:41 p.m. EST: Courtney Cooper is back with her second ride of the day with Who’s A Star. Courtney is still walking in a boot when she isn’t on horseback, so mad props to her for still getting on this weekend!

12:41 p.m. EST:

12:37 p.m. EST: A very game The Diesel Boy gets it done with Molly Kinnamon through the Dutta Corners. They take the flag out on the first corner but they kick on clear through that. Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen are the 24th double clear of the day.

12:34 p.m. EST: Just 7 more to go in the CCI2*!

12:33 p.m. EST: Hillary Irwin and Danehill Sunset get it done in a tricky line at the final water.

12:31 p.m. EST: He’s done it! Will Coleman and the Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines are the 23rd double clear and will hold their overnight lead!

12:31 p.m. EST: Tight Lines still pulling for his head at the last. Waiting for his time but will be surprised if he did not make it.

12:30 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and Tight Lines are still full of running as they head for home.

12:29 p.m. EST: Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C are home just two seconds over time and clear otherwise. Waylon Roberts and his second ride, Bill Owen, are on their way.

12:28 p.m. EST: A refusal for Hillary Irwin’s second ride, Danehill Sunset, at the Foundation Drop at 6. Will Coleman and Tight Lines are clear through 15!

12:27 p.m. EST:

Congo Brazzaville C is SO scopey. Gorgeous jumper and looking super with Mara DePuy. Sitting 7th overnight #DuttaFHI

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

12:24 p.m. EST: Kelly Yoder has won our first #ChaseTheChinch prize! Find Maggie out on course today to win a $20 gift certificate from The Horse Tack Company!

Kelly Yoder is our first #chasethechinch winner! @horsetackco #lovetheride #DuttaFHI

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 9:21am PDT

12:24 p.m. EST:

Helen Hayn and Aqua Tom. #DuttaFHI

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:46am PDT

12:23 p.m. EST: Your overnight leaders, Will Coleman and Tight Lines are on course! They do not have much breathing room — Phillip Dutton put the pressure on with a double clear round earlier today aboard Z. Will is currently on a 42.5, Phillip is on a 45.3.

12:22 p.m. EST: Jordan Thompson and Femme Fatale are safely home as the 21st double clear. P.S. Arianna are through the Chesapeake Water at 15.

12:20 p.m. EST: Justine Dutton and Jak My Style complete with 20 jumping penalties but finishing strong from the sound of it.

12:17 p.m. EST Out and raring to go are Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna.

12:14 p.m. EST: Dasha Ivandaeva fell from DB Cooper at the water at 15. She is up and ok and her horse is caught. Justine Dutton had a lovely trip through the Dutta Corners and then picked up a 20 at angled brush at 11B. Lots and lots of trouble there today.

12:12 p.m. EST: Justine Dutton and her newest ride, Jak My Style, are now on course.

12:10 p.m. EST:

12:09 p.m. EST: Katherine Rivera and Royal Lufttanzer have a runout at 11B and are clear on their second attempt.

12:08 p.m. EST: DB Cooper is very strong at the start for Dasha Ivandaeva.

12:06 p.m. EST: Shawn Ferguson and Cruising Guy are clear through the final water at 20. He’s finished clear with 5.2 time penalties.

12:05 p.m. EST: Alex Green has popped out of the tack at the brushes at 7. She’s up and ok, as is Fernhill Bold Gesture.

12:04 p.m. EST: Alex Green and Fernhill Bold Gesture have a refusal at the Foundation Drop at 6.

12:01 p.m. EST: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are double clear and will move them up into 6th or 7th provisionally. That’s the 20th double clear of the day.

12:01 p.m. EST:

Helen Hayn and Aqua Tom. #DuttaFHI

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:46am PDT

11:59 a.m. EST: A refusal at the second of the Dutta Corners for Ema Klugman and Bendigo.

11:58 a.m. EST: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are clear through the coffin at 13.

11:54 a.m. EST: Tamie Smith has informed us that she is ok after her hard fall from Dempsey earlier today. Danielle Poulsen and A Kodak Image are eliminated with their third refusal at 11B.

11:53 a.m. EST: Danielle Poulsen and A Kodak Image have two refusals at 7 and are now on their way to 8. Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are now on course.

11:51 a.m. EST: A great ride through 18 for Adrian Jones and Magnificent Toy.

11:49 a.m. EST: Allison Springer is the 19th double clear of the day! She’s now second provisionally.

11:48 a.m. EST: Allison Springer is having a good birthday, working on a clear aboard Cascani. They looked fantastic coming through the main arena.

11:47 a.m. EST: Sinead Halpin says she was all good after her fall from Top Gun. “I just stepped off onto the jump. (Top Gun) got one leg over and just stopped there.”

11:45 a.m. EST: Tiffani Loudon-Metze and Hap have a runout at the coffin at 13. Sara Moore and Polaris are double clear!

11:40 a.m. EST: Fourth placed after dressage, Allison Springer and Cascani are our latest starters.

11:38 a.m. EST: Sara Moore and Polaris float through the main arena, they make a lovely pair.

11:37 a.m. EST: Another victim at 11B, McKenna Knott and Flanigan.

11:37 a.m. EST:

Posted by Sinead Halpin Eventing on Saturday, October 17, 2015

11:33 a.m. EST: Don’t forget, there are tons of fun activities happening today!

Jessica Shultz clear over number 5 on the #DuttaFHI CCI 2* #crosscountry #equestrian #3dayeventing

A photo posted by Fair Hill International (@fairhillint) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:29am PDT

11:31 a.m. EST: A runout at the final element of the Chesapeake splash at 15 for Jessica Schultz and Lock N’ Load. Tracey Bienemann and Geoni are our 16th double clear of the day. McKena Knott and Flanigan are away on course.

11:29 a.m. EST: Jessica Schultz and Lock N’Load are clear through the main arena. Helen Hayn and Aqua Tom are now on course.

11:26 a.m. EST: Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream finish 5 seconds over but she’ll still be in the top 10 at the moment. Jessica Schultz and Lock N’Load (best name ever for an event horse?) are on course.

11:23 a.m. EST: A refusal for Kelly Beaver and Sempre Fino at 11B. Lots of trouble there today.

11:23 a.m. EST:

Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out. #DuttaFHI

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:09am PDT

11:21 a.m. EST: Bevin Dugan has retired aboard Kemmerlin after a refusal at 18. Hannah Sue Burnett and her exciting new horse Cooley Dream are clear through the main arena.

11:18 a.m. EST: Bevin Dugan and Kemmerlin have a runout at 11. Sable Giesler and Devil Munchkin have a runout at 18.

11:17 a.m. EST: Kylie Dermody is on fire today! She brings home Da Vinci Code home inside the time as well. That’s two for her today!

11:13 a.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph are double clear in a time of 8 minutes 10 seconds. That should rocket her up the board, she was in 21st after dressage.

11:12 a.m. EST: Sinead uses what Brian O’Connor calls “the Ralph Hill technique”, getting her arms going at the out at the final water to pilot “Farrah” through and head home clear so far.

11:12 a.m. EST: Forrest Nymph is still full of running coming to fence 20.

11:11 a.m. EST: Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out are our twelfth double clear! This horse, I believe, is still for sale if anyone’s looking for a solid upper level horse!

11:08 a.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph fly through Dutta’s Corners in the main arena. Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out are working on a clear round through 18 and Kylie Dermody is back on course with Da Vinci Code.

11:07 a.m. EST: Unfortunately, Kelsey and The Gentleman Pirate are now done with their day after a runout at 18C.

11:05 a.m. EST: We’re coming up to about halfway through the CCI2*. You can keep up with the live scores here.

11:05 a.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph are on course! Go super ponies!

11:04 a.m. EST: Whoops, sorry about that. Looks like Kelsey and Pirate were clear on their second attempt so they’re still on course.

11:03 a.m. EST: Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate also have a runout at 11B, and unfortunately they’ve had a third so that will end their weekend early.

11:03 a.m. EST:

#BigLeo through the arena on his to an awesome clear at @fairhillint #killedit video thanks to… https://t.co/whG2Dx0fs1

— Doug Payne (@dpequestrian) October 17, 2015

11:01 a.m. EST: Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate fall victim to the brushes at 7 but they have a lovely trip through the main arena to an enthusiastic pat and a “Good boy!”.

11:01 a.m. EST:

Katie Wherley giving Mr Indiscretion some encouragement after the main arena. “Good boy” “come on!” #duttafhi

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

10:58 a.m. EST: Sadly, Peter Barry and Long Island T have a runout at the coffin at 13. That will take him out of the top placings for now.

10:56 a.m. EST: Noo! Jennie Brannigan falls from I Bella at 18, both horse and rider appear to be ok.

10:56 a.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Roulette are home clear with 1.6 time penalties.

10:53 a.m. EST: He’s done it! Phillip and Z are the ninth double clear and will go into the lead. Peter Barry and Long Island T, in second after dressage, are on course as are Jennie Brannigan and I Bella.

10:52 a.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and Z are home clear. If they’re within the time, he’ll take the provisional lead from Doug Payne and Lysander.

10:51 a.m. EST: Breaking news from France! Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras have gone clear across country at Le Lion for a two-phase score of 50.4 and are provisionally in 16th at the moment! USA! USA! USA!

10:50 a.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Roulette have a beautiful trip through Dutta’s Corners in the main arena. Colleen is a pleasure to watch out on cross country.

10:46 a.m. EST: A fall for Leslie Law at the Chesapeake Water from Tru’ du Kernat. Horse is loose at the moment, Leslie is up on his feet.

10:46 a.m. EST: Big Phil is on course with Z, his first ride of the day.

10:44 a.m. EST:

Booli Selmayr giving Jaeda a beautiful ride through the main arena. A big pat and “good girl” after the 2nd corner #duttafhi

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

10:42 a.m. EST: Matt Flynn and Get Lucky are also working on a clear round with just a couple more to go. Will he be our eighth double clear?

10:41 a.m. EST: Leslie Law and Tre’ du Kernat are underway. The course is riding either very nicely or very tough — a true test that separates the competition pretty quickly. Definitely not a dressage show!

10:37 a.m. EST: Unfortunately, Kevin Baumgardner and Wembley are eliminated with their third refusal at 18.

10:36 a.m. EST: Lexi Scovil and Charleston VI have a runout at 11B as well. Jenni says on Twitter that this question is rather backlit at this time of day, perhaps that contributes to much of the trouble there. It will be interesting to see if this continues as the sun continues to move.

10:34 a.m. EST:

Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF. #DuttaFHI

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Oct 17, 2015 at 7:23am PDT

10:33 a.m. EST: Kevin Baumgardner and Wembley pick up their second refusal on course at 11B and are clear on their second attempt.

10:31 a.m. EST: A runout at 7 for Kevin Baumgardner and Wembley. Danny Warrington and L’Alezane have to climb at bit over the last corner in the main arena but they’re clear. Emily Hamel and Ramsey are home with 20 jumping and 1 time. I missed where their runout was!

10:26 a.m. EST: Caroline Martin and Effervescent have picked up two refusals on course, one at 11 and one I believe at 15.

10:23 a.m. EST: Daisy calls it a day after another refusal at 15. Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF have finished as the seventh double clear of the day.

10:22 a.m. EST: Daisy Trayford and Normandy Soldier have a runout at the Chesapeake Water at 15.

10:22 a.m. EST: Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF are working on a clear round with just a couple to go.

10:19 a.m. EST: Siobhain O’Connor and Faux Indigo have taken a fall at 18. Horse is up and being led off the course. It looks like there will not be a hold as Siobhain is back up on her feet at 18.

10:17 a.m. EST: Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF make the main arena look easy. Nice gallop on this one.

10:16 a.m. EST: Now playing, Turn Down For What. It’s a party here at Fair Hill!

10:15 a.m. EST: A second runout on course for Kirstin Buffamoyer at 18C, the Osage Orange Complex.

10:14 a.m. EST: Siobhain O’Connor and Faux Indigo had a runout at 7 and Kirstin Buffamoyer and Jim have one at the Chesapeake Water on 15. Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF are our new starters.

10:13 a.m. EST: We’re back underway with Rebecca being released from her hold.

10:12 a.m. EST: It sounds like we may have a hold on course to see to the fence at 20. Rebecca Lee is being held at the moment.

10:10 a.m. EST: Looks like Tamie is back on her feet to big, relieved cheers from the crowd. Bad break for Tamie but hopefully we’ll see her back for the CCI3* aboard Mai Baum.

10:09 a.m. EST: A refusal and a fall for Tamie at the final water at 20. Dang it!! Brian’s saying she took a hard fall, horse is up and ok. Medical team is seeing Tamie now.

10:08 a.m. EST: Rebecca Lee and Pandora’s First Avater have a runout at 11. Tamie has a sticky moment at I believe 18 but she’s still in the saddle. #mrsstickability

10:04 a.m. EST: Dempsey and Tamie are clear through 8.

10:03 a.m. EST: Melissa Boutin and Guy’s Elegant Miss are unfortunately eliminated after picking up two stops in the main arena for three total.

10:03 a.m. EST: Now playing on the speakers: Work B**** by Britney Spears. I mean, there could be worse cross country pump songs I suppose. Doug Payne and Lysander have finished clear – three seconds under for the sixth double clear!

10:01 a.m. EST: Another refusal at 9C in the main arena for Melissa Boutin and Guy’s Elegant Miss. Brian says Doug Payne is nursing Lysander home, perhaps the big guy has gotten a bit tired from the terrain here. Tamie and Dempsey are ok and are now on course.

10:01 a.m. EST: Another double clear for the day: Elizabeth Stewart and Elusive!

10:00 a.m. EST: A runout for Melissa Boutin and Guy’s Elegant Miss at 7.

9:59 a.m. EST: We’re hearing reports of a horse and rider down at the start box. Looks like it’s Tamie Smith and Dempsey. Seems that Dempsey may have reared up and slipped and fell.

9:59 a.m. EST: Doug Payne and Lysander are clear through the maina arena.

9:58 a.m. EST: Brian O’Connor called the MLB oxer on course the “Cubs oxer” awhile ago. Not ok, Brian. Not ok. #cardsfansunite

9:57 a.m. EST: Doug Payne and Lysander are getting some great speed early on in the course. Emily Rzucidlo and Ladybug Traveler are home inside the time even with a runout on course.

9:56 a.m. EST: Now on course, the first of our top 10 placed riders. Doug Payne and Lysander, aka Big Leo, are in fourth place on a 46.6.

9:55 a.m. EST: Emily Rzucidlo and Ladybug Traveler have picked up 20 at the Chesapeake Water at 15.

9:54 a.m. EST: Be sure to follow along!

We are live on @Snapchat all day from cross-country at @fairhillint! pic.twitter.com/mdJ8hi4RWB

— USEF (@USEquestrian) October 17, 2015

9:54 a.m. EST:

Where’s Chinch? https://t.co/M9JIOpJCrN

— Fair Hill Int (@fairhillint) October 17, 2015

9:53 a.m. EST: Julie Henk and Merry Sioux finish with 40 jumping — I’m not sure where their second runout was.

9:52 a.m. EST:

Ashlynn Meuchel says “good boy!” to Morning Star as he makes quick work of the #duttafhi main arena complex

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 17, 2015

9:51 a.m. EST: We can’t forget Arden Wildasin and Kineo, who were also double clear. That’s four in the first 30 minutes of competition this morning.

9:49 a.m. EST: Courtney Cooper and R Star are home with 40 jumping and some time. Ice that leg, Courtney!

9:46 a.m. EST: Julie Henk and Merry Sioux have picked up a 20 in the main arena and are clear on their second attempt.

9:45 a.m. EST: Erin and Paddy the Caddy are the THIRD double clear, 24 seconds under the time! Woohoo!

9:44 a.m.EST: Courtney and R Star have picked up their second refusal on course at fence 11. Clear on her second attempt. Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy are home clear.

9:42 a.m. EST: Courtney Cooper and R Star have a runout at fence 6, the Foundation Drop, and are clear on their second attempt.

9:40 a.m. EST: Molly Kinnamon and Puttin On the Ritz are home with 40 jumping and I believe 10 time. Courtney Cooper and R Star are now on course.

9:38 a.m. EST: Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy are now on course.

9:36 a.m. EST: Make that two double clears! Waylon Roberts and Faolan are home with no jumping and no time. Molly Kinnamon has picked up another refusal at fence 15, the Chesapeake Water.

9:36 a.m. EST: Arden Wildasin and Kineo are now on course. Waylon Roberts and Faolan have finished with no jumping penalties, awaiting their time.

9:35 a.m. EST: Waylon Roberts survives a hairy moment at 20, the Springhouse Water but he’s clear and headed home sitting on another clear round.

9:33 a.m. EST: Molly Kinnamon and Puttin On the Ritz pick up a 20 at 7, the Offset Brush. This is the second runout at this particular question. She’s clear on her second attempt.

9:31 a.m. EST: Big cheers for Waylon and Faolan as they clear Dutta’s Corners in the main arena. Molly Kinnamon and Puttin On the Ritz are our new starters.

9:30 a.m. EST: Unfortunately, Hillary Irwin and Bit of Irish have picked up a third stop at the Chesapeake Water, resulting in elimination. Waylon Roberts has the course to himself at the moment.

9:29 a.m. EST: Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop have set the bar high this morning! They’re double clear!

9:27 a.m. EST: Hillary and Bit of Irish are clear through the main arena complex. Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop are headed home and put in the first clear round of the day! Waylon Roberts and Faolan are now on course.

9:25 a.m. EST:

Oh yes. That’s pretty. #fhi15 #eventinglive #travelswithamy #todaysoffice @ Fair Hill International https://t.co/uGvSycWEHT

— Amy Dragoo (@akdragoophoto) October 17, 2015

9:26 a.m. EST: Hillary has picked up two refusals at fence 7, the offset brushes.

9:24 a.m. EST: Our next starter is Hillary Irwin and Bit of Irish. Bit of Irish is an 8-year-old Thoroughbred mare owned by Hillary.

9:23 a.m. EST: Sinead picks up another 20 at fence 20A, the Springhouse Water. It looks like she actually did pop out of the tack on that refusal, bummer. Looks like she is just fine.

9:23 a.m. EST: Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop take a big flyer at the B element of Dutta’s Corners, but they’re clear and back on their way!

9:21 a.m. EST: Sinead and Top Gun pick up a 20 and is clear on her second attempt at the final element of the Chesapeake Water at 15.

9:20 a.m. EST: Now on course, Kylie Dermody and Lup the Loop, owned by Joan Nichols.

9:19 a.m. EST: Sinead and a very keen looking Top Gun make quick work of Dutta’s Corners in the main arena, fence 9 ABC.

9:16 a.m. EST: And we are underway! Sinead and Top Gun are underway. This pair earned a 57.5 for 43rd place after dressage.

9:14 a.m. EST: Our first horse, Top Gun, a 9-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Nicole Carolan and ridden by Sinead Halpin, are circling the box and ready to start!

9:14 a.m. EST:

What a beautiful morning for CROSS COUNTRY DAY! We’ll be starting in just a couple of hours so dress… https://t.co/UED3ouQ8z6

— Fair Hill Int (@fairhillint) October 17, 2015

9:12 a.m. EST: We’re doing a special promo today thanks to Horse Tack Co.! EN’s number guru, Maggie Deatrick, will be on course today at Fair Hill to play #ChaseTheChinch. If you find her and Chinch today, go over and say hi and win a $20 gift certificate from Horse Tack Co!

SpectraVET Cohiba and Luna Triumphant in Fair Hill YEH Championships

By Sally Spickard on Oct 16, 2015 6:58 pm -

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It was a beautiful day to watch some young horses show off their jumping and galloping skills today as the Young Event Horse Championship competitors took to Saw Mill Field for the final phase of competition. The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International is the last stop of the season for these East Coast horses, and a tough track consisting of show jumping and cross country questions thoroughly tested each combination.

We started the morning with the 4-year-old division. The track was set to about Training level height with two questions involving water, banks and related distances. Once again, we saw a lot of maturity from these very green horses who took the challenge in stride — literally — to show a lot of promise and scope for the coming years.

Riders were started on a show jumping course consisting of 7 fences, followed by a cross country track and a gallop immediately following the final fence. Judges were grading each horse based on its overall impression, boldness and athleticism as well as its potential for success at the upper levels of the sport. Horses were not penalized for knocking rails or refusals, and while we saw a few rails come down we saw hardly any glance-offs or runouts on the cross country track. This phase counted for 50% of the overall score for the competitors.

Jennie Brannigan and Luna. Photo by Sally Spickard.

At the end of the morning, it was Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Luna who took home the top prize, earning a 39.45 for their jumping test for a total weekend score of 78.39. Jennie and the Dutch Warmblood mare by Sandro Hit out of Sportsfield Maisie Grey earned the second highest jumping score of the division and really impressed with a ground covering, fluid gallop at the end of the course.

“She’s always been very natural to the jumps,” Jennie said. “I didn’t think I was going to win, I was completely shocked. She jumped around like a champ and I was thrilled.”

Lacey Ogden and Cooley Renegade. Photo by Sally Spickard.

In second for the 4-year-olds is Lacey Ogden and Cooley Renegade, who ended their weekend on a total score of 77.5. Cooley Renegade is an Irish Sport Horse gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan out of Lisglassic Just the Point, and he took to the jumping questions with ease, showing his scope and natural talent throughout.

Placing third for the championship is Doug Payne and Quantum Leap who scored the highest jumping marks of the division with a 39.75 for a final score of 77.49.

Continuing on to the 5-year-old division, Lynn Symansky and her very impressive Württemburg mare SpectraVET Cohiba were the best of the jumping horses today to clinch the win on a final score of 41.86. Lynn was excited about her mare in the press conference following the awards, acknowledging that she had a legitimate talent and cautiously optimistic for the future.

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“She really impressed me,” Lynn said. “I didn’t quite know what to think about it going in, she’s just run one Novice but she is a superstar. She has a great brain and (is) a really athletic type. I couldn’t have been happier today.

Overnight leaders Kelli Temple and Kara Angulo’s Metallica also showed some great presence in the field today, earning a 40.5 nod from the judges to finish in second overall. Kelli has been quick to credit Kara for all of her work producing this horse, and she’s thrilled to have had the opportunity to pilot her this weekend.

So easy, she can do it with her eyes closed! Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Will Coleman has a very special horse in the form of the Irish gelding Don Dante, owned by Team Rebecca. This horse easily earned the highest marks today, a 44.65 out of 50 possible, to take home third for the competition. Don Dante, or “Al” as they call him at home, has every marking of a future star and make quick work of the track today. He’s scopey, elegant and efficient — and those skills will only continue to mature with time. Be excited about this one, folks!

Two other awards were also given out today: a Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) award for the highest scoring Thoroughbred between both divisions as well as the Safe Harbor award, which is given to the young horse who consistently exhibits the most graceful and rider friendly performance throughout the competition.

Caitlin Romeo and Audacious Comet. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The T.I.P. award was handed to Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Twilightslastgleam, a cheeky chestnut gelding who finished seventh in the 5-year-old division on a final score of 77.61. Caitlin Romeo and Audacious Comet were awarded the Safe Harbor award after solid performances all week landed them in the top 20 of 5-year-olds on a 74.46.

I have to say how impressed I’ve been with all of these young horses this week. I’ve never actually gotten to see any Young Event Horse competition before, so this really was a special opportunity.

Looking at the course today, I was amazed that horses with this level of greenness were able to complete so professionally. Naturally, it helps that they’re all piloted by talented riders in their own right, but it takes a smart horse to be able to perform at this level at a young age and these horses are definitely among the best.

I’m going to be crunching some numbers in the coming days to bring you more statistics on breeding and other interesting tidbits. Keep an eye out for that, and I’m also editing photos as we speak and will be adding a full gallery as well as more quotes from today later on.

Go Young Event Horses and congratulations to all winners!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: NBC On Site at Fair Hill

By Sally Spickard on Oct 16, 2015 5:00 pm -

Click on image to view video.

The local NBC affiliate is on site here at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International — it’s always exciting to see events garnering attention from the mainstream media networks! We’re thrilled that WBAL NBC came out to check out the big fall three-star this weekend, and we look forward to our horses and riders showing off what they do best as we look ahead to cross country and show jumping here in Elkton.

If you are unable to view the video using the linked image above, click here. Many thanks to Fair Hill’s social media guru, Alissa Norman, for sharing this video with us. Go Fair Hill!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Kelli Temple Leads Fair Hill 4-Year-Old YEH Championships After Day One

By Sally Spickard on Oct 15, 2015 6:00 pm -

Kelli Temple and Frame Bye Bye America. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kelli Temple was having such a great day in the 5-year-old YEH Championships here at Fair Hill that she decided to go ahead and take the lead in the 4-year-old division as well, this time aboard Frame Bye Bye America, a Selle Francais gelding bred by Martin Douzant and owned by Christine Stiller. This is an exciting weekend for Martin, who is also here competing in the YEH-5 division.

Kelli and “Bye Bye” earned a 39.78 from the judges as just the second pair in the ring this afternoon, setting the standard and never letting it go throughout the remainder of the division.

“I’ve had him for a couple of months now, I’ve done two events on him,” Kelli said. “(Christine) has been a really great support of mine for many years, so I feel really lucky that she has given me the opportunity to ride him.”

A big believer in the value of YEH competition, Kelli has brought young horses in her program to this event for many years. “This is a great venue, and it gives the horses just a leg up on learning about being at such a big competition and having the people and the flags and the crowds. I think it’s a wonderful experience for them. And it’s good for us and for their breeders and for their owners to get the kind of exposure early on in their career as young horses.”

Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Apollo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jessica Brumfield had two rides in the 4-year-old class today, ultimately finishing second in the first two phases with Ms. Mars’ Landmark’s Apollo after earning a total score of 39.69.

“It was unexpected,” Jessica said. “It’s really exciting for (Ms. Mars) to have a homebred in the top three. He is out of a mare that was campaigned by Karen O’Connor … and I actually broke him as a 3-year-old last fall. He’s a big guy and I feel like a very small person on him!”

Speaking to the greenness of these horses, both Kelli and Jessica agreed that without ring familiarization last night — for the equality of competitors, this was not offered last night since some horses were not arriving until today — it was hard to know what to expect at a big competition with plenty of atmosphere to spare. Remarkably, though, both the 4- and 5-year-olds really held their composure well overall and put in some really lovely work.

Morgan McCue and Ally KGO. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Completing the top three in the 4-year-old class is Morgan McCue and Ally KGO, a Trakehner mare by Hirtentanz *E* out of Annabel Lee. Ally is a lovely, athletic looking type and Morgan posted on her Facebook page that the jumping is her favorite, so this pair is definitely looking forward to showing off their moves tomorrow.

Oh, also: check out what Ian Stark used as the whistle for this division. Can’t fault the guy for being creative!

Speaking of tomorrow, it will be a formidable test for these horses, who will be tested over Training (YEH-4) and Prelim (YEH-5) level fences. The horses’ gallop and overall impression will also be scored for a total of 50% of the overall score — we’ll be on the look out for any shuffles on the board following the final phase of evaluation.

I have many more photos to upload, so I’ll add a gallery to this post as well as the 5-year-old post. Keep checking back for that and stay tuned for much more tomorrow!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Live Scores,, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Please enjoy this gallery from the YEH-4 division’s dressage tests this afternoon!

: Abby Maude and Little Cat’s Hat. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Brittany Kart and Filomena. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Jennie Brannigan and Luna. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Jennie Brannigan and Luna. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Jennie Brannigan and Luna. Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Mochachino.

: Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Mochachino.

: Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Mochachino.

: Lacey Ogden and Cooley Renegade. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Michael Pollard and Rusticus. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Morgan McCue and Ally KGO. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Stephanie Davis and Cooley Quality Q. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Tik Maynard and Geronimo SCF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Victoria Kager and Sage Advice. Photo by Sally Spickard.

: Victoria Kager and Sage Advice. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Devon Brown Best of Final YEH-5 Group

By Sally Spickard on Oct 15, 2015 5:00 pm -

Devon Brown and HC Fabian. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Devon Brown made up for a momentary memory lapse during her test with HC Fabian in the final group of the 5-year-old YEH championships with a brilliant show of talent, moving into second place overall after the first two phases of competition completed today. She and HC Fabian, a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Chello III VDL out of Larena, earned a 40.58 from the judges to squeak past Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba.

“This was the biggest atmosphere he’s ever been in,” Devon said. “He can be kind of spooky, but he went in and went right to work. Even with the big cross country jumps, he was ready to work and I was really happy with that, no matter what else happens.”

Devon and her mother imported “Fabe” from England last year off a sale video from Lucy Wiegersma and Patrick McCarthy. “He hadn’t really jumped and didn’t know anything about cross country, so it was a huge risk,” Devon said. “But he’s really progressed over this last year. He’s a green five-year-old, but he’s really exciting for the future.”

Allison Springer and Fairvoya S. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Also making a statement in the final group were Allison Springer and Natalie Epstein’s Fairvoya S, who will be in fifth place overnight after earning a 39.58. Allison took her time exiting the ring following her test, letting the warmblood mare take a look around and assess her surroundings. Fairvoya S is by the Dutch stallion UB-40 out of the Hanoverian mare Clairvoya.

Kendyl Tracy also moved into the top 10 aboard Curly Sue as the first to go in the final group. Curly Sue is an Oldenburg mare by Carenzo out of Hauptstutbuch Lanciana owned by Alexandra Tatham. This pair also had a lovely go of their dressage test, earning a 39.54 for sixth place following the dressage and conformation phases.

Dom Schramm and WL Darco’s Galliano. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Dom Schramm and Ingvill Ramberg’s WL Darco’s Galliano looked completely in sync this afternoon to move into eighth place. Owner Ingvill Ramberg said this was the best she’s looked yet — she certainly picked a good weekend to peak! “Roo” has been in training with Dom this year, and their hard work has clearly been paying off as they scored a 38.04 today.

In total, we saw 34 horses in the 5-year-old championship today, all of which looked composed and mature in the ring. We move now to the jumping phases, which for these horses will be jumping questions similar to Prelim level, at a maximum of 3’7″. We’ll also get to see these horses’ gallops on their jumping test tomorrow, so stay tuned for much more from the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships.

We’ve also just wrapped up the 4-year-old division’s first two phases, so I’ll work on that report immediately following the press conference with the top placed riders.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Live Scores,, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Kelli Temple and Metallica Dance To YEH-5 Championship Lead at Lunch

By Sally Spickard on Oct 15, 2015 1:26 pm -

Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I’ve been really excited to see the fancy young horses do their thing in the dressage ring this morning, and I was certainly not disappointed. We saw some great talent for the future in the 5-year-old YEH Championship division — and we still have another group to see!

The dressage test was held in a large arena with plenty of atmosphere to deal with for these younger horses. However, it seemed most of them were able to keep their cool and the test was technical enough to really test each gait. Ian Stark (GBR) and Bea di Grazia (USA) are the dressage judges for the YEH classes. The dressage test was followed by a conformation judging by Cathy Tucker-Slaterbeck. Competitors were asked to present their horses and jog them down a very short strip.

The YEH competition consists of three phases: Conformation and Type (15% of overall score), Dressage (35% of overall score) and Jumping/Gallop/General Impression (50% of overall score). Each section is scored on a 1-10 scale.

The newly instated Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Prize and Grant has sent Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras to the FEI World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in France.

Kelli Temple and Metallica present for Cathy Tucker-Slaterbeck. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Continuing on with the award, the highest scorer between the East and West Coast Championships for 5-year-olds will be eligible for this grant. That being said, there’s a lot on the line this weekend and plenty of competition to stand up to in all three phases.

Metallica, a Holsteiner mare owned by Kara Angulo, is a show stopper of a mare — I could hardly stop taking photos of her! Kelli rode the majority of her test with a grin on her face, surely she knew she was sitting on a powerhouse in the dressage ring. This mare earned a 85% in the dressage to take a decisive lead heading into the break. Metallica just made the jump to Training level with Kara at Five Points last month. This pair’s two-phase score is a 41.86 looking ahead to the jumping phase.

Lynn Symansky and SpectraVET Cohiba. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In second after taking the early lead are Lynn Symansky and her own SpectraVet Cohiba. This mare is a really nice type, a Württemburg by Con Spirito out of Lea, who has been campaigning at Novice with Lynn this year. The test for the 5-year-olds this weekend will be Prelim level type fences, so this mare will get a chance to show off her jump style over some larger fences come tomorrow. A 40.48 total score will place this pair into second with the final group still yet to score.

Melissa Hunsberger and Rule of Thumb. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Third going into lunch are last year’s 4-year-old champions Melissa Hunsberger and Rule of Thumb. Rule of Thumb is a warmblood gelding by the Holsteiner stallion Royal Appearance out of the Thoroughbred mare Nadia VT. He’s owned by Dawn Erdman and has been competing successfully at Training level this year with Melissa. Melissa and Rule of Thumb will take a score of 40.44 into tomorrow.

Other notables from the morning group include Highly Suspicious, an Irish Sport Horse Gelding owned by Lydia White and KBLB and ridden by Will Coleman. This pair scored a 39.07 in the first two phases for fourth place provisionally heading into the break.

We have now concluded the final group of horses for the 5-year-old division and we’re waiting for their scores to tabulate. I’ll have some press conference comments as well as a summary of the final group in an update later this afternoon.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Live Scores,, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Product Review: Horze Venice Bridle

By Sally Spickard on Oct 15, 2015 11:00 am -

Jesse models his fancy Horze Venice bridle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sometimes the search for the perfect piece of tack is endless. Between the varying price points and the different styles and quality of leathers, it’s a very easy way to give yourself a headache trying to find the right fit.

My horse is still growing just a bit, though he’s done most of his growing in the past 8 months or so. I noticed the other day that his head has gone from blocky and baby-like to much more refined and mature looking. It’s such a neat change, and to look at photos from when I first got him as a 4-year-old to now it’s a big difference.

But that also means that some of the tack I’ve used on him before is now outgrown. Now that his head is the right size and shape, I felt the need to start looking for a new bridle that I could use every day and also take to shows as needed. This is how I found the Horze line of bridles, which come in a variety of styles at a very affordable price point.

Upon unpackaging the Horze Venice bridle, I was immediately impressed with the quality of leather. Let’s be honest, when you find something at a low price point, you’re not 100% sure what to expect. However, I was really happy to see that the leather was soft in my hands and not in need of immediate oil.

The closures on this bridle are buckles, which I prefer because I always find the hook closures to be difficult and prone to getting stuck even with lots of care. I was able to easily adjust the bridle to fit Jesse’s head (he is a typical full size) and was pleased with the overall fit.

The Horze Venice bridle does come with a flash closure, however I do not use one for Jesse so I just took it off. The noseband is fairly wide, which I appreciate for comfort’s sake. The noseband is also padded both on top and underneath, which I feel Jesse appreciated! I was also really happy with the reins, which provide plenty of grip and are fashionable at the same time.

One test that needed to be done was the test of time. How does the bridle hold up with multiple uses? Does it start to wear down and does the leather deteriorate at all? So far, I’ve used this bridle for schooling each day with a wipe down after each ride. I am not the type to oil after every ride, and this bridle doesn’t need it. I am happy to use some conditioner on it to get the dust off, and the leather has stayed in great shape and has gotten just a bit softer over time.

After about a month of using this bridle, I haven’t seen any stitching coming loose or any other signs of wear or damage on the leather. A huge relief, as there is nothing worse than a bridle that won’t hold up! Our leather goods get a lot of use and I do not have the luxury of owning multiple bridles — I need to have my daily use items last!

Fortunately, the Horze Venice bridle has thus far withstood the test of time with no signs of slowing down. The design of the bridle is fancy enough to make me want to take it to a show and durable enough to use at home on an everyday basis. How’s that for versatile? I’ll take that any day!

Get This (Fair Hill) Party Started: A Social Media Wrap

By Sally Spickard on Oct 14, 2015 6:00 pm -

It was a busy first day here at Fair Hill as horses and riders primped and polished for the First Horse Inspection. The jogs were certainly eventful, and you can catch up on the action from the day in Jenni’s full report here.

Behind the scenes, the hard working grooms and helpers spent most of the early afternoon getting their charges ready to trot up for the Ground Jury. Here’s a look around social media at today’s happenings:

Any guesses?

Our pick to win #DuttaFHI has been accepted at the jog. Can you guess who it is? We’ll be unveiling our predictions tomorrow morning!

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 14, 2015

Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War are all shined up and happy to be accepted! Photo via Jessica on Facebook.

Beth and Rob Groblewski’s, Santino, had been accepted. #fairhillinternational #CCI***

— Holly Payne (@HPEquestrian) October 14, 2015

Boyd Martin gives Courtney Cooper a helping hand by jogging her horses as her broken leg gets back to 100% #DuttaFHI pic.twitter.com/d2WEIvDiEM

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) October 14, 2015

The two boys and the pony accepted ! pic.twitter.com/GiL98H6PcX

— sinead halpin (@sinead_c_Halpin) October 14, 2015

We will have much, much more coming your way from what promises to be a thrilling weekend here in Elkton, Md. The weather forecast looks promising, although the press veterans certainly know better…

And finally, here are some video highlights from jog day — plenty of fresh horses and pretty fall scenery to take in. Enjoy!

Go Fair Hill!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: British Eventing Young Horse Championships

By Sally Spickard on Oct 14, 2015 3:00 pm -

As we look ahead to the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships this weekend at Fair Hill, we take a look back at the KBIS Young Horse Championships held by British Eventing at Osberton earlier this month.

Four-, five-, six- and seven-year-old horses competed over the weekend, making for a busy weekend full of promising young horses for the future.

Piggy French and AKD Corline claimed the four-year-old title while Vicky Tuffs and Its Cooley were the five-year-old champions. Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On were the six-year-old champions and Willa Newton with Caja 20 won the seven-year-old class.

Take a look at these highlights from an exciting weekend at Osberton and get excited to see some exciting four- and five-year-old Young Event Horses competing these weekend here in Maryland!

Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* Cross Country Course Preview

By Sally Spickard on Oct 14, 2015 1:00 pm -

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Well I can officially say I’ve completed Fair Hill cross country … on foot … while panting embarrassingly and praying no one saw me in such an unfit state. But I did it. And I can tell you with certainty that we are in for a treat this weekend as Derek di Grazia has done what he does best once again.

Fair Hill is affectionately (and respectfully) known as a mini-Rolex, a solid prep for horses and riders who are eyeing Kentucky next year and a formidable test as the headlining event to close out the fall season. Walking the cross country course, it’s easy to see why; with the rolling terrain that is at times deceptively difficult and the technical questions that come rather unrelentingly, this weekend will certainly be anything but a dressage show.

The CCI3* course starts off with three nice questions to get into a rhythm and jump out of stride. Fence 4 begins to ask the listening questions, as it’s a small cabin on an incline that may have some funny looking shadows on it depending on the time of day. Truth be told, it should still serve to establish the rhythm that has been generated at the first three fences, and then riders have a good gallop with time to prep for the first water question. At fence 5, the Frog Pond, we start to see the technical questions pop up and then the going will get progressively tougher from there.

There are a few galloping stretches in which horse and rider can take a deep breath, but many of these stretches are positioned on terrain, so balance and rhythm will continue to be of utmost importance.

Seema Sonnad has an honorary fence on course, a beautiful ditch and brush at fence 9 decorated in none other than purple. Seema also has a portable fence dedicated to her that we’ll see on the Young Event Horse course this week — we’ll be sure to grab some photos of it!

The fences are all decorated beautifully, a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers who has tirelessly worked to get ready for this weekend. Janine McLain and Holly Covey have been in charge of decorations and have done a tremendous job in getting these fences to shine. Eric Bull and Jamie Gornall have ensured the brush fences are ready to go for the weekend. We salute all of you and cannot wait to see this course in action on Saturday.

This is also the second year without much loved and fondly remembered Judy Thayer, who lost her battle with cancer in July 2014. Judy dedicated 25 years to this event, organizing cross country schoolings and horse trials as well as serving as the cross country coordinator and lead volunteer for the big fall event.

We’ve just gotten underway with the First Horse Inspection here at Fair Hill, so Jenni will have your full report once the jog is complete. Go Fair Hill!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

: Fence 1 – Flower Berm

: Fence 2 – Stone Table

: Fence 3 – Oxer

: Fence 4 – Smoke House

: Fence 5ABC – Frog Pond

: Fence 6AB – Fox Mill Farm

: Fence 6B – Right Corner

: Fence 8AB – Canary Cottages

: Fence 9 – Seema’s Sunburst

: Fence 10AB – Chesapeake Water

: Fence 10B – Left Corner

: Fence 11 – Sneaky Snake

: Fence 12ABC – Rachel’s Rails

: Fence 12BC – Ditch and Chevron Brush

: Fence 13 – Fish Tank

: Fence 14 – Picnic Table

: Fence 15AB – Persimmon Tree Turn

: Fence 15B – Floating Brush

: Fence 16 – Brush Corner

: Fence 17AB – Dutta Corp Farm Houses

: Fence 18 – Double Brush

: Fence 19 – Fallen Log

: Fence 20AB – Centerpiece Oxer

: Fence 20B – Angled Brush

: Fence 21 – Potting Shed

: Fence 22AB – Farm Yard Corners

: Fence 23 – Open Oxer

: Fence 24ABC – Springhouse Water

: Fence 24BC – Chevron Brush and Boat House

: Fence 25 – Covered Bridge

: Fence 26 – Garden Bench

: Fence 27 – Produce Stand

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Another Great Boekelo Highlight Reel

By Sally Spickard on Oct 12, 2015 5:00 pm -

The videographers were out in full force this weekend at Boekelo, and for those of us who were unable to be there in person (ahem, Wylie, yes we’re jealous), it’s like Christmas morning now that the finished products are popping up! We posted a video reel from Arnd Bronkhorst yesterday, and now we have some cross country highlights from YouTube user Fieke van Teeffelen. Enjoy, and don’t forget to catch up on EN’s coverage by clicking here.

Ben Hobday Continues to Fight Cancer with Thousands of Supporters Behind Him

By Sally Spickard on Oct 12, 2015 3:00 pm -

Ben Hobday and Baroque Du Vi leap into the first water on the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* cross country — yehboi! Photo by Samantha Clark.

Eventer Ben Hobday was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in June of this year and has spent the last few months tenaciously fighting the diagnosis with the support of his myriad of fans and colleagues in the eventing community.

Last chemo done of the treatment- Scan in 6 weeks – now home to rest and build an immune system!! Huge thank you to the…

Posted by Ben Hobday on Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Ben has since undergone chemotherapy treatments, with the last treatment done on September 30. He’s due to have a new scan in a couple of weeks, 6 weeks after his last chemo. Ben has also had a huge outpouring of support from his friends and followers, and he’s become a big advocate for cancer research through fundraising efforts.

Photo via Ben Hobday on Facebook.

The #kickingcancersbutt hashtag has thousands of tweets supporting Ben’s journey associated with it, sparking global conversations about his story and those of so many others. True to form, Ben has kept his positive outlook throughout this entire process, always looking forward to the day when he can return to the saddle.

We continue to wish Ben the best of luck with his journey — we miss watching him kick around a big cross country course every weekend! Kick on Ben, the entire eventing community is behind you.

Fair Hill Draw Order Posted: Sinead Halpin, Boyd Martin Kick Off Action

By Sally Spickard on Oct 12, 2015 1:00 pm -

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A total of 82 horses in the CCI2* and 65 in the CCI3* will start the competition this week at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. The draw order for competitors has been posted, and it’ll be Sinead Halpin (CCI2*, Grey Area) and Boyd Martin (CCI3*, Welcome Shadow) who will be the first we’ll see in the dressage rings on Thursday.

Entries for the CCI2* are quite a bit lower than the 2014 numbers, where five combinations were still wait listed on draw order day. Entries are slightly up from 2014’s 60 for the CCI3*. We’ll also see some talented young horses as the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships will be held this weekend.

We’ll see 17 horses in the 4-year-old YEH division and 37 in the 5-year-old division — plenty of exciting up and coming talent to remember for the future! Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Mocachino will be the first to go in the 4-year-old class and Alyssa Peterson and Ready Or Not will be the first of the 5-year-olds.

Action kicks off this week on Wednesday with the First Horse Inspection for the CCI divisions. We’ll then move on to two days of dressage on Thursday and Friday as well as the Young Event Horse Championships, which will be held over two days.

Jenni and I will both be on site for Fair Hill, so stay tuned for much more from Maryland!

Dutta Corp Fair Hill International: [Website] [Entries] [Draw Order] [Schedule]

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Naomi’s Great Save

By Sally Spickard on Oct 9, 2015 6:00 pm -

You have to see this great save sent to us by Amy Langeler of her 9-year-old daughter, Naomi, and her horse Max.

Naomi was finishing her course in a lesson when Max left a little long at the final jump. All of the “around the world” practice she had growing up paid off, her mom said. No emergency dismount needed!

Naomi just turned 9 and has been riding since age 5. She trains at Great Lakes Equestrian Center, an eventing barn in western Michigan.

Well sat, Naomi!

Thursday Video from Zoetis: JM Durr Takes On the Hunters

By Sally Spickard on Oct 8, 2015 3:00 pm -

Click image to view video.

JM Durr made the trip all the way from California to North Carolina to campaign some sales horses on the hunter/jumper circuit at Tryon International this fall. Aside from eventing through the CCI3* level, JM also has a stable full of jumpers (and apparently hunters!) that he sells to support his business.

One such horse in his string is 6-year-old Casanova M, a Hanoverian owned by Ruth Bley who has been dabbling in both the jumpers and the hunters at Tryon this month. Competing in the Open Hunter division, JM and Casanova M finished in sixth place out of 21 entries.

I always enjoy seeing eventers branching out and trying their hand in other disciplines, and while it took me a minute to get used to watching, it’s pretty neat to see JM doing well on his East Coast trip. Just don’t leave us!

Click here to watch the video if the image link above does not work.

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Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: British Eventing Young Horse Championships

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Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Another Great Boekelo Highlight Reel

Ben Hobday Continues to Fight Cancer with Thousands of Supporters Behind Him

Fair Hill Draw Order Posted: Sinead Halpin, Boyd Martin Kick Off Action

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Naomi’s Great Save

Thursday Video from Zoetis: JM Durr Takes On the Hunters

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