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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.

Latest Articles Written

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.

Will Faudree Recovery Update: Stronger Every Day

By Sally Spickard on Oct 8, 2015 11:00 am -

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo courtesy of Allie Conrad Photography.

Will Faudree is recovering from neck surgery after he sustained an injury following a fall at Five Points last month. He broke the C6 and C7 vertebrae in his neck after falling from Hans Dampf and underwent surgery at Duke University Medical Center.

A month removed from the surgery, Will posted an update on his Facebook page to update his followers on his recovery:

“I’m doing well. Getting better and stronger each day. I am really looking forward to getting back in the saddle even though I still have a ways to go. It’s amazing how no matter what your plans are, life has a way of telling you what will be. The horses have enjoyed a light autumn and I know they will be very excited to get back into competition in the spring. I want to thank everybody for all their thoughts and support during this down time!”

We continue to send Will well wishes as he progresses with his recovery, and we can’t wait to see him back in action next year. Speedy recovery, Will!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: This Gallop Video Will Give You Chills

By Sally Spickard on Oct 7, 2015 5:00 pm -

You have to see this video from the UK Jockey Club showcasing the pure power of the Thoroughbred racehorse. Whether a horse is galloping freely, on a racetrack or around a cross country course, the poetry in motion is something that never ceases to amaze.

Beautifully produced, this short clip promoting the UK Jockey Club is definitely one to see — just another reason to appreciate the horse for all of its athletic prowess. Take a moment and savor the gallop, “the original horsepower.”

Frankie Thieriot and Mike Stutes Welcome Drake Wilder Stutes

By Sally Spickard on Oct 7, 2015 10:30 am -

Drake Wilder Stutes makes his debut. Photo via Athletux on Facebook.

Please join EN in welcoming Drake Wilder Stutes to the world! Happy parents Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Mike Stutes welcomed their first child yesterday — now the debate remains of whether Drake will grow up to be an eventer or a baseball player! Perhaps he’ll do a bit of both.

The little family is doing well, and we’re thrilled to welcome the newest addition to the Stutes family this morning. Congratulations to all!

Team USA Enjoying the Boekelo Atmosphere at First Jog

By Sally Spickard on Oct 7, 2015 9:00 am -

Photo via Matt Brown on Facebook.

The first horse inspection at Boekelo is underway — a full report will be coming later courtesy of reporter extraordinaire Wylie — and Team USA looks to be in good spirits on a cloudy Dutch day.

: Photo via Matt Brown on Facebook.

: Photo via Matt Brown on Facebook.

: Photo via Matt Brown on Facebook.

The clouds didn’t keep away the good spirits though, and we’re happy to see the team members getting into the spirit and enjoying themselves. We’re also glad to see that all riders made it to the jogs today after what sounds like a fun riders’ party last night!

We’re anxiously awaiting the final results (and the ride times) from day one at Boekelo, so be sure to stay tuned for much more from this exciting Nations Cup leg.

Een kijkje achter de schermen bij de veterinaire keuring. #mbe15 #Enschede pic.twitter.com/hwVyCccuIe

— Military Scores (@militaryscores) October 7, 2015

Go Eventing!

Boekelo: Website, Entries,Schedule, EN’s Coverage,@eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Don’t Miss This Fun Boekelo Cross Country Video

By Sally Spickard on Oct 6, 2015 5:00 pm -

The Military Boekelo CCIO3* is upon us with the first horse inspection tomorrow, and we dug up some great footage from the cross country portion of last year’s event. This year, 12 combinations from North America — 10 U.S. pairs and two Canadian —will contest the event with individual spots as well as a Nations Cup team for the U.S. 18 nations in all will be represented this weekend.

Team USA has arrived at Boekelo safe and sound, and you can catch up with their move in day here. In the meantime, we’ll be all set for coverage this weekend thanks to Wylie, who is fresh off a wild trip to Texas for the AECs. Keep it locked right here on EN for the latest and greatest from the Netherlands!

Military Boekelo CCIO3*: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule]

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

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

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

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Evention Talks Improving the Topline

By Sally Spickard on Oct 5, 2015 5:30 pm -

Evention TV has been releasing new episodes out for their third season, and the latest one contains some very useful information on your horse’s topline. The topline is a key component to athletic success, and there is a lot to be said about improving and strengthening it to help your horse perform at his best.

Dom and Jimmie Schramm use some of their horses as examples when talking about what to look for in toplines and then give us some tips for working on our own horses. It’s very interesting and integral information for equestrians from any discipline. Enjoy!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By Sally Spickard on Oct 4, 2015 6:00 pm -

There is just something about a true blue Thoroughbred. I reflected on this after a cross country school this morning and thought about how there is nothing else I’d rather be on for this sport. While I did not acquire my horse straight off the track, he is still an OTTB who was lucky to get a good amount of downtime before he came to me.

So it’s one of my favorite things to do each week: peruse OTTB listings and picturing my favorites in my barn. Hey, if I can’t have them, then one of you should! Here are our featured listings from this week!

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

To It and From It (Simon Pure – Clown Factor, by Vision and Verse) is a 2009 Florida bred mare standing 16.1 hands tall. This elegant girl raced 37 times and earned $52,938 during her time on the track.

To It and From It has a lovely personality and was sensible during her listing photo session. She’s priced very well to sell and would be a really nice addition to a sporthorse program. She’s said to be sound and ready to go!

To It and From It on Finger Lakes Finest

Photo used with permission from CANTER Texas.

It must be girls’ week this week! Queen Valentine (Seeking a Home – A P Queen, by A P Valentine) is a 2010 mare who stands about 15.3 hands. She’s a Texas girl who raced just four times and is looking for something else to do for her next career.

Queen Valentine is said to be sound and ready to move on to her new home, so all you mare fans pay attention!

Queen Valentine on CANTER Texas

Photo courtesy of New Vocations.

This pretty redheaded girl is unnamed, but don’t let that deter you — just means she’s even more of a clean slate! This 2011 mare (Tiago – Glorado, by Stalwars) standing 16.1 hands with plenty of presence to spare. She’s described as an alpha mare type, which often translates into a competitive nature in the show ring once you get her on your side.

This lady was kicked in the knee when she was younger, causing a bone chip that has since been removed and is said to not be a potential issue with her next job. She’s got a lot of information available on her New Vocations page, and she really seems like she might be a special one for the right person.

Unnamed Glorado on New Vocations

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter Take Morven Park CIC3*

By Sally Spickard on Oct 4, 2015 4:09 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

Just six riders braved the elements to contest cross country in the CIC3* at Morven Park this morning. Marilyn Little piloted two rides around, eventually taking the win aboard RF Demeter.

Marilyn and “Demi” moved from third into first with the quickest time of the day, not surprising considering this pair’s penchant for getting the job done quickly. They finish on a final score of 53.8.

Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

Daniela Moguel and Cecelia, members of the Mexican Pan American Games team, took home second place with 15.2 time added today.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

In third are Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who really has come into his own this year. Kim took it easy with time today, quite understandably, but she’ll still be thrilled with the strong finish in less than ideal conditions.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

Doug Payne and Vandiver, Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6, and Marilyn with RF West Indie complete the rest of the field.

Both Colleen and Marilyn picked up 40 jump penalties on course, and Francesca Broggini and Petit Bleu Marine retired on course with 40 jump penalties.

Liz Riley fell from It’s The Truth on course, an unfortunate end to their weekend. Liz posted on her Facebook page that she ran into some bad footing but was otherwise thrilled with her round. She reported that “Tom” did have to get stitches on his knee, so her status for continuing on to Fair Hill is uncertain. We’ll keep our fingers crossed, Liz!

Many thanks to Valerie Durbon, who has been braving the elements to shoot photos this weekend. Be sure to check out her website here and enjoy the gallery of cross country photos from the CIC3* below.

Morven Park Fall CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

: Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

: Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

: Liz Riley and It’s The Truth. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

: Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

: Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Valerie Durbon.

Saturday Video: Rewind with This Fantastic Blenheim Cross Country Footage

By Sally Spickard on Oct 4, 2015 1:00 pm -

In honor of a wet cross country day at Morven Park, we’re reliving the Blenheim CCI3* action with this great footage from our friend David Robinson. Blenheim was a great showing for our U.S. riders, with Clark Montgomery taking the win and a total of four American riders finishing in the top 12 of a very competitive European field.

Now we can watch some of the action we missed thanks to David, who as always has filmed video at each fence on course to give us an idea of how the course flowed and rode throughout the day. Many thanks to David for sharing his work with us!

New Trophy Honoring Mike Huber to be Presented at NAJYRC

By Sally Spickard on Oct 4, 2015 11:00 am -

Mike Huber and Patent Pending. Photo courtesy of Equiventures.

Mike Huber, longtime coach of the Area V Young Rider team, received a big token of thanks at the Nutrena American Eventing Championships last weekend: a trophy in his honor to be presented at the FEI National Junior and Young Rider Championships each year.

Mike was the YR coach for Area V for 18 years before handing over the responsibilities to Angela Gryzwinski, who has already said she has big shoes to fill. Now, the trophy from Friends of Mike Huber will be awarded to a coach, chef d’equipe or other support person who carries on Mike’s spirit and passion for the sport.

Receiving the news from those near and dear to him at the competitor’s party in Texas last weekend was a big surprise, but a well-deserved one. Please join us in thanking Mike for his dedication to the young riders of the sport and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the inaugural winner crowned in 2016.

[New Trophy Honoring Mike Huber at NAJYRC]

Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy Triumphant in Woodside CIC3*

By Sally Spickard on Oct 3, 2015 5:00 pm -

Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

Lauren Billys led from start to finish to take home the win in the CIC3* at Woodside International this weekend, adding 4.4 time penalties to her dressage score to finish on a score of 57.5. Lauren’s partnership with Castle Larchfield Purdy has continued to blossom this year, and this is their first win at this level.

“Honestly, I’d been at a bit of a plateau with my dressage, and sometimes when you’re trying to make something better you have to break down the good things to make them great,” Lauren said of her dressage test with Purdy. “I’ve been doing that every day, and I feel like it’s starting to come together with him.”

Lauren and Purdy finished in the top 20 individually at the Pan American Games representing Puerto Rico and has her eye on Rio, a goal she has been working toward with this horse since he was purchased last year. “I’m trying to get enough points to qualify [as an individual] for the Olympics in 2016. If you get enough points to finish in the top 25 percent of all riders from that region you have a chance to go,” she said in a press release.

James Alliston and Tivoli, out for the first time since retiring at Rebecca Farm, picked up second place with one rail down in the show jumping added for a final score of 57.7. While he was at it, James also finished third aboard his other ride, Parker, who is coming off of a second place finish in the CCI3* at Rebecca in July. Parker finished on his dressage score of 60.6.

Kelly Pugh and Corazon. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

The CIC2* division was also led wire to wire by Kelly Pugh and Corazon, who we talent spotted in July. This is an exciting horse to keep your eye on, and he once again made quick work of his competition, finishing on his dressage score of 39.8. This is David and Candace Garrett’s 8-year-old KWPN gelding’s first CIC2* start with Kelly, although he competed through this level in Europe previously.

Amber Levine and Carry On finished second in the CIC2*, adding just two seconds’ worth of time to their score on cross country. This is another exciting performer, an 8-year-old KWPN gelding as well. He’s had a consistent record at this level, including a fourth place in a very competitive CCI2* at Rebecca Farm, and is definitely another to keep track of.

Rounding out the top three in the CIC2* are Sara Sellmer and TF Kreisler, who made their first start at this level together. Sara and TF Kreisler moved from fifth into third thanks to a double clear show jumping round and held onto that placing through cross country on a final score of 52.6.

Ruth Bley and Silver Sage are your CIC1* winners, capping off a weekend of wire to wire FEI finishes in all divisions. This pair has competed at the Prelim and one-star level for quite some time now and have the consistent record to show for it. In 2015, they have not finished outside of the top 10 in six starts.

Kelsey Holmes and Heart of Gold SE steadily moved up through the weekend to take second place overall. After lying in 15th after dressage, Kelsey and Heart of Gold SE rocketed up the board with one of just a few double clear show jumping rounds and a quick and clear cross country for a final score of 51.5.

Kelsey Devoille and Helium Risin’ complete the CIC1* top three, their second CIC1* start together. This is another pair whose quick and clear jumping rounds were rewarded with big moves up the board — they were in 17th following the dressage and added nothing to that score for a final of 52.7.

Marc Grandia and Fernhill Eagle are your Advanced winners at Woodside, winning handily on a final score of 46.3. This pair had an unfortunate MR at Aspen Farms last month but both walked away without injury and we’re thrilled to see them back to fighting form this weekend.

The Advanced division ended up with just two finishers, and Amy West with Whirlwind WF picked up the second place finish in their first Advanced together with a clear cross country round to cap off their weekend.

Woodside Eventing FEI Weekend Coverage October 2015

Woodside International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Andrew Nicholson Recovery Update: No More Neck Brace, More Walking Planned

By Sally Spickard on Oct 3, 2015 3:30 pm -

Andrew Nicholson and Nereo at WEG. Photo by Jenni Autry.

An article published today on the New Zealand Herald provides more details on Andrew Nicholson’s recovery from a frightening fall at the last fence at Gatcombe in August. Riding Cillnabradden Evo, Andrew fell and originally thought he was fine, walking back to his trailer on his own accord.

It was discovered later, though, that Andrew had actually fractured his spine, and he subsequently underwent surgery for the injury. Now, Andrew is sitting up without his neck brace and is able to eat, and plans are in place for him to begin walking freely next week.

It’s a miraculous recovery for such a serious injury — a fact that Andrew and his entire support team are thankful for.

“They couldn’t believe he was able to move,” Andrew’s wife, Wiggy, said in the Herald interview. “That’s where the surgeon’s skills came in. He had a fully mobile patient going to theatre knowing that when he came out, there was a high risk he would be paralysed.”

Andrew is scheduled to return for another x-ray in a month to ensure his recovery is progressing normally. He plans to stage his comeback in the saddle in the spring.

You can read the whole article on the New Zealand Herald here, which includes quotes from both Andrew and Wiggy on the fall as well as the weeks following the surgery.

We continue to wish Andrew well as he makes progress with his recovery, and will provide more updates on his condition as they are made available.

[Andrew Nicholson Hospitalized Following Fall at Gatcombe]

[Andrew Nicholson in Stable Condition Following Surgery]

[Andrew Nicholson Continues to Make Progress]

[Andrew Nicholson Returns Home After Eight Hour Surgery]

Chatt Hills Cancels October HT Following Music Festival

By Sally Spickard on Oct 3, 2015 11:00 am -

View image | gettyimages.com

Following one of the biggest music festivals in the U.S., Chatt Hills organizer Hugh Lochore has released a statement saying that the October Horse Trials, the final event of the season at this facility, will be cancelled due to a combination of bad weather and high traffic on the property.

Hugh Lochore released the following statement yesterday:

“It is with great sadness that Chatt Hills finds itself in a position whereby it will be unable to run its up coming Horse Trials, October 24/25.

The recent music festival held on the competition grounds was a relative success but bad weather played a big part and it has left us with critical parts of our cross country course and road system that simply will not be usable in the short term.

We have tried to make this decision in as timely a manner as possible to give competitors as much opportunity to shop around for other suitable events in the area.

Reparations are under way and with significant investment, Chatt Hills will come out in the spring in better shape than ever! Thank you for your support.”

TomorrowWorld, the sister production of the European festival TomorrowLand, had its third event this year at the facility that also hosts many horse trials throughout the year. In the past two years, the festival has not affected subsequent horse trials, but the situation became too much to overcome before the end of October this year.

The festival this year made headlines for a multitude of people who were left stranded in the camping grounds after torrential rain hit the property.

After the massive crowd reaching numbers of over 150,000 left the property after the five day, four night festival, the damage sustained from the elements proved to be a big undertaking for organizers who needed to reset the property in preparation for the horse trials.

TomorrowWorld has been a big attraction for electronic music lovers, including several eventers, for the past few years. As this is the first year the festival has affected other events on the property, we will be interested to see what plans the production company puts in place if the festival were to return to Chatt Hills.

Best of luck to the hard working people at Chatt Hills who are working to remedy the situation, and we’ll look forward to the next event at this beautiful facility.

Buck and Andrea Davidson Are Expecting!

By Sally Spickard on Oct 3, 2015 9:00 am -

The big announcement! Photo via Andrea Leatherman Davidson on Facebook.

It sure is baby season in the event world! Buck Davidson and Andrea Davidson are the latest the join the parental ranks as they announced yesterday that they’re expecting their first child in March of 2016. Naturally, they’re already dubbing it their “new jockey” — our bet is that this baby will be on horseback much younger than many of us were!

Buck and Andrea were married just under a year ago, and he’s taken over some of Andrea’s rides while she takes a break from the saddle during pregnancy. Most recently, Buck finished second in the Professional’s Choice Training Horse division aboard the very special Mr. Poppers, who is usually piloted by Andrea.

Please join us in congratulating the Davidsons on their big news — we couldn’t be more excited for you!

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: ‘Be the Inspiration’ with Jonelle Price

By Sally Spickard on Oct 2, 2015 6:00 pm -

We can all use a little inspiration, so here’s a bit from New Zealand rider Jonelle Price. We’re loving this hype video from the NZ Olympics Facebook page! As Jonelle aims for Rio next year, she talks a bit about what it takes to make it in this sport.

“I think eventing is unique and different to other sports in the sense that you have a live, other partner,” she says. “Horses can change just like humans do from day to day, and that is part of the difficulty in getting a horse to perform at its very best at a given moment.”

Thanks for the Friday inspiration, Jonelle!

Thursday Video from Zoetis: This Little Girl Gets the Pure Determination Award

By Sally Spickard on Oct 1, 2015 5:00 pm -

Cutest. Thing. EVER! Show this little girl and her pon some support! Always love hearing a crowd cheer not for ribbons and medals, but just for sheer resilience to give up. #nobodystoppingthisponytrain

Posted by Trot-Shots on Sunday, September 27, 2015

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been here at some point in our riding. Meet Ella, who had a bad fall and chipped a tooth while schooling cross country the day before this video was taken.

Knowing that her confidence was shaken, her pony Rocky takes care of her the whole way around this course, and the crowd is doing everything they can do cheer them on.

This video is truly the embodiment of the sentiment “kick on,” and we’re all cheering for this adorable pair as they show us exactly how that’s done.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: This Jockey Is a Great Sportsman

By Sally Spickard on Sep 30, 2015 5:00 pm -

You can’t win them all — and sometimes there are more important things than winning. Jockey Danny Mullins demonstrated this first hand in a race this week in Ireland.

Rival jockey Jody McGarvey slipped out of his saddle on course, something which Danny was quick to see and do his best to assist with — even in the midst of an intense steeplechase race.

Danny pulled Jody, who appeared to be momentarily unconscious, back into the saddle and both were able to pull their horses up safely. What a great show of sportsmanship and luck! Props to Danny for putting the important things first — we’ll be hoping for a win for both riders in the near future.

Eventing Nation