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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

Burghley Open Thread: Michael Jung and Sam Lead, All U.S. Riders Complete

By on Sep 5, 2015 6:02 am -

Good morning and welcome to Burghley cross country day — the moment we’ve all been waiting for! I will be updating this thread as often as possible to get you as close to live on the action as I can. With the absence of a live stream, we have to improvise a bit, but we will report on all of the action as it happens, so stay tuned!

Here are your withdrawals prior to cross country:

Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello
Francis Whittington and Fernhill Highlight
Alex Postolowsky and Islanmore Ginger
Pippa Funnell and Second Supreme (8:50 AM EST)
Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet (9:12 AM EST)

And your U.S. ride times:

Lynn Symansky and Donner – 12:20 p.m. local / 7:20 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 13.2 time)
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch – 1:44 p.m. local / 8:44 a.m. EST (40 jumping, 46.4 time)
Tim Bourke (IRE) and Luckaun Quality – 2:00 p.m local / 9 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 35.6 time)
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights – 3:00 p.m. local / 10 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 28.4 time)

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores,Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview,  Fence Statistics, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

12:30 p.m. EST: Many, many thanks to Nico Morgan Photography for providing these great shots from today!

12:24 p.m. EST: We’re still not exactly sure how he righted this! It does appear that he stopped to fix the stirrup, so he appears to have gotten it back for the remainder of the course. Here’s Tim Bourke’s stirrup fail:

tim bourke stirrup 2

tim bourke stirrup 3

tim bourke stirrup 4

tim bourke stirrup 5

12:18 p.m. EST: Some more highlights from Lainey and Al’s round:

lainey montage

12:12 p.m. EST: Lainey Ashker and Anthony Patch’s unfortunate early stop:

lainey 20

12:10 p.m. EST: The videos are finally uploading faster, so we’ll have GIFs incoming from our U.S. riders!

11:31 a.m. EST: Thanks to Mary Pat Stone for this ridiculous shot of Tim Bourke’s equipment fail today. We were able to see later that it appears he fixed and reclaimed his stirrup. Amazing! Stay tuned for more shots from this incident!

Photo courtesy of Mary Pat Stone.

Photo courtesy of Mary Pat Stone.

11:12 a.m. Here is a great source of audio from today!

11:02 a.m. EST: Here is your leaderboard following cross country. Additionally, the U.S. (and U.S. based Irishman!) rankings are as follows: Lynn Symansky 20th (60.9), Colleen Rutledge 30th (74.9), Tim Bourke 45th (100.6) and Lainey Ashker 54th (135.2).

Screenshot (94)

11:00 a.m. EST: And that’s a wrap on a very exciting cross country day at Burghley! We will be working hard on your end of day report, press conference quotes, and much more so keep it locked right here on EN. In the meantime, take a look back through our open thread to catch up on what you missed. Also, the rides are uploading as we speak to Burghley.tv, so we basically have the rest of your day planned. You’re welcome.

11:00 a.m. EST:

10:59 a.m. EST:

10:58 a.m. EST: Husband and wife duo Tim and Jonelle Price will hold second and third respectively after cross country. How’s that for wedded bliss??

10:55 a.m. EST: An uncharacteristic runout for Armada with Oliver Townend at the Trout Hatchery means Michael Jung will officially hold the lead with La Biosthetique Sam going into show jumping.

10:55 a.m. EST: Mark Todd doing what Mark Todd does. #legendary
mark todd

10:54 a.m. EST:

10:54 a.m. EST:

10:51 a.m. EST: Drat!! So sorry, Nicola.

10:51 a.m. EST:

10:49 a.m. EST: Hear William Fox-Pitt’s thoughts on his “mental error” on course today with this LloydBell interview.

10:49 a.m. EST: On to the next, Tim!

Screenshot (93)

10:48 a.m. EST:

10:46 a.m. EST:

10:46 a.m. EST:

10:45 a.m. EST: Only Armada can challenge the lead now, here are the current standings with three more to go:

Screenshot (92)

10:44 a.m. EST: Just three left to see today: Hasty Imp, Annie Clover and Armada.

10:43 a.m. EST: Plus 20 jumping and some time

10:43 a.m. EST: A little trip down memory lane for you…

10:41 a.m. EST: Jonelle has to be one of my favorites to watch on cross country. Her round at WEG was just priceless. I mean, you can’t get just 4 time penalties on a course that’s taking victims left and right and not gain a few fans, right?

10:40 a.m. EST:

10:39 a.m. EST:

10:38 a.m. EST: Charlotte Agnew and Out of Africa Two have a bit of trouble at the Anniversary Splash bounce out.

Charlotte Agnew and Out of Africa Two

10:38 a.m. EST: We’re getting GIF happy over here!

Jodie Amos and Wise Crack

10:37 a.m. EST:

10:37 a.m. EST: No kidding!

10:37 a.m. EST:

10:36 a.m. EST: Talk about redemption!

10:33 a.m. EST: Ze Terminator is at it again — and determined to stay in the tack this time!

10:32 a.m. EST:

10:29 a.m. EST: The SOLE double clear of the day so far belongs to Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo!

10:29 a.m. EST:

10:28 a.m. EST: Paul Tapner and Vanir Kamira doing work in their round earlier today:

Paul Tapner

10:27 a.m. EST:

10:26 a.m. EST:

10:25 a.m. EST: A look at the end of Andrew James’ round with the 10-year-old Movistar, who was contesting his first CCI4*. Seriously questioning the decision-making in this round — a clearly exhausted horse who can barely stay on its feet. Here’s hoping he’s recovered ok at least.

Andrew James

10:23 a.m. EST:

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10:10 a.m. EST:

10:09 a.m. EST: And one last look at Lynn and her fabulous OTTB coming home!

lynn finish

10:09 a.m. EST:

10:08 a.m. EST: The door should be wide open here as it seems William will be picking up some decent time.

10:08 a.m. EST:

10:07 a.m. EST: From the Horse & Hound live blog:

Screenshot (87)

10:06 a.m. EST:

10:06 a.m. EST: Still confused on what went down here…

10:04 a.m. EST:

10:01 a.m. EST:

10:01 a.m. EST:

9:58 a.m. EST: More Lynn and Flying Deer!

Lynn better

9:57 a.m. EST:

9:56 a.m. EST:

9:55 a.m. EST:

9:55 a.m. EST:

9:54 a.m. EST:

9:53 a.m. EST:

9:53 a.m. EST:

9:51 a.m. EST: We are also just minutes away from our third and final U.S. pair: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights! USA! USA! USA!

9:50 a.m. EST:

9:49 a.m. EST: Fernhill Pimms is a CCI4* first-timer. Can he pull it off?? No place like Burghley for your first time, eh?

9:47 a.m. EST: Current standings with 56 riders gone:

Screenshot (86)

9:46 a.m. EST:

9:45 a.m. EST Lynn gettting it done at the Cottesmore Leap!

Lynn and Donner

9:44 a.m. EST:

9:44 a.m. EST: Pippa Funnell talks about her ride on Redesigned with Horse & Country:

9:43 a.m. EST:

9:42 a.m. EST: After a few hairy moments, Shady Grey is getting his groove on.

9:30 a.m. EST:

9:29 a.m. EST: No wonder he went quick!

9:24 a.m. EST:
Screenshot (85)

9:22 a.m. EST:

9:21 a.m. EST:

9:20 a.m. EST: Lynn’s round is now up on Burghley.tv! We’ll add GIFs to this post, but you can watch it here and see her post-ride interview here.

9:17 a.m. EST:

9:16 a.m. EST: Did the press kits come with blood pressure meds?

9:12 a.m. EST:

9:10 a.m. EST: That’s what we like to hear, Tim. Way to keep things exciting!

9:09 a.m. EST:

9:08 a.m. EST:

9:08 a.m. EST:

9:07 a.m. EST: Sage advice. #ToddIt

9:06 a.m. EST:

9:06 a.m. EST: Either that or he never misses leg day.

9:05 a.m. EST: Oh no!!

9:04 a.m. EST:

9:03 a.m. EST: Let’s go Tim and Obie!

9:02 a.m. EST:

9:02 a.m. EST:

9:01 a.m. EST: Such an unfortunate blip for Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen who just lost it a bit here:

Andrew Hoy

9:00 a.m. EST:

8:59 a.m. EST: Lainey and Al are home with 40 jumping and 46.4 time. She’ll be gutted with those 20s but she’s completed her first Burghley cross country.

8:58 a.m. EST:

8:57 a.m. EST:

8:56 a.m. EST:

8:56 a.m. EST

8:55 a.m. EST: Always interesting to see which fences are causing the most trouble. Fence by fence stats here.

8:55 a.m. EST:

8:54 a.m. EST:

8:53 a.m. EST:

8:52 a.m. EST:

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8:49 a.m. EST:

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8:46 a.m. EST:

8:46 a.m. EST Kick on, Lainey!

8:45 a.m. EST:

8:44 a.m. EST: See what Lynn Symansky had to say about her cracking round!

8:44 a.m. EST:

8:42 a.m. EST: Mark lives life on the edge.

8:41 a.m. EST:

8:40 a.m. EST:

8:39 a.m. EST:

8:39 a.m. EST:

8:37 a.m. EST:

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8:35 a.m. EST:

8:30 a.m. EST: Speaking of legends, it’s SO strange to not have Andrew Nicholson here. #speedyrecovery

8:29 a.m. EST:

8:28 a.m. EST:

8:27 a.m. EST: Game face, girl. You got this!

Off we #GOALGO

Posted by Valerie Ashker on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:26 a.m. EST: And here come the heart palpitations again…

Off we #GOALGO

Posted by Valerie Ashker on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:25 a.m. EST: Yep.

8:24 a.m. EST:

Bit of a update before Mark heads out. So far we’ve had 18 clear rounds….but noone has made the time. Six…

Posted by Eventing NZ on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:22 a.m. EST:

8:21 a.m. EST: Thanks to LloydBell Productions for these great interviews! Audio from Chris Burton here:

8:17 a.m. EST: Hear Paul Tapner’s thoughts from his first ride:

8:16 a.m. EST: We’re just about 30 minutes out from our second U.S. pair, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch! #internationalAl

8:16 a.m. EST:

8:15 a.m. EST: A hairy moment on course for Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh.

Sam Griffiths

8:14 a.m. EST: I thought it was strange that we only really saw any talk of one stop. Scores show Eliminated still at the moment.

8:13 a.m. EST:

8:12 a.m. EST:

8:12 a.m. EST:

8:10 a.m. EST:

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8:05 a.m. EST:

8:05 a.m. EST:

8:04 a.m. EST:

8:03 a.m. EST: Wow! What a great ride from Pippa Funnell on Redesigned at the Anniversary Splash!

redesigned

8:01 a.m. EST:

7:59 a.m. EST:

7:59 a.m. EST:

7:58 a.m. EST:

#burghleyhorsetrials #rangerover #crosscountry #eventing

A video posted by @h313nw on

7:56 a.m. EST:

7:56 a.m. EST:

7:53 a.m. EST: Can’t really see what happened with Ben Way and Galley Light – a pin has been dislodged, glad to see they were both on their feet.
ben way

7:50 a.m. EST:

7:49 a.m. EST:

7:48 a.m. EST:

7:47 a.m. EST: Quick shot of Lynn from our friends at Horse & Hound!
lynn

7:47 a.m. EST:

7:46 a.m. EST: Great shot from earlier today!

Pippa Funnel coming home #lrbht

A photo posted by Vee and Bear (@veeandbear) on

7:45 a.m. EST: Current scores:
Screenshot (84)

7:44 a.m. EST:

7:43 a.m. EST:

7:42 a.m. EST:

7:40 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at what happened with Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Such a shame.

Images via Burghley.tv.

Images via Burghley.tv.

7:40 a.m. EST:

7:38 a.m. EST: You go, Lynn.
Nailed-It

7:37 a.m. EST:

7:36 a.m. EST:

Screenshot (83)

7:36 a.m. EST:

7:33 a.m. EST:

7:32 a.m. EST: THEY DID IT! Our first U.S. pair crushes the course and comes home clear with 13.2 time! You can all release those held breaths now. Whew! On to Laine and Al at 8:44 EST!

7:32 a.m. EST:

7:31 a.m. EST: DONNER! DONNER! DONNER! Almost home!

7:30 a.m. EST:

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7:20 a.m. EST:

7:20 a.m. EST: Commence hyperventilating…

7:19 a.m. EST: Man, no one is safe!

7:18 a.m. EST: A glimpse at Oliver Townend and Dromgurrihy Blue’s cracking round:
Ollie 2

7:16 a.m. EST:

7:12 a.m. EST:

7:11 a.m. EST: Videos are beginning to load on Burghley.tv! Ollie Townend and Murray Lamperd’s rounds are up here.

7:10 a.m. EST: Paul Tapner and Vanir Kamira added to the list of 20s, but they’re home safely.

7:09 a.m. EST:

7:07 a.m. EST:

7:00 a.m. EST: For inquiring minds, I’ve been refreshing Burghley.tv every few minutes and no videos have popped up just yet. Lead time I think was about an hour, so any minute now…

7:00 a.m. EST:

7:00 a.m. EST: Ok, ok. I’m done. Maybe.

6:59 a.m. EST:

6:57 a.m. EST: When someone tells you Michael Jung fell off:

via GIPHY

6:57 a.m. EST:

Sam Griffiths looking impeccably stylish through the leaf pit. #lrbht2015 #burghley2015 #eventingworldwide

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:54 a.m. EST:

6:52 a.m. EST: It’s probably because I’m not fully awake yet, but for some reason Meg’s Facebook post below made me think of this:

6:52 a.m. EST: Our U.S. trailblazers will head out of the box in just about 30 minutes!

Good luck good luck good luck. #longestwalkever #stablingtostartbox Lynn Symansky

Posted by Meg Kep on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:50 a.m. EST:

6:50 a.m. EST:

6:49 a.m. EST: Speaking of beast mares. Let us not forget this mare crushed the Badminton-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named in 2014 to take home the win. Yes please.

6:47 a.m. EST: Three eliminations, two completions with stops (Austin O’Connor & Louise Harwood) in the first 45 minutes. Should be an exciting day, to say the least!

6:46 a.m. EST:

6:45 a.m. EST: Hear what trailblazer Oliver Townend thought of the course in this interview audio.

6:45 a.m. EST:

6:42 a.m. EST: I believe this is where Michael and Rocana fell. My heart really is broken. This is what it feels like.
Screenshot (81)

6:41 a.m. EST:

6:41 a.m. EST:

6:38 a.m. EST: It appears Michael Jung is up but walking with a limp after his fall from Rocana. What a shame!! We’ll keep you updated on his status with Sam, his second ride.

6:38 a.m. EST:

6:37 a.m. EST: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS WORLD?

6:37 a.m. EST:

6:36 a.m. EST:

6:36 a.m. EST:

6:35 a.m. EST: #EventerProblems?

6:34 a.m. EST:

6:32 a.m. EST:

6:31 a.m. EST: Ollie Townend has the quickest round so far (still early going, mind you) with 5.6 time penalties as the trailblazer. That guy, man. He can ride some cross country.

6:30 a.m. EST:: Ze Terminator is coming, Ze Terminator is coming! Michael Jung and his first ride, fisherRocana FST are set to start in just a few minutes. I can’t wait to see how this mare crushes this course. #marecrush

6:29 a.m. EST:

6:28 a.m. EST:

6:26 a.m. EST: Dee Hankey shows on the live scores as Eliminated. 18 seconds over for Murray Lamperd and Under the Clocks.

6:25 a.m. EST:

6:24 a.m. EST:

Obie is set to go at 2pm local time today! The beast is ready to tackle the course!

Posted by Bourke Eventing on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:22 a.m. EST:Our newest starter is Chris Burton and his first ride, Haruzac. I have not seen anything on Dee Hankey and Chequers Playboy, who were set to start before Chris.

6:21 a.m. EST

Louise Harwood looking great out on course. #lrbht2015 #burghley2015 #eventingworldwide

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:18 a.m. EST

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6:15 a.m. EST:

The course can be ridden! Oliver has taken all the straight routes and gone beautifully…attacking the tricky Trout…

Posted by Eventing NZ on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:14 a.m. EST:

6:11 a.m. EST:

Oliver Townend looking strong across country! #eventingworldwide #burghley2015 #lrbht2015

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:13 a.m. EST

6:10 a.m. EST: Louise Harwood and Mr Potts are your next starters on course.

6:08 a.m. EST: Fun fact, Ollie Townend is the only rider with three rides this weekend. 8 other riders have two rides, although Francis Whittington has just one now with the withdrawal of Fernhill Highlight.

6:06 a.m. EST:

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6:03 a.m. EST:

6:02 a.m. EST:

6:00 a.m. EST: Our first pair, Oliver Townend on Dromgurrihy Blue, is on course! This pair scored a 45.8 in the dressage for 24th place.

Friday Results Recap: Five Points, Copper Meadows, Aspen & Breda

By on Sep 4, 2015 4:45 pm -
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo courtesy of Allie Conrad Photography. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo courtesy of Allie Conrad Photography.

We’re seeing lots of competitive dressage scores today after dressage completed for the Advanced and CIC3* divisions at the weekend’s headlining events. We have two Advanced and one CIC3* event running this weekend: Advanced at Five Points and Aspen Farms and CIC3* at Copper Meadows. Plus there’s another Big B going on this weekend in addition to Burghley — Breda in The Netherlands!

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice will take the lead in the Advanced at Five Points on a score of 27.1 in the Irish gelding’s first competition back since Rolex. That puts them just ahead of Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who are our predicted pick for the win this weekend.

Kim and Cooley Cross Border earned a 28.4 nod from the judges ahead of Sharon White and Clifford M, who scored a 29.1 but was withdrawn from the Advanced division later in the afternoon along with his stablemate Cooley On Show. Sharon has been battling a herniated disc in her back, and we’re sending her positive healing thoughts.

That withdrawal moves Michael Pollard and Halimey into third place overnight on a score of 29.6 in his first Advanced start since March — he most recently placed second in the CIC2* at Richland Park. Michael also had a rocking day in the Open Intermediate, where he scored a 19.2 with Boris O’Hara, a 9-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Kathleen McDermott. I think we need to start keeping a record of Michael’s sub-20 dressage scores — how low can he go?

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery, one of his newer rides that he recently acquired from Kelly Prather, sit in fourth with a score of 30.0. This is Boyd and Blackfoot Mystery’s second start together, the first at Advanced, so it will be exciting to see how their partnership has progressed early on. Boyd also rounds out the top five with Steady Eddie on a score of 30.4.

Click here for full scores from Five Points.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Natalie Kuhny.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum lead the Copper Meadows CIC3* after show jumping. Photo by Natalie Kuhny.

Copper Meadows

Over on the West Coast, it’s all Tamie Smith in the Professional’s Choice CIC3* at Copper Meadows. Tamie and the Ahearn family’s Mai Baum, who we’ve predicted to win this division, scored a 41.3 in dressage and then jumped a clear show jumping round to lead after the first two phases.

“Lexus” is prepping for the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* this fall (for which they just received a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant) so Tamie will be looking to keep the 9-year-old German gelding on the right track as he aims for his first CCI3*.

Andrew Baxter and Indy 500, who won the CIC3* here in June, are sitting in second their dressage score of 57.5 after also jumping a clear round. Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III moved up one spot to third on their dressage score of 60.9 after jumping a clear show jumping round.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Ride On Video have once again partnered up to bring us videos from Copper Meadows. Click here to watch dressage and show jumping highlights and then click here to watch a preview of Hugh Lochore’s CIC3* track. (Isn’t Frankie an adorable eight-month prego?)

Click here for scores from Copper Meadows.

How many Corgis does it take to walk a cross country course at Aspen Farms? Thanks to Aspen for sharing this photo by Ashley Shaw Colonel!

How many Corgis does it take to walk a cross country course at Aspen Farms? Thanks to Aspen for sharing this fun photo by Ashley Shaw Colonel!

Aspen Farms

A smaller division of four is contesting the Tin Men Supply Advanced at Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington. You can take a look at Chesna Klimek’s fence-by-fence cross country course preview that we posted earlier here.

Mary Burke and Prince William are your Advanced leaders, scoring a 35.2 for the overnight lead. This is Mary and Prince William’s first full Advanced together — they finished second in the Advanced/Intermediate at Whidbey Island in July.

“For our first Advanced he was very rideable and relaxed which made for a smooth and accurate test,” Mary said after the test. “I was pleased the areas that I have been working with him in dressage have improved. I am looking forward to doing the Advanced cross-country course tomorrow. I am also very excited to be participating in my first Gold Cup Series event and want to thank all the sponsors that make it possible.”

Mary Burke and Prince William lead the Aspen Farms Advanced division. Photo by Tim O'Neil.

Mary Burke and Prince William lead the Aspen Farms Advanced division. Photo by Tim O’Neil.

Karen O’Neal and Hollywood Diva are placed second after the dressage on a score of 39.7, followed by Marc Grandia and Fernhill Eagle to round out the top three. You may remember Fernhill Eagle as a former ride of Phillip Dutton’s — they placed 11th at Rolex in 2013 and 12th in 2012. This is the first step up to Advanced for Marc and Fernhill Eagle as a pair.

There’s another very familiar name out at Aspen this weekend in Gin & Juice, who is returning to competition for the first time since competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games with former rider Hawley Bennett. Sara Mittleider has now taken over the ride on the 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare; Sara and “Ginny” scored 18.9 to lead the Open Preliminary division overnight.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Breda. Photo via Liz's Facebook.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Breda. Photo courtesy of Liz.

Breda

Liz Halliday-Sharp has both her top mounts Fernhill By Night and HHS Cooley out in the CIC3* at Breda in the Netherlands this weekend, and she’s positioned very well after dressage. Fernhill By Night is in second place in the 47-horse field on a personal best score of 36.1, sitting behind Pia Münker and Louis M, while HHS Cooley is in sixth on 44.7.

Cooley is returning to competition following a minor injury at The Fork in April, so it’s great to see him back out and about. Liz said on her Facebook page that she was very pleased with both horses, who held it together despite the fact that the FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies were being held right next to the dressage ring!

Click here to see scores from Breda.

Five Points H.T.  [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Aspen Farms H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 4.53.43 PM

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Burghley Dressage Day 1 Highlights

By on Sep 4, 2015 3:00 pm -

The bar was set high on the first day of dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Michael Jung set the standard that went unchallenged until today with his Rolex winning mare, fischerRocana FST, earning a 34.2 to set the early lead.

It’s a tightly bunched leaderboard, as we all expected, and Burghley has put together a great video highlighting the sandbox action from day one. As we know now, it’s Michael Jung and William Fox-Pitt with Fernhill Pimms sharing the lead at the moment, and our three American ladies are holding down the fort with positions in the top 35.

Samantha Clark has done a bang up job with her coverage of the event so far, and you can catch up on all of the reports here. Stay tuned for much more to come this weekend from Burghley!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

Thursday Video from Zoetis: 1989 Burghley Cross Country

By on Sep 3, 2015 5:00 pm -

Burghley hosted the European Eventing Championships in 1989, when Great Britain took home team gold and swept the individual medals. Ginny Leng and Master Craftsman were the individual gold medalists, followed by Jane Thelwall and King’s Jester with silver and Lorna Clarke with Fearlieth Mor with bronze. What a year for British eventing!

As always, it’s fascinating to look back on “vintage” cross country footage, and this video definitely qualifies as such. Videos like this are also a great opportunity to see some of the famous faces from the past in their heyday, so keep an eye out for some very recognizable names and faces!

Wayback Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Sinead Halpin at Burghley

By on Sep 2, 2015 5:00 pm -

You know this is one of your favorite rounds of all time to watch as well! Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville came tantilizingly close to winning the whole thing in 2012, earning the lowest dressage score in the past five years and smoking the cross country course like old pros.

Sinead and “Tate” also took home a top 15 finish at Burghley in 2011, and we dug up the video from that round to get us pumped up for the action this weekend. Enjoy!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Dressage Times, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Town Hill Farm Horse Trials Highlights

By on Sep 1, 2015 1:30 pm -

She’s at it again! Marion de Vogel has already blown us away with her videography from Millbrook, and now she’s put together another highlight reel from this past weekend’s Town Hill Farm Horse Trials in Lakeville, Ct.

Riders competed in divisions from Beginner Novice through Prelim in this picturesque setting, and it looks like it was a great weekend for eventing all across the board. Many thanks to Marion for sending in another great video! Be sure to check out her Vimeo page here for more.

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.

 

Sarah Braun’s Advanced Mare Perfect Intentions Euthanized

By on Sep 1, 2015 9:30 am -
Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions during their Advanced debut. Photo courtesy of Full Tilt Photography. Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions during their Advanced debut. Photo courtesy of Full Tilt Photography.

We received the terrible news last night that 2014 USEA Groom of the Year Sarah Braun’s 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Perfect Intentions, has been euthanized following a freak traumatic injury sustained at home in Temecula, California, where Sarah is head groom and barn manager for Hawley Bennett.

“Candy” was kicked in her left front leg while in turnout last week, and two separate sets of radiographs showed no signs of injury. The mare was placed on stall rest as a precaution, but she sustained a spiral fracture in her left front radius (forearm) bone yesterday while in her stall. Vets are unsure exactly how the catastrophic injury might have occurred.

It’s a heartbreaking end to Sarah and Candy’s comeback story. They had just completed and won their first Advanced together at Copper Meadows in June, the culmination of years of setbacks and hard work. After winning team gold at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in 2012, Candy suffered a broken hip, underwent emergency colic surgery and battled severe pneumonia, all of which thwarted the pair’s plans to move up to the top level.

Sarah was elated with her mare after finally completing their first Advanced together this summer — thankful for the opportunity to have been given a second chance with her horse of a lifetime. Read on for the touching tribute to Candy that Sarah posted on her Facebook page last night:

“Candy, you are my best friend. You gave me the wings to believe in that dreams do come true. Winning a gold medal at Young Riders and winning our first Advanced together, but that’s only a small part of our incredible partnership,” Sarah wrote.

“You’ve taken me to places I’ve never dreamt possible. You were such a stoic and tough mare, and I believe that is what got you through some really tough times. I wouldn’t be the rider or person I am today without you with everything you have taught me. You have been a horse of a lifetime.”

Sarah also thanked everyone who has been a part of their incredible journey together. We are so deeply sorry for Sarah’s loss. Horses are fragile creatures, and our time with them is precious but fleeting. Rest in peace, Candy.

 

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Elisa Wallace and Hwin Tackle Bareback Puissance

By on Aug 31, 2015 5:00 pm -

Tredstep rider Elisa Wallace layered up in preparation for the Bareback Puissance at Chatt Hills this weekend — after all, it makes things more interesting if riders have to remove an article of clothing in order to continue in the competition!

Donning a long sleeve shirt, a polo and a vest, Elisa and her retrained Mustang, Hwin, were one of the stars of the show in the Puissance, and while they didn’t win they still put on a display of their partnership that’s been created in just a few short months.

Elisa and Hwin made it to 4’6 before calling it a day, but not before showing off some of the other tricks up their sleeves.

Be sure to keep up with the rest of Elisa’s adventures, mustang and otherwise, on the Wallace Eventing blog here.

Go (Mustang) Eventing!

Burghley Week Begins: U.S. Riders Ready for Action

By on Aug 31, 2015 11:00 am -
Looking at Burghley House (and Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch) through Luckaun Quality's ears. Photo by Tim Bourke. Looking at Burghley House (and Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch) through Luckaun Quality's ears. Photo by Tim Bourke.

Happy Burghley week! We’re waiting with barely suppressed impatience for the big fall CCI4* to begin, which it will on Wednesday with the First Horse Inspection. This weekend, the U.S. and U.S.-based pairs made their final preparations and started their journey to the grounds where all of the magic will happen this coming weekend.

Anthony Patch and Luckaun Quality survey their kingdom. Photo via Laine Ashker on Facebook.

Anthony Patch and Luckaun Quality survey their kingdom. Photo via Laine Ashker on Facebook.

After super-groom Lauren Sherrill headed to England this past Friday, Laine and her family followed the next day and are now safely settled in on the other side of the pond. While this is all a very big deal, we think Anthony Patch has other ideas…

Photo via Laine on Facebook.

Photo via Laine on Facebook.

Never you mind, Al. We know this is just another day at the office for you!

Draw number 68! Photo via Laine on Facebook.

Draw number 68! Photo via Laine on Facebook.

U.S. based Irish rider Tim Bourke has also made the trek with Luckaun Quality for their first crack at Burghley. “Obie” appears to have also traveled well and we can’t wait to see this pair tackle the big Capt. Mark Phillips course on Saturday.

Ready for boarding! #BOURKEley

Posted by Bourke Eventing on Friday, August 28, 2015

Meanwhile, a certain Flying Deer is already in Europe, having competed at Aachen earlier this month, and he and pilot Lynn Symansky had their final cross country tune-up yesterday before heading over to Burghley.

Donner had his last cross-country school before Burghley today. The Deer, Lynn, and Kendyl head to the event on Tuesday to get settled before the jog on Wednesday kicks things off.

Posted by Lynn Symansky Equestrian on Sunday, August 30, 2015

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are also in Europe after Aachen and have been enjoying the scenery during their final pre-Burghley gallops:

Colleen

As always, the community of eventers is already sending their well-wishes to the North American pairs — I think we’ve all already got our alarms set to live on British time this weekend so we don’t miss a single second of the action!

Screenshot (68)

Screenshot (69)

We’ll be keeping you up to date on all things Burghley this week — Samantha Clark will be on the ground for EN and I will be running open threads for the cross country and show jumping phases this weekend. Stay tuned for a guide on how you can watch Burghley live all week long (trust me, they have one of the best live streams out there) coming your way this week as well.

Go Burghley!

Burghley Links: Website, Entries, Course Preview Video, Fence Photos

Fab Freebie: Total Saddle Fit Six Point Saddle Pad with Wither Freedom

By on Aug 31, 2015 9:00 am -
Enter to win a Total Saddle Fit Six Point Saddle Pad with Wither Freedom! Enter to win a Total Saddle Fit Six Point Saddle Pad with Wither Freedom!

Your horse will breathe a sigh of contentment when you saddle up in the highly popular Total Saddle Fit Six Point Saddle Pad with Wither Freedom Technology — and for good reason! Similar to the half-pad that shares the same name, Total Saddle Fit has created a saddle pad that allows you to customize the fit thanks to six shim pockets on either side of the spine.

A cutback design also allows a more “withery” horse to have more freedom of movement beneath your saddle. The Six Point Saddle Pad is available in both All-Purpose/Jump and Dressage sizes, and it’s sure to give you both a classy look and a happy horse in the show ring and at home.

This week, Total Saddle Fit is generously offering a Six Point Saddle Pad with Wither Freedom to one lucky reader in this week’s Fab Freebie giveaway. Simple use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, and we’ll announce the winner in this Friday’s News & Notes. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Aug 30, 2015 4:30 pm -

It’s getting increasingly harder to limit each week’s wishlist to just three OTTBs! There are so many quality horses out there waiting to be picked up with a clean slate and ready to go in whatever direction you’d like. I’ve always been a firm believer in “making” your “made” horse, even though I know this is not everyone’s cup of tea. But the OTTB is a worthwhile breed to look into, and you just may be pleasantly surprised at how successful you can be.

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Our first listing this week is Dance With Monarch, a 2009 gelding with some well-known names visible in his pedigree. Dance With Monarch (Monarchos – My Angel Dancer, by Fusaichi Pegasus) has not one but two Derby winners in his immediate pedigree in Monarchos and Fusaichi Pegasus.

Dance With Monarch was not destined for the Derby trail, however, racing 24 times in the Allowance and Claiming ranks, winning six times and earning a shade over $120,000. He’s been retired with no known issues and his owners are looking for an excellent new home for him.

Dance With Monarch on CANTER PA

Photo courtesy of CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

Photo courtesy of CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

You won’t want to miss this “fun-sized”, 15.2 mare, Never So Sweet. This adorable girl is listed with CANTER Mid-Atlantic and evidently is aptly named as she is a sweet horse to boot! Never So Sweet (Gunnerside – Bite My Bumpers, by Feel the Power) was foaled in 2010 and raced seven times, earning $700 — that ought to caught some superstitious reader’s eye!

Never So Sweet on CANTER Mid-Atlantic

Photo used with permission from CANTER Illinois.

Photo used with permission from CANTER Illinois.

Our third and final listing this week is Lucky Flo, another lovely chestnut mare who is listed with CANTER Illinois. Lucky Flo (Crafty Shaw – Second Windy, by Catienus) is a 2010 model and raced 26 times, earning $28,283 on the track.

Lucky Flo is said to be sweet and athletic at her 15.2 height — perfect for an ambitious junior or small adult!

Lucky Flo on CANTER Illinois

Sunday Video: Loudoun Horse Trials Cross Country

By on Aug 30, 2015 3:00 pm -

Buzzterbrown was spotted at the Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Horse Trials yesterday, and true to form he’s posted another great video montage from the Intermediate cross country action. Marilyn Little took home both first and second with RF Quarterman and RF Demeter, respectively.

RF Quarterman won the Open Intermediate, adding 8 time penalties on cross country for a final score of 39.7. “Demi” cruised around with 10.8 time to finish on a three phase score of 41.5. Sally Cousins and Wizard complete the top three on a score of 47.7 — Sally will be pleased with this performance as this is Wizard’s first start at Intermediate.

Many thanks to Buzzterbrown for this great footage! Congratulations to all Loudoun competitors on a successful weekend.

 

Keen Ice Upsets American Pharoah in Travers Stakes

By on Aug 30, 2015 1:30 pm -

An 18,000 person crowd had eyes for none other than the Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, on Saturday afternoon at Saratoga. After a grueling spring tour that won him the coveted Triple Crown, Pharoah came back and handily won the Haskell Invitational in July and started the Travers Stakes at 5:45 p.m. yesterday. Another victory was not to be, though, as a hard driving Keen Ice prevailed in a memorable stretch battle.

American Pharoah broke alertly and was sent to the lead as he has been throughout his career, but experienced more pressure from Frosted, who finished a game second to AP in the Belmont. Frosted never let up the pressure and both jockey Victor Espinoza and trainer Bob Baffert commented after the race that they knew the bay colt by Pioneerofthenile was in trouble by the 1/2 mile pole.

After the race, owner Ahmed Zayat commented that there was a good chance the 3-year-old colt could be retired instead of eyeing the Breeders Cup Classic that the fans have been anticipating. Regardless of the end decision, we have a lot of respect for Ahmed for wanting to do right by his horse who has fought tooth and nail during his career.

Many are speculating that the intensity of travel and little time in between races may have contributed to a less than full tank for American Pharoah, but he showed his grit and heart in a stretch battle that will go down as one of the most memorable. Whirlaway remains the only Triple Crown winner to continue on to win the Travers — they don’t call this track the “Graveyard of Champions” for nothing!

We’ll be following the connections of American Pharoah as they determine their next step, but whatever their decision may be we know we have witnessed one of the truly great athletes the sport has seen. Our hats are off to you, Pharoah, and also to Keen Ice, who still ran his race and proved to be the best of the day yesterday.

Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison Clinch Chatt Hills Advanced Win

By on Aug 30, 2015 10:22 am -
Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison. Photo by Samantha Clark. Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Jon Holling said all he needed heading into show jumping at Chatt Hills this morning was to read Maggie’s By the Numbers predictions once more. While he was only kidding, we’re still thrilled to see that he and his veteran partner, Downtown Harrison, launched a successful comeback at the level, jumping double clear over Marc Donovan’s course to clinch the Advanced win on a final score of 38.8.

This has been a weekend of sentiment for Jon and the family that has grown to know Downtown Harrison, an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding, as a member of the family. After the horse sustained an injury in 2013, Jon attempted to bring him back to the top level in 2014 but elected to continue rehabbing him after he felt “not quite right” at Carolina International last year.

“We followed our vet’s advice and brought him back last year, but he wasn’t 100% after he ran Carolina and we felt he needed more time,” Jon said. “The plan originally was to give him to Jen to ride, I figured that would be it for him at the top level.”

Jen Holling rode Downtown Harrison throughout his rehab in 2014 and told Jon that he needed to sit on the horse again, that he felt fantastic. “Our vet, Lisa Casinella, told me the same thing,” Jon said. “That there was no reason I shouldn’t be riding this horse and that he felt better than ever. I love riding him, so I figured I’d give it a shot with the intention being — and it still is — to have fun and take it one event at a time.”

Jon picked up two Prelim wins with Downtown Harrison this year and circled Chatt Hills as the horse’s return to Advanced competition. “The flatwork I’ve had a lot of time to work on, and I knew he’d be competitive,” Jon said. “On cross country, I didn’t go out to be fast but I do think you have to be a little careful with a good horse like him. If I go out and try to go too slow, I find he doesn’t jump as well. I knew that I could go quick and have a chance to win, and we still picked up 13 time.”

“I was quite nervous yesterday morning — you always think they’ll remember what to do out there, but you never really know until you try. More important to me (than the time) was that there were some very good questions out there and he was good and knew his job.”

This morning, Jon and Downtown Harrison went in and clinched their win over second placed Daisy Trayford and Normandy Soldier and he’s elated to have his partner back in action. “This one is pretty special,” he said. “I’d tentatively like to take him to AECs and then aim for a three-star after that. You just have to be careful because while you have to make plans, I want to make sure I do right by the horse. He really is a part of the family now and I want to make sure we make the right decisions for him.”

Marc Donovan’s course this morning was tricky and claimed rails or time from every other pair in the Advanced division. Kyle Carter and Cooley Nothing Better B moved from fourth to finish in third place, followed by Libby Head and Sir Rockstar, Emily Renfoe and Walk the Line, and Kyle Carter and FR’s Trust Fund.

Chattahoochee Hills: [Website] [Live Scores]

Screenshot (62)

Watch This Hilarious Eventers Quiz at Europeans Press Day

By on Aug 29, 2015 11:00 am -

What happens with you pit Francis Whittington, Izzy Taylor and Gemma Tattersall against each other in a tough quiz on European Championships? This video is all the evidence you need that UK eventers know how to have a good time.

Horse and Country TV’s Jenny Rudall caught up with the three members of Team Great Britain and stumped them with some difficult questions on the Euros, assigning them each their own sound to make when they believe they have the answer.

If you’re in need of a good laugh, then you’ll want to click play on this video. You’ll also learn a few fun facts about the history of the Euros, which will be held at Blair Castle from September 10-13. Many thanks to Horse and Country TV for this great video — we’re already thinking of some Rolex trivia to ask some of the riders next spring!

European Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule]

Justine Dutton Adds Jak My Style to Her Advanced String

By on Aug 29, 2015 9:00 am -
Justine Dutton and Jak My Style. Photo via Justine Dutton. Justine Dutton and Jak My Style. Photo via Justine Dutton.

Justine Dutton, “the Other Dutton”, continues to build her business and string of horses at the upper levels with the new addition of Jak My Style, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, this week. Jak My Style has been campaigned through the Advanced level by Matthew Bryner, most recently completing the Advanced at Millbrook.

Owned by Kathleen Cuca, Jak My Style is a horse Justine clicked with immediately when she first went for a trial ride when Matt brought the gelding to Buck Davidson’s farm. “Buck put the jumps up pretty large and I just really clicked with him,” Justine said. Thanks to the support of Kathleen, who is very excited to own an Advanced horse for the first time, Jak My Style joined Sport Ponies UK shortly thereafter.

Justine will take Jak My Style out for a spin this weekend at the Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Horse Trials in the Open Preliminary and plans to head to Fair Hill to cap off her fall season. “He’ll do the CIC2* at Plantation and Morven and then we’ll aim for the CCI2* at Fair Hill if those go well,” she said. “But we’ll let him tell us if it’s the right time — he’s a great jumper and we’ll do some jumpers to prepare as well.”

The first cross country school aboard her new ride came at Buck’s this past week in a lesson with Burghley-bound Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. “I knew I was not going to have an easy lesson being with those two!” Justine joked. “But (Jak’s) a phenomenal cross country horse and he did really well.”

“Jak” will now join JollyBo and Huck Finn, owned by Patricia Weiser, on Justine’s string of Advanced horses — an exciting time for Sport Ponies UK as Huck Finn is preparing to return to the Advanced level after spending the majority of the past year sidelined with an injury. Finn is currently on his comeback tour, gradually stepping back up the levels with penciled in plans to return to the three-star level at Fair Hill.

Meanwhile, previously talent spotted JollyBo has stepped up to the plate in her stablemate’s absence, continually improving her dressage work with Justine and aiming for the CCI3* at Fair Hill this fall.

Justine’s certainly come a long way from her days of stunt riding and scraping together rides, but she always stops to pinch herself for the support of her owners, coaches and working students at home. “Everyone is just such great support,” she said. “I will need a lot of confidence coming into Fair Hill with, potentially, three rides, but it’s all coming together really well.”

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Blyth Tait Talks Burghley Course

By on Aug 28, 2015 5:00 pm -

Two-time Burghley Horse Trials winner Blyth Tait kindly took some time to walk through some key questions on this year’s course with our friends at Horse & Hound. You can follow along in the video above and also refer to our preliminary course preview as we look ahead to next weekend’s action.

Blyth walks us through three combinations on course: Capability’s Cutting at 9 and 10, the Land Rover Trout Hatchery at 20ABCD and 21, and Discovery Valley at 24AB. Blyth discusses alternative routes and the strategy each rider will have to bear in mind as they approach each question.

We can’t wait to bring you even more action from across the pond as we prepare to cheer on our American pairs who are entered this year. Stay tuned for much more from big, bad Burghley!

Burghley Links: Website, Entries, Course Preview Video, Fence Photos

Thursday Video from Zoetis: Eventing With The Stars

By on Aug 27, 2015 5:00 pm -

We posted a recap of Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton’s Eventing With The Stars symposium at Windurra this past weekend, and now we’ve got some videos from one of Phillip’s demos aboard Sea of Clouds.

Sea of Clouds is 4-year-old OTTB gelding by Malibu Moon out of Winner’s Ticket, owned by Graham and Anita Motion, Phillip and Evie Dutton and Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani. “Socs” last raced in November and is currently competing at Training level. Together with several other stars from Phillip and Boyd’s program, they put on a show for the crown of more than 100.

Many thanks to Herringswell Stables for these great videos from what looks like a very fun event!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Burghley Course Flyover

By on Aug 26, 2015 3:00 pm -

We already took a more in-depth look at Capt. Mark Phillips’ 2015 Burghley course — which is exactly as “big, bad Burghley” should look — and now we have some spectacular drone footage to really take a “ride” around the fabled course that we’ll be watching next weekend.

Bravery is called into question each year at Burghley, and this year is certainly no exception. More than a few key changes have been made to give this year’s edition a new look, and it’s definitely going to be interesting to see some of the world’s best navigating the course.

We’re counting down the days until Burghley, where Samantha Clark will be covering for EN. Keep it locked right here for all of the Burghley action you can possibly handle!

Burghley Links: Website, Entries, Course Preview Video, Fence Photos

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Harry Meade on Kicking On and Moving Forward

By on Aug 25, 2015 5:00 pm -

Did you know that UK eventer Harry Meade was told he would never ride again after suffering a terrible fall in 2013? True to eventer form, Harry says he began riding again “in secret” after this prognosis, and he talks candidly about his recovery process in this new video from Land Rover.

As we all know, Harry made a big comeback at Badminton in 2014, finishing third after a downright madhouse of a weekend aboard Wild Lone. Harry was also named to the British team for WEG with Wild Lone, where he experienced first-hand the tragedies that can come with this sport when the horse collapsed and died following a clear cross country.

Harry is a fan favorite rider and a classic horseman, and we wish him all the best with his up and coming horses, which he mentions in this video. Kick on Harry, and we look forward to seeing more!

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.

Beaulieu’s Cayenne Euthanized After Pasture Accident

By on Aug 25, 2015 9:00 am -
Julie Richards and Beaulieu's Cayenne. Photo by Jenni Autry. Julie Richards and Beaulieu's Cayenne. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re devastated to report this morning that Sher Schwartz’s 11-year-old Luxembourg Warmblood mare, Beaulieu’s Cayenne, was euthanized last night after a pasture accident that left her with a shattered hind leg. Beaulieu’s Cayenne had been campaigned by Julie Richards through the CCI3* level, and the big goal for next year was to compete at Rolex.

“She must have twisted the leg just right cantering in the pasture,” Julie said. “She torqued it just enough that there was nothing we could do, it was just shattered. She was the soundest horse and it’s a terrible blow, we are all just in shock.”

Beaulieu’s Cayenne was the first horse to bring Julie back to the upper levels after representing the U.S. at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. After taking the ride three years ago, Julie and Cayenne sailed up the levels together, most recently finishing ninth in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh earlier this year.

“She was so well started and such a good mare,” Julie said. “We had a plan for AECs, Fair Hill and then on to Kentucky next year and we’re just heartbroken. (Owner) Sher (Schwartz) did everything right by her and nurtured her. I really enjoyed riding her.”

Indeed, it can be said that Cayenne was well loved and a favorite of Sher’s, who also owns Wonderful Will. “She was just so special from the moment I saw her,” Sher said. “I bought her as a five-year-old from Michael and Nathalie Pollard, and she was so beautiful and well put together.”

“Although I could ride her on the flat, she was always a bit too spicy for me over fences,” Sher continued fondly. “Whenever I’d come to Julie’s for lessons, she’d always run up to the gate — she knew the sound and sight of my truck and trailer and no one else’s. She always had a sweet little nicker for me.”

Cayenne will always be remembered as a trier and a hard worker, a horse who loved cross country and answered every question put in front of her. She incurred no cross country jump penalties in her FEI career and continued to step up to the plate when asked. “We showed her lightly because she really didn’t need it,” Sher said. “She always did everything we asked her to do. She just needed to go on and do what she needed to do.”

In the face of tragedy such as this, we are yet again forced to remember how fragile our horses are. Cayenne was privileged to have a dedicated team behind her in her too-short life, and we will fondly remember her gleeful expression across country and the smiles she brought to the faces of those who loved her.

The entire EN team sends its condolences to Julie, Sher and the people who loved this special red mare. Rest in peace, Beaulieu’s Cayenne.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Watch Ian Stark Ride the CIC3* Test Ride at Richland

By on Aug 24, 2015 3:00 pm -

Ian Stark has countless accolades on his resume, and it’s a privilege for riders to tackle his cross country courses and learn from his years of experience. Ian’s list of accomplishments include four Olympic medals, medals from both WEG and the European Eventing Championships and a Badminton title — to just name a few.

He’s a living legend, and at 61 years of age he is still a prominent face in the sport of eventing. This weekend, he made an appearance in the little white box, riding the CIC3* test ride at Richland Park. And what a treat it was to see him in the saddle performing upper level movements as if he’d never stepped away from competing at the top.

Many, many thanks to RNS Video for providing the video of Ian’s test ride. You can get to know Ian a bit more in this article from our friends at Horse & Hound in honor of his birthday earlier this year. Go Ian!

Area IV Enjoys a Weekend with Hawley Bennett-Awad

By on Aug 24, 2015 1:00 pm -
Hawley coaches the Novice group on the ditch question. Photo by Susan Horner. Hawley coaches the Novice group on the ditch question. Photo by Susan Horner.

What a treat it is to have the opportunity to learn from an established upper level rider! This was my personal first attempt at organizing a clinic, and the magnitude of responsibility is enough for a post of its own. Suffice it to say, all of the work was 100% worth it as I watched the riders beaming as they improved each day and as I watched Hawley give out high fives and compliments on jobs well done.

Hawley is an excellent clinician in the sense that she knows exactly how much she can challenge each rider. The participants for this clinic, held at the beautiful Longview Horse Park in Raytown, Mo., ranged from experienced Preliminary pairs to green horses and young riders on their trustworthy ponies. No challenge was too big or small for Hawley, who efficiently encouraged each pair to reach new levels.

Day one of the clinic was cross country, and riders were divided into groups by level. We were blessed with amazing weather this weekend, and each horse and rider came off the course more confident than they went on. Hawley prefers to string several fences together rather than focus on a single fence — a good test for an event where you will, of course, not be jumping just a single fence.

Coaching Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel's Alabar through the water complex. Photo by Susan Horner.

Coaching Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel’s Alabar through the water complex. Photo by Susan Horner.

By putting together several short courses, Hawley was able to give each pair a challenge while constructively criticizing their areas for improvement. She put a lot of emphasis on holding your line straight before and after each fence to encourage your horse to stay straight, something that will only become more vital as the riders progress up the levels.

And she certainly knew what she was doing, as each rider repeatedly said how much fun they were having and how many firsts were achieved this weekend. I was perhaps most proud to hear the “yes ma’am” and see the concentration and dedication on each rider’s face as they tackled the next question. Hawley is the first to tell you when you’ve screwed up (and what you need to do differently to fix this going forward) and when you’ve done a super job. None of the pairs were over faced, but all were able to step a bit outside of their comfort zones and have the opportunity to rise to the occasion.

On day two, we tackled a technical but not overly large show jumping course. Due to some harder footing, Hawley didn’t max the jumps out but still provided a stiff challenge with a lot of related distances and gymnastic work. She interjected her commentary with anecdotes from her past competitions or lessons, making each exercise relateable.

Photo by Jaiden Waddle.

Photo by Jaiden Waddle.

She worked well with tired horses, giving them exercises that were inviting and challenging all at once. A line of one-strides was imposing but a great exercise in balance and straightness, and it was really interesting to see each pair work through this and come out on the other side successfully.

Hawley’s big pet peeves are clucking and looking down. As is tradition with her clinics, riders were challenged not to break these rules or risk an assignment of push-ups. Happily, most riders were able to accomplish this goal — although a few onlookers were not!

Overall, this clinic was a great educational opportunity for both riders and auditors. Everyone came away a little more grown up and with some new tools in the toolbox, which is what we all want out of a clinic. Many thanks once again to all of the riders, volunteers and supporters who made this a success. Also, thank you to Hawley and her husband, Gamal, for coming to Area IV for the weekend. We can’t wait to have you back!