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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

Mary King to Retire King’s Temptress

By on Jun 15, 2015 11:00 am -
Mary King and King's Temptress at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Mary King and King’s Temptress at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

After withdrawing her homebred 15-year-old mare, King’s Temptress, following the dressage at Badminton last month, Mary King has announced that she will be retiring “Tess” due to arthritic changes and persistent lameness.

“Sadly Tess’s lameness has persisted and due to some arthritic changes we have had to retire her from competition,” Mary wrote on her Facebook page. “She is going to now have babies and get fat! (what she has always wanted!) In the past she has had 5 successful embryo transfers and I have been advised this time to let her have her own baby. She will be AI’d next week…husband yet to be decided!”

King’s Temptress enjoyed a storied career with Mary in the irons, winning Rolex in 2011, the year that Mary finished first and second aboard Tess and Fernhill Urco. The mare finished fourth in her CCI4* debut at Luhmühlen in 2009 and completed Burghley three times, finishing 18th, seventh, and third each time.

Mary has been well-known for piloting horses she bred herself to the upper levels of the sport, so we’re waiting anxiously to see what stallion will pair with King’s Temptress to produce the next generation of eventers. We’ll post more updates on this as they become available.

Happy retirement, Tess!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Jun 13, 2015 1:30 pm -

With the abundance of OTTB competitions available, it’s really interesting to see how people approach their re-training strategy. It’s so encouraging to see everyone from seasoned pros to capable young riders putting their young Thoroughbreds through their paces in preparation for an upcoming competition.

We’ve got three fresh OTTB listings for your review this week. Don’t forget, if you bring one of our featured horses home, we’d love to read your blogs about your progress! If this is you, please email [email protected]

Photo via After the Races.

Photo via After the Races.

Our first listing this week is Senor Amarga, a 3-year-old 16.1 hand filly available through After the Races. Senor Amarga (Senor Swinger – Amarga, by Came Home) is unraced and, according to her listing on After the Races, mostly untrained as a racehorse. It is said that she has some knee conformation that her trainer did not think would hold up to racing, but she has been cleared by the vet for other disciplines.

If you’re looking for a young horse with a clean slate, you’ll want to find out more about Senor Amarga on After the Races here.

Photo courtesy of CANTER Texas.

Photo courtesy of CANTER Texas.

This pretty girl is available through CANTER Texas. By the way, CANTER just launched a brand new website, and it’s pretty fancy. Be sure to check it out here!

Go For Mula (Mula Gula – Go for Diamonds, by Grindstone) is a 3-year-old filly who has just four starts to her name. She is listed as having some soreness upon retirement, so a lower intensity career may be best for her. Go For Mula stands 15.3-16 hands and is said to be very friendly and even prettier in person.

Go For Mula on CANTER Texas

Photo via Second Stride Inc.

Photo via Second Stride Inc.

Finally this week is a listing from Second Stride, Inc. Tater Downs is an older model (7 years old), but don’t let that deter you! If you’re a racing fan, you’ll be excited to know that this guy is a half-brother to Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup contender Ready’s Echo.

Tater Downs raced 25 times, placing 16 times and earning over $150,000. He stands 16.2 hands and is ready to take on a new career in a forever home.

Tater Downs on Second Stride, Inc.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Racehorse to Event Horse

By on Jun 12, 2015 6:00 pm -

Raise your hand if you’re preparing for a Retired Racehorse Project competition this year! Area IV rider Mallory Stiver is working towards the competition in Kentucky, and she’s making her debut in next weekend’s Sport Of Kings Challenge in Oklahoma.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Mallory’s 5-year-old OTTB, PF Hugo Boss, who raced at Remington Park, where the Sport of Kings Challenge will be held. Lainey Ashker, Steuart Pittman, and Robin Hessel will be the judges for the Sport of Kings Challenge, and Mallory was selected as a finalist to compete for the top honors.

Enjoy this video of Hugo Boss, aka Huey, and Mallory’s progress since he came off the track in July of 2013.

Are you competing in the RRP this year? Send us your prep blogs and look for them right here on EN! You can email us at [email protected].

Product Review: Woof Wear Smart Event Boot and Smart Overreach Boot

By on Jun 11, 2015 12:30 pm -
Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

When you’re not an Advanced level eventer (yet), it’s difficult to find the right cross country boot without feeling like it’s overkill. Do I really need to gallop around (canter around) in the exact same tack that Boyd Martin uses? Probably not. I used to have a huge mental block with appearances and what the “cool” kids are doing. Call it a character flaw.

It wasn’t until I started really trying to actually learn about the products I was using that I began to let go of that image obsession. Sure, I like to look well turned out and professional whenever I ride. Does that always happen? No. But when it comes to my tack, I want it to be safe and functional for my needs.

I’ve always been a Woof Wear fan. Their boots have always fit my budget and my needs, and so I was really excited when I saw that they were coming out with a new line of Smart Event Boots. It was like a next-level deal, offering newer technology and top of the line design.

Now, let me preface this by saying that I use these on my baby, just-turned-5-year-old OTTB, who is not going to be galloping around Rolex anytime soon. So, sure, maybe getting the latest and greatest boots may look funny to someone. But there I go again getting on my image obsession bandwagon. What is the most important to me is the level of protection I am offering my young horse, who is still growing and developing, while he tests out new terrain and obstacles.

It’s been a very wet spring here, and while I’m not really complaining about the cooler temperatures, it’s definitely made life at the barn interesting with the sheer amount of mud that seems omnipresent. So I was excited to take the new boots, along with the Smart Overreach Boots, for a spin to see how they felt and held up.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Obviously, a huge feature of every cross country boot worth its salt is the fact that it offers 360 degree protection around your horse’s lower leg. While open fronts are fantastic for show jumping and hacking in the arena, I prefer to have cross country boots for times when I’m on uneven ground or going off the property to school cross country. There’s just something about knowing that your horse is protected from the unexpected makes my anxiety subside a little.

The Woof Wear Smart Event Boots are incredibly easy to put on and adjust to your horse. These boots come in small, medium, and large sizes. Jesse is right at 16 hands with average sized bone structure and took a medium easily.

These boots feature D30 impact protection within an anatomically designed PU shell on 7mm thick neoprene. Lots of layers of protection there — but what about ventilation? Not to worry. The outer shell is well ventilated (without compromising coverage), allowing for plenty of airflow while the boots are on. This is extremely important, as the airflow keeps the tendons and ligaments cool and prevents overheating and, subsequently, injury.

The D30 impact protection is pretty cool. While lightweight, this technology still provides great protection, and while, thankfully, I didn’t have any moments where I felt my horse would have hit himself, I felt very comfortable knowing that a funny step or trip would meet with the ultimate protection. But what’s really cool is how the D30 technology works. Here’s the description:

D30 impact protection is a patented technology used to create a soft and flexible shock absorbing barrier featuring unique molecular properties. At rest, its molecules flow freely, but on impact, they lock together to absorb impact energy and reduce the force transmitted. This reaction is counter intuitive. The greater the force of the impact, the more the molecules lock together and the greater the protection.

Pretty cool, right? I thought so, too.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

The boots also feature Repel Technology, which adds a water resistant factor to the boots. There’s nothing worse than running around with water-logged boots that slip down and attract dirt and other unmentionables. I’m pleased to say that even through mud and water, these boots stayed in place and, though they were damp when I pulled them off, did not seem to hold water.

Nor were my horse’s legs abnormally wet to the point where I felt like they weren’t getting the ventilation needed. The tendons were not overheated and quickly cooled back to normal temperature as if it were a normal workout with no boots or open fronts.

The Smart Overreach Boots were also a hit, especially for my horse who tends to overreach quite a bit. While he is barefoot at the moment (somehow I’ve been blessed with a Thoroughbred with decent feet!), I still don’t want a wayward hoof to fit a strike point in the wrong area. The Overreach Boots feature Poron Xrd foam in the strike area, which also offers the “protection on demand” concept of the D30 impact protection.

The Overreach boots fit Jesse comfortably and did not turn while in use, which is also a huge plus. Jesse also took a medium in the Overreach Boots, although if he were shod I would probably think about getting him a Large to be safe.

Overall, I was very pleased with this new offering from Woof Wear. I really think this is a great product for both amateur and professional riders, no matter what level their horses are competing. Protection is of the utmost importance, and it’s something you can’t skimp on. While I know that “image” isn’t everything, these boots come from a well-known line in Woof Wear and they look very stylish and polished as well. Icing on the cake when you’re talking state of the art protection, if you ask me.

You can find more information on the Toklat website on the Smart Event Boots (Front, Hind) and the Smart Overreach Boots, and you can also order some for yourself! Trust me, your horse will thank you!

Sarah Braun’s Long Road Leads to Triumph

By on Jun 11, 2015 11:00 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.

Sarah Braun was on top of the world in 2012. She had just come off of winning team gold placing fifth individually in the CH-Y** at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships and was confidently eyeing a move up to Advanced with her then 12-year-old OTTB mare, Perfect Intentions.

But her big Advanced move up, which she prepared for under the watchful eye of coach Hawley Bennett-Awad, was not to be that year. Just days after Sarah and Hawley had discussed their plans post-Young Riders, Perfect Intentions, known as “Candy” in the barn, broke her hip in an apparent pasture accident.

“I had just started her back to work after Young Riders, and I came out to the pasture to catch her,” Sarah said. “She normally walks right up to me, but this day she was out in the field and just looking at me. I knew down in my gut that something was wrong, and when I put her halter on, she couldn’t walk.”

Candy’s right hip was broken, and there was no evidence to be found as to how it had happened. The mare spent the better part of a year rehabbing before briefly returning to competing in 2014.

Sarah regrouped and again began planning an Advanced move up with her mare. Once again, however, her plans were dramatically thwarted when Candy suffered an episode of colic that required emergency surgery. Ever the fighter, Candy spent the next several weeks at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, battling pneumonia while recovering from her surgery.

“She was in the hospital for just over three weeks before she came home,” Sarah said. “Then she got pneumonia twice after she came home, and the medication wasn’t helping. She then had to go back to the hospital for another 12 days to clear that up, and — knock on wood — she’s been completely fine ever since.”

Nearly two years after her success at Young Riders and the initial plans to move up to the Advanced level, Candy was finally ready to start her comeback tour with Sarah.

They returned to competition this past January in the Preliminary division at Galway Downs. They added eight faults in show jumping to finish in fifth place — a win for Sarah no matter what color ribbon she brought home.

“It was pretty emotional crossing the finish line after cross country,” Sarah said. “I just started bawling. I couldn’t help it. She knew exactly what her job was, and she was just so happy. You could tell in her eyes how happy she was to be back.”

It’s been full steam ahead for Sarah and Candy ever since. After placing competitively in their next two events at the Intermediate level, Candy was finally ready to take the next step that Sarah had been planning for so long. The move-up date was set for Copper Meadows Horse Trials, held this past weekend in Ramona, California.

“Hawley told me she had a small gift for me, and she handed me a box. I opened it up and inside was a necklace with a lucky horseshoe and Candy’s name on it,” Sarah said. “She hoped it would be our lucky charm for our first Advanced, so we started the weekend off on the right foot.”

Sarah's good luck gift from Hawley.

Sarah’s good luck gift from Hawley.

Sarah and Candy didn’t quite have the dressage test or show jumping round they hoped for, but Sarah did her best to take a deep breath and shake it off before heading to tackle her first Advanced cross country course.

“Hawley told me before we went in the box to just think of it like another Intermediate round. I took a deep breath as they counted down, and Candy literally launched out of the box and was foot perfect the whole way around. We had a couple of hairy moments, but she handled everything perfectly and did everything I asked,” Sarah said.

“I gave Candy a huge hug after we finished. Hawley was the first one to come running over and give me a hug. It was such a special moment.”

Sarah and Candy ultimately took home a blue ribbon in their first Advanced start, finishing the weekend with a clear cross country round and 7.2 time penalties.

She credits Hawley, who she works for as head groom at Hawley Bennett Eventing, for a lot of encouragement along the way. As tough as the road to get here has been, she can look back knowing she learned important lessons.

“The majority of the time I’ve been here (working for Hawley), I didn’t have a horse,” she said. “She always told me to keep my chin up and fight the fight.  I wouldn’t be where I am without Hawley’s undying support and faith. I’ve experienced things I would have never thought possible, traveling the world and getting to watch the best in the world.”

Quick to thank each and every person who has helped her and Candy on their path, Sarah has a list of important people whose help has been invaluable.

“Even though I met my vets, Dr. Korin Potenza and Dr. Nick Huggons of San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, during really unfortunate circumstances when Candy colicked, I’m so grateful that our paths crossed. I haven’t known them very long but they have become a huge part of my life. Not only did they save Candy, they have also given me the opportunity to have the ride on their OTTB, Crowning Event, who has really started to come into his own,” Sarah said.

“My parents have been my biggest supporters and fans who have helped me get to where I am today. They not only support me emotionally and financially, but they gave me the greatest gift imaginable when they purchased Candy for me for Christmas seven years ago.”

We are thrilled to see a happy ending for Sarah and Candy, although it’s by no means an ending to their story. Here’s to a new beginning and a well-deserved one for Sarah and her Perfect Intentions.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Bramham Flyover

By on Jun 10, 2015 5:00 pm -

Another big ticket European event is approaching this weekend, and a small but mighty American contingent will be representing the Stars and Stripes. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are entered in the CCI3* after receiving a Land Rover Competition Grant, along with UK based Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace are entered in the Under 25 CCI3* after a solid prep outing at Tattersalls earlier this month.

Be sure to check out Samantha Clark’s in-depth cross country course preview here, and British Eventing also just posted this wonderful flyover view of the Bramham Park grounds, and it’s breathtaking. It definitely puts perspective on how beautiful these European events truly are. Enjoy this bird’s eye view and a peek at some big questions on the cross country course.

Our very own Samantha Clark is  our eyes on the ground this weekend, so stay tuned for much more as we cheer on our Americans at Bramham.

Bramham International: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark, Twitter, Instagram

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Longtime Eventing Breeder and Advocate Dee McMaster Passes Away

By on Jun 10, 2015 2:30 pm -
Dee McMaster and her granddaughter, Codi. Photo courtesy of Lisa Robinson. Dee McMaster and her granddaughter, Codi. Photo courtesy of Lisa Robinson.

We are greatly saddened to hear that longtime event horse breeder and supporter Dee McMaster passed away suddenly in her sleep last night. Together with her daughter, Melissa, Dee had worked hard over the years to support a sport that was dear to her, always looking for the best crosses in which she may find a new generation of eventing greatness.

Dee had found success in breeding eventing prospects, producing several young horses who placed well at Young Event Horse competition in her home state of Florida. She had also recently purchased the stallion SWB Talbot, whose first crop of foals was on the ground this spring. SWB Talbot is syndicate owned and will continue breeding this year to produce event and sport prospects here in the U.S.

Melissa McMaster would often take the reins on the homebred horses once they were ready to compete, and under the MMC Eventing name you will find several horses who were bred or sourced by Dee herself. “She really loved the breeding part of this, and she hoped that one day she would get to sit in the white tent at Rolex and watch a horse she bred go down center line,” Melissa said.

A memorial fund in honor of Dee has been set up — you can click here if you would like to support the McMaster family. We’d like to thank Dee for all of her contributions to the sport, and the entire EN team sends its most sincere condolences to the McMaster family today.

Meet the 2015 Area III NAJYRC Teams

By on Jun 10, 2015 9:00 am -

NAJYRC is just around the corner, and the team announcements continue to come in anticipation of the event, to be held July 14-19. Area III is the defending CH-Y** team and are sending a solid group of riders to contest both the CCI1* and CCI2*. Coaches Julie Richards and Leslie Law will be helping prepare their teams at training camp this summer.

CH-Y** Team Members

Adrian Jones and Irish Odyssey. Photo courtesy of Steve Berkowitz.

Adrian Jones and Irish Odyssey. Photo courtesy of Steve Berkowitz.

Adrian Jones has been named as a rider for both teams, although she will only be representing Area III on one at the end of the day. Adrian is an accomplished one- and two-star rider, and has both Irish Odyssey (CCI2*) and Magnificent Toy (CCI1*) qualified.

Both owned by Laura Jones, Irish Odyssey is a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare and Magnificent Toy is a 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.

Adrian and Irish Odyssey represented Area III at NAJYRC in 2014, finishing 11th overall in the CH-Y**. She most recently placed second in the CCI2* at Jersey Fresh with Irish Odyssey and 10th in the CCI1* at Ocala with Magnificent Toy.

Do you know which horse you will end up taking to NAJYRC? Both horses are fantastic and ready to go! While this is great, it also makes the decision of who to take more difficult. As of now, I am planning on taking whichever horse the team coach would like me to take.

Nicole Doolittle and Tops. Photo courtesy of Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Nicole Doolittle and Tops. Photo courtesy of Ivegotyourpicture.com.

This will be Nicole Doolittle’s fourth appearance at NAJYRC and her second in the CH-Y**. Lexington has treated Nicole well — she won individual gold in the CH-J* in 2013 and finished 10th individually on the gold medal team in 2014.

Nicole returns to NAJYRC with former CCI3* horse Tops, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. This pair most recently won the Intermediate at Virginia Horse Trials.

This is your fourth trip to NAJYRC — what is your plan of attack for 2015? This year I plan on entering the competition as both a fitter horse and rider. We’ve really worked on our fitness and hopefully that will help us throughout the competition this year! I would love to have three good, consistent phases, in hopes for an individual medal.

Diane Portwood and Cinerescent. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Diane Portwood and Cinerescent. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Also making her return to Lexington and stepping up to the two-star team is Diane Portwood and her own Cinerescent, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare. Diane and Cinerescent were 14th in the CH-J* in 2013 and most recently completed the CCI2* at Ocala.

This pair has had a solid year of Intermediate and two-star competition and should be ready to make a splash at NAJYRC this summer.

How are you looking to build on your experiences from 2013 this year? The 2013 NAJYRC was a great experience, but I do regret not getting to know my teammates more than I did. A huge part of what makes the NAJYRC so special is the bond that is formed between teammates. This is something most of us have never gotten the chance to experience, and I hope that I’ll be able to build a more of a comradery within the Area III team. I’m also hoping that I won’t have as much of an issue with show ring nerves now that I have quite a few bigger shows under my belt.

Calvin Ramsay and Hoodwink. Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Calvin Ramsay and Hoodwink. Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Calvin Ramsay is another NAJYRC veteran, having competed with Flintstar in the Y-** in 2014 and with Hoodwink the CH-J* in 2013, who has had great success in Kentucky. Placing second individually in 2014 and fourth in 2013, Calvin is returning with Hoodwink in 2015.

Calvin is ready to bring his A game this year on a horse on which he’s had consistent results. This pair has campaigned at the Intermediate and two-star level since the winter of 2014, so expect them to show everyone how it’s done at NAJYRC.

Since this is your third time returning to NAJYRC and you’ve historically done quite well, are you feeling more pressure than you might otherwise? I feel excited by I try to avoid getting nervous. It keeps my mind off the possible problems that could happen to me and that helps me focus on actually riding.

Lauren Kieffer and Spring Easy (left) and Effervescent (right). Photos by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Spring Easy (left) and Effervescent (right). Photos by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin is another with a dual threat this year. She’s got two horses qualified for the CH-Y** team, and it will be exciting to see which is selected to start the team.

Spring Easy is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Sherrie and Caroline Martin. He placed third in his CCI2* debut at Galway Downs last year and has since stepped up to complete an Advanced and a CIC3* in 2015.

Effervescent is another 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse also owned by Sherrie and Caroline. The gelding made his CCI2* debut this year at Ocala, where he placed 23rd. Caroline has said that she believes Effervescent may do better in the dressage at NAJYRC, but that Spring Easy is the more experienced of the pair.

Caroline will wait until training camp to determine which horse will be selected as her first choice. This will be Caroline’s third trip to NAJYRC — she won individual gold here in 2013 aboard Quantum Solace.

What is the the biggest part of being a member of the Area III team? The team is all about a group effort and not just yourself. I really want to help everyone else in the sense of supporting them. It will be really great to have all of the kids from different areas together.

CH-J* Team Members

Mikensey Johansen and Exterminator. Photo by Jessica Johansen Lively.

Mikensey Johansen and Exterminator. Photo by Jessica Johansen Lively.

Competing at her first NAJYRC is Mikensey Johansen and her 7-year-old OTTB, Exterminator. Miksensey and her family purchased “Moe” as a 3-year-old, and he was trained by Werner Geven.

Mikensey took over the ride in 2014, competing at Novice and Training level before stepping up to win their Prelim debut in 2015. This pair has one CIC1* and one CCI1* under their belt and are looking forward to representing Area III for the first time.

What was your first reaction when you saw the announcement? I was very excited. Moe and I have come a very long way and I believe we will do it. I have a lot of trust in him and he has a lot of trust in me.

Parker Miller and Jos Baco. Photo by Marcie Miller.

Parker Miller and Jos Baco. Photo by Marcie Miller.

Parker Miller and her own 13-year-old Argentinian Thoroughbred, Jos Baco, were also named to the CH-J* team for Area III. She and Jos Baco have come up the levels together, steadily working their way up before stepping up to Prelim this year.

Parker and Jos Baco were most recently 10th in the Prelim championships for Area III at Poplar Place. They also completed the CCI1* at Ocala earlier this year.

What is the most exciting part about being named to the team this year? I think honestly the most exciting part is knowing that all of my hard work has paid off. I have had this dream since I was 10. I think I really got lucky teammate wise because they are all of my really close friends and I actually ride with Briggs (Surratt) every day!

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Patricia Dileo.

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Theresa Bender.

Briggs Surratt is also making his return to Kentucky this year representing Area III. You may remember Briggs from a great piece his father, Andy, wrote about him last year.

Briggs and his 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Hat Trick, were unfortunately eliminated at NAJYRC last year, but they’ll be bring a whole year’s worth of experience with them in their re-attempt in 2015.

This pair recently stepped up to the Intermediate/two-star level and completed the CIC2* at Red Hills earlier this year.

What are you looking forward to the most about being on the Area III team? I’m looking forward to building relationships with my team and working towards winning the gold together.

Congratulations to all Area III team members! Remember, if you or anyone you know is interested in guest blogging from Lexington, please email [email protected].

4 for C4: Our Favorite Things About the New Reversible Pad

By on Jun 9, 2015 5:00 pm -
Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

When C4 announced they were launching a new line of reversible saddle pads at AETA this year, we did a little happy dance. After getting a sneak peek at the new pads, which come in four different color combinations, we immediately knew that the popular belt company had hit a home run.

C4 has exploded on the eventing scene as the go-to option for color combinations. C4 belts are used for belts as well as “oh-crap straps” for eventers of all levels, and they’ve got a team of sponsored riders who love the product and what the company stands for: giving back.

We got a chance to take a saddle pad for a test ride, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite features from this summer’s must-have item.

The flip side of the black and white pad. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The flip side of the black and white pad. Photo by Sally Spickard.

1. Feed your color crazy with two colors in one pad.

The C4 saddle pad is currently offered in four color combinations: forest green/orange, red/blue, black/white and pink/navy. While I’m personally rallying for a purple pad, the black and white offered a sharp option that still matches my overall theme.

The pad is 100% reversible — no funky seams or mismatched logos to be found on the flip side. I’ve ridden in my pad many times now, and even though the logo on the underside is against the horse, I have not seen any damage or wear and tear.

C4 rider Siobhain O'Connor shows off her navy pad. Photo by Suzanne O'Connor.

C4 rider Siobhain O’Connor shows off her navy pad. Photo by Suzanne O’Connor.

2. Look polished and professional while having fun.

With the fun colors available, it’s easy to go nuts matching everything from your ear bonnet to your studs. This pad can easily blend in with either a loud and all-out outfit or a more minimalist theme. The presence of the C4 logo on the side and on the billet keeper is classy and elegant.

C4 rider Justine Dutton catches some air aboard the 6-year-old Cougar. Photo by Tori Hain.

C4 rider Justine Dutton catches some air aboard 6-year-old Cougar. Photo by Tori Hain.

3. It stays cool on the hot days.

It’s nice and humid here in Kansas City, thanks to a full month of rain in May. For that reason, I’m always looking for a good way to ensure my horse stays ventilated under saddle. I was pleased to see that this pad did not get bogged down with sweat, nor did it trap a lot of heat underneath.

When I remove the pad after a long ride, my horse has normal sweat marks that are evenly patterned (from a well-fitted saddle!) and are minimal thanks to a light fabric that allows air to circulate.

C4 rider Earl McFall looking sharp in Dragonfire Farm red aboard Let's Go DF. Photo by Jen McFall.

C4 rider Earl McFall looking sharp in Dragonfire Farm red aboard Let’s Go DF. Photo by Jen McFall.

4. Wash away!

I was a bit worried about the logo wearing off in the wash. I’m pretty hard on my things, as in I don’t necessarily take the time to hand wash or take them to a professional clear. So one criteria is that I must be able to take my pads and just throw them in the wash with like colors. I expect them to come out on the other side no worse for the wear.

Luckily for me, the C4 pad did exactly that. I usually hang dry my saddle pads before tossing them in the dryer to fluff them. I did dry my C4 pad for experiment’s sake and did not see any ill effects on the logo or stitching. Overall, this pad seems sturdy and in it for the long haul.

Are you wanting your own C4 pad? Not to worry — we’ve got you all set! For a limited time only, you can now receive 25% off the C4 reversible saddle pad with this special EN promo. Time to stock up! Click the banner below to go shopping now.

Monday Videos from Tredstep Ireland: Bromont Rewind

By on Jun 8, 2015 5:00 pm -

You may have spotted a familiar face at Bromont this weekend. The Horse Pesterer, our friendly neighborhood videographer, has just finished uploading his videos from the competition this past weekend, giving you plenty of reason to shirk your Monday work duties (we won’t tell your boss).

Footage from all three phases is available on The Horse Pesterer’s YouTube channel, including videos of CCI3* winners Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, among many others. Be sure to click through here to view all of your favorite riders’ videos.

Eventers Honor Seema Sonnad with a Sea of Purple

By on Jun 8, 2015 3:00 pm -
Missy Ransenhausen and Rachel Gross following cross country with Seema's OTTB, VS Pass Play. Photo courtesy of Lisa Thomas.

Missy Ransehousen and Rachel Gross after cross country with Seema’s OTTB, Keegan. Photo courtesy of Lisa Thomas.

Eventers at this past weekend’s Plantation Field Horse Trials donned purple to honor the memory of rider, owner, mentor and volunteer Seema Sonnad, who passed away suddenly last month. The event was made all the more emotional for Missy Ransehousen, who rode Seema’s OTTB, VS Pass Play, in the Open Preliminary division.

Seema, who boarded and trained with the Ransehousens at Blue Hill Farm in Unionville, Pennsylvania, had planned for “Keegan” to compete with Missy at both Fair Hill’s May horse trials and Plantation Field’s June horse trials to aid in her goal of competing in a one-star later this year.

“The funny part is that Seema had joked with me and told me that I needed to knock a few points off of his dressage score, and he scored a 28 this weekend; he usually scores in the high 30s, Missy said. “Dressage is not his strongest phase, but he’s an excellent jumper. He did such a phenomenal job with Seema; he really took great care of her.”

 

Photo courtesy of Lisa Thomas.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Thomas.

Missy does not have any immediate plans to compete Keegan again, but she has enjoyed keeping him in work and seeing the outpouring of support and love for Seema at Plantation Field.

“It was really great to see people chipping in with the purple and having a good time,” she said. “I think any time that you ride a horse for someone who has passed away, it’s emotional in a sense that you want to fulfill what they felt the horse deserved.”

Plans are being made to plant a tree in Seema’s honor overlooking the cross country course at Plantation Field, a fitting tribute to someone who volunteered and competed at the venue for many years.

Screenshot (38)

“It really was an amazing — and emotional — weekend for all of us,” Lisa Thomas, a member of the Blue Hill Farm family, said. “It was just fabulous to see so many people, from volunteers to the competitors, wearing purple. Seema is definitely smiling down upon us.”

Thanks you to Lisa Thomas of Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Service for sharing this photo gallery of Missy and Keegan, as well as other riders who donned purple for Seema. If you wore purple or snapped a photo of someone in purple this weekend, please post it in the comments.

#becauseofSeema

Blogger Contest Round One: David Taylor

By on Jun 8, 2015 11:00 am -

We announced the six Blogger Contest finalists last week, and now we’re bringing you each submission from Round 1 here on Bloggers Row. We will be posting all six entries over the next few days, so be sure to check them out and leave your feedback in the comments.

All entries will be reprinted without editing for fairness’ sake. Thanks again for your support and readership, EN! We are thrilled to have such quality entries yet again this year.

David Taylor

Product Review: Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tank

I, like most equestrians, have a slight obsession with apparel (I too am seeking help with my problem). Whether I’m schooling my horse around the farm or riding with a well know clinician, I want to look my best. This quest for a smart look often has me blurring the men’s/women’s equestrian clothing line.

Let’s be honest, in the grand scheme of things, guys are outnumbered in this world of horses.

When you head to the local tack shop there really isn’t much on the shelves for guys other than a couple of dusty show jackets, a few very expensive polo shirts, and the same 8 pairs of breeches that have been on the rack for 4 years. “Why do women get all the good stuff?” is a constant thought running through my head.

I decided to turn to the internet with my list of criteria for a trendy men’s riding shirt to write a product review about. The accursed search engine kept returning with women’s equestrian wear. One shirt in particular kept popping up. It met all of my criteria – except one… the word “men’s.” Frustrated by the lack of results that could be considered appropriate for a man; I decided to find out whether that ladies’ shirt was really as special as advertised.

I made a quick run to the local tack shop to see if they carried the Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tank. And since this item wasn’t men’s wear, of course they had it, oh! and in 4 different colors, no less. I grabbed the largest size they had which happened to be in Caribbean (teal). I headed to the register, hoping they wouldn’t ask who the shirt was for (my wife is a size small). I quickly paid for it and headed to the barn.

Since my goal was to do a product review, I decided to do my due diligence in reporting on this great equestrian apparel item. I decided to put my humility aside and go all in! I put the shirt on — and noticed right away how light the fabric was. Upon making sure no one was around when I stepped outside, it became instantly clear that on this hot day this awesome fabric was quickly wicking away perspiration and leaving me feeling cool and fresh.

The shirt also has open mesh weave in high heat zones allowing increased airflow to cool me down even more. My favorite feature was the extended back, which means while in the saddle my lower back stays nicely covered keeping my college spring break ink out of sight. These are traits not often found in typical men’s equestrian apparel, and a pleasant surprise for me.

The material is nice and stretchy but not constricting. So when an afternoon ride has not gone as planned and the normal post-ride routine turns into a 6 pack and a large pizza, this shirt is able to handle my newly developed curves. To top it all off this shirt and all other Ice Fil Mesh shirts by Kerrits offer 30+ UPF sun protection.

If Kerrits ever enters the men’s equestrian wear market, a shirt made from this fabric and with these features, but in a different color palette could make a permanent home in my wardrobe.

I have no problem saying with certainty after an afternoon in this great shirt that women should get them in several colors to keep the sporty style going day after day. Once again, the ladies got the good stuff.

Fab Freebie: Win a Year’s Supply of Summer Games Electrolytes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jun 8, 2015 9:00 am -
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Performance Products Photo courtesy of Kentucky Performance Products

Summer is officially here, and it’s hot! If you live in the Midwest, it’s also quite a bit more humid than most of us would prefer. Supposedly, it’s better than being cold but sometimes I’m not so sure. I think I’m meant to live in California, anyway.

With the onset of the hot and dry weather comes an increase in the hydration needed for your horses. Especially for those who are in full work, it’s important to keep the balance of electrolytes in mind when providing your horse with supplements. Kentucky Performance Products offers a great option with their Summer Games Electrolyte supplement. Here’s some handy info on what it has to offer:

Does your horse sweat…
…during training or competition?
…while traveling?
…when standing in his stall or paddock?

Then you need Summer Games Electrolyte! Electrolytes play a critical role in hydration, muscle function, and the thirst response. When electrolytes are out of balance, your horse is at risk for dehydration and the health threats associated with it.

Summer Games Electrolyte will quickly replenish the electrolytes and trace minerals lost during sweat and stimulate your horse’s desire to drink, supporting proper hydration and optimal health.

Summer Games contains a research-proven electrolyte formulation that was originally developed for the top horses competing at the 1996 Olympics. Formulated using the results of extensive studies investigating the composition of sweat, Summer Games contains both key electrolytes and trace minerals in the actual amounts that are lost during sweating.

Summer Games is concentrated and easy to use:

• Adjustable serving rates allow you to meet your horse’s ever-changing electrolyte needs.
• Affordable price allows you to consistently replenish key electrolytes in appropriate ratios.
• Concentrated formula ensures your horse receives both critical electrolytes and trace minerals, not sugar and other fillers.
• Unique ingredients support optimal performance and speedy recovery during and after exercise or stressful situations.

Convinced? Then you’re in luck! We’ve teamed up with Kentucky Performance Products this week to offer a whole year’s supply of Summer Games Electrolyte — just in time for the hottest part of the year. Someone’s horse is going to be very happy — and hydrated!

To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter widget below. We’ll draw a winner at random after entries close at midnight on Friday, June 12. Look for your name in Friday’s News & Notes — you could be the lucky winner! Good luck and happy summer!

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.

Celebrate a Triple Crown Winner, Adopt an American OTTB, Presented by Cosequin

By on Jun 7, 2015 6:30 pm -

We’re all still recovering from the thrill that was witnessing a moment of sports history yesterday. American Pharoah has to be part unicorn, right? Either way, he’s the symbol of how great those American Thoroughbreds are — as if we needed any further proof!

In honor of Pharoah’s big win, we snapped up three of our favorite OTTB listings for your perusal this week. If there was ever motivation to go ride a Thoroughbred, it was that race. Our listed horses this week may not have had the success American Pharoah is enjoying, but that just means they are ready to become your next sport horse!

We were really pleased to see that Bob Baffert announced that he was donating $100,000 between himself and his wife, Jill, to various charities, including those focused on Thoroughbred aftercare. “(American Pharoah is) a lucky one,” Bob Baffert said in an interview after the Belmont. “When he’s retired, he gets to be a stallion and enjoy life.”

There are countless organizations which need our support to continue offering these horses a chance at a new home and a second career. We’ve compiled a list at the bottom of this post of some organizations that could use your support, so please take a moment to check them out and offer your support if you can. If we missed any, please comment and we will get them added!

Here are this week’s OTTB Wishlist listings from our awesome sponsor, Cosequin.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Looking for a horse related to a current upper-level eventer? Look no further: Finger Lakes Finest is currently offering Distinct Attitude, who shares the same sire as Leah Lang-Gluscic’s horse, AP Prime. Distinct Attitude (Aptitude – Distinctive Flag, by Distinctive Pro) is a 5-year-old gelding standing 16.3 hands. He raced 31 times and earned nearly $20,000 throughout his career. He’s said to be sound and possesses great movement for the sport world.

Check out more about Distinct Attitude on Finger Lakes Finest here.

Photo via After the Races.

Photo via After the Races.

Next up is this adorable gray gelding, Mo Bandit. “Mobie” is a 5-year-old gelding standing 15.3 hands. Mo Bandit (Valid Request – Most Impressive, by Spectacular Bid) raced just five times, and is said to have retired a little sore behind. Further examination has found a hematoma or an outcropped vein on his hock which should not pose an issue in the future. He is enjoying some letdown time with After the Races in Pennsylvania and will be ready to move on to his new home soon!

Learn more about Mo Bandit by visiting After the Races here.

Photo via the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Finally this week is a handsome guy available through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in Lexington, Ky. Dare Me (Johannesburg – Oatsee, by Unbridled) raced just three times and has already started his continuing education while he awaits his new person. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on his listing if he’s caught your eye!

Visit Dare Me’s listing on the MMSC here.

If you love OTTBs as much as we do, here is a handy list of rehoming and adoption sites. Don’t forget, these horses need our help! Once again, please let us know if you know of a reputable agency that can be added to the list.

CANTER

Finger Lakes Finest

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center

MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

New Vocations

PA Racehorse Rehoming

Recycled Racehorses

Retired Racehorse Project

Second Stride Inc

Wise Espartaco Collapses, Dies After Cross Country at Roebke’s Run

By on Jun 7, 2015 11:00 am -
Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wise Espartaco. Photo by Charles Swita/Brant Gamma Photography. Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wise Espartaco. Photo by Charles Swita/Brant Gamma Photography.

It is with great sadness that we can confirm Wise Espartaco, owned and ridden by Ronald Zabala-Goetschel, collapsed and died following cross country yesterday while competing in the CCI2* at Roebke’s Run Horse Trials in Minnesota.

The event organizers said in a statement that a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The USEA Equine Cardio-Pulmonary Task Force will subsequently review the findings.

“Manny,” a 12-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse gelding, was making his debut at the CCI2* level. He jumped clear on cross country with 24.4 time penalties before collapsing and dying soon after.

The horse was a consistent competitor at the Preliminary and one-star level and stepped up to Intermediate this year, most recently finishing 15th in his Intermediate division at Virginia Horse Trials. Ronald was using Roebke’s Run to qualify the horse for Ecuador’s Pan American Games team.

Please join us in sending our most heartfelt condolences to Ronald and his team for the heartbreaking loss of a talented horse.

Godspeed, Espartaco.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Copper Meadows CIC3* Cross Country Preview

By on Jun 5, 2015 5:30 pm -

CIC 3* Coursewalk With Hugh Lochore Copper Meadows June 2015

Frankie Thieriot and Ride On Video have teamed up again this weekend to bring us some great video coverage from Copper Meadows. Frankie chatted with Hugh Lochore, the new course designer for Copper Meadows this year, about his vision for the CIC3* cross country course.

The video shows us each question on the course and includes some special commentary from others as volunteer coordinator Margie Davis, who is one of the hard working individuals who helps ensure the show runs seamlessly.

We posted our predictions for the CIC3* earlier today, and we’ll be bringing you more coverage from the West Coast all weekend. Go Copper!

Copper Meadows: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Ride On Video]

Area II Announces 2015 NAJYRC CH-J* Squad

By on Jun 5, 2015 3:00 pm -

NAJYRC team announcements are pouring in, and talented young riders from all over the country are getting the call to step up to represent their respective areas this July at the Kentucky Horse Park. Area II announced their CH-J* team and alternates yesterday, and high hopes rest on this talented team as Area II is the defending CH-J* champion.

We took a few minutes to get to know the CH-J* team members, so without further ado here is your 2015 Area II NAJYRC CH-J* team!

Morgan Booth and Twizzel. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Morgan Booth and Twizzel. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Morgan Booth and Twizzel, Will Coleman’s former Olympic ride, are fresh off of a third place finish in the CCI* at Virginia Horse Trials. Morgan began competing Twizzel in 2014 with NAJYRC as her main goal. And this pair is on a roll. Save one pesky TE in their first event together, they have failed to finish outside of the top three in five events together.

Morgan’s been working with both Will and Katie Coleman to really get to know all of Twizzel’s buttons, and they’re primed to make a great showing in Kentucky next month. This will be her first appearance at NAJYRC.

What is your number one goal for NAJYRC this year? “I would say my number one goal is to have our best performance in Kentucky. He’s such a special horse and I would love to do well for him and for Will. Specifically, I would love to put in our best test and finish on our dressage score. I’m so excited for this experience with a great team!”

Amanda Clement and Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma.

Amanda Beale Clement and Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma.

Amanda Beale Clement is another NAJYRC first-timer who will be competing Susie Beale’s Peter Pan, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. This pair has many miles at the Preliminary level and most recently completed the CCI* at Ocala. In 9 starts at the Prelim or one-star level, Amanda and Peter Pan have finished outside of the top 10 just once.

What part about being a member of the Area II team are you most excited about? “I am very excited for the opportunity to be apart of the area 2 team and cannot wait to build a strong relationship with my team and my horse.”

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost. Photo by Lauren Mannix.

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost. Photo by Lauren Mannix.

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost, her 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, have been together since 2014, where Skyler started her partnership with him at Novice. They’ve just stepped up to Prelim together this year and also completed the CCI* at Virginia last month. This pair has also been very competitive at the Prelim level and will certainly add even more depth to the Area II team.

While this is Skyler’s first time competing at NAJYRC, she traveled with the team to groom for Area II and Grace Fulton in 2014.

How did you find out, and what was the first thing you did? “I woke up to my email alarm and it was the team announcement. I think I probably texted my mom, Ella (Groner), and my coach, Lillian Heard.”

Ella Groner and My Security Blanket. Photo by Sam Groner.

Ella Groner and My Security Blanket. Photo by Sam Groner.

Ella Groner and Beth Mueller’s My Security Blanket were also named to the Area II team and also train with Lillian Heard. Ella began riding My Security Blanket in 2014 after the 15-year-old Thoroughbred finished a brief campaign with Lillian, and the pair hasn’t looked back.

Ella and My Security Blanket won their Junior Training division at USPC Championships and went on to place third in their Preliminary debut at Loch Moy in October of 2014. They also completed the CCI* at Virginia last month in preparation for July at the Horse Park.

What was the first thing you did when you got the team announcement? “I texted my trainer, Lillian Heard. She has helped me to become the rider I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Camilla Grover and Remington XXV. Photo via Camilla Grover.

Camilla Grover and Remington XXV. Photo via Camilla Grover.

Yet another former four-star horse is making an appearance at NAJYRC this year: Boyd Martin’s former ride, Remington XXV. After finishing his time with Boyd, “Remi” went on to Caitlin Silliman, who was looking to gain some more mileage and experience at the upper levels. From there, Remi moved to Camilla Grover-Dodge, who will be taking the reins in the CH-J* this year.

Camilla began riding Remi in 2014 at Training level, and the number of blue ribbons they’ve earned together is impressive. They picked up four consecutive wins at the very beginning of their partnership and have also completed a hat trick of wins at the Prelim/CIC* level in 2015.

What is the first thing you’ll do when you arrive in Kentucky? “When I first get the the horse park I will probably go out and explore around to get an idea of where everything is! Unless the horses are there first, then I will definitely go check on Remi first!”

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54. Photo by Leigh McCue.

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54. Photo by Leigh McCue.

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54 round out the CH-J* team for Area II. Shannondale 54 is a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse who came to Morgan in 2014 after competing with Ryan Wood and Jon Holling. Morgan also competed Shannondale 54 in some Young Event Horse divisions, in which he consistently placed at or near the top.

This is another pair that has been virtually unstoppable, collecting numerous top places at Training level before stepping up to Prelim. After moving up this past winter, Morgan and Shannondale 54 have completed three CIC* and one CCI* in their campaign to represent Area II.

What do you think the most important part of your preparation for NAJYRC has been? “Getting my horse mentally and physically prepared!”

Alternates were also named for the CH-J* team in the event one of the team members is unable to compete: Kira Statue and Castle Jordan, Sunny Greene and Flinder’s Chase, Quinn Riddle and Folk’s Hero, and Emma Stolzenthaler and Wynthrop.

Congratulations to the Area II CH-J* team! Don’t forget, we’re looking for guest bloggers from Kentucky this year, so if you are interested in contributing, please contact [email protected].

Jessica Phoenix Cleared to Return to Riding

By on Jun 4, 2015 3:00 pm -
Jessica Phoenix is all smiles back in the saddle. Photo via the Phoenix Equestrian Team on Facebook. Jessica Phoenix is all smiles back in the saddle. Photo via the Phoenix Equestrian Team on Facebook.

We’re thrilled to report that Jessica Phoenix has officially made her return to the saddle after suffering a heavy fall at Jersey Fresh last month. We’re also fairly sure that she needs to have a new jersey made with #SUPERWOMAN emblazoned on the back, because we can’t think of any nickname more fitting.

Jessica had a check-in with her doctor this morning, and she was thrilled to let us know that she has “officially been cleared to go back to full equestrian activities with no restrictions.” While she’s no doubt ecstatic to be back in the saddle, we’re sure she is already planning the competition schedule for the rest of the year. She also wishes to thank everyone for their continued love and support throughout her recovery.

Jessica broke three ribs and her sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine, in a fall on cross country at Jersey Fresh. She also sustained damage to her liver, which was repaired in surgery.

Jessie informed us that she plans to make her return to competition at Dreamcrest later this month. We’ll be sure to bring you more updates on Jessie’s comeback to competition as they become available. In the meantime, please join us in breathing a collective sigh of relief and congratulating Jessie on her recovery.

#teamjessica

[Jessica Phoenix Released from Hospital]

[Jessica Phoenix Transported Back to Canada]

[Jessica Phoenix Moved Out of ICU]

[Jessica Phoenix Injury Update After Fall at Jersey Fresh]

William Fox-Pitt Reclaims Number One Spot, Boyd Martin Third in FEI World Rankings

By on Jun 4, 2015 10:30 am -
William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

The latest FEI World Rankings were released this morning, and William Fox-Pitt has reclaimed his spot at the top over Michael Jung, who enjoyed a short time at the top thanks to his big Rolex finish. You can’t hold William down, though, as he quickly regrouped and casually won Badminton just a couple of weeks later.

Michael Jung will now sit in second place (until his next four-star win, that is), just 15 points behind William. At this point, the lead could easily swap between the two so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when the next list is released.

In other exciting news, Boyd Martin has climbed one spot to the number three in the world. Boyd is fresh off of a 7th place finish at Rolex aboard Master Frisky and a third in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh with Pancho Villa. He’ll also be representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games in Toronto next month aboard Pancho Villa.

Two other Americans are present in the top 20: Phillip Dutton (11th) and Buck Davidson (15th). Colleen Rutledge (37th), Matt Brown (39th), Erin Sylvester (41st), and Marilyn Little (47th) also represent the U.S. within the top 50.

We must give a shout-out to Matt Brown, who made some big moves this time around, jumping from 51st to 39th thanks to a 5th and a 10th place finish in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh aboard Happenstance and BCF Belicoso, respectively. Congratulations, Matt!

[Eventing — FEI World Athlete Rankings]

Wednesday Videos from Kentucky Performance Products: Jon Holling’s On a Whole New Level

By on Jun 3, 2015 4:30 pm -

Canada here I come! So excited to get to the frozen North.

Posted by Holling Eventing on Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Jon Holling is on a whole new level of ridiculousness this week as he checks in on his trip up to Canada. If he’s not caught streaking, he’s got some other trick up his sleeve to keep us all entertained this week. We aren’t sure if he’s got a lifetime supply of helium with him or if he found a new app to distort his voice, but we aren’t asking questions.

Final stretch. Nearly there!

Posted by Holling Eventing on Tuesday, June 2, 2015

According to Jon, he’ll be video blogging from Bromont this week, so keep an eye on the Holling Eventing page for more top-notch, professional reporting. He’s going to give us a run for our money this week! It’s on, Jon. It’s on.

No more guesswork. No more worries. 

With hundreds of different supplements on the market today, trying to pick the right one for your horse can be frustrating and worrisome. Let your veterinarian and Wiser Concepts® supplements ease the uncertainty. As a team, you and your vet will choose the Wiser Concepts supplement that best meets your horse’s needs. 

Wiser Concepts supplements are available only through your veterinarian. Learn more at KPPvet.com.

An Ironically Named Horse Finds His Person and His Courage

By on Jun 3, 2015 9:00 am -
Chelsea Kolman and Dante enjoying their pre-cross country ritual. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman. Chelsea Kolman and Dante enjoying their pre-cross country ritual. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Dauntless Courage, an 18 hand Percheron/Thoroughbred cross gelding, was anything but an embodiment of his ironic name when Chelsea Kolman first met him. Chelsea, who makes her home in Lexington, Ky., first met “Dante” as a 3-year-old when he was failing miserably as a police horse in training in Asbury College.

“He actually came with his name, which is really ironic as he is very nervous and was basically feral when I first met him,” Chelsea said. “He wasn’t working out as a police horse because he was too uptight and spooky about things. He was also a PMU baby from Canada, so when he came from there he spent two weeks on a trailer getting down to Kentucky.”

A big and brawny horse, even as a weanling from a PMU program, his handlers named him “Dauntless Courage” at Asbury, thinking he’d live up to that name with his size and presence. The name quickly became ironic, though, as Dante proved he was in fact not full of courage.

Chelsea found Dante when he was three and she herself was just 16. Chelsea keeps many horses at home, most of which are rescues, and she was looking for a prospective event horse. When she discovered his timidness, though, she knew she needed to find a solution.

Chelsea and Dante share a moment. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Chelsea and Dante share a moment. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

“He spooks at shadows and doesn’t like butterflies,” Chelsea, now 20, said. “I needed to find a way to center this horse and get him more relaxed. I ended up going to watch a demo by Guy McLean, who showed everyone how he lays horses down. I remember him saying, ‘It’s a big deal for them to lay down since they are prey animals. If you can get a horse to lay down, then he completely trusts you.’ I thought that this was exactly what I needed to do with Dante.”

So Chelsea set to work. She first tried the process she had seen Guy use with a pony she owned to make sure she understood everything before attempting on the big and strong Dante. “It was a complete and total personality change (with the pony),” she said. “So I started working on it with Dante, and he picked it up right away. I started laying him down after every ride, and while he did seem more relaxed, I thought we needed a ‘real’ test.”

Chelsea took Dante to his second show at Masterson Station, and the horse quickly decided the situation was too stressful and refused to walk into the barn. With Dante rearing and spinning, the situation was becoming increasingly strained, and Chelsea knew what she needed to do.

“I took him over to the grass and laid him down. As soon as he did, he let out a big breath, and when he got up he walked straight into the barn,” she recalled. She had found her solution, and Dante was slowly finding his confidence.

Since she taught Dante to lay down, Chelsea uses the technique to relax him every time he goes to an event, including before cross country when it comes time to put his studs in. “He loves cross country, so each time I would go to put his studs in he would get really antsy,” Chelsea said. “He’s an 18 hand Percheron/Thoroughbred, there was no way I was going to fight him to get the studs in. So I started laying him down, and it cut the time in half. He treats it like his own personal pre-cross country nap.”

Chelsea and Dante. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Chelsea and Dante. Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Now an 18hh 7-year-old, Dante has found his stride. He eats cross country for breakfast and always looks to Chelsea for guidance. Chelsea has set a goal of qualifying for Young Riders in 2016, and the pair moved up to Prelim this spring, already collecting two second place finishes.

“I would love to take him as far as he can go,” she said. “I also train with Emily Brollier for the dressage, and she thinks we could be competitive in pure dressage so I want to dabble in that as well. I definitely want to get my USDF medals on him, which I’m fully confident he can do.”

Indeed, Chelsea has produced a lovely horse who has the trust in her to do anything she asks. She credits the laying down with a huge boost in her horse’s confidence. Now the name Dauntless Courage isn’t so ironic, as he’s found the person with which that courage can grow.

We’ll be following Chelsea and Dante’s adventures this year and wish them the best of luck with their goals!

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Relive Tattersalls with Pumbaa Eventing

By on Jun 2, 2015 5:03 pm -
Pumbaa Goess-Saurau and Dunno Fear. Photo via Pumbaa Eventing on Facebook. Pumbaa Goess-Saurau and Dunno Fear. Photo via Pumbaa Eventing on Facebook.

Tattersalls wrapped up an exciting weekend in Ireland on Sunday, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event. UK based rider Pumaa Goess-Saurau competed in the Tredstep Ireland CCIJ* with her “Wonder Dun” Dunno Fear and kindly sent in this recap video.

They jumped clear around a tough cross country track and had rails down in the show jumping to finish 14th overall, but Pumbaa said she is still thrilled with how her weekend went.

A video to sum our week in Tattersalls! Such an unbelievably fun and friendly event, can’t wait till next year. The Wonder Dun, as ever, tried his heart out for me – a shame it didn’t all come together on the last day but we’ll get there eventually! Thank you Team Goatis for an awesome few days Claire S Harries Fran Agius Rupert Batting!

Posted by Pumbaa Eventing on Monday, June 1, 2015

We did a bit of digging into Pumbaa Eventing since the name calls to mind a certain portly animal from The Lion King, and what do you know? Check out Pumbaa Eventing’s logo:

Screenshot_2

Pretty awesome, right? Here’s the back story, from Pumbaa’s website:

“Now to all of you who are wondering about my name (and I can’t imagine that there are many who aren’t), please allow me to explain; my mother has a very ‘advanced’ sense of humor and when I was a baby and my first teeth came through she thought they looked like tusks … like Pumbaa’s in The Lion King! It isn’t actually my real name though (that would be Franziska), just a nickname.”

We love it, Pumbaa.

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Announcing Your Fifth Annual Blogger Contest Finalists!

By on Jun 2, 2015 1:00 pm -

We received fantastic entries in the 5th Annual EN Blogger Contest, and as always it’s exceedingly difficult to narrow the field down to our finalists. We are pleased to announce that six entrants who will be moving forward into the second round of this year’s contest. Without further ado, here are your 2015 Blogger Contest finalists:

Ashlyn Hayworth
Ashley Hebrank
Kathryn McLeod
Seija Samoylenko
David Taylor
Michelle Wadley

We will be publishing our finalists’ round one submissions over on Bloggers Row this week, so be sure to comment and leave us your feedback on their writing. In the meantime, each finalist will now be hard at work on their round two submission:

A number of sweeping overhauls to eventing were discussed at the recent FEI Sports Forum, from potentially changing the name of the sport to altering the Olympic and WEG formats. What can we do to make eventing more appetizing, engaging and understandable to the mainstream public? Share your ideas in an interesting, funny, informative and creative way.

These submissions are due next week, so keep an eye out for the names of who makes it through to the next round. Best of luck to all of our finalists, and thank you to everyone who entered this year!