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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

Latest Findings in USEA’s Cardiopulmonary Research Released

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

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Since 2008 the USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Group has studied the equine cardiovascular issues that lead to sudden horse deaths during cross country in eventing, and Dr. Catherine Kohn has kindly summarized the latest findings in the study, which we’ve outlined below.

Why do horses suddenly die on cross country? “Based on a review of the literature on sudden death in human athletes, we concluded that cardiovascular and/or pulmonary (lung) compromise were likely causes of sudden death in exercising horses.”

How do horses suddenly die on cross country? “Horses may develop transient cardiac arrhythmias while on the cross country, and that, in some instances, these arrhythmias may compromise exercise tolerance and could lead to falls, injury or fatalities.”

How does the USEA collect data to track and monitor these arrhythmias? “Studying this hypothesis requires us to have a reliable means of recording exercising ECGs (echocardiograms) in competing horses, during warm up, the cross country and the first 10 minutes of the recovery period. Development of a suitable ‘on board’ monitoring system remains our highest priority.”

Has the USEA collected any data from competing horses so far? “Our most recent study was in August of 2014, at Waredaca Horse Trials, where we were very pleased to record 8 interpretable exercise ECGs. We will continue to test our recording devices during the 2015 competition season.”

What does the USEA do with autopsies from horses that die in competition? “We can learn a great deal from these most unfortunate losses. What was the cause of death? Did a fall occur because of underlying heart or lung disease? These are the sorts of questions that we try to answer.”

The report then summarizes in detail the USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Group’s work to date, which you can read in full at this link. Thank you to the researchers for their hard work; the USEA for their leadership in commissioning this important research; and the owners, trainers, riders, grooms and horses that have participated in the study to date.

[USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Group 2015 Update]

Pick Your Rolex Kentucky Fantasy Team to Win a ‘Toe to Head’ Dubarry Outfit

By Sally Spickard on Apr 14, 2015 11:00 am -

It’s time to gear up for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, and this year we want you to play along! After Team USA won the Dubarry Nations Team Challenge in 2014, the competition has heated up with the announcement of this year’s Team Challenge.

Four members from each country will be drawn at random to compete in the Dubarry Nations Team Challenge this year, and smaller countries will be put together onto a team with another nation. Throughout the weekend, the team objective will be to achieve the lowest possible cumulative score, with the winning team being crowned after show jumping on Sunday.

In honor of this year’s Team Challenge, we’re issuing a challenge to you: Can your fantasy Rolex Kentucky team beat the best nation at this year’s event?

Here’s how it will work:

How do I sign up? Follow this link, click “Play Now.” From there, you’ll want to enter your chosen team name into the box beneath “Join a Public League.” Once you’ve joined, you will be able to select four riders from the start list to complete your team by clicking “Manage Lineups.” You will not need to select any other riders after selecting your initial line-up.

Each horse and rider combination will be available for all players to choose from — there will be no “draft” as with other fantasy leagues. Please be sure to check the Game Log before selecting your choices to check for any new withdrawals!

Once you have selected your team, please follow this link to submit your tiebreaker picks. This is very important in the event of a tie, so be sure to make your picks or your entry will not be counted.

As with standard team competitions, you will be able to drop one score throughout the weekend in an effort to achieve the lowest possible cumulative score when the event concludes Sunday.

We’ll be updating scores each night, which will be emailed to you once they are updated, so keep an eye on your team members and cheer them on!

What’s on the line? Dubarry has generously offered a complete “Toe to Head” outfit to the winner of the Fantasy League. The lucky individual who picks the lowest cumulative scoring team in the league will win the outfit of their choice. How’s that for a makeover?

What if there’s a tie? When you submit your team, we will ask you via email to predict the winning individual horse and rider pair as well as their score. In the event of a tie, this prediction will be used as the tie breaker.

When do I need to sign up by? Sign ups are open now and will be open until noon EST on Monday, April 20. All teams will be locked in on Tuesday night before the first horse inspection.

We’d like to issue a huge thank you and many EN karma points to the brains behind Fantasizr, who have worked tirelessly to create our very own custom fantasy league.

If you have any questions at all throughout your set-up and the competition, don’t hesitate to email [email protected].

So what are you waiting for, EN? Sign up now for your chance at Dubarry glory. Be sure to click the banner below to scope out the outfit you’ll choose if you win. Good luck!

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Ocala CCI2* Water Complex

By Sally Spickard on Apr 13, 2015 3:00 pm -

RNS Video has been hard at work compiling a video montage of the influential second water complex on the Ocala Horse Properties International CCI2* cross country course. After dropping off a bank, horses and riders took four strides before tackling a set of skinny double brushes separated by two strides, and, as you’ll see, the combination caused its fair share of trouble!

Due to bandwidth issues, RNS Video uploaded the footage in two parts, so enjoy this welcomed Monday distraction. Many thanks to RNS Video for yet another great video, and click here to read all of EN’s coverage from Ocala.

Rolex Rookies: Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy

By Sally Spickard on Apr 13, 2015 1:30 pm -

Welcome to our second annual Rolex Rookies series! We're thrilled to be profiling the new faces on the entry list for Rolex this year, and we couldn't be more excited for these riders taking their first crack at Kentucky. We'll be bringing you exclusive profiles on each Rookie pair, so keep checking back to learn more about the competitors you'll see in Kentucky this year. Go Rolex!

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The chance to gallop around the Kentucky Bluegrass at the CCI4* level is a goal that has been a long time coming for Jimmie Schramm. This year, the stars have finally aligned for Jimmie and her 15-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding, Bellamy, and the bubble wrap is in full use as the big event rapidly approaches. Jimmie and “Bells” have been competing at the FEI levels since 2012, but their partnership began long before they reached the international scene.

“(The upper levels) were always the idea in my mind when I got him,” Jimmie said. “When I bought him from Tamie (Smith), she told me then and there that this was going to be a four-star horse. He had all the attributes, but until you really get to the Advanced level and feel them get around and be confident, you just don’t know for sure.”

When Jimmie purchased Bellamy, he’d completed one Preliminary event with Tamie Smith. Jimmie spent the first couple of years getting to know him, hammering out the fundamentals at Preliminary until reaching the CIC* and, eventually, the Intermediate level in 2012. Bellamy has by no means been the easiest horse to ride, but Jimmie points to this as a reason they’ve cultivated such a strong partnership.

“Once upon a time, I couldn’t do a warm-up with him at all,” she recalled. “The first few shows, I would trot or canter as I was going around the (dressage) arena — he just couldn’t handle the warm-up. He’d spin or buck, and I’d be lucky to get five or 10 minutes of work in. My strategy worked alright at Prelim and maybe even Intermediate, but there’s just no way you can do that at the Advanced level. He’s come a very long way in the last few years.”

Their move up to the Advanced and three-star level was not without growing pains, and after the pair’s attempt at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* in 2014 went awry, Jimmie set her jaw and began working to correct each and every issue.

“Derek (di Grazia) demands that you ride forward and don’t pick, which is something I’ve had trouble with in the past,” she elaborated. “I’ve actually changed a lot from the fall. Plantation and Fair Hill didn’t go to plan for me, and I knew there had to be a big change if I was going to make this work.”

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jimmie revamped her training as well as her nutrition plan for Bellamy, who in the past had recurring episodes of tying up. “We’ve been jumping more often — nothing difficult or hard, but more often. And every jump school I’ve had has been with Boyd (Martin) in a lesson-type atmosphere.”

“I’ve completely changed his diet,” she continued. “I’ve taken him off every calming supplement he was on. For me, it’s a bit tricky because he’s naturally anxious. I used to try all sorts of things, and I’ve stopped doing that so every test this year has been without any supplements, which is great because it means I’m riding a trained horse and not getting help from anything else.”

Indeed, it seems that Jimmie’s new plan has been working. A look at their recent dressage scores seem right on par — and perhaps even trending better in horse trial divisions — with what they were earning while using calming supplements, which is a testament to the hard work Jimmie has been putting in within the sandbox.

As far as Bellamy’s issues with tying up, Jimmie is pleased to report that he has not done so since she went back to the drawing board. She’s also been able to modify his dressage warm-up to the point where she can actually get in a good warm-up, a huge change from the nervous days of avoiding the warm-up ring at all costs.

Coming into Kentucky, Jimmie and Bellamy have jumped clear at both Red Hills and Carolina International — and made the time at Carolina. They have one blip on their cross country record at The Fork where they got in too deep to a corner early on course. Aside from that, she’s been thrilled with her prep events as she hopes to peak in Kentucky.

“I’m not going to take anything for granted,” she said. “Cross country is not our weakest phase but I definitely have to really be on it. He’s little and catty and does not have a super long stride, and I have to be really accurate as far as distances are concerned.”

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Everything went according to plan at Carolina. That was also a big problem in the fall — I didn’t run many events last year. I can cross country school as much as I want but it’s going out and making those decisions quickly that makes a difference. I’m still taking everything one event at a time, but the vets are on him every two weeks checking his soundness, and he’s been so confident and happy.”

Jimmie is looking forward to seeing her closest friends and family cheer her on in Kentucky. “I have three older sisters, and they don’t get to watch me ride much. I think all of them are going to be there, as well as my parents.”

“They’ve watched me sacrifice so much to get here, and to see it finally all come to a head — it’s a goal I’ve been striving for since I was 5. I think the whole experience will be great; I’m just trying not to have too many expectations or put too much pressure on myself. I just want to go and try my best in every phase and finish the event.”

When asked what she’ll be thinking when she goes down the chute for her first Rolex dressage test, the answer came easy: “The lyrics to “Dressage Skillz,” of course!”

And on a more serious note, she said: “You want people to remember who you are, and I want them to remember my test. That’s what I’ll be thinking going down centerline.“

To learn more about Jimmie and Bellamy’s journey to Rolex, check out their website here.

Rolex Rookies: Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio

By Sally Spickard on Apr 11, 2015 11:00 am -

Dutta Corp Fair Hill CCI2* winners Allie Blyskal-Sacksen and Sparrow's Nio tackle the Dutta Farm Yard. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie Sacksen was introduced to the sport of evening as a Pony Club member, obtaining her “A” rating at the age of 18. Although she was interested in gaining more experience within the sport, she struggled with finding a horse on which she could gain miles.

Her current upper-level mount, Sparrow’s Nio, is a 15.3-hand Connemara/Thoroughbred, but Allie got her start with this popular cross before she met Nio. “I gained some mileage on Nio’s half-brother, Marshall — he was the horse that first got me introduced to the Connemaras, as he was Connemara and Quarter Horse,” she said.

Together, Allie and Marshall gained a lot of experience at the Intermediate level. “He was an incredible cross country horse,” Allie recalled. “I really learned to gallop the big fences with him, and I was able to compete at a lot of the East Coast events.”

Tragically, Marshall was killed after being struck by lightning in his pasture four years ago, so Allie was left to search for a new partner with which to continue pursuing her upper level goals. “I knew of Nio already; his owner had contacted me previously and asked if I would be interested in buying him, but at the time I couldn’t afford two horses,” she said. “After Marshall died, I approached my grandparents to ask if they would lend me the money to buy Nio.”

Both Nio and Marshall are by the same sire, Grange Finn Sparrow, and Allie was such a fan of the breed having seen many Connemaras and Connemara crosses successfully competing at the upper levels. “I remember Courtney Sendak’s Will Ya Love Me and a few others who were also from that same Sparrow line. I knew they were freaky amazing jumpers, so I knew I wanted to try to get another one from that line after Marshall.”

Nio was an all around type of horse when Allie first met him. “It was almost like fate that he ended up with me,” Allie said. “He had come to my parents’ farm as a yearling, and then we reconnected years later after his owner had sent him to different trainers in an attempt to get him a little quieter. He just had a lot of spunk and buck in him.”

Allie Blyskal-Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie and Nio began their recognized career together in 2010 at the Novice level and had progressed to the Intermediate/two-star level by 2013. “He hasn’t had a cross country penalty since 2012, and that next spring (in 2013) we continued running him at Intermediate to get him really confident,” she said. “I think that was the best decision I could have made, because it made the move up to Advanced not a big deal.“

After winning the CCI2* at Fair Hill in 2013, and announcer Brian O’Connor commented after their show jumping round that “this pony is heading to Rolex, ladies and gentlemen!“, Allie began thinking of Kentucky as a viable goal.

“I think he made play of that course, so the goal for the next year was to get qualified so we could go in 2015,” Allie said.

As Allie puts the finishing touches on her Rolex preparations, she’s focusing on not being overwhelmed by the brevity of competing at her first CCI4*. “I think there’s so much atmosphere that sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in it,” she said. “My husband has been to the Olympics (as a pentathlete), and he reminds me that it’s the same sport I do each weekend. I have to just think of it as another event.”

Allie and Nio completed the CIC3* at Carolina International as their final full prep run and just rode the dressage at The Fork. With the help of mentor Sara Kozumplik Murphy as well as the advice from dressage coaches such as Mara DePuy and Linda Zang, Allie is feeling ready to tackle her first Rolex.

“I’m probably going to walk the course and say, ‘what am I doing here?’ but I know that once we leave the start box we’ll be okay. The cross country is literally just fun for him.”

Ocala International CCI* Cross Country Course Preview and Commentary

By Sally Spickard on Apr 11, 2015 9:03 am -

Thanks to Siobhain O’Connor, who is competing in the CCI* at Ocala this weekend with Faux Indigo. This pair is currently in 10th place as they look ahead to cross country, and Siobhain generously shared her course walk photos and commentary for how she plans to ride with us.

The questions begin early on in the course, not in the form of combinations but in that riders will be jumping towards the show jumping ring and stabling. Riders will need to be sure their horses are focused on the task at hand and not wishing they were back in their stalls munching on hay.

Photo courtesy of Siobhain O’Connor.

The first water complex comes early in the course at fence 6AB, and Siobhain says it is not to be taken lightly. “Even though we don’t land in water we need a strong bold jump in to set the tone for the course. The out is a very vertical gate with a safety pin it,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Siobhain O’Connor.

The next tricky combination comes at fence 10ABC, the coffin complex. The striding is a two to a three and Siobhain thinks it will ride nicely if the rider is bold and forward, which at this point they definitely should be.

Photo courtesy of Siobhain O’Connor.

The next serious question comes up quick as well at 12 and 13. “You need to make sure you are square to the house with enough power but not speed to jump the cabin on the hill,” Siobhain said. “Then you land, dropping into the hollow, and run up to another skinny hedge. And then bend again to another skinny hedge.”

Photo courtesy of Siobhain O’Connor.

Finally, riders will face another technical question at the second and final water complex at 16 and 17. “It’s then a nice snug turn (after 15) to the water, where I will have to give Indigo a reminder tap about how much I love him when he jumps into water. It’s a bold two strides to a jump in the water then a skinny hedge out.”

As you may have noticed, a few of these jumps will also be used on the CCI2* course. Please enjoy the full gallery of the CCI* fences below, and many thanks to Siobhain O’Connor for sharing her thoughts and photos! Good luck to all competitors!

Ocala International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

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Friday Videos from World Equestrian Brands: Buck Davidson’s Busy Day at Ocala

By Sally Spickard on Apr 10, 2015 6:00 pm -

World Equestrian Brands rider Buck Davidson had a busy day in the dressage ring today at the Ocala International Festival of Eventing, and The Horse Pesterer was on hand to capture his rides for us to enjoy this evening. Videos are still being uploaded, so be sure to check out The Horse Pesterer’s YouTube channel for the latest uploads.

In the meantime, please enjoy these videos of Buck’s CCI* ride, Rocky Car, who earned a 41.4 to sit in 7th place going into cross country tomorrow and of an Intermediate ride, Carlevo. We’ll add more videos of Buck’s rides as they become available, so stay tuned for more from Ocala! Many thanks, as always, to The Horse Pesterer for the great videos.

Ocala International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Kim Severson Retains Ocala CCI2* Lead, Marilyn Little Slides Into CCI* Lead

By Sally Spickard on Apr 10, 2015 5:00 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie at Galway Downs. Photo by Jenni Autry.

No one was quite able to catch Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border in the CCI2* at the Ocala International Festival of Eventing today, and Kim will hold her lead on a score of 30.9 going into tomorrow’s cross country.

Several heavy hitters threw down in the dressage ring today, and while Kim was the only rider to crack into the 30s (and almost the 20s!), several very competitive scores were recorded from today’s rides. Marilyn Little and RF West Indie recorded the best score of the day two riders, earning a 40.6 to sit in fourth position overnight.

Owned by Raylyn Farms, RF West Indie is competing in her second CCI2* — she won her first outing at the level at Galway Downs last fall after re-routing there from Fair Hill.

Another Marilyn Little ride, RF Scandalous is also in very close range in fourth place on a score of 41.4. RF Scandalous is hot off of three back to back CIC2* wins already this season — this mare is certainly in rip roaring form to be tackling her first CCI2*.

In a tie for sixth place on a dressage score of 42.5 are Michael Pollard and Tsetserleg as well as Buck Davidson and Quasar. Tsetserleg is making his CCI2* debut after spending the majority of 2014 honing his skills at the Preliminary level. The 8-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner most recently finished 19th in the CIC2* at Carolina International, and he’s knocked quite a bit off of that dressage score for a great start to this weekend.

Ann Clements’ Quasar, who is 8 years old, finished sixth in the CCI2* at Fair Hill in 2014 for a solid debut at the CCI2* level. The Oldenburg gelding also competed at Carolina International in March, finishing 15th in the CIC2* as his final prep for this weekend.

Just 12.8 penalties separate the top 10, and there are many other pairs just knocking on the door and waiting for their chance to strike the top placings as the cross country approaches. Our friends at Whats Up Media will be providing a live stream of the cross country beginning at 9:50 a.m. EST tomorrow. Be sure to tune in by visiting this link.

Marilyn Little took the reins in the CCI* aboard RF Overdressed to lead the division on a score of 37.0 going into cross country. Philippa Humphreys — who would have held the lead save a pesky error for wearing her boots in her test! — will maintain excellent position in second place on her modified score of 37.8.

RF Overdressed, an 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding, previously competed at the CIC* and CCI* level, winning four times, with German rider Julia Krajewski before coming to the U.S. This is his first CCI* with Marilyn in the irons, and these two are on the right track to having a successful weekend in Ocala.

Rounding out the top three in the CCI* are junior rider Makenna Rold and Fernhill Imperial. This is Makenna’s first CCI* with Fernhill Imperial, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse. These two completed the CIC* at Carolina International last month after capturing five top-10 finishes at the Preliminary level to begin their 2015 season.

In the Advanced Combined Test, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch put the finishing touches on their dressage and show jumping in their final prep for Kentucky. This veteran pair took home the blue on a score of 40.0 with no rails added to their dressage score.

Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz accumulated four jumping penalties in the show jumping to move down to second place overall on a score of 42.0, followed by Rolex Rookie Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, who added just one time penalty on the show jumping course today.

Most of the pairs contesting the CT are headed for Kentucky next, so they’ll be glad to have had that extra practice in the books as they make their final preparations for the big R in a couple weeks.

While overnight leaders Lauren Kieffer and Veronica just rode the dressage, you can get a peek at their lovely test below — the same test they will be riding in Kentucky!

Ellie MacPhail and RF Eloquence also elected to just ride the dressage — these pairs likely just wanted the extra practice on the test they will ride at Rolex. Many thanks to Laine Ashker for sending in a photo of the score sheet from the CT!

Be sure to click here to check out video uploads from The Horse Pesterer. Stay tuned for much more from Ocala!

Ocala International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By Sally Spickard on Apr 10, 2015 1:00 pm -

OTTBs are among the most prominently represented breed in the eventing world. Each day, hundreds of ex-racehorses find themselves at the end of their racing career and in need of a new home. Luckily, organizations such as CANTER, New Vocations, Recycled Racehorses, and many more are always on alert for new horses that are ready for second careers. Each week, we'll be bringing you a few OTTB ads that caught our eye. Keep an eye out here for your next eventing superstar!

Horse shopping never gets old, does it? Even when you’ve got a brand new horse sitting in your barn, the window shopping instinct is still overpowering. I get the feeling that if the people behind the show Hoarders would get wind of our horse buying problems, we may have a new television series on our hands.

Of course, the most important thing about giving a horse a new home is that you have the means to take care of it. Leslie Wylie posted this wonderfully sentimental article about the responsibilities that lie within our committments to our horses. It’s definitely worth a read, and is a timely reminder of how dependent these horses are on us to survive.

With that said, here is your weekly OTTB fix! Don’t forget to let us know if one of these horses ends up in your barn. Go OTTBs!

Photo via Track to Tranquility on Facebook.

Our first horse this week is a handsome 7-year-old gelding by the name of Loving Dove. Loving Dove (Mo Mon – Dove Creek, by Dove Hunt) is available through Track to Tranquility in New Jersey. Standing 16.3hh, Loving Dove has already had a new start off the track and is well on his way to becoming someone’s successful show horse. He’s been schooled on Beginner Novice questions and has three correct gaits for your consideration.

Loving Dove raced a total of 43 times, last racing in August of 2014. He won nearly $200,000 on the track, so he’s no slouch! Check out Track to Tranquility for more information on this lovely guy.

Photo via Recycled Racehorses.

Next up is this adorable girl named Call Her Kathy Too, a 16h 2007 mare available through Recycled Racehorses. Call Her Kathy Too (Omega Code – Call Her Kathy, by More Than Ready) raced just one time, so she’s perfect for those of you who are fans of lightly raced horses.

Call Her Kathy Too is said to be very sweet and quiet under saddle, which will make her a great prospect for retraining. Check out her listing on Recycled Racehorses here.

Photo via After the Races.

Sticking with our East Coast theme this week, our final horse is a very handsome gelding by the name of Strike Down who is available through After the Races in Pennsylvania. This guy is a 7-year-old who stands 17hh. Strike Down (Tenpins – Lady Fenwick, by Smoke Glacken) raced an impressive 65 times from 2010 to 2015, winning just over $200,o00.

Strike Down was checked over upon arrival at After the Races and was declared sound, and he’s had 30 days of let down time to gain some weight and just be a horse for awhile. Now he’s ready to take on his new career with his quiet attitude. Will he be the right one for you? Check out his listing on After the Races for more information.

Complete Your Rolex Outfit with Dubarry’s New Black/Brown Longford Boot

By Sally Spickard on Apr 10, 2015 11:13 am -

The stylish new Dubarry Longford boot in black and brown.

I don’t know about you, but I always have to plan my wardrobe for Rolex. Given the unpredictable weather for this time of year and the miles upon miles of walking, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. If you’re stumped on footwear, Dubarry’s got the answer for you!

Dubarry just released a new color of their popular Longford boot — the boot is now available in black/brown. You’ll make a splash in this new color addition to the line, perfect for all of your barn and horse show needs.

Made from Dubarry’s DryFast-DrySoft™ leathers, the boot also features a Gore-Tex liner that is waterproof and breathable. The attention to detail on these boots adds a sophisticated and polished look to a functional piece of footwear.

We’re inviting you to make a splash this spring in this new boot, and we’re offering you a chance to win a pair of your own! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win. We’ll be announcing the winner on Sunday, April 19. Thanks to our awesome sponsor, Dubarry, for partnering with us on this giveaway. Stay tuned for another exciting announcement from Dubarry as Rolex approaches!

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.

A Horse of a Different Color: Poppyfields Tristan

By Sally Spickard on Apr 9, 2015 11:30 am -

"A Horse of a Different Color" features horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, email [email protected].

Katharine Stancliff and Poppyfields Tristan at FENCE. Photo courtesy of Nathan Stancliff.

After years of riding lesson horses, Katharine Stancliff found herself frustrated with the lack of progress her riding was making. Living in Illinois at the time, Katharine decided that the time had come for her to have a horse of her own, so she mentioned the idea to her trainer.

As luck would have it, Katharine’s trainer had a new sales project that had just arrived. He was a 15.3, 8-year-old buckskin Connemara/Trakehner cross named Poppyfields Tristan with long lines of endurance blood coursing through his veins.

“I didn’t look at any other horses. I sat on him, and that was it,” Katharine recalled. “He’d just been a trail horse before, but he’d gone cross country schooling once and seemed to love it.”

Katharine was eyeing a switch to the eventing world, but the transition was not without its hiccups. “I took him to a mini event and did Novice, and our dressage was terrible. It’s taken me eight or nine years to try to convince him that he doesn’t need to be a giraffe!” she laughed.

The work was worth the rewards, though, as after Katharine and Tristan’s first cross country course she succumbed to tears of joy at the accomplishment they’d just achieved together. “I think I was just hooked on the adrenaline rush,” Katharine said. “I was just so excited to have accomplished it — and most of that excitement comes from him. He just loves cross country.”

Katharine has taken her time with Tristan, spending time at each level until it becomes boring. “We did Novice until it was boring and then stepped up to Training. We had some rough times because for me it was a big step up, and now we’re going through similar growing pains stepping up to Prelim.”

A self-professed cautious rider, Katharine credits Tristan for taking the reins and giving her confidence through the years. “I’m a very meticulous rider, and most of my background is in dressage,” she said. “I enjoy the adrenaline of cross country, but I’m very afraid of doing something that would hurt either of us. So we’ve just kind of crawled up the levels.”

“I know we are nowhere near hitting the limit of his scope,” she continued. “With a more confident rider, I have no doubt he’d be going Advanced. But he’s been so great to me and safe to ride. If we get in a sticky spot, he either figures out a way to make it work or he won’t jump because he wants to stay safe. He’s always looking out for us.”

Photo courtesy of Nathan Stancliff.

Tristan’s conformation has made him slightly downhill, which does cause some difficulty in the dressage, especially as the tests become more intricate. “My joke is that some days I’m riding a Connemara and some days I’m riding a Trakehner — and on the unholy days I’m riding both,” Katharine said. “The Trakehner lends a lot of athleticism, while the Connemara lightens up the load, but the downhill build can be difficult, and he does take more work to be in top condition.”

“He’s not quick off the cross country like the Thoroughbreds are, but he still comes off feeling like he could go around again. He can be a little hot and stubborn, but I like the Connemara in him because he’s always thinking and trying his best.”

Tristan is 16 now, and while he shows no signs of slowing down, Katharine remains realistic about her goals with her wonder horse. “I have my eyes on a one-star in the future. I’d love to finish his career off that way,” she said. “I’ll let him tell me if it’s something he wants to do. He’s my best friend, and I don’t want to do anything that would put him in a bad place. If we do a one-star, it will be because it’s the next logical step for us and it’s easy for him to do.”

Always a planner, Katharine decided that her experience with the Connemara cross was something she wanted to continue in her next horse. She contacted Tristan’s breeder, who advised her to contact Black Dog Farm’s Beth Davidson, who breeds Connemara crosses for sport.

“Tristan’s breeder told me that she has mostly Connemara mares now, and that I’d be better off with a Connemara stallion and a Trakehner mare,” Katharine said. “She didn’t want me to end up with something too small. So I’ve been in touch with Beth (Davidson) and I plan to find one that she’s bred when it’s time for me to have a new horse.”

In the meantime, Katharine is enjoying her new season with Tristan; they most recently completed the Training division at The Fork and will be working on a successful run at Prelim this season. “We’ve really enjoyed this partnership, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.”

You may remember one of our most-loved helmet cams here on EN, which we shared with you last year. Click here to revisit Katharine and Tristan’s emotional trip around the Prelim course at FENCE last year.

Wednesday Videos from Kentucky Performance Products: The Fork FEI Winners

By Sally Spickard on Apr 8, 2015 5:00 pm -

RNS Video has begun uploading their three-phase videos from The Fork, beginning with the three FEI division winners. Watch Molly Tulley and Allie Knowles’ Last Call dominating the CIC* in their second CCI together. Molly and “Fergie” led after show jumping and didn’t look back, and it seems like this pair has a lovely partnership in the works.

Tamie Smith and Alex Ahearn’s Mai Baum also took home a big win in the CIC2*, coming home with the quickest time of the division on cross country to move from fourth into first place. This is a newer partnership for Tamie, and she’s been working hard at forming a partnership with the stunning German Sport Horse gelding. These two will head to Jersey Fresh next month as the next stop on their East Coast campaign as they look to make a mid for the U.S. Pan American Games team.

And finally, Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda triumphed in the CIC3*, ending their Rolex prep runs on a very high note as they look ahead to Kentucky. We already saw some snippets of their cross country ride courtesy of the Thehorsepesterer, but now you can watch the full trip in this video from RNS.

Many thanks to RNS Video for providing such comprehensive video coverage for so many events. Be sure to check out their YouTube page and keep an eye out for them at your next event!

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Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Spring Bay Helmet Cam

By Sally Spickard on Apr 7, 2015 6:00 pm -

You may remember a certain helmet cam from the Nutrena American Eventing Championships last year, featuring rider Bobbie Jones giving her 8-year-old American Paint pep talks throughout the whole course.

Well, we’re excited to say that Bobbie and Rebel’s Heartbreaker were back in action, complete with their helmet cam, at Spring Bay this past weekend. We love hearing Bobbie talk to Rebel throughout the course, and it looks like they both had a blast!

Many thanks to Bobbie for allowing us to share her videos. You can check out more videos from Bobbie and Rebel on her YouTube page here.

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.

Rolex Rookies: Elinor MacPhail and RF Eloquence

By Sally Spickard on Apr 7, 2015 3:00 pm -

Elinor MacPhail and RF Eloquence. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Confidence is Ellie MacPhail’s keyword as she makes her final preparations for her CCI4* debut with RF Eloquence, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Sally Crane. After stepping back to the two-star level with “Ricky Bobby” after he rehabbed from a minor injury, Ellie felt that his confidence had really boosted and that he was ready to tackle his first four-star.

Competed through the CIC* level with Germany’s Dirk Schrade, RF Eloquence was sourced by Karen O’Connor and Marilyn Little as a 6-year-old for another rider, and Ellie was who he ended up with in the end. “They called me and let me know he was available, as they thought he’d be well suited for me,” Ellie recalled.

The goal for the gelding was always for him to become an upper-level talent, so she has spent the time putting in the necessary work to achieve that goal.

“It’s been a little difficult finding the balance between keeping him confident and not overdoing it,” Ellie said. “We did a lot of cross country schools, but we didn’t overdo it. But it’s really been great for his confidence to school the questions and keep him working.”

Ellie has described the talented gelding before as one that prefers to have his hand held, but she’s begun feeling him become more confident as time progresses. “The good thing is, he is brave about corners and drops, so we don’t have to worry about those,” Ellie said. “It’s not that he’s afraid — he just needs to take the edge off a little.“

After finishing second in the CIC3* at Poplar Place last month, Elinor felt that both she and Ricky Bobby were ready for their next challenge. “I think we really knew he was ready after we moved back up to Advanced last year, before Fair Hill,” she said. “At Poplar, he really stepped up and I realized that he was really a serious horse. He’s always the type to be nervous on cross country, but then he steps up and handles it way better than you’d ever expect.”

Ellie works with Clayton Fredericks in Florida and was also named to the Eventing 25 list program year, where she was able to receive coaching from Leslie Law. “The main thing we got from Leslie was some changes to my hand position,” she said. “Bobby gets a little tense and curled, so Leslie worked with us on staying out of his way and letting them do their job.”

Ellie and RF Eloquence finished 11th in the CCI3* at Fair Hill last year, giving them a solid prep for Derek di Grazia’s beefed-up Rolex course. As is the opinion of most riders, Ellie is excited to get out and tackle Derek’s course.

“Fair Hill was great,” she said. “All of the questions were presented in a way that the horses understood them, but it was still tricky. I’m still pretty freaked out, but it’s been good to have the prep events leading up so I can just focus on one step at a time.“

For Ellie, Rolex is a goal that has been in the works since she volunteered as a Pony Club member when she was younger. “I went and volunteered, and that’s when I knew I wanted to event,” she said in her Eventing 25 interview. “My mom fox hunted, so I grew up around the horses, and I kind of always knew I’d find what I wanted to do with it.”

Don’t Miss EN’s ‘Insanity In the Middle’ Rolex Tailgate, Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By Sally Spickard on Apr 7, 2015 1:00 pm -

Get ready...

If you missed it last year, it should probably go at or near the top of your Rolex bucket list. That’s right, EN — our official “Insanity In the Middle” Rolex tailgate party, presented by World Equestrian Brands, is going to be bigger than ever!

Our tailgate party is our favorite way to show our appreciation for our readers, as without each and every one of you we would not be half as successful as we are. So come on out on cross country day, April 25, to enjoy some snacks, adult beverages, free EN swag0- and the best Rolex tailgate party on course!

Come party with us!

We’ve gone all out this year, securing two tailgate spots in a premium position to accommodate as many EN readers (and celebrities!) as possible. Our generous sponsor, World Equestrian Brands, will be on hand for some great contests and giveaways throughout the day, and their sponsored riders will be stopping by to rub elbows throughout the day.

Here’s all of the info you need to know:

Why yes, those are mimosas!

What: An all day, ridiculous party on the Rolex cross country course. We’ll be taking in the action from our premium tailgate spots while partying it up with our readers. Several celebrity appearances are scheduled, and Chinch will also be taking selfies in the selfie booth if you’d like an opportunity to hang with a real celebrity.

When: Saturday, April 25 from the first horse on course (usually around 10 a.m.) until the last horse crosses the finish line — otherwise known as whenever Buck Davidson is finished riding all 17 of his horses.

Where: You can find us in the infield at the Kentucky Horse Park, in tailgate spots B90 and B91 — you can check out the location by viewing the tailgate spot map here.

We’ll have a schedule of the fun for you in the days leading up to the party of the year. Until then, mark your calendars and get your party pants on, EN! We’ll see you on course.

Go Eventing!

Eventing 25 Rider Kaitlin Veltkamp Retires Flashpoint D

By Sally Spickard on Apr 7, 2015 11:00 am -

Kaitlin Veltkamp and Flashpoint D. Photo courtesy of Natalie Kuhny.

Kaitie Veltkamp has enjoyed multitudes of success with her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Flashpoint D. The gelding had suffered a superficial tendon tear that, with the help and research of an entire team of experts, was rehabbed to the point where he was able to continue competing at the upper levels, but Kaitie knew that every ride aboard “Undie” was a blessing.

Unfortunately, Kaitie announced on her Facebook page this week that she had made the decision to retire her partner in the interest of preserving his soundness. She hopes to be out competing in pure dressage with him, as he is by no means ready to spend the rest of his days in a pasture.

“He’s doing his best to convince me that he’s fit, happy and ready to go jump stuff,” Kaitie said. “It’s so heartbreaking, but he’s given me so much that I can’t complain even for a moment.“

Kaitie posted the following statement on her Facebook page:

My little champion, my horse of a lifetime. Thank you for everything you have given to me over the last ten years. You have taken me to places I could only ever dream of the day I first met you at only 11 years old. I don’t know how I’m going to tell you that your days of galloping on the course eagerly hunting down your next fence are over.

Your spirit and your passion are so huge but your little body just can not hold up any longer. You have given me everything. You have pushed through the pain for me and for this crazy sport of ours. I will be forever searching for another partner that will give me the same joy you have.

You have given me the best ten years of my life but now this high jumping, fast galloping chapter is over. It’s time for you to start a new one enjoying warm, sunny days in a big, green pasture. I love you, Undles. Thank you for everything past, present, and future. You’ve got a heart of gold, little man. Give your baby sister a pep talk for me, she’s got some very big shoes to fill.

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us on our journey. We have been blessed with the best parents, trainers, farriers, vets, and friends we could have ever asked for. We couldn’t have gone even half this distance without your knowledge, love, and support.

Kaitie would like to thank those who have supported her and Undie’s endeavors through the year, namely Dayna Lynd-Pugh, Sarah Lorenz, Leslie Law, and Lesley Grant-Law. She also wishes to thank her sponsor, Cur-Ost, for keeping Undie running his best for as long as he could.

We wish Flashpoint D the best of luck in his retirement; meanwhile, we know that Kaitie has a talented young horse on which she’ll be focusing for the time being so we can’t wait to see more from her in the future.

Monday Videos from Tredstep Ireland: Team Tredstep Out in Full Force at The Fork

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

Tredstep riders were out and about in North Carolina this weekend as they competed in various divisions at The Fork. As usual, we have The Horse Pesterer to thank for collecting multiple videos of their rides, so we’ve got plenty of action to watch to keep us distracted from our event hangovers.

Keep an eye out for a very special Tredstep contest as we count down the days until Rolex!

Lillian Heard, Boyd Martin Win Great Save Awards at The Fork

By Sally Spickard on Apr 6, 2015 3:00 pm -

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We all love a good “great save” story, and we’ve got two good ones for you from The Fork this weekend. We’re sure we’re missing some, so if you have a tip (and a photo or video!) on a great save that you don’t mind sharing, then send it to us at [email protected].

Lillian Heard and Boyd Martin picked up a great save each on course this weekend, both escaping hairy situations to the delight of the crowd who had gathered to watch. Lillian Heard, who was riding Abbie Golden’s Arundel in the CIC2* pulled off a fantastic save in the tricky water complex after Arundel unseated her on the way in.

Lillian and Arundel both stayed professional while Lillian righted herself in the saddle and somehow made the B and C elements of the question work from a “tranter,” as Abbie called it. Check out Lillian’s save in its entirety here:

Not to be outdone, Boyd Martin and Lucy Boynton Lie’s Crackerjack also pulled off a “Superman” moment on the mound complex near the end of the course. Many combinations had to work hard to make this tough question work, and Boyd showed his experience reining a feisty Crackerjack in to make it over the hanging log at the top of the mound.

Despite the ballooning nature of the horse’s jump, Boyd managed to stay out of his way and continue on his way to the final jump in that question — just another day in the office for Boyd!

So, who gets your vote for the best save of the day at The Fork? Comment with your choice below! Many thanks to The Horse Pesterer for capturing these memorable moments on video as always — be sure to check out the rest of his playlist from The Fork here.

Rolex Rookies: Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek

By Sally Spickard on Apr 6, 2015 11:00 am -

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek at Bromont. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lizzie Snow has had big plans for her and her black OTTB, Coal Creek, in 2015. Those big goals have always included a CCI4* debut in Kentucky, but it wasn’t until 2014 when that goal became to seem like a reality.

“I think (Rolex) has always been in the back of my mind,” she said. “But I’d say after last year it actually became possible. I’ve always wanted to go, but the past year I think we’ve really solidified our partnership and made the idea worth entertaining.”

It hasn’t always been an easy ride for Lizzie, who acquired the ride on Coal Creek in 2011. Campaigned through the CCI3* level by Amy Tryon, “Devon” became Lizzie’s new ride thanks to the generosity of his owner Kathryn Rosson, who made half of the horse available for purchase to Lizzie and her mother, Diane.

Lizzie commented in her Eventing 25 interview that Devon had taught her to ride, teaching her patience and giving her invaluable experience that she would need to compete at the top levels.

“I think he’s changed quite a bit since I got him,” Lizzie said. “He was so strong; he ran away with me at Young Riders (in 2011), and he tends to be more strong at different venues. I figured out how to ride him in the three-star at Carolina, where he’s usually very strong.”

“I’ve figured out how to deal with how strong he is, especially on a course like Carolina where there are a lot of turns. I’ve had to just let him go in between fences and learn how to get him back. Carolina is very twisty and turning and I think that type of course is harder for him.”

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lizzie and Devon, who will be 16 this year, placed third in the CCI3* at Bromont last year and re-routed to the CCI3* at Galway Downs after retiring at Fair Hill in the fall. Having ridden a good amount of tracks designed by Derek di Grazia, Lizzie is feeling confident that she’s as prepared as she can be for Rolex.

“I think that we’ve been running at the Advanced level and gotten our partnership strong enough to where I am comfortable with the step up,” Lizzie elaborated. “Of course, whenever I walk the course for the first time (at Rolex), I’m sure I’ll change my mind!”

Lizzie is hoping to add Kentucky to the list of venues that Devon seems to prefer. “We’ve had a string of bad luck at Fair Hill — we’ve never gotten around there,” Lizzie said. “But he isn’t too strong there, so I’m not sure what it is. He’s run well at Pine Top and The Fork, and he’s very strong at Carolina. I do feel the bigger, more open courses suit him, such as Bromont and Galway, so I think that bodes well for Kentucky. I think he prefers the bigger galloping stretches because then I am not on him all the time to adjust.”

Lizzie ran the Intermediate at The Fork over the weekend as her final prep, with the intent to be to go slow and have a solid fitness run leading up to Kentucky, where they finished fourth, logging 13.6 time penalties to add to their dressage score.

As Rolex approaches, Lizzie says she is the most nervous about the dressage. “He can be really good, or something will set him off and he’ll bolt and take off,” she said. “I’m just hoping to get his brain in the right place and not have him look up and see the crowd!”

Lizzie knows she has a lot to be grateful for as her longtime goal finally approaches fulfillment. “At the moment, I’m not feeling too bad — I’m sure that will change, though. I am really excited to go and get around, and I think it’s the next logical step for us.”

Best of luck to Lizzie and Devon as the days continue to count down to their Rolex debut!

10 Ways to Be a Successful Eventer from Mary King

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

Mary King and Imperial Cavalier at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mary King’s newest book, Mary King, My Way: How I Train for Success is chock full of valuable information from one of the most experienced event riders in the sport’s history. With countless accolades adorning her CV, picking up a copy of her autobiography or her latest book is sure to yield many tips for success.

In her newest book, which you can find here, Mary compiles a list of 10 ways to become successful in the sport of eventing — and realistically these tips can all be applied to every walk of life. It’s a solid reminder of the skill set and determination it takes to make it in this sport, and Mary speaks from experience when she talks through each bullet point.

Our friends over at Horse & Hound have printed the list of success tips in its entirety, which you can read here. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Understanding and coping with tension

Tension can be caused by a variety of reasons — excitement on the part of the horse, anticipation of the work ahead, nervousness, not trusting the rider. Therefore, find ways of easing the pressure for your horse and helping him to relax — perhaps through lots of steady work, hacks and plenty of turnout. A tense horse will be much happoer to be out 24/7 and ideally with a calm companion.

Coping with the lows

Difficult though it may be at the time, try to take a positive out of a negative situation. In eventing, you have to be able to cope with the lows if you want to continue eventing and compete for a long time. And don’t let yourself get too low in the lows. Simply work out what went wrong, why it went wrong, how you can make it right and how it could have been prevented. Then enjoy the good times!

Choosing the right horse

Don’t be too proud and persist with a horse who’s not living up to your dreams. If a horse you’ve bought — who you thought would be top class — is not enjoying the work and not performing consistently well for the level of training he’s at, be prepared to bite the bullet and sell him on to someone who’s less competitive and happy to compete at the lower levels. Keep looking for that right horse — there will be one out there for you.

You can read the remaining seven pieces of advice by visiting Horse & Hound here. And don’t forget to order a copy of Mary King, My Way for yourself here. We’re sure it will be a worthwhile addition to your library!

Relive Jennie Brannigan’s Winning Weekend at The Fork

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

Nina Gardner, Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda celebrate their winning weekend. Photo via Laura Reilly on Facebook.

Thanks to the fine video skills of The Horse Pesterer, we’re now able to take a look back at Jennie Brannigan’s big win in the CIC3* at The Fork with Cambalda this weekend. This pair historically performs very well at this event and were our predicted winners for the weekend.

Perhaps one of our favorite parts of watching Jennie’s weekend is seeing her celebration after the crosses the finish on cross country, knowing she’s come home double clear to clinch the win. Many thanks to The Horse Pesterer for capturing those moments! To relive all of the action from The Fork, visit The Horse Pesterer on YouTube here.

Meet the OTTBs Who are Coming to Rolex This Year

By Sally Spickard on Apr 5, 2015 11:00 am -

Meghan O'Donoghue and Pirate. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The entry list for Rolex has been set, and Thorougbred aficionados from all over have taken to poring over it for former racehorses who will be making their appearance on center line in a few weeks. Thanks to the diligent research of the brains behind the Retired Racehorse Project, we’ve got the most updated list of OTTBs as well as pure, unraced Thoroughbreds who will be competing in Kentucky this year.

You can find the full analysis of the Thoroughbreds over on the Retired Racehorse Project here. We’d also like to add that Lisa Barry’s horse, F.I.S. Prince Charming, is a New Zealand Thoroughbred who raced until he was four in his home country. Fellow OTTB supporter Allie Conrad did some digging based on the sire information listed in the FEI database and narrowed the results down to:

Waitui Jo (NZ), 2003 gelding, by His Royal Highness (NZ), out of Mystic (NZ)

Here’s the full list of Thoroughbreds entered at Rolex this year. Thanks to the Retired Racehorse Project for all of their hard work compiling this list! Who will you be cheering on later this month?

Anthony Patch (Lainey Ashker/rider) USA
Alex’s Castledream (NJ), 1999 gelding, by Castle Guard, out of Aimee Alexis by Right Mind
Race Record: 10 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 0 show, $815 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 2 CCI4* – 4 CCI3* – 4 CIC3* – 20 Advanced HT
20th 2011 Rolex CCI4*; 14th 2010 Rolex CCI4*

AP Prime (Leah Lang-Gluscic/CML Horses LLC) USA
A. P. Prime (KY), 2005 gelding, by Aptitude, out of Czarina Kate by The Prime Minister
Race Record: 31 starts – 2 wins – 4 place – 5 show, $20,175 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4*– 2 CCI3* – 1 CIC3* – 5 Advanced HT

Coal Creek (Ellizabeth Snow/rider) CAN
Frank J (WA), 1999 gelding, by Devil on Ice, out of Hard to Fathom by Search for Gold
Race Record: 7 starts – 1 win – 0 place – 1 show, $3,628 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 4 CCI3*– 7 CIC3* – 15 Advanced HT

Collection Pass (Kate Chadderton/Rege Dvorsky) AUS
Collection Pass (PA), 2002 gelding, by Collection Agent, out of Winged Passage by Assault Landing
Race Record: 6 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 0 show, $0 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4*– 1 CCI3* – 4 CIC3* – 7 Advanced HT

Donner (Lynn Symansky/rider) USA
Smart Gorky (NY), 2003 gelding, by Gorky Park (FR), out of Smart Jane by Smarten
Race Record: 6 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 0 show, $2,870 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 3 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 6 CIC3* – 7 Advanced HT – 5th 2013 Rolex CCI4*

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Fly Me Courageous (Sara Kozumplik Murphy/Debbie Foote) USA
Truly Improper (TX), 2005 gelding, by Truluck, out of Proper Eight by Proper Reality
Race Record: 10 starts – 0 win – 1 place – 0 show, $3,630 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 2 Advanced HT

Gleaming Road (Anna Collier/rider) USA
Pistol Pakin Pete (WA), 2003 gelding, by Cahill Road, out of Aspiring Proof by Proof
Race Record: 22 starts – 3 wins – 3 place – 3 show, $19,383 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 4 Advanced HT

Houdini (Katie Frei/rider) USA
Rocky Times (WV), 2004 gelding, by Hot Rock, out of Nancy’s Star by Big Sal
Race Record: 5 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 1 show, $1,180 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 1 CCI4*– 1 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 8 Advanced HT – 34th 2014 Rolex CCI4*

Imperial Melody (Cody Sturgess/rider) CAN
Imperial Melody (ON), 2003 mare, by My Imperial Slew, out of Golden Melody by Geiger Counter
Race Record: 1 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 1 show, $550 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 5 CIC3* – 2 Advanced HT

Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Irish Rhythm (Rachel McDonough/rider) CAN
Daniel Alexander (ON), 1999 gelding, by Vice Chancellor, out of Dawnsari by Dawn Flight
Race Record: 43 starts – 1 win – 3 place – 4 show, $25,923 earnings
Competition Record: 1 CCI4* – 2 CCI3*– 3 CIC3* – 1 Advanced HT – 25th 2014 Rolex CCI4*

Madison Park (Kyle Carter/rider & Jennifer Carter) CAN
Magic Retribution (WA), 1998 gelding, by Monaco Magic, out of Mistress of Mine by Band Practice
Race Record: 11starts – 1 win – 0 place – 0 show, $2,744 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 5 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 14 CIC3* – 13 Advanced HT
13th 2010 Rolex CCI4*; 33rd 2009 Rolex CCI4*; 18th 2008 Rolex CCI4*

Nonsensical (Emilee Libby/rider) USA
Nonsensical (FL), 2003 gelding, by Point Given, out of On the Brink by Cox’s Ridge
Race Record: 6 starts – 1 win – 1 place – 0 show, $45,000 earnings
Competition Record: 0 CCI4*– 2 CCI3* – 2 CIC3* – 4 Advanced HT

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Parker (James Alliston/rider) GBR
Eastside Park (NJ), 2002 gelding, by Marquetry, out of Hello Mom by Caveat
Race Record: 15 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 3 show, $8,145 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 3 CCI4* – 4 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 11 Advanced HT (322 Lifetime USEA Points)
22nd 2014 Rolex CCI4*, 14th 2013 Rolex CCI4*, 14th 2011 Rolex CCI4*

Parklane Hawk (William Fox-Pitt/Catherine Witt) GBR
Park Lane (NZ), 2000 gelding, by Grosvener (NZ), out of Deebee Lady (NZ) by Briilliant Invader (AUS)
Race Record: 19 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 2 show, $1,875 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 5 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 7 CIC3* – 1st 2012 Rolex CCI4*

Pirate (Meghan O’Donoghue/rider) USA
Pirate’s Gold Star (IL), 2002 gelding, by Pirate Stronghold, out of Stars Heir by Risen Star
Race Record: 10 starts – 1 win – 0 place – 2 show, $3,840 earnings
USEA Competition Record:2 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 6 CIC3* – 10 Advanced HT
17th 2014 Rolex CCI4*; 12th 2013 Rolex CCI4*

Relentless Pursuit (Dana Widstrand/rider) USA
Super Rover (IL), 1996 gelding, by A Lee Rover, out of Sumptious Gal by Super Hit
Race Record: 3 starts – 3 wins – 0 place – 0 show, $13,201 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 4 CIC3* – 11 Advanced HT

Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rise Against (Bunnie Sexton/rider) USA
Trabuco Kid (CA), 1999 gelding, by Far Out East, out of April Betty by Distant Land
Race Record: 4 starts – 0 win – 0 place – 0 show, $0 earnings
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI 4*– 2 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 9 Advanced HT

Shiraz (Colleen Rutledge/rider) USA
Bold and Burley (FL), 1998 gelding, by Gallapiat, out of Bold Blossom by Fountain of Gold
Race Record: 14 starts – 2 wins – 0 place – 1 show, $10,862 earnings
Competition Record: 5 CCI4*– 2 CCI3*– 9 CIC3*– 16 Advanced HT – 12th 2011 Rolex CCI4*

Elisa and Johnny at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Simply Priceless (Elisa Wallace/Jill Hopcroft) USA
Kalinga Damo (AUS), 2001 gelding, by Waterford Road, out of Faux Franc (AUS) by Twig Moss (FR)
Race Record: 10 starts – 0 win – 0 show – 1 place, $711 earnings
Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 2 CIC3* – 7 Advanced HT

Sound Prospect (Alexandra Knowles/rider) USA
Sound Prospect (KY), 2002 gelding, by Eastern Echo, out of Miners Girl by Miner’s Mark
Race Record: 13 starts – 0 win – 2 place – 1 show, $2,546 earnings
Competition record: 0 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 6 CIC3* – 7 Advanced HT

Tsunami (Sally Cousins/rider) USA
Tsu Tsu Ro (PA), 1999 mare, by Roanoke, out of Tsu Tsu Slew by Tsunami Slew
Race Record: 24 starts – 3 wins – 2 place – 4 show, $35,170 earnings
Competition Record: 2 CCI4*– 6 CCI3* – 6 CIC3* – 11 Advanced HT
18th 2014 Rolex CCI4*, 14th 2012 Rolex CCI4*

Vilas County (Werner Geven/Carden Burdette) NED
Vilas County (KY), 2004 gelding, by Jump Start, out of Brave Hearted (GB) by Dancing Brave
Race Record: 9 starts – 1 win – 0 place – 0 show, $5,763 earnings
Competition Record:

Pure Thoroughbreds – unraced (and, in two cases, un-registered)

Andromaque (Will Faudree/Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables) USA
unnamed (IRE), 2001 mare, by Anshan (GB), out of Gortnagale (IRE) by Strong Gale (IRE)
USEA Competition Record: 1 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 12 CIC3* – 4 Advanced HT
16th, 2012 Rolex CCI4*

Freddie Mac (William Fox-Pitt/Lady Best and Jane Kier) GBR
Unregistered (NZ), 2004 gelding, by Heroicity (AUS), out of Go Tara (NZ) by Tarrago (ITY)
International Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 1 CIC3* with William Fox-Pitt

Never Outfoxed (Holly Payne/rider) USA
Never Outfoxed (FL), 2006 Gelding, by Veronica’s Sir, out of Caroverse by Opening Verse
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 2 CCI3* – 2 CIC3* – 4 Advanced HT

Angela Grzywinksi and Novelle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Novelle (Angela Grzywinkski/rider) USA
Cupid’s Tart (KY), 2002 mare, by Frisk Me Now, out of Teetawk by Lil E. Tee
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4*– 1 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 5 Advanced HT

Petite Flower (Buck Davidson/Caroline and Sherrie Martin) USA
Unregistered (PA), 2002 mare, by Amber’s Lust, out of Tears of a Loss (IRE) by Prince Rupert (FR)
USEA Competition Record: 0 CCI4* – 1 CCI3* – 3 CIC3* – 7 Advanced HT

What It’s All About: A Social Media Recap from The Fork

By Sally Spickard on Apr 4, 2015 8:49 pm -

Tamie Smith is a happy camper tonight with Mai Baum and Fleur de Lis, first and third in the CIC2*. Photo via Mackenna Shea on Facebook.

The FEI divisions as well as the Advanced wrapped up today at The Fork, and the riders who are bound for Kentucky are breathing a collective sigh of relief after a safe day of cross country. While a few fell victim to Tremaine Cooper’s course, we’re pleased to report that it appears everyone is just fine, except for possibly a few bruised egos, as the sun sets on North Carolina. And that is the most important thing at the end of each competition day!

Sinead Halpin had an unlucky fall from Grey Area in the CIC2* today, but she’s reporting that all’s well this evening. Good thing eventers are hard headed, right? We wish Sinead the best and are happy to hear she will be ok after knocking her head.

Phillip Dutton had a great day on cross country, who piloted all four of his rides home clear across tough courses. Phillip will head to Kentucky next with Mighty Nice, Fernhill Fugitive, and Fernhill Cubalawn.

Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War romped around the Advanced cross country, logging the second fastest time of the Advanced B division. Needless to say, Jessica is thrilled with her mighty OTTB and how well he stepped up to the plate all weekend.

Liz Riley and It’s the Truth were the second to last pair out on cross country in the Advanced division today, and from the sound of the announcer it sounds like they had a blast out there. This pair also blazed around the course to move up from 28th to 19th overall.

EN’s very own Kate Samuels also had a great day today, easily coming home clear on the Advanced cross country to move up to seventh place overall. Kate has been thrilled with Nyls all weekend — well, maybe not so much with his dressage, but he quickly redeemed himself with two fantastic jumping rounds. Way to go, Kate! #ENkarmaalltheway

I also must give a shout-out to Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate, who skipped around the CIC2* cross country course today, surviving a very hairy moment thanks to some quick thinking and good riding. You may remember Kelsey and her incredible story with her OTTB — if not, catch up here and become a fan!

Cheers to Justine Dutton for managing to stay in the saddle today! Just joking, Justine! But after parting ways unluckily at Poplar Place in their last run, redemption is sweet! This pair also skipped around the Advanced cross country with just time added. It’s on to Jersey Fresh for this talented mare!

And, finally, one of our favorite photos of the day. Win, lose or draw — this is what our sport is all about. The camraderie we witness is unmatched, and it’s heartwarming to see Buck congratulating Jennie Brannigan on her CIC3* win. When the dusts settles, our horses’ happiness and our relationship with our peers are two of the most special and important things in this sport. It’s definitely worth remember when times get tough. We hope you’re celebrating tonight, Jennie! Well deserved.

Go Eventing.

#TheFork: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Eventing Nation

Sally Spickard

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