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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

Five Must-See Things at the USEA Convention

By on Nov 30, 2014 4:00 pm -

Eventers from all over the country will be converging upon Fort Worth, Texas this week for the 2014 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. The convention always welcomes riders of all levels, and it’s a great opportunity for learning, discussion, and rubbing elbows with some of the in the business.

EN will be in Fort Worth reporting on all of the action (and after-parties?), and here are five things we definitely don’t want to miss out on:

1. Show Jumping Workshop with Richard Jeffrey

Richard Jeffrey will be offering a full days’ worth of educational opportunity on Wednesday, December 3. Beginning with a classroom session in the morning and ending with a hands-on workshop in the afternoon, there will be plenty of knowledge to absorb for both riders, coaches, and course designers alike.

2. USEF Active Athletes Open Forum

Always a forum for engaged discussion and informative updates, the USEF Active Athletes Open Forum is an open meeting available to all who wish to attend. This year’s forum will be held on Thursday, December 4 and discussion topics often include updates on the High Performance Program and upcoming new initiatives geared towards furthering the sport on the international stage.

3. Rider Fitness Bootcamp with Daniel Stewart

If you missed our report on Coach Stewart’s sport psychology seminar from last year’s convention, you’ll want to catch up before you go. Daniel is well known for both his sense of humor and his valuable tips on fitness and psychology. His bootcamp will be held on Friday, December 5.

4. Rule Change Open Forum

With the new proposed rule changes coming down the pipe, the USEA is welcoming all feedback in the form of an Open Forum at this year’s convention. Many opinions, either for or against the rule change proposal, have been voiced since the announcement, and those in attendance at the convention will have the opportunity to discuss the change constructively in an open forum format. The forum will be held on Saturday, December 6.

5. USEA Year-End Awards

Who doesn’t love an awards ceremony? Horses and riders will be recognized at the ceremony for their achievements throughout the year. We think any excuse to dress up, participate in cocktail hour, and dance the night away is fair game. Throw in some wonderful people and their four-legged partners who are being recognized? Sounds like the perfect way to wrap up a great weekend to us. You can catch the awards on the evening of Saturday, December 6.

[USEA Convention]

How to Ride the Canter, Not the Distance

By on Nov 30, 2014 3:00 pm -
Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Sally Spickard. Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The dreaded jumping distance. Some people seem to have a natural eye for it, others seem to close their eyes and hope for the best. What is it about finding the elusive perfect distance that trips so many of us up on a daily basis?

Practical Horseman recently published a great article that focuses on finding a quality canter rather than obsessing over finding the perfect distance. Author Scott Stewart uses hunter rounds as an example – hunters always seem to establish a floating rhythm that seems to just carry them around the course, the distances coming up naturally with little to no effort from the rider to “fix” the stride.

So how do you achieve the rhythm that creates a quality canter and, therefore, a quality distance? Eliminating erratic riding to the fences – pulling until you lose all impulsion or gunning it for the long spot – is a big step.

By taking away the fear or apprehension associated with finding distances, the rider can then focus instead on the rhythm which will help those distances come up more naturally.

Scott goes on to recommend three simple exercises to work on developing a feel for the canter rhythm and recommends working on them consistently and even using just ground poles to eliminate stress as well as wear and tear on your horse.

“With repetition, you’ll start to do the very thing I told you not to worry about – see a distance out of different strides. When that happens, it’ll raise your overall comfort level with rhythmically taking back to add, loosening up and coming forward to leave one out, and making it all look the same.”

There are numerous great suggestions and exercises contained within Scott’s article, which you can read in its entirety here. Working on establishing and feeling a canter rhythm is a common struggle among riders, but with practice and dedication perhaps we can all ride hunter-worthy rounds in the near future.

[Never Miss Another Distance!]

With repetition, you’ll start to do the very thing I told you not to worry about-see a distance out of different strides. When that happens, it’ll raise your overall comfort level with rhythmically taking back to add, loosening up and coming forward to leave one out, and making it all look the same. – See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf
  • Lengthening and shortening on the flat will get you focused on a consistent, rhythmic pace.
  • An alternating five-and six-stride line will get you thinking about what you need to do to adjust within the rhythm for your horse’s natural stride.
  • A simple little hunter course will give you the feel of sitting still and keeping a steady pace all the way around.

– See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf

  • Lengthening and shortening on the flat will get you focused on a consistent, rhythmic pace.
  • An alternating five-and six-stride line will get you thinking about what you need to do to adjust within the rhythm for your horse’s natural stride.
  • A simple little hunter course will give you the feel of sitting still and keeping a steady pace all the way around.

– See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf

Sunday Video: The Foundations of Training with George Morris

By on Nov 30, 2014 1:00 pm -

Natural horsemanship trainer Jonathan Field and hunt-seat master George Morris have collaborated on a new instructional DVD series focusing on building solid, confident, and willing horses from the ground up.

In the trailer featured above, we get an inside look into Jonathan and George’s training philosophies, and how they utilize techniques from their respective backgrounds in training young horses. The DVD series looks interesting, and we think it may land on some Christmas lists before too long!

[The Foundation for Excellence]

 

Beat the Winter Blues With These 8 Goals

By on Nov 30, 2014 11:00 am -
The (in?)famous tennis ball exercise. Photo via Connor Husain. The (in?)famous tennis ball exercise. Photo via Connor Husain.

It’s a bit early to be making New Year’s Resolutions, but it’s never too early to get started on your list of things to work on over the winter. When there isn’t much going on in the way of competitions, it’s a good time of year to really buckle down and work on your relationship with your horse. We came up with a starter list of winter goals, but we’d love to hear your input. What will you be working on this winter? Comment below with your plan of attack!

1. Improve transitions

Are your downward transitions leaving something to be desired? What about your walk to canter transition? Or how about the transition between a working trot and a lengthened trot? There are many different aspects of your riding that will be improved by nailing your transitions.

As George Morris would say, jumping is simply dressage over fences, so maintaining a good transition is a big part of jumping success. Here’s a few links for your reference if you’re in need of some tips:

How To Improve Your Horse’s Transitions

Improve Downward Transitions

2. Jump something new! Chevrons, skinny fences, corners – find something new and exciting to add to your toolbox.

Even if you’re grounded to the indoor this winter, there are still ways to come up with new things to jump. Put two rails in a v-formation to make a corner, stand a barrel on its side or on end to create a skinny fence, or create related distances using small verticals or even ground poles.

Whatever your competition goals are, introducing yourself and your horse to new exercises will stave off the boredom and establish a stronger connection.

3. Perfect that 20 meter circle

The thought of endless 20 meter circles calls to mind the oh-so-popular David O’Connor exercise of using tennis balls to demand accuracy on the circle. David used this technique in his training sessions this year, and his goal of dressage excellence was clear.

Remember, a large part of every dressage test is accuracy. Are your circles round, or do they more representative of a vague attempt at making some sort of round shape? Do you hit the rail and letters at exactly the right time? All of these small parts can make or break a score when put together, so it’s important to focus on the tiny details now.

4. Work on that pesky shoulder-in or leg yield

Lateral work is often intimidating to many riders, as they immediately call to mind images of Valegro or Totilas executing perfectly extravagant half passes. We can’t all be like Valegro or Totilas, though, and that’s just fine.

Simple lateral work can help a stiff horse warm up and will assist with improving connection and communication. A responsive horse who moves willingly off the leg will respond better when asked to execute demanding rollback turns or cross country questions.

5. Do some bareback and/or bridleless work

On the subject of forming trust with your horse, a great way to do so is through bareback and/or bridleless work. Bareback is a natural first step in shedding tack, and many more will take it to the next level of channeling their inner Elisa Wallace and riding with just a neck strap.

These exercises are, of course, to be attempted at the rider and trainer’s discretion, but if you can work on this new take on naked riding, you’ll find that your partnership with your horse levels up and you’ll find a new way to pass the cold months at the same time.

6. Stretch it out! Teach your horse carrot stretches

Just like any other athlete, horses’ muscles need some warm up and cool down time. Stretching is vital to any fitness regimen, as it allows muscles to release acids and get a head start on rebuilding themselves. Many riders will warm up and cool down in a stretchy, long and low frame, and adding stretches on the ground is also helpful.

7. Take a few lunge line lessons

Lunge line lessons are a fantastic way to work on your position and effectiveness without worrying about whether or not your horse is going to run into a wall. If your horse prefers not to be on a lunge, perhaps there is a horse in the barn that does.

Personally, we feel we all need at least one vaulting horse in our barns for occasions such as these, but alas this seems to be a bit out of the realm of possibility.

Rider On the Lunge

8. Who says No Stirrup is limited to November? Not us!

November is almost over, but that doesn’t mean your no stirrup work must come to an end! On the contrary, implementing some no stirrup work consistently will do nothing but good for your overall fitness and position.

Who’s in for No Stirrup 2015? Don’t all raise your hands at once, now. Seriously, though, you never know when you’ll need those skills…

 

Selecting and Starting an OTTB with Evention TV

By on Nov 29, 2014 5:00 pm -

Horse shopping can be fun and stress inducing all at once, especially when it comes to selecting a green and unproven horse. Such is the case with purchasing an OTTB, who may have had dismal success on the track but has potential for a second career.

Browsing ads online is a great way to pass the time, but what exactly should you be looking for? We recently published a series on OTTB selection from CANTER PA’s Sue Smith (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), and now we’ve called in Evention TV for some additional tips.

First and foremost, what type of horse are you looking to bring home? What criteria will you use to select the horse that you want to go and have a look at? The video above goes into more detail about selecting your OTTB prospect. Remember, all of these tips can also be taken to heart when selecting any green horse or prospect – not just OTTBs!

When you get your new horse home, what are the first steps in starting him or her? What basics are important to start with? What happens when you get frustrated? This two-part video series on starting your OTTB is also beneficial when working with a new horse:

If you’re finding yourself a new horse owner this Christmas, these tips can help you really work on that bond so that you can come out ahead in the spring. That’s what winter is for, right?

Go OTTBs and Go Eventing!

Lucinda Green, Charlotte Dujardin To Be Celebrated at BT Sport Awards

By on Nov 29, 2014 3:00 pm -
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo courtesy of FEI / Arnd Bronkhorst / Pool Pic. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo courtesy of FEI / Arnd Bronkhorst / Pool Pic.

The BT Sport Action Woman of the Year nominations are out, and dressage darling Charlotte Dujardin is one of 10 finalists for the year end award. Eventing great Lucinda Green will also be honored at the awards ceremony, and she’s jumped aboard the Valegro wagon as the public vote draws near.

The national television show in the UK is hosted by Claire Balding and will broadcast the results of a public vote for the Action Woman of the Year, among others. The nomination for this award carries significance for Charlotte, who said that “it is also great for the sport we love to be recognised in the mainstream … This would open up channels for investment which would be great for the next generation and this is so important to me.”

Lucinda Green has voiced her support of Charlotte and all of her and Valegro’s achievements, saying “Charlotte has that feel through her bones and being of how to bring out in a horse when she’s riding him what he can naturally do when free in a field. She can give a horse the balance, confidence, trust and understanding, gradually over the years, to be able to perform these different movements exactly on request.”

Host Claire Balding is also thrilled to have equestrian sport represented in this year’s awards. “Just three years ago, when I was asked what the ‘dark horse’ of London 2012 would be, I said ‘dressage’. The men on the panel all laughed,” she said in a British Eventing release.

The BT Sport Awards will air on December 10 for all of the UK readers. Voting is live now, and you can vote for Charlotte by clicking here.

[Lucinda Green Supports Charlotte Dujardin’s Quest for Title]

Product Review: Total Saddle Fit Six Point Sheepskin Half Pad

By on Nov 29, 2014 1:00 pm -

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping… especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Which is why I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to try out products, so that I may share my many adventures with all of you! Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope that you simply have fun and find entertainment while reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences might help give you factors to consider when you are on your own quest for new gear!

Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The search for the perfect half-pad is always a frustrating one. With so many options on varying price points, boasting different benefits, it’s quite easy to get overwhelmed with the options. All we want is for our saddle to fit our horses correctly so that they can comfortably do their job. Not asking anything unreasonable, right?

I spent much of my life in hunter/jumper land, where Beval pads (which are now being replaced by Ogilvy) reign supreme. I held onto that dang Beval pad for years, even though I came to realize it was doing nothing for saddle fit, especially when it came to riding multiple horses. So in the interest of education and finding something new, I began looking for a new half pad.

Enter the Total Saddle Fit Six Point Sheepskin Half Pad. This half-pad is advertised to have the ultimate comfort and protection for your horse’s back and comes with six shim pads that can be inserted as needed. There are three pockets on either side of the spine in which you can insert the shims.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Common saddle fit troubles come in several forms: rocking/bouncing, bridging, lateral shifting, twisting, and low behind or in front. The shims pockets are placed strategically to allow the rider to use their discretion on what problem needs to be fixed.

The first thing I noticed about the pad upon unboxing is how stylish and low profile it is, while still promising plenty of cushion with its thickness. I ride multiple horses throughout the week between my lesson program and my own horse. I was excited to see how I could improve my saddle fit on each horse, and was pleased to find that it was easy to insert or take out shims as needed to achieve that nearly custom saddle fit that we all crave.

During my rides, I noticed that the pad offered a lot of support, even with paired with two different saddles and various saddle pads. I used it underneath a close contact, a monoflap close contact, and a dressage saddle with no trouble with fit or displacement.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

On a horse ridden in lessons, I used a shim pad on either side in the middle pockets to help alleviate some minor bridging. The shims are thin enough to not be obstructive, but thick enough to create enough of a difference to where I felt the saddle fit more correctly.

When used without shims, as I did on the horse I was leasing, the pad still fit correctly and did not interfere with an already secure saddle fit. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel that as long as a half-pad does not make the saddle fit differently, even if the saddle fits right without it I feel that the extra cushion still helps with comfort. I was pleased to find that the Total Saddle Fit pad worked well with both a well-fitted saddle and in situations where some extra help was needed.

Versatility is always important when it comes to riding multiple horses. Nothing is more frustrating that having to have different tack combinations that work for each horse. In the interest of efficiency, I was quite happy to find that the Total Saddle Fit pad met all of my needs with very little extra work on my part.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

This pad is fancy enough to use for competition and versatile enough to use every day. I’ll most likely be purchasing another to save for competitions, as I’ve found a pad that works in every scenario for me. Ensuring my horse’s comfort and ability to work is paramount for me, and this pad helps me achieve those goals.

Total Saddle Fit offers a 110% money back guarantee with their products, so you can try this half-pad without risk. You can view more information on fitting your pad in this handy video:

Go Saddle Fitting. Go Fancy Half Pads. Go Eventing!

 

If Horses Could Text: Reader Submissions

By on Nov 29, 2014 11:00 am -

Our readers loved our last Texts From My Horse post that you began sharing your own creativity in text conversation format. We’re so glad we can unite in this crazy world that is having full conversations with our horses. Don’t forget, you can send your text conversations to [email protected] for a chance to be EN-famous!

First up from CANTER PA’s Sue Smith:

Screenshot via Sue Smith.

Screenshot via Sue Smith.

Shannon Brown’s horse evidently just views her to be a walking feed bag:

Screenshot via Shannon Brown.

Screenshot via Shannon Brown.

And finally this week, Keith Robertson has a horse who must be the origin of all ideas:

Text via Keith Robertson.

Text via Keith Robertson.

Text via Keith Robertson.

Text via Keith Robertson.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Simulated Cross Country

By on Nov 28, 2014 4:30 pm -

As we all begin to migrate indoors for our training through the winter, here’s a great video from British Eventing with tips on recreating cross country questions using poles at home.

Many of these exercises can be made using ground poles or actual jumps, making it easier to practice indoors and spice up your winter training routine. Keeping the questions to poles or smaller jumps also reduces the amount of wear and tear on your horse, which is always a big benefit.

What are some of your favorite exercises to use indoors? Collaborate in the comments to get some fresh new ideas!

 

Queen Elizabeth II Wins FEI Lifetime Achievement Award

By on Nov 28, 2014 3:00 pm -
Queen Elizabeth II receives her award from Princess Haya. Photo courtesy of Anthony Devlin/PA Wire. Queen Elizabeth II receives her award from Princess Haya. Photo courtesy of Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.

As a longtime supporter of equestrian sport, it comes as no surprise that Queen Elizabeth II has received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the FEI. Princess Haya presented the award at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, and the story has since picked up quite a bit of mainstream attention.

The Queen has been involved in many equine industries, from racing to the mounted police. She’s heavily involved in the Thoroughbred industry as a breeder and has enjoyed great success with the horses she has bred.

And, of course, horses run in the family as well, with Her Majesty’s granddaughter, Zara Phillips, rising to eventing stardom, representing Great Britain on the international and Olympic stage. The Queen’s daughter Princess Anne also achieved international success in eventing as the first member of the British Royal Family to compete at the Olympic level.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a lifelong lover of horses who has inspired millions around the world, and I am honored to be able to present the first-ever FEI Lifetime Achievement award to Her Majesty on behalf of the FEI today,” Princess Haya said after the presentation.

“She is a true horsewoman, who still rides whenever State business allows, and her knowledge of breeding and bloodlines is incredible. The bond between The Queen and horses is truly extraordinary, and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to receive this very special FEI award in the Year of the Horse. I am very proud to be giving this award on behalf of the FEI family.”

Last year, BBC’s Margaret Rhoades interviewed The Queen for the documentary The Queen: A Passion for Horses, saying, “when she became Queen, she had to sacrifice an awful lot of emotions and thoughts of the future, but with horses it’s another world in that it reduces you to just the person in relation to the animal, and you’re not a Queen, you’re just a human being.”

Check out the gallery below of photos that tell the story of the Queen’s relationship with horses.

[HM Queen Elizabeth II Receives Inaugural FEI Lifetime Achievement Award]

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist Presented by Cosequin

By on Nov 28, 2014 1:30 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!

Christmas is edging closer and closer — do you have an OTTB on your wishlist yet? If you don’t, then this week’s selections are sure to change that quickly! Check out our favorite OTTBs currently available for adoption below.

Photo courtesy of MMSC.

Photo courtesy of MMSC.

Our first featured OTTB this week is available for adoption through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in Lexington. This is a great program that does a thorough job of getting to know each horse before putting them up for adoption. These horses are also put into training, ensuring that new horse has some training after coming off the track.

Jazz Fest (Smart Strike – Miss Shop, by Deputy Minister) is a 16-hand, 2010 model who raced just once in 2013. He’s described as level headed and bold all at once, definitely a great start to be an eventer!

Visit the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center here to visit Jazz Fest’s listing.

Photo courtesy of New Vocations.

Photo courtesy of New Vocations.

Alright, this photo did us in. You have to admit, seeing a horse standing wrapped in Christmas decorations without a care in the world is a pretty good sales pitch. Meet Parkinson Field (Strategic Mission – Edey’s Village, by Silver Deputy), a 7-year-old gelding who is available in Hummelstown, Pa. He’s already been started in his re-training and is considered suitable for any discipline.

Don’t forget that New Vocations offers 50% off adoption fees during the month of December, so keep your eye out for your next horse here!

Photo via Recycled Racehorses.

Photo via Recycled Racehorses.

Any chestnut fans out there? Here’s one for you! Grand Prelude (Grand Slam – Tiny Decision, by Ogygian) raced 26 times between 2010 and 2014, with his last race in May of this year. Since retiring, “Gram” has been working with the Recycled Racehorse program in Sewell, N.J., and has proven to be quite the level headed guy in his second career.

Described as suitable and sound, this guy is ready to start his next career. Click here to check out Gram and the other horses available from Recycled Racehorses.

Niklas Lindbäck Wins Sweden’s Indoor Derby for the Home Team

By on Nov 28, 2014 12:00 pm -
Niklas Lindbäck celebrates the win. Photo via the Sweden International Horse Show Facebook page. Niklas Lindbäck celebrates the win. Photo via the Sweden International Horse Show Facebook page.

Sixteen pairs contested the indoor derby at the Sweden International Horse Show yesterday, where Niklas Lindbäck and Mister Pooh came home with a time of 68.6 seconds across Gerd Heiber’s course to win individually for the home team over Tim Price and Xavier Taer.

New Zealand was not to be outdone, though, as the Kiwis clinched the team victory with Jesse Campbell, Jonelle Price, Tim Price and Mark Todd. Germany and Great Britain followed suit in third and fourth place in the team standings.

Helping Germany’s cause was Peter Thomsen and Clifford M, who stopped the clock on a 69.9 seconds for third place individually. Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision and Jonelle Price aboard Classic Moet round out the individual top five.

Post by Sweden International Horse Show.

Three pairs were eliminated on course: Jesse Campbell and Apart VD Hoefslag 2, Ludwig Svennerstal and Franzipan, and Gemma Tattersall with Dinky Inky. You can check out a video of the end of Niklas’ winning round above.

The action continues at the Sweden International Horse Show through the weekend, and it looks like there is plenty of action to keep the spectators entertained. If you want to watch some dressage over the holiday weekend, the Reem Acra FEI World Cup streams live on FEI TV on Sunday.

Sweden International Horse Show: [Website] [Schedule] [Individual Results] [Team Results]

Let’s Go Shopping: Black Friday Deals and Steals

By on Nov 28, 2014 9:00 am -

Ready or not, the biggest shopping day of the year is almost upon us. We’ve teamed up with our amazing sponsors to gather some of the best shopping deals around. We’ll add more as they become available, and we’ll also have a final list of all of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals later in the week.

Check your bank accounts (or maybe don’t), stretch those legs, and get ready for some serious shopping! Buying horse stuff is always more fun anyway, right?

We’re really excited about this deal from Total Saddle Fit, who is offering a FREE pair of Calf Stirrup Leathers with every purchase of $150 of more. These leathers retail for $90 and are made of nylon wrapped with soft calf skin to prevent stretching. They’re available in black or brown, and Total Saddle Fit also provides a 110% money back guarantee with all purchases.

Click the banner below to shop for Total Saddle Fit products.

Professional’s Choice is having a site wide sale in preparation for the holidays. Everything from saddle pads to wraps and blankets will be discounted, so you’ll want to check out these great savings opportunities on Friday.

Visit Professional’s Choice by clicking on the banner to find out more about their Black Friday sale.

You may recall the review we did on Success Equestrian’s monoflap cross country pad. If you do, you’ll remember how much we love this pad, and now is your chance to get one for yourself. Success Equestrian is offering free shipping on all orders placed through Sunday, November 30. Just use the code BLK2014 in the cart to redeem this offer.

You can select from dressage, jumper or monoflap styles, and there are also other items that are definitely worth checking out from this line.

Be sure to visit Success Equestrian this week and stock up on all of the essentials!

 

Hamilton BioVet is also running a site wide sale for the holidays to the tune of 15% all products. From the versatile StayOns to the ever useful UltrOZ therapeutic laser system you’re sure to find products that find your horse care and rehab needs.

Click the banner below and check out the great products that Hamilton BioVet carries.

Our friends over at Point Two have marked down their demo stock for Black Friday, and there are some great savings to be had. If you’re in the market for a new vest, look no further for a top of the line option. Now is the time to spring for a Point Two, with up to $300 in savings offered this week!

Visit Point Two by clicking the banner below to check out all of their holiday offerings.

Last, but most certainly not least, SmartPak has launched a 15% site wide sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The 15% applies to clearance items at well, so this is your chance to stock up for the upcoming season. Don’t forget, SmartPak also offers FREE shipping on orders over $75. Click the ad below to start shopping!

Wednesday Video from KPP: Ravenna CIC3* Helmet Cam

By on Nov 26, 2014 3:00 pm -

Earlier this month, Italian eventers competed for the top placings at the Italian Championships at Ravenna. It’s always interesting to take a look at cross country courses the world over, and we were able to preview Benoit Marchand’s CIC3* cross country course thanks to Ancce on Facebook.

At the end of the weekend, it was Pietro Roman who secured the win aboard the Irish Sport Horse Barraduff. Pietro scored a 44.4 in the dressage and had one rail down in the show jumping to squeeze out of a tie for first with Karim Florent Laghouag, who had just .6 time penalties too many for a final score of 49.0 and second place. Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere rounded out the top three.

Horse Live TV has uploaded highlights from Pietro’s weekend, and we’ve also got helmet cam footage above from Francis Clement, who placed 19th aboard Prestige des Clotins. We love the opportunity to see Francis’ helmet cam footage, as these videos are in short supply these days! Click here for results from the Italian Championships.

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Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Elisa Wallace’s New Mustang Goes Eventing

By on Nov 25, 2014 4:30 pm -

Last week we met Elisa Wallace’s newest Mustang prodigy, Hwin, who has been in training for the 2015 Mustang Magic competition in Texas. Elisa has had Hwin for seven weeks and has already progressed enough to bring her out to a schooling event at Chatt Hills last weekend to get her feet wet.

Hwin took to the new challenge with ears pricked, trotting around the white box with no worries and cantering around the cross country with just one hesitation at the water. While she’s still learning, the mare got her first eventing completion, finishing in eighth place at the schooling show.

You can follow along with Elisa and Hwin’s journey to Texas by viewing their YouTube channel.

Why SpectraVET?

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Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: The Legend of Cruising

By on Nov 24, 2014 4:30 pm -

Shortly before the great stallion, Cruising, passed away, his owner Mary McCann took a few minutes to chat with Showjumping Ireland about the legacy the horse had created.

Born a chestnut before turning gray, Cruising was never an easy horse to work with. “As a two year old, he started this business of roaring his head off every time he saw a mare, which I can tell you is very annoying in a yard,” Mary recalled. “So I got a bit annoyed, and I was going on my holidays in the February that he was coming up to three, and Edward Doyle was with us at the time.

“I can remember saying to Edward, ‘If you don’t teach that horse to lunge before I come home and see that he jumps a pole, because if he doesn’t jump a pole he’s going to be castrated because I’m sick of him!’ So I hadn’t even gone on my holidays when Edward came over and said ‘Well, he’s learned to lunge in two days’ and he said ‘You’d better come and see this because I’ve just jumped him over a foot high pole and he gave it six feet.’ So, he wasn’t castrated.”

Mary recalled Cruising being particularly difficult in his younger days, with many of his riders, her daughter Jenny included, spending more time on the ground than in the saddle. But the stallion was talented and, as we all know, ultimately achieved much international success.

We will always remember this handsome gray stallion for both the competitive legacy he left behind as well as the offspring who are competing at the top levels in multiple arenas around the world. Even into his final days, he was still full of the sass and fire that we all loved about him. Rest in peace, Cruising.

Katy Groesbeck’s Oz the Tin Man Takes Up Teaching

By on Nov 24, 2014 10:30 am -
Anna Robinson and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Katy Groesbeck. Anna Robinson and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Katy Groesbeck.

After moving her fledgling business to Ohio, Katy Groesbeck set about making plans for her future, with the first order of business being to figure out what’s next for her upper-level partner Oz the Tin Man. Coming on 18 in the spring, the Anglo-Arabian gelding has partnered with Katy at the Advanced level since 2012, collecting six Advanced completions, four CIC3* completions and one CCI3* finish.

“Wort” traveled with Katy to work at Buck Davidson’s barn for a year, and now she is ready to let a young rider step up to take the reins from her. “He’s not ready to just retire,” Katy said. “I think it will be a great way to keep him competing and teaching someone.”

Katy had entertained the idea of finding a young rider to lease Wort for the year, but had only casually begun looking when a mutual friend mentioned Anna Robinson. Anna, who will be 18 this year, has her sights set on competing in the CH-J* at NAJYRC this year, and she needed a horse to get her there.

“This is my last year to do the one-star, and I haven’t been to Young Riders yet, so I have been looking for the right horse,” Anna said. “I’ve wanted to go to Young Riders for a long time, but I’ve just never had the right horse. I’ll be looking to qualify this year, so I’m really excited.”

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry.

When Anna came out to try Wort for the first time, everyone knew it was a good fit. “He’s like a sports car!” Anna said. “He’s quick on his feet, and he’s smaller than what I’m used to, and he’s a really fun ride and can take care of you but will let you know when you aren’t doing it right.”

Anna plans to train with Katy to prepare for Young Riders and has also ridden with Elinor MacPhail, the resident trainer at Redtail Ridge Farm. “I used to work with Ellie, and I’d travel with her to Florida, but with school coming to an end, I wanted to stay closer to home this year,” she said.

Katy is also excited about Wort’s new job for the year. “I didn’t want it to just be anyone or someone who was just looking for horse to use and then dump at the end of the season,” she said. “Anna has the right attitude and really got on well with him. I think they both have things to learn from each other, and she’s a capable rider that she won’t be just a passenger up there.”

Anna will ride and compete Wort at least through the summer, and then the plans are open ended. “He’ll let me know what he wants to do. Either he can keep teaching at the lower levels, or maybe he’ll step back out with me again,” Katy said. “It’s up to him at this point. He’s not young, but he doesn’t know it.”

Sunday Video: So This is What It’s Like to Ride Around Ireland

By on Nov 23, 2014 4:30 pm -

It seems that every horse person’s dream is to go riding in Ireland. We see countless equestrian vacations geared towards the Irish at heart and constantly find ourselves drooling over Irish sale ads or auction pages. But what does it actually look like to take a ride in the Irish countryside?

For those of us who haven’t experienced this bucket list experienced, SmartPak employee Kristin provided footage from her GoPro documenting her ride through Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula. Now, if she could just throw in a few big cross country fences, the eventer’s dream would be complete!

logo_600x100 SmartPak

 

If Horses Could Text, Part One

By on Nov 23, 2014 3:00 pm -

We've all seen Texts from My Dog and all of the other hilarious text conversations out there. If our animals were able to send us text messages, what would they say? Fortunately, we've dug up some great examples, and will be sharing more throughout the winter. Do you have a funny text message to add? You can send it to [email protected].

We’ve all, at some point, experienced a sassy horse who has their own opinions on what they should and should not be required to do. What would happen if our horses could express their feelings via text message? Admit it, we’ve all had the conversations in our head already.

These eventing inspired texts come from Tor Heard, who originally posted these on her Twitter and Facebook page and tells us she’s writing a whole book of texts from her horse. Lucky us!

Guatemala Leads the Way After Central American Games Cross Country

By on Nov 23, 2014 9:00 am -
Pedro Gutiérrez (MEX) Racques Biats. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson. Pedro Gutiérrez (MEX) Racques Biats. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

Medal positions remained unchanged after the cross country competition yesterday at the Central American games. Guatemala leads the way in gold medal position on a cumulative score of 148.10 over Mexico, who is close behind on a score of 150.6. Venezuela remains in bronze medal position, bringing home three riders clear for a score of 156.9.

Venezuelan coach Sara Kozumplik-Murphy sent in her thoughts on yesterday’s competition:

What a day…It’s hard not to be disappointed that Natascha and Peekie didn’t have their fairy tale ending today, but they were still fabulous. A small mistake by Natasha certainly shouldn’t take away from the horsemanship that she showed.

She rode amazing 90 percent of the time, made one mistake, and learned a lot…go eventing! We have been blessed with the fabulous teachers we have had in Tatton Winter, Clifton Peekachu, and Irish Diamonds; thank you to the ponies!

Alasca also stepped up to the plate for Juan (Larrazabal), despite being the least experienced horse of the bunch. He came home the second fastest round for Venezuela with .4 time penalties.

All of our riders rode exceptionally well and put in very good rounds on a course that took its toll. I loved the cross country that John built, it was a true, fair test, and we are headed into tomorrow in a strong position having had 3 clear rounds and one 20…go Venezuela!

Guillermo de Campo and Quelite moved into the lead from third after dressage with a double clear run around John Williams’ course, holding a score of 49.2. He’ll go into holding the tiebreaker between himself and Stefanie Brand Leu and Claudius, who are also on a 49.2 as a result of a handful of time penalties.

The course rode well for those who completed, with four out of 16 picking up one refusal, seven pairs coming home double clear, and five clear with time. Eight pairs were eliminated on course, and one elected to retire.

The eventing competition will conclude today with the show jumping at 12 p.m. EST. With a Pan American qualification on the line, all competitors will have their best game faces on as they look forward to the day’s competition.

[Day One Report]

[Day Two Report]

Central American & Caribbean Games Links: [Website] [Entries] [Results]

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Emily Rusinyak’s Reatta HW Euthanized After Pasture Accident

By on Nov 22, 2014 4:30 pm -
Emily Rusinyak and Reatta HW. Photo via Emily on Facebook. Emily Rusinyak and Reatta HW. Photo via Emily on Facebook.

The EN team is extending its condolences to Emily Resinyak, whose lovely mare, Reatta HW, broke her leg in what appears to be a pasture accident last night. Reatta HW was transported to Auburn University this morning for evauluation, but unfortunately it appears that the injury was too extensive and the mare was euthanized.

Emily and Reatta had just completed their CCI3* together at Fair Hill, finishing in 37th place. This pair worked with Julie Richards, and Emily has brought the dark bay Oldenburg mare up through the levels since starting out at Training level in 2012.

Emily posted on her Facebook page that “she’s not just a horse, she’s my best friend.”

We’ll update this post with more information as we receive it, but in the meantime, please keep Emily and all who knew and loved her wonderful mare in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Reatta.

Shiraz Returns to Work, Aiming for Rolex 2015

By on Nov 22, 2014 12:00 pm -
Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz. Photo by Jenni Autry. Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz. Photo by Jenni Autry.

One of the most popular chestnuts on the scene, Shiraz, has officially made his return to work after suffering a shoulder strain at Rolex this spring.

Colleen Rutledge and “Luke” went over to Sharon White’s farm last week for some lessons with Jimmy Wofford, and Luke looked positively gleeful as he bounced through some simple exercises.

Colleen and Luke will be targeting a return to Rolex in the spring, just needing to get a CIC3* under their belts in the spring as a qualifier.

We’re thrilled that Luke is back in full work, and we know Colleen’s large fan base will be cheering this pair on as they look to take on their sixth four-star competition to date.

To tide us over, we dug through the archives and found some video highlights of Colleen and Shiraz’s partnership through the years:

Mary King Focuses on Efficiency, Sharpness On Final Clinic Day

By on Nov 22, 2014 9:00 am -
Photo courtesy of Valerie Durbon for Eventing Nation. Photo courtesy of Valerie Durbon for Eventing Nation.

Mary King’s clinic at Morven Park, hosted by Kelly Gage of Team EnGaged Clinics wrapped up yesterday with the various groups doing a bit of jumping. Although there were just a handful of jumps being used, Mary came up with several exercises that focused on accuracy and sharp communication rather than using a long course.

The USEA posted a great recap of the clinic, in which Mary emphasizes the two primary responsibilities of the rider: effectiveness as a rider and having a horse that is responsive to the leg. Mary highlighted the importance of being methodical and precise in what riders asked their horse, as consistency was the best formula for success later down the road.

Mary used a triple combination to test riders, asking them to jump just the first and last jumps, swinging around the middle fence using smooth turns. She also had the riders jumping the middle fence on a figure eight, another exercise that would tattle if the riders did not have a responsive enough horse or if they were not utilizing their position enough.

Mary also used a barrel in between two standards as a skinny fence and an airy corner along with a bounce to help riders work on getting their horses on their hind end and responding to leg aids. It’s interesting to observe how much adjustablity comes into play, even with just a few fences to get over.

Thanks to Valerie Durbon, our eyes on the ground, we’ve got four minutes of video footage that shows many of the exercises Mary implemented yesterday:

Mary will be teaching her second stateside clinic this weekend in Midway, Ky., and we’re sure it will be a wonderful learning experience for all who are riding and auditing. If you are in attendance, you can send us your reports, photos, and videos at [email protected].

Many thanks to Valerie Durbon for contributing her wonderful photos from this week’s clinic.

[Day One Recap]

[USEA Recap]