View Classifieds
Sally Spickard
Articles Written 4,649
Article Views 12,312,624

Sally Spickard

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

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

Taylor McFall Starts Her Own Fundraising Effort to Purchase Her Pony

By on Jul 8, 2014 12:00 pm -
Taylor and Prince with coach Hawley Bennett. Photo courtesy of Jen McFall. Taylor and Prince with coach Hawley Bennett. Photo courtesy of Jen McFall.

This just may win for the best idea of all time. Recently, we posted a guest blog by California eventer Jen McFall, whose daughter Taylor has begun eventing and is leasing a pony named Kilbarry Prince. Prince is a 12-year-old Connemara gelding who has been Taylor’s partner as she steps up to the Novice level.

Already a competitor, Taylor is always mindful of ways she can improve. She receives coaching from Cori Davis at home and also is helped by Hawley Bennett-Awad and Lauren Billys while at competitions. One of the biggest things Jen has worked to instill in her 11-year-old daughter is the sense of responsibility that comes with being involved with horses, she said.

“I started a conversation with her to prepare her for the fact that our lease on Prince was up in November,” Jen said. “I wanted her to know that he would most likely be going to a new home, as we couldn’t afford to purchase him. She thought about this for awhile and came back to me saying that she would like to buy him. She said she didn’t want to lose him, so I told her that she could do something and maybe raise the money.”

tack cleaning

Taylor didn’t need to be told twice and immediately set about making plans to raise the funds to purchase her beloved pony. She came up with three ways to raise money: truck washes, tack cleaning and horse treats.

Taylor plans to kick off her efforts at Rebecca Farm on July 24-27. “You have to think of what people at the shows want,” Taylor explained. “Cleaning trucks and tack — people don’t want to do it because it takes time and they’re already busy. And then there’s treats for your pony — everyone needs that.”

Taylor has already seen some results from her Pony Puff horse cookie recipe. “I thought I’d come up with a recipe and start making them,” she said. “I’ve already had a lot of orders, and now I’ve got to make about 200 Pony Puffs, so it’s really taken off.”

pony puffs

 

Since the family is planning on going to Montana for the week, Taylor anticipates having time to be able to help people with washing their trucks and cleaning their tack as well. “I don’t have my ride times yet, but once I do I will be able to work around them to be able to help people,” she said.

Taylor recruited some help for the truck washing part of her new business through Gamal Awad, Hawley’s husband. “Gamal and I have been friends forever,” Taylor said. “He always has to have these nerd gadgets, and he likes to watch “Cosmos,” and so do I, so I guess we’re both nerds. I called and asked him if he would be willing to help me, and he immediately said yes.”

Taylor plans to offer her services at other events as well, so keep an eye out for her at your next West Coast event. See below for a full price list of her services. For more information on contacting Taylor, please contact Earl or Jen McFall. We wish all the best to Taylor as she fundraises to buy Prince.

Update 12:45 p.m.: Jen updated her Facebook page with the following:

“THANK YOU EVERYONE for supporting Taylor’s effort of purchasing Prince. The kind words and encouragement mean a lot, and whatever the outcome, she is having an invaluable life experience. Many of you have asked to simply donate to her cause, but because we want to encourage her work ethic, she will still need to send out Pony Puffs to you. So, we have set up a PayPal button on our blog for her with a $50 minimum. For every $50, she will send you a bag of Pony Puffs. Please write your mailing address in the ‘special instructions’ of your PayPal purchase. Thank you again!” [PayPal Link]

truck wash

Taylor’s Fundraising Prices:

Tack Cleaning:

Saddle: $7

Bridle: $5

Boots: $5

Girth: $4

Martingales: $3

Bring your own soap and get $1 off.

Truck Washing: $10

Pony Puffs:

1 bag: $5

2 bags: $10

Jimmie Schramm Reaps the Rewards of Hard Work

By on Jul 8, 2014 10:30 am -
Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy, her 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding, know what it means to work hard. Together, Jimmie and “Bells” have tackled the upper levels, working through bumps in the road and forging a partnership in the face of difficulties. A few weeks ago, their hard work culminated in successfully completing the Bromont International CCI3*, finishing in 14th place after putting the pieces together throughout the weekend.

But Jimmie and Bells haven’t always had the best of times together. “One thing I’ve learned from this horse is the importance of perseverance. We didn’t get off on the best foot together,” Jimmie said. “You have to believe that if you have a gut feeling about a horse to just go with it. There were definitely more than a few times along the road where I was just over him. I was ready to sell him, and whether it was Dom or someone else telling me to stick it out, I listened, and I’m glad I did.”

Things were very different when Jimmie purchased Bellamy in 2009. “He was unrideable and quite wild,” Jimmie said. “I couldn’t warm him up at events because he was so horse shy; he would just bolt everywhere. It was to the point where I couldn’t warm up, so I’d just go into the dressage ring and hope for the best. It was so influential to me to just keep on trucking and keep working, and we’ve come a long way.”

Last year, Jimmie moved up to Advanced with Bellamy and entered the CCI3* at Fair Hill International, where she elected to retire on cross country. This year, she came out with a plan to get some more three-star experience under her belt and was determined to get better at the level.

“I didn’t have a good trip at Fair Hill last year, so starting out this year I just wanted to make sure that his cross-country was solid. Bromont was always the goal for the first half of the season. We went to Carolina International, and he was just so good on a course where a lot of problems popped up, and he jumped in too big to the water and fell on the landing. I probably could have gotten him in a bit deeper, but it happened. I was pleased with how he handled the other technical parts of the course, though.”

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jimmie then entered the CIC3* at Fair Hill and was technically eliminated for jumping an option incorrectly, leading her to believe that the venue had officially become her nemesis. After that, Jimmie re-routed to Jersey Fresh, where she was able to put in a solid run despite one glance off on cross country. “One element I struggle a lot with is a big downhill jump to a technical combination,” Jimmie said. “I think I just have trouble trusting him enough, so I pulled and got a funny distance, and he couldn’t make it. He wasn’t worried at all, but it was something we needed to work on.”

In preparation for Bromont, Jimmie worked on her cross country with Boyd Martin, who implemented many technical questions in their training so that she would learn to think quicker and make solid decisions.

After walking the cross country at Bromont, Jimmie was definitely feeling the butterflies. “One of the types of combinations I was worried about came near the end of the course, so I was worried about him being tired at that point, but he honestly felt great the whole way around,” she said. “He was very bold and just great the whole weekend.“

Jimmie came back home officially qualified to compete in her first CCI4* at Rolex next year. “I try to be realistic about it,” she said. “The easiest part is probably qualifying for Rolex, but there are so many other things that need to happen before we can go. We need to get some more three-star experience, but it’s hard because it isn’t fair to him to run him too much. I want to do Fair Hill again this year and conquer that course because if we can’t get around Fair Hill then we have no business going to Rolex.“

Jimmie remains optimistic and positive about her goals with Bellamy and is thankful to have had the opportunity to ride this horse. “Another big thing he’s taught me is to not set your expectations too high,” she said. “Sometimes I get a bit frustrated with myself because, of course, I’d like to be in the top 10 or top five or, ideally, winning, at this level. But it’s a long process. These great riders have been doing this for years and have wonderful horses. Bells is my first one, and we are both still learning.

“It’s okay to expect a lot from yourself as a rider, but I think you have to be fair to yourself and to your horse. I’m new to this level and so is he, but I’m just glad to be learning with him, and I’m excited to see where we can go from here.”

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Barbury International CIC2* Water Complex

By on Jul 7, 2014 3:00 pm -

Barbury International concluded an exciting weekend of competition this weekend, with CIC3* and CIC2* divisions as well as lower levels running. The CIC2* was split into three sections, each with a huge amount of entrants.

The course definitely required some quality riding, and one of the most complex questions was the main water, fence 12ABC. YouTube user harveywetdog put together this awesome video of the complex and how it rode for several riders.

Win a Tipperary T2 for Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day

By on Jul 7, 2014 10:30 am -
You know you would look good in one of these. You know you would look good in one of these.

Hopefully everyone has been minding their melon since the popular Evention video was released a few months ago. International Helmet Awareness day, put on by Riders4Helmets, is coming up on July 12. In honor of this day, we are giving you the opportunity to win a Tipperary T2 helmet with our next summer contest.

Do you have an inspiring story about how you minded your melon? Did the #mindyourmelon campaign inspire you to start wearing your helmet every time you ride? Did a particular person motivate you to start wearing a helmet more? We want to hear about it!

What’s the scoop? Here’s the details:

What: One Tipperary T2 helmet is up for grabs with the #mindyourmelon International Helmet Awareness Day contest, sponsored by Tipperary.

When: Contest entries will be accepted beginning today through Monday, July 14 at 5 p.m. EST.

How: Send in the story of how you minded your melon, or how a helmet made a difference for you. Please keep your entries at 200 words or less AND include a photo of you minding your melon. You can send your entry and photo to [email protected] with the subject “#mindyourmelon.”

We will post the best stories for our readers to see, and the winner will be decided by a vote since the chinchillas don’t like to play favorites.

Best of luck, and remember: #mindyourmelon!

Pollard Eventing Cleans Up at Chatt Hills + Other Scores

By on Jul 6, 2014 4:30 pm -
Ashley Kehoe and D.A. Vittoria at Chatt Hills. Photo via Ashley's Facebook page. Ashley Kehoe and D.A. Vittoria at Chatt Hills. Photo via Ashley's Facebook page.

Chattahoochee Hills hosted a summer horse trials this weekend, and Pollard Eventing took advantage of the home turf to secure wins in the Open Intermediate A as well as two of the Open Preliminary divisions.

Michael had Rolex mount Mensa G out to stretch his legs for the first time since April, handily winning the Open Intermediate A with a few time added in the jumping phases on a 37.4. Kyle Carter also had Madison Park out for his first run since Rolex, and the pair were good for second place to finish on a 45.5. Emily Rusinyak and Reatta HW picked up third place after moving from eighth to second after the only double clear cross country round and a single rail down in stadium.

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Screenshot_26

In the Open Intermediate B, Julie Richards and Beaulieu’s Cayenne steadily moved up throughout the weekend from third to first overall, followed by Werner Geven and Vilas County. Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove got up for third place.

Screenshot_27

Sarah Murphy and Bramasole added just 3.2 time on cross country to their dressage score to take home the win in the Open Preliminary A division. Another Pollard Eventing member, Ashley Kehoe, nearly added a fourth win to the farm’s collection for the weekend, picking up second place. The lovely mare D.A. Vittoria finished on her dressage score, moving from sixth after dressage to take home r Becky Holder and Lisa Borgia’s Telperion also enjoyed a nice bump up the board after two double clear jumping rounds to finish third.

Screenshot_28

Other notables competing this weekend were the Leslie Law and Lesley Grant-Law, who had a few of their lower level horses out for a successful weekend in the Training and Novice divisions. Werner Geven had four horses competing this weekend across the Intermediate and Training divisions, and he brought home all four in the top five – well done, Werner!

Middlefield, Ohio’s South Farm Horse Trials also hosted a Preliminary division this weekend. Sue Hines and Flyin’ Four Shoes (great name, Sue!) picked up the win, finishing on their dressage score of 31.8. A gander at this horse’s USEA record reveals that this gelding really likes to win. This is the pair’s 11th win at the Preliminary level since 2010. Quite impressive!

Therese Evans and Clover Joe picked up some time on cross country but finished solidly in second after a double clear stadium round. Robin Mershon and Undeniable Grace had one rail down in stadium for third place on the weekend.

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Screenshot_29

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury Win Barbury International CIC3*

By on Jul 6, 2014 3:00 pm -
Andrew Nicholson and Avebury on their way to the CIC3* at Barbury in 2014. Photo courtesy of Trevor Meeks/Barbury press office. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury on their way to the CIC3* at Barbury in 2014. Photo courtesy of Trevor Meeks/Barbury press office.

Andrew Nicholson and his longtime partner, Avebury, were in it to win it this weekend at Barbury International and did not disappoint. Andrew and Avebury completed their hat trick of wins at this event to pick up their third win in as many years in the CCI3* division.

Screenshot_25

Andrew set the bar in the dressage, earning a 34.8 to lead from the start, adding no faults in show jumping and 4.8 time across country to win on a 39.6, almost 10 points ahead of runners-up Francis Whittington and Easy Target. A portion of the handful of time penalties came from Andrew’s decision to take the option at the main water complex on cross country.

“It was quite a tricky fence, that narrow fence on an uphill slope, and I thought I would just give him a breather there,” explained Andrew in a press release. “But he felt pretty good. He’s a horse that seems to like going back to certain places. He was squealing and shying and jumping extravagantly in the warm-up. To win here three times in a row on a horse that was born round here and is named after a local landmark feels pretty good. Bring on Burghley!”

Francis Whittington was also pleased with his cross country run today. “I had an amazing ride,” said Francis in a Barbury press release. “The ground was good and the course was fun to ride. I now know I made the right decision at Badminton [to pull up] because he feels so well and happy.”

Australia’s Paul Tapner and Yogi Bear VIII picked up third place, enjoying a nice move up from eighth place overnight. Paul referred to Yogi as a “CIC specialist” in an interview with the Barbury press office after completion of the event, so he is no doubt pleased and perhaps unsurprised to have a great finish after cross country.

The cross country was, as expected, influential, and the time was the deciding factor for most pairs on the cusp of a high placing. Out of 81 total finishers, only two pairs put in double clear rounds: Paul Tapner and Yogi Bear VIII and Beanie Sturgis with Lebowski, who moved up from 71st place overnight to 17th overall.

We agree!

We agree!

Sitting in second place, Mark Todd and Leonidas II picked up 11.2 time to move them down into ninth place overall. Some of the fastest times of the day were rewarded with leaps up the leaderboard, with six of the final top 10 moving up from 13th or lower after cross country.

10 pairs were eliminated on cross country, 7 retired on course, and 10 were withdrawn prior to competition today. I followed along with the live updates on both the Barbury Castle and Samantha Clark Twitter accounts, and it seems that there were problems scattered about the course and gutsy riding across the board. While a few pairs suffered falls, I did not see any injuries reported, which is always a relief.

Barbury Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [PRO Facebook Page] [PRO Blog]

Sometimes Timing Isn’t Everything

By on Jul 6, 2014 2:30 pm -

I’ve always been a planner. Perhaps not the most productive one, as many of such plans centered around my social calendar, but a planner nonetheless. When I moved to a different city earlier this year, I had a plan for my riding.

I had been horseless for about two years and had only been riding inconsistently at best, so I made a plan because I knew that riding had made me the happiest in the past, and I wanted to get back to that state of mind.

When I arrived in Kansas City, I began looking for a trainer who would allow me to come out and take lessons even though I was without a horse. I eventually found one, who I have only known for a short time but have come to really appreciate as a coach. I approached my lessons with the attitude that this was the missing piece to my move, and that they would be instrumental to my ultimate happiness in a new place.

What I didn’t consider, though, were all of the other things happening in my life. To get on a more personal note here for a moment, I began doing some research on my adoption from South Korea about a year ago, and it has been a journey incomparable to any other in my short life. I tend to be an impatient person, and I tend to deal with setbacks rather childishly at times when I don’t get results right away. Instant gratification, anyone?

To make a very long story short, the adoption research has brought up a lot of unaddressed emotions and issues that I have, for the last 28 years, suppressed. It’s been a very trying and exhausting process, and I still do not have the information I seek. It’s made me aware of the fact that I needed to delve deeper into myself to come to some terms with a lot of things that have happened, and that I can no longer mask or hide these emotions.

My point is, yes riding makes me happy. It makes me elated and makes me feel complete. However, when I couldn’t quite figure out why beginning to ride again was not “doing the trick”, I realized that there are other things that need to be fixed before I can find that sort of complete happiness and peace that comes from knowing who you are.

I always thought that moving to a new city was a way to start over and really move forward with a life that had become a bit stagnant up until that point. I thought that riding would be the last piece of the puzzle, and while it was definitely a big piece, it’s not the most important one right now. It’s a tough thing to say! My life essentially revolves around horses, just not in the same ways as some others.

Yes, I spend my days reading about horses, learning about them, writing about them, and thinking about them. I would never trade that opportunity for anything, ever. It was difficult to decide to take a (hopefully brief) step back from riding in order to focus on bigger things, because I told myself that unless I was riding I wouldn’t be a complete person. But I’ve learned that to be untrue, and it’s helped me approach my situation with more zeal and passion.

Sometimes timing isn’t everything. You can plan, think, dream, and hope that all of your ideas come to fruition, but that may not always happen when you want them to. I know that I soon enough will be back in the saddle and able to focus on my riding for once instead of having a million other thoughts swirling around. In the meantime, I just have to remember that life is a series of puzzle pieces and, while you may not find the right fit immediately, with patience and hard work you will eventually find yourself with a complete picture.

Go riding.

Sunday Video: EventionTV’s Along For the Ride Episode 3

By on Jul 6, 2014 1:30 pm -

Every other Thursday, Evention TV releases a new episode of their docu-series, “Along for the Ride.” This week, we get to know the Schramms’ newest OTTB training horses as they venture out into the jump field for the first time. Ever wondered what it’s like to work so closely with your significant other? Gain some insight into that too!

If you haven’t checked out the previous episodes of this great show, visit the links below to catch up.

Along for the Ride Episode 2

Along for the Ride Pilot

Clark Montgomery Withdraws from Barbury, Will Head to Aachen With Loughan Glen

By on Jul 6, 2014 9:00 am -
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Samantha Clark. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Samantha Clark.

As planned, Clark Montgomery has withdrawn Loughan Glen from the Barbury International CIC3* after sitting in second place overnight, as the ultimate goal is Aachen in two weeks, Samantha Clark reported for PRO this morning. As the footing is also a bit firm and Universe is further down the leaderboard, Clark also decided to withdraw Buzz, according to PRO.

On yesterday’s show jumping round with Universe, Clark told PRO: “I missed! I absolutely missed! The five [strides] walked short and I just completely sat there like an idiot; it was totally my mistake, I arrived there on five and a half and he just stopped so we had to come back around and pop over it again.

“It’s one of those silly things that doesn’t happen to me very often, it was a big oxer, a single fence but I was way off it, especially watching back on the video. He was jumping really well and big over everything, I just needed to help him a little! The ground is still a little firm and we’re a long way off any CCI that he’s going to do, and you always have to assess the risk against the positive so we decided not to go.”

In the meantime, Andrew Nicholson will seek the win in the CIC3* class for the third year in a row aboard Avebury, where he leads on a 34.8 over Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas II. Cross country has just gotten underway, and the Barbury Castle Twitter page is providing updates, which you can follow along with here.

Barbury Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [PRO Facebook Page] [PRO Blog]

This post was updated at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Saturday Video: Who Needs a Bridle?

By on Jul 5, 2014 4:30 pm -

The story is making waves on equine social media today: a Grand Prix show jumper loses its bridle midway through the course, and still goes on to finish clear.

Gregory Wathelet and Conrad de Hus were competing in the Prix du Qatar in Paris yesterday when the horse’s bridle broke just a few fences from home. The bridle was left hanging with just the bit in the horse’s mouth, held up by Gregory. The pair went on to finish clear, and the horse ever so professionally waited for the groom to grab him instead of running off to taste freedom.

Up next, bridleless Grand Prix classes? We think this horse has quite a knack!

EN’s Got Talent: Master Mind Shows His Strengths

By on Jul 5, 2014 3:00 pm -

We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].

Master Mind at home at Team CEO Eventing. Photo by Sally Spickard. Master Mind at home at Team CEO Eventing. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Last week, we met Megan Moore’s newest upper level prospect, Master Mind. A 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, “Guinness” has made himself right at home at Team CEO Eventing and has shown sparks of promise when it comes to eventing.

Megan and Guinness worked hard at forming a partnership during the first few weeks of their time together, but once Megan got the horse on her side, she has found that he has a lot of potential. “Now he’s just the sweetest thing, and I think we’re on the same page now,” Megan said.

Currently running Training level, Megan and Guinness most recently won the Open Training division at Derbyshire Farms in Michigan earlier this month. “It’s really funny because he thinks he hates dressage, but he scores low 20s, so we just won’t tell him that he’s actually quite good at it,” Megan said. “But he thinks he hates it, so it takes a good 40 minutes to get him into where he needs to be for it.”

Cross country has been a work in progress for the young gelding, but he has picked up more confidence and skills as time goes on.”At Poplar (in February), he was very green. I definitely had to earn my keep on cross country. But we came home and worked and practiced more and the next time out he was just a machine, so I was very pleased with that.” Megan understands that Guinness is a more sensitive horse, so she keeps that in mind when she is training so that he can learn at his own pace.

Megan wants to see how far she can get with her exciting horse. “I’ve never really sat on a horse that is really good at all three phases. So that’s exciting that he seems to have everything coming together. He has one of the best gallops I’ve ever ridden, and I think he has the talent to go all the way. He’s got a lot of Thoroughbred, so he’s built for the job.”

Megan plans to take July and August primarily off from competition as she wants to ensure that Guinness doesn’t have to worry about competing during the hottest months of his first American summer. This fall, she wants to move him up to Preliminary and plans to work on his fitness and continue honing in the dressage and show jumping in the meantime.

Around the barn, Guinness has settled down from his early antics of nipping and kicking. “He’s completely changed his outlook on life. We’ve spent a lot of time with him because his former owner told us that we really needed to spend some time bonding with him because he is just a giant baby. He was very right! Hopefully we have a pretty good bond now.”

Great Quotes from Premier Equine Insurance

By on Jul 5, 2014 1:30 pm -
Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jan Byyny embodies the word perseverance. After suffering a nasty fall in 2010 that caused her to have a stroke, Jan has tirelessly worked her way back to the top levels of the sport. With the athletic Inmidair, or “JR”, she has enjoyed a successful 2014 thus far and remains one of the most inspirational people in the equine world.

This week’s quote comes from the legendary Babe Ruth, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to pair it with than Jan. Hats off to you, Jan!

If your horse is your prized possession, think about protecting it with personalized insurance care from Premier Equine Insurance. As with any investment, it is important to protect our horses in the event of an accident. Premier Equine Insurance is a family-owned company that is dedicated to bring you personalized and prompt attention. Owned by husband and wife David and Kirsten Buffamoyer, Premier Equine Insurance has three locations to serve you and is just one phone call away at all times. Be sure to stop by or call in for your FREE quote and consultation today!

Vote for EN’s Hot or Not Contest Winners!

By on Jul 5, 2014 12:00 pm -
I think we all know what color I would choose. I think we all know what color I would choose.

We announced our first summer contest last week with an EN style “Hot or Not” photo contest. Contestants were instructed to send in a photo showing us how hot (or not?) they are during these grueling summer days. There’s plenty of tan lines and creative cooling techniques on display, and now it’s your turn to vote for our winners.

Thanks to our awesome sponsor, ERS-Eventing and Ovation, we have three Ovation Cool Rider Zip-Mock shirts up for grabs for the top three vote winners. If you haven’t checked out this shirt yet, be sure to read our review over on Bloggers Row here.

Here are our finalists’ photos; you can view the blurb they sent in along with their names by clicking the photo and scrolling through the gallery. Please vote for your favorite in the poll below no later than Saturday, July 12 when the poll will close. Good luck to all of our contestants!

Clark Montgomery Holds Second Place After Show Jumping at Barbury

By on Jul 5, 2014 10:30 am -
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Barbury. Photo by Samantha Clark. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Barbury. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The competition in the CIC3* at Barbury International remains stiff after show jumping today, with the top three going double clear to retain their overnight positions. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury continue their quest for a third win at this event in first place going into cross country, Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen remain on their dressage score in second, and Mark Todd and Leonidas II will hold down third place overnight.

As Jenni mentioned yesterday, this is a gigantic division, with over 100 horses competing. Less than 10 penalty points currently separate the top 10, so the cross country could potentially prove to be influential with just a few time faults incurred. Many kudos to Clark and Glen for representing the USA in such fine fashion so far this weekend.

Clark also has Universe competing in the CIC3* this weekend, and he told Samantha Clark that Buzz was encouragingly calm for his test yesterday. The pair picked up penalties in the show jumping, but Clark will surely be pleased with the dressage performance from the horse this weekend.

Clark is riding with a wrist brace this weekend after having surgery to repair a break after his fall at Bramham and told Samantha Clark yesterday that he was not experiencing any pain and had been cleared to ride by his doctor.

Clark told PRO that his plan for the weekend is to run Buzz cross country if the footing holds up for cross country and to take Glen to Aachen after just doing dressage and show jumping this weekend. Clark will be using the first two phases as a final prep to ensure that Glen can be competitive in Germany.

After his rides yesterday, Clark caught up with PRO’s Samantha Clark to recap his day, including some tidbits on his Novice entry, Garrison Flash, and his thoughts on the dressage with Clark and Buzz. Head over to PRO to read the full interview.

Many thanks to both PRO and Samantha Clark for providing such great coverage at Barbury this weekend.

Barbury Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [PRO Facebook Page] [PRO Blog]

William Fox-Pitt Talks Gold Medals, Rivalries with CNN

By on Jul 5, 2014 9:00 am -
William Fox Pitt and Bay My Hero. Photo by Sally Spickard. William Fox Pitt and Bay My Hero. Photo by Sally Spickard.

What do William Fox-Pitt and Madonna have in common? A love of horses, of course! William is Madonna’s former riding instructor – which surely comes as no surprise, given Madonna would only want to learn from the best there is. Of course, forefront on William’s mind is his goal to win gold at the Olympics, but he spoke highly of his time coaching Madonna in a candid interview with CNN’s Matt Majendie.

“Horses are great releases for people and I think the riding was just that for her. Needless to say she took it very seriously. She’s quite feisty and we had a few, how should I put it, heated debates about stuff. It was a fun time but it’s all in the past now,” William told CNN.

Much of William’s character comes out in the interview, with the star eventer talking about his emotions surrounding his time at the top of the sport and also his ongoing “rivalry” with Andrew Nicholson.

“It’s someone that the media and people supporting make quite a hoodoo about and that can be quite tiring. Everyone seems to have their team — his or mine. I guess it’s fun for most people.”

To read much more of the interview with William, head over to CNN and check out the full interview.

Ask the Experts Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 4, 2014 3:00 pm -

We are pleased to introduce a new column supported by one of our awesome sponsors, World Equestrian Brands. We invite you to send in your questions for the World Equestrian Brands team riders, and you may just see it answered by one of your favorites. If you'd like to submit a question, email [email protected].

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice. Photo by Jenni Autry. Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From EN reader Janet: I would like to know personal training and nutrition tips from the riders.

Hawley Bennett-Awad:

Fitness is a huge part of our job, and there’s no point of us not being fit and in shape and making our horses do it. We can ride 10 to 12 horses in a day and it doesn’t make a big difference, but I have to do something else, like cardio and boxing.

My new thing right now is that Insanity workout. It’s 45 minutes, and we try to do it in the morning because by the time I come home from the barn, the last thing I want to do is work out.

(Husband) Gamal is into juicing now, so I get to go to the barn with multiple types of juice. You get the nutrients but not the bulk of eating a sandwich before trying to do a hard workout.

Gamal is all about doing 10 pushups at every jump during a course walk, but I’m not! I’m not a huge person, but Ginny is little and every extra pound I put on will make a difference, so I am watching my diet and being responsible with what I’m eating with WEG coming up.

Lizzie Snow:

For personal training, I try to run a few miles every day or bike into town and get some extra exercise (when I’m not injured … which unfortunately seems to be a lot recently).

I try to eat very healthy, which I definitely find more difficult in the winter, but I try to eat a protein shake in the morning and snack on almonds and fruit throughout the day. I’m not much of a breakfast person but try to make myself eat something.

I usually get really hungry around 2 p.m. and try to eat something that will keep me going but something not too heavy. Usually a yogurt and some cheese tide me over until dinner. At dinner, I try to eat mostly proteins and greens to make the next day easier!

Sometimes it’s hard to eat healthy, especially while traveling at events, but it’s definitely worth the effort!

Throwback Thursday Presented by Ice Horse: And the Horse Is…

By on Jul 3, 2014 4:30 pm -
Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph at Virginia Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography. Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph at Virginia Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography.

Our mystery horse today has been featured on EN before in our “EN’s Got Talent” series, and you all did a wonderful job of guessing her identity! The foal pictured below is none other than the talented New Forest Pony mare, Forrest Nymph. Ridden by Sinead Halpin, the mare recently stepped up to the Intermediate level and has enjoyed much success with Sinead in the irons.

Future eventing star in the making!

Future eventing star in the making!

To learn more about this pony with springs for feet, check out the previous articles on EN:

EN’s Got Talent: Lauren DeNeve and Forrest Nymph

Forrest Nymph Thriving with Sinead Halpin

Catching Up with Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph at Pine Top

Video: Forrest Nymph Takes On Intermediate

Many thanks to Beth Davidson for sending in these great photos of “Farrah”!

Classic pics are priceless, but today’s innovations make it so much easier to keep our horses feeling and performing their best. They may be black and white, but Ice Horse’s line of products deliver a full spectrum of cold therapy. Check out the Ice Horse Evendura ice compression wraps, the Big Black Boot for concentrated hoof cooling and Ice Horse continuous cooling machines.

Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff Relocating to California

By on Jul 3, 2014 1:30 pm -
Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin's Token. Photo by Jenni Autry. Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin's Token. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Event riders are often making the big cross-country trek from West to East Coast, but it’s not as often that you hear of a rider going east to west. That is, however, exactly what Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff, of Meyerhoff Show Horses, plan to do next month, as they have finalized plans to relocate from Virginia to California.

Originally from California, Bobby met Stuart Black in Colorado in 2004. After meeting Stuart, Bobby decided to move east as a working student and went on to work for both Stuart and the O’Connors. “The East Coast has been great,” Bobby said. “I’ve done winters in both Aiken and Ocala, but it is a lot of moving around each year, and California has such great weather year round.”

“I grew up in California. It’s always been home to me; I have family there and have always wanted to move back. Danica has always dreamed of living in California. She’s been back to visit with me several times and has always wanted to live there.”

The couple have been researching the move from Virginia to California for a couple of years now, making trips back and forth to visit potential properties that could house their business. Eventually, they settled on Bonny Doon Equestrian Park near Santa Cruz. “We went out there about a month ago to finalize everything. It’s right among the Redwoods, so it’s gorgeous, and there is a vineyard and winery right across the way owned by the same people who own the equestrian park,” Bobby said.

Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff. Photo by Jessica Fredericks.

Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff. Photo by Jessica Fredericks.

Bobby and Danica plan to branch their business out to incorporate all three disciplines. “Danica will be the hunter/jumper person, traveling to compete on the circuit, taking in training and sales horses, and giving lessons. Her sister, Brittany Moore (who trained with Olympian Leslie Reid), will be the dressage trainer, and I will do all of the eventing,” Bobby said. “We all plan to cross-train with each other, and I know that Danica and Brittany can help me with my work. If I have a client who wants some help from them, they are more than welcome to train with them as well.”

Bobby is eagerly anticipating the differences in the layout of events in California versus the East Coast. “I know from competing there when I was younger that it’s mainly dirt. I think I am going to take what I’ve learned (on the East Coast) and implement it into my training there. Some of the terrain, the twisting courses and mud are things that I may not see often once we move, so I think I’ll need to get creative to help simulate those things to ensure that I’m training the best I can.”

“Courses like Ocala Horse Park and The Fork have more of a California feel with open field cross country. I think the horses love that type of course where they can really see it and take everything in. I still plan to train the same way, and I also plan to come back for some of the big three-stars and Rolex throughout the year.”

Bobby and Danica will be taking seven horses with them across the country. The couple plans to begin their trek on August 7.

“You don’t hear about people moving west too often. West Coast eventing has so much to offer, and I think that having as many riders as possible there to support it will be great for the sport. I want to be one of those who can show that West Coast has top quality eventing. There are so many upper-level horses and riders on the East Coast; there’s no reason why it can’t be the same way on West Coast.“

For more information on Meyerhoff Show Horses, please visit their website.

Throwback Thursday Presented by Ice Horse: Guess the Horse

By on Jul 3, 2014 12:00 pm -
Future eventing star in the making! Future eventing star in the making!

Recently, a top rider took over the ride on a very talented mare. That’s your main hint for today’s mystery horse, whose foal photo definitely shows off the brimming talent this little mare has! While the horse has not competed at Advanced (yet!), she is making a name for herself and is in quite capable hands to show her the ropes at Preliminary and Intermediate in hopes of someday going Advanced.

Any guesses on our mystery horse this week? Post your guesses in the comments!

Classic pics are priceless, but today’s innovations make it so much easier to keep our horses feeling and performing their best. They may be black and white, but Ice Horse’s line of products deliver a full spectrum of cold therapy. Check out the Ice Horse Evendura ice compression wraps, the Big Black Boot for concentrated hoof cooling and Ice Horse continuous cooling machines.

Wednesday Video from KPP: 2015 FEI European Eventing Championships Preview

By on Jul 2, 2014 3:00 pm -

The 2015 FEI European Eventing Championships are slated to be held at Blair Castle in Scotland. The scenery is gorgeous, and the European Championships always promise an elite competition among the world’s best. This trailer video was just released and is beautifully shot — get ready for some goosebumps!

 

Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month: June

By on Jul 1, 2014 5:00 pm -

EN isn’t just your leading source for eventing news, results and commentary; it’s a community where fans of this crazy sport come together to share their war stories. We love hearing from readers and, in turn, sharing your thoughts with the world. All reader submissions are eligible for the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month in which they are published. All winners will receive an Omega Alpha supplement of their choosing. Have something to share with EN? Send it to us at [email protected]!

Jana Lyle and Tupelo. Photo by Stephanie Hussman. Jana Lyle and Tupelo. Photo by Stephanie Hussman.

Our winning Reader Submission for the month of June comes from Jana Lyle, who sent in a report on her clinic with George Morris. George has worked with many eventers in the past, and it’s always a treat to be able to see George in action. Check out her post “A Weekend With George Morris” to get the full scoop – including whether or not Jana escaped without a famous reprimand!

I was so pleased with my horse; he really held his own among the fancy hunters and equitation horses. George made it clear he is a fan of the Thoroughbred, often referring to warmbloods as “half-breeds” and commenting that several of the horses did not have enough blood in them.

I’m so appreciative to have opportunities like this; it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and well worth it!

Jana will receive a free supply of an Omega Alpha supplement of her choosing. Want to win an Omega Alpha supplement? Send in your story, clinic report, video or other article to [email protected]. If it’s published this month, it will be eligible for July’s giveaway. (Month to be determined by date of publishing, not date of submission.) Many thanks to Jana for writing and to Omega Alpha for supporting Eventing Nation. Go eventing!

Here are a few of our other favorite Reader Submissions from June:

Tribute to Jordan McDonald: “Remembering Jordan McDonald” by Lesley Grant-Law

“I can only begin to imagine the crater of loss that has been left in Shandiss’ and the McDonalds’ hearts. As a wife of an event rider, there have been occasions when I think of how I would cope in the worst case scenerios, and I can honestly say that aside from the fact that I have a son to protect, I cannot imagine how I would wake to take another breath if I lost Leslie in that way. I can promise you one thing, my son will never be encouraged by me to event. If he has the passion we will support it, but believe you me, I will be pushing dressage or show jumping as hard as I can.”

Tribute to Benjamin Winter: “Remembering the Life of Benjamin Winter” by Maren Engelhardt

“Ben was as much a great individual as he was a “team” effort — his mom, his trainers Rüdiger Schwarz, Fritz Lutter, and since his official nomination to Germany’s A-squad, of course the team trainers, Chris Bartle and Hans Melzer, all stood behind him. Ben was the guy that had this huge smile on his face in almost every photo you will find of him when not on a horse, deep in concentration.”

Best Research Piece: “U.S. Eventing Team Veterinary Panel on WEG Selection” by Colleen Hofstetter

“Which horses move on to the next level in the team selection process all comes down to the soundness of the horse and their bio-mechanical ability to complete a major competition; the Veterinarian Panel understands and respects the hard work everyone has put into their horses. Not an easy job, but one well worth it, especially if the US comes home from Normandy with healthy horses wearing medals.”

Best Rider Profile: “A Few Things About Tim Price” by Jacky Green

“Tim Price’s win at Luhmuhlen may have come as a surprise to many, but not to those that know the story of his and Wesko’s journey to get there. The acceptance speech that Tim gave in front of the crowd was typical of Tim: eloquent and to the point. He dedicated his win to Benjamin Winter with grace and a sense of timing that few would have after a weekend of shocking dramas that had everyone reeling on Sunday at Luhmühlen.”

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Abbe Ranch Novice Helmet Cam

By on Jul 1, 2014 3:30 pm -

EN reader Amy Book sent in her helmet cam from the Novice division at Abbe Ranch this past weekend, where her mare, Piper, completed her first event at this level. “It was my first time competing at this facility. It is beautiful place and a great group of people that put it on,” Amy said.

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.

 

Izzy Taylor Withdraws Allercombe Ellie from British WEG Squad

By on Jul 1, 2014 11:31 am -
Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie. Photo courtesy of Prime Photography. Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie. Photo courtesy of Prime Photography.

British Eventing has posted a quick note on their website that Izzy Taylor has withdrawn Tattersalls CCI3* winner Allercombe Ellie from WEG contention due to a “minor set-back during training.”

Izzy was named to the WEG eventing squad for Great Britain on June 19, and was thrilled to get the opportunity to represent her country with the exciting 11-year-old British Sport Horse mare.

“I’m very excited and to be going to another Championship, which will be a different kind of Championships [to the Europeans in 2013]; it’s exciting. It kind of feels, on a personal level, that I’ve made a step up. I’ve never spectated at a Worlds before so I don’t know what to expect but I can imagine that there will be a bigger atmosphere and the event will have a lot more about it,” Ellie told British Eventing when she was announced as a squad member. “I’m really happy to be riding Ellie [Allercombe Ellie], she’s still quite new to me but we’ve built up a good relationship. I’m really pleased for her owners; I can imagine it will be even more special for Susan, as she bred her.”

A replacement for Izzy and Allercombe Ellie will be announced on a later date, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.