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.
Kenki Sato and Chippieh at Blenheim in 2011. Photo courtesy of Eventing Safety John.
Good morning and welcome to the weekend! I’m still floating from the St. Louis Cardinals big win in the National League Division Series (also know as 4 wins away from the World Series) on Wednesday night, so if you are friends with me on Facebook, I apologize for the deluge of likely annoying status updates. In other, more relevant news, Boekelo is officially in full swing, and Jenni is partying it up with the Dutch on the scene to bring us the latest and greatest in Eventing Nation coverage. After dressage ended yesterday, Kenki Sato and Chippieh led the field on a score of 38.2, followed by none other than Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST and Geoffrey Soullez on Madiran du Liot*HN. The remainder of the US riders will dance in the sandbox today as dressage concludes. Stay tuned for much more!
The clock is ticking on the entry time for the contest that FLAIR is running. You can win $250 by winning back to back horse trials between now and October 31. Be sure to use FLAIR strips for both your cross country and stadium rounds (take photos so we can see you rocking them!), and then spend your $250 on…oh, who am I kidding, I would spend it on my vet and farrier bills. [Eventers Win Big With FLAIR]
Your heartwarming story of the day! A mare was stolen from her owner six years ago, when she was only eight months old. Fast forward to present day and the mare, who was about to become a mother, was found in very poor conditions in a field. A microchip scan revealed that the mare had an owner, and reunion ensued. [Mare Reunited With Owner Six Years After Theft]
Horse & Hound magazine tips its hat to New Zealand and Austrialian eventing. With Jock Paget’s recent success and the ongoing quality of both horses and riders being produced in New Zealand, Horse & Hound has announced a special issue that will feature much of Australia and New Zealand’s eventing talent. [H&H to Honor Australia and New Zealand’s Success]
Are you horse shopping? Ireland’s Goresbridge Go For Gold event horse sale is rapidly approaching. There are about seventy horses that will be offered for sale, from younger horses with untapped potential to seasoned competitors currently competing at International levels. Horse showcases, evening sales, and dinners are just a few of the reasons why this promises to be one of the premier fall sale events. [Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale Catalog and Performance Footage]
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show is off and running this weekend. There are a ton of great competitions being held at this prestigious horse show, from Grand Prix jumpers to Junior Medal Finals. Better yet, the show is being streamed live on USEF Network, so now you have even more ways to spend time nerding out at your computer all weekend! [Pennsylvania National Horse Show Live Webcast]
On Saturday, we found out that Colleen Rutledge fell at Morven Park and fractured her hip. She was scheduled for surgery yesterday but apparently there were a lot of trauma cases that took priority, so she got bumped to first thing this morning. Her Facebook was just updated to say that she is now out of surgery.
From Colleen Rutledge Eventing’s Facebook page:
Colleen is out of surgery and in recovery. Surgeon says everything went great no problems she will not need anymore surgeries. She will be able to go home in the next day or two.
Great news for all of Colleen’s supporters as our biggest wish in these kinds of situations is that the recovery process is as smooth as possible.
Colleen also provided an update on what happened to cause her fall this past weekend:
It was a simple, slightly downhill table. [Her horse] had been slightly overly aggressive at the previous fences and was no different to this one. She objected to me asking her to slow down as we were approaching, and as we reached the fence, rather than balancing and jumping up and around with both front legs, she braced and twisted catching her front right. I’m not sure what side hit first, but we definitely both hit the ground, where my air vest deployed and regular vest prevented any major internal injuries. Somehow she rolled over my head, because there is a dent in the visor of my helmet. She sustained minor scrapes and some bruising and stiffness from her ordeal, but is otherwise fine. The force of the fall dislocated my left hip, causing an acetabular fracture. Other than that, I’ve just got some bumps and bruises and I’m a bit stiff today. I’m so thankful for the safety equipment that I have, truly believing that it prevented me from having greater injuries. Thank you to all of the people who helped me and got me taken care of in a timely manner.
If you would like to send a get well card to Colleen, her address is 6953A Linganore Road, Frederick, MD 21701.
The EN family sends their best wishes for Colleen’s recovery!
Did we catch you mid snack, Boyd? Photo from the USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page.
The USEF posted this photo on their Facebook page this afternoon, proving that Boyd himself has materialized on the Boekelo grounds. The American horses and riders are settling in for an action packed weekend at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*.
Jenni will be on site this weekend bringing you up to date action and updates from The Netherlands, so stay tuned for plenty more!
Laura Collett is a popular British eventer who has dabbled in several different areas of equine sport, most recently taking the ride on Kauto Star, a former steeplechase star, to retrain him as a dressage horse. She hasn’t stopped there, though, and according to Horse & Hound will soon be participating in a camel race in November.
The race, benefiting Paul’s Place, which aids disabled adults, will be held on November 21 over a distance of one furlong at Chepstow. Several other athletes and celebrities will be on hand for the race as well, so it promises to be a good time.
There will be heats of races where Laura will line up against other “jockeys” including At the Races presenter Matt Chapman and actor Sean Gleeson, before the final.
“I’ve only ridden a camel once before — on holiday in Egypt,” Laura told H&H. “So I’m not too sure about it. But hopefully the camels will know what they’re doing…”
Check out the video below for a sample of what camel racing looks like.
How about you, Eventing Nation? Would you give camel racing a try? I rode a camel once at a local theme park. I’m not sure I feel about it, truthfully.
Chesna and Solar collect their winnings. Photo from the Prodigous Fund Facebook page.
Chesna Klimek sent in an article about the RRTP-inspired 100 Day Trainer Challenge for OTTBs earlier this weekend. The challenge concluded yesterday with a feature event at a Thoroughbred and half Thoroughbred Horse Show at Donida Farm.
There were three divisions for competitors to accumulate points: flat, in-hand, and freestyle. Chesna and Solar took first place in the in-hand and freestyle divisions to secure the win.
Chesna will take home the top prize of $1,000, followed by Dakota Demon, trained by Mark Bolender and Summer Snow, trained by Devin Robel.
Congratulations to Chesna and Solar on their big win!
Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst on cross country at Woodside. Photo from Liz Hall.
The CIC3* at the Woodside International Horse Trials in California concluded yesterday with Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst triumphing over overnight leaders Lauren Billys and Ballingowan Ginger.
Many thanks to Liz Hall, who generously sent us her photos. Check out the gallery below for the full field of finishers from the three star today.
Colleen and Shiraz at Plantation Field last year. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Colleen Rutledge had several horses competing at Morven Park this weekend and appears to have suffered a fall today. A quick look over the live scores suggests that it was from Siren’s Call in the Preliminary Championships. While the fall does not appear to be serious, we hope she is recovering well and will be back in the saddle in no time.
Before word gets out anywhere else on the internet. Colleen had a fall today at Morven Park and got taken out in an ambulance she is not in pain and they think she has a dislocated hip. I’ll update after X-rays are done. Just didn’t want the wrong information put out there anywhere. She was smiling and ok.
Best wishes to Colleen for a speedy recovery!
Update: Unfortunately, the X-rays showed that Colleen’s hip is fractured, and she’s now facing surgery in the next couple of days. It’s a huge blow to Colleen, as she was preparing to compete her superstar homebred Covert Rights in his first CCI3* at Fair Hill in two weeks. The EN family sends our best wishes to Colleen for a full and speedy recovery.
From her Facebook page:
Ok update after the X-Ray was done and I really wish I had better news to give. So when the hip came out of socket there was so much pressure from the horse rolling over on her it fractured some of her socket off. She is getting transferred to Inova Fairfax where she will have surgery in the next day or two. She will not be able to put pressure on her leg for the next three weeks and she will be out of the saddle for about a month and a half maybe more. Her season is over for the year so no Fairhill or Virginia 1* for her. I’ll keep everyone updated as much as I can.
Trading Aces plans his Boekelo takeover. Photo from the Lindsey Taylor.
Part of the US contingent has arrived in Holland for Boekelo safe and sound. The Trading Aces Syndicate’s Trading Aces, piloted by Boyd Martin and Team Rebecca’s Veronica, ridden by Lauren Kieffer, are settling in and primed for the stiff competition this week.
Team Rebecca's Veronica takes in the sights. Photo from Lindsey Taylor.
The US team has suffered from several unfortunate withdrawals leading up to competition, most recently Marilyn Little and RF Tabasco. The team will now consist of Boyd and Trading Aces, Lauren and Veronica, and Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night or HHS Cooley, as no alternate was named for RF Tabasco.
The Retired Racehorse Training Project Thoroughbred Makeover & National Symposium is being held at Pimlico Racecourse today. The organizers have been kind enough to provide a live stream of the happenings today. You can watch the exhibitions below. Enjoy!
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive at The Fork. Photo by Samantha Clark.
Phillip Dutton took the going nice and easy on Fair Hill bound Fernhill Fugitive at Morven Park today. Kate remarked yesterday about the ground being quite hard, and it seems that despite efforts to aerate, the ground dictated that riders take it easy on the time today. Sally Cousins and Westerly had the quickest time of the day, notching 10.4 time to jump from 15th to 3rd at the end of the day.
Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot, shown here at Fair Hill, withdrew after show jumping. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Pau bound Harbour Pilot and Mr. Medicott were withdrawn after the show jumping phase. Phillip had said earlier this week that Mr. Medicott may not contest the cross country depending on the ground, and it seems that both Hannah and Phillip made the same decision to save their horse’s for France. Several other pairs also withdrew before cross country, including Phillip’s third ride William Penn, Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless, and Lisa Barry and F.I.S. Prince Charming.
Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir at Southern Pines. Photo by Samantha Clark.
EN’s own Kate Samuels led the Advanced Championships after show jumping, taking it easy on cross country to accumulate 11.6 time to maintain the lead. Doug Payne and Crown Talisman took second and Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe took 3rd, while Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit had a fall on course.
Chesna Klimek sent in this article about the 100-Day Trainer Challenge for OTTBs in Washington State. Modeled after the Retired Racehorse Training Project, this event’s purpose is also to showcase the abilities that these amazing horses have. The culminating event for the 100-Day Trainer Challenge is being held today, and Chesna wanted to share the story with all of Eventing Nation. Thank you to Chesna for sending in this great article! Do you have a great story to share with us? Email it to [email protected]!
From Chesna:
We all know the elated feeling we get cheering for a group of Thoroughbred racehorses rounding the backstretch turn, dirt flying from under their outstretched hooves at full gallop. But today, October 5, the cheers will be for Thoroughbreds off the track.
This past summer I was selected to participate in the Prodigious Fund’s 100-Day Trainer Challenge for OTTBs, supported by Emerald Downs racetrack in Auburn, WA. Inspired by the Retired Racehorse Training Project Thoroughbred Makeover, five trainers in the Pacific Northwest were selected to choose an ex-racehorse from 11 candidates. We were then given 100 days to train our horses for a second career, as well as find them new owners. Today, we will gather at Donida Farms in Auburn, WA to showcase what our horses have accomplished and to support the Prodigious Fund’s inaugural Thoroughbred (and half-Thoroughbred!) only horse show.
Sophia McKee, marketing director at Emerald Downs explains, “Our goal for the 100-Day Challenge is to showcase the athleticism and intelligence of the Thoroughbred. Ultimately, we want to find quality homes for the five horses in the 100-Day Challenge, but in chronicling the trainers and horses’ journey in social media, we also mold the public’s perception of what a Thoroughbred can achieve.”
Over 25 trainers applied to participate in this one-of-a-kind new program, and of the five finalists selected, three are USEA Area VII eventers. Whether this happened because OTTBs are appreciated for their eventing potential—Sophia explains, “We find that a racehorse’s natural attributes translate exceptionally well to eventing”—or maybe because event trainers are a special kind of cool, either way it’s a wonderful cause for the sport of 3DE to support.
Devin Robel and Rainer.
Devin Robel of Blue Rider Farm in Eugene, OR has been training and competing OTTB’s for over ten years in the sport of eventing. “I felt this program was the perfect fit for me. I love working with young and green horses, and find the early stages of learning super rewarding. Every day they show progress. A good trainer can teach them so much in 100 days.” Devin chose the beautiful grey gelding Summer Snow, aka “Rainier.” At age nine, he boasts the most impressive racing record of the selected horses, having raced 44 times as recently as just months before the start of the Challenge. Devin has brought along Rainier’s natural abilities and highlighted his trainable personality, as well as his aptitude for eventing. Check out this horse killing it through a jump grid only a few months into his retraining:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHkJm0EI0E
In her favorite post from her training with Rainier, Devin reveals some the intricacies of the training process; “I often talk about what a willing and easy horse Rainier is to train, but the training is a give and take, and requires a good deal of reflection on the right way to bring THIS particular horse forward at each training session.” These types of insights were offered by all the trainers during this process in the form of blogs, videos, and social media posts.
Meika Decher and Ellie
Meika Decher, an Advanced level eventer, of Polestar Farm in Lake Stevens, WA also loves working with young horses, and Thoroughbreds in particular. She credits Steuart Pittman’s work with RRTP in Maryland as her inspiration for signing up for this westcoast-based OTTB Challenge.
Like me, Meika chose a horse who had had some time out to pasture after the end of their race career. The Last Say, aka “Ellie,” impressed Meika so much with her “look of eagles” and athletic ability that the mare will continue on under Meika in her eventing program. Ellie’s breeder/owner and track veterinarian, Jenyka Bergsma, is going in to part-ownership with Meika to see the mare’s eventing career unfold.
Meika has been a dedicated video-blogger during the Challenge, marking the progress with her horse through narrated video sessions. “It’s been a lot of work, but well worth it… I hope to continue to show more videos (but not weekly!) as Ellie makes her USEA debut next spring.”
We all looked forward to Meika’s weekly videos, which were educational and revealing. Followers of the Challenge commented enthusiastically that it was like getting a free lesson every week! Meika’s favorite video was from week #2 of the Challenge, in which you can see a marked difference in Ellie’s way of going during a single session:
Rounding out the trio of eventers, I edged my way into the Challenge as first alternate after Amy Brandt of Second Chance Ranch was unable to participate. Though the Prodigious Fund selected me to represent dressage, the OTTB I chose, a 7-year-old Kentucky bred gelding, Solar, demonstrated fantastic form over fences once he found his confidence and coordination through groundwork and trail riding. I opted to provide him with a well-rounded education, focusing on the relationship-building aspect that is all-important in horse training and setting him up for future successes under an amateur rider who can appreciate his easy-going, willing disposition and athletic talents. In my favorite post, I wrote about the process of improving Solar and I’s communication.
Chesna and Solar
Throughout this process Solar has reminded me why I chose a Thoroughbred as my first “real” horse after ponies, and why ex-racehorses deserve a chance to shine in equestrian sport. He has worked with me diligently to develop fitness after time off from racing and to learn a higher level of balance and skills than were ever asked of him before. You can see a video montage of some of the activities we did together over the past 97 days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0dtOz0IOGE
One of the best parts about this program is how it highlights the versatility of OTTBs and the diversity of training methods that can produce a successful equine partner.
Mark Bolender and Dakota
Mark Bolender is nationally known as one of the leading trainers in Extreme Trail and Mountain Trail competitions. A former engineer, he designed an elaborate trail course at Bolender Horse Park in Silver Creek, WA. There horses and riders learn to navigate natural obstacles such as water crossings, step-ups, logs, and a wide assortment of wooden bridges, including a suspension bridge. Some of the obstacles would be hard to master on foot, let alone atop a horse!
Mark selected 3-year-old filly Dakota Demon to be his partner during the 100-Day Trainer Challenge. Last raced in only June, she has demonstrated a willing and curious personality as she skillfully crosses narrow platforms, bridges, or banks and masters the basics of Western riding under Mark’s experienced leadership. Can’t wait to see what they showcase tomorrow during their three-and-a-half-minute freestyle performance! Orient yourself to Mark’s methods and highlights from his time with Dakota in his recent interview:
Finally, Ruel Johnson and Tara Devlin of Blue Heron Farm, located in Poulsbo, WA have showcased ex-racehorses’ natural abilities in the hunter/jumper arena. Ruel selected a lovely chestnut four-year-old filly, Underfunded Fun, aka “Sweetpea.” This graceful mare has shown her talent over fences, including performances in lower level hunter classes in the show ring.
Underfunded Fun
See recent video of Sweetpea’s winning personality as she’s piloted by a young, intermediate student as well as highlights from her 100-days At Blue Heron Farm:
Today, I encourage eventing fans everywhere to show their OTTB pride. Support programs like the 100-Day Trainer Challenge or RRTP Makeover. Give your time or money to Thoroughbred charities. Talk to someone about the success of ex-racehorses. Or simply give your favorite OTTB a hug.
Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir currently lead the Advanced Championships at Morven Park. Photo from Kate's Facebook page.
Good morning, Eventing Nation! It’s going to be a gorgeous fall weekend here in St. Louis, and there is plenty of eventing action coming to you from, among others, Morven Park, where a smattering of Pau bound pairs and a whole lot of Beginner Novice through Advanced entries will be vying for the top honors. As mentioned above, Kate and Nyls currently lead their Advanced Championships division, ahead of Doug Payne and Crown Talisman, Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe, and Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit. In the Advanced division, Pau-bound Phillip Dutton packs a one-two punch with Fernhill Fugitive and Mr. Medicott after dressage and show jumping. Kate posted an Advanced cross country course preview, which looks to be quite an undertaking for those who are attempting it today.
This spring Tipperary Equestrian launched the GOT PINK Breast Cancer campaign in partnership with the Women’s College Hospital Foundation. Until October 31, 2013 Tipperary will donate 5% of each Tipperary Pink Sportage 8500 and Pink Eventer 1015 sold to the Women’s College Breast Cancer Research Program .
Good morning! I must say, I was quite pleased to see that Lexington and Wellington have put in their bids of interest in hosting the 2018 World Equestrian Games, if only for the fact that this would likely give me a chance to see Michael Jung ride in person again. After figuring that there really isn’t going to be a feasible way for me to get to Normandy next year, this news is quite welcome since I wouldn’t have to cross an ocean to go! Great Britain is also in the running, although the proposed host city has not yet been named, as is Canada and its fabulous Bromont location. We will know a bit more after December 2 when the official host city candidates are announced.
October is the last month to qualify for FLAIR’s contest! You can win $250 by winning back to back horse trials between now and October 31. Be sure to use FLAIR strips for both your cross country and stadium rounds (take photos so we can see you rocking them!), and FLAIR will give you $250 in bragging rights! [Eventers Win Big With FLAIR]
Breaking news! “Equestrianism” has been named to the Top 10 list of the most expensive sports! As if we did not already know this. What we didn’t know, I bet, is that “equestrianism” is what all of the non-locals are calling it. I had to chuckle a few times when I read this article, as the person who wrote it clearly was basing much of their knowledge off of a recent political figure and his wife’s dressage horse. Just a hunch, though. [Top 10 Most Expensive Sports]
Oregon and Kentucky have reported new West Nile Virus cases. A total of eight horses have reportedly tested positive for this scary disease between Oregon and Kentucky. [WNV Reports for Oregon and Kentucky]
Eventing superstar Jock Paget may continue his world domination with the Adelaide CCI***. While he plans to be on location for clinics during the Adelaide event, he may also hop on horseback and cruise around the course in true Paget style. Not a lot of details are available yet, but keep your eye on that entry list! [Paget May Ride at the Austrialian Four Star]
Are you as befuddled by the seemingly countless blanketing options as I am? SmartPak has a great guide that will help you sort through your options this year. Can I just order one of each and get it over with? [SmartPak Blanketing Guide]
Ok, brace yourself. This may be the most ground breaking invention that we’ve ever seen, next to helmet cams and one knot hairnets. I recently stumbled upon this neat product and just had to share it with the rest of Eventing Nation.
This is NeverWet. Basically, it’s a spray-on product that you can spray on literally any surface to protect it from the elements. Think iPhones; white shoes; and, in our case, white breeches, watch faces, glasses — you name it, you can spray it. And the best part about it? It actually works. I’ve watched several demonstrations of this product, and the demonstrators will literally pour barbecue sauce onto a sprayed surface and it just falls right off. It’s incredible.
I know what you’re thinking: Can I spray this on my gray horse to prevent those unsightly and unavoidable grass and other unmentionable stains? While I’m not sure that I would recommend spraying this onto animal or human skin, the benefits of using this to protect our show clothes are immeasurable.
Check out the video of NeverWet being demonstrated below; seeing is believing!
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]!
We’re pleased to announce that Kelsey Briggs’ reader submission — “The Road to Recovery”— is the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month for August. Kelsey is an eventer based out of North Carolina who has slowly but surely brought her upper level mount, The Gentleman Pirate, back from what should have been a career ending injury.
In August, I stood in my stirrups and allowed Pirate to canter, and just a few days ago, he popped over a little cross-rail, not feeling like a horse who had spent the better part of the year recovering from a broken neck, but like my upper-level event horse, ready to go jump around cross-country. I was alone at the barn, with no one to see me collapse on his neck and cry like a little girl. I don’t believe I’ve ever felt more emotion than in that moment, realizing what an incredible soul this horse has. That horse never stops trying, not even when every last odd is against him.
Kelsey will receive a free supply of an Omega Alpha supplement of her choice for sharing their story. 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 October’s giveaway. (Month to be determined by date of publishing, not date of submission.) Many thanks to Kelsey for writing and to Omega Alpha for supporting Eventing Nation. Go eventing!
Here are some other reader submissions we loved from this month:
“This year in Area VII, the Jump for the Cure fence isn’t the only effort made by eventers to support the community of people affected by cancer. Rebecca Farm announced this week that they raised over $67,000 in donations to fight breast cancer, thanks to the Halt Cancer at X campaign at the horse trials this past July. Causes like these highlight the difference that the eventing community can, and does, make. Go Eventing, and go Jump for the Cure!”
“I’ve always found it to be a bit corny, but that old saying “If there’s a will, there’s a way” really rang true for me on this occasion. So I encourage anyone out there facing these big decisions to make it happen. Bring your horse to college no matter how crazy it seems. Do whatever it takes, and tackle this just like you would any cross country course. Keep kicking on and put everything you’ve got into it, until you’ve got the outcome you want. And more importantly, the outcome that you know you truly need.”
“As I walked to the start, I thought of how lucky I was to be there, and before I knew, it we were off! The roar of cheering and clapping as we jumped through the main arena seemed to echo around the length of the course. The encouragement was indescribable. To complete the cross country at Burghley was simply out of this world on so many different levels. I felt so incredibly lucky. Boz trotted up sound the next day and, having show jumped, we finished the biggest three day event in the world. What an achievement after all the traumas of the previous four months.”
“Amy does horses for the love of the horse. I don’t think Amy could do anything but horses. She honestly loves them, their quirks and individuality, and she loves teaching. But it’s not an easy world — this professional horse world/training/teaching thing — and what has happened to Amy is a risk we all take every time that we enter an arena, barn or pasture. We take it because we have to in order to do what is in our heart, and I dare think at times, our DNA.”
I know you all are beginning to experience the pangs of withdrawal after a whirlwind weekend in Texas, so I thought I would try to cheer you up with a little video. Claire Gordon sent this video in on behalf of Katy Long. One evening during the AECs, the facility held a dog show that was open for entry. Liam Law showed the dog Miles Long in the Biggest Dog competition and, well, I will let you watch the video to see the results! Let’s just say that this pair won the class with ease!
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Leslie, of Sport Horse Nation and USEA fame, and I caught up with Michael Pollard back in the barns during the massive rain delay on Saturday evening to catch up on his busy weekend. Michael has thus far had a pretty successful weekend here in Texas, most recently taking 2nd in a competitive Intermediate division on Schoensgreen Hanni and took 5th overall in the Advanced on Mensa G. Enjoy the interview!
Elisa Wallace rose to EN fame for her work with mustangs when she won the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition with her horse Fledge. She now has a new mustang, Rune, who she only acquired a few months ago and has made whirlwind progress with. I stopped by to visit with Elisa (and Rick – or Mick, as we decided was his new name since apparently I couldn’t speak coherently!) and Rune on Saturday and Elisa was kind enough to show off some of Rune’s new moves. Elisa hopes to event Rune at some point, and said that he seems to have plenty of scope as he has had no trouble clearing 5 foot pasture fences at home! Big thank you to Elisa and Rune for spending some time with me!
Tamra Smith and Sunsprite Syrius led wire to wire this weekend in the Training Horse division at the AECs. Tamra had a busy weekend here with several rides in different divisions. I was able to watch her show jumping round in the Intermediate on Fleur de Lis, on whom she ended up 8th. Tamra was nice enough to chat with me for a few moments on her win with Syrius as well as the rest of her weekend. Many thanks to Tamra for taking a few moments out of her day!
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch on their way to the win. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.
In true butterfly form, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch skipped over the mud and came home double clear to hold onto their lead in the Advanced division at the AECs. Unfortunately, my camera seems to have suffered a stroke this morning, so I must send a big thank you to Liz Hall who sent me her photos as soon as she got to the airport. Laine looked absolutely elated to win the blue this weekend, as she should. This is one pair that has worked extremely hard to get where they are today, and their consistent placings this season are making them a true force to be reckoned with.
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.
R-Star looked sharp for Kristi Nunnink, storming around the course cleanly to come up for 2nd place after Ellen Doughty had a couple of rails down. I definitely found a huge soft spot for this striking mare over the weekend, since this is the first time I have gotten to see her in person. Kristi is a true class act and we are looking forward to a successful showing at Pau from these two next.
Ellen Doughty, who I was incredibly impressed to find out is virtually self-taught, had a couple of unfortunate rails down to fall down a place to 3rd. This is an extremely poised and impressive pair to keep an eye on, and the fingers crossed plan is to aim for Rolex next year.
Richard Jeffrey’s course, true to form, took many victims in the form of rails, and only 3 pairs finished with no rails down and no time. Jonathan Holling and DHI Zatopek B had one rail down to move from 6th to 4th. This horse looks like quite a handful, and Jon does an excellent job keeping him contained.
Michael Pollard and Mensa G. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.
Michael Pollard took it relatively easy on Mensa G today, coming home with a rail down and a handful of time penalties. Michael was looking for a solid run in preparation for Pau and he should be pleased with Mensa’s performance this weekend. They head to France in just a couple of weeks.
Barb Crabo rode a steady rode on Eveready to leave the rails up and pick up one time fault.
Kyle Carter and Madison Park continued their comeback tour with a couple of rails down to end up in 7th overall. Parker looked fantastic all weekend and I am really excited that he looks to be on the right track for his comeback.
Hawley Bennett and Gin & Juice. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice had 2 rails down to wind up in 8th overall. Hawley’s goal, like Michael and Kristi, was to get around this weekend with solid runs, and Ginny looks to be in top form for Pau.
Jon Holling and Proper Timing had 2 rails down and a few time to drop a place to 9th on the weekend. I could flip a coin to say which of Jon’s two Advanced rides this weekend was my favorite, but I think Proper Timing might get the slight edge for me.
Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.
Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man had a stellar show jumping round, completing one of only three double clear rounds all day. “Wort,” as he is known around the barn, looked polished and professional all the way around and they attacked this course with a vengeance. Katy wrote on Facebook that she was absolutely thrilled with her course and her weekend overall. Katy, who has been a student of Hawley’s, will hitch a ride back East with Laine and Al and will be staying there to train with Buck.
Alexandra Green and Fernhill Cubalawn had 5 rails down to take 11th place on the weekend. Alex said on her Facebook that Cuba “felt his way around” the course today, so I would imagine the mud may have been a factor.
Avery Klunick and In It To Win It held their 12th place position with 2 rails down and 10 time. Avery was the youngest competitor in the Advanced this weekend, a 20 year old college junior. Avery did a great interview with the USEA before AECs and seems like a great young lady to keep an eye on. You can find the interview here.
After having a couple of stops on cross country, Barb Crabo and Over Easy had 2 rails down this morning. Over Easy is still relatively new to the Advanced level, having completed 2 Advanced runs and 1 3 star run prior to this. This mare is fun to watch and should be a true talent for Barb in the near future.
It was certainly Kim’s weekend here at the AECs, as she and her homebred stallion, Accolade, took the top honors in the Senior Prelim Amateur division. I spoke with Kim last night after her cross country and she told me that Accolade was not the most reliable in show jumping yet, but that she felt a bit better having a rail in hand. Turns out the rail in hand was all she needed to clinch the win.
Darlenne McInnes, from Colorado, moved up from 6th to take 2nd place on Warlord, and Janet Marden, from Texas, secured 3rd on Flagmount’s Amazing Grace.
I was able to catch up with Kim back at the barns to talk about her winning weekend. She also mentioned that she dedicated her rides this weekend to Christine Brown, who passed away earlier this year. A portion of Kim’s winnings will be donated to Christine’s fundraising efforts. Enjoy the video below!
Laine and Anthony Patch are your Advanced AEC winners. Photo from Liz Hall.
Despite a postponed show jumping round for the Advanced show jumping, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch threw down a double clear round to maintain their lead and take home the Adequan USEA Gold Cup.
Kristi Nunnink and Ellen Doughty changed places, with Kristi and R-Star taking 2nd place and Ellen having a couple of unlucky rails to drop down a spot to 3rd.
I will be bringing you a full report shortly. In the meantime I must give a huge thank you to all organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and riders who made this weekend so fun. The event was top notch and everyone was welcoming and well organized. Everything certainly is bigger in Texas, and that includes the AECs!
We were able to catch Bonner Carpenter in the barn as her team was packing up to head home on Saturday evening. Bonner had a wonderful weekend, winning the Intermediate division on her horse Basco, who she has only had for about a year. Bonner is a genuinely wonderful person and it was a pleasure to interview her. Not to mention, her horse Basco is a total sweetheart! Thank you Bonner for letting us chat!
