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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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Living the dream as a professional internet stalker and EN reporter.

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Ballynoe Castle RM Inspires Breyer Horse Model in His Likeness

By on Oct 23, 2019 5:22 pm - 1,487 views

Buck Davidson, Ballynoecastle RM and Kathleen Blauth-Murray. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The highest-scoring U.S. event horse of all time is receiving one of the highest honors: a Breyer model of his own. Carl and Cassie Segal’s Ballynoe Castle RM, or “Reggie,” who spent his career with Buck Davidson, has been selected as the Breyer Fest 2020 Celebration Horse. The 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ramiro B will be making an appearance at Breyer Fest 2020, which will be held July 10-12 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Photo courtesy of Breyer.

Ballynoe Castle RM certainly needs little introduction to eventing fans. After an illustrious career with Buck, which includes six now-CCI5* completions and a USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup at Rolex Kentucky in 2013, Reggie was formally retired from competition in 2017 after a brief stint campaigning with his longtime groom, Kathleen Murray.

“We call him the GOAT — the Greatest of All Time,” owner Cassie Segal said in a video announcing the forthcoming Breyer model. Both she and Carl as well as Buck and Kathleen will all be in attendance at Breyer Fest, so this will be an event to mark on the calendar now. Reggie’s model is exclusive to BreyerFest 2020 Celtic Fling and is included with the Three-Day ticket package. Tickets go on sale in January 2020. The model will not be available at retail so EN fans who wish to get their very own Reggie should purchase tickets to the event!

Reggie is going to be a Breyer Horse! We are very excited to share that Ballynoe Castle RM has been selected to be the…

Posted by Buck Davidson Eventing on Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Go Reggie. Go Eventing!

A New Classic: Megan Sykes Makes a Statement at Fair Hill

By on Oct 22, 2019 11:00 am - 2,507 views

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Abby Powell.

Megan Sykes has lived much of the last four years in her truck. She’s come to love the hours spent listening to true crime podcasts and endless playlists shuffled by Spotify. It’s a nomadic life for Megan, who splits her time between southern California and west Texas, balancing a budding upper level career with a busy program back at home. But she says loyalty is important to her, and this concept is what makes her hook up the trailer and hit the road time and time again.

Megan began eventing at the age of 15, after spending her childhood as many of us do on the local hunter/jumper and 4H circuits. Wanting to give eventing a real go, Megan began riding at Mike Huber’s Gold Chip Stables and working as a groom for Heather Morris. From that point on, Megan recalls, “the rest is history.”

In 2015, Heather Morris moved to southern California to join up with Next Level Eventing. Megan joined her for the first winter season and says the only reason she returned back home was because she broke her leg. As fate would have it, though, Megan would meet her now-husband, Reed, after she returned home. The two now own and operate Northwest Stables and Classic’s Eventing out of Midland, Texas, where Reed breaks colts and runs the facility while Megan trains clients and takes on sale horses.

A New Classic

Megan Sykes & Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

It was Tamie Smith who called Megan about a horse named Classic’s Mojah, who had just come in to the Next Level program to be sold. Megan, who had competed through the former CCI1* level with her previous horse, Ghypsy, was seeking a partner with whom she could continue to move up. “Mo,” an Oldenburg gelding who was seven at the time, was willing but able to take a joke, Megan described. It was his easy attitude and temperament, coupled with keen ability, that prompted Tamie to tell Megan she’d found her the perfect horse.

Suddenly, Megan found herself with a talented potential horse of a lifetime and a fantastic coaching team ready to make her dreams come true. She knew that pursuing both her upper level dreams as well as running her business back home would require some creativity, but she took on the challenge with aplomb.

It’s an 18 hour drive from point A to point B, and Megan makes the trek from Texas to California at least twice a year in order to take advantage of training opportunities with Heather and Tamie, as well as with dressage trainer Niki Clarke. Megan says their help has been invaluable and well worth all the juggling.

Megan typically starts her travel season in February, when the first shows of the new year are kicking off in earnest. “I typically have a few young horses at home that I’ll get going in the winter, going to schooling shows, and then I’ll pick one to bring with me to California and meet up with the NLE team at a jumper show and kick off the season. I’ll usually go home after the April event at Twin Rivers, then I’ll come back for late summer and stay for the fall season.”

For Megan, one of the biggest advantages that her work with Heather and Tamie is acquiring the tools to separate the emotions from her riding. With Mo, Megan feels some pressure to get it right since he’s her only top competition horse.

“When you only have one horse, you tend to pour your everything into it,” she says. “It can make you very emotional because everything is riding on that one horse. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ride some of the young horses at NLE, and it’s helped me develop more of a feel rather than attaching so much emotion to each ride.”

This learning curve has helped prepare Megan well for her own business, where she says she thrives on taking on sale horses and encouraging them to blossom. “I love working with the young horses and traveling to compete,” she says. “My time riding horses for Heather and Tamie has really helped me be more methodical and logical with my riding, which sets me up well for the future.”

The Proving Ground

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Abby Powell.

This year, Megan’s travel plans included a maiden voyage to the final running of the CCI3*-L at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International. Megan and Classic’s Mojah have had a banner year together, finishing in second place in the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm this summer. Fair Hill, however, would be a different, more technical test.

For Megan, the journey to Fair Hill was a reaffirmation of why she’s chosen to pursue this path, why she spends endless hours in the truck, why she keeps putting in the time when others may have chosen to ease up on the gas.

“Fair Hill really tests your grit to get things done, and you really do get to compete against some great riders,” Megan said. “I wanted to prove to myself and to my horse that we could do more of the technical courses and still be competitive against the big names.”

And prove that they did, marching down centerline and laying down their first sub-30 score at the 3* level to sit fourth after dressage. A handful of time on cross country and an unlucky rail in their most challenging phase would keep Megan and Classic’s Mojah out of the top five, but their finishing score of 34.7 was enough to finish the weekend in seventh place overall.

The Next Level Eventing group always supports their own, and this was exemplified by the fact that both Heather Morris and Kaylawna Smith traveled to Fair Hill to coach, groom for, and support Megan. Tamie, fresh off a top finish herself at Boekelo, stopped by on her way back to California to compete at Fresno to help out and show her support. Anyone who observes this group is assured of one thing: NLE will never let you walk alone, even when you’re on the opposite coast.

I had called Megan to check in on how she was feeling after a huge effort over the weekend, and she seemed to take both the great achievements and the lessons learned in stride. For all my wonder at her lifestyle, I could almost see her shrugging nonchalantly through the phone. For her, it’s simple: you stick with the program that works for you, and you remain loyal to those who have helped you along the way. It’s not easy, but it isn’t hard at the same time. Megan’s message was clear to me through our conversations: when you know something works, you just find a way to do it.

The morning after Fair Hill, Megan packed up her precious cargo and got back on the road, heading back to Texas for a well-deserved vacation for Mo and some time to focus on the young horses and clients for Megan. It’s a 26 hour drive home from Maryland to Midland. Plenty of time for true crime, reflecting, and dreaming of what’s to come.

Photo Gallery: Liz Halliday-Sharp Represents the U.S. at Mondial du Lion

By on Oct 21, 2019 3:00 pm - 692 views

Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The sole U.S. representative at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships in Le Lion d’Angers, France, Liz Halliday-Sharp had a big weekend with her young guns. Liz piloted Cooley Moonshine (Kilpatrick Duchess x Cobra), owned by The Monster Partnership, to a silver medal finish in the 7-year-old division on a final score of 30.5.

“These 7yr olds were HEROS at Le Lion on the last day of the Young Horse World Championships!” Liz wrote on Facebook. “The conditions were by far the worst that I have ever ridden in, and I couldn’t have asked more from them both. Cooley Moonshine jumped the most incredible clear round inside the time to move from 11th to second which was unbelievable! We always knew this horse was a freak and he has shown us again just what a fighter he is – to say I’m excited about his future is an understatement!”

Liz also rode Flash Cooley (Castlefield Ruby x CSF Mr Kroon), owned by Pru Dawes, in the 7-year-old championship, finishing in 13th overall with just two rails added in the show jumping. Friend of EN Sherry Stewart was on site at Le Lion to document the weekend from behind her lens, and we’re eternally grateful for these images. Congratulations to Liz on a great finish, and don’t miss out on Tilly’s full final report from Le Lion here.

 

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Midsouth, TRHC, Fresno, Pine Hill

By on Oct 21, 2019 9:00 am - 669 views

Karl Slezak and owner Carol Wiley pose for a winner’s shot with Chevalier, who earned the lowest score of the weekend.

I’ve decided to start off our Weekend Winners this week with my favorite most recent post from the Humans of Eventing page. If you haven’t followed this page yet, you should definitely do so immediately.


It’s always great to start your day off with a good laugh, right? At any rate, we’ll get to your winners of the weekend shortly, but a big shoutout is in order to the lowest score award. This weekend, that prize was earned by Canadian Karl Slezak and Chevalier, owned by Carol Wiley. This pair earned a 20.2 and never looked back to win a tough Open Novice division at Midsouth. Congratulations!

Major Events:

Fair Hill International: Website, CCI Results, YEH Results,  EN’s Coverage,

Le Lion d’Angers: Website, Results (CCI2*-L), Results (CCI3*-L), EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Hagyard Midsouth CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CCI2*-L: Erin Pullen and Foreign Affair (34.0)
Open Preliminary A: Megan Tyrrell and Drombane Dynamite (31.0)
Open Preliminary B: Maria Moraniec and Lady Business (26.7)
Open Training A: Cora Severs and Cuervo (29.6)
Open Training B: Alexa Ehlers and FE Clear The Calendar (29.8)
Open Training C: Megan Northrop and Harrison (25.4)
Open Training D: Megan Moore and Master Higgins (28.3)
Training 3 Day: Elissa Gibbs and Voltaire’s Masterclass (31.3)
Open Novice A: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (26.7)
Open Novice B: Karl Slezak and Chevalier (20.2)
Open Novice C: Madison Deaton and Reputation (26.0)
Open Novice D: Jane Musselman and Engapore (26.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Erin Strader and Lonhro Special (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Kelsey Lee and Better Than Chocolate (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice C: Alexa Ehlers and Clear Candidate (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice D: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (21.0)

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Erin Kimmer and Jude (40.2)
Open Training A: Kimberly Steinbuch and Classiro (24.9)
Open Training B: Ashley Adams and Charly (27.4)
Open Novice A: Lauren Alexander and Excel Star Over The Moon (28.6)
Open Novice B: Isabella Sparks and Full Gallop’s Struck By Luck (26.9)
Beginner Novice A: Katherine DeLaney and Sommersby (28.8)
Beginner Novice B: Jessica Schultz and FGF Ledbetter (31.3)
Beginner Novice C: Suzanne Murray and Quiet All American (37.8)
Starter A: Hines Kathi and The Lady (29.2)
Starter B: Anna Brown and Budvar (30.3)

Fresno County H.T. [Website]  [Results]

Open Intermediate: Maddy Mazzola and So Cool (38.2)
Open Intermediate Championship: James Alliston and Lilly (33.2)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and Spartan Strength (34.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kayla Bierman and Addyson (37.6)
Preliminary Rider Championship: Jeanette Gilbert and The Alchemist (33.5)
Jr. Training Championship: Rachel Over and Of Wind N Sky FSF (40.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Sarah Bonfield and Apollo (31.6)
Open Training: Nicholas Cwick and Battle Creek (25.2)
Open Training Championship: Ruth Bley and Spartacus D’L’Herbage (27.5)
Sr. Training Rider: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (27.1)
Training Rider Championship: Michelle Capparelli and You Don’t Know Jack (31.8)
Jr. Novice Championship: Tyler Leary and Made You Look (34.2)
Jr. Novice Rider: Nadia Vogt and Street Melody (36.2)
Novice Rider Championship: Aimee Stadler and To the Moon and Back (31.0)
Open Novice: Sarah Cullum and Rebel’s Lancelot (30.5)
Open Novice Championship: Joseph McKinley and Duke HW (27.9)
Sr. Novice Rider: Kelly Schwisow and Kahlua & Cream (30.5)
Beginner Novice Rider Championship: Meghan Dayka and Fianna (30.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Championship: Halina Thole and Roma (32.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Lilly Lachman and Mischief Managed (29.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Lou Moore-Jacobsen and Pitmaster (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice Championship: Ashley Shrader and Cliffside Academy Award (23.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Eileen Morgenthaler and Levitate (31.5)
Introductory: Kate Flaherty and Eli’s Coming (26.9)
Jr. Introductory Championship: Avonlea Wang and Bella Mia Apache (35.3)
Sr. Introductory Championship: Anna Olsen and My Zippers Undone (32.8)
West Coast USEA Young Event Horse 4 Year Old Championship: Amber Levine and Keep Calm (86.3)
West Coast USEA Young Event Horse 5 Year Old Championship: Allyson Hartenburg and Mucho Me Gusto (88.5)

Pine Hill Fall H.T. [Website]  [Results]

Open Preliminary: Greta Hallgren and Elianna (44.7)
Open Training A: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Two Step Program (31.9)
Open Training B: Haley Miller and Mr. Melvin (38.1)
Open Novice A: Georgia Phillips and Mighty Mississippi (26.4)
Open Novice B: Alyssa Craig and Ot Bandini (26.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nancy Thompson and Made It In Style (31.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Maddison Whitt and Gideon (32.8)
Open Beginner Novice C: Julia Pinell and Madoc Venus Moth (31.9)
Open Starter: Lauren Hagerman and Rumor Has It (35.3)

Friday Video from SmartPak: Does Kinesio Tape Work?

By on Oct 18, 2019 6:00 pm - 509 views

You may have seen horses with tape on various parts of their bodies, such as the hips or shoulders. Kinesiotaping is far from a new practice, but only recently have more riders been using it on their horses.

At its core, kinesio tape is intended to reduce discomfort and inflammation by lifting the skin, allowing for reduced amounts of pressure and an easier flow of lympathic fluid to and from the area.

But does this practice actually work for horses? In SmartPak’s latest “Ask the Vet” video, Dr. Lydia Gray answers the question on “to tape or not to tape” using research and the opinion of other vets experienced with the practice.

Thursday Video: Breaking Down Euros with Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung

By on Oct 17, 2019 6:00 pm - 424 views

“I don’t feel much pressure … I hope it will be really tough and fun.” That’s what defending European Eventing champion Ingrid Klimke said in the lead-up to the 2019 edition of the Longines FEI European Championships, held this year at Luhmühlen.

As the history books would have it, Ingrid went head-to-head against heavy hitters such as Michael Jung and Oliver Townend and held her cool under the pressure to clinch her second European title in as many years.

Listen to comments from Ingrid and Michael, the gold and silver medallists, in this FEI recap from an exciting weekend at Euros!

Volunteer Nation: 9 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 17, 2019 11:00 am - 318 views

Buck Davidson and volunteer Jess Tibbels share a high five. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

If you enjoy studying the sport of eventing and want to know the ins and outs, there’s no better way to accomplish this than volunteering. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to dip your toe into other corners of the sport that you may be unfamiliar with, such as working in a vet box or scribing for a dressage judge. The learning opportunities are endless! And you’ll be helping your neighborhood event run smoothly — a double benefit.

So get out there, volunteer, and learn this weekend! You can learn more about each event and the open positions by visiting EventingVolunteers.com. Here are nine events nationwide that need YOUR help:

Fair Hill is pulling out all the stops this week with its marquee international CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L running, as well as the East Coast YEH Championships. Volunteers working at Fair Hill are eligible for perks such as:

*Free admission to the entire event.
*Free meals, snacks and drinks in the Volunteer Hospitality Tent.
*Parking in the lot directly across from the Main Entrance for the entire event.
*10% discount at the FHI Merchandise Booth
*Invitation to the Welcome Party, Thursday evening, beginning at 6pm, in the Sponsors’ Tent.
*Invitation to attend the XC Course Walk with 5* rider Matt Brown on Friday at 4pm, meeting at the Start Box.

Event: The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Monday, October 21
Address: 400 Gallaher Rd, Elkton, MD, 21921
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, Hospitality Helper, Hospitality Steward, Volunteer Check-in, Safety Steward, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – SJ, Merchandise Sales, General Help, Stable Manager, Mounted Steward, XC Control, XC Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC, Volunteer Lead, Shuttle Drivers, Awards Committee, Greeter, Stabling Check-in (Move Out), Event Breakdown – all areas

Event: Pine Hill USEA Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 18 – Saturday, October 19
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions available: Parking Steward, Scoring Steward, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon, NC, 28782
Positions available: XC Decorator, Hospitality Prep, Event Prep – General, Hospitality Helper, Greeter, Event Takedown – XC, XC Warm-up, XC Jump Judge, Floater, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Fresno County Horse Park October Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20
Address: 7430 North Weber Ave, Fresno, CA, 93726
Positions available: Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, SJ Scribe, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, SJ Timer

Event: Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511
Positions available: Pooper-scooper, Scorers, SJ Jump Crew, Vet Box Timer, Vet Box Scribe, Phase A & C Check Point Judges, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judges, Horse Inspection In-gate

Event: Stable View October Eventing Academy
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 117 Stable Dr, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions available: General Help, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, XC Jump Judge, SJ Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew

Event: MDHT Starter Trial Series #5
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 19 through Sunday, October 20
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, XC Starter, XC Warm-up,

Event: Florida Horse Park Battle of the Barns
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, October 20
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions available: XC Finish Timer, Dressage In-gate Steward, Dressage Scribe, Hospitality Steward, SJ Judge, SJ Warm-up

Event: SAzEA October Derby
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 11300 SOUTH HOUGHTON ROAD, Tucson, AZ, 85747
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage and SJ, Dressage Steward, Dressage Test Runner, Event Prep – XC, Event Takedown – Dressage and SJ, SJ Jump Crew, Hospitality Helper, XC Jump Judges, XC Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC

Photo Gallery: Team USA Tackles Boekelo Show Jumping

By on Oct 14, 2019 1:00 pm - 557 views

Team USA capped off a great weekend in the Netherlands with some show jumping action yesterday for all team riders plus our traveling reserve, Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. If you missed out on all of Tilly’s excellent reporting, you can catch up with EN’s Boekelo coverage here. In the meantime, we’re not quite ready to leave Boekelo behind, so please enjoy these images from our good friend Sherry Stewart.

Military Boekelo: Website, Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Ocala Fall Photo Gallery, MDHT & More!

By on Oct 14, 2019 11:00 am - 992 views

Yet another busy weekend is in the books for eventers nationwide. As we gear up for a big week at Fair Hill and look ahead to a few more busy weekends to close out the 2019 season, let’s take a look at the results from the weekend, all the way from Ocala to New Mexico and everywhere in between!

Major Event Results:

FEI Nations Cup at Military Boekelo: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

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So proud of my entire #teambascule and the #glittersquad from this weekend!! Isabel and Rascal clinched their 7th place standing as well as 3rd in the Young Riders program with a #doubleclear show jumping round in the #BN3DE to finish on their dressage score!! So proud of this awesome pair, and huge thanks to Carolyn and the AMAZING crew and volunteers at Loch Moy for putting on such an incredible event and learning experience!!Izzy and Rook had a steady dressage test and super clear SJ round in their move up to training, with just a green moment as a stumbling block out XC, but they will be competitive with some more experience!! Sophie and Luna had a super consistent Novice dressage test and really got into the groove in the jumping, really figuring each other out!! Can’t wait for the winter boot camp with all my phenomenal students and their unicorns!! #loveallmykids #andtheirunicorns #sparklepower #fods #learningexperience #everytime #turninggreentopro #wooh #werkwerkwerk #getitgirl #slayqueen #dathindendtho #noscopenohope #werideunicorns #wedontsweatwesparkle #soproud

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Open Intermediate: Phillip Dutton and Carlchen (39.2)
Open Preliminary: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (25.3)
Preliminary Rider: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (37.0)
Modified A: Kimmy Cecere and Carrowgar Crannagh Hugo (28.5)
Modified B: Kevin Keane and HH Ontario (30.7)
Modified Championship: Elizabeth Stewart and Innsbruck VDO (31.2)
Junior Open Training: Olivia Dutton and Icabad Crane (32.4)
Open Training A: Caitlin Kuczynski and Fernhill Blueprint (27.9)
Open Training B: Megan Loughnane and Flamenco Ping (33.1)
Training Rider: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (30.5)
Junior Open Novice: Olivia Dutton and Iniesta (19.8)
Novice Rider A: Christina Feaga and In The Mick of Time (31.2)
Novice Rider B: Lindsay Berreth and Oh So Extreme (27.6)
Open Novice A: Francesca Broggini and Cooley High Flyer (21.4)
Open Novice B: Rose Agard and Oberon Van Heiste (28.6)
Beginner Novice Three-Day: Lisa Hannan and Lowenbrau (28.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Shannon Bower and Tale as Old As Time (32.2)
Junior Beginner Novice: Cierra Miller and Denis the Menace (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Suzannah Cornue and Karerra (29.2)

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill Holeshot (30.1)
Junior Training: Annabelle Sprague and Meadowlark (31.0)
Training: Mickey Rathbun and Bramble (27.4)
Junior Novice: Ryleigh Doyle and Encore Brulant (26.4)
Novice: Katherine Cooper and Gigi (23.6)
Beginner Novice: Alyssa Birt and Jack (28.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Hannah Williams and Turnup (24.7)

Radnor Hunt H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]


Open Preliminary A: Ryan Wood and MK’s Concord Dawn (26.3)
Open Preliminary B: Kira Statue and Goodtimes (35.1)
Open Preliminary C: Dominic Schramm and Quadrocana (25.7)
Junior Training Rider: Maggie Buchanan and 3,2,1, Blastoff (30.5)
Open Training: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (30.5)
Training Rider: Drew Wicas and Killernan Prince (31.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Emma Humble and My Painted Princess (28.3)
Novice Rider: Teresa Martinoli and Loughnatousa Caprice (27.4)
Open Novice A: Jane Jennings and Larano 5 (28.6)
Open Novice B: Emily Lehman and Cooley On The Con (28.1)

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]


Open Preliminary: John Michael Durr and Perkunos (30.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kristen Schuitema and One Sly Fox (30.2)
Open Preliminary/Training: Kristen Schuitema and Reginald McDougal (35.0)
Open Training: Kimberly Steinbuch and Classiro (26.3)
Training Rider: Kerry Tracey and Excel Star Kate (41.9)
Novice Rider: Finley Habenicht and Aleta NSF (27.9)
Open Novice: Rebecca von Schweinitz and Sky Road (32.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Danielle Moore and Tenth Rendition (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Mary Carol Harsch and Theodore alCoda (31.5)
Starter: Annie Goodwin and Judicious (31.4)

Ocala Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Many thanks are in order for Lisa Madren, who sent in these great photos from a busy weekend in Ocala. Enjoy!

Advanced/Intermediate: Leslie Law and LCC Vogue (36.6)
Open Intermediate: Jonathan Holling and Prophet (31.5)
Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill (28.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Rovira and Oakdale (37.8)
Modified: Rain Anderson and Wimpy Kid (31.1)
Open Training A: Clayton Fredericks and FE Clooney (24.1)
Open Training B: Lesley Grant-Law and Fernhill Finalist (22.9)
Training Rider: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill Celebrity (23.3)
Novice Rider: Erin Walker and MTH Shannondale Khaleesi (22.1)
Open Novice: Justine Dutton and Super Steve (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sophia Carattini and Artax (23.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Brenda Hutton and WYO Dun Maid (27.5)

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

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Talk about a comeback! Tiny led his division start to finish on a 21.8 (that’s a 78.2% for you dressage folks), going clean xc and fault free in stadium to take the win in a competitive Beginner Novice division! Proud does not even begin to cover how I feel. It’s absolutely insane to think that this time last year, I was so close to selling him and leaving the eventing world. We couldn’t get over fences, we couldn’t steer, and I couldn’t stop him no matter how hard I tried. I am so, so, so incredibly grateful to the ladies that have been willing to take on my little kracken and I: @harrison_eq , @dmdressage81 , and @thoroughbredcharmschool . The hard work is finally paying off and I am so in love with my horse. Tiny will be taking a well deserved quiet week while I die my way through midterms, and then it’s back in swing for our next recognized dressage show in November. #releasethekracken #irishsporthorsesofinstagram #irishsporthorsesdoitbest #howtotrainyourkracken #eventing #goeventing #eventersofinstagram #eventhorsesofinstagram #dressagehorsesofinstagram #bestirishhorseintheworld #krackenrider #teamtiny #teamharrisoneq #sweett #everythingscomingupkracken #tinygoestotexas #bronzemedalorbust #dmdressage

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Preliminary/Training: Stephanie Tyler Wright and Madison Avenue (34.6)
Training: Madeleine Snell and Flagmount’s Rebel (28.9)
Novice A: Sierra Fishell and Regal Reagan (22.9)
Novice B: Kelley Kays-Everett and Falconwood’s Good Karma (31.2)
Beginner Novice A: Isabella Rodwig and Dempsey (21.8)
Beginner Novice B: Allison Gill and Island Girl (34.3)
Beginner Novice C: Kalie Beckers and Madoc Mari (23.8)
Starter: Lynn Quast and My High Roller (33.6)

Las Cruces H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

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This weekend went very well to say the least! Blue and I got a 33 in dressage because he was a little tense and didn’t feel like listening but made up for it with an AMAZING xc and finished the weekend with one of our most confident sj rounds yet to finished in third! Peter was entered VERY last minute and he was amazing! This was his first event and his third time on xc and he handled himself so well! We scored a 31 in dressage which is way better than I thought considering he was trying to take off with me for most of it😅 he was a little spooky on xc but after the first few jumps he was perfect and then had a double clear sj round to finish in second at his very first show! Now on to my first training three day at Galway!

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Open Preliminary: Heather Drager and Noblesse Oblige (31.5)
Open Training: Jennifer Miller and Bon Bon (26.2)
Open Novice A: Laura Worl Kober and Sterling Impression (25.7)
Open Novice B: Ashley Armijo and Encore RC (30.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Donna Hayden and FlynnStone (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Denise Aamodt and Spotlight II (22.0)
Pre-Competition: Stacey Cameron and Sucre De Carlier (27.5)
Starter: Bella Albersons and Striking Compadre (29.7)

Thursday Video: Preview the Boekelo Cross Country Course

By on Oct 10, 2019 4:08 pm - 1,322 views


A star-studded lineup of horses and riders are hotly contesting the FEI Nations Cup at the Boekelo CCIO4*-L this weekend, and we’ve got a preview of new designer Adrian Ditcham’s cross country track here for you to study up before Saturday’s action. Take a video tour, or check it out in photos with recorded commentary from Adrian below via CrossCountryApp — many thanks to Willy Leysen for the recording!

Need to read up on the new Olympic format that will be tested this weekend? Catch up with Tilly’s well-researched guide here.

One more day’s worth of dressage rides will come forward tomorrow, and then we’re surely in for a treat this weekend (anyone else absolutely over the moon that fischerRocana is officially back in action?) — set those early alarms, everyone!

Military Boekelo: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Volunteer Nation: These 5 Events Need Help This Weekend

By on Oct 10, 2019 1:00 pm - 302 views

From the the Marlborough Horse Trials Facebook page: “Getting our volunteers started young! Big th anks to these pony clubbers (and more) for helping with jump painting today! We ❤️our volunteers!”

Time to firm up those weekend plans, EN! One of my favorite experiences volunteering came a few years ago when I got to work in dressage warm-up for the first time. I love watching riders warm up as it is, and this provided an awesome opportunity to really soak it all in while doing a small part to help keep things running smoothly.

One of the best things about volunteering is that there are so many different aspects of event organization and execution that you could almost always try something new and learn about a new part of the sport. So get out there, do your part, and learn something this weekend. Here are five events that need some extra hands in the next few days:

 

Event: Radnor Hunt Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 11 – Saturday, October 12
Address: 826 Providence Rd , Malvern, PA, 19355
Positions available: Sponsor Hospitality, Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – SJ, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage In-Gate, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, SJ In-gate, SJ Score Runner, SJ Warm-up, Horse Ambulance Driver

Event: Paradise Farm October Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 12
Address: 4069 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Floater, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up

Event: Ocala Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 13
Address: 11008 S HIGHWAY 475, OCALA, FL, 34480-6505
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Check-in, SJ Jump Crew, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up

Event: 2019 MDHT USEA Recognized Horse Trials #3 & BN 3 Day Event
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Monday, October 14
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: Event Prep – General, Event Prep – XC, Dressage Scribe, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Steward, Phase A & C Checkpoint Judges, Phase A Start Timer, Phase B Judge & Phase B Finish/C Start Timer, SJ In-gate, SJ Out-gate, Vet Box Assistant, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Warm-up, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Bit Check, SJ Warm-up

Event: October War Horse Series
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 13
Address: 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions available: Dressage Steward, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, XC Score Runner, Crossing Guard

First Look at the 2019 Goresbridge Go for Gold Sale Catalog

By on Oct 7, 2019 1:00 pm - 1,796 views

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

One of the most hotly anticipated sales of event horses each year, the line-up for this year’s Goresbridge Go for Gold sale is unsurprisingly robust. Boasting top young as well as proven talent, the Select Event Horse Sale will take place November 11-12 at November at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Wexford, Ireland.

Each year, top riders from the world over make purchases from this collection of future eventing stars (take a look at who picked up horses from this sale last year here). Notable graduates of the Go for Gold sale include horses such as Copper Beach, Carlsburg, Cooley SRS, November Night, and Cooley Rorkes Drift.

This year, 74 horses ranging from ages 3 to 5 are available for purchase, and the catalog is now available for perusal online. Performance videos of all available horses will shortly be available on the Goresbridge Go for Gold website.

Here are some early highlights from this year’s catalog. Stay tuned for a preview of the performance videos from the available horses!

Screenshot via the Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

Lot 61 is a yet-to-be-named 3-year-old full sibling to Baymax, a Doug Payne ride who recently picked up a second place finish in the CCI2* at Stable View. Hint: another full sister to Baymax can be found in lot 30!

Screenshot via the Goresbridge Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

Another relation to a top horse can be found in lot 57, a 3-year-old half-brother on the dam side to Tim Price’s 5* horse, Bango.

Screenshot via the Goresbridge Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

This 3-year-old has exceptional siblings, most notably Nicola Wilson’s Annie Clover.

Whether you’re seeking an amateur friendly horse or one who has the makings of the next Olympic superstar, chances are you can find a fit for your needs in this catalog. Click here to view the catalog in its entirety.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: One Big Happy Eventing Family

By on Oct 7, 2019 9:00 am - 739 views

The Stiver family sporting their matching t-shirts made especially for Ginger’s eventing debut. Photo via Mallory Stiver on Facebook.

Top of the morning to you, EN! Before we dive headfirst into another jam-packed edition of Weekend Winners, I’ve got a little story to tell you. It’s Monday, right? We could all use some good feels to get us through the upcoming week.

Many of us have at least one long-suffering, ever-loving horse show parent who has worked tirelessly to get our foot in the proverbial stirrup. Long hours at work, countless checks written, multi-day road trips to horse shows, family events postponed or scheduled around horse shows — the list goes on and on. Somewhere, a small child is sitting on their first horse and another parent is making mental plans to stop at nothing to make those big dreams a reality.

Area IV’s Ginger Stiver is one of those horse show moms. I’ve watched her support her two daughters, Lauren and Mallory, for the last few years alongside her husband, Greg. And after decades of supporting the kids and helping them succeed, Ginger finally did her very first USEA event this weekend at Heritage Park in Olathe, Ks. Piloting Lauren Stiver’s Brementown, Ginger not only completed her first event but did it in style, collecting a fourth place ribbon and finishing on her dressage score in the Beginner Novice division.

So this morning, let’s all say a big thank you to the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or whoever in your life was brave enough to nurture that stubborn horse bug. We’re glad to welcome you, officially, to the dark side, Ginger!

Congratulations are also in order to Madison Lloyd and Callaway, who earned our lowest finishing score of the weekend with a 22.7 in the Senior Training Rider division at Woodside. Well done!

As always, our events couldn’t run without the dedication of the organizing crew and countless volunteers on the ground. Don’t forget to support your show photographers and videographers and volunteer when you can!

And now, let’s get to the rest of those results from around Eventing Nation:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Introductory: Margaret O’Brien and Diamond Alexis (34.4)
Beginner Novice Jr/YR: Justine Allyn and The Brown Horse (29.8)
Beginner Novice: Nancy Cerniglia and Remi (36.0)
Novice Jr/YR: Paisley Narra and Huckleberry (37.9)
Novice: Rick Caldwell and Izzy Leo (33.3)
Training: Lourie Yelton and Ripleigh (27.7)

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI2* A: Jackie LeMastus and Lup The Loop (28.0)
CCI2* B: Jane Jennings and Kontessa M (27.8)
CCI3*: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill PickPocket (27.9)
CCI4*: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (37.3)
Advanced: Alexandra Baugh and Mr Candyman (74.8)
Intermediate A: Ryan Wood and Rembrandt (47.4)
Intermediate B: Cindy Anderson-Blank and Windchase Phoenix Star (34.5)
Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary Championship: Caitlin O’Roark and Lucky Devil (33.0)
Open Preliminary: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous (32.5)
Preliminary Championship: Mikki Kuchta and Calle (32.8)
Junior Young Rider Training Championship: Brynn Hershbine and Cadenza Aria (32.7)
Junior Young Rider Training Rider: Lindsay Woods and QLE Positron (32.7)
Open Training: Leslie Lamb and Young Lad (31.4)
Training Championship: Katherine Knowles and Cillnabradden Ceonna (31.4)
Training Horse: Christina Henriksen and Cierra (30.5)
Training Rider: Jessica Chappell and Excel Star Atlantic (32.3)
Junior Young Rider Novice Championship: Megan Smallwood and Kilronan’s Countess (31.9)
Novice Championship: Woods Baughman and Lord Calegro (27.3)
Open Novice: Caitlin Kuczynski and Fernhill Blueprint (26.2)
Beginner Novice Championship: Emily Beshear and Calla Lily (30.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Hannah Higgs and Tutuola (23.9)

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary A: Robert Meyerhoff and Gasparo van de Falieberg (29.4)
Preliminary B: Rachel Sledzik and Fernhill Symphony (39.5)
Training: Megan Stauch and Full Gallop’s Woo Pig Sooie (48.4)
Training A: Kendall McNeill and Emmett (33.1)
Training B: John Michael Durr and Perkunos (32.8)
CT Training: Amanda Miller and Little Lion Man (65.5)
Novice A: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Primrose (32.4)
Novice B: Laura Duhamel and Fate’s Patriot (31.4)
Novice C: Isabella Sparks and Full Gallop’s Struck By Luck (30.2)
Beginner Novice A: Robert Meyerhoff and Chico (31.9)
Beginner Novice B: Sydney Langley and Pocket Change (36.2)
Starter: Sandra Bailey and Will I Am (28.3)

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Training Open A: Jacob Fletcher and 5o1 Hollywood Legend (32.1)
Training Open B: Breeana Robinette and Velvet Brown (36.4)
Novice Junior A: Ainsley Slicker and Horizzon (26.7)
Novice Junior B: Amelia Kremer and Delgado (35.2)
Novice Open A: Megan Moore and Master Plan (31.2)
Novice Open B: Hannah Miller and Dynamic Knight (26.0)
Novice Open C: Erica Mitchell and Shaniko Star (35.0)
Beginner Novice Junior A: Faith Newman and Jumble (32.3)
Beginner Novice Junior B: Riley Jones and Senor Santana (31.0)
Beginner Novice Open A: Susannah Lansdale and Four Star (35.3)
Beginner Novice Open B: Amanda Schardt and Spanish Alarm (33.0)
Starter Junior A: Larkin Albarado and Sf Lil Bit O Texas (28.8)
Starter Junior B: Olivia Marsh and Decadence (28.8)
Starter Open: Laura Shipman and Secret (33.8)

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

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Merlin and I had a fantastic weekend at our very first event. We not only completed all three phases but we ribboned, finishing out in 6th place! . I'm so impressed and happy with this horse. Despite being quite anxious and having strong feelings about the strange stall and surroundings (which he told us about loudly) he really brought his A game when it was time to work. . It was all I could have imagined and more. I'm so grateful to Aleina, Kris, and Emily for all their help and support this weekend. Sometimes when I get nervous I lash out a little at the people who are trying to help me (sorry Aleina!) I think I'm getting a little better each time but I still am very appreciative for their patience and grace with stressed out Lauren. . There are so many emotions involved in the whole experience and while yes that can be overwhelming and hard to deal with, it's also one of the things that makes it all so great. I'm still processing it all but I'm hoping to put together a blog post about the experience. . I also want to throw a big thank you shout out to my husband James, his parents, and my own parents for my early birthday present of a cambox helmet cam. Assuming I poked the buttons right, I should have videos from both xc and stadium. #merlin #meridasfatetrain #firstevent #usea #sixthplace #bigfancyribbon #onesillywoodenpoleandsomemuddyfootingkeptusfromthirdplace #stillsothrilled #hessopretty #rockingthexccolors #poleinthewayofjumpphoto #matchingthejumpangles #bestdressagescoreyet #soproudofhim #allthefeels #waterworks #criedaftereveryphase #teamcec

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Open Preliminary: Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane (33.8)
Open Training: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Giana (31.7)
Junior Novice: Michaela Frye and Sugar Sam (31.9)
Senior Novice: Laura Rietveld and Mario Kart (33.8)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Brooke Wathan and Breath-taking Pleasure (30.0)
Senior Beginner Novice A: Julie Wolfert and Fiona Daula (28.0)
Senior Beginner Novice B: Judi Dietz and Rearcross Clover Q (30.5)
Pre-Beginner Novice: Brooke Babcock and Lenny (31.7)

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Training: Kadi Eykamp and Ole Boy (25.7)
Training Rider: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (34.3)
Novice Rider Junior: Taylor Tiberg and Valedictorian (26.7)
Novice Rider Senior: Sherry Pound and Gestalt (28.8)
Open Novice: Katherine Rivera and HVL Hocus Pocus (27.4)
Beginner Novice Junior: Anna L. Berry and Nocturne’s Luna (32.0)
Beginner Novice Senior: Courtney Kuriger and Eagle Rising (26.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Brittney Caflisch and When Stars Align (25.5)
Starter Test A: Darragh Stevens and Orange Crush (34.6)
Starter Test B: Parker Cage and Pipe Creek Beckham (32.8)

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI2*-S: Rebecca Braitling and Dassett Ricochet (25.6)
CCI3*-S: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout (36.0)
CCI4*-S: Helen Bouscaren and Ebay (44.5)
Open Intermediate: Stephanie Goodman and Carolina Morning (33.6)
Open Preliminary A: David Adamo and Solaguayre California (24.6)
Open Preliminary B: Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX (25.2)
Junior Training: Olivia Doman and The Pied Piper (27.1)
Open Training: Gina Miles and Denfer Du Banney (27.3)
Senior Training Rider: Madison Lloyd and Callaway (22.7)
Training Amateur: Steve Roon and Lismakerra Bilbo (25.2)
Training Horse: Lauren Billys and Twilight 54 (25.5)
Junior Novice A: Anya Mason and Mairin (28.1)
Junior Novice B: Ella Flodh and Bold n Royal (26.2)
Novice Amateur: Catherine Treseler and Gaelic Gold (28.8)
Open Novice: Joe McKinley and Duke HW (26.7)
Senior Novice Rider: Rachael Little and Irish Park’s Caraway Crispin (33.8)
Open Intro A: Elizabeth Stohlmana and Degas (28.0)
Open Intro B: Kate Vorobieff and Mr. Perfect (29.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Kylee Pierce and Slewth (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Yves Sauvignon and Native Heart (30.8)
Senior Beginner Novice: Eileen Morgenthaler and Chicago GS (28.3)

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Marc Grandia and Campari FFF (37.9)
Open Intermediate: Sabrina Glaser and Last Call (40.3)
Open Preliminary: Kiera Carter and Corinthoz (27.5)
Preliminary Three-Day: Sonya Françoise and Two Tickets (29.0)
Open Modified: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (30.2)
Junior Training: Caitlyn Sutherland and Chatur (36.5)
Open Training: Sarah Palzkill and Tullamore (33.3)
Training Amateur: Michelle Ingall and Gull River (35.5)
Training Three-Day: Jodie Willow Maguire and Flint And Steel (36.5)
Junior Novice: Ava Holmes and Argentine Gaucho (31.4)
Novice Amateur: Sandy Flowers and Reno’s Lad (27.4)
Open Novice: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (29.1)
Novice Three-Day: Lorilee Hanson and Hypnotik (24.9)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Alice Burrows and Orion’s Valentino (25.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Ashley Widmer and Renegade (35.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jessica Heidemann and Burlesque (29.8)
Beginner Novice Three-Day: Jhett Jenkins and Carnage Minstrel (35.9)
Introductory: Paula Cudd and Latte (35.3)
Future Event Horse 2 Year Old: Regan Childs and Maverick (75.6)
Future Event Horse 3 Year Old: Sonya Françoise and Glendalough’s Dahlné (79.7)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Rebecca Buehler and Patriot (76.3)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Rebecca Buehler and MFS High Octane (80.3)

Thursday Videos: An OTTB Lover’s Paradise at The Thoroughbred Makeover

By on Oct 3, 2019 5:00 pm - 959 views

Elisa Wallace and Reloaded, 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing Champions and “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.” Photo courtesy of the RPP Thoroughbred Makeover.

Massive props are in order to the myriads of people who have worked tirelessly to pull off one of the biggest events promoting off-track Thoroughbreds in the world. The 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover is in full swing at the Kentucky Horse Park this week, and OTTBs are showing off their newly acquired training in various disciplines ranging from western disciplines, polo and field hunter to the traditional Olympic trifecta of dressage, show jumping and — our favorite around these parts — eventing.

If you’re looking for inspiration in working with your own Thoroughbred or if you’re hoping to compete at the Makeover one year, you’ll want to follow along with the Retired Racehorse Project on Facebook. Their social media team is hard at work bring us coverage from the event — take a look at a few of the OTTBs competing this week. If you’re unable to attend, be sure to catch the Finale live stream on the USEF Network this Saturday as the top scoring horses will battle it out for the crown of Thoroughbred Makeover Champion.

Catch up with a few of the Makeover contestants in these videos:




Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Volunteer Nation: 6 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 3, 2019 12:30 pm - 165 views

Jump judge briefing at O’Dark:30, at Plantation several years ago. Photo by Holly Covey.

If you’re looking for a way to spend some time at a show even if you don’t have a horse, wanting to watch an event run in real life and be a part of making that a reality, or you simply want to find a way to do some good this weekend, we’ve got just the ticket! Events all over the country are seeking volunteers just like yourself this weekend. Even if you are riding or coaching, consider offering up a couple hours to volunteer — even a small contribution of time can be invaluable for making an event run smoothly.

We gathered the needs for volunteers from EventingVolunteers.com, where you can sign up for spots or find ways to help out in your area. Get out there and volunteer, y’all!

Event: Woodside Eventing Fall International Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6
Address: The Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA, 94062
Positions available: SJ Timer, Dressage Paddock, Dressage Scribe, SJ In Gate, SJ Warm-up, XC Cart Runner, XC Jump Judge, XC Crossing Guard, General Help (Lunch pick-up)

Event: Kent School Fall Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, October 6
Address: 30 Westwoods Road, Kent, CT, 06757
Positions available: XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Score Runner, XC Starter, XC Steward, XC Warm-up, Dressage Test Runner, Scorers, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Warm-up

Event: Spokane Sport Horse Farm Fall Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 6
Address: 10710 S Sherman Rd, Spokane, WA, 99224
Positions available: FEH Conformation In-gate Steward, YEH In-gate Steward, YEH Jump Crew, YEH Score Runner, Parking Steward, Office Help, SJ Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Check-in, Event Takedown – Dressage, XC Crossing Guard, Phase A & Checkpoint Judges, Phase A Start Timer, Phase A Finish Timer, Phase B Judge and Phase B Finish / C Start Timer, Phase B Start Timer, Hospitality Steward, SJ In-gate, SJ Scribe, Vet Box Check In, Vet Box Scribe, Vet Box Timer

Event: Heritage Park Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 6
Address: 16820 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, KS, 66062
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage, General Help, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Parking Steward, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – SJ, Jump Crew, Secretary – Awards, SJ Additional Help, SJ In-gate, SJ Scribe, SJ Warm-up

Event: Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6
Address: 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, XC Jump Judge

Event: Majestic Oaks 3 Phase Schooling Show 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 5
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions available: XC Steward, XC Warm-up, Dressage Check In, Dressage Scribe, Hospitality Steward, Floater, SJ Jump Crew

Be sure to keep an eye on EventingVolunteers.com​ for more upcoming volunteer opportunities!

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words: Bobby Meyerhoff and Fortuna

By on Sep 30, 2019 4:30 pm - 26,958 views

Bobby Meyerhoff and Fortuna. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Bobby Meyerhoff has learned a lot from the smallest horse in his barn. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons a horseman or woman can learn is that of empathy. Without this all-important skill — one that doesn’t always come naturally, at that — it can be difficult to tap into the deepest, most locked away talents a horse possesses.

There is no handbook for empathy and horsemanship. All we have is the concept of feel, our own instincts, and our knowledge of how horses operate. Sometimes, we learn the most valuable lessons when we’re least expecting them.

This idea is what made Bobby chuckle to himself as he galloped through the finish flags aboard Fortuna, a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare he’s produced from the ground up. The diminutive mare, who stands just 15.2 hands, had just completed her first CCI4*-S at Plantation Field. And while the pair came away with perhaps the most memorable photo of the event, artfully captured above by JJ Sillman, the story behind the photo is one that speaks volumes — if we’re willing to listen and dig deeper.

Fortuna (Nova Keur x Balou de Rouet) was feisty and hot-headed when Bobby first acquired her as a two year old. Right away, it was a lesson in patience for Bobby, who knew that he would need to listen to the mare in order to obtain her trust. Somewhere under that tough exterior was a careful and freakishly talented horse.

“It’s been a lot of slow and steady like a turtle,” Bobby explains. “I just have to keep telling her the same things: everything is ok, work your body side to side and let go, trust me. I’ve come to realize that she can be a little insecure — she has all this bravado and attitude, but underneath it she’s got some insecurities.”

Trust is something we all strive to achieve with our horses. Fortuna is “crazy brave and bold”, but sometimes this creates a potential for trouble out on a cross country course. We often discuss at length the shape a horse’s body should take over a jump. The distance we find to an obstacle dictates the shape and the efficiency of the jump. Bobby’s learned how to ride Fortuna forward to the base, which helps her tame the careful exuberance she displays. This carefulness and exuberance makes for an awesome photo, Bobby says, but the important thing to learn here is that this type of jump needs to be treated with caution.

“I had a sense that she would jump super high over that oxer at fence six,” Bobby recalls. “When she sees something she doesn’t know — and that was one of the bigger fences she’s seen — her instinct is to jump crazy high. And sometimes that power doesn’t carry over because she dedicates her inertia to getting up in the air but not necessarily over.”

By moving slowly with the mare, Bobby’s been able to smooth out her jumping technique over time. But it’s a constant question of balance for Bobby, who at 5’11 says he’s really had to fine tune his own balance in order to allow Fortuna to do her job. “If I move my upper body an inch, she moves,” he says. “So it’s actually made me have to ride better. I know she’s a super quality and has a lot of jump and scope, but I also know she’s giving me her all. So I know I have to be right there with her and everything has to be that much tighter.”

A newly minted Advanced horse, Bobby knows that with more time and experience Fortuna will continue to develop her jump. After that bold jump at the open over on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course last weekend, Bobby knew he needed to pay attention to his mare during the remainder of the course, which is certainly no slouch for even the most seasoned horses.

“The pictures are impressive, but they also mean she’s harder on herself,” Bobby explains. “I want her to be more efficient, and I think with more experience she’ll learn to use her talent more positively. You just have to be careful with horses like this and take your time with them.”

“She wasn’t scared, but she was impressed,” he continues. “I had to ride carefully at the next few fences after that just to make sure she hadn’t lost confidence after that big effort. And she really started to get better — she let me ride her to a better distance and listened to and trusted me rather than just looking at the size of the jumps and reacting on instinct.”

Bobby knows he’s sitting on a star. He knew it before he set foot out on Plantation’s cross country. And over the last seven years of creating a bond with the sensitive Fortuna, he’s been able to fine tune his sense of empathy and of knowing exactly what type of ride his horse needs on that day. That day, Fortuna grew up a little, and Bobby felt that much closer to cracking the code.

“Walking to the cross country warm-up, I had a little chat with her,” Bobby says with a laugh. “I said, ‘Ok, I’ll make you a deal. I’m going to trust you and go with you out there, but you have to trust me too. So let’s meet in the middle.’ And she went out, she got a bit impressed, but she listened to me and she took that and got better and better.”

Crossing the finish flags, Bobby was overcome with an emotion that elicited a chuckle from him. “It was something like, I can’t believe we just experienced that together.”

Bobby says he’s not concerned with ticking off goals at a specific point in time with his and his wife, Danica’s, talented mare. “I think it’s easy to say ‘Ok, they’ve done this level, now it’s time to move up,’ but I think that’s where you can get into trouble. If you don’t take the time to look beyond the qualifications on paper and ask yourself if the horse is truly ready for the next challenge, you may end up with a horse or a rider that has lost confidence.”

They say that if you can get a mare on your side, the sky may just be the limit. Even though Fortuna hasn’t been easy to get close to, he says every bit of this journey has been worth it and a testament to the idea of patience and empathy for the horse and what it needs. Horses, after all, aren’t so complicated, at the end of the day. They just need someone willing to listen.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Area VIII Championships, FEH East Coast Champs & More

By on Sep 30, 2019 1:00 pm - 657 views

While I spent my weekend moving (highly do not recommend), many of my friends were out and about doing much more interesting things like rocking it at the Area 8 Championships or tackling move-up courses elsewhere. As we wind down into the tail end of the 2019 eventing season, it’s time to start thinking about what we’ll be working on over the winter and what we want to accomplish next season. Congratulations to all competitors from this weekend, and a special shout-out to Emily Brooks and Lord Darby, our lowest scoring finishers this weekend who earned a 22.4 in the Novice Rider A at Jump Start!

Major Weekend Events:

#Stable View: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Results:

FEH East Coast Championships [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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Nothing like a little subtle color coordination to polish off your look #itsallinthedetails #useventing #bettertogether

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FEH 4 Year Old: Revel In Soul and Andrea Manley (81.4)
FEH 3 Year Old: Wise Lolita Linda and Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (82.9)
FEH 3 Year Old Filly: Wise Lolita Linda and Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (82.9)
FEH 3 Year Old Colt: Quaden AF and Matthew Bryner (82.7)
FEH 2 Year Old: Royal Casino and Cynthia McNemar (85.38)
FEH 2 Year Old Filly: Wise Ravissante Du Defey and Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (84.83)
FEH 2 Year Old Colt: Royal Casino and Cynthia McNemar (85.38)
FEH Yearling: Arden Nike and Ivan Espada (85.3)
FEH Yearling Colt: Moto and Silene White (84.68)
FEH Yearling Filly: Arden Nike and Ivan Espada (85.3)

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Intermediate Championship: Jackie LeMastus and Indian Mill (50.9)
Open Intermediate: Alexandra Knowles and Morswood (40.3)
Preliminary Championship: Dan Kreitl and Horales (34.4)
Open Preliminary 1: Ryan Keefe and Point Nemo (29.5)
Open Preliminary 2: Rachel Miles and Zane (37.5)
Preliminary Amateur Championship: Shannon Risner and Motor Patrol (35.4)
Preliminary Jr/YR Championship: Lauren Harris and Busy Bea (41.7)
Open Training: William Barclay and Stormn Hudson KD (33.4)
Open Training Championship: Elissa Gibbs and Voltaire’s Masterclass (39.8)
Training Amateur Championship: Amanda Richard and Count Julian (26.8)
Training Horse: Ciaran Thompson and Ooh La La SCF (25.9)
Training Junior Championship: Ruth Rosendaul and Kaloosh (33.4)
Training Rider 1: Megan Northrop and Harrison (29.8)
Training Rider 2: Skylar Davis and Prescient (35.7)
Novice Amateur Championship: Jane Musselman and Engapore (26.9)
Novice Horse: Ciaran Thompson and Paraselene SCF (27.5)
Novice Junior Championship: Adalee Ladwig and Diego (25.5)
Novice Rider 1: Emily Brooks and Lord Darby (22.4)
Novice Rider 2: Nicole Miller and Almost Voodoo (32.4)
Novice Rider Junior: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (34.7)
Open Novice: Megan Moore and Master Plan (31.0)
Open Novice Championship: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (24.5)
Beginner Novice Amateur Championship: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (23.5)
Beginner Novice Horse: Corinna Garcia and Simply I Suppose (23.0)
Beginner Novice Junior Championship: Megan Szymczak and Excellence Defined HOF (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider 1: Katherine McDonough and Irish Red (31.0)
Beginner Novice Rider 2: Casey Balloch Johnsey and Little Miss Tennessee (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Riley Jones and Senor Santana (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Dorothy Crowell and Hour’s Truly (33.0)
Open Beginner Novice Championship: Corinna Garcia and P.H. Lev Livet (33.0)
Open Starter 1: Jennier Evancic and Independence (32.3)
Open Starter 2: Rachel Nusbaum and That’s a Cat (37.8)
Starter Junior: Natalie Woodie and Soul Blues (43.7)

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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Cats: The Musical

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Open Preliminary: Adrienne Iorio and FH Bea Tastick (48.1)
Jr/YR Training: Nyah Butler and Happy Days (39.9)
Open Training: Jillian Middaugh and Miss Behaved (32.1)
Jr/YR Novice: Analise San Clemente and Sky Blue Dakota (31.7)
Open Novice: Sally Davis and ToffyPops (30.7)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice A: Ashlan Borsari and Devon Fantasie (38.0)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice B: Erin Cole and Sebastian (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Jocelyn Hawe and Jager Schnitzel (23.8)

Surefire Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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What a day! So much fun at Surefire Farm HT. I love going to this event. It’s always well run and an excellent test of the horses without being unfair. Twig started off the day with a lovely dressage test. She felt amazing. With more strength in the suppleness, will come better scores. I am super pleased with her. She was lovely and rideable in the sj. We didn’t always have the perfect spot, but she handled it well and didn’t get frazzled. I rode a lot better than I normally do with show nerves. Show jumping is my nemesis without Bug! 😂 we had one rail that was totally my fault, as I turned too shallow and didn’t have her straight soon enough. The XC course was very hilly, if you weren’t going up and You were going down. Between that and the uncharacteristic heat, it took a lot out of the horses. I’m proud to say that Twig went double clear likE a boss. She did they a bit tired at the end but she powered through and we were double clear to finish 4th!!! I am so happy and proud of her. She’s getting her well deserved pampering. A huge thanks to Christina Stamos Johns and Michael Johns for their help today with Twig after XC and getting video and pics. 💖💖💖🦄👑💪🏻💪🏻

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Open Intermediate: Lisa Takada and Wishbone (39.5)
Open Preliminary: Arden Wildasin and Il Vici (30.0)
Junior Training: Cierra Miller and Well Done Son (35.0)
Open Training A: Lauren Kieffer and I’ll Have Another (28.3)
Open Training B: Allison Springer and Lickity Split (22.9)
Training Rider: Shannon Ellis and Royal Alyance (36.7)
Junior Novice: Olivia Dutton and Iniesta (24.1)
Novice Rider A: Lisa Edinger and Woodstock Checkmate (25.6)
Novice Rider B: Nancy Wise and Monarts Diamond Lad (30.3)
Open Novice A: Aisling Carroll and Asthore (26.4)
Open Novice B: Gabby Dickerson and Cheeky Girl (31.2)
Open Novice C: Mia Farley and Haiana (25.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jacqueline Lopour and Quianna (33.3)
Junior Beginner Novice: Cierra Miller and Denis the Menace (35.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Brooke Bayley and CH Farms Teddy (33.6)

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Todd Wulf and Kilcannon Max (46.4)
Open Training: Anna Sornberger and Mr. Shenanigans (40.5)
Training Rider: Olivia Caspers and Carisma (24.1)
Novice Rider Junior: Kaylee Blazeniak and Caballo Oscuro (33.8)
Novice Rider Senior: Paula Shook and Graceland’s Liebchen (27.6)
Open Novice: Jenna Sack and Fernhill Imperial Flight (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Elle Kennedy and Wayward girl (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider Senior: Jane Mortensen and Bounty Hunter (36.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Brad Hall and All Aboard (30.5)
Starter Test A: Sheena Wenzel and Maximus of Elysium (40.5)
Starter Test B: Alexandra Kube and Flaming Raven Man (28.5)

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Many thanks are in order for Joan Davis and Flatlandsfoto for providing more win shots from Larkin Hill this weekend! Visit the Flatlandsfoto website to place your show photo orders.

Prelim/Training: Heidi White and Captain Fernhill (26.3)
Training: Andrea Waldo and TCF Quantum Leap (32.0)
Novice A: Cooper Madden-Hennessey and Dancing Kodachrome (29.1)
Novice B: Brianna Sotnick and Sir Ferghus (27.4)
Novice C: Heidi White and Patrick Kilkenny (28.8)
Intro: Amelia Pitts and KC’s Spellbound (27.8)
Beginner Novice A: Laura Voorheis and Kildare’s Buster Keaton (33.8)
Beginner Novice B: Courtney LaBarbera and Gatling (31.3)
Beginner Novice C: Alexandra Paris and Nacho (34.5)
Beginner Novice D: Marcia Kulak and Who Can Charm (26.5)

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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Mood when your horse is perfect on xc 🤩

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Open Preliminary A: Hannah Sue Burnett and Capitol HIM (31.2)
Open Preliminary B: Julia Strawbridge and Balmoral Oakey (32.6)
Open Training A: Amanda Beale Clement and San Suki (26.8)
Open Training B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Monbeg Odyssey (27.3)
Training Rider A: Patty Clucas and Lookover Erin (33.2)
Training Rider B: Lulu Moore and Sportsfield Goodwell (33.0)
Novice Rider A: Abby Fodor and Great Wheels (34.8)
Novice Rider B: Zachary Leamer and Keltic Junebug (31.2)
Open Novice: Holly Payne Caravella and Dito 16 (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Julie Worting and B.E.Excalibur (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Meagan Hennessy and Mansfield Park (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Kelly Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (28.3)

Thursday Video: The Madden Method of Stall Cleaning

By on Sep 26, 2019 5:00 pm - 4,578 views

Even all of us here in our eventing corner of the world are familiar with show jumping legend Beezie Madden. Running one of the busiest and most successful show barns in North America requires a high level of attention to detail — and this is a duty that Becky Huestis takes seriously. In the latest “Madden Method” video, Becky takes us behind the scenes at the Madden home facility in Cazenovia, Ny. Here are some top takeaways from behind the scenes at the Madden home base:

  • Water buckets are favored over automatic waterers
  • Feed buckets are fastened at the back corner to give caretakers an additional opportunity to walk into the stall to check on each horse
  • Straw is used in lieu of shavings or sawdust
  • It’s bad luck to put picks and shovels away dirty!
  • Shavings underneath the straw in areas where a horse uses the bathroom in the same spot can help absorb wet spots
  • Using straw helps save on plastic
  • Use your broom to do a quick cobweb and dust sweep after you clean the stall #multitasking
  • “Remember, if it’s not comfortable for you, it’s probably not comfortable for them.” – wise words from Becky

Want more Madden Method videos? Check out the main YouTube page for many more helpful tips!

Volunteer Nation: These 7 Events Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Sep 25, 2019 4:00 pm - 414 views

USEA CEO Rob Burk, a frequent eventing volunteer himself, stops to thank jump judges at the 2017 AEC in Tryon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

If you have some spare time this weekend between rides or if you have a rare horse show-free weekend ahead of you, you might consider putting in some volunteer hours at your local event. At any given event, your time will always be useful and appreciated. Plus, with resources such as EventingVolunteers.com, you can find opportunities to help all in one spot. If your local event isn’t listed on EventingVolunteers.com, chances are they may still need help! Reach out via the event or facility’s Facebook page or keep an eye out for volunteer coordinators hustling the troops on social media.

Here are seven events and clinics coming up this weekend that could use your help. Remember, the USEA wants to reward you for putting in volunteer hours! Not only do events run on the backs of volunteers, but there are some serious perks up for grabs for volunteers through the Volunteer Incentive Program!

Here are seven USEA events that need your help this weekend. Click on the event name for more info, and keep an eye on eventingvolunteers.com for future listings in your area.

Event: 2019 FEH Qualifier/Jump Chute Clinic at Loch Moy Farm
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, September 27
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: Office Help, Scorers

Event: 2019 FEH East Coast Championship at Loch Moy Farm
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: In Gate Steward, Jump Chute Assistant, Score Runner, FEH Conformation Scribe

Event: Surefire Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Address: 20490 St. Louis Rd., Purcellville, VA, 20132
Positions available: Jump Judges, XC Warm Up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage In Gate Steward, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Parking Steward, Jump Crew, SJ Timer, SJ Scribe

Event: Stable View Aiken Oktoberfest Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, September 29
Address: 117 Stable Dr, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions available: Event Prep, Merchandise Sales, Shuttle Drivers, Parking Steward, Vet Box Assistant, Vet Scribe, Dressage Gate Opener, Dressage Warm Up, Floater, Hospitality Helper, Pooper-Scooper (hey, someone has to do it!), Parking Cars, SJ Warm Up, XC Jump Judge

Event: Larkin Hill Autumn Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Thursday, September 26 – Monday, September 30
Address: 515 County Route 312, North Chatham, NY, 12132
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage, Stadium Set-up, XC Prep, Competitor Dinner Set-up, Hospitality Prep, General Help, Stabling Check-in and Trailer Parking, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Steward, XC Water Distribution, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Volunteer Check-in and Information, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Steward, Event Takedown – XC, Event Takedown – SJ, Event Takedown – Dressage

Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions available: XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, XC Pinney Collector, Scoring Steward, Secretary, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe

Event: Marlborough Unrecognized Starter Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, September 29
Address: Rosaryville State Park, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772
Positions available: XC Jump Judge, XC On-Course Timer, XC Score Runner, XC Starter, XC Warm-up, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Safety Steward, Parking Cars, SJ Announcer, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out Gate, SJ Scribe

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, Equestrians’ Institute & More!

By on Sep 23, 2019 1:00 pm - 485 views

It’s the first day of fall, which means those early horse show mornings are more likely to be chilly and your horse is more likely to attempt to buck you off in warm-up. Hang on tight, here are your winners from the weekend around Eventing Nation!

A shout-out is in order for this weekend’s lowest finishing score, David Adamo and Solaguayre California, who finished their weekend in the Twin Rivers Open Training on a score of 21.4.

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI4*-S: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (28.4)
CCI3*-S: James Atkinson and Fleur de Lis (37.3)
CCI2*-S: Holly Jones and Speed Bonnie Boat (38.1)
Advanced: Ryleigh Leavitt and MoonLight Crush (58.7)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Lilly (30.1)
Open Preliminary: Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill (28.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sarah Ertl and Global Showtime (37.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Pip Hayes and Peridot (28.0)
Open Training: David Adamo and Solaguayre California (21.4)
Sr. Training Rider: Allyson Hartenburg and Mucho Me Gusto (28.2)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Anya Mason and Mairin (31.9)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Grace Campion and Fire and Rain (32.6)
Novice Horse: Lisa Sabo and Infinity (26.4)
Open Novice: Kristen Merala and Sportsfield Neverland (27.4)
Sr. Novice Rider: Meghan Lewis and Rayastrada (30.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Sarah Bonfield and Indigo (27.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Sloan Bryson and Petite Pavarotti (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Ludger Thole and Rudy (22.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Meghan Dayka and Fianna (28.0)
Introductory A: Anna Olsen and My Zippers Undone (34.2)
Introductory B: Bunnie Sexton and Mister (26.7)
Future Event Horse Four Year Old: Jill Jamison and Tiny Dancer (75.1)
Future Event Horse Two Year Old: Jillian Terzian and NSF R-Twain Star (77.7)
Future Event Horse Yearling: Jennifer McFall and Power Play DF (76.2)
West Coast Future Event Horse Championship Four Year Old: Chloe Smyth and Nite Life (156.0)
West Coast Future Event Horse Championship Three Year Old: Earl McFall and Iluminada (148.2)
West Coast Future Event Horse Championship Two Year Old: Jillian Terzian and Nsf Bye The Way (76.5)
West Coast Future Event Horse Championship Yearling: Max Gerdes and Ferao DFEN (78.1)
Young Event Horse Four Year Old: Amber Levine and Keep Calm (82.1)
Young Event Horse Five Year Old: Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Quinn (84.2)

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]


Open Intermediate: Karen O’Neal and Ebenholtz (31.0)
Open Preliminary: Alina Patterson and Flashback (28.8)
Junior Training: Avery Jacob and Little Miss Sunshine (28.9)
Open Training A: Rosie Lutz and Believe It Or Not (34.3)
Open Training B: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (28.0)
Jr/YR Novice: Madelyn Floyd and Arms War (27.1)
Junior Novice: Sylvia Bran and Northern Expectation (29.3)
Open Novice A: Sandy Flowers and Reno’s Lad (28.8)
Open Novice B: Jordan Linstedt and Cafe Noir (24.1)
Junior Beginner Novice: Harper Padgett and Jess Because (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Renee Wang and Partly Cloudy (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Whitney Spicher and Sagewind Alexa (32.5)

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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So unbelievably proud of #teambascule and the #glittersquad today!! All three of my girls rode to the absolute best of their abilities and gave their three #unicorns phenomenal goes!! Maya and Ribbons took a commanding lead in the dressage (by nearly 5pts!!) and held it with a #doubleclear XC and SJ, winning her division!! Isabel and Rascal had a solid score after dressage and moved up to third place after another double clear go round!! Sophie and Luna had their most consistent event yet, finishing with a hard fought for seventh place!! All three girls rode the hair off their ponies and were like #littleprofessionals going around, makes my heart happy!!! #atgeventing #RRA #rhythm #relaxation #accuracy #yourshouldersdonthaveeyes #alldisconopanic #rockstarstatus #soproud #forward #intocontact #uphill #lovethesekids #beststudentsever

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Open Preliminary: Charlotte Stillfried and Palma D (29.4)
Preliminary Horse: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (27.4)
Open Training: Greer Melville and V S McCuan Civil Liberty (31.7)
Training Rider: Holly Covey and Tully Cross Hamish (34.8)
Junior Novice: Lucy Nelson and Second Chance (32.1)
Novice Horse: Stephanie Sills and Salt (24.3)
Novice Rider: McKenna Martinez and Commitment (24.1)
Open Novice: Danielle Beaver and Take A Chance (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Mary Perry and Cozmos (27.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Maya Kozauer and Rhapsody In Red (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tick Tock (28.3)
Starter: Alise Shotwell and FMF SOL (36.7)

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Samantha Tinney and Glenbrook Cooley (31.5)
Training: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Two Step Program (29.0)
Open Novice: Becky Roper and Emerald Breeze (31.0)
Novice: Kendall Miller and Elliot GS (28.8)
Beginner Novice A: Grace Williams and Over It (30.0)
Beginner Novice B: Maci Finley and Voodoos Lil Leaguer (31.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Hannah Miller and Dynamic Knight (28.5)
Starter: Aurelia Jesse and Plain Brown Wrap (34.5)
Introductory: Hailey Uriate and Samac’s the Magician (26.9)

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Training A: Amanda Gardiner and Finn McCool (33.4)
Training B: Rachel Laliberte and Mr Rockin West (31.6)
Novice A: Jennifer Eddy and Poker Run (26.9)
Novice B: Savnnah Audet and Sweet Secret (31.9)
Novice C: Polly White and Ready or Not (33.8)
Beginner Novice A: Corrinne Lauze and Anam Cara (30.0)
Beginner Novice B: Carol Geremia and Mattie (32.3)


Cedar Ridge H.T. [Final Scores]

 

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me and vincent are OFFICIALLY a novice pair, completing our first recognized novice event (and second novice in general)! with a fantastic test to show off his foundation we’ve been building over the past couple weeks, we sat in second. through xc we only suffered very minimal time faults due to my own over-preparation of the scary bank (which he barely looked at) and the soul-sucking ditch (which he also was quite unbothered by) and had a double clear round in stadium. very pleased with our accomplishments this season overall and can’t wait to keep venturing further in our journey together ❤️ #novice #eventing #moveup #crosscountry #stadium #dressage #bigboypants #allgrownup

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Training Open: Isabella Novak and Dreamliner (44.9)
Novice Open: Brooklynn Lyos and Valiant Sir Vincent (35.8)
Beginner Novice Open: Jordan Riske and Match Play Jojo (31.0)
Starter Open: Corrinne Pepper and Speight The Devil (28.6)

Tamie Smith Takes the Podium in Twin Rivers CCI4*-S

By on Sep 23, 2019 11:00 am - 634 views

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo courtesy of Marcus Greene Photography/Athletux Press Release.

Massive amounts of work are involved in putting on any event, and pulling off an event with the magnitude that is fall Twin Rivers certainly deserves an award of its own. The Paso Robles, Ca. facility hosts several events throughout the year, and their fall finale is one of their biggest with divisions ranging from the West Coast Future Event Horse Championships, to Intro level all the way up to CCI4*-S. Many props and thanks are in order to all involved with ensuring one of the marquee events on the West coast calendar runs without a hitch!

Twin Rivers also welcomed Hugh Lochore for the first time as course designer — look for more changes to the track as time goes on. “I have really enjoyed being here for the first time,” Hugh said in a press release. “After getting to know the terrain and team behind the event a bit better, I very much look forward to putting forth a plan for the future.”

It was a banner weekend for Tamie Smith, who finished off her final prep for the Boekelo CCIO4*-L next month with a handy win in the CCI4*-S with the Alex Ahearn’s Mai Baum. Finishing on a final score of 28.4, “Lexus” was once again in prime form and looks to be raring to go with a busy fall season coming down the pipe.

“We’ve been doing quite a bit of homework since the Pan American Games and I was thrilled with the result this weekend,” Tamie said in a press release. “We were fortunate to have training sessions earlier this week here at Twin Rivers with US Team Coach Erik Duvander and he was able to help me polish some final details before we head abroad again to contest Boekelo at the Nation’s Cup in just a few weeks.”

Not to be outdone, however, Tamie also went on to collect the other two podium spots in the CCI4*-S, finishing second and third respectively with Ruth Bley’s En Vogue  and Danito. You may recall this dynamic duo who finished first and second in the Intermediate division at AEC! This was a move up for these two budding stars, and Tamie is thrilled to have added to her Advanced string with this solid start.

Marc Grandia collected another solid 2019 placing in the CCI4*-S with Team Rebecca LLC’s Campari FFF, finishing fourth on a final score of 42.0. Gina Economou rounds out the top five in the CCI4*-S aboard her own Exclusive, an exciting younger horse who just stepped up to the level this year and earned a finishing score of 51.2.

Carvaggio II shows off his winnings. Photo via Bec Braitling on Facebook.

James Atkinson took home a win in the CCI3*-S aboard Fleur de Lis, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding formerly campaigned by Tamie Smith. This pair added just four time penalties on Hugh Lochore’s cross country course to finish on a score of 37.3. Hot on James’ heels was Bec Braitling aboard Arnell Sport Horses’ Caravaggio II. The 8-year-old British Sport Horse gelding most recently finished in the top five in the CCI2*-L at Rebecca Farm, and his step up to the CCI3* level resulted in a finishing score of 39.9. Rounding out the top three are another CCI3*-S debutante pair, Asia Vedder and her own Isi, who finished on a final score of 41.2.

The West coast also crowned the champions of the Future Event Horse divisions this weekend, and several young stars on the rise have put themselves firmly on the radar with great finishes from the weekend. You can read the full recap of these divisions thanks to the USEA here.

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Jess Wilson’s Mission to Help Working Horses and Donkeys Continues: How to Help

By on Sep 17, 2019 3:00 pm - 479 views

Last year, former head groom to Sir Mark Todd, Jess Wilson, embarked on a journey to Egypt to work with Animal Care Egypt and Egypt Equine Aid. The efforts of these nonprofits help working horses and donkeys who are in need of medical care and support. It’s tough and heartbreaking work, but Jess returned again this year to contribute more time.

For this go-round, Jess has started a fundraiser to auction off a Burghley t-shirt signed by none other than Sir Mark himself. You can bid on the shirt through Friday, September 20 here.

You can read Jess’ blog from last fall here. We asked Jess to share her experience from this year’s trip:

The accommodations for carriage horses. Photo by Jess Wilson.

This time, I was there at the end of summer so got a small taste of how hot it gets!! It was 43 degrees Celcius (in mid-summer it gets up to 49 degrees) and on the East Bank where the carriage horses are it’s really stuffy in the city with no breeze off the Nile and NO SHADE. There is one water trough for hundreds of horses and no washing off facilities. So it’s actually really difficult for owners to keep them cool if they wanted to!

It’s the same in Cairo at the pyramids – there’s no water at all at the horse stand up there. Animal Care Egypt’s (ACE) policy is that horses must be untacked, offered water and thoroughly hosed off before being presented to the vets (unless there is an emergency). Secondly, in the summer there are much fewer tourists because of the heat so the pressure to get business is increased. Last November we would get harassed in the streets to buy carriage rides for 120LE (about £6), whereas last week we were getting hassled to buy rides for just 20LE (95p).

This man was really lovely and was stroking his great conditioned and very clean horse and chatting to him whilst hand feeding him his barseem grass. So to me it’s frustrating that there are caring owners out there but there are no rewards for looking after your horse well!

For me the real issue and thing that’s preventing any progress is still the lack of legislation and provision of better facilities by the government. Owners really need to be accountable in some way for their animals and punished for any abuse. And there need to be regulations to level the playing a bit so that the poor owners who actually do care and are really trying to do their best for their animals get rewarded with enough business. Also, it was great to see two student vets working at ACE – there are no practical elements to the vet med courses in Egypt so great that ACE is offering this opportunity.

Skinny horse with bleeding knees. Photo by Jess Wilson.

At some point, veterinary care will always be needed for these horses. So it’s important that organizations such as ACE are able to serve these areas. Funding continues to be an issue, as does awareness. The more we can all do to help and bring much-needed assistance to these horses, the better.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Nine (9!) USEA Events Across the Eventing Nation

By on Sep 17, 2019 1:00 pm - 786 views

Grab your pumpkin spice, y’all — this week’s edition of Weekend Winners is a big one! Fall eventing is one of the best times of the year, and we saw nine recognized horse trials running this weekend all over Eventing Nation.

A shout-out is due for this weekend’s lowest finishing score, an 18.3 scored by Karli Wright and Master Eli in the Novice Rider at Blue Ridge. Congratulations and well done!

Without further ado, let’s get to this week’s roundup of winners!

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Nita Sanfilippo and Alarmabull (49.5)
Open Preliminary: Todd Wulf and Kilcannon Max (46.1)
Junior Training: Mya Poulos and Sir Duke (27.5)
Open Training: Sam Kelly and Cobra King (27.5)
Preliminary Training: Elly Bates and Bold Move (34.8)
Senior Training Rider: Chris Heydon and Is He A She (32.1)
Junior Novice: Abby Oldham and Donkey Hodie (28.3)
Open Novice: Todd Wulf and Kando (26.9)
Senior Novice A: Rose Kelly and Kitty’s Irish Diamond (33.3)
Senior Novice B: Camber Sannes and Charlie Parker (32.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Elle Kennedy and Wayward Girl (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Ellen Grady and Deshi CR (29.5)
Senior Beginner Novice A: Cecilia Emilsson and Blazing Angel (29.3)
Senior Beginner Novice B: Linda Pozanc and Caesar Armani (36.3)
Starter Beginner Novice A: Emily Haug and LA Top Gun (30.8)
Starter Beginner Novice B: Jane Griggs and Arthur (31.8)

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary A: Dan Kreitl and Carmango (28.4)
Open Preliminary B: Emma Drury and Aberlour (25.0)
Open Training A: Emily Hansen-Palmus and FireFox (26.7)
Open Training B: Erin Pullen and Koko Chanel (24.3)
Training Rider A: Hannah Maloney and Phoenyx (33.6)
Training Rider B: Ruth Rosendaul and Kaloosh (33.4)
Novice Rider A: Madelyn Leahey and Pursuit of Perfection (30.7)
Novice Rider B: Megan Northrop and Harrison (29.5)
Open Novice: Sydney Ayres and Be Cool MEC (24.1)
Beginner Novice A: Anne McMillin and Shoshone (29.8)
Beginner Novice B: Sierra Thomas and Chambery (30.3)
Beginner Novice C: Sally Smedley and Golden Ticket CR (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Susannah Lansdale and Four Star (29.3)

The Event at Skyline [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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So much hard work lead our team to such great results this last weekend at The Event at Skyline!!!! Taisyn Johnson/Atkinson on Ferrari Ari finished on their dressage score in 6th place in the Jr. beginner novice! Lilli Killpack on scarlet with a great performance finished 8th in the Jr. beginner novice! Amelia Hall on Absolute at their first recognized show finished 3rd with a score of 31.8 in the Jr. beginner novice! Carly Atkinson on Unbridled Gambler finished on their dressage score for 4th in the Open beginner novice!! Travis Atkinson on Ruger finished 1st with a 27.3 in the Open beginner novice!! Kathleen Boyle on Awfully Lucky finished on their dressage score for 5th in the Open novice!! Steph Whitlow on Abigail had a great show finishing 4th in the Open Novice! Alli Duffy on Relevance finished 2nd in the Open Training with a 28.8 in their training level debut! Tatiana Larson on Eloquent finished 2nd in the Jr. training! Carly Atkinson on Ironie finished 7th in their first Training/prelim! Travis Atkinson on Don Darco were 1st with a 26.7 in the Open preliminary! It is so exciting to see everyone’s hard work pay off!! We are so proud of our whole team and their impressive performances!! On to the next one!! . . . . . . @littlerelevance @skylineeventingpark @lilliandscarlett @_amelia_hallll @kathyboyleottb @steph_snuffy @horsesrule99 @carly3atkinson #bestweekendallyearinseptember #skylineeventing #dynamicequestrian #bestteamever #barnfullofunicorns #hardworkpaysoffs #eventing #finishedondressagescore #youngriders #equine

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Open Intermediate/Preliminary: James Atkinson and Fleur de Lis (31.4)
Open Preliminary: Travis Atkinson and Don Darco (26.7)
Open Preliminary/Training: Vicki Baker and Got the Last Call (39.4)
Junior/YR Training: Jodie Willow Maguire and Flint And Steel (31.8)
Senior Training: Erin Contino and Handsome Ransom (28.6)
Junior/YR Novice: Cate Lowham and CJ Thunder (30.7)
Senior Novice: Lindsay Wagner and Jenson (29.7)
Junior/YR Beginner Novice: Analise Christensen and Happy Boy (26.5)
Senior Beginner Novice: Travis Atkinson and Ruger (27.3)
Junior/YR Starter: Kyla Tovar and Moylough Dapple (27.8)
Senior Starter: Paula Cudd and Latte (32.8)

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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My prelim pony 💙🧡 #triplecrowncustom #psofsweden #ifthebonnetfits #neuschulebits

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Open Preliminary: Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill That Guy Jack (27.6)
Preliminary Rider: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (28.5)
Junior Training: Anna Dias and Le Vent Noir (43.6)
Open Training: Lakiesha Varney and Kolor Me Gone (26.1)
Training Rider: Shannon Wallman-Hatch and Glidawn Master (27.5)
Junior Novice A: Isabel Estes and Fernhill Blue Moon (25.7)
Junior Novice B: June Clark and Dealin’ Diamonds (29.1)
Novice Rider A: David Cornell and Fernhill Sinatra (28.6)
Novice Rider B: Pamela Bolek and Well Decorated (29.3)
Open Novice: Michelle Kulak and Pantheon (25.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Marion Pomeroy and Romance II (25.5)
Junior Beginner Novice: Whitney Lewis and Meadowlark (38.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Jennifer Fitch and Caraway Dairein Romance (25.5)

Blue Ridge Mountain H.T. at TIEC [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced A: Doug Payne and Quantum Leap (40.6)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Magdalena Valenti and Wish I Am (43.6)
Open Intermediate: Lucienne Elms and Mistralou (46.4)
Open Preliminary: John Michael Durr and Casofino (29.1)
Preliminary Rider: Maddie McElduff and Spring Easy (32.9)
Modified: Erin Kimmer and Jude (32.7)
Open Training: Tiffani Loudon-Meetze and Mini Cooper (29.5)
Preliminary/Training: Alison Smith and Irish Blend (51.2)
Training Rider: Karli Wright and Sorocaima (34.7)
Novice Rider: Karli Wright and Master Eli (18.3)
Open Novice: Jessica Schultz and FGF Peri Whan (23.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lynn Welles and Quiet Love (23.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Keileigh McMurray and Rapport (29.8)

Poplar Place Farm September H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

YR Intermediate: Savannah Blackstock and Garryndruig Albie (80.4)
Open Intermediate: Werner Geven and L’Avventura (33.2)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill (35.5)
Open Preliminary: Werner Geven and Double Dare (32.4)
Open Training: Lizzie Chamberlin and Theodora (33.6)
Preliminary/Training: Jorja Miller and Calypso Girl (34.7)
Training Horse: Jessica Shull and Free Radical (29.8)
Training Rider: Katarina Midgley and Blaze of Charm (29.1)
Novice Horse: Carden Burdette and Stay Frosty Oscar (33.2)
Novice Rider: Maisie Wagner and Hokuloa (26.1)
Open Novice: Zach Ketelboeter and TN Anonymous (37.9)
Training/Novice: Skylah VinZant and The Black Pearl (35.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Reagan Walter and Ideal Design (31.40)
Open Beginner Novice: Lara Roberts and Boukoo Round Trip (28.6)
Senior Beginner Novice: Lee Fairchild and Leprechaun Lane’s Drumgrey (38.4)
Starter: Alice Moran-Tilles and Wyatt (25.3)

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

 

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After A little more than a year of not showing, Salsa and I had a fabulous day at Flora Lea Horse Trials!

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Open Preliminary: Tiffany Wandy and CV Outlaw (39.2)
Preliminary Rider: Cassie Sanger and Born Ready (39.5)
Open Training: Caroline Martin and FE Sergio Grasso (30.0)
Training Horse: Erin Sylvester and MHF Scottie (28.6)
Training Junior: Olivia Barone and Wexford Wonder Boy (40.4)
Training Senior: Jill Macauley and Take Your Time (33.8)
Novice Horse: Lillian Heard and Cooley Gentleman (29.3)
Novice Junior: Emma Humble and My Painted Princess (30.6)
Novice Senior: Leighanne Sadley and Licorice (30.4)
Open Novice: Jane Jennings and Larano 5 (30.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Garutti and Labras Leannon (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tic Tock (31.5)

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Sarah Erbes and Chili Infused (38.9)
Training: Kathleen Neuhoff, DVM and Swiss Mystique (36.6)
Novice: Madeline Bletzacker and Landtino S (24.8)
Beginner Novice A: Vanessa Miller and Obvious Diamond Article (36.0)
Beginner Novice B: Kyle Smith and KSE Modest Mouse (33.3)
Starter A: Amanda Gantz and My Bugatti (25.3)
Starter B: Elliana Sanchez-Muir and Jabez (32.2)

CDCTA Fall H.T. [Website] [Live Final Scores]


Open Preliminary 1: Dominic Schramm and Quadrocana (23.7)
Open Preliminary 2: Jimmie Schramm and Imperial Striker (29.7)
Open Training 1: Woods Baughman and Lord Calegro (31.9)
Open Training 2: Adriana Nannini and Tall Tale (29.5)
Open Training 3: Arden Wildasin and HelloHello (30.7)
Open Novice 1: Lynn Symansky and Ramiro’s Magic (24.5)
Open Novice 2: Lindsay Berreth and Oh So Extreme (30.2)
Open Novice 3: Arden Wildasin and Tokyo Drift (25.5)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Sarah Bernat and Inci’s Sweet Vice (33.0)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Erin Murphy and Papa Pablo (27.8)
Introductory: Robin Bickel and Black Sea Baron (34.2)