Become an Eventing Nation BloggerGet into the spirit for the return of MARS Bromont International this weekend and settle in for a dive into the RNS Video archives. This one comes from the 1994 running of Bromont — recognize any famous faces?
While there is sadly no live feed from this year’s Bromont, we’ll have more reports to come to keep you up to speed on the action. Stay tuned!
MARS Bromont International (Quebec, Canada): [Website] [Entries] [Dressage Ride Times] [Volunteers] [Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram]
Last weekend marked the first event of the spring for Kansas City, held each April at Longview Horse Park just to the east of the city. Mill Creek Pony Club hosts this event at the Horse Park, which also plays host to other horse events as well as a fall horse trial, and it’s always a stable of the close-knit Area IV’s calendar.
This year, Mill Creek tapped JJ Sillman as their event photographer, which means we’ve got candids for absolute days to enjoy. You can purchase your own photos from Mill Creek by clicking here.
These shots really encapsulate that #goeventing vibe and we are HERE for it. Enjoy!
Carrie Meehan celebrates second place with Gold to Blue Trapper Jack. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Kris Greenway and Ash B’dash en route to a clear cross country. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Elle Lunsford and Sweet Creature make some moves on cross country. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Appreciation. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
A job well done! Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Karen Demauro celebrates a clear round and third place in the Open Beginner Novice. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Mallory Stiver records her mom, Ginger’s, show jumping round. Photo by JJ Sillman Photography.
Enjoy a few more scenes from Mill Creek:
Ema Klugman and RF Redfern. Photo by Red Bay Stock.
It’s all systems go — with a bit of drama — at the return of the MARS Bromont International, which is welcomed back to Quebec, Canada this weekend after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Long format horses in four divisions and representing four nations presented their horse to the Ground Jury of Marliyn Payne (USA), Sue Baxter (GBR), Peter Gray (CAN), Bea DiGrazia (USA), Cara Whitham (CAN) this afternoon for inspection.
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre (U252*-L). Photo by Red Bay Stock.
Four horses were held during the horse inspection; one, Emalee Bodimeade’s Marvin (U252*-L), was not accepted on re-inspection, and another, Alex Green’s Fernhill Limited Edition (3*-L) was withdrawn from the hold box. Kendal Lehari’s 2*-L ride, Darcy as well as Maddie Hale’s Cinzano 87 (U252*-L) were both accepted upon re-inspection. Meanwhile in the 4*-L, Jessica Phoenix withdrew the stallion Humble GS prior to the jog.
Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Red Bay Stock.
This leaves 83 horses in the Long format divisions going forward in to dressage. We’ll see the 4*-S horses trot up on Sunday ahead of show jumping.
We now look ahead to the commencement of dressage tomorrow morning, beginning at 8:40 a.m. with test rides in each ring. The 3*-L and U252*-L will be the first divisions to see, followed in the afternoon by the 4*-L. The remaining 4*-L riders as well as the 4*-S pairs will ride dressage on Friday. You can glance at ride times here.
We’ll be back all week long with more updates from Bromont, and Abby Powell will be on the ground beginning Friday and will bring us a preview of what Derek di Grazia’s got up his sleeve this week. Until then, Go Eventing!
The Bromont CCI Three Day Event is made possible in part through a contribution from the Government of Canada. The Bromont organizing committee also wishes to thank the Gouvernement du Québec, Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement Supérieur, and the City of Bromont for their support of this year’s event.
MARS Bromont International (Quebec, Canada): [Website] [Entries] [Dressage Ride Times] [Volunteers] [Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram]
On April 7, amateur eventer Jennifer Wiedrick suffered a heavy fall that resulted in a break at her C4 vertebrae. Jennifer subsequently underwent surgery to place a rod in her neck and is currently recovering at Shepherd Center, a neurological treatment and rehabilitation facility, in Atlanta, Georgia.
To help support Jennifer’s ongoing recovery, which will likely require skilled nursing for the rest of her life as well as in-home modifications, a GoFundMe has been set up and a benefit clinic will be hosted at Barnstaple South in Ocala this Saturday, June 11. Andrea Davidson and Kyle Carter will be donating their time and the funds collected from the one-day clinic to Jennifer’s recovery fund.
Julie Wiedrick and Webster at the Ocala Jockey Club in 2016. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
“Please join Kyle Carter and myself in a fundraiser clinic for Jennifer Wiedrick this Saturday, June 11 at Barnstaple in Ocala,” Andrea wrote on social media. “The clinic will be 100% donated to Jenny and her family. There is no set amount for the clinic, so please come and show your support.”
If you’d like to ride, please email or direct message Andrea at [email protected]. You must include your preferred clinician and whether you’d like dressage, show jumping, or cross country help. There is no set price for the clinic; rather participants are encouraged to donate what they feel comfortable for their lesson.
We’re pulling hard for Jennifer and her family and will provide further updates on her recovery and ways to help as they are available.
I’ll let Simon Grieve intro today’s News & Notes, as I think his post from earlier this week will resonate and help others understand why months like Pride month matter. It’s prudent to be cautious not to fall into exploitation — and for me it’s a good reminder to check in and figure out where I can do better with my understanding and ongoing commitment to learning more outside of “awareness months” — but these months are intended to celebrate, educate, and commemorate. Let’s not forget that! We want to celebrate all riders from all types of backgrounds, and everyone has a different story to tell.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Aspen Farm H.T. (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run H.T. (Chelsea, Mi.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Golden Spike H.T. (Ogden, Ut.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Middleburg H.T. (The Plains, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Queeny Park H.T. (St. Louis, Mo.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
River Glen H.T. (River Glen, Tn.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Unionville H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Major International Events:
MARS Bromont International (Quebec, Canada): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteers] [Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram]
Bramham International (West Yorkshire, England): [Website] [Schedule & Orders of Go] [Live Scoring] [Saturday XC Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram]
Wednesday News & Reading
There is still time to register for the upcoming US Equestrian DEI Community Conversations, scheduled for Monday, June 13 at 5 p.m. EST. This edition, which is held over Zoom with a panel of speakers, will center around Cultivating Inclusive Spaces for Transgender and Non-Binary Equestrians. You can register for a Zoom invite here. There’s no cost to attend and you do not need to be a US Equestrian member.
During Pride month but equally importantly at all times, understanding our peers who are members of the LGBTQ+ community is key to broadening perspectives. You can take a look back at a previous DEI Community Conversation on exactly this topic here. Want to dive deeper? I find the “How to Be a Better Human” podcast to be on my frequently-played list most weeks and this episode was a great listen.
It’s been a dream year so far for Canadian rider Lindsay Traisnel. She’s traveled from Canada to France and back, cultivating her riding career as she’s gone. Now she operates Windsor Equestrian Centre with her husband and fellow eventer Xavier Traisnel, working together to run the barn and also raise their two daughters. Oh — and she just ran around the Kentucky 4*-S in April, no big deal. Read more about Lindsay here.
Want to improve your body control in the saddle? Me too. Luckily there are a few exercises that are simple to incorporate into your next ride that can help you hone in on this. Read more here.
Watch This on H&C+
Don’t miss the cross country phase of competition at Bramham International on Saturday (June 11)!
Wednesday Video Break
I’ll just leave this here…
@bookipsies It’s adults vs children basically. Also don’t ask me what western people do I have no idea but they look so fun and I love the buckles. #greenscreen #equestrian #horses #horseriding #thoroughbreds #ottb #horsetraining #horsegirl #equestrianlife #eventinghorse #eventing #dressage #warmbloods #warmbloods4days #dressagehorse #dressagehorses #hunterjumpers #hunterhorse ♬ original sound – Sydney Steverson
Sponsor Corner
Ever wondered if the Haygain Forager is hard to assemble? See for yourself:
Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
It’s been three years since we’ve seen horses and riders hop over the border to our lovely neighbors in the North and the MARS Bromont CCI. Located at the south end of Quebec, just over the Vermont/Canada border and just to the east of Montreal, Bromont is a slice of eventing paradise and poutine and we can’t wait to be back this week.
Abby Powell will be our eyes on the ground this weekend, and we’ll have loads of action coming your way all weekend. Here are a few need-to-knows as well as a quick preview of the entry list. Want horse stats? Hop over to the USEA’s Fact Facts for a round-up.
This year, a total of 133 entries across two CCI2*-L, a CCI3*-L, CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S divisions will compete, riding dressage before the Ground Jury of Marliyn Payne (USA), Sue Baxter (GBR), Peter Gray (CAN), Bea DiGrazia (USA), Cara Whitham (CAN) and tackling Derek di Grazia’s (assisted by Jay Hambly) cross country track on Saturday.
Bromont also marks the return of the Bromont Rising Grant Program for riders under 25. This program provides funding assistance as well as special coaching, course walks, and lectures at competitions to a handful of young riders who submitted applications. There is also a U25 CCI2*-L with 17 horses and riders entered.
18 combinations will contest the headlining CCI4*-L division, with another 13 entered in the CCI4*-S:
You can preview the full entry list here. We’ll have much more to come all weekend from Bromont, as well as Bramham in the UK, so don’t go anywhere and thanks for following along!
MARS Bromont International (Quebec, Canada): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteers] [Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram]
Plenty of action to round up this fine Monday, so let’s dive right in:
This week’s Unofficial Low Score Award winner is Dr. Melanie Helms, who won her Beginner Novice division at IEA with PS Gran Torino on a 20.3 — a personal best for this pair since their partnership began in 2021. Nicely done!
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Results]
Training/Novice: Tessa Bennett and Beck and Call (32.5)
Open Novice: Peytyn Geer and Dublin Red (36.5)
Beginner Novice A: Farley Wagner and Kieran (27.1)
Beginner Novice B: Anna Hendey and Sheldon (31.3)
Intro A: Molly Krotz and All Tuckered Out (38.5)
Intro B: Karen Kelley and Full Gallop’s King Red (33.0)
Intro C: Mary Snyder and Cadillac Carter (35.7)
GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (39.9)
Preliminary Rider: Stephanie Sills and Mile Neuf Cent (36.7)
Jr. Training: Jillian Perry and Estrella Bosque (23.3)
Open Training A: Lisa Niccolai and KC’s Celtic Kharacter (32.0)
Open Training B: Alex Conrad and Lexington II (24.7)
Training Rider: Kathleen Bailey and Kennebec Rugby (28.9)
Jr. Novice: Anna Meretei and Diego Future Trend (23.9)
Open Novice A: Emily A. Mainolfi and Tucker (26.4)
Open Novice B: Jennifer Fitch and Caraway Daireing Romance (26.9)
Novice Rider A: Andrew Beal and Capstone’s MJ Tasmania (25.8)
Novice Rider B: Kathleen Bailey and Kennebec Echo (31.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Molly Czub and Zuko (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jill McClabb and Innis (35.9)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Miriam Evans and Santino (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Audrey Littlefield and Mr. Pumpkin (26.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: John R. Bourgoin and Take That (29.1)
IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, Ind.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Jessena Defler and Gasparo van de Falieberg (43.4)
Open Preliminary: Adalee Ladwig and Santiago (37.0)
Open Modified: Gina Pletch and Charlotte La Bouff (23.1)
Open Training A: Kate Kirchdorfer and Galway Bay Cooley (31.2)
Open Training B: Lia van der Wal and Continuous (27.1)
Open Training C: Aspen Duffin and Tag You’re It (27.2)
Training Three-Day: Arielle Ferrell and Parkmore’s Miss Demeanor (35.4)
Open Novice A: Corinna Garcia and Schiller Nav (23.3)
Open Novice B: Cathrine Wunderlich and Concatulations (25.8)
Open Novice C: Kaylianna Mcmorris and Fernhill Future Star (24.4)
Open Novice D: Abigail Walker and The Perfect Storm MK (28.3)
Open Novice E: Bonnie Coulter and Network News (29.7)
Novice Three-Day: Kyla Tovar and Kilcoltrim Jacko (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Marin Swyers and Harrison (20.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Melanie Helms and PS Gran Torino (20.3)
Open Beginner Novice C: Emily Hummel and What’s His Face SSH3 (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice D: Julie Jarrell and All Dun Up (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice E: Siena Perry and Little Brown Bird (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice F: Rehgan Weber and Maximus (27.5)
Open Starter A: Brad Hall and Montauk Blue (31.0)
Open Starter B: Christy Schlough and Vanquish (30.3)
Open Starter C: Ava Bischoff and Jack On The Rocks (23.1)
The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wy.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Cruiseaway (49.0)
Preliminary: Julie Bryer and Fernhill Dynamic (38.9)
Modified: Payton Robinson and That’s The Stuff (39.7)
Training: Madeline Backus and Baratheon (27.2)
Novice Junior: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (24.4)
Novice Senior A: Anna Cummings and Charlie Fly (29.7)
Novice Senior B: Heather McWilliams and Southern Soiree (35.7)
Beginner Novice Junior: Lauren Weichold and River Waltz (35.9)
Beginner Novice Senior A: Deanna Hovland and Action Cover Z (34.4)
Beginner Novice Senior B: Melinda Hofmeister and My Brigadier (31.8)
Tadpole Junior: Addy Dunlap and Peachy Keen (33.8)
Tadpole Senior: Brittany Foust and HH Ragamuffin Gunner (32.2)
Starter Junior: Vivian Inman and French Jewel (37.3)
Starter Senior: Madeline Backus and Slew the Blues (28.0)
YEH 4 Year Old: Kim Wendel and MBF Reality (71.3)
MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, Md.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Erin Kanara and Windchase Lionstar (29.7)
Preliminary CT: Tiffany Wandy and CV Outlaw (37.4)
Open Modified A: Katie Lichten and EHF Casiro Royale (32.4)
Open Modified B: Erin Kanara and Royal Empress (29.8)
Open Training: Lillian Heard and Bellines Quality Lady (23.6)
Training CT: Angelina Pezzuto and High Prince (36.1)
Training Rider A: Annaliese Clayton and Dewey Square (33.8)
Training Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (30.2)
Jr. Novice: Emma Hayes and Where’d It Go (32.2)
Novice Rider A: Ty Burke and Carmella (31.4)
Novice Rider B: Alec Cole and Phamtom Spot (35.0)
Open Novice A: Kaitlin Clasing and Limelight SPF (34.9)
Open Novice B: Kaitlin Clasing and Above the Fold (26.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Shari Young and Pure Cotton (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Angela M. Bailey and Sir W Dudley (29.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Sutton Wetcher and Good JuJu (28.1)
Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Georgia Dillard and Galileo WP (26.4)
Open Preliminary: Kalli Core and Mastermind (32.5)
Preliminary Rider: Stephanie Cordell and Codename Toby (35.0)
Modified Open: Jon Holling and Fernhill Copain (27.8)
Modified Rider: Lydia Bradshaw and Cassio’s Picasso (25.3)
Open Training: Libby Head and Face Value (25.3)
Training Rider: Susannah Karatzias and Cassius (29.8)
Novice Rider: Colleen Tilley and Yourdecisionnotmine (29.7)
Open Novice: Libby Head and Filly Gumbo (27.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kristen Mumme and Darby Rose (31.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Kalli Core and Flagmount’s Keen Ice (37.5)
I always enjoy seeing the work created by talented artists around our sport, and this cool slow-mo highlight reel from last weekend’s Woodside H.T. is just the ticket. Enjoy the action!
To view full results from Woodside, click here.
Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Equestrian Canada has named its 2022 High Performance Squad athletes as well as its Development Squad as the country looks ahead to this fall’s FEI World Championships for Eventing, where an all-important Paris Olympics qualification is on the line.
Named to the High Performance Squad are:
Dana Cooke and Mississippi, who are currently overseas competing in Ireland, are one pair named to Equestrian Canada’s Development Squad. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Recently, Equestrian Canada released its fundraising goals for the season, identifying a goal of $250,000 to help bring the equestrian program forward to reach new heights. You can make a donation by clicking here, and stay tuned for more ways to get involved coming soon.
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After our most recent Who Jumped It Best poll went viral — not for the skill showcased by the riders but rather for the grimaces of comically extreme focus on each rider’s face — we’re here to give the people what they want: a “faces of eventing” photo challenge.
We know the fine faces pictured below won’t mind us using them as examples, mostly because we also know we ALL have at least one photo like this. I can personally attest that my face while riding looks like I am actually quite angry to be in the saddle and that you probably shouldn’t get on my bad side (RBF problems, I suppose).
Caitlin Davison and M Cloudy de Lune SE. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Lauren LoPiccolo and Csongor. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
So we’re putting it to you now. Send us or show us your finest eventing face and we’ll put a few of the best options up for a reader vote to win some EN gear. We know you’ve got some, so let’s see ’em! Send them to [email protected] or tag us on social (we’ll also put up a comment thread on Facebook for submissions). We’ll post a gallery of finalists on Monday!
Need some more inspiration? Allow these grimaces to send you into a spiral of show photo stalking to find a face that gives these a run for their money:
Exhibit A: Any photo of Tom McEwen, it seems. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Dom Schramm can typically be counted on for a good in-saddle stare. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
You can also follow the (unaffiliated but incredibly awesome) Faces of Eventing Instagram page for more inspo…
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Hard to believe Badminton is a month removed already, so I went digging for some highlight reels to relive the weekend. Lucky I did, as I stumbled upon this gorgeous min-reel from All I See Media that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of eventing and the tradition of the historic Badminton Horse Trials. Enjoy!
Don’t forget: you can still catch the archived replays from not just this year, but previous Badmintons as well, with your Badminton TV pass that’s good for a year with a one-time purchase. Click here to check it out.
Woodside’s annual Preliminary Challenge is a huge draw for the West coast, and to celebrate this year’s edition we’ve got a big field to sift through to find our next Who Jumped It Best champion!
This monster Who Jumped It Best was taken at fence 19B, a drop into the water on the Preliminary challenge cross country course. It was followed by a brush fence and then the final table on course.
Take a look at the photos below and cast your vote for the pair that presents the best overall picture. Eternal EN karma and bragging rights to the winner! Many thanks to Sherry Stewart for providing the shots for this column.
Tamie Smith and Crafty Don. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Grace Wechser and Raskadero. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
David Adamo and Baral Silversee. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
James Alliston and Flinterro Z. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Josh Barnacle and Skyrise. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Katy Robinson and Teki to the Limit. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Lauren LoPiccolo and Csongor. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
India McEvoy and E’zara. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Jolie Wentworth and KF Klosterbrau. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Haley Dwight and WS Radagast. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Caitlin Davison and M Cloudy de Lune SE. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Sally Phillips and Dark Knight Royale. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Rachel Graham and Grey Moon Runner. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Julia Beauchamp and Playing the Game. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Miranda Olagaray and Tanqueray. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Quinn. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Aylish Arana and Rosso Bellezza. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Faith Farrell and Case Closed II. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Camille Forstadt and Perfect Synchronicity. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Grace Wechser and Girl of California. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
In this excerpt from his book Ride Big, professional athlete performance coach John Haime talks about where we can find the opportunity to grow as riders and competitors, and shares valuable insights from 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day winner Michael Jung.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Challenging what’s comfortable to you is uncomfortable.
Let’s be clear…
I am not asking you to “smash” your zone of comfort or make a huge jump outside of what you’re familiar with. That would be stressful and too much. We know through psychological models like Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” and other theories of motivation that safety, security, and comfort are fundamental human needs. In fact, after food, water, and shelter, safety and security are next in line. Human beings want to feel safe and secure, and have some level of comfort. What I am asking you to do is to expand your area of comfort in calculated ways so that you can more fully express yourself, enhance your riding capabilities… and grow.
Your job as a rider when it comes to increasing your performance and exploring your abilities is finding your own balance between a passive state of seeking safety and comfort, which is normal (and a primary human need), and an active state of seeking growth and Riding Big. If you want to Ride Big, you’ll have to slowly loosen your hold on your security blanket. After all, while a basic level of safety and comfort is important, I think you’ll agree that missing your riding potential is not necessarily comforting!
“Why would I want to feel uncomfortable? Don’t I want to be comfortable to ride well?”
This is a question I’m asked often, and it makes sense to ask it.
Chances are you are in the habit of being comfortable when you are in the ring or on the field. It just feels good, so you stay there. This false feeling of comfort is short-term thinking driven by a natural instinct to feel safe, secure, and comfortable. But if you want to break the habit of
being comfortable and riding in that confined little space, you must take a longer-term approach, test the limits, challenge yourself in a practical, step-by-step way, and build a new habit of feeling uncomfortable.
Michael Jung and fischerWild Wave. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Michael Knows Growth
Eventer Michael Jung learned about the idea of comfort zones in the barn when he was a little boy starting to ride. One of the leading riders of this generation knows a thing or two about inching forward and stretching the limits. After all, you don’t become one of the world’s leading equestrian athletes living in the confined spaces of a small comfort zone. Nobody in the past 20 years has highlighted Riding Big more than Michael Jung. This well-rounded eventing champion owns three gold and one silver medal from the Olympic Games, including individual gold medals in both 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio. He also has two gold medals and one silver from the World Equestrian Games, and seven gold medals from the European Championships. In 2016 he became only the second rider in history to win the Grand Slam of Eventing.
Michael grew up on horses on his family’s farm in Horb-Altheim, Germany. “I grew up in the barn and got to ride all sorts of horses,” Michael says. “And, no, it wasn’t easy. I had many mistakes, many problems and I fell off 1,000 times — but I was always willing to learn and always found a little step that made me happy to do better.”
Michael believes that many people don’t push the edges of the comfort zone for a number of reasons:
1. Riders think that they didn’t really learn it and therefore can’t do it.
2. Mistakes are essential to growth and riders are often afraid to make them.
3. There are many things that don’t work right away and riders give up too easily, even though they know it’s the right way.
I talked to Michael about some steps he would recommend to help you expand your comfort zone. Here are a few he says are key:
1. You have to decide to go through the problems and not around the problems. Michael believes that even though riders know they are doing the right thing, they don’t persist and too easily look for other ways around the problem. He suggests you stay with it and solve the problem. “This is where you gain confidence — when you go through the problems and not around them,” he advises.
2. Don’t be afraid to fall off. “I fell off 1,000 times, and I learned from each one.”
3. Never be too shy to make mistakes. This is the way you learn, develop, and grow. “If you don’t make mistakes, it’s very difficult to get better.”
4. You always have to try and push forward. Failing is always a step forward to improvement and getting closer to where you’d like to go. If you don’t fail, you don’t have defined reference points to evaluate and improve.
5. Sometimes you need to go one, two, or even three steps back. “To build confidence, I believe in backing up to go forward,” says Michael. “This builds confidence for both you and your horse — it takes pressure off both.”
Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Build the Habits
I love what Michael shared about mindset in training and the idea of “going through a problem instead of around a problem.” This is what the idea of being uncomfortable is about. Are you willing to stay with a challenge and experience the pain of doing it again and again until you get it right? Let’s face it, it’s far easier to go around the problem, do what’s easy and what’s comfortable — even though it may be wrong or won’t last or won’t advance your abilities.
Building a habit is about repetition. If you don’t have the staying power to continue the repetition, push up against the perimeter of your area of comfort, and work to make it automatic, the habit doesn’t stick. The first habit for you to develop is the habit of practicing becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
This excerpt from Ride Big by John Haime is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books.
June 1 marks the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month, designated as such to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. I joined a book club a few years ago and one book that came up in our discussion was The Stonewall Reader, which takes readers through the fight for LGBTQ rights and the events that led to the uprising. It was really educational and a useful tool for learning more about the LGBTQ community and its history — if you’re up for a good nonfiction read, you can pick up a copy here.
To honor our LGBTQ friends and fellow equestrians, we’ll be sharing bits of cultural history and significance, stories on and by LGBTQ riders, and more all month long. Have something you want to share? Email us at [email protected] (and yes, our allyship extends well beyond the confines of a single month!) to let us know. In order to gain greater understanding of the world around us, including our sport, it’s important to understand those who make it up — their history, their personal stories, their voices. We look forward to learning more this and every month!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, Ind.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wy.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, Md.): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Major International Events
Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring]
Wednesday News & Reading
The role of the cross country course decorator is one that’s often unsung. Yet decorations and the skill with which they are applied can have a massive effect on how a question is presented and subsequently rides. There’s an awesome book on this exact subject: Cross Country Completion: Considerations About Jump Decorating and you can read a really informative excerpt from it here.
US Equestrian will consider proposed amendments to bylaws at its 2022 Mid-Year Meeting, including one proposal to designate Modified instead of Preliminary as the lowest USEF-recognized eventing level. You can read more about the proposed amendments here. All Senior Active members are invited to comment on the proposed amendments by submitting comments through the proposed amendments form, email, or mail. All comments must be received by USEF on or before June 14. Your membership number must be included along with your comments.
Does your horse suffer from, er, low energy? I’ve had a few of those myself. Practical Horseman is here to help you motivate your energy-saver in this article.
Listen, it’s a real issue that helmets (in horse sports and beyond) simply are not inclusive. This isn’t a fashion issue — it’s a safety issue. A new advocacy group led by Caitlin Gooch is drumming up awareness about this very real issue and how it can be fixed. Follow Saddle Up, Helmet On here and read more about helmet inclusivity here.
Watch This on H&C+
Lots of live streams in your future!
Wednesday Video Break
How Ingrid Klimke uses Haygain for her horses:
Arena eventing isn’t quite the same as the traditional three-day, three-phase format, but we have to admit: it’s definitely fun to watch. We don’t often get crowds up close and personal in our sport, and the return of Arena Eventing at The Devon Horse Show provides that thanks to its location in the famous Dixon Oval.
Boyd Martin donned a Cambox to ride around the track, designed by Captain Mark Phillips, aboard the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B; the pair finished in second behind winners Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux. Boyd also finished third with Nancy Hathaway’s Fernhill Prezley. Want to relive Sara’s winning round? Click here to watch it!
A long weekend filled with horses is always the marker of a good one, and we’ve got loads of Memorial Day weekend results to dive into. This weekend, our Unofficial Low Score Award was earned in Washington at the Equestrians’ Institute H.T., where Lauren Boriotti and Captain Alfred won their Beginner Novice division on a finishing score of 19.7. Well done!
VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, Va.): [Website] [Results]
CCI3*-S: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley HHS Calmaria (37.4)
CCI2*-L: Lucia Strini and Kevin G (29.5)
CCI2*-S: Nicholas Beshear and Rio De Janeiro (34.4)
CCI1*-L: Lisa Chan and Fernhill Picture this (39.9)
Advanced/Intermediate: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z (34.2)
Open Intermediate: Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another (46.5)
Open Preliminary: Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora (31.3)
Preliminary Horse: Julia Fanello and FE Clooney (31.2)
Preliminary Rider: Alan Montemayor and AZ (28.0)
Modified A: Leslie Lamb and Mr. Puff Higgens Jr. (27.3)
Modified B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Maybach (22.7)
Jr. Open Training: Lainey Phillips and Global Exellencia Z (30.0)
Open Training: Sharon White and Jaguar Duende (30.1)
Training Horse: Jane Jennings and SF Vancouver 2 (27.6)
Training Rider A: Cate Engle and Armoni (34.4)
Training Rider B: Natalie Epstein and Lickity Split (31.9)
Jr. Open Novice: Scout Knull and Ron Juan (29.6)
Novice Horse: Ashley Adams and Global Halcyon (20.8)
Novice Rider A: Ina Kamenz and Hang Time (35.0)
Novice Rider B: Sarah Meek and Scherzo Di Notte (32.2)
Open Novice: Morgan Hiller and Drumloman Lad (26.1)
Beginner Novice Horse: Hayley Norfleet and SRF Rose-Colored Glasses (26.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Katelyn Thomas and Call Me Waylon (25.0)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice: Nicola Villarino and Boogaloo (29.7)
YEH 4 Year Old: Gabby Dickerson and Frijole (75.6)
YEH 5 Year Old: Gabby Dickerson and Dark Angel d’Avalon (79.1)
Starter: Lauren Nicholson and Jakimba (22.7)
Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, Az.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie (47.2)
Preliminary Open: Sean Wornall and Osito (47.8)
Training Open: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Lance (29.8)
Novice A: Anastasia Keyser and Bellatrix (35.6)
Novice B: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Solstice (30.3)
Beginner Novice A: Sharadevi Abrahamson Wolvekamp and Smiley Riley (36.3)
Beginner Novice B: Megan Martin and Lba Otis (32.2)
Intro A: Amy Vinik and Garrison Fjord (42.8)
Intro B: Katherine Daigle and Donna Prima (28.1)
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, Wa.): [Website] [Results]
Intermediate: Jordan Linstedt and FE Friday (49.6)
Preliminary Open: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (21.6)
Preliminary Rider: Lilly Linder and Vergano (38.3)
Training Amateur: Julia Ellison and Tennyson Swing (35.3)
Training Junior: Kendal Smith and Ardeo Upload (32.6)
Training Open: Wendy Hsue and Fantom (29.8)
Novice Amateur A: Madison Flanders and Ketchup (28.9)
Novice Amateur B: Eliana Thompson and Rox Star Archie (33.1)
Novice Junior A: Macy Hale and Ardeo Audacity (28.6)
Novice Junior B: Caterina Ritson and This Lad is Gold (30.3)
Novice Open: Kelsey Devoille and Ashwood Just Right (30.3)
Novice Rider: Bobbie Smith-Ede and HS Cool River Jane (33.1)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Sara Mackenzie and Golden Knight (27.7)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Lauren Boriotti and Captain Alfred (19.7)
Beginner Novice Junior: Kate Gerth and Strauss – SVF (27.7)
Beginner Novice Open: Jordan Linstedt and Liberty R (24.3)
Starter A: Anni Grandia-Dodson and Sensational Suzy (31.0)
Starter B: Kensingtin Ford and Tidbit (48.3)
Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Matthew Bryner and Quaden AF (29.3)
Preliminary Rider: Julie Pifer and HRH Judgemental (52.5)
Open Training: Sophie Middlebrook and Bonhunt Bertie (28.5)
Training Rider: Jessica Gehman and Ray Price (31.9)
Novice Rider: Abigail McGowan and Mystic Serenade (29.4)
Open Novice: Ryan Wood and Ben Lomond (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jenny Morris and The Golden Ticket (22.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Maya Chinana and POPSTAR (30.6)
May-Daze at The Park H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Results]
Preliminary/Training: Ciaran Thompson and Ooh La La SCF (36.5)
Modified/Training: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (29.8)
Open Training: Jane Musselman and Bentley’s Best (21.7)
Training Rider A: Lauren Buhrmann and Currahee (27.5)
Training Rider B: Katelyn Ross and Midnight Krogh (31.4)
Training/Novice: Ciaran Thompson and Raggedy Anne SCF (35.1)
Jr. Novice: Kaylianna McMorris and Fernhill Future Star (26.4)
Novice Horse: Jennifer Coleman and SS Full Of Hope (31.2)
Open Novice: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (22.5)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Karen Strow and Spatzel (32.2)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Mary Clare Owdziej and City of Ember (25.3)
Beginner Novice Horse: Gillian Stover and Broken Cloud (34.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Riley Jones and Endgame (37.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Caraline Cathcart and Relentless (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Bennett Adkins and Way Early (31.2)
Sr. Beginner Novice A: Christine Pasko and Essential Elegance (28.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice B: Anna Wallace and Kalaska (20.3)
Jr. Starter: Ana Young and Go Right Guppie (25.0)
Sr. Starter A: Diana Heagarty and Online Romance (35.0)
Sr. Starter B: Corinna Lewis and Antebellum Potrakka (25.0)
Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Website] [Results]
Preliminary: Julie Wolfert and HSH Bitcoin (32.1)
Training: Lesa Cafferty and Bay Drummer (33.7)
Novice Open A: Nancy Dailey and RendezVous (33.9)
Novice Open B: Lauren Schiller and Chairman of the Board (31.4)
Novice Junior: Paige Borylo and Talisker (31.1)
Beginner Novice Open A: Jamie Hill and Rearcross Clover Q (26.6)
Beginner Novice Open B: Jennifer Jantz and Forty Proof (27.5)
Beginner Novice Junior: Mia Scott and Remember Me (31.8)
Beginner Novice CT: Abbey Clark and Smokin Star (43.4)
Green As Grass CT: Caitlin Quinn and RexaMillion (35.0)
Starter CT: Addison Wheeler and Gingersnap (35.7)
Starter Junior: Cayla Bethea and Impressed by Sunrise (28.3)
Starter Open: Nicole Clarkson and MU From The Galaxy (28.7)
Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. (Gales Ferry, Ct.): [Website] [Results]
Training/Novice: Cassandra Lorusso-Smith and Iceman (36.1)
Novice Amateur: Ashley Conway and Wicked Huntsman (38.7)
Novice CT: Gwendolyn Braglia and Oveta (34.2)
Novice Junior: Luci Bialek and Fenway (38.9)
Open Novice: Kate Hornbecker and Monoxide (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Kimberly Sevigny and Cruiser (33.0)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Connor Pearson and ET Tylord (31.1)
Beginner Novice CT: Kathryn LaRose and Bato Loco (36.8)
Beginner Novice Junior: Katie Rector and Angus (36.1)
Starter CT: Marietta DeJulio-Burns and UC Ambassador (29.7)
Starter A: Jillian Hoag and Dark Secret (26.3)
Starter B: Emily Atwood and Aurora (37.9)
Starter C: Angela Cunard and Lodi (26.0)
Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, Tx.): [Website] [Results]
Open Training: Sarah Dawson and DPH Kontiki (30.8)
Novice Rider Jr.: Stephenie Villines and Two Out Rally (28.1)
Novice Rider Sr.: Rachel Mulvey and Reminisce (29.7)
Open Novice A: Amanda Merritt and Apparition (26.9)
Open Novice B: Lauren Lambert and Fernhill Liverpool (22.2)
Beginner Novice Jr.: Avery Stroud and Valedictorian (31.5)
Beginner Novice Sr.: Elise Marshall and MCP Dauntless (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Margaret Kitts and Rubinaire (23.2)
Starter Test: Abbie Driscoll and Houdini (26.5)
The Spring Event at Woodside (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Results]
Advanced: James Alliston and RevitaVet Calaro (45.3)
Open Intermediate: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (32.0)
Open Preliminary: Megan McIver Sabo and Kapitan Sparrow XII (34.9)
Preliminary Horse Challenge: Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma (26.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sami Clark and Woodland’s Be Dignified (34.5)
Preliminary Rider Challenge: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz (33.5)
Jr. Training Rider: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler (28.1)
Open Training: Marissa Nielsen and Ozzie (28.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Payton Piearcy (26.1)
Training Amateur: Ruth Bley and Frankfurt (26.1)
Jr. Novice A: Gracie Pitts and Valeureux (31.9)
Jr. Novice B: Fiona Holland and Dancing On The Moon (31.1)
Novice Amateur: India McEvoy and Justiz-ESH (32.5)
Novice Horse: Madison Temkin and The Great Gatsby (27.2)
Open Novice: Olivia Putrino and Eli’s Coming (25.0)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Caitlin Mulvihill and Cabela (29.7)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Kelly Schwisow and Kahlua & Cream (30.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Josephine Clark and Champion of Menlo (31.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Jules Thompson and The African Queen (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Tommy Greengard and Ben (20.9)
Sr. Beginner Novice A: Kimberly Jones and BFF Penny Royale (32.9)
Sr. Beginner Novice B: Jeannette Robb and Be Mine (26.2)
Starter A: Meadow Stempek and Romeo’s Dream (33.3)
Starter B: Kelly Schwisow and Redfield Out Of The Blue (29.3)
Tommy Greengard (Leonardo Diterma) and Grace Walker Alonzi (Frantz) take their victory tour at Woodside. Photo by Sherry Stewart
The annual Preliminary Challenge at Woodside Horse Trials in California’s bay area is a popular stop for West coast riders. Offering both a Horse and a Rider Challenge and $15,000 worth of prize money, Woodside attracts both amateurs and professionals eager to tackle the division that offers prize money and eternal bragging riders for its yearly champions.
Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
This year, Tommy Greengard with Andrea Pfeiffer’s Leonardo Diterma captured the title in the Preliminary Horse Challenge, adding a few seconds of time in Sunday’s show jumping to finish on a 26.1. This was the third Preliminary event for Leonardo Diterma, a six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Gullet HBC. Tommy’s an up-and-coming rider who’s built himself a solid string of horses; he also wins the Open Intermediate with his own Joshuay MBF, finished second in the Novice Horse with Simone van Ommeran’s Global Barouma, third with Rebecca Slater’s Cappachina in the Open Novice, and first in the Open Beginner Novice with Amanda Apesos’ Ben — we’ll call that a winning weekend!
Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Taking the win in the Prelim Rider Challenge is Grace Walker Alonzi with her own Frantz, finishing on a score of 33.5 with one rail added on Sunday. Grace comes from a dressage background, having worked in southern California for Marie Medosi as well as Steffen and Shannon Peters before moving on to work for Tamie Smith as her assistant rider. Frantz is an eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding originally sourced as a dressage horse while Grace was working for Exclusive Dressage Imports; Grace purchased the gelding by Farenheit in 2018 and began producing him as an event horse, making his eventing debut in 2020 and eventually stepping up to the Preliminary level last year.
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Faith Farrell and Case Closed II finished second in the Prelim Rider Challenge. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant en route to third place in the Prelim Horse Challenge. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild jumped to a third place finish in the Prelim Rider Challenge. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Many thanks as always to Sherry Stewart for being our lens on the ground at Woodside this weekend — enjoy a gallery from the action and check out the full list of results here.
Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Final Scores]
Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux claim vicory in the Dixon Oval! US Equestrian photo.
She did it again! Sara Kozumplik, winner of the first ever Devon Arena Eventing in 2017 with Rubens d’Ysieux, sealed the deal on a second victory tonight with a thrilling and bold clear, fastest of the final group. Besting early frontrunners Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, Sara and her beloved “unicorn” earned the blue and welcomed the historic Devon Horse Show back for the first time since 2019.
Watch Sara’s winning round:
Sara Kozumplik-Murphy gallops to the win in the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing
Watch Sara Kozumplik-Murphy gallop to the win in the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing 💨🥇
Posted by USEF Network on Sunday, May 29, 2022
And enjoy a few more scenes from an exciting night at Devon. You can also catch the replay on USEF Network, along with live streams from all of the other action at Devon Horse Show, here.
Boyd Martin and Contestor. Photo by The Book LLC.
We’re excited to see the return of Arena Eventing to the famous Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania this evening. A star-studded roster of horses and riders are set to compete in this hybrid event that combines show jumping and cross country spanning two Devon arenas.
You can tune in live for the action on USEF Network tonight beginning at 7 p.m. EST. Click here to view the full broadcast schedule. If you don’t have a USEF Network membership or subscription yet, you can use code DEVON22 for a free fan membership so you don’t miss the action.
Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysiuex on their way to winning the 2018 $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing. Photo by The Book LLC.
This evening’s entry list is jam-packed with former winners and top names, including 2017 winners Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux as well as 2019 winner Boyd Martin, this year bringing Fedarman and Fernhill Prezley to play. EN’s own Ema Klugman has her old hand Bendigo out to play as well, and we’ll also see Jennie Brannigan with Connory and Twilightslastgleam, Phillip Dutton with Carlchen and Hachi, and Erin Kanara and Campground. In total, 18 combinations will compete. View the full entry list here.
$50,000 is up for grabs tonight as the competing pairs tackle a 1.15m cross country/1.20m show jumping course designed by Capt. Mark Phillips. Horses and riders must be qualified through at least the Intermediate level to compete here.
We’ll be back tomorrow with a recap, and if you want a glimpse of the grounds you can head on over to our Instagram where Sierra Lesny is taking over our story for Team Kozumplik! Go Eventing.
The FEI Nations Cup for Eventing continues this week at the Barefoot Retreats Houghton Hall International in Norfolk, United Kingdom. It’ll be the first weekend we’ll see a U.S. team for the 2022 Nations Cup; this weekend the U.S. is represented by Cornelia Dorr, Isabelle Bosley, Allie Knowles and Caroline Martin. Team USA will take third place in the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S competition on a total score of 99.3.
Take a look back at highlights from last year and stay tuned for much more from this year’s event!
Barefoot Retreats Houghton Hall CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Info Hub] [Entries] [Scoring]
SmartPak Deal of the Day: It’s a win-win as you can save 20% off Horseware products on SmartPak now through Monday, May 30! Just use code MemDay22 at checkout to apply the discount.
It’s about time we rounded up a fresh new batch of #EventerProblems, because we know they’re never ending! Keep scrolling for a whole slew of highly relatable problems we’ve all experienced. Tag your public posts with #EventerProblems and we might feature you next!
When your rig is too big for the drive-thru…. #eventersofinstagram #eventerproblems #equestrianlife #horsegirlproblems @ Little Apple Riders https://t.co/8WUWtAh6yr
— Julie Logan (@jslogan63) March 24, 2022
Nicola Wilson’s recovery continues as the British rider was moved this week to a spinal cord rehabilitation unit at James Cook Hospital. Nicola suffered a heavy fall on cross country at Badminton Horse Trials on May 7 with her European Championship partner, JL Dublin. The horse was uninjured in the fall.
“Today Nicola was moved into the spinal cord rehabilitation unit at the James Cook hospital,” Nicola’s team shared on her social media. “We would like to thank everyone who has been so kind on the journey so far. The transfer team were a lovely crew who called in at our home to visit the horses on their way back to Bristol , Nic obviously had a bit of horse chat in the ambulance. Dublin has his photo taken with the ambulance, which he loved!!!”
British Equestrian released the following update on May 26:
Following her fall at Badminton Horse Trials, Nicola Wilson was transferred from Southmead Hospital in Bristol to the intensive care unit at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough yesterday (25 May) and has subsequently now been moved to the Spinal Rehabilitation Unit there. This is one of the specialist spinal centres in the country so will enable expert support with her ongoing rehabilitation.
Although it was a long and tiring journey, Nicola is comfortable, in good spirits and is pleased to be closer to home. At this early stage Nicola’s recovery is progressing well, with sensation and movement returning to her lower and upper limbs. There will be a lengthy rehabilitation process ahead but with the support from experts, family and friends combined with her positive attitude she is in the best place to optimise her recovery.
Nicola, husband Alastair and mother Mary Tweddle would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff who has looked after her so well at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. The care and attention she has had there really has been second to none and for that they’re very grateful.
They thank everyone for the numerous cards and messages of support; each and every one is greatly appreciated.
We continue to keep Nicola in our thoughts as she fights for her recovery. We will provide further updates as they are made available.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Therapeutic Equine Center.
Today in advance of Memorial Day, we’re shouting out programs such as Cornerstone Therapeutic Equine Center, a San Diego-area equine therapy program that was founded in 2007 as an equine therapy program serving children, youth and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional special needs. The program’s commitment to service members began in 2008 when Cornerstone was invited to participate in a pilot program designed to identify and address the needs of wounded, ill and injured military personnel.
With bases for the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard within its boundaries, San Diego County has a large community of active-duty military and veterans. “In the early stages of the pilot program we learned that San Diego has one of the highest populations of wounded service members in the country,” explains Cornerstone founder Judy Beckett. “In addition, we found there is a tremendous need for alternative therapies that are non-clinical, non-pharmaceutical and non-psychiatric.”
While continuing to work with the broad population, the experiences and challenges of the military community became clear as distinct from those of civilians. In 2017, Cornerstone turned its focus exclusively to the military.
The remarkable results that emerged from ongoing research begun that year helped inspire Cornerstone’s focus.
These included:
· A 92% decrease in suicidal thoughts
· A 94% decrease in depression
· A 91% decrease in stress and anxiety among those participating in its equine assisted therapy.
“There are many programs in the area that do a great job with kids and others with special needs,” Judy explains. “We happen to be really good at the specialized services that benefit those with military-related PTSD.”
Certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Cornerstone became the first equine therapy enterprise in San Diego County to stand up programs specifically for service members. “We felt we could best serve our country by serving them,” Judy explains.
PTSD, suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, fear, survivor’s guilt, anger, paranoia and loss of a limb are a few of the conditions for which the Cornerstone team is trained to help its clients. Support for family members and care givers is also available, and frontline medical worker COVID fatigue was added to the roster of conditions addressed in 2020.
To learn more about Cornerstone Therapeutic Equine Center, click here. You can also read more about the program and its partnership with Haygain here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, Va.): [Website] [Schedule] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, Az.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, Wa.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ): [Website] [Scoring]
May-Daze at The Park H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. (Gales Ferry, Ct.): [Website]
Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, Tx.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
The Spring Event at Woodside (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Major International Events:
Barefoot Retreats Houghton Hall CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Info Hub] [Entries] [Scoring]
Wednesday News & Reading
One of my favorite parts of spending a few months in Ocala was the sheer number of schooling venues and opportunities that were available. Coming from the Midwest, where you worked your schedule around planned schoolings (all of the events in Missouri and Kansas are held on public park land, so you can’t just go and school at any time), it was a literal eventer’s paradise. But there are some odds and ends to take care of if you’re going to haul in to a venue to school. This helpful article from STRIDER on the USEA’s website is good to keep handy.
Badminton Horse Trials annually awards a “Farrier’s Prize” for the best-shod horse (honestly, this would be such an incredible thing to have at all events/major events) — Burghley also awards a Best-Shod Horse prize. This year, Welsh farrier Jim Blurton took home the prize for his work shoeing Oliver Townend’s Swallow Springs. Jim has won this award four times in its 25 years of running — the most of any other farrier. Dive into the full story and details on the farrier work at Badminton on Fran Jurga’s blog, The Hoof Blog.
Did you know that vitamin E supplementation of broodmares can help their foals build a stronger immune system? Research suggests that this process, done in late gestation and early lactation, can help the foal receive a higher number of antibodies. Learn more in this research blog from Kentucky Performance Products.
Watch This on H&C+: Your H&C+ membership gives you access not just to a plethora of live streams, but also a full library of educational and entertainment content. For example, OTTB owners out there might enjoy the Back to Basics episode centering on nutrition for Thoroughbreds.
Wednesday Video Break
#TIL (today I learned) that in Belgium, horses are used for shrimp fishing!
