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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.

Latest Articles Written

Addicted to Wordle? Try the Eventing Edition!

By on Feb 7, 2022 6:00 pm -

Unless you permanently live under a rock (which I am definitely guilty of these days), you’ve likely heard of and are even more likely to be addicted to the new web game, Wordle.

This simple game, which challenges players to guess one five-letter word each day using a series of hints, has taken the internet by storm and was even recently acquired by the New York Times (how’s that for a pandemic side gig?). We’ve been hankering for more Wordle in our lives, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create some horse and eventing-specific Worlde knockoffs just for you!

We’ll share new Eventing Wordle links here on EN throughout each week with eventing and horse-specific words, so keep an eye out here — and be sure to share your results on social and tag us!

Click here to play today’s EN Wordle.

Updated FEI World Rankings: Five U.S. Riders in Top 20

By on Feb 7, 2022 2:30 pm -

Will Coleman moves up from #32 to #15 in the latest FEI World Ranking. Photo by Abby Powell.

We are finally seeing a return to some state of normalcy (in terms of eventing, at least) as the world continues to contend with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, the FEI released updated mitigation procedures for calculating FEI World Rankings to account for competition interruptions and cancellations.

Now, the first look at rankings for 2022 has been released, keeping to the traditional 12-month rolling period in which a rider’s six best scores from the previous 12-month period are put toward their final ranking. Rankings are typically tabulated at the end of each month, dropping scores from the same month in the previous year.

Jonelle Price en route to a podium finish at Pau with McLaren, to the tune of 102 FEI points. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oliver Townend will take his #1 ranking into the start of the 2022 season, but from that point on we see quite a bit of shuffle in the rankings, including five U.S. riders ranked within the top 20. Boyd Martin remains the highets-ranked U.S. rider, currently in ninth with 380 points. Take look at the updated top 20:

Notable movers and shakers include New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, who climbs from #5 to #2, Great Britain’s Gemma Tattersall moving from #15 to #7, fellow Brit Nicola Wilson moving from #23 to #10, Aachen winner Will Coleman jumping from #32 to #15, as well as moves by Tamie Smith and Phillip Dutton up into the top 20.

Confused as to what events/placings add up to what points? Click the number of points accumulated by each rider on the right hand side of the ranking table (viewable here) to see a breakdown of their points.

Weekend Winners: Galway Downs, Sporting Days, Three Lakes

By on Feb 7, 2022 1:00 pm -

Let’s kick off this week’s Weekend Winners column with a special shout to Susanna Rodell, who completed a century ride (horse and rider combined age over 100) and finished on their dressage score to wind up fourth in their Beginner Novice division at Galway Downs.

I dug up a few things from Susanna, including this piece written for Practical Horseman a few years ago in which she muses on the concept of transitioning from Pony Club mom to Horsemaster. Then, she concluded her article by saying, “…if Lady and I manage to hang in there for another 5 years, we’ll be eligible for century classes. Life is good.”

I’d say mission accomplished, Susanna!

Now, onto more scores from another weekend of eventing:

Galway Downs 2022 Kickoff H.T.: [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Katy Robinson and Outrageous Dance (39.6)
Advanced/Intermediate: Emilee Libby and Jakobi (29.8)
Open Intermediate: Tamie Smith and MaiTänzer (36.4)
Open Preliminary: Tamie Smith and Mameluke (29.0)
Preliminary Rider: Haley Dwight and WS Radagast (39.3)
Jr. Training Rider: Lauren Crabtree and Excellence (31.9)
Open Training: Erin Kellerhouse and Ringwood Adios Amigo (21.7)
Sr. Training Rider: Kristin Terris and Rathcash Olympia (30.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Jillian Newman and Curraghgraigue Freeman (31.7)
Novice Amateur: Michelle Jones and Balou Print (21.9)
Open Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and Genesis (29.2)
Sr. Novice Rider: Courtney Lance and Talk To Me Goose (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Julienne Biglin and Reverie GWF (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Fiona Holland and Dancing On The Moon (32.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Chloe Smyth and Byzantine SC (30.0)
Starter: Sarah Pinfield and Kingsbridge (30.7)

 

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Sporting Days February H.T.: [Final Scores]

Intermediate CT: Mia Petersen and Fernhill Royale (39.4)
Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Butt’s Aria W (39.8)
Preliminary Horse: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Go Global (36.4)
Preliminary Rider: Morgyn Johnson and Peter Parker GS (38.1)
Open Training: Alexander Conrad and Lexington II (28.3)
Preliminary/Training: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray (29.7)
Training CT: Meg Bowers and L’Avventura (36.0)
Training Horse: Meg Pellegrini and Cassilio G (35.4)
Training Rider: Sophia Dime and Quidam de Plot (32.1)
Novice Rider A: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (30.8)
Novice Rider B: Isabel Lopez and Beau’s Emergence (30.3)
Open Novice A: Ryan Wood and Ben Nevis (28.1)
Open Novice B: Tim Bourke and Electric Quality (26.7)
Beginner Novice CT: Meg Bowers and Turning The Table (43.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sarah Meek and Scherzo Di Notte (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Emily Marsh and Dylano Q (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Annie Read and Classic Chrome PCH (25.9)
Starter: Kristen Goldin and Ashwood Flinn (19.3)

 

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Three Lakes Winter I H.T.: [Final Scores]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Daniela Moguel and Hideaway’s Ness (43.0)
Open Preliminary: Caroline Martin and Galwaybay Redfield HSH Connor (29.7)
Preliminary Rider: Katarina Midgley and Ditch (43.8)
Preliminary/Training: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (30.9)
Open Training A: Caroline Martin and HSH Limited Edition (26.7)
Open Training B: Leonie Padgett and Cooley Precision (25.8)
Training Rider: Alyssa Craig and SBT Clover Road (40.3)
Novice Rider A: Liz Mason and Wisdom Grey (30.8)
Novice Rider B: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (20.6)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Redfield Rolex (27.2)
Open Novice B: Delaney Emerson and Redfield Soranella (29.7)
Open Novice C: Chelsey Sawtell and Covenant (29.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Alison Zeitlin and Royal Report (34.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Ashley Trier and State of Emergency (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Madeline Scott and Molon Labe (28.4)

 

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Looking to the unrecognized side of the calendar, Chattahoochee Hills hosted a schooling show over the weekend, scores from which can be viewed here. MeadowCreek Park in Kossem Tx, also hosted a schooling show with divisions from Green As Grass up through Preliminary.

 

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Catching Up with Ever So Sweet Scholarship Recipient Sierra Lesny

By on Feb 7, 2022 9:30 am -

Big pats for Edy Rameika’s Sebastian, schoolmaster in residence at Overlook South. Photo by Sally Spickard

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) was formed in 2020 and immediately set off to help grow our sport through increased representation and opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds. The fruits of this labor manifested in a large way with the creation of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship, in partnership with the USEA Foundation and Edy Rameika. The scholarship provides opportunity for a deserving rider to spend time, fully funded, training with Sara Kozumplik at her Virginia and Florida bases. Now into its second cycle, the Ever So Sweet scholarship for this winter was awarded to Pennsylvania-based Sierra Lesny, who joined Sara and her team at their Ocala base last month with her partner, off-track Thoroughbred “Pea”.

While I was in Ocala last month, I stopped by to meet Sierra and see what she’s been up to since arriving in Florida. Sierra has had a whirlwind of a winter so far; she won a sweepstakes put on by Phillip Dutton and Cosequin, traveling down to his new Wellington base before going to Ocala and even taking a spin on his Olympic mount, Z.

Sierra grew up with horse influence from her grandparents — her grandmother ran a lesson program, where Sierra would spend much of her childhood. From there, Sierra found she had aspirations to progress with her riding. She spent as much time as she could at the barn through middle and high school, working student at a variety of hunter/jumper barns. After taking time to go to college, focusing on her studies and working at a suicide hotline while horses took a backseat. She then took a job as a middle school teacher, but when she returned home on break and saw her saddle sitting, she felt the bug flutter again. So it was back to grooming and working at barns, and eventually getting back in the saddle.

Sierra stumbled upon the Ever So Sweet scholarship online and applied mostly on a whim — “I didn’t think I would hear anything from it,” she admits now, and she was pleasantly surprised to learn that she’d been awarded the scholarship for the winter term. Around this time, Pea’s owner offered Sierra an ownership share, and soon enough she was packing up to head south to learn with Sara. “Both of us are kind of learning at the same time,” Sierra laughed, noting that this week had been her first time sitting in a dressage saddle or putting on a cross country vest.

Sierra and Pea share a moment. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sierra aspires to become a professional in the long run. “I’m not sure exactly how I want to be involved,” she mused. “Most of my background has been working with the ‘bad’ horses, working with young horses. But I do have a competitive streak and I do like to compete. I definitely do want to make this a full-time career, and there are so many amazing horse people in this industry from all different backgrounds that if I can learn from someone else, it’s really helpful.”

Sara has been teaching Sierra both on Pea as well as resident schoolmaster Sebastian, and leading up to her first eventing experience she’s gone cross country schooling for the first time ever, attended some educational seminars put on by the US Eventing Grooms Association, scribed for and ridden with dressage judges, and spent as much time as possible in the barn learning how a top-level operation runs. For her, this opportunity is all about seizing the day.

“There’s so much to do here, I’m really happy to be here just to learn and see as much as I can,” Sierra said. She’ll spend the next couple of months in Florida before heading back north. “Ocala in general is a much different area than what I’m used to. I’m still getting my feet wet, and the biggest change has been learning about eventing in general. Sara is so helpful when she’s teaching, and even though I’m very out of my comfort zone she has been really encouraging. It’s really interesting learning how much she really breaks her training down and about each phase of eventing.”

Over the weekend, Sierra officially came over to the dark side (welcome!) and competed in her first event at Majestic Oaks, winning her Novice dressage with Sebastian and going on to finish third in the division. We think she may have caught the bug!

You can follow along with Sierra (and future Ever So Sweet recipients) on Instagram and Facebook, and you can also keep an eye on the SEE website for updates on the next round of Ever So Sweet applications if this article has given you FOMO!

A Very Special ‘Who Jumped It Best’ from Groton House Horse Trials

By on Feb 3, 2022 9:00 am -

The great Groton House Horse Trials, long an eventing destination heralding back to the “golden days” of the sport, will close its doors this year and bring an end to an era at the same time.

When we heard the news, we reached out to longtime Area I photographer Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto, who has graciously put together this very special edition of Who Jumped It Best from “back in the day” at Groton House. And what a special one it is — some very famous faces, some who are sadly no longer with us, some who are still actively competing or involved in the sport. Which is your favorite? There are too many to choose from!

Mark Weissbecker. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Kristin Schmolze. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Karen O’Connor. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Beth Perkins. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Matt Flynn. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Nancy Guyotte. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Dan Clasing. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Phillip Dutton. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Tremaine Cooper. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Colin Davidson. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Darren Chiacchia. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Laine Ashker. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

You know the drill — vote for the winner of eternal EN karma by casting your vote below. Of course, this whole crew is full of winners so it’s not quite a contest!

Where Are They Now? Neville Bardos Still Has That Get Up and Go!

By on Feb 2, 2022 12:14 pm -

This article is brought to you with support from Zoetis.

Social media is a great way to keep up with the horses we loved to follow in their hey-day. Neville Bardos is a name most everyday eventing fans know well: the cheeky former racehorse purchased off the sale truck for $850 back in Australia would go on to be Boyd Martin’s partner for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where they finished 10th individually. Neville also made a remarkable recovery after being rescued from the devastating fire at Windurra in 2011, returning to not only complete but also finish in the top 10 at Burghley that same year.

Neville Bardos training at Windurra

Going to have to agree with Silva Martin on this one…glad to see Nev is feeling like himself after all these years 😂

Posted by Boyd Martin on Monday, January 31, 2022

Neville is now 23, but as you can see in the video above he still has plenty of pep in that step! He’s spent his days teaching the next generation of riders at the Martins’ home facility, and we’re happy to see him thriving in his well-deserved retirement.

Want to walk down memory lane with Neville Bardos? Here are a few links to send you down the rabbit hole:

NBC News: Neville Bardos Cheats Death and Jockeys for a Position on U.S. Olympic Team
USEA: Horse Heros – Neville Bardos
New York Times: Fire Survivor and a Possible Olympian – A Horse Named Neville (paywall)

A long career (and, more importantly, a long and healthy life) is always a goal for our horses. Ask your veterinarian about Zoetis’ line-up of Regenerative Medicine Devices that can help support your horse for a long-lasting and comfortable career and life.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Feb 2, 2022 12:01 am -

Not quite the “tiger” we envisioned this Lunar New Year… Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I always chuckle at the end of a calendar year when I send my sister in Korea a “Happy New Year!” text because I know what I’ll get in response: “Silly, that’s not the new year!”

I was 30 before I really learned about the existence of Lunar New Year, which coincides with the moon’s phases and this year began yesterday, February 1. My 30th year was the year I met my birth mother, and I’ve subsequently met my biological sister in person in the years since that first trip back to Korea. Through this extended family, I’ve been able to learn more about Lunar New Year and its celebrations around the world. For example, Koreans celebrate Seollal, a festival commemorating the Lunar New Year and treated similarly to how we would on Christmas or another family-centric holiday. In this sense, the turning of the Gregorian calendar to January 1 doesn’t mean quite as much to some — the “real” new year begins when the moon begins a new cycle of 12 phases, meaning the date of Lunar New Year changes year to year. In 2023, the Lunar New Year will begin on January 22.

2022 brings the year of the tiger. What does that mean, exactly? Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals depicted in the Chinese Zodiac and, as you might have imagined already, people born within these years often are characterized by traits of that year’s animal. Tigers, for example, are characterized as “natural leaders who are both brave and thrill-seeking, often craving attention”, among other things.

What does this have to do with eventing, you might ask? Well, nothing, specifically. Except for the fact that you may share barns with an Asian rider who celebrates this holiday as religiously as you might celebrate Christmas, and now you have some additional knowledge from which to grow a conversation!

Black History Bit of the Day:

Each day in February, we’re celebrating Black voices in honor of Black History Month. We look forward to sharing what we’re learning about Black equestrians right here in News & Notes each morning.

When you hear the term “cowboy”, many call to mind the image of a wizened, white man in a tall cowboy hat. Stereotypical as this has become, it’s not the only accurate depiction of the horsemen who roamed the country before us. Smithsonian Magazine tackles the lesser-known history of Black cowboys in this deep-dive.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days Farm February H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, Fla.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News & Reading:

The new Eventing Handbook by the Levels is intended to be every rider and trainer’s best friend, and it’s full of useful information particularly for those wanting to obtain their Instructor Certification Program designation. Click here to read more about the revamped ICP program and the new Handbook.

The EquiRatings Horse Form Index (HFI) was developed in partnership with the FEI and is now available for public use. The HFI considers recent performances (similar to the EQRI index found on your USEA profile) and is intended to help riders assess their readiness and safety before attempting a competition. Horse & Hound has the full report here.

California riders! There are a lot of excellent clinicians headed to Earl and Jen McFall’s Dragonfire Farm this season. Want to ride with Hawley Bennett-Awad, Susie Hutchinson, Phillip Dutton, or Boyd Martin (or, all of the above)? Check out this Instagram post for dates and information on how to sign up.

Did you miss Strides for Equality Equestrians’ presentation at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December? Now you can watch the full session online here — and it’s well worth a rewatch for perspective on DEI work in the industry and ways to help grow our sport through greater representation. Click here to watch the video.

Amateur 2* eventer Courtenay Tuxhorn is a lifelong athlete — but it hasn’t always been horses that have caught her competitive fancy. In fact, she’s a former triathlete, and she sat down with Chris Stafford for the Women in Sports podcast — you can listen to the episode here.

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Up Your Care and Management Game with USEGA and ERA This Winter

By on Jan 31, 2022 11:00 am -

The winter is an optimal time to spend some time learning before competitions fill the schedule, and the newly-formed US Eventing Grooms Association (USEGA) and Eventing Riders Association have teamed up to offer grooming, care, and management seminars in Ocala. The series began earlier this month with sessions on show jumping course design/walking, clipping, icing, braiding, and other useful topics for eventers (or, really, riders of any background) and continues into February with topics including nutrition and massage therapy.

Below you’ll find the upcoming schedule and locations of the next seminars (note: while these sessions are hosted in Ocala, the organizers will post live streams when possible on social media and video content post-seminar):

These sessions are offered free of charge to attendees — if you’d like to support this program, organizers are encouraging donations to the USEA Foundation for the Liz Cochrane Memorial Grooms Award. You can join this private Facebook group for more updates on this series.

Want to see what’s been discussed so far? Keep scrolling:

Course Design 101 with Chris Barnard: Why design from Advanced down?

Forelock Braiding 101: The legend herself, Max Corcoran, shows us how:

Icing 101: Why ice young horses?

Be sure to follow USEGA on Instagram for more updates.

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Rocking Horse

By on Jan 31, 2022 9:00 am -

We’ve got a special shout-out this week: you may recall the brilliant pink colors of Charlotte Collier as she swarmed around cross country courses with her longtime Advanced partner, Clifford M. But after Clifford M presented with severe respiratory symptoms last fall, Charlotte thought her heart horse’s career was done for. As it turned out, Clifford M was suffering from a rare and mysterious condition that involved him inhaling his own saliva, essentially drowning himself over time. Surgery was successful in reducing symptoms, but he was still experiencing discomfort.

It was here that Charlotte became connected to Pinpoint Equine, which uses hair follicle analysis to formulate supplementation for each individual horse — and Charlotte says this has made all the difference for “Nils”, who was soon enough back to bucking, squealing, and yes even jumping! We’re thrilled to see Charlotte and Nils make their competition return this weekend at Rocking Horse, where they enjoyed an easy romp around the Training level. Here’s to what we hope will be many more such adventures together! To read Charlotte’s full experience, check out the comments on the post above.

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Final Results]

Preliminary: Kristi Foresman and KDR Kingston (64.4)
Training: Jennifer Helgren and Del Rio (29.0)
Novice: Alexander Conrad and Ricky (26.8)
Training/Novice: Erin Pullen and Fibonacci (40.3)
Beginner Novice A: Rosary Murphy and Fiji (24.7)
Beginner Novice B: Erin Pullen and Garvey (25.6)
Starter: Nick Olijslager and Northern Quest Lionheart (26.7)

 

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Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, Fla.): [Final Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Jamie McAllister and Army Ranger (39.1)
Open Intermediate A: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (27.9)
Open Intermediate B: Buck Davidson and Carlevo (23.9)
Open Intermediate One Day: Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux (33.9)
Open Preliminary: Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton (24.3)
Open Preliminary One Day: Sharon White and Cooley Kildaire (29.1)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande (24.4)
Preliminary Rider: Darcy Drury and Ardeo Illusion (27.2)
Jr. Training Rider: Audrey Littlefield and Prince Renan (32.1)
Open Training A: Anna Loschiavo and I’m Special VG (27.1)
Open Training B: Katie Malensek and FE Cheerio (26.0)
Open Training C: Stephanie Jackson and Drumloman Lad (23.3)
Preliminary/Training: Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight (35.0)
Sr. Training Rider: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill In Motion (28.1)
Training Horse A: Elinor O’Neal and FE Lions Darco (31.4)
Training Horse B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Sky Watch (25.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Fernhill Sinatra (25.8)
Novice Horse A: Chelsea Canedy and Little Einstein (29.7)
Novice Horse B: Alex Green Kerby and Lanikai (26.7)
Open Novice A: Mike Huber and Fernhill Liverpool (22.8)
Open Novice B: Delaney Emerson and Namiro Star (30.0)
Sr. Novice Rider: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (33.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: River Rogers and Redfield Jim (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maura Tierney and Ballytarsna Dunne Waiting (24.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Angela Bowles and Sybil AB (31.6)

 

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Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jan 26, 2022 12:01 am -

Panama has itself a newly-minted eventer! Congratulations to Romulo Roux and Colenomer on finishing third in a big Novice Rider division at Grand Oaks this past weekend! We love welcoming new faces to the dark side, so come on over, Romulo!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Wednesday News & Reading:

Cynthia Smith recorded over 500 hours volunteering in 2021 — how incredible is that? This is the highest number of hours recorded since the inception of the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program in 2016. Way to go, Cynthia! You can read more about her in this profile.

Pro tip: speed does not equal power, nor does it carry the same value. Liz Halliday-Sharp gave an informal clinic in southern California earlier this year, and this concept remained a major emphasis of her teaching. Learn more in this wrap-up from Practical Horseman.

If you’ve ever free-fed hay and watched your horse absolutely gorge himself into oblivion, you’ve likely worried about your choice. How do you free-feed the best way? These tips from The Horse might help.

Make sure you’re following the Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet scholarship social media accounts! The most recent scholarship recipient, Sierra Lesny, has officially begun her training with Sara Kozumplik in Ocala, and she’s keeping us up to speed on her adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

Watch This on H&C+:

Video Break:

5 Barn Hacks from Brianna Noble to Make Your Life Easier

By on Jan 24, 2022 12:00 pm -

We all love a good barn hack, and we’re always on the lookout for new ideas to make life with horses more efficient and, by association, more fun. Northern California-based Brianna Noble maintains an active social media presence and has recently begun sharing some barn hacks that she has in her toolbox. We collected a few for you below, but for much more you should definitely give Brianna a follow at @urbancowgirl510.

Barn Hack 1: Backing the Trailer

 

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Barn Hack 2: Preventing Water Spills

 

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Barn Hack 3: Opening a Hay Bale

 

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Barn Hack 4: Filling a Hay Net

 

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Barn Hack 5: A Better Way to Spray

 

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Weekend Winners: Stable View Aiken Opener, Grand Oaks

By on Jan 24, 2022 9:00 am -

It’s so nice to be back to score-stalking writing Weekend Winners each week. I took this column over a couple of years ago and have always enjoyed my Monday mornings checking on results. I get a lot of enjoyment from following my friends, people I’ve met through the years, and horses that have caught my eye, and I hope you do too!

This weekend featured events in each main winter “hub”: Stable View’s Aiken Opener and Grand Oaks in Ocala. Stable View heroically dealt with the challenges handed down by Mother Nature, furiously prepping the grounds for impending winter weather, even going to lengths to save the water jumps from freezing over and handing out hand warmers at the gates. Hats off to the crew at Stable View!

 

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Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week was earned by Matt Brown, who teamed up with Alexa Gartenberg’s Frame Shamrock (originally produced by U.S-based young horse producer Martin Douzant) to earn a 20.3 and win the Open Preliminary A at Stable View. Nicely done!

Stable View Aiken: Final Scores

Open Preliminary A: Matt Brown and Frame Shamrock (20.3)
Open Preliminary B: Alexander Conrad and Malibu Preacher (28.7)
Preliminary Horse: Matthew Ulmer and Kings Carter (33.2)
Preliminary Rider: Sophie Miller and Quarlotta C (25.8)
Modified A: Allison Springer and No May Moon (27.3)
Modified B: Mike Pendleton andd Napoleon Z (33.5)
Open Training A: Waylon Roberts and Mighty Finn (24.3)
Open Training B: Marty Riney and George Alexander (27.5)
Training Horse: Emily Watson and Upland Seven Z (23.6)
Training Rider A: Olivia Moore and Kubota (26.1)
Training Rider B: Solomon Edwards and Graffique (36.4)
Training Rider C: Isabel Brunker andd Allia (34.4)
Novice Horse: Boyd Martin and Spartin Martin Z (21.9)
Novice Rider A: Mary Carol Harsch and Foster’s Bold Favorite (29.7)
Novice Rider B: Lisa Hida and Cooleys Rule of Law (27.2)
Open Novice A: Amy Cobb and Lock and Load (28.7)
Open Novice B: Mike Pendleton and Clemons T (24.7)
Beginner Novice Horse: Emily Beshear and Waffle (24.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Heather Currier and Newmarket Equador (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Anna Burgess and String Theory (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Darrell Vaughn and R. Chumley (25.9)

 

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Grand Oaks Ocala: Final Scores

Open Preliminary: Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora (33.2)
Preliminary Rider: Morgan McAllister and Made To Order (35.0)
Modified A: Lynn Symansky and Bounce 6 (22.0)
Modified B: Hillary Irwin and Cavalier Monte Carlo (32.0)
Open Training A: Hugh Wrigley and FE Money Made (26.4)
Open Training B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Maybach (29.7)
Training Rider: Devin Robel and High Light (31.7)
Novice Rider A: Emma McHugh and Lincoln Park (29.7)
Novice Rider B: Darlene Dee Walters and Concord Dawn (30.8)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Redfield Soranella (24.4)
Open Novice B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Sky Watch (27.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Lee Maher and Evros HSH Gambler (31.0)

 

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Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jan 24, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via Kim Severson on Facebook.

Now here’s a cool little throwback to start your week! Kim Severson posed for a quick photo with her cross country vest from the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where she and the famous Winsome Adante won individual silver and team bronze. “What a fun surprise!” Kim wrote on her social media. “I found two of my Team USA vests on display at the local tack shop, one of which was from the 2004 Athens Olympics. It’s always a good day to remember those special moments with Winsome Adante!”

Weekend Results:

Grand Oaks H.T. (Weirsdale, Fl.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Monday News & Readding:

Let’s get to know the USEA areas! The U.S. is split up into 10 eventing regions, and this new series kicks off with a profile on Area 1. Read more here.

Honestly, we could all use a Bobby in our lives. Meet the 35-year-old eventing pony who won his last outing (a 30cm lead-line class, which honestly we need here!), and Bobby’s six-year-old partner Amy is hoping to repeat the feat in 2022. Read more about this adorable duo here.

Take a look back at this year’s US Equestrian Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony with photos from the evening’s awardees.

Have you heard of Ebony Horsewomen yet? This incredible organization based in Hartford, Connecticut is striving to help the local community improve its mental health with the help of horses. Learn more about the work Ebony Horsewomen is doing in this video.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not be heading for a Super Bowl repeat, but luckily linebacker Devin White has plenty of fun to fill his off-season: riding his horses. He sat down for a chat with veteran sports journalist Erin Andrews all about his love of horses earlier this month. You can read more about Devin and his horses on Horse Nation here.

Video Break:

Boyd Martin was reunited with his Rio Olympic partner, Blackfoot Mystery, during a clinic in Texas earlier this month:

#GoEventing ‘Grams of the Week: Let’s Get It Started In Here!

By on Jan 23, 2022 9:30 am -

It’s that time! Time to dust off the show britches, do your pre-dressage prayer ritual, and get out eventing! The season in the U.S. has begun and we’re getting back into full swing — judging by your #goeventing Instagrams this week, you’re raring to get out there. Let’s take a look around — and don’t forget to tag your public posts with #goeventing so we can feature you!

 

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Video Break: Add These Gymnastic Exercises from Gemma Tattersall to Your Arsenal

By on Jan 22, 2022 4:00 pm -

If you follow enough professional riders on social media, the amount of education and new tools you can pick up is rather remarkable. British 5* winner Gemma Tattersall shared a few pole exercises she’s using at home this winter that can easily be incorporated into your program as well.

“The exercises in the video can be used with horses of all levels from babies right up to established 5* eventers and GP show jumpers!” Gemma describes of the video above. “We set out two lots of 3 poles on a fan – 3 yards middle to middle – which are primarily there to help with control but can also be used to help improve flying changes. We’ve then got two oxers – 6 yards apart with poles in the middle and guide poles in and out to help with straightness.”

Remember: jumps don’t have to be big to be instrumental. Exercises like this are generally set small to reduce wear and tear and focus instead on fundamentals and strength building.

“All of the exercises can be done individually or as a sequence together on either rein and can be done out of trot if you’re on a young one,” Gemma explained in her post. “I’ve found these really get the older ones thinking about their feet & staying straight too!”

Happy practicing! Go Eventing.

Photo Gallery: 2022 Kicks Off at Majestic Oaks Ocala

By on Jan 19, 2022 12:01 pm -

Training Rider A: Tawnie Anderson and Gorgeous In Grey. Photo by Lisa Madren.

The eventing season in the U.S. is officially underway as riders left the startbox for the first time this year at Majestic Oaks in Ocala last weekend. Majestic Oaks is just one of the many venues decorating the Florida landscape and frequented by winter eventers coming down to train and knock the rust off.

Running levels from Starter through Preliminary, Majestic Oaks is described as having bold, inviting, and educational cross country courses, all of which were designed by John Williams. Here’s a look at the final winning scores:

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): Final Scores

Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Ella Strote and Karmic Calling (31.1)
Open Training A: Devin Robel and Gilou (27.9)
Open Training B: Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight (25.2)
Open Training C: Maya Black and FE Chardonnay (22.4)
Training Rider A: Tawnie Anderson and Gorgeous In Grey (34.5)
Training Rider B: Claire Williams and In Vogue (26.7)
Novice Rider A: Cherye Huber and Sam I Am (28.2)
Novice Rider B: Corey Jarman and Fernhill Joker (28.6)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Namiro Star (27.5)
Open Novice B: Ariel Grald and HSF Leamore Last Call (21.7)
Open Novice C: Caroline Martin and As Good As Cash (20.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Kristen Ayers and Pack Leader (30.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Emma Miklos and Fernhill Full Throttle (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield Rolex (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Leah Lang-Gluscic and Kubo Cat (30.6)
Starter-Intro: Brenda Hutton and True Taste (29.9)

Lisa Madren was the photographer on duty at Majestic Oaks and she’s generously shared a few shots of our winners from the weekend with us. Want to support Lisa’s work? Visit her website or Instagram for more.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jan 19, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via Phillip Dutton Eventing on Facebook.

I am just a teeny bit envious of Sierra Lesny, who is having herself a whirl of a winter thanks to two very cool opportunities: a day spent with Phillip Dutton, in partnership with Cosequin, and a full scholarship to train with Sara Kozumplik in Florida thanks to Strides for Equality Equestrians. Sierra began her winter tour with a day at Phillip’s Wellington base, where she got to take a spin on his Tokyo partner, Z. We’re green with envy, Sierra — but we hope you’re enjoying yourself!

Earlier this week, we welcomed the winner of the Cosequin Equine Phillip Dutton Experience Sweepstakes, Sierra Lesny, to…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Thursday, January 13, 2022

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T. (Weirsdale, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [EN’s Preview] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News & Reading:

I’m excited to sit down for a one-on-one interview with Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter for a chat on the topic of longevity — both for ourselves and for our horses — later this month. How does one set themselves up for having a long career (amateur or professional!) as an eventer? How do we best support our horses for longevity? We’d love to ask Kyle some questions that you want answers to during this interview, which will be recorded and released on our channels later this month. Submit your question here and we may bring it to Kyle during the interview. This chat is brought to you by Zoetis Equine’s Regenerative Medicine Device line. Learn more here.

Your dressage test for this year has been updated! Be sure to learn your 2022 test, and find some guidance from Marilyn Payne’s session at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention here.

US Equestrian’s calendar process webinar, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed with no new date yet available. Click here for more information.

Corner jumps always look cool in photos, but what’s the technique to answering the question safely and correctly? This how-to from Practical Horseman will set you straight for your next attempt at a corner question.

Soft arms = better connection. But man, is that hard to achieve! Find the middle ground between noodle arms and 2×4 arms with this guide from Dressage Today.

Cool job alert: SmartPak/Covetrus are looking for a Director of Health Product Development. To view the job description and requirements, click here. This can be a remote position.

Do you have any “horse health resolutions” this year? Haygain has a few to get you started — and they culminate in a happier and better understood partner!

Watch This on H&C+:

Wednesday Video Break: More barn hacks from Brianna Noble!

Weekend Winners: We’re Back, Baby!

By on Jan 17, 2022 9:00 am -

The off-season seems to get a bit shorter each year, but a large part of my score-stalking self doesn’t complain about this as I eagerly pull up results from the first weekend of the 2022 season. It was a relatively quiet one, but it was just the first of many as the year begins in earnest.

We saw riders competing at one recognized event and several schooling combined tests this weekend. This year during Weekend Winners, we want to do more to recognize the awesome schooling opportunities around the country, so we’ve added a new section below for Instagram features and links from some of the unrecognized events happening each week.

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): Final Scores

Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Ella Strote and Karmic Calling (31.1)
Open Training A: Devin Robel and Gilou (27.9)
Open Training B: Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight (25.2)
Open Training C: Maya Black and FE Chardonnay (22.4)
Training Rider A: Tawnie Anderson and Gorgeous In Grey (34.5)
Training Rider B: Claire Williams and In Vogue (26.7)
Novice Rider A: Cherye Huber and Sam I Am (28.2)
Novice Rider B: Corey Jarman and Fernhill Joker (28.6)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Namiro Star (27.5)
Open Novice B: Ariel Grald and HSF Leamore Last Call (21.7)
Open Novice C: Caroline Martin and As Good As Cash (20.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Kristen Ayers and Pack Leader (30.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Emma Miklos and Fernhill Full Throttle (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield Rolex (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Leah Lang-Gluscic and Kubo Cat (30.6)
Starter-Intro: Brenda Hutton and True Taste (29.9)

Meanwhile, several schooling shows and combined tests also ran at popular venues Stable View (SC), Carolina Horse Park (NC), and Ram Tap (CA). These are excellent ways to compete without so much breaking of the bank. Let’s face it: this sport is costly! Whether you’re a green rider, you have a green horse, or you’re simply saving as much green as you can, consider a well-organized schooling event to stay sharp through the season.

This year, we’ll be featuring more of these unrecognized events right here on EN as we understand their importance in the ecosystem that is our sport. If we want to grow the sport, we have to also support the opportunities that represent lower costs and greater fun — isn’t that what it’s all about?

Be sure to tag us in your public social media posts using #goeventing and/or #weekendwinners so we can feature you in a future edition of this column.

First up, let’s visit our friends at Stable View in Aiken, Sc., where the first combined test of the new year is in the books. Many riders will return later this month and next for the Aiken Open H.T. as well as the start of the 2022 Stable View Eventing Academy.

Next, let’s visit the Pipe Opener CT at Carolina Horse Park — this was the first of many similar events hosted at the popular North Carolina venue, and entries for Pipe Opener II open on January 19. Carolina Horse Park is also home to the War Horse Event Series, a popular unrecognized eventing competition with several dates each season.

And last but certainly not least, we’re sending a very warm welcome back to Ram Tap (which had been known as Fresno County Horse Park for the past few years), which hosted its first combined test under its new-old name in northern California this weekend.

We’re thrilled for new Ram Tap owner Terry Hilst, who has put her heart and soul into the sport and venue — stay tuned for a more in-depth feature on her labor of love coming soon here on EN.

You can view more opportunities happening at Ram Tap in 2022 here.

Your Turn: Advice for Your First Trip South for Winter Training

By on Jan 16, 2022 10:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

If 2022 marks your first trip south for the winter, we tapped into a few members of the EN hivemind for their best advice for the trek. While not every rider will spend the entire winter (really, if that’s the case you should already be down there!) away from home, many will make a long weekend or spring break work with their schedules. Read on for some advice from your fellow eventers, then join the conversation in the comments with your own experiences!

What topic would you like us to tackle in a future Your Turn? Email [email protected] with your suggestion.

Go Eventing.

Helen B.: Once the horses are loaded and you are driving south, let go of everything happening at home. You’ve made your excellent plans, trust that home will take care of itself, relax, enjoy yourself, learn lots, and take your reinvigorated, renewed zest for eventing, and everything you have learned, home with you. The enthusiasm you share both in the south and at home is infectious and helps your friends and family share in your love of the horse. Whether they are horse people or not, the energy you share uplifts them too. The nice thing then is that everyone is willing to repeat it next year….!

Kathleen B.: Embrace the chaos. It’s a whirlwind and there is so much to do. Pick a few goals and go with it. Plan at least a day to hack around Hitchcock Woods. Gallop around the Vista. Get lunch at New moon. It’s my favorite time of the year

Kaitlyn L.: Bring fly gear with you — we don’t have winter to stop the bugs. Bring a mask with ears and full coverage fly sheet. Even if your horse doesn’t have a problem with flies, we have more bugs to give them a problem like “no see ums” and fire ants. Buy fly spray and Show Sheen by the gallon, as you’ll use a lot of it to prevent blanket rubs and bug bites. Our dirt is different and has swamp cooties in it, leading to high risks of skin issues. Plan to use something like Head & Shoulders or other medicated shampoo if you notice said skin issues or even as preventative (I always wash legs and pasterns extra good after trail riding or cross country, to get all the cooties off). If you are a rider who enjoys trail riding or hacks, you have all kinds of places to ride and fun activities to do outside of the show ring, take advantage of that, mix it up — you’re in horse country! Depending on where you board and how they source their hay, sometimes “local” grown hay is lower quality than what you will be used to further north, be ready for that change unless you are hauling your own stock with you. As a human, you’ll still want to wear summer type riding clothes most days so be sure to pack different fabric weights and outfit options in case we have a weird “cold” day or rain.

Jennifer R.: I have been making the trek to Aiken from the Chicago area for the last 20 years. (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) I am a career Lieutenant with the Fire Service so scheduling can be tricky. The number one piece of advice I can give is allow yourself some flexibility in your travel plans to avoid severe weather. Nothing can make an already stressful trip (particularly for first timers) more daunting then encountering hazardous conditions while hauling your treasured cargo. Last year we did two trips in three days to facilitate shipping seven horses and LOTS of hay. We still allowed the flexibility in our dates to adjust if needed. If it is your first time and you are intimidated by the thought of the long haul and mountain roads, consider hiring a professional shipper. There are trips headed to South Carolina and Florida on a regular basis. This will allow you to pack your personal trailer with all the amenities from home as well as hay and feed. Happy travels!

Nan S.: Build in flexibiltiy with your departure dates. An unexpected snow storm may necessitate a change in travel.

Courtenay T.: I have some Florida tips that could be useful to some…

  • If you’re storing several bales at once, put an old sheet or towel over your hay to save them from getting moldy when low fog rolls in.
  • Speaking of hay, don’t feel like you need an open-bed truck to buy your hay at Larsen’s, they are adept with the forklifts there!
  • Wash between your horse’s legs religiously after each ride to avoid tail rubbing
  • Hose your horse after each ride/before turning out, even if you ride early and have to wait a few hours for it to be warm enough to hose. Otherwise you will quickly wind up with a very tidy saddle-shaped sun bleach mark. It’s called the sunshine state for a reason!
  • If you work a full time remote job and ride in the early mornings, don’t be embarrassed/lazy about throwing studs in for your trot sets, it can be slippery here.
  • Non-chlorine bleach is good for daily bucket and feed tub scrubbing (which is essential), and it won’t endanger your #ROOTD.
  • If you don’t already own a 100g turnout, it’s a very versatile weight for this climate.
  • The further away from Ocala you do your grocery shopping, the less likely you are to find large bags of carrots!

#GoEventing ‘Grams of the Week: Raring to Go

By on Jan 15, 2022 10:00 am -

I find that perusing the #goeventing hashtag on Instagram provides a cool microcosm of eventing culture, and typically there’s a theme. This time of year, we’re eagerly anticipating the start of a new competition season. Everything feels fresh and possible (and our horses haven’t broken our hearts yet!), we’ve memorized our new dressage tests, and we’re raring to get out there! If this describes you, you’re definitely part of the insanity. Let’s take a look at what you all have been up to this week:

And finally, well if it isn’t the best sales ad we’ve seen all year:

Don’t forget to tag your public social media posts with #goeventing for a chance to be featured right here on EN!

Go Eventing.

US Equestrian Names Elite Eventing Program Task Force + Managing Director of Eventing Vacancy Posted

By on Jan 14, 2022 6:00 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney named a forthcoming task force as a step on the way to securing the High Performance Eventing program’s leadership at last month’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. These moving pieces are part of a chain of events set off (publicly, at least) by the non-renewal of former U.S. Eventing Performance Director Erik Duvander’s contract in December. It was just one of the notable departures from eventing’s “front office” in December: jumping coach Peter Wylde’s contract was not renewed, and Managing Director of Eventing Jenni Autry is also no longer with the federation.

On Friday, US Equestrian announced the formation of an Elite Eventing Program Task Force to strategize on and build a leadership structure and performance pipeline for future U.S. teams at Olympic Games and World Championships. Members of this Task Force include:

  • Will Coleman
  • Max Corcoran
  • Derek Di Grazia
  • Ariel Grald
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp
  • Dr. Mark Hart
  • Leslie Law
  • Eric Markell
  • Lynn Symansky
  • Christine Turner
  • Will Connell

Both USEF President Tom O’Mara and CEO Bill Moroney will also attend all meetings of the Task Force, per a US Equestrian press release. “These respected members of the Eventing community have proven expertise in sport on a global level within their respective roles and represent a diverse constituency of athletes, owners, coaches, licensed officials, governance leadership, and team support personnel,” US Equestrian stated. “The task force members were appointed by the USEF President and the USEF Athletes’ Advisory Committee and will report directly to the President.”

Stakeholders may provide their comments to this task force, but this feedback is required to be sent to the USEF Eventing Elite Program Task Force dedicated inbox.

Meanwhile, the vacant Managing Director position has been opened for application — you can view the job description and application requirements here. US Equestrian has yet to make any public moves toward replacing Erik Duvander (though the formation of this Task Force could be seen as a step toward making this decision) as we look ahead to this fall’s World Championships for Eventing in Italy.

Keep an eye on EN for more updates as this story develops.

 

 

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jan 12, 2022 12:01 am -

Have you followed Cool Ridings on Instagram yet? The program, founded by eventer Lydia Heywood, celebrates riders from diverse backgrounds with the goal of improving access to horses and the doors they can open as well as helping riders from developing nations. The social channels for Cool Ridings are always introducing me to new riders who have fascinating stories and backgrounds (and a whole mass of talent!) to share. Most recently, I’ve begun following Pradyumna Dhumal, an Irish-based Indian eventer who aspires to represent his country at the Asian Games and the Olympics. Coupled with the recent rise of Fouaad Mirza, who finished his first Olympic Games in Tokyo last summer, could there be an Indian Olympic eventing team in the future? Time will tell — but in the meantime, give both Pradyumna and Fouaad a follow!

U.S. Weekend Preview (yes, it’s time for those again!):

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Additional Volunteering Opportunities: [Ram Tap January Combined Test – Fresno, Ca.]

Wednesday News & Reading:

Did you know? EN’s News & Notes is always open for news items. Is your facility hosting a clinic? Want to announce a schedule change or other update? You can submit your news item by emailing [email protected] (note: sale ads and working student/groom openings are not permitted — check out Sport Horse Nation for these services — and inclusion in News & Notes is subject to editor discretion).

The USEA’s Instructor Certification Program is getting an update for the new season. The changes and the breadth of the program were discussed in an ICP Open Forum during last month’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention — catch up here.

Don’t forget: you can comment on the proposed changes to the USEF Rules for Eventing, which are slated to go into effect in 2023, through January 17. The proposals will still be subject to further discussion and review by both the USEA and USEF before finalization, but it’s important that the governing bodies hear from the stakeholders themselves — you! Click here to add your comments.

What should be on your winter horse care checklist? Depending on where you live, care in the winter can be quite different than any other time of year. What’s most important during the big chill? SmartPak has some insights here.

And now, over to you: what’s your best advice for heading south for a winter of training? What do you wish you’d known the first time you went sun-chasing? Let us know, and your words of wisdom could be featured in a forthcoming article.

Watch This:

If you missed the action at this year’s London Horse Show — an annual spectacle that made a return after a 2020 cancelation — the highlights show is now up and available for H&C+ subscribers! Click here to tune in.

Monday Video: A European Horse Shopping Trip with Elisa Wallace

By on Jan 10, 2022 4:30 pm -

Horse shopping in Europe is still a hot ticket for eventers seeking their next top ride. Elisa Wallace and her crew made a recent trip to find some news horses for the Wallace Eventing string, and she brought us along for the ride in her latest video vlog. Find out who’s catching a plane back to the States in the video above!