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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.

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Oliver Townend in a Familiar Place After Day One at Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 14, 2021 6:25 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Abby Powell.

If you put Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class down as your pick to win this weekend, you’d be on the right track out of the gate after the British Olympian waltzed in to earn a 21.1 — a personal FEI best by a decent margin for the 16-year-old Irish Sport Gelding owned by Angela Hislop — and easily slot into the day one lead here at the Inaugural Maryland 5 Star.

“It would’ve been much easier to nip across to France,” Oliver joked after his ride when asked why he’d chosen to come here to Maryland for the first time. “We’re just hugely grateful to Maryland, Fair Hill and the organizing committee. It’s a very brave move to put a five-star on in these times that we’re in and I just wanted to show my huge support for them. To put a five-star on, you need the good competitors to come and support you and that’s why we’re here. We want to support Maryland and we want to make it a great event.”

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Abby Powell.

“He’s 16 years old now, and it’s very rare that a 16 year old gets better but he’s definitely improving as the years go on,” he continued about Cooley Master Class (Ramiro B – The Swallow, by Master Imp). “He’s obviously had a quiet couple of seasons with (coronavirus) and what not, but I couldn’t be happier with him.”

Cooley Master Class seems to relish these long trips away from home, Oliver says, and through their decade-long partnership “Coolio” has become a close friend of his. “He’s a real character,” he said. “I know that everybody says that about their horse, but he’s a real character in the nicest sense, really. He’s very, very special and he’s very, very cheeky but he’s a professional as well. He’s a very good friend. I think he’s got some similar characteristics to me — not that you’ll see them in front of these cameras! — but at the end of the day he’s a high-class athlete and a very good friend.”

Second with the very experienced Harbour Pilot (Cruising – Shannon), owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, is Hannah Sue Burnett, who tied with Lynn Symansky and debutante horse, the Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play (Condors Champion – Roxana, by Radscha), on a score of 28.0.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Abby Powell.

Hannah Sue said sometimes knowing a horse so well and having the prep go well can almost lead to more pressure when it comes time to actually go and compete. “Today he was so quiet and reliable, so I was like ‘alright I better not screw this up — it’s all here for me to lose!’ But I felt pretty good about it. There’s always improvements that could be made but he was perfect.”

The newly-constructed grandstands here, despite the fact they weren’t overflowing with spectators today, created quite a fishbowl type of atmosphere, leading many riders to compare it to a Badminton or Burghley (and yes, they’re drawing the same comparisons about the cross country!). Generally speaking, though, most horses kept a lid on — as Hannah Sue put it, “he was like, ‘Oh, you brought me somewhere worthy of me!'”, some even using any reaction to the atmosphere to their advantage to coax bigger movement from horses who were feeding off the energy in a positive way. “(Harbour Pilot) felt relaxed but also impressed and excited, so it was good,” Hannah Sue said.

Lynn Symansky echoed the sentiments about the atmosphere but admitted RF Cool Play was a bit more nervous in there. “We both left some marks on the table but he was pretty nervous here — it’s a lot of atmosphere for them,” Lynn said. “It’s not maybe the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen, but it has that feel almost like Burghley where the crowds are very close. You get more people at Kentucky, but this actually feels a lot more electric for a lot of the horses. So all things considered, in his first five-star test he’s done, I was pretty proud of him.”

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play. Photo by Abby Powell.

One interesting element to contend with today has been the incessant nature of the lantern flies that love to land on you at inopportune times — such as your dressage test. Fourth-placed Jennie Brannigan, fresh off a successful trip to Boekelo with FE Lifestyle, earned a 28.5 with the 13-year-old Stella Artois, owned by the Stella Artois Syndicate — but not without a battle with the lantern flies in the ring after one landed on Stella’s ear during her walk work. “I was like, ‘I don’t know whether to get this giant bug or let it be’,” she laughed. “But she was a good girl. Overall, the quality of the work is just so much better and to be up with RF Cool Play and Carlevo is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Abby Powell.

Jennie says her trip to Boekelo, where she finished 15th with FE Lifestyle, gave her a fresh boost of confidence. “I know this isn’t going to be a dressage show, from what it looks like, but I’m really pleased.” Jennie also has a strong personal connection to Fair Hill, having galloped racehorses for Michael Matz through the years at the Fair Hill Training Center. “I’ve galloped here for years, I’ve ridden a flat race on this track, I’ve ridden a timber race on this track, I’ve breezed horses on this track,” she reminisced. “Fair Hill is really close to my heart, and (longtime owners Tim and Nina Gardner) are on the board here and I really think it’s awesome what they’re doing here to bring everything together.”

The first to go in front of the dressage judges is never an easy time, and while Buck Davidson felt a couple of marks were left on the table with Katherine O’Brien’s Carlevo (Eurocommerce Caresino – Ramatuelle, by Levernois), they still find themselves in the top five after the first day with a score of 28.7. “He was good,” Buck said. “There’s a little bit more atmosphere in there than you would think, and I’m glad he was first because (announcer Brian O’Connor) got everyone revved up, which is cool and that probably helps Carlevo. I’m very proud of my horse. There are always little things you could do better, but at the end of the day he was a good boy.”

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Abby Powell.

Buck is another with a longtime connection to Fair Hill, having competed in timber races here when he was younger, and he’s looking forward to having a crack at it come Saturday with his three rides. “It’s probably not an advantage to go first when nobody’s ever been out there,” Buck said of being the trailblazer with Carlevo. “He’s not the fastest horse in the world, but he’s a good cross country course and he’s honest. I had to do the same thing at Morven Park last weekend, I was the first one there so I’m going to do a bit like I did at that way, just sort of pick my way along. You don’t know how fast to start out because first and foremost you have to get home, so that’s going to be my first goal, and then do it as quickly as I can after that.”

Looking to the judging, I tapped our resident analyst Maggie Deatrick for her notes, which reveal some friendlier-than-expected trends: “Overall, the scoring was about 2.03 penalty points below expected for the day,” she writes. “Martin Plewa is using his scoring range the most and Angela Tucker being a bit more conservative with both her high and low scores. Average variance between judges is at 3.04, with the largest disagreements thus far being for Master Frisky with a 5.18% variance.”

We also had two rider debuts this afternoon, with both Emma Lomangino (Master Frisky) and Ashlynn Meuchel (Emporium) cantering down centerline for their very first CCI5* tests. Emma earned a 35.1 with Master Frisky to sit 19th after dressage, and Ashlynn scored a 32.8 to sit 14th overnight.

Emma Lomangino and Master Frisky. Photo by Abby Powell.

“I am so excited!” Emma said after her test. “It’s such an honor to actually be here, let alone go in and feel like we put a good test together. I’m really excited for this whole week and really proud of my horse — he went out there and gave me everything.” She’s partnered up with the very experienced 17-year-old Master Frisky (Master Imp – Frisky Legs, by Coopers Hill), who she’s painstakingly helped rehab from a soft tissue injury sustained in 2015. This will be Master Frisky’s return to the CCI5* level — his last start was a seventh place finish at Kentucky with Boyd Martin in 2015.

Ashlynn was another who was very proud of her debut effort with the quirky Emporium, with whom she’s been partnered with since his lower level days. “It’s very exciting, and I was super happy with the horse. He was fantastic in here,” Ashlynn commented. “A lot of his big competitions were run without spectators, so I wasn’t sure how he would react to a little bit of atmosphere, but he was absolutely great.” Getting some pointers from Clayton Fredericks in the warm-up, Ashlynn explained how she works a lot on suppleness and just moving around in the time before a test, keeping the 12-year-old Dutch gelding from getting too “bracey” and tense. A 32.8 trends toward the lower end of their average international range, so Ashlynn has much to be proud of herself as she puts the first phase behind her. “The last he’s just kind of really come into his own,” she continued. “He was kind of a late bloomer and took awhile to believe in himself, too and so the last year he’s just blossomed.”

The CCI3*-L and CCI5* conclude dressage tomorrow with roughly half of each division yet to see. We’ll have a full rider reaction summary about Ian Stark’s track — which has every buzzing — coming tomorrow, but suffice it to say the general consensus, especially with rain forecasted for Saturday, is: it won’t be a dressage show.

The riders have also all been highly complimentary of the venue, and both Abby and I echo those sentiments. This is a true five-star feeling five-star (yes, I just wrote that horrible sentence and no, I’m not deleting it) in every sense of the word, and while maybe there isn’t quite as much five-star history here it’s nonetheless an area rich with eventing history. For reference, I’ll drop in the history page from the program for you to take a deep dive:

Jennie Brannigan put it best as she looked around her at the beautifully manicured turf track and, beyond it, the cross country course. “Look at this!” she said. “How could you not be impressed with this? It’s absolutely amazing, and so I think if this is the beginning, who knows what the end can be.”

We will be back with much more tomorrow — we’re so grateful to be here, and to you for following along with us. I hope you’ll join us on our course walk tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. with Ema Klugman, put on in partnership with RideIQ and FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips. We’ll see you there! In the meantime, enjoy a full gallery of Abby Powell’s photos of today’s five-star pairs:

Go Eventing.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Rewatch the Maryland 5 Star First Horse Inspection

By on Oct 13, 2021 6:00 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Maryland 5 Star Horse Inspection

Watch the Maryland 5 Star and USEF CCI3* Eventing National Championship LIVE on USEF Network all weekend with promo code Maryland21

Posted by USEF Network on Wednesday, October 13, 2021

We saw the horses competing in the CCI3*-L and the CCI5* this week at the Maryland 5 Star trot up for the ground jury this afternoon and thanks to the USEF Network (and, throughout the rest of the weekend, Horse & Country for international viewers) you can catch up on the jogs if you weren’t able to watch live.
You can also click here to read Abby’s report and flip through her photo gallery here. The rest of the action will also be live streamed on USEF Network, and if you aren’t an existing USEF member you can receive a free fan membership to follow along using promo code “Maryland21”.

CCI3*-L jog:

Maryland 5 Star Horse Inspection

Watch the Horse Inspection for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star Three-Day Event LIVE on USEF Network.

Posted by USEF Network on Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Tickets, Schedule, Entries, Volunteer, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, Official Digital Program, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

A Warm Welcome and Pony Pats for All at the Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 13, 2021 5:00 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara. Photo by Sally Spickard.

There is just something special about a five-star event, and even more so when it’s a brand new event that has pulled out all the stops to make its attendees and participants feel welcome. That’s how it feels pulling into the Maryland 5 Star, which finally makes its debut this weekend in Elkton, Md., just across the street from the former Fair Hill International CCI4*-L site.

The venue is abuzz with last-minute preparations today as Abby Powell and I arrived. I was fresh (??) off a red-eye flight from California and raring to go, so as soon as Abby swooped me from the airport we headed straight here to scope out the place. Everywhere you look, vendors are finishing their set-ups, the food and drink vendors are moving in, the riders are familiarizing with the multiple rings, and, of course, everyone put on their Wednesday best and trotted up for the ground jury (you can read that report here).

Arena familiarization underway in the main ring. Photo by Sally Spickard.

If you’re planning on coming to spectate, I think you’ll be in for an absolute grand time this weekend. First things first, everything in the main hub of activity is very close. Granted, the cross country course is big — and its going to be a hike to see it all — but the nice thing is that you can wander and shop, find food, and take in the action at the arenas without having to go too far.

Abby and I are looking forward to bringing you up close and personal on the action all week long, both here and on our Instagram page, so stay tuned for much more — and don’t forget to dive in to the official Digital Program and Form Guide which has just been released here!

A cooler full of apples sits next to the warm-up arena – such a cute touch! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jogs are always a chance to have a look at the horses and riders up close, and if you camp out near the end of the jog strip long enough you’re sure to catch some relieved pats and some big smiles as the first hurdle of the competition is passed. It’s inevitably my favorite spot to hang out during jogs, especially at the start of competition when everyone’s hopes and dreams are still very much alive! It’s certainly going to be an intense weekend — the buzz about Ian Stark’s big, beefy track has already begun and I’m itching to get out to see it — so we enjoy these quiet, happy moments before we dive in.

In all, it was a picture-perfect beginning to what we know will be a stellar weekend and we can’t wait to see how the results pan out. Thanks so much for following along. Go Eventing!

Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Tickets, Schedule, Entries, Volunteer, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, Official Digital Program, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

The Form Guide Has Landed: View the Official Maryland 5 Star Digital Program + Form Guide Here

By on Oct 13, 2021 3:00 pm -

Maryland 5 Star Digital Program

It’s been a huge honor to work in close collaboration with the Maryland 5 Star over the last few months to create the official digital program for the weekend. Combining the traditional elements of the program with Eventing Nation’s unique flavor of form guide analysis and data, we’ve created a guide that will be useful for everyone from the eventing super nerd (don’t worry, you’re among friends here) to the newly indoctrinated “what is DRESS-age?” fan.

Can’t see the embed above? Click the image below to view the Digital Program!

A labor of love (and maybe a little bit of hate, on the very late nights) has brought this finished product before you now, and I’d be remiss not to give full credit to Tilly Berendt, who originated our Form Guide idea here on EN and created/designed this form guide during her European coverage tour and will probably sleep for a week now, Maggie Deatrick, Abby Powell, Shelby Allen, Kate Samuels, Taleen Hanna and Leslie Wylie for their collaboration on this project.

We hope you enjoy this deep-dive into each CCI5* pair competing this weekend. You can tap each pair’s name on the main entry list to go directly to that horse’s Form Guide page.

Now, let’s get this party started! Go Eventing!

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Tickets, Schedule, Entries, Volunteer, EN’s Coverage, Digital Program, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

What’s On Tap on EN During the Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 13, 2021 10:00 am -

Stephanie Cauffman and Chatsworth Third Revolution. Photo by Abby Powell.

We couldn’t be more excited to be heading to the Maryland 5 Star this week! Not only is it the first running of the second North American five-star, it’s also the first five-star to welcome back spectators here in the U.S. this year. Both Abby Powell and I will be on the ground beginning tomorrow, and we’ll be joined later in the week by Kate Samuels and Maggie Deatrick, with Tilly Berendt, Leslie Wylie and Shelby Allen supporting from afar.

While we gear up to bring you our special brand of wall-to-wall coverage, we also have a few exciting things for you to participate in this week! Coming up…

Vote for the Eventing Nation Unofficial Jog Award winner. Tilly Berendt will bring back her cheeky commentary on the first jog at Maryland, and we’ll be putting the power in your hands to vote for the winner. Thanks to support from our friends at Fairfax & Favor, we’ll give away a pair of the famous knee-high Regina boots to the reader-voted winner.

And you can win a pair of Fairfax & Favor boots, too! Go and watch the F&F Jog Contest story highlight on our Instagram page to learn more about how to win your own pair!

Preview Ian Stark’s CCI5* cross country track with RideIQ and Ema Klugman. We’re teaming up with the brains behind the buzzy new app, RideIQ, and Nation Media’s own/RideIQ coach Ema Klugman for a course walk on Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to meet us at the start box to come along — it doesn’t cost anything, and we’ll have goodies to hand out!

Tell us who you’re cheering on this week and win a bundle from Athletux Equine, Frilly Fillies, and Fleeceworks! We’ve also teamed up with Athletux to give away an Athletux Frilly Fillies ear bonnet as well as a Fleeceworks jump pad with an American flag patch. To enter, you’ll just need to comment on this Instagram post with who you’re cheering on this weekend at the Maryland 5 Star, and we’ll draw from the comments at random for a winner on Monday following the event!

We can’t wait to see you in Maryland! To follow along with more of EN’s wall-to-wall Maryland coverage, click here and sign up for our Daily Digest email here.

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Oct 13, 2021 12:01 am -

At SmartPak we know riding is for everybody, and that means every body! That's why we brought REAL riders into our…

Posted by SmartPak on Tuesday, October 12, 2021

I was really happy to see the unveiling of SmartPak’s latest campaign aimed at inclusion, diversity and body positivity. After all, riding is for everybody — and every body, too. Some may not realize how dejecting it can be to struggle to find properly fitting equipment. Luckily, the industry has begun to shift, including more body types in their offerings and more empathy in their marketing. It’s important to see action behind words and we are so thrilled to see SmartPak doing their part to walking the walk.

Read more about the Riding is for Everybody and Every Body initiative here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Daily Digest Email Sign-up] [EN’s Twitter] [EN’s Instagram]

Ocala Fall H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Pine Hill Fall H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading List:

It’s trot-up day at Maryland and by the time you’re reading this, I’ll be in the air trying (most likely unsuccessfully) to catch some sleep on my red-eye to Philadelphia. There, I’ll meet Abby Powell who is gracious enough to come swipe me from the airport, and we’re heading straight to the party for the First Horse Inspection this afternoon.

And before things kick off in earnest, I just want to give a shout to the team behind the scenes at this and every other event. We’ve had a very small role in creating the Digital Program for the Maryland 5 Star, but in the process we’ve gotten to know the organizing team quite well. Putting on an event of any size is a monumental task — truthfully, I don’t think anyone who has not organized an event from the ground up can truly grasp the work that’s involved. It’s been a collaborative efforts on the parts of the organizers, the volunteers, the officials, the builders and decorators, and every other person who’s played a role in getting this behemoth of an event off the ground. So hats off to you, and let’s all show our gratitude for their efforts this week!

Badminton Horse Trials has announced that points achieved in 2019 toward qualification will be accepted for the 2022 event. Click here to learn more about the qualification period and process.

If your horse isn’t the biggest fan of dressing up (and if you’re looking for a costume idea that doesn’t involve cultural appropriation), the Plaid Horse has some great ideas for Halloween this year!

Registration is now open for the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, happening in New Mexico December 9-12. You can now make your reservations and get your travel sorted for a weekend of education and community. Click here to learn more.

This just in: Liz Halliday-Sharp’s program runs on steam power!

Wednesday Video Break:

Just a little inspiration from Ingrid Klimke and EQUITANA`S Firlefanz:

5 Star First-Timers: Montana Native Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium Ready to Step Up

By on Oct 12, 2021 1:00 pm -

Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Ashlynn Meuchel has vivid memories of her first year partnering with the gray Dutch Warmblood gelding, Emporium. Many of them involve her trying to stay on.

Emporium, or “Theo” as he’s known at home, has been a quirky, challenging partner for Ashlynn, but patience and diligence now have them on the cusp of making their CCI5* debut at Maryland this week.

Ashlynn grew up in Kalispell, Montana, best known in the eventing community as the home of The Event at Rebecca Farm. The eventing community in the area is small and close-knit, and it’s one of those areas where you don’t bat an eye at the prospect of a 10 hour drive just to compete for a weekend. It was through this close community that Ashlynn would meet Sarah Broussard, a longtime and incredibly generous supporter of the sport as well as her local community.

“I started eventing when I was about 12, and eventually had an older Thoroughbred that I did a Prelim on, but who didn’t really want to keep going,” Ashlynn said. “Sarah was the one who first mentioned Young Riders as a goal.”

Sarah, who is an eventer herself and has been the manager of Rebecca Farm in honor of her mother, Becky Broussard, for two decades, is a thoughtful contributor to the sport in a variety of ways. From ensuring the annual Rebecca Farm event is a true destination for all riders, to contributing the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants, to encouraging local young riders to pursue their talents, Sarah and her family’s impact on the sport can be found nearly everywhere you look. This includes Ashlynn, who eventually did qualify for and compete at Young Riders (finishing in the top 10 in 2013) on a horse that Sarah partnered with Ashlynn’s mother, Kelli, to purchase.

After graduating from high school early, Ashlynn went to California to work for Tamie Smith, staying on during breaks after she went to college. And it would be through Tamie that Ashlynn would find Emporium (Cartano – Upana, by Open), who’d done a Beginner Novice with Tamie and was still very much green.

This is where Ashlynn laughs and tells me a story of an early ride on the leggy gray gelding. “It was during a Phillip Dutton clinic at the farm, and we were just walking by the arena but suddenly he was leaping around in the air,” she recalls. “Somehow I stayed on, but people from the clinic were coming to check on me after.”

Ashlynn Muechel and Emporium. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“He was so athletic that he sort of scared himself and lacked some confidence,” Ashlynn continued. “And I was 18 and was still learning too, so it took us some time to work through that.”

Once she was through with college, Ashlynn moved again, this time to Florida where she began working with Jennifer and Jon Holling. At this point, Ashlynn and Theo had progressed through the Preliminary level and she knew that if she could just finish putting the pieces together she just might have a capable five-star horse on her hands.

“I kind of moved (to Florida) because I knew I had the horse and I knew if I could make him go well, we could do big things,” she explained. “Jen really encouraged me to just keep at it with him. But it was challenging — he’s always been a fantastic athlete, but it was always a question of `was he too careful?’”

So Ashlynn kept at it. She practiced. She changed her approach, focusing more on teaching the horse to think for himself, rather than trying to micromanage the ride. “That has helped him be more confident in himself,” she reflected. “You have to instill the confidence that they can do it, too.”

She credits much of this refreshed approach to her work with Clayton Fredericks, who’s been another mentor to her over the years. “He teaches more constant repetition and constant improvement and confidence for the horse rather than sort of muscling them around and trying to get it done,” she said.

Another difference-maker for Emporium? A simple tack change. Ashlynn switched to an Amerigo saddle, and suddenly an issue with dropping into the water was completely gone. “Once I switched, he started jumping into the water and hasn’t stopped since,” she said. “And he’s just kept stepping up for me every day since.”

Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ashlynn didn’t begin to seriously weigh her CCI5* options until earlier this year, after Emporium, who is 12, made easy work of his second CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh in May. “I’d taken him to Tryon last year and he ticked that box, so I put Jersey on the schedule and he made that feel easy,” she laughed. “So then it was just a matter of, what’s next?”

Thanks to a seed that was planted early on and given some nurturing by Ashlynn’s mother as well as Sarah Broussard, Ashlynn also now finds herself at the helm of a growing business. She’s gone into business with fellow Advanced eventer and show jumper Jeanie Clarke, fully immersing herself in Ocala life where she can continue to measure herself among the best in the country. “I wanted to come east, number one to learn and to get better. Two, you really know exactly how good you are out here. It gives you a very good idea and boy, I learned I was not very good when I first came out here!” she laughed. “So there was a lot to learn, and there still is.”

And despite his quirks (“everyone who lives with him thinks he’s about the weirdest horse they’ve ever been around”), Emporium’s carved out a niche for himself as the one who’s taught Ashlynn the most lessons. As for the little five-star happening this week? To the best of her ability, she’s trying to keep things business as usual. “I try to keep chipping away and keep my head down and keep going. I’m trying not to go wild and do anything crazy. I just try to keep within the program that’s been working and chipping away to get a little better every day.”

Pau Entries Go Live: 53 Entered, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Mike Winter Represent North America

By on Oct 12, 2021 11:00 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We may be knee-deep in Maryland content, but on the side we’ve been madly refreshing the Pau website looking for entries to this year’s CCI5*, happening October 27-31 in south France. This event was the sole CCI5* last year after the majority of the calendar was vacated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For 2021, we see a total of 53 combinations entered, including U.S. rider Liz Halliday-Sharp with Cooley Quicksilver and Canadian rider Mike Winter with El Mundo.

The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Cooley Quicksilver, made his CCI5* debut at Kentucky in April of this year and also traveled to Montana, where he finished second in the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S. This will be Liz’s first trip to the French CCI5*.

Representing Canada, Mike Winter is looking for a first CCI5* completion with the 12-year-old KWPN gelding, El Mundo. This pair made their debut at the level at the one-off Biction CCI5* earlier this year, but had some trouble on course that could easily be chalked up as growing pains and opted to save their efforts for another try later.

Mike Winter and El Mundo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also joining the Pau party is a strong British contingent (exactly how many five-star horses do they have these days, anyway?) which includes the gold medal-winning British team, all with horses making debuts at the level: Oliver Townend with Ridire Dorcha (as well as MHS King Joules, who was sixth here in 2020), 2020 Pau winner Laura Collett with Dacapo, and Tom McEwen with CHF Cooliser.

Pau will also mark the CCI5* debut for Jonelle Price with former Mark Todd ride Mclaren. She’ll be joined by husband Tim with the 12-year-old Falco, making his first start at the level.

It’s an exciting entry list that might yet see a few changes, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye on them for you. Stay tuned for more from Pau!

Les Etoiles de Pau: Website, Entries

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feed

By on Oct 12, 2021 12:01 am -

If there’s one thing I will feel some massive FOMO over this week, it will be that I don’t have my dog with me. I first got to see the MARS VIPet Experience at Great Meadow earlier this summer, and it was easily one of the best things I’ve seen at a horse show (or anywhere, honestly). Now, it looks like the pet lounge — which included a dog play area, toys and apparel for sale to benefit nonprofits, and plenty of swag for your dog — has officially pulled in to the Maryland 5 Star and will be on site all week. Be sure to stop by and check it out!

By the way, if you’re attending the Maryland 5 Star this week and you’d like to get involved behind the scenes, there are still a few volunteer positions available! Click here to see what’s still open.

Events Opening This Week:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.

Events Closing This Week:

FEH & YEH Last Chance Qualifier for West Coast Championship, Course Brook Farm Fall H.T., The VHT International & H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., The Event at TerraNova

Tuesday News:

We are teaming up with RideIQ for a CCI5* course walk at Maryland this week! Join us with resident CCI5* rider Ema Klugman, who will be leading a free course walk on Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Please meet by the start box on cross country — we’ll have goodies to hand out!

If you’d like to follow along with every bit of EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star this week, you can sign up for our Daily Digest email, which will begin sending tomorrow evening and continue through the event. It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on all things Maryland! Click here to sign up.

Did you know that seven of the horses entered in the Maryland 5 Star are graduates of the USEA Young Event Horse Program? This program, which encourages the proper development of potential event horses, has become a well-established pipeline of young talent and it’s always fascinating to keep up with horses who continue to progress through the levels. Find out which horses at Maryland are former Young Event Horses here.

Don’t forget that it’s also Thoroughbred Makeover week in Kentucky! This year’s “Mega Makeover”, an expanded showcase of the off-track Thoroughbred hosted annually by the Retired Racehorse Project, will feature over 500 former racehorses who’ve begun their training in a variety of disciplines, including eventing. You can learn more about this year’s field here.

You know you love a firecracker five-star mare! In the latest Behind the Stall Door column, we get to know a little more about Fylicia Barr’s Galloway Sunrise. This pair is competing in the Maryland 5 Star this week, and she’s sure to have a big fan club cheering her on. Read more about “Sunny” here.

Tuesday Video Break:

Some tips on body clipping (yes, it’s already that time of year again) from Courtney Cooper of C Square Farm:

Morven Park Snapshots: A Beautiful Weekend for a CCI4*

By on Oct 11, 2021 2:30 pm -

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

While we’re getting amped up for the Maryland 5 Star this week, let’s not forget the massive efforts put on by the team at Morven Park in Leesburg, Va. to produce the venue’s first CCI4*-L effort. It was a grand weekend for all, and it was the perfect fall weekend spent running and jumping — and getting captured by the lens of Erin Gilmore and her team. If you competed at Morven Park, you can order your photos from Erin here — don’t forget to support your show photographers and videographers!

Let’s take a look back at some moments from Morven, including some of the gorgeous fences on the Derek di Grazia-designed cross country…

And some gutsy riding across all levels…

To that finish line feeling…

To view the full results from the weekend, click here. Thanks for the epic memories, Morven Park! Until next year — Go Eventing!

Maryland 5 Star CCI5* Draw Order Goes Live: Buck Davidson Will Lead the Way

By on Oct 11, 2021 1:00 pm -

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Welcome to Maryland week! We are buzzing over here at EN ahead of this first-time CCI5*, which will be held at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md. beginning this Thursday. The event has just completed the draw of order for both the USEF National CCI3*-L Championship as well as the CCI5*, and we now know who we’ll see cantering down centerline for the very first time come Thursday.

Leading the way in the CCI5* will be Buck Davidson with Katherine O’Brien’s 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Carlevo (Eurocommerce Caresino – Ramatuelle, by Levernois), making his third start at the level. Buck is one of five riders in this division with multiple rides, and he’s the only rider with three horses (he’ll also ride Kat and Roberto Cuca’s Jak My Style as well as Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden and Natalie Sandler’s Errol Gobey).

In the USEF CCI3*-L National Championship, Allison Springer will be the trailblazer aboard the Rico Syndicate LLC’s Vandyke. Allison is one of six riders in the 3*-L with two horses.

The full drawn order for the CCI5* is as follows:



The schedule for the Maryland 5 Star has been coordinated to allow for both FEI divisions as well as the Young Event Horse divisions to run concurrently. The CCI5* will be the highlight of each day, running in the afternoon for all three phases. Dressage will begin at 1 p.m. EST on Thursday and Friday. Full schedule:

Still need tickets? They are still available for advance purchase! Click here for more. If you aren’t in the area/aren’t able to travel, you’ll be able to watch the Maryland 5 Star on USEF Network as well as on Horse&Country outside of the U.S. Click here for more live stream info.

EN is also pleased and honored to be the provider of the Digital Program for the Maryland 5 Star this week — look for that to launch in the coming days! You can also sign up to receive our Daily Digest email newsletter, which will be sent each evening beginning Wednesday. Sign up here.

Both Abby Powell and myself will be on the ground in Maryland beginning Wednesday, and we’ll be joined throughout the week by Kate Samuels and Maggie Deatrick, with Tilly Berendt, Shelby Allen and Leslie Wylie supporting remotely. We look forward to sharing all the stories coming out of this brand-new CCI5* with you, and thank you as always for following along!

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

5 Star First-Timers: Emma Lomangino and Master Frisky to Debut at Maryland

By on Oct 11, 2021 11:00 am -

Emma Lomangino & Master Frisky. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s safe to say that Emma Lomangino enjoys a good challenge.

If you want to find a common thread among successful riders — athletes in general, really — you might find one in their childhood years. By the time she turned 13, Emma estimates she’d ridden over 100 different horses (she was even featured here on EN’s Horse of a Different Color series with one of her earliest eventing horses, No Doubt), mainly on account of her not having a horse of her own starting out. So, as many top riders would tell you, she would throw a leg over whatever came her way, indiscriminately seizing every opportunity that presented itself.

So when she was offered the chance of a lifetime to take on the rehabilitation and riding of the former Boyd Martin ride Master Frisky for owner Steve Blauner, it’s not a surprise to hear she jumped at it.

Emma admits she “could barely ride” the big, strong Irish gelding by Master Imp when she first hopped aboard. “I’d never ridden an upper level horse,” she recalled. “But I really wanted to figure it out. When else do you have the opportunity like that?”

Emma met Steve Blauner while she was in college near her hometown in Millbrook, Ny. She was taking night classes at the time, riding and teaching during the day. Steve, who boarded some of his horses at the same facility as Emma, eventually became a lesson client. “I wasn’t sure how much he would enjoy having a lesson from me, but we really hit it off,” she said. “After that first lesson he said, ‘you know, that’s the first lesson where I haven’t fallen off in a long time!’”

A bond had formed, and the following summer Emma went to spend the break working for Steve. In the same period, Master Frisky found himself at Steve’s farm, having flunked out of other rehab programs following a soft tissue injury that was feared to be career-ending. Master Frisky competed through the then-CCI4* level with Boyd Martin, finishing seventh at Kentucky in 2015. When he sustained the injury, he began a rehab plan but was proving to be difficult to handle. So when he arrived at Steve’s and came under Emma’s care, she made it her mission to piece him back together.

“Steve decided to bring him home to see if he could rehab him as a dressage or lower level event horse,” Emma said. “The horse didn’t owe him anything at that point. He had enjoyed the journey with Boyd immensely. So he just said we’ll see what happens.”

Emma spent a good majority of her time with Frisky walking. Long hacks around the property or down the road were low-intensity methods for slowly building strength, and after this consistent program she began to feel a sounder, stronger horse underneath her. Flatwork became a regular part of the program (and a brief stint as Steve’s dressage horse, but after one lesson he declared that he simply could not ride Frisky’s big trot), then jumping. All throughout, the scans remained clear. But, sound as he may have been, she laughs now, Frisky was still “the weirdest horse I’d ever pointed at a jump”.

“I was pretty much lost,” Emma said, describing his unorthodox jumping style and big step. “But I told myself I had an opportunity to really learn from this horse, so I’m just going to keep plugging away. We have all the time in the world.”

A year after his last Advanced start with Boyd, Emma brought Master Frisky back to the same venue at The Fork, this time to test the waters at Training level. “He was really sound,” she said. “And once again I said, this is just the coolest horse on the planet. I just want to spend as much time with him as possible.”

At the time, Master Frisky was 13, and Emma was gaining mileage with every ride. Catch-riding as much as she did as she grew up, she’d never really had the opportunity to take the next step with her competitive career. In close consultation with Steve, Emma decided to keep going with Frisky. Since then, he’s become her first everything: first FEI horse, first Intermediate horse, first Advanced horse. And the whole time, she had Steve cheering her on, thrilled in his own right to see his horse find a new place in life.

Master Frisky has been a puzzle Emma’s been happy to piece together, little by little. Riding him wasn’t about furthering her career or winning. “It very much became more about ‘how do I get the absolute best out of this horse? How do I produce him to the best of his ability while keeping him happy and comfortable?’” The fact that she’s now found herself qualified for and entered in a CCI5* is icing on the cake.

Despite the ease with which they’ve moved up, Emma says she prioritizes Frisky’s wellness and keeping him healthy. At the same time, she recognizes the balancing act that is obtaining the experience she needed to advance, too. After all, she had just the one Advanced horse, and she was an up-and-coming upper-level rider herself. “It was a really good match as far as the pace I needed to go for my own education and the pace he needed to for his physical situation,” she explained. “I think had he been on a shorter timeline, maybe he would not have held up. So I think the fact that it took me a few years to be prepared for that made it possible.”

Management at home plays a large role in balancing longevity with mileage. “I just try to be really smart about making his lifestyle as simple as possible,” Emma described. “He gets a lot of turnout and we do a lot of walking — a lot of walking. He doesn’t need to keep running to stay sharp — he shows up and he’s like ‘put me in, coach!’. So it’s been finding a balance of getting out often enough that I’m staying in the flow while not putting unnecessary miles on his legs. But he’s been a pretty easy horse to manage.”

Emma Lomangino and Master Frisky. Photo by Abby Powell.

Emma says this unlikely, surprising path to her first five-star has taught her a lot. She says she’d love to open her own rehab center down the road, as she’s taken a strong interest in the nuances of coaxing a horse back to health. She’s become more mindful of her own biomechanics and how imbalances in both horse and rider can cause long-term problems. And in the process, she’s come to know her horse like the back of her hand. It’s given her a simmering sense of confidence as the week ahead approaches.

“I’m really invested in the partnership side of eventing, so Frisky is really special in that I feel so comfortable and we know each other so well that I don’t really get nervous,” she said.

Many riders will be riding in honor of Steve this week at Maryland; Steve, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 67, was a longtime supporter of the sport, owning horses for Boyd Martin and Doug Payne as well as launching the MARS Bromont Rising Program to support the up-and-coming talent. It’s delightfully fitting, then, that Emma would go on to receive a MARS Bromont Rising grant in 2019 and will now trot up on Wednesday with a horse he once owned for Boyd.

“He is very much still with us,” Emma said. “He’s constantly in my thoughts. I am just so thankful because the whole time Steve was nothing but supportive and encouraging, literally with us every step of the way.”

For more of Eventing Nation’s coverage of this week’s Maryland 5 Star, click here. Our coverage of Maryland is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.

Weekend Winners: Morven Park, Woodside, Heritage Park, Hitching Post Farm, Poplar Place, Radnor Hunt, WindRidge Farm

By on Oct 11, 2021 9:00 am -

It’s Monday, which means it’s time to scope out scores from the weekend before you dive into your day. No, that’s just me? Well in any case, maybe you’re looking for the quick scoop on who won what. Keep scrolling for a look at this weekend’s winners, as well as some social media from each event.

This weekend, the Unofficial Low Score Award was won by Puerto Rican Olympian Lauren Billys Shady and Luna, who won what appears to be their first outing together, the Open Beginner Novice at Woodside, on a score of 23.0. Congratulations!

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI4*-L: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (34.2)
CCI4*-S: Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (35.3)
CCI3*-S: Katie Lichten and Yarrow (28.6)
CCI3*-S Young Horse: Ariel Grald and Diara (27.6)
CCI2*-S A: Arden Wildasin and Southern Sun (27.7)
CCI2*-S B: Arden Wildasin and Tokyo Drift (27.2)
CCI2*-S Young Horse: Caroline Martin and Galwaybay Blake (25.1)
Jr/YR Open Preliminary: Lea Adams-Blackmore and Frostbite (35.2)
Open Preliminary A: Will Coleman and Cold Red Rum (30.1)
Open Preliminary B: Hailey Gahan and Painted Sky (30.7)
Jr. Training Rider: Katherine Holzrichter and Idlehour Center Stage (31.4)
Open Training A: Holly Payne Caravella and Adagio’s Nobility (26.4)
Open Training B: Kurt Martin and Kelodiena W (32.3)
Training Rider: Cindi Moravec and Holloway (31.4)
Jr. Novice Rider: Clare Brady and Rhythm and Blues (32.6)
Novice Rider: Katherine Wheeley and Lunetta (32.1)
Open Novice A: Suzannah Cornue and Clear Crossing (30.2)
Open Novice B: Erin Murphy and Rough Heart (29.5)

Woodside International H.T. (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI4*-S: Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve (43.5)
CCI3*-S: James Alliston and Nemesis (31.1)
CCI2*-S: Taren Hoffos and Regalla (30.0)
Advanced: James Alliston and Paper Jam (41.1)
Open Intermediate: Amber Birtcil and Cinzano (32.2)
Open Preliminary A: Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF (26.1)
Open Preliminary B: Chloe Smyth and Guinness on Draught (29.9)
Jr. Training Rider A: Mia Brown and Duke HW (24.8)
Jr. Training Rider B: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (25.5)
Open Training: Megan McIver and Galliard’s Lancer (27.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Becky Leisz and Gangster (28.2)
Training Horse: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz (24.7)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Edie Halloran and Makuba’s Prince (26.9)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Maddie Berry and Spf Vision Quest (30.5)
Novice – Amateur: Brooke Gibson and Iolani FCF (26.9)
Open Novice: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and AEV Zara (23.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Faith Dalessandro and Spurs and Stilettos (26.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Carly Clarke and Captain Kirk (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Billys and Luna (23.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Kelly Schwisow and Cat Ballou (26.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Anne Morgan and Sonic (24.5)
Open Introductory A: Jessie Steward and North Forks Finley (36.3)
Open Introductory B: Riley Young and My Box of Crayons (27.0)

Heritage Park H.T. + Area IV Championships (Olathe, Ks.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary Open: Julie Wolfert and Ssh Playboy (32.7)
Preliminary Championship: Kristina Whorton and Finnigan (35.0)
Preliminary/Training: Jana Lyle and Heavenly SCF (40.7)
Training Open: Mallory Stiver and Hennessy Venom (33.8)
Training Championship: Katie Sisk and Long Legs Lenore (31.4)
Novice Jr./YR: Leah Jill Goff and Castle (29.7)
Novice Open: Hannah Gurske and Buenos Dias (25.7)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Sarah Forster and Caillou (29.5)
Beginner Novice Junior: Olivia Fesi and Perfect Alibi (33.5)
Beginner Novice Open: Rachel James and Casablanca (33.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Judi Dietz and Rearcross Clover Q (30.8)
Starter Junior: Mia Scott and Remember Me (36.4)
Starter Open: Elly Bates and OSF Tuck Everlasting (35.3)

I’ve always known he was a champion but this weekend he truly proved it! Finn and I finished on our dressage score at…

Posted by Kristina Whorton on Sunday, October 10, 2021

There is nothing better than the hometown events, Heritage Park you never disappoint! Being able to hang out at our…

Posted by Mallory Stiver on Sunday, October 10, 2021

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Katie Murphy and Joshua Tree (34.5)
Jr. Training: Cadence Theroux and Hot Toddy (44.0)
Training 1: Andrew Beal and Capstone’s MJ Tasmania (27.4)
Jr. Novice: Annabelle Sprague and Big Fred (26.9)
Novice 1: Amanda Tefft and Donnybrook’s Paddy Magee (31.0)
Novice 2: David Roby and Rumbledown (31.7)
Beginner Novice 1: Yuki Igari and Poppin Good Pic (33.5)
Beginner Novice 3: Zea Palthey and Ponko (31.7)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Isabella Day and Twilight (35.3)

Poplar Place Farm H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Katherine Brown and Victor Z (41.3)
Open Intermediate: Blake Fortson and Quiana AF (54.4)
Open Intermediate CT: Kimberly Keeton and Keys (26.0)
Open Preliminary: Mary Bess Davis and Monatrea Cooley On The Con (38.2)
Modified: Erin Pullen and Allia (24.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Margaret Frost and Euro Star (37.2)
Open Training: Julie Richards and Fernhill Destiny (26.7)
Sr. Training Rider: Lillian Van Winkle and Cleopatra (32.6)
Training/Novice: Beth Clymer and Ima Iny Too (41.3)
Jr. Novice Rider: Madalyn Ellis and Fernhill Magic (26.9)
Open Novice: Stephanie O’Neal and MochaSpice (26.2)
Sr. Novice Rider: Mary Carol Harsch and Foster’s Bold Favorite (29.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Lendy Johnston and Endless Possibilities (31.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Susan Thomas and And Justice For All (28.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: LeeAnn McQuade and Trouble in Phoenix (38.4)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Beth Allen and Fernhill Coastal Cowboy (28.6)
Introductory: Kaarthik Sribalusu and Clooney (44.0)
Starter: Kathlyn Kraft and Fernhill Bullseye (25.8)

Radnor Hunt H.T. (Malvern, Pa.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Kelly Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (39.3)
Preliminary Rider: Lulu Malinoski and Coulson (34.7)
Jr. Training Rider: Will Rowland and Over Rider (33.8)
Open Training: Dom Schramm and Dawnbreaker (25.2)
Training Rider: Christen Ireland and Oscar (29.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Cydney McGee and Ya Gotta Believe (31.9)
Novice: Jimmie Schramm and Castletown Cooley (25.7)
Novice Rider: Veronica Ucko and Mainely Brews (24.8)

WindRidge Farm H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Intermediate A: Summer Covar and Mona Lisa (76.0)
Intermediate B: Lisa Borgia and Silmarillion (60.5)
Intermediate/Preliminary A: Leila Cluff-Ryan and Grand Finale (34.7)
Preliminary: Madison Chisholm and Reloaded (34.2)
Preliminary/Training: Addie Cant and Fiftyshadesofcharm (59.4)
Training A: Alex Martini and Poynstown Jaguar (31.2)
Training B: Emily Cardin and Hacker (34.7)
Novice A: Autumn Hoyle and Lone Wrainger (32.2)
Novice B: Laine Ashker and LOVEDANCE (29.8)
Training/Novice: Elyse Betz and Bishop’s .38 Special (52.6)
Beginner Novice A: Roisin O’Rahilly (29.1)
Beginner Novice B: Anne Baskett and Redfield Z7 Cayani (32.3)
Beginner Novice CT: Cindy McNeely and Jonah (35.8)
Introductory A: Paula Cudd and TJ (30.8)
Introductory B: Kathi Hines and The Lady (23.3)
Starter: Dianne May and Gilligan (34.7)

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Oct 11, 2021 12:01 am -

FE Lifestyle mingles with his Dutch fan club. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Happy Monday of Maryland week! As we gear up for an action-filled week in Maryland, we’re also still buzzing about the results Team USA has been pulling in overseas. With a focus on higher pressure Nations Cup competitions and providing more riders with more opportunities to replicate these environments, the teams seem to really have gotten on well during their time together — and the results reflect all of these moving parts falling into place. It’s going to be a building process, no doubt, but the rising talent we have in the U.S. is certainly something to feel good about. And many, if not most, of these chances to improve on the world stage come in no small part thanks to the generosity of individuals such as Ms. Jacqueline Mars, Karen Stives, Rebecca Broussard, and many, many others. Here’s to big things coming for Team USA!

U.S. Weekend Results:

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Woodside International H.T. (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. (Olathe, Ks.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Radnor Hunt H.T. (Malvern, Pa.): [Website] [Final Scores]

WindRidge Farm H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Major International Results:

Military Boekelo Enschede CCIO4*-L & FEI Nations Cup of Eventing: [Website] [Final Scores] [Live Stream Replays] [EN’s Coverage]

Monday Reading:

Today is the final day (well, noon EST today, anyway!) to enter our giveaway of two VIP passes to the Maryland 5 Star! All you need to do to enter is sign up for EN’s Maryland Daily Digest, which will be sent each evening during competition to keep you caught up with all the action. We’ll be drawing and announcing the winner this afternoon, so enter now!

This is also the final week to apply for the winter disbursement of the Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet scholarship. This opportunity provides three months of all expenses paid training with Sara Kozumplik Murphy at her Ocala, Florida facility. Learn more about the scholarship here and make sure to apply by October 15!

The Swedes are on fire! They clinched a repeat FEI Eventing Nations Cup title this weekend at Boekelo, adding more accolades to add to their 2019 title. Read the FEI’s recap on the Nations Cup finale here.

How do you “peak” at the right time? It’s the ongoing puzzle that professional riders are always looking for — there’s a balance between thoughtful training and training for the peak. Caroline Martin, who’s slated to be the busiest rider at Maryland this week, offers up some tips for finding your peak at the right time in this article with Practical Horseman.

The Maryland 5 Star will be auctioning off a 4-Star Trailer to benefit the Fair Hill Foundation this week. 4-Star Trailers has donated a customized 2+1 model, 23’6″ long, 8’ tall, 6’9” wide with a retail value $52,117. Bidding ends on October 17 and you can click here to learn more + place your bid. Good luck!

Trot Set Pod of the Week:

The horse market is bananas right now! Why so? How do you navigate it? What are some things you should know? The Noelle Floyd Equestrian Voices podcast, hosted by Caroline Culbertson, offers a frank financial discussion about the current state of the market with hunter/jumper pro Hope Glynn. It’s a must-listen, especially if you do any business buying or selling horses! Take a listen here.

Monday Video Break:

Don’t forget to vote for supergroom Stephanie Simpson, who has been nominated for the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award for 2021:

Riding for Tremaine: Preview the Inaugural Morven Park International CCI4*-L Cross Country Track

By on Oct 9, 2021 7:00 am -

 

Thanks to Erin Gilmore Photography for this awesome video of the 4*-L course at this year’s Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI! And thanks to our Course Designer Derek Digrazia for narrating!
#MorvenParkHorseTrials #eventinglife #equestrian

Posted by Morven Park International Equestrian Center on Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Riders are raving about the Derek di Grazia track they’ll be tackling today at Morven Park in Leesburg, Va. The event is hosting its much-anticipated CCI4*-L this weekend featuring a host of star riders and horses as well as some rising stars getting an early taste of a tougher level. This course had long been designed by the late and dearly missed Tremaine Cooper, whose influence can still be felt throughout. A memorial dedication plaque has been erected at the famous Morven Park Leaf Pit, question 9 on this year’s course, as well.

Photo by Jamie Gornall.

It’s a big track that will test the 4*-L riders, fully up to specs and beautifully dressed for a true example of a modern cross country course. After three straightforward gallop fences, Derek gets down to business, quickly testing riders’ steering, efficiency at selecting and sticking to a line, and management of their horses’ energy as he introduces the more technical questions.

A master of using the terrain he’s given on a property, Derek makes note of the places on course where riders will want to take particular care to really feel what is happening beneath them as their horses navigate the ground’s undulations. Some questions, such as the Hollow at fence 6 and the Morven Park Leaf Pit at 9, take riders on a veritable roller coaster, asking them to turn on varied ground while navigating to a narrow out fence.

As is signature on Derek’s courses, nothing on this track should come as a huge rider frightener or a horse confuser, but the nuances of the course are to be respected as one mismanaged step or a missed line will prove to be costly.

You can also check out a fence-by-fence guide and photos of each question on the USEA website here.

There is no live stream of the cross country action today, but you can follow along with live scores here — and stay tuned here on EN for more from Morven! Go Eventing.

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Schedule] [Volunteer]

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Cross Country Live Updates: Tamie Smith in 3rd, Team USA 2nd

By on Oct 9, 2021 4:59 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Boekelo is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, our go-to source for the best support your horse can get. With a full line of proven supplements designed to help your horse feel his or her best, you can have peace of mind knowing that Kentucky Performance Products has your horse’s top health in mind. Learn more about KPP by visiting kppusa.com.

It’s live update time! My coffee is brewed up, my dog is confused, and I’m ready to get to GIF-ing as we get set for the start of cross country at Boekelo, located in Enschede, Netherlands just to the east of Amsterdam. If you’re just catching up with the action, Germany’s Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi is currently the leader, having won the dressage on a score of 24.4. She will not, however, have any breathing room as the top four are all on sub-25 scores and the top 10 are separated by just 5.8 seconds of time.

British designer Adrian Ditcham, who managed and built the London 2012 Olympic track, is the man behind the plans today, creating a 10 minute, 16 second course with 40 jumping efforts to give both the Nations Cup team riders as well as the individuals a formidable test today. It’s going to be crisp and clear all day, making conditions fantastic for fit horses (thank goodness the dressage is done!).

Graphic via Military Boekelo.

The U.S. is sitting in a very competitive spot after dressage, sitting on a cumulative penalty score of 83.5 to sit just a hair behind Great Britain, who leads the way on a team score of 80.8. Tamie Smith is well-placed with both her team ride (Danito) and individual ride (Solaguayre California) in the top 10. Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire are tied for 11th, and we have a cluster of Americans (Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle, Hallie Coon and Global Ex, Matt Flynn and Wizzerd) a bit further down the board in the early 30s, but at this point not out of contention ahead of cross country. Sadly, individual competitor Katie Ruppel withdrew Houdini prior to dressage on Friday after the gelding sustained a minor ligament injury on Thursday.

I’ll be bringing you updates as quickly as I can manage them, but I highly encourage you to check out the live stream over on ClipMyHorse.TV/FEI.TV. If you’re not up at the crack of dawn to watch, this platform is fairly quick about getting replays up — I’ve found the dressage replays were available same-day, so that bodes well for the cross country replay! You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of ClipMyHorse.TV to enjoy all of the rides (which are even sortable by rider once replay is up, which is a great feature) here. You can preview the course here.

The first rider will leave the start box at 11 a.m. local CEST time / 5 a.m. EST. The U.S. riders’ times are as follows:

Tamie Smith and Danito (Team – 3rd – 24.7): 11:28 a.m. local / 5:28 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 2 seconds of time
Matt Flynn and Wizzerd (Team – 34th – 32.2): 11:56 a.m. local / 5:56 a.m. EST – ELIMINATED, Rider Fall
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (Team – 11th – 26.7) 12:44 p.m. local / 6:44 a.m. EST – CLEAR inside the time
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (Team – 32nd – 32.1): 1:20 p.m. local / 7:20 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 1 second of time
Hallie Coon and Global Ex (Individual – 32nd – 32.1): 2:20 p.m. local / 8:20 a.m. EST – CLEAR, inside the time
Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (Individual – 6th – 25.6) 3:36 p.m. local / 9:36 a.m EST – 20 PENALTIES, inside the time

Refresh this page periodically for updates! Tilly will check in later today with a full report from Boekelo. Safe, clear and fast to all – Go Eventing!

Military Boekelo/FEI Eventing Nations Cup CCIO4*-L: Website, Start Lists + Scores, XC Order of Go, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

9:51 a.m. EST: Malin is home clear but picks up too much time to retain her top five placing. Our last to go, Merel Blom, has also fallen from Ceda N.O.P. at fence 20A, which will also bump her out of the top of the leaderboard. So we’ll finish the day with four U.S. pairs inside the top 15 and two in the top 10. Tamie Smith and Danito will be in third overnight on a two-day score of 25.5, and the U.S. will be in second as a team. You can check out complete scores and fence analysis here. Some facts and figures for you:

  • 44 of 58 starters completed the cross country for a 75.9% completion rate
  • 11 pairs were eliminated, 3 retired
  • 11 riders made the optimum time of 10:16
  • Less than two rails separate the entire top 10, and the top 6 have one rail between them

9:47 a.m. EST: Well we’ve lost the feed but Tamie is home with Solaguayre California, still managing to come home inside the time despite that trouble at the ditch and rails. She’ll be kicking herself for that, no doubt, but what a showing for this young mare in her very first CCI4*-L!

9:44 a.m. EST: Tamie and Solaguayre California have a bold ride through the water at 20, this mare is looking on her game and it’s a shame they had that one problem!

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:42 a.m. EST: Tamie Smith had a runout at the C of the coffin at 11. We also welcome Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Monsieur Schnabel. We also see a 20 for Toshi at the arrowhead at 27.

9:39 a.m. Solaguayre California is just a little green jumping down the Bartenburg Bank at 4, but Tamie navigates her through clear.

9:36 a.m. EST: Brennus was another to have a bit of a trip or peck on landing in the water at 20, but Dibo keeps him on his feet and they’re safely through. And here’s Tamie!

9:32 a.m. EST: Next away will be another Japanese Olympic rider, Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma d’Allou, who are currently in 15th on a score of 27.6. Tamie Smith will be the next to go with Solaguayre California.

9:28 a.m. EST: Oh no! Another one to fall at the number 20 water, Brian Morrison and Global Faerie Flashy. They are wet but both up and seem to be ok. Meanwhile, we have Andreas Dibowski and Brennus out on course next.

9:22 a.m. EST: Opposition Filmstar tries to add in an extra stride before this corner at 13 but scrapes his way through thanks to some quick reacting:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:16 a.m. EST: Arthur Marx punches the air as he gets a bold shot out of the water at 20 aboard Church’ile. Fellow French rider Barbara Sayous is now away with Opposition Filmstar.

9:14 a.m. EST: Sadly Willemina fell from Ekino at fence 13, what a bummer!

9:12 a.m. EST: We’ll next see Japanese Olympian Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44, coming out on a 26.7 in 11th after dressage. This pair is coming off of a seventh place finish at Aachen last month after parting ways on cross country in Tokyo for a very unlucky early ending.

9:08 a.m. EST: Willemina opts for the long route at the coffin at 11 as we now welcome Arthur Marx and Church’ile, riding as individuals for France, to the course.

9:04 a.m. EST: And now we welcome Willemina and Ekino as we start the final group of 10 to see today!

8:57 a.m. EST: Hm, now Thierry van Reine has now been given a refusal at 27 and not an elimination for missing a jump.

8:54 a.m. EST Cool story that Spencer Sturmey has just shared: Dutch rider and our next to see, Willemina van der Goes-Petter, made it a goal of hers to ride here on home turf at Boekelo before she turned 50. Now at 49, she’s made it here and she’s done one better: she’s in eighth position coming into today. She’ll ride on a score of 26.1 as she leaves the start box.

8:46 a.m. EST: We’ve got just about 11 more riders to see go out of the start box this beautiful day, including our final U.S. rider Tamie Smith with her individual ride Solaguayre California. They’ll be taking their turn in just under an hour. Meanwhile, we’ve got British individual pair Tom Rowland and Quintillus out on course and looking to maybe move up a hair if they can go quick.

8:42 a.m. EST: Yes, it looks like Thierry jumped the brush over there at the end of the course and went right by the narrow arrowhead. What a bummer! That will be elimination for this pair. At least eventing eliminations don’t work the way Squid Game eliminations do…?

8:40 a.m. EST: An absolute class round for Thierry van Reine and the 18-years-young ACSI Harry Belafonte, who looked nowhere near his age as he skipped around out there. They are showing as having missed a jump at fence 27, so that could be a disappointing end to their weekend…

8:30 a.m. EST: Hallie Coon and Global Ex are home two seconds inside the time! They will remain on their dressage score of 32.1 and provisionally will go into 11th.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

8:28 a.m. EST: Hallie kills is through the water at 20:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

8:26 a.m. EST: Nicely sat for Hallie through the ditch and rail question:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

8:25 a.m. EST: Hallie clips the flag at the right-hand corner at fence 12B, but no issues as Global Ex locks right on and keeps going.

8:23 a.m. EST: Hallie looking strong down the Bartenburg Bank at 4:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

8:19 a.m. EST: A couple of updates, Simon Grieve and Drumbilla Metro retired after trouble at 9. U.S. individuals Hallie Coon and Global Ex will be the next to see.

8:18 a.m. EST: Ah, Declan Cullen and the 9-year-old stallion Grand Mariner have a runout at the big brush table coming off the Batenburg Bank at 4C. They’re clear on the second attempt.

8:15 a.m. EST: Jule Wewer had a stop at the first corner at 17 and she has called it a day. The horse just didn’t quite look totally switched on throughout — they also had a runout at the first water at 9 earlier on, too.

8:11 a.m. EST: Tamara Acklin and Caltra Western Beauty parted ways at fence 13 — we didn’t catch it on the live feed. Jule Wewer and Ruling Spirit, individuals for Germany, are clear through the long route at 11.

8:05 a.m. EST: Ugh! Irish rider Michael Ryan is another to fall victim to the water at 20 after TR Kaygraff just catches the toes on the landing in similar fashion to some before them. Michael gives a thumbs up after catch his horse and both look no worse for the wear. Meanwhile, Swiss rider Tamara Acklin has a runout at 12B.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

8:00 a.m. EST: A look at Alina through the water at 20, where she elects to go for the longer option.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:53 a.m. EST: Now we see Alina Dibowski, Andreas Dibowski’s daughter, on course and clear through the first few with Barbados 26. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Izzy Taylor and Hartacker are clear through 26.

7:51 a.m. EST: The best way to celebrate a fast clear? Two Dutch beers and some quality time with your superstar groom and superstar horse:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:43 a.m. EST: The U.S. will solidly retain its second-place position as we wrap up the team rounds at Boekelo. Great Britain is on a team score of 80.8, followed by the U.S. on an 84.7. We still have Izzy Taylor to see for Great Britain as the final team rider, but thanks to three clear rounds ahead of her she’s got less pressure to worry about.

7:38 a.m. EST: Jennie does the U.S. proud with just one second of time aboard FE Lifestyle. What a brilliant ride! Jennie’s had some poor luck overseas in the past and it’s so wonderful to see her bring home a great one. Well done! Meanwhile, Sandra Gustafsson and Koordinat have two stops at the cottage at The Homestead (fence 16) and have called it a day. Maarten Boon and Gravin van Cantos opt for the long route at the ditch and rails at 11.

7:37 a.m. EST: Jennie is bold and clear through the water at 20!

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:31 a.m. EST: Ah, Jordy Wilken falls from Curacao at the final corner at 25 after the horse twisted a bit on the air and couldn’t stick the landing. Susie Berry has also picked up a runout on course, I believe at the corners at 17/18. We get a view of Jennie as she comes to the coffin — FE Lifestyle almost looked like he got off the line a bit but they’re safely through!

The loneliest place on the cross country course. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:28 a.m. EST: And away goes Jennie Brannigan with FE Lifestyle!

7:24 a.m. EST: Italy’s Tosca Brambilla and Legaland Mood Swing have a refusal at the corner at 17 and later have a fall at the water at 20, much similar to Matt’s fall on landing. Ireland’s Susie Berry is now away with Ringwood LB.

7:22 a.m. EST: She’s done it! Despite the pressure, Sophie rebounded from Aachen, where she lost the lead due to time faults, and will keep her lead overnight now after coming home clear inside the time! Nicely done.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:19 a.m. EST: Sidney Dufresne punches the air as he finishes inside the time with the Jaguar Mail stallion Tresor Mail. He’ll go into fourth place currently.

7:16 a.m. EST: Sophie Leube opts to take the longer route at the ditch and rails at 11. We’ll see if that affects her on the clock at all — remember, she has basically nothing in hand — one second, I think — to keep her lead. William, meanwhile, has slotted into second after his brilliant round, remaining on a score of 24.9.

7:14 a.m. EST: William and Grafennacht finish two seconds under the time with probably the smoothest and easiest-looking ride of the day. This mare has a lovely expression, shown here through the final water:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:13 a.m. EST: Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi are on course!

7:10 a.m. EST: Overnight leaders Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi will be the next to see. We’re also joined by French team rider Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail.

7:08 a.m. EST: William makes the ditch and rails at 11 look like a schooling gymnastic, naturally.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:06 a.m. EST: William Fox-Pitt is now on course with the lovely mare Grafennacht. This is another pair in strong contention, coming forward on a score of 24.9. Lina Forsberg and Kaizen finish their round four seconds in the time — this was a really cool pair to watch. Meanwhile, Belgian Olympian Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Cascaria V are clear on the direct route at the final water.

7:03 a.m. EST: Sydney is 10 SECONDS inside the time! She adds no marks to her dressage score and gets a huge hug from coach Erik Duvander at the finish. Well done!

7:02 a.m. EST: Sydney has to work to keep QC Diamantaire on the line to the corner at 25, and he kicks the flag out to the right but is clearly through.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

7:00 a.m. EST: Gosh, what a round Sydney is having! Brilliant through the water at 20. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Lina Forsberg takes the long route at 11 with the very bold Kaizen.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:57 a.m. EST: Sydney and QC Diamantaire have a brilliant ride through the ditch and rails at 11 as well as the brush to corner at 12. Sydney is really riding forward and keeping her horse out in front of her so she can be efficient and agile.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:55 a.m. EST: Tim is going to pick up time penalties with a time of 10:53 but a wonderful round with a confident-finishing horse!

 

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6:54 a.m. EST: Tim is carrying a bit of brush on his right foot — if he ends up with any time penalties surely we can just blame it on the extra drag?

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:52 a.m. EST: Tim and Lady Chin are sharp through the final water, going long but not losing any time. And our next U.S. rider, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, are away!

6:49 a.m. EST: And away now we see Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy with Tokyo Phil. Tim Lips shows his guts at the ditch rail at C and he’s safely through that troublesome question.

6:46 a.m. EST: Another one who reads the hanging log at 5 just fine will be Tim and Lady Chin. A look at the drop question at 4, the Batenburg Bank:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:43 a.m. EST: Dutch rider Tim Lips and student/Chinese Olympian Huadong Sun’s Lady Chin van’t Moerven Z are away. There has, surprisingly, never been a Dutch winner on home turf here at Boekelo, but Tim finds himself in good position in second on score of 24.5.

6:42 a.m. EST: Uhlan de l’Epine has a look to get down the big drop at the Batenburg Bank found early on at 4, but they’re clear there as well as over that hanging log at 5.

6:40 a.m. EST: Looks like we are getting set to proceed as Italy’s Giulio Guglielmi and Uhlan de l’Epine are away.

6:36 a.m. EST: Just on a bit of a hold now, maybe for the Ground Jury to take a look at that hanging log that has become quite problematic.

6:30 a.m. EST: Oh gosh, Mighty Spring also takes a look at the hanging log at 5, goes to jump but then hangs at the knees almost and very nearly has a rotational fall. Heike takes a moment to get up but now she’s on her feet — what a bummer. This fence definitely is looking funny to the horses.

6:26 a.m. EST: A bit of a break now in between riders, and our next to see will be Germany’s Heike Jahncke and Mighty Spring.

6:23 a.m. EST: Bummer — Camille’s weekend comes to an end after he and Dame Decoeur Tardonne have a stop at the narrow arrowhead at 27. This was their third on course and so close to the end!

6:20 a.m. EST: Quite a few riders are kicking out the left side flat at the corner at 17. No flag penalties as of yet, as everyone looks to be getting their horse safely through, but that jump judge is busy today!

6:19 a.m. EST: Nicola Wilson is the first one to come home inside the time with a finish of 10:05 aboard Coolparks Sarco. She slots in just behind the clubhouse leader, Tamie and Danito.

6:15 a.m. EST: French team rider Camille Lejeune and Dame Decoeur Tardonne have a stop at the hanging log at 5 — this is not the first one we’ve seen take a hard look here so there must be an issue with light there. Nicola Wilson has to call on her skills a bit to get Coolparks Sarco through the final water but they make short work of the direct work. Camile now has a drive-by at the C element of fence 11.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:12 a.m. EST: Just in from Tamie: turns out her watch stopped during her round, so she had to ride solely off her feel and this is the quickest she’s been able to go on Ruth Bley’s Danito to date. Hats off!

6:08 a.m. EST:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

6:04 a.m. EST: Matt and Wizzerd are safely through the corners at 17 and 18. But — no! Wizzerd has a bit of a look and trip on landing into the water at 20, catching a foot and sending Matt out over his left shoulder. They are both fine, but what a bummer for this pair.

6:00 a.m. EST: Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty, riding for Ireland, safely navigate the direct route at the water at 20. Wizzerd sadly has a runout at the rails at C — Lucinda comments about the narrow ditch and the extra split second a horse might need to pick the C element up. Matt and Wizzerd are clear on their attempt at the option. Bummer!

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

5:58 a.m. EST: Perhaps another light issue, Wizzerd takes a hard look under the hanging log at 5, but he’s clear over it.

5:57 a.m. EST: Now on course are the second pair for the U.S., Matt Flynn and Wizzerd!

 

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5:55 a.m. EST: I think the shadows this morning are having a bit of an effect on some questions — and as I said earlier, combined with the relative inexperience of this field we’re seeing quite a few greener reads of some questions. Eveline Bertoli’s Fidjy des Melezes had a very bold, almost looky drop into the water at 20, which prompted Eveline to pull out for the alternate route. There is a very steep angled brush at a very short distance from the drop, so I think we’ll see a few more taking this alternative rather than risk a silly problem.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

5:53 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at the ditch rail question at 11, as shown by Eveline Bertoli:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

5:51 a.m. EST: A look at Tamie and Danito over the last! Time will tell how influential those two seconds of time will be at the end of the day, but for now they’re no worse than fifth.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

5:48 a.m. EST: Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K fly into the water at 20 and nearly lose their balance, forcing Malin to go for the alternate route to keep her round clean. Meanwhile, Fidjy des Melezes is another horse to look a bit surprised at the C element of the ditch and rail coffin question with Italian team rider Eveline Bertoli, but this pair gets away clear.

5:43 a.m. EST: French rider Gireg le Coz has a runout at the C element of the coffin at 11 with Caramel d’Orchis — this looks like it might be an influential question as the day progresses due to the tricky nature of the line (which does seem to be subject to shadows right now) as well as the inexperience of some of these horses.

5:39 a.m. EST: And Tamie is home clear! She was originally given a 20 at fence 23 but that has been removed and she finishes in a time of 10:18 — just 2 seconds of time over! I apologize for the lack of GIFs in these updates, I’m just dealing with a slow upload so I’ll sprinkle them in as I can! Here’s a look at Tamie over the corner at 25:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

5:35 a.m. EST: Ugh, I jinxed Brian as he had a runout at fence 23, but hey — with an 8-year-old, who looks to finish with his ears pricked still, this is still a fantastic effort. Tamie is shown as clear through fence 19 on fence reports. We finally see her coming through the water at 20, a bit squirrely at the angled brush out, but clear!

5:34 a.m. EST: Well we’ve barely seen Tamie on the stream so I will update you as soon as we can catch up with her.

5:33 a.m. EST: Gosh, how cool is Global DHI? He’s just eight years old, but he’s so bold and keen he looks more mature than his age would suggest. He navigates the water at 20 greenly but there really doesn’t ever look to be a question of whether or not he’s going to go!

5:29 a.m. EST: Sanne de Jong has a bit of a Jesus take the wheel moment at the water at 20, having to lean back and slip the reins to allow Enjoy to navigate the severely angled brush out of the question.

5:27 a.m. EST: Ingrid finishes with Equistro’s Siena Just Do It with some big pats — this will have been a learning moment for this pair and this feisty mare is surely one to watch as she continues to mature. We’ve just spotted Tamie in the start box with Danito!

5:25 a.m. EST: French rider Sanne de Jong and Enjoy have a hard look at the brush corner at 12B but is clear on the option. We’re also joined by Ireland’s Brian Morrison and the 8-year-old Global DHI.

5:22 a.m. EST: Bummer! Siena Just Do It just doesn’t quite see the narrow rails coming out of the coffin at 11 and has a run out to the left. She’s through the option, but a rather green moment and a disappointing 20 to boot here.

5:17 a.m. EST: And she’s away! Ingrid now joins us on course with another young horse, the 9-year-old Equistro’s Siena Just Do It.

5:13 a.m. EST: We’re treated to some great commentary as usual today from Spencer Sturmey, who is joined this weekend by Lucinda Green.

5:11 a.m. EST: Right, I think I’ve gotten myself in a working order here, just as our first pair of the day, Benjamin Massie and the 9-year-old Climaine de Cacao, have completed the track on a clear round. They’ve collected one second of time to add just .4 to their dressage score of 36.1. We’ll next see Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and Equistro’s Siena Just Do It, coming on a score of 29.2 and 20th position (yes, a sub-30 still will only get you a spot in the top 20 in this ultra-competitive field).

5:08 a.m. EST: I’m currently working through some technical difficulties with the live stream, so thanks for bearing with me!

Don’t Miss Out on the Eventing Extravaganza Happening at TerraNova’s First FEI Event This Month

By on Oct 8, 2021 4:35 pm -

Photo courtesy of TerraNova Equestrian Center.

You’ve seen the sneak peeks at the gorgeous TerraNova Equestrian venue in Myakka City, Fl., and now you can snag the chance to take your horse for a spin at the brand-new facility hosting its first recognized/FEI event October 22-24. If you haven’t sent in your entry for the weekend — which will offer national divisions (with prize money for all!) from Starter up through Intermediate as well as FEI divisions from CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S — you’ve got some extra time thanks to a closing date extension through Tuesday, October 12. The headline CCI4*-S division will compete for $17,500 in prize money, but there is cash to be won in each and every class at TerraNova.

Riders competing at TerraNova also have a unique opportunity to help make a difference for a variety of local nonprofit organizations that have been selected as beneficiaries of grants after the event concludes. Each rider will have the opportunity to select and ride for one of three charity partners in the competition: Southeastern Guide Dogs, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. This will then be turned into a team style competition, with collective scores counted and the winning “team” determining the highest grant recipient. Grants will range from $10,000 for the winning organization to $5,000 for the third-placed team/organization.

For spectators (or riders who like to have a good time!), there is also a full slate of VIP Experience options to take in the event in style. With options that include full-service catering and bar options, comfortable seating, and the best views of competition, there is an experience for everyone who wants to make a weekend out of the TerraNova event.

“We are looking forward to a great event and opening the facility for the first time,” TerraNova owners Hannah and Zach Ketelboeter said. “The courses look fantastic, and we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying it.” Captain Mark Phillips, assisted by Mogie Bearden-Muller who has also designed the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and national levels, is the designer for the CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S this weekend. Nick Granat will design the show jumping courses. “It has been an incredible journey that I have been honored to have been part of and that I’ve rarely been as proud of anything in my life,” Sara Kozumplik Murphy, who has been involved with TerraNova on multiple fronts since the facility’s infancy, commented.

To learn more about The Event at TerraNova, including how to enter, click here.

Oliver Townend is Teaching a One Day Clinic at Appleton Equestrian on October 11

By on Oct 8, 2021 3:50 pm -

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

FEI Eventing world #1-ranked rider, three-time Kentucky Three-Day winner, and recent Olympic gold medalist Oliver Townend is coming to compete for the crown at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star, but before he gets down to business he’s stopping at Juli Sebring’s Appleton Equestrian facility to teach a one day clinic on Monday, October 11.

This will be a very limited opportunity, but there are still a couple of spots available for riders who want to learn from Oliver. Auditing spots are also available for $25. The clinic will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday at Appleton Equestrian (1966 Appleton Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921), and riders will be divided into combined groups by level. The cost for riding in this clinic is $375.

To learn more and to sign up for the clinic, visit Strider here. Oliver will also be riding Juli’s CCI3*-L horse, Ulises, who he campaigned through the CCI4* level before the gelding was sold to Juli, at Maryland next week.

Enter to Win VIP Passes to the Maryland 5 Star!

By on Oct 8, 2021 1:46 pm -

We couldn’t celebrate the opening of the second North American five-star without a bit of a party, so we’re inviting you to join us in Maryland next week with a giveaway of two VIP passes to the event! Here’s a look at what’s up for grabs:

Tier 2 West Grandstand Club 4-Day Package Pass (Single Pass x 2): This Pass offers access to an exclusive club experience (Cincoro Club) to purchasers for all four competition days and phases of the event. 4-DAY PASSES ARE INCLUSIVE OF GENERAL ADMISSION PASSES AND RESERVED SEATS FOR THE DAYS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE.

Tier 2 West Grandstand Club 4-Day Passes grant you the following benefits for all four days of the event:

  • Front and center reserved, covered bleacher seating within the Tier 2 West Grandstand
  • Reserved seat remains reserved for your use on Saturday for viewing and enjoyment of equine demonstrations taking place in the Main Arena.
  • Premium rail-side view of elite competition taking place in the Main Arena
  • Access to the exclusive Cincoro Club located directly behind the Tier 2 West Grandstand. Cincoro Club amenities include:
  • Gourmet catering by The Classic Catering People available for purchase
  • Catering offerings to include:
  • Continental Breakfast Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • Buffet Lunch on Thursday, Friday and Sunday
  • Boxed Lunch on Saturday
  • Variety of Beverages
  • Full Service Bar
  • TV screens so you don’t miss any of the Main Arena Action
  • Climate control for increased comfort regardless of the days’ weather
  • Private Bathrooms
  • One (1) VIP Parking Pass valid for all four days
  • Admittance into the event venue and all the amenities as outlined for General Admission including:
  • Admittance into the event venue, including unlimited infield access
  • Access to GA bleacher seating in designated areas of the North Aintree Grandstand
  • Unlimited access to our curated Retail Vendor Areas
  • On-site fan activations
  • Wide variety of food and beverage offerings
  • Access to viewing around the Warm-Up and Practice Arenas
  • Access to viewing of the Young Event Horse Competition (Thursday and Friday only)
  • Access to walk the entirety of the new Cross Country Courses up close and personal to all the action with purchase for Saturday

Sounds fun, right? We agree! It’s easy to enter: simply use the form below or click here to sign up for the Eventing Nation Maryland 5 Star Daily Digest, which will begin sending on Wednesday, October 13. You must sign up by 12 p.m. EST on Monday, October 11 — the winner (one winner will receive two passes) will be drawn and notified via email and in this post Monday afternoon.

Good luck and we’ll see you in Maryland!

EDIT: Congratulations to our winner, Joanna Y.! Joanna, please check your email for communications regarding your VIP passes. Enjoy your weekend!

P.S.: If you’d still like to receive our Maryland Daily Digest email, you can sign up here.

Your Guide to the Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Nations Cup

By on Oct 6, 2021 11:17 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Boekelo is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, our go-to source for the best support your horse can get. With a full line of proven supplements designed to help your horse feel his or her best, you can have peace of mind knowing that Kentucky Performance Products has your horse’s top health in mind. Learn more about KPP by visiting kppusa.com.

By the time you read this, we’ll likely be underway in The Netherlands, about two hours to the east of Amsterdam at Military Boekelo. This fall destination event features the finale of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, and Team USA stands in a strong position to be a contender here this weekend. The U.S. will also have three individual combinations competing in the CCIO4*-L.

Tilly Berendt is our reporter on the ground this weekend, and you can bookmark this hub for relevant information and links to follow along all throughout.

What’s at stake? This is the fifth and final leg of the 2021 FEI Eventing Nations Cup, which is held annually over a series of up to eight events at the CCI4* level. This year, due to cancelations of Nations Cup legs at Bromont and Ballendenisk, only five of the original seven legs will have been held. This series finale is also the sole long format event of the Nations Cup. Sweden currently holds the lead on an accumulated total of 240 points, but it’s a three-horse race for the next  spot as Italy, Germany and Belgium are all on 180 points. This is the first leg of the Nations Cup that the U.S. has participated in this year, primarily due to ongoing Covid precautions. However, USEF Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander has emphasized his intention to prioritize this event as a regular stop for U.S. teams looking to gain some practice in a higher pressure environment. Many of the American riders this week are here thanks to the support of the Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition & Training Grants and the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant

How do I watch?: There is a live stream of all phases of competition thanks to ClipMyHorse.TV’s partnership with FEI TV. You will need to purchase or sign up for a free trial of a Premium subscription in order to view the cross country phase. Generally, CMH.TV is quite quick to put up replays, so chances are you’ll be able to follow along fairly closely even if you opt not to wake up at 3 a.m. each morning. Click here for the Boekelo live stream schedule.

Team USA’s schedule: The U.S. is represented by a total of seven combinations this weekend, four of whom will serve as members of the Nations Cup team. The U.S. contingent’s ride times are as follows (we will update this post with cross country times following dressage):

THURSDAY 10/7 – Cross Country 

  • Tamie Smith and Danito: 10.28 a.m. local/4.28 a.m. Eastern
  • Matt Flynn and Wizzerd: 11.32 a.m. local/5.32 a.m. Eastern
  • Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire: 12.35 p.m. local/6.35 a.m. Eastern
  • Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle: 2.49 p.m. local/8.49 a.m. Eastern

FRIDAY 10/8 – Cross Country

  • Hallie Coon and Global Ex: 11:26 a.m. local/5:26 a.m. Eastern
  • Katie Ruppel and Houdini: 12:35 a.m. local/6:35 a.m. Eastern
  • Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California: 2:49 p.m. local/8:49 a.m. Eastern

Who are the officials? The Ground Jury will be presided over by New Zealand’s Andrew Bennie, who will be joined by Sweden’s Christina Klingspor and Dutch member Merel Schurink. British designer Adrian Ditcham has designed the cross country track and Dutch designer Kris van Gelder will handle the layout of the show jumping.

Where do I find ride times and scores? All timing and scoring is kept on Rechenstelle, so keep this link handy all weekend. The schedule for the weekend can be found here.

How do I follow EN’s coverage? EN’s coverage of Boekelo, which is brought to you thanks to support from Kentucky Performance Products, can be found at this tag and nonstop right here on EventingNation.com as well as our Instagram, @goeventing. Thanks for following along!

Military Boekelo/FEI Eventing Nations Cup CCIO4*-L: Website, Start Lists + Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Wednesday Social Media from Boekelo: Do as the Dutch Do

By on Oct 6, 2021 5:30 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Boekelo is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, our go-to source for the best support your horse can get. With a full line of proven supplements designed to help your horse feel his or her best, you can have peace of mind knowing that Kentucky Performance Products has your horse’s top health in mind. Learn more about KPP by visiting kppusa.com.

 

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A post shared by Tamie Smith (@tsmitheventing)

Kicking off the week at Boekelo typically involves a welcome bash-induced hangover (or, so I’m told at least, having never ventured over to the land of the Dutch myself), but most everyone managed to make it to and through the first horse inspection this afternoon. Boekelo is always a favorite of mine each year (and a warm welcome back this year, at that!) as it just looks like a fun event. Yes, it’s the Nations Cup finale. Yes, it’s a serious long-format with an equally serious entry list. But man, it looks like a good time. And at under two hours from Amsterdam, you’ve got ample option for a post-event vacation spot, too.

Anyway, I digress — the point is, we’re ready to party all week long as we do as the Dutch do and enjoy a good weekend of fall eventing. Tilly is on the ground in The Netherlands (no, we don’t ever let her go home) this week and we’re, of course, cheering hard for Team USA as they look to finish the weekend in strong contention.

Without further ado, let’s take a scroll through Instagram at some of the highlights from trot-up day:

 

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A post shared by Jennie Brannigan (@branniganeventing)

 

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A post shared by Ingrid Klimke (@ingridklimke)

 

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A post shared by US Equestrian (@usequestrian)

 

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A post shared by Jennie Brannigan (@branniganeventing)

 

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A post shared by Thierry van Reine (@thierryvanreine)

 

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A post shared by Tom Rowland (@treventing)

 

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A post shared by Susie Berry (@susielberry)

 

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A post shared by Jennie Brannigan (@branniganeventing)

Military Boekelo: [Website] [Entries and Live Scoring] [Live-Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Learning at EQUITANA USA: Inside Phillip Dutton’s Clinic on Jumping with Green Horses

By on Oct 6, 2021 2:30 pm -

Dual Olympic Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton teaches the nuances of equestrian competition at EQUITANA USA. Photo courtesy of EQUITANA USA.

There’s never a bad time to take part in an opportunity to learn, and when eventer Kelly Jarvis saw that Phillip Dutton was teaching a clinic at Equitana USA last weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park, she jumped at the chance. She got even more than she bargained for when she found herself as, for the first part of the session at least, she was the sole participant on the first day of the clinic. Kelly brought her 7-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, Watson, to tackle a session focused on introducing jumping to green horses, and she took a few minutes to fill us in on some of the main takeaways from an incredible learning experience that even saw Phillip get on Watson for a part of the lesson.

With jumping a green horse, being forward is the number one priority, if they’re not forward at every jump, it quickly becomes unsafe.

Leg on means GO! Watson was kicking at my leg when we were doing flat work which caused issues almost immediately when we started jumping. Phillip was able to keep his leg on strong enough to get the message across that leg on means go and bucking wasn’t going to take that leg away.

When there are holes in your training, they will eventually shine through and it’s best to find the holes and patch them sooner rather than later.

Even with green horses, it’s important to start working on adjustability in your horse’s stride early on so you have options when you go to ask for transitions. We practiced this on the flat because forward doesn’t always mean running.

Unless you have a horse that bolts or rushes jumps, always canter away from the jump and go straight rather than turning immediately.

If your horse chooses to run out to the left, you immediately turn right and vice versa so you don’t agree with your horse that running out is okay.

When Phillip Dutton asks you if he can hop on your horse, you always say yes! It was an excellent learning opportunity for the both of us. My next ride was completely different, he was immediately responsive to my leg and our transitions happened the first time I asked rather than at the fourth or fifth ask.

“Overall it was such a great experience and opportunity that I plan to sign up for every chance I get in the future,” Kelly said. “The atmosphere, the education, and getting to ride in the famous Rolex arena was an unforgettable experience that couldn’t have been possible without Equitana.”

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Oct 6, 2021 12:01 am -

Caitlin Gooch (Saddle Up and Read), Carson Cressley, Emily and Sarah Harris (Sisters Horsing Around), and Sydney Collier (Paralympian – Paradressage) at EQUITANA USA. Photo via Caitlin Gooch.

I’m still just so happy I was able to make it to EQUITANA USA this year, and some of the people I was lucky enough to meet really made it an unforgettable weekend. The exhibition and trade show focused around a theme of “Discovering Diversity”, showcasing the brilliant variety of horse sports and disciplines as well as the enthusiasts who also represent a wide variety of backgrounds. We get so stuck in a bubble, following one sport the majority of the time — this was a nice reminder that our world is just one small part of a larger universe revolving around a common thread of love of the horse.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Volunteer]

Woodside International H.T. (Woodside, Ca.): [Website] [Volunteer] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T. (Olathe, Ks.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Radnor Hunt H.T. (Malvern, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Military Boekelo Enschede CCIO4*-L & FEI Nations Cup of Eventing: [Website] [Info Hub] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Wednesday Reading List:

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will have a new Event Director at the helm after the appointment of Martyn Johnson. Prior to accepting this position, Martyn served as Event Director for Burgham International as well as Sport Director for the Event Rider Masters series. More on the appointment here.

Nominations are now open for the 2021 USEA Appreciation Awards! These awards were created as an opportunity for the eventing community to recognize and honor people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity. The deadline for submitting nominations is October 31 — you can find a description of the awards acceptation nominations and more information on how to submit here.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to vote for our eventing friends (particularly supergroom Stephanie Simspon!) in the 2021 FEI Awards — learn more here.

The application deadline for the Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet scholarship is rapidly approaching! Have you applied yet? Learn more here.

Morven Park riders: be sure to take advantage of several course walk opportunities at the inaugural CCI4*-L and Horse Trials this weekend. Walk the CCI4* track with Phyllis Dawson on Friday, October 8 and the Novice, Training and Preliminary courses with Lisa Bauman, Lynn Symansky and Meghan O’Donoghue, respectively on Saturday, October 9. Times for all walks are TBA — click here to learn more.

See who will be representing the on-fire Team GB at this weekend’s Nation’s Cup leg, happening at Boekelo.

International show jumper Mavis Spencer recently took up steaming hay for her string of competition horses. It was a groom’s perspective that helped turn her on to the idea, and soon she saw for herself how beneficial the steamed hay was, especially when her horses were on the road traveling to shows. Read more in this Haygain blog.

Watch This:

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an eventing influencer? H&C+ followed along with four eventing stars as they venture to training camp for a new series available worldwide on the H&C+ platform. New episodes every two weeks, and the first is already up and ready for watching. Click here to sign up — it’s well worth it!

Wednesday Video Break:

Take a look at the beautiful grounds hosting Boekelo’s CCIO4*-L this weekend:

WHAT A VIEW 👀

From the stables to the main area 🙏🏻

Founders Military Boekelo Military Boekelo – Enschede #mbe21 #MBE2021

Posted by Military Boekelo – Enschede on Tuesday, October 5, 2021