If you missed any of the action from the FEI Longines Eventing European Championships, it’s a good thing there are plenty of highlights floating around from a truly epic weekend in Switzerland. You’ll want to look back at Tilly’s coverage — click here to see all of her reports — and here’s a look back at just the latest in a truly epic run of major wins for the still-surging British team.
EN TRENDS:
Articles Written 4,419
Article Views
10,967,618
Achievements
Become an Eventing Nation BloggerLatest Articles Written
Maryland 5 Star Entry Update: An International Smorgasbord
Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Entries are still filing in for the Maryland 5 Star as more and more riders get wind of what to expect at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md. — and now we’ve got a handful more international entries whom we’ll be welcoming to the States, many of which will be making their first trek across the pond.
A total of 51 entries are now slotted in for the CCI5*, with a full-capacity CCI3*L championship and East Coast Young Event Horse Championship roster to boot. Here’s a look at some of the newcomers to the CCI5* entry list:
- Maxime Livio (FRA) and Vitorio du Montet (12-year-old Selle Francais stallion by Lando, 8th at Pau in 2020)
- Astier Nicolas (FRA) and Babylon de Gamma (10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Mylord Carthago, making his CCI5* debut)
- Zara Tindall (GBR) and Class Affair (12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by OBOS Quality 004 looking for his first CCI5* completion)
Zara Tindall and Class Affair. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Buck Davidson has thrown a fourth potential ride, the 10-year-old Thoroughbred Sorocaima, into the mix but will have to whittle his entries down come jog day (he’s already entered with Carlevo, Erroll Gobey and Jak My Style).
Lynn Symansky will bring forward her 2019 Pan American Games partner, the Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play (a 13-year-old German Sporthorse gelding by Condors Champion) for his CCI5* debut.
Great Britain’s Oliver Townend, entered in the CCI5* with Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class, will also contest the CCI3*L with Juli Sebring’s Ulises, a former ride of his before Juli acquired the ride earlier this year. Ulises campaigned through the CCI4* level with Oliver and was also formerly ridden in his earlier days by Andrew Nicholson. More on this cool story to come!
Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play (USA). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
FEI Definite Entries for the Maryland 5 Star close this week, so we may yet see a few more latecomers join the party. But for now, we’ve got one of the most exciting U.S. five-star entry lists (and heck, one of the most exciting five-star lists, period) we’ve ever seen to look forward to in less than a month’s time. We hope you’ll be joining us in Maryland — click here to purchase your tickets! Stay tuned for much more to come. Go Eventing!
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Volunteer]
Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feed
Have you entered The Event at TerraNova yet? It promises to be an all-star weekend for all levels down in west Florida, and you still have until October 5 to get your entry in. Click here to view the Omnibus listing and sort out your entry!
Events Opening This Week:
Tryon International Three-Day Event, River Glen Fall H.T., Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks
Events Closing This Week:
Tuesday News:
Have you entered Legends Horse Feeds’ sweepstakes yet? Five lucky winners will take home 10 bags of Legends Horse Feed, and all you have to do is enter by September 30 to have your chance. Click here to enter!
Did you know the USEA has several Young Rider programs available for you? Whether you’re in high school or college or taking a different path, there is likely a program that fits your educational/competitive needs. Check out the range of programs available here.
You know you love a good Hallmark move, don’t you? We’ve got a new one coming your way, and this past weekend the new movie Taking The Reins premiered and has plenty of horse life to satiate your TV-movie cravings. Fran Jurga breaks down the equestrian elements of the film, including the location, in her latest article.
Eventing Nation is proud to partner with the Maryland 5 Star to produce the official Digital Program & Form Guide that will feature all the information you need to know, right at your fingertips and free to access. We’ll also be including a Deal Book with discounts and deals from both on-site vendors as well as other brands. Do you want to include your brand or product? Email me at [email protected].
Tuesday Video Break:
Take a look back at Nicola Wilson’s historic Europeans win with the smashing JL Dublin:
Photo Gallery: Twin Rivers Hosts Fall International, Youth Team Challenge
The West coast riders are also busy gearing up for the big events of the fall season, which makes for a busy weekend of eventing action at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, Ca. We’re also getting a glimpse of Tamie Smith, who seems immune to jet lag, as she scurried back from Aachen to pilot a few of her other horses around at Twin Rivers before flying back to Europe for the upcoming Boekelo CCI4*-L. Twin is also running Future and Young Event Horse competition as well as a Youth Team Challenge, so there is a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, our friends at Ride On Video are providing a free live stream throughout the weekend — and its cross country day!
Click image to go to live stream.
Many thanks to Ride On Photo for providing some images from the action so far. Here’s a look at your FEI leaders:
CCI4*-S: Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal (37.5)
CCI3*-S: Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector (28.6)
CCI2*-S: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and AEV Above Authority (34.7)
Follow along with live scoring here. Twin Rivers could still use a few volunteers for cross country today, so if you’re in the area stop by or sign up here.
-
- Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Rihannon Gorin and CSF Handsome. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Andrea Baxter and Indy 500. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Madison Temkin and MVP Madbum. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Tamie Smith and Mai Tänzer. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Tamie Smith and Mai Tänzer. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Audrey Sanborn and OBOS Quality Time. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Pip Hayes and So Cool. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Pip Hayes and So Cool. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Taylor McFall and Stoneman. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Kaylawna Smith-Cook and AEV Above Authority. Photo by Ride On Photo.
-
- Taylor McFall and Stoneman. Photo by Ride On Photo.
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore In Charge of Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S
Eventing Nation’s coverage of Stable View Oktoberfest is presented by Kentucky Performance products. The horse that matters to you, matters to Kentucky Performance Products, and they’ve designed a time-tested line of supportive products that will help your horse live his or her best life. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore. Photo by Emilie Rollett.
We’re heading straight into a very exciting fall season in eventing land, and this weekend’s 400+ entry-strong Stable View Oktoberfest, featuring $60,000 in prize money, is one big prep where we’re getting a glimpse of horses and riders preparing for fall three-days. We’re through the first two phases in the headline CCI4*-S division, and it’s MARS Great Meadow International winners Phillip Dutton and Annie Jones, Tom Tierney and David Vos’ Fernhill Singapore in the driver’s seat on a score of 28.2 following show jumping.
Fernhill Singapore (owned by Tom Tierney, Annie Jones and Dave and Patricia Vos) keeps getting better and better in the dressage phase, and I was very pleased with him yesterday at Stable View. He earned his personal-best dressage score of 23.8 and currently sits in the lead in the CCI4*-S. He'll run cross-country this morning at 11:51 a.m., following Sea of Clouds at 10:57 a.m.
Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Saturday, September 25, 2021
Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley. Photo by Emilie Rollett.
Show jumping did a bit of a shuffle among the early leaders, and while Phillip will retain the lead he took in the dressage, three of the newly-formed top five combinations moved up by turning in double clear jumping efforts. Clayton Fredericks and his Maryland-bound partner, Kingfisher Park’s FE Stormtrooper moved from sixth into second, followed by Leslie Law occupying the third and fourth positions aboard Beatrice Ray-Herme’s First Class (31.5) and Jackie and Steve Brown’s Lady Chatterley (31.9). Leslie moves both of his rides up from outside of the top 10. Kyle Carter and Christy Edwards’ Reddy Or Not complete the top five, dropping just a shade with one pesky rail down on Chris Barnard’s show jumping track, on a score of 32.3.
Dom Schramm and Bolytair B. Photo by Emilie Rollett.
Looking to the other FEI divisions at Oktoberfest, it’s Ellie O’Neal with Sally Cox’s Zick Zack leading the way in the CCI3*-S on a two-phase score of 27.0, moving up from second after dressage thanks to a double clear show jumping effort. Ellie is aiming for the CCI3*-L National Championship at Maryland next month with the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare.
Autumn Schweiss and Global Invieto DHI, owned by Julie Schweiss, moved from third up into second position heading into tomorrow’s cross country on a score of 27.1., followed by Candace Bell and Fernhill Philm Star on a score of 27.6. This pair is also heading for the Maryland CCI3*-L as their big three-day of the fall season.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley, the newly-crowned Preliminary Horse champion from the USEA American Eventing Championships last month, will share the dressage lead in the CCI2*-S, sitting alongside Jenna Sack and her own Fernhill Imperial Flight, each earning a score of 27.6. Jenna and Fernhill Imperial Flight have been on a championship tour themselves, finishing second in the Area II Preliminary Championships at this venue earlier this summer as well as sixth in the Preliminary Amateur Championship at the American Eventing Championships. Daniela Moguel and Pedro Gutierrez’s Estela de la Galerna, a 9-year-old Mexican Sport Horse/Irish Sport Horse mare making her FEI debut, are in third after the first phase 28.1
Shelby Allen will be on the ground for tomorrow’s jumping action, so stay tuned for much more from Stable View! Many thanks to Emilie Rollett, who’s been helping with photos and press releases from Stable View. And as always, Go Eventing!
Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]
How to Watch the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships This Week
Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Another frenetic weekend of eventing action is all queued up for you this week, and headlining the international line-up of competition is the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships at the beautiful Swiss Avenches venue. The best of the European best is slated to compete — including a handful of horses and many riders we saw in Tokyo — and action has already begun with the first horse inspection this afternoon, Swiss time. Click here to check out Tilly’s report from the trot-up.
Tilly Berendt is on the ground in Switzerland (and yes, we’re all jealous and considering relocating EN headquarters as we speak) and she’ll be along all week with reports from the competition. You can follow along as well — if you signed up for a free trial of ClipMyHorse.TV, you’re in luck as this will be the same platform for the European Championship live stream. Will Ingrid Klimke defend her crown and become a three-time European Champion? Will Germany take the top honors again, or will Tokyo gold medal-winners Great Britain snatch the gold? It’s all up for grabs at this point…
Here’s a quick view of the live stream schedule:
Provider: ClipMyHorse.TV / FEI.TV
Dressage Day 1, Thursday September 23: 3:50 a.m. EST / 9:50 a.m. CEST
Dressage Day 2, Friday September 24: 3:50 a.m. EST / 9:50 a.m. CEST
Cross Country, Saturday September 25: 4:50 a.m. EST / 10:50 a.m. CEST
Show Jumping, Sunday September 26: 4:50 a.m. EST / 10:50 a.m. CEST
If you’re not an early riser, not to worry – ClipMyHorse.TV generally has replays available within 24 hours so you’ll be able to rewatch when it’s better for you.
Take a look back at Ingrid and Bobby’s winning ways:
FEI Eventing European Championships: [Website] [Entries] [Start List & Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain
Ava L. presents prizes to Alyssa Phillips at Great Meadow. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) were able to welcome riders from Warrenton, Va.’s White Oak Stables to MARS Great Meadow International last month — major thank you to Darrin Mollett and the team at GMI for making the opportunity possible! It was so great to meet some new faces and watch them take in the sport at its finest. One rider, Ava, even got to hand out some prizes to division winners. All in all, it was an incredibly special weekend — and SEE looks forward to working with more events in the future to welcome riders from all backgrounds to the sport. Want to get involved with your barn or event? Visit StridesForEquality.org for more!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Twin Rivers Fall International (Paso Robles, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website] [Volunteer]
Old Tavern H.T. at Great Meadow (The Plains, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
University of New Hampshire H.T. (Durham, Nh.): [Website] [Entries]
Major International Events:
FEI Eventing European Championships: [Website] [Entries] [Start List & Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Wednesday Reading List:
The deadline for the winter Ever So Sweet scholarship, part of Strides for Equality Equestrians and the USEA Foundation, is rapidly approaching! October 15 is the last day to submit your application for the scholarship, which provides an incredible opportunity of all expenses paid training with Sara Kozumplik Murphy at her Ocala, Fl. facility this winter. Visit this link to learn more and submit your application.
Eventing Nation is proud to partner with the Maryland 5 Star to produce the official Digital Program & Form Guide that will feature all the information you need to know, right at your fingertips and free to access. We’ll also be including a Deal Book with discounts and deals from both on-site vendors as well as other brands. Do you want to include your brand or product? Email me at [email protected].
It’s International Helmet Awareness month (or at least, it should be — let’s be honest, every day is IHAD!) and SmartPak is not only running an excellent deal on helmets and safety equipment, they’re also sharing meaningful stories about the impact (no pun intended) helmets can have on our safety and well-being. In this blog, learn about Team SmartPak rider Silva Martin’s life was saved by wearing a helmet.
The saga that is Canada Equestrian continues as another chair of the federation’s Eventing Committee has now vacated his post, voicing several concerns with the management of the organization. “I’ve resigned for three main reasons,” Nicholas Austin explained to Horse Sport. “First, Equestrian Canada has treated the volunteers with disrespect. Second, [EC] is making changes to the sport without consultation with the committee. And third, there is little evidence to show they actually comprehend the ramifications of any of their decisions as it relates to Eventing.”
Looking for a cool gig in the horse industry? I have a couple opportunities for you! First up is a videographer opening with West coast service Ride On Video. Ride On Video films riders at events all up and down the West coast and is in need of help through the fall season. You can visit this Facebook post for more information — this is a great gig with awesome people, perfect for some side cash and the opportunity to visit some cool events. Next is an opening for a Marketing Manager for Equitana USA through the show’s producer, ReedPop. This position is open to remote work, though you will want to have some experience backing you up before you apply. Visit this link to learn more about this position.
Wednesday Watch This:
Did you know that H&C+ has a whole library of Masterclass content with riders such as newly-crowned CHIO Aachen winner Will Coleman, five-star rider Liz Halliday-Sharp, and many more? View the Will Coleman Masterclass — which is accessible with your H&C+ membership — here.
Wednesday Video Break:
Just some zen from Beezie and John Madden’s heavenly farm…
And hey, who doesn’t love more Will Coleman?
Weekend Winners: We Are the (Areas I, VII and IX) Champions!
We are full-speed into the fall season and most areas are wrapping up their 2021 championships — honestly, it’s hard to believe the year is nearly over. Meanwhile, I’m still referring to 2019 as “last year”, so I clearly have some catching up to do.
In the meantime, Areas I, VII and IX held their championships this weekend and we’ve got the full list of who won what below!
This week’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Lucy Hoeppner and Ana Bueno’s Sensational Game, who won their Novice division at Flying Cross on a very impressive 17.9. This was a personal best for this pair, and they now pick up their second win of the 2021 season in decisive fashion. Well done!
Alhambra Fall Event (Alberta, Canada): [Results]
Preliminary Open: Sabrina Glaser and Rather Be Cooler (25.4)
Training Open: Keira Evans and Khaya (29.3)
Training Regular: Kristyn O’Byrne and Surilanka (23.8)
Pre-Training Open: Leah Breakey and O.Felipe (25.3)
Pre-Training Regular: Amelia Elash and No Jack (31.0)
Entry Open: Caitlyn Sutherland and Equites Sauteur (30.5)
Entry Regular: Lee-Anne Rhead and Desiderata (23.5)
Pre-Entry Open: Allison Benolt and Neeko (28.6)
Pre-Entry Regular Junior: Marlee Coats and Precious Cargo (36.4)
Pre-Entry Regular Senior: Robin Fancy and O Roberto (29.3)
Starter 12 and Under: Elena Nelson and Babydoll (27.3)
Starter Over 12: Kelsey Blashyn and Tetley Tea (24.4)
Aspen Farms International H.T. and Area VII Championships (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Results]
Advanced: Sophie Click and Quidproquo (47.4)
Area VII Open Intermediate Championship: Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Seryndipity (42.5)
Open Intermediate: Marc Grandia and Campari FFF (35.1)
Area VII Open Preliminary Championship: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (25.4)
Open Preliminary: Marc Grandia and Hyacinth (29.4)
Area VII Junior Training Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Explosion (22.1)
Area VII Open Training Championship: Amber Birtcil and Le Top F (23.6)
Area VII Training Rider Championship: Julie Williams and Dark Horse (24.1)
Open Training A: Samantha Stewart and Pride of Tautane (26.4)
Open Training B: Stephanie Goodman and Dolley Captain (30.5)
Area VII Junior Novice Championship: Stella Wright and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (27.9)
Area VII Novice Rider Championship: Katy Hood and Padric (24.0)
Area VII Open Novice Championship: Kelsey Horn and Konnan O (21.2)
Open Novice A: Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz (25.5)
Open Novice B: Stephanie Goodman and Esmèe (27.6)
Open Novice C: Abigail Cochran and Freesela (30.0)
Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Championship: Hayden Brown and Cooley Merrywell Mint (31.3)
Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championship: Chris Gianini and Athena (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Macy Hale and Redfield Quidam Doty (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Tommy Greengard and Count Me In (33.0)
Kannan was a rockstar this weekend at Aspen Farms Horse Trials! Another great training level event in the books and he’s…
Posted by Dana Bivens Eventing on Sunday, September 19, 2021
Flying Cross Farm H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Results]
Preliminary Open: Alexa Ehlers and Clear Candidate (30.5)
Training Open: Erin Pullen and Theodoor (24.8)
Training Rider A: Eva Taylor and Irish Rose (30.9)
Training Rider B: Ruth Rosendaul and Kaloosh (27.3)
Novice Open A: Lucy Hoeppner and Sensational Game (17.9)
Novice Open B: Samantha Laurel and Casarino (31.0)
Novice Rider A: Christina Pelachyk and Rettelle (26.9)
Novice Rider B: Sally Smedley and Golden Ticket CR (29.1)
Novice Rider C: Ansley Whitehouse and It’s Friday (25.0)
Beginner Novice Open: Erin Pullen and Perfect Idea (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Taylor Bratcher and Jack on the Rocks (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Christina Carnes and Good Butter N Grits (36.0)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Piper Joseph and Niner’s Blaze (35.8)
Beginner Novice Rider D: Isobel Crumb and Promise Windstar (26.0)
Developing Thoroughbred: One Year: Amanda Conti and Royal By Nature (89.3)
Developing Thoroughbred: Two Year: Sara Irvine and Tiz True (90.6)
FEH 2 Year Old: Marina Belakonis and Reveille (76.8)
FEH 3 Year Old: Jeanne Dolan and Debenture (80.5)
FEH 4 Year Old: Jennifer O’Neill and Woke Up Like This (83.9)
FEH Yearling: Mary Rose Cissell and Raichle CFK (87.1)
YEH 5 Year Old: Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris (85.8)
YEH 4 Year Old: Christina Carnes and Good Butter N Grits (76.8)
GMHA September H.T. and Area 1 Championships (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Corrinne Lauze and Caraway Gilly (44.5)
Open Preliminary Championship: Alexandra Kavouksorian and The Alchemist (33.7)
Jr. Training: Gillian Maynard and Cooley Across the Sun (31.4)
Open Training: Alexander Conrad and Bonito (26.2)
Training Rider: Lisa Davidson and Say So Slew (40.9)
Training Rider Championship: Sandra Holden and Cano Cristales (30.3)
Jr. Novice: Mikaela Ackerman and ICUP’Kn (32.1)
Novice Horse Championship: Alexander Conrad and Amore (26.9)
Novice Rider: Kathleen Bailey and Kennebec Echo (29.3)
Novice Rider Championship: Bella Maida and Titan (26.4)
Open Novice: Alexander Conrad and Lexington II (23.1)
Beginner Novice Horse Championship: Emily A. Mainolfi and Tucker (25.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ava Applebaum and Chesterfield (28.1)
Beginner Novice Rider Championship: Jack Brennan and Paladin (21.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Lakewin Evans and Winter Storm Warning (42.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Alexandra Naja and Who Can Charm (27.2)
Thank you to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for providing these shots of the championship winners from GMHA!
-
- Emily A. Mainolfi and Tucker (BN – H Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
-
- Alexandra Kavouksorian and The Alchemist (P – Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
-
- Sandra Holden and Cano Cristales (T – R Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
-
- Alexander Conrad and Amore (N – H Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
-
- Bella Maida and Titan (N – R Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
-
- Jack Brennan and Paladin (BN – R Championship). Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.
MeadowCreek Park H.T. (Kosse, Tx.): [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Anna Pierce and Obiejohn (29.6)
Preliminary/Training: Jennifer Burk and Ollie Olly Oksen-Freh (43.8)
Open Training: Anna Pierce and Barbarossa (33.4)
Training Rider: Ellis Dillard and Normandys Coles Clover (33.1)
Jr. Novice Rider: Kaetlyn Perkins and Arizona Sweet (28.7)
Novice Championship: Laura McEvoy and Visconti (26.2)
Open Novice: Laura Vello and Val (27.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Martha Thomas and Monte’s Nightingale (31.2)
Beginner Novice Championship: Eleanor McClain and Abbigael (32.0)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Adalynn Stampes and Gandalf the Gray (34.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Alexandra du Celliee Muler and Noodle RC (26.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Maddison Whitt and Right On Cue (32.6)
Starter: Lolly Perry and Phenway (29.2)
Otter Creek Fall H.T. (Wheeler, Wi.): [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Riviera Lu (36.9)
Open Preliminary: Mya Poulos and Sir Duke (32.5)
Jr. Training Rider: Sydney Burlage and Goblet of Fire (40.6)
Open Training: Katelyn Marlow and Kariba (35.9)
Preliminary/Training: Rebecca Gall and Royal Addition (36.8)
Sr. Training Rider: Morgan Risseeuw and Farina VT (30.2)
Jr. Novice Rider: Evan Fleck and In Living Color (27.3)
Open Novice: Jessica Saari and Sir NoNo (30.3)
Sr. Novice Rider: Amanda Steffen and Mardi Gras Magic (32.9)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Jaelyn Comer and Loughnatousa Cedrick (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail (27.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Katie Potter and Puissance Emperor (30.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Julie Kuhle and Orion (24.8)
Starter A: Megan Schmit and Ducky (35.0)
Starter B: Lucy Kelly and Raja (26.0)
Stone Gate Farm H.T. (Hanoverton, Oh.): [Results]
Preliminary: Brooke Molde and Groundwork (39.1)
Training: Julie McElhaney and Uprising (30.5)
Novice Open A: Megan Szymczak and Excellence Defined HOF (29.5)
Novice Open B: Laura Kosiorek-Smith and Its Now Or Never (28.6)
Beginner Novice Open A: Molly Smith and Kimberlake Jophiel (34.5)
Beginner Novice Open B: Gina Keller and Snack Attack (31.0)
Starter Open A: Laura Podboy and Part of the Plan (34.2)
Starter Open B: Ruth Mercer and Brooklynns Glo (36.1)
FEH 2 Year Old: Laura Kosiorek-Smith and Stellar Wind (78.7)
FEH 3 Year Old: Christina Burke and Blesczings MFH (74.0)
FEH 4 Year Old: Amanda Ruane and Let Me Lead (76.6)
FEH Yearling: Laura Kosiorek-Smith and Codachrome (76.5)
Unionville CCI4*-S (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Results]
CCI4*-S: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (28.9)
CCI3*-S: Kurt Martin and D.A. Lifetime (26.9)
CCI2*-S A: Caroline Martin and Galwaybay Blake (22.7)
CCI2*-S B: Skyler Decker and Cooley Monsoon (24.9)
Bronte Beach having a sweet cross country round at her very first 4* today, finishing just outside the top 20. We took a step back after Millbrook and decided to slow down this phase for her so she could process the more technical questions without losing rideability. She's quite a big horse and the turns and terrain questions require so much quick footwork at this level. She's a very honest girl and has unbelievable scope, so I knew it was more a question of teaching her the ropes so she could find her way!Everyone knows I like to go fast but I'm glad I stuck to the plan, didn't wear a watch, and let her cruise and pick up the jumps comfortably. Packy always reminded me that it takes a long time to educate a horse, and I think he would be happy with how she went today. Thank you to the Bronte Beach Syndicate for coming along for the ride– it's very exciting to think where this exuberant mare will be in a year or two!HCS, USA Saddlery & Fittingsuvex equestrian USA Correct Connect Shires Equestrian North America Vitalize – Amaferm EquinePerfect Products Hyaluronex BUCKEYE Nutrition Sterling Essentials Breese Pin Band Remarkable Leather Goods Bewitched Bands Brooks Belts CannaHorseToklat Originals
Posted by Ema Klugman on Sunday, September 19, 2021
The Event at Skyline and Area IX Championships (Mount Pleasant, Ut.): [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate/Preliminary: Mia Edsall and True Story (26.2)
Area IX Open Preliminary Championship: Taylor Timmerman and Snifters Spirit (40.1)
Open Preliminary: Julie Bryer and Fernhill Dynamic (31.5)
Open Preliminary/Training: Rachel Howard and Carrera (51.5)
Area IX Open Training Championship: Victoria Poulton and Starlingh (28.6)
Open Training: Vicki Baker and Clinograaf (29.5)
Area IX Open Novice Championship: Madeline Backus and Baratheon (25.2)
Open Novice A: Ghislane Homan-Taylor and Magnesium Overcast (24.1)
Open Novice B: Kristin McClellan and Aria (25.2)
Area IX Open Beginner Novice Championship: Avery Calder and Lismore (36.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Katie Fales and Rosette (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Abigail Ploof and Harper (32.8)
Area IX Open Introductory Championship: Irina Rapport and Petite Soleil (43.5)
Open Introductory: Carrie Martello and Thaddaeus (38.9)
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Entry List Update: Oliver Townend Books His Ticket; 46 Total Entered
Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Entries have closed for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, happening October 14-17, and as of now we’ve got a total of 46 entries on the list (though there still may be some latecomers to add) — and there are certainly a few exciting additions to the roster since our initial first look!
Cropping up now is FEI world number one-ranked rider and Tokyo gold medalist Oliver Townend, who will travel to the States from Great Britain for the second time this year, this time with Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class, who you’ll also remember well as a two-time consecutive Kentucky winner (2018 and 2019). Oliver took a few minutes to make the announcement on social media this week:
Also joining the overseas contingent will be Great Britain’s Harry Meade, who has entered the 12-year-old Superstition (owned by Mandy Gray and Harry); this pair was fifth at Kentucky on their American debut and will be looking to grab another top placing on U.S. soil next month.
Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Shelby Allen.
We will also have some Californian riders making the trek to Maryland as two-time Canadian Olympian Hawley Bennett-Awad with Jollybo as well as Andrea Baxter with Indy 500 have thrown their names in the hat.
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Canada will be well-represented at Maryland with several new entries, including Karl Slezak with his Pan American Games partner Fernhill Wishes and Holly Jacks-Smither with CCI5* debutant Candy King. They’ll join Hawley, Lisa Marie Fergusson and Jessica Phoenix as Canadian representatives.
Meghan O’Donoghue will make her second CCI5* start of the year with the off-track Thoroughbred Palm Crescent, and Australia’s Dom Schramm rounds out a four-rider strong Aussie contingent (Sammi Birch, Clayton Fredericks and Ema Klugman) with Bolytair B.
To view the full entry list, click here. You can also take a look at our first entry preview here.
Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It’s stacking up to be an incredible weekend that you definitely won’t want to miss! Don’t forget, this event will be open to spectators, and there is plenty of action to take in — even for your long-suffering non-equestrian friends and family. Special events will include a Fresh Food Fest and a Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase, among many other extras. The USEF National CCI3*-L Championship and East Coast Young Event Horse Championships will also be held concurrently. Don’t wait to grab your tickets here.
Eventing Nation is proud to partner with the Maryland 5 Star to produce a Digital Program & Form Guide that will feature all the information you need to know, right at your fingertips and free to access. We’ll also be including a Deal Book with discounts and deals from both on-site vendors as well as other brands. Do you want to include your brand or product? Email me at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you in Maryland. Go Eventing!
CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S Cross Country Live Updates: Will Coleman WINS, Team USA Second!
EN’s coverage of CHIO Aachen is brought to you in part by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products and its wide array of supplements available for your horse.
Big ears and big dreams: Tamie Smith’s Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Good….evening? Morning, technically? I’m not really sure, but what I do know is that life as an equestrian journalist often involves a whole lot of weird working hours. It’s about midnight here in California and I’ve got my Nespresso machine all queued up to keep me on a steady drip (my night-loving days are far behind me, I’m afraid) and I’m ready to report for duty to bring you live updates from the Aachen action!
If you need a quick catch-up on what you’ve missed, you can catch Tilly’s report from Friday’s action here. Currently Team USA, consisting of Will Coleman and Off the Record, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan and Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, sits in second position on a team score of 98.1 in the FEI Nations Cup competition. Great Britain leads the way on a penalty mark of 91.6, so it very much remains anyone’s game as we head into cross country. Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus are competing as individuals.
Our U.S. riders’ times are as follows:
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire: 9:50 a.m. local / 3:50 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 10.8 time
Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan: 10:06 a.m. local / 4:06 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 10.4 time
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum: 10:46 a.m. local / 4:46 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 7.2. time
Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus: 11:10 a.m. local / 5:10 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 11.2 time
Will Coleman and Off the Record: 12:10 p.m. local / 6:10 a.m. EST – CLEAR, .8 time
The full order of go and start list can be found here.
Rüdiger Schwarz is the course designer this weekend, and while I haven’t quite found an official course preview, you can sort of get a sense of what we’ll be seeing in this quick walkthrough with Team USA:
You’ll also be able to follow along with live SAP Analytics during cross country here. Live scoring will be here.
If you’re awake and want to watch the action live, you can sign up for ClipMyHorse.TV, which has a month-long free trial if you’re not already a member. The cool thing about CMH.TV is that phases are rather quickly put up on Archive (available to Premium members, which is what you’ll get with your free trial), and the Archive is also sorted by horse if you want to find individual rides. If a horse has done other shows filmed by CMH, those rides will also show up on that horse’s Archive page. Pretty nifty, especially if you like stalking Mai Baum your favorite horses and riders (trust me, no judgement here — I’ve literally made a whole career out of it, somehow). You can find the whole Aachen schedule here. There is a version of the live stream available with English commentary if you just scroll down from the main Aachen hub, past the press conferences section.
In the meantime, sit back and prepare to hit the Refresh button madly (or, if you’re waking up at a more decent hour, use this to catch up before you watch the replay!) as I’ll be updating you periodically right here.
CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [SAP Live Tracking] [XC Order of Go] [EN’s Coverage]
6:37 a.m. ET: Well that was quick! Tilly will be along later with the full debrief from Aachen — in the meantime, bust out the champagne! Well, maybe not for me. But maybe. It is the weekend, after all.
6:35 a.m. ET: Will becomes the very first American rider to win Aachen. “I’m overcome, I really don’t know what to say,” Will says in his post-ride interview alongside Tokyo champion Julia Krajewski.
6:27 a.m. ET: And here’s a look at your final finishing scores. We’ve got Tamie Smith in 10th with Mai Baum, Ariel and Leamore Master Plan in 16th, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire in 27th and Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus in 52.4. What a great day!
6:26 a.m. ET: Team USA finishes just BARELY in second position on the podium. What a BANNER day for the U.S.!
6:25 a.m. ET: Will Coleman will WIN Aachen!! Unfortunately Kirsty has a runout at the corner at 22B, leaving Will alone at the top of the board. Excuse my French, but holy shit!
6:24 a.m. ET: Kirsty is a bit up on the clock and is really hustling to get home. She has two seconds in hand. She’s living just a bit dangerously at these last questions but the horse is responding beautifully to her urging.
6:21 a.m. ET: Laura is not going to make the time with Dacapo, which leaves Kirsty as the only one who can unseat Will for the win. My hands are sweating.
6:20 a.m. ET: I just can’t.
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:18 a.m. ET: Will takes the lead!!! He is the fastest of the day with two seconds of time, putting him onto a 30.5. There are two riders who could take over, and our leaders Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI are on course. It’s going to be a thriller!
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:16 a.m. ET: Will is close!! He might be the closest so far to making the time as he heads into the main arena.
6:15 a.m. ET: We glimpse Will giving Off the Record a great ride through the angled brushes at 18. Let’s goooooo!
6:14 a.m. ET: Laura Collett is away with her second ride, Dacapo, who is currently in second on a score of 29.5.
6:13 a.m. ET: Emilie takes the clubhouse lead with 4 time penalties and a final score of 33.9! Meanwhile, Will is clear through fence 16.
6:13 a.m. ET: Emilie is also going to be close to the time as she approaches the final water in the main arena with about 10 seconds left on the clock.
6:11 a.m. ET: And Will is away with Off the Record! Will has a very strong chance here, coming forward after turning in one of the three double clear show jumping efforts on a score of 29.7. He’s clear through the gate question at fence 6 (I think. Don’t quote me on that).
6:10 a.m. ET: Well despite a couple of long routes, Yoshi picks up just eight time for a 38.0 with Calle 44. He’ll finish the weekend in the top 10, no worse than eighth.
6:08 a.m. ET: Yoshi takes the long route at the water at 22 with Calle 44 and are now headed for the main arena.
6:06 a.m. ET: And here we go with British rider Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond, who are currently in fourth position on a 29.9. Will Coleman and Off the Record will be our next to see!
6:05 a.m. ET: Andreas Ostholt and Corvette 31 are home with 14 seconds of time for a final score of 37.2.
6:03 a.m. ET: Now setting off are Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa, another who made the trip to represent his home country at the Olympics this summer, with Calle 44. This pair had a really unfortunate parting of ways at Tokyo but were no worse for the wear and will look to be competitive here, coming in on a score of 30.0.
6:01 a.m. ET: Damn! Aisprit de la Loge just hangs a leg at the penultimate water, pitching Greg over the head into the water. This is, surprisingly, our first fall of the day. Bummer! They were having a brilliant go. A couple horses have hung a leg at that second cabin, this is the first one to actually pitch the rider all the way out.
5:59 a.m. ET: Now joining us on course are German’s Andreas Ostholt and Corvette 31, currently on a score of 31.6. France’s Gireg Le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge are also on course and clear through fence 20.
5:57 a.m. ET: Sophie Leube is home in a time of 7:07 to finish the weekend on a score of 38.5. Here’s a look at the cool misting fans set up in the vet box:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:54 a.m. ET: Team New Zealand looks on as Tim navigates the track:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:54 a.m. ET: Ah, not quite! But Tim is still quick, he’s just got 4.4 time to add for a finishing score of 37.4. A lovely type, this Falco horse!
5:53 a.m. ET: Tim is going to be very close to the time, can he do it??
5:52 a.m. ET: A look at Tim through the big, turning open oxer question at 13:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:51 a.m. ET: We’re now joined by Germany’s Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi, who won the dressage but had a couple of unfortunate penalties in last night’s show jumping. They’re on a two-phase score of 31.9 so could still be quite competitive here with a fast clear.
5:48 a.m. ET: Tim is neatly through the Rolex Grand Slam water at 8, where Jonelle had her earlier issue with McClaren.
5:47 a.m. ET: And Tim is away with Falco! This pair comes forward on a two-phase score of 33.0 and tenth place, having had one unlucky and uncharacteristic rail down yesterday.
5:44 a.m. ET: A look at current team standings as we near the finish:
5:42 a.m. ET: Lara is nicely home with Cascaria V, who will finish the weekend on a score of 53.9. We have just a bit of a gap now as Kevin McNab was due up next, so we’ll see Tim Price and Falco out next in just a moment. We’re six away from Will and Off the Record.
5:38 a.m. ET: Linda Algotsson is home with 16.4 time for a final score of 67.5. We’re nearly to final nine horses to see, which will include the final team rider for Team USA, Will Coleman and Off the Record. Kevin McNab posted on his social media last night that he’s withdrawn both of his rides.
5:35 a.m. ET:
5:32 a.m. ET: Tayla Mason looks really pleased as she finishes with just 4.4 time for a final score of 43.1. Meanwhile, Romain Sans is living a bit dangerously, getting away with one at the at 22, but he’s now home and also one of the quickest with a total time of 6:58. He finishes on a score of 47.3. We’re also now joined by Sweden’s Linda Algotsson and Fair Spot, who are clear through 14. Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, also a Tokyo Olympian, is also on course with Cascaria V.
5:26 a.m. ET: Kazuma is home with about 18 seconds of time, finishing the week on a score of 42.3. We’ll next see French rider Romain Sans and Unetoile de la Serre, on a two-phase score of 45.3, out on course.
5:24 a.m. ET: New Zealand’s Tayla Mason has to really urge Centennial to drop into the first water; he takes a good peek but they’re through. We also see Kazuma making their way towards home with about 30 seconds. He’ll have some time as well.
5:22 a.m. ET: Japanese Olympian Kazuma Tomoto is on course now with Bernadette Utopia — who I absolutely just adore, by the way.
5:22 a.m. ET:
5:19 a.m. ET: A look at Lauren through this funky bank-to-owl-hole question:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:18 a.m. ET: And Lauren is home with a time of 7:21 and 11.2 time! This puts her and Vermiculus on a final score of 52.4. What a great day for our U.S. riders — come on Will, bring us home!
5:17 a.m. ET: Lauren is into the main arena and very nearly home!
5:15 a.m. ET: Bug slips just a hair in the rather tight turn from big oxer to big oxer (unsure which fence number, so I’m not going to try to incorrectly guess!) but he’s clear through 18 now.
5:12 a.m. ET: Lauren is neatly through the Rolex Grand Slam water at 8, Bug looking keen as ever.
5:10 a.m. ET: Malin has a fabulous finish and will be the quickest of the day on 7 minutes flat. We now welcome Lauren and Vermiculus to the course! Go Bug go!
5:06 a.m. ET: Jérôme stops the clock at 7:08, another quicker round for this pair who will finish the week on a score of 47.6. We also have Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch L (I love a good Harry Potter name!), on a two-phase score of 38.5. We’ll shortly see Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus, our U.S. individual pair, out on course. Ireland’s Alex Donahoe and Kilcandra Bonnie Reward, on a score of 52.9, are also on course.
5:05 a.m. ET:
5:02 a.m. ET: Oof! Amsterdam 21 lands down on his knees into the final water, but Jesse picks him up and they will finish with 10 time penalties and a final score of 51.6. We’re also now joined by Germany’s Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice, on a score of 41.6 after the first two phases.
5:01 a.m. ET: Looks like Jesse’s been given the all-clear so far at that corner. Also a sticky moment at the double brushes later on but he does a good job to navigate through clear. They’re into the main arena now and heading to the final water question.
4:58 a.m. ET: Thomas stops the clock on a time of 7:11 while we see our second New Zealand rider, another Tokyo Olympian in Jesse Campbell with Amsterdam 21. They have a very hairy moment at the corner 13B and the live scores literally just say “???” on the penalty mark for that fence. Here’s a look:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:55 a.m. ET: I missed it on the live feed (or it wasn’t shown), but Thomas Carlile had a great save at the owl hole. They’re clear through fence 20.
4:54 a.m. ET: And Tamie is the quickest of the Americans so far, picking up 7.2 time penalties in a time of 7:11 to finish on a score of 40.4. Mai Baum looked incredibly focused the whole way around, what a star.
4:53 a.m. ET: Tamie and Mai Baum are into the main arena! They’ll also have some time, but again not a ton.
4:52 a.m. ET: A look at a flying Lexus:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:52 a.m. ET: French rider Thomas Carlile and the beautiful Birmane are our next on course.
4:50 a.m. ET: Tamie is clear through 13. Zara stops the clock with 6 time penalties added for a final score of 46.1. We’re seeing riders getting consistently closer to the time now. Mai Baum has a big jump up the bank heading to the owl hole at…I’m not actually sure which number, but scoring now shows them clear through 18. I hope I’ve been getting the fence numbers right and apologize if I’m not as it’s a bit hard to do it without a proper map!
4:49 a.m. ET: Zara and Class Affair are pretty quick as they head into the main arena. She’s also been very quick and efficient across the ground today.
4:48 a.m. ET: Tamie and “Lexus” navigate the upright rails at 6 and now come to the first water.
4:45 a.m. ET: Cathal picks up just 2.8 time to finish on a score of 41.7 with the very quick Rioghan Rua. A testament to a rider’s ability to ride their horse on a track like this — Cathal really barely has to even touch the mare to adjust her and this efficiency was well-rewarded on a winding track such as this one. We will next see Tamie and Mai Baum out of the box — and they’re away!
4:42 a.m. ET: British rider Zara Tindall now sets off with Class Affair, who is on a score of 40.1. Cathal Daniels is clear through the double brushes at 18 with Rioghan Rua.
4:42 a.m. ET: Jonelle is really having to give McClaren a strong ride today, as he’s just looked a bit peaky or backed off in places. She’s nearly home though, navigating the final water in the main arena.
4:41 a.m. ET: Pats for Siena Just Do It:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:38 a.m. ET: Ingrid gives Siena Just Do It big pats as they cross the finish with that one stop and 14 time. Ireland’s Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua, who were sent to Tokyo but withdrew from competition, are now on course on a score of 38.9. We’re just a couple away from our next U.S. rider, Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of Ingrid, who’s still trotting out Siena’s Just Do It to lower her heart rate and cool her down. Always have to love her horsemanship.
4:36 a.m. ET: Bummer — McClaren says no at the second brush out of the water at fence 8, electing to go out the left-hand door instead. They’re clear on the second attempt as Ingrid comes into the main arena to finish up.
4:35 a.m. ET:
4:34 a.m. ET: Regrouping quickly, Ingrid now has a gorgeous ride through the questions at 13, 14 and 15. We now welcome New Zealand’s Jonelle Price and former Mark Todd ride McClaren, who are currently on a two-phase score of 33.4.
4:32 a.m. ET: Oh no! Ingrid and Equistro’s Siena Just Do It pick up the first runout of the day, ducking to the right at the second brush in the water at 8A. Bummer.
4:32 a.m. ET: A cute moment between Joseph Murphy and Calmaro:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:30 a.m. ET: Well no surprise here, Laura slots into the clubhouse lead after a very efficient ride aboard Mr Bass on a score of 36.2. A time of 7:03 for this pair as we see Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and Equistro’s Siena Just Do It, who are on a score of 38.7 for 18th place after two.
4:28 a.m. ET: A look at the cool SAP Live Tracking:
4:26 a.m. ET: A lovely round from Joseph Murphy and Calmaro, who have gotten the closest to the time and the only pair under seven minutes with a finishing time of 6:56. That’s just 1.2 time penalties to add for a three-phase score of 46.1. Meanwhile, Laura and Mr. Bass are clear through 15.
4:23 a.m. ET: And we’re now joined by a Tokyo gold medalist, Laura Collett and Mr. Bass, who come in on a score of 32.2 and seventh place after two phases.
4:21 a.m. ET: Madison Crowe is setting a fiery pace, only about 15 seconds down as she comes into the main arena. There is still a good amount of jumping to do in the arena, complete with a water jump and a narrow brush arrowhead question on a related distance to really test your riding in the final seconds. Madison comes home 14 seconds over to collect 5.6 time penalties. She is the second fastest of the day and will finish on a score of 40.5.
4:18 a.m. ET: Camille Lejeune and Noreway Harry are home in a time of 7:18 — it’ll be really exciting to see who, if anyone, will make the time. Elizabeth Power is the closest by a good bit with her time of 7:05, so I do think it will be doable but those who’ve collected decent amounts of time haven’t been hanging around. Meanwhile, we’ve got New Zealand’s Madison Crowe and Waitangi Pinterest (great name, honestly) as well as Ireland’s Joseph Murphy and Calmaro both on course.
4:14 a.m. ET: And they are home! Ariel stops the clock at 7:19 — excellent work! The horses are looking fabulous at the finish here, lots of positive riding and great finishes so far.
4:13 a.m. ET: Ariel and Leamore Master Plan are into the main arena! Just a few left to go, she will have some time but shouldn’t be a whole ton.
4:11 a.m. ET: Ariel grits her teeth to get Simon safely through the double brushes at 18, just a bit wiggly but clear.
4:10 a.m. ET: Sandra and Rosveel are home 52 seconds over but looking keen and confident at the end! Away we see our second French rider, Camille Lejeune and Noreway Harry.
4:08 a.m. ET: Ariel and “Simon” are neatly through the upright gates question at 8. Sandra has to test her core muscles as Rosveel leaves a leg at 21B, but she’s upright and kicking on!
4:07 a.m. ET: Sandra takes the winding long route at fence 18, avoiding the downhill run to the double brushes. This horse is just an eight-year-old, so perhaps education is the goal here.
4:06 a.m. ET: Man, what an exciting horse for Elizabeth, who at just nine put in a class, expert round. Azure is one to keep an eye on! And we’re off with our next American rider, Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan.
4:06 a.m. ET: A little peek at the track thanks to Tilly:
4:05 a.m. ET: Regis Prud Hon finished in a time of 7:47, and Elizabeth Power comes home in the quickest so far, 7:05.
4:03 a.m. ET: We haven’t seen much of Elizabeth Power, but she reappears now at the double brushes question at fence 18. Meanwhile, Germany’s Sandra Auffarth is away with Rosveel, currently in 35th on a score of 50.5.
4:02 a.m. ET: Sydney finishing strong with QC Diamantaire:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
3:59 a.m. ET: Now on is Ireland’s Elizabeth Power and Azure, who were one of just three clear show jumping rounds yesterday. They’re in 13th on a score of 34.6.
3:58 a.m. ET: Heck yeah! Sydney finishes with 10.8 time penalties and CLEAR! What a way to start for team USA! She will finish on a score of 55.4.
3:57 a.m. ET: Sydney is now into the main arena with a few questions left to go!
3:57 a.m. ET: Also on course now is French rider Regis Prud Hon and Tarastro, coming forward in 38th position.
3:55 a.m. ET: Sydney is giving QC Diamantaire an excellent ride after that sticky moment earlier on, and the horse looks to be gaining some confidence as they go.
3:54 a.m. ET: I apologize for the absence of GIFs, I’m still working on it but I’m having a stern discussion with my laptop at the moment. You will definitely want to grab your ClipMyHorse.TV pass to watch the replay, because this course is always just so entertaining to watch. A bucket list event, for sure! Meanwhile, Josephine actually bests Sam’s time with just about 30 seconds accumulated, despite taking that one long route. Sydney is clear through fence 16.
3:51 a.m. ET: QC Diamantaire has a good look at the drop in to the Grand Slam water at fence 8 but Sydney manages her steering well and keeps her leg on.
3:51 a.m. ET: Next out of the box and making her team debut for the U.S. is Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, who are currently in 27th position on a score of 44.6.
3:47 a.m. ET: Next up will be Germany’s Josephine Schnaufer-Völkel and Pasadena 217, coming forward in 32nd place on a score of 48.4. Sam Watson goes into a score of 81 to finish the weekend.
3:45 a.m. ET: Ballybolger Talisman is looking really keen here as he and Sam get into the arena for the final few questions. They’ll be nearly a minute over the time of 6:53 (51 seconds over to be precise), which will be interesting to watch as he certainly didn’t hang about.
3:44 a.m. ET: Sam is riding really positively, which isn’t an easy task at Aachen. Often described as a “roller coaster” or simply a tight track with a lot of sensory stimulation, this track requires a brave, adjustable, catty horse.
3:42 a.m. ET: Ah, the clip strikes again! Sam and Ballybolger Talisman have the back rail at the corner at 13B and will pick up 11 penalties as a result.
3:40 a.m. ET: Ballybolger Talisman leaves a bit of his left leg hanging at the upright gates at the top of a steep, short hill at fence 8 but Sam sits tight and they navigate through safe.
3:39 a.m. ET: And we are off and running! Ireland’s Sam Watson and Ballybolger Talisman, currently in 34th place, are now on course. The optimum time is 6 minutes, 53 seconds.
3:34 a.m. ET: Ok, I’ve got the app working, which means no GIFs unless I can get it working on my laptop. I’ll keep you posted, but will do text updates for now once we get into full swing.
3:30 a.m. ET: Welp, so far things are off to a grand start…so far, ClipMyHorse.TV is not working for me so bear with me while I try to get it sorted!
Wednesday Videos from Kentucky Performance Products: Just Two More #AEC2021 Helmet Cams
We’re still reliving the highs of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships — why not keep the party going with a couple of helmet cams from cross country day?
Many thanks to Melanie Schaefer for sending in these videos from Fylicia Barr’s team. We shared Fylicia’s helmet cam from the Advanced earlier here on EN — check it out here.
First up is Josie Buller, who is riding Zanzibar, Fylicia’s first event horse when she lived in New York. Zanzibar, who is an Arabian cross gelding, has been showing Josie the ropes of eventing, bringing her up from Beginner Novice to achieving her goal of competing at AEC at the Novice level! The pair added one rail to their dressage score to end their Junior Novice 15 & Under weekend on a score of 43.3. Ride along:
Next is Will Rowland and his six-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, Over Rider, skipping around the training level. Will purchased “Ryder” off the track as a four-year-old and has produced him to this point. This pair finished on their dressage score of 33.6 in the Junior Training Championship. Here’s Will’s helmet cam:
We love celebrating eventing at ALL levels, so if you have a helmet cam you’d like to share with us, email us at [email protected]! Go Eventing.
#AEC2021: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram
Fight back against colic and digestive upset.
Neigh-Lox® Advanced provides a scientifically advanced blend of ingredients that work synergistically to maintain your horse’s digestive tract in peak condition by supporting both the gastrointestinal tissues and the beneficial bacteria that populate the gut. Maintaining a healthy digestive tract reduces the risk of colonic and gastric ulcers, colic, laminitis related to hindgut acidosis, and oxidative stress that damages digestive tract tissues themselves. Horses with a well-balanced GI tract have good appetites, absorb more nutrients from their diets, maintain a strong immune system, and stay healthier.
The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.
Grab Your Tickets for the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Beginning October 5!
Oliver Townend celebrates his third consecutive Kentucky win. Will he make it four in 2022? Photo by Shelby Allen.
We’re crossing all of our fingers and toes that by next April we’ll once again be joining the throngs of spectators back at Kentucky Horse Park for the longest-running North American CCI5*: the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. As of now, the event is full-speed ahead for 2022 and plans to welcome back spectators for the first time since 2019, April 28 through May 1 — and you can purchase tickets beginning October 5.
Though the event did run in 2021, the venue was closed to all but essential personnel, making for some eerie (but, admittedly, kind of cool in some ways) photos of cross country courses not filled with people or a mostly empty Rolex Stadium.
Jesse Campbell and Diachello jump in front of a sparse crowd at Kentucky 2021. Photo by Shelby Allen.
But with any hope, 2022 will look a lot more like we’re used to. To that end, tailgating spots for cross country day will once again be made available. Word to the wise, these tend to get snapped up quickly, as do camping spots in the KHP Campground, so it’s best not to sit on your laurels when it comes time to reserve.
Also making a return to Kentucky this year will be the Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, which is always a popular draw as a Saturday evening activity. Separate tickets are required for this event, and those will be available for just $5 plus fees.
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. Photo by Shelby Allen.
If you donated to help save the event earlier this year, you will be eligible for a pre-sale to access admission before the general public. “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who helped make the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky happen,” Lee Carter, Executive Director of EEI, said. “The ‘Kentucky Collective,’ as we call them, truly stepped up and showed the world how supportive the eventing community can be. The 2021 Land Rover Kentucky was incredible, albeit very different without spectators in Rolex Stadium and across the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. We are excited to offer qualifying Kentucky Collective supporters the chance to buy their tickets early this year and we look forward to welcoming them back to the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky in person!”
The Lexington CCI4*-S will also be returning to Kentucky, making it an all-out weekend of equestrian sport at its finest. We hope to see you in Kentucky next spring! Go Eventing.
Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain
CDCTA on Sunday was a blast with Sebastian and put the wind back in my sails after a tough few weeks. So many thanks…
Posted by Helen Casteel on Monday, September 13, 2021
Well, because horses can never be truly straightforward, it seems life has thrown a box of lemons at Helen Casteel, who was awarded the first Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Scholarship earlier this year. After spending the summer training with Sara Kozumplik Murphy with her off-track Thoroughbred, Unapproachable, “Abel” sustained a soft tissue injury that has sidelined him for the time being. Helen had been preparing for the American Eventing Championships with Abel, but Sara — never one to let a problem go unsolved — quickly stepped in and offered up the ride on Edy Rameika’s (who also is the generous sponsor of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship through the USEA Foundation) Sebastian in the interim.
Helen and Sebastian tested the waters at CDCTA this past weekend and it’s safe to say they’ve found all the right buttons so far: the pair finished third in their Beginner Novice division.
A little over three months ago I was awarded the first ever (and first of its kind) #eversosweetscholarship from Strides…
Posted by Helen Casteel on Thursday, September 9, 2021
Strides for Equality Equestrians is offering a second round of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship (ESS) this fall, and applications close on October 15 so be sure to get yours in! The purpose of the scholarship is to provide education, experience, and networking opportunities for diverse young people interested in careers in competitive horse sports, particularly in the disciplines of eventing or show jumping. To learn more about ESS, click here.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Alhambra Fall Event (Alberta, Canada): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Aspen Farms International H.T. (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Flying Cross Farm H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
GMHA September H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
MeadowCreek Park H.T. (Kosse, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Otter Creek Fall H.T. (Wheeler, Wi.): [Website] [Entry Status]
Stone Gate Farm H.T. (Hanoverton, Oh.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Unionville CCI4*-S (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
The Event at Skyline (Mount Pleasant, Ut.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Major International Events:
CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (Oxfordshire, UK): [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Wednesday Reading List:
Boyd Martin has taken the reins of Annie Goodwin’s Fedarman B after Annie tragically passed away in a cross country schooling accident this summer. It’s an emotional time for all, but Annie’s parents and fiancé decided to entrust Boyd with the ride in her honor. “It really is a privilege to be riding Bruno,” Boyd told The Chronicle of the Horse. “The first couple times I rode him, it was quite emotional, sitting on the young horse Annie had ridden for years and years and done such a sensational job training. A part of me is honored to ride him, and a part of me feels uncomfortable with the success we’re achieving together because it’s all due to her hard work.”
British rider Will Rawlin was eager to get his first five-star under his belt at Bicton last weekend, but the eventing gods weren’t smiling down on him as VIP Vinnie came up lame after just two fences. Thankfully, Will hopes “Vinnie” will make a return after a year of rehab, and he reflects on the weekend that wasn’t in his latest blog.
Want to smooth out your cross country riding? Caroline Moore wants you to have five gears when you’re out on cross country — trot, coffin canter, related distance canter, gallop, and top speed. How do you achieve these, and make your riding safer in the process? Find out here.
And while you’re at it, why not brush up on some dressage skills? Carl Hester shares eight “training gems” to improve your dressage mark — and hey, he would be one to know! — with Horse & Hound here.
On the fence about adding a Haygain steamer to your barn? Your investment can go a long way to make your horses healthier and happier. Want to hear it from an expert? Read about why Dr. Hilary Clayton, a veterinarian, researcher, horse owner and dressage rider, trusts Haygain here.
Wednesday Watch This from H&C+:
It’s Blenheim weekend! It’s a star-studded line-up in the headlining CCI4*-L, with British heavy hitters such as 2018 FEI Eventing World Champion Ros Canter, Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Tom McEwen, Badminton winner Piggy March, Emily King, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Olympic gold medalist Oliver Townend…the list truly goes on and on.
You won’t want to miss the live stream with your H&C+ membership, and we’ll have Catherine Austen checking in regularly with reports from beautiful Blenheim all weekend long.
Wednesday Video Break: The ultimate “desensitizing” as demonstrated by the Brianna Noble and her crew:
Mark Your Calendars! USEA American Eventing Championships Will Travel to Rebecca Farm in 2022
Maddie Lichten and Yarrow. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Mark your calendars (and book those hotels!) — after a wildly successful rotation at the Kentucky Horse Park, the USEA American Eventing Championships will now shift west and will be held at the picturesque Rebecca Farm venue in 2022. #AEC2022 will take place August 30 through September 4, 2022, which is also over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
If you’ve not been to Rebecca Farm before, it’s definitely one worth putting on the calendar. You’re not likely to find better views, crisper mountain air or better weather for eventing than in Kalispell, Montana — and a big bonus of coming out to Rebecca Farm to event is the nearby tourist destination of Glacier National Park. You can top off your summer with some non-horsey vacation activities (you know, to keep your non-horsey relatives occupied while you show, obviously) like hiking and finding a route to Glacier National Park’s gorgeous Hidden Lake. If you’re not a hiker, there are plenty of other destinations to check out while you’re in Montana, and many eventers will room-share at a vacation rental to make the most of their experience.
A word to the wise, though: book your travel now. Not sure if you’re going yet? Find some tentative travel buddies and book refundable lodging and rental cars now. Generally speaking, the summer Event at Rebecca Farm is a destination sell-out, leaving cars and places to stay very difficult to come by. Add in Labor Day travel, and we’re most likely looking at a similar scenario for AEC. There are many great hotels in Kalispell and plenty of vacation rental homes to share with your barn mates or family. I’ll drop some useful links below, and you can also visit the Rebecca Farm website for more information about the facility and surrounding area.
As of now, the USEA has not released dates or locations for future American Eventing Championships; in June the organization opened bidding for the next host site, which will have the AEC for two years in 2023 and 2024.
Discover Kalispell
Explore Whitefish
Places to Go: Kalispell
TripAdvisor’s Best Things to Do in Kalispell
Maryland 5 Star Entry First Look: 38 CCI5* Entries To Date, Including Some Famous Kiwi Faces
Tim Price and Xavier Faer. Photo by Shelby Allen.
We’re winding down with just one month to go before the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, just the seventh CCI5* in the world and the second in North America, and in celebration we’ve got a first look at entries — and plenty of famous faces to look forward to! The Maryland 5 Star is slated to begin on October 14, concluding on October 17.
The Maryland 5 Star will be a unique CCI5* in that we will also see the USEF National CCI3*-L Championship as well as the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships running concurrently with the marquee division. The organizing team at Maryland has also secured several fan experiences such as a Beer & Wine Showcase, a Fresh Food Festival, a full vendor fair and loads of food and drink vendors on hand throughout the weekend.
The CCI3*-L has already gone to wait-list status due to its popularity, and as of publication we have a total of 38 entries — including, so far, three riders who will be hopping aboard the Dutta Corp. flight generously arranged with booking discounts as well as ground transport provided by Brookledge Horse Transportation once the overseas entries arrive in the States. Joining the entry list will be New Zealand Olympians Jonelle Price, who will bring forward 2018 Badminton winner Classic Moet (who also finished seventh on her first trip to Kentucky earlier this year), and Tim Price, who will ride Xavier Faer, with whom he finished second at Kentucky in April.
Sammi Birch and Hunter Valley II. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Australian rider Sammi Birch, who just finished 11th at the pop-up Bicton CCI5* with Finduss PFB, will also make her first trip to the U.S. with Hunter Valley II, a 16-year-old Australian Sport Horse gelding who finished fourth at Pau in 2017. Sammi moved to Britain to base in 2005 and is a certified bad-ass; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and, despite undergoing major surgery to remove the cancerous cells, competed at the top levels of the sport and raised her son, Charlie, all throughout. “I look back now and think I was nuts. I can now say I didn’t really face the cancer,” Sammi told HorseDeals.com last year. “I think I blocked it and just focussed everything on the horses and WEG. It was the only way I could get through it. It is safe to say that when Gizmo was injured and WEG was no longer on the cards, I hit rock bottom. I had to face the fact that I had cancer and was to have major surgery. I have learnt a lot about myself. It turns out I am pretty grumpy if I can’t ride!”
Also featuring on the CCI5* entry list at Maryland will be Tokyo Olympians Phillip Dutton (who will ride Fernhill Singapore and Sea of Clouds), Boyd Martin (who will ride Long Island T and On Cue) and Doug Payne (who will ride Quantum Leap), as well as Buck Davidson with three rides (Carlevo, Erroll Gobey, Jak My Style), Will Faudree (Pfun and Mama’s Magic Way) and Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Vermiculus) with two, and CCI5* debutants Ashlynn Meuchel (Emporium) and Lexi Scovil (Chico’s Man VDF Z). ETA: Emma Lomangino will also be making her first CCI5* start with Master Frisky — sorry for the omission, Emma!
Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Entries close this Wednesday, September 15, and we’ve seen rumblings that we’ll see some West coast representatives filling in so no doubt we’ll have a few more to add to this star-studded list later this week. You can keep track of the entries for all divisions here — and don’t forget to snag your tickets as this will be a spectator-friendly event! You can do so here. Stay tuned for more from Maryland, and Go Eventing!
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries]
Maryland CCI5* Entries as of 9/13:
- Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise
- Sammi Birch and Hunter Valley
- Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois
- Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot
- Will Coleman and DonDante
- Will Coleman and Tight Lines
- Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara
- Buck Davidson and Carlevo
- Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey
- Buck Davidson and Jak My Style
- Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore
- Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds
- Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
- Will Faudree and Pfun
- Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me
- Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper
- Emily Hamel and Corvett
- Lillian Head and LCC Barnaby
- Ema Klugman and Bendigo
- Alexandra Knowles and Morswood
- Leslie Law and Voltaire De Tre
- Emma Lomagino and Master Frisky
- Boyd Martin and Long Island T
- Boyd Martin and On Cue
- Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack
- Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale
- Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium
- Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo
- Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus
- Doug Payne and Quantum Leap
- Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie
- Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound
- Jonelle Price and Classic Moet
- Tim Price and Xavier Faer
- Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights
- Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z
- Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian
- Sharon White and Cooley On Show
Weekend Winners: Tryon, CDCTA, Chardon Valley, Copper Meadows, Flora Lea
As we look ahead into what promises to be an all-out fall season, we’re through another jam-packed weekend of eventing action from all over. On each coast, Advanced competitors tackled Tryon’s Fall Horse Trials as well as Copper Meadows’ September event, and several Maryland 5 Star-bound pairs are ticking off their final preparations for the fall CCI5*. We’re also gearing up for the FEI Nations Cup of Eventing competition at CHIO Aachen this weekend — where the U.S. is fielding a team — followed by the FEI Eventing European Championships the weekend after — suffice it to say, there is a whole lot to keep up with these days here at EN!
This weekend’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Lindsey Smith and Jackie Eckhaus’ Jumara MVS, who won their Open Novice division at Copper Meadows on a score of 22.1. In fact, Lindsey had a fantastic weekend overall, finishing third in the Area VI Training Championships on her own partner Lucky Sun and also taking a few of Tamie Smith’s up and comers out for a spin. Check her out scoring a 21.0 aboard Té Amo, who is owned by Grace Walker Alonzi:
And scoring an 18.1 aboard Jumara MVS, who is currently available for syndication through Tamie’s Next Level Eventing:
Most pro riders have a very active pipeline of young talent coming up the ranks, and this weekend it was their turn to shine under the tutelage of riders such as Lindsey as well as Nick Cwick, who also took some of Tamie’s younger horses around at Copper Meadows, while Tamie traveled back to Germany to make her final preparations for Aachen this weekend. It truly takes a village — a globe-spanning one, in this instance!
Tryon Fall H.T.: Final Scores
Advanced Test A: Boyd Martin and Wabanaki (47.3)
Advanced Test B: Bobby Meyerhoff and Albano (62.6)
Advanced/Intermediate: Bobby Meyerhoff and Fortuna (37.7)
Open Intermediate: Tim Bourke and Quality Obsession (31.8)
Open Preliminary A: Devon Brown and HC Celtic Mark (28.3)
Open Preliminary B: Devon Brown and Hickstead (28.9)
Modified: Shannon Riley and Laissez Aller (27.7)
Open Training: Emily Beshear and Plumpjack (24.3)
Training Rider: Darci Phelps and Sandro Street (40.7)
Novice Rider: Kay Burack and Piper (29.5)
Open Novice: Emily Beshear and Card Shark (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Morgan Peck and Majic Merlin (29.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Hannah Werner and Clear Laveer (26.8)
CDCTA Fall H.T.: Final Results
Open Preliminary: Daniel Clasing and Et Cetera (26.3)
Open Training 1: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Vegas Vision (30.5)
Open Training 2: Allison Springer and Castlefarm Querly Bet (31.0)
Open Training 3: Emma Tuit and Rapid Romero KV (31.7)
Open Novice 1: Kurt Martin and Kelodiena W (31.9)
Open Novice 2: Gabby Dickerson and L’Amour WV (29.9)
Open Novice 3: Dawn Cregger and Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (31.0)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Katherine Wood and Prinz S.W. (22.8)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Haley Miller and He’s True Brew (33.3)
Intro: Caroline Kuhnert and Chastian’s Morning Mocha (31.7)
Chardon Valley H.T.: Final Results
Modified Open: Carrie Mulks and Colony’s Finale (39.7)
Training Open: Alexandra McKinley and Audacious (37.1)
Novice Jr. Rider: Olivia Cannizzaro and Mahogany Dancer (26.9)
Novice Open: Mindy Kutzner-Shannon and First Spring Song (28.8)
Beginner Novice Jr. Rider: Maisy Sullivan and Ima Rain Storm (30.6)
Beginner Novice Open: Halley Widlak and Starscream (25.0)
Starter Jr. Rider: Alana Clickner and Fauna (34.7)
Starter Open: Margaret Kinsinger and Leap of Faith (31.7)
Copper Meadows Fall H.T.: Final Results
Advanced: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo (69.4)
Intermediate: Gina Economou and Cooley By Design (39.3)
Open Preliminary: Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF (29.7)
Preliminary Championship: Stephanie Simard and Roosevelt (44.7)
Open Training: Jordan Taylor and Dartmouth (22.4)
Training Championship: Kristin Terris and Rathcash Olympia (30.0)
Novice Championship: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Infinite Wisdom (29.1)
Novice Rider A: Kelson Frieden and RHS Caspar Conthargos (31.2)
Novice Rider B: Sophie Acker and Snow Angel (35.0)
Open Novice: Lindsey Smith and Jumara MVS (22.1)
Beginner Novice Championship: Laura Jaeger-Seitz and Dondero (29.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kylie Scott and Duchess (29.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Nick Cwick and Lowmax (29.8)
Introductory: Allie Silvera and Kellys Lucky Moon (29.2)
Flora Lea Fall H.T.: Final Results
Open Preliminary: Matthew Bryer and Quaden AF (27.4)
Preliminary Rider: Sophie Kager and Rasher (38.9)
Open Training: Jennie Brannigan and Beaulieu’s Surprise (30.2)
Training Rider A: Christa Schmidt and Chakiris Star (28.6)
Training Rider B: Christa Schmidt and Monbeg Odyssey (36.1)
Novice Rider A: Veronica Ucko and Mainely Brews (30.5)
Novice Rider B: Donna White and Esprit de Barbereau (31.7)
Open Novice A: Nancy Lee and PHF Wine Me Up (28.6)
Open Novice B: Isabelle Bosley and Fernhill Mac an Bata (26.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Tara Astacio and Money to Burn (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Delaney Emerson and Redfield Legend (26.4)
The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians Creates a Space for Youth of Color to Discover All of Who They Are
The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians runs their program out of a barn in Hastings, Mn., 30 minutes from where George Floyd was murdered in May 2020. Co-founder Jenny Benton knew it was time to put aside excuses and find a way to bring youth of color to horses as a catalyst to bridge the alienation many feel as the weight of systemic racism continues to plague their communities. The CREW is an acronym for the four core tenets of the program: Community, Relationships, Empowerment and Well-being. These pillars encompass how the organization supports and engages with the kids.
In August of 2020, Jenny brought the idea of the program to Chauntel Allen, Kenatia Gilmer, DJ Jinkins and Jestine Jinkins, all of whom she has known for over 20 years, and invited them to join her as founding Board Members. “In 24 weeks, we went from ideation to bringing in our first kids and created a viable nonprofit program,” Jenny and Chauntel explained on a Zoom call. “This speaks to the deep commitment the five of us have to fulfill the need for a culturally relevant program where youth of color have a safe space to uncover all of who they are while training horses in a way that prioritizes their Relationship with the horse by understanding what the horse is communicating through their body language.”
The CREW’s program is designed to offer student-centric, hands-on horsemanship training sessions, starting with groundwork to instill confidence and foundational skills. As the kids gain experience and demonstrate mastery of handling the horses, they move into riding. Using horses as a catalyst to Empower kids to learn emotional self-regulation helps them discover the possibilities of a world that can open up if given the space.
“You are not what you’ve experienced, and that horse forces you to be honest and to be your most authentic self,” Chauntel said. “And if you are not, that horse is going to know and respond accordingly. So, it forces you to take a step back, take a deep breath and deal with those emotions immediately in a real and raw fashion. The way that Jenny breaks things down through education – there’s something organic that just happens when the children get exposed to these animals.”
Both CREW program horses come from rescues, and demonstrate in a non-judgmental way that, as the character Nessie in Concrete Cowboy stated, “the past is not the present”. Working with the two rescue horses, kids in The CREW have blossomed.
“Being at the barn with horses, where it’s just you and that thousand-pound horse, gives the frustration, the anger, and all of the negative experiences that comes with what you’ve lived through growing up in Minneapolis, a place where you can lay those burdens down,” Chauntel reflected. “As a member of The CREW, I get to experience that.It is a beautiful thing to have a front row seat to our youth having similar experiences. I cannot imagine how different I would be if I had had a program like what The CREW offers or any experience with horses as a child. I may not have, but my children will and that’s what The CREW is about.”
When The CREW was in its formative stages, the founding members consulted with other organizations who had been doing this type of work already in other states. “We talked with David Silver at Detroit Horsepower, Caitlin Gooch at Saddle Up and Read, Keiara Wade at Compton Cowboys to gain insight on what made a program successful,” Jenny said.
The CREW is also building relationships with instructors in various equine disciplines including eventing, hunter jumper, polo, and barrel racing to create a Community where the students can experience and pursue competition opportunities if they choose.
In June of 2021, The CREW took its first field trip as a group to take in the action at Otter Creek Horse Trials in Wheeler, WI. It was the first time most of the group had seen the sport of eventing, and both Jenny and Chauntel say their experience was welcoming and positive. Immediately upon their arrival, a woman saw them with their matching t-shirts, and told the group that she follows The CREW on Facebook and was excited to see them there that day. As the group walked to watch the cross-country trials, Chauntel and one of the kids ran into the owner of the facility, who welcomed them and invited them to come back over the summer.
“The response we received from the riders was overwhelming,” Chauntel said of the outing. “Several Mothers of the participating riders were happy to greet us and willing to share their experience in the equine industry. They spoke about the financial sacrifice, time commitment, and upcoming eventing opportunities. Seeing the Moms who were there in support of their children was really a special moment.”
It is the hope of these women fearlessly leading the charge at The CREW that field trips like this can continue to happen. After all, we all catch “the bug” somewhere – you hear me write about it often. It is that first exposure that often makes a difference in a person’s path, and the goal of The CREW is to illuminate just how many paths are possible for the kids in the program.
How you can help:
The CREW is always looking for donations to continue its growth. Top of the list at the moment is a van that can be used for transportation. Having a form of transportation would allow them to facilitate more outreach to kids who could benefit from having a place to go – and a way to get there.
To learn more about The CREW and how you can be involved, click here.
Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride Along with Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise at #AEC2021
We’ve been waiting for this one! Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise absolutely blazed around Derek di Grazia’s cross country track at the USEA American Eventing Championships last week, moving up from sixth place to take the lead after the second phase of Advanced competition. Fylicia and “Sunny” recorded the fastest time of the day with just 2.4 time penalties accumulated on a track that wasn’t giving up double clears. This pair would go on to finish their weekend in sixth overall.
The story of Fylicia and her little mare that could is one for all of us: Fylicia found Galloway Sunrise on Craigslist, and she was rather “feral” at the time, not giving much hint of the future. Luckily, Fylicia stuck with it and in the process unearthed a horse of a lifetime.
And we certainly love cheering for them! Be sure to watch with your sound on to hear Fylicia talking to her mare the whole way around. Enjoy the ride-along, and thanks to Fylicia for sharing!
#AEC2021: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram
Fight back against colic and digestive upset.
Neigh-Lox® Advanced provides a scientifically advanced blend of ingredients that work synergistically to maintain your horse’s digestive tract in peak condition by supporting both the gastrointestinal tissues and the beneficial bacteria that populate the gut. Maintaining a healthy digestive tract reduces the risk of colonic and gastric ulcers, colic, laminitis related to hindgut acidosis, and oxidative stress that damages digestive tract tissues themselves. Horses with a well-balanced GI tract have good appetites, absorb more nutrients from their diets, maintain a strong immune system, and stay healthier.
The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.
Gillian Beale King Makes an Irish Return to Eventing
Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.
Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out and all your ducks in a row is typically when life decides to throw you a curveball, for better or worse. The opportunity to ride and compete in Ireland “really came out of the blue” for Gillian Beale King, who as of earlier this year had an established program with about 30 students at Main Line Sporthorses in Chester County, Pa. It was an offer to ride for the Belline Estate, owned by Richard and Tanja Ames in Kilkenny, Ireland — and Gillian knew she wanted to, as they say, seize the day.
It was well-known breeder Richie O’Hara who connected Gillian to the Ames, putting into motion the fulfillment of a dream for Gillian, who had spent the last few years primarily competing in the show jumping ring. In fact, Gillian’s a seventh-generation horsewoman with many lifetimes of experience playing a part in her education. This includes the experience of her father and international Grand Prix show jumper Doug King and her mother, international eventer Susie Beale. Gillian’s half-sister, Amanda Beale Clement, is also a professional upper level eventer, her maternal grandfather, Maj. Jeremy Beale, won Burghley in 1965, and her paternal grandfather Hunter King trained hunter/jumpers and rode as a steeplechase jockey — it’s safe to say Gillian’s grown up and spent the majority of her life in the saddle, and here was an chance to put all those miles to another good use.
“I had always dreamed of getting back into eventing,” Gillian, who previously evented through what is now the three-star level as a young rider, explained. “I’ve done international hunter derbies, grand prix show jumping, eventing through what’s now three-star. And then I graduated from university and went out on my own. That business mostly took me in the show jumping direction.”
Atop the podium at Millstreet. Photo by Bit-Media.
Sometimes, when the opportunity of a lifetime materializes, you have to decide to take a leap. “The timing was right on so many levels, and I decided that this was absolutely something worth exploring,” Gillian said. So she transitioned the majority of her students over to her dad, Doug King, and seemingly before she could blink, she was touching down on Irish soil to begin the next chapter.
She’s certainly come out with a bang since beginning her international eventing career over again, most recently taking home the win in the CCI3*-S at Millstreet last month with Chance Encounter, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Creevagh Grey Rebel out of Camedia. She also picked up a CCI2*-L win — the first international win of her career — at Kilguilkey aboard Derena Super Star (Womanizer – Miss Dallas), an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding.
Having only had the ride on this group of horses — a mix of more experienced horses and young guns moving up the levels — since the spring, Gillian says she’s lucky to have been able to slot right into daily life at Belline Estate, spending time with each horse and forming a partnership. “I really went back to the drawing board with every single horse when I got here,” Gillian explained. “The option was given to compete in the first month and I declined because I wanted to take my time and get to know the horses. Getting back into eventing, I wanted to cross my t’s and dot my i’s. I tried to put my flatwork on them, went cross country schooling, and just tried to put that time into properly getting them ‘on’ with me.”
With this string of talented horses and the ability to have an individual program for each, Gillian says she’s rediscovered her eventing sea legs with increasing comfort. “I will say being a show jumper has really helped my eventing,” she said. “I grew up show jumping and had been focusing mostly on the sport since graduating in 2014. The height and width and technicality of the turns is something that I can feel comfortable with knowing I’ve practiced similar things. Out on cross country I find the jumps out in the open very inviting to ride up to. I think the honing of your jumping skills and your ability to jump and turn and navigate are really valuable in making that transition. And I think making the time often comes down to being accurate. You’re accurate and fast when you’re not having to slow down too much, and I’m very conscientious about tidy turns and ‘walking smart’ to have a good plan.”
Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.
Gillian expressed her gratitude for Richard and Tanja Ames and the opportunities she’s been afforded multiple times. “(Richard and Tanja) have certainly been behind me every step of the way and believed in me enough to give me this opportunity,” she said. “It’s tremendous to come out and get these results. The horses and Richard and Tanja deserve it so much, and everyone here on the yard works so hard.”
And the horses are showing their strengths as Gillian continues to work with them. “(Chance Encounter) was a horse that was so nervous in dressage and strong on cross country,” she described. “And he’s just done a 180. Maxine, our head groom, has known ‘Harry’ since he was four. He’s definitely her heart horse, and when they told me I won (at Millstreet), I had to wipe away a few tears in warm-up because I just felt like Maxine and Harry and Richard and Tanja deserved it so very much.”
It’s a long time to be away from your family, friends and life at home. But Gillian’s taking it all in with a good dose of gratitude, and a few trips planned to come back to visit. “It’s been what dreams are made of,” she said. “The last thing my dad said to me when he dropped me off at the airport was, ‘you know what you have to do’. I came here for a reason, to find success and develop great partnerships with these horses. And I really feel like we have the system and the team to do just that.”
Get Your Learning On at Barnstaple South’s Next Jackpot Schooling Show
Photo courtesy of Barnstaple South.
You don’t have to compete in recognized events to be an eventer, and thanks to venues like Barnstaple South, Stable View, Carolina Horse Park, Copper Meadows and many others all over the country, schooling show opportunities are a great option to experience the sport in a more accessible way. Whether you’re new to riding or eventing, you’re showing a young horse the ropes, or you simply want to give your well-stretched wallet a break, finding quality schooling shows is the perfect solution.
Barnstaple South, which began its popular Jackpot Schooling Show series this year, has been hard at work making improvements to its offerings, and the next show on September 12 promises to have plenty of fun for all.
Featuring among these exciting upgrades and improvements are:
- A clinic with the dressage judge of the show on the Saturday before each of the schooling shows on the fall calendar
- Videography services from Richard Equine Video in September and November with recorded commentary from the judge
- Free cross country coursewalks led by local professional each Friday before the schooling show
- Cross country courses flagged and numbered for schooling the week leading up to the show
- Use of high-quality show arenas at neighboring HITS Ocala for dressage and show jumping
Each Jackpot Schooling Show promises to be a grand time for all involved — and there is always the opportunity to win some of your entry costs back in these unique classes! To send in your entry for the next show on September 12 or to sign up for any of the other upcoming fall shows, click here.
Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain
Strides for Equality Equestrians is preparing to hand out its second Ever So Sweet Scholarship in partnership with the USEA Foundation, and you still have time to apply! The Ever So Sweet Scholarship is aimed at providing opportunity in the form of training with five-star rider Sara Kozumplik Murphy and her husband, international show jumper Brian Murphy. Applications for the upcoming period close on October 15 — you can learn more about the Ever So Sweet Scholarship and how to apply here.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Tryon Fall H.T. (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, Mi.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Copper Meadows Fall H.T. (Ramona, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status]
Wednesday Reading List:
Should 11 penalties be given in every instance of breaking frangible pins? It’s a debate that’s taken on a life of its own as more riders incur penalties for instances that, in the court of public opinion at least, may not have prevented a fall. After several riders had a pin, or a part of it, down at Bicton this past weekend and after some of the instances in Tokyo, some riders are sharing their opinions on the implications the penalty has. Horse & Hound reports here.
Did you know what Virginia-area White Oak Stables offers a rolling Show Division Sponsorship as part of their Diversity Program? Aimed at being a source of opportunity for riders looking for a leg up, the Show Division Sponsorship is offered offset the cost of competing at a show. Recipients also receive a customized saddle pad. You can learn more and apply here.
Not all riders spend multiple hours in the saddle every day. Some spend most of their days at a desk or doing other work, so what are some ways to combat the accompanying devastation to one’s posture? Here are four in-office exercises all you “desk jockeys” out there can put to good use.
Does your horse get antsy or anxious when it’s time for the farrier to visit? It’s an issue that plagues horse owners all over, and while every horse is an individual there are some things to try if you’re dealing with farrier anxiety. Save these tips to try next time your horse is due.
Have you gotten your tickets for Equitana USA yet? The early October exhibition and education event promises to be all-out spectacular with a little something for everyone. Check out the schedule of events here — and mark your calendars!
Strides for Equality Equestrians leadership member Catherine Reddick was a recent guest with Chris Stafford on the Women in Sports podcast. Learn more about Strides for Equality’s DEI work, Catherine’s crossover experience between rowing and horse sports, and more in this conversation.
Wednesday Watch This:
If you’re new to H&C+, the video on-demand catalog available to you is easy to get lost in. Honestly, I’ve had my subscription for well into a year now and I’m still discovering new series! The vision behind H&C+’s vast library is to have a dedicated space for the involved equestrian to find entertainment, sport and education. This week, I’m getting caught up on the Eventing Masterclass series. In the most recent episode, Simon Grieve walks us through some ways to combat the omnipresent “rider frightener” fences. There are Masterclass episodes with Liz Halliday-Sharp, Will Coleman, Laura Collett, Oliver Townend and so many more to list — and they’re all included with your H&C+ membership! Here’s the page to learn more.
Haygain Social Shout: Watch how simple it can be to add hay steaming into your routine.
Weekend Winners: #AEC2021, Bucks County, Chatt Hills, Equestrians’ Institute, Silverwood
We may have been up-the-wall busy with the USEA American Eventing Championships and the Bicton Park CCI5*, but there were several other events running over the weekend making for a stuffed weekend winners recap for you! If you want to catch up on the happenings at #AEC2021, click here and for your Bicton fix click here.
Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week comes to us out of AEC, where Erin Buckner and Picassi finished their Beginner Novice Junior championship weekend on their impressive dressage score of 18.5. Erin and the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding Picassi have been partnered together since 2018, and this weekend’s score squeaks past their previous personal best earned in 2017 (18.8). Let’s hear from Erin after her big-time win:
And let’s take a moment to congratulate the rest of our winners from all over Eventing Nation this weekend! Congratulations to all!
#AEC2021 (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Final Scores]
Advanced: Boyd Martin and On Cue (33.7)
Intermediate: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (25.5)
Preliminary Amateur: Arden Wildasin and Southern Sun (24.2)
Preliminary Horse: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (28.5)
Preliminary Junior/Young Rider: Vienna Allport and DHI Zatopek B (28.3)
Modified: Julie Wolfert and Namibia (25.2)
Training Amateur: Lisa Niccolai and KC’s Celtic Character (27.6)
Training Horse: Lauren Lambert and Biscotti (24.3)
Training Junior: Shelby Murray and Reverie GWF (22.4)
Training Rider: Katie Sisk and Long Legs Lenore (30.7)
Novice Amateur: Cecilia Emilsson and Blazing Angel (22.3)
Novice Horse: Adalee Ladwig and Argenta MSF (27.0)
Novice Junior: Mia Brown and Duke HW (22.3)
Novice Junior 15 and Under: Margaret Frost and Euro Star (29.6)
Novice Master Amateur: Mary Millhiser and My Boy Tex (27.4)
Novice Rider: Jane Musselman and Bentley’s Best (24.2)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Cami Pease and Vibrant (24.8)
Beginner Novice Horse: Kristine Burgess and Marisol (25.5)
Beginner Novice Junior 14 and Under: Laura Voorheis and Hillcrest Hop (27.1)
Beginner Novice Junior: Erin Buckner and Picassi (18.5)
Beginner Novice Master Amateur: Gerlinde Beckers and Roscommon Fagan (28.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Leigh Wood and Dollar Mountain (27.1)
Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pa.): [Website] [Final Scores]
Preliminary/Training: Ryan Wood and Carmella (33.9)
Training Open 1: Jennie Brannigan and Beaulieu’s Surprise (29.3)
Novice Open 1: Ryan Wood and Ben Nevis (18.8)
Beginner Novice: Sara Baron and Tizbreezy (32.5)
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Final Scores]
CCI3*-S: Kit Ferguson and Cillbhrid Tom (39.0)
CCI2*-S: Ava Wehde and Bonaire (40.2)
CCI1*-S: Andrea McAllister and Call Me Commander (46.3)
Advanced: Sharon White and Claus 63 (43.4)
Open Intermediate: Sharon White and Cooley On Show (30.0)
Open Preliminary: Waylon Roberts and CS Carrera (30.4)
Preliminary Rider: Haley Curry and Fernhill Belmonte Do Cahim (37.1)
Modified: Sinead Maynard and Oldcourt Grafen Dance (30.4)
Open Training: Waylon Roberts and Beaulieu’s Cecelia (30.5)
Training Rider: Sara Jakomin and Two Step Hero (36.0)
Novice Rider: Barbara Brogan and Red Dirt Racer (33.3)
Open Novice: Alexandra Green Kerby and Diatendra (31.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Katharina Huenermann and Targaryen TWF (23.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Clare Walker and Danger Mouse (31.4)
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, Wa.): [Website] [Final Scores]
Intermediate: Jordan Linstedt and FE Friday (50.6)
Preliminary: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (27.2)
Training Amateur: Jane Drummond and Ballingowan Skies (31.1)
Training Junior: Jessica Berntson and Valerio (34.3)
Training Open: Karen O’Neal and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (26.5)
Novice Junior A: Natalie Barlow and Wish I Am (35.7)
Novice Junior B: Abigail Popa and Athens (26.9)
Novice Amateur: Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz (30.0)
Novice Open: Maris Burns and AM Just Right (28.6)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Sarah Shear-Starbird and Written in the Stars (30.3)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Caitlyn Greiser and Stuck On You (33.3)
Beginner Novice Junior: Megan Leckrone and Razzo (31.5)
Beginner Novice Open: Devin Robel and Gillou (26.8)
Silverwood Farm H.T. (Camp Lake, Wi.): [Website] [Final Scores]
Preliminary/Training: Andria Pooley-Ebert and Caliente (59.3)
Open Training: Kayla Leidig and Cajun Heat (36.4)
Open Novice A: Megan Holmes and VC Casandra (27.8)
Open Novice B: John Meyers and Notorious C.A.T. (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Shelby VanHoosier and Stitch This Mister (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Marlene Nauta and Winston (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Ruth Flanagan and Kingston Town (26.8)
Starter A: Laura McMahon and Momma’s Mia (26.0)
Starter B: Ingrid Miller and Laureate (34.8)
Foal to Five-Star: Gemma Tattersall Seals Chedington Bicton CCI5* Win on Chilli Knight
Piggy March (L), Gemma Tattersall (M) and Pippa Funnell (R) celebrate on the Bicton CCI5* podium. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
There isn’t much to see as far as dry eyes are concerned on this very British morning as we watched a small but mighty field of 18 come forward to contest the final phase of the “pop-up” Chedington Bicton Park CCI5* in Devon. The storylines from any event are also rich, and this weekend is no different as Gemma Tattersall will collect her very first five-star win on a horse with famous lineage that she bred and has produced herself in the 11-year-old Chilli Knight (Chilli Morning – Kings Gem).
11 weeks was the timeline for pulling off this enormous feat, which was brought about after the iconic Badminton and Burghley CCI5* events — such fixtures on the global and British eventing calendars — were canceled for the second consecutive year. In the end, a field of 34 would travel to the southwestern part of the country to take on an event virtually unknown in its tests, save for a CCI4*-L that some of these riders came to earlier this spring.
And test it certainly did, with a smart track built by Captain Mark Phillips yesterday and a dizzying, rolling show jumping track designed by Paul Connor this morning. The terrain here has been all anyone could talk about for the week, what with its mountainous hills and long pulls, and yesterday certainly turned out to be a proper endurance test with an 11 minute, 16 second optimum time. With a 61% completion rating, the field was thinned down to 19 and would lose one more starter this morning after Michael Owen withdrew Bradeley Law overnight.
Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
A small field it may have been, but a weak one it was anything but — and the show jumping proved influential once more as just five riders managed to produce double clear efforts. In the end, it truly came down to the finish with not one pole separating the top three. And after overnight leaders and 2019 Badminton winners Piggy French and Vanir Kamira rattled and lowered two rails, it would be Gemma Tattersall who would finally, on her 24th attempt, snatch that much-coveted five-star win.
It was a special match that brought Chilli Knight — or “Alfie”, as he’s known at home — to Gemma. She competed his mother, King’s Gem through the now-five-star level (King’s Gem was also campaigned as a young horse by Mary King). Gemma also competed Alfie’s full sister, Chilli’s Gem, until 2019. In his own right, Chilli Knight has always been what Gemma classifies as a “yes man”, his up-for-anything attitude apparent from the very get-go. It’s made him quite a joy to produce then, and isn’t it always the most rewarding to see the hard work you have put in yourself come to fruition in such a way? Breeding — even with such a star-studded match such as this one, as we all know the CV of 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning — is always a calculated risk, and not every match made in heaven produces a winner. But this one certainly did.
It’s been Gemma who’s seen Alfie grow into his own. He’s come up the ranks consistently, incurring just one penalty on cross country in 29 FEI competitions and collecting top-10 placings in seven-, eight- and nine-year-old young horse championships. He’s also well-practiced in the show jumping ring, having done a good bit during the light competition year in 2020. And that practice certainly paid off today, though he kept us all on our toes as he slunk over each fence with cat-like efficiency. He would go on to leave them all up and would subsequently be the sole horse in the field to finish on his dressage mark, ending the weekend on a 27.9. This was just Alfie’s first CCI5* completion and his second attempt — he was withdrawn from the second horse inspection at Pau in his debut in 2019. He was bred and is owned by Chris Stone, whose Tattleton Stud has been Gemma’s home base for over a decade, making this an extra-special result for all involved.
Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
“I felt the pressure anyway, obviously,” Gemma said in the final press conference. “And, you know, all I thought of was ‘I’m at Hickstead’, which is one of my favorite places to go and ride and jump. And I’m so used to jumping in those grass arenas in the main ring and ring to, and I literally just pretended, shut my eyes and I thought ‘No, I’m just I’m just going to go in and do what I do day in day out on so many different horses and go and jump play around’. That’s what I did.”
The process of producing any event horse, but especially one who is to be successful at the top levels, is one we all know requires an entire host of people — and Gemma is quick to thank her team for the efforts in sticking by her and believing in the program. “My family [has been a support system] from when I was a tiny girl all the way through,” she said. “And my team at home work endlessly hard. My absolute nutter boyfriend, Gary [who ended the press conference with a proposal, to boot!]. And just everyone, everyone. It’s just such a team thing. You know, it’s not just me and Alfie. It’s everyone behind the scenes that makes it happen. And Charlotte, my head girl has just done the most incredible job looking after Alfie this week. We all know what it takes to get a horse to five-star. It’s, you know, it’s quite a headache! Just thank you to my team. And finally, I’ve managed to get us the five-star win!”
Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
Rails fell all throughout the morning after the first to see, Angus Smales and ESI Pheonix lulled us into a false sense of security with a seemingly easy double clear round. It would take quite a few horses a bit of braille to get through the track, but entering in third place it would be Pippa Funnell and the 12-year-old Anglo-European gelding Billy Walk On (Billy Mexico – Shannon Line, by Golden Bash) — who delivered an absolute class round yesterday with just a smidge of time that Pippa said she couldn’t care less about on account of the ride he gave her — to lay down a faultless effort to turn up the pressure. She would eventually finish second, once again a horse that has been partnered with his rider since day one (Billy Walk On is a product of the very successful Billy Stud breeding program that Pippa is involved in along with her husband, William and Donal Barnewell) on a score of 28.7. Billy Walk On is owned by Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw.
Pippa used to ride Billy Walk On’s full sister, Billy Shannon, who was on the list for the London Olympics in 2012 but was sadly lost to leukemia in 2013. “This was the brother, so it’s very special having [him]…I’ve had him right from the word ‘go’, and as Gemma says it takes many years, a lot of emotions, a lot of love building up that partnership. I have a small team at home, and they’ve done an exceptional job. Emily (Gibson) here has really done the horses justice and and I’m incredibly grateful to my backup team and very, very elated with the way the horses have gone.”
Piggy March, who said afterward that while she knew her competitive side would go in and give it her all, she oddly felt no pressure as the overnight leader with Trevor Dickens’ Vanir Kamira (Camiro de Haar Z x Fair Caledonian, by Dixi). “Tillybean” wouldn’t necessarily be the world’s greatest show jumper, but she can typically be counted on to leave the majority of the rails up. She couldn’t afford to have one down today, and she needed two to get around to wind up in third on a three-day score of 33.9 — but Piggy, always pragmatic, went straight to congratulate her friend on her first win after her round and says she’s just as thrilled to watch Gemma have her day.
Piggy March and Vanir Kamira. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
“She’s 16 and she owes me, Trevor Dickens, our whole team — she owes us nothing,” Piggy said of Vanir Kamira. “She’s a horse of all heart. She gave me her whole heart, guts, mind, everything to give me a Badminton win, which is probably the best day ever of my life. And I’m just trying to enjoy a wonderful little horse and all the good things about her and help her as much as I can.”
“I’m really proud and I know how Gemma feels,” Piggy continued. “We all work so unbelievably hard. And they are just the days that someone looks down and says, ‘You know what, today is your day’. And do you know what? It’s totally 100 percent meant to be Gemma’s day and she totally deserves it.”
-
- Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
-
- Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.
This would be the very first all-female CCI5* podium in Great Britain in 18 years — thanks to Nicole Brown of EquiRatings and this weekend’s H&C+/Elite Eventing broadcast for that fun fact! — and indeed it’s a female-driven top five as both Ros Canter with Pencos Crown Jewel (42.7) as well as Pippa Funnell with Majas Hope (46.6) would also finish top-class weekends.
And let’s talk a bit more about the incredible depth Great Britain continues to flex on the global eventing community. The British have now won each five-star held in 2021. While, yes, we’re missing a good handful of British five-stars due to cancelations over the last two seasons, if you flip back through the results dating back to 2017 it’s quite mind-boggling to see the sheer British domination. Take a look at the list of five-stars British riders have won in that period:
2017 Burghley – Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class
2018 Kentucky – Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class
2019 Kentucky – Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class
2019 Badminton – Piggy French and Vanir Kamira
2019 Burghley – Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street
2019 Pau – Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser
2020 Pau – Laura Collett and London 52
2021 Kentucky – Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class
2021 Luhmuhlen – Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden
2021 Chedington Bicton – Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight
Oh, and in between, the Brits also won their first Olympic eventing gold medal since 1972 in Tokyo earlier this summer.
Suffice it to say, as we look ahead to the FEI Eventing European Championships in Switzerland in just under three weeks’ time, the world power of eventing is decidedly British.
I will close this report out with a few words about the team at Bicton, which as I mentioned early and as Tilly has talked in more detail about this week had just 11 weeks to pull this first-ever one-off (maybe?) five-star event. The team at Bicton is led by Helen West, who has also just taken the reins as CEO of British Eventing, and Event Director Andrew Fell, who already were up to the sizable task of pulling off a CCI4*-L to replace the abandoned Bramham International earlier this year. Once that event was done and dusted and the opportunity to swoop in to save the British Eventing season again presented itself, Helen found herself thinking, ‘why not?’.
“At the point somebody mentioned it to me, I think it was just the night before we were about to run the four-star,” Helen said ruefully. “By which point my nerves were literally shot. And the thought of running a five-star — I would have run to the hills. So at that exact second I thought, ‘let’s just wait to see how we get through the rest of this week’. And then following the success of that, I thought, ‘actually, you know what, we have such an amazing team here. We could do it.’ And the rest is history.”
It was a massive effort pulled off by all involved — “I think there’s so much the team,” Helen added. “Everyone just really stepped up and it made such a difference.” — and the riders were all highly complimentary of the event throughout the weekend. While we sorely hope that the legendary British fixtures Badminton and Burghley will return again next year, we wouldn’t be upset to see Bicton return to a permanent state on the calendar. Will it? Only time will tell, but in the meantime it’s been great fun following a British five-star, and as we kick off for an incredible full slate of eventing to finish out 2021, we tip our caps to all who made this weekend possible.
If you want to catch up on all of the Bicton action, your pay-per-view pass from H&C+ and Elite Eventing will give you access to the full event replay for 90 days and trust me, it’s well worth the purchase (proceeds from which went to supplement the prize fund and further develop the sport). You can grab a pass to watch here.
Until next time! Go Eventing.
Chedington Bicton CCI5*: Website, Schedule, Entries & Info, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram
Stable View
Success Equestrian
FutureTrack
Sport Horse Nation
Lucienne Bellissimo
3* Winning Schoolmistress | YR Dream
3 Diamonds Farm
Homefortheweekend – Stunning, Talented, & Scopey Jumper!
mythiclanding
Crowd Control
