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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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

Latest Articles Written

Take a Tour of The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Athletes’ Village

By on Jun 23, 2021 12:00 pm -

Pieces of the athletes’ and horses’ journeys to the postponed Tokyo Olympics are beginning to take shape, and over the weekend local media got their first glimpse at the Olympic Games Athletes’ Village and other facilities that will be serving the participants beginning July 23. This veritable “mini-city” will host 18,000 athletes and team members throughout the course of the Olympics and another 8,000 participants during the Paralympic Games.

The numbers attached to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic have been worse in Japan in recent months, prompting the repeated extensions of a multi-locale state of emergency – though last week Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the state of the emergency would be lifted in all areas except the Okinawa Prefecture, which consists of some 150 islands between Taiwan and Japan.

In light of the pandemic, the Tokyo organizing committee has installed multiple updates to the facilities to ensure proper protocol is taken to prevent the transmission of the virus. This includes a fever clinic that is housed separately from the main medical clinic, plexiglass shields in close quarters, sanitizer stations, and multiple Playbooks for each group of Olympic stakeholders (athletes, media, personnel, etc.) to follow closely during their stay in Japan.

Here are a few looks around the Olympic Games Athletes’ Village:

To read more coverage of Tokyo 2020 on Eventing Nation, click here.

Young Horses, Unassuming Advanced Horses and Making Gambles: Amber Birtcil is Enjoying the Process

By on Jun 23, 2021 9:00 am -

Amber Levine and Cinzano. Photo by The West Equestrian.

It was a bit of good-natured peer pressure that first brought a younger Amber Birtcil (neé Levine) to the eventing scene after spending the majority of her early riding career in the jumper ring. Growing up with eventer friends, including five-star rider Jennie Brannigan, it wasn’t long before the persuasion of her peers grew too loud to ignore.

Then 18, Amber and her horse, Nantucket Red, tackled their first event (“I used to think eventers were just crazy and that I wouldn’t ever take part!” she laughs now). That first event bloomed into another, then another. Before she knew it, she and Nantucket Red – a definitive “jack of all trades” type of horse, the perfect partner for a kid to experience a whole array of firsts – were taking weekends away to compete at events. In fact, the chestnut Westphalian gelding would wind up being Amber’s very first Advanced eventer.

And in that process of finding her feet in northern California’s eventing world, learning the ropes at each level with a willing partner, Amber found the community and the career in which she truly belonged.

“I was totally hooked,” she recalls. “Who would have thought, after just that one event?”

Eventually, Amber would sell Nantucket Red on to a less demanding home and would set about building her own up and coming string of event horses, having fully embraced her identity as an event rider.

Amber Levine & Cinzano receive the inaugural McKinlaigh Cup, presented by Thom Schulz, during the inaugural CCI4*-L. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Now 33, Amber finds herself aboard another Advanced eventer – another she has produced throughout his career: Cinzano. It’s that process and the relationship-building that Amber says she enjoys the most now, and her skills at finding and producing talented horses are evident in her record.

Cinzano (Classe VDL – Walta, by San Patrignano Corrado) first found himself in Amber’s program as a five-year-old when he was imported from Hungary by Attila Rajnai. Originally, he was designated as a resale project, and in fact multiple riders had passed on the chance to produce the “plain” gelding that stood just about 16 hands.

“Everyone kept saying ‘well he’s really plain, I mean how much talent does he really have?’ and I happened to think he had a lot of it,” Amber says. Their loss, she thought, as she continued producing the Holsteiner gelding.

That belief has paid off in spades. The process wasn’t without its growing pains, of course – as Amber puts it, “up until this year I would say that all of his Advanced runs were all great with the exception of that one little green moment.” But her continued patience and dedication to instilling confidence in Cinzano, who despite his tough exterior can be a bit anxious and sensitive, has prompted him to blossom.

In April, Amber and Cinzano won the inaugural CCI4*-L at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, Ca., cementing their status – and following up a competitive finish in the CCI4*-S at Galway Downs earlier in the year – as a four-star pair to contend with.

“He is super fun,” Amber describes. “He has a great personality and a great work ethic and he just really loves to go and do his job.”

This is the third horse Amber has produced herself through the Advanced level. Preceded by Nantucket Red and Carry On, Cinzano has taken the top spot in Amber’s string, but she’s got several coming up behind him whose destinies have yet to be realized. It’s this process that Amber says she thrives on.

As she’s talking to me, Amber is standing in her new barn on the property she and her husband, Sean, have just purchased and are in the process of building up. I ask if she has a certain type she is drawn to in terms of prospective young event horses.

Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

“I’m standing here looking at all different shapes and sizes,” she laughs. “So I think it’s a case-by-case basis. Mostly, I just love the idea that a young horse could go and be anything. The process of finding out what they’re good at, what they like to do, is so rewarding for me.”

“I love getting young horses and bringing them up the levels myself,” she explains. “To take them around their first Novice, it’s then so fun to see what they become. It might be a great young rider horse, a four-star horse – you never know. And that’s the most fun part.”

It’s a spot in the eventing industry that needs more eager and skilled professionals. Between the breeder or the importer and the end owner, there is often much training and producing that must be done to create a well-rounded, safe partner for a rider. Amber’s carved out a niche for herself in California, focusing on producing horses that she’ll either keep as future Advanced competitors or sell on to the perfect home for their abilities and personalities.

Sometimes, that gamble pays off in a big way. Sometimes it doesn’t. For Amber, it’s all just a part of the big picture. Part of the ride that started all those years ago when she first went out of the start box.

“I think that’s the biggest thing with bringing horses along,” she says. “You have to have a little faith in the process. You have to be able to know what you like and that’s how I was with Cinzano. There was just something about him that I really liked. And it just so happened that he went and ran a four-star and I hope he continues to do that for many years to come.”

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jun 23, 2021 12:01 am -

If FLAIR Strips are looking for some inspiration for their next design, might we suggest this young fan’s rendering?

It made be Pride Month, but the reality is that members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle against marginalization, stigmatization and secrecy in many walks of life, in every month of the year. Just yesterday, the National Football League gained its first officially out player – and Carl Nassib’s message resonated with many as his Raiders jersey became the top-selling jersey on multiple platforms as a result. It’s a huge first in a sport dominated by toxic masculinity, and I truly hope that Carl’s bravery gives other athletes in similar positions the confidence to also share their truth. We, in the horse industry, are privileged to have many confidently out members of the LGBTQ+ community in our midst, but the concept of allyship, community and support is one that must extend past a single month.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Arrowhead H.T. (Billings, Mt.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington, Il.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Inavale Farm H.T. (Philomath, Or.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, Va.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Stable View Summer H.T. and Area III Championships (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Dr. Anastasia Curwood has succinctly put into words what many struggle to understand about the concept of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In her latest column for The Chronicle of the Horse, Dr. Curwood writes about “learning, language and lift” in terms of effecting change. “Racism is a broader system, not just a feeling that individuals do or do not have,” she writes. “The overwhelming weight of historical evidence shows that racism—individual, systemic or internalized—has been and remains a powerful force in our lives as Americans. The horse world is by no means exempt. In fact, the horse world, with its concentration of wealthy and powerful people and lack of diversity, reflects the patterns that maintain racial inequality in our larger society. It will take a collaborative, sustained and deliberate effort to make change.” It’s a great read, and you can find it here.

After Horse Sport Ireland and its dressage high performance director Johann Hinnermann elected to withdraw the country from consideration of sending a dressage team to Tokyo, several riders have launched an appeal. Ireland named its show jumping and eventing teams yesterday but paired that announcement with that of the dressage team’s withdrawal.

Learn more about Erin Brown, the “Concrete Cowgirl” and her involvement with Fletcher Street Stables and the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy – which you may now recognize the story of after watching the movie Concrete Cowboy on Netflix – in this interview with Horses 4 Your Consideration.

Dressage rider Lauren Spreiser ventures out of the dressage ring regularly to give her horses mental breaks and work on their fitness – and she’s enlisted the help of Jimmy Wofford to increase her skillset. “I knew upper-level event riders do trot sets, but I had some concerns,” she writes. “My horses are heavier than event horses, carrying much more muscular bulk, and I was afraid of the extra wear and tear that trot or gallop sets would do, particularly at Elvis’ mass. So I called Mr. Wofford, who is not only an exceptionally accomplished horseman but also a real scholar, and I’ve always loved his articulate and wise thoughts on a variety of subjects, horsey and not.” Read more here.

If you missed out on our Cambox giveaway earlier this month but are still eyeing a helmet cam of your own, we can sweeten the deal with free shipping using code EVENTINGFREE on the Cambox website here.

Some horses don’t have regular access to free forage. Haygain wants to help remedy this issue with its Forager hay decide. Holding approximately 26 pounds of hay, the 28″ tall Forager enables the lowered-head eating position nature intended. A regulator grid with holes of different sizes sits on top of the hay. The horse pulls hay through one bite at a time, ensuring slow consumption and smaller bites. The extra chewing that is required maintains saliva flow which becomes a buffer between the stomach lining and the naturally occurring acids waiting there to digest food. To learn more about this innovative device, click here.

Wednesday Video Break:

Today is Olympic Day! In celebration, let’s take a look back at Michael Jung’s winning weekend in Rio in 2016. Will he make it a three-peat next month? Only time will tell.

Boyd Martin Will Ride Tsetserleg at Tokyo Olympics After Luke 140 Sustains Minor Injury

By on Jun 22, 2021 12:56 pm -

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Put him in, coach! US Equestrian has announced that Boyd Martin will ride his Tokyo reserve horse, the Turner family’s Tsetserleg TSF, at the Olympic Games next month after his nominated ride, the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140, sustained an injury on his last gallop.

“US Equestrian has announced a horse substitution for the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” a press release from US Equestrian states. “The Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140, the selected mount for Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.), will be replaced by Martin’s first direct reserve, Tsetserleg, a 14-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner. Luke 140 sustained a minor injury during his training preparation and has been withdrawn from consideration for the team but is expected to make a full recovery.”

“My gut feeling is that if I push on with him towards the Tokyo Olympics that it could turn into a bad injury,” Boyd wrote on his social media earlier today. “Luke is a young horse and has a huge future ahead of him and I believe it’s better to save him for another day.”

Tsetserleg (Windfall – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), a 14-year-old Trakehner gelding, certainly boasts a wealth of experience and success on his resume. He and Boyd collected the individual gold medal in 2019 at the Pan American Games in Lima, and the gelding also finished second in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2019, earning the title of USEF National Champion. Despite an unlucky tumble just before the finish at this year’s Kentucky CCI5*, Boyd’s maintained the utmost faith in “Thomas”, whose overall consistency can’t be thrown out.

For his part, though, Luke 140 wasn’t about to be written off as “too green” or “inexperienced”, winning the CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh in May in sharp form. Despite his relative inexperience, Boyd felt Luke 140 had every making of being a successful Olympic horse – luckily, we’ve also got an FEI World Championship for Eventing coming up in 2022!

“This is a heartbreaking decision as Luke has been in fantastic form in his training in the build up towards Tokyo,” Boyd wrote. “I am very grateful that I have a tremendous replacement horse in Thomas who is also in sizzling condition. I would like to thank and tell the group of owners behind Luke how sorry I am.”

To read more Tokyo 2020 coverage on Eventing Nation, click here.

Ireland Announces Nominated Tokyo 2020 Eventing Squad

By on Jun 21, 2021 2:30 pm -

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. Photo by William Carey.

Keep them rolling in! We’ve got further updates to the Tokyo 2020 eventing entry list as Horse Sport Ireland has today put forward their nominations for the upcoming Olympics. These nominations will move forward for official selection by the Olympic Federation of Ireland in the coming days, but it’s safe to say that the following combinations have stamped their ticket to Tokyo:

  • Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua (ISH) – 2007 mare by Jack Of Diamonds (SWE) out of Highland Destiny (ISH)[TIH] by Flagmount King (ID). Breeder/Owner: Margaret Kinsella (Galway).
  • Sarah Ennis with Horseware Woodcourt Garrison (ISH) [was Woodcourt Garrison] – 2009 gelding by Garrison Royal (ISH) out of Davitt Star (ISH) by Furisto (HANN). Breeder: Patrick J Kearns (Laois). Owner: Breda Kennedy
  • Sam Watson with Tullabeg Flamenco (ISH) – 2009 gelding by Tullabeg Fusion [ISH] out of Tullabeg Heidi (unk) by Ardenteggle Sir (IPSA). Breeder: Nicholas Cousins (Wexford). Owner: Vahe Bogossian
  • P Alternate Athlete/Horse – Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue (SHBGB) – 2009 grey gelding by Jaguar Mail out of Rock Me Baby by Rock Kind. Breeder: Mellon Stud, Owner Austin O’Connor and The Salty Syndicate
  • Reserve Athlete/Horse – Joseph Murphy with Cesar V (OLDBG) – 2008 gelding by Casiro 3 out of Cortina R by Sandro. Breeder: Elke & Robert Vietor,. Owner: The Way Forward Syndicate.

As these long lists and nominations move forward, we’ll be getting a clearer picture of who to expect to see in Tokyo – and who will be in hot pursuit of a medal – so you’ll want to keep an eye right here on EN for all of the latest Tokyo 2020 eventing news.

To read more coverage of Tokyo 2020 on Eventing Nation, click here.

Great Britain Updates Nominated Entries for Tokyo Olympics; Traveling Team to be Named June 28

By on Jun 21, 2021 2:10 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Little Fire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Great Britain has made some updates to its long list of nominated entries for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games and has announced that the team traveling to Tokyo will be finalized and named on Monday, June 28. British Equestrian first released the long list on May 24.

Now appearing on the nominated entry list is William Fox-Pitt with Jennifer Dowling’s and his own Little Fire (Graf Top x Heraldik), replacing Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope.

Also making some changes will be Nicola Wilson, who was originally named to the long list with Bulana but will now be nominated with JL Dublin, while Bulana moves to the Reserve list. Bulana along with Oliver Townend’s Cooley Master Class (who was originally named contingent on the completion of a confirmation event) will now round out the Reserve list, replacing Ben Hobday and Shadow Man.

As such, the updated nominated entry list for Tokyo is as follows:

  • Rosalind Canter (35) based in Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Caroline Moore and her own Allstar B (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 17hh, Ephebe For Ever x Erkstein, Breeder: FAJ Van der Burg NED)
  • Laura Collett (31) based in Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Karen Bartlett, Keith Scott and her own London 52 (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Landos x Quinar, Breeder: Ocke Riewerts GER)
  • William Fox- Pitt (52) based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, with Jennifer Dowling and his own Little Fire (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17.0hh, Graf Top x Heraldik GER)
  • Kitty King (38) based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, with Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd-Baker’s Vendredi Biats (grey, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Winningmood x Camelia de Ruelles, Breeder: Phillipe Brivois FRA)
  • Piggy March (40) based in Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Inocent (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Inocent x Kings Servant, Breeder: John Mulvey IRL)
  • Tom McEwen (30) based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, with Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns and Ali McEwen’s Toledo de Kerser (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge, Breeder: Kerstin Drevet FRA)
  • Harry Meade (37) based in West Littleton, Wiltshire, with Mandy Gray and his own Superstition (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.1hh, s. Satisfaction FRH, Breeder: Eva Meier GBR)
  • Oliver Townend (38) based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Karyn Schuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s Ballaghmor Class (grey, gelding, 14yo, 16.2hh, s. Courage II, Breeder: Noel Hicky IRL)
  • Nicola Wilson (44) based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, with Deirdre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert’s JL Dublin (dark brown, gelding, 10yo, 16.2hh, Diarados Cheeky Boy x Cantano, Breeder: Volker Coettsche-Goetze GER)

Reserve nominated entries, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

  • Sarah Bullimore (48) based in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, with the Kew Jumping Syndicate, Brett Bullimore and her own Corouet (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, 15.2hh, Balou du Rouet x Lovis Corinth, Breeder: Sarah Bullimore GBR)
  • Oliver Townend (38) based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, Ramiro B x Master Imp, Breeder: John Hagan IRL)
  • Nicola Wilson (44) based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, with James and Jo Lambert’s Bulana (black, mare, 15yrs, 16.3hh, Tygo x Furore, Breeder: S van Dellen NED)

To read more Tokyo 2020 coverage on Eventing Nation, click here.

All Phases of Tokyo Olympic Eventing to be Live Streamed on NBC

By on Jun 21, 2021 12:00 pm -

Equestrian Park main arena. Photo by FEI / Yusuke Nakanishi.

We’re eagerly anticipating the postponed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which are set to kick off on July 23 with the eventing beginning on Thursday, July 29 and concluding on Monday, August 2. NBC Sports will be providing a bulk of the live stream, including all equestrian disciplines, on its online platform. Tokyo is on Japan Standard Time, 13 hours ahead of Eastern time and 16 ahead of Pacific time. This will make for some odd viewing hours, but we know you’ll be tuning in for every second of action.

In anticipation of Tokyo’s high heat and humidity during the summer, precautions have been taken when making the schedule with equine athletes in mind. To prepare, organizers hosted a Ready Steady Tokyo Test Event in 2019 to test all precautionary measures as well as timing for the equestrian athletes. To beat the heat, all three phases of eventing competition will be run either in the morning or much later in the day; in fact, show jumping will conclude under the lights in the evening of August 2.

The published schedule for the NBC live stream of eventing is as follows (note, Eastern time is listed first, and the date listed is the date the stream will be shown in the U.S.):

  • Thursday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 a.m. JST: Dressage
  • Friday, July 30, 4:30 a.m. EST / 5:30 p.m. JST: Dressage
  • Friday, July 30, 7:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 a.m. JST: Dressage
  • Saturday, July 31, 6:45 p.m. EST / 7:45 a.m. JST: Cross Country
  • Monday, Aug 2, 4 a.m. EST / 5 p.m. JST: Show Jumping (Team and Individual)

The main Olympic hub for NBC will be set at NBCOlympics.com. At this time, additional information on any costs, etc. have not been released – we will provide more updates as they are made available. For now, bookmark the NBC Olympics Equestrian page for the latest live stream updates – and keep it locked right here on Eventing Nation for much more to come. You can also reference the Equestrian Competition Schedule on the Tokyo 2020 website here.

Update on July 9:You will need to have a TV provider to log in for the NBC stream. Content will also be available on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, but it’s unclear whether or not all sports and streams will be available with that option.

To read more coverage of Tokyo 2020 on Eventing Nation, click here.

Tokyo Olympics Will Run With 50% Venue Capacity, Maximum 10,000 for Local Spectators

By on Jun 21, 2021 9:20 am -

Embed from Getty Images

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Government of Japan (GoJ) have met and subsequently decided on a path forward in terms of spectators at the upcoming Olympic Games, which commence on July 23. The organizing committees had already opted not to allow foreign spectators, with a decision on domestic spectators to come at a later date.

The Tokyo Olympics will open their doors to host 50% (up to 10,000) capacity at each venue for spectators. For the two equestrian venues, this means a maximum capacity of 4,650 at the Equestrian Park (dressage and show jumping) and 8,000 for the Sea Forest Cross Country Course.

The following decisions are subject to change, dependent on the issuance/continuance of state of emergency orders at or any time after July 12.

  • In light of the government’s restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at “50 per cent of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people” at all venues. (Students in the schools’ spectator programme and their supervisors will not be considered in these numbers, and will be treated separately as they are not spectators.)
  • The current competition schedule remains unchanged. In principle, spectators will be admitted to events subject to the above limits.
  • Students in the schools’ spectator programme and their supervisors will not be considered in these limits and will be treated separately, as they are not spectators.
  • In the event that a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection are implemented at any time after 12 July 2021, restrictions on the number of spectators at the Games, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time.
  • In the event of any rapid change in infection status and in the capacity of the medical care system, a five party meeting will be held promptly to consider further measures.
  • The Japanese parties have formulated guidelines for spectators aimed at ensuring safe and secure environments. These stipulate that masks should be worn in venues at all times; speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited; congestion should be avoided by means of appropriate announcements; and visitors should leave venues in a staggered manner. Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directly, and to take all necessary precautions when moving between prefectures.
  • Given the COVID-19 situation, the Japanese parties intend to look into either cancelling or reducing the scale of any live sites and public viewing events to minimise the movement of people, review any other Games-related events, and establish new safe and secure ways of cheering and supporting the athletes.
  • A framework will be implemented to keep monitoring the status of infections and medical care using expert advice.
  • The equivalent policies governing the Paralympic Games will be decided by 16 July 2021, a week before the opening of the Olympic Games.

To read more coverage of Tokyo 2020 on Eventing Nation, click here. 

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Honey Run, HPNJ, Shepherd Ranch, Silverwood Farm

By on Jun 21, 2021 9:00 am -

It was yet another weekend full of eventing action – packed to the gills, in fact! And in case you missed it, there was also a little five-star in Germany this weekend, coverage from which you can catch up on here.

Our Unofficial Low Score Award winners this weekend are Bunnie Sexton and Wendy Shepherd’s Don Charming HK, who won their Novice division on a 19.5 at Shepherd Ranch in Santa Ynez, Ca. This is a best score at the level for this pair – congratulations!

Full Gallop Farm June H.T.: Final Scores

Training: Taylor Berlin and F.O.F. Francesca (31.1)
Novice A: Taylor Berlin and Carlingford Beach Boy (21.7)
Novice B: Jessica Schultz and Unfolding Blame (26.2)
Training/Novice: Sarah Bush and FGF Starcatcher (34.3)
Beginner Novice A: Kelly Leihy and Indymoodforlovin (25.0)
Beginner Novice B: Morgan Franklin and Mio Bello Ragazzo (34.5)
Starter: Venessa Raso and Queen (32.5)

Honey Run H.T.: Final Scores

Training A: Alessia Hoisington and United States Jane (37.9)
Training B: Chloe Miller and Sozo (24.1)
Novice A: Caroline Adams and Simon Says (23.6)
Novice B: Slater Boos and Breaking the City (33.8)
Beginner Novice A: Dafna Heule and AHH AHH Chew (27.8)
Beginner Novice B: Margot Kakou and Calloway (38.3)
Beginner Novice C: Nicole Wozniak and Redemption (32.1)
Starter A: April Habenichts and SF Lonely Heart (31.4)
Starter B: Emma Bedard and Ebony II (33.6)

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: Final Scores

Advanced: Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing (33.6)
Open Intermediate A: Hannah Sue Burnett and Carsonstown (28.6)
Open Intermediate B: Caroline Martin and Redfield Champion (30.7)
Open Preliminary A: Caroline Martin and Galwaybay Blake (27.0)
Open Preliminary B: Caroline Martin and Did It Anyway (27.2)
Open Preliminary C: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (25.8)
Open Training: Caitlin Silliman and FE Show Business (24.6)
Training Rider A: Adam Glad and Clever Soul (33.1)
Training Rider B: Ginsie Britton and Kilcannon Pride (32.9)
Novice Rider A: Caelyn Casey and Executive Pumpkin (26.7)
Novice Rider B: Veronica Ucko and Mainly Brews (29.6)
Open Novice A: Molly McMillen and Lily (29.5)
Open Novice B: Dom Schramm and Dawn Breaker (25.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: M. Michelle McAdam and Epic Moment (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Stephen Fulton and DB Cooper (22.8)

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T.: Final Results

Intermediate/Preliminary: Tamie Smith and MaiTänzer (31.4)
Open Preliminary: Avery Noblitt and Cumani (28.3)
Preliminary/Training: Nikki Lloyd and Wil’ya Dance (32.0)
Open Training: Cara Lavigna and Carrick Diamond Duke (21.6)
Training Rider A: Natalie Barton and Storm Watch (34.1)
Training Rider B: Lindsey Smith and Lucky Sun (33.3)
Training/Novice: Alexis Boxer and Pomme Frite (30.0)
Novice Rider A: Sloan Bryson and Abright Star (24.8)
Novice Rider B: Jordan Chase and Made You Look (31.9)
Open Novice: Bunnie Sexton and Don Charming HK (19.5)
Beginner Novice Rider Jr.: Sophia Johnson and Arogorn’s Elegant Falcon (26.3)
Beginner Novice Rider Sr.: Jamie Zehner and Rondeau (29.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Kim Goto Miner and Gift of Love NBS (24.8)
Open Introductory: Laura Trupe and Just for Kicks (28.6)

Silverwood Farm H.T.: Final Scores

Preliminary/Training: Eric Dierks and Royal Addition (30.7)
Open Training: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (30.7)
Open Novice A: Eric Dierks and Red Hare’s Tale (27.4)
Open Novice B: Lianne Burgess and Roza CMF (27.6)
Open Novice C: Katarzyna Jachimczyk and Sock Monkey (22.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Tanya Moths and Oke Boys Impression (28.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Sara Stone and Shangri-La (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice C: Jessica Saari and Sir NoNo (25.8)
Starter A: Jody Olsen and Amstrats Major (28.3)
Starter B: Lisa Stein and Chasing Daylight (29.7)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jun 21, 2021 12:01 am -

While we were off focusing on LuhmĂźhlen this weekend, a future star venue was stretching its legs: TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Fl. welcomed its first competitors this weekend for a schooling trial and eventing derby! This is an exciting new venue that’s ramping up to its first USEA-recognized event in October, and it looks like the organizing team pulled out all the stops for this test run. We can’t wait to see more from TerraNova! You can read more about this new facility here.

Major International Events:

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [EN’s Form Guide] [CCI5* Final Scores] [CCI4* Final Scores] [Event Replay on H&C] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Instagram] [EN’s Twitter]

U.S. Weekend Results:

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, Mi.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Kent School Spring H.T. (Kent, Ct.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. (Santa Ynez, Ca.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. (Camp Lake, Wi.): [Website] [Final Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

Yesterday, Germany announced another formidable Olympic squad. In a surprise to exactly no one, Michael Jung will appear once again to defend his double Olympic gold medals – but this time with a new partner in fischerChipmunk FRH (or, just Chipmunk as he’ll be known at the Games due to sponsor/naming limitations).

“My whole journey has been a series of interconnected circles.” This is how Gina Miles starts off her interview for an article with the USEA on her fondest Olympic memories. Gina earned an individual bronze medal with her legendary partner, the late McKinlaigh, in Hong Kong in 2008.

Did you know that Olympic athletes can’t wear nail polish? This and other weird rules Olympians must abide by (40 of them, to be exact) in this article.

The brains behind The Whole Equestrian podcast are putting on a clinic! Join Emily Hamel and Tyler Held for a unique clinic relating to mindset, fitness, and overall wellbeing as it pertains to our riding – and our lives. This clinic will be held in Green Bay, Wi., and you can learn more on Strider here.

Did you miss out on any of the action from LuhmĂźhlen this weekend? Never fear, EN and H&C have you covered! You can catch up on Tilly’s stellar-as-usual coverage here and check out the replays from each phase with your H&C+ subscription here.

Monday Video Break:

Hear from LuhmĂźhlen winner Mollie Summerland right after she won her first CCI5*:

Germany Names Its Tokyo Olympic Eventing Squad

By on Jun 20, 2021 3:51 pm -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Germany Olympic Equestrian Committee has named its squad heading to the postponed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, along with reserve pairs that will join the team’s quarantine in Warendorf before heading to Japan. With an injury sidelining Ingrid Klimke from Olympic contention, a spot that had been all but claimed opened up. After a final selection trial in the CCI4* at Longines LuhmĂźhlen this weekend, the team has been announced as:

Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz (Lets Dance 73, reserve)
12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Heralina, by Voltigeur le Malin), owned by Prinz Nikolaus von Croy

Michael Jung with fischerChipmunk FRH (fischerWild Wave – reserve)
13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro – Havanna, by Heraldik xx), owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee fĂźr Reiterei e.V., Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, Klaus Fischer, Sabine Fisch

Julia Krajewski with Amande de B’NĂŠville
11-year-old Selle Francais mare (Oscar des Fontaines – Perle be B’NĂŠville, by Elan de la Cour), owned by rider and Bernd Heicke

Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz (GER). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Julia Krajewski’s Amande de B’Neville: from a princess to a queen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The traveling reserve has been named as Andreas Dibowski with FRH Corrida, a 12-year-old Hanoverian mare by Contendro out of Expo and owned by Alina, Andreas and Susanna Dibowski. Should he not be needed for Tokyo, Andreas will take his nomination forward to September’s FEI European Eventing Championships.

Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida. Photo by William Carey.

Additional reserves, listed in order of naming in the press release, will also travel to the team quarantine:

  • Christoph Wahler with Carjatan S
  • Anna Siemer with FRH Butts Avondale

Additional combinations who will go to Warendorf for quarantine:

  • Sophie Luebe with Jadore Moi
  • Dirk Schrade with Casino 80

To read more of Eventing Nation’s Tokyo 2020 coverage, click here.

A Hot Day in Germany: Wrapping Up Social Media from Cross Country at LuhmĂźhlen

By on Jun 19, 2021 5:42 pm -

An action-packed day of cross country riding is in the books in the Longines LuhmĂźhlen CCI5* and CCI4*-S, and now it’s time to ice, ice, baby and look ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping finale.

It was a mixed-bag day for our American pair of riders, and while Ariel Grald is celebrating a banner day that moves her from outside the top 10 into fourth place overnight with Leamore Master Plan, Jennie Brannigan is nursing the pain of bruised goals after parting ways with Stella Artois early on in the course and bringing an unanticipated end to her weekend. Importantly, though, we’ve had no reports of injuries to horses or riders and despite some hairy moments and a couple of downright spectacular (and not in a good way) falls, it’s a collective sigh of gratitude we all exhale tonight knowing we’ve got all pairs back to the barns in one piece today.

You can catch up on the action in our CCI5* live updates here and in Tilly’s end-of-day report here. The final horse inspection for both divisions will commence at 2:45 a.m. EST / 8:45 a.m. CEST, followed by the CCI5* show jumping at 5:10 a.m. EST / 11:10 a.m. CEST and the CCI4* at 7:40 a.m. EST / 1:40 p.m. CEST. Each phase will once again be live streamed on H&C for H&C+ subscribers – you can view more and subscribe here.

Longines LuhmĂźhlen: Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entries, Timing & Scoring, CCI5* Live Scores, CCI4* Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

EN’s coverage of Luhmühlen 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.

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Let’s take a look around social media after a busy, hot and sweltering day in Germany:

Longines LuhmĂźhlen CCI5* Cross Country Live Updates, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products: Ariel Grald in 4th

By on Jun 19, 2021 3:45 am -

Welcome to cross country..err..night?..at the Longines LuhmĂźhlen CCI5*, and while it may be nearly 1 a.m. here in California, it’s also nearly go-time on cross country day in Germany, where the first pair will leave the start box at 10:00 a.m. local time, aka 1 a.m. this reporter’s time. For those of you on the East coast, it may be time to rise and grind anyway, so why not follow along with us?

Of course, the absolute best way to take in any cross country (if you can’t be there in person), is to take advantage of the awesome live stream made possibly by H&C. For the small cost of a monthly H&C+ membership (which, by the way, requires no commitment – but is also well worth sticking around for a bit), the live stream will be made available along with the full replays of each phase. Click here to access the H&C live stream.

If you’re without the ability to watch the live stream, though, never fear! I’ll be here providing trusty play-by-play info as we follow along with the action. Refresh this page regularly for more updates.

The optimum time for Mike Etherington-Smith’s track today is 11 minutes, and the course features 31 numbered fences with 45 total jumping efforts. You can view more on the course here.

Notable ride times:

  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (11th – 33.8): CLEAR – 3.6 time, 37.4
  • Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois (6th – 31.2): ELIMINATED
  • Mollie Summerland and Charley van ter Heiden (1st – 29.0): CLEAR – 0.0 time
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Longines LuhmĂźhlen: Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entries, Timing & Scoring, CCI5* XC Ride Times, CCI4* XC Ride Times, CCI5* Live Scores, CCI4* Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

6:05 a.m. ET: Let’s break out a few numbers from the five-star. In total, we saw just 15 of 24 pairs cross the finish line for a 62.5% completion rate; this is just a tick down from 2019’s completion rate of 66.7%. 11 of the completing pairs were free of jumping penalties. Of those, five pairs managed a round clear inside the time: Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden, Christoph Wahler and Cartajan S, Cathal Daniels and LEB Lias Jewel, Luc Chateau and Troubadour Camphoux, and David Doel and Carneyhaugh Rua. The overnight leaders, Mollie and Charly, were the quickest of the day with a time of 10 minutes 50 seconds. Five pairs opted to retire after trouble on course, and four were eliminated. Two horses fell: Techno (Anna Freskgard) and Faerie Dianimo (Jonelle Price). Two pairs collected frangible pin penalties: Maxime Livio and Vegas due Boursons as well as Michael Jung and fischerWild Wave. As of now, no injuries have been reported to any horses or riders. Fence 13, a brush arrowhead in the water, caused the most trouble with a total of 6 runouts, though most of these came early in the day and the fence would ride better as word traveled back to the warm-up. Problems were mostly scattered throughout Mike Etherington-Smith’s course otherwise.

Don’t forget, the replay of the CCI5* cross country (typically uploaded within a day or two) as well as the upcoming live stream of the CCI4* (which will kick off at 7 a.m. ET) is available with an H&C+ membership! You can view the schedule and sign up here. A major shout is in order to the team at H&C and in particular to Spencer Sturmey, who is commentating remotely from Great Britain due to ongoing travel restrictions from the UK. Nicely done, Spencer!

Tilly will check in with her reports later today after the CCI4* completes. While we won’t have live updates available for the CCI4*, there will be plenty more still to come here on EN, so stay tuned!

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5:57 a.m. ET: And that does it for cross country in the CCI5*! It will be Britain’s Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden who will lead for the very first time in a five-star following cross country, still on their dressage mark of 29.0. They’ll be hotly pursued by Germany’s Christoph Wahler and Cartajan S on a 32.1, followed by Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond (36.0) and our own Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan in fourth on a 37.4. Cathal Daniels and LEB Lias Jewel round out the top five on a 38.1.

5:56 a.m. ET: And that’s another clear for David as he comes home 28 seconds over the optimum. He should be pleased with the efforts from his horses today!

GIF via H&C+.

5:55 a.m. ET: David gives Shannondale Quest a good bit of encouragement through the coffin at 28 on the replay and is nearly home.

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5:54 a.m ET: That leaves just David Doels left out on course, and he’s clear through fence 28.

5:50 a.m. ET: David Doels comes close to having a flag at the chevron in the water at 13. Meanwhile, Ascona M is looking a little tired but is almost home – rats! Tim is so close but has a very hairy moment at the penultimate fence, nearly coming unseated. After being unable to make it to the B and C elements, Tim has raised his hand – the ultimate, but one of the most difficult, decisions on behalf of the horse. Hats off, Tim.

GIF via H&C+.

5:47 a.m. ET: Cathal Daniels and EB Lias Jewel are home clear inside the time by 8 seconds to remain on their dressage score of 38.1. This pair has done right by Tilly’s label of dark horse to watch today!

5:45 a.m. ET: Tim and Ascona M are through the water at 13 and 14 where he and Ringwood Sky Boy came to grief earlier. Ascona M has quite a few many opinions and looks to still be spooking her way through this track a bit, but they’re making it work.

5:44 a.m. ET: Our last pair of the day, David Doels and Shannondale Quest, are now underway.

5:43 a.m. ET: Cathal Daniels and LEB Lias Jewel just squeeze through the flags:

GIF via H&C+.

5:40 a.m. ET: We’ve got Cathal Daniels and LEB Lias Jewel as well as 2019 winners Tim Price and Ascona M on course with us now. Just one pair will be left to see: David Doel’s third ride, Shannondale Quest.

5:40 a.m. ET: Charley van ter Heiden is looking a bit tired but he’s galloping on and finishes 14 seconds inside the time! Mollie will retain her lead overnight on her dressage score of 29.0. It’s that EN karma! You know, and, like, riding skills and bravery and all that. Check out this dream team:

GIF via H&C+.

5:37 a.m. ET: We’re just getting our first glanced at Jennie and Stella, who heartbreakingly will end their trip very early after a miscommunication through the double frangible corners at 8 in the arena. Both Stella and Jennie appear to be ok, but what a devastating end to the trip for this pair.

5:36 a.m. ET: Mollie and Charly also get away with one:

GIf via H&C+.

5:35 a.m. ET: Michael Jung and fischerWildWave have the frangible pin at the coffin at 28 but still manage to make the finish line some 20+ seconds inside the time, as long Ze Terminator can do. Check out this chilly riding:

GIF via H&C+.

5:33 a.m. ET: Fairly sure I’ve just heard Jennie and Stella Artois announced as Mollie makes her way through the water at 13 and 14 clear.

5:31 a.m. ET: Looks like Maxime had his frangible pin at fence 23, a double of corners. Our overnight leaders Mollie and Charly are clear through the arena. Maxime Livio is home and will be very bummed about the pin but pleased with the efforts of Vegas des Boursons on his CCI5* Debut.

5:30 a.m. ET: Mollie gives Charly some vocal encouragement as he peeks at the in to the first water – one big ballooning jump later they’re clear through.

GIF via H&C+.

5:18 a.m. ET: Maxime Livio has activated a frangible pin at…I’m not 100% sure which fence – I’ll try to confirm! There was no fall.

5:27 a.m. ET: Michael once again reminding us how to ride:

GIF via H&C+.

5:25 a.m. ET: We’ll next see our overnight leaders, Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden, aka the happiest horse on the planet, aka the travel partner of Tilly and Mollie on their endless adventures en route to Germany, out next, followed by Jennie and Stella Artois.

5:24 a.m. ET: France’s Maxime Livio and Vegas des Bourdons are next away, coming forward on a score of 30.9 in early fifth place. Meanwhile, Michael Ryan is home with Barnahown Corn Hill with 36 seconds of time. Michael Jung is also away with fischerWildWave, on a 30.1, marking the 9-year-old gelding’s CCI5* cross country debut.

5:20 a.m. ET: Looks like Nadine and Valentine FRH had a drive-by at the chevron out of the first water; Nadine elected to retire after this early issue and save her efforts for another day. Meanwhile, Kenki is nearly home having just completed the final combination at fence 30. He’s now home about a minute over optimum. Kenki had to take quite a bit of a feel to set up in front of his fences, which always makes for a slower time.

5:17 a.m. ET: Nadine Marzahl and Valentine FRH have trouble at the first water – waiting to see if we get a replay.

5:16 a.m. ET: Kenki has a runout in the water at fence 18, circling and clear on the re-attempt. Meanwhile, Michael Ryan – wearing a yellow ribbon in honor of Tiggy Hancock – is clear through the arena fences. Leaving the box are Germany’s Nadine Marzahl and Valentine FRH, 12th after dressage on a 34.1.

5:13 a.m. ET: Next up will be Ireland’s Michael Ryan and Barnahown Corn Hill, in 19th after the first phase on a 39.4.

5:11 a.m. ET: Kenki takes a flag at the first water but is clear as he now approaches the arena fences.

GIF via H&C+.

5:09 a.m. ET: And we’re back underway as Kenki Sato and Shanaclough Contadora are out of the box. They come to today in 15th place with a dressage mark of 36.2. A fun fact about Kenki from Tilly’s Form Guide: “Kenki competed at the London 2012 Olympics, taking a short leave of absence from his normal life to take part. That normal life? Training to be a Buddhist priest at the Myōshō-ji temple in the mountain village of Ogawa. His father, Shodo, is the master of the temple, and was an accomplished equestrian himself, just missing out on an Olympic appearance because of the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.”

5:08 a.m. ET: Don’t forget, you can follow all of the action today (and watch the replay later if you’re not a nut job like me and up in the middle of the night watching) on H&C+! You can view the live stream schedule and subscribe here.

5:05 a.m. ET: Our next out was to be Japan’s Kenki Sato and Shanaclough Contadora, but it appears we may be on a hold. They’ve just shown Jonelle and Faerie Dianimo’s fall at fence 20, and Jonelle took quite a heavy faceplant. Thankfully, they are both up on their feet now.

5:04 a.m. ET: Sadly, the fence report shows Jonelle and Faerie Dianimo have fallen at fence 20, a table fence. We’ll report once we know more.

5:02 a.m. ET: Jonelle and Faerie Dianimo nip through this downhill question at 17.

GIF via H&C+.

5:01 a.m. ET: Our third clear inside the time is Luc Cheateau and Troubadour Camphoux, coming home two seconds inside the optimum time of 11 minutes even.

GIF via H&C+.

4:59 a.m. ET: Sadly, David’s day comes to an end early with his second ride after a problem at the brush in the water at 13 as well as the B element of 14. Meanwhile, Jonelle and Faerie Dianimo are clear through the arena at 7 and 8.

4:58 a.m. ET: Luc Cheateau and Troubadour Camphoux are clear through the coffin at fence 28.

4:57 a.m. ET: Here’s a fun pair to watch: New Zealand’s Jonelle Price is away with Faerie Dianimo, currently in 10th after dressage on a 32.5. This pair won the whole cake here in 2018.

4:55 a.m. ET: And we have our second clear inside the time as Christoph brings Cartajan S home nine seconds in the time. They’ll remain on their dressage score – and take the provisional clubhouse lead – on a 32.1. Ariel is currently third after her clear effort. Meanwhile, David Doel is back with his second ride, Dunges Don Perignon, calling for the long route at the first water at 5.

4:54 a.m. ET: Christoph and Cartajan S are losing a bit of energy, but they’re clear through the coffin at 28.

Trefonas Law is an immigration law firm located in Jackson, WY. We are able to provide advice and assistance on a variety of immigration issues including employment based visa services, athlete visas, family based immigration, among others.

4:51 a.m. ET: 14 seconds over for Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Rui.

4:51 a.m. ET: Christoph Wahler and Catjatan S are having a lovely round, clear through fence 20.

4:50 a.m. ET: Next we’ll see French pair Luc Chateau and Troubadour Camphoux, in 20th after dressage on a 39.8.

4:47 a.m. ET: A look at Emilie and Gortfadda Diamond at the coffin at fence 29, where we earlier saw Anna Freskgard and Techno end their day. This pair has really been cracking on, Emilie low over her horse’s neck and hustling the whole way home. They are home clear with just about 13 seconds of time and look thrilled!

GIF via H&C+.

4:45 a.m. ET: Next out will be Germany’s Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S, on a 32.1 in seventh following dressage.

4:45 a.m. ET: And she’s home! That’s a clear round with 13 seconds of time to put Ariel and Leamore Master Plan onto a 37.4 for the two phases.

GIF via H&C+.

4:44 a.m. ET: Emilie Chandler is having a sparkling round on Gortfadda Diamond as they navigate the angled brushes in the water at fence 18.

4:42 a.m. ET: We’re not seeing much of Ariel on the feed, but she’s shown on live scores as nearly home and clear through fence 29. Come on, girl!

4:41 a.m. ET: A few of these recent riders are really attacking their entrance into the water approaching the chevron brush, whereas some of their predecessors had come in with slightly less gumption and met with trouble.

4:40 a.m. ET: British rider Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond are clear through the arena questions at 7 and 8. Leaving the start box are New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Rui, currently in 13th on a 34.9.

4:39 a.m. ET: Our Lithuanian friend Aistis comes home 17 seconds over the time with Commander VG.

4:38 a.m. ET: Here’s our girl! Ariel Grald is the first of the U.S. pairs with Leamore Master Plan and they say “take that” to that pesky brush in the water at 13:

GIF via H&C+.

4:35 a.m. ET: Anna Freskgard and Techno have had a rotational fall at fence 28, a slow-motion fall as Techno took a couple of trot steps right before and couldn’t get both front legs out of the way. Thankfully, they are both shown on the live stream to be up on their feet – a very scary moment. I am not sure if the A element was pinned, but if it was the pin was not activated.

4:32 a.m. ET: Here’s a look at the troublesome brush chevron in the water at fence 13:

4:30 a.m. ET: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG, representing Lithuania, have left the box. Anna Freskgard and Techno have also had a runout at the brush in the water at fence 13. That’s four pairs to have an issue there now.

4:27 a.m. ET: Malin and Monsieur Schnabel have another problem, this time at the angled brushes at fence 18. Meanwhile, Jordy Wilken and Burry Spirit are home with just the one blemish on their day. They’re shown here through fence 30, where Clara ended her day:

GIF via H&C+.

4:26 a.m. ET: A good sight after a tough fall: Clara Loiseau and Wont Wait walking away from their parting of ways.

GIF via H&C+.

4:24 a.m. ET: We now welcome Swedish rider Anna Freskgard and Techno, in 14th after dressage on a 35.2. The fence report is also showing a refusal at the brush in the water at fence 13 for Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Monsieur Schnabel.

4:23 a.m. ET: Bummer! Clara Loiseau and Wont Wait fall victim to the long spot and come to grief at the B element of fence 30, the penultimate fence. They are both on their feet.

4:22 a.m. ET: We’ve had another fall victim to the brush in the water at fence 13 as Jordy and Burry Spirit have a drive-by.

4:19 a.m. ET: Jordy and Burry Spirit are clear through the arena, fences 7 and 8. Next out are Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Monsieur Schnaubel, in 9th after dressage on a 32.5.

4:18 a.m. ET: Spencer Sturmey, our commentator on H&C+ today, notes that Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy actually have two run-outs at the wedge in the water.

4:16 a.m. ET: Next to leave the start box are Dutch rider Jordy Wilken and Burry Spirit, currently in 21st on a 40.3. Clara Loiseau is approaching fence 13 after living fairly dangerously at the corners in the arena at fence 8. She’s clear through fence 15 now and Wont Wait is certainly living up to his name – she’ll be looking (hoping?) to get him a bit more rideable by the end of this thing.

4:12 a.m. ET Next out are French pair Clara Loiseau and Wont Wait, who finished third at Pau last year. Sadly, Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy have retired after having a drive-by at the wedge in the water at fence 13 – at 18, there’s no sense in pushing for a finish that would no longer have been competitive.

GIF via H&C+.

4:11 a.m. ET David is home, five seconds inside the time provisionally. What a way to kick things off! He should have a great feeling heading to get his on his next horse. Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy are quick and clear through the arena questions at 7 and 8AB.

4:09 a.m. ET Meanwhile, our trailblazer David is still clear and making his way toward the finish. Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy have gone through the first water at 6.

4:08 a.m. ET: Our next out of the box is a familiar pair: New Zealand’s Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy, the 2018 Burghley winner, making his 16th CCI5* start this weekend. This pair sits third after dressage on a score of 29.2 and have every cause to threaten the top spots on the board today.

>4:04 a.m. ET: David and Carneyhaugh Rua have a lovely ride through the arena questions at 8…

GIF via H&C+.

…and hail a cab on their way into the second water:

GIF via H&C+.

4:02 a.m. ET: David gives Carneyhaugh Rua a “good lad” through the first water at fence 6. He’s looking to set a keen, forward pace here and the 11-year-old Irish gelding is responding well.

4:00 a.m. ET: And we’re off! This pair has some experience under their belt, and while it’s never an enviable task to be the trailblazer, David should give us a good hint as to what we’re in store for this morning – not to mention, he’ll be giving himself an idea of how well his plan for his next two horses might play out.

3:55 a.m. ET: We’re just about five minutes from the start, and our first combination to see will be Great Britain’s David Doel, who brings forward three rides this weekend, and Carneyhaugh Rua, sitting in 24th on a score of 48.0. Horses will be sent out at about four minute intervals, and we’ve only got 24 pairs to see with the last pair departing at 5:44 a.m. ET / 11:44 a.m. CEST.

From Tilly’s Form Guide about Carneyhaugh Rua:

“Originally produced to CCI2*-S by Reserve World Champion Padraig McCarthy, Carneyhaugh Rua made his five-star debut at Pau last year after a string of solid results at four-star. He’s jumped clear around Saumur CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S sections at Ballindenisk, Haras du Pin and Barocca d’Alva, although his trip down to Portugal in early March was his last international run before that first five-star. At Pau, he had an excellent educational first run, jumping a steady clear on Saturday and a faultless round on Sunday to finish in the top thirty. This time, David will hope to bring down that 42 dressage and step on the gas a bit more across the country, now that he knows his horse can handle it. This could be the week for Carneyhaugh Rua to step up from a boy to a man.”

Take a Virtual Walk Around Mike Etherington-Smith’s CCI5* Track at Longines LuhmĂźhlen

By on Jun 18, 2021 7:45 pm -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

On Thursday, we shared a drone flyover of Mike Etherington-Smith’s CCI5* track – which has riders labeling it one of the biggest and best tracks they’ve seen here at Longines LuhmĂźhlen in recent years – and now we’ve got a bit of a closer look at the questions the competitors will be answering tomorrow.

Cross country kicks off in the wee hours of the morning here in the U.S., with the first rider out on course at 4 a.m. EST / 10 a.m. local time. For the early riders who want to follow along with the action, the live stream is provided by H&C, and H&C+ members can access the live stream options with German and English commentary. To view the broadcast schedule, click here. An H&C+ membership costs just $9.99 per month and comes with no contract. Members receive access to all upcoming live streams and H&C’s extensive, Netflix-like library of videos are also available for $99.99 per year. CCI5* ride times can be found here.

We have two U.S. riders competing in the CCI5* this weekend: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan will be first out of the two, running cross country at 4:32 a.m. EST / 10:32 a.m. local time. Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois will leave the start box at 5:32 a.m. EST / 11:32 a.m. local time. Dressage leaders Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden will go out right after Jennie and Stella Artois at 5:36 a.m. / 11:36 a.m. local time. I will also be providing live updates for anyone unable to tune in in real-time, and H&C+ members will have access to the cross country replay once it’s available.

The CCI5* course this year has 31 numbered fences with 45 total jumping efforts running across 6,270 meters. The time allowed is 11 minutes on the nose.

You can do a click-through tour of each question on the track using this site plan, which has renderings of each fence along with a short description.

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See you first thing tomorrow for more from Germany!

Longines LuhmĂźhlen: Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entries, Timing & Scoring, CCI5* Cross Country Ride Times, CCI4* Cross Country Ride Times, Cross Country Course Maps CCI5* Live Scores, CCI4* Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Young Irish Rider Tiggy Hancock Passes Away After Training Accident

By on Jun 17, 2021 11:44 am -

Horse Sport Ireland today announced the tragic passing of 15-year-old Tiggy Hancock, a bright riding star, after an accident during a team training event in Greenogue, Dublin. The accident happened on Wednesday, June 16, and Tiggy was subsequently taken to Crumlin Hospital where she passed away.

Horse Sport Ireland released the following statement:

Horse Sport Ireland wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Tiggy Hancock (15) who died on Wednesday afternoon (June 16th) following a tragic accident at a squad training event in Greenogue, Dublin.

Tiggy was a highly talented young athlete and a respected member of our Pony High Performance Eventing Programme. A keen equestrian for many years as a member of the Carlow and Kilkenny Hunt Pony Club and very successful Working Hunter Pony competitor, Tiggy only began Eventing in the autumn of 2018, making an immediate mark on the sport. Following a run of impressive performances in 2019, she was selected to represent Ireland at the Under 16 European Eventing Team Championships in Poland, where she and her team mates secured a team bronze medal. Only recently, Tiggy has impressed against senior counterparts in the CCI2* S in Millstreet with Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finishing just outside the podium, seeing off seasoned athletes who have competed at European and World Level.

Tiggy was well-liked among both junior and senior members of the Irish equestrian family and her passing will be mourned by all. The Hancock family are known throughout Ireland for their commitment to the equestrian community and those who know them will share in their grief.

The loss of a young person is all always particularly hard to comprehend. This will be a difficult time for many of Tiggy’s team mates and friends in the sport. Horse Sport Ireland have a designated support person to assist individuals affected, and would encourage them or their parents to come forward to seek support.

Please email: [email protected]

HSI would ask that the family’s request for privacy at this time is respected.

We are devastated to receive this news and extend our deepest condolences to Tiggy’s family.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Queeny Park Novice Helmet Cam

By on Jun 16, 2021 5:00 pm -

Queeny Park, the sole St. Louis, Mo.-area event each year, holds a special place in my heart, having grown up at the barn just across the street from the venue. Nestled in the heart of a suburban park in what’s know was “West County”, St. Louis, Queeny Park hosts divisions ranging from Starter up through Modified each spring. Recent years and the pandemic have brought their fair share of challenges to this much-loved event, and as such the event can always use more support. Click here to learn more about Queeny Park Equestrian Events and how you can support their efforts.

This week we’re celebrating Nancy Fronczak, who you may remember from her Amateur’s Corner column not too long ago, and her draft cross mare, RendezVous. This pair finished in the top 10 of their Novice division last weekend, capping things off with this fun double clear cross country. Thanks for sharing, Nancy!

Go Eventing.

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Let’s Go to LuhmĂźhlen: Wednesday Social Media Roundup

By on Jun 16, 2021 3:00 pm -

Willkommen in Deutschland! We’re so pleased to have another CCI5* to follow in the first half of 2021; after the past year of feast or, for most of 2020, famine when it comes to events, it’s nice to see some normalcy returning. The Longines LuhmĂźhlen Horse Trials are running this week sans spectators, but we’ve got our intrepid globetrotting, lorry-sleeping reporter Tilly Berendt on the ground to bring you all of the details from Germany.

We’re off to a rocking start today with the First Horse Inspection completing for the CCI5* – you can catch up on the action in Tilly’s report here. H&C+ subscribers can access the live stream of all competition phases by clicking here. If you’re a super early riser (or an extreme night owl, depending on how you look at it), you can tune in at 2:15 a.m. EST for the CCI4*-S dressage, followed by the CCI5* at 8:45 a.m. EST.

In the meantime, let’s take a glance around social media from day one on the grounds!

Longines LuhmĂźhlen: Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entries, Timing & Scoring, CCI5* Friday Dressage Ride Times, CCI4* Thursday Dressage Ride Times, CCI4* Friday Dressage Ride Times, CCI4* Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

EN’s coverage of Luhmühlen 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.

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#DogsofEN: This Lucky Dog Found Her Way to Andrew McConnon, and the Rest is History

By on Jun 16, 2021 11:00 am -

We know, we know – we’re an eventing website. But what’s an eventer without his or her dog, we ask? North Carolina-based Andrew McConnon got a bit more adventure than he bargained for on a recent trip to the West coast, and the story is too good not to share.

This is Moab. Moab may be pictured living her very best life in Andrew’s pool here, but her origins are a bit more complicated.

Photo courtesy of Andrew McConnon.

You see, Moab first made herself known to Andrew and his traveling partner, Cameron, at a gas station en route from Lake Powell, Az. to Moab, Ut.

“After doing our best to rationalize with ourselves that we were in a rental car, on the other side of the country, in the desert, and that the last thing we needed to do was take a dog with us,” Andrew wrote on his social media. “I went in to ask the story on this dog. I was told that, ‘she showed up 2 days before’ and when I asked what would happen to her I was told, ‘she’ll either end up starving or getting hit by a car’. Decision was made and she jumped into the car.”

Moab’s first appearance. Photo courtesy of Andrew McConnon.

Of course, the logistics that followed were far from simple, but Andrew and Cameron were determined to get their new friend home safely with them. A bonus: Moab got to tag along on the rest of their travels, hitting hot spots such as Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park, even throwing in a few L.A. staples such as Runyon Canyon after her initial flight east was canceled due to high temperatures.

“We immediately started working on her required shots and health certificate needed to travel!” Andrew continued. “Outside of Zion, The Desert Vet got us squared away and confirmed that she didn’t have a microchip. We headed towards Vegas. The only flights we could get for her was a flight out of LAX on Wednesday morning so we left Vegas on Tuesday. While on our way we got an email that her flight was canceled due to heat (can’t be over 85° at any of the airports). We took a detour and went up through Badwater Basin, Death Valley up to Mammoth Lakes across through Yosemite National Park down the PCH to Los Angeles for her Thursday 5:30 am flight. Woke up to another canceled flight… so she got to see Runyon Canyon the Hollywood sign and others before finally getting her on a Thursday PM flight for NC!”

Olivia Coolidge and Natalia Knowles, holding down the fort at Andrew’s home base, were sent to collect the newest barn dog member of the McConnon Eventing family and, well, we think it’s safe to say that Moab has officially lucked out and has a wonderful new forever home. “It’s been quite a journey,” Andrew wrote. “but so thankful that it worked out!”

Welcome home, Moab!

Photo courtesy of Andrew McConnon.

How to Watch All Phases of the LuhmĂźhlen CCI5* & CCI4* This Week

By on Jun 16, 2021 9:00 am -

Hallo from LuhmĂźhlen! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Want to keep up with the action in Germany this week at LuhmĂźhlen? You’re in luck as our friends at H&C are on site and will be providing a live stream for H&C+ subscribers, one with German commentary and one with English commentary provided by Spencer Sturmey.

All phases of the CCI5* and CCI4* will be live streamed and you can find more information here. A subscription to H&C+ is just $9.99 per month and also has an annual option available for $99.99 and gives you access to live streams, replays and an extensive library full of masterclasses, documentaries, interview series and much more.

The H&C+ live stream of LuhmĂźhlen is as follows:

Wednesday June 16
10:00 a.m. EST / 4:00 p.m local – CCI5* First Horse Inspection

Thursday June 17
2:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST / 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. local Meßmer Trophy CCI4* S dressage

Friday June 18
2:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. EST / 8:15 – 2:00 p.m. local Meßmer Trophy CCI4* S dressage

8:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. EST / 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. local Longines CCI5* Dressage

Saturday June 19
3:15 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. EST / 9:15 – 12:00 p.m. local Longines CCI5* Cross Country

6:40 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. EST / 12:40 – 4:45 local Meßmer Trophy CCI4* S Cross country

Sunday June 20
4:30 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. EST / 10:30 – 11:50 a.m. local Longines CCI5* Showjumping & prize giving

6:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. EST / 12:50 – 4:10 p.m. local Meßmer Trophy CCI4* S Showjumping & prize giving

EN’s coverage of Luhmühlen 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.

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Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jun 16, 2021 12:01 am -

For the first time, Thailand will field an Olympic equestrian team next month at the postponed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The eventing berth is another step in a 10-year plan laid out by Thailand’s federation, and riders Arinadtha Chavatanont, Weerapat Pitakanonda and Korntawat Samran say they have benefitted immensely from coaching and support from France’s Maxime Livio. Read more about the great accomplishments of this team and how they’re feeling looking ahead to Tokyo here.

Major International Events:

Longines LuhmĂźhlen: Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entries, Timing & Scoring, CCI5* Friday Dressage Ride Times, CCI4* Thursday Dressage Ride Times, CCI4* Friday Dressage Ride Times, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Flora Lea Farm YEH and Mini Trial (Medford, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, Mi.): [Website] [Ride Times]

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Kent School Spring H.T. (Kent, Ct.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. (Santa Ynez, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm H.T. (Camp Lake, Wi.): [Website] [Volunteer]

Looking for a fun schooling show opportunity? Check out the Barnstaple South 3-phase schooling show, a part of their Jackpot Series, this weekend! Entries close tomorrow.

Wednesday Reading List:

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill marking Juneteenth, the June 19 anniversary commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., a federal holiday. An interesting tidbit of history about Juneteenth: though President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, not everyone living in the country was free, just like that. In fact, it would take until June 19, 1865 – two and a half years after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation – for implementation to reach into Texas, one of the last footholds of slavery in the Confederacy. On this date, 2,000 Union troops marched into Galveston Bay, declaring the states quarter of a million people still enslaved as officially, gloriously free. Read more on the history of Juneteenth here.

As she prepares to head to Tokyo for her second Olympic Games representing Puerto Rico, Lauren Billys Shady took a few minutes to chat with The Chronicle of the Horse recently. The latest “Behind the Stall Door” goes behind, well, the stall door with her longtime partner, Castle Larchfield Purdy.

Andrew Nicholson takes us down memory lane with the great Nereo, who “looks as grey as I am,” he joked in the latest USEA “Horse Heroes” column. Now 21, Nereo spends his golden days teaching Andrew’s daughter, Lily, the ways of the world and generally celebrating his legendary career.

Are horses that we deem to be sound actually experiencing pain and discomfort? This is the subject of a study done by researchers Sue Dyson and Andrea Ellis using the Ridden Horse pain Ethogram (RHpE) to identify those horses that may be experiencing discomfort. Read the report on the latest results from horses studied at Badminton and Burghley here.

Wednesday Video Break:

🇵🇷 Lauren Billys Shady made the local news with her journey to Tokyo – check it out!

Get ‘Em While They’re Hot! Tickets to the Inaugural Maryland 5 Star Are Now On Sale!

By on Jun 14, 2021 2:00 pm -

It’s basically Christmas in eventing land as tickets for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md. have just gone on sale this morning. This will be the first spectator-friendly five-star of the 2021 season, as both Kentucky and this week’s LuhmĂźhlen opting to forego spectators due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The Maryland 5 Star is scheduled to run October 14 through 17.

As numbers in the U.S. continue to fall and vaccine numbers continue to rise, things are looking positive for us to take in the new member of the elite club of five-star events in October. US Equestrian has kept a close watch on the pandemic and has in recent weeks loosened its restrictions on spectators are more states begin to open up.

The Maryland 5 Star promises to be one of those weekends that you circle on the calendar all the way back in January, stalking hotel prices and setting an alarm for ticket sales. With the USEF CCI3*-L National Championships as well as the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships planned to run alongside the CCI5* – and with exciting additions such as showcases/demos, a trade fair, live entertainment and plenty of food and drink to go around – this event is one you won’t want to miss.

There are several ticket options available, and it looks like the organizing team has pulled out all the stops in terms of identifying the best ways for spectators to take in the competition. Check out some of the options for seating:

To purchase your tickets (and we recommend doing so quickly – as we know, five-star tickets in these parts don’t stick around long!), visit maryland5star.us/tickets, where you’ll find options for General Admission, Reserved Seating and Premium Hospitality. If you’re looking for a spot in the trade fair, you can visit the Vendor Application here.

And stay tuned right here on EN for all of the latest Maryland 5 Star updates. We’re planning on a full team in Maryland this year and can’t wait to be there to experience this event for the first time with all of you.

Go Eventing.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jun 8, 2021 11:45 pm -

No better way to take in a parade than from the back of a horse, I say! With Pride parades on the schedule through the summer, there is plenty of opportunity to show your support of the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, inclusion and representation go beyond one month of awareness, so our support for our fellow humans and equestrians is something we can show and act on each and every day.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Aspen Farms H.T. (Yelm, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pa.): [Website]

Golden Spike H.T. (Ogden, Ut.) : [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, Md.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Queeny Park H.T. (St. Louis, Mo.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

River Glen June H.T. (New Market, Tn.) : [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Ma.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (Woodland, Ca.) : [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Major International Events:

Bicton International (Devon, United Kingdom): [Website] [Schedule and Ride Times] [Scores] [Live Stream]

Wednesday Reading List:

“The horse world, at least the English side of it, seems to have a lot more openly gay men involved than in other professional sports. While it isn’t clear that the same can be said for other people in the LGBTQ community (we’re here, but we don’t always have as much visibility), this is part of what makes equestrian sports special. But what is it about the horse show world that seems to draw in more wonderfully openly gay men than other professional sports?” Such is the query made by Plaid Horse writer Jess Clawson, and Christopher Webb is the rider featuring in her article about being a gay man in the horse world. It’s well worth a read here.

West coast rider Tommy Greengard has been turning heads with his riding skills and talented horses. But his journey with Joshuay MBF has been anything but totally smooth. You won’t want to miss the write-up on this pair from The Chronicle of the Horse.

Native American horse heritage is seeing a revival thanks to the efforts of those organizing the Indian Relay Horse Race in Pawhuska, Oklahoma last weekend. A popular Native American pastime, the relay attracted about 40 tribes competing for over $100,000 in prize money. Read more about the event (and see the gorgeous photos!) here.

What are some considerations to make before stepping up to a new level? Whatever discipline you call home, moving up should be a well thought out process. This blog from The West Equestrian provides some useful advice.

Registration is now open for the next US Equestrian DEI Community Conversations session, “An Introduction to LGBTQ+ and Becoming a Better Ally”, which will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, June 30 from 5-6 p.m. EST. You can learn more and register for free here.

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway in partnership with Cambox! We’re giving away a Cambox V4 Pro Helmet Cam to a lucky reader – click here for more on how to enter by June 11!

Wednesday Video Break:

I was intrigued by the Indian Relay Horse Race and dug up this short documentary that was released in 2019:

Training Tip Tuesday Video: Five Verticals with Piggy March

By on Jun 8, 2021 5:00 pm -

Short on jumps or helping hands to set a full course? Have a horse that likes to get a bit quick or hot through related distances? Looking for a way to change up your everyday schooling? Well, this new vlog from Piggy March is just the ticket and just requires five small verticals set on a one-stride distance.

Piggy first demonstrates the varying uses of this exercise with her 2019 Badminton winning partner, Vanir Kamira, explaining that she’s looking for ways to encourage the mare to sit back on her hocks and slow down between related jumps. She then goes on to show how to use the exercise with flatwork, as trot fences, and much more. Definitely worth a save for your next ride!

To keep up with more vlogs from Piggy, which are always full of useful insights and behind-the-scenes content, click here.