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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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

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Boyd Martin and Luke 140 Take Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L Victory, Tamie Smith Wins CCI3*-L

By on May 9, 2021 5:08 pm -

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

The scoreboard shifted yet again as riders in the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L tackled a tricky Chris Barnard-designed show jumping track to close out the weekend at Jersey Fresh International. Once the dust settled – and with just three pairs in the CCI4*-L turning in double clear rounds – it was Boyd Martin and the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140 who would become your 2021 Jersey Fresh International winners. They end the weekend on a final score of 32.4. Tamie Smith and Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre California take home the CCI3*-L crown.

Luke 140 (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus) first joined Boyd’s string as an 8-year-old, having competed through the former two-star level with Swedish rider Malin Petersen. When the Holsteiner gelding first came to the States, Boyd says they had a few growing pains to endure while they forged a partnership.

Time does every partnership a load of good, though, and by the time Boyd hopped on a plane to California to contest the gelding’s first CCI4*-L at Galway Downs last fall, he says they had really begun to hit their stride (we’d say so: they won that event fairly decisively). This season, it ended up being a bit fortuitous (though Boyd’s body probably doesn’t agree) that he took a couple of tumbles on the CCI5* track and subsequently elected not to run Luke in the CCI4*-S as planned.

“To be honest, I wasn’t too keen to run him at Kentucky as I don’t really like to run them two weeks apart,” Boyd said earlier this week. “I think it’s a bit tough on their bodies. So it was actually good taking him to Kentucky and having that intense week of building up to a dressage test.”

Boyd certainly needed all of his experience to navigate a track that yielded very few clear rounds. Of the 41 finishers, just nine pairs left all the rails in their cups (Doug Payne and Starr Witness, Sydney Solomon and Early Review C as well as Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye produced the three double clears), and even Boyd needed an extra second of time to get home.

“My job is just to keep him relaxed and he pretty much jumps clean every time,” Boyd said. “He’s an awesome horse to have after a grueling cross country, especially when the show jumping course was tough. I was still nervous but I think I was on the best jumping horse here.”

The time allowed of 80 seconds meant riders had to hustle from the get-go to make it around Chris Barnard’s track consisting of 12 numbered questions and 15 jumping efforts. “I think if the time had been five seconds slower there would have been a lot more clears because you could take a bit more time setting up to the fences,” Boyd commented. “I screwed up fence two to three – I did eight strides and I wanted to do seven, so that was probably my second (over the time).”

Take a look at how the track rode:

Boyd had entertained the idea of moving Luke up to the five-star level at Kentucky after his solid showing in California, but he opted to put more confidence on the horse instead. “His character is so willing and such a trier and I don’t want to abuse his good nature by making him do something that he doesn’t quite understand yet,” he explained. “So keeping him at this four-star level for six more months I think just created more confidence. And this year this level has felt pretty easy for him.”

Despite the second over the time, Boyd’s round was enough to keep the pressure on overnight leader Tamie Smith, who had a single rail in hand on Ruth Bley’s EnVogue. At the end, she used up three rails and a second of time to end the weekend in a still-respectable third place on a final score of 39.5. Stablemate Danito, also owned by Ruth Bley, lowered two rails and had four seconds of time to end just behind EnVogue in fourth place on a finishing score of 41.5. Tamie is no doubt a bit disappointed with the final result, but she’s got a slew of top finishes to add to her collection as the feather in her cap at the end of a very long trip away from her home base in California. She’ll begin the long drive home this week with the seven horses still remaining (20 of the original 27 horses traveling with the Next Level Eventing squad had already gone home). We hope the woman has some sort of vacation planned for herself! At least a long weekend, Tamie – you deserve it.

Tamie Smith and EnVogue. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

“Five years ago, I would have been doing backflips to have two in the top five at a four-long,” Tamie told reporters after her ride. “My expectations have just risen a little bit but they both jumped great.”

“(EnVogue) did try her guts out,” she said of the 16-year-old Hanoverian mare by Earl. “I was just saying that when you’re on ground like Kentucky they can really trust that the ground feels good when they’re landing, but they’re on this and it’s a little stingy after they’ve ran 10 minutes. At least both of them are so good on the flat that they still ended up third and fourth.”

 

Not a bad person to be finishing second to! Congratulations to Alyssa Phillips for coming second to Boyd Martin at New Jersey today.

Posted by Jennie Brannigan on Sunday, May 9, 2021

Sandwiched in between Boyd and Tamie in second place is the rising star Alyssa Phillips, whose 2021 season has been nothing short of incredible as she builds on her big CCI4*-S win at Kentucky just last month with the 12-year-old Oskar (Coriando – Nicole, by Marlo). Lowering just one rail was enough to make her finishing score of 38.5 strong enough to hold onto second place – not too shabby for your first CCI4*-L together. Alyssa has been partnered with Oskar since 2016 and the pair has really hit their stride and come out swinging in 2021.

Alyssa told us earlier this week that Oskar came in from turnout with a swollen face after returning home from Kentucky, causing concern that he’d broken a tooth or a cheekbone. He was thoroughly examined and no serious injuries were found, but Alyssa rode him in a halter for a good amount of her final preps for this weekend. Clearly no worse for the wear, though, Oskar once again proved himself a tough cookie (really, every horse that came home from the tough track in the Kentucky CCI4*-S deserves the tough cookie award) and made short work of the tasks at hand this weekend.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

“I felt like it was the fastest 80 seconds of my life, it all happened so fast!” Alyssa said. “The arena isn’t that big, so you have to keep turning and moving. So I kept my turns pretty tight and kept coming. The rail I had was not him it was me just getting a bit too deep. He jumped fantastic, he tried really really hard and was really rideable after yesterday.”

Oskar actually show jumps better on the third day of a three-day versus events where the horses show jump prior to cross country, Alyssa says. “Sometimes when he’s a bit strong, like if we jump before cross country, then I’m taking time in the corners to set up but this course you kind of just had to keep coming and it worked out for him.”

Alyssa graduated from Texas Christian University last fall and says it’s been really nice to be able to focus more on her riding now that she’s finished school. Previously splitting time between Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania was challenging for Alyssa, but now she’s enjoying seeing the time and hard work she’s put in pay off. You’ll want to keep an eye on this pair (and on Alyssa’s rising string of horses – her Cornelius Bo horse is currently on a nine-strong win streak that extends back into 2020!) as their career continues to progress.

The morning didn’t start off in the most quiet way as several horses were held at the Final Horse Inspection. Five horses in the CCI4*-L (Arielle Aharoni’s Dutch Times, Jonathan Holling’s Prophet, Tamie Smith’s Danito, Meagan Marinovich Burdick’s Riviera Lu and Buck Davidson’s Soracaima) were held, with Dutch Times and Prophet subsequently withdrawn from the hold box. The remaining horses were passed upon reinspection. In the CCI3*-L, Tamie Smith’s Cheers and Liz Halliday-Sharp’s HHS Cooley Calamaria were both held but passed on re-presentation. Jules Ennis withdrew Cooley O overnight.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California on their way to winning the CCI3*-L!

Posted by Jersey Fresh International Three Day Event on Sunday, May 9, 2021

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California Win CCI3*-L

Clear rounds were a bit easier to come by in the finale of the CCI3*-L, with 22 of the 47 finishers producing double clear rounds.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

Tamie Smith will have one win to take home with her after piloting Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre California (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall) to the CCI3*-L win in the 10-year-old Argentinian mare’s Long format debut. This is a mare Tamie’s been excited about as she’s taken like a fish to water to the sport as the levels have gotten trickier. After first doing some show jumping in Argentina before joining California-based David Adamo’s program early on in her eventing career, she joined Tamie’s string and hasn’t looked back. Her double clear show jumping effort today makes for a finishing score of 26.7.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

Dassett Olympus finished 3rd place at Jersey Fresh International in the 3 Long division!!! He also won the optimum time…

Posted by LillianJHeard Eventing on Sunday, May 9, 2021

Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (Quo Vados – B-estelle, by Lord) also keeps his position, taking home second place on a score of 27.4 to mark a successful CCI3*-L debut for the 10-year-old. Moving up into third place overall are Lillian Heard and the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Dassett Olympus (Lancelot – Cushlamochree, by Cruising), owned by Debby Greenspan, who improves on his first CCI3*-L at Midsouth in 2020 with a final score of 30.5.

Many thanks for keeping up with Jersey Fresh alongside us! I can’t thank Conklin Photographic, Amber Heintzberger, Courtney Carson, Audrie Stanka and everyone else who helped me keep eyes on the action without actually being able to be there all weekend! Enjoy a few more social pieces from the grounds below. And – most importantly – happy Mother’s Day to all of the hardworking moms, horse show and otherwise, who always make this world a better place.

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Final Scores]

Thank you so much to our generous sponsors for making this weekend such a success: B.W. Furlong & Associates, Zoetis,…

Posted by Jersey Fresh International Three Day Event on Sunday, May 9, 2021

California Dreaming: Tamie Smith Leads Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L After Cross Country

By on May 8, 2021 8:37 pm -

Tamie Smith and EnVogue. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

Tamie Smith and her team are on the final leg of a marathon East coast journey that brought 27 horses from the Next Level Eventing base in Temecula, Ca. to Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and now New Jersey. What better way to cap off the trip than with a whole slew of solid cross country outings? The work Tamie’s put in to her string this spring pays off in spades today as she will be your overnight CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L leader at Jersey Fresh International.

Starring as the two-phase leader after a twisting and technical cross country track designed for the first time this year by longtime course builder and event co-organizer Morgan Rowsell is Ruth Bley’s EnVogue. This 16-year-old Hanoverian mare by Earl, who Tamie calls a real go-getter on cross country, came home just seven seconds over time to seal the lead over stable mate and dressage winner Danito (Dancier – Wie Musik, by Wolkenstein II). She’ll take a score of 27.1 – the only remaining CCI4*-L score in the 20s – into tomorrow’s show jumping. Also owned by Ruth Bley, Danito will sit second after collecting eight time penalties for a two-day score of 31.9.

“Holy moly, they were great!” Tamie said. To say Tamie’s (along with a team of working students and her daughter and fellow pro rider, Kaylawna Smith-Cook) trip East started a bit rough and tumble would be accurate: some falls and other trouble at the first events she brought her string to eventually had her second-guessing her program a bit. Here she had left behind her home base for months on end, and she wasn’t getting the results she’d thought she’d trained for. “When we got to Stable View, I said to myself, ‘you know what, you got yourself here, you have a great team, great horses, get your sh*t together,'” she recalled. “I just needed to stop and pump the brakes a bit and then we just hit the ground running again.”

“Hit the ground running” is a great way to describe the three clear cross country rides Tamie turned in today. Despite the fact that Morgan Rowsell’s track rode much tougher than it initially walked – and despite the polar opposite style of her two rides – both EnVogue and Danito rose to the occasion.

“It’s so hard because they’re so different and I had a different plan for both,” she explained. “I came out of the box wanting to be very competitive on both. When you’re on such different horses, you don’t really know how it’s going to ride. I’m just so proud of them.”

Sitting third after cross country is Boyd Martin and the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140 (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus), who came home 16 seconds over time to retain his placing overnight on a score of 32.0. Luke 140 is one who didn’t get to run cross country at Kentucky a few weeks ago, but Boyd commented earlier this week that he would really have rather saved the 10-year-old gelding for this Long format anyway.

“I’m kicking myself for not going a bit quicker,” Boyd said after his ride. “I took a bit too much time setting up, so I need to clean than up, but he’s such a good horse and he pulled up really well.”

The tight nature of this track wouldn’t necessarily be Boyd’s preference, he said, but he also noted that many important competitions – Luhmühlen, Boekelo, Pau, the forthcoming Tokyo track – are all similar in nature. “I think this is a bit where the sport is going, so I think we need to take that into account in our training. It’s a bit like a short format over 10 minutes.”

Boyd was initially given 15 penalties for a flag on a corner, but the penalty was removed after review by the Ground Jury.

Earning redemption from their unfortunate parting of ways at the Hollow in Kentucky, Canada’s Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes (Chacoa – KEC Galway Boy, by Gildawn Diamond) blasted around today with ten seconds of time to move from sixth into a tie for fourth with Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds. Karl was sorely disappointed to have had a miss at Kentucky after an otherwise brilliant round, and today’s effort is surely a salve for that wound.

Phillip and Anita Motion, Sue Haldeman, Annie Jones, Evie Dutton and Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani’s Sea of Clouds (Malibu Moon – Winner’s Ticket) rocketed up from 29th after dressage thanks to the quickest turn of foot today; they came home in nine minutes, 46 seconds for one of two rounds inside the time. You may remember that Phillip elected to delay “Socs'” CCI5* debut this year, originally entering him at Kentucky but deciding to put another 4*-L on the 10-year-old gelding’s resume first. That decision paid off brilliantly today, and Phillip is thrilled with the blooming confidence he’s seeing from this still-young member of his string.

“It’s quite a big step to get to the five-star level – in some ways it’s nearly a different sport when you walk the five-star courses compared to some of the four-stars,” Phillip commented. “‘Socs’ ran well at Carolina but he still gave me a few green moments so I sort of decided after that he maybe needed another few months at the level.”

Phillip says this type of track really suited the former racehorse – cheered on today for the first time in person by Graham and Anita Motion, who had the horse in their racing program early on – because of his rideability.

“He’s so soft in the bridle,” Phillip explained. “It doesn’t matter if you’re going 750 meters per minute or 300, he doesn’t change.”

After having some trouble with his watch and his internal clock at Kentucky with Z, Phillip wanted to get back to his speedy ways, so this context gives more picture to his eventual quickest of the division. “(Socs is) a fast horse and I’d heard from the other riders that nobody was getting the time,” he said. “So it was a great opportunity for me to move him up the ladder a bit.”

It was the best bit of our chat, though, when Phillip chimed in to say how over the moon he was for the rising star Alex Baugh, who piloted his former ride, Mr. Candyman, to the other double clear of the division. “That was so rewarding to see ‘Elmo’ go,” he said. “He’s found the perfect home and the perfect rider to be with.” Alex’s fast clear was rewarded with a leap from 51st into 13th.

Problems were scattered throughout Morgan Rowsell’s track, with nine pairs incurring jump penalties, seven retiring on course and two horses given Mandatory Retirements. The horse falls were given to Sharon White’s Claus 63 and Erin Renfoe’s Monbeg Myth. As of publication, no horse or rider injuries have been reported.

Two riders were given 11 penalties for knocking a frangible pin/MIM clip: Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper took a pin at fence 11 and Jacob Fletcher and 5o1 Mischief Managed had one at fence 24. Boyd Martin and Luke 140 were initially given 15 for a flag, but it was later removed. Sydney Solomon and Early Review C incurred a 15-point flag penalty at fence 19A.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California Retain CCI3*-L Lead

It was also a day for Tamie Smith to celebrate in the CCI3*-L as she rocketed around the track aboard Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre California (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall) clear inside the time to remain in the lead on a score of 26.7.

This was the first CCI3*-L track (and the first Long format, in general) the 10-year-old Argentinian Sporthorse mare has gotten a chance to tackle, having been withdrawn from her first start at the level at Tryon last fall after a mild tie-up episode. After returning home from the East coast last year, some dietary tweaks were made and the mare has felt like a million bucks since. She’s also a cross country machine, Tamie says, and she proved that growing prowess this morning.

“I really haven’t found a course that hasn’t suited her yet,” Tamie said. “It was just really easy for her. I went out of the box not totally sure – this is her first Long format and she stepped on herself pretty bad the week of Kentucky, so she missed some rides – but I actually slowed down after the last combination and just cruised home because we were up on the time.”

The remainder of the top three in the 3*-L remains unchanged as Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (Quo Vados I – B-Estelle, by Lord) also jumped clear inside the time to remain in second on a score of 27.4.

The 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding completes his first Long format cross country this weekend and further establishes himself as another bright star in Phillip’s program.

“He was well within himself, I didn’t have to push him too much,” Phillip said. “You don’t get to practice riding a tired horse at horse trials, they don’t really get tired. So it’s a little unknown how it’s going to be. But I don’t think I had a bad fence on him.”

Caitlin Silliman and the Ally KGO Syndicate’s Ally KGO also retain their placing, jumping clear inside the time to stay on their dressage mark of 27.5. While she’s still focused on the task at hand and bringing it all home tomorrow, she’s still thrilled to have the mare rocking and rolling as she continues to get stronger.

“Last year I moved her up to Advanced, which went really well and then Covid hit, so we didn’t compete as much,” Caitlin said. “We both were a little green at Great Meadow so I backed it down a bit and we came out this spring at Intermediate. She’s the type that needs to run, so losing most of the year last year I think I made a bit of a mistake not doing a three Long last fall. It made sense to run around the three Long just for the experience and fitness and after today I’m 100 percent sure that was the right decision. She finished really confident and wasn’t tired, so hopefully we can finish it up tomorrow but I think this was just what she needed.”

The optimum time of eight minutes, 30 seconds proved to be a bit more attainable in this division; 19 of 47 pairs coming home inside the time. Two riders in this division were given 25 penalties for Dangerous Riding: Doug Payne and Camarillo as well as Katie Lichten and Sapphire Blue B.

Edit: 11:40 a.m. EST on May 9:

Doug posted some context for his 25 on his Instagram, saying that he had done his due diligence to identify a shortcut he had mapped out between fences. “During the 3* XC I took a path outside of the normal route between 2 fences,” he wrote. “The path was mowed, prepared and used on courses throughout the day. I did not get near any person, jump any rope to endanger anyone, my horse or myself. I was given a dangerous riding penalty as a result. I spoke with the TD prior to the Friday briefing about another potential shortcut over a fence. I was told it was at my own risk and if I endangered any of the following I was open to penalty. In an abundance of caution I checked the area prior to my ride the morning of and twice while on course in the area. I would have not proceeded if people, vehicles etc existed. None of which did.”

Watch the line:

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Moonshine. Photo by Conklin Photographic.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Moonshine Take CCI4*-S Victory

Meanwhile, the Short format divisions show jumped this morning before tackling cross country this afternoon to decide the winners.

In the CCI4*-S, it was Liz Halliday-Sharp and the Uber-talented Irish Sport Horse Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master), owned by The Monster Partnership, who moved from second to take the win on a score of 32.8. This pair came home a few seconds closer to the optimum than dressage leaders Boyd Martin and the Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern – Highlight, by Heraldik xx), who will take home second place for their efforts on a final score of 33.8.

“I was totally thrilled,” Liz said. “He’s only nine so he’s young and this is really his first season at this level. I think Kentucky was really good for him. He came here more professional and more settled.”

Cooley Moonshine – who Liz refers to as quite bloody and a rather difficult ride – has been a challenge in terms of figuring out rideability, and the fact that Liz made the time on a twisting track speaks to the progress this element of their partnership has made.

“He’s very brave but he’s a very difficult ride,” she explained. “It’s taken time to find his rideability – he can really run you into the fences a bit, where you go to set him up and he kind of goes through the bridle. He felt like he was with me more and it was one of his best rounds.”

Liz is eyeing a trip to Boekelo this fall thanks to the receipt of the Connaught Grant, pointing out the competitive nature of the dressage and show jumping and its suitability to his style.

“To be honest, he was a bit buzzed up I think from Kentucky, so the first third of our course was a bit ragged,” Boyd recalled of his ride with Long Island T. “So I was quite pleased with the way he settled in after that. I would’ve loved to win but this was more making sure the horse was back in good confidence for whatever’s next.”

Boyd’s tentatively considering a trip to the CCI5* at Luhmühlen in June, but only if he feels he has a strong chance of going to compete, not just participate, with Long Island T.

Moving up steadily through the weekend are Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino, who finish the event in third place on a score of 44.7. This is the first time we’ve seen Atlantic Domino, who was one of Jacob’s first Advanced horses, since 2019 so it’s a great return to the level for this pair.

Posted by Jersey Fresh International Three Day Event on Saturday, May 8, 2021

Cosby Green and Copper Beach Win CCI3*-S

Cosby Green is celebrating tonight after taking home her first FEI win, moving up from fourth on Copper Beach with one rail in show jumping and 1.2 seconds of time on cross country to take the win on a score of 33.2. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Radolin, who won the Long format event here with Buck Davidson in 2014. After joining Cosby’s team last year, he’s taken on the role of teacher and experience-giver – and he certainly delivered on that promise today.

The week started off rather the opposite of ideally for Cosby, though. On Thursday, she suffered an anaphylactic reaction that sent her to the hospital. Once the symptoms had subsided and she was cleared to go, it was time to tackle her dressage test.

“It feels unexpected!” Cosby, 20, said of the win. “It’s really the last thing I was expecting. The course rode a bit different than I thought it would, but my goal today was to have as smooth of a round as possible and to try to plan the track to be as close to the time as I could.”

Cosby enjoyed some time in Florida over the winter working with Buck Davidson, and she says that practice that complements the coaching she receives at home in Kentucky from Allie Knowles. Coupled with Buck’s knowledge of “Sean”, Cosby says she feels the two are becoming more and more of a pair. “(Sean) has taught me more than I’ve learned in 10 years,” she said. “He’s been so properly trained and he’s taught me and it’s made my other horses go better, too.”

Balancing a full plate of riding, some coaching and attending college at the University of Kentucky isn’t easy, but it’s 100 percent possible and worth it, Cosby says. She’ll next head to her first CCI3*-L with Copper Beach at Virginia Horse Trials at the end of May.

It wasn’t the ideal day in show jumping that Dan Kreitl wanted for his dressage winner, Kay Dixon’s Carmango (Chirivell – Taramanga, by Templer GL xx), but a clear inside the time run across the country this afternoon was good enough to move the pair back up into second on a score of 34.7. Dan had told us yesterday that a good show jumping would set him up to feel the most confident for the cross country – but he certainly was able to brush off a couple of rails in favor of the big picture and laid down a lovely trip with both of his three-star horses. His second ride, Horales, moved up to finish in 13th place after starting the weekend in 21st.

Third in the CCI3*-S are Mia Farley and David O’Connor’s Phelps, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with whom Mia has been partnered since his early eventing days. This was the first three-star attempt for Phelps, who moved up to the Intermediate level last summer. They end their weekend on a final score of 37.2, moving up from 12th after show jumping.

“He’s so consistent and he had an amazing weekend,” Mia commented. “It’s been huge for my education to produce these young horses and you can never really have enough. I’m really lucky that I’ve been able to ride these young horses as well as Phelps and (BGS Firecracker). It definitely teaches you patience and understanding.”

We’ll conclude the action at Jersey Fresh International tomorrow beginning with the Second Horse Inspection at 8 a.m. EST. Show jumping will then begin at 10 a.m. EST with the CCI3*-L followed by the CCI4*-L at 1 p.m. EST, both in reverse order of standing.

Thanks for following along with us (and, if you’ve made it this far, you deserve a Golden Chinch of your own). This article will be updated with more photos. Go Eventing!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores]

More stories from the day:

 

Could not have asked for more from Chuck McGrath and Meghan Richey’s Prophet. This horse truly is a cross country machine. So unbelievably proud of the horse he has become. #babyprophet #hollingeventing

Posted by Jonathan Holling on Saturday, May 8, 2021

Reddy was very good today on xc! Picked up some time but clear and finished strong. She answered a lot of questions that…

Posted by Kyle Carter on Saturday, May 8, 2021

It Would Have Been Badminton Cross Country Day: Here Are Some Rides to Relive

By on May 8, 2021 4:39 pm -

Well it would have been cross country day at the Badminton Horse Trials, but sadly the event was canceled this year due to ongoing complications surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. As Team Price put it on social media this morning, it was raising and 2018 winner Classic Moet would have been thrilled!

In lieu of the cross country action, we collected some top rides from years past to talk a walk down memory lane. Enjoy!

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira – 2019:

Jonelle Price and Classic Moet – 2018:

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD – 2017:

Andrew Nicholson and Nereo – 2017:

Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam – 2016:

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning – 2015:

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning (Helmet Cam) – 2015

Cross Country Highlights – 2018:

And just for fun, the 1997 cross country program:

Remembering Antigua

By on May 8, 2021 3:51 pm -

Embed from Getty Images

Will Faudree this morning shared that his friend and the partner who carried him to countless career milestones, the Australian Thoroughbred gelding Antigua, has passed away at the age of 32. Truly the “one that started it all” for Will, “Brad” remained a beloved member of his family through his retirement and golden years.

I always thought I would have something profound to write. A eulogy that would encapsulate the impact you had on my…

Posted by Will Faudree on Saturday, May 8, 2021

Found in Australia by Phillip Dutton to be a teacher for Will, who was 20 and working for Phillip at the time, Antigua would emerge as Will’s first-time then-four star horse and the one who would take him to his first team and overseas experiences. Above all, Antigua was the patient partner and a teacher on whom Will had zero cross country penalties throughout their partnership. “I didn’t teach that horse a damn thing. He taught me so much,” Will told us a few years ago.

Together, Will and Antigua traveled the world, touring five-stars (casually completing Kentucky twice as well as picking up a top-25 finish at both Badminton and Burghley) and representing Team USA at the 2003 Pan American Games and the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Antigua was retired at Southern Pines, near Will’s home base at Gavilan Farm, in 2009 and would do a little show jumping later on, always the energetic worker bee looking for more to do.

“Brad taught Will so many things: how to be competitive, how to win, patience,” Jessica Bortner-Harris wrote for EN in 2012. “However, Will says the biggest thing that Brad taught him is work ethic. Every day that Will got on him, he marched away from the mounting block with purpose and ready to take on the task of the day. Brad loved his job.”

Even at the height of their success, Will held on to a reminder from U.S. Olympic gold medalist Karen Stives: “At Carolina International [in 2014], we honored the members of the gold medal winning 1984 Olympic team,” Will recalled in a Thoroughbred Legends interview a few years ago. “I told Karen Stives that I owed a large part of my career to her. After I’d gotten around my first WEG in 2006, she congratulated me and said, ‘Don’t expect your next horse to fill his shoes.’ I always remembered that and was always so thankful to be reminded of how special he was for me.”

“My favorite Broadway musical is ‘Wicked,’ and there’s a song that will always remind me of him: ‘For Good’,” he continued. “One of the lyrics says ‘Who’s to say if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good.’ That’s Brad to me. He changed my life. He gave me the plane ticket to the career I’ve dreamed of my entire life.”

During Antigua’s retirement ceremony in 2009, Will gave the following speech to his friend:

I know if I let Brad, he would be the one up here. After all, it is his party and like most of his big occasions, I am just along for the ride!

It all started 8 years ago when I was at Phillip and Evie Dutton’s house. Phillip and I were on the phone with my parents talking about getting this horse called Antigua from Australia. My mom asked the obvious question of “would I be able to ride him?” and Phillip gave the obvious answer of “a monkey could so I had half a shot.” The same applies tonight, providing the monkey has a tux and a lisp.

There are so many people that are here that have been a part of Brad’s career and I know how thankful Brad is. I want to thank Joanie Morris and Doretta Gaudreau who were there for him day in and day out at different times of his career—helping to make his stars reachable. His vets—Dr.’s Tom Daniels, Kevin Keane, Christianna Ober, and Brendon Furlong; his farriers—Dave Kumpf, Greg Davis, and Steve Teichman. Colby Saddington for teaching me what I know about horse management and going with me to try him (and me telling everyone on the flight that we were going on out honeymoon, so we could get up-graded to Business class). Didn’t work. That was when I really irritated her.

Coaches—so many people that helped me with Brad over the years that I cannot begin to name you all. Phillip Dutton, thank you for your belief in Brad and me and your time that helped develop our partnership. Bobby Costello, when I ventured out from the constant direction of Phillip you gave me the knowledge of believing in myself as a rider and as a person—thank you. Captain Mark Phillips, who is not here, but in my last lesson on Brad with him we were at The Fork the day before the mandatory outing this past summer and I had set up what I wanted to jump. He and Sandy came over and I jumped what I felt Brad needed (not much) and Mark leaned against a standard and said “What an amazing athlete.” Those 4 words summed it up.

Which brings me to the Guiding force behind Brad’s career. MY FAMILY! My Mom and Dad who have never questioned what Brad was doing or where Brad was going and were always there with no expectations. Y’all have given so much to us always putting Kristen, Keegan and I first in all that we wanted to do, never doubting our dreams and sacrificing so much to help us achieve our dreams—from baseball to Africa to Aachen. No words can justify your support.
And lastly I want to thank Brad. I think that the biggest thing Brad has taught me is that when a true champion gets to the end of the road they find another gear and carry on no matter what. With that said, what I have learned recently is that a true champion also knows when to bow out, leaving a mark that few will ever forget. Whether it is lighting up a room with an infectious smile or simply leaving the start box—here’s to Brad!

The EN team is thinking of Will and all who were lucky enough to know Antigua. Please share your favorite memories of “Brad” in the comments.

Tamie Smith Leads Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L/CCI3*-L, Boyd Martin, Dan Kreitl On Top of Short Divisions

By on May 7, 2021 6:49 pm -

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

California-based Tamie Smith put herself into the competitive position we’ve come to anticipate after the conclusion of dressage at Jersey Fresh International, presented by B.W. Furlong and Associates and Zoetis Equine. This one is a force to be reckoned with in the dressage ring, and that skillset showed itself once more as she overtook her Thursday ride, EnVogue, today with the fiery little chestnut, Danito (like, EnVogue, owned by Ruth Bley). After a “completely feral” weekend at Kentucky last month, Tamie and Danito (Dancier – Wie Musik, by Wolkenstein II) bested their score by earning a 23.9 today – good enough for the overnight lead heading into tomorrow’s cross country test.

“Danito was just really amped up in Kentucky,” Tamie recalled. “It was cold and windy and rainy, and so we’ve just been trying to get the lid back on a bit. He’s just super fit and ready to go…everything sort of changes when you get close to a Long format. We had a couple of bobbles in the test, but overall I was really pleased.”

Tamie has been working with dressage coach Johann Hinnemann virtually during her trip to the East coast as well as USEF Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander, both of whom have given her some more tools to use to coax the best out of the 12-year-old gelding. “I have just had to spend a little more time working him down – normally, I don’t throw him on the lunge when I ride, so it’s just been about trying to have the right prep,” she said.

Generally speaking, Tamie’s pleased with her rides and in reflection on yesterday’s test with EnVogue, which earned her a 24.3 for second at the conclusion of dressage, said that there was much improvement particularly in the 16-year-old mare’s canter work. “I knew I lost points in the canter work at Kentucky, and if you were going to compare that would be her weaker thing,” Tamie said. “So I did try to push her more and have a bigger step, so I did get some better points on that. Everything was very smooth and she was super.”

Morgan Rowsell’s first crack at designing the CCI4*-L track here (he’s been the “designer in residence” here since the event’s inception, though, so it’s safe to say he knows the lay of the land better than anyone) has set out much to do for the riders tomorrow. The optimum time of 10 minutes, Tamie says, will most likely be challenging to catch. “It’s definitely a fitness test,” she remarked. “There are a lot of things uphill – you’re kind of always going uphill. There’s lots of turning around on the track, so that will be taken into account as far as making the time. Anytime you’re not galloping and you’re turning, the time becomes more tricky. But everything looks reasonable and I think just like with any course you will have to go out and be focused and make sure your horses understand the questions.”

As for her two CCI4*-L rides, they couldn’t be more opposite in terms of style, Tamie says. While EnVogue is more of a go-getter (“she actually really thrives on that type of ride,” Tamie explained), Danito needs a bit more focus to make sure he understands the questions. This is where Tamie says her job is to communicate – and to remember that the horse has only been going at this level for a year or so. “It comes so easy to him, I sometimes forget he’s new-ish to the level,” she said. “So I have to make sure that I do my job and focus and that he understands the job. He can do anything, it’s just a matter of me being on my ‘A’ game.”

The remainder of the CCI4*-L remains mostly unchanged after today’s concluding rides, though we did see Sharon White and the talented Claus 63 pop in to ninth place after earning a score of 30.1. This 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoo is making his CCI4*-L debut this weekend and shaves nearly 10 points off his previous four-star mark of 40 earned in his last FEI prep at Pine Top last month. Canada’s Dana Cooke and the FE Mississippi Syndicate’s FE Mississippi, an 11-year-old Württemberger mare by Cassini II, also move into the top 10 on a score of 30.5.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California Lead CCI3*-L

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Tamie Smith also put in another consistent and competitive test in the CCI3*-L with Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre California to take the overnight lead on a score of 26.7. This 10-year-old Argentinian mare by Casparo started her career show jumping in Argentina before coming to the States and originally training with David Adamo. She’s been with Tamie for about a year now, beginning her FEI eventing career under her tutelage, and she’s been the picture of consistency: she’s finished no worse than third in four international starts, save one withdrawal at Tryon last fall. Nationally, she’s finished outside of the top three just once since beginning her eventing career.

Despite this consistency, Tamie says the partnership between her and the mare is still developing – perhaps the best is still yet to come from this pair. She’s got all the pieces, Tamie says: super athleticism, a careful jumper, a good mover, a great hind leg – all of these key ingredients and the results they’ve been producing makes the fact that she once bucked Tamie off three times in a week easier to stomach! “It’s definitely taken us some time,” Tamie laughed. “I might have a green moment here or there on her because she is so careful, but she’s just been super consistent and she loves the cross country.”

Tamie’s giving the field a run for their money in terms of busiest rider; she’s also got two other rides – “really great Thoroughbreds” – this weekend, Linda and Terry Paine’s Cheers in the CCI4*-S (28th – 36.0) and Tamie’s own No App For That (48th – 38.7) in the CCI4*-L. “They maybe aren’t going to be low-20s horses, but they sure are going to zip around some cross country easily!” she commented, noting that she was particularly pleased with Cheers’ efforts despite the higher score than she anticipated.

The remainder of the CCI3*-L top 10 also remains relatively unchanged with one other pair – Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley HHS Calmaria, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare making her CCI3*-L debut – moving into position, taking a 31.2 and seventh place going into the next phase of competition.

Boyd Martin Back On Top with Long Island T in the CCI4*-S

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

After an unfortunate parting of ways at the Head of the Lake at Kentucky last month, Boyd Martin brought a fit and fresh Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern – Highlight, by Heraldik) back to Pennsylvania, where he went for a cross country school and set about making a plan B. “I was actually really happy with him at Kentucky even though we had a fall,” Boyd said. “He was being a good boy around the cross country, so I sort of held my head high knowing that we had sort of just tripped over the direct route on a forward distance. We came home and schooled and he was great, fit and confident.”

He certainly came out ready to work today, earning a 23.8 for a personal best at the four-star level for this horse.

The truth with event horses is: you have to strike while the iron is hot. So, Boyd saw fit to bring “Ludwig”, who is owned by the Long Island T Syndicate, here for a crack at the Short. Depending on how the weekend goes, maybe a trip to Germany for the Luhmühlen CCI5* in June might be in order, but first things first: “I’ll see how he feels around the track tomorrow.” The Short format horses will show jump first, a format that Boyd says he tends to prefer in terms of how it works for the horses.

“I generally much prefer to show jump first,” he said. “The horses are happier and healthier and feeling good – often after cross country they’re a bit sore and tired, so when possible I like to show jump first as I think they’ll enjoy it a bit more.” For Long Island T, show jumping first might also be useful in terms of containing energy: “He can be a bit strong and fast and furious at the beginning of cross country and so I’m hoping that doing show jumping before might take a bit of the zip out of him.”

Sitting second in the CCI4*-S are Liz Halliday-Sharp and the Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master), who seriously impressed us all weekend at Kentucky where he finished third in tough and testing conditions in the CCI4*-S. Keeping with the trend of improving on Kentucky scores, this pair bested their score today by earning a 25.6, a 2.5 point improvement from their last start and a personal best at the level.

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Third in the CCI4*-S are Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing LLC’s CharmKing, who earned a 28.4 in their third start together since Holly’s return from maternity leave. CharmKing was kept busy by Lillian Heard while Holly was pregnant, and now they’re reunited and got off to a rocking start with an Intermediate win at Carolina earlier this spring.

Dan Kreitl Best of Day One in CCI3*-S

If you haven’t read the story Kate Samuels wrote on Dan Kreitl and his longtime supporter, Kay Dixon, earlier this year, you’ll definitely want to have a look – trust me, you’ll become a fan. Dan has focused on confidence in all of his horses, and he says both his CCI3*-S rides, Carmango and Horales, have great attitudes and blooming confidence as they look ahead to tomorrow’s test.

But the morning started off with a bit of frustration: Dan’s first ride, Horales, didn’t really go to plan, he said (they scored a 38.7 for a tie in 21st). “I just didn’t have a great warm-up so I was a bit frustrated,” he said. “He’s a super horse if I ride him well and he’s just much tougher to get through.”

Lucky for Dan, he’s got Ms. Miyagi Sharon White in his corner as the coach, and after a pep talk she sent Dan several of her go-to meditations to ponder before he got on Carmango (Chirivell – Taramanga, by Templer GL xx). Meditation, it seems, is a bit of a “try it once and you’ll see” type of practice, and that’s exactly what happened when Dan did his first session. Afterward, he texted Sharon and said it was time to go and win – and win the dressage he did, scoring a 26.7 to take the overnight lead.

“He felt awesome,” Dan told me after his ride. “He’s eight and has the best mind. He gives 100 percent every single day. My other horses try hard too, but this one is just easy and gives it all he’s got. I was super proud.”

Mastering the mind might be something we don’t talk about a lot (or, really, nearly enough), but it’s indeed half the battle when it comes to competition, and that’s a lesson Dan really began to embrace today. “I was way more focused (after the meditation session),” Dan said. “Sharon is all about the details and the horses being trained well, and so I have to show up on competition day. I think the horses are ready to do well and now it’s the mental part about showing up to deliver.”

Meditation is sometimes met with skepticism but, as Dan puts it, “I’m willing to try anything if it works!”

Dan says his personal weak phase is show jumping, so he’s keen to get a clean round under his belt before tackling the cross country track, which he says he’s feeling confident about for both of his rides. “They’re both fit and ready and if I can do well in show jumping I’ll feel pretty good about going around cross country.”

Elizabeth Bortuzzo and John Witte’s Belongs To Teufer will be second placed in the CCI3*-S after earning a three-star personal best score of 27.5. Belongs To Teufer is a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Teuflesberg who began his FEI career in 2018 with Elizabeth in the irons. This is the third season at the level for this pair, who capped off 2020 with a second place finish in the CCI2*-L at Tryon after completing the season at the Intermediate and three-star level.

Third in the CCI3*-S are Cosby Green and Edie Green’s Copper Beach, who won the then-CCI3* here at Jersey Fresh in 2014 with former rider Buck Davidson. Cosby acquired the ride in 2020 and moved up to the Intermediate and three-star level with Copper Beach this year. Their dressage mark of 28.0 is the best they’ve earned in their blooming partnership, putting them into excellent position ahead of the jumping phases.

Tomorrow, we’ll see the CCI3*-L on cross country first at 8 a.m. EST, followed by the CCI4*-L at 11:15 a.m. The CCI4*-S/CCI3*-S will show jump first beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST, followed by cross country in the afternoon. You can view the full schedule here. And, if you’re in the area, Jersey Fresh is pleased to welcome spectators this weekend! To view the USEF’s current Covid-19 regulations concerning spectator capacity, click here.

Many thanks to those on the ground at Jersey helping us keep up with the action. We sorely miss being there in person but hope to be there again soon. Enjoy a few more social media tidbits from the day – and Go Eventing!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [XC Ride Times/Order of Go] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Preview Morgan Rowsell’s Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L Cross Country Course

By on May 7, 2021 2:27 pm -

The three- and four-star tracks at Jersey Fresh International will boast a “new” course designer as longtime builder Morgan Rowsell has taken the reins with former head designer Capt. Mark Phillips staying on as the Cross Country Course Advisor. The course builder here since the event’s inception in 2003, Morgan now takes on the exciting task of making the track his own. His course design can also be found at Rocking Horse, Seneca Valley and ESDCTA, among others. You can read more about Morgan’s career here. He’s a busy guy and his dedication to Jersey Fresh is evident in his involvement – he’s also co-organizer this weekend alongside the hardworking Jane Cory.

Cross country will kick off this morning at 8 a.m. EST with the CCI3*-L division, followed by the CCI4*-L starting at 11:15 a.m. EST. The Short format horses will show jump this morning before tackling cross country later this afternoon. To view today’s schedule, click here.

Many thanks to Elisa Wallace as well as Zach Brandt and Audrie Stanka for providing a glimpse at Capt. Mark Phillip’s CCI4*-L track at Jersey Fresh this weekend. Take a look in Elisa’s latest vlog – she narrates the walk with some insight on how she plans to ride the questions and you’ll also be able to see her minute marker placings:

And here are some fence photos (many thanks to Zach, Audrie and Elisa for supplying!) to get more of a feel for what Capt. Phillips is asking of horses and riders tomorrow:

Lastly, here’s a map of the track the riders will be running tomorrow. It’s a 5700 meter track with an optimum time of 10 minutes even. You can also view course maps for the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and CCI3*-S here.

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Tamie Smith and Phillip Dutton In Early Control of CCI4*-L/CCI3*-L at Jersey Fresh

By on May 6, 2021 6:20 pm -

Tamie Smith and EN Vogue competing in Kentucky last month. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Not many surprises to be found at the top of the early leaderboards at Jersey Fresh International, presented by B.W. Furlong and Associates and Zoetis Equine, where the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L kicked off their dressage phase today. With a little over half of each division riding their dressage tests today, it’s Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s EnVogue in charge of the CCI4*-L with a score of 24.3 while Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool will take the early lead in the CCI3*-L on a score of 27.4.

Fresh off of a second place finish in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky last month, EnVogue (Earl – Laurena, by Laurie’s Crusador) was originally penciled in for her CCI5* debut in Lexington before Tamie elected to do one more CCI4*-L instead. After a gutsy performance over a testing (to say the least) cross country, Tamie said she was maybe kicking herself a bit for dropping down a level – but without a doubt this weekend will still be a great challenge for the 16-year-old Hanoverian mare’s spring season finale. It’s likely to be a bit different of a track than the mare saw in Kentucky; Jersey Fresh is known for its twisting and turning nature, but a heavy downpour yesterday should make for some excellent ground for those looking to make a crack at the time.

Today Tamie and EnVogue shaved 1.1 penalties off their Kentucky score, picking up a few extra marks in their walk and canter work, among other movements, compared to their Kentucky effort.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 at Galway Downs in 2020. Photo by Kim Miller.

Boyd Martin missed his last prep for this weekend with Luke 140 after two rather spectacular crashes on cross country at Kentucky (he opted to withdraw Luke 140 ahead of cross country to give himself time to mend), but he says it may have worked out just fine after all. “To be honest, I wasn’t too keen to run him at Kentucky as I don’t really like to run them two weeks apart,” Boyd said. “I think it’s a bit tough on their bodies. So it was actually good taking him to Kentucky and having that intense week of building up to a dressage test.”

Boyd and Luke 140 (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus), who is owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate, shaved 5.5 points off of their Kentucky score, solidifying Boyd’s thought that the abbreviated trip to the Bluegrass at least helped him pinpoint the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding’s weaknesses. But, he says, there aren’t many weaknesses to list on this one.

“He’s just a horse that oozes with class,” Boyd said. “He’s one of the only horses in the stable that really doesn’t have a weakness. He’s a mover, he’s a galloper, he’s young and fit and sound.” Despite some early growing pains – Boyd says it’s really about a two year period that it takes to really build a partnership, and this one took some patience – the pair has begun to gel, he says. Their trip to Galway last fall, where they notched their first 4*-L win together, was proof that things were coming together. “For sure at the beginning we butted heads a bit…little did I know that an overenthusiastic, feisty horse was my cup of tea!,” Boyd reflected.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Another pair who saw great success in their final run before Jersey, Kentucky CCI4*-S winners Alyssa Phillips and Oskar (Coriando – Nicole, by Marlo) will take early third place thanks to a score of 28.1. This is another pair that shaved some points off of their Kentucky score and Alyssa improved her score by 4.2 penalties. This weekend’s dressage score is the best the pair has earned at the 4* level – but it didn’t come without a bit of drama on the front end.

After returning home from Kentucky, Oskar came in from turnout with a swollen face. Alyssa was initially worried that his pasture mate may have kicked him and broken a tooth or a cheekbone, but after investigation by her veterinary team Oskar was found to be no worse for the wear. To avoid causing additional discomfort, Alyssa found herself doing some of her final flatwork preps in a halter – but hey, it seems to have paid off it its own way today!

“He’s a really chill horse, so it works out fine for him,” Alyssa commented. “And he was really good today. He was definitely more put together than he was in Kentucky. He’s pretty strong, so we’re always working on putting the pieces together and keeping the energy.”

Laughing when asked where she was able to get some points back today, Alyssa remarked that she was relieved to have done her extended trot in the right place this time. “At Kentucky he was a bit fresh, so it’s a little hard because he does get pretty strong. But he was in a great frame today and I could really ride him and that’s what we’re always working toward.”

The top five is completed by Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay (4th – 29.5) and a two-way tie for fifth between Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill and Canadian rider Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes, each sitting on a score of 29.6.

It’s also an emotional weekend for Canada’s Kyle Carter, who brings forth Christy and Ward Edwards’ Reddy or Not for her second go at the CCI4*-L level. It was three years ago today that Christy Edwards was tragically killed in a car accident, and thanks to the ongoing support of her husband, Ward, Kyle and “Reddy’s” partnership has continued in her honor – and this mare has, like a fine wine, just continued to get stronger and better. Despite an early end to their weekend in the Kentucky CCI4*-S at the final water, Reddy made all of the hard things on the cross country look easy and turned in a big score improvement on the flat in today’s test. Kyle and Reddy or Not earned a 29.9 for early seventh place.

 

3 years ago today we lost Reddys breeder owner and biggest fan to a tragic accident. So many people miss her and the joy she brought to us all. This is for all of those who have been watching and supporting the dream Christy Edwards had of seeing her favorite homebred at these competitions. ❤️❤️ to you all. Mikki Johansen
Ward Edwards and so many that she touched

The goal has been to get into the 20s and today we did!! First time at this level for that but she’s been developing to it for a bout 6 months. After Kentucky where we got a 36 I said to somebody she’s is so good 4 out of 5 times I’m not going to worry about it so I did what we had been doing and had Jen keep helping me chip away the problems. As usual it worked. Thanks Jennifer Carter lots to do but great way to start.

Posted by Kyle Carter on Thursday, May 6, 2021

Riding in honor of the late and legendary Anissa Cottongin this weekend is Jon Holling, who pilots Prophet – who was bred by Anissa – in his CCI4*-L debut. The 9-year-old Trakehner gelding by Tatendrang has been with Jon since his 4-year-old year, and it was always Anissa’s pleasure to follow the gelding as his career progressed. “I didn’t know her well before Prophet at all, and I got to know her very well,” Jon told The Chronicle of the Horse last month. “She was a friend. She would show up to any of the events she could show up to, but in the last year or so that got harder for her. She would do everything she could do to be there. I would send her videos on Facebook of him working, and she would get videos of him when she was in the hospital.”

Jon and Prophet, who is owned by Jon and Chuck McGrath, are just behind fellow Floridian Kyle Carter in eighth place on a score of 30.9.

We’re likely to see a few pairs come up to challenge the leaders in the final day of dressage tomorrow; notably, Tamie Smith will likely be in a duel with herself aboard another Ruth Bley-owned horse, Danito. Canada’s Colleen Loach and Vermont, who impressed more than a few with his performance in the Kentucky CCI4*-S, will also be ones to watch tomorrow.

Phillip Dutton Tops CCI3*-L After Day One

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

Phillip Dutton has another young horse to keep an eye on this weekend in Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (Quo Vados – B-Estelle, by Lord), a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding formerly campaigned by Dirk Schrade, Sabrina Mertens and Ben Leuwer. After importing the gelding in 2019, Phillip wasted no time getting acclimated and is now poised to navigate the gelding’s CCI3*-L debut this weekend. A dressage mark of 27.4 will be enough for the early lead – though Phillip is well aware that more potential is yet to come as the young gelding’s career progresses.

“I’m really excited about Quasi’s future,” Phillip commented. “He’s such an athlete with an incredible temperament. Today was certainly not a perfect test, so there’s plenty of room to improve as he matures and gets stronger.”

Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO at Fair Hill. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s been fantastic to see Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO‘s (Hirtentanz 2 – Annabel Lee, by Butow) partnership solidify over the past seasons, and this weekend marks the second start at the CCI3*-L level for the pair. Ally KGO, who is 10 this year, was found at auction in Wisconsin by the McCue family and originally produced through Training level by Morgan McCue before going to Caitlin. Earlier this year, Caitlin formed the Ally KGO Syndicate to secure the ride on the mare long term, and their dressage score of 27.5 is good for second place after day one.

Daniel Clasing, fresh off of a great weekend with his CCI5* ride MW Gangster’s Game, will be in early third place in the 3*-L aboard Jennifer Larkin’s Olney Uncle Sam on a score of 28.0. You may recall seeing Olney Uncle Sam out with Emily Beshear before going to Daniel’s program this season. They’re coming off a final prep at Fair Hill last month, where they contested the CCI3*-S.

We’ll see the remainder of the Long division horses do their dressage tests tomorrow as well as the Short format divisions – both a CCI4*-S and a CCI3*-S are running this weekend, too. I’ll be back tomorrow with a CCI4*-L cross country preview courtesy of Zach Brandt and Audrie Stanka.

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Enjoy a few more social media updates from #JFI3D thus far:

Dressage day for #LetitbeLee. He is number 81. #RiotGeartheOldenburg goes Friday at 11:32 and is number 136….

Posted by Elisa Wallace Eventing on Thursday, May 6, 2021

Ingrid Klimke, Michael Jung, Sandra Auffarth, Oh My! How to Watch the Marbach CCI4* on H&C+

By on May 6, 2021 5:30 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD competing at Aachen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Think Jersey Fresh is the only FEI event you should be paying attention to? Think again – this weekend’s four-star competition at Marbach in southern Germany is certainly one to watch, and even better, it’s the first European event that we’ll get to live-stream in full this year.  If you’re a H&C+ subscriber (which, you really should be!), you can tune in for the conclusion of dressage as well as stadium jumping and cross country phases tomorrow and Saturday.

Here’s a look at the broadcast schedule on H&C+:

It’s no surprise to see Ingrid Klimke and SAP Horseware Hale Bob OLD out in front after day one, earning a score of 24.6 from judges Dr. Helmut Mett and Hanna Rogge. Sweden’s Katrin Norling and Fernando-Ukato are in early second place on a score of 26.6, followed by 2014 World Equestrian Games gold medalist Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz in third on a score of 26.7. Not far behind in fourth are Michael Jung and fischerWild Wave, earning a score of 27.0. The defending Olympic gold medalist has three rides in the CCI4*-S this weekend: Highlighter, fisherWild Wave and fischerChipmunk, who we’ll see tomorrow.

To view the full dressage standings, click here. Ride times can be found here, and results for the coming phases will be found here.

You can catch the conclusion of dressage as well as show jumping tomorrow and the cross country test on Saturday. If you haven’t checked out all of the incredible on-demand content available on H&C+, you definitely should give it a look – and additional features such as live streaming from all over the world make the $9.99 per month cost well worthwhile! Click here to check it out.

Jog Day at Jersey Fresh: All Long Format Horses Through First Inspection

By on May 5, 2021 5:54 pm -

It’s always a quick turnaround between the first CCI5* of the year and, for East coast riders at least, the first CCI4*-L of the year. Typically held on Mother’s Day weekend in Allentown, Nj., the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day event commences today with all pairs in the Long format divisions presenting for the ground jury consisting of president Bobby Stevenson, alongside Christina Klingspor and Peter Gray (Mark Weissbecker and Helen Brettell are the ground jury for the CCI3* divisions).

We sadly do not have a reporter on the ground this year, but we’ll be doing everything we can to bring you updates remotely. This is the final Olympic selection trial and while many decisions were likely solidified at Kentucky last month, we may see some stellar performances this weekend that elevates a hopeful into a contender. You can preview the entry list in drawn order here.

We’ll see a handful of pairs rerouting here after tough luck at Kentucky as well as quite a few pairs who were seen in the inaugural CCI4*-S at Kentucky last month, so it may feel a bit deja vu keeping up with the action in New Jersey this weekend. Also featuring on the entry list are some pairs making their CCI4*-L debut – Jersey Fresh is always a big mark on the spring calendar as those not aiming for a five-star often earmark it as their big goal for the early season.

Dressage begins bright and early tomorrow at 8:20 a.m. with Allie Knowles and Business Class kicking things off in the CCI4*-L. The CCI3*-L also begins tomorrow with Boyd Martin and Wabanaki first down centerline at 8:20 a.m. We’ll see the Short format divisions start their competition weekend on Friday.

The First Horse Inspection this afternoon was mostly uneventful with just one horse, Sydney Shinn’s Paprika, held but passed upon re-inspection in the CCI3*-L jog. Here are a few glimpses at the early action from social media. Stay tuned for more from Jersey Fresh!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times/Order of Go] [Schedule] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Accepted at Jersey Fresh!
– Carla Abramcheck’s Quality Time in the 4*L
– (Pic 3 from left) Lisa Takada’s Monbeg…

Posted by Bourke Eventing on Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Get to Know the ‘Flyest Horse at Kentucky’ Grooming Award Winner Ayleen Stuhr, Groom to Anna Siemer

By on May 5, 2021 11:00 am -

We were pleased to present our “Flyest Horse at Kentucky” award to the sole German representative, FRH Butt’s Avondale, and her groom Ayleen Stuhr. FRH Butt’s Avondale was piloted by Anna Siemer, who completed her first CCI5* at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian in the top 30. We caught up with Ayleen just after she returned to Germany to get to know her and FRH Butt’s Avondale a bit more.

Coach Hans Melzer, Ayleen and Anna after the first jog at Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Ayleen Stuhr.

EN: How long have you been working with Anna?

AS: I started working for Anna directly after high school, so I have been grooming with Anna only for past 1 and 1/2 years. My first experience as a groom on international competition was at the European championships 2019. I still have my accreditation. I also ride, but on a much lower level than Anna! I’m very happy that I am allowed to ride Anna’s horses, because I don’t own a horse anymore.

EN: Was this your first overseas trip with Anna? How did you get to the U.S.?

AS: I travelled the whole way with Avondale. We started in Luhmühlen to Belgium, then we flew to New York. Because of the Quarantine we had to stay 2 days. After that we had long Trip with the Truck to Kentucky. I already was on a few international competition with Anna, for example Bokeloe, Strzegom, Barbarowko or Arville. But Kentucky was the first completion oversea, that was a real adventure.

Photo courtesy of Ayleen Stuhr.

EN: What is FRH Butt’s Avondale like at home?

AS: Avondale is a really brave and mostly calm mare. She really likes traveling and can also do it very well. We had to wait on the airport on the trip back home, so we unloaded her and grass a little bit. She acted like ist was totally normal. In the barn she loves looking out of the window and you have stroke her or give her a treat. Also in the barn doesn’t really have a nickname, mostly we call her Avondale or Avo.

EN: What was your routine while you were at Kentucky?

AS: Avondale was our only horse in Kentucky so we could focus on her. In the morning after feeding and cleaning we always went for a walk and a bit lunging. The rest of the day was depended on what happend, is for example dressage day or a little hack. Also Avondale really enjoyed her Mash in the evening. As a caretaker I am always a little bit excited, especially while traveling this long way. However, our time was pretty relaxed as we only had one horse with us and when it got stressful we could solve it quickly.

Photo courtesy of Ayleen Stuhr.

EN: Tell us about your favorite moment of the weekend.

AS: One of my favorite moments was when we drove to the Kentucky Horse Park for the first time, just overwhelming. Also the great dressage of Avondale and Anna. The really difficult cross country that both mastered with aplomb. I could list a lot more things like that, it was a great and exciting adventure.

Made it home safe and sound! Photo courtesy of Ayleen Stuhr.

EN: What is one of the most important things a groom should know?

AS: One of the most important things to know as a groom no matter in the barn or on competition is to keep your horse happy and fit.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on May 5, 2021 12:01 am -

The Nimíipuu, also known as the Nez Perce, have a legendary relationship with horses. One of the roles they play is that…

Posted by Strides for Equality Equestrians on Thursday, April 29, 2021

The social media team at Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) has been doing a great job of proving glimpses into pieces of equestrian history made even more rich and diverse by the distinctly different cultures that infuse the industry. I was really excited to learn a little about the Nez Perce tribe and the relationship they had with some of the earliest horses found in North America. When the horses were eventually seized by the U.S. cavalry, the tribe lost its nomadic culture and the horse, through subsequent generations of breeding, was lost. In 1995, the Nez Perce tribe created a registry for a new breed of horse – the Nez Perce.

“They realized the characteristics this new breed must posses would need to be exacting if it was truly going to resemble the historic horse of their tribe,” Cowgirl Magazine reports. “It was decided that the Appaloosa would be bred with the Akhal-Teke horse of Turkmenistan, possibly the most ancient breed in the world, and the purported mount of both Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. It is also thought to be a probable progenitor of today’s English thoroughbred by way of the Byerly Turk and the Darley Arabian. It has been suggested after much scholarly research on the subject, that the Akhal-Teke could be an actual ancestor of the original Nez Perce horse, according to Nez Perce elder Rudy Shebala, who spear-headed the program.”

You can read more about the Nez Perce and the Nez Perce Horse here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T.: [Website]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer]

Miami Valley H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Unionville H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

Wednesday Reading List:

Just a few hours remain to place your bid on the May Internet Auction from Sport Horse Auctions. You can check out our preview post here and the rest of the horses offered for sale here.

There’s nothing better than a good amateur story, and Alex Reed – who is competing in the CCI3*-L at Jersey Fresh this weekend – is one of them. Thanks to a good amount of determination and willingness to put it all on the line, Alex finds herself competing at the Advanced level with her OTTB, On Broadway. Read more here.

Are you an Area IV eventer? Then listen up: here’s your chance to win this season! The Area IV Young Riders Program is excited to offer a Pairs Payback Competition at Mill Creek Pony Club, Queeny Park, Summer Otter Creek and Fox River Valley Pony Club Horse Trials. With a small buy-in, you could win a portion of the prize money pot! Learn more here.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month – and horses can suffer from asthma, too! Learn some tips from Wren Burnley, DVM and Haygain here.

If you struggle with fear, anxiety or lack of confidence in your riding, the latest Noelle Floyd Masterclass might be for you – and this one is free! Learn more about the “Take Back Your Power” mini course here.

Several Young Event Horse program graduates competed at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event this year. Find out how the weekend broke down for these six alumni here.

Equestrian media job alert! The Paulick Report, an independent horse racing publication, is seeking a Weekend News Editor. To learn more and apply, click here.

Wednesday Video Break: Just a little #JFI throwback for you!

Tuesday Video: Just 30 Minutes of Ingrid Klimke Inspiration

By on May 4, 2021 6:00 pm -

Ingrid Klimke grew up counting the years in Olympic cycles thanks to the athletic success of her father and well-known equestrian legend Reiner Klimke. Traveling to places such as Seoul – the site of the 1988 Summer Olympics – gave younger Ingrid a taste of equestrian sport at the highest levels. In 2000, the year after Reiner’s passing, Ingrid would go to her first Olympics representing Germany in Sydney, Australia. She would also represent Germany in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), London (2012) and Rio de Janiero (2016).

Qualified to represent Germany this year in Tokyo in both dressage and eventing (though she’s sadly had a bit of hard luck, with both her dressage mount Franziskus and one of her top eventers, SAP Asha P, injured), Ingrid now also boasts double European Championship gold but is still seeking her first individual Olympic medal. Her trophy cabinet is far from thin, though: she’s collected three team Olympic medals, two team WEG medals and a bronze individual medal at WEG in 2018 to boot. She’ll also likely look to defend her European title, which she won in both 2017 and 2019, this fall at Swiss Avenches.

But don’t let me tell you all about Ingrid, hear from the queen herself in the latest episode of the FEI series “Icons” which looks back on the careers of legendary equestrian athletes and the partners who have helped their dreams come true.

Go Eventing.

Amateur’s Corner: Maggie Morgan on the Adrenaline Rush and Making It All Work

By on May 4, 2021 12:00 pm -

Welcome to Amateur’s Corner on Eventing Nation! The goal of this series is to gather perspective, experience, and advice from the hardworking and dedicated amateurs that populate our sport. We’ll be doing Q&A profiles with amateurs from all walks of life, hoping their experiences can help others working to balance horses with, well, the rest of life. Do you want to participate in an Amateur’s Corner Q&A? Send your tip to [email protected]. To read more Amateur’s Corner Q&As, click here. Next up is Maggie Morgan, originally from North Carolina, who when not competing on a cross country course can be found traversing the seas as a pilot and instructor for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Photo by Blake Morris.

EN: Tell us a bit about yourself!

MM: I just turned 37 this month and am starting my third season of eventing. I’m originally from North Carolina but have lived in Mobile, AL the past 3 years. I’m a U.S. Coast Guard pilot who currently instructs new and recurrent students in the MH-65 helicopter. I’m currently competing at training level with an Irish Draught Sporthorse named Kegan MacCruise (barn name Paddy).

EN: What or who gave you the “eventing bug”?

MM: My parents said I had the horse “bug” since I was a toddler and so they started riding lessons for me when I was 5 years old. Growing up, I competed in the Paint Horse circuit in North and South Carolina, and had the awesome experience of competing in the APHA World Championships in Texas a few times.

I took a long break from riding while going to college, taking flying lessons, and working on a career as an airline pilot. I briefly picked up riding for a few years in my mid-twenties but again took another long break as I transitioned from being an airline pilot to joining the U.S. Coast Guard to become a helicopter rescue pilot.

While at my first air station in San Francisco, the horse bug came back again, and I started taking lessons at a hunter/jumper barn. I loved jumping and heard about cross country but never got to try it out while living in California. I purchased a horse and six months later, moved across the country to Alabama to work as a MH-65 helicopter instructor pilot. I found an eventing barn 5 minutes from my house, had my horse shipped from California, and was immediately hooked on cross country after trying it for the first time.

Posing with one of the Coast Guard K9s after some in-water practice. Photo courtesy of Maggie Morgan.

EN: Tell us about your “work/life/ride balance”. What does this mean to you?

MM: It is definitely a challenge to balance everything and some days or weeks are better than others. I think the key is to be ok with the fact that sometimes I can’t do it all. There are going to be things that happen that throw off that balance. In San Francisco as a search and rescue pilot, I was frequently gone for two weeks at a time for work trips. I decided to focus on riding during the times I was home, take several lessons per week to make up for my time away, and work out an arrangement for my trainer to ride my horse while I was gone. While I would’ve loved to do all the training on my green horse by myself, it wasn’t feasible to do with my work schedule.

My job in Mobile is much easier to achieve a real balance because I rarely have to travel for work and my work schedule can be flexible. I make sure to also take time to do non horse related activities with friends and take vacation trips to see family. The one thing that stays consistent about being in the military is that we will live far from our families and move to new places where we don’t know many people. The barn family welcomed us immediately and has really made it feel like home living in Alabama.

EN: Describe a typical day in your week.

MM: My work schedule is very erratic and changes daily, so I don’t really have a typical day. My job consists of instructing in the helicopter, simulator, and classroom, as well as regular office work. I try to find time to ride in the morning or evening depending on the flight schedule. Some days I’m at work by 630 and some days I go in at 4pm for night flying. Fortunately, my barn has a lighted dressage arena and last week I found myself riding in the rain at night twice because of long workdays and needing to prepare for a show this weekend.

EN: What has been a challenge that amateurs often face that you’ve found a way to conquer? (Budget, vacation time, relationships, etc.)

MM: I’m extremely lucky when it comes to support from my husband. He is also a helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard with a demanding work schedule and is fully committed to supporting my horse and eventing obsession. After attending one of my first recognized shows, he decided we should get our own trailer so we can camp in it with our three dogs. He then found and purchased a two-horse gooseneck and installed living quarters in it by himself to make that idea into reality. He now comes to every show and is an expert in taking care of the horse, cleaning tack, mucking stalls, walking cross country courses, and putting in studs.

We have perfected our show routine as we’ve both learned more about eventing and he enjoys spending the weekends being outdoors. He also never complains about the money spent on anything horse related. I know money can be a source of contention between couples, especially if the other person isn’t a “horse person” and questions the necessity of vet treatments, therapies, supplements, etc.

Photo by Blake Morris. Blake Morris

EN: What is your best advice as an amateur rider? How do you “make it work”?

MM: I think you can make anything work if you really want it to. It takes prioritizing what is truly important and building relationships to get you there. This sport is nearly impossible to do alone. One thing I love about eventing is the community. Everyone seems to be very supportive of each other and as an amateur rider you need lots of support to make it work. It’s imperative to find trainers and friends who are willing to help you achieve your goals. I’ve made lots of friends and connections through eventing. I could not do this without the huge support from my trainer, Stephanie Tyler-Wright and my barn family.

EN: What drives you/motivates you the most?

MM: I’ve always been a very motivated and competitive person who loves an adrenaline rush. I’m motivated by the thought that I have to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity because we aren’t guaranteed the next day. So far in my career, I’ve known several people who died at a young age in aviation accidents, and I don’t want to live with any regrets. I try to say yes to any opportunity, whether it be a horse show, vacation with family, or hangout with friends.

EN: What is the best or most impactful piece of advice you’ve gotten as an eventer?

MM: The best advice I’ve had is to remember to have fun. This sport has lots of highs and lows, which can be very frustrating. In the end, I’m doing this sport because I enjoy it and every day I get to ride or compete is a privilege, even if it’s not going as well as I hoped. Especially in the past year with Covid restrictions, I feel lucky to participate in a support that is able to hold competitions.

EN: In one sentence, what does the sport of eventing mean to you?

MM: Eventing balances my life by giving me goals and a place to relieve tension away from my high stress job. When I go to the barn or a show, I rarely talk or think about work. I believe one reason my husband and I both enjoy eventing so much is because we can escape our worklife and still participate in a high paced and exciting sport. The eventing family has become an important part of our life and makes us feel more connected to the community in area.

Maggie Morgan with the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter she calls home for work duties. Photo courtesy of Maggie Morgan.

EN: What is something with the sport that could evolve to better serve its amateur riders?

MM: I wish there were more opportunities for scholarships or financial support to help amateur riders compete and attend clinics to improve their riding. The sport is so expensive, and a lot of times amateurs have to spend money for services that they don’t have time to do themselves. I try to ride 5-6 times a week, clip my own horse and clean my own tack but some sometimes I have to pay someone else to do those tasks when my work schedule is demanding or I’m out of town.

With two incomes and no kids, my husband and I are able to budget our show and horse expenses comfortably. However, I know many amateurs who are single, have several kids or just starting their careers, and they have to make difficult decisions on how they should spend a limited horse budget. Many times, it means they can’t attend shows or skip on lessons/clinics. Add any unforeseen vet bills, which seem bound to happen to everyone, and the budget gets harder to manage.

EN: Having a military lifestyle often means a lot of moving around. How do you manage your demanding, ever-changing lifestyle and your horses?

MM: As far as military life goes, it can be tricky with moving around every few years. So far I’ve only had one move but we are due to rotate next summer and are very anxious about where we could be headed. We are making our requests based off of locations where I can continue to event, so hoping to stay on the east coast. It is stressful always having to think about the next move and never getting to really settle down. Having our own trailer will be helpful to be able to haul for shows and clinics by ourselves if needed in our next move.

I’m hoping to find an eventing barn. If not, my second choice would be a jumper or dressage barn where I could haul to schooling for show jumping and cross country. While in California, I shipped my horse to Alabama and that was a stressful process that took over a month to coordinate. I tried 3 or 4 companies until I could find one that could do that route. Once again, I was lucky to have a trainer I trusted in California to take care of and ride him after I moved. For the next move, we plan to haul ourselves and that will be a new adventure. I’m also on a few facebook groups for military equestrians. These types of groups help people find barns and shipping options when transferring.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching new barns in potential locations and will go see them in person once we get official orders to where we are moving. When moving to Mobile, we took a long weekend for house hunting and our first stops were to check out a few barns. I’m glad I looked at them in person before making a decision because websites can be deceiving. I went with my gut instinct based off the visit to the facility and after talking to the owner and trainer and that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

My work and bosses have been very supportive of eventing, especially after I gave a quick explanation of the sport. Like most people, they didn’t understand equestrian sports and mostly thought of horse riding as trail rides or western style riding Even with strict Covid restrictions on travel, they allowed me to attend shows last year because of the sport being completely outdoors and because of the new rules the USEA/USEF implemented.

Four Horses We’re Eyeing in This Week’s May Sport Horse Auction

By on May 3, 2021 6:17 pm -

One strangely great thing to have emerged to the forefront on the heels of the pandemic is the concept of a virtual sport horse auction. Of course, Tim and Cathy Jennings have been running their auction business, SportHorseAuctions.com, in a virtual format since 2012 – but after the unusual year that was 2020 brought these options to the limelight, business is booming.

Tim Jennings first founded the family’s auction company with his brothers in 1978, quickly establishing the brand as a recognizable platform for quality horses across all major disciplines. As the industry has shifted over time, Sport Horse Auctions has evolved with it. This week’s auction, which closes tomorrow, May 5, is the manifestation of that evolution and features a wide array of primarily U.S.-based horses for all types of buyers.

For those who are currently horse shopping, the process has been streamlined to offer prospective purchasers resources on the horses as well as veterinary records and x-rays. All transactions are handled through Sport Horse Auctions, making the process transparent and safe for the shrewdest of buyers. You can learn more about buying on SportHorseAuctions.com here.

There are a total of 27 horses available in the May Internet Auction, the full catalog for which can be viewed here. Here are a few we’re eyeing!

Lot 1: Kahuna

Kahuna is a big bay 6-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Harlington x Dazzle Dixie) available in Florida. He’s a sweet guy with a big presence looking for his person. Kahuna has done some recognized shows and could go in any direction with his new person.

Lot 3: Street Warrior

Looking for your next packer type? This adorable Thoroughbred gelding in Virginia might just be the trick! “Roo” is a 16 hand, 10 year old Thoroughbred who has successfully competed in jumper ring up to the 1.0m, has done recognized Beginner Novice and unrecognized Novice eventing with scope to do Training. He has competed with a junior the past two years competing in derbies, starter trials and a recognized event.

Lot 6: Apinionated Lady

Apinionated Lady is an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Apiro x Cattywampus) who has spent some time in the jumper arena but has talent and scope to do more. This mare is located in Arizona and is said to be brave to jumps but comfortable to ride. She might be your next bold eventer!

Lot 14: Waiting Game CM

This is a 2016 bay Canadian Warmblood gelding (Checkmate x Enya) standing 16.3 hands and located in Florida. Started by a young horse professional in Florida, Waiting Game CM is ready to move on to be finished in any direction. He’s got a light, ground covering step that would suit any discipline and looks like a solid young horse to bring up the levels.

This month’s auction closes tomorrow (May 5) so don’t wait to get your bids in!

Stop What You’re Doing and Watch This Adorable Helmet Cam Right Now

By on May 3, 2021 1:30 pm -

When I got Keira this helmet cam I didn't realize just how funny she is…..the audio is priceless! This is Flower and Keira at Loch Moy Yesterday doing Show Jump and XC….

Posted by Debbie Reichert on Sunday, April 18, 2021

Meet Keira O’Connor-Reichert and her 12.2-hand Welsh pony, Pine Creek’s Snapdragon (Evans Cirque Du Drallion – Cymareg’s Rain or Shine), or “Flower”. This pair tackled the Loch Moy Schooling Derby last month and strapped on their helmet cam for the ride. Here’s some more about Keira and Flower from mom Debbie:

“Flower is a jumping superstar! Flower and Keira had a rocky start initially a couple years ago. A lot of falls and tears in the first year. We leased her from someone as her other pony had been hurt and was on stall rest, and after a year we just HAD to buy her. We have had her three years now. She was bred to be a hunter (most of her siblings/cousins are) and I think she may be the only event pony in her lineage. She won third at Devon as a foal in Hunter Breeding and because she was the last foal of Loch Kelly, and she was never sold to anyone. She was leased out to a camp and then ultimately to us.

Photo courtesy of Debbie Reichert.

We knew right away she was special. Keira really learned to ride well when she got Flower if she wanted to stay on because she is FAR from an easy pony ride. She’s forward, fast and quick to jump. She’s always been a fabulous jumper but this year she moved up to Beginner Novice and its been a bit of a rough start with some stops in Show Jumping. There are not many 12.2 ponies at that level in eventing. This was her second event of the season where she went clear both rounds!

Photo by Dr. Lauren Klutchka.

Keira has always talked to her ponies religiously but I never realized until I saw this helmet cam just what she does! She gives Flower so much confidence and Flower really responds to her voice that this was a pair made in heaven!”

It’s a story of resilience and versatility on all accounts. For Keira, whose biological mother passed away when she was four, life changed quickly, but with those changes brought the familial support of her aunt and now adoptive mother, Debbie, and her husband, Steve, as well as the company of horses. “I only started her in horses because I have a farm and I thought horse therapy would help her deal with any pain she had emotionally,” Debbie told EN. “So, I started with my horse Keegan and gradually introduced her to riding. She began riding at five years old and became a member of Pickering Hunt Pony Club. Nancy Ligon of Firefly Farm is her trainer in Glenmoore, Pa. Keira has turned tragedy into being the most positive kind child on the planet. She overcame so much trauma and as a result I think is so supportive and kind to her ponies.”

Enjoy the ride, and kick on, Keira! If you want to follow along with Keira and her riding, you can do so on Instagram here.

Medina Spirit: The $1000 Colt Who Won the 147th Kentucky Derby

By on May 3, 2021 11:00 am -

Embed from Getty Images

You may not ordinarily associate the name “Bob Baffert” and the term “inexpensive horse”, but in this context in particular it’s beneficial to remember the Kentucky Derby’s winningest trainer’s modest beginnings in the sport. His first Derby winner, Silver Charm, wasn’t quite as bargain bin-priced as 2021 winner Medina Spirit – but at $85,000, in racehorse terms he may as well have been. It’s safe to say, then, that he, like most of the eventers reading this, is not one to turn up a nose at a modestly priced horse that might not have caught the eye if you saw him in the flesh.

It’s just one reason why this year’s plucky colt who showed tenacity and grit on the homestretch on Saturday makes for a movie-ready story. Medina Spirit (Prontico – Mongolian Changa, by Brilliant Speed) was first sold for just $1,000 – the minimum bid at the 2019 Ocala Breeders Sale where the colt was listed as a yearling. Bred in Florida by Gail Rice, who calls upon the generations of horse knowledge in her family to run a small breeding operation and select lesser-known matches, the then-unnamed colt by the freshman sire Prontico only caught the eye of one bidder at the January OBS sale. Christy Whitman of Whitman Sales was on the hunt for bargains, and the colt with the great walk and the correct angles ticked the boxes on her checklist. One minimum bid later, and Christy had herself the find of a lifetime.

Watch Medina Spirit’s appearance at OBS in 2019, where he sold for $1,000:

Eventually, Christy with the help of exercise rider Jose Gallego would bring the inner talent of the dark bay colt to light, selling him to now-owner Amr Zedan of Zedan Racing Stables for the still paltry and unchallenged amount of $35,000 via bloodstock Agent Gary Young. The thing that caught Amr’s eye? The colt’s sire, Prontico – not a particularly well-known sire in his own right – had been campaigned by his friend, Oussama Aboughazale.

Amr named the colt Medina Spirit after his and Oussama’s hometown and the prominent Islamic pilgrimage site in Saudi Arabia. After first going to Bob Baffert’s program under his Los Alamitos assistant, Mike Marlow, Medina Spirit quickly showed his worth stretched far beyond his purchase price. It’s even said that the colt gave Bob Baffert inklings of his predecessor, Silver Charm.

Embed from Getty Images

So it may not have been the sleek champion Essential Quality or the highly touted Mandaloun who would take the crown on the first Saturday in May. Rather, it’s a reminder of something that all in the equestrian world know well: a true measure of a horse’s worth lies not in their monetary value but in their heart. And it’s this gutsy little horse who kicked out to the lead on the biggest racing stage in the country, fought his heart out to keep his streak of not allowing other horses to pass him alive, and crossed the wire ahead of three hard-charging challengers.

Embed from Getty Images

It was the stuff movies and dreams are made of – in fact, Medina Spirit’s breeder Gail Rice perhaps said it best: “This is a passion, but when it comes to fruition like this, how can it be more validating? You don’t have to have a lot of money. When God gives you his favor, it doesn’t matter where you came from,” she said.

Watch the replay:

Weekend Winners: Barnstaple South, Fresno, River Glen, Waredaca

By on May 3, 2021 9:00 am -

We love wrapping up your weekend each Monday morning, and no matter whether or not you brought home a ribbon for your efforts, we hope that any weekend spent out eventing is worth its while. A big shout-out to the riders we know and love shaking off their five-star hangover (and here’s looking at everyone else involved with the event who was right back to the grind this past week!) and getting their younger horses out competing over the weekend. No rest for the wicked, eh? Or maybe it’s the insane. Either way, we’re right there with you sharing the love for this crazy sport!

Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week goes to Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz, who won their Training division at Fresno County Horse Park in California on a score of 18.8. This is a personal best for this pair, who have been competing together for just under a year. Congratulations! Now let’s round up the rest of the winners from the four USEA-recognized events this weekend:

Barnstaple South May H.T.: [Final Results]

Open Preliminary: Blake Fortson and Quiana AF (30.4)
Open Training: Maxine Preston and Shannondale Magnum (27.7)
Training Rider: Jerry Barnette and Evan Almighty (33.8)
Novice Rider: Wendy Low and Pybyru (31.0)
Open Novice: Anna Loschiavo and Contefino Grande (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Audrey Bennett and Bad to the Bone (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Hillary Irwin and Konecke (28.3)

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: [Final Results]

Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Nemesis (31.3)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Get Wild (22.0)
Preliminary Rider: Taylor McFall and High Times (31.6)
Open Modified: Amanda Boyce and Mercury (31.5)
Open Training: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz (18.8)
Training Rider Junior: Coco Meerkamp and Dalanteretto (28.8)
Training Rider Senior: Matthew Walley and Cassiopeia (31.4)
Novice Rider Junior: Ellie Eyhorchuk and Russian Roulette (32.4)
Novice Rider Senior: Jordan Chase and Wellington (31.9)
Open Novice: David Adamo and Desdemona (23.8)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Bridget Sibley and Venus (34.0)
Beginner Novice Rider Senior: Stefanie Gladen and Columbus (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Sarah Bonfield and Angel (28.0)
Introductory Rider: Katherine Jackman and Lookit Louie (33.3)
Open Introductory: Caitlin Davison and KeepSake (29.7)

River Glen H.T.: [Final Results]

Open Intermediate: Alexandra Green Kerby and Isslehooks First Sight (41.5)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Alexandra Green Kerby and Fernhill Leitrim Lass (38.1)
Open Preliminary A: Alexandra Green Kerby and Fernhill Corbeagh Delux (36.1)
Open Preliminary B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (30.1)
Preliminary/Training: Hannah Warner and Drombane Dynamite (36.2)
Training Horse: Alexa Ehlers and Curraghraigue Clear Future (31.9)
Open Training: Alexandra Green Kerby and Fernhill Vitality (34.8)
Training Rider Junior: Annabelle Friend and Fine With Me (32.4)
Training Rider Senior: Eric Sampson and Pancho Villa (29.3)
Training/Novice: Olivia Marsh and Decadence (33.3)
Novice Horse: Alexandra Green Kerby and Fernhill In Motion (29.1)
Novice Rider Junior: Sidnee Milner and My Valentine (29.5)
Novice Rider Senior: Stephanie Friece and Zander (31.7)
Beginner Novice Horse: Laura Crowl and C’Zara (28.1)
Beginner Novice Open: Emily Brooks and Nucifera (33.6)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Kennedy Daley and Classic Coin (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider Senior: Tori Coakley and First Fling (37.5)
Starter Junior: Riley Jones and Endgame (34.8)
Starter Senior: Mason Fierro and Brew (30.8)

Waredaca H.T.: [Final Results]

Intermediate: Monica Fiss and Malibu Rock (65.0)
Intermediate CT: Morgan Connelly and Benevolence (60.6)
Open Preliminary: Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Versace (31.8)
Preliminary Rider: Zara Flores-Kinney and Elusive Dassett (39.8)
Modified A: Martin Douzant and Beall Spring Seahawk (35.2)
Modified B: Stephen Bradley and Erika Louvo (25.7)
Open Training: Daniel Clasing and Butts Arthur (31.0)
Training Rider A: Erin McElhone and Mamoobil (31.2)
Training Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (36.1)
Novice Horse: Jan Byyny and Layla LFS (26.2)
Novice Rider A: Isabella Craft and WallE’s World (28.3)
Novice Rider B: Julie Augustine and Texas Riddle (31.2)
Novice Rider C: Rachel Narrow and Nui (27.6)
Open Novice: Kurt Martin and Jump Street Hero (26.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Elizabeth Burns and Nazrullah (31.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Carla Lindsay and Paint Misbehavin’ (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Tommy (28.3)

How to Watch NBC’s Land Rover Kentucky Recap Today!

By on May 2, 2021 9:30 am -

If you still can’t get enough Kentucky (and we won’t blame you if you can’t!), you’ll want to set your DVR or tune in live for the annual NBC recap show at 12:30 p.m. EST today. If you have NBC or a streaming service carrying NBC, you’ll be able to tune in for the recap which also features highlights, interviews and all the excitement condensed into an hour-long show.

Don’t forget: NBC and NBC Sports will be the carrying network for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. We can help ensure that equestrian events are shown on NBC’s programming schedule by watching this and other equestrian events on the channel now – your support matters!

Wanting to catch the whole replays? I certainly know I’m spending some time rewatching what I missed this weekend! You can do so on USEF Network’s on-demand page here.

Photo Gallery: Those Kentucky Completion Feels

By on Apr 29, 2021 2:00 pm -

My favorite place to hang out during the final day of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is, without fail, the ramp leading to Rolex Stadium. I invariably get goosebumps watching rider after rider trot down the ramp to seal their weekend and I find myself sharing in the emotions felt by all as they make their way back up, both after good and bad rounds. I thought I’d share some of these moments with you as my final farewell to the 2021 event, which was special in many ways – mostly because it was happening at all.

Here’s to another weekend of highs and lows! It was an honor to document them all week long. To look back on all of EN’s LRK3DE coverage, click here.

Vote for the VIP Equestrian LRK3DE Top Dog Winner

By on Apr 28, 2021 1:30 pm -

The always popular Top Dog at LRK3DE contest has come and gone and we’re pleased to bring you this year’s finalists! Whether you watched at home or were lucky enough to be on site as a groom, owner or volunteer, there were plenty of dogs also following along with the Kentucky action. The winner of this year’s Top Dog contest will receive a VIP Equestrian saddle pad, which you can learn much more about here.

Let’s get to our finalist entries! To vote, please use the poll at the bottom! We’ll close the poll on Friday, April 30 at 5 p.m. EST.

Bear, submitted by Breanna Nordseth:

Bear practicing his dressage judging. Submitted by Breanna Nordseth.

Rey, submitted by Kristen Kanicki:

Rey – submitted by Kristen Kanicki

Willard:

Willard the Irish “Floof”hound.

Flynn, submitted by Kerri Lynn:

Flynn the “Wayward Weiner”. Submitted by Kerri Lynn.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Apr 28, 2021 12:01 am -

Last week, Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) announced its new scholarship, the Ever So Sweet Scholarship, in partnership with the USEA Foundation, Edy Rameika and Sara and Brian Murphy. This scholarship, which will provide the opportunity to train at Sara and Brian’s Overlook Farm in Berryville, Va. for three months, includes a living stipend, housing and a proper education in the workings of a professional program. The group at SEE has been working hard to create opportunities for more riders to make inroads as equestrians, and this is one step forward in the right direction. To learn more about the Ever So Sweet scholarship, click here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Barnstaple South H.T.: [Website]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

River Glen Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Waredaca H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [Volunteer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Now here’s something pretty cool. We talk a lot about the idea of opportunity and bringing it to underserved and underrepresented populations. Student riders at the University of Maryland – Baltimore teamed up to begin offering riding lessons at The City Ranch in Baltimore. This program is intended to help more young riders learn about horses and horsemanship, and with the supplement of riding lessons it’s one more way for someone to get “the bug” and look for other opportunities to stay around horses. More on this later after I do some more digging!

Diversity is more than just a buzzword. Some barns, such as Warrenton, Va.’s White Oak Stables, have tried to find more ways to be active allies to equestrians of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Through her efforts to provide some equipment, scholarship opportunities, and just the chance to learn how to ride, White Oak Stables owner Greta “Jade” Krafsig has prioritized the fostering of an inclusive community. You can read more about Jade’s incredible work here.

Looking for a clinician to book? Learn about the background and teaching philosophies of the latest USEA featured clinician, Daryl Kinney.

Many riders competing at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event last week (how was it already last week?) are big fans of Haygain – and there’s a reason why! I’ve been seeing more and more Haygain steamers popping up on my social media feeds, in both large and small, amateur and professional programs. Read more about the Kentucky riders who use Haygain here.

Wednesday Video Break:

Just because the round was just so good, watch Tamie Smith and Mai Baum tackle the CCI5* cross country at LRK3DE:


Make It a Hat Trick: Oliver Townend Takes Third Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Title

By on Apr 25, 2021 7:26 pm -

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmore Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

He’ll take three, please! Great Britain’s Oliver Townend meant business when he sent in his two entries for this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian, and he sealed the deal aboard the horse that had yet to claim a victory (or make a trip) here: Angela Hislop, Karyn Schuter and Val Ryan’s Ballaghmor Class (Courage II – Kilderry Place). Today he equals Germany’s Michael Jung as the second rider in Kentucky history to win the event three times in a row.

As is typical on Sunday afternoon during Kentucky, you could hear a pin drop in Rolex Stadium as the standings ticked down and the rails continued to fall. As was the theme this morning in the CCI4*-S, Steve Stephen’s track tested the horses fresh off an equally trying cross country track – as such, just seven riders of the 44 remaining starters produced double clear rounds.

This meant Oliver Townend entered the ring under an immense amount of pressure. This isn’t something he’s unfamiliar with – he’s not had a rail to spare in all three of these Kentucky wins, and each time he delivered a clear round inside the time. When asked about the pressure, it was clear that Oliver all but embraces it.

“Tim has me under pressure every week in England,” he joked. “We’re the biggest pain in each others’ backsides…it’s very competitive in England so you kind of get used to the feeling. You can never write these guys off.”

Oliver Townend Ballaghmor Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“Of course I’d have loved them all to drop a rail,” he grinned. “But look, it’s just what’s so special about our sport, that tense finish and no margin for error and I think that’s what got everyone so excited at home. I don’t think between us that we could have credited a better finale so it’s been a wonderful day for all of us.”

Ballaghmor Class, who has historically been known to knock a pole or two, had no plans of keeping in line with history, though and jumped a classical clear round to cement Oliver’s third victory here in as many years. They will end the weekend just barely off their dressage score on a 27.3.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s just another accolade to the growing list of accomplishments for the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Courage II that has been in Oliver’s yard since he was just four years old. “Thomas” certainly set the bar high when he entered the then CCI4* ranks, winning Burghley in 2017 at his first attempt at the level. This weekend marks his sixth CCI5* and his sixth time finishing in the top five. To say he’s consistent would be a massive understatement, as it would be to say that Oliver loves the horse more than just about anything else in the world.

“Today he felt in incredible shape,” Oliver said. “I’ve never felt him as good and as careful.” This was the first time Ballaghmor Class has show jumped on footing at a five-star – his comfort in the footing may well have contributed to the freshness Oliver felt beneath him that left no doubt and all the rails in their cups.

2021 #LRK3DE Champions Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class

It’s officially a three-peat #LRK3DE victory for Great Britain’s Oliver Townend.🥇Townend and Ballaghmor Class topped the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event after a flawless show jumping round that led them to finish on 27.3 penalties, which awarded them the win and put them in contention for the ROLEX Grand Slam of Eventing. 🥈Second place went to Tim Price (NZL) on 28.2, while🥉Jonelle Price closed out the top three with 30.7.Thank you to the USEF Network for the video coverage!

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Sunday, April 25, 2021

“We’ve had him since he was four years old, so we know him very well,” he described. “He was very sharp all the way through and still can be. But that sharpness, when we’ve managed to bend it, is what makes him so special. He has got that extra gear in comparison to most horses so when you say ‘go’, he really can go. He used to go when he wanted to go – it was more his choice than yours. Now he’s very professional about what he does. He knows his job, he knows what day it is. It’s hard to put your finger on what makes him so special, but he definitely, definitely is.”

Tim Price and Xavier Faer. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Two-thirds of the New Zealand contingent here, husband and wife duo of Tim and Jonelle Price, did all they could to put the pressure on and each delivered jump fault-free rounds. It would be Tim Price and the 15-year-old British Sport Horse gelding Xavier Faer (Catherston Liberator – Faerie Dazzler, by Catherston Dazzler), who was third here in 2019, steadily climbing from 11th after dressage into second overall on a score of 28.2. Xavier Faer is owned by Trisha Rickards (who is also his breeder), Nigella Hall and Tim Price.

After lowering three rails with Bango earlier on, Tim knew his work was cut out for him aboard the higher placed Xavier Faer. “I thought it was a very difficult show jumping course,” he said. “It had all sorts of elements. The time wasn’t just a gimme. You had to work for the clock. I thought there was an opportunity in there to jump a clear round. I thought it was going to be difficult to manage a clear round today. I didn’t manage on my first horse and he’s been double clear in his two five-stars. Managed to get it done with this guy. It’s not the same as being in the lead, so you can focus on your job see where that leaves you.”

Jonelle Price and Grovine de Reve. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jonelle Price collected one second of time aboard the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse Grovine de Reve, finishing on the podium in third place on a final score of 30.7.

Grovine de Reve (Heremea de Reve – Erkina Jane, by Rimilis) had run around some big tracks including the 2018 World Equestrian Games with former rider Dan Jocelyn before coming to join Jonelle’s string in 2019. She said she spent some time installing the buttons she needed and adjusting to the new ride. Those efforts paid off in a big way today, and now she says he’s near the top of her string looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics. Grovine de Reve is owned by Therese Miller and Jonelle Price.

“I haven’t been given the ride on a lot of older more experienced horses,” she said. “He had jumped around the Worlds with Dan so it probably took a year to sort of change him a bit and adjust him to how I wanted to get him to go and my buttons. And the next year has been sort of fine tuning more and more and more. He’s not the most outward horse, we’ve sort of had to coax it out of him, but he’s got an immense amount of talent. He’s 75% Thoroughbred blood and he’s just given me more and more and I was really impressed with him.”

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin lowered one rail aboard Christine Turner’s On Cue to finish in fourth position on a score of 31.8, making him the USEF National Champion here for the second consecutive running of the event. He’d love to have that rail back, but, as he jokingly put it “I think it’s great that America gives a prize to the highest placed American!”

On Cue (Cabri D’Elle – On High, by Primitive Rising) surprised many with her stellar performance this weekend – even Boyd would have given the top finish among his string to the most experienced horse of the three, Tsetserleg TSF. But after an untimely fall on cross country yesterday with Tsetserleg TSF, it was the 15-year-old Anglo-European mare’s time to shine.

Land Rover #USAEventing CCI5* Eventing National Champions Boyd Martin & On Cue

"Obviously when you bring a horse to this level for this first time you don't know what to expect. She's unbelievable and exceeded all my expectations. She tried her absolute guts out and I'm just thrilled with her."At her CCI5* debut, On Cue helped Boyd Martin take home his second consecutive Land Rover #USAEventing CCI5* Eventing National Championship at #LRK3DE!(Thank you to the USEF Network for the video coverage throughtout the entire Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.)

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Sunday, April 25, 2021

Despite the rail, it was a heck of a debut for On Cue, who finishes her weekend on a score of 31.8 in fourth place.

“When you bring a horse to this level for the first time you don’t know what to expect,” Boyd said. “She exceeded my expectations. I really thought it would’ve been Tsetserleg that would have done better…she tried her absolute guts out and I’m just thrilled with her.”

Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Harry Meade capped off a successful weekend aboard the 12-year-old British Sport Horse Superstition, owned by Mandy Gray as well as Harry, rounding out the top five on a final score of 33.6 with one rail down. It was a comeback weekend for Harry, who completes his first CCI5* since finishing sixth at Burghley in 2018. Dealt a massive head injury to recover from in 2020, this weekend certainly has been a special one for Harry as well as for Superstition, who clinches his very first CCI5* completion.

Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Australia’s Kevin McNab also enjoyed a successful weekend in Kentucky, finishing sixth with Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam (Quidam – Nairoby, by Amethist), who climbed from 21st after dressage to finish sixth overall on a score of 34.6.

Jonelle Price and Classic Moet. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jonelle Price and the speedy and very experienced Classic Moet (Classic – Gamston Bubbles, by Bohemond) finished seventh on their dressage score of 35.2. “Molly” is 18 this year, and Jonelle says with the uncertainty of the British five-stars, she wanted to make the trek with the 2018 Badminton winner. Molly fans fear not, though, you may not have seen the last of the superstar mare – Jonelle thinks she may have one more five-star in her, so we may potentially see her out at Burghley later this fall (or hey, Jonelle, there’s a little event happening in Maryland this fall too you know…).

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

U.S. riders fill out the rest of the top 10, with Phillip Dutton jumping one of the fault-free round today with The Z Partnership’s Z to climb into eighth position on a final score of 35.2. Phillip was thrilled with Z’s efforts today, taking time to thank his team for all their hard work after he came out of the ring. This is another horse that has begun to show increased consistency as he’s matured – no doubt he’ll still be on the Tokyo selectors’ radar after this weekend.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It was a fairytale of a weekend for Tamie Smith and the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum, who capped things off with a double clear jumping round to finish ninth overall on a score of 38.8. It’s been a long, long road with the 15-year-old German Sport Horse by Loredano. I’ll let Tamie speak for herself here – grab a tissue:

Liz Halliday-Sharp didn’t have the ending she wanted with Ocala Horse Properties’ Deniro Z. The pair lowered two rails and picked up two seconds of time to drop into 10th place on a score of 39.0. It’s the 13-year-old KWPN gelding’s best finishing score at the CCI5* level, and Liz commented yesterday after her cross country that he’d finished strong and had given her a positive feeling about his progression. The career is, with any luck, still young for this pair and they’ve certainly got much to be proud of nonetheless this weekend.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The name of the game certainly was climbing the ranks this weekend, and all riders in the final press conference were quick to reiterate the importance of having a true, gritty event horse who could finish the job in all three phases to emerge successful at the end of the weekend.

Indeed, looking at the dressage rankings, the eventual top 10 this year contained six combinations who were placed 11th or worse after dressage. When the dust settled, aside from the leader all other places shuffled once again and left us with a different top 10 than what we had last night.

Looking to how the course rode today, we saw a total of 16 clear jumping rounds (37.2%), 12 pairs had one rail down (27.9%), nine had two rails (20.9%), three had three down (7%) and three had four or more down (7%). A total of nine pairs had rounds that were clear inside the time.

With so many incredible storylines this week I’m bound to miss a good few of them, but I leave you today with my favorite pair, Ema Klugman and Bendigo, who capped off their weekend by winning the Highest Placed Youngest Rider for the competition. They end their weekend in 33rd place, and while Ema is kicking herself for a hairy moment in the triple and a second rail down, it’s a weekend she won’t soon be forgetting. Take a listen:

And finally, Buck Davidson took a moment to reflect on the weekend – one where he finished Katherine O’Brien’s Carlevo in the top 20 and piloted Kat Cuca’s Jak My Style to his first five-star completion – and the sudden loss of his longtime friend and partner, Ballynoe Castle RM. “Reggie” was a special one who gave us many, many happy Kentucky memories, so it felt fitting to reflect on the experiences Buck had with him:

It’s hard to believe that the Kentucky Three-Day event has already come and gone. After the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic, life as we know it changed in more ways than we can name. The weekend was, above all, permeated with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude to be here, gratitude for the thousands of donations that allowed the event to run after initially canceling, gratitude that the sun finally peeked its head out just in time for the CCI5* conclusion today, gratitude that all horses and riders were back in the barn safe and sound last night. It’s easy to think “oh, it’s just a silly horse show,” for some – but it’s more than that for us. I know not everyone had the weekend they wanted – there were points left on the table, decisions that you’re kicking yourself for now – but I hope we’re all leaving the Horse Park tonight with a fresh sense of awe, appreciation and thankfulness. I certainly know I am.

Thank you so much for taking the time to follow along with us this weekend. Until next year (hopefully)! Go eventing.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Final Scores, CCI5* Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Alyssa Phillips Nabs Her First CCI4*-S Win in Epic Fashion at LRK3DE

By on Apr 25, 2021 1:07 pm -

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

If there’s any weekend to win your first CCI4*, why not make it that of the biggest, baddest four-star the country has seen in recent memory? Luckily, Alyssa Phillips says she rides better when she has some pressure – and now she’s the winner of this year’s newly-added CCI4*-S at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

That cool under pressure mentality came in great handy as Alyssa and the 12-year-old Holsteiner Oskar (Coriando – Nicole, by Marlo) not only turned in the quickest cross country in exceptionally tough conditions yesterday but also laid down a rare double clear show jumping effort this morning on a day that saw just five pairs do the same around Steve Stephens’ track. They end their weekend in first place on a finishing score of 37.9.

“I think I’m dreaming, I should probably pinch myself and wake up from it!” Alyssa said as she sat in her first Kentucky press conference. “It’s pretty unreal. It’s my first four-star win and I just couldn’t be happier, I’m over the moon.”

Alyssa reacts after realizing she’d won her first CCI4*-S. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Alyssa’s 2021 season has been off to a rocking start. With her two younger horses, Cornelius Bo and FE Celestino, she’d already collected seven wins and is currently on a nine-win streak that extends back into 2020 with the 7-year-old Cornelius Bo (who was actually purchased from German rider Anna Siemer, who is competing in the CCI5* this weekend). So, it’s safe to say Alyssa’s soaking up the moment – and the pressure she rode under all weekend makes this win that much sweeter.

“I pulled up the live stream and started to watch (yesterday),” she said of her cross country trip, which was the fastest of the day with 5.6 time penalties added. She moved up from 15th after dressage into second following the second phase. “Nothing was riding according to plan, so I was a bit nervous but I actually ride a bit better under pressure. I went to the warm-up and (coach Jennie Brannigan) told me ‘you know your horse, just ride to plan and be aggressive’.”

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

With the rain pelting in her eyes, Alyssa didn’t even check her watch while on course, knowing that the most important job was just to get home safely. Luckily, Oskar, she says, doesn’t require a lot of setup in front of a fence, making him more efficient despite not necessarily being the quickest horse in the field. It was the toughest track she’s seen, she said, saying her nerves actually helped her ride a little better.

Alyssa and Oskar – who she describes as “pretty much like a dog” around the barn – don’t have much time to celebrate this weekend, as they’re next heading to their first CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh in early May.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tamie Smith, the overnight leader with Ruth Bley’s EnVogue, just barely ticked a rail at fence 9A, the first of the treble, lowering her final placing to second on a final score of 40.2. Ever the practical professional, though, Tamie was quick to congratulate Alyssa, whom she has known for several years, and says for her, the competition is with herself. This event now sets Tamie and “EV” up for the Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L, the duo’s final destination before heading back to California after spending the spring out East.

EnVogue (Earl – Laurena, by Lauries Crusador), who is in her second full season at the Advanced level, has continued to grow into herself and Tamie says she’s thrilled with the 16-year-old mare’s progression.

“She hasn’t done much in her career,” she explained. “Ruth Bley started her as a young horse and she did a lot of Prelims with a girl who worked with Ruth and couple of Intermediates before coming to me. So shes only been up at Advanced for two years or year and a half and she’s a very – knock on wood – sound and strong horse. So I think she’ll do the long at Jersey and look at heading to Maryland 5 Star in the fall. With these horses, honestly age is kind of just a number if they’re feeling great and sound and good in their bodies. And every event she just keeps getting better and better so we hope to do some exciting stuff with her.”

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

We’re thrilled to see Liz Halliday-Sharp and the carefully produced Cooley Moonshine, owned by The Monster Partnership, slot into third place overall, ending the weekend with a firm double clear jumping effort to finish on a score of 42.5.

Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master) has competed at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion twice, finishing third as a six-year-old and second as a seven-year-old – suffice it to say, this horse is one to watch as his career continues. Just nine this year, Liz said she’s taken her time producing him. “He’s pretty green still, but I think it’s such a great opportunity to get a horse like him into this atmosphere,” Liz said after the first day of competition this weekend.

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Rails clattered down around the course this morning with problems relatively scattered, though fences 1, 6 and 7 seemed to collect the most penalties. Clear rounds were difficult to come by – perhaps an after-effect of the tiring cross country tomorrow, the atmosphere in Rolex Stadium, or any combination of those and other factors. Other riders collecting clear rounds were: Colleen Loach – who enjoyed a stellar weekend with both Vermont (4th – 45.8) and FE Golden Eye (12th – 71.1), Ann Goodwin and Fedarman B (6th – 58.3), Alex Baugh and Mr Candyman (7th – 58.7),

We’ll now get ready for the nail biter of a conclusion in the CCI5* which will kick off at 1:30 p.m. EST with the first group and the top 20 at 3 p.m. EST. We can’t wait to see how this all shakes out! Thanks for following along with us.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Live Scores, CCI5* Live Scores, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter