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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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

Latest Articles Written

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Oct 7, 2020 12:01 am -

I wanted to spend a bit of time this morning bringing some attention to SmartPak’s Our Path Forward pledge, first published back in July. In light of the social reckoning happening in the U.S., it’s become apparent that there is much improvement to be made on all fronts in terms of diversity and inclusion.

Here at Eventing Nation, we’re working on our own initiatives to work toward a more inclusive community, and we’ve looked to well thought-out programs such as SmartPak’s for inspiration and guidance. Take a look at the Our Path Forward pledge here. Here are a couple of highlights:

  • Culture– our stewardship of our SmartPak culture; the sum of our beliefs, values, and behaviors – and how we harness culture to make a difference.
  • Society– our contribution to the equestrian community, wider society, and the environment.
  • Growth – our ability to contribute to society and the environment is dependent on sustainable growth, underpinned by a thriving culture.

The company then goes on to outline initiatives it plans to undertake for each part of the pledge, ranging from a diversity-focused staffing plan, promoting sustainability within its supply chain, and working with BIPOC riders to determine future paths forward. It’s an example of a brand that’s wanting to put its money where its mouth is and effect real change. Three cheers for SmartPak!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Woodside International H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farms: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Ocala Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

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

St. John’s H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

War Horse Event Series H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Want to support a good cause while feeding your shopping addiction? You can shop through the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy’s AmazonSmile to direct a portion of proceeds from your purchase to the nonprofit riding organization, at no additional cost to yourself. Read more about PURA’s Concrete to Show Jumping program in this blog.

The Zara Buren Memorial Fund was established by the Buren family and friends to support talented young riders exhibiting horsemanship and a desire to learn, but perhaps lack in financial resources. Click here to learn more about #RideForZara and to donate.

Tickets for the 2021 Kentucky Three Day Event will go on sale in January. Typically we’d be gearing up to book tickets right around this time of year, but coronavirus has ensured that nothing is normal, and the delay comes as a result of ongoing uncertainty surrounding sporting events. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the event will go forward next year.

Don’t forget: the Retired Racehorse Project Virtual Vendor Fair is live until October 10. Save money and snag a great deal from the long list of vendors, all while supporting the future of the former racehorses we love so much. Click here to start shopping.

If you were competing at the Event Riders Masters, what would your song of choice be? As superfluous as it may seem, choosing a pump-up anthem can actually have some benefits for your mentality. Daniel Stewart talks about the usefulness of an “athletic anthem” in the latest USEA Tip of the Month.

Wednesday Video: The FEI re-shared this video on Twitter earlier this week, and it’s one I hadn’t seen before. Take a look behind the scenes with Freedom Zamapaladus, the founder of The Urban Equestrian Academy in the United Kingdom. Horses became a bright light in Freedom’s life and led him away from starting a criminal career.

Tuesday Video from Horseware: Catching Up with Paul Tapner

By on Oct 6, 2020 3:30 pm -

Click the image to watch the interview.

It’s been two months since Australian five-star rider Paul Tapner suffered a brain bleed after a fall from his top horse, Bonza King of Rouges, during a routine hack. The weeks that ensued were tumultuous for Paul and his family, but we’re pleased to report that Paul is doing well in his recovery. Horse & Country TV’s Jenny Rudall sat down for an interview with Paul and Georgina Tapner, who talk at length about the accident and its aftermath.

Paul had ventured out on the property in Wickstead, United Kingdom for an evening hack aboard “King” with his dog, Digger, at his side. But when King and Digger returned to the gate without him, Georgina and the couple’s 16 year old son, Josh, started the frantic search for the lost rider. Thanks to the Find My iPhone technology, Josh was able to locate Paul on the 500 acres and found him, incoherent and in pain, on the ground. Paul was subsequently airlifted to the hospital, where a small brain bleed was discovered.

Initially, the medical team told Georgina that the bleed would self-resolve and result in a concussion, and that her husband would likely be home in a few days. That wasn’t to be the case, as she received a call later that night informing her that a second brain bleed, indicative of a stroke sustained as a result of the initial trauma, had been found. The weeks that followed were full of ups and downs, most of which Paul has no memory of now.

Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Both Paul and Georgina say they’re grateful for the protection of the helmet Paul was wearing, which helped prevent his skull from fracturing in the fall, as well as the technology that allowed them to locate and navigate to the site of the accident.

As for what’s next? Paul had previously stepped away from heavy competition but had still been competing his top horse, Bonza King of Rouges, a 17 year old Irish Sport Horse gelding. Now, Paul says he doesn’t have many plans to return to competition. At some point, he says in the interview, it’s time to give one’s body a rest. Older riders, he notes, often feel a pressure to continue competing well into their 50s and 60s. “Since I was in my teens, I’ve been throwing myself from a horse, voluntary or involuntary,” he said. Now, he’s turned from a student of the sport to a student of proper physical recovery, embracing the help provided by physical therapists and other medical experts tasked with helping his body recover.

We’re relieved that Paul is doing well and as always encourage riders to wear properly fitted and certified safety gear – even when out on a hack with your best horse. Accidents can and do happen, and we’re thankful that Paul’s seen the other side of this one.

Go eventing.

Coming Soon: The Virtual Maryland 5* Event

By on Oct 6, 2020 1:00 pm -

Graphic courtesy of Maryland 5 Star.

While we sadly won’t get to hop on a plane to cover the postponed inaugural Maryland 5 Star this month, we are pleased to learn that the Fair Hill Organizing Committee has opted for a virtual format to promote the 2021 running with exclusive content and sneak peeks.

Scheduled for the dates of the original event, October 15-18, the 2020 Virtual Event will be a part of Maryland Horse Month, which was declared by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to recognize the abundant impact of the state’s horse industry.

Featuring during this virtual event will be four days of exclusive content and footage from the brand new Fair Hill Special Event Zone so that we can have a glimpse at what’s to come next year. New content will be released daily during the event at 12 p.m. EST on the Maryland 5 Star Virtual Event website and YouTube channel.

Here’s a look at just some of the content you can expect to see during the 2020 Virtual Event:

  • FEI dressage judge Gretchen Butts will teach viewers how to score a 5-star dressage test
  • Cross country footage from the Test Event held in September
  • Stadium jump design
  • Fashion forecasts from Dubarry

We’re anxiously awaiting the 2021 event after watching the progress made to add new facilities to the Fair Hill venue. It’s sure to be a landmark event for all in attendance, and in the meantime we’ll be tuning in for the Virtual Event next week. Go Eventing.

So You Want to Be a Show Announcer: How Jonathan Horowitz Went from Racetrack to Start Box

By on Oct 6, 2020 11:30 am -

Welcome to EN’s series, “So You Want To Be A…”. In an ongoing effort to educate those interested in getting more involved in eventing, we’ll be highlighting jobs and positions throughout the sport of eventing and how these individuals found their paths. Do you have an eventing-specific job that you’d like to learn more about? Tip me by emailing [email protected] and Chinch will get right on it!

Broadcasting Horse Races at Delaware Park. Photo by Hoofprints, Inc.

The stories created by sports are often unfolded as they happen by an announcer. Taught to call action, play-by-play or second by second, the announcer both informs and entertains those watching. Most of us can think of sporting calls that still echo in our heads. Larry Collmus’ call of American Pharoah’s winning of the Triple Crown in 2015 comes to mind as a recent example. It is the announcer who guides us through the action on every live stream and at every event we attend. Broadcast announcing brings stories to life in real time, and it’s the stories of the horses moving on from the racetrack that would eventually lead Jonathan Horowitz from racing to the sport of eventing.

Announcing is a passion Jonathan, 35, originally from Orange County, California, discovered as a young teenager while visiting Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress with his family. While he wouldn’t label himself a horse person in those years, he was nonetheless drawn to the action that to this day is unparalleled in its quick intensity.

“The announcer at a sporting event plays an integral role in the fan experience in terms of giving information, getting people excited, and just being a part of the atmosphere,” Jonathan tells me now. He’s just finished telling me about his “moment of discovery”, when the general manager of Los Alamitos approached him that night after observing Jonathan practicing into a tape recorder, standing at the rail with binoculars in his other hand. He was just 14 at the time.

Broadcasting Horse Races in Sweden. Photo by Nils Rosenkjaer.

While he’d go on to study journalism at the University of Southern California later, he spent his early teenage years traversing the country — and even picking up a few gigs in Europe — as a track announcer. He became the youngest announcer to call a race in the U.S., making his debut on a Quarter Horse night at Los Alamitos at 14. One opportunity would lead to another, and soon Jonathan was stringing together announcing gigs on the regular. “It really was the dream job for me,” he recalls.

College opened more doors, the opportunity to announce at more mainstream sporting events. His horse racing experience, it turned out, served him well with its frenetic action that made a college football game seem like a chess match. “Horse racing probably has the most action in a short amount of time, and there’s so much to keep up with,” he explains. But what was challenging, he says, was the concept of spreading that play-by-play commentary out over periods, quarters, halves.

Jonathan didn’t expand his horse knowledge outside of the racing world until recently. His interest was piqued five years ago, when a representative from CANTER Colorado came to visit Arapahoe Park, the track where Jonathan had been announcing. It was through this connection that Jonathan would meet Ashley Gubich, whom he would marry a few years later. It was also through this connection that Jonathan learned more about the life of a Thoroughbred after its racing career is over. From there, a second passion was sparked.

Announcing at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Mystic Pope.

“I knew enough about the horses to get by with announcing, but the truth is I didn’t know anything about what they did after their racing days were over,” Jonathan explains. “Every sport has to look out for the athletes when they retire, so when CANTER came to the track I got to see these horses after they retire. I got to take on the role of working with them and promoting what they were doing.”

The Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover was in its early stages, and in promotion the organization had kicked off a series of satellite competitions under the moniker of Most Wanted Thoroughbred. Colorado hosted one such show, and Jonathan volunteered to announce for it. Through that event, he was connected to the Retired Racehorse Project, which invited him to Kentucky to announce their first ever Thoroughbred Makeover event in 2015. He has announced every Makeover since, oftentimes with his wife Ashley by his side providing commentary.

Jonathan and Cubbie Girl North at Spring Gulch HT. Photo by Zina Balash.

It was this exposure to the versatility of the Thoroughbred that spurred Jonathan’s desire to learn how to actually ride. And so at age 30, Jonathan took his first lessons and would eventually go on to purchase his first horse — an off-track Thoroughbred, nonetheless. It’s become a goal of Jonathan’s to compete at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover; a true full-circle journey.

He also finds himself announcing more events these days, peppering them in when he has an off weekend from calling races. He says he enjoys adding a little personality to his commentary, digging up bits and pieces about pairs on his order of go, paying special attention to the former racehorses. It’s become a way for him to connect with both ends of the sport that first called him to his career 16 years ago.

I asked Jonathan for his best advice for any other budding broadcasters out there. He calls to mind a conversation he had with one of his sporting idols, boxer Bernard Hopkins, about the art of announcing. “He said I’ll tell you what you need to do: you want to be accurate because you’re giving information people are relying on. You want to be professional because you are representing an organization or a sport. And third, you want people to listen or watch and know that it’s you and feel like you brought some of their enjoyment to the event.”

He says his style — which he is adamant that every broadcaster must have their own — is to “lift up what people are seeing, to make them excited about it and give them context and background.”

And ultimately, it comes back to storytelling. It will always be about the stories. “Sports have the best characters and the best plot lines,” Jonathan explains. “And I get to be the one to tell them.”

Weekend Winners: Morven Park, Bromont, GVDRC, Heritage Park, Majestic Oaks, Poplar, Spokane, WindRidge

By on Oct 5, 2020 1:30 pm -

Another busy weekend of (fall!) eventing is in the books, and I know I can’t be the only one who absolutely lives for these late-summer-into-fall horse shows. Cool, crisp mornings (and fresh horses), beautiful fall colors, and plenty of hot coffee to keep us going – it’s the recipe for a perfect weekend!

This weekend’s Low Score Award goes to Julie Richards and Fernhill Cruiseaway, who won their Training division at Poplar Place on a score of 23.6. I did a bit of digging and found a sales ad for Fernhill Cruiseaway, a 6 year old Irish Sport Horse mare who’s said to be a great ride for a young rider or adult amateur looking to move up the levels.

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Show Photographer] [Live Scores]

Advanced A: Sharon White and Cooley On Show (36.3)
Advanced B: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent (40.5)
Open Intermediate A: Sara Murphy and Devil Munchkin (32.4)
Open Intermediate B: Ariel Grald and Caballe (32.1)
Open Intermediate C: Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon (32.8)
Jr./YR Open Preliminary: Cassie Sanger and Born Ready (36.8)
Open Preliminary A: Amy Ruth Borun and Vitalis (31.3)
Open Preliminary B: Dan Kreitl and Eezy Cruise Lad (30.7)
Preliminary Horse: Dasha Ivandaeva and Kingcarra Cooley Diamond (31.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sarah Davis and J.J.’s Local Law (39.3)
Open Training A: Emily Beshear and Open Road (25.7)
Open Training B: Meghan O’Donoghue and Rapid Romero KV (33.0)
Junior Training A: Audrey Ogan and Second Amendment (30.9)
Junior Training B: Lulu Malinoski and Coulson (42.0)
Training Horse A: Ariel Grald and Corraghoe Brilliant (29.3)
Training Horse B: Geraldine Lindsay and Clover Jade (33.2)
Training Rider A: Corey Jarman and Hooked On Cooley (30.4)
Training Rider B: Susan Gallagher and Chacco Chip (34.0)
Junior Novice A: Amanda Gardiner and Prinz S.W. (28.6)
Junior Novice B: Maggie Proffitt and Beth’s Moonsail (32.1)
Novice Horse: Kelli Temple and Napolean Z (24.5)
Novice Rider: Paige Ansaldi and Bombay Original (28.8)
Open Novice: Kurt Martin and Nevertheless (30.0)

Just home from a fantastic Morven Park!! The grounds at Morven have been completely overhauled and look amazing. There…

Posted by Buck Davidson Eventing on Sunday, October 4, 2020

So proud of this horse!! He put in three solid phases for the win at @morvenparkeq in an advanced class! Although we haven’t done the level in a year he cruised around the big technical track yesterday with ease. He most certainly deserves this and I’m glad we could pull it off! He also was recognized for top thoroughbred of the advanced level with the The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program award. Rapid Romero KV also collected a win in a training class yesterday. It’s a pleasure to be giving this lovely young horse miles while Emma Tuit is away at school. Erin Strader rode beautifully around the tough intermediate as her final prep for her 3*L to finish in the top 10! Big thank you to all the special people involved in days like these. Margo Goldfarb My sincere thoughts are with Allie and her team. I have always admired her partnership with that incredible little horse.

Posted by Meghan O'Donoghue Eventing on Sunday, October 4, 2020

Bromont CCI Horse Trials: [Website] [Live Scores]

CCI4*S: Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit (60.8)
CCI3*S: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (40.4)
CCI2*S: Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King (34.7)
Open Training: Saffron Klotz and Ballingowan Clarity (34.5)

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Made it to Bromont! @ikonicsaddlery_official

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Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Open Training/Novice: Hillary Marshall and Interference (33.3)
Open Novice A: Kari Roberts and Dakar (36.0)
Open Novice B: Jannah Matzan and Talim (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Sophie Gardner and Slane Iceman (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dirk (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice C: Cailin Sanford and Avelina Zezere (24.7)
Intro A: Noell Silvertsen and Long Live the King (39.5)
Intro B: Crystal Murray and Smokescreen (29.4)

Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane (43.8)
Preliminary: Ben Noonan and Bojangles (26.3)
Preliminary/Taining: Jana Lyle and Heavenly SCF (33.5)
Training Open: Julie Wolfert and Namibia (28.8)
Training Rider: Melissa Rickman and Lefty (32.1)
Novice Junior: Shaleigh Walk and Luck of the Irish (27.1)
Novice Open: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Old Number 7 (28.1)
Beginner Novice Junior: Brooke Wathan and GH GloryUs Grace (27.0)
Beginner Novice Open: Mallory Stiver and Brementown (32.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Renee Senter and Regina (28.3)
Starter Open: Samantha Bell and I Lost My Bragi (29.2)

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Super happy to have another qualifying ride this weekend! The placing and the T.I.P award were an added bonus! Deuce and I were a bit tense in dressage but there is always room for improvement! He was a beast on XC, in the video the last part with the water is a bit shaky because she was running😂, but it was one of the hardest water questions we’ve had to do and Deuce did it like a pro! In stadium we had one rail due to rider error and I am excited to head down to Hagyard in two weeks with the rest of the Area IV teams! And a big thank you to @purinaperformancehorse for keeping my horse fed with the best feed to keep him at his best and another big thank you to @majykequipe for keeping my horse’s legs safe through all 3 phases and for a great foundation for me with there colorful aluminum stirrups! #majykequipe #believeinmajyk #majykequipeambassador #majykequipeboots #prelimhorse #ottb #thoroughbredincentiveprogram #heritagepark #chaptertwoottb

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CF8j_U9JrcykclWhnCkdKh58NvQXzxDQP3GFfE0/

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Show Photographer] [Live Scores]

Open Preliminary: Joe Meyer and Gortglas Crazy Love (27.4)
Preliminary Rider: Kaitlin Hartford and First Around (45.7)
Open Training: Lizzy Schumann and Miami Blue (30.5)
Training Rider: Jesse Reagin and RCA Society Law (26.4)
Novice Rider: Claire Smith and Shezashowgirl (31.9)
Open Novice: Chantil Ruud and Enough Already (27.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Krista Wilson and Stella (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Kelly Prather and Farkleberey’s Smokey Lad (30.0)
Starter: Sarah Morgan and Le Toreador (32.8)

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I’m so beyond happy with my horses this weekend. I can officially say at 20 years old, I now own 3 prelim horses that I produced from their early showing days to prelim! First off I want to say thank you to @majesticoaksocala for being so kind and making sure my times were spaced apart!! I also want to thank you for being so sweet to give me a food pass after this longggg day!!! #FirstAround “Bruce” was a super star to win the Prelim Rider division. He had an unfortunate dressage but was still third. A rail in stadium due to rider error and a super clear XC with an easy run just grabbing 5.2 time. #BazillionBells “Buzz” was a total jerk in the dressage. He needed to add the flair since the other two made it look like I kind of knew how to ride dressage. Show jumping was great after he tripped on fence 2 and nearly bucked me off. Maybe we finally realized that I know what I’m talking about and he can’t blow me off… He did however make up for his monstrous behavior on cross country coming in with just 3.2 time penalties and acting like it was just a walk in the park. #FGFGrayNotBay “Gray” was the super star of the weekend finishing his first prelim. His dressage was more relaxed today then it has been to score a 43. Show jumping still needs some work with 4 rails. Two were totally my fault and two were just green rails. His cross country was absolutely super and he came on with a bunch of planned time but clear and it was easy for him!! Thank you @thesunshineshannon , Julie Williams, and Brittany Heald for all your help today! Thank you Carissa Seay and Sabrina Wharton for coming out to volunteer.

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Successful Day @majesticoaksocala Horse Trials with all 3 of our horses that competed finished in the ribbons with ZERO jump penalties! ♥️💯Dukes up & @peachstone.eventing completed their first recognized prelim back since his injury that put him in a stall for 18 months ending in 2nd place! 🌟Sales Horse PS Gran Torino (aka Tommie) finishes his 2nd prelim finishing on his dressage score AGAIN! (Barefoot by the way 😉) & Sales Horse PS Valentino (aka Val) completed another Novice cruising around xc just a little fast proving he’s ready for his move up to Training this month! 🌟 www.PeachstoneFarm.com 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #pssporthorses #peachstoneventing #usea #preliminarycompetition #eventing #3dayeventing #sporthorseforsale #horseforsale #ocalaflorida #ocala #irishsporthorse #oldenburg #oldenburghorse

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Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Show Photographer] [Live Scores]

Intermediate Championship: Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street (40.7)
Open Intermediate: Alexandra Green Kerby and Fernhill Famous (33.3)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Jorja Miller and Calypso Girl (64.0)
Open Preliminary: William Hoos and Celtic Rhythm (29.8)
Preliminary Championship: Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (28.7)
Preliminary Rider: Alese Lyle and Princess Leia (29.0)
Junior Training Championship: Brayden Edmonds and Jay of Diamonds (29.5)
Open Training: Julie Richards and Fernhill Cruiseaway (23.6)
Preliminary/Training: Blake Fortson and Quiana AF (28.0)
Senior Training Rider Championship: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill Celebrity (24.1)
Training Horse Championship: Julie Richards and Fernhill Seven C’s (28.3)
Training Rider: Ryan Ballou and Fernhill Doctor Watson (28.5)
Junior Novice Championship: Marissa Griffin and Conguistador (25.4)
Novice Horse Championship: Mary Bess Davis and Starry Night (27.3)
Novice Rider: Callan Littrell and Seeking the Storm (34.1)
Open Novice: Jorja Miller and Fernhill Happyness (24.8)
Senior Novice Championship: Anna Bosworth and Galapagos (27.9)
Beginner Novice Horse Championship: Chelsey Sawtell and Toto’s Weather Tamer (29.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Manoraven Master Adanac (27.2)
Introductory: Sidnee Milner and Peter Pan (31.6)
Junior Beginner Novice Championship: Sidnee Milner and My Valentine (28.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Carole Schaff and Lucky In Louisiana (26.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Championship: Tiffany Stewart and Crimson Clover (29.5)
Starter: Serena Thompson and Notonyourbestday (32.8)

Posted by Stephanie James Counts on Sunday, October 4, 2020

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I am so proud of Galapagos for his performance at the Area III Championships this weekend. He put in a great dressage test in the Novice division, and then took on cross country and show jumping like it was nothing. He always gives his best and makes competing fun; he has earned himself a relaxing vacation and lots of cookies. @poplarplacefarm put on a great show this weekend, and I am thankful for all the staff and volunteers who made it possible. Big thanks to @le_bonheur_equestrian for your help at home and at the show, and congratulations on your great competition with Emmaretto CSF. Thanks as always to Pamela Taylor for your continued support of me and Galapagos. And thank you @thatbayarab11 for coming with us to help with the horses and Alejandrina so we could focus on riding!

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Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Show Photographer] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Open Intermediate: Momi Henne and Severe Flying (41.0)
Open Preliminary: Andrea Nielsen and LC O’Shawnisee (34.0)
Open Modified: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (30.9)
Open Training: Cyra Carlson and One Tricky Blonde (25.9)
Jr. Novice: Abigail Popa and Athens (26.6)
Novice Amateur: Christa Draggie and River Joe (30.7)
Open Novice: Karen O’Neal and CF Fortune (23.8)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Jacquelene Rivers and Jett Stream (29.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Brooklyn Houston and Call Me Jewel (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Carrie Hopper and Remarkabelle Knight (31.0)
Introductory: Mia Edsall and Trilogy’s Samwise (26.4)
FEH 3 Year Old: Suzan Marshall and Love Me Do (82.5)
FEH Yearling: Suzan Marshall and Penny Lane (79.7)
YEH 4 Year Old: Karen O’Neal and Keegan (80.8)
YEH 5 Year Old: Cindy Marvin and Independence Gray (79.3)

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So many firsts for us this weekend! Thank you @spokanesporthorsefarm and for all volunteers for putting on a fun and safe event for Area VII!! First time traveling to and staying at a show. First time in a long time competing at a different venue. First time running Modified Prelim…..such fun and challenging experience. We have so much learning to do and we are ready and excited to grow! Very grateful for the whole @caberfarm crew, for their support and cheering and a huge thank you to @johncamiii for coaching us and encouraging us to always give our best. Everyone did great and was so fun to watch! Thank you @bobbi_wasylchak for taking this trip with me and being the best show buddy I could ask for.🤍 Gellan is really turning into a dream come true and I’m so excited to keep growing and learning with him. This horse has a heart bigger then his body. 💙 A special bonus was breaking our 4th place streak and finishing 2nd at our first Modified. @freerideequestrian @clovisequestrian #horses #passion #alwayslearning #alwaysdoyourbest #goeventing #lovewhatyoudodowhatyoulove #welshcob #ponypower #eventersofinstagram #freerideequestrian #equestrianstyle #broabryngellangoch #twohearts #perfectpony #neverstoplearning #equestrianoutfit #equestrianlife

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WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Live Scores]

Preliminary CT: Chelsea Ross and Deliteful Anthem (40.3)
Preliminary: Kimberly Steinbuch and Classiro (27.8)
Training: Brianne Siepmann and Cushina Taurus (32.4)
Novice A: Jane Demeulemester and FGF Lyford (35.0)
Novice B: Daryl Kinney and Punch It (28.8)
Beginner Novice A: Audrey Wiggins and Spook Hill At Last (27.8)
Beginner Novice B: Natalie Schembra and Preston (27.5)
Starter CT: Etta Meade Jernigan and Be The Light (45.1)
Starter: Cindy McNeely and Jonah (37.1)

Photo Gallery: A Picture Perfect Autumn Weekend at Morven Park

By on Oct 5, 2020 11:00 am -

Kurt Martin and Miss Penny Lane. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

We’ve enlisted the help of pro photographer Erin Gilmore, who this weekend teamed up with Shannon Brinkman, to capture the spirit and beauty of Morven Park, which hosted its fall horse trials this weekend. If you missed any of our Advanced coverage, you can click here to catch up.

As we nurse our horse show hangovers, we’re doing what everyone else is: flipping through the endless photos and videos to relive the weekend. We’re eternally grateful to Erin and Shannon for their work, some of which they’ve graciously shared with EN. Don’t forget to visit Erin Gilmore’s website to order your own show photographs.

Morven Park Fall HT: Website, Program, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Bromont International Horse Trials: Ladies Win the Day, Zara Buren Honored

By on Oct 5, 2020 9:00 am -

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

It was a weekend in which the eventing community came together to remember a bright young talent who was lost far too soon. Beloved Quebec eventing venue Bromont, which earlier this year saw its annual international horse trials vacated due to the coronavirus pandemic, played host to a small group of riders competing in CCI2*S through CCI4*S divisions. An Open Training division also featured during the beautifully run one-day event on Saturday.

Event organizer Sue Ockendon and course designer Jay Hambly, along with a host of volunteers and other personnel, dedicated hours of their lives ensuring every single detail for the event was in place. Even for a small contingent of riders, galloping lanes were meticulously roped off and each jump was tastefully decorated to give competitors a true international eventing feel. “It was phenomenal,” Holly Jacks-Smither commented. “They prepared it as if there were 50 horses in the four-star, and the footing was impeccable. Sue, Jay, and the organizing team really went out of the way to give us the opportunity to compete at this world class venue.”

Saffron Klotz wears her #RideForZara shirt this weekend. Photo courtesy of Hattie Klotz.

Visible among the competitors were the friends and barn mates of young rider Zara Buren, who tragically lost her life in a trail riding accident last month. Wearing burgundy shirts emblazoned with #RideForZara on the arms, riding horses who’s hind ends had been etched with the same messaging, these riders gracefully bore the extra burden of competing without their friend for the first time.

Holly Jacks-Smither, who was Zara’s coach, says she’s immensely proud of her team for handling the heavy weekend with grace. “On Friday afternoon, we all sat down to watch her memorial service and then got up Saturday morning with an angel on our shoulders,” she said. “Our barn has always been close, but we’ve become even closer through this. I was very proud of my girls, who showed up after such a traumatic week and put together an amazing weekend to honor Zara.”

We did it ! To say it was a tuff lead up to Bromont would be an understatement but we all clearly had an angle with us…

Posted by Holly Jacks-Smither on Saturday, October 3, 2020

Ontario young rider Poppy von Maltzahn graciously wrote in to EN to share more about #RideForZara and the memorial fund that has been created in her honor:

“The entire eventing community suffered a massive loss when Zara Buren passed away on September 21, 2020. Her positivity and beautiful smile will be missed forever. Her friendliness was unique because it was so utterly genuine. She was the type of person who would say “good luck” to you at an event and really mean it. Zara was a talented, determined rider. She loved the sport and the people in it, but above all, she loved her horse. Anyone who watched her spend time with Vince could see that. Her kindness and selflessness are two traits we could all use more of. We would all do well to be more like Zara.

Several of us Ontario Young Riders U25 were eager to do something to pay tribute to Zara’s memory. We would love it if everyone could wear burgundy at an event and take a picture of it and post it under #RideForZara.

In honour of her life and the passion and joy she had for our sport, we’ve also collaborated with KC Equestrian Colours to create cross country shirts in her memory. The shirts are also in burgundy, Zara’s cross country colour, and feature #RideForZara on the sleeve. These shirts are being made at cost and with your purchase we encourage you to donate to the GoFundMe, which is raising money for an award in her name to support junior riders who show the same determination and love of the sport that she did.”

The Zara Buren Memorial Fund set an initial fundraising goal of $100,000, and at the time this article was published the donations had reached over $97,000. “Every trainer wants to have a student like Zara,” Holly said. “She exemplified horsemanship; at the end of the day, she was always the last one there, taking care of her horse. She was a special person, and her parents want to carry on her memory by supporting other kids who have that talent and drive but lack the financial support.”

Jessica Phoenix, Colleen Loach, Holly Jacks-Smither Win International Divisions

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The CCI4*S division at Bromont ended up on the thin side after the withdrawal of four pairs following the first two phases. After initial leaders Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges elected to save their running for another day, it was Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit who would take the eventual win on a score of 60.8. Jessica withdrew three of her rides and retired Bogue Sound on course, leaving the door open for the 10 year old gelding owned by Jessica as well as Jim Phillips to earn his first CCI4*S win. His previous best finish at the level came at this venue in 2019, when he finished ninth overall.

Congrats to Wabbit on his first 4* win 🥇 🏆❤️🇨🇦!!!! Thank you Bromont for such a world class event!!!

Posted by Jessica Phoenix – Phoenix Equestrian Team on Saturday, October 3, 2020

The CCI3*S was won by Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye, her partner for the 2018 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. They added just a few seconds of time on cross country to complete their weekend on a score of 40.4. “I’m very happy with how my horses went,” Colleen told EN. “It was a great way to end the season, and as usual the cross country courses were top notch.” This has “Goldie’s” introductory season to the Advanced level; the 8 year old Hanoverian gelding owned by Colleen as well as Amanda Bernhard will now join his stablemates in a quiet remainder of the year, refining the basics and looking to come out swinging in 2021.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Holly Jacks-Smither was the CCI2*S winner this weekend aboard Candy King. The 10 year old British Sport Horse gelding has been a consistent performer for Holly, who acquired the ride in 2018. Holly finished her weekend with Candy King on a score of 34.7 with just time added on cross country. She’ll now aim for the CCI4*L at Tryon next month to cap off her year.

Saffron Klotz and Ballingowan Clarity. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Last but certainly not least, Saffron Klotz and Balllingowan Clarity are the winners of the Open Training division at Bromont this weekend, adding no penalties to their dressage score of 34.5 to take home the win.

Many thanks to Cealy Tetley for providing the beautiful photos in this article. To view more of Cealy’s work, visit her website here.

Bromont CCI Horse Trials: [Website] [FinalScores]

Meet the Chestnut Filly Who Just Won the Preakness Stakes

By on Oct 4, 2020 4:21 pm -

Embed from Getty Images
Swiss Skydiver (right) locks into a stretch battle with Kentucky Derby winner Authentic (left). Image embed via Getty Images.

Deviating a bit from our usual fare of eventing news, we’re visiting the racing world today to marvel at the tenacity of the 3 year old filly Swiss Skydiver, who laid down an epic stretch battle with Kentucky Derby winner Authentic to beat the colts in the 145th Preakness Stakes. It was the second-fastest Preakness Stakes, the finishing time of 1:53.10, just .2 seconds off of Secretariat’s 1973 record.

It was a last minute decision by trainer Kenny McPeek to enter the filly in the Preakness versus the Black Eyed Susan, the equivalent leg of the Triple Crown for fillies. Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil – Expo Gold, by Johannesburg) had run second in the Kentucky Oaks and became the first filly to win the race since Rachel Alexandra in 2009. In total, six fillies have won the Preakness, but there have now just been two such winners since 1924: Rachel Alexandra and now Swiss Skydiver.

Given the ride just days before the race, veteran jockey Robby Albarado spent long days forming a bond with the filly, leaving the track with Kenny McPeek only to eat. That bond building paid off, and Swiss Skydiver reacted quickly when Albarado glimpsed a lane opening as the field hurtled toward the far turn. In a fraction of a second, the lane would close so Albarado nudged his ride through and slotted inside of Authentic for perfect positioning to make a stretch run.

Watch the race replay below:

In true “go get ’em, girl” fashion, the chestnut mare stared her opposition in the eye, bringing to mind the duel between Seabisbuit and War Admiral in 1938 or the 1989 Preakness stretch battle put on by Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.

Standing much lighter in stature but more fierce in heart, Swiss Skydiver – who was named for owner Peter Callahan’s skydiving granddaughter – laid one down for the ladies on Saturday afternoon in Baltimore. It’s been a funny year all around equestrian sports, racing included, but this performance proved to be the cherry on top of a twisting, turning Triple Crown season.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct Swiss Skydiver’s placing in the 2020 Kentucky Oaks.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P Take 2020 German Eventing Championship at Luhmühlen

By on Oct 4, 2020 2:37 pm -

One rail separated the top four riders in the CCI4*S serving as the German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen after yesterday’s thrilling cross country, but none would need it and Ingrid Klimke has been crowned the 2020 champion with SAP Asha P. The combination that slotted into the leading position following cross country would leave all the poles where they belonged to end their weekend on a 24.9.

The 9 year old German sporthorse mare SAP Asha P, owned by Ingrid and Dr. Andres Lauber, improves on her second place finish in this event last year on the wings on a scopey performance around a track that only saw a 23% clear round rate.

Ingrid Klimke wird mit SAP Asha P Deutsche Meisterin der Vielseitigkeit

Familie Klimke hat allen Grund zu feiern 🎉 Wie Tochter Greta holt sich auch Ingrid Klimke den Titel Deutsche Meisterin der Vielseitigkeit 2020 in Luhmühlen 😍 Eine tolle Runde mit ganz viel Nervenstärke im Springen 💯 Wer holt sich den Titel bei den Jungen Reitern? Jetzt einschalten 🎥👇🏼▶️ watch.clipmyhorse.tv/Luhmuehlen-DM-Vielseitigkeit

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Sunday, October 4, 2020

The remaining of the top five also turned in clutch performance to hold on to their positions. Together, Ingrid Klimke and Sandra Auffarth make up four out of the top six positions – Ingrid’s third ride, Equistro’s Siena Just Do It (34.9), finishes her first CCI4*S in fifth position.

Sandra Auffarth brought two rides to Luhmühlen this weekend and brings home a second and fourth place finish for her efforts with Viamant du Matz (26.6, 2nd) and Let’s Dance 73 (28.7, 4th). Sandra has had the Selle Francais stallion Viamant du Matz since he was a young horse. The 11 year old owned by Nikolaus Prinz von Croy seems to have found a new gear in 2020, now finishing no worse than fifth in his last four international starts.

Let’s Dance 73, a 13 year old Holsteiner gelding owned by Dörthe Loheit and Marina Köhncke, is a newer ride with whom Sandra began a partnership last year. This is another partnership you’ll want to keep an eye on for Germany; they’ve not finished worse than fourth in all but one of their international starts together.

Finishing the weekend in third place and representing Australia is Andrew Hoy, who finished on his dressage score with David and Paula Evans’ Vassily de Lassos. These two improve on their performance at this event in 2019, shaving 3.2 penalties off their previous finish to end on a final score of 28.7.

Looking to the CCI3*L division, Michael Jung wrapped up a successful weekend with Star Connection FRH to finish on his dressage score of 21.0. This will be the 12 year old Hanoverian gelding’s best finishing score to date; he previously finished with a 21.7 in an Event Riders Masters competition at Lignières.

We’ve been following the excellent reports and photo galleries from Buschreiter all weekend – you can read much more about the exciting finale at Luhmühlen in their Sunday report here.

Greta Busacker wird Deutsche Meisterin der Vielseitigkeit bei den Junioren

Wie die Mutter so die Tochter 🤩 Greta Busacker legt vor und wird mit ihrem Scrabble Deutsche Meisterin der Vielseitigkeit bei den Junioren! 🏆 Auf diese Runde wie aus dem Lehrbuch wird ihre Mutter und Besitzerin des Pferdes Ingrid Klimke sicher stolz sein 👏🏼 Es geht direkt weiter mit dem Finalspringen der Jungen Reiter – jetzt einschalten 💯🎥▶️ watch.clipmyhorse.tv/Luhmuehlen-DM-Vielseitigkeit

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Sunday, October 4, 2020

Finally, it was a special ending for Ingrid and her daughter, Greta Busacker, who each took home championship titles today. Greta with the 9 year old Oldenburg gelding Scrabble 15 took home the wire-to-wire win in the CCI2*L Junior Championships division, finishing on her dressage score of 24.4. She also finished the weekend with her second ride, the 11 year old German Sporthorse Coco Maurice 2, in eighth on a final score of 31.8.

Greta competed in pure dressage prior to starting her eventing career, notching a handful of international dressage starts in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Greta’s record shows a consistency in the first phase, no doubt a skill that comes naturally to her!

If you’ve missed the action from the German Eventing Championships this weekend, not to worry – you can watch every ride on demand thanks to ClipMyHorse.TV. Sign up for a free trial/membership here and binge away!

German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen: [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream]

Sharon White, Meghan O’Donoghue Win Advanced Divisions at Morven Park

By on Oct 3, 2020 5:53 pm -

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Sharon White and Meghan O’Donoghue are your Advanced winners at Morven Park following an influential cross country that shuffled the final leaderboards.

Sharon White is using this weekend as Cooley On Show‘s final prep for the CCI4*L at Tryon in November, and she expressed excitement at tackling Tremaine Cooper’s beefy track today. She would turn in a quick footed clear round with 17 seconds of time (no pairs would make the optimum time of 7 minutes) to overtake overnight leaders Will Coleman and Tight Lines for the win on a score of 36.3.

“It was definitely challenging in a good way,” Sharon said of Tremaine Cooper’s updated cross country track which can serve as a bit of a preview for what’s to come on the CCI4*L track. “There is so much space here and I think this is the most beautiful piece of ground for cross country riding. (The course) was very ‘gallopy’ and it was a great fitness run.”

Tryon with its terrain will certainly be a test of conditioning next month, so this run leaves Sharon with a great feeling as a benchmark of “Louie’s” fitness. She says she’ll go home and work on fine tuning the Irish Sport Horse gelding’s flatwork.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Will Coleman and the Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines wouldn’t fall too far and will take home second place for their efforts today on a score of 37.2.

Will told EN that his intention with “Phish” is to save the Thoroughbred gelding for five-star competition next year. To that end, we may see Phish get a well-earned break to finish out the rest of the abbreviated 2020 season. “He’s made to gallop those big tracks, so I’m really just thinking more toward next year,” Will said yesterday.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Buck Davidson finishes both of his Advanced A horses inside the top four, with Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo (39.0) in third and Kat and Roberto Cuca’s Jak My Style (39.6) with a few seconds of time accumulated on each horse.

Many riders, aware of bigger goals still to come this fall, used this run as practice and fitness which made for some steadier rides. Time here is notoriously difficult to catch here at Morven Park; Ema Klugman and Bendigo were the quickest (“I had not planned to push for the time but he was having none of that and sped around!” she wrote on her social media) across both Advanced divisions with a time of 7:05, moving up from 20th after dressage into seventh to finish this weekend. This partnership is always fun to watch; you can usually count on these two to make some moves up the board with their strength in the jumping phases.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

A planned withdrawal from Advanced B overnight leader Ariel Grald (Leamore Master Plan) left the door open. Meghan O’Donoghue and her own Palm Crescent had themselves a day to move from fourth into first on a final score of 40.5. Meghan has patiently produced this 14 year old Thoroughbred gelding up the levels, who made his debut at the CCI4*S in 2019.

Meghan is also using this weekend as preparation for the Tryon CCI4*L, which is to be Palm Crescent’s third start in the longer format. “I thought Tremaine (Cooper) set a proper track and I’m thrilled my horse went around super today,” she commented. An ownership shift and the coronavirus pandemic has made for a lighter 2020 for Palm Crescent, but the former racehorse has proven to be a consistent performer for Meghan nonetheless.

Meghan expressed her gratitude to the gelding’s previous owners, the Shipka family, for giving her the opportunity to keep the talented horse in her program. “The horse deserves a win at this level,” she said. “He keeps showing up for me!” She also expressed her sympathies for Allie Sacksen, who tragically lost her partner Sparrow’s Nio on cross country today. “Amongst my joy I must acknowledge the sadness surrounding today,” Meghan said. “My thoughts are with Allie and her team.”

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Boyd Martin also put in a clear round aboard the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140 to retain his second position on a final score of 41.9. We’ll see this pair next on the West coast at the Galway Downs CCI4*L at the end of this month.

Completing the top three in the Advanced B are Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing/Sterling Silver Stables’ Mama’s Magic Way, who collected just 5.2 time to finish on a score of 42.4.

Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Two riders were listed with Mandatory Retirements on the live scores: Caroline Martin on Danger Mouse in the Advanced B and Ariel Grald on BGS Aurora in the Intermediate A. Both riders have reported that both they and their horses are uninjured.

Looking to the Intermediate divisions, Sara Murphy and Devil Munchkin (32.4), Ariel Grald and Anne Eldridge’s Caballe (32.1), and Allison Springer and Nancy Winter’s Crystal Crescent Moon (32.8) are your weekend winners following the cross country conclusion.

As we celebrate these highs, we are also sending our condolences to the Sacksen family, who lost their dear friend Sparrow’s Nio on course in the Advanced today. The loss of a horse is among the worst things to have to report, and we are so sorry to write of this tragedy. Rest peacefully, Nio.

Morven Park Fall HT: Website, Entries & Ride Times, Program, Live Scores, Order Your Show Photos, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Sparrow’s Nio Passes Away at Morven Park

By on Oct 3, 2020 4:42 pm -

Allie Sacksen and Sparrows Nio. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We are devastated to report the loss of Allie Sacksen’s Sparrow’s Nio on cross country at Morven Park today. The pair was competing in the Advanced B division when the 17 year old Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding collapsed between fences 19 and 20. A necropsy to determine the cause of death is pending. Allie was uninjured in the accident.

Morven Park released the following statement this afternoon:

“The Morven Park Fall Horse Trials Organizing Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation regret to announce the death of Sparrow’s Nio, a 17-year-old Connemara-Thoroughbred gelding, owned and ridden by Alexandra Sacksen.

Sparrow’s Nio collapsed while competing in the Advanced Division at Morven Park Fall Horse Trials, between fences 19 and 20 of the cross-country phase. The cause of death is unknown at this time, pending necropsy. Sacksen was attended to onsite and sustained no apparent injuries.

The Horse Trials Organizing Committee, Board of Trustees of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, and United States Eventing Association wish to extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to all connected to Sparrow’s Nio.”

Sparrow’s Nio was a fan favorite horse with his 15.3 Connemara-influenced stature – though you wouldn’t want to tell him he was smaller than some others. Together, Allie and Sparrow’s Nio tackled their first then-CCI4* at Kentucky in 2015, finishing 36th for their debut. Their partnership would take them all over the country, picking up where it was left off after Allie took maternity leave in 2017.

“It was almost like fate that he ended up with me,” Allie said in her Rolex Rookies interview in 2015. “He had come to my parents’ farm as a yearling, and then we reconnected years later after his owner had sent him to different trainers in an attempt to get him a little quieter. He just had a lot of spunk and buck in him.”

It is true friendship with a horse that often leads to success beyond one’s imagination. Sparrow’s Nio will be fondly remembered for his zest for beefy cross country tracks and for the love he shared with his best friend, Allie.

The team at EN sends their sincerest condolences to Allie and her team during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P Take Hold of German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen

By on Oct 3, 2020 3:01 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and Asha P at Houghton Hall in 2019. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Time and technicality made for a championship-caliber competition across the country at Luhmühlen today where the German riders are competing for the federation’s Eventing Championship CCI4*S title. While Ingrid Klimke took the early lead with the veteran competitor SAP Hale Bob OLD, a dislodged pin and some extra time would push the pair down into 11th place following the second phase. And so it would be the younger SAP Asha P who would step in to fill her stablemate’s vacated top position on the leaderboard.

The 9 year old German Sporthorse mare, whose record suggests a quick turn of foot, came home just outside of the time allowed for a two day score of 24.9. The pair will not have a rail in hand looking ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping; Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz were one of just two clear inside the time to move into second place on a score of 26.6.

Ingrid Klimke und Asha P – Deutsche Meisterschaft der Vielseitigkeit in Luhmühlen

Ingrid Klimke bleibt auch nach der Gelände Prüfung an der Spitze der Deutschen Meisterschaft der Vielseitigkeit in Luhmühlen 🤩 nun allerdings mit ihrer Stute SAP Asha P 🚀 Morgen geht es in die Finale Teilprüfung Springen – was glaubt ihr? Wird Ingrid Klimke sich den Titel holen? ▶️ watch.clipmyhorse.tv/Luhmuehlen-DM-Vielseitigkeit

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Saturday, October 3, 2020

SAP Asha P, owned by Ingrid and Dr. Andres Lauber, was the 7 year old champion at the Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in 2018 and has aptly stepped up the ladder since then. Ingrid describes the mare as having a nice ground-covering gallop and a good mix of laid back cool-headedness and confidence. This mare has had a couple of rails dotting her international show jumping career, so the pressure will be on for tomorrow’s finale to bring home the top honor and improve on her second place finish here in 2019.

Time proved not to be an issue for 2014 WEG individual gold medalist Sandra Auffarth and the 11 year old Selle Francais stallion Viamant du Matz, owned by Nikolaus Prinz von Croy. This pair turned in the quickest round of the day to move from fifth into second place. Viamant du Matz has not made the time often in international competition but proved he was up to the task today, never looking bothered at the intensity of the questions. Buschreiter reports that “Mad” has been perhaps a bit slower to mature than his famous stablemate and WEG champion Opgun Louvo, and that the extended break imposed by the coronavirus pandemic may have paid off well for the stallion.

A quick and clear round also proved to be influential for Australia’s Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos, an 11 year old Selle Francais gelding owned by Paula and David Evans with whom Andrew finished fourth individually at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Nc. This pair collected the second of the two double clear rounds to move from ninth into third on a score of 28.7.

Ingrid Klimke and Sandra Auffarth each have another horse inside the top five; Let’s Dance 73 (28.7, but with time on cross country to slot in below Andrew Hoy) will be in fourth position overnight, while Ingrid with Equistro’s Siena Just Do It (32.5) will be in fifth place.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, in second after the dressage, ran into trouble on course at the D element of fence 16, where the pair found themselves off their line after catching the front legs on the C element to pitch them off balance. It was a fraction of a mistake but enough to cost the pair 20 penalties and some time and push them down outside of the top 20.

Meanwhile in the Junior Championship CCI2*L division, Ingrid’s daughter Greta Busacker will retain her lead aboard Scrabble 15, adding nothing to her dressage score of 24.4. Looking to the CCI3*L, Michael Jung will keep his lead on Star Connection FRH (21.0) and have a rail in hand for tomorrow’s show jumping finale.

You can view photos from the day and more details on the CCI4*S division in this report from Buschreiter. And don’t forget to sign up for ClipMyHorse.TV to watch this event live and on demand.

Timetable – CCI4*S:
Show Jumping: Following CCI2*L, which begins at 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. EST on Sunday October 4

German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Preview the Morven Park Advanced Cross Country Course

By on Oct 3, 2020 8:00 am -

Screenshot via Cross Country App.

Tremaine Cooper has put together a beautiful track for the Advanced competitors to tackle later this morning, and in gratitude to Cross Country App we’ve got a preview for you to check out ahead of the action. You can view the entire fence-by-fence course preview here. You can also check out the Intermediate course map here.

This year’s Advanced track will deviate from recent years’ courses that traveled on a loop through the Morven Park property. That loop has been extended to include some additional acreage for the 2020 course, likely a preview of what would have been part of the CCI4*L course that we will with any luck get to see in 2021. The start box this year has been relocated nearer to the barns and arena, releasing competitors out into fields that have not recently been used for this course.

From the look of it, riders will have ample opportunity to get a good gallop in; Sharon White yesterday commented that she’d use this run as fitness for Cooley On Show, who’s aimed at the CCI4*L at Tryon next month. With well-established turf and terrain, we’re sure to see plenty of riders getting in a good run this afternoon.

The Cedar Rails to Corner at 16. Photo via Cross Country App.

Natural terrain lends itself well to course design, and Tremaine has designed this course to flow with the lay of the land. Keep an eye out for key combinations such as the Taylor Harris Turning Question at 14 and the Cedar Rails to Corner at 16, which make use of sloping ground to test riders’ aids and accuracy.

The Advanced track consists of 25 numbered fences and 34 jumping efforts and will carry an optimum time of 7 minutes. You can catch up on yesterday’s dressage and show jumping action in anticipation of the cross country finale, which will get underway at 11 a.m. EST. We’ll be back this afternoon with a final wrap-up from Virginia.

Go Eventing.

Morven Park Fall HT: Website, Entries & Ride Times, Program, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Will Coleman, Ariel Grald Take Day One in Morven Park Advanced

By on Oct 2, 2020 5:30 pm -

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

The Advanced divisions at Morven Park in Leesburg, Va. got underway today with both the A and B classes doing their dressage and show jumping phases. Many combinations will look to use this weekend as a prep run and mettle-testing for fall three-day events (Galway (10/29-11/1) and Tryon (11/12-11/15) will both host a CCI4*L this fall). Leading the way after the first two phases of competition will be Will Coleman and Tight Lines (28.4) in the Advanced A and Ariel Grald on Leamore Master Plan (30.3) in the Advanced B.

The Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines, a 13 year old French Thoroughbred gelding, threw down one of the best scores of his career today, earning a 28.4. “Phish” previously scored a 28.0 in the Advanced/Intermediate at Virginia Horse Trials in July but has otherwise never pulled in a sub-30 dressage. Will has worked tirelessly to coax greatness out of the gray gelding, and we certainly saw that work pay off today. A clear round on Kathy White’s show jumping would seal the deal and send this pair into the overnight lead in the Advanced A.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

It was easy to hear Will’s excitement at the “best version of himself” that Tight Lines put forth in his test this morning. The Thoroughbred gelding who raced in his previous career has taught Will a lot, he says, most of which involves patience and empathy for the horse and understanding how to reveal that best version consistently. “In his own way, maybe he’s trying a little too hard,” Will mused. “We’ve gotten some really great help from Ian Woodhead from last year…I’ve just learned to not give up, be patient, and trust that it’s going to come. He’s a funny horse; he’s definitely tricky, but I do love him and I’m lucky to have him.”

Boyd Martin and the Long Island Tea Syndicate’s Long Island T, who is bound for Galway Downs later this month, also added nothing to their dressage score of 29.1 to take second place in the A division following the first two phases.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Sharon White, like many of her peers this weekend, is using Morven Park as a prep run for the new CCI4*L at Tryon International Equestrian Center next month. A 29.5 dressage score was enough for third place following dressage, and a double clear show jumping solidified her position with the 13 year old Irish gelding, Cooley On Show. “I was able to show him off a bit (in the dressage) today, and that was fun,” Sharon told EN. “And he’s such a super show jumper; he’s like a school horse in the warm-up. I feel like he’s always saying ‘just relax, Sharon, why do you get wound so tight?'”

With its established turf and rolling terrain, Sharon says it’s the perfect final prep for “Louie”. “I use this as a super fitness run for the rolling hills, the good pulls, and old, established turf,” she said. “Tremaine (Cooper) has done an excellent with the courses; they’re very positive, forward, proper cross country courses.” You can check out a preview of the track riders will see tomorrow from Course Walk App here.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan. Photo by Shannon Brinkman for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Heading up the Advanced B today will be Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan also put their best foot forward in the dressage this morning to earn a near-personal best of 30.3. Like Will and Tight Lines, this pair also showed their progression on the flat earlier this summer with a 28.6 on the flat at Virginia Horse Trials, and that hard work continued to pay off today. Ariel and Leamore Master Plan don’t have a spotless show jumping record, but records be damned today – they put in a clear round inside the time to remain on their dressage score overnight.

Taking second into tomorrow’s cross country for the B division will be Boyd Martin and the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140, also bound for Galway, on a two-phase score of 31.1.

Round out the top three in the Advanced B are Maya Black and Laurie Cameron’s Miks Master C on a score of 33.4. The 8 year old Swedish Warmblood gelding moved up to the Advanced level earlier this year, pre-pandemic, and the pair have since swung back into action nicely with two top-20 CCI4*S finishes leading up to this weekend.

The Advanced and Intermediate divisions will head out onto Tremaine Cooper’s cross country tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m. EST (the Intermediate riders will run cross country before the Advanced). You can check out the course preview from Course Walk App here.

Many thanks to the dream team of Erin Gilmore Photography and Shannon Brinkman for providing media photos throughout the weekend – you can order your own photos from Morven Park here. Stay tuned for much more from Morven Park. Go Eventing.

Morven Park Fall HT:Website, Entries & Ride Times, Program, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD Rise to the Occasion in Luhmühlen CCI4*S

By on Oct 2, 2020 1:00 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD at Strzegom. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Ingrid Klimke wasted no time in setting the standard for this year’s German Eventing Championships in at Luhmühlen, where the federation’s top riders are competing for the honors in the CCI4*S division. It was Ingrid’s stalwart partner, SAP Hale Bob OLD — who even at 16 years young today looked to be feeling himself as the pair prepared to enter the arena — with whom she would cement the spot at the top of the board on a blustery day. This experienced pair earned a 21.8 nod from the judging panel of Christian Steiner and Edith Schless-Störtenbecker to take the lead following the dressage phase of competition. Click here to watch a replay of Ingrid’s test, thanks to ClipMyHorse.TV.

Michael Jung and his sole entry in the CCI4*S, fischerChipmunk FRH, kept the pressure on with a score of 22.3 for an overnight second place. Interestingly, the judges showed a distinct differential in their scores for Ingrid (75% from Christian Steiner at C and 81.46% from Edith Schless-Störtenbecker at B), giving the razor thin advantage to Ingrid when all was said and done.

Naturally, both of these pairs have proven many times over that they’re capable of catching the time even on a quick CCI4*S track and this competition will certainly come down to quickness across the country and an ability to leave the rails where they belong come Sunday.

Christoph Wahler and the 11 year old Holsteiner gelding Carjatan S will round out the top three following dressage after an expressive test earned them a score of 22.4. This horse has flashed some brilliance in the past and pulled out a handful of ultra competitive scores; this will be a personal best for the gelding at the CCI4* level to date. He’s also proven capable of cleanly grabbing the time in both the Long and Short formats, which makes tomorrow’s contest that much more thrilling.

Ingrid will have two horses in the top five heading into cross country tomorrow; the 9 year old mare SAP Asha P, with whom Ingrid took silver in the 2019 German championships here, bested her 2019 score and recorded a 22.9 in today’s dressage test. You can view photos from the action in this report from Buschreiter.

The top 10 will each take a score below 30 penalty marks into the cross country, making for some tight competition from some of the most experience riders in the world. As a reminder, you can watch the live stream of the action on ClipMyHorse.TV all weekend (for those of you who prefer to sleep, the rides seem to be populating for on-demand viewing quickly). You can sign up for a free trial of ClipMyHorse.TV here to tune in.

Michael Jung is in possession of the lead in the CCI3*L division with Star Connection FRH, taking a score of 21.0 into the second phase of competition.

Another incredible storyline from Luhmühlen comes to us from the CCI2*L class, the German Junior Eventing Championships, where Ingrid’s 18 year old daughter, Greta Busacker, has taken the lead aboard Scrabble 15 on a score of 24.4. Greta began her international eventing career in 2014 and most recently this year has advanced to the CCI3* level with two primary horses in her string: Scrabble 15 and Coco Maurice 2. You can watch her lovely ride in the video below.

Posted by buschreiter.de on Thursday, October 1, 2020

Timetable – CCI4*S:

Cross Country: 1:00 p.m. local / 7 a.m. EST on Saturday October 3
Show Jumping: Following CCI2*L, which begins at 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. EST on Sunday October 4

German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen: [Website] [Schedule] [Dressage Order of Go] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Small Yet Mighty CCI4*-S Field Ready for Bromont

By on Oct 2, 2020 9:30 am -

Images from the show site ahead of the Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials on October 3rd. Photos: Kristel Glockner

Posted by Bromont CCI Three Day Event on Monday, September 28, 2020

Canada’s much-loved Bromont venue is preparing to host its first CCI of the season; the traditional annual dates in June were unfortunately vacated due to the coronavirus pandemic. This weekend will see riders contesting CCI2*S, CCI3*S, and CCI4*S as well as an Open Training division that was made available. The event has been condensed to a one-day format to be held on Saturday, October 3.

Since the border between the U.S. and Canada remains closed to nonessential travelers, we won’t see any foreign entries this weekend. Canadian riders who wish to return to the country after spending time in the U.S. must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon their return.

The headlining division this weekend will feature veteran Canadian team member Jessica Phoenix, who will bring forward five horses in the CCI4*S. Jessica’s team has had a lighter year, picking off a couple of events earlier this spring before the pandemic hit and then returning north to her home base to hunker down for the remainder of the season.

We’ll see stalwart veteran Pavarotti in action this weekend; at 18 years young the Westphalian gelding has shown this year that he’s still very much up to the task with two top 10 finishes on his international record in 2020. Accompanying him on the entry list are four of his barnmates: Bogue Sound, Humble GS, Watson GS, and Wabbit.

All of the horses competing in the CCI4*S this weekend had a summer outing at Will O’Wind in July, which Colleen Loach handily won aboard her WEG partner Qorry Blue D’Argouges and finished second with FE Golden Eye, who are also entered at Bromont this weekend.

Also featuring on the entry list are Melissa Boutin and EWSZ Jalando, an 11 year old Zweibrucker gelding making his CCI4*S debut. The pair completed their first Advanced in Florida earlier this year at Rocking Horse and most recently finished sixth in the CCI3*S at Will O’Wind in July.

Many thanks to Jacquie Kelton, who graciously allowed us to share her photos for a mini-tour around Jay Hambly’s cross country tracks. Jacquie will be competing her Thoroughbred mare, Cruze, in the Open Training division this weekend and we wish her great and safe rides.

We’ll bring you more updates from Bromont this weekend. Best of luck to all competing, and Go Eventing.

Bromont CCI Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries]

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Ride Around the Keysoe CCI2*S with Andrew Hoy

By on Oct 1, 2020 4:00 pm -

Australia’s Andrew Hoy will typically don his helmet cam on cross country and we’re always pleased to share them as both entertainment and education. Andrew’s latest camera video comes from this past weekend at Keysoe International in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, where the 9 year old Brigant made his international debut. The Selle Francais gelding owned by Andrew’s longtime friend and supporter Linda Mars finished in the top 30 of the CCI2*S division, and Andrew wrote on his social media that he was “delighted” at the young horse’s progress.

“Linda Mars’ Brigant has had a challenging ‘Corona year’ and this was his first Eventing run of the 2020 season,” Andrew wrote. “So you can see him being as little ‘green’ at times but still mastering all questions asked so well.”

Nurturing a young horse as they progress through their careers is always a process that requires time and patience. This unusual year has, of course, added even more time to most riders’ schedules, and many horses are coming out of their lockdown time better for the extra polish. Andrew knows this young one quite well, having joined up with him in 2017 and produced him through the levels patiently.

Andrew says the tall gelding needed some time to mature into his body, so the extra time never hurt anyone in this instance. And that growing maturity is evident on this track; Brigant takes in Angus Smales’ questions with poise and his keen expression is apparent even from our viewpoint. Andrew says he gained some confidence and experience along the way, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on this one as he continues to mature.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and FLAIR will donate 25% of the proceeds from its pink and limited edition Kick Breast Cancer strips to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this month. You can shop FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips by clicking or tapping the banner below.

Volunteer Nation: 6 Events You Can Help This Weekend

By on Oct 1, 2020 1:30 pm -

Prepped and ready to scribe… Photo by
Claire O’Dell.

What is your favorite volunteer role? I am a bit limited in the positions I’ve volunteered for, personally, but I think most of us would probably choose jump judging or scribing as our favorites. With jump judging, there’s the excitement of cross country action while with scribing the educational opportunities (and potential for hand cramps, of course) is exponential. Volunteering has always been an educational role for eventing fans, and seeing the sport from the perspective of each role is beneficial for building better stewards of the sport. What’s something new you could try during your next volunteering stint?

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers
Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal
Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: Heritage Park H.T.
Dates: Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4
Address: 16801 Pflumm, Olathe, KS, 66062
Positions Available: Event Prep – SJ, General Help, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Steward, Event Takedown – Dressage, Logistics, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Timer

Event: Majestic Oaks Recognized H.T.
Dates: Saturday, October 3
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions Available: XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage In Gate Steward, Floater, General Help

Event: Morven Park Fall 2020 H.T.
Dates: Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4
Address: 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Positions Available: Dressage In-Gate Steward

Event: Poplar Place Farm October H.T. and Area III Championships
Dates: Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4
Address: 457 Kingsboro Road, Hamilton, GA, 31811
Positions Available: Temperature/Waiver Checker, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer, XC Warm-up, Dressage In-Gate Steward, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, SJ In Gate, SJ Warm-up

Event: Spokane Sport Horse Farm 6th Annual Fall H.T.
Dates: Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4
Address: 10710 S Sherman Rd, Spokane, WA, 99224
Positions Available: Dressage Score Runner, Health Steward, Temperature/Waiver Checker, Parking Steward, Office Help, SJ Warm-up, SJ Timer, Hospitality Helper, Awards Committee, SJ Jump Crew

Other Events This Weekend:

The countdown is on…Only 9 days til the Spring event! Still need 2 volunteers for 3 hour shift on 10/4 (7am-10am)…

Posted by Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club on Thursday, September 24, 2020

How to Watch the 2020 German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen

By on Oct 1, 2020 10:00 am -

Photo by Thomas Ix, courtesy of Luhmühlen.

The German contingent this weekend heads to Luhmühlen to contest the rescheduled German Eventing Championships in CCI4*S format, and a stiff entry list awaits those seeking the top honors. As if an all-German competition could be anything less than strong, we’ll see a full roster of top riders duke it out, and it’ll all be streamed on ClipMyHorse.TV for you to follow along with all weekend.

Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen plays host to both a CCI5* as well as a CCI4*S each year, the latter division serving as the championship division for German riders. While we won’t see defending German champion Julia Krajewski, who won in 2019 with her 2018 World Equestrian Games partner Samourai du Thot, we will see defending European Champion Ingrid Klimke with three rides this weekend.

Ingrid finished second in the CCI4*S at Luhmühlen in 2019 aboard SAP Asha P, who comes in hot this year off a second place finish at Strzegom (Poland) in August. Ingrid will also pilot Equistros Siena Just Do It in the 8 year old Westphalian mare’s CCI4*S debut. This mare has also had a nice run up to these Championships, collecting a win in the CCI3*S at Kronenberg in the Netherlands followed by a fourth place in the CCI3*L at Strzegom. And of course, who could leave out Ingrid’s champion of champions, SAP Hale Bob OLD, winner of the Nations Cup at Strzegom in August.

Michael Jung will present just one ride this weekend with fischerChipmunk FRH, whom he acquired the ride on from Julia Krajewski last year. Chipmunk has also had a strong lead in to this event, picking up a win in his most recent outing at Avenches in Switzerland.

Other highlights of the German Championships entry list include Sandra Auffarth with Let’s Dance 73 and Viamant du Matz, Christoph Waller with Ikke 2 and Carjatan S, Andreas Dibowski with FRH Corrida, and many others.

The live stream, provided by ClipMyHorse.TV, does require a subscription, options for which start at $14 per month when billed annually and $19 per month if you prefer to just pick up a month at a time. You can view the full line-up for the live stream, which will also include the CCI2*L and CCI3*L divisions running concurrently, by clicking here. You can also vote and cheer on your favorite rider by clicking here.

Action has already begun for the CCI2*L and CCI3*L, and we’ll see the first horse down centerline in the marquee CCI4*S division at 9 a.m. local time / 3 a.m. EST tomorrow.

Timetable – CCI4*S:

Dressage: 9 a.m. local / 3 a.m. EST on Friday October 2
Cross Country: 1:00 p.m. local / 7 a.m. EST on Saturday October 3
Show Jumping: Following CCI2*L, which begins at 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. EST on Sunday October 4

German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen: [Website] [Schedule] [Dressage Order of Go] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Take 5 with Sam Watson, Presented by Equilume: A Big Win at Ballindenisk

By on Sep 30, 2020 12:00 pm -

A win for Sam Watson Eventing and Imperial Sky in the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk today. Never out of the top two their last six international events.

Posted by EquiRatings on Sunday, September 27, 2020

Team Equilume rider Sam Watson and Imperial Sky (Shibs Of Blue x Puissance) took home the top honors in the first Irish CCI4*L of the abbreviated 2020 season at Ballindenisk this past weekend. Consistency (as much of it as one can have this year, truthfully) has been key for this pair, which has not finished lower than second in their last six international events together.

It was a small yet mighty field for the CCI4*L, which also featured Sarah Ennis, Joseph Murphy, Cathal Daniels, and others. A dressage mark of 30.5 would give Sam and “Toby” the early edge, which would prove to be all they needed around a softer cross country track. Sam said he was a bit “ring rusty” in the show jumping, but the pair would finish the weekend on their dressage score to take home the win.

Ballindenisk is also a seemingly favored venue for the 14 year old Imperial Sky, who also won the long four-star here in April of 2019. He also won the then-CCI2* at Ballindenisk in 2013 as a seven year old.

Sarah Ennis and Horseware Woodcourt Garrison (32.1) picked up the 11 year old Irish gelding’s best finish at the CCI4* level thus far with second place, followed by Camilla Spiers and Lukas (34.0), a 9 year old Irish gelding who also takes home his best finish at the level to date.

Take a gander through some action shots from the CCI4*L from this Irish Eventing Times social media post:

📷 CCI4*-LAll photos from Ballindenisk International (2) are being provided by Horse Sport Ireland. You are welcome to…

Posted by Irish Eventing Times on Monday, September 28, 2020

So what goes into a top rider such as Sam’s routine to take his horses into each event in top form? For starters, Sam has talked before about his use of Equilume on his competition horses. As we head into drearier weather (especially in Ireland!), natural light becomes harder to find enough of. Equilume’s stable lighting system and light masks offer an effective way to ensure each horse has proper light. You can hear Sam’s thoughts on using Equilume in this video:

The days are getting shorter and, even in August, we still get gloomy days. Check out the Equilume page or see posts below for a chance to WIN some of these game-changing lights. Brighten up your horses days (with more cost-effective lights than standard), and improve health and performance while you’re at. Quick wins and marginal gains people. Get them in before winter..!

Posted by Sam Watson Eventing on Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Equilume is an Irish equine biotech company providing scientifically validated lighting solutions to the global equine industry. Their patented blue light technology strengthens circadian rhythms and has profound effects on equine health and behaviour.

The Equilume Cashel Light Mask is an individual headpiece that provides timed, low-level blue light to a single eye throughout the day to stimulate optimum health, performance and coat condition.

The Equilume Stable Light provides horses with biologically effective light in a system that replicates the benefits of Nature’s light indoors, designed to maximise health, performance and breeding efficiency for stabled horses.

Equilume products are backed by science and trusted by equestrians and veterinarians worldwide. 

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Sep 30, 2020 12:01 am -

What words of encouragement would you have for other equestrians of color or people of color considering becoming…

Posted by Equestrians of Color Photography Project on Monday, September 21, 2020

I wrote a tiny amount about the Equestrians of Color project showcasing riders of all disciplines a few weeks ago. Since then, stories about some of the riders featured in this beautiful photography project created by Shelley Paulson have been published regularly.

Christina Chen, one of the first riders featured on Equestrians of Color, says that microaggressions, which are often unintentional but still hurtful, are predominant among her experiences as a rider of color. “It’s very common for someone to ask me if I am related to or know another Asian person who happens to be an equestrian and most of the time, I don’t know that other person,” she said. “The common question, ‘Where are you from?’, with the follow-up question of, ‘No, where are you really from?’ is asked inside and outside the equestrian world, and is very alienating. I cannot help but continue to feel like an outsider even though I have only lived in the States and consider myself an American.”

Christina says that she wants to see more faces like hers within our community, but that she is proud to be a representative and a role model for others who want to see themselves reflected and represented across equestrian disciplines. She hopes that as the equestrian community continues to grow there will an increasing amount of opportunities for riders of all socioeconomic and racial backgrounds to get more involved with horses.

Don’t miss more about Christina and many others – alongside stunning photos from the EOC team – here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Wednesday Reading List:

Applications for the Optimum Equine Youth Equestrian Scholarship are still open! A robust list of mentors awaits scholarship recipients – including Katherine Un, whose essay for Nation Media’s Diversity Scholarship can be found here – as OYES gears up to support young riders from marginalized and underrepresented communities forge ahead with horses. To learn more and apply before the deadline of October 15, click here.

Ahmed Sharbatly is hoping to become the first Arabian Para dressage rider at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. Ahmed represented Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Nc. and has spent the ensuing years honing his craft as he looks ahead to Tokyo. He also hopes to grow the sport of dressage within his home country, where most equestrians participate in endurance, racing, or jumping. Read more about Ahmed’s road to Tokyo here.

World Animal Day is coming up on October 4. And as good as our event horses have it (though, if you ask them, it could always be better!), it’s easy to forget that many other working animals around the world sadly do not enjoy the same standard of care. One thing sorely missing from the lives of many animals worldwide is proper veterinary care. According to Horsetalk NZ, there are only 725 vets serving the country of Tanzania, which has a population of over 56 million people. For comparison, there are over 70,000 vets in the U.S.. Learn more about the work of hardworking charities such as Spana (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) and how you can help here.

The USEA has a fun way for you to enjoy the Adult Team Challenge concept virtually this year. The Virtual Adult Team Challenge will tally results from any USEA recognized events at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels through November 22. Each Area will be involved and coordinate their own challenges. Read up on how you can jump in the fun here.

As wildfires continue to burn in California and fire season still looms large, it’s as good a time as ever to brush up on preparedness and prevention. Natural disasters can be, well, disastrous to contend with, so proper preparation is key to safely managing risk. Equine Guelph provides some excellent resources in a new course offered to horse owners the world over.

Wednesday Video Break: I stumbled upon this little gem from Morven Park a few years ago on YouTube.

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:

#TipTuesday Video from Horseware: Wrapping Up the Sales Process with C Square Farm

By on Sep 29, 2020 5:53 pm -

So you’re almost through the sales process — it can be a tricky and overwhelming procedure if you’re new to it, but it can also be wholly rewarding all the same. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, Courtney Cooper and C Square Farm have some quality advice for navigating the sale process in this video series (catch up on Part 1 here and Part 2 here).

This third and final video in the series tackles the topic of closing up the sale. This means pre-purchase exams, negotiations, finalizing the bill of sale, understanding commissions, and more. Sounds like a lot, right? Sure! But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some common sense and attention to detail will help any sale go that much smoother.

Tune in for Courtney’s tips on wrapping up the sales process in the video aboe. And Courtney loves questions and feedback! You can comment on the video or send a message to the C Square Farm Facebook page for Courtney to answer.

Galway Downs Ready for Fall International with Venue Updates, Upgrades

By on Sep 29, 2020 1:15 pm -

Beautiful new FEI Stabling barns at Galway Downs. Photo by Kim Miller.

Galway Downs, a popular spot on the Area VI calendar nestled in the heart of southern California’s wine country of Temecula, is looking primed and ready for the forthcoming fall International event happening Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.

The eventing operations at Galway, overseen by Robert Kellerhouse of Kellerhouse Presents, have undergone massive upgrades in recent years, spanning from upgraded footing to new arenas and upgraded temporary stabling. As we get closer to Galway Downs International, more facility features have been given a facelift, including the addition of more turf to replace much of the predominantly dirt cross country tracks.

The cross country course will also see a new designer’s touch, with the task switching from Eric Winter to Clayton Fredericks this year. Ian Stark also designed the CCI4*L track here when the level was designated as a CCI3*. Clayton recently sat down to share his thoughts on the new course and the facility itself:

Galway Downs interview with Clayton Fredericks

Check out our interview with Clayton Fredericks where he addresses the new CCI4*-L course, what it was like designing with the new grass, and the year-round maintenance plans Galway Downs now has in place for the FEI tracks. Stay tuned for a full course preview as we get closer to the event.

Posted by Galway Downs on Friday, September 18, 2020

“We’ve got a good variation throughout the course,” Clayton says in the interview. “What we’ve tried to do is create a really flowing track which incorporates the areas that you’ve got here…because they’re really the good places for building. But what I’ve tried to do is create different lines through there…and maybe make a new use of those traditional areas.”

The major change is, Clayton says, the decision to stick primarily with the same track going forward which will be managed by the eventing crew year round. This track will also feature the new grass, aiding the overall goal to have the horses see fewer changes of footing. In previous years, horses in the FEI divisions would often switch from dirt to grass or sand.

As for how Clayton would describe the course? “Challenging I think is the key word,” he says. “Challenging and flowing.”

The Galway Downs International Event has destination competitions for all levels!The October 28-November 1 event will…

Posted by Galway Downs on Saturday, September 5, 2020

We’ll also welcome the USEF Futures Team Challenge riders to Galway Downs for the CCI4*L and CCI3*L competitions. The Adequan USEF Futures Team Challenge is a new program established in 2019 to provide team experience and educational opportunities to newer or younger riders. This will be the first time the Futures Team Challenge will travel to the West coast.

Also new and exciting for National competitors is the addition of Modified-Training Challenge (M-TC), Training-Novice Challenge (T-NC), and Novice-BN Challenge (N-BNC) divisions. These Challenge events will be run over three days in the new Grand Prix arena at Galway to give riders the “real feel” of competing in a long format event. This idea was born after the announcement that the Training Three-Day would not be held this year.

Entries for the Galway Downs International Event and H.T. are now open and will close on October 13. For more information, visit the Galway Downs Omnibus listing here.