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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 from Haygain

By on Apr 7, 2021 12:01 am -

The latest movie hit to top the charts on Netflix brings horses into the mainstream through the lens of Concrete Cowboy, a movie centering around the Fletcher Street cowboys. Now, the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy (PURA) has started a fundraising campaign, “Fresh Start for Philly Youth”, to raise money for a new riding center in downtown Philadelphia. The new home for PURA that will be created through the “Fresh Start for Philly Youth” fundraising campaign will provide:

· Stabling for 20-25 horses
· Paddocks
· Indoor and Outdoor Arena
· Classroom and recreational space for other youth and veteran programs.

You can learn more about this initiative and make a donation by clicking here. To read more about the story behind the film, try this piece from Time.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fair Hill International April H.T. and CCI-S: [Website] [Entry Status?] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers Spring International: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Photographer] [Volunteer]

CDCTA H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Spring Bay H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News:

You may have heard the term “micro aggressions” in recent conversation. For some, this is an unfamiliar term, but for many BIPOC riders it’s an all too common part of life. It’s helpful, therefore, to have a good understanding of what a micro aggression is in order to be more conscious of words, intentions, and how much they each matter. This blog from White Oak Stables is a useful primer.

This weekend, Chattahoochee Hills (GA) is holding a fundraiser and supply drive to assist victims affected by recent tornados in Newnan, Ga. that have impacted over 1700 homes to date. You can learn more about the drive and how to participate here.

The Equine Rescue of Aiken is seeking veterinary supplies to assist the victims of a devastating fire on Saturday, April 3. If you can help this organization get back on its feet, please visit their website for more information about donations.

In honor of Jennie Brannigan’s longtime upper level partner, Cambalda, and his official retirement, the USEA republished this lovely “Horse Heroes” column dedicated to “Ping”.

What do you need to know about EHV-1? With the European outbreak affecting a large number of horses and cases cropping up (as they do this time of year, to begin with) in North America, there’s much to be learned about the virus. This piece outlines six key EHV-1 takeaways from a recent seminar with Dr. Peter Heidmann of Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

Our weekly email newsletter got a facelift! We’ve transitioned to our all-new weekly email, the EN #ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)! Catch up on news you may have missed from the week, as well as useful links for the upcoming weekend’s events. It’s free to sign up – you can do so here.

Want to read a crazy story? Meet Florida’s “horse meat vigilante”, combating the illegal slaughterhouse industry one secret operation at a time.

Have you followed Haygain on social media yet? Their pages are filled with testimonials, tips and tricks for respiratory health, and a healthy dose of cheer to brighten up your feed.

Wednesday Video Break:

Check out the trailer for the aforementioned Netflix hit, Concrete Cowboy:

Tuesday Videos: Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve’s Winning Weekend at Galway Downs

By on Apr 6, 2021 5:00 pm -

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Temecula, California’s Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve have gotten their season off with a bang, winning the CCI4*-S at the Galway Downs Spring International last month. You can relive all of our coverage from on the ground at Galway here, and thanks to Ride On Video you can view all three phases of Erin and “Woody’s” winning weekend:

The Priceless Horses Make for the Greatest Memories

By on Apr 6, 2021 9:00 am -

Ava Elena Alvarez and Hugo Boss. Photo courtesy of LRA Photography.

Every now and then you encounter a horse that truly embodies the word “priceless”. That’s the way I think of a good friend of mine’s off-track Thoroughbred, Hugo Boss – and I’m quite sure the local eventing community would agree with me.

Overland Park, Ks.-based Mallory Stiver purchased Hugo Boss, whose Jockey Club name was Andrus (Artax – Goodie Good Girl), from the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program after a lackluster racing career. An amateur rider herself who had never competed above Training level, Mallory set about producing the 2010 bay gelding to be an event horse.

Fast forward to today, nearly nine years later, and the pair has successfully competed through the Intermediate level, achieving many firsts and personal bests along the way.

But sometimes, the results and competitions ticked off are only a small part of the story.

Mallory Stiver and Hugo Boss contesting the CCI2*-L at Texas Rose in 2018. Photo by Terri Hatcher Photography.

Over the last nearly decade, Mallory and “Huey” bonded, establishing their relationship with trips to and from Ocala, endless trail rides around Kansas, and a healthy dose of carting friends around like the good-natured soul Huey is. Through this, the tall gelding has earned a reputation of being a skillful teacher, a patient ride for new riders or new horse fans – through and through, a priceless horse.

So it comes as no surprise to see Huey this past weekend stepping into yet another unique role: a borrowed salve to soothe a recent pain.

Through her and her family’s business, Paradox Farm Sport Horses, Mallory had sold a horse to an acquaintance, Ava Elena Alvarez. After an all-too-short time together, the mare sadly suffered a freak pasture accident and had to be put down. Ava, who is turning 15 this month, was devastated at the loss of her partner; they had been planning to move up to Training level together this season.

Mallory had an idea. She had a young horse she wanted to focus on producing this season, and her goals with Huey mostly involved enjoying him. Why not let Ava take him for a spin?

Last weekend, Ava and Huey made their competition debut together, finishing seventh in their Training division on their dressage score at Texas Rose in Tyler, Tx. For Mallory, seeing her horse of a lifetime share the joy he gives her was worth more than any personal achievement.

The highlight of my weekend right here!! Huey helped Ava complete her first training level this weekend and they did it…

Posted by Mallory Stiver on Sunday, March 28, 2021

“With all the hard work I did with my past horse, Winnie, and then her having to be put down due to her accident, I was really in a spot where I wasn’t sure I how long I would be able to ride,” Ava Elena said. “Mallory kindly let me put in the work on Huey to start showing him this year. He has really given me the confidence I need to move up through the levels and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

“I was in tears most of the weekend watching Huey take such good care of Ava like he’s always taken care of me,” Mallory said. “He did so much for me, keeping me in the saddle when I went through the loss of two horses, and I hoped he would do that for her, too.”

Mallory Stiver with Ava Elena and “Huey”. Photo courtesy of Mallory Stiver.

Sometimes, it’s not about the levels we climb or the scores we earn. Sometimes, it’s about the irreplaceable relationship with a horse that gets us out of bed on even our worst days. Despite the terrible sadness Ava experienced with the loss of her own partner, a little borrowed joy was all she needed to get a little piece of her groove back – and it’s the most priceless horses that can give this so easily.

Five Reasons to Grab a Pair of Ariat’s Tri Factor Breeches This Spring

By on Apr 5, 2021 2:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Ariat.

There are a few factors that are perennially important to riders shopping for their next pair of breeches. Durability, comfort, fit, and price are all taken into consideration – among many other things – in a competitive riding apparel industry. We’ve got our eye on the popular Tri Factor line of breeches from Ariat as the new main staple in our closet, and here are a few reasons why:

  • So long, restrictive waistband! There is truly nothing much more uncomfortable than a waistband that’s rigid and doesn’t allow you to move properly. The Ariat Tri Factor line of breeches features a “V-panel” built into the back waistband, allowing the fabric to give and stretch (without losing its shape) as we move about. This simple feature combined with the mid-rise design makes these breeches a great fit for the multitude of beautiful body types in the sport.
  • No more sweaty legs. I’m not sure if you can relate, but there is just something particularly gross about finishing up a summer ride and finding your pants damp from sweat. Luckily, Ariat has thought of this issue, too, and the Tri Factor breeches also feature Moisture Movement Technology™, which pulls moisture away from the skin and encourages evaporation. In addition, Ariat’s Freeze Point™ cooling technology can cool the skin by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Blisters be gone. You know that rubbing caused when the bottom of your breeches gets wrinkled by the close fit of your boot? I’ve sustained some pretty epic blisters this way. The Tri Factor breech calls on Ariat’s CFS™ Calf Fit System, cutting down on this friction while providing support to the calf and ankle.
  • They just don’t feel like breeches. There was a time when breeches were either strong enough to retain their shape or they were comfortable – there wasn’t much that combined both. The Ariat Tri Factor breeches, which come in both knee grip and full seat styles, are made in a mid-weight knit that will hold its shape through a day of riding without feeling restricting or scratchy. That’s a huge plus for riders who spend long hours riding multiple horses or who prefer hanging out in breeches to most other types of pants.
  • Ride like an athlete. Riders are athletes, and our apparel should allow us to live the active lifestyle required in this sport. While not all brands are created equal, Ariat’s compression technology sets it above the rest in terms of athletic performance. The Tri Factor breech’s compression material allows the breech to keep its shape no matter how hard you work, while still ensuring a sleek and smooth fit.

Photo courtesy of Ariat.

Ariat has long been known for its innovative textile technology and catering to the athletic nature of our sport. The Tri Factor Breech is a great option to add to your show or everyday wardrobe this year – you can shop for your next pair by clicking here. For all your riding apparel and show clothing needs, click here.

With a Little Help from Her Friends, Holly Payne Caravella Marks First Post-Baby Run with a Win

By on Apr 5, 2021 11:30 am -

Not only did Holly Payne Caravella make a successful comeback to competition after returning from maternity leave at the Carolina International CCI last month, she stamped her return with an emphatic exclamation point, bringing home the blue ribbon aboard CharmKing LLC’s CharmKing in the Open Intermediate division.

It wasn’t all roses for Holly, however, who faced the devastation of a miscarriage in 2019 before deciding with her husband, Eric, to keep trying for a baby last year. As it would happen, the pandemic-induced shutdown of the 2020 competition season would coincide with Holly’s pregnancy, but as events started back up again, she knew the talented CharmKing needed to get out and get some miles.

Herein lies the crux of complication for many professional women, who in this industry often must choose between pursuing their career and starting a family, putting one on hold in favor of the other. And for the determined women who elect to do both, there are many ends that need tending to in order to keep a business running while pregnant.

Luckily, Holly had a supportive group of clients at home and a close friend she could call on when it came time to send CharmKing to another rider to keep him going: Lillian Heard.

“That’s always a really hard decision, to send a horse to another rider, since there are so many good pros out there,” Holly said. “In talking with Mary Bancroft, who owns Charm with me, we decided we wanted to keep him with a woman so it was a more similar ride. I’ve known Lillian for a long time, and she’s such a quiet, correct rider who I knew wouldn’t change who Charm is – I would get the same horse back.”

Lillian Heard and CharmKing. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cross country was the phase the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Cassito out of O-Heraldika needed the most practice with, and Lillian’s prowess in this phase made her an obvious choice to continue to young horse’s tuition. “I knew she would be confident enough, as I know it’s really hard to catch-ride someone else’s horses,” Holly explained.

It would actually be Lillian who would move CharmKing up to the Advanced level, doing so in the CCI4*-S at Great Meadow in August of 2020 – the first international competition post-shutdown – after running two Intermediates. “It was very nerve wracking to be the owner, I have to say!” Holly recalled. “Even though there was no reason to be nervous, I felt responsible. I’d trained him to this point, and I’m telling Lillian he’s good and ready, but at the same time if something had gone wrong, I’d have blamed myself in the training.”

The move up did go to plan, however, and CharmKing would go on to finish in the top 10 at Great Meadow and also in the top 10 in the CCI4*-S at Tryon later in the fall. Meanwhile, back at home, Holly was doing what she could to maintain her fitness and her business as her pregnancy progressed.

In preparation for riding a little less, Holly had sold on the young horses she’d had, keeping only her veteran partner, Never OutFoxed, and her adult amateur client horses on her roster. “It was really useful for me to stay active with ‘Fox’ at home while Charm was getting tuned up,” she recalled. “I rode a lot of really safe horses, a lot of amateur horses, but I was able to stay sharper than if I had taken off completely.”

Holly Payne Caravella and Charmking. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

All told, Holly took just four weeks away from the saddle in total, giving birth to beautiful baby Harper Lynn Caravalla on January 7. Once back to riding – “I kind of snapped back into it like riding a bike” – Holly jumped right in. “My clients were eager to have me back, and I wanted to dive right in. It was a good, fast way to get back in shape,” she laughed.

Soon enough, it was time to begin preparing for the new season – and Holly couldn’t wait to get back out there. Lillian had tuned Charm up for Holly, taking the gelding out at Pine top twice in February before turning the reins back over to her friend.

“We packed up the whole family to head to Aiken and went cross country schooling, where Charm just felt great, like the horse I gave her,” Holly said. “He was confident and just felt really good. She kept him prime and ready but ‘my’ horse at the same time.”

It was just the shot of extra confidence Holly needed as she then headed to Carolina to contest the Open Intermediate with both CharmKing and Never Outfoxed. She laughs now as she tells me she’s glad Never OutFoxed was out of the box first – near the beginning of the course the pair had an uncanny, rusty stop and then a near-miss when Holly nearly forgot a jump in show jumping. “I had my rusty moments, but they got taken out on Fox,” she joked.

In the end, it was an easy win for CharmKing, who finished the weekend on his dressage score of 23.0 but perhaps most importantly brought Holly back where she felt the most at home on the same token.

Weekend Winners: The Fork at TIEC, Pine Hill, Rocking Horse

By on Apr 5, 2021 9:00 am -

It’s one more weekend down until the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! As these final preps for the big five-star tick down to the final weeks, riders at every level are also in full-tilt spring season, making for some large, competitive divisions.

The Unofficial Low Score Award for this first weekend of April goes to Benita Strini and Plain Dealing Farm’s DHI Kevin G (who I sincerely hope owes his name to Mean Girls), who earned a personal best of 20.2 and would go on to finish on it to win their Open Novice division at The Fork.

Here’s a look at the rest of this weekend’s winners:

The Fork at TIEC: Final Results

CCI4*-S: Doug Payne and Vandiver (25.7)
CCI3*-S: Lucienne Elms and Tremanton (28.9)
CCI2*-S: Maya Black and Double Diamond C (28.8)
CCI1*-S: Austin Skeens and What Gives (39.4)
Advanced A: Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (52.2)
Advanced B: Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (41.8)
Open Intermediate: Gabrielle Hutchison and Straight Moonshine (28.6)
Junior Preliminary: Maia Kantorowski and Pebbly Maximus (42.5)
Open Preliminary: Caroline Martin and Vamonos (32.2)
Preliminary Rider: Emily Shilling and Enchanting Class (37.8)
Modified: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (25.9)
Open Training: Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 (23.8)
Training Rider: Kathleen Bertuna and Excel Star Harry (25.0)
Novice Rider A: Nancy Z. Wilson and Lagerfeld (22.4)
Novice Rider B: Victoria Baugh and Curioso (27.9)
Open Novice: Benita Strini and DHI Kevin G (20.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Caroline Adams and Simon Says (26.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Chelsey Sawtell and Toto’s Weather Tamer (28.6)

Really pleased with big, bad Bolytair B this weekend. Had big improvement on the flat thanks to Peter Grey and Nicholas Fyffe. He showjumped great under the lights, and was a monster today around the XC. Emily Lehman has done a perfect job as usual making sure he has everything he could possibly need, which is not always easy around this time as Boly starts to become quite the handful!

Fingers crossed now that the next show for us is at the Kentucky Horse Park and we can let him RUN! 🚀

Posted by Dominic Schramm on Sunday, April 4, 2021

Reddy or not was super this weekend in the advanced. A good dressage and show jumping (we had a rail but she’s getting…

Posted by Kyle Carter on Sunday, April 4, 2021

Pine Hill Spring H.T.: Final Results

Open Preliminary: Myalee Muller and Claster (35.8)
Open Training: Anna Howell and Bodacious Affair (36.9)
Open Novice: Janet Marden and Flagmount’s Millennial (33.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kaetlyn Perkins and Arizona Sweet (31.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Lauren Replogle and Cornerstone’s Natural Perfection (31.9)
Open Beginner Novice C: Darcy Barnett and Double the Silver (27.8)
Open Starter: Lolly Perry and Phenway (30.7)

Rocking Horse Spring H.T.: Final Results

Open Intermediate A: Buck Davidson and DHI Showman (31.3)
Open Intermediate B: Michael Nolan and Bad Moon Rising (35.9)
Open Preliminary: Stephanie Cauffman and Chatsworth Third Revolution (30.4)
Preliminary Horse: Buck Davidson and Up On Stage (30.4)
Preliminary Rider: Alan Montemayor and AZ (30.7)
Preliminary/Training: Alexander O’Neal and Honor Society (27.7)
Jr. Training: Ava Rickert and Favonius Nite (39.7)
Open Training A: Clayton Fredericks and Quirlige (26.8)
Open Training B: Michelle Mercier and Tullibards Chance Taken (28.3)
Sr. Training: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (29.1)
Training Horse: Michael Nolan and Carrabeg Hulla Balou (28.6)
Jr. Novice: Kate Brown and Royal Lufttanzer (27.4)
Novice Horse: Diego Farje and Wise Hamlet du Rouet (34.3)
Open Novice A: McKena Knott and Alice Alice (30.5)
Open Novice B: Karl Slezak and Blackjack (26.4)
Sr. Novice: Erin Nance and Fine Way to Fly (34.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Meadow Carani and Elan V (38.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Leah Lang-Gluscic and Dwana Miracle (33.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Kyla Tovar and Mighty Smart (27.0)

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Atop the The Fork at TIEC CCI4*-S

By on Apr 3, 2021 10:30 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

This article has been updated on 4/4 with additional information and quotes from the official press release.

Reporting on an event remotely in the absence of a live stream presents a challenge, but it’s one we’re happy to navigate thanks to the help of photographer Shannon Brinkman. Action condensed into two days kicked off today at The Fork at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) presented by Nutrena, and it’s Tamie Smith and the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum leading the charge in the ProElite CCI4*-S division after dressage and show jumping’s completion today.

Tamie and the 15-year-old German Sporthorse gelding by Loredano out of Rike earned a career-best at the four-star level in the dressage, riding before judges Mark Weissbecker and Gretchen Butts, scoring a 20.4 to best their previous FEI best of 21.9 (CCI3*-S, 2019). “Lexus” wouldn’t be one to lower a rail at this level, and though he and Tamie collected two seconds of time as the sun set on Tryon, their two-phase score of 21.2 was enough to keep them atop the leaderboard.

“Like any competitor, you can always find places where you can improve, but he’s just super consistent,” Tamie reflected. “The things we’re improving are very miniscule, really. I was really pleased with him. He’s such a professional in the sandbox.”

While Tamie herself has competed at TIEC before, Mai Baum is a Tryon first-timer, but wasn’t fazed by the atmosphere in Tryon Stadium, she reported. “I wouldn’t have been in a stadium like that with him before, and he’s never been here to Tryon. The atmosphere in the stadium is quite electric, and he’s a careful horse, so sometimes that can work against you, but he was super confident and felt great.”

A confident ride in a new, exciting environment was exactly what Tamie was hoping to get from her experience before heading to contest the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, she revealed. “I thought that it would be a good idea to come to Tryon to get the electric, big arena atmosphere, because that’s how Kentucky is going to be. I wanted to get a read on the horses leading up to Kentucky, so I’m just really pleased with how he handled it, and he’s super rideable and confident,” she detailed.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Turning in one of only five double clear rounds on Michel Vaillancourt’s show jumping track were second-placed Boyd Martin and Christine, Thomas and Tommie Turner’s Tsetserleg TSF (Windfall – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), who will go into tomorrow’s cross country with a score of 23.7. Boyd and the Turner family’s On Cue (Cabri d’Elle – On High, by Primitive Rising) are also inside the top five after two, sitting fourth on a 26.6.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Doug Payne and Debi Crowley’s Vandiver (Windfall – Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx) move one spot up into third overnight thanks to their double clear round, leaving them on a two-phase score of 25.7. Rounding out the top five are Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master), who finished second in the 7-year-old Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion in 2019 (and third in the 6-year-olds at Le Lion in 2018).

Lucienne Elms and Tremanton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In the CCI3*-S division, it’s Lucienne Elms with Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Tremanton (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz – Trevia, Hand In Glove) in charge after two phases on a score of 28.9, moving up from third after dressage. This is the first CCI4*-S for Tremanton, a 9-year-old British Sport Horse mare with whom Lucienne has been partnered since 2020.

“She’s still very green at the 3* level, and just did her first one last month with me at Stable View. Dressage today was the best result that she has had at the FEI level. She’s a very nice moving mare,” Lucienne explained, “but she has a tendency once she gets in the arena [to let] tension interrupt her lateral work, and today was the first time that she really let me ride her, so I am thrilled for that! It was the biggest track that she has jumped, and I was pleased that she jumped really cleanly, [for] a nice confident round.”

“I have to go steady with her tomorrow. It wouldn’t be in her best interest for me to try and make the time because she is still very new to this level. I would like to keep her in a rhythm that keeps her in a fairly decent position. She is really one that I want to produce slowly and properly,” Elms emphasized. “I have no doubt at all that one day she will be back in the lead and I can then put my foot [on the gas] a little bit!”

Leading the way in the CCI2*-S are Maya Black and Laurie Cameron’s Double Diamond C (Diacontinus – Lois Lane CBF), a 6-year-old Hanoverian gelding making his FEI debut this weekend.

“I think he’s handling the atmosphere really well, and he went into both the Dressage and Show Jumping and just was on task, and jumped well and confidently,” Maya said in the event press release. “He was really rideable and really as good as he could be for this point in his training and his career.”

Last but most certainly not least in the international divisions this weekend, Austin Skeens and Heather Skeen’s What Gives (Spring At Last – All the Words), moving up from second into first to tackle cross country on a two-phase score of 31.4. This is also an FEI debut for this pair, who most recently finished fourth in the Open Modified at Carolina International last month.

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

Two Advanced divisions are also running this weekend, and after dressage and show jumping it will be Will Faudree with Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables’ Mama’s Magic Way (Mighty Magic – Straightaway, by Star Regent xx) in the lead of the A division on a score of 35.8; Boyd Martin and the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140 (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus) in charge of the B on a score of 28.3.

Many of these horses, including four-star leaders Mai Baum, Tsetserleg TSF, Vandiver, and On Cue (as well as many others in the four-star and Advanced divisions this weekend) are in their final prep stages for the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5* at the end of April. Capt. Mark Phillips’ four-star track tomorrow consists of 35 jumping efforts with an optimum time of 6 minutes, 31 seconds. Check out a preview of the track:

Many thanks to Shannon Brinkman for the gorgeous shots from today’s action – you can order your own show photos from this weekend by clicking here. We’ll be back tomorrow with a final report – and we will also update this report with additional details as they are made available.

Go Eventing.

The Fork at TIEC: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Five-Star Rider Ashley Johnson is Studying Elite Eventing Athletes: How You Can Help

By on Apr 3, 2021 12:00 pm -

Ashley Johnson and Tactical Maneuver. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ashley Johnson is a busy woman. When she’s not competing at the top levels with her longtime partner, Tactical Maneuver, she can be found coaching the University of Florida’s eventing team, judging, or running her own business in Ocala, Fl. – and now she’s adding a master’s program through Harvard University to her busy day planner. As a part of her studies in Psychology, Ashley is running a study on elite eventing athletes in an effort to collect more data about the sport.

“The reality is that there have been a lot of studies done on elite athletes in other sports, but almost none for eventing athletes,” Ashley explained. “And eventing is an extremely demanding and technical sport, so there is surely some interesting data to collect by studying the riders at the top.”

As a part of her Master’s Thesis, Ashley is conducting a research study aimed at riders competing at the CCI2* – CCI5* level this spring. Following each international event on the calendar, Ashley is requesting that riders take a few minutes to fill out the anonymized survey.

“I’m trying to collect as much data as possible in order to make the resulting analysis more accurate,” she explained. “My goal is to contribute to the overall literature about elite eventing athletes through this study.”

If you are 18 or older and are competing at the two-star level or above between now and Land Rover Kentucky, please email or text Ashley (610-212-0294) to obtain a link to the survey. Riders can complete the survey multiple times if they compete at multiple events and are asked to do so within 48 hours of the conclusion of the event.

Thursday Video from Cambox: Just the Feeling of Freedom

By on Apr 1, 2021 4:00 pm -

When people ask me what it’s like to “go fast” on a horse, I often find it’s quite hard to actually describe. Even for me, a more timid rider than some, there really is nothing to replace the true freedom felt on the back of a horse. This clip from Cambox’s Instagram is probably a good replacement for the words that I can’t ever seem to find!

Want more helmet cam action? I collected a few more clips to enjoy:

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

Michael Jung Un-Retires Sam and Wants to Win Kentucky (Again)

By on Apr 1, 2021 9:00 am -

Michael Jung on La Biosthetique-Sam FBW
Photo Taken by Cindy Lawler

Breaking news, EN! We’ve just received word from a special source all the way in Germany that a certain German will be loading a certain German horse onto a plane in a few weeks’ time and heading to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. If you guessed Michael Jung, you’d be correct. Nevermind that a shutdown of FEI events has all but stalled competitions all throughout Europe this spring. Nevermind that he retired his legendary champion, La Biosthetique Sam, in 2018. And never mind that he’s already got two Kentucky wins under his belt — he’s coming back for more, and he’s bringing Sam, now 21 years young, with him.

Though the winters in Germany aren’t exactly tropical, La Biosthetique Sam, like the eventing king he is, knows how to keep a certain level of fitness. Michael is never one to underprepare his horses, so you can trust that Sam likely has lost little fitness in his “retirement.” As shown below, he and fischerRocana tend to keep up their own trot sets — rain, shine or snow.

Preparations for a five-star begin well in advance, aiming to peak both horse and rider fitness at precisely the right time. The stalwart campaigner Sam also understands the importance of recovery, as exemplified here:

Photo via Michael Jung.

Michael didn’t respond to request for comment — though we’re certain if he had, he would have told us that he has a “very good feeling” regarding his upcoming trip to Kentucky and that he’s packed both of his Rolex watches as good luck charms.

Happy April Fool’s!

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Mar 31, 2021 12:01 am -

Today I traded my white jeans for a pair of britches and a stock tie (I had no idea how to tie it). Thank you Wendy and the Cheshire Hunt for an incredible day!

Posted by Kareem Rosser on Saturday, March 27, 2021

I’m eagerly looking forward to the virtual book club hosted by the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship happening tomorrow and centering around Kareem Rosser’s memoir, Crossing the Line. I’m still in the process of writing a review (cliff notes: go read it!), but suffice it to say that Kareem’s experiences and perspective have stayed with me since finishing the book. Now it looks like Kareem is one step closer to joining the dark side becoming an eventer – after all, many event riders also flock to the hunt scene!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

The Fork at TIEC: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Pine Hill H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

International Preview:

🇬🇧 Aston-Le-Walls Elite: [Website]

🇦🇺 WAYER International CCI: [Website] [Entries]

Wednesday Reading List:

Dominique Mungin knows the disciplines of hunters, jumpers, and equitation like the back of her hand. A lifetime of horses lives in her blood, and she recently took some time to reflect on her experiences both as a rider and as a person of color on how the industry has changed and can continue to evolve in this piece from The Plaid Horse.

Our weekly email newsletter got a facelift! We’ve transitioned to our all-new weekly email, the EN #ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)! Catch up on news you may have missed from the week, as well as useful links for the upcoming weekend’s events. It’s free to sign up – you can do so here.

Want to win a VIP trip to the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? The Land Rover VIP sweepstakes is returning this year with a slight twist due to ongoing limitations on spectators per the USEF. But it’s still worth entering for next year: the price includes four VIP Hospitality Passes, a private course walk, a tailgate space, swag, and much more for 2022. Click here to enter.

The first competition for the newly-formed USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) happened at the Ocala Winter I H.T. earlier this month in Florida. The first IEL team challenge featured five teams and 25 pairs, and you can read all about the action in this report.

In her latest blog for the Chronicle, Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Lauren Sprieser muses about the concept of a support system and how intrinsically valuable it is. I related, and you might too – read more here.

Want to learn more about peak equine respiratory health? Don’t miss this webinar hosted by Canada’s Ontario and Trillium Hunter Jumper associations and Dr. Wren Burnley, DVM. Learn more and sign up here.

Wednesday Video Break:

Hop in the time machine to The Fork at its original venue in Norwood, Nc., circa 2013. This year’s running of The Fork commences this weekend at the event’s new home, Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Training Tip Tuesday Video: Developing Your Trot Lengthening with Amelia Newcomb

By on Mar 30, 2021 5:00 pm -

There’s a distinct difference between a proper trot lengthening and a trot that’s just faster, not longer. Learning this distinction – and properly training yourself to apply the aid and your horse to balance herself accordingly – is a process, and it’s always helpful to have some extra tools in your back pocket.

Amelia Newcomb, who is based in Somis, Ca., is a Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer who maintains a robust library of training videos on her YouTube channel. Amelia’s most recent video is all about trot lengthenings, showing riders a variety of exercises and tips for producing a correct lengthening from your horse.

Amelia typically writes a blog to accompany each video, and you can read her bullet points about these exercises here. Be sure to follow along with Amelia’s YouTube channel for many more helpful resources like this one.

Reporter’s Notebook: Galway Downs Spring International

By on Mar 30, 2021 3:00 pm -

Auburn Excell Brady and BSP Tuxedo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It was indescribably fantastic to be out at an event doing some coverage this past weekend, and I’m still flipping through the photos wondering when I can get back out there next. As a reporter, you walk a fine line between wanting to report on the actual action and facts while also feeling drawn to the constant undercurrent of other stories – the ones that may not make the final report, but that leave a lasting impression nonetheless.

Of course, the best way to capture your own memories is to support your show photographers and videographers, who work insanely long hours to create gorgeous final products for their customers.

Tails were a flying today at the kick off of the Galway International. Feels good to be back at it.

Posted by Tina Fitch Photography on Thursday, March 25, 2021

The creatives of the sport often go unnoticed, under promoted, or thankless, especially as the world continues to evolve to the point of high-quality smartphone cameras and affordable DSLR options. But the craft of photography isn’t one that can simply be picked up on a whim – these professionals spend hours of their lives perfecting their skill and putting their best work on display.

This weekend’s photographer at Galway Downs was Tina Fitch Photography, and videos can be purchased from Ride On Video (on whom we just ran a fun profile last week).

There is certainly something about a horse galloping across a field. Don’t they write poems and songs about that too?

Posted by Tina Fitch Photography on Wednesday, February 3, 2021

 

 

As my final farewell (for now!) from wine country, enjoy a few shots and small stories from another gorgeous eventing weekend.

Formerly a grass arena on which show jumping was held, the newest arena is accentuated in dramatic fashion by these trees. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Despite a chilly start to the weekend, the California sun broke through for some cross country day heat. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Visible from the new dressage arenas is the training track that also makes its home here at Galway. Note the wine country touch of the early morning hot air balloon! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Tina Fitch, the show photographer, worked tirelessly all weekend to create beautiful memories for riders. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Collapsible tables on display! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kick for home! Photo by Sally Spickard.

There aren’t many better views, in my opinion! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Area VI rider Madison Temkin rides with a South African flag pin in honor of beloved eventer, friend, and mentor Kate Gillespie. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Many thanks to the hardworking volunteers and officials this and every weekend. Photo by Sally Spickard.

And that’s all she wrote. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Galway Downs International H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Amateur’s Corner: Krista Wilson on Self-Sufficiency, the Eventing Bug, and the Value of Volunteering

By on Mar 30, 2021 9:00 am -

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 Krista Wilson, a dedicated volunteer and retired teacher who events at the Novice level in Area III with her 8-year-old warmblood, Stella.

Krista Wilson and Stella at Three Lakes. Photo by Victoria DeMore Photography.

EN: First, tell us a little about yourself.

KW: I was born in Georgia grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. I did not start lessons till I turned 24 and started my first teaching job in Jacksonville, FL. I rode with Jack Kenny of Durbin Hill Farm and did the hunter/jumpers with him on OTTBs in the 80’s and 90’s. He was an Irishman and he was the “go-to” guy in the area if you had a horse with a problem. He trained lots of OTTB’s and I got a great foundation of how to take care of horses. It was not a fancy place, but the horse always came first. They looked like a million bucks. He was such a great horseman. I looked up to riders like Rodney Jenkins, Michael Matz and Margie Goldstein as they were the riders who were winning in showjumping at the time. I bought my first horse, Doc Holiday from him.

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

KW: I started eventing in 2002 with Linda Konst in Wesley Chapel, Fl. when I moved my second horse, Duchess to her barn. She had a lovely cross-country field and we just started playing around with the jumps there. My horse was ready for a change from the hunter ring, and Linda was just so knowledgeable on every aspect of horses. I was not remotely aware of how to do dressage, but Linda was very patient. Linda is an all-around excellent horse woman. She is another great friend who feels like family. Everyone loves her! I have been so fortunate to meet the right people at the right time. Like Jack Kenny, horsemanship is paramount in her book.

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

KW: Embrace the suck! I am a retired teacher and have a very nice 8-year-old warmblood Novice horse, Stella. (We were ranked #5 in the country last year at Beginner Novice and are ranked #2 at Novice on the USEA leaderboard as of this month) She cost less than $4,000 and I bought her at an online auction without a vet check, without sitting on her. I had planned to pay around $2300, but drinking wine while on the phone with a fellow eventer, I ended up going a bit over budget! She is the nicest horse I have ever owned. I think she might be by Silvio, an Oldenburg stallion who is not registered but sired quite a few horses up in Virginia, but I am not 100% sure of her breeding.

I have bought and sold horses that did not work out. I did not start riding till I was 24 years old and bought my first horse at age 33. I am 59 yrs old and I have never given up on my dream. It is not an option, I am determined and thoughtful in my choices. I often work in exchange for lessons. I organize clinics and my fee is free participation. I watch the warmup of the best riders, and I watch training videos. I am a good grant writer and have benefited from a Sports Psychology Grant that the USEA offered and I won.

I do live in Area 3 in Florida, so I am lucky to have the opportunity to show with some of the best in the country. I support the local riding eventing group (FHTA) and also benefit from being a member. I frequently volunteer at horse shows – this gets me free schooling passes and free education, and is also a lot of fun! I don’t understand why people do not volunteer more – it is such a good way to learn. I guess that many people do not want to put in the hard work to succeed. I am not sentimental about selling a horse if it is not helping me towards my goals. I have had to pay mortgages, car payments, VISA bills, and insurance like everyone else.

My advice? Buy used (truck, trailer, tack,) everything! I have zero regrets because now, I am retired and showing rated shows and having an absolute blast. When there is a rated show, I often stay overnight with a friend or camp in my horse trailer at a place near the show that is less costly than on the show grounds. My experience as a school teacher taught me to deal with disappointments and brush them aside and move on. My horses got me through the stress of work for years- I know that so many people find solace in riding and just being around horses, I feel lucky to have horses in my life. You have to think outside the box and just push on through. Start volunteering and see what happens. I have shown without a groom my entire life; it’s not easy, but I am very self-reliant and self-sufficient.

Photo by Lisa Madren.

EN: Describe a typical day in your week.

KW: Get up, have coffee, fix breakfast, and lunch-to-go. Often, I cook dinner in the morning, so I just have to reheat it when I get home. I like to read in the morning. We have a great newspaper in my area, and I like to stay informed on current events. Next, go to the barn and either work around the barn (painting jumps, cleaning stalls, dragging the arena, always a project that needs doing), and ride Stella.

I try to take a dressage lesson and a jumping lesson every week and I try to school cross country twice a month. I do fitness work with Stella, which is walking 30 minutes to an hour at least three days a week. I have the best trainers! Blair Martindale is my dressage trainer and she has found a way to make dressage fun! That is pretty huge! Richard Mathews is my jumper trainer and he has the best eye. I am amazed at the progress Stella and I have made under his tutelage. When I told him last year that I was getting rails in stadium more than I cared to admit, he had me change my warmup. I have not had a rail since!!! (Six shows and counting!) I use Zoe Crawford for cross country and with her, I have done jumps that I have never thought were possible. For example: we jumped a log into the water at Barnstaple the other day- and I told her it was a “bucket list” item for me! Riding should be fun and with these trainers, it always is. What they have in common is they are all patient, have good senses of humor, and are not too intense in a lesson. They

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

KW: Marry a good person who understands how much the horses mean to you. I met my wonderful husband, Ron when I was 40 years old through my sister. We hit it off quite well and I feel like I won the lottery! He is my number one fan, and he has always been super supportive! When I met him, I had just completed my second university degree and I had just gotten my second horse, Duchess. I sold my first horse, Doc, after I realized that I could not afford the hobby. I went back to school and got my Master’s degree and then when I bought the next horse, I could actually afford to pay all the bills and sleep at night.

Happy hour on horseback! Photo by Amy Welch.

EN: What drives you/motivates you the most?

KW: I love horses, I could just be around them and be happy. They are the most beautiful animals in the world. If I watch a horse movie, I get misty eyed just seeing a horse canter across the screen. I have no idea why, but I was born this way.

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

KW: Lift your eyes.

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

KW: You don’t have to sit in the saddle to learn something new about eventing: volunteer!

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

KW: I feel so strongly about volunteering. I think that all amateur riders should be required to put in 10 hours a year volunteering at a horse show in order to compete at any regional or national championship. This sport runs on volunteers and it’s like professional development hours when you volunteer: you have to constantly sharpen that knife or it gets dull.

That being said, I think professionals need to think about how they can support the volunteers more. Everyone – amateurs and professionals alike – has a responsibility to think about how they are affecting the sport. You are a role model whether you want to be or not. Try to be a good one!

Weekend Winners: Galway, Stable View, Full Gallop, Majestic Oaks, Morven Park, Poplar Place

By on Mar 29, 2021 3:00 pm -

Photo by Sally Spickard.

I was finally able to venture out to take in an event this past weekend, providing EN’s coverage of the FEI divisions at Galway Downs. While the weather was a bit cold and wet on Thursday, the sun came out just in time for cross country and gave us a real glimpse at Southern California in the spring. Above is one of my favorite shots from the weekend, of Jeff Goodwin and Exactleigh on their way home in the Open Preliminary division. The snow-capped mountains in the background coupled with the spring colors makes a great illustration of the time of year here!

Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week goes to Shelby Murray and Reverie GWF, who won their Junior Training division on a score of 18.3. Low scores are par for the course for this pair, but this finishing score still comes as a personal best; their previous personal best was a 19.8 at Galway in 2019, at the Novice level. Well done, you two!

Galway Downs International H.T.: [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*-S: Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve (30.1)
CCI3*-S: Alina Patterson and Flashback (30.1)
CCI2*-S: Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet (28.6)
Intermediate: Hilary Burkemper and Undercover (32.4)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Calaro (29.1)
Preliminary Rider: Karleen Williams and Next Dance (26.3)
Jr. Training Rider: Shelby Murray and Reverie GWF (18.3)
Open Training: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (19.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Megan Robinson and Daisy (28.6)
Training Amateur: Kristen Davignon and Fürst Floid (30.6)
Training Horse: Kelsey Devoille and Cute Casalita (33.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Simone Clark and Indio BMW (21.2)
Novice Amateur: Bari Boersma and Choo Choo (31.1)
Novice Horse: Asia Vedder and Get Cheeky (21.0)
Open Novice: Madelyn Floyd and Redfield Bajall (24.8)
Sr. Novice Rider: Jordan Chase and Welligton (22.4)
Beginner Novice Horse: Kelsey Holmes and Karel H (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Michelle Jones and Balou Print (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Michelle Cameron Donaldson and Danny Boy (34.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and Genesis (22.2)

Stable View Spring 1*/2*/3*/4*: [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*-S: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous (28.5)
CCI3*-S: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (29.4)
CCI2*-S: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (27.5)
CCI1*-S: Alyssa Phillips and FE Celestino (34.5)

What a weekend ! I just saw this quote from Jimmy and thought that it embodied everything about Morris .
Thank you so…

Posted by Holly Jacks-Smither on Saturday, March 27, 2021

Full Gallop Farm March II H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (30.7)
Preliminary/Training: Courtney Lucas and Titan (35.9)
Training A: Abigail Steinberg and Infinity (31.0)
Training B: Jocelyn Have and Cadbury VT (28.6)
Novice A: Taylor Berlin and Carlingford Beach Boy (28.3)
Novice B: Emily Watson and Vendi (28.8)
Novice C: Laura Voorheis and Herbst Capella (26.0)
Novice D: Liliana Villarreal and SS Ritchie (32.3)
Training/Novice: Kara Angulo and Cicero (32.4)

March H.T. at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Ben Noonan and Keep Kitty (31.1)
Preliminary Rider: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (27.8)
Open Training A: Mia Farley and BGS Calculated Chaos (24.3)
Open Training B: Madeline Backus and Froggy (28.3)
Training Rider A: Lucine Claudel and Tsantania (27.1)
Training Rider B: Maddie Hale and Firebolt (29.5)
Novice Rider A: Darlene Walters and Concord Dawn (26.7)
Novice Rider B: Kate Brown and Royal Lufttanzer (27.6)
Open Novice A: Karl Slezak and HSF Liam McCarthy (24.1)
Open Novice B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Prontissimo (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Landry Lies and DJ (35.4)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Crissa Gillette and EPA Wildfire (33.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nataly Pacheco and Grace On Ice (20.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Cole Horn and Will O Moor Invictus (26.9)
Starter-Intro: Cindy Stewart and Nocello (28.1)

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Open Intermediate: Skyeler Voss and Argyle (36.2)
Open Prelim A: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (28.0)
Open Prelim B: Mike Pendleton and Redfield Fellow (35.2)
Junior Training Rider: Clare Brady and Goodness Gracious (37.5)
Open Training: Bruce Davidson and Invito (30.7)
Prelim-Training: Martin Douzant and Olympus (32.4)
Training Horse: Allison Smith and Great Red Dragon (32.1)
Training Rider A: Morgyn Johnson and Peter Parker GS (31.1)
Training Rider B: Anna Gibson and Black Label (29.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Kate Thresher and Silver Bop (30.2)
Novice Horse: Jan Byyny and Layla LFS (29.5)
Novice Rider: Holly Thornhill and Phineas Flynn (32.1)
Open Novice: Erin Murphy and Rough Heart (30.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Ainsley Colgan and Ginobi (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Elizabeth Henry and Sandino FRF (32.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Brooke Bayley and Botshabelo MVH Z (28.1)

 

The Fern… she handles each challenge with aplomb, and like any good student she’s always eager to guess the right answer and hungry for more.

We started with a relaxed, obedient dressage test which could have featured more pizazz but scored a 27. She positively bounced around the show jumping, throwing in a few tempi changes for good measure which cracked up Amina Harouna who was filming. I started out steadily on cross country to let her find her feet and understand the bigger jumps. By number 6 she was having the time of her life so I let her gallop on. There is something really satisfying about a horse who gains confidence as they go around a course! It fuels my addiction of producing horses, and boy has she has been fun and rewarding to bring along.

Thank you Marilyn Little a million times over for finding this special horse. This was the 10th event of her career and her 7th win… so we are looking forward to many more!

Posted by Ema Klugman on Sunday, March 28, 2021

Poplar Place Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street (43.3)
Open Preliminary: Leah Snowden and Ormolu (31.4)
Modified: Margo Deal and Miss TLC (39.1)
Open Training: Laurel Massey and Lisheen Lismakeera (33.8)
Training Rider: Sarah Slaughter and In The Spotlight (32.2)
Jr. Novice Rider: Emma Spring and Fernhill Copas (28.1)
Open Novice: Madalyn Ellis and Fernhill Magic (26.9)
Sr. Novice Rider: Abby Blackburn and Opposition Lady (29.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Kyla Barton and Cultivate (36.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Meredith Hunter and Classic Imp (31.8)
Intro: Raegan Hornfeck and Legendary Spots (41.7)
Starter: Sidnee Milner and Peter Pan (35.3)

Texas Rose Spring H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Advanced/Intermediate: Lauren Lambert and Fantastique (49.2)
Open Intermediate: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Break-in’ All the Rules (60.6)
Open Preliminary: Laura Vello and Sophia Tharseo (42.4)
Preliminary Rider: Kristina Whorton and Finnigan (28.0)
Open Training: Molly Scher and Inferno (29.5)
Training Rider: Katherine Walling and Somestarsomewhere (26.9)
Jr. Novice Rider: Kate Bell and Daphne AS (29.5)
Novice Horse: Becky Roper and Crystal Jack (26.4)
Open Novice: Jessica Ptak-Hooker and Nila Gray Dancer (29.3)
Sr. Novice Rider: Sarah Kaufman and Cache River (28.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Addie Miller and Portlaoise Lordano (32.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Kaetlyn Perkins and Arizona Sweet (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Lynne Partridge and Cassander Z (30.1)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Anna Hailey and Roma (32.4)

Our weekend at Texas Rose Horse Park was amazing! Finn and I put in our best dressage test and scoring a 28 which is our…

Posted by Kristina Whorton on Monday, March 29, 2021

Arena Building 101, Part 2: A Solid Foundation

By on Mar 29, 2021 1:00 pm -

We’re pleased to present a six-part column all about arena building and maintenance, presented in partnership with FutureTrack. In part one of the series, you can find an overview of factors to consider when deciding to build. Today in part two, we dive into the concept of arena foundations. To learn more about FutureTrack, visit futuretrackarenas.com.

Stock photo via Canva.

Q: What are the elements of a solid arena foundation, and why is this so important?

FutureTrack co-founder Michael Pollard says that nearly half the jobs he and his father, Jack, work on are re-dos for customers who’ve been led astray during the arena building process.

As with anything worth a long term investment, building a solid foundation is key to any subsequent success. To better understand the process of establishing a strong base when building a riding arena at home, we asked Michael for his top recommendations:

Location, Location, Location

The pretty, relatively level field at the bottom of your property may seem like an idyllic spot for building a new riding arena. Or perhaps there’s some space on the property where there isn’t any existing infrastructure, seeming like a great building spot. But pay attention to the flow of land; one of the important aspects to consider when putting in your base is the flow of water.

“Often when a client starts, they want to put the arena in a place where there are no buildings but maybe that area is already in a bit of a hole,” Michael says. “And you have to have water go somewhere, so it will naturally want to stay where it is. You have to recognize that you’re going to have to build up the surface to give the water somewhere to drain.”

Finding the Right Contractor

When you’re looking for an initial contractor to do the grading to establish your base, Michael says, it’s important to find someone who understands the nuances of riding arenas. Not every contractor is well-versed in this segment of the industry, and there are plenty of pitfalls that can arise from an incorrectly graded base.

“There is always someone who will come in and say, ‘oh yeah i can put it there’,” Michael explains. “But often property owners need a little guidance in choosing the right spot and then determining the viability of that location.”

Down the Drain

Water retention and drainage is a factor to consider when placing the arena’s base. There are different types of drainage, depending on the building budget and the nature of the arena.

When building an arena, a sub-base is typically dug into the ground by an excavator. Building up a “crown” or a higher level from which water can drain towards the outside of the arena is often a part of the sub-base process. From there, many builders will lay down a layer of stone dust which is then compacted (this can be done simply by riding on this surface) before the footing is laid down on top.

“If you are going to spend money somewhere, spend it on making sure your base is done correctly,” Michael advises. “You’re better off having something consistent, a little harder than you might want at first, that’s going to be a good layer that you can build on rather than just throwing sand on top of dirt. It’s a complete waste of time and money, but it’s very easy to have someone convince you to do that. You have to have a base, period, there’s no way around that.”

Through all of these layers, there must be a well thought-out path for water to flow. An arena without sufficient drainage will suffer from loss of elasticity and stability and also runs the risk of erosion, particularly if the arena is placed on a hill. Obtaining guidance from professionals such as those at FutureTrack can help property owners find the best base and drainage plan for building a riding arena on a wide range of budgets.

Coming next month in our six-part arena building series in partnership with FutureTrack: what considerations should you make when it comes time to choose footing for your new arena?

Did you know that FutureTrack Footing offers free estimates and full arena construction services in addition to high-quality fiber footing? Click here to learn more and request your quote.

A Goresbridge Match Made in Heaven

By on Mar 28, 2021 11:11 am -

Crissa Gillette and Goresbridge graduate EPA Wildfire. Photo by Reagan Walter.

Crissa Gillette had gone down the path many amateurs can relate to: she’d ridden as a younger teen and adult before settling down to start a family and putting riding competitively on the back burner. When she turned 40, she looked in the mirror and asked herself what she was going to do with her riding, now that her son was getting older and she had more time and energy to focus on herself once more.

“It’s time to figure out what’s good for you,” she told herself.

A former eventer turned mom/trail rider/dressage rider, Crissa had always missed the jumping. So she set a goal to return to eventing and work toward a horse trial in the coming years, the beginning of a new chapter that would eventually lead her to Zach and Hannah Ketelboeter at Terranova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Fl.

As is the case with many amateurs, Crissa had ended up with a horse that was “more talented than I was,” as she describes. “Like many of us middle-aged women do, I looked at a lot of horses online and bought a horse sight unseen. I’ve learned how important it is to have a good trainer educating you during the buying process.”

It was a learning process for Crissa, who credits Zach for his patience and willingness to educate his client without making her lose confidence. “We’ve put in a lot of work together over the last few years, and he has put up with more than a few tears as we went through two ‘wrong fit’ horses,” she recalled.

Struggling to find the right partner is enough to damage any rider’s confidence, but Crissa felt safe with her coaches, who helped her navigate the process of finding a more suitable partnership for her experience and goals.

Photo by Reagan Walter.

It was Zach who first floated the idea of buying an Irish Sport Horse – a breed well-known for its consistent affable nature that makes for a great amateur-friendly ride – to Crissa. The idea was planted, and with the approach of the season’s Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ Select Event Horse Sale, Crissa began perusing the online catalog.

This year’s ‘Go for Gold’ sale was much different than years past thanks to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Unable to host a large number of people, and cognizant of the fact that international travel was down or restricted, Goresbridge organizers Martin and Mary Frances Donahoe created a virtual model for this year’s auction. A live stream of each lot as well as a robust digital catalog was provided in advance of the sale, during which buyers could place their bids via phone or online.

Meanwhile, back at her computer window shopping with Zach and Hannah, who were looking for a few horses of their own, Crissa asked herself what she was looking for in her new horse. “What is important to me? Safe and fun? Absolutely. Able to do a five-star? Absolutely never,” she recalled. “And in this auction, there was a horse for everyone, from the pros to the amateurs.”

It was an easygoing chestnut gelding that caught Crissa’s eye. Lot number one, EPA Wildfire (Carlo Bank – Clongeel Lady, by Kahtan), was featured in Eventing Nation’s ‘Go for Gold’ Wishlist and possessed a kind eye and a quiet, willing demeanor. In short, he looked like the perfect amateur’s horse – and Crissa agreed.

All smiles the day Liam arrived. Photo courtesy of Crissa Gillette.

“As an adult rider now, I do have a heavier focus on safety,” Crissa explained. “I have a family, a life outside of riding, a career to think of. And it has to be fun! There is a reason we go to the barn every day and connect with these animals. All of these things require a horse that allows you to go out and do things and be able to relax. This has become more important as I’ve gotten older.”

For it being her first experience in an auction format – and a virtual one, at that – Crissa said the Goresbridge team and their partners made the entire process seamless. “From the time I placed the bid and received the phone call that I’d won to the time he showed up, we knew every step along the way and were kept informed of how the horses were doing,” she said. The Ketelboeters had also purchased a handful of horses who made the trip to Florida with EPA Wildfire, or Liam as he is now known at home.

Crissa and Liam got right to work, winning their very first Beginner Novice event together at Majestic Oaks in January. “Liam arrived with this puppy dog personality and was right in my pocket,” Crissa said of her new partner. “It’s a testament to the breed and the upbringing he received.”

Photo by Susan Foreman Photography.

EPA Wildfire was brought along by Felicity Ward and Elizabeth Ahern, who typically only produce one special horse each year for the Goresbridge sales. Liam got a later start to his training, originally kept by his breeder as a personal horse. “He really is an old soul,” Crissa described. “You can tell he has been very well-produced.”

Crissa plans to enjoy the sport with Liam and also with her son, Laughlin, who has also begun eventing. With the right partner, Crissa sees possibility where she used to see limitation. “It almost feels like my goals have gotten more intense in the last month because I have the right partner,” she said. “Liam has become a part of my family very quickly, and now I feel like I actually have things I can set out and achieve. I bought him as an experiment, and he has truly been everything I could have dreamed of.”

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Make It Two in a Row in Stable View CCI4*-S

By on Mar 27, 2021 9:41 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenn Catalano.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous ticked another box on their way to the Kentucky CCI5* this month in commanding fashion, grabbing the early lead as expected in the Stable View CCI4*-S and never looking back.

While it’s certainly no surprise to see this pair out in front early on, their biggest challenge to date has been speed across the country. Typically, Marilyn and “Kitty”, who is owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders as well as Ms. Jacqueline Mars, can give themselves a good cushion heading into the jumping phases, and now Marilyn says that a revamped warm-up routine has helped her get the 16-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold – Richardia, by Lario) that much more focused and, as a result, rideable.

Knowing the time on Capt. Mark Phillips’ track would be tough, Marilyn allowed Kitty to flow out of the start box but elected to take her foot off the gas a bit for the combinations, choosing to navigate home safely and confidently and not have any silly mistakes. The effort paid off, and the pair would win their second four-star in succession (they also took home the win at Red Hills earlier this month) on a final score of 28.5.

“I feel like she’s finally hitting her stride at 16,” Marilyn reflected this afternoon. Many may not realize that Marilyn has mostly been a one-horse woman these days; she’s preparing to launch a new nutroceutical business out of Orlando, Fl. in the coming weeks and says her life looks a lot different these days.

“As a rider, the peaks and valleys of any career are just tough,” she elaborated. “Last fall was one of those times for me. I was having a hard time adjusting to my new lifestyle, which is predominantly in the office these days, and still being sharp with my riding.”

2020, for all of its challenges with Covid, brought other hurdles for Marilyn with the loss of her longtime friend and mentor, Packy McGaughan. “He was a huge part of my support system,” she said. “When we were getting to show again in the fall, I realized what a void there was in my competition routine not having him there as my sounding board and mentor.”

The loss and the change in her rhythm caused Marilyn to lose much of her confidence, and she says her and Kitty’s competition record last year paid the price as a result. So she dedicated this offseason to putting in more work – and she says now she’s feeling stronger than ever in her partnership with the quirky mare. “There’s a lot of pressure on her as my only horse, and on me as well,” she explained. “I was hoping that if I started working in another way, outside of the horses, maybe I could get a little ahead and keep my horses and enjoy them and the sport more.”

Crediting her support team including her parents, Phoebe and Michael Manders, Ms. Mars, Karen O’Connor, and Summit Joint Performance founders Dorian and Dr. Heather Farmer, for stepping in to fill the void left behind by Packy’s loss, Marilyn says she’s feeling more confident than ever as she looks ahead to Kentucky next month. In 2018, this pair were the Kentucky USEF National Champions, finishing third.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore. Photo by Sam Keats.

Phillip Dutton is also pleased with the efforts of his Kentucky-bound horses competing at Stable View this weekend; Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Annie Jones and Caroline Moran’s Z (Asca – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) finished second in the four-star on a score of 28.8 and stablemate Fernhill Singapore (Singapore – Riedellia, by Animo), owned by Tom Tierney, Annie Jones and David Vos, finished in seventh on a 39.4.

“It certainly wasn’t a very technical (cross country) course, but it was very big and forward-riding,” Phillip commented, commending the crew at Stable View for their year round efforts cultivating and maintaining the footing. “When you walked it, it seemed it was going to be on an open side, which I think is good training and practice for us.”

For Z, who’s “a very gifted and talented horse, but a bit on the hot side,” this weekend was more practice at getting the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding feeling good using his whole body rather than relying solely on power and scope. It’s work that’s paying off, and Phillip says Z seems to really be understanding the game and has the best ahead of him yet to come. Phillip and Z will do the Advanced CT at Fair Hill in two weeks’ time before heading to Kentucky, where they’ll look to improve on their previous best finish there in 2019 (7th). Fernhill Singapore will be making his CCI5* debut in Kentucky.

Team Davidson also put in a strong effort on all accounts this weekend, with Buck finishing two of his Kentucky rides in the top five in the four-star and his students (Natalia Neneman, Allie Knowles, and Holly Jacks-Smither) all turned in solid efforts on the weekend.

Highest placed of the Davidson rides is 11-year-old Erroll Gobey (Cassini II – Ulla II by Contender), owned by Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden and Natalie Sandler, finishing the weekend in third place on a score of 32.5 with just some time added on cross country today. The Holsteiner gelding underwent wind surgery over the off-season, and Buck says he’s turned a corner this year.

“The surgery has really been a big difference,” Buck said. “No one ever questioned his physical ability, but mentally it was not always easy and when you have all that ability going in a direction, you’re not really sure which way it’s going to go. He’s just 11 this year, so I’m really excited about him. He’s finally going to the ring and doing better than he does in the warm-up, and cross country is getting much easier for him.”

Kat Cuca’s Jak My Style, a 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, finishes in fifth for the weekend, jetting up from 18th after dressage to finish near the top on a final score of 37.4. Jak had a bone spur removed after Tryon last fall and has come out this year feeling strong and ready. “He wouldn’t be the world’s best move, but he’s very accurate and steady and has beautiful changes,” Buck explained. Jak will also head to Kentucky next, where he’ll be seeking his first five-star completion.

Holly Jacks-Smither made a plan to leave everything she had out on the table for each FEI event she contests this year as she makes a strong bid to snag one of Canada’s individual spots for the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Thanks to some confidence boosting from longtime coach Buck Davidson and the ability to concentrate just on More Inspiration this weekend, Holly also moved up the board from early 30th into fourth overall on a score of 36.9.

“It was nice to just bring one horse and concentrate,” Holly said. “My goal this year is just to not leave anything on the table for Tokyo. Buck told me that I needed to be the best I can be every time out, and Morris was great this weekend. I can really ride him as fast as I need to when I want to, and he’s just a solid horse who does everything he’s supposed to do.”

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley in the CCI3*-S show jumping. Photo by Jenn Catalano.

Looking to the CCI3*-S, it’s Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley who will collect another win. The USEA Mare of the Year in 2020, 10-year-old Lady Chatterley (Connor 48 – Jucy, by Mytens xx), owned by Lesley Grant-Law, Jackie Brown and Steve Brown, collects her third top placing of the young season, ending the weekend on her dressage score of 29.4. This mare is a certain one to keep an eye on as she continues her career trajectory; she’s finished in the top three in 11 of the 14 events she’s started since the beginning of 2020.

Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Amazing Anthem (National Anthem – Amazing Truth) finished second in the CCI3*-S on a score of 28.4, followed by Liz Halliday-Sharp and Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphire) in third on a 29.0.

Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo. Photo by Sam Keats.

Alyssa Phillips rounds out the FEI leaderboard, winning both the CCI1*-S and the CCI2*-S on FE Celestino and Cornelius Bo, respectively. This is the ninth (!!) win in a row for 7-year-old Cornelius Bo (Concours Complet – Charlotte), and Alyssa was able to achieve her initial goal of besting her previous two-star score at Virginia last year, improving by 2.6 points with a 27.5 in the dressage. They’d go on to end on this score for a wire-to-wire win.

“It was awesome to see that he’s gotten a lot stronger since Virginia,” Alyssa explained. Another wrench thrown into the plans, show jumping ended up being delayed due to weather just before she and Cornelius Bo were due to jump. Having to wait until first thing this morning to jump – in heavy fog, no less – presented a challenge for the young horse, but he stepped up with aplomb and put in a double clear in both jumping phases.

“There was a lot of galloping on cross country, which was great for him,” Alyssa said. “I tried to build on Red Hills and get him jumping across the fences, and he really stepped up. I couldn’t have asked for more from him.”

Alyssa Phillips and FE Celestino. Photo by Chris Quinn Photography.

FE Celestino (Ce-Matin – Antigone), who is seven this year, has taken a bit of time to mature into his body and mind, but the one-star this weekend proved to be excellent experience and a shot of confidence for the Mecklenburg gelding. “He went on vacation this fall and came out this spring really lovely,” Alyssa said. “This was only his third show of the year, and the one-star ended up being a great choice for him. There were a lot of the same questions that the two-star cross country had, but you had some more room and time in between fences. It was a great course for him.”

Alyssa is also aiming for the CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh with her 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Oskar (Coriando – Nicole, by Marlo), who finished eighth in the CCI4*-S on a score of 40.0.

Youth Team Challenge winners! Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Looking to the first competition for the new Adequan USEF Youth Team Challenge, three CCI2* and four CCI3* teams competed this weekend, with Area 1 (CCI2*) and Area 2 (CCI3*) taking home the overall wins. Individually, Area 1’s Ayden Schain and Fernhill Hole Shot took home the win in the CCI2* YTC competition on a score of 30.9, and Area 2’s Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality were the individual CCI3*-S winners on a score of 32.9. We’re planning to catch up with a few of these competitors as they gear up for the circuit leading up to the year-end Youth Team Challenge championship – stay tuned for more!

Though we weren’t able to physically be on the ground at Stable View this weekend, we’d like to thank the team on the ground for their efforts to make this key spring prep event happen. We can’t wait to be there in person one day soon! Go Eventing.

Stable View Spring 1*/2*/3*/4*: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve Catch the Galway Downs CCI4*-S Win

By on Mar 26, 2021 11:35 pm -

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Erin Kellerhouse may have kicked herself for picking up a single second of time around the show jumping track yesterday, but as it turns out that second would come out in the wash as she blazed around Clayton Fredericks’ intense CCI4*-S track with one second in hand to seal the win this afternoon with Woodford Reserve. It was just the confidence kick the pair was looking for as they eye their next start in Kentucky for the CCI4*-S, and they’ll end their weekend here on a final score of 30.1.

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“It felt a bit hectic just because it’s a short and I was trying to make the time,” Erin reflected. “And things come up so much faster. In the long (last fall), I felt like I had so much time and it was so smooth and lovely. I have to get used to things just coming up like that. It felt a little uncomfortable, but he was great and he finished super strong.”

The course, which was Clayton Fredericks’ design to both test the newer Advanced pairs as well as allow the Kentucky-bound pairs to have a solid prep, presented a slew of new challenges. The optimum time of seven minutes proved tricky to catch for some, but the top four finishing riders all turned in double clear efforts for a 33% double clear rate and a 67% clear jumping rate.

First and second out of the box, James and Helen Alliston set the early pace, each scorching around on Paper Jam and Ebay, respectively, to give riders back in the warm-up a shot of confidence. Helen and Ebay held their second position, ending their weekend on a final score of 31.5, while James moved up into sixth from 11th on a final score of 49.7.

Helen Alliston and Ebay. Photo by Kim Miller/The West Equestrian.

Helen yesterday told us that she was looking forward to see where the pair was at in their education together. The 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Escudo is still fairly green at the level, she says, having breezed through his Intermediate and three-star seasons before encountering some growing pains at the Advanced level. So with confidence her main focus, Helen says the extra work brought about by the Covid lockdown last year has really begun to pay off.

“He’s kind of been hard for me to educate just with timing,” she said. “He just whizzed through his Intermediates and three-stars, I think he won everything he did. So I just bumped him up, and in retrospect I bumped him up way too fast and when I first moved him up to Advanced, but my first four-star he had a runout here and had some runouts at Montana and just lost his confidence. I think people don’t know actually how green he is because he moved up a long time ago but he hasn’t done that many Advanced.”

Helen is aiming for the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm, a qualifier the pair needs to continue their progression. It will be a good opportunity to continue to build Ebay’s confidence, which took a definitive step forward today despite the intensity of the track. She also gave credit to Wendy Sherlock, the breeder of both Ebay and Paper Jam (who was piloted by James Alliston this weekend in the CCI4*-S, finishing sixth) who flew out from Georgia this weekend to watch and groom. A proud moment for Wendy, no doubt, to see her two babies grown up and making such excellent progress under the Allistons’ tutelage.

Emilee Libby is feeling confident about heading to Kentucky next with Jakobi, who she says seems to really be coming into his own body this season. This pair also turned in a clear round inside the optimum time of seven minutes, finishing their weekend on a score of 33.7.

Emilee Libby and Jakobi. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“He was still listening and moving off my leg but still coming back,” Emilee said of the 12-year-old Jakobi. “He used to really not feel like that and not really lock on to the jumps and now I just feel like he’s taking me, so it’s a really good feeling going into his first five-star. I went out and I galloped and I made him go a bit, I wanted to see how fit he was and how he felt at the end, and he felt fantastic.”

Emilee says she’s mainly focused on rideability with Jakobi and credits the PEMF treatments she’s been doing for helping him feel much more comfortable in his body and soft to ride as a result. “Sometimes he can get a bit strong, not so much to the jumps but after and between…he’s just really growing up. He’s twelve this year, so I think he’s just starting to mature a bit into his age, his body, and his mind.”

Emilee entered Kentucky two days before it canceled in 2020, so she’s looking forward to boarding that plane next month to make her first return trip to the five-star level in 14 years.

Amber Levine and Cellar Farm’s Cinzano, who were seventh after dressage and ninth after show jumping, but moved up into fourth place thanks to a double clear effort today. This is their best performance at the CCI4*-S level, ending the weekend on a score of 44.4.

Completing the top five are Rebecca Braitling and Arnell Sporthorses’ Caravaggio II, who steadily climbed the board from 12th after dressage to seventh after show jumping. They enjoyed a clear trip around the cross country, picking up 7.6 time penalties to finish their weekend on a score of 49.1.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Sally Spickard.

A handful of issues popped up around the track: Derek di Grazia and Ringwood Justice as well as Chloe Smith and Stag Party were eliminated after some trouble on course, and Andrea Baxter parted ways from Laguna Seca after the final water when she was unseated and unable to get back into position.

In all, designer Clayton Fredericks says he’s pleased with how the track rode, confessing he’s almost more nervous to watch how his courses ride than he is to actually go out and ride them.

“I’m super happy with the way (the course) ran,” Clayton commented. “I actually get more nervous designing the courses and watching everyone else ride than I do myself. I’m always sort of anxious pre-watching a course I’ve designed. After I’d finished (walking the course with a group yesterday), I sort of was feeling like I wouldn’t have minded getting out there and giving it a go myself.”

Long term, Clayton hopes to continue building out the grounds and cultivating the cross country track. “One of the things I’ve sort of insisted on in conversation is to stick to the same track and keep trying to develop that ground, keep trying to work that ground, and keep a couple of key areas that I know I can use and develop and change around,” he explained.

Alina Patterson and Flashback. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The CCI3*-S cross country featured an optimum time of six minutes, 30 seconds – just one pair would make the time: Katy Robinson and Caroline and Paul Wolff’s Outrageous Dance. In the end, it was Washington-based Alina Patterson and her own Flashback (Fuerst Fugger – Queen of Joy, by Quaterback), sitting second following show jumping, who would move up to take the win with just two seconds of time added for a finishing score of 30.1.

This was the first CCI3*-S for this pair, who have done a lot of growing together – prior to purchasing Flashback, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding, 18-year-old Alina hadn’t competed above the Novice level. Alina credits the dedication of her longtime coach, John Camlin, with helping her reach this level with Flashback.

“Time was definitely a little harder to make than I expected,” Alina said. “I came out really wanting to push for time and I got pretty close. Everything rode really well, pretty much as expected. He was incredible. He’s a really brave cross country horse and sometimes I have to make sure he doesn’t get too cocky.”

Flashback had done no eventing when he came to Alina as a coming six year old, so the partnership they’ve built together has been a labor of patience and trust. Looking ahead, Alina says she’s aiming for the CCI3*-L at Twin Rivers.

Sabrina Glaser and Cooley Mr. Murphy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Second in the CCI3*-S this weekend are Sabrina Glaser and Hildegard Johnson’s Cooley Mr. Murphy, who added 5.2 time penalties across the country to solidify their position on a final score of 38.4. This was the first FEI start for the 8-year-old Irish Sport horse by Kroongraaf, and it’s an excellent start for this promising young horse who’s no doubt one to keep an eye on.

Katy Robinson packed up her home base in Colorado to move back to California, having spent time on the West coast several years ago when she last competed at the upper levels, when she realized the talent she was sitting on in Outrageous Dance. She now bases here at Galway Downs and has joined business forces with Emilee Libby.

Katy Robinson and Outrageous Dance. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Outrageous Dance (Outrageous Limit – I Wanna Dance, by Robyn Dancer) was purchased off the track by Carolina Wolff and caught Katy’s eye when he popped over a pile of wood in the pasture one day. For reasons Katy still can’t define, she took a liking to the gelding, who she describes as a bit on the sensitive side. Her instincts proved to be correct, and the gelding has made great strides working through the levels despite a few setbacks dotting the road.

“He’s pretty much the reason I moved out (to California),” Katy explained. “For a while, I had been at the upper levels and then I kind of wasn’t sure that I wanted to be that aggressive. I kind of took some time to find my way and then he came into my life, and now that’s the horse I ride for fun.”

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Looking to the CCI2*-S, it was another wire-to-wire win, this time for Lauren Billys and the Can Be Sweet Syndicate’s Can Be Sweet (Candyman – Tres Belle), who clocked a clean, confident round on Bert Wood’s track that caused its fair share of issues throughout to end the weekend on a score of 28.6.

“(Can Be Sweet) was really good today,” Lauren said. “He answered all the questions out on course and he just felt like it was easy for him and how he responded to the course.” Having forgotten to start her watch, she then started it at the one minute marker and kept kicking from there. “I could have been faster,” she reflected (in the end, she came home just one second under the optimum time of five minutes, 21 seconds). “He’s ready to move up to Intermediate. I’d love to qualify for the Pan American Games with him, that is my goal. I have plenty of time to slowly build him to that.”

Lauren is also head to contest the Kentucky CCI4*-S next with her Rio Olympic partner, Castle Larchfield Purdy. While the pair had a misunderstanding on cross country today, resulting in a runout, she says she still feels confident the upcoming trip the Bluegrass. “I’m not overthinking it, it was just a misunderstanding,” she said. “With things like that I have to go back to our history, recognize what he understands and what is green.”

Miranda Olagaray and Tanqueray (34.7) and Hailey Blackburn with Kilbunny Amigo (42.3) round out the top three in the CCI2*-S, each turning in double clear efforts today to seal their positions on the podium.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

It’s been an incredible two days of international eventing here in Temecula wine country, and the action isn’t finished yet! I’ll be back early next week with a photo album from the weekend, and you can continue to follow along with live scores as the National divisions wrap up over the next two days.

Many thanks are due to Kim Miller, who runs press here at Galway as well as other West coast events, and the rest of the team here making this event run on schedule. I can’t wait until next time. Go eventing!

Galway Downs International H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve In Charge of Galway Downs CCI4*-S

By on Mar 25, 2021 11:04 pm -

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Two phases of FEI competition are now complete in Temecula, Ca. on day one of the Galway Downs Spring International, and despite southern California’s best attempts to mimic waning winter we saw some stellar performances across divisions as we look ahead to tomorrow afternoon’s cross country finale. Erin Kellerhouse and her own Woodford Reserve are your overnight leaders following a testing Marc Donovan track that shook up many of the lower placings.

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We first met Woodford Reserve in an EN’s Got Talent piece in 2017 during his Preliminary days. Erin bought the Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tinaranas Inspector – Laharns Laughton, by Laughton’s Flight) as a four-year-old and has spent the ensuing years thoughtfully producing the confident four-star horse we see today. Now 10, this will be “Woody’s” first full season at the Advanced/four-star level, having first made the step up in 2020. This pair was fifth in the CCI4*-L here at Galway Downs last fall and will look to the Bluegrass State as their next adventure – they’re entered in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky next month.

Despite a chill and a steady wind during this morning’s dressage, Erin says the test with Woody was one of the best they’ve had. “He’s definitely getting stronger and happy with the work,” she said. “There are little things I need to do. He wants to try so hard and gets away from me, so there’s a lot to improve on still – that’s exciting.”

“He actually always jumps pretty well,” she continued. “I made myself do every inside turn…he was jumping out of his skin. The number one thing is me getting comfortable, doing that size course and knowing my horse. I know really know him well now. It’s such a process, and I’ve never really had that up to this level. I’ve ridden a lot of babies to the two-star and Intermediate level, so I know their ins and outs. The young horses start tomorrow, so it’s nice to just focus on (Woody) today.”

Despite one second of time in the show jumping today, Erin held to the lead she established this morning, where she earned a 29.7 to squeeze past early leaders Helen Alliston and Ebay. A score of 30.1 will take them onto Clayton Fredericks’ cross country track tomorrow afternoon with a few seconds in hand. Erin says she joined a group for a course walk with Clayton, and she’s feeling more confident each time she walks the track. “I think, ‘hey, we did the long – this short is going to feel like nothing’, but there’s a lot to do. Things come up quicker with short format. I’ll have to be riding and on my toes, trying to stay on the time.”

A cool moment: husband-wife duo Helen and James Alliston share a brief moment in the arena this morning. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Second to go in the cold and wind this morning were Helen Alliston and her own Ebay (Escudo – Komtessa), a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, put in an absolutely lovely test before judges Peter Gray and Helen Brettell this morning to lay down an early lead with a score of 30.7. This is also a horse newer to the Advanced level, and confidence remains the foremost thought in Helen’s mind as she looks ahead to a goal of contesting the CCI4*-L at Rebecca Farm.

Helen Alliston and Ebay. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“Ebay was really good today. Our dressage had a lot of improvements and I’m excited that there is still a lot that can be even better,” Helen said. “He show jumped really well – I should have taken some inside turns to make the time, but he jumps better if I stay riding forward so I tried to just go fast on the outside lines. He felt great and I’m excited for tomorrow – it’s big and challenging so I’m excited to see where we are at as a team in our education.”

Moving up one spot into third are Kentucky-bound Emilee Libby and her and Linda Libby’s Jakobi (Ustinov – Expression, by Coriano), a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood who finished in the top 10 here at Galway’s CCI4*-L last fall. After earning a 33.7 in the dressage, this pair were one of just two to manage the time around Marc Donovan’s track, which challenged riders to carve in some inside turns if they wanted to get close to the clock. Jakobi is a strong, powerful jumper, and Emilee says she has struggled in the past with pesky time penalties.

Emilee Libby and Jakobi. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“It’s the softest he’s ever felt throughout his body, and I am shocked we just jumped in a snaffle today!” Emilee said. “He was listening so well to my half-halts, so I felt like I was able to finally ride him a bit more forward but still trust he was going to come back to me. We were really on the same page today. I’ve struggled with that one or two time penalties in the past so I’ve become pretty aware on where I need to be quick or make a quick turn with him. He sometimes feels like he’s going fast but he’s really not.”

Derek Di Grazia and Ringwood Justice. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Derek di Grazia, who we most often see out perfecting cross country courses at the biggest events in the world, moves up into fourth from fifth aboard his own Ringwood Justice (Ringwood Harley Carol – Ringwood Venus, by Osilvis), adding 3.2 time penalties to his dressage score for a two-day mark of 27.3.

Andrea Baxter, Madison Temkin, and Rebecca Braitling all jumped up the leaderboard after show jumping today, into fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively. Andrea and Laguna Seca, the son of her veteran five-star partner Indy 500, collected the only other double clear round of the day and will move forward in fifth on a score of 38.4. Andrea has enjoyed the “T-Rex” taming throughout “Junior’s” upbringing – which you can read more about here – and now seems to be reaping the fruits of her efforts with a solid dressage test this morning (though Junior opted to take great offense to a flapping tent, luckily saving it for his final halt) and a fast and clear jumping round this afternoon.

Andrea Baxter and Laguna Seca. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Haley Turner was the best of the best in the CCI3*-S after two phases with her own Shadow Inspector, who came over from the UK four years ago after beginning his FEI career with James Sommerville. Just four riders in the CCI3*-S put in double clear show jumping rounds, and Haley’s clear round inside the time will keep her atop the leaderboard on a score of 27.1.

Training with Bea and Derek Di Grazia as well as Volker Brommann, Haley says she’s very happy with “Chief”, who seems to light up more here and prefer this venue specifically. Chief, Haley says, has been a big confidence booster for her as she makes the step up to the Intermediate/three-star level this year. Some injury setbacks delayed their career progression a bit, but in 2020 the pair came out swinging, winning the CCI2*-S at Twin and finishing in the top 10 in the CCI2*-L at Galway last fall.

Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“2020 was kind of the year we got going together doing some Prelims and two-stars, before Covid,” Haley said. “I was really happy with our dressage. He was quite excited in the stadium as well.”

Puerto Rican Olympian Lauren Billys and the Can Be Sweet Syndicate’s Can Be Sweet (Candyman – Tres Belle) had a successful day in the CCI2*-S and will leave the start box tomorrow in the lead on a two-phase score of 28.2, despite a bit of time collected in the show jumping. This division was also thin on double clears – just two riders (Miranda Olagaray with Tanquaray and Madison Temkin with MVP Madbum) jumped clear inside the time.

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet. Photo by Kim Miller / The West Equestrian.

The FEI divisions here at Galway will conclude tomorrow afternoon with cross country, designed by Clayton Fredericks. You can take a virtual walk around the track here. You can also get some insight on Clayton’s design thoughts for this venue in this interview
from last fall.

Looking out over the Grand Prix arena at Galway Downs. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I’ll be back tomorrow evening (late for all of you East coast night owls) with a report from the cross country conclusion here in wine country. I’d be remiss not to commend the team here at Galway, headed up for this event by Robert Kellerhouse and Kellerhouse Presents, for the impeccable facility upgrades that have been put in for this season. This is a venue that’s constantly evolving, and competitors this week are treated to a new dressage arena as well as a permanent, future VIP and general spectating pavilion overlooking the Grand Prix Arena sponsored by Evergate Stables.

Galway is a unique facility home to race trainers, hunter/jumper programs, and a plethora of eventing professionals who base here on the grounds year-round. At any given point, you’re likely to see some racehorses out on the training track (which can be seen from the new dressage arena – hang on to your hats, dressage riders!), some up-down lessons being given, and a full-scale FEI event all at once. It’s a fascinating ecosystem of equestrian sport – and it’s in the heart of Temecula wine country, so there’s honestly nothing to dislike here. Except maybe the pretend winter weather.

My thanks also go out to Kim Miller, who heads up the PR for Galway and other events in California. Kim contributed to this report with quotes from Erin and Haley, as well as plenty of moral support in the chill! I’ll leave you with a handful of shots from the day. If you’re competing this weekend, don’t forget to stop by Tina Fitch Photography and Ride On Video for your show photos and videos. Ride On Video is also providing a live stream of the FEI action this weekend – you can follow along here.

Galway Downs International H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Thursday Video from Cambox: Run Around Carolina International with Tim Bourke and Quality Time

By on Mar 25, 2021 5:30 pm -

Ride along with Tim on Carla Abramcheck’s Quality Time in the Advanced at Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial where they were double clear! Carolina always has some of the best cross country courses of the year and they didn’t disappoint this year.
Filmed with Cambox Horse

Posted by Bourke Eventing on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Tim Bourke and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, Quality Time (Guidam – Ruby Roller, by High Roller) owned by Carla Abramcheck took home the blue ribbon in the Advanced division at Carolina International last weekend. The pair added just a single rail in the show jumping to seal the deal for their win, and we’re treated to a special edition of Tim’s Cambox video with a view of the live stream to compare perspectives.

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

Volunteer Nation: 6 Events That Need Help This Weekend

By on Mar 25, 2021 1:00 pm -

Volunteering is the best way to spectate events while we’re still on a spectator ban enforced by US Equestrian. What better way to stay socially distanced and take in your favorite sport? Each Thursday, we round up the still-available volunteer positions at events happening around the country. Have you volunteered lately? Send a photo from your day to [email protected] so we can share it!

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: Stable View Spring FEI 1*/2*/3*/4*
Dates: Thursday, March 25 through Saturday, March 27
Address: 117 Stable Dr, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions Available: XC Water Distribution, Vet Box Assistant

Event: Full Gallop Farm March II H.T.
Dates: Sunday, March 28
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Floater, SJ In-Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward

Event: Majestic Oaks Recognized H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 22 through Monday, March 28
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions Available: Dressage Bit Check, Floater, General Help, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Hospitality Steward

Event: Morven Park Spring H.T.
Dates: Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28
Address: 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge

Event: Poplar Place Farm Spring H.T.
Dates: Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28
Address: 8191 US Hwy 27E, Hamilton, GA, 31811
Positions Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer, Dressage Scribe

Event: Texas Rose Horse Park Spring H.T.
Dates: Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, March 28
Address: 14078 State Highway 110 N, Tyler, TX, 75704
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Scribe

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Mar 24, 2021 12:01 am -

The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians is scheduling lessons! It was a big day welcoming our first two CREW members. We had So.Much.Fun!!

We cannot wait to travel this path with these youth and see where it leads!!

Posted by The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians on Sunday, March 14, 2021

I’ve just finished reading Kareem Rosser’s memoir, Crossing the Line, and it’s gotten me thinking hard about the concept of access to horses.

Recently, I’ve seen a handful more mentions of “the aristocratic sport of eventing” or the “elite equestrian sport of eventing” than usual. I always feel a bit of a twinge when I hear our sport referred to in such a way, though I know that at their root these descriptions have a lot of truth. But it saddens me to think of the talented riders who may have fallen by the wayside – sometimes, as in Kareem’s life story, into terrible circumstances – had it not been for horses.

This is why the work being done by programs such as Work to Ride, Detroit Horsepower, the Metropolitan Equestrian Team, the CREW Urban Youth Equestrians, and many others is so incredibly valuable. I often find myself feeling helpless, wanting to help more but unsure how when I don’t currently ride or belong to a barn.

My best advice if you’re feeling similarly is to take the time to learn about access programs near you and/or around the country – chances are, through a donation or through volunteering time, there are a myriad of ways to make even a small difference. I’m also pleased to let you know that my incredible colleagues at Strides for Equality Equestrians have worked diligently to create a Resource Directory listing access programs around the country.

And pick up a copy of Crossing the Line while you’re at it. The Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship is hosting a virtual book club to discuss the book on Thursday, April 1 – you can RSVP to the free event here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Stable View Spring 1*/2*/3*/4*: [Website]
[Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm March II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

March H.T. at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Volunteer]

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

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

Texas Rose Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News & Notes:

Michael Willham, who has also blogged for EN, catches us up on his journey with Fernhill Cayenne in the latest “Now On Course” from the USEA.

Groton House Farm Horse Trials (Area I) has announced that it will not run in 2021. “It is possible, depending upon the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, that we will be able to host one or 2 of the unrecognized events which are more manageable to implement with social distancing and masking,” the event stated on Facebook.

Casting call! Ecogold is looking for models for an upcoming photo shoot in Montreal, Ontario, and Calgary as well as Tampa, Fl. The brand is seeking models of all ages, ethnicities, body types and disciplines.

Five weeks after EHV-1 took its first horse at Venturing Hills Equestrian Farm, another two had been lost despite remarkable efforts to reverse the highly aggressive and infectious virus’ course. Staff and volunteers at the Luskville, Quebec boarding, training and lesson facility are living at the barn to monitor and care for the horses. Read how Haygain has made a huge difference, thanks to the generosity of Venturing Hills family member Peter Becke.

Wednesday Video Break

Beating the heat, a new series from the FEI on YouTube: