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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

Training Tip Tuesday Video: Creating a More Effective Lower Leg

By on Mar 23, 2021 5:00 pm -

We’ve been big fans of Noëlle Floyd‘s Equestrian Masterclass series, which highlights top trainers from a variety of disciplines and their best advice for becoming the best rider you can be. Masterclass has risen to popularity over the last year, and Noëlle Floyd often publishes sneak peeks at some of the content found in the series. The latest clip focus on creating a more stable and effective lower leg with hunter/jumper trainer Simone Starnes.

Working through an explanation of the function of the lower leg and transitioning into some exercises you can incorporate into your training, Simone does a wonderful job explaining her demo riders’ tendencies so that viewers can learn from watching. Bookmark this for your next self-training session!

An International Who’s Who Open the Pipes at Oasby Elite

By on Mar 23, 2021 3:00 pm -

Riders based in the UK have been shut down from competition for the entirety of the 2021 season, meaning there were some supremely fit horses and riders raring to get out to stretch the legs yesterday at Oasby’s Elite competition. Representing a multitude of federations including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, and more, over 150 riders contested this one-day event.

Due to ongoing shutdowns around the country, British Eventing competitions were put on hold through April, save a handful of “Elite only” competitions designed to assist riders aiming for five-star events with getting necessary prep runs scheduled. Competition is set to resume for all riders next month, barring any additional setbacks due to the coronavirus or the European EHV-1 outbreak.

Here’s a look at the winners from the five divisions that ran yesterday. You’ll be able to watch the cross country action (and I highly recommend watching!) on-demand with your H&C+ membership here. You can view the full results and the star-studded rosters from each division here.

  • OI A: Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin (26.4)
  • OI B: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class (20.5)
  • OI C: Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent (25.8)
  • OI D: Laura Collett and London 52 (27.9)
  • OI E: Piggy March and Fonbherna Lancer (24.2)

Oasby was the first competitive opportunity of the year for riders basing in the UK, which made for an all-out “who’s who” entry list of eventing royalty spread out among five Open Intermediate sections. Designated Elite riders will have two more opportunities to compete between now and the opening of competitions, at Cirencester Park on March 24 and Aston-Le-Walls on March 31.

Running a lighter Intermediate track, most riders used Oasby as a pipe-opener and a fitness run. Some pairs seen competing here this week are heading to Kentucky, the sole five-star of the spring season, making these Elite events particularly exciting to follow for those of us in the U.S. who look forward to the international contingent of riders each year.

Lovely start to our 2021 season with a super win in the OI for James and Jo Lamberts and Deirdre Johnston’s ‘JL…

Posted by Nicola Wilson Eventing on Monday, March 22, 2021

Land Rover Kentucky Entry Update: Overseas Entries Have Arrived [Updated 3/24]

By on Mar 23, 2021 9:00 am -

The look of the eagles – or of a small mare standing on tiptoes to check out her fans. Classic Moet, Jonelle Price, and Trisha Rickards – the new Destiny’s Child? Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After a massive fundraising effort bolstered by the donations of thousands of eventing riders, fans and supporters, and after the announcement that Badminton would not run this year, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian and the sole five-star event of the spring season is full-steam ahead. Joining in on the fun are several overseas entries that have just populated the list – and we’re likely to see a few more pairs trickle in after today’s closing date. Word on the street is that we just might be seeing some additional UK-based pairs hopping on a plane next month.

With the pandemic still affecting millions globally and impacting travel, the CDC is requiring presentation of a negative COVID test within three days of travel into the U.S. US Equestrian is also working with athletes and support staff for travel waivers.

Jesse Campbell and Diachello, who Jesse owns with Kent Gardner, are the first of a three-rider, six-horse strong contingent representing New Zealand. The 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding will make his CCI5* debut in Kentucky; Jesse is also making his first trip to Kentucky, though he’s got a handful of five-star trips under his belt already.

Bringing forward three horses between the two, fellow Kiwis Jonelle and Tim Price will also make the trip over to Kentucky. This will be Jonelle’s second trip stateside; she last competed in Kentucky in 2013, finishing 18th aboard The Deputy. Jonelle will bring three horses: Grappa Nera (The Grape Syndicate and Jonelle Price), Grovine De Reve (owned by Therese Miller and Jonelle Price), and Jonelle’s partner for her 2018 Badminton win, Classic Moet (owned by Trisha Rickards, Jacky Green and Jonelle Price).

Tim Price enjoyed a stellar trip to Kentucky in 2019, finishing third with Xavier Faer, owned by Trisha Rickards, Tim Price and Nigella Hall, who will make a return trip here in 2021. He’ll be joined by Bango (owned by The Numero Uno Syndicate), with whom Tim finished fifth at Burghley in 2019.

The sole entry from Germany this year, Anna Siemer and Dr. Volker Steinkraus’s FRH Butts Avondale will make their CCI5* debut in Kentucky. Anna had a successful junior career, earning multiple championship medals during her time as a pony rider. She has since produced several horses through the four-star level and has been partnered with the 14-year-old Hanoverian mare FRH Butts Avondale, who is still owned by her breeder, Dr. Steinkraus, since the beginning of her international career.

Also added this morning is Great Britain’s Richard Coney and his own Mermus R Diamonds. This pair most recently finished inside the top 10 at Pau in 2020, their debut at the five-star level. Also getting his start with success on ponies, Richard eventually moved up to horses and has represented Britain on Nations Cup teams, including a third place finish at Houghton in 2020 aboard his first upper-level partner, Kananaskis.

Will we see an Oliver Townend/Cooley Master Class hat-trick? Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Update as of 1:00 p.m. EST: We’ve just gotten a slew of additional overseas entries – hang on to your hats, EN, this entry list is on fire! Just added:

  • William Fox Pitt and Little Fire (owned by Jennifer Dowling and William Fox-Pitt)
    • William and Little Fire finished ninth at Badminton in the now 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s CCI5* debut. William has won Kentucky three times (2010, 2012, 2014) and is returning to the event for the first time since finishing fourth with Bay My Hero in 2015.
  • Harry Meade and Superstition (owned by  Mandy Gray and Harry Meade)
    • The 10-year-old British Hanoverian gelding will make his five-star debut with the very experienced Harry Meade, who is making his first trip to compete at Kentucky.
  • Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam (owned by Scuderia 1918 and Emma McNab)
    • This pair finished 20th in the horse’s five-star debut at Pau in 2020; Kevin will make his first trip to Kentucky as well.
  • Oliver Townend with:
    • Tregilder (owned by The Hazeldines & Mitchell Fox Group), making his five-star debut
    • 2018 and 2019 Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class (owned by Angela Hislop)
    • 2017 Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class (owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan)

We’ve also seen several additions to the North America-based contingent of riders, including representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain and Mexico, bringing the current total five-star entries to 74. Newly added to the five-star list since our last update are:

  • Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game (Daniel Clasing)
  • Phillip Dutton and Z (The Z Partnership of: Thomas A Tierney, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lucy)
  • Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire (Carol Stephens)
  • Matt Flynn and Wizzerd (A. Patrick and Kathleen Flynn and Merry Go Round Farm)
  • Clayton Fredericks (AUS) with:
    • FE Stormstrooper (Kingfisher Park)
    • Ophelia (FE Ophelia Syndicate LLC)
    • FE Always In Time (Clayton Fredericks)
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett (Black Flag Option, LLC)
  • Holly Jacks-Smither (CAN) and More Inspiration (Holly Jacks-Smither)
  • Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime (CML Horses Inc)
  • Leslie Law (GBR) and Voltaire de Trè (Trè Book)
  • Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous (Jacqueline Mars, Phoebe and Michael Manders)
  • Colleen Loach (CAN) and Qorry Blue D’Argouges (Peter Barry)
  • Daniela Moguel (MEX) and Cecelia (Jorge Martínez Castrejón)
  • Nilson Moreira da Silva (BRA) and Magnum’s Martini (MM Syndicate)
  • Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent (Meghan O’Donoghue)
  • Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes (Kirk Hoppner and Karl Slezak)
  • Sharon White and Cooley On Show (Sharon White)
  • Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian (Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride)

Also of note on the U.S. entries is Phillip Dutton’s decision to withdraw the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Sea of Clouds, aiming instead for the CCI4*-L at Jersey Fresh in May to keep the horse’s best interests in mind:

Today officially marks one month until the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! After consulting with everyone…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Monday, March 22, 2021

[Kentucky CCI5* Entry List]

[Kentucky CCI4*-S Entry List]

The event’s omnibus listing states a cap of 80 horses for the CCI5*. Oversubscription will cause riders with multiple horses to choose a maximum of two to bring, and spots will be allotted based on FEI World Eventing Athlete ranking points. A Wait List will be used in the event of oversubscription, with riders moving up to take sports in order of points ranking as withdrawals occur. Entries for the CCI4*-S may also be limited as the list for the CCI5* continues to grow. Click here to view the omnibus listing.

We may see a few more names appearing in the coming days – and stay tuned for the kickoff of our annual Land Rover Rookies profiles! Go Eventing.

Weekend Winners: Carolina International, Ocala, Pine Top, SAZEA

By on Mar 22, 2021 9:30 am -

As we inch closer towards the first five-star of the 2021 season, it’s been thrilling to follow the action from the top levels as horses and riders get their final preps for Kentucky in. But there’s also something equally special about watching the riders contesting the lower levels, maybe aiming for their first FEI or even their first recognized horse trial this season. I particularly love this Weekend Winners column for this reason, as it gives me a chance to celebrate all the riders out there kicking on towards their goals. Congratulations to all of our winners!

Alyssa Phillips is no stranger to our Unofficial Low Score Award, and she picks it up this weekend at Ocala Winter II with FE Celestino, winning the Modified B division on a score of 21.5. FE Celestino (Ce-Matin – Antigone) is a 7-year-old Mecklenburg gelding that Alyssa has had in her program since he was a young horse contesting the lower levels. Low scores are no surprise from this pair – they previously earned a 17.1 at Training level earlier this month.

Carolina International: [Website] [Final Results]

CCI4*S: Will Coleman and Off The Record (27.5)
CCI3*S: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (23.9)
CCI2*S: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (30.8)
Advanced: Tim Bourke and Quality Time (44.0)
Open Intermediate: Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing (23.0)
Open Preliminary: Clayton Fredericks and Galliard’s Lancer (29.5)
Preliminary Rider: Alexis Poe and Tell ‘M Nothin (46.3)
Modified A: Hugh Wrigley and FE Money Made (25.0)
Modified B: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (24.6)
Open Training: Sara Beth Anton and Legionnaire (25.5)
Training Rider A: Natalie Epstein and Lickity Split (34.6)
Training Rider B: Natalie Epstein and Fanta (28.9)

Ocala Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Advanced CT: Dom Schramm and Bolytair B (29.5)
Advanced/Intermediate: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (23.0)
Intermediate Rider: Kit Ferguson and Cillbhrid Tom
Open Intermediate: Dasha Ivandaeva and Kingcarra Cooley Diamond (31.2)
Open Intermediate Jackpot: Matthew Bryner and Nile Gold (46.5)
Open Preliminary: Mikensey Johansen and Roses Are Red (38.8)
Open Preliminary Friday: Kendyl Tracy and Bobbie Burns (27.3)
Open Preliminary Jackpot: Tamie Smith and Cheers (31.3)
Preliminary Horse: Joe Meyer and Island Lake (29.6)
Preliminary Rider: Kelly Taylor and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (30.0)
Modified A: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (31.3)
Modified B: Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino (21.5)
Modified C: Meghan O’Donoghue and Rapid Romero KV (28.3)
Open Modified Jackpot: Alex O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra (35.0)
Junior Training: Alyssa Craig and OT Bandini (33.6)
Open Training A: Kelly Hutchinson and Pappillon Van Het Hellehof (25.5)
Open Training B: Maya Candadai and Galwaybay (27.8)
Open Training Jackpot: Jamie McAllister and Make Believe (30.7)
Senior Training A: Tracey Corey and Byrnwyck West (31.7)
Senior Training B: Tracey Corey and Super Nova (30.5)
Training Horse A: Kendyl Tracy and Oboras Goldwing (28.8)
Training Horse B: Buck Davidson and Up On Stage (24.1)
Junior Novice A: Olivia Marsh and Decadence (26.4)
Junior Novice B: Emma Wick and Avalon Realta (29.8)
Novice Horse A: Megan Loughnane and Lynton (25.5)
Novice Horse B: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill In Motion (23.8)
Open Novice A: Kelly Prather and Crafty Don (24.8)
Open Novice B: McKena Knott and Alice Alice (26.4)
Open Novice Jackpot: Liz Lund and R’Mani CF (26.0)
Senior Novice A: Robin Barr and Tout Fini (28.8)
Senior Novice B: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (24.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Sarah Egel and My Lucky Irish (32.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Catherine Gallagher and Higher Calling (32.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kendyl Tracy and Davino (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Melanie Helms MD and PS Gran Torino (29.7)

Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Intermediate Rider: Katherine DeLaney and Canto Royale (38.7)
Open Intermediate: Ashley Hays and Call It Courage (32.0)
Preliminary Jr/YR: Meg Pellegrini and Cici Top (29.9)
Open Preliminary A: Boyd Martin and Catarina (27.8)
Open Preliminary B: Jessica Schultz and Rocky Top City (33.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Shinn and Nyconn Cat (32.3)
Preliminary/Training: Hannah Keller and Vagabon de Champdoux (28.5)
Jr. Training: Megan Wilson and Get Ready (38.9)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Argo (30.5)
Open Training B: Kelli Temple and Excel Star Royal Trend (27.6)
Senior Training: Lauren Alexander and Excel Star Over The Moon (31.1)
Training/Novice: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (27.9)
Junior Novice A: Lea Kilpatrick and Zatango (29.7)
Junior Novice B: Molly McLaughlin and Fernhill Sinatra (28.3)
Open Novice A: Lauren Harris and FE Clapton (35.0)
Open Novice B: Erin Flynn Mobley and In Sync (29.1)
Senior Novice A: Jamie Hood and APG Pragmatic Flutter (29.1)
Senior Novice B: Sheila Wiese and Simply Ben (28.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Margaret Doherty and Ben (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kelli Temple and Saint Nick (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Eden Dedrick and Excel Star Darcy (30.0)
Senior Beginner Novice: Cami Pease and Vibrant (30.8)

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Open Preliminary: James Atkinson and Archenemy (36.9)
Open Training: Taylor Timmerman and Snifters Spirit (46.1)
Training Rider: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Lance (34.4)
Novice Rider A: Peyton McAloon and Cue To Blue (39.4)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Row and Kaoimhe (33.3)
Open Novice: Ghislane Homan-Taylor and Mt. Whitney (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Emily Barrett and Mommy’s Ferrari (37.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Olivia Duffy and Top Gun (34.4)
Introductory A: Noah Edgin and Flick (26.9)
Introductory B: Elaine Coller and I Am The Wind (33.9)

Tokyo Olympics Will Not Allow Foreign Spectators

By on Mar 20, 2021 12:00 pm -

Embed from Getty Images

Organizers for the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo have confirmed that overseas spectators will not be permitted for the Games, which commence on July 23. The decision was made as the coronavirus pandemic continues its grip on the world; a state of emergency declared by the country for the past month due to a spike in cases will be lifted on Monday, March 22.

“Currently, the COVID-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still very challenging and a number of variant strains have emerged, whilst international travel remains severely restricted globally,” a statement released by the Five Parties (the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), the Organizing Committee Tokyo 2020 and the Government of Japan) says.

“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas. In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.”

The statement does not expressly prohibit spectators who are residents of Japan – according to a figure used by NPR, approximately 4.5 million tickets to the Olympics had already been sold to Japanese residents. No figures were provided for the amount of overseas sales, but it’s been estimated that these purchases make up 10-20% of the total ticket sales.

The eventing portion of the Olympics will kick off on Friday, July 30 and conclude on Monday, August 2. You can view the entire equestrian event schedule here.

Carolina International CCI4*S Cross Country Live Updates: Will Coleman Takes the Win

By on Mar 20, 2021 10:15 am -

Good morning and welcome to cross country day for the FEI riders competing at the Setter’s Run Carolina International CCI and H.T. at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, Nc. We’re nearly set for the first pair to take a spin around Ian Stark’s twisting, turning track with an optimum time of 6 minutes, 29 seconds. You can check out a map of the track, which is laid out similarly to its 2019 predecessor.

You can take advantage of the great live stream provided by Horse & Country TV today with an H&C+ membership (which is well worth the $10 cost for the plethora of content the platform has available!), and we’ll kick off some live updates here in this thread for the CCI4*S at 10:30 a.m. EST with the first pair out, Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Today’s cross country finale will be run in reverse order of standing, meaning we’ll see overnight leaders Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night out of the start box at 12:09 p.m. EST. The full order of go can be found here.

Thanks for tuning in with us! Refresh this page periodically for the latest updates from our remote coverage. Here’s to safe, clear, and fast rides for all today! Go Eventing.

Carolina International CCI & H.T.: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Orders of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

1:46 p.m. EST: We’ve just been made aware that the scores for the CCI4*S have been updated to reflect a different result: Will Coleman and Off the Record have been declared winners! It looks like Liz’s time and time penalties were reported incorrectly at first; her time of 6 minutes and 46 seconds gives her 6.8 time penalties for a final score of 29.8. This moves Will, on the heels of the only double clear of the day, up to take the lead with Off the Record on a score of 27.5. Apologies for the incorrect reporting while scores were still finalizing. We’ll have the final report for you soon!

1:12 p.m. EST: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are your winners of the 2021 Carolina International CCI4*S! Liz picked up four time penalties, which ended up enough to hold off a late charge from Will Coleman and Off the Record, who will take second place. Will Faudree and Pfun round out the podium. Stay tuned for a full report from the Carolina press team, coming soon!

1:06 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and Off the Record move into second (at least) after Phillip picks up 21.6 time with Carlchen. Meanwhile, big smiles from Team Halliday:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

1:05 p.m. EST: A different camera view so you can see that first corner:

GIf via Horse & Country TV.

1:03 p.m. EST: Liz is home clear! Waiting for her and Phillip’s time…

1:02 p.m. EST: Matt Flynn and Wizzerd pick up 13.2 time to drop out of the top three, but a lovely round for this pair.

1:01 p.m. EST: Phillip and Carlchen scrape their way through the Lighthouse Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:59 p.m. EST: Liz Halliday Sharp and Fernhill By Night are out on course and clear through 9. They have 3.2 time penalties to play with to retain their lead as of now:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:58 p.m. EST: Matt Flynn and Wizzerd come home clear after a lovely round despite the hold. A look at their trip through the Tobacco Barn corners:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:56 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and Off the Record finish INSIDE the time! Our only one of the day so far. They’ll end their weekend on a score of 27.5. They could well take home the top honors should the remaining riders pick up enough time. Here’s a look at Phillip through the MLB Mounds at fence 4:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:55 p.m. EST: We’re into our top two! Phillip Dutton and Carlchen are away.

12:53 p.m. EST: Will Coleman is home clean with Off the Record. Here’s another look at that Tobacco Barn corner question, where you can really see how Ian has used the terrain to make the question even more challenging. Note how the ground falls away (after a pretty blind turn from the A) to the left away from the B corner:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:52 p.m. EST: The pin has been repaired and we’re getting back underway. Horses on course right now are Off the Record with Will Coleman and Wizzerd with Matt Flynn.

12:49 p.m. EST: Overnight leader Liz Halliday-Sharp with Fernhill By Night and Phillip Dutton on Carlchen, passing time in the warm-up while we’re on a hold.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:47 p.m. EST: Doug Payne came home with 12 time penalties. A look at the course crew fixing the frangible corner at 19:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:46 p.m. EST: Here’s a look at a lovely ride through the Normandy Bank question for Will Coleman and Off the Record:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:45 p.m. EST: Unfortunately, Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie’s weekend will come to an end after the pair comes to grief at the final corners, the Tobacco Barn. C’est La Vie put his legs down in the second corner, breaking the pin and unseating Woods. We’ll now go onto another hold while the pin is put back into place. Woods and C’est La Vie are walking away and appear to be unscathed. This pair will be back to fight another day!

12:44 p.m. EST: Will is straight as an arrow through the coffin with Off the Record.

Horse and Country TV GIF.

12:42 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and his top-placed horse after two phases, Off the Record, are our next pair out.

12:40 p.m. EST: Damn! Woods came in a bit too hot too the Normandy Bank, and C’est La Vie just couldn’t make the bounce stride work. They’ll be ok to take the option here and continue on. Here’s a look at Doug on his way home with Starr Witness:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:38 p.m. EST: Hometown hero Will Faudree turns in the quickest round of the day with Pfun, picking up just one second of time for a final score of 31.6.

12:37 p.m. EST: Doug Payne and Starr Witness are clear through the Normandy Bank while Will Faudree is home clear with Pfun. Woods Baughman and C’est La vie 135 is away – the recent recipient of the 2021 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant, Woods is a definitive “one to watch”.

12:36 p.m. EST: Here’s a look at recent scores since I haven’t been doing a very good job of tracking scores!

12:35 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Doug Payne and Starr Witness, coming into the final top six to see.

12:34 p.m. EST: Will and Pfun have a lovely trip through the coffin at 8:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:32 p.m. EST: Will Faudree with his third ride, Pfun, now join us on course. Sharon White completes clear with Cooley On Show. Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper are clear through the Butterfly Water at 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:31 p.m. EST: Sydney Elliott finishes with 3.2 time for one of the quicker rounds of the day.

12:30 p.m. EST: Sharon has a calm and cool ride through the Butterfly Water at 13:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:29 p.m. EST: Clayton Fredericks is away with his final ride, FE Stormtrooper. Here’s a look at a nice ride through the Tobacco Barn Corners for Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:25 p.m. EST: Ok, we are back underway! It’s such a challenge to have a hold of any length on course. We’ll resume with Sydney Elliot on course as well as Sharon White with Cooley On Show.

12:23 p.m. EST: I’ve just had an update from the media team at Carolina that Fortuna is out of the ditch and on her way back to the barn. We should see competition resume here shortly and will attempt to provide a more complete update on Fortuna as soon as we can.

12:20 p.m. EST: Still on a hold – will provide updates when they are available.

11:56 a.m. EST: We’re still holding – no official updates at this point, but from what it looked like on the live stream, Fortuna had gotten stuck on her back in the ditch. Before the camera cut away, she was not panicking. If she’s stuck on her back, it will take some logistics to get her safely out so I’m only assuming that’s the nature of the hold.

11:45 a.m. EST: We are going to go onto a hold while Bobby and Fortuna are tended to.

11:43 a.m. EST: Bobby and Fortuna miss the jump up to the Normandy Bank, pitching Bobby up the bank and leaving Fortuna in the ditch. Bobby was up right away but Fortuna was a bit stuck in the ditch. We’ll keep you updated on what we hear on this pair, who will end their weekend here.

11:42 a.m. EST: Bobby and Fortuna have a problem at the C element of the coffin at 8. They’ve taken the option and are back on their way. Next out are Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire.

11:41 a.m. EST: We’re joined now by Bobby Meyerhoff and the big jumper, Fortuna. Elisa and Let It Be Lee have a big jump into the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:40 a.m. EST: Covert Rights slips a bit on landing after the first corner at the Tobacco Barns but he and Colleen make the last jump clean. Here’s a look at their trip through the B and C elements of the final water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:38 a.m. EST: Elisa and Let It Be Lee pick up a runout early at fence 4, the MLB Mounds. They’re clear on the second attempt.

11:37 a.m. EST: Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando are home clear. Elisa Wallace is back with us now with Let It Be Lee, also making his four-star debut.

11:36 a.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are on course and clear through the coffin at 8.

11:34 a.m. EST: Call Him Paddy takes issue with the first open corner at the Tobacco Barn and picks up two stops, but Laine lights a fire and gets him through on the third attempt. She’ll be really bummed about those issues, but this pair has a bright future!

11:33 a.m. EST: Laine is giving Call Him Paddy a fantastic ride around the OTTB’s first four-star. Here’s a look at their ride through the back half of the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:31 a.m. EST: Phillip Dutton turned in the fastest ride of the day with Sea of Clouds, collecting 2.8 time penalties. Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando are away.

11:31 a.m. EST: Laine and Patrick get a bit wiggly through the coffin but she sits tight and makes it happen.

11:30 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Tight Lines make easy work of the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:28 a.m. EST: Laine Ashker and Call Him Paddy are away to make their four-star debut together. Phil and Sea of Clouds are home clear.

11:26 a.m. EST: Sadly, Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z grind to a halt at the in to the final Lighthouse Water and later have a runout at the second open corner at the Tobacco Barn to end their day. Doug Payne and Quantum Leap picked up 6 time penalties. Will Coleman is back with his second ride, Tight Lines.

11:25 a.m. EST: Sea Of Clouds leaves a leg at the in to the coffin, unseating Phillip as he tries to stay on his line. Phil gives us flashbacks to Rio in 2016 with Mighty Nice with his sticky seat.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:22 a.m. EST: Lexi has probably the smoothest drive-by ever as she gets off her line going to the chevron after the Normandy Bank. Instead of panicking and pulling for a line that wasn’t there, she just allows the horse to continue galloping, circling back for a re-attempt. Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds are away.

11:20 a.m. EST: Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way pick up 7.6 time to be one of the speedier of the day so far. He was also quick earlier, picking up 6 with FRH Ramona.

11:19 a.m. EST: Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z are next away. Lexi spent some time working with William Fox-Pitt in England last year – you can read more about her time there and lessons learned here.

11:17 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Don Dante’s time stands as the quickest of the day so far; the next fastest so far is Doug Payne and Vandiver. Clayton Fredericks and his second ride, FE Ophelia, are on course. Here’s a look at Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way through the Lighthouse Water at 19:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:16 a.m. EST: Doug and Quantum Leap are nippy and clear through the coffin at fence 8ABC:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:12 a.m. EST: Will and Mama’s Magic Way are clear through the Normandy Bank at 10. Doug Payne is away again with Quantum Leap.

11:10 a.m. EST: Bobby and Albano grind to a halt up the big Normandy Bank at fence 10. This fence has an option, which they elect to take.

11:09 a.m. EST: Bobby and Albano through the Trackside Brushes at fence 5AB. He’s pretty sticky through the coffin at 8 but they’re clear. Will Faudree and his second ride, Mama’s Magic Way, are away. Missy Miller and Quinn should be just about home and seem to be clear so far.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:07 a.m. EST: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me show us how to jump the B and C elements of the Lighthouse Water at fence 19. Bobby Meyerhoff and his second ride, Albano, are away.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:05 a.m. EST: Elisa Wallace, who has two horses debuting at the CCI4*S level this weekend like the crazy person badass she is, is home clear with Riot Gear.

11:02 a.m. EST: Fun fact: only 12% of the CCI4*S starters here at Carolina have made the time since the event’s inception in 2014. So far this track is riding smoothly, but riders coming later will want to find ways to shave off a few seconds if time is their goal. This is, as always, a big advantage for riders with multiple horses – six riders in this division have at least two horses this year in the four-star.

11:01 a.m. EST: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are next out of the box.

10:59 a.m. EST: Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise show us the C and D elements of the Butterfly Water.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:58 a.m. EST: Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear are away.

10:57 a.m. EST: Jules Ennis and Cooley O are listed with 20 penalties, likely from their circle early on at the MLB Mounds.

10:55 a.m. EST: Next away are Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. Jules and Zoe are both home clear.

10:55 a.m. EST: Weeee! Zoe Crawford and the handy K.E.C. Zara fly into the Butterfly Water at fence 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:53 a.m. EST: Doug Payne picks up 5.2 time penalties, making Will Coleman and Don Dante’s round with 3.2 time the fastest so far. Check out the final combination, the Tobacco Barn Corners at fence 20, demonstrated by Jules Ennis and Cooley O:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:51 a.m. EST: Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game are next out of the box.

10:49 a.m. EST: Doug and Vandiver are home clear! Next out are Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:47 a.m. EST: Jules Ennis and Cooley O are out next out. She circles before the MLB Mounds – it doesn’t look like she had a runout, rather maybe just got off her line? Will have to keep an eye on scores.

10:43 a.m. EST: Speed master Doug Payne and Vandiver are away – look for this pair to be fairly quick today!

10:43 a.m. EST: Clayton and FE Always In Time are clear through the coffin at fence 8ABC:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:40 a.m. EST: Bobby and Lumumba as well as Will and FRH Ramona are home clear. Clayton Fredericks and his first ride, FE Always In Time, are away. We’ve got quite a few horses on course at once, so bear with me while I try to keep up with everyone!

10:38 a.m. EST: Will Faudree and FRH Ramona boldly into the Butterfly water at fence 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:36 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Don Dante are our third out, also Will’s first of three rides.

10:34 a.m. EST: Bobby and Lumumba demonstrate the first elements of the Normandy Bank at 10.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:33 a.m. EST: Next out is Will Faudree with FRH Ramona, his first of three rides in the four-star this morning.

10:30 a.m. EST: Welcome to cross country day! We’re getting ready to set sail with Holly Hudspeth and Jimmy Wofford in the commentator’s booth on Horse & Country TV. Kevin Keane will also join the booth this morning. I highly recommend signing up for a H&C+ membership to catch this and many more live streams both here and overseas – click here to learn more! Our first pair, Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba, have left the box and we’re underway!

Here are a few peeks around the track found on social media:

#ThrowbackThursday Video: Ride the 2019 Carolina International CCI4*S with Doug Payne and Quantum Leap

By on Mar 18, 2021 4:00 pm -

As we kick off the action at the 2021 Carolina International, and in celebration of the event’s return after a 2020 cancellation, we thought it appropriate to take a trip around the last cross country track we saw here in North Carolina.

Doug and Jessica Payne have owned Quantum Leap, a now-10-year-old Zweibruker gelding, since he was just a weanling. Employing the strategy of buying purpose-bred horses at a young age has ensured that the Aiken-based pair always has a pipeline of talent in the works – and Quantum Leap (Quite Capitol – Report to Sloopy, by Corporate Report) is a manifestation of that strategy paying off today.

“Baby Quantum”, as he has been affectionately called for much of his burgeoning career, stepped up to the Advanced and four-star level in 2019 after traveling to France to contest the 7-year-old Young Horse World Championship CCI2*L at Mondial du Lion in 2018. Thanks to the Holekamp/Turner Event Horse Le Lion d’Angers Prize and Grant, which is awarded to “the highest scoring horse from the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old East and West Championships combined during their 7-year-old year that is qualified, willing, and able to compete” on a yearly basis, Doug and Quantum Leap successfully finished the event in the top 30.

Take a ride around the 2019 CCI4*S track with Doug and Quantum Leap, who would go on to finish 20th overall in the gelding’s first attempt at the four-star level – and keep an eye out for the return of this pair to the CCI4*S this weekend! Quantum Leap is joined this weekend by stablemates Vandiver and Starr Witness. You can get your own helmet cam like Doug’s from Cambox here.

Dressage for the CCI4*S kicked off today, and you can follow all of the remaining action live on Horse & Country TV with an H&C+ membership. Click here to sign up.

Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Schedule] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Orders of Go] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Volunteer Nation: How to Help Carolina International, MDHT, Pine Top, and Ocala H.T. This Weekend

By on Mar 18, 2021 1:30 pm -

Volunteers working hard at Morven Park. Photo via Morven Park on Facebook.

Four events happening this weekend in North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida could all use a few more extra helping hands! And don’t forget, if you have a volunteering story or photo to share, please email us at [email protected].

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: Carolina International CCI & H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 18 through Monday, March 22
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions Available: Merchandise Sales, Dressage Gate, General Help, Parking Steward, Shuttle Drivers, XC Jump Judge, Event Takedown – XC, Stable Manager

Event: 2021 MDHT March Starter H.T.
Dates: Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions Available: SJ Jump Crew

Event: Ocala Winter II H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 18 through Monday, March 22
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions Available: XC Decorator, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer, XC Warm-up, Dressage Check-in, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, SJ In-Gate, SJ Score Runner

Event: Pine Top Spring H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 18 through Sunday, March 21
Address: 1432 Augusta Hwy, Thomson, GA, 30824
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, SJ Jump Crew

In Memory of Red Hills Horse Trials Co-Founder Sylvia Ochs

By on Mar 17, 2021 4:52 pm -

Photo courtesy of Sallie Ausley.

The eventing community lost a lifelong supporter of the sport in Red Hills Horse Trials co-founder Sylvia Ochs last week. Sylvia passed away peacefully in Tallahassee, Fl. on Thursday, March 11, on the eve of the 2021 event at Red Hills, at the age of 79. Fellow co-founder Sallie Ausley has graciously shared the following memorial tribute:

The Red Hills Horse Trials family has lost one of its own – Sylvia Coons Ochs, one of the event’s founders, passed away on March 11, 2021. In 1998, Sylvia Ochs with co-organizer Sallie Ausley along with three other original organizing committee and hundreds of volunteers began the first Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida. The event succeeded to become a World Cup Qualifier and now a CIC**** competition.

Sylvia was the ultimate horse person. Over the years, she served as Vice President, District Commissioner and Regional Supervisor of the United States Pony Club. Her community spirit extended well beyond the horse world and impacted Tallahassee in countless ways.

She had many talents and amazing organizational skills along with grace and a magnetic personality. She spearheaded events and projects with an eye to every detail and was twice voted Volunteer of the Year! Sylvia was President of the Junior League of Tallahassee, worked with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, LeMoyne Art Foundation, the Tallahassee Symphony, and the Museum of History and Natural Sciences.

Photo courtesy of Sallie Ausley.

Sylvia died peacefully at the age of 79. She was born in Walton, N. Y. graduating with honors from New York University Belleview School of Nursing. She is survived by her children, Lisa Perry, Karla Newton, and Dr. George Ochs and seven beloved grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held in Walton, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Foundation, Tallahassee Symphony or the Leon County Humane Society. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sylvia Coons Ochs please click here.

[Remembering Sylvia Ochs]

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Mar 17, 2021 12:01 am -

The Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship (OYES), currently in its third round of applications since launching in 2020, aims to provide more opportunity within the equestrian industry to assist youth from underprivileged communities. Through financial awards and mentorship, the scholarship hopes to open more doors and, in turn, create a more diverse and equitable industry for all.

To help raise funds and awareness for the scholarship program, OYES has teamed up with Riding Warehouse and Better Dressage Scores to put on a Virtual Horse Show with USDF, USEA, and WDAA classes available for participation. Interested riders can submit entries through April 8 for feedback from judges Aviva Nebesky, Ida Norris, and Janice Mumford. To learn more and enter, click here.

The deadline for the spring award is April 15, 2021, so there is still time to submit your application for consideration. OYES is also always seeking more mentors interested in helping scholarship recipients and applicants – to learn more and to read about past applicants, click here. You can also read more about the program and its founder, Mandy Collier, who also collaborates with board members Shaq Black and Jacqueline Ely, in this interview with HorseRookie.com.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Schedule] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Orders of Go] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Ocala Winter II H.T.: [https://flhorsepark.com/” target=”_blank”>Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

International Eventing Preview:

Oasby Elite H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream]

National Holiday: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Wednesday News and Notes:

Entries are now open for the Twin Rivers Horse Park Fundraiser Combined Test, happening April 3 and 4 in Paso Robles, Ca. Combined tests from Walk/Trot through Advanced as well as single dressage and jumping rounds will be offered, and funds raised will go to benefit ongoing facility upgrades and maintenance. To learn more and to enter or sign up to volunteer, click here.

Our weekly email newsletter is getting a facelift! Starting this Friday, we’ll transition 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.

We’re gearing up with our planning for coverage of the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! We can’t wait to bring you the most comprehensive coverage of the beloved Kentucky event this year, and we’re also cooking up some cool perks for our Patreon supporters! Haven’t joined us on Patreon yet? Click here to learn more.

How does entering an event prior to closing date help the organizer? The USEA’s re-sharing of its 2015 series, “The Entry Fee is Only the Beginning”, continues with part three on entry timing from an organizer’s perspective.

Benefits of steaming your horse’s hay range from improve respiratory health to greater hydration levels, with a slew of other perks in between. If you’re new to the concept, use this reference page from Haygain to read up on the topic.

Just In on Jumper Nation: Incorporating mindfulness in the barn can help us focus and establish a stronger relationship with our horses. How so? Gillian Warner writes on the topic of developing partnerships for Jumper Nation here.

Wednesday Video Break: Piggy March talks about the biosecurity efforts taken in her stables to keep her horses and team safe amidst the EHV-1 outbreak.

In Memory of Tremaine Cooper

By on Mar 16, 2021 2:23 pm -

Former USEA president Carol Kozlowski with Tremaine Cooper 2016. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It deeply saddens us to report that beloved husband and father, horseman, and well-accomplished course designer Tremaine Cooper passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 52 years old.

Tremaine was perhaps best known in the eventing community as a course designer, having gotten his start riding on his family’s farm with a “fat little pony named Daisy”, putting together little courses for the Pony Club run out of the farm. He would eventually compete up through the former CCI2* level himself in addition to course design. After taking a year off before college to do some course building, Tremaine was officially hooked on the art of design.

“The thing I love about designing is it’s not something you can read a book about and all of the sudden know everything there is,” he said in an interview in 2015. You can do it for 50 years and still be learning…it’s not a static thing, you can always have something better.”

From left: Rob Banner, Great Meadow Foundation president; Darrin Mollett, co-organizer; Mike Etherington-Smith, course designer; Tremaine Cooper, course consultant; and Travers Schick, course builder. Photo by Shauna Alexander.

Tremaine was well-known for his courses all over the U.S. as well as overseas, designing at venues including Aspen Farms, Full Gallop Farm, Virginia Horse Trials, Morven Park, and many, many more. He was also frequently seen mentoring fellow course designers, always nodding to those who came before him and spent the time teaching him the craft.

He was also a staunch supporter of safety, putting his experience behind emerging concepts such as frangible technology and the Modified level as a stepping-stone between Training and Preliminary. Indeed, a true list of every accomplishment, accolade, kind word, and time spent from a person who was a true integral part of the eventing community would take up hundreds of pages.

Tremaine Cooper leaves behind a family and a community of riders and eventing enthusiasts who are forever impacted by his legacy, which has been sadly cut far too short. You can read much more about Tremaine’s legacy in the USEA’s In Memoriam here; we will update this piece with information concerning a memorial and/or donations once they become available.

This past Saturday was a day filled with mixed emotions. I was in Aiken doing some last min design work on Full Gallop's…

Posted by David Taylor on Monday, March 15, 2021

Honestly I’m at a loss for words right now. Tremaine was one of the kindest most reserved people I knew. He served on…

Posted by Jonathan Holling on Monday, March 15, 2021

Tremaine Cooper3/16/2021 0 Comments PictureI think I’m still in shock that I won’t see Tremaine Cooper again. As I…

Posted by Jan Byyny on Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Devon Horse Show $50,000 Arena Eventing to Return in 2021

By on Mar 16, 2021 1:30 pm -

Boyd Martin and Contestor. Photo by The Book LLC.

After the cancellation of the 2020 Devon Horse Show due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re pleased to see the historic show make its return this May – and the prize list indicates that the $50,000 Arena Eventing will also be returning this year. The 2021 Devon Horse Show is scheduled for May 27 through June 4, 2021, with the Arena Eventing occurring on Sunday, May 30 at 7 p.m. EST. Entries for the Arena Eventing, which will distribute $50,000 in prize money through 12th place, are now open and will close on Monday, May 17.

Screenshot via the Devon Horse Show 2021 Prize List.

With a twisting track designed by Capt. Mark Phillips and with Sally Ike serving as Technical Delegate, the condensed format version of cross country jumping is sure to thrill onlookers accustomed to traditional hunter and show jumper courses.

Arena Eventing was first introduced at Devon Horse Show in 2017, with Sara Kozumplik Murphy taking home the inaugural win aboard Rubens d’Ysieux. Chris Talley and Sandro’s Star won the event in 2018, followed by Boyd Martin and Contestor in 2019. Who will the 2021 champion be? Stay tuned for entries as the event draws closer.

Riders interested in submitting an entry can find information here. The event will be classified as Intermediate Level/Arena Eventing, so riders can consult the USEF Rules for Eventing, Annex 3 for qualification information.

Want to relive the action from Devon? Check out this helmet cam ride from Doug Payne and Flamount’s Mischief, who finished fifth here in 2017:

Go (arena) eventing!

Rule Change Proposal Concerning Minimum Eligibility Requirements Pushed to 2023

By on Mar 15, 2021 12:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

After receiving over 1,200 responses from members concerning the proposed modifications to Appendix 3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing – pertaining to qualifications for moving up – the USEA has elected to table the issue until the 2023 eventing season.

Since more information on a proposed increase of Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) involving as many as 10 qualifying events has been released, members did not hesitate to voice their opinions on the matter.  Safety lies at the heart of this discussion, and many members have expressed concerns over a lack of information or communication (which certainly was not helped by the inability of the USEA to host in-person meetings and conventions for the past year) as well as the terms of the proposed changes.

On Friday, March 12, the USEA released the following statement:

On March 1, 2021 the USEA Board of Governors submitted a rule change proposal to US Equestrian (USEF) modifying Appendix 3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing. That proposal was outlined at the 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, shared in May 2020 by the Chair of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee Jon Holling, later discussed in Eventing USA and through various other communication platforms including a live webinar hosted by the USEA. This was one of four different safety-related rule proposals submitted by the Board to the USEF and previously considered with the membership. The Board made it clear that they shared the position of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee that more needs to be done to ensure that riders and their horses obtain more than just a minimal amount of experience before advancing through the levels. Moreover, riders, horse owners, and coaches need to take more seriously the increased risk related to moving up through the levels without adequate and substantial preparation.

“The USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee has done an amazing job to champion a major change in how horses and riders are allowed to move through the ranks of our sport,” said USEA Vice President of Competitions, Jonathan Elliott. “The consensus from the feedback I have received and observed is that there is a need for this change, but there are many factors to consider. In the end, this is a safety-driven rule change proposal, and we need to make sure we get it right, not perfect because that will never happen, but right.”

Following submission to the USEF, the Board opened a public comment portal for the membership to respond regarding their thoughts on the Appendix 3 rule change proposal. The Board has received over 1,200 responses since the original announcement. They recognize those surveys include valid concerns that the USEA had not fully addressed publicly. Among that input, it has become clear that without an in person USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in 2020 and related meetings, a large portion of the membership did not feel fully informed about the proposal as developed. Following several committee meetings within the USEA as well as at the USEF, the Board determined that more work needed to be done to both investigate the questions raised and communicate the reasoning behind the rule change proposal.

“I believe more time is needed to continue to develop a complete proposal with justification for the proposed changes,” Elliott continued. “Big strides have been accomplished over the last few years with other safety-related rule changes and the frangible technology fundraising and I am optimistic an updated Appendix 3 will join that evolution of our sport in 2023.”

The USEA Board of Governors unanimously voted on March 11, 2021 to table the Appendix 3 rule change proposal with the intention to further investigate and communicate the purpose behind the proposal. The Board has made it clear that they will submit an amended proposal again with the intent for implementation in 2023. To this end, the USEA will establish a task force to further review the proposal, make additional inquiries into related data, and analyze the input received. This task force will consist of representation by individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographically varied locations around the country. The goal is to have an updated rule in effect for the 2023 competition year.

Weekend Winners: Copper Meadows, Full Gallop, MeadowCreek Park, Red Hills

By on Mar 15, 2021 11:00 am -

After the tumult of 2020, it’s a bit surreal to be looking at a full eventing calendar this week. If you recall, right around this time last year we began to see the first events falling victim to the surging coronavirus. From this week a year ago forward, the world as we knew it changed immensely.

While the virus is still fighting to keep its stronghold on the world, encouraging news about vaccine rollouts and case numbers continue to come in, giving us hope that some normalcy is on its way. We once again extend our deepest gratitude to the essential workers, healthcare workers, first responders, and everyone else who has helped keep the world turning, even on the bleakest of days. And to the victims and families of those who were taken by the virus, our thoughts and condolences continue to be with you.

The eventing community was out in force this weekend, so there’s plenty of action to cover from the four recognized events that ran. Our lowest scores of the weekend come to us from our friends on the West coast at Copper Meadows in Ramona, Ca. Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week goes to Jordan Linstedt and Big Sur, who won their Open Novice division on their dressage score of 21.0. Jordan also took home the win in the Open Training aboard Lovely Lola on a score of 22.9, and I would be remiss not to mention my very good friend, Kayla Surrett, who won the Training Amateur division also on a 22.9, as a perfect prep for her upcoming move up to Preliminary later this month at Galway. Well done, kid!

Copper Meadows Winter H.T.: Final Results

Advanced CT: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo (48.2)
Intermediate: Sarah Lipetz and Southern Belle (72.9)
Intermediate CT: Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo (37.1)
Open Preliminary: Megan McIver and Dassett Whisper (40.5)
Preliminary Rider: Stephanie Simard and Roosevelt (29.3)
Open Training: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (22.9)
Training Amateur: Kayla Surrett and Blue Suede Shoes (22.9)
Training Rider: Sasha Isaacman and WTF Doria (29.8)
Novice Amateur: Bari Boersma and Chattachoochoo (27.4)
Novice Rider: Razieme Iborra and Mother of Dragons (29.3)
Open Novice: Jordan Linstedt and Big Sur (21.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Kelson Freiden and RHS Caspar Conthargos (28.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Olivia Keye and Oso Mighty (22.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Melissa Nice and Rides Like a Bentleigh (29.7)
Intro: Taurie Banks and Opening Knight (29.7)

Full Gallop Farm H.T.: Final Results

Preliminary: Amanda Conti and Griegermeister (32.2)
Preliminary/Training: Sierra Shurtz and Master Brooklyn (29.1)
Training A: Fylicia Barr and Justforthehalibut (45.9)
Training B: Anabelle Friend and Fine With Me (33.3)
Novice A: Booli Selmayr and Flowerhill Sophia (27.1)
Novice B: Jessica Schultz and Hardwired (31.7)
Training/Novice: Rachel Miles and Cooley Nyx (34.3)
Beginner Novice A: Mikki Kuchta and Hallygul (32.8)
Beginner Novice B: Sherry Stephenson and Buckharo (31.7)
Beginner Novice C: Maya Chinana and Popstar (28.3)
Starter: Lazet Katy and Addie (33.6)

MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event: Final Results

Open Preliminary: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Mr. Melvin (44.1)
Preliminary/Training: Gabriela Diaz and Back to Victory (56.0)
Open Training: Tristen Wigg and Pegasus Princess (33.8)
Training Rider: Lindsay Holliday and Numba One Stunna (39.3)
Jr. Novice: Elle Snyder and Fernhill Bijzonder (27.6)
Open Novice: Alexandra du Celliee Muller and Del Rio (30.2)
Sr. Novice: Sarah Keltner and Briteman (34.6)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Kaetlyn Perkins and Arizona Sweet (31.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Caroline Burkhardt and My Mexico (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Christiana Schultz and Alexa Dawn (29.4)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Amanda LeBlanc and Redemption (32.5)
Starter A: Michelle Kennedy and Right Swipe (34.8)
Starter B: Janet Taylor and Just Sum It Up (36.0)

Red Hills International: Final Results, EN’s Coverage

CCI4*S: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous (22.4)
CCI3*S: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (24.1)
CCI2*S: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (27.3)
Advanced: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (31.8)
Open Intermediate: Katie Malensek and Landjaeger (33.1)
Open Preliminary: Hannah Sue Burnett and Coolrock Wacko Jacko (24.6)
Preliminary Rider: Sallie Johnson and Fernhill DiCaprio (25.8)

Show Jumping Shuffles Red Hills CCI4*S Leaderboard, Marilyn Little Holds Lead

By on Mar 13, 2021 8:12 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Chris Barnard challenged riders both with his jumping questions as well as the clock on today’s Red Hills show jumping track, prompting a leaderboard shuffle that produced a nearly all-new top five after phase two.

Marilyn Little, also an experienced show jumper, and RF Scandalous (Carry Gold – Richardia, by Lario) managed to hang on their early lead and even lengthen their margin thanks to a clear round inside the time. The Kentucky-bound pair will have 8.9 penalties of leeway around Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country track tomorrow, remaining on their dressage score of 22.4. “Kitty”, owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Phoebe and Michael Manders, and Marilyn were tapped as the pair to beat this weekend, and they’ve thus far made good on that promise.

In total, 10 out of 28 CCI4*S combinations produced clear rounds inside the time allowed of 83 seconds. These hard-to-come-by clear rounds were valuable, allowing several pairs to leap from outside the top 10 after dressage to inside the top 5 after show jumping.

Originally seventh after dressage, Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Ms. Poppins moved into striking distance in second place, adding no penalties to their dressage score of 31.3. This is the first FEI event since 2019 for both Ms. Poppins and Allie; the 10-year-old Westphalian mare by Congress, out of Copa Cabana (Champion Du Lys) competed only in National divisions in 2020, a lighter year for Allie, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last fall.

“It’s great to be back, that’s for sure,” Allie reflected. “It’s been interesting because a lot of things I think are better. I rode for most of my pregnancy but I didn’t compete at all because COVID hit and by the time we reopened I was too pregnant. I think a lot of things are a bit better bc I had time to reflect on it and just train and mostly I’ve just gained a new perspective. It’s way cooler now that I have a kid!”

Allie Knowles and Ms. Poppins. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It wouldn’t be Allie if she didn’t tick every box of preparation en route to this weekend, her first FEI back since her pregnancy. “I kind of made a goal to be out at Grand Oaks in January, and I’ve been out there every weekend for the last eight weekends competing,” she said. “I’ve gone through the paces, I’ve fallen off, gone off course, I’ve won and lost and each weekend I feel stronger, sharper, and a little further away from having a c-section.”

As for Ms. Poppins, a mare who Allie knows like the back of her hand, having campaigned her since she was four, Mike Etherington-Smith’s twisty, tight track with “lots of natural half-halts” should suit her catty style just fine. “She’s a real catty, small mare that has a ton of heart and never pulls,” Allie explained. “She’s super light to ride, she goes in a Nathe bit in all three phases. So I don’t need to ride hard, I need to ride with finesse and efficiency. She’s able to make short turns on a twistier track and I can really keep riding forward.”

Allie’s got her eye on competing in the CCI4*S at Kentucky, near her home base in Lexington, with at least one of her top horses, but she hasn’t made a final decision yet.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Kentucky-bound Qorry Blue D’Argouges (Mr. Blue – Hardie Du Bourg, by Count Ivor) also produced a clear round inside the time for Canadian rider Colleen Loach. Owned by Peter Barry, the gray Selle Francais gelding is 17 this year and will look ahead next to the CCI5* at Kentucky in April. Second to go in the ring today, Colleen said she figured time might be tight, so she made a plan to go for it. “I knew I would need to be a bit speedier,” she said. “Chris (Barnard) had a really great course put together. You really had to play with your broken lines to get the distances and pay attention to the clock. (‘Qorry’) listened and jumped really, really well.”

Leslie Law and Voltaire De Tre. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre were also rewarded for their efforts today, moving from 15th into fourth thanks to a double clear effort to remain on a score of 33.8. The 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Gentleman IV and owned by Tré Book was second here at Red Hills in 2020.

Kaylawna Smith Cook and Passepartout. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Also moving and shaking their way up the board are West coast pair and fellow new mother Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout, who collected a clear round to move into fifth on their dressage score of 33.9. Passepartout (Pasco – Preschel, by Pardon), a 12-year-old German Sport Horse Gelding owned by Mark and Gretchen Cook, has won at the CCI4*S level and has one CCI4*L under his belt with Tamie Smith so far, but this is the first start at the level for him and Kaylawna.

Can we take a moment to honor all of these incredibly strong women who have successfully, somehow, managed to have a baby and turn around to make their way back to the top levels of an insanely demanding sport? In a sport that does not wait for a woman to return from maternity leave, new mothers have a daunting ladder ahead of them when they make their comeback. My proverbial hat is off to all of you beautiful, brave, inspiring women – you are all amazing.

Kaylawna, who was named to the US Eventing Emerging Athlete Program Training List this year, will also contest the CCI4*S at Kentucky in April with “Pasco”.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the CCI3*S, dressage leaders Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall), a 10-year-old Argentine Sport Horse/Holsteiner mare owned by Jullienne Guariglia, retained their lead with one rail down for a two-day score of 24.1.

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

2020 USEA Mare of the Year Lady Chatterly (Connor 48 – Jucy, by Mytens) piloted by Leslie Law and owned by Lesley Grant-Law, Jackie Brown and Steve Brown, also holds position in second on a score of 25.5.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Devil Munchkin. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and her 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Devil Munchkin (Cariso 3 – Rhona, by No Ski), move from early fifth into second place with a score of 26.8. The CCI3*S show jumping also proved to be tough in terms of clear rounds; 13 of 35 pairs collected clear rounds inside the time.

Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In the CCI2*S, Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (Concours Complet – Charlotte), who at seven years old is showing promising talent as a competitive horse in all three phases, retained their dressage lead thanks to a clear show jumping round today, remaining on a 27.3 heading into tomorrow’s cross country. Closely in pursuit is Lauren Nicholson with two rides, I’ll Have Another in second on a 27.6 and Hindine on a 27.7 in third.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the Advanced division, Jennie Brannigan will also hang on to her lead aboard Tim and Nina Gardner’s FE Lifestyle (Leo von Faelz – Berina A, by Brandenburger), taking her dressage score of 30.2 into tomorrow’s conclusion of competition. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Moonshine broke their original tie for second to hold the place on their own with a two-phase score of 31.6, followed by Maya Black moving from fifth into third on a 33.1 with Miks Master C.

Tomorrow’s cross country track designed by Mike Etherington-Smith promises to be exciting as always. “I think the course looks really nice,” CCI4*S rider Colleen Loach described. “It’s very inviting with fair questions. They’re doing a great job aerating the footing and I’m excited to get out there.”

Keep an eye out for a course preview coming your way first thing in the morning, and for our concluding report tomorrow after competition finishes. Go Eventing.

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage

Thursday Video from Cambox: Mounted Archery…and Cross Country?

By on Mar 11, 2021 5:30 pm -

Now here’s a cool twist on equine sports: what do you get when you combine mounted archery with a bit of cross country? Arnaud Flour donned his Cambox Isi3 helmet cam to take us along for the ride during a Polish Elite Event in 2019. Mentioned on Arnaud’s YouTube channel is Yoseikan Budo Bajutsu Archery, a Japanese form of archery involving shooting targets on horseback. This certainly looks like it’s plenty challenging for any rider, and the helmet cam makes for a cool perspective. Would you try this sport?

Cambox is currently having a sale! To view what deals are currently available, click here.

EHV-1 Updates: Latest Reported Cases, Biosecurity Measures at Events [Updated 3/18]

By on Mar 11, 2021 4:27 pm -

Stock image.

In an effort to compile as much information concerning the European EHV-1 outbreak and the crop of cases scattered about the U.S., we’ll be continuously updating this post with new cases, updates from the FEI and USEF, and biosecurity measures that have been implemented at events around the country. We’ll make every effort to keep tabs on this important information but can always use help; please email [email protected] with any verified information that we may have missed.

While there has not been a mass lockdown at most facilities that have seen cases, we encourage all owners to carefully consider their horses’ movements. EHV-1 is a highly transmissible and aggressive virus, and the incubation period of anywhere from 2 to 10 days means a traveling horse may be a carrier, unbeknownst to the owner.

CURRENT CASES:

The Equine Disease Communication Center is providing updates on reported cases on a regular basis. You will need to select the form of EHV you want to search for in order to run the locator. At this time, there has been no connection made to the outbreak stemming from Spain that has shut down FEI competitions in Europe.

March 18: The Equine Disease Communication Center has reported two neurologic cases of EHV-1 in California; a 21-year-old warmblood mare in Sonoma County at a boarding facility (40 horses are listed as exposed and have been quarantined) and a 10-year-old Arabian gelding at a private facility in San Bernardino county. At this time, no connections to the outbreak in Europe have been made.

March 12: Seven confirmed cases of EHV-1 (respiratory) have prompted an official quarantine at a boarding facility in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

On March 11, new cases have been reported in New York and Kentucky.

On March 10, a new case with 45 potential exposures was reported in Los Angeles, Ca. Previous reported cases are from the states of Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Quebec.

FEI AND USEF UPDATES:

March 17: The FEI reports a total of 17 equine fatalities connected to the European outbreak. Two horses have died on venue in Valencia, six in hospital in Valencia, two in Barcelona, five in Germany and two in Belgium.

March 12: The FEI has extended its previously announced shutdown of international competition on the European mainland through April 11, 2021. This will also signal the cancellation of the Longines FEI World Cup Finals for jumping and dressage, which were scheduled for March 31 through April 4 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The latest timeline updates and figures from the FEI can be found here. As of March 11, there have been 12 confirmed deaths from EHV-1 in Europe. Meanwhile, horses are set to begin leaving the venue in Valencia, where they have been quarantined since February.

US Equestrian held an informational webinar on March 5 to educate members on the EHV-1 virus and biosecurity precautions to take. It can be viewed here.

A previous US Equestrian press release outlines biosecurity measures horse owners and riders can take. You can view the release here.

HORSE TRIALS & VENUE BIOSECURITY MEASURES:

Carolina International H.T. – March 18-21

  • Competitors have been advised that a 72-hour health certificate will be required on entrance to Carolina Horse Park

Tryon International Equestrian Center

  • Equine arrival and departure protocol have been established, effective as of Monday, March 15

OTHER EVENTING NATION LINKS:

FEI Extends European Shutdowns Through April 11

French Equestrian Federation Suspends All Competition in Response to EHV Outbreak

FEI Cancels All Competition on European Mainland Through 3/28 Due to EHV-1 Outbreak

Updates on EHV-1 European Outbreak + One Case Reported in Ocala

Update on Venturing Hills Farm EHV-1 Outbreak & How You Can Help

EHV-1 Death Reported at New Bolton in Chester County, PA [Updated March 6]

EHV-1 Updates: Ocala Has Two Confirmed Cases, FEI Continues to Monitor European Outbreak

WHAT IS EHV-1?
Equine herpesvirus type 1, or rhinopneumonia, is a relatively common respiratory condition that’s spread through horse-to-horse contact. But this doesn’t necessary mean the horses need to be in close enough proximity to touch noses – aerosol droplets or nasal discharge can contaminate surfaces, such as grooming tools, buckets, and even clothing and hands, spreading the virus quickly and efficiently among a number of horses. For this reason, it can become hard to control very swiftly – particularly as carriers may not show any symptoms while actively spreading the virus over its 2–10 day incubation period.
Although EHV-1 can lead to abortion in pregnant mares or ongoing respiratory issues, it’s a largely innocuous virus that an enormous amount of horses will come into contact with at some point or another. So what makes this outbreak different? Simple: it’s the progression into a neurological form of the disease, known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM. This progression happens when EHV-1 progresses into the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the microvasculature. This, in turn, can restrict blood flow to areas of the spinal cord, leading to neurologic disease.
EHM is a very rare and incurable form of EHV-1, which can show up in a multitude of ways: some horses may experience a biphasic fever, which has two ‘spikes’, a sudden lack of coordination, limb weakness, loss of balance and inability to stand normally, inability to urinate effectively, or depression. Though there’s no cure, EHM-positive horses can be administered NSAIDs such as bute or banamine to reduce fever and pain. Some horses do go on to recover from EHM – often with lingering neurological deficits – but the fatality rate is high at 30%.
Though there’s no vaccine for EHM, it’s most often caused by EHV-1, so ensuring your horses’ vaccinations are up to date is the most effective way of protecting them against an outbreak. Implementing a robust quarantine strategy when introducing a new horse to your property, too, is essential: keep the new horse separate for ten to fourteen days, limiting the number of people who have access to it and ensuring that all tools and clothing are thoroughly disinfected, and hands washed, before coming into contact with another horse.

Volunteer Nation: Four Events Needing Help This Weekend

By on Mar 11, 2021 3:30 pm -

Volunteers in training at Red Hills. Photo via Red Hills on Facebook.

It’s that time of the week again! Events are run on the power and goodwill of volunteers, and especially this year with no spectators to pull from on-site, it’s particularly essential to have volunteer sign-ups done ahead of time. Each Thursday, we provide a list of still-open volunteer positions at each event happening over the weekend. Get out and enjoy the warming weather and help out your local event this weekend!

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: Copper Meadows H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 11 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 633 Montecito Way, Ramona, CA, 92067
Positions Available: Office Help, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Event Prep – General, Hospitality Helper, XC Cart Runner, XC Control Assistant, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, XC Start Timer, XC Steward, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward

Event: Full Gallop Farm March II H.T.
Dates: Sunday, March 14
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Floater, SJ In-Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Steward

Event: MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event
Dates: Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 1342 Hwy. 14 , Kosse, TX, 76653
Positions Available: Event Prep – General, Parking Steward, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, XC Jump Judge

Event: Red Hills International H.T.
Dates: Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 4000 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Positions Available: See Volunteer Overview info here.

Kentucky Entry List Update: 41 Pairs in CCI5*, 35 in CCI4*S

By on Mar 11, 2021 9:00 am -

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack at Kentucky in 2019. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The entry list for the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event continues to grow, and we’re up to 38 pairs on the CCI5* list and 33 on the CCI4*S list. With looming uncertainty surrounding coronavirus and EHV-1 around the world, it remains to be seen whether or not the ranks fill fill out with a hefty foreign contingent.

A few notable storylines (though certainly there are many more that I’ll neglect to mention!) in the early going of the CCI5* entry cycle:

  • A handful of rookies will make their Kentucky/5* debut: Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise (who was purchased off Craigslist for $500), Zoe Crawford and K.E.C Zara, Alex Green and Fernhill Limited Edition, Ema Klugman (who also happens to be editor of Jumper Nation!) and Bendigo, and Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie (who himself has finished top-10 at Burghley with Boyd Martin in 2017). Emilee Libby will be looking for her first five-star completion with Jakobi; she last started in Kentucky with Cahir in 2008 but withdrew after cross country.
  • We’ll see the return of Sara Mittleider, who made waves with her $300 off-track Thoroughbred, El Primero during the 2000s, to the five-star level for the first time in 11 years with La Paz
  • Allison Springer brings forward her first coming five-star partner since the late and great Arthur, Business Ben
  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot will be making their ninth career CCI5* start together
  • 2020 USEA Rider of the Year Liz Halliday Sharp will bring two horses to Kentucky: the more experienced Deniro Z along with stablemate Cooley Quicksilver, making his CCI5* debut

Here’s a look at the current CCI5* entries (the list can be viewed and refreshed for new additions here):

Meanwhile, the newly-added CCI4*S is also packed with fresh talent as well as veteran experience. This is a really exciting addition to the roster for Land Rover Kentucky, and we hope it presents a model for repetition in the future. Just a handful of notes on the CCI4*S include:

  • The West coast will send a contingent of riders, including Lauren Billys (who represented Puerto Rico at the 2016 Olympics) and Castle Larchfield Purdy, Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve, Sophie Click and Quidproquo, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout. Honorary Californian (but full-time Texan) Megan Sykes with Classic’s Mojah is also entered.
  • Phillip Dutton and Carlchen (who just scored a 15.0 on the flat at Pine Top) will contest this division
  • The talented Alex Baugh will bring her two upper-level partners, Mr. Candyman and I Spye to the CCI4*S

You can view the CCI4*S entry list here. Stay tuned for more entry list updates from #LRK3DE!

Amateur’s Corner: Elena Perea

By on Mar 10, 2021 12:00 pm -

Welcome to the new 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 41-year-old Elena Perea, an Emergency Room physician who balances work, family life, and competing in Area II with an inspiring level of enthusiasm.

Elena Perea and B.E. Isabella. Photo by Mark Lehner/Hoofclix.com.

EN: Tell us a bit about yourself.

EP: I’m 41 years old and currently live in the mountains of Western Nc., not too far from Tryon. I grew up in a working-class family, the daughter of a Cuban immigrant, outside of Philadelphia. Nobody in my family was horsey, except my grandfather, who hadn’t ridden since leaving Cuba. I started asking to ride when I could talk, but there was no money to pay for lessons. I was able to take a few lessons through Brownies/Girl Scouts at age 8 or 9; my parents made some huge sacrifices to give me a weekly lesson starting at age 10, and thereafter, the amazing woman who ran the local riding school found ways to make it work for me. I begged, borrowed, and stole to ride throughout my teens, and was always very lucky to meet amazing people who let me keep growing as a horsewoman.

I found eventing while I was in medical school. In my late teens and early 20s, I had galloped race horses, worked with a lot of OTTBs, loved going fast and jumping, and needed an escape from the classroom and hospital. I found a local eventing instructor who had a Welsh Cob that needed work, and voila!

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

EP: I really love Thoroughbreds. LOVE them. I volunteered some with CANTER during my medical training, and found that a lot of people event OTTBs. They are GOOD at it! I watched Courageous Comet kicking ass and taking names at the Olympics and Burghley and Rolex. I rode some with Denny Emerson. At that point the seed was fully rooted.

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

EP: In order for my life to be balanced, it has to include riding, full stop. There have been a couple of times over the years when I have taken a break from horses. The longest was when I was pregnant with twins and in the first couple of years of their lives. I was miserable. When the boys turned 3, in my first job out of residency, I bought a 3 year old OTTB off a picture, and life got better.

Riding is the thing I do for myself, to keep my head in the game and keep myself grounded. My time spent on the back of a horse is time when I’m completely mindful and in-the-moment—my horse keeps excellent track of me being distracted, and will try to dump me! Being with Beezie in not only the physical sense, but also mentally and emotionally, requires my full attention, without getting distracted or occupied by anything else. During this crazy pandemic, I have been really lucky to continue to ride, and some days riding is the only thing that reminds me that there is some sense of normalcy to which we will return. The best thing is that one of my sons is also riding, and turning into a badass little event rider, so I am able to spend time at the barn with him, as well.

EN: Describe a typical day in your week.

EP: Work is more than just the thing that I do to pay for the horse. I am a full-time physician in a fast-paced Emergency Room, managing behavioral health emergencies, and consulting on medically ill patients with behavioral disturbances. I’m a board-certified psychiatrist, but I won’t ever ask you about your Mom! I am also an educator, teaching medical students and residents, and an adjunct associate professor at the UNC School of Medicine.

I work a schedule of seven days in the hospital, followed by seven days at home. On a typical work day, I take my boys to school, and arrive in the emergency department before 8 a.m. In the summer, I often ride early, and stay at work later to beat the heat. I see patients, work with a multi-disciplinary team, give a lecture or two, and fill every minute of the work day. I will pick up my kid or go alone to the barn where I board my mare, aiming to be there around 5 (but sometimes it’s a lot later). If I’m on call, I take calls while I ride my horse and help my kid. We go home in time for a late dinner, and to have the boys in bed by 8:30.

I save my lessons for weekends and weeks off, often getting a series of lessons in a row the week of a show. I’m close enough to Aiken that I can do an overnight trip in the winter months, and in the spring/summer/fall, my trainer is just across town and tolerant of my crazy lifestyle.

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

EP: Working the 7on/7off schedule has definitely allowed me to travel to shows more often! Working 26 weekends a year can be challenging for me, but I have certainly made better use of my evenings with my family. I’m really thankful for that flexibility.

I’m also lucky that my husband has time-consuming hobbies (mountain biking and golfing), so that I can be with the boys if he takes a weekend. It has been a negotiated peace in our relationship, but I encourage him to get away as much as I am able. I don’t event in June or July (except under dire circumstances) because I hate summers in the south. That gives us time to take time purely for family, while I more or less just ride my mare in the early morning, or hack into the mountains.

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

EP: Pick good partners – human and equine! My sainted husband supports me in his way (he doesn’t like horses AT ALL) by sharing the parenting and the home responsibilities as a true partner. He travels for golf and mountain biking, I travel for horses, and we travel together for family. My trainer understands my horse and my goals. My horse is just delightful, and while it has been a non-linear journey to achieve our success together (broken wrist, picture in The Chronicle‘s Missed It Mondays, etc), I’ve been lucky to have her with me the whole way. If you find yourself in a relationship that isn’t working, don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t get stuck.

EN: What drives you/motivates you the most?

EP: Success drives me. I’ve never been more motivated than after crossing the finish line on cross country within the time. It has nothing to do with ribbons or scores (I’m an amateur often competing against professionals on expensive horses). It has to do with have I achieved what I went to the event to do? Last summer was all about not getting so nervous in the cross country warmup. I went to a couple of shows literally only to accomplish that — and I did. I’d be lying if I said I don’t love adrenaline, though.

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

EP: “This sport is too expensive to not be having fun.” If you find yourself not having fun (or scared, or bored, or whatever), make a change.

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

EP: Eventing is about a community of people coming together to do the things they love with a horse they love.

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

EP: I think the sport could do a better job of highlighting those of us at the lower and middle levels of Eventing succeeding and living our dream. 90% of members of the USEA will never go above Training; we are the heart and soul of the sport. A little adulation and love from those at the top would be much appreciated and I believe very much noticed. We work hard and make it happen, even when we are parenting, teaching our kids to ride, working full time jobs, going to school, all of it. The Amateur’s Corner is a great start!

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Mar 10, 2021 12:01 am -

A fabulous new sticker available from Haybales & Barbells.

I spied a photo this week of this cool new sticker available from Haybales & Barbells. It’s so crazy to think of how far we’ve come from the days of little or no diversity to today. Now, a conscious effort on the part of so many entrepreneurs and businesses to make inclusivity a part of everyday language has made more riders feel welcomed into the world of horses.

The work never ends, indeed, and more strides towards increased diversity, equity, and inclusion remain ahead of us. But projects such as Jamie’s over at Haybales & Barbells are great reminders of how incredible our world can be.

Proceeds from the sale of the Equestrians of Color sticker will benefit the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Red Hills International H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [EHV-1 Precautions]

Copper Meadows H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [EHV-1 Precautions] [Volunteer]

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

MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Meet the duo behind the popular YouTube channel, Sisters Horsing Around, and read about their perspective on diversity in horse sports in this blog from Barn Manager.

Stay up to date on the latest updates on the EHV-1 cases confirmed in Ocala, Fl. – our most recent article can be found here.

Calling all Cambox helmet cam users! Did you pick up a new Cambox during their Black Friday sale last year? Are you a huge fan of snapping on your helmet cam for a cross country run? We’d love to feature your helmet cam video right here on EN! If you use a Cambox Isi3 or V4, we want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] with your video link and description.

Meet the breeder behind the Cool Na Grena Sporthorse brand. ELizabeth Callahan and her husband Robert Drysdale are dedicated to their breeding operation, which produces quality event horses suitable for the top levels. Read more about Elizabeth’s background and breeding philosophy here.

Learn about the importance of proper respiratory support and how attention to this detail can help in times of extra security, such as an EHV-1 outbreak, in this blog from Haygain.

Hot on Jumper Nation: Don’t miss an exciting new video series on Jumper Nation! Following the vein of NFL star Peyton Manning’s ESPN show, Detail, top jumper riders will break down rides in the ring submitted by amateur and professional riders alike. Check out the first video, detailed by Sloane Coles, here.

Wednesday Video Break: Learn how to focus on your own health, strength, and wellness in this video from the FEI and Limitless Performance.

Tuesday Video: Watch Tamie Smith Win the Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing

By on Mar 9, 2021 5:30 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

Tamie Smith Next Level Eventing with Mai Baum win the 2021 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Posted by Horse & Country TV on Saturday, March 6, 2021

We were treated to a thrilling performance from all athletes competing in the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing this past weekend in Aiken, Sc. Tamie Smith, on a trip to the East coast from her home base in Temecula, Ca., was the winner of the 2021 event, piloting the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum to the wire-to-wire win.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Lead the LiftMaster Grand Prix of Eventing at Bruce’s Field

Next Level Eventing (Tamie Smith) and Mai Baum are the overnight leaders at the LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field following the Dressage and Show Jumping. Watch all the Cross Country action Live tomorrow beginning at 2pm ET exclusively on HorseandCountry.TV

Posted by Horse & Country TV on Friday, March 5, 2021

Thanks to the collective efforts of Horse & Country TV along with the USEF Network, we felt like we were right there at the venue following along with the action. If you’re a Horse & Country TV subscriber, the event is now available to watch on demand. USEF members can also rewatch the dressage and show jumping phases here. You can also relive the excitement in our live update thread here.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Final Scores, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

First Look at Entries for 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*/CCI4*S

By on Mar 9, 2021 3:34 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’re pleased to have a first look at the early entries to this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which thanks to the determined efforts of the eventing public and supporters was able to salvage its 2021 running in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s event will feature a CCI4*S in addition to the traditional CCI5* – entries for the CCI4*S are also filling in quickly and can be viewed here.

We expect many more entries to fill in the ranks in the coming weeks; we’ll bring you entry list updates as they become available, so stay tuned right here on EN for all of the latest and greatest from Kentucky. Here’s the first list of entered riders:

  • Jennie Brannigan – FE Lifestyle (Nina Gardner)
  • Jennie Brannigan – Stella Artois (Stella Artois Syndicate)
  • Hannah Sue Burnett – Harbour Pilot (Jacqueline Mars)
  • Will Coleman – Tight Lines (The Conair Syndicate)
  • Will Coleman – Off the Record (Off the Record Syndicate)
  • Will Coleman – DonDante (Team Rebecca LLC)
  • Zoe Craword – K.E.C. Zara (Zoe Crawford)
  • Buck Davidson – Jak My Style (Kathleen Cuca)
  • Buck Davidson – Erroll Gobey (Cassandra Segal, Lisa Darden, Natalie Sandler)
  • Buck Davidson – Carlevo (Katherine O’Brien)
  • Phillip Dutton – Sea of Clouds (Sea of Clouds Partnership)
  • Phillip Dutton – Fernhill Singapore (David Vos, Ann Jones, Thomas A Tierney)
  • Will Faudree – Pfun (Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables)
  • Alexandra Green – Fernhill Limited Edition (Paul Green)
  • Lillian Heard – LCC Barnaby (Lillian Heard)
  • Ema Klugman – Bendigo (Ema Klugman)
  • Boyd Martin – Tsetserleg TSF (Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner)
  • Boyd Martin – On Cue (Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner)
  • Boyd Martin – Long Island T (Long Island T Syndicate)
  • Caroline Martin – Islandwood Captain Jack (Sherrie Martin)
  • Kurt Martin – Delux Z (Kurt Martin)
  • Joe Meyer – Johnny Royale (Team Johnny Syndicate)
  • Sara Mittleider – La Paz (Sara Mittleider)
  • Lauren Nicholson – Vermiculus (Jacqueline Mars)
  • Lauren Nicholson – Paramount Importance (Jacqueline Mars)
  • Lauren Nicholson – Landmark’s Monte Carlo (Jacqueline Mars)
  • Waylon Roberts – Lancaster (John and Michelle Koppin)
  • Allison Springer – Business Ben (Business Ben Partnership LLC)
  • Chris Talley – Unmarked Bills (Unmarked Bills Syndicate)