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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

#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)

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

By on Mar 9, 2021 12:00 pm -

In an update provided by the World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Sunday, March 6, a horse in Barn D at the facility presented with a high fever and was subsequently sent to the University of Florida for testing. At this time, the results of that horse’s EHV-1 test are pending; a positive test would bring the Ocala case total to three. Two horses, both originating from Chestnut Hill Farm, had previously tested positive for the virus and have been recovering in isolation.

A report published on Friday, March 5 by the Florida Department of Agriculture, outlines the dates: “The index horse was housed at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) Barn D during week 7 (February 17 – 21, 2021), and the second horse was housed in Barn D during week 8 (February 24 – 28, 2021). The second horse left the World Equestrian Center on February 25, 2021.”

The FEI meanwhile has continued to provide updates to its timeline of events corresponding to the current outbreak of EHV-1 in Europe, which has to date claimed the lives of 10 as of Monday, March 8. It’s important to note that at this time there is no indication that the two (potentially three) cases in Ocala are related to the outbreak in Europe, though the Florida cases were reported on the FEI timeline.

Update 3:15 p.m. EST on March 9: The FEI has confirmed an 11th equine death in a veterinary clinic in Valencia, Spain, where the outbreak originated. A horse in Belgium that competed at the Spanish Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera also tested positive; the event was abandoned with immediate effect on Friday, March 5. The FEI has also promised an investigation into the outbreak, questions surrounding which include the fact that the competition at Valencia continued for at least one day after the FEI was notified of the outbreak and requested abandonment with immediate effect.

Update 7:53 p.m. EST on March 9: We’ve also confirmed a case of EHV-1 in Maryland at Laurel Park, where four barns have been placed under quarantine following a horse displaying neurological signs of the virus. The quarantine will last for a minimum of 14 days, pending any further positive tests.

Update 9:03 a.m. EST on March 10: World Equestrian Center – Ocala has confirmed a negative EHV-1 test for the third horse out of Barn D, where the other two cases were found. The facility has resumed activities but has implemented stricter ship-in and health certification requirements for those competing.

We will continue to monitor this situation as it continues to unfold and encourage all owners to take extra precautions in terms of biosecurity and horse movements, particularly in Florida. As a reminder to those competing at Red Hills H.T. in Tallahassee, Fl. this weekend, the event has implemented biosecurity measures including the requirement of a three-day health certificate.

**Hey Competitors Coming to Red Hills**

Please see the Biosecurity measures being implemented at the competition…

Posted by Red Hills Horse Trials on Friday, March 5, 2021

Copper Meadows H.T. in Ramona, Ca. is also taking some extra precautions for its event this weekend: all competitors must submit proof of vaccination and no horses who have been to Florida or Europe in the past month will be permitted on the show grounds. To see more from Copper Meadows, click here.

A map (updated as cases are brought to the department’s attention or at the first of the month) of reportable equine diseases is maintained by the Department of Agriculture and can be found here.

A US Equestrian press release outlining precautionary recommendations and compliance protocol reads as follows:

A recent outbreak of an aggressive strain of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) has resulted in the immediate cancellation of international events in 10 countries on the European mainland through March 28, 2021. The outbreak originated at a competition in Valencia, Spain, and is present in at least three other countries in Europe to date. There are no current EHV-1 outbreaks related to the Valencia competition evident in the U.S. at this time, but USEF is recommending members take important steps to protect their horses. USEF is working closely with competition organizers and veterinarians to ensure we are as prepared as possible for a potential outbreak in the U.S.

Below are some best practices you can implement immediately:

  • Review and ensure you are prepared for quick implementation of an isolation plan at a competition grounds and/or at your home farm or facility
  • Check your horse’s temperature twice daily and maintain a temperature log
  • Isolate horses at first signs of symptoms or illness and contact your vet immediately
  • Keep separate feed buckets, brushes, rags, and tack/equipment for each horse
  • Ask your veterinarian about appropriate cleaning solutions
  • Eliminate communal or shared water troughs and buckets
  • Practice hand washing in between handling horses
  • Maintain social distancing for horses; limit nose to nose contact with other horses at the ring
  • Ensure your horse is vaccinated for EHV (Rhinopneumonitis vaccine) in line with GR845

Please note that the vaccine does not protect against the neurological form of EHV, which is referred to as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) but does reduce the clinical signs and shedding of the virus. Early identification and reporting of ill horses is critical in order to trace possible points of exposure and to aid in the prevention of further spread of the disease. The first 30 minutes following identification of a potentially infectious horse frequently determines the extent and scope of transmission and potential outbreak. You should contact your veterinarian immediately for testing if a horse begins to display any symptoms of EHV. Competition managers should also be notified if the horse is at a competition.

If you are aware of individuals who are not following proper reporting protocols, please contact Debbie Saliling, USEF Director of Compliance, at [email protected].

#InternationalWomensDay: Five Incredible Women of Eventing

By on Mar 8, 2021 10:33 am -

It’s #InternationalWomensDay and a day we here at EN look forward to each year. If you missed Tilly’s incredible walk down history lane last year, it’s well worth another read here. There are countless women who have blazed trails in equestrian sport, so we’re celebrating a few more today:

1. Torrance Watkins

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Torrance Watkins was the first woman inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2003. The first woman to win an Olympic medal in eventing, Torrance picked up individual bronze in the 1980 competition at Fontainebleau aboard the 15.1 Paint, Poltroon. – the same year many countries would boycott the Moscow Olympics. She would also be a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. team in Los Angeles the following Games in 1984.

2. Karen O’Connor

Five-time Olympian Karen O’Connor certainly needs no introduction to even the most casual of eventing fans. With partners such as Biko, Prince Panache, Theodore O’Connor, Upstage, and many more, Karen solidified her name as one of the greats throughout five Olympics, three World Equestrian Games, and two Pan American Games and was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2018.

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3. Jackie Potts

We would be remiss not to mention one of the hardworking members of the grooming and horsemanship community, and who better to lead us off than Jackie Potts? Jackie has been the head groom for British rider William Fox-Pitt for nearly 30 years and has collected multiple grooming awards from organizations such as the FEI and British Eventing. As someone who has traveled to five Olympics and five World Equestrian Games, Jackie is full of incredible information on how to keep top horses ticking along in their best form, and she sets an example for care that we all can strive to follow.

4. Karen Stives

Another USEA Hall of Fame inductee (2006), Karen Stives and Ben Arthur collected an individual silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first woman to win an individual medal in eventing at the Olympics (worth noting that Torrance also won an individual medal, in 1980, though the competition was not officially a part of the 1980 Moscow Olympics). She would also be named USCTA Rider of Year three times, in 1981, 1987, and 1988.

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5. Mary Coldren

Event organizer extraordinaire Mary Coldren has been a stalwart part of U.S. eventing since 1984 as a competitor, volunteer, organizer, treasurer, licensed official, and many other hats. Mary has been Fair Hill International’s show secretary since 1995 and has served on Fair Hill’s Board of Directors for 10 years. She has been dubbed by The Chronicle of the Horse the “unofficial queen of ride-time scheduling, she’s the cheerful wizard behind the curtain at many East Coast events, making sure each rider has a workable time schedule and the day goes smoothly.”

Shannon Lilley and Mary Coldren at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We could truly go on endlessly celebrating the fearless women who make up our incredible sport. There are not many sports on which men and women have the opportunity to compete together, and that deserves some celebration. What amazing women would you like to add to our list?

And finally as a special treat, please enjoy this compilation of footage from the 2000 Sydney Olympics featuring both Ingrid Klimke and Sleep Late and Karen O’Connor and Prince Panache:

Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Full Gallop, Rocking Horse, Sporting Days, Southern Pines

By on Mar 8, 2021 9:30 am -

It was another busy weekend of eventing and we’ve got plenty of winners to celebrate! #ICYMI, the Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field offered some thrilling competition over the weekend – you can catch up on all the action in our coverage here.

This weekend’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino, who won their Open Training division at Rocking Horse on a score of 17.1.

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Katie Lichten and Sapphie Blue B (34.3)
Open Preliminary: Eliza Farren-Englert and Creffino PJ (42.4)
Preliminary Rider: Carter McInnis and Greystone Lad (49.3)
Modified: Mikki Kuchta and Chiraz (30.9)
Open Training: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (31.4)
Training Rider: Morgyn Johnson and Peter Parker GS (28.3)
Novice Rider: Breeana Robinette and Cape Kimberly (27.6)
Open Novice: Hanna Grace Johnson and Reenmore Riley (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Boshart and Blaze of Charm (26.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Samuel Moreland and Smarty Pants WB (32.2)

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Final Scores]

Training: Shannon Riley and Ingress (35.4)
Training/Novice: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (32.6)
Novice A: Ainsley Hagen and Risque S (23.3)
Novice B: Alex Conrad and Miles (29.8)
Beginner Novice: Lilly Rodman and What Opposition (27.8)
Starter: Rebecca Lee and A Proper Villain (30.6)

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino (25.7)
Open Intermediate B: Woods Baughman and C’est La View 135 (29.5)
Open Intermediate Friday: Cosby Green and Copper Beach (30.4)
Open Preliminary: Alexandra Knowles and Street Call (29.4)
Open Preliminary Friday A: Alexandra Green Kerby and Isslehooks First Sight (25.6)
Open Preliminary Friday B: Rebecca Roth and Chapter Two (32.1)
Preliminary Horse: William Ward and JVK Fionn MacCumhail (33.3)
Preliminary Rider: Beth Murphy and Jimba (28.4)
Jr. Training: Audrey Littlefield and Prince Renan (28.6)
Open Training A: Conor Rollins and Alfonzo (29.3)
Open Training B: Meghan O’Donoghue and Faldeus (31.4)
Open Training C: Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino (17.1)
Sr. Training A: Kristin Michaloski and Ice Breaker (25.9)
Sr. Training B: Zea Palthey and Resdret (26.6)
Training Horse A: Leslie Law and Tullibards On Tour (25.9)
Training Horse B: Kendyl Tracy and Oboras Goldwing (28.6)
Training Horse C: Woods Baughman and Kamara CFF (25.8)
Jr. Novice: Emma Wick and Avalon Realta (33.3)
Novice Horse A: Leslie Law and Really All Gold (24.1)
Novice Horse B: Susannah Lansdale and Four Star (25.0)
Open Novice A: Hannah Hawkins and Quality Beach (26.2)
Open Novice B: Liz Lund and R Mani CF (29.3)
Sr. Novice A: Cecily Peters and Tomgar Conspiracy (26.7)
Sr. Novice B: Katie Szewczyk and Suspicious Behavior (32.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Peyton Brienza and The Brave Little Toaster (33.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Landry Lies and DJ (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Melanie Helms MD and PS Gran Torino (31.3)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Cami Pease and Vibrant (25.3)

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Final Scores]

Intermediate CT: Mallory Distler and Quality Start (37.3)
Open Preliminary: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tick Tock (26.5)
Preliminary Horse: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (31.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sophie Miller and Quarlotta C (36.0)
Preliminary/Training: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (31.0)
Open Training: Michael Pendleton and Napoleon Z (23.0)
Training Horse: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Argo (30.7)
Training Rider A: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (31.4)
Training Rider B: Nancy Hathaway and Killea Gynis View (28.9)
Training Rider C: Bailey Yablonovitz and Fiddler’s Choice (37.1)
Novice Horse: Meredith Payton and Manu Forti’s Royal Blue (27.6)
Novice Rider A: Lea Kilpatrick and Zatango (29.8)
Novice Rider B: Tracie Sales and Ebony (30.2)
Novice Rider C: Lauren Traut and Three Cups Jammy Dodger (27.6)
Open Novice: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.7)
Beginner Novice Horse: Savannah Fulton and FMF Sol (29.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Carla Lindsay and Paint Misbehavin’ (34.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Tracey Davis and Celtic Cruise (29.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Autograph (27.0)
Starter: Elizabeth Burns and Nazrullah (32.5)

Southern Pines H.T.: [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Andi Lawrence and Cooley Northern Mist (30.3)
Intermediate CT: Kim Severson and Cooley Criminal Mind (27.3)
Modified Jr.: Audrey Ogan and Second Amendment (38.8)
Open Modified: Erin Kanara and Captivate (27.1)
Open Preliminary: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (25.6)
Preliminary CT: Charlotte Stillfried and Palma D (28.8)
Preliminary Rider: Caitlin Romeo Fernhill B Good (25.0)
Modified CT: Caroline Brown and Sydney (34.6)
Modified Rider: Hannah Schofield and Fastidious (30.8)
Open Training A: Leslie Lamb and Mr. Puff Higgens Jr. (28.5)
Open Training B: Madison Chisholm and Reloaded (29.8)
Training Rider A: Camilla Baldini and Dichterlieben (40.0)
Training Rider B: Erin Weil and Patriot Games (32.6)
Training Jr.: Carlin Keefe and Hoodwink (38.9)
Novice CT: Taylor Snyder and Winter Tanz (31.4)
Novice Rider A: Kimberly Rushton and Brit’s Party Favor (25.5)
Novice Rider B: Audrey Wiggins and Spook Hill At Last (23.8)
Novice Jr.: Sidnee Milner and My Valentine (25.7)
Open Novice A: Erin Murphy and Rough Heart (25.5)
Open Novice B: Martha Wunder and Mr McGoey (28.1)
Beginner Novice CT: Kristyn Berger and Down Home Blues (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Katelyn Tyler and Dream Weaver (28.0)
Beginner Novice Jr.: Kylee Narron and Woodstock Renegade (23.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Hayley Norfleet and Ranier VT (28.5)

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Clinch Win in Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 6, 2021 6:41 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

It came down to six seconds when all was said and done. A thrilling day of shortened cross country at the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field brought us down the order in reverse order of standing, building pressure on overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. After second-placed Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z collected a handy clear round, Tamie Smith – who has been working out of Ocala this off-season – had six seconds of time in hand to seal the victory.

And she may have needed it – the 15-year-old jet black German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum, owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell and first discovered by Michelle Pestl, was impressed by the twisting, technical track set by Captain Mark Phillips early on. “Wild” was the term Tamie used to describe “Lexus”, whose answer to a question he’s unsure about is to just try harder. But Tamie knows the gelding like the back of her hand, and as they continued to tick off the questions you could see the horse responding in kind to her quiet insistence that he just keep going. In the end, they wouldn’t need the six seconds, finishing inside the time allotted of 3 minutes and 49 seconds to officially win the event on a final score of 23.3.

It’s been a long road with Mai Baum, who splashed onto the East coast scene in commanding fashion to win the then-CCI3* USEF National Championship at Fair Hill in 2015. All was set to make a bid for the U.S. team traveling to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, but it was not to be as the gelding suffered a tendon injury that took him out of contention. He would make his way back under the careful care of the Next Level Eventing team out of Temecula, Ca., eventually partnering with Tamie at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and finishing 11th at Boekelo later that year.

We’ve long been waiting for “the black stallion” to make his CCI5* debut and we very well may get our wish this year: Tamie says Mai Baum is slated to head to Kentucky, along with stablemate En Vogue, owned by Ruth Bley.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Finishing second, third, and fifth and pleased with all of her rides today was Liz Halliday-Sharp, who won this event twice in a row in 2019 and 2020. “I’m not disappointed to finish all my horses in the top five,” she told Frankie Thieriot Stutes after her ride aboard Deniro Z. “I’m happy for Tamie that she came over here and had a great run.”

Liz ends her weekend with Ocala Horse Properties’ Deniro Z in second on a 25.8, Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night in third on a 28.4, and Ocala Horse Properties’ Cooley Quicksilver in fifth on a 30.0. Splitting the difference in fourth place is Boyd Martin with The Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T, who cruised around with three seconds of time to finish on a score of 29.5. “I was thrilled with all three of my guys today. It’s a twisty, turny course with a few accuracy courses and the first run of the year and I’m pleased with all three of them,” Boyd reflected after his last ride. Boyd also finished Luke 140 inside the top 10, ending the weekend in ninth with a score of 31.5.

Buck Davidson told Frankie Thieriot Stutes that his last trip to the Grand Prix Eventing with Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden, and Natalie Sandler’s Erroll Gobey, a Holsteiner gelding who is 11 this year, was tougher and says the horse has really grown into himself to feel much more confident for this attempt. “He’s really growing up and did it easily,” he said. This pair ends their weekend in sixth place on a 30.6.

Doug Payne also enjoyed a fruitful weekend, collecting just one second of time among his three rides. Doug and Jessica Payne’s Quantum Leap ends the weekend as the highest placed Payne horse, finishing seventh on a 31.1. He’s closely followed by stable mate Starr Witness, owned by Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter, in eighth on a score of 31.2. Debi Crowley’s Vandiver finished his weekend on a double clear cross country, in 12th on a 33.2.

In all, we only saw a couple of issues pop up on course: Clayton Fredericks parted ways from FE Stormtrooper at the big Aiken Post Office corner, fence 9, and Tamie Smith popped off her first ride, Danito, at fence 11, the Battle of Aiken Cannon. Both horses and riders looked to be no worse for the wear after the mishaps.

The time proved to be a formidable test, and riders who didn’t set out with the rockets burning weren’t likely to catch up on the clock by the end. Generally speaking, the course rewarded really positive riding – second-guessing a distance could prove consequential on the leaderboard as a few pairs found out. A total of nine riders collected double clear efforts, making for a 27% double clear rate for this year’s course. This makes for a tougher track on paper than years past: 2020’s Grand Prix saw a 54% double clear rate and 2019’s had 63% of cross country starters jump double clear.

You can view the complete listing of final scores here and catch up on our live updates from cross country here. We’ve really enjoyed following along with this exciting showcase of eventing each year and thank you for being here with us. Our gratitude goes out to all the organizers, officials, volunteers, grooms, and riders who make these events possible – it’s truly a team effort! Go Eventing.

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

Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Cross Country Live Updates: Tamie Smith Seals the Deal

By on Mar 6, 2021 2:15 pm -

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park.

Welcome to what is sure to be a thrilling finale of the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. We’ve been treated to some exciting action over the first two phases from which West coast rider Tamie Smith and Mai Baum have emerged as overnight leaders on a score of 23.3.

We’ll see a total of 35 combinations leaving the startbox to context Capt. Mark Phillips’ cross country today beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST. You can follow along with a Horse & Country TV subscription (which is well worth the low monthly cost and also comes with no obligation) by clicking here. Refresh this page periodically for the latest updates from the last phase of competition.

Optimum time for the track, which consists of 22 jumping efforts, will be 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

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

5:36 p.m. EST: Tamie says Lexus was a bit “wild” at the beginning – “I’m not sure that was a ride you’d want to copy!” she tells Frankie – but what an accomplishment for the German Sport Horse gelding who will head to Kentucky in April if all goes to plan. Here’s a look at your final top 10 (view full scores here) – stay tuned for more from Bruce’s Field! Thanks for following along with us.

5:27 p.m. EST: She did it!! Tamie stuck to her guns and got Mai Baum’s confidence blooming the farther she went. Tamie comes all the way from California to WIN the third annual $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:26 p.m. EST: Over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:24 p.m. EST: Lexus stands wayyy off from the fence 2, the Palmetto Golf Club but they’re clear.

5:23 p.m. EST: Tamie has six seconds of time in hand.

5:22 p.m. EST: Pressure’s on! Liz comes home handily inside the time. Can Tamie and Mai Baum hang on?

GIF via H&C TV.

5:20 p.m. EST: Deniro Z and Liz take out the right flag at the big open corner at fence 9 – hard to tell from the camera angle but he looked to be safe from my view.

5:18 p.m. EST: Boyd could not afford a second of time to take the lead, he’ll instead pick up about 1.2 time penalties to finish on a provisional score of 29.5. We’ll now see Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z, currently in second on a 25.8.

5:16 p.m. EST: Boyd hangs out for five strides to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:14 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Long Island T are our next to go, with just three more to see. This pair is currently on a 28.3.

5:12 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens d’Ysieux are clear! She picks up about 2.4 time.

5:11 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens clear through the Banksia Bank at 10 and 11.

GIF via H&C TV.

5:07 p.m. EST: Clayton is home with 9 seconds of time. Next in will be Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens d’Ysieux, on a score of 29.7.

5:05 p.m. EST: Buck says he brought Erroll Gobey here a couple years ago and had some trouble, so he’s really pleased with the 11-year-old’s performance here this weekend. “He’s definitely grown up and he was good in all three phases so I’m really happy,” he tells Frankie.

5:03 p.m. EST: Now away are Clayton Fredericks and FE Always In Time, coming in on a score of 30.6.

5:02 p.m. EST: Buck and Erroll Gobey over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the Triple Brush at 15 and 16. Buck has finished just under the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:00 p.m. EST: “I really can’t complain, one second cumulative for all three is pretty awesome.” – Doug after his ride with Quantum Leap.

4:58 p.m. EST: We’ll next see Buck Davidson with Erroll Gobey, coming in on a score of 30.6.

4:57 p.m. EST: Another great run for Doug, and they come home one second over to add .4 time. Overall a great showing from the Payne team this weekend!

4:55 p.m. EST: A nice shot over the Hitchcock Woods Fox Squirrel at fence 6 for Quantum Leap:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:53 p.m. EST: And we’re off with Doug and Quantum Leap!

4:50 p.m. EST: We’re just on a slight hold while the crew fixes the ground line at the Banksia Bank. We’ll see Doug Payne with Quantum Leap next, currently on a score of 30.7.

4:47 p.m. EST: Bummer, Tamie hits the deck at the bounce of the Banksia Bank, when Danito peeked and ducked to the left. They look to be ok, and we’ll see Tamie back shortly with overnight leader Mai Baum.

4:44 p.m. EST: “Blackie” slips on landing coming back down the Banksia Bank, and she comes home about 4 seconds over time. Next out are Tamie Smith and Danito, in sixth currently on a score of 29.2.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:40 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Liz back on her second of three rides, Fernhill By Night, currently on a score of 26.4.

4:39 p.m. EST: Boyd and Luke 140 are home 7 seconds over time to finish the weekend on a 31.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:34 p.m. EST: We’re moving now into the top 10, and it’s really anyone’s game at this point given the challenges of the time. We’ll see Boyd and Luke 140 shortly.

4:33 p.m. EST: Lillian says this was good practice for her – she actually calls herself not the fastest rider so this was good for her to go out and get the time.

4:30 p.m. EST: We’ll have about five minutes before we see Boyd Martin back with Luke 140, coming forward on a score of 28.3.

4:29 p.m. EST: Lillian comes home easily inside the time with LCC Barnaby, the second fastest time of the day – I believe I heard 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

4:25 p.m. EST: Next out are Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby, currently in 13th on a score of 33.1. This pair is quick across the country so this should be fun!

4:24 p.m. EST: 10 seconds over for Annie and Fedarman B – a different camera angle of the Bruce’s Field Logs:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:22 p.m. EST: “The cross country is pretty quick and fast and you’ve got to react quickly and the horses have to be looking for the next jump pretty early on. I think it is educational for everyone.” – Phillip after his ride on Fernhill Singapore.

4:20 p.m. EST: Next out are Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B on a score of 34.4.

4:19 p.m. EST: Phillip sees a good one and pushes Singapore to meet him there. They’re home now easily inside the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

4:18 p.m. EST: Phillip goes around the chevron to get to the Carolina Bay Flower Box, which sets him up on a really nice line to walk down to the corner in four:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:14 p.m. EST: Doug comes home one second inside the time for Doug’s second double clear of the day. Phillip Dutton is back now with Fernhill Singapore, currently in 15th on a score of 33.9.

4:12 p.m. EST: A good shot over the Banksia Bank for Doug and Starr Witness:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:07 p.m. EST: Bummer! Clayton parts ways from FE Stormtrooper after a bit of a miscommunication heading to the big Aiken Post Office corner. They got a bit off their line and FE Stormtrooper ended up jumping too wide, jostling Clayton. He’s right up on his feet and looks no worse for the wear, as does his horse. We’ll next see Doug Payne with his Pan American Games partner Starr Witness, currently in 12th on a score of 31.2.

4:06 p.m. EST: “It’s great to know that we can get it done and be a good bit inside and not feel like I took any huge risks. The horse was brilliant, it’s his first run of the year and I couldn’t ask for more.” – Liz with Frankie on her ride aboard Cooley Quicksilver.

4:04 p.m. EST: Liz gets a shot of confidence with a double clear and the fastest of the day so far! She’ll feel great about that as she looks ahead to her higher placed rides. Clayton Fredericks is back now with FE Stormtrooper, on a score of 33.9.

4:02 p.m. EST: A pat for Cooley Quicksilver after a great shot over fence 7, The Willcox.

GIF via H&C TV.

p.m. EST:

3:56 p.m. EST: We’ll see Liz Halliday-Sharp riding out of order next with her first of three rides, Cooley Quicksilver, currently on a score of 30.0.

3:55 p.m. EST: The best moments:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:54 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show pick up just one second of time, so close! A great ride from these two.

3:53 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show elect for the inside turn here to the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:49 p.m. EST: Dana comes home with 3.6 time penalties to finish on a 39.5. Next out will be Sharon White with Cooley On Show, coming forward on a score of 34.6. “Louie” is ready to go!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:46 p.m. EST: A look at the big open oxer, The Aiken, at fence three:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:45 p.m. EST: Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi are next out of the box on a score of 35.9.

3:44 p.m. EST: Phillip has Z in a nice rhythm and makes quick work of 15 and 16, the Carolina Flower Box to the Triple Brush. This pair adds two seconds of time.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:41 p.m. EST: Fun fact: Doug forgot to start his watch at the start! He credits a strong partnership with “Quinn” and the 17-year-old’s adjustability for making the intensity of this type of track much more doable. “There’s not much that compares to it,” he tells Frankie.

3:39 p.m EST: 3 minutes, 46 seconds for Doug and Vandiver, the second double clear and fastest time of the day so far. Phillip Dutton and Z are next out on a score of 34.1.

3:38 p.m. EST: Doug illustrates the inside turn at the chevron here. This is en route to fences 8 and 9, the Carolina Bay Flower Box and the Aiken Post Office corner.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:35 p.m EST: Clayton and FE Ophelia add a handful of time (apologies, I missed the exact time!). Next out will be Doug Payne with his old campaigner, Vandiver. Look for this pair to be quick and nippy!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:30 p.m. EST: Sydney is the first one inside the time! 5 seconds inside the time for this pair, putting them on a finishing score of 37.5. “He was super! This course is made for him, just tight turns and just keep moving. He’s fantastic,” she tells Frankie at the end. Clayton Fredericks and FE Ophelia are next out on a score of 34.2.

3:28 p.m. EST: Sydney shows us the flower box to the corner that comes after the aforementioned turn:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:26 p.m. EST: Next out are Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire on a score of 37.5.

3:25 p.m. EST: Emily and Corvett come home 12 or 13 seconds over time. “This horse is jumping his eyeballs out!” comes over the loudspeaker.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:22 p.m. EST: Nilson says Rock Phantom was pretty strong the whole way around, and had he been able to ride a bit more the beginning he may have made the time. We’re getting closer to that elusive double clear!

3:20 p.m. EST: Nilson and Rock Phantom come home with a clear round, quite quick looking. He’ll hold the quickest round of the bunch so far with 3 minutes, 56 seconds. Next out will be Emily Hamel with Corvett – this one is always fun to watch with his unorthodox jumping style!

3:15 p.m. EST: Colleen and “CR” are home with 9.2 time penalties. “What a good man!”, she tells him at the finish. Next out will be Brazil’s Nilson Da Dilva and Rock Phantom, on a score of 38.6.

3:12 p.m. EST: This GIF illustrates a turn that may end up being somewhat influential, depending on whether you elect to go inside or outside of the chevron. You’re setting up a line to a flower box to a big corner that I’ll capture next.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:10 p.m. EST: Missy Miller and Quinn are also home clear, with 7.2 time penalties added. Colleen is back now with a quick turnaround for her second ride, Covert Rights, currently on a score of 47.2.

3:08 p.m. EST: In case you guys thought that remote event reporting was glamorous, allow me to dissuade you. But – at least I have a desk dog?

3:06 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson will not be running Carlevo, and Holly Jacks Smither has also withdrawn her second ride, Candy King.

3:05 p.m. EST: Boyd picks up 10.4 time penalties, also on a very smooth-looking ride. We’ll have to see what he takes from this ride to modify in his next two. Next out is Missy Miller with Quinn on a score of 40.0.

3:04 p.m. EST:

3:02 p.m. EST: Thomas shows off his skinny skillz:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:00 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak comes home in 4 minutes, 5 seconds. Next out will be Boyd Martin with Pan American Games gold medal winner Tsetserleg.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:57 p.m. EST: I apologize for not catching it on GIF, but Karl Slezak is the first to get more bold with his lines – we’ll likely start seeing more of these decisions as it becomes more apparent that the time requires some extra gumption. Holly Jacks Smither muses that the time is definitely possible, noting a couple places where she added too much.

2:56 p.m. EST: Another Canadian rider, Karl Slezak, sets out of the box with Fernhill Wishes with plenty of speed to burn. Commentator Kevin Keane observes that the riders will likely need to get ahead on the clock early, because they aren’t going to find it easily later on.

2:54 p.m. EST: Holly is the quickest so far on 4 minutes even.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:50 p.m. EST: Canada’s Holly Jacks-Smither and her longtime partner More Inspiration are now on course riding on a score of 42.2.

2:49 p.m. EST:Emporium comes home clear in 4 minutes, 21 seconds. Ashlynn looks thrilled!

2:47 p.m. EST: “I am absolutely thrilled with how he ran. Really and truly it’s not going to be easy, the ones that get the time are going to have to have incredibly smooth, bold rides with absolutely no wasted moments.” – Colleen on her ride with Frankie Thieriot Stutes. Indeed, her ride looked quite quick and was still 15 seconds over!

2:45 p.m. EST: 4 minutes and 14 seconds is the time for Colleen and Confidence Game, who really looked to gain confidence as he went. Next up will be Montana-based Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium, on a score of 44.9.

2:43 p.m. EST: Confidence Game gets a test of footwork through the Banksia Bank question. Colleen is using all of her experience to get this lesser experienced ride of hers around, but they’re having a positive ride to this point.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:41 p.m. EST: Next out are Colleen Rutledge with the stallion Confidence Game, currently on a score of 48.4.

2:39 p.m. ET: A look at the tricky Banksia Bank at fence 10, a nice ride from Alex and “Elmo”. Alex is home clear with 11.2 time penalties.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:35 p.m. EST: Jules is home in 4:17, picking up time over the optimum of 3:49. Next out is the only young rider in field, Alex Baugh with Mr. Candyman, currently on a 49.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:32 p.m. EST: There’s a LOT to look at for these horses, almost like you’re in a bit of a fishbowl. It’s hard to get up to a good rhythm in some areas, and Cooley O feels some effects of this stickiness early on but they’re kicking on a bit more now.

2:30 p.m. EST: And we’re all set to go here in Aiken! First out of the box will be Jules Ennis with Cooley O, standing in 38th on a 52.4.

Quebec’s Centre Equestre Equilibre to Host Advanced, Intermediate H.T. in July

By on Mar 6, 2021 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

The Centre Equestre Equilibre (Bishopton, Quebec), owned by (Martin and Anne Grimard, is home to about 50 horses and several riders who compete in Canadian and American events at various levels. With over 20 years of experience on national and international eventing grounds, the Grimards in partnership with organizer Molly Hooper Bull, have announced the addition of Advanced and Intermediate levels this July, with a CCI4*S to come in the future.

At the end of 2015, the Centre Equestre Equilibre acquired a 206-acre lot, which showed great potential with its rolling hills and outstanding footing. The infrastructures, however, were designed for cattle breeding. The fields and buildings have been upgraded to adapt to the needs of sport horses with several additions: an 85×200 indoor arena, some outdoor sand arenas, cross-country courses, a water jump, to name a few. The first Equilibre event took place in 2018 and was awarded Cheval Quebec’s Aramis for Best National Event in Quebec. A special mention was made for the event’s professionalism, attention to detail, and experienced team. Additionally, Anne Grimard was awarded the Trophee des Batisseurs by the HTC-Q, for her involvement, dedication, and support with the development of athletes and eventing.

“My husband is the president of the HTC-Q, and I am the director of, and responsible for the safety and development of athletes in this association,” Anne explained in an email interview. “Our mission has always been to make eventing known and recognized, and to develop athletes.”

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

“In 2020, as a result of Canadian athletes being unable to cross the border to the USA, the Centre Equestre Equilibre was approached by a team of Olympic athletes, supported by Canadians and Americans of experience, to discuss the possibility of hosting a CCI-4* event,” Anne wrote. “Their primary criteria were the installations, professionalism, and the Centre Equestre Equilibre’s ability to deliver and ease of adaptation. The construction of a second water jump (80×100) and of an additional outdoor sand arena (250×250) is already underway.”

The Grimards are currently waiting for CCI4*S approval for 2022 or 2023. Meanwhile, they’ve assembled an all-star team of Molly Hooper Bull (who is also credited with organizing at Stable View in Aiken, Sc.), Capt. Mark Phillips and Chris Barnard for course design, and further assistance from Peter Gray and John Williams. “It is a privilege for us to work with such an experienced team that takes to heart the development of our sport,” Anne wrote. “The reputable Molly Hooper is credited with helping organize the Stable View CCI-4* Event, and we are honored to have Dylan Barry helping us build our new cross country obstacles and the help of experienced Olympic athletes is invaluable.”

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

“A great cross country course, designed for safety, will be the highlight of our July event,” Anne continued. “Our team will have the occasion to prove itself and show Equestrian Canada that we offer a great opportunity for Canadian riders to develop and qualify right at home.”

Safety and sustainability took the lead as the event continued to evolve. “We take the riders’ satisfaction to heart, so we doubled down on our efforts to become the leading authority on building eco-friendly and safe cross country obstacles in Canada. We also feel privileged for being supported in our success by our sponsors.”

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect travel (at the latest update, Canada’s border is now open to non-essential travel with proof of a negative COVID-19 test). “We hope the state of the COVID-19 pandemic will improve so that we may see a vast number of high level riders from Canada and the USA,” Anne concluded.