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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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

Latest Articles Written

Kendal Lehari Takes First Round of the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at The Royal

By on Nov 2, 2019 1:30 pm -

Kendal Lehari and Totally Frank. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

It was all about beating the clock in last night’s first round of the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario. Tackling an intense course with both show jumping and cross country questions, Kendal and her own 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Totally Frank, were the fastest under the wire with a time of 87.76 seconds. This time was enough to secure them the win in the first round by nearly a full second over second placed Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild, who finished with a time of 88.57. Canadian Pan American Games team member Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes were third on a time of 89.71.


A total of 10 horses completed the first round of competition, and 11 will come forward to today’s final round.

RAWF Schedule and Results

Thursday Video: Ride Around Windermere Run’s Prelim Course

By on Oct 31, 2019 5:00 pm -

One of Area IV’s premier fall events, Windermere Run in Kansas City, Missouri was held last weekend with divisions ranging from Preliminary to Starter. The event also played host to this year’s Area IV championships.

Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane contested the Preliminary Championship division at Windermere, where they would finish in fourth place with just a handful of time penalties added to their dressage score. Rebecca has produced “Stella”, a 7-year-old off-track Thoroughbred with flatwork moves worthy of being a pure dressage horse, up the levels herself. Together, they’ve formed a partnership that has shown in their increasingly strong results. We hope to see more of this lovely mare next year!

Enjoy this ride around beautiful Longview Park with Rebecca and Stella. Go eventing!

Volunteer Nation: 5 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 31, 2019 4:30 pm -

Photo via the Plantation Field Volunteers Facebook page.

There’s nothing spookier than trying to run an event without enough helping hands. In honor of Halloween, let’s all find some time to help out our local event this weekend. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, your help will still be appreciated! Here is a roundup of the events in need of volunteer support this weekend via EventingVolunteers.com.

Event: VHT International and Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, November 3
Address: 487 Maury River Rd., Lexington, VA, 24435
Positions available: Jog Steward, Veterinary In-Barn Assistant, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, Floater, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up, XC Start Timer, Vet Box Assistant, Jog Steward

Event: Full Gallop November Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, November 3
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer, XC Starter, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward

Event: Galway Downs International
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, November 3
Address: 38801 Los Corralitos Road, Temecula CA, 92592
Positions available: Pre-show helpers, Dressage Ring Steward, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Floater, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, XC Timers, Vet Box Help, Steeplechase Jump Judge, XC Jump Judges, Front Gate Ticket Sales, Gallop Lane Monitors, Party Ticket Collector

Event: Plantation Field November Starter Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, November 2
Address: 387 Green Valley Road, Unionville, PA, 19375
Positions available: XC Finish Timer, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Score Runner, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out-gate

Event: MDHT Starter Trial #6 and Series Championship
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, November 1 – Saturday, November 2
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: General Event Prep, XC Jump Judge, XC Starter, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew

Remember, the USEA wants to reward you for putting in volunteer hours! Not only do events run on the backs of volunteers, but there are some serious perks up for grabs for volunteers through the Volunteer Incentive Program!

Here are seven USEA events that need your help this weekend. Click on the event name for more info, and keep an eye on eventingvolunteers.com for future listings in your area.

Go eventing volunteers! 

Derek Strine is Growing Eventing, One Haunted House at a Time

By on Oct 31, 2019 1:00 pm -

A rider schools the water at Barnstaple South. Photo via the Barnstaple Facebook page.

Derek Strine knows a good opportunity when he sees one. A lifelong businessman and real estate investor, Derek got back into the horse world after a number of years when his daughter, Katie, began riding. Now the owner of a booming new facility in Ocala, Barnstaple South, with plenty of support funneling in from an array of side hustles, Derek says eventing has become his second home. He plans to give the sport as much support as he can muster thanks to his knack for growing businesses.

Everything started when Derek’s daughter began riding with Bruce Davidson in Pennsylvania. From spending time around the jumper ring, where Katie had previously competed, Derek began to notice something: people flocked to the show jumping scene, but eventing seemed to get much less support.

But Derek admired the well-known eventer work ethic, the bootstrapping attitude that has transformed scrappy riders into polished professionals. He liked the attitude, so he started studying.

“I thought it was the right thing to do to put the riders and horses first and not just go after money,” Derek explained of his idea to start getting involved with the eventing community. Derek was in a position in which he knew he’d have enough financial backing from his various other businesses — more on that later — to be able to make an impact for eventing. And so he went to the eventing mecca, Ocala, Florida, where he purchased a parcel of land that would later be named Barnstaple South.

Photo via Barnstaple South on Facebook.

Derek worked with cross country course builder Mark McCleary, who built over a hundred fences for Barnstaple South. This was done with input from Derek, who had spent time poring over the questions asked on most courses and noticing that many facilities didn’t cater as much to the lower levels, as well as numerous top professionals such as Caroline Martin, Capt. Mark Phillips, Leslie and Lesley Law, John Michael Durr, and countless others with vast amounts of experience.

“The bulk of what we have added is for the lower levels,” Derek explained. He went on to go into the details of his facility’s offerings from a marketing standpoint. Go after the largest market, he advises, because that’s your biggest potential revenue source. “It’s a pyramid,” he continued. “From a marketing standpoint, you go after the broadest market — lower level horses and riders. We want to focus on good education that’s fun and safe and on good footing.”

Since its opening in 2018, Barnstaple South has added upgraded footing, more cross country schooling questions, and more amenities both for daily visitors as well as long-term renters. Barnstaple has become a destination for many riders heading south for the winter, with full-service facility features available for the winter season or even year round.

Coming down the pipe for the facility are recognized horse trials in 2021 as well as the USEA Young Event Horse Symposium in 2020. All of this has become a bit of a passion project for Derek, who says he simply wants to have a hand in helping the sport and its hard working participants grow. Contributing to the eventing has become his second love, and he wanted to find ways to expand the learning opportunities within the sport.

But how does Derek support this endeavor? I couldn’t help but ask — after all, we all know there isn’t much in the way of hand-over-fist revenue abounding in our beloved sport. Here is where Derek can’t stop talking — growing businesses has always been his life’s work, and he seems to enjoy the thrill of taking something and building it from the ground up.

Pennhurst Asylum. Photo via AETV.com.

One of his most perennially successful ventures is the Pennhurst Asylum, many times over voted the number one scariest haunted house in the U.S. Situated in an abandoned mental health hospital in rural Spring City, Pennsylvania, the Pennhurst Asylum is one of Derek’s favorite projects to date.

“I’ve been involved with [Pennhurst Asylum] for three years,” he said. “We get tens of thousands of visitors each season, and it’s very well-known among haunted house fans. It’s a long-term real estate development project, so we have plans going forward 20 years for the property.”

Derek says the success of the haunted house has enabled him to continue to invest in his southern facility in Ocala, but his involvement doesn’t end there. Derek has also gone into business with Caroline Martin and Emil Spadon sourcing horses to sell. After a trip to the world-class Aachen event with Caroline and Islandwood Captain Jack, Derek wanted to find more ways to raise the bar of competition here in the States.

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“Teaming up with Caroline has been a great way to bring in more revenue for supporting [Barnstaple South],” Derek explained. “Having her expertise and sales ability makes that side of business easy while also bringing more quality horses into the country for our riders to compete with.”

It’s a hectic life for Derek, who commutes weekly between Florida and Pennsylvania and often says he forgets which car he’s looking for at whichever airport he finds himself haunting in the wee hours of the morning. It was fascinating to hear his perspective, as someone otherwise uninvested in riding personally, of wanting to simply help a sport he’s grown an affinity for grow and prosper.

“Financially, it seems that the eventers are the least supported in the business,” he said. “They’re more of the ‘can do’, ‘get it done’ type of people, and I have a lot of respect for that. I have a way to help support them, and I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”

Looking for something spooky to do this Halloween? Ask for Derek on your visit to Pennhurst Asylum and enjoy a free (and even scarier) upgrade to VIP. You can also check out an A&E special done on Pennhurst Asylum here.

Thibault Fournier Showing Signs of Progress After Fall [UPDATED 10/29]

By on Oct 29, 2019 11:00 am -

Thibault Fornier and Siniani de Lathus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Update on 10/29:

An update from today on Thibault’s Facebook page shows even more progress being made, as Thibault was able to stand for a few moments. On 10/25, the page also posted that Thibault was also able to eat a bit.


Update on 10/24:

Thibault has passed two milestones in his recovery, according to the most recent update posted on his social media pages. We’re pleased to report that Thibault is no longer under respiratory assistance and is also no longer under sedation — both excellent updates. We will continue to monitor for updates on his condition and will provide them as they become available.


24-year-old French eventer Thibault Fournier has opened his eyes and continues to make slow progress after a fall on cross country at Pompadour Horse Trials in France earlier this month. Thibault was competing Chactas Chalonges, a 7-year-old Selle Francais gelding, when he fell and was subsequently airlifted from the venue to CMU Limoges.



Thibault has been in a coma since the fall, but progress updates posted on his Facebook page show some positive steps made. We will continue to provide updates on Thibault’s condition as they become available.

A young rising star for the French team, Thibault swooped in to win his first attempt at the CCI5* level, taking home the top honors at Les Etoiles de Pau aboard Siniani De Lathus in 2018.

Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ Sale Is a Horse Shopper’s One-Stop Shop

By on Oct 28, 2019 1:00 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Quality over quantity. This was the goal that Martin and Mary Frances Donohoe kept in mind as they set about creating a solution to an age-old horse selling problem: even in a country that much of the world considers small, the logistics of horse shopping were still nightmarish. Ireland, while small in area, is criss-crossed by country roads and roundabout routes, making for a long haul for buyers who want to try multiple horses during a trip. In an effort to provide a quality alternative, the Goresbridge Go for Gold sale was born.

Preparation for the elite sporthorse auctions that take place throughout the year, including the annual Go for Gold Select Event Horse sale happening on November 11 and 12. While the final catalog of available horses features 74 horses ranging from three year olds to seven year olds of varying experience levels, the original pool of applicants numbered nearly 500.

“This sale consists of the top quality event horses that have been put forward for consideration,” Martin explained. With the assistance of the shrewd eyes of a selector panel featuring Sally Parkyn, Clare Ryan, and Chris Ryan, the larger field of initial applicants is whittled down on selection days. During this process, applicants bring their horses in for evaluation for suitability. Emphasis is put on performance, athleticism, conformation, and temperament. The best horses are moved forward to veterinary examinations.

“[The selectors] take the process very seriously,” Martin said. “There are nights where we’re there until 1 a.m. agonizing over the selections. Quality has to take precedence — we much prefer having a smaller catalog and have the quality right.”

Mike Pendleton and Carlsburg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

This process enables the Donohoes to offer full, quality service to buyers, who travel from all corners of the world to attend the sale. Martin and Mary Frances say that they try to think of every detail so that the buyers can simply show up, evaluate horses for their needs, and arrange for transportation once they’ve won an auction.

The way Martin and Mary Frances see it, if they can make horse shopping easier for buyers — particularly those coming from far away, such as the American shoppers — then they’ll not only be promoting their own sale, but also the Irish horse in general.

“We know everyone is busy, so we try to make this happen in as short of a time period as we can,” Mary Frances said. “So someone coming from the States could potentially see 74 horses in a span of just 2-3 days. Someone traveling on their own from yard to yard may be able to see a fraction of those horses, with hours of driving time in between.”

All horses that are selected for the catalog will have a full vetting and a complete set of radiographs available for prospective buyers — another cost and time saver for shoppers. Transportation companies are also on hand at the auction for buyers who need to make shipping arrangements for their purchase. For a horse shopper, there is no better way to shop.

For those shopping remotely, such as amateur eventer Carrie Meehan, who has purchased from the Go for Gold sale before, the convenience factor is a huge draw. Videos of each horse, as well as full pedigrees, performance records, and conformation photos are available for viewing online. This makes even remote shopping possible.

“My absolute favorite thing about these sales is it keeps me from having to drive all around the country searching for nice horses,” Carrie, who is planning to attend the sale in person this year, said. “I have the whole vetting and radiographs at my disposal which takes another headache out of the horse buying process. And all I have to do is show up. It’s definitely my favorite way to buy horses.”

Doug Payne and Baymax. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Several past graduates of the Go for Gold sale have come to the U.S. to compete, including Buck Davidson’s Copper Beach and Doug Payne’s Baymax. Other graduates that headed to the States include McKinlaigh, Fernhill Full Throttle, Mr. Medicott, Carlsburg, and even our resident staff and fan favorite Ballynoe Castle RM. Goresbridge graduates have represented their countries at every major show jumping and eventing championships, accounting for 44% of the Irish bred horses at the London Olympic Games and 28% of the equestrian medallists in the Olympic Games in Beijing.

But this sale isn’t only for the top riders (though you’ll likely see several in attendance each year, scoping out the catalog for their next 5* winner) — the Donohoes say they make a strong effort to curate a group of horses that are suitable for everyone from amateurs to top pros. Having run sport horse auctions for over 50 years, the Donohoes say that bringing new faces to their sale is always a highlight. To that end, they’re always delighted to help with assisting those interested in traveling to attend in any way they can — get in touch with them here.

Everyone dreams of a horse shopping trip to the Emerald Isle. Thanks to the decades of hard work by the team behind the Goresbridge sales, this dream is more accessible than ever.

Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ Catalog | Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ Horse Videos 

Thursday Video: Window Shopping the Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ Sale

By on Oct 24, 2019 5:30 pm -


The 2019 edition of the Goresbridge ‘Go for Gold’ sale is coming up Nov. 11 and 12, and the catalog of 74 promising young superstars in the making is now online for your viewing. The Goresbridge elite sport horse sales are marquee events for horse shoppers from all over the world. With an emphasis on quality horses of all experience levels, the sale is truly a destination event for an event rider seeking their next ride.

You can view all of the videos for each horse available in this year’s Go for Gold sale here. Which one would you like to see in your barn?

Volunteer Nation: These 4 Events Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 24, 2019 2:13 pm -

Volunteers ROCK! Photo by Suzanne Adams.

One of the best parts of volunteering is the opportunity it affords to witness some truly spectacular riding up close and personal. Eventers are a busy bunch, and so it’s hard to find the time to volunteer while you’re showing — why not invite some of your friends or family up for the day and have them volunteer a few hours of their time? It’s a win-win: they get to see some class riding from “behind the scenes” and the event is able to have enough hands to run smoothly.

While coordinating efforts for horse trials at the Grand Oaks Resort in Ocala, Florida, Katie Wentz thought up the idea of a Volunteer Training Day. She saw an opportunity to really show potential volunteers how different positions work. To that end, this weekend she’ll host the first Training Day at Grand Oaks Resort, which will feature horses and riders schooling cross country to give volunteers a taste of jump judging. Equipment such as 2-way radios will be used so that volunteers can familiarize themselves with the process. Katie’s hope is to attract community members who may be interested in experiencing both eventing as well as combined driving. Interested in attending? RSVP to the event here.

And here are the other events running this weekend that need your help! Don’t forget, you can always visit EventingVolunteers.com to find out what events are coming up near you.

Event: Waredaca Classic 3 Day Event and Waredaca Recognized Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27
Address: 4015 Damascus Rd, Laytonsville, MD, 20882
Positions available: Dressage Score Runner, Event Prep – SJ, Event Takedown – Dressage, Hospitality Helper, XC Jump Judge, Phase A & C Checkpoint Judges, Vet Box Assistant

Event: Windermere Run Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 27
Address: 12600 Raytown Road, Grandview, MO, 64149
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – General, Event Prep – XC, General Help, Dressage Bit Check, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Event Prep – SJ, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – XC, General Help, Event Takedown – SJ, Secretary – Awards, SJ In Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Timer, SJ Warm-up

Event: October TallBoots Schooling Horse Show
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October through Sunday, October 27
Address: 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions available: SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe

Ballynoe Castle RM Inspires Breyer Horse Model in His Likeness

By on Oct 23, 2019 5:22 pm -

Buck Davidson, Ballynoecastle RM and Kathleen Blauth-Murray. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The highest-scoring U.S. event horse of all time is receiving one of the highest honors: a Breyer model of his own. Carl and Cassie Segal’s Ballynoe Castle RM, or “Reggie,” who spent his career with Buck Davidson, has been selected as the Breyer Fest 2020 Celebration Horse. The 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ramiro B will be making an appearance at Breyer Fest 2020, which will be held July 10-12 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Photo courtesy of Breyer.

Ballynoe Castle RM certainly needs little introduction to eventing fans. After an illustrious career with Buck, which includes six now-CCI5* completions and a USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup at Rolex Kentucky in 2013, Reggie was formally retired from competition in 2017 after a brief stint campaigning with his longtime groom, Kathleen Murray.

“We call him the GOAT — the Greatest of All Time,” owner Cassie Segal said in a video announcing the forthcoming Breyer model. Both she and Carl as well as Buck and Kathleen will all be in attendance at Breyer Fest, so this will be an event to mark on the calendar now. Reggie’s model is exclusive to BreyerFest 2020 Celtic Fling and is included with the Three-Day ticket package. Tickets go on sale in January 2020. The model will not be available at retail so EN fans who wish to get their very own Reggie should purchase tickets to the event!

Reggie is going to be a Breyer Horse! We are very excited to share that Ballynoe Castle RM has been selected to be the…

Posted by Buck Davidson Eventing on Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Go Reggie. Go Eventing!

A New Classic: Megan Sykes Makes a Statement at Fair Hill

By on Oct 22, 2019 11:00 am -

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Abby Powell.

Megan Sykes has lived much of the last four years in her truck. She’s come to love the hours spent listening to true crime podcasts and endless playlists shuffled by Spotify. It’s a nomadic life for Megan, who splits her time between southern California and west Texas, balancing a budding upper level career with a busy program back at home. But she says loyalty is important to her, and this concept is what makes her hook up the trailer and hit the road time and time again.

Megan began eventing at the age of 15, after spending her childhood as many of us do on the local hunter/jumper and 4H circuits. Wanting to give eventing a real go, Megan began riding at Mike Huber’s Gold Chip Stables and working as a groom for Heather Morris. From that point on, Megan recalls, “the rest is history.”

In 2015, Heather Morris moved to southern California to join up with Next Level Eventing. Megan joined her for the first winter season and says the only reason she returned back home was because she broke her leg. As fate would have it, though, Megan would meet her now-husband, Reed, after she returned home. The two now own and operate Northwest Stables and Classic’s Eventing out of Midland, Texas, where Reed breaks colts and runs the facility while Megan trains clients and takes on sale horses.

A New Classic

Megan Sykes & Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

It was Tamie Smith who called Megan about a horse named Classic’s Mojah, who had just come in to the Next Level program to be sold. Megan, who had competed through the former CCI1* level with her previous horse, Ghypsy, was seeking a partner with whom she could continue to move up. “Mo,” an Oldenburg gelding who was seven at the time, was willing but able to take a joke, Megan described. It was his easy attitude and temperament, coupled with keen ability, that prompted Tamie to tell Megan she’d found her the perfect horse.

Suddenly, Megan found herself with a talented potential horse of a lifetime and a fantastic coaching team ready to make her dreams come true. She knew that pursuing both her upper level dreams as well as running her business back home would require some creativity, but she took on the challenge with aplomb.

It’s an 18 hour drive from point A to point B, and Megan makes the trek from Texas to California at least twice a year in order to take advantage of training opportunities with Heather and Tamie, as well as with dressage trainer Niki Clarke. Megan says their help has been invaluable and well worth all the juggling.

Megan typically starts her travel season in February, when the first shows of the new year are kicking off in earnest. “I typically have a few young horses at home that I’ll get going in the winter, going to schooling shows, and then I’ll pick one to bring with me to California and meet up with the NLE team at a jumper show and kick off the season. I’ll usually go home after the April event at Twin Rivers, then I’ll come back for late summer and stay for the fall season.”

For Megan, one of the biggest advantages that her work with Heather and Tamie is acquiring the tools to separate the emotions from her riding. With Mo, Megan feels some pressure to get it right since he’s her only top competition horse.

“When you only have one horse, you tend to pour your everything into it,” she says. “It can make you very emotional because everything is riding on that one horse. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ride some of the young horses at NLE, and it’s helped me develop more of a feel rather than attaching so much emotion to each ride.”

This learning curve has helped prepare Megan well for her own business, where she says she thrives on taking on sale horses and encouraging them to blossom. “I love working with the young horses and traveling to compete,” she says. “My time riding horses for Heather and Tamie has really helped me be more methodical and logical with my riding, which sets me up well for the future.”

The Proving Ground

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Abby Powell.

This year, Megan’s travel plans included a maiden voyage to the final running of the CCI3*-L at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International. Megan and Classic’s Mojah have had a banner year together, finishing in second place in the CCI3*-L at Rebecca Farm this summer. Fair Hill, however, would be a different, more technical test.

For Megan, the journey to Fair Hill was a reaffirmation of why she’s chosen to pursue this path, why she spends endless hours in the truck, why she keeps putting in the time when others may have chosen to ease up on the gas.

“Fair Hill really tests your grit to get things done, and you really do get to compete against some great riders,” Megan said. “I wanted to prove to myself and to my horse that we could do more of the technical courses and still be competitive against the big names.”

And prove that they did, marching down centerline and laying down their first sub-30 score at the 3* level to sit fourth after dressage. A handful of time on cross country and an unlucky rail in their most challenging phase would keep Megan and Classic’s Mojah out of the top five, but their finishing score of 34.7 was enough to finish the weekend in seventh place overall.

The Next Level Eventing group always supports their own, and this was exemplified by the fact that both Heather Morris and Kaylawna Smith traveled to Fair Hill to coach, groom for, and support Megan. Tamie, fresh off a top finish herself at Boekelo, stopped by on her way back to California to compete at Fresno to help out and show her support. Anyone who observes this group is assured of one thing: NLE will never let you walk alone, even when you’re on the opposite coast.

I had called Megan to check in on how she was feeling after a huge effort over the weekend, and she seemed to take both the great achievements and the lessons learned in stride. For all my wonder at her lifestyle, I could almost see her shrugging nonchalantly through the phone. For her, it’s simple: you stick with the program that works for you, and you remain loyal to those who have helped you along the way. It’s not easy, but it isn’t hard at the same time. Megan’s message was clear to me through our conversations: when you know something works, you just find a way to do it.

The morning after Fair Hill, Megan packed up her precious cargo and got back on the road, heading back to Texas for a well-deserved vacation for Mo and some time to focus on the young horses and clients for Megan. It’s a 26 hour drive home from Maryland to Midland. Plenty of time for true crime, reflecting, and dreaming of what’s to come.

Photo Gallery: Liz Halliday-Sharp Represents the U.S. at Mondial du Lion

By on Oct 21, 2019 3:00 pm -

Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The sole U.S. representative at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships in Le Lion d’Angers, France, Liz Halliday-Sharp had a big weekend with her young guns. Liz piloted Cooley Moonshine (Kilpatrick Duchess x Cobra), owned by The Monster Partnership, to a silver medal finish in the 7-year-old division on a final score of 30.5.

“These 7yr olds were HEROS at Le Lion on the last day of the Young Horse World Championships!” Liz wrote on Facebook. “The conditions were by far the worst that I have ever ridden in, and I couldn’t have asked more from them both. Cooley Moonshine jumped the most incredible clear round inside the time to move from 11th to second which was unbelievable! We always knew this horse was a freak and he has shown us again just what a fighter he is – to say I’m excited about his future is an understatement!”

Liz also rode Flash Cooley (Castlefield Ruby x CSF Mr Kroon), owned by Pru Dawes, in the 7-year-old championship, finishing in 13th overall with just two rails added in the show jumping. Friend of EN Sherry Stewart was on site at Le Lion to document the weekend from behind her lens, and we’re eternally grateful for these images. Congratulations to Liz on a great finish, and don’t miss out on Tilly’s full final report from Le Lion here.

 

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Midsouth, TRHC, Fresno, Pine Hill

By on Oct 21, 2019 9:00 am -

Karl Slezak and owner Carol Wiley pose for a winner’s shot with Chevalier, who earned the lowest score of the weekend.

I’ve decided to start off our Weekend Winners this week with my favorite most recent post from the Humans of Eventing page. If you haven’t followed this page yet, you should definitely do so immediately.


It’s always great to start your day off with a good laugh, right? At any rate, we’ll get to your winners of the weekend shortly, but a big shoutout is in order to the lowest score award. This weekend, that prize was earned by Canadian Karl Slezak and Chevalier, owned by Carol Wiley. This pair earned a 20.2 and never looked back to win a tough Open Novice division at Midsouth. Congratulations!

Major Events:

Fair Hill International: Website, CCI Results, YEH Results,  EN’s Coverage,

Le Lion d’Angers: Website, Results (CCI2*-L), Results (CCI3*-L), EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Hagyard Midsouth CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CCI2*-L: Erin Pullen and Foreign Affair (34.0)
Open Preliminary A: Megan Tyrrell and Drombane Dynamite (31.0)
Open Preliminary B: Maria Moraniec and Lady Business (26.7)
Open Training A: Cora Severs and Cuervo (29.6)
Open Training B: Alexa Ehlers and FE Clear The Calendar (29.8)
Open Training C: Megan Northrop and Harrison (25.4)
Open Training D: Megan Moore and Master Higgins (28.3)
Training 3 Day: Elissa Gibbs and Voltaire’s Masterclass (31.3)
Open Novice A: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (26.7)
Open Novice B: Karl Slezak and Chevalier (20.2)
Open Novice C: Madison Deaton and Reputation (26.0)
Open Novice D: Jane Musselman and Engapore (26.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Erin Strader and Lonhro Special (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Kelsey Lee and Better Than Chocolate (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice C: Alexa Ehlers and Clear Candidate (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice D: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (21.0)

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Erin Kimmer and Jude (40.2)
Open Training A: Kimberly Steinbuch and Classiro (24.9)
Open Training B: Ashley Adams and Charly (27.4)
Open Novice A: Lauren Alexander and Excel Star Over The Moon (28.6)
Open Novice B: Isabella Sparks and Full Gallop’s Struck By Luck (26.9)
Beginner Novice A: Katherine DeLaney and Sommersby (28.8)
Beginner Novice B: Jessica Schultz and FGF Ledbetter (31.3)
Beginner Novice C: Suzanne Murray and Quiet All American (37.8)
Starter A: Hines Kathi and The Lady (29.2)
Starter B: Anna Brown and Budvar (30.3)

Fresno County H.T. [Website]  [Results]

Open Intermediate: Maddy Mazzola and So Cool (38.2)
Open Intermediate Championship: James Alliston and Lilly (33.2)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and Spartan Strength (34.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kayla Bierman and Addyson (37.6)
Preliminary Rider Championship: Jeanette Gilbert and The Alchemist (33.5)
Jr. Training Championship: Rachel Over and Of Wind N Sky FSF (40.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Sarah Bonfield and Apollo (31.6)
Open Training: Nicholas Cwick and Battle Creek (25.2)
Open Training Championship: Ruth Bley and Spartacus D’L’Herbage (27.5)
Sr. Training Rider: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (27.1)
Training Rider Championship: Michelle Capparelli and You Don’t Know Jack (31.8)
Jr. Novice Championship: Tyler Leary and Made You Look (34.2)
Jr. Novice Rider: Nadia Vogt and Street Melody (36.2)
Novice Rider Championship: Aimee Stadler and To the Moon and Back (31.0)
Open Novice: Sarah Cullum and Rebel’s Lancelot (30.5)
Open Novice Championship: Joseph McKinley and Duke HW (27.9)
Sr. Novice Rider: Kelly Schwisow and Kahlua & Cream (30.5)
Beginner Novice Rider Championship: Meghan Dayka and Fianna (30.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Championship: Halina Thole and Roma (32.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Lilly Lachman and Mischief Managed (29.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Lou Moore-Jacobsen and Pitmaster (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice Championship: Ashley Shrader and Cliffside Academy Award (23.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Eileen Morgenthaler and Levitate (31.5)
Introductory: Kate Flaherty and Eli’s Coming (26.9)
Jr. Introductory Championship: Avonlea Wang and Bella Mia Apache (35.3)
Sr. Introductory Championship: Anna Olsen and My Zippers Undone (32.8)
West Coast USEA Young Event Horse 4 Year Old Championship: Amber Levine and Keep Calm (86.3)
West Coast USEA Young Event Horse 5 Year Old Championship: Allyson Hartenburg and Mucho Me Gusto (88.5)

Pine Hill Fall H.T. [Website]  [Results]

Open Preliminary: Greta Hallgren and Elianna (44.7)
Open Training A: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Two Step Program (31.9)
Open Training B: Haley Miller and Mr. Melvin (38.1)
Open Novice A: Georgia Phillips and Mighty Mississippi (26.4)
Open Novice B: Alyssa Craig and Ot Bandini (26.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nancy Thompson and Made It In Style (31.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Maddison Whitt and Gideon (32.8)
Open Beginner Novice C: Julia Pinell and Madoc Venus Moth (31.9)
Open Starter: Lauren Hagerman and Rumor Has It (35.3)

Friday Video from SmartPak: Does Kinesio Tape Work?

By on Oct 18, 2019 6:00 pm -

You may have seen horses with tape on various parts of their bodies, such as the hips or shoulders. Kinesiotaping is far from a new practice, but only recently have more riders been using it on their horses.

At its core, kinesio tape is intended to reduce discomfort and inflammation by lifting the skin, allowing for reduced amounts of pressure and an easier flow of lympathic fluid to and from the area.

But does this practice actually work for horses? In SmartPak’s latest “Ask the Vet” video, Dr. Lydia Gray answers the question on “to tape or not to tape” using research and the opinion of other vets experienced with the practice.

Thursday Video: Breaking Down Euros with Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung

By on Oct 17, 2019 6:00 pm -

“I don’t feel much pressure … I hope it will be really tough and fun.” That’s what defending European Eventing champion Ingrid Klimke said in the lead-up to the 2019 edition of the Longines FEI European Championships, held this year at Luhmühlen.

As the history books would have it, Ingrid went head-to-head against heavy hitters such as Michael Jung and Oliver Townend and held her cool under the pressure to clinch her second European title in as many years.

Listen to comments from Ingrid and Michael, the gold and silver medallists, in this FEI recap from an exciting weekend at Euros!

Volunteer Nation: 9 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 17, 2019 11:00 am -

Buck Davidson and volunteer Jess Tibbels share a high five. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

If you enjoy studying the sport of eventing and want to know the ins and outs, there’s no better way to accomplish this than volunteering. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to dip your toe into other corners of the sport that you may be unfamiliar with, such as working in a vet box or scribing for a dressage judge. The learning opportunities are endless! And you’ll be helping your neighborhood event run smoothly — a double benefit.

So get out there, volunteer, and learn this weekend! You can learn more about each event and the open positions by visiting EventingVolunteers.com. Here are nine events nationwide that need YOUR help:

Fair Hill is pulling out all the stops this week with its marquee international CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L running, as well as the East Coast YEH Championships. Volunteers working at Fair Hill are eligible for perks such as:

*Free admission to the entire event.
*Free meals, snacks and drinks in the Volunteer Hospitality Tent.
*Parking in the lot directly across from the Main Entrance for the entire event.
*10% discount at the FHI Merchandise Booth
*Invitation to the Welcome Party, Thursday evening, beginning at 6pm, in the Sponsors’ Tent.
*Invitation to attend the XC Course Walk with 5* rider Matt Brown on Friday at 4pm, meeting at the Start Box.

Event: The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Monday, October 21
Address: 400 Gallaher Rd, Elkton, MD, 21921
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, Hospitality Helper, Hospitality Steward, Volunteer Check-in, Safety Steward, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – SJ, Merchandise Sales, General Help, Stable Manager, Mounted Steward, XC Control, XC Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC, Volunteer Lead, Shuttle Drivers, Awards Committee, Greeter, Stabling Check-in (Move Out), Event Breakdown – all areas

Event: Pine Hill USEA Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 18 – Saturday, October 19
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions available: Parking Steward, Scoring Steward, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon, NC, 28782
Positions available: XC Decorator, Hospitality Prep, Event Prep – General, Hospitality Helper, Greeter, Event Takedown – XC, XC Warm-up, XC Jump Judge, Floater, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Fresno County Horse Park October Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20
Address: 7430 North Weber Ave, Fresno, CA, 93726
Positions available: Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, SJ Scribe, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, SJ Timer

Event: Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511
Positions available: Pooper-scooper, Scorers, SJ Jump Crew, Vet Box Timer, Vet Box Scribe, Phase A & C Check Point Judges, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judges, Horse Inspection In-gate

Event: Stable View October Eventing Academy
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 117 Stable Dr, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions available: General Help, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, XC Jump Judge, SJ Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew

Event: MDHT Starter Trial Series #5
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 19 through Sunday, October 20
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, XC Starter, XC Warm-up,

Event: Florida Horse Park Battle of the Barns
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, October 20
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions available: XC Finish Timer, Dressage In-gate Steward, Dressage Scribe, Hospitality Steward, SJ Judge, SJ Warm-up

Event: SAzEA October Derby
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 20
Address: 11300 SOUTH HOUGHTON ROAD, Tucson, AZ, 85747
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage and SJ, Dressage Steward, Dressage Test Runner, Event Prep – XC, Event Takedown – Dressage and SJ, SJ Jump Crew, Hospitality Helper, XC Jump Judges, XC Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC

Photo Gallery: Team USA Tackles Boekelo Show Jumping

By on Oct 14, 2019 1:00 pm -

Team USA capped off a great weekend in the Netherlands with some show jumping action yesterday for all team riders plus our traveling reserve, Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. If you missed out on all of Tilly’s excellent reporting, you can catch up with EN’s Boekelo coverage here. In the meantime, we’re not quite ready to leave Boekelo behind, so please enjoy these images from our good friend Sherry Stewart.

Military Boekelo: Website, Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Ocala Fall Photo Gallery, MDHT & More!

By on Oct 14, 2019 11:00 am -

Yet another busy weekend is in the books for eventers nationwide. As we gear up for a big week at Fair Hill and look ahead to a few more busy weekends to close out the 2019 season, let’s take a look at the results from the weekend, all the way from Ocala to New Mexico and everywhere in between!

Major Event Results:

FEI Nations Cup at Military Boekelo: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Results:

Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

View this post on Instagram

 

So proud of my entire #teambascule and the #glittersquad from this weekend!! Isabel and Rascal clinched their 7th place standing as well as 3rd in the Young Riders program with a #doubleclear show jumping round in the #BN3DE to finish on their dressage score!! So proud of this awesome pair, and huge thanks to Carolyn and the AMAZING crew and volunteers at Loch Moy for putting on such an incredible event and learning experience!!Izzy and Rook had a steady dressage test and super clear SJ round in their move up to training, with just a green moment as a stumbling block out XC, but they will be competitive with some more experience!! Sophie and Luna had a super consistent Novice dressage test and really got into the groove in the jumping, really figuring each other out!! Can’t wait for the winter boot camp with all my phenomenal students and their unicorns!! #loveallmykids #andtheirunicorns #sparklepower #fods #learningexperience #everytime #turninggreentopro #wooh #werkwerkwerk #getitgirl #slayqueen #dathindendtho #noscopenohope #werideunicorns #wedontsweatwesparkle #soproud

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Open Intermediate: Phillip Dutton and Carlchen (39.2)
Open Preliminary: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (25.3)
Preliminary Rider: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (37.0)
Modified A: Kimmy Cecere and Carrowgar Crannagh Hugo (28.5)
Modified B: Kevin Keane and HH Ontario (30.7)
Modified Championship: Elizabeth Stewart and Innsbruck VDO (31.2)
Junior Open Training: Olivia Dutton and Icabad Crane (32.4)
Open Training A: Caitlin Kuczynski and Fernhill Blueprint (27.9)
Open Training B: Megan Loughnane and Flamenco Ping (33.1)
Training Rider: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (30.5)
Junior Open Novice: Olivia Dutton and Iniesta (19.8)
Novice Rider A: Christina Feaga and In The Mick of Time (31.2)
Novice Rider B: Lindsay Berreth and Oh So Extreme (27.6)
Open Novice A: Francesca Broggini and Cooley High Flyer (21.4)
Open Novice B: Rose Agard and Oberon Van Heiste (28.6)
Beginner Novice Three-Day: Lisa Hannan and Lowenbrau (28.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Shannon Bower and Tale as Old As Time (32.2)
Junior Beginner Novice: Cierra Miller and Denis the Menace (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Suzannah Cornue and Karerra (29.2)

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill Holeshot (30.1)
Junior Training: Annabelle Sprague and Meadowlark (31.0)
Training: Mickey Rathbun and Bramble (27.4)
Junior Novice: Ryleigh Doyle and Encore Brulant (26.4)
Novice: Katherine Cooper and Gigi (23.6)
Beginner Novice: Alyssa Birt and Jack (28.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Hannah Williams and Turnup (24.7)

Radnor Hunt H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]


Open Preliminary A: Ryan Wood and MK’s Concord Dawn (26.3)
Open Preliminary B: Kira Statue and Goodtimes (35.1)
Open Preliminary C: Dominic Schramm and Quadrocana (25.7)
Junior Training Rider: Maggie Buchanan and 3,2,1, Blastoff (30.5)
Open Training: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (30.5)
Training Rider: Drew Wicas and Killernan Prince (31.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Emma Humble and My Painted Princess (28.3)
Novice Rider: Teresa Martinoli and Loughnatousa Caprice (27.4)
Open Novice A: Jane Jennings and Larano 5 (28.6)
Open Novice B: Emily Lehman and Cooley On The Con (28.1)

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]


Open Preliminary: John Michael Durr and Perkunos (30.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kristen Schuitema and One Sly Fox (30.2)
Open Preliminary/Training: Kristen Schuitema and Reginald McDougal (35.0)
Open Training: Kimberly Steinbuch and Classiro (26.3)
Training Rider: Kerry Tracey and Excel Star Kate (41.9)
Novice Rider: Finley Habenicht and Aleta NSF (27.9)
Open Novice: Rebecca von Schweinitz and Sky Road (32.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Danielle Moore and Tenth Rendition (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Mary Carol Harsch and Theodore alCoda (31.5)
Starter: Annie Goodwin and Judicious (31.4)

Ocala Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Many thanks are in order for Lisa Madren, who sent in these great photos from a busy weekend in Ocala. Enjoy!

Advanced/Intermediate: Leslie Law and LCC Vogue (36.6)
Open Intermediate: Jonathan Holling and Prophet (31.5)
Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill (28.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Rovira and Oakdale (37.8)
Modified: Rain Anderson and Wimpy Kid (31.1)
Open Training A: Clayton Fredericks and FE Clooney (24.1)
Open Training B: Lesley Grant-Law and Fernhill Finalist (22.9)
Training Rider: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill Celebrity (23.3)
Novice Rider: Erin Walker and MTH Shannondale Khaleesi (22.1)
Open Novice: Justine Dutton and Super Steve (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sophia Carattini and Artax (23.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Brenda Hutton and WYO Dun Maid (27.5)

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

View this post on Instagram

 

Talk about a comeback! Tiny led his division start to finish on a 21.8 (that’s a 78.2% for you dressage folks), going clean xc and fault free in stadium to take the win in a competitive Beginner Novice division! Proud does not even begin to cover how I feel. It’s absolutely insane to think that this time last year, I was so close to selling him and leaving the eventing world. We couldn’t get over fences, we couldn’t steer, and I couldn’t stop him no matter how hard I tried. I am so, so, so incredibly grateful to the ladies that have been willing to take on my little kracken and I: @harrison_eq , @dmdressage81 , and @thoroughbredcharmschool . The hard work is finally paying off and I am so in love with my horse. Tiny will be taking a well deserved quiet week while I die my way through midterms, and then it’s back in swing for our next recognized dressage show in November. #releasethekracken #irishsporthorsesofinstagram #irishsporthorsesdoitbest #howtotrainyourkracken #eventing #goeventing #eventersofinstagram #eventhorsesofinstagram #dressagehorsesofinstagram #bestirishhorseintheworld #krackenrider #teamtiny #teamharrisoneq #sweett #everythingscomingupkracken #tinygoestotexas #bronzemedalorbust #dmdressage

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Preliminary/Training: Stephanie Tyler Wright and Madison Avenue (34.6)
Training: Madeleine Snell and Flagmount’s Rebel (28.9)
Novice A: Sierra Fishell and Regal Reagan (22.9)
Novice B: Kelley Kays-Everett and Falconwood’s Good Karma (31.2)
Beginner Novice A: Isabella Rodwig and Dempsey (21.8)
Beginner Novice B: Allison Gill and Island Girl (34.3)
Beginner Novice C: Kalie Beckers and Madoc Mari (23.8)
Starter: Lynn Quast and My High Roller (33.6)

Las Cruces H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

View this post on Instagram

This weekend went very well to say the least! Blue and I got a 33 in dressage because he was a little tense and didn’t feel like listening but made up for it with an AMAZING xc and finished the weekend with one of our most confident sj rounds yet to finished in third! Peter was entered VERY last minute and he was amazing! This was his first event and his third time on xc and he handled himself so well! We scored a 31 in dressage which is way better than I thought considering he was trying to take off with me for most of it😅 he was a little spooky on xc but after the first few jumps he was perfect and then had a double clear sj round to finish in second at his very first show! Now on to my first training three day at Galway!

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Open Preliminary: Heather Drager and Noblesse Oblige (31.5)
Open Training: Jennifer Miller and Bon Bon (26.2)
Open Novice A: Laura Worl Kober and Sterling Impression (25.7)
Open Novice B: Ashley Armijo and Encore RC (30.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Donna Hayden and FlynnStone (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Denise Aamodt and Spotlight II (22.0)
Pre-Competition: Stacey Cameron and Sucre De Carlier (27.5)
Starter: Bella Albersons and Striking Compadre (29.7)

Thursday Video: Preview the Boekelo Cross Country Course

By on Oct 10, 2019 4:08 pm -


A star-studded lineup of horses and riders are hotly contesting the FEI Nations Cup at the Boekelo CCIO4*-L this weekend, and we’ve got a preview of new designer Adrian Ditcham’s cross country track here for you to study up before Saturday’s action. Take a video tour, or check it out in photos with recorded commentary from Adrian below via CrossCountryApp — many thanks to Willy Leysen for the recording!

Need to read up on the new Olympic format that will be tested this weekend? Catch up with Tilly’s well-researched guide here.

One more day’s worth of dressage rides will come forward tomorrow, and then we’re surely in for a treat this weekend (anyone else absolutely over the moon that fischerRocana is officially back in action?) — set those early alarms, everyone!

Military Boekelo: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Volunteer Nation: These 5 Events Need Help This Weekend

By on Oct 10, 2019 1:00 pm -

From the the Marlborough Horse Trials Facebook page: “Getting our volunteers started young! Big th anks to these pony clubbers (and more) for helping with jump painting today! We ❤️our volunteers!”

Time to firm up those weekend plans, EN! One of my favorite experiences volunteering came a few years ago when I got to work in dressage warm-up for the first time. I love watching riders warm up as it is, and this provided an awesome opportunity to really soak it all in while doing a small part to help keep things running smoothly.

One of the best things about volunteering is that there are so many different aspects of event organization and execution that you could almost always try something new and learn about a new part of the sport. So get out there, do your part, and learn something this weekend. Here are five events that need some extra hands in the next few days:

 

Event: Radnor Hunt Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 11 – Saturday, October 12
Address: 826 Providence Rd , Malvern, PA, 19355
Positions available: Sponsor Hospitality, Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – SJ, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage In-Gate, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, SJ In-gate, SJ Score Runner, SJ Warm-up, Horse Ambulance Driver

Event: Paradise Farm October Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 12
Address: 4069 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Floater, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up

Event: Ocala Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 13
Address: 11008 S HIGHWAY 475, OCALA, FL, 34480-6505
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Check-in, SJ Jump Crew, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up

Event: 2019 MDHT USEA Recognized Horse Trials #3 & BN 3 Day Event
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Monday, October 14
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions available: Event Prep – General, Event Prep – XC, Dressage Scribe, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Steward, Phase A & C Checkpoint Judges, Phase A Start Timer, Phase B Judge & Phase B Finish/C Start Timer, SJ In-gate, SJ Out-gate, Vet Box Assistant, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Warm-up, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Bit Check, SJ Warm-up

Event: October War Horse Series
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 13
Address: 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions available: Dressage Steward, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, XC Score Runner, Crossing Guard

First Look at the 2019 Goresbridge Go for Gold Sale Catalog

By on Oct 7, 2019 1:00 pm -

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

One of the most hotly anticipated sales of event horses each year, the line-up for this year’s Goresbridge Go for Gold sale is unsurprisingly robust. Boasting top young as well as proven talent, the Select Event Horse Sale will take place November 11-12 at November at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Wexford, Ireland.

Each year, top riders from the world over make purchases from this collection of future eventing stars (take a look at who picked up horses from this sale last year here). Notable graduates of the Go for Gold sale include horses such as Copper Beach, Carlsburg, Cooley SRS, November Night, and Cooley Rorkes Drift.

This year, 74 horses ranging from ages 3 to 5 are available for purchase, and the catalog is now available for perusal online. Performance videos of all available horses will shortly be available on the Goresbridge Go for Gold website.

Here are some early highlights from this year’s catalog. Stay tuned for a preview of the performance videos from the available horses!

Screenshot via the Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

Lot 61 is a yet-to-be-named 3-year-old full sibling to Baymax, a Doug Payne ride who recently picked up a second place finish in the CCI2* at Stable View. Hint: another full sister to Baymax can be found in lot 30!

Screenshot via the Goresbridge Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

Another relation to a top horse can be found in lot 57, a 3-year-old half-brother on the dam side to Tim Price’s 5* horse, Bango.

Screenshot via the Goresbridge Go for Gold 2019 catalog.

This 3-year-old has exceptional siblings, most notably Nicola Wilson’s Annie Clover.

Whether you’re seeking an amateur friendly horse or one who has the makings of the next Olympic superstar, chances are you can find a fit for your needs in this catalog. Click here to view the catalog in its entirety.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: One Big Happy Eventing Family

By on Oct 7, 2019 9:00 am -

The Stiver family sporting their matching t-shirts made especially for Ginger’s eventing debut. Photo via Mallory Stiver on Facebook.

Top of the morning to you, EN! Before we dive headfirst into another jam-packed edition of Weekend Winners, I’ve got a little story to tell you. It’s Monday, right? We could all use some good feels to get us through the upcoming week.

Many of us have at least one long-suffering, ever-loving horse show parent who has worked tirelessly to get our foot in the proverbial stirrup. Long hours at work, countless checks written, multi-day road trips to horse shows, family events postponed or scheduled around horse shows — the list goes on and on. Somewhere, a small child is sitting on their first horse and another parent is making mental plans to stop at nothing to make those big dreams a reality.

Area IV’s Ginger Stiver is one of those horse show moms. I’ve watched her support her two daughters, Lauren and Mallory, for the last few years alongside her husband, Greg. And after decades of supporting the kids and helping them succeed, Ginger finally did her very first USEA event this weekend at Heritage Park in Olathe, Ks. Piloting Lauren Stiver’s Brementown, Ginger not only completed her first event but did it in style, collecting a fourth place ribbon and finishing on her dressage score in the Beginner Novice division.

So this morning, let’s all say a big thank you to the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or whoever in your life was brave enough to nurture that stubborn horse bug. We’re glad to welcome you, officially, to the dark side, Ginger!

Congratulations are also in order to Madison Lloyd and Callaway, who earned our lowest finishing score of the weekend with a 22.7 in the Senior Training Rider division at Woodside. Well done!

As always, our events couldn’t run without the dedication of the organizing crew and countless volunteers on the ground. Don’t forget to support your show photographers and videographers and volunteer when you can!

And now, let’s get to the rest of those results from around Eventing Nation:

Kent School H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Introductory: Margaret O’Brien and Diamond Alexis (34.4)
Beginner Novice Jr/YR: Justine Allyn and The Brown Horse (29.8)
Beginner Novice: Nancy Cerniglia and Remi (36.0)
Novice Jr/YR: Paisley Narra and Huckleberry (37.9)
Novice: Rick Caldwell and Izzy Leo (33.3)
Training: Lourie Yelton and Ripleigh (27.7)

Morven Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI2* A: Jackie LeMastus and Lup The Loop (28.0)
CCI2* B: Jane Jennings and Kontessa M (27.8)
CCI3*: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill PickPocket (27.9)
CCI4*: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (37.3)
Advanced: Alexandra Baugh and Mr Candyman (74.8)
Intermediate A: Ryan Wood and Rembrandt (47.4)
Intermediate B: Cindy Anderson-Blank and Windchase Phoenix Star (34.5)
Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary Championship: Caitlin O’Roark and Lucky Devil (33.0)
Open Preliminary: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous (32.5)
Preliminary Championship: Mikki Kuchta and Calle (32.8)
Junior Young Rider Training Championship: Brynn Hershbine and Cadenza Aria (32.7)
Junior Young Rider Training Rider: Lindsay Woods and QLE Positron (32.7)
Open Training: Leslie Lamb and Young Lad (31.4)
Training Championship: Katherine Knowles and Cillnabradden Ceonna (31.4)
Training Horse: Christina Henriksen and Cierra (30.5)
Training Rider: Jessica Chappell and Excel Star Atlantic (32.3)
Junior Young Rider Novice Championship: Megan Smallwood and Kilronan’s Countess (31.9)
Novice Championship: Woods Baughman and Lord Calegro (27.3)
Open Novice: Caitlin Kuczynski and Fernhill Blueprint (26.2)
Beginner Novice Championship: Emily Beshear and Calla Lily (30.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Hannah Higgs and Tutuola (23.9)

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary A: Robert Meyerhoff and Gasparo van de Falieberg (29.4)
Preliminary B: Rachel Sledzik and Fernhill Symphony (39.5)
Training: Megan Stauch and Full Gallop’s Woo Pig Sooie (48.4)
Training A: Kendall McNeill and Emmett (33.1)
Training B: John Michael Durr and Perkunos (32.8)
CT Training: Amanda Miller and Little Lion Man (65.5)
Novice A: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Primrose (32.4)
Novice B: Laura Duhamel and Fate’s Patriot (31.4)
Novice C: Isabella Sparks and Full Gallop’s Struck By Luck (30.2)
Beginner Novice A: Robert Meyerhoff and Chico (31.9)
Beginner Novice B: Sydney Langley and Pocket Change (36.2)
Starter: Sandra Bailey and Will I Am (28.3)

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Training Open A: Jacob Fletcher and 5o1 Hollywood Legend (32.1)
Training Open B: Breeana Robinette and Velvet Brown (36.4)
Novice Junior A: Ainsley Slicker and Horizzon (26.7)
Novice Junior B: Amelia Kremer and Delgado (35.2)
Novice Open A: Megan Moore and Master Plan (31.2)
Novice Open B: Hannah Miller and Dynamic Knight (26.0)
Novice Open C: Erica Mitchell and Shaniko Star (35.0)
Beginner Novice Junior A: Faith Newman and Jumble (32.3)
Beginner Novice Junior B: Riley Jones and Senor Santana (31.0)
Beginner Novice Open A: Susannah Lansdale and Four Star (35.3)
Beginner Novice Open B: Amanda Schardt and Spanish Alarm (33.0)
Starter Junior A: Larkin Albarado and Sf Lil Bit O Texas (28.8)
Starter Junior B: Olivia Marsh and Decadence (28.8)
Starter Open: Laura Shipman and Secret (33.8)

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

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Merlin and I had a fantastic weekend at our very first event. We not only completed all three phases but we ribboned, finishing out in 6th place! . I'm so impressed and happy with this horse. Despite being quite anxious and having strong feelings about the strange stall and surroundings (which he told us about loudly) he really brought his A game when it was time to work. . It was all I could have imagined and more. I'm so grateful to Aleina, Kris, and Emily for all their help and support this weekend. Sometimes when I get nervous I lash out a little at the people who are trying to help me (sorry Aleina!) I think I'm getting a little better each time but I still am very appreciative for their patience and grace with stressed out Lauren. . There are so many emotions involved in the whole experience and while yes that can be overwhelming and hard to deal with, it's also one of the things that makes it all so great. I'm still processing it all but I'm hoping to put together a blog post about the experience. . I also want to throw a big thank you shout out to my husband James, his parents, and my own parents for my early birthday present of a cambox helmet cam. Assuming I poked the buttons right, I should have videos from both xc and stadium. #merlin #meridasfatetrain #firstevent #usea #sixthplace #bigfancyribbon #onesillywoodenpoleandsomemuddyfootingkeptusfromthirdplace #stillsothrilled #hessopretty #rockingthexccolors #poleinthewayofjumpphoto #matchingthejumpangles #bestdressagescoreyet #soproudofhim #allthefeels #waterworks #criedaftereveryphase #teamcec

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Open Preliminary: Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane (33.8)
Open Training: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Giana (31.7)
Junior Novice: Michaela Frye and Sugar Sam (31.9)
Senior Novice: Laura Rietveld and Mario Kart (33.8)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Brooke Wathan and Breath-taking Pleasure (30.0)
Senior Beginner Novice A: Julie Wolfert and Fiona Daula (28.0)
Senior Beginner Novice B: Judi Dietz and Rearcross Clover Q (30.5)
Pre-Beginner Novice: Brooke Babcock and Lenny (31.7)

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Training: Kadi Eykamp and Ole Boy (25.7)
Training Rider: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (34.3)
Novice Rider Junior: Taylor Tiberg and Valedictorian (26.7)
Novice Rider Senior: Sherry Pound and Gestalt (28.8)
Open Novice: Katherine Rivera and HVL Hocus Pocus (27.4)
Beginner Novice Junior: Anna L. Berry and Nocturne’s Luna (32.0)
Beginner Novice Senior: Courtney Kuriger and Eagle Rising (26.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Brittney Caflisch and When Stars Align (25.5)
Starter Test A: Darragh Stevens and Orange Crush (34.6)
Starter Test B: Parker Cage and Pipe Creek Beckham (32.8)

Woodside CCI & H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI2*-S: Rebecca Braitling and Dassett Ricochet (25.6)
CCI3*-S: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout (36.0)
CCI4*-S: Helen Bouscaren and Ebay (44.5)
Open Intermediate: Stephanie Goodman and Carolina Morning (33.6)
Open Preliminary A: David Adamo and Solaguayre California (24.6)
Open Preliminary B: Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX (25.2)
Junior Training: Olivia Doman and The Pied Piper (27.1)
Open Training: Gina Miles and Denfer Du Banney (27.3)
Senior Training Rider: Madison Lloyd and Callaway (22.7)
Training Amateur: Steve Roon and Lismakerra Bilbo (25.2)
Training Horse: Lauren Billys and Twilight 54 (25.5)
Junior Novice A: Anya Mason and Mairin (28.1)
Junior Novice B: Ella Flodh and Bold n Royal (26.2)
Novice Amateur: Catherine Treseler and Gaelic Gold (28.8)
Open Novice: Joe McKinley and Duke HW (26.7)
Senior Novice Rider: Rachael Little and Irish Park’s Caraway Crispin (33.8)
Open Intro A: Elizabeth Stohlmana and Degas (28.0)
Open Intro B: Kate Vorobieff and Mr. Perfect (29.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Kylee Pierce and Slewth (26.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Yves Sauvignon and Native Heart (30.8)
Senior Beginner Novice: Eileen Morgenthaler and Chicago GS (28.3)

Spokane Sport Horse H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Marc Grandia and Campari FFF (37.9)
Open Intermediate: Sabrina Glaser and Last Call (40.3)
Open Preliminary: Kiera Carter and Corinthoz (27.5)
Preliminary Three-Day: Sonya Françoise and Two Tickets (29.0)
Open Modified: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (30.2)
Junior Training: Caitlyn Sutherland and Chatur (36.5)
Open Training: Sarah Palzkill and Tullamore (33.3)
Training Amateur: Michelle Ingall and Gull River (35.5)
Training Three-Day: Jodie Willow Maguire and Flint And Steel (36.5)
Junior Novice: Ava Holmes and Argentine Gaucho (31.4)
Novice Amateur: Sandy Flowers and Reno’s Lad (27.4)
Open Novice: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (29.1)
Novice Three-Day: Lorilee Hanson and Hypnotik (24.9)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Alice Burrows and Orion’s Valentino (25.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Ashley Widmer and Renegade (35.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jessica Heidemann and Burlesque (29.8)
Beginner Novice Three-Day: Jhett Jenkins and Carnage Minstrel (35.9)
Introductory: Paula Cudd and Latte (35.3)
Future Event Horse 2 Year Old: Regan Childs and Maverick (75.6)
Future Event Horse 3 Year Old: Sonya Françoise and Glendalough’s Dahlné (79.7)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Rebecca Buehler and Patriot (76.3)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Rebecca Buehler and MFS High Octane (80.3)

Thursday Videos: An OTTB Lover’s Paradise at The Thoroughbred Makeover

By on Oct 3, 2019 5:00 pm -

Elisa Wallace and Reloaded, 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing Champions and “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.” Photo courtesy of the RPP Thoroughbred Makeover.

Massive props are in order to the myriads of people who have worked tirelessly to pull off one of the biggest events promoting off-track Thoroughbreds in the world. The 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover is in full swing at the Kentucky Horse Park this week, and OTTBs are showing off their newly acquired training in various disciplines ranging from western disciplines, polo and field hunter to the traditional Olympic trifecta of dressage, show jumping and — our favorite around these parts — eventing.

If you’re looking for inspiration in working with your own Thoroughbred or if you’re hoping to compete at the Makeover one year, you’ll want to follow along with the Retired Racehorse Project on Facebook. Their social media team is hard at work bring us coverage from the event — take a look at a few of the OTTBs competing this week. If you’re unable to attend, be sure to catch the Finale live stream on the USEF Network this Saturday as the top scoring horses will battle it out for the crown of Thoroughbred Makeover Champion.

Catch up with a few of the Makeover contestants in these videos:




Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Volunteer Nation: 6 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Oct 3, 2019 12:30 pm -

Jump judge briefing at O’Dark:30, at Plantation several years ago. Photo by Holly Covey.

If you’re looking for a way to spend some time at a show even if you don’t have a horse, wanting to watch an event run in real life and be a part of making that a reality, or you simply want to find a way to do some good this weekend, we’ve got just the ticket! Events all over the country are seeking volunteers just like yourself this weekend. Even if you are riding or coaching, consider offering up a couple hours to volunteer — even a small contribution of time can be invaluable for making an event run smoothly.

We gathered the needs for volunteers from EventingVolunteers.com, where you can sign up for spots or find ways to help out in your area. Get out there and volunteer, y’all!

Event: Woodside Eventing Fall International Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6
Address: The Horse Park at Woodside, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA, 94062
Positions available: SJ Timer, Dressage Paddock, Dressage Scribe, SJ In Gate, SJ Warm-up, XC Cart Runner, XC Jump Judge, XC Crossing Guard, General Help (Lunch pick-up)

Event: Kent School Fall Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, October 6
Address: 30 Westwoods Road, Kent, CT, 06757
Positions available: XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Score Runner, XC Starter, XC Steward, XC Warm-up, Dressage Test Runner, Scorers, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Runner, SJ Warm-up

Event: Spokane Sport Horse Farm Fall Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 6
Address: 10710 S Sherman Rd, Spokane, WA, 99224
Positions available: FEH Conformation In-gate Steward, YEH In-gate Steward, YEH Jump Crew, YEH Score Runner, Parking Steward, Office Help, SJ Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Check-in, Event Takedown – Dressage, XC Crossing Guard, Phase A & Checkpoint Judges, Phase A Start Timer, Phase A Finish Timer, Phase B Judge and Phase B Finish / C Start Timer, Phase B Start Timer, Hospitality Steward, SJ In-gate, SJ Scribe, Vet Box Check In, Vet Box Scribe, Vet Box Timer

Event: Heritage Park Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, October 6
Address: 16820 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, KS, 66062
Positions available: Event Prep – Dressage, General Help, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Parking Steward, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – SJ, Jump Crew, Secretary – Awards, SJ Additional Help, SJ In-gate, SJ Scribe, SJ Warm-up

Event: Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6
Address: 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20176
Positions available: Dressage Bit Check, XC Jump Judge

Event: Majestic Oaks 3 Phase Schooling Show 
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, October 5
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions available: XC Steward, XC Warm-up, Dressage Check In, Dressage Scribe, Hospitality Steward, Floater, SJ Jump Crew

Be sure to keep an eye on EventingVolunteers.com​ for more upcoming volunteer opportunities!