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

Photo Diary: Kyle Carter Focuses on Horse and Rider Trust in Kentucky Clinic

Photo courtesy of JJ Sillman.

Kyle Carter, who has represented Canada at the Pan American Games, Olympics, and World Equestrian Games, has always held a love for teaching and inspiring the next generations of riders. With some extra time left on his hands due to shows cancelling this year, Kyle decided to book a few clinics dotted around the country.

Attending a clinic is a perfect opportunity to hone in on your skill set as shows get back underway — and even if you don’t have competition plans, there are always new tools to acquire even just by auditing a clinic. Kyle’s clinics are no different, and riders consistently come away with new lessons learned and a bigger appreciation for the trust our horses give to us each day.

“He talks a lot of inspiring your horse so that they will trust in you as their rider more,” our good photographer friend JJ Silliman observed while shooting Kyle’s clinic in Kentucky last weekend. “That not everything has to be ridden perfectly, but the horse should have a confidence in you to trust that when they are unsure of something, they should listen to their rider.”

Indeed, in the sport of eventing a horse must more often put its trust in its rider when faced with a tricky situation. On cross country, riders must be prepared to react at any given moment — and the horse needs to have a certain level of trust to respond accordingly.

Kyle emphasized the concept that there are no do-overs at events, so learning to answer a question on the first try is an important skill. “The horse should feel inspired by their rider to believe they can get through anything in front of them,” JJ said.

Chased the daylight right to the end at about 10pm but was thrilled to have Kyle Carter out to the farm tonight. I am…

Posted by Jenn O'Neill on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Riders are guaranteed more than few laughs at Kyle’s sharp wit, and perhaps even a face palm or two at a missed distance, but the education value is certainly priceless. For young and experienced horses alike, working on trust will never steer a rider wrong.

JJ has graciously allowed us to share her stunning photography from the Lexington, Kentucky clinics last week with you here on EN. Many thanks, JJ! Do you want to bring Kyle Carter to your farm for a clinic? Kyle is still booking clinics – you can contact him via email at [email protected].

What good clinic doesn’t last till 9:30 pm 😂😂 Favorite Kyle Carter quote today was “I’ve made a lot of people…

Posted by Jj Jayhawk Sillman on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Who Jumped It Best? Larkin Hill Intro Edition

It’s time for another edition of Who Jumped It Best? Our latest edition is brought to you once again by Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto (don’t forget to order your show prints at her website here!), and we’re tackling the Intro A division from Larkin Hill in New York this past weekend. Voting will close on Sunday, July 12!

Take a look at the following photos from the Intro A division at Larkin Hill and vote below for which pair presents the best overall picture:

Mackenna Bowen and Archy:

Mackenna Bowen and Archy. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Anna Colman and Gilligan:

Anna Colman and Gilligan. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Savannah P Fiore and All the Rave:

Savannah P Fiore and All the Rave. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Molly Jackson and Ballylee Comic Storm:

Molly Jackson and Ballylee Comic Storm. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Katherine Kupferer and Quicksilvers Classical:

Katherine Kupferer and Quicksilvers Classical. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond:

Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Cast your vote here:

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The ‘Star’ Exercise

One of my favourite exercises to help with a multitude of skills for jumping . Particularly good for improving canter rhythm, accuracy (being central over rails and learning to ‘see ‘ distances ) steering with the leg whilst improving the contact .. and so on ! Star can be any size , depending on the desired improvement , eg more towards turning improvements (smaller) or bigger distances and stride length (bigger) . Plus an excellent exercise in the winter to get the freshness off them !

Posted by Sharon Hunt Eventing on Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Looking for a versatile exercise to add to your toolkit? We’ve got you covered with this “Star” exercise from Sharon Hunt to try out with your horse. Sharon Hunt is a British Olympian who, among many other accolades, also won the Luhmühlen CCI4* in 2010 aboard Tankers Town. Sharon shares many training exercises on her Facebook page, and the Star comes as the latest of the bunch.

“(This exercise is) particularly good for improving canter rhythm, accuracy (being central over rails and learning to ‘see ‘ distances) steering with the leg whilst improving the contact and so on,” Sharon wrote about the Star exercise, which consists of five poles on the ground set at varying distances depending on space and desired difficulty. “Star can be any size, depending on the desired improvement, e.g. more towards turning improvements (smaller) or bigger distances and stride length (bigger).”

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Entries Now Open for MARS Great Meadow International + New CCI3*L Pending Approval

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection, 2019 GMI CCI4*-S winners. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Entries are officially open today for the MARS Great Meadow International, taking place Aug. 20-23 in The Plains, Virginia. This year, organizers are thrilled to offer an expanded selection of divisions, including a new Preliminary Horse Trials division as well as a CCI3*-L, pending FEI approval. Entries will be capped at 220 in light of health precautions as well as scheduling logistics — your best chance of obtaining a spot is to go ahead and enter now.

MARS Great Meadow International is slated to host the following divisions:

  • CCI4*-S
  • CCI3*-L (pending approval)
  • CCI3*-S
  • CCI2*-S
  • Preliminary

It was a big undertaking for the team at Great Meadow, which fielded interest from US Equestrian to host a CCI3*-L as an addition this year. Unlike many other venues, Great Meadow has just one main competition arena, which makes adding multiple divisions more complicated. It was a challenge the organizing team led by Darrin Mollett as well as scheduling whiz Steve Symansky were up for.

“We just needed to see if we could pull off the scheduling,” Darrin said. For cross country, designed by David O’Connor, the expansion to host both a Preliminary as well as a Long division was easier due to the amount of acreage available. Routing the course, however, will take the CCI3*-L from one side of the property to the other, using the competition arena as a connector. Some scheduling wizardry ensued (“Steve Symansky was amazing with that,” Darrin added), and the modified schedule can be found on the updated omnibus listing here. Please note that the CCI3*-L is still pending FEI approval, but riders are nonetheless encouraged to enter and will receive a full refund should approval not be granted.

MARS Great Meadow International is also a spectator-friendly venue, but social distancing protocol this year will have this event looking just a bit different. Never fear, though, Darrin says the team is working hard on some creative tailgating options in order to allow for some spectator traffic. More information on this will be posted on the Great Meadow International website once finalized.

JUMP FOR JOY! Entries are now open for the 2020 MARS GMI. We can’t wait to see you August 20-23rd. We will be running the following divisions:CCI**** -SCCI*** -L (pending approval)CCI*** -SCCI** -SPreliminary Mars Equestrian United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA)

Posted by Great Meadow International on Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Quarrycrest Echo, British Team Gold Medal Winner, Euthanized Due to Rare Disease

Piggy March and Quarrycrest Echo at the 2019 European Championships. Photo by William Carey.

Quarrycrest Echo, a team horse piloted by Piggy March for Great Britain until December of 2019 when he was sold to Japan for Toshiyuki Tanaka, was euthanized this past weekend after suffering from eosinophilic enteritis, a rare inflammatory disease affecting the small intestine. The Irish Sport Horse gelding was 13 years old.

Quarrycrest Echo, or Red as he was known at home, found much success in Piggy March’s thoughtful program, and the pair’s record speaks for itself. Together, they completed 20 FEI events together from 2013 through 2019, when the horse was purchased by Riding Club Crane for Toshiyuki Tanaka to pilot.

Piggy and Red finished 10th individually and took home a team gold medal in Tryon at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and were also a part of the silver medal winning team at the European Championships at Luhmühlen last year. Stateside fans attending the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2019 were treated to a streak of red flashing by the galloping ropes as Piggy and the lanky chestnut managed to come home just barely over the optimum time despite a near miss on course at the Hollow. They finished in fourth place on the weekend, and Piggy would use the springboard of momentum to serve up her first CCI5* win at Badminton the following weekend.

Toshiyuki Tanaka and Red had an abbreviated start to their partnership, completing one CCI3*-S in Portugal together in February, just before the pandemic lockdown swept the world. “The Japanese were very appreciative that they were able to buy him, through Riding Club Crane, and it was a dream for Toshi to have the ride on him,” coach Angela Tucker told Horse & Hound. It is just such a shame he never had the chance to form a partnership with him.”

The EN team sends its sympathies to all who were lucky to know Quarrycrest Echo.

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

One of the smallest yet significant things I’ve learned in these tumultuous last few weeks of heightened awareness is that there is a vast community of content creators and brilliant minds that I’ve not known about until now. It’s difficult to come to grips with the idea that perhaps societal bias live in all of us, but one thing I do know to be true is that within all of us is room for more knowledge and growth. In efforts to make my time on social media slightly more productive, I’ve been introduced to many new-to-me and incredible people, brands, and projects that inspire me to keep learning and doing more to elevate the rich voices that are within our community. The post I placed at the head of this post is from Miguel Flores-Gayle, a content creator and director who has worked extensively with the Compton Cowboys (among many others). Take a look at his stunning work here.

U.S. Weekend Event Preview

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
Maryland HT II at Loch Moy Farm: [Website][Entry Status]
Poplar Place HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times]
Genesee Valley Hunt HT: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
War Horse Event Series HT: [Website][Entry Status]

National Holiday: In honor of today being National Video Game Day, you’ll find me bribing Tilly to find me a coveted copy of Equestriad 2001. If you know, you know.

Wednesday Reading List:

A tiny bit of digging led me to some really interesting information on Adam Hollingsworth, who you may recognize from this image that made waves on social media during recent police brutality and systemic racism protests. Adam, a Chicago native who appeared as a viral video star during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, says his ongoing mission is to teach more kids in Chicago and beyond about the therapeutic benefits of being around horses. He says he rides with a bigger purpose now, wanting to show others that there are other paths. In May, Adam started a GoFundMe with the goal of using the funds to take his educational clinics on the road. “I’m asking if you can donate to help me continue going to different neighborhoods in different inner cities in the Midwest,” he writes.

Who plays the part of your eyes on the ground or sounding board? As much as riding is an individual endeavor, it’s also helpful — almost imperative — to have a strong team of support around you. Lauren Sprieser writes about the concept of “checking your work” in her latest blog for the Chronicle of the Horse.

You’ve likely spent some time in the company of a horse with a noisy airway at some point. It sounds terrifying and it’s hard to determine what the source of the noise is. This helpful article from The Horse breaks down three common causes for upper airway noise and how they are treated.

Tip of the Day: I thought it might be fun to share little helpful tidbits that spring up on the internet. I loved this one illustrating correct versus incorrect jumping position.

Wednesday Video Break: Please enjoy this video of Tamie Smith and Mai Baum scoring a 19.8 at Twin Rivers this past weekend. #micdrop

Been working extensively with Johann Hinnemann the last couple months with all of the horses. It’s been a great to focus on the specific details with each of the horses. Lexus has always been an extravagant moving horse and because of that he looses the correct balance. This weekend he contained himself so well and is starting to be more consistent.

Posted by Next Level Eventing on Sunday, July 5, 2020

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

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Larkin Hill, Maryland, Spring Gulch, Twin Rivers, Winona

Beautiful Spring Gulch Horse Trials in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The eventing weekends are getting busier, and it’s encouraging to see horse showing coming back. While it remains to be seen what the immediate future holds, seeing horses and riders out doing what they love is a sight for sore eyes. As a reminder, make sure to brush up on COVID-19 precautions and protocol before heading out to compete. The more we work together to comply with guidelines, the safer we’ll be from cancellations.

This weekend, our lowest score earners competed at the Maryland Horse Trials and finished on an impressive 18.9. Congratulations to Olivia Devening and Maximus in the Junior Beginner Novice!

Larkin Hill H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Prelim/Training: Madison Haney and Revelation (32.0)
Training A: Audrey Littlefield and Mr. Pumpkin (38.8)
Training B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (22.6)
Novice A: Amanda Ko and Carnivale King (31.4)
Novice B: Pamela Lyon and Coosanmore (29.5)
Novice C: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.5)
Beginner Novice A: Abigail Hilliard and Memo (29.0)
Beginner Novice B: Kristen Smith and Cearney (27.0)
Beginner Novice C: Darrah Alexander and Ad Lib (23.3)
Beginner Novice D: Emma Armstrong and Newman (24.3)
Beginner Novice E: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dominic (30.8)
Beginner Novice F: Alexander Conrad and Fernhill El Rico (27.3)
Intro A: Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond (32.8)
Intro B: Destiny Darnell and Charlie (28.9)
Intro C: Imanol Echeverria and Stuart (29.7)
Intro D: James Devanney and Cooley Caviar (21.4)

Our eternal gratitude goes out to Joan Davis and Flatlandsfoto, who graciously sent us some photos from Larkin Hill this weekend:


Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Joe Meyer and Gortglas Crazy Love (44.5)
Open Intermediate B: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (30.0)
Open Preliminary B: Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill (27.4)
Open Preliminary B: Lesley Grant-Law and Castle Howard Romeo (40.1)
Preliminary Rider: Katie Malensek and Landjaeger (28.9)
Modified A: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (27.0)
Modified B: Tik Maynard and Galileo (25.9)
Open Training A: Hallie Coon and Global Naxos (22.6)
Open Training B: Marcea Funk and Odyssey B (24.3)
Training Rider A: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (27.1)
Training Rider B: Kaitlyn Brittendall and FE Dream On (30.7)
Novice Rider A: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (34.8)
Novice Rider B: Beth Allen and Remastered (32.1)
Open Novice A: Kristin Schmolze and Jupiler (22.1)
Open Novice B: Clayton Fredericks and FE Marco Polo (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Chloe Breed and Caan’s Navy Blues (32.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maradeth Leverett and Fried Rice (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Rebecca Brown and Lucky Imagamblingman (30.8)

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the best girllll 💖

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The Maryland International + H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI 1*-S: Joanie Morris and Betterthanexpected (36.7)
CCI 2*-S: Ariel Grald and Caballe (26.0)
CCI 3*-S: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (26.6)
Open Intermediate: Ema Klugman and Bendigo (30.7)
JR/YR Open Preliminary: Abigail Niles and Carrick Finest Lad (22.8)
Modified: Emily Beshear and Plumpjack (26.3)
Open Preliminary A: Ariel Grald and Diara (27.9)
Open Preliminary B: Phillip Dutton and California D’Horset (28.5)
Junior Open Training: Grace Mykityshyn and Lusi (29.0)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Cooley Cadbury (26.0)
Open Training B: Ryan Wood and Insuspense (28.6)
Open Training C: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (22.9)
Training Rider A: Katherine van der Rest and Pandora’s Na’vi Child (29.8)
Training Rider B: Megan Smallwood and Kilronan’s Countess (34.0)
Junior Open Novice: Sabina Cooper and Dictate the Terms (24.8)
Novice Rider A: Suzy Gehris and Steddy Eddy (27.1)
Novice Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (28.3)
Open Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield James (21.0)
Open Novice B: Kelley Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (20.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Michelle Marquardt and My Son Ernie (25.8)
Junior Beginner Novice: Olivia Devening and Maximus (18.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Claudia Sarnoff and Papa Pablo (21.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Caroline Martin and Redfield Champion (19.2)

Spring Gulch H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Darlene McInnes and Speed Bump (34.6)
Open Training: Vicki Baker and Got the Last Call (24.5)
Open Novice A: Angelika Beutel and Harrison (25.2)
Open Novice B: Michael Graham and Guinness (31.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Nancy Carr and Hidden Assets (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Madeline Backus and Finn (26.3)
Intro A: Amy Lott and Divine Revelation (26.7)
Intro B: Elizabeth Grandos and Watch My Class (31.1)

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. : [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Tamie Smith and Danito (22.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout (47.6)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Paper Jam (35.8)
Open Preliminary A: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (25.4)
Open Preliminary B: James Alliston and Nemesis (23.9)
Preliminary Rider: Bruce Hill and Bossinova (20.4)
Jr. Training Rider: Kira Niyogi and Astro NSF (29.1)
Open Training: Taren Hoffos and Regala (26.6)
Sr. Training Rider A: Emma Meehan and Millridge Socrates (32.1)
Sr. Training Rider B: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (28.8)
Training Horse: Josh Barnacle and Go Go Boots (27.2)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Amanda Boyce and SF Adventure (25.5)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Sophia Merz and Clara Bö (30.2)
Novice Horse: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz Edi (25.7)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and Outlander (27.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Leslie van der Wal and Doe Valley Brosna Go Bragh (28.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Natalie Barton and Storm Watch (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Bec Braitling and Excel Star Zen Z (28.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Cammie Edwards and Idol Hour (26.0)
Introductory A: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (34.4)
Introductory B: Hannah Cegielski and Backstreet Boy (32.5)

Winona H.T: [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Brooke Molde and Groundwork (45.5)
Training: Amanda Wilson and Rainstown Covergirl (31.1)
Novice A: Lydia McKenzie and WCR Brianne Sequin (29.2)
Novice B: Corinna Garcia and Lyric (27.4)
Novice C: Molly McTiernan and Rocket Man (30.2)
Beginner Novice A: Natalie Koch and Captain Jack Sparrow (35.0)
Beginner Novice B: Tiffany McDermott and Makin’ Waves (30.3)
Beginner Novice C: Debbie McCaughtry and Bellagio VT (40.1)
Starter – Open: Ellie Celarek and Magic Maddie (36.8)

And last but most definitely not least, a shout-out to our northern neighbors, who kicked off their season at the Will O’Wind Horse Trials in Ontario this weekend:

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Meet the Ebony Horse Club

Located in Brixton in the UK, the Ebony Horse Club is one example of a program dedicated to improving the education and aspirations of young people through contact with horses. Olympic show jumper Ben Maher visited the young riders at Ebony Horse Club and this visit is the subject of a recent FEI video profile.

One particularly unique feature of this program is its location. Set right in the heart of Brixton, a vibrant district in South London with Caribbean roots, horses find themselves against a backdrop of apartment buildings. Ebony Horse Club was opened with the assistance of charitable donations and lottery funding in 2011. The Club is the brainchild of Ros Spearing, who drew on her experience as a single mother whose life had been shaped by horses in conceptualizing the idea of bringing access to more youth in the community.

Want to learn more about the impact the Ebony Horse Club is having? Click here to read a great profile, complete with brilliant photography.

Volunteer Nation: 5+ Opportunities to Help Out This Weekend

The new horse show must-have accessory – who would’ve thought? Photo via Jan Byyny on Facebook.

Much time has passed since we last brought you an edition of Volunteer Nation! With events kicking cautiously back into gear, the need for volunteer support has also returned.

Of course, much has changed in just a few short months, and protocol for volunteers looks different than it used to. We 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.

In addition, I’d also like to take a moment to encourage you to find other ways to volunteer your time or skills within your local community. Perhaps there is a therapeutic program or an access program geared toward lower income riders. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to donate or a vast amount of hours to spare, sometimes just reaching out to ask how you can help can yield rewarding opportunities. If you’re not sure where to start, one popular source for volunteering opportunities is VolunteerMatch.org, which of course spans all facets of volunteering. I’d also love to compile a list of equestrian access programs and other related nonprofits, so if you have one we should know about please tip me by emailing [email protected].

Here is a look at the events looking for volunteer help this coming weekend. Remember to stay safe and socially distanced!

Event: Winona Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 31407 Schneider Rd, Hanoverton, OH, 44423
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, XC Decorator, FEH Conformation In Gate Steward, YEH In Gate Steward, General Help, Greeter, XC Control, XC Jump Judge, Dressage In Gate Steward, Dressage Score Runner, Floater, Secretary – Awards, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Score Input, SJ Scribe, XC Score Input, XC Score Runner, Hospitality Helper, Safety Steward

Event: Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 8715 N River Rd, Paso Robles, CA, 93446
Position(s) Available: Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, SJ In Gate

Event: Maryland International CIC & HT
Dates: Today through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, SJ Start Timer, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge, Shuttle Drivers, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up

Event: Larkin Hill Summer Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Monday, July 6
Address: 515 County Route 312, North Chatham, NY, 12132
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – SJ, Stabling Check-in & Trailer Parking, XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Parking Steward, SJ Jump Crew, Event Takedown

Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Combined Test
Dates: Saturday, July 4 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Position(s) Available: Hospitality Helper, Greeter

Event: IEA Leg Up Schooling HT and CT
Dates: Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5
Address: 7105 S. Kern St., Edinburgh, IN, 46124
Position(s) Available: Event Prep, XC Warm-up, XC Jump Judge, Event Takedown, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Out Gate

Other opportunities for volunteering:

We are still looking for some volunteers for the SGHTs this weekend! Please contact Carol Jones if you can help (her info is below).

Posted by MSEA-CCC on Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Chat with Tim and Jonelle Price

Jonelle Price’s words in this interview with FEI TV’s Equestrian World web show are worth writing on my mirror: “It’s amazing what you can achieve with a bit of dogged determination and a lot of hard work.” In this episode, hear from eventing’s royal couple, Tim and Jonelle Price of New Zealand, on their beginnings in the sport and reflections on their careers thus far. The couple relocated from New Zealand in 2005 to base in the UK as “young, struggling Kiwis” high on ambition and low on money. “It was a fairly ambitious move,” Jonelle reflected, but the couple says they’re thankful they made that leap of faith.

But despite the hype and fanfare, both Tim and Jonelle remain firmly rooted on the ground, understanding the value of working together and seeing each other’s career grow. They’re a big inspiration to many of us, and it’s always a treat to get to know them a bit better. Enjoy!

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Canada Day: Our Favorite Team Canada Moments Through the Years

The “Spiffiest Quarter Marks” award goes to Team Canada.

It’s no secret we love our Canadian friends here at EN. In honor of Canada Day today, we thought it appropriate to take a stroll down memory lane to one of our favorite moments in recent Canadian eventing history. One of my personal favorite stories to relive is that of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

It was a dream weekend for the Canadian team made up of Hawley Bennett-Awad, Kyle Carter, Stephanie Jenkins (nee Rhodes-Bosch), and Selena O’Hanlon. Individual riders Rebecca Howard and Jessica Phoenix also joined the Canadian contingent. It wasn’t supposed to be Canada’s year – in fact, most analysts would write the team off as a virtual non-factor in the face of powerhouse teams such as Great Britain and Germany.

The cross country phase would all but define the weekend for the scrappy team (which I wrote about in more detail in this piece for Heels Down Mag awhile back), and the team would go on to finish in silver medal position.

Relive some of this memorable weekend in the Bluegrass State through the lens of some of our favorite videographers:

I’ll let the following photos show you our Canadian friends through the years here at Eventing Nation. What are some of your favorite Team Canada moments?

Team Canada at Lima. Photo courtesy of Rob Stevenson.

Canada’s Junior team ahead of the jog at Young Riders in 2017. From left, Eva Marquis with Hollywood, Chloe Duffy with Oro Veradero, Chef d’Equipe Penny Rowland, Ella Marquis with Meadowbrook’s Pollyanna, and Tosca Holmes-Smith with Fiat. Photo by Mark Marquis.

Go Canada! Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Team Canada in Normandy. Photo via Hawley Bennett on Instagram.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti(CAN). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

We can’t forget the fans who show their endless love and appreciation for their favorite riders:

Canadian fans cheer on Jessie Phoenix and Pavarotti after their test. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

A spectator with Canadian pride! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Last but certainly not least, here’s a look at how some riders are celebrating today:

Happy Canada Day to our fellow Canadians back at home!! We miss everyone and we’re so proud to be Canadians during these tough times! Enjoy the day! Have a caesar and poutine for us! Cheers! 🇨🇦❤️

Posted by Karl Slezak Eventing on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Want to learn more about the Canadian eventing and equestrian history? Dig into the team’s Olympic history here, the history of Canadian equestrian sportshere, and a list of famous Canadian riders to learn about here.

Happy Canada Day!

Go Canada!

The ‘Ultimate’ Comeback: An Update on Rick Wallace’s Ultimate Victory

Rick Wallace and Ultimate Victory. Photo via Rick on Facebook.

After a devastating freak accident that resulted in the loss of his left eye back in April, Rick Wallace’s 17 year old Thoroughbred gelding, Ultimate Victory made a comeback to competition this past weekend with Briggs Surratt in the irons. We’ve been following along with “Cody” and his recovery and adjustment to one-eyed life, which Rick says has gone remarkably well.

“I am not sure if Cody even realizes he is missing an eye!” Rick wrote just 17 days after the loss of the eye when a cross tie clip hit Cody. “To the thousands of shares from his injury less than 3 weeks ago and to all the thousands of well wishers, we say thanks.”

Now, Cody is back to competing and tackled the Open Preliminary division at Chatt Hills last weekend, finishing in the top 10 with just some time added on cross country. Rick was thrilled, and is more than relieved to see his soulmate horse happy and thriving again.

“The results of the pull back and retraction that hit my 4 Star horse in the eye- was, what I thought career ending” Rick wrote in his most recent social media post. “We posted the accident as a PSA on those type cross ties in the hope that we may save others from the same outcome. While I was hit with many bad posts, I was encouraged that my experience helped others in the positive posts received!

Cody is an amazing 17 year old Thoroughbred that took each day with grace! I started day one to introduce his life with one eye as normal as I could!
Just less than two months later, Cody and Briggs tackled the OP at Chatt Hills with brilliance! Finishing 10th only due to time on CC.

Briggs is my hero for taking my soulmate around with caution and care in all three phases! His show jump round was nothing less than brilliant. He prepared Cody for each turn off the left to ensure he knew what was next. Watch this show jump round of a horse that two months ago had two eyes! I cried! Go Cody my amazing one eyed super horse! The future is bright with one eye!”

You can watch videos from Cody’s comeback in the post below. We’ll continue to follow Cody’s progress as he gets back into competition mode, not missing a beat even with one less eye. Go Eventing.

So my update of Ultimate Victory aka Cody. On April 29th of this year I posted about the devastating injury to Cody’s…

Posted by Rick Wallace on Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

I’ve found myself doing a lot of thinking recently about the idea of access to horses. It’s something that feels like a tangible way to have a positive impact for the next generation, for a kid who may need an outlet, who has an uncanny love for horses that needs to be expressed and nourished. There are various nonprofits and access programs across different sports, and much can be gleaned from diving into some research. One thing I’ve noticed in common is this: virtually every sport needs help at the grassroots, lower levels. The Little League games. The dirt bike tracks. The soccer fields. So many of them lie untouched, relegated to the neighborhood kids who make use of having it nearby. There is so much potential and so much that sports of all kinds do for young generations. There must be more we can do to expand this notion when it comes to horses.

I understand that bringing horses into or closer to a new community presents a world of challenges, but it’s some food for thought. Horses bring us peace (when they’re not breaking out of the crossties or finding inconvenient ways to injure themselves, that is), and it’s a feeling that I truly believe is something more people could benefit from. It’s a concept I will continue to dedicate time to, and I invite any and all conversations around this as the strength of one is nothing compared to the strength and combined creativity of many!

National Holiday: Today is Canada Day!

Weekend Preview:

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. : [Website] [Ride Times]
Winona H.T: [Website] [Ride Times]
The Maryland International + H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Spring Gulch H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times]
Larkin Hill H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Cool Job Alert: Mexican five-star eventer Daniela Moguel is looking to add someone new to her apprenticeship program. Described as an immersion style program, participants learn all aspects of horsemanship and business management in a way that helps them build careers of their own. Sounds like a pretty cool opportunity if you ask me. Learn more here.

I’ve been doing a lot of relearning of our country’s history. After learning about the many untold stories I’d missed out on, I decided to start down one rabbit hole in particular: the Black American cowboy. I’ve done a fair bit of reading, but I found this deep dive from Huffington Post to be particularly insightful in summarizing the history. If you want a primer, this is a good place to start.

In my Instagram scrolling this week, I came across this moving reflection from Colorado Rockies player Ian Desmond on racism in the United States as well as the concept of access in underprivileged communities. If you take out “baseball” and sub in “equestrian”, I feel a lot of the same undertones can be applied to the sport that has shaped our lives, too. No, this isn’t a dig. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how we can make horses and the peace they bring something more people can have the opportunity to enjoy. Ian’s post provided a lot of food for thought for me, and I encourage you to take a read too.

Kyle Carter wants coaches to take their roles in helping keep riders safe seriously. In this opinion editorial for Heels Down Mag, the Canadian Olympian reflects on the idea of moving up and what more coaches and riders should be considering. Moving up is not a decision to be taken lightly, and there are some good points made here.

Time for another conformation critique from the USEA. This time, former FEH/YEH Championship judge Chris Ryan shares his thoughts on a young Irish Sport Horse/Thoroughbred gelding. Take a gander and see how your conformational eye stacks up.

Wednesday Video: New episode of Young Black Equestrians alert! In the newest interview, we meet Ranee James, who balances being a mother, working with the Urban Equestrian Academy in the UK, a career as an artist, and big goals for her own riding…meanwhile, I need a nap after writing this.

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

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: HPNJ, Chatt Hills, Cobblestone Farms

Our friend Samantha Clark was out and about at the Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials this weekend, and I wanted to share her thoughtful observations on Lauren Kieffer and her veteran, now 18 year old partner, Veronica. Lauren brought the mare, with whom she’s traveled the world and completed 25 FEI events, back into competition form this year after an injury sidelined her in 2018. While Lauren says she’s just enjoying the ride with “Troll,” who is owned by Team Rebecca LLC and the Broussard family, it’s clear that the mare would rather be doing this job than anything else in the world. Keep on keepin’ on, girlfriend — we’re here to cheer you on the whole way.

This weekend, we saw some hot competition for the lowest overall finishing score. I was all set to award it to Booli Selmayr and Urania, who won the Open Prelim at New Jersey on a final score of 21.5, but then Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights waltzed in and won their Novice division at Chatt Hills on a 20.0. Well done, Erin!

Let’s hear it for the rest of this weekend’s winners!

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Advanced A: Phillip Dutton and Z (32.1)
Advanced B: Phillip Dutton and Luke 140 (42.4)
Open Intermediate A: Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman (37.0)
Open Intermediate B: Lillian Heard and Charmking (44.7)
Open Intermediate C: Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire (41.9)
Jr/YR Open Preliminary: Sam Curtis and Blyth’s Centurion FE (28.9)
Open Preliminary A: Booli Selmayr and Urania (21.5)
Open Preliminary B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (26.5)
Open Training A: Lillian Heard and Cooley Greystones (29.4)
Open Training B: Aisling Carroll and Asthore (27.1)
Training Rider A: Angela Custer and Calle (28.3)
Training Rider B: Jessica McGrane and True Mystic (39.7)
Training Rider C: Kristin Michaloski and Ice Breaker (35.4)
Novice Rider A: Sarah Newman and Dexter’s Dream (27.8)
Novice Rider B: Daivd Goodall and Indian Creek Queen (34.3)
Open Novice A: Debbie Adams and DA Shannondale Cushla (23.3)
Open Novice B: Amanda Gardiner and Prinz S.W. (26.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Caelyn Casey and Executive Pumpkin (23.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Will Rowland and Over Rider (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Arielle Aharoni and Goldenrose (25.8)

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Devon Brown and Hickstead (32.9)
Open Preliminary A: Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 (30.1)
Open Preliminary B: Kelly Prather and Catch Me Cooley (27.0)
Preliminary Rider: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (31.3)
Modified A: Daryl Kinney and Monte Carlo (25.0)
Modified B: Kaley Crosby and Valentino (27.2)
Open Training A: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (25.5)
Open Training B: Julie Richards and Fernhill Patron (32.6)
Training Rider A: Camryn Chung and Bird Queen (29.1)
Training Rider B: Rebecca Puglisi and Rosie’s Little Miss Liberty (34.8)
Novice Rider A: Lilli Wichert and Fernhill Tito (35.0)
Novice Rider B: Neve McElhaney and Curious George (26.9)
Novice Rider C: Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights (20.0)
Open Novice A: Amelia Grubbs and Cooley On The Con (30.7)
Open Novice B: Claire Anderson and MochaSpice (23.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Mackinzie Reeves and Life Flight (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Marissa Griffin and Conquistador (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Elle Snyder and You Have A Friend In Me (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Jasmine Hobart and Zephyrine (33.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Susan Thomas and FGF Cantakerous Woman (28.6)

So proud of all of our girls this weekend at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing! I was so pleased with how well all of our…

Posted by Stephanie James Counts on Sunday, June 28, 2020

For all those Krunchy fans out there..here he is, thundering his giant turkey butt around a clear cross country ! I truly believe this was the hardest I’ve EVER had to ride to every SINGLE fence on a xc course in my life 🤦🏼‍♀️ Still love 💕 him though !

Posted by Lindsay Barrack on Sunday, June 28, 2020

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Cierra Daratony and Rio De Janeiro (31.1)
Open Training I: Michelle Koppin and Calcourt Valley (28.0)
Open Training II: Cierra Dartony and Satin Revelry (30.6)
Training Rider: Kristin Kubsch and CMF Royal Diamond (32.6)
Open Novice I: Julie Bryer and Fernhill Dynamic (30.9)
Open Novice II: Christina Lockhart and I’malreadythere (25.6)
Novice Rider I: Lenora Evans and Christian Grey (30.0)
Novice Rider II: Chloe Miller and Sozo (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice I: Valerie Johnson and Henson (24.8)
Open Beginner Novice II: Kaila McCormack and Early Artifacts (31.1)
Beginner Novice Rider I: Brandy Snedden and Peaches and Cream (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider II: Katherine Hyndman and Counter Point (31.4)
Starter I: Heather Lawson and Crown Royale Calabar (28.1)
Starter II: Gavin Cottell and Hey There Delilah (33.1)

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Say Their Names

Those who might be unfamiliar with Ellie Leonard’s photo and video skills should take note: this girl is the real deal. Ellie has done a lot of work within the eventing community, acting as video and photographer extraordinaire, personal cheerleader, top-shelf groom, and social justice warrior. Last weekend, Ellie captured the “Heels Down, Fists Up” ride to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

Ellie’s photos from the ride can be seen in this photo essay from the Chronicle of the Horse. Many thanks to Ellie for sharing her latest video work with us. If you’d like to find some ways in which you can get involved, Tilly has a great round-up this week here.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Where Are They Now? Checking In with Fan Favorites in Retirement

One of the best things about social media is its ability to keep people in touch, no matter how much time or distance (social or otherwise) passes. I’ve enjoyed a crop of posts in recent weeks that check in with some well-known event horses in their retirement or semi-retirement. Let’s see what some fan favorites have been up to this year! What famous event horse would you like us to check in with in retirement? Tip us by emailing [email protected].

Mandiba and Mr. Medicott (Karen O’Connor + many others):

TWO GREAT TIH OLD SOLDIERS – MANDIBA & MR MEDICOTT – RETIREMENT HEAVEN20yo Mandiba & 21yo Mr Medicott, inseparable…

Posted by William Micklem on Thursday, May 21, 2020

Bellaney Rock (Selena O’Hanlon):

Bellaney Rock now! Such a lucky boy to have landed his forever home and continues to teach us all how to ride. 🙂 they'…

Posted by Selena J O'Hanlon on Tuesday, June 2, 2020

CP Qualified (Shane Rose):

Just wanted to share something pretty special and heartfelt.This is Darcy. He was bred and born in Holland, imported…

Posted by Elizabeth Louise on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Sir Rockstar (Libby Head):

I thought rocky was looking well for 22 and not being ridden, and then I found out he works out with his pasture mate during her trot sets 😄 oh rocket❤️

Posted by Libby Head on Monday, June 8, 2020

Madison Park (Kyle Carter):

Posted by Kyle Carter on Thursday, March 26, 2020

Arthur (Allison Springer):

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2808751665887566

Wednesday News & Notes from EcoVet

CP Qualified enjoying retiree life. Photo via Elizabeth Louise on Facebook.

I really love seeing horses enjoying their retirement years. A post on Facebook made its way around last week showing Australian rider Shane Rose’s Adelaide winner and Rio team partner CP Qualified having the time of his life:

Just wanted to share something pretty special and heartfelt.This is Darcy. He was bred and born in Holland, imported…

Posted by Elizabeth Louise on Thursday, June 18, 2020

Let’s hear it for those special retirees! We truly don’t deserve horses.

Obscure Holiday: It’s Swim a Lap Day…if you’re into that sort of thing.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Entry Status]

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

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading:

Meet the Black cowgirls of Southern California. I’ve been really enjoying my rabbit hole diving learning about the history of Black equestrians. It’s fascinating to learn a piece of our culture that, sadly, I didn’t know much about before. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read this deep dive into this California group of riders.

US Equestrian has posted a Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement and action plan. Change begins in steps and this step can be a positive one with the right follow through. We’re excited to see what the next steps look like as more organizations, platforms, and brands undertake new initiatives.

Do you want to learn about galloping and conditioning? If you’re local to Scottsville, Virginia, you’ll want to check out an educational Galloping & Conditioning clinic put on by Oakhill Farm. Learn how to ride and balance at speed, how to feel your horse’s gallop rhythm, and what to account for when it comes to fitness — but don’t wait to sign up!

Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimón has reached out to his followers for the first time following a brain bleed that saw him undergo a seven-hour surgery and a medically induced coma seven weeks ago.

It’s getting warmer out! This is a great time to get a refresher on summer care tips for horses. Particularly for those of you competing, pay careful attention to heat and heat-related symptoms during work. Stay safe out there! [Summer Horse Health Tips]

Wednesday Video: Props to Heels Down Mag for hosting this discussion on racism and discrimination in horse sports. There is much to be learned from just having a conversation about what we can do better:

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

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Stable View, Surefire, Texas Rose

The new horse show must-have accessory – who would’ve thought? Photo via Jan Byyny on Facebook.

It was another glorious weekend of competition all around Eventing Nation, and I can’t tell you how pleased I am to be doing these score wrap-ups each Monday. It’s always refreshing to see the community come together to evolve and adjust together, and we certainly saw plenty of that this weekend.

If you’re out and about showing in the coming weeks, make sure you read the latest Update to COVID-19 Competition Action Plan for USEF-Licensed Competitions. You can also read the latest on each state’s current COVID-19 status and protocol here.

This week’s lowest score award goes to a pair competing in the Junior Novice at Surefire Farm: Emma Wick and Astaire to the Future finished their weekend on an impressive 22.4. Well done!

Stable View HT — [Final Scores]

Advanced: Buck Davidson and Carlevo (34.9)
Open Intermediate: Leslie Law and First Class (27.2)
Open Preliminary: Kate Brown and Victor Z (26.1)
Jr/YR Preliminary: Katarina Midgley and Ditch (33.8)
Preliminary Rider: Rachel Sledzik and Fernhill Symphony (30.6)
Modified: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (30.1)
Open Training: Clayton Fredericks and FE Sweet Emotion (27.1)
Jr/YR Training: Grace Montgomery and Fernhill Wonder (34.0)
Training Rider: Kerry Tracey and Excel Star Kate (29.8)
Jr/YR Novice: Julia Khan and Yet To Be (32.4)
Novice Rider: Emily Cardin and Hacker (28.9)
Open Novice: Jenny Cars and Sommersby (25.2)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice: Natalie Woodie and Soul Blues (33.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ansleigh Craven and Streetfight (31.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Brett Handy and BE Blue Moon (32.2)

Here is the babies cousin River rocking the modified at Stable ViewThank you for all the efforts Barry Olliff and Cyndy Olliff and all your great volunteers!

Posted by Courtney Cooper on Sunday, June 21, 2020

Gaillard Lancer and Kyle happy to be back out yesterday in the Intermediate at Stable View horse trials. Jumped around great with just some time! @purinafeedgreatness @purinaperformancehorse @cwd_usa_can_official @uvexequestrianusa @ecogold @heritagegloves @omega_alpha_equine @albertofasciani_official

Posted by Jennifer Carter on Sunday, June 21, 2020

Surefire HT — [FinalScores]

Open Intermediate: Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 (34.1)
Open Preliminary A: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’ysieux (23.3)
Open Preliminary B: Ben Noonan and Keep Kitty (29.4)
Junior Training: Lainey Phillips and Netherfield Park (26.7)
Open Training A: Christina Henriksen and Cierra (30.0)
Open Training B: Maya Black and Double Diamond C (23.1)
Training Rider A: Susannah Karatzias and Cassius (31.7)
Training Rider B: Lea Adams-Blackmore and Fernhill Frostbite (26.4)
Junior Novice A: Emma Wick and Astaire to the Future (22.4)
Junior Novice B: Ainsley Colgan and Ginobi (29.5)
Novice Rider A: Leslie Mintz and HSH Golden Boy (29.5)
Novice Rider B: Katherine van der Rest and Pandora’s Na’vii Child (33.6)
Open Novice A: Lauren Nicholson and Avalon Reaita (30.6)
Open Novice B: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (22.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Beth Zielinski and BSF Ducati 696 (25.4)
Junior Beginner Novice: Amelia Jaeger and The Medicine Game (36.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Tess Lesesne and Miss Florida (26.1)

Posted by Jan Byyny on Sunday, October 4, 2015

View this post on Instagram

Great Day at @surefirehorsetrials with Cierra jumping double clear and finishing on her dressage to win the Open Training-A. VERY proud of student @laineyphillips.eventing doing a PB dressage of 26.7 and jumping double clear to win her JR Training section 🌟💪❤️ Was so fun to be out eventing again and see so many friends (from a distance!) even if I didn’t always recognize them with masks on 😂 Big thanks to @nicarenee for turning Cierra out beautifully as always and all your help today! #eventing #useventing #equestrianlife #postcovid #fedoncavalor #eventinghorse #winnerwinnerchickendinner #goodponies #proudcoach #hardworkpaysoff #horsesofinstagram #eventersofinstagram #cavalorna #hawthornproducts

A post shared by Christina Henriksen (@christinahenriksen_eventing) on

Texas Rose HT — [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Rebecca Brown and Dassett Choice (29.3)
Open Preliminary: Anna Pierce and Obiejohn (31.3)
Preliminary Rider: Lauren Hoover and Atlanta VII (34.5)
Preliminary/Training: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (36.5)
Jr. Training Rider: Vienna Allport and DHI Zatopek B (30.2)
Sr. Training Rider: Laura Young and Two Out Rally (33.3)
Open Training: Katherine Rivera and HVL Hocus Pocus (28.3)
Jr. Novice Rider: Anna Berry and Nocturne’s Luna (33.8)
Novice Horse: Courtney Kuriger and Eagle Rising (33.6)
Open Novice: Heidi Crowell and Sunsprite’s Anastasia (28.8)
Sr. Novice Rider: Arden Villines and Tia (31.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Lauren Skyler Replogle and Cornerstone’s Natural Perfection (25.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Ava Taylor and Adhemar (36.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider C: Sammy Campo and Permesso (29.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Ashlyn Hayworth and The Mystery Machine (32.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Nancy Thompson and Made It In Style (29.4)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Emily Johnson and Talk To Me Goose (35.1)
Intro A: Sydney Borne and Booster Rocket (36.7)
Intro B: Kalie Beckers and Calla GBF (25.6)

Thursday Video: Neat and Tidy Braids with Courtney Carson

#ProGroomTips Braiding Tips

Do you struggle to get your braids neat and tidy? Check out these #ProGroomTips from DPEquestrian LLC's head groom, Courtney Carson! 👇

Posted by US Equestrian on Monday, 15 June 2020

I’ve been a fan girl of Courtney Carson’s for a few years now, and her impeccable turnout of the Payne Equestrian horses is always something to be admired at events. Not only is she a star groom, she’s also been a champion for several important issues such as groom representation in FEI competition. Basically, she’s someone you want in your corner. Always willing to lend some advice, Courtney teamed up with US Equestrian to offer up her best practices for getting those perfect braids every time.

Take a look and take a practice spin on your horse before your next competition!

Fancy Yourself an Eventing Nerd? Pit Your Trivia Chops Against Top Riders to Benefit Ebony Horse Club

If you fancy yourself the eventing nerd to rule all nerds, this new charity quiz challenge will surely be right up your alley. Top eventers such as Piggy March, Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, and Joseph Murphy are joining up with sponsors CrossCountry App, Backstage Pass and GVG Brooks Equine Veterinary Practice for a speed quiz benefitting UK-based nonprofit Ebony Horse Club.

The trivia night will be hosted virtually this Friday, June 19 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm BST / 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST / 11:30 am – 1:30 pm PST. Anyone can sign up to participate for a minimum donation of £10/$12.55. Participants will be pitting their knowledge as well as their reaction time against one another in a fun and competitive format.

All proceeds generated from the quiz night will go directly to the Ebony Horse Club, a community riding centre based in Brixton, London. Their mission is to raise aspirations of local young people through access to horses, providing new opportunities and developing life skills. They run trips, youth work activities, community events as well as regular riding lessons and their work encourages young people to overcome challenges and be the best they can be. Many of their young members are facing adversity in their lives but they are proud to support them to thrive and have seen their riders go on to win races, gain places at equestrian colleges and work in the industry.

Enter the quiz here for a nominal donation and then start studying!

Galway Downs Announces New Summer Horse Trials Date

Emilee Libby and Jakobi, winners of the Galway Downs International Horse Trials CCI4*-S in March 2019. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

West coast eventers who’ve been starving for competition opportunities: Galway Downs has you covered! After some back and forth regarding new dates for their vacated spring events due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kellerhouse Eventing has announced a new Summer Horse Trials at Galway Downs to be held July 17-19 in Temecula, California.

Galway Downs continues to undergo massive ongoing upgrades and improvements to the facility, and competitors this summer will notice a new cross country warm-up, new temporary stabling from Fredericks International, and upgraded permanent barns. With five dressage rings running and divisions ranging from Advanced to Intro, it’s sure to be the summer festival we’ve all been dying to attend.

Kellerhouse Presents is excited to announce our new Summer Horse Trials July 17-19 at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA. Our…

Posted by Galway Downs on Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Entries are now open, and COVID-19 precautions will be followed for this event. Events for the remainder of the year may look a bit different and perhaps a little fewer in frequency, but the opportunities continue to arise thanks to the hard work of organizers all over the country. Don’t forget to sign up for a volunteer shift or two. Happy eventing!

Wednesday News & Notes from EcoVet

I wanted to start off this morning with a little anecdote about diversity. I am a Korean adoptee who came to the U.S. when I was three months old after I was given up for adoption. I grew up in the well-off suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri in a predominantly white, Jewish area. I went to a predominantly white high school where most people of color were either bussed in from the city or flown in from overseas for exchange programs. I grew up positively loathing my Asian-ness. I was endlessly ridiculed for my eye shape. My white boyfriend dealt with constant mockery of the “nasty ch*nk” he was dating.

And in truth, I didn’t have it that bad. I saw kids in the halls each day who were much worse off than I, who looked more haunted than I felt. I still remember them now and I wish I would have done more to help them and stop the bullying.

Yet, I felt solace at the barn. At the barn, it didn’t matter what I looked like, where I came from, or who I was. I found friends (in fact, they left such an impact on me that I wrote about them two decades later), and I found myself. I felt included.

This is not the problem with our sport.

It is undoubtedly true that many riders of color may feel similarly when they reflect on how horses and the barn have made them feel. It’s true that most barns feel like families, which is why many find themselves bewildered at the state of the world now, wondering how so many could possibly feel so excluded.

The issue is this: when I was 13 and had a school project due, I wanted to illustrate my love for horses. I held onto this daydream that perhaps my birth mother was a famous Korean equestrian, and perhaps that was where my horse bug had come from. So I searched on the beginnings of the internet for an Asian woman wearing riding clothes. Pages and pages and pages…and the closest I could find was a brunette woman with narrow eyes. I printed the photo and pasted it onto my poster, squinting to figure out if she could pass as Asian. From that moment on, I tore through every Dover catalog that came into my mailbox, looking for one person who looked like me. One person who I could hang up on my wall and say, “I want to be like her.“

This is the problem with our sport.

Or, at least it’s the problem with diversity in our sport. It’s true that many people of color feel included — once they’re in the sport. But from the outside looking in? Have you ever been to a party full of people you don’t know? If you’re anything like me, you feel some trepidation before you open the door. You feel like a sore thumb sticking out. Once you’re in and you’re comfortable, it may feel better. But taking that first step and opening the door? That’s hard when no one is inviting you in.

I myself am guilty of not shedding enough light on more voices of color within our sport, and I’m undertaking a new intention to change this. I don’t want any other kids flipping through magazines or Instagram feeds and seeing no one that looks like them. I don’t want any other kids to feel they can’t get into something because they don’t see themselves represented. This will take an industry-wide change that involves brands, media outlets, and governing bodies. This is one small way in which we can effect change.

National Holiday: Today is National Eat Your Vegetables Day. We won’t tell anyone if you feed yours to your horse.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Literacy is a huge part of a young person’s education, and grabbing interest in reading early on can open doors for ideas and imaginations to thrive. Saddle Up and Read is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging youth to “achieve literary excellence through equine activities”. Based in Wendell, North Carolina, Saddle Up and Read has also created a library full of books featuring Black equestrians. You can get involved, donate, or contribute to the group’s Amazon Wish List here.

“I didn’t think Black or Asian people rode horses.” It’s a sentiment reflected on by Horse & Hound writer Eleanor Jones in a new think piece on the barriers to ethnic diversity in equestrian sports. How do we go about changing this notion that only a white majority participates in these sports? Take a look at Eleanor’s dive into the horse community and what can be done to effect change.

This may have been posted in a News & Notes before, but I feel it’s worth another read. I know I learned a lot from this, and it’s important to understand the big picture of what we’re working with and where we need to go from here. Read this breakdown of how diversity and inclusion differ, and why they’re so important, here.

As we return to competition in some areas, volunteers remain an integral part of every event’s success. But there’s a new normal in place for volunteers and competitors alike to adhere to. Take a look at how volunteers are adapting here.

Spanish dressage rider Juan Matute Guimon is awake and talking again following brain surgery last month. Juan collapsed with a brain hemorrhage and has had two surgeries since.

Seattle Slew trainer Billy Turner, a racing legend and oldest living Triple Crown trainer, has had an accident and a GoFundMe has been started to assist with medical bills. Billy was at Ocala Jockey Club International last November for the prize-giving of the Seattle Slew Award, and is much beloved by the equestrian community. Can you help? [Donate Now]

Wednesday Video Break:

Financial literacy matters when it comes to maintaining an equestrian lifestyle. Managing money isn’t fun or sexy, but it is important — and it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful! I stumbled upon this excellent podcast episode from Young Black Equestrians featuring money educator Jasmine Browne. Learn about things such as credit, budgeting, and misconceptions surrounding financing horses:

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

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Golden Spike, Silverwood, Waredaca, WHES

I followed along with a lot of positive chatter on social media this weekend as riders reflected on the social distancing protocol that are becoming the “new normal” for events. Although the navigation is not always smooth when learning how to make effective changes quickly, it seems many of the new procedures are taking root. Let’s hear it for all of the organizers and volunteers who have been hard at work getting our events back up and running!

Another great sight for sore eyes is the appearance of some new frangible fences on many courses around the country. Check out the new frangible table at Waredaca in action!

Our brand new frangible table is riding beautifully thanks to the support of the USEA Frangible Fence Grant Fund!

Posted by Waredaca on Saturday, 13 June 2020

You can continue to support the ongoing efforts to put more frangible devices on courses by clicking here.

Let’s take a look around the weekend’s scores. This week’s officially unofficial lowest score earners are Martin Douzant and Olympus, winning the Open Novice at Waredaca on a final score of 21.4. An honorable mention goes to Dana Cooke and FE Whole Lotta Rosie who scored a 15.9 in the dressage portion of the Prelim CT at the War Horse Event Series at Carolina Horse Park. Congratulations!

Waredaca H.T. (MD): [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon (26.3)
Preliminary Rider: April Franks and Pots and Pans (36.9)
Modified: Martin Douzant and Frame Shamrock (29.0)
Open Training: Mike Pendleton and Esprit de Jaguar (30.5)
Training Rider: Catie Meehan and Arrowbee (34.1)
Novice Horse: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (25.3)
Novice Rider A: Berkley Gardner and Chillie (30.5)
Novice Rider B: Michael McGrath and Whitty Remark (29.3)
Open Novice: Martin Douzant and Olympus (21.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Ainsley Colgan and Ginobi (31.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ashley Russell and Fulleigh Armed (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Stephen Fulton and Raniki (31.1)

Just when I thought this horse couldn’t give me anything more ❤️ Watching Captain Jack fly around the Novice with his…

Posted by Woodge Fulton on Sunday, 14 June 2020

War Horse Event Series June H.T. (NC): [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (30.3)
Intermediate CT: Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi (30.3)
Prelim CT: Dana Cooke and FE Whole Lotta Rosie (16.7)
Preliminary: Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello (26.7)
Modified: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (28.1)
Training CT: Hugh Wrigley and Luksor (24.3)
Training: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (23.8)
Training Horse A: Daryl Kinney and Monte Carlo (28.6)
Training Horse B: Caitlin Romeo and Fernhill B Good (28.3)
Novice CT: Sydney Edwards and Thomas Town (30.7)
Novice A: Maya Simmons and Starfield (29.5)
Novice B: Ariel Grald and Corraghoe Brilliant (23.3)
Novice Horse Trials: Charles Plumb and Imperial Phillip (22.9)
Novice Junior: Clare Brady and Goodness Gracious (33.5)
Beginner Novice CT: Clara Silkstone and Shenandoah Sea Lily (32.8)
Beginner Novice A: Lizzie Snow and Tiz Patrick (26.9)
Beginner Novice B: Bobby Meyerhoff and Aramona K (29.9)
Beginner Novice Junior: Kylee Casey and Danielle Deer (30.3)
Beginner Novice Horse Trial: Jenny Kaeppler and Slip By (31.7)
Beginner Novice Horse Trial Junior: Kiera Kenny and Poynstown Jaguar (31.4)
Green As Grass CT: Hayley Norfleet and Any Day Ava (28.1)
Green As Grass: Becky Scarlett and Luna (31.3)
Green As Grass Junior: Claire Collins and Captain Hook (30.0)
Maiden CT: Antonia Matthes and Get Smart (30.3)
Maiden Junior: Addison Pierce and Ethan (30.3)
Maiden Horse Trial: Rachel Thompson and Glenhaven Timka (27.5)

Great day out at the Carolina Horse Park this weekend! Dean ‘D’Luxe Steel’ moved up to Modified and🥇his 4th event in a…

Posted by Andrew McConnon on Sunday, June 14, 2020

What would we do without our awesome volunteers? Thank you for your time and energy in helping our events run so smoothly.

Posted by Carolina Horse Park on Sunday, 14 June 2020

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So happy to be back! Beautiful, cool (for June in NC) weekend and beautifully organized event, as always @carolinahorsepark … not only first event this season, but Leo’s first since rehab from his fracture over the winter- happy just to be safe and sound and have full clearance for work, but then Leo finished on his dressage score (which happened to be a PR) and had “exciting” but clear jump and xc (Leo needed to make sure he did not get too close..)😍🦄 Big thank you to Kathi @ncsporthorse . . . #whes #warhorseeventseries #warhorse #exracehorse #exracehorsesofinstagram #racehorse #eventhorses #eventers #eventersofinstagram #eventhorsesofinstagram #ottb #ottbs #ottbsofinstagram #grey #greyhorse #greyhorse #greyhorsesofinstagram #noscope #noscopenohope #dressage #dressageottb #crosscountry #xc #xcountry

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Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (SC): [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Ivie Cullen-Dean and Fernhill Full Throttle (25.9)
Prelim/Training: Tonya Cummins Amato (34.8)
Training A: Mary Bess Davis and CSF Dassett Decoy (29.1)
Training B: Morgan Batton and Jamaican Vacation (29.2)
Novice A: Kirsten LaVassar and Whatinsamhill (24.5)
Novice B: Krista Rose and By His Grace (29.5)
Training/Novice: Margaret Schneck and Sky Road (32.1)
Beginner Novice A: Amy Wise and Zero Gravity (27.5)
Beginner Novice B: Alyssa Peterson and Excel Star Happy Surprize (22.5)
Starter: Darci Phelps and First Down Maddie (31.4)

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI): [Website] [Final Scores]

Prelim/Training: Mya Poulos and Guy’s Elegant Miss (29.6)
Open Training: Maura Daugherty and Hat Trick (35.6)
Open Novice A: Anna Banks and Primrose BMD (31.7)
Open Novice B: Cathrine Wunderlich and Concatulations (27.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Leah Lang-Gluscic and Bollywood (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Samantha Bell and Hidden Confidence WRF (28.2)
Open Beginner Novice C: Kailey DeMeyer and Chasin’ Mason (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Samantha Bell and I Lost My Bragi (31.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Alexis Mikelenas and Dancing In The Dark (32.2)

Golden Spike Horse Trials (UT): [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Mia Edsall and True Story (32.3)
Preliminary/Training: Louise Leslie and Souvenir (33.3)
Training: Erin Hofmann and UBQuiet (31.6)
Novice: Chris Kawcak and Maggie Belle (26.0)
Novice Junior: Skye Schlopy and Highway Man (34.1)
Beginner Novice Junior A: Skye Schlopy and George Costanza (33.3)
Beginner Novice Junior B: Molly Jensen and EE High Expectations (40.8)
Beginner Novice Open A: Tatiana Larsen and Lothario II (27.2)
Beginner Novice Open B: Erin Storey and Latte (28.9)
Intro Junior: Elle Warburton and Peterbilt (41.9)
Intro Open: Katie Cobia and EE Judgement’s Pleasure (28.9)