Samantha Clark

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Sunday lunchtime at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 2:16 pm -

There’s a strange energy here this morning. The nerves for those who still have to jump, including of course, the CIC 3* which will be last to go in the main arena. An exhaustion after a busy week in all sorts of weather, from freezing, to rain, to baking sun. Some packing up has already started; Hawley Bennet-Awad’s crew are planning on leaving at about 6pm tonight and making the 24 hour drive straight through. On top of all that, an end of term sadness that it’s all over again for another year.

It’ aint over ’til the fat lady sings!

However, as I mentioned, there’s still plenty of action to come. Our Questionnaire has been prepped for his CIC 3* show-jumping with the now obligatory red lipstick kiss on his nose from Cassie Segal, owner of Ballynoe Castle RM. It worked wonders for Heather Gillette and Questy in the dressage, and again yesterday on cross country, so Heather told me she’s going to make sure Cassie’s around to kiss Questy as much as possible from now on!

Heather also told me that Questy pulled a shoe off at the water yesterday, and but for that she might have been a bit quicker, but overall she was really happy with her ride. (she picked up 4 time faults to lie in fourth position going into the show-jumping)

Jessie Phoenix told me Pavarotti also pulled a front shoe on course yesterday, and someone actually handed it in this morning. He looked terrific out on cross country yesterday, very mannerly in a double bridle. He looks none the worse for wear today either, and trotted up like a champ this morning – they go into the show-jumping with the lead in the CCI 2*.

I spotted supergroom Max on her way back from the tradestands, she’ll be taking a little piece of Montana back to Virginia with her. Karen O’Connor also told me how thrilled she was with her lovely mare, Veronica. Although she was kicking herself for galloping past a fence in Jurassic Park, it’s been a great, educational first advanced run this weekend for her horse, and she certainly came out and looked impressive this morning, she didn’t want to touch a fence.

Karen said she’s excited that Veronica will get to run every couple of weeks or so now.

I’m excited because I’ll be re-united with my kids tonight – I left them at the ranch with my long-suffering mother, a big thank you to both, and an apology to the sweet boy of about ten years old today on his bike who asked me a question, and without thinking my maternal instincts kicked in and I answered him, “my darling”, as if he were my son, not sure which one of us was more mortified! It’s been a fantastic weekend here, I’m just sorry I’m going to miss the very end, but I have a plane to catch as usual. Thank you to all the volunteers, organisers, riders and grooms. Thank you for reading, and Go Eventing!

Training Three Day Wraps up at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 2:04 pm -

The Training Three Day Event has just wrapped up here at Rebecca Farm and I managed to watch the last ten or so horses show-jump. I was really impressed by the overall standard of riding today, and the general fitness level of the horses after their speed and endurance test yesterday. Also, as Sally O’Connor reminded me on Thursday, you have to take the altitude here into effect, we’re at about 3,200 feet. Natalia Gurmankin jumped a lovely clear on Legate in his first three day to take third place. Her boss, Hawley rode the lovely Gin Fizz in the three day but was awarded 77 odd time penalties on roads and tracks in error, and so finished in 18h place even though she was thrilled with this lovely little mare. In 6th place was the lovely Asterion who did so well in all the young horse classes with another Samantha Clark, I sometimes used to get sent mail that was supposed to be for her, telling me my horse had qualified for yet another championship, and I knew it was always a mistake! He looked lovely on cross country and seems to be doing very well with Margaret Heagerty.

Therese Russell’s luck ran out in the final combination; Dante came in looking like a million dollars but took an instant dislike to the horseshoe horse sculpture in the middle of the ring and had a few rubs on the way round until a rail in the middle of the final treble, slipping her from first to second, and giving the win to Kathy Cain on Sidecar.

Congratulations to everyone who completed. Thank you to Rebecca Farm for hosting the Training Three Day and to all the volunteers and professionals who helped make it such a sucess. Go Three Day Eventing.

Training Three Day Wraps up at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 1:11 pm -

The Training Three Day Event has just wrapped up here at Rebecca Farm and I managed to watch the last ten or so horses show-jump. I was really impressed by the overall standard of riding today, and the general fitness level of the horses after their speed and endurance test yesterday. Also, as Sally O’Connor reminded me on thursday, you have to take the altitude here into effect, we’re at about 3,200 feet. Natalia Gurmankin jumped a lovely clear on Legate in his first three day to take third place. Her boss, Hawley rode the lovely Gin Fizz in the three day but was awarded 77 odd time penalties on roads and tracks in error, and so finished in 18h place even though she was thrilled with this lovely little mare. In 6th place was the lovely Asterion who did so well in all the young horse classes with another Samantha Clark, I sometimes used to get sent mail that was supposed to be for her, telling me my horse had qualified for yet another championship, and I knew it was always a mistake! He looked lovely on cross country and seems to be doing very well with Margaret Heagerty.

Rock on Rock on Rose!

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 11:05 am -

I think taking on a four star ride from a top level rider must be one of the hardest things to do in eventing, so I was interested to see Rock on Rose go this afternoon when I saw her name in the programme in the intermediate division. When I spoke to Bruce Davidson about a month ago, he’d mentioned how well Lusty was doing, but hadn’t gone into any further detail. Happily, it seems Lusty has certainly landed on her feet with a new owner, Whitney, who couldn’t possibly love her any more. They posted a lovely clear around the intermediate track this afternoon here at Rebecca Farm to add just six time penalties to their dressage score, and Whitney kindly talked to me after her ride.

Many thanks to Whitney, and wishing her and Lusty a long and happy future together; also the same to Whitney and her fiancee as long as he doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to a redhead! Thanks for reading, go feisty mares and go eventing!

CCI* Rebecca Farm XC Video

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 11:01 am -

Just a small selection of the CCI* and also I think a couple of the training three day horses at the end. At least you can get an idea of the course and the surroundings.

Go Cross country and go eventing!

Training Three Day at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 10:50 am -

One of the real delights at Rebecca Farm for me has been the Long Format Training Three Day Event. The competitors have really embraced it, and so have the professionals helping them out with tips, course walks and lectures. It was such a treat to see the riders out on roads and tracks this morning, to see spectators gathered round the steeplechase, and most of all to meet Therese Russell.

Therese is what eventing is all about – if she hadn’t already won four prizes in a row these last four years, and sitting pretty to win a fifth tomorrow, I’d say someone please give this girl a medal! Juggling two children aged 3 and 7, a job as an elementary school teacher with her riding, I’m full of admiration for her energy and enthusiasm. Therese came down in a bunch of about twenty students with Lexi Lind’s “No Faults Farm” from Woodenville in Washington. She told me they’re all staying on site, and taking it in turns to make dinner each night – sounds like a great time. Thanks for talking to us, Therese. Congratulations and good luck for number five tomorrow! I also managed to get some footage of the ten minute box in case anyone wants to have a look at that too.

Thanks for reading. Go Three Day Eventing!

Rock on Rock on Rose!

By Samantha Clark on Jul 24, 2011 12:14 am -

Kevin Baumgardner – a brief chat

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 11:34 pm -

Kevin Baumgardner may have retired as USEA president, but by no means is he taking it easy! Lying third overnight on his lovely Jefferson D’Aurois in the CIC* here at Rebecca Farm after a double clear xc, (at 7:57am!), he also still serves on several committees. He kindly stopped for a minute to talk about his lovely horse, and also explain the details of the Becky Broussard Grant.

Many thanks to Kevin for his time, and wishing him a nice clear round tomorrow, and then a lie-in perhaps on monday?! Kevin also spoke to the local radio station here in Kalispell, and when he was asked about being a close personal friend of Becky’s, I thought he had a lovely answer; he told the DJ you could probably find 10,000 close personal friends of Becky’s wandering around Rebecca Farm today, that was the kind of effect she had on people. Go Rebecca Farm, and Go Eventing!

CCI* Rebecca Farm XC video

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 11:21 pm -

Just a small selection of the CCI* and also I think a couple of the training three day horses at the end. At least you can get an idea of the course and the surroundings.

Go Cross country and go eventing!

Training Three Day at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 9:10 pm -

Thanks for reading. Go Three Day Eventing!

Cross country Day at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 8:54 pm -

Buck Davidson and All the Aces had a beautiful round in the CCI 2*

It’s turned into the most beautiful day here, and the courses have ridden really well for the most part. Mistakes have spread out all over the place, and they’ve been mostly pilot error and not serious. I think this is my favourite Mark Phillips course, the horses could see their way through the combinations, it was technical enough but there was nothing trappy about it, the terrain here is lovely, so seeing as how you already got the meat and potatoes from John, without further ado I’m just going to give you my pictures, and hopefully later I’ll be able to get my videos up too.

Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizazz

Buck jumps All the Aces through the Saloon

Kristin Schmolze had a really near miss over the the fence right before the Saloon, and SO nearly came off Ballylaffin Bracken, but made an astonishing recovery to get away with just 20 penalties, and here she is in Jurassic Park immediately after that.

Maya Studenmund and Shear Mizou

Jessie Phoenix had Pavarotti well anchored and they had a nice round.

The CIC2*

(not competitors, well, not in the 2*!)

James Atkinson on the first of two rides, Annie Oakley III

Jordan Taylor and Cambridge

The CIC 3*

Buck Davidson lies in second place in both the CCI 2* and the CIC 3*; he says he’s thrilled with both of his horses, and that Reggie rises to the occasion the more crowds there are. He also mentioned that last year the show-jumping was very big and difficult, and it’s all to play for on sunday. Buck’s owners are here this weekend, as well as his mother, and he joked that keeping her busy was perhaps the most pressure of the weekend! He did add that he’d managed to squeeze in a couple of rounds of golf, so it can’t be all bad! Allison told us that Arthur has been feeling so full of himself all week that she actually gave him a gallop this morning before cross country so she said he was very rideable this afternoon. She also mentioned that she is another rider who’s applying to take advantage of the Becky Broussard Grant, and if she’s lucky enough to be the recipient she would spend it on going to Badminton next year and hope for a good result there. In the meantime, Arthur will be pointed to either Fairhill or Pau this autumn.

The Advanced

As expected, Exponential and Jessica Phoenix looked fantastic, as did fellow Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad on Gin N’ Juice; they both were on course at the same time which was quite a sight to behold. There were considerable crowds here today, watching from the hill which was great to see; the event does a great job of promoting Rebecca Farm locally. Carl Bouckaert’s Cyrano Z looked fabulous, he has such a lovely way of going, I’m a big fan of this horse. Poor Tamra Smith jumped the wrong table in the photo above, three from home. There are about four in a row, and the jump judge was sitting right by the 2* one as Tamra galloped straight towards her and jumped it, and joked that it was the most exciting moment of the day for her and her children! – hopefully Tamra won’t make that mistake again; until then Mar de Amor had looked good, throwing some pretty good jumps in there, but getting the job done. In the advanced, Karen O’Connor circled Veronica between 22B and C when she stumbled on landing off of the bank.

The Open Prelim, unbelievably, is just wrapping up. I have a few videos to upload, and the trot up is bright and early, again at 8am tomorrow, so check back soon, thanks for reading, and go eventing!

Cross country Day at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 6:31 pm -

Buck Davidson and All the Aces had a beautiful round in the CCI 2*

Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizazz

Buck jumps All the Aces through the Saloon

Maya Studenmund and Shear Mizou

Jessie Phoenix had Pavarotti well anchored and they had a nice round.

The CIC2*

(not competitors, well, not in the 2*!)

James Atkinson on the first of two rides, Annie Oakley III

Jordan Taylor and Cambridge

The CIC 3*

The Advanced

As expected, Exponential and Jessica Phoenix looked fantastic, as did fellow Canadian Hawley Bennet-Awad on Gin’n’Juice; they both were on course at the same time which was quite a sight to behold. There were considerable crowds here today, watching from the hill which was great to see; the event does a great job of promoting Rebecca Farm locally. Carl Bouckaert’s Cyrano Z looked fabulous, he has such a lovely way of going, I’m a big fan of this horse. Poor Tamra Smith jumped the wrong table in the photo above, three from home. There are about four in a row, and the jump judge was sitting right by the 2* one as galloped towards her and jumped it – hopefully she won’t make that mistake again; until then Mar de Amor had looked good, throwing some pretty good jumps in there, but getting the job done.

The Open Prelim, unbelievably, is still going on. I have a few videos to upload, and the trot up is bright and early, again at 8am tomorrow, so check back soon, thanks for reading, and go eventing!

Heather Gillette

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 11:07 am -

Heather Gillette was one of the competitors here at Rebecca Farm who took advantage of the new grant set up in Becky Broussard’s memory [PDF]to help US riders who haven’t yet represented their country internationally, make the trip to Montana to compete at her event. On Friday, dressage day of the CIC 3*, she proved that the investment was worthwhile with a lovely test on Our Questionnaire, good enough to move her into second place.

After the press conference I asked her about the logo on her jacket which had caught my eye, and she told me it was a freebie that she got as part the package deal in Questy’s flight, and we both exclaimed again at how amazing the hospitality is here at Rebecca Farm. It’s also Heather’s first time at The Event, but she explained that not only is she competing, but she had rather an important interview to attend here yesterday….

Wishing Heather a great ride on Saturday, a terrific autumn campaign, and without knowing who the other candidates for the grant are, I think I can safely say I’d love for her to receive an early Christmas present at the USEA convention this year! Go for all the grants you’re eligible for, and go eventing!

Tamra Smith

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 10:56 am -

Tamra hails from California, which is a good excuse for me not to have met her before now. I remember admiring her and Mar de Amor in the dressage at Bromont, and then not seeing them “in person” again after that – time seems to run away from me at events, so I was very happy to catch up with her after her CIC 3* dressage today at Rebecca Farm.

Wishing Tamra the best of luck this weekend, and wherever her fall campaign ends up taking her. In case you were wondering, Tamra told me Fleeceworks Mystere du Val also used to be owned by Judith McSwain, and when Beatrice and Guy Rey-Herme bought him they kept the prefix, and Judith apparently very kindly offered to sponsor them in kind in return. Tamra also shared with me that her lovely mare, Fleeceworks Fernhill, was sourced from Carol Gee in Ireland. A big thank you to Tamra for her time, and it’s so nice to have met her in person. Thank you of course for reading, and go eventing.

Heather Gillette

By Samantha Clark on Jul 23, 2011 8:57 am -

Heather Gillette was one of the competitors here at Rebecca Farm who took advantage of the new grant set up in Becky Broussard’s memory to help US riders who haven’t yet represented their country internationally, make the trip to Montana to compete at her event. On friday, dressage day of the CIC 3*, she proved that the investment was worthwhile with a lovely test on Our Questionnaire, good enough to move her into second place.

Wishing Heather a great ride on saturday, a terrific autumn campaign, and without knowing who the other candidates for the grant are, I think I can safely say I’d love for her to receive an early Christmas present at the USEA convention this year! Go for all the grants you’re eligible for, and go eventing!

Tamra Smith

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 11:09 pm -

Friday Afternoon CIC 3* Dressage

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 10:13 pm -

Surely John, and most of Eventing Nation know by now that maths, scores, anything remotely analytical, geographical or technical is way beyond me, so please do not wait up for lists of anything; instead I can give you lots of dogs, horses, random pictures and interviews, in no particular order, because that’s how my brain works – it’s a wonder I’m still here! Besides, all the scores are here.

Allison Springer rode another beautiful test on Arthur to take the lead, as expected, this afternoon in the CIC 3* at Rebecca Farm. Each time I see them compete, I second guess Allison in the warm up, think Arthur looks as if he’s going to lose it at any minute, and wonder if she’s miscalculated her warm-up, (because of course I know her horse far better than she does, ahem!), but every time she goes into that arena they just turn it on. Allison is an excellent, technical test rider, she doesn’t leave any marks behind and although she’s a subtle, quiet rider it’s also very obvious that she’s really riding the horse, being proactive about squeezing every mark possible out of each movement.

Carl Bouckaert was the unluckiest rider today on the lovely Cyrano Z: drawn to go immediately after the break, they watered and dragged the warm-up arenas for the 15 minutes before his test which left him very little space to work, not to mention having to avoid the somewhat cavalier drivers! Drawing on his considerable experience, he was able to get some nice moments out of Cyrano Z who was pretty upset on entering the arena, and finished with a decent score.

The cool temperatures, a brisk wind, and the cross country start close by all added up to an electric atmosphere which some horses coped with better than others. Allie Slusher did a lovely test on Last Call and I’m certainly not the only one who thinks she was rather hard done by on the marks.

Hawley Bennet also rode really well on her lovely little mare, Gin’n’Juice, to move into third place. She told us that she rode her four times today, and so was able to get on right before her test and walk straight into the arena on her.

Hawley also said that she’s been coming to Rebecca Farm since it started ten years ago, and that it’s the perfect prep event for the fall three-days. She also referenced the cold weather, and joked that this was perfect for acclimatising for England too.

Just in case you thought we were exaggerating!

Heather Gillette sits in second place, and was thrilled with Our Questionnaire’s test. She told us that Cassie Segal gave him a kiss at the barn before she got on and left a big lipstick mark on his nose, so from now on that will be her lucky routine! I had a brief chat with Heather at the end of the day, and hope to have that up for you soon. Sharon White got the section started with a very fit and strong looking Rafferty’s Rules. There were some flashes of brilliance, but he looked impatient to get on with tomorrow’s job, shaking his head and losing rhythm occasionally.

John Michael Durr on Warrick

Sara Kozumplik on Manolo Blahnik who has such a lovely, soft and yet springy looking canter. His test was really nice until the walk when Sara just couldn’t contain his enthusiasm any more and jogged for most of it which was a shame. She was another rider who brought him out to work earlier and he’d been pretty fresh then too.

Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM who did a nice test but looked even better in the warm up. Buck made an error of course in the walk, and Reggie was swishing his tail and looked a bit tense in the arena. Buck told me he’s heading to Galway Downs with him this autumn – it’s easy to forget he’s only 11 years old and yet in the last twelve months has jumped clean round Burghley and Badminton.

Joe Meyer and Snip performed a businesslike test as you’d expect from a pair who’ve contested World Games, Badminton’s and Olympics together. Snip looks fantastic for nineteen years old, and is a credit to tough kiwi thoroughbreds!

Props to Katie Ruppel who handled Sir Donovan with extreme tact, and even managed to smile ruefully as she came out of the arena. He was beginning to act up in the warm-up, and sure enough did not want a bar of his dressage test, but she managed to get through it with grace, and I hope she has a super cross country, which surely won’t make up for it, but won’t add to the misery!

Cross country starts at 7:30am saturday morning, and I had a lovely chat earlier with Tamra Smith and Heather Gillette, who are both delightful, and which I hope to have uploaded soon. Bundle up warm if you’re in northwest Montana, see you in the morning and go eventing!

Friday Afternoon CIC 3* Dressage

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 8:09 pm -

Just in case you thought we were exaggerating!

John Michael Durr on Warrick

Debbie Rosen and The Alchemyst

Jessie Phoenix takes the CCI2* lead

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 6:29 pm -

Jessie returned to competition in style by taking the dressage lead in the CCI 2* on Pavarotti here at Rebecca Farm. I caught up with her briefly afterwards for a quick chat about her enforced “holiday” and her plans with Exponential leading up to Burghley.

Incredibly, Exponential raced in Canada until he was about seven or eight years old, then retired himself from the track by lying down every time they tried to put the saddle on him! Jessie found him by riding him as a favour for a client, and the rest, as they say, is history. Wishing them both, and Pavarotti, the very best of luck this weekend, and of course at Burghley too. Welcome back Team Phoenix, and Go Eventing!

Friday morning Dressage at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 5:56 pm -

Maya Studenmund and Shear Mizou

I hate to complain about the cold when the majority of the States are sweltering in intense heat, but it really was quite chilly at Rebecca Farm this morning, and temperatures are forecast to drop into the thirties tonight. What with cross country starting bright and early at 7:30am tomorrow, I may well have a trip to the sporting goods store in my future to stock up on some thermal underwear – it never occurred to me to pack it for a midsummer trip, even though I am going straight from here to England so I should have known better. Rest assured I do have my rain gear!

Buck Davidson and All the Aces

Ronald Z-B rides three in the CCI **; he got the ball rolling on Che Mr Wiseguy. Phillip Dutton warmed them up, and they made an attractive picture – relaxed, composed, and obviously a long-standing partnership very comfortable with each other.

Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizazz, who worked well, but he has that annoying habit of sticking his tongue out quite a lot which will no doubt cost them dearly.

David, Phillip, Allison and Buck were all helping their various riders and not only was I thrilled to meet Sally O’Connor in person this morning, but she explained to me the FEI rule, that coaches must now stay on the sidelines, ie NOT in the middle of the arena, and she’d already had to remind several of them about this. The rule stems from pure dressage, and Sally also told me the wonderful news that she’ll be contributing more to Eventing Nation in the future from the “official’s” perspective, especially from Burghley, so that’s definitely something to look forward to.

Allison and Phillip – staying on the edges!

The Ringmaster?!

It was very sweet – there was a mother and daughter waiting for Buck to finish coaching, before they breathlessy approached him, and asked, “Mr Davidson, please could you sign our hats and shirt?” Just to clarify, they weren’t wearing either item! Buck was very gracious, but told them that Mr Davidson was his dad, and that he was Buck, signed the items, chatted for a minute or two, and then went back to work.

Arthur getting in the zone before his dressage this afternoon. Allison told me he feels great, is loving the cooler weather; she rode him twice this morning, at least that I saw, she said fatigue doesn’t exist for him – Give me some of that! Speaking of which, time for me to scurry back as Sharon White will be entering the arena at 1:30pm Rebecca Farm time, to start the CIC 3* and I certainly can’t miss that. Go Chilly Montana and Go Eventing!

When I grow up I want to be…..

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 2:42 pm -

Sharon White!

Richard Jeffery at Rebecca Farm

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 2:28 pm -

Richard Jeffery designs show-jumping courses for prestigious events and shows all over the world, ( WEG, Burghley, Rolex, Wellington…) but we both got a bit giddy when he very kindly showed me around the magnificent workshop of jumps at Rebecca Farm.

Richard is ably assisted by Marc Donovan in Ring 2, and international eventer turned jumper Paul Delbrook. Thank you to Richard for his time, and for making Christmas come early this year! Thanks for reading, keep jumping, and go eventing!

Jessie Phoenix takes the lead

By Samantha Clark on Jul 22, 2011 2:04 pm -

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About Samantha Clark

Latest Articles Written

Sunday lunchtime at Rebecca Farm

Training Three Day Wraps up at Rebecca Farm

Training Three Day Wraps up at Rebecca Farm

Rock on Rock on Rose!

CCI* Rebecca Farm XC Video

Training Three Day at Rebecca Farm

Rock on Rock on Rose!

Kevin Baumgardner – a brief chat

CCI* Rebecca Farm XC video

Training Three Day at Rebecca Farm

Cross country Day at Rebecca Farm

Cross country Day at Rebecca Farm

Heather Gillette

Tamra Smith

Heather Gillette

Tamra Smith

Friday Afternoon CIC 3* Dressage

Friday Afternoon CIC 3* Dressage

Jessie Phoenix takes the CCI2* lead

Friday morning Dressage at Rebecca Farm

When I grow up I want to be…..

Richard Jeffery at Rebecca Farm

Jessie Phoenix takes the lead

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