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EN John can get wifi anywhere, see above. I, on the other hand, can only get it in the Fork main barn. Such is my life.
Phillip Dutton on Isabella
Carl Bouckaert on Cyrano Z
Intermediate Cross-Country Videos
Intermediate Cross Country Videos
A great day for almost everyone, but especially Leo!
Huge props to the course builders here at The Fork today; their hard work paid off and most people finished with smiles on their faces, and commented on how good the footing felt after all the work that had been on it. I saw a lot of really nice rides and some really nice horses. There’s nothing like seeing quality horses open up across the countryside – goosebumps! The crew were kept busy replacing the flags at the corners and skinnies, topping up the brush in brush fences, and at the end of the day, trying to repair the going at the trakener. Thanks for a great job, guys
My videos from the intermediate cross country this morning are slowly uploading, they should be on youtube at some point tonight. I am going to give you these pictures from the intermediate, go and get something to eat, and then perhaps get the three star and advanced up later, or in the morning. Or not! It’s lashing down rain, there’s thunder and lightning, and even a tornado warning in the forecast so it could be an exciting night.
Quick Intermediate XC Recap
On the whole the intermediate cross country seemed to ride pretty well this morning, although this will be a day poor Kim Seversen will want to forget. After Fantasy Impromptu fell at the trakhener at fence 10, she got up, brushed herself off, smiled, cursed mildy, and got a big hug of relief from Jim Cogdell. Unfortunately, Wiley Post, her second intermediate ride took a purler at the cheese wedge at fence 5. From what I could see from behind, it looked like he left a leg, turned over sideways and rolled on Kim. She sat on the ground for a while, and then limped into the ambulance, smiling wanly and obviously shaken. Wiley Post was being led back to the stables, and didn’t have any visible injuries, but may be sore for a few days. Kim is such a popular competitor, I know we all wish her the very best, and feel for her right now.
Rebecca Howard started the day off in tremendous form with a great ride on Roquefort, and David O Connor showed a clean pair of heels sprinting up the hill to keep tabs on her on the way round. Selena Hanlon counts strides out loud to every jump but didn’t miss one that I saw, so it definitely works. It was super to see Jan Byny back out on course, and Pawlow looked very happy skipping round the intermediate with Will Faudree. Clark Montgomery rode a smooth but speedy, and of course flawless (!) round on Stellor King, Sharon White also looked fantastic on Rafferty’s Rules.
Hannah Burnett & Harbour Pilot also looked good, so did Veronica for Karen O Connor and Cold Harbour for Boyd Martin. I really liked Buck’s horse, All the Aces, and Laine Ashker’s Rising Spirit was impressive. Walkabout looked strong the entire way round for Jennie Brannigan, leaping and bounding! Will Coleman rode two beautiful rounds. Must go back out for the advanced and 3*. Videos and photos to come, fingers crossed for safe rides this afernoon.
Quick Intermediate XC update
On the whole the intermediate cross country seemed to ride pretty well this morning, although this will be a day poor Kim Seversen will want to forget. After Fantasy Impromptu fell at the trakhener at fence 10, she got up, brushed herself off, smiled, cursed mildy, and got a big hug of relief from Jim Cogdell. Unfortunately, Wiley Post, her second intermediate ride took a purler at the cheese wedge at fence 5. From what I could see from behind, it looked like he left a leg, turned over sideways and rolled on Kim. She sat on the ground for a while, and then limped into the ambulance, smiling wanly and obviously shaken. Wiley Post was being led back to the stables, and didn’t have any visible injuries, but may be sore for a few days. Kim is such a popular competitor, I know we all wish her the very best, and feel for her right now.
Rebecca Howard started the day off in tremendous form with a great ride on Roquefort, and David O Connor showed a clean pair of heels sprinting up the hill to keep tabs on her on the way round. Selena Hanlon counts strides out loud to every jump but didn’t miss one that I saw, so it definitely works. It was super to see Jan Byny back out on course, and Pawlow looked very happy skipping round the intermediate with Will Faudree. Clark Montgomery rode a smooth but speedy, and of course flawless (!) round on Stellor King, Sharon White also looked fantastic on Rafferty’s Rules.
Hannah Burnett & Harbour Pilot also looked good, so did Veronica for Karen O Connor and Cold Harbour for Boyd Martin. I really liked Buck’s horse, All the Aces, and Laine Ashker’s Rising Spirit was impressive. Walkabout looked strong the entire way round for Jennie Brannigan, leaping and bounding! Will Coleman rode two beautiful rounds. Must go back out for the advanced and 3*. Videos and photos to come, fingers crossed for safe rides this afernoon.
Friday afternoon at The Fork
I have to admit I couldn’t watch any more dressage this afternoon, so Leo and I took ourselves off to walk the course. We were hoping to join the Karen and David O’Connor course walk…
…but unluckily arrived just too late.
Luckily, Alison Springer let me tag along while she walked the intermediate with Emily and Caitlin. I’d seen Alison coaching an advanced rider earlier but perhaps because she’s been grabbing all the headlines this spring by dint of winning everything, I didn’t know if she did much teaching. Let me tell you now, I feel so ready to ride round that course after taking in her advice on the way round I may have to go and steal one of Matt Flynn’s horses and buy a pair of breeches! Everything she said made sense and was to the point. She spent enough time at each jump, but didn’t labour over any of them, she talks from experience obviously, but with humour and isn’t in the least bit patronising. She wants us (we, the riders! yes, I can dream!) to be confident, but not complacent. She stressed balance all the way round. She had great tips at the skinnies, the corners and the big tables, I’m really full of admiration, and grateful to her for letting me join in. Wishing Alison and her students great rides tomorrow.
I met someone else this afternoon who I’m full of admiration for – Bronwyn. Bronwyn combines two of the hardest jobs in the world – groom and nanny, and she’s still smiling! It’s a miracle my two children are as wonderful as they are (or even alive, I think sometimes!). I used to think horses were hard work and they are, but children…! Yet Bronwyn looks after baby twins AND a toddler and still seems relaxed and like a normal person! She very kindly agreed to speak to me, and I must apologise for having her facing the sun and squinting, completely my bad.
Please, somebody give Bronwyn a medal! And a drink! Thanks again for talking to us, Bronwyn, we’ll catch up at Rolex. Thanks for reading, it’s a busy day tomorrow, so Leo and I are back to the Hampton Inn, and no we don’t get any kind of discount for mentioning it; in fact rather the opposite, I’m convinced that they’re longing for an excuse to get rid of us! We’ll be back tomorrow to Go Eventing!
Friday afternoon at the Fork
I have to admit I couldn’t watch any more dressage this afternoon, so Leo and I took ourselves off to walk the course. We were hoping to join the Karen and David O Connor course walk
but unluckily arrived just too late.
Luckily, Alison Springer let me tag along while she walked the intermediate with Emily and Caitlin. I’d seen Alison coaching an advanced rider earlier but perhaps because she’s been grabbing all the headlines this spring by dint of winning everything, I didn’t know if she did much teaching. Let me tell you now, I feel so ready to ride round that course after taking in her advice on the way round I may have to go and steal one of Matt Flynn’s horses and buy a pair of breeches! Everything she said made sense and was to the point. She spent enough time at each jump, but didn’t labour over any of them, she talks from experience obviously, but with humour and isn’t in the least bit patronising. She wants us (we, the riders! yes, I can dream!) to be confident, but not complacent. She stressed balance all the way round. She had great tips at the skinnies, the corners and the big tables, I’m really full of admiration, and grateful to her for letting me join in. Wishing Alison and her students great rides tomorrow.
I met someone else this afternoon who I’m full of admiration for – Bronwyn. Bronwyn combines two of the hardest jobs in the world – groom and nanny, and she’s still smiling! It’s a miracle my two children are as wonderful as they are (or even alive, I think sometimes!). I used to think horses were hard work and they are, but children…! Yet Bronwyn looks after baby twins AND a toddler and still seems relaxed and like a normal person! She very kindly agreed to speak to me, and I must apologise for having her facing the sun and squinting, completely my bad.
Please, somebody give Bronwyn a medal! And a drink! Thanks again for talking to us, Bronwyn, we’ll catch up at Rolex. Thanks for reading, it’s a busy day tomorrow, so Leo and I are back to the Hampton Inn, and no we don’t get any kind of discount for mentioning it; in fact rather the opposite, I’m convinced that they’re longing for an excuse to get rid of us! We’ll be back tomorrow to Go Eventing!
A Swift Update
Critical Decision warmed up beautifully for Missy Ransehousen, but got slightly tense in the arena, so Missy perhaps rode him more conservatively than she might have done.
Alison Springer had Destination Known brought up so that she could help Kelly Pugh on Copycat Chloe before both their advanced tests.
Another nice grey horse, Titanium, did a good test for Buck Davidson. Buck was telling me this ex-steeplechaser was really sick earlier this year, and almost died, but is now back on track and heading for Rolex.
It’s been a marathon two days of dressage, and I think everyone is relieved that it’s almost over, although the last session has some exciting combinations in it, so I must go and get out there, groan! More coming soon, Go Eventing!
Rebecca Howard on the home advantage – NOT!
Rebecca Howard is the resident rider and trainer here at the Fork, and seeing as I’m about to relinquish my room at the Hampton Inn and move into the barn here, you might think she’s the luckiest girl in the world. She’s also lovely, modest, smart and talented – it must be true what they say about Canadians! Rebecca was kind enough to spare us a few minutes out of her busy schedule to talk about what it’s like to be based here at the Fork, and competing on home ground.
Thank you so much for talking to us Rebecca. Good luck this weekend, and we look forward to cheering you on at Rolex.
Rebecca Howard on the home advantage – NOT!
Rebecca Howard is the resident rider and trainer here at the Fork, and seeing as I’m about to relinquish my room at the Hampton Inn and move into the barn here, you might think she’s the luckiest girl in the world. She’s also lovely, modest, smart and talented – it must be true what they say about Canadians! Rebecca was kind enough to spare us a few minutes out of her busy schedule to talk about what it’s like to be based here at the Fork, and competing on home ground.
Thank you so much for talking to us Rebecca. Good luck this weekend, and we look forward to cheering you on at Rolex.
More random musings on the 2nd day of dressage
Clark Montgomery moved into the lead after this morning’s session of 3* dressage with a lovely, smooth test on Loughan Glen. I seemed to see lots of lovely big, bay horses, big movers, working this morning. Some had done their tests yesterday and were just loosening up before hacking on the trails. Arthur and Isabella both looked like they were expecting to, and would much rather run cross country. Buck Davidson brought both his bright bays up, Absolute Liberty and Ballynoe Castle (in a hackamore) up, and worked a bit, stood around and watched a bit, chatted a bit. The Selle Francaise was well-represented with Sinead Halpern this morning doing a lovely test on Manoir de Carneville. I spoke to her afterwards, and she told me she was pretty pleased, but still thinks by the autumn she’ll be able to ask for a lot more in the arena; they did look super outside and slightly lost some of that in the arena, but it still looked pretty damn good to me! Also Boyd’s french horse Otis who is going to be a stunner, and looks twice, or even ten times the horse he did just a month ago at Red Hills, but the three star is a big step up already, and of course the lovely Port Authority who has french bloodlines from Galoubet. There are lots more, and thank you so much for all your comments on everything I miss, I love it!
Steph R-B also did a nice test to currently sit in 8th place. She really rode Ollie in the arena, and got some good work out of him.
Karen O Connor also rode strongly for a nice test on Mandiba. Both of them will be heading to Badminton, fingers crossed.
Time stood still and everyone stopped to watch Karen’s test.
David O Connor and Captain Mark Phillips have totally owned the dressage warm up arena these last few days, they have both been standing out there faithfully like sentinels, helping their riders and sometimes the same rider.
It was interesting to watch the horses and riders hack to and from the dressage arena, some walked up on a loose rein, some trotted up as if they were on roads and tracks ( showing my age!), and a couple of people even got off and led their horses back down to the barns when they’d finished riding. I always dismounted immediately after I finished a cross country course and led my horse back to the barn, but apart from that, personally, I always feel much safer and much more in control on top.(of the horse!)
Doug Payne’s boots – are they lucky, or is he in the market for a new pair?!
Two whole days of dressage – booooring!
and finally, quiz question……
Which high-profile eventing persona wears shape-ups? Answer in the next random musings!
Fence 12 – The sunken road combination on the advanced/3*
Thursday evening Carl Bouckaert and Clark Montgomery kindly let me tag along while they walked the cross country, and even gave us some tips at a couple of the combinations. Here’s Clark explaining how he’s going to approach, and then hopefully, execute Fence 12, the sunken road.
Here is the snake that was oblivious to all the Horse Trials action Wednesday, but thank goodness was nowhere to be seen Thursday.
For the record, Clark must be one of the most stylish men, not just in Eventing, but in general. I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that his lovely wife Jess must surely be in some way responsible because not only is she supermodel stunning herself, but always looks wonderful in whatever she wears. Today she rocked a very cute straw hat, not unlike her husband’s, but much prettier (!) – they’re based in Georgia and therefore are smart about protecting themselves from the sun, and I was gobsmacked when she told me she’d rushed to Walmart that morning and picked it up there – she made it look a million bucks!
Clark helping Missy Miller on Amazing Grace earlier this morning.
Thank you to Clark & Carl for their patience in stopping to make the little clips for EventingNation in the middle of their course walk. For Carl’s clip, go to my blog. We wish you safe and successful rides this weekend. Go eventing!
One more reason to love Boyd Martin
“Every morning when I get up, I grab a cup of coffee and check out Eventing Nation”
[Go Boyd, and Go Eventing!
Random thoughts & photos
I can’t say enough good things about the organisers, volunteers and everyone who helps make the Horse Trials here at The Fork happen. Without fail,every one I speak to remarks on how helpful and polite all the event staff and volunteers are, and it’s absolutely true. The two dressage stewards face their second very long day tomorrow sitting on the edge of a dusty arena in baking sun with no shade, and they told me how privileged they felt to have been able to watch such fantastic riding all day. One of them told me in hushed, awed tones about watching Bruce Davidson teaching, and that she was over the moon! So thank you, Bruce, but especially thank you to all the volunteers, and the hardworking organisation that make the Fork Horse Trials possible.
This is what wins medals – attention to detail, amongst other things!
The O’Connor shed row -like all the O’Connor horses, immaculately turned out, beautifully presented, and a credit to the whole team, but especially Max Corcoran who runs a tight ship.
Congratulations also on their new puppy, who as Karen explained to me, has an impeccable eventing pedigree, being the product of her’s and Will Faudree’s dog, Beckett. Unfortunately Leo demonstrated his very lowly breeding at this point by peeing on her hay, and I was too mortified to take a picture of the puppy, and instead beat a hasty retreat. Apologies, and perhaps tomorrow.
Rebecca Howard & the lovely Riddle Master. I wondered if they had the same problem that Hawley encountered last weekend at Galway, competing at/so close to home, but they looked pretty good working on the flat this afternoon.
Alison Springer on Arthur right before their test
WIll Coleman on Twizzel (just seen!)
Hannah Burnett had both CMP and David O’Connor coaching her this weekend. CMP helped her yesterday afternoon, but David helps her more regularly as she’s based with the O’Connor Event team. She’s been kind enough to write for EN, and mentioned it briefly this morning, but I thought it was an interesting dynamic. Both men wanted to speak to her as soon as she finished her test, but David O’Connor was the gentleman and stood back. David also spent much longer with her,going over the test. I saw him do the same with Jessie Phoenix after her test; he’s very good at balancing the fine line between coach and friend, and also in getting the best out of his riders without unnecessarily drilling them.
Everything else is now going to have to wait until tomorrow as it’s far too late for me to be sitting in the barn, no matter how lavish. Thanks for reading, good night, and go eventing!
Taking care of the future
Bernadette and Jim Cogdell are the most wonderful and gracious hosts here at the Fork. Their hospitality trickles down, because absolutely everyone here, the volunteers and support team, the vets, farriers, even the riders, is so friendly, polite and helpful! I talked to Jim yesterday after the highly successful inaugural shooting challenge, and he explained briefly why he’s so passionate about the countryside and rural sports, and how the Fork is involved.
I have to admit the shooting scoring is still double dutch to me, it’s way beyond my maths and logic capabilities. An enormous thank you to the Cogdells, not just for hosting the Horse Trials, but for everything they do here. Please do take some time to check out their website, especially their conservation page, but if you’re in the mood for some shooting, or a rural break, head on over! Thanks for talking to us, Jim. Go hunting, shooting and Eventing!
Random thoughts & photos
I can’t say enough good things about the organisers, volunteers and everyone who helps make the Horse Trials here at The Fork happen. Without fail,every one I speak to remarks on how helpful and polite all the event staff and volunteers are, and it’s absolutely true. The two dressage stewards face their second very long day tomorrow sitting on the edge of a dusty arena in baking sun with no shade, and they told me how privileged they felt to have been able to watch such fantastic riding all day. One of them told me in hushed, awed tones about watching Bruce Davidson teaching, and that she was over the moon! So thank you, Bruce, but especially thank you to all the volunteers, and the hardworking organisation that make the Fork Horse Trials possible.
This is what wins medals – attention to detail, amongst other things!
The O Connor shed row -like all the O Connor horses, immaculately turned out, beautifully presented, and a credit to the whole team, but especially Max Corcoran who runs a tight ship.
Congratulations also on their new puppy, who as Karen explained to me, has an impeccable eventing pedigree, being the product of her’s and Will Faudree’s dog, Beckett. Unfortunately Leo demonstrated his very lowly breeding at this point by peeing on her hay, and I was too mortified to take a picture of the puppy, and instead beat a hasty retreat. Apologies, and perhaps tomorrow.
Rebecca Howard & the lovely Riddle Master. I wondered if they had the same problem that Hawley encountered last weekend at Galway, competing at/so close to home, but they looked pretty good working on the flat this afternoon.
Alison Springer on Arthur right before their test
WIll Coleman on Twizzel (just seen!)
Hannah Burnett had both CMP and David O Connor coaching her this weekend. CMP helped her yesterday afternoon, but David helps her more regularly as she’s based with the O Connor Event team. She’s been kind enough to write for EN, and mentioned it briefly this morning, but I thought it was an interesting dynamic. Both men wanted to speak to her as soon as she finished her test, but David O Connor was the gentleman and stood back. David also spent much longer with her,going over the test. I saw him do the same with Jessie Phoenix after her test; he’s very good at balancing the fine line between coach and friend, and also in getting the best out of his riders without unnecessarily drilling them.
Everything else is now going to have to wait until tomorrow as it’s far too late for me to be sitting in the barn, no matter how lavish. Thanks for reading, good night, and go eventing!
Carl Bouckaert at the two corners, Fences 19 & 20
Although Carl has vast experience, his lovely horse, Cyrano Z does not, and this may impact how Carl rides these corners. Here he explains the options to us,
Here’s Carl working Cyrano Z on the flat earlier. The rings got quite dry and dusty despite watering at lunchtime. The going on the cross country is also fairly hard, and the forecast calls for a chance of rain, so I think most riders are crossing their fingers that it will arrive before saturday.
Huge thank you’s again to both Carl and Clark for their time and patience. It’s always such a treat to walk the course with experienced riders, and glean as much of their knowledge from them as I can! Today was certainly no exception, ,and I’ll hopefully find some more unsuspecting victims willing volunteers tomorrow.
Thanks for reading/watching as always, and as always – Go Eventing!
Travers Schick – The Fork Course Builder
Leo and I were lucky enough to bump into Travers while we walked the course Wednesday. Mick Costello, (Rolex Course builder of course, and so much more!) had told me to look out for him, and had also told me about the hog roast Travers is hosting tonight, the first annual Fork Course builder’s party and it’s infamous before it’s even happened! After speaking to Travers, I retract my earlier statements, I no longer think it’s a dog’s life or a horse’s life if stabled here at the Fork, it’s most definitely a course builder’s life. When I grow up, In my next life I want to come back as Travers Schick! He spent two months last summer hiking and climbing up mountains (the seriously big ones, with heavy backpacks, and ice and things!) with his buddy, and he’s heading to Alaska again this June for more of the same. He joked that his fitness regime for the climbing will start “after this weekend”! Thank you so much for your time, Travers. For photos of his beautiful jumps please check out the earlier post, Cross country preview.
Fence 12 – The sunken road combination on the advanced/3*
This evening Carl Bouckaert and Clark Montgomery kindly let me tag along while they walked the cross country, and even gave us some tips at a couple of the combinations. Here’s Clark explaining how he’s going to approach, and then hopefully, execute Fence 12, the sunken road.
Here is the snake that was oblivious to all the Horse Trials action yesterday, but thank goodness was nowhere to be seen today.
For the record, Clark must be one of the most stylish men, not just in Eventing, but in general. I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that his lovely wife Jess must surely be in some way responsible because not only is she supermodel stunning herself, but always looks wonderful in whatever she wears. Today she rocked a very cute straw hat, not unlike her husband’s, but much prettier (!) – they’re based in Georgia and therefore are smart about protecting themselves from the sun, and I was gobsmacked when she told me she’d rushed to Walmart that morning and picked it up there – she made it look a million bucks!
Clark helping Missy Miller on Amazing Grace earlier this morning.
Thank you to Clark & Carl for their patience in stopping to make these little clips for EventingNation in the middle of their course walk. We wish you safe and successful rides this weekend. Go eventing!
For Eventing Safety (John)
Frangible pins on both front and back rails on the oxer at fence 13.
Taking care of the future
Bernadette and Jim Cogdell are the most wonderful and gracious hosts here at the Fork. Their hospitality trickles down, because absolutely everyone here, the volunteers and support team, the vets, farriers, even the riders, is so friendly, polite and helpful! I talked to Jim yesterday after the highly successful inaugural shooting challenge, and he explained briefly why he’s so passionate about the countryside and rural sports, and how the Fork is involved.
I have to admit the shooting scoring is still double dutch to me, it’s way beyond my maths and logic capabilities. An enormous thank you to the Cogdells, not just for hosting the Horse Trials, but for everything they do here. Please do take some time to check out their website, especially their conservation page, but if you’re in the mood for some shooting, or a rural break, head on over! Thanks for talking to us, Jim. Go hunting, shooting and Eventing!
