Crazy storms and the following rainfall have made things interesting this weekend at Millbrook, or should we say #Mudbrook Horse Trials. Huge kudos to the organizers for being flexible to keep the show going! Advanced and Intermediate will have both jumping phases today with show jumping beginning at 8 a.m. and cross country starting at 10 a.m.
Cross country day at Aachen CHIO was a rollercoaster from start to finish as even top riders fell victim to Rüdiger Schwarz’s challenging course. Among those who faltered was defending winner Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. The pair had a run out at the triple brush at 16A—the most influential fence on course.
Not shying from a chance to help us all learn, Ingrid provided commentary on her ride in English over her helmet cam, explaining why and how she rode certain elements including the runout at 16. SAP Sports also provided detailed analysis of the pair’s speed and minute markers. Ride along with Ingrid and Bobby! Click here to catch up on EN’s coverage at Aachen.
Why SpectraVET?
Reliable. Effective. Affordable.
SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.
We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Bat. Photo courtesy of Tara Munroe.
Here is the story of a very special riding crop. It’s sort of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Bat, from Tara Munroe:
“Three years ago, I attended the Golden Spike HT in Ogden, Utah. It was only my 2nd or 3rd event.
This June, I received a message from an eventer and member of the Wasatch Pony Club, Annie Mull. She had found my jump bat cleaning up after the event in my stall and put my name on it. It disappeared into storage then reappeared this spring. In June, I received a FB message from her regarding the crop and wanting to get it returned back to me.
So fast forward to July. Anne arranged transport of the jumping bat to be delivered to me at Rebecca Farm via a surrogate and fellow eventer, Rosie. Rosie and I connected and hooked up for the handoff of the traveling bat along dressage arena #5 at Rebecca Farm. The following picture is myself being reunited with my $9 bat after a 3 year hiatus. These two strangers met and shared stories of their days rides all because a fellow eventer went the extra mile to get an item back to its owner….. three years later!
That’s just eventers; going the extra mile and supporting one another along the way! Eventers rock! Thank you Ann and Rosie for your diligence in returning my property, but more importantly for validating my love for my sport and it’s athletes!”
Off The Record garnered the attention of the eventing world when he won Great Meadow earlier this month. He is a product of the USEA Young Event Horse pipeline. In addition to YEH, Future Event Horse and New Event Horse programs are all available to the next generation of top event horses. [On and Off the Record: Young, Future, and New Event Horses]
Olympian, U.S. National Champion and now FEI North American Youth gold medalist: Mr. Medicott has had one amazing career with a slew of talented riders. He was officially retired in an emotional ceremony yesterday at Rebecca Farm. Here’s to you, Cave!
National Holiday: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
Major Weekend Events:
The Event at Rebecca Farm C.I.C., 3DE, & H.T. [Results]
Isabell Werth won the Grand Prix Freestyle yesterday at Aachen, but the U.S. riders gave her a run for her money. Isabell and her rival Laura Graves both felt the pressure from Kasey Perry-Glass who finished second (82.205%) with Goerklintgaards Dublet. [Werth Wins, But Perry-Glass And Graves Put The Pressure On In Aachen Freestyle]
Have you entered Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway? To enter to win the prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. Entries close July 29. [#WearGreenForJonty Giveaway]
Despite the jam-packed eventing weekend EN is focused on (See our coverage of Rebecca Farm and CHIO Aachen), I spent my weekend covering the fancy dancing of The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at the Nations Cup in Aachen. When I first realized I had to get up before 5 a.m. to watch dressage I was truthfully not thrilled, but once the live stream started I was quickly reminded just how cool straight dressage is! The brilliance of those horses and riders is so inspiring, and the U.S. team won silver too!
There is something special about galloping across wide open spaces underneath a cloud-dotted Montana sky like something from a classic Western. You guys did that today—well done, cowgirls and guys! Great cross country riding calls for celebration. Here’s Saturday at Rebecca Farm through your eyes:
Wow EN, you guys sure do clean up nicely! Way to turn the jog strip into your own personal runway. From bold colors to fun braids to team spirit, you guys gave eventers a good look yesterday at The Event at Rebecca Farm’s first horse inspection where we got to see all the FEI, NAYC and USEA Classic Series competitors.
Check out the lineup for the next season of Rebecca Farm’s Next Top Model:
Dubbed the “Disney World of Cross Country Courses,” The Event at Rebecca Farm is arguably one of the most beautiful eventing venues we have in this country. From the big sky backdrop to the thoughtful fence construction, these courses have a whimsical feel unique to Rebecca Farm. Take a spin around this eventer’s paradise with special behind-the-scenes insight from course designer Ian Stark.
The Maryland Horse Trials was chock full of competitors this weekend, including a few of the members of the U.S. WEG Team. Carolyn Mackintosh’s special Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD, hosted competitors for their second of two summer series shows. Emma Hinke made her way around the facility to catch some of the action.
Why SpectraVET?
Reliable. Effective. Affordable.
SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.
We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.
Are you headed to The Event at Rebecca Farm this week? Make sure to pack your own refillable water bottle because it’s BYOWB this year.
As thousands of competitors, volunteers and spectators flock to Kalispell, MT, the Broussard family is placing more emphasis on the sustainability of their destination event with their “Bring Your Own Water Bottle” incentive.
“We host thousands of people every year – it’s a privilege and we love doing it. It’s also a big responsibility. That many folks in one place for a relatively short amount of time can have a big impact on the community. In every way possible, we want to ensure it’s a positive impact,” said event organizer, Sarah Broussard. “That’s why you’re going to hear a lot more this year about BYOWB – bring your own water bottle, that is, and we’re inviting the community to jump in with both feet.”
Photo by Sara Broussard.
The event has installed water bottle filling stations around the competition venue, in addition to the traditional recycling stations for plastic, aluminum and cardboard.
“We’re providing water bottle filling stations around the grounds and hoping to promote healthy habits, increased water intake, and sustainability among our guests. This is a huge event and if everybody reduces plastic waste, even just a little bit, we can make a big difference,” Sara said. “Keep an eye out for recycling stations and please take a moment to separate out your recyclables. Your partnership helps our volunteers who will be sorting at the end of each day.”
EN applauds this effort for sustainability in our sport. If you are going to Rebecca Farm this week, join in and BYOWB!
The Event at Rebecca Farm kicks off this week, July 18-22, in Kalispell, MT. In addition to competition from Novice through CCI3* level, the event will also host the prestigious FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC). Our own Leslie Wylie will be the boots on the ground this week, so stay tuned for much more from beautiful Rebecca Farm.
Did you catch yesterday’s talent spot? 6-year-old William Slater is ready to take the eventing world by storm—with help from his super pony named Mark Twain. This kid has all the natural ability and he just seems to love it. If you see him around at an event near you be sure to cheer him on! Check out his 2028 Olympic Talent Watch here. Go William.
A recent study revealed that many popular helmets offer poor side impact protection. A Swedish insurance company, Folksam, tested 15 helmet types and found that many only protected against perpendicular impact. Each of the helmets tested meet current industry standards. [15 Helmets Tested Reveal Poor Side Impact Protection]
Dog owners: Keep Fido on a leash! The FEI has proposed a fine of 100 Swiss Franc ($100 USD) for any loose dogs at International competition. This would be the first dog-related rule from FEI. Honestly, it’s a safety issue, so continue to keep a close eye on your pups. [Fines for loose dogs at major horse events]
Have you entered Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway? To enter to win the prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. We have raised more than €400 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. [#WearGreenForJonty Giveaway]
Surefire Farm is offering another cross country schooling day, Saturday, July 21st 8am-4pm. The schooling fee is $60 and all riders must sign a waiver. [Website]
Tuesday Video:
Which product does Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton trust to keep his horses calm and focused at the biggest events in the world? Chillax. Learn more.
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Katie Sisk and Preachattheriver. Photo via Katie’s Facebook Page.
Suffering from horse show hangover? Hang in there, Eventing Nation! You guys had a super weekend. Many of you are using these sizzling summer shows to nab those final AEC qualifications, like Katie Sisk and Preachattheriver, who won the Senior Beginner Novice Rider-B division at Champagne Run. These two also took home the Beginner Novice TIP Award. Well done!
Congratulations are also due for Kendyl Tracey and Bobbie Burns who earned the lowest finishing score of the weekend on an impressive 20.7.
Here’s your weekend winners:
Gennessee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary: Holly Shine & Good Man Like Me (39.1)
Training: Lucien Rouse & Royal (38.3)
Novice A: Kelly Beglane & Ali’s Winner (32.9)
Novice B: Lisa Reed & Where Is Burke (28.3)
Novice C: Darren Chiacchia & Ewsz Oscar (26.4)
Beginner Novice A: Chacea Sundman & Billy Hero (27.0)
Beginner Novice C: Katherine Fegan & Heartbreak Kid (36.3)
Beginner Novice B (Foxhunters): Erica Hutten, DVM & Felony (34.8)
Maryland at Loch Moy II H.T. [Website] [Results]
CIC*: Sydney Solomon & Qui Luma (32.50)
CIC2*: Caroline Martin & Cristano Z (30.7)
Open Intermediate: Boyd Martin & Ray Price (27.6)
JYOP: Abigail Niles & Carrick Finest Lad (42.90)
Open Preliminary-A: Boyd Martin & Ringo Star (30.40)
Open Preliminary-B: Sharon White & Highlife’s Je T’aime (34.8)
Preliminary Rider: Nicole Wisniewski & Compromise Elsewhere (50.7)
Open Training-A: Abigail Niles & Delight (30.2)
Open Training-B: Benjamin Noonan & Keep Kitty (30.7)
Open Training-A: Stephanie Cauffman & Lamondale Florinia (23.1)
Open Training-B: Allison Springer & Vindakova (26.1)
Training Rider-A: Anna Lawson & My Amelia (32.9)
Training Rider-B: Jessica Ebzery & Share Option (28.8)
Junior Open Novice-A: Campbell Jones & Aura CF (27.6)
Junior Open Novice-B: Campbell Jones & Sophie (26.4)
Novice Rider-A: Devon Nolt & Little Brooke Cruise (28.3)
Novice Rider-B: Lindsay Berreth & Oh So Extreme (26.9)
Novice Rider-C: Susan Gallagher & Chacco Chip (28.8)
Open Novice-A: Ryan Wood & HHS Ontario (22.1)
Open Novice-B: Mike Pendleton & O Bea Brave (31.4)
Open Novice-C: Kendyl Tracy & Bobbie Burns (20.7)
Open Novice-D: Lindsay Kelley & Cooley Romance (25.2)
Lucy Knowles. Photo courtesy of Katie Knowles.
Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate: William Hoos & Brookfield Cult King (36.5)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Alexandra Knowles & Ms. Poppins (40.2)
JR/YR Open Preliminary: Elizabeth Henry & Charlotte La Bouff (31.2)
Open Preliminary: Jenna Schildmier & Eeny Meeny Miny (27.6)
Preliminary Rider: Leah Snowden & Ormolu (35.2)
Preliminary/Training: Madeline O’Brien & Casarino (27.0)
Open Training: Clark Montgomery & Pluto (28.4)
Training Horse: Dan Kreitl & Carmango (28.8)
Training Rider-A: Kiersten Miller & Pierre (32.4)
Training Rider-B: Liz Messaglia & Drumconnick M (29.6)
Junior Novice Rider-A: Miriam Copeland & D’Stinctive (31.0)
Junior Novice Rider-B: Lucy Knowles & Not a Democracy (34.3)
Open Novice-A: Alexander O’Neal & BT MacDiamond (23.8)
Open Novice-B: Mike Huber & Independence (27.9)
Open Novice-C: Michele Clark & Zues (30.4)
Senior Novice Rider B: Kristina Whorton & Finnigan (28.3)
Senior Novice Rider-A: Abby Blackburn & Dior HH (30.0)
Beginner Novice Horse-A: Joanie Morris & Betterthanexpected (34.3)
Beginner Novice Horse-B: Marty Riney & Double Dice (29.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider-A: Madi Page & Lady Leona (31.0)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider-B: Amelia Kremer & Major Attraction (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Hannah Reeser & Desert Rose CR (29.3)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider-A: Monica Pinkerman & Horseradish (32.5)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider-B: Katie Sisk & Preachattheriver (26.8)
Coconino Summer II 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Results]
Advanced Combined Test: Katherine Rivera & Royal Lufttanzer (40.9)
Intermediate: Jess Hargrave & Regenmann (58.5)
Intermediate Combined Test: Summer Peterson & Jake the Fish (35.9)
Open Preliminary: Johanna Diederichs & Dream Squad (37.8)
Open Training: Ghislaine Taylor & Tim (39.2)
Training Championship: Jennifer Miller & Bon Bon (32.0)
Training Junior: Malia Hunter & Dancing On The Moon (34.1)
Training Rider: Shannon Bird & Gatsby V (34.6)
Training 3-Day: Summer Peterson & Lochlann Fiona (41.7)
Novice Championship: Anthony Dovidio & Tragically Hip (29.3)
Novice Junior: Peyton Klein & Mischief Managed (31.2)
Novice Rider: Sarah Richards & Storm of the Century (30.2)
Open Novice: Christiana Schultz & Alexa Dawn (28.1)
Novice 3-Day: Hailey Dahlstrom & Stetson (34.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Sarah Richards & Cassia (25.5)
Beginner Novice Junior: McKenzie Hairston & Layla (34.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kyrie McRoy & Denfer des Sablons (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Lisa Bauman & Sunrise Ruby (22.8)
Beginner Novice 3-Day: Lisa Jacobs & Kung Fu Slew (30.7)
The 2028 U.S. Eventing Team is already out there somewhere, and it’s up to us all to nurture their talent and their big dreams. “2028 Olympic Talent Watch” is an (adorable) new series in which we identify junior eventers who are already exhibiting the heart and the guts to lead American eventing to glory in the (distant) future. Any short-stirrup riders you know come to mind? Email us their story at [email protected]. Let’s meet William Slater!
William and Mark Twain. Photo by Ellie Ellis Glaccum.
Being born into a horsey family meant 6-year-old William Slater would spend a huge chunk of his life in a barn, and now he’s followed right in his parent’s footsteps with a love of horses.
“My husband and I grew up eventing, but now we do racehorses, so he’s kind of just been born into it. He was on a horse about a soon as he was born. He grew up with them,” said mom, Brianne Slater.
William first made it on EN’s Talent Watch radar via Facebook where we were enamored by his natural talent and his cute pony, Mark Twain. William began schooling cross country this spring before taking on his first competition at Elementary level, all under the watchful eye of his coach, Jennie Brannigan.
William with coach Jennie. Photo courtesy of Brianne Slater.
“Jennie is such a great coach and teacher and a good person. She came to get on a racehorse for us at our barn, and she offered to help Will out. He’s been going every week now for a lesson with her,” Brianne said.
Riding with Jennie has given William riders to look up to and emulate, Brianne says. “He takes a lesson with Alexa (Lapp) on Cambalda. He’s doing the same kind of things these horses are doing. Not the same height, but in the grid work he’s doing all the combinations. I think it helps him too to watch better riders ride, Jennie, Alexa, Steph (Cauffman) and see how they do it.”
William and Mark Twain jumping a keyhole at Windurra. Photo by Ellie Ellis Glaccum.
William has been practicing over the summer too, and he enjoyed the chance at taking a clinic with one of his riding idols, Boyd Martin.
“He was by far the youngest there, and I though it might be a bit much for him. They went to Boyd Martin’s the first day and had a big group lesson with Boyd. He was jumping keyhole jumps and going through the water and he jumped a training level ditch. It was insane,” Brianne said.
“Later in the week they went to Bruce Davidson’s. He was jumping massive fences there it was insane the stuff he was doing. Me growing up, I did Pony Club, and I never jumped that kind of stuff until I was a lot older. I definitely wasn’t as brave I know that, but he rises up. He doesn’t really have fear it’s really crazy especially in a group situation like that if the bigger kids are doing it he’s going to want to do it.”
Brianne’s goal is for William to have fun riding, but even at age six, she’s seen her son’s competitive side, which has already earned him two blue ribbons. “He’s really really competitive—sometimes a little bit too much. He likes to win. He wants to go clean when he jumps. He’s all about that. There’s not a nervous bone in the kid’s body. He just really really enjoys it,” she said.
Here’s a winning cross country round at Plantation Field (Make sure you pay attention for a mid-course thumbs up to dad, James Slater, 56 seconds in!):
Even more than being a good rider, William is a great horseman. From Brianne: “If he messes up over he fence he’ll say, “That’s my fault. That wasn’t my pony’s fault that was my fault. He always blames himself. He never says, ‘My pony was bad.'”
Standing at 12.2 hands, the 14-year-old Welsh Pony has been a perfect match for William, but the young rider had to work hard to get as far as he’s come. “This pony can be a bit of a handful. You have to ride him. You can’t just sit there and he’s going to do it for you. He was bucking him off this winter. He wasn’t confident because the pony kept running off with him, but its crazy in six months time he’s cantering all the way around the course,” Brianne said.
The sky’s the limit for this talented rider, and it sounds like William is ready to go for it.
“He said was ready for the Maryland Hunt Cup because my husband rode in it,” Brianne laughed. “I said, ‘Buddy do you realize how big those fences are?’ He said Mark and I are ready!”
Alex Bragg and Zagreb. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.
Great Britain’s Alexander Bragg wrapped up a wire-to-wire win of the penultimate leg of the Event Rider Masters series today at Haras de Jardy aboard Sally Ellicot’s Zagreb.
After a personal best in the dressage yesterday, Alex and the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Perion x Renera, by Nagano) were under pressure to perform in the jumping phases, and they delivered with two clear rounds.
“I am over the moon. I was riding a bit like a demon out there, I really, really wanted it. I can’t believe I was faster than Izzy and Gemma (on the cross country), they are absolute speed queens,” he said.
Tim Price and Wesko. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.
Despite having not competed at the three-star level since 2015, Tim Price and the late Christina Kundsen’s Wesko, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Karandasj x Kolien, by Mittens xx) looked like they hadn’t missed a beat, finishing second today on their dressage score of 25.2. Today’s result moved the New Zealander into third place in the cumulative ERM series standings.
“I don’t think I’ve had another one like him, it’s so much fun having him back,” Tim said of his old friend, Wesko. “You don’t know until you know when you bring a horse like him back out at the top levels, but I guess now I know. It all came flooding back out there–he is just so much fun.”
Izzy Taylor and Be Touchable. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.
Izzy Taylor (GBR) and Sophie Dodd’s Be Touchable, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Untouchable 27 x Ureka, by Indoctro),earned a third-place finish. Two extra seconds on cross country cost them second, but they hung on to a sub-30 finishing score with 25.9 points.
The achievability of the cross country varies from year to year at Jardy, but eight riders managed the time around Pierre Michelet’s track today. Chris Burton was among this group with Kate Wall’s Cooley Lands. Their sixth place finished, edges him even farther ahead in the 2018 series rankings.
Laura Collett‘s dreams of taking back her lead of the series were dashed today after a rail and cross country time penalties. But an 11th place finish with Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and her own London 52 still has her in second overall.
Now we look forward to the series finale at Blaire Castle in Scotland August 25-26, 2018.
Members of the U.S. World Equestrian Games Team stretched their legs this weekend at the Maryland Horse Trials held at Carolyn Mackintosh’s Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD. Horses were fresh and full of running after their summer break, and have begun to get back into the swing of competition ahead of the big event this fall. Luckily for us, David Frechette was on site to film the action!
Four of the five U.S. horses were in attendance. We saw Lynn Symansky and The Donner Syndicate’s Donner as well as Marilyn Little and RF Scaldalous in the Open Intermediate division.
Lynn and the 15-year-old Thoroughbred (Gorky Park x Smart Jane, by Smarten) finished sixth after a 29.8 in the dressage, and an easy cruise around the cross country.
Marilyn and “Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold x Richardia, by Lario) owned by Jacqueline Mars, Michael Manders, and Phoebe Manders finished just behind in seventh with 19.6 cross country time penalties added to their dressage score of 28.5.
Boyd Martin piloted Christine Turner’s Tseterseg to a fourth place finish in the CIC2* class. The 11-year-old Trakehner (Windfall x Thabana, by Buddenbrock) picked up 6.8 cross country time penalties for a final score of 35.9.
Lauren Kieffer also had Jacqueline Mars’s Vermiculus in this division. “Bug,” an 11-year-old Anglo-Arabian (Sazeram x Wake Me Gently), earned third place on a 33.8 with only 6.8 time penalties added. Lauren also had Team Rebecca’s Veronica in the CIC2*, but the two retired on cross country.
Team alternate Sharon White took this weekend as an opportunity for a combined test, withdrawing her own Cooley On Show before cross country. The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse earned a 34.7 on the flat and had a clear show jumping round.
Boyd earned the win in the Open Intermediate division with the Ray Price Syndicate’s Ray Price, the 10-year-old Thoroughbred’s first outing since a top ten finish at the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. He was the only horse in the division to finish on his dressage score (27.6). Boyd was also third with Christine Turner’s On Cue, a 12-year-old Anglo European (Cabri D’Elle x On High, by Primitive Rising), on 34.9 points.
Caroline Martin took first and second in the competitive CIC2* division with Cristano Z and Jump Jet, respectively. Christano Z, a 9-year-old Zandersheide (Chippendale Z x Nala VH Schoterhof, by Omar), finished with 2.8 cross country time penalties for a final result of 30.70, and Sherrie Martin’s Jump Jet, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Captain Clover x Kilmullen Cruisalier, by Cavalier Royale) had a three-phase score of 33.8.
We would like to thank David again for these awesome videos from MDHT! You can see even more on his YouTube page.
Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo via Lynn Symansky Equestrian’s Facebook page.
WEG horses stretched their legs this weekend at the Maryland Horse Trials. It was a nice preparation for these guys as they come back from downtime after their spring events. It’s hard to believe we’re two months away from the big event in Tryon!
Clare Walker and Enchantez. Photo courtesy of Erin Walsh.
We are heartbroken to report that Clare Walker’s Enchantez was euthanized today after suffering a broken leg at the Champagne Run Horse Trials held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
The 18-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Devil’s Toy x Class Reunion, by General Assembly) sustained the injury on the Intermediate cross country course. “Chinook” and Clare were competing in the Open Intermediate division. Clare was uninjured in the fall.
Lindsay Oaks and Enchantez in the galloping lane. Photo by Kasey Mueller.
The Thoroughbred competed though the CCI4* level with previous owner and rider Lindsay Oaks, who loved him as “Taylor.” Lindsay produced the horse from Novice all the way though the four-star level. The two earned a 35th place finish at the 2014 Kentucky Three-Day Event. Clare purchased the gelding in 2015 and competed successfully through the Intermediate level.
The entire team at Eventing Nation sends our condolences to Clare and all of Taylor’s connections.
This post has been updated to reflect a correction on the location where the injury was sustained.
Alexander Bragg and Zabreg. Photo by Anna Franklin/Event Rider Masters.
Scores continued to drop lower and lower as day one of competition for the Event Rider Masters CIC3* division was underway at Haras de Jardy when Alexander Bragg (GBR) and Zagreb finally broke the barrier for first place. Sally Ellicot’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Perion x Renera, by Nagano) sits on a personal best of 23.6.
“Zagreb is feeling great after his summer break. Things didn’t quite go to plan in the Spring but the surface here gave him a great chance to express himself. He’s a really genuine jumper and he’s feeling amazing so I’ll keep pressing the buttons and we’ll see what we can do tomorrow,” he said. Check out their test:
Karim Florent Laghouag (FRA) took second aboard Entebbe de Hus, a 13-year-old Hanoverian (Embassy I x Cita, by Carbid) owned by Agnes Celerier and Karim Laghoug. They earned a score of 23.9, which means Alexander doesn’t have a single second of breathing room in tomorrow’s jumping phases.
Izzy Taylor (GBR) piloted Sophie Dodd’s Be Touchable into third place. The 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Untouchable 27 x Ureka, by Indoctro) earned a score of 25.1.
After a three-year hiatus at the level, the late Christina Kundsen’s Wesko, a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Karandasj x Kolien, by Mittens xx) posted a 25.2 for fourth place with New Zealand’s Tim Price.
“It just shows the showman that he is. You wouldn’t normally expect a horse to focus like that on their first time out. It’s like I think it and he does it. He’s a jumping machine and does this bit just to get through to the fun bits. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow,” Tim said. Check out their test:
Germany’s Michael Jung, who won here last year, also earned a spot in the top ten aboard Maria Stein’s Corazon. The 8-year-old Hanoverian, who is in her first season at the level, earned a 26.9 for ninth place.
It wasn’t only the top positions being fought over, there was a battle brewing between Laura Collett and Chris Burton, who are separated by only five points in the ERM cumulative series standings. Chris took over the lead from Laura after finishing third with Polystar I in Leg 3 at Barbury Palace. In today’s standings Laura edged just ahead in 12th place with Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and her own London 52 on 28.3, and Chris sits in 13th on 28.6 points with Kate Wall’s Cooley Lands.
This competition is far from over. The show jumping here only had an 8% clear rate last year—the lowest in ERM history. With only one rail separating the top 11, clear rounds will prove very influential tomorrow morning.
Don’t forget you can watch all the ERM action at Haras de Jardy for free at this link. Show jumping begins at 9:00 a.m. local time/3:00 a.m. EST, and the cross country will follow at 12:30 p.m. local time/6:30 a.m. EST. You can check out a cross country course preview here.
Every competition has a guinea pig rider who performs the division’s dressage test to give the judges a chance to prepare for the class ahead—they just usually do it on a horse. The Event Rider Masters class at Haras de Jardy had a very special “test ride” by Paul Tapner that is truly magical to watch.
Though we didn’t get a chance to see his final score, ERM reports that, “Tension and not quite being through in his changes cost him heavily!” To be fair, Paul Tapner’s Facebook page says he likes to run through his tests on foot for practice, and that’s a great idea to stay sharp and remember your movements.
When he’s not riding, Kanyon Walker is on another field—a football field that is. Splitting his time between these intense sports and school, he’s learned what it takes to be a dedicated athlete. Described as a “natural competitor” by his coach, Jennifer Holling, Kanyon is headed to the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) to represent Area I next week with his own Kenneth Street, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Crystal Class x Pray For Booger). Meet Kanyon and give him a big cheer next week at Rebecca Farm!
Why SpectraVET?
Reliable. Effective. Affordable.
SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.
We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.
Sara Gumbiner and Polaris. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
The story of Sara Gumbiner and Polaris came into the spotlight this spring as they successfully accomplished their first four-star at Kentucky. Their road there was mountains and valleys for years, and it all paid off, but Sara is scrambling to keep ownership of “Larry.” She is asking for anyone willing to support her efforts to keep the ride. You can check out her Go Fund Me page here.
Sandra Auffarth announced yesterday that her eventing world champion partner Opgun Louvo will no longer participate in championships. The 16-year-old won gold at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. She added that “Wolle” will compete at Aachen next week. [Horse who won nine medals steps down a level: ‘Championships are exhausting’]
Horse Sport Ireland named their WEG team! Padraig McCarthy with Mr. Chunky, Aoife Clarkwith Fernhill Adventure, Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua. Sarah Ennis with Horseware Stellor Rebound, and Sam Watson Horseware Ardagh Highlight were named to the squad. A special shout out is due for U.S.-based Tim Bourke, who was named first alternate with Luckaun Quality. Congratulations to all! [Irish Eventing Team Named For 2018 WEG]
Waredaca is working to educate competitors on preparation for three-day events. In order to show how horse trials were traditionally used as key training runs for long format events, they’ve introduced the Road to the Three-Day Challenge, which includes four Area II competitions this fall. [Waredaca Classic Three-Day Teams with Area II Organizers to Offer Road to the Three-Day Challenge]
Tuesday Video:
Which product does Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton trust to keep his horses calm and focused at the biggest events in the world? Chillax. Learn more.
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It’s cross country day at Great Meadow! I am sad to miss it in person this year, but thrilled to follow along on the USEF Network live stream. If you haven’t been to the area, there’s something really special about Northern Virginia, and watching the course shows a little of that magic!
National Holiday: National Chocolate with Almonds Day
Land Rover U.S. Eventing WEG Team rider Marilyn Little isn’t competing at Great Meadow this weekend because she’s down in Tryon, NC winning in the show jumping arena. Last night she picked up another grand prix victory with Karen O’Connor’s impressive Clearwater, jumping clear and fast to take the $132,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI3*. Her WEG horse RF Scandalous is of course getting some time in the show jumping arena as well. Little Leaps to Another Tryon Grand Prix Victory
Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Jenni Autry.
There’s a lot to look forward to this weekend if you want to spend your day live streaming events from the comfort of your air conditioned home. For the early birds, the Event Rider Masters CIC3* division at Barbury starts at 10:07 a.m. GMT/4:07 a.m. EST and you can watch live for free at www.eventridermasters.tv. If you’d like to get a few more hours of sleep, tune into the CICO3* at Great Meadow on USEF Network beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST. Happy streaming!
