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Lee Lee Jones Scheduled to Return Home This Month

By on Aug 8, 2017 9:27 am -

Lee Lee in her happy place. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

Lee Lee Jones continues to get stronger, more independent and more communicative following a traumatic brain injury that resulted from a fall last December, according to an update Phillip Dutton shared this morning.

“It has been a little over seven months now since Lee Lee’s accident — how life can change in an instant!” Phillip said. “Lee Lee continues to improve slowly. Due to the severity and type of brain injury Lee Lee sustained, the opinion of her doctors and our hope is that this slow but steady improvement will continue for quite a few years.”

“Lee Lee is very aware of the challenges she faces, but is applying the same grit and determination that took her through honors at university and to grad school and made her the rider she is,” he continued. “She is very committed and works extremely hard every day in her therapy sessions, which has impressed everyone.”

Photo via Phillip Dutton Eventing.

Lee Lee remains at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital where she is now able to say a few words, eat soft meals and has made great strides in the use of her arms, hands and legs. We are excited to learn that Lee Lee is on track to be discharged at the end of this month, and preparations are underway to make sure her homecoming is a seamless transition.

“Although Lee Lee cannot communicate as much as she would like to, she is mentally very bright and alert,” he said. “She uses a lot of head nods or shaking of her head to answer questions, laughs at jokes and brightens our days with her smiles. So although progress is slow it is PROGRESS!” 

Phillip also noted that Lee Lee’s helmet has been sent off to a Charles Owen Laboratory in the UK to better understand what caused her injury and prevent this from happening to other riders. He has said they will share any results from this investigation.

Photo by Kate Samuels.

“Evie and I want to thank everyone that has reached out to Lee Lee and our family through letters, cards, emails, and good thoughts and prayers. I am a believer in the power of positive thinking, so please continue to keep Lee Lee in your thoughts and prayers. I know it helps!” Phillip added.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Lee Lee’s medical expenses, which will now include wheelchair accessibility modifications to their home, home nursing support and daily therapy. Those who wish to donate can visit her GoFundMe page here, or send donations in the form of a check to the Cordelia Elizabeth Jones Support Trust c/o Evie Dutton, 248 Hood Road, West Grove, PA 19390.

#TeamLeeLee #LeeLeeStrong

[Update on Lee Lee]

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Aug 8, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo by Anita Motion.

The eventing community continues to rally around Lee Lee Jones and her family. It’s touching to see just how supportive our niche of a sport can be. Phillip said, “Millbrook is a special event for our family and our team, and it was wonderful to have so many owners and friends at the event to support us and cheer us on. It was also special to have a #TeamLeeLee jump on both the cross country course and show jumping course.” #LeeLeeStrong

National Holiday: National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day

Events Opening This Week: Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ, A-2) Sundance Farm H.T. (WI, A-4) Surefire Farm H.T. (VA, A-2) Twin Rivers Fall H.T. (CA, A-6) Stoneleigh-Burnham School Fall H.T. (MA, A-1) Equestrians Institute H.T. (WA, A-7) FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2)

Events Closing This Week: The Event at Archer (WY, A-9)  Richland Park H.T. (MI, A-8) Town Hill Farm Horse Trials (CT, A-1) Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Fall H.T. (VA, A-2)  Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II (CA, A-6) Caber Farm Horse Trial (WA, A-7) Feather Creek H.T. (OK, A-5) Richland Park H.T. (MI, A-8)

Tuesday News & Notes:

Flatwork with baby horses can get a bit monotonous as you focus on basics, so it’s important to try to keep in interesting for you and your horse. Meghan Truppner shares a new pole exercise you can use both on the lunge and under saddle. [Making Flatwork Fun for Your Young Horse]

Only two days left to keep Jonty and Art together! They have been selected to compete for Ireland at the FEI European Eventing Championships this month, but only if they can complete their fundraising efforts. They have £63,000 left to go. [£100,000 boost, but still £63,000 to go for Jonty Evan’s Olympic Horse Crowd-Funder]

Colic is a horse owners worst nightmare. When your horse is colicing you and your vet are on the clock to decide if you can medically manage the episode at home, or if you should take your horse to a veterinary hospital. But knowing exactly when to make that decision can be extremely tricky [When to Refer a Colic Case]

Bittersweet Field has hosted the Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials since 1989. The show supports the education of Seneca Valley Pony Club through funding lessons, ratings and rallies. They have divisions for Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as Future Event Horse divisions. [Eventing is Alive and Well at the Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials]

Tuesday Video: Rubens D’Ysieux was bred to be a show jumper, and it’s very clear when he soars over the colored poles. Check out his Millbrook winning round, and don’t forget you can get your own Rubens Unicorn gear to help fund their Millstreet trip at their etsy store, here.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Aug 6, 2017 6:30 am -

Photo by @kcs.eventing on Instagram.

Happy Sunday, EN! It’s the final day of Millbrook Horse Trials. For many riders who have been there since Wednesday, the final day of competition is that strange mix of still exciting, yet exhausting. ICYMI, Boyd currently leads the Advanced, Intermediate A and Intermediate B divisions… not a bad day in the office!

#MillbrookHT: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

National Holiday: National Sisters Day, National Root Beer Float Day, National Friendship Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Millbrook H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Olney Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

River Glen Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Catalpa Corner Charity H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Oliver Townend on Top Form at Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe

Horse with One Kidney Beats the Odds to Return to Competition

Senators Introduce Bill to End Any Prospects of American Horse Slaughter

Does Horse Water Bucket Placement Matter?

Jonty & Art Still Need Your Help 

Watch 88-year-old Take Back the Reins After 50-year Break

Sunday Video: After breaking his collarbone shortly before Great Meadow, Doug Payne is back!

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Michael Jung Ride-Along

By on Aug 4, 2017 4:18 pm -

It’s not often we get to do a ride-along with the likes of Michael Jung! Take a first-hand look of his trip around the CIC3* at Haras de Jardy aboard Jarno Debusschere and Brigitte and Joachim Jung’s Star Connection.

And if you are a numbers nerd like us, then your in for a treat because this helmet cam gives you a first-hand look at Michael’s perspective and some key figures like speed, distance and heart rate thanks to the team at SAP Sports.

Jardy was Michael’s Event Rider Masters debut, and he won (no surprise here). You can read more of EN’s coverage of the Event Rider Master Series here.

[Event Rider Masters]

Take A Virtual Tour of the CIC3* Cross Country Course at Gatcombe Park

By on Aug 4, 2017 9:37 am -

Screenshot via CrossCountry App.

The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park will host Leg 5 of the 2017 Event Rider Masters series as competitors look to grab the £50,000 prize. Captain Mark Phillips has designed the CIC3* cross country course, which is packed with big, bold questions.

Current leader in the ERM standings Gemma Tattersall is looking to be very competitive this weekend with Artic Soul. She has earned top ten ERM finishes at three out of the four completed competitions

Oliver Townend returns to defend his ERM Gatcombe title. He won this ERM leg last year with Cillnabradden Evo before going on to win the entire series. This weekend he rides Note Worthy.

Leg 2 winners Sarah Cohen and Treason will be looking to gain an edge on Gemma. Sarah is currently ranked second in the series – five points out of the lead.

Lest we forget about Sir Mark Todd who is riding Kiltubrid Rhapsody. An ERM win has eluded him so far, but with two podium finishes this season he certainly can’t be counted out!

Find the rest of the lineup here. Watch all three phases of Leg 5 live at eventridermasters.tv. Dressage begins on Saturday and the jumping phases follow on Sunday. Click here for the broadcast schedule.

Follow along on a virtual course walk around Capt. Mark Phillips’ track below, courtesy of our friends at CrossCountry App! You can also preview the course on a separate page here.

[Event Rider Masters]

 

#TBT Video: 2010 Millbrook Horse Trials

By on Aug 3, 2017 5:18 pm -

2010 doesn’t seem that long ago, but a lot can change in 7 years! We’re taking a walk down memory lane in honor of this weekend’s Millbrook Horse Trials. Seven years ago, each competitor wore a cloth penny provided by the event and there was not a helmet camera to be seen.

Seven years ago the event offered two Advanced divisions, which were won by Buck Davidson aboard Ballynoe Castle RM and Kristen Bond with Are You Ready. Lillian Heard’s four-star partner Share Option was just a budding star, winning one of the Intermediate divisions.

Join us as we throw it back to Millbrook ’10 and see if you recognize anyone!

#Millbrook (2017): Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

New $225,000 CSI3* Added to Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Aug 3, 2017 2:30 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Show jumping and eventing combine forces! The Kentucky Three-Day Event announced today that it is set to host a new CSI3* show jumping competition in conjunction with the CCI4*. Equestrian Events, Inc., event organizer of the four-star, is partnering with the Split Rock Jumping Tour to put on the $225,000 International Grand Prix.

30 international riders are slated to take place in the Grand Prix, which is to be held in the Rolex Stadium following the conclusion of cross country on Saturday. In addition, there will also be a $35,000 1.45m FEI ranking class on Friday afternoon once the CCI dressage phase is complete.

“We are thrilled to add a major FEI show jumping Grand Prix to our internationally-recognized event,” Stewart Perry, President of EEI, said. “For almost four decades, equestrian sports fans have traveled from all over to see Eventing’s best riders and horses and now they will have a chance to see show jumping’s best at the same time. I think it’s safe to say that the ‘Best Weekend All Year’ just got even better!”

The 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event will return to the Kentucky Horse Park April 26-29, 2018.

[Kentucky Three-Day Event to Host CSI3*]

Request for Consideration Forms for USEA Foundation Grants Due September 1

By on Aug 3, 2017 11:30 am -

Hallie Coon and Celien, 2016 recipients of the Essex Horse Trials Grant. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The USEA Foundation announced earlier this week that riders who would like to be considered for either the Essex Horse Trial Grant or the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant must now submit a Request for Consideration form by September 1, 2017.

Essex Horse Trials Grant Request for Consideration Form

Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant Request for Consideration Form

The Essex Horse Trial Grant is awarded to a 25-and-under Developing Rider currently competing at the CIC3*, CCI3* or CCI4* level who has aspirations to represent the U.S. in team competition.

The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant, which was awarded for the first time in 2016 in memory of Seema, grants $5,000 to a rider aged 14-18 who is competing at the Preliminary and CCI1* level and has intentions of representing their Area at NAJYRC in the two-star competition in 2018. More information on these grants and others offered by the USEA Foundation can be found here.

In addition to the Request for Consideration forms, interested riders are also asked to include videos of themselves and their horses competing in all three phases.

This year’s recipients will be chosen during fall and named at the 2017 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention.

Go eventing.

[Announcing Important Changes to Two USEA Foundation Grants]

Course Walk on the Wild Side at Stoneleigh-Burnham

By on Aug 3, 2017 9:00 am -

Photo by Jannah Matzan.

Last weekend the Whele Farm eventers descended upon the Stoneleigh-Burnham horse trials, and the cross country course didn’t know what hit it. Amy Smith, Lily Frechette, Jannah Matzan and fearless leader Carrie Whele produced what now is in the running as one of the best course walks of all time.

 From Amy, “At Wehle Farms, we take fun very seriously. While we put the welfare and safety of our horses first, remembering to have fun and enjoy ourselves is probably a close second. This last weekend, Wehle Farms traveled to Greenfield, MA to participate in the fabulous Stoneleigh-Burnham School Horse Trials. While using the MyCourseWalk app as we walked the cross country for the Novice division, we called upon Rule # 2 (Have Fun) to record the track,”
EN, prepare yourself for this fantastic display and don’t forget Rule #2:
Stoneleigh-Burnham Summer H.T. [Website] [Results]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Game of Thrones Meets Irish Foxhunters

By on Aug 2, 2017 4:30 pm -

The Kildare Hunt Club Performance Hunter Show is held annually at the Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland. The competition is described as looking to identify, “the finest hunting horse in Ireland.” Three classes are offered: huntsman, hunter and sidesaddle with the huntsman group being the most advanced.

One at a time, competitors navigate a course which features 12 natural obstacles normally seen during a hunt including hedges, post and rail fences, ditches and stone walls.

We’ve long known that foxhunters are their own breed of insanity in the middle, and like any loyal Game of Thrones fan, they’re eager to say, “Winter is Coming” as they await an upcoming season. So without further ado, here are gritty, Irish foxhunters doing their thing GOT style.

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For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Horse of a Different Color: Crosswinds Starbuck & Good Day Sunshine

By on Aug 2, 2017 1:00 pm -

"A Horse of a Different Color" features horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, tip us at [email protected].

Karen and Joey. Photo by Forever Photography.

Karen Webb has spent the better part of her life in the saddle. She’s had rides on all types of types, from Arabians to Thoroughbreds and a little bit of everything in between. But, now with a family, a full time job and a barn of her own, Karen has found her dream ride: the Saddlebred cross. 

“For an amateur with other demands on my time, the warmbloods are often more difficult than I wanted to contend with. Very talented, but hard to manage when I have a husband, a child, my own barn and a hellish commute. I wanted something uncomplicated, but talented and sweet and just fun!” Karen explained.

In her search for the perfect breed, Saddlebreds became the recurring theme in her eyes. “Saddlebred horses are so sweet and just keep trying for you, and draft crosses are just big teddy bear horses. The Saddlebred temperament crossed with the draft ‘Steady Eddiness’ intrigued me, so I went searching for that,” she described.

Karen and Joey. Photo by Todd Webb.

Her Saddlebred dream became a reality with Joey, who is formally named Crosswinds Starbuck. Joey is a 9-year-old Georgian Grande, which Karen says, “sounds more like something you pick up at Starbucks, not a draft cross,” by the Saddlebred stallion Spot of Gold and out of the Percheron mare AK Shuberts Moon. Karen bought Joey as a 2-year-old from his breeder, Nancy Crosscut.

Joey was quickly joined by his half brother, Good Day Sunshine. “Bliss,” is an 8-year-old “Heinz 57,” also by Spot of Gold, but out of a Clydesdale/Hackney/Thoroughbred mare. He was bred by Lori Garnant’s Dundulk Sport Horses.

While Karen is focusing her riding efforts mostly on Joey and Bliss, she has one more to add to the mix: Marvelous Moondance or “Socks”. He is a full brother to Joey, and he’s now 6.

Joey has gone the farthest in the sport, competing through Novice level, while Bliss isn’t far behind having been proficient at Beginner Novice level at local schooling shows.

“Joey is like a labrador retriever. He is the sweetest horse,” Karen said. “I know there have been occasions where he has purposely tried to keep me in the saddle and not get out from underneath me when I wasn’t doing my best at riding him. He has just been the best horse to learn how to event on, and to try to master all three disciplines, even getting a late start in life with it as I have.”

“Even Bliss, being a bit more sensitive and opinionated about things, he really does try extremely hard to give me what I want or what I’m asking for,” she continued. “I really love their forgiving natures and willingness to keep trying.”

Karen and Bliss. P-10 Marketing Photo.

Karen’s experience with these Saddlebred crosses has turned her from believer to advocate, and she’s eager to share the undervalued benefits of these uniquely-bred horses.

“I think the Saddlebreds are undervalued as blood horse crosses. Obviously in eventing the Thoroughbreds and their contributions to various crosses reign supreme, but they can also be hard horses to contend with,” Karen elaborated.

“I think their (Saddlebred’s) temperament is a little more reliable and dependable. I do think they just try their hardest for you. I think the Saddlebreds do really bond with their person and make a connection where they will take a joke all day long and be forgiving and not get so flustered – that’s not to say we don’t have our moments. They’re still horses and they still have those reactions given the right set of circumstances,” she continued.

Marvelous Moondance, Good Day Sunshine, Crosswinds Starbuck. Photo by Sweet Fresno Photography.

So far, she says the mix between Saddlebred and draft breeds has been the “sweet spot,” for her as an adult amateur, not to mention that these three are also really darn cute.

“My goal is to get to Training level. At this point in my life I don’t have any aspirations above Training level and I think Bliss can easily get me there,” she said. “I really do think they’re an overlooked gem of a cross.”

Ruppel Family Gives Area 8 Young Riders A Leg Up at Richland Park

By on Aug 2, 2017 11:30 am -

Welcome to Richland Park! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Chris, Patty and their daughter Katie Ruppel have stepped forward to sponsor the new Richland Leg Up Award, which will be given to the lowest scoring Area 8 Young Rider in any Preliminary division at the 2017 Richland Park Horse Trials, August 24-27. The winner will earn $1,000 and one free week of training and accommodation with Katie at her base in Anthony, Florida.

Katie grew up just down the road from Richland Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As she rose through the levels, she had the opportunity to represent Area 8 at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, and now she’s excited to use this opportunity to give a leg up to the next crop of riders.

Katie Ruppel and Houdini. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“Growing up as an eventer in Area 8 is really great because it’s a smaller community and everyone is massively passionate about the sport,” Katie said. “But once you reach a certain level there are some struggles. There are very few FEI competitions and there is quite a bit of traveling involved if you’re trying to campaign at the Preliminary or Intermediate levels.”

“Add in a solid five months of snow and it can make qualifying for NAJYRC a tough – but not unachievable – goal,” she continued. “I was extremely fortunate to have a family and an eventing community in the Midwest that has supported me through my goal of Young Riders and far beyond, and now it’s time to support the next generation of Area 8 Young Riders.”

This award is open to all Area 8 Young Riders competing at Preliminary level at this year’s Richland Park Horse Trials. To be included in consideration, riders should stop by the show office to let the secretary know they are eligible.

The Richland Park Horse Trials will be held August 24-27, 2017. More information about the event can be found on their website.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Aug 1, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo via Lauren Billys.

Congratulations are in order for Lauren Billys. Yesterday she posted to Instagram announcing her engagement to Jeff Shady. The whole EN team would like to wish these two a lifetime of happiness!

National Holiday: National Girlfriends Day and National Night Out Day. Enjoy it, ladies!

Events Opening This Week: Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials/Derby (CO, A-9) Marlborough H.T (MD, A-2) Plantation Field International CIC (PA, A-2) GMHA September Horse Trials (VT, A-1)  MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event (TX, A-5) Poplar Place Farm September H.T. (GA, A-3) Stone Gate Farm H.T. (OH, A-8) Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials/Derby (CO, A-9) Flying Cross Farm H.T.(KY, A-8)

Events Closing Today: Applewood Farm YEH/FEH & Mini Event (NJ, A-2)  Huntington Farm H.T. (VT, A-1) Waredaca Farm H.T.(MD, A-2) Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. (NY, A-1) Full Gallop Farm August HT (SC, A-3)

Tuesday News & Notes: 

Charles Owen Technical Merit Award recognizes safe and appropriate cross country riding. Dan Michaels and Megan Compton are the two newest recipients of this award after their tactful riding at the Coconino Summer I H.T. In a sport whose jumping phases are penalty-based, it’s nice to see effective riding rewarded! [Charles Owen Technical Merit Award Rewards Cross Country Technique at Coconino]

Put Ros on your radar. Rosalind Canter, that is. The 31-year-old eventer from Lincolnshire is making her debut for on the senior squad for Great Britain next month at the European Eventing Championships, and she’s quickly becoming one to watch at the top levels of the sport. [7 Reasons This Eventer Needs to Be on Your Radar NOW]

Loose horse… err… pony! A shetland named Sugar took it upon herself to tour the lorry park, show jumping and cross country at Calmsden Horse Trials in Cirencester, UK. Sugar is a companion horse, but showed she clearly has ambition for more as she took on a few BE80 fences during her outing. [Oh, Sugar! How One Escapee Mini Brought Calmsden BE to a Standstill]

Tuesday Video: Ride around the novice course with Ashley Russell and Philharmonic at Hunt Club Farm.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jul 30, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo by Holly Breaux.

Taking my horse for a swim is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. It’s a great filler for a hack day, or a great way to cool off after trot sets. That is, as long as your horse isn’t the lay down and roll in the water with his saddle on type. In that case, bareback may be the best way to go.

National Holiday: National Cheesecake Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Stoneleigh-Burnham Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Cobblestone Farms H.T. [Website]  [Live Scores] [Ride Times]

Sunday Links: 

Horses vs. Boyfriends

‘It Felt Like She Was with Us’: Hannah Francis One-Day Event Raises £5,000

Has Tappers Found An Alternative Career as A Ventriloquist? 

Mauri Anderson Proved You’re Never Too Old to Start Eventing at Rebecca Farm

Carl Hester’s Biggest Challenge Yet: 8.3hh Shetland in Dressage Training

Event Riders Association of North America Is Looking for An Executive Director

Hot on Horse Nation: Your Horse’s Fear of Puddles Turns out to Be Dead Right

Sunday Video: Speaking of swimming horses, Steady Eddie is taking a much more athletic approach on the subject in preparation for Burghley! Boyd says, “Steady Eddie set a lap record at Maui Meadow swimming pool. 23 seconds for a lap!”

Six Americans Entered for Burghley Horse Trials [Updated]

By on Jul 28, 2017 9:00 am -

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re five weeks out from the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4* and today is closing day to enter. The current entry list, which is automatically updated as riders enter, has seven combinations representing the United States this year:

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie

Mackenna Shea and Landioso

Lynn Symansky and Donner

Savannah Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mary Ann Ghadban’s Under Suspection headed across the pond this week to join Hannah Sue Burnett. “Pippy” has spent the summer in Virginia under the watchful eyes of Hannah’s team while she was based overseas. This will be the 13-year-old Holsteiner’s second CCI4* appearance, after finishing fifth at the Kentucky Three-Day Event earlier this spring.

Lillian Heard and her own LCC Barnaby are eyeing their third four-star completion. The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse finished 20th and 13th, respectively, at Kentucky the past two years.

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica have selected Burghley as the finale to their summer abroad. This will be the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood’s seventh start at four-star level.

Boyd Martin joins the ladies with Steady Eddie, a 14-year-old Australian Thoroughbred owned by Denise Lahey, Pierre Colin, and George and Gretchen Wintersteen. This pair will be looking for redemption after a slip between fences led to an unlucky elimination in Kentucky this spring.

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

After a bout of shipping flu thwarted Mackenna Shea’s chances of competing at Houghton Hall CICO3* and Bramham CCI3* U25 with her own 15-year-old Bavarian Warmblood gelding Landioso, she decided instead to stay in Europe for the summer and give Burghley a go. We’re thrilled to watch one of America’s rising stars compete on a world stage.

This will be Donner’s second appearance at Burghley with Lynn Symansky, the first being in 2015 where he finished 14th. The Donner Syndicate’s 14-year-old Thoroughbred is in top form after an individual second and team win at Great Meadow CICO3*.

[UPDATE] Savannah ‘Woodge’ Fulton and the Full Moon Farm Syndicate’s 14-year-old Thoroughbred Captain Jack have been added to the entry list. This pair finished 35th in their first CCI4* in Kentucky earlier this year and were 21st at the Great Meadow CICO3* this summer.

Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

With no Canadians entered at Burghley, these six Americans will stand as our North American representatives this year. The total entry count so far is 62 horse and rider pairs, but with today being the closing date we could see a few more trickle in before it’s all said and done.

Other notable names include 2015 champions Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW riding for Germany. Their lengthy and unrivaled record preceeds them, and they will certainly be the pair to beat once again.

Rolex Kentucky second- and third-place finishers Zara Tindall and High Kingdom and Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers also join this quality list alongside 2016 Burghley winners Chris Burton and Nobilis 18, who return to defend their title.

The Land Rover Burghley CCI4* will be held August 31 – September 3, 2017.

[2017 Burghley Entries]

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jul 25, 2017 12:01 am -

Erin Sylvester and Paddy The Caddy. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The phrase “when in doubt, leave it out!” came to mind right after I snapped this photo. Erin saw the spot and Paddy enthusiastically rose to the challenge. I saw this horse win the Advanced at Plantation Field last September and I made a mental note to remember how cool he was, so I was thrilled to see him win big again, this time at his first CCI3*. Go Paddy! Go Eventing!

National Holiday: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, National Threading the Needle Day

Events Opening This Week: YEH at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2) Chardon Valley Horse Trials (MI, A-8)  Copper Meadows H.T. (CA, A-6) Aspen Farms H.T. (WA, A-7) Dunnabeck H.T. (IL, A-4) Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA, A-2) Grindstone Mountain Farm H.T. (MA, A-1) CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA, A-2)

Events Closing Today: GMHA Festival of Eventing August Horse Trials (VT, A-1) Colorado Horse Park 3 Day Event & H.T. (CO, A-9) Erie Hunt and Saddle Club H.T. (PA, A-2) Otter Creek Summer H.T. (WI, A-4) The Summer Event at Woodside (CA, A-6) Colorado Horse Park 3 Day Event & H.T. (CO, A-9) Fair Hill International H.T. (MD, A-2) Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. (WA, A-7) WindRidge Farm Summer Horse Trials (NC, A-2) Stanton Farms H.T. (ID, A-7)

Tuesday News & Notes:

We all have known a Great Old Man (or Mare), the schoolmaster who carefully carted around countless kids and gave them a leg up in this sport. Many of us have these old men to thank for helping us get started get to a certain level. They dutifully give back to the next generation over and over, here’s to you Great Old Men & Mares! [Great Old Men]

As barefoot horses are often out and about in the summer, it’s important to consider hoof maintenance. Many owners like to keep their horse’s feet au naturale, but there are options to give a little extra love to their hooves that will keep them happy hackers year-round. Slip on boots, glue on boots and pour in pads are all great supplements to your horse’s ordinary hoof care. [Protecting Barefoot Horses During The Summertime]

Horses produce nearly 16 gallons of gastric acid per day – that’s the size of an average car gas tank. But their stomach only has the capacity to hold 2-4 gallons at any given time. Most know that performance horses are at an increased risk of stomach ulcers, and The Horse delves into what part gastric acid plays in that. [What You Need to Know About Equine Stomach Acid]

Tuesday Video: This weekend Laura Graves got the best birthday present ever – a win in the Grand Prix Special at Aachen. She and “Diddy” give us a free dressage lesson that will make you drool:

Who Jumped It Best? NAJYRC CICOY2* Edition

By on Jul 24, 2017 1:59 pm -

It’s time for another Who Jumped It Best! This time we look to our CICOY2* Young Riders from this weekend at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana. These talented two-star riders are seen dropping into the final water at fence 19A. You’ll noticed they’re all locked on to 19B, a skinny brush on a mound, followed by 19C in the water. Take a look at the photos below and cast your vote for the combination that you think presents the best overall picture.

#RebeccaFarm: Website, Final Scores, NAJYRC Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

Maggie Baker and Blue Stockings. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Kiera Carter and Corinthoz. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sophie Click and Hot Wheels. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Annick Niemuller and FE Black Jack. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Patience O’Neal and BC Huw. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Madison Temkin and Kingslee. Photo by Shelby Allen.

William Zuschlag and RF Southern Command. Photo by Shelby Allen.

So let’s hear it, EN: Who jumped it best?

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jul 23, 2017 12:01 am -

Priorities. Photo via @lamunson on Instagram.

There are many eventers who were surely celebrating last night after a successful day of cross country at Rebecca Farm. It’s been warm in Montana this week, but a breeze blessed the Flathead Valley yesterday.  I saw some incredible riding from young riders, professionals and amateurs alike. If The Event at Rebecca Farm is on your bucket list, I highly suggest you work to cross it off next year -it is an incredible experience!

Major Events This Week:

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

NAJYRC: Website, Ride Times & Live Scores

Aachen CICO3*: Website, Final Scores

USPC Eventing Championships: Ride Times & Live Scoring

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

English Horse and Rider Break New Ground for Rebecca Farm 

Dream Day for Britain’s Junior Eventers at European Championship

Graves Can Check Winning the Grand Prix Special at Aachen Off Her Bucket List

Boost Your Competitive Performance with These Tips from Team GBR Experts

Cool Stories From Rebecca Farm: Jason Roy Turns Lemons Into Lemonade

Back to Basics: Trot Lengthening with A Less-Than-Gifted Dressage Horse

Five-time NAJYRC Competitor, April Simmonds, A Model of Consistency 

Sunday Video: As usual, Ingrid Kilmke and Horseware Hale Bob were picture perfect at Aachen. Watch their winning ride:

 

Snapshots From Rebecca Farm Endurance Day

By on Jul 22, 2017 8:00 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen

Endurance day is like cross country day on steroids, and Rebecca Farm hypes it up even more! Isabella Gunningham and Leroy and Jordan Linstedt and Staccato currently lead the Training Three-Day A and B divisions, respectively, while Mauri Anderson and Lilly Linder top Novice Three-Day divisions aboard Releve’ and Staccato, respectively. Here’s a few snapshots from the endurance day that was:

Roads and Tracks gives you a first-hand tour of the property, and every view is a good one. Friends and family could follow your journey as they watched your head bob across the Flathead Valley.

Let’s play spot the rider. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The thrill of the ‘chase is alive in well in Phase B where riders put the pedal down over a steeplechase track. Clear eyes, bridged reins, can’t lose.

Giddy up. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 10-minute box runs like a well-oiled machine, and it’s all hands on deck to get both horse and rider in the zone for cross country.

Eyes on the course. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Then it’s time to leave the start box for the Phase D, because let’s be real, the cross country test is always the best part!

Photo by Shelby Allen.

If you haven’t noticed, we can’t get enough of the views surrounding this beautiful venue!

Views. Photo by Shelby Allen.

At the end of it, endurance day is probably the most fun you can have on four legs! EN would like to issue a special thank you for the many, many volunteers that make the long format possible here.

Go USEA Classic Series! Go Eventing!

#RebeccaFarm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, NAJYRC Ride Times & Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jul 18, 2017 12:01 am -

The #RoadtoRebecca! Photo by Sara Kelson (@sara.ndipty).

It’s here! The Event at Rebecca Farm kicks off today with the USEA’s Young and Future Event Horse divisions. Going to Rebecca Farm has always been a big bucket list item, and I’m happy to say I’ll get it check it off this year! Unfortunately not on horseback, but a happy spectator nonetheless.

National Holiday: National Sour Candy Day, National Caviar Day

Events Opening This Week: Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (NC, A-2) Silverwood Farm H.T. (WI, A-4) Park Equine KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8) Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.(MD, A-2)

Events Closing Today: Olney Farm H.T. (MD, A-2) Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial (IA, A-4) Millbrook H.T. (NY, A-1) River Glen Summer H.T. (TN, A-3)

News & Notes:

Sarah Broussard is many things… the driving force behind The Event at Rebecca Farm, a mother, and a paramedic. 406 Women’s Magazine dives into Sarah’s life from living in a pickup camper to compete as a teenage, to skijoring. [Meeting Super Sarah: The Woman Behind The Event at Rebecca Farm]

Did you know the average horse carries 58% of its weight on his front legs and 42% on his hind legs? After seventeen years of collecting data on gait analysis, Hilary Clayton has determined the horse’s sling muscles (serratus ventralis thoracis and pectoral muscles) are one of the most important in attaining self carriage. [The Significance of a Horse’s Chest Sling Muscles Biomechanics Research]

Top eventer Georgie Spence says “listen to your parents.” Horse & Hound rounded up eighteen top riders and asked them what advice they’d give their 15-year-old selves. Hindsight may be 20/20, but sometimes you can learn the lessons from someone else’s past. [18 Ways to Make Your Equestrian Dreams Come True]

There’s a rivalry heating up this weekend at Aachen CHIO. Laura Graves is heading to Aachen in top form to give Germany’s Isabell Werth a run for her money. Laura says she emulates Isabell’s precision in the dressage arena on a daily basis, but she is hoping she can top her scores this weekend. [Ringside Chat: Laura Graves is Ready to Take on Isabell Werth at Aachen]

Tuesday Video: Sharpen up your braiding skills with a tutorial from Lainey Ashker:

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jul 16, 2017 12:01 am -

There’s a lot to love about ponies! Unless you own a pony or take care of a pony or god forbid you have to muzzle a pony. Mostly they’re just concentrated forms of cuteness and fury. Their pint-sized hooves are adorable, until they make contact with your leg, then you quickly realize how sharp they are. Bless ponies and everyone who belongs to them!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Riga Meadow H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Maryland at Loch Moy II CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Ridge H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

How My Temporary Blindness Led to This Concept: Distances Don’t Matter…

For Young Riders, The Road to Rebecca Farm Leads Beyond Competition

California Confirms First Equine WNV Case of 2017

US Horse Slaughter Threat: We Lost This Battle, But We Haven’t Lost the War

Swiss Researchers Encourage Modern Parasite Control Methods

Simple Movie of Galloping Horse Encoded into DNA of Living Bacteria

Three Pole Work Exercises to Try at Home

Best of Blogs: ‘Fraidy Cat Presents: Brain Hacks for the Nervous Eventers

Sunday Video: Check out Maya Black with up-and-coming superstar Mowgli zoom around last weekend’s Whibey Island H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jul 11, 2017 12:01 am -

Thumbs Up! Photo via Claire Louise Wightman.

I came across this photo through the Facebook Group “OTTB Connect.” Eventer Claire Louise Wightman shows off her horse’s laid back attitude toward drops into water. I’m always impressed with pictures like these because when I jump I’m far too busy creating some sort of terror-plagued/focused face to look for a camera. Claire clearly has it down pat though!

National Holidays: National Cheer Up The Lonely Day, National Blueberry Muffin Day, National Mojito Day and Amazon Prime Day.

Events Opening This Week: Caber Farm Horse Trial (WA, A-7) Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II (CA, A-6) Town Hill Farm Horse Trials(CT, A-1) The Event at Archer (WY, A-9) Richland Park H.T. (MI, A-8) Richland Park H.T. (MI, A-8) Feather Creek H.T. (OK, A-5) Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Fall H.T. (VA, A-2)

Events Closing Today: Cobblestone Farms H.T. (MI, A-8) Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (NJ, A-2) Stoneleigh-Burnham Summer H.T (MA, A-1) Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA, A-2)

News & Notes:

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified new biomarkers that could be used to detect brain injuries.  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and liabilities in young adults according to the World Health Organization, and early and correct diagnosis of a TBI can make a huge difference for recovery. These biomarkers can indicate whether the brain has suffered injury, and the hope is that a test can be created for first responders to use on the site of an accident. [Concussion Research Breakthrough Paves Way for Speedy Brain Injury Detection]

Sometimes it can be challenging to build confidence in a young horse. Erick Dierks focuses on balancing exercises to help, starting with the mounting block. [Creating Balance to Instill Confidence in Young Horses with Eric Dierks]

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. This may be true, but there are a few tips that can help them choose to drink. Competing during the summer makes horse hydration especially important. [How to Get a Horse to Drink When Away From Home]

One day Adrienne Dixon decided she needed a lifestyle change and moved to Ireland to work for show jumper Greg Broderick. After graduating from college and working in the event planning industry, she knew her heart wasn’t in it. So, she took the plunge into horses full time, in Ireland! She’s blogging about her experiences for The Chronicle of the Horse [California Goes Clover]

Tuesday Video: If you were busy watching the live stream of Great Meadow this weekend, catch up withThomas Carlile and Upsilon’s cross country trip around Event Rider Masters at Barbury.

Sunday Video: A Gun-Wielding Michael Jung Wins Albführen Games

By on Jul 9, 2017 1:02 pm -

Michael Jung never ceases to amaze us, but this time he’s done it in the weirdest way possible. Over the weekend he posted to his Facebook page that he won the 2017 Albführen Games. Described by their translated website as a “Jump ‘n’ Drive,” the Games look to be a three-phasd competition including show jumping, shooting and car driving phases. Talk about insanity in the middle!

Full disclosure: We’re not entirely sure what is going on here, but we’re ready to see this competition at the next big event!

Go Eventing. Go Albführen Games!