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Sally O’Connor Inducted into US Eventing Hall of Fame

By on Aug 30, 2022 3:12 pm -

Sally O’Connor is honored by family and friends at Great Meadow International. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

This year a new class will be joining the 47 eventing legends currently in the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Eventing Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded within the sport of eventing in the United States. Those invited to join the USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame have truly made a difference in the sport of eventing. Hall of Fame members have included past Association presidents, volunteers, riders, founders, course designers, officials, organizers, horses, horse owners, and coaches.

Typically, a new group is inducted into the Hall of Fame every four years. The USEA is delighted to be welcoming a new Hall of Fame class this year. These members of the eventing community will be honored for their accomplishments, contributions, and lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing with a formal induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame Gala at the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention taking place this year in Savannah, Georgia from December 7-11.

The USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be announced throughout the year as inductees are presented with their invitation in person at events meaningful to their contributions. The third inductee of 2022, Sally O’Connor, was surprised yesterday at the MARS Great Meadow International event in The Plains, Virginia with her invitation to attend the induction ceremony.

O’Connor has enjoyed a lifetime of involvement with horses both in eventing and dressage. She had a robust eventing career in the 1960s and 70s as well as competing in the dressage ring for many years, earning numerous championship accolades while studying under the tutelage of classical riders Franz Rockowansky, Nuno Olivera, and Bengt Ljungquist. Sally moved to Draper, Utah to pioneer dressage and eventing in a new In 1973, while accompanied by her sons, O’Connor pioneered a ride across the U.S. covering over 2900 miles riding her own event horse Gungho.

In addition to her riding, O’Connor has spent many years of her life as a FEI judge in both disciplines, an AHSA/USEF “I” dressage judge, and a “R” judge. Her influence on the sport of eventing, however, has been nothing short of impactful. She served as a steward regularly, including as the Chief Eventing Steward at the 2008 World Equestrian Games. Many of the current FEI eventing stewards working today at the highest level of the sport were trained by O’Connor, who has also contributed to the sport by writing up many of the eventing dressage tests utilized in competition throughout the years.

A prolific writer, riders all over the country have been influenced by her written works Practical Eventing and Common Sense Dressage, as well as numerous articles on both dressage and combined training. For 15 years, O’Connor was the voice of the dressage tests that took place during the then Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and she served as the press liaison during the 2004 Olympics. She has served on the boards of many equestrian institutions including the Potomac Valley Dressage Association, the United States Dressage Association, the United States Pony Club, and was the Vice President of Education for the United States Combined Training Association (now United States Eventing Association). Her sons, David and Brian, have both made their mark on the sport of eventing in their own fashion, no doubt influenced by their mother’s powerful passion for the sport.

Real Rider Cup Returns to Fair Hill in Aid of Off-Track Thoroughbreds

By on Aug 29, 2022 3:53 pm -

Thoroughbreds get their chance to shine in the next edition of the Real Rider Cup. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

After an enormously successful inaugural run in Lexington in June, which raised over $90,000, the Real Rider Cup is back — and this time, the charity showjumping event is heading to Fair Hill on September 16. Created by Anita Motion, the show is designed to raise vital funds for ex-racehorses rehabilitation, and features an exciting line-up of riders mounted on off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

Riders include former winner Penelope Miller, who has ridden in four previous Real Rider Cups, will ride once again for Team Racing Media, while fundraiser Keira Nygaard, whose parents Erik and Pavla own and operate Thor-Bred Stables, was among the leaders in Kentucky and comes now to Maryland with her eyes on the top prize. Paddock analyst and host for America’s Day at the Races and Saratoga Live, Maggie Wolfendale Morley, returns for her second Real Rider Cup. 1/ST Racing once again maintains a strong presence with Maryland Jockey Club’s marketing & events manager Brittlan Wall and analyst/broadcaster Kali Francois, among others. MidAtlantic Equine Medical Center also steps to support, furnishing a team of its own. And don’t count out the kids: Team Racing Kids is back with a strong lineup, too.

No one does horse racing like Maryland, and some of the state’s best racehorses will be demonstrating their talent in a new career. Two-time winner of the Maryland Million Turf, multiple stakes winner and earner of $434,801 Phlash Phelps will be in attendance with Sabrina Morris. Multiple stakes placed warhorse Grandiflora, winner of $357,334 will also compete with junior rider Jaidyn Shore in the tack. From outside of Maryland, Maggie Morley will be riding multiple stakes winner Ninety One Assault, who earned $440,283.

There’s plenty of time to get involved to show your support: while the roster of riders is closed, title sponsorships are still available for the Maryland event and riders are actively fundraising to meet their pledges. Spectators are encouraged and there is no cost for admission. Come for the thrilling competition and stay for the lively afterparty! Refreshments will be on hand courtesy of Wesley’s and Spring House Spirits with live music by Release. Learn more and donate today at therealridercup.com!

Germany’s Katharina Tietz Finds Success in Strzegom Summer CCI4*-S

By on Aug 28, 2022 6:02 pm -

CCI4*-S winners Katharina Tietz & Chapeau Claque 49. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Meanwhile in Poland, yet another CCI4* event has wrapped up: Strzegom Summer Tour. Katharina Tietz of Germany won the class with the 9-year-old Chapeau Claque 49, and was third as well with Aspen T.

With Chapeau Claque 49 she was eighth after dressage, had one down in the jumping and galloped for the win with a clear cross-country round, only two seconds over the optimum time. She finished third with Aspen T. They were in the 16th position after the first trial and went up nine places after keeping all the jumps up in the second one. She reached the finish of the cross-country with additional penalties for time.

Second place went to Sanne De Jong with Jersey MBF. The Dutch rider was 6th after dressage and only added time faults later on – for two seconds in the jumping and 18 in the cross country.

Libussa Lübbeke and Darcy F placed 4th the CCI4*-S. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Almost 300 horses competed at the event, representing 12 countries. The competitors faced four international short-format competitions and three national classes.

In the 3*-S the win belonged to Anna Siemer (GER) with Lillybelle EA, who secured her victory after a clear jumping round. Second place went to Polish rider Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134, who stayed in this position throughout three trials. Third went to Germany’s Anna Lena Schaaf with Cocolares, going up from the seventh overnight.

The winner of the 2*-S was Germany’s Jan Matthias aboard Ibsen 27. He took the lead after the cross country and went clear on today’s jumping course. Second went to the Netherlands’ Sanne de Jong with Larosaleen W, and third to her compatriot Janneke Boonzaaijer with Mirage.

The 1*-Intro finished with the victory of Willemina Van Der Goes-Petter (NED) with Legende P. Polish rider Kalina Kasak with Primavera was second, and Germany’s Isabella Von Roeder with Bob – third.

CCI4*-S Final Top 10:

Blair Castle: Astier Nicolas Wins CCI4*-S, Caroline Martin Finishes 5th

By on Aug 28, 2022 2:27 pm -

The Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials concluded today, with victors crowned across one- through four-star levels. In the CCI4*-L, Tom McEwen and Luna Mist kept their #1 spot through show jumping for the win, as did overnight CCI4*-L leaders Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma through cross country.

The U.S. sole representative Caroline Martin had two horses in the CCI4*-S. She collected 8.4 time penalties on today’s cross country to move another spot up into fifth with Islandwood Captain Jack, while Redfield Champion was eliminated cross country.

View complete final scores here.

Four-star (S)

The four-star short-format concluded today with the influential cross-country phase. France’s Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma retained their overnight lead to win the Scottish Open Champion title, one they also won here in 2019, finishing as runners-up last year. The pair sped around the cross-country track which proved challenging for many in the fastest time of the day, seven seconds inside the optimum time, to complete on 27.2.

“He’s just too good,” Astier said of the 11-year-old. “With many horses you use softer bits as they get older but with him I have to go harder – he’s just a rocket. I am amazed by his fitness as he has only had one other run this year due to having had hoof surgery but he has fought his way back and wants to be here. He’s a Blair expert!”

When asked about his thoughts on the cross-country course, Astier commented: “I think it was more difficult than previously but that may be my memory. The courses here can look easy when you first walk them because, if the fences were on the flat they wouldn’t be too technically difficult, but when you factor in the terrain, which I think is some of the most challenging in the world, they become much more difficult. I love coming here – everyone is very friendly, the landscape is beautiful and the ground is second to none.”

Oliver Townend finished second with Sir John Peace’s As Is, a relatively recent acquisition to his string having been produced by Oliver’s great friend and New Zealand Olympian, Andrew Nicholson. Second out on course, the pair made light work of it and were the only other combination not to incur time or jumping penalties. They completed on their dressage score of 30.2. “He’s top class, he gallops, he jumps, what else can I say?” said Oliver.

Tom McEwen and Mrs Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Quality dropped a place and finished third on 34.6 after picking up 6.4 time penalties. Tom, however, was still delighted with the horse whom he has recently taken on from Piggy March who also rides for the Brookfield Stud: “Coming here with him was a fact finding mission really,” admitted Tom.

“Riding a horse who has been ridden by one of the best in the world is a bit nerve wracking to be honest and we’re still getting to know each other. He’s a heck of a character and has a big jump which I’ve had to get used to but I can’t fault the way he’s gone.”

Cross-country pathfinders Wills Oakden and DHI By Design finished fourth on 40.0. The USA’s Caroline Martin, who is currently based with Pippa Funnell, was fifth with Islandwood Captain Jack on 42.9 ahead of Pippa herself with Maybach on 44.0 in sixth. 

Four-star (L)

As was the case in the three-star long, Tom McEwen was in the enviable position of having two show jumps in hand at the top of the leaderboard going into today’s final phase.

Riding Martin Belsham’s mare Luna Mist, he added just .4 of a time fault to take the title on a total score of 32.3. The pair only began their partnership at the start of this season and this was their first outing at this level: “You never know what you’ll have at the end of a three-day event,” said Tom, “and although this was a small class it was a proper test and she’s proved to me that she’s a 5* mare. She made both jumping phases feel easy, particularly today’s show jumping track which was up to height.”

The only fault-free show jumping round of the day, from Oliver Townend and another mare, Paul Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent, meant they retained second place. The eight-year-old’s performance also proved to her jockey that she was all that he had thought she was and more: “She’s never felt so good or so spectacular,” said Oliver. “She’s had a great experience over proper 4* tracks and she’s done nothing that tells me she isn’t a 5* horse.” He added that she may well be aimed at Maryland 5* towards the end of the season.

Nini French and her own Time For Harry were third on 54.8 and Louise Harwood with her own Native Spirit Fourth.

Three-star

After today’s final show jumping phase, Tom McEwen posted another good result for owners Mrs Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry when he retained his overnight lead with their nine-year-old gelding Brookfields Cavalier Cruise. The pair had two show jumps in hand but needed neither and completed on their dressage score of 22.9:

“He’s always been up there after dressage and show jumping at one-day events but has never really been allowed to have his day as we’ve been saving him a big occasion. It’s great that he’s had it today,” said Tom. “This is actually his first long format event and he really stepped up – for a big boy he’s really well-balanced.”

Behind the pair there was just one fence between the next six-placed riders and the leaderboard was shuffled in what was an exciting final phase.

Sam Ecroyd and his mother’s home-bread Withington climbed a place from third to eventual second after they jumped clear and Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry (who had been second after cross-country) rolled a pole and dropped to seventh:

“We came here to get our 4* long-format qualification,” said Sam, “and luckily I’ve always had good rounds here. Withington has been produced very slowly as he’s found it quite tricky to learn how to control his power and agility – he’ll have a good break now and hopefully we’ll have a proper season at 4* level next year.”

Perthshire-based Wills Oakden added to the bounty of rosettes he has collected over the course of the event finishing third with his wife Stephanie’s Cooley Pot of Gold on their dressage score of 39.1: “It’s been a brilliant weekend all round,” he admitted. “I came here knowing I had horses capable of getting into the top 10 in their respective sections and I’m glad it all worked out here as it doesn’t always!”

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo rose from ninth to fourth following their clear showjumping round, while Katie Magee and Nelson De La Pomme climbed from 10th to fifth after they also went clear. 

Two-star

The top of the leaderboard changed after every phase during this year’s two-star competition. Dressage leaders Caroline Powell and Tik Top lost their advantage when collecting 5.6 cross-country time penalties, opening the door to dressage runners-up Lucinda Atkinson and Twice Proved.

However, a lowered pole in the showjumping plummeted the pair to eventual fifth, so influential was the final day on the results.

The eventual winners, Wills Oakden and his wife Stephanie’s Keep It Cooley, had been just 0.1 of a penalty behind Lucinda and made no such mistake, jumping an immaculate clear round to take the title.

“This season he’s won two intermediates and was runner up in the three-star short-format at Alnwick Ford. The idea was to bring him here to be as competitive as we could be; he’s a horse we absolutely believe in, and love to bits. I’m very proud of him – he’s a serious machine and has been super all week.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a win here. We had one on Friday in a small class and Steph said, ‘that’s the Blair-duck done, they might start coming now’. Finally we have actually done it.”

Also benefiting from clear rounds were Nina De Haas from the Netherlands, riding JVK Mr Maguire, and Harrison Colling on Trevi Fountain who finished second and third respectively.

One-star section F

Section F concluded this morning with competitors running across country. The final top three all jumped clear inside the time and completed on their respective dressage scores. 

Heading the leaderboard on 28.3 was 18-year-old Maia Fleming from East Lothian with the 18hh Candyman Leanorth who was previously competed up to 3* level by Toots Bartlett:

“It felt like a breeze to be honest,” said Maia. “He made it feel so easy and riding here was a really good experience – it’s a massive atmosphere.”

Maia will now concentrate on horses and target Young Riders classes with Candyman Leanorth next season.

At the other end of the size scale, a 14.1hh pony, Stonehavens Cloud, ridden by Elizabeth Jelfs finished second on 31.5 with Emma Wake and Chrissi third on 33.2. 

CCI4*-L Final Top 10:

CCI4*-S Final Top 10:

CCI3*-L Final Top 10: 

Land Rover Blair Castle International H.T. (Pitlochry, UK): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring]

New Blair Castle 4* Leaders Take Aim at Final Phase; Caroline Martin in 4*-S Top 10

By on Aug 27, 2022 7:04 pm -

Saturday was cross country day for Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials CCI4*-L competitors and show jumping day for CCI4*-S competitors, and both scoreboards saw a shakeup — details below! Your new leaders heading into Sunday: Tom McEwen and Luna Mist in the CCI4*-L and Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma in the CCI4*-S.

Caroline Martin is the sole U.S. competitor in this year’s edition of the iconic Scottish event. Her two CCI4*-S mounts switched hierarchy on the leaderboard after today’s show jumping; Redfield Champion, who was 9th after dressage, had eight jumping and 2.4 time faults to fall to 17th place, while Islandwood Captain Jack moved from 14th to 9th thanks to a clear round with 1.2 time faults.

Four-star (L)

An activated mim clip at fence 15 (a safety device on some cross-country fences to help prevent falls which result in 11 penalties if activated by horses) by dressage leaders Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent handed the lead in the four-star long format to Oliver’s Tokyo Olympics team-mate Tom McEwen and Martin Belsham’s Luna Mist after today’s cross-country phase.

Tom and Luna Mist completed with two time penalties giving them a total score of 31.9 and a healthy two show jumps in hand over Oliver with Cooley Rosalent and the rest of the field going into tomorrow’s final show jumping phase:

“She’s a proper little fighter and came home full of running as she’s very fit,” said Tom. “She was a bit feisty and didn’t really settle until the eight-minute mark which made life more tricky than it needed to be in a couple of places but she was amazing. It was a proper four-star track with lots of people, atmosphere and hills – for me riding here is no different to riding at Bramham or Badminton.”

No-one made the optimum time but Oliver and Cooley Rosalent came closest, finishing just three seconds over time for 1.2 penalties:

“The optimum time was as it should be,” said Oliver. “It’s supposed to be hard to get at this level as when horses go up to five-star they need to run for an extra minute. The great thing about Blair is that you leave knowing what type of horse you’ve got if they get close to the time.”

He was delighted with the eight-year-old Cooley Rosalent whom he described as “a dream”. “She more than ticked all the boxes today” he added, “She’s a natural athlete who wants to do the job – I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Piggy March’s sister, Nini French, finally fulfilled the objective she has had since 2018 with Time For Harry of competing in the four-star-long at Blair Castle and finished the day in third place on 48.4 to boot:

“I’m so kamikaze,” she laughed. “Every year I try to get here I pick up silly injuries but I’ve finally made it! Time For Harry is my only horse and I really wanted to come here as he enjoys the softer ground and I felt the undulating course would suit us as neither of us are the fastest but we like to get stuck in and attack. It’s a really fun place and a great atmosphere too.”

Ireland’s Susie Berry and Kilcandra Capitol lie fourth on 50.1 after jumping clear and picking up 13.6 time penalties:

“He was class,” Susie beamed. “This is his first four-star long-format and he was a bit inexperienced in places, but he was very quick with his legs when he got into trouble and kept trying for me – that’s all I could ask for really.”

Tomorrow’s show jumping starts at 4.15pm local time.

Four-star (S)

Blair specialists Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma have moved up into the top spot after today’s show jumping phase. The 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding was runner up here last year and winner in 2019.

The pair jumped a clear round, adding 1.2 time penalties to their dressage score and have a one penalty advantage over Tom McEwen on Brookfield Quality.

“It’s the first serious class of the year for this horse, who has come back from surgery. He’s been really electric this week with all the atmosphere which is pretty big in the main arena; there were lots of nerves to manage, especially in the dressage.”

Looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country, Astier added: “The course is what I expected – big, bold and testing, but the horse is a great jumper and very good with these hills. He loves it here and the ground is perfectly suited for him. Fingers crossed.”

Three-star

As in the three-star long-format, Tom McEwen goes into tomorrow’s show jumping with the luxury of two fences in hand over the chasing field. A clear round inside the time with Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Cavalier Cruise means he sits 8.1 penalties clear of nearest rivals Max Warburton and the Paske Syndicate’s Deerpairc Revelry.

“I had a lovely ride to be honest,” said a relaxed Tom after his round. “We’ve been waiting for good ground all season so this was the first time I’ve asked him to open up which I did on the flat as he was finding it all super easy. It’s a proper three-star track out there which is what we want as riders as that’s what sets you up for the future.”

Max and Deerpairc Revelry also came home clear inside the time to elevate them from ninth after dressage to second place on a score of 31.0. Third placed Sam Ecroyd and his mother Penelope’s 11-year-old Withington completed on the same score but Max and Deerpairc Revelry finished closer to the optimum time, hence their higher placing:

“The course rode a lot twistier than I thought it would, to be honest,” said Sam, who picked up 2.4 time penalties with Withington. “That adds to the endurance the horses need but I thought the fences were all really fair.”

Two time penalties for Jo Rimmer and Mrs Merrill Halstead and Mrs Nikki Axon Chilli’s Midnight Star elevated them to fourth place on 31.1 while a clear round inside the time saw Wills Oakden and Cooley Pot of Gold rise to fifth.

Two-star

It was all change at the top after today’s cross-country. The optimum time of 8 mins 53” proved challenging to achieve but those who did manage it were rewarded with escalations up the leaderboard. That said, with less than four penalties, equating to one show jump, between the top eight, we’re in for an action packed final day tomorrow. The two-star showjumping starts at 10.45am.

Lucinda Atkinson and Pippa Reynold’s Twice Proved moved up from second after dressage to first after cross-country when they added nothing to their first phase score of 28.2. Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley sit a hair’s breadth behind in second on 28.3. Nine out of the top 10 after cross-country all went clear inside the time on what was deemed by riders as a stiff but fair course over perfect ground.

Twice Proved is just six-years-old and is competing in her first long format event having posted some good results at Novice and CCI2*-S this season:

“She found the course tiring but she kept jumping for me,” said a delighted Lucinda after her round. “She was a bit inexperienced at some of the combinations but there’s a lot to jump out there for a six-year-old. I’m so pleased with her.”

Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley, a seven-year-old gelding owned by Wills’ wife Stephanie, set the standard early in the morning with their classy round:

“I don’t think it’s easy out there,” he commented, “but he’s a horse we have a lot of belief in and what will be will be tomorrow – I’m pleased to be in such a good position.”

Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon with Dido Darling’s Irish Jig III moved into third on 29.2 with Caroline Powell and Nicholas and Fiona Lambert’s Legally Grey fourth on 29.9. Caroline had led after dressage with Jo West’s Tik Tok and were out early on cross-country. The pair jumped clear but picked up 5.6 time penalties to drop to 8th.

One-star

Competitors from both sections completed their show jumping today. Those in section E also ran across country with Amelia England with her Dutch-bred mare Eluna taking the win. They completed on 30.6 having added just 1.6 cross-country time penalties to a dressage score of 29.

“I’m really happy,” said Amelia. “I only got her a month or two ago when I was in the middle of doing my A levels so we’re still getting to know each other. I’ve never ridden in an atmosphere like this before – it was so lovely to hear people cheering me on when I was going across country.”

Amelia now plans to take a gap year to concentrate on eventing and hopefully contest for Young Riders next before before heading off to university to study for a BSc in Biological Science.

Second place went to Hannah Pearce with her own Valdoctro. They completed on their dressage score of 31.2 on the horse’s first FEI competition. Both horse and rider have only competed up to BE100 previously.

“That was amazing and so much fun,” enthused Hannah who is based in Dorset with Jo Rimmer.

“The atmosphere around the show jumping ring was incredible and something I’d never experienced before. Valdoctro was fantastic across country and everything went according to plan other than me forgetting to press start on my stopwatch!”

Competitors in section F go across country tomorrow from 8am local time. Maia Fleming and Candyman Leanorth will start the day as leaders on 28.3, with Ireland’s Alex O’Hare and Greylands Diamond Girl second on 29.7 and Megan Bainbridge and Silver Fox third on 29.8.

CCI4*-L Top 10 After Cross Country:

CCI4*-S Top 10 After Show Jumping:

CCI3*-L Top 10 After Cross Country:

CCI2*-L Top 10 After Cross Country:

 

Land Rover Blair Castle International H.T. (Pitlochry, UK): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring]

Oliver Townend Holds Double 4* Dressage Lead at Blair Castle

By on Aug 26, 2022 8:38 pm -

Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class, shown here in April 2022, lead CCI4*-S dressage. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Leading margins were squeezed and occasionally overturned today in Scotland at the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials. Oliver Townend has the dressage lead in both the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L. Representing the U.S. in the short format is Caroline Martin, who is 9th with Redfield Champion and 14th with Islandwood Captain Jack. Saturday is cross country day for long-format competitors (beginning at around 3 p.m. local time), followed by show jumping on Sunday; short-format competitors show jump tomorrow and take on the cross country track on Sunday.

Four-star

The four-star long format was completed yesterday, so #1 Oliver Townend and #2 Tom McEwen retain their considerable advantage over the field. Oliver shared his thoughts about the leader, Cooley Rosalent: “She’s only eight and I’ve been in love with her since she was four-years-old. She will be a beautiful five-star horse in time. This weekend is a speed bump, and hopefully a learning curve. She’s got a wonderful brain and so much talent.”

Overnight short-format leaders Oliver Townend and Tregilder now sit in fifth place, but Oliver still tops the table, now partnering his Olympic gold medallist, Ballaghmor Class.

Before Ballaghmor Class entered the arena, first to move ahead of Tregilder was Pippa Funnell riding Maybach (27.6). Her lead was short-lived, France’s Astier Nicolas taking the top spot with Babylon de Gamma (26.0) while next up was China’s Alex Hua Tian and his long-term partner Don Geniro who slotted in between Astier and Pippa.

Ballaghmor Class performed a smooth, accurate test to finish the day at the top of affairs with a mark of 25.0.

“He was very good,” said Oliver after his test. “He’s not tuned up at all at the minute, he’s just going through the motions. We always like to build him up to the big occasion and I’d say there are another six marks to come off. One phase at a time, but I think I will run him across country on Sunday. We are still four weeks away from the Worlds, and if it was Burghley four weeks away I wouldn’t think twice about running.

“Blair is an exceptional prep run ahead of Pratoni (the World Championships venue), second to none with the ground and terrain here.”

Illustrating how busy Oliver has been this weekend – he has brought nine horses – in just the four-star short-format he lies in first, fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth.

Three-star

No change at the very top of this section, but Tom McEwen and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise’s leading margin has been reduced. Coral Hardman and Impuls V have slipped between Tom and Sam Ecroyd, 3.6 penalties behind Tom.

Similarly, Storm Straker and Fever Pitch separate Sam’s two rides, Withington (28.6) and Chapel House (29.1). Jo Rimmer and Chilli’s Midnight Star complete the top six ahead of tomorrow’s cross country phase, which is due to start at 11.30am.

Two-star

Caroline Powell has also retained her overnight lead, but again with a narrower cushion. Tik Tok lies on 26.5, Lucinda Atkinson and Twice Proved are on 28.2 with Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley breathing down their necks on 28.3. Another 0.1 behind Wills is, you guessed it, Oliver Townend, this time riding Dolmen Debenture. Cross country starts at 8am.

One-star

In Section E, Amelia England came close to holding on to the top spot, but Max Warburton narrowly slipped ahead, riding Morningstar Van Altrido to a score of 28.8, 0.2 of a penalty ahead.

Maia Fleming still leads Section F, despite Georgina Pettit matching her score on Ballyerk Black Beauty.

Blair is never a dressage competition so the leaderboards could look very different by tomorrow evening!

Land Rover Blair Castle International H.T. (Pitlochry, UK): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring]

CCI4*-L Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI4*-S Top 10 After Dressage: 

 

Incredible Prize Klaxon: Win a Haygain Hay Steamer at the AECs!

By on Aug 25, 2022 11:45 am -

Lisa Niccolai and KC Celtic Character, the 2021 Training Amateur Champions. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsphoto

“Wow! That is a fantastic prize,” Lisa Niccolai recalls thinking when she learned that her victory in the 2021 American Eventing Championships Training Amateur division had earned her a Haygain High Temperature Hay Steamer. “Competing in the AECs was an overall amazing experience and that really added to it.”

Haygain is honored to sponsor the United States Eventing Association Championships again this year. Presented by Nutrena, the Championships are set for Aug. 30-Sept. 4 at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell, Montana. Haygain’s sponsorship will again include an HG One Hay Steamer — valued at $1,099 — to the winner of the Training Amateur division.

Along with the Hay Steamer donation, all AEC exhibitors will receive a special discount code for the purchase of any of Haygain’s three steamer models and its Forager Slow Feeder.

Haygain High Temperature steaming reduces up to 99% of the dust, mold, fungi, bacteria and other allergens found even in hay of top nutritional content. The benefits of clean hay include preventing or managing respiratory problems that affect over 80% of active sport horses.

Lisa had heard about the respiratory health benefits of Haygain when she won the steamer. Her horse, KC Celtic Character, didn’t have any specific respiratory problems at the time and she was excited for Haygain’s help in keeping it that way.

The now 7-year-old Zweibrücker (a German Warmblood) did have other health concerns, however. He received an ulcer diagnosis as a 4-year-old, so that’s been a major management concern for Lisa. “He is a very sensitive horse and he simply stopped going forward,” Lisa explains of his ulcer symptoms at the time.

Ensuring that “Trey” eats a steady supply of forage has been key to Lisa’s defense against an ulcer recurrence. “That is one of the reasons I was so excited to try the Haygain. He can be a little picky, and especially when it comes to water intake. He doesn’t always like water that doesn’t taste like what he gets at home.”

Haygain’s patented steaming technology can have up to three times to moisture content of dry hay. Its proven appetite appeal is another bonus for Lisa and Trey. “He loves his steamed hay and I love that it has the extra moisture content. When I read more about the Haygain, I realized it could be really good for him. It is another step I can take to help keep him comfortable and healthy.” Trey’s 30-year-old companion pony also loved the Steamed Hay, Lisa reports. “He was having trouble chewing with his teeth, and the steaming really helped.”

Positive Partnership

“The USEA is proud to partner with Haygain,” says Kate Lokey, USEA Director of Programs and Marketing. “Haygain’s dedication to finding new ways to improve the health and well-being of horses is a great fit for the USEA. We are excited to offer their steamer as a prize at the USEA American Eventing Championships!”

Johan Switzer, Haygain’s VP of Marketing, says, “We are happy to continue our long-standing partnership with the eventing community. Hay Steamers, the Forager Slow Feeder and our ComfortStall Sealed Orthopedic Flooring are now relied on by equestrians in all disciplines and around the world, but our path started with eventers. We wish everyone a successful, safe and healthy competition in Montana!”

For more information on Haygain, visit www.haygain.us.

 

Mongolian Riders Make Their Mark on August Edition of the 2022 Mongol Derby

By on Aug 23, 2022 11:00 am -

Erdene Ochir Uuganbayar thanks his final horse. Photo by Shari Thompson.

After a two year absence, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby, was run twice this year to make up for lost time due to Covid. The first race in July was won by American Deirdre Griffith and South African Willemein Jooste, but the second edition had a more homely feel to it with two Mongolians amongst the strong starting pack.

Based on the ancient horse messenger system used by Genghis Khan, in a country where the horse is king, at 1000km the Mongol Derby is the toughest test on the planet for equestrian endurance riders. Whilst horses are changed roughly every 35km at checkpoints strung out throughout the country, riders must endure being in the saddle for up to 200km a day and face the challenges of riding over 28 different semi-wild horses, with varying temperaments and bucking abilities, the inevitable falls and mishaps that happen along the way and navigating through challenging terrain, from giant sand dunes to freezing mountain passes.

The thirteenth Mongol Derby kicked off on the 10th of August with a truly international field: 46 riders, from 12 different nations. Swede rider Olof Sundstrom taking the early lead on day one.


Whilst the weather changed on day two, from blistering sunshine to near freezing rains, the lead didn’t. Then disaster befell the leader on day three, as Olof awoke to find his horse missing. He’d chosen to camp out alone to gain extra riding time, rather than spending the night at one of the horse stations. In this scenario riders “hobble” their horses (loosely connecting their front legs together with rope to prevent them being able to roam too far), but Mongolian steeds have a knack of managing to hop away, as Olof found out. Whilst herders found the Swede’s horse, he had to hitch a ride to the next horse station and sit out a two hour penalty, his lead gone. By the end of the day eight riders were vying for the lead, spread out between horse stations 9 and 10.

Day four brought rain — a lot of it — which meant a new set of challenges for competitors, but not enough to separate anyone from the leading pack.

Day five saw two riders drop away from the leading group, with six making it to horse station 17 together. American and Mongolian riders where showing particularly well with the six made up of Abbi Bell (USA), Bilegbat Erdensukh (Mongolia), Callie King (USA), Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar (Mongolia) Rochelle Latka (USA) and Victoria Wang (China).

The morning of day six presented a new twist for the Mongol Derby. Station 17 was a “lottery station”. Normally riders get to pick their horses from a line-up, first come first served, but at lottery stations (as used throughout the Gaucho Derby – an epic Patagonian race with pack horses, also run by Mongol Derby organisers The Equestrianists) riders have to ride what they’re given.

“This levels the playing field somewhat, and, to be frank, makes the whole thing a damn sight more exciting as a spectator sport,” described Tom Morgan, founder of The Equestrianists.

Is that a good pick? Photo by Ochiroo Bayarsaihan.

Despite an initial fall from Rochelle Latka, on a particularly lively steed, the first lottery station did little to separate the riders up front, with the Mongolians local skills coming in handy when Erdene-Ochir’s stirrup leather snapped and the two men (riding together) managed to fashion a replacement from a goat leather lead rein.

Stations 19 and 20 were also lottery stations. Riders are allowed two picks and can swap their first horse for another if they’re not happy with their initial decision. Both Abbi Bell and Victoria Wang took advantage of this after their first picks were a little too “spirited”, opting for safer, but perhaps slower, rides. This saw them both fall behind the leaders, as did Rochelle Latka, leaving just American Callie King in joint lead with the two Mongolians at horse station 21.

Day seven saw Callie sneak ahead of the Mongolians, with Erdene-Ochir finally hitting the deck as he was thrown off a particularly acrobatic livewire, proving even the locals can get caught out. He quickly made up for his mistake by rapidly catching Callie, before overtaking her to take the lead into the evening, with Callie just ahead of Bilegbat, Victoria and Rochelle.

With only three legs of racing left on the final day (at least for those at the head of the race), riders were on edge. Little separated the top five and everyone wanted to ride fast, if they pushed too hard however they risked getting a penalty (added time at the end) if their horse’s heart rate didn’t drop quickly enough, which, at this stage in the race, would inevitably mean throwing away any chance of a win.

In the end it was the Asian riders who got this fine balance right, with Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar managing to keep hold of his overnight lead and 19-year-old Bilegbat Erdensukh and Victoria Wang crossing together in joint second, Callie King taking a very well fought fourth place.

“It’s brilliant for the race to get its first outright Mongolian win and I hope riders from around the world continue to get inspired by The Mongol Derby,” Tom Morgan said. “Life in general is overtly manicured, we need a bit of toughness and chaos to dig deep and find out what we are really capable of.”

The August Mongol Derby winner, Erdene Ochir Uuganbayer, was all smiles at the finish. Photo by Shari Thompson.

Comments from the finish line:

FIRST PLACE

Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar
28 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence
Mongolia, Tuv province, Altanbulag soum, 2nd bag
Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar

What was it like crossing the finish line as the winner of the world’s toughest horse race?

“I’ve never crossed a finish line like this before so I never knew what that was like. When people welcomed me with cheers, milk and a Khadag (ceremonial scarf), it was amazing. I thought to myself how wonderful Mongolian culture and tradition is. The most beautiful moment was when I was coming in through the banners. I have never competed in a big international competition like this before, so winning this is truly an honour and brings me great pride. I think of it as one big lucky strike in the one life that was granted to me.”

Do you have a favourite memory from the race that you could tell us about?

“It was the times I spent with the other amazing racers from overseas. We communicated with each other using body language and hand gestures. If we (the Mongolian riders) were also abroad, we would’ve faced all the challenges they were going through in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. So helping them along the way, using hand gestures to communicate with each other, was the most memorable moment for me.”

You had such a positive attitude for the entirety of the race. How did you keep your spirits high even through adversities?

“Throughout the race I thought to myself how wonderful it would be if we all treated each other so nicely, kindly and with a big smile. I am a man who always has a smile on their face. I thought to myself that we as Mongolians should show the world that we are people with joy and happiness on our faces, not melancholy or anger. They probably wonder what we are like.”

You rode a few legs with Bilegbat, the one other Mongolian competitor. How was it being able to ride together?

“Riding with Bilegbat was great, we used to talk about crossing the finish line together but unfortunately he received a 4 hour penalty at station 22. He said to me it would be ridiculous to wait for him for 4 hours, so I rode on. I didn’t think to compete with Bilegbat, but rather wanted to bring fame and glory to my country Mongolia, to cross the finish line showing our way of life that is so intertwined with our horses and animals. It was awesome riding with Bilegbat, he is very talkative and we discussed every topic during our rides together. We became very close and had many discussions.”

There were a lot of new things you had to learn for this race including the navigation systems and the vetting process. How was that? Is there anything you learned during the race that you will keep with you?

“What I learned is how to use a GPS, which I’ve never used before. GPS shows you a direct way, which was a bit difficult. When I followed the GPS direct line, there would mountain after mountain. When you cross over many mountains, your horse wouldn’t go eventually. But I learned my lesson in the end. Instead I used the topography map and tried riding through the open plain. Otherwise, there would be mountains. Horses wouldn’t really go over rocky hilly terrains no matter what. English is definitely needed when riding with other fellow riders to understand each other. I learned a few words and phrases from my fellow riders.

I’ve learned several sentences and phrases that I can use when meeting with foreign people, which I’m keeping to use later. As Mongolians we’ve never listened to the heart rates of the horses, we only ride them when we need to, but in truth we should calm the horses when we reach our destination. From the race and vet check, I’ve learned to keep the horses calm and to love them. In the future I’ll be keeping these vet parameters, as I love my horses.”

Victoria Wang finishes in joint second place for China. Photo by Shari Thompson.

JOINT SECOND PLACE

Victoria Wang
31 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence, City/State/Country you are originally from and what’s your link to New Zealand?
I currently live in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. I am originally from Beijing, China.

“I was working and living in New Zealand for around 5 years, but none of my family is living in New Zealand – everyone is back home in Beijing.”

It’s the world’s toughest horse race for a reason — what was the toughest part for you? Can you describe a moment where you really had to pull through either mentally or physically?

“The toughest part for me was the pre-race preparation before flying out to Mongolia – it was like a mental torture sometimes. The Mongol Derby is not something you see or experience every day, so I did not have any clue whether my preparation was in the right way or not. I tried to contact the previous riders for tips or to study the YouTube videos uploaded by other riders, but still I felt quite unsure and anxious all the time about the race. I made a training plan for myself, but every day I felt I hadn’t trained enough, so the three months before August I was always living in anxiety, and I had to convince myself that the gym work was progressing.

During the race I did experience some tough time, but not too bad. One moment I did not expect was between HS22 and HS23, I made a wrong horse selection and my horse parked half way – he wouldn’t move at all unless I got off and led him forward. It was about 12km away from HS23, and it was in the hottest time of the day. There were several big mountains in front of us. When I realised that I had to walk for the rest of the leg, I was a bit lost and did not know what to do. Luckily it didn’t take too long for me to get my brain to work again. I calculated the time and it wasn’t too bad, even if I walked to HS23, so then I accepted the reality and pulled myself together and started walking forward.”

There were several highs and lows in the race — what was your high?

“The highlight was riding a beautiful grey horse from HS25 to HS26. I spotted the horse because he was wearing a special halter, and then the herder led him out of the group and he just looked strong and fast. When I rode him out of the horse station I could not hold him at all. At one second I thought I was going to die because if I lost my balance and fell off at that speed I definitely will have some serious injury. Then he slowed down slightly and I got all the control back. He just kept going for the rest of the leg at an enjoyable speed, and remained in balanced movement. Very special horse.”

A lot of riders race to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts. Who was your charity and how did you decide to raise funds for them?

“There are three charities…

Steppe and Hoof, Mongolia (www.steppeandhoof.org)

Steppe and Hoof is set up to help herders and their animals in Mongolia. Without the local herders and the mighty Mongolian horses we could not enjoy the Mongol Derby at all, so they need to be looked after well.

HOPE Equestrian Therapeutic Centre, China (www.hopebeijing.org/english/home )
As a Beijing local, I hope that more people in China could get interested in horses, and that they can also understand that horses are not just for entertainment or competitions, sometimes horses can help the general public in their daily lives.

Beyond the Barriers, New Zealand (www.beyondthebarriers.co.nz/page/about )
They give retired racehorses a second career to develop and help them to find a good home after racing. Definitely plays an important role in the racing industry and I respect them a lot.”

What was it like crossing the finish line in second place of the world’s toughest horse race?

“It still feels unreal. I did not expect I could get the second place tie because there are so many riders who are more professional than I am. I would have been happy enough if I just completed the race without any penalties, so this result is like the icing on the cake.”

Bilegbat Erdensukh finishes in joint second place for Mongolia. Photo by Shari Thompson.

JOINT SECOND PLACE

Bilegbat Erdensukh
19 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence
Mongolia, Tuv Province, Bayan Soum, 3rd bag

What excited you most about this race and the challenge that comes with it?

“The moment the race started and everyone bolted out of the start line was truly an exciting moment, I felt so many different feelings all at once. I thought to myself, “Wow, I guess this is how competitive and fast we’ll be competing throughout the race!” But I came to learn that that wasn’t the case at all. When it comes to moving from horse station to horse station, it’s mostly a game of who is smarter and more tactical. I had to learn to navigate, make sure the horses’ heart rate and physical well-being was sorted and also to let the vet know the horses’ scars and scratches. I always had to remind myself to not forget to do this.”

What is your background with horses? And what is your current day-to-day like?

“I was four years old when I first rode a horse and I was five when I competed for the first time in a horse race. I passed out on the horse during the race so I wasn’t able to place above 5th place. The second time I raced, there was really heavy rain and I got really hypothermic. An ambulance had to come and get me. A day in my life would be; in the summertime, I’d get up at 5am, work with my horses and graze them. From around 11am until 7pm, I’d just be outside tending to the horses, watering them, scraping their sweat, and at night I’d water them again and let them graze. My summers are usually spent outside with the horses, in the middle of the steppe.”

You were in last place after the first day of the race and made an incredible comeback, passing 10 people on the second day. Tell us how you kept your mind in the race and managed to pull off such an impressive feat.

“It didn’t feel difficult as I figured there was definitely an opportunity when I noticed how most of the riders weren’t far ahead of me.
When I found out I was in the lead I had much control. There wasn’t much need of staying in the stations for a long time. With only a cup of tea in my system I saved a lot of time, as opposed to the other riders who seemed to stay longer.”

What was it like crossing the finish line in second place of the world’s toughest horse race?

“Thinking back now, I think my excitement stole a lot of my recollection of how I crossed the finish line. I wasn’t fully aware of what I was doing but I remember crossing hand in hand with Victoria Wang as we understood each other through hand signs very well. When I stood up raising my hand she instantly got my intention and we trotted in together.”

Home Run for the Belgians in Arville

By on Aug 22, 2022 2:00 pm -

It was tough to predict who the final winner would be throughout the sixth leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Arville (BEL). There was a leaderboard shake-up in each phase but eventually the home side saved the day with some masterful cross-country riding, to finish on a score of 131.2 ahead of Germany on 148.5. Italy finished in third place on 193.00 and Team GB, who had been in first place after the jumping phase but had a number of cross-country faults, had to settle for fourth. This was the second time in a row that Belgium claimed this prestigious Nations Cup prize in Arville.

Team Belgium winners of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2022 Arville (BEL): Jarno Verwimp; Julien Wergifosse; Maarten Boon; Lara de Liedekerke-Meier; Kai-Steffan Meier (Chef d’Equipe). (FEI/Libby Law)

This young Belgian team of Lara De Liedekerke-Meier, Jarno Verwimp, Julien Wergifosse and Maarten Boon, look exciting team prospects for the future – all four putting in strong cross-country performances. They were dressage leaders but after some mixed fortunes in the jumping (which took place on the second day), dropped down to third going into the final test; with Great Britain in front and Sweden in second. Yet the story was not over. The cross-country proved to be a tough track which required bold but accurate riding, as well as endurance to cope with the hilly terrain. There were five eliminations and a further eight retirements on the course.

BEL-Julien Wergifosse rides Dwight de St Roch during the second day of Dressage for the CCIO4*-S – FEI Nations Cup Eventing. Concours Complet International D’arville. Friday 19 August 2022. Copyright ©FEI/Libby Law

Lara De Liedekerke-Meier who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games last year, was best of the Belgians overall. She stormed around the cross-country on her 12 year old Hannoverian gelding Ducati d’Arville, to finish 4th individually in this CCIO4*-S competition. Her final score helping the overall team score significantly.

“It’s fantastic. Last year was a historical win for Belgium but to win the cup again and keep it here, was just fantastic. My horse was amazing. My teammates were a younger squad than before, so I had to be the anchor a little bit.” – Lara De Liedekerke-Meier (BEL)

Speaking on the cross-country track which caused the demise of the British and Swedish teams and many other individual riders, she said: “I had a wonderful round, the cross-country was really tough and hilly. My horse kept running until the end. This was a fantastic day for Belgium and a fantastic day for eventing and I am so proud of my team. Arville was a fantastic edition.”

BEL-Jarno Verwimp rides Kyba van de Jomaheide during the Cross Country for the CCIO4*-S – FEI Nations Cup Eventing. Concours Complet International D’arville. Sunday 21 August 2022. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Belgium’s Jarno Verwimp was another rider to make his mark and finished 5th individually in the CCIO4*-S on Kyba van de Jomaheide. The 22 year old rider was delighted with his selection and team win:

“To be in the team for a Nations Cup is already a big honour but to take gold with the Belgian team makes it complete.” – Jarno Verwimp (BEL)

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ action now moves to Ballindenisk (21-25 September). This will be the eighth and penultimate leg of the Series. Germany continue to lead with 380 points overall.

Full results here

FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2022 Calendar & Team standings can be found here

This press release was written by Eleanore Kelly for the FEI.

Four Weeks ‘Til Pratoni 2022: Nominated Entries Are Closed & Bursting With Talent

By on Aug 20, 2022 12:00 pm -

Julia Krajewski (GER) riding Amande de B’Neville. Photo © FEI / Christophe Taniére.

In just four weeks’ time, the FEI Eventing World Championship will be underway on September 15-18 in the beautiful surroundings of Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, and it promises to be a thrilling competition. Nominated entries closed this week and an impressive number of nations –27 — will be represented, with 17 of them potentially fielding a team.

The complete list of nominated riders includes such well-established and famous names as Australia’s triple Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy, dual European champion Pippa Funnell (GBR), former world number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR), a European team gold medallist at Pratoni in 1995, Phillip Dutton (USA), who could be contesting his ninth consecutive World Championship, and Karin Donckers who has been representing Belgium at championship level for three decades.

The last three individual World Champions from 2010, 2014 and 2018 respectively are listed — Michael Jung (GER), Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Ros Canter (GBR) — plus Nicolas Touzaint (FRA), who won the European title at Pratoni in 2007, and world number one Oliver Townend (GBR), a member of the winning British team in 2007 and the reigning Olympic champion, Julia Krajewski (GER).

Alongside such legendary names are a brand-new generation, Felix Vogg, the first Swiss CCI5*-L winner for 71 years, his compatriot Robin Godel, who won the Pratoni Test Event in May, Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto, fourth individually at Tokyo Olympic Games, and Lissa Green (AUS), whose mother, Lucinda, won the 1982 title for Great Britain.

New Zealand, the country that dominated the last World Championship at Pratoni, in 1998, through Blyth Tait, Mark Todd, Vaughn Jefferis and Andrew Nicholson, now has a new generation of riders headed by power couple Jonelle and Tim Price, number two and three on the FEI World Rankings for Eventing, plus Amanda Pottinger, whose mother, Tinks, competed in the 1986 World Championships.

Tim Price (NZL) riding Falco. Photo by Massimo Argenziano.

Great Britain, who won both FEI European Eventing Championships at Pratoni, in 1995 and 2007, also has new names in the form of Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and Laura Collett, plus Yasmin Ingham, second on her CCI5*-L debut this year.

“With such an incredible range of talent this promises to be a very competitive World Championship which will result in some truly deserving medallists,” commented Giuseppe Della Chiesa, Event Director and Course Designer for cross country. “It is very exciting to see so many nations competing and I think we are all intrigued to see who will be standing on the podium at the end.”

Definite entries are due on September 5. At this stage, the following nations could enter teams: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and USA.

Ten nations will be represented by individual riders: China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Hungary, India, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands and Thailand.

You can view the full list of Nominated Entries here — and keep an eye out on EN for updates as #Pratoni2022 inches closer. The action begins on September 14, and you can get up to speed on all the information you need (and a lot you didn’t) in our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships here.

The FEI Eventing World Championships have been held every four years since they started in 1966. This will be the 15th running. Pratoni del Vivaro hosted the championships in 1998, as part of the FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome, and has also hosted the FEI Eventing European Championships in 1995 and 2007.
 
For details of tickets and timetabling, visit www.pratoni2022.it

2023 Carolina International Welcomes New Title Sponsor: Setters’ Run Farm

By on Aug 20, 2022 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Carolina Horse Park.

The Carolina International CCI and HT Organizing Committee is delighted to announce that Setters’ Run Farm has committed to the Title Sponsorship of the event starting in 2023. As the event enters its 10th year, Setters’ Run Farm is poised to take the competition to the next level. The 2023 date is set for March 16th -19th.

For the past 9 years, Setters’ Run Farm generously supported the Carolina International as the CCI4*-S Sponsor. When the opportunity arose to increase their involvement as the Title Sponsor, Annie Eldridge, owner of Setters’ Run Farm, did not hesitate to step up.

“To be a part of the Carolina Horse Park’s premier event, the Carolina International CCI and HT, as the Title Sponsor is an ideal way for Setters’ Run Farm to support the event, the Park, and the sport of eventing. The Carolina International is an important event on competitors’ schedules as they prepare their horses for the upcoming 4*-L and 5* events later in the year. I’m so proud to be affiliated with the Carolina International, which provides riders with a safe, but significant challenge to prepare their horses for the future,” says Eldridge.

“Setters’ Run Farm has been a longtime friend and supporter of the Carolina Horse Park as well as an avid supporter of the Carolina International. We are fortunate to have them take the lead as the Title Sponsor in 2023. The Organizing Committee looks forward to a successful year,” states Marc Donovan, Event Director for the Carolina International CCI and HT and Carolina Horse Park Program Director.

The Carolina International Organizing Committee would like to thank Jennifer Mosing and Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC for their many years of support from the inception of the Carolina International CCI and HT.

For more information visit the Carolina Horse Park website here.

“Red Hills International Horse Trials Has Run Its Last”: Early-Season CCI4*-S Bows Out of Calendar

By on Aug 17, 2022 11:54 am -
 
Red Hills International Horse Trials, which has been held in March in Tallahassee, Florida’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park for 25 years, will not run again after major changes to the USEF eventing calendar. The event’s organising team has released a statement about the decision, which reads as follows:
“Red Hills International Horse Trials has run its last. This is certainly a difficult decision for one of the top CCI4*-S events to be forced to make.
“Red Hills has become a beloved community event for Tallahassee, as well as for the sport of Eventing. Since its inception in 1997, the Red Hills Organizing Team has cultivated a phenomenal working partnership with the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department and the Northwest Florida Water Management District. These relationships have enabled Red Hills to run annually in Elinor Klapp Phipps Park, public greenspace diligently maintained year-round by Tallahassee Parks and Rec, with every infrastructure need of the March event anticipated and accommodated…magic in motion. Recognized as a Leon County Legacy Event, Red Hills has been generously supported by funding from Visit Tallahassee and Leon County Tourist Development for many years.
“Red Hills is a unique event limited to no more than 220 competitors from around the globe. An all-volunteer organization, as many as 500 active volunteers have come together year after year to produce a spectacular competition, rain or shine… a weekend in the Park that annually attracts more than 20,000 spectators. Key sponsors have returned year after year to ensure the event’s financial viability, as have seasoned competitors who have been the first to enter the competition on opening day. We are humbled and eternally grateful to all who have contributed to the success of the Red Hills International Horse Trials through the years.
“However, the focus of the sport is changing. The unilateral reorganization of the 2023-2027 Eventing Calendar by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will radically impact Red Hills and sorely challenge its financial sustainability. In choosing to prioritize large, commercially-based venues, the USEF has denied Red Hills the CCI4*-S Division for 2023-2027, a Division we have successfully run for many years. The USEF has scheduled the first Four Star of the season on top of Red Hills’ date, severely threatening Red Hills’ anticipated number of entries.
“Our attorneys timely filed official protests with the USEF. These were dismissed summarily. The Federation has flatly refused to openly discuss any rationale for the radical changes in the calendar. Further, the Federation also denied Red Hills the opportunity not to run in 2023, yet remain on the calendar for 2024-2027, in order to restructure an event with a different focus.
“Each year Red Hills must build an environmentally sensitive mini-city for the venue. Sharply escalating costs, compounding requirements mandated by the USEF for competition organizers, the loss of the CCI4*-S Division, and thus, the gamble on the anticipated number of competitor entries have introduced significant financial uncertainty for Red Hills’ success. Both the loss of the CCI4* and conflicting competition will be crippling. So, with mixed emotions, the Board of Directors of Red Hills Horse Trials, Inc., has made the decision to terminate the event.
“We value the tremendous support Red Hills has received through the many years from the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District as well as from our volunteers, our sponsors, and crowds of spectators. Red Hills International Horse Trials has had a strong run. We have much to be proud of as we say our goodbye.”
Red Hills attracted up to 20,000 spectators per year, with an estimated positive local economic impact of around $5 million. The calendar for 2023-2027 can be viewed here, and further information on the bidding process is available here.

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Unveils the Research Behind Upcoming STAR Helmet Ratings at Equestrian Symposium

By on Aug 16, 2022 12:30 pm -

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In 2003, Virginia Tech placed the first sensors inside football helmets to measure head acceleration data that could characterize concussions.

Nearly two decades later, the university’s Helmet Lab is on the cusp of adding equestrian sport to its arsenal of public safety information on helmet use and unveiling its STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) ratings system for helmets.

At the Equestrian Symposium, held Aug. 11-12 in Blacksburg, Va., Drs. Steve Rowson, Stefan Duma, Mark Begonia, and Barry Miller educated a group of equestrian stakeholders on the progress of their equestrian helmet research. The Helmet Lab began their study nearly four years ago, but the project was brought to the finish line with support from USEF, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, United States Eventing Association, and Jacqueline Mars, who collectively raised more than $425,000 in research funds in December 2020.

“With the same impact, there can be very different biomechanical responses between helmets. We felt a responsibility that everyone should have this information,” said Rowson, the Helmet Lab Director. “Not all helmets are the same just because they meet a [pass/fail] standard. That’s true for skull damage, but not concussions.”

The STAR ratings for equestrian helmets are designed to complement existing helmet certifications and fill in the gaps relating to concussion risks. The information, set to be released by the end of the year, will allow the public to search helmets by certification type, helmet type, brand, and more to make more informed choices on the helmets they wear and purchase when riding. They also will educate manufacturers on how to improve the safety of their helmets.

“The equestrian space has one of the noisier standard spaces, which makes it complicated for a manufacturer,” Duma said.

The Helmet Lab evaluated 26 helmet models and 104 helmets in 312 tests, quantifying elements like actual drop height (where a rider is positioned when actually parting ways with a horse), what body parts are impacted when falling, liner and rotational impacts, and surface, among other factors.

Watch: Helmet lab research will have big impact on equestrians.

The STAR value is the theoretical number of concussions someone would sustain if their on-field exposure matched the laboratory impacts. It is calculated by multiplying exposure (as a function of impact location and velocity) and concussion risk (as a function of linear and rotational headform acceleration). The ratings correlate with real-world injury rates; the lower the STAR value, the better the star rating (one to five stars, with five stars being the highest-rated helmets).

“It’s similar to a New Car Assessment Program. We took a system that works and translated it to the sports world,” Rowson said.

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s work began with football helmets but has now expanded to youth football, flag football, hockey, cycling, soccer, and snow sport. Equestrian will be the newest addition, as the research is in its final phase. The test methods began with video analysis of 100 equestrian falls, followed by laboratory system comparison, on-site field testing, and impactor surface comparison on both dirt and sand surfaces—the “extremes” of hard and soft footing. The final phase is in process and involves the final calculations of STAR values and the publication of star ratings.

“We’ll often throw a football helmet in there. A football helmet is the most advanced designed and optimized helmet. We’ll also evaluate a ‘bare’ or no-helmet situation to show what the helmet is doing [helping with],” Duma explained. “If an equestrian helmet is producing similar numbers to a [highly rated] football helmet, it probably doesn’t need improvement.

“Football is a multiple head impact sport,” he added. “In equestrian, exposures are very different, and we have much lower numbers.”

Following presentations, attendees to the symposium visited the lab for a behind-the-scenes peek at testing procedures with Virginia Tech students that participate in program research.

To learn more about the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, click here.

To learn more about the USEF Helmet Safety Fund, click here.

That’s a Wrap from Herning! Final Updates on Para Dressage and Jumping

By on Aug 15, 2022 12:00 pm -

Para Dressage

Sanne Voets (NED) and Sara Morganti (ITA) both retained their Para Dressage Freestyle World titles in Grades I and IV respectively for the third successive time at the Orifarm Healthcare FEI Para Dressage World Championship 2022, in Herning (DEN) today. They did so in the same venue at which they both won their first major international titles nine years ago, at the FEI European Championships of 2013.

“Usually I think of something to say when I get off the horse and come here but I’m pretty much speechless today,” Sanne said. “There are a few moments in your career where you just enter the arena and raise your hand and from that moment on you are just in another dimension and don’t really experience what’s going on in that moment. Today was one of those days.”

Silver KATE SHOEMAKER (USA), gold SANNE VOETS (NED) and bronze RODOLPHO RISKALLA (BRA) in the Grade IV Freestyle to Music final during Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Championships 2022 © FEI

On Royal Delight, Italy’s Freestyle queen Sara Morganti danced to a score of 80.653% to take gold in Grade I ahead of Latvia’s Rihards Snikus with 78.400% on King of the Dance. Just a whisker away from that, by 0.013%, was Ireland’s Michael Murphy, who was able to finally put the lid on a disappointing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with another bronze in Herning, on Cleverboy, with 78.387%.

Having first won the title at the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM in Caen (FRA) in 2014, Voets rode Demantur RS2 N.O.P. to score 82.485% in this year’s Grade IV competition.

The silver medal went to a delighted Kate Shoemaker (USA), on Quiana with 80.275% while Brazil’s Rodolpho Riskalla edged the bronze medal on Don Henrico, with 78.385%. His medal had extra emotion being his last ride on the soon to retire Don Henrico after a partnership which saw them pick up two World and a Paralympic silver medal, and two further bronzes here.

Katrine Kristensen and Tobias Thorning Joergensen (DEN) delighted their home fans by taking the Freestyle titles in Grades II and III, prompting a sea of red and white Danish flags to be waved around the arena in celebration.

Katrine set the ball rolling by winning the Grade II Freestyle riding Goerklintgaards Quater to music dominated by Queen songs, and scoring 80.354%. Great Britain’s Lee Pearson and Breezer took the silver with 77.860%, while his teammate Georgia Wilson won a delightful but surprise bronze medal with Sakura, and 75.834%.

In the Grade III contest, a world record 86.513%, on Joline Hill, put Tobias nearly 10 points clear of the silver medal, which went to The Netherlands’ Lotte Krijnsen, on Rosenstolz with 76.673%. And breaking her World Freestyle jinx, Great Britain’s Natasha Baker took the bronze, on Keystone Dawn Chorus, with 76.620%

Belgium’s Michèle George reclaimed the Grade V Freestyle title she last won at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2014. On her amazing mare, Best of 8, she scored 82.860% for gold. Frank Hosmar (NED) once again performed to a medley of 80s pop classics to take the silver, on Alphaville N.O.P. with 80.775% – his best score at a World, European, or Paralympic competition – while Great Britain’s Sophie Wells was third, on Don Cara with 79.255%. This was her ninth World or Paralympic title. “I’m so happy I can do this again with another horse,” she added, “because it’s not always easy. It’s not easy to get to the top, and it’s more difficult to stay there. But I’m back, and this is only the start.”

At the end of a brilliant World Championship week for Para Dressage, Denmark has topped the medal’s table with four golds and a silver. The Netherlands are second, with three golds, three silvers and a bronze, with Belgium in third place securing two golds.

Show Jumping


Last Friday night they helped Team Sweden to victory in the Team event, and today Henrik von Eckermann and his brilliant chestnut gelding King Edward added Individual gold to their haul of loot with another extraordinary performance at the Agria FEI Jumping World Championship 2022 in Herning, Denmark.

The dynamic duo were under the ultimate pressure, out in front on the final day with two rounds of jumping still to do and less than a fence separating them from the four combinations chasing them on the Individual leaderboard. Belgium’s Jérôme Guery took the Individual silver medal and The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten claimed the bronze.

A total of 21 combinations tackled the first round and 14 jumped clear, but it was a very different story second time out. Course designer, Dutchman Louis Konickx, explained his thinking about how to let a champion shine. “The first course was fluent and big enough but not too complicated. For the second round we built it up and it was more technical. The time (87 seconds) was short. It was great to see King Edward win, he was clear every day and he has so much scope. I think we have seen wonderful sport!”, he said.

Just 12 came back in the second round and this time only four left all the poles in place. Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Stargold kept themselves in the running with a clear when first into the ring this time out, but another five faulted before van der Vleuten and his individual Olympic bronze medal winning ride Beauville Z NOP followed suit.

Lying fifth in the closing stages, Great Britain’s Ben Maher dropped out of contention when Faltic HB clipped the 1.65m vertical at fence seven, and when Austria’s Max Kuhner and Elektric Blue P kicked out the second element of the spooky water-tray double at fence ten, and added two time faults, there were only three left to go and van der Vleuten was moving rapidly up the scoreboard.

Lying in bronze medal spot Belgium’s Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme de Hus didn’t buckle under the pressure however, and when the 16-year-old stallion and his 42-year-old rider raced through the finish there were already ecstatic scenes in the Kiss and Cry because the pair were now definitely destined for a place on the podium.

Second-last to go however, von Eckermann’s team-mate Jens Fredricson saw silver slip from his grasp when Markan Cosmopolit left three fences on the floor and the only question now left was whether von Eckermann could hold his nerve. He said this evening that he was very grateful to the many Swedish supporters for not going wild when he entered the ring because King Edward is such a sensitive horse.

And setting off with complete focus the pair delivered a copybook tour of this final 12-fence track to put the result beyond doubt. He could hardly believe he had precious gold in his grasp. In the 69-year history of the Jumping World Championship no Swedish rider had ever taken an Individual medal, and to make the first one a golden one was all the more special.

Talking about King Edward, he said, “he has jumped so many clear rounds and done so many good things, it’s just a privilege to ride him. I knew Jerome was clear so I could have no mistakes….I had a really good feeling from the first round so that gave me confidence and the horse felt as fresh as he was the first day.”

Von Eckermann admitted he feels nervous before a big competition. ’It’s always the same with me, two hours before I’m really nervous, can’t eat or anything, but when I get up on my horse that turns somehow into focus and concentration and just trying to stay focused and to do the best round for my horse”, he explained.

And how does it feel to be the new world champion? It’s clearly taking some time to process that…

“For the moment I’m empty – you try to keep emotion pushed down so you can focus, and when it’s done it’s like pulling the plug out a bit. But it’s just happiness I think, and this is a day to remember!”, he said with the biggest smile.

These press releases were written by Louise Parkes and Rob Howell for the FEI.

Hartpury’s Golden Girl: Vanir Kamira Becomes First Mare to Win CCI4*-S

By on Aug 14, 2022 4:35 pm -

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira. Photo courtesy of Hartpury International.

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira have scored their first international victory since taking the Badminton Horse Trials in 2019, winning the NAF Magic CCI4*S at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials. Vanir Kamira is the first ever mare to win the CCI4*S competition and also delivered her best ever finishing score at an international event (26.4)

The combination jumped an effortless clear round in the show jumping on Saturday morning, before storming around Eric Winter’s cross country track well inside the time – one of just four pairs to do so.

The 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare had looked outstanding on Friday afternoon putting in a consistent test brimming with 7s and 8s. The judges were particularly impressed by the walk and canter work and accurate half passes were also well rewarded by the Ground Jury.

Vanir Kamira, or “Tilly” as she’s known, was bred by Kathryn Jackson in Ireland’s Co. Monaghan. Her dam was Fair Caledonian and sire, Camiro De Haar Z.

Dressage leader Ros Canter finished in a very creditable 2nd place after having a rail down and picking up 0.8pen on the cross country with her Badminton runner-up Lordships Graffalo. She enjoyed two outstanding cross country rounds and two top-ten finishes with Pencos Crown Jewel having also finished in 8th.

The only former winners in the field, Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, picked up 5.2 time pens on the cross country meaning the galloping grey finished in third place.

Tom McEwen withdrew his Olympic ride Toledo De Kerser before dressage began but finished in 4th place with Bob Chaplin. Monkeying Around and Izzy Taylor had been in 2nd place after dressage but a rail down and 7.2 time pens dropped them to 6th.

Elsewhere, the NAF Mpower CCI2*L and NAF Superflex CCI3*L see no change at the very top of the leaderboard. Jason Wood and Nitro (2*) jumped clear across country within the time as did a number of other 2* combinations. It’s tight at the top as there’s just 2.4pens between the top ten.

China’s Alex Hua Tian has maintained his lead in the CCI3*L with Jilsonne Van Bareelhof (25.4) after jumping a clear cross country round inside the time. He needs to jump a clear round on Sunday as Stephen Heal and I Diablo Joe sit just 2 penalties behind him on 27.4. Both the CCI2*L and CCI3*L competitors will face a final horse inspection on Sunday morning before showjumping.

Three-quarters of the CCI4S* runners jumped clear across country and penalties were scattered all around the course with the Jump 1 Brush Corners proving perhaps the most influential.

Course Designer Eric Winter reflected on a successful day: “It’s been another safe and successful day of cross country at Hartpury, and I’m delighted with how the course rode. As was the case with the FEI European Championships for Young Riders/Juniors a few weeks ago, the 2* and 3* tracks were educational and created a good test for the level. Interestingly, penalties around the two courses came from different fences to those in the European Championships.

“The 4* track had a good number of completions and I’m delighted for Piggy who really got out and attacked the course. For many, this will have been a superb prep run for the autumn internationals setting them up for Burghley in a few weeks time.”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “We’re thrilled for Piggy and the lovely mare Vanir Kamira. They pulled out all the stops in the jumping phases and were rewarded with this victory. It’s a great privilege for Hartpury to host horses of this calibre and to have former Badminton and Bramham winners amongst the names.

“In light of the hot conditions, we worked closely with the FEI officials, vets and riders themselves to make a number of changes ahead of cross country day. As a result, the course was shortened in order to create a shaded finish area in the woods. This worked particularly well, allowing horses to be cooled quickly and efficiently using ice water and fans. We also ensured water points were distributed throughout the course to keep horses cool during holds. The earlier start (07:30) helped many combinations to jump away from the hottest part of the day.”

For the U.S., Katherine Coleman picked up a 14th place finish with her own RLE Limbo Kaiser, a 15-year-old Irish gelding with whom Katherine’s been partnered since early 2021. Burghley-bound Meghan O’Donoghue also contested the 4*-S with Palm Crescent, adding only some time on cross country for 28th overall, while Emily Hamel and Corvett finished in 49th, also with just time added on cross country. Canada’s Kathryn Robinson also contested the 4*-S with Cloud K, adding two rails and some time on cross country to their final score.

Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne Van Bareelhof (Top Shots Photography)

CCI3*L

Even a pole down in Sunday’s final showjumping phase wasn’t enough to prevent China’s Alex Hua Tian winning the NAF Superflex CCI3*L with Jilsonne Van Bareelhof. The imposing 17hh Belgian warmblood by Nevado Van De Rostal looked to have plenty of experience as the pair moved effortlessly through the phases. A dressage score of 25.4 followed up by an eye-catching cross country round on Saturday placed the pair in a comfortable position as those closest to them faltered. Alex’s other ride Cooley Admiral also jumped a clear round but 9.2 time pens from cross country and a dressage score of 45.6 meant they finished in 25th place.

Ellie Fredericks and Pure Trendsetter moved up to 2nd place after a clear round on Sunday while Emily Young-Jamieson and Obos Nidge, and Alexander Whewall and Wisbeach Cevin Z Pride also moved up to 3rd and 4th respectively after jumping a valuable clear.

CCI2*L

More than half of the 3* competitors jumped clear rounds on Sunday afternoon, but it was a different story for the 2* combinations during the morning session.

Kitty King continued a run of good Hartpury form, winning the NAF M Power CCI2*L with RSH Monbeg Marshall on a score of 29.4. Kitty had finished in 3rd place in the NAF Magic CCI4*S with her galloping grey Vendredi Biats on Saturday.

Jumping proved the name of the game and Sunday’s showjumping phase proved extremely influential in altering a leaderboard that had been largely unchanged after the dressage and cross country. With the top ten so close after the cross country, even a time fault was costing several places.

Jason Wood and Nitor had led after the first two phases but a rail down and 1.2 time pens proved expensive, dropping the pair into 8th place.

Just over a quarter of the 2* riders managed to record a clear around Paul Connor’s track. Clear rounds moved several pairs up the leaderboard including Great Britain’s Millie Toulson-Clarke and Tir Na Nog Shadow who finished 2nd with 30.8, Ireland’s Danielle Mccormack and Billy Orinoco who finished 3rd with 32.3, and Tim Cheffings who finished in 4th and 5th place with Fanad West Callardo and Nadir De Leau respectively.

Course Designer Eric Winter reflected on a successful cross country day for the two levels: “Saturday saw a safe and successful day of cross country at Hartpury, and I’m delighted with how the course rode even in the hot conditions. As was the case with the FEI European Championships for Young Riders/Juniors a few weeks ago, the 2* and 3* tracks were educational and created a good test for the level. Interestingly, penalties around the two courses came from different fences to those in the European Championships.”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “Congratulations to Alex Hua Tian and Kitty King on their victories in the 3* and 2* competitions. It’s been an outstanding week of world-class eventing action and I’d like to thank the riders, officials, volunteers and sponsors who help to make our events a success. Today is rather bittersweet for us as it’s the last of our major equestrian events for the season. We’ve enjoyed a spectacular summer with the addition of the European Championships and are already looking ahead to 2023.

“The weather presented a host of challenges for our team this week but working with the FEI officials, vets and riders themselves, we managed to create a comfortable environment for horses and humans alike. By starting earlier in the day and implementing a shaded wash-down area with extra volunteers and an abundance of iced water, all horses and riders enjoyed a safe and enjoyable week at Hartpury.”

The Hartpury Organising Committee would like to say a special thank you to all our sponsors, in particular NAF, whose generous title sponsorship helps us to stage our three prestigious equestrian events.

NAF Five Star Hartpury International H.T. (Gloucestershire, England): [Website] [Final Scores] [Live Stream Replay]

Herning 2022 Sets the Bar High for Grooms

By on Aug 12, 2022 9:00 am -

Television graphic from the ECCO FEI World Championships 2022 in Herning (DEN).

The Organising Committee of the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN) have not only provided athletes with top class competition conditions, but have also set a new benchmark for the care and recognition of Grooms at equestrian Events.

With a dedicated Groom’s Lounge at the stable area, to in-venue recognition for Grooms on the big screen, the Organising Committee have ensured that this stakeholder group were well integrated into all organisational aspects of the World Championships.

“We have been very impressed with the level and attention that the Grooms have received during the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning,” Founding Director of the International Grooms Association™ (IGA) Lucy Katan said.

“The #ChampionsAsOne concept has resonated strongly throughout the Event and we are extremely pleased to see that Grooms, who have been the unsung heroes of the equestrian world in the past, are now being formally recognised and appreciated for all their hard work behind-the-scenes.

“While the Organisers have proactively introduced key initiatives to provide comfortable working conditions for Grooms, they have also been open and willing to listen to the IGA’s ideas and suggestions.

“As an ‘IGA Show Supporter’, the Organising Committee have worked closely with us to implement feedback from Grooms received through an international survey we carried out earlier this year. A key point that came through strongly was to have a ‘grab-and-go’ style take away option for late night food provisions that would be of use to Grooms on the really busy and long days. The IGA fed this back to Herning 2022 and we were delighted when we learned that this service was made available for the Grooms at the Championships.”

Emma Chapman and Cristalline (Stella). Photo courtesy of the FEI/Liz Gregg.

In a move away from tradition, the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning also saw Grooms feature in the prize giving ceremonies for the first time ever. Every Groom was mentioned by name and formally included in the gift giving protocol during the ceremony.

“Grooms are an integral part of the equestrian family and as any athlete knows, behind every happy horse is a happy Groom!” Herning 2022 CEO of Sport Jens Traberg said.

“We wanted to ensure that Grooms are looked after, not just in terms of food and beverages but that their work and their important place in the equestrian community is also recognised.”

The significance of the inclusion of Grooms in key celebratory moments was not lost on the community.

“It was an emotional moment to see members of the Grooms community finally get recognised for the work that they do behind-the-scenes,” IGA representative in Herning Jenny Ellis said.

“The ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning have certainly set the bar high and we hope that others will continue to build on what has been done here in Denmark for the Grooms community, and will share these best practices with other Organising Committees in the future.”

An independent not-for-profit professional association, the IGA was established to achieve greater representation and career recognition for grooms, as well as to improve their working conditions, especially at equestrian events where long hours are the norm.

The IGA was formally recognised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the FEI Sports Forum held in Lausanne (SUI) in April 2022.

Mark Your Calendars for the Morven Park Fall International CCI4*-L

By on Aug 10, 2022 1:10 pm -

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Following the success of its inaugural CCI4*-L in 2021, the Morven Park Fall International CCI and Horse Trials are set to return to Leesburg, VA, from October 5-9, 2022.

The Fall International CCI and Horse Trials are a highlight of Morven Park’s equestrian calendar each year, combining a family-friendly event with top-level competition, as one of only six American equestrian facilities currently offering a CCI4*-L.

In addition to the CCI4*-L, which will offer competitors $20,000 in prize money, the Morven Park Fall International CCI and Horse Trials will feature CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI3*YH-S, and CCI2*YH-S divisions. The traditional offerings of the national levels Novice through Preliminary will run in conjunction with the international divisions. To foster the next generation of eventing, Arden Farm will be offering $7,700 in prize money for the CCI3*YH-S and CCI2*YH-S divisions.

“[Morven Park] is, in my opinion, the best cross-country venue in the country if not the world; the arenas are fantastic. We are very lucky to have it,” said Buck Davidson, who finished second in the 2021 Morven Park CCI4*-L.

Phillip Dutton, the inaugural winner of the Morven Park CCI4*-L, added, “[Morven Park] is going to be great for our sport in the future, and I encourage everyone to mark it in their calendar to aim for.”

Entries for all divisions will open on August 23, 2022, and spectators can mark their calendars now to enjoy the free event! To learn more, click here.

US Equestrian Announces Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup Canada CCIO4*-S

By on Aug 8, 2022 5:08 pm -

Graphic via US Equestrian.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the four combinations selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Canada CCIO4*-S. Competition will take place from August 18-21, 2022, at Bromont Horse Park in Quebec, Canada. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law.

The following combinations have been selected to the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) & Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties LLC & Deborah Palmer

Lillian Heard (Cochranville, Pa.) & Dassett Olympus, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Heard and Deborah Greenspan

Andrew McConnon (Southern Pines, N.C.) & Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Caroline Martin & Jeanne Shigo

Colleen Rutledge (Frederick, Md.) & Covert Rights, a 2006 Thoroughbred cross gelding owned by the athlete and FSG Inc

Competition will begin on Friday, August 19 with dressage and stadium, followed by cross-country on Saturday, August 20. For more information, please visit www.bromonthorsetrials.com.

 

Get Your Tickets to the Maryland 5 Star Beginning Today!

By on Aug 2, 2022 10:35 am -

Tim Price and Xavier Faer. Photo by Abby Powell.

After making its spectacular debut last year and being named the Best New Event of 2021 , the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is set to return to the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, MD, October 13-16. Tickets for the thrilling second edition are on sale now with tailgating options next to the exhilarating Cross-Country phase to become available on August 9.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only two 5* level equestrian events of its kind in the United States and just the seventh worldwide, welcomed a total of 20,886 spectators and 184 competitors that featured four of the top eight eventers in the world or its debut in 2021, when three-time U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin and On Cue made history by claiming the first American victory in any CCI5*-L since 2008. Now, the event’s management team is gearing up for a successful second year with some exciting new additions that will be announced soon!

The four days of eventing competition feature Dressage (Thu-Fri), Cross-Country (Sat) showcasing Ian Stark-designed courses, and Show Jumping (Sun).

In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event also features the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship. The Maryland 5 Star is also honored to host The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland on Thursday and Friday, showcasing divisions for 4- and 5-year-old horses in what is best described as an equestrian talent search.

Tickets for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill are on sale now at Maryland5Star.us/tickets. A variety of single and multi-day ticket packages along with exclusive Club and VIP Hospitality packages, General Admission tickets starting at just $15 and much more are available. Reserved Tailgate spots right next to the dynamic Cross-Country action will be available starting August 9.

Click here to purchase your tickets and ticket packages, and we look forward to seeing you in Maryland in October!

Horses, Housing & Holes-in-One: An Important Heads Up From Stable View

By on Jul 17, 2022 12:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Stable View’s proposed spring 2023 fixture (April 7-9) will be an important one for many riders, who’ll use it as a last prep run in advance of Kentucky three weeks later. With FEI 4/3/2* and Training through Advanced horse trial divisions, it’s a busy enough weekend in Aiken already — but on top of all that, its dates coincide with The Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

Stable View recently issued some advice for those planning to attend: book your accommodations ASAP!

Masters weekend is a busy time in Aiken, with hotel and housing rates increasing exponentially, and vacancies difficult to come by, so we thought that riders might appreciate an early warning.

We have identified four scenarios that could be helpful.

1. With many Eventers returning north at the end of March, housing that is devoted mostly to seasonal equestrians will be available. Please begin having conversations with your peers to uncover these opportunities.

2. Those Eventers who are already in Aiken for the winter and who intend to compete at the April 7-9 horse trials may want to extend their seasonal stay at least through that weekend.

3. There are a few Airbnb and OwnerRez accommodations available at regular rates. These should be booked ASAP. (Check out EN’s 10 Unique Airbnbs For Your Next Aiken-Area Event for inspiration!)

4. All of Stable View’s accommodations are booked, but we will provide some additional RV spaces with hook ups. Anyone wishing to use their own RV / Horse Trailer and park independently can do so on a complimentary basis.

 

During the Masters some houses and apartments rent for three or four times their normal rate. Having been allocated this date three weeks prior to the LRK3DE, we would like to make sure as many riders as possible can compete at Stable View. If you intend to be here, please make your arrangements as soon as possible.

For more information, visit Stable View’s website here.

USEA Foundation Announces 2022 Rebecca Broussard Travel Grant Recipients

By on Jul 15, 2022 1:00 pm -

Marc Grandia and Campari FFF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The members of the USEA Foundation’s Rebecca Broussard Grant Committee have announced the riders who have been awarded travel grants for The Event at Rebecca Farm. Over $28,000 in grants were awarded to 26 U.S. riders.

The USEA Foundation would like to express its deep appreciation to the Broussard family for making these valuable grants available to assist riders to reach their goal of one day riding for America. Over the last nine years, the Broussard family has contributed over $200,000 for travel grants alone. These grants help riders participate in the interview process at the event, which is a necessary step on the road to eligibility for the $50,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Riders Grant, won last year by Maya Black, as well as the Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant, won last year by Marc Grandia. Both of which are awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December.

The grant recipients for this year’s Rebecca Farm travel grant are as follows:

David Adamo – Corte Madera, California

Helen Alliston – San Ramon, California

James Alliston – San Ramon, California

Josh Barnacle – Santa Rosa, California

Fylicia Barr – West Grove, Pennsylvania

Rebecca Brown – Seagoville, Texas

Sophie Click – Coupeville, Washington

Courtney Cooper – Nottingham, Pennsylvania

Brittany Crandall – Charlottesville, Virginia

Gina Economou – Sun Valley, California

Lila Gendal – Ocala, Florida

Kimberly Keeton – Watkinsville, Georgia

Ashlynn Meuchel – Anthony, Florida

Meg Pellegrini – Wayne, Pennsylvania

Emily Pestl-Dimmitt – Renton, Washington

Alyssa Phillips – Ocala, Florida

Kim Goto Miner – Camarillo, California

Marc Grandia – Duvall, Washington

Emilee Libby – Temecula , California

Jordan Linstedt – Snohomish, Washington

Chris Talley – Jeffersonton, Virginia

Kaylawna Smith-Cook – Temecula, California

Chloe Smyth – Temecula, California

Megan Sykes – Granbury, Texas

Mollie Summerland Takes Barbury 4* Crown With Record-Breaking Dressage Score

By on Jul 12, 2022 11:00 am -

Mollie and Charly Van Ter Heiden jump through the Keyflow Feeds water on their way to CCI-S 4* success. Photo by Hannah Cole.

As the heatwave spreading across the UK started to reach full force, the competition at the Keyflow Feeds Barbury International Horse Trials in Wiltshire was also hotting up last weekend.

Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden took an early lead in the CCI-S 4* on Saturday morning with a record-breaking dressage score of 18.7 – the best four-star dressage test by a British rider since Izzy Taylor with Orlando at Bramham in 2014, which was also 18.7!

They remained in the top spot after show jumping and all eyes were on them as they set off around Alec Lochore’s challenging cross country course. The crowds were not disappointed. They delivered one of the standout rounds of the day and sealed the coveted 4* title at Barbury.

“It’s lovely to win here,” said Mollie. “This is our local event, we’re only 10 minutes away. Charly was just pipped to the post by the King of Barbury, Andrew Nicholson in 2019 – so it’s really nice to get our name on this title!

“I’m absolutely thrilled with Charly today. He did two really nice jumping rounds. He was fantastic in the show jumping, I just made a small mistake; then in the cross country I wanted to look after him and take it steady on some of the turns, but I also wanted to really make sure I attacked the fences and rode positive into the water, and he gave me a great feeling. He finished sound and happy and that’s all I could have wanted from him.”

Mollie receives the trophy from Cam Price from Keyflow Feeds and members of the CCI-S 4* FEI Ground Jury, Nice Attolico Guglielmi and Janet Surr. Photo courtesy of Musketeer Events.

Of her outstanding dressage score, Mollie added, “I definitely wasn’t expecting a record-breaking score. I don’t think you ever can come out of a test and expect something like that. I knew that I was really happy with him, and I hoped that we’d be quite near the top because he did do a lovely test, but it was definitely unexpected. It was nice that the judges really enjoyed watching him as well. They spoke to me when we came out and were very happy with him. It’s always nice when they compliment you at the end.”

Another good cross country round for Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On saw them hold on to second place – meaning that the top two places remained unchanged throughout all three phases of the competition. Beyond those two it was a different story, however, with one of the best rounds of the day propelling Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver De Haar up from outside the top 20 to complete the podium in third.

The incredible natural amphitheatre of Barbury’s landscape and the viewing platform that it provides for spectators makes it worthy of some superb sport; and the cross country certainly proved to be influential for both international classes throughout the weekend.

Alex Bragg and Quindiva complete the competition on their dressage score of 28.7 to take the CCI-S 3* title. Photo by Hannah Cole.

With a number of the top placed combinations in the 3* choosing to give their horses a steadier, educational run in the cross country, the door was opened for some serious gains to be made by those who were able to deliver quick clear rounds – something that our winners, Alex Bragg and the 12-year-old mare, Quindiva did in style. Two super jumping rounds left them on their dressage score of 28.7 and saw them take the 2022 CCI-S 3* title.

The pair were just inside the top ten after dressage, a position that Alex could see had potential. “Quindiva did a really good dressage test that left her lying tenth and in a good position for the jumping phases,” he said. “The main arena at Barbury is spectacular and she jumped a wonderful [show jumping] clear. She’s very talented in that sphere.

“The cross country is always difficult for the time because it is very undulating – you’re on the side of the bank and you are always up and down or turning, so you need a very athletic sort of horse and Quindiva is certainly that. She pulled off a great cross country round, really, really scopey. We finished on our dressage score and pulled off a convincing win actually, a few marks ahead of the rest of the field. Her owners are happy, I’m happy, the team’s happy and I have been enjoying the win in this wonderful atmosphere, so thanks to Barbury and to Musketeer.”

Max Warburton and the Nicholson’s Monbeg Exclusive finished on their dressage score of 32.6 to leap up the order into second and Wills Oakden and Cooley Pot of Gold completed the top three – another combination to benefit from strong jumping performances.

Alongside the International classes, visitors to the event were also able to enjoy an array of Novice classes across the four days – including a Pony Trial, the ROR Championship and the prestigious Novice Masters.

Full results are available on the Eventing Scores website here.

History Repeats Itself for Red-Hot Swiss Team at Avenches Nations Cup Leg

By on Jul 11, 2022 12:00 pm -

Team Switzerland are proving to be ‘the ones to watch’, in this year’s FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, after winning both their appearances in the Series. On both occasions the Swiss riders have won both team and individual prizes in the CCIO4*-NC-S. After winning the opening leg in Pratoni (ITA) back in May, this time they delighted their home crowd in Avenches. This promising quartet – three of whom competed in Pratoni, all showed strong two-phase jumping performances, to finish on a score of 127.7.

Just as they had in Pratoni, France had to settle for second spot in Avenches – this time scoring 134.9. There were just four teams competing in this fourth leg of the Nations Cup, and after a disappointing team performance on the cross-country, Germany lagged behind on 216.1 and Italy on 256.4.

A superb double clear in the cross-country and Jumping phases was achieved by Robin Godel, who rode the fastest cross-country clear of the day, adding just 0.4 of a time penalty to his good dressage score. This meant the 23 year old rider, was also a deserving individual winner of the CCIO4*-NC-S. He was also crowned the winner of the Swiss National Championships. Fittingly, he was riding the Swiss-bred horse, Grandeur de Lully CH. The ever-consistent pair climbed from fourth place after the dressage to first after the cross-country.

Also contributing significantly to the team victory and proving that age is irrelevant to eventing success, were 20 year old Nadja Minder and 52 year old Patrik Rüegg, who said “the atmosphere is very special. There were a lot of people on the cross-country. I am proud of our performance today”.

Making up the quartet was 38 year old Mélody Johner who rode her Tokyo Olympic team horse Toubleu de Rueire, to finish fourth individually. She has been riding ‘Toubleu’ since 2020 and describes the 15 year old Selle-Francais gelding as “a very generous and experienced horse”. Johner hopes good results here will put the pair in contention for the FEI Eventing World Championships which will be held in Pratoni from 15-18 September. “I am moved and happy. The cross-country was quite technical. The requirements we have set ourselves up to have now been met. Now we have to continue working”, she said.

The French team led after the dressage phase but lost their edge over the Swiss in the cross-country phase on the basis of time faults. World-renowned course designer, Mike Etherington-Smith built a strong cross-country test which made the most of the natural features and topography, with no riders making the time and only 19 riders out of a total of 36 jumping clear.

The event took place at the Institut Equestre National d’Avenches (IENA) – also the site for last year’s FEI Eventing European Championships as well as the FEI European Pony Championships for Dressage, Eventing and Jumping in 2008. It is on the outskirts of Avenches, the former capital of Roman Helvetia, and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.

The overall result means that Italy, who have attended all four legs of the Series are now leading on 245 points, whilst Sweden are in second on 220. Switzerland who have now won both of their appearances are on 200 points which puts them in third place at this early stage of the Nations Cup Series. Le Pin au Haras (FRA) will host the fifth leg which runs from 11-14 August.

Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8 at Houghton Hall. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We also had a United States rider represented in the top 10 at Avenches this past weekend. Cornelia Dorr and her Oldenburg mare Daytona Beach 8 finished in 9th place in the CCIO4*.

Since January, Dorr has been based in the UK with McNab Eventing, using the time abroad as an opportunity to further her education. Dorr recognizes that the time away has been good for her and her horses, noting “I think we were just a little stuck in a rut together at home… Kevin [McNab] has been really great helping me with her.”

Originally aiming for Kilguilkey House’s 4*-S in Ireland, a cancellation of the event due to weather led Dorr to enter Avenches instead. Despite the change in plans, Dorr’s homework with Daytona shone through. “She just has a lot of anxiety and adrenaline and she hasn’t had an outlet for it in the dressage… This weekend at Avenches, [Daytona] put in a really quiet test for her, and I think it’s because Kevin’s helping me learn how to test ride. So I have different tactics in the ring now.”

Adding 10.8 time penalties on cross country and picking up two rails in the show jumping to add to her dressage score, Dorr and Daytona have utilized their time abroad to buckle down on homework to deliver results. Looking forward to the upcoming months, there are some exciting plans on the horizon for this U.S. pair.

Gillian Warner contributed to this report.

FEI Nations Cup of Eventing CCIO4*-S (Avenches, Switzerland): [Website] [CCIO4* Leaderboard]