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Tim and Jonelle Price 1-2 in LOTTO Strzegom CCI4*-L Following Day One

By on Jun 23, 2022 12:30 pm -

Tim Price pilots for Christ Burton ride Polystar I to the early lead in the 4*-L. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Dressage trials, the first part of the equestrian triathlon, have started the rivalry of the eventing competition in Morawa at the LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials on Thursday.

In the most demanding class – the CCI4*-L – the best result belongs to New Zealand’s Tim Price with Polystar I, a former show jumper turned eventer as a former ride and 4*-L winner of Chris Burton’s. In second place, just 1.6 penalty points behind, is Jonelle Price aboard Faerie Magnifico, a 9-year-old British gelding contesting his first 4*-L. Italy’s Evelina Bertoli closes off the podium with Fidjy des Melezes. In the CCI3*-L, the pole position belongs to Ben Leuwer (GER) with Citius.

In the junior rivalry the leader is Belgium’s Max Tual riding QC Rock And Roll. Polish athlete Karolina Miś sits in third with Go Jack, which gives her the lead in the Polish National Championships in this age category.

In turn, in the three stars in the young riders’ category, the best result and the lead in the Polish Championships in this category belongs to Karolina Ślązak on Ganges.

In the CCIP2*-S the author of today’s best ride is Sina Brügger from Germany aboard Next Generation.

On Friday, further dressage tests will take place, including for the Nations Cup competition. The first winners in the Pony and Intro classes will also be selected.

During the four days of competition, LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trial will host 230 competitors and 350 horses, representing 22 countries from all over the world, taking part in ten international classes at the arenas of Morawa.

CCI4*-L dressage results.

LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream] [Event Preview]

US Equestrian Welcomes Five New USEF Community Outreach Organizations

By on Jun 21, 2022 1:30 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to welcome five more USEF Community Outreach Organizations as part of the USEF Community Outreach Program. The USEF Community Outreach Program, launched in 2021, is dedicated to supporting organizations across the country that provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities.

These organizations will be recognized as USEF Community Outreach Organizations and are united by their standards in equity, mission, and horse and human welfare. Each organization submitted an application, which was evaluated against the standard eligibility requirements, and was approved by US Equestrian’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Review Committee, consisting of executive staff, volunteers, and athletes.

The 2022 USEF Community Outreach Organizations are listed below in alphabetical order:

  • Beachwood Center for Wellbeing (Charlestown, R.I.)
  • Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (Clifton, Va.)
  • Prancing Horse (Southern Pines, N.C.)
  • Solid Strides (Pleasant Hill, Ore.)
  • Special Equestrians (Warrington, Pa.)

These five organizations join the 16 inaugural organizations recognized earlier this year, collectively improving access to horses across 15 different states. Additional information about each organization and the USEF Community Outreach Program is available here.

Community Outreach Organizations receive several benefits, namely eligibility to apply for a grant through the USEF Opportunity Fund. Individuals can make a tax-deductible donation to the USEF Opportunity Fund online here.

How to Become a USEF Community Outreach Organization

The next application period will open on October 1, 2022, and close on November 30, 2022. Applicants must complete and submit the digital application form on or before the application deadline. Please review the Additional Resources prior to starting the digital application, which includes important information such as eligibility requirements, required documentation, and more.

Canada’s ‘Pratoni. Let’s Go!’ Fundraising Campaign Launches with Significant Kick-Off Donation

By on Jun 14, 2022 9:00 am -

Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The recently refreshed Equestrian Canada High Performance Advisory Group, Eventing (HPAG) are thrilled to announce a significant donation from Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine toward the urgent fundraising appeal just launched in support of the Canadian eventing team. The campaign “Pratoni. Let’s Go!” has been developed to fill the funding shortfall for the team.

To send a full five-member squad to the FEI World Championships 2022 in Pratoni, Italy, September 14 – 18, 2022, the HPAG needs to raise $250,000. Without raising this money, Canada will be unable to send a full team to the championships. Sending a team is the first opportunity for Canada to qualify for a team allocation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Canadians Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine want to see the Canadian team at international competitions and are providing a substantial initial donation of $100,000 to kickstart the “Pratoni, Lets Go!” campaign.

“Team Canada belongs at the World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympics. Congratulations to our riders for their perseverance and determination and to the High Performance Advisory Group for giving us the confidence to make this lead investment. We hope this acts as inspiration for other supporters to get behind our Canadian riders,” said Kelly McCarthy-Maine of Canadian Colours Equestrian. Kelly operates a sport horse breeding, producing, and competing operation in Wiltshire, UK.

“We are honoured and incredibly excited that Kelly and Shane have decided to fund our high-performance program in this way and welcome them to the team,” said Emily Gilbert, Co-Chair of the HPAG. “This donation provides the impetus and excitement we need to kick off a larger, more long-term fundraising effort to support our Canadian eventing program and riders for years to come.”

“It’s quite unprecedented in Canadian eventing to see this kind of large-scale donation and we’re hopeful it will help bring others to the table to support our longer-term program plans and infrastructure rebuilding,” commented Greg Paull, Co-Chair of the HPAG. “I feel we have some exciting momentum building and seeing our Canadian athletes competing successfully on the world stage is paramount to our efforts. We couldn’t be more grateful to Kelly and Shane.”

Graphic by Sarah Greer.

Coinciding with this announcement are details of the “Pratoni. Let’s Go” campaign which is focused on the Pony to Podium journey. Canada’s top eventers plan to post videos of their journeys on social media and tell the stories of how they got to the top of the sport.

The co-chairs have relayed how critical the need for funding is for the future successes of Canadian riders and how thankful both EC and the HPAG are for their active engagement in the critical fundraising initiative.

The committee have ensured there are many ways to donate including online, in person and by contacting the HPAG directly. A QR code has also been established with a unique Canada Helps URL. Secure donations through the website allow donations to be directed to the Eventing campaign. To donate, donors can click on the Donation Link and select Horsepower Fund – Eventing.

At Canadian competitions for the rest of the summer, volunteers will be decked out in Canada gear asking for donations and providing a wristband to those who donate.

An on-line auction will run June 17-20, 2022, featuring lessons by famous Canadian riders of all disciplines, priceless experiences with riders, vacation home stays, equestrian apparel and more.

“This significant donation signals a great endorsement for our athletes,” said Gilbert. “And with all the planned fundraising efforts, our group of volunteers on the HPAG are very confident the campaign will be a success.”

“Together, we are committed to the mission of supporting horse and rider athletes to keep Canada on the world stage,” said Paull. “We are confident that the community understands that the time is now, and the momentum is building. So, Pratoni. Let’s Go!”

Essex H.T. to Offer $10,000 Preliminary Division

By on Jun 8, 2022 3:41 pm -

Juli Sebring and Welbourne at Essex. Photo by Priscilla Miller.

The 2022 Essex Horse Trials will offer a $10,000 Preliminary Divison! The $10,000 purse will be distributed as follows: The winner will receive $5,000, second place takes home $3,000 and third place $2,000.

Set for July 1-2 with a new format, the event will take place at two locations. On Friday, dressage and show jumping will be held at Hamilton Farm, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. The next day, the exciting cross-country phase will return to historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

The Preliminary Division begins on Friday, July 1 at Hamilton Farm with Dressage from 12:00 – 4:00 followed by a course walk from 4:30 – 5:00 and Show Jumping from 5:30 – 6:30. On Saturday, July 2 the Cross Country begins at 12:00 and continues through 1:30 at Moorland Farm. The Prize Giving winds up the division at 3:30 at Moorland Farm.

“We are thrilled to offer $10,000 prize money for this year’s Preliminary Division. It is our marquee event and we are expecting some of the top riders to take part with their Preliminary horses,” said co-organizer Morgan Rowsell. “We are anticipating more than 150 competitors in all the divisions, which will make for an exciting two days!”

The other divisions offered at the Essex Horse Trials include Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training divisions.

In addition to the competition, the Essex Horse Trials will also feature family-friendly activities, a spectacular car show and fun demonstrations for a fantastic start to the holiday weekend.

General admission is $10.00 per car. Tailgating spots will be available for the best viewing of the exciting cross-country course at Moorland Farm. Packages range in cost from $50-$300 depending on location. For more info on tailgate packages and ringside sponsorships, please call 908-581-0514 or email [email protected].

Proceeds from the Essex Horse Trials benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August.

Laura Collett Records a Double at Millstreet International

By on Jun 5, 2022 3:30 pm -

Laura Collett (GBR) and Dacapo on their way to securing victory in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (5th June)

Badminton Horse Trials champion Laura Collett added two more International wins to her record this afternoon when taking the honours in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L and Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI3*L.

The Tokyo Olympic Gold medallist led from the outset in both competitions and clear rounds in the deciding show-jumping phase saw her secure victory in the CCI4*L with Dacapo, having added just 2.4 cross country time penalties to her dressage score. A short time later, Collett completed the double, when showjumping clear in the CCI3*L with Outback to finish on their dressage score, bringing to an end a great weekend of eventing action for more than 320 horses, nearly 100 of which had crossed the Irish Sea.

Laura Collett (GBR) and Outback receive their prize after winning the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI3*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials. (L-R: Jane Holderness Roddam (Ground Jury), Sue Baxter (Ground Jury President), Diana Chappell (owner) and David Lee (Ground Jury)

U.S.-based Australian rider Clayton Fredericks didn’t quite get the podium finish he was positioned for with Diana Crawford’s, Hugh Wrigley’s and his own FE Coldplay, with two poles lowered today in show jumping, but the pair still ended the weekend inside the top 10. Canadian rider Dana Cooke finished just outside the top 20 with Mississippi.

 

Not quite the finish we were looking for with 2 down today for 9th place in the 4*L @millstreet_horse but still incredibly proud of FE Coldplay and his efforts this week 🌟

At only 10 years of age he has made his first trip overseas and gave me one of my best ever XC rounds cruising around a tough track and finishing full of running

Ceaser will now head to the UK for a little holiday and then look forward to another big competition in 🇬🇧 in September 🤞

Huge congratulations to @bill_levett_eventing for his great finish in the 4*L and thanks for looking after our horses on the trip back to the UK 🇬🇧

#fredericksequestrianinternational #fecoldplay #fehorses #ontheroadagain

Posted by Fredericks Equestrian International on Sunday, June 5, 2022

The Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L saw a win for New Zealand, with Jonelle Price taking the honours on the seven-year-old Fernhill Kankan, owned by Terese Miller and Julia Lukas. The pair finished on their dressage scores ahead of three Irish riders, Aoife Clark (Fetiche des Rouges), Clodie Coen (Union Fortunus) and Godfrey Gibbons (Mitchem Free Spirit).

“She is very much my type,” said Jonelle of the smart black mare. “She’s athletic and when Carol Gee [producer] sent me the video I loved her straight away. She’s pretty green still, but I took her to Spain to jump on the Vejer de la Frontera series which really set her up. The plan was to come here and tick the box with a view to going to Le Lion d’Angers [World Young Horse Championships] in October if she is ready.”

Short-format classes

The final scoresheet was tight in the Foran Equine CCI3*-S and at the very end of the cross-country phase victory eventually went to the experienced Irish team rider Clare Abbott on Sarah Riley’s German-bred DHI No Fear, a nine-year-old by Non Stop.

Another big Irish name, Sam Watson, was in second place, just 0.7pen in arrears, on Ballyneety Rocketman and, in an all-Ireland line-up, the overnight leader Ian Cassells finished third on Rosconnell Alto having clocked up just too many time penalties.

Josh Williamson, 15, led the Equine Warehouse CCI2*-S for Ponies and clinched it with just one rail down on Ardeo Fireman. Ben Connors was second with a clear on Cornafest Fred and Tom Nestor dropped one place to third with a rail down on Tullaree Ruby Tuesday.

The Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI2*-S saw Emma Egan record the first FEI win of her career with Ballytoher Sabrina after recording one of just three clear cross country rounds inside the optimum time. The leader after the first two phases, Alison Holden (Lates Eddie) dropped down the order with a steady cross-country round for 15.6 time penalties.

Based just twenty minutes from the Green Glens Arena, Sian Coleman took the honours in the inaugural CCI1* Intro class, sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin with Kilroe Frolic, and the prestigious Eventing Ireland CCI2*-S for young horses resulted in a deserved victory for US visitor Cornelia Dorr with DHI Qyaracolle Z.

Other North American riders competing at Millstreet this weekend included:

  • Gillian Beale King, who finished sixth in the CCI3*-L with Richard Ames’ Rebellient as well as 13th with Mr. Ames’ RCA Royal Mist (and 30th with Derena Super Star, also owned by Richard Ames)
  • Logan Duffort, 17th overall in the CCI4*-S with her own and Georgina Barrett’s Voltage de la Nouee
  • Cornelia Dorr, in addition to her Young Horse 2*-S win, also finished just outside the top 20 in the CCI2*-S division with the 8-year-old By-The-Sea, owned by Cornelia and Ann Wehrle

“It’s been a great weekend of sport and we’re thrilled so many leading international riders came to Ireland,” said Millstreet Director Thomas Duggan. “Let’s hope we see some of them in the medals at the world championships and perhaps some of the young horses we’ve seen going brilliantly will be medallists of the future.”

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Archive]

Laura Collett Heads a Cross Country Thriller in Millstreet CCI4*-L; Clayton Fredericks Third

By on Jun 4, 2022 5:30 pm -

Laura Collett (GBR) and Dacapo retains their lead after Cross Country in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

Cross-country day at the Millstreet International Horse Trials in Co Cork, Ireland, lived up to expectations, providing thrilling sport and a great spectacle in the beautiful surrounds of Drishane Castle at the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena.

It was a particular triumph for British Olympian Laura Collett who retained her lead in both the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*-L and the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI3*-L.

Six nations are represented in the CCI4*-L top 12, with Laura at the head of affairs after a copybook round on the handsome Dacapo, owned by Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor, Gillian Morris-Adams and Michael and Alison Smedley; they incurred 2.4 time penalties and now do not have a rail in hand going into tomorrow’s final show jumping phase.

New Zealanders are here in force and Clarke Johnstone, who has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere for the season, produced two out of the three rounds inside the optimum time. He has risen impressively up the order to lie second on Aces High and sixth on Menlo Park.

Australian rider Clayton Fredericks’s journey from States paid off and his superb round on FE Coldplay has elevated him five places from eighth to third overnight.

Dana Cooke, the other North America-based rider competing at Millstreet in the 4*-L, had one spot of trouble on course with Mississippi, picking up 20 penalties at the B element of the Bit Media Brush Corners at fence 8.

 

What a day of XC 🤩

So proud of FE Coldplay jumping a super clear with just 1.2 time faults around the 4*L @millstreet_horse to move into 3rd place heading into SJ tomorrow!

@seminolefeed @racingbluestorm
@nupafeed_usa @sportinnovationsequine
@southernstarssaddlery
@respondsystems @championequestrian
@toklatoriginals
@fabbriboots
@pointtwousa
@hygainfeeds_usa
@mylerbits
@zandona_equestrian_official
#matrixsaddlepads
@ggt_footing

Posted by Fredericks Equestrian International on Saturday, June 4, 2022

Tim Price is fourth and eighth for New Zealand on new ride Coup de Coeur Dedevin and Happy Boy, and Elizabeth Power did the home nation proud in fifth place on Senza Fine.

Bill Levett, a 4* winner at Millstreet last year, is seventh for Australia on Sligo Candy Cane and his compatriot Kevin McNab, the dressage runner-up, is 10th with 10.8 time penalties on Willunga, the Aussies split by Ireland’s Cathal Daniels in ninth on CDS Cairnview Romulu.

Arthur Duffort, the sole French rider, is 11th on Arko’s Lad and Japanese competitor Ryuzo Kitajima looks to have secured a world championship qualification on the lovely mare Cekatinka JRA in 12th.

Willa Newton, third after dressage on Cock A Doodle Doo, had the bad luck to trigger a frangible pin at fence 24 and has dropped to 15th.

Laura Collett retained her CCI3*-L lead in with a superb attacking round on the eight-year-old Outback, described by commentator Clare Ryan as having “an elastic gallop”. However, scores are incredibly tight with the price of one show jumping rail covering the top nine horses.

New Zealander Samantha Lissington is second and fifth after two great rounds on Bing Bong and Ricker Ridge Ricochet; Britain’s Emily King is third on Imposant and Aoife Clark is the top Irish rider in fourth place overnight on Sportsfield Freelance.

In the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L, New Zealander Jonelle Price had a cracking ride on Therese Miller and Julia Lukas’s Fernhill Kankan. The seven-year-old black mare was a purchase from Carol Gee last year and looks right up Jonelle’s street.. “She will have learnt a lot, which is what it’s all about here at Millstreet,” she said.

They were one of 16 combinations inside the optimum time and hold a fractional lead of 0.7pen over Ireland’s Patrick Whelan riding the seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse Altitu going into the final show jumping phase tomorrow.

The dressage leader, Virginia Thompson riding Katchafire for New Zealand, incurred 6.8 time penalties and is now in 15th place.

Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*S Presentation: L-R: Gillian Beale King (Connolly’s RED MILLS Ambassador), Joanne Jarden (Ground Jury), Kirsty Chabert (4*S Winner), Cathal Daniels (4*S 2nd and 3rd), Anne Marie Taylor (GJ President), John Lyttle (Ground Jury)
at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

Short-format classes

Kirsty Chabert regained the top spot in the Connolly Red Mills CCI4*-S in style with a hugely impressive cross-country performance on her father John Johnson and Carole Somer’s mare Classic lV.

By this late stage of the afternoon it was pouring with rain and no one achieved the optimum time, but Kirsty’s 5.6 time penalties, the joint fastest, were enough to give her a clear lead over Ireland’s Cathal Daniels, who finished second and third on LEB Lias Jewel and his gallant veteran medal-winning mare Rioghan Run.

It was a case of reparation for the winning pair, who were pathfinders at Badminton before incurring refusals at a double of corners on the way home. “I feel I can put it to bed now,” said Kirsty. “She gave me an absolutely lovely ride. It was a beautiful course and the ground was phenomenal. This is my first time at Millstreet and I’m definitely coming back; it’s a great place.”

Ireland’s Stephanie Stammschroer and Master Swatch had taken over the lead with a clear show jumping round, but fell at a downhill double of corners on the cross-country.

Ian Cassells goes into tomorrow’s Foran Equine CCI3*-S cross-country phase is first and fourth places after two clear show jumping rounds on Rosconnell Alto and Shanaclough Quality Clover. Irish team rider Clare Abbot (DHI No Fear) and Tim Price (Polystar l) are in joint second place. The dressage leader, Adam Haugh (van Thee Man) has slipped down the order to 16th with two rails down.

It remains to be seen whether Kirsty Chabert can recover her lead in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI2*-S. Her 4.4 show jumping penalties on Heraldiks Girl Opposition leave her 2.6 penalties in arrears of the new leader, Ireland’s Alison Holden on Lates Eddie, before tomorrow’s cross-country.

Josh Williamson, son of the former top National Hunt jockey Norman Williamson, and Ardeo Fireman are still at the head of affairs in the Equine Warehouse Pony CCI2*-S. They were one of only two combinations inside the the optimum cross-country time of 5 mins 41 secs and have a fence in hand going into tomorrow’s final show jumping phase.

Leading young-horse producer Meath Bolger riding MBF Back to Back still leads the Eventing Ireland CCI2*-S for young horses and Sian Coleman (Kilroe Frolic) is still in the driving seat in the Carr * Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro class.

Show jumping tomorrow will be carried live for premium subscribers on Clip My Horse TV. You can find starting orders and scores for all divisions here. The CCI4*-L will jump at 12:00 p.m. local / 7 a.m. EST.

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Laura Collett and Dacapo are Perfectly In Sync at Millstreet

By on Jun 3, 2022 5:00 pm -

Laura Collett (GBR) and Dacapo lead the way after dressage in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The dressage phase is now complete for all nine classes, from 1* to 4*, at Millstreet International Horse Trials in Co Cork, Ireland. Britain’s Laura Collett swept into the lead in the showpiece Horsesport Ireland CCI4*-L section. Her performance with the striking dark bay gelding Dacapo was much anticipated and did not disappoint, earning a score of 24.3 from judges Sue Baxter (GBR, president), David Lee (IRL) and Jane Holderness-Roddam (GBR).

‘He was really on it and enjoyable to ride,” said the British Olympic gold medallist of the 13-year-old by Diorado, who was a picture of elegance and softness. “He has to have a tiny tantrum and thank goodness he got it out of the way this morning.”

Three of the German-bred Dacapo’s five owners had travelled to Ireland to watch – Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor and Gillian Morris-Adams, Michael and Alison Smedley being absentees at a wedding.

Kevin McNab was a member of the Australian silver-medal team in Tokyo last year and he is in second place on Willunga, an Irish Sport Horse by Olympic Lux. The 15-year-old was bought as a three-year-old at Goresbridge by Shaun and Sally Parkyn and sold to Nicky Roncoroni, who produced him as a youngster before selling him to the States.

Elizabeth Power (IRL) and Senza Fine are the highest placed Irish combination after dressage in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

“We’re slowly starting to work him out,” said Kevin after hearing his score of 27.2. “There’s still a lot to come and there were some costly mistakes, but overall there was genuine quality.”

Kevin is a regular visitor to Millstreet – the pair were second in the CCI4*-S last year. “You can always run properly here – there are amazing cross-country courses and surfaces,” he explained.

Britain’s Willa Newton is lying third on Cock A Doodle Doo, just 0.4 of a penalty ahead of Ryuzo Kitajjma on Japan Equestrian Federation’s Cekatinka JRA, a horse he hopes to qualify for the world championships. “She has a big motor,” he said of this lovely mare, previously ridden by New Zealander Tim Price. “She looks small, but she is powerful. She can be sensitive and sharp, but I like a sharp horse. She is definitely my type. I always wanted her.”

Elizabeth Power is best of the Irish on the Italian-bred mare Senza Fine and Britain’s Edie Campbell, competing in her first CCI4*-L and her first visit to the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena, is in sixth place on the Dutch warmblood Fireball F. “It felt good, and I felt in control of the situation,” said Edie, who also works as a top model. “I’ve come to Millstreet with new eyes and my first CCI4*-L certainly feels a different game, but the course is fair and readable.”

Checking in the U.S.-based pairs, Clayton Fredericks is the highest placed of the two competing in the CCI4*-L, earning a 29.5 with FE Coldplay to sit in eighth ahead of tomorrow. Canadian rider Dana Cooke is in 18th with Mississippi, scoring a 32.9. Saturday, Clayton will be the first of the two to tackle Mike Etherington-Smith’s course, leaving the start box at 2:58 p.m. local / 9:58 a.m. EST. Dana Cooke will start at 3:46 p.m. local / 10:46 a.m. EST.

Virginia Thompson (NZL) and Katchafire lead the way after dressage in the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The top of the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L leaderboard sees a New Zealand one-two for Virginia Thompson (Katchafire) and Jonelle Price (Fernhill Kankan), the pair separated by just 0.8 of a penalty. Clodie Coen, 19, is the highest placed Irish rider in third place on the 14-year-old Union Fortunus, by Fortunus out of a Clover Hill mare..

Virginia is another who has followed the well-trodden path set by the likes of Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Blyth Tait, and she is based in Blyth’s former yard in Gloucestershire. Kate Harvey, Phillip Levy and Ross Milne’s seven-year-old Katchafire is an Irish Sport Horse by Sir Donnerhall. ‘He is really cool, a big-moving, leggy horse and he coped well with the trip here,’ said Virginia, who has been riding him for a couple of years. ‘He tried really hard.’

Kirsty Chabert’s good weekend continued when she took the lead in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI2*-S on the nine-year-old Heraldiks Girl Opposition.

An impressive field of 18 ponies has come forward for the Equine Warehouse CCIP2*-S, many of whose riders will be vying for a spot in the forthcoming Pony European Championships in Strzegom, Poland, in August. The leader after dressage is 15-year-old Josh Williamson from Co Meath riding Mrs Gerry Ward and Jane Hancock’s Ardeo Firema, by Tinka’s Boy, with a score of 26.1.

Cork-based Sian Coleman, riding Sean Barron and Maurice Coleman’s six-year old Kilroe Frolic by Cavalier Land, currently leads the new Carr Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro class.

Tomorrow is all about jumping, with the action kicking off at 8am with the show jumping phase for the CCI4*-S and the Pony competitors who are the first to sample Mike Etherington-Smith’s much-admired cross-country courses.

Tomorrow’s cross country will be carried live for premium subscribers on Clip My Horse TV. You can view the starting order for the CCI4*-L here and find scores and starting orders for all divisions here.

 

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Kirsty Chabert Makes Classic Start at Millstreet

By on Jun 2, 2022 4:06 pm -

Kirsty Chabert (GBR) and Classic VI lead the way after dressage in the Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*S at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

Competition is well underway at Millstreet International Horse Trials where 320-plus horses have arrived at the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena in Co Cork, Ireland, to find a warm Irish welcome and a stunningly well-presented cross-country track.

British rider Kirsty Chabert has taken an early lead at the halfway mark in the Connolly’s Red Mills CCI4*-S with her father John Johnston and Carole Somers’ 13-year-old mare Classic Vl, but judges Anne-Marie Taylor (GBR, president), John Little (IRL) and Joanne Jarden (IRL) have yet to award a sub-30 mark.

Kirsty scored 30.8 and currently leads seasoned Australian Olympian and perennial Millstreet visitor Kevin McNab on Rebecca Stones’ Miss Pepperpot, a 10-year-old mare by the former British showjumping team horse Peppermill, by 2.1 penalties. Ian Cassells from Newcastle, Co Dublin, riding the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse Kellys Quality is best of home riders on 33.3.

Recent Badminton winner Laura Collett heads a field of 51 in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI3*-L with a score of 28.3 on Yogi Breisner, Diana Chappell and Christopher Clemente’s eight-year-old Outback, a horse she purchased five years ago via video from Germany.

Laura Collett (GBR) and Outback lead the way after dressage in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI3*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The British Olympic gold medallist also has a youngster in the Eventing Ireland CCI2*-S for young horses, which is currently led by Meath Bolger on MBF Back to Back, and will perform the dressage phase on Dacapo in the Horsesport Ireland CCI4*-L tomorrow.

“The plan with Dacapo was always a CCI4*-L and I thought the track at Millstreet would suit him best,” explained Laura. “I’ve been here a couple of times before and I really like it. The course is beautifully built and the ground is amazing. There are lots of questions but nothing is trappy and it’s all in front of you.”

Antipodean riders are at Millstreet in force, including the 2006 world silver medallist Clayton Fredericks who has flown over from the US, all of whom are vying for places at the World Championships in Italy in September. Samantha Lissington, who has been based in Britain in Joe Giannamore’s yard since 2019, is in second, third and eighth places in the CCI3*-L on Ricker Ridge Ricochet, Bing Bong and Señor Crocodile.

She also has a horse in the CCI4*-L, Ricker Ridge Sooty Gnz. “I’ve looked at the cross-country course and I’m blown away by the amount of detail and effort that has been made with the presentation,” she said.

Adam Haugh from Co Down leads the Foran Equine CCI3*-S on van Thee Man with a score of 29.7 from Ian Cassells on Rosconnell Alto (30.4) and leading Kiwi rider Tim Price on Polystar l.

The CCI4*-L competition will commence tomorrow as the division trotted up for the ground jury today. US-based pairs Clayton Fredericks and Dana Cooke are competing in this division, and their ride times are as follows:

Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay: Friday, 4:30 p.m. local / 11:30 a.m. EST
Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi: Friday, 6:01 p.m. local / 1:01 p.m. EST

You can follow along live on Clip My Horse TV (subscription required) here.

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Top Competition Assured at Millstreet CCI4* + How to Watch

By on Jun 2, 2022 11:30 am -

Cathal Daniels (IRE) and CDS Cairnview Romolu competing in the Connolly’s RED MILLS 3*S at Millstreet in 2021 (Credit: Bit-Media)

Riders and horses from 10 nations are heading to Millstreet International (1) in Co Cork, Ireland, for a bumper weekend (today through Sunday, June 5) of eventing competition, from Ponies to 4*, in the land of the horse.

The Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*-L will be a selection trial for the FEI World Eventing Championships in Italy in September and features top riders from Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand. The recent Badminton winner and Tokyo 2020 team gold medallist, Great Britain’s Laura Collett, riding Dacapo, runner-up at Aachen, Germany last year, heads a competitive field.

Kiwis Tim and Jonelle Price, who are based in Britain and are regular visitors to the Duggan family’s Great Glens Arena, bring Coup De Coeur and Happy Boy (Tim) and Kilbunny Andy (Jonelle). They are joined by New Zealand-based Clarke Johnston (Menlo Park and Leopard’s Action) and Virginia Thompson (Capitaine De Hus Z and Gladstone) plus Samantha Lissington (Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ).

Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay. Photo by Abby Powell.

The Australians won team silver at the Tokyo Olympic Games and team member Kevin McNab (Willunga) will be one to watch. He is joined by US-based Clayton Fredericks, a world silver medallist in 2006, on FE Coldplay and Bill Levett (Sligo Candy Cane).

Ireland are the reigning world silver medallists and the home side is well represented by Cathal Daniels, a member that 2018 team and the individual European bronze medallist in 2019, riding CDS Cairnview Romulo, plus Louise Bloomer (Hollybrook Hotshot), Elizabeth Power (Senza Fine) and Alison Holden (O My Balladeer).

FE Mississippi and Dana Cooke. Photo by Shelby Allen.

US-based Canadian rider Dana Cooke is also competing in the 4*-L with FE Mississippi, the first competition of her overseas tour.

The Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*-S is a predominantly Irish affair, but there will be a big challenge from Jonelle Price on her 2018 Luhmuhlen 5* winner Faerie Dianimo.

Millstreet always acts as a shop window for young horses and the well-established National Eventing Discovery Classes will showcase Irish breeding and the stars of the future – Oliver Townend’s Olympic gold medallist Ballaghmor Class is a former winner here. The judges will include Britain’s Angela Tucker, Douglas Hibbert and Jane Tolley, plus Felicismo Aguado, who will be officiating at the World Young Horse Championships in France in October.

“It’s great to be seeing so many big names from overseas returning to Millstreet,’ said event director Thomas Duggan. ‘There’s always a great Irish welcome and a fun atmosphere, and course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith and all the team have been working hard to produce the usual excellent educational competitions for the star horses of the future.”

Clip My Horse has the live stream for this weekend, with the broadcast schedule as follows:

Thursday June 2: CCI4*-S dressage (live now)
Friday June 3: CCI4*-L dressage – 9:30 a.m. EST
Saturday June 4: CCI4*-L cross country – 8:30 a.m. EST / CCI4*-S cross country – 11 a.m. EST
Sunday June 5: CCI4*-L show jumping – 7 a.m. EST

Other divisions will also be shown throughout the weekend — you can view the full broadcast schedule here.

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Swiss Riders Dominate Equestrian Festival Baborówko CCI4*-S

By on May 30, 2022 12:46 am -

Felix Vogg and Colero. Ewa Wojtysiak photo.

The most prestigious class of Equestrian Festival Baborówko – the CCI4*-S – ended with the victory of Felix Vogg (SUI). His compatriot Nadja Minder was the best in the CCI4*-L.

Sunday’s jumping test in the CCI4*-S, for the prize of the Patron of the Show – Mr. Roman Roszkiewicz – proved to be difficult. In view of the mistakes of the rivals, the leader, Felix Vogg (SUI) aboard the 14-year-old Colero, could afford one knockdown. And it was him that ultimately stood on the highest step of the podium and took home the grand prize of approximately EUR 21,000, with a finishing score of 33.6.

Second place went to Germany’s Michael Jung with Kilcandra Ocean Power. Jerome Robine (GER) did great in the jumping today with Black Ice – adding points for just two seconds over the time meant that the pair went up into third place.

“I’ve been here two times already and the show is evolving really quickly, I’m happy to come back. The biggest challenge was beating the two guys next to me!” – said the smiling winner.

The highest-placed Polish rider was Mateusz Kiempa riding Lassban Radovix, who finished eighth. Only two combinations manager to go clear and in time today – one of them from Poland – Joanna Pawlak and Fantastic Frieda.

In the CCI4*-L, for the trophy of LOTTO, the win belonged to Nadja Minder (SUI) aboard the 15-year-old Toblerone. Belgian Jarno Verwimp jumped up into the second riding Mahalia, and Australia’s Lissa Green topped off the podium with Billy Bandit.

“Today’s course was tough enough, but I made a plan after I watched the other riders and I’m really happy. Showjumping used to be our weak phase, but I think I figured it out now! [Toblerone] is an outstanding eventer and I’m really proud of him. It’s an amazing show here, really professional, warm and welcoming.” – said the winner.

The top three in the CCI3*-S, for the trophy of KUHN Maszyny Rolnicze, belonged to German athletes. Anna Lena Schaaf kept her lead with Lagona OLD until the end. Second place went to Vanessa Bölting with Ready To Go W, and third to Brandon Schäfer-Gehrau with Fraeulein Frieda 10.

Sunday’s cross-country trials ended the rivalry in the CCI2*-S and CCIYH2*-S. In the two-star class, for the trophy of Badix, the best rider was Jerome Robine (GER) with Avatar 42. Home athlete Paweł Warszawski with Lucinda Ex Ani 4 was second, and Amanda Andersson (SWE) with Kokos finished third. The best young horse of the CCIYH2*-S, for the trophy of Stadnina Kunowo, was Tullibards Bennysambassador ridden by Emma Brüssau. Second place went to Jasper Peeters (BEL) with Cadell Z, and third to Sanne de Jong (NED) with Larosaleen W.

Equestrian Festival Baborówko: [Final Results]

Nation Media and Equerry / Co Launch Media Partnership

By on May 26, 2022 11:30 am -

Julia Spatt & 501 Macintosh, winners of the Bates Preliminary Rider division at the 2019 American Eventing Championships. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Equerry / Co, an International, full-service equestrian marketing and website design agency based in the UK, and Nation Media, a media organization that brings the latest equestrian news from around the world on Eventing Nation and Horse Nation, are pleased to announce a media partnership.

Nation Media and Equerry / Co look forward to collaborating in 2022 to move the needle on accessibility and equity in the equestrian industry.

The collaboration will include a series of articles centering around topics of diversity and representation, a video series, and a media mentorship program.

States Christine Bjerkan, Founder and MD at Equerry / Co:

“I am excited for the opportunity to work in a cross-promotional alliance with the dedicated team at Nation Media. Our focus on introducing a rich mix of cross-platform content for all those we work with by shining a light on the diverse range of disciplines, events and talent our industry harbors, will be furthered by this partnership.

If anything, this partnership is promoting aspects of our industry that for a long time have been neglected or even taken for granted, and as our industry and sport forever comes under scrutiny, inclusivity is the only way forward. We’re not here to just talk the talk – we’re walking the walk.”

Sally Spickard, managing editor of Eventing Nation, says:

“Collaboration is at the center of all success. Nation Media prides itself on its relationships within the industry and we’re looking forward to fostering a larger and more inclusive equestrian community for all via intentional focus on relationships and working together. We recognize that we have the opportunity to help open more doors, and this partnership with Equerry / Co is one actionable way to do this.”

About EQuerry Consulting:

EQuerry Consulting Ltd is based in Gloucestershire, England, with members on the ground also in the US. Providing unrivaled design, communication and brand development services to help equestrian brands, events and athletes create unique digital presences that truly stand out from the crowd, we are trusted by equestrians from around the world. To find out more about Equerry / Co’s equestrian marketing and website design visit equerryco.com

About Nation Media (Comprised of Eventing Nation and Horse Nation):

Nation Media’s goal is to create unique and engaging content that readers want to consume, that promotes community, and that sponsors are proud to be associated with. We seek to bring fairness, objectivity, and advocacy into the content we create — with just the right amount of ridiculousness. We aspire to create a great place to work and a sustainable business. We commit to always embracing the “insanity in the middle.”

Area 1 Rallies to Ensure the Continued Presence of Upper Levels in the Northeast

By on May 19, 2022 1:00 pm -

Image courtesy of GMHA.

GMHA steps up this year, following the cancellation of Millbrook Horse Trials, to offer an Advanced CT and A/I division in their Festival of Eventing this August. GMHA, which already hosts the only FEI Event in Area 1, will now become the only horse trials in the Area to offer divisions above the Preliminary level, in 2022.

While Millbrook’s cancellation comes as a serious blow, the Area 1 community is rallying to support Millbrook and their board, as well as ensure the spirit and tradition of the sport remains strong in the northeast. Bruce Perry, GMHA’s Executive Director, expressed his continued support for Millbrook H.T. saying “We look forward to working with Millbrook in the future to ensure the presence of upper level divisions in Area 1.”

Jane Hamlin, top level FEI and Olympic judge and selector on the Area 1 YR team, believes that the presence of the upper levels in Area 1 is “integral to the education and  development of young riders in the sport.” Indeed, many top riders began their careers in Area 1, through the Young Rider program. One such rider, Ariel Grald, climbed up the scoreboard at Badminton Horse Trials this month to finish as the second placing American pair following two top class jumping rounds.

When speaking about her early education as a rider, Grald expressed the influence GMHA had on her and her excitement about the addition of new divisions. “GMHA is an incredibly valuable and special venue,” she said. “It was an influential place for my early education and development as a rider/competitor. Growing up in Vermont, I attended the Youth Horsemanship camp and Young Rider clinics, in addition to competing at the horse trials and other shows.

“GMHA is a wonderful place for both riders and horses to learn. It has great arenas, good terrain on cross country and excellent courses. It’s exciting that the August Horse Trials hosts FEI divisions and is now offering an Advanced CT and A/I division this year. Many upper level riders started their careers in Area 1, as I did, and relied on GMHA to gain experience through the levels.”

GMHA’s influence, however, is not limited to the development of some of the country’s top riders, but extends to the sport as a whole. GMHA’s first horse trials, in fact, predated the creation of the USEA. Founded in 1926, this Organization has seen over 60 years of eventing history. The continued presence of upper level riders will ensure this historic venues’ ongoing impact on the sport.

Located in the idyllic town of South Woodstock Vermont, GMHA’s benefits from cooler temperatures and softer footing in the month of August. Executive Director, Bruce Perry and cross country course designer Morgan Rowsell are making footing a top priority at the event, this year, and
will be implementing both an improved galloping track and adding to the geo-textile footing in the arenas.

With a cash prize of $10,000 distributed across the upper levels, a complimentary competitors party, and top tier show jumping course design by Chris Barnard and cross country by Morgan Rowsell, this event is not one to be missed! GMHA invites everyone to join them this August 12th through 14th to keep the tradition and community of eventing strong in Area 1!

MARS Bromont Rising Recipients Announced

By on May 17, 2022 1:30 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Entries are strong leading up to the exciting return of the MARS Bromont CCI happening June 8th to 12th in rural Bromont, Quebec. A popular destination for North American competitors who are eager to return to this 1976 Olympic Games venue just 90 minutes from Burlington, Vermont.

We are pleased to the recipients of the MARS Bromont Rising scholarship program. The brainchild of Bromont organizer, Sue Ockendon, and the late Steve Blauner the program began in 2019.

Steve had a vision of supporting young eventers from the U.S. and Canada who were not yet under the radar of national U25 training programs. Riders competing at any level of FEI competition offered are eligible to apply.

The following have been successful in receiving US$2,500 grants through the MARS Bromont Rising Program.

  • Rory Frangos (FL-USA)
  • Lulu Malinoski (PA-USA)
  • Lea Adams-Blackmore (VA-USA)
  • Emalee Bodimeade (ON-CAN)
  • Sophie Miller (SC-USA)
  • Alexa Gartenburg (PA-USA)
  • Maddie Hale (KY-USA)
  • Abby Dubrawski (MA-USA)
  • Makayla Rydzik  (ON-CAN)
  • Sophie Click (WA-USA)

The following have been invited to participate in lectures and course walks.

  • Lea Kilpatrick (FL-USA)
  • Emma Mchugh  (QUE-CAN)

Cara Whitham of Stoney Creek, Ontario will again do the Centerline dressage workshop and other presentations along with course walks and coaching by New Zealand Olympian, Andrew Nicholson.

Bromont rising chair Peter Gray is excited to be able to offer these scholarships again at the MARS Bromont CCI happening this June 8-12 and the Galway Downs International 3-day Event happening November 2-6. “Through the generosity of MARS Equestrian, I am very pleased to be a part of this initiative to identify some of the countries up-and-coming emerging talent in the sport and to provide them with an amazing 3 days of education and team building.”

For more information about MARS Bromont Rising Program please contact Program Director, Peter Gray [email protected]

Entries Confirmed for Pratoni del Vivaro’s 2022 WEG Test Event

By on May 9, 2022 9:30 am -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD (GER), shown here at the 2018 WEG in Tryon, will contest the 2022 Test Event at Pratoni del Vivaro. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The flags of twelve nations, including Italy, will be raised on the flagpoles of the Pratoni del Vivaro, in Rocca di Papa, for the upcoming Eventing Test Event (May 12-15) for the 2022 FEI World Championships 2022.

More than 60 riders will compete in the CCIO4*-NC-S, which will also be the first leg of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing™ 2022 series.

Team officials will be hoping this short-format competition will provide a few clues as to what cross-country course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa (ITA) has in store for the ‘real thing’ at 4* long format in September.

Nine nations are sending enough riders to form teams, including the host nation, Italy, which has a strong showing with 16 combinations. The nine nations who will field teams are: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Australia, Brazil and Poland will field individual competitors. View the complete competitor list here. [Editor’s note: Last updated May 5 — note that Lauren Nicholson will be attending as an athlete observer, not competing.]

Jonelle and Tim Price, currently numbers five and six in the world, will represent New Zealand. Jonelle rides Faerie Magnifico and Tim has Falco, winner of Pau CCI5*-L last year. They are joined by Amanda Pottinger, whose mother, Tinks, was a member of the silver medal team at the 1986 World Championships in Gawler, Australia.

French rider Nicolas Touzaint (riding Absolute Gold HDC) will have fond memories of this famous venue because he won individual gold in the FEI European Championships held at Pratoni del Vivaro in 2007. This time he rides Absolute Gold HDC, the horse on which he finished sixth individually and won team bronze at the Tokyo Olympic Games. His Olympic team mate Karim Florent Laghouag, will also compete at Pratoni on his Tokyo horse, Triton Fontaine.

Three hugely experienced riders are the reigning Olympic team silver medallist and individual bronze medallist Andrew Hoy of Australia (riding Bloom des Hauts Crets here); the reigning world individual bronze medallists and dual European champions, Ingrid Klimke of Germany with SAP Hale Bob (and Equistros Siena Just Do It); and Sara Algotsson-Ostholt of Sweden (riding Chicuelo), who won the individual silver medal at the London Olympic Games in 2012.

The nine nations who will field teams are: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Australia, Brazil, Poland and the United States will field individual competitors.

This Eventing Test Event (May 12-15) for the FEI World Championship 2022 will also count for assigning the title and medals for the 2022 Italian Championship and for the Italian Military Riders’ Championship, with 15 riders contesting the Championship.

Admission is free of charge for spectators attending the Test Event.

THE PROGRAM

– Thursday May 12th: part one of Dressage at 9.30 am

– Friday May 13th: part 2 of Dressage at 9.30 am

– Saturday May 14th: Cross Country at 10.30 am

– Sunday May 15th: Show Jumping and prize-giving at 10.30 am

Allie Knowles, Brittany Crandall to Receive 2022 Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grants

By on May 3, 2022 3:00 pm -

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The recipients of the 2022 Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant were chosen in a drawing at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian.

Rob and Chris Desino from Ocala Horse Properties and Sarah and Rebecca Broussard from The Event at Rebecca Farm made the selections by randomly choosing miniature airplanes with the applicants’ names on them.

Two grants were awarded – one for the Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L and one for the Rebecca Farm CCI3*-L – from the pool of qualified riders and horses who entered.

  • The winner of the CCI4*-L Grant is Alexandra Knowles and Business Class, the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Harlequin Du Carel x Moxella) owned by Katherine O’Brien.
  • The winner of the CCI3*-L Grant is Brittany Crandall and Cooley Almighty, her own 9-year-old KWPN gelding (Verdi x Wyniella).

The winning horse and rider combinations will get receive round trip airfare to and from The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mont. Reserves were also selected in case Knowles or Crandall are unable to accept the grants. The CCI4*-L reserve is Jules Batters with Cooley O and the CCI3*-L reserve is Heather Bush and Skyfall 007.

About the Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant

In 2021 the team from Ocala Horse Properties, led by Rob and Chris Desino, visited The Event at Rebecca Farm for the first time. In awe of the quality of the event, they felt that the entire eventing community, especially those on the East Coast of the United States, needed to make this event a part of their yearly competition plans. Inspired to take action Ocala Horse Properties announced during the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention that they would step up to provide two grants to make the trip possible for horse and rider combinations at the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L levels.

Ocala Horse Properties has a long history of supporting and sponsoring three-day eventing, but this is the first time that they have established a grant through the USEA Foundation.

The Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant will be awarded annually to two (2) horse and rider combinations, one who is competing in the CCI3*-L and one in the CCI4*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm. The riders must be USEA members residing in Areas I, II, III, or VIII at the time that they apply for the grant.

EN thanks Ocala Horse Properties for their support of our sport!

FEI Formally Recognises the International Grooms Association

By on Apr 26, 2022 9:00 am -

FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Lucy Katan, Founding Director of the International Grooms Association have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the FEI Sports Forum 2022 at IMD in Lausanne (SUI). Photo by FEI/Richard Juilliart.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Founding Director of the International Grooms Association™ (IGA) Lucy Katan have recognised the creation of the IGA with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the FEI Sports Forum today.

An independent not-for-profit professional association, the IGA has been 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 support provided by the IGA will include guidance on employment rules, answers to commonly asked questions on recruitment, a toolkit for grooms working freelance, and a job board, to name a few. A section on well-being on the IGA website, International Grooms Minds, will ensure that grooms also have a strong emotional support system in place to assist them in their daily work.

“Today’s signing of the MOU is the culmination of many years of discussion and planning and marks the start of a new era for international grooms,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“This is a journey which began in 2017 with the first meeting of the FEI Grooms Working Group, and started to take shape at last year’s Sports Forum when the community provided its full support for the creation of the IGA. What we see today is the result of a great deal of hard work and persistence and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the FEI Grooms Working Group and Lucy Katan for her vision and leadership in creating this important organisation.

“The IGA has laid the foundations for the grooms’ community to grow, evolve and have a strong voice in the long-term development of equestrian sport and I count on grooms, as well as National Federations, athletes, organisers, officials and owners to make this a success.”

Since its inception in 2009, the annual FEI Best Groom Award has paid tribute to the hard work of grooms across the FEI’s disciplines.

The FEI has also developed educational tools and resources to assist grooms with their day-to-day work. Education has been key to creating international standards of operation that are accepted and followed by grooms at all levels.

In 2015, FEI Solidarity created an educational course for grooms, which consists of three in-person sessions and one practical assessment. Over the years, 280 grooms worldwide, have already benefited from these courses that provide practical training delivered by a technical expert. The IGA will now collaborate with FEI Campus to provide grooms with information on anti-doping, biosecurity and general stable management.

“This is the moment in time that finally gives the international grooms a voice within the FEI and at competitions,” said Lucy Katan, herself a former international groom.

“The goal is for the IGA to become the voice of international grooms, while recognising all the work goes into keeping the equine athletes of our sport happy, healthy and performing at their best.

“While we want Organising Committees to raise their commitment to improving working conditions, we hope that Grooms will provide feedback on their work experiences through a ‘Grooms Report’, so that improvements can be made to their working conditions at events. This is a real opportunity for grooms to constructively and collaboratively be heard and play a key role in their profession and this industry.”

Grooms from all over the world can now become an IGA member through the Association’s official website: www.internationalgrooms.org.

Each FEI discipline will also have four to six representatives working within the industry to promote the status of international grooms. These representatives will be asked to mentor new grooms, creating a support hub for those new to the scene.

“The career of a groom should be seen as integral to the success of any equestrian team and to equestrian sport,” Chair of the Grooms Consultative Group, former groom, and former FEI Executive Board member Frank Kemperman said.

“An international athlete is nothing without a good horse, but a good horse is nothing without an exceptional groom. It is about being a team. Athlete, horse, and groom are key to each other’s success. We hope the national federations and their athletes will spread the word and encourage their international grooms to join the IGA.”

The Grooms Consultative Group was set up by the FEI following last year’s Sports Forum and is made up of Grooms, Owners, Athletes, representatives of Organising Committees, Officials, Stewards and National Federations. The Group’s mission is to assist with the definition of a roadmap for the development of key structures for the Grooms community, including the creation of a Charter of rights and obligations for Grooms.

Christoffer Forsberg Wins Again in Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-L

By on Apr 24, 2022 10:00 am -

Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo pick up another win, this time in the 4*-L at Strzegom’s Spring Open. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Swedish rider Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo was the best in the CCI4*-L, the most demanding class of the second leg of Strzegom Spring Open.

Forsberg took the lead after dressage, and despite going over the time in the cross-country and four faults in the jumping, kept it until the end of the rivalry. Second place belonged to Italy’s Marco Cappai with Uter, who was clear in the jumping, but had some time faults. Third belonged to Hanne Wind Ramsgaard riding Ameq Torino (Rawa’s Torino). The Danish athlete was second after the first trial, and jumped up the ranks after a clear cross-country course with time penalties.

In the CCI4*-S, the winner was Aminda Ingulfson from Sweden with Joystick. Few penalties in the XC and a clear jumping round secured her the win before France’s Maxime Livio with Elvis de Hus Z and Belgian Jarno Verwimp riding Mahalia. The best home rider was Joanna Pawlak with Fantastic Frieda, who took home the sixth.

The competition in the 3*-L ended with a significant reshuffle. The three competitors leading after dressage gave up on continuing the struggle after mistakes during the cross-country test. The winner was Maxime Livio from France with Vitorio du Montet, who was 10th after dressage and went clear in the XC, although 2 seconds late. The deciding factor was his clear jumping round. Second place went to Dutch rider Janneke Boonzaaijer with Bouncer, and third to Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg riding Celladonn.

The 3*-S class ended with the victory of Polish rider Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134. She took the lead after a faultless cross-country round and even a fence down in the jumping did not threat her win. Finland’s Veera Manninen with Sir Greg finished second, and Austria’s Robert Mandl with Sacré-Cœur – third.

Andreas Dibowski with Cristallik won the 2*-L. Going up from third after dressage after clear XC and jumping trials, he triumpher over Dutch athletes Merel Blom with Hallo and Janneke Boonzaaijer with I’m Special N.

Saturday’s cross-country trials revealed the best in the 2*-S and 1*-Intro classes. The win in the 2* as well as the third place belonged to Janneke Boonzaaijer with Mirage and Krek-Mora G. Second went to Andreas Dibowski (GER) with Lillet.

The Intro class ended with Swedish rider Malin Petersen’s victory aboard Hulda, before Elmo Laiho (FIN) with Bali and Pole Ksawery Śniegucki riding Don Fuego Corriente.

The Strzegom Spring Open competition selected the winners of seven international and three national competitions, with 250 horses representing 16 countries.

Final Scores

US Equestrian Announces Bid Allocations for Advanced Level Competitions for 2023-2027

By on Apr 21, 2022 4:00 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce two competitions approved by the USEF Board of Directors to host Advanced level events during the 2023-2027 competition cycle. Stable View May Horse Trials has been allocated Week 18 and Woodside Spring Horse Trials has been allocated Week 21. Week 18 was vacated by the previous bid recipient and Week 21 had remained vacant through the previous rounds of bidding.

U.S. organizers participated in a bid process per the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L & Advanced Policies and Procedures. The USEF Eventing Bid Review Group provided their recommendations to the USEF Eventing Sport Committee, who made recommendations for approval to the Board of Directors.

In addition to levels awarded through the bid process, other national levels were approved to be offered at these competitions. The complete list of 2023-2027 venues, dates, and levels can be viewed here.

Additionally, a bid process will open today, Thursday, April 21, for the recently vacated Week 16 for one event to host the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, and CCI3*-L levels in Area 6 on the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar. The bid process will be open for two weeks and close on Thursday, May 5, at 5 p.m. ET. Bid applications must be complete and received via email to [email protected] by the deadline in order to be reviewed. A complete Bid Application Packet must include:

1. Bid Application – All requested information must be provided. An accompanying document for written answers is acceptable. Please be sure to include the question number.

2. Application for License Agreement

3. Map of the venue with a diagram layout of the event

4. Revenue and expense budget outline for the event, including known sponsorship

5. Optional: Letters of support or additional documentation

Organizers who have previously been allocated a bid are eligible to submit bid applications for additional dates. Please direct questions to [email protected] or Amber Braun, Director of Eventing, Sport Administration and Management, at [email protected].

The USEF recognizes and thanks organizers of competitions at all levels – both FEI and National – for their contributions to the overall growth and commitment to the sport in the U.S.

USEF Names Team for FEI Nations Cup at UK’s Houghton Hall

By on Apr 20, 2022 4:42 pm -

The Nations Cup podium at Houghton International 2019: Germany take the win, USA finish in second place, and Ireland scoop third. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian has announced the four combinations who will represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup leg hosted at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, UK, from May 26-29, 2022, led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law. The US team has previously enjoyed success at this historic venue, taking team silver there in 2018 and bronze in 2017.

“I am really looking forward to returning to Houghton with another team of up-and-coming American athletes. It should be a valuable experience for all and one that we are very lucky that USEF is providing us with,” says Law. “I very much hope that the U.S. team will reap benefits from this experience in the future when perhaps some of these athletes get pulled up for a senior team.”

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

Isabelle Bosely and Night Quality. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Isabelle Bosley (Cochranville, Pa.) and her own Night Quality, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cornelia Dorr (Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.) and Daytona Beach 8, a 2010 Oldenburg mare owned by HCS Syndicate

Allie Knowles and Ms. Poppins. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Ms. Poppins, a 2011 Westphalian mare owned by Katherine O’Brien

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Islandwood Captain Jack, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline & Sherrie Martin

Bosley and Martin have also both been selected to participate in the USEF Eventing European Development Tour, designed for athletes participating in the USEF Eventing Development and Eventing 25 Programs to gain international experience, achieve results at European events, and to develop future team athletes by emersion in a team environment.

Competition will begin on Thursday, May 26, and continue through Sunday, May 29, taking place at the Houghton Hall grounds as a part of the Houghton International Horse Trials. Eventing Nation will be on site covering the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S in its entirety.

Help Ukraine Horses Update: Evacuation Facilities Expanded, €111,000 Raised

By on Apr 12, 2022 1:00 pm -

Graphic via UEF.

The Ukraine Equestrian Federation – Charity Foundation (UEF – CF) has opened another free evacuation stables with 60 boxes this week and created an evacuation queue on their website where people who need evacuation can register.

Evacuated horses mainly go to safer areas within Ukraine as many owners do not want their horses to leave the country. The first horses from Lysychansk arrived at the evacuation stable in Mirihoshcha which is 100% funded by the donations received by UEF – CF. Feed, bedding, and free accommodation are available for the horse owners and accompanying persons. This is only possible because of the kind donations from all around the world.

The UEF – CF has also this week received trucks of supplies and feed from several countries including Belgium, and Poland, and has now supplied over 80 stables in Ukraine. There are still ongoing needs for hay and bedding (wood shavings) and basic veterinary products — you can donate or offer help here.

The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation, registered in Belgium, with assistance from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) is supporting Ukrainian horse owners, riding schools, athletes, equestrian clubs, stables, and professionals. We give counselling support and other kinds of needs-based assistance on the ground, including mapping shelter options and assisting with the relocation of horses, gathering offers for goods and organising logistics to deliver goods to equestrians and their horses both in Ukraine and/or in their temporary locations in Europe. We monitor the situation with horses´ welfare and collaborate with FEI, the EEF, and many National Equestrian Federations.

Our promise is that as many funds as possible will be used as direct help for Ukrainian equestrians and their horses in Ukraine (by distributing feed, helping with evacuations and information).

Wesko Foundation Introduces Young Eventers Pathway Program

By on Apr 12, 2022 11:00 am -

Photo by Rose Lewis.

Young riders are the future of our sport, quite literally, and nurturing their futures is key. The Wesko Equestrian Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in memory of Christina Knudsen, aims to bring education and training to talented young event riders, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the program.

As part of its continued expansion, the Foundation launched The Young Eventers Pathway in March to rave reviews from attending riders. Forty young event riders (between 21 and 28 years of age) were invited to two funded training days at the British Showjumping National Training Centre. Riders benefitted from expert coaching from Philip Surl, Richard Waygood MBE, Matt Lanni and Nikki Herbert, along with gaining access to the Foundation’s wider support team including expert business coach Sarah Armstrong, and Pilates coach Julie Driver.

“The whole day was really useful,” confirmed Norwegian international rider Yasmin Olsson-Sanderson, “being able to run through a test and practice a course of fences really sets you up for the season, as well as having access to business help at the same time. The day had a laid-back feel and made everyone feel welcome.”

Photo by Rose Lewis.

The recent two-day event welcomed riders from Novice level to those already successfully competing at CCI5* level.

“The opportunity to attend and watch training at that level is so valuable. It was not just the training though; it was the opportunity to sit and talk with riders of a similar level and age. Comparing the ups and downs of the sport and realising you’re not alone and others are going through the same experiences as you” commented 5* rider Imogen Murray.

The Pathway isn’t just aimed at professional young riders, with the second day targeted at those either just starting their career at Novice level or those younger riders looking to progress up the levels of eventing as amateurs.

Photo by Rose Lewis.

Nottinghamshire based rider Lucy Scholl commented, “I found the dressage session with Nikki Herbert extremely useful. She really helped iron out some small problems I’d been having. The jumping session was also very insightful, and I really enjoyed doing the cavaletti exercises before jumping a course of fences. I also found the Pilates session after I had ridden was good fun and informative.”

The Foundation now continues to plan for an increased number of Pathway Days throughout the year, working towards their goal of supporting an increased number of young event riders.

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. The aim of the foundation is to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme. 

The Foundation’s riders receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree education programme in partnership with A Young Riders Academy.

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation has played a key role in supporting the careers of several young riders over the past three years, including the recent successes of Blenheim Palace International CCI4*L winner Yasmin Ingham (GBR), and 3rd placed Susie Berry (IRL). 

Learn more here. 

Christoffer Forsberg Best of Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S

By on Apr 10, 2022 3:00 pm -

Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg was the best in the CCI4*-S, the highest ranked class during Strzegom Spring Open. A Polish rider won the two-star competition.

Sunday’s cross country trial, which determined the winner of the 4* class, kept the audiences at the edge of their seats until the end. Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo who started as the second to last, was the only one to go over the course clear and inside the optimum time, beating the leading German Nicolai Aldinger by one tenth of a penalty point. Aldinger, riding Timmo, did not have any problems with the fences, but time faults cost him the win and ultimately placed him second. Third went to Sweden’s Frida Andersen with Box Leo.

The best Polish rider in the 4* class was Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134, who finished eighth.

The podium of the 3* competition was dominated by Dutch women. After clear cross country rounds, Merel Blom took home the first riding Corminta Vom Gwick and second with Vesuve d’Aveyron. Third place belonged to Sanne De Jong with Jersey MBF. Mateusz Kiempa with Libertina, leading after two trials, had time faults today and placed just outside the podium.

The best rider in the 2* was Daria Kobiernik aboard Ideal Girl. The Pole was sixth after dressage, and jumped up into the lead after clear rounds in the jumping and cross-country. Second place went to Zuzanna Społowicz (POL) with Bankier, and third to Merel Blom with Hallo 53.

The top three in the Intro class was all Polish. Karolina Miś with Go Jack kept her lead from the dressage and was victorious after clear jumping and cross country rounds. Katarzyna Brandys with Rio Brava was second, and Wiktoria Szynkiewicz with Hattrick third.

In the CNC 100 the best score belonged to Mateusz Kiempa with All Night, in the CNC 100-18 the winner was Laura Gillmaier with Red Sunrise 2, and in the CNC 8 the best one was Marcin Michałek with Brylant.

The Strzegom Spring Open competition opened the eventing season in Poland. Four international classes in short format and three national classes were held, and almost 230 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries took part. The next edition of Strzegom Spring Open will take place in just two weeks, from April 22-24.

Strzegom Spring Open: [Website] [Scores]

Catching Up with Capt. Mark Phillips and Katie Malensek at Stable View

By on Apr 7, 2022 9:00 am -

Capt. Mark Phillips surveying the scene as cross country kicked-off on Saturday.

Stable View has come a long way since it ran its inaugural H.T. with 127 entries in 2014. Among the early supporters of Stable View are cross country course designer Capt. Mark Phillips and 4* eventer Katie Malensek, both of whom, eight years later this past weekend, reminisced with us about building a recognized show facility from scratch, talked about progress in the sport of eventing, and offered advice for riders creating their own cross country schooling courses at home (spoiler alert: Don’t.).

SV: Tell us about your initial visits to Stable View almost ten years ago.

Katie: Of course there were already some existing structures, but so many luxurious experiences have been added for riders since then. Just the stabling and riders’ lounges alone for those of us coming in from a long trip are crucial. The courses have evolved as well. The progression of cross country with the addition of permanent and mobile obstacles has provided new challenges for those of us preparing for the big spring events. Especially at the upper levels, where we need the horses to last as long as possible. The footing here is exceptional and a no-brainer. There is a lot to take into account making sure an event is right for horses at this level.

Mark: It is difficult to accelerate nature and therefore, looking back ten years later, a lot of what you see now has come from the input of grass seed, fertilizer, organic matter … this is what nature needs. You cannot get here in one year. It takes time to get a root structure.

Then years ago we sort of came up with a bit of a master plan, some of which [Stable View facility owner Barry Olliff] has retained, and some of which he has thrown out! First, the basics—a derby field, rings. From then, the new arenas, the Boyd Martin cross country schooling area, the Academy fields, that’s all grown! The schooling areas used to be over by the dog kennels. But the first rule of course design is, don’t do it on paper. Let the ground talk to you.

SV: Please share your thoughts on how eventing has evolved.

Mark: Feeding, training, vetting, all has changed. In sports nothing stands still. Take golf and go back 20 years when very few people could hit the ball 350 yards, and now you don’t even begin as a pro if you can’t hit that. As soon as you stand still, you get left behind. How did we predict Modified was going to even exist? But it is completely logical. The move up from 1.00m to 1.10m is a massive jump … at 1.00m you don’t have to ride, you just point and kick. If you do that at 1.10m you are potentially running into trouble. You actually have to start to ride it. However, the horse today is the same animal as the young horse of 20 years ago … an animal learning its job with its rider. Therefore, the educational process hasn’t changed. Some people forget this and try to make the lower levels too technical. Keep the basics in the lower levels! In the upper levels, plan one step ahead of where those horses and riders are.

SV: Talk a bit about this weekend’s 4*-S course at Stable View.

Katie: The attractiveness is that it is a beautifully built course. The horses read the questions well. It encourages bold, forward riding, and the layout of how this property was designed to address cross country, it is a beautiful flow. The rolling aspect of some of the hills is good for the horses’ fitness, especially horses like mine in Florida that are on flat ground all winter. There is a very well thought out progression through the levels here.

Mark: The beginning starts out warming up over the first five or six fences, then progresses with questions through the middle. At the end, the last three fences offer a feel good factor. A few new features are the alp that we’ve not done here before, with offsets at the bottom, and the G.L. Williams Water has a corner coming out of it, which is interesting. The Pavilion Splash and the Blanchard fences are a variation on a theme that we’ve done many times. Going back to the evolution of Stable View, from a riding perspective, the trip here is not just for the upper levels. The atmosphere is good for up-and-coming horses … to gallop past people, and go into an arena in front of a big building. A grass field is not going to prep them for bigger venues.

The Pavilion, a new feature jump within “Stable View Village.”

SV: Mark, do you have any advice for a rider putting together a cross country course at home?

The competitor we’ve created is one who wants to be able to practice everything at home. What is a table? It’s an oxer. What is a ditch to a brush jump? A triple bar. We have no different shapes than in the stadium, so why do you need to go cross country schooling? If you need to practice cross country at home, you can’t. You just can’t replicate it. Do you really want to be jumping those jumps at half the speed you need on the course?

SV: Any parting thoughts?

Katie: If ridden well, a course not only ends in success, but your horse has gained experience without getting hurt. This weekend’s course has Mark’s signature bold, forward riding with the technical aspects that are always there, but it’s not trappy. It rewards bold, forward riding. We always say, if you are going to make a mistake, make it going forward so that the horse has the power to deal with whatever is in front of him.

Mark: One of the best course designers of the late 20th Century, Wolfgang Feld, said, “It’s the responsibility of the rider to take their head with them when they leave the start box.” All I want from riders is for them to respect the fences, and jump every fence.