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FEI Representatives Visit Pratoni 2022 World Championships for Eventing, Driving, Endurance Site in Rocca di Papa

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 29, 2021 12:00 pm -

Photo via Pratoni 2022 on Facebook.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) recently held meetings at the Pratoni del Vivaro with the twelve directors of the different departments involved in the organisation of the FEI World Championships Eventing, Driving and Endurance to assess work being done together with Italian Equestrian Sports Federation’s OC in preparing for the event.

A visit to the historical facilities built to host the 1960 Rome Olympic Games was followed by a workshop organised in Rome at the Italian National Olympic Committee’s headquarters where throughout the day meetings of the various work groups were held.

The FEI World Championships Eventing and Driving that will be held at the historical equestrian centre Pratoni del Vivaro from September 14-25 September next year, hosting the best horses and riders and spectators from every continent, will be a qualifying opportunity for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and will attract great attention from the media. About 80 horses are expected to arrive for the Eventing Championships and 250 for the Driving (four-in-hand competitions).

Photo via Pratoni 2022 on Facebook.

Work to adapt the facilities to technical infrastructures needed (stables, arenas, cross country and marathon courses) and welcome services (parking, stands, restaurants, shopping area) for the over 40,000 spectators expected over the two weeks of competitions, started months ago and the 140 hectares of the estate will present an unmatchable stage when opened.

This was confirmed by the Mayor of Rocca di Papa, Veronica Cimino, who spoke, as did the President of the FISE, Marco Di Paola, and Secretary General Simone Perillo, greeting the participants in the workshop.

Tim Hadaway, Director, Games Operations, coordinated the meeting attended by the FEI Directors of the three disciplines for which world championships will be held in Italy and assign the 2022 medals (Sweden’s Catrin Norinder for Eventing, Portugal’s Manuel Bandeira de Mello for Driving and Jordan’s Christina Abu-Dayyeh for Endurance) discussing matters with key representatives of the FISE Organising Committee. The FEI World Championship Endurance 2022 will also be held in Italy, not at the Pratoni but at Isola della Scala (Verona) on October 22nd.

Photo via Pratoni2022 on Facebook.

“I am especially delighted about this return to Pratoni, a location and an equestrian centre that has already in the past hosted sporting events at the highest possible levels in this discipline, above all the 1960 Olympic Games and the 1998 WEG,” FEI Eventing Director Catrin Norinder said. “I cannot wait for next September to come as we will be happy to be attending such a great sporting event and do everything possible to support the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation in its organisation.”

Simone Perillo, Secretary General for the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, echoed the excitement: “We are enthusiastic about the fruitful days spent working together with the FEI in view of the 2022 World Championships. Assigning this extraordinary event to Italy provides significant evidence of the trust the FEI has in our federation. Significant investments made will provide an important legacy for these facilities that are a strategic centre for equestrian sports and not only top-level competitions.”

To learn more about Pratoni 2022, click here.

Ingrid Klimke’s Daughter, Greta Busacker, Wins Longines FEI Rising Star Award

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 18, 2021 9:00 am -

Longines FEI Rising Star Greta Busacker (GER) with Semieke Rothenberger and Mathieu Baumgartner.
Photo by FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Eventers were well represented in the final nominee pool for the 2021 FEI awards: Julia Krajewski (GER) for Best Athlete, Greta Busacker (GER) for Rising Star, Stephanie Simpson (USA) for Best Groom and Laura Collett (GBR) for Against All Odds. All are deserving, but only one took home the top honor at the awards gala in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday evening: exciting German young rider Greta Busacker.

The 19-year-old took home this year’s Longines FEI Rising Star Award and a Longines timepiece. Individual and team champion at this year’s FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders, and bronze medallist at the 2021 German National Championships for Young Riders, Greta Busacker is quickly making a name for herself in the sport. Her win made the FEI Awards a decidedly family affair, with her mother and eventing legend Ingrid Klimke a recipient of the 2019 and 2020 Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Awards.

“I’m very pleased to receive the Longines FEI Rising Star Award. Words can’t describe how honoured I feel because there are so many young talented riders out there,” she said. “They work as hard I do and I get to stand here. This is for my whole team, my family, my friends. Without them I’d be nothing.”

She also paid tribute to her horse, the 10-year old Oldenburg gelding Scrabble, with whom she has been competing since 2019. “With Scrabble, I’ve learned to be patient. When I stand in the starting box and the countdown is on, I know that I can trust him one hundred percent. He has such courage and never gives up. Our connection is such a strong bond. Thank you Scrabble!”

Longines’ Vice President Marketing Matthieu Baumgartner was present in Antwerp to present the Longines FEI Rising Star Award created to recognise young athletes between the ages of 14 and 21 who demonstrate outstanding equestrian sporting talent.

“Young athletes like Greta are the future of equestrian sports and we are delighted and honoured to play a part in what we know will be a long and accomplished career,” he said.

“Longines presents an award which celebrates young talent, while telling their story of determination and passion for a sport. These young stars are the future of equestrian sports and we hope that they will continue to inspire budding equestrians around the world for many years to come.”

Other winners included:

Peder Fredricson (SWE) took the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award, adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet of Olympic and European Championship medals, as well as his number one spot on the Longines World Ranking that he took in October 2021 for the first time in his career.

It was definitely Sweden’s night as Marie Johansson took the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, in recognition of her hard work and dedication in looking after Dressage athlete Patrik Kittel’s horses.

The 2021 FEI Solidarity Award went to China’s Equuleus Charity, which aims to support young, underprivileged students to reach their equestrian dream while successfully completing their academic studies.

Taking the FEI Against All Odds Award was Beatrice de Lavalette (USA), who lost both legs in the March 2016 terrorist attack at the Zaventem Airport in Brussels (BEL) and went on to make her first Paralympic debut in Tokyo earlier this year in the sport of Para Dressage.

This year’s winners were decided by combining 50% of the public votes cast on FEI.org and on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, and 50% of the judges’ votes.

More than 300 distinguished guests, including local sporting legends, National Federations, FEI partners and stakeholders attended the 13^th FEI Awards, with equestrian commentator Steven Wilde (GBR) acting as Master of Ceremonies. Also present in Antwerp were all of the 2020 Award winners from 2020 — Ingrid Klimke, Semmieke Rothenberger, Carmen Thiemann, Angelika Trabert, Ebony Horse Club and — who were invited to join in the celebration following the cancellation of last year’s ceremony due to the pandemic.

“This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to celebrate the stars of our sport in person,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The global pandemic and the EHV-1 outbreak have been very tough on our industry, and I am pleased that we had the opportunity to bring together the community to celebrate these achievements tonight.

“This edition of the FEI Awards is special for me, not just because it is being held in a city close to my home in Belgium, but also because it is the FEI’s Centennial year. These Awards, and the high calibre of nominees every year, continue to be a testament to the growth of our sport and gives us great hope for the future.”

You can watch a replay of the awards gala here.

Paris 2024 Qualifications Dominate Discussion at FEI General Assembly

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 17, 2021 9:00 am -

FEI rules and regulations
FEI General Assembly Antwerp 2021
© FEI/Dirk Caremans

The Olympic and Paralympic qualification systems for Paris 2024 were the key topics for discussion at the Rules and Regulations session Tuesday, with the FEI President calling on the community to work together to safeguard the future of equestrian sport in the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

Opening the Session, President Ingmar De Vos provided an overview of the comprehensive consultation process on the Paris 2024 qualification systems, which is still ongoing, and the IOC timelines.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a December 2021 deadline for all sports to submit their Qualification systems for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020, the normal consultation process with the National Federations had to be shortened.

Approval of the Olympic formats will take place at the in-person IOC Executive Board at the beginning of February 2022. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will publish the approved qualification systems for all sports, including Para Dressage in early 2022.

The FEI President informed delegates that a comprehensive consultation process on the Olympic Regulations and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) will begin after the FEI Hybrid General Assembly 2021. The process will include a dedicated session at the FEI Sports Forum in April, the normal consultation process on the documents produced by the Technical Committees and further discussion at the General Assembly 2022 Rules Session prior to voting.

The MERs, which will be reviewed, will be an important element of the Rules Revision. Para Dressage MERs are already included in the Qualification Systems as the qualification period starts on 1 January 2022.

Also under discussion will be field-of-play decisions, the allocation of regional qualifying events and redistribution of unused quota places. The FEI President underscored that the proposed formats with teams of three, if approved by the General Assembly, will only apply to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and not FEI Championships, Games or Finals.

When the President opened the meeting to points from the floor, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) representatives presented a last-minute EEF proposal on alternative qualification pathways, based on both teams of four and teams of three.

The proposal called for more emphasis on World Championships and the FEI Nations Cup™ Series as qualification pathways across the three disciplines, rather than Regional Championships.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez raised concerns that the proposal does not meet the IOC’s Olympic Qualification system principles, which include providing more than one opportunity for athletes/teams to qualify, fair and equal opportunities to qualify which do not necessitate expensive or extensive travel, and ensuring continental representation.

FEI Regional Group VIII Chair Jack Huang (TPE) stated that lack of preparation in the lead-up to the Games due to lockdowns around the world during the global Covid-19 pandemic could explain some less than optimal performances, but this would be eliminated by strengthening of the MERs for Paris 2024.

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Director of Sport Will Connell called for longer term thinking on the Olympic formats that goes beyond Paris 2024, to include Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032. “We need to play the long game,” he said.

The FEI President agreed that, as the Olympic Regulations for Paris 2024 would be included in the FEI Sport Forum next year, qualification systems and formats for Los Angeles 2028 should feature in the 2023 FEI Sports forum.

Delegates, both in-person and online, were given the opportunity to speak. Interventions from the floor came from the Russian Federation, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Eurasian Federation, South Africa, Pan-American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC), Denmark, France, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire. There were also comments received online from the Philippines, Botswana, Hong Kong and Sweden, with the latter three countries expressing their support for a continuation of teams of three at the Olympic Games.

The FEI President confirmed to delegates that there would be a preliminary vote on teams of three or four prior to a vote on the qualification system.

After the discussion on the Olympic Regulations, the Session then moved on to clarifications on the proposed modifications to the FEI Statutes, General and Internal Regulations, Discipline Rules and the FEI Veterinary Regulations. There was also an update on Biosecurity requirements at FEI Events and use of the FEI HorseApp.

All proposed Rules amendments will be voted on at the FEI Hybrid General Assembly on 17 November 2022 and updated on Inside.FEI.org here in due course.

The FEI Hybrid General Assembly commences at 09:00 CET and will be available to watch on livestream here.

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge – East Coast Final Winners Crowned at Tryon International

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 15, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Area Two/Three/Eight team brought home the win in CCI 3*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition, held this weekend at Tryon International in Mill Spring, Nc., after strong performances all week, featuring riders Alexandra Baugh, Elizabeth Bortuzzo, Benjamin Noonan, and Sarah Bowman. The conglomerate whittled their eligible scores to three after Bortuzzo retired during Cross-Country competition, but it was smooth sailing for the remaining trio and resulted in a total score of 119.1.

The team composed by riders from Areas Five and Six ran into some penalties when rider falls forced fewer than three team members to complete all phases. Nevertheless, riders Kit Ferguson, Zara Flores-Kinney, Barret Phillips, and Savannah Gwin brought home a reserve team placing on a score of 1206.2 [1000 point penalty for an incomplete score in Show Jumping].

Winner winners! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Winning teammates Noonan, Bowman, Baugh, and Bortuzzo were highly complimentary of the opportunity to compete on a team, despite not knowing each other well in advance of the Finals.

“Being on the team this weekend, it’s wonderful because I enjoy the people I’m around. Having it [a team] in a lower pressure, but also high-pressure situation, it lets you be a part of a team, and you’re wanting the best for your other teammates,” said Noonan.

“I’ve never been on an Eventing team. I’ve never met anyone else on my team, or on the three star team, and we get here and we act like we’ve known each other forever,” said Bowman. “And overall, it’s a great experience.”

Noonan and Keep Kitty, his own 2011 Hanoverian mare (Kolibris Vulkano Dree Boeken x Escudo 19), were also champions in the individual bracket, completing the weekend on a score of 38.5. Second and third went to Alexandra Baugh, who rode MHS Fernhill Finale, the 2012 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Verdi x Olympic Lux) owned by Altorac Farm, to reserve and a score of 38.8, and her own I Spye, the 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Harlequin du Carel x Lombardo), to a score of 41.4 for third.

“I was a little bit disappointed in Dressage, because I did not have the test I was hoping for,” Noonan relayed. “But, I tried to ignore that and move on … I had one of the best, maybe the best Cross-Country rounds I’ve had in my entire life. Show Jumping is my favorite phase, and my horse’s favorite phase, and it just all came together. So, we had a really great weekend, and we love being at Tryon. It’s absolutely incredible being here,” he raved.

2*-L winning teams. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Area Two Claims CCI2*-L Title

Area Two took the win in CCI 2*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition over five other teams, finishing on a score of 115.8 with teammates Jackson Dillard, Mia Braundel, Maddie Hale, and Kiera Kenny. Multiple riders or horses contested their first CCI2*-L at TIEC this weekend, including Kenny, Baundel, and Hale, whose horse also contested her first CCI 2*-L.

Dillard, who competes on the Clemson University Eventing Team, noted that “it’s always interesting when you work around other young professionals or up-and-coming young riders. They all have different backgrounds, and they all have different ways of interpreting things that are asked of you throughout the weekend, so being able to work with my teammates allowed me to learn a lot, and I’ll take a lot away from this weekend.”

Braundel reflected, “As a young professional, I really like being able to start getting team experience now. For the future, when we start going on to bigger things, I think it’s really helpful to be able to do this and have this experience.”

Jackson Dillard and Layla Q. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“I love Area Two,” added Kenny, “and I’m very grateful to have been part of the team and it’s been really cool meeting everyone else on it. I have really good support, so my pressure was only as much as I put on myself. I was extremely happy with the outcome and really happy with my horse, who’s just been an amazing teacher for me this year. It’s very special.”

Hale agreed, saying, “I was just really grateful to have this experience and be part of the team. It was really amazing [to have] a team environment and I got to meet a lot of new people and new friends.”

Dillard was also first and third in the Individual competition, taking first with Layla Q, his 2011 Hanoverian mare (Loerke x Anhaltiner E), and earning third aboard Elmo, his 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Van Gogh x Animo). “It was a wonderful experience to be here with Layla Q and Elmo this weekend. [Layla Q] really showed me what she’s capable of, and we’re going to keep moving forward with that. I look forward to it.” He concluded, “I’m nothing more than a product of the people behind me, so whether that’s my mother, my groom, the Clemson Eventing team where I’m a student, there’s a lot of people standing behind me that got me here and allowed me to be successful this weekend.”

1* Podium. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Two Teams Finish On CCI1*-L Podium

Two teams made it to the podium at the conclusion of CCI 1*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition, with Area Two edging into the lead after Show Jumping for the win on a total score of 144.8 between teammates Ella Braundel, Caroline Brown, Grace Mykityshyn, and Juliana Cassar.

The team built by riders from Areas Three, Seven, and Five earned a reserve team title on the weekend, scoring a collective 153.3 points among Camryn Chung, Crockett Miller, Ava Holmes, and Chloe Johnson.

Johnson also took top honors in the individual race, almost beating one of her idols, Boyd Martin, aboard Chilli Bean. Canada’s Claudia Oppedisano and her own God of Thunder, the 2006 Thoroughbred Cross gelding (Matter of Courage x Unknown), scored 31.7 after three phases. Grace Mykityshyn and MTF Cooley Classic, the 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ars Vivendi x Olympic Lux) owned by Plain Dealing Farm, were third, going home with a podium-worthy score of 37.5 points.

“Chilli was absolutely a saint over the weekend. For Dressage, she perked right up as soon as we went in the ring and put down our best test ever,” Johnson divulged. “On Cross-Country, she’s always on it. She loves it, and she likes to go fast. She’ll cut any angle. I was really happy with her in the stadium. We took a rail, but that’s okay, it happens, and it was just an honest rail.

Boyd Martin and Chloe Johnson share the 1*-L victory lap. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“He’s been my role model for years, just to be in the position I was in in Dressage and Cross-Country was an absolutely amazing feeling,” Johnson revealed about trading top places with Martin. “I know the horse he’s on, and I know the owner, who’s an amazing woman. After Dressage, just seeing that score … that feeling was absolutely unmatched. Even though we had this rail, which I just edged us out of first, I’m so incredibly proud of my mare. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have competed against Boyd and gotten this experience with her.”

Mykityshyn gushed, “I’m just so happy to have a horse that’s so awesome in settings like this. It helps me stay calm when I get nervous. He was awesome. I feel like we’ve been working super hard on the flat, and I felt like that really paid off and scored a personal best.” She added, “I was really proud of how we were handling my nerves and just trying to get a feel more for him now too, after he’s tired and been here for a long week. He did have two rails, but he was so on it. I couldn’t have asked for a better horse.”

Canadian individual Oppedisano was “speechless” with her horse’s performance all weekend, she explained. “He was just on it for everything. And, he’s a Clydesdale-Thoroughbred, so Cross-Country is not the easiest for him to run. And he was just locked onto everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better week here.”

Claudia Oppedisano and God of Thunder. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Better still, she continued, was getting to compete under the lights in Tryon Stadium as the weekend came to a close. “It honestly was breathtaking getting in there,” she admitted. “I was actually kind of hoping to get to go under the lights. It was pretty cool to have that spotlight on us. Although it’s freezing, I’m glad that we got the chance to experience it.”

Her competitors agreed: “I feel like it definitely made the atmosphere feel bigger. You’ll see all the Grand Prix run under the lights here, and so it just felt like it was such a big deal, but still so chill at the same time,” Johnson commented. “It was just an incredible feeling.”

“It felt like I was in a dream, honestly, walking over here, at sunset, seeing the mountains. I’ve never been here before, and the venue is just amazing. They’ve done such a great job putting on this event,” Mykityshyn concluded.

The final results for the East Coast final of the YTC, both team and individual, are as follows:

Tryon International Three-Day Event (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Live Stream] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Enjoy this gallery from the conclusion of the YTC, courtesy of Shannon Brinkman and her superstar team!

: Juliana Cassar and Cheranimo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Livy Chambers and Fernhill Stateside. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Chloe Johnson and Chilli Bean. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Simone Page and Shamelessly Shy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Chloe Johnson and Chilli Bean. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Claudia Oppendisano and God of Thunder. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Skyler Decker and Cooley Monsoon. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Jessena Defler and Gasparo van de Falieberg. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Kiera Kenny and FE Black Ice. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Jordan Crabo and Zimbabwe Express. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

: Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Don’t Miss this Professional Development Webinar from STRIDER & RideIQ November 9

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 6, 2021 2:00 pm -

Graphic courtesy of STRIDER.

Are you an eventer looking to expand your horse business in 2022?

Our friends at STRIDER and RideIQ are co-sponsoring a professional development webinar next week you’ll want to attend.

“Proven Business Models In the Horse World” will feature a roundtable discussion from Olympic Event Rider & Grand Prix Show Jumper Doug Payne, FEI Dressage Rider & Trainer Lauren Sprieser, and renown Western Dressage & Reining Trainer Colton Woods.

The webinar will be held Tuesday November 9th, 2021 on Zoom at 7:00PM EST. To reserve your spot, book here on STRIDER. There is no charge to attend but seats are limited and filling fast.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to hear business insights from some of the top names in the sport. There will be a 15-minute live Q&A session after the discussion moderated by Helena Harris of Stall and Stable. Bring your questions!

About the Panelists:

👤 Doug Payne is an Olympic Eventer Rider, CCI***** Eventer, FEI 4*, Grand Prix Show Jumper, and USDF Silver Medalist. As the top ranked American Eventer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, his international experience also includes serving as part of the 2019 Gold Medal Winning US Equestrian Team at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

In addition to his success as an international competitor, Payne holds USEF Judge’s & TD Licenses for Eventing and is a USEA ICP Level III certified instructor. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a graduate ‘A’ pony clubber from Somerset Hills Pony Club. You may also have read his book “The Riding Horse Repair Manual”. Visit http://www.pe3s.com to learn more.

👤 Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist and an international Grand Prix dressage competitor. Her enthusiasm and wit has made her a popular trainer, with students from the grassroots to the international levels in both dressage and eventing. She’s also an acclaimed blogger for the Chronicle of the Horse, and writes regularly for Dressage Today and Practical Horseman. She owns and operates Sprieser Sporthorse based out of Marshall, VA and Wellington, FL. Visit https://www.spriesersporthorse.com for more info.

👤 Colton Woods is the founder of the CWH Professional Horseman’s School which provides aspiring professionals with guidance and tools to create profitable horse businesses. Colton and his wife, Maredith, own and operate Colton Woods Horsemanship based in Lexington, Kentucky. They serve their clients through their online educational opportunities, the Heart of Horsemanship Podcast, teaching clinics around the United States, training horses and teaching lessons. Visit https://www.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com for more info.

This webinar brought to you as part of STRIDER’s Professional Development webinars series, hosted monthly with community partners to build professional capacity throughout the equine industry. Visit www.striderpro.com to learn more.

Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula: West Coast Continues with Cross-Country on Second Day of Competition

By US Equestrian Press Release on Nov 5, 2021 8:00 pm -

It was a gorgeous day in southern California to run cross country around a beautiful, tough track!☀️ YTC athletes tested…

Posted by USA Eventing on Friday, November 5, 2021

The Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula showcased young and upcoming talent on a competitive day of cross country on a beautiful fall California day. Three competitors contested the CCI3*-L track, while six moved forward from dressage to take on the CCI2*-L. Competition will conclude tomorrow, following the second horse inspection at 8:00 a.m., with stadium beginning at 10:00 a.m. PST for the CCI3*-L and 1:00 p.m. PST for the CCI2*-L.

In the CCI3*-L, Audrey Sanborn (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and her own OBOS Quality Time, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, maintained their stronghold on third place after their trip around the CCI3*-L cross country course, designed by Clayton Fredericks (AUS). The duo added just 2.4 time to their dressage score to sit on a 33.3 moving into the final phase. Madison Temkin (Sebastopol, Calif.) and her own MVP MadBum, an eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare, shot up the leaderboard following their precise double-clear trip around the track. The pair finished nearly 11 seconds under the optimum time and had plenty of run left after they crossed through the finish. The pair will contest the jumping phase tomorrow on their dressage score of 35.8 and currently hold the fifth-place position in the division. The overnight leaders, Haley Turner (Alamo, Calif.) and Shadow Inspector, her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, unfortunately parted ways at the second to last fence on course, which resulted in elimination.

The CCI2*-L saw all six YTC competitors take to the course, with three combinations securing a double clear effort on the day. Harper Click (Fall City, Wash.) and Rubia, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Amy Click currently lead the YTC competitors, producing a double-clear trip, look ahead to the final phase as they move forward on a 30.3. Abigail Cochran (Bellevue, Wash.) and Mixologeigh, a nine-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Hope Cochran, rode to a fast clear, moving them up the leaderboard a, where they currently hold fifteenth place. Eliana Thompson (Renton, Wash.) and Surelock, an eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, dashed through the track and were the third combination to finish under the optimum time. The pair finished on a 34.9 and currently sit in twentieth.

Maeson Messmer (Woodinville, Wash.) and her own Gamblin on Jack, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, crossed through the finish with 13.2 time penalties to complete their second phase on a 49.3. Pip Hayes (Plymouth, Calif.) and So Cool, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, ran into a bit of trouble on course and picked up 20 penalties and 3.2 time to finish the day on a 55.7. Kayla Dumler (Enumclaw, Wash.) and Faramir toughed out a tough day around the CCI2*-L track but battled through to finish for YTC Team 1 on a 71.0.

In the CCI2*-L, YTC Team A, comprised of Click, Messmer, and Thompson will move forward on a combined team total of 114.5, while YTC Team A, featuring Dumler, Hayes, and Cochran, are on a combined team total of 159.7.

Competition will continue tomorrow with the second horse inspection at 8:00 a.m. PST, followed by stadium for the CCI3*-L at 10:00 a.m. PST and 1:00 p.m. PST for the CCI2*-L division, followed by the YTC awards and prize giving ceremony.

For more information about Galway Downs International Event & Horse Trials, visit www.galwaydowns.net/. To learn more about the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, click here.

For questions regarding the USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, contact Christina Vaughn, USEF Director, Eventing Performance and Program Support, at (859) 225-6917 or [email protected].

US Equestrian Announces Additional CCI4-S, CCI3-L, and Advanced Level Competitions for 2023-2027

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 27, 2021 9:00 am -

Aerial view of the Florida Horse Park. Photo via FHP’s Facebook page.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce two additional competitions approved by the USEF Board of Directors to host CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced level events during the 2023-2027 competition cycle under the new Eventing Calendar Process. The Florida Horse Park has been allocated the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced levels on Week 16 and the Advanced level on Week 40.

The new process is designed to produce the most effective U.S. sporting calendar to properly develop and prepare High Performance horses and athletes to be competitive at international long-format competitions and Championships both in the U.S. and on the world stage.

All U.S. Organizers were invited to bid to host the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced levels through a bid process. The approved bids met the criteria outlined in the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L & Advanced Policies & Procedures. The USEF Eventing Bid Review Group provided their recommendations to the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and USEF International Disciplines Council prior to Board approval.

In addition to levels awarded through the bid process, other FEI and National levels were approved to be offered at these competitions. The complete list of 2023-2027 dates and levels can be viewed on the U.S. Eventing Calendar.

While the bid selections are allocated through 2027, each organizer will be required to submit an annual license renewal to be reviewed through the USEF Competition Licensing process, which may include a competition evaluation. During the five-year cycle, each competition can be evaluated annually to ensure they continue to meet the standards expected for hosting the approved levels, and USEF can determine that deficiencies or other concerns may results in the disapproval of a license renewal or full removal from the competition calendar.

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.

Please refer to the U.S. Eventing Calendar Process webpage for information regarding the Eventing Calendar Process. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Winning Day for the Law Family: Leslie Law Wins TerraNova CCI4*-S

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 25, 2021 5:00 am -

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley won the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Horses and riders in 12 divisions, from Starter to CCI4*-S, tackled the show jumping phase of competition Sunday at The Event at TerraNova, over a track designed by Nick Granat in the world-class setting of the main arena. Prize money was awarded in all divisions.

The day started with a non-denominational worship service in the rider lounge. Pastor Rick Mihm led the service, offering riders a chance for quiet reflection and concluding with participants giving thanks for their blessings. Patrons and riders enjoyed gourmet fare and cocktails as part of the VIP experience in a tent pavilion overlooking the main arena.

In the CCI4*-S, sponsored by B&D Builders, overnight leader Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis (SWE) and Hanoverian mare Flower Girl (Futurist x Lucy/Romino) had four rails down in show jumping. Leslie Law (GBR) of Ocala and Lady Chatterley took the win. Law was ranked second on Lady Chatterley after dressage. A Canadian-bred Holsteiner mare that Law owns in partnership with Jackie and Steve Brown, Lady Chatterley (Connor 48 x Jucy/Mytens XX) jumped exactly on the optimum time of 81.29 seconds.

Second after dressage, Law and Typically Fernhill (Dondoctro Ryal K x Castlefield Sarah), owned by Craig McCallum, scored 27.2 but dropped into fifth place with 19.6 time faults added after cross-country. Sunday, the gelding leaped right back up the leaderboard with a double-clear show jumping round, finishing third overall.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Rubens D’ysieux were the second-place finishers
in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and her syndicated Selle Francais gelding Rubens D’ysieux (Balougran x Orenda d/Ysieux / Mr. Blue) owned by Edy and Sean Rameike and The Unicorn Group, jumped clear and within the time to finish second overall.

Law said, “I thought it was a great track, it was proper show jumping. Typically Fernhill is a really good jumper and a lot of fun to ride; if you have a rail it’s your fault, really, and he jumped his skin out. Then the mare came in and she was feeling really good in her body, really loose in her back, and she came in and jumped really well. She took a hard look at the “musical” fence…so I just closed my leg and she jumped super, really.”

Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill were third in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Law also won the Open Preliminary, sponsored by Overlook Farm, with Irish Sport Horse gelding Shirsheen Ice (Beowulf x Copper/Regal Sting xx) and his wife, Lesley Grant-Law, placed third in the same division riding Irish Sport Horse Fernhill Finalist (Candillo Z x Twinkel van Alsingen/Touch of Fairway xx). Grant-Law (CAN) also won the Open Intermediate, sponsored by Wordley Martin Premium Equestrian Surfaces, riding Castle Howard Romeo (Womanizer x Creagh Diamond Cavalier/Cavalier Royale).

“I bought him (Shirsheen Ice) in Ireland a couple years ago and I think he’s going to be a great horse. He’s a funny lad, he has so much guts and fire and loves his cross-country. He’s 7 years old and I’ll probably move him on to a three-long after a few Intermediates. I love him to bits, he makes me laugh every day. Lesley also rode well and had a great day today, which will help the journey home!”

Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice won the Open Preliminary division.
Photo by Al Green Photo.

With less than a point separating the top three in the CCI3*-S, sponsored by Sunz Insurance, no one could afford a rail. All three jumped around clear and in the time, with Kozumplik-Murphy taking top honors with Devil Munchkin, a KWPN gelding (Casiro 3 x Rhona/No Ski) who she owns with longtime friend and supporter Edy Rameika (40.6). Jon Holling and Pioneer Archibald finished second with 41.2 and Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear, an Oldenburg gelding (Confetti x Lucy/Fuerst Gotthard), owned by Steve and Vicky Sukup placed third (41.4).

Kozumplik-Murphy said, “Both of my horses were fantastic today. I mean, I really can’t fault them. Rubens is a super careful jumper and I can’t remember the last time Kermit had a pole down.” She said that her husband, Irish Grand Prix show jumper Brian Murphy, coaches her in this phase. “I couldn’t ask for better eyes on the ground; he’s also great at matching people with horses. He’s a super show jumping coach, he’s changed my show jumping riding exponentially. It’s not even recognizable. I used to get quite nervous going into show jumping, it’s so nerve wracking! Though I have to say, it helps when you’re riding horses that jump like these two.”

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Devil Munchkin were the winners of the CCI3*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

The show jumping courses were designed by Nick Granat, a Level 2 FEI jumping course designer who was an assistant designer of the eventing course at the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games with Alan Wade. This is his first solo FEI three-day event. “I just really wanted to have a course with a nice smooth line for them. I didn’t want it to be too trappy or tricky and I didn’t want to over-tax the horses since they jumped a lot of fences yesterday. It was relatively straightforward. This is a very delicate set of show jumps – we really look for light rails.

Ocala-based Tik Maynard (CAN) won the CCI2*-S, sponsored by Blalock Walters, riding Galileo, a KWPN gelding (San Remo x Aronia /Rousseau) owned by Richard Maynard on a score of 21.3, the best dressage score of the weekend. He also placed second on the Irish Sport Horse gelding SKM Lux Sonata (Lux Z x Garrendruig Sally), owned by Henry Phipps (IRL) on 28.6. His wife Sinead (USA) won the CCI1*-S, sponsored by Akerman, aboard the 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare Oldcourt Grafen Dance (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz x Wyndham Gentle Annie/Touchdown).

Tik Maynard (CAN) and Galileo earned the victory gallop in the CCI2*-S.
Photo by Al Green Photo.

Every rider in the competition, from Beginner Novice to the four-star level, was placed on a team representing one of three non-profit organizations. The non-profits included Southeastern Guide Dogs, Saratoga Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. After points were tallied, with the lowest penalty score winning the challenge, the first-placed Southeastern Guide Dogs (1,736.50) earned $10,000, second-placed SMART (1,796.2) earned $7500 and third placed Meals on Wheels (2,283.40) earned $5,000.

Both Kozumplik-Murphy and Law represented Southeastern Guide Dogs.

All three charities were presented checks at the end of the competition.
Photo by EQ Media.

Karen Conkel, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Southeastern Guide Dogs, said, “First of all, for this event to support local charities makes all the difference in the world. We all love animals and to serve those who cannot see, and those who have seen too much, is a blessing. We’re grateful to be here and be part of this and we’re looking forward to this happening, and many years of success here.” Conkel was joined by Ambassador therapy dog “Levi,” a yellow Labrador Retriever

The TerraNova Award
The TerraNova Award, a perpetual award recognizing community involvement and sportsmanship was awarded to Tom Berringer, a neighbor who showed up to see if they needed help and has been helping for eight days straight. Presented by Hannah Herrig-Ketelboeter and her husband Zach Ketelboeter.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Devil Munchkin at the FEI Horse Inspection.
Photo by Al Green Photo

Best Turned-Out At the Horse Inspection
With her hot pink one-shoulder cocktail dress, Kozumplik-Murphy presented a bold pop of color at the morning jog. It made a striking appearance with her grey four-star horse Rubens D’ysieux and she was awarded the Best Dressed Award at the FEI Horse Inspection. She received a string of pearls, sponsored by Ashmore Equestrian.

Groom’s Award
Selected by the ground jury, Katie Strickland, a groom for Cornelia Dorr, won $500 for the Groom’s Award.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy presents Sarah Bowman with the Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award. Photo by Al Green Photo.

The Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award
Sarah Bowman won the Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award. She was selected by the Ground Jury from the FEI divisions for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship

Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis Pulls Ahead After Cross Country in The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 23, 2021 6:00 pm -

Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Florida-based Swedish rider Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis galloped around clear and fastest of the day to take the lead in the inaugural CCI4*-S, sponsored by B&D Builders, at The Event at TerraNova. Jarnstrom-Dennis (SWE) and her Hanoverian mare Flower Girl (Futurist x Lucy/Romino) were fourth after dressage on 30.8. Not a single horse-and-rider combination made the optimum time; she added 10.8 time penalties to lead on 41.6.

Overnight leader Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and her syndicated Selle Francais gelding Rubens D’ysieux (Balougran x Orenda d/Ysieux / Mr. Blue) added 18.4 time penalties to drop to third place, while Leslie Law (GBR) added 12.4 time and moved up to second with Lady Chatterly, a Canadian-bred Holsteiner mare (Connor 48 x Jucy/Mytens XX) that he owns in partnership with Jackie and Steve Brown. His other horse Typically Fernhill (Dondoctro Ryal K x Castlefield Sarah), owned by Craig McCallum was second after dressage with 27.2 but dropped into fifth place with 19.6 time faults added.

Jarnstrom-Dennis said that Flower Girl competed at the CCI4*-L level at Jersey Fresh in May, but had an unlucky 20 penalties on cross country there, which prompted her to take the more conservative long route at the double corner combination late on today’s course. She knew that the mare had speed on her side and that she’s a good jumper, and the fastest round of the day put them in the lead regardless of taking the slow route.

She is also placed fourth in the Open Preliminary riding a Trakehner cross, Splash Dance (Stiletto x Sue’s Dancer xx). She said that it was nice to have a run on this horse before the four-star, to get a feel for the course. Both of her horses are U.S.-bred and she purchased them as youngsters from their breeders and developed them herself.

“I put the pedal to the metal on my first horse and was one of only two to make the time in that division,” she said. “That was awesome.”

“It’s a beautiful event,” she continued. “We came here for the test event and I’m like, goodness, what have they set up? It’s just an honor to be here; it looks like I imagined this place, it’s just never ending improvement.”

Jarnstrom-Dennis is riding for Meals on Wheels in the Charity competition. Her students, junior riders Taylor and Nicole, picked the charity for their barn to represent.

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Leslie Law (GBR) said of his two horses, “They both felt great. They said ‘yes’ today; this is just their second time doing the four-star. The first horse I did opt to go the long way at the corner at the end; he had the experience to perhaps process it, and probably in hindsight he would have jumped it but I’m delighted with the way he went, full of confidence. Lady Chatterly went the straight route and went really well. It’s hopefully been a positive experience for both of them.”

In regards to tomorrow’s show jumping he said, “The Typically Fernhill horse gets his adrenaline up a bit so he can be an exciting, forward ride, but he’s a good jumper; the mare can be a little spookier, but they’re two good horses and you ride them according to what they are. They’re stepping up, they’ll have to get used to jumping a bigger track but they’re both very capable.” Law is based out of Ocala.

In the CCI3*-S, sponsored by SUNZ Insurance, Kozumplik-Murphy, who operates out of Overlook Farm in Berryville, Virginia, and Mardanza Farm in Micanopy, Florida, moved into the lead with Devil Munchkin, a KWPN gelding (Casiro 3 x Rhona/No Ski) who she co-owns with longtime friend and supporter Edith Rameika. The optimum time also proved out of reach in this division, and with 9.2 time faults she now leads on 40.6, followed by dressage leader Jon Holling riding Pioneer Archibald, who added 11.6 time faults and is now on a score of 41.2.

Kozumplik-Murphy said, “They’re two very different horses. I was actually planning on giving ‘Kermit’ a little more time; he’s a lovely horse, he’s a little faster at the gallop than Rubens so I can be a little chancey at the fences.”

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Devil Munchkin. Photo by Al Green Photo.

She said that she wasn’t really expecting her four-star horse to make the time, but she was pleased with his round regardless. “He’s an unbelievable jumper and we have a really good partnership but at the end of the day he just doesn’t have a lot of staying power,” she said. “I have to be as neat as I can when I ride him and perhaps I wasn’t quite as good as I could have been but I was actually delighted today, he’s such a cool horse, he answered every question.”

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Rubens d’Yseiuex. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Every rider in the competition, from Beginner Novice to the four-star level, is on a team representing one of three non-profit organizations. Riders could select a team or those who didn’t have a preference were randomly paired. The non-profits include Southeastern Guide Dogs, Saratoga Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. After points have been tallied, with the lowest penalty score winning the challenge, the first-place team will earn a guaranteed minimum of $10,000, second place $7500 and third place $5,000.

Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis, as stated, is riding for Meals on Wheels. Both Kozumplik-Murphy and Law, as well as Holling, are representing Southeastern Guide Dogs.

At the conclusion of cross-country, SMART leads with 1812.2 cumulative points.

Sunday morning, a non-denominational worship service will be held at 7 a.m. The final horse inspection for all the FEI Divisions begins at 7:30 a.m. EDT. The event concludes with show jumping and the award presentations, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the Starter division. The CCI3*-S begins at 11:45 a.m.and the CCI4*-S at 12:30 p.m.

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, Fl.): [Website] [Livestream] [Entries/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Under New Ownership, Aiken’s Jumping Branch Farm to Revive Recognized Eventing Competition in 2022

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 23, 2021 12:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Jumping Branch Farm.

For over 25 years, Jumping Branch Farm has served area equestrians and seasonal competitors with schooling shows, horse trials and derbies. Now, under the careful and caring new ownership & operation of father-son duo Tim and Tate Shaw, the facility returns to the Area III winter USEA/USEF horse trials circuit, having been awarded the dates of February 19 and 20 for 2022.

“Along with family members, a dedicated ground’s crew, and veteran horse show managers, we have been working tirelessly to make improvements to the farm, enhancing the infrastructure in a way that we are confident to host recognized horse trials,” said Tim Shaw.

The February event will run Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels with cross country and stadium courses designed by Olympian John Williams. Williams is a USEF ‘S’ licensed course designer and Technical Delegate for Eventing, as well as a licensed FEI course designer and Technical Delegate. He has designed courses throughout the U.S., Canada, and Central and South America.

: Photo courtesy of Jumping Branch Farm.

Prizes, courtesy of Susy Haslup, Aiken Horse Realty/Meybohm, will include $250 for the top placing OTTB in each division, an engraved leather halter to the top overall OTTB, and a saddle pad to the second place OTTB overall.

Surrounded by mature trees, Jumping Branch Farm’s 100+ acres feature two ponds, many large turnout fields, a gallop track, a full stadium arena, dressage rings, a rolling cross country course, and trails for hacking and conditioning.

Tate and Tim Shaw. Photo courtesy of Jumping Branch Farm.

“Nurturing this property for all to enjoy is truly a labor of love,” added Shaw. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to earn a USEA-sanctioned date that adds to the variety of show and schooling options for which Aiken is known.”

For more information visit www.jbfarm.com, or email [email protected].

One-Week Bid Process Open Now for Week 19 East Coast CCI4*-L

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 22, 2021 9:00 am -

Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi. Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters Photography.

Following the cancellation of the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event for 2022, US Equestrian will open a one-week bid process to fill the date on the 2022 U.S. Eventing Calendar. Per the 2022 U.S. FEI Eventing Calendar Policies and Procedures, applications to host the CCI4*-L level during the 2022 competition season are accepted by invitation only.

The bid process opens Thursday, October 21, and closes Friday, October 29 at midnight EST for one competition on the East Coast to run the CCI4*-L level on Week 19 of the U.S. Eventing Calendar, May 17-19, 2022. As this date has traditionally also held the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and CCI3*-S levels, the USEF requests that potential bid applicants also consider hosting these levels. (Editor’s Note: USEF announced the CCI4*-L schedule for 2023 earlier this year, as well as the allotments of CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and Advanced competitions here.)

The bid application is located here on the USEF Eventing Calendar Process webpage. The application must be complete in order to be considered; applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] by the deadline.

This will be a one-year allocation. Please note, that the bid is subject to the mileage process as outlined in GR3.

Bids will be considered against the criteria in Annex A of the 2022 Policies and Procedures by the USEF Eventing Sport Committee for recommendation to the International Disciplines Council for final approval by the Board of Directors. All FEI competitions are subject to FEI approval.

For more information, visit the USEF Eventing Calendar Process webpage. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Thunderous Affair Is Crowned 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 19, 2021 11:00 am -

Thunderous Affair and Lindsey Partridge on their way to winning the Freestyle. Photo by CanterClix.

Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge, was selected by the panel of judges of the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, as the 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs.

The 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan mare was bred in Kentucky by Jim Williams. She never made a start, but did train to race. By Liaison out of the Thunder Gulch mare Thunder Fan, Thunderous Affair was placed through CANTER Michigan.

Lindsey Partridge, a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario, is no stranger to the Thoroughbred Makeover — she won the overall title back in 2015 with Soar — but this particular journey has not been without its challenges.

“She didn’t trust me in the beginning,” recalled an emotional Partridge. “I really had to slow down and just go to events, and just not make it about competing. Just the fact that she was so calm and relaxed here and able to trust me to do everything — gosh, I’m going to start crying!”

Thunderous Affair and Lindsey Partridge. Photo by CanterClix.

Partridge, who has made a name for herself with her unique brand of horsemanship and crowd-pleasing freestyle routines, trained Thunderous Affair to not one but two discipline championships — Freestyle, in which the pair played with Partridge’s signature big blue tarp and other props, and Competitive Trail, in which Thunderous Affair’s easygoing demeanor impressed judges and spectators alike.

“It’s all about putting that relationship first,” Partridge described, reflecting on her past Makeover performances and her road to success. “I’ve done ranch and field hunter and trail and freestyle, but it all comes back to that partnership first.”

L-R: Thunderous Affair, Lindsey Partridge, RRP Executive Director Jen Roytz, TCA Executive Director Erin Crady.

2020 Thoroughbred Makeover Discipline Champions (in order of go):

Eventing, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian: Legend’s Hope, trained by Jazz Napravnik
Show Jumper, sponsored by Excel Equine: Canton Comet, trained by Samantha Fawcett
Show Hunter, sponsored by Beyond the Wire: Still Dreaming, trained by Charles Hairfield
Field Hunter, sponsored by Masters of Foxhounds Association: Zapper, trained by Cameron Sadler
Dressage, sponsored by PTHA’s Turning For Home: Elbow Room, trained by Helen Pianca
Polo, sponsored by United States Polo Association: That’s My Bertie, trained by Willowbrook Polo Team
Freestyle, sponsored by New Start: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge
Barrel Racing, sponsored by SmartPak: Czraina Maria, trained by Jessica Frederick
Competitive Trail, sponsored by Godolphin: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge
Ranch Work, sponsored by MidAtlantic Horse Rescue: Aussie Prayer, trained by Raechel Ramsey
A full list of results and awards can be found at TBMakeover.org.

Thoroughbred Makeover: Entry List, Scores, ASPCA Makeover Marketplace, Vendor Fair, Silent Auction, Master Class, Seminar Series, Ticketing Information

Forthegreatergood: 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion!

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 18, 2021 9:00 am -

L-R above: Cathy Shircliff, Churchill Downs; Forthegreatergood and Laura Sloan; Erin Crady, TCA Executive Director; Jen Roytz, RRP Executive Director.

Ten discipline winners from what was hailed as one of the strongest Thoroughbred Makeover competition years yet awaited results in a picture-perfect lineup at the Kentucky Horse Park this evening at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America — but there was only one 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs, and that was Forthegreatergood, trained by Laura Sloan.

Forthegreatergood (Scipion – No Peeking, by Langfuhr) is a 2015 16.1 hand gray/roan gelding who was bred in Maryland by Donna Lockard. Lockard also trained and raced the horse herself for his 22-race career, hitting the board five times at Maryland tracks for total career earnings of $46,734.

Forthegreatergood and Laura Sloan. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

Sloan, a professional hailing from Southern Pines, North Carolina, teamed up with Forthegreatergood for owner Donna Verrilli, who wanted to produce a horse for the Makeover in honor of her late husband Richard who passed away in December of 2020 of pancreatic cancer. A Master of Foxhounds, Richard had been Sloan’s employer.

“I’m so glad that I can do this for [Donna],” Sloan stated. “The Thoroughbred is just such a great breed. It’s amazing how you can have ten of these horses in the same race, and they can go into ten different disciplines. The versatility of this breed — they could have all raced together, and then one’s a barrel racer, and one’s a fox hunter, and one’s a dressage horse. It’s pretty cool.”

Sloan and Forthegreatergood achieved top marks in the Field Hunter discipline all week long, leading the pack first in the under saddle phase, then the individual test. Receiving high scores in the mock hunt on Thursday morning gave the pair a comfortable lead going into Sunday’s 2021 Finale, and their beautiful final test in the TCA Covered Arena sealed their victory for the discipline. Their performance also impressed the judges from the other ten Makeover disciplines, who scored all discipline winners throughout the day to crown the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion.

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine, was given to Icarius, the winner of the Show Hunter discipline, trained by Alexandra Beckstett.

Icarius and Alexandra Beckstett with Michelle Chiapetta of Achieve Equine. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Thoroughbred Makeover Discipline Winners (in order of go):

Eventing, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian: Fleet Stepper, trained by Hillary Irwin
Show Jumper, sponsored by Excel Equine: Raise Em Up, trained by Kristina Aaron
Show Hunter, sponsored by Beyond the Wire: Icarius, trained by Alexandra Beckstett
Field Hunter, sponsored by Masters of Foxhounds Association: Forthegreatergood, trained by Laura Sloan
Dressage, sponsored by PTHA’s Turning For Home: Kubo Cat, trained by Alison O’Dwyer
Polo, sponsored by United States Polo Association: Ramses, trained by Benjamin Lynch
Freestyle, sponsored by New Start: Papa Al, trained by Jody Busch
Barrel Racing, sponsored by SmartPak: Tip Top Diva, trained by Dakotah Rowel
Competitive Trail, sponsored by Godolphin: Super Terrific, trained by Abbey Blair
Ranch Work, sponsored by MidAtlantic Horse Rescue: War Candy, trained by Muri Triantafilo

A full list of results and awards can be found at TBMakeover.org.

Congrats to all. Go Thoroughbreds!

Thoroughbred Makeover: Entry List, Scores, ASPCA Makeover Marketplace, Vendor Fair, Silent Auction, Master Class, Seminar Series, Ticketing Information

Final Day of Preliminary Competition Wraps Up at Thoroughbred ‘Mega-Makeover’

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 15, 2021 8:27 pm -

One last look: a competitor tackles a fence on cross-country. Photo by CanterClix.

The culmination of ten months — or, for the 2020 horses, almost two years — of hard work came to fruition today at the Kentucky Horse Park as the final day of preliminary competition at the Thoroughbred ‘Mega Makeover’ came to a close. All ten Makeover disciplines have now set their Finale fields: the five top-scoring horses in each discipline will return for one more test in their respective competition years to determine final placings. The winner of each discipline will then be eligible to be named Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs, by a panel of all Makeover judges.

View preliminary round standings and see the Finale fields here. Learn more about the discipline leaders from today’s competition:

Jazz Napravnik and Legend’s Hope. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Eventing Leader: Legend’s Hope, trained by Jazz Napravnik

Legend’s Hope (Not For Love – Lunar’s Legend, by Polish Numbers) is a 2013 17.1 hand chestnut gelding who is a three-time contender in the Maryland Million Classic. He made 45 starts with four wins, earning $156,388 in his career. His last race was in November of 2019, retiring from Laurel Park.

Jazz Napravnik is a professional from Monkton, Maryland.

Hillary Irwin and Fleet Stepper. Photo by CanterClix

2021 Eventing Leader: Fleet Stepper, trained by Hillary Irwin

Fleet Stepper (Midshipman – Raven’s Rockette, by Raven’s Pass) is a 2017 16.2 hand bay mare who made three career starts but never broke her maiden, retiring after her last start in August of 2020. She’s a Kentucky-bred by 81 Gotham LLC.

Hillary Irwin is a professional based in Ocala, Florida.

Lindsey Partridge and Thunderous Affair. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Competitive Trail Leader: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge

Thunderous Affair (Liaison – Thunder Fan, by Thunder Gulch) is a 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan mare bred in Kentucky by Jim Williams. She never made a start, but did train to race, and last worked in September of 2019. CANTER Michigan aided in her transition.

Lindsey Partridge is a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario.

Abbey Blair and Super Terrific. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Competitive Trail Leader: Super Terrific, trained by Abbey Blair

Super Terrific (Super Saver – Tiz Terrific, by Tiznow) is a 2014 16.2 hand bay gelding bred in Kentucky by T. F. Van Meter & Fanfare. He sold as a weanling at Keeneland November for $110,000, then again as a yearling at Keeneland September for $85,000. He went on to make 19 starts with two wins, earning $60,907 over his career. His last race was in June of 2020 at Belmont Park.

Abbey Blair is a professional from London, Kentucky.

Stephanie Calendrillo and Dispatcher. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Dressage Leader: Dispatcher, trained by Stephanie Calendrillo

Dispatcher (Distorted Humor – Charity Belle, by Empire Maker) is a 2015 16.3 hand chestnut gelding, bred in Kentucky by Godolphin. He made four starts with one win, retiring with $13,145 in earnings. His last start was in June of 2019 at Belmont Park.

Stephanie Calendrillo is a professional from Georgetown, Kentucky.

Alison O’Dwyer and Kubo Cat. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Dressage Leader: Kubo Cat, trained by Alison O’Dwyer

Kubo Cat (D’Wildcat – Golden Diva, by Gold Fever) is a 2016 16.0 hand chestnut gelding, bred in Louisiana by Carrol Castille. He made 16 starts, but never broke his maiden, retiring with $24,895 after his last start in December of 2019 at Delta Downs.

Alison O’Dwyer is a professional based in Severn, Maryland.

Cameron Sadler and Zapper. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Field Hunter Leader: Zapper, trained by Cameron Sadler

Zapper (Ghostzapper – Doryphar, by Gone West) sold as a two-year-old through Ocala Breeders’ Sale in April of 2017 for $25,000, and went on to make 15 career starts with one win. He retired with $8,141 in earnings after his last race in August of 2019 at Indiana Grand Race Course. The 2015 15.3 hand bay gelding was bred in Kentucky by Kendall E. Hansen, M.D. Racing, LLC.

Cameron Sadler is an amateur from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Laura Sloan and Forthegreatergood. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Field Hunter Leader: Forthegreatergood, trained by Laura Sloan

Forthegreatergood (Scipion – No Peeking, by Langfuhr) earned $46,734 in his 22-race career, most recently running at Laurel Park in June of 2020. He raced his entire career for his Maryland-based breeder/owner/trainer Donna B. Lockard. Forthegreatergood is a 2015 16.1 hand gray/roan gelding, bred by Donna Verrilli.

Laura Sloan is a professional from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Lindsey Partridge and Thunderous Affair. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Freestyle Leader: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge

Lindsey Partridge is a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario.

Jody Busch and Papa Al. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Freestyle Leader: Papa Al, trained by Jody Busch

Papa Al (Papa Clem – Morell’s Love, by Cutlass Reality) is a 2012 16.1 hand bay gelding bred in California by Salah Said Al-Mudarris. He made 36 starts with three wins for total career earnings of $26,831. His last start was in September of 2019 at Assiniboia.

Jody Busch is a professional from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Willowbrook Polo and That’s My Bertie. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Polo Leader: That’s My Bertie, trained by the Willowbrook Polo team

That’s My Bertie (Baptistry – Fat Cat Bertie, by Tactical Cat) is a 2017 15.0 hand dark bay/brown mare bred in Ohio by Carol Rettele. She made two lifetime starts and never git the board, retiring with $599 in earnings. Her last race was November of 2019 at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Willowbrook Polo team is captained by Michael Groubert and based in Canfield, Ohio.

Michael Groubert and Ramses. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Polo Leader: Ramses, trained by Benjamin Lynch

Ramses (Pioneerof the Nile – Dancing House, by Tapit) was bred in Kentucky by Godolphin. The 2018 15.0 hand bay gelding made just two career starts for owner/breeder, failing to hit the board and retiring with $248 in career earnings. His last race was in December of 2020 at Tampa Bay.

Benjamin Lynch is an amateur from Fallston, Maryland.

Charles Hairfield and Still Dreaming. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Show Hunter Leader: Still Dreaming, trained by Charles Hairfield

Still Dreaming (Flatter – Seeking Gabrielle, by Forestry) is a 2016 16.2 hand chestnut gelding bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms. He was a $460,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland September in 2017, and went on to make seven starts with two wins. He made two graded stakes starts but failed to place in either. He retired with $63,140 in earnings after his last race, the 2019 Easy Goer Stakes at Belmont Park.

Charles Hairfield is professional from Johns Island, South Carolina.

Lara Van Der Heiden and Ironic. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Show Hunter Leader: Ironic, trained by Lara Van Der Heiden

Ironic (Five Iron – Only, by Salt Lake) is a 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan gelding bred in Arkansas by Starfish Stable, LLC. He made six starts but never hit the board, retiring with $859 in earnings after his last start in September of 2020 at Louisiana Downs.

Lara Van Der Heiden is an amateur from Carlisle, Kentucky.

Samantha Fawcett and Canton Comet. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Show Jumper Leader: Canton Comet, trained by Samantha Fawcett

Canton Comet (Shanghai Bobby – Katie’s Ten, by Rock Hard Ten) is a 2016 16.3 hand black mare bred in Kentucky by Kirby Chua. She sold for $80,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2017, and went on to make nine starts with one win. Her final start was in August of 2019 at Arlington, where she retired with $20,698 in earnings.

Samantha Fawcett is a professional from Alton, Ontario.

Kamerra Brown Allen and Highest Rank. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Show Jumper Leader: Highest Rank, trained by Kamerra Brown Allen

Highest Rank (Courageous Cat – Hipshootinmomma, by Successful Appeal) is a 2016 16.1 hand bay gelding bred in New York by John T. Behrendt. He made 23 career starts, but never broke his maiden; he retired with $16,893 in career starts after his final race in October of 2020 at Finger Lakes.

Kamerra Brown Allen is a professional from Fulton, Missouri.

Layne Shaffer and Floo Powder. Photo by CanterClix.

Round Two at Makeover Barrel Racing/Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships

The final round of the inaugural Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships wrapped up the day’s competition. Featuring the Thoroughbred Makeover Barrel Racing competitors from both 2020 and 2021, as well as open horses from all over the country, the TIP Barrel Racing Championships awarded prizes for the fastest times of the evening in a 4D format, including buckles for the winners of the average.

Makeover entrants’ times counted towards their overall standings in the Barrel Racing discipline, and those who opted to enter the championships rolled their times to those standings.

Layne Shaffer, a professional from Thomasville, Pennsylvania with her Floo Powder (Exchange Rate – LA Wildcat, by Forest Wildcat) won the 1D average, as well as round two. Bred by Shaffer’s employer Arrowwood Farm, Floor Powder is a 2011 Pennsylvania-bred gelding who made five starts but never won, earning $8,109.

“It was a really long road, and I had him for three years before I started running him. This really means a lot,” said Shaffer. “It means a lot for me, it means a lot for the farm, because we’ll be able to show what these guys can do. It’s really cool to have a Barrel Racing Championships. There are still people who think they can’t barrel race and be successful, and that’s not the case. The whole atmosphere of this show is a whole other level!”

Tessa Elton and Monba Number Five. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Barrel Racing Leader: Monba Number Five, trained by Tessa Elton

Tessa Elton and Monba Number Five. Photo by CanterClix
Monba Number Five (Monba – Nice Dilemma, by Silver Deputy) is a 2013 16.2 hand gray/roan mare bred in Pennsylvania by MD Thoroughbreds. She made 39 career starts, including six wins, for total earnings of $51,285. Her last race was in February of this year at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Tessa Elton is a professional from Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania.

Dakotah Rowel and Tip Top Diva. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Barrel Racing Leader: Tip Top Diva and Dakotah Rowel

Tip Top Diva (Garnered – Little Tip Top, by Two Smart) made three career starts and never broke her maiden, retiring after her last start at Charles Town in September of 2020 with $1,225 in total earnings. She’s a 2015 15.3 hand chestnut mare, bred in West Virginia by Rene Moore, Rachael Moore and Mary Moore.

Dakotah Rowel is professional trainer from Eighty Four, Pennsylvania.

TIP Championships Round Two Winners:
1D: Layne Shaffer and Floo Powder
2D: Jessica Frederick and Czraina Maria (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
3D: Christy Drent and Justa Jester
4D: Stacey Stephens and In the Kisser (2021 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)

TIP Championships Average Results:
1D: Layne Shaffer and Floor Powder
2D: Hadley Jumps and Just in Flash (2019 Thoroughbred Makeover graduate)
3D: Megan Hems and Nucks (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
4D: Christy Drent and Justa Jester

Polo preliminary competition on the Secretariat Field. Photo courtesy Bethany P Photography.

Congrats to all. Go Thoroughbreds!

Thoroughbred Makeover: Entry List, Scores, ASPCA Makeover Marketplace, Vendor Fair, Silent Auction, Master Class, Seminar Series, Ticketing Information

Day 2 of the Thoroughbred Makeover: A Bustling Day at the Kentucky Horse Park

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 14, 2021 10:30 am -

Field Hunter preliminary tests took place on a beautiful Kentucky autumn morning. Photo courtesy Bethany P Photography.

The Kentucky Horse Park was humming with activity today, with eight of the ten Thoroughbred Makeover disciplines running preliminary competition, in addition to the first round of the inaugural Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships.

Here are the overnight leaders from all eight disciplines that ran today for both 2020 and 2021 competition years:

Lindsey Partridge and Thunderous Affair. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Competitive Trail: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge

Lindsey Partridge is a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario.

Anne Hagey and I’lltellyoulater. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Competitive Trail: I’lltellyoulater, trained by Anne Hagey

I’lltellyoulater (Vengeful Wildcat – I’llthinkaboutit, by Bold Executive) is a 2017 16.3 hand chestnut gelding bred in Manitoba by Dr. Betty Hughes. He never made it to the races, but did train, and last worked in May of 2020.

Anne Hagey is a professional from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Helen Pianca and Elbow Room. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Dressage: Elbow Room, trained by Helen Pianca

Elbow Room (d’Funnybone – Show Me the Carats, by More Than Ready) is a 2014 16.0 hand chestnut gelding, bred in New York by EKQ Stables Corp. He sold as a weanling at Keeneland November in 2014 for $40,000, then sold again as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Preferred New York Bred Yearling Sale for $75,000. He went on to make 23 starts with four wins, retiring in July of 2019 from Finger Lakes with earnings of $36,970.

Helen Pianca is a professional from Granville, Ohio.

Alison O’Dwyer and Kubo Cat. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Dressage: Kubo Cat, trained by Alison O’Dwyer

Alison O’Dwyer is a professional based in Severn, Maryland.

Emma Partridge and Sweet Talking Man. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Eventing: Sweet Talking Man, trained by Emma Partridge

Sweet Talking Man (Flatter – Line It Up, by Forest Wildcat) is a 2014 16.2 hand dark bay/brown gelding bred in Kentucky by Russell L. Reineman Stable, Inc. He sold for $50,000 at Fasig Tipton 2015 Kentucky Select Yearling Sale, then again for $62,000 at Fasig Tipton Fall 2015 Yearling Sale. He ultimately did not race, but last worked in January of 2019.

Emma Partridge is an amateur trainer from Wilmore, Kentucky.

Hillary Irwin and Fleet Stepper. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Eventing: Fleet Stepper, trained by Hillary Irwin

Hillary Irwin is a professional based in Ocala, Florida.

Jazz Napravnik and Page McKenney. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Field Hunter: Page McKenney, trained by Jazz Napravnik

Page McKenney (Eavesdropper – Winning Grace, by Yarrow Brae) is a multiple graded stakes winner, earning over $1.9 million over his 58-race career. His last start was in July of 2018 at Monmouth Park. Bred in Pennsylvania by Dr. James E. Bryant and Linda P. Davis, Page McKenney is a 2010 16.0 hand chestnut gelding.

Jazz Napravnik is a professional from Monkton, Maryland.

Laura Sloan and Forthegreatergood. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Field Hunter: Forthegreatergood, trained by Laura Sloan

Laura Sloan is a professional from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Raechel Ramsey and Aussie Prayer. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Ranch Work: Aussie Prayer, trained by Raechel Ramsey

Aussie Prayer (All-American [AUS] – Peg’s Prayer, by Rodeo) made 40 starts with seven wins, earning $216,441 over her career. Her last race was in April of 2019 at Laurel Park. Aussie Prayer is a 2012 15.3 hand dark bay/brown mare bred in New York by Michael Stanley.

Raechel Ramsay is a professional from Nevada, Texas.

Heath Gunnison and This Is Me. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Ranch Work: This Is Me, trained by Heath Gunnison

This is Me (Doctor Chit – Talking Audrey, by Thunder Gulch) made five starts for his owners/breeders, who still own him and are competing him today, but never broke his maiden, retiring in February of 2020 with $1,040 in earnings. He’s a 2017 16.1 hand bay gelding, bred in Kentucky by RAH Bloodstock.

Heath Gunnison is a professional from Lexington, Kentucky.

Charles Hairfield and Still Dreaming. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Show Hunter: Still Dreaming, trained by Charles Hairfield

Charles Hairfield is professional from Johns Island, South Carolina.

Erica Hammond and Russian Wine. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Show Hunter: Russian Wine, trained by Erica Hammond

Russian Wine (Vineyard Haven – W W Red Square, by Street Cry [IRE]) is a 2015 16.2 hand gray/roan gelding bred in Florida by Dr. K. K. Jayaraman and Dr. V. Devi Jayarama. He made 30 career starts and won just once, retiring with $44,923 in career earnings after his last race in September of 2020 at Gulfstream Park.

Erica Hammond is an amateur from Lutz, Florida.

Samantha Fawcett and Canton Comet. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Show Jumper: Canton Comet, trained by Samantha Fawcett

Samantha Fawcett is a professional from Alton, Ontario.

Kamerra Brown Allen and Highest Rank. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Show Jumper: Highest Rank, trained by Kamerra Brown Allen

Kamerra Brown Allen is a professional from Fulton, Missouri.

Photo courtesy Bethany P Photography.

Barrel Racing and Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships: Round One Results

The atmosphere was electric in the TCA Covered Arena as the first round of the first-ever Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships ran. Featuring the Thoroughbred Makeover Barrel Racing competitors from both 2020 and 2021, as well as open horses from all over the country, the TIP Barrel Racing Championships awarded prizes for the fastest times of the evening in a 2D format.

Makeover entrants’ times counted towards their overall standings in the Barrel Racing discipline, and those who opted to enter the championships rolled their times to those standings.

Amber Lemery and Credit Alert. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Barrel Racing Overnight Leader: Credit Alert, trained by Amber Lemery

Credit Alert (Overdriven – Credit, by Maria’s Mon) earned $40,358 in her 17-start career, including one stakes start. The final race of her career was in September of 2018 at Presque Isle Downs. Bred in Florida by Jeff Cook and Sally Cook, Credit Alert is a 2014 16.2 hand gray/roan mare.

Amber Lemery is an amateur trainer from Hoyt, Kansas.

Dakotah Rowel and Tip Top Diva. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Barrel Racing Overnight Leader: Tip Top Diva, trained by Dakotah Rowel

Dakotah Rowel and Tip Top Diva. Photo courtesy CanterClix
Tip Top Diva (Garnered – Little Tip Top, by Two Smart) made three career starts and never broke her maiden, retiring after her last start at Charles Town in September of 2020 with $1,225 in total earnings. She’s a 2015 15.3 hand chestnut mare, bred in West Virginia by Rene Moore, Rachael Moore and Mary Moore.

Dakotah Rowel is professional trainer from Eighty Four, Pennsylvania.

Megan Montgomery and Little Red Rodeo. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

TIP Championships Round One 4D Winners:

1D: Little Red Rodeo and Megan Montgomery (2018 Thoroughbred Makeover graduate)
2D: Czraina Maria and Jessica Frederick (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
3D: Monba Number Five and Samantha Sheldon (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
4D: Starship Rockette and Emily Henderson

First Day of Preliminary Competition Wraps at Thoroughbred ‘Mega-Makeover’

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 12, 2021 8:00 pm -

A horse and rider on the Horse Path at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo courtesy Bethany P Photography.

The first day of preliminary competition is in the books at the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, with Dressage and Show Jumper taking the spotlight as the competition’s two most popular classes this year.

The 2021 “Mega-Makeover” includes separate competition years to accommodate horses from the postponed 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover, as well as the scheduled 2021 event. While both 2020 and 2021 horses competed side-by-side in arenas today, their scores are ranked separately.

Helen Pianca and Elbow Room. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Dressage: Elbow Room, trained by Helen Pianca

Elbow Room (d’Funnybone – Show Me the Carats, by More Than Ready) and Helen Pianca danced across the Rolex Arena into the overnight lead in the 2020 competition year for Dressage, earning a 77.414 on their test plus a 48.00 for their demonstration ride, for a combined score of 125.414. (The demonstration ride allows trainers to showcase their horse’s strengths and any advanced maneuvers they may be developing not already demonstrated in the test).

“He handled the atmosphere like a professional,” describes Pianca, a professional from Granville, Ohio. “We had one little bobble in our demo ride, but other than that he felt pretty flawless. We lost some training time when I had a baby, so he had a few months off in the earlier part of this year, and I think he would have been just as good last year, honestly — he’s been a professional since I got him. He’s my first ‘me’ horse — now that I have kids, I want a horse for myself! For me personally, I can’t beat a Thoroughbred.”

Elbow Room is a 2014 16.0-hand chestnut gelding, bred in New York bytt EKQ Stables Corp. He sold as a weanling at Keeneland November in 2014 for $40,000, then sold again as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Preferred New York Bred Yearling Sale for $75,000. He went on to make 23 starts with four wins, retiring in July of 2019 from Finger Lakes with earnings of $36,970. He’ll return in the Freestyle on Thursday.

Jaclyn Schellhase and My Dad Louie. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Dressage: My Dad Louie, trained by Jaclyn Schellhase

Stepping out in western tack in the second year western dressage was available as an entry option in the discipline, My Dad Louie (Regal Ransom – Indigo Girl, by Leestown) and Jaclyn Schellhase top the overnight standings for 2021 Dressage. The pair earned a 72.500 on their test and a 50.00 on their demonstration ride, for a total score of 122.500.

Primarily a barrel racer, Schellhase, a professional from Canton, Georgia, applied My Dad Louie’s flatwork foundation from barrel racing to a new-to-her discipline. “He’s a great mover and he’s very responsive, so I thought he could help me step out of my comfort zone and we could do this together,” she describes. “In our demo, we started with just the same maneuvers as the test, but then added in some extended canter, which felt like it went beautifully.”

Schellhase has already connected My Dad Louie to new owners, who have come to the Thoroughbred Makeover to cheer their new horse on, with plans to make him an all-around horse. He is a 2015 16.0 hand dark bay/brown gelding, bred in Louisiana by Randy Davis & Associates Inc. He made 21 career starts with three wins, earning a total of $47,610. His last race was in August of 2020 at Louisiana Downs. He’ll also compete in the Barrel Racing on Wednesday and Thursday, and roll his times to the T.I.P. Barrel Racing Championship.

Samantha Fawcett and Canton Comet. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Show Jumper: Canton Comet, trained by Samantha Fawcett

Canton Comet (Shanghai Bobby – Katie’s Ten, by Rock Hard Ten) and Samantha Fawcett have a nearly nine-point lead on the rest of the 2020 Show Jumper discipline after the first day of competition, receiving marks of 175.50 and 175.00 for a round score of 175.25.

“I purchased her as a three-year-old from Kentucky with the goal of sending her to the 2020 Makeover; my intentions were actually to sell her then. I’m very glad that did not happen, because we’ve decided to keep her to develop her further in show jumping,” describes Fawcett, a professional from Alton, Ontario. “We kept everything really straightforward with the extra time and focused on her dressage. She really grew into herself and really started to blossom over the past winter. She’s exceeded our expectations!”

Canton Comet is a 2016 16.3 hand black mare bred in Kentucky by Kirby Chua. She sold for $80,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2017, and went on to make nine starts with one win. Her final start was in August of 2019 at Arlington, where she retired with $20,698 in earnings. She’ll return in the Show Hunter on Wednesday.

Emily Clayton and Absolute Drama. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Show Jumper: Absolute Drama, trained by Emily Clayton

Absolute Drama (Big Drama – Perfect Charm, by Charismatic) and Emily Clayton outshone the rest in the 2021 competition year for Show Jumper, earning scores of 152.25 and 155.75 for a round score of 154.00

“I’m shocked, actually,” describes Clayton, a professional from Lafayette, Louisiana. “He’s only four — I just wanted to give him a good ride. We focus on flatwork a lot at home, and a lot of work went in, but he’s pretty easygoing and level-headed. Our first round was our best round.”

Absolute Drama already has a new home lined up after the Thoroughbred Makeover and will head to his new owners once he and Clayton return home. A 2017 15.3 hand dark bay/brown gelding, Absolute Drama was bred in Louisiana by EPIC Thoroughbreds, LLC and made four starts, never breaking his maiden. He retired with $450 in earnings from Evangeline, making his final start in July of 2020. He’ll return in the Show Hunter on Wednesday.

A horse receives his blue bridle number sticker that indicates he has passed the Arrival Exam. Photo courtesy of Bethany P Photography.

Around the Park

Arrival Exams continued to take place, representing an important part of the Makeover process and ensuring that every horse in attendance is fit and healthy to move around the Kentucky Horse Park. The team of Hagyard veterinarians and veterinary students all led by the RRP’s consulting veterinarian Dr. Shannon Reed processed Arrival Exams, sponsored by Keeneland with support from After the Finish Line, Foundation for the Horse, and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for over 370 horses today alone.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Summit took place this afternoon in the TCA Club Lounge, with approximately 40 participants both in-person and virtually via stream. Panelists talked through challenges faced by aftercare organizations, with several great collaborative discussions and idea sharing between participating organizations. CANTER PA was the recipient of the random donation awarded to an attending organization.

The other competition arenas, including Stoneleigh (Show Hunter), Murphy (Eventing Show Jumping) and the TCA Covered Arena (Barrel Racing, Freestyle, and Ranch Work) were busy all day long as competitors prepped for Wednesday’s full preliminary competition schedule.

With two full days of preliminary competition yet to go, standings are likely to shift. For updates, entry lists, social feeds, links to ticketing information, live stream, and more, please visit TBMakeover.org.

Phillip Dutton Continues Hot Streak at Morven Park CCI4*-L

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 10, 2021 4:34 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool are the winners of the inaugural CCI4*-L at Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI taking home $6,600 in prize money.

Dutton and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran scored 34.2. “Quasi Cool has come into his own and it’s exciting to have a horse that’s competitive in three phases,” said Dutton. Dutton just edged out Buck Davidson who secured second place in the division with a score of 34.8 on Cooley Candyman, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Cassandra Segal and Rolo 7 LLC. Davidson also secured third place in the division on Sorocaima, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred. When asked about conditions on course, Davidson said “It’s in my opinion the best cross-country venue here in the country, if not the world. The arenas are fantastic.”

In the CCI3*-S, cross-country proved to be quite influential, with Katie Lichten and her own Yarrow rising from fourth place to win the CCI3*-S division on her dressage score of 28.6. This also gave Lichten the Piedmont Equine award for highest placed Under-25 Rider award.

Ariel Grald, riding Diara, also added no penalties to her dressage score of 27.6 and secured first place in the CCI3*-YH-S. Second place in the division was Grald again, with a score of 29.7 on Isla De Coco. Both horses were foaled in 2011 and are owned by Annie Eldridge.

Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

The national level horse trials also concluded competition at Morven Park on Sunday with just under 200 competitors on the Park’s famed cross-country course.

“The coming together of hundreds of volunteers, officials, and judges is what made this year’s Horse Trials such a success! Many members of the equestrian community have already reached out to offer praise for the cross-country course, the grounds, and the Morven Park team,” said Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park’s Executive Director and CEO. “It was rewarding beyond measure to see the many months of hard work we’ve put into preparing for the CCI4*-L come to fruition and to welcome talented riders of all skill levels to the Park.”

For complete scores and results from the 2021 Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI visit MorvenPark.org/HorseTrials, and mark your calendar for the 2022 competition to be held October 5-9. The Horse Trials are made possible by many generous sponsors and Morven Park extends thanks to this year’s Official Sponsor, SmartPak, a popular equine supplement and supply company. The 2021 Gold Sponsor is Taylor Harris Insurance Services; Silver Sponsors are Adequan and CWD; and Bronze Sponsors are Coat Defense, Total Equine Veterinary Associates, and Arden. Attwood Equestrian Surfaces is the Official Arena Footing Sponsor of Morven Park.

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

New Day, New Leaders in the CCI 4*-L at Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 9, 2021 7:19 pm -

Will Coleman and Buck Davidson at the post-ride press conference. Photo courtesy of Morven Park.

Today saw the exciting conclusion of the 4*-S, 2*-S, and 2*-YH-S at Morven Park. The unseasonably warm weather continued throughout the morning, while the afternoon brought in cloudy skies and a new leader in the 4*-L division.

Phillip Dutton moved into first place in the 4*-L competition with a score of 33.8 on Quasi Cool. “He’s definitely proven himself today,” said Caroline Moran, owner of Quasi Cool. “We’ve only had him two years and we’re just blown away by how fast he’s grown up.” Dutton added, “Today was far and away his biggest test to date and he stepped up and showed the potential we knew he had.” When asked what is next for the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Dutton said he was going to rest the horse and continue building his confidence for the future.

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With Dutton in first, yesterday’s leader Buck Davidson dropped to second after scoring 34.8 on Cooley Candyman. The big shakeup was at third, where Caitlin Silliman who was tied for 20th place yesterday scored 37.8 and was able to move up thanks to her clear round on Ally KGO. Hers was the only double clear round of the day in the 4*-L division! Ally KGO is owned by Ally KGO Syndicate, LLC and the rider.

On the running of today’s cross-country course, designer Derek di Grazia said “Morven Park is a very good site for running cross-country at this level. The terrain varies and allows for different cross-country questions to be asked. This was a galloping course with plenty for the riders to do and [it] gave the riders a true 4* test.” And indeed, it did prove to be a good proving ground, as only one competitor finished inside the time.

All 4*-L competitors are vying for $20,000 in prize money and will begin tomorrow with the horse inspection at 8:00 a.m. Show jumping starts at 10:30 a.m.

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Will Coleman maintained leader status and won the 4*-S with a score of 35.3. He was riding Hyperion Stud’s 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Chin Tonic HS. “It was a great track and a great test for my horse,” Coleman stated. “This was his second Advanced competition and it went like a dream.”

Arden Wildasin – photo courtesy of Morven Park.

The 3* competition concluded show jumping today and will continue tomorrow with cross-country at 9:00 a.m. Matthew Brown and Lillian Heard, yesterday’s top scorers with 26.4 and 27.4 respectively, went double clear in show jumping and maintained their lead. Brown is riding Super Socks BCF, owned by Blossom Creek Foundation, and Heard is on Absolut Cooley Quality owned by Jessica Ebzery.

Caroline Martin, riding Galwaybay Blake, won the $1,240 in prize money sponsored by Anita Antenucci’s Arden for the 2*-YH-S with a score of 25.1. Arden Wildasin maintained her lead to win the CCI 2*-S divisions “A” and “B”. On maintaining first place throughout the competition she said, “I am usually the one that comes from the back, so being in first and staying there felt great.” Wildasin scored 27.7 riding Southern Sun in “A” and scored 27.2 on Tokyo Drift in “B”.

In addition to the 4* jog and 3* international competition, national competition continues with Training and Novice divisions tomorrow. The tentative schedule, ride times, show program, and live results are available at MorvenPark.org/HORSETRIALS. Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free.

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The Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI are made possible by many generous sponsors. This year’s Official Sponsor is SmartPak, a popular equine supplement and supply company. The 2021 Gold Sponsor is Taylor Harris Insurance Services; Silver Sponsors are Adequan and CWD; and Bronze Sponsors are Coat Defense, Total Equine Veterinary Associates, and Arden.

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman Lead Morven Park CCI4*-L Following Dressage

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 8, 2021 8:18 pm -

Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

After dressage, Buck Davidson secures the lead in the CCI4*-L at the Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI in Leesburg, Virginia!

Davidson scored 29.6 in the CCI 4*-L while riding Cooley Candyman, owned by Cassandra Segal and Rolo 7 LLC. Phillip Dutton on Quasi Cool and Colleen Loach on FE Golden Eye tied for second in the division with a score of 29.8. Will Coleman maintained his lead in CCI4*-S, with a score of 27.7, while riding Chin Tonic HS owned by Hyperion Stud.

“The cross-county course is as good as I’ve seen anywhere in the world,” said Davidson, “We are all missing Tremaine [Cooper] this year and I think he would be proud to see this course.” Tremaine Cooper designed and built the Morven Park Horse Trials & CCI courses for over 30 years and tragically passed away in 2021. Coleman added, “It is sad that Tremaine is not here to see the running of the 4*-L. He loved this place and he loved cross-country, so it is bittersweet to be on course without him.”

After no faults in show jumping, Clayton Fredericks remains in second and third place in the CCI4*-S, riding FE Stormtrooper and FE Ophelia, both owned by Kingfisher Park. “I started off slightly disappointed because the horse I intended to bring was injured in the 4*-S at Stableview, but these horses I brought for short format did remarkably well on a tough track today,” said Fredericks. “I’m quite happy with how they performed today, and this is good preparation for Stormtrooper who’s competing at Maryland next week.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

At the end of the first day of dressage for the CCI3*-S competitors, Matthew Brown leads riding Super Socks BCF with a score of 26.4. Lillian Heard leads in 3*-YH-S after scoring 27.4 on Absolut Cooley. Brown, who was eliminated at Unionville for going off course, said “Today felt like redemption for me. After the pandemic year, I knew I really needed to refocus for this horse trials.” He continued, “I am excited to compete on one of Derek di Grazia’s courses.”

Arden Wildasin maintained her lead in both of the CCI2*-S divisions, riding Southern Sun and Tokyo Drift, and scoring 27.7 and 27.2 respectively. Caroline Martin, riding Galwaybay Blake, is placed first in the CCI2*-YH-S with a score of 25.1

CCI3*-S competition continues tomorrow with show jumping at 8:00 a.m. while the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, and CCI2*-S divisions begin cross-country at 9:00 a.m. In addition to the FEI competition, the national horse trials kicks off with dressage at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and features almost 200 riders.

The tentative schedule, ride times, show program, and live results are available at MorvenPark.org/HORSETRIALS. Spectators are welcome to attend Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials & CCI, and admission is free.

Morven Park International CCI4*-L (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Schedule] [Volunteer]

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All Phases of Maryland 5 Star Will be Shown on USEF Network + Horse & Country Internationally

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 6, 2021 1:00 pm -

Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Abby Powell.

The inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will be available to fans near and far thanks to daily broadcasts on Maryland Public Television (MPT) and livestreams on USEF Network and Horse & Country.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only two 5 Star level events in the United States and just the seventh worldwide, is set for October 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County). The event’s prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing, often described as an equestrian triathlon.

In addition to the 5 Star competition (CCI5*-L), the event will also feature a 3 Star competition (CCI3*-L), which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland. The four days of Eventing competition will feature Dressage (Thu-Fri), Cross-Country (Sat) showcasing the new Ian Stark designed courses, and Show Jumping (Sun).

The entire CCI5*, including Wednesday’s horse inspection, will be available via livestream through USEF Network in North America and through Horse & Country outside North America. USEF Network will also provide exclusive coverage of the CCI3*. A link to the livestream will be available on the event’s website via the USEF Network player. Additionally, press conferences will be livestreamed through the event’s Facebook page.

MPT will broadcast the event live on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, while Saturday’s cross-country phase will be shown that evening from 5:00 -9:00 p.m. EDT.

MPT-HD’s schedule of live and recorded coverage during the four-day competition is as follows:

Thu., Oct. 14: Dressage – 1:00-4:30 p.m. (live)
Fri., Oct. 15: Dressage – 1:00-4:30 p.m. (live)
Sat., Oct. 16: Cross country – 5:00-9:00 p.m. (from earlier that day)
Sun., Oct. 17: Showjumping & awards – 1:00-3:30 p.m. (live)

MPT’s Maryland 5 Star coverage will also be livestreamed to the network’s regional audience at mpt.org/anywhere/live-stream-mpt/.

“We understand that not everyone will be able to join us in person for this event, but we are thrilled to be able to bring it live to the people of Maryland and Eventing fans around the world,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the Fair Hill Organizing Committee. “We’re glad everyone will be able to see all the action and excitement of this year’s inaugural event.”

For ticket information please visit https://maryland5star.us/tickets/.

Riders Reflect on the Importance of Jacqueline Mars and Karen Stives Grants

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 5, 2021 3:00 pm -

Announced last month, the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition & Training Grant and the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grants assisted several horse and rider combinations’ travel to compete at CHIO Aachen in Germany (Sept. 15-19), and will assist others to travel to and compete at the upcoming FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ The Netherlands CCIO4*-L at Military Boekelo in Enschede, The Netherlands (Oct. 7-10).

Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition & Training Grants

The Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition & Training Grant is awarded annually to up to two eventing athletes who have not represented the United States as part of an Olympics, Pan American, or World Equestrian Games team and have been identified as having the potential to represent the U.S. in future international competitions.

The following horse and rider combinations have been named recipients of the Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition & Training Grants for 2021:

Sydney Elliott, Bossier City, Louisiana, with QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens
Ariel Grald, Southern Pines, North Carolina, with Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

As the two recipients of the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition & Training Grant, Elliott and Grald were supported in their travel to and competition at the CHIO Aachen as part of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team — alongside past grant recipients Tamie Smith and Will Coleman — that achieved historic success in Aachen taking home second place in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, the highest result by a U.S. team at the prestigious event.

Elliott was also named a grant recipient of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant, which will support her travel to and competition at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ The Netherlands CCIO4*-L at Military Boekelo this month.

“It’s such an honor to ride for the U.S., and we’re very grateful to receive these grants,” stated Elliott. “I know I would not be where I am without the help and the funding from the USET Foundation. It’s huge for us.”

Grald also commented that grants are integral in preparing U.S. riders for the greatest stages in the world. “The purpose of the grant is to provide international experiences to build [horse and rider teams] toward [international] senior team championships. It’s so important for us as American riders to go overseas and get that experience abroad,” shared Grald. “It means so much to have that support [from the USET Foundation] behind you. It means a lot to me as a rider and to my owner, Annie Eldridge.”

It was Grald’s first trip to Aachen, and she noted that the team aspect made the record-breaking results that much more meaningful. “My goal is to ride on a world championship or Olympic team one day, so [competing at Aachen] was a building block for those future experiences,” she said. “To be on a team and to be able to share that experience with those other riders and to learn from them was really special.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“I have to thank Mrs. Mars and the USET Foundation,” she continued. “I really appreciate [being part of the experience in Aachen] and having so much support.”

Elliott echoed the benefit of having the team experience abroad. “Our team was so amazing, and I was really thrilled to be part of the team in Aachen,” she stated. “As riders, as well as the owners, we’re so incredibly thankful for the USET Foundation and these grants. We would not be where we are without everyone’s help and generosity.”

Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grants

The Karen E. Stives Endowment Grant supports athlete and horse combinations already competing at four-star and five-star level with the perceived potential to achieve Elite level by providing financial assistance for a competition and preparatory training opportunity.

The following horse and rider combinations have been named recipients of the 2021 USET Foundation Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grants:

Tamie Smith, Murrieta, California, and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell
Tamie Smith, Murrieta, California, and Danito, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding owned by Ruth Bley
Jennie Brannigan, West Grove, Pennsylvania, and FE Lifestyle, a 2010 Warmblood gelding owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner
Matt Flynn, Ocala, Florida, and Wizzerd, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by A. Patrick Flynn, Kathleen Flynn, and Merry Go Round Farm
Sydney Elliott, Bossier City, Louisiana, and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens

Smith on Mai Baum and Elliott with QC Diamantaire competed at CHIO Aachen. The remaining combinations will compete at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ The Netherlands CCIO4*-L.

Smith, who was the traveling reserve for the U.S. eventing team at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, competed as part of the second-place team at CHIO Aachen with her Olympic mount Mai Baum and will also compete at Military Boekelo with Danito thanks to the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant.

For Smith, these grants represent an opportunity for the U.S. eventing team to garner more top finishes at major competitions.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“In order for our country to get back to podium finishes, I think it’s super important to get as much team experience as possible,” stated Smith. “You can’t really substitute experience [for anything else], so it’s such a huge leg up for [the U.S. to consistently offer riders these opportunities]. So that’s been unbelievable.”

Of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant, Smith recalls being starstruck by Stives as a child and was inspired by Stives’ ability to support future generations of eventing riders through this grant. “Karen Stives was a legend,” said Smith. “It’s so cool that she has been able to do this for our sport and be able to give back because I think it’s going to make a huge difference [for the high performance U.S. eventing program]. A huge thank you to the USET Foundation and Karen Stives and the selectors who award the grants. It’s not possible [to have these important experiences] without all of this, and it’s a huge benefit to helping us to get where we need to go which is winning medals again.”

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Brannigan also noted how Stives’ impact on the sport has contributed to the honor of receiving this grant. “I grew up hearing all about Karen Stives, so I’m really grateful to her and the USET Foundation,” she said. “I’m excited to go back to Boekelo and hopefully do a great job for our country and Team USA.”

For Flynn, being a recipient of the grant was extra special for him because his childhood coach was a personal friend of Karen Stives. “It’s an extreme gift that Karen left to the sport,” he said, “and I’m very honored and grateful to receive the grant from the USET Foundation.

“[Being able to travel to Europe and compete at Boekelo] wouldn’t be possible without this endowment fund in Karen’s memory,” Flynn continued.

“That’s the most special part. Karen felt the importance to give hopeful [team championship] riders opportunities like this to gain European experience, so it’s my goal to make the most of it and do our country proud.”

Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Thanks to the Jacqueline B. Mars Grant and the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund, these combinations can continue their training with the goal of representing the United States on the greatest international stages.

Kentucky Says ‘Yes!’ to EQUITANA USA 2021

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 4, 2021 11:00 am -

Dual Olympic Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton teaches the nuances of equestrian competition at EQUITANA USA. Photo courtesy of EQUITANA USA.

A marriage proposal was the icing on a huge cake celebrating the horse at EQUITANA USA this weekend. Thousands of fans poured into the Kentucky Horse Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday to experience the first North American iteration of the event in almost two decades. The premier horse industry event finally happened for in-person fans after moving all-virtual last year due to COVID-19.

Fans and professionals of all riding levels, disciplines, and breeds, as well as enthusiasts of all ages celebrated the horse during the three-day event.

Saturday afternoon saw the most unexpected highlight for EQUITANA USA 2021. Lindsay Partridge’s Confidence Building session worked on Suffolk, Va., trainer and owner Joe Musicaro as well as the horses. He dropped to one knee and proposed to Jennifer Rose, Partridge’s exhibition rider, as she prepared to dismount following the session. She said yes.

The engagement only added to the successful event.

“Getting back to in-person events has been a relief and celebration for everyone this year,” said Meghan Margewicz, the event director. “Since this was our debut for EQUITANA USA here, the excitement had a bit of an extra happy edge to it. The wedding proposal was a brilliant exclamation point for the weekend.”

“From the clinics and seminars to the activities and shopping, our attendees got a lot out of the weekend,” she continued. “We know we’re only going to grow in years to come.”

From the opening ribbon cutting by Margewicz and event spokesperson Jane Besehar, former First Lady of Kentucky, to the closing keynote from paralympian Sydney Collier, attendees basked in the love of the horse.

The Lost Art of Horsemanship panel featured (l to r): Pat Parelli, Max Cororan, Ronny Riemer and Karen Rohlf. Photo courtesy of EQUITANA USA.

“We’ve really enjoyed getting to see the other breeds,” said Chris Hazlewood of Chapel Hill, Tenn., who attended with his daughter Georgia. “It’s been exciting to see horses that we’ve never seen before.”

Reality television star Carson Kressley not only attended, but participated in the BraveHearts “Trail to Zero” ride to honor veterans who lose their mental health battle to suicide. BraveHearts works to solve that problem by offering equine assisted therapy and activities to veterans that would benefit. Kressley, most recently a judge on the Food Networks BBQ Brawl and Rupal’s Drag Race, is perhaps most known for one of the original cast members of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

Attendees packed sessions and clinics featuring U.S. Olympians Lauren Graves and Phillip Dutton. Legendary trainer Pat Parelli’s multiple sessions were also full of people and education. Top U.S. Polo player Nic Roldan not only presented, but exhibited his new Roldan Lifestyle brand of clothing.

Exhibitors were pleased with the new opportunity to connect with customers and equine enthusiasts who came from all around North America.

“This has been a fantastic show,” said Mike Stradiot of Denver, Colo.-based Drinking Post, a self-cleaning watering mechanism for the horse. “Personally, my favorite part of the show has been the opportunity to meet a ton of new people and interact with the market that traditionally we haven’t had an opportunity to get engaged with. It’s been a fantastic show, phenomenal people and it’s been a really good time.”

“I love EQUITANA because it brings a lot of different types of trainers all into one space,” said Kara Musgrave of Green Guard Equine. “So you can see a really big variety of some of the best horsemanship in the nation.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUlvSlVLWZo/

2016 and 2021 Paralympian Sydney Collier closed out the weekend with a compelling closing keynote talk entitled, “Learning to Love the Lindas in Your Life.” She shared her experience with always resenting her immobile left arm (Linda) to reframe that resentment which improved her competitive performances.

“It’s not something I could order on late night television,” she quipped. “It’s actually something that’s taken a long time and it has taken a lot of surrounding myself with people who actually don’t see Linda as a lost cause.”

Collier used Linda as a metaphor to tell the audience they could overcome their own challenges in competition and in life.

“Let’s face it, there are no improvements to be made without taking that initial leap of faith, in starting the process,” she explained. “That’s where it’s so intimidating … to take that first step in whatever you’re trying to do.”

More event photos and experiences can be found on the EQUITANA USA website as well as its social channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).

EQUITANA USA will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in September 2022. Official dates will be announced soon.

For more information about EQUITANA USA, visit www.equitanausa.com or www.kyhorsepark.com.

US Equestrian Announces CCI4-S, CCI3-L, and Advanced Level Competitions for 2023-2027

By US Equestrian Press Release on Oct 2, 2021 9:00 am -

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We’ll see some shuffling of upper-level competitions in the forthcoming season and with a few new additions to the USEF Eventing calendar we’re in for another busy season — and a WEG in Italy to boot! US Equestrian has announced the 4*, 3* and Advanced events that have been approved under a new calendaring process. Notable on the calendar are new dates for events such as TerraNova, which is hosting its first CCI4*-S this month, as well as a new CCI4*-S and Advanced at Kentucky Classique in early September. Keep reading for all of the additions and changes to the eventing calendar.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the competitions approved by the USEF Board of Directors to host CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and Advanced level events during the 2023-2027 competition cycle under the new Eventing Calendar Process. The new process is designed to produce the most effective U.S. sporting calendar to properly develop and prepare High Performance horses and athletes to be competitive at international long format competitions and Championships both in the U.S. and on the world stage.

All U.S. Organizers were invited to bid to host the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and Advanced levels through a bid process. The CCI4*-L bid allocations were announced on August 21. The approved bids met the criteria outlined in the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L & Advanced Policies & Procedures. The USEF Eventing Bid Review Group provided their recommendations to the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and USEF International Disciplines Council prior to Board approval.

The approved host competitions and their 2023 dates are as follows:

February 11, 2023 – Rocking Horse Advanced Horse Trials – Advanced (Altoona, Fla.)

February 25, 2023 – Pine Top Advanced Horse Trials – Advanced (Thomson, Ga.)

March 4, 2023 – Twin Rivers Spring International – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Paso Robles, Calif.)

March 11, 2023 – Red Hills International – Advanced (Tallahassee, Fla.)

March 18, 2023 – Copper Meadows Horse Trials – Advanced (Ramona, Calif.)

March 18, 2023 – Carolina International – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Raeford, N.C.)

April 1, 2023 – The Event at TerraNova – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Myakka City, Fla.)

April 1, 2023 – Galway Downs International – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Temecula, Calif.)

April 8, 2023 – Stable View Spring 1*/2*/3*/4* – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Aiken, S.C.)

April 22, 2023 – Fair Hill International – Advanced (Elkton, Md.)

April 29, 2023 – Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event – CCI4*-S (Lexington, Ky.)

May 6, 2023 – Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials – Advanced (Fairburn, Ga.)

June 17, 2023 – Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials – Advanced (Allentown, N.J.)

June 24, 2023 – Stable View Summer Horse Trials – Advanced (Aiken, S.C.)

July 1, 2023 – Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials – Advanced (Paso Robles, Calif.)

July 8, 2023 – The Maryland International – CCI4*-S (Adamstown, Md.)

July 29, 2023 – Millbrook Horse Trials – Advanced (Millbrook, N.Y.)

August 26, 2023 – Great Meadow International – CCI4*-S (The Plains, Va.)

September 2, 2023 – Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials – Advanced (Fairburn, Ga.)

September 2, 2023 – Kentucky Classique – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Lexington, Ky.)

September 9, 2023 – Copper Meadows Horse Trials – Advanced (Ramona, Calif.)

September 16, 2023 – Aspen Farms Horse Trials – Advanced (Yelm, Wash.)

September 16, 2023 – Tryon Fall Horse Trials – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Mill Spring, N.C.)

September 23, 2023 – Unionville – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Unionville, Pa.)

September 23, 2023 – Twin Rivers Fall International – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Paso Robles, Calif.)

September 30, 2023 – Stable View Oktoberfest – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Aiken, S.C.)

October 14, 2023 – Woodside International – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Woodside, Calif.)

October 21, 2023 – Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill – CCI3*-L (Elkton, Md.)

October 28, 2023 – Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials – CCI4*-S, Advanced (Fairburn, Ga.)

In addition to these levels awarded through the bid process, other FEI and National levels were approved to be offered at these competitions. The complete list of 2023-2027 dates and levels can be viewed on the U.S. Eventing Calendar Process webpage.

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.

Please refer to the U.S. Eventing Calendar Process webpage for information regarding the Eventing Calendar Process. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

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