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AJ Dyer
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AJ Dyer

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About AJ Dyer

Visionaire is one of the foundation writers of Eventing Nation from the very early days in 2010. She has ridden up to Advanced level and spent six years as head groom for Dorothy Crowell. After a few years in the Thoroughbred industry, she now spends her time writing for EN, riding a few nice OTTBs, and working with her husband's hay business, A.T. Acres Farm.

Latest Articles Written

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Cross-Country at Hartpury

By on Aug 13, 2013 1:00 pm -

Here’s a great compilation video of CIC*** cross-country at Hartpury Horse Trials.  Thanks to Youtube user “HarveyWetDog” for the clips!  Check out the water question at 1:39– an angled skinny, one stride to a vertical drop in, five strides out to a skinny brush.  Hold your line on that one!

 

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Waredaca David O’Connor Expert Day

By on Aug 13, 2013 12:03 pm -

Helen Casteel is the Sponsorship Coordinator at Waredaca in Laytonsville, Md, and kindly sent us a report from a clinic with David O’Connor at Waredaca last week. Helen writes, “We had great horses and riders come ou,t as well as a steady stream of auditors. David is an amazing communicator and everyone came away with a clear understanding of his philosophy as a horseman, trainer, and USA Chef d’Equipe.” Many thanks to Helen for sharing this clinic experience! If you have a report to share, send it to [email protected].”

From Helen:

Last Tuesday started out gloomy and wet, but that didn’t discourage riders and auditors from coming to Waredaca’s Expert Day with David O’Connor. The Day was divided into three groups: novice, training and prelim, with each group show jumping in the morning and going cross country in the afternoon. At lunch, all riders and auditors gathered with David, who gave a short lecture about what he believes creates a successful cross-country rider.

Each groups’ exercises for the ring work were remarkably simple in concept but at times difficult to execute. Everyone started out having to trot and then canter over a pole on a circle. When David thought the group was ready, the pole became a vertical. David was very strict and constantly asked each rider to maintain his or her line and stay in a forward seat. After each rider cantered over the pole/jump individually, he asked if they stayed on their circle the entire time. In the beginning, the answer was typically, “No.” David told each group to “make sure you are making very specific decisions,” stressing that being detail-oriented will build muscle memory, creating a foundation for themselves and their horses as exercises become more difficult.

Lindsay Kelley in the prelim group. Photo by Sarah Gonzalez

When he thought a group was ready to move on, the exercise became a seven-stride line starting with a vertical to an oxer and, for the training and prelim groups, a course starting with the seven-stride line, a right-hand turn to a vertical, six strides to an oxer, a left-hand turn to another vertical, then seven strides back to the last vertical. David did not let up on making sure riders had to land on their circle and maintain their rhythm. Riders that cantered around on the incorrect lead, didn’t make their distances, allowed their horses to rush or get behind their leg were always made aware of their mistakes and asked to repeat the exercise until they were successful.

David made a number of statements that all riders, not just eventers, should always keep in mind:

• “Seat dictates the length of the stride. Leg determines the energy.”

• On why show jumping can be difficult: “Everything happens fast; riders don’t notice speed and direction have changed.”

• If your horse deviates from the ride you’re giving him: “Did you notice, did you do something about it, did it change?”

• “Direction, speed, rhythm, balance. Those are your responsibility.”

• “As an event rider, the answer to everything is ‘put your leg on.’”

Lunch was shortened since David was so thorough with each group, but he spent a few minutes talking about cross-country riding. He said that well-ridden cross-country rides should be ‘boring,’ and educated riders barely move, specifically noting that Andrew Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt are practically immobile on their horses.

Training group XC canter. Photo by Victoria Walters

The rain had pushed out by the time novice kicked off the afternoon cross-country session. Each group started out cantering in a circle around David while practicing different types of cross country seats. He noted that he hears coaches telling their students to put their leg in a certain place, but nothing about the seat. The rider has to adjust their seat with their leg to be the most effective.

All groups warmed up over a single fence, then moved to cantering up and down a mound. First, the riders were just going up and down over a pole at the top of the mound. Then the pole became a small vertical, and then a slightly larger vertical. Then the riders went up over the vertical and back down over a novice log also on top of the mound. As the novice group finished the mound portion, David said that riding up and down a mound with smallish jumps is more educational cross-country training for a young horse than just jumping a bunch of portables. “A horse will tackle the mound seven different ways, and none of them are wrong,” he said.

Steph Butts in the training group. Photo by Gretchen Butts.

Next came the bank and water. At this point, horses and riders in all groups were keyed in. Everyone started by walking and trotting through the water to let the horses know what was next. Then riders cantered individually through the water, over a pole at the edge of the water, two strides to the up bank and one stride to a pole. When everyone completed successfully, riders then went back down over the pole, down the bank, over the pole and into the water. Like the mound, both poles became verticals as each pair became proficient.

The novice group finished their day at the water, but training and prelim riders moved to the bank complex. At this point, horses and riders were really keyed in and rode aggressively up and down the bank. Similar to the other exercises, David added a pole (this time a bounce) on top of the bank. The pole became a vertical, and each pair sailed through the combination.

Ryan Keefe in the novice goup. Photo by Sarah Gonzalez.

It’s worth noting that with all groups and all exercises, David continued to stress riders staying on their line and maintaining their rhythm. Every once in a while, he would ask a rider if they stayed on their circle and there usually was a heavy pause, followed by a “Nope” or an enthusiastic “Yes!” It was a long day but very fun and very educational. A few riders told David it was the best clinic they’ve ever done, and it was certainly one of the best clinics I’ve ever audited.  Go Eventing!

David with the novice group. Photo by Helen Casteel.

Ella Rak: Playing to Win

By on Aug 12, 2013 4:00 pm -

Ella Rak impressed us with her writing ability and fun style so much that she made it to the Final Four of EN’s 2013 Blogger Contest. As with the rest of the finalists, we invited Ella to contribute a weekly piece to the site. Thanks to Ella for writing, and thank you for reading.

Volunteering at an event is one of many ways to get your horse fix. Photo by Samantha Clark.

From Ella:

I have been pretty distant from eventing this year, having retired my first horse in February, so my interactions with the sport have been from afar. To even attempt to be an eventer requires a severe equine addiction, so I have had to get my fixes through other methods during my search for a new horse: grooming and volunteering at events, working at the barn and even writing this column. At some point, we will all end up horseless for some length of time, so I thought I could share some of my survival techniques to being a horseless eventer.

The most important thing I have found to surviving without the enjoyment of a daily ride, is staying involved as much as you can, and even trying to get ahead in the aspects you can. Just because you aren’t in the saddle doesn’t mean your learning has to stop. Watching others ride can help you visualize the things you are feeling on horseback, and when you can connect theory behind it to what you are seeing, a million light bulbs can go off. By watching others, you can get your horse fix as well as learn some new things along the way (It is also way cheaper; lessons are expensive!).

Volunteer. If you have read my past posts on EN, you can see I am really into local horse shows and how much they can teach us, so go lend a hand at your local horse trial or combined test. A new perspective on the sport can really help, as well as giving you some of the excitement of competing. Instead of an entry fee, you get a free lunch and sometimes even schooling passes. You can save the passes for when you you finally get a new horse, or you can pass them on to a worthy friend.

When you aren’t pouring all of your life savings into a horse, you also have the advantage of this foreign concept: not being broke. I have taken this opportunity to save, but also to invest in those items I have constantly put off buying due to pesky things like board and vet bills. I’ll finally get to wear my new white breeches that don’t have a large permanent green spot on the butt and a jacket that actually covers my forearms. This can be a much-needed break for your wallet while also helping you to re-evaluate your spending.

Another way to absorb as much information as you can during your horse-less “vacation” is by reading. A lot. I am talking blogs (go Eventing Nation!), websites, books, rulebooks, pamphlets, Snapple caps, etc. I don’t care what it is; if it has words on it that relate to horses, read it. The librarians must think I’m crazy, but I am sure I will appreciate it when I finally have a new horse to compete. Riding is far, far more than just theory, but reading can help so much in the long run.

Ride any time you can. After a few months on the ground, getting back on hurts! Take that trail ride with a friend as a chance to test out those muscles that have been dormant for a while, so you don’t waste time when things start rolling again. (This test can also push you to ramp up your out-of-the-saddle conditioning plan when you can’t walk the next day). Diversifying your riding repertoire can be a fun way to get more time in the saddle too. You might not want to stay in the hunter world, but a ride is a ride, so be open to all possibilities.

Keep your eyes open. There are opportunities to work with horses all around you if you are just willing. It can be incredibly disheartening watching the calendar flip and the omnibus get shorter, but if you make the most of your time out of the saddle, you will appreciate your time back in it that much more. Most of all, don’t ever give up. It can certainly seem like every horse ever is lame, too expensive or the wrong fit, but in the end, it is all about the one thing that makes us pour our lives into an animal to compete in a dangerous sport: our passion for the game. You’ve got to play to win.

You Never Know Who Might Buy a Horse…

By on Aug 12, 2013 12:22 pm -

I once had a two-time NCAA basketball champion ask me for riding lessons… I think this tops that, though!

 

Via Courtney Cooper’s facebook page:

 

You never know who is going to walk into your barn and buy a horse … this is Eric Moore, first round draft pick, and a starter with the New York Giants in their Super Bowl XXV triumph. We wish him all the best in the start of his eventing pursuits with Ringwood Limerick. Also in this photo are Unionville Equine Associates vets Steven J. Berkowitz, VMD and Ricardo J. Loinaz, VMD.

Follow up on Horse vs Car at Hartpury: The Car

By on Aug 12, 2013 9:10 am -

 

 

On Saturday, a car and a horse collided on cross-country at Hartpury Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England.  Tom Rowland, riding W. Iridium, impacted an official vehicle at a crossing point as he was on course in the CCI**.  Thankfully, both horse and rider are okay.  From the Hartpury website:

Joint statement from Claire Dubowski, Owner of W. Iridium and Russell Marchant, Hartpury College Principal and President of the Organising Committee for the Hartpury Horse Trials:

“We are working with all parties to investigate the incident yesterday when an official’s car collided with Tom Rowland riding W. Iridium on the cross country course for the CCI** at Hartpury College. The incident was deeply disappointing for Tom and the owners, as Tom was unable to finish the competition through no fault of his own or the horse.  Up until this incident, Tom and W. Iridium were going well around the course. Thankfully, Tom was able to continue competing at Hartpury on his one star horse and was placed eighth and received the prize for the top under 25 year old rider for the CCI *.

The horse received immediate veterinary attention and was monitored by the Hartpury veterinary team.  At this stage it seems the horse is relatively unscathed, but will continue to be monitored and hopefully will compete again in the autumn.

Both the College and the horse’s connections will continue to work together to ensure that, through the investigation, we learn from this and ensure the event organising committee take all the steps necessary to minimise the risk of an incident like this happening again.”

 

The Horse & Hound reports that the driver of the car was the event’s director, Sarah Phillips.  The event is refunding his entry fees and will pay for the horse’s resulting veterinary care.

Horse and Vehicle Collide at Hartpury? **Update**

By on Aug 10, 2013 1:33 pm -

Jules Ennis (right) and her friend, Ellie Brown (left), hanging out by the Hartpury Equine sign.

 

Preliminary reports on Twitter seem to indicate that a moving vehicle collided with a horse and rider on cross-country today at Hartpury Horse Trials today in England.  Hartpury released an official statement on their website:

Russell Marchant, Hartpury College Principal and President of the Organising Committee for the Hartpury Horse Trials said:
“We can confirm there was an incident involving a competitor and an official’s vehicle on the CCI** cross country course this afternoon.  There will be a full investigation into this incident and we are doing everything we can to provide support to those involved.”

 

**Update  2:00pm ET**  It appears the horse and rider involved were Tom Rowland and W. Iridium (“Viz.”)  It appears they are both okay, and Tom will be show jumping The Carnival Cavalier in the CCI* tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

In the CIC***, William Fox-Pitt led after dressage on Parklane Hawk with a score of 34.8.  He has two others in the top 10 as well.  American Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen also had a lovely test to earn a 39.2, good enough for 6th place going into show jumping. Unfortunately, Clark got lost on course.  It happens to all of us!

 

 

Congratulations to Lara Prior-Palmer on Winning the Mongol Derby

By on Aug 10, 2013 11:01 am -

British rider Laura Prior-Palmer she came home the winner today in the Mongol Derby.   She was officially the second across the finish line, but the leader Devan Horn had two hours added to their time as the horse’s heart rate remained elevated too long after finishing.  What is the Mongol Derby?  From the official site:

The Mongol Derby is the longest, toughest horse race in the world. It’s the Khaan’s mother of equine adventures, a 1000km multi-horse race across the epic wilderness of the Mongolian steppe. The mammoth network of horse stations is a recreation of Chinggis Khaan’s legendary empire-busting postal system.

It sounds awesome.

 

 

 

 

A Final Casual Hack, by Rosie Chilton

By on Aug 9, 2013 11:00 am -

EN reader Rosie Chilton emailed this story about her last ride with her horse Beau before going off to college.  Enjoy this wonderful moment shared with us!  Thanks to Rosie for writing, and thank you for reading.

—–

 

From Rosie:

 

I am a huge fan of your blog, and an avid eventer. I caught the horse bug early and it’s stuck with me for years. I read your photo submissions and thought I would send this you way – hopefully it will cheer your day a little!

I lease an 15 hand, 18-year-old QH/Morgan named Beau. Well, actually his name is “General Beauregard Pickett Johnson the Third,” but he’s always been Beau to me. He has enough personality and sass for the both of us, and maybe a horse twice his size as well. It’s part of what I love about him.  We have been together for three and a half years, but I leave for college this week and I have to say goodbye.

Our favorite rides have always been the trails, especially coming to and from the swimming hole. We have been so many times over the years and pass this lovely farm on the way. I always wanted to stop in and buy something off of horseback – kind of like a horseback-riding-bucket-list thing. Today I finally did, as it was our last hack past the farm. It was such a fun experience! We walked up and the family was so sweet. They cooed over Beau, pet and rubbed him all over. I bought him a water bottle and a bell pepper hoping he would eat it. I figured it would be a fun treat for Beau. Turns out he will eating anything but a bell pepper – this is a horse who has almost kicked down his stall door for a mozzarella stick. But he at least drank the water!

He was such a good boy during the whole trip – except for the one second I dropped the reins to pay. I looked over and could tell he wanted to go home. He looked at me, at the farm, and down the road. Then he took off at a trot, leaving me to chase after him and the store owner hooting with laughter. After I caught him, I remounted and said goodbye. We went trotting off down the road, his shoes making that wonderful clip-clop music, to finish our hack. It was a great day and something I’ll always remember about Beau and I. Those little moments of love and connection are the reason I love this sport, love horses, and plan to ride my whole life.

Thanks again. Please Go hug your horse, because you love them and they mean so much to you. You never know how much until they are gone. Even if this never makes it to the website, I’m pleased as long as it makes someone happy. Thanks,

Rosie Chilton

Should This Rider Have Been Eliminated?

By on Aug 7, 2013 5:00 pm -

 

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the gasp-inducing “Oh Crap!” video from novice cross-country at Gatcombe on Saturday. In case you are unable to view the video, here’s what happened: Caroline Harris and Zamio attempted to navigate an obstacle of double drop-down banks. Zamio stopped suddenly at the first drop, whirled on his hind feet 180-degrees and slipped backwards down the drop. Somehow, horse and rider were still standing, though facing the wrong way. The rider turned the horse and continued on to jump the next drop and the final element of the obstacle. It was a miraculous save.

A question though … how do you score that? Breaking down the incident, the horse clearly refused the first bank. Ok, one refusal. Horse and rider then continued through the obstacle, ending up completing all sections. They went on to finish the course, and the results show them with 20 jumping penalties and finished in 34th place.

However, they went backwards through that one set of flags … with the red flag on the rider’s left and the white flag on the rider’s right (and, I dare say, a whole NEW kind of insanity in the middle!).

According to FEI rules, which most national rules (including USEF) are based upon, completing an obstacle in the wrong direction is subject to elimination.

——

 

When I first started eventing many years ago, and stumbling through my first Pony Club rallies, I do remember being taught the “Red on Right” rule. At the time, it was explained to me using a water crossing example: you had to enter the water forwards, with the flags appropriately on your right/left; you were not allowed to back your reluctant hydrophobic pony into the water. Despite getting his sorry butt INTO the water, you would have had your right/left/red/white backwards and thus be eliminated. I do believe there was actually a test question on this on the CT Rally Rules test before competition. (As a side note, perhaps USEA competitions should have a compulsory rules test before the start of dressage? I’m sure TDs would appreciate it!)

So, while the dramatic video is indeed an incredible save, sadly it probably should have resulted in a technical elimination. As with most rules, it is grounded in the safety of horse and rider. I think we can all agree that the horse’s decision to slip backwards was not a safe one!

Video: Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch Win at Millbrook HT

By on Aug 6, 2013 2:11 pm -

Check out Laine and Anthony Patch s they put on a remarkable performance at Millbrook HT to win the large Advanced division this past weekend.  You can see how they came close to making the time– Al has a relentless Thoroughbred gallop across the country.  Thanks to RNS Videomedia for the footage from cross-country and show jumping. [Millbrook Results]

 

Ella Rak: Lessons Learned from a Pony Club Rating

By on Aug 6, 2013 9:00 am -

Ella Rak impressed us with her writing ability and fun style so much that she made it to the Final Four of EN’s 2013 Blogger Contest.  She’s 16, is a High School student, Aspiring Lower Level Eventer, and C2 Pony Clubber.  As with the rest of the finalists, we invited Ella to contribute a weekly piece to the site.  Thanks to Ella for writing, and thank you for reading.

A selection of the books I brought to the HB (some more helpful than others, how can you go anywhere WITHOUT the inspiration of William Fox-Pitt?!)

From Ella:

When all things are said and done, the most you can ask for from any experience is to have learned something. The days you lose can teach you just as much about yourself and your horse as the days you win, but it is your willingness to learn that makes the difference. Having just returned home from taking a Horse Management Pony Club rating, tests of your ability can be just as much a learning experience as training. Without ever setting foot in a stirrup– teaching, being taught, and just observation of others can give you a new perspective on how to approach your riding.

The biggest thing I learned is how incredibly nice Midwest eventers are. They do everything they can to help you, and are the most welcoming bunch I have ever met. Eventers are always there to help, but add the Midwest charm and it’s a powerful combination. From the constant reassurance that yes, it DOES go “humerus, ulna, radius,” to teaching you the poisonous plants common in Ohio in-between test sections, I was ready to move there for good!

Everyone has a different opinion to everything. We have all heard that every trainer has a different approach, but even outside of riders, you can discuss every last aspect of horse care and end up with more methods that are correct than people in the room. Especially when taking an oral test like a rating, it becomes less “black and white,” and more about your reasoning behind it, more like actual horse care (except for the poisonous plant, you eat hemlock = you’re dead). From the insignificant, like which internal parasite is the worst (I still go with tapeworms, but large strongyles are nasty too), to the eternal question of the safest and most efficient method for conditioning a horse, there are a lot of right answers, and we have to choose the one that fits best for the individual, not for the collective group.

Also…drink water, even if you are sitting inside. It is obvious to most people to drink water if you are physically exerting yourself in the summer heat, but even when you are sitting in a nice air-conditioned building frantically reading, you are losing water, and when you lose water, you start losing cognitive ability. I know it doesn’t make a ton of sense, but your brain is highly composed of water, and losing just 2-3% (that is BEFORE you start to feel thirsty) can start to impair your ability to think. In a sport where split second decisions are commonplace, we need to be at our sharpest, so keep drinking water, even as the temperature starts to cool off.

And when you start to get nervous, slow down. Anyone who has ever met me knows when I get nervous, I talk REALLY fast, but this applies riding too. We need to constantly have the next movement or jump in mind, but the only way we can get to the next one, is if we can get the one we are at done first. Whether you have to take a second to explain why we adjust the bridle the way we do, or to take just one more half-halt, giving yourself a little time to think is crucial (and so is drinking water. Drink water.). We need to plan, but reacting to what is right in front of us takes just as much processing, we just need to give ourselves the chance.

So essentially what did I learn from the 17 hours of testing, 14 hours of driving, and boat loads of books (other than that there is a lot corn and soybeans in Ohio)? That we need to be open to learning to be able to progress. It takes adaptability, prospective, and LOTS of water to be successful in whatever you choose to do.

Remembering “Trouble”

By on Aug 5, 2013 5:00 pm -

Julie Poveromo and No Trouble at the IEA Novice 3-Day. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

On Monday, July 29th, Julie Poveromo lost her 8 year old OTTB gelding “Trouble” in a pasture accident.  Julie has written for EN and Trouble has made an appearance in a couple articles (Leslie Law clinic review, journey to FL from the Midwest in winter, etc).  There are no words to describe the loss of such a great partnership, but Julie’s sister, Laura Poveromo put together a lovely video tribute.  We offer our heartfelt condolences to Julie, and thank her for sharing a bit of him with us.
From Julie:
We never think it will happen to us, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone and I just want to share this with EN readers so they can take a little extra time each day to appreciate the horses they have, and to honor the memory of those that have been lost.  The horses are such a blessing and give us so much, we can really never do enough to thank them.I am still in shock about Trouble’s passing, as he broke his leg in the pasture and there was nothing that could be done to save him.  He was quirky, talented, loving, and the best partner I could ever ask for.  As a team we accomplished more than I dreamed was possible; we were working on qualifying for the Training 3-day at Midsouth.  I know the next quirky TB will find me when the time is right and I will keep eventing because it’s a huge part of who I am.Thank you for providing an outlet and sense of community for eventers everywhere.

 

Cross-Country Photos from Millbrook Advanced HT

By on Aug 3, 2013 6:13 pm -

EN staff writer Abbie Golden was at Millbrook HT today and took some lovely photos of the Advanced cross-country.  In addition, reader Jamie Carleton sent us a few pics.  Many thanks to both of them for making us feel like we were there!  [Millbrook scores]

Scores from Millbrook HT XC

By on Aug 3, 2013 1:24 pm -

EN's own Kate Samuels and Nyls Du Terroir are tied for second at Millbrook. Shown here at The Fork, photo by Jenni Autry.

 

Cross-country has certainly shaken things up at Millbrook today.  The Intermediate results showed a slew of problems, with 20 horses failing to finish cross-country today out of about 70 starters.  Amy Ruth Borun (Santa’s Playboy) and Whitney Weston (Rock on Rose) were the only two to make the time around the Intermediate course, moving up from 15T to 3rd, and 25th to sixth, respectively, in the OI-B division. [Live Scores]

 

The Advanced division also saw its share of problems.  Buck retired on D.A. Adirmo, and suffered a fall (MR) with Mar De Amor.  Overnight leader Jan Byyny retired on Syd Kent after multiple stops.  Eight horses in all did not finish the Advanced course, and three others withdrew before starting.

Laine Ashker sits in first after a brilliant round on Anthony Patch, just 9 seconds over the optimum time.  And how about Kate and Nyls?!  With just 6 time faults, Kate is tied for second with Sarah Cousins and Ideal Contini, who is also 4th with Joule, the fastest ride of the day with 1.6 time.  Boyd Martin had a good return to Advanced with Trading Aces, currently 5th.   [Results]

Advanced

My Adventures with Aero: Nearing an End

By on Aug 3, 2013 12:00 pm -

Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com

 

It’s been quite a while since I’ve given an update on Aero, the 2009 OTTB I acquired last December.  In many areas, he’s come a very long way…and in other areas (like being fat!) he still has a ways to go.  I keep reminding myself that he’s a four-year-old, and he will grow and change quite a bit in the coming years.  However, that will have to be for someone else to enjoy.  As I promised myself (and my husband) over the winter, Aero is now offered for sale.  Looking ahead to weaning my mare and foal this fall, I will need the stall/paddock space, and it’s time for Aero to move on (and move up!) with a new rider.

 

I had hoped to have a few competitions under his belt by now, but the timing was never quite right (no fault of his!).  He’s ready to go beginner novice, having schooled banks and ditches like a pro.  He canters around 2’6″ courses, and while he still has his green moments he has learned to trust me and give it a try.  Aero boldly leads the way on hacks, and recently proved his mettle on the trails at Shakertown.  Up and down steep, narrow paths, through mud and slick rocks, he stepped carefully over fallen branches and always had his ears up looking for the next challenge.  Perhaps he’d enjoy a career as a competitive trail horse??  He’s the type who might spook once at a legitimate threat, but immediately relaxes and goes back to having a good time for the rest of the ride.

 

Aero after he first arrived, December 2012: an awful photo emphasizing his lack of condition

Aero’s been a fun, but challenging horse as he’s come along.  He carried some baggage from a less-than-stellar racing career along with a history of poor handling, and it’s taken some time for him to forget the past and enjoy his new life.  For example…he was terrified of being blanketed when I first got him; and being 200lbs underweight, in December, wearing a blanket was not optional.  For weeks, the motion of throwing a blanket (or even a saddle pad) over his back caused his knees to buckle and he’d leap sideways six feet.  I spent time with him doing some groundwork, working up to gently slapping him with a plastic bag on the end of a stick.  There was much snorting and brief panic, but he learned flapping objects were not going to kill him.  Blankets, towels, and saddle pads are completely ho-hum now.  The desensitizing went a long way in building his trust.

Aero in July, 2013. Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com

 

Under saddle, I’ve felt some really nice moments with him– when his whole body softens, swings, and he floats– and I can tell he will develop into a very nice horse for someone someday.  He’s an honest jumper with a good natural rhythm, though still green and awkward at times.  Aero’s mental maturity is that of a four-year-old… you can’t pretend he’s six or seven and rush him along, because he’s just not ready.  He needs someone with patience, to give him the consistency and confidence he craves.  While I wish I was able to keep him, I feel like I’ve given him a good foundation for someone else to build upon, and unlock his true potential.  I look forward to following his success in years to come, whatever direction they decide.

 

Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com

 

If you’re in the market for a young horse, look for Aero’s ad coming soon on Sport Horse Nation.

A View from Utah Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 2, 2013 4:00 pm -

If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place, or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] including a quick blurb about this photo’s story and write “The View” as the title.  This week’s View comes from Horse Canyon in Utah.

From Allison Landes:

This is the view from the back of (oddly enough to find in southern Utah) a Hanoverian cross horse named Clarence. This is from a pack trip in southern Utah in an area of the Escalante National Monument called Horse Canyon (very appropriate).
We continued riding onto a 2 foot wide slick rock ledge that was near an upwards of 200 foot exposure. Talk about trusting your horses feet! Needless to say, I wasn’t quite comfortable enough to pull my phone out and snap a picture at that point.
After this pack trip with 7 horses, packing our gear and their feed (along with moving forest service camps), endless river crossings, and trail finding/building, it was compounded into my brain that horses are first off much less fragile than I imagine, and second off, much smarter (and I am certainly not one to ever say “stupid horse”!).
These horses have really got the whole “self-preservation” thing down, and know their job well enough that they know how wide their packs are and choose their trail accordingly.
After being a groom for a four in hand of combined driving ponies for the past 1 1/2 years, I am swinging to the other end of the spectrum and working with these amazing pack horses in the desert for a few months. I am going to string along my young horse and give him some invaluable “real life” experience before he begins his career as an Eventer. My hope is that some day as approaching a gigantor log dropping into water, he will reminisce his time on the trail and say, “Oh, a water hazard without willows thrashing my face, possible quicksand, and not having to pull along a string of horses behind? Bring it on!” Tally Ho to true cross country riding!

Advanced Dressage Scores from Millbrook

By on Aug 2, 2013 1:00 pm -

Jan Byyny and Syd Kent lead the Advanced dressage at Millbrook.  Shown here at Plantation Field CIC***, photo by Samantha Clark.

 

It’s lovely to see a huge division of Advanced horses slugging it out at Millbrook.  The dressage has completed for the division, and scores are quite tight for the majority of the division.  Jan Byyny and Syd Kent sit in the lead going into cross-country with a score of 27.5, with yesterday’s leader Boyd Martin and Trading Aces in second on 29.10.  Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch are third (30.9), with Sarah Cousins and Ideal Contini tied for fourth with Diana Burnett and Shigatzi (31.3).  Phillip Dutton and his new ride Mr. Medicott sit just behind in sixth (31.9).  EN’s own Kate Samuels and Nyls earned a 34.1 and are in eleventh.

We need more competitive upper level divisions like this in the US.  The top 18 horses are all within ten points.  Go Millbrook!

[Live Scores]

From Horse Nation: Jesus Take The Wheel, err, Reins?

By on Aug 2, 2013 11:00 am -

Have you kept up with Horse Nation’s “Oh Crap” Moment of the Day?  Be sure to check out these daily videos for inspiration!

From Leslie Wylie & Horse Nation:

Sometimes getting all up in your horse’s business just makes the situation worse. In this video from Spruce Meadows, Richard Spooner gives his horse “free rein” to sort out the mess.

[2101lovelilly]

And that, folks, is why he’s one of the best show jumpers in the world.

Go Riding.

——-

Flashback: “Where Have All The Good Times Gone?” by Katie Lindsay

By on Aug 2, 2013 9:00 am -

Katie Lindsay was one of the first guest writers on Eventing Nation, and she hit it out of the park with this piece back in April, 2010.   It’s worth reading again…and wondering have things changed now, three years later?  For better?  For worse? Many thanks to Katie for her support of this site over the years, and thank you all for reading.

katherinelindsay.jpg

From Katie on 4/6/2010:

A Walk Down an Eventing Memory Lane:

Not to plagiarize anyone’s lyrics, but hearing/reading about the recent pissing, moaning and finger pointing going on amongst various “factions” in our sport, these words keep rolling around unbidden in my head. Where have all the good times (in eventing) gone – if in fact they have gone? And if they have gone, when did they go, where did they go, and why did they go? On second thought, and on a more global scale, what has gone FUBAR with the world we live in?

When I see Jimmy Johnson, a winning football coach and NASCAR dude, hawking ExtenZe male enhancement drugs on TV, when I read of bomb threats being levied against members of Congress who voted a certain way, or when dinner time TV ads warn of diarrhea and “oily discharge” associated with certain diet drugs, I realize that life as we knew it in a kinder, gentler age is circling the drain. Yuk! 

Over the years, I’ve watched hundreds and maybe thousands of horses and riders leave various start boxes all over the country. Time was when there’d be expressions of excited anticipation and dare I say joy on the faces of so many of these riders. These days, not so much. Riders more often than not look grim, serious, too often scared, stressed and/or exhausted – and toward the middle of the season, horses start looking the same way – burned out and flat eyed. This is not a healthy thing. 

Since I began unscientifically making note of the above, I have simultaneously been struggling with the question “Why has this change occurred?” and “When did it start changing?” I keep asking myself this question and keep coming up with basically the same answer which is that the “fun” as we oldsters knew it changed when the sport itself changed. (Which came first, the chicken or the egg, she mused.) Bear with me while I expand on this somewhat pompous statement. 

I am a based-in-reality fan of the long format/classic eventing/whatever you care to call it. Emotionally, I believe it is the ultimate in equestrian sport – a test of horse and rider worthy of being designated as a true triathlon. Realistically, however, I realize that at the upper levels of eventing as we have it today, it is dead in the water. (Zipping into my flame retardant suit as I type.) Maybe through the energy created by the Training Three Day and the Half Star it will become a viable sport again at the lower levels. Time will tell – and that would be grist for another discussion down the road.

I do believe that the demise of the long format put the nail in the coffin of the whacky, sometimes zany seat of the pants fun that attracted so many of us to the sport in the first place. Galloping a steeplechase course has been likened to feeling the bugs flying into your teeth as you smile your way along. I did an interview with Bruce Davidson in 2008, and he described it as that “put your hands down and get that lovely galloping rhythm and maintain it all the way to the end” experience. Cool, huh?

Around the time that the long format died, and there are a zillion opinions as to why this happened, things started changing. A trend in course design became noticeable. Without the endurance factor of Phases A, B and C, “new” ways to separate the wheat from the chaff evolved in the form of cross country courses with questions of ever increasing technicality. I’ve heard it likened to show jumping without walls. At the peak of this trend, horses gallop like gangbusters between clusters of fences in varying combinations where they are forced to whoa-and-roll back before roaring off again to the next cluster. This is ably demonstrated in the extensive speed research being done by John Staples and Reed Ayers with some frightening speeds being clocked.

Concurrently, a school of thought was championed that because the endurance factor had been softened, horses could compete more often. Another theory was expressed by a trainer friend of mine who said that in the days of the long format, there was a spring three day and a fall three day. and everything in between was regarded as preparation for these events. With these goals gone, every horse trial has become a serious full out life or death competitive entity in itself. Horses are being asked to compete all year long, often every other weekend, and frequently with long road hauls from event to event as qualifications and points are being sought.

OK. So far, this seems to be a valid theory for the competitors who had their eye on the prize of running full format three day events. Why then, you ask, should this have had any effect on those riders for whom completing a Preliminary horse trials was the ultimate goal, those riders who by the way compose the vast majority of eventers, those who pay the bills for the group with higher aspirations and abilities? Well, folks, guess what. It has! 

“Back when,” many eventers came into the sport from the hunt field. These intrepid foxhunters had been fairly comfortable showing their versatile horses at the hunter shows in the off season over outside courses and showing off their full drag in Corinthian classes. Starting in probably the late 70′s/early 80′s, hunter shows started up, and our venerable field hunter friends were soon outclassed.

We then found a wonderful welcoming home in eventing where the most familiar and most fun phase was the cross country. (Damn that stupid dressage anyway!) As a brand new official in the late 80′s, I evaluated courses as “Would my foxhunter get around clean,” (Pre Training), “Would my foxhunter get around with maybe one stop,” (Training), or “Would my foxhunter just laugh at these questions, unload me, and go home” (Preliminary on up).  

Since the aforementioned death of the long format, increased technicality in lower level cross country has trickled down appreciably. Ten years ago, a coffin at training was unheard of. Today, a majority of these courses have them in some form or other along with corners (or corner like substances). Novice and Beginner Novice designers have ramped up their courses as well. It saddens me to hear trainers on beginner novice course walks advising their students to count strides and make note of their meter marks for time checks.

Any wonder why Starter/Tadpole/Amoeba divisions have emerged? It is argued that these entry levels have to be made more technical in order to prepare horses and riders for the next levels up. This is valid, but one can also argue that perhaps wisdom and recent history might dictate a return at all levels to more straightforward courses. I think this is possibly starting to become reality in the past couple of years. I hope so.

The change in the demographics of those who participate in our sport has also had an influence on the format of the sport. As open country diminishes, more and more eventers are learning their craft in enclosed spaces. Skill is being taught by (hopefully) knowledgeable people instead of being learned through experience. Quoting Bruce again, when he was asked last year in Reston for what advice he would have for a hopeful four star rider, he responded “Just ride. Spend hours in the saddle  Ride.”

I wish I knew how to put the good times back in the sport – how to put joy into the start box again and laughter in the barns no matter how bad the day is going – but I don’t. Things have gotten terribly complicated for everyone involved. Riders worry about making a living in days that don’t have enough hours. Officials worry about doing the right thing and making the right call that will be fair to everyone. Organizers worry about paying the bills and providing good competitions. We have come to demand too much of each other to the detriment of our own feelings and behavior.

In closing, a side note of interest which may or may not be relevant. Hunter classes have gotten ridiculous with their emphasis more on the number of steps a horse takes over the quality of the steps. However, the hottest new trend in the hunter/jumper world is the Derby in which horses are asked to gallop and jump – gasp – straightforward solid fences in lieu of the measured artificial courses in the ring. Not counting the somewhat controversial indoor eventing ventures, could something like this catch on as the next logical trend in eventing, and could it be, at least at first, fun? What a concept! 

Lauren Nethery: Select Your Mate Like You Select Your OTTB

By on Aug 1, 2013 5:00 pm -

Lauren Nethery is back with some more selection advice…

 

 

From Lauren:

After many years, long hours, and late nights of intense, meticulous, hands-on research, I have developed a theory that will most certainly bring about at least 5 of my allotted 15 minutes of fame…and revolutionize the equestrian dating world.  The secret to a successful courtship for every equestrian far and wide, male and female, young and old, is this:

SELECT YOUR MATE LIKE YOUR SELECT YOUR OTTB

Admittedly, there aren’t CANTER websites to peruse (next million-dollar idea: Communication Alliance to Network Turned-On Event Riders?) and equestriansingles.com is a joke. No, there are no Coggins or Health Certs available to inspect before admitting onto “show grounds”.  BUT, add the following items to you list “do’s” and don’ts and you will end up with a capable partner that is sound, sane, attractive, and athletic (in theory).

 

1.  ONLY SEARCH FOR PROSPECTS FROM REPUTABLE SOURCES AND LOCATIONS

If you’re hunting at bottom-level “claiming tracks” (ie seedy bars and truck stops near show venues), expect to have to deal with the sorts of problems that accompany long campaigns with mediocre riders and trainers.  Prospects found at such locations almost always have soundness issues (so you lost those teeth in which bar fight?), stable vices (no, I don’t have a cigarette you can bum), and behavioral problems (you have how many warrants out for your arrest?).  Instead, stick to prospect-hunting at legitimate establishments that offer high-dollar mounts for inspection.  Think polo matches, A circuit shows, and FEI events.

2.  DO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

If it looks like a rat, it probably is a rat.  Don’t get sucked into the “oooooh goodness, with a little elbow grease, some mane-pulling, and a few groceries, I bet this one would look sooooo much better”.  There are lots of ponies in the paddock.  Remember that it is imperative to start with something that can be resold if they are destined for a different purpose that you are seeking and you won’t get stuck with an old plow horse taking up space and eating you out of house and home.

3.  BRING ACCOMPLICES FOR ADDITIONAL OPINIONS

Especially if you are in danger of being blinding by lust at first sight (I know you’ve always wanted a 17h one with blonde hair and blue eyes, we all have), there is safety in numbers.  Pick one or two of your most discerning friends to accompany on all prospect-searching endeavors.

4.  THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX 

Take a minute to think about the best performers in all of the FEI disciplines.  They come in all shapes and sizes and from many diverse backgrounds, training programs, and bloodlines.  If you are dead set on a 17h Bay Thoroughbred Gelding to take to Pony Finals, you are going to be disappointed.  Strike a delicate balance between high standards (cribbers, hard keepers, and kickers need not apply) and broad horizons (that roached mane will grow out, those shoes can be trashed, and a show coat and ear bonnet will really spruce things up).

5.  ASK ABOUT A TAKING THE PROSPECT ON TRIAL

You would be surprised how often a trial is a viable option.  The last thing you want as a prospective buyer is to be stuck with a completely unsuitable mount for months or years on end.  God forbid it lack curb appeal and be lame.  That nag will haunt your barn forever.  Instead, play it safe and insist on a trial period of at least one date or ride but preferably a week or month to allow for some time to adjust to each other’s quirks and preferences before jumping into any long-term commitment.

6.  THINK ABOUT THE RETRAINING POSSIBILITIES

While many people are often myopic in their approach when it comes to searching for a prospect, don’t be afraid to look beyond your chosen discipline to find your next upper-level mount.  Are you an eventer looking for a prospect with a lot of scope and a good gallop that is still tractable and obedient on the flat?  Perhaps consider prospects from the dressage or jumper rings that may have untapped abilities just waiting to be unleashed.  After all, there are lots of practical applications for piaffe-ing to music and making the time in the jump off. Or, are you an aspiring reiner looking for a stout, level-headed mount that is still sound enough to slide and spin like a pro?  Consider those broncs and cutting mounts at rodeos.  Just imagine if all of that bucking athleticism or the skills of getting down low in the blink of an eye were put to different uses.

7. SCRUTINIZE BLOODLINES

While breeding alone does not make an elite mount, it certainly helps, especially if you plan on using said mount in your personal breeding program at a later date.  If there are full or half siblings to take a look at, make sure to do that as well.  Perhaps a strapping young prospect catches your eye in the warm up ring but has a club foot and a parrot mouth.  Make small-talk, find out a few important breeding details, and Voila!  Just maybe his full brother, a couple of model years older, is available and seems to be the leading stallion prospect of that particular sire-dam cross.  Also, if the prospect already has progeny on the ground it is probably best to steer clear and seek out a greener sort with less breeding shed mileage to ensure that you can mold the prospect in the direction of maximum earning potential.

8. MAKE A SHORT LIST AND THEN COMPARE

Once you have a good feel of the most eligible individuals in the herd and have established that two or three hold significant promise as elite mounts, compare them to each other (side by side is most helpful but even from a distance or from pictures will do).  Hopefully, all three more or less check all of the boxes on your “do” list and don’t possess too many apparent vices or conformation issues.  Further comparison will allow you to weed out the weaker links by picking the best hind end, flashiest mover, and most attractive face from three similar, quality possibilities.

9. VET EXTENSIVELY

Now is the time to cross ALL of your T’s and dot all of your I’s.  Just when think that you can begin to hear faint strains of harp music and angelic voices, a thorough vetting can ensure no skeletons exist in your chosen prospect’s stall.  Be sure request any medical records that they are willing to release, do a complete toxicology screen for any illicit substances that may be masking potential soundness or behavioral issues, and assess at the walk, trot, and canter for any hint of a limp, bobble, bolt, rear, or spook.

10.  MAKE UP YOUR MIND AND TAKE ACTION

Last but not least, do not vacillate forever on the right time to buy.  Time and again, I hear sob stories about how the perfect mount was whisked away to a fellow competitor’s barn destined for fame and glory while Sally Sue was still gazing over at the adjacent barn wondering about what horses might be hidden away in those stalls.  While I am not advocating rash decision making, just be of wary of dawdling for so long that you’re old and past your riding prime before you even try to schedule a pre-purchase.

 

Good luck and happy hunting!!

Video of the Day: European Pony Championships Cross-Country

By on Aug 1, 2013 1:00 pm -

Coming up soon at the Kentucky Horse Park is the USEF Pony Finals, where our country’s top pony riders will be competing on fancy smalls, mediums, and larges to find eight spots and get the numbers.  Meanwhile, last weekend in Italy was the European Pony Championships where their top juniors (aged 12-16) were running ponies around a course nearly equivalent to a CCI*.

And we wonder why they beat us.

(Before you come at me with rotten tomatoes in the comment section, I know we have some outstanding ponies and kids competing at events in this country.  And just look at USPC!  But I admit, I do envy Europe’s pony disciplines…ponies competing at that level is very cool!)

 

Check out the return of an old-fashioned “Broken Bridge” at 4:07!

Happy Birthday to Andrew Nicholson

By on Aug 1, 2013 12:30 pm -

Before he was nonchalant on Quimbo at Rolex this year, Andrew was chillin’ into the Head of the Lake at 2010 WEG.  Many thanks to Mandy Collins for the photo.

–

Another year older…another year better than the rest of the world.

Happy Birthday to the Silver Fox, Mr. Stickability, Andrew Nicholson who turns 52 today.

 

Charlotte Agnew: The Month of July

By on Aug 1, 2013 11:20 am -

Charlotte is one of Great Britain’s most promising Event Riders, having represented her country on both Junior and Young Rider teams – most notably winning team gold and finishing 4th individually on Little Beau at Blair Castle in 2007.

Charlotte graduated from Edinburgh University in 2011 with a 2:1 in English Literature.

She has been placed consistently, including finishing 9th at Blenheim in 2011 and 5th at Luhmuhlen CCI**** with the homebred Out of Africa (“Zulu”) in 2012.  Despite being a true British rider Charlotte is keen to remember her Scottish roots, and indeed she has been ranked the No. 1 Scottish Event rider in the FEI World Rankings for the last two years.

Supported by the lottery funded World Class Development program she now has her eyes firmly set on the 2016 Olympics.   Thanks for writing, Charlotte, and thank you for reading.  For more, visit her website.  All photos used with permission.  Click here to read [Blog 1]  [Blog 2] [Badminton 2013] [The Month of June]

Photo by Adam Fanthorpe, used with permission.

 

From Charlotte:

 

July

We’ve just got back from a fantastic week up at Hopetoun, which has certainly been the highlight of the month! I love going back to the homeland; it is almost a different world up there, and while I wouldn’t change living in the south for anything, it is a soothing change to sometimes leave the pressure and intensity that comes with it behind.  Luckily Hopetoun is close enough to home for us to be able to stay there, and the boys couldn’t believe their luck when we released them into a lovely big field on arrival.  In fact, Zul was so excited to be home again that I was a little nervous I wasn’t going to be able to get him back into concentration mode for his test… Luckily though as soon as we arrived at the event on Saturday he switched into superstar telepathic mode and contained himself impeccably.  He really is the most amazing horse; as soon as we’re there his eyes light up and I can feel him soaking up the atmosphere, but he also has incredible self-control.  I think he wants to win, and seems to know that he needs to behave to do his best, so the only give away to his inner excitement is his little tongue waggling around as we warm up.  He did a lovely test -much softer and more connected than Barbury thanks to a good session with Adam mid-month, and we went into 2nd behind Paul Tapner on 43 which I was thrilled with.  Woody tried hard in his test but just got a little tight in places, and unfortunately his jockey ad-libbed a couple of movements from Dumble’s 1* test which meant it wasn’t going to be a world beater.

 

The CIC3* track looked fair, with a couple of tricky combinations at the top of the big hill, before the big Forth Road Bridge water complex, which would be a good test of how fit and enthusiastic they were.  I’ve been working hard on Woody’s fitness, so I decided after he jumped brilliantly show-jumping that I’d go for it and push for the time, which was going to be very tight.  We went as fast as we could, with him popping over everything like it was a pony club course, and finished clear with 8 time faults to rise up the leaderboard to 11th, which in fact ended up being the fastest time of the day!  That is one of the things I love about Scottish events – they are always a true cross-country test, and the competition is never over until the very end.  Zul had a disappointing show-jumping round, due to a challenging warm up.  This was due mainly to the weather, which was torrential rain and meant that by the time it was our turn the flatish areas of the warm up had disintegrated into a bog, which made it a serious challenge for me to get him soft as he had to struggle his way through it.  Luckily the ground in the ring was very good, but unfortunately the result really is mostly in the preparation, and although he tried very hard to clear everything he fought me in a couple of places that he couldn’t afford to be tight in, and we paid the price with 2 fences down.  Thankfully Zul is very fast cross-country though, and we raced round for the second equal fastest round (in good company with Paul and Francis Whittington!) to climb back up to eventual 3rd, and best of the British (and Scottish!)

 

Not to be outdone by his stable mates, Dumble tied up a fantastic weekend with 4th in the CIC*, posting his usual smart test and springy double clear.  Unfortunately phase A was performed in almost record monsoon conditions, to the extent that when I saluted the judges and then clenched my hand, a torrent of water came out of my glove and the rim of my top hat resembled a marsh!  He was so well behaved though, and I am extremely excited that Lady Bamford has decided to let me do some more events on him.  In light of this I have decided to enter both he and Woody for the 1* and the 3* at Blair as having the two of them makes the drive worthwhile, which will be very exciting!

 

The only other event of note this month was Barbury, which as ever was beautiful and fantastically organised.  It is such a brilliant show-case event for the sport, and the atmosphere also provides good practise for both horse and rider.  Zul did the Dressage and show-jumping in the CIC3*, and while he did a nice test he was a little tense in places and got a disappointing mark.  He was so happy to be out though, and jumped out of his skin the next day round the very snazzy Olympic fences to have just one very unlucky one down.  He wasn’t fit enough so I didn’t even tempt myself by walking the course, but the ground was so hard wouldn’t have run him anyway.  That is the only snag with this great event, and is the reason I went up to Hopetoun to run instead – when you’ve only got two horses at that level you need to wrap them up in cotton wool!  Having said that I did run Woody in the CIC2*, mainly because it was such an educational course and there is nowhere else like it to teach them about galloping under such close crowd surveillance.  He did a nice test and jumped really well just having one unlucky one down, and then popped round the cross-country very happily giving me another great ride.

 

In other activities, we had a great day at the start of the month with Yogi, filming a training feature for Horse and Rider for less experienced horses.  Dumble was extremely brave about the camera man who lurked on the landing side of the fence… and both he and Al’s horse Eamon were very well behaved, so I hope they got some great footage!  As a change, the weekend after Barbury I took up the offer of teaching at Lyneham for the NORC annual camp, which was great fun!  We were all extremely lucky to be able to use the amazing facilities there, and it really reminded me how much I enjoy teaching.  There is something very satisfying about seeing a rider filled with enthusiasm having just grasped a new technique that works for them and their horse, so I’m hoping I’m going to be able to start doing a bit more of that.

 

The other VERY exciting news is that the tax man has finally passed my SEIS scheme, so White Heather Eventing is finally LIVE – watch this space!!