View Classifieds
AJ Dyer
Articles Written 1,534
Article Views 1,539,184

AJ Dyer

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

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

Katie Murphy: GMHA HT, with photos from Flatlands Foto

By on Jun 8, 2013 9:00 am -

YEH 5-yr-old winner Esccord RSG ridden by Katie Murphy. Photo copyright Flatlands Foto.

Katie Murphy competed at GMHA Horse Trials  with her own Esccord RGS (“Garth”), the 2012 YEH East Coast Champion Four-Year-Old.  Katie was kind enough to write about her experience from the weekend, where Garth dominated the Young Event Horse 5-year-old class.  Congrats and thanks to Katie! [GMHA Results]

From Katie:

New England summers are the stunning jewel hidden among the deep snows of winter. Though a fleeting season framed by mud-season (“spring”) and the crimson autumn season, the warmth is eagerly anticipated and we Northerners are certain to soak up every ray of sunshine. This past weekend was no exception at GMHA. Riders and horses emerged for two competitions in a heat wave that was both welcomed and unexpected with temperatures averaging over 90 degrees.

 

Over the course of three days, GMHA offered the YEH, FEH and NEH on Friday and their horse trials over the weekend for BN through Preliminary. Esccord RGS “Garth” and I entered both the YEH 5yo division and the horse trials, eager to qualify for the YEH Championships at Fair Hill this fall, and continue to progress at the training level. Since the floods a few years ago, GMHA has revamped all of their courses into glorious representations of the levels offered. The facility is now on par with many in Area 2, and continues to be a destination event for many competitors.

 

There were six entries in Garth’s five year old division. His dressage was a bit laborious due to the heat and humidity. Garth swished his tail in a very annoyed manner throughout the test, resisting the forward and balanced movement we normally achieve. He showed beautifully in the field over fences, working through his topline over the jumps and with a timely and soft reaction to the aids. Due to the heat and seeing other horses slip on the home stretch, we opted for a mild gallop.

 

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the young horse programs is the discipline required of both horse and rider. In order to place well, we as trainers must evolve our classic format for showing a horse into one that best suits the objectives of the program. The inherent ability of the horse reigns supreme, and although you may be competing your 4 or 5yo at the lower eventing levels, the movement and capacity shown in the YEH test must exceed those expected at the horse trials level(s).

 

As such, I have had to retrain myself as a competitor, shifting my objectives to show Garth to the best of his ability – not just in the present, but what he may be capable of years in the future. In the dressage, our gaits are bigger and bolder then those in the horse trials. We take chances in these tests, and it is great fun! Mistakes are easily discovered when you take chances, and as we push the envelope at every movement, the necessity of balance and rhythm is never overlooked. In the jumping test, it is imperative to come to every fence with the same quality foundation of balance and rhythm. Jumping straight, in approach and stature, from a slightly deep distance aids in supporting a genuine effort over the obstacle. Focusing on every stride throughout the course, not the course itself, has been an exceptional learning tool for me. Despite the heat, and a tired Baby G, we achieved our goal finishing on a score of 79.3 – besting the competition by 11.3 points.

 

Garth also competed in the Open Training division. The heat and humidity had taken its toll, and he was tired on Saturday for dressage and stadium. Our dressage test was reflective of his fatigue, yet his stadium represented his joy for the jump and he worked around the course beautifully. Saturday, Baby G was in better spirits, and cantered along the cross-country with pricked ears and an eager eye from fence to fence. Sadly, my attention was not up to par and we jumped the incorrect last fence. Shame on me and a TE!

 

With each step, Garth and I are growing together as a team and as individual entities within this partnership. Every day I am grateful for this lovely horse and the privilege of calling him my partner.

 

Katie Murphy

www.MurphyEventing.com

 ——-

–

Joan Davis kindly sent us a few beautiful photographs from the weekend at GMHA Horse Trials.  Flatlands Foto was the official photographer at the event, and we’re happy to show a few pics from the Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse competition as well.  Thanks to Joan, and congrats to all competitors!  Go to flatlandsfoto.com to view proofs from the entire gallery.  

 

 

Buzzterbrown: Rolex in 8mm Film

By on Jun 7, 2013 8:16 am -

Buzzterbrown is well known around these parts for his outstanding event videos.  Here, he has a bit of fun filming Rolex on a 60 to 70 year old Keystone K-8 wind up 8 mm film camera using Fomapan R ISO 100 black and white film, processed by Yale Film & Video in Burbank, CA.

—

Running Order and William Fox-Pitt currently in 3rd at Bramham CCI3*

By on Jun 6, 2013 4:00 pm -

Doug Payne and Running Order at Rolex 2012, photo by Heather McGreer

 

William Fox-Pitt won Bramham CCI3* last year with (then) new ride Chilli Morning; he’s back at it again this year, and also with Doug Payne’s former mount Running Order.  The pair are currently in third place after the first day of dressage with a score of 49.6.  Chilli Morning does dressage tomorrow.  [Results and Ride Times]

 

Bramham CCI3* Top 1o after Thursday Dressage

No   Horse   Rider E C M   Pen   Pl
24 CATHAR DE GAMEL Maxime Livio 174 187 167 44.4 1
3 LORD LAURIES Zara Phillips 171 173 178 45.6 2
2 RUNNING ORDER William Fox-Pitt 171 169 162 49.6 3
1 ARCTIC SOUL Gemma Tattersall 166 161 168 51.0 =4
10 MERLOTS MAGIC Vittoria Panizzon 165 163 167 51.0 =4
18 SECULAIRE Donatien Schauly 159 179 153 51.8 6
15 OPI DE SAINT LEO Didier Dhennin 152 176 156 53.2 7
29 MERE OAK Jonelle Richards 163 159 160 53.6 8
17 ZAGREB Alexander Bragg 162 155 157 55.2 9
27 DEBIUT Regis Prud Hon 163 161 149 55.4 10

 

Lauren Nethery: Handicapping the Belmont Stakes

By on Jun 6, 2013 3:00 pm -

A discussion of the Belmont Stakes wouldn’t be complete without this video:  Secretariat’s Belmont, 1973.  Forty years later, it never gets old!

–

 

From Lauren:

 

Triple Crown Chaos is coming to an end Saturday with the Granddaddy of all Classic Races, the Belmont Stakes.  For horses and riders alike, the first trip around the Belmont oval is akin to a first centerline in the Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park or a first gallop around the Badminton XC course.  Everything is simply massive.   One of only a handful of tracks in the world that measure a mile and a half in circumference, you could literally drive 10 school buses abreast all the way around it. Some horses are taken aback by the scale of such a magnificent landmark of racing history and some riders have difficulty relating their ample experience on one-mile tracks to a track 50% bigger.  The Belmont Stakes, run over a distance of 1 ½ miles, is also most likely the longest race any of these horse will ever run.

In this day and age, horses simply are not bred or trained to run that far.  Why, you ask? The bottom line is risk vs reward.  While the race horse owning game is largely played by those with so much wealth that they are spending what amounts to Monopoly money, they still appreciate turning a profit when possible.  In Grade 1 races, a profit becomes a real possibility and trainers and owners alike will go to great lengths to maximize their steed’s potential.  But to breed and, most importantly, train a horse to run a mile and a half at racing speeds takes far longer than training that same horse to run at a sprint distance of a less than a mile.  Just like getting event horses fit, you can take almost any horse Beginner Novice virtually right of a field without much conditioning, preparation, or expense.  Getting a horse to a 4*, on the other hand, literally takes years and so many thousands of dollars that I refuse to think about it.   Much the same is true with racehorses and when a small amount of conditioning, training, expense, and risk can be doled out and still produce the same monetary rewards (after all, there are plenty of sprint G1s to be won out there with multi-million dollar purses), many owners and trainers will air to the side of the get-rich-quick hustle.   One other consideration to keep in mind when pontificating over what it takes for a horse to race a mile and a half is soundness.  It takes, at the very least, TWICE as many races and FOUR TIMES as many breezes to get a horse fit for a mile and a half versus 6 furlongs.  All of that wear and tear cripples more horses than it produces.  With all of these factors in mind, I introduce to you the Belmont Stakes contenders for 2013.

 

$1,000,000 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), 3YOs, 1 1/2 miles (dirt)

Post / Horse  / Jockey  / Trainer  / Odds

1  Frac Daddy  / Alan Garcia /  Ken McPeek  30-1

Traffic and trauma in the Derby took this horse far back under the twin spires.  Not expecting a huge effort here but Kenny wouldn’t run him back if he weren’t tearing down the barn so he’ll be one to watch in the paddock.  If he looks the part, expect a sneaky move into the top four or five.

 

2  Freedom Child  / Luis Saez  / Tom Albertrani  8-1

This horse is fresh after almost a month off from a huge win in the Peter Pan but his front-running style will work against him in such a long race.  Not expecting a top four here.

 

3  Overanalyze  / John Velazquez  / Todd Pletcher  12-1

Skipped the derby and has a track record of defeating Oxbow by 5 ¼ lengths in the Arkansas.  Expect a big run from this fresh horse and a likely top four finish.

 

4  Giant Finish  / Edgar Prado  / Anthony Dutrow  30-1

While this horse appears to prefer synthetic surfaces, I worked for (and greatly respect) Tony at Delaware about ten years ago and Edgar has won the Belmont twice.  Not expecting a top four finish nonetheless.

 

5  Orb  / Joel Rosario  / Shug McGaughey  3-1

At his home track, which negates the need for and stress of shipping, he stands to be comfortable and competitive going into this last race of his Triple Crown push.  Still, three races in five weeks is incredibly hard to overcome.  I expect a top four finish but not a win.

 

6  Incognito /  Irad Ortiz, Jr.  / Kiaran McLaughlin  20-1

How can you not bet your longshot money on a horse named Incognito?  Horses like Upset and Regret have lived up to their names and it would not shock me in the least to see this colt sneak up the rail to a bounding top four finish.

 

7  Oxbow  / Gary Stevens /  D. Wayne Lukas  5-1

Put in the biggest effort of his life in the Preakness. Elite horses of every discipline experience peaks and valleys and unless this horse is really a world class competitor, which I don’t think he is, I think another valley is on his horizon.  Coupled with his front-running style, I don’t expect a top four finish from him.

 

8  Midnight Taboo  / Garrett Gomez  / Todd Pletcher  30-1

Repole will run anything anywhere to be in the limelight.  Doesn’t appear to deserve a spot in the Belmont gate (has never run in a stakes race) and seems to be more suited for a race like the Easy Goer on the undercard.  Hell, if I had a horse that could stumble through a mile and a half and has millions I’d run him too but as a better, he’s not getting any of my dead-presidents-not-Monopoly money.

 

9  Revolutionary /  Javier Castellano  / Todd Pletcher  9-2

A very game 3rd in the Derby and four weeks of rest bode well for this horse and with five horses in this race, you could put $10 to win on each of Pletcher’s starters and almost be guaranteed to come out ahead.  Expecting a top four from this horse almost certainly and expecting his odds to creep up to a better pay out with Oxbow and Orb undoubtedly taking most of the uneducated money.

 

10  Will Take Charge /  Jon Court  / D. Wayne Lukas  20-1

While this horse really hasn’t jumped up and won anything big or seemed particularly impressive, his female family lends him to a capacity for distance and his sire has thrown progeny with a propensity for versatility.  Might sneak up for fourth or fifth.

 

11  Vyjack /  Julien Leparoux  / Rudy Rodriguez  20-1

This horse’s works have looked a bit labored and he hasn’t galloped out strongly at all in my opinion.  Don’t think he’ll have the distance and his shed row manners have been atrocious.  I’ll be passing on putting any money down here.

 

12  Palace Malice /  Mike Smith / Todd Pletcher  15-1

Blinkers off may encourage this horse to go to the front even more and I am still really impressed by his early 3 y/o performances.  At these odds, I’d wager a few dollars he’ll put in a big effort and close in on the top four.

 

13  Unlimited Budget / Rosie Napravnik  / Todd Pletcher  8-1

Girl horse and girl rider?  Sign me up.  Sorry guys, feminist vote goes here.  Pletcher also trained Rags to Riches up to a Belmont win, so if anyone can get a filly ready he’s the man.  Hoping for a top four, not $100-to-win sold though.

 

14  Golden Soul  / Robby Albarado  / Dallas Stewart  10-1

I kicked myself about twenty times when this horse jumped up and ran second in the Derby.  I live in a house owned by the farm that stands this horse’s sire and should have, at the very least, included him in my super (which then would have hit and paid around $25,000).  *face palm* Not making the same mistake twice and will be betting this horse.  Top four unless he just left all he has to give at Churchill.

 

NBC has promised 6 ½ hours of Belmont Coverage so be sure to tune in.  Post time is 6:36.  Go Baby Go!

Road to Bromont II: Arriving at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2013 8:53 am -

Rick Wallace, Jonathan Holling, and Kyle Carter finally arrive in Bromont and begin settling in to their stalls. Rick gives us a tour of the permanent stables where he and Jon are located while at the event, and of the Bromont Olympic site in general.  Best of luck to them all this weekend!

 

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Best Moment of Bromont 2012

By on Jun 4, 2013 3:04 pm -

It’s Bromont week, in which we celebrate all things Canadian (including snow, poutine, and ice hockey).  However, we can’t forget the best moment of Bromont last year, in which winner Jon Holling celebrated with a new kind of “victory gallop.”

Will the 2013 winner continue the tradition?  The world wants to know!  Until then, enjoy this video courtesy of Team Wallace Eventing.

—

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorised service centres.

Road to Bromont II: Another Trip to Canada

By on Jun 3, 2013 2:00 pm -

Last year, Team Wallace met up with Jon Holling and Leslie Law for an epic journey from Florida to Bromont.  The crew heads back again this year, with Leslie replaced by Kyle Carter.  How do three event riders get to Bromont?  Tune in to find out!

 

Highlights from this episode include an ER visit when groom Katy gets stung by a fire ant; cooking 90-second meals with Rick; and the fascinating eating habits of Kyle as he gnaws on a chicken bone.  Hopefully they all make it safely to Canada.  Best of luck at Bromont!

 

Former FEI Event Horse RF Amber Eyes Takes On Devon

By on Jun 3, 2013 8:55 am -

RF Amber Eyes at Devon, photo by Amanda Kerchevale

 

We linked to the Chronicle of the Horse story last week about the sale of Karen O’Connor’s former ride, RF Amber Eyes.  The article mentioned that RF Amber Eyes would change her career from eventing to show hunters with rider Kelley Farmer.  Now known as “Commentary,” the mare made her debut in the Dixon Oval at Devon, in the $25,000 International Hunter Derby where she earned second place against some of the country’s top Derby horses. [COTH Coverage]

A month ago, Hannah Sue Burnett rode RF Amber Eyes at Jersey Fresh CIC**, finishing eighth.  Previously, the she was fifth with Karen at 2012 Bromont CCI**, second at 2012 Jersey CIC**, and second at 2012 Red Hills CIC**.  Quite a talented mare, best of luck to her in the future!

 

Karen and RF Amber Eyes  were 2nd at the 2012 Jersey Fresh CIC**.  Photo by Abby Gibbon.

Kasey Mueller: Dressage Day at IEA Classic 3-Day

By on Jun 1, 2013 9:00 am -

EN reader Kasey Mueller is at the IEA Classic 3-Day and Horse Trials in Indiana this weekend, one of the events in the SmartPak Equine USEA Classic Series.. Yesterday she kindly sent us some photos from the first horse inspection, and now she’s back with a brief report from a soggy day of dressage. Thanks for writing, Kasey, and thank you for reading!  [IEA Ride Times/Scores]

—————

 

Photo by Kasey Mueller

 

From Kasey:

On Friday, the Training 3 Day Classic competitors started the day with a new twist on the sport- snorkel Dressage, in swimsuits. Just kidding! But that would have been more appropriate attire for their rides than formal dressage wear. This is an all-weather sport so the competitors muscled through, and rode their tests in a significant downpour that went on for a couple of hours. The Novice 3-Day competitors got lucky when the rain lightened to a steady drizzle- but their dressage arena resembled a swimming pool.
Dressage continued throughout the day and Mother Nature finally decided to smile on us with some sunshine late in the afternoon.
Through it all, the amazing volunteers at IEA were supportive, cheerful, and encouraging- in spite of being soggy wet and cold. Our heros!

 

Using the downpour to rinse the soap off your horse is one way to make lemonade out of lemons!

 

 

Live Commentary from Tattersalls CCI3*

By on Jun 1, 2013 7:43 am -

Photo via @Ch3llW_

 

Meanwhile, over in Ireland, this weekend is the Tattersalls International Horse Trials, running everything from a CCI1*, to CIC3*, to CCI3*.  Pippa Funnell leads the CCI3* after dressage on Billy Beware, and Bill Levett is in second with Improvise, looking to add another three-star win after his victory at Saumur.

Follow along with all the action:

Jog Photos from IEA Classic 3-Day

By on May 31, 2013 8:59 am -

John Crowell and Hennison trot up in the Novice 3-Day.  Photo by Kasey Mueller.

 

Many thanks to Kasey Mueller for sending us some photos from the first horse inspection from Hoosier Horse Park (IN) at the IEA Classic 3-Day Event, one of the events in the SmartPak Equine USEA Classic Series.  Good luck to all competitors this weekend and long live the classic format!  [Ride Times/Scores]

 

From Kasey:

Today was the jog outs for both the Novice and Training level participants in the Classic 3 Day format at IEA. One astute bystander described it as “Prom with horses.” Everyone was decked out in their finery and the horses looked fabulous and fit. I thought that I would share the jog out photos with you.

 

Thursday Video: 1990s Show Jumping Rewind, presented by Sylvan Farm Retirement Dispersal

By on May 30, 2013 3:00 pm -

The late 80s through early 90s were a golden era in US show jumping.  I remember watching Grands Prix on ESPN (yes, the Worldwide Leader, ESPN showed horse sports) with super stars like Gem Twist, Rhum IV, and Woodstock; riders like Margie Goldstein (now Engle), Michael Matz, Joe Fargis, and Suzie Hutchinson.  Thoroughbreds were just as popular as European warmbloods, with Gem Twist and For The Moment (among others) dominating much of their generation.  And in almost every show, you could count on the presence of two special jump themes: the Budweiser beer bottles and the Sea World orcas. If you remember those days, you’ll greatly enjoy this video.

 

 

—-

Decorated sport horse breeder and USEF judge Judy Hedreen of Sylvan Farm has announced her retirement after more than thirty years. As part of her retirement, Hedreen will sell the majority of her horses via live auction on June 1, 2013 at 3pm PDT. Bid by phone, on-site or via the internet. The sale and horse preview will be streamed live via the Internet at www.sylvanfarmauction.com. This unprecedented access to their collection of homebreds includes show horses, young prospects, broodmares and a FEI licensed stallion. Low reserves will apply. A live video preview will be broadcast on May 31, 2013 at 4pm PDT

Wednesday News & Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on May 29, 2013 6:16 am -

Michael Goodwin on Cookie Monster and 8-year-old Alex Morgan Chiles on Snow White competed in the Starter Division in May Daze at the Park. Photo submitted by Melissa Dahlberg.

Good morning and good Wednesday to you, fine readers of Eventing Nation. The weekend is just two days away! As you’ll see below, there are a lot of events running throughout the U.S. this weekend. Are you competing in one this weekend? Be sure to take some pics and sent us a brief write-up; we’d love to hear from you!

Weekend Event Preview:

IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day Event  [Website]

The Colorado Horse Park CCI**/* & Horse Trials   [Website]

GMHA June Horse Trials  [Website]

Poplar Place Farm June HT  [Website]

Waredaca HT  [Website]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT  [Website]

Carriage House Farm CT  [Website]

Today’s News:

Rest in peace, Little Tiger.  Phoebe Buckley’s Little Tiger (Frosty) has been put down at the age of 18.  The little gray mare completed six CCI4*s, including Badminton four times in a row.  The Horse & Hound has compiled a gallery of photos as tribute.  [H&H]

Samantha Clark caught up with Will Faudree after his outstanding effort at Saumur CCI3*, where he finished 5th on Andromaque.  Also, Lindsey Taylor, barn manager for Boyd Martin, has a brilliant new Facebook page which is like an online degree in how to look after sport horses – but fun! Lindsey talks about the inspiration behind the page, and her plans for it in the future. [Eventing Radio]

Did you know? Wind and drafts can affect thermographic readings on horses’ legs.  Australian researchers say if you intend to examine your horse’s legs thermographically (that’s using an imaging device to check for heat), shut the barn doors, as even slight airflow can produce false results.  Isn’t this the science behind all those air-cooled cross-country boots?  [The Horse]

Racehorse drug Salix can lead to calcium imbalance and reduced lactate buildup.  Kentucky Equine Research completed a study that shows the diuretic drug Salix (aka furosemide, formerly known as Lasix) can cause decreased calcium levels up to 72 hours post-use.  Salix is administered to help EIPH (“bleeding”), but has long been believed to be a slight performance enhancer; according to the study, it does this by reducing the rate of lactate buildup in the blood, an effect attributed to the weight horses lose after receiving the diuretic.  [More info on Salix at the Blood Horse]

Tweet of the Day:


Lower Level Event Rider Profile: Maggie from North Carolina

By on May 28, 2013 3:08 pm -

 

Name: Maggie

Age: 17

Location: Zebulon, North Carolina

Primary horse’s name: Moves Like Jagger “Mickey”

Age, breed, pertinent info: 10 year old OTTB. Mickey is the second horse I have owned and the Christmas present that every horse person dreams of.

Level currently competing: Green-as-grass/Maiden

Short term goals this spring/summer: Compete in our first few events together

Year-end goals: Compete at Beginner Novice

Overall goals? Eventually run Novice at an event

What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently? The biggest thing I have recently learned is a rider is how to ride more from my leg rather than my hand, which has been a big adjustment with Mickey.

Favorite eventing moment/story? My favorite eventing memory was the first time I took my last horse cross-country schooling. While my trainer was off helping another student, a friend and I decided to walk our horses through one of the water complexes. Little did I know that my horse really liked to go swimming. She decided to lay down and roll right in the middle of the water complex with me and my brand new jump saddle on her back. It’s been almost two years and there are still some lovely water marks on the knee rolls to remind me of the most embarrassing schooling session I have ever had. 

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Matthew Brown’s Winning Ride at Woodside

By on May 28, 2013 1:01 pm -

Matthew Brown had a great weekend at the Spring Event at Woodside: he won the $15,000 Preliminary Horse Challenge on Che Landscape (his student, Julie Flettner was second on Ping Pong and Matt’s other horse, Happenstance took third place). Matt also won the Intermediate division on Super Socks BCF (his other horse Aida was 7th), and the Open Preliminary division on BCF Bellicoso (his other horse Dassett Theme BCF was 7th). He also rode Jeanne Carley’s Irish sport horse, Slew of Diamonds to second place in Open Training.

Here’s video of his winning show jumping round on Che Landscape, courtesy of Ride On Video:

 

 

Thanks to EN reader Jennifer Joslin for the tip!

—

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorised service centres.

Insanity in the Middle from the Spring Event at Woodside

By on May 27, 2013 5:24 pm -

EN reader Sarah vonBrandt sent us an email from Woodside (CA) about future eventing star Sophia Cutillo (12) and her pony My Poni.

 

From Sarah:

Red on the right, white on the left and a little bit of red headed insanity in the middle.

This is 12 year old Sophia Cutillo, who competed at beginner novice at the event (finished on her dressage score) excited about the jumps she sees in her future. Her pony (My Poni) seems to be game now!

–

Photo credit to Kathy Colman.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Eventers Take on Hunters at Devon

By on May 27, 2013 1:54 pm -

 

Justine Dutton of Sport Ponies UK sent us a video from the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair this past weekend.  Check it out!

 

From Justine:

Thought you might like to see this video of myself and a couple of my students riding at Devon last Saturday night in the hunt teams.  We are Sport Ponies UK (SPUk) and are all eventers and got to play hunter for the night…no flash nosebands, no boots and no real brakes (aka snaffles!).  We put in a credible performance and finished 7th out of 19 or 20, even beating off some legit hunters!

 

 

—

The Spring Event at Woodside

By on May 27, 2013 11:45 am -

Natalie Kuhny was at The Spring Event at Woodside (CA) this past weekend and kindly sent us some photos and a brief write-up from the event.  Frequent west coast contributor Bill Olson was also in attendance, and sent us some pictures as well.  Many thanks to Natalie and Bill for making us feel like we were there!  Congrats to all competitors, and thank you for reading.  [Woodside Results]

Kiera Carter and Corinthoz (Preliminary Challenge Rider 1st place). Photo by Natalie Kuhny

 

From Natalie:

The Horse Park at Woodside hosts some of the most exciting events in California. Robert Kellerhouse organizes fantastic events, and the Spring Horse Trials did not disappoint. By far the best part about the Spring Event at Woodside was the Preliminary Challenge, where young riders and adult amateurs riding at the preliminary level, and riders with preliminary level horses, compete for $15,000 in cash awards and additional prizes. The highlight of the Preliminary Challenge is the Preliminary Challenge Gala Dinner on Saturday night, where spectators sit under large tents, eat a fantastic meal provided by Kahoots Catering, and watch the ten top riders from the Preliminary Challenge Horse and Rider divisions compete for the prize and title! In a finish that wasn’t decided until the last riders, Kiera Carter and Corinthoz captured the blue ribbon in the Preliminary Rider Challenge and Matthew Brown on Che Landscape won the Preliminary Horse Challenge.  But no matter where you landed in the placings, it was just fun to participate in a show with a big time “Rolex” feel, and it made all of the riders want to push ourselves to do our absolute best.

 

The show included levels from Beginner Novice through Advanced.  Barbara Crabo and Eveready took home first in the Advanced Division, while James Alliston and Mojo placed second. In the Intermediate division, Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF earned first place and Tamra Smith and Normandy Soldier received second. In the Open Preliminary division, Matthew Brown and BCF Belicoso won the division and Kelly Pugh and D.O.D Rockefeller (owned by David Garret) took second place. Finally, in the Preliminary Rider division, Fiona Clyde-Brockway and Say It Again won, and Ruth Bley and Rodrigue Du Granit placed second.

 

Woodside itself is a fantastic venue. The cross country course is always groomed and provides a lot of opportunities to learn to handle new obstacles. Every course I have ridden at the horse park has helped me improve as a rider. This weekend, I had one of my best rides on my horse by simply enjoying myself and having fun. That’s what our sport is about. Woodside is always a good time and is a spectacular place to learn!

 

Happy Memorial Day

By on May 27, 2013 9:32 am -

 

We wish everyone around Eventing Nation a Happy Memorial Day today.  Please take a moment and remember the brave men and women who allow us to enjoy our freedom each and every day.

–

If you haven’t seen it, here is the story of Sgt Reckless, a horse so heroic during the Korean war she was promoted to Staff Sergeant by the Commandant of the US Marine Corps, and is listed alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, as one of our all-time heroes.

Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan Win the CCI*** at Saumur

By on May 26, 2013 10:51 am -

Will Faudree and Andromaque finished the weekend in 4th.  Way to go Will!  

Photo via Uptown Eventing’s facebook page— check out their photo gallery.

 

–

Show jumping proved massively influential today, with only three clear rounds out of 34 horses.  Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan had a superb weekend, jumping double clear to win easily on their dressage score of 42.6.  Nicolas Touzaint and Lesbos finished second (one rail down), with Arnaud Boiteau and Quoriano ‘ENE HN’ in third (his clear round moved him up from 10th).

 

All three US pairs had two fences down; disappointing, but pretty much par for the course today.  Even with the added 8 penalties, Will Faudree and Andromaque finished *5th, and Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water finished 8th.  Two US riders in the top 10?  An excellent result for the new regime.  Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot also completed in 26th place.

 

[Full Results]

RANK . RIDER HORSE RANK AFTER
DRESSAGE		 CROSS-COUNTRY RANK AFTER
CROSS-COUNTRY		 JUMPING FINAL
SCORE
SCORE RANK FAULTS SCORE RANK FAULTS
1. Bill LEVETT AUS Shannondale Titan 42,60 2. 0,00 42,60 1. 0,00 42,60
2. Nicolas TOUZAINT FRA Lesbos 43,20 3. 0,00 43,20 2. 4,00 47,20
3. Arnaud BOITEAU FRA Quoriano ‘ENE HN’ 53,00 19. 0,00 53,00 10. 0,00 53,00
4. Piggy FRENCH GBR Tinkas Time 50,40 13. 0,00 50,40 6. 4,00 54,40
5. Will FAUDREE USA Andromaque 47,80 8. 0,00 47,80 4. 8,00 55,80
6. Andrew NICHOLSON NZL Viscount George 53,80 23. 0,00 53,80 12. 4,00 57,80
7. Frida ANDERSÉN SWE Herta 51,60 16. 0,00 51,60 7. 8,00 59,60
8. Marilyn LITTLE USA RF Smoke on the Water 52,00 17. 0,00 52,00 8. 8,00 60,00
9. Tim PRICE NZL Ringwood Sky Boy 52,60 18. 0,00 52,60 9. 8,00 60,60
10. Christophe GUILLEMET FRA Mach de la Barre 56,80 30. 1,20 58,00 15. 4,00

 

 

34 Horses to Show Jump at Saumur CCI***

By on May 26, 2013 9:14 am -

 

The three remaining US horses have passed the final horse inspection this morning at Saumur CCI***.  Three horses and riders that finished the cross-country will not be show jumping today: Hannes Melin and Gaston KLG (were in 5th), Sebastian Mateu Jurado and Barlovento (were 25th), and Antoine Le Pape and Oscar de Ravalet (were 26th).  As such, Marilyn Little has moved from 8th to 7th, and Hannah Sue Burnett moved up from 30th to 27th.  Will Faudree and Andromaque are in 4th.  Best of luck to all competitors today!

Show Jumping begins at 9:15am ET.

[Live Scores]

[SJ Order of Go]

[Live Radio – mostly in French, but repeated in English]

 

The CIC** show jumped earlier today.  Marilyn Little and RF Black Pearl jumped clear to finish 18th.  [CIC** Results]

 

***UPDATE***   9:50am

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot had two rails down and finish with a score of 91.4.  Of the thirteen rounds so far, only one has been double clear.  Many riders have had multiple rails.

***UPDATE***  10:30am

Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water also had two rails down, with a final score of 60.0.  Only two clear rounds to this point.

***UPDATE*** 10:37am

It’s been an 8-fault day for the USA, as Will Faudree and Andromaque also have two down, finishing on 55.8.  Arnaud Boiteau’s clear round on Quoriano ‘ENE HN’ has moved him from 10th to the top of the leaderboard with two horses left to jump.