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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

Double Videos of the Day from SpectraVet: Getting On, and Galway Downs Training Level Helmet Cam

By on Apr 11, 2013 1:10 pm -
It’s a two-fer-Thursday today with a couple reader-submitted videos we just had to share.  First, a super cute moment captured on camera of a future eventer tackling her first obstacle: getting on.  She seems to have what it takes: determination, ingenuity, and a safe, willing horse!  Thanks to Marjean for forwarding this video on to us!
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Rachel May competed in the Senior Training Amateur division at Galway Downs with her horse Vinny a few weeks ago. Rachel and Vinny just moved up to Training Level at the end of last year, and she was very happy to finish on their dressage score.  Thanks for sending us your video, Rachel, and good luck the rest of the season!  If you have a video or story to share, send it to [email protected].
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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.

 

What’s Going On Here?

By on Apr 10, 2013 11:30 am -

 

I did a quick glance through the entries at the upcoming Ocala CCI**.  I was a bit surprised to notice a rider entered certain horses to compete in the CCI** after running at the Fork CIC** this past weekend [results].

Perhaps I’m just Old School, but I thought it was generally practiced that your last competition should be 2-3 weeks out from your scheduled three-day (CCI).  Two weeks or more allows a little time to recover from the horse trial, in case anything should go wrong; you might run that last event “easy” to protect the horse and give him a positive experience.  Or you might try out a few things, adjusting on approaches, trusting him a little more, a little braver line here or there, just to know how much you can “go for it” at your three-day.  All your major fitness work is done by this point, you are just maintaining it and gently peaking.  But overall, you hope your last run before a three-day is a good outing, leaving your horse and yourself feeling prepared; and if not perfect, at least you’ll have a week or two to do some fixin’.  The last week or two before a three-day, you’d like to smother your horse in bubble wrap and hold your breath he stays healthy, sound, and happy until that Wednesday jog.
Given this philosophy, I was left scratching my head to notice a couple CIC** horses who finished inside the time on a xc course with reportedly “sticky” footing in places…these horses are then scheduled to run back immediately at a CCI**?  At the intermediate level, I would greatly hesitate to run two full horse trials on back-to-back weekends…much less a horse trial and a three-day event.  What kind of fuzzy math and questionable horsemanship is this?
Is this driven by the new FEI Classification System?  The FEI, in all their wisdom, sought to create a way to “slow down” riders in a hurry to qualify for big important upper level events.  In theory, less experienced riders must complete more events to prove their competency; this doesn’t sound all bad, does it?  But it comes at the expense of the horse– does an experienced, older, upper level campaigner need to run another series of lower events, at the risk to his soundness and ever-increasing age?
Take the case of Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV; Remi has been all over the world with Boyd Martin, and proved to be an exceptionally successful four-star horse.  Caitlin has proven herself to be safe at the Advanced level with her own horse, Catch A Star; as Boyd’s right-hand girl, I’m sure Caitlin has ridden Remi quite a bit in the last few years, though never in competition until recently.  In such a case, horse and rider already have a bit of experience apart, and have known each other for years, and all that’s left is to show it in competition.  Last year, Caitlin hoped to take Remi to Rolex in 2013; the new FEI rules instead dictate that this Olympic-alternate horse must complete another two star, and then a three star, before Caitlin can take him to Rolex.  And if anything small goes amiss at one of these competitions (like accidentally jumping the wrong last fence), they’ll have to run another one for qualification. Meanwhile, Caitlin will ride her own horse around Rolex this year.  What has changed from 2012 to 2013 that makes Caitlin a less capable rider, other than the FEI rules?  But Caitlin is doing the best she can with Remington, given her circumstances.  She will gain qualifying events as they fit into the calendar with good horsemanship; and hopefully the 17-year-old Remington will be able to re-qualify for his 4th Rolex CCI**** event with a talented, though not Team-experienced, rider.
Thanks, FEI, you really made that one all better.
There is a way to get around these rules, of course; these rules designed to “protect” horse welfare and rider safety can technically be followed and yet demonstrate a surprising lack of horsemanship.  If you choose to enter every CIC and CCI on the calendar, ship your horse all over the nation (and perhaps visit another country or two), it is possible to get all those qualifications in a hurry.  But at what expense?  Are horses so expendable we just haul them wherever, whenever like machines?  I know upper level horses receive all the best care, cutting-edge therapies, excellent veterinary attention and farriery; but while you’re chasing bits of FEI paperwork, wouldn’t he rather be spending some more time turned out at home with his buddies?  Is it really in the horse’s best interest to compete to the very edge of his limits?
Is it the FEI’s fault that riders would push a horse to these limits, to fulfill qualifications (and chase dreams)?  At what point do you quit making rules for what’s “right” and rely on rider responsibility?  Do all these rules make riders more, or less responsible for their horses?
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Update: Commenter roxysoxy pointed out correctly that completing The Fork and then entering the Ocala CCI2* isn’t necessarily limited to one rider.  At least one other pair finished the advanced and is entered in Ocala.

Lower Level Event Rider Profile: Katelyn from New Jersey

By on Apr 9, 2013 3:23 pm -
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Name: Katelyn Stephenson
Age: 18
Location: Whitehouse Station, NJ
Primary horse’s name: H. Saint Kieran

Age, breed, pertinent info: 10 year old 15.3hh Hungarian Warmblood
Level currently competing: Starter, BN

Short term goals this spring/summer: successfully complete a full BN event, and possibly move up to Novice by the end of the summer
Year-end goals: Be consistently jumping 3ft-3’3 courses and continue training despite lack of eventing near Saratoga, NY while I attend Skidmore this fall.
Overall goals? Because I will be off to college this fall, and Kieran will be coming along, I know it will be a challenge to maintain our level of competition, especially since my school of choice is not conveniently located near much eventing. It will be a big step for me to tackle this road block and figure out a way to keep “the dream alive.” I know it will be a lot of hard work, but after 3 years of very hard work to get Kieran to where he is now, I certainly won’t let college put an end to my adventure with my quirky gelding!
What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently? It’s OK to experiment! I have come up with a collection of over 8 bits, I’ve researched the most unorthodox of tack designs, and in the end, the experimentation benefited my “sensitive” gelding. He now quite pleasantly goes in a simple rubber dog bone bit, a Micklem bridle, an anatomic girth, and much to my bank account’s dismay, a “new” stubben jumping saddle. Though most would think such investmenst in hit-or-miss products could be a waste of time and money, I personally couldn’t have had the horse i have now if I didn’t experiment. The difference between Kieran 6 months ago vs Kieran now, is outstanding, and in that time it just took a few simple tack changes.
Favorite eventing moment/story? Taking Kieran to his first event with me. It was the weekend Hurricane Sandy hit, actually, I believe it was the day before! I wasn’t expecting to place well, I wasn’t even expecting to go clean cross country. I’d accepted the fact that I had a green horse and with the weather already starting up, chances of having a perfect day were slim to none. But to my surprise, Kieran was pleasant, no, dare I say, perfect. Dressage test was remarkably uneventful, and then stadium equally well. But the icing on the cake was a totally clean x-country and a blue ribbon! Not many people can say they came home with a blue ribbon after their first event with a horse!
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Video of the Day: “Mustangs And Tadpoles,” catching up with Fledge

By on Apr 9, 2013 1:21 pm -

Team Wallace Eventing has sent us another video, catching up with Elisa Wallace and her mustang protege, Fledge.  You may remember Fledge and Elisa from their amazing partnership developed for the Extreme Mustang Makeover.  In this video, Elisa and Fledge give a bareback lesson to Team Wallace Communications Director, Timothy Hartfield, with lots of giggles!

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Lauren Nethery’s OTTB Advice: Conformation Clinic

By on Apr 8, 2013 4:15 pm -

From Lauren:

 

Monday is here, the first event of the season is over–phew!  Ribbons all around (a special shout out to Andrea Balas and Clever Colors who came in FIFTH in a very competitive Novice division; Pink is totally their color too), two horses FODS and the big horse ate up the Prelim like it was Starter), and the first horse trots down the center line at Rolex in t-minus 16 days, 21 hours, and 30 minutes.  I am so excited and I’m sure you are too.  Get those credit cards ready, break out the Dubarry’s, and put together a list of must-see OTTB’s to take home with you too! I want to thank you all, oh Nation of Eventers, for your tremendous response to my query for OTTB pictures.  I have had great suggestions for future column topics as well and have really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you.  Keep the pictures coming to [email protected] and look for another OTTB photo feature in a couple of weeks.  Now, without further ado, I bring you the best and brightest of the first round of EN’s OTTB’s:

 

  1. Marineland

  1. 2001 Mare (Picture taken as 12 y/o)
  1. Seacliff – Driving Affair, by Winrightt

  1. Current Status: Unknown

Top Five Most Notable Characteristics:

  • Slightly back at the knee (about 190 degrees) which is indicative of a lot of ‘toe flip’ (heads up DQ’s!) but should be considered in relation to long term soft tissue soundness.
  • SHORT pasterns with fantastic angles (45 degrees from heel, give or take).  When you are analyzing pastern length and angle, remember this picture.
  • Cannon bones of equal length vs long bones
  • Slightly closed hip angle (60 degrees or so) and a straighter-than-ideal but lovely size shoulder that matches her fantastic length of back.  This mare’s shoulder and hip might be notable con’s for another horse but with her back length and the way in which her shoulder and hip tie into that lovely back, she will be a fantastic prospect for any discipline.
  • Pleasingly angular hind limb conformation that will likely lead to the ability to really ‘load’ her hind end well and spring off the ground both on the flat and over fence.

 

This mature horse offers several examples of conformation traits to seek out and is undoubtedly a very athletic mare with a very fancy way of going.  I wish her neck were set a good bit higher into her shoulder and this minor fault probably makes it more difficult to really keep her poll at the highest point when she is in a frame on the bit.  Thankfully, her lovely uphill build probably makes up for this.  Her slightly closed hip angle will enable her to really step under well but may make her prone to rails behind as it will slightly limit her ability to stretch rearward (over oxers, for example).  If you want to win the dressage, look for a horse just like this with a neck that is set slightly higher and we will all be chasing you after the sandbox phase is over.

  1. Doin’ My Best

  1. 2007 Gelding (Picture taken as a 6 y/o)
  1. Werblin – What a Sweep, by End Sweep

  1. Current Status: Off the track in February 2013

Top Five Most Notable Characteristics:

  • KIND eye!  This horse’s expression just draws me in.  His nostrils and mouth are very proportionate to the rest of his head and his ears indicate a quiet attention that is very desirable, especially as an amateur mount.
  • THIS is the kind of forward shoulder I look for.  Envision this horse bringing his knees up over a fence and just horse far UP that a shoulder like this will allow.  He better be careful or he’ll clobber his schnoz with those things.
  • A bit back at the knee, to more or less the same degree as the mare above.  While this is NOT a dealbreaker for me and will certainly couple with this horse’s shoulder to really make him faaaancy on the flat, I am a little more concerned about this conformation trait with this specific horse because his pasterns are just a little bit longer than the mares and soft tissue soundness is definitely something to consider here if pointed at the very upper levels.
  • Slightly OPEN hip, in contrast to the slightly closed hip of the mare above.  This will likely lend to this horse being quite scopey but having a little bit more trouble really stepping beneath himself.
  • Every once in a while, I’m suckered in by markings.  Look at that blaze! Don’t forget that pretty sells.

This horse is an interesting combination of several very appealing traits.  However, when evaluating horses, especially in pictures, I use my thumb to cover up first the front end and then the hind end and then sort of reevaluate the pictures as a whole and this horse is a good example of when this technique can reveal some interesting observations.  When looking solely at the front end, you are compelled to start filling out your first horse trial entry and begin to wonder if a trip to Kentucky in April is in the stars.  When looking solely at the hind end, you can almost envision an inquisitive little baby TB face attached to it with all the want in the world that just needs some long and low hacks and lots of hill work.  Looking at them together, the hind end is just a little smaller and underdeveloped as compared to the front end.  FEAR NOT, though.  This will come.  This horse is a fantastic example of what may be available at just-off-the-track rehoming organizations vs what is available through CANTER or through trainers at the track.  I bet this guy does big things!

 

  1. Mocha Michael

  1. 2004 Gelding (Pictures above taken as late 3 y/o)
  1. Mocha Express – Forest Prospector, by Green Forest
  1. Photo Credit: Jade Anderson

  1. Current Status: Successful One-Star Competitor

 

Top Five Most Notable Characteristics:

  • Wide set, slightly angled eyes that suggest sensibility and intelligence and are matched by proportionate, attentive ears.
  • Well-muscled, high-set neck that ties into the shoulder fairly well (higher than the first mare but could still be just a smidge higher if pointing to an UL dressage career)
  • Significantly shorter cannon bones vs long bones which will foster long term soundness, a more expressive way of going, and a more powerful, quicker spring from the ground and snap over fences.
  • Lovely symmetrical hip angle of approximately 75 degrees which should offer just the right balance of ability to engage and scope.
  • Deep barrel with expansive heart girth, which is indicative of cardiovascular capacity

This horse presents a really pleasing picture over all, especially for a late 3 year old with a lot of growing and maturing to do.  All of the structural bare bones are there for the makings of an UL competitor.  This horse’s back is just a bit longer and his shoulder is just a bit straighter than ideal but neither should limit his abilities in any discipline.  Keep this horse in mind when you are looking at young horses with a lot of growing left to do and don’t judge a book by its cover upon first glance.

Dana Diemer: Southern Pines CDE

By on Apr 8, 2013 10:25 am -

Paul Maye and Markus. Photo by Pics of You.

From Dana:
As with eventers, drivers are headed northward as spring (hopefully) appears. Combined driving bids adieu to the Sunshine State as the next big thing on the to do list is the Southern Pines CDE, April 12-14 at the Carolina Horse Park, in Raeford North Carolina.  This year’s competition hosts the USEF National Pony Championships.  Indeed, ponies are the in thing this coming weekend at the park as well over 60% of the turnouts will feature ponies in singles, pairs, and four in hands.  Key competitors in the single championship division include Paul Maye with Markus and Suzy Stafford with TTE Tea Time. These two have been trading wins throughout the winter season. Others to watch include Jennifer Matheson in  pairs and Alison Stroud in four in hand.  The Preliminary Single Pony division is the largest with 18 entries.  Ponies Rule, Horses Drool!
The park is just hitting it’s springtime prime, azaleas and dogwoods are starting to bloom and competitors will once again be challenged by a well-designed Richard Nicholls course.  Early weather forecasts are encouraging, admission is free and the action non-stop!  Dressage will be all day Friday, Marathon starts Saturday at 9am and cones will take place on Sunday.  For further information check out www.southernpinescde.com , www.carolinahorsepark.com  or for live scoring  www.drivingnews.us.
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Here’s the view from the box (the driver’s seat) with last year’s USEF National Single Horse Champion Sterling Grayburn and Ulano on the 2012 SP CDE course.  Video provided by www.picsofyou.com.
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Red on the right, white on the left and a different kind of insanity in the middle.
Go Combined Driving!
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Louis XVI and His Horses

By on Apr 8, 2013 8:55 am -

Susanna Rodell came across some great horse trivia and decided to share a bit about the French King Louis XVI.  It just goes to show horses have always been addictive and expensive.  Thanks for writing, Susanna!  

 

Photo via Wikipedia Commons

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From Susanna:

HA! You think you have a tough time paying for your horse obsession – spare a thought for poor old Louis XVI. He absolutely had to keep two sets of stables at Versailles, according to a new book reviewed last month in the Times Literary Supplement. Les Chevaux et les Chiens du Roi à Versailles au XVIIIe Siècle (The King’s Horses and Dogs at Versailles in the 18thCentury) tells how the royal horses consumed huge amounts of cash.

 

“The daily upkeep of a horse cost twice the salary of the groom who fed it and cleaned its stall,” reviewer John Rogister informs us. Armies of such grooms, stableboys and dog handlers had to be housed, fed and provided with liveries.

 

The main purpose of this establishment was to make sure the king and his buddies could go hunting any time they pleased. “On a word from the king the appropriate hunting establishment would appear. Twenty-six horses were reserved for the use of the monarch (three for ceremonies, five to pull the coach taking him to the hunt, and eighteen for the hunt itself). Horses were provided for those who took part.”

 

The Petite Écurie (the smaller stable) housed 300 horses. Even with such equine riches, however, there was no guarantee of an easy ride. “The young Chateaubriand was once handed a frisky mare,” we’re told, “which he had such difficulty in mounting that he missed the start of the hunt. Once he was astride the mare, it charged off, almost killing a female bystander.”

 

Eventually the king just had to cut back. “By 1788 the cost of running the stables and kennels had forced Louis XVI to sell a large number of horses and to abolish the wolf hunt.” Zounds!

 

If you want to learn more about the horses of Versailles, it won’t be easy. The 775-page tome, by William Ritchey Newton, is self-published, and only 50 copies were printed. In French. But next time you’re bemoaning the cost of hay, think of the cash-strapped king and be grateful. At least your last ride won’t be to the guillotine.

Thursday Video from SpectraVet: Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass Dressage

By on Apr 4, 2013 4:06 pm -

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass braved the rain to perform their dressage test at The Fork today.  They sit in 19th place with a 39.7.


 

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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.

Lower Level Event Rider Profile: Serena from Australia

By on Apr 4, 2013 11:57 am -

Lower-Level Event Rider Profile

Your Name: Serena
Age:   29
Location: Australia
Primary horse’s name: Scenic View Elite Diva

Age, breed, pertinent info: 7yrs old, Thoroughbred Mare
Level currently competing: Grade 3/Introductory

Short term goals this spring/summer: Improve Dressage, clear cross country and showjumping.

Year-end goals: Maybe go up to Grade 2/preliminary

Overall goals? Start riding EFA again at the level I was doing with my previous horse 2**.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned recently?  To open my eyes and make use of technology to gain more experience with training ideas, weakness would be nerves and strength would be motivation.

Favorite eventing moment/story?  When my old horse won state pcav gr1 ht’s, then 2 weeks later won Naracoorte young riders 3de, when it had roads and tracks, both on Dressage score.

Link to blog or website, if applicable:Facebook page, Scenic View Performance Horses, it’s public.

 

 

Preview Photos from The Fork

By on Apr 3, 2013 1:30 pm -

 

Tremaine Cooper is on site at The Fork and kindly sent us a few preview photos.  The Fork is known for its beautiful, big courses, and it appears this year is no different.  EN writers Samantha Clark and Jenni Autry will be on site tomorrow with full coverage.  Enjoy these teaser photos, thanks to Tremaine!

 

New coffin area

 

Ditch and brush

 

 

Mound for the future

Mary Hirsch: Sunday Report from Texas Rose Horse Park

By on Apr 3, 2013 8:00 am -

Advanced Course Debuts at Texas Rose Horse Park

by Mary Hirsch

 

Julie Norman and Consensus win against a thunderstorm at Texas Rose Horse Park’s first run over a newly-built Advanced course.

 

Sunday update from Texas Rose Horse Park

Those who looked at Texas Rose results online, but haven’t yet gotten direct word, may be wondering – what happened?  The positive point of view:  Although the early morning sky was as threatening as the forecast for this day has been for the past week, I have a pretty good weather prayer that I put into action and the thunderstorm lasted for less than an hour, not the all-day rain-out some forecasts had predicted.  Well of course I don’t know if the prayer had anything to do with the short (but intense) duration [pretend there is a cute wink-grin icon here].

 

How hard was it raining?  Bad Eventer (Laura Szeremi) shows us that It was raining this hard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJmXBRqG7u4&feature=youtu.be

(I am one of Bad Eventer’s many friends and blog readers.)

 

In Texas it’s not uncommon for terrifying dark clouds to mass and cover the sky, abruptly darkening the landscape.  It was weird to see a suddenly-dim cross-country course, in the middle of the morning, dotted with the headlights of official vehicles.  Lightening was spotted, and shortly afterward a heavy thunder-boomer of a storm had water cascading from barn and building roofs.  But in spite of the dire appearance of the sky these storms can pass quickly, and less than an hour later the rain moved elsewhere and patches of blue sky could be glimpsed behind the receding storm clouds.

 

Preliminary had got around before the storm, but not the Open Intermediate group, with Advanced and Training following after. The footing showed very little visible mud, but the majority of OI and Advanced riders elected to save their horses for another day.  Training began after the course had some time to air and there were few withdrawals, primarily clean jumping rounds and a fair number inside the time.

 

Well aware of the forecast, cross-country officials, including Cross-Country Show Manager Carsten Meyer and Event Organizer Kathy Brunson, as well as Technical Delegate Roger Haller and Ground Jury President Marilyn Payne, are to be saluted for efficient storm management.  With threatening clouds rolling in early in the morning, a number of jump judges and officials were placed on course inside vehicles.  When lightening emerged the course was quickly cleared of people and horses.  Once dangerous conditions subsided, all was rapidly re-assembled, and despite the brief but heavy rainstorm, horses were going out of the start box with only a 30-minute delay in assigned ride times (a gap that was made up during the day).

 

So that is how it came to be that only two of the seven Advanced division riders rode the course on Sunday.  The seven entries all had previous experience at Advanced except for two, and most are planning to move up again within the next 12+ months (read: Rolex Kentucky).  Although the ground readily absorbed the heavy rain with very little visible mud to spare, only Julie Norman and Ellen Doughty elected to continue.

 

Two positive, forward clean jumping rounds were turned in by Julie Norman on Consensus and Ellen Doughty on Sir Oberon.  Both considerably exceeded the optimum time of 6:02.  Julie’s 40.3 from dressage became 61.1, while Ellen’s 33.8 dressage ended at 87.

 

“I think Capt. Phillips did a great job with the course,” said winner Julie Norman.  “He had a lot of the questions we saw on the east coast and Florida this year.  It rode great, my horse just kept going forward to it.  It was fun, I enjoyed it quite a bit.”

 

“My first Advanced was at Rocking Horse in February.  This course at Texas Rose I think was more challenging.  At Rocking Horse there was quite a bit more galloping room where you can get the horse out in front of the leg.  Here the questions come up very fast, and they were a lot bigger.  You have to be smart and think about making the tighter turns to save time.  You can’t go too fast because the jumps come up fast.  There weren’t very many breathers on the course.  It was big table, big question, big table, big question.  At Rocking Horse they had some jumps where you could think “these are my easy ones, let me think about the question coming up.” Here you had to ride all of them,” said Julie.

 

As for Julie’s preparation team, “I train with Regis Webb at Holly Hill Farm [in Benton, La., owned by Bobby and Tracy Hewlett].  Last week I clinic’d with Karen O’Connor at Holly Hill.  While I was in Florida over the winter I rode with Clayton Fredericks.  I’m very fortunate that I get to train with some great people.  They have all really helped me and Consensus.”

 

As for Julie’s future plans for her riding, “I graduated with a Biology degree in 2011 , and right now I’m riding horses.  I keep going back and forth as to whether I want to go back and get my Masters and possibly a doctorate.  I really enjoy riding, and it’s hard to do both right now.  I train and give lessons.  I’m very fortunate to be based out of Holly Hill, they are such a big support group. “

 

Although Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon led the field after dressage and show jumping, Ellen stayed with her plan to give Obie a confidence-building ride on cross-country without pushing for time in their first Advanced.  “I didn’t even start my watch,” she said.  Happy with Sir Oberon’s solid trip, Ellen and Obie look forward to posting qualifying Advanced rounds at Rebecca Farm, Richland Park (her home state), and Fair Hill later this year.

 

Jacob Fletcher elected to forego cross-country on The Prof, giving up 2nd place after dressage and show jumping.  “It’s a great open, galloping course which would have been phenomenal had we missed the rain!  It looks to me like Area V is more than ready to be the proud home of the 2013 AEC’s.” He explained further, “I felt that it rained too hard for too long.  With Theo having a great cross-country at the last three shows, I wanted to practice the dressage and show jumping at Texas Rose.  I am going to Holly Hill Horse Trials [April 19-21] three weeks from now in prep for the Chattahoochee Hills CIC***.  After that, it’s on to the Bromont CCI***, assuming all goes well at Chatt.”

 

For those who wish to follow some of the emerging Advanced riders who participated at Texas Rose this weekend, here’s a summary of the future plans they shared (as of the day they shared them, of course):

 

Julie Norman & Consensus – Julie says she is thinking about qualifying for Rolex Kentucky 2014 vs. getting a Master’s and possibly a Ph.D. From where Julie’s home base in Louisiana, including her own professional lesson and training program, qualifying means long-distance travel and possibly training time in another state.  Texas Rose’s Advanced course, only 2 hours drive for Julie, is not available for training until after the AEC’s to allow preparation by September.

 

Ellen Doughty & Sir Oberon: Rebecca Farm; Richland Hills; Fair Hill this year

 

Jacob Fletcher & The Prof:  Holly Hill; Chattahoochee Hills CIC***; Bromont CCI***

 

Emma Kate Fisher & Carlingford’s Forever: qualify for Rolex Kentucky 2014

 

Here’s Ellen and Obie at the drop …

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=399637160134437&set=o.140237496424&type=1&theater

 

 

Lauren Nethery’s Weekly Advice on OTTBs

By on Apr 2, 2013 2:12 pm -

Latest Riding Related Malady: Frostbitten Nose. Photo by Marshall Blevins.

 

From Lauren:

Here in our Nation full of Eventing, now that we have reached the first quarter of 2013, April showers (SNOW showers here in KY mostly) will hopefully bring those red May flowers that adorn the Derby blanket and usher in Triple Crown Fever.   Infected with said fever as I always am and flush with anticipation for the nation’s best three-year-olds to strut their stuff, I have decided that the EN OTTB feature that you have all come to know and love shall forge into new territory and will need your help to go from ‘Derby’ status on to the ‘Preakness’ and ‘Belmont,’ so to speak.  You can expect at least one Q & A each month to ensure that those quirks that your Thoroughbred has suddenly acquired (or that came factory-installed) are demystified.  Additionally, I will be adding several new rotating features.  These include:

  • A monthly update piece on the OTTB’s previously featured in my column to offer EN readers a peek at the way in which different OTTB’s progress at different paces and to allow you to laugh at the trials and tribulations that will undoubtedly occur
  • Occasional ‘how-to’s’ and tutorials on racetrack equipment, practices, and rules.
  • Some From-The-Horse’s-Mouth pieces describing life on the backside (With many thanks to Centria, Madashforcash, Roselawn, and Petit Gateau for their input on this column)
  • A mixed bag piece including such hits as ‘How to survive any racetrack on a Graded Stakes day’ and ‘Outfitting your shark-finned, short-backed, tiny-headed, mini-hooved OTTB on a budget’
  • And last but certainly not least, I will kick off this OTTB column transition with a little taste of the newest feature: a ‘George Morris-style’ critique of OTTB’s from the far reaches of every Eventing area.  Some will be currently available through various organizations (so you can just go ahead and sign the check and book the shipper), some will be successful competitors (so you know what to look for), and…wait for it…some will be owned by our EN readers themselves.  So, EN OTTB lovers, this is your chance to be EN famous! Send me ([email protected]) your pictures of the OTTB nearest and dearest to your heart for a brief analysis of suitability and lots of crooning, ooh-ing, and ahh-ing.  Conformation shots such as those featured below are preferred but jumping and dressage pictures will also be accepted.  Horses must have raced and have been purchased off of the track.  You are on the honor system not to misrepresent these horses and the Chinchillas will be checking facts and tailing you to the barn.  Without further ado, here is a photo to drool over of a really classic OTTB example and I expect it to insight you to send your own photos promptly.

 

PrinceofProximity
2006 15.3 G
Readthefootnotes – Maremaid (Storm Bird)
–

Think of this column as a ‘how to analyze CANTER photos’ tutorial.  Above, we have the kind of horse that endangers my keyboard (we’re talking lots of drool and slavering as I feverishly dial up the owner to arrange helicopter transport immediately).  Starting from the tip of his nose and going all the way to his tail, the order in which I evaluate things is as follows, as well are the questions that I ask:

  • Eye: Kind, Dumb, White, Piggy, Look of Eagles?
  • Nostrils and Mouth: large and well-defined?
  • Ears: Alert, Donkey, Teacup, FlatBackI’mGonnaMaulYou?
  • Throatlatch: Does it appear well-toned and wide enough to fit my fist in?
  • Neck: Ewe, Stallion, Shetland Pony, Camel?  At what angle does it attach to the shoulder and the withers?
  • Withers: Mt. Everest, Shark Fin, Table Top, WhatWithersI’mReallyACow?
  • Shoulder ANGLE from withers to point of chest to elbow
  • Length of cannon bones vs radius and tibia
  • Degree of ‘tied-in’ effect behind knee
  • Over at the knee?  Back at the knee?
  • Length and angle of all 4 pasterns
  • Height of heels and angle and length of toes in all 4 feet
  • Length of back vs length and depth of barrel and heartgirth
  • Hip ANGLE from point of hip to point of buttock to stifle
  • Straightness of hind limbs, especially from stifle to hock
  • Hunter Princess Tail?  Yes, please

These traits are all things that I value and the questions are all ones that I ask of every single horse I evaluate.  However, evaluating any horse is a very subjective, tricky maneuver and you can’t please everyone all the time.  If you have any questions regarding what it is that I am specifically looking for, why I am looking for, it or what bearing it has on the ability of the horse in question and his or her suitability for a chosen discipline, please do not hesitate to ask ([email protected]).  Go gallop a former racehorse when you GO EVENTING!

Shannon Lilley: Galway Downs Wrap-Up

By on Apr 2, 2013 12:05 pm -

Many thanks to Shannon Lilley for bringing the West Coast to light on Eventing Nation.  Shannon was in attendance at Galway Downs this weekend, and was kind enough to provide us with a final report from the weekend .  Thanks for writing, Shannon, and thank you for reading. [Day 1] [Day 2]  [Live Scores]

–

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail

 

From Shannon:

Galway Downs, as always, was a very successful show which seemingly ran smoothly thanks to Robert Kellerhouse and the ladies in the office, Katie Trafton and Lynn Arnold.  Throughout the day on Saturday, there was live music playing with various types of food vendors out on course to keep the spectators entertained during the lulls between divisions. Robert is always doing innovative things to enhance fan experience.

–
The lower level cross country ran throughout the day on Sunday. Many people came through the finish with huge grins on their faces. I even saw one lady crying because she had the best go of her life. That is definitely why we do this sport.

–
The upper levels show jumped on Sunday starting with preliminary then intermediate then advanced.  The show jumping throughout the weekend was proving to be a little trickier than expected and there were quite a few rails down. In the young rider preliminary division, Sarah Braun won on a horse named Gwendolyn, which is extremely exciting because Sarah has been through a tremendous amount since NAJYRC last summer. Good job Sarah!

–
The intermediate division shook up a bit too but the top three jumped clean and Eleanor MacLean riding Voyager took home the win finishing on her dressage score. Tamie Smith was just 1.2 away on Normandy Soldier but also finished on her dressage score to be second in that division.

 

Mckenna Shea and Landioso

 –
The advanced division shook up quite a bit after show jumping as there were very few clear rounds. Mckenna Shea jumped clean but had six time. A 4-fault round seemed to be a good one proven by Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail who had one rail. It moved from third to first. James Alliston rounded out second and third on his two horses Mojo and Parker, respectively.

–
Congrats to all the winners! Thank you to Galway Downs for such a great weekend!

James Alliston and Parker

Go eventing!

Yvette Seger: Tips for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City- The Defensive Driving Edition

By on Apr 2, 2013 7:39 am -

From Yvette:

Tips for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City:  The Defensive Driving Edition

– 

 

Hey there, Eventing Nation!  For those of you who read my post from last week, I am happy to inform you that I am now fairly proficient in navigating around my new office building without an escort OR marking my trail with a stack of Post-It notes, which is a good thing because I was really worried about Depends not being so flattering under my business suits.  And while random bits of useful information still manage to crop up (“Wait…I have a reserved parking space?”), I think it’s safe to say that I’m getting settled into my new role…just in time for my eventing season to get started (cue theme song).  And while the weather this past Sunday left much to be desired in terms of, say, warmth and dry clothing, the Super Pony and I were grateful for the efforts of the Morven Park team and volunteers in making the start of our season successful, safe, and fun!

The start of a new competition season is always exciting – there’s the opportunity to test the new skills practiced over the winter, the anticipation of the starter counting down from 10, and that general anxiety associated with not really knowing where you stored your show clothes for the winter (luckily for me, I live in an itty-bitty apartment, so there aren’t really THAT many places for a stock tie to hide!) The first event of the season also serves as a reminder that I will spend the next few months with purple-stained cuticles (thank you cruel Eventing Gods for blessing me with grey and pinto partners!) and that I will need to adhere to a strict laundry schedule to keep my building’s Tenant Association off my case (I mean, seriously, where else am I going to wash hairy saddlepads???)  Most importantly, the beginning of the season reminds me of the most inherent danger of our sport:   the warm up arena.

Let’s face it – warming up at a horse trial, particularly one early in the season event with crisp temperatures, is a full contact sport.  There’s snarling, squealing, and kicking – and that’s just from the coaches watching from the sidelines!  Add a fresh young OTTB or a couple of first time competitors to the mix and it’s like you’ve spiked the punch at the office party…it’s just not pretty.  Come to think of it, it looks very much like my daily commute, which leads me to this week’s tip.

–

Tip for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City #33:

Does warming up for dressage with about 20 other horses in the ring stress you out?  This is where eventers who reside or work in major metropolitan areas have a critical advantage!  Navigating high traffic thoroughfares such as the Capital Beltway (AKA the Fifth Circle of Hell) during rush hour teaches one how to deal with a high volume of individuals piloting large objects in a confined space.  You will learn how to detect subtle (or not so subtle) cues indicating the intentions or mood of your fellow drivers, as just like in warm-up, it is highly unlikely that they will utilize the most obvious communication devices (the elusive turn signal on a car, or their voice in the warm up ring) to relay this information.  And that joker who manages to be oblivious to the gajillion cars around him as he swerves all over the road while getting overly animated on a conference call?  Learn to quickly identify and avoid the situation, just like that person who insists on planting him/herself on a 20m circle in a prime area of the ring.  Save your energy for important things, like steering out on cross country.

Saturday Scores Update

By on Mar 30, 2013 5:42 pm -

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice at Galway Downs

 

It’s officially spring, and the eventing season is well underway across the country from Florida to Texas to California.  Here’s a brief rundown on today’s scores:

 

Galway Downs International HT  [Live Scores]

CIC3* (provisional final scores)

1. Hawley Bennett – Awad   Gin & Juice 50.1 1
2. James Alliston   Tivoli 55.3 2
3. Kristi Nunnink   R-Star 56.1 3

–

Advanced (show jumping tomorrow)

1. Katherine Groesbeck Oz Poof of Purchase 37.3
2. James Alliston Mojo 40.9
3. Zachary Brandt Cavallino Cocktail 42.8

–

CIC2* (final scores)

1. James Atkinson   Gustav 46.8
2. Barbara Crabo   Over Easy 53.0
3. James Atkinson   Annie Oakley III 53.4

–

Open Intermediate (show jumping tomorrow)

1. Eleanor MacLean Voyager 32.0
2. Tamra Smith Normandy Soldier 33.2
3. Lucy Beard My Sedona 36.8

 

—————-

Full Gallop HT   [Live Scores]

Intermediate

  1. Kayla August / Valentine  57.2
  2. Emily Dufort / Vital Eight  70.8

Open Prelim A

  1. Eliza Farren / Bantry Bays Dublin  35.0
  2. Corinne Ashton / Bubblesphere  42.1
  3. Bernadette Palmeri / Kiltartan  51.6

Open Prelim B

  1. Momo Laframboise / Raniki  31.8
  2. Jocelyn Hawe / Going, Going, Gone  37.7
  3. Kelly Sult / Montgomery  42.6

—————-


Rocking Horse Spring HT [Live Scores]

Open Intermediate

  1. Jordan McDonald / Prince Mayo  31.2
  2. Lisa Marie Fergusson / Uni Sprite  31.8
  3. Robin Walker / Rowdy Friend  32.0

Intermediate Rider

  1. Erin MacDonald / Java   38.8
  2. Christa Gandolfo / Camenicci  40.4
  3. Dasha Ivandaeva / Autorytet  43.2

Open Preliminary

1T. Lauren Kieffer / Vermiculus  26.5
1T. Michael Pollard / Halimey  26.5
3.  Waylon Roberts / Orion 49  28.5

 —————-

Morven Park Spring HT   [Live Scores]

Open Intermediate A (final scores)

  1. Katie Hasse / Tigger VIII  35.2
  2. Ryan Wood / Fernhill Classic  39.6
  3. Katie Willis / Polar Storm   40.4

Open Intermediate B (final scores)

  1. Ryan Wood / Frankie  32.4
  2. Erin Freedman / Viola  34.4
  3. Sarah Cousins / Joule  44.0
 —————-


Texas Rose Horse Park HT [Live Scores]

Advanced

  1. Ellen Doughty / Sir Oberon  33.8
  2. Jacob Fletcher / The Prof  35.3
  3. Mike Huber / No Money Down  36.3

Intermediate

  1. Candace Kircher / Catalina  30.4
  2. Victoria New / Fleeceworks Mystere du Val  31.2
  3. Becky Roper / Jireh  33.6

Open Preliminary – A

  1. Sydney Conley Elliott / Saffari O  25.9
  2. Julie Norman / Double O’Seven  31.8
  3. Christina Windsor / Happy Day  32.7

Open Preliminary – B

  1. Heather Morris / Twizted Syster  25.0
  2. Kadi Eykamp  / Normandy’s Cole’s Clover  27.7
  3. Julie Wolfert / Buenos Dias  28.6

 

Shannon Lilley: Friday at Galway Downs

By on Mar 30, 2013 1:28 pm -

Many thanks to Shannon Lilley for bringing the West Coast to light on Eventing Nation.  Shannon is in attendance at Galway Downs this weekend, and was kind enough to provide us with a little report from the action on Friday.  Thanks for writing, Shannon, and thank you for reading.  [Live Scores]

 

From Shannon:

Galway Downs has lived up to expectation thus far. Training sessions commenced midday on Thursday after having two full days of lessons Tuesday and Wednesday. The overall impression of the riding was that it was much improved since previous training sessions.

–
Thursday night David O’Connor walked the CIC*** course with the riders and gave great perspective on different lines within the obstacles all the while letting the riders determine the best ride for them and their horse. The course walk had a very good energy to it with a lot of discussion back and forth on theory about different kinds of canters as they pertain to different types of jumps as well as how to execute that canter specific to each pair.

–
On Friday dressage started at 8 am with the CIC ** and * in the FEI arenas  followed by the CIC*** and advanced. Overall the dressage was pretty good. It may not have been everyone’s best day but definitely on the right track for the developing riders. DOC’s comments were all positive, saying that most pairs were really close and most of the components in the test were quite good. Some of the stand out tests in the three star were the ladies on the grey horses, Kristi Nunnink on R-Star and Bea di Grazia on Lad’s Night Out. Both tests showed great obedience and poise.

–
Katherine Groesbeck on Oz Proof of Purchase had a very disciplined test in the advanced. It always amazes me how in tune those two are with each other.  McKenna Shea and Landioso as well as Zachary Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail both had solid tests with few improvements to be made.
Some of the two star riders were disenchanted with their scores as those riders felt the scores did not properly reflect the performance. Regardless of scoring, I saw some very good work in the arena from select pairs.

–
The show jumping for the CICs started around 2:30 with the one star. Each division had a bit of a mixed bag with the level of performances. The courses were designed by Sarah Kotchian-Dubost who always does a great job. They were some stand out performances in each division like Gina Miles on Chanel had a beautiful round, Kelly Pugh on Spot On were fantastic in the two star, and Hawley Bennett-Awad had two very lovely rounds on her two three star horses.

–
The upper level horses go this afternoon on cross country and I can’t wait to see continued good riding from our great west coasters!
Go eventing!

USEA Video: Day 1 at Galway Downs

By on Mar 30, 2013 10:09 am -

Many thanks to the USEA for their coverage out in Temecula, CA at Galway Downs.  Here’s a video from Friday’s dressage and showjumping for the CICs.  Also included, a course walk with designer Ian Stark. During day one, FEI divisions contested dressage and show jumping. See more at the USEA’s official web video channel,www.useventing.com/tv.

–

Mary Hirsch: Area V Pro Pony Challenge at Texas Rose Horse Park

By on Mar 30, 2013 9:16 am -

The pros from Area V showed they know how to have fun during the Area V Pro Pony Challenge at the Texas Rose Horse Trials this weekend. Mary Hirsch was kind enough to send in this report and photos. Look for more from the Texas Rose Horse Trials, which is running its first Advanced in the history of the horse park, this weekend on EN. Take it away, Mary!

________

Area V Pros – wearing Easter hats

From Mary Hirsch:

I am pleased and relieved to report that the Area V pros at the Pro Pony Challenge can all ride a little bit, bareback on spirited ponies, while wearing silly hats (attached to their helmets).  Yes, the picture above is of approximately 21 Area V pro riders who good-naturedly participated in this fundraiser for the Area V Championships in the fall. The fundraiser was held in the indoor arena at Texas Rose Horse Park on Friday evening, along with hors d’oeuvres, beverages and an exuberant, noisy crowd, to kick off the horse trials this weekend.  If you know any of these people, save that photo in the “ok that explains a lot” file.

 

First was the Easter bonnet parade and contest, and then the Pony Challenge.  Most of the pros relentlessly insisted that they had nothing whatsoever to do with assembling their Easter hat (and accessories in some cases,) it was all their students and well-wishers –and from their expressions, that was probably true.   So, for the record, Mike Huber did not think up the pigtails attached to his bonnet himself, and Stuart Black had nothing to do with the feathers and eggs that festooned his helmet and … backside.  And so on, through the sparkles, bangles, flowers, trills and widgets sprouting from the helmets and various body parts of the pros.  Heather Morris won the Easter bonnet contest, taking home a prize basket filled with goodies, including pez and marshmallow bunnies.

 

Before the Pony Challenge started there was a brief pause for a surprise announcement – the 2014 USEA annual convention will be held in Fort Worth, Texas.  It’s an exciting opportunity to highlight Area V, eat great barbeque, and perhaps even allow eventers from all over the country to find a great new pair of Western boots and go country dancing at Billy Bob’s.  I do recommend leaving the bull riders where you find them at Billy Bob’s when you go home, no matter how ruggedly handsome they are.  If you think eventing is a hazardous sport filled with insanity, you should try bull riding.  But anyway, y’all come!

 

Angela Grzywinski was presented with a bottle of champagne in recognition of the honor of being the first out of the start box onto the Advanced course on Sunday, a request she made.  “I have been eventing in Area V for about 20 years, and definitely want to be that trailblazer around this historical first,” Angela says.

 

Next, Kim Brunson and the Brunson Equestrian Center provided genuine ponies (14.2h and under) for the Challenge.  Buckets were fastened along the long sides of the arena, each containing Easter eggs, each egg bearing the number of one of the entries.  Starting from one end of the arena, the pros had to ride bareback to each bucket and take the egg with their number from each one – while mounted –then ride back to the start area and put the eggs in a basket.  The first to fill their basket with all their eggs won.  The pros were divided into three heats so that not more than 8 at a time rode, with the winner of each heat moving on to a final heat.

 

Yes, of course, the ponies who looked so adorable standing quietly with their young rider handlers turned feisty and fussy the instant a pro through a leg over.  Some were fresh, some bucked, many wanted nothing to do with the buckets, making for a true test of skill and horsemanship.  Some pros seemed to think that a short flat school while waiting for their heat to begin would win their pony over with some leg yields, figure eights and flying changes.  However, there appeared to be little noticeable effect on the ponies’ willingness to help search for plastic Easter eggs in buckets tied to the fence.

 

The betting public likes assurance that all the jockeys are trying their best to win.  However, while some riders were out to win at all costs, others were rather casual, or perhaps mounted on slow or uninterested ponies.  Mike Huber did not appear to be pushing his ambling steed at all.  Danny Warrington, on the other hand, made it clear before his heat started that he was going for gold, vigorously warning a crowd that was as unruly as the ponies to keep his path clear, even mildly trampling a few people with his pony as an early preview if they did not watch where they were during the heat.  But it was Kadi Eykamp, on an enthusiastic light buckskin, who actually ran down the Easter Bunny during her final sprint to win the second heat – accidentally, of course.   It must be said that the Easter Bunny, perhaps lacking full visibility over puffy cheeks the size of snow drifts, was crossing the sprint path to the finish at an easy walk just as the herd was thundering down.

 

Ellen Doughty, Kadi Eykamp and Julie Wolfert won their heats and advanced to the final.  Julie seized the overall win when she found her egg almost right away. Julie is going Intermediate on Buenos Aries and Preliminary on Buenos Dias here at the Texas Rose Horse Trials.

 

We want to thank the Brunsons, especially Kim, for initiating this fundraiser and making it possible here at Texas Rose.  Hats off to the pros who were such good sports to participate and make it fun for all.  And most especially we’d like to thank the ponies, who may have been thinking that it was past their bedtime, but who didn’t kill anyone and provided a lot of great entertainment.

 

Stay tuned to Eventing Nation for updates and photos this weekend!  Saturday is dressage for all levels, show jumping for the upper levels and training, and cross-country for Novice and BN.  On Sunday the Advanced division will make the first run on an Advanced course in Area V in over 20 years, and the first run over the newly-constructed course at Texas Rose, starting just after 11:15 am.

 

Link to Texas Rose live scoring

http://www.evententries.com/livescoring/15219.html

 

Link to the Texas Rose Horse Park website

http://www.texasrosehorsepark.com/

 

Link to the NTEA (North Texas Eventing Association ) Facebook update page for the weekend

https://www.facebook.com/NorthTexasEventingAssociation

 

 

 

Friday Video: Bridleless Indoor Trail Riding

By on Mar 29, 2013 4:03 pm -

Competitive trail classes can be great fun to watch.  It’s certainly handy to have a nice horse to hack, who will stand to open gates, cross creeks, and negotiate rocky terrain or fallen branches.  But how about doing it all bridleless?  Mark Bolender rides “Checkers,”  an all-around Quarter Horse who has done Cowboy mounted shooting, jumping, trail, working cow, team shorting, team penning, roping all without a bridle.  What a neat horse!

–

Results update from Galway Downs International Horse Trials

By on Mar 29, 2013 3:04 pm -

galway_01.jpg

 

Dressage is underway out in Temecula, CA at Galway Downs.  The CIC3* is about halfway completed, with James Alliston (Tivoli) and Kristi Nunnink (R-Star) tied for the lead on 47.3.   Good luck to all competitors!

[All Scores]

CIC2*

1.  James Atkinson / Gustav  46.8
2T. Erin Kellerhouse / Cat Balou  47.8
2T. Barb Crabo / Over Easy 47.8
4.  James Atkinson / Annie Oakley III 49.4
5.  Jill Walton / Dee Dee Chaser  50.9

 

CIC1*

  1. Julie Flettner / Ping Pong  44.0
  2. Cara Lavigna / Kynynmont Absolutely Irish  44.4
  3. Maya Black / Doesn’t Play Fair  45.3
  4. Megan Lepper / De Mello  47.6
  5. Matthew Brown / Che Landscape  49.2

 

JYOP

1.  Kiera Carter / Corinthoz  31.8
2T. Claire Jan / Catweazle  32.3
2T. Erin Murphy / Myster E  32.3
4.  Annie Read / Dante’s Diva  33.2
5.  Sarah Braun / Gwendolyn  33.6

 

Open Preliminary

  1. Alexis Helffrich / Arwen Evenstarr  17.7
  2. Sara Mittleider / Harry Houdini  22.7
  3. Erin Kellerhouse / Cristal  24.1
  4. Tamra Smith / Kingston 25.0
  5. David Acord / Code of Conduct  25.5

 

 

New: Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes Program

By on Mar 28, 2013 11:06 am -

 

The USEF and USEA have announced a new Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program beginning this year.  The goal of this program is to build a foundation of future horsemen and women that will hopefully go on to represent the United States. This is an important step in the Athlete Pipeline. Selection into the program will be based on talent, competitiveness, commitment, potential, willingness to learn, quality of application, and recommendations.

 

Chef d’Equipe David O’Connor will oversee the program and teach the first training session in 2013. There will be one intensive training session later in the year and will include immersion in all facets of horsemanship. Additional sessions may be added in 2014.

 

This program is yet another example of the new regime’s all-encompassing master plan: finding and developing talent at a younger age, funneling them into proper instruction, and building a broader base of US upper level eventing.  The Young Riders system was originally intended for this process, but it has morphed into an overall end-goal for many riders (not a bad thing!) and focuses more on the annual competition rather than long-term development.  It also allows riders to participate who have just moved up to preliminary, and perhaps not ready for a CCI*.

 

Application Requirements:

All interested riders will have to fill out an application to be considered, which can be found on the USEF website. Applicants need to provide a letter of recommendation from a USEA ICP certified instructor with their application. A national qualifying result (NQR) at the Preliminary level on the horse with which a rider is applying is a minimum requirement. Riders are eligible through the year in which they turn 18.

 

All riders must be U.S. citizens and active members of their USEA Area Young Rider Program, the USEA, and the USEF.

 

Applications should be submitted to your USEA Area Young Rider Coordinator.

 

Selection:

The USEA Area Young Riders’ Selectors will review applications and nominate two riders per Area to be considered by the USEF Talent Spotters.

 

Riders, who do not apply or for reasons do not meet the criteria, may be ‘talent spotted’ into the program by the USEF Talent Spotters. The Talent Spotters will serve as the Selection Committee and will review the applicants and select the riders for the Eventing 18/Advancing Athlete program. A maximum of 12 riders will be selected in 2013, it is anticipated that this list will be announced in late summer.

 

Applications will need to be re-submitted annually to ensure continued commitment and interest and progress.

 

Training Sessions:

Held in late November of 2013, locations TBD based on geographical preferences of riders selected.

Mary Hirsch: Advanced Course Debuts at Texas Rose Horse Park

By on Mar 26, 2013 3:48 pm -

Advanced Course Debuts at Texas Rose Horse Park

Mary Hirsch

 

The Ranger Report of the course running this weekend at Texas Rose Horse Park: After months of new construction, it is ready to go!  Bring your skills!  The new Advanced course, designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, has challenges, but is fair for an early-season first-time-ever debut.

 

Ranger the black labrador has thoroughly reviewed the course at all levels and has personally jumped almost everything.  He says the water is especially fun.  Here is Ranger at the November 2012 Texas Rose HP horse trials.

 

 

 

Advanced Course Debut at Texas Rose Horse Park –  this weekend!

Texas Rose Horse Park, home of 3 annual horse trials including the 2013 AEC’s in September, has built the only currently-competing Advanced course in the midwest.

 

A quick look through the 2012 USEA Omnibus shows a simple fact:  Most USEA Areas do not offer a horse trials or event with an Advanced division.  That includes the four contiguous Areas in the center of the United States, IV, V, IX and X, stretching from Illinois in the east to the state line of California in the west.

 

But that changes this weekend!  Saturday morning is an historic day of cross-country firsts for the Texas Rose Horse Park and eventing in the midwest.  The first horse out of the start box makes the first run over the first Advanced course available in Area V in over twenty years.  Designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, construction has been integrated with the courses at every level, over grassy slopes and excellent natural footing.

 

Texas Rose Horse Park, a high-quality show and event facility with 7 arenas, hundreds of permanent stalls for visiting horses and a cross-country course for every level, is the realization of a grand dream and years of dedication and hard work by owners Kathy and Kim Brunson along with many other supporters and family.  It is located within a day’s drive of a large part of the Midwest and Southeast.  With an annual schedule of two events in the spring and two more in the fall, suddenly Upper-Level horizons are expanding for riders in Area V … and the Areas beyond as well.

 

Stay tuned to Eventing Nation for updates and photos this weekend!

 

Link to Eventing Nation’s article on constructing the Advanced course (August 2012)

http://eventingnation.com/home/texas-rose-horse-park-the-journey-to-advanced.html

 

Link to Texas Rose live scoring

http://www.evententries.com/livescoring/15219.html

 

Link to the Texas Rose Horse Park website

http://www.texasrosehorsepark.com/

 

Link to the NTEA (North Texas Eventing Association ) Facebook update page for the weekend

https://www.facebook.com/NorthTexasEventingAssociation

 

 

November 2012 – Intermediate course at Texas Rose Horse Park. Photo by Mary Hirsch

 

 

November 2012 – Novice course at Texas Rose Horse Park. Photo by Mary Hirsch

 

Texas Rose Horse Park. Photo by Mary Hirsch