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The Florida Department of Ag has continued to update their EHV-1 information [PDF], and thankfully it seems the spread of the disease is under control.  Originally quarantined on February 27th, the HITS showgrounds will be released from quarantine tomorrow (3/13/13).  From today’s update:

Sample collection for testing was performed at HITS Tents 3, 6, and 7 yesterday. Additionally, several premises with quarantines outside of the HITS Showground were tested. In total, over 200 horses were tested and all laboratory results were negative. As a result, the HITS Showground and several premises outside of the HITS Showground are scheduled to be released from quarantine tomorrow (3/13/13).

Seven horses associated with HITS were infected with EHV-1, two of which suffered neurologic symptoms.  In addition to Florida, New Jersey, Utah, Tennessee, Illinois, California, and Quebec have also reported cases (not believed to be related to HITS).  For more on the disease and a complete timeline tracking outbreak information, visit www.thehorse.com.

From Lauren:

OTTB Update Central

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Eventing Nation, you have asked for it and you shall receive!  After being bombarded with requests for further details, pictures, and updates of the recently off-the-track TB’s that have been mentioned in my columns, I am here to meet your demands.  While it isn’t typically my policy to negotiate with terrorists (you know who you are, threatening to stalk our babies around the KY Horse Park snapping blurry pictures and scribbling notes while our boys trot around the warm up like gentleman, all in hopes of finding ‘The Secret’ to the perfect OTTB) I will allow it just this once.  Don’t get used to it!  I am only making this one exception in hopes of pleasing the rather terroristic Truck Soundness Gods in any means possible.  I sit here typing at Paul Miller Ford with more complaints than a hypochondriac with shingles at the Urgent Care clinic. While I have not typically found my Ford to represent the age-old adage of FoundOnRoadDead (I prefer FirstOnRaceDay), I wasn’t thrilled to get out of my truck at home last night to the smell of break pad and a disc hot enough to fry eggs on.  Um, is this shiny silver heat shield looking stuff supposed to be smoking?  I don’t think oil is supposed to pool there.  Yes, I know I’m 2000 mi overdue for an oil change…sure, go ahead and do one and I’ll just sign over my second-born since you’re already getting my first. Enough about that. Without further ado, prepare yourself for baby OTTB awesomeness.

When we last left our best and brightest young 4-legged beauties, Myles (owned by Alison Wilaby) and Jacardi (owned by little ol’ me) had just been whisked away to their new homes in Lexington and were happily stuffing their faces full of bluegrass in big fields with new buddies.  Ali and I have been lucky enough to find two OTTB’s that represent the absolute epitome of the OTTB ideal.  Their basic Facebook profiles are as follows:

Atomic Speed (Myles)

Birthday: March 25, 2009 (I bet I know someone who wants a carrot cake later this month!)

Sex: Male (sans huevos)

Relationship Status: It’s Complicated with Rocket The Mini Man

Hometown: Arcadia, California

Current Location: Lexington, KY

Family: Toccet (Father), Atomic Number (Mother), Rahy (Grandfather), Alison Wilaby (Step-Mother), Burton Sipp (Step-Father/Trainer)

Profile Picture:

Cover Photo:

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Myles has been off the track right for a little more than a month and is currently hacking out happily, trotting poles, and generally being a camera ham.  Some tips when looking for a horse just like him that is absolutely ideal for almost any amateur, quiet to the extreme, and full of untapped ability to be anything and pursue any career:

• When viewing horses at the track, look for the one with his or her head over the stall guard, ears perked, ready to lick an outstretched hand and accept a treat.  There are plenty of horses whose nappy attitudes will come right around when turned out and allowed to live the life of a normal horse but if your choice prospect is already a big teddy bear at the track, you’re in serious business!
• If you are fortunate enough to get to take the horse on trial and ride him or her, as Ali was, or even to have a friendly exercise rider gallop the horse at the track, don’t worry too much about steering or acceptance of the bit.  DO pay close attention to willingness, fluster-ability, and anti-lock breaking system functionality.  Everything else will come.
• Conformation is obviously key.  While things to typically avoid include injuries, mile-long pasterns, ewe necks, fence post conformation in front, and long cannon bones (just to name a few), the first three things that I look at on any horse at any track are expression/eye, shoulder/hip angles, and GOOD FEET.  Most other things can be dealt with.
• Last but not least, if the pony that has caught your eyes wants to cuddle you into next week and, *respectfully*, be in your lap, that’s always a plus!

Myles will spend the summer learning his new job, maybe competing a little bit, and being the apple of Ali’s eye…unless, of course, another OTTB lover sees him out and about and decides they just can’t live without him.  Word on the street is that he may even get a new sibling to boot!  Funny how those things multiply.

Jacardi (JJ)

Birthday: March 26, 2008 (I think a dual birthday party may be in order for these boys!)

Sex: Male (without cajones)

Relationship Status: In A Relationship with Taler (My competition horse.  Love triangle, much!?)

Hometown: West Grove, Pennsylvania

Current Location: Lexington, KY

Family: Congaree (Father), Wisdom’s Way (Mother), Sky Classic (Grandfather), Lauren Nethery (Step-Mother), Joe Schrage (Step-Father/Trainer)

Profile Picture:

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Timeline Video Brag of First Official Time Over Fences (one week off the track):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrzkaKBkMNs

JJ last ran on 1/1/13 and arrived at my farm around February 1.  Precocious, bold, and willing, JJ immediately toured the local Bluegrass schooling stops and, in a stroke of OTTB luck, got to enjoy a little vaca to Aiken to tour Hitchcock Woods, Full Gallop, and Jumping Branch in just a short few days.  Some tips for the go-get-em kind of rider on the hunt for an energetic, athletic, legitimate upper level prospect with some extra zip ‘under the hood:’

• When viewing horses on the track, never be afraid to pursue one that ‘really catches your eye’.  Ask around about any horse in any stall that you really think just possess that ‘it’ factor.  They may be Graded Stakes Winners that will never, ever be for sale to off-the-tack homes (usually my luck, expensive taste and all) but, then again, they may have chased the ambulance home last time out for a $2,500 claiming price (oh yes, those races DO exist…lots of them) and you may be the owner/trainer’s new best friend.
• Again, if you are fortunate enough to either get to ride or to watch someone else ride your favorite prospect, there are three personality traits that I look for in upper level prospects that vary slightly from those I seek in horses that are more likely to be suitable to any rider anywhere (because, really, sane horses don’t often go Advanced).  Dancing around, jigging, and having a propensity to go forward and a rate of speed perhaps a little faster than requested are not off-putting to me.  This nervous energy will likely dissipate once the horse is turned out and allowed to live a normal horsey life.  I do always ask two basic questions to horses that I am seriously interested in purchasing:
• When I correct you (in as firm a manner as the situation dictates), how do you respond?
• Is your natural predisposition to walk over, around, or through an obstacle in your way  (this includes puddles, 2×4’s, straw bales, and any other commonplace shedrow items  that I can throw down in the aisle)?

JJ has already proved to be the consummate professional in every situation that I have presented before him and, if not sold (which is the more likely possibility), will make a Beginner Novice debut at Spring Bay in April.

Good luck in your quest for your next OTTB love, EN readers, and if you need ANY help or enabling when it comes to OTTB hunting, shopping, viewing, or purchasing, please do not hesitate to ask me at [email protected].  Also, don’t forget to send questions about your new OTTB’s crazy habits, quirks, and neurosis to me to answer next week!  Go gallop your former racehorse so you can (very soon) GO EVENTING!

Amelia Clyatt sent us this information about collegiate eventing on the West Coast.  It sounds like a great opportunity for college students who compete while in school.  The prospect of a true Intercollegiate Eventing League is even more exciting.  Thanks to Amelia for writing, and thank you for reading.  If you have something to share with Eventing Nation, send it to [email protected].

From Amelia:

U.C. Davis Event Team at Twin Rivers. Top row, from left: Sierra Eisler, Aine Minihane, Karissa Oliver. Bottom row, from left: Nikki Bahlman, Amelia Clyatt (myself), Juli Sandoval.

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Hey there Eventing Nation,

I wanted to talk to you about something really new and really exciting: organized collegiate eventing. Some of you may have heard of the West Coast Collegiate Eventing League (WCCEL), a league that was founded about two years ago by the UC Davis Event Team.

We ran our first WCCEL show of the season at the Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials. It was very successful, with 4 teams competing. All participants gave positive feedback, and many are interested in becoming more involved. The basic competition structure is this: competitions take place at existing, USEA recognized events. Riders come with a school team of 3 or 4 or are put into scratch teams. Their scores from the competition are tallied, and prizes and ribbons donated from corporate and local sponsors are awarded to the Top Team and Reserve Team, as well as the Top Individual and Reserve Individual.

After some extensive discussion and brainstorming, as well as collaboration with the Clemson Event Team, we are turning WCCEL into the Intercollegiate Eventing League (IEL), a national organization for collegiate eventers. It is coordinated by Amelia Clyatt on the West Coast and Leigh Casaceli on the East Coast, supported by the UC Davis Event Team and the Clemson Event Team. Our group of dedicated collegiate riders are working behind it to get it up and running.

The goal of the IEL is to unite college eventers in organized competition. It is about community, competition, and fun. Eventual ambitions include scholarship opportunities, a national competition, etc. For now, look forward to more news on this fledging organization, and expect us at the Twin Rivers Spring 3-Day & H.T., as well as the Spring Event at Woodside.

For more information or to get involved, please contact:

Amelia Clyatt   [email protected]

We love reader stories and fan mail!  Send us yours to [email protected].  Remember, all reader submissions are eligible for the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month prize pack.  Today’s entry comes from Bryce Weber of Pennsylvania.  Thanks, Bryce!

Hi, I’m Bryce, I’m 15 years old and I event with my OTTB Pilot (Mr. Knibbles)!  We are from PA and just left for our longest trip EVER to North Carolina!  The trip was very long, but not stressful at all for Pilot, my mom, or me.  We just finished our first ride here in North Carolina.  We are preparing for the Southern Pines event and staying not to far from the grounds.  The photo above (taken by Casey McKissock) is us schooling for the very first time here in NC! It’s so sunny and sandy here (we are tempted to move to NC)!  We love EVENTING NATION and check it at least once a day!  Many more schooling days to come in NC to prepare for the event!  GO EN!!!

Many thanks to Taren Atkinson, wife of James Atkinson, for being our West Coast correspondent from Twin Rivers HT this past weekend.  If you have a story or event report to share with EN, send it to [email protected]!

[Twin Rivers Results]

Andrea Baxter Indy 500. Photo by Taren Atkinson

From Taren:

My hubby [James Atkinson] is actually the new xc course designer at Twin Rivers, so the tracks were all brand new.  This is his first shot at designing an Advanced track since receiving his R license, and from the feedback we got at the show it was successful.  Because this is the first Advanced of the year on the West Coast, James tried to design a course that was inviting and fairly straightforward – both to earn the trust of the riders as an up and coming course designer but also to prepare the horses confidently.  That being said, there were definitely questions out there!  I’m excited to see how the course evolves over time, and I know that James was super happy with the results from the weekend; I think he was more nervous for the outcome of his design than he was about riding his own horses!

Frankie Theriot and Uphoria, 2nd in the Open Intermediate. Photo by Taren Atkinson.

 

Kim Liddell and Special Ops. Photo by Taren Atkinson

 

Stacey Winter and Stella Brava. Photo by Taren Atkinson.

 

James Atkinson and Gustav. Photo by Taren Atkinson

Erin Kellerhouse and Cat Ballou. Photo by Taren Atkinson.

From Yvette:

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Tips for Eventers Living in Itty-Bitty Apartments in the City:  The Business or Pleasure Edition

Hey there, Eventing Nation!  Although a late winter storm dubbed “Snowquester” is anticipated to hit the DC area mid-week, I think everyone – and by everyone, I mean men, women, children, equines, felines, canines, squirrels, birds, goats, you name it – has a touch of spring fever.  This past weekend, I traveled to the Lagniappe Equestrian Center in Folsom, Louisiana to completely blow my White Spandex Pants Diet serve as the Chief Horse Management Judge for the U.S. Pony Clubs’ Deep South Region’s Eventing Rally.  In contrast to the metropolitan DC area’s palette of “mud brown,” Louisiana welcomed me with bright green grass…and then a rare cold snap for the rest of the weekend.  Oh Mother Nature, you are such a tease!!!  But I digress…

Although I can’t speak for other eventers who spend their days pursuing completely non-horsey careers, March is the month in which I realize my life is completely foreign from those of my coworkers.  While everyone else is grousing about losing an hour of sleep for Daylight Savings, I find myself doing a little tap dance on the top of my desk because it means I will finally have enough light to get a horse ridden after work.  My coworkers have become all too familiar with my zebra print “barn bag” that will start making its way back to the office next week, essentially serving as a flashing neon sign that reads, “Heck no, I’m not available for a 5 pm meeting!” To compensate for my early departures, I typically return to the office post-barn, much to the chagrin to the custodial staff and any coworkers who may have thought that working late was a good idea.

Like Clark Kent, I sometimes feel like I live a double life.  By day, I’m a not-so-mild mannered science policy analyst known for my penchant for animal print skirts, chunky necklaces, and vertiginous heels.  In fact, I take pride that I can count the amount of times I’ve worn pants to the office during my 9 years working in DC on one hand, and goodness knows my coworkers have no idea how short I really am.  And my face without makeup?  Fuhgeddaboutit.  During eventing season, however, my coworkers can tell (with Swiss precision, no less) when it’s 5 pm by the flurry of me darting to the ladies room with my zebra print bag.  Those who happen to see me once I’ve emerged are confused…”who is this chick wearing funny pants and boots and no makeup?” By the time they’ve processed that it is, in fact, me…WHOOOOOSH…I’m already gone and fighting outbound traffic.

The transformation becomes a little more problematic upon my return to the office later in the evening; there is just something about a horse that makes me a more hospitable person.  If a coworker asked for an additional day to complete an assignment that a client had been expecting yesterday, I’d flip my lid.  Conversely, if my Super Pony spent an hour spooking at birds/shrubs/rocks/dressage letters, I’d laugh it off and think, “well, maybe tomorrow will be better,” and give him half a bucket of mints.  And then there’s my physical appearance…apparently one doesn’t look very business-like with hay in their hair, dirty fingernails, and green slobber stains on their sleeves…Who knew?  Which leads me to this week’s tip:

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Tip for Eventers Living in Itty Bitty Apartments in the City #31

It is highly recommended that eventers with non-equestrian professional lives proceed with caution when considering exposing co-workers to their “horse life.”  First, I’ve found that it’s hard for coworkers to take you seriously once they’ve seen you in breeches, for some reason.  Second, they will be confused by the fact that the office bulldog can be reduced to cooing by something as simple as a horse taking a dump.  Thirdly, there is the obvious language barrier; trust me, they wouldn’t know a “Swedish” if it smacked them in the face, and talk of the “Coffin” will have them thinking you’re a Twilight fan.  Finally – and most importantly, at least in my opinion – a few hours at the barn or at a horse trial may result in your coworkers questioning your basic hygiene skills after a they see you “share” snacks with your horse, experience a day filled with commentary related to which port-a-potty is the “least gross” (even better if they told that the closest bathroom involves squatting in the trailer), and have the misfortune of dining out with you in your sweaty cross country attire.  If you are even remotely questioning their ability to handle any of these situations without being totally skeeved out, I suggest that you stick to showing them nice, unscented photos of you and your horse rather than risking the career that helps subsidize your crazy hobby.

From Lauren:

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Your Weekly “Why Does my OTTB (insert weird quirk here)?” Q&A

A very prosperous and productive Monday to you, Eventing Nation!  Here in Kentucky, March hasn’t exactly ‘roared’ in like a lion just yet but many riders did squint their eyes and tuck their heads during their dressage tests at two different schooling shows here this weekend in blinding snowstorms.  Having spent part of last week in Aiken, however, I am not too put off by the snow here because it really was not THAT warm in good old South Cackalacky.  Thank you, dearest EN readers, for your wide diversity of questions this week.  I had many to choose from for this week’s column and look forward to the many more you will most certainly (hint hint!) send to me over the next few days.

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I have yet another skin-related question!  If blood work comes back normal, do you have any recommendations for maintenance during the winter months?  My guys all live out and I let them grow good natural coats.  They have access to shelter at will so for the most part I only put a sheet on them when it’s going to be super cold and windy or if there’s precipitation.  So he doesn’t have junk building up from being blanketed all the time but nonetheless he gets dandruffy and almost always comes out of the winter with a little funk somewhere.  I groom every day even if I can’t ride but it seems like no matter how hard I work to make sure he’s clean something always brews up by the end of winter.  Is there anything else I can do or will I have to resort to clipping him and blanketing him up next year? (another great contribution from EN reader Celeste Coulter)

Hopefully the skin funk think will be something he grows out of!  A few things to keep in mind, though.  Firstly, horses are not designed to be groomed every day from an evolutionary standpoint.  Remember that racehorses and performance horses that get groomed extensively (to within an inch of their lives!) every single day do not get turned out by and large. Depending on how thoroughly you groom him, you may be hampering some of his natural defenses against skin funk.  Grooming thoroughly can remove dead cells and oil from the skin and hair coat and certainly make them look sparkly and spiffy but this oil and the dead cells that sit on top of the epidermis actually act as defense mechanisms for skin funk by lubricating the bacteria and the harmful nasties (that’s a technical term right there) and limiting their ability to really set up shop as well as by allowing them to attach to those dead skin cells and then proceeding to slough those same cells off, ridding the hair coat of ‘funk-inducing yuck’ before it has a chance to burrow into the epidermis.  My sport horses, boarders, and TB babies all live out 24/7, are blanketed 24/7 except when being ridden if it’s below 40 if dry or 50 if wet, and are only groomed from a functionality standpoint (don’t want crud clods beneath the saddle or mud-sheathed fetlocks and pasterns just waiting to develop fungus) and I don’t have a ‘skin funk’ problem to speak of (knock on wood!).  One last note: there are soil-borne bacteria that can cause recurring skin funks that one horse in the herd may be overly sensitive or even allergic to and all the other horses may not even turn a hair to.  It may just be bad luck if he has been rolling, snoozing, and playing in the same soil for the period of time that you have had him and keeps cropping up with the same skin funk.  Obviously, the wetter seasons encourage and even ‘activate’ the bacteria present in that soil, so that could account for the prevalence of his funkiness coming out of winter.  Good luck and I hope his skin stays funk free in the future!

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Would you consider head bobbing to mostly be a boredom thing, similar to weaving? Also, in an attempt to thwart the not-so-cute habit my steed has of chewing on the aluminum trailer window, I have tried putting cinnamon, hot sauce, and pepper on it, none of which have worked.   I bought a bottle of No Chew and thankful read the label instructions before using it because it cannot be used on metal. Apparently it can cause some type of deadly gas. For now the boredom lick-it that I just got a hung in the trailer seems to be helping.  I do not believe he is doing it for attention as he does it while driving down the road and I can see him with his muzzle out the window chewing on the aluminum bars. I believe that it is caused by boredom and he is one on those horses that does not like to stand still for long. The main reason for my inquiry was to find out if you had ever had anyone else with this issue and if there was something I can do to prevent it other than keeping his window shut at all times. I will say that the lick-it has seemed to help.  (another great contribution by EN reader Erin Storey)

Those quirky OTTB’s will come with a million ways to amuse, concern, and frustrate us as owners.  All in all, the head-bobbing doesn’t seem overly detrimental unless he is causing himself injury or chiropractic issues.  It’s annoying, yes, and may be cause for a head bumper when trailering, but short of physically restraining him by tethering him quite low and snugly which I DO NOT recommend, I cannot offer any suggestions to curtail his ‘hang banger’ predisposition other than alleviating the boredom that encourages it.  Obviously , gnawing on the trailer like a deranged beaver IS a problem.  I find that cayenne pepper powder, mixed into a pasty slurry with DMSO and isopropyl alcohol will discourage any horse from gnawing on pretty much anything and does not cause a horrible mess or stain in most cases but does dry on rather stubbornly for long-term discouragement.  Hopefully the Likit has helped but you may also want to try one of Uncle Jimmy’s Hangin Balls (http://www.uncle-jimmys.com/products/hangin-balls)  or Uncle Jimmy’s Big Licky (http://www.uncle-jimmys.com/products/big-licky).  I use both of these for trailer and stall-bound horses are have had great success.  One last suggestion: hanging an unbreakable mirror in the trailer, especially if you are trailering alone, will often squelch any bad boredom habits and provide hours of entertaining for MrEntertainMeNow while he makes the goofiest faces he can imagine and practices his PuhleaseFeedMe look on the way to the next outing.  Good luck and may your boredom busting be successful!

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Good luck, EN readers, and if you need ANY help or enabling when it comes to OTTB hunting, shopping, viewing, or purchasing, please do not hesitate to ask ([email protected]).  Also, don’t forget to send questions about your new OTTB’s crazy habits, quirks, and neurosis to me to answer next week!  Go gallop your former racehorse so you can (very soon) GO EVENTING!

The amazing equine photographer Brant Gamma kindly sent us some beautiful photos from Paradise Farm HT which ran February 15-18.  See full results here.  All photos are copyright Brant Gamma Photography and may not be reproduced or used for any reason without permission.  Please visit Brant’s website [www.brantgamma.com] to purchase and view more event photos!

[Direct link to equestrian event gallery]

From Dana:

Paul Maye and Markus executing one of the four required "one-handed" circles. Photo by Pics of You.

While eventers were enduring sucky less than ideal conditions at Pinetop last weekend, combined drivers enjoyed gorgeously sunny weather with pleasant temps in Dade City, Florida.  Bob and Sharon Blanchard’s fabulous facility, Little Everglades Ranch, hosted the 2013 Little Everglades International CAI-B Combined Driving Event.

FEI Advanced Dressage took place on Thursday, with President of the Ground Jury Bert Jambon (Belgium) at C, Anne Marie Turbe (France) at E and John Greenall (USA) at B.  This year marks the World Pairs Championships in late August and the World Pony Championships in November.  Hopefuls were coached, encouraged and corrected by driving Chef d’equip Micheal Freund, and after the dust settled (figuratively) standouts included Paul Maye and his German Riding Pony stallion Markus, who jumped out to a commanding lead in the FEI Advanced Single Pony division.  Misdee Wrigley Miller, Pair Horses, posted the lowest dressage score of the competition, 36.9, and perennial powerhouse Chester Weber set the mark to beat in the FEI Four in Hand class with a 37.87.

The dressage competition continued on Friday in the regular divisions of Intermediate and Preliminary.  .

Weather played a role as Saturday was quite warm and sunny.  Event officials made the decision Friday evening to shorten Phase A approximately one kilometer for all levels and to remove Obstacle Three in the intermediate and FEI Advanced divisions. The Richard Nicholl designed obstacles provided lots of options, challenged all and rewarded the bold.

Drivers like to tell say you can’t win it in cones, but you certainly can lose it.  Sunday’s cones course, with cool and intermittent rain, proved to be influential in shaking up many of the placings. It demanded precision driving, and with a tightly wheeled course, time was difficult to make.  Leslie Brendl, team member from last summer’s Singles Horse World Championships posted the only double clear round in her division, and put on a master class on how to drive cones quickly and accurately.

FEI Division Winners:

Advanced Single Pony:  Paul Maye

Advanced Single Horse:  Leslie Brendl

Advanced Pair Horse:  Misdee Wrigley Miller

Advanced Pair Pony:  Wendy O’Brien

Advanced Horse Team:  Chester Weber

Advanced Pony Team: Lisa Stroud

For complete results go to Driving News USA at www.drivingnews.us

Up next:  Live Oak International CAI-B from Ocala, Florida, March 22-23

Red on the right, white on the left and a different kind of insanity on the middle!

Go Combined Driving!

Leslie Brendl with Uminco at the Palm Tree Plaza. Photo by Pics of You.

David O'Connor, US Team Coach. Photo by ivegotyourpicture.com

The USEF Eventing High Performance facebook page reports that there will be changes to the upcoming Ocala Training Sessions due to the EHV outbreak.  Sadly the public will not be able to audit the Sessions, but we understand it’s all for the horses’ best interests.

Training Sessions in Ocala are up next week. However David will be making the rounds to the riders’ farms on Monday and Tuesday – because we are being extra careful with these horses until the EHV-1 settles down. We apologize that there won’t be auditing opportunities, but hope everyone understands that it is with the best interest of these horses in mind. Thanks to everyone for their awesome support of the High Performance Eventing Program.

It’s foaling season, the time of year when we just can’t get enough cute baby videos.  Enjoy this one: a 7-day old filly named “Panda” shows off her jumping skills all on her own!

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Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com

Rocking Horse has issued an update on their event page that the event will run as planned this weekend:

2/28/13 –

After meeting with show officials and consulting with the State of Florida, we have decided to go forth with the Winter III Horse Trials. We do ask for the safety of all involved that all competitors and grooms use common sense and good horsemanship practice with our equine partners. Per the recommendation of Dr. Bill Jeter, the Bureau Chief of Animal Disease Control of the State of Florida, it is recommended that any horses that have been to HITS after February 17th refrain from coming and instead practice their own bio-security measures at home. Horses will only be allowed on the property with a health certificate or letter from a veterinarian that has been obtained within 72 hours of arriving on property stating that the horse shows no signs of EHV-1. We will be checking them at the gate so please have them available and ready upon arrival. Please be patient as we will try to get everyone checked in as quickly as possible! If you have any questions, please contact us. Thank you!

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The United States Equestrian Federation has announced that 19 USEF eventing competitions were approved by the FEI as “Targeted CNs.” The approval of FEI Targeted CNs comes in response to concerns voiced by National Federations to the FEI regarding Eventing Rules that went into effect January 1, 2013. Among the new rules implemented was the deletion of CNs, often referred as National Horse Trials, in the Matrix of Qualification in order to move up the levels of FEI Competition.

Results achieved at FEI Targeted CNs will be considered equivalent to that of a CIC of the same level, this will only be effective in the 2013 competition year.

However, it is important to note that qualifying results at FEI Targeted CNs may only be used for the purpose of qualifying for a higher level in 2013 but will not count towards rider categorization by the FEI. Additionally, qualifying results achieved at FEI Targeted CNs may not be used to qualify for the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

The list of FEI Targeted CNs in the U.S. can be found here [PDF].

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AREA I
July 11-14 Stuart H.T (NY) I,P
July 19-21 Fitch’s Corner H.T. (NY) P
August 1-4 Millbrook H.T (NY) A,I,P

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AREA II
March 22-24 Southern Pines H.T II (NC) A,I,P
April 13-14 Plantation Field H.T. (PA) I,P
Oct. 4-6 Morven Park H.T. (VA) A,I,P

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AREA IV
May 17-19 Otter Creek H.T. (WI) I,P

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AREA V
September 26-29 AECs at Texas Rose Horse Park (TX) A,I,P
October 11-13 Greenwood Farm H.T. (TX) I,P

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AREA VI
March 1-3 Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (CA) A,I,P
April 12-14 Twin Rivers CCI, CIC* & HT (CA) I,P
May 24-26 Woodside H.T. (CA) A,I,P

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AREA VII
June 7-9 Aspen Farms H.T. (WA) I,P
July 24-28 The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT) P
August 23-25 Caber Farm H.T (WA) I,P

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AREA VIII
August 22-25 Richland Park H.T. (MI) P Approved
August 30-Sept. 1 Kentucky Classique H.T. (KY) I,P
Oct. 17-20 Midsouth 3-day Event, CCI1* & H.T (KY) P

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AREA IX
May 31-June 2 Colorado Horse Park CCI2*/1* & H.T. (CO) I,P