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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

Luhmuhlen XC Information Guide

By on Jun 16, 2012 3:30 am -

 

Kate covered most of the basics in her links post this morning, but in case you don’t want to scroll down a little farther, here’s your pertinent Luhmuhlen cross-country information again:

 

FEI TV will be offering both XC and SJ this weekend for a fee. [FEI TV]

Follow @Luhmuehlen2012  on Twitter for updates throughout the weekend, they’ve been doing a great job.

[Live Luhmuhlen Website Feed]

 

Note: Luhmuhlen is 6 hours ahead of the US eastern time zone.

[CCI4* Ride Times] CCI4* xc begins at 1:53PM local (7:53am EST)  [Live Scores CCI****] 

[CIC3* Ride Times]  CIC3* xc begins at 10:00am local (4:00am EST)  [Live Scores CIC***]

 

There may also be live feed available at this site: http://www.rechenstelle.de/2012/luhmuehlen/

 

American Ride Times:

Julian Stiller / Enjoy Me – 10:51am local time (4:51am EST)   currently tied for 12th in the CIC*** after dressage.

Colleen Rutledge / Shiraz – 2:41pm local (8:41am EST)  37th after dressage in the CCI****

Boyd Martin / Ying Yang Yo – 3:05pm local (9:05am EST)  24th after dressage in the CCI****

Julian Stiller / Chapel Amble – 4:09pm local (10:09am EST)  28th after dressage in the CCI****

 

As reported on Friday, Peter Atkins withdrew Henny after dressage.  No doubt Henny could rock around the course, but Peter decided to sit this one out in the best interest of his recovery from a broken leg.  Get well soon, Peter!

Luhmuhlen CCI**** Dressage Results

By on Jun 15, 2012 10:27 am -

 

As one might expect, the dressage at Germany’s Luhmuhlen CCI**** was quite competitive.  The top 20 all scored under 50.0 penalties, with the top 11 earning better than 70%.  Lucinda Fredericks and Flying Finish are in the lead with a 31.8, but CIC*** leader Michael Jung nips at her heels with a 32.8 in second.

 

The American contingent lags a bit behind.  Boyd Martin and Ying Yang Yo placed 24th with a 52.0; Jules Stiller and Chapel Amble 28th with a 57.8; Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz 37th with a 62.0.  EN’s favorite US-based Aussie Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton sit 30th on 58.8.

 

[Full Results]

 

Place      Rider                                               Horse                              %         Score

1. Lucinda Fredericks AUS Flying Finish 78,78 31,80 1.
2. Michael Jung GER Leopin FST 78,11 32,80 2.
3. Andrew Nicholson NZL Mr Cruise Control 76,89 34,70 3.
4. Andrew Hoy AUS Rutherglen 76,78 34,80 4.
5. Andreas Dibowski GER FRH Butts Avedon 76,55 35,20 5.
6. Oliver Townend GBR Armada 73,67 39,50 6.
7. Peter T. Flarup DEN Calista E 73,33 40,00 7.
8. Charlotte Agnew GBR Out of Africa Two 72,78 40,80 8.
9. Francis Whittington GBR Easy Target 72,34 41,50 9.
10. Andrew Nicholson NZL Calico Joe 72,22 41,70 10

 

Horse & Hound dressage recap

[Update] Rovano Rex withdrawn from Short List; replaced by Andromaque

By on Jun 14, 2012 6:01 pm -

Marilyn Little Meredith and RF Rovano Rex, photo by Samantha Clark

 

From a USEF press release, Marilyn Little Meredith has withdrawn RF Rovano Rex from the USEF Eventing Short List due to veterinary reasons.

“I am incredibly grateful to the USEF Selection Panel for their faith in RF Rovano Rex and myself, and for the honor of our inclusion on the Olympic Short List for 2012,” said Little-Meredith. “Unfortunately, I believe it is in the best interest of my wonderful partner to save him for another day, though I wish everyone all the luck on the road to London. The US is so fortunate to have such a talented and driven group of horses and riders to represent our sport in London, and these riders are equally as fortunate to have an unparalleled support system in place as provided by the USEF.”

 

Marilyn and Rex have been replaced by Will Faudree and Andromaque.  Andromaque will now fly to the UK on June 18th with the other Short List horses.  This withdrawal also moves Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow from the first ranked substitute position onto the Nominated Entry. All of the Short Listed horses will be evaluated again by the USEF Veterinary Panel prior to departing.

 

[UPDATE: 6/15/12, 2:30pm]

The Chronicle of the Horse has updated information on the decision to withdraw Rovano Rex:

Rex passed USEF veterinary inspections prior to the naming of the short list on June 11, but a subsequent bone scan requested by a USEF representative on June 13 and a second veterinary opinion independent of USEF team veterinarians Dr. Catherine Kohn and Dr. Brendan Furlong was considered. Pursuant to that evaluation, the decision was made to withdraw Rex. 

“I want the best for my horse. He’s sound, galloping, and in the best form of his life,” Little-Meredith said. “I’m really disappointed, but I also understand that I am not a vet and if there is an opinion out there that thinks he should have more time, then that’s what needs to happen.”

From IEA Horse Trials

By on Jun 14, 2012 1:05 pm -

Marianne deBarbadillo and her horse Paco recently competed in the Novice 3-Day Event at the Indiana Eventing Association Horse Trials at Hoosier Horse Park the first weekend in June.  Marianne was kind enough to send us a story of her experience, finishing 4th and winning the Sportsmanship Award.  Congratulations, Marianne, and thank you for sharing with us!  Send your stories to [email protected].

——————–

 

From Marianne:

I am 68 years old and competed for the second time in the novice 3 day.  My ground crew was my husband, my daughter, who has trained and competed two horses through intermediate, and my grandson age 8.5 who is jumping cross rails on a saintly pony.  So 3 generations of eventers, doing it 3 ways  for 3 days.  Go eventing!!

 

What a great weekend!  I placed 4th but that is only a part of the fun.  Having my family pit crew for me was so special.  Elena hasn’t forgotten anything from her days as a competitor. And Alex at age 8 was such a big help.  And thanks to my husband for his hand-holding and for having some Gatorade for me in the vet box.

As I was approaching the vet box after cross-country a loose horse galloped around me and then went on by.  Paco was nervous but stayed with me-good boy!!- people in the vet box attempted to catch the loose horse but it turned and ran directly at me.  Paco whirled and jumped to the left and I hit the ground hard.  OUCH!  The first thing I said was, “Can I continue?”  Since the fall was in the vet box and not related to a jump the answer was Yes. Elena went after Paco so he could be checked and caught up with him and the original loose horse by the dressage arenas.  So that got sorted out and Paco got back to the vet box and checked out fine.  I was also vetted by some very nice and competent EMTs and needed no further care. They did refuse to massage my right butt where I landed.  Oh well!

At the advice of my coach, Cathy Wieschhoff, I had Elena present him on Sunday morning as I was a bit off myself.  He passed and we went on to jump a double clear stadium.  I was thrilled to place 4th but a bit overwhelmed to receive the Sportsmanship Award.  I feel this was a team effort and the good sportsmanship  includes them also.  My right butt now looks like an impressionist painting in black and blue.  We won a handpainted stall plaque with his picture on it!  What a good boy!    Lee Ann and her crew did such a great job and were delightful to be with.
Dorothy Crowell was so supportive.  The steeplechase school was so much fun and we were much better than last year.  I keep having adventures!  Life is good.  I wonder if I am among the elite for falling off in the vet box AFTER cross-country?  Heads up and keep on kickin’!

 

-Marianne deBarbadillo

Luhmuhlen CIC*** Dressage Results

By on Jun 14, 2012 12:06 pm -

 

Dressage has concluded for the CIC*** division, and Germany stands firmly atop the leaderboard with four of the top five and seven of the top ten placings.  Michael Jung and Weidezaunprofi’s River of Joy are in first, with a remarkable 27.8 (that’s 81.47%!).

 

CIC*** Top 10

1.  Weidezaunprofi’s River of Joy /Michael Jung (GER)  27.80
2. Little Paint /Frank Ostholt (GER)  32.80
3.  Wega /Sara Algotsson-Ostholt (SWE) 34.00
4.  Halunke FBW /Michael Jung (GER) 34.20
5. Tabasco 70 /Ingrid Klimke (GER)  36.20
6.  Mister Pooh /Niklas Lindbäck (SWE) 37.20
7.  FRH Butts Abraxxas /Ingrid Klimke (GER)  38.00
8. Free Easy NRW /Simone Deitermann (GER) 38.20
9. Noonday de Conde /Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) 42.00
10. Franco Jeas /Andreas Ostholt (GER)  42.20

 

American Julian Stiller and Enjoy Me are currently tied for 12th with a score of 43.4.

[Full Results PDF]

All horses passed Luhmuhlen jog

By on Jun 13, 2012 6:31 pm -

Photo from Boyd Martin

 

All 44 CCI**** horses passed the jog at Luhmuhlen today. The CIC*** will compete in dressage tomorrow (Thursday) and the CCI**** on Friday.  For reference, Germany is six hours ahead of the US Eastern time zone.  Check out Boyd’s recap of the jog on his blog here.

 

Link to CIC*** ride times [PDF]

Julian Stiller and Enjoy Me ride at 11:47am Thursday morning (5:47am EST).

 

Link to CCI**** ride times [PDF]

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz will start at 9:33am Friday (3:33am EST).

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton ride at 9:57am (3:57am EST).

Boyd Martin and Ying Yang Yo will start at 11:34am (5:34am EST).

Julian Stiller and Chapel Able ride at 2:45pm (8:45am EST).

 

Photos courtesy of Boyd Martin.

Boyd Martin and Ying Yang Yo

 

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz

 

Looks like Peter wouldn't pass the jog, but Henny did, thanks to Bettina Hoy

 

Peter, Henny, and Boyd

Remembering Dick and Vita Thompson

By on Jun 13, 2012 12:30 pm -

As great as last week was for our sport, the eventing world was saddened by the passing of legendary owner, announcer and eventing supporter Dick Thompson last week.  EN reader Emily Henderson knew the Thompsons through her grandparents, and they helped inspire her to try eventing.  Emily was kind enough to send us a brief remembrance of the Thompsons.  Our takeaway from this guest post is the wonderful impact that supporters of our sport such as the Thompsons can have on the lives of so many eventers.  If you have something to share, send it to [email protected].

—————-

 

Emily and "Peepers" at the Radnor Hunt PC HT

 

From Emily:

 

My grandparents, Joan and Gerry Henderson have been best friends with Dick and Vita Thompson for over 40 years. They have spent a few weeks together each year for countless years on the island of St. Barths/St. Martin. When I first got into eventing, 10 years ago, my grandparents were already quite fond of the discipline because of the Thompson’s and their huge involvement in the sport. My grandparents knew mainly of Biko, the horse of the century! They gave me a poster of the eventing team that participated in the Atlanta Olympic games (including Karen and Biko). This poster was signed by Karen, David, and even Biko and given to my grandparents who then passed it on to me. That was it for me; eventing was now my life and I wanted to be like the icons standing on the podium in this poster.

 

I was so scared when I first met Vita, a big time woman in the eventing world, and I was just a little girl who had just begun my beginner novice career. She was in a golf cart doing some sort of radio work for the big Radnor Event held each year. She was so busy, but stopped what she was doing to tell me all about her horses and even a bit about Karen. Not so scary anymore! She told me to look for the big tower and that Dick would be up there announcing all weekend. My first novice event was at the Radnor Hunt Pony Club. It was just a schooling horse trials but Dick Thompson was announcing. My grandparents had informed him that I was going to be competing that day. He made a special effort to announce EVERY jump I conquered on that hugmongous novice course (that now seems so tiny)! I had trouble focusing on my course because I was just so thrilled to hear my name on the loud speaker- good thing I was on an eventing schoolmaster. The Thompson’s have been such an important part of the Eventing world, as well as my grandparents lives (and even mine). It is heartbreaking to hear of another loss in the eventing world but such a joy to know all of the grand things that the Thompson’s did for our community. So here’s to them; truly missed but never forgotten.

 

-Emily Henderson

Luhmuhlen Notes

By on Jun 13, 2012 9:05 am -

Peter Atkins and Henny will return to action at Luhmuhlen CCI**** (photo by Samantha Clark)

 

Luhmuhlen CCI**** begins today (Wednesday) with the jog.  The event is also hosting a CIC*** in addition to the four-star.  For some, this could be a last-chance effort to make an impression for Olympic selection– though some teams have already been named (like Canada, Great Britain, and the USA short list).  Quite a few waterlogged Badminton hopefuls have re-routed to this event, including EN favorites Colleen Rutledge with Shiraz, and Peter Atkins with Henny, among others.

 

Here’s a bit of brief info on Luhmuhlen to get you started:

Main website (in German).

Main website translated to cheesy English via Google translator.

 

Entry List.  USA competitors: Boyd Martin with Yin Yang Yo, Colleen Rutledge with Shiraz, and Julian Stiller with Chapel Amble and Enjoy Me (CIC***).  Australian notables:  Peter Atkins with HJ Hampton, Andrew Hoy with Rutherglen, and Paul Tapner with Inonothing.  Some German Olympic hopefuls, too, mostly in the CIC***:  Andreas Dibowski, Ingrid Klimke, Bettina Hoy, and Frank Ostholt to name a few.  Oli Townend (GBR) is entered with Andrew Nicholson’s former ride, Armada.  Don’t worry, Andrew still has three other horses to ride this weekend– Shady Grey, Calico Joe, and Mr. Cruise Control, all in the CCI****.  He’s joined by fellow New Zealand legend Mark Todd on Major Milestone.  There are many scratches in the entry list, as some riders went to Bramham instead, or otherwise changed plans; however, it’s shaping up to be a very competitive field.

 

Schedule of Events:  (note:  Germany is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern time.)

Wednesday – CCI**** jog

Thursday – CIC*** dressage

Friday – CCI**** dressage

Saturday – CIC*** and CCI**** cross-country.  Retirement ceremony for the great German event horse Marius.

Sunday – CIC/CCI vet inspection, followed by CIC*** and CCI**** show jumping.

 

Stay tuned for more news and reports from Luhmuhlen through the coming days.

Rewind: Photos from Tattersalls

By on Jun 12, 2012 12:25 pm -

Many thanks to the wonderful photographer and FEI vet Eric Swinebroad for sending us all these lovely photos from the Tattersalls event in Ireland June 2-3.  William Fox-Pitt won the CCI*** with Bay My Hero.  [Results]

 

Updates from England: Colleen Rutledge and Meg Kep

By on Jun 12, 2012 10:34 am -

Colleen Rutledge is on her way to Luhmuhlen, after a minor snag trying to leave the UK.  From colleenrutledgeeventing.com:

Colleen and Shiraz at The Fork CIC***, photo by Samantha

………….
Leaving England

June 11, 2012

I almost managed to not be allowed out of England. Luke had his vet check this morning and when I asked if all the papers were there, I was assured they were. They weren’t. Little problem of not having the export license. Paul, keeping a cool head, just called the agent and she faxed it over to the docks. Lydia, you are awesome. Did I mention we’re sitting at the dock at 11:15 at night trying to get on the ferry?

More later when we’ve reached Germany.

–C

 

————————————————

 

And now for a video blog from Meg Kep, presented with Tate, touring the beautiful British countryside.

 

Confirmed bids from five nations for 2018 WEG

By on Jun 11, 2012 11:26 am -

Photo by Eric Swinebroad

From an FEI press release, five nations have announced bids to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games.  The five official candidate cities are: Rabat (MAR); Bromont (CAN); Budapest (HUN); Vienna (AUT) and Wellington (USA).

Eight countries expressed interest in November 2011: Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Morocco, Sweden, Russia and the USA.  The Australian, Russian and Swedish applications were withdrawn prior to the start of the official Candidate Phase earlier this year, but the five remaining applicants have moved ahead with their bids.
As the final stage in the bidding process, the Candidates will formally present their bids to the FEI Bureau at its Spring 2013 meeting, after which the official announcement of the host organizers of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 will be made.
It is exciting that the World Games could come back to North America (for just the second time ever) in 2018, either at Bromont or Wellington.  Go WEG!

Stephen Bradley: Plan A, B, C, D…

By on Jun 11, 2012 10:32 am -

We’ve been following Stephen Bradley throughout most of the winter/spring season. His original plan was to shoot for Rolex with Leyland, but today he tells us how he had to adapt and re-route to Jersey Fresh, where they went double-clear on cross-country and finished in 9th place. Thanks for writing, Stephen, and thanks for reading.

———————–

 

Stephen Bradley and Leyland at Jersey, photo by Stephanie Bradley-Green

 

From Stephen:

 

Plan A, B, C, D …

 

Rarely do things go according to Plan A when it comes to horses (especially if you plan on competing).  Most times you have to go to Plan B.  And sometimes resort to Plan C or D.

 

At the beginning of each year I map out a tentative competition plan for each horse and then formulate a conditioning schedule that will allow the horses to reach their peak at just the right time.  This spring I had Leyland aimed for Rolex in April, and all of his spring competitions went according to plan.  Until the last one.  I headed down to The Fork for a final run before Kentucky and, while dressage was not our finest, cross-country was going great.  Leyland was jumping out of stride and going along easily.  Unfortunately, I didn’t take that one extra tug that I needed going into the sunken road, and we parted ways.  This definitely not part of Plan A!

 

So now what?  With only 2 weeks until Rolex, I could have gone with the plan of going slow on cross-country.  Or I could re-route to Plan B … Jersey Fresh CCI3*.  While there’s nothing like competing at Kentucky, Jersey Fresh seemed to be the better choice for Leyland.  So now I was faced with an extremely fit Thoroughbred that was going to compete in 4 weeks instead of 2 weeks.  To avoid too much excitement at Jersey, I ended up giving Leyland a few days off, followed by a few easy days before putting him back to work.  It’s as important for their mental state as their physical one to not keep them at their peak for too long.

 

Another example of quickly changing from Plan A to Plan B would be Marble Arch’s spring season.  This is an exciting young horse owned by Helen Brettell that joined my barn last summer.  Helen’s sister-in-law bough Archie as a foal in England and sent him over to Helen as a 3-year-old to get started. Helen had planned on competing him through the upper levels (Plan A).  For good or bad, Archie can be a bit quirky, and Helen brought him to me to sell (Plan B).  Between me seeing a lot of potential in Archie, and Helen not really wanting to sell him, she decided to leave him in training with me to see how far we could go (Plan C).  It took a few months for us to settle into our relationship, but Archie has taken 2012 by storm and is winning left and right.  He started to get a bit fit and feisty after his last Preliminary run, so instead of trying to school him through it and potentially take away any of his new-found confidence, I sent him back to Helen’s for a two-week hacking vacation.  It was the perfect thing for him and he came back refreshed and ready to work.  Look for him to move up to Intermediate this fall!

 

Stephen Bradley and Marble Arch at Loudon HT, photo by Stephanie Bradley-Green

 

As we enter the hot summer months, I will most likely give the horses a break from competing, as I’m not a huge fan of competing in 100+ degree heat!  I have a busy clinic schedule coming up and hope to see some EN fans while teaching.

 

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank everyone that made this successful spring season possible: The Nicholson Family, Charlotte Harris, Helen Brettell, and Peter Foley for owning a great group of horses; and sponsors Purina, Charles Owen, Devoucoux, Back on Track, Equilite, Haygain, Multi-Radiance and Kentucky Horsewear.

 

– Stephen

I’ll Have Another is out of the Belmont Stakes

By on Jun 8, 2012 12:25 pm -

 

Sorry to interrupt the stellar Bramham and Bromont coverage, but the Bloodhorse.com has just reported that Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another has been scratched from the Belmont Stakes.  Trainer Doug O’Neill said that the colt has a tendon injury, and may be retired.  More information may be released in a press conference with Doug O’Neill and owner Paul Reddam at 1pm (EST).

 

No Triple Crown this year.  The wait continues.

Meg’s Airline Travels with Sinead Halpin’s Manoir De Carneville

By on Jun 7, 2012 7:05 pm -

While most of the US Olympic hopefulls are competing this weekend at Bromont, Sinead Halpin’s Manoir De Carneville “Tate” is already on his way to England for Olympic lead-up preparations.  Tate’s groom, Meg, was kind enough to send us an update from the flight to Europe.
—-

 

From Meg:

Ah, nothing like a giant Swiss cheese sandwich and a lukewarm cup of instant coffee to get one fueled for a 6 hour flight to Liege, Belgium.

Tate has traveled like a star thus far, but I cannot say the same for all of his new friends. His girlfriend, Six Belles, has managed to injure herself getting off the trailer coming into the vetport  and again getting back on the trailer leaving the vetport.  I told her not to worry because I am stealing her and she is coming to England.

Tate’s other buddy, young stallion “McKickerson,” has finally calmed down.  I must commend whomever produces the pallets the horses are in because they some tough cookies…all horses seem to be enjoying the new found peace and quiet of the flight.  I have made friends with a show jump groom who works for an adult amateur rider that is flying 2 of her horses to france to ‘play’.  That is a direct quote.

Dear eventers: make friends with show jumpers.
Signed, broke event groom who is now friends with rich show jump groom

The two professional grooms on the flight are nice, and very good at sleeping.  I will have to say flying with Richard on my first flight spoiled me, but I suppose it is time for the baby bird to fly from the nest and figure out the airline kettle on her own.

The pilots are all European and are very friendly. The youngest pilot keeps trying make jokes about the plane crashing in broken English.  I only laugh at them because he is flying the plane and I don’t want to give him any reasons not to like me.  But the upside to laid-back pilots and no door separating the cockpit from the galley is that they let me sit in with them during takeoff.  Pretty cool shizznizz, but it’s still terrifying and they still were making jokes about not making it.

I feel as if my journey has only just begun. When we land in Belgium we are trucking 3 hours to the ferry…crossing the channel, then trucking a few more to Maizey Manor.  I’m almost 24 hours in, but fear I have about 24 more to go.  I’m hoping to lose as much weight as my counterpart during these travels…but probably not with these giant Swiss cheese sandwiches on board.

Well, ta ta for now …. Good luck to everyone at Bromont!

Xx  Meg Kep and Taterball! ….and Six Belles.

Introducing a new Junior Guest Blogger

By on Jun 6, 2012 3:45 pm -

Today we’d like to welcome Mikaela Kantorowski, our Junior Guest Blogger for this summer. She will be checking in as a working student for Jan Byyny at Surefire Farm in Virginia.  I also did my first time as a working student when I was 16, and it was an experience that shaped my life forever.  Thank you for writing, Mikaela, and thank you for reading.

ioooo

Mikaela and Text at the Virginia Horse Trials.  Photos by Jacqueline Larouche.

 

Hey Eventing Nation! My name is Mikaela Kantorowski and I am from Southern Pines North Carolina. I am 16 and go to school full time here in Southern Pines, a rising senior, and I am your typical horse crazy eventing teenager. Six months ago I acquired my current mount whom I love to death. His name is “Text” and he was formerly owned by Eric Dierks who took him to the two star level. That in itself was a little daunting and to add to the fact that he is 17 hands made it a little more but we have created a great partnership, even if still a little new, and had a great spring season.

 

My home for the summer will be at Jan Byyny’s wonderful Surefire Farm. Here in Southern Pines, I train with Bobby Costello and I’ve competed up to training with my former horse.  One main goal for the summer is to make the move back up successfully. I would love to improve every aspect of my riding. We spent the spring season at novice really trying to build our partnership so it will be easier to move up the levels later on and make sure there are no major holes. Our hardest phase– or really my hardest phase is show jumping because I don’t have the strongest position over fences and sometimes don’t trust myself.  But we have been doing some jumper shows and my performance is getting more consistent and stronger with each ride. Also sometimes Text has a liverpool phobia so we will be jumping all the liverpools we can find this summer.

 

At my last event, the Virginia Horse TriaIs, I unfortunately had one rail at the last fence, but it was one of the best rounds on him and really showed our hard work is paying off. His dressage was great and he cruised around cross country in typical Text style! The weekend as a whole was a very good experience and the courses were challenging. Huge shout out to my Young Rider Team Challenge teammates Jacqueline Larouche and Eliza Granger, as well as our other add-on Maxine Preston for a great competition and to come out 2nd out of 15 teams! Not to bad for a last-minute team, y’all rock!

 

I am leaving for Jan Byyny’s wonderful Surefire Farm on the 8th of June (which is Friday ahhh!) and cannot wait. It’s all about getting the last minute details done right now. I plan to compete at least twice while I am in Virginia and the first being Surefire Farm Horse Trials, of course, since it’s at Jan’s farm.  I would love to be able to take advantage of doing the PRO riders junior training level scholarship and make it my first event back at training level. Then we will hopefully go to Maryland Horse Trials 2 and get another run in at training before I leave for Young Riders as I am grooming for the Area II Team this year. Being able to travel over the summer is such an exciting opportunity for me and I look forward to sharing all my adventures with everyone here at Eventing Nation!! I was able to talk with Jan at the Virginia Horse Trials and she was so nice. I also met some more of the girls I will be working with. This will be my first time being gone completely for the summer and I look forward to learning a ton and meeting new people. Being in such a happening horse area will be amazing and I actually look forward to the 5 am wake up calls and the long days in the barn! Today I had my last hack and gallops on the big guy, and my last two days home entail some dressage and LOTS of packing. I still can’t believe the summer is upon us and I leave in two short days! Hopefully the next blog will be from Surefire Farm!

 

Go Summer and Go Eventing!!! -Mikaela & Text

Team Wallace: Road to Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2012 9:16 am -

From the Team Wallace Blog:

 

June 4, Part II

Rick Wallace, Jon Holling, and Leslie Law finally arrive in Canada! Rick sports some “Mountie Hair.” Leslie waves like the Englishman that he is. The crew discovers a “Quebecois Publix,” and barely makes it across a skinny bridge with a 20 tonne maximum.

——————–

 

June 5

Rick, Jon, and Leslie begin the day at the Bromont Olympic Park. Rick takes Ultimate Vicotry (aka Cody) for a hack, and gives a brief tour of the beautiful facility. A ‘Double double from Tim Hortons is a must when in Canada. The Day finishes as the group is joined by Jon’s parents for dinner.

Waredaca HT

By on Jun 5, 2012 11:05 am -

 

13-year-old Madeline Parisan and Hope To Star finished second in their Preliminary Rider division

 

 

From Helen Casteel:

Hi EN!

We had a picture perfect weekend for Waredaca’s June 2-3 event in Laytonsville, MD.  The DC/MD/VA area got pounded by heavy t-storms Friday and we had about two inches of rain in a couple of hours.  The ground absorbed it all which created near perfect footing for our competitors.

About 350 combinations competed including Phillip Dutton, Sally Cousins, Boyd Martin, and Buck Davidson who’s collarbone appears to no longer be be a hinderance.  He had four in the OP and all finished on their dressage score; Copper Beach (below) looked especially impressive.  Lee Lee Jones and The Foreman skipped around cross country and we were all happy that area VIII’s   Robin Walker had five beautiful rides in the Intermediate and Preliminary divisions.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors, including but not limited to: Southern States, Bit of Britain, Black Country Saddlery, Jump4Joy, SSG Gloves, and Potomac Valley Orthopaedic Associates.  We value their partnership and support of our sport!

 

Team Wallace: The drive continues

By on Jun 5, 2012 8:56 am -

From the Team Wallace Blog:

 

June 4,
A.M.

Rick, Jon, and Leslie enter New York during the early hours of the morning. Although rainy, the scenery is beautiful. The three talk about the possibility of attending a Queen concert and make important decisions about wardrobe.

Safety Flags Rule Proposal

By on Jun 4, 2012 8:25 pm -

 

At Jersey CCI***, Will Coleman’s horse Cool Connection suffered a horrific accident when he became impaled by the flag at a narrow fence.  In the interest of improving safety, the USEF Eventing Technical Committee has issued a rule proposal to ensure safe flags are used at corners, skinnies, and other narrow-faced obstacles.  There remains the potential for the rule to be amended during the approval process as it does require final approval by the USEF Executive Committee on June 18th.  If passed, it will take effect on August 1.

 

From the USEA:

 

EV140.4  (New)

4.  Safety Flags

i. The types of fence required to use safety flags include:

  • a. Corners;
  • b. Fences of less than 3m ( 9’8”) width;
  • c. Related fences which because of their design offer a jumpable line of less than 3m (9’8”) width;
  • d. Fences designed to be jumped on an angle where knocking a flag is a possibility;

 

ii. The flags and poles on these fences must meet the following criteria;

  • a. The flag poles must be made of a material that cannot shatter, break or splinter, such as suitable plastic or carbon fiber or any other appropriate materials;
  • b. There must be no points anywhere on the flag poles and any sharp corners and/or edges on the flags must be rounded;
  • c. Flags must be secured in such a way that they ‘break away’ and/or move away from the fence if/when struck by either horse or rider in such a way that the chance of horse and/or rider being injured is significantly reduced.
  • d. All flags and flagpoles to be used in these situations will need to be approved by the Technical Delegate.

It was wet at GMHA

By on Jun 4, 2012 3:13 pm -
EN reader Alice competed in her first preliminary horse trials this past weekend at GMHA, where she was the only double-clear stadium round in her division.  Congrats Alice!
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From Alice:
Hi guys!

It was very wet. Very very wet. Check out the splash in stadium Saturday mid morning:

That was me, Alice VanBokkelen, riding Fair Deal (Skippy) to the only double clear stadium in JYOP. It continued to rain like that all day with the rising stream and the deepening muck. At 5pm Saturday evening they announced XC would run the next day with a modified course. They took out the upper field and the coffin and removed the combinations around the water, making them single jumps (splash throughs to separately numbered jumps on the other side). Thankfully the sun came out Sunday morning and XC got started. There were a lot of withdrawals before XC (mostly the day before) and the warm up was complete muck, but the course rode well and it was still a good first time out at prelim for me and the boy.
Big thanks to the organizers for trying their best to make it a fun and safe day!
Alice VanBokkelen

Rick Wallace, Leslie Law, and Jon Holling travel to Bromont

By on Jun 4, 2012 1:15 pm -

The invasion of Canada continues.  As our fearless EN leader John attempts to smuggle himself across the border in somebody’s tack trunk, Rick Wallace & Crew are also in the midst of their journey.  As promised, they have provided a video journal of their travels.

 

From The Team Wallace blog:

Part I

Rick Wallace documents his trip to the Bromont CCI*** Three Day Event in Bromont, Quebec. In this first installment, we see Jon Holling’s disappointment at not having won the lottery, hitting the road with Leslie Law, and successfully passing through the Florida Agricultural Center and into Georgia. The group is already getting a little ‘punchy,’ as a fashion-clad Rick Wallace tries to maintain his balance while RV-surfing.

 

Part II

In part two of our Bromont coverage, Rick Wallace, Jon Holling, and Leslie Law travel through North Carolina and into Virginia. Rick is promoted from steward to driver, groom Katy Long experiences an unfortunate name change as a result of a mistake made in the production of our first video, and Rick comes up with an innovative cup design that allows him to drink coffee and drive at the same time.

 

Volunteering at the Colorado Horse Park

By on Jun 4, 2012 11:02 am -

Volunteers are the lifeblood of this sport– our fun weekends simply wouldn’t happen without them!  Today we are proud to share a story from Emily, who jump judged at the Colorado Horse Park this past weekend.  I know we are all busy with our horses, our jobs, and everday lives…but please take the time out to volunteer at your local event if you can!   Thanks to Emily for sending us this report from the Colorado Horse Park, and thank you for reading.  If you have a story to share, send it to [email protected].  Go volunteers!

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From Emily:

 

Greetings, my name is Emily, I live in Northern Colorado and have been horse crazy since I could crawl, I’ve done Pony Club and eventing for years but lately between a combination of college, work, not having a horse, getting married, and now having a baby in my belly I’ve been unable to actively compete in Eventing since 2008. Bummer! So, I instead get my “fix” by heading down to the beautiful Colorado Horse Park every June to volunteer. Not only do I get to watch lots of lovely horses jump around cross country but I get to very feel useful!

This year my husband and pups got dragged tagged along to keep me company out on course. We got to the horse park early Saturday morning and, after a bit of confusion, found the volunteer tent for XC (I scored a golf cart ride out with the organizer, Andy Bowles—who by the way was fabulous! The event went super smooth and he never appeared stressed and was very approachable and friendly).  The day started with Beginner Novice and the weather was beeeaaauutiful to being with. My dogs were thoroughly enjoying themselves romping around before XC started by finding a nearby pond and dunking themselves in it and getting rather dirty… lovely.

 

View towards the Rockies of the lovely rolling terrain of the CHP XC course

 

 

Next up was the CCI**, OI, CCI* and OP divisions. We got stationed at fence 20 for the two star (which was also fence 15 for OI), a large but straightforward brush and ditch.

 

My husband’s thoughts on this fence were “It scares me!” (it was the first time he’d ever seen a CCI fence in person) but the jump rode easily and with no issues.

 

 

Maggie Deatrick and Divine Comedy in the CCI**

 

 

Sydney Conley Elliott and Pancho Villa in the CCI**

 

 

Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of Heather DuBois and Every Wish, the winner of the CCI**!

 

Cynthia Wiseman and Vote Yes in the OI

 

 

Kathy Cain and Legal Limit in the OI

 

 

Moving onto the CCI* and OP we also had no troubles at our fence, but some riders were not so lucky at other combinations on course.  About this time it started to get very very HOT.

 

The pups finding shelter under a makeshift tent erected between our chairs.

 

 

I have to stop here and say that the CHP takes very good care of their volunteers!! Golf carts were constantly running around course bringing drinks, lunch, cookies, hats, and just checking on us in general. It’s really not hard to jump judge, as long as you can understand what constitutes a refusal/runout and can jot a few notes after each horse and radio that they are clear, you can do it! I definitely recommend that every eventer volunteer for at least one event, it will give you a whole new perspective and appreciation for all the hard work the folks behind the scenes put into making sure that you can have the best ride possible!

 

Remember what I said about hot weather? Well, all morning we were watching the storms steadily build over the Rocky Mountains. By lunchtime is looked like this:


So when one of the jump judges radioed asking if lunch came with a bit of shade, Control answered, “Look to the west and be careful what you wish for!”

 

Sure enough, about 1:30pm, halfway through the training divisions a red flag warning was issued with lightning strikes less than 6 miles away. All the horses were sent back to stabling and volunteers were herded into two horse trailers parked on course to hide from the rain and pray we didn’t get struck by 1 billion volts of electricity!! And rain it did, suddenly, fiercely, and quickly. A typical Colorado summertime thunderstorm, I cannot count how many times I’ve watched these storms roll in and out at the CHP over the years. Amazing to watch really!

 

See that little red dot? Yeah, that was us.

 

 

We resumed cross country at 3pm, as while it was still raining the lightning danger had passed.  The organizers were AWESOME by letting all the jump judges drive their personal vehicles out to their jumps!! Last time I jump judged and it was raining they made us sit and suffer tough it out in the rain.

 

Nice and cozy inside my car!

 

 

The Novice divisions wrapped up the day; thankfully it had quit raining at this point and the weather was nice and comfortably cool, perfect conditions really to run XC! We were running riders 90 seconds apart instead of 2 minutes and managed to finish at a quarter after 6pm, not bad considering it was an hour and half delay and things were supposed to finish by 5 otherwise.

 

A Novice rider heading towards the eastern loop of her course.

 

 

I have to say I was really impressed with the Cross Country course this year! They took their old, unused water complex and gave it a complete facelift with brand new jumps and questions, which now gives the course three water questions.  They have expanded all tracks to the east, taking advantage of this new water complex and the terrain questions it asks (it is located down in a little wooded gulch with the rest of the course being open rolling prairie to the east and west). Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to walk any of the courses due to being busy all day, but that’s ok!

 

Things ran very smoothly all day, jump judges got to their fences promptly and there was little confusion the whole day. We got called “Stupendous!” by control by the end of the day, it was great. About half a dozen riders fell off, but no horses or riders were injured (although one horse eluded capture for quite some time, making his way back through warmup, across the road, and all the way back to stabling before being caught!).

 

It was a great day and we all enjoyed ourselves, until next time I will be nursing a funky sunburn and looking forward to the next time I can get out on cross country, either as a volunteer or on my horse. I really don’t care, both are fantastic experiences and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

 

Cheers!
Emily