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Much to Do at the Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 12, 2021 9:00 am -

Images courtesy of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

In addition to giving us a front row to first-class five-star competition, the 2021 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill promises plenty of entertainment on the side as well. There’s something for everyone with great shopping, demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities and more.

  • Education: Horse lovers of all ages can learn more about horses and interact with the horses and trainers from Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers at Horseland at the Maryland 5 Star, a free exhibit sponsored by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
  • Shopping: Over 75 vendors will feature gifts, apparel, décor and more. BROOKBEND Interiors Arts & Crafts Center will be showcasing all things Maryland, novelty socks, home décor, whiskey/wine bar accessories and so much more! They’ll be offering a unique experience for adults and children during Jolie Home Paint Studio Workshops throughout the entire event.
  • Dog-friendly: For those bringing their canine friends, the KONG Equine Doggy Day Care offers off-leash fun and complimentary doggy daycare services every day of the event. There are limited reservations available through the Maryland 5 Star ticket portal, and walk-ins will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. KONG Equine will also have Puppuccinos available from 8 to 9 a.m. each morning at their tent.
  • Drinks & dining: Check out the featured brands and chocolates at the MARS VIPet Experience, while also exploring nine food truck options and eating at an onsite seafood restaurant run by The Wellwood of North East, Md. Activities over the weekend also include a 21 and over event, the Maryland 5 Star Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase Powered by Grow & Fortify (Saturday, Oct. 16, 12-5 p.m.) with a variety of craft beer, wine and spirits from local producers, as well as the family-friendly Maryland 5 Star Fresh Food Fest (Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) with seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats and seafood, and much more.
  • Military: Taking place on Saturday from 12-1 p.m., the Military Riding Showcase will include a meet and greet and book signing with the soldiers and horses of The Old Guard Caisson Platoon, demonstrations from a mounted color guard and Maryland’s mounted police units, and a mounted drill to music by the Freedom Hills Veterans Drill Team.
  • Mustangs: On Friday, competitor in Maryland’s CCI3*-L division and well-known advocate for the American Mustang, Elisa Wallace, will perform a demonstration with two of her mustangs in the main arena during the break between the 3 Star and the 5 Star. The Chincoteague Pony Drill Team will perform Saturday at 2 p.m.
  • Drive: Land Rover, the Official Vehicle and Presenting Sponsor of Cross Country Day, will have a sales center on-site at the event! Go Above and Beyond by experiencing their luxurious range of vehicles in person in the Land Rover Sales Center Oct. 14-17.

In addition to the CCI5*-L, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is hosting a CCI3*-L which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.

The event takes place Oct. 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County). For ticket information, please click here.

Volunteer Nation: Nine Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Oct 8, 2021 9:00 am -

Thank you to the amazing volunteers who have been dedicating their time helping make our park look beautiful!! We are so excited for next weekend to see all of the hard work pay off!💙

Posted by Mid-America Eventing Association on Sunday, October 3, 2021

The success of an event can begin with volunteer work weeks or even months before the first horse heads up the centerline. Job well done to everyone (four-legged friends included) who pitched in to help paint jumps in preparation for this weekend’s Heritage Park H.T. in Olathe, Kansas.

Here are nine events that could use a helping hand from YOU this weekend!

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Radnor Hunt Horse Trials (October 8th, 2021 to October 9th, 2021)

Poplar Place Farm Fall Horse Trials (October 9th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Heritage Park HT (October 7th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Woodside International Horse Trials 2021 (October 7th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Morven Park Fall International & HT 2021 (October 6th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Windridge Farms Fall HT (October 8th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Other Events

KDA (October 8th, 2021)

2021 MDHT October Starter Horse Trial (October 8th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

JACKPOT SCHOOLING SHOW (October 8th, 2021 to October 10th, 2021)

Thursday Video: Get to Know Georgie Spence

By on Oct 7, 2021 7:30 pm -

Georgie Spence and Halltown Harley. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In the latest episode of FEI TV’s “RIDE” series, we get to better know British eventer Georgie Spence and her top horse Harley. She talks about her journey from showjumping to eventing, the privileges of working with horses, and her special bond with Harley.

“I think being in sync with a horse is sort of understanding what boundaries you’re allowed to cross, and I think with any relationship or partnership with any animal or any person is that sometimes you have to let them lead. Sometimes a horse can be really strong and you can’t dominate them and you have to just say, do you know what, I trust you and I’m going to let you go,” she says.

Go Eventing.

All 24 Horses Pass Morven Park CCI4*-L First Horse Inspection

By on Oct 7, 2021 7:18 pm -

Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

We’re looking forward to following along at Morven Park this week as the Leesburg, Va. venue prepares to kick off its much-anticipated CCI4*-L as a highlight of the fall eventing calendar. Twenty-four combinations will contest the CCI4*-L and all were accepted in front of the Ground Jury, made up by President Gretchen Butts, Jo Young and Jame Hamlin.

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Erin Gilmore is the official show photographer this weekend — if you’re competing this week, you can order your photos from Erin here — and we’ve got some gorgeous shots from a beautiful Virginia fall day.

CCI4*-L dressage kicks off tomorrow and while there is no live stream, you can follow scores here. In addition to the horse inspection, the CCI 4*-S and CCI 2*-S started dressage today.

The 4*-S leader is William Coleman with Chin Tonic HS, who scored a 27.7. Will reflected, “We had a great day for sure! Chin Tonic, owned by Hyperion Stud, is a really talented horse! This is his second event and second 4* competition and we think he’s got a bright future.” When asked about competing at Morven Park, Will continued, “I love Morven Park! I have been coming here since I was a kid and am excited about the 4*-L.”

Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper are second on a score of 31.0. Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are third on a score of 31.5.

Arden Wildasin leads the CCI 2*-S divisions “A” and “B.” She scored 27.7 riding Southern Sun in “A” and scored 27.2 on Tokyo Drift in “B.”

The 2*-YH division leader is Caroline Martin, riding Galwaybay Blake, who scored 25.1. When asked about her first day of competition, Caroline said, “He’s a superstar and I’m lucky to have the ride on him.” She continued, “This is my favorite event of the year and I have to thank my groom Hannah Koehler and my business partner Casey McKissock for getting me here.”

Friday will see the start of the 4*-L and 3*-S dressage competition at 8 a.m. In the afternoon, competition continues for the 4*-S and 2*-S competitors with show jumping in the Grand Prix Arena. 3* show jumping begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

In addition to the international levels, the horse trials divisions start on Saturday. Meanwhile, 4*-L and 2*-S cross country start at 9 a.m. This year’s course designer, Derek di Grazia, is a world-class eventer and served as cross country course designer for the 2021 Olympic games in Tokyo. If you’re at Morven Park this week, be sure to check out some special course walk opportunities with Meghan O’Donoghue and more.

Best of luck to all competitors!

Morven Park: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores,

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Three Spotless Saddles for Sale

By on Oct 7, 2021 1:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Springing for a gently used saddle can be easier on the pocketbook than buying one for its retail price — you just have to know where to look. One place to peruse used tack listings, or post your own saddle-for-sale ad, is Sport Horse Nation. Here are three saddles, two jumping and one dressage, that recently caught our eye. They look nearly new!

Photo via SHN.

18in Stubben Genesis Dressage Saddle 27cm tree Black

Barely used in fantastic condition. Only selling as I need a different size. 27cm tree works well for most Thoroughbreds and other narrower breeds. Designed to give plenty of wither clearance without interfering with the freedom of the horse’s shoulder or putting pressure on the sensitive muscles around the wither. Wool flocked. Checked over by Stubben rep and 100% sound tree etc.

From the Stubben Site:
“Our popular dressage model features an extra deep seat, unique detailing to the back of the seat, and hinged knee rolls that lay flat against the horse’s side when the saddle is girthed.”

Photo via SHN.

2020 CWD 2Gs

CWD SE25

Full Buffalo
2L Flap
dark brown
17 seat- Semi deep seat
Pro panels
Comes with cover

Back carbon piece cracked (see picture). Cosmetic only. Located Ottawa, ON. Shipping available at buyers expense.

Photo via SHN.

18in County Stabilizer Medium Tree

Impeccably kept County saddle for sale. A dream to ride in, well balanced with grippy leather. No nicks or scratches, reflocked last fall. I wish I could hold on to it, but it just doesn’t fit my horse. Open to reasonable offers. Located in Ithaca but will ship.

 

Get Out the Eventing Vote for the 2021 FEI Awards!

By on Oct 5, 2021 1:00 pm -

Nominees have been announced for 2021 FEI Awards, and now it’s up to the public to determine the winners! Choose your favorites from the final shortlist of candidates for FEI Best Athlete, Rising Star, Best Groom, Against All Odds and Solidarity Awards from today until Oct. 17. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Antwerp, Belgium on Nov. 17.

The public vote will count 50% of the total vote, with the other 50% being decided upon by this judging panel. As patriotic citizens of Eventing Nation, we know which party you’re going to be voting for. Here are the eventing nominees:

Nominee: Julia Krajewski (GER), up for Best Athlete

Why she deserves to win: Julia made history in Tokyo, breaking the glass ceiling to prove that prove that a woman can wear individual eventing gold. Julia overcame innumerable obstacles and heartbreaks on her path to the top step of the podium — she could easily have been a nominee for the Against All Odds award, too. 

Ingrid Klimke and her daughter, the newly-minted Young Rider European Champion Greta Busacker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Nominee: Greta Busacker (GER), up for Rising Star

Why she deserves to win: Greta, age 19, is the daughter of 2020 winner of the decade Ingrid Klimke, but she’s been making a name for herself in her own right. Most recently she became the 2021 Young Rider European Champion and earned big wins this year at Bad Harzburg, Westerstede and Radolfzell.

Tsetserleg and Stephanie Simpson. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Nominee: Stephanie Simpson (USA), up for Best Groom

Why she deserves to win: As a longtime groom for Boyd Martin, nobody works harder than Stephanie to keep the elite equine athletes under her charge happy, healthy and fit. The photo above says it all — Stephanie has her hands full! — but whether putting in long hours at the farm or on the road, her unwavering work ethic and passion for horsemanship is clear.

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Nominee: Laura Collett (GBR), up for Against All Odds

Why she deserves to win: Success has never been handed to Laura, and the obstacles she has overcome — including a severe cross country accident in 2013 that put her in a coma for six days and destroyed her vision in one eye back — would have derailed a less determined individual. From her five-star win last year at Pau to team gold in Tokyo, she’s fought her way to the top.

Nominee: Sue Ockendon (CAN), up for the Solidarity Award

Why she deserves to win: As an FEI Technical Delegate and longtime Bromont Horse Trials organizer, Sue Ockendon has plenty enough on her plate. Yet she’s made time for the MARS Bromont Rising Program, established in 2019 to offer financial aid and training to eventers under the age of 25. And the importance of her work to improve the quality and safety of cross country courses cannot be overstated.

 

The amazing stories of all the nominees in the five categories can be found here.

The public now has 13 days, Oct. 5-17, to cast their votes for their heroes. Make sure you have your say and vote here!

The complete list of nominees for the FEI Awards 2021 are:

Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete – paying tribute to the athlete who over the past year has demonstrated exceptional skill and taken the sport to a new level.

  • Peder Fredricson (SWE), Jumping
  • Julia Krajewski (GER), Eventing
  • Jessica von Bredow Werndl (GER), Dressage
  • Sir Lee Pearson (GBR), Para Dressage

Longines FEI Rising Star – for the youth athlete aged 14 to 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment.

  • Sam Dos Santos (NED), 15, Vaulting
  • Greta Busacker (GER), 19, Eventing
  • Jimena Carrillo Watanabe (MEX), 14, Jumping
  • Marten Luiten (NED), 20, Dressage

Cavalor FEI Best Groom – for the behind-the-scenes hero who ensures the horses they look after are given the best possible care.

  • Stephanie Simpson (USA), groom for Eventing athlete Boyd Martin (USA)
  • Jorge Luiz Gonzales (ARG), groom for Jumping athlete Matias Albarracin (ARG)
  • Kathleen Van Winden (NED), groom for Para Dressage athlete Sanne Voets (NED)
  • Marie Johansson (SWE), groom for Dressage athlete Patrick Kittel (SWE)

FEI Against All Odds – for an inspiring individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions and overcome challenges and obstacles along the way.

  • Beatrice de Lavalette (USA), Para Dressage 
  • Laura Collett (GBR), Eventing
  • Japan Equestrian Federation
  • Dr Ruben Fausto Arismendi Garat (URU), Endurance Veterinarian

FEI Solidarity – for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has used skill, dedication and energy to expand the sport.

  • Hellenic Equestrian Federation (GRE)
  • Sue Ockendon (CAN), founder of the Bromont Rising Program
  • Compton Cowboys (USA), community programme in Compton, Los Angeles
  • Equulus Charity ‘Pursuit of Dreams’ (CHN)

The winners will be decided by combining 50% of the public’s vote and 50% of the judges’ vote for the final result. The nine expert judges for this year’s FEI Awards are:

  • Ingmar De Vos (BEL), FEI President
  • Matthieu Baumgartner (SUI), Longines Vice President of Marketing
  • Peter Bollen (BEL), Founder and chief nutritionist of Cavalor
  • Martin Atock (IRL), Managing Director of Peden Bloodstock
  • Kyra Kyrklund (FIN), six-time Dressage Olympian for Finland, six-time FEI Dressage World Cup™ finalist and winner of the 1991 FEI World Cup™ Final
  • Andrew Hoy (AUS), eight time Olympian and team silver and individual bronze medal winner for Eventing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
  • Lucy Katan (GBR), founder of British Grooms Association (BGA) and the International Grooms Association (IGA) with the support of the FEI
  • Hannia Chinchilla de Wolf (CRC), President of the Federación Ecuestre de Costa Rica and FEI Solidarity Committee member
  • Wendy Laeremans (BEL), Belgium National Federation Sport Director & Chef de Mission

 

#EventerProblems Vol. 277: Meet U.S. Eventing’s TikTok Superstar

By on Oct 3, 2021 9:00 am -

With over 29,000 followers, eventer Amanda lo Cousins of ACE Equestrian in Hume, Virginia is nailing it with her TikTok account (@pewpewsnponies). By turns hilarious and inspiring, we’ve loved following her adventures with Duncan, her 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Bellamy Road x Dontstealmythunder). After a very nearly spotless cross country record together (what a cross country machine!)…

@pewpewsnponies what a horse #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons

… Amanda broke and I mean REALLY broke) her arm when her horse had a bobble (but she didn’t fall off!) in the two-star at Great Meadow in August, and very sensibly retired on course. We wish Amanda a speedy recovery and thank her for keeping all our spirits high.

@pewpewsnponies Can’t even #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ original sound – Marcial

@pewpewsnponies It’s kind of like that 😂 big week #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ original sound – Tik Toker

@pewpewsnponies haha true to life right now!! #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ Cry or boss up how about both – Annie

@pewpewsnponies It’s where I’m at #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ Cry myself to sleep every night – Juju🦋

@pewpewsnponies Can I get an amen? 😂 #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ I will grow under any conditions – Singing to your subconscious

@pewpewsnponies Truth #equestrian #horsesoftiktok ♬ original sound – toxic king

@pewpewsnponies To celebrate officially entering my first 2* today! #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ original sound – Jade Wallenburg 🇦🇺

@pewpewsnponies Me pulling 8 strides out from a big table 😂 #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ original sound – mark🥷🏾

@pewpewsnponies How I get changed for XC #horsesoftiktok #equestrian ♬ misery 4 u – Nick

Don’t forget to tag ’em on social for inclusion in future editions! Go Eventing.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Congrats, Area VII Champions

By on Sep 29, 2021 6:00 pm -

Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Champions Hayden Brown and Cooley Merrywell Mint. Photo via Trinity Eventing Instagram.

Area VII held its championships at Aspen Farms International H.T. in Yelm, Washington over the weekend — big congrats to all the winners! We stalked them on YouTube and found a few videos posted of their rides from our friends at RideOnVideo.

You can view complete results from the event here.

Beginner Novice

Open Beginner Novice Championship: Chris Gianini and Athena (29.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Championship: Hayden Brown and Cooley Merrywell Mint (31.3)

Novice

Junior Novice Championship: Stella Wright and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (27.9)
Novice Rider Championship: Katy Hood and Padric (24.0)
Open Novice Championship: Kelsey Horn and Konnan O (21.2)

Training

Junior Training Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Explosion (22.1)
Open Training Championship: Amber Birtcil and Le Top F (23.6)
Training Rider Championship: Julie Williams and Dark Horse (24.1)

Preliminary

Open Preliminary Championship: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (25.4)

Intermediate

Open Intermediate Championship: Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Seryndipity (42.5)

Fight back against colic and digestive upset.

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The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

 

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Ireland Fresh

By on Sep 28, 2021 1:00 pm -
Photo via Sport Horse Nation. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Get your next Irish Sport Horse straight from the source! Three of this week’s featured sale horses are still in Ireland, waiting for some lucky eventer to punch their plane ticket to the U.S. The fourth is fresh off the boat, already up and running in Pennsylvania.

Check out these and more at Sport Horse Nation!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

DSL Tarquin

16.2 hands (167.5cm)
ISH by Puissance x Aquila (Quiletto, SF)
Bay Gelding
Temperament 5/10

2012 Irish Sport horse Gelding

Quin has all the style, scope and rideability to excel in the North American show ring. With a history in eventing, you will not find a question that he cannot answer. Quin has recently made the move to the jumper ring and shows scope for 1.30m ++ He has a very straightforward way of going and is very forgiving, so he would be ideally suited for a junior or an amateur looking for a great trustworthy partner for the jumper ring. He would also take care of a rider to come up the eventing ranks, with a long show record in Ireland at intermediate and 2* level.

When you buy a horse from us you are not dealing with a brokerage or agency, listing as many horses as we can get the authority to list. Instead, we select talented young Irish horses and develop them in a slow and thoughtful program to bring out their true potential and foster trusting relationships with their riders.

Quin is located in Ireland with Canadian representation. Our knowledgeable team can help facilitate a smooth and easy purchase process and delivery to your farm.

Recent xrays available to serious buyers.

Located in Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Super Irish Gelding

Fresh off the boat! We have a 4-year-old gelding by renowned eventing producer Obos Quality landing this week. The 16.2h bay is out of a full thoroughbred dam. He is the caliber of horse to be successful internationally and is quiet and kind enough for a junior or amateur as an eventer or show jumper. This top quality boy has been cubbing, eventing and horse showed.

Located in Nottingham, PA.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Class Connemara 15.1hh

The ultimate Allrounder.
Ardnehue Crystal Rock.

-A 7 y/o, 15.1hh, Connemara performance mare.
-Top pedigree sire by Blackwoodland Rock.
-Has the most beautiful loving temperament.
-Is a dream to ride, obedient and adjustable goes at the riders pace.
-Loves jumping and has tremendous scope.
-Super mover, elegant floating paces.
-Is fantastic cross country, extremely brave and jumps everything in her path.
-Has competed in all disciplines.
-Will compete at a high level.
-Excellent to handle in all situations. Is good to trailer, shoe, clip, bath, groom, hack alone or in company.
HWSD status N/Hwsd

This mare is one in a million.

Located in Co. Carlow Ireland.

EXCEPTIONAL EVENT HORSE

CHESTERFIELD WILLPOWER
16hh 7 year old dark brown gelding
By Puissance
This absolutely stunning horse Is a star in the making , he is a serious jumping machine with the flash , look at me attitude on the flat . He jumped double clear for 5th place in his first EI 115 ( intermediate ), he has 6 double clears at EI110 (Novice) with multiple wins, including the special 6 year old class at Punchestown, where he was the only horse to finish on his 20s dressage score, and again winning at Tattersalls finishing on his dressage score .
This seriously talented horse has the wow factor, he is very attractive to watch with real presence.He has an incredible engine, gallops easily with a great jump, scope and athleticism .
He absolutely adores his job is brave and bold with the heart of a lion and he has proven himself as a top class eventer for the future. 100% to shoe, clip, load, travel.
Genuine enquiries only please.
Based Southern Ireland
00353 879526265
Videos available on request

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Eventer Maggie Sheehan Awarded USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship

By on Sep 27, 2021 2:00 pm -

Maggie Sheehan and Absoroka in 2020. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

One of the five USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarships awarded for 2121 went to a eventer, Maggie Sheehan. Earmarked for graduating high school seniors, the scholarships were created to support students who are committed to continuing their involvement in equestrian sport while in college through an equestrian-related degree, volunteerism, or internship; riding on an intercollege equestrian team; or other equestrian-related activity. The scholarship awards a $1,000 grant to each recipient to be used towards education expenses at their college or university.

Maggie, of Perkinsville, Vermont, plans to attend the University of Vermont, pursuing a major in Animal Science with a pre-equine veterinarian track. She has loved everything about horses and riding from the very beginning, and said pursuing a career to give back to the animals who gave her so much was a no-brainer.

“I went from a shy, unconfident little rider to a well-rounded person who’s able to speak for myself, solve problems, think ahead, and keep pushing no matter the circumstances. Now, I navigate new life challenges with a steady demeanor, patience, and grit,” says Maggie.

“Every day I’m reminded of everything my trainer and each horse that comes in and out of my life has taught me. So I wasn’t really surprised when at the end of one day, sweeping the aisle while the late afternoon summer light danced through the barn, the thought crossed my mind: I could do this for the rest of my life. I want to help each horse as much as they’ve helped me. So, I’m pursuing a career in equine veterinary medicine.”

Maggie has been riding for about 11 years and eventing for the past five or six. As a working student at Greylock Farm/Sue Berrill Eventing, she was able to learn the sport of eventing on several horses, a couple of which she competed for a notable amount of time.

Maggie Sheehan and Practically Perfect in 2019. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.com.

The first was Practically Perfect (“Hobbes,”) whom is owned and was competed through Intermediate with Ariel Grald. “He taught me the ropes and helped me gain a lot of confidence back that I’d lost from previous experiences, and took me from Beginner Novice up through my first Training.”

Hobbes came up unsound a couple years ago, and while Maggie rehabbed him for a year she rode Sue Berrill’s homebred Absoroka (“Phoebe.”)

“She was so much fun, one of the smartest and funniest horses personality wise I’ll probably ever meet!,” Maggie says. “I think she really helped me evolve as a cross country rider, and I rode her for a season at Novice.”

When Hobbes went back to Ariel last fall because he’d developed arthritis in his stifles, Maggie began leasing her current ride Chequers Superstar (“Chequers”), who belongs to a long-time boarder of Sue’s, Nicole Diana.

“He’s pretty much the quintessential perfect horse, super sweet, well behaved, looks to please, no drama kind of guy,” Maggie says. “Denney Emerson actually said everybody deserves to have a Chequers at some point in their life!, so I’m super lucky to have the opportunity to lease him! We’re currently competing at Training level, and headed to GMHA for the Area 1 Training Level Championships this weekend.”

Looking ahead to her first year of college, she says, “I’m aiming to take him to school with me second semester, and I’m hoping as long everything goes accordingly to take him Prelim maybe next season or the one after! I would like to continue working with horses through school. I’ll just keep an eye out for opportunities, whether it be riding, school programs, internships, or just working around a barn. I think there’s always more to learn with horses!”

Best of luck to you, Maggie! Additional scholarships were awarded to hunter/jumpers Samantha Adamczyk of Loxahatchee, Fla. and Caroline Johnston of Upper Saddle River, N.J. and dressage riders Gracie Lynch of Berea, Ky. and Emma Teff of Renfrew, Pa. Learn more about the scholarship here.

Preview Captain Mark Phillips’ Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S Cross Country Track

By on Sep 24, 2021 6:50 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Stable View Oktoberfest is presented by Kentucky Performance products. The horse that matters to you, matters to Kentucky Performance Products, and they’ve designed a time-tested line of supportive products that will help your horse live his or her best life. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.

There’s a lot to take in this weekend and we’re gearing up for an exciting day of cross country jumping at Stable View’s Oktoberfest event, which serves as a good ramp-up event for riders’ fall three-days, for which there are plenty of options this year. We’ll see most of the pairs competing in the CCI4*-S this weekend at the Maryland 5 Star, the inaugural Morven Park CCI4*-L and Tryon International’s USEF CCI4*-L Championship in November, primarily. Oktoberfest also features a CCI3*-S, a CCI2*-S, as well as National divisions up through Intermediate. Click here to check in on results from the first day of competition.

Shelby Allen will be on the ground at Oktoberfest tomorrow to catch the cross country conclusion, and in the meantime here’s a look at what riders will be tackling as designed by Captain Mark Phillips. Course description is provided by Stable View.

Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

The start in front of the Hunt Boxes over the Log Box (1) looks familiar on the best grass cover yet at Stable View. The Cabin (2) will help settle the nerves and all will enjoy the rollercoaster ride up to the Hammock (3). The Barn (4) is the first really big fence and the end of the warm up holiday.

Approaching the Pavillion the MIM Tables (5) on a five-stride bending line will not hold too many fears and the Blanchard Table (6) in front of the pavilion looks as big as ever.

The Derby Field Water (7) comes early enough so will need commitment and the Brush Corner (8) after is the first real question of balance, control and accuracy.
All will enjoy the Trakhener (9) and the long gallop up to the Dog Kennel Water (10). Here the roll back to the MIM rail into the Water will help, but these days the frangible rails come down all too easily if the quality of the canter is lacking. Riders then have just three strides to the Step Up and ‘bounce’ over another set of daunting MIM rails.

There is no holiday though at the Step Down (11) where riders have to leave yet another set of MIM rails standing before a ‘bounce’ down the Step and two strides to a very big looking Triple Brush. The Cross Question (12) will provide something of a light relief before the climb up to the Derby Field Alp (13,14). The Triple Brush atop the Alp looks scary with the steep descent behind as horses approach the offset Stable View Brushes before going onto a big left hand Corner. Control and accuracy are paramount here from beginning to end.

The Double Brush (15) is as large as ever but the GL Williams Water (16) maybe easier than sometimes once in over the narrow Cabin as the boat in the water is straightforward.

The frangible Gate (17) and the Hayrack (18) in the cut through are simple enough but it is decision time again at the Academy Field Alp (19). The Chevron Table is big, but it is then a forward five strides to the Corner or a more conservative add is possible.

All will enjoy the Step Table (20) as they approach the Meadow Oxers (21). Here riders bend left four strides over the two large oxers before bending right four strides to an open Corner. This is a technical combination but should not cause too much trouble.

Riders will then enjoy the trip home over the Diamond Brush (22), the Aquaduct (23) and then Barry’s Desk (24) and the Finish.

Click the image to view the full preview on CrossCountryApp:

Friday Video from SmartPak: Watch Ingrid Klimke Score a 20.2 in Avenches

By on Sep 24, 2021 4:30 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD have taken the first-phase lead as they chase their third consecutive Europeans title. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

EN’s coverage of the 2021 FEI Longines European Eventing Championships is brought to you in part by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products and its wide array of supplements available for your horse.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob have returned to competition fantastic form, positioning themselves to make it a hat trick of wins at the FEI European Eventing Championships with their leading dressage score of 20.2.

Relive their test courtesy of this playback video from FEI TV.

Ros Canter and Allstar B are just 0.4 point behind and will sit second heading into cross country on a score of 20.6. And just three-tenths of a point behind them is Thursday leader Nicola Wilson with JL Dublin, putting on the pressure with their score of 20.9.

With the top three all within a point of one another, there’ll be no margin for error come cross country day!

Be sure to keep it tuned to EN for live coverage throughout the rest of the week!

The 2021 FEI Longines European Championships: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

#EventerProblems Vol. 276 from Ecovet: You Can’t Rain on This Parade

By on Sep 24, 2021 11:00 am -

I’m riding in the rain / just riding in the rain / what a miserable feeling / I’m soggy again ….

Weather, as we all know is but one of many, many #EventerProblems. There’s also, just to draw a few examples from this week’s edition of #EventerProblems: smashed jumps, swollen legs, generalized OCD, a different sort of tree-hugging … we’ll just let you guys take it from here:

Don’t forget to tag ’em on social for inclusion in future editions! Go Eventing.

Thursday Video: Watch Nicola Wilson Score a 20.9

By on Sep 23, 2021 6:00 pm -

EN’s coverage of the 2021 FEI Longines European Eventing Championships is brought to you in part by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products and its wide array of supplements available for your horse.

Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A low-low dressage score of 20.9 put Britain’s Nicola Wilson and the ten-year-old Holsteiner JL Dublin solidly in the lead on day one of FEI European Championships dressage. As Tilly Berendt noted in her report from today in Avenches, Switzerland, the exceptional score isn’t just an international personal best for JL Dublin — it’s the best test of Nicola’s career, too.

Relive their test courtesy of this playback video from FEI TV.

Will anyone be able to best it on day two? You can be sure that tomorrow’s heavy hitters — including World Champions Ros Canter and Allstar B, Michael Jung and fischerWild Wave, Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, who were the highest-placed Brits at the 2019 European Championships, Swiss superstar Felix Vogg and Cartania, Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy and Leonidas II, and, of course, reigning two-time European Champions Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD — won’t be holding back.

Be sure to keep it tuned to EN for live coverage throughout the rest of the week!

The 2021 FEI Longines European Championships: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Volunteer Nation: Nine Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Sep 23, 2021 1:00 pm -

ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR: ROBERT KELLERHOUSE
🔷
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: GOLLY MARTIN
🔷
These are two of the key roles in…

Posted by Area VI Eventing on Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Congrats to Robert Kellerhouse and Golly Martin! As Area VI put it so well, “Without organizers we would just be a bunch of horse people jumping over picnic tables and golf carts. Without volunteers we would all be at a well organized event staring at one another because we couldn’t compete without volunteers.”

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Here are

USEA Events

2021 USEA FEH Qualifier + Jump Chute Clinic (September 24th, 2021)

Stable View Oktoberfest FEI CCI-S 2*/3*/4* HT: September 18th, 2021 to September 26th, 2021

2021 FEH East Coast Championship: September 25th, 2021 to September 26th, 2021

Twin Rivers Fall International 2021: September 22nd, 2021 to September 26th, 2021

Old Tavern Horse Trials 2021- at Great Meadow: September 24th, 2021 to September 27th, 2021

Fleur de Leap Horse Trials: September 25th, 2021 to October 3rd, 2021

Other Events

September POP (September 26th, 2021)

NEOMTS Championships at Stone Gate Farm (September 24th, 2021 to September 26th, 2021)

Olney Farm Fall Starter (September 24th, 2021 to September 26th, 2021)

Go Volunteers. Go Eventing!

10 Reasons Why We’re Excited About Stable View Oktoberfest

By on Sep 22, 2021 11:00 am -

All eyes are on Aiken, South Carolina this weekend for Stable View’s fourth annual Oktoberfest, September 24-26, 2021. With $60,000 in prize money up for grabs for the FEI International 2*, 3* and 4* divisions plus prizes for all National divisions, competitors will be in it to win it at this top-tier venue that never fails to go all out for its guests.

A few reasons why we’re looking forward to this year’s incarnation of Oktoberfest, and why we’re just huge fans of Stable View in general!

  • Bigger and better than ever. Oktoberfest received 400 entries including 110 for its FEI divisions, which are stacked to the roof with big names including previous Stable View 4*-S winners Liz Halliday-Sharp, who’ll come forward with Cooley Quicksilver, and Phillip Dutton, who’ll be riding Fernhill Singapore and Sea of Clouds.
  • A truly unique experience. Stable View has tried to develop a program that’s different, uses technology and enables the venue to stand out in an increasingly competence marketplace. Its team is always thinking outside the box for ways to further Oktoberfest reputation as the East Coast’s premier fall FEI CCI4*-S event, and that attention extends to the high quality of experience for competitors of all levels.
  • First-class hospitality. Rider lounges offers breakfast to competitors and grooms and coffee/tea and snacks throughout the day. Each evening a complimentary “Graze and Gaze” features wine, beer, soda and a charcuterie board.
  • A commitment to affordability. Pricing at all events at Stable View is at the lower end of what would be a market rate, and the venue doesn’t charge entrance or grounds fees. Future advances, including the introduction of entries via Compete Easy, will lead to even lower costs and entry fees. For spectators, admission and parking are free, as is access to programs and entry to the Pavillion.
  • Top-notch courses. The same team of course designers — Mark Phillips, Mogie Bearden Muller, Eric Bull, Chris Barnard and Molly Bull — have been working at Stable View for many years, some from its inception. This consistency is very powerful in what’s an ever changing sport. Each course is different from its previous incarnation, as the jumps are put away after each event.
  • First-class footing. All the cross country courses are irrigated, and dressage and show jumping take place on Attwood Equestrian Surfaces footing. Riding in the arenas, it truly feels like you’re floating on air.
  • The people. Stable View’s owners live on property — they are, truly, “invested.” Their proximity and involvement supports a quick decision taking process and is evident in their accountability and consistently high standards. Their team of permanent employees mean that the venue’s amenities are maintained to that standard year-round. Between its accomodations and Stalls with Paddocks program, it’s no wonder Stable View has become a way-station for many riders as they travel up and down the coast.
  • The latest technology. From electronic programs that go above and beyond with enhanced information and links, to its future introduction of entries via Compete Easy which will lead to even lower costs and entry fees, Stable View is always on the cutting edge.
  • Serious about safety. Approximately 50% of the cross country jumps are either new or have [MIM] frangible Technology — the venue has been at the leading edge regarding support for and the use of this technology.
  • An eye to the future. Stable View has lots up its sleeve for the future, including a Loyalty Program, continued improvement to its Eventing Academy program, a new area within the cross country course that will allow for Long Format events, and the announcement of some good additional high profile dates in 2023.

For more information on Stable View and to view its full calendar of event, visit the website here!

Stable View FEI Oktoberfest FEI CCI-S 2/3/4* & USEF/USEA Horse Trials: Website, Entries, Stabling

Rest in Peace, Polaris

By on Sep 21, 2021 12:51 pm -

Sara Gumbiner and Polaris at the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN is heartbroken to report that Sara Gumbiner’s Polaris, whose story and spirit captured the hearts of so many, has passed away at age 16.

Sara produced “Larry” from Beginner Novice through the five star level, twice completing the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event with no cross country jumping faults. Notoriously unpredictable in the dressage ring, the Irish Sport Horse gelding (Brandenburg’s Windstar x North River Lady) had the heart of a lion over fences and consistently jumped his way up the scoreboard — and the bigger the fences, the better he got. We chronicled their journey together in a 2018 Kentucky preview article here.

Sara shared the following on Facebook today:

“We had to say goodbye to my heart horse too soon.

Larry,

These last few days have been filled with massive heart ache, it’s all I can do to muster the strength to admit that you’re gone.
I will be forever sorry that I wasn’t able to give you a massive green-field retirement that you deserved.
Thank you for teaching me never to give up and that even the wildest dreams can come true.
Saving my life more times than I want to admit.
Being the constant through a lifetime of change.
Teaching me that asking for help is the opposite of giving up and that partnership is everything in a cross country horse.
Humbling me and teaching me patience and giving me the greatest successes in my life to date.
Teaching me that this sport is the best and worst thing that can happen to a person.
Allowing me to compete on the international stage with the best riders in the world.
Teaching me that eventing is most definitely not a dressage competition.
Thank you for making my career; afterall we both knew everyone in my village is there because of you. Being the glue that created relationships with amazing supporters like Ann Nawn and Melanie Talent; whom I still cherish every day.
You were the king and very often the reason I woke up in the morning during the darkest hours.
You have taken a piece of me with you that will never be replaced.
I feel lucky to have known you and privileged to have been your person.

Rest in Peace Polaris; you are so very loved.
Sara”

We had to say goodbye to my heart horse too soon.

Larry,
These last few days have been filled with massive heart ache,…

Posted by Sara Gumbiner on Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Photos from the EN archives:

Our condolences to Sara and all of Larry’s team. Rest in peace, Polaris.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Jane Musselman & Bentley’s Best’s Win at the AEC

By on Sep 17, 2021 6:30 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s so cool to see esteemed upper-level horses finding a happy place in the world for themselves, giving others the chance to experience for themselves the joys of our sport. Bentley’s Best, a 14-year-old Trakehner gelding (Hirtentanz 2 x Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, by Eichendorff) is one such horse, who went through competing successfully at the 3* level with Jessica Phoenix to winning the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships Novice Rider Championship with Jane Musselman.

The pair led from pillar to post on a score of 24.2.

Congrats, you two!

Blenheim 2021 Cross Country Preview + Revisit Every Course Since 2012

By on Sep 17, 2021 10:00 am -

It’s neat to see how cross country courses evolve over the years, almost as if they are a living organism continuously growing and shape-shifting.

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is underway this week in Oxfordshire, UK, and in addition to posting this year’s CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S courses, our friends at Cross Country App have assembled together all of the venue’s 4* courses since 2012 — you can view those below.

And here are this year’s courses, with many thanks to designer David Evans for the recordings:

CCI4*-L

CCI4*-S

Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S: [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

How to Watch Eventing at CHIO Aachen

By on Sep 16, 2021 7:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of CHIO Aachen.

Eventing at CHIO Aachen kicked off Thursday with the jog and continues with dressage/show jumping on Friday and cross country on Saturday. Over 40 riders representing 10 nations make up the entry list and we’ll all be on the edges of our seats, be it in the 40,000-seat Hauptstadion or more of a home-couch type situation, to see who steps up to the podium.

The U.S. team:

  • Will Coleman and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off the Record Syndicate
  • Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire,  a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge
  • Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus are competing as individuals.

Want to watch? ClipMyHorse.tv is live streaming the event for its members. If you aren’t already a member, you can register beginning with a free 14-day trial period during which you won’t incur any charges and can cancel at any time. After that, an annual membership is $14.70/month USD billed as a one-off upfront payment of $176.40 (€149.95) or $19.12/month billed monthly.

Eventing dressage begins on Friday at 8:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. EDT) followed by the start of show jumping at 5:45 p.m. local time (11:45 a.m. EDT). Cross country takes place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST).

Tilly Berendt is on the grounds and will be bringing us all the latest. Stay tuned!

CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday Video: Watch the Leading 4* Dressage Tests at Blenheim

By on Sep 16, 2021 5:00 pm -

It’s day 1 of dressage at Blenheim Palace International H.T. Let’s watch tests from the early frontrunners of the two 4* divisions!

CCI4*-S 8/9 Year Old

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI in 2020. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Young horse classes offer a frighteningly accurate sneak peek at the likely superstars of tomorrow.  Since its inception in 2009, success in the class has been a scarily accurate predictor of future superstardom, with winners including several five star winners (Mark Todd’s NZB Land Vision, William Fox-Pitt’s Oslo, Andrew Nicholson’s Quimbo, Jonelle Price’s Faerie Dianimo and Laura Collett’s London 52).

At the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials this week, Ros Canter brings forward Izilot DHI for his 4* debut in the 8/9-year-old division, fresh off of two CCI3*-L wins this year at Houghton Hall and Blair Castle.

The leggy, 8-year-old Dutch gelding (Zavall VDL x UN, by Cavalier) was initially produced by fellow Brit Alex Postolowsky, and Ros took the reins in late 2019, promptly winning the British Six-Year-Old Championships at Osberton.

At Le Lion last year, Ros told EN that “he’s a sharp and spooky horse, but I wouldn’t change him for the world … He’s hopefully my next superstar; I think the world of him.”

Harveywetdog just posted a video of their test, which scored a 26.6:

CCI4*-L 

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir in 2020. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Meanwhile, in the CCI4*-L, Yasmin Ingham has the early lead with Banzai du Loir on a score of 25.2. This 10-year-old Selle Français gelding (Nouma d’Auzay x Gerboise du Cochet, by Livarot) owned by Janette Chinn is making his CCI4*-L deput, having contested the short format on multiple occasions this year and the last.

“He’s so lovely,” Yasmin told EN at Burnham Market in 2020, where he won the 8/9 year-old class. “He’s a very sharp personality; he takes a lot of work and is very buzzy, with his eyes on everything — he always has to know what’s going on. He’s also very sassy — he’s got a huge personality, which I love. He’s uber-talented — it’s like he’s got ‘it’ in every phase, which is great, because you usually have ones that are awesome jumpers, or awesome on the flat, and he seems to be talented in all three, which is rare.”

Many thanks to Harveywetdog for sharing — be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel here. Best of luck to both pairs!

Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S: [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores & Ride Times] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*-S 8/9 Year Old Top 10 After Day 1 Dressage

CCI4*-L Top 10 After Day 1 Dressage

Team USA Is All Clear Through CHIO Aachen First Horse Inspection

By on Sep 16, 2021 2:48 pm -

EN’s own dutiful professor of journotology, Tilly Berendt, says hallo from CHIO Aachen in Germany! She’s experiencing a computer adapter mishap and is currently out roaming Aachen’s dimly lit streets in search of a Best Buy, or whatever is the German equivalent of a place that sells computer stuff: “I’m going to keep looking until this whole stupid city shuts down. Which might be fairly soon this,” she says, unassuredly but with great conviction.

Half an hour later: “Okay. I have officially walked the length of this city and been into every shop that’s actually open at this time of night and I think I officially need to call this mission a failure.”

In the meantime, we didn’t want to leave everyone on tenterhooks about today’s horse inspection so here’s the scoop: all horses passed. Cathal Daniels of Ireland had to jog Rioghan Rua twice but only because she was being a bit spicy, we hear. Team USA — Will Coleman with Off the Record, Sydney Elliot with QC Diamantaire, Ariel Grald with Leamore Master Plan, and Tamie Smith with Mai Baum, plus individual competitor Lauren Nicholson with Vermiculus — are on to the dressage phase and show jumping phases tomorrow, followed by cross country on Saturday.

The one tiny plus side of her mission unaccomplished, Tilly reports, “is that other people are out having a nice time, which means I’ve witnessed gems such as two German girls loudly singing along to Doja Cat.”

Tomorrow is a fresh new day, Tilly. We believe in you.

With 10 countries and nearly 40 riders represented, the 2021 edition of CHIO Aachen is bound to be an action-packed couple of days but we are here for it!

CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

A few more dispatches from international competitors: