It’s a well documented fact (see #EventerProblems volumes 1 through 76) that there’s nothing normal about eventers. Vol. 77 is ready to be added to the evidence pile as well.
Some people who are going through a midlife crisis splurge on a sportscar, take up skydiving or have an affair with the mailman.
Since I am a 10-year-old horse crazy girl trapped in a 34-year-old body, I bought myself a pony.
The decision was a departure from my usual Napoleon Complex MO. As someone who sticks 5’2″ on a big-hair day, I’ve always gravitated toward oversized objects: my husband is 6’4″, I drive an F250, and I get a sick thrill out of jumping things that could swallow me and my horse whole.
In over my head, literally, at Southern Pines. Photo courtesy of Leslie Wylie.
My taste in horses has always run toward the Jurassic Park end of the spectrum, too. Need a hand getting the buck out of your 17.3-hand draft/T. Rex cross? I’m available! And no I don’t need a leg up, thank you.
But just below the surface of all that overcompensating let’s-wrestle-a-bear machismo, all I’ve ever really wanted — and it’s only taken me two decades and a few trips to the emergency room to admit this — is something a little more fun-sized. Specifically, a pony.
Unfortunately, it IS a lot to ask.
At present I pay board on two very fat, very happy pasture ornaments, Mishka and Esprit. Don’t get me wrong: I love them and am honored to flush checkbook after checkbook down the commode to give them the condo-in-sunny-Florida retirement they deserve. But with two horses already grazing down my income (lest we forget, I write about horses for the Internet for a living), buying a third — even a little bitty third — would be insane, right?
Fortunately, no one has ever accused me of being sane.
I talked to Ridgemor Farm’s wonderful managers, Tracie and Tally, who agreed to let me work off some of my board…
…and the search was on.
It literally took me about 30 seconds of perusing EN’s sister site Sport Horse Nation to find my dream pony: a 14.1-hand, 13-year-old Welsh cross named — wait for it — “Princess.” The next thing I knew I was in my truck, on the road to Lexington, Kentucky, for a test drive.
Princess’ owner lady-in-waiting Lexy Funk was clearly torn up about her decision to part ways with her beloved pony BFF. For six years the pair has been inseparable as they bounced their way from Novice to Training and then on up to Prelim, even competing at a CCI1* event.
Did I mention the pony has mad hops?
Prelim going on Advanced. Photo courtesy of David Mullinix Photography.
But as a recent college grad Lexy is now embarking on that annoying “adulting” phase of life — and Princess’ jet-set lifestyle is no joke. It’s hard, but sometimes loving a pony means letting them go.
I get it, Lexy. I know a once-in-a-lifetime pony when I see one.
Lexy’s trainer Elissa Gibbs hopped on Princess first, her normal-length legs dangling a bit low. Princess hadn’t been ridden in a few days and was eager to get on with it, pausing occasionally to kick out dramatically at her wet tail. She had the look in her eye of a four-star horse in the cross country warmup, ready to attack whatever popped up in front of her.
Which, to her disappointment, on this particular day turned out to be just a small hunter-y course, since Elissa might have pulled a rail with her own toes and I hadn’t really jumped anything (save a few 5′ foot hedges out hunting with the Ledbury) in the couple years since Esprit retired.
She was quick-on-her-feet, wicked keen and more than a little bossy, but every time she tugged the reins through my fingers I couldn’t help but grin. I have a thing for hot-sauce fueled rocket ships, mares in particular, as in my experience they’ll jump the moon for you — IF you can get them on your side. Princess struck me as the type that would either jump her heart out or, if you got in her way, take out every damn rail on the course.
But hey, I respect that mentality.
For the rest of the week my grown-up, sensible self wrestled with my inner little girl who’d watched one too many horse movies. Wouldn’t it be nice to own a nice, chill, not-fire-breathing equine for once in my life? Maybe we were too much alike. If you stack two Napoleon Complexes on top of one another, does the whole world explode?
Lexy and Princess: that bank is as big as you are, little pony! Photo courtesy of David Mullinix Photography.
Nailed it. Photo courtesy of David Mullinix Photography.
I tried to talk myself out of her…
…and looked around at a few other very reasonable event prospects on either side of the 14.2-hand mark, but I just couldn’t get Princess out of my head.
Finally, I sent them an offer accompanied by the following emoji…
This week’s honorable mention photo comes was sent in by reader Helene Hasselbach Gallagher — we’re not sure who originally posted it but it’s been circulating around Facebook and is too funny not to share!
Tag your pup pics #DogsofEN for inclusion in a future edition! Go Eventing.
I’m sure it’s not that high on their priority list, but I’m still looking forward to the day when the nerds out in Silicon Valley invent a sort of Google Glass type deal for eventers. To everyone else they just look like cool shades, but when you’re wearing them you can access all your stats — speed, where you are on course, maybe a little hologram of your trainer yelling instructions at you as you approach each jump.
The graphic overlay on this helmet cam video from Ingrid Klimke’s CIC3* cross country round at Luhmühlen on Saturday isn’t too off the mark. Ingrid is making short work of it aboard Horseware Hale Bob, who finished second in the division on his dressage score of 36.6.
Press space bar to jump!
If you just can’t get enough Luhmühlen cross country, and especially if you are an appreciator of repetitive techno beats, check out this highlight reel video. It includes cameos from top 10 finishers Boyd Martin and Crackerjack just after the one minute mark, and again at 5:18, 7:39 and 8:30.
Go Eventing.
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Jessica Phoenix and Bentley's Best. Photo by Jenni Autry.
While the 24 nations that have earned a place on the 2016 Olympic eventing roster continue making their final team selections, a just-released long list of nominated entries makes clear who could be Rio-bound — and who definitely isn’t.
Each nation qualified to take a full team to Rio may name up to 12 combinations per discipline plus up to three additional horses if they are direct reserves of riders listed in the main block with another mount. Just because a combination is nominated doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be selected for the team; however, if they’re not nominated, they’re for-sure not in the running.
You can view the full list of nominated entries on the FEI website here.
Today’s list held more “reveal” for other countries which had not yet made public their long lists, including but not limited to…
Australia: Similar to the U.S.,Equestrian Australia has adopted a High Performance Squad system of categorizing riders and/or combinations identified as having the potential to represent the country at major championships like WEG and the Olympics. The five members of Australia’s 2016 “gold” level squad — Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, Shane Rose, Paul Tapner and Stuart Tinney — are represented on the list and we expect them to be frontrunners come time for team selection. That said, wwe are cheering extra loud for U.S.-based Aussie Ryan Wood and Jersey Fresh CCI3* winner Powell! [Equestrian Australia]
Brazil: Disclaimer — We may be partial to Ruy Fonseca and Nilson Moreira da Silva, as both have been spent ample time in the folds of U.S. eventing while based in the States. We’d love to see them representing the home team alongside the two Marcios, who placed first and second at the Aquece Rio Olympic Test Event last year, or Henrique Pinheiro, who along with Jorge spent a month in Florida earlier this year en route to England to train with Team Brazil coach Mark Todd. [Confederação Brasileira de Hipismo]
Canada: Mum’s the word from Equine Canada with regard to details about when the final team will be named. For now we’re left to deduce clues from the Great Meadows International entry list; while the event isn’t a mandatory team outing for Canada as it is for the U.S., it may indicate that we will see the four names entered — Colleen Loach, Selena O’Hanlon, Jessie Phoenix and Waylon Roberts — in team or reserve slots. [Equine Canada]
France: The French have endured a long, troubled path to the Rio Olympics but, having earned their qualification back at the Euros after losing it on doping allegations at WEG, they’ve been on a tear. They came out swinging this spring, with Astier Nicolas, Thibaut Valette and Karim Florent Laghouag sweeping the top three spots at the first leg of the Event Rider Masters series at Chatsworth. Astier and Piaf de B’Neville, who beat out Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST for the Pau 2015 win, could find his way to the podium in Brazil. [Fédération Française d’Equitation]
Great Britain: It’s exciting to see rising-star British eventers like Laura Collett and Gemma Tattersall on the list with multiple horses alongside Olympic medalists like Kristina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell and Nicola Wilson.
The list of nominated entries indicates that Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland and Sweden will all be fielding full teams, the naming of which may be shrouded in less mystery than those outlined above. Belarus, Chile, China, Equador, Finland, Japan, Puerto Rico, Spain and Zimbabwe also show nominated entries.
The list must be submitted by the National Olympic Committees to the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee by July 18.
From top L clockwise: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (photo by Jenni Autry); Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF (photo by Leslie Wylie); Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill (photo by Jenni Autry); Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo (photo by Leslie Threlkeld).
The USEF has just issued another exciting team announcement, naming the U.S. squad for the Aachen CICO3*. The event takes place July 14-16 in Aachen, Germany.
The following horse-and-rider combinations, listed in alphabetical order, will compose the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team:
Matt Brown (Cochranville, Pa.) and Blossom Creek Foundation’s Super Socks BCF, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot, a 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and David Garrett’s Indian Mill, a 2005 English Thoroughbred gelding
Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 2006 Irish Thoroughbred Cross gelding
Team alternate:
Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, UK) and Deborah Halliday’s HHS Cooley, a 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Where there are #EventerProblems there are #EventerSolutions, as we horsefolks tend to be a pretty crafty, resourceful and frugal (read: broke) bunch. In this spinoff series we spotlight some of your most inventive problem-solving masterpieces. Be sure to tag your photos with the hashtag #EventerSolutions on social for inclusion in future editions!
Eventers invest a considerable amount of money in gear designed to help our horse’s feel and perform their best. So when we ourselves get a little busted up, the least they can do is share, right?
I for one am so relieved to know that I’m not the only one out there wrapping my legs in Ice Vibe boots after a tough run, using Vetwrap in off-label ways and curling up on the couch in a Back on Track blanket.
Makes a great throw! Photo courtesy of Leslie Wylie.
What have you “borrowed” from your horse for DIY physical therapy? Take it away, citizens of Eventing Nation!
Andrew Nicholson and Nereo at WEG. Photo by Jenni Autry,
Andrew Nicholson has only missed two Olympic Games since 1984 but the six-time Olympian won’t be making it a seventh in Rio de Janeiro this summer.
The New Zealand legend, whose fourth-place individual finish with Nereo at the London Games in 2012 helped his team secure bronze, has been embroiled in a legendary squabble with Equestrian Sport New Zealand since the 2014 World Equestrian Games — and it won’t be resolved before the upcoming Olympics.
A NZ Herald Radio Sport interview with ESNZ High Performance Coach Erik Duvander last week confirmed that Andrew was “not selectable” for the 2016 squad.
Andrew’s response:
After the broadcast NZ Horse & Pony Magazine followed up with ESNZ’s chief executive, Vicki Glynn, to clarify what was meant by “not selectable.”
Vicki told us that Andrew could not be considered for selection, as he has not met a number of administrative tasks required of all riders who were eligible for the Games.
“While Andrew did send in his initial paperwork for the Olympics, he has subsequently chosen not to complete a number of the other administrative requirements required by all riders looking to head to Rio,” she says. “There is a huge amount of information needed, not just about the rider, but also the horse, the owners of the horse and the groom.
“We have sent multiple reminders to both Andrew and his representative; however, the deadlines for these requirements continued to be missed.
“His representative recently advised us that Andrew hasn’t completed the paperwork because he isn’t on the High Performance Squad; however, riders who are not on a squad who hope to be considered for the Olympics still need to complete these.”
With the 2016 Team USA roster hot off the presses, Olympic fever is in the air. The squad we’re sending to Rio is a ferocious one, and everybody is hungry to see American eventing back on the Olympic podium. Could this be the year we bring back gold?
For today’s video let’s rewind to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, when Team USA took team gold and Karen Stives and Ben Aurthur won individual silver.
The squad:
Torrance Fleischmann (USA) and Finvarra. Photo via Virginia Hill/CC.
Bruce Davidson Sr. (USA) and JJ Babu. Photo via Virginia Hill/CC.
J. Michael Plumb (USA) on Bluestone. Photo via Virginia Hill/CC.
Karen Stives (USA) and Ben Arthur. Photo via Virginia Hill/CC.
Enjoy this cross-country footage:
We posted a fun 1984 Olympic photo roundup a while back, which you can check out here. If you still can’t get enough, FEI photographer Kit Houghton has some more amazing 1984 Olympic Eventing photos posted here and Horse Nation has a collection of 1984 Olympic equestrian videos here.
The USEF has just named the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The announcement reads as follows:
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named four athlete-and-horse combinations to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team and one traveling reserve for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Four direct reserve horses have also been named. A direct reserve horse would be an automatic replacement should the original horse on which an athlete was named need to be substituted. Eventing competition at the Olympic Games will take place August 5-9, 2016, at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The following athlete-and-horse combinations will compose the Team (in alphabetical order):
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Caroline Moran, Simon Roosevelt, and Thomas Tierney’s Fernhill Cubalawn, a 2003 Holsteiner gelding Direct Reserves HND Group’s Mighty Nice, a 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding Ann Jones and Thomas Tierney’s Fernhill Fugitive, a 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Team Rebecca, LLC’s Veronica, a 2002 KWPN mare Direct Reserve Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, a 2007 Thoroughbred cross mare
Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate, LLC’s Blackfoot Mystery, a 2004 Thoroughbred gelding Direct Reserve Gloria Callen’s Welcome Shadow, a 2005 Thoroughbred cross mare
Clark Montgomery (Tetbury, England) and Holly and William Becker, Kathryn Kraft, and Jessica Montgomery’s Loughan Glen, a 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Team USA! From top left clockwise: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn (photo by Jenni Autry); Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery (photo by Jenni Autry); Lauren Kieffer and Veronica (photo by Jenni Autry); Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen (photo by Libby Law Photography).
The following combination has been named as the traveling reserve:
Maya Black (Clinton, Wash.) and Dawn and Jonathan Dofelmier’s Doesn’t Play Fair, a 2005 Holsteiner gelding
The following athlete-and-horse combinations have been named as reserves (in alphabetical order):
Matthew Brown (Cochranville, Pa.) and Blossom Creek Foundation’s Super Socks BCF, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding
Sinead Halpin (Oldwick, N.J.) and the Manoir de Carneville Syndicate, LLC’s Manoir de Carneville, a 2000 Selle Francais gelding
Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and the Donner Syndicate, LLC’s Donner, a 2003 Thoroughbred gelding
Elisa Wallace (Jasper, Ga.) and the Simply Priceless Syndication, LLC’s Simply Priceless, a 2001 Thoroughbred gelding
Congrats to everyone who made the team!
To recap the selection process: Olympic hopefuls had the opportunity to qualify at one of the 22 events that served as selection trials. The selection period started at Rolex in 2015 and ended earlier this month with Bromont and Bramham. Horses were vetted after competitions throughout the selection period, and the final team vet evaluations were held last weekend, June 18 and 19, in Virginia.
Inspired by Jessa’s post, for this week’s edition of “OTTB Wishlist” we thought we’d shine the spotlight on babies — Thoroughbred babies, of course!
Here are three 3-year-olds who we think might want to grow up to be event horses. And they’re way more exciting than tiny, screaming, pooping-all-over-themselves humans in our book… check out THESE baby photos!
Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
If you’re looking for a prospect that is loaded with quality and class, Mr. Mayor(Bernardini – Mayoress (GB), by Machiavellian) has it all.
This 16.1-hand 2013 unraced gelding is smart, athletic and elegant, and should mature into quite a tall drink of water — his trainers expect probably 16.3 or 17 hands. They describe his movement as spell-binding, and his few attempts at free-jumping have them convinced of his athletic potential over fences. What this special horse needs to become a star sport horse is time to mature in body and mind. This is a sensation waiting to happen, if you have the patience to let him grow up and to bring him along slowly and properly.
I’m Not Decalf (Notional – Extra Caffeine, by Editor’s Note) has “potential” written all over him.
This 3-year-old Kentucky-bred colt is 16-hands and growing. He has never raced and his connections describe him as “a nice, good horse to start training for ANY discipline: eventing, hunter jumper, cross country, dressage….” You can check out a video of his floaty trot here — we’d love to see that channeled and sent down the centerline!
Accuracy (Stormy Atlantic – Positivelycharming, by Pulpit) is a tall leggy youngster with plenty of personality.
This 2013 16.1-hand unraced gelding loves to egg on his friends and play bite-y face (or neck or butt or whatever looks available for a good nip!) He wants to be your baby and knows he has done well when he gets a face rub. He isn’t really a dominant horse but is confident and can hold his own in a group. He does not have any stable vices.
Accuracy carries himself exceptionally well for such a young age. He has a big, lofty canter — his trainers report that the first stride of an upward transition might take you by surprise because he almost leaps in to the canter! Accuracy eagerly accepts new challenges and is quite focused on work. They think he would really enjoy going cross county as he has very much enjoyed the little trails he has been on. Best suited for lower-level jumping with a strong intermediate rider or advanced rider.
Captain Mark Phillipshas been Luhmühlen’s course designer since 2005, its first year as a CCI4* event. In 2013 his contract was extended by three year’s and will end after this year’s event, whereupon Mike Etherington-Smith will step into his shoes.
The outgoing designer took a moment at this year’s event to reflect on his relationship with the German four-star and its team, and express the principles underlying his cross country design philosophy.
We’re all looking forward to seeing how tomorrow’s course rides — you can click here for a preview.
It’s garnered positive first impressions from the riders, including CCI4* dressage leader Julia Krajewski, who remarked, “The course is definitely at four-star-level. Technically, every question is asked of horse and rider. However, all fences are fair and inviting. Riding clear lines and getting into a good rhythm will be important. The ground is perfect and I am hoping for a strong round tomorrow.”
This animated course preview gives a good feel of the winding track, which will have riders paying extra close attention to their watches. Commented Great Britain’s Oliver Townend, who sits 11th on Black Tie: “There are many positive challenges on this course. Due to the course looping a few times, I think the round will feel rather lengthy. Staying within the optimum time might be difficult but should be achievable.”
By all accounts the footing looks superb, as was pointed out by Australia’s William Levett: “I am so happy the ground is looking so good. There are many corners and skinnies on the way, so concentration will be important tomorrow. I think staying within the optimum time will be a challenge due to the many turns along the way. The water complex is definitely four-star and requires precision and positive riding.”
Germany’s own Andreas Dibowski, currently in fourth with It’s Me xx, said, “The course has been designed to give even horses with little experience a positive round, which is what Luhmühlen stands for. All questions are clearly defined and the combinations have been set out to be variable, giving each rider plenty of options.”
Stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. The FEI TV broadcast of CCI4* cross country starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST. You can watch live at this link.
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at Luhmühlen in 2016. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
Yesterday’s Luhmühlen CCI4* leader Julien Despontin was nudged off his perch today by Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot, who scored a 39.0 to become our leaders heading into cross country.
It was a dismal, soggy afternoon but Julia says the weather may have in fact given her “Sam,” a 10-year-old Selle Français, an unexpected boost
“I had planned to ride my test in lovely sunshine; instead we got rained on,” she said. “Sam was brilliant, though. In fact, I think the rain worked to our advantage, as he lifted his feet that little bit higher, making his trot work very strong. He was totally at ease with the atmosphere in front of the grandstand, which is why we were able to produce the test we did.”
Luhmühlen is both Julia and her mount’s first four-star attempt and they couldn’t have had a better lead-up to it this spring, most recently winning the Coral Estate H.T. Renswoude CIC3* at the beginning of the month.
Her plan for tomorrow: “I am hoping to give Sam a good and safe round, as he is a very careful jumper, and I want him to feel confident. He is fit and we should be able to produce a solid round.”
Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Belgium’s Julien Despontin and Waldano moved into second place, with Australia’s Emma Dougall and Belcam Bear on their heels in third. Fourth-positioned German Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx likewise may have benefitted from a little rain on their parade.
“Itsy was in top form today!” Andreas said. “The rain came just at the right time. It didn’t have to be quite as much, but it kept the horrid horseflies away! Earlier in the day Itsy was so annoyed with the horseflies, that I was really concerned how this would affect his performance in the dressage arena. With the rain the gelding was calm and focused, producing the test of his life!”
Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Boyd Martin and Lucy Boyton Lie’sCrackerjacklie in 20th heading into cross country on a score of 52.1. This pair is thirsty for redemption after their Badminton run ended early at the Vicarage Vee, as it did for many, in May, and we can’t wait to see them eat up tomorrow’s track. The ground looks perfect and riders are raving about the fair and inviting yet plenty-stiff track — best of luck to all!
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
CIC3*
Here again fortunes shifted overnight, with Germany’s Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo taking the lead of the German Championship on a dressage score of 32.7.
“He was exceptional today,” Sandra said. “He was concentrating throughout the test, working with me all the way. I think he feels at ease here in Luhmühlen and he enjoyed the test as much as I did.” The pair has taken part in many Championships before, but never had the opportunity to compete in the nationals together.”
Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Thursday leader Andrew Hoy of Australia and Cheeky Calimbo were relegated to second, and the top three was rounded out Ingrid Klimke, riding Horseware Hale Bob OLD. Said last year’s Luhmühlen CCI4* winner: “He was unbelievable today! Especially his trot work was fantastic. He was very expressive and I was able to really go for it — he gave me all I asked of him. The whole test was so enjoyable.”
Two Canadians are competing in the CIC3* division: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee completed their test today and will head to cross country in ninth position (45.0)…
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
… and Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master, whose Thursday dressage test landed in 21st (51.1.).
Like the CCI4* cross country track, positive remarks abound about the CIC3* course. From dressage leader Sandra Auffarth: “The course is beautifully built. All fences are inviting, asking all the questions a challenging cross-country course at this level needs. At the same time, there is plenty galloping in between.”
Click here for a preview of the course, and stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. The FEI TV broadcast of CCI4* cross country starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST. You can watch live at this link. Go Eventing.
I’ve successfully avoided having to address my tack hoarding issues for years but earlier this week things finally came to a head. I agreed to haul a barnmate to a dressage clinic this weekend and didn’t want to get sued when she opened my trailer tack room and literally got buried alive in “stuff.”
“But it’s IMPORTANT stuff, your honor!” would be my argument to the judge. You never know when you’re going to run across a horse that would benefit from that shadow roll cover I bought for $10 (a bargain!) at a consignment tack shop in Aiken. Likewise, that left glove I’ve been missing since 1997 could turn up any day now. USCTA memorabilia? Who knows how much that’s going for on eBay. And if you’re hating on my massive bit collection, let’s be honest: you’re just jealous.
Anyway, I knew that if I could just get the bulky stuff out of there — blankets, extra saddle pads and the like — and store them in my basement, it would free up a lot of room. I pulled it all out into the light of day to get a better feel for just how much like sweaty armpit mold everything actually smelled.
Yep. These bad boys weren’t going anywhere until they passed through a laundromat. I piled it all up in the back of my truck and set off in the direction of the sketchiest one-county-over laundromat I hadn’t yet been banned from.
#ProTips: Attributes of an ideal laundromat for horse laundry…
Visit during off-hours if you can — 2 a.m. is ideal. But still wear a ball cap and sunglasses just in case.
Steer clear of laundromats that offer amenities like free wifi, drop-off service and kid play areas — you and your filthy disgusting poop-perfumed horse laundry will NOT be welcome.
1980s arcade games are a bonus.
Step #1: Stake out the largest industrial-size washer(s) in the joint. Stuff in the goods as fast as you can, then dump in two to three times the amount of detergent that the sign tells you to use.
Step #2: Act casual as you lean up against the machine, blocking the view of sloshing brown water as best you can from security cameras.
That ain’t no chocolate milk.
Step #3: Suddenly remember that you are still wearing your breeches, which is the laundromat equivalent of a bank robber wearing pantyhose on their head. Good job, Captain Obvious.
Step #4: As soon as your laundry is finished (and you’ve cleaned out the washers/driers if you trashed them) make like Sea Biscuit and get out of there AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. As you leave, wave goodbye because you can never show your face here again.
Don’t forget to grab your souvenir hairballs! Can’t wait to show these babies to my husband.
Have any eventer-goes-to-the-laundromat tips and/or horror stories? Share them in the comments!
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Bramham. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
We are excited to see this name added to the Land Rover Geat Meadow International entry list: Clark Montgomery, who is fresh off a sensational second place finish in the Event Rider Masters CIC3* class at Bramham last weekend.
Clark and Loughan Glen are in top form and, with their string of accolades ever-growing they were a no-brainer to make our Who’s Going to Rio? EN’s Picks for the U.S. Olympic Team list earlier this week. Great Meadow, held July 8-10, serves as the mandatory team outing, so assuming the selection committee agrees that they’re serious contenders for Rio (a total of 12 combinations, four team members and up to eight reserves, will be named on Monday, June 20) it makes sense to see this pair on the roster.
Other U.S. combinations added since we first previewed the list here:
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive
Lynn Symansky and Cascani
Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack
Justine Dutton and Huck Finn
Justine Dutton and Jak My Style
Kurt Martin and Delux Z
Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop
Hallie Coon and Celien
Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass
Kate Chadderton and McCuan Civil Liberty
In addition to serving as the team outing, Great Meadow will be the first FEI Nations Cup leg ever held in North America.
Because entries are limited to 40 combinations, there will be a draw to determine the final entry list. While you see multiple horses entered for some riders, no rider will compete more than two horses. The entry and draw process is explained at this link. (The current FEI World Eventing Athlete Rankings (WRL) are at this link.) Click here for the omnibus listing and here for the official FEI schedule.
The closing date is June 21 and we’ll be keeping a close eye on it between now and then.
The competition will begin with the first horse inspection on Friday afternoon, July 8. Dressage will start Saturday morning on July 9 and continue through the afternoon, followed by show jumping under the lights that night. Cross country will be held Sunday morning, July 10. Click here for ticket information.
Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know about #GMI2016. You can also follow the event on Facebook here, Twitter here, Instagram here and check out the website here for more details.
Where there are #EventerProblems there are #EventerSolutions, as we horsefolks tend to be a pretty crafty, resourceful and frugal (read: broke) bunch. In this spinoff series we spotlight some of your most inventive problem-solving masterpieces. Be sure to tag your photos with the hashtag #EventerSolutions on social for inclusion in future editions!
If you really want to be the weirdo at the gym who’s practicing canter transitions on a balance ball, by all means go ahead and knock yourself out. We’re not going to judge you!
Alternately, you could save face money on a gym membership by working out in the comfort of your own barn gym. Here are a few creative #EventerSolutions exercises you guys came up with:
All systems are go for Luhmühlen 2016, and we’re now privy to a preview of this year’s CCI4* track.
It’s Captain Mark Phillips’ last year designing, as Mike Etherington-Smith will be taking over in 2017, and he’s done a lovely job with it as usual, perhaps even upping the ante for this year’s field of 30 horse/rider combinations.
Course map via http://tgl.luhmuehlen.de/.
A few first impressions:
Yogi Breisner, chef d’equipe for Great Britain : “This year’s courses are brilliant! Captain Mark Phillips has done a tremendous job designing this year’s courses beautifully and with great variation whilst the ground could not be better!”
Hans Melzer, chef d’equipe for Germany: “The cross country looks fabulous! It is well designed and beautifully presented and the ground could not be better. The four-star is more technical than last year and the three-star is difficult enough, asking for concentration from horse and rider throughout. This however, should be no problem for the top riders giving them the chance to prove themselves before we select our team for Rio.”
Chris Bartle, team coach for Germany: “The four-star-course is a little bit stronger than in previous years, however, every question asked of horse and rider is clear. The Meßmer water complex is has different look this year, making it very interesting just as the Krüll Premium Cars Village.”
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack at the first horse inspection at Luhmühlen in 2016. Photo by Libby Law.
All 30 CCI4* horses passed muster in the first horse inspection at Luhmühlen this afternoon. Representing the U.S. is Boyd Martin with Crackerjack, the striking grey Thoroughbred gelding owned by Lucy Boyton Lie.
One pair, Madiran du Liot ridden by Geoffroy Soullez of France, was held but passed upon reinspection.
Dressage runs tomorrow and Friday, with Boyd and “Crackers” doing their test at 2:40 p.m. local time (8:40 a.m. EST) sandwiched between the Frenchman Maxime Livio and Great Britain’s Coral Keen.
It’s a tough-looking field and the word on the street is that the four-star track is a touch stronger and more technical than it was last year, but Crackers looks to be in fine form and we can’t wait to watch him take it all in stride.
Representing Canada in the CIC3* are Rebecca Howard and Blithe Hill Farm’s Riddle Master as well as Kathryn Robinson and her own Let It Bee.
Writing this OTTB Wishlist each week is a tough enough test of my willpower. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to work at the track! Take it from eventer/exercise rider Logan Bearden:
A photo posted by Logan Bearden (@loganbeardy95) on
Phew — good luck with that, Logan! Here are three OTTBs we wouldn’t mind taking home with us today.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.
Whats Up Big Guy (Macho Uno – Lady Prantlack, by Royal Academy) is a 2011 16.2-hand gelding that commands attention wherever he goes.
This beefy, gorgeous, dappled grey has excellent connections who really “know” their horses and their potential, develop rapport with their charges and take excellent care of them. Walking down their shed row is like being a kid in a candy store, each stall containing a shiny, muscled, full-bodied inhabitant. They are offering this handsome boy reluctantly because they truly adore him, but they have an active breeding and racing operation and can’t justify keeping a young, sound, talented horse as a pet.
He has been lightly raced with 17 lifetime starts and four in the money finishes. Bred in Kentucky, he was a $70,000 yearling purchase and perhaps could have lit up the tote board more than he has but, according to his trainer, he dislikes going to the track. Done deal. He’s communicating and they are listening.
Macho Uno get are great jumpers and performance horses at high levels of competition and this guy has all the hallmarks of an exciting sporthorse off the track. He is described as sound and Finger Lakes Finest noted that he has beautiful, well-balanced conformation and a jog that floats with push from the shoulder, even having run just a couple days before they saw him. He has been turned out on the farm and is a sweetheart with other horses. If he has a ding, it is that he is food aggressive and wants to eat his meals alone and in peace!
How cool would it be to walk into the barn everyday and see this beauty’s face: “What’s up, big guy?”
In Place (Out of Place – Miss Alex, by Wild Again) is a 16.1-hand 2008 gelding described as a fun-loving OTTB who is a pleasure to be around.
Bred in Virginia, “Todd” retired from racing in March 2016 after six years and 42 starts. He finished his career without any known injuries and is a well put-together guy who displays lovely movement for a horse so fresh off the track. He has a ground covering trot and a smooth, well balanced canter.
His trainers at New Vocations have taken their time transitioning Todd into his new role as a riding horse and have been pleased with his progress. He is working on building up strength for ring work but he has a wonderful work ethic and enjoys learning new things. He understands how to move off of the leg and has been happy to ride inside or out. They feel he will be best suited for an experienced rider to further his training in any discipline — especially, considering his build and way of going, eventing.
Todd is very laid back on the ground and easy to handle. He is currently turned out with two other geldings and is great buddy, bonding closely with his friends without getting overly attached. He stands well for the farrier and loves to be groomed and fussed over. Todd will be a great partner for a rider that will patiently pursue his next career.
Haxby Park (Exceed And Excel (AUS) – Hashimiya, by Gone West) is the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center’s newest “Legacy Horse” category listing, meaning he possesses the unique combination of conformation, athletic ability, brains and superb presence to be a top-tier sporthorse prospect.
A year ago in April when this spectacular 16.3-hand 2012 gelding got off the trailer, collective jaws dropped. He was beautifully muscled and staggeringly athletic, with good looks and an aura of a leading box-office movie star. But he was newly gelded, right off the track, and needed time to rest and grow up. It was decided therefore to give this special horse a full year to come into his own, and they found him a wonderful foster home.
Now four years old, Haxby Park has returned to the MMSC to pursue a new career. This horse has smarts, scope, movement and talent to go far and to do great things. All he needs now is a steady training program so he can develop his skills and his body and hone his already very sharp mind. They call him“Mark” in honor of the Center’s founding sponsor — he is truly the “Maker’s Mark” of the Secretariat Center.
I don’t know about you guys, but 99% of the time I feel like my brain is held together with bubble gum and scotch tape and I need all the help I can get to keep it from falling apart completely. My life organizational system used to rely heavily on post-it notes but one day, realizing that I was slowly burying myself alive in a snowdrift of scribbled-on squares of paper, I decided there had to be a better way.
Since then I’ve tried to explore more technologically up-to-speed methods of not losing my mind completely. I like to set reminders to pop up on my phone and computer — it’s way more effective than writing something down on a piece of paper that I’m probably going to lose immediately anyway.
The USEA has taken some great strides lately to help space cadet eventing enthusiasts like me get their acts together. For instance, did you know that you can get a custom email reminder about the opening dates of specific events you’re interesting in entering? Sign up for the USEA Online Omnibus Notification System here.
Next Tuesday the USEA will also be launching a program through which reminders and notifications show up as text reminders on your smartphone. It’s via an online fundraising and communication platform called MobileCause, and its potential applications are limitless: membership renewal reminders, closing date alerts, etc.
To start it will be used by the USEA Foundation as a way of making it easier for members to support the education, safety and equine welfare focused programs of their choosing.
“The USEA and USEA Foundation fully appreciate that we all live in a fast-paced and technologically driven society,” said Jo Whitehouse, USEA Development Director. “It is clear that the majority of the eventing community now communicates using their smartphones to keep in touch with everything that is happening in the sport.”
“Appreciating this fact, and after hearing from many that they would willingly support our programs if it was simpler and quicker to do so, the USEA Foundation has chosen the services of MobileCause to make that possible. Reaching out to our members and keeping them informed in a way that suits their busy lives is key to further developing the USEA’s relationship with all who love this sport.”
All members with listed mobile phone numbers will receive an activation text next Tuesday with a link toward a donation page, and you are able to opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to the text.
The German four-star Luhmühlen kicks off tomorrow and North America’s sole representatives, Boyd Martin and Crackerjack, look to have their game faces on for the event.
Boyd and the grey 16.2-hand Thoroughbred gelding owned by Lucy Boyton Lie rerouted to Luhmühlen after their Badminton cross-country day came to an early end, as it did for several pairs, at the Vicarage Vee.
“Crackers” stayed in Europe afterward under the training and care of Jock Paget until Boyd arrived this week. Judging from this video that Boyd earlier today the pair looks as though they haven’t skipped a beat.
For Canada, Rebecca Howard and Blithe Hill Farm’s Riddle Master are entered in the CIC3*, as are Kathryn Robinson and her own Let It Bee.
The first horse inspection takes place tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. local time. See a complete list of entries here.
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Since launching this series we’ve observed a groundswell of upper-level canine event prospects, a few of whom we showcased in our last edition of #DogsofEN, “Put a Saddle on That Thing.”
Let’s kick off this go-round by meeting Ozwald, an mini Australian Shepherd owned by Area IV eventer Camryn Holcomb. While small, he is an aspiring athlete with big dreams — you can follow his adventures on Facebook at The Life and Times of Ozwald from Kansas.
A photo posted by Samantha Fogg (@wish_n_arrow) on
#DogsofEN A photo posted by Samantha Fogg (@wish_n_arrow) on
What a cool pup, and owner Camryn says he means the world to her. “Last August I was in a really bad life threatening accident and after I got home my dad took me out to go look at puppies — mainly just to get me out of the house — and we found him,” she explains. “He was a therapy dog for me and still is! Now we take him with us to shows all over the Midwest and next year hopefully to NAJYRC!”
Well-played, Ozwald! And many thanks to Ozwald’s personal paparazzi Samantha Fogg, also of Area IV. Samantha has competed through Training level and participated in last year’s RPP Thoroughbred Makeover with an OTTB named Arrow she purchased from the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center during Rolex last year — check out their blog here.
Here are a few more photos you shared of YOUR special dogs doing their thing.
