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Carolina International Outside-the-Sandbox Instagram Round-Up

By on Mar 24, 2016 3:00 pm -

The 20×60 sandbox is a place of reverence, poise and, with any luck, best behavior. Outside the sandbox, however, it’s a different story.

From snoozing horses to silly riders to random acts of chinchbomb, here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Carolina International when the white gloves come off.

Puppy kisses for Sinead Halpin’s ride Grey Area ❤️ #2016CI #GoldCup #NationalPuppyDay A photo posted by @useventing on

@thehorsepark #carolinainternational #turtle A photo posted by megmurfey (@megmurfey) on

PJ says @jesshampf worked him too hard this morning! #naptime #eventingishard See @dpequestrian got a good picture!

A photo posted by Prairie StipeMaas (@prairiestm) on

When people joke he’s exactly like a puppy dog.. He literally is half dog, I think? Oh lil baby Lenny A video posted by Shelby Brost (@shelby.eventing) on

Gotta have those pre dressage naps… Even when you are really bad

A photo posted by Claire (@crpeventing) on

At the Carolina CIC!

A photo posted by DeSell & Co Realty Group (@desellandco) on

Donner making himself right at home at @thehorsepark for Carolina International. #ottb #happyDeer #snuggletime

A photo posted by Lynn Symansky (@lynn.symansky.equestrian) on

Smile! It’s day two of dressage at Carolina #2016CI #GoldCup A photo posted by @useventing on

Be sure to follow Eventing Nation on Instagram for more scenes from the show!

Go Eventing.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Laine Ashker’s 2015 Carolina International CIC3* Helmet Cam

By on Mar 23, 2016 4:30 pm -

Post by Lainey Ashker.

Carolina International is upon us and we can’t wait to see this year’s courses — there’s always a lot to do out there.

Jenni is on the scene for EN and will be bringing us a course preview soon; in the meantime, enjoy this helmet cam of last year’s CIC3* track as viewed between the pricked ears of Laine Ashker’s partner Anthony Patch.

The pair makes it look easy, coming home clear with just 2.80 time. Best of luck to all this year’s competitors!

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‘The Buck and Kyle (and Baby Aubrey Davidson) Show’ Talks Carolina International

By on Mar 23, 2016 1:00 pm -

The co-hosts of The Sort of OK Show About Horses with Buck & Kyle are back, joined this go-round by a swaddled-up co-host who, while she didn’t have too much to contribute commentary-wise, definitely upped the episode’s adorable factor.

Can we get a close-up?

UntitledSquee!

Baby show-and-tell aside, the meat and potatoes of this week’s show is the Carolina International, which is getting underway as we speak in Raeford, North Carolina. Buck and Kyle discuss the course, the competitors and, of course, their picks to win the CIC3*, CIC2* and CIC1* divisions.

To the winner, the spoils; to the loser, the obligation to compete in a humiliating costume designed by his opponent, most likely involving a pom-pom cross-country hat cover. Nothing against pom-pom hats, Aubrey, but your dad and Kyle probably can’t pull them off as well as you do.

Want to share your thoughts, hedge your bets and/or heckle Buck and Kyle? Email them at [email protected].

Click here to subscribe to the show on YouTube, and stay tuned for the next episode. As for Carolina International, Jenni will be bringing us all the action throughout the weekend so keep it locked here.

Go Buck and Kyle (and, most of all, Aubrey)!

#EventerProblems, Vol. 62: Spring Struggles Edition

By on Mar 23, 2016 11:00 am -

Ah, spring. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you’ve got a whole new set of #EventerProblems on your hands. Including but not limited to:

Daylight Savings Time pros…

This post work ride outside brought to us by daylight savings time!! #eventerproblems #thankfulforspring #stilltired

A photo posted by Lizzie Sauter (@lizzie_sauter) on

…and cons

Mares in heat

Maybe it’s Maybelline,maybe it’s Regumate. Love my mare today. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by chmortensen (@chmortensen) on

Shedding

Rain

#stormwatch #timelapse #mustridebeforeitrains #californiaproblems #eventerproblems

A video posted by Caitlin Lighthouse Peterson (@caitlinlighthouse) on

Which leads to… mud.

 

Oh, the horror!!#mud #aweekvacation #eventerproblems

 

A photo posted by Emilie Reinhardt (@e.r.eventing) on

Losing that winter weight

Bad footing

I guess that last lesson was a little muddy #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Emily Maher (@e.a.maher) on

 

Mark Phillips: “Water or mud?” Rider picked the water. #eventerproblems

 

A photo posted by @say_duh_nelle on

Winter riding in the great Northwest. #PNW #eventerproblems #fairweatherisrare #aspenfarms #areavii #usea

A photo posted by Deco Pony (@decopony) on

No spring break for you!

Your first tan “tan” of the year

Just four days and the watch/glove tan is too real. #eventerproblems #sunnysouthcarolina #aikensc

A photo posted by Tasia (@corgibutt401) on

The waiting game



Go away already, winter! It’s supposed to be spring!

Living up to the crazy eventer stereotype. A little snow never hurt anybody, right? #eventerproblems #FloridaOrBust

A photo posted by Heidi S (@the_dancing_burrito) on

I’d rather be getting ready in the snow than competing in the snow! #area2 #eventerproblems #ihatewinter

A video posted by Sara Gartland (@sagartland) on

Walking my cross country course for tomorrow in the SNOW #wtf #eventerproblems

A photo posted by erinstartover (@erinstartover) on

Hoping for a miracle so that I can actually compete this weekend #area2 #eventerproblems #ihatewinter

A photo posted by Sara Gartland (@sagartland) on

If you missed them: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61.

Got #EventerProblems? Tag them on social for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

This 7-Year-Old Tutu-Wearing Eventer Is Coming for Us All

By on Mar 22, 2016 9:00 am -

At just 7 years old “little eventer” Claire Peters has a riding resume as long as that of kids twice her age.

Claire was first introduced to horses before she was born, riding around in utero with her dressage enthusiast mom Anne. She sat on her first horse when she was 7 months old and started riding a walk-trot babysitter Welsh mare named Libby at a year-and-a-half.

Claire trail-riding at 18 months old. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire trail-riding at 18 months. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

By age 2 she was tagging along with her 15-year-old eventer sister Grace to Pony Club meetings and rallies. She joined Pony Club herself a couple years later, at age 4, passing her D1 test on Libby with flying colors.

Claire practicing mounted games at age 4. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire, D-1 Pony Clubber, practicing mounted games at age 4. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire warming up her mom’s 16.2-hand dressage horse at age 4:

Anne says Pony Club has provided the perfect foundation for her daughter. “It gave Claire the opportunity to learn not only valuable horse management skills, but to also participate in learning-structured competitions with the older kids,” she says.

Claire and Libby participated in their first rally in August 2015. At age 5 she was the youngest participant of the rally, which was formatted much like a mini trial with dressage, show jumping and obstacle course phases.  Claire and Libby scored over 70% on their dressage test, tying with two of the oldest kids for the highest dressage score of the rally. She sailed through the show jumping and obstacle courses to help her team finish in second place.

Claire, age 5, and Libby's first Pony Club rally. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire, age 5, and Libby’s first Pony Club rally. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

As a result of their success, Claire decided to move on to bigger goals. She wanted to be just like her big sister Grace, who was already training with event rider and coach Julie Wolfert and competing in Area IV recognized events. Anne recalls, “When her big sister went out to the pasture to ride and train, Claire would tack up Libby and be right behind her.”

Anne built Claire her own miniature cross-country course, she explains, “because in Claire’s ‘world’ she was sure her little pony was really a 17-hand upper-level event horse that was effortlessly flying over Rolex-sized jumps while she confidently piloted the wild beast.”

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Claire, age 5, and Libby schooling cross country. Photo courtesy of Allison Hamlin.

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Claire, age 5, jumping Libby at a friend’s house. Photo courtesy of Allison Hamlin.

Claire, age 5, “teaching” Libby lead changes over cross-country jumps:

However, when the young firecracker — nicknamed “wild child” by friends — started cantering her pony over the obstacles with the reins in one hand and the other hand waving her pink sparkle crop in the air all the while squealing “wa-hoo!” mom knew it was time to start looking for a step-up pony.

Enter Tuff Dream (“Tuffy”), a western-trained POA Anne found last spring that she thought would be a good match for Claire. While he didn’t have any formal dressage or jump training, he had “buttons” and a kid-proof canter. They bought him sight unseen and brought him from Maryland to their home in Kansas.

Upon meeting him, Anne says, “Claire immediately invited him into her world of big dreams, informing him of all the things they were going to accomplish together.”

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Claire and Tuffy. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Tuffy took to jumping like a pro so Claire started popping him over cross-rails, logs and little brush jumps. She took him cross-country schooling at the local horse park with Grace, trotting him through the water and cantering him through the fields.

Helmet: check. Vest: check. Tutu: check. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Helmet: check. Vest: check. Tutu: check. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

By August they were ready to enter their first Pony Club rally together. “She spent all summer practicing her dressage test because she insisted on doing it by herself without a reader,” Anne says. “Since this rally would include a ground pole cross-country course, she spent many days out in the pasture practicing courses. She had fun making up new courses and trying to remember them just like she would have to do at rally.”

2015 Pony Club camp mounted games practice. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

2015 Pony Club camp mounted games practice. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

But a few weeks before the rally, Claire sustained a traumatic eye injury (non-horse related) that required emergency surgery to repair a mangled cornea with 13 stitches and left her with a chunk of her iris missing.

At the start of every follow-up appointment, in true eventer fashion, Claire asked her surgeon, “When can I ride?”

“Finally, the week of her Pony Club rally, Claire brought pictures of her and Tuffy to her doctor appointment and begged the doctor to let her ride in the upcoming rally,” Anne recalls. “The doctor gave in to her steely determination and gave her the go-ahead to ride under the condition that she must ride cautiously and not fall off risking damage to her eye. Claire gave her ‘the look’ that says ‘Relax, lady, I know what I’m doing!'”

And ride she did. Claire completed the entire mini trial on her new pony with just one eye, as her bad eye was covered by a patch.

2015 Pony Club Rally post cross country vet box. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

2015 Pony Club Rally post cross country vet box. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

A short while after the rally, it was time to remove the corneal stitches. The surgeon found that four of her 13 stitches had been loose and rubbing against Claire’s cornea. “As painful as the the loose stitches had to have been, Claire never complained,” Anne says. “She just wanted to ride. When you’re busy making your dreams come true, there is no time for pain. If you’re an eventer, you already know this.”

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A girl can never have too many tutus. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

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Never underestimate the power of determination and sheer will. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire turned 7 at the end of January this year. She started the season competing in her first Mid-American Combined Test Association show, doing a dressage test and finishing in 2nd place. She and Tuffy have big plans for 2016: competing in local dressage schooling shows, getting their jumping in shape for a starter-level combined test, and attending the Midwest Region Pony Club Mega Rally in Nebraska in June and another Pony Club rally in August.

Claire and Libby, MACT dressage test. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire and Libby, MACTA dressage test. Photo courtesy of Grace Peters.

Claire’s MACTA dressage test:

When she’s not riding you can find Claire at shows and lessons with her big sis, helping as a groom or helping set up the dressage ring. Her appetite for all things horses, Anne explains, is insatiable.

Claire helping her sister clean tack for an event. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Claire helping her sister clean tack for an event. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

“Claire has an endless supply of energy, a healthy amount of sass to handle naughty ponies, and an infectious zest for life,” Anne says. “She is always willing to offer sound horse management and riding advice and she will continue to invite us into her bigger-than-life world where only fun, determination and big dreams exist.”

When your dreams are bigger than you....and your pony. Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Big dreams, little pony. Soon, Claire! Photo courtesy of Anne Peters.

Clearly the sky is the limit for this big-hearted “little eventer.” In the meantime between now and when she makes the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team at age 10, you can follow her adventures on Instagram @little_eventer.

Go Eventing!

 

#EventerProblems, Vol. 61: Dressage Strugglebus Edition

By on Mar 21, 2016 11:00 am -

Let’s kick off this round of #EventerProblems with the prompt: Tell us how you REALLY feel about dressage!

Here we go…

When you realize 2 days before the show that you were studying the wrong dressage test. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by jmk (@littlemissjmk) on

8s on the halt. 6s on everything else. #eventing #dressage #eventerproblems #equestrian #ottb #thoroughbred

A photo posted by Diane Portwood (@dianeportwoodeventing) on

Lincoln’s level of excitement for dressage… #mrpresident #eventerproblems #iswearitsnotthatbad

A photo posted by Jeanna Epping (@jemevent) on

Thank goodness for the two other phases?

How not to ride fence #1 #fail #eventerproblems not a step

A video posted by Raina King (@rainers) on

#carolinahorsepark #carolinainternational #buildingcourses #insanityinthemiddle #goeventing #eventerproblems

A photo posted by megmurfey (@megmurfey) on

When that dang pony jumps your lesson out of the tack!!!#overjunpingpony#eventerproblems

A photo posted by Courtney Haessly (@foxridgestable) on

*Sigh.* Here are a few more of your deepest, darkest struggles from this week…

Match maker, match maker, make me a match. #toomanylegs #eventerproblems

A photo posted by @emmarae2319 on

It’s an equestrian thing. #eventerproblems #oldhabitsdiehard

A photo posted by Jessica Solo (@jumpingginger92) on

When your red mare is a picky eater… #eventerproblems #ottb #fieryredhead

A video posted by Reagan Wiles (@rmw_eventing) on

#puttputt or #ponyride? It’s normal to ride through town, right? #stircrazyeventer #eventerproblems #needtogoshow

A photo posted by Sam Erwin (@samantha.erwin) on

Can you please look cute again? Carrot..for oh… PLEASE! #horsesofinstagram #eventersofinstagram #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Hailey Norby (@pnw.eventing) on

When your truck won’t crank and you have to get hay to the horses. #eventerproblems #rhht #loveisasubaru.

Posted by Tatendrang on Friday, March 11, 2016

 

If you missed them: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60.

Got #EventerProblems? Tag them on social for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

 

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Mar 20, 2016 5:00 pm -

I’ll never forget my first racetrack shopping trip. I was in high school and my trainer asked me if I wanted to go with her to Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, to test-drive the horses and help with the 11-hour drive. No brainer!

Of the no-telling-how-many horses we looked at, we came home with six that seemed to have a little extra sparkle. And even more fun than shopping was helping show them the ropes of a new career. There’s nothing more rewarding than heading out of the cross-country start box or spending a day in the hunt field with a horse that, just months before, you spotted on the backside of a small-town racetrack.

These days OTTB shopping is more streamlined than ever, with organizations in place around the country to connect ex-racers with new careers. Here are three that caught our eye this week.

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Photo via CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

One of the fun things about having a youngster is getting to install all their buttons exactly how you want them. Who doesn’t want a custom-built horse?

At only three years old with just two race starts under his belt, Mr. Prado (Fort Prado – Swains Royalty, by Swain (IRE)) is a blank canvas with a world of possibility in front of him. He’s tall, dark and handsome, standing 16.3 hands and still growing. Look at that nice uphill build! His trainers say he’s “super quiet and a total gentleman” — come and get him!

Located in Charles Town, West Virginia.

View Mr. Prado on CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

winner7

Photo via New Vocations.

Winner’s Legacy (Midnight Lute – Very Very, by Royal Academy) is a drop-dead gorgeous 6-year-old 16.1-hand mare who has a elegant topline and feminine features.

She has the swan neck to turn heads and when she learns to really carry herself, she will be a standout. She was a solid racehorse, finishing third or better in seven of 18 starts and earning over $86,000, and retired without any apparent injuries. Now she’s ready to excel in a new sport and she’s already got a head start on her off-the-track training.

Described as a supremely confident mare who thinks she owns the arena, she has also has been fairly unflappable on trail rides around the farm though she does get a bit antsy heading for home. “Winner” has a pretty, smooth trot and a canter that is coming together with work. She can be opinionated but goes well with a confident rider who calls the shots —  riders who embrace mare personalities will have a blast with her potential. Winner took to her first jumping experience like a natural and has the athleticism to go far.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Winner’s Legacy on New Vocations.

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Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.

FLF Have Another Look (Graeme Hall – First Look, by Montbrook) is a 2011 model 15.3-hand gelding who became a Finger Lakes Finest project because he was too cute and sweet to resist!

With his deep caramel liver chestnut coat and athletic build, he’s as handsome as he is friendly — he loves snuggling and having his head held. He is now beginning work as a riding horse after a two-month vacation from the track and his trainers describe him as a very quick learner and eager to please: “Its hard to believe his first career was as a race horse considering how easily he steers, bends and accepts the leg!”

Between his adorable disposition and foxy little ears, he should wiggle into anyone’s heart pretty easily.

Located in Portland, New York.

View FLF Have Another Look on Finger Lakes Finest.

Kiss Me, I’m an Irish Sport Horse

By on Mar 17, 2016 9:00 am -
2015 top ranked ISH eventer in the world Cambalda gets the smooch treatment from Stephaine Cauffman and Erin Rose, Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

2015 top ranked ISH eventer in the world Cambalda gets the smooch treatment from Stephaine Cauffman and Erin Rose, Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

As athletic as they are tough, it’s no wonder Irish Sport Horses consistently dominate the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Eventing Studbook Rankings.

The breed has come out on top in the WBFSH’s FEI point based ranking system every year since 2004 with two exceptions, 2010 and 2011, when it was temporarily unseated by the Hanoverian Verband and Studbook Selle Français respectively.

Last year, once again, the Irish horses needed no luck to land the no. 1 spot. The top 5 eventing studbooks on the 2015 WBFSH final ranking list, released in September:

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Screenshot from WBFSH.org

You can view the full list here.

After being absent from the 2014 list, horses competing under the American flag made a reappearance on the 2015 list, led by Cambalda (#9), Loughan Glen (#15) and Master Frisky (#17).

Cambalda (Balda Beau x Cathy’s Lady, by Unknown) the 14-year-old ISH owned by Nina Gardener and ridden by Jennie Brannigan, ranked 5th in individual horse standings in 2013 and 9th last year. The starting date of the rankings is Oct. 1 of each year so their big win in the 2014 Fair Hill CCI3* counted toward their point total, followed by top three CIC3* finishes at Red Hills, The Fork, Great Meadow and Richland Park.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Next down the line is no. 15 ranked Loughan Glen (Limerick x Tattymacall Mustard, by Cut the Mustard), owned by Jess Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft and Holly and William Becker and ridden by Clark Montgomery. The pair started off their 2015 with a win in the Belton CIC3*, followed by an impressive 6th place finish in the Luhmühlen CCI4* and wins in the Somerford Park CIC2* and Blenheim CCI3*.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmuhlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

No. 17 ranked Master Frisky (Master Imp x Frisky Legs, by Cooper’s Hill), owned by Stephen Blauner and Kenneth Shelley and ridden by Boyd Martin, had a massive year as well, finishing 2nd behind Cambalda at in the Fair Hill CCI3*, 2nd in the CIC3* at Carolina International, and 6th in the Rolex CCI4*.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Who are some other Irish Sport Horses at the top of eventing sport? In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a not-even-exhaustive list of other ISHs that broke into the 2015 top 200 ranked event horses (see complete list here):

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Go Irish Sport Horses, and Go Eventing!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Mar 15, 2016 3:00 pm -

What’s in a name? When it comes to OTTBs, usually… not much at all. It’s all about names on a pedigree, and it’s luck of the draw whether you end up with a snazzy, show ring ready name or one that’s pretty ridiculous.

The names of this week’s handpicked batch of OTTB dream horses range from completely off-the-mark to creatively misspelled to just plain cute.

Photo via New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

Stone Cold Wild does NOT live up to his name. In fact, his ad describes “Stone” as “adorable” and “the sweetest, most agreeable gelding to be around.”  Like many thoroughbreds, his registered name is just a nod to his pedigree (Birdstone – Wild Flower, by Wild Zone) and I guess it just seemed like a better alternative than “Bird Zone” or “Stone Flower.”

This 15.2 1/2-hand 2010 model gelding gets along with everyone in the herd, has wonderful manners when handled and is a gem under saddle. His trainer says he can be ridden all over the farm, in high winds or snow, and is always a gentleman. He happily meets new challenges and enjoys learning.

Stone retired winless after a whopping 29 starts without any apparent injuries. He has the body and the mind to be suitable for any discipline, his only vice being that he cribs when he eats. Come and get this sweetie!

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

Click here to see Stone Cold Wild on New Vocations. 

Photo via Fingerlakes Finest

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Could this 2011 15.3-hand mare’s name, Offlee Catty, be a premonition of her future eventing career? OK, so it’s probably a play on her parentage (Offlee Wild – Cajun Kitty, by Tabasco Cat) but we’d like to think that with her compact, stout build and great gallop, she’d be quite the clever jumper.

On the track she displayed a lot of speed pushing off that powerful engine. Her connections say a bad stone bruise/abscess kept “Catty” on the sidelines until late 2015 and her return to racing hasn’t been a successful endeavor — although she has a winning personality! She is a cute mover and was very sweet and quiet during her photo shoots. Such a nice girl is “offlee” deserving of a great new home and new career!

Located in Farmington, New York.

Click here to see Offlee Catty on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

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Photo via CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

Candy Dance (Candy Ride – Dancing Glory by Dance Brightly) is, as her name would imply, sweet as can be.

While this 7 year old mare stands just under 16 hands, her trainer says she rides like a big horse, is a lovely mover and a very quiet under saddle. She’s delightful to have in the barn, has impeccable ground manners and does everything right. She has a very small bow up front that is nearly imperceptible; she was given more than a year off and is now ready to GO! CD could excel at any discipline as she has the quiet brain and movement for anything you’d like to do..

Located in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Click here to see Candy Dance on CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

#EventerProblems, Vol. 60: ‘Be Your Own Vet’ Edition

By on Mar 15, 2016 11:00 am -

Equine injuries are some of the oldest #EventerProblems in the book.

But rider injuries happen, too. Frequently.

Thankfully, when we get aches, sprains and other assorted pains, we can put all that practice we’ve had doctoring our horses to good use. Equine injuries, rider injuries… they’re practically the same, right?

Poulticing an injured team mate #sorenomore #poultice #eventerproblems #uaeventing

A photo posted by @mmajchszak on

Getting my foot poulticed #eventerproblems

A video posted by Sarah Matonis (@sarahxrosie) on

Hashtag of the day: #atleastitsnotmyhorse. Classic.

Here are a few more of your deepest, darkest struggles. Enjoy!

Really, I try to keep life real. #eventerproblems #reallife

A photo posted by Emilie Reinhardt (@e.r.eventing) on

#happyhorse #eventerproblems #oldiebutgoldie #horse #horsesofinstagram

A photo posted by Simone Bøgelund (@simone_boegelund) on

The last time these polos will be so white. Spoiling Chuckles with some new goodies from #smartpak #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Mariah Johnson (@mariahj836) on

Short Event Groom Problems #eventerproblems #shortpersonproblems #verticallychallenged #special #HPE

A photo posted by Kendyl (@kshantz1238) on

Ahem. #austineventing #horsetrainerproblems #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Lisa Bauman (@skibumangel) on

Marking good use of a #rainyday. #eventerproblems #Austineventing #shedding

A photo posted by Becca Speer (@beccarides) on

when your pony just can’t handle the nice weather and being able to ride in the field… #eventerproblems

A video posted by Ava and Pony Boy (@ponyboy_eventing) on

Transformation Thursday? #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Hannah Gurske (@ahorseperson) on

this appropriately illustrates my life. horses and teaching #eventerproblems #horsegirlproblems

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

If you missed them: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.

Got #EventerProblems? Tag them on social for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

Red Hills’ Beasts of the Southern Wild

By on Mar 12, 2016 9:00 am -
The endangered Gopher Tortoise is one of Red Hills' most popular inhabitants. Photo: Creative Commons License. The endangered Gopher Tortoise is one of Red Hills' most popular inhabitants. Photo: Creative Commons License.

For one week each year horses are the main attraction at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, a 670-acre state-owned tract of land on Lake Jackson that plays host to Red Hills Horse Trials. The rest of the year, however, it is dominated by a different corner of the animal kingdom.

The Park resides within Red Hills, a roughly triangular region featuring a unique ecosystem that draws visitors year-round.

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Red indicates the boundaries of Red Hills. Image: Creative Commons

The event has a feel to it that’s unlike anywhere else. I haven’t been down since the cross-country course moved from Colin Phipp’s private property to the Park in 2014, and it has since been opened up a bit. But at the time running around it felt like some choose-your-own swamp forest adventure, a twisty, turn-y, olive green gauntlet. The woods are carpeted in trillium and thick with magnolia, live oaks and sweet gum trees, and it’s not uncommon for see riders galloping along with a veil of Spanish moss streaming from their helmets.

The Hammock (fence 17 on the 2015 course). Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

The Hammock (fence 17 on the 2015 course). Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

And then there’s the wildlife.

“It’s a destination for birdwatchers, particularly in the spring and fall when migratory birds stop to rest there on their way to or from the Gulf of Mexico,” says Julie Wraithmell, Director of Wildlife Conservation for Audubon Florida. “There’s a tremendous waterbird significance.”

I’m no birder but the extensive list of feathered creatures she prattles off, from Bluebirds to Bald Eagles, sounds like it could keep its visitors’ binoculars quite busy. If you’re at the event this weekend and have some spare time to wander off into nature, this BLM Red Hills Bird Checklist could make for a fun scavenger hunt.

Little Screech Owl. Photo: Creative Commons

Screech Owl. Photo: Creative Commons

Big Screech Owl (fence 5 on the 2015 course). Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

Fence 5 on the 2015 course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

There’s also a healthy population of one particular type of butterfly, the Golden Banded-Skipper, that is hard to find elsewhere.

The elusive golden banded-skipper. Photo: Creative Commons

Golden Banded-Skipper. Photo: Creative Commons

Fence 24b on the 2015 course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

Fence 24b on the 2015 course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

Red Hills is also home to several animals listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, including the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and Eastern Tiger Salamander.

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Little Tiger Salamander. Photo: Creative Commons.

Fence 34 on the 2015 CIC3* course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

Fence 34 on the 2015 CIC3* course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

On cuter endangered species fronts, I definitely jumped a Manatee in the water complex one year, and of course there is Red Hills’ signature Gopher Tortoise, which is native to the southeastern U.S. and threatened by predation and habitat destruction.

If you’ve watched a reasonable amount of Animal Planet in your life you know that momma tortoises have it rough. Everybody wants to eat their babies; less than 6% of Gopher Tortoise eggs are expected to live one year or more after hatching.

What sort of monster would eat this little guy? Photo: Wikimedia Commons

What sort of monster would eat this little guy? Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Once mature, Gopher Tortoises can live to be over 40 years old but even then nothing is certain. Development of their habitat has led to massive losses in their population over the years, although the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has recently implemented new permitting rules requiring developers to relocate tortoises.

And, guys, you know how people in Florida are. (I’m teasing, mostly.) While it’s illegal to hunt Gopher Tortoises or possess their meat or shells, some redneck idiots out there are still doing it — in 2006 police uncovered several pounds of tortoise meat in a Florida man’s refrigerator after they spotted empty shells along the highway.

But to Florida’s credit, at least it’s doing better than its upstairs neighbor Alabama, which still has tortoise listed as a “game species” in 19 counties.

What makes the Gopher Tortoise even more important is that it’s known as a keystone species, meaning other animals are dependent on it. Gopher Tortoise burrows, which can be up to up to 48 feet in length and nine feet deep, provide shelter for at least 360 other known species.

“What a fun, cool critter,” Julie says, but notes that, of course, if a horse stumbled into one of their burrows it wouldn’t be a good deal for either party. “The event has definitely roped off Gopher Tortoise habitats in the past.”

Here’s another fun video by course builder/chainsaw wielding Michelangelo, Tyson Rementer, unveiling a beautifully Gopher Tortoise jump that will show up in the new water jump this week.

This weekend’s event is a win-win for Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and Red Hills Horse Trials alike. The organizers take care to leave as small a footprint as possible, and it allows competitors and spectators alike to experience an a vibrant part of Florida’s natural environment that we might not otherwise ever see.

“I hope a segment of the folks who come for the horses decide to come back come back again later,” Julie says. “It’s such a gem the rest of the year as well.”

Here’s a Park hiking map — have fun!

#EventerProblems, Vol. 59: Twitter Edition

By on Mar 11, 2016 12:00 pm -

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How much struggle can you cram into 140 characters? Plenty, judging from these 30 reader tweets.

If you missed them: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.

Got #EventerProblems? Tag them on social for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

 

Eventing Scholarship Established in Memory of Olivia Inglis

By on Mar 10, 2016 3:02 pm -
Olivia Inglis and Coriolanus. Photo by Allira Fontana Photography. Olivia Inglis and Coriolanus. Photo by Allira Fontana Photography.

The global equestrian community’s response to the tragic death of an Australian young rider has been one of overwhelming support and compassion. Following on the heels of this week’s bittersweet #rideforolivia social media movement, a scholarship for young event riders has now been established in memory of Olivia Inglis.

According to Equestrian New South Wales, the Olivia Inglis Eventing Scholarship will provide emerging riders with funding to support their training and competition, with full details to be released soon.

The announcement was made at the Equestrian New South Wales annual awards dinner last night.

Alan Jones, volunteer Master of Ceremonies, said in a prelude to the announcement, “It is difficult to put words to the sentiments that people feel towards the family and it is very difficult for the young people in the room in particular to come to grips with what has happened to someone that moved amongst them.

“Olivia doing what she loved and what she did so successfully. The best way we can honor Olivia is to continue to do what you do well with the enthusiasm and commitment she showed with everything she did. We can’t change what has happened, what we can do is to determine the way we respond, we will best honor this wonderful 17-year-old girl who moved amongst us and was loved by all of us.”

The Scone Horse Trials Organizing Committee initiated the fundraising by donating the remainder of prize money from last weekend’s event to the scholarship.

Scone Horse Trials President Blair Richardson explained, “We are delighted that Equestrian NSW in conjunction with the Australian Sports Foundation will administer this fund. The scholarship will be awarded at the Equestrian NSW Annual Awards held in March each year, to help young riders in the sport of eventing. These riders can use the funding to obtain extra lessons or schooling to help them in their career over the coming years.”

He concluded the announcement with an outline of the scholarship’s objectives: “It is our sincere hope the fund will achieve four purposes: to honor an incredible and all too short life, help ease the pain we are all feeling; ensure something good comes from this tragedy; and produce a new generation of Australian Olympians.”

Equestrian New South Wales has set up a fund through the Australian Sports Foundation and donations  are tax deductible. To make a donation, visit the Foundation’s website here.

A funeral service and celebration of Olivia’s life will be held on Monday, March 14, in Randwick, Sydney — details available here. The Inglis family requests in lieu of flowers that members of the community consider making a donation to the fund.

[Olivia Inglis Eventing Scholarship]

 

Watch the Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational Replay

By on Mar 9, 2016 3:15 pm -

Did you miss yesterday’s $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational live stream? No worries — the Internet put it on layaway just for you.

Horses and riders were out for blood, or at least a big check, at the competition, hosted by Southern Cross Equestrian. We posted a full report on the proceedings — you can check it out here.

Kudos again to the event’s sponsors and organizers for a fun event on a beautiful day.

[Individual Final Results]

[Team Final Results]

 

SmartPak Asks a Non-Rider: Lunge Lines

By on Mar 9, 2016 1:15 pm -

SmartPak‘s hysterically funny “Ask a Non-Rider” series is back, capturing the reactions of non-horsey SmartPakkers when they’re handed this mysterious object:

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What could it be? From lassos to extra-long lead ropes, you can’t help but giggle at the answers this batch of non-riders come up with.

If your sides aren’t aching too badly from laughing, be sure to check out previous episodes on the SmartPak blog and subscribe to the SmartPak YouTube channel so you’ll be the first to know about upcoming editions!

Go SmartPak.

 

Lauren Kieffer Wins $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational

By on Mar 8, 2016 6:00 pm -
Matt Varney and Rob Desino of title sponsor Ocala Horse Properties with $15,000 Eventing Prix Invitational winner Lauren Kieffer. Matt Varney and Rob Desino of title sponsor Ocala Horse Properties with $15,000 Eventing Prix Invitational winner Lauren Kieffer.

Straight show jumping horses know the drill: You go in the ring, you pick up your feet, and if all goes well you go back in the ring later for a jump off, this time with your rider’s pants apparently on fire.

Event horses, on the other hand, are used to a one-and-done format. You go in the ring, you pick up your feet, and then you go back to your stall and eat dinner. Boom.

This afternoon’s $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix, hosted by Southern Cross Equestrian, was an interesting social experiment. What happens when you raise the fences to 4* height and put the pedal to the metal on an event horse?

An impressive majority of the 36 horses (see entry list here) that started today’s competition rose to the occasion, literally, with Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook Scarlett clinching the win on the wings of a gutsy, double-clear jump off round.

“She’s a really careful mare, and she’s that in-between of having a huge stride and being really catty and shortening quickly,” Lauren says. “So I was able to go in, be gutsy and take some risks and they paid off for us.”

The Marc Donovan designed course was a no-slouch zone, keeping riders on their toes with its twisty track and big atmosphere. Between banners, spectators and noise, even if they had a rail or two the greener horses left more seasoned for the experience.

Marc, who has designed Grand Prix courses to the World Cup level, donated his services to the event.

“I think Marc is one of the best show jumping course designers we have, definitely in this country and worldwide,” Lauren says. “He does an excellent job of weeding people out. Problems are widespread and nothing rides badly but he gives you a lesson as you go around and really educates you on where your horse is.”

He also gives riders places to make choices, which Lauren took advantage of during her bold but tactful round. She used the turns to her advantage, shaving off inches wherever she could.

“It’s hard because you have to make a decision, but it can also pay off for you,” Lauren explains.

Having the opportunity to tackle a course like today’s so early in the season helps set horses and riders up for success as they prepare for spring three-days.

“Certainly it’s got a lot of atmosphere and it’s big — we don’t often jump many courses this big,” Lauren says. “You get your edge back and it gets you sharper.”

Eleven horses advanced to the jump-off thanks to double-clear first rounds. Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code turned and burned to take the early lead, with Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection nipping at their heels. Lauren and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, the penultimate pair to go, overtook Kylie with their 49.31 second round. In the end it was Lauren in first, Kyle in second and Hannah in third, each of whom took home an oversize check.

Lauren led Team USA, comprised of Phillip Dutton, Lynn Symansky and Buck Davidson, to the top of the scoreboard as well. Also of note, Jennie Brannigan’s support crew was the recipient of the Groom’s Award, sponsored by Brewster Walker Horse Transportation.

It was a fun event on a beautiful day, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of sponsors. Join us in thanking Ocala Horse Properties, WoodmenLife, The Dutta Corp, Brewster Walker Horse Transport, Stellos Electric, Seminole Feed, Doug Hannum Equine Therapy, APF, Wordley Martin Equestrian and Jump for Joy.

A full playback of the event’s live stream is available here, featuring commentary from EN’s own human eventing encyclopedia Jenni Autry (watch out John Kyle, she’s coming for your job!) as well as guests to include Max Corcoran, Lynn Symansky and Jimmie Schramm.

[Individual Final Results]

[Team Final Results]

Go Eventing.

$15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational Live Stream and Updates

By on Mar 8, 2016 1:00 pm -

How often do you get to watch a live streamed eventing competition on a random Tuesday afternoon? Here’s sending out a big “sorry/not” sorry to all the bosses of office-bound eventing addicts out there!

Today’s $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational starts at 2 p.m. at Southern Cross Equestrian. A total of 36 horse/rider combinations will start the competition with the top 10 moving on to the jump off.  For the order of go and more info, check out “Your Guide to the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational.”

EN’s own Jenni along with Max Corcoran will be providing live commentary — feel free to heckle them at @jenniautry and @mmc338. You can also tweet us @eventingnation.com.

Let the live stream begin!

Eventing Prix Invitational Links: Individual Results, Team Results, Live Stream, Full Report

4:33 p.m. EST: The final individual top three are Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett (1st), Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code (2nd) and Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection (3rd).

4:27 p.m. EST: Live stream commentators Jenni and Jimmie are taking a brief break to apply more sunscreen (“I’m pretty sure my left arm is obliterated,” Jimmie says) but stay tuned for coverage of the awards ceremony.

4:19 p.m. EST: Individual winner Lauren, whose bank account is now $3,000 heavier, leads her team of Phillip Dutton, Lynn Symansky and Buck Davidson to the top of the leaderboard as well.

4:17 p.m. EST: Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration went for it but had two down. With Colleen Loach electing to sit out the jump off, it will be Lauren for the win!

 4:16 p.m. EST: A gutsy 49.31 second round for Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett puts them into the lead!

4:15 p.m. EST: Not yet… but Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection overtake Selena for second.

4:12 p.m. EST: Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High move into second on a clear, swift round. Three more to go! Will anyone catch Kylie?

 4:11 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak gives Fernhill Dutch Design a smart ride but unfortunately have the last fence down.

4:10 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and Z go for it but have a couple down. Looking forward to seeing this horse make his Advanced debut at Red Hills this weekend!

4:08 p.m. EST: One rail for Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti.

4:07 p.m. EST: A rail down for Lisa Barry and F.I.S. Prince Charming drops them to third.

4:05 p.m. EST: Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace go for it but can’t quite catch Kylie, who is still the one to beat.

4:05 p.m. EST: Kurt Martin and Delux Z have a rail but it’s a great school for this exciting pair. “Remember their name!” Jenni says.

4:02 p.m. EST: Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code turn in a clear and blazing fast round, which will be a great prep for the horse’s upcoming 3* debut at Carolina International and puts them in the early lead.

4 p.m. EST: We’re looking at an 11-horse jump off, with Maya Black and her 15.2-hand powerhouse Doesn’t Play Fair heading into the ring first. A rail down mars their swift round.

3:56 p.m. EST: Team standings after the first round….

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3:51 p.m. EST: That wraps up the first Eventing Prix round. The top 10 horses and riders from the first round will return for a jump off — we’re waiting to hear who will advance.

This is when it will get interesting: Show jumpers are used to going back into the ring for a second round against the clock, but event horses are used to a one-and-done format. Can’t wait to see who shows up with their game face on for round #2!

3:41 p.m. EST: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and her precocious 7-year-old mare, Delta Queen, have an educational two-rail round.

3:38 p.m. EST: Penultimate pair Leah Breakey and Master King II come away with a rail.

3:26 p.m. EST: A perfectly-done round for Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett.

3:31 p.m. EST: Jennie Brannigan’s Catalina has a green mistake to a vertical, getting in a bit deep which results in a stop. Three more to go before the jump-off!

3:28 p.m. EST: Another double-clear for Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token.

3:26 p.m. EST: Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless have a rail at, to quote Jimmie, “that dang oxer!” Big, square and off a turn, it has caught out a few horses.

3:22 p.m. EST: Hallie Coon and her mare Celien are booking it through their turns, coming in six seconds under time with one rail.

3:21 p.m. EST: No problem on the time for Jon Holling and Kildalton Cooley but one rail will keep them out of the jump-off.

3:17 p.m. EST: One rail but a really nice round for Joe Meyer and South Paw.

3:15 p.m. EST: A beautiful double-clear for Canadian Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, “Morris.”

3:14 p.m. EST: Twelve pairs still to go in the $15,000 Eventing Prix Invitational. Now in the ring, Lynn Symansky and Donner, who have an unlucky rail.

3:03 p.m. EST: A lovely double-clear for Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Quick break now for a ring drag.

3:01 p.m. EST: Alex O’Neal and Rendezvous With Charly have a confidence building round despite a rail.

2:58 p.m. EST: Daisy Trayford and Normandy Soldier, winners of the $1,000 Welcome Class yesterday, won’t repeat their feat today, taking one rail down.

2:57 p.m. EST: Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High make short work of the course — a double-clear for this pair.

2:55 p.m. EST: One bummer of a time penalty for Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect.

2:51 p.m. EST: A double-clear for Katherine Coleman and Longwood, who are back in the States after an educational sojourn in the UK.

2:49 p.m. EST: Laine Asker’s Anthony Patch looking a bit strong today; they get a bit close to one and have it down.

2:46 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak gives his slightly fussy Fernhill Dutch Design a smart ride for a double-clear.

2:45 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton gives a masterclass on how to get it done and make it look easy on Z.

2:40 p.m. EST: Sinead Halpin and Grey Area are four seconds over the time, but what a great experience for this talented young horse and Sinead looks thrilled.

2:39 p.m. EST: Tik Maynard and his catch ride Topgun have an unlucky vertical down at the beginning of the course.

2:36 p.m. EST: Ellie McPhail and RF Eloquence have a rail early in the course and no time.

2:26 p.m. EST: “Canadian superwoman” Jessica Phoenix gives Pavarotti some big pats after their double-clear round. A 10-minute break now before the next pair, Ellie McPhail and RF Eloquence.

2:25 p.m. EST: Lisa Barry and F.I.S. Prince Charming lay down a tidy, efficient double-clear, two seconds inside the time.

2:23 p.m. EST: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night come away with one disappointing rail.

2:22 p.m. EST: A beautiful round from Sharon White and Cooley On Show, marred by a rail at the end.

2:18 p.m. EST: Loads of fun, informative commentary coming from human eventing encyclopedia Jenni and a revolving cast of guests. Jimmie Schramm just stepped in for Lynn Symansky who has headed out to warm up Donner.

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Working on those tans! Jenni: “I’m pretty sure Jimmie’s legs are see-through.”

2:17 p.m. EST: One fence down and a bit of time for Kyle Carter and Cooley Nothing Better B.

2:14 p.m. EST: Next up is Caroline’s coach, Buck Davidson, riding Petite Flower. One time penalty for this pair.

2:13 p.m. EST: Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace will be heading to the jump-off as well!

2:10 p.m. EST: Kurt Martin and Delux Z, last year’s inaugural Event at Rebecca Farms CCI3*, come home clear and two seconds under time.

2:09 p.m. EST: A quick, clean round for Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code.

2:07 p.m. EST: A double-clear for Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges.

2: 06 p.m. EST: Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair lay down the first double-clear, coming home under the time limit of 88 seconds.

2:03 p.m. EST: Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF, today’s trailblazers, turn in a clean round with two time faults.

1:59 p.m. EST: Hannah Sue Burnett is a woman of many talents! She kicks off the competition with a lovely rendition of the national anthem. She’ll be competing today on the Holsteiner mare Under Suspection.

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A standing ovation from the live stream crowd:

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1:20 p.m. EST: Riders out walking the course now. Beer jump!

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1:10 p.m. EST: It’s a beautiful, sapphire blue skied day out there — Jenni just posted this photo to Instagram. If you don’t already follow EN (@goeventing) on Insta, do it!

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1 p.m. EST: Just one hour to go before the start of the 3rd annual Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational! Tune in to EN at 1:30 EST to watch live #eventingprix

Coriolanus Euthanized Following Fatal Accident at Scone Horse Trials

By on Mar 8, 2016 11:45 am -
Olivia Inglis and Coriolanus. Photo courtesy of Stephen Mowbray. Olivia Inglis and Coriolanus. Photo courtesy of Stephen Mowbray.

More tragic news has emerged in the aftermath of 17-year-old Olivia Inglis’ fatal rotational fall at Scone Horse Trials in New South Wales, Australia on Saturday. (See EN’s report here.)

While Equestrian Australia originally reported that the horse Olivia was competing in the CNC2*, Coriolanus, was in stable condition, a statement released today from Inglis, the family’s bloodstock operation, broke the news that he has since been euthanized.

From the statement:

“Unfortunately Olivia’s much loved horse Coriolanus has suffered injuries much worse than originally reported. Following advice from Scone Equine Hospital, Coriolanus was euthanized earlier today after x-rays revealed he was suffering from a displaced fracture in his neck. He was a talented competitor and loved family member and will be sadly missed.”

Olivia’s parents, Arthur and Charlotte Inglis, spoke out as well:

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and sympathy from family and friends throughout the school, equestrian and thoroughbred communities. We are so proud of Olivia and the beautiful young woman she was in every way. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to share our passion for horses with our children. This has led us on a great journey where we have been able to spend countless happy moments and special family times. So much to celebrate and a life so joyous and well lived.”

A funeral service for Olivia will be held on Monday morning in Randwick, Sydney.

Our hearts go out to Olivia’s family, friends and the Australian eventing community in this time of unspeakable loss.

[Parents of Olivia Inglis speak of their loss as horse that crushed daughter is euthanized]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Mar 7, 2016 5:00 pm -

You can’t beat a good mare. Get one on your side and she’ll do anything for you. Mix in some thoroughbred heart and athleticism and the sky is the limit.

Exhibit A: We all remember who beat out the boys to win Rolex last year, right? Michael Jung’s game-faced fischerRocana FST. King’s Temptress, ridden by Mary King, took the top spot in 2011, Lucinda Fredericks’ Headley Britannia won in 2009… and the list of four-star girl power goes on.

For this edition of Weekly OTTB Wishlist, we picked out three mares who look like they’re up for the job:

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Photo via New Vocations.

A Light Storm (Storm Walk – Light Up Themoment, by Finest Hour) looks like she enjoys putting on a show!

Her trainers say this 15.3 1/2 hand, 2011 unraced mare is not lacking any self confidence and thinks quite highly of herself, although she still has some baby tendencies that quickly remind you she is younger than she pretends. That translates into quiet days and opinionated days, but both on the ground and under saddle she is becoming quite consistent with good schooling. She is a mare, after all, and but is a quick study for someone who has guidelines so she knows what to expect and what is expected of her. She will soak up as much attention as she can get because she loves people, but also would love to spend the day outside with her girlfriends, playing in the pasture and investigating things around her.

Located in Marysville, Ohio.

Click here to see A Light Storm on New Vocations.

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Photo via CANTER Illinois.

How about this leggy beauty? Just Sky (Sky Diving – Mia Merida, by Country Pine) is a gorgeous 15.3-hand, 5-year-old chestnut mare.

CANTER reports that she was very calm to handle and loved the attention of her photo shoot. On the runway she’s got a nice big, loose walk and a cute trot. After three starts on the track she is ready to transition to her new career — as an event horse or a supermodel, your choice!

Located in Illinois.

Click here to view Just Sky on CANTER Illinois.

Photo via CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

Photo via CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

If you’re in the market for an OTTB who already has some off-track training, check out Magic Footnotes.

This 2010, 15.3-16 hand mare (Read the Footnotes – Karrie the Magic, by Distant View) is described as sound and fancy with no vices. She sounds like one cool, versatile girl: While she’s still in race training, her owner/rider likes her so much she rides her as a personal horse as well off-the-track. She has a great mind and jumps anything you point her at (coops, roll-tops, water, etc.), has been hacked out cross country, swims in ponds… you name it, this mare does it. On the track she moonlights as an informal pony, helping steady/pull up other horses as they train. She’s been involved in non-race riding for the past several months and would be perfect for anyone wanting a horse with a great mind and with re-training miles already put on.

Located in Pennsville, New Jersey.

Click here to view Magic Footnotes on CANTER Mid-Atlantic.

Takeaways from the 2016 Eventing 25/18 Training Sessions

By on Mar 3, 2016 5:00 pm -
Eventing 18 Developing Riders. Photo courtesy of USEF. Eventing 18 Developing Riders. Photo courtesy of USEF.

If champions are made in the off-season, a handpicked selection of riders should come out of the gate this year swinging thanks to winter training sessions with USEF Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law.

Participants selected for the 2016 Eventing 25 and 18 Developing Rider Programs (see complete list here) assembled on both sides of the country to take part in the sessions, held Jan. 11-15 and 18-22 at Meredyth South in Ocala,  Florida, and Feb. 1-4 at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, California.

Leslie worked to prep the riders for the upcoming competition, focusing on the basics and the training scale during dressage, gymnastics and coursework during show jumping, and ride-ability on the cross-country course.

“Overall, I was very pleased with the standard of riders we have on the list this year, as I think the bar appears to be rising every year,” Leslie said. “I was happy to see improvement in the riders that were on the list again from last year and to meet the new ones. I hope the riders took away some homework and new exercises I gave them to help them improve themselves and their horses. But, as well, I would hope I emphasized the importance of the theory to them and the necessity to become a scholar of the sport and not just a participant while on horseback.”

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2016 Eventing 25 Developing Riders. Photo courtesy of USEF.

In addition to work in the saddle, the riders benefited from lectures focused on preparing their horses for competition as well as building a well-rounded foundation for their future in the eventing industry.

In California:

  • Farrier Allen Clarke discussed the structure of a horse’s foot, preparing their feet for traveling overseas and necessary farrier tools for every barn.
  • Athletux President Frankie Thieriot Stutes focused on branding and image, social media, sponsorship contracts and syndication.
  • Custom Saddles offered advice on proper saddle fit.
  • Dr. Emily Sandler of Equine Sports Medicine spoke about overseas travel and drugs/medications at FEI competitions.

In Florida:

  • Top barn manager Max Corcoran discussed stable management and managing horses during overseas travel.
  • Dr. Jill Copenhagen from Peak Performance Equine Services provided the E25 riders with information about FEI drugs and medications, as well as overseas shipping. During the E18 session, she touched on examining horses, palpations and the importance of knowing the horse.
  • Certified Equine Bodyworker Kathryn Schiess explained her physiotherapeutic approach to maximizing each horse’s potential.
  • The Eventing 18 riders also heard from USEF High Performance Human Sport Science and Medicine Advisor Andy Thomas who explained the common weaknesses observed in event riders. He detailed pre-riding exercises to help with their weaknesses.

The sessions were well-received by the riders. A few of their comments:

Patience O’Neal (E18): “My favorite part of the clinic is always the great coaching we get form our coach, Leslie Law,” said Patience O’Neal, Eventing 18 Program participant. “His experience and knowledge with horses makes him an outstanding coach. I really enjoyed the lectures, especially the saddle fitter because she explained where and how our dressage and jump saddles are meant to fit our horses. Knowing this, we will be able to get the most out of our saddles and be sure to keep our horses comfortable.”

Patience O’Neal and Markus. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Patience O’Neal and Markus. Photo by Jo Arlow Photography.

Caroline Martin (E285): “Leslie is an amazing coach and mentor and an excellent person to have in your corner. It was great to get to know the Eventing 25 Program participants and learn from them, as well. The lunch lectures gave us an opportunity to branch out and gave us an overall picture on how to become a better horse person. I’m grateful to be a part of this program; great things happen through it. I look forward to the next one.”

Caroline Martin and Center Stage at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Center Stage at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alex Green (E25): “The Eventing 25 Program as a whole has been a great opportunity and learning experience. I think Leslie is an invaluable asset to the program. He really helped me to get the best out of each horse I participated on and catered my riding to improve that horse’s weaknesses. Leslie also serves as such a perfect mentor for us to follow behind and look to if we ever needed help.”

Alex and Cuba at Bromont. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alex Green and Fernhill Cubalawn at Bromont. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We look forward to following these rising stars throughout the season and seeing all that hard work pay off. Go Eventing!

[Eventing 25 and 18 Program Winter Training Clinics Set Tone for Competition Season]

Thursday Video from Nupafeed USA: Building Red Hills

By on Mar 3, 2016 3:30 pm -

Course builder Tyson Rementer and his chainsaw have put a lot of love into this year’s Red Hills International Horse Trials, which kicks off in one week from now in Tallahassee, Florida.

Red Hills always features a big, beautiful, creative cross-country track and we can’t wait to see this year’s edition, especially when we keep spotting teasers like this:

Au-naturel for Red Hills 2016

Posted by Tyson F Rementer on Monday, November 23, 2015

To tide us over here’s a sneak preview from local news affiliate Fox 49:

Can’t wait! Jenni will be heading south next week to cover all the action. Until then… Go Eventing!

PRO Needs Our Help to Keep Liz Cochran Groom’s Award Alive

By on Mar 3, 2016 1:00 pm -
2015 Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award recipient Shannon Kinsley and Veronica at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry. 2015 Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award recipient Shannon Kinsley and Veronica at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Getting a horse to and through a three-day takes a village. Ask any professional rider and they’ll admit that there’s no way they could do it without their team — in particular, their groom.

And yet grooms remain the unsung heroes of the eventing world. They work hard not for ribbons or victory gallops, but for the feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day that they’ve done everything possible to support the health and happiness of the horses in their care.

The PRO Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award, which includes a $5,000 cash gift, is awarded annually to recognize one individual who exemplifies the characteristics of a top groom: expert horsemanship and a work ethic that powers an entire program, making it possible for their riders and horses to be successful. Past recipients include:

2011: Lindsey Taylor, groom for Boyd Martin

2012: Emma Ford, groom for Phillip Dutton

2013: Kathleen Blauth, groom for Buck Davidson

2014: Stacey Driscoll, groom for Ryan Wood

2015: Shannon Kinsley, groom for Lauren Kieffer

The award had a significant impact on each recipient.

Blauth, who received the award in 2013, explains, “Receiving the PRO Liz Cochran Memorial Groom Award was life changing for me. It allowed my kids to receive a better education, and it is very important to me that this grant continues for other grooms such as myself, so they can give back to the people that matter to them. This award is one of the only existing opportunities for grooms to be recognized for their countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. It is crucial for this grant to continue, because it inspires young people to groom at the top of the sport.”

Super groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray rides Ballynoe Castle RM at the Jersey Fresh awards ceremony. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Super groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray rides Ballynoe Castle RM at the Jersey Fresh awards ceremony. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ford echoes her sentiments: “To win the award in 2012 made me very proud of my journey to becoming a professional groom. To be given that recognition meant so much, especially when grooms are seen as ‘behind the scenes’ people. Riders have competition goals to aim for, and this award gives grooms something to aim to achieve in their careers.”

Emma Ford and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emma Ford and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Until now the award has been made possible thanks to a generous annual donation by the Luftkin Family Foundation and a private benefactor. The private benefactor pledged their support for half of the award the first two years with the Lufkin Family Foundation contributing the other half. Since that time, PRO has contributed in place of the original private benefactor to keep the award going, but they need our help to ensure that its continuance.

PRO is seeking to raise $100,000, which generate $5,000 interest annually, toward a fund that would endow the award in perpetuity. The Lufkin Foundation has generously agreed to donate half the amount and PRO is calling on its members to raise the remaining half in matching donations.

Karen O’Connor, Sharon White and Max Corcoran issued a plea for support in a letter yesterday:

Our grooms are remarkable in more ways than can be described, and we feel it would be a true loss for this award to no longer exist recognizing their contribution to the sport of eventing. They are already recognized so little for all they do, and they do it proudly and with passion. Because of this, we ask that you take a moment to reflect and consider helping us make it possible for the PRO Liz Cochran Memorial Groom Award to become endowed by making a donation for us to match The Lufkin Foundation’s contribution … Your donation, no matter the size, is so important to our grooms. As a member of the eventing community, please help us to honor the people who do so much to care for and honor our horses.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Tax-deductible donations can be easily made by sending a check to the USEA Foundation, which is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3.

Can you help? Please include the following notation in the memo section of your check, PRO Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award Donation, and mail to the address below:

USEA Foundation
525 Old Waterford Rd. NW
Leesburg, VA 20176

Find out more information about this and other PRO awards here.

Go Eventing.

An Eventer’s Guide to the PA Horse World Expo

By on Mar 3, 2016 11:30 am -

Glancing at the schedule for the 2016 PA Horse World Expo it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The event features four days’ worth of demonstrations, lectures, exhibitions and events, plus you’ve got to squeeze a trade fair shopping spree in there somewhere.

Chinch overload.

Excitement overload.

If you want to make the most of your experience, you need a game plan. You’re going to have to make some tough choices out there, kids, but Eventing Nation is here to help. We did the dirty work of combing through this year’s lineup to custom curate a list of activities that we think will hold extra appeal for the three-day crowd. In no particular order…

Bernie Traurig is a legend of the sport — actually, make that plural, “sports.” He’s competed at the international level in all three Olympic disciplines and nowadays is sharing that knowledge via his online training site EquestrianCoach.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a legend.

Schedule:

  • Friday, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Flatwork Over Fences”
  • Friday, 1 – 2 p.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall): “A Tribute to the Thoroughbred Sport Horse”
  • Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall): “History & Evolution of the American H/J Forward Riding System”
  • Saturday, 1 – 2 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Gymnastics & Course Work”
  • Sunday, 10 – 11 a.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall): “Our US Equestrian Team ‘Back in the Day;’ DVD With Q&A”
  • Sunday, 12-1 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): Mini Prix Including Jump Off

Check out this video of Bernie competing “Maybe Forever” in the 1990 World Cup in Dortmund, Germany:

Dom Schramm needs no introduction in this neck of the eventing woods. He and wife Jimmie’s Shramm Equestrian is based just an hour and a half or so away from Harrisburg in Cochranville, making Dom a natural PA Horse World Expo fit.

Schedule:

  • Saturday, 2-3 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Common Challenges of Introducing the Young Horse to Eventing”
  • Saturday, 4-5 p.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall): “So You Want to Be an Equine Professional?”
  • Sunday, 11-12 p.m. 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall): “English & Western; What We Can Learn From Each Other”
  • Sunday, 1-2 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Dressage; A No-Nonsense Guide for Regular People”

Dom is a big fan of OTTBs and couple of his lectures are in coordination with CANTER PA. You can meet him at the CANTER booth, where you’ll have a chance to purchase a CANTER tee at a reduced price to get autographed by Dom himself. Keep an eye on social media for an announcement about the time of this event and be sure to use the hashtags #canterpa and #DomlovesCANTER in your own social posts!

Domm Schramm and Cold Harbor. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Domm Schramm and Cold Harbor. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Retired Racehorse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover will be in the spotlight throughout the Expo, featuring demos, commentary and even a 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover Rematch, which we previewed in this post yesterday.

Meet some of the top horses and trainers who traveled to Kentucky for last year’s Makeover event, with a different part of their extraordinary journeys from the racetrack to new careers as riding horses showcased each day.  Steuart Pittman of Dodon Farm Training Center will provide commentary and interview the trainers as they perform.

Schedule:

  • Thursday, 3-3 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Finding the Right Horse for You”
  • Friday, 12-1 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Retraining From Racing to Riding”
  • Saturday, 5-6 p.m., Equine Arena (2nd Floor): “Thoroughbred Makeover Rematch”
  • Sunday, 2-3 p.m., Seminar Hall A (Expo Hall):  Trainer’s Forum

Click here to learn more about RRP.

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Among the OTTBs competing in the Rematch is Emily Daignault-Salvaggio and Gin Joint, winners of the Field Hunter division at the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Heather Benson.

Can’t get enough OTTB? CANTER PA also has a full lineup of events this weekend. Find them at booth S12 in Breed Row where you can take a hilarious selfie with (cardboard cutout) Smarty Jones, show your off-track pride with the purchase of a discount tee, score a celebrity autograph or window shop for a new OTTB of your own!

And whatever you do, don’t miss a performance of  “Thoroughbred Bachelorette,” presented by CANTER PA, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue (booth S10)and PA Racehorse Rehoming (booth S11) taking place each day during the Parade of Breeds. Spoiler alert: There will be costumes, hilarity and lots of hot OTTBs all competing for the love of a lucky mare.

Parade of Breeds Thoroughbred schedule:

  • Thursday, 4:30-4:40 p.m., Equine Arena
  • Friday, 1:30-1:40 p.m., Equine Arena
  • Saturday, 9:50-10 a.m., Large Arena
  • Sunday, 4-4:10 p.m., Equine Arena

Check out the full Parade of Breeds schedule here.

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Via CANTER PA.

One more thing that didn’t quite make the schedule but you’ll want to keep an eye out for nonetheless… EN’s own celebrity Chinch. 

We hear he’ll be out and about, probably stirring up trouble as usual, so if you spot him don’t hesitate to shake his paw, give him a squeeze, or take a Chinch selfie!

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Find out more about the PA Horse World Expo by visiting its website here.

Have fun out there, and Go Eventing!