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#EventerProblems, VII

By on Jun 12, 2015 1:00 pm -

All around the world, hopeless eventing addicts are taking to social media to acknowledge the fact that, yes, they have a problem. Too bad admitting it isn’t the first step to recovery. Once an addict, always an addict, but at least we’re all in this thing together, right?

Our #EventerProblems series rages on with 20 more reader-submitted troubles that only eventers will understand.

If you missed them: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI.

When you finally take your boots off after a day of showing. #eventerproblems #itwasagoodrunsocks #heelsdown A photo posted by MercatMiller (@mercatmiller) on

When your horse thinks a grass pacifier is necessary to school XC. #EventerProblems #NinerFiveOneTango

A photo posted by Haley Mac Johnson (@maclbee) on

Dear Horse Gods (and rich people),Please gift me with a truck and horse trailer (or just the trailer, I can borrow a…

Posted by Emily Francis on Friday, May 29, 2015

What’s YOUR problem? Tweet it, Instagram it or share it on Facebook with the hashtag #EventerProblems for inclusion in the next edition of this series.

Go Eventing!

When the Circus Comes to Town: An Open Letter to the 2018 WEG Organizing Committee

By on Jun 11, 2015 9:00 am -
The front of the Bromont cross-country course. Photo by Leslie Wylie. The front of the Bromont cross-country course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

I know I’m not the only one who, upon leaving this past weekend’s (fantastic as usual) Bromont CCI Three-Day Event, took a good look around. Change is coming, and soon.

I’ve spent a number of scattered hours over the past few months digging into the IOC’s 1976 Olympic official reports, trying to piece together what the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Montreal/Bromont might look like. Having been to the 2010 and 2014 World Equestrian Games, both of which were giant, sprawling affairs, I was having a tough time visualizing the sleepy Canadian ski village of Bromont shouldering even a percentage of the load.

I compiled my research in last week’s post, How Did Bromont Pull Off the 1976 Olympics?, and took it a step further by comparing the scale of the Olympic equestrian events versus WEG. The bottom line: Bromont handled the Olympics with aplomb, but with about seven times the number of competing horses and at least twice as many spectators, WEG will be a significantly larger beast.

A view from the stands during WEG 2014. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

A view from the stands during WEG 2014. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Like the ’76 Olympics, the 2018 WEG will be split between Bromont and Montreal, and while the FEI has cited Bromont as “the hub,”  no word has yet been made public about which events will be held where. But whether Bromont ends up hosting two disciplines or eight, one thing is certain: It’s going to undergo some major shape-shifting over the next couple years.

Rather than speculating about the end game — a fun but not entirely productive thought experiment — I think it’s worth taking a moment to discuss the process. How will the WEG organizing committee take the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park from point A to point B?

It must be difficult to hand your horse park, which you’ve put so much work into, over to a third-party organizing committee. It’s an honor to host WEG, certainly, but outside-looking-in is a vulnerable place to be.

There are a number of question marks still dangling. Preliminary plans include turning the front of the cross-country course into a parking lot and erecting two large buildings in what is now the large cross-country warm-up area. WEG has contracts with property owners surrounding the park to allow the cross-country course to be expanded outward, but what happens after the Games are over?

There is no guarantee that the property owners will continue allowing an event to bleed into their land. A CCI3* track requires a vast amount of land, and that’s one reason why there are only five CCI3* events in North America (Jersey Fresh, Bromont, Rebecca Farm, Fair Hill, Galway Downs). Will there be enough land left after WEG for the Bromont CCI3* to continue? With the venue likely being under construction next year, will the CCI event even be held next year?

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

To be fair, the WEG organizing committee has no easy task before them. Pulling off an event on the scale of WEG is a logistical high-wire act, and the perils of falling short — as was the focus of a great deal of criticism toward the 2014 WEG in Normandy — only exacerbate the pressure. It’s a system that encourages short-sightedness: The organizers are graded on their ability to stage one event with little concern to what may manifest in its wake.

An open letter of encouragement to the WEG organizing committee:

Keep both the short-term and the long-term in mind. Your job is to facilitate two shining weeks of world-class equestrian sport in 2018, but consider also the end-game impact the event will have on its host venue and surrounding community.

Honor the land by developing it in a sustainable way. Build out in a way that is healthy, both for the immediate future and for the years and decades to follow. Find creative ways to utilize existing infrastructure.

Be respectful of the individuals who have invited the international equestrian community into their backyards. Consider their input, which is as valuable as that of any expert you have on the payroll. Do what has to be done, but not at the venue’s expense.

Doing the above is a win-win for everyone. The benefits are clear for the venue, but WEG has much to gain as well. Cities are not exactly jumping up and down to host a WEG — the selection process for 2018, as you may recall, was quite the kerfuffle.

With the eight-disciplines/one-host model already up in the air, the FEI should be doing everything it can to make hosting the Games seem like an enticing proposition. Working with host venues and communities toward a mutually beneficial result, starting with Bromont, would surely pave the way for more cities stepping up as candidates in the future.

Committing to leaving everything a little better than you found it is a good guideline to live by in general and one the WEG organizing committee would do well to take to heart. Bromont is one of the most naturally beautiful equestrian venues on earth, and it would be a shame to see it cratered out or cluttered up with superfluous infrastructure after the Games have come and gone.

The 1976 IOC Games Report analysis of its equestrian events concluded: “Following the Games, Bromont, in addition to its other fine facilities, was left with an equestrian centre capable of accommodating major international competitions.”

Bromont will soon have the ultimate opportunity to make good on that prophesy. Let’s make sure that the last sentence written about the 2018 WEG is equally positive.

Who Jumped It Best? Bromont Jaguar Edition

By on Jun 8, 2015 11:00 am -

I’ve heard of “expensive rails” but using a Jaguar as jump filler is in a category all of its own: “That’ll cost you four faults AND tens of thousands of dollars. Should have picked up those toes!”

As usual, sports cars were scattered throughout this year’s Jaguar Land Rover Bromont Three-Day event, including some cameos on yesterday’s show jumping course.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Have you ever seen a car used as an obstacle on a show jumping course? Me neither. But if you use your imagination, snap photos from precisely the right angle, and have a basic knowledge of Photoshop, anything is possible. Check out these photos of the CCI3* horses and riders “jumping a Jaguar” and tell us who you thought did it best!

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Catchascatchcan. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Catchascatchcan. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Many thanks to Jaguar Land Rover for their support of both Bromont and equestrian sport at large.

Allez Concours Complet!

Hope Bromont CCI2*/3* Winner Marilyn Little Has a Big Mantlepiece

By on Jun 7, 2015 5:23 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Earlier today Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed earned themselves this sweet, sweet hunk of Canadian eventing memorabilia…

The Bromont Two Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI2* Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…and by the end of the afternoon she and RF Demeter had won him a little friend.

Bromont Three Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI3* Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“This qualifies as a really good day,” Marilyn said after her round. “In this sport there are a lot of different days, and this is a good one.”

Unlike the CCI2*, which Marilyn led from start to finish on RF Overdressed, Marilyn wasn’t in the tip-top spot when she cantered into the show jumping arena. She was in second but certainly within striking distance, being just half a point away from cross-country leaders Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon.

Rails were flying throughout the CCI3* division — there wasn’t a single clear round. Marc Donovan’s course was a test of the horses’ ability to rebound after a taxing cross-country day and several of the horses were clearly not on their usual game. The issues weren’t at any one fence but scattered evenly around the course, which had a beautiful, forward flow but reprimanded even little mistakes.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn explains that while her mare is usually very sharp on Sunday, she felt a little tired today and didn’t quite get her toes clear of the vertical skinny. They emerged from the ring with four jump faults in hand, leaving Emily a bit of breathing room. When Emily and “Delta” pulled two rails, however, Marilyn and Demi switched places: Marilyn in first, Emily in second.

Marilyn describes Demi as sound, tough and brave — a “once in a lifetime horse” — and says she is thrilled that her horse finally got her moment in the sun. “I’m surprised this is her first win,” Marilyn says. “It’s always just been one thing or another, or me, that’s kept her out of the winner’s circle … maybe this will break the ice.”

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The rest of the pack got a good shuffle as well. Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac moved from fourth to third on a four-fault round, with third-placed Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF dropping to sixth after pulling three rails.

Jenny Caras, the talented 19-year-old making her CCI3* debut we featured earlier this week, jumped her way up the scoreboard from being 14th after dressage to fourth place overall. She and Fernhill Fortitude had a clear cross-country trip that was darn near optimum time, just 1.2 time faults over, and a four-fault round today. The future is blindingly bright for this class pair.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI3* Top 15

scores

That’s a wrap for Bromont 2015. We’ll be bringing you some odds and ends over the next few days, including an impending announcement about the Canadian Pan-Am Games squad, but for now we’re signing out. Congrats to all of this weekend’s competitors and here’s wishing everyone a safe journey home.

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed Win Coveted Bear-Eating-Salmon Bromont CCI2* Trophy

By on Jun 7, 2015 2:45 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

All week long, the suspense has been killing us: Who was going to win the most Canadian trophy of them all?

trophy

Bromont Two Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In the end — actually, all the way from the beginning — it was Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed, who have been leading their CCI2* division all week. You can read our recaps of their dressage and cross-country performances here and here.

Marilyn and Overdressed had one rail in hand when they went into show jumping and they used it. Marilyn told us later that she felt the horse was just a bit tired: “That was the longest course he’s every done in his career.” She thought it was a great education for him, explaining, “Best I can tell, they have to learn how to be tired and still perform.”

Overall, though, she was thrilled his performance and says she can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

On Marilyn’s heels was Sharon White, who packed a double-punch with Cooley On Show and Clifford M. Both jumped fault-free show jumping rounds to finish in second and third respectively, and we look forward to watching these lovely horses develop under Sharon’s expert guidance. She stopped by yesterday to tell us about them — you can check out the interview here.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Do you think Cooley on Show is giving Clifford M a hard time here? Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Do you think Cooley on Show is giving Clifford M a hard time here? Photo by Leslie Wylie.

While Marilyn and Sharon sat tight in their seats at the top of the scoreboard, the rest of the field got shuffled around a bit by felled rails. Marc Donovan’s show jumping course has a beautiful flow, with forward galloping lines and plenty of encouragement to keep your horse in front of your leg. But if you got lulled into getting a bit flat and strung out, it was nearly guaranteed to catch up with you by the finish.

CCI2* Final Top 15

twostar

Meanwhile, in the CIC2*, it was fitting to hear the Canadian anthem come over the loudspeakers courtesy of Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. The overnight leaders had a beautiful trip around the course and Waylon had a big smile on his face during the awards — he was clearly happy to win one for the home team.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

CIC2* Final Top 15

onestar

 Back shortly with a CCI3* report. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST Bogart the Bromont CCI1* Win

By on Jun 7, 2015 1:15 pm -
Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST grabbed the Bromont CCI1* dressage lead and never let go, besting a field of 32 horses with a final score of 42.4.

The 20-year-old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, went into show jumping with a rail in hand and started celebrating with a fist-pump about halfway over the final fence — a bit prematurely, perhaps, as the horse knocked the rail. But hey, lesson learned, and he’s still going home with a big silver cup.

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You know Chinch couldn’t resist getting up in that thing. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau told us yesterday that he got the Canadian-bred Hanoverian about a year ago, having been sourced by Boyd Martin. This is Filibuster’s first CCI and Beau’s second, and Beau feels like despite their relative inexperience they’re a well-matched pair: “He’s a super horse and he tries, and I’m a bit green too.”

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The second- and third-placed pairs held their ground from start to finish as well. Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy laid down a lovely round today for second place — you wouldn’t know from watching that he is just six years old. Will got the Spanish-bred gelding as a four year old and says he’s been a fun one to bring along.

The horse is actually a relative of Will’s 2012 Olympic mount, Twizzel, and he notes that the two have “eerily similar” personalities both in and out of the tack. In the barn, Will says both horses are cheeky and love people. Under saddle, he explains, “They have to be really encouraged to work hard but when you get them on your side they’re really both quite fun to ride.” Watch the full video of our interview with Will here.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley rounded out the top three. Lucia kindly stopped by the media center to tell us about her ride, which was My Royal Cooley’s debut at the CCI1* level.

Lucia, of Charlottesville, Va., imported him from Ireland when he was four and says she has developed him slowly. “He’s really big and it took him a while to learn to use both ends of his body,” she explains. “This is his best competition ever — he put it all together. Show jumping is his weakest phase so I was very, very happy with him.”

2015 marks Lucia’s third time at Bromont and she thought it would be a great learning experience for her horse. “I love Bromont. It’s such a great one-star for the babies. It feels like a big deal for them — it’s so nice and has a great atmosphere.”

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Next down the standings is Becky Holder and her OTTB Telperion, who moved from seventh place to fourth over the course of the weekend.

Becky Holder and Telperion. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Becky Holder and Telperion. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Congratulations to Caileigh Levely-Connolly of Canada and her horse West River for being the top-placed Young Rider pair. Also, new for 2015, the Hedger Family Amateur Award Trophy was awarded to the top amateur rider in the CCI1* division. The inaugural winner of the award was Michelle Coppin and No Stranger to the Rain — a job well done, Michelle!

Top 15 in the CCI1*

scoreThe CCI2* is underway — back soon with more!

Allez Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

I Woke Up Like This: Sunday Bromont Jog Report

By on Jun 7, 2015 11:30 am -
Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The first order of business, of course, is who passed and who didn’t. So we’ll run through that quickly and then get down to real talk, including but not limited to the fact that Waylon Roberts wore a kilt.

CCI3*: Colleen Loach’s Freespirit was held but passed on reinspection. Other than that, all clear!

CCI2*: Selena O’Hanlon’s A First Romance and Nobie Cannon’s Bust a Groove were held but passed upon reinspection. Kelli Temple’s Matilda and Kate Chadderton’s Collection pass were unfortunately spun.

CIC2*: Arden Wildasin’s Dusky Shadow was held but also passed upon reinspection.

CCI1*: One horse, Haley Rosenberg’s Evil Munchkin, was spun.

Overnight leader Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Overnight leader Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Now, onto the fun stuff. Who wore what? Here are our Sunday jog superlatives:

Best Kilt

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen.

Not too much competition in this category. Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Best Use of Bling

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Now That’s What I Call a Tie” Award

Sean McIntosh and Wild T'Mater. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sean McIntosh and Wild T’Mater. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Scarf I Most Wanted to Steal” Award

Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ballsiest Footwear

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Most Stylish Jacket

Lucia Strini and Sammy Jo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and Sammy Jo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Best Horse-Human Color Coordination

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bravest Dog

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Show jumping is underway and we’ll be bringing you all the latest. Allez Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Oswaldo and Sarka: The Sweetest Love Story of Bromont 2015

By on Jun 7, 2015 9:00 am -
Sarka Kolackova de Mendez . Photo by Leslie Wylie. Sarka Kolackova de Mendez . Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In 1976 Oswaldo Mendez was a 19-year-old kid on a 6-year-old horse representing his home country of Guatemala in the Olympics.

He was competing in show jumping, which that year was held in Bromont and at the Olympic stadium in Montreal.

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Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Oswaldo is back — but playing a different role.

This time he’s here as the proud husband and trainer of Sarka Kolackova de Mendez, a member of the 2015 Guatemalan Pan Am Games squad. The team is using Bromont as a prep trial for the Games and Oswaldo was all smiles this afternoon as he doted on his wife, who is currently sitting in a competitive sixth place in the CIC2* heading into show jumping.

Sarka Kolackova de Men and Sir Royal. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sarka Kolackova de Men and Sir Royal. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

This is Oswaldo’s first time back at Bromont since the Olympics and the experience is clearly a special one. I’ll let him tell you his story:

Peter Gray, the Guatemalan team coach, introduced me to his riders today. They seem like an absolutely wonderful bunch, visibly enjoying the experience and looking forward to the Games in Toronto next month.

Team Guatemala. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Team Guatemala: Jose Marroquin, Tiziana Billy Prem, Alvaro Del Valle, Sarka Kolackova de Mendez and Peter Gray. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s exciting to have such a diverse international contingent represented here at Bromont. In addition to the Guatemalans, Sofia Baussan of El Salvador is competing in the CIC2* and Leonor Muoz of Costa Rica is competing in the CCI1*. The Mexican Pan Am team, coached by Karen O’Connor, was entered to compete as well but were sadly unable to procure Visas in time for the event.

The Eventing Nation has no borders and we’ll be cheering on our Central and South American eventing friends both this weekend and in Toronto next month. Go Eventing!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

End-of-the-Day Thoughts on Bromont Cross Country

By on Jun 6, 2015 10:19 pm -
Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Could it have been a more magical day for horse sport? I’m still in disbelief that a real live Triple Crown winner is walking the earth.

Like the Bromont eventers we surveyed yesterday, I was hopeful but braced for my heart to get broken by another oh-so-close Belmont bummer. We watched a page in the history books get written tonight, and that’s an experience we’ll carry around in our life satchel forever. Go American Pharoah.

There was a touch of je ne sais quoi in the brisk Canadian air today at Bromont as well. The sun was shining and the birds were singing and the horses were doing what they were supposed to. Bromont and the people circulating about it this weekend are clearly doing something right. So what is it?

Course design

This year’s Bromont track had the respect of even the most seasoned eventers: It was plenty big and plenty demanding, asking tough-love questions from every possible angle. It reshuffled the scoreboard in a way that was fair, not flukey. It was breathtaking to watch, but not in a thrills-and-spills sort of way. Rather, it was because each and every jump did such an excellent job of spotlighting what our amazing equine athletes are capable of.

Most importantly, every competitor walked back to the barns safe and sound, a testament to Derek di Grazia’s skill, tact and experience. Let’s not be afraid to ask hard questions of our horses, but let’s frame them in a way that makes sense. Safety will follow close behind.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun, 11th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Hospitality

Whether you’re a competitor, official, spectator, sponsor, journalist, vendor or volunteer, Bromont rolls out the red carpet to ensure that everyone feels like they’re part of something special. The organizers and officials are among the friendliest in the land, and that in and of itself carries incredible value.

After Marilyn Little’s dressage test on RF Overdressed, with whom she is in the CCI2* lead, she expressed how excited she was to have all of the horse’s owners at the event. One of the owners is Robin Parsky, who has been quite involved in show jumping — she owns Kent Farrington’s superstar mare Blue Angel — and is now dipping her toes into the world of eventing. Bromont might not be a Grand Prix in Paris, but between its spectacular natural beauty, artful courses and accomodating atmosphere, Marilyn said that she felt confident Robin would come away from the event feeling excited about the sport.

We all play different roles but every piece of the eventing puzzle is important. It’s lovely, and refreshing, to be treated as such.

The Jaguar Land Rover Cross Country VIP Tent. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The Jaguar Land Rover Cross Country VIP Tent. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Heart

To less experienced pairs, today’s startbox must have felt like one of those butterfly conservatories, filled with the bright, fluttery magic of possibility. Others came in seeking redemption from a season that veered off course, or a stiff challenge worthy of the hard work they’ve been putting in. Everyone sets out on course with a different goal, and it’s exciting when the mark is met — whatever that may be.

As I talked about in this morning’s course preview, Bromont favors competitors are mentally and physically prepared to fight all the way to the finish. There were a lot of fighters out there today.

Exhibit A: CCI2* competitor Madison Gallien had a white-knuckle moment at fence #4B when her horse stumbled on the landing, nearly unseating her in the process. Watch her react, buckle down and get right back to business to finish her course jump-fault free.

Horsemanship

Horsemanship, and sportsmanship, have a trickle-down effect. We’re all in this together and it’s our collective responsibility to set a healthy precedent, but leaders of the sport, with their influence and visibility, play an especially critical role.

Examples today abounded. For instance, after her winning CCI3* dressage test yesterday Selena O’Hanlon explained that her goal for today was to give her horse a confidence building round — not chase a ribbon. “Too much is riding on this and I really more than anything just want to go clear tomorrow,” she said. “I don’t care about the time so much.” She went out on course today, stuck to her plan, and even though she dropped down the scoreboard a few places she achieved her goal. That’s horsemanship, and the more it gets spread around, the better.

Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Can’t wait to see how everything shakes out in the show jumping! The jog starts at 8 a.m. and we’ll be back on the grounds bringing you all the latest. Until then, Allez Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Top 2 Bromont CCI1* Leaders Recap Their XC Rides

By on Jun 6, 2015 6:26 pm -
Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST lead the Bromont CCI1* division after cross-country today. Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST lead the Bromont CCI1* division after cross-country today.

Yesterday’s Bromont CCI1* dressage leaders didn’t budge an inch during today’s cross-country competition. The top three pairs — Beau Guimond on Filibuster ST, Will Coleman on Butch Cassidy, and Lucia Strini on My Royal Cooley — all laid down double-clear trips, leaving no room for anyone else to slide in.

Beau and Will kindly stopped by the media tent this afternoon to tell us about their rides:

CCI1* Top 15:

CCI1

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

More Than a Sand Dancer: Marilyn Little’s RF Overdressed Reveals His XC Hops in Bromont CCI2*

By on Jun 6, 2015 5:18 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

When it comes to “floaty-boat” warmbloods, to revisit the made-up adjective I used to describe Marilyn Little’s RF Overdressed on Thursday, you just never know. Sometimes the springs in the dressage ring translate into mad hops over fences, and sometimes a buoyant passage is as high above the ground as they want to go.

There’s no doubt that RF Overdressed, an 8-year-old German-bred Hannoverian, can win the dressage — they’ve laid down some pretty bonkers scores this spring. But he’s a new ride for Marilyn, just imported in December, and their partnership over fences has taken a little longer to cook.

Marilyn originally thought the horse might be a prospect for the Pan Am Games but after a couple hiccups at the CIC2* and CIC1* levels in the early spring, Marilyn decided to back off from that plan. “He’s only eight and our partnership is still quite new,” she explained after her winning dressage test on Thursday.

They spent the rest of the spring working on his performance over jumps and that effort paid off today, when the horse bounced around his first CCI2* in fine form.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Meanwhile, Sharon White has second place on lock with Cooley On Show and is tied for third on Clifford M with Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett. Sharon and Ryan both have had a busy weekend; Sharon has two horses in the CCI2* and one in the CCI3* and Ryan has two in each.

Sharon and Ryan, along with Ryan’s lovely mum and little dog Snoopy, kindly stopped by the media tent to tell us about their rides.

A few top 15 photos from the CCI2*:

 

Ariel Grald and GHF Jonah, 7th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ariel Grald and GHF Jonah, 7th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines, 8th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines, 8th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kelly Prather and D. A. Duras. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kelly Prather and D. A. Duras. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun, 11th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun, 11th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

CCI2* Top 15

CCI2

CIC2* Top 15

CIC2

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

 

 

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon Land Bromont CCI3* XC Lead

By on Jun 6, 2015 2:09 pm -
Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Double-clear cross-country rounds are gold here at Bromont and Emily Beshear produced one of only three of them with Shame on the Moon in the CCI3* today.

Emily told us yesterday that she came here looking for a challenge in preparation for her ultimate 2015 goal: Bleinheim in September. She said that, between the toughness of the course and the challenging terrain, she thought it would be a better prep for her mare than last month’s Jersey Fresh.

Her objective for today, she said, was to give “Delta” an opportunity to step up to the plate.

“There are a lot of lines where you have to be determined and accurate,” Emily said. “Delta is certainly ready for those challenges and I need to convince myself she’s not green anymore and I need to go out and ride the course the way it’s meant to be ridden.”

Delta showed that she was ready for whatever the cross-country gods threw at her on course today. She looked keen and fit throughout, and we can’t wait to see this pair give it their all in the showjumping tomorrow.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter collected just 0.4 time penalties to move from third after dressage into second…

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…while Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF coasted from fifth into third on the wings of their double-clean trip.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily, Marilyn and Matt kindly stopped by to tell us about their rides:

Dressage leader Selena O’Hanlon told us yesterday that she came here looking for redemption after a less than happy Saturday at Rolex.

Despite coming out on top after yesterday’s dressage, Selena was adamant that she was looking for a confidence-building ride today and didn’t mind collecting a few time penalties in that pursuit. Happily, Foxwood High outran his demons, making short work of the course. Eight time penalties dropped them to fifth but we’re sure Selena is just happy to have her horse back.

Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac was the third member of the double-clear club and made a big leap from 10th to fourth as a result.

Problems were scattered evenly throughout the course. The first water came up early, at fence #4, and it caught a couple horses off guard: Sharon White’s Wundermaske, who collected 20 then retired at fence #9, and Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott, who retired after two stops at the water.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo collected 20 at the C element of fence #11, a reverse pass through the first water.

Erin Brooke Freedman’s Viola ran into trouble late in the course, at fences #20, a tricky turning combination of brushes and corners, and #22, the final water.

Zack Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail looked super early on in the course but unfortunately a fall at the back of the course brought their day to an early end.

Alexandra Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Alexandra Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

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The CCI2* is underway and we’ll be back soon with a report from that division as well.

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Will American Pharoah Win the Belmont? Bromont Eventers Weigh In

By on Jun 6, 2015 1:30 pm -

Everyone knows that it’s terrible idea to hang one’s hopes and dreams on a horse — especially a 3-year-old, kinda-broke thoroughbred that would rather be playing grab-tail with his buddies in a field than getting shooed around a track.

And yet our nation does it, over and over and over again. We hold our breath when a horse wins the first two legs of the Triple Crown then get our hearts raked across the rocky shoals of the Belmont. Will American Pharoah follow suit, or could he accomplish tomorrow what some believe is now an impossible feat?

Being here at Bromont, surrounded by horse people, I decided to ask around:

Eventers are, indeed, a (mostly) hopeful breed of people — and here’s hoping that hope pays off.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. Which response in the video did you agree with?

Go racing.

In the Barns on XC Morning at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2015 10:45 am -
Overnight CCI3* leader Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High are geared up and ready to tackle the course. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Overnight CCI3* leader Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High are geared up and ready to tackle the course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Cross-country morning has dawned early and bright here at Bromont International. It’s a beautiful day here in Quebec — the horses will appreciate the cool breeze, and everyone will enjoy the sunshine.

I love cross-country morning. There’s an almost tangible sense of anticipation in the air. As I write, the riders are all getting their game faces on in the barns or heading out on course to have a last-minute talk with a worrisome fence.

I headed over to the barn with my camera to spy on everyone’s preparations. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes:

The CCI1* has jumped wrapped up and the CCI3* is set to kick off here in a few moments. Allez Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Watch Le Chinch Jump the Entire Bromont CCI3* Course

By on Jun 6, 2015 9:00 am -

In what may be the most bizarre EN cross-country preview since John’s infamously nauseating course run videos of yesteryear, we sent Le Chinch off to test-ride the Bromont CCI3* course.

He reported back that the course was “massive” (particularly when you’re only eight inches tall) and required a great deal of accuracy (we had to fish him out of the bushes on several occasions).

Red on right, white on left, Chinch in the middle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Red on right, white on left, Chinch in the middle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Indeed, if your horse has a corner problem, you’re not going to make it very far on Derek di Grazia’s big, technical course. There’s plenty to do out there and horses and riders will have their hands full from startbox to finish flags.

The track is very similar to last year’s with a few shake-ups here and there. Like last year, several riders have mentioned the coffin at #7 and #8ABC as a potential sticking point. A log to a ditch to two angled skinnies, the question will reward horses — and chinchillas — who look for their flags.

#7, #8ABC

#7, #8ABC

The course is challenging enough, but heaped on top of that is distance and terrain. Optimum time is 10 minutes on the mark and with Bromont’s rolling hills, even the fittest horses will start feeling the burn along the way. Today’s field is peppered with new-to-the-level horses and riders who haven’t had the experience of being at the eight- or nine-minute marker of a 3* course, and success will come to those who are both mentally and physically prepared to fight all the way to the finish.

Some rain late Friday left the turf just spongy enough. As usual it’s a bit boggy in places, and especially heading uphill riders may find that they need to take their foot off the gas pedal and let their horses feel their way up.

Take it away, Le Chinch!

 

Best of luck to all competitors. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Selena O’Hanlon Is Watching the Bromont CCI3* Throne

By on Jun 5, 2015 4:47 pm -
Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Canadian Jessica Phoenix won the CCI3* here last year and now teammate Selena O’Hanlon is doing her part to ensure that the crown stays on home turf.

She and Foxwood High laid down a seamless test this morning to take the early lead and hung onto it throughout the afternoon despite challenges from second-placed Emily Beshear and third-placed Marilyn Little.

Selena and Foxwood High — 1st (46.7)

Selena comes to Quebec with her longtime partner and WEG mount “Woody” as a re-route from Rolex, where they had a less-than-happy Saturday.

“I didn’t actually come here to prove that I could do circles,” Selena says. “I came here to prove I could get him going back on the cross-country after a disappointing Rolex but it certainly is icing on the cake.”

Dressage may not have been their top priority but you couldn’t tell it from their test, which was relaxed yet expressive. “I was worried he might be tense but he just went to work,” Selena said.

Mostly, she says, she’s just eager to gallop out of the start box and give her horse a confidence building round. She’s prepared to pick up a few time penalties in favor of making sure he crosses the finish line feeling like a prince and plans to take the option at fence 20, a bending line with a big, watery ditch to an angled hedge to a corner. “Too much is riding on this and I really more than anything just want to go clear tomorrow — I don’t care about the time so much,” she says.

This is Woody’s third Bromont — they’ve done the CCI2* and CCI3* once apiece — and Selena says he’s come off the sprawling, hilly cross-country course a bit tired in the past. This time, though, she says he feels fitter than ever, so here’s hoping the pair finds the redemption they’re seeking without having to step on the brakes too much.

Bromont is the final selection trial for the Canadian Pan Am team and Woody is among the horses Selena has qualified. She’s earned her stripes already, representing her country at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, and says she would love to be named to the Toronto squad.

“I love the team,” Selena explain. “I hate losing out on the team things. I just have such a good time…  It’s more than just the show, it’s the coaching you get and the lessons learned.”

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

 

Emily and Shame on the Moon — 2nd (48.4)

Emily says that Bromont has been part of the game plan since Fair Hill last fall, as preparation for her ultimate 2015 goal: Bleinheim in September. She felt that, between the toughness of the course and the challenging terrain, it would be a better prep for them than last month’s Jersey Fresh.

First things first, of course, was the dressage.  Like Selena, Emily expected the atmosphere to generate a bit of electricity in her mare and was surprised when it produced just the opposite.

“She was really relaxed and almost lazy so I didn’t quite have the test I hoped for,” Emily says, nitpicking at a few little mistakes. “I know what she’s capable of but I was thrilled with the fact that she was so quiet and relaxed in that environment. It shows we’ve come a long way.”

As for the course tomorrow, she’s impressed but looking forward to the opportunity to attack.

“There’s a lot to do,” she says. “In a sense it’s what I hoped for. It’s what I feel like she’s ready for.”

Emily says she keeps joking that it’s time to start riding Delta like a grown-up three-star horse and not the baby she has been carefully bringing up through the levels.

“There are a lot of lines where you have to be determined and accurate,” Emily says. “Delta is certainly ready for those challenges and I need to convince myself she’s not green anymore and I need to go out and ride the course the way it’s meant to be ridden.”

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter — 3rd (48.5)

Rounding out the top three is Marilyn and RF Demeter. This mare was unofficial Eventing Nation statistician Maggie Deatrick’s pick to win the whole division in her By the Numbers post earlier this week:

After a disappointing stop at the coffin early on the Rolex course, Marilyn chose to retire RF Demeter in hopes of saving her legs for another day. That day is here, and Marilyn and Demeter will be looking to pick up their first win at the CCI3* level.

An average of 49.2 for this particular test will put these two at or near the top after the first phase. Marilyn and RF Demeter finished double clear over Derek’s Rolex course in 2014, and it’s likely they will repeat that feat here.

An overall show jumping average that leans slightly towards one rail for these two won’t stop them from picking up the win. A final score in the low 50s will help this pair top the field.

Maggie’s prophecies are spot-on more often than not and, if the mare has her groove back after Rolex, a top finish here is far from out of the question. Certainly, Marilyn is on a roll, leading the CCI2* as well with RF Overdressed.

For more videos from all divisions of the Bromont CCI, visit The Horse Pester’s YouTube page.

CCI3* Photo Gallery

CCI3* Dressage Results:

3star

On the topic of Canadians and crowns, local eventer and Pan Ams hopeful Peter Barry and Long Island T have the CIC2* lead on lock.

CIC2* Top 15:

2star

Best of luck to all the competitors tomorrow. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

#EventerProblems, VI

By on Jun 5, 2015 1:30 pm -

Eventing Nation, I think you have a problem.

Actually, you’ve got a whole big bunch of problems. Our #EventerProblems series rages on with 20 more reader-submitted troubles that only eventers will understand.

If you missed them: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V.

When you wear a hole in the calf of your tall boots before the foot has any sign of wearing out… #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Megan Moore (@teamceoeventing) on

How my weekend horse show started. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Christy DeMauro (@demauroeventer) on

My mare Sallie is disrespectful to my trainer Mark Combs! #eventerproblems, #EN

A photo posted by Judy Hart Lancaster (@legend7g) on

Pirate peed a big puddle and now he’s afraid to stand in it…

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

3 boot trees- 2 boots #horsegirlproblems #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

Tie had a wardrobe malfunction… luckily he has a nice auntie who fixed it for him.

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

“Why on earth would you make me jump this mom?” #eventerproblems #jumpallthethings #jumper #eventer #eventing

A photo posted by Jessica Childs (@jessicatamar) on

What’s YOUR problem? Tweet it, Instagram it or share it on Facebook with the hashtag #EventerProblems for inclusion in the next edition of this series.

Go Eventing!

5 Questions for the Win: Ryan Wood

By on Jun 5, 2015 9:02 am -
Ryan Wood and Woodstock Wallaby. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Ryan Wood and Woodstock Wallaby. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood had a pretty solid Thursday. He and Woodstock Bennett set the pace in the CCI2*, sharing the lead with Sharon White throughout the morning and ending up tied for fifth at the end of the day.

With four horses running this weekend — two in the CCI2* and two in the CCI3* — we figure that an extra helping of EN karma can’t hurt. Well, you’re in luck, Ryan!

Each day here at Bromont we’re doling out a big scoop of good luck vibes to a deserving CCI3* rider … but there’s a catch. They have to answer five random questions on one of our favorite subjects — winning — on camera, on the spot. There are no right answers, but it does take a fair amount of bravery to play “ask anything” with the Internet’s most no-holds-barred eventing website. Fortune favors the bold!

We caught up with Ryan yesterday after dressage to offer our karmic services. The perennial good sport, he nodded his head like a champ with only the faintest trace of fear in his eyes.

Thanks for playing, Ryan. Hope that karma treats you well, and good luck this weekend!

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed Literally Spring into Bromont CCI2* Lead

By on Jun 4, 2015 6:59 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Like seriously, I think the horse has springs on its feet.

RF Overdressed is a fresh-off-the-boat German-bred Hannoverian, the sort of floaty-boat warmblood that puts you in a trance when it enters the ring.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Can’t get enough of that sexy trot? I offer this GIF from a video The Horse Pesterer posted of their CIC2* test at Pine Top Advanced earlier this year:

mgbwo

Marilyn concurs: “That’s a good way of putting it — he has a real spring in his step.” She and co-owners Jacqueline Mars and Robin Parsky imported the horse in December and recalls that, after David O’Connor first sat on him, he warned against leaving him to be her last ride of the day.

“He’s just very, very bouncy,” Marilyn says. “It is like riding a trampoline. The good news is he has a wonderful cadence, so if you’re feeling spry you just wrap your legs around him and go for a ride. But if you’re not, you feel like a rag doll.”

Marilyn originally thought the horse might be a prospect for the Pan Am Games but soon backed off from that plan, focusing instead on laying a sound foundation for the long-term. “He’s only 8 our our partnership is still quite new,” she explains.

They’ve done well for themselves at the 1* level this spring, most recently besting a field of some 70 entries at the Ocala CCI1*. They’ll be looking for their first 2* completion this weekend and are off to a hopeful start, laying down a 40.9 that puts them nearly five points ahead of 2nd placed Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux.

marilyn2

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Mikki kindly stopped by the media center to tell us about her ride today. Rubens D’Ysieux is a 10-year-old Selle Francais, imported about four years ago by a client for whom he ended up being just a little too much horse.

“She had me start riding him and we just got along great,” she says, noting that he used to have a tendency toward being nervous and tense but has since settled into the sport: “He loves all three phases — he’s been a pleasure to train and ride.”

Indeed, their test today was fluid and relaxed, and Mikki says he gave her the ride she knew he was capable of. “This was everything we’ve been working on,” she says. “This is test we knew we had in him and it was great to get it today and he has more coming. He’s so expressive and talented and strong, and he’s just going to get fancier and fancier. So this is not his best test for the future but his best test for today.”

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Mikki guided Rubens around his first Advanced earlier this year and has confidence in his ability to make short work of Saturday’s track. “The course looks good,” she says. “I just have to do my job. He’ll jump through the flags if I can show them to him.”

Since we’re in a GIFing mood, and we don’t want anyone to feel left out, here’s another Horse Pesterer clip of the pair jumping through the Advanced water at Pine Top:

mgeo2

Rounding out the CCI2* top three is Sharon White and her striking dark dappled grey Cooley On Show.

It was her second ride of the day, having taken the morning lead on Clifford M, who is now tied for 5th. The two horses have been nipping at one another’s heels all spring, trading places on the scoreboard from event to event, and both are in a position to be very competitive this weekend.

Sharon White and Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Cooley on Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Whether you’re Team Cooley…

mgg44

Credit: RNS Video

…or Team Clifford…

mgg87

Credit: RNS Video

…there’s no question that Sharon’s weekend is off to an exciting start.

CIC2* Top 15:

2star1

CCI1* Top 15:

2star1

Team Eventing Nation will be back bright and early Friday morning, bringing you live dressage reports from the CCI3* and CIC2* divisions. The first tests kick off at 10:30 a.m. with Ryan Wood leading off in the 3* and Arden Wildasin in the 2*.

One last GIF for the road…

mgiz9Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Ryan Wood, Sharon White Split Lead at Bromont CCI2* Lunch Break

By on Jun 4, 2015 1:34 pm -

Thursday morning’s first two CCI2* riders out, Ryan Wood and Sharon White, threw down the gauntlet, now sharing the lead at the lunch break on twin scores of 46.3.

Ryan’s ride, his first of four, is Woodstock Bennett. We warned the world about him in our Bromont intro post yesterday as being one to not turn your back on — this pair finished 3rd in the CCI1* here last year and just keeps looking sharper and sharper.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

The Irish Sport Horse gelding got his ticket to the U.S. as a 4-year-old when Ryan showed an iPhone video clip of him to Bennett’s now-owners, Curran and Margie Simpson. “I sent it to him and (Curran) said, ‘Looks good enough, let’s bring him over.” Their leap of faith has since paid off, as the horse has already accumulated a mountain of blue ribbons in the years since — most recently they earned a win at MCTA H.T. in May.

Ryan’s second 2* ride of the day is Woodstock Wallaby, who’ll be giving Bennett a run for his money after finishing a single point ahead of him at Bromont last year. The two horses have been neck-and-neck coming coming up through the levels and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will come out ahead this year.

Sharon White and Clifford Z. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Clifford M. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White laid down a lovely test on Clifford M, who is fresh off a fourth place finish in the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh last month. The 9-year-old German-bred Holsteiner gelding is a new ride for Sharon — they struck it off nicely with a prelim win in February at Rocking Horse III and followed it up with a spring full of solid finishes at the CIC1* and 2* levels.

I’m not familiar with this horse but look forward to getting to know him much better this weekend. Could he be Sharon’s next superstar? He looks the part in the dressage ring, and if he has the jumping springs to match, they’ll be real contenders this weekend and for the future.

Sharon has a second 2* ride on the books for this afternoon as well in Cooley On Show, a striking dark dappled grey who was nipping at Clifford M’s heels at Jersey Fresh and finished in sixth.

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Meanwhile in the CCI1*, there’s a Grand Canyon sized gap between Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST, who leads on a 38.4, and second-placed Becky Holder on Telperion (50.3). Michell Koppin and No Stranger to the Rain round out the top three on a 51.

unnamed

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

Catching up with Jenny Caras, CCI3* Wunderkind

By on Jun 4, 2015 1:00 pm -
Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

At 19 years old Jenny Caras isn’t old enough to order a margarita, yet she’s just old enough to pilot a 1,000+ pound animal over the sort of jumps that make even the most seasoned eventers crave a stiff drink.

Bromont, her debut at the CCI3* level, will be her biggest track yet. She and her horse, the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Fernhill Fortitude, have shared a lot of firsts together and have taken them all in stride, and we’re looking forward to watching them check off another box on the list this weekend.

Jenny imported “Forty” from Carol Gee’s yard in Ireland in 2012 and they’ve steadily made their way up the levels together. She describes him as a cross-country machine — they have had nary a cross-country jump penalty at an FEI event — and says they’ve made some big strides in dressage and show jumping since she began riding for Phillip Dutton in December. Their most recent result was a 6th place finish in the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh last month.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude in the Richland CIC2*. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude in the Richland CIC2* in August 21014. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

In addition to being a tactful and intuitive young rider, Jenny possesses a poise out of the saddle that belies her age. She says that consistently being the youngest rider in the division doesn’t bother her and that many of the top riders she used to be a bit intimidated by have over the years become mentors and friends. Her biggest challenge, she says, is keeping her perfectionist tendencies in check and having patience with herself.

“I want to make it all happen but it’s good to take a step back and remember that it all will come,” she says. “It will all work out.”

We caught up with Jenny and Forty in the barn yesterday to see how they were feeling on the eve of their first CCI3*. Sounds like all systems are go — best of luck this weekend, Jenny!

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

5 Questions For the Win: Colleen Loach

By on Jun 4, 2015 12:00 pm -
Colleen Loach and Freespirit at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Colleen Loach and Freespirit at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

EN karma is real and while we’re always happy to give it away, sometimes it’s fun to make riders work for it as well.

Each day here at Bromont we’re doling out a big scoop of blue-ribbon vibes to a deserving CCI3* rider … but there’s a catch. They have to answer five random questions on one of our favorite subjects — winning — on camera, on the spot. There are no right answers, but it does take a fair amount of bravery to play “ask anything” with the Internet’s most no-holds-barred eventing website. Fortune favors the bold!

Our first contestant: Colleen Loach.

Colleen is competing in the CCI3* this weekend with her 9-year-old  Hanoverian/Thoroughbred mare Freespirit. This pair is Canadian through and through: Colleen hails from here in Quebec and has known the Canadian-bred “June” since she was a foal.

Theirs is a special story, as Colleen backed June and brought her up through the levels under the watchful eye of Peter Barry, and it’s neat to see them now contesting one of the most prestigious events in North America together — especially because it’s on home turf.

With a fourth place finish in the Bromont CCI2* last year and a fourth in the Jersey Fresh CIC3* last month, the pair is ready for a crack at this weekend’s big cross-country track. And while they sometimes wrestle with a bit of tenseness in the sand box, Bromont is no dressage show: last year’s top three CCI3* finishers were in 8th, 13th and 10 after the first phase, respectively.

Colleen is qualified for the Pan Ams on two horses, Freespirit and the less experienced but exciting 2* horse Qorry Blue D’Argouges, so we’re sure she’ll have the selectors’ full attention this weekend. All the better reason to send some karma her way — best of luck, Colleen!

Bonus karma for the spontaneous horse rolling party that takes place mid-interview.

Keep it locked on Eventing Nation for comprehensive (and occasionally bordering on ridiculous) coverage of Bromont throughout the week. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

Marilyn Wore Pretty Sensible Heels and Other Notes From the Bromont Jog

By on Jun 3, 2015 6:21 pm -
Practically Pony Club approved! Photo by Leslie Wylie. Practically Pony Club approved! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

When it comes to eventing jog footwear, Marilyn Little is kind of an American hero.

She’s a pioneer who, in her interminable quest to find the balance between fashion and function, isn’t afraid of a little trial and error. Wearing heels while dragging a 1,200-pound kite down the jog strip isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a conquest worth pursuing. And this weekend at Bromont, girl may have just discovered the golden stiletto.

Chunky heels. Why haven’t more riders caught on to these things? They’re loads sturdier than the flimsy ballet flats that seem to be the trend…

heels

This makes me so nervous. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…and if your horse starts losing its marbles and skittering sideways, you can just dig your heels into the ground and keep jogging with a smile on your face. They are, truly, the road studs of the human footwear world.

marilyn3

“Are you jogging sideways? Sorry… didn’t notice.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

"Oh you want to bump into me? Just try that." Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Oh, you want to bump into me? Knock yourself out.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In fact, I’m just going to go ahead and call it: I think Marilyn was the best dressed kite-jogger out there today. I like that she refused to buy into the spring sundress hype — let’s be real: that Canadian breeze was nippy, y’all! — and instead was like, “You do you but Imma stick with my turtleneck and tweed.” (If you want her look, and why wouldn’t you, it’s the Dubarry Blackthorn 3/4 Length Tweed Coat.) The aviator shades were a cool touch.

Go Marilyn. #winning

Marilyn Little & RF Demeter

Marilyn Little & RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Anyway, back to the jog, that nail-biting crucible that determines whether you actually even get to compete in the three-day you trained for years and paid hundreds of dollars to enter.

A synopsis:

All 21 CCI3* horses passed. Peter Barry’s Kilrodan Abbot was held but passed upon re-inspection.

Five of the 34 CCI2* horses were held. One, Ariel Grald’s LBF Oleagh’s Image, was unfortunately spun upon re-inspection.

There were a few re-jog requests in the CCI1* but all passed on the second go.

CCI3* Photo Gallery:

Much, much more to come. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable