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One More Reason Why We Heart SmartPak: Ride With Pride!

By on Jun 4, 2021 9:00 am -

When it comes to diversity and inclusivity, SmartPak has been blazing new trails toward making sure that EVERYONE feels welcome in our sport. With June being Pride Month, SmartPak is proud to support all the riders in the communities they serve — and as a part of their mission to give back to these communities, they’ve partnered with Nature Heals to donate 5% of all Piper Apparel sales throughout the month of June!

Nature Heals is a service organization that provides nature-based therapies in order to improve the mental and emotional well-being of children and/or adults who would not usually be able to afford these therapies. Their “Becoming a Herd” program supports members of the LGBTQ community.

From the Nature Heals website:

“LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to be physically assaulted or harassed at school. They are four times as likely as their straight peers to attempt suicide. However, for LGBTQ youth with supportive parents or mentors, the suicide rate drops from 57% to 4%. Because of this, we provide an equine therapy group for LGBTQ youth and allies, focusing on building a community, finding support, and encouraging empowerment in a safe and secure environment.”

Want to learn more about what Nature Heals is doing with LGBTQ youth and horses? Read more from Liese Foust, Executive Director of Nature Heals, in SmartPak’s blog here.

Want to shop Piper to help support the amazing programs, people, and horses at Nature Heals? Check out all the awesome Piper gear at SmartPak by clicking here.

Thursday Video: How to Change the Look of a Jump With Cathy Wieschhoff

By on Jun 3, 2021 5:00 pm -

I love life hacks that can be done with a few bucks and a trip to your local home improvement store. In her latest “One Minute With Cathy” video, five-star rider/course designer/my write-in vote for the 2020 presidential race Cathy Wieschhoff shows us a way to dupe your horse into thinking there’s a brand new cross country jump in the field.

For more true strokes of genius, visit Cathy’s YouTube channel here.

 

Volunteer Nation: Five USEA Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

By on Jun 3, 2021 11:00 am -

Did you know that it takes over 2,000 volunteers to run the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Volunteering at a five-star event is a huge honor, and many volunteers you see have held fast to their posts for years or even decades! That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply, though — you can fill out a Volunteer Profile and get on Kentucky’s volunteer waiting list here. Many thanks, as always, to all of our sport’s hardworking and passionate volunteers.

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

Here are five USEA events that could use a helping hand this week:

USEA Events

Middleburg Horse Trials 2021- at Great Meadow (June 3rd, 2021 to June 7th, 2021)

A note from the organizer: Middleburg Orange Pony Club HT at Great Meadow still needs volunteers for this weekend. We even have a number of local U.S. high performance riders volunteering  but we need still need more people to ensure we can put on a great event.  All volunteers get a XC schooling pass to use on Tuesday, June 8th from 8:00AM – 1:00 pm at Great Meadow. You may give your pass to a friend if you cannot make it.

Ocala Summer I Horse Trials (June 5th, 2021)

2021 IEA Horse Trials and Three Day Event (May 31st, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

GMHA June Horse Trials & Area 1 Championships (June 4th, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

Poplar Place Farm Summer Horse Trials (June 5th, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

Luhmühlen Will Run Without Spectators

By on Jun 3, 2021 9:00 am -

2019 CCI5* victors Tim Price and Ascona M at Luhmühlen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19, Luhmühlen has confirmed that it plans to go ahead with this year’s event (June 17-20) sans spectators. In addition to a CCI5* and CCI4*-S, the event will incorporate the German National Championship. You can check out EN’s preview of the entry list here, and we’ll have Tilly Berendt as our boots on the ground at the event next month so keep it locked here for live coverage!

From an announcement released by Luhmühlen:

In the second year of the pandemic, the organizing company TGL Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH faces the challenge of adjusting the event to the COVID-19 reality.

“Organizing an event like Luhmühlen always comes with a great deal of responsibility. The pandemic magnifies the challenge, as everyone’s health is our absolute priority. Running the event wouldn’t be feasible without our long-term partners and we’re immensely grateful for their ongoing support,” explains event director Julia Otto.

The event is currently planned to go ahead without spectators: “We’re all going to miss the atmosphere created by audience and fans. Especially after the wonderful year we had in 2019, with the classic June event and the European Championships in August in front of a large crowd, you can hardly imagine Luhmühlen without spectators. The trade stands, which usually provide a special backdrop, will also be missing this year, but we are doing our best create a nice atmosphere for the riders on site,” says Julia Otto.

For event director Julia Otto the additional challenges are worth it as the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials offer riders and their horses a top-class sporting event, a chance to prepare for the Olympic Games and the European Championships.

The impressive entries promise exciting sport. Bringing this sport to people’s living rooms is a main focus. German TV broadcaster NDR will report live from Luhmühlen on Saturday and Sunday. A daily live stream will be provided by Horse&CountryTV+ (behind the paywall), short interviews and glances behind the scenes by Luhmühlen’s social media channels.

For further information and any current changes or adjustments, please check tgl.luhmuehlen.de or follow Luhmühlen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tokyo Is the Talk of the FEI Online Sports Forum’s Session 1

By on Jun 2, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of the FEI.

Well, it looks like the Olympics are really going to happen. The U.S. named its eventing squad last week, and the first session of the FEI Online Sports Forum 2021, taking place online this week, focused heavily on preparations for Tokyo.

The session included discussions on the latest climate mitigation measures for the Games, Clean Sport Regulations, and key logistical arrangements in place to meet Covid-19 requirements. Competition will begin July 30 and continue through August 2, 2021, at the Equestrian Park and Sea Forest cross country course venues.

You can read the complete report and watch upcoming sessions live here. Here are notes as they pertain to eventing.

Tokyo 2020 Final Update & Logistics

The FEI Director of Games Operations Tim Hadaway provided an update on the Bajikoen Equestrian Park (EQP) and Sea Forest (SFC) venues, horse health certification and quarantine requirements for Tokyo 2020. He also outlined the requirements for shipping feed, veterinary supplies and equipment as well as the on-venue services in place for feed, hay and bedding.

  • The SFC cross country course has been shortened and a new start area created. There is now a second stabling tent, additional cooling facilities and the warm-up area extended. At EQP the final warm-up arena has been installed and footing on the gallop track has been changed since the Ready Steady Tokyo Test Event in 2019.
  • 60-day surveillance period, movement papers and pre-export testing will be required for horses prior to entering seven-day Pre-Export Quarantine (PEQ). Negative PCR tests (nasopharyngeal swab) for EHV 1 & 4 and Equine Influenza will be required for horses prior to entering PEQ.
  • Plans and timelines for private quarantines should already be completed and signed off by local Ministry vets.
  • The Covid-19 mitigation plan for the Aachen PEQ site, as well as the operational plan will be shared soon. The operational plan will include details regarding arrivals, lorry parking, stabling and training times.
  • The packing list template is currently being finalised and an updated list of feeds permitted for import to Japan will be published on Inside.FEI.org shortly.
  • Veterinary supplements cannot travel with horse equipment. They must be listed as part of a vet kit on Annex D (Peden Bloodstock memo April 2021) and must be submitted prior to June 18 to the Tokyo 2020 Veterinary Services Manager.

Covid-19 Countermeasures 

FEI Director of Olympic Games Catrin Norinder highlighted key points:

  • The Playbooks, which include Covid-19 counter measures, have been developed by the Japanese government, the Tokyo Organising Committee, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to ensure safe Games for all stakeholders.
  • Only accredited individuals with essential and operational roles can attend the Games. No guests, accompanying persons for IOC, IPC, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) will be allowed.
  • There will be no foreign spectators at the Games and domestic spectator attendance will be decided at a later date.
  • In line with the bubble-to-bubble regulations, everyone attending will be limited to their accommodation and their respective competition venues. No foreign persons involved in the Games will be allowed to use public transport. Stakeholder groups will be kept separated. Horse owners are part of their NOC delegation and the FEI expects confirmation from the IOC on the status of horse owners.
  • Two tests (saliva or nasopharyngeal swab) will be required before departure for Tokyo.
  • Testing will be required daily for everyone attending the Games for the first three days, instead of isolation. Then every four days as per the defined protocol for each stakeholder group (other than athletes).
  • Athletes will be tested daily in the presence of an official (not on competition days).
  • The FEI is monitoring the sports rules and reviewing solutions to ensure that competitions can be completed and medals awarded if a team athlete or essential official tests positive for Covid-19 during competition.
  • Covid Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be appointed to each stakeholder group. CLOs will be responsible for ensuring Covid-19 countermeasures are fully complied with. CLOs will report to the Japanese Government authorities.
  • The Tokyo 2020 Playbooks apply to all stakeholders regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or not. Vaccination is strongly encouraged but is not a requirement. A third version of these Playbooks will be released later in June.

Substitution Rules 

Catrin Norinder outlined pre-competition changes and substitution rules for the Games:

  • A pre-competition change of athlete/horse combination can be made several times within the respective national team between June 21 (the date of the FEI nominated entries) up to two hours before the start of the eventing competition. A Medical or Veterinary Certificate will not be required.
  • Substitutions can be done once per discipline, up to two hours before the start of competition for Team classification. The Late Athlete Replacement (LAR) will need either Medical or Veterinary approval for substitutions before cross country (up to 5:45 a.m. on the morning of the start of cross country).

Climate Mitigation for Humans & Equines

FEI Athletes Services & Human Anti-Doping Advisor Catherine Bollon and FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström stressed the necessity to begin climate preparation and mitigation practices well before the start of competition in Tokyo. Horses and humans need to be fully prepared to work and compete safely in Tokyo’s hot and humid environment.

Catherine Bollon emphasised a number of key points for human acclimatisation:

  • Heat and humidity preparation must begin many weeks before travel and includes training the body to cope with a hot and humid climate, and putting into place an appropriate cooling and hydration routine.
  • Travel should be carefully planned to reduce jet lag and travel strain in order to arrive onsite in good shape and transition smoothly into the local climate.
  • Appropriate hydration and cooling is crucial at all times.
  • Preparations also include learning to recognise heat stress symptoms and deal with them immediately to prevent them from becoming a heat-related emergency.
  • The FEI has developed resources covering the above points in detail.

For the horses, Göran Åkerström stated that there will be extensive air conditioning in stables and transportation for the horses in Tokyo. There will also be cooling facilities in all training and competition areas, including regularly refilled supplies of water and ice for horses.

There will be robust mitigation protocols in place during training and competition, climate monitoring at both venues (EQP and SFC) and on the field of play, horse monitoring by specialist veterinarians and physiologists, emergency care facilities and protocols, enhanced decision-making processes to support Ground Juries, and climate protocols put in place by specially trained and very experienced personnel.

Dr Åkerström stressed the need to practice training techniques for hot and humid climates in advance of traveling.

Equine & Human Anti-Doping

FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström informed that extensive testing and analysis of equine samples will be carried out as per all FEI Events. Sample analysis will be carried out at the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry in Tokyo and Persons Responsible will receive ongoing Clean Sport communiques from the FEI.

He stressed the importance of educating Athletes, grooms and team veterinarians on Clean Sport requirements prior to the Games and reminded stakeholders of the opportunity to screen horses in advance through Pre-Arrival Testing (PAT). “This is an outstanding service and covers all substances on the Equine Prohibited Substances List, so please use it”, he said.

Catherine Bollon spoke about human anti-doping:

  • The IOC has testing jurisdiction over all athletes competing at the Olympic Games and the IPC over all para athletes competing at the Paralympic Games.
  • All athletes registered to compete at the Games must obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance of taking any treatment that contains a substance or method on WADA’s Prohibited List 2021. TUEs for regular treatments must be obtained well before the start of the Games.
  • Bringing medication into Japan for personal or team use is strictly regulated and must be in line with Japanese law ahead of travel. Details and essential links are provided in the FEI Doping & Medication Control Guide for Tokyo 2020.
  • Athletes should do a full medication check with their team doctor, including for supplements.
  • As equestrian is considered a low risk sport for doping in human athletes, there is a tendency for anti-doping not to be taken seriously. Athletes should prepare themselves well in advance and make sure to arrive at the Games well informed.
  • All the relevant information about anti-doping at the Tokyo Games is explained in the FEI Doping & Medication Control Guide for Tokyo 2020 and in free e-learning resources made available by WADA on the ADEL platform.
  • An FEI Clean Sport emailer campaign for both human and equine athletes attending the Olympic Games began in May 2021, and a similar campaign for Paralympic Games athletes will get underway later in June.

Q&A Session

The FEI Secretary General moderated a Q&A session at the end of the presentations, with questions received regarding on-venue Covid-19 testing for Athletes, including P accredited (replacement) Athletes; contingency planning for eventing cross country; substitutions; transport – particularly for NOC delegates that do not normally have access to the official Games transport system; Covid-19 mitigation in the Grooms Village; and on-venue food entitlements for TAP and P accredited persons.

Catrin Norinder updated that competition postponement contingency plans are in place for eventing cross country and options in place depending on climatic conditions and weather forecasts at the time.

The FEI is awaiting formal confirmation that all athletes, including those accommodated outside of the Athletes’ Village, P accredited Athletes and grooms can be Covid-19 tested on venue.

It was confirmed that the use of public transportation will not be permitted, but that the Tokyo Organising Committee has committed to organise transportation, including for persons that do not have transport entitlements with their accreditation. National Federations were urged to also raise this issue with the NOCs, as it affects all sports.

FEI Medical Committee Chair Mark Hart is in contact with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee about the Covid-19 mitigation plan for the Grooms Village and for dealing with any positive cases. The FEI will make this information available to all stakeholders as soon as it becomes available.

While there has been no change to the food entitlement for those holding P and TAP (Training Access Pass) accreditations, provisions have been made for a café adjacent to the stables that will be available to all Zone 2 accredited personnel.

Key links:
Tokyo 2020 Hub
Beat the Heat videos on FEI Campus
FEI Clean Sport Hub

[FEI Online Sports Forum 2021]

Tuesday Video: FEI Eventing Nations Cup … It’s Back!

By on Jun 1, 2021 5:24 pm -

The 2021 FEI Eventing Nations cup series is officially off and running, with the first leg having taken place over the weekend at Houghton Hall and Team Great Britain earning the win. The Nations Cup rules have been adapted to 2021 — you can read up on them here.

From the FEI event report of Nations Cup Eventing at Houghton Hall:

Great Britain made a dream start to the 2021 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series with a home win at Houghton Hall.

The British team of Tom McEwen, Mollie Summerland and Georgie Spence, who had led after dressage and jumping, took first place overall ahead of Ireland in second and third-placed Australia following three clear and fast rounds on the cross country course on Sunday. The British finished well clear on 98.5 points, with Ireland’s Joseph Murphy, Susie Berry and Austin O’Connor on a combined 115.0, and Australia’s Kevin McNab, Sam Griffiths and Sophie Adams on 136.8.

The win means GM takes 100 points for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series, with Ireland on 90 and Australia on 80.

McNab and horse Willunga had given Australia a strong start in the dressage phase, finishing just ahead of Summerland with Charly Van Ter Heiden and McEwen with Class Affair. Berry and Ringwood LB top-scored for Ireland.

Indeed, McNab and Willunga incurred no jumping penalties throughout the entire competition and only 1.2 time penalties cross country to finish on a score of 31.7, claiming sixth place from a competitive field of 102 combinations. Griffiths — who celebrated his birthday just ahead of the start of the competition — was further back with Gurtera Cher, with Adams and Ridire Dorcha in third for the Aussies.

Murphy and Cesar V delivered a strong dressage display for Ireland, but while they went clear in jumping they added 9.2 time penalties in cross country to finish 29th overall. Berry and Ringwood added just 1.6 time penalties in the cross country to finish first for Ireland and 14th overall, while O’Connor and Colorado Blue were 30th.

Summerland finished first for the GB team, and eighth overall, with a brilliant jumping performance as they flew around the cross country course with one of the fastest times and no penalties. McEwen matched that feat and was ninth overall, while Spence and Halltown Harley made it a hat-trick of clean rounds and came 12th.

Those brilliant rounds over the Houghton Hall course were enough to take the Britons ahead of their rivals and clinch first place.

There was further glory for Britain as William Fox-Pitt won the individual prize with a home nation 1-2-3 on the podium. Fox-Pitt and Little Fire finished ahead of Selina Milnes with Iron IV and Bubby Upton with Magic Roundabout IV. Alex Hua Tian was fourth on Jilsonne Van Bareelhof.

The next FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2021 event is in Strzegom, Poland in June and resumes after the Olympics in Le Pin au Haras in France, Bromont in Canada and Arville in Belgium.

Here’s the rest of the 2021 Nations Cup calendar. Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Nation: 5 Recognized & 4 Schooling Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on May 27, 2021 2:00 pm -

We LOVE the idea of an “eventing kindergarten” series, such as the one hosted by Wit’s End in Mulmur, Ontario. You can learn more about theirs here and/or sign up to volunteer!

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

Here

USEA Events

2021 USEA FEH/YEH Qualifier + Young Horse Show/Jump Chute

May 27th, 2021 to May 28th, 2021

Woodside Eventing Spring Horse Trials 2021

May 27th, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

VHT International and Horse Trials

May 26th, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

Equestrians Institute Horse Trials May 2021

May 26th, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

May-Daze at the Park Horse Trials

May 28th, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

Other Events

MCTA Schooling Days at Shawan Downs

May 25th, 2021 to May 27th, 2021

Stone Gate Farm Mountain Trail Challenge

May 2nd, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

2021 MDHT May Starter Horse Trial

May 28th, 2021 to May 30th, 2021

MCTA Unrecognized at Shawan Downs

May 27th, 2021 to May 31st, 2021

Go Volunteers. Go Eventing!

Tuesday Video: Furniture as Gridwork with Kim Keppick

By on May 25, 2021 5:00 pm -

Advanced level eventer Kim Keppick says her barn has been forced to jump indoors lately due to the “crazy hard” ground in Virginia, but a little creativity as gone a long way toward keeping her students actively honing skills they’ll draw from on cross country later.

In these videos Liz Billings is riding Wendy Bebie’s Calero, a 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Calatox Rancune) who has competed through Preliminary and Kim describes as “a jumping and grid machine — No matter what I set he is like, ‘I got it.’ … Horse and rider are almost always on the same page, but when not fifth leg training for many years always kicks in.”

Emphasis on “no matter what I set” … which can include furniture at times, apparently! Below, Kim has the pair schooling some unorthodox grids that develop and demand accuracy, straightness and honesty. Watch, and feel inspired to put your old living room furnishings to good use!

“There are unlimited options for what to set as grids, just make sure you know how to set the distances and never overface a young horse,” Kim says. “Some have been ruined by moving too fast. Always finish when they think it is easy — do not up the difficulty on the same day.’

Kim Keppick is a BHS II Certified Instructor, Pony Club A graduate, represented Ireland in International competition all before age 19 when she came to America to work for Karen O’Connor. Kim was with Karen for close to 10 years riding and competing horses in her training and was longlisted for the Irish Olympic Team in 1988 with Morning Glo. Kim has since built a thriving career teaching “riders how to train their own horses” with students who have won USDF Gold Medals and competed with success through all the levels – Intro to Grand Prix. She is also the founder of Rein-Aid.

#EventerProblems Vol. 254: ‘Faces of Eventing’ Edition

By on May 25, 2021 3:00 pm -

Some eventers deserve a big shiny blue ribbon just for being hilarious, and whoever runs the Faces Of Eventing Instagram account is at the top of that leaderboard IMO. Please, if you haven’t already, follow Faces Of Eventing here, and DM your face to be featured!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B25QxIvpcTw/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2vCDikJJfW/

I’ll just leave it there. Go Eventing!

Calling All Amateurs! 2022 Worth The Trust Scholarship Applications Now Available

By on May 25, 2021 11:00 am -

Worth the Trust at Kentucky in 1997. Photo by Brant Gamma.

If you are an amateur eventer who could use a little help funding your eventing education, consider applying for a USEA Worth The Trust scholarship.

About the Scholarship: Since 2000 this scholarship, awarded in the amount of $4,000, has provided financial assistance to amateurs to pursue their education in eventing. The scholarship can be applied toward a variety of training opportunities such as clinics, working student positions, and private or group instruction, or to learn from an official, course designer, technical delegate, judge, veterinarian, or organizer.

The scholarship is provided by Joan Iversen Goswell in honor of her horse, Worth the Trust, who won the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1997 with Karen O’Connor.

Eligibility: The scholarship is available to riders 16 years old or older as of Jan. 1, 2022 who have declared amateur status with the USEA. Applicants must complete 10 hours of volunteer work with a national or local charitable organization, any minority/disadvantaged group, or local eventing association or horse trials.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit an essay explaining why the scholarship is important to him or her, how they intend to use the funds, and their riding and competing experiences. The deadline for applications is Oct. 4, 2021. Applications are available here.

Apply online or click here to access the printable application.

The recipient of the scholarship will be announced in December at the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Contact Nancy Knight for more information at (703) 669-9997 or [email protected].

[Applications for the 2021 Worth the Trust Scholarship Now Available]

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

By on May 21, 2021 11:38 am -

Smiles like that are their own sort of reward. Can you take some time to volunteer this weekend? Here are four events that are seeking volunteers.

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

USEA Events

Otter Creek Farm Spring Horse Trial

May 21st, 2021 to May 23rd, 2021

MCTA Shawan Downs 2021

May 13th, 2021 to May 24th, 2021

Other Events

Barnstaple South Schooling

May 23rd, 2021

Stable View May Eventing Academy

May 18th, 2021 to May 23rd, 2021

Thursday Video from Cambox: $30K Cleghorn Grand Prix at TIEC with Doug Payne

By on May 20, 2021 5:30 pm -

You rode around the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event with Doug Payne just weeks ago … now join him for a Grand Prix show jumping course! A man of many, many hats, Doug moonlights in the hunter/jumper arena and finished fifth with Quintessence, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Jane Dudinsky, in last weekend’s marquee event at Tryon International Equestrian Center: the $30,000 Cleghorn Grand Prix.

There were 25 starters in the class, of which six (including Doug) posted a double-clear to proceed to the jump-off. They pulled a couple rails then, but it was still good enough for a top five finish. Thanks for taking us along for the ride, Doug and Cambox!

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

Tuesday Video: Fun First Times at Winona H.T.

By on May 18, 2021 6:31 pm -

Do you remember the adrenaline rush of your first time going cross country? We received this helmet cam from Winona Horse Trials in Hanoverton, Ohio, of Heather Terdan and Dermonitti’s first recognized horse trials. At 18 years old he has had plenty of experience in the jumper ring, but he definitely seems to have taken to eventing!

“Be sure to watch with the sound on and enjoy the ride,” says Jackie Smith of Stone Gate Farm. “As an organizer, it’s moments like this that make all our hard work worthwhile! Thanks for sharing and welcome to the ‘dark side’ Heather and Montti!!” View results from the event here.

 

LRK3DE Remix: 5 US Equestrian TikToks That Got It Right

By on May 18, 2021 2:00 pm -

Because I am old, my interaction with TikTok is pretty much limited to clicking the occasional link from my horse-friend group chat.

@victoriagrauppWELL??♬ original sound – Victoria Raupp

But occasionally, some real substance floats to the surface.

@jsissssy##stitch with @proequinegrooms ##booze ##equestrian ##rideordie ##dressage ##jumpers ##adultammy ##wine ##barn ##barnlife ##lol ##funny ##haha ##hehe ##joke ##jokes♬ original sound – Jennifer Sison

Which sends me spiraling down a rabbit hole of content that, while I can’t entirely comprehend how it was composed or what it means (literally, I did my very first Instagram story at Kentucky this year and it shows), I am in awe. Whoever is running social media at USEF these days deserves a raise, just sayin’. Keep up the good work, youth.

Check out these TikToks from LRK3DE 2021:

@usequestrianRolling into the ##BestWeekendAllYear 🐎 Whose tuning into USEF Network to watch? ##USAEventing ##LandRover♬ Deep end – vaxip media

@usequestrianLet’s do this thang 💃 ##LRK3DE ##BestWeekendAllYear ##USAEventing ##WorthTheWait♬ original sound – US Equestrian

@usequestrianThe rain couldn’t put out this XC heat 🔥 ##LRK3DE ##USAEventing ##BestWeekendAllYear ##crosscountry♬ Black Eyed Peas Imma Be – uh

@usequestrianSay hello to your new ##LandRover CCI5* ##USAEventing National Champions – Boyd Martin and On Cue 🏆♬ original sound – US Equestrian

@usequestrianNo matter the phase or discipline, @charlesowenhelmets has you covered! ##teamcharlesowen ##usaeventing♬ original sound – K E I

Go Eventing.

#EventerProblems Vol. 253: The Joy of Sweating the Small Stuff

By on May 14, 2021 4:00 pm -

It’s been a hot minute since our last edition of #EventerProblems, I guess because most of us have had #BiggerProblems on our hands? Speaking for myself, this past year I’ve been nostalgic for the days when the worst problem we encountered on a daily basis were thrown shoes and long spots.

Now that we’re emerging, slowly, from the hellscape that was 2020, I’m more than ready for the opportunity to sit back and sweat some small stuff — just like the good old days! (And, because we’re horse people, probably pet some sweaty stuff, too.)

Let’s get this series fired up again. We didn’t make it all the way to Vol. 253 for nothin’. Got #EventerProblems? I know you do, don’t lie! Tag ’em on Insta for inclusion in a future edition.

Pandemics come and go, but #EventerProblems are eternal. Here’s a fresh batch, just for you:

Go Eventing!

Volunteer Nation: 8 USEA-Recognized Events That Could Use Your Help This Weekend

By on May 13, 2021 5:00 pm -

Truly, eventing takes a village — and that village isn’t comprised entirely of eventers! We are grateful to volunteers like Dillon Nolan, above, and his fellow Life Scouts in Troop 143 for their work at Fair Hill.

Can you take some time to volunteer this weekend? Here are eight USEA recognized events that are seeking volunteers.

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

Majestic Oaks Recognized Horse Trials

May 10th, 2021 to May 15th, 2021

Hunt Club Farms USEA Recognized Horse Trials

May 14th, 2021 to May 15th, 2021

Spokane Sport Horse Farm Spring horse trials 6th annual

May 10th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Fair Hill International – MAY Recognized Event (BN, N, T, P, I)

May 11th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Winona Horse Trials

May 9th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Texas Rose Horse Park Summer Horse Trials

May 15th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Woodland Stallion Station May Horse Trials

May 13th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trials 2021

May 14th, 2021 to May 16th, 2021

Go Eventing Volunteers!

Thursday Video from Cambox: Ride Around Saumur CCI2*-L Cross Country

By on May 13, 2021 2:00 pm -

The 35th running of the French three-day event Saumur Complet took place the last weekend of April, and Romain Barochi had his Cambox on board for CCI2*-L cross country. He and Fiestarado B, an 11-year-old Dutch gelding (Diarado x Alottie, by Carolus II) owned by Justine Roet, went clear inside the time. Seems like a neat horse — check out the view of the course between his ears!

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

Tuesday Video: Fresno County Intro Extravaganza

By on May 11, 2021 4:00 pm -

We heart our Intro competitors here at Eventing Nation — the division is a true gateway to the sport for riders and horses alike. Fresno County Horse Park H.T., which took place April 30 through May 2 in Fresno, California, hosted two Intro divisions — Introductory Rider and Open Introductory — and Ride On Video (support your event videographer!) has been posting videos. The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” is a nice touch. Here are a few from the top five in each Intro division — view complete event results here.

Katherine Jackman and Lookit Louie were 1st in Intro Rider.

Amanda Fisher and Movedbydino were 2nd in Open Intro.

Kennedy Wiklund and Galaxy Girl were 3rd in Intro Rider.

Amanda Fisher and Iron Rapped were 4th in Open Intro.

Sebastien Noel and Lou Lou Catchou were 4th in Intro Rider.

Madelyn Baasch on Wild West were 5th in Open Intro.

Go Eventing.

The Age Limit for the USEA Young Rider Program Program Is Now 25

By on May 10, 2021 11:30 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The window of eligibility to participate in the USEA Young Rider program has been increased to age 25, effective immediately.

From the USEA:

“The USEA Young Rider program has traditionally been available to those aged 21 and under, but the USEA Young Rider Coordinators and Committee put forward a proposal to the USEA Board of Governors, requesting the age eligibility be increased to 25 in order to fully utilize training programs and youth series that are available. The new age requirements now enable all USEA Area teams participating in the USEF Youth Team Challenge to compete for their USEA Areas and utilize the Area Young Rider funding. This will also be more inclusive to youth riders wishing to participate in the USEA Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP) in their Areas, which may help provide additional young riders competing at the lower levels with the education and skills they need to progress through the levels of the sport.

“The USEA membership database is now accepting membership updates for those members 25 and under who wish to upgrade their membership to include the Young Rider program. For USEA members aged 22-25 who are currently enrolled in the USEA Adult Rider program, those members may pay an upgrade fee to join the USEA Young Rider program additionally. Members aged 22-25 may choose to enroll in either the USEA Adult Rider Program, or the USEA Young Rider program, or both. The age eligibility for the Adult Rider program remains the same, available to any USEA members aged 22 or older.”

The shape of Young Rider eventing has transformed dramatically over the past year, with the focus pivoting from a North American Youth Championships being the be-all end-all goal to a broader reaching, two-pronged program that opens the door for more athletes to compete in a team environment and fosters an immersion in the sport that has, too often, been halted abruptly when Young Riders age out and no longer have access to the program’s support and resources.

The two prongs:

  1. The USEF Youth Team Challenge, focused on developing riders and horses for the Championships and gaining experience in a team environment. The Team Challenge format (you can view all the 2021 dates and locations here) culminates in two bi-coastal championships:
  • West Coast Final: Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula – Nov. 3-7, 2021 – Levels: CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L – Temecula, Calif.
  • East Coast Final: Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Tryon – November 10-14, 2021 – Levels: CCI1*, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L – Tryon, N.C.

2. The Young Rider Advancement Program (YRAP), focused on developing riders and horses for the Championships each summer. YRAP focuses on providing lower level young riders with the education and skills they need to progress through the levels and eventually into the ranks of the Youth Team Challenge. The USEA also offers a Young Rider Mentorship Program, which gives young riders the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

To enroll in the USEA Young Rider program, please find the Young Rider membership application form here. Call the USEA office at 703-779-0440 should you need help with your program upgrade.

[USEA Young Rider Program: Age Increase to 25]

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2021 Canceled Due To Continued Covid-19 Uncertainty

By on May 7, 2021 9:59 am -

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street take top honours at Burghley’s last running in 2019. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not run for the second year in a row, the event announced this morning.

From the website:

It is with immense sadness that we announce the cancellation of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2021 which was due to be held later this year from 2nd- 5th September.

Despite the continued easing of lockdown measures, the nationwide vaccination programme and the hope within the Government Roadmap for unlocking the country, there have been and remain too many variables and uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic to deliver this much-loved international event.

We have, throughout the last six months, striven to find an event scenario which would allow our competitors, followers, exhibitors and contractors to enjoy this annual sporting highlight. However, the Event runs on a greenfield site; the lead time and strategic infrastructure planning all require significant investment and expenditure year on year. Staging the competition element is ongoing 365 days a year, from one year’s event to the next and the contractual cancellation procedures mean that even though restrictions are easing across the country, we have to make difficult decisions many months ahead of the event. The severe financial implications of a potential cancellation of an event of this scale and magnitude at a late stage, without available pandemic insurance, are too great to risk for all involved .

We are desperately sad for the sport of Eventing; our riders, owners and their sponsors who have been so affected by the large-scale cancellation of events over the last 12 months. Whilst this year we will not see CCI 5*L competition at Land Rover Burghley, we remain steadfast in our commitment that the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will endure. We are particularly grateful to Land Rover, our title sponsor, who together with our other sponsors, have been so understanding and supportive throughout this period.

Miranda Rock, President of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, commented: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have come to the extremely difficult decision to cancel The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. The Horse Trials is an incredibly important part of what we do here at Burghley and is the highlight of the year for all those who live and work here. I am deeply sorry for everyone whose hopes have been dashed – from the equestrian world internationally to the pony clubs nationally, for the people of Stamford and our neighbouring communities, as well as our wonderful suppliers, supporters, retailers, staff and visitors who will not be able to enjoy this glorious event in September. Next year marks our 60th Anniversary and, despite the challenges ahead, we will be focusing all our efforts on delivering a spectacular event in 2022.”

Next year’s event will take place from Thursday 1st September to Sunday 4th September. Tickets will be on sale from April 2022.

Thursday Video from Cambox: Ride Around Badminton 2019 With Michael Ryan

By on May 6, 2021 5:00 pm -

Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker at Badminton. Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton/Mitsubishi Motors.

In lieu of a Badminton this year, we’ve all got to use our imaginations to get our fix. Helmet cams help with that — like this one from Ireland’s Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker at Badminton 2019. That year, Michael and the now 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Maltstriker x Beau Rud, by Beau Royal) finished 17th, clocking 13.6 time faults around the course.

Go Eventing.

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

The Jon & Rick Show’s ‘Trek to Jersey Fresh’ Is a Real Trip

By on May 6, 2021 1:00 pm -

The Ocala contingent is out in force at Jersey Fresh International this week — and they’re doing plenty well for themselves. At a glance as of midday Thursday, the CCI4*-L scoreboard has Clayton Fredericks‘ sitting in second with FE Coldplay, Jon Holling is 3rd with Prophet, and Leslie Law in 5th with QC First Class.

Without going into too much unnecessary detail, I feel like the provinces of New Jersey and Florida have a lot in common culturally and so it makes a lot of sense that Ocalians would thrive here — they probably feel right at home. It’s like, the way Tiger King and Jersey Shore are very different but also a lot the same on some level? Jon, I too have experienced “terror that I was about to get attacked and mugged in my hotel room” by a cracked out rando (see: Wednesday video) only it was at a Motel 6 in your hometown. Anyway, have fun this week, all of you, keep the updates coming, and remember to lock that deadbolt.

The Jon & Rick Show has been documenting their “Trek” on their YouTube channel — be sure to subscribe here.

Best of luck to all this week!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Fresno County Horse Park Intermediate Photo Gallery

By on May 6, 2021 11:30 am -

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. took place over the weekend and we are thrilled to report that it was a special one. Under the new ownership, the venue is getting some fresh paint and a new point of view, and we’re so happy to be sharing it with you through the lens of the talented Sherry Stewart — if you missed her Modified division “Who Jumped It Best?” earlier in the week, you can check it out here.

The 14-horse Intermediate field was topped by James Alliston and Nemesis, a 7-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding owned and ridden by James Alliston. The pair was second behind Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector until the final phase, when the leaders’ 2.4 cross country time penalties swung them into the penultimate placing. James was also third on Revitavet Calaro.

Enjoy this photo gallery from Sherry, and view the division results below!

The final scoreboard — you can view complete results here.