Elisa Wallace and Reloaded in show jumping. Photo by GRC Photo.

After being crowned 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing Champion earlier in the day, Elisa Wallace and Reloaded were hefted onto the competition’s highest throne at the end of yesterday’s Finale when fans voted the horse “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.”

Elisa has come close to winning the top award several times, which made this year’s honor extra sweet.

“I have been pretty good at winning on the preliminary day, but I’ve lost on the Finale day,” Elisa says. “I knew I had some class horses coming and I thought I had a shot.”

“America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred” is a fan’s choice award, so to speak, and at the end of the day fans came out in droves to cast their votes for the 2013 15.3-hand bay gelding (Magna Graduate x Curious Cat, by Tale Of The Cat) owned by Michelle Chisholm. Bred in Kentucky by Elisabeth H. Alexander, Reloaded won $20,177 in 19 racing starts.

Reloaded and Elisa Wallace, winners of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred, accepting their $10,000 prize check. Photo by Anne Litz.

Michelle also owned Elisa’s 2017 Makeover mount Sir Teddy. Kelly Lupton found the horse at the racetrack and Michelle bought him in September 2017 via reseller Jessica Redman. He had a few months off and went to Wallace in December, and then did his first recognized Beginner Novice event after just nine off-track rides.

“Basically my daughter fell in love with [Elisa and Simply Priceless], and I said I want to see this whole process happen, how you bring one off the track. And Elisa is who I called,” Michelle says.

Elisa is a longtime advocate for the Thoroughbred breed — in addition to competing Simply Priceless through the four-star level, she’s made time in her schedule to attend the Thoroughbred Makeover every year since she was first asked to judge the Freestyle division in 2015. “I was like ‘Oh no, I need to do this!’ ” she recalls.

Elisa Wallace and Reloaded. Photo by GRC Photo.

“I think it’s a great place to train—when are you gonna get that atmosphere with a young horse? On top of that, people like to watch the transformation [from racehorse to sport horse] and it gets the word out about the Thoroughbreds,” she says. “It’s fun. For me, I never see it as the end is the [Makeover]. It’s just another place to go train. And, you know, it’s a bonus when the horses do well.”

“He’s a pretty special dude,” Elisa says of Reloaded. “He’s super talented, very athletic. He can be a handful at times, but you put him to work and he’s amazing. I have high hopes for him; I think he’s really talented. I think he could be a four-star horse, which you don’t oftentimes feel that but I think he’s got it.”

Since their first Beginner Novice event in December of last year, Elisa and Reloaded have completed six Novice events together with nary a jump penalty on their record winning two and picking up a couple blue ribbons along the way. Check out this cross country helmet cam video of the pair competing in Open Novice at Stable View last weekend, and here’s a between-the-ears view of their Finale performance yesterday.

“Thoroughbreds are amazing horses; my four-star horse will do anything for me. Give them something to go do, and they take that deep breath and they’ll do anything for you,” Elisa continues, her voice cracking. “It’s hard for me to talk about without crying; it’s just something that they do. People ask me why I deal with mustangs and Thoroughbreds, and that’s why. And they’re very similar that way. They’re always the underdog.”

Elisa and Reloaded also competed in the Freestyle division, where they finished 17th. Their routine included liberty work and also incorporated one of Wallace’s mustangs, Fledge.

Elisa Wallace and Reloaded in the Freestyle. Photo by GRC Photo.

Congrats, Elisa and Reloaded! For full results from the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover, click here.

[Elisa Wallace and Reloaded Are Crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred]

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Elisa Wallace and Reloaded, 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing Champions. Photo courtesy of the RPP Thoroughbred Makeover.

Bright and early this morning, five OTTBs out of a massive 99-horse field advanced to the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover eventing finale, and ultimately it was Elisa Wallace and Reloaded who came out on top. First things first, though, let’s take a moment to appreciate the effort that each and every participating trainer put into making a real difference in a lucky Thoroughbred’s life, this week’s competition being simply the icing on the cake!

Let’s meet the eventing top five:

Reloaded. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

#1 (total score: 2015.11): Elisa Wallace and Reloaded, a 2013 15.3-hand bay gelding (Magna Graduate x Curious Cat, by Tale Of The Cat) owned by Michelle Chisholm. Bred in Kentucky by Elisabeth H. Alexander, he won $20,177 in 19 racing starts. They also finished 17th in the Freestyle.

Elisa is a Thoroughbred Makeover veteran and has long been a champion of OTTBs, inspiring us with their journeys from track to start box. We look forward to following Reloaded’s career! Check out this cross country helmet cam video of the pair competing in Open Novice at Stable View last weekend.

Big Ralph. Photo courtesy of Alison Wilaby.

#2 (total score: 203.41): Alison Wilaby and Big Ralph, a 2014 17-hand dark bay gelding (Arch x Oregon Lady (IRE), by Shamardal) owned by the rider. Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, LLC, he won $14,522 in 12 racing starts. They also finished 17th in the Freestyle.

This is Alison’s second consecutive year as reserve eventing champion, and it’s an honor well earned. Watching her lean down to give Big Ralph a hug after their round, it was clear that the real reward for Alison isn’t a ribbon but the positive change made in the life of a horse.

I’malreadythere. Photo courtesy of Rosie Napravnik Sharp.

#3 (total score: 201.36): Rosie Sharp Napravnik and I’malreadythere, a 2013 16.1-hand bay gelding (Crown Of Thorns x Wildfire Ruby, by Wild Event) owned by the rider. Bred in Florida by Thomas J. Lane DVM, he earned $185,911 in 24 racing starts. Of course, Rosie is quite the off-track success story herself! After a monumental racing career, it’s great to see her giving back to the horses and the sport.

Sharp Johnny. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

#4 (total score: 201.36): Elisa Wallace and Sharp Johnny, a 2011 16.1-hand chestnut gelding (Sharp Humor x Reigning Princess, by Storm Boot) owned by Susan Day. Bred in Kentucky by Sparks View Farm and John Weld, he won $59,793 in 61 racing starts. He had the highest preliminary score in eventing (158.36) and also placed 11th in Freestyle. Another standing ovation, Elisa!

Turkomani. Photo courtesy of Kate Samuels.

The “United Nations,” from left to right: JN editor Meagan Delisle, EN writer Kate Samuels, and HN editor Kristen Kovatch. Photo by Eileen Cody.

The Nation Media family is proud to cheer on a small herd of its own at the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover! Jumper Nation editor Meagan DeLisle, Eventing Nation writer Kate Samuels, and Horse Nation editor Kristen Kovatch are all at the Kentucky Horse Park this week, ready to represent with their OTTB project horses.

Let’s get to know the “United Nations”:

Turkey got hops! Photo courtesy of Kate Samuels.

Horse: Turkomani, a 2013 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred dark bay gelding (Colonel John X Gold Dust, by Forest Wildcat)

Rider: Eventing Nation writer Kate Samuels

Disciplines: Eventing and Show Jumping

Racing Career: Turkomani got off to a good start as a 3-year-old, winning a couple races and $19,380 in earnings, but wasn’t quite as successful in his 4-year-old year, adding just $6,640 to the pot for a total of $26,020 in his 19-race career.

Team Kate + ‘Turkey’: Kate picked up Turkomani (Jockey Club name) AKA Felix Felicis (USEA name) AKA Turkey (barn name) from Big Lick Racing Retirement last September. You’d likely recognize him from the pictures and updates Kate shares in News & Notes — she’s had a blast bringing him along and we’ve had almost as much fun following their progress. The pair made their official eventing debut together this summer, happily tackling Beginner Novice at the Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy in July then stepping up to Novice at Loudon Hunt the following month.

“I think this week will really educate him and make him a better horse,” Kate says. “Also, we get to do dressage in the Rolex stadium! I hope it inspires him to return to the horse park in a few years ….”

Photo by Kate Samuels.

Kate and Turkey made the trip from Virginia to the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday, and despite all of the luxury travel accommodations — box stall, alfalfa bucket, orchard grass hay bag, apple-flavored water, bandaged all-the-things — he still managed to scrape up his handsome face on the trailer. Keep it together, Turkey! Ironically, Kate’s very first EN post way back in 2012 was titled “To Bubble Wrap, Or Not To Bubble Wrap?” Some things never change.

Best of luck to this pair!

Follow Them: Kate’s Instagram (zeterroir) is an endless stream of Turkey pics and borderline pornographic baked goods photography.  You can also find them on Facebook, up with the sun here at EN every Thursday and Friday morning, or in the flesh at stall #0603.

Photo by Jesse Franks Photography.

Horse: Flashback Justice, a 2013 15.1-hand dark bay Indiana-bred gelding (Lantana Mob X My Heiress, by Mr. Redgy)

Rider: Jumper Nation editor Meagan DeLisle

Disciplines: Field Hunter and Competitive Trail

Racing Career: Flashback Justice earned $8,753 in 16 starts over the course of three years, never quite making it into the winner’s circle.

Team Meagan + ‘Flash’: Meagan bought the horse sight unseen last year. It was a leap of faith, no doubt: “Flash was a cute little four-year-old Thoroughbred, smaller than what most shoppers are looking for, with a big blue spot in one eye and osselets from his racing days. Like me, he was a bit of a mixed bag. Certain parts about him you loved and others made you think, ‘is this such a good idea?’ But I took one look at his photo and somehow just knew. Within a few hours, my funds were transferred and the deal was done. I had my first restart.”

Meagan fell in love with his silly, willing and lovable baby personality from the get-go, as became the pattern with everyone who met him. Despite a few bumps in the road thanks to his accident-prone nature, he took the retraining process in stride, and before long they were racking up the ribbons.

Photos courtesy of Meagan DeLisle.

“I’ve watched this horse grow from a high-headed drama llama to a fun little packer pony,” Meagan says. “He’s grown so much in our time together and so have I. Working with Flash has made me a better horseman and I’m so thankful that I got to mark this event off of my bucket list with this special little horse.”

A “little packer pony” who is making short work of some 1.0-meter fences! We’re so glad to see Megan’s leap of faith, coupled with a lot of hard work, pay off. You’ve got this, Meagan and Flash!

Follow Them: First things first, you MUST read Meagan’s essay about their road to the Makeover, “Who Is Training Who?” Written in Meagan’s ever-honest, humble and self-aware voice, be forewarned that you might want to have a tissue on hand. She’s blogging their Makeover adventure over at JN — see their first entry, “Makeover Moments with Flashback Justice: Day 1 and I’m Already Crying.” (Happy tears! And we’re sniffling right along with you, Meagan.) You can also find them on Instagram (meaganldelisle), on Facebook, and at stalls #1440-1441.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Kovatch.

Horse: Jobber Bill, a 2009 15.3-hand chestnut Ontario-bred gelding (Saffir X Healing Touch, by Dr. Carter)

Rider: Horse Nation editor Kristen Kovatch

Disciplines: Working Ranch and Freestyle

Racing Career: Jobber Bill was no slouch on the track, earning $78,415 in 34 starts across five years. While he couldn’t necessarily find the wire first, Jobber Bill did finish second in 12 of his career start. He is the war horse of this crew!

Team Kristen + ‘Jobber’: Both in the saddle and at her desk, Kristen has long been a champion for off-track Thoroughbreds in productive second careers. Her website Horse Nation has vocal on the subject of OTTB advocacy and awareness, and then last year Kristen went all in, bringing “Jobber” into her life.

The love story of Kristen and Jobber is an epic one. Naturally it started right here on HN, when Kristen wrote a story about how Jobber went to live with his former exercise rider Jacklyn Wyatt after his retirement from racing at age 7. Jacklyn had fallen in love with him at the track — “He was such a pleasure to ride, had a nice way of going and an amazing personality,” she said — and when his number was up, Jacklyn was the first in line to give him a new lease on life.

“Looking unabashedly ranchy up at the Rolex.” Photo by Dakota Rose.

Kristen herself, as it turned out, was second in line. When Jacklyn’s increased work travel schedule began putting a damper on her riding time, Jacklyn offered him to Kristen: “You should take him! He wants to be a cow pony.” And the rest, as they say, was history.

Kristen has been chronicling her journey with Jobber since the get-go via their “Race Horse to Ranch Horse” series on HN, and now they’re bringing us along to the Makeover via “Jobber Takes Kentucky” daily reports. At last check-in the whole stall confinement thing was cramping Jobber’s style, but Kristen is nursing him through it with her trademark patience, horsemanship and sense of humor.

Kristen and Jobber’s story is a testament to Thoroughbred versatility, and the power of caring individuals to make all the difference in a special OTTB’s life.

Follow Them: Check HN and EN’s Bloggers Row daily for “Jobber Takes Kentucky” updates! You can follow them on Instagram (@thehorsebackwriter), on Facebook, or go find them at stall #1439/NM’s pop-up KHP office — look for the Horse Nation banner!

NM’s KHP mobile headquarters at stall #1439. Stop by to say hey! Photo by Kristen Kovatch.

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Allison Thompson and Cactus Willie, 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover eventing champions. Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project.

Today kicks off the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, taking place Oct. 4-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park! With somewhere between 400 and 500 horses competing there’s a lot going on over there, so we put together a handy guide to following your favorite discipline (eventing, we presume? lucky guess!) at this year’s competition.

Thoroughbred Makeover links: Website, Schedule, Entries, Stall Assignments, Eventing Ride Times, Marketplace, Seminars, Finale Live Stream, Live Scores

Thursday & Friday, October 4-5

The preliminary eventing competition place across these two days.

Dressage: Horses will perform USEF 2018 Beginner Novice Eventing Test A in a small (20m x 40m) arena in the Rolex Stadium.

Cross Country: Horses will be judged over a cross country course of approximately 12 obstacles in the Steeplechase Infield. Each obstacle will have at least two options, one at Beginner Novice dimensions (2’7”) and the other at Novice (2’11”), and optional “bonus” fences may be offered to demonstrate a higher level of training. Riders should jump the obstacle choice that best demonstrates the quality and level of their horse’s training, and need not jump all fences at the same level.

Show Jumping: Show jumping takes place immediately following cross country in the Murphy Ring. Horses will be judged over a course set at dimensions for USEA Beginner Novice (2’7” maximum), Novice (2’11” maximum), or Training (3’3” maximum). Trainers may select their level.

Read a breakdown of the scoring here, as well as additional rules concerning format and attire.

EN #ProTips:

• This year’s eventing entry list is huge (100+ strong), diverse and includes some star-studded names. Keep an eye out for an assortment of three- and four-star riders, jockey Rosie Sharp Napravik, show jumping coach Richard Picken, 2017 eventing reserve champion Alison Wilaby, and of course EN’s very own Kate Samuels with her infamous “Turkey”!
• The seminar schedule is worth checking out. The Trainers’ Forum, moderated by Advanced level eventer Tik Maynard, sounds particularly interesting — check it out on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Club Lounge. Other seminar topics include “Leaky Gut Syndrome: How Every Equine Athlete Can Be Affected and Novel Nutritional Solutions,” “Racing Injuries and Outcomes” and “When Selling Doesn’t Go as Planned.”
• Did you hear that there’s a new team competition this year as well?

Saturday, October 6

The top five scoring eventing horses will compete for additional points in the finale, demonstrating basic work on the flat and jumping a course that includes show jumps and cross country portables in TCA Covered Arena. Following this final test a 2018 Eventing Makeover Champion will be crowned. After the other nine disciplines have completed their finales, the crowd favorite (determined by text message voting) from among all 10 will be crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred and earn a $10,000 check!

Eventing is the first discipline of the day to go. The Finale will be live streamed — click here. It is a ticketed event; tickets may be purchased here.

EN #ProTip:

• Don’t forget the shopping! Have an extra spot in your trailer? Peruse a list of for-sale Thoroughbreds that could help you out with that here. If you’d rather stick with inanimate objects, there’s a shopping village with over 80 vendors, AND a silent auction.

Sunday, October 7 

The Makeover Masterclass is an interactive session of demonstrations and discussions with four leading trainers and four adoptable, 2019 Makeover eligible prospects relatively fresh off the track. The trainers will discuss the horses’ conformation, how they move, and how they navigate a jump chute with some small fences. Then the trainers will select the horse they want to work with, and after an acclimation period, will come back and demonstrate how they would approach their first few rides or training sessions. The Master Class is free to attend for all and begins at 10 a.m. in the TCA Covered Arena.

EN #ProTips: Feel inspired? Throw your hat in the ring for 2019! Check out the rules, which will soon be updated for next year, here.

Go OTTBs. Go Eventing!

Does your horse have a favorite victory snack? For Erin Liedle’s Fernhill Boodle, winner of Stable View’s Training Rider division, he’ll bring home blue for a banana.

Photo by Erin Liedle.

That face, I just want to smooch it. A banana well earned, Boodle.

Before we get going with our weekly winner shout-out, let’s give a extra special congrats to our lowest scoring finishers in the country this week: Margaret Kimmel and Garfunkel, who posted a 20.7 to win their Training Rider division at Jump Start H.T. Sidenote: eventing photographer extraordinaire JJ Sillman posted an awesome gallery of shots from Jump Start, which you can check out here.

And now, the blue ribbon roll call!

Stable View CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CIC3*: Phillip Dutton & I’m Sew Ready (33.9)
CIC2*: Heather Morris & Charlie Tango (32.1)
CIC1*: Tamra Smith & Danito (24.0)
Advanced: Boyd Martin & On Cue (38.2)
Intermediate: Jacob Fletcher & Atlantic Domino (35.5)
Open Preliminary: Kate Brown & Carnaby (28.6)
Jr/YR Open Preliminary: William Kidwell & Tremolo (38.3)
Preliminary Rider: Morgan Batton & Toby The Coal Man (31.6)
Open Training: Tamra Smith & MB MaiStein (25.5)
Jr/Yr Training: Sami Crandell & FE Calimero (34.8)
Training Rider: Erin Liedle & Fernhill Boodle (27.1)
Jr/Yr Novice: Kaitlyn Brittendall & Blyth’s Madeline GS (26.4)
Novice Rider: Deb Grosenbaugh & Starry Night (24.3)
Open Novice: Darrell Vaughn & Eluca (24.1)
Jr/Yr Beginner Novice: Rowan Edmonds & Knocklofty Jack (33.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Dana DiGerolamo & Everton (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Darrell Vaughn & Zander (27.0)

View this post on Instagram

It’s super exhausting winning such a big 1* division @stableviewaiken. Danito is probably one of the smartest horses I know using his shavings as a pillow! #goodcheetopuff #durrito #stableviewoktoberfest #stableviewrocks

A post shared by Tamie Smith (@tsmitheventing) on Sep 30, 2018 at 5:59pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

training level here we come!!!! so proud of this girl!!!! 💙🦄👑😘 #bigtimeeventing #trakehnersofinstagram #maddie #myviewfromstableview #blythsmadelinegs #poweredbysmartsupplements

A post shared by Kaitlyn Brittendall (@kebeventing) on Sep 30, 2018 at 10:52am PDT

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Kathleen E Fenn & Darling Harbour (39.3)
Jr/YR Training: Lena Bartolotti & Racing Thoughts (39.6)
Open Training A: Maura Gorman & Killmallock (31.4)
Open Training B: Ann Grenier & Almost Famous (29.8)
Jr/YR Novice A: Meghan McDonough & Domingo en Fuego (29.5)
Jr/YR Novice B: Lanie Mourgenos & Fit & Frisky (32.1)
Open Novice A: Bethany Mauchly & Facing Giants (31.9)
Open Novice B: Nancy Read & Caribe PCH (29.3)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice A: Isabelle Gilbert & July’s Gem (36.0)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice B: Alexa McKersie & Skip A Stride (36.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Erin Risso & Winglet (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Jessica Katz & Fernhill Sylvus (31.9)

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Results]
Prelim/Training: Missy Miller & Van Goettsching (38.3)
Training-A: Cassie Sanger & Ultra Violet (28.9)
Training-B: Alexandra Kavouksorian & The Alchemist (33.9)
Novice-A: Katie Eckler & KC’s Jackson (33.1)
Novice-B: Emilie Wivandy & Ringwood Lady Allie (28.3)
Novice-C: Marcia Kulak & Tough Love (24.8)
Beginner Novice-A: Lilly Johnsen & Wilson (27.0)
Beginner Novice-B: Devyn Merritt & Johnnie Walker Red (31.0)
Beginner Novice-C: Anne Donelan & The Grifter (24.3)
Beginner Novice-D: Marcia Kulak & Pantheon (28.8)
Intro-A: Laura Voorheis & Kildare’s Buster Keaton (40.0)
Intro-B: Allison Hamilton & Sizzlin Ed (27.5)

View this post on Instagram

Awesome day at the office with the ponies. Andi winning his division and Keeley galloping around and feeling like she’s starting to figure this Eventing stuff out! #area1eventing #teamdevoucoux #elementalequine #samshield

A post shared by MIssy Miller (@rmissymiller) on Sep 30, 2018 at 11:39am PDT

View this post on Instagram

The boys put in tremendous efforts today at Larkin Hill to bring home fist and second!! Quinn and I competed in our first P/T, taking two rails in stadium due to my mistakes adding to our dressage score of 35.9. However, a clear cross country moved us up to second, with lots to work on for the future. Meanwhile, Mo and I led the Novice division the whole day on our dressage score of 29.3 to bring home a pretty blue ribbon, as well as more mileage gained. Competing these two is some of the most fun I’ve ever had in this sport🙃 #dynamicduo #☯︎

A post shared by Katerina Garcia-Chope || 15 (@kgc.eventing) on Jun 17, 2018 at 3:00pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Couldn't be happier with Riot, who stepped up in his first Prelim-Training to finish on his dressage score to take 3rd in the division and Champion Thoroughbred! I wanted him to be challenged a little before we head to our last event of the season, and he answered with ears pricked forward 😊 #ottb #thoroughbredpower #horseofthefuture #eventing

A post shared by Emma Kate Lomangino (@emmalomangino) on Oct 1, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Results]
Advanced: Matt Flynn & Wizzerd (31.1)
Intermediate: Jeff Beshear & Say Cheese
Open Preliminary-A:Julia Strawbridge & Balmoral Oakey (36.2)
Open Preliminary-B: Sarah Cousins & Stravinsky (27.6)
Open Training-A: Andrea Davidson & Mr Poppers (27.3)
Open Training-B: Susie Beale & BE Out And About (28.2)
Training Rider-A: Miina Rafinski & Banderillo (32.3)
Training Rider-B: Cassie Rutledge & Connect the Dots (30.5)
Novice Rider: Melanie Harrigan & Cooley Higher Ground (22.6)
Open Novice: Daniel Clasing & Grove Hill Bob (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Mia Olijslager & Northern Quest Blue Sea (31.8)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Diane Edgerly & Notorious (32.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Cole Horn & MBF Cooley Permission To Land (26.8)

View this post on Instagram

Heading home from NJ with a rainbow of ribbons! We brought 5 horse for the 3 Beshear's… Jeff was the big winner in the OI CT getting to practice the FEI test in preparation for Morven Park next weekend. His first clear SJ round at the level got him the win. Then Nicholas had an awesome day of jumping with his new girl, Copycat Chloe, moving all the way from 13th to 2nd place! The bigger gray version, Silver Night Lady, had a very good return to competition as she won the dressage then just added quite a bit of time having a nice canter around the Prelim to finish 5th. The Training Level horses were equally impressive with @jennifereddy6396 Fernhill Cascum Marco finishing his first event with Emily in 3rd place and Nicholas finishing 7th on El Mesano. And Oscar was pleased with the performance of his protege, Bear, as he is learning to master both xc course walks and helping with navigation in the truck 😂 @soteriausa @arenushealth @triplecrownfeed @tredstepireland @sagmae @kerritseq @shires_usa @foxden_equine @olddominionequine @vtosaddlery @racesafeeq @helite.official @freejumpusa @eponia_usa @erreplus

A post shared by Oscar Mayer Beshear (@bricklandeventing) on Sep 30, 2018 at 1:19pm PDT

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate/Preliminary, Div. 1: Alexandra Knowles & Princess B (34.8)
Open Intermediate/Preliminary, Div. 2: Colin Gaffney & Timaru (43.6)
Open Preliminary, Div. 1: Alexandra Knowles & Ramdam de Mons (36.0)
Open Preliminary, Div. 2: Kathy Baar & Quick Car (27.5)
Open Training: Alexandra Knowles & Looks Like Lotte (23.2)
Training Horse: Alexandra Green & Fernhill Leitrim Lass (34.6)
Training Rider, Jr.: Cora Severs & Cuervo (25.9)
Training Rider, Sr., Div. 1: Madeline O’Brien & Ramsey (30.4)
Training Rider, Sr., Div. 2: Margaret Kimmel & Garfunkel (20.7)
Novice Horse: Madeline Bletzacker & Drummer Boy (29.5)
Novice Rider, Jr/YR, Div. 1: Madison Ozbun & Zeus Beach (33.6)
Novice Rider, Jr/YR, Div. 2: Shannon McCall & TC Drummer Boy (30.2)
Novice Rider, Sr., Div. 1: Madeline Bletzacker & Landtino S (22.6)
Novice Rider, Sr., Div. 2: Alston Kerr & Sir Earl Grey (35.2)
Open Novice: Katie Schaefer & 5o1 Tin Man (29.5)
Beginner Novice Horse: Susannah Lansdale & Eis Eis Baby (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider, Jr.: Bridget O’Grady & Vendi (36.3)
Beginner Novice Rider, Sr, Div. 1: Morgan Sindall & Zara (37.5)
Beginner Novice Rider, Sr, Div. 2: Tamara Kryway & R Kallisto (41.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Beth Weisberger & Cobalt (38.3)
Open Starter, Div. 1: Leah Coleman & Liliko’i (32.5)
Open Starter, Div. 2: Aine O’Rourke & Oliver Twist (33.3)
Open Starter, Div. 3: Michele Buford & Make Mine Blue (25.8)

View this post on Instagram

Go Spooner Go! #allthebestonesarered

A post shared by Rachel (@radelmachlier) on Sep 30, 2018 at 10:06am PDT

And the award for Best Cheer Squad goes to …

View this post on Instagram

When your friends come out to cheer you on!

A post shared by vanessaseitz (@vanessaseitz) on Sep 30, 2018 at 2:58pm PDT

Congrats to all! Go Eventing.

All eyes may have been on WEG, but that didn’t stop the show from going on at horse trials around the country!

Jumps were jumped and ribbons were won. An extra big congrats to this weekend’s lowest scoring finishers in the country, David Cornell and All Dassett, who posted a 19.8 to winner the Beginner Novice Rider division at GMHA September H.T.

Your weekend winners:

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Kylie Lyman & Glynnwood Mer Calido (33.0)
Preliminary Rider: Isabel Finemore & Rutherglen (33.4)
Junior Training: Katerina Garcia-Chope & Samba Dromo (32.4)
Open Training: Beth Murphy & It’s Me (30.7)
Training Rider-A: Victoria Thompson & Improper Bostonian (30.7)
Training Rider-B: Alexandra Kavouksorian & The Alchemist (35.0)
Junior Novice: Lyndsay Morris & Killeen Clover (34.1)
Novice Rider-A: Jennifer Bagley & Intrinsic (26.6)
Novice Rider-B: Bella Maida & Titan (28.8)
Open Novice: Bevin Dugan & Cape Cal (26.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Alex Conrad & Lexington II (25.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: David Cornell & All Dassett (19.8)
Junior Beginner Novice: Anna Meretei & Fernhill Danforth (22.5)
Introductory: Amber Cerrati & Oozlum (31.9)

Thanks once again to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for these great GMHA win pics!

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary 1: Emily Beshear & Templewood (29.6)
Open Preliminary 2: Jessica Ebzery & Share Option (37.5)
Open Training 1: Martin Douzant & Frame Gandalf (29.8)
Open Training 2: Cindy Anderson-Blank & Windchase Faberge Star (31.9)
Open Novice 1: Timothy Bourke & Donna Del Lago (27.9)
Open Novice 2: Cashell Jaquish & Corrival (29.3)
Open Novice 3: Elisa Rodriguez & Fenway Park (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Olivia Devening & Ark Royal Tumble (35.0)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Chelsea Eldridge & Celestial Bliss (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice 3: Jillian Rife & Tenacious Joe (29.3)
Introductory: Patricia Healy & Traditional Hat Man (32.8)

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate: Tatiana Herrero Bernstein & Callisto (39.0)
Open Preliminary: Kristine Burgess & Montsant (45.3)
Preliminary Championship: Bailey Albertson & Tassimo (45.5)
Preliminary/Training: Lisa Borgia & Thorondor (44.7)
Junior Training Rider: McKayla Mattison & A Sky Full of StarZ (37.6)
Open Training: Kristine Burgess Twoggeron (35.8)
Senior Training Rider: Amber Dequaine & Minnesota Miss (41.6)
Training Championship: Rebecca Hunt & Snowflake Lane (31.8)
Junior Novice Rider: Abbey Campbell & Mr. Bubble Yum (36.3)
Novice Championship: Kailey Giancola & Saturday Night Clive (29.5)
Open Novice: Caroline Charette & Moondance (49.2)
Senior Novice Rider: Lindsey Kahn & Seoul Sister (33.6)
Beginner Novice Championship: Katarzyna Jachymczyk & Sock Monkey (33.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Ava Friese & Zepplin (34.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Leah Lang-Gluscic & Firecrest Opensezme (28.0)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Stella Ryan & Kestrel (33.0)
Starter-A: Megan Tyler & Timone (29.5)
Starter-B: Cora Riley & Say I Do (36.5)

View this post on Instagram

Zepplin placed 1st out of 17 in his first ever eventing show this weekend and my team also placed first! Very thankful for my barn and opportunities that I have:)

A post shared by Ava Friese🌼✨ (@avafriese) on Sep 16, 2018 at 2:43pm PDT

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Results]
Intermediate CT: Meika Decher & Archie McPhee (33.6)
Open Preliminary: Anna Stein & Astranamical (31.3)
Jr Training: Lillie Clark & Oddjob (25.5)
Open Training A: Anna Stein & Symphony (28.6)
Open Training B: Julie Williams & Dark Horse (28.0)
Jr Novice: Abigail Cochran & Freesela (33.1)
Open Novice A: Jennifer Dunzelman & Hardscrabble Salem (29.3)
Open Novice B: John Kappes & Pure Grinder (29.8)
Jr Beginner Novice: Avery Jacob & Little Miss Sunshine (32.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kelsey Horn & Cleared For Take Off (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Madelyn Floyd & King Among Them (28.3)

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary A: Erin Pullen & Foreign Affair (27.6)
Open Preliminary B: Alexandra Baugh & Ballingowan Pizazz (33.6)
Open Training: Kendahl Holden & Lady Hannah B (27.7)
Training Rider A: Jane Musselman & Duke of Diamond (29.3)
Training Rider B: Darby Weerstra & Exultation (29.6)
Novice Rider A: Sarah Beth Slaughter & In The Spotlight (31.7)
Novice Rider B: Monica Foley & Letuspray (28.1)
Open Novice: Madeline Bletzacker & Drummer Boy (25.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Nora Brown & Leal (29.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Kelly Jones & Hey Jude (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Taylor Reis & Strong Royalty (34.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Katie Wilkins & Bright Prince (16.0)
Starter Junior: Sally Smedley & Golden Ticket CR (30.6)
Starter Senior: Cathy Rutter & Casanova (29.2)

View this post on Instagram

What a weekend. What an unreal mare. I’m absolutely thrilled with how things have been going with Han B. She finished on her dressage score of a 27.7, to win her class. I say this all the time and I’ll continue to share, that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be riding this horse. I’m looking forward to having a go at prelim (finally) at Jumpstart in a few weekends.!💙🍾🎉

A post shared by Kendahl Holden (@tateventing) on Sep 17, 2018 at 10:29am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Had a lot of fun at Flying Cross HT this weekend. Both horses competed in the prelim division to get them back out after Young Riders. They were both fabulous in all three phases. Mango finished in first and Elmo finished in fourth. A huge thank you my parents for helping me at the event and for letting me compete these two horses. My sister Tori came and helped take care of the horses, and I couldn’t have done it without her. Thank you to everyone at the event who organized and made it run so smoothly! @voltairedesign_official

A post shared by Alexandra Baugh (@altorac_eventing) on Sep 16, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!