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Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Stars for Your Christmas Tree

By on Dec 21, 2021 3:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

We are cutting it down to the wire, but there’s still time to snag your dream horse in time for the holidays. These five listings are all “star” themed — we’ve got a Star Alert, Excel Star No Diggity, Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier,Excel Star Hang Time, and a Connemara “super star.” And while they’re probably too big to top a Christmas tree with, they might just be right at home in your barn.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Connemara super star!

🦄 ☘️ Gentry Irish Clover (Fortrane Stuart CP x Rantis Diamond ISH ). Coming 6 year old 15.3hh imported Irish Sport Horse mare. “Trish” is a beautiful, talented and super forgiving mare that is wise beyond her years! If you’re looking for something with a packer mentality to quickly move you up the levels with confidence, Trish is your ride! She is easy, sweet, and the type of horse every trainer wants in their barn.

Have a grudge against owning a girl? She will change that. This mare is zero drama and with her adorable personality, will make you the center of her whole world! That’s right, she will whinny when she sees you. It’s like owning a little squeaky toy that lights up when you’re around. You can’t say no to that! ❤️

Trish is so good she won her first horse trials in the USA out of a large division! She has competed in Ireland through the Novice level and schools cross country through the Training level! She is brave, scopey, and will jump anything from any distance with very little input needed from her rider. She’s quiet enough to be a hunter, but forward enough to do the jumpers. This horse could do multiple jobs for you!

Here is another unicorn. These horses don’t come by very often! Trish is UTD on everything and has zero vices. This is the first horse I’ve had in my barn that I can’t give you a single bad thing to say about her…and we have some nice horses! Trish can be ridden every day or pulled out of her stall with a week off and is the same horse. She walks off the trailer at a show as the same horse you put on, easy and quiet.

Serious inquiries only. Yes, seriously…please. Budget suits the quality of horse. Priced in the mid-five figures. Located at Gentry Sport Horses in Spring City, PA.

Contact us privately for more information and videos.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Elegant, fearless, talent for upper levels

Star Alert is a six year old 16.3 unraced TB mare who screams upper level potential! She has lovely gaits and is schooling Training stadium and cross country with scope to spare. She is brave, catty, and smart. She will jump anything you point her at and is very adjustable to the fences. She is best suited for a confident rider as she is a forward, sensitive type, but she is kind and willing with no bad habits and is a joy to work with. She just ran Loch Moy’s Derby Cross at Beginner Novice, went clear without looking at a single obstacle, and was unphased by the atmosphere and chaos. No vices, no maintenance, loves her job. She has a single screw in her right fetlock, but multiple vets have said it should have no effect on her future soundness or potential (x-ray available to serious buyers).

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Soft, Sweet, Safe

Excel Star No Diggity is a 16.2h grey Irish gelding by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of Killinick Bounce (Grange Bouncer).

He has shown successfully through 1.25m and has schooled cross country. Born in 2016, he is super comfortable on the flat with a soft jump. Easy, sweet and safe he is perfect for a junior or amateur but with the talent for a professional.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Dressage Scores in the 20s

Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier is the winner of his novice divisions at both the Maryland and Full Moon Farm Fall Horse Trials, with scores in the low 20s.

He is lovely mover, and easy to make round. He is a 2016 gelding by Quidam Junior out of a Cavalier Royale mare. He has a super temperament and is quiet and uncomplicated.

Super talented, her could be a show jumper, equitation mount, or eventer. With his temperament he is suitable for a junior or amateur.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lofty Super Jumper

A super jumper with a lofty jump, Excel Star Hang Time is ready to start jumping for you. Eventing, hunting or the show ring, this 2014 16.1h gelding is by O.B.O.S. Quality out of Veloma (x Oklund).

He has shown and cross country schooled in his native Ireland. He is brave and sweet and easy to work around in the barn. A good mover and jumper, he is a chromy bay that is easy on the eyes.

Suitable for a rider of any age, he is also talented enough for a professional.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #14 – FEI Show Jumping Ponies Go ‘Ping’!

By on Dec 18, 2021 9:00 am -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #14 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,551 views when it was originally posted on Oct. 26, 2021.

I spent far too much of yesterday afternoon trying to convince a wobbly bowl of jello trapped in the body of a 16.3-hand horse, who’d recently disposed of his own rider, that the 1’9″ gate he refused to go anywhere near was well within his ability, training and scope. You’ve got this, Ben! You are the far superior opponent in this game of Horse vs. Tiny Green Gate! You can do it! 

Despite his willingness to leap dramatically over it (so extra) in hand about 40 times in a row, as soon as I climbed back into the saddle Ben’s bravery and self-esteem crumbled. Final score: horse – 1, human – 0. Maybe tomorrow I’ll show him this video as proof, from the FEI Ponies Jumping Trophy presented by Agria which took place October 19 in Hernig, Denmark.

These pocket rockets have serious hops! At 1.30 meters (AKA 4’2″) they ping right off the ground. The winner was Denmark’s own Magdalene Rose Mikkelsen with her pint-size Irish Sport Horse Attyrory Rebel. Their jump-off round, about 53 minutes into the video, is FIERCE.

Oh, and Ben? I think you can try harder.

 

Thursday Video: Some Top-Notch Dad-Barring

By on Dec 16, 2021 5:00 pm -

Urban Dictionary, that pioneering online crowd-sourced authority for slang words and phrases, defines “mom bar” as:

“when you are riding in the front seat of you’re moms car and she has to hit the brakes or do some crazy manuver to avoid something, then she stretches her arm across your chest holding you in your seat as if she was going to save your life.
dude some jerk whipped out in front of my moms mini van and i got the mom bar.”

Sentence, please:

“dude some jerk whipped out in front of my moms mini van and i got the mom bar.”

All deficient grammar aside, “mom bar” phenomenon is, in fact, a real thing. As the mother of a two-year-old human, I can attest firsthand to the instincts now programmed into my being to protect his tiny little snotty-nosed life at all times. “Dad bar” is a real thing, too, and to that end, I’ve gotta give the dad of Instagram-famous mini-equestrians Kizzy and Ettie mad props.

We here at EN have been following “Kizzy & Etties Pony Adventures” on Facebook and Instagram since these two British sisters were knee-high to a grasshopper, which is to say roundabout since Kizzy had just turned 5 and Ettie was 2. Time flies when you’re having fun, and now they’re — gasp — 7 and 5!

As the children of avid fox hunters, their horse-girl gutsiness and velcro-bummed stick-to-the-saddle skillsets are going stronger than ever. Best of luck to these firecrackers! (And moreso, good luck to their parents! I’d be having a heart attack a day!)

Tuesday Video: Cool-Down Massage With Lauren Allport

By on Dec 14, 2021 5:00 pm -

“Do you know how a proper cool down after exercise benefits your horse’s wellbeing?”

As part of its #HealthForHorses campaign, the FEI together with Boehringer Ingelheim brings us the second in a series of three videos on how to level up the care we can give our horses. Lauren Allport of the popular @EddiesGun91 YouTube channel, who is also an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist, shows us how to correctly cool our horses down after training and exercise, and shares an some equine massage techniques we can use at home to help muscles recover faster. 

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #19 – Kathleen Cuca & Jak My Style Take on Beginner Novice

By on Dec 13, 2021 7:00 pm -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #19 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,377 views when it was originally posted on July 6, 2021.

We’re going to hold you to it, Kathleen! Kathleen and Roberto Cuca own Jak My Style, the 16-year-old Thoroughbred that sailed around the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event earlier this year with Buck Davidson finishing clear with a few time penalties.

Buck Davidson and Jak My Style. Photo by Shelby Allen.

 

Indoor Cross Country Is Underway Today at CHI Geneva

By on Dec 10, 2021 11:22 am -

Cathal Daniels, winner of indoor cross country 2019. Photo courtesy of CHI Geneva.

The indoor cross country at CHI Geneva, presented by La Tribune de Genève, is taking place today in Switzerland (beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST), and it’s a stacked entry list.

Germany’s Michael Jung, with Kilcandra Ocean Power, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse (BGS Ocean View x Bonnie Prince), will be coming up against some motivated competitors. We ought to be paying attention to all of this guy’s mounts.

Also on the roster is France’s Karim Laghouag (FRA), the winner of the 2019 event, riding Punch de l’Esques. Ireland’s Cathal Daniels, with Alcatraz, will be intent on defending his title. Meanwhile Australia’s Andrew Hoy, a 62-year-old veteran of eight Olympic Games, will demonstrate that age is no impediment to success with Creevagh Cooley. Representing the home team of Switzerland, Olympians Robin Godel and Mélody Johner – the country’s leading rider at Tokyo 2020 – will both hope to shine with Grandeur de Lully CH and Toubleu de Rueire, respectively.

You can watch the live stream here.

CHI Geneva Eventing: Website, Start List, Live Stream

How to Watch the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Live Stream

By on Dec 10, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo via Hyatt Albuquerque.

Can’t make it to the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention this weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico? You’re in luck! The USEA is live streaming portions of the convention on Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11.

You will need to renew your USEA Membership for 2022 to access certain parts of the live stream, but much of it will be available to watch for free without a membership.

Scroll down to view the schedules for both the Open Stream and the Member Stream.

Click here to watch the Open Stream

Click here to login to your USEA account and watch the Member Stream

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, Map, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

OPEN STREAM SCHEDULE

Friday, December 10

7:30 – 8:15 a.m. MST – Pure Stretch Exercise Session

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. MST – Is There a Relationship Between Ridden Horse Behavior and the Performance of Event Horses?

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. MST – Classic Series Open Forum

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. MST – Flow State in Eventers

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. MST – Volunteer Incentive Program Open Forum

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. MST – Calendar Planning/Organizers Open Forum

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. MST – Regenerative Medicine in 2021: Overview of the Most Current Clinical Thinking

Saturday, December 11

7:30 – 8:15 a.m. MST – Pure Stretch Exercise Session

9:00 – 10: 00 a.m. MST – Understanding Equine Liability and Minimizing Risk of Exposure

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MST – ICP Open Forum

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. MST – Rule Change Open Forum

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. MST – Amateur and Adult Riders Open Forum: Juggling Work, Life, and Eventing

MEMBER STREAM SCHEDULE

Friday, December 10

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. MST – Equine Syndication 101: Everything You Want to Know but Were Afraid to Ask

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. MST – Incident Management

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. MST – ERQI Reports for Officials and How to Use Them

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. MST – USEF High Performance Athletes Open Forum (Register to attend here)

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. MST – New Dressage Tests: Starter – Modified

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. MST – New Dressage Tests: Preliminary – Advanced

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. MST – Refining the 6- and 7-year-old Pathway Competitions

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. MST – ShowConnect – a Community Focused Event Management System

Saturday, December 11

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. MST – Safety Committee Open Forum

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. MST – Making Strides for Equality and Growing the Sport

6:30 – 10:00 p.m. MST – Year-End Awards Presentation

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. MST – Eventing’s Evolving: 3 Top Riders Predict What’s Next

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. MST – Tokyo Olympic Games Review Panel

Thursday Video: Meet Kiwi Eventer/Adventurer Chloe Harris

By on Dec 9, 2021 5:00 pm -

I got to know Chloe Phillips Harris among the weirdest of circumstances, riding alongside her for a leg of the 2017 Mongol Derby. A former competitor, she was attending that year as the videographer for a documentary about the race, capturing footage of us along the way. It was a morning so foggy you could barely see a horse length in front of you, and we got to talking — I learned that she was a four-star eventer with an affection for wild horses — which tracks, because she’s quite a wild spirit herself.

“There is nothing like sitting on a galloping horse,” she says. “The pure sense of freedom and power and partnership with animal, I just love it. It’s my happiest place on earth.”

Since then she’s been running an expedition company in Mongolia, authored a book about her life aptly titled “Fearless,” and in her home country New Zealand (though, fun fact, she was born in Texas) she’s worked with wild or unhandled Kaimanawa horses for many years and leads her own wild horses project.

Chloe is an inspiring example of a horsewoman whose commitment to equines transcends genre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram here.

And here she is, doing her eventing thing!

19 More Unorthodox Event Horses: Your Turn!

By on Dec 9, 2021 11:00 am -

Charlie Whittle: “My little 13hh traditional cob loves eventing.”

We’ve loved seeing your photos stream in of your own “unorthodox” event horses — check out the first two editions of the series here and here. Here’s your latest batch of event horses proving that eventing is, truly, a sport for all!

Haffie Power!

Lovely Lippizaners!

Marvelous Morgans!

Colors Galore!

And More!

Volunteer Nation: Three H.T. & a Dressage Show That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Dec 8, 2021 9:34 am -

Remember back in the days of yore when December would hit and eventers suddenly had nothing to do and nowhere to go? Our calendars emptied out, our saddles collected a little dust, and our horses got a little fuzzy until the holidays are past.

Now, however, there’s still plenty to do even in the off-season, from recognized and schooling horse trials to opportunities to brush up on your dressage and show jumping skills. And that means, there are also plenty of opportunities 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.

USEA Events

Full Gallop Farm December HT (December 12th, 2021)

Other Events

Majestic Oaks Schooling H.T. (December 11th, 2021)

Jumping Branch Farm Schooling HT (December 10th, 2021 to December 11th, 2021)

USEF/USDF “Winter Wonderland” Dressage (December 11th, 2021 to December 12th, 2021)

Tuesday Video: Charlotte James Eventing’s Christmas Vlog

By on Dec 7, 2021 5:30 pm -

Some people decorate their front yards with over-the-top Christmas decor … others decorate their horses and their riding rings. We’ve been loving this festive vlog series from Charlotte James Eventing. We’re only on day 7 (which involves a very impressive snowman skinny jump) so there are many more still to come — you can follow her on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Congrats to the Champions of Stable View’s 2021 Eventing Academy Series!

By on Dec 7, 2021 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Stable View Farm.

Congratulations to the year-end champions of Stable View Farm’s 2021 Eventing Academy Series! The series, which has been hosted by the Aiken, SC, farm since 2018, is geared toward horses and riders who are new to eventing; they have the opportunity to school all three phases on a Saturday before competing in a one-day schooling horse trials on Sunday.

TOP 6 OVERALL POINT WINNERS
1st: Sophia Morse and James Bond (36pts)
2nd: Susan Faulkner and HelloHello (35pts) *
3rd: Holly Dana and Diamond Concerto (35pts) *
4th: Victoria McMillen and Jackson Blues (29pts)
5th: Martha Upchurch and Adian (27pts)
6th: Addison Amato and Hermione Granger (24pts)

* Ties are broken by Lowest Average Score (All Scores from All EA’s Attended divided by the Total Number of EA’s Attended)

DIVISION WINNERS
Sprout: Holly Dana and Diamond Concerto (35pts)
Tadpole: Sophia Morse and James Bond (36pts)
Beginner Novice: Justyne Albright and FCS Winning Mood (22pts)
Novice: Susan Faulkner and HelloHello (27pts)
Training: Marissa Griffin and Conquistador (16pts)

WINNING TRAINERS
1st: Kari Tankersky (21pts)
2nd: Tawn Edwards (19pts)
3rd: Ray Wheeler (16pts)

You can view complete year-end point standings here.

A year-end awards ceremony will take place during December’s competition (Dec. 18-19), the first competition of the 2022 series. New for the Series, Stable View has committed to run a Modified division at December, February, and March’s Eventing Academies, and November as well if entries warrant. Please note that there will be no schooling day for the upcoming December event; Modified, Novice and Tadpole will take place on Saturday, and Training, Beginner Novice and Sprout will take place on Sunday.

Entries close December 10th on CompeteEasy.com, a simple, comprehensive smart phone app for riders to manage entries, book accommodations, reserve a stall, follow live scores and review results (download it on your iPhone or Android). Here’s a link to the December Eventing Academy info.

And, entries for the January recognized horse trials open today!

Learn more about Stable View and view the 2022 calendar of events here.

Tickets Are On Sale for 2022 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Dec 7, 2021 9:00 am -

Bruce’s Field. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 2021 edition of $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field was a little too quiet for our liking, as the Showcase was held behind closed doors due to Covid-19. In 2022, however, those doors are being once again flung wide open, and tickets are now on sale! The event, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, will be held March 4-5, 2022 at Bruce’s Field (931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken, SC).

By purchasing your tickets online ahead of time, spectators get access to the exclusive $25 Full Event Pass offer. The Full Event Pass grants access to both days of competition. Single day passes can also be purchased ahead of time online. Single day passes ONLY will be offered at the gate.

For Sponsorship and VIP information, please click here or email [email protected].

The “Showcase” format condenses the traditional eventing format into a fast-paced, dramatic format and puts it on stage at a highly spectator friendly venue, allowing spectators an up-close view of the sport. Since its inaugural running in 2019, the Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field has attracted riders from eight different countries, including 12 Olympians, and awarded $160,000 in prize money to the competitors. In 2021 all four of the horse and rider combinations that went on to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics competed at the showcase, as well as all but one pair on the Team USA high performance list.

To recap past winners, Tamie Smith and Mai Baum won the 2021 edition …

2021 winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quin Photography.

… while Liz Halliday-Sharp won both the 2020 and 2019 editions.

2020 winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

2019 winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Can’t make it in person? Horse and Country TV will once again provide professional live stream coverage. And if you are able to attend (tickets make great stocking stuffers, hint-hint), you can now purchase them here. What’s more, your support helps the community: to date the event has worked with 32 national and local non-profit organizations and awarded over $22,000 to its charitable partners.

Learn more about the event here.

Detroit Horse Power Reflects on Impact of SEE Access Grant

By on Dec 3, 2021 3:00 pm -

Equestrian access programs that help provide opportunity for young equestrians from diverse backgrounds are doing important work, but they can’t do it alone. From volunteers and donations to funding, connecting these programs with the resources they need is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Strides for Equality Equestrian (SEE) has been mobilizing funds to support efforts that are helping create equitable opportunities for BIPOC equestrians and build a more inclusive equestrian culture. This summer SEE awarded a $2,500 Access Grant to fund the participation of five young people in Detroit Horse Power’s summer camp programming, and recently caught up with Founder and Executive Director David Silver this fall for his reflections on the impact of the Access Grant.

“Detroit Horse Power is extremely grateful to have received a SEE Access Grant. All of Detroit Horse Power’s equine-assisted social-emotional learning programs are free to the under-resourced Detroit youth that we serve and so contributions like this are essential to expanding access to horses for young people who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to learn and grow through working with horses,” he said.

The grant went to cover the average cost per student, about $500 per week, to cover program expenses including staffing, transportation, meals and program supplies.

“Students learn how to ride and take care of horses, learn from guest speakers from different equine professions, and connect the character traits at the heart of our model into their everyday lives,” David says. “We know these life lessons – perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control – will stay with our students wherever life takes them in order to overcome adversity on their path to success.”

Detroit Horse Power is working to expand the number of participating youth in their current programs while moving close to constructing an urban equestrian center on a Detroit vacant land site that will scale access to horses for many more.

This week, thanks to generous #GivingTuesday donations from supporters, Detroit Horse Power is less than $500 away from unlocking a $5,000 matching grant. Can you help them on the home stretch? You can donate today here.

You can also support SEE via donation, volunteering, becoming a member or partnering — learn more here.

Graphic courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians.

Tom McEwen Among Eventers Honored at 2021 Horse & Hound Awards

By on Dec 3, 2021 9:00 am -

Tom McEwen collects the Uvex Helmets Professional Rider of the Year award. Picture credit: Peter Nixon/Horse & Hound.

Team Great Britain eventer Tom McEwen capped off a bang-up 2021 by being honored as Uvex Helmets Professional Rider of the Year at the 2021 Horse & Hound Awards on Wednesday. After the 2020 virtual awards, more than 250 sponsors and guests were excited to return to a glittering in-person celebration held at Cheltenham racecourse.

Highlights of Tom’s year include earning team gold and individual silver at the Tokyo Olympic Games with Toledo de Kerser, followed by a second place finish at Pau with CHF Cooliser. Upon receiving the Professional Rider of the Year award, he shared what it meant to have such a special partnership with Toledo.

 

Huge congratulations to Tom McEwen Eventing – Professional Rider of the Year!!!

Horse & Hound Awards 2021

Posted by Eventing Riders Association of Great Britain – ERA of GB on Wednesday, December 1, 2021

We’re big fans of Tom around here. Congrats!

Other eventers honored included Lauren Innes for Pikeur Amateur Rider of the Year, who competes her own Global Fision M at the four-star level; Laura Colett’s groom Tilly Hughes for Absorbine Groom of the Year, and British Equestrian Performance Director Dickie Waygood for Outstanding Contribution.

The Horse & Hound Awards 2021 winners:
● Bloomfields Horse of the Year: Explosion W
● Stallion AI Services Pony of the Year: Redwings Phoenix
● Uvex Helmets Professional Rider of the Year: Tom McEwen
● Pikeur Amateur Rider of the Year: Lauren Innes
● NAF Five Star Magic Moment of the Year: Ben Maher winning Olympic gold
● Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Young Rider of the Year: Ruby Hughes
● NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year: Chris Bailey
● Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year: Stoneleigh
● Absorbine Groom of the Year: Tilly Hughes
● Dengie Volunteer of the Year: Adrian Bigg
● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year: Elizabeth Frew
● Outstanding Contribution: Dickie Waygood
● Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement: Allister Hood

Congrats to all! You can read a full report from the 2021 Horse & Hound Awards here.

Thursday Video: ‘No Gift Greater’ Horseware Christmas Film

By on Dec 2, 2021 5:00 pm -

We look forward to Horseware’s annual Christmas film with as much anticipation as we do a Super Bowl Budweiser Clydesdale commercial (which, just when the world needed it the most, didn’t happen in 2021 — bring it back for 2022, Budweiser, please!)

This holiday season, Horseware tells the story of Luca, an Irish Connemara pony, and Sarah, an inquisitive schoolgirl: “From a chance meeting to a blossoming friendship, day by day we see Sarah and Luca earn each other’s trust and build a special bond that cannot be broken – the most precious gift of all.”

Shop Horseware’s 12 Days of Christmas Sale now.

Happy Holidays. Go Eventing!

 

Sound-Off: What Do YOU Want For the Future of US Eventing Young Rider Championships?

By on Dec 2, 2021 1:00 pm -

Say hello to your 2021 Adequan®/ #USAEventing Youth Team Challenge East Coast Final Champions 😍

Read more:…

Posted by USA Eventing on Monday, November 15, 2021

It’s back to the drawing board for young eventing athletes, who saw a shake up in 2021 with the former North American Youth Championships (NAYC) being replaced by this year’s Adequan USEF Youth Team Challenge. The series consisted of four CCI-S competitions on the East Coast and one on the West Coast, with finals held at Tryon International and Galway Downs respectively in November. Teams and individuals competed for titles in CCI1*, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-L divisions.

To recap, the evolution came about after the NAYC repeatedly encountered difficulty fielding international teams, and was also an effort to more closely align the Young Rider program with the USEF Eventing Pathway Program. Ultimately, though, the one-year experiment didn’t yield the results hoped for. As US Equestrian shared yesterday:

“The USEF Youth Team Challenge Task Force recently evaluated the 2021 Youth Team Challenge program. Feedback was taken into consideration from Area Coordinators and athletes. Due to the limited participation at the short-format legs, the Task Force recommended altering the program to one championship, the USEF Young Rider Eventing National Championship. The program proposal received approval from the Eventing Sport Committee, International Disciplines Committee, and the USEF Board of Directors.

“The bid process to determine the host for the 2022 Championship opened on November 30, 2021, and ends December 14, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. EST. USEF seeks one host for the CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-L levels. Three National Championship titles will be awarded. USEF is in search of a venue to host this between September and November.

“Complete bid applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.

“For more information, visit the USEF Eventing Calendar website here. Inquiries can be directed to Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Performance & Program Support, at [email protected].”

EN, what are your thoughts? What is the best path forward for supporting U25 eventing athletes with a goal of one day representing their area and, perhaps, ultimately even their country? If the U.S. is to host one championship in 2022, where would you most want it to be held?

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

By on Dec 2, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo by Mia Kuntze Photography via the Maryland Horse Trials @ Loch Moy Farm FB Page.

Giving shouldn’t just be limited to #GivingTuesday — let’s make it last year round! There are so many ways to support our sport, volunteering among them. And we love to see the eventing community supporting the larger community as well, such as with this weekend’s MDHT Donation Derby at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD.

This beneficiary of the 2021 event is METS (Maryland Equine Transition Service), a statewide equine safety net initiative of the Maryland Horse Council Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that provides safe alternatives for horses needing homes by helping owners identify and select the best transition options for their horses. METS provides equine assessment, marketing services and applicant screening to help make the best match between horses and new homes. They also provide assistance to owners in need of end-of-life assistance when rehoming is not an option.

Besides donating a portion of each entry to METS, there are other ways that you can donate. Stop by their booth near the office with information, donation options, and swag for sale, or you can donate directly online here.

Here are four events that could use a helping hand this weekend. 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

Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials IV (December 1st, 2021 to December 4th, 2021)

Rocking Horse December H.T. 2021 (December 4th, 2021)

Other Events

2021 MDHT Donation Derby (December 4th, 2021 to December 5th, 2021)

Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials (December 4th, 2021 to December 5th, 2021)

Go Volunteers. Go Eventing!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Landing Rails with Cathy Wieschhoff

By on Dec 1, 2021 5:00 pm -

In her latest “One Minute With Cathy” video, five-star rider/course designer Cathy Wieschhoff shares how to utilize a landing pole to encourage horses to put down their landing gear, so to speak.

She explains, “Many times riders are not comfortable with place rail in front of the jump, but a landing rail 9-11 feet on the landing of a jump will allow the rider to be comfortable in front but not allow the horse to overjump and unseating the rider. This of course is for small jumps!”

Watch more of Cathy’s videos on her YouTube channel here.

Leave your horse a 5-star review to win!

2021 is coming to an end. It is time to take a look back at how the year has gone. If you had to leave your horse a review, would it be 5 stars? Leave us a review about your horse for a chance to win custom stickers with your horse’s name on them. Be creative!

Submit your review at KPPusa.com/5-star. All entries must be submitted by 12/31/21.

Winners will be drawn in early January.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.  Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

2022 Land Rover Kentucky Early Bird Ticket Prices End Today!

By on Dec 1, 2021 9:00 am -

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmore Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

You know what makes a super stocking stuffer? Tickets to the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 28 to May 1, 2022) and $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix (following cross country on Saturday, April 30)! And now is the time to snatch them as early bird prices expire today.

Ticket options include single-day and multi-day general admissions, as well as group sales, hospitality packages, cross country tailgating packages, and glamping. Separate stadium seat tickets ($10) for the Grand Prix on Saturday are required. You can also go ahead and reserve your headsets as well as purchase programs and preferred parking. Fans will get the best seats at the best prices if they order early.

Need a Gift Certificate? Purchase the tickets, download the certificate here, print it out, fill in the blanks, tuck it into a box or envelope, and you’ve just given someone their Best Weekend All Year!

Sure, we still have a few months of pesky winter to suffer through, but in our hearts it’s already springtime in Kentucky and the birds are singing and a who’s-who of the most elite event horses in the world are thundering past. For eventers who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, nine out of 10 doctors surveyed recommend purchasing Kentucky tickets in advance to hang on your fridge as a reminder that April is just around the corner.

Purchase tickets and learn more about the 2022 event at the website here.

Tuesday Video: Giving Tuesday at CORRAL

By on Nov 30, 2021 5:00 pm -

“God intended for all of us to thrive but not everyone has equal access to a bright future. By experiencing individual, family or social trauma our girls have the odds stacked against them. This is where CORRAL shows up, giving our girls a leg up in life.”

With two campuses based in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina, CORRAL is a faith-motivated nonprofit that equips adolescent girls in high-risk situations through a long-term, holistic program of equine therapy and education. The program uses a trauma focused approach to equine therapy to serve girls who are 11-18 years old with high risk factors and low protective factors and resources. The unique components of its program — equine-assisted psychotherapy, education support, vocational training, and career/college readiness — prepare each girl and her community with skills, resources and opportunities so that she can gain access to a bright future.

“Together we are on a groundbreaking journey to provide access to horsewomenship to the most vulnerable girls in our community at no cost to them or their families …  At CORRAL we believe every girl deserves a bright future and together we can elevate and restore power to those young women we have the privilege of serving. These are the women who, once empowered, often become change makers in their own communities, the impact of which is felt by generations to come.”

You can help rally behind these women on their journeys by taking action, whether by giving, volunteering or referring a girl. Learn more about CORRAL and the impact it is making on its community by visiting the website here.

Give Back to Your Favorite Sport on Giving Tuesday

By on Nov 30, 2021 3:00 pm -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Think about all the ways that the sport of eventing has positively impacted your life. Today is the day to pay it forward! This Giving Tuesday, consider making a secure, tax-deductible donation to the USEA Foundation to help ensure a happy, healthy future for our sport.

From a $25 “Novice” donation to a $1,000 “Four-Star” donation and beyond, gifts of any amount are welcome and can make a big difference. You can designate your donation for use where needed or earmark it to benefit your favorite program. A few options:

  • Where it is needed most — Supporting the immediate needs of USEA Inc.
  • Poggio Horsemanship Study (USEA Foundation) — Studying equine soundness, health and training
  • USEA Foundation — Securing the Future of Education and the Sport
  • The Packy Prize (USEA Foundation) — An annual award established to honor the late Packy McGaughan
  • In Honor of Tremaine Cooper (USEA Foundation) — A fund established by the Cooper family to honor their beloved Tremaine
  • Strides for Equality Equestrians Fund (USEA Foundation) — Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in equestrian sport
  • Frangible Fence Research (USEA Foundation) — Collapsible Fence Study and other safety initiatives
  • Roger Haller Officials’ Education (USEA Inc.) — Funds and scholarships for Officials’ Education
  • Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Instructors Certification Program (ICP)
  • Equine Welfare (USEA Inc.) — Funds for equine safety and welfare
  • Young Event Horse (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Young Event Horse (YEH) Program
  • Future Event Horse (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Future Event Horse (FEH) Program
  • Juniors/Young Riders (USEA Inc.) — Funds for national Junior and Young Rider Program
  • Liz Cochran Memorial Grooms Award (USEA Foundation) — National Grooms Award
  • Volunteer Incentive Program (USEA Inc.) — Funds support the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program

Go give back. Go Eventing!

Help Make the Equestrian World More Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive on Giving Tuesday

By on Nov 30, 2021 1:00 pm -

Several organizations within the equestrian world have been working hard to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within our sport. These include access programs that help provide opportunity for young equestrians from diverse backgrounds as well as opportunity funds and education/outreach initiatives. You can help further their important missions by making a donation today — check in with the following organizations to see what they could use a hand with, whether funds, equipment or volunteers.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. We welcome suggestions and will be happy to add them in — please email us at [email protected].

City Ranch, Inc. Baltimore MD Through your generosity, you can fund Compton Junior Equestrian’s five core pillars of Academic Enrichment, Healthy & Sustainable Living, Career Building, Equestrian Skills, and Mentorship.
Compton Cowboys Compton CA The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians was founded to provide opportunity to urban youth of color ages 7-17 in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to experience all the benefits of interacting with horses while learning horse husbandry and having fun. We believe it is the right of every child who has an interest in horses to experience them. Our program participants are catalysts for the re-imagining of who is an equestrian. Through our program we make an impact by developing emotional self-awareness and regulation in young people; opening up new possibilities on the direction their lives can take; and give them a sense of Community while building Relationships which Empowers them to become all they were born to be and leads to an overall sense of Well-being.
The CREW Urban
Youth Equestrians		 Minneapolis/St. Paul MN The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians was founded to provide opportunity to urban youth of color ages 7-17 in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to experience all the benefits of interacting with horses while learning horse husbandry and having fun. We believe it is the right of every child who has an interest in horses to experience them. Our program participants are catalysts for the re-imagining of who is an equestrian. Through our program we make an impact by developing emotional self-awareness and regulation in young people; opening up new possibilities on the direction their lives can take; and give them a sense of Community while building Relationships which Empowers them to become all they were born to be and leads to an overall sense of Well-being.
Detroit Horse Power Detroit MI Detroit Horse Power uniquely addresses two persistent problems facing the Motor City: the shortage of opportunities for metro Detroit’s vulnerable populations (especially children) and the abundance of vacant land. Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, program participants learn valuable skills that set them up for future success. Our facility, built on repurposed vacant land, will contribute to the city’s renewal and be a center for community events and equestrian services.
Equuvation, Inc. Statesville NC Equuvation at Rocky Creek is a nature-based therapy + education center in North Carolina. We offer equine-facilitated psychotherapy {EFP}, equine-assisted learning {EAL}, therapeutic horsemanship {TH}, continuing education, leadership programs, sensory trail development and uniquely designed special events.
Fletcher Street Stables Fletcher Street Stables PA The Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club evolved from a century-long tradition of Urban Black Cowboys in Philadelphia. The non-profit organization, founded by Ellis Ferrell, provides an alternative outdoor leisure activity to the community and engages urban youth in equestrian sports while teaching life skills, instilling discipline and promoting academic excellence.
Humble Horsemanship
at Mulatto Meadows		 Pinole CA Humble, a Mulatto Meadows project, fosters respect, confidence, and accountability for urban youth through equine experiential learning. Our vision is to change the face of equine culture and inspire positive futures through horses. Humble offers a sliding scale fee schedule for low-income riders.
Metropolitan Equestrian Team
Equine Opportunity Program		 National MET provides athletes in grades 3-12 the opportunity to participate in horseback riding as part of the MET Team. Students learn horsemanship, sportsmanship, and agricultural skills; receive support in the college preparation; and competitive opportunities in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and the Athletic Equestrian League.
OYES Equestrian Scholarship  National The mission of the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship is to provide opportunities for youth aged 17-27 from marginalized communities to become involved or stay involved in horse sports through financial awards and mentorship focusing on not only horsemanship and equestrian pursuits, but also career planning and education. 
PAYC at JoyRide Equestrian Pittsboro NC Pilot program in partnership with a local faith-based youth center that provides an accessible introduction to basic horsemanship and riding to young people.
RL Jacobs  National The Robert Lawrence House of Opportunity is a nonprofit organization with the mission of bridging the economic gap between quality equestrian instruction and household income.
Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy Philadelphia PA Home to the Concrete to Show Jumping program, the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy is dedicated to providing a safe space for young riders to experience horses.
Saddle Up and Read Wendell NC Saddle Up And Read is on a mission to encourage youth to achieve literary excellence through equine activities. SUAR visits elementary schools, libraries, child care centers, church youth groups, and community events.
Strides for Equality Equestrians National Strides for Equality Equestrians was formed by a collaborative group of predominantly BIPOC riders who seek to provide more visible allyship for equestrians of color.
White Oak Stables Warrenton VA White Oak Stables is committed to providing affordable riding lessons and access to shows, clinics and events in a safe, diverse and inclusive environment.
Kate Ebbage Equestrian
(Willamette Racism Response
Network Horse Camps)		 OR Katie Ebbage Equestrians offers horse-centered education focused on enhancing the well-being and performance of equestrian athletes from all disciplines, with a focus on the next generation of equestrians.  They believe that everyone should have access to horses, and are actively seeking to remove barriers to entry. In 2021 they piloted summer horse camps in partnership with the Willamette Racism Response Network aimed at providing an accessible and inclusive introduction to horsemanship for local young people.
USEF Opportunity Fund  National The USEF Opportunity Fund is a grant-making resource dedicated to supporting grassroots organizations with a mission to increase access to horses, horse sports, and equine-based learning opportunities among under-represented and/or under-served communities.

Please view DEI resources on the US Equestrian website and Strides for Equestrian Equality for more resources to encourage our community’s growth and education about underrepresented and underserved groups in equestrian sport.