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Keep OTTBs in Mind on Giving Tuesday

By on Nov 30, 2021 11:00 am -

Meghan O’Donoghue and the 15-year-old OTTB Palm Crescent (Quiet American x Edey’s Village, by Silver Deputy) finished 23d at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and 17th at the Maryland 5 Star in 2021. Photo by Abby Powell.

Have you thanked an OTTB event horse today? We are grateful to these special athletes for their willingness to rebound from a career in racing and give it a go in a new direction.

One way you can show them you care is by donating to an organization working in the service of OTTBs. Below, we’ve listed a few large non-profits as well as some smaller local or regional sanctuary/rehab/adoption facilities that could use a helping hand on Giving Tuesday.

CANTER: The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) has chapters throughout the country. Through its different programs and its website, CANTER and its volunteers provide retiring Thoroughbred racehorses with opportunities for new careers by helping to place, rehabilitate, and retrain these amazing athletes. [Donate]

New Vocations: New Vocations is the largest racehorse adoption program in the country serving more than 500 horses a year. Founded in 1992, their mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 7,000 individuals. With eight facilities in Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, New Vocations serves over 40 racetracks, working directly with owners and trainers in need of equine aftercare options. [Donate]

Retired Racehorse Project: The RRP exists to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition them. Since its 2010 founding, the RRP has inspired thousands to choose an OTTB. Thanks to 160,000+ Facebook followers, 3,000,000+ website hits annually, constant press coverage, and sell out crowds at horse expos, the popularity and value of OTTBs are on the rise. [Donate]

TAKE2: The mission of TAKE2 is to ensure every racehorse is provided a happy and healthy future when it is time to retire from the track. The program has grown from a network of just eight horse shows in three states in its first year and now partners with more than 380 horse shows nationwide. With your support, TAKE THE LEAD has found safe haven for more than 850 horses retiring from New York’s racetracks. [Donate]

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance: The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Since 2012, the TAA has granted more than $20.7 million to accredited aftercare organizations and 11,000 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations. Currently, 81 organizations with approximately 170 facilities hold TAA accreditation. [Donate]

Thoroughbred Charities of America: TCA raises and distributes money to approved charitable organizations assisting with Thoroughbred rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming; backstretch and farm employee programs; and equine-assisted therapy programs. Over the past 30 years, TCA has provided over $24 million grants to more than 200 Thoroughbred-related organizations [Donate]

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: The TRF is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world, devoted to protecting the Thoroughbred racehorse when his racing days are over to prevent him from possible neglect, abuse or slaughter. To this mission, TRF has sheltered thousands of animals, with many going on to second careers while some remain at sanctuary. TRF has also partnered with State of New York Department of Correctional Services to create a vocational training program for inmates, focusing on equine care and management. [Donate]

Below is a listing of Thoroughbred aftercare organizations accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Go OTTBs. Go Eventing.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Show Jumping Development in Kuwait

By on Nov 19, 2021 4:00 pm -

Kuwait’s show jumping history is a relatively recent — and inspiring — one. Nadia Al-Mutawa Kuwait, who won the nation’s first show jumping gold at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, recalls her early days of jumping barrels and tree trunks. “When we started it was a new sport here,” she says. “It didn’t exist. They eventually built us some show jumps and it just took off from there.”

Over the years the sport in Kuwait grew and acquired new fans, and participants.

“I wish and I hope that this younger generation gets the opportunity that we did because there’s so much talent here now,” Nadia says. “When we first started our small little competition show jumping classes, there would be maybe eight to 10 riders in the class. Nowadays one class can easily have a hundred riders.”
 In its latest edition of “RIDE,” the FEI heads over to Kuwait to take a look at the development of show jumping over the past years.

3rd Annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport Takes Place This Saturday

By on Nov 19, 2021 1:00 pm -

Screenshot from the 2020 Tom Bass Seminar.

It’s nearly time for the 3rd annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports, to be held this Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021! This year’s seminar will be presented via Zoom webinar beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. Eventing Nation is proud to once again partner with this important event, which launched and is dedicated to continuing an industry-wide discussion about issues of race in equestrian sport. EN editor Sally Spickard will participate in this year’s panel which includes:

Jeff Chambers, Legacy Multimedia Productions
Lydia Heywood, Jamaican Event Rider (based in the UK)
Elizabeth McCall, Journalist
Sandra Murphy, Equidiet (UK), Ltd.
Mia Rodier-Dawallo, International Para Dressage Competitor
Randy Saavy, The Compton Cowboys
Sally Spickard, Editor, EventingNation.com
Ashley Swift, Affiliate & Communications Specialist, United States Equestrian Federation
1:30 p.m.Welcome – Melvin Cox, SportsQuest International, Moderator
1:35 p.m. Section One: Domestic Panelists
Panelists: Mia Rodier-Dawallo (Para-Dressage Competitor – USA), Ashley Swift (United States Equestrian Federation), Randy Savvy (The Compton Cowboys), Bruce Griffin (Griffin Sport Horses)
Presentations: Update on the USEF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan by Ashley Swift (Affiliates and Communications Specialist, USEF (10 min.)
Discussion
2:15 p.m.: Break
2:20 p.m. Section Two: A Youthful View
Discussion Leader: Abriana Johnson (Young Black Equestrians)
2:40 p.m. Section Three: The Business of Horses
Topic: Opportunities for entrepreneurship in the global equestrian community
Discussion Leader: Sandra Murphy (EquiDiet Ltd. – UK)
3:10 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Section Four: Media 
Panelists: Elizabeth Kaye McCall (Author, Journalist & Media Consultant), Sally Spickard (Eventing Nation, Strides for Equality Equestrians), Jeff Chambers (Project Director, Legacy Multimedia Productions)
3:55 p.m. Break
4 p.m.: Tribute to Participants in Tokyo 2020 (Olympic and Paralympic Games)
4:05 p.m. Section Five: International
Panelists: Lydia Heywood (Eventing Competitor – Jamaica), Sandra Murphy (Equidiet Ltd – UK)
4:45 p.m. Q&A
5 p.m. Wrap-up
Free online registration for the seminar is now open here.

Launched in 2019 as part of the annual Day of the African Equestrian (DOTAE) celebrations, the 2021 seminar takes place in a time of political, commercial and societal disruption highlighted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, never-ending cultural wars, ramifications of the MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements and a widening gap between ‘the haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the United States and other countries.

This year’s edition will feature the following panels: Domestic Sport, Youth, Media and International. The seminar will pay tribute to equestrians of color participating in the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as riders, coaches, officials and members of supporting delegations. This year’s roster will be a mix of returning panelists as well as some very exciting new voices, to be announced soon. The event will be moderated by Melvin Cox, Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC and a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The seminar’s namesake is an homage to legendary American Saddlebred trainer Tom Bass (1859 – 1934), who was born a slave in Missouri. After the Civil War he found work as a stable boy and eventually became a world champion competitor, esteemed trainer and founder of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal. He invented the Tom Bass bit, a benchmark for humane bitting that is still in use today, and performed for five different U.S. presidents. His clients included President Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, and Will Rogers.

Tom Bass riding his famous Saddlebred mare Belle Beach. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Topics to be explored by panelists include:

  • Demystifying horse sport — not for rich kids only … reviving equestrian heritage in lower and middle income communities
  • Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
  • Building sustainable programs that support diversity in the horse industry
  • Incorporating the lessons gleaned from social activism into the ways in which we do business
  • Leveraging (new and traditional) media in horse focused education and promotion
  • Developing stories that more accurately reflect the life experiences of equestrians of color
  • Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities (including African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native-American, Romani, South Asian and others) into our shared equestrian narrative
  • Celebrating participants in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • Supporting entrepreneurship within the equestrian marketplace

The seminar is presented by The African Connections Research and Education Fund, Inc. and SportsQuest International, LLC. Public Relations assistance and technical support are being provided by the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). You can rewatch the 2020 edition here.

Thursday Video: Gymnastic Exercises with Cathy Wieschhoff

By on Nov 18, 2021 5:00 pm -

Cathy Wieschhoff’s fantastic ‘One Minute With Cathy’ video tutorial project is still going strong, providing bite-sized practical tips gleaned from decades of experience. Two of her latest videos feature gymnastic exercises … enjoy, and feel inspired! You can follow her YouTube channel here.

Incorporating place rails to one-strides to bounces in a figure-8 pattern to ask the horse for bravery and elasticity:

Trotting into gymnastic exercises make the horse work harder over the jumps. But then adding individual jumps or a course at the end of the gymnastic exercise is fun, too!

Go eventing.

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

By on Nov 18, 2021 4:00 pm -

 

We are big believers in eventing karma, and one time-honored way to score a big bunch of it is through volunteering. Can you lend a hand? Here are five events — two recognized and three schooling — that could us 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.

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

USEA Events

Fresno County November HT – 3D (November 19-21, 2021)

Southern Arizona Fall Horse Trials (Oct. 5 – Nov. 23, 2021)

Other Events

Stable View November Eventing Academy (Nov. 16 to Nov. 21, 2021)

Fall Round Up Schooling H.T. (Nov. 19 to 21, 2021)

Jackpot Schooling Show (Nov. 19 to 21, 2021)

Christmas Wish List, Done! The SmartPak Winter Apparel You Need

By on Nov 16, 2021 3:45 pm -

Images via SmartPak.

My family is so on top of Christmas shopping that they already have a group text going strong with wish-lists for each individual family member, immediate and extended, with specific sizes, colors and shopping links. Me, I’m always the weirdo who’s comes in hot on Dec. 24 like “What if all of you go in together on a seven-vial of Adequan? Ooh, and some needles and syringes would make a great accompanying stocking stuffer.”

They only took the bait once, and to be honest I think it was a deeply disappointing experience for them. These people, your loving and generous family, they want to see you out in the world actively utilizing and appreciating their gifts (“Why thank you for the compliment on this argyle sweater, it was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law!”), not injecting their gift into an animal who may well still come up lame at exactly the wrong moment (“Thanks so much for the $300+ dollars worth of Adequan but my horse decided to pop an abscess/impale himself on a fence/other assorted act of self-destruction the day before dressage anyway.”)

Winter riding gear is the perfect solution. Instead of leaving your family to their own devices, AKA another argyle sweater, steer them toward a winter riding gear wish list at SmartPak! It has real-world applications that they can see AND you’ll genuinely appreciate. And today only, you can get 25% off Piper & Hadley Outerwear with code 12Deal9. 

To get you started:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Seven 17+ Hand Eventers

By on Nov 16, 2021 12:00 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.

If you’re a long-legged rider looking for a new event horse to match, the dating pool can sometimes seem small. Here are seven 17+ hand horses that have been listed on Sport Horse Nation since the beginning of October, ranging from 17 solid hands to a whopping 17.3!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Training packer ready to move up

2011 OTTB 17.2+ hh mare (JC name Affirmed Coed)

Sire: Prefer; Dam: Hopeful Coed; USEA Horse ID 201088

8 Training level competitions at recognized shows with no XC jump penalties

1st place at Texas Rose and 2nd place at Heritage Park in 2019 (Training level)

Selling because I realized I don’t have the bandwidth to compete two horses while working a full-time job with a commute. Mal has not been competed in ~1 year because I moved and am building out a new barn/facility. Had planned to move her up to Preliminary level before COVID hit and before I moved. Then life happened.

Mal has excellent ground manners. Clips/ties/trailers. Can hop on her from just about any object (necessary as she’s a tall girl!). Will carefully jump anything you point her at.

XC is her strength. She’s ready to pack a young person up through the levels or for an AA to move up to Prelim/Intermediate. Could also see her excelling in the Hunter ring.

Videos are of Mal running XC a year ago and packing around a beginner a few weeks ago.

Price negotiable to an excellent home.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Training packer with Prelim/Intermediate miles

Parc Cooley “Parker” is a 2007 17h Irish Sport Horse gelding looking for his next partner! A cross country machine, careful in the showjump ring, and amazing movement scoring 20s and 30s in the dressage.

Parker is only offered for sale as owner does not have the time and funds to compete him between finishing college and going to law school. This is a competition horse and he is ready to go! Recently placed 2nd at Stable View Eventing Academy in the Novice division with a YR who had just started riding him. Parker has Prelim/Intermediate and FEI miles with his previous owner and is ready to show his new person the ropes of eventing.

Price reflects owners inability to compete. 5 star home ONLY for this wonder horse.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Newly Minted Prelim horse – Level 2 dressage

“Loo” is a 9 y.o., 17.1 hh Irish Thoroughbred with potential to be competitive at the top-levels of eventing or in pure dressage.

He is confirmed at the T level with a win in a very competitive field at Bromont CCI-S Horse Trial. He has successfully completed two Preliminary courses this Fall, winning the dressage phase each time. Consistent below-30 dressage scores, including a 22.1 (77.9%) at his last Preliminary outing.

This very elegant boy has also been shown at the level 1 in pure dressage in 2020, winning every test with results up to 74%. He is schooling level 2 and level 3 movements at home with ease.

Loo has a relaxed and positive attitude at work, with very elastic gaits and a powerful jump. His best assets are his trainability and his astonishing balanced and uphill canter, which can be collected for dressage or stretched to devour the ground in XC.

He is a snaffle ride in all three phases.

Loo can be spooky and playful at times and thus needs an intermediate/advanced rider that can take a joke.

On the ground, Loo is a barn favorite – he ties, showers, clips, loads, travels without problem and is friends with the farrier and the vet. He currently lives out 24/7 but is also used to live in a stall.

No known injury.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Good Man – 4yrs 17.3h ISH gelding, recently imported

Good Man is the first young horse of this size that I’ve purchased. He is uphill, balanced, relaxed, and rhythmic, with an unbeatable canter. His kind and willing temperament offsets the liability of his size, even as a four year old. He has the quality of a show horse, should excel in the equitation, and should be able to be competitive in the jumpers as well. Also, a credible derby prospect.
irishhorsesusa.com/available-horses

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top quality 4 year old

Lots of video available upon request!

RHS Mandiamo.
4 yrs old, KWPN 17.0 gelding.

The best 4 yr old I have ever sat on! Has competed 1.0m to 1.05m prior to import. We have done xc on a line with him, and he does all the things without batting an eye. Brave, has incredible movement, and is extremely easy on the ground, and to ride. He has all the star quality for upper level for a pro, but also has an A/A or YR friendly disposition.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lovely Allrounder Mare!

Birdie is a lovely 2007 17hh Black Dutch Mare

Super on the flat, experienced and goes in a snaffle!

Amateur friendly and ready to go!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

17.1 2013 Irish Gelding

The Nobleman a.k.a. Norman, was imported from the U.K. In May of 2021. He loves cross country and fox hunting, and is in a dressage program 4-5 days a week. He has a wonderful attitude, and very nice work ethic. He hacks out alone or in company, and is happy living out or in.
Norman is the whole package, he has beautiful uphill gaits, not spooky or silly, and has the cutest personality. He is wonderful with hounds and stands quietly at meets. He prefers first or second field, but can be easily managed hill topping.

Norman is patient for vet, farrier, dentist. Easy to ship and clip.

He passed a 5 stage vetting in May and has had no soundness issues. Radiographs available.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Seven More Unorthodox Event Horses: Your Turn!

By on Nov 13, 2021 8:30 am -

Eventing is for every horse, truly. A few weeks ago we sent out a call for readers to send us photos of their “unorthodox” event horses, and you delivered. Here are seven of your unique superstars!

Lindsey Evans: “Meet Winter Storm Warning, ‘Winter,’ the Lippizaner cross! He belongs to my 11-year-old daughter Lakewin Evans. We bought him just over a year ago and they evented in Area 1 this summer — we live in Vermont. They started the season at Elementary, but quickly moved up to Beginner Novice and they won their final event of the season (GMHA September Horse Trials)!! He is sweet and lovable and always wants to do the right thing. He is literally a saint and takes care of Lakewin at every event. He has given her a tremendous amount of confidence and they can’t wait until next season!”

Jaci Bennett: “Not a horse but a pony. 12th of 66 at AECs (BN JR 15-18) with his ‘small human biped’ Audrey Bennett. Bad To The Bone, 13.2, 11-year-old, Welsh/Hanoverian cross (we think, based on his DNA test). ‘Bones’ was born in Kentucky but was an orphan with no info about his parents when we bought him from our Florida hunter/jumper trainer in 2019. Never did Eventing prior to August 2020. Loves it. Earned the nickname ‘Little Rolex’ at Area 3 Regionals. While ponies are common in Europe, here in the US, not too many.”

Alexandria Vesselle: “Charlie is a 2011 pace bred Standardbred, who was trained for the track but had no starts. His Standardbred Canada name is “Robert T” but I compete him under the name Good Time Charlie. I got Charlie in 2014, unstarted to my knowledge, and have spent the last 7 years working him up the levels. Currently we are competing at Training level (in Canada).”

Jessica Lebert: “‘No Nottings Nest’ (Jake) is a 12-year-old Haflinger gelding who has previously evented up to Training level with his owner Chloe Miller, and now events BN level with me, his bonus “mom”, including qualifying for AECs in our first season together. That’s what so great about eventing, especially at the lower levels, is that you don’t have to have a fancy imported horse to be successful, or have fun.”

Bryony Pimm: “I event exclusively American Saddlebreds in Australia — there’s only 800 of them in the Australasia area so they’re a very odd thing to see down here.”

Photo courtesy of
Hannah Reeser.

Hannah Reeser: “I have a lovely little Morgan mare who has been successfully competing in Eventing at the BN level. She placed 3rd at the AECs this year and is coming off of a win this past weekend at the Area 8 Championships. I plan on moving her up to Novice next year. It would be great to be able to showcase the Morgan breed in Eventing. Over the years, I have had the privilege of competing several different Morgans in Eventing and all of them have been successful. They are a great versatile breed that is commonly overlooked in eventing.”

Sara Greenbaum: “Thor is a 17-year-old Argentine/Chilean criollo and Holsteiner cross. He’s a dark bay paint and grows hair like your favorite meatball Shetland. He came to me from a friend after massively failing as a polocrosse horse. Before that, he was supposedly bought from an online auction out of Texas, where he was a ranch horse. I believe the ranch horse part; he’s just about bombproof and incredibly brave. Lots of scars, doesn’t care about livestock or dogs yapping around at his feet. I can literally trust him with my mother.

“Here’s where he started about two years ago. Didn’t jump, didn’t have any concept of flatwork. Dressage was a struggle, to say the least. Yes I was pretty nuts to buy him, but he was cheap, has a great brain, and a wonderful attitude. Rock solid feet, easy keeper, terrible leg conformation, great tail!

“We’re in Southern Pines, NC and train with both Becky Holder and Nobie Cannon. His trot was so bad Becky thought he was a gaited breed! (Part of the reason I had his DNA done at Texas A&M was because I wanted to prove her wrong!) Nobie has been fantastic helping me put flatwork on him and making him into a wonderful jumping partner.

“He came with the name Thor (and he was so overweight we called him ‘Fat Thor’ for a while … Avengers: Endgame had just come out), but shows under Aguamenti because he loves to go swimming. We’ve had some decent results at BN and are prepping for a hopeful Novice move up this fall.”

Go Eventing.

US Equestrian Approves Seven Eventing-Specific Rule Changes

By on Nov 12, 2021 9:00 am -

US Equestrian Eventing has a few standard rule changes approved for the 2022 competition year coming into effect on December 1, 2021. A complete list of the approved rule changes can be found here, but we’ve singled a cliff notes version of the eventing specific ones for you below. Also included are page numbers so that you can read the rule changes in full.

Tracking #128-20 (page 141): For CCI1* qualification the horse must have achieved 1 MER at the Modified level or higher. There are no requirements for horses ridden by categorized riders at this level.

Rule Change Intent: “Per Appendix 3, Participation in Horse Trials, there are not any USEF requirements for horses ridden by categorized riders to compete in a CCI2*-S FEI Competition. Therefore, the requirement for horses ridden by categorized riders at the lower CCI1* level should be equal to the requirement at the CCI2*-S. The FEI does not place any additional Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) on categorized riders at the CCI1*-Intro or CCI2*-S formats.”

Tracking #095-20 (page 143): The addition of a new Annex 5 in the USEF Eventing Rulebook.

Rule Change Intent: “Annex 5 will house the USEF/USEA Eventing Competition Standards which were written, reviewed and approved by the USEA and the USEF Eventing Sport Committees. The implementation of Competition Standards is a step in requiring the National levels of USEF/USEA Competitions to operate on a level playing field, which would lead to fairness in the choice of competitions available to the membership throughout the country. These Competition Standards also encourage facilities to make or maintain improvements to the venue infrastructure that lead to increased safety for the membership and their horses involved with the competition. The Competition Standards look to raise the quality of competitions in the U.S. and provide a method of evaluation for the compliance and calendar process.”

Tracking #129-20 (page 146): Removes the requirements from the Rulebook that the Eventing Sport Committee must review and recommend approval of licensed officials hired to officiate at Advanced Horse Trials, National Three-Day Events and FEI Eventing Competitions.

Rule Change Intent: “Competition Organizers are responsible for hiring licensed officials that meet the requirements to officiate at an event, so therefore an additional and unnecessary confirmation from the Eventing Sport Committee is not needed. This would put Eventing in line with the other disciplines who do not review and recommend licensed officials for events.”

Tracking #121-20 (page 149): Judges must be given at least a 30-minute lunch break and at least 10-minute break every 2 hours. A prior agreement should be met between the judge and competition if a judge will be required to officiate longer than 8 hours in one day, or be required to be on the show grounds longer than 10 hours.

Rule Change Intent: “Out of respect for the focus required of eventing officials during the dressage phase of competition, to prevent exhaustion, and to better enable equality in scoring for all competitors this rule has been proposed.”

Tracking #132-20 (page 151): Removing the charts located in subchapter EV6 Rules For Officials and replacing them with more detailed text that specifically list out the required Licensed Officials at National Horse Trials and National Three-Day Events.

Rule Change Intent: This rule change proposal would involve removing the charts located in subchapter EV6 Rules For Officials and replacing them with more detailed text that specifically list out the required Licensed Officials at National Horse Trials and National Three-Day Events. The Eventing and Licensed Officials Departments have been receiving a number of questions from competition organizers in regard to the charts and felt this change was necessary to prevent any accidental Rule Violations and ensure that the properly licensed officials are in attendance at events.

Tracking #120-20 (page 154): Family (see GR123) of the Cross-country Course Designer or the Eventing Jumper Course Designer may not serve on the Ground Jury at an Event.

Rule Change Intent: To avoid a potential conflict of interest between course designer and the ground jury

Tracking #123-20 (page 156): If an Eventing Course Designer and Show Jumping Course Designer are different individuals, then the Show Jumping Course Designer may also serve as an additional judge if they are licensed to do so.

Rule Change Intent: A cross country course designer needs to be available at all times in order to attend to their duties while the cross country phase is occurring at the competition. However, if a separate course designer is responsible for the show jumping phase, then they should be permitted to officiate as an additional judge. This rule change clarifies who can serve as an additional judge.

 

The USEF/USEA Eventing Competition Standards can be viewed here.

The current USEF Eventing Chapter can be found on the USEF website here. The Eventing Annexes can be found here. The complete 2022 USEF Rule Book can be found here.

Questions can be directed to Amber Braun, Director of Eventing Sport Administration & Management, at [email protected].

 

 

 

Thursday at Tryon Instagram Roundup: The Sun Also Rises

By on Nov 11, 2021 6:00 pm -

By sunrise this morning at Tryon International Three-Day Event the stables were already bustling with riders and grooms getting ready for the day ahead. By all accounts, they had quite the colorful backdrop! The first day of dressage has come and gone — you can read EN’s recap here — with another still to come. We’re already looking forward to cross country and appreciate the sneak preview provided by some of your pics!

Here are a few more of your snapshots from the event.

Tryon International Three-Day Event (Tryon, NC): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

 

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A post shared by Sarah (@supreme_equine_grooming)

 

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A post shared by The Dutta Corporation (@duttacorp)

 

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A post shared by Phillip Dutton (@duttoneventing)

 

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A post shared by Lars Blackmore (@ameridane.press)

 

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A post shared by Lila Lewis (@lr_equestrian_)

 

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A post shared by Casey Gillis (@gillis_casey)

Go Eventing.

Thursday Video: Meet 5-Year-Old West Coast Champion Lex D

By on Nov 11, 2021 5:30 pm -

Lex D, owned by Cellar Farm Corp and ridden by Amber Birtcil. PC: Tina Fitch Photography/US Eventing.

Congratulations to Lex D, winner of the 2021 5-year-old Young Event Horse West Coast Championships! The Dutch Warmblood gelding, ridden by Amber Birtcil and owned by Cellar Farm, scored the highest of the 13-horse field at the Championships, which took place over Halloween weekend at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Calif.

YEH judges Chris Ryan from Ireland and Debbie Adams from the U.S. scored the horses in three sections: conformation/type, dressage, and jumping test/gallop/general impression. Lex D scored highest in conformation/type with a 9.7 out of 10 and combined that with the second-best dressage score of 16.6 out of 20 and fourth-best jumping score of 66.6 out of 70 for a total of 92.9.

Birtcil started working with Lex D in the spring after the horse came stateside from the Netherlands. Maarten Groeneveld, who bred the bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Carry On that Birtcil rode to wins at the Advanced level in 2016 and 2019, connected Birtcil with the bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Lex D.

“My goal all year with him was to do the 5-year-old Young Event Horse [West Coast] Championships,” Birtcil said. “I knew he had a great amount of talent and it would be a great showcase for him to show that off in.”

Watch Lex D strut his stuff!

Have a youngster you’d like to show off? You can learn more about the USEA YEH program here.

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

By on Nov 11, 2021 11:00 am -

 

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A post shared by TIEC at Tryon Resort (@tryonresort)

“Best seat in the house” is right! And Tryon International Equestrian Center treats its volunteers like royalty. Volunteers a gift card or event ticket for every eight-hour shift worked, plus receive meals and snacks according to shift lengths. There are still plenty of spots to fill for this week’s big event — see what’s available and sign up here.

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

Majestic Oaks Recognized Horse Trials (November 8th to 13th, 2021)

Tryon International 3-Day Event (November 8th to 14th, 2021)

Other Events

November Schooling Dressage (November 10th, 2021)

November WHES Championships (November 9th to 15th, 2021)

Go Volunteers. Go Eventing!

Tuesday Video: Meet 3-y/o West Coast FEH Champion RSH Goliath

By on Nov 9, 2021 5:00 pm -

Great job Chloe Smyth and baby GoGo on winning the 3 year old FEH West Coast National Championships. Good boy on the…

Posted by Michelle Cameron on Saturday, October 30, 2021

The 2021 Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) and USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) West Coast Championships took place over Halloween weekend at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Calif., giving the superstars of tomorrow a chance to shine — from yearlings to 5-year-olds.

The 3-year-old West Coast Championship was won by RSH Goliath, who is owned by Michelle Cameron Donaldson and handled by Chloe Smyth. On Friday, the class was evaluated for conformation and gaits under saddle, followed by a free jump on Saturday judged by Susan Graham‑White from the United States and Chris Ryan from Ireland. The chestnut Hanoverian gelding (Gringo-Gallipoli x Sam’s Girl) was also the 2-year-old West Coast champion in 2020.

Watch RSH Goliath strut his stuff!

Have a youngster you’d like to show off? You can learn more about the USEA FEH program here.

North Americans Source New Mounts at Ireland’s Monart Event Horse Sale

By on Nov 9, 2021 2:00 pm -

The Monart Select Elite Event Horse Sale, which took place in Co. Wexford, Ireland on Nov. 2-5, sent 89 quality three-year-olds off to new homes on both sides of the pond. The sale attracted a who’s-who of buyers including Michael Jung, Laura Collett, Aoife Clark, Marcio Jorge, Bill Levett and Trish Ryan. Eighteen of the horses were purchased by American or Canadian buyers.

The top two lots, unnamed fillies from Henry Foley’s stable, went for €35,500 and €34,500 respectively, with five horses in total breaking the €30,000 mark. Lot 73, by Luidam (KPWN) out of a Plot Blue (KWPN) mare, sold on the second night to Zoe Feeney of Great Britain for a sale high of €35,500. Lot 33, by KEC Maximum Joe (WESTF) out of a Furryoso (ISH) mare, produced the first night high price of €34,500, selling to an American, Jennifer Oliver.

“We heard about the Monart Sale via a word-of-mouth referral from a friend familiar with the auction,” Jennifer said. “We are generally hesitant to buy horses remotely, however the Monart team do such a super job showing the young stock. We appreciate that the conformation pictures are on hard surfaces, that the walks are on gravel and that the x-rays were thorough. Just top notch all the way. Lot 33 attracted us because of her overall presence. She is a super well-rounded filly, we thought one of the best in the sale.”

Here’s a gallery of the North American bought horses and their purchasers (listed in the footer of each image) — we look forward to seeing them grow up stateside! You can view complete results here.

 

Event horse buyers in Ireland are now turning their attention to this weekend’s Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale (Nov. 15-16, 2021).

A select catalog of 81 horses that have been specially selected by an experienced panel of horsemen and women will be made available via both in-person and online bidding. The best part about the Goresbridge sale format is that the full catalog, along with x-rays and videos of each horse, is available online in the weeks leading up to the actual event. Then, the day before the sale commences each horse is ridden before the attendees as a full preview.

You can learn more about the Goresbridge Go for Gold sale, preview the catalog, and sign up to place your bid here.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Six Youngsters With Serious Scope

By on Nov 9, 2021 12:00 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.

The leg-up that being a careful, confident show jumper gives to modern event horses cannot be overstated. You can win the dressage and post the boldest, fastest cross country round of the day, but if your horse has a hard time keeping the jumps up on the final day … well, watching that blue ribbon slip just out of reach is never fun.

The six horses we’re featuring today have plenty of potential as eventers but could easily moonlight as straight show jumpers as well thanks to their Grand Prix pedigrees — these youngsters have scope to spare. Could one be your next top eventer and/or show jumper?

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Obora’s Goldwing – Super Special 6yo For Sale

FOR SALE: Obora’s Goldwing | 6-year-old | 16.1 | Estonian Sport Horse | Gelding

“Borris” is by Gemini XX and out of Obora’s Samantha (Sir Shutterfly). Over 70% blood. Competed through Modified and could easily move up to Preliminary this Fall. He has an impressive record – always competitive on the flat, bold cross-country, and exceptional in the show jumping. Super solid citizen, could go in any direction.

Priced in the low six figures

Located in Round Hill, Virginia

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Super young talent

🌟Now Available🌟
⭐️ A Star in the Making⭐️

Lots of video available upon request!

RHS Ajax – 2015, Zangersheide Gelding
16.1hh, competing 1.20 show jumping.
Suitable for show jumping/eventing.

Ajax’s sire line is unique with six generations of Grand Prix jumpers in a row: Arezzo VDL, Chin Chin, Heartbreaker, Renville, Jasper and Akteur – and all are sires of Grand Prix jumpers. Ajax’s dam line is no less impressive, and exemplifies performance with the 1.60m show jumping stallions Moujik De Sohan, Voltaire, Royal Bravour, and Ramiro Z. Both sides of the pedigree have winning performances at the very top of sport, as well as having their oldest offspring proven winners up to 1.60 levels.

Ajax himself is proving to be an exceptionally talented and willing individual. He shows 3 naturally active and correct gaits. Consistent in the contact, as well as a very sweet character both under saddle, and in the stable. He is on the more sensitive side, so would require a knowledgeable, and empathetic rider.

His willingness to learn, and try for his rider sets him apart, and makes us confident in his potential to reach the very top of sport.

Located in Idaho.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top quality with an outstanding temperament

RHS Temptation 50 (Potato)

Age: 6
Breed: Westphalian
Height: 16.2
Gelding
Sire: Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (1.60m show jumper)

Dam: Tinette (1.55m show jumper)

Show videos available upon request

Temptation 50 is a 6 yr old, 16.2 Westphalian gelding. He has competed through 1.30 both in Europe, and the States.
He truly has an outstanding character both under saddle, and to be around in the barn. He is instantly a favorite of anyone upon first meeting with his sweet, and kind nature, and fun to ride in every way. Safe and suitable for a wide variety of riders.

Three good paces, that are comfortable to ride, with a solid education both on the flat and over jumps. Currently competing successfully at 1.30m, with scope and ability for more. Very easy and comfortable to ride, truly automatic lead changes, point and shoot jumping.

His Sire was a successful 1.60m jumper, and has been a prolific sire of highly successful elite sport horses. His dam herself competed successfully through 1.55m.

Located in Idaho.

Konnan O

Konnan was imported in 2019 and instantly stood out as a future eventing and show jumping champion with movement and power seldom seen. In his first eventing show season he captured the championship with “10” scores in dressage and perfect performance in cross country and show jumping. Konnan has the scope and power to compete at all levels, there is no level that Konnan can’t do. He has been started slowly and has been under professional training with Kelsey Horn. Konnan can take you all the way in eventing or show jumping as he has movement, scope and power that only grand prix and top eventing horses have. Will only sell to approved home as Konnan is a special horse.

Located in Oregon.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

**FE Monte Carlo ** Talented young imported KWPN Gelding available in California

Sweet, talented 2017 KWPN Gelding imported for the California market by Clayton Fredericks
Carlos is an old soul in a fancy young body, with the scope and courage necessary to take an ambitious rider up the levels in eventing or show jumping.

Carlos’ steady temperament and brain would even suit a confident young rider in a program who has dreams of producing their own horse.

Straightforward on the ground, Carlos is a barn favorite. Available to be tried in Novato, California. Price upper-mid fives.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Elastic, Athletic, and Kind Import Ready to Succeed in Multiple Disciplines

Excel Star Time Will Tell

2016 16.2h Imported Holsteiner Gelding

High Performance Prospect in Multiple Disciplines, Scopey Soft Jump and Fancy Mover

Easy, kind and sweet and can be ridden well by a junior, amateur or professional.

Royally bred by a son of Casall, and daughter of Quidam de Revel.

Located in Pennsylvania.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Friday Video from SmartPak: The View from Virginia H.T.

By on Nov 5, 2021 5:00 pm -

Based out of Unionville, Pennsylvania, five-star eventer Fylicia Barr has established herself not only as a rider but also as a coach noted for her communication skills and supportive, camaraderie-based program. She clearly takes a lot of pride in her students, which included several at Virginia Horse Trials this past weekend — and they were passing around the helmet cam!

Melanie Schaefer and Frankly My Dear, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred (Creative Cause x Sheer Luck), posted a double-clear cross country round to finish 13th in the CCI2*-S:

Adam Glas and Clever Soul, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Perfect Soul x Too Clever), were fourth in Modified A:

Lucy Donaldson and Let Em Roll, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Despite the Odds x Darlin Rose), won  Junior Open Novice:

You can view complete results from Virginia Horse Trials here. Learn more about Fylicia Barr Eventing here. Congrats to all!

Thursday Video: Watch Galway Downs International CCI4*-L Dressage Live

By on Nov 4, 2021 5:00 pm -

Galway Downs International Event Live Stream

The 2019 Galway Downs International is underway in Temecula, California, and thanks to our friends at Ride On Video we can all follow the action as it unfolds!

CC4*-L dressage runs from 2:10 to 3:55 p.m. PST (5:10 to 6:55 p.m. EST). The division will be contested by 11 pairs,

  • Tamra Smith & Elliot-V
  • James Alliston & Paper Jam
  • Megan Sykes & Classic’s Mojah
  • Dana Cooke & FE Mississippi
  • Alexandra MacLeod & Newmarket Jack
  • Andrea Baxter & Laguna Seca
  • Rebecca Braitling & Caravaggio II
  • Sophie Click & Quidproquo
  • Amber Birtcil & Cinzano
  • Tamra Smith & Fleeceworks Royal
  • James Alliston & Czechers

Watch the live stream via the embed above or click here. Here’s the schedule for the rest of the event!

Times shown in Pacific Time. 

Galway Downs International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Schedule

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Fabulous Mares

By on Nov 4, 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.

There’s nothing like having a good mare as your partner in crime. Here are five eventing mares in search of their next rider.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Oldcourt Grafen Dance “Bean” offered for Sale

Winning One Star mare proudly offered for sale. Imported 2010 Irish Sport Horse Mare by champion sire Grafenstolz (TRAK) out of Wyndham Gentle Annie (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH).

Bean is very straightforward on the flat, a careful show jumper and brave cross country. She is a super talented horse paired with some mare opinions. She would suit a young rider, professional or an experience amateur that is as keen as her and doesn’t mind some sass!

Has the talent to move up the levels with the right person. She is a sweetheart on the ground and a Copperline barn favorite.

Win at Terra Nova One Star on a 27.2
Second place at Stable View on a 27.9
Multiple winner at Chatt Hills on a 26.2

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Narnia’s Flagmount Aravis

If you’re looking for an all-around type horse that can go compete and win in the jumper ring or out eventing, “Vissy” is for you! She is by the Grand Prix show jumper Flagmount King out of a Thoroughbred mare.

She has been to several schooling jumper shows, and has also been cross country schooling. Vissy is a great jumper, fun to ride and a pleasure to have in the barn.

She would be best suited for an amateur or young rider in a program, and has the potential to go up the levels if that’s what her rider wants to do.

Motivated seller! Owner would also consider a lease to the right situation.

Lovely Allrounder Mare!

Birdie is a lovely 2007 17hh Black Dutch Mare

Super on the flat, experienced and goes in a snaffle!

Amateur friendly and ready to go!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Fancy Low-Level Eventing Packer

Caletto’s Symphony, known as ‘Boots’ in the barn, has been the ultimate confidence builder and teacher for her adult amateur owner. She is kind, willing, and enjoys her job! Throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Boots has won many ribbons both at USEA and USDF events. Her current competition record includes multiple top placings at Beginner Novice, 5th at the 2021 American Eventing Championships in the Senior Beginner Novice division, several High Point awards for Training Level divisions at USDF shows, qualifying for Area III USDF Regionals, and more. She is ready to compete at the Novice level and continue her dressage record at First Level.

Boots is very consistent with her performance, always trying her best in the dressage ring and a willing partner both for show jumping and cross country. Boots has equal parts woah and go – not one to gallop away cross country, but will stay in front of the leg once her rider has kicked her into gear. The right type of horse to match an unconfident rider – can take a joke and jumps from any distance. She does not mind a rider making mistakes, always tries to leave the jumps up in their cups. Goes in a loose ring snaffle in all 3 phases.

Happy to hack out alone, but prefers company. Great to load on the trailer, stands for farrier, clipping, mane pulling, etc. She is loving, friendly, and loves her peppermints.

In exchange for her hard work and dedication to her rider, Boots requests to be kept in the most Queenly manner. She prefers to be dry, warm, and away from bugs as much as possible. Will not be suited for 24/7 turnout situations as she simply doesn’t have the patience for the elements. She does require some regular maintenance to continue to perform at her best.

For sale as AA owner has found her next partner and is looking forward to offering Boots to the next deserving rider who will cater to her needs while they benefit from her award-winning performance.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

 Perfect Eventing Pony!

Silver is a rider, parent and trainer favorite and very sadly outgrown by current owner
Name: Silver Treasure aka Silver
Age/Height: 2006 13.2
Color/Breed: Grey Welsh Cross
Sex: Mare
Sired by Farnley Houdini
Discipline: Eventing/Show Jump
Easy, quiet & Uncomplicated…same at home as at a show Not “Mare-ish”
UTD on everything
Loads and trailers well
Ideal for a Junior looking to get a solid start in Eventing or Jumpers through 3′
Solid USEA record through Novice typically finishing on dressage score

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

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

By on Nov 4, 2021 10:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Full Moon Farm.

Can you think of any dreamier autumn weekend plans than filling your thermos with pumpkin spice latte and taking a front row seat at your local horse trials?  Why not multi-task and lend a helping hand while you’re at it; there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available this weekend, from coast to coast!

Exhibit A: Full Moon Farm is hosting its recognized November Horse Trial this Sunday, November 7th in Finksburg, Maryland, and we hear they are in need of some last-minute volunteers. Cross country judges are always welcome, but they are really  in need of cross country warm up and stadium warm up and/or gate stewards. If you are able to assist, please contact Chris Lindsay, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].

Here are five events that could use a helping hand from YOU 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

Full Moon Farm November Recognized Horse Trial (November 7th, 2021)

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall Horse Trials (November 6th – 7th, 2021)

RHS Fall Horse Trials (November 6th – 7th, 2021)

Other Events

Waredaca Purina Checkerboard Fall Challenge – Challenge Finale (November 6th, 2021)

Flying Cross Farm November Mini Trial (November 4th – 7th, 2021)

Go Volunteer. Go Eventing!

All 67 Horses Clear Through Jog at Galway Downs International

By on Nov 4, 2021 9:00 am -

Jaclyn Thomas & Aella. Photo by Kim Miller.

All 67 horses presented at first horse inspection at Galway Downs International on Wednesday will move on to dressage at the final FEI event in Area VI for 2021. The event’s headline FEI division is its CCI4*-L, which will be contested by 11 pairs. The event also includes a CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L, Modified/Training Challenge, Training/Novice Challenge, and Novice/Beginner Novice Challenge, and Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary horse trial divisions.

Taren Hoffos & Regalia. Photo by Kim Miller.

Kim Miller was on the grounds snapping gorgeous pics of the FEI pairs as they took to the runway. Here’s a gallery:

Ride on Video is live streaming the event and EN will be bringing you reports from each day of the competition. Best of luck to all competitors!

Galway Downs International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Schedule, Volunteer

 

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride Around Pau with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Nov 3, 2021 5:00 pm -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Les 5 Etoiles de Pau was brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, our go-to source for the best support your horse can get. With a full line of proven supplements designed to help your horse feel his or her best, you can have peace of mind knowing that Kentucky Performance Products has your horse’s top health in mind. Learn more about KPP by visiting kppusa.com.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver on course at Pau. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver now has two five-stars under his belt, following up on a Kentucky completion earlier this year with a 21st place finish at Pau. Now Liz has posted a video from their cross country round, where they jumped around clear with just 8.4 time penalties — well done to this exciting pair!

You can catch up on EN’s coverage of Pau here and view final scores here.

Challenge: Maintaining condition during competition and training

Solution: Equi-Jewel®, a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

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

The Conversation Is Set to Continue at 3rd Annual Tom Bass Diversity Seminar

By on Nov 3, 2021 3:00 pm -

Screenshot from the 2020 Tom Bass Seminar.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports, to be held Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021! This year’s seminar will be presented via Zoom webinar beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. Eventing Nation is proud to once again partner with this important event, which launched and is dedicated to continuing an industry-wide discussion about issues of race in equestrian sport.

Launched in 2019 as part of the annual Day of the African Equestrian (DOTAE) celebrations, the 2021 seminar takes place in a time of political, commercial and societal disruption highlighted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, never-ending cultural wars, ramifications of the MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements and a widening gap between ‘the haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the United States and other countries.

This year’s edition will feature the following panels: Domestic Sport, Youth, Media and International. The seminar will pay tribute to equestrians of color participating in the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as riders, coaches, officials and members of supporting delegations. This year’s roster will be a mix of returning panelists as well as some very exciting new voices, to be announced soon. The event will be moderated by Melvin Cox, Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC and a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Free online registration for the seminar is now open here.

The seminar’s namesake is an homage to legendary American Saddlebred trainer Tom Bass (1859 – 1934), who was born a slave in Missouri. After the Civil War he found work as a stable boy and eventually became a world champion competitor, esteemed trainer and founder of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal. He invented the Tom Bass bit, a benchmark for humane bitting that is still in use today, and performed for five different U.S. presidents. His clients included President Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, and Will Rogers.

Tom Bass riding his famous Saddlebred mare Belle Beach. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Topics to be explored by panelists include:

  • Demystifying horse sport — not for rich kids only … reviving equestrian heritage in lower and middle income communities
  • Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
  • Building sustainable programs that support diversity in the horse industry
  • Incorporating the lessons gleaned from social activism into the ways in which we do business
  • Leveraging (new and traditional) media in horse focused education and promotion
  • Developing stories that more accurately reflect the life experiences of equestrians of color
  • Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities (including African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native-American, Romani, South Asian and others) into our shared equestrian narrative
  • Celebrating participants in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • Supporting entrepreneurship within the equestrian marketplace

The seminar is presented by The African Connections Research and Education Fund, Inc. and SportsQuest International, LLC. Public Relations assistance and technical support are being provided by the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). You can rewatch the 2020 edition here.