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Watch the FEI Sports Forum Eventing Risk Management Session Live

By on Apr 11, 2017 7:51 am -
Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne will be presenting alongside David O'Connor and Giuseppe Della Chiesa. Photo courtesy of EquiRatings. Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne will be presenting alongside David O'Connor and Giuseppe Della Chiesa. Photo courtesy of EquiRatings.

The FEI Sports Forum 2017, taking place yesterday and today in Lausanne, SUI, is being live streamed in full on the FEI YouTube Channel. Of particular interest is this morning’s Eventing Risk Management Session, beginning at 8 a.m. EST.

The FEI outlined the intention of the session:

“The session will begin with a presentation of the risk management policy and programme implemented by the FEI to date, which will be followed by a discussion on the next step, new proposals, and possible improvements. We encourage all the NFs to join in this important conversation to find out more about the FEI’s risk management initiatives and provide feedback and ideas.”

The program includes a presentation from Sam Watson and Diarm Byrne, co-founders of EquiRatings, on data analysis. The FEI and EquiRatings recently inked a four-year agreement to collaborate on game-changing data analysis and risk management initiatives in both eventing and endurance.

The session will be moderated by Giuseppe Della Chiesa, chair of the FEI Eventing Committee, and David O’Connor, chair of the FEI Risk Management Steering Group. A detailed program for the FEI Sports Forum 2017 along with supporting documents are viewable here.

Watch live:

The entire Sports Forum will be available to rewatch on FEI YouTube following the end of the morning and afternoon sessions.

We fully support the FEI’s commitment to improving eventing safety. Check out EN’s recap of the FEI Eventing Risk Management Summit, held last month at Tattersalls in Ireland, here.

[FEI Sports Forum 2017]

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Down by the Chattahoochee …

By on Apr 10, 2017 1:00 pm -

… It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie. But this weekend, during Chattahoochee Hills H.T., the weather “down by the river” was 100% on point. Chilly mornings gave way to warm, blue-skied afternoons, and it seemed that everywhere you looked riders were smiling and horses were looking quite pleased with themselves, thankyouverymuch.

Here’s a roundup of your photos! Be sure to follow EN on Instagram @goeventing.

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Happy birthday Foxyyy

A post shared by Maggie Perkins (@mlpeventing) on

Big congrats to Reese and Ice for completing their first HT!!! We are so proud of you!!! #AHEventing #devoucoux

A post shared by AHEventing (@aheventing01) on

Great weekend with the team!!!! ❤️ Wonderful show @chatthillseventing

A post shared by Sewanee Eventing Team (@sewanee.eventing) on

Beautiful day to watch some cross country at @chatthillseventing with the wonder pup! #eventing #giantschnauzer

A post shared by Gaby Martino (@gaby.martino) on

#goobiego #cic3star #pieceofcake #horseofalifetime #SirOberon #pegasuseventing

A post shared by Ellen Doughty-Hume (@ellendoughtyhume) on

Go Eventing!

Draw Order Posted for Rolex Kentucky

By on Apr 10, 2017 11:14 am -
Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hot off the presses: The draw order has been posted for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event! Our 2017 trailblazers will be Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, whose names appear first on the list.

A total of 68 pairs are set to contest this year’s U.S. four-star, and it’s a star-studded roster indeed. If you want to see Michael Jung in the sandbox you’ll need to be in the stands on Friday, as he and 2015/2016 Rolex winner fischerRocana FST are #54 on the draw list.

Click here to check out the full draw order, and let us know who you’ll be cheering for in the comments below!

Rolex 2017 takes place April 27-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Click here to visit the website for more information or to purchase tickets.

Keep it locked on EN for many more updates as we get closer in to the big event. It’s that time of year, EN! Go Rolex!

[Rolex Draw Order]

Friday Video From World Equestrian Brands: Goodbye, Stirrups! Maya Simmons Braves Tack Malfunction

By on Apr 7, 2017 4:30 pm -
Maya Simmons (stirrup-less!) and Archie Rocks. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld. Maya Simmons (stirrup-less!) and Archie Rocks. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Maya Simmons’ iron nerve and thighs of steel were on show at Carolina International last weekend when she lost her stirrups, literally. EN’s Leslie Threlkeld was out on course photographing and watched the whole thing go down:

“Maya Simmons and her 9-year-old Thoroughbred Archie Rocks were having a good round on their first Advanced cross country course at Carolina International, but after they dropped into the first water complex, something unusual happened. Look closely and you’ll see in the above photo that Maya has lost both of her stirrups, which will in a few strides fall completely away from her saddle and land with a thud in the galloping lane.

“In an awesome display of determination and athleticism, Maya chose to continue on anyway. To the wild cheers of the onlookers, they made it most of the way around the course until Maya popped out of the tack at the tricky coffin combination, but it gave us all a great thrill and was the ultimate inspiration for strengthening that lower leg by practicing regularly without stirrups.”

Let’s watch the video:

A little blip from my xc adventure last weekend. When I pulled up to look for my stirrups I felt like I contemplated my decision to carry on for at least a minute…. I guess more like a second Archie’s the best

Posted by Crown Sport Horses on Monday, April 3, 2017

Well-played, Maya! Go Eventing.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Rocking Horse Prelim Helmet Cam

By on Apr 5, 2017 5:00 pm -

Congrats to Mimi Richards and Whitfield, who successfully made the big jump from Training to Prelim at Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials! The pair finished in sixth place, a big accomplishment.

Mimi rides for the Elevate Event Team sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products, and we’ve featured her helmet cam videos here on EN before. Rewatch their foggy trip around the Ocala Training course here, and here is another from Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials. Looking out at a course framed between Whitfield’s pricked ears is always fun because it’s so obvious what a blast this OTTB is having!

The 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Private Vow X Seda Fina, by Known Fact) raced five times before beginning his eventing career in 2014 with Jennie Brannigan, and we’ve enjoyed watching his relationship with Mimi develop.

Remember to send your helmet cams to [email protected] so we can share them!

Go OTTBs. Go Elevate Event Team. Go Eventing!

The feeling you get when you watch your child ride.

It’s why we do what we do.

It is why we search high and low for the perfect childproof horse.  It is why we give up our Saturday afternoons to cheer them on at a horse show. It is why we spend hours getting stains out of their show clothes. It is why we teach them to hang a fan up on the stall in hot weather. It is why we make sure they learn to keep TWO full buckets of water in the stall. Here at Kentucky Performance Products it is why we developed Summer Games® Electrolyte that will keep the horses in your life hydrated and healthy.   It is why the horse that matter to you matters to us. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact us at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist From Cosequin: Small but Mighty Edition

By on Apr 4, 2017 1:00 pm -

A well-trained small horse can feel like a luxury sportscar — the ultimate in handling coupled with swift, nimble athleticism. Here are three short-statured OTTBs we’d love to take out for a test drive!

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Lovin’ Life (Meadow Monster – Lovely Valley, by Peaks and Valleys ): 2010 15-hand West Virginia bred gelding

If you are looking for a little powerhouse with a big attitude and talent to match, Lovin’ Life AKA “Solovar” is the horse for you. Think Theodore O’Connor! Think Stroller the Olympic wonder pony!

This little big man LOVES to jump, is sassy, forward and bold, and delights in showing off his talents and big horseona. Not only that, Solovar has had a year’s worth of reschooling. He was headed to the Thoroughbred Makeover, but his owner had a career change and he found himself in a riding therapy facility.

Although he is kind, Solovar is a performer, not a social worker, and he found the job there too passive for his tastes. This horse wants to show off and prove that size doesn’t matter. We’re getting Solovar back in shape after a winter off but he already jumps around 2’6” courses and has completed a Philip Dutton clinic.

View Lovin’ Life on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Tyrus (First Samurai – Beauty’s Due, by Devil His Due): 2008 15.2-hand Kentucky bred gelding

He may be little but he is mighty! This adorable and well traveled gelding has amassed a stout race record, racing and winning at racetracks from Gulfstream to the south and Woodbine to the north, and many in between. With his 54 8-9-11 record (better than 50% in the money finishes), Tyrus is the horse that every stable wants and needs to be a predictable paycheck earner, the one horse who can always be counted on to bring the money home.

He has the heart, legs and stamina to transition seamlessly to a sporting career and look adorable and athletic doing it. The trainer’s daughter (and exercise rider and pony girl) stated that she absolutely loves Tyrus, her favorite horse in the shedrow. He’s described as laid-back and easy going, does everything asked of him and is, by now, a been-there-done-that fellow. He’s nicely put together and is well balanced at the jog. We think this guy has many years of performance left in him.

View Tyrus on Finger Lakes Finest.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Queen’s Gambit (Frost Giant – Sum Wish, by Rizzi): 2012 15.1-hand New York bred mare

Adorable little gray fillies are much coveted, so you had better call fast to have a chance at Queen’s Gambit.  With only three starts, this daughter of Frost Giant, granddaughter of Giant’s Causeway, is showing no racing ability, but she is a clean slate for any other discipline.

She is a homebred, so you will be able to get her whole history from her owner/trainer. Her legs are clean, and he says she is sound. He also says she is a quiet and good girl. She certainly posed like a calm model for her photo session, as FLF admired her dapples, pink nose and dark mane.

View Queen’s Gambit on Finger Lakes Finest. 

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless Make Collaborative Art to Fundraise for Badminton

By on Apr 4, 2017 11:00 am -

Did you know that Elisa Wallace has an artistic side? It’s true — she graduated with a degree in art from Georgia State University.

Her four-star partner, Simply Priceless, does not have an art degree, but he didn’t seem to mind being used as an equine paintbrush in a recent fundraising project. Or, at least he didn’t seem to mind TOO much …

“Geez, mom. The things I put up with. Do you think Michael Jung and Sam sit around making sculptures out of play-doh in their spare time?”

Elisa and “Johnny” are auctioning off their collaborative paintings, made using impressions of various body parts or Johnny’s mane and tail, to raise funds for their upcoming trip to Badminton. She demonstrates the process in this video:

The painting explanations (click on the individual paintings here) are worth their weight in gold, and the paintings themselves are totally legit! Can you see one of these Elisa/Johnny originals hanging in your home?

If so, go bid in the online auction today! Bidding closes Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 11:55 p.m. EST.

#GoJohnnyGo!

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Meanwhile at the FEI World Cup Finals …

By on Apr 3, 2017 5:00 pm -
Jubilation on the podium as Isabell Werth celebrates her win watched by her groom Steffi Weigard and her beautiful mare Weihegold at the FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2017 in Omaha. Photo by Jim Hollander/FEI. Jubilation on the podium as Isabell Werth celebrates her win watched by her groom Steffi Weigard and her beautiful mare Weihegold at the FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2017 in Omaha. Photo by Jim Hollander/FEI.

From Galway Downs in California to Belton International in England, with plenty of horse trials dotted in between, there was plenty enough action to keep an eventer busy this weekend. Meanwhile in show jumping land and dressage world, the cup runneth over, too.

The Longines FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and jumping just wrapped up in Omaha, Nebraska, with new world champions having been crowned in both sports.

In the dressage, Isabell Werth claimed her third World Cup title riding the incredible mare Weihegold, with whom she claimed Olympic team gold and individual silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“It’s special to win again after 10 years, to come back with a different kind of horse and after a really great season,” Isabell said. “I’m very happy and I’m also thankful, because I know what it’s like to be downstairs, and I’m really happy and grateful to be upstairs again!”

On their heels was U.S. rider Laura Graves with Verdades, followed by British star Carl Hester with Nip Tuck.

Here’s the FEI video wrapup:

In the show jumping, McLain Ward finally clinched the Longines FEI World Jumping trophy with the brilliant mare HH Azure. It was a victory made sweeter by the fact that it’s been a long, long time coming.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years or more, and I’ve come so close so many times and one way or another I’ve messed it up,” McLain reflected. “I’m so grateful for my horses and the people around me like my groom. Lee, who has been with me for 29 years, they all helped me pull this off!”

Romain Duguet of Switzerland finished second, followed by Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden in third. Check out Jumper Nation’s coverage of the show jumping competition here!

Capt. Mark Phillips Announced as New Course Designer for Virginia Horse Center

By on Apr 3, 2017 1:30 pm -
The view from the top of VHT's Oak Hill cross country featuring Intermediate, CCI*, CIC2* and CCI2* courses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld. The view from the top of VHT's Oak Hill cross country featuring Intermediate, CCI*, CIC2* and CCI2* courses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Virginia Horse Trials has announced that Capt. Mark Phillips will assume the role of FEI course designer for its 2017 events at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington.

Capt. Phillips will design the CCI*, CIC2*, CCI2* and Intermediate tracks, with VHT Organizer Andy Bowles assisting at the two-star level and John Michael Durr, designer of the Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses, assisting at the one-star level.

VHT shared an overview of updates we can look forward to this year.

“We’re glad to be bringing Mark to VHT,” Bowles said. “Our hope is that his experience will increase the quality of our FEI courses and present to the competitors a challenge that is true to the level and appropriate for a destination event.”

The FEI and Intermediate competitors will experience a totally new cross country challenge than in years past. The course has been reversed and a second water complex will be constructed.

“There had been some concern that the Oak Hill course sent horses downhill too long near the end of the course, so to lessen the impact on the horses we reversed the track,” Bowles said. “Now all the significant climbing is done within the first third of the course. This will also place the finish line and vet box closer to the road crossing back to the barns.”

The team also received feedback on the cross country footing and so have committed considerable efforts towards preparing the best possible galloping conditions. Construction and jump placement are scheduled to be completed early to preserve the footing on cross country, and all tracks will be aerated in advance of both competitions. Mowing has already begun and will continue on a regular basis throughout the year.

“This year we’re really focused on good grass maintenance. Between mowing, aerating and keeping heavy machinery off the course as much as possible, we expect the footing to be better than ever,” Bowles said.

“We’re sincerely listening to competitor feedback and making every effort to set a high standard and provide a world-class experience for horses and riders.”

Overlooking the Horse Center cross country featuring Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The second cross country area is home to the Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses designed by John Michael Durr. As a USEF ‘r’ Course Designer, he joined the VHT team as part of the Course Design Mentor Program in 2015 under the tutelage of John Nicholson. As part of the natural progression for the program, Durr will be assisting Capt. Phillips in designing the one-star courses this year.

“It feels great to be involved in the design of an FEI course for the first time in my career,” Durr said. “My goal as a course designer is to educate horses and riders and prepare them for the next level. Being a part of the Mentor Program has given me invaluable experience, and I’m excited for the next step in my own education as a designer.”

The Horse Center course will also feature a newly constructed water complex that will be unveiled in May. Durr feels that this addition as well as the multitude of other new fences constructed at VHT in the last two years will “maximize the experience” for competitors.

This year’s VHT CCI/CIC and horse trials take place May 25-28, 2017 and October 26-29, 2017 CCI/CIC. VHT is also the home of the 2017 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and the 2017 Area II Championships.

For more information and announcements, visit www.vahorsetrials.com and the VHT Facebook page here.

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Show Us Your Ribbons!

By on Apr 3, 2017 10:30 am -

It might be “just” a $3 ribbon, but when it’s hanging off your horse’s bridle after a job well done it sure does feel like a million bucks.

Here are your proudest Instagram pics from the weekend that was!

Morven Park H.T. [Results]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Results]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Results]

Galway Downs CIC & H.T. [Results]

Christy and Sammy finishing 5th in their first show back in over a year. Great job guys!!!

A post shared by Stephanie Martin (@nteventer) on

Way to go ladies! Great riding by all this weekend! A fabulous start to the show season!

A post shared by ★Trainer,Megan Gastel (@telesisequestrian) on

Someone is very proud of himself!

A post shared by Jane Thomas (@jt.eventing) on

Kat and Dillon finally got their purple ribbon! Great job! #waterfordeventing #bestteamever #ditchesarestillscary

A post shared by Marian Matushek Abrams (@matushekabrams) on

Great day at Morven!

A post shared by Chiantel Davis Beaumont (@team.bb) on

Good work, EN. Go Eventing!

Izzy Taylor and KBIS Starburst Shine at Belton

By on Apr 3, 2017 8:30 am -
Izzy Taylor, winner of the 2017 Lycetts Grantham Cup. Photo courtesy of Belton International Horse Trials. Izzy Taylor, winner of the 2017 Lycetts Grantham Cup. Photo courtesy of Belton International Horse Trials.

Britain’s Izzy Taylor claimed the headline win at Belton International H.T. with KBIS Starburst. Izzy, Mark Todd with Leonidas II, and Piggy French with Quarrycrest Echo were all within a point of one another to finish one-two-three in the CIC3* Lycetts Grantham Cup.

“I’m delighted with this win,” Izzy says. “KBIS Starburst has had nearly two years away from competition, and he does get nervous in an atmosphere of which there is plenty here, but I’ve worked hard on that and couldn’t be happier with his performance this weekend.”

Izzy and the 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding were tied for fourth position after dressage and added nothing to their score of 43.0 to jump their way up the scoreboard into the top spot. They posted the fastest cross country time of the day in the horse’s first three-star since Blenheim in 2015. Izzy also finished fifth with Frog Rock.

Britain-based U.S. rider Katherine Coleman and Back to Business II also enjoyed a partnership-building weekend at Belton, adding a couple show jumping rails and just a bit of time cross country to their dressage score of 58.7 to finish 58th in the near-100 horse strong division.

Belton marks the second three-star outing for Katherine and her 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, following a 7th place finish at Barroca D’Alva in Portugal last month. We look forward to seeing Katherine and her four-star mount Longwood tackle their first four-star together at Badminton next month!

Belton is the first leg of the Shearwater Insurance Tri-Star Grand Slam, which offers a ‘winner-takes-all’ prize fund of £50,000 for any rider who can win three of the five CIC3* events included in the competition. Belton joins Burnham Market International, Houghton International, Burgham International and NAF Five Star Hartpury International as legs of the series. Congrats to Izzy on her win, and we look forward to following the rest of the series as it unfolds.

In addition to the CIC3* Belton featured a number of other divisions including two Advanced classes, won by Paul Sims with Glengarnock and Tim Price with Xavier Faer. Britain-based Canadian rider Katherine Robinson and Let It Bee finished in the top 10 of a competitive Advanced division, having added 11.6 cross country time penalties to their dressage score of 34.6. They are currently on the Badminton wait list.

We are saddened to report the loss of Irish eventer Camilla Spiers’ mount BT Border Bandit, who was euthanized after suffering a severe injury on cross country in the Advanced division. We will share more information as it becomes available.

Belton CIC3* Final Top 15:

Belton H.T.: Website, Final Results

 

 

#EventerProblems Vol. 111: Big Buncha Weirdos

By on Apr 2, 2017 2:30 pm -

One-hundred eleven jam-packed #EventerProblems volumes in and I still don’t know who is weirder: event horses or the people who ride them. Here’s the latest batch of evidence that it might, in fact, be the latter.

When you owe SMZs back to the barn… #eventerproblems #itsnotwhatitlookslike #barnlife A post shared by megan (@kieshorse) on

This is a normal conversation in my life #eventerproblems #horsegirlproblems

A post shared by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

Anyone else have “blow dry the pony” on a list of things to do today? No? Just me? #eventerproblems A post shared by Bobbie Wiersema (@allaroundpainthorse) on

when you gotta make it in one trip to the trailer #eventerproblems #noproblem #chatthillsbound A post shared by jessica hubbard ◡̈ (@jessicahorse) on

That’s not good. But at least now the right one matches the left? #blowout #tallboots #ariateq #tuccitime #eventerproblems

A post shared by The $900 Facebook Pony (@the900facebookpony) on

Where is my sponsor? #eventerproblems #nomoney #teampurple

A post shared by Lea Ditte Marsk Lauridsen (@lea_lauridsen) on

Not sure where this came from or what it is, but lolololololol #eventerproblems #goeventing #dressage

A post shared by Marissa Dittrich (@marisdeech) on

What owning a pony is like in the spring… #eventerproblems #keepyourhairjazzits30degrees #isitsummeryet

A post shared by Ashley Ann (@ashbrush) on

Best birthday present ever. I GOT A LOG! Love that manfriend–I got a good one! #eventerproblems #glasshalffull #stormdamage

A post shared by Carleigh Fedorka (@ayankeeinparis) on

We’ve all heard the stories.. #horsesofinstagram #horseshow #equestrian #eventerproblems

A post shared by The Farm House (@farmhousetack) on

Sometimes you just have to improvise. #eventerproblems #whatahorse #ariat

A post shared by Kim McGurrin (@kimmcgurrin) on

When winter weight makes it hard to get into your XC vest in the spring! #eventerproblems

A post shared by @tessutterback on

Go Eventing.

Watch Galway Downs International LIVE

By on Apr 1, 2017 12:30 pm -

LIVE from Galway Downs International Event

Galway Downs International is underway in Temecula, Calif., and thanks to our friends at Ride On Video we can all follow the action as it unfolds! Watch the live stream via the embed above (click the box of the division you wish to watch) or click here.

The CIC 3*, CCI2* and CCI1* divisions will be streamed. Schedule:

CIC3* 

Cross Country: Saturday 12 – 12:50 p.m. PT

CIC2*

Cross Country: Saturday 10:35 – 11:30 a.m. PT

CIC1*

Cross Country: Saturday 9:30 – 10:10 a.m. PT

Be sure to check out Maggie’s “By the Numbers” breakdown of the field here, and Sally will be bringing us reports from the event so keep it locked here!

Galway Downs CIC & H.T. Website, Schedule, Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores

Galway Downs CIC3* Cross Country Course Preview

By on Apr 1, 2017 12:00 pm -
Photo courtesy of the USEA. Photo courtesy of the USEA.

It’s cross country day at Galway Downs, with the first CIC3* pair heading out of the box at noon Pacific Time. Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin are holding down the lead after dressage and show jumping yesterday — catch up on the action via Sally’s report here.

Let’s have a look around Ian Stark’s course, courtesy of our good friends at the USEA!

To all competitors, have a great ride! Go Eventing.

Galway Downs: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream

Kentucky Horse Park to Unveil Michael Jung Statue at Rolex 2017

By on Apr 1, 2017 9:00 am -
Photos by Lorraine Jackson and Leslie Threlkeld. Photos by Lorraine Jackson and Leslie Threlkeld.

You’ve got company, Bruce Davidson! Kentucky Horse Park officials have confirmed that plans are underway to unveil a life-sized bronze statue of Michael Jung at the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

The statue, to be positioned atop an island in the Head of the Lake, is a tribute to the German eventing icon and fischerRocana FST, with whom he won Rolex in 2015 and 2016. The pair returns this month to defend their title.

Caroline H. Boone, KHP Foundation Chairman of the Board, explained, “We wanted to do something special for the living eventing legend, but what? It’s not like he needs another watch.”

The statue looks very similar to Bruce’s statue located outside Rolex Stadium but with some modern updates. Interactive fountains strategically placed at fischerRocana’s feet create the illusion of a dramatic splash into water, and a Vegas-style laser light show synced to German techno music will keep crowds entertained in between horses coming through the Head of the Lake at this year’s event.

To fund the project, the KHP Foundation salvaged used bedding from fischerRocana’s stall at Rolex 2016 and sold it via silent auction. The winning bidder was the U.S. Eventing Team, in hopes that extensive lab testing on the manure would illuminate clues to Michael’s success.

The auction also featured a used coffee cup discarded by Jung in a waste bin at the Kentucky Horse Park, and a Rolex Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Watch he accidentally left behind last year in his haste to get to Badminton, which he also won.

Michael told EN he looks forward to winning this year’s event and is honored by the commemorative statue: “It gives me a good feeling.”

Friday Video From World Equestrian Brands: McLain Ward’s Round 1 FEI World Cup Win

By on Mar 31, 2017 5:30 pm -
McLain Ward and HH Azure. Photo: FEI/Liz Gregg. McLain Ward and HH Azure. Photo: FEI/Liz Gregg.

The USA’s own McLain Ward and HH Azure came out swinging in the opening round of the 2017 FEI World Cup Jumping Final, taking place this week in Omaha, Nebraska. They won the class by a sliver of a second over second-positioned Henrik Von Eckermann of Sweden and third-positioned Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who is the 2016 defending champion.

“She’s an incredible animal, and the biggest thing I try to do is not mess up for her,” McLain said of his sharp-as-a-tack mount in a press conference after the class. “I think the world of her and her performance has been great – we’ll just keep digging this week.”

The competition is cutthroat and will no doubt have us on the edges of our seats until the final painted rail has been cleared on Sunday. EN’s sister site Jumper Nation has been doubling down on its World Cup coverage — catch up on all the latest results, videos and much more here!

#Omaha2017: Event Website, Orders of Go/Results, Facebook, Twitter, JN Coverage

Go Show Jumping!

Belton CIC3* Dressage Day 1 Results + Cross Country Course Preview

By on Mar 31, 2017 3:00 pm -
Screenshot via CrossCountry App. Screenshot via CrossCountry App.

The Grantham Cup CIC3* at Belton International Horse Trials is underway across the pond in Lincolnshire, England. Britain’s Laura Collett and Grand Manoeuvre lead the way on a 39.8 after the first of two dressage days, with a stacked field of 112 horses contesting the class.

Grand Manoeuvre, a 13-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Diana and David Chappell, is one of three horses Laura is competing in the CIC3*. They garnered the only sub-40 score of the day, with Piggy French (GBR) and Jesse Campbell (NZL) rounding out the top three.

Britain-based U.S. rider Katherine Coleman and Back to Business II completed their test today, scoring a 58.7 for 40th position overnight. Belton marks the second three-star outing for Katherine and her 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, following a 7th place finish at Barroca D’Alva in Portugal last month.

Belton H.T. CIC3* Day 1 Dressage Top 10:

Dressage continues tomorrow, with show jumping and cross country taking place on Sunday. Our friends at CrossCountry App kindly provided this preview:

Belton H.T.: Website, Schedule, Start Times, Live Scores

Peter Barry Out of ICU, Making Steady Progress Toward Recovery

By on Mar 31, 2017 2:00 pm -

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Canadian Olympian Peter Barry has been in all of our thoughts and prayers since suffering a stroke last weekend during Carolina International.

Sue Ockendon confirmed to EN that Peter has been released from the ICU today and moved to a regular room at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina. They are looking to fly him home to Canada early next week, where he will continue his recovery.

Sue says Peter is making steady progress and is appreciative of the support he has been shown by the eventing community. He has been checking his Facebook page, so that’s a good way for friends and fellow eventers to communicate their well-wishes.

We are thankful for the positive update and wish Peter all the best for a speedy recovery!

World Class Grooming Announces ​Lee Lee Jones Benefit Clinic & Silent Auction

By on Mar 31, 2017 11:00 am -
Lee Lee in her happy place. Photo by Cindy Lawler. Lee Lee in her happy place. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

In recent months the eventing community hasn’t held back in its efforts to support Lee Lee Jones, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall just before Christmas.

The most recent gesture comes from World Class Grooming, whose creators Emma Ford and Cat Hill provide clinics, training and seminars in addition to having co-authored a book by the same name.

On May 7, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., they will be hosting a benefit clinic at Kate Hicks’ Cedar Springs Farm in Cochranville, PA. One-hundred percent of the profits will go directly toward assisting with Lee Lee’s medical costs, rehabilitation and care.

The one day clinic will cover a variety of topics ranging from barn management to body clipping and show turnout — check out a sample clinic schedule here. Triple Crown has kindly donated a free signed book to every participant. Cost of the clinic is $90 for pre-registration $110 for week-of registration. To sign up or for more information, click here.

​In addition to the clinic, a silent auction featuring everything from braiding services to lessons with Olympians will go live on April 22. Please visit the World Class Grooming Facebook page for links and details.

Go Eventing. #LeeLeeStrong

 

Paget Eventing Says Goodbye to Clifton Lush

By on Mar 31, 2017 9:26 am -
Jock Paget and Clifton Lush at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jock Paget and Clifton Lush at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Our thoughts are with Jock Paget and his team today as they bid farewell to Clifton Lush, a favorite horse in the Paget Eventing yard.

Lush, an 18-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred, retired from eventing last year after an illustrious career. He was produced from the one-star to four-star level by Joe Meyer, with whom he finished just outside the top 10 at Pau in 2009 and Luhmühlen in 2010.

Jock took over the ride in 2011 with great success, accumulating several top finishes at major three- and four-star events in the following years. They twice placed 5th at Burghley and were 3rd, 6th and 14th in their three Badminton starts. Lush and Jock traveled to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with the New Zealand team but withdrew after Lush suffered a minor but poorly timed injury outside his stable.

Paget Eventing announced Lush’s passing this morning:

“It is absolutely devastating that we say goodbye to Clifton Lush. He was flying around his paddock as he sometimes likes to do and suffered an injury that he won’t recover from to have a comfortable enough retirement.

“This is obviously a major blow to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He was such a legend and he was living proof that with enough heart you can do anything. I had the pleasure of working with Lush for six years and I am hugely grateful for everything he taught me and how he gave everything and then some when I needed him to, he made the biggest of tracks feel like nothing but he would never give anything away in the warm up. He was a true warrior and loved his job.

“Huge condolences to his owners Lucy and Shaun Allison and Frances Stead and Russell Hall. He was retired last year with the greatest intentions and it’s a crying shame that this little legend won’t get the retirement he deserves. He is being cremated and the ashes will be spread in Lucy and Shaun’s orchard. RIP buddy.”

Go Lush. Go Eventing.

#EventerProblems Vol. 110: Conspiracy Theory

By on Mar 30, 2017 5:00 pm -

Do you ever get the feeling that your horse is actually an evil genius plotting against you? A few examples:

Lost or destroyed footwear …

Well shit…. #horses #horsesofinstagram #ottb #eventerproblems #mudseason #moving

A post shared by Crystal Boggs Heaton (@cboggs111) on

Ability to ignore humans completely when convenient …

Poor work ethic, issues with authority or wrecking ball tendencies …

Last night took an L, but tonight we bounce back #tb to when Whitfield forgot how to use his back legs #eventerproblems

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀♘Mimi Richards♘ (@mgr.eventing) on

This was adorable until he got up and bucked me off 😂 #badpotato #ottb #eventerproblems #worthit

A post shared by Brenna Carlson (@brennac628) on

Although overenthusiasm can seem equally diabolical …

#freshponies #eventerproblems #eventingsunnyfl #futureeventhorse

A post shared by Katie Malensek (@kmalensek) on

Springing ahead like… #corofin #mylifeflashedbeforemyeyes #eventerproblems

A post shared by annmarie stockinger (@astockinger66) on

Pretty sure we had two more strides before the jump lol #failfriday #eventerproblems

A post shared by Emma (@saddleupeventing) on

Bizarre social behavior …

Freebird likes the younger ladies #unicorngotmoves #shehasntkilledhimyet #itmustbetruelove #eventerproblems

A post shared by Micaela (@bananaclapp) on

Yep, definitely a conspiracy. Go Eventing.

Tuesday Video From SpectraVET: Carolina CIC3* Top Five Show Jumping

By on Mar 28, 2017 3:00 pm -
Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography. Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

Thanks to our friend Thehorsepesterer we have replay show jumping footage of the top five CIC3* finishers at Carolina International!

Heading out of the show jumping phase, the top three were Clark Montgomery, Jennie Brannigan and Caroline Martin, who shuffled places when time proved a hugely influential factor on cross country the following day. Eventual top five finishers Will Faudree and Doug Payne jumped their way up the scoreboard from 13th and 14th respectively after show jumping to 4th and 5th after cross country. See complete results here.

Carolina International final top 10: 

Watch and take notes!

#1. Caroline Martin & The Apprentice

#2. Clark Montgomery & Loughan Glen

#3. Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda

#4. Will Faudree & Pfun

#5. Doug Payne & Vandiver

Go Eventing.

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We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Weekly Rolex Entry Update: 40 Pairs and Counting!

By on Mar 28, 2017 1:00 pm -
Tim Price and Bango. Photo by Shannon Brinkman. Tim Price and Bango. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on the Rolex entry list as it continues to expand in advance of next month’s event.

Entries opened on Feb. 28 and the list has doubled since it went live last week. Riders have until today, March 28, to submit their paperwork, so this is far from the final roster. We know there are several more entries floating around out there — Michael Jung, for instance, has tapped both fischerRocana FST and fischerTakinou for Rolex.

Additionally the Badminton entry list could create some give or take; Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless are entered in both events, and Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against are on the Badminton wait list.

Learn more about the CCI4* qualification process here.

Click here to view the complete entry list and keep it locked here for all the latest Rolex countdown updates. It’s that time of year, EN! Go Rolex!

[Rolex Entry List]