Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Oct 27, 2021 12:01 am - 29 views

Detroit Horse Power is hiring!!!!⁣
⁣
We are currently searching for a Development Director who can bring significant…

Posted by Detroit Horse Power on Monday, October 25, 2021

Cool job alert! Making a difference and combining skill sets to affect change are among the most rewarding parts of working with a nonprofit. If this sounds up your alley, you might want to check out Detroit Horse Power’s current opening for a Development Director. This Detroit-based equestrian opportunity and access program is growing quickly and needs someone with fundraising experience who can help scale support for the visions of the organization. You can learn more about this opening here. Applications close November 12.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

FEH & YEH Young Event Horse Last Chance Qualifier & West Coast Championship (Paso Robles, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Volunteer]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (Sherborn, Ma.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Major International Events

Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5* (France) : [Website] [Schedule & Start Lists] [Live Stream]

Wednesday Reading List

Did you attend the inaugural Maryland 5 Star earlier this month? If so, the event is asking for feedback to help improve the event in coming years. Click here to take the survey.

We all love a VIP volunteer! Meet the latest volunteer highlighted by the USEA: Jim Moyer, who this year alone has logged more than 250 volunteer hours at events.

Ava Stauber lost most of her hearing when she was younger, most likely due to a viral infection. As she’s learned to adapt her life and her riding to this “invisible disability”, Ava’s on a mission not only to reach her goals as a rider, but also to foster a more inclusive equestrian community for those in similar circumstances. Read more about Ava here.

The oncoming cooler weather can mean more time spent indoors for some horses. Along with this can come an increase in potential for irritants to pester your horse’s sensitive respiratory system. Read more about what to be aware of indoors, and how to help support your horse’s lungs and breathing, here.

Watch This

Don’t forget to tune in for the live stream of Pau this week, beginning Thursday with the first horse inspection. Horse & Country will be carrying the live stream, and you can purchase the weekend pass for $6.87/£4.99 if you’re not an H&C+ member. If you are a subscriber, the stream will be available to you all week long (as well as on demand, of course). Click here to see more.

Wednesday Video Break

Relive 2020 Pau winner Laura Collett and London 52’s cross country run to get amped for this weekend:

Tuesday Video: FEI Show Jumping Ponies Go ‘Ping’!

By on Oct 26, 2021 6:00 pm - 437 views

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

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

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

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

What’s Happening? Your Guide to Clinics, Schooling Shows & More [Updated 10/26]

By on Oct 26, 2021 1:00 pm - 1,305 views

Featured Activity: Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel Clinic on Oct. 27 at Beaux Rêves Equestrian in Hamilton, VA. Click here for more info.

“What’s Happening?,” presented in partnership with Strider, is your complete guide to clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities.

Need a way to accept digital entries and payment for your venue’s next equestrian activity? Join Strider, a mobile friendly, user-controlled services platform that connects organizers with riders. It’s easy and fast to use — click here to get started.

Here is what’s happening in your USEA Area!

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VI | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Area X

Area I

Area II

Area III

Area IV

Area V

Area VI

Area VII

Area VIII

Area IX

Area X

Go Eventing.

How to Watch the Pau Live Stream

By on Oct 26, 2021 11:00 am - 683 views

2020 Pau winners Laura Collett with London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We have a big week ahead at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5*, which kicks off with the first horse inspection on Wednesday. Tilly Berendt is on the grounds at Pau for EN and will be bringing you full reports each day.

An additional asset for those of us following from afar: Horse&CountryTV will be exclusively broadcasting all three phases of the competition.

For H&C+ and H&C+ Gold Members: The event is free to watch– simply log in to your account to gain access.

Non-Members: Click here to purchase a pass, good for 90 days, for just $7.99. OR click here to sign up to H&C+ from as little as $9.99 to watch the entire event and enjoy all the benefits of a membership.

Available in UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Commentary is available in multiple languages.

The broadcast schedule, translated to EDT, is:

Wednesday, Oct. 27: First horse inspection – 2:30-3:45 a.m. EDT
Thursday, Oct. 28: Dressage – 9:30-11 a.m. EDT
Friday, Oct. 29: Dressage – 3:30-11 a.m. EDT
Saturday, Oct. 30: Cross country – 7:30 – 11 a.m. EDT.
Sunday, Oct. 31: Horse inspection – 6:45-7:45 a.m. EDT. Show jumping – 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. EDT.

Additionally, we recommend downloading the official Les 5 Etoiles de Pau app to keep up-to-date with schedules and all the goings-on around the event.

Stay tuned for much more from Pau!

Les 4 Etoiles de Pau: Website, Program & Ticketing, Live Stream, Entries, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Charming Connemara Crosses

By on Oct 26, 2021 9:00 am - 847 views

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.

What do you get when you cross the toughness and bravery of a Connemara with the blood and heart of a Thoroughbred or the sportiness of its fellow countryman, the Irish Sport Horse? The ideal event horse! This week we’re drooling over five Connemara crosses that tick all the boxes, especially for a rider on the petite side like me — all stand under 16 hands. Four are located in Ocala, three of which are at Peach Stone Sport Horses, if you fancy a shopping trip!

A reminder to register your Connemara crosses with the American Connemara Pony Society as Connemara sport horses so that the ACPS can document successes of the breed and its crosses.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

BT Just A Rebel- Proven CCI3* Gelding

BT Just A Rebel is for sale! Rollo is a 2011, 15.3 conn x tb gelding. He just won the open prelim at the August Festival of Eventing at GMHA. He has extensive intermediate and 3* mileage (with multiple results), and has won USEF Connemara of the Year two years in a row. He is aimed for a 3*-L this fall if he’s still here. In your pocket personality, loves his job, a pleasure to have in your barn.

⭐️WON aug GMHA OP
⭐️Finished 2nd less than 2 weeks ago at Jersey in the OI (only horse in the division to make time cross country)

Located in Ocala, Florida.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny is a 7 year old 15.2 hand Connemara/TB cross, recently imported by Justine Dutton with an extensive clean vetting. Absolutely beautiful with an amateur/junior friendly temperament and three lovely paces. Lenny could go in any direction: eventing, jumpers, or straight dressage. With fox hunting and jumping miles in the UK and Ireland, he’s brave to the jumps while also being very easy to rate. He hacks out alone or in company and is very easy in the barn; great with the vet and farrier. With his lovely kind personality and obvious athletic ability, he’s going to make someone very happy. Sadly for sale due to unforeseen change in owner circumstances.

Available to try in Groton, MA with excellent trial facilities.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

15.3 Oversized Imported 7 yr old Connemara x ISH

Boomer is so laid back and so much fun in all ways. He is the barn favorite! Not much fazes him and anyone can ride. He hunted and competed at training shows in Ireland and is now competing at schooling shows here in the U.S. (Update Aug. 24th: Just completed a three-phase on his dressage score!)

Brought on by amateur lady and he loves his people! Also had professional dressage training and could easily do straight dressage — nice mover but also brave to the jumps! Full five-stage vetting!

No vices, easy keeper and a super horse for Adult Amateur or Junior Rider who want to go out and get noticed!

Located in Ocala, Florida.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Oversized Bay Connemara x ISH by Westside Mirah

2017 15.3 by Carnabay Mirah by Westside Mirah out of Irish Moon charm mare!

Impeccably bred rising five-year-old Connemara x Irish sport horse gelding recently imported and ready to start his career! Super sporty type with plenty of blood that could go very far in the right hands! Archie was bought direct from his breeder in Ireland. Types like this are very very hard to come by with an amazing trot and canter! Archie has had a proper start — lightly cross country schooled and jumped around various courses. Full five-stage vetting available and more videos upon request.

Located in Ocala, Florida.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Bay Connemara x TB Filly to go oversized

Amazing Filly! Findley is a beautiful TB x Connie filly born in March of 2021 out of Kate by Connemara Stallion Coud’Poker Tartifume (Cooper) 2012 Sport Pony/Sport Horse Stallion currently competing Preliminary Eventing and 1.10m – 1.15m jumping.

About her Dad: Bred in France, Coud’Poker (Cooper) is by Westide Mirah II. Cooper’s dam is by Quitus de la Loue (Dexter Leam Pondi) and she is out of a Don Juan V x Naughty Van Graaf Janshof mare. International and Grand Prix ponies can be found on both sides of his pedigree. His dam line boasts Grand Prix ponies such as Ni Oui Ni Non Tartifume and Violin II. His sire Westide Mirah II (WM2) needs no introduction, having jumped several Grand Prixs with child riders, currently jumps with an adult in the 1m25 and has won a 1m45 Puissance. His grandsire Westside Mirah is one of Ireland’s most successful sire of showjumping ponies.

Coud’Poker’s dam sires Dexter Leam Pondi and Don Juan also need no introduction. Dexter Leam Pondi participated in Six European Championship, winning 2 team medals and once placed 7th individually. He won 5 Grand prix CSIP. Don Juan V was also a Grand Prix Pony and is well known for having produced at least 15 offspring with IPO of 145 and greater.

She is available either now with her momma as a package deal or later this year after weaning. She is extremely friendly and has big expressive gaits with plenty of bone! We expect her to mature in the 15.3-16 hand range.

About her Dam Kate: Jockey Club registered under “Just Karen” (NY) 16.1 Bay w/Stripe
TB, B, M, FOALED APRIL 14, 2012
( LEROIDESANIMAUX (BRZ) – KARAKORUM KAREN, BY REAL QUIET )
Mare and foal can also be sold as package deal.

Located in Ocala, Florida.

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.

Tuesday News and Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Oct 26, 2021 5:03 am - 715 views

Written by both 🇬🇧 & 🇯🇵
日本語は下のほうにあります。

The Biggest chapter (for now!) in my life is now over.
It was such an amazing…

Posted by Kazuma Tomoto on Monday, October 25, 2021

Working in this extraordinary sport, I’m so lucky to meet people every day who inspire me — whether they’re riders who’ve overcome the odds to come out on top, or grooms who’ve poured years of love and long hours into ensuring their horses are thriving, or organisers who desperately want to see the sport succeed, or any of the other myriad cogs in this enormous machine who make little miracles happen every day. But one of the standout people who I think all of us are united in being wholly inspired by is Japan’s Kazuma Tomoto.

Initially a successful showjumper based in Tokyo, he swapped to eventing just a small handful of years ago to help his country towards a successful Olympic campaign. He had to relocate to do so, and moved to England to base himself with William Fox-Pitt, leaving behind his beloved wife and daughter and arriving in a country where even the language was initially almost totally incomprehensible to him. Within a year of swapping disciplines, he very nearly won the prestigious eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S at Blenheim, and throughout his tenure here, he’s been one of the most competitive, competent riders on the British circuit. More notably, though, he’s also the kindest and most humble, always taking the time to share a broad smile and a kind word with anyone who crosses his path and extending the same gentleness to his string of horses, too, all of whom are doted on and sympathetically produced.

The postponement of the Olympics was an inconvenience to many people, but for those riders who had relocated to prepare for it, it was more than that: it was an extra year away from their loved ones, made even tougher by tight travel restrictions and the added difficulty of time zones, which make even a FaceTime session incredibly tricky to organise. But Kazu and his teammates — and the other temporarily European-based riders from further afield — never complained. They all kept on embracing the challenge, rising to it, and reigning supreme over it. Now, finally, Kazu gets to go home — and while we’re all so excited to welcome him back next year as he chases down a spot at the World Equestrian Games, I hope he has a truly excellent break from all his hard work, and I truly hope he realises what a huge contribution he and his teammates have made to our sport over the last few years.

Events Opening Today: Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T

Events Closing Today: Tryon International 3-Day Event, River Glen Fall H.T., Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks,

Tuesday News:

We’re heading to the final CCI5* of the 2021 season this week — can you believe it? It feels like I only left Pau after the culmination of last year’s edition about two weeks ago. This year’s field is a really exciting one, and we’ll be diving into it over the next couple of days with the release of our bumper form guide, but in the meantime, find out all about British duo Alex Bragg and King of the Mill, who head to France after a tricky season.

Planning to go all in on Halloween with your horse this year? I love you for that and I truly, desperately hope you send photos of the end product to EN, because over-the-top costumes truly are my love language. But while you’re planning your look, you’re likely conscious of not wanting to overstep the line between appreciation and appropriation — so USEF has put together a handy guide to making sure your costume is a thriller, not a vibe killer.

Some people make extraordinary feats a part of their daily life — and Lucy Booker-Wilson is one of them. She’s registered blind due to a genetic disorder called Stargardt’s Disease, which has caused her vision to steadily degenerate over the last few years. But the keen rider didn’t want to let that stop her from getting out and about, and she’s managed to adapt to jumping despite not being able to see the fence. Now the rider, who has qualified for the National Hunter Trial Championships, wants other riders to know that losing their sight doesn’t have to mean losing their dreams.

Like most people, I’ve always thought that horses first made their way to the Americas with the Spanish settlers. That’s the story that I read countless times in those enormous breed encyclopaedias that aunts and uncles always seem to buy horsey kids for Christmas, and as a pre-teen riding at an Appaloosa show barn, it was parroted in all the breed literature that the stock breed societies put out, too. But there’s actually a lot of compelling evidence to suggest that native horse breeds existed in North America before the Spanish arrived, and as a total breed nerd, this might be the most interesting thing I’ve read in weeks.

Tuesday Video Break:

It’s so good to have Ingrid Klimke back in action after her spate of bad luck earlier this year, which saw her sidelined with a serious injury — and several of her top horses temporarily benched, too. Now that she’s back, she’s going full-throttle — and most recently, she heading to Herning, Denmark, for the FEI Dressage World Cup with Franziskus, her Tokyo-longlisted mount. Check out their freestyle and take a minute to light a candle on your shrine; I know I will.

Monday Video: Take Me Back to TerraNova

By on Oct 25, 2021 4:30 pm - 337 views

We loved watching The Event at TerraNova this weekend, which took place at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida. While the EN team was sad not to be present at this inaugural event in person, we thoroughly enjoyed watching the live stream and following along from home. The countless hours of work and care that has been put into making this event a world class experience for competitors of all levels shines through via the event’s production.

We’ve complied a couple of videos produced by the TerraNova team that overlay some competition footage with leading riders discussing their rounds:

Here’s Lesley Law on his winning CCI4*-S show jumping round with Lady Chatterley:

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy on her showjumping rounds aboard Rubens D’ysieux (second place CCI4*-S) and Devil Munchkin (winner CCI3*-S):

And of course we’d be remiss not to include a little cross country action, so here’s Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis, who led the CCI4*-S after cross country with Flower Girl and ultimate finish in 6th place:

You can rewatch all of the live-streamed action from TerraNova on their YouTube channel!

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Final Scores]

Weekend Winners: TerraNova, Fresno, Hagyard Midsouth, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, Waredaca, Windermere Run

By on Oct 25, 2021 3:00 pm - 565 views

Parker loving the attention at the show and his gorgeous ribbon 😊😊

Posted by Jennifer Carter on Monday, October 25, 2021

I’m waxing poetic for former 5* horses today, apparently (see my Monday News & Notes lead here), but #sorrynotsorry. This edition of Weekend Winners is dedicated to Madison Park, the longtime partner of Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter. “Parker” has been retired from top competition since 2017, but he has been enjoying a slower paced life with the Carter family since, often ridden by Kyle’s daughter, Riley, as well as his wife and fellow 5* rider Jen. This weekend, Jen Carter and Madison Park competed at the inaugural Event at TerraNova, finishing seventh in the Open Training.

Pretty sure I had the most fun of anyone today😜. Got to take Parker around the training xc! At 23 I just let him dictate the speed so we we slightly slow but it was great and he finished ready to run again!!! Overall we all had a good day, couple missed fences but that’s the sport! Thank you to everyone in our group, I won’t mention everyone bc it’s a lot but Madeleine Scott, Mikayla Hoffman, Madison Boesch keep the show running! Jennifer Wiedrick Mikki Johansen Janet Faith Wilkerson Leila Saxe Darla Saxe Ward Edwards and probably most importantly Kyle Carter❤️

Posted by Jennifer Carter on Saturday, October 23, 2021

We also spotted another former upper-level campaigner, Celien (the former ride of Hallie Coon), out competing (and winning!) with new owner Kelly Carter at Holly Hill. Congratulations to this pair on their Open Training win!

Our Unofficial Low Score Award this week was earned by Ryan Wood and Ilona English’s Ben Lomond, who won their Open Novice at Waredaca on a score of 18.3. Ben Lomond is a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding who earned a career-best dressage mark this weekend and went on to finish on that score. Well done!

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, Fl.): [Final Scores]

CCI4*-S: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (41.9)
CCI3*-S: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Devil Munchkin (40.6)
CCI2*-S: Tik Maynard and Galileo (21.3)
CCI1*-S: Sinead Maynard and Oldcourt Grafen Dance (27.2)
Open Intermediate: Lesley Grant-Law and Castle Howard Romeo (47.9)
Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (27.6)
Open Training: Katherine Rivera and HVL Hocus Pocus (29.3)
Training Rider: Kaley Zak and Big Time (30.2)
Novice Rider: Cheryl Benefiel and Treliver Drambuie (28.1)
Open Novice: Katie Malensek and Mister Capri Jr (22.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Audrey Bennett and Bad to the Bone (24.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Katie Malensek and MRF Qwikstep (27.8)
Starter: Ashton Benefiel and Miss Dynamic (27.8)

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. (Fresno, Ca.): [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Grace Wechser and Raskadero (30.4)
Open Modified A: Leah Forquer and Oakley’s Hunt SE (31.5)
Open Modified B: Natalie Barton and Storm Watch (33.7)
Open Training: Jennette Scanlon and Zoltaire (27.1)
Training Rider: Karen Bristing and Moonlites Ranger (40.3)
Novice Rider: Faith Dalessandro and Spurs and Stilettos (27.3)
Open Novice: Devin Robel and Gillou (22.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Stefanie Gladen and Columbus (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Faith Dalessandro and Abbeyside Waves (24.3)
Open Introductory: Anna Clement and Sweet Baby James (26.4)

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (Lexington, Ky.): [Final Scores]

CCI2*-L: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (25.8)
CCI3*-S: Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild (29.4)
Open Intermediate: Jenny Caras and Sommersby (41.5)
Open Preliminary A: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Starshop (24.8)
Open Preliminary B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Alina SD (27.3)
Open Training A: Tim Bourke and Global Innocenzo DHI (24.3)
Open Training B: Kristen Rozycki and Vandalia (26.2)
Open Training C: Jennifer Coleman and SS Willow (31.0)
Open Training D: Elizabeth McGinley and Quality Control (29.1)
Training Three-Day: Hillary Irwin and Fernhill Chill Martini (28.9)
Open Novice A: Jane Musselman and Engapore (22.6)
Open Novice B: Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris (21.7)
Open Novice C: Jane Musselman and Bentley’s Best (19.8)
Open Novice D: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (27.6)
Open Novice E: Bernard Morrow and VC Questera (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Hannah Werner and Clear Laveer (21.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Laura Crowl and C’Zara (23.1)
Open Beginner Novice C: Kaylianna McMorris and Fernhill Future Star (22.8)
Open Beginner Novice D: Lindsay Parsley and Kilkenny Mile (26.9)
Open Beginner Novice E: Katie Potter and Puissance Emperor (29.8)

Holly Hill H.T. (Benton, La.): [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Heidi Hewlett Crowell and Tinraher Diamond (40.1)
Open Preliminary: Camryn Chung and Bird Queen (35.9)
Preliminary Championship: Lauren Hoover and Atlanta VII (34.0)
Junior Training Rider: Makenzie Lowe and BT Jump the Gun (35.9)
Open Training: Kelly Carter and Celien (35.1)
Senior Training Rider: Henley Fletcher and Fernhill Kujwana (27.5)
Training Championship: Madyx Guidry and Dancing’With Thunder (37.6)
Training Horse: Alexandra du Celliee Muller and Maven RC (41.3)
Junior Novice Rider A: Carolina Burkhardt and My Mexico (29.1)
Junior Novice Rider B: Roxy Sarshar and Hope Cove (34.3)
Novice Horse: Laura McEvoy and Visconti (30.0)
Open Novice: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (27.5)
Senior Novice Rider: Christy Wood and Queen Valentine (29.3)
Beginner Novice Horse: Eva Hemb and Lexington Hall’s Bentley (27.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider A: Eleanor McClain and Abbigael (28.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider B: Olivia Fry and High Jinx Shinx (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Rebecca Brown and Lancaster (27.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Jeri Bechard and Touch N Go (33.3)
Junior Starter A: Ruby Vandiver and Casper the Friendly Horse (32.5)
Junior Starter B: Mia Holstien and Misty Morning (31.0)
Senior Starter A: Gretchen Reeks and Neferhotep (24.8)
Senior Starter B: Hannah Elbert and Frank B (30.3)

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club “Morris the Horse” Trials (Landrum, Sc.): [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Ashley Goodroe and Chubba (38.3)
Open Training: Emily Thomas and Fernhill Famous (32.9)
Preliminary/Training: Marissa Griffin and Conguistador (33.0)
Open Novice A: Hayden Jones and Ragtime Blues (26.9)
Open Novice B: Jessica Schultz and Piazza Del Campo (29.3)
Beginner Novice A: Kerry Tracey and Big Bear’s Cor Dei Cor (26.5)
Beginner Novice B: Emily Rusinyak and Ossian (29.8)
Starter A: Gabrielle Miller and Spangled (25.3)
Starter B: Megan Wilson and Sense of Humor (35.8)

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (Gaithersburg, Md.): [Final Scores]

Preliminary Three-Day: Joy Caughron and Asteroid B-612 (68.9)
Modified Three-Day: Molly Parker and Momma’s Little Secret (36.8)
Training Three-Day: Emily Van Gemeren and Winter Carnival (36.7)
Novice Three-Day: Melissa Alaimo and Fascinating Rhythm (28.5)
Open Preliminary: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (18.4)
Preliminary Rider: Stephanie Sills and Mille Neuf Cent (38.9)
Modified: Lindsay Kelley and Plumes (29.6)
Open Training: Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo (25.2)
Training Rider: Margaret Myers and Arikara (26.8)
Novice Rider A: Emma Hayes and Where’d It Go (30.0)
Novice Rider B: Caitlin Martin and Silver Dancer (31.1)
Open Novice A: Ryan Wood and Ben Lomond (18.3)
Open Novice B: Lindsay Kelley and Waterline (26.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Emma Bomse and Corona With Lime (28.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Luba Abrams and Huey (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Maya Chinana and Popstar (22.8)

Windermere Run H.T. (Kansas City, Mo.): [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Jana Lyle and Philena (41.7)
Open Training: Lisette Healy Kremer and Roulette (38.1)
Novice Rider A: Gail Knoffloch and Your Ex Boyfriend (26.4)
Novice Rider B: Addison Hagan and Windsong (28.3)
Open Novice: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail (25.8)
Beginner Novice Junior: Emma Myers and Cadbury (35.5)
Beginner Novice Senior: Natalie Cooper and Bourbon Candy (24.5)

She Really Did That: A Moment of Appreciation for Allie Knowles After Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 25, 2021 12:00 pm - 3,837 views

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Abby Powell.

The world’s newest 5* event is behind us, and it was filled with first experiences. Not only did Fair Hill host its inaugural Maryland 5* but Boyd Martin claimed victory making it the first American 5* win in 13 years, and we saw some new pairs making their attempt at the level.

Another moment we all bore witness to was first-time mom, Alexandra Knowles finishing 11th with Katherine O’Brien’s Morswood at his 5* debut, only adding time to finish on a score of 38.9 and in less than a year after having her baby. I watched proudly as Allie and “Ginge” looked every bit prepared, focused, and deserving to be there, and couldn’t help but reflect on what this last year has consisted of for AK Eventing.

I still remember the FaceTime call when Allie told me she was pregnant. I was so thrilled since it’s always been a dream for her to be a mom. She would be a natural in her new role as she has been a mom/big sister to many of her students, myself included. I was eight years old when I first met Allie and very nervous to be riding in my first jump lesson as a D1 Pony Clubber. She encouraged me the whole way and, finally, my pony and I made it over three, stack trot poles.

I called her later that week for regular lessons and little did I know, that was the start of a life-long relationship. She’s watched me grow up, and I’ve spent that time watching and learning from her. Aside from my own mother, Allie has contributed the most to my personal development and getting to see her with her own daughter has been an emotional, joyful experience.

Alexandra Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Abby Powell.

Last year, I visited a few weeks before Allie’s due date and she was still riding and teaching all the while preparing her home for little Atticus. No one knew exactly how life would look for Allie, but she has become better in every single way because of motherhood.

Her horses are going better than ever, she competed more than previous years, she has multiple upper-level horses running successfully, and the inevitable learning opportunities were taken in stride. She never slowed down teaching and her students have had a great year, too. Amid all this, Atticus is at the forefront of everything, and I think that is a large reason for AKE’s success.

Competing at a 5* event is the culmination of hard work, dedication, teamwork, and support. Once a groom for Allie myself, I know firsthand the never-ending work involved in preparing for upper-level competitions and the toll it takes on the whole team. This sport requires sacrifice and for many, those sacrifices are visible in their personal lives.

Photo courtesy of Kasey Odell.

Whether it’s needing to get back in the saddle just 14 days after a C-section, being away from family during the winter, grooms adding babysitting to their list of duties, or coaxing a baby to sleep in a camper in the middle of the night before cross-country, motherhood has forced a new way of life in the barn. And while new obstacles arise, it seems the rewards are that much sweeter.

Allie Knowles and her daughter give an interview to Frankie Theriot-Stutes. Photo by Abby Powell.

Watching the AKE team throughout last weekend showed there is a stronger bond than ever, and it seems motherhood has allowed for a new dynamic. Horses provide a similar experience that requires grooms to focus on the rider’s main priority, but I think there is a new level of dedication and love when you are working with someone who is a new mom and sharing special memories of their child. Watching Allie and Ginge come through each set of finish flags made me so proud, and the reactions of those of her team and Atticus there to see her mom home still makes me tear up.

Photo courtesy of Kasey Odell.

The smiles, snuggles, hugs, and cheers could be felt through the screen as the entire AKE team celebrated their own victory. Every team from last weekend that brought their horses home safe should be proud, but here’s to all the moms of the sport, and their little ones, for the sacrifices made and the success earned. And to Allie, you are an inspiration of what a good friend, mother, and horsewoman should be.

Winning Day for the Law Family: Leslie Law Wins TerraNova CCI4*-S

By on Oct 25, 2021 5:00 am - 1,235 views

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley won the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Horses and riders in 12 divisions, from Starter to CCI4*-S, tackled the show jumping phase of competition Sunday at The Event at TerraNova, over a track designed by Nick Granat in the world-class setting of the main arena. Prize money was awarded in all divisions.

The day started with a non-denominational worship service in the rider lounge. Pastor Rick Mihm led the service, offering riders a chance for quiet reflection and concluding with participants giving thanks for their blessings. Patrons and riders enjoyed gourmet fare and cocktails as part of the VIP experience in a tent pavilion overlooking the main arena.

In the CCI4*-S, sponsored by B&D Builders, overnight leader Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis (SWE) and Hanoverian mare Flower Girl (Futurist x Lucy/Romino) had four rails down in show jumping. Leslie Law (GBR) of Ocala and Lady Chatterley took the win. Law was ranked second on Lady Chatterley after dressage. A Canadian-bred Holsteiner mare that Law owns in partnership with Jackie and Steve Brown, Lady Chatterley (Connor 48 x Jucy/Mytens XX) jumped exactly on the optimum time of 81.29 seconds.

Second after dressage, Law and Typically Fernhill (Dondoctro Ryal K x Castlefield Sarah), owned by Craig McCallum, scored 27.2 but dropped into fifth place with 19.6 time faults added after cross-country. Sunday, the gelding leaped right back up the leaderboard with a double-clear show jumping round, finishing third overall.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Rubens D’ysieux were the second-place finishers
in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and her syndicated Selle Francais gelding Rubens D’ysieux (Balougran x Orenda d/Ysieux / Mr. Blue) owned by Edy and Sean Rameike and The Unicorn Group, jumped clear and within the time to finish second overall.

Law said, “I thought it was a great track, it was proper show jumping. Typically Fernhill is a really good jumper and a lot of fun to ride; if you have a rail it’s your fault, really, and he jumped his skin out. Then the mare came in and she was feeling really good in her body, really loose in her back, and she came in and jumped really well. She took a hard look at the “musical” fence…so I just closed my leg and she jumped super, really.”

Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill were third in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Law also won the Open Preliminary, sponsored by Overlook Farm, with Irish Sport Horse gelding Shirsheen Ice (Beowulf x Copper/Regal Sting xx) and his wife, Lesley Grant-Law, placed third in the same division riding Irish Sport Horse Fernhill Finalist (Candillo Z x Twinkel van Alsingen/Touch of Fairway xx). Grant-Law (CAN) also won the Open Intermediate, sponsored by Wordley Martin Premium Equestrian Surfaces, riding Castle Howard Romeo (Womanizer x Creagh Diamond Cavalier/Cavalier Royale).

“I bought him (Shirsheen Ice) in Ireland a couple years ago and I think he’s going to be a great horse. He’s a funny lad, he has so much guts and fire and loves his cross-country. He’s 7 years old and I’ll probably move him on to a three-long after a few Intermediates. I love him to bits, he makes me laugh every day. Lesley also rode well and had a great day today, which will help the journey home!”

Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice won the Open Preliminary division.
Photo by Al Green Photo.

With less than a point separating the top three in the CCI3*-S, sponsored by Sunz Insurance, no one could afford a rail. All three jumped around clear and in the time, with Kozumplik-Murphy taking top honors with Devil Munchkin, a KWPN gelding (Casiro 3 x Rhona/No Ski) who she owns with longtime friend and supporter Edy Rameika (40.6). Jon Holling and Pioneer Archibald finished second with 41.2 and Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear, an Oldenburg gelding (Confetti x Lucy/Fuerst Gotthard), owned by Steve and Vicky Sukup placed third (41.4).

Kozumplik-Murphy said, “Both of my horses were fantastic today. I mean, I really can’t fault them. Rubens is a super careful jumper and I can’t remember the last time Kermit had a pole down.” She said that her husband, Irish Grand Prix show jumper Brian Murphy, coaches her in this phase. “I couldn’t ask for better eyes on the ground; he’s also great at matching people with horses. He’s a super show jumping coach, he’s changed my show jumping riding exponentially. It’s not even recognizable. I used to get quite nervous going into show jumping, it’s so nerve wracking! Though I have to say, it helps when you’re riding horses that jump like these two.”

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Devil Munchkin were the winners of the CCI3*-S. Photo by Al Green Photo.

The show jumping courses were designed by Nick Granat, a Level 2 FEI jumping course designer who was an assistant designer of the eventing course at the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games with Alan Wade. This is his first solo FEI three-day event. “I just really wanted to have a course with a nice smooth line for them. I didn’t want it to be too trappy or tricky and I didn’t want to over-tax the horses since they jumped a lot of fences yesterday. It was relatively straightforward. This is a very delicate set of show jumps – we really look for light rails.

Ocala-based Tik Maynard (CAN) won the CCI2*-S, sponsored by Blalock Walters, riding Galileo, a KWPN gelding (San Remo x Aronia /Rousseau) owned by Richard Maynard on a score of 21.3, the best dressage score of the weekend. He also placed second on the Irish Sport Horse gelding SKM Lux Sonata (Lux Z x Garrendruig Sally), owned by Henry Phipps (IRL) on 28.6. His wife Sinead (USA) won the CCI1*-S, sponsored by Akerman, aboard the 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare Oldcourt Grafen Dance (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz x Wyndham Gentle Annie/Touchdown).

Tik Maynard (CAN) and Galileo earned the victory gallop in the CCI2*-S.
Photo by Al Green Photo.

Every rider in the competition, from Beginner Novice to the four-star level, was placed on a team representing one of three non-profit organizations. The non-profits included Southeastern Guide Dogs, Saratoga Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. After points were tallied, with the lowest penalty score winning the challenge, the first-placed Southeastern Guide Dogs (1,736.50) earned $10,000, second-placed SMART (1,796.2) earned $7500 and third placed Meals on Wheels (2,283.40) earned $5,000.

Both Kozumplik-Murphy and Law represented Southeastern Guide Dogs.

All three charities were presented checks at the end of the competition.
Photo by EQ Media.

Karen Conkel, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Southeastern Guide Dogs, said, “First of all, for this event to support local charities makes all the difference in the world. We all love animals and to serve those who cannot see, and those who have seen too much, is a blessing. We’re grateful to be here and be part of this and we’re looking forward to this happening, and many years of success here.” Conkel was joined by Ambassador therapy dog “Levi,” a yellow Labrador Retriever

The TerraNova Award
The TerraNova Award, a perpetual award recognizing community involvement and sportsmanship was awarded to Tom Berringer, a neighbor who showed up to see if they needed help and has been helping for eight days straight. Presented by Hannah Herrig-Ketelboeter and her husband Zach Ketelboeter.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Devil Munchkin at the FEI Horse Inspection.
Photo by Al Green Photo

Best Turned-Out At the Horse Inspection
With her hot pink one-shoulder cocktail dress, Kozumplik-Murphy presented a bold pop of color at the morning jog. It made a striking appearance with her grey four-star horse Rubens D’ysieux and she was awarded the Best Dressed Award at the FEI Horse Inspection. She received a string of pearls, sponsored by Ashmore Equestrian.

Groom’s Award
Selected by the ground jury, Katie Strickland, a groom for Cornelia Dorr, won $500 for the Groom’s Award.

Sara Kozumplik-Murphy presents Sarah Bowman with the Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award. Photo by Al Green Photo.

The Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award
Sarah Bowman won the Sara Kozumplik-Murphy Young Rider Sportsmanship Award. She was selected by the Ground Jury from the FEI divisions for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship